A history of Scioto County, Ohio, together with a pioneer record, Part 70

Author: Evans, Nelson W. (Nelson Wiley), 1842-1913
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Portsmouth, O. N. W. Evans
Number of Pages: 1612

USA > Ohio > Scioto County > A history of Scioto County, Ohio, together with a pioneer record > Part 70

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THE PORTSMOUTH CLIPPER .- In March, 1845, Anthony Drouillard commenced the publication of the Portsmouth Clipper. Mr. Drouillard con- tinued until August 26, 1845, when he took in Stephen P. Drake as a partner in the enterprise. Mr. Drouillard retired at the end of six months, and Mr. Drake continued it for three years longer.

THE SIMON PURE, was issued in 1844, as a campaign paper by the Portsmouth Tribune, advocating the election of Henry Clay to the Presi- dency. The principal editors were: W. A. Hutchins and O. F. Moore. Cop- ies of it are still in existence.

THE TRIBUNE and CLIPPER were united March 7, 1848, by Messrs. Clark & Drake, and was published by them as a partnership until Novem- ber 22, 1849, when it was sold to Mr. John Hanna, who published the pa- per till November 22, 1850, when Stephen P. Drake re-purchased one-half of the Tribune and Clipper and formed a partnership under the name of Drake & Hanna. December 9, 1850, they commenced the publication of the daily and weekly Tribune and Clipper. Its publication was continued by them up to June 9, 1852, when John Hanna became the sole proprietor. Septem- ber 9, 1853, he sold the office to Albert McFarland, who continued to pub- lish it up to April 1, 1854, when Daniel McFarland, his brother, associated with him. This continued until April, 1857, when Dan McFarland went to Kansas. In 1861, Dan McFarland returned from the West, and bought the entire paper from his brother. In June, 1867, he sold out to H. R. Smith and David Elick. The firm of Smith & Elick continued to publish the paper un-

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THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH.

til 1868, when A. McFarland bought Mr. Smith's half interest and took charge of the editorial work. The paper was published by McFarland & Elick until January, 1876, when Mr. H. R. W. Smith re-purchased his interest in the Tribune, but sold out again in August to A. McFarland, Jr.

THE SCIOTO VALLEY REPUBLICAN .- In 1852, Stephen P. Drake started the Scioto Valley Republican. It was continued until 1863, when it was stopped. About 1866, it was revived as a semi-weekly by Samuel P. Drake and S. F. Wetmore, but sold by them to C. E. Irwin in 1870 and continued as a weekly until 1876. In that year it was purchased by A. Mc- Farland, Jr., and consolidated with the Tribune, and the firm of McFarland and Elick continued until October 1, 1877, when W. H. Bonsall leased the office and issued the paper in his own name until January 1, 1881. At that time Mr. Elick sold out to Mr. A. McFarland, and the paper was continued by him until January 1, 1883. The Tribune was disposed of to the Portsmouth Printing Company about January 1, 1885. They in turn sold out to Mr. Fil- more Musser & Co., in 1893, and its fortune then became very bad. It was sold out November 27, 1897 to Henry J. Thomas of Manchester, Ohio, and since then has been conducted as a weekly Democratic paper. It was origi- nally Whig, afterwards American, afterwards Republican and then Demo- cratic.

THE DEMOCRATIC ENQUIRER, was started April 6, 1848, by James M. Ashley and Edward W. Jordan. They published two issues and then sold out to Captain Cleveland. It was continued until October, 1855. Captain Cleveland changed its name to the Portsmouth Enquirer.

In 1857, Mr. Walter C. Hood started a paper called the Portsmouth Times, which continued until about 1860, when it suspended. In 1871, the present Portsmouth Times was started by Mr. James W. Newman.

The Portsmouth Times

was founded in 1861, by James W. Newman, a young man of twenty-one. It presents an exceptional history from the fact, that it early became prosper- ous and attained a wide influence and reputation. For full thirty years under the management and editorship of Mr. Newman, it held first place as the leading Ohio weekly, both in mechanical appearance and the high quality of its literary character. In December, 1891, a half interest was bought in the paper by Vallee Harold, who took sole control. In February, 1893, Mr. Har- old sold his interest to J. L. Patterson, who assumed the entire direction ot the paper. In March, 1894, a stock company was formed, at the head of which was Mr. Patterson, and the publication of the daily begun. Later the latter was succeeded by Mr. Harold as the Editor and Manager of the pa- per. In over forty years of existence, the Times has enjoyed the singular distinction of having had but three Editors. Of these the two latter still live, while Mr. Newman died on the 1st of January, 1901. So tar as circu- lation was concerned the Daily Times bounded into almost instantaneous popularity. It grew at a rate that may well be accounted phenomenal. It asserts, confidently, that its circulation, in the City of Portsmouth, is, in proportion to population, greater than that which any other paper, with few

exceptions, can claim rightfully. It has not attained this success by or through politics, in fact its politics have ever been opposed to that of the community, as it is and has always been a Democratic paper. It has won its way by being what it professes to be, first, a newspaper .. Its aim and. its end is to print news, and the local news before anything else. It adds to that an honest effort to be truthful and fair, and a disposition to make everyone who deals with it feel he has met a friend, who wishes him well and will help him in so far as it in justice can. The plant of The Times is a modern one, and is housed in its own building. It is set by the Mergan- thaler machine and printed on a Cox Duplex press, it being the first one in use between Huntington and Cincinnati.

The Portsmouth Tribune

is the pioneer in Scioto County newspaperdom. It was established November 23, 1836, by Edward Hamilton.

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THE PRESS.

During all of the struggles of , Portsmouth, the Tribune has been to the front, bearing the burdens of the people, fighting for the advancement of the community and assisting the development of the municipality.

It has shared in the ambitions of the early settlers, and lived to see realized the fondest hopes of those who worked in the pioneer days that a city might be built at the mouth of the Scioto.

The early volumes of the Tribune, yet in a remarkable state of preser- vation, bear much important history of the early development of Scioto County, and the editor of this volume has drawn considerable upon them for data and information which entered into this work. To this he was heartily welcome, for it seems but proper that volumes of so great value from a his- torical point, should belong in a measure to the public.

There being no proper place wher these files could be preserved, free from mutilation of vandals, alone, prevents the present editor of the Tri- bune from making a present of them to the public. They bear the history of early encounters with wild beasts and Indians, and tell the life stories of many of our departed worthies.

There are numbers of families in Scioto County into which The Tri- bune has been going for over half a century. To these families it is wel- comed not as political or partisan paper, but as an old friend as a weekly visitor to the household since the earliest days.

Since January 13, 1898, H. J. Thomas has owned, and R. H. Stevenson , edited and managed the Tribune. The paper is Democratic, since that date. It was originally Whig, then American, then Republican and now Democratic. It has run the gamut of all political parties.

The present editor is proud of the old, pioneer newspaper, which has furnished the reading matter upon which the youth of Scioto County has nourished its brain now nearly three fourths of a century.

The Portsmouth Blade.

"The Scioto Valley Republican" was started in 1852 by Stephen P. Drake. Suspending operations during a part of the Civil War, its owners all having volunteered, it was revived as a semi-weekly after the War by Sam- uel P. Drake and I. F. Wetmore. In 1870, it was sold to C. E. Irwin and continued by him as a "Weekly" until the Centennial year when it was pur- chased by A. McFarland and consolidated with the Tribune. Its plant and material were purchased by J. E. Valjean in September, 1876, when he began the publication of the Valley Blade, and from this time the history of the Blade has its beginning. In 1879, a company was formed and the name of the paper changed to The Portsmouth Blade. The publication of the Daily Blade began November 15, 1886. The Blade Printing Company was incorpor- ated with a capital stock of $20,000. It was the editorial policy of Mr. Val- jean to make the paper sensational, and during the twenty years of his editorial career, Portsmouth was cursed with personal journalism. He in- creased his enemies until his removal became a public necessity. His policy failed, as it was certain to do, and the year of 1896 found the paper badly involved and about to pass into the hands of a receiver. To continue the existence of the paper, the Blade passed into the hands of a new management, and on January 11, 1897, Charles E. Hard became Editor and President; W. V. Simmons continuing the Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. Valjean promptly se- cured the control of the Daily Tribune and the fiercest newspaper war in the history of Southern Ohio, was fought to a finish, quarter being neither asked nor given. The Blade having adopted a policy to meet public approval, crushed the Tribune under Valjean, leaving itself the only Republican pa- per in the city and county printed in the English language. Valjean disap- peared below the Portsmouth horizon, everyone being thankful. Personal journalism has ceased in Portsmouth and for this desirable thing the pres- ent management of the Blade is entitled to the greatest credit. Relieved of its incubus of Valjeanism, the Blade has prospered. Its increased growth soon made its place of business at the corner of Court and Second, where it had been for more than a quarter of a century, too small for it. It purchased the large three story building on Second below Court once occupied by the clothing firm of Miller, Cissna & Company and changed it into a model news-

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THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH.

paper home, the first issue of the paper therefrom was June 2, 1902. The Blade has now the most complete and valuable newspaper and job plant in Southern Ohio, including its costly battery of linotypes, array of presses and printing material generally. Its circulation daily and semi-weekly is by far the largest in its history and with its extensive advertising patron- age, shows the hold it has upon the confidence and good will of the people. The conveniences of its splendidly arranged new home and large increased equipment will enable it to add to its supremacy in the newspaper field.

The Portsmouth Correspondent

is a German Weekly. It was started in 1855, by Edward Raine, as an Inde- pendent paper with Democratic tendencies. He conducted the paper until 1873, when he sold out to Julius Bok. Three years sufficed for Mr. Bok, when the Sheriff sold him out and John T. Miller purchased and conducted the paper until 1880, as a Democratic adjunct. 1880, he sold out to George Feuch- tinger. The latter sold out to Carl Huber in 1883, who changed the political complexion of the paper to Republican. In 1899, Louis F. Korth, of Cleveland. purchased the paper of Huber and is now conducting it as a "Republican Or- gan."

The Portsmouth Press

was started in 1889 by an Incorporated Company known as the Enterprise Publishing Company. It was a weekly Republican paper, in politics. Later the Company sold it out to Leslie M. Mann and Gus B. Barlow. Afterwards Mr. Barlow sold out to Mr. Mann who sold out to Mr. James Skelton. He sold it to Carl Huber who in turn, sold it to the Tribune. Since then, it has been published as a Democratic Weekly by the "Tribune."

CHURCHES.

Bigelow Methodist Episcopal Church.

The first society dates back to the stone house of Philip Moore on the West Side, where undoubtedly the first Church services of Methodism were held in Scioto County. Those who meet at Philip Moore's afterwards became the first members of Bigelow. Bishops Asbury and McKendree are said to have preached there. The Rev. Henry Bascon received his license and preach- ed his first sermon in this house in 1813. The renowned and eccentric Peter Cartwright preached there also.

The first circuit preacher visiting Portsmouth was Rev. Nelson Spring, who came in 1814. There were but seven members in this society when it was organized in that year; they were Esrich Hall and wife, Rachel Barber, John R. Turner and wife, Mary Scarboro and Anna Glover. John R. Turner was the first class-leader.

In 1820, the Methodists of Portsmouth purchased and remodeled the academy on the corner of Fourth and Market streets, for which they paid $1,100, partially in corn. This structure was heated by two old fashioned fire places, one on either side of the pulpit: its chandeliers were tallow candles held in tin candlesticks on the wall.

In seven years, 1814 to 1821, this organization had increased from seven members to sixty, and it was during the interim of those seven years or about 1821, that Father John McDowell, so well and favorably known to this com- munity, was made a class leader. In 1821, the first Sabbath School was organ- ized, and this same saint, John McDowell, was its first Superintendent; he was re-elected to that office for over forty years, continuously.

During the year of 1834, while the Rev. George Crum was pastor, the Church purchased a site on Second street, and commenced the erection of a new building upon the ground now occupied by the Hibbs Hardware Store. This new church was designated as "Bigelow" and this name has remained unchanged and been adopted by the present strong and flourshing church. This church has a remarkable history; it has always been a moral power in the growing city. Some of the most gifted men in the Methodist Church serv- ed as pastors. In the year 1840, Randolph C. Foster was pastor of this church, and in subsequent years, became one of the noted pillars of Methodism.

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THE CHURCHES.

During the years of his pastorate in Bige- Bigelow Chapel was built in 1834 on 22 Direct low, he conducted the greatest revival in Portsmouth, and in which over five hundred souls were added to the church. The church which stood on Second street was forty by sixty feet; it was built by the late C. C. Hyatt, at a cost of $2,700. It was completed and dedicated by the Presiding Elder, Rev. James B. Findlay, in the year 1834. The Board of Trustees at that time were Jacob Clingman, Jacob P. Noel, John Barker, N. W. An- drews, C. C. Hyatt, Joseph Fennimore, Moses Gregory, John R. Turner and John McDowell. During the time of the oc- cupancy of this building, the church grew wonderfully. It continued to grow until the congregation had become too numer- ous for the room on Second street, and a new church was proposed in 1853. Rev. R. A. Spencer donated a lot on Seventh strect near Chillicothe street, where a frame building was erected. known as "Spencer Chapel"; this structure is now known as Allen Chapel of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Part of the Congregation of "Old Bigelow" went out to form the Spencer Chapel. This branch prospered and grew into the present Sixth 66.1 Street Church. In 1858, Bigelow purchas- ed the site of the present church of ... : Thomas Dugan and erected a church. The Rev. George Brush preached the dedica-' tory sermon for the chapel, and the Rev. OLD BIGELOW CHURCH, 1834. Edward Thompson, (afterwards Bishop) "We walked into the house of God in com- pany."-Ps. 55: 14. dedicated the auditorium. The present building has twice suffered from fire, the last time in March, 1867. Nothing was left but the walls. By honorable efforts the society recovered itself from its own resources.

Since 1828, the following is the list of pastors: 1829, A. D. Fox; 1830,

James Callahan; 1831, William Heer; 1832, Elijah Truitt; 1833, William Young; 1834-'35, George C. Crum; 1836-'37, Henry Turner; 1838-'39, William Simmons; 1840, William H. Lawder; 1841, R. S. Foster (now Bishop); 1842, Cyrus Brooks; 1843, Wesley Rowe; 1844, William . R. Anderson; 1845, Clinton B. Sears; 1846-'47, David Whitcomb; 1848-'49, P. P. Ingalls; 1850, John W. White; 1851, J. W. White and B. St. James Fry; 1852, B. St. James Fry and G. W. Brush; 1853, A. Brooks; 1854-'55, B. N. Spahr; 1856, H. T. Magill; 1857- '58, A. B. See; 1859-'60, J. H. Creighton; 1861, S. C. Riker; 1862-'63. T. H. Phillips; 1864-'65-'66, Isaac Crook; 1867-'68, E. A. Cranston; 1869-'70, James Mitchell; 1871-'72-'73, R. W. Manley; 1874-'75-'76, J. C. Jackson; 1877-'78-'79, J. W. Peters; 1880, S. B. Matthews, who died in June after his appoinment; 1881-'84, J. W. Dillon; 1884-1887, J. C. Jackson, Jr .; 1887-1890, W. L. Slutz; 1890-1895, B. L. McElroy; 1895-1897, W. V. Dick; 1897-1898, M. W. Acton; 1898,-Henry W. Hargett, who is now serving in his fourth year.

The present official members of this church are: Trustees, George D. Selby, W. M. Pursell, G. D. Wait, John Kaps, E. H. Clare, J. P. Caskey, W. D. Horr, James Wood and N. J. Dever. Stewards: George Tittle, W. C. Draper, John K. Duke, L. H. Murphy, James A. Maxwell, A. J. Fuller, J. J. Rardin, Judge Harry Ball, J. N. George, Edward T. Reed, J. M. Graham and R. B. Cunningham.

Notable among the early pioneers of this church and those whose mem- ories are revered, may be mentioned: Job Ledbetter, Doctor Offnere, John Mc- Dowell, Aunty Turner, Thomas Bassett and Doctor William McDowell.

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THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH.

Since 1880, the membership of the church has more than doubled itself, which speaks volumes in behalf of its zealous membership. The Sabbath School, likewise, is more than double with an enrollment of four hundred and eighty, and with an average attendance of three hundred and fifty. The Epworth League, for the past five years, has been in a very flourshing con- dition The Charter of the Epworth League of Bigelow Church is among the very first.

The other organizations of the church are keeping pace with the organ- izations mentioned showing activity, spiritual life, etc.

A new parsonage is planned, and a sufficient amount has been subscrib- ed to complete the same.

During the pastorate of B. L. McElroy, the interior of the church was entirely remodeled at an expense of $17,000.00. It is so arranged that the Sabbath School room can be thrown into the Auditorium which gives a seat- ing capacity of twelve hundred.

Among the many enterprises of this church was the establishment of Manley Church in the year 1892.

First Presbyterian Church.

The First Presbyterian Church of Portsmouth, Ohio, was organized by the Rev. Stephen Lindsley, May 24, 1817. At that time the town had fitty dwellings, and from 250 to 300 people. Rev. William Williamson, Rev. James Gilliland, Rev. Oaks, and others, had preached in the town prior to this time. The Church was organized in the old Court House on Market street, with fourteen members, whose names were Josiah Morton, Mrs. Nancy Morton, David Mitchell, William Russell, Ruth Russell, John Galloway and wife, Moses Baird, Elizabeth Emory, James Logan, Mary Williams, James Abbott, and Nancy Lindsley.

Josiah Morton, David Mitchell and William Russell were elected elders. The elders were ordained by Rev. Lindsley July 13, 1817, at which time John Lawson, who had been an elder in Mount Bethel Congregation, Virginia, was, by an unanimous vote, chosen as an elder of this church.

The congregation worshiped in the old Court House, then standing in the center of Market Street, between Second and Front Streets, previous to the erection of a building for that purpose.

A small frame "Meeting House," measuring 45 by 36 feet, was erected on Second Street, west of Market Street, in 1822, the cost of which was $1651.73. This was the first church of any kind in Portsmouth. In 1840, an addition of eighteen feet was built.

The following pastors have served this society: Stephen Lindsley. 1817- 24; J. Wood, Stated Supply, 1825-28; Eleazor Brainard, Stated Supply, 1837- 38; Alex. H. Brown, Stated Supply, 1839-41; Aaron Williams, Stated Supply, 1841-44; Hiram Bingham, Stated Supply, 1844-1846; David Cushing, Stated Sup- ply, 1846-49; Marcus Hicks, Stated Supply, 1849-52; E. P. Pratt, Pastor, 1852- 86; D. P. Putnam, Assistant Pastor, 1870-71; H. A. Ketchum, Associate Pas- tor, 1872-75; Rev. J. I. Blackburn, Pastor, 1886-89; Rev. David S. Tappan, D. D., Pastor, 1890-99.

Rev. Frank Arnold commenced his ministry in this church, June 10, 1900. On April 10, 1826, the male members of the First Presbyterian Society were called to meet Monday, May 1, to elect five trustees. Pews were offered for sale at the same time. Subscribers could have the amount credited in pew rent. Samuel Dole was Clerk at this time.

The present house of worship was erected on the south-west corner of Third and Court streets in 1851, during the pastorate of Rev. Marcus Hicks. The building is of brick, two-stories in height, and the dimensions are 100 feet by 56 feet. The original cost was $16,000. It was not finished upstairs until 1854. In 1864 a new cupola was placed on the building. In 1866 the Church was enlarged 16 feet to the west, and otherwise improved at a cost of $10,000.

On the first floor of the building are lecture room, (also used by the Sunday School), class rooms, ladies' parlor, pastor's study, and on the second floor is the main audience room. The audience room will seat 700, and the lecture room alone 300, and with the class rooms thrown in 500.

THE CHURCHES.

523

May 7, 1865-150 persons united with the church. November 28, 1867, the First Church celebrated its semi-centennial.

On January 31, 1871, John B. Nichols, having been church chorister 28 years, was presented with a silver service, and a Family Bible, in recognition of his services.

In 1880 between $5,000 and $6,000 were spent in re-fitting and re-furnish- ing the church. On December 11, 1892, a new organ was dedicated costing $2,500.

During Dr. Pratt's pastorate of thirty-four years, the church grew rap- idly. With a membership of 119 in 1852, it steadily increased until there were 586 enrolled in 1875. Within that year the parent church established the Sec- ond Presbyterian church, furnishing the building, and dismissing in one day 173 members to the new society. Rev. H. A. Ketchum who had been asso- ciate pastor of the First Church became the first pastor of the Second church. On the 24th day of December, 1892, the First Church celebrated its sev- enty-fifth anniversary, the pastor Rev. David S. Tappan, D. D., preaching the sermon. The actual date of the anniversary was May 24, 1892. On this oc- casion the statement was made that in 25 years the church had raised and ex- pended $182,000. In August, 1899, Dr. Tappan resigned the pastorate, in order to accept the Presidency of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

The present number of communicants of the church is 530. The offi- cers of the church are Pastor, Rev. Frank S. Arnold; Ruling Elders, David B. Cotton, Enos B. Moore, Frank L. Johnson, Robert A. Mitchell, Peter J. Kline, George D. Scudder, Charles P. Dennis and Edwin J. Morgan. Dea- cons: Rader C. Boyd, William B. Grice, David B. Cotton, Charles Molster and Frederick G. Mills. Trustees: Charles B. Taylor, Edwin J. Morgan, Samuel M. Johnson, Robert C. Ricker, Charles L. Storck and Harry W. Miller. The number enrolled in the Sabbath School is 467. The officers are: Superintend- ent, George D. Scudder; Assistant Superintendent, James W. Ricker; Treas- urer, Samuel M. Johnson; Secretary, Robert C. Ricker; Librarian, Frederick J. Baker; Chorister, Eugene E. Knox. Teachers: Misses Grace Cotton, Emma Dellert, Lucy Knowles, Mame Knowles, Sallie Knowles, Lizzie Neill, M. E. Peebles, M. J. Peebles, Winifred Smith, Kate Arnold, Kate Comins, Mattie Cross, Bertha Gillilan, Laura Knowles, Anna L. Mitchell, Lucy Moore, Mary Y. Moore, Venetia Ramsey, Elizabeth Ricker, Emma Bell, Margaret Ricker, Grace Cross; Madames E. B. Moore, Lydia Lorey, Emma Reeder, J. W. Rick- er, C. Young, S. L. Folsom; Messrs. F. G. Mills, E. J. Morgan and Dr. Charles P. Dennis. Miss Emma Bell has been a teacher in the Sabbath School for forty-seven consecutive years.

All Saints Church.

The parish of All Saints was organized on June 23, 1819. The articles of Association were signed by twenty-three persons, among whom were Sam- uel Gunn, Thomas Waller and Aaron Kinney. A few months before Rev. In- trepid Morse visited the place and held services. He was sent by Bishop Chase. This was the first visit of an Episcopal Clergyman to the town. Bish- op Chase made his first visitation June 23, 1819. On that occasion he preach- Ed several times and baptized Margaret Waller (Mrs. Francis Cleveland) and Mary Waller (Mrs. Washington Kinney), adults, and several children. He also administered the rite of confirmation, (the second time after his conse- cration) to eight persons, and the Lord's Supper to six persons, and these six were the first communicants in All Saints Parish. On June 23, 1819, Samuel Gunn and Thomas Waller were selected as Wardens. No vestrymen were then chosen. July 27, 1820, was Bishop Chase's second visitation. He bap- tized a number of adults and children, confirmed seven and administered the Lord's Supper to nine.

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A history of Scioto County, Ohio, together with a pioneer record, Part 70

Author: Evans, Nelson W. (Nelson Wiley), 1842-1913 Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Portsmouth, O. N. W. Evans Number of Pages: 1612

Author: Evans, Nelson W. (Nelson Wiley), 1842-1913
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Portsmouth, O. N. W. Evans
Number of Pages: 1612