Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 27

Author: McKelvey, A. T., 1844- ed
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 27

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Revs. Finley and McElroy were among the pioneer preachers of distinction. The lincal descendants of Father Scott still reside in the old home adjoining the church.

The present substantial brick structure was built by Joseph McConnaughy.

COAL MINING

Has been an important industry in Pease town- ship for half a century. Coal veins No. 8, 11 and 12, are all successfully operated, the two

latter veins for local purposes mainly, but the No. 8 vein is mined in immense quantities for commercial purposes and shipped over the C., L. & W., C. & P., and W. & L. E. railroads to distant markets.

In 1880 W. J. Rainey was probably the largest shipper in the township, forwarding to other markets 30,000 tons annually. In 1902 the coal mined by the Lorain Coal & Dock Company, in Pease township alone, amounts to thousands of tons daily.

FRUIT.

The hills of Pease township are crowned with valuable orchards of apples, peaches, cher- ries, plums and pears, which find an excellent home market among the mill and mine workers in the valley.

Twenty-five years ago there were over 300 acres of the hill slopes set apart for grape cul- ture, and the industry was successfully con- ducted, but at the opening of the 20th century grape growing is practically abandoned, and more attention is given to orchard fruits, ber- ries, live stock and grain.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

The township officers in 1902 are as follows : Trustees,-A. G. Moore, C. W. Webb, and George Pitner; clerk, W. G. Morgan; treas- urer, A. T. Enlow.

Township Board of Education .- There are 13 school districts in Pease township, outside of Bridgeport and Martin's Ferry, namely : Third District, Robert Applegarth ; Fourth, E. B. Lilly ; Fifth, J. H. Blackford; Sixth, H. R. Gibbins; Eighth, A. R. Jordan; Ninth, E. A. Berry; Eleventh, E. G. Krauter; Twelfth, A. R. Sterling; Thirteenth, William Kerg; Four- teenthi, Charles Somers ; Fifteenth, R. A. Ring.

THE CITY OF MARTIN'S FERRY.

IT'S POPULATION.

The leading city of Pease township is Mar- tin's Ferry, with a population at the opening of the 20th century of 7,760, namely :

MARTIN'S FERRY TOWN HALL.

19I

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

First Ward

1,254

Second Ward

1,808

Third Ward

1,632

Fourth Ward

1,483

Fifth Ward

1,583

This is an increase over the census of 1890 of 1,510. This is the largest increase in popu- lation acquired by any town in the county, in the same period, and is due largely to the mar- velous growth of the industries of the town- ship.

A SKETCH OF EBENEZER MARTIN.

The city was laid out by Ebenezer Martin on the 13th of March, 1835, and was very ap- propriately named Martin's Ferry.

However, the first settlement was effected in 1787 by Capt. Absalom Martin, the father of Ebenezer, and an old Revolutionary soldier from New Jersey, whose mother was a sister of Col. Ebenezer Zane, one of the defenders of Fort Henry. The original patent of the United States government to Absalom Martin was granted March 5, 1788. Seven years later he laid out the requisite number of lots, streets and alleys to form a town, which he called "Jefferson."

And in 1801, upon the erection of Belmont County, he entered into competition with Pult- ney and Newellstown for the establishment of the county seat, and when Pultney secured the prize he abandoned the town, and returned to the cultivation of his broad acres, which he pursued until his death.

Forty-five years later Ebenezer Martin sold 100 lots and called the town first "Martins- ville," and, upon learning there was already a Martinsville in Ohio, he changed the title to "Martin's Ferry."

In 1836 the second sale of lots occurred, and again in 1837. This included the territory from Walnut street on the north, to Washing- ton street on the south, and from the river to 5th street on the west. Subsequently 25 addi- tions were made to the city, within a period of half a century.

The ferry, which was for years the only

means of communication between Ohio and Virginia at this point, was established in 1785, and soon became noted by travelers and drovers. Two taverns were built for their en- tertainment, where genuine pioneer hospitality was dispensed with a liberal hand.

The first steam ferry arrived in 1841 and was called the "Isaac Martin," in honor of Mr. Martin's son.

Ebenezer-Martin died January 15, 1876, uni- . versally mourned. He was a man of generous impulses, liberal in his entertainment of all who came to him, whether white or red men. He was a man of high education, having ob- tained a classical education at college, and a devout and sincere Christian, a Methodist of the old school, but without a taint of sectarian prejudice.

THE POST OFFICE

Was established in 1835, with William Beasle as postmaster. He was succeeded in turn by James Martin, John Zane, Ebenezer Martin, Elijalı Woods, S. F. Dean, James Patterson, M. C. Mitchell, John W. Terrill and the pres- ent incumbent, G. G. Sedgwick.

Martin's Ferry of today is a city of "mag- nificent distances," for, outside of the central or business districts, the houses are separated by broad lots. The location is decidedly the best in the county for a large city. From the lower plain to the higher level, the work of construction is going forward.

So rapid has been the increase of population, that houses cannot be built fast enough to sup- ply the demand. During the past year 152 buildings were constructed, and the cry is for more. As an evidence of the rapid growth of the city in wealth and prosperity, it is only nec- essary to add that the increase of the tax dupli- cate, based upon the assessor's returns last year, is between $160,000 and $175,000, and the city treasury is in such a healthy condition that after all liabilities have been met, $23,000 are left in the treasury, and ample provision is made for all maturing obligations.

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

INCORPORATION, AND LIST OF MAYORS AND OFFICIALS

The town was incorporated by the county commissioners August 5, 1865, and the follow- ing is the list of mayors that have been elected since, viz. : 1865-67, A. D. Rice; 1867-69, W. 11. Orr; 1869-70, James Eagleson; 1870-72, J. W. Buckingham; 1872-74, James Kerr; 1874-76, James Dean; 1876-78, J. W. Buck- ingham; 1878-80, James Kerr; 1880-82, W. M. Lupton; 1882-86, M. C. Mitchell; 1886-88, Theodore Keller; 1888-90, M. C. Mitchell ; 1800-92, M. R. Smiley; 1892-94, M. C. Mit- chell; 1894-98, Theodore Keller; 1898-1900, James Shipman; 1900-02, John Goodhue.

The present city officials are : Isaac Newland, mayor; Samuel Westwood, marshal; W. T. Dixon, solicitor; Ellis Lash, clerk; George C. Strain, treasurer ; Isaac Cecil, Frank Heinrich, Roger Ashton, H. G. Wood, William Hilton, John Metzger, Thomas Williams, R. G. Hes- lop, M. Cropper and Thomas Robbins, coun- cilmen.

THIE CHURCHIES.

The Methodist Episcopal Church .- There were Methodists in Martin's Ferry prior to 1821. As early as 1814 a class was organized by the mother of Ebenezer Martin, whereat the few scattering Methodists would weekly as- semble, but the class did not survive this good woman's efforts beyond 1816.

The history of the church proper dates from the first camp meeting, held in Walnut Grove, in 1821, at which time many were converted, and among the number Rebecca Hadsell, who later walked to Scott's, on the St. Clairsville road, in midwinter, to urge the preacher to come to her neighborhood and preach. He came at the appointed time, and after an earnest and impressive discourse a class was formed, as follows: Obadiah Barnes, leader ; Absalom Ross and Anna Ross, John Buriss and wife, Father Hadsell and family number- ing eight in all, making a total of 21, and from this humble beginning Methodism in Martin's Ferry grew.

The church for many years was an appoint- ment on the Cadiz circuit, and the first circuit riders were Revs. John Graham and Zara Cos- ton. As there was no church building, preach- ing was held in different farm houses, locating finally at Joseph Hadsell's, near Burlington, but the flood of 1832 carried the farm house away.

This year (1832) is noted in local church history for the wonderful revivals that attended the Drummond camp meetings, resulting in a great gain to the church. Among the converts was the late John Fennimore, who was a main- stay of the church until his death.

Prayer meetings continued to be held in log school houses and homes until 1837, when during the ministry of Rev. C. D. Battelle, the following trustees were appointed : Daniel Zane, Ilugh McGregor, James Turner, James Moore, James McConnaughy. Under their su- pervision money was collected and, a lot hav- ing been donated by Ebenezer Martin, a church was erected upon the site of the present struc- ture.

Martinsville became a station in 1853. In 1859 the old church was destroyed by fire and for a year the congregation worshiped in the Baptist and Presbyterian churches. In 1860 the present structure was erected and during the administration of Rev. J. S. Winter, in 1888, the building was enlarged but the society is again confronted by the problem of additional room, and a new building has become a neces- sity.

From a membership at the beginning of 13, the church today enrolls 650.

Of the many who have won distinction in this field of labor, we might mention Ebenezer Martin and John Fennimore. Rev. Dr. De- Haas, heretofore referred to, was recommend- ed for license to preach from this church, and Revs. Turner, McGuire and Rider have also gone out from this charge. The superintend- ent of the Sunday-school. Benjamin Exley, has filled that position for 16 consecutive years.

Some of the ministers that have served this congregation for nearly four score years are: John Graham, Zara Coston, James MeMehan,

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

James Cunningham, J. C. Taylor, William M. Tipton, Thomas Drummond, William Knox, C. D. Battelle, 1. N. McLabee, John Minor, P. M. McGowan, S. Cheney, James Drummond, William Cox, Thomas McClery, J. M. Rankin, S. R. Brockunier, S. Y. Kennedy, E. D. Holtz, J. S. Winters, A. W. Butts, J. W. Robins, J. T. Martin, W. J. Wilson and Dr. F. Phillips. The present pastor is A. R. Custer.

The board of stewards is thus constituted : E. O. Padelford, C. S. Helsley, Ephraim Brown, Robert Slaughter, Gardner Hysell, W. S. Palmer, J. A. Wilson, George W. Burton, J. R. Williams, Robert Beavon, Samuel Hus- kins, Lee Morris and J. O. Jones. The trustees are : W. H. Woods, W. M. Cattell, John M. Henderson, Theodore Snodgrass and M. E. Coyle.

The Presbyterian Church was organized March 31, 1841, with 16 members, a majority of whom had been members of the Mount Pleasant Church. Joseph Blackford, James Wiley and Moses Porter were the first elders. During the first year there was no stated preaching. After that Revs. Nicholas, Mur- ray, Samuel Hare and James Stewart each served the church for a short period.

In June, 1846, Rev. James Alexander, D. D., began his labors and was installed pastor for one-half his time. He labored faithfully and successfully. During his pastorate the Kirk- wood Church was organized, principally from members of this church. Rev. J. D. Fitzgerald was pastor from 1860 to 1863. In June, 1864, Rev. G. W. Chalfant was installed over this and the Kirkwood Church. December 4, 1869, Rev. H. G. Blayney was installed and served the church until April 17, 1872. A year was spent under supplies, when Dr. Chalfant again served as pastor in connection with Kirkwood until June, 1881.

In June, 1882, Dr. J. J. McCarrell-now pastor in Mckeesport-was installed. The parsonage was built under his ministry. He was called and accepted his present pastorate in June, 1884. In 1885 Rev: E. F. Walker, now an evangelist, began a successful pastorate, which terminated in 1889. Rev. Howard N.

Campbell, now pastor in New Philadelphia, was installed and served the church with suc- cess until 1893.

The present pastor, S. J. Bogle, was installed November, 1893.

The ruling elders have been: Joseph Black- ford, Moses Porter, James Wiley, John Mit- chell, Henry Wells, J. G. Wiley, Robert Black- ford, James HI. Drennen, Hamilton Blackford, Thomas J. Holliday, William Strong, A. A. Smith, James Smiley, W. N. Holliday, Samuel Sharpless, William St. Clair, J. A. Mitchiell, Thomas G. Culbertson, John Armstrong, Will- iam Clark, John M. Kinslow, George Matheny, Dr. W. H. Hall, now of Denver, and Dr. W. E. Hervey, of Pittsburg. The present elder- ship consists of Capt. H. W. Smith, R. C. Swartz, James A. Dickson, G. W. Reece, Dr. A. R. Ong, and Thomas W. Shreve.

There have been large ingatherings, the most noted of which was in 1886 under Rev. Mr. Walker, in which So were added to the roll.

The first building was erected in 1841, re- modeled in 1866, enlarged in 1875 and again in 1886. The old building was taken down in 1897, that the present beautiful and commodi- ous building might be erected on the original site.

The Catholic Churches .- Forty-eight years ago there were but two Catholics in Martin's Ferry. No church had yet been built, and the few Catholics of Burlington and Martin's Fer- ry had to journey to Wheeling to attend miass. A few years later Father Maher of Bellaire vis- ited the little village and the few Catholics assembled for worship in a small room on the corner of ist and Washington streets. At this time there were eight families, and serv- ices were held once every monthi. Desirous of having a place of worship, they began to look about for a lot on which to erect a church. Their first place was purchased by Messrs. F. O'Neil and B. Corcoran on Ist street, and through the efforts of Mrs. Arbaugh, Mrs. Mc- Dononghi, Mrs. Maul and Mrs. Lacey, a little church was built and services were held in it for the first time, 38 years ago, and Rev. P. Style of Bellaire visited the small congregation once

194

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

a month. On the other Sundays of the month the people journeyed to Wheeling, where they attended divine service at the Wheeling Hos- pital. From time to time, Catholic families found their way to Martin's Ferry, and the lit- tle church on Ist street was found to be too small, and they began to look about for a new site upon which to erect a larger church.

The present site was purchased by the then resident pastor, Father Marooney. After a few years' labor, failing health obliged him to resign his charge, and Father Touhy was ap- pointed in his place. By him the adjoining property was purchased, and steps were taken for the building of the present church. About this time Father Mattingly succeeded Father Touhy, and the present church was begun. G. WV. Arbaugh, who had built the little church on Ist street, drew the plans for the present church, which was completed 14 years ago, and dedicated by Bishop Watterson. Since that time the Catholic population has increased, and today numbers 196 families, or about 1,300 people.

Four years ago, the death of Father Mat- tingly made vacant the parish of Martin's Ferry, and the present pastor, Rev. C. A. Mul- hearn, was appointed. The work of his prede- cessors has been ably carried on. During his pastorate the church has been newly frescoed, handsome stained glass windows have been placed in the church and a new pipe organ, at a cost of $1,600, has been added to the church. The parochial school has 191 pupils under the direction of five teachers.

The Baptist Church was organized in the year 1836 with six members, through the la- bors of Thomas M. Erwin, a missionary of the Ohio Baptist Convention.

The recognition of the church took place in the old public school building, where the church had its first meeting place, in December, 1836. The following ministers were present at the service : George G. Sedgwick, Sr., R. H. Sedg- wick and Thomas M. Erwin.

Elder G. C. Sedgwick was chosen moderator and preached the recognition sermon. The following are the names of the constituent

members of the church: William Callahan, Anna Callahan, John Davis, Elizabeth Davis, John Dakin and Mary Dakin, none of whom are now living.

The first meeting house was built and en- tered for worship in 1840. This old building, made sacred by many blessed memories, was used as the meeting place of the church for 52 years.

During the 57 years since the church was organized the following have served as pastors : Thomas M. Erwin, from 1836; William Wads- worth, from 1842: William Callahan, from 1842; Daniel Cell, from 1844; Edward Jones, from 1849; William R. Mayberry, from 1852; G. C. Sedgwick, from 1854; C. H. Gunter, from 1869; G. C. Sedgwick, from 1876; P. Martin, from 1885; J. T. Bradford, from 1887; C. M. Conway, from 1889; L. D. Morse, from 1891; W. B. Hartzog, W. C. D. Bond and E. A. Read, the present incumbent, from November, 1900.

The records of the church show that during the pastorate of these 16 pastors there have been added to the church over 650 members, a large number of them by baptism. God has thus richly blessed the faithful labors of pas- tors and people during these many years.

At a meeting of the church early in 1892 it was unanimously voted to erect a new meeting house on the site of the old building. Plans were adopted at a subsequent meeting, and work was begun about the middle of August. This new and beautiful building was entered for the first service of praise Wednesday even- ing, March 8th, and was formally dedicated to God, Sunday, March 26, 1893. The follow- ing named gentlemen served as the building committee of the church, and gave most faith- ful and arduous labor in prosecuting the work laid upon them. George L. Spence, chair- man ; Leroy C. Sedgwick, E. Koerber, and Jo- seph B. Larte.

The present membership of the church is 366. The present deacons are: Joel Hobensack, W. D. Reid, G. 1. Spence, Ed Koerber, Hugh McGlumphrey, William M. Jones and Henry Koehrsen.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

The German Lutheran Church was organ- ized in 1864, in the room of the United Presby- terian Church, and the first pastor was Rev. Frederick Fredericks. Previous to this, the German Lutherans of Martin's Ferry were obliged to cross over to Wheeling, in order to worship with the Christians of their own creed. The pastors in succession were Revs. Berkenmeyer, Eastermeyer, Walters, Fritz, Baker, Kunkle, Merwyn. The church building was erected in 1867. Some of the charter mem- bers were: Henry Helling, Louis Myers, Frederick Kanapp, Charles Swartz, August Rothermund, Henry Juyger, Charles Sea- bright, Henry Floto and Jacob Brown.

The English Lutheran Church was organ- ized as a mission in 1865 by Rev. Mr. Ochl- schlager in the opera hall. The present pastor is Rev. E. F. Schillinger, and the present mem- bership is 35. This organization has just com- pleted a new and neat brick church. The board of deacons consists of George Dursh, elder; Casper Dursh, treasurer, and Frederick Daumme, Jr.

The United Presbyterian Church .- Thomas Sweeney, James Waddell and J. R. Dickie, with Rev. T. L. Speer, composed the session that organized the first United Presbyterian Church of Martin's Ferry in 1851. The mem- bership numbered but 16 at the beginning and of this number Samuel Giffin, John Lawrence, Andrew Ralston and Thomas Mitchell were elected elders.

Rev. Mr. Bradford was the first pastor that supplied the pulpit, and this position he re- tained for nearly two years, in conjunction with an appointment at West Alexander.

The first church edifice was constructed upon the corner of 4th and Hanover streets, at a total cost of $22,050. The building was a neat and commodious brick structure.

After Rev. Mr. Bradford removed to Alle- glieny, the church encountered many disap- pointments, and for years it seemed as if the congregation would become hopelessly scat- tered without a leader. But in 1863 Rev. R. Y. Campbell accepted the appointment of pas- tor in connection with Centreville, Ohio, and

the small appointment in West Virginia. Un- der his leadership, the church took on new life and additional members were added to the congregation. In 1867 Rev. Mr. Campbell ac- cepted a position in Franklin College, and the church was again without a leader. In 1869 Rev. Mr. Slentz accepted the pastorate, and, al- though feeble in body, worked perseveringly for the upbuilding of the congregation, and was very successful until September, 1873, when he dropped dead in St. Louis from heart trouble, while visiting in the West. Rev. Mr. Weir succeeded him in 1874, and in 1880 the board consisted of James Kerr, A. G. Camp- bell and David Thorburn. The deacons were J. M. Blackford, Robert Kerr and J. P. Prowl. Rev. Mr. Weir was succeeded by Rev. A. E. Brownlee.

In March, 1901, the congregation completed a new and handsome brick edifice, capable of accommodating their increased numbers, at a cost of $15,500, to which should be added $7,000 for the lot.

The present pastor is Rev. A. R. Robinson, who accepted the charge in 1899. The ses- sion in 1902 is thus constituted : James Kerr, David Thorburn, Edwin C. Boyd, Dr. J. M. Blackford and Isaac Giffen. Rev. Mr. Kerr has served the congregation in that capacity for nearly 45 years, and Mr. Thorburn for upwards of 25 years. The trustees are: J. S. Mitchell, A. W. Kerr, George Ralston, How- ard Stewart and W. W. Crowl. The superin- tendent of the Sunday-school is Edwin C. Boyd, who has served in that capacity for 10 successive years. The present membership is 152.

THE SCHOOLS

Of Martin's Ferry are among the foremost in the state. President McCombs says the cur- riculum of studies is in advance of any public school in Eastern Ohio.

Graduates from the Martin's Ferry High School are admitted to all the leading colleges in the land today, without being subjected to a preparatory course. Scholars enter the High School of Martin's Ferry from the Wheeling

196

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

and Steubenville schools, as well as all the surrounding towns in order to fit themselves for college without being compelled to go far from home.

The first school of Martin's Ferry was built in 1823, on a lot donated by Capt. Absalom Martin. It is pictured as a comfortable little frame building, set upon props, with a large old-fashioned chimney, and a window on either side of a center door.

The first teacher was a gentleman called Livingston. At this time there were but three houses within what are now the corporate limits of the city, so that many scholars walked as much as three miles in order to attend school. In 1828 the school was removed, in order to erect a large packing establishment. The school directors chosen in that year were Samuel Zane, Ebenezer Martin and William Barnes, and these gentlemen authorized a new school to be opened upon the farm of Ebenezer Martin, and this school was long used as a church and Sabbath-school by the Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians. Rev. Mr. Er- win has described it as "a dirty, dingy little building." Among the early teachers were Hezekiah Brown, Thomas Harvey, Mr. and Mrs. Groves, Mr. Watterson, P. Bailey and Mr. Murphy.

In 1837 the school house was burned, and numerous private schools were started in vari- ous parts of the town, and these were sup- ported by subscriptions, mainly.

In 1847 a new brick building was erected, with two rooms, and the teacher was Thomas Harvey. This building was used until 1853. The teachers from 1850 were Mr. Kerr, Mr. McCormick and John Edwards. In 1857 Al- fred Kirk of Steubenville was chosen superin- tendent, and a year later he was succeeded by Prof. Charles R. Shreve.

In 1878 $4,000 was expended for the erec- tion of a new modern building to be known as the Central School, and two years later, another building was in demand to accomino- date the increasing number of school children, and $14,250 was appropriated for the erection of a large new school building, with all modern

appointments, to be known as the North School. In 1890 there was a demand for more room, and additional facilities, wherefore the School Board constructed another large three- story building at a cost of $19,340, and this school is known as the South School.

The board of directors in 1853, when the public school system of Martin's Ferry was fairly inaugurated, consisted of James Alex- ander, Joel Woods, David Park, J. D. McCoy, H. W. Smith and Charles Ensel. A half cen- tury later the School Board was composed of E. E. McCombs, president ; S. F. Dean, clerk ; and Dr. J. W. Darrah, John W. Vickers, E. H. Rider, J. E. Springer and Thomas R. Lloyd.

The enrollment for 1902 is 1,496 and the schools are so overcrowded that a new High School has become a necessity, and the pres- ent school board has ordered the construction of a new High School at a cost of $60,000.

The present superintendent is Prof. J. H. Snyder ; principal of the High School, Prof. M. D. Morris; superintendent of the Central School, T. F. Mitchell; superintendent of the North School, J. E. Ring; superintendent of the South School, C. S. Eaton. The total num- ber of teachers is 35 and the cost of maintain- ing the schools during 1901 was $16,500.

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 27

Author: McKelvey, A. T., 1844- ed Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: McKelvey, A. T., 1844- ed
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490