Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 32

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 32

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BARNESVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL.

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P. Hunt, as S. W .; Zadoc Davis, as J. W .; John McCine, as treasurer; Benjamin McCall, as secretary; Jolin Hance, as S. D .; Charles Scurr, as J. D .; and Nathan Riley, as tyler, with full power to initiate, pass and raise.

About January 1, 1828, a copy of the pro- ceedings of the new lodge were drawn off the minutes and properly attested and forwarded to William B. Hubbard, delegate from Belmont Lodge, No. 16, to the Grand Lodge of Ohio. On January 14, 1828, the papers were referred to the committee on charters and dispensations, and on January 15, 1828, the chairman of said committee, Mr. Fielding, reported that the by-laws and proceedings of Friendship Lodge being in perfect accordance with the principles of Freemasonry, etc., they would recommend that a charter be granted, which report was adopted and a charter issued to Friendship Lodge, No. 89, under date of Jan- uary 15, 1828. For some four or five years the lodge maintained itself fairly well up to the year 1833. when the excitement that had arisen against Freemasonry became so strong that the lodge found itself unable to properly sustain itself. For various causes many of the brethren absented themselves from the meet- ings of the lodge, and, hence, failed in giving it the necessary support. After considerable discussion, a motion was made at one of the stated communications, that the lodge would surrender its charter and cease meeting as a lodge. The motion was carried, and Friend- ship Lodge, No. 89, was stricken from the rolls of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. For a period of about eight years, Friendship Lodge was dor- mant, and, during this time the mentbers be- came so scattered over the country that only a few of the faithful ones were left in the town. Among those who were left, we refer to Robert Hlapper, Robert Hodgen, John McCune, Va- chel Barnes, Nathan Riley, John Koontz, J. W. Harris, John. Hance, Kelion Hager and Col. B. McCall, also T. C. Parker, late of Wheeling, West Virginia. These brethren were in the habit of meeting occasionally as a lodge of in- struction. It was during the progress of one of these meetings held in October, 1842, that

John A. Weyer of Moriah Lodge, No. 105, while on his way to Grand Lodge, stopped off in Barnesville to remain over night. Inquir- ing for Col. Benjamin McCall, he was informed by Mrs. McCall that he was attending a lodge meeting and directed him to go to a certain room in town, where he would no doubt find him and a few of the brethren assembled in the interests of Freemasonry. Repairing to the designated place, he found the brethren as- sembled and he was accorded a pleasant recep- tion. After spending a good portion of the night in consulting with each other in regard to the principles and tenets of the order, of which he was a most zealous adherent, the brethren agreed that application might be made at this meeting of the Grand Lodge for the return of the old charter, under which they might again re-organize Friendship Lodge, No. 89, and have the same again placed on the roll of Masonic lodges of the State of Ohio. During one of the sessions of the Grand Lodge, Mr. Weyer arose and made a statement of the visit he had just made with the brethren in Barnesville. He very feelingly referred to the faithful brethren, whom he had the pleasure of meeting in that place and how earnestly they had besought him to ask the Grand Lodge to restore to them the old charter. Ile stated that during all these years a few of the faith- ful at Barnesville had assembled together from time to time and kept alive their knowledge of the principles and ritual of Freemasonry, and closed his remarks by making a motion that the charter of Friendship Lodge, No. 89, be restored to the brethren at that place that they might again organize and do the work of a Masonic lodge. It is needless to say that the motion was passed amidst the greatest excite- ment. A dispensation was issued by Grand Master W. J. Reese, directing the brethren to meet and elect officers and prepare for work. He also issued his proxy to Wilmeth Jones, of Belmont Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., of St. Clairsville, Ohio, authorizing him to install the officers-elect of Friendship Lodge, which was properly done in due form. On September 6, 1843, Col. Benjamin McCall was elected as del-

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egate to the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The old charter not having been found, it was proposed to issue a duplicate, but to this Colonel McCall would not agree. While at the Grand Lodge, he spent several hours in the basement of the Capitol building, searching among the old rec- ords for the original charter and just when he began to feel that he must give up the search, he found it, and it was brought home on his re- turn. On November 1, 1843 at a stated com- munication of Friendship Lodge he made a re- port of the visit he had made to the Grand Lodge and concluded by presenting to the brethren the old original charter under which the lodge was first organized. It is said that the brethren were so rejoiced on its reception that the master of the lodge could scarcely keep them within proper bounds during the evening. On account of its history, the brethren who re- ceived it at that time, as well as the brethren who hold it in their keeping today, all have a high regard for this old charter. Another rea- son that makes it of so much interest to the brethren is the fact that it is signed by one of Ohio's most illustrious and distinguished sons, Hon. Thomas Corwin, who was the acting Grand Master during the sessions of the Grand Lodge that were held in the year 1828. It has been hanging in a prominent place on the walls of the lodge room since that time, and so far as may be known, it will hang there for many years to come. It is beginning to look old and faded, and has suffered some mutilation, but the brethren would not part with it under any consideration.

About the year 1863 the lodge and chapter purchased what was known as the old "Acad- emy Building" on East Main street, and after making some necessary repairs, the Masonic bodies of Barnesville at once moved into it, where they remained for many years. Finally a movement was made looking toward enlarg- ing the boundaries of Masonry in Barnesville. A better location was desired and more room was needed. Having by economical manage- ment secured a surplus fund of some $3,000 to $4,000, the lodge decided that a new loca- tion should be secured. A committee, consist-

ing of James H. Watt, J. W. Hingley, T. E. Frasier, J. 11. Reed, J. A. Howard and W. H. Anderson for the lodge and James HI. Watt, J. W. Hingley, J. 11. Reed and A. E. Dent for the chapter, was appointed by each of these bodies to select and recommend a property that could be purchased. In due time an opportu- nity appeared for the purchase of a lot on the south side of Main street, which belonged to the estate of John H. Piper. After some dis- cussion of the matter, this lot was finally se- cured. A large three-story stone and brick building was erected in 1890-91, arranged withi a view to accommodate the Masonic bodies of Barnesville for years to come. The first floor is occupied as a shoe store by John W. Cas- sells. The second story was built for a ban- queting room, with kitchen and pantries at- tached, and the third floor is occupied as lodge and chapter rooms, with tyler's room and prep- aration room adjoining. The new building was dedicated to Masonry on June 24, 1891, by representatives of the Grand Lodge. Immedi- ately thereafter the lodge and chapter moved in, and since then have enjoyed the advan- tages of a new, commodious and permanent home. Both these orders are growing rapidly and are now permanently established in Barnesville, Ohio. The number of members in Friendship Lodge, No. 89, is 133, and of the chapter, 84.

The officers of Friendship Lodge at present are as follows : J. C. Mayhew, W. M .; A. W. Laughlin, S. W .; Dr. F. P. Cook, J. W .; Pal- mer H. Laughlin, S. D .; C. M. Robitzer, J. D .; William E. Emerson, treasurer; Dr. G. H. Kemp, secretary; and R. M. Corbin, tyler. (The writer of the above is largely indebted to records, etc., make by Col. Benjamin McCall, who was secretary of the Masonic bodies of this place for many years before his decease. )

Barnesville Lodge, No. 185, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 13, 1851. The charter mem- bers were: Thomas C. Parker, Sr., Jacob H. Parker, Frank Davis, Joseph Fisman and Will- iam G. Laws.

The present officers are: Noble grand, Charles Phillips; vice grand, Clyde Plumnily;

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secretary, Francis Moore; financial secretary, J. M. Cassells; treasurer, Alex Moore; trus- tees,-J. E. McDonald, L. B. Smith and J. R. Price. The members of this lodge number 190.

There is also an encampment of Odd Fel- lows, with G. T. Nuzum as scribe. This is also in flourishing condition.

Warren Lodge, No. 76, K. of P., is one of the strongest secret organizations in Warren township. It had a membership of 160 in October, 1902. W. D. Lyle is keeper of the records, and the value of the lodge furnishings and money on hand amount in the aggregate to $5.395.57. This lodge meets every Friday evening.

ROBERT IIILLES POST, G. A. R.

Robert Hilles Post, No. 220, G. A. R., was organized at Barnesville, Ohio, May 2, 1882, charter members. The following officers were elected: E. T. Petty, post commander; G. E. Hilles, senior vice commander; H. S. Bames, junior vice commander ; Allen Floyd, quartermaster ; S. B. Piper, officer of the day; R. C. Graves, adju- tant; H. W. Baker, chaplain and G. S. Wel- lons, surgeon. The membership increased rap- idly for 10 years-reaching in the aggregate near 200, but in the last 10 years the decrease has been equally rapid. At this time, having lived upward of 20 years, the membership is reduced to about 40-the original number. This decline is not, however, due entirely to loss by deaths. Many of the veterans have become tired of the meetings and dropped out through lack of interest.

When the next 10 years shall have passed, there will be few, if any, of the charter mem- bers of Robert Hilles Post left to decorate the graves of their fallen comrades.

Lieut. Robert Hilles, from whom the post takes its name, enlisted at Barnesville, Ohio, August, 1862 and was commissioned ist lieu- tenant of Company B, 126th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was mortally wounded in a charge on the enemy's works on the 6th of May, 1864, in the battle of the Wilderness. Ife was in command of the company, gallantly

leading his men when the fatal bullet struck him. He died May IIth at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and sleeps today in an unknown grave, as do thousands of his comrades.

On Fame's eternal camping ground, Their silent tents are spread, While glory guards with solemn round The bivouac of the Dead.

THE PRESS.

The first paper published in Barnesville was a little four page periodical issued by the stu- dents of Davenport and Addler's Classical In- stitute and was published through the years 1856-57. However, it was printed at Zanes- ville and published by one of the societies. It was first called The Gleaner, with Mrs. Talbot and Walton as editors.

In 1857 The Intelligencer was issued by E. R. Bartleson & Son, afterward the publishers of The Il'heeling Intelligencer. It was a 24- column paper, devoted mainly to local news, but did not represent any political party. In a short time the office was sold to George Mc- Clelland and Thomas Nichols, who continued its publication for a year.

The Barnesville Enterprise .- On the 28th of May, 1866, the first number of The Barnesville Enterprise, a seven-column folio, was published by George McClelland. In October, 1870, the paper was enlarged to 28 columns. In Jann- ary, 1875, it was changed to a six-column, eight-page paper, and Samuel Price became a partner for two years. In 1888, on the death of Mr. McClelland, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Lee became the owners and have since conducted it. The Enterprise was one of the first weekly papers in Ohio to make a feature of local and country correspondence and it rapidly went to the front rank of weekly papers in this section, a position it has ever since held. Its circula- tion today is 2,200.

The Barnesville Republican .- The first number of The Barnesville Republican was issued June 14, 1883, the publishers being Hanlon Brothers' Paper Company, composed of T. T. Hanlon and two sons, William W. and Oliver O. Hanlon. William W. Hanlon

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was editor and manager and the success of the paper from the start was due to his inde- fatigable efforts. He continued in charge until November 8, 1897, when the paper was sold to Charles C. Carroll of St. Clairsville, a talented and finely educated young man who conducted the publication with marked success. He was tendered a government position in Washington and decided to accept selling The Republican on July 21, 1899, to H. E. Dement, who continues in charge. Mr. Dement had been connected with the paper as assistant edi- tor and foreman since 1900, and is thoroughly familiar with the duties of his office.

While uncompromisingly Republican in principles, The Republican is conservative in the policy of the party and never gives offense to a political opponent by harsh or bitter criticisms.

In the advocacy of public improvements it has been unremitting and, though public spirited and enterprising, the editor earnestly advocates reform in public management and retrenchment in public expenditures.

THE CEMETERIES

There are two cemetery associations in Barnesville. The first that we shall mention is the Green Mountain Cemetery Association which was formed May 5, 1858, with Colson Davenport, Adam Bentz, Stephen Wilson, John H. Morrow and H. T. Barnes as its trustees. This cemetery has always been known as "Knob Field" because of its high elevation. It occupies eight acres of land and contains 168 lots.

The South Cemetery was organized March 4, 1858, and was orginally known as the Barnesville Cemetery Association. The grounds were purchased May 8, 1858, and contained 10 acres and were dedicated to ceme -. tery purposes the same year by Rev. James Ilenderson. The first officers were as follows : Trustees, William A. Talbot, R. Happer, David McCartney, William Barnes, John Bradfield; treasurer, B. Davenport; secre- tary, J. W. Warfield; superintendent, J. S.

Evans. The number of lots sold is 220. The present officers are: Dr. J. A. Judkins, presi- dent; John S. Howard, secretary; John W. Bradfield, treasurer ; Robert Evans and H. R. Brown.

THE BELMONT COUNTY CHILDREN'S HOME

Is established at Tacoma, in Warren town- ship, and occupies a beautiful site command- ing a widespread view of the loveliest hill country in the State. The main building is four stories high, surmounted by a cupola, and with two wings, each three stories high. The whole is a modern brick structure of hand- some architectural design, with a frontage of 164 feet, and a depth of Ho feet. It contains 63 rooms and is lighted with electricity and heated with steam. The farm upon which it is located contains 63 acres. The Home was established in 1880 for the physical, mentai and moral training of indigent children, until suitable homes could be provided for them. At the earnest appeal of Isaac Holloway, David Conrow, and 82 others, the county com- missioners submitted the whole question of establishing a Children's Home to the people of the county, and the proposition carried by a majority of 2,319.

Under the supervision of Architect J. W. Yost, the building was constructed. The farm upon which the Home is located cost $5,800, and the building cost $35,000; the whole mak- ing a total cost of $40,800.

The first trustees were Francis Davis, Josepli Green, J. W. Laughlin, J. W. Hingley, William Millison, David Conrow, A. W. Anderson, John S. Howard, Hamilton Eaton, Isaac R. Lane, William R. Piper, George T. Nuzum, Samuel Hillis, James A. Shepherd and Herman Roemer. The first superin- tendent was Stephen Gressinger who only served a brief two months, when Francis Davis, one of the trustees of the institution, took charge until the appointment of Joseph Green, who served for five years. Peter Gif- fen followed and was in charge of the institu- tion seven years. N. B. Stewart, the next superintendent in order, served two years,

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when the present incumbent, T. W. Branson, was appointed, who has thus far served seven years up to 1902. The present board of trus- tees is thus constituted: Jacob Maule, A. Plummer, W. W. Watt, and Dr. G. V. Riddle. The officers are: T. W. Branson, superin- tendent; R. P. Branson, matron; Deborah Williams, teacher; and Dr. W. L. Judkins, physician.

In addition there are six lady and one gen- tleman assistants. There were in the Home, March 31, 1902, 33 children, and five were out on trial. Twenty-two had been indentured and adopted, eight returned to parents, and two (lied, making a total of 70 cared for during the year. The average monthly enrollment of children attending the school was 29. The total expenditure for 1902 amounted to $5,860.92, or a net expense per capita, of $145.36. In addition to the quantity of farm products consumed at the institution, $379 worth were sold from off the farm. The re- ports of the trustees and county Board of Charities speak very approvingly of the insti- tution.

THE BOARD OF CHARITIES.

In this connection, some mention should be made of the work of this philanthropic body that was organized several years ago for the purpose of visiting and inspecting our chari- table institutions and jails in the interest of the health and comfort of the inmates. These humane men and women work without com- pensation, visiting all the penal and charitable institutions of the county at intervals of six months, examining into the sanitary and moral condition of these institutions with a view of correcting any neglect or mismanagement in these particulars. Some of the members of the Board, who have been most active in the past, were Dr. Ely of Barnesville, Mrs. Rodefer of Bellaire, Mrs. Robert J. Alexander, of St. Clairsville, Dr. Thomas Balph of St. Clairs- ville, Dr. John W. Wellons of Barnesville, Mrs. Ross J. Alexander, Bridgeport, and Mrs. J. B. Smith, Bellaire.

The present Board consists of William Alexander of Bridgeport, Peter Giffen of Flushing, D. H. Milligan of St. Clairsville, Mrs. Rodefer of Bellaire, Mrs. J. C. Picker- ing, and Mrs. James McNeice.

CHAPTER XVIII.

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.

SOME OF THE FIRST SETTLERS-UNDISCOVERED ORE MINES-THE POPULATION- THE FIRST ELECTION-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-THE TOWNS: GLENCOE, LOYDS- VILLE AND STEWARTSVILLE-ST. CLAIRSVILLE, THE COUNTY SEAT-THE INCOR- PORATION AND FIRST OFFICIALS-THE FIRST TAVERNS AND MARKET HOUSE- THE FIRST BUSINESS HOUSES-THE FIRST COURT HOUSE AND THE "OLD COURT HOUSE" -- THE POPULATION, AND MUNICIPAL OFFICERS-THE GREAT FIRE-SOME OLD CITIZENS-THE OLDEST BUILDING-ST. CLAIRSVILLE'S RAILROAD FACILITIES -THE POSTMASTERS-THE BANKS-THE ST. CLAIRSVILLE SCHOOLS, PAST AND PRESENT-THE CHURCHES-THE ST. CLAIRSVILLE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION-BEL- MONT COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-SECRET SOCIETIES-DRUMMOND POST, G. A. R .- THE COUNTY INFIRMARY.

Richland township is perhaps the largest township in the county. It is bounded by Wheeling and Colerain townships on the north, Pease and Pultney on the cast, and Mead and Smith townships on the south, and Union on the west. As its name implies, the soil is rich and the land throughout the township is under- laid with a wealth of coal and limestone. As heretofore indicated the township was erected from parts of Kirkwood and Pultney town- ships in 1802.

SOME OF THE FIRST SETTLERS.

The first settler was probably Richard Hardesty who located on Wheeling Creek in 1795 and a number of his descendants live in the neighborhood of the old homestead today. The same year William Boggs settled on sec- tion 10 where he opened the first coal mine. After the lapse of a century Boggs' extensive coal mines are in operation north of St. Clairs- ville. Isaac Cowgill was the first emigrant to

cross Wheeling ferry where he located on sec- tion 16 and built the first hewed-log cabin in the county and the name is a familiar one among the farmers of Richland township today.

Among the first settlers whose descendants are still living on or near the old homesteads after the lapse of a century were: Joseph and Andrew Anderson, Abraham and Frederick Amirine, John Arrick, Valentine, Peter and Philip Ault, Isaiah Allen, William Askew, David and Samuel Barnes, George and Eliza- beth Beam, John Berry, Jacob Brown and Nicholas Brown, Alexander Boggs, Rees Branson, James Barnes, William Bell, M. C. Carroll, Sarah Coleman, Henry Close, Adam Kanfman, Jacob Clevinger. Joseph Craft, Isaac Cowgill, Lamb Clark, Richard Copeland, James Caldwell, Andrew Dickes, Robert Dun- can, Daniel Dillie, Robert Dent, Andrew Fore- man, Alexander Gaston, Isaac Hogue, David Hutchinson, Michael Groves, Zachiel Hays,

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John and Joseph Henderson, John Jepson, Joseph R. Johnson, Sterling Johnson, Abram Lash, Abner Lodge, David Neiswanger, Thomas Mitchell, Samuel Muchmore, William McMillan, William McFarland, James Mur- dock, James Morrison, Richard Meek, Joseph Marshall, Jesse McGee, John and James Mar- tin, Jacob Merritt, John Norris, David New- ell, Henry Neff, Mathew Patterson, William and John Warnock, Isaac and Samuel Wilson, Hance Wiley, Isaachar Foulke, Crawford Welsh, Joseph Patton, Levi Pickering, Jonas Pickering, William Porterfield, Robert Porter- field, John Pickett, John Patterson, George Paull, Richard Riley, John Shepherd, Jona- than Sutton, William and Francis Smith, Samuel Stonebreaker, Thomas and John Smith, John Simpson, Robert Thompson, John Thompson, Israel and Joseph Updegraff and John Taggart.

The preceding are familiar names in Rich- land and adjoining townships today. Many of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of the county are lineal descendants of these pioneer settlers, and are prominently identified with the commercial and manufacturing, as well as the agricultural, industries of the county.

Mrs. Priscilla Baldwin says when her grand- father Isaachar Foulke above mentioned came ot the county in 1810 he located upon a farm three miles cast of Newellstown (St. Clairs- ville) and on the road then leading to Flush- ing. She said that at that time the old Indian trail passed by her father's home and over this trail Indians traveled between Monroe and Guernsey pausing at the trading post at the foot of the "big hill" to exchange their cop- per. lead and furs.

UNDISCOVERED ORE MINES.

These Indians were always accompanied by an interpreter who told Mr. Foulke that there were silver, copper and lead mines in Monroe and Guernsey counties and the evi- dence of the truth of these statements was the ores they carried with them for trading.

These bands of Indians would always camp at Beaf Camp just east of Behnont going one way, and at the Indian Springs now owned by William Clark's heirs near St. Clairsville go- ing the other. Mrs. Baldwin's father always expressed the belief that these mines would ultimately be discovered.

TIIE POPULATION

Of Richland township in 1804 was the largest in Belmont County and in 1820 it was 3,379, with but one voting precinct, located at St. Clairsville. The census of 1900 shows a population of 4,367, a gain of 988. Because of the fact that Richland township is a purely agricultural township, the increase in popula- tion has not been as marked as in the townships along our river front. The assessor's returns however for 1902 show an increase over last year of $28,444 while the tax levy in the town- ship has been increased from 1.49 in 1901 to 1.56 in 1902.

THE FIRST ELECTION

Was held in St. Clairsville in 1802,-it is said at the house of William Congleton, but as the records were lost for a period of seven years the first records available today reveal the fact that Isaac Cogle, Isaac Hatcher and John Car- ter were serving as trustees in 1809 and Josiah Iledges was clerk.

By order of the trustees, William Dent was appointed constable, and an election was called for the second Tuesday in Angust at which Robert Griffith, James Cloyd, Sterling John- ston and William Sinclair were elected justices of the peace.

The township officers elected in those early days were justices, constables, supervisors, overseers of the poor, fence viewers, town- ship treasurer, and township clerk, and the highest vote cast in the spring of 1810 was 154.

In 1900 there were four voting precincts, namely : Glencoe, Loydsville and precincts 1 and 2 in St. Clairsville. The total vote was: Glencoe precinct. 232; precinct 1, 231; precinct 2, 271 ; precinct 3. 307; or a total of I,IO1.

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 32

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