USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 36
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In those days it was nothing unusual for there to be a break of a week or a few weeks, even a few months, in the publication. When such a break occurred, it was usually explained by saying the editor was sick, the patronage did not amount to sufficient to warrant publi- cation or the paper was out of supplies. When the difficulty, whatever it was, was overcome, publication was resumed. Thus we find what was really the continuation of the same publi- cation under different names and appearing at irregular intervals.
In July, 1836, the paper appeared under the name of The Belmont Chronicle and, with the exception of some additions made to the name and later dropped, it has remained The Bel- mont Chronicle for more than 66 years. The
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first publishers of which there is record were Benjamin S. Cowen and Thomas S. Reid. Ear- ly in 1837, Cowen withdrew from the firm, and in July, 1833, Reid sold the paper to John A. Hutchison and J. S. Thomas, but the latter re- mained in the firm but a few months. Hut- chison continued in control until 1842, when he disposed of the property to William Brown. In August, 1847, Foster Carroll and B. Gill became the owners, but in October of 1848 they disposed of the property to Horton Howard, mentioned previously as having published The Historion. Howard evidently thought the name not long enough, and for several years under his management the paper was known as The Belmont Chronicle and Farmers', Me- chanics' and Manufacturers' Advocate. May 10, 1850, notice is given that B. S. Cowen had become a partner with Howard in the publica- tion of The Chronicle, and that while Mr. Howard would remain editor of the paper, Benjamin R. Cowen, then a very young man, would be associated with him. The firm name appears as Horton J. Howard and B. R. Cowen, but not until March, 1853, did B. R. Cowen's name appear in the paper as one of the editors. September 30, 1853, Howard retired, and Cowen-B. R .- became sole owner and editor and continued as such for more than three years. Iloward, after disposing of his interest, moved to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he died a few years since. He is said to have been a man of business ability and of more than ordinary intellect.
Cowen continued to publish The Chronicle until January 1, 1857, when he sold it to Da- vid Thoburn. Thoburn kept it until 1861, when Col. C. L. Poorman became the editor. Colonel Poorman published the paper for about nine years, and in 1870 sold it to Clark Wil-
kinson and Joel Nichols. The latter did not remain in the firm long, but Wilkinson con- chucted it until September, 1872, when William A. Hunt became the owner and continued as such for more than 18 years, or until April I, 1891.
On the latter date Charles C. Carroll and Edwin L. McMillen became editors and owners by purchase, and this firm continued until Jan- uary 1, 1895, when Mr. Carroll retired and Mr. McMillen became sole owner and still remains editor and proprietor.
Of the editors of The Chronicle a number attained distinction and honor. B. R. Cowen was Assistant Secretary of War under Presi- dent Grant and is at the present time clerk of the United States courts at Cincinnati, a life po- sition of honor and responsibility. Thoburn was of the widely known Thoburn family of this vicinity, but died young. Poorman went into the volunteer service at the opening of the Civil War as a captain and came out of the service in command of his regiment. He is now living in retirement at Bellaire. W. A. Hunt, who edited the paper longer than any other man, has retired from active labor.
The Chronicle has always been a newspaper that exercised a strong influence in Belmont County. It has usually been outspoken and its editors throughout its history have been given to vigorous expression. At first it was a polit- ical sheet exclusively. Now it deals princi- pally with the news and interest of Belmont County. Under B. R. Cowen's management in the "fifties," it first became a local news- paper and this feature has been constantly add- ed to until today it claims to be a local news- paper only. Its life is the span of more than two generations, and it is more vigorous and more widely read today than ever before.
CHAPTER XIX.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
THE SOIL -- THE FIRST SETTLERS -- THE FIRST COMPANY FROM THE COUNTY IN THE WVAR OF 1812-THE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-MORRISTOWN-THIE MILITIA MUSTER-THE TOWN OFFICIALS-THE POSTMASTERS-THE CHURCHES- THE SCHOOLS-SECRET SOCIETIES.
Union township contains about 36 sections and in shape is nearly square. It was erected in August, 1804, by order of the county com- missioners, and in the manner heretofore de- scribed in the formation of the township. The first meeting of the electors of the township was called at the home of Duncan Morrison --- after whom Morristown was named.
TILE SOIL
Of Union township is rich and well watered, and there is a vein of coal four feet thick that can be readily made available for domestic use, -but is not of much value for manufacturing purposes. Union township is the headwaters of Wheeling and MeMechen's creeks, and be- cause of a dividing ridge running from east to west, these streams flow northeast and south- east.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
Among the first settlers in the township were Duncan Morrison and Jonathan Ellis, in 1801; William Dunn, in 1802; Robert Patterson, in 1803-04; David Hoge, Solomon Hoge and Ab- ner lloge, in 1803; Allen Bond, in 1805; Levi Barnes, Samuel Mc Williams, Edward Milner, Noble Taylor, Moses Milligan, Barnet Groves,
Major Lippincott and 'Squire William Barber, in succession. Of this long list of pioneers, 'Squire William Barber alone remains. Mr. Barber was born in the north of Ireland, 91 years ago, and removed with his parents to Morristown when but a babe, where he still abides, and can recall many pleasing incidents of the olden time.
Jacob Holtz and William Hill kept taverns in different parts of the township from 1806 to 1809.
The old Plainfield Meeting House was erect- ed in 1806 of logs by the Quakers. This was the first church organization in the township.
THE FIRST COMPANY FROM THE COUNTY IN THE WAR OF 1812.
Capt. Robert Morrison's company, re- cruited mainly from Union township, was the first company organized in Belmont County during the War of 1812. It was mustered into service in September and went into camp at the old Indian Springs, near the home of J. B. McMechen, east of St. Clairsville. Some of the soldiers, whose names have been given me, were: Thomas Riddle, Abe Riddle, Jacob Auklfather, John Gaston, Nicholas Gasaway. James Clark, Joseph Wiley and John Ault.
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THE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
The population of the township in 1890 was 2,000; in 1900, the census revealed a popula- tion of but 1,482, a falling off of 518 in the last decade.
While there has been a falling off in popula- tion, the assessor's returns reveal a gain of $20,464 in personal property, and the tax levy for 1902 is but 1. 16, as against 1.41 in 1901.
The township trustees in 1879-80 were: John Vancuren, James Dallas and Ilugh Bar- ber; justices of the peace,-William Barber, David G. Perry and Robert Morrison. The board of trustees in 1902 consists of Thomas Mc Williams, Jesse Yaus and John Ralston. In 1902 the justices of the peace are: Thomas W. Ilyde and James Reed.
MORRISTOWN
Is located on the National Road, near the cen- ter of Union township, and, as heretofore noted, was named after Duncan Morrison, one of the first settlers. It was surveyed and laid out into town lots, a century ago. 'Squire Barber says, "The original town was built along the back street, which was then the prin- cipal thoroughfare. But upon the completion of the National Road, the leading business houses and taverns were erected along that great thoroughfare."
THE MILITIA MUSTER.
F. Cummings made a tour through Belmont County in 1807, and his description of the country through which he passed is very inter- esting to the reader today. In relation to Mor- ristown, he says: "Ten miles further brought me to Morristown, through a similar hilly country, with a succession of woods and farms, the latter at every mile, and a tavern at every two miles.
"On the road I met, in straggling parties, above 50 horsemen with rifles, who had been in Morristown at a militia muster for the pur- pose of volunteering or being drafted to serve
against Great Britain in case of war with that country, which is now much talked of. Most of them were above 'half seas over,' and they traveled with much noise, some singing, some swearing, some quarreling, some laughing, ac- cording to their different natural dispositions, which are always most manifest in that un- guarded condition.
"I found Morristown, where I arrived just before dark, all in a bustle from the same cause, many of the country people remaining to a late hour drinking and fighting.
"My host, Morrison, who is a justice of the peace, and a major of the militia, had shut his house against them, but there was another tavern, where 'Squire Morrison, while commanding the peace during a fray, came in for his share of the blows, and had his gar- ments torn."
TIIE TOWN OFFICIALS.
On January 7, 1853, the town was incor- porated and Peter Bramhill was elected mayor, with Joseph R. Mitchell, clerk, and Stephen Gregg, treasurer. The councilmen were : T. S. Ambrose, Dr. Hamilton, R. S. Clark, J. W. Henderson and J. J. Handy.
The first tavern was conducted by Duncan Morrison, in 1803, in a one-story log house. Subsequently William Gott, William Harvey and John Lippincott kept hotels in succession up to 1865. The first merchants were John Eaton, E. W. Brooks and Mrs. Hazlett. Nich- olas Rodgers and 'Squire Morrison were tan- ners and saddlers; John Milner was a black- smith, and James Holliday was a hatter.
The present town officials are: Mayor,- Dr. D. T. Phillips ; marshal,-A. C. Landers ; street commissioner,-J. W. Ambrose ; clerk,- L. K. Russell; treasurer,-C. K. Lee; council- men,-George Armstrong, J. A. Staggs, James Taggart, Dal Shepherd and Link Lynn.
THE POSTMASTERS
Since 1800 have been the following: Duncan Morrison, Dr. Gaston, Alexander Morrison, John Eaton, Samuel Price, Robert Morrison,
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
J. H. Arnold, J. R. Mitchell, Robert McKelvey, John Lippincott, J. V. Fisher, Joseph Hender- son, J. W. Lippincott, William Metcalf, Will- iam Fenton, Fannie McKelvey, Henry Sipe, E. E. Shepherd and W. D. Mc Williams.
THE CHURCHES.
The Presbyterian Church of Morristown was organized September 25, 1824, at the home of Dr. Alexander Gaston. The first reg- ular pastor was Rev. William McMillan. Pre- vious to the church organization, services were held twice a month in the homes of the various members, conducted by Rev. Abram Scott.
In the intervals between regular services, prayer meetings were conducted by such de- voted Christians as John Perry, Margaret Haz- lett, Mrs. Rachel Gaston, Mrs. Martha Eaton and Mrs. Morrison.
In 1828, the old log school house was aban- cloned as a place of worship, and a neat little brick church was constructed, under the su- pervision of Dr. Abram Gaston, Nicholas Rodgers and John Perry. Twenty years later the present substantial brick structure was con- structed at a cost of $1,400. The building committee consisted of Robert S. Clark, John Lippincott, Nicholas Rodgers and Dr. E. Gaston.
The ruling elders for 75 years have been John Perry, Samuel Boden, Arthur Morrison, Nicholas Rodgers, William Harvey, Robert Morrison, R. S. Clark, John Lippincott, Will- iam Tidball, Joseph Harper, Robert McKelvey and Jacob P. Hoover. The ministers in the order of service were: Revs. Abram Scott, William McMillan, Joseph Reed, Richard Campbell, John C. Tidball, William College, Alexander Ewing, Samuel Boyd, John P. Gra- ham and Fitzgerald.
The present pastor is Rev. H. A. L. King, and the total membership is 130. The board of elders in 1902 consists of Jacob P. Hoover, William McCreary, Jonas Thomas and Joseph 1I. Pollock. The Sunday-school has an aver- age attendance of 100, and is conducted by William McCreary, superintendent.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Mor- ristown was organized by Rev. John McPher- son 75 years ago, or to be exact, in 1827 or 1828. Before it was established into a sep- arate church, it was connected with the Barnes- ville circuit. Twenty-six years after its organ- ization, it was associated with two other churches in a circuit known as the Morristown circuit. Ten years thereafter Hendrysburg was removed from the circuit and it then be- came a circuit of but two appointments.
The church was not able to construct a house of worship until 1835. Five years pre- vious, however, the officials had rented the Episcopal Church building until the new struc- ture was completed. The first church served the congregation for a period of about 40 years, when it was replaced by a modern brick build- ing, neat in design and finish.
John Hatcher is said to have been the first member of the church, and Amos Gulie, the first class leader.
The present pastor is Rev. J. R. Stewart, and the enrollment of members about 150. The fol- lowing is the official board for 1902: Stew- ards,-W. M. McWilliams, Essie Taylor, John Shepherd and Joseph Major; trustees,-John Shepherd, Levi Russell, Joseph Major and S. Milner; Sunday-school superintendent, -Essie Taylor.
Before the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, there were class meetings and camp meetings conducted by these zealous people. It is claimed that the first camp meeting held in the township-and the second in the county- was conducted by the brethren in 1809 and be- cause of its novelty great crowds came from all the surrounding country and remained until its conclusion.
The Christian Church of Morristown .- A permanent organization of this church was ef- fected in 1854, and it was known as the Au- burn Church. The deacons were R. B. Atkin- son, William Snedeker and Joseph Russell. The elders chosen upon organization were Walter McFarland and William Martin.
Previous to the permanent organization, meetings were held in an old-time log house
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near Hendrysburg. In 1822 they separated from the Baptist Church during the great re- vival conducted by Bishop Campbell, and un- der the ministry of their pastor, Rev. William Lee, formed the Christian Church above re- ferred to.
The prominent members of the church in those days were the Hoovers, Israels, Conners, Dallases and Tracys. About the year 1840, the State was divided into 16 church districts and the district to which Morristown was as- signed was served by Revs. John Flick, Charles Van Voorhies and Alexander Hall.
In 1852 a number of the members withdrew and established a church at Mount Olivet, and in 1861 the membership in and adjoining Mor- ristown had increased so rapidly that an agree- ment was entered into with Auburn to estab- lishi a church at Morristown. Previous to its erection, meetings had been frequently held during the summer in the barn of R. B. Atkin- son. The building committee consisted of R. B. Atkinson, Samuel Dallas, Jesse Tracy, Rob- ert Israel, Isaac Adkins, Adam Cordner and Joseph Loper. When the new and handsome structure was completed, Rev. A. F. Meyers was chosen minister, a position he held until 1870. In the meantime five other congrega- tions had been formed from the mother church. In 1879-80, Rev. E. G. Gants was the preacher in charge, and the following constituted the board of elders and deacons, viz. : Robert Is- rael, Jesse Tracy, Abner Milson, Jonathan Car- penter, Lemuel Davis, William Snedeker and John Atkinson; Sunday-school superintendent, W. G. Todd; clerk, Dr. A. J. Hogue,
The church in 1902 contains a membership of upwards of 150. The pastor is Rev. H. H. Tilock, and some of the official members are John C. Israel, John J. Atkinson and Mr. Dal- las.
The Baptist Church of Morristown was or- ganized in 1836. For want of a house of wor- ship, they met in a carpenter shop for upwards of a year. During the administration of Rev. William R. McGowan, a brick church was erected in 1837 and dedicated to the service of God. With a membership of but 12 at the be-
ginning, the church increased in numbers so rapidly that during the pastorate of Rev. G. G. Boyd the membership had reached 100.
We will mention the names of the pastors in succession, viz. :- Revs. William R. Mc- Gowan, Robert Sedgwick, Thomas Irwin, William R. Mayberry, William Squibb, John Covert and G. G. Boyd. The elders in 18So were: Joel Bell and William Clark ; clerk, Da- vid L. Ewing. .
At present the church is without a pastor, and we are unable to collect later data.
THE SCHOOLS.
Squire William Barber says: "The first school teacher in Morristown was Casper Cut- tler, who conducted a private school." Other teachers mentioned are: Thomas Weir, John Hagerman and Horatio Huntington.
The usual school term was but three months in country districts, and the salary of the teacher was from $10 to $15 per month. In towns and villages the term was subsequently lengthened.
Mr. Greenlech is mentioned as one of the pioneer teachers in the old log house, where the "New England primer" the "rule of three," "readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic" was the course of study.
The school in 1902 is a graded school with primary, intermediate, and high school depart- ments, and an enrollment of 105 scholars. The superintendent is A. A. McKendree, with Miss Bessie Snyder and Miss Mary Ewers as assistants.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
There are three secret societies in Morris- town, viz: Free Masons, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias.
Hasen Lodge, F. & A. M .- The charter of Hazen Lodge was granted May 24, 1854. The following were charter members: Richard B. Ryan, Joseph W. Henderson, James Mc- Cance, Phillip Hanauer, Albert Honus, Chris- topher Hoover, James McConnaughy and George W. Hazen, after whom the lodge was
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named. The lodge continued at Morristown ( from date of charter ) until January 14, 1867, when it was moved to Belmont, but the minutes of the lodge show the first communication to have been held July 15, 1867. The lodge con- tinued at Belmont until December 27, 1884, when it was moved to Morristown and has 34 members at present.
The present officers of Hazen Lodge are: W. S. Gilham, W. M .; L. K. Russell, S. W .; L. Lynn, J. W .; H. D. Bowles, treasurer; John W. Taylor, secretary ; F. S. Milner, J.D .; C. K. Lee, tyler.
Eulalia Lodge, No. 196, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 23, 1852. The present offi- cers are: Lee Murphy, N. G .; D. C. Strahl, V. G .; A. C. Landers, secretary ; D. B. Hoge, treasurer ; M. Truby, chaplain; J. W.
Ambrose, I. Con .; W. H. Bigley, O. Con .; D. T. Phillips, 1. G .; George McConnaughy, O. G .; and H. W. Bigley, Alf. Ankrom and J. T. Crozier, trustees. The number of mem- bers in good standing is 38.
Morristown Lodge, No. 330, Knights of Pythias, was instituted February 27, 1889. The lodge meets every Thursday evening. The following is the list of officers for 1902: L. E. Bramhall, C. C .; Joseph McAllister, V. C .; E. A. Hogue, prelate; J. H. Perry, M. of W .; A. C. Landers, K. of R. & S .; A. C. Landers, M. F .; W. T. McCreary, M. Ex .; H. F. Wilson, M. A .; James Barry, I. G .; C. K. Lee. O. G .; J. E. Major, J. H. Perry, C. K. Lee, trustees; E. L. Israel, D. D. G. C. The number of members in good stand- ing is 62.
CHAPTER XX.
KIRKWOOD TOWNSHIP.
THE FIRST SETTLERS-THE STILLWATER VALLEY-DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS-THE ONLY EXECUTION IN A CENTURY-THE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-KIRK- WOOD COAL LANDS-HENDRYSBURG-THE FIRST MILLS-THE SCHOOLS-THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-SECRET SOCIETIES-SEWELLSVILLE-THE KIRK- WOOD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-SCHOOL NO. 11.
Kirkwood township was one of the first townships erected in the county. It passed the centennial mark in 1901 ; as heretofore noted, it was named after the Revolutionary hero, Capt. Robert Kirkwood.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
Among its first settlers were: Barnet, Joseph and William Groves, John Israel, McBride, Jolin Bradshaw, Hugh Gil- liland. Hugh Ford, John Burton, John Mc- Clain, A. Randall, Thomas Perkins, James Mckinney, Ralph Cowgill, William Spencer, Robert and Thomas Griffin, Josiah McCol- loch, Hugh McMahon, Robert Waddell, Thomas Barrett, James Shepherd, B. Ridge- way, Thomas Green, Philip Ward, Alexander McCormick, Rev. John McPherson, Eli Tay- lor, Patrick Hamilton, Samuel Boden, Joseph Reynolds and Robert Armstrong.
Many of the descendants of these old pioneers reside on the lands that their fore- fathers cleared with infinite labor and toil 75 and 100 years ago.
THE STILLWATER VALLEY.
The headwaters of the Stillwater rise in Kirkwood township at a point near Hendrys- burg and pursue their sluggish course through
one of the richest valleys in the world, to the point where the stream empties into the Tuscarawas.
This beautiful valley, a former National Sec- retary of Agriculture pronounced the richest corn-producing section in the United States. Old citizens claim 100 bushels of corn per acre is not an enormous yield.
Looking down upon this beautiful valley from Boden's ITill, the scene is charming beyond de- scription. For miles, the eye sweeps the wind- ing course of the sluggish river, bordered by hillsides green to their summits, or checkered with fields, golden with grain.
One of the branches of the Stillwater is named Robinson's Branch, in memory of a noted hunter by that name, who, in 1798, while hunting with a party of friends and neighbors, disappeared. Nine years thereafter, his skele- ton was found on the old Perkins farm, with his gun near-by.
Old citizens assert that the people of Kirk- wood township were intensely loyal to the government during the Civil War, and con- tributed more soldiers to the armies of the Union, in proportion to its population, than any township in the county.
DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS.
Among the men of Kirkwood township,
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who have achieved distinction in civil and political life, we might mention General Anderson, formerly United States Minister to Bolivia, and now on the Supreme bench; and Eli Shepherd, long associated with John A. Bingham, in his eminent political career, and afterward United States Minister to China.
THIE ONLY EXECUTION IN A CENTURY.
One of the most exciting incidents in the history of Kirkwood township was the murder of Louisa Fox, in 1869, by a notorious char- acter named Thomas D. Carr, a coal miner in the employ of Alexander Hunter. Carr was a man of bad repute, who had become infatuated with the beauty of the girl-for she was but 14 years of age-and because she refused to marry him, he inhumanely took the innocent's life.
After the horrible deed, he sought to commit suicide by cutting his throat and shooting himself, but failed. When arrested, his wounds were dressed and he was committed to jail.
At the spring term of court following, he was tried before Judge Way. Judges D. D. T. Cowen and O. J. Swaney, two lawyers of great skill and ability, were assigned by the court to defend the prisoner. Hon. Lorenzo Danford was appointed to assist the prosecut- ing attorney, J. W. Shannon, in the prosecu- tion. After an intensely exciting trial, extend- ing over a period of five days, the jury brought in a verdict of guilty, and Carr was sentenced to be hanged on August 20th; but a stay of proceedings was secured, and the execution did not take place until March 24, 1870. This was the first and only execution for murder within the boundaries of Belmont County in the century just closed.
Sheriff William Hayes would only admit a few persons to witness the execution. The old jail in which Carr was hanged has long since been removed, and nearly all who par- ticipated in the trial have passed away. The jury in this noted case consisted of Solomon Hoge, Jolin Work, John A. Grove, William
Patterson, Samuel F. Davis. Lee Evans, Thomas Pyle, Allen Bond, John A. Neff, James Kerr, Isaac Meek and Alexander Mc- Ilravy, all prominent and influential citizens 30 years ago, only two of whom are still living. THIE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
The population of Kirkwood township in 1900 was 1,698, a loss of 152 since 1890. While there is a slight loss in population there is an increase of property on the tax dupli- cate. In Sewellsville precinct alone the in- crease amounts to $1,542, while the tax levy for 1902 is 1.32 as against 1.64 in 1901.
John Israel was one of the first justices of the peace in Kirkwood township. He was fol- lowed by William B. Beall, John H. Johnson, Jarvis A. Moore, T. Lacock, and John Mc- Pherson. Barnett Taylor filled the office for 20 consecutive years. The present trustees are: George Burstler, R. P. Majors and S. W. Perkins. The township officials in 1902 are: Clerk, H. H. Murphy ; treasurer, J. W. Wilson.
KIRKWOOD COAL LANDS.
The block of coal lands taken up by W. S. Mechem and Joseph H. Douglass in Kirk- wood township and vicinity has been sold to Eastern capitalists. The block contains 5,000 or more acres lying north of Barnesville and west of the Hendrysburg & Barnesville Pike. We are informed that arrangements for the payment of the same will be made at once, and at an average of $12 per acre it means that $60,000 will soon be placed in the hands of the farmers interested in the deal. It is under- stood, also, that negotiations are now on, with good prospect for success, of adding several thousand more acres to the block and thus distributing a proportionate sum of money throughout this neighborhood.
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