Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 40

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 40

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The pastors who have served this church in the past have been : Revs. G. W. Hissey, John Woodward, H. T. Lawson, Patrick King, T. 11. Scott. Thomas Orr, J. B. McCormick, S. Lancaster, E. Hoagland, E. Looman, J. D. Murphy, Dr. Link. E. S. Dollison, M. Lee, E. M. Hougland, John Cooper, J. M. Wells and W. S. Murphy.

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

The Christian Church of Belmont was or- ganized in 1889, and the members worshiped in a neat frame church. The membership in 1902 miimbers 80 and the elders in charge are Joseph Burson, Joseph Bolon and Alonzo Or- rison. They have no stated pastor.

BETIIESDA

Is a town of 850 population and is, situated about six mlies east of Barnesville.

It was named after Bethesda Church and P. O., which were located a mile or more south. When the post office was removed to the rail- road station, the postmaster, Mr. Patterson, carried the name of the post office with him. The railroad station, however, was called Burr's Mills, after the gentleman who erected a mill on the railroad at that point. Mr. Burr subsequently laid out a little village, which was established in 1855. This village, because of its high and beautiful location, was called Fairmount. Thus the village and railroad sta- tion and post office had cach different names. Eventually the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad adopted Bethesda as the name of the station, when by common consent the other titles, Burr's Mills and Fairmount, were dropped, and the village is now known as Bethesda.

THE EPWORTII ASSEMBLY.

On August 31, 1870, the Barnesville District Camp Meeting Association met at the Shirer Methodist Episcopal Chapel, adjoining the vil- lage, and after discussion determined to pur- chase the beautiful grove adjoining for camp meeting purposes. These grounds contained 18 acres, well-watered, with bountiful shade, and capable of accommodating 10,000 people. Subscription papers were circulated by William Dowdell, William Davis, Frank McMillan, John Walker and J. B. Shipman. Soon there- after the sum of $1.410.58 was realized and the grounds were purchased.

Forty or fifty neat cottages were built and immense assemblies thereafter collected anni- ally for a period of 20 years.

And thus the camp meetings continued un- til 1890 which was the last one held.

CHAUTAUQUA ASSEMBLY.

At a business meeting held November 11, 1890, three ministers of the Barnesville dis- trict were appointed a committee to arrange for Chautauqua Assembly for the year 1891, the committee being Rev. T. W. Lane, Dr. C. E. Manchester and Rev. C. M. Hollett. May 21st, at a meeting of the board of managers held on the Epworth Park grounds, the said committee submitted their plans and program, which was approved and the suni of $500 ap- propriated for the purpose and placed at their disposal. J. Melvin Richards and A. Gregg were added to the committee. It was ordered that an auditorium be built in the square at a cost not to exceed $500. The first Epworth Park Assembly was held in July, 1891, and proved a grand success. The work has con- tinued without interruption and has long since passed the experimental stage. Among the many improvements added is a beautiful lake for boating and bathing. The 12th Annual Assembly held this year ( 1902) was the most satisfactory of any yet held.

The present officers are: J. A. Judkins, M. D., chairman; G. E. Hunt, treasurer; J. Mel- vin Richards, secretary and superintendent of grounds; J. A. Judkins, J. L. Woodward, C. H. Dankworth, J. W. Garber, J. 11. Hoffman and M. Aldredge; Dr. M. J. Shitz, superinten- dent of instruction; Revs. A. J. Hliatt, D. W. Knight and J. A. Judkins, M. D., and J. Mel- vin Richards, committee on program.

THE GROWTH OF THE VILLAGE.

The population of the village in 1880 was but 150 and there were but a few stores. To- day the population is nearly 900 and there are in successful operation io cigar factories that yield an annual output of 20,000,000 cigars and give employment to 250 hands, and there are in addition it business houses and one box factory.

EPWORTH PARK.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

The assessor's returns reveal a gain of $14,- . 216 in the personal property upon the tax dup- licate, while the tax levy has been reduced to 1.60. The postmaster in 1902 is T. F. Thomp- son.

TIIE FIRST NATIONAL BANK

Of Bethesda was organized May 25, 1900. and comemnced business December 16, 1900. The original board of directors consisted of H. H. Gregg, J. E. Lucas, T. M. Kildow, H. R. Wilson, J. T. Patterson, A. L. Kemp, J. W. Wilkinson and John Shepherd, with T. M. Kildow, president ; J. E. Lucas, vice-president ; and E. F. Barnes, cashier. There have been added to the board of directors since organi- zation C. O. Kelly and A. E. Hogue.

The capital stock is $25,000, with a surplus of $2,500 and deposits amounting to $135,000. The bank has enjoyed the entire confidence of the community from the beginning.

THE SCHOOL.

The village school has kept pace with the town in growth. Twenty years ago it was a little brick building near the Shirer Church. Today it is a commodious school building, with five rooms and an enrollment of 183, namely : Male, Io1; female, 82. The school is in a

prosperons condition and furnished with all modern appointments. The instructors are A. II. Rummel, superintendent; F. L. Mavis, grammar department; Effie Berry, intermedi- ate department; and Elsie Langle, primary de- partment.

TIIE BETIIESDA METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,

As heretofore stated, was organized in 1834-35 at a point nearly two miles south of the pres- ent village. When in 1860 a new building was required to accommodate the increasing num- bers, it was decided to erect the building in the village and adjoining the camp grounds. This little frame church was called Shirer Chapel, after an esteemed pastor.

Some of the ministers who have served this people are : Revs. S. Y. Kennedy, D. M. Hol- lister, Gideon Martin, A. G. Robb and W. D. Starkey. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Pat- terson and the official board consists of Arthur Gregg, president; J. Melvin Richards, secre- tary; J. A. Latham, treasurer; Dr. J. W. Piper, W. W. Gilmore, John Hatcher and E. S. McMillen.

The building committee for the new church in course of construction is composed of Ar- thur Gregg, Dr. J. W. Piper and J. Melvin Richards.

CHAPTER XXV.

MEAD TOWNSHIP.

COL. DAVID LOCKWOOD-THE FIRST SETTLERS-THE MINING INDUSTRY-THE MILLING INDUSTRY-THE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-BETHEL-MOUNT SUMMIT PARK-THE BETHIEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-BUSINESSBURG-OLD CITIZENS- THE GREAT FLOOD OF 1884-THE SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-CANNING FACTORY- REMINISCENCES-A BLOODY TRAGEDY-AN INCIDENT OF PIONEER DAYS-AN ANECDOTE OF LEWIS WETZEL.

COL. DAVID LOCKWOOD.

One of the first settlers of Mead township was Col. David Lockwood of Revolutionary fame, who, at the conclusion of the war, located at Dillie's Bottom in 1800.

Because of his zeal and patriotism in the cause of America, Colonel Lockwood was hon- ored by his fellow citizens with a position as one of the first associate judges of the county, a position he filled with much honor and ability for years.

After the formation of the township, it was named Mead, in honor of Colonel Lockwood's mother.

TIIE FIRST SETTLERS.

Old Squire McMasters, who is still living at a ripe old age, says the first settlement in Mead township was made along the river front in 1793-95 by the Dillies, Hayeses, Colemans, Sheweys, Smiths, Rileys, Dunfees, Creamers, Lockwoods and Me Elherrens.

A number of these carly settlers, notably the Smiths, Colemans and Sheweys, located at Dil- lie's Bottom for the protection that the fort af- forded. The depredations of the Indians were so hostile that the Dillies and their neighbors were obliged in self protection to erect a block- house.

Many of the early settlers, however, sought homes on the ridge above, on what afterwards became the "Drovers' Road." This is notably true of Revs. Robinson and Hall, the Rileys, Dunfees and McElherrens. As heretofore mentioned, it was in the McElherren's home that the first court in Belmont County was held. Among the old families of a later date were the Dents, Taylors, Loys, Ramseys, MeMas- ters, Duvalls, McKelveys, Linns, Amblers, Mckinleys and McNieces.

Squire Sowerhaver of Dillie's Bottom was the first justice of the peace.

While Mead township is six miles long by four in breadth, its topography is very hilly, and it is abundantly watered by the waters of Wegee and Pipe creeks.

Dillie's Bottom and the rich bottom lands ex- tending back from the river for several miles are very fertile. In the past much valuable coal was mined from the river hills, and ship- ped by flatboats to Southern markets. The great Cleveland Gas Pipe Line crosses the . river at the month of Pipe Creek, and tra- verses the entire length of the township.

THE MINING INDUSTRY.

In 1865-66 there were five extensive mining companies in operation that yielded 700,000 bushels of coal per annum.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

These companies were the Pipe Creek Coal & Iron Company, the Empire Coal Company, Col. Thompson's mines, the U. V. Wallace mines and the Wegee mines.

There are also several immense veins of lime- stone and sandstone rock, suitable for building and road purposes.

Within the past six months, one of the most important deals in coal lands since the or- ganization of the township has been consum- mated. This purchase comprises the Pipe Creek mines owned by Johnson Brothers of Pittsburg, and their big block of coal, compris- ing over 2,000 acres, fronting on the Ohio River. The prospective purchasers are Eastern capitalists, and George Hernickle, an Eastern Ohio coal operator, is credited with engineer- ing the deal. There is no reason to doubt that the deal will be made in a very short time and a vast sum of money will be involved as the property is one of the most valuable in the castern part of the State.

It is a slope mine, at present employing about 100 men, but if the Eastern parties take hold they purpose to spend over $20,000 immediate- ly to equip it with modern machinery. It will be their plan to make it a model mine and in- crease the number of employees several times over. This will necessitate the erection of a large number of new houses and the form- ation of a new town.

TILE MILLING INDUSTRY.

" Because of superior water power, the mill- ing industry was of foremost importance in the carly history of Mead township. In 1821 David Lockwood erected a mill at Dillie's Bottom. Thirteen years later Benjamin Lock- wood built a mill three stories high with three tuns of burrs and a capacity of 50 barrels daily.

In 1845 steam was introduced, but in 1868 the boiler exploded, killing two men; there- upon steam was discarded and the mill was again operated by water power.`

While sheep husbandry is perhaps the fore- . most industry in agriculture, the farmers for

the most part pursue mixed farming, namely,- gardening upon the rich bottom lands and growing grain and stock on the hills. The farmers' surroundings are for the most part comfortable and cozy.

THE POPULATION AND TOWNSIIIP OFFICIALS.

The population of the township in 1880 was reported at 2,000. In 1890 it was returned at 1,705 and in 1900 it was given at 1,726.

While the census reveals a loss in popula- tion ,the tax duplicate shows a gain in the last year of $4,981 in the Businessburg precinct and $8,485 in the Wegee district, or a total in- crease of $13,466. The tax levy in 1901 was 1.98; in 1902, it is given at 1.81.

The township trstees are: James Hervey, S. F. Workman and William Unterzuber; township clerk, D. M. Albright; treasurer, E. Wallace; justices of the peace,-M. C. Stone- braker and Frank Finicum.

BETHEL

Is a station upon the Bellaire, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railway, containing a post office, railroad station, telephone exchange and a school and church.

The telephone company is known as the En- terprise Telephone Company, and is connected with all the independent telephone companies (as opposed to the Bell) in the county.

Located at Bethel is a school with an at- tendance of 50, conducted by Miss Nora Myers. The School Board consists of M. C. Stone- braker, S. A. White and D. F. McKelvey.

MOUNT SUMMIT PARK.

Not far from Bethel station is Mount Sum- mit Park, one of the largest and most attract- ive picnic grounds in the southern part of the county, whereat immense gatherings attend the annual farmers' picnic.

THE BETHEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Was organized By Rev. Thomas Groves in 1855, and a church building was erected in

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

1857. Fourteen years thereafter it was found necessary to enlarge and remodel the church edifice to accommodate the increasing num- bers, and this work was done under the super- vision of the pastor, Rev. James Day. The membership then numbered 200, and the board of elders consisted of Thomas Ault, M. Watt, J. M. Watt, Martin Curtland, James Hopton and Dr. Michael. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Minnemeyer, and the board of elders is constituted as follows: W. W. Watt, William King and Thomas Watt. The membership is 135

BUSINESSBURG

Is a little village located on Pipe Creek, hemmed in by hills that are almost as precipi- tous as mountains. It contains an old-time water mill, erected in 1848 by Archibald Mc- Grew and Robert Hammond. In those days Pipe Creek supplied ample water power and for seven years the mill was thus operated. In 1855 steam was introduced, and thereafter the mill was successfully operated for a period of 25 years by Allen Ramsey, James Shipman, Sylvester Creamer, David McGrew, Isaac Richner and Thomas McNiece, respectively.

OLD CITIZENS.

The store and post office are conducted by William Duvall, a venerable citizen who has been a merchant in Businessburg for half a century, and recalls the men prominent in the days of the town's prosperity. He says that the men active in township affairs in the olden times were Arch McGrew, C. Ambler, James Campbell, Allen Ramsey and Squire McMas- ter.

Among other old citizens of the township still living are John Giffen, past 90, and George Crozier, 71 years old. At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Crozier, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, left home to fight the battles of his country in the ranks of the 170th Ohio Regiment, leaving his wife and six little ones at home. At the close of the war, he returned to the old farm, where he is still living vigor- ous in mind and body.

The present population of the village is be- tween 50 and 55.

THIE GREAT FLOOD OF 1884

Nearly destroyed Businessburg. The waters of Pipe Creek rose to a height of 15 feet, and the town was practically submerged. Many houses were carried away and the loss was very heavy.

THE SCHOOLS AND CITURCHES.

The district school is conducted by Mr. Bethel and has an enrollment of 55. The school directors are: Alexander McMaster, William Ramsey and Mr. Lucas.

The first school in Mead township was built on section 32 in 1818. Another was built on Beallsville Ridge about five years later. In those days the school term was very short. The number of book were few and the teach- ers were not well qualified. Now the town- ship contains 18 excellent schools, which are conducted for nine months in the year.

There are three churches in and near Busi- nessburg, namely : The Methodist Episcopal Church of Businessburg which is included in the circuit of Rev. Mr. Bevington, with a mem- bership of 30. About one and a half miles down Pipe Creek there is an ther Methodist Episcopal Church in charge of Rev. Thomas McGuire. In Businessburg there is also a Christian Church, with a membership of 25 or 30, under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Lucas.

One of the most distinguished ministers in the Presbyterian Church was born ou Pipe Creek. Rev. Dr. Gillaspie, for years secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Pres- byterian Church in this country was a native of Mead township.

The Doctor was a graduate of Washington- Jefferson College, and also of Allegheny Theo- logical Seminary. After his appointment as secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions, he made a tour of investigation around the world and his reports were received with much favor. Dr. Gillaspie died in February, 1899.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

CANNING FACTORY.

Near Wegee a large tomato canning factory is operated by the McMillens, an industry that furnishes a ready market for the product of the extensive tomato fields in that vicinity. .

REMINISCENCES.

Cummings in his "Tour Down the Ohio" in 1807 speaks of Dillie's farm thus : "Passing the Indian Mound, we found a floating store at the landing.

"It was a large square flatboat, roofed and fitted with shelves and counter, and contain- ing a various assortment of merchandise, among which were several copper stills, of which much use is now made throughout the whole Western Country for distilling peach and apple brandy and rye whisky.

"About one o'clock, we proceeded on our voyage, passing on the right Mr. Dillie's large frame house and fine farm, round which the river takes a great bend to the westward."

A BLOODY TRAGEDY.

The old fort at Dillie's Bottom was con- structed about 1790 by Mr. Dillie as a protec- tion from the attacks of the Indians, and many thrilling stories of adventure cluster around its historic ruins. The early settlers had built their cabins within easy range of the fort for the shelter it would afford.

Between 1790 and 1795 a bloody tragedy oc- curred under the very guns of the fort, which might have been averted by a little more cour- age upon the part of the fort's defenders.

One morning an old pioneer named Tate was shot down by some concealed Indians the mo- ment he stepped out of his door. His children quickly pulled him in and barred the door. But the Indians ran forward with yells and tried to break down the barrier, and failing in their efforts they fired through the closed doors and seriously wounded the boy. As the woman sought to escape through the chimney, she was shot and fell into the fire. The wounded boy

pulled her out and then sought a hiding place. Eventually the Indians forced an entrance and killed the girl at the door and brutally scalped the three that were shot.

The wounded boy who was hidden escaped to the fort while the Indians were slaughtering his kindred, and when the massacre was com- pleted the Indians escaped.

The entire bloody deed was witnessed by the inmates of the fort, who had not the skill nor courage to attack, though the number of sav- ages did not exceed 13 in number.

The Lockwoods, both David and Benjamin, were great hunters as well as valiant soldiers. Benjamin was attacked at one time by a horde of howling wolves and only escaped death by the speed of his alarmed and excited beast.

AN INCIDENT OF PIONEER DAYS.

It is related of the wife of Major Smith, one of the pioneer residents of Dillie's Bottom, that on one occasion a great bear entered the door- yard. With courage she called the dogs and soon a life and death struggle began. The dogs began to worry and annoy the wild beast to such an extent that it took to a tree for self preservation. Then Mrs. Smith with consum- mate skill fired the trusty rifle at the wild beast, killing it at one shot.

AN ANECDOTE OF LEWIS WETZEL.

Before General Wayne achieved his great victory over the British and Indians, Lewis Wetzel had just got back from a long visit to his brothers and was at Dillie's fort for a few days.

Below the fort was a boastful fellow named Forshay, who was somewhat of a scout and hunter but who was constantly boasting of his prowess in these acts. He had a great jealousy of Wetzel and the fame he had acquired and delighted to spread his feats of hunting and scouting in Wetzel's presence. On this oc- casion he asked who Wetzel was and when told he replied with the air of a braggart: "No white man or hunter either coukl come upon him in the woods."

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

Wetzel smiled sneeringly. Forshay repeated his boast with a proud shake of the head. Wet- zel. could stand it no longer and turning to Forshay said: "See here, Mister, I ain't much on the hunt, but I'll bet you I can pounce upon you in the woods any whar and you won't see nor hear me, till I slap you on the shoul- ders." Forshay laughed scornfully and ac- cepted the challenge.

The crowd eagerly followed to witness the feat. Forshay selected an open piece of ground near Kirkwood's cabin at Bridgeport. There was but little undergrowth for a quarter of an acre, with but an occasional tree here and there, and a thicket all around.

On the north side there was a very steep bank, leaving Forshay with practically but

three sides to guard. Wetzel entered the thick- et and when Forshay was ready Wetzel shout- ed from the thicket: "Look out or I'll scalp you."

Forshay kept a vigilant watch, and the crowd looked on eagerly, but in silence, when Wet- zel like a spirit sprang from the thicket with- out the rustle of a leaf, and struck Forshay on the shoulder a blow so hard that he fell. Springing to his feet, he cried in anger, "I dare you to do that again." Without bluster Wetzel again stepped into the woods and again shouted, "Ready," and before either the crowd or the victim was prepared, Wetzel had again sprung upon Forshay, and struck him on the shoulder.

Forshay reluctantly acknowledged he was beaten.

CHAPTER XXVI.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS-DEPRIVATIONS OF THE PIONEERS -- THE FIRST SETTLERS -THE POPULATION-THE INDUSTRIES-THE MINERAL RESOURCES-THIE FIRST MILLS-TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS-ARMSTRONG'S MILLS-THE CHURCHES AND SCHOOL -EMINENT CITIZENS-HON. ISAAC WELSH AND LEROY WELSHI.

Washington township was organized in 1830-31. It was the last township erected in the county, and it was formed from sections of York and Wayne townships. Its bounda- ries have been elsewhere described.

THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS

Were made along the banks of the Captina in 1797. This beautiful stream, and its tributaries, traverse the entire length of the township, emp- tying into the Ohio at Powhatan. In many places the creek is as wide and deep as a little river, and the limpid waters are well stocked with fish. Some of the old settlers boasted of having caught salmon weighing 16 pounds and upwards, and in the spring the stream was thronged with schools of bass, suckers, stur- geons, perch, salmon and sunfish. The death holes in the streams were numerous, and had to be carefully avoided by swimmers.

DEPRIVATIONS OF THE PIONEERS.

The bottom lands were first settled, but the clearing was very difficult; times were very hard, and while game was plentiful, they had 10 mills or stores or roads, but were obliged to travel over bridle paths to Wheeling to buy food, which consisted principally of corn and bacon. The corn was purchased at high prices. It was packed home on horses, and pounded in

a home-made mortar, which was made of gum wood, with one end burnt in a funnel shape. It was the boast of the first settlers that they subsisted on but one meal a day. Sometimes they were obliged through necessity to abstain from cating food for several days. After these prolonged fasts, a large wild turkey roasted was eaten at a single meal. Because of these great privations, the pioneers were compelled to practice the utmost economy. Their clothes consisted of buckskins of their own tanning. Their plows were rudely made, with wooden mold-boards, which were split out of a block of wood. This was an excellent plow for rooty ground. In the matter of har- ness for their horses, ropes were used for trace- chains, corn husks were formed into collars, and hickory withes served for log chains.

THE FIRST SETTLERS.

The pioneers that first effected settlements in Washington township were the Danfords, Perkinses, Reeds, Hendershots, Armstrongs, Welshes, Groveses, Caldwells, etc.

The descendants of these old settlers have been prominently identified with every move- ment looking to the growth and development of the county and the State, and their children and children's children have been and are to-

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

day active in politics, earnest in education, and foremost in religion.

THE POPULATION

Of the township in 1879-So was placed at 1,500. The census of 1900 shows an increase of about 50. The valuation of personal prop- erty upon the tax duplicate for 1901 is $115,- 586, and in 1902 $120,621, showing an in- crease of $5,035, while the tax levy has been re- duced from 1.93 in 1901 to 1.74 in 1902.

THE INDUSTRIES.

Washington being an inland township, its citizens are for the most part engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. The bottom lands bordering the banks of the Captina are extremely fertile and while the hills are abrupt and broken by streams they are highly productive when sub- jected to careful farming.

One of the leading merchants of Arm- strong's Mills informed me that while sheep and wool and grain and grass were extensively grown in Washington township, the leading farm crops-the crops that brought in the largest returns-were poultry and eggs.

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 40

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