USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 42
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
The village of Somerton is a pretty upland town, with a population of about 250. It was established between 1816 and 1818 by one of the pioneer settlers heretofore mentioned, namely, Boden Stanton.
It is asserted that the first postmaster was Richard Andrews, who built one of the first houses in the village. The present postmaster is J. S. Wilson. The first mail was carried upon horseback from St. Clairsville weekly and some years later it was received twice a week via Fairview.
The first buildings erected were a house and blacksmith shop by Moses Davis. Today the streets are bordered by numerous comfort- able homes and a number of stores, wagon shops, etc.
SOME OLD CITIZENS.
Some of the old citizens of Somerset town- ship are James Bishop, 85 years of age, J. P. Strahl, 84 years of age, Samuel Starbuck, 80, and Jacob Bishop, nearly 70.
THE SCHOOLS
Of Somerton were built in 1820 and consisted of a round log building chinked with mud and a clapboard roof, with the usual accompani- ments of a puncheon floor.
The present modern building was erected in 1890 and is presided over by Prof. T. P.
Harris, who is assisted by Miss Lona Hobbs. The enrollment numbers 105. The village Board of Education in 1902 consists of Atwood Warrick, S. B. Warrick and W. A. Lucas, clerk.
THIE BELMONT BANK
Is a private institution that has been in suc- cessful operation since January 25, 1875. It was organized-as a State bank with a capital of $50,000, with R. C. Miles, president, and T. F. Martin, cashier. The directors were Solomon Hogue, Hiram Whitacre, Samuel Starbuck, R. C. Miles, M. P. Miles, W. HI. Atkinson and S. L. Mooney.
This organization was maintained until April, 1887, when the bank was converted into a private bank, under the firm name of E. J. Hogue & Company. Solomon Hogue, one of the organizers of the bank, was for several years county comissioner, and in the perform- ance of his official duties enjoyed public confi- dence to a marked degree.
THIE CHURCHES.
The Society of Friends .- The first religious service conducted in Somerset township was by the Friends in 1818. The first overseer was Isaac Stahl, who was appointed at the first monthly meeting in April of the same year, and John Middleton was approved as minister. The old house is still standing, and the organi- zation is maintained, but the congregation from various causes has become so reduced that services are no longer held with regu- larity. The surroundings of the church and cemetery are neatly and tastefully maintained.
The Methodist 'Episcopal Church .- The first church established in Somerton, was by the Methodist Episcopals in 1831. The church service was first held in the home of John Koontz, and the sermon was preached by Rev. Philip Darby. The first class was conducted by Mr. Koontz, and the first members were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Koontz, Mr. and Mrs. Yoemm and Mrs. Davenport. Three years later, a neat brick structure was built, and it in turn was super-
316
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
seded by a new and modern brick church in 1872.
Some of the preachers who have served this people are: Revs. Darby, Bradshaw, Battelle, Armstrong, Green, Cook, Petty, Miner, Ingram, and Robb. The present pastor is P. U. Hawkins, and the present membership is 165. The official board consists of F. Skin- ner, L. Whitacre, Minnie Bircher, R. H. Skin- ner, D. L. Warrick, James S. Wilson, A. J. Warrick, John Finch and E. J. Hogue. The Sunday-school superintendent is E. B. Broom- hall.
The Presbyterian Church .- The first church edifice of this denomination at Somerton was erected in 1870 and dedicated the same year by Rev. Mr. Cross of Wheeling. Prior to the construction of the church, services were held in homes of members and in school houses. The first church thus constructed consisted of II members, namely, Rebecca Miles, G. W. Shepherd, A. G. Mccullough, wife and daugh- ter, Alcinda Hultz, Emily Findley, Katherine Benton, Lucy Williams, Stephen Brown and Keziah Brown. The first pastor was Rev. T. R. Crawford, and the first elders were A. G. McCullongh and G. W. Shepherd. Gradually the church declined in numbers and it is today practically without an existence.
The Christian Church of Somerton was established in 1892 and has today a member- ship of about 75. At the present time it is without a pastor.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Somerset Lodge, No. 354, F. & A. M., was instituted in Somerton by virtue of a charter from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, October 19, 1865, in a building purchased from G. W. Ramsey and used by him as a general store room. The first master was Emor Danford.
The past masters of the lodge are: Emor Danford, G. W. Ramsey, W. IT. Helpbringer, A. C. Thomas, J. P. Strahl, William Star- buck, Hez. Thomas, Mechem Moore, W. O. Merrill, G. A. Millison, W: S. Strahl and W. A. Lucas. The number of members is 48.
On November 20, 1899, the building with
its contents, including the records, jewels and entire paraphernalia, was consumed by fire, cause unknown. The first story of the building was occupied by Frank Detling & Company, groceries, dry goods, etc. The lodge then held regular meetings in the room over the Belmont Bank. Arrangements were at once made to erect a new building on the site of the burned one. and the contract for building the same was let to William Wiley of Jerusalem. On August 16, 1900, the lodge met for the first time in their new building which was fully completed. The present officers are: W. D. Strahl, W. M .; W. S. Strahl, S. W .; Carl Thomas, J. W .; O. T. Severns, treasurer ; WV. A. Lucas, secretary ; P. J. Creamer, S. D .; G. A. Millison, J. D .; and Frank Finch, tyler. Regular meetings are held on Friday evening, on or before the full moon in each lunar month.
Somerton Lodge, Knights of Pythias, was organized February 21, 1893, with P. J. Creamer, P. C .; E. F. Barnes, C. C .; J. K. Shotwell, V. C .; and D. L. Warrick, prelate.
The membership of the lodge in 1900 was 40, the financial condition is good, and the present officers are: C. C., D. Thornberry; V. C .. Alonzo Neptune; prelate, Rev. Hawk- ins; K. of R., A. B. Warfield; M. E., P. J. Creamer; M. F., J. K. Shotwell; M. A., Frank Ebeling; I. G., O. T. Smith ; and O. G., A. J. Warrick.
TAYLOR POST, G. A. R.
The old soldiers of Somerset township established a post in 1885 in Somerton known as Taylor Post. The first post commander was A. C. Thomas; senior vice commander, Thomas Wilson; junior vice commander, W. S. Strahil; adjutant, T. P. Harris; offi- cer of the day. J. R. Finch; surgeon, F. Thornberry; chaplain. L. W. Jones; and quartermaster, J. F. Skinner.
After the lapse of 17 years the members have been reduced until today they number but 21. The present officers are: Post com- mander, J. Bishop; senior vice commander, William Starbuck ; junior vice commander, Thomas Yarnell; quartermaster, Thomas Wil-
.
1
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
317
son; guard, A. C. Thomas; surgeon, Jolin Finch; chaplain, W. S. Strahl (lately de- ceased ) ; and adjutant, T. P. Harris.
BOSTON AND TEMPERANCEVILLE
Are the two other villages of the township, the former being laid out in 1834 and the latter in 1837.
BOSTON .- While Mordecai Harper was the first land owner in Boston, the first house was built by Joseph McMullen and the second by David White. The first church built in Boston was what was known as the Disciples' or Christian Church which was erected in 1830. In 1852 a new church was erected. Today the organization is maintained but the congrega- tion is reported small.
The present population of Boston is esti- mated at 100. There are two stores and an extensive cigar factory, conducted by Wheatley & Company. The school in Boston is under the management of the Misses S. Skinner and Pearl Jones.
TEMPERANCEVILLE was established by Rob- ert Gallagher, a man of intense temperance principles for the age in which he lived, and who thus sought to advance the cause so dear to his heart.
The present population of Temperanceville is between 150 and 200. The village school contains two rooms, under the supervision of Harmon Skinner, with Miss Armstrong as assistant. Two cigar factories are in oper- ation that employ quite a number of hands.
THE CHURCHES.
The Boston Methodist Episcopal Church .- Before the Boston Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, a little class was formed that met weekly in the homes of the members. The members of this class were: Isaac Taylor and wife, Ilugh MeMullen and wife, William McElfresh and wife and the Custer family. Perhaps the first Methodist sermon was preached in the house of Israel Taylor by Rev. Mr. Boyd in 1834.
However, the first church building was not erected until 1843. The present church build- ing is a new brick edifice erected in 1876.
Boston was formerly connected with the Morristown circuit and subsequently the Barnesville and Somerton circuits. Some of the ministers who have served the congrega- tion are: Revs. Worthington, Hamilton, Tay- lor, Wolf, Best, Coen, Edmunds, Lane, Mc- Cue, McCormick, Ellison, Vertican, Ingram, Weaver and Robb. The present pastor is P. U. Hawkins, and the membership numbers 30. When the old frame meeting house was re- moved and the new brick structure erected, the membership numbered 88.
St. Francis' Catholic Church .- Mr. Gal- lagher, the founder of Temperanceville, was an ardent Catholic as well as an intense tem- perance man, and devoted his highest endeav- ors to the establishment of a Catholic Church and it was principally through his liberality that St. Francis' Church was organized. At that time the congregation consisted of but four families, namely : McConaheys, DeLongs, Gallaghers and Jeffries.
Because of the liberality of Mr. Gallagher the church was established in 1822 and was first known as St. Dominic's Church; 32 years thereafter the little log structure was removed and a large brick building was constructed and in 1880 the congregation numbered 200. .
The priests who have served this people were Fathers Dominie, Young, Murphy, Reed, Blumer, Jacquet, O'Brien, Daley, Meagher, Pelzar, Laffin and Howes.
The present pastor is Rev. H. Moellar, and the membership practically embraces the citi- zens of the entire village.
THE OIL FIELD.
The leading industry of Temperanceville is the development of the oil field. Fifteen wells are already in operation, yielding a total aver- age of about 150 barrels per day, and new openings are under contemplation. The oil prospects in Temperanceville are promising.
THE WARRICK MURDER.
One of the most frightful tragedies in the history of the county occurred near Somerton in 1900. Two professional burglars named
-
318
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Stevens and Divine, who were reported to be from Zanesville, Ohio, entered the quiet vil- lage a few days preceding the tragedy and subsequent testimony indicated they were planning to rob the Belmont Bank, but failing to obtain a supply of nitroglycerine from Bel- laire they changed their plans.
A widow lady named Mrs. James Warrick lived about a mile from the village and her grandson, Clarence Warrick, a young man of 16 and a maiden lady named Miss Markey, made their homes with the old lady.
The day preceding the tragedy, the father of Clarence Warrick who was administrator or trustee of the widow's estate, had drawn $300 from the Barnesville bank for a year's living for the widow, and it is supposed that these robbers obtained information of the fact
and they believed he would take it to the widow's house.
The house was entered and the old lady and her companion were bound hand and foot and when Clarence was aroused he was foully murdered.
The robbers made their escape but public sentiment was so aroused that the murderers would have been summarily dealt with if caught. They were subsequently arrested, tried and convicted of murder, and sentenced to the penitentiary for life. After serving a brief term of imprisonment they were released upon a writ of error, and returned to the Bel- mont County jail to await another trial, but before the trial came off the murderers escaped from jail and have not since been heard from.
.
CHAPTER XXIX.
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. .
THE FIRST SETTLERS-SOME OLD CITIZENS-THE SOIL -COAL LANDS-NEW CASTLE AND HUNTER-THE G. A. R. HALL-THE NEW CASTLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-THE HUNTER DISCIPLES' CHURCH-NOTED HUNTERS.
Tradition says Wayne township was named after "Mad Anthony" Wayne-then at the pinnacle of his glory and fame. The township contains 36 sections, and like Smith township is in the form of a perfect square.
The first division was made in 1811, and in 1819 and 1831 divisions were again made for the completion of Washington and Somerset townships.
The first settlements were made along the banks of the Captina, whose branches tra- verse the township from east to west.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
Among the first settlers were the Houstons, Moores, Umsteads, Halls, Milhorns, Barretts, Martins, Skinners, Coons, Stanleys and Woodses.
George Hall effected a settlement in 1798 in section To with no neighbors or associates but the hunters who traveled the Indian trails and sought his cabin for a shelter upon the ap- proach of night.
Mr. Hall's wife was a beautiful and cultured Irish woman, from the city of Belfast in the north of Ireland, who excited the admiration of all who visited her humble home. Henry Mil- horn, another old citizen, erected the first water- power grist mill on the banks of the Captina. Since writing the above we have learned of his recent death, in his Sist year. The mill has been reconstructed and is still in operation.
SOME OLD CITIZENS.
Some of the oldest citizens of Wayne town- ship are Harvey Danford, aged 84, Lee Evans, 79, Ilam. Murphy, 75, Henry Milhorn, 81, Samuel Stonebraker, 65, and Mrs. Plummer of New Castle who is 92 years of age, with men- tal faculties unimpaired. On the 20th of Oc- tober, 1902, and since writing the above, Mrs. Plummer passed away.
THE SOIL
Of Wayne township, particularly on the ridges leading to New Castle, is very sandy and on "Sand Ridge" in particular it is in places so deep on the surface as to bury the felloes of the riding conveyance. Nevertheless it is pro- ductive of good corn, wheat and tobacco.
The latter is still a staple crop, and in the last week in September we saw many men and women in the fields stripping tobacco leaves and carrying the sticks to the numerous to- bacco houses that bordered the roadside where the crop was in course of drying.
Old citizens tell us that the township in early days was infested with wild beasts,- wolves, bears, panthers and deer and we are told that the banks of Captina always furnished a fine field for sportsmen.
COAL LANDS.
There are two strata of coal in Wayne
320
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
township,-one, the four and the other the six-foot coal underlying the surface. The prin- cipal part of the last named vein has been sold at prices ranging from $7 to $12 per acre. Of the four-foot vein many banks are operated for domestic use but none is shipped from the township. Iron ore is also found in limited quantities.
THE POPULATION AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
The present population of Wayne township is 1,415 as against 1,704 in 1890, and 1,500 in 1880, showing a loss of 289 in the last de- cade.
The returns of personal property as shown by the tax duplicate is $81,309 for 1902 as against $88,649 in 1901. The tax levy, how- ever, is reduced from 1.95 in 1901 to 1.77 in 1902.
The township officers for 1902 are as fol- lows: Trustees,-John Phillips, W. J. Davis and John Shry; clerk, John Creighton; treas- urer, V. A. Danford; justices of the peace, -- A. B. Warfield and Charles Love.
The first township trustees of which we can find a record are Ambrose Danford, Isaac Barrett and Philip Skinner. The earliest jus- tices of which mention is made are Thomas Williams, J. N. Evans, Isaac Moore, Joseph Moos and Elisha Harris. The service of these officers probably go back to the erection of the township.
-
The township officers 22 years ago were: Trustees,-George Powell, A. R. Wilcox and B. Starkey; justices of the peace,-D. Okey, P. King and S. F. Davis; clerk,-S. F. Davis; treasurer, - Lee Evans; constables, - J. II. Morrison and J. W. Craig.
THIE SCHOOLS.
The first school was a combined school and Methodist meeting house. It was a typical log house, built in 1805. Five years later a new school house was built in its stead. Today there are 14 neat well-conducted schools in the township. The Board of Education for 1902 consists of G. L. Miliman, Harvey Danford, E. P. Frost, John Hinton, W. J. Davis, M. D.
Craig, N. HI. Warfield, J. E. Duvall, John Shry, J. S. Wilcox, John Phillips, I. Phillips, A. I. Jenewine and Leander Davis.
NEW CASTLE AND IIUNTER.
New Castle and Hunter are the two princi- pal villages of Wayne township.
NEW CASTLE
Is situated near the center of the township with a population approximating 100. There are two stores, a small-sized cigar factory, G. A. R. Hall and Methodist Episcopal Church. The postmaster ( Pilcher P. O.) is Isaac H. Pittman. The school at New Castle is con- ducted by Miss Emma Turner, and at this time has an enrollment of 35.
A tragedy occurred near here in 1901 that stirred the whole community. William Mont- gomery, crazed by drink, shot his wife with murderous intent, and then killed himself.
THE G. A. R. HALL.
In 1885 the Civil War veterans of Wayne township determined to possess a hall of their own, and uniting their efforts erected a neat frame building in the center of the town and fitted it up with all the necessary paraphernalia. Of the original post but 25 members survive.
The officers for 1902 are: Post commander, Ambrose G. King; vice commander, L. Davis; senior vice commander, Seth Williams; chap- lain, J. A. Budd; and quartermaster, S. M. Stonebraker.
Colonel Charlesworth of St. Clairsville says : "Wayne township contributed more soldiers to the service of the Union in proportion to its population than any other township in the county."
Among the veterans yet living many com- rades tell thrilling stories of their perilous es- capes. Ambrose G. King, the post commander, was shot in the mouth and received a bullet wound on the front of his head deep enough to conceal a finger of the hand if placed in the indenture.
Mr. Shepherd, of the 3rd Ohio Regiment,
321
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
was struck by a shell at the battle of Perry- ville and thrown heels over head, smashing his canteen, bursting his belt, breaking his gun and stretching him upon the battlefield sense- less for a long time, but he providentially es- caped deatlı.
In the same battle of Perryville, Joseph Creighton was shot through the hips in the heat of the conflict, leaving him a helpless cripple for life.
THE NEW CASTLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This old church was erected 50 years ago, and is still vigorous and strong. Rev. John Clinzer was an old-fashioned Methodist cir- cuit rider who preached between Wayne and Washington townships early in their history. The pastor of the present church is Rev. H. A. Cobbledick, and the official board consists of Mrs. M. Stonebraker, Emma Van Ilorn and Arabella Rhines, stewards; Samuel Stonebrak- er, R. Van Horn and A. King, trustees.
Some of the old pastors who have served the congregation are : Revs. Coen, McKilyer, Pet- ty and McCormick.
There is also near here a church known as the "Smithites," a branch of the Christian Church, but at present it is without organiza- tion.
HUNTER is named after ex-Congressman Hunter of Monroe County, and is situated near the township line. It is in size and population about the equal of New Castle and contains one school and a church. The town was laid out over half a century ago by N. Anderson, and has a population today of less than 100. There are several stores in the village and a post office. The school is in charge of J. C. Hicks, and has an average attendance of 35.
THE HUNTER DISCIPLES' CHURCH
Was established before the village. The found- er of the village, N. Anderson, donated an acre of ground upon which to erect a church, and contributed the greater portion of the building expense.
This plain little church was burned in 1850. It is believed to have been the work of an in- cendiary. After the lapse of three years, a new brick church was erected and furnished at a cost of $1,500.
Some of the early officers were John Mil- horn and David White, and some of the early members were Eleazer Evans and wife, Wil- liam Numan and wife, Nathaniel Anderson and wife.
Some of the first preachers were John Frick, Jacob Yocum, Alexander Hall and Joseph Dunn.
About 1850 a large number of members withdrew and established a church on what was known as Chestnut Level.
The present congregation numbers about 50, and the stated pastor is Rev. A. W. Todd.
NOTED HUNTERS.
Among the noted hunters of early days was John Adams, who was a veteran soklier, and fought under General Wayne in the battle of the "Fallen Timbers." Ilis attire was a blue hunting skirt, not unlike that of an army over- coat, and a showy cape fringed with yellow in front and at the bottom. Although a giant in stature, Adams was quick of foot and of her- culean strength. After Wayne's treaty of peace, he was hunting upon the banks of Cap- tina where the forest was thick, and came across an Indian who had refused to abandon his wigwam and hunting ground. When this Indian behield Adams, he immediately con- cealed himself behind trees and brush with a view evidently of taking the latter's life. Adams also concealed himself and waited for an advantage. At last when a part of the Indian's body was exposed, Adams took de- liberate aim, fired, and the Indian fell. As Adams expressed it, "That was the last time that Indian watched for a white man."
An old settler says that it was customary with hunters to rub assafoetida on the soles of their shoes in order to attract wolves into un- occupied cabins. The wolves would follow the scent of the drug and would enter the cabins. when the hunters would crawl up from the out-
322
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
side of the cabin into the loft and shoot them at leisure.
It is related of two old settlers named Newell and Hall, who were detained on their business at the county seat longer than they had antici- pated, that they were actually surrounded with wolves on their return home. When they reached Bend Fork, a den of wolves attacked
them and it was only by the utmost cunning and care that they escaped with their lives. Bend Fork was a veritable haunt for wolves in pioneer days and it was perilous to travel that way alone at any time.
In this instance death would inevitably have ensued but for the skill and courage of the old settlers.
Representative Citizens
OHN BRADFIELD was, for a long pe- riod, a resident of Barnesville, Ohio, and was ever in the foreground of its business life. In the matter of public improvements, he probably left a greater im- press upon the city than any other person who has ever made it his home.
The birth of John Bradfield occurred in Yorkshire, England, in 1813, and in 1827 he accompanied his parents, John and Isabella Bradfield, to the United States. The little family remained for a short time in Balti- more, Maryland, but it was the father's in- tention to engage in farming, and with this object in view a suitable location was found in Belmont County, Ohio, within four miles of the growing town of Barnesville. Al- though he was ambitious to learn, he enjoyed few early advantages. His superior mental acquirements, so noticeable in after years, were gained through much reading and asso- ciation with the world. Until 1838, he re- mained on the farm and then first engaged in the buying and shipping of tobacco. His initial ventures proved profitable, and with continued success he remained in the busi- ness for the three succeeding years. Then, with his ambition stimulated by enlarged op- portunities, he conceived and carried out the idea of buying ont the large firm of James Barnes & Sons, general merchants, and thus entered upon a business career in Barnes- ville, which resulted in the legitimate accumu- lation of a large fortune. From time to time
his sons were admitted to partnership, and the business was still further expanded, until the name of Bradfield became one of the lead- ing ones in the tobacco trade throughout the State, and far beyond. After an honorable business career of more than 50 years, Mr. Bradfield retired from active labors in 1889, resigning his large interests to his capable sons, who have followed his business meth ods, as they have been the fortunate inheri- tors of much of his sagacity.
John Bradfield, during his busiest years, however, was constantly keeping in mind the development of Barnesville, and, as he was gifted with that foresight which enabled him to comprehend its needs fully, devoted him- self, with his wealth and influence, in a pub- lic-spirited manner, to meet them. The First National Bank will long be a monument to his public interest and business enterprise. From the time of its organization, in 1864, until 1875, he was its president, and retired then on account of the pressure of other en- terprises. This bank, in connection with the mercantile firm of which he was the head, built one of the finest business blocks to be found in any city of equal size in the State, and this will stand as another monument to his public spirit. Both gas and electric light- ing received his attention, and with his in- fluential backing became accomplished facts in Barnesville, contributing to its general prosperity. For many years he was the presi- dent of the gas company, retaining that of-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.