History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 112

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728

USA > Ohio > Jefferson County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 112
USA > Ohio > Belmont County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 112

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).

The power of the explosive force may be inferred from the following facts : The body of James Padget, assistant engineer, was blown fifty yards away, an unrecognizable mass of erushed bone and flesh ; the piece of the boiler that struck Padgett -- of fifty pounds weight-was carried against the house of John Henthorn on Chestnut street, seventy yards away, knocking off' a stone chimney and part of the roof, breaking one of the raf- ters. Posts ten inches square were twisted off as if they had been twigs; oak timbers four inches square were beaten into splinters ; two cross-ties, on which the engine rested. were whirled fifty yards away-one into Hilton street, and the other across the railroad towards Chestnut street; the five wires of the Western Union Telegraph Co., at fifty yards distance, were rolled into one common rope for the length between the poles ; the engine was torn to pieces, and the boiler itself ripped into shreds ; about twelve feet of the boiler, from its bead, was torn spirally down its length like the thread of a serew, to within two feet of the boiler, and the whole, with boiler-head, thrown thirty feet off, and the coil lapped flat over a pile of boards. That the entire building was lifted several feet from its founda- tion is established by eye witnesses. But if there was no such testimony, the case of Wm. King, colored teamster of the mill, would prove it beyond a doubt. The team was standing in a pass-way at the north end of the building, not over five feet away. Mr. King was on the north side of the wagon kneeling down looking into the hub of a hind wheel. The building sat on pillars not over a foot high, and the first floor of the building at the north side, had boards piled on it ten feet high and twen- ty feet wide, running the entire length of the main building. Now Mr. King was carried by the explosive force seven feet

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

from where he had been kneeling, through a door into another small honse on the north side of the pass-way.

The effects of the explosion npon the ground and people were similar to that of earthquakes. The jar wave bounced from one point to another, opening doors, throwing down goods and furniture and felling chimneys, leaving intermediate places in- affected.

The sound wave jumped and bounded in the same manner, not being heard at some points close by, and yet heard at the distance of five miles. The people were overwhelmed with a bewilderment for several days, during which time all business and all care for business were almost totally suspended in the village.

In the month of February, 1879, Mr. James Johnson, an em- ploye in the furniture mannfactory of Hague & Co., on Arch street, became entangled in the belting of the turning lathe, was carried around the shaft of the lathe and so badly hurt that he died in a few hours.

GAS WORKS.

At the spring election in 1874, Barnesville, by vote, authorized the formation of a gas company. In the following summer sub- scription books for the capital stock of the proposed company were opened, and in a brief period the necessary stock was taken. On the 15th of August, 1874, a meeting of stockholders was held and the company formed. The following persons at that meet- ing were chosen directors : William A, Talbott, Francis Davis, R. M. Gunning, Henry T. Odell, James M. Lewis, William T. Harlan and John Bradfield. August 17, 1874, the company or- ganized by the election of William A. Talbott, president; secre- tary, R. M. Gunning ; treasurer, Henry F. Odell; executive com- mittee, Francis Davis, James M. Lewis and William T. Harlan, December 16, 1874, constitution and by-laws adopted by the stockholders.

The builder of the gas works was B. Van Steinberg ; cost of construction twenty-four thousand dollars, First superintend- ent Samuel Hilles, The present superintendent is George W. Trisler. December 25, 1874, Christmas night, first gas burned, with general strangulation, but in about a week the gas proved satisfactory to the directory. The illuminating quality of the gas has been ever since of the very highest order.

The following persons constitute the present directory : John Bradfield, Francis Davis, James M. Lewis, S. C. Hilles, W. H. Anderson, Adam Bentz and Dr. J. S. Ely. Present officers are : President, John Bradfield ; secretary and treasurer, Dr. James S. Ely; executive committee, James M. Lewis, S. C. Hilles and Adam Bentz.

The gas works are in good running order, quality of gas ex- cellent, and the consumption fair. In 1877, a young man named Tracy Clark was suffocated at the gas works.

BARNESVILLE FOUNDRY.

In 1862, Joseph Watts, with the assistance of his son, J. H. Watt, and under many discouraging circumstances, succeeded in starting a foundry in a small building on Church street, This building was a small frame structure 20x30 feet. The bus- iness was at first very limited, the articles manufactured consist- ing almost entirely of plow points. Their trade, however, con- stantly increased, and in 1865 J. H. &J. W. Watt formed a co- partnership under the firm name of J. H. Watt & Bro. In 1867, the present alliance was effected, another brother, S. Watt, com- ing into the firm, changing the firm name to J. H. Watt & Bros. In 1865 the firm purchased their first heating stove pattern, and in 1867 they added to this a variety of cooking and parlor stove patterns. As their trade gradually increased the original build- ing became too small to meet their requirements. Accordingly in 1868, they erected a more commodious foundry building 50x50 feet which is still owned by them as a foundry. In order to meet the increasing demands of their trade, the firm found it necessary to provide some place to be used as a warehouse, ac- cordingly in 1870 they built a two story building 22x70, The first floor containing sale-room, office, and "fitting-up" room. The second story to be used as a room in which to keep pat- terns, &c. In 1878, another addition was made to the establish- ment in the way of a machine shop, containing lathe, drill, &c., for boring and turning car wheels and axles.

In January, 1877, there occurred in this foundry one of the most peculiar accidents ever known. It appears that one day running off the "heat," the surplus iron and slag from the cupo- la was dropped on some ice that had formed under it. This produced a gas, which exploded with terrific violence, shaking

the building, breaking the windows, and doing no end of dam- age. The foundry doors were blown off their hinges, planks were thrown the whole length of the building, the roof was raised perceptibly, while the cupola itself was moved several inches, although it was held down by the weight of a heavy smoke stack. At the time of the accident more than a dozen persons were standing in the building, but strange to say, none of them were injured in any way, with the exception of a slight burn, which the "cupola man" received.

The number of hands employed by the firm at present is abont ten, although it is often more than that number.

The principal articles manufactured are stoves, hollow-ware, grates, grate-bars, coal car wheels, columns, lamp-posts, chim- ney tops, &c., &c. In fact a general assortment of goods, such as are usually manufactured in a first class foundry.

The principal article manufactured now, however, is a self- oiling coal car wheel of their own invention, by the use of which a great saving of both time and oil is effected. The in- vention consists of a box cast between the arms of the wheel for a receptacle for the oil. When this is once filled with oil, it is sufficent to last from four to six weeks. The wheel also has protections on both point and butt, which suffer no slack or dirt to work into and cut the spindle.

BUCKEYE BURIAL MANUFACTORY.

In 1872, Frame Bros. and Lloyd erected this building for a carriage factory, and conducted the same under the firm name Frame Bros. & Lloyd, until 1874, when Mr. Hague bought Mr. Lloyd's one-third interest, after which it assumed the name Frame Bros. & Hague. It retained this name till April, when there was a joint stock company formed. It was then known as Frame Bros. Manufacturing Company. In the spring of 1876, the firm began the manufacturing of coffins, when the company was reorganized, and has since gone by its present title. In December, 1876, the Frame brothers sold their interest to John Talbott. On the 15th day of February, 1878, owing to the gen- eral depression of the times, the firm made an assignment. After which Mr. Hague converted the first story into a planing mill, and a shop for the manufacture of the Keystone washing ma- chine, in which he does quite an extensive business. The fac- tory is located on the corner of Arch and Church streets.

NAIL FACTORY.

In the year 1810, Mr. James Riggs, a wrought nail maker, of Hagerstown, Maryland, came to Barnesville, and shortly thereafter bonght lot No. 47, on Main street. He at once pro- ceeded to erect thereon a dwelling and a factory of three forges, for the manufacture of wronght nails for the use of the people. To attract public attention, he had painted on the front side of his factory the words "James Riggs' Nail Factory." in large, well shaped letters. Each forge turned out each day from fif- teen to twenty pounds of nails, which were readily sold at thir- ty cents per pound. During the war (1812) his trade was a lu- crative one, but at its close the cut-nail machine having been in- vented his business was crushed and the factory abandoned. The old nail factory stood where the residence of Mrs. Jane Piper and the store room of Robert H. Piper now stand. It was a long, low structure, built of wood, and after Mr. Riggs aban- doned the making of nails it was converted into a tobacco pack- ing house by Hon. Thomas Shannon, It was finally swept away by the march of events.

DRUG STORES.

In the year 1835, Mr. Lewis H. Green started the first drug store ever kept in Barnesville. It was kept in the brick house one door south of the liquor store of John W. Stephens. Mr. Green continued the drug business here until 1837, when he re- moved to St. Clairsville, Ohio. Anterior to this drug store Ben- jamin H, Mackall (father of Col. Mackall) kept in connection with his drug store a very well selected assortment of apotheca- ries' articles, as well as paints and oils. Patent medicines were then few and but little known, Houck's panacea, Judkins' salve, Wistar's balsam, Vicker's embrocation, opodeldoc, oil of spike and medicamentum were about all of the healing nostrums then wrapped in the mystery of the patent.

The second attempt at the drug business in Barnesville was made by Dr. James Warfield in 1852, and for several years he had undisputed sway of that branch of trade. The war of the rebellion precipitated upon the town a shoal of drug stores, and

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

since then there has never been less than four of these establish - ments in the village.

MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATIONS.

The act of the General Assembly, by which Barnesville be- came an incorporated village, was passed in the winter of 1835-6. At the spring election of 1836, Isaac Barnes, a son of the pro- prietor of the town. was chosen its first mayor. From that time until 1855 the records of the town have been lost, and it is im- possible to supply their place by traditional evidence. The offi- cers, however, were elected annually, and the following persons were chosen mayors of the village and very nearly in the order of the names given : Lewis H. Green, Col. Benjamin Mackall (several terms), Kelion Hager, John McGill (several terms), Evan Butler and John McCune. From 1855 the records of the town have been well preserved, and the following is a list of the mayors with the time they served annexed to their names : Benjamin Davenport-April. 1855, to April, 1856. John Davenport, Esq .- April, 1856, to April, 1858. Stephen Wilson-April. 1858, to November 1, 1858. S. J. Evans-November 1, 1858, to April 1, 1861. N. Criswell-April 1. 1861, to April, 1862. Handel Vance-April, 1862, to December 1, 1862. H. F. Odell-December 1, 1862, to April, 1864. Benjamin Davenport-April, 1864, to April, 1866. John M. Gardner-April, 1866, to April, 1867. James W. Warfield-April, 1867, to April, 1868. Benjamin Davenport-April, 1868, to April, 1869. John M. Gardner-April, 1869, to April, 1870. R. C. Graves-April, 1870, to April, 1871. James A. Barnes-April, 1871, to May 1, 1871. Michael D. King-May, 1871, to February 16, 1874. John M. Gardner-February 16, 1874, to April, 1874. R. H. Taneyhill-April, 1874. to April, 1876.

H. W. Baker-April, 1876, to April, 1878, and re-elected for the term ending in April, 1880, and is now in office.

ROYAL ARCH MASONS.

On the 15th day of February, A. D. 1856, a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was organized at Barnesville under a charter granted by proper authority. The following is a list of the first officers of the chapter ;

James W. Warfield, high priest. Jenkerson Wright, king. Robert Hodgin, scribe. William H. Bines, C. H. John T. Mackall, P. S. Thomas C. Parker, R. A. C. John Kountz, G. M., 3d veil. William McCaffrey, G. M., 2d veil. Henry C. Stage, G. M., 1st veil. Col. Benjamin Mackall, secretary. Emmet Wright, treasurer. Stephen Wilson, guard.

The following list comprises the officers of the Chapter at this time :

Dr. Benjamin Mackall, high priest. Samnel B. Piper, king. Isaac Perry, scribe. William H. Anderson, C. H John S. Howard, P. S. James H. Watt. R. A. C. Allen Floyd, Esq., G. M., 3d veil. Thomas S. Frasier, G. M. 2d veil. Euclid A. Scatterday. G. M., Ist veil. Thomas Jeff. Buchanan, treasurer. Col. Benjamin Mackall, secretary. Daniel B. Edson, guard.

The Chapter is now in prosperous and vigorons operation, with sixty-five working members, Col. Benjamin Mackall has been the secretary of the Chapter from its organization to the present moment.

ODD FELLOWSHEP.

The first and only Lodge of I. O. O. F. in Barnesville was in- stituted June 13, 1851, by M. W. G. M. Samnel Craighead. The charter members were; Thomas C. Parker, William Y. Laws, Francis Davis and Joseph Eiseman. Thomas C. Parker and Joseph Eiseman are the only charter members now living. The Charter of the Lodge is signed by Samuel Graighead, M. W. G. M., and counter-signed by Alexander C. Glenn, I-41-B.&J.Ccs.

G. S. The Lodge was called the Barnesville Lodge, and its first officers were :

Thomas C. Parker, N. G. Jacob H. Parker, V. G. William Y. Laws, secretary. Joseph Eiseman, treasurer.

The first officers were installed at the hall now used by the Masonic Fraternity in the old Academy building. The present officers are :

John McDonald, N. G. Clement Hicks, V. G. Josiah Dondna, secretary. Benjamin J. Hager, per. secretary. E. V. Shipley, treasurer.

The Trustees of the Lodge are: Abel C. Hogue, William M. Nace and E. V. Shipley. The number of members at prosent is ninety-nine. The total number of members initiated since in- stitution of Lodge to January 1, 1879, is 220. Total amount paid for sick benefits is 82,299. Total amount paid for funeral outfits is $240. Total amount donated in charity since institu- tion of Lodge is 8535. Total number of deaths of actual mem- bers since organization of Lodge has been only seven. The Lodge is now in a very prosperous condition, and meets- every Saturday night at its ball over the First National Bank :

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.

"Warren Lodge" No. 76, Knights of Pythias, was instituted at Barnesville in November, 1874, by J. Hope Sutor, of Zanes- ville, Obio. The Lodge worked under dispensation until May 27, 1875, when a charter was granted it by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, the charter being signed by James W. Swope, Grand Chancellor, and S. W. Hoffman, Grand Vice Chancellor. The charter members were: George W. Ramsey, T. C. Parker, W. H. Anderson, S. B. Piper. C. Young, Thos. S. Frasier. Wm. T. Evans, W. W. Frasier, Geo. E. Hilles, Win. Hilles, Jas. H. Watt, Stewart Watt, John W. Watt, B. H. Mackall, B. F. Mackall, Henry R. Brown, H. Eaton, Jesse Starbnek, T. J. Carr, E. R. Dickison, Win. Hoyle, Geo. McClelland, J. J. Parker, W. W. Barlow, W. A. Talbott, G. A. Shipley, E. V. Shipley. John Wor- rell, R. T. Chaney, C. Dawson, Henry Stanton and E. T. Hanlon. First officers :

S. B. Piper, P. C. Hamilton Eaton, C. C. Jas. H. Watt, V. C. W. H. Anderson, P. Heury R. Brown. M. of Ex. Jesse Starbuck. M. of F. Geo. W. Ramsey, K. of R. & S. William Hilles, M. at A. W. T. Evans. J. G. B. F. Mackall, O. G.

The following have been representatives to Grand Lodge. S B. Piper, 1875; H. Eaton, 1876 ; Jas. H. Watt, 1877; W. H. An derson, 1878.

The Lodge has lost only one member by death since its orga- nization, Brother William J. Heizer, who was killed at the ex plosion of the Davis & Starbuck planing mill July 17, 1878, and was buried by the order.

The amount dispensed for benefits and charities to sick breth- . ren and transient Knights during existence of the Lodge is $163 07.

Since the institution of the lodge there have been added to it by initiation thirty-three members. Total membership at this time is fifty-seven. The lodge embraces in its membership some of the best citizens of Barnesville and is rapidly coming to the front as one of the leading benevolent societies of the town.

SHARON ENCAMPMENT 1. 0. 0. F.

Sharon Encampment No. 110, 1. O. O. F., was instituted July 29, 1868, by M. W. G. S. William M. Hubble. The charter men bers were: Daniel J. Spear. Benjamin J. Hager. I T Woods, Leven B. Ellis, Ezekiel E. Mills, William M. Reed and William Moore.

Number of members May 1. 1879, was thirty-tive Present officers : S. Il. Blowers. C. P. B. J. Hager. S.

Encampment meets second Monday night in each month, over First National Bank.

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

DRIIDS.

A Grove of Drnids was instituted at Barnesville, September 20. 1871, with the following officers : Michael D. King, noble arch. Max. Alberts, vice arch. Jeff. Buchanan, secretary. Henley Palmer, treasurer.

RED MEN.

A Wigwam of Red Men was erected at Barnesville in the year of 1872.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK.

The First National Bank of Barnesville was chartered Feb- ruary 11, 1865, with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars. Its first officers were: John Bradfield, president : W. (. Wilson, cashier. Directors-John Bradfield, J. W. Frasier, J. B. Ward, G. M. Jones, Asa Garretson, Francis Davis, J. R. Hunt.

May 5, 1879, its capital stock is $100,000. Surplus capital, twenty-six thousand dollars. Its officers at this time are : Fran- cis Davis, president ; G. E. Bradfield, cashier. Directors-Fran- cis Davis, John Bradfield, J. M. Lewis, Nicholas Judkins, Val- entine Anlt, T. J. Buchanan and J. F. Davis.

CITY HALL.

In the winter of 1875-6 the village council resolved to erect a city hall on the west side of Arch street at a cost not to exceed ten thousand dollars. By an arrangement with the trustees of Warren township a vote of the people was had upon a proposi- tion that two thousand dollars be levied upon the taxable prop- erty of the township to erect in connection with the village, and a part of the city hall, rooms for the use of the township. The proposition was adopted. So in the summer of 1876 the city hall was put up for those joint purposes. The "hall " includes engine room for fire apparatus, a lockup, Mayor's office and township office on the lower floor. A lecture room 60x40 feet with rostrum, ante-room and council chamber on the second floor.

The structure is of brick, two stories high, fronts on Arch street with a length of sixty-five feet. Its width is twenty-eight feet, with an L extending back fifty feet at the south end. It is covered by a mansard roof and the whole is surmounted by a tower, at the top of which is a town clock and a spire. The ex- terior appearance of the " hall " is fine, but the interior construc- tion is defective. The entire hall and its appointments are under the vigilance of a janitor-Mr. James McConnell being the present incumbent of that station.

BUSINESS NOTES.

BARNESVILLE WOOLEN MILLS.

These mills are located on Church street, near Arch street, and are owned by Hogue & Barlow. The old part of the mill was built by Moore & Dawson about the year 1833. It was 40×30 feet and three stories in height. It subsequently passed into the bands of Daniel Williams, and from him to his son, who afterward sold to Robert Hopper about the year 1856. In 1861 the same was purchased by Jonathan Capstack, who conducted it until the spring 1865, when it finally passed into the hands of the present proprietors. In 1869 these gentlemen enlarged the building to its present dimensions and procured all the mod- ern machinery for the manufacturing of cloth, &c. The addi- tion built is 30x27 feet, making the main building 67x30 feet and three stories high. The principal articles manufactured are blankets and stocking yarn, the latter a specialty.

CHASE'S MARBLE AND GRANITE WORKS.

The proprietor, Joseph F. Chase, was born in Martin's Ferry, March 8, 1850. His parents removed to Pennsylvania when our subject was a mere lad. Young Chase served an appren- ticeship of three years with John Anderson at West Alexander, Washington county, Pa., came to Barnesville April, 1874, and began business on his own responsibility. He came to his pres- ent location, on South Chestnut street, in April, 1878. Mr. Chase does business on a small but sure basis, doing most of the work

himself, and he being a good mechanic, his work gives universal satisfaction.

COLPITTS BROS.,

Marble and granite dealers, South Chestnut street. These three brothers learned their trade with their father, who is a skillful mechanic, and his works are to be seen not only in Ohio but in many states, which show his talent as a sculptor. They be- gan operations in Barnesville in 1875. Their business has been increasing, and they now have the greatest trade of any firm in town. Their products are marble and granite monuments, headstones, &c.

CHARLES A. LITTLE,

Carriage manufacturer. Mr. Little is a practical carriage-maker. He first served an apprenticeship of four years with F. M. Allen & Co., at Nashville, Tennessee. In 1871 he went to Richmond, Indiana, and has worked at various places. He came to Barnes- ville in 1876, and rented a shop of C'arr & Scott, on Chestnut street, where he carries on quite an extensive business. He employs four men, all good mechanics. The material used in the construction ot his vehicles is of the best quality, hence the universal satisfaction which he gives. Hle confines himself ex- chisively to the building of carriages and buggies.

BARNESVILLE COAL WORKS.

These works are about five hundred yards east of the depot. In the spring of 1874, a shaft was sunk to the upper vein by Chalkley Dawson, and in October following it was consumed by fire. It was immediately rebuilt by Mr. Dawson, and in the coming spring and summer it was sunk to its present depth by Dawson & Stanton-to a depth of 170 feet, the vein being from four to five feet in thickness. Its yearly capacity is 175,000 bushels. From ten to fifteen men are employed in these works constantly. The daily product is 4,000 bushels.

EDGAR, HOGUE & CO.

Operators of saw mill. This mill is of the Griffith & Wedge make and is a portable one. Was brought to its present loca- tion some eighteen months since and ocenpies the site of the mill which burned down three years ago. This mill saws on an average per day, five thousand feet, and is one of the best in the county.

BUCHANAN & MOORE,

Dealers in leather, shoe findings, saddlery hardware, carriage trimmings, wool, sheep pelts and furs. Business roomis on Main street, near Arch, Barnesville, Ohio. This business was estab- lished by N. Patterson in about 1855. Mr. Moore first began as clerk in November, 1864, and in fonr years later the firm of Bu- chanan & Moore, its present proprietors, started.

ALBERT HOTEL.

Is located on Sonth Main street. The walls ot this building were erected by the Mills heirs in abont 1867, and the building was finished by Max Albert in 1872, and has been kept as a hotel by him ever since. The building is of brick, three stories in height, eighty feet in length by sixty in width. It contains thirty-two bed-rooms, a fine parlor and a dining-room thirty feet square. It is one of the best buildings in the town of Barnes- ville.

HIBBARD & DENT.

These gentlemen are engaged in merchant tailoring, dry goods and notions. Store, located on Main street, opposite the Frazier House. Their room is 18x101 feet, and they carry the largest stock of any establishment of the kind in Barnesville. The firm was first started by Hibbard, Dent & Giffin, in March, 1872. In 1873, the latter withdrew, leaving the present firm. Merchant tailoring made a specialty. Mr. Hibbard successfully does the cutting and fitting.

MISS JENNIE PICKERING,

Fashionable milliner and dressmaker, and dealer in ladies' no- tions of all kinds, Has been engaged in dressmaking for the past five years and began millinery in 1877. Was a partner

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History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 112

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 728

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728