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 129

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 129
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 129

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).

Duncan Morrison took out license to keep hotel near Morris- town in 1803.

William Hill kept a public honse near the toll gate west of Morristown in 1806 or 1807.

Jacob Holtz kept hotel east of town three-quarters of a mile in the year 1806-7.

Noble Taylor kept a hotel on section thirty-two for a number of years.

Edward Milner kept hotel three miles east of town in 1808-9.

FIRST CAMP-MEETING.

It is claimed that the second camp-meeting ever in Belmont county was held in Union township in the year 1809. It was conducted by the Methodist Episcopal brethren. The attend- ance was very large and people came in great crowds from the adjoining counties, owing to its novelty.

MILLS.

Robert Griffith built a grist mill on the land now owned by Robert Alexander in about 1816.

Mc Williams built a mill north of town in 1816. It is now in the possession of a Mr. Kennon, and still in operation.

PLAINFIELD CHURCH.

The first church organization that was effected in Union, was the Plainfield congregation of the denomination of "Quakers," or "Friends." This society erected a church building of bewed logs on section 3, in 1806, which house was superceded in 1835 by a new edifice of frame 30x50, a little larger than the first one. The building is still used by them.

FIRST SCHOOLS.

The first schools of which can be obtained any knowledge in Union township, werc taught in log cabins, one situated on section 21, and another on the farm now owned by Oliver Tay- lor. As to who the teachers were, it is impossible to say. A Mr. Greenlech taught for a time in the latter named house. At. that early day schools were kept but three months in the year. To be able to read, write and teach the rudiments of arithme- tic, was all that was thought necessary, while a knowledge of "the rule of three" was considered the grand desideratum of human wisdom, Teachers received for their compensation from $10 to $15 per month.

SOLDIERS OF 1812.

The following named persons served in the war of 1812: Jo. seph Wiley, John Ault, Jacob Anldfather, James Clark, John Gaston, Wmn. Boyd, Abe Riddle, Thomas Riddle, Nicholas Gas away.

POPULATION.

The assessor reports for 1879, 427 males above twenty-one years of age, in Union township. At the October election in 1878, it polled 406 votes. It contains a population of about 2,000 inhabitants.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS FOR 1879.

Justices of the Peace - William Barber, David G. Perry and Robert Morrison.

Trustees-John Vanenran, James Dallas and Hugh Barber. Constables-F. Conner and David L. Wilson.

370

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

MORRISTOWN.

This village is situated a little south and west of the center of Union township, on the National pike, about eleven miles west of St. Clairsville. It was surveyed and laid out into lots by John Zane and William Chapline, of Wheeling, April 14, 1802, and received its name from one of the first settlers, Duncan Morrison, an early justice of the peace, and who started a tavern here in 1807, and entertained his customers as best he could in a one story log house. The town was first built upon the Wheeling road, but when the National pike was finished, the town was built along that thoroughfare.

Mrs. Hazlett carried on merchandizing from about 1806 to 1830. John Eaton carried on a store for several years, and in 1821 he was succeeded by his sons William and John, who con- tinued until 1850. E. W. Brooks began in the dry goods busi- ness in 1822, and continued until about 1827.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Nicholas Rodgers started a tannery very early, and carried on that business until 1830. Alexander Morrison carried on the saddler trade. He commenced along in 1814, and continued until about 1845. Squire Robert Morrison started a saddler shop in 1823 or 1824, and run it until 1850. John Milner car- ried on blacksmithing in 1817. Richard Bazwell was a shoe- maker, and run a shop in 1818. James Holliday was a hatter, opened out a shop in 1818, and followed that business until 1835. Samuel Clark also engaged in the same business in that year, and continued hatting until 1840. Wm. Harvey kept hotel in 1806. Wm. Gott was an early tavern keeper, and followed the business for a number of years. Mr. Lippencott kept hotel from 1815 to 1827, when his son, John Lippencott, succeeded him, and kept until 1865. Dr. Alexander Gaston commenced the practice of medicine in Morristown in 1811.

The following is a list of the postmasters of Morristown, given in the order in which they served: Duncan Morrison, Dr. Alex- ander Gaston, Alexander Morrison, John Eaton, Samuel L. Price, Robert Morrison, J. H. Arnold, Robert Morrison (again), J. R. Mitchell, Robert McKelvey, John Lippencott, J. V. Fisher, Joseph Henderson, J. W. Lippencott and Wm. Metcalf.

Morristown has two mails a day, and a stage line (daily) to the railroad, a distance of three miles.

On January 7, 1853, the village was incorporated and at an election called for that purpose the following persons were elected as the officers of the incorporation :

Mayor-Peter Bramhalt.

Clerk-Joseph R. Mitchell.

Treasurer-Stephen Gregg.

Councilmen-T. S. Ambrose, Dr. R. Hamilton, R. S. Clark,

J. W. Henderson and J. J. Handy.

The present officers (for 1879) are as follows :

Mayor-D. R. Davis.

Clerk-W. Fenton.

Treasurer-Thomas Walker. Marshall-John McConeaughy.

Councilmen-William Clark, A. J. Hogue, Lewis Murdaugh, Jesse Tracy, W. B. Morgan and T. S. Ambrose.

Before the days of railroads this village drove quite a lively trade. But now its business is somewhat curbed, although it remains quite an enterprising village. It contains a population of about 600. The following is a summary of business :

Four dry good stores, 1 tin shop, 2 drug stores, 1 tanyard, 1 steam grist mill, 2 hotels, 2 saddler shops, 3 shoe shops, 2 hard- ware stores, 4 doctors, 3 blacksmith shops, 1 wagon shop, 1 dent- ist, 1 undertaker, 1 livery stable, 3 tailors, 3 dressmakers, 1 job printing office, 1 painter, 3 carpenters, 1 silversmith, 4 stone- masons, 3 bricklayers, 1 barber shop, 2 hucksters, 2 stock deal- ers, 2 veterinary surgeons, 4 churches.

SCHOOLS.

Sixty years ago there stood a hewed log house upon the pres- ent site of the town hall, which was used for a school house for many years, and it is thought the first school taught in the vil- lage was in this building. Mrs. Lippencott attended school here for awhile, and she says the earliest teachers within her recol- lection, were Dent, Thomas Weir, the father of Gen. Weir of St. Clairsville, Jolin Hagarman, Skigans, Horatio Huntington, Burnside, Masters, Wm. Hunter, Billings, Bangs, &c. In 1835 this building was replaced by a new one built of brick, which was used until about 1863, when the present comfortable brick was erected on the old Wheeling road. This structure contains

three departments. Since its erection the schools were never known to be in a better condition. The present faculty is com- posed of John Bond, R. Moffet and Miss T. Harvey. The old school house is now occupied as a town hall.

MORRISTOWN STEAM MILL.

This flouring mill was ereeted by a joint stock company in 1856, and began operations in the spring of 1857. The company continued for about three years, when James Eaton, one of the stockholders, agreed to take the mill and pay off all incum- brances, but failing in the undertaking, it fell into the hands of Fisher & Lippeneott, who run it until in 1866, when it was sold to Israel Murdaugh, who is the present owner. It contains two run of buhrs, with a capacity of forty bushels per day. An ex- cellent quality of flour is manufactured at this mill.

FIRST INTERMENTS.

Henry Earl's body was the first to break the sod of the M. E. burying ground. His burial took place along about 1828. Smith T. Price was the first person buried in the Union Cemetery in 1844.

EULALIA LODGE NO. 196 I. O. O. F.

On the 23d of January, 1852, this lodge received its charter, and on April 19, following, it was instituted by the Right Worthy Grand officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, who were as follows :

N. G. Williams, R. W. G. M. Alex. Glenn, R. W. G. S. L. E. Leleecovey, D. G. M. Jonn P. Fratian, G. W. W. F. Slater, G. T.

The following named gentlemen were the charter members: H. D, McCarty, Wm. Lynn, J. J. Handy, O. G. Metcalf, Andrew Fulton, Philip Hanover, Samuel Hanover, Solomon Hanover, Henry Seligman. After the formation, the following were chosen as its officers :

H. D. McCarty, N. G. O. G. Metcalf, V. G. Andrew Fulton, Treasurer. W. C. Gaston, Secretary.

Sinee its organization it has initiated 149. Hendrysburg and Belmont lodges have been taken from the membership of Eula- lia lodge, leaving them a membership of 25. It meets in its own hall, which is 40x40, and cost the society $1,500.

PRESENT OFFICERS.

D. R. Davis, N. G. George Barnes, V. G. David Hogue, Secretary. Isaac Merdoch, Treasurer. This society is in a flourishing condition; attendance good, and meetings both profitable and interesting.

MORRISTOWN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

In an early day Mr. John Perry, Mrs. Margaret Hazlett, Mrs. Rachel Gaston, Mrs. Martha Eaton and Mrs. Martha Morrison, were accustomed to hold prayer meeting and pray for the out- pouring of God's holy spirit upon this town. Desiring to have preaching, they commissioned John Perry to apply to the Pres- bytery of Steubenville, and request the appointment of preach- ing at Morristown. With him they sent six dollars, raised by the above named parties, with which to pay the preacher. Rev. Abram Scott was appointed to preach. He preached twice for them for the six dollars-two Sabbaths in the spring of 1822.

Another purse was raised, and for a specified sum Rev. A. Scott preached about one Sabbath in each month, until Septem- ber 25, 1824, then the church society was organized by Rev. Wm. McMillin, D. D., at the house of Dr. Alex. Gaston, now oc- cupied by Mrs. Mary Harris. He preached for them one-half his time, until April 11, 1832, when he died. They held their meetings in the old log school house and private residences until in the spring of 1828, then the brick church building which they had erected the previous year, was dedicated, clear of debt. Cost of building, $750. The building committee were Dr. Ephraim Gaston, Nicholas Rogers and John Perry. The congregation worshipped in this house until 1848, when it was torn away, and the present brick building superseded it, on the same site at a cost of $1,400, which was finished and dedicated in 1849.

371

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

The building committee were Dr. E, Gaston, Robert S. Clark, John Lippencott and Nicholas Rogers.

MINISTERS.

Rev. Joseph Reed served as pastor of the church until Oeto- ber 1, 1834, a term of two and one-half years, giving one-half of his time.

Rev. Richard Campbell served as a stated supply about one ycar and deceased in 1835. Gave all his time.

Rev. John C. Tidball was born in Allegheny county, Pennsyl- vania, June 5, 1801. Migrated to Belmont county, Ohio. Was installed pastor of Morristown Presbyterian Church, August 22, 1836, and remained as such until in April, 1839.

Rev. Wm. College was pastor for one year until in April, 1840.

Rev. Alex. Ewing was born in Allegheny county, Pennsyl- vania, May 18, 1813. He was licensed to preach by the Presby- tery of Ohio in October, 1839. He was called to take charge of the Morristown congregation in the spring of 1841; was ordained and installed minister of this church on the third Wednesday of June, 1841, by the Presbytery of Steubenville. He gave one- half his time to this congregation until his death, which occur- red March 25, 1849, and was burried in Morristown.

Rev. Samuel Boyd was installed pastor of this church in the spring of 1850, and remained with them until in 1853.

Rev. John B. Graham was born in New York, October 31, 1806, He married Miss Margaret Graham, of New Lisbon, Ohio, in 1833. He was chosen minister of this church Decem- ber 24, 1855, gave them one-half his time until December, 1865, then the pastoral relations ceased.

Rev. Henry Clovis Pringle was born in New Concord, Mus- kingum county, Ohio, November 12, 1844. He was educated at the Muskingum College and the Theological Seminary of Alle- gheny City ; was licensed to preach by the Zanesville Presby- tery in April, 1866. By a call sent from the Morristown church for him, he was dismissed by the Zanesville Presbytery in Sep- tember, 1867, and received by the presbytery of St. Clairsville, October 1, 1867. He was ordained and installed pastor of the Morristown church society November 26, 1867, and remained until April 25, 1878, His pastoral relations ceased at his own request on account of ill health. He married Miss Ella H. Clark, of Morristown, November 26, 1872, and is still living in the town.

Rev. Fitzgerl is the present pastor.

RULING ELDERS.

Two and probably three Elders were elected at the time of the organization. John Perry, Samuel Boden and Arthur Morrison, who served until death removed them.

John Perry deceased May 20, 1862, aged eighty-one years. Samuel Boden died November 30, 1832, aged sixty-four years.

Arthur Morrison died September 3, 1839, aged seventy years.

Nicholas Rogers was elected October 26, 1835, and served un- til his death, which occurred March 24, 1862, aged seventy-three years.

Wm. Harvey was elected in 1839; dismissed by certificate in 1850.

Robert Morrison was elected October 26, 1835.

Robert S. Clark was elected November 19, 1841.

John Lippencott elected July 4, 1857.

Wm. Tidball elected July 4, 1857.

Joseph Harper, elected July 4, 1857 ; discharged by certificate in 1867.

Robert McKelvey elected November 12, 1870.

Jacob P. Hoover elected August 11, 1877.

MORRISTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH.

This society was organized by Rev. William R. McGowu, with twelve members, in 1836. They held their meetings in an old brick building that is now used for a carpenter shop, for one year. In 1837 the present brick structure was erccted by them, and dedicated to the church society by Rev. William R. McGown, in which meetings have been held since that time. The church membership at present is about ninety-five. As pastors of the organization we will mention-

Rev. William R. McGown, first minister, and remained sev- eral years.

Rev. Robert Sedwick, who served them a number of years. Rev. Thomas Irwin, for about ten years.

Rev. William R. Mayberry, for about two years.

[-47-B. & J. Cos.

Rev. William Squib, four or five years.

John Covert, for several years.

Rev. G. G. Boyd is the present pastor.

The present deacous are Joel Bell and William Clark.

The present clerk is David L. Ewing.

MORRISTOWN CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

WRITTEN BY THE PASTOR,

This church was formed by the uniting of two congregations, which worshiped near the village of Morristown-one east of and the other west of the village. Hence the history of this church is essentially the history of these two congregations down to the year 1862, when the union took place.

The older of the congregations was called the Stillwater church, and was situated about three miles west of the village, and a short distance south of the National road, on the farm of Mr. Noble Taylor. Like very many of the Disciple churches in Eastern Ohio, this congregation was at its commencement (1822) a Regular Baptist Church, but the principles and truths, as preached by Alexander Campbell and others, soon caused a division, and fully three-fourths, if not more, renounced their allegiance to the Baptists and formed the Stillwater Christian Church. This occurred in the year 1824 or 1825.

Their old pastor, William Lee, also changed his church rela- tions, and continued ministering unto them for several years. Their meeting places were usually private dwellings and school houses. About the year 1832 the congregation concluded to build a house, and soon constructed one of hewed logs near the village of Hendrysburg.

The prominent members in the church at this time were the Conner, Dallas and Tracy families.

After taking possession of their house of worship the congre- gation steadily grew in numbers and influence. Upon the death of William Lee, their old pastor, Robert Cook was chosen as their minister. During his pastorate, which begun in 1834 and closed in 1837, and in the year 1835 Robert Israel and Jesse Tracy, with their families, united with the church, and have ever since contributed very much to its success. The old church at Stillwater, being very weak, since so many had gone to the Disciples, the latter concluded to buy out the interests of the few that remained. For this purpose Christopher Hoover and Jesse Tracy were selected, and they purchased, for the small sum of twenty-five dollars, all the interests held by the Bap- tists.

A new organization was at once effected, and the first elders appointed by the church were Joshua Tracy, Abner Millison and Robert Israel. The two last mentioned are still members of the eldership. The deacons were Jesse Tracy and Samnel Williams,

About the year 1840, the Disciples divided the state into dis- tricts, corresponding to the congressional districts. Thus, this church became incorporated into the Sixteenth district, with seven other congregations. The eight congregations at once co operated and employed three ministers to preach for them, and at destitute places. These preachers were John Flick, Charles Van Voorhis and Alexander Hall.

Some years afterward they were succeeded by L. M. Harvey, Mordecai Harper, Harrison Jones and Joseph Dunn. In the year of 1852, a number of the members living west of the church, at a village called Mt. Olivet, concluded to form an independent organization, and succeeded in building a house of worship, thus materially lessening the membership of the parent congrega- tion. Nevertheless they worked on faithfully, and, by the help of evangelists, held their ground very well.

Among the many evangelists that visited this church and held meetings, with more or less additions, were Alexander Camp- bell, the renowned leader of the reformation, and his venerable father, Thomas Campbell ; also, Dr. W. A. Bekdling, Sidney Rig- don, James, Nathan and David G. Mitchell, John R. Hunt, A. S. Hayden, A. B. Green, J. J. Moss and A. Gardiner.

This brings their history down to 1861, when they entered into an agreement with the Auburn church to build a church in Mor- ristown. The house of worship used by the Auburn congrega- tion was situated three miles northeast of Morristown, ou Wheel- ing creek. Previous to its organization, R. B. Atkinson fre- quently had preachers come and address the people in his own dwelling, and in the summer season he arranged his barn for meeting purposes.

Quite a number of Disciples were at that time living in that neighborhood and in the villages of Flushing and Uniontown. and under the leadership of R. B. Atkinson and William Mar-

372

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

tin, they concluded to organize and build a house of worship. For this purpose a meeting was called on the 10th day of Sep- tember, 1853, and money was at once subscribed for the contem- plated building. The church rapidly pushed their work on. and by the 19th day of November, 1854, it was ready to be oc- enpied. Accordingly, on that day, the congregation met and ef- Jected a permanent organization. The elders chosen and elected were Walter McFarland and William Martin ; the deacons were R. B. Atkinson, William Snedeker and Joseph Russell. From this time the church grew and prospered until it was united with the new congregation at Morristown. One hundred and twelve names are found on their register.

A vacancy occurring in the eldership, Jonathan Carpenter was elected to fill it in the year 1858. A young man named Adam Cordner was ordained to the ministry on the 23d day of June, 1857. To-day he is a successful minister of God's word, in the state of Iowa.

Among the preachers who visited the church and held meet- ings are found the names of William Mechem, Joseph Dunn, L. M. Harvey, Jonas Hartzel, A. S. Hayden, John Flick, T. A. Newcomb, Adam Cordner, A. E. Myers, Alexander Hall, Men- del and Frame. A flourishing Sunday school was always con- Incted here during the summer season, but slept during the win- ter, as was the usnal custom of the times.

The question of building a house of worship and of uniting the two congregations began to be agitated in the spring of 1860, and steps were at once taken to carry out their plans, as the fol- lowing record shows :

" At a meeting of the Disciples of Christ, composed of the Still . water and Auburn congregations, held in Morristown on the 8th day of May, 1860, it was resolved unanimously to erect a meet- ing house in Morristwn.

On motion, it was resolved that the house be built of brick ; forty feet wide, fifty feet long, and eighteen feet high, complete with baptistery and bell.

On motion, a committee of seven were appointed to act as a building committee. The following were appointed: Richard B. Atkinson, Samuel Dallas, Jesse Tracy, Robert Israel, Isaac Adkins, Adam Cordner and Joseph Loper.

On motion, the committee was empowered to appoint some person to solicit aid."

Of this meeting R. B. Atkinson was chairman, and Adam Cordner secretary. The building committee at once went to work, and the house was completed by the month of May, 1862. The church record gives the following of the whole transaction : " In the year 1860 the congregation of the Disciples of Christ meeting in the neighborhood of Morristown, known as the Still- water congregation, having to rebuild their house of worship, and it was thought best by a number of the members, and also by some of the Evangelists, to place the house in Morristown, and unite the Stillwater and Auburn congregations into one ; and a conference being held it was agreed that these congregations would unite and build a good house in the aforesaid town and constitute one church, retaining the Auburn house for occasional meetings.

A committee was appointed consisting of the following mem- bers : Robert Israel, Jesse Tracy, Lemuel Dallas and Isaac Ad- kins of the Stillwater congregation, and R. B. Atkinson, Adam Cordner and Joseph Loper of the Auburn congregation, as a building committee. They then secured lot No. 1 in the village of Morristown, and proceeded to build thereon, the lot costing one hundred and seventy-five dollars. By a liberal subscription of the members of the two congregations, and the many friends of both, the requisite means for the building was obtained.

In May, 1862, the house being completed, and having secured the services of Elder A. E. Myers for the occasion, it was opened for religious worship, in the presence of a very large audience, by a discourse on the "Consecration of Things and Persons." On Tuesday, the 26th of May, the congregation was organized by the members enrolling their names and electing the follow- ing officers : For Elders, Abner Millison, Robert Israel, R. B. Atkinson and Jonathan Carpenter. For Deacons, Jesse Tracy, Robert Tracy, Elisha Skaggs, Samuel Williams and William Snedeker.

This congregation, being thus organized, agreed to be known as the Christian church of Morristown, and to take the Word of God as their only rule of faith and practice in all matters of re- ligion."

Thus the congregation was fully organized and in complete working order, numbering eighty-five members. A. E. Myers was at once chosen as their minister, which position he held for nine years. Under his charge the church grew in every re- spect, and his influence is apparent still. Below we give a brief

summary of his labors: In 1862, number of additions, 6; in 1863, 14; in 1864, 6; in 1865, 21; in 1866, 35; in 1867, 22; in 1868, 20; in 1869, 19; in 1870, 39, making a total of 182. Dur- ing this period there was a decrease of 97, by letters, death and exclusions. The congregation at the close of his pastorate num- bered one hundred and seventy. Nearly all to whom letters were given went to the west and formed at least two congrega- tions, one in Missouri and the other in Iowa.

About the year 1868 the members of this congregation living near the village of Burr's Mills, concluded to purchase of the Methodists a meeting house, situated about a mile and a half south of the station. They did not sever their connection from the present congregation, however, until about 1870. This new congregation, now known as Bethesda, took off about twenty members from Morristown. Mr. Myers also frequently preached in the village ot Hendrysburg, and the Disciples there concluded to build a house of worship, but still remain under the care of the old congregation. The house was completed and dedicated by Mr. Myers, in the year 1869. About 1872 they effected a permanent organization, which took off thirty-six more from the old congregation.

Thus five congregations have been formed by the members of this church, and at times it looked as though it was seriously weakened. A strong determination on the part of its ministers and members to succeed has kept the congregation up to a high standard.

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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 129

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