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 134

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 134
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 134


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).


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2, 1875. Was elected a trustee of Franklin College, New Athens, Harrison county, Ohio, in 1876, which office he still holds, Cap - tain Lee now resides on a farm, and devotes his time to wool growing, the popular occupation of Belmont county farmers.


JOHN D. FRATER was born in Wood county, West Virginia, April 30, 1824, In 1828 he came to Ohio with his father, and was brought up on the farm in Shortercek township, Harrison county, Ohio, May 1, 1847 ; married Sarah J. Queen, daughter of Samuel G. Queen, of Carroll county, Ohio, and moved to Bel- mont county, near Shepherdstown, Ohio. Of this marriage there were nine children born-Samantha J. (married Thomas Cutts), Mary E. (married James Donahue), George W. (died), Marshall Q., John J., Thos. A., Susanna, Samuel G. and Maggie J. Frater. Mr. Frater is recognized as an excellent neighbor and worthy citizen, and although exercising his own prefer- ences both in politics and religion, he freely accords an equal liberty to others. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and usually votes with the Republican party.


ROBERT F. FRATER was the fourth son of George Frater, who emigrated from Scotland in 1817, and resided in Virginia until 1828, when he came to Ohio, bringing with him one hundred and fifty head of Merino sheep, and settled in Harrison county, Ohio, where Robert was born February 16, 1833. Being the youngest son, he remained with his father till the latter's death, engaging in the meantime in stock buying, in which business he was very successful, and made money enough to buy several fine farms. May 11, 1869, married Rosa Hagerty, a lady of refinement and intelligence, daughter of William Hagerty, of Washington county, Pennsylvania. This nnion has been blest with two children-Dora F. and Cora K. Frater. Mr. Frater lives near Shepherdstown, Belmont county, Ohio, and still deals in stock, his bank account running up to $100,000 annually.


JAMES H. BELL was the third son of John Bell, who came to Ohio from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1810, and was a soldier of 1812, being present at the famous Hull surrender. He located on section 36, R. 4, T. 7, where he died. At his death, James bought out the interest of his brothers and sisters, and now occupies the old homestead. Married Margaret A. Moore October 16, 1861. Has 121 acres of excellent land, and in com- mon with farmers of Belmont county, devotes considerable at tention to wool growing. Mr. Bell is a Republican in politics, and always gave the measures of his party a hearty support.


THOMAS LODGE, oldest son of eight children, five sons and three daughters, of Abner Lodge and Tamzen, his wife, of Loudon county, Virginia, who emigrated to Ohio in 1823, and located in section 35, R. 4, T. 7, which he entered, Here Thomas was born January 11, 1824. Was reared on a farm, and received his education at Lloydsville select school. Married Nancy E. Mer- ritt September 11, 1845, by whom he had two children, Sarah E. and John M. Lodge. His wife dying, he married Rebecca J. Smith. Children-Joseph S., Nancy E., Mary A., William, Thomas L., Alice and Luella. Mr. Lodge is a Republican in politics, and an earnest supporter and defender of the principles of his party. He was elected director of the Belmont county Infirmary in 1873, and re-elected to the same position. Has 345 acres of land, and keeps 400 head of Spanish Merino sheep.


NATHANIEL TAYLOR was born in Knox county, Ohio, Decem- ber 15, 1814. Came to Wheeling township in 1824, was reared on his father's farm. In 1831 attended a select school at Wash- ington, Pennsylvania. Afterwards attended college at Athens, Ohio, for three years, but gave up his studies on account of ill health. Married Nancy Dunn, January 23, 1838. Mr. Taylor was rcared in the Reformed Associate Church, and in 1840 was elected elder of that body. He has also filled various other offi- ces in its organization. Was elected director of the infirmary in 1864, which position he still holds. He is regarded by his neigh- bors as a substantial man, a christian gentleman and a useful member of society.


JOHN McPHERSON, eldest son of Alexander McPherson, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, Came to Ohio in 1826, and lo- cated in Wheeling township, Belmont county. Followed teach- ing all his life, and was known as "the old school teacher." John was born August 15, 1827. Married Mary J. Grier, daugh- ter of Thomas Grier, of Barnesville, Ohio, September 15, 1852. The result of this union was the birth of eight children, all liv- ing-as follows: Hattie, Carlile, Mary, Thomas A., Letitia,


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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.


Rose, James and John McPherson. In 1853, Mr. McPherson went to study medicine with Dr. Hoover in Barnesville, studied four years, but never practiced. His wife died in 1874, since which time his daughters have kept house for him. An intelli- gent man himself, he is endeavoring to give his children a liber- al education.


THOMAS M. NICHOL, son of William Nichol, of Richland town- ship, Belmont county, was born June 30, 1817. Followed the occupation of a farmer until of age, except the few years spent in attendance at the select school of Rev. Mr. McArthur. Married Margaret Creamer, daughter of Adam Creamer, of Mead town- ship. To them were born seven children, as follows: Adam C., Harriet E., William, John C., Thomas M., Addison and Sylva- nus B. Nichols. Moved to his present location in 1843. Has 510 acres of land, aud keeps 400 head of sheep. Mr. Nichol was elected director of the Belmont County Infirmary, and served as a member of the Legislature in 1868-9. In politics he is a Demo- crat, and in religion a member of the "Associate Reformed Church."


PHILIP MORGAN, son of George Morgan, a soldier of 1812, who emigrated to Ohio in 1813. Philip was born at Uniontown, Belmont county, Ohio, September 22, 1819. At eighteen he learned the tanning business and carried it on for four years, also followed threshing successfully for five years, accumulating money enough to purchas a farm. Married January 5, 1845, to Sarah Seibert, daughter of Adam Seibert, and has eight chil- dren living : Mary E., Marshall J., Martha A., Melissa J., John A., Ada M., Jennie E, and Eli S. Morgan. Mr. Morgan has 510 acres of land and keeps 600 head of sheep. In religion Mr. Morgan is a Presbyterian, and has been six years a ruling elder in the Wheeling Valley Church.


JOHN PATTON, son of William Patton, who was born in conn- ty Down, Ireland. His father emigrated to America and landed in Philadelphia, August 1, 1803. From Philadelphia the family moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, and from there in the spring of 1804, to their farm on Wheeling creck, Belmont county, Ohio, then in a state of nature. Here John Patton was born March 10, 1834. Married Loretta C. Thompson, daughter of Thomas Thompson, of St. Clairsville. Has two children, Ann E. and Lena M. Patton. Mr. Patton is a farmer by occupation, and a successful one, too, but has found time to cultivate his mind to advantage, He served a term in the state Legislature in 1866-7.


WILLIAM MCCRACKEN was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1797, and came to Ohio with his father, Robert McCracken, in 1805, and settled in Harrison county. His early life was spent in clearing the land and cultivating the soil. Remained with his father till 1826, when he married Mar- garet McCune, daughter of Col. Thomas McCnne, a revolution- ary soldier. His wife dicd in 1832, and he married Mary Por- ter November 5, 1833. There were two children by the first marriage (both now dead.) By the second wife he had four children-Margaret, Jane, Robert and William, all living. When first married, he moved to the property now occupied by Nathaniel Taylor, where he remained until 1846, when he inoved to his present location, the northeast quarter of section 20, R. 4, T. 8. Mr. McCracken is a faithful member of "Unity" United Presbyterian church, and furnished the facts for the his- tory of that organization, found elsewhere.


REV. THOMAS LOVE, D. D., was the only son of Thomas Love, who came from Ireland and settled in Wheeling township, Bel- mont county, Ohio, in 1810. He died on board a ship on his way from New Orleans to Philadelphia, June 20, 1821, under circumstances that induced his widow to believe that he was murdered for his money. Thomas Love, Jr., was born May 19, 1821, being but a month old at the time of his father's death, by which circumstance his mother was left in straitened circum- stances, but by industry and economy she succeeded in rearing her son and giving him a good education. Young Love at- tended Franklin College at New Athens, Harrison county, during 1838-9, but was obliged on account of illhealth to abandon his studies for some time, alternating between the college and farm until 1852, when he graduated. Licensed to preach in June, 1853. Ordained November 15, 1854, pastor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church at Waterford, Erie county, Penn- sylvania. Remained about ten years, when his health failing, he was obliged to relinquish his charge and return to his farm in Ohio. After recuperating his health he preached occasionally 49-B. & J. Cos.


as a traveling missionary until 1875, when he accepted a charge at High Ridge, Belmont county, Ohio, but still continues to re- side on his farm. Married March 22, 1849, to Jane Rusk, daughter of Michael Rusk. Has four children : Charles W., Thomas R., Ward and Harvey W. Love. In December, 1877, Franklin College conferred on Mr. Love the degree of D. D. He is also a member of the board of trustees of that institution.


JOSIAH F. SNEDIKER-Garrett Snediker entered section one, range five, town. 9, in 1803, and divided it between his four sons, Peter, John, Nicholas and Jacob. Peter came to Ohio and lo- cated on the northeast quarter of said section in 1804. His son Josiah F., was born September 19, 1814. Was reared on the farm and married Sarah Crawford, daughter of Robert Craw- ford, May 15, 1839. Had four children: Elizabeth, Mary A., Maria and Peter, Mary A. being dead ; the rest have married and left the old homestead. Mr. Snediker's wife dying, he married Jane Taneyhill, November 29, 1848. Peter Snedi- ker had seven sons and seven daughters. Josiah was the sixth son and is the only one now living in Belmont county. In 1854 he was clected trustee of Crabapple church, which office he held for five years. He was also superintendent of the Sabbath school attached for a similar period.


JAMES B. RITCHEY was born in Union township, Belmont county, Ohio, April 19, 1821. His father, David Ritchey, came to Ohio from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, and sought a new home in the then new "western" country. James was reared on his father's farm and has followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. He was married September 21, 1847, to Mary A. Culbertson, daughter of Robert Culbertson, of Harri- son county, Ohio. Of this union there are seven children liv- ing-Mary J., Elizabeth A., Martin L., James W., Sarah E., Joseph C. and John W. Ritchey. In 1867, Mr. Ritchey moved to Wheeling township and located about two miles south west of Uniontown, where he now resides.


JOHN CALDWELL was the eldest son of William Caldwell, born May 18, 1843. Remained with his father until married, Jan- uary 24, 1872, to Euphemia E. Hays. Mr. Caldwell is a young farmer just beginning life, and with a good farm, a good char- acter and industrious habits his chance for success is good.


JACOB W. CUNNINGHAM, son of Thomas Cunningham, of Lan- caster county, Pennsylvania, born Angust 7, 1833. Came to Ohio in 1859, and settled at Triadelphia. Enlisted in Company "C." O. V. I., in April, 1861, and served four years, Married Jane Ross, by whom he had four children named William S., Jacob S., Ross A. and Clarence E. Cunningham.


ARCHIBALD RUSK-David Rusk came from Washington conn- ty, Pennsylvania, in the year 1800, and located on the sonthwest quarter of section 7, T. 8, R. 4, and reared a family of four chil- dren-three sons and one danghter. Michael, the youngest son, retained the property. Of his family four survive. Archibald, the oldest son, inherited the old homestead, and spent most of his life on the farm. In 1856 he went to California, and returned in the spring of 1859. Married, May 17, 1859, to Elizabeth Yost, danghter of Elias Yost, of Harrison county, Ohio, by whom he had seven children-Michael Y., Thomas L., Margaret E., Mary C., Kezia K., John A. and Earl Me. Rusk. Thomas L. died at the age of two years. Mr. Rusk is known as an energetic busi: ness man and reliable citizen. He is a member of the Wheeling Valley Presbyterian Church, and in politics a Democrat.


WILLIAM M. CAMPBELL, third son of Judge James Campbell, of Wheeling township, Belmont county, was born in 1808, and learned the milling business in his father's grist mill. In 1836 he married Mary Kerr, who died in 1874. In 1838-9, Mr. Campbell kept store in Uniontown, Belmont county, Ohio, but sold out and devoted himself to farming, and on the death of his father, which occurred July 3, 1842, William inherited the mill property, which he rebuilt in 1815. The mill is run by both steam and water, and contains two run of wheat buhrs, and one run of chopping buhrs. Mr. Campbell is a quiet citizen, not given to office seeking, but has served as township treasurer at one time for ton years, and county commissioner for three years. In 1876 Mr. Campbell married Lonisa Dixon, who is his pros- ent companion.


JAMES ALEXANDER was born at Carrick Fergus, Ireland, July 7, 1807. Emigrated to the United States in 1819. Commenced


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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.


farming near Morristown, Belmont county, Ohio. Marricd Eliza McCormick November 9, 1845, and reared nine children- Annie J., Mary, Thomas, William, Sarah J., John C., Thomas and Willie Alexander-the latter dying young. Annie J., mar- ried John C. Thompson, and Mary; married F. R. Hyde. In 1868 Mr. A. moved to Morristown, and in 1878 to his present farm in the vicinity of Unity U. P. Church, of which he is a member.


JOSEPH LEE Was the seventh son of Robert Lee, who emigra- ted from Ireland in 1792, and located,'in Washington county, Pennsylvania. Removed to Ohio and settled in Belmont coun- ty, where Joseph was born October 15, 1819. Remained at home till thic age of twenty-six, when he engaged in farming for himself. Married Rosanna McPherson in March, 1859. En- gaged in general merchandizing in 1864, in Uniontown, Bel- mont county, Ohio, which business he has proseeuted with suc- cess, and still follows.


ROBERT HUMPHREY, son of David Humphrey, of Culpepper, Virginia, who emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Perry county, where Robert was born. His father dying when he was but one year old, his mother removed to Flushing township, Bel- mont county, Ohio, where she managed by industry and frugal- ity to rear her family. At the age of nineteen, young Hum- phrey enlisted in the 15th Ohio infantry, company E, under Col- onel Dickey, of Mansfield, Ohio; served four years and five months in various capacities, as private, blacksmith, wagon master, orderly and wood master. While acting as wagonmas- ter, he conducted a train of sixty-four wagons from Nashville, Tenn., by land, river and gulf, to Indianola, on Matagorda Bay, and delivered it safely. Was discharged in December, 1865. Married Jennie McClenahan January 3, 1867. Has one child, named David Arthur Humphrey. Keeps a blacksmith shop in Uniontown, Belmont county, Ohio, which business he has fol- lowed for the last ten years.


JOHN L. GRIMES, son of George Grimes, of Harrison county, Ohio, was born September 1, 1835. Married to Mary J. Merritt, September 2d, 1858, by whom he had six children, four of whom are living, Flora A., Jennie M., Minnie F. and Eva M. Grimes. Moved to his present location in the southwest corner of Wheel- township in 1867, In politics Mr. Grimes is a Republican, and in religion a Presbyterian: 1864, was in the army under Capt. A. W. Lee, Company "E," 170th O. V. I. By industry and econ- omy Mr. Grimes has succeeded in making a comfortable provi- sion for his children.


FRANCIS CONROW, son of Thomas Conrow, of Flushing town- ship, was born January 29, 1839, and rearcd on a farm. Was married March 10, 1853, to Mary N. Palmer. Has three chil- dren : Emma R., Laura E. and Elmer E. Moved to the property where he now lives, and set up housekeeping ; afterwards re- moved to Illinois, but returned to Ohio in 1860. In 1864 en- listed in Company "E," 170th O. V. I., and went to Washington City under Capt A. W. Leo. Was discharged September 10, 1864. Has one hundred and five acres of land, and keeps two hundred head of sheep.


THOMAS GRIMES was the son of James Grimes of Maryland, who came to Ohio about 1824, and settled on McMahons creek, where Thomas was born, April 5, 1833. Raised on a farm in Goshen township, and Married Elizabeth Huff, granddaughter of "Joe Huff, the Indian fighter." Has nine children named as follows : Parker T., John C., Isaac T., Sarah E., Emmett L., William S., Maggie A., James W. and George H. Grimes. Mr. Grimes follows farming and carpentering.


BALAAM NICHOLS, son of John Nichols, who came from Lou- don county, Virginia, in 1807, and served as a Lieutenant un- der Capt. James Campbell in the war of 1812. Ballaam was born September 4, 1815, and married Albigail S. Hatcher, daughter of of Mahlon Hatcher (who settled in Richland township, Bel- mont county, Ohio, in 1799) March 12, 1840. The fruit of this union, nine children, named as follows: Christina L., Mahlon II., John G., Lemuel O., Albert L., Nancy J., Ira L., Adaline P., Emily M. Nichols. Christina, married George Foulke. Mr. Nichols was elected director of the Belmont county Infirmary in 1865. Has three hundred and sixteen acres of land, which is farmed by his sons; himself being an invalid.


JOHN B. SMITH, son of Reson Smith, of Jefferson county Ohio, was born February 27, 1823. At the age of two years hi father died and his mother moved to Washington county Pennsylvania. In 1837 moved to Bridgeport, Ohio. Married Annie E. Ferguson, March 23, 1844. Had ten children : Lor- enzo, Sarah, Hugh, George, Thomas, Belle, Willie, John, Mollic, Wager and Kirby Smith. Mr. Smith enlisted in the three months service, company "C," 1st Virginia, V. I. At the expiration of his term of service he enlisted in company "A," 43d O. V. I., and went through with Sherman to Savannah, Georgia. In 1878 be removed to Uniontown, Belmont county, Ohio, and en- gaged in the grocery and notion business, which he still con- tinues.


SAMSON MCCONNELL was the youngest son of Alexander Mc- Connell, who came to Ohio in 1800, and entered section 7, R. 4, T. 8, where he located on the bank of Wheeling creek, being one of the first settlers of that region. Here Samson was born, No- vember 23, 1808. Married Jane Hcald March 24, 1853. Had one daughter (since dead.) Married Elizabeth O. Chalfant, January 4, 1860, and had by her three children : John W. McConnell, born November 9, 1860, Benjamin A., born December 7, 1863, and Joseph T. McConnell, born March 11, 1866. Mr. McConnell died March 3, 1872, and his widow still occupies the old home- stead, and is educating her sons to emulate the virtues of their father.


SAMUEL L. JACKSON, son of Wm. H. Jackson, of Richland township, was born March 10, 1847. Was reared on a farm, and married February 28, 1868, Catharine A. Dinsmore, daugh- ter of William Dinsmore, of Washington, Pennsylvania, and lo- cated at McMillan's Mill, 1876. Children named as follows : Florence A., Anna M. and Charlotte M., (twins), and Lillie P. Jackson.


HISTORY OF COLERAIN TOWNSHIP.


BY W. SHANNON BARTON.


Colerain was erected June 14, 1808, by the board of county commissoners, being taken from Richland and Pease townships. It derived its name from a town in the north of Ireland.


In early days it was heavily timbered, but at the present time, three-fourths of it is cleared land and used for agricultural pur- poses.


This township contains 15,360 acres. The surface is rolling, and at points deep ravines are found. It is drained by Indian Wheeling creek on the south and west, on the north by the south branch of Short ereek, and on the cast by Glenn's run. The township is underlaid by several veins of bituminous coal, the thickest of which is five and one-half feet. It also contains strata of lime and sand stone, and a very valuable stratum of cement.


The land is very fertile and produces all kinds of grain, fruit and vegetables which are grown in this climate. The population is about 1,500. In a moral point of view, there is less crime committed in this township than in any other in eastern Ohio.


The National turnpike runs through the southern part; the Bridgeport and Colerain, and Martin's Ferry and Colerain turn- pikes through the central and eastern part. The W., T. V. & C. R. R. extends along the valley of Indian Wheeling creek, and three stations are located within its borders-King's Mills, Steep Run and Sloan's Run.


FIRST VOTING PLACE.


The commissioners ordered that the election of this township should be held at the residence of Robert Wright, October, 1808. David Marshall was elected justice of the peace; Britain Oxley and David Marshall, trustees; John W. Mains, clerk.


TOWNSHIP EXPENSES FOR 1818.


The following are the expenditures of Colerain township for the year 1818, which is the earliest account found on the records now extant :


March 2, 1818 .- For service donc by Abner Wells, as trustec, $2.00; George Atkinson, for samc, $2.00; Abner Barton, for same, $2.00. For commission due Francis Cooper, as treasurer, $2.61. For service as township clerk, William McFarland,


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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES


$2.00. For supervisor of the public highway, Jesse Finch, $4.05 ; John White, for same, $3.32; Alexander Smith, for same, $4.00. For service as oversecr of the poor, Jesse Pyle, 372 cents. Total expenditures, $22.352.


TOWNSHIP EXPENDITURES FOR 1878-9.


Expenditures of Colerain township from March 5, 1878, to March 3, 1879, as taken from the treasurer's report :


Amount paid township trustees. 42 00


$ 33 50


Amount paid township elerks.


Amount paid township treasurer. 32 57


Amount paid road supervisors. 143 55


Amount paid from bridge funds for materials, &c. 108 74


Amount paid from township funds for paupers. 31 38


Paid for registration and judges and clerks of elections 6 00


Paid for other incidental expenditures 23 12


Total $420 86


THE FIRST HOUSE.


The first house was built near the present site of the town of Farmington in 1785, two years before the government surveys.


EARLY INCIDENT-KILLED BY INDIANS.


At a spring on the west side of the farm owned by Archibald Major, Captain Williams was overtaken and killed by the Dela- ware tribe in 1780. He belonged to the fort at Wheeling, and was among the brave defenders of Fort Henry when it was be- sicged by the Indians in 1777.


THE FIRST FARM


Put on record in Belmont county, known as the Barton farm, in seetion 24, is owned at present by Jesse Barton. It was bought from the government by Wells and Satterthwaite, in 1788, and came into the possession of Abner Barton, Jesse Barton's father, in 1814.


IMPROVEMENTS.


The first tannery was established in 1799, in section 18, by Hugh Parks, who continued the business for fifty years.


John Harris built the first flouring mill in 1804, in section 24, and it was used as a mill for sixty years. It stood near where the present iron bridge, that spans Wheeling creek, is located.


The second mill was built by L. Honghs, in section 30, in 1810. The third was built by Emerson Baily, on the south branch of Short creek, in section 9. It was known as the Braken Mill, and built in 1820.


In 1821, Peter Peroine erected the fourth grist mill on Wheel- ing creek, in section 36, and it is still in use.


The fifth mill was built by Sloan on Barr's run, in section 32, in 1828.


Kinsey and Sharpless erected a mill in section 16, now known as Kinseys's mill, which was the sixth mill built in the town- ship. These gentlemen also built a woolen factory in 1831.


The seventh was built by Isaac Lloyd on the south branch of Short creek in 1828, being located in section 9.


In section 7, Joshua Maul, in 1833, ereeted a factory for man- ufacturing edge tools, which was carried on for several years.


GAMBLE TOWN


Was built in 1803, two years after the county was erected. It was situated in section 8, on the land now owned by James G. Theaker and Nathan Steer. In 1833 the town was almost de- populated by cholera epidemic, and it soon afterward ceased to be a town. The foundation stones are still to be seen.


FARMINGTON.


The town of Farmington was founded in 1815, and the plat put on record in St. Clairsville, the county seat of Belmont conn- ty, on the 9th day of April, 1816. Daniel McPeak, its founder, came to Colerain township from the state of New Jersey, in the year 1800, and purchased a large tract of land around the pres- ent sito of Farmington, In 1814 and 1815 the Congress of the United States was proposing to build a great National thorough- fare to the west, and it was supposed, at that time, that it would be built through this section of the country. Acting up- on this supposition, McPeak layed off a part of his land in town




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