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 137

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 137
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 137

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).

JACOB KEYSER was born in Mead township, Belmont county, Ohio, July 7, 1836. He was reared a farmer and miller. Ile performed labor for his father till 1857, when he married Mary L. Meek, who was born July 23, 1838. They are the parents of five children ; four are living. After his marriage he located in Monroe county, near Beallsville, where he followed farming and milling for nine years. He then removed to Cameron, West Virginia, where he resided four years, again returned to the vi- cinity of Beallsville ; remained till 1873. He then returned to Belmont county and located on a part of section 9, township 5, range 3. Here he still resides. Ile and his wife are members of the M. E. Church at Wegee.

JOHN CORBET, a native of Belmont county, was born November 24, 1837; was reared on the farm, and remained with his father till twenty-four years of age. He married Mary Dunfee, Feb- rnary 11, 1864. She was born May 10, 1839. They are the parents of one son and six daughters. After his marriage he 50-B. & J. Cos.

located on a farm situate in section 3, township 5, range 3, where he still remains. IIe and his wife are consistent members of the M. E. Church, known as the Pultney Chapel.

SAMUEL DAY was born in Mead township, Belmont county, July 13, 1804. He was brought up on a farm, and received a common school education. In 1825, he hired with Samuel Sprigg to do farm work at the following terms : First summer to re- ceive eight dollars per month; second summer to receive ten dollars per month ; third summer to receive twelve and one-half dollars per month ; fourth summer, fifteen dollars per month ; fifth summer, twenty dollars per month. During the fall of each year he would buy produce of all kinds and ship it down to New Orleans to market. In the spring of 1831, with his profits on produce, and the money received of Mr. Sprigg for service, he was enabled to purchase a farm of 160 acres in section 13, Mead township. On November 4, 1831, he married Miss Martha Jef- fers, who was born August 8, 1810. This union resulted in four children, viz: Sarah J., Israel, Elizabeth and Penelope, all of whom are dead except Israel. In 1833 he and his wife connected themselves with the M. E Church, and have been consistent members ever since. The same year his entire wheat crop was killed by frost. At the present time he owns 470 acres of land. He served two years as township treasurer.

SAMUEL KIRKLAND Was born in Pennsylvania, May 12, 1817. Brought to Belmont county, Ohio, by his father when abont three years old. He obtained a common school education, and worked with his father on the farm. In November, 1848, he married Miss Mary Jane Keyser, who was born June, 1830. This union resulted in nine children, seven sons and two daughters; seven are living. In the year 1855, he purchased a farm in sec- tion 19, Mead township, where he still remains. In 1849. he and his wife united with the M. E. Church of Wegee.

S. B. CREAMER was born in Maryland, February 22, 1811, and in 1815 was brought to Belmont county by his father. In 1832 he made a trip to New Orleans for his father on a flatboat, trad- ing in hops and produce. In 1837 he married Miss Elizabeth Dent, who was born in 1810. Their union resulted in two chil- dren, one son and one daughter. In 1839 his wife died ; she was a devoted member of the M. E. Church. On January 1, 1851, he married Miss Susanna Scales, who was born May 5, 1820. This nnion resulted in seven childen, five sons and two danght- ers, two of whom are living. After his second marriage he loca- ted on section 32, where he still resides. In 1855 he purchased the Businessburg grist mill, and operated it till 1878, when he sold it. He and his wife are consistent members of the M. E. Church, of Mount Zion.

URIAS V. WALLACE was born in Mead township, Belmont county, April 14, 1831. At the age of eleven years he was taken in his father's shop to learn the blacksmith trade. Abont this time his father was taken sick and confined to bed for six years, during which the care and responsibility of the shop fell upon our subjeet. In June, 1858, he married Miss Mary Spence, who was born in England, October 17, 1838. Their union re- sulted in ten children, five sons and five daughters. His resi- dence is located in section 18. He is a farmer and mechanic.

SAMUEL RILEY was born in Belmont county, Ohio, October 14, 1810. After receiving a limited education, he learned the carpenter trade with his father, and has followed that in con- nection with farming. In 1830 he went with Samnel Day on a trading expedition down the river to New Orleans, by which he made $150. With this money he purchased a tract of land in section 7, Mead township, on which he began improvements. August 18, 1831, he married Miss Elizabeth Myers, who was born March 4, 1809. Their union resulted in eight children, three sons and five daughters ; five are living. In 1833 he and his wife united with the old Wegee M. E. Church, being among the first members when the class was organized, and have been con- stant workers since that time. He has filled the office of town- ship clerk, assessor, trustee and constable. Ile is still living on the farm where he settled when he married.

ISAAC MELLOTT was born in Belmont county, Ohio, July, 1825. He acquired a common school education, and at the age oftwenty-one engaged with his father to work on the farm. In February, 1858, he married Miss Alice Tipton. This union re- sulted in six children, four sons and two daughters. When first married they settled on a farm in section 27, Mead township,

394

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

where they remained twelve years; then purchased a farm in seetion 21, Mead township, on which they now reside.

BENJAMIM LOCKWOOD, a son of David Loekwood, was born on or near Wheeling creek, Virginia, April 13, 1797. Was brought to Belmont county by his parents in 1800. They located in Dille's bottom. Benjamin worked with his father on the farm till twenty-three years of age, and in the meantime he received his education, in the old log school house of that day. April 11, 1820, he married Miss Annie Bell, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1801. This nnion resulted in thirteen children, as follows : Annie B., Elizabeth A., David B. Jacob E., Benjamin F., Mary A., Alfred, Eliza J., Lavina A., Ephraim C., Elizabeth R., Sylvanus L., William T., George W., and Emily E., four of whom are living. May 2, 1863, William, the youngest son, was killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, being the seventh engagement in which he participated. Mr. Lock wood, after his marriage located in Dille's Bottom, on section 16. In 1822, he erected a grist mill on section 18, and in connee- tion run a distillery. In 1826, he moved near the Ohio river, where he engaged in several pursuits-farming, merchandizing and boat building. In 1827, he was appointed postmaster at Dille's Bottom, which office he held for forty years. At present he resides on a farm near the falls of Pipe creek, in section 18, about one mile from the Ohio river. He and his companion are members of the Pipe Creek Presbyterian Church. The follow- ing description of the celebration of his 80th birth day, which occurred on the 13th of April, 1879, is herewith appended : "A very pleasant family reunion was held at the residence of Benjamin Lockwood, at Dille's Bottom, on the 13th on the occasion of the celebration of his 80th birthday. A large number of relatives and friends were present, among whom were two younger brothers, Col. J. H. Lockwood, of Moundsville, and J. M. Lockwood, of Dille's Bottom ; two married daughters and their husbands, M. M. Fow- ler, of Moundsville, and Wm. W. Ferrell ; eleven grand children and two great grand children ; Mrs. Jacob Lockwood, a daughter- in-law, of Belpre, Ohio; W. H. Seymour and wife, of Chicago; Sarah Anschutz, wife of a deceased brother; Mrs. Sweeney, of Washington, Pennsylvania ; and Mrs. McCormick, of Allegheny, sisters of Mrs. Lockwood and Col. John Thompson of Mounds- ville. The day was spent pleasantly in recounting family history, and in reviewing and strengthening old family ties; in listening to some excellent music ; in giving and receiving gifts, and par- taking of a sumptuous dinner. After the good things had been properly discussed, Mr. W. H. Seymour read the following acrostic :

Beneath the weight of eighty years that o'er thy head hath rolled ; Endeared to us who know thy heart is pure as virgin gold. No longer in the spring-time of thy boyhood's lightsomness, Joyous as the wind that woos the powers with soft caress. Afloat upon time's ocean are those days too sweet to last. Mourning alone, oftimes recalls the blithe and blissful past ; It lingers wistfully around that happy time- Noting the years which in their train bring manhood's glorious prime.

Linger, sweet memories, while you may, for time must softly roll- Onward and onward until we reach the goal. Cheerful, open-handed, energetic, staunch and true,- Kind of heart, -to others doing as he would wish them to do. We honor thee, old patriarch-a good race hast thou ran O'er nature's time alotted as the period of life's span. Our voices greet thee lovingly, on this thy natal day. Dear to us all, long may it be ere thou art called away.

"The reading over, appropriate short speeches were made by the host, Benjamin Loekwood, Col. J. H. Lockwood, Col. John Thompson and W. H. Seymour. Next was the presentation by the children of W. H. Seymour-great grand children of Mr. Lockwood-of a beautiful inlaid box with plate engraved and portraits of the donors; also a silver shaving enp and apparatus complete. His grand children presented him with a handsome 6x8 photograph of his mother, enlarged from an old daguerreo- tipe, in walnut and guilt frame." Mr. Lockwood is yet quite hale and hearty for one of his years.

JACOB M. LOCKWOOD was born in Belmont county, Septem- ber 25, 1805 ; was brought up on a farm, and received a common school education. On October 15, 1829, he married Miss Caro- line C. Colman, who was born May 6, 1811. This nnion resulted in five sons. After his marriage he located on section 6. in

Dille's Bottom, near the Ohio river. August 9, 1869, he was called to mourn the loss of his wife, and March 27, 1873, he married Miss Sarah L. Carbon, who was born in 1832. He'and his com- panion are members of the M. E. Church of Wegee.

ROBERT MCMASTER, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Angust, 1794-5. When quite yonng his parents died, leaving him in the hands of strangers. He learned the shoemaker trade with his brother. In March, 1813, he married Miss Sarah Meek, who was born in 1798, in the same state. Their union resulted in nine children, five sons and four daughters, seven of whom are living. In 1818 he migrated with his family to Belmont county, locating in Mead township, on section 32. He went to work to improve the land, working at his trade during the winter months. In 1850 he was appointed associate judge by the Legislasure, which he filled one year, during which time he was called to monrn the loss of his wife. In 1852 he married Miss Mary Adaline Rankens. This union resulted in one child, a son. In 1832 he was elected coroner of Belmont county, which he held for about four years; also filled the office of jus- tice for a number of years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. In June, 1874, he departed this life aged eighty-two years. His companion survives him in her sixty-sixth year. He and his wife were devoted members of the M. E. Church of Jacobsburg.

SAMUEL McMASTER, a native of Pennsylvania, was born De- cember 26, 1813, and was brought to Belmont county by his father. On November 5, 1835, he married Miss Sarah Ann Gregory, who was born March 8, 1817. Their union resulted in eight children, seven sons and one daughter; six are living. Two years after his marriage, he purchased and moved on a farm in section 31, where he still resides. He followed teach- ing school during the winter seasons for about twelve years. In 1846 he was elected justice of the peace of Mead township, in which he served for twenty-seven years. Has also been town- ship clerk, and in 1864 was elected assessor.

HISTORY OF SMITH TOWNSHIP.

Smith was erected Jannary 2, 1819, from parts of York and Richland townships. It contains abont thirty-six sections, and is bounded as follows : On the north by Richland, east by Rich- land and Mead, south by Washington and west by Goshen.

The principal streams are McMahon's creek and a south branch of the same on the north, and on the south are the branches of Captina and Benfork.

The principal productions are wheat, eorn, buckwheat, oats and tobaeco. The soil is generally of a sandstone nature.

The surface of the township is quite broken ; ridges rising to considerable altitude, and the hollows or ravines deep and nar- row. Coal veins (from three to six feet) are found in abundance ; sandstone is plenty and excellent for building purposes.

The Baltimore and Ohio railroad passes through the northern end of the township from east to west, and the Bellaire aud Southwestern railroad crosses the southeast eorner, near Jacobs- burg.

EARLY SETTLERS.

In 1804 John Warnoek migrated from now West Virginia, and settled on section 18, a half mile below where Warnock station is located. He brought a wife and four children with him. George Alben settled on section 18, in about 1803-4. In 1800 Caleb Engle settled where Lewis' mills are now located. Wil- liam Wilson and family settled on section 36 in 1802. Lewis Foreman migrated from Loudon county, Virginia, and located ou seetion 29, on the farm now occupied by Wm. Wilkinson's heirs, in about 1805-6. Wm. Smith settled where Warnock's station is located, in 1805. The land was first entered by Math- ers, and then purchased by Smith. Rice Boggs migrated from Washington county, Pennsylvania, and settled about 1800.

Among other early settlers the following names are found : Jas. Miller migrated from New Jersey, and settled on section 18, in about 1805 ; Joseph Rankin, George Holmes and family, John and Adam Walters, John Mowsy ; Frederick Aultfather entered the farm now owned by David Snyder, on section 24 in 1806. It was purchased by Jacob Aultfather in 1811, and be settled on it in 1817. John Matthews entered a part of the farm now owned by his son, Eli B. Matthews, in 1816; built a cabin and remained until 1820, when he removed elsewhere for eleven

395

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

years, then returned upon his old farm, where he spent the re- mainder of his days. Daniel Myers settled on section 12 in 1807. Hans Wiley, a native of Ireland, settled on section 6 in 1805. George Elerick settted on a farm now owned by Isaac Lash, on section 17 in 1807-8. Wm. Thornborough, Reuben Falconer, John Wilkinson, John Dawson, Samuel Wright, John Miller, Jacob Lewis, Brattons, James Starr and Wm. Polland, John Reed, who was a revolutionary soldier, and also George Windom, John Pryor, Samuel Lucas, John Porterfield, Wm. Workman, Joseph Sumpton, Lewis Fisher, Samuel McKirahan, William Weekley, Richard Shepherd, David Randall and family, Eli Akers, Griffith and Bazil Davis, Miles Hart, James Lindsey, Jesse Armstrong, Philip Allar, Thomas Foster, Peter Walters, George Nevil, Samuel Steel, Benjamin Paxton, Henry Pennell, Joseph Medcalf, Joseph Donaldson, and others.

EARLY MINISTERS.

Rev. Anderson, of the Presbyterian denomination, is said to have been the first minister of that church to preach in the township. Rev. Watt, of the Methodist persuasion, was the first minister of that church to preach in Smith township.

EARLY JUSTICES.

William Workman was one of the first justices of the peace, who filled the office for about twenty-one years. He was elected to the Legislature in 1831, serving until 1833 ; was re-elected in 1841, and served one year. Served as county commissioner from 1838 to 1840, and in 1843 to 1844. D. Powell was also an early justice of the peace. John Pryor was a justice of the peace for a number of years, serving during a part of the time with Wm. Workman.

PRIMITIVE SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.

The first school carried on in this township, was taught by a Mr. Echels in 1806. It was conducted in a log cabin 16x18 on section 12. The house is remembered to contain puncheon floor, greased paper windows, and a large fire place, with chimney built on the outside, as was the custom in those days. The at- tendance here was small; books scarce, and the teachers were not very classical. Among other teachers that followed Echels were Joseph Rankin, A. Beaty and Fulton. School was kept in this house until 1815. Along in this year a building for school purposes was built on section 16, one mile south of Warnock Station. In 1819 a hewed log house was built on section 12, the site of the first one. School was carried on in this building for a few years, and owing to its inconvenient location a house was built of hewed logs on the Stillion land, section 11. After occupying it for a number of years it was then torn down and replaced by a brick structure, which has since been removed and the present neat brick building erected. At [present there are nine school houses-six of brick and three of frame.

SOLDIERS OF 1812.

Amongst those that served in the war of 1812 from this town- ship, and which can now be recollected by some of the older citizens, are as follows : Jacob Anltfather, Thomas Holmes, Gideon Chapman, Jesse Weekly, Wm. McGaughey, Thomas Watt, John Delaney and William Towson.

FIRST SAW MILL.

In 1806, John Warnock erected a saw mill on McMahon's creek. This mill was run by him for a number of years, and was the first one built in the township.

FIRST WOOLEN FACTORY.

In 1813-14 a falling mill was erected in close proximity to the above saw mill by John Warnock, in which cloth was fulled and dressed. Several years later he put in a carding, spinning and weaving machines. This factory was operated by different parties until 1876. In 1819, Wm. Warnock, son of John's took charge of this factory, and continued in it until 1834, when Robert MeGrew bought it. He operated it for sometime and then sold to Oglebee & Garrett. After changing hands from different parties it at last fell into the possession of Mr. John MeNeice.

LEWIS' MILLS.

Sometime in 1805 or 1806, Caleb Engle built a small log honso in the northwestern part of the township, on McMahon's creek, in

I-50-B, & J. Cos.

which he put mill works on a small scale, having but one run of stone (the Laurel Hill) and ground the small grists of wheat and corn, sent in by the early settlers, until Messrs. Vanlaw & Vale purchased it. In 1822 it was sold to Jacob Lewis, who owned it until his death in 1829. His son Ira then fell heir to the property. In 1848, the old mill was torn down and the present frame building was erected. This one contains three run of buhrs. This mill formerly did a large trade in merchant as well as in custom grinding, but is now confined to custom work. Sawing is also done at this place. A saw mill has been erected on the same creek.

There has been several houses built in the vicinity, forming a small village known as Lewis' Mills-post office, Lamira. The B. & O. R. R. runs through the settlement, and the station is called for the mills. There are found at the this station, 2 stores, 1 blacksmith shop, warehouse and grain market. Number of inhabitants, about 25.

Enos Madison erected a grist mill on the south branch of McMahon's creek, which is now operated by John Hefflebringer.

WARNOCK'S STATION.

This station was formerly known as Smith's Mills, but after the completion of the B. & O. R. R., a stopping place for trains was made here, and named in honor of William Warnock, Esq., who owns most of the land. It is located on section 18 in the northern part of the township. William Smith owned the land and made the first improvements on it, employing his brother. A small log cabin was built by them, near the site of the present grist-mill, in 1805-6. It was a very humble struc- ture, 16x20 feet, in which he lived. After the completion of this cabin, he commenced the erection of a mill, which was also built of logs. The mill was finished the same year. It con- tained one run of stone, known as the Laurel Hill stone. This mill was operated until 1812, when it was torn down and re- placed by a frame building, the frame of which is still standing, but has undergone several important repairs. In 1834 Mr. Smith disposed of this mill-the present owner, Wm. Warnock, Esq., purchasing it, who has since been carrying on the business. At one time there were three run of stone, but at present there remains but two. It is a water-power mill, being situated on Big McMahon's creek. Mr. Warnock, a few years after taking possession of this property, erected in connection with it, a saw- mill, which he ran until 1878. The next residence built is the one now occupied by Wm. Warnock, Sr. There were a few other dwellings erected prior to the completion of the B. & O. R. R. in 1854. Since the year mentioned, all that part of the village north of the railroad has been built up. It contains two dry goods stores, one grist-mill, two blacksmith shops, two shoe- shops, one school-house (of brick), two churches (also brick), built in 1870. Populuation is about 125.

CENTREVILLE.

Is located a little southwest of the centre of the township. It was laid out by Thomas Jackson, February 23, 1828. Thomas Lewis surveyed it, with streets running north and south, east and west; lots 66x116 feet. The first improvements were made by Dr. William Wilson and Franklin Nagle, and were log houses. Joseph Hall built the first frame, along in 1832, Jas. Alexander was the first merchant. He was followed by Dr. Wilson in 1835, Borroff and Giffin. In 1836 Richard Shively started the first hotel, in the building now owned by Robeson. The following is the summary of business : 3 dry good stores, 1 grocery, 1 hotel, 2 doctors, 4 blacksmiths, 3 wagon shops, 1 cabinet shop, 1 saddler shop, 2 shoe shops, 2 churches (M. E. and M. P.), 1 school -- E. Porterfield, teacher. It contains a popula- tion of about 240.

JACOBSBURG.

This town is on the dividing ridge in the southeast corner of the township, on part of section 2. It was laid ont by Jacob Calvert, November 26, 1815. The first building erected in the town was in 1815, and was used as a hotel. Joseph Huntsman erected the second honse built in the village, in 1816. In 1822 Joel Randolph started a store in a hewed log building formerly used for a dwelling. Henry Thurston built the first frame in 1830, which was used as a dwelling. The second frame was put up by Lemuel Williams, and used for a cabinet shop. It was af- terward converted into a storeroom by James Inskeep. Henry Thurston taught the first school in Jacobsburg in 1820. In 1821 a school-house was built of round logs, on a lot donated by Jacob

396

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

Calvert. Thurston taught in this building for several years. In 1842 a two-story frame school-house was erccted, the lower story being occupied as a school-room, and the second for a Masonic Lodge. The present brick school-house was built in 1870. Joel F. Randolph was appointed postmaster in 1823. The first physician to locate in the village was Dr. Gratigny, who followed his profession here for seven years. Mrs. Cassan- dra Thurston is the only person living here that came in 1820. The following summary comprises the business of the place : 1 dry goods store, 1 grocery, 2 wagon shops, 2 blacksmith shops, 1 cabinet shop, 1 shoe shop, and postoffice.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MCMAHON'S CREEK.

This congregation was organized together with that of Bel- mont United Presbyterian in the summer of 1827 under the au- spices of the Associate Presbytery of Muskingum. During the winter and spring previous, a supply visited these neighborhoods under the appointment of said Presbytery and arrangements made for the organizations of the churches by the election of elders. The elders elect for McMahon's creek were William Bigger, James Cook and John Warnock, Sr.

The Rev. Joseph Closkey was the first pastor and was settled over the three congregations of McMahon's creek, Belmont and Mt. Pleasant. The church records say :

"The Rev. Joseph Closkey being regularly called, commenced his ministerial labors in this corner of God's heritage, the first Sabbath of July, 1827. We will let Dr. Closkey speak for him- self. In a recent letter to the writer he says :

"My installation took place in the month of July or August (1827). Our first communion was held at McMahon's creek, September 30, 1827. On this occasion the elders elect were ordained (those mentioned above.) I was assisted in the com- munion services by the Rev. Thomas Hannah of Cadiz. The following named persons were then admitted for the first time to the fellowship of the Associate Church.

By Certificate .- John Warnock and wife, David Milligan and wife, Hugh Hodge and wife, Mrs. Margaret McGrew, William Tracy, Elizabeth McKisson, Mrs. Sarah Holmes, Susanna Hutch- ison. By Examination .-- Robert and Mary McMillan, John Wiley and wife, William McKee, Robert and Elizabeth McGrew, Mrs. Jane Tracy, George Holmes, Miss Lily Milligan, Mrs. Jane Smith, Mrs. Eliza Hutchison, Miss Jane Polk. The above is the record of our first communion. It was to me as the beginning of months."

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.

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 137

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