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 154

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 154
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 154

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The next nursery of grafted trees in the vicinity, that attained to notoriety, was Samuel Wood's, of Smithfield. It was started on a small scale, but continued to grow until it became the most extensive one in eastern Ohio. It is yet in existence, and carried on by the same family. It's area at first was but a few rods square, and some half dozen varieties of apples, constitu- ted its list of fruits. Now its area is over forty acres, including the fruit orchard, ornamental and small fruit departments. Over two hundred varieties of apples, peaches, cherries and pears have been cultivated there. As a matter of interest, worthy to be related here, we will copy from a letter of Mr. Wood, ad- dressed to the Ohio Promological Society in 1859, giving an ac- count of his nursery. He says:

"I emigrated to this county, from Frederick county, Maryland, in the spring of 1814, and in the spring of 1816 commenced the cultivation of fruit trees on a small scale. I could not then procure any American work on the subject, and labored under many difficulties in procuring varieties and obtaining correct namnes. There were but few grafted trees in this part of the state, and I sent east, to Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia for varieties, I never sold an orchard of natural fruit. * * * In 1818, Cox's work on fruits was published, it was a valuable assistant to me. I began to correct names; I had but few right; for instance, Pennock, was called "Evening Delight ;" Bell- flower, "Yellow Pippin ;" Golden Pippin, "Golden Bell;" etc. * * * After the trees from my nursery commenced bearing, I could not furnish trees fast enough for the demand. Other nurseries sprung up around me, and I furnished them grafts free of charge. These nurseries, however, were of short duration, ex- cepting James Kinsey's at Mt. Pleasant. *

* A neigh- * bor came to me for trees when Golden Pippins (then called Golden Bell,) were in season. I gave him some to eat-we went into the nursery and he had me take up all the trees I had of that kind. I asked him what next. He took another bite of the apple and said he would have more Golden Bells. * * Some time after the trees from my nursery were in bearing, a neigh- bor threatened to sue me for spoiling his orchard. He said, be- fore I came here he had a good orchard, and made money by selling fruit, and now said he, "I can not sell my apples or eat them my self, but have to go to my neighbor's orchard when I want good ones to eat."

About the time the Wood's nursery was started at Smithfield, James Kinsey engaged in the cultivation of grafted trces at Mt. Pleasant. He obtained most of his grafts from the Ruggles orchard. This gave him some advantage over many of his rivals in the business. He soon became quite popular in the nursery business, cultivating a large number of varieties. This nursery continued to flourish between thirty and forty years.

At an early day a Mr. Millerson commenced the nursery business near to Barnesville. He engaged extensively in it, fur- nishing fruit trees of choice varieties, for that and adjoining neighborhoods, for a number of years. In 1838, Mr. Millerson, sold out his establishment to Samuel Wood of Smithfield, who disposed of the trees by shipping a part down the Ohio to Illinois, and the balance were hauled across the county in wagons, to Smithfield.

About the year 1820, Eli Nichols engaged in the nursery and fruit growing business at Loydsville, Belmont county. His nursery, though small at first, soon became the foremost one in that section of Ohio. In 1845 Mr. Nichols, moved to Coshoc- ton county Ohio, taking his nursery stock with him, He was a very enterprising man and noted Pomologist, taking great in- terest in the introduction and cultivation of choice fruits. He assisted in the organization of the Ohio State Pomological Society

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

in whose proceedings he took a conspicuous part for many years.

About the year 1830, Joel Wood embarked in the nursery business at Martin's Ferry. At first he confined his business to the cultivation of apple trees, but soon thereafter engaged in growing plum, peach and pear trees, and in after years added grapos and berries to his list. Mr. Wood's nursery was in op- eration between twenty and thirty years. Since 1850, a num- ber of little nurseries of grafted trees have been in operation at different places in Belmont county ; most of them, however, were of short duration. At the present writing the principal ones are, the Morrison Brothers, near St. Clairsville, and J. & D. W. Edgerton, of Barnesville. James Edgerton, the senior of the firm, engaged in the business at that place in 1851. and has continued it since that time. In addition to the cultivation of fruit and ornamental trees, the firm is largely engaged in grow- ing small fruits for sale, principally berrics. A number of per- sons at Barnesville are now engaged in growing small fruits, and large quantities are produced there and shipped out of the county, and for which Barnesville has a State-wide reputation.

Although not strictly coming under the head of pomology, we deem the establishment of J. D. Slack, of Steubenville, worthy of mention here. His was a seed store, greenhouse, fruit and flower garden combined. From 1830 to 1850, it was carried on extensively, producing many of the attractions and novelties, in that business, of the day. It was at that time sec- ond to no other establishment of the kind in the State.

PRODUCTION AND INTRODUCTION OF CHOICE APPLES.

Zane's Greening .- This is an apple of some merit, and at an early day obtained considerable notoriety, especially as a late keeper. It is of the Rhode Island Greening type, which it much resembles ; but it is smaller, more conical and a little more rus- set at the crown ; has a rich tart flavor and is excellent for cook- ing. By some fruit-growers it is called Green Russet. It orig- inated in Zane's orchard, on the island, about the beginning of the present century.

Western Spy originated on the farm of John Mansfield, in Wayne township, Jefferson, county, Ohio. Tree, a strong, spreading grower, and blossoms late, which gives it character, the fruit being seldom injured by late frosts. Fruit, large, globular, slightly flattened at the ends. Color, yellow, with a pale red cheek. Is a late keeper and excellent for cooking. Introduced by Samuel Wood.

Ohio Redstreak is from a seedling tree in the orehard of James Mansfield, Wayne township, Jefferson county, Ohio. Tree, an upright, open grower and abundant bearer. Fruit, medium in size, a little conical. Color, clear lemon yellow, beautifully striped with light and dark shades of red, Flesh, white, of a pleasant taste and good for cooking. Season, midwinter. In- troduced by Samuel Wood, of Smithfield, about 1830.

Bentley Sweet originated with Solomon Bentley, near Belmont, Belmont county, Ohio. This is one of our most profitable apples for market, and as a late keeper stands at the bead of the list. Specimens of it of two years' production are frequently exhibited on a plate at fairs. Tree, a moderate grower and prolific bearer. Fruit, medium in size and nearly barrel shaped. Color, green, with a little red on the sunny side when taken from the tree, but becoming a rich, clear red, sometimes yellowish check, when in season, which is May and June. Flesh, fine grained and an agrecable sweet.

Culp .- Originated near Richmond, Jefferson county, Ohio, and on the farm of George Culp. Tree a vigorous grower, and un- usual bearer. Fruit, medium to large; color, yellowish green, with a dull blush on the sunny side. A little russet at the crown, and sprinkled over the surface with gray dots. Flesh, yellowish white, and neither sweet nor sour. Excellent for cooking and dessert ; season, March and April; quality, one of the best. Introduced by Samuel Wood and S. B. Marshall, and is extensively cultivated in eastern and northeastern Ohio.

The Belmont Apple-Its Origin and History .- This excellent early winter apple has obtained great notoriety, and much con- troversy has taken place as to its origin. It originated in the orchard of Mrs. Beam, living near Strasburg, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, soon after the close of the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Beam was a lady in high standing, and frequently had

company. When ordering apples for her guests, would say : "Bring some from the gate tree," from which circumstance the family called the apple Gate ; the neighbors called it Mamma Beam, in honor of the old lady.

About the year 1785, Jacob Nessley, a son of Mrs. Beam by a former marriage, settled in the west, on the Virginia side of the Ohio river, as already stated, nearly opposite the month of Yel- low creek. Some time after settling there, he procured scions from the parent tree, propagating the apple under the name of Gate. About the same time, other children of Mrs. Beam, by the latter marriage, came to Ohio, and settled in Belmont coun- ty. They brought scions with them from the same tree, and grafted them, calling the apple Mamma Beam. This caused it to be known in each neighborhood by different names.

Between 1840 and 1845, controversies were had by fruit men of Ohio concerning the origin and name of this apple. Kene- vick, in his fifth addition of the "Orchardist," gave it as Bel- mont, and originating in Belmont county, Ohio. Downing in his treaties on the "Fruits of America," gave account of it under the name "Waxen, of Coke, or Gate," and Virginia as the place of its origin. The Rev. Charles Springer, a noted fruit man, liv- ing near Zanesville, Ohio, knowing something of the early his- tory of the Gate apple, and to settle the question as to its origin, &c., addressed letters to the Rev. Joseph Burns, of Steubenville, Ohio, concerning it. In answer, Mr. Burns writes under date of February 16, 1846, as follows :

"C. SPRINGER, DEAR SIR :- I received your letter last week, requesting the history of the Gate apple, &c. I have made the desired enquiry, and now send you the result. The old man Nessley and wife, and the old man Brown and wife, are all dead. but the testimony of the Rev. George Brown, of Steubenville, O., and the other persons who certify, may be relied on, as they received their information from old Mr. Nessley, Mr. and Mrs. Brown.

"The residence of Mamma Beam, mother of Jacob Nessley, Sr., was near Strasburg, Lancaster county, Pa. The 'Gate' ap- ple is from a seedling which grew at her gate, from which cir- cumstance it was called by the family the 'Gate apple,' though by the neighbors it was called 'Mamma Beam,' after the old lady. It was brought to the Ohio river, above Steubenville, by Jacob Nessley, Sr., and so propagated throughout the west.

Yours, &c., Jos. BURNS." "The above is a true history of the 'Gate apple,' as I received it from Richard Brown, Esq., and his lady. Mrs. Beam told me she lived for some time with Mrs. Brown, her grandmother, had seen the tree at the gate, and knew all the circumstances. "GEORGE BROWN.

"We concur in the above,

"JACOB N. BROWN, son of Richard. "GEORGE BROWN, son of Richard."

Mr. Springer presented the above letters, with other corro- borating statements concerning the origin and identity of the Gate apple, to the Ohio Fruit Growers and Nurserymen's Con- vention, held at Columbus, Ohio, in 1847. The convention being satisfied as to the correctness of the statements, and the origin and identity of the apple, accepted the same and they became a part of its proceedings, and will be found on pages 9, 10 and 11 of the report for that year. By this time this apple had become so generally known and recognized by the name Belmont, in Northern Ohio, and New York, that the convention took 110 action on the name. The North American Pomological Conven- tion, for 1848, was held at Buffalo, New York. During its ses- sion this apple was discussed, and in the report is designated as Belmont, which name is now universally recognized by fruit writers.

Why Called Belmont .- The Hon. Benjamin Ruggles, who located at St. Clairsville, about the year 1810, took great inter- est in fruits. He was selected president judge of the Third Ju- dicial Circuit of Ohio. On one occasion, while holding court at Steubenville, was presented with an apple by one of the jury, who lived near Yellow creek. The apple was in season, and the judge was delighted with it. On asking its name and where it grew, was told by the juror, on his farm and was called "Gate." The judge immediately procurred scions and had them grafted on his trees at St. Clairsville. Some time after the judge's grafts commenced bearing, a farmer, by the name of Beam, brought some apples to St. Clairsville for sale. They coming under the eyes of the judge, he recognized them and asked their name and where they grew. The farmer said in his orchard- that he had "lots of 'em," and "we call 'em Mamma Beam." Mr. Ruggles said he had the same kind of apples growing in his

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

orchard, and told how and where he got them, and said, they are called "Gate." "O!" said the farmer, "that fellow got his tree from Jake Nessley, my half brother, and Jake got his grafts from mother's tree." This solved the mystery, and Judge Ruggles, supposing that the tree orignated in Belmont county, called the apple Belmont. Much is due to Judge Ruggles, for the rapid introduction of this choice apple. Scions of it soon found their way from Belmont county to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, (probably through Judge Ruggles, ) where it was extensively cultivated. From Rockport, in that county, the fruit was conveyed to C. Olmsted, Esq., of Boston, and by him presented, in 1834, before the Massachusetts Horticultural society, as Belmont, and orgi- nating in Belmont county, Ohio. It is highly probable, that from these circumstance Kenevick was misled as to its origin, It is said Downing was misled by persons representing the Gate, to be identical with Waxen. Charles Downing, Esq., in his edition of the fruits and fruit trees of America, published in 1850, very briefly corrects the former account of the origin of this apple.

THE PLUM.

This delicious fruit, once so abundant in Eastern Ohio, has now nearly disappeared. Fifty years ago, trees of the choicest varieties were growing in almost every farmer's front door yard, their branches bending under the weight of luscious plums, disputing our passage to the domicil. They are now only re- membered by the few settlers who have survived them. Con- spienons in this class of fruit, was the Askew plum, familiarly known in the counties of Belmont and Jefferson as " Billy Askew's Golden Egg." As this plum was truly meritorious, a brief history of it will, no doubt, be interesting: In 1814, Wm. Askew, from North Carolina, settled in Belmont county, Ohio, near the village of Flushing. He brought with him plum seeds and planted them in his garden. One of the trees, at the age of three years, commenced bearing, the fruit being as large as a pullet's egg, a golden yellow, with a faint pink blush on one cheek. When held to the light, was nearly transparent, and in quality the very best. Askew, who understood budding, com- menced propagating the trees. By the time his trees were old enough for sale, the plum had become so popular that his trees commanded fabulous prices, Askew obtaining as high as two dollars a piece for them. This was of short duration, for nur- serymen getting possession of the variety, they were soon scattered all over the country. The original tree, however, re- mained the great attraction, bearing abundant crops of fruit almost every year for thirty years, when, in 1847, at the age of thirty-three years, it died.

MEMOIR OF SAMUEL WOOD.

Nathan Wood, the father of the subject of this memoir, was born in Chester county, Pa., in 1781. His father moved from that county to Frederick county, Maryland, when Nathan was young. Soon after Nathan grew to manhood he married Miss Margaret Waters. The issue of this marriage was three sons and two daughters-Samuel, Susan, Joel, Sarah and Thomas. In 1814 Nathan Wood emigrated with his family to Jefferson county, Ohio. He commenced farmning on MeIntire creek, in Wells township, but in 1816 removed to and settled on a farm in Smithfield township adjoining and east of the village of Smith- field. He remained on this farm until the death of his wife, which occurred in the beginning of the year 1851. After her death he lived with his son Samuel, where he died March 23, 1851, aged 70 years.

Samnel, eldest son of Nathan Wood, was born on Pipe creek, Frederick county, Maryland, February 19, 1802. While a youth he imbibed a passion for the cultivation of fruits, which resulted in being his profession through life. At the age of twelve years his father brought him with the family to Ohio, and two years thereafter (in 1816) he engaged in the nursery business, on a small scale, on his father's farm at Smithfield. In the summer season, in addition to working on the farm for his father, he gave some attention to his little nursery, which increased in di- mensions every year. In the winter season he went to school a little, and, although his education was a limited one, it was sufficient to enable him to manage his business with considera- ble ability. On the 26th of April, 1826, he was joined in mar- riage to Miss Lucy Lark, of Smithfield, Ohio. To them were born two sons and five daughters-Anna Maria, Nathan L., Elizabeth, Margaret, Jane, Edwin and Mary E.

Soon after his marriage he settled on the McIntire farm, in Wells township, and that year transferred all his nursery stock

to that place. His nursery now increased rapidly and became his principal business. From ten or twelve kinds of apples which he at first cultivated the number increased to over one hundred, including apples, peaches, plums and pears. After the trees from his nursery commenced bearing the demand for them exceeded his supply. This increased his energy, and he ex- tended his nursery. In a few more years his supply exceeded the home demand, and he sought a market for the surplus trees by shipping them down the Ohio river. The writer of this sketch hecame personally acquainted with Samuel Wood fifty years ago, and in 1834 was instructed by him in all the various modes then practiced in propagating fruit trees. Although it is over forty years since they occurred, my mind is vividly car- ried back to the pleasant strolls I had with him through his orchard, feasting on his choice mellow apples, tempting peaches and Inscions plums, and as I ate of them he seemed to enjoy the fruit with the same relish as myself. My last visit to his or- chard and nursery was in the fall of 1838, when I purchased the trees for my first orehard in Holmes county. After his son Nathan L. grew to manhood the father again enlarged his nurs- ery, and, taking the son into partnership, they engaged (in addition to the cultivation of fruit trees) in the production of ornamental trees and small fruits. In the fall of 1874, after a period of forty-eight years spent on the farm and nursery, his children all being married and left home, and in consequence of feeble health and declining years, he, with his beloved com- panion, left the dear old homestead and went to reside with their son-in-law, Samuel Cope, the son, Nathan L., succeeding his father in the nursery business.

As a pioneer nurseryman of Ohio, Samuel Wood stood in the front rank laboring assiduously to promote the interests of po- mology. In the effort to establish, in 1839, a Fruit-Growers' Association for Eastern Ohio, he took a conspicuons part. He was in attendance at the Fruit-Growers' meeting at Columbus, Ohio, in 1847, and aided in the organization of the Ohio Fruit- Growers' and Nurserymen's Association, which culminated in the present Ohio State Pomological and Horticultural Society. In 1859 he wrote a very interesting and instructive letter to the Ohio State Pomological Society concerning.the early nursery- men of Ohio, and which is published eutire in the report of that year. He was also noted for his efforts in the introduction and dissemination of choice apples, among which we will mention the notable Grimes' Golden. Culp and many others.

At an early age he united with the Society of Friends, in which be retained an honorable standing until death. Zealous for the cause of the Redeemer and a striet adherence to truth and justice, he exercised a benign influence over his associates. In person he was tall and straight and agreeable in his appear- ance. He was a man not much given to talking. His language was plain and well chosen, and he could express his ideas in few words. lu November, 1876, he died at the residence of his son- in-law, Samuel Cope, aged 74 years. His remains are interred in the Friends' cemetery at Smithfield, Ohio.

MILITARY RECORD OF JEFFERSON COUNTY

SOLDIERS OF 1812.

In June, 1812, the United States declared war against Great Britain. Of this war the west was the principal theatre. De- feat, disaster and disgrace marked its opening scenes, but the latter events of the contest were a series of brilliant achieve- ments. Croghan's gallant defence of Fort Stephenson ; Perry's victory upon Lake Erie; the total defeat by Harrison of the allied British and savages, under Proctor and Tecumseh, on the Thames, and the great closing triumph of Jackson at New Or- Jeans, reflected the most brilliant lustre upon the American arms. In every vicissitude of this contest, the conduct of Ohio was eminently patriotic and honorable. Her sons volunteered with alacrity their services in the field, and no troops more pa- tiently endured hardship or performed better service.

Hardly a battle was fought in the northwest in which some of these brave citizen soldiers did not seal their devotion to their country with their blood.

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

Jefferson county was not wanting in patriotie devotion to the cause, and furnished its full quota of volunteers in defense of the national honor.

A regiment composed of fourteen companies, and aggregating 1,065 men, was raised within the limits of what was then Jeffer- son county.

STAFF'OFFICERS.

The following are the staff officers of the regiment :

John Andrews, lieutenant.

Thomas Glenn, major. James Campbell, major. George Darrow, major. Jacob Frederick, major. Mordecai Bartley, adjutant. Thomas Campbell, surgeon. Jacob Van Horn, quartermaster. John B. Dowden, sergeant major. John Patterson, quartermaster sergeant. John McClintock, drum major. John Niel, fife major.

CAPTAIN AARON ALLEN'S COMPANY,-Lieutenant, John Van- tillburgh ; ensign, William Mills; sergeants, James Clare, Rich- ard Shaw, John Farquar, Thomas Henderson; corporals, Chris- topher Abel, Hugh Levington, James Johnston, David Work- man-121 men.

CAPTAIN THOMAS LATTA'S COMPANY .- Lieutenant, Hugh Christy ; ensign, William Pritchard; sergeants, George Brown, Alexander Patterson, George Ermatinger, John Haughey, Isaac Holmes ; corporals, Cornelius Peterson, William Bety, James Haley, Mathew Palmer-159 men.

CAPTAIN JOHN ALEXANDER'S COMPANY .- Lieutenant, Hugh Christy ; ensign, David Jackson ; sergeants, George Ermatinger, John Lynch, Robert Blackford, Hugh McGee; corporals, Jere- miah Argo, Charles A. Lindsey, Thomas Martial, William Ross -71 men.

CAPTAIN ALLEN SCROGGS' COMPANY .- Lieutenant, John Ram- sey ; ensign, John Caldwell; sergeants, Wm. Wilkin, Wm. Dun- lap, Wm. Holson, Wm. Robertson, Samuel Avery, Joseph Haverfield, John Connoway, John Wallace-56 men.

CAPTAIN JAMES ALEXANDER'S COMPANY,-Lieutenant, Henry Bayless; ensign, John Myers ; sergeants, James Andrews, Alex- ander Barr, Martin Saltsman, James Tolin; corporals, David Wilkinson ; Amos Wert, John Anderson, James Lyons-60 men.

CAPTAIN NICHOLAS MURRY'S COMPANY .- Lieutenant, Nathan Winterenger ; ensign, John Carrol; sergeants, Philip Fulton, Joseph Batcheldor, James Carnihan, George Beatty ; corporals, James Patton, Samuel Wilson, James Haskill, George Atkinson -44 men.

CAPTAIN WM. FOULK'S COMPANY .- Lieutenant, John Berk- dell ; ensign, Jacob Crauss ; sergeants, John Kester, John Can- non, John Hughston, John Chancy ; corporals, Addison Makin- nen, Rudolph Brandaberry, Andrew Armstrong, James Hen- derson-73 men.

CAPTAIN JACOB GILBERT'S COMPANY .- Lieutenant, John Tee- ton ; ensigns, Abraham Fox, Conrad Myers; sergeants, David Shoemaker, Samuel Outer, Michael Coyin; corporals, Michael Shaffer, Randal Smith, Peter Miller, John Eaton, John Lepley -83 men.

CAPTAIN JOSEPH HOLMES' COMPANY-Lieutenants, Wm. Thorn, John Ramsey; ensign, Garvin Mitchell ; sergeants, Francis Popham, James Gilmore, Alexander Smith, John McCulley; corporals, Edward Van Horn, John Pollock, Thos. McBride, Joseph Hagerman-84 men.

CAPTAIN JAMES DOWNING'S COMPANY .- Lieutenant, Peter Johnson ; ensign, Thomas Smith ; sergeants, John Forsythe, John Bosler, Michael, McGowen, Samuel Richards; corporals, Abraham Bair, Benj. Akison, John Worden, Joseph Bashford -81 men.

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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 154

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