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 163

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 163
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 163

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cannot be exeelled in any respect. The streets are broad, well paved and kept in the most cleanly condition. The town is so elevated from the river that the most complete drainage is af- forded-the surrounding hills proteet it from all storms-the soil is for most part gravelly and not therefore subjeet to con- tamination. As surface drainage is mainly depended upon, after every rain the streets are left perfectly clean. Malarial fevers are unknown here and physicians visiting the city agree with those located in our midst, that they have seldom found a more healthful loeality. Mr. Jos. B. Doyle, in his reeent pamphlet on the city adds : " The death rate of any city is the critical test of its health, and in this connection the following figures, as returned by the ward assessors this season will be perused with interest :

Births. Deaths.

First Ward

Fourth Ward 28

Second Ward .73

Fifth Ward. .43

Third Ward .58

Sixth Ward 30. 11

Thus giving a total of 264 births as against 94 deaths. It will thus be noticed that the ratio of births to deaths is nearly three to one, while the death rate in the thousand, basing the popula- tion at 14,000, is only 6.71, or allowing 41 per cent. for defi- cits, as is done in the United States census reports, it would still be only 9.43."

STREETS AND AVENUES.

Having elsewhere defined the present corporation limits, as even revised since the passing of the aet incorporating the city in 1851, as a matter of reference and worthy of preservation in a work of this character, we hereunder give a list of the principal

*Overdrawn.

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

reorganized public thoroughfares, and their location in relation to each other :

Acme, Seventh to Eighth, below Franklin.

Adams, from river west, between Market and South.

Benton, from river to Third, between Dock and Logan.

Center avenue, from Sixth east to an alley, between Clinton and Ross.

Central avenue, Flood's sub-division, Sixth ward. Clinton, from Third to Sixth, between Logan and Ross. Crawford, from Madison north, between Third and Fourth. Church, from Market to South, between Sixth and Seventh. Dock, from river to Highland, between North and Logan. Eighth, from Franklin to Adams, west of Seventh. Elm avenue, from Third to P. C. and St. L. Ry. bridge.

Fifth, from W. H. Mooney's property to Wells' run, west of Fourth.

Fourth, from Elm avenue to Wells' run, west of Third. Franklin avenne, from Third to city limits, north of Madison. Garrett avenue, railroad west to Linden avenue, Second ward. Grant, Dock to Benton, east of Stanton. High, from North to Slack, west of Water.

Highland avanue, from North to Franklin, west of seventh.

Kilgore, from Seventh to Eighth, between Washington and North.

Liberty, from Market to Washington, west of Eighth. Linden avenue, from Slack south, west of P., C. and St. L. Ry. Locust, at south end of spring.

Logan, from river to Seventh, between Dock and Clinton. Madison avenue, from Third to Sixth, north of Ross.

Market, from river west to city limits, between Washington and Adams.

Ninth, from Market to Adams, west of Eighth.

North, from river to Highland, between Washington and Dock.

Prospect avenue, west of railroad, Sixth ward.

Railroad, west of P., C. and St. L. Ry., Second and Sixth wards.

Ross, from Third to Sixth, between Clinton and Madison. Seventh, from Stony Hollow to South, west of Sixth. Sixth, from Stony Hollow to Wells' run, west of Fifth.

Sherman avenue, from Ross to P., C. and St. L. Ry., between Fifth and Sixth.

Short, from Eighth to Ninth, between Market and Adams. Slack, from High to Seventh, (extended), south of South. South, river to Spring, between Slack and Adams.

Spring avenue, South to Locust, Wells' addition.

Stanton, from Dock to Benton, between Third and Grant. Third, from Elm avenue to Wells' run, west of Water. Walnut, Gray's sub-division, Sixth ward,

Washington, from river to Liberty, between Market and North.

Water, from North to South, along the river.

Webster, Orr & Hineman's addition, Second ward. Wells, from Slack south, between Third and Fourth.

STEUBENVILLE'S EFFICIENT FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The earliest organization in Steubenville for combatting the ravages of "the devouring clement," consisted simply ofa bucket brigade, to whose relief in 1818, came a small hand onginc. In 1832, Mr. C. C. Woolcoth, then a manufacturer, further private- ly purchased a small rotary fire engine, on wheels, for his fac- tory, but through the kindness of that gentleman it became al- most a public servant, and in its time did excellent service. It was 1846 before the city took further steps in the matter, when they sccured a larger hand engine called the "Reliance ;" and water works having been established by this time, a reel and quantity of hose were also provided. And still a year or two hence, they got a second fire hand engine, the "Phoenix," and the two protected the city many years. In 1864 and 5, how ever they purchased two of Button & Son's famous steam engines which took the places of the old hand machines, and a new era for protection dawned. The last annual report of the Department showed the apparatus to be in good condition and to consist of two steamers, two hose carriages, three hose trucks, one hook and ladder truck, &c. The hose on hand and in use consists of 1,000 feet of new gum and leather hose, 23 inch ; 2,000 feet old gum hose, and 250 feet of 24 inch gum hose. The force of the Department is one Chief and two Assistant Directors; two en- gine and hose companies, and one hook and ladder company, twenty-two men in cach, all under charge of experienced offi. cers and in first-class working order. The Phoenix company

occupies the same building that is used for the Mayor's office ; the Star Hook and Ladder Company using the one adjoining. The Reliance company occupies a two-story brick building on North street, which is furnished with all necessary conveniences. The Department is conducted on the volunteer plan, although the Chief Fire Director and Engineers of the steamers receive small salaries, and the members of the companies each reccive the sum of ten dollars perannum with other privileges. Alarms are given from the bells on the engine houses as well as by a fire alarm attached to the Court House bell, which notifies the whole city instantly.

OFFICERS.

Charles R. Thompson, Chief. Thomas Sterling, First Assistant Chief. James Berry, Second Assistant Chief.

PHOENIX FIRE COMPANY, NUMBER ONE.

Thomas Sterling, President.

Richard Gregg, Vice President.

Thomas Boyd, Secretary.

Frank Lisby, Treasurer.

-Trustees-John Hebron, Frank Evans and E. T. Zimmerman.

RELIANCE FIRE COMPANY, NUMBER TWO.

Virginius W. Berry, Foreman.

F. Kaufman, Assistant Foreman.

Elisha B. Howard, Secretary.

B. K. Kennedy, Treasurer.

James Beans, First Engineer.

William Flemming, Second Engineer.

Trustees-A. Parson, Simon Paul and J. Gossett.

STAR HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY.

B. Mathews, Foreman.

William Kell, Assistant Foreman.

H. Teaff, Treasurer. William Porter, Secretary.

THE CITY WATER WORKS.

Steubenville was ever favorably located for abundant water supply, having an extensive frontage on the ever flowing Ohio, while within the present corporation there has always been sev- eral excellent springs. The latter were at one time mainly de- pended upon, but as the population increased fresh and improved facilities had to be resorted to. As already stated, as far back as 1810 a company was incorporated to supply the town, and large pump logs were laid from extensive springs to High street, but they soon gave way and that project was abandoned. In 1820, and for many years after, water was hauled around town in barrels by wagons or carts, but some disastrous fires in the neighborhood of 1834-5 warned the inhabitants to be up and do- ing. They accordingly made an effort to supply the town with water from a large reservoir on the hill, replenished by a steam force pump, from the river. This project was got into working or- der about 1836, at an expense of $35,000,no in considerable sum in those days. And this may be said to be the nucleus to the pres- ent admirable works. The first reservoir was situated at the head of Adam street, and on the side of the hill. Its capacity was 400,000 gallons, and the engine forty horse power, be- ing capable of throwing 200,000 gallons into the reservoir every ten hours. But even this provision soon proved itself in- adequate to the growing population, and another basin, west of the other, was added, with a capacity of 600,000 gallons. The engine next proving inadequate, in 1864, a radical improvement was commenced. The building was doubled in size-a pair of new large engines and pumps were put in, fresh mains laid, &c., and after an expenditure of some $50,000, in 1867, things were got into "ship shape." The full capacity of the machinery at the present time admits of 2,480,000 gallons being pumped every twenty-four hours, to meet an actual average consumption of 1,280,000 gallons within the same period of time. The water is exceedingly clear and good for river water, though subject of course, to be a little muddy when there comes a freshet. But it has a seventy mile flow from Pittsburgh without receiving the drain- age of any large town, hence it has ample time to clean itself from any impurities. There are now some fifteen miles of suitable pipe laid in the city, and 125 fire pings for the steam- ers. The entire enterprise is under the efficient superintend-

472

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

ence of Mr. Johnson Irwin, to whose credit it is asserted that the city has never lacked water, on the part of the works, in in the past twelve years.

A LIST OF CITY OFFICERS FOR 1879.

John Irwin, Mayor. Douglas W. Cahill, Marshal. A. H. Battin, Solicitor. David Hull, Commissioner. George E. Harper, Clerk. J. M. Barclay, Civil Engineer. George O'Neal, Wharfmaster.

COUNCILMEN .- Jones Munker, President ; Albert F. Matlack, President pro tem; Joseph Beatty, B. N. Lindsey, First Ward; W. D. Lewis, G. W. Alban, Second Ward; George L. Conn, R. L. Brownlee, Third Ward; H. G. Garrett, Jones Munker, Fourth Ward; A. F. Matlack, Charles Moody, Fifth Ward; George Smith, Henry Opperman, Sixth Ward.

WATER WORKS TRUSTEES .- C. B. Doty, W. H. Harden, Joseph Anderson.

FIRE DEPARTMENT .- Charles R. Thompson, Chief; V. W. Berry, Thomas Sterling.

BOARD OF EDUCATION .- Charles Spaulding, President; W. R. Peters, A. M. Blackburn, John S. Patterson, John S. Max- well, J. H. Dawson.

STEUBENVILLE'S PUBLIC BUILDINGS, HALLS AND PROMINENT BUSINESS BLOCKS, PRIVATE RESI- DENCES, &C.

There is a popular idea, which we have frequently heard pro- pounded, that the commercial status of a city may be judged from its prevalent style of architecture. But, however that may apply to New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, and other large cities, we much suspect, to the eye of a stranger, that Steubenville would prove more than an ordinary problem to solve in that respect. Though it presents many features of exceptional architectural merit, yet uniformity will be found conspicuous for its absence. Its age has much to do with this, added to the prudence on the part of its earliest settlers to build substantially when they did build-hence we find many old build- ings of sixty to seventy years of age, apparently good to stand the buffetings of another half century, and their proprietors cannot conclude to sacrifice their utility to add to the modern attractiveness. Without debating the philosophy in their judgment, we will therefore proceed to note a few of the most prominent features of interest the city affords, of course leading off with

THE COURT HOUSE.

This building which is universally conceded to be by odds the finest of its kind in the State, is constructed of Cleveland sand- stone, and presents a front of 126 feet on Market and 963 feet on Third street. The basement contains the janitor's rooms, two furnace rooms and Dunbar & Kitheart's law office. The first floor has two rooms for the Recorder, two for the County Audi- tor and Commissioners, one for the Treasurer, one spare room, and two for the Probate Judge. The height of this story is 16 feet 6 inches. On the second floor is the court room, measuring 50 by 70 feet, and 40 fect in height, one room for the Prosecuting Attorney, one for the Sheriff, two for the Clerk, one consulta- tion room, one witness room, and the Judge's retiring room. These rooms all average 20 by 24 feet, and are all provided with wardrobes and wash rooms, and water closets conveniently ad- jacent. The height of this story is 15 feet 6 inches. On the third floor are two library rooms, three jury rooms, and two spare rooms, averaging 24 by 32 feet. This story is also 15 feet 6 inches high. The building is heated by hot air, and supplied with grates in addition. The height of the main building from base to the roof of Court House is 70 feet, Above the roof ex- tends a handsome tower, the heighth of which, from base to top of cornice, is 49 feet, from top of cornice to roof of tower 32 feet, making the actual height of tower 81 feet, and the total heighth of building from base to top of tower 151 feet. In the center of the tower is an elegant clock, with illuminated dials. The court room is beautifully frescoed, and among the other paintings con- tains a life-size representation of the late Hon. Edwin M. Sten- ton. The contract for the erection of the building was awarded

in the spring of 1870, and the work commenced that summer. It progressed amid various delays until June, 1874, when the first term of court was held in the new structure. The entire cost including additional ground, and the Sheriff's house and jail adjoining the Court house, with incidental expenses, was about $300,000, which was low, considering the character of the build- ings erected. Directly north of the Court house stands the jail and Sheriff's dwelling, both of brick, with stone trimmings. The cells in the jail arc 36 in number, 27 for males and 9 for females, constructed of boiler iron. Both buildings arc furnished with all the modern improveincents and conveniences; and next in point of attractiveness and ability may be classed

GARRETT'S HALL.

As a house of amusement, or for the assembling of large publie conventions this noble building is not only a compliment to lo- cal enterprise and an ornament to the leading thoroughfare of the city, but has few equals for its magnitude and conveniences in the state. Its popular and generous owner, Mr. H. G. Gar- rett, of the Union Deposit Bank, has evidenced a degree of en- terprise that knew no limit to expense and the following has proved the result: The building is a substantial structure, in- ternally 120x60 feet deep, with a stage 50 feet wide and 31 feet deep-connected with the latter, there being ten very attractive newly painted flats, and an interesting new dress scene. There are six neatly furnished dressing and retiring rooms and abund- ant water supply. There is a private ticket box at the entrance, by way of which the lady professionals have a means of access to their several rooms strictly private from the stage or audience. The hall is brilliantly lit up with 80 jets-there being a splendid cluster right in the center of the ceiling and two neat chande- liers attached to the sides of the stage, while the facilities for governing any and all lights from behind the scenes are perfect. There are substantial fixings for trapez business-traps in stage for pantomimic tricks and, in fact, everything possible to desire. As a precaution against fire, a water plug supplied from the street main stands behind the scenes with ample hose ready at a second's notice, while the ingress and egress to the stage and hall have each a capital six feet stair case. A full complement of comfortable chairs form the front seats-the accoustic prop- erties of the hall are perfect, as also the method of ventilation. There is no gallery, but during the present summer a new and handsome mansard roof has been put on, elevating the building 50 to 60 feet, and it is intended that a suitable gallery shall be added next season. An entire new front has been placed in the building and its lighting properties largely increased. The entire house has been refloored, new seats added, and to say the least of it, for a house capable of seating a round thousand people, we know not of one better, neater, cleanner, and at the same time more reasonable than this.

THE MAYOR'S OFFICES,

with which is included the Phoenix Fire Engine house, and city jail in the rear, stands in the corner of the Market Square. It is an exceedingly neat brick structure with bell tower, and though not extensive in its proportions presents a very desira- ble effect, as a public building in full view of the magnificent Court house already referred to.

JEFFERSON NATIONAL BANK BUILDING.

Though by no means of the most modern design-yet con- spicuous and attractive-this substantial building will be ob- served on the south side of Market street, between Fourth and Fifth streets. It was built in 1830 by William Thompson and Shaw Hukill, contractors, and probably the former is best enti- tled to the credit of being its architect. It has a brick front ex- cellently stuccoed or cemented, extending 50 feet on Market street, while the premises may be said to run back at least 80 feet. It is approached by five stone steps running the length of the front of the building, and upon which rest five fine pil- lars, supporting a kind of triangular front to the roof-the build- ing being two stories higb. The lower portion is devoted to the bank, and being built especially for that purpose its walls are very substantial, while it contains one of the finest vaults in the state, within which are two burglar and fire proof safes fit- ted with the latest and most approved combination locks, for the custody of valuables. Behind the general office is the di- rectors and president's room, while the upper story is used as a residence for the cashier of the bank. It is approached by a private door from the street leading into a spacious hall from

473

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES

which a staircase ascends. Mr. Moody and Mr. Spencer, re- spectively, reside here when in office at the bank, but Mr. Charles Gallagher, the present cashier, is now in possession.

ODD FELLOWS' HALL, NORTH FOURTH STREET.

This noble block, the outgrowth of prudence and unity, was erected at the instance of the noble order after which it is named, in 1873, under the supervision of the following trustees : O. M. Thatcher, of "Good Intent" Lodge, No. 143, Jacob G. Fickes, of " Jefferson " Lodge No. 6, and Henry -, of " Nim- rod " Encampment, No. 11. The cost of the building, with the ground upon which it is erected, was between $21,000 and $22,000. The premises are three stories high, with basement. The upper, or lodge room, is used by the order of " Odd Fel- lows " and " Knights of Honor." The second floor is occupied by the Congregational Church, and the first floor is divided be- tween Crumrine's book store and the post office, while in the basement is a barber's shop and undertaking rooms.

PHILHARMONIC HALL.

This convenient place of entertainment, located on Fourth street, was erected in 1872 by Manly & Foster, and contains seats for 350 persons. It has a stage eighteen feet, open fitted with two sets of flats and drop curtain, It has been leased by the Philharmonic Society since 1877, and is sub-let by them to parties desirons of renting it, applications being made at Gard- ner's music store, Market street. It is not exclusively a build- ing devoted to the hall, but extends over several business stores, and has been so arranged and fitted as to afford good accous- tic properties and healthful ventilation.

COCHRAN'S BLOCK AND MOSSGROVE'S UNITED STATES HOTEL.

Probably the largest block in the city is the property owned by Mr. R. Cochran, and located on the site of the old Washing- ton Hall, corner of Market street and what is known as "Jail alley." It is 623 feet x 180 feet deep, the lower portion being occupied by several of Market street's popular merchants. As the building may be said to be five stories high the entire upper portion is devoted to the largest hotel in the city, known at present as " Mossgrove's United States Hotel." The entire structure, which presents a fine appearance on the leading street, is said to have cost $110,000. Mr. J. Ross Mossgrove, at present in possession of the hotel having succeeded a Mr. Getz- mann in 1876, and is privileged with upwards of one hundred rooms for the entertainment of guests.

OTHER PROMINENT BUSINESS BLOCK". The following is only a partial list of the most prominent :

Wben erected.

Name.

Location:

1829

Turnbull's Block.

419 Market street.

1848

Turnbull's Block.

411 to 417 Market street.

1850

Scott's Block ..

North Fourth street.

1846-7 Lindsey's Block.

Market, corner of Sixth.

1848

St. Charles Hotel Block

Fourth street.

1856

Mandel's Block.

Market street.

1856

Collins' Block

Market street.

1856

Russell's Block.

Market street.

1866

McConville's Block

Market, corner Fourth.

1877

Johnson's Block.

Market street.

1874

Mooney's Block.

Market street.

1874

Sherrard, Mooney & Co

Market, corner Fourth.

1878

Dunbar's Block ..

Market street.

1872

Foster & Manley's Block

North Fourth street.

1870

Barclay's Block

Market, corner Sixth.

1865

Gazette Block

Market street.

1872

Bullock's Block.

Third street.

1875

Dougherty's Block

Market, corner Third.

1865-6 Cochran's Block.

Market street.

1874

Walker's Block.

Market street.

Jefferson Insurance Block

Third, cor. Market square.

Floto's Block

Fourth street.

Floto's Block

Fourth street.

1877 Specht's Block

Fourth street.

1875

Davison's Block

Fourth street.

1879

Raney, Shields & Co., Block.

Fourth street.

1872 Schaler's Hotel Block.

Foot of Market street.

1865

Mcar's Block.

Market street.

SPECIALLY ATTRACTIVE RESIDENCES.

Whatever the business portion of the city may lack in the uniformity of its architecture, is more than compensated for by the attractiveness of its private residences, some of which would adorn the suburbs of a fashionable metropolis, among which may be mentioned those owned by Messrs. W. Mooney, T. B. Coulter, W. C. Ong, J. M. Rickey, W. H. Hunter, D. Spalding, C. B. Doty, W. Elliott, Dr. Hammond, Mrs. Johnson, Dr. Stew- art, George Thatcher.

STEUBENVILLE FEMALE SEMINARY BUILDING-PUBLIC GROUNDS.

The open grounds belonging to the city have as yet been but little improved, but the trees planted a short time since on the river side give promise of a nice little park of several acres in a few years, and the square in the center of town, formerly occu- pied by the Market House, only awaits the hand of taste to make it a pleasant resort. The city also has some open ground ad- joining the reservoir which will probably be utilized some day in a similar manner .- Doyle's Sketches.

STEUBENVILLE POST OFFICE-ITS ORIGIN, POSIMASTERS, SEVERAL

LOCATIONS, &C.

Soon after the admittance of the State into the Union, in 1802, a regularly authorized postal system was adopted here, John Galbraith being the first appointed postmaster, who then . kept store in what was known as Odd Fellows' Hall block, which stood where May's clothing house now stands on Mar- ket street. He was quite a popular man as a merchant, but his political views occasionally got him into disfavor. As an instance, during the war of 1812 politics ran very high between the then Federal and Republican parties, who were at that time so equally balanced, numerically, in Steubenville, that an elec- tion for a justiceship, Wm. Lowry (R) and J. G. Henning (F) tied votes, and on a second election, Lowry only received a ma- jority of one. The war being on with England, and Galbraith being opposed to it, as postmaster, he refused to give any news out when the Americans gained a victory, but when the Brit- ish got the best of it, it was otherwise. When the report of Perry's victory arrived, so high did public indignation run against John's reticence, that serious apprehensions led him to re- signing in favor of James G. Henning, whose recommendation to the appointment he forwarded to Washington city. But by the same mail, Judge Tappan wrote to the Postmaster General, whom he knew to be in New Jersey, recommending David Larimore for the office, and the latter was installed before Galbraith's nomi- nation was received. But singular to say, after Larimore had faithfully filled the office for twenty years, at the instigation of Judge Tappan, was he again removed on account of his changed views in politics. During Larimore's term of office the post- office was conducted on the present site of the Imperial Hotel. Win. Cable was the third postmaster and was appointed in 1837, when he changed the location to North Third street, between Market and Washington streets. In 1841 Mr. Cable was suc- ceeded by Wm. Collins, and he ran the post office where Sur- ratt's jewelry store is now conducted, in Turnbull's block, Mar- ket street. But in 1845 he also stepped down and out in favor of Whit. O'Neal, who kept a little one story brick on Market street near the U. S. House. Next came Frank A. Wells, in 1849, who retained the same position for the office, as did also Thos. Brashear, who was postmaster from 1853 to 1861, when George Filson took the position, but removed the office to the site next to where Mr. Peters' hardware store is now conducted on Market street. He beld office till 1869, when James Reed be- came postmaster, and he it was, on the completion of the Odd Fellows' new fine block, on north Fourth street, removed the post office to its present position ; Mr. Frank O'Neil, the effi- cient postmaster of to-day, taking office in Jannary, 1878. Mr. O'Neil had had six or seven years experience in the same of- fice previous to his appointment, hence his proficiency in its present conduct. In this office are 1,000 glass boxes and 350 lock boxes. About 400 registered letters go through the office every three months, and there are 12 mails in, with the same number ont, daily.

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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 163

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