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 164
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 164
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STEUBENVILLE GAS WORKS.
This important institution came into operation the same year that Steubenville was incorporated a city-1851. It is the prop- erty of a local private company and its presidents have been R. S. Moody, B. P. Drennen, Dr. Thomas Johnson and R. Sher-
I-60-B. & J. Cos.
474
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
rard, Jr., at the present time. Its secretaries, from its organiza- tion, have been Col. G. W. McCook, Sr., Jos. Means, John Orr and George W. McCook, Jr., still in office. Superintendent A. J. Carrol, at present in charge, has filled his present responsible position for nearly a quarter of a century. The works are lo- cated on the corner of South and High streets, cover an area of 150x180 feet, and contain ten retorts, of which six are usually run in the summer and nine in the winter. The works have been almost entirely renewed in the past quarter of a century, and at present are in excellent condition, commanding about six miles of pipes through the city. At first the price of gas was $3 50 per 1,000, but at present reduced to $1 90 per 1,000. In the matter of gas, Steubenville is entitled to congratulation in her possession of works fully adequate to her present and in- creasing facilities for some time to come.
BRIEF HISTORY OF STEUBENVILLE'S BANKING IN- TEREST.
It was so far back as 1809 that the doors of the first bank in Steubenville were thrown open, and though the number of in- habitants was small, even in those days the good people were not slow to appreciate and support such an institution. Of course the worthy and enterprising pionecr-Bazaleel Wells- was the main mover in this, as in most of the earliest projects in this community, and the title of
"THE BANK OF STEUBENVILLE"
was given it-Bazaleel Wells and W. R. Dickenson proprietors, of whom the former filled the capacity of president, and the lat- ter that of cashier ; Alexander McDowell, son of Dr. McDowell, being teller, with Benjamin Cuning, janitor. The business was continued down to 1821, when the principals became hopelessly involved, and the enterprise came to grief in the sum of about $150,000. Some years after an attempt was made to revive it under its unexpired charter, by Samuel Stokeley, James Taif, A. Doyle, A. H. Dohrman, James Dougherty and M. M. Laugh- lin, with the former as president and O. Ballard as cashier, but it only took some three years to convince them that their doors were much more profitably kept shut than open.
"THE FARMERS AND MECHANIC'S BANK"
was next opened in 1816, with John C. Wright, president and Thomas Scott cashier. It was chartered for twenty years and ran out its time successfully. A few years subsequent to its winding up, several of the old stockholders, with an admixture of "new blood," renewed operations under a fresh charter grant- ing them the title of "The Jefferson Branch of State Bank of Ohio." This was successfully floated in 1845, but twenty years later it was again modernized in its title and conduct, for we find it in 1865, resolved into
"THE JEFFERSON NATIONAL BANK."
As a striking evidence of its excellent management and con- sequent success, we should state that it has maintained specie payments on a large circulation, from its organization through the great panics of 1837 and 1857 uninterruptedly until after the passage of the legal tender act of 1862, and its business of to-day is a compliment to its past history. As a remarkable fact, the first cashier Mr. T. Scott only held office one year-the second, Mr. D. Moody 33 years, the third Mr. W. Spencer, 23 years, and the present officer, C. Gallagher, assumed the posi- tion in 1874-though Mr. Spencer may be said to have served the bank also in other capacities an additional 16 years. Its present directors are E. F. Andrews, R. L. Brownlee, James Gallagher, David Johnson, Thomas Johnson, George Mahon, David McGowan, John Orr and James Turnbull. James Gal- lagher, president ; Charles Gallagher, cashier. Eastern Ex- change Banks-Metropolitan National Bank, New York ; Bank of America, New York, and Exchange National Bank, Pitts- burgh.
"MECHANIC'S FUND ASSOCIATION."
This was a local enterprise incorporated and put into oper- ation in 1832. It had a board of directors, but the conduct of the business was vested in a treasurer, who was Mr. John Leetch. It enjoyed the most implicit confidence of its patrons and the community at large during a most successful career extending over twenty years.
THE CITIZENS' BANK.
incorporated in 1865 was the most financial enterprise to dawn with Col. James Collier for its president and David Moody as cashier. Its career, however, was only very brief, as we find that in three or four years it was wound up.
SHERRARD, MOONEY & CO'S. PRIVATE BANK.
This banking house-still in active operation, was first establish- ed in 1862, with R. Sherrard, Jr., W. H. Mooney and James Gregg as its principals, under the Style of "Sherrard & Co." But in 1865 they merged into a First National Bank. The lat- ter, subsequently, withdrew from the National Banking Asso- ciation, and the firm re-established in 1868, paying in a capital of $50,000. They conduct a very extensive city and country business, as well as a large correspondence and collection ac- count. They are conservative in their investments, dealing only and exclusively in business paper of their patrons and State, county and U. S. securities. During the memorable panic of 1873 they carried through with prompt currency payments, as did the other local banks in this city, and never once had to ask quarters from any source. It only remains for us to add that their Eastern correspondents are-The Third National Bank, of New York and The Farmer's Deposit National Bank, of Pittsburgh.
"UNION DEPOSIT BANK."
This house is successor to the "Steubenville Savings' Insti- tute," established in 1864. From its earliest outset this bank has been characterized for its financial soundness, and without a falter has ever promptly met its engagements. As a savings' institute it has ever shared unlimited confidence, and upon winding up its affairs after the panic of 1873, in view to re- organizing it as it now stands, after paying up every stockhold- er in full it boasted a surplus of $20,000. That year it assumed its present title, and the leading features of its business is secur- ing deposits from one dollar upward, subject to check or other- wise-allowing interest on all time deposits of one dollar and upwards-making collections, and loaning money on govern- ment bonds and mortgage securities, at lowest rates. Its stock- holders are Horatio G. Garrett, William A. Walden, Calvin B. Doty, Joshua Manley. W. A, Walden, President; H. G. Gar- rett, Cashier. Eastern Exchange Banks-Third National at New York, and the First National in Pittsburgh.
"THE NATIONAL EXCHANGE BANK."
Though of comparative modern origin, this important insti- tution shares equal prominence among our banks of the pres- ent day. It originated in 1873-a private enterprise, known as the "Exchange Bank," but in 1874 was chartered the "National Exchange Bank," with an authorized capital of $200,000-paid up capital, $100,000. It transacts a general business, and is ex- tensively patronized by our leading commercial firms and promi- nent farmers of the county. Present directors are David Spauld- ing, C. D. Kaminsky, William Dougherty, Wm. R. Peters and David Myers. William Dougherty, President; D. Spaulding, Vice President, T. A. Hammond, Cashier. Eastern Exchange Banks-Importers and Traders National Bank, New York. The German National Bank, Pittsburgh, and Girard National Bank, Philadelphia.
THE MINERS AND MECHANICS' BANK.
This popular institution was established first in 1872 by a number of our leading citizens, most, if not all, of whom arc yet associated with its directory, together with the late George W. McCook, who was perhaps one of its most zealous advocates. Its object was to afford an unquestionable investment for small sums upon a liberal interest, while affording loans to the in- dustrial classes on easy terms at 8 per cent, with ample time to mcet their obligations ; and so marked has been its success, that to-day it controls a capital exceeding $50,000. The office for receiving investments is at Mr. Campbell's shoe store, 321 Mar- ket street, and the directors are Messrs. C. R. Thompson, Sr., J. H. Bristor, M. Alexander, J. H. Hawkins, J. E. Sheal, J. A. McCurdy, J. W. Cookson, J. Bentz, W. Elliott, S. B. Campbell, and D. McConville, Sr. The president is J. H. Hawkins ; treas- urer, S. B. Campbell; secretary, J. W. Cookson ; and J. A. McCurdy, solicitor. Though comparatively unassuming in its preventions, this bank has rendered excellent service and is still working much good, with yet a brighter future before it.
475
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
STEUBENVILLE'S MILITARY.
On the opening of the present year, Steubenville had three military companies, as follows :
COMPANY A-Second Regiment O. N. G., or more familiarly known locally as the "Baron Guards." Captain, E. Zimmer- man; first lieutenant, W. Amiek; seeond lieutenant, B. Mat- thews.
COMPANY B-Second Regiment O. N. G., or better known as the "Herman Guards." Captain, -- Floto; first lieutenant, H. Oyer; second lieutenant, W. Tellers. Disbanded in July last.
COMPANY C-Second Regiment O. N. G., or "MeCook Guards." Captain, A. Riley ; first lieutenant, H. M. Oyer ; second lieuten- ant, Ross Noble. Disbanded in July last.
In consequence of a recent general reduction in the number of home guards, "B" and "C" companies were given up, but company A, originally known as the "Jefferson Guards," and now styled the "Baron Guards," out of compliment to C. S. S. Baron, their late highly esteemed Colonel, residing at Bellaire, still flouishes. The colonel of the Second regiment is L. P. Harper, of Barnesville; Lieutenant Colonel, G. W. Sheppard, of Barnesville, and Major, E. T. Petty, of Barnesville. The regi- ment, as at present composed, numbers about 500 to 600 rank and file, and commands a first class band, resident at Athens.
The present armory in Steubenville was dedicated in Septem- ber, 1877, being furnished by the city. It is a capital building for the purpose, 70x42, one story, and fitted with excellent glass pannelled eases wherein to staek their arms.
Company A has at present a roll of seventy-two members, and the boys are not laeking in military interest, as evidenced by the remarkable neatness and cleanliness of their quarters and arms.
STEUBENVILLE CADETS.
A company of youths, between the ages of sixteen and twen- ty years, was organized September 10, 1879, under the above style, and we are given to understand have elected their officers as follows: Captain, W. C. Brandenburg ; first lieutenant, Chas. Hamilton ; second lieutenant, H. C. Hull. The youthful aspi- rants to military fame are most sanguine of their success as a military organization, and propose infusing considerable spirit into their undertaking.
A PRIVATE DRUM CORPS
Is much talked of, if not decided upon, the names of members having been taken, who promise to provide their own uniforms, teachers and time, if the recent reunion committee, who have a round surplus of eash in hand from the late loan exhibition and celebration, will provide them with instruments.
SOCIETIES, ORDERS, &C., IN STEUBENVILLE.
There are probably thirty to forty various organizations, benefit or mutual, entitled to mention under this head, the most prominent of which we enumerate, with a lengthier reference to those of special distinction :
Organized. Members. 116
Commandery No. 11, Knights Templar 1850
Union Council No. 2, R. & S. M. 1866 30
Union Chapter No. 15, R. A. M.
1827
65
Steubenville Lodge No. 45, F. & A. M. 1820
70
Meridian Lodge No. 234, F. & A. M 1854
65
Freemasons' Mutual Benefit Association 1871
138
Nimrod Encampment No. 3, 1. O. O. F 1840
112
Jefferson Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F. 1836
165
Good Will Lodge No. 143, I. O. O. F 1850
103
Golden Rule Lodge No. 94, Degrec of Rebekah 1874
86
Steuben Lodge No. 1, Knights of Pythias. 1869
160
Eureka Lodge No. 35, Knights of Pythias 1871
50
Ivanhoe Division U. R., Knights of Pythias 1878
40
Steubenville Grove No. 25, U. A. O. D 1870
90
A. P. A., Zion Lodge No. 16 .. 1870
70
American Star Council No. 7, O. U. A. M. 1869
50
Temple of Honor, Logan Council No. 2 1854
21
Republican Temple of Honor No. 24. 1848
30
Steuben Social Temple No. 7 1851
55
Steubenville Turnverein 1874
41
Chandler Lodge No. 857, K. of HI
1878
56
Organized.
Members. 23
St. Patrick's Society
Ancient Order of Hibernians
1873
25
Philharmonie Society
1868
50
Harmonic Society. 1866
18
Leeture and Library Club. 1879
1818
FREE MASONS.
The original dispensation, granted to Steubenville Lodge No. 45, bears date December 27, 1817, and at the first meeting, Feb- ruary 19, 1818, Nicholas Murray was the first member installed, while the following were placed in office: P. S. Mason, W. M .; Samuel L. Fitton, S. M .; Wright Warner, J. W.
The charter of the first lodge of Master Masons was issued to Peter Mason, Samuel Stokely, Adam Wise, Isaae Jenkinson, Thomas Orr, Joseph S. Batchelor, James Hukill, Bernard Lucas, and Wm. R. Diekenson, charter members, Steubenville Lodge No. 45, by the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, dated at Col- umbus, January 24, 1820, and signed by John Snow, G. M. ; A. MeDowell, S. G. W .; Jos, Vanee, J. G. W. ; Benjamin Gardiner, G. S.
Next comes the Chapter-a warrant of dispensation was granted by the Most Excellent Priest,* , of the Most Excellent Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the state of Ohio, to John M. Goodenow, Samuel Stokeley, Wm. Leslie, RobertMoore, John Kline, John Henry, Samuel McClain, Wm. Finigan and Bernard Lueas, with their associates, to open and hold a Chap- ter of Royal Arch Masons in the town of Steubenville, under the name and style of "Union Chapter."
The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the state of Ohio, duly constituted by eharter "Union Chapter" No. 15, at Steubenville, appointed Companion John M. Goodenow the first High Priest; Companion Wm. Leslic, the first King and Companion; * first Scribe of said constituted Chapter, dated at Columbus, Jan- uary 11th. A. D. 1827, and of discovery 2,327, signed Charles R. Sherman, Grand High Priest ; * Deputy Grand High Priest ; Joshua Downer, Grand King; Samuel Stokeley, Grand Scribe and W. Latham, Grand Secretary.
ENCAMPMENT OF KNIGHTS TEMPLAR.
On the 16th day of October, 1849, a dispensation was granted to ecrtain Sir Knights to open and hold an encampment of Knights Templar and the appendant orders in the city of Steu- benville, known as Steubenville Encampment No. 11. The Grand Eneampment of the state of Ohio duly constituted said Steubenville Eneampment No. 11 by charter dated at the city of Cincinnati, October 18th, A. D. 1850, and of the order 732, signed John L. Vattier, Em. G. M. ; John Halselmann, D. G. M .; George L. Shinniek, G. G .; J. N. Butt, P. G. G. and B. F. Smith, G. R. The petition to the M. Em. G. C. of the Grand Encamp- ment of the state of Ohio, was signed by Sir Knights M. M. Laughlin, H. J. Hukill, Wm. Leslie, Robert Leslie, James Me- Kinney, John Cunningham, John T. Leslie and John McAdams.
MERIDIAN LODGE
No. 234 of Master Masons. The seeond lodge of Master Masons was duly constituted by charter from the Grand Lodge of the state of Ohio issued to Francis Bates, Jos. Harwood, John Boyer, James H. Blinn, Thos. Brasher, Van Lightzer, D. C. Delane, Wm. H. Beaty, Wm. Boyd, James Carnahan and John Boyer, dated at Chillicothe, October, A. D. 1854, and of Masonry 5854, signed by L. V. Bierce, M. W. G. M. ; W. B. Dodds, R. W. Dep. G. M. ; Matthew Gaston, R. W. Sr. G. M .; M. D. Brock, R. W. Jr. G. W .; J. D. Caldwell, R. W. Grand Secretary.
FREE MASON'S MUTUAL BENEFIT ASSOCIATION OF EASTERN OHIO.
This important benefit association wasorganized in 1874, and incorporated the same year. Its charter members were Charles N. Allen, president ; Jas. H. Blinn, vice president ; John Chap- man, secretary ; John Brister, treasurer. The association has proved of inestimable advantage, and is prospering with 135 members. Its present officers are Jones Munker, president ; James E. Hill, vice president, while John Chapman, secretary
*These names are so nearly obliterated on the original copies that we cannot transcribe them with any degree of accuracy.
-
Branch No. 2, Emerald Association
Female Bible Society
Stanton Council No. 343, Royal Arcanum .. 1879
476
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
and J. H. Brister, treasurer, remain still in office, as they have done from the association's organization.
TEMPERANCE IN STEUBENVILLE.
Though there was far less necessity in olden times, as com- pared with the present, for the reforming influences of the above noble cause, yet as early as 1828 or 1830, we learn of the Rev. Dr. Beatty convening such a gathering at the court house, which was regarded as a public resort. But the county com- missioners not having a sympathy in that direction, took the pains to have the lock on the old building repaired, and the key turned upon the temperance party. This conduct naturally surprised, and somewhat incensed their reverend leader, but of his subsequent action in the matter we are not advised. Cer- tain it is, however, that alike by example and precept, Dr. Beat- ty adhered to the good old cause, which, like the smouldering ember, eventually shone forth again with increased brilliancy. It is since 1840-4 that temperance has made the most progress. About 1845 the "City Temperance Society" flourished, having taken renewed strength under the Washingtonian movement. Then came the "Sons of Temperance Society," "Temple of Honor Encampment," "Independent Order of Good Templars," the "crusade movement," the "Murphy" and "Red Ribbon" move- ments, &c. From the earliest days of this excellent cause strik- ing Steubenville to the present, the names of the Rev. Dr. Beat- ty and the Rev. Buchanan have been associated with it, and since 1844-5 Messrs. B. D. Worthington, John H, Hawkins and J. H. Lindsay have been faithful and successful workers. At present, temperance is not the only advantage of this move- ment, but benevolent and beneficial privileges are derived therefrom, and the following are the several branches still flour- ishing in our midst: "Temple of Honor," established in 1848; "Steubenville Social" and "Logan Council." B. D. Worthington is G. W. R. for the State.
A REGULAR COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS.
was first organized and instituted in Steubenville under a char- ter from the Grand Council of Royal and select Masters of the state of Ohio, A. D., 1839, under the style or name of "Union Council No. 2." The old charter, however, being lost, a new one was obtained in 1866, hence we are unable to give the full details of this important branch of the order.
REPUBLICAN TEMPLE OF HONOR.
This excellent temperance organization above referred to is worthy of far more than mere passing mention. Through its agency, many have been rescued from a drunkard's grave, and into numberless homes has it caused the sunshine of happiness and prosperity to peer. The order was instituted January 12, . 1848, with the following charter members : B. D. Worthington, ton, Wm. Doyle, James Keith, Jr., Isaac McDonald, R. S. Moody, David Hull, James H. Blinn, Rezin Merriman, John McFeeley, Thos. Sterling, A. D. Fisher, Robert Boals, Maguire Doyle, Wm. St. Clair, John C. Huston, James Kelley, Robert S. Thompson, Robert C. Hull, E. G. McFeeley and O. A. Worthington. The Council was organized May 18, 1866, with thirty-two charter members. "Steuben Social No. 7," composed of the wives, sis- ters and friends of the members, was instituted in the year 1850. The order has certainly had its ups and downs, yet it not only still exists, but is spreading its usefulness even daily, though many of its charter members are no longer spared to continue their labor of love-having gone, it is hoped, to a happier sphere to reap the reward of well spent lives.
ROYAL ARCANUM.
A mong Steubenville's numerous secret societies, comes Stan- ton Council No. 343, " Royal Arcanum." Though almost the youngest, it is rapidly gaining ground among the first for its stability of membership. The order was originally organized in Boston, over two years since. So excellent are its plans, and so admirable their results, that its growth has been remark- able, and it now numbers near 20,000 members, scattered over the principal states of the Union, extending also into the provinces. The objects of the order are mutual, benefit and insurance. On Thursday evening, June 26, 1879, Deputy Supreme Regent, A. S. White, of Columbus, instituted "Stanton Council" No. 343, of the " Royal Arcanum," so named after the deceased secretary of war, who was a native of Steuben-
ville. The following were the charter members: A. M. Black- burn, F. R. Maish, George E. Sharpe, O. V. W. Chandler, W. C. Forbes, E. C. Chandler, William Morrison, William May, Frank M. Mooney, S. S. Culbertson, George N. Henry, J. H. Perkins, B. H. Fisher, T. P. Spencer, James A. McCurdy, J. M. Riley, Joseph Jordan, W. R. Zink, A. H. Carter. The follow- ing were its first officers elected : Regent, E. C. Chandler ; vice regent, W. R. Zink; orator, Joseph Jordan ; past regent, O. V. W. Chandler; secretary, Frank M. Mooney; collector, W. C. Forbes ; treasurer, George N. Henry; chaplain, A. H. Carter; guide, Samuel S. Culbertson ; warden, B. H. Fisher ; sentry, . William May ; examining surgeons, Drs. A. M. Blackburn and B. H. Fisher.
This council now numbers about forty members, embracing some of the best citizens of the place. By its safe insurance plan, it is said to be destined to become the leading order of the times.
STEUBENVILLE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES.
YE OLDEN TIME SCHOOL HOUSES AND PIONEER SCHOOL MASTERS-ONE OF THE MOST VENERABLE AND EXCELLENT FEMALE SEMINARIES IN THE WEST-ORIGIN OF THE FREE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN STEUBENNILLE-MAG- NIFICENT SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND AN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION ESTABLISHED OF UNSURPASSED EXCELLENCE.
From information we have been able to gather, there is little question that some kind of facilities for the dissemination of learning existed in Steubenville anterior to 1805-6, while we have positive evidence of a Mr. Black opening a private school here so early as the latter year. It was his privilege to occupy a frame residence below Fifth street, near Bank alley, where his ability to teach, and uniform consideration for his pupils, secured for him a very respectable school for those days. With an ever ready eye to the welfare of those around him, and particularly solicitous for the future welfare of the rising generation, that noble pioneer, Mr. Bazaleel Wells, so early as 1807, had erected the first frame school house-to be especially dedicated to the training of the young idea. It consisted of a small red painted frame structure, and stood opposite but a little below the pres- ent Steubenville seminary. In early days it was recognized as the " Little Red School House," and the first teacher therein, of whom we have any account, was one James Thompson. He was succeeded by a Thomas Fulton, and after him came Jacob Hull. There are those yet living amongst us who owe their early instruction to those gentlemen, and, particularly in refer- ence to the two latter, have some vivid recollections of their peculiarities and the mischievous pranks played upon them by their pupils. We are assured that both Fulton and Hull had a singular affinity for " schnaps," which frequently led to their stealing a quiet nap, when they would awake to find their slip- pers removed or hats decorated with quill pens thrust all around the band-nor was it an uncommon occurrence, when they slept with their heads on the desk, to awake to a sense of far more learning (in the shape of a pile of books) resting on their heads than an average cranium could possibly contain. But they were not men of vindictive feelings, and it was seldom that such freaks were rewarded with punishment, particularly as it was even far more seldom that the responsibility could be placed on one pupil more than another-in other words, " Mr. Right." The books used were of a comparatively humble character until after about 1812-13, when the "United States Speller," the "Introduction " and " English Reader " became the favored editions. The early schools were all mixed-male and female- and the easiest terms of tuition ran about $2.50 per half year.
After the "Red School House" came into operation others sprang into existence, at private residences in rapid succession, some taught by gentlemen and others by ladies, among the lat- ter prominently being the select schools of Miss Sheldon, on High street, and the Misses Graham and Burgess, on Fourth street. So early as 1816 or 1817, a Mr. Baker, (and by the way, a clever son of the Emerald Isle) also established a very good school at the head of Washington street, and was well patronized, but as a disciplinarian was very severe, not unfre- quently beyond the limits of decorum .. He, however, died in the fall of 1825 or 1826, receiving quite a largely attended funer- al. A Mr. Fowler, about 1817, further commenced a good school on Fourth street, and was very successful. The follow- ing year, however, the good old pioneer, Bazaleel Wells, who never lacked in sympathy and interest for the young, became
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