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 165

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 165
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 165

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477

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

the main subscriber to a fund for the erection of an academy, which was erected that yearon High street, near Adam, where Mr. S. M'Elvaney now owns. It was a fine substantial building for those days, put up by Mr. John DeHuff, contractor. It was unsparingly patronized, as it afforded almost an unlimited edu- cation, and was opened under the conduct of Professor Miller. It was continued as a school for many years, but in its latter days afforded accommodation to the members of the Episcopalian Church for the holding of services, and in 1832, or thereabouts, was converted into tenement houses ; Mr. M'Elvaney purchas- ing it somne four years ago, when at a considerable expense, he transformed it into a most charming residence. We had almost overlooked the important fact that in 1814, the Rev. George Buchanan, a most able divine and masterly scholar, officiating in this community, clearly observed the necessity for a classical school, and accordingly inaugurated one at his residence, then a two story frame standing where Dr. Hammond now resides, above the railroad track on Market street. As all the higher branches constituting a complete education were here imparted carefully and successfully for many years, the institution was of inestimable value in this community, but we are not advised as to its ultimate discontinuance. In 1820, Mr. Samuel Ackerly also kept an excellent private school on the corner of the alley, on the same side, and just above Garrett's Hall, Market street, while we further learn of Dr. John Scott having erected what proved a popular academy on Seventh street, above Logan Street. We were unable to secure the correct date of its erec- tion, but believe it was run successfully down to about 1855-6. and this brings us down to the establishment of probably one of

THE MOST VENERABLE AND SUCCESSFUL FEMALE SEMINARIES IN THE ENTIRE WEST.

We refer to a noble institution yet in the prime of its useful- ness, and one that has, during the past half century, contributed a gratifying quota of fair ornaments to society, and laborers to the Lord's vineyard, far beyond the confines of this conti- nent. It is none other than the far famed "Steubenville Ladies' Seminary," opened by the Rev. Dr. C. C. Beatty, on April 13, 1829. The buildings, admirably located, substantial and roomy, now fill almost the entire west boundary of the seminary grounds, which are very extensive and tastefully arranged. We find that it was in 1833 the first graduates received their diplomas, the advance guard of an army of over 4,500 who have gone forth from these venerable halls, and have scattered themselves around the whole circle of the earth, many of them rising to positions of influence, some of them as missionaries, and others acting an important part in the world's great drama. Rev. A. M. Reid, the present principal and proprietor of the school, has been with it for nearly a quarter of a century, and for many years he and his wife have had entire charge of the same, the advancing years and feeble health of its venerable founder having long withdrawn him from any but a nominal connection with the in- stitution. The seminary is conducted under the auspices of the Presbyterian church, but children of all denominations find a home within its hospitable walls. The grounds are laid off in tasteful style, and leafy trees and falling waters of the fountain make the place one of cooling delight, especially on a warm summer's afternoon. The buildings themselves are roomy and comfortable, and the school room is airy, light and pleasant. A large library, complete and excellent chemical and philosoph- ical apparatus, and collections of specimens in the line of geol- ogy, ethnology and natural history, furnish ample materials for interesting object lessons, and the varicd and beautiful articles gathered up in different trips to the old world, and which may be found in every part of the building, make it a place of rare attractions. A well fitted up gymnasium is at hand to aid in healthy bodily development. One of the late additions to the institution is a preparatory school, with features of the Kinder- garten system, for the little ones, which has met with marked success. At the close of the last term 139 scholars were enroll- ed, from all parts of the country, under a corps of officers and instructors numbering fifteen, teaching all the branches to be found in a first class educational institution for young ladies. The course of study is divided into four years, primary, middle, junior and senior, and under its present management the school gives promise of a yet increasingly lengthened career of useful- ness, while remaining a noble and worthy represetative institu- tion of the "Buckeye State."

ORIGIN OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IN STEUBENVILLE.

Though the city has never lacked ample means for obtaining

learning-in the way of private schools-as the population in- creased it became more strikingly apparent that the imparting of education must be put on a broader and still more popular basis, hence we find that in 1838 the first board of education was organized, consisting of Dr. C. C. Beatty, Dr. John Andrews and Mr. James Means, whose object it was to open up the public school system in Steubenville. The following year two school buildings, on Upper and Lower Fourth street, were erected at a cost of $4,000, and opened in the fall, "These," says Mr. Joseph B. Doyle, in a paper on the subject, " with rented rooms, accommodated the city youth until 1858, when a material addi- tion was made to school facilities by the purchase of "Grove Academy," a spacious building which had been previously occu- pied as a school for young men, by Rev. Dr. John Scott, at a cost of $5,000. Within ten years the growth of the city com- pelled the further enlargement of accommodations, the end of which was the erection of a large new building on the corner of Fourth and South streets, which was completed April 1, 1870, at a cost, including furniture, of $60,000. The building is four stories in height besides the attic, and is a massive structure, containing twelve school rooms, with accommodations for 800 pupils, and is provided with a large number of class-rooms. It is heated throughout with steam, and lighted by gas, and con- tains all the modern improvements. The high school is located in this building and has a complete chemical and philosophical apparatus, with a library of reference. The demand for room still increasing, by a vote of the people a new and more com- modious building was ordered on the corner of Fourth and Dock streets. This was completed in 1873, and is a fine struc- ture of pressed brick, constructed in a pleasing style of archi- tecture, and surrounded by tasteful and well kept grounds, It is three stories in height, including the basement, and contains twelve school rooms, with accommodations for 700 pupils. The colored school on North Third street is a neat two-story brick building, capable of accommodating 160 pupils. In the Sixth ward are two good buildings-a frame of three rooms in what is known as the rolling mill district, with accommodations for 160 scholars, and a two-story brick in the Fisher district, with room for 120 scholars. In the western part of the Third ward, or "Jacksonville," is a frame school-house holding 60 pupils, for the accommodation of the people of that section. The ap- pearance of our school-houses. has attracted the attention of strangers, and no care is avoided to make the instructions given correspond to the outside impression. The course of study in the primary and intermediate departments is of the most ap- proved kind, and the highest educational skill is utilized to bring out every dormant faculty of the pupil. German is also one of the optional studies, not only in the high but in the grammar schools, and during the last term this department embraced 159 pupils, under charge of Mr. Otto Fuchs. Music is also taught during a portion of the time, with the usual lit- erary exercises. The high school was opened in 1855, and the first pupil graduated in 1860, and from the ever widening stream which since then has poured forth in uninterrupted flow, has been supplied first-class educational talent not only for the Steubenville schools but elsewhere. The Superintendent for the past nine years has been Prof. M. R. Andrews, under whose management they were brought to the highest state of efficiency, but he accepting a position in one of our Ohio colleges, Prof. Mertz, of Wheeling, succeeds, with the highest recom- mendations, and under whose charge there is every reason to suppose that the previous reputation of the schools will be fully sustained. The first school superintendent was Thomas F. Mc- Grew, who was followed by W. J. Sage, J. N. Dessellem, Eli T. Tappan, Joseph Buchanan, M. R. Andrews and H. N. Mertz. The corps of teachers including the Superintendent now num- bers forty.

The school houses are all paid for, and notwithstanding the liberal expenditures for school purposes, taxes as will be seen further on, are light. The city paid in teachers' salaries last year, (1878) the sum of $20,235.11.

In addition to the schools already enumerated, in 1868 Rev. W. T. Bigelow, pastor of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, founded the schools connected with that parish. These sehools, which occupy five rooms in the basement of the church, lately closed their term with an enrollment of over 300 scholars. They are conducted by Sisters of Charity under the supervision of the pastor of the congregation, and have attained a deserved reputation for efficiency and scholarship.

The last school census taken in September, 1878, gave the following as the number of persons in the city between the age of 6 and 21 :

478

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

Male. 388

Female.

Total

First Ward,

382

770

Second Ward,

465

535

1,000

Third Ward,

400

448

848

Fourth Ward,.

362

347

709

Fifth Ward,

322

306

626

Sixth Ward,

.324

321

645

2,261

2,337

4,598

Of these about 2,400 are enrolled in the different schools, and as even those who pass through the High School course grad- nate a considerable length of time before reaching twenty-one, while many stop with the first year of the course or even at the end of the Grammar school it will be seen that taking out in- valids, those at school elsewhere, at work and left off the en- rollment for good and sufficient causes, the proportion left in idleness is perhaps as small as any other place where compulsory education does not exist."

STEUBENVILLE'S TRADESMEN.

BRIEF REFERENCES TO SOME OF THE PAST AND SOME OF THE PRESENT.

Though the perusal of historical facts may be interesting to many, and, without doubt, valuable to every one desiring to be- come well informed, yet the recounting of by-gones would find little favor in any direction were it not for variety. Hence we propose briefly to afford some idea ofthe generation now almost entirely gone, who formed the nucleus to the present commer- cial prestage of Steubenville. Simply a few pen sketches, picked up in our canvass for information, and as depicted by such of the good old pioneers who are still left among us to swell the pages of history with their honored recollections of

OUR EARLIEST BUSINESS MEN.

Prior to, and during the years 1800 to 1805-or from 1798 to 1805-a period of seven years, it is true that settlers werc ex- ceedingly limited in this section, and in proportion tradesmen were few, yet too many, taking the whole, for us to expaciate upon, therefore we have resolved only to give such as it has happened to be our privilege to hear the most, about. We would therefore have it distinctly understood that the references to be hereinafter made are submitted without the slightest regard to favor or partiality :

BAZALEEL WELLS, the founder of Steubenville, was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, in 1769. His father, Alexander Wells, had a grant of land containing about fifteen hundred acres situated in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on Cross creek about equidistant from the site of Waghington and Steubenville. The latter was one of the pioneers of Washington county. The date of his location in that section is unknown, but suffice it to say that Bazaleel joined his father in that county when he was about thirteen years old. He found his father located in a fort at Well's Mill, on Cross creek, and for the following three years his chief occupation was carrying arms for the men who resided in the fort for fear of the Indians, and were engaged in farming labors, in its vicinity. The Indians attacked the fort several times, but fortunately, none of the Wells' were injured. In later years Alexander removed to Wellsburg, Brooke county Virginia, where he died in 1813, at the age of eighty-six. His wife was Leah Owens, a daughter of the pioneer Owens of Ohio and Brooke counties, Virginia. She died on the 20th of February, 1815, nearly eighty-seven years old. Our subject re- ceived a good education considering the times, and became one of the best known surveyors in the Ohio valley. He purchased (1100) eleven hundred acres of land including the site of Steu- benville, at the original salein 1797, and laid out the town in that year. He was the first Prothonotary of Jefferson county, and was as capable and efficient as an official, as he was and had been as surveyor. He was a delegate to the convention that formed the first constitution of Ohio, and to his personal effort the State is indebted for many excellent provisions of that constitution. He was the first to engage in the manufacture of woolen goods, in 1814, and continued in that business for many years. The factory was erected in 1813 and 1814, and was the pioneer woolen mill west of the Allegheny mountains. The old dye house is still standing. He engaged in farming and sheep raising, and was among the first in introducing better grades of wool in this section of the Ohio valley. In 1820, in connection with Au-

gustus Koeb, he entered into the production of copperas, and their works was the first west of the mountains, and were oper- ated successfully by him and partners until 1843. Heattended also to land matters ; made various surveys, not only in this county of Jefferson, but in many portions of the State. He was the orig- inal proprietor of Canton, Stark county, Ohio, and laid out a town for the seat of justice of Wayne county, Ohio. Every cit- izen is acquainted with the beautiful county seat of Stark and its success, as well as with Steubenville, may gaze upon them as fitting monuments to the memory of the far-seeing surveyor and proprietor. The town of Wayne died "a bornin," as the - commissioners decided upon the site since known as Wooster. He is described as being an exceedingly fine man-standing over six feet high-with a most agreeable, serene countenance and keen blue eye. In frankness, candor and enterprise he had few equals, while in his moral character he was exemplary. His heart was abundantly stored with sympathy and generosity, and his honor and integrity he cherished with a zealous care that left little question as to his christian aspirations. To the last he was active and enterprising, ever engaged in operations looking to the advancement of his town and state. He died in August, 1846, seventy-seven years of age. His wife was Sarah Griffith, daughter of Hezekiah Griffith, of Wellsburg, Brooke county, Virginia, who subsequently removed to the vi- cinity of Phillipsburg, (now called Lagrange) Jefferson county, Ohio. She died in 1839, at the age of fifty. She was beloved by every one who knew her, and many are there yet living, upon whose hearts are indelibly engraved sentiments of grati- tude to the worthy pair whom it is universally hoped have en- tered upon their due reward for well-spent lives. Their chil- dren were: Catharine W., deceased, married to John McDowell, deceased ; Rebecca R., deceased, married first to Rev. Philander Chase, deceased, and second to Rev. Intrepid Morse, deceased, rector of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal parish of Steuben- ville, for forty-five years ; James R., deceased, married to Eliz- abeth Wilson, deceased; Samuel Owings, deceased, married to Lucinda Holmes, deceased ; Alexander, deceased ; Bazaleel, de- ceased; Hezekiah G., married to Axsab Strong; Francis A. born in Steubenvile, in 1813, married in 1840, Jane C. Boggs; engaged in the woolen mill for six years ; postmaster of Steu- benville from 1849 to 1853; for several years engaged in horti- cultural pursuits ; children : Sarah G., John B. Bazaleel, de- ceased; Agnes L., and Frank C. ; Ann C., married to the Rev. Ezra Kellogg, deceased; Sarah G., deceased, married to Rev. Dudley Chase, and Mary, who is also deceased.

HANS WILSON, was a short, dark complexioned, round shouldered man, clean shaved, always dressed very plain, and is said to have been economical to parsimony-yet strictly honest and a most consistent member of the Presbyterian church. The land of his nativity was Ireland, and he came to America when quite young. On his arrival in this section, he first threshed for a living, with the old flail until he had secured money enough to make a start upon the road with a pack. After this he opened a small log store, where the court house now stands. Success attending his efforts, he grew from strength to strength, ultimately presiding over one of the most important business houses in the city, and at his death, he is said to have left in the neighborhood of a quarter of a million dollars. As a proof of his attachment to his church, we learn that at his death, after making due provision for the support of his wife he left the whole of the residue to the Home and For- cign Missionary Societies. He never aspired to any public of- fice whatever, but diligently applied himself to commercial pur- suits, in which, particularly as a money lender, he proved highly successful.

JOHN ENGLAND, a native of Pennsylvania, was also among thie first settlers. He was a bachelor and an exceedingly fine look- ing man. He presided over a general store on the southeast corner of Market square, was brought up a Quaker, and of course was very particular in the preservation of his integrity. He was a man of considerable executive ability and proved very successful in business. On his retirement therefrom he was ap- pointed one of the associate judges of the Court of Common Pleas, subsequently ending his days on his farm in Cross creek township. He was always a warm politician and strong in his advocacy of democratic principles.

JOHN WARD, a native of Ireland, married a daughter of Col. McLain, of Uniontown ; came here in 1798, and first settled on a lot on the corner of Third and High streets, where he kept a

479

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

boarding-house for a while to accommodate the court officials. He proved a most popular man, and became prothonoiary of the court, (succeeding Bazalcel Wells) which office he held till 1810. In 1800 he built the old United States House, (old part) fronting on Market street. After 1810 he conducted merchan- dizing down to 1817. Some of his danghters will be found the first female children born in this section. The present store of Mahon & Maxwell he built for himself as a private residence, and died April 30, 1840. His family are all dead, with the ex- ception of the youngest daughter, now Mrs. Gerome, of Bloom- field,

MARTIN ANDREWS was also a very early settler, and at first traded in hats and furs two doors north of Hans Wilson's store, on Third street. He traded a long while with New Orleans, by water, and became a wealthy merchant. He was once a director in the Jefferson branch of the State Bank of Ohio, and died about 1850, He has a son, Martin, still living, who is engaged as a land agent in Chicago.

MOSES HALE .- We have been unable to ascertain any length- ened account of this gentleman, but he was one of our first dry goods merchants, in company with his brother, keeping a store adjoining, and north of Hans Wilson's store, on Third street. He was a shrewd and successful merchant, a strong Methodist, and a tradesman very popular among the people, what might seem strange in these days.

"'SQUIRE" JENKINSON kept the " Red Lion" tavern, and, be- sides being a J. P., was also township trustee for a number of years. He was a most conscientious, upright man, and made a decided success of business. He left a son, John, who is still living in this state, and his daughter (now deceased) became the wife of Capt. Spencer, still a resident of Steubenville, and among its many good old stand-by residents.

BENJAMIN DOYLE came from Maryland in 1798, and was prob- ably the very first to open up a manufacturing business here, establishing a tannery on the head of North street the same year of his arrival. He is described as having been a sedate, matter of-fact man-quick and close at business, a strict Episco- palian by persuasion, and a man of very respectful demeanor, which commanded for him the highest respect wherever he went. Nor was his lady less esteemed for her many excellent virtues and sympathetic disposition. Mr. Doyle, it is said, was the means of providing the first city well (before water works were thought of), and which was sunk where the Court House now stands. He also served as jailor under Sheriff Swearengen for several years, and while in that capacity passed, it is hoped, to a better land. His only immediate descendant out of a fam- ily of nine children, residing among us, is his son, Col. Alexan- der Doyle, who has spent an active and prosperous carcer in our midst, and is at present indulging the quietude of retired life. Though we should add, that of his grandchildren and great grandchildren there still remains quite a number in this com- munity who are equally perpetuating the many commendable traits of the family name of their worthy pioneer ancestors.

WM. R. DICKINSON was characterized for his gentility and deportment, coming here about 1805. He was originally in the land office at Chillicothe, and a man of more than ordinary ability. For many years he was partner in, and cashier for the First Bank of Steubenville, and became a partner with Bazaleel Wells in the first woolen mill that opened here. He also used to keep a large number of sheep, and was quite a connoisseur of the finest breeds, he and Mr. Wells being the first to intro- duce the famous Merino breed of sheep into this country. We have it on the best of authority, that they gave no less than $700 for the famous back "Bolivar," and from $250 to $400 each for their thoroughbred stock ewes. The same quality may now be purchased for from one-sixth to one-eighth of that price. Mr. Dickinson's first wife was the daughter of the late Dr. McDow- ell, the pioneer physician in this section, and his second wife was a Miss Johnson, a niece of the Dr. Mr. D. was the father of two fine daughters. Moving to Texas himself, he subsequently died, but we are not advised of the precise date. One of the daughters referred to, became the wife of a Mr, Peebles of Pittsburgh, and now lives in Lawrence county, Pa. The other married a Mr. Riddle, of Pittsburgh, now deceased, but Mrs. Riddle is at present residing in Philadelphia. One of her daughters has become the wife of Thomas Scott, Esq., the famous railroad manager.

JOHN GALBRAITH was another very prosperous tradesman in his day. He was a native of Ireland, and came to this part of the country in 1799, or thereabouts. He was a short, stout- built man, and by his affability in social life commanded a large circle of friends. He was hardly so successful as a politician- for his sympathies, we are told, flowed in such a direction, and frequently to such an extent, as to militate somewhat against his otherwise popular carcer. He was the first postmaster appointed in Steubenville, and worthily opened up that institu- tion, which he represented for several years. He had a family of two sons and four daughters. As a tradesman he decidedly made his mark in the world-amassed considerable property and is said to have died wealthy. He owned considerable land in Stark and Wayne counties, and besides other property that desirable business corner where McConville's store stands, together with several adjacent lots. He was a man who showed an excellent local spirit, and once filled the position of county recorder. He died about 1830-1.

PHILIP CABLE, a native of Berks county, Pa., was also a pio- neer of 1795-if not before-and one of the most notable anci- ents of this section. He was appointed judge of the territorial court, and was subsequently a justice of the peace for Jefferson county. Those who knew him in life ascribe to him ali the honor due to a "rightcous judge," and of his private life speak in the highest praise. He had four sons, Benjamin, Samuel, · Ephraim and Andrew, now all dead, and one daughter, Delila. One eccentricity he cultivated, however, which usually gave zest to the nuptials he performed. He was very popular among the young folks who desired to enter the holy bonds, and he is said to havs had such an excellent practice that he adopted a sort of brief stereotyped ceremony that invariably wound up with the words: "Give me my dollar, kiss your bride, and go about your business." Having no one present on one occasion but the bride and bridegroom, he called in his wife and colored servant, saying :- "In the presence of my wife, Dolly, and Black Harry, I pronounce you man and wife -give me my dollar, &c."

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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 165

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