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 172

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 172
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 172

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WYATT'S STEAM DYEING WORKS.

It is now over forty years since Mr. J. Wyatt first introduced himself in business here, and at the present time he conducts the only steam dyeing business in the city. He is a gentleman pos- sessing an experience of over half a century, and commands alike a capital country and city trade.

MURPHY'S CARRIAGE WORKS.

Mr. John Murphy may certainly be classed among our pioncer tradesmen still in business, as he came here about 1835, and has continued in business among us ever since. As a practical carriage manufacturer he early proved himself an adept; has been in business on Third, Fourth, and latterly Fifth streets, on the lat- ter of which he has been some 17 years-at No. 111. He is a capital tradesman to do business with, expert at his craft, keeps

thoroughly replete work shops, and has invariably a good show- ing of new and second-hand work in stock for patrons to select from.

SWORD'S MARBLE WORKS.

The original business to which Mr. Swords succeeded in 1864 was established about 1843, and though conducted in a compara- tively quiet way has furnished some of the finest work in the country. It is located at 125 South Fourth street, and Mr. S. is a gentleman of exceptional mechanical skill.

HUFF'S CARRIAGE WORKS.

James C. Huff, now deceased, commenced in the above business here, some thirty to thirty-five years ago, first running on his own account, but for the last twelve years in company with his son, Richard, who now continues the business on his own ac- count on Fifth street, near Washington. Richard has every facility for the conduct of new work or repairs ; is a competent mechanic, and somewhat an adept with the brush, though mak- ing little pretensions in the way of keeping a heavy stock of manufactured work on hand.

THE OHIO FOUNDRY

Is located on North Fifth street, with a fine store and show rooms on Market street, was established by W. L. Sharp in 1848, and is still prosperously running under the firm style of W. L. Sharp & Son. Their specialties are stoves and grate fronts, enameling and light castings. Their store is a compli- ment to the city and their works employ quite a number of hands.

THE JEFFERSON MACHINE SHOPS

Were started in 1848, by William Kenyon, an English mechanic of accredited skill, and are located on Water street. Mr. K. was the inventor of a combined machine for cutting gas pipe and cutting the thread, as also a patent wrench, and other ingenious devices in mechanism. He ran the business up to his death, a few years ago, after which his son continued it until some two years ago, when the works were closed and remain so at pres- ent writing.

McDEVITT'S FACTORY AND MACHINE SHOP.

About the year 1850, James L. McDevitt erected a three- story brick building on the upper end of Adam street, known as McDevitt's factory. George Orth carried on the manufacture of woolen goods in the upper stories, while the lower one was oc- cupied by Mr. McDevitt for a machine shop. This building, with all it contained, was destoyed by fire in July, 1856. It was a severe stroke for the proprietor, but friends proffered assist. ance and so soon as possible another building was erected on the site of the one destroyed. At this writing it is the only factory in the city that contains machinery for the manufacture of wool goods. The factory is in the upper portion, while a spacious machine shop, thoroughly equipped with all kinds of tools is in the lower story-all departments in the building being at pres- ent in operation.

P. C. & ST. L. CAR SHOPS.

As elsewhere stated, these shops were first established soon after the opening of the " Pan-Handle " railroad and have grad- ually grown. They are the exclusive property of the above company and regularly give employment to a very large nun- ber of hands. They cover quite a large space of ground near the P. C. & St. L. R. R. depot, are replete with every kind of machinery and turn out all the new work, besides conducting considerable of the repairs for the above road. Mr. Mansfield was formerly the principal in charge, but has recently been su- perseded by Mr. Ross Kells, master mechanic of the Dennison shops, the two works, under the same company, having been consolidated under the one management.

" ANCHOR" SOAP WORKS,

Is the style given to the prosperous business established in 1855, by Henry Grauton, and which is still in operation on North Third street, corner of Logan street. Mr. G. manufactures all kinds of fancy soaps, and being a thoroughly practical man, who had experience in the business before he arrived here in 1848, his goods have gained for him enviable popularity.

497

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

PEARCE & SON'S FURNITURE FACTORY.

This is the only institution of its kind in Steubenville, and happily an excellent one it is. Mr. George Pearce, who has had nearly fifty years experience in the business, first opened up trade here in 1855. But, with a most serious loss he was burnt out in 1872. He knew no surrender and lost no time in again securing his old standing by getting the present factory to work. Itis 30x50 feet, three stories, and is kept constantly busy. He subsequently took in his two sons, and they have splendid show rooms on South Seventh street that it is a privilege to inspect. At present; writing they are, extending their ware-rooms to 88x30 feet, three stories, which places them in possession of de- partments in their business second to few houses in this section of the state.

UNION MARBLE WORKS.

Probably the most extensive marble works in Steubenville is that established in 1856 by Messrs. Muldoon & Co., afterwards conducted by Evans & Irwin ; but since 1868 bas been the prop- erty of J. H. Bristor, 102 North Fifth street. The stock of manufactured work here usually kept on hand, presents a sight well worth viewing-being equally costly, beautiful and diversi- fied in designs.

JEFFERSON IRON WORKS.

This important enterprise was established by Frazier, Kil- gore & Co., in 1856, but purchased by Spaulding, Woodward & Co., the present owners, in 1859. They may be classed "lion works of the city," as they employ much the largest number of hands and circulate by far the highest aggregate sum of money locally. They run two large blast furnaces, three heating fur- naces, coal shaft and an extensive nail manufactory, beside a large number of coke ovens. Their nails have a world-wide reputation, and they keep from 80 to 90 machines constantly at work, which turn out some 3,500 kegs of nails per week. [See foot note in appendix under "Lower Ferry," during trip trom Wheeling Junction to Wheeling.]

SCHAFER'S BREWERY.

About 1859 E. H. Schafer saw prudent to also open up a brewery on Third street, though only in a small way. Business increasing in four or five years, he removed to more desirable premises on the east side of Third street, near Washington street, where he conducted the business up to some two years ago ; but at present he conducts only a saloon.

WHITE LEAD MANUFACTURE.

The first attempt in this direction was made by Messrs. Means & Scott, in a small building near the present Means foundry, and the works ran for a time successfully. About 1859, however, Foster & Hanna embarked in a similar enter- prise at the head of Market street, and run under that firmn style about eighteen months. The works were next continued by M. L. Miller & Co. for two years, when Mr. Miller succeeded to the entire interest, and the business prospered for eight years. The latter gentleman used to manufacture from 150 to 200 tons per annum. The premises are, however, now rented to Messrs. Grafton & Hanvey, who are in the patent roofing business, but there is no white lead manufacture carried on bere at present. There are, nevertheless, ample inducements for the establish . ment of such a business here, with abundant prospects of suc- cess.

HAYS' VINEGAR WORKS.

Though a resident of Steubenville for the past twenty years, it is not more than six years since Mr. Hays floated his present enterprise-that of producing a fine, pure cider vinegar, for which he has admirable facilities, and could produce from 800 to 1,000 barrels a year. He mannfactures exclusively for wholesale, and his vinegar has a wide-spread popularity for its exceeding excellence.

BUTTE'S BEER BREWERY.

In 1858 Mr. J. C. Butte came to Steubenville, and two years later went into the brewing business, erecting a small brewery at the head of Adams street. Here he has produced an excel- lent sample of lager beer ever since, and beside supplying that beverage in wood, also bottles large quantities. The brewery

has a capacity of 8,000 to 10,000 barrels a year, and there is cellarage for so much as 2,500 barrels. Mr. B. also conducts a saloon on North Fourth street, and his beer finds its chief, if not exclusive market at home.

PLANING MILLS.

The oldest planing mill in the city is that owned by Lewis and William Anderson on South Seventh street. It was origin- ally a woolen factory and was first used as a planing mill when controlled by George Mckinney, whom the present proprietors succeeded about 1860. It is a capital mill, with the most ap- proved facilities. John McFeeley & Co. started the next, in 1867, on out lot fifteen, just behind Wells' old factory, where they con- tinued five years and then bought a lot on the corner of Wash- ington and Seventh streets, where they commenced anew. This, however, was turned into a flour mill some eighteen months or two years ago. The third planing mill was built by Benjamin Travis on South Seventh street, in 1868-9, but was ultimately burnt. He, however, soon afterwards built a substantial brick mill, which came into the occupation of one Robert Hyde, who still operates it.

THE " CALIFORNIA " FLOUR AND FEED MILL

Is located on the corner of Seventh and Washington streets, is 30x70 feet, including an engine room containing an engine of some forty horse power. Its proprietor, Mr. John McFeeley, is among Steubenville's most energetic and warmest adherents, and established the enterprise referred to with much success. Three runs of excellent French stones are kept actively on the run-two on flour and one on feed -the capacity of the mill be- ing forty barrels per day. A Mr. John Hunter is at present conducting the business thereat, with Mr. E. Ralston, master miller.

RANEY, SHEAL & CO.'S FLOUR MILL.

Some ten or twelve years ago this firm embarked in the above enterprise. The building is 40x100 feet, four stories, and ap- pointed with a sixty-horse power engine. Four run of stones are employed and the firm circulate at least $800 monthly in the conduct of their prosperous business.

CLARK & CURFMAN'S CARRIAGE FACTORY.

These gentlemen established their business in 1866, and being excellent, practical men, have founded it upon a solid basis. Their works are located in the Market Square and their show rooms never lack a display of finished work at once a compli- ment alike to themselves and the city.

JEFFERSON KEG FACTORY.

Edward Winning, the present proprietor, came to Steuben- ville from Martin's Ferry probably eleven or twelve years ago, and in company with a Mr. Smallwood started the enterprise in question on a piece of ground 255x120 feet, near the Jefferson works. They chiefly manufactured kegs for the latter firm and were consequently kept in active work. Mr. Smallwood, how- ever, retired in 1877, and Mr. W. has continued the business, as at present, very successfully. His shop is 100x25 feet, contains fourteen benches, and he employs from fourteen to twenty men on an average. He hasalso a machine shop, runs a fine seventy- horse power engine, and has a dry kiln 17x32 feet. The amount of work annually here turned out constitutes this one of the most extensive shops of the kind in the state.

ANCHOR OIL WORKS.

This institution was built and started np in 1869, by John Orr and is located just below the Jefferson iron works. Its chief product was carbon oil and it ran on successfully until two or three years ago, when it was discontinued, yet there are prom- ising rumors of its shortly being resumed.

STEUBENVILLE FURNACE AND IRON COMPANY.

This company was organized in 1872, and erected a furnace in the Fifth ward, just above the P. C. & St. L. R. R. bridge. They have produced an average of 14,000 tons of pig iron an- nually and afforded employment to one hundred bands, paying out so much as $1.100 per week wages. At present writing the works are in full operation.

63-B. & Cos.

498

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

THE BOLT WORKS.

The career of these works has been very checkered in the past. They are the property of Joseph Beatty & Co., and were put in operation about 1873, upon Will's creek. They only ran a few years as a bolt works and were then employed, as at pres- ent, in a variety of small iron work.

STEUBENVILLE'S COAL AND MINING INTERESTS.

SIGNIFICANT FACTS FORMANUFACTURERS-"MOTHER EARTH'S" TREASURES AND HOW THEY ARE EXPLORED WITHIN THE LIMITS AND IMMEDIATE VI- CINITY OF A PROSPEROUS AND ENTERPRISING CITY-"BLACK DIAMONDS" UNLIMITED-IRON ORE AND LIMESTONE IN ABUNDANCE WITH A MOST DE- SIRABLE QUALITY OF FIRE CLAY, &C .- FACTS, FIGURES AND OPINIONS FROM THE MOST UNQUESTIONABLE AUTHORITIFS.

"There are mines of wealth untold In a hundred fathoms deep,"

was the expressive burthen of the poet who penned the famous song of " The Sea King," and equally are the words appropri- ate in describing the mineral wealth of Steubenville. The geo- logical formation of the strata beneath the lowest level surfaces (mined by shafts) like those of her surrounding hills (operated by drifts)-may fairly be said to equally yield their operator "his heart's desire," so far as quality, variety and quantity enter into his yearnings for remuneration. Coal was unquestionably discovered here very early in the present century,* for we learn of Bazaleel Wells operating coal works and delivering coal freely as early as in 1810-11, while several farmers on the sur- rounding hills-including John Parmar and James Odbert, in particular-were the fortunate possessors of drifts as early as 1813-14, and were also profitably employed carting the then newly discovered fuel to town, for household consumption, in 1815 and '16. As a matter of course, it was not slow to find a market, and increased facilities were just as readily brought into requisition to meet the growing demand. For many years all the coal reached in the neighborhood was by drifts, or hori- zontal openings in the hillsides. But time and wisdom event- ually running a more even race, we find that in 1857 the ex- periment of shaft sinking resolved upon. As, indeed, this de- parture from the old method became imperative, for the increased demand was not only exhausting the few openings then in op- eration, but rendering them more and more difficult to operate. Hence we find Mr. James Wallace and others, under the name of "The Steubenville Coal and Mining Co.," sunk a shaft at the head of Market street, and after struggling against considerable impediment, succeeded in striking a vein. But a lack of expe- rience in mining, and want of confidence in the financial suc- cess of their enterprise here caused a suspension of operations. Next Messers L. Borland and H. K. Reynolds leased the works and associated with them Mr. W. Averick, and operations were fully resumed. Since 1865, the workings of the mines have been most successful. From a carefully prepared paper by Mr. Jos. B. Doyle, we further learn that a new shaft was sunk at Stony Hollow, about a mile north of the old shaft in 1871, thus affording two outlets to the mine. Some 600 acres of coal lands embracing the 4} foot seam now worked, with a 6 foot one fur- ther down, are now the property of the concern. When busi- ness is brisk over 7,000 bushels of coal per day are taken from the mines, and with 100 coke ovens capable of producing 3,500 bushels of coke per day, which is shipped to all points, a large trade is done in this direction.

Adjoining the coal field of the Steubenville Coal & Mining Company on the south is that of the Jefferson Iron Works, con- taining 800 acres. The average thickness of their working vein is about three feet nine inches, and from this in the busy season are raised 5,000 bushels of coal per day, which run their mill and supply the coke ovens turning out 2,500 bushels of coke each twenty-four hours. This shaft has been in operation since 1863, and is 175 feet in depth.

Just south of this is the shaft of the Ohio and Pennsylvania Coal Company, sunk in 1861-62, better known as the Averick

shaft. It is 210 feet in depth and its annual capacity over 600, 000 bushels of coal, a large proportion of which is shipped to Cleveland. They also have 28 coke ovens with all the modern improvements.

The last shaft in this series is that belonging to the Swift iron works of Newport, Ky., originally known as the Boreland shaft. It has been open since 1862, and is 240 feet in depth. Its workable vein is 4 fect in thickness, and it can raise 800,000 bushels of coal yearly. The facilities for shipping by water are unusually good, and nearly all its product is disposed of in this way. All of the Steubenville pits are so located that they can arrange for loading coal into the barges without the expense of cartage. A number of coke ovens are attached to the Boreland shaft, but have not been in operation for some timc, all the coal being shipped in its raw state.

The shaft of the Steubenville Furnace and Iron Company is 96 feet deep, and turns out 2,000 bushels of coal per day, sup- plying a series of coke ovens for the furnaces, as well as the local market.

About half a mile above this shaft is the Jefferson Iron and Coal Company, 76 feet deep, with a number of coke ovens. The C. & P. R. R. is largely supplied with coal from these mines for their locomotives.

Above this are the Alikanna and Cable shafts, the firstalready referred to. A considerable quantity of coal is consumed ycarly from the banks opened into the Pittsburgh vein previous to the opening of the shafts, and some of these banks do a good busi- ness. This latter coal partakes of the characteristics of the Pitts- burgh vein, being remarkably free from impurities, burning away to a fine ash, and much desired for domestic purposes. But the main reliance for manufacturing is now of course on the shaft coal, because of its almost inexhaustible quantity as well as its heat making quality, and concerning it we will give the testi- mony of rigid analyses and disinterested witnesses.

The vein from which the main supply is drawn is No. 6 of the Ohio Geological survey, and of this vein the report says [Geolo- gy, vol. II, p .146] :

"This is probably the most interesting and important of all our coal seams, It attains greater thickness, occupies a wider area, and in different outcrops and phases supplies a larger amount of fuel than any other. It also seems destined to make in the future still more important contributions to the wealth of the State. * * * At Steubenville it is abont four feet in thick- ness, a partially open burning coal of great excellence. It has been considerably used in the raw state for the manufacture of iron, but it is now more generally coked."

So much as to the virtues of coal No, 6 in general, now as to its comparative value at Steubenville and other points. On page 149 of the volume referred to there are thirteen analyses of coals taken from this vein as it is mined in as many different parts of the State, and the results of these analyses are as follows :

Specific

Volatile Fixed

gravity. Moisture. combustible. carbon. Ash. Sulphur.

New Lisbon, Col. Cy .... 1.260

3.45

35.56

56.36

4.63

2.50

Camp Run,

.... 1.270

1.525

38.425

57.925

2.125

1.22

Salinevile,

.. 1.280

1.40

34.60

59.55

4.45

2.11

Linton ...

1.276

2.60

35.17

55.80

6.43

2.63

Carbon Hill

1.280

1.60

29.29

64.50

4.00

2.80

Millersburg

1.369

5.10

39.00

51.70

4.20

2.26

Uhrichsville.

1.244

3.20

34.20

58.00

4.60

1.54

Steubenville Shaft

1.305

1.40

30.90

65.90

1.80

0.98

Waynesburg

1.273

3.30

33.30

60.00

3.40

0.66

Keith's, Coshocton Cy .. 1.339

4.00

36.20

54.70

5.10

2.69

Rock Run, Musk. Cy .... 1.290

3.47

37.88

53.30

5.35

2.235

N. Straitsville.

1.269

6.90

30.25

58.19

4.66

0.79

Nelsonville.

1.280

5.95

32.38

57.12

4.55

0.77

The most valuable element in coal for manufacturing purposes is its fixed carbon, and by the foregoing table it will be seen that the Steubenville shaft coal contains a greater percentage of this essential element than any other in the list. But had we space to publish all the analyses given of the coal from the other veins, published in this same volume, the strong fact would be brought out that our coals contain more fixed carbon than any other in the State. Consequently we are warranted in saying that a pound of Steubenville coal will do more work than a pound selected from any other locality of our great commonwealth. With ro- gard to ash and sulphur, those nuisances in the coal veins, the showing is equally favorable. As to ash Steubenville stands de- cidedly lower than any of the other points, and nearly at the bottom on sulphur. The latter shows less than one per cent., and while the difference between Steubenville and the lowest on the list is so small as to be of no practical consequence. The dif- ference between it and the highest is very marked. Ash and sulphur combined make a smaller percentage than any of the other examples.

*In this relation since penning the present sketch, we have learned through Mr. John Fisher, one of our oldest Jiving inhabitants, the following information :- "Long before Baz- aleel Wells undertook to operate coal, one Felty Smith was digging it in the neighborhood of Rockville and drew or slid it out of the drift iu hollowed-out logs-improvised from the body of trees." We have no reason to question the assertion, which appears to be suth- ciently plausible, but cannot get the account in detail verified, though several admit re- membering that identical smith (out of millions by that name) and that he did dig, or grub for coal.

499

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

Volume III. of the same series says further of this vein : " Coal No. 6-the 'big vein' of the northern part of Jefferson county, the 'shaft coal' of Steubenville and Rush Run, is the thickest and most valuable coal found in this region. * *

* At Steubenville it is a very pure, partially open burning coal, largely used, when coked, for the manufacture of iron."

Further on the same report says: "At Steubenville numer- ous shafts have been sunk to coal No. 6, and it is extensively worked, both for home consumption and for exportation. Several furnaces and rolling mills have been located here, and these with the other manufactories, attracted by the abundance and excellence of the coal, have made Steubenville the industrial centre of the county, as well as the centre of population."

The shaft of the Steubenville Furnace and Iron Company, known as the Gravel Shaft, is 92 feet deep, the coal is 3 feet 10 inebes thick, and of superior quality. It is coked for use in the new furnace of the company, and an analysis of the coke, made by Otto Wurth, of Pittsburgh, gave the following for its compo- sition :

Water and hydrogen .. 0.72

Fixed carbon

90.63

Sulphur

.27

Ash

8.38

Total 100.00

The foregoing is the testimony of one set of State officials as to the value of Steubenville coal. Equally valuable testimony is afforded by the late Mine Inspector Roy, who on pages 46 and 47 of his annual report says :

"The two mines of the Steubenville Coal & Mining Company, at Steubenville, are worked through on each other. The work - ings of the mine, the Market street shaft, are very extensive and are carried forward on the same system as that prevalent in the county of Durham, in England. The other mines of the dis- trict being also worked on the same plan, all mine superin- tendents aronnd Steubenville being originally miners from that coal district of England .* The Market street shaft and the Stony Hollow shaft are about a mile apart, the former being the down- cast and the latter upcast. Both mines are under a thorough and perfect system of ventilation. There are no complaints of bad air from these mines. The amount of current discharging itself at the furnace was measured, and summed up thirty-nine thousand cubic feet per minute. The air-ways are all large and admit of the easy flow of air. There are nine shaft mines in this district, all well ventilated and superintended. The coal lies very flat in the ground, admitting of square and tasteful work."

On page 8 of the report of 1875 speaking of the Steubenville shafts the same officer says:

"They range from 180 to 261 feet of perpendicular depth, and are the deepest coal mines in the state. A single visit to this dis- trict is sufficient to know that they are well and skillfully man- aged. The under ground workings are modeled after those of the Newcastle district of England-a coal-field in which the art and science of coal mining is better understood than in any other coal region of the globe. The mines of Steubenville make fire-damp, but so perfect are the ventilating arrangements that the gas is diffused through the atmospheric air and swept away as rapidly as it is evolved from the coal strata, and its presence is seldom seen in any of the working places of the mines. The mines are, however, examined every morning by a corps of ex- perienced fire-viewers before any of the miners are allowed to descend, and nothing is left to miscalculation or to accident, Timely and elaborate arrangements are made for the creation and maintenance of an abundant supply of air to all the ramifi- cations of the mines. The underground manager of the Bore- land shaft reports 46,000 cubic feet of air per minute as circula- ting through the mine, the underground force being less than 100, making a column of air of 250 cubic feet per man per min- ute.

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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 172

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