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 194

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 194
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 194

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

JOHN STONEMAN AND JOHN MCLAUGHLIN. - About the year1801 or 1802, these two men located their lands in Smithfield town- ship, now the Russell and S. R. Mclaughlin farm, and were preparing to build cabins. Stoneman hearing some one chop- ping near by, concluded one or the other of them was wrong in locating their cabins. They sought each other out and were greatly rejoiced, not knowing there was any one in the country near. After an examination of the lines, they found that Stone- man was wrong in his selection of a building site, as he was building his cabin near another man's spring and in one corner of his own lot. He therefore concluded to change his location. He finally selected the site where James Russell's house now stands.

JOHN HOYLE was born in England, March 2, 1815. He is the son of John and Elizabeth Hoyle. His father and grandfather and their families emigrated to America in 1815, and all came direct to Ohio, except the father of our subject, who halted in Philadelphia county, where he remained about four years on a farm (the Centennial grounds of 1876), from whence he came to Ohio in 1823 and settled four miles southeast of Smithfield on a farm now owned by W. T. Fleming. John Hoyle, Sr., died in 1871, aged 84. His wife died in the spring of 1821. John Hoyle, Jr., the subject of our sketch, was married to Dorothy Johnston in 1837 in Columbiana county, Ohio. They were both birthright Qnakers. When they came over from England they were one hundred days on the voyage, and were entirely out of provisions when they reached our shores. Mr. Hoyle now lives on his farm of 202 acres near Smithfield. It is choice land and well improved.

JACOB BARKHURST was born in Smithfield township Novem- ber 11, 1808. His parents were William and Nancy Barkhurst. Mr. B. was married to Mary Moore February 27, 1830. They reared a family of two children, William and Naomi. His first wife died December 25, 1837. His second marriage was to Jane Raymond in 1840. She died September 25, 1859.

SUSANNAH HOLMES MOORE .- Susannah Holmes Moore died at ber residence in Smithfield on the 10th instant, of cancer of the stomach, at the age of 83 years, 2 months, and 11 days. She was born November 22, 1793, and lived in the neighborhood in which she was born the greater part of a hundred years, hon- ored, loved and respected by all who knew her. She was the mother of seventeen children, the most of whom now live. She lived to see and caress a child of the fourth generation ; and at the time of her death, her offspring in children, grandchildren great grandchildren and great great grandchildren numbered one hundred and forty-six. She was converted and joined the M. E. Church when thirteen years of age, and lived

a consistent member of it until she was called to join the Church Triumphant above. It was wonderful to hear her tell of this country when but a wilderness, and to see how clear her intellect was as to past and present events. She saw the first church built west of the Ohio river, and at- tended its meetings for a great many years. She remembered the first preacher, and every one else who preached in the build- ing. She could remember when the Indian roamed over these hills, and most of the trying times of the war of 1813. It is a loss, and a great one, not to have a full history of this remarka- ble Christian woman's life; for undoubtedly, she was the oldest Methodist of her day in eastern Ohio, having been in the church seventy years ; and it is fitting to say, that amid the gloom of death the Christian can utter without restraint, "I know that my Redeemer liveth."-From the Smithfield Independent, Feb. 17, 1876.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

This, like the townships south of it, is a high rolling land, in places hilly and rough, but has a strong limestone soil, that produces well all the various kinds of grain and grasses. It is underlaid with the same strata of coal which is found in the other parts of the county, which is almost exclusively used for all purposes.

Wayne township was organized June 12, 1805. It contains two villages, four postoffices, ten churches and three railroad stations along the line of the Pan-Handle road, which passes through it from east to west.

EARLY SETTLERS.

As in other townships, so in this, there is great difficulty in determining with certainty who the first settlers were, when they settled, or where. It is probable that about 1796 or 1797, was as early as any whites settled within the present limits of the township. It is conceded that the first white child born in the limits of Wayne, was John Mansfield, who was born on sec- tion ten, December, 1797, and Joseph Copeland was the second white child born within the township, in 1800,

James Blackburn came from Westmoreland connty, Pa., in 1798, and settled two and a half miles southeast of Bloomfield, on the farm now owned by Washington Stringer, and his brother, Anthony Blackburn, came at the same time and settled beside him. This property is also owned by the Stringers. John Maxwell came from the same place at the same time and settled near the Blackburns, and Jacob Ong settled on Short creek at an early date.

The following is a list of early settlers who were here from 1806 to 1814 : Michael Stonehocker, Lewis Throgmorton, Henry Beamer, John Dickey, Richard Coleman, John Barrett, Jacob Spaw, Benjamin Price, John Cox, Wm. Wright, Jr., John Lyons, James Tipton, Joseph Knott, John Debos, Robert Peoples, Jobn Tipton, Robert Christy, Win. Sprague, John Hoover, James Sample, Hugh Trimble, John Sprague, Joseph MeGrail, Leon- ard Ruby, Manuel Manly, Thomas Carr, Tobias Shanks, John Vorhes, John Welch, Joshua Cole, John Vanhorn, Nicholas Merryman, John Coleman, Charles Stewart, Abel Sweezy, John Thorn, Wm. Elliott, lacob Cox, Nicholas Wheeler, Wm. Cox, John Dayton, Elijah Cox, Samuel MeNary, Zebidec Cox, Jacob Lemon, Sheridan Cox, Greenberry Green, Christopher Cox, Wm. Sweezy, Zebidee Cox, Jr., Thomas Arnold, Thomas Bell, John Edgington, Isaac Vanhorn, Ezekiel Cole, John McClay, George Hazelmaker, John Matthews, Sylvester Tipton, Henry Fergu- son, John Kinney, Wm. Wright, Sr., Richard Boren, Methiah Scammerhorn, Daniel Shivillee, Richard Ross, John Johnson, James Barber, James Ferguson, James Sinkey, Amos Scott, Benjamin Bond, John Jones, Thomas Lindsey, Gabriel Holland, Patrick Moore, Lorne Tippen, Robert Mchary, Peter Ross, Moses Riley, Jacob Vorhes, Morris Dunlevy, Solomon Tracy, Michael Worxby, Win. Sullivan, Thomas Jones, Ernel Tracy, Thomas Ross, Joshna Lemon, Henry Barber. James G. Harrah, Robert Milligan, John Hedge, David Milligan, John Scott, Andrew Dun- can, Peter Beebout, Thomas Moore, Andrew Johnson, James Dogan, Jacob Jones, Thomas Riley.

MILLS.

The first mill was built by Nathan MeGrew, on Cross creek, where Shelly's station now stands.

560

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

Some time from 1856 to 1860, David Farmer bought from Henry Eagleson, of Harrison county, a steam flouring mill, which he removed to Bloomfield and put up on the tanyard lot, formerly owned by Alexander Bines. The citizens, as an in- ducement, assisted in the purchase. About 1863 or 1864, Farmer sold it to Voorhes & Keller, who attached a saw mill to it. These men run it some time, when it was sold by the sheriff to Reuben Burchfield, who sold it to Patton & Boop and they sold it to Clement Boop, who is now successfully carrying on the business.

HAYTI.

There is in the southern part of this township a colony or neighborhood of colored people, which originated the application of the name of Hayti to their settlement. About 1835, a Mr. Bu- ford, of Charles City county, Va., liberated 6 or 8 slaves, who emigrated to Ohio and settled on Still Water, Harrison county. They were sent under the guardianship of Benjamin Ladd. The same Mr. Buford subsequently, about 1830, liberated some five or six families, containing eighteen or twenty persons in all. These last were sent under the guardian care of Robert Ladd, who first bought a quarter section of land, and then an- other lot of one hundred and five acres of Thomas Mansfield, and settled them on it, where these colored people have since lived. By Mr. Buford's will these lands were to be divided among the children of these families as they became of age. When the lands were thus finally divided, there were from five to fifteen acres to each heir. There are at present, 1879, eleven fam- ilies, amounting in all to some fifty or sixty persons, oceupying the premises. They have two churches-one Baptist and one M. E. Church, with Sabbath schools connected with each. The M. E. Church was established about 1845, and the Baptist Church in 1870. They are also organized into a separate sub- district for school purposes. Upon the whole, they do not ap- pear to have progressed very much in material prosperity, or improved in moral or intellectual development.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES.

BLOOMFIELD.

This village was laid off by David Craig, in 1817, but being far inland, its growth and business have been slow. It is dif- ficult to gain much history of its early business.

TEACHERS.

The first teacher was Isaac Holmes, and the second one was John Haughey, the next one Joseph Dunlap.

BLACKSMITHS.

The first blacksmith was John Morrison, who started busi- ness in 1823.

WAGONMAKERS.

The first wagonmaker was John Crow, who started a shop in 1823 or 1824.

FIRST PHYSICIANS.

The following are the first doctors who located in the village : First, Dr. Harrison; second, Dr. Riddle; third, Dr. Vorhees ; fourth, Dr. Johnson.

FIRST HOTEL.

The first hotel was started by Richard Price in 1822. The second one by Marion Duvall, some time after.

TANNERIES.

The first tannery was started by Thomas M. Latta, who came in 1826 ; and the second one by Henry H. Beckett in 1827. The tanneries are now all discontinued.

[DISTILLERIES.

Distilleries were numerous and pervaded every portion of the township, but like the tanneries, they have all disappeared.

BUSINESS HOUSES OF TO-DAY.

Bloomfield at the present time contains two dry goods stores, one grocery store, one hardware store, one wagon shop, two

blacksmith shops, two shoemaker shops, two harness shops, one drug store, one steam flouring and saw mill, two doctors, three churches, viz : one Old School Presbyterian, one M. E. Church, one U. P. Church, and a population of about two hundred inhab- itants.

UNIONPORT.

This town, located at Cross creek, on the P. C. R. R., was laid out by William Hervey in July, 1859. When the surveyor, Joseph Rickey, came to survey the lots out for the town, three or four names were given him from which to select one for the new town. It was desired to get a name for it not given to any other town in the state. The names selected for him to choose from were Kossuth, Exchange Mills, Unionport and Herveys- ville. Unionport was chosen and the lots surveyed and sold. The town was originally laid off on the south side of the creek, but lots were from time to time bought from the adjoining land on the north side of the creek and buildings erected, until June, 1879, when these and other lots were regularly surveyed out and an addition made on the north side of the streamn, along the track of the railroad, which became a part of the town.

This is the greatest shipping point on this railroad between Steubenville and Dennison. Grain and stock of all kinds are largely shipped from this place.

The village comains three dry goods and grocery stores, one drug store, two hotels, one wagon and carriage shop, with black- smith shop, two blacksmith shops, one flouring mill, one saw mill, one lumber yard, one grain ware house, one boot and shoe shop, one tin shop, one millinery store, one dress maker, one broom factory, one carpenter shop, one hardware and agricul- tural store, one watchmaker and jewelry store, one physician, three churches-one M. E. Church, one Presbyterian and one Disciples church. Population about 300.

FIRST BUSINESS HOUSES.

The first store kept in the village was started by Coleman & Hervey in 1854.

HOTELS.

William Hervey kept the only hotel in the place until 1872, when he was succeeded by William Mc- -, who still con- tinues the business. Then Samuel Sproat started a hotel, which he is successfully conducting. The next hotel was started by Sproat and is still in successful operation.

EXCHANGE MILLS-UNIONPORT.

There was an old water mill on the property now occupied by these mills, when Mr. Hervey bought it in 1850. This old mill he removed and replaced it with a new one, in which hc put new double engines. In 1866 he sold it. Since then it has passed through several hands, The steam engines were taken out and the mill is now run by water power, and is doing a good business.

THE CARRIAGE SHOPS

Were first started by Thomas Potts as a wagon shop in 1847. In 1858-60, the three sons becoming interested in it, gradually discontinued the wagon making business and changed to car- riage making. George, one of the sons finally became sole owner and carried on the business until 1876, when Thomas Hare of Pittsburgh, became proprietor, and leased it to W. C. Cookson, who now carries on the business.

UNIONPORT LODGE NO. 333 F. & A. M.

Chartered October 16, 1861. Charter members-Charles Mather, Eli L. Wolf, William Herron, George Potts, Warner Grimes, William Miser, Edward Hall, Samuel Sproat and Joseph Adrian, all of Smithfield Lodge. Eli Wolf, F. M .; George Pott, F. S. W. ; William Herron, F. J. W.

August 21, 1879, the members number forty-eight.

Officers-William C. Cookson, W. M. ; John Thompson, S. W .; W. W. Robe, J. W .; Samuel Vorhes, treasurer ; C. B. Templeton, secretary ; Samuel Sproat, S. D .; A. J. Ralston, J. D.

ITALIAN MARBLE WORKS-UNIONPORT.

This enterprise was first started at Annapolis by John J. Gruber, the present proprietor, in 1870, and re-established at

RESIDENCE OF ASAHEL H. HUSSEY, MT PLEASANT, JEFFERSON CO. 0.

RESIDENCE AND HOMESTEAD, (FARM OF 500 ACRES,) OF JOHN ALLEN, PEASE TYP BELMONT CO.

561

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

Unionport, April 1, 1874, where he continues the manufacture of monuments and head stones of every description. He furn- ishes work to from four to six employes.

UNIONPORT CARRIAGE WORKS.

This establishment turns out nothing but the best work, and is well known throughout this section of country. They man- utacture all kinds of wagons, buggies, carriages, and do all kinds of repairing, and furnish employment to a number of hands the year around. Mr. W. C. Cookson is the proprietor.

UNIONPORT HOTEL.

This is a new house, well furnished and well kept, and is one of the necessary enterprises of Unionport. It is located near the depot. Mr. Samuel Sproat is the proprietor and a very congenial gentleman. The traveling public will find good ac- commodations and reasonable charges.

POSTOFFICES.

BLOOMINGDALE.

The first office established in this township was at Bloomfield in 1823, called Bloomingdale. The following is a list of the postmasters as nearly as can be gathered from its estab- lishment to the present time: 1823, Henry Rickey; 1825, Edward Hand; 1827, Washington Murray ; 1828, Marion Du- vall; 1829, Samuel McGrew ; 1836, Basil Carter; 1846, John W. Carter ; 1849, J. B. Simeral ; 1857, Haran Maxwell; 1859, M. L. Blackburn, 1869, John B. Simeral, present incumbent.

UNIONPORT.

This was the second postoffice established. It was granted in 1854, and the following are the postmasters who have been ap- pointed : 1854, James Wagoner; 1857, William Herron ; 1865, Samuel Vorhes ; 1855, David Madlock ; 1871, Harvey Poland, present incumbent.

FAIR PLAY.

This is the third office, and was established at Bloomfield sta- tion, on the B. & C. R. R., in 1858. Wayne township refused to vote a subscription of $30,000 to build the Steubenville and In- diana R. R., now the "Pan-Handle," and in consequence the rail- road company did not feel disposed to extend any favors to the people of that locality. During this state of feeling an appliea- tion was made to the department for the establishment of a post- office at this station, and William Blackburn, a prominent citi- zen and an active leader in the movement, suggested " Fair Play " as an appropriate name, which was agreed to, and the office was established with that name. Mr. Blackburn was ap- pointed the first postmaster, and served until May 1, 1865, when he resigned and was succeeded by the present incumbent, C. B. Templeton.

CRESSWELL.

This is an office established at Skelly's station, on the P. C. & St. L. railroad. It was established in 1869. First postmas- ter, James Keys, who served about three years. Others filled the position in the following order: Robert Jollie, one year; Amos Hammond, one year; John Boop, one year ; John Mont- gomery, present postmaster.

CHURCHES.

MOUNT MORIAH-REGULAR BAPTIST.

This is the oldest regular Baptist church in Jefferson county. It was first organized at Steubenville, May 17, 1812. Daniel Woodward was chosen clerk, and Rev. Samuel Yateman was called to be its minister, which call he cheerfully accepted. In the " Declaration of Principles" set forth by these early pioneers we quote :

"ART. 15. We believe that pride is forbidden in the Scriptures, and that it is the duty of all the followers of the meck and lowly Jesus to adorn themselves in modest apparel as people professing godliness.

71-B. & J. Cos.

"ART. 16. We believe that the principle, and practice of slave- holding is an abhorrent sin in the 'sight of God, and very inhu- man to man ; we therefore refuse to commune with slaveholders at the Lord's table, and with any that will commune with them."

After a lapse of two years, we find this record : " The church having thought proper to remove their meetings of business from Steubenville, met at the house of Mordecai Cole, near Cross creck, in Wayne township, Jefferson county, on the 5th day of March, 1814." This was near where Unionport now is. Their meetings appear to have been held at private houses for some years, and, though the country was new and sparsely settled, and all were busy in clearing away the forests and opening up homes, they were not unmindful of their religious duties, but promptly attended all their meetings, many traveling from three to sixteen miles. The last record we have of this church is September 20, 1817 :

"Church met at the house of Peter Hesser, when, after preach- ing, Thomas White and Zachariah Prichard presented letters from the Thumb Run Church of Faquier county, Va., and were received into fellowship."

About this time the scattered members of this church appear to have united with the regular Baptist Church at Hopedale, Harrison county, about seven miles from the neighborhood where these members lived, where they continued to attend worship until 1823, when, on account of the distance they had to travel, they petitioned to be set off to themselves again. They were regularly constituted a new church, by the name of Pine Run Church, and a new hewed building was crected the same year and solemnly dedicated. The first sermon preached in it was by Elijah Stone, who was the first regular pastor. The next pastor was Rev. Hipsley, then followed by John Long, Thomas W. Greer, Solomon Sells, George Jones, George Wbar- ton, George C. Sedgwick, -- Squibb, Washington Glass.

The original members composing this church at its reorgani- zation in 1823, were James Shockney and Rebecca Shockney, his wife, Luke Tipton and Theresa Tipton, his wife, Thomas Rowland and Deborah Rowland, his wife, Andrew Roloson and Hannah Roloson, his wife-eight members in all.

The original log house having been occasionally repaired and weatherboarded, is still standing in a good state of preservation, though no regular preaching has been held in it for some years. It is yet the legal property of the church.

This Pine Run church after its reorganization in 1823, appears to have been for many years a strong influential body, with a flourishing Sabbath school connected with it, but a large and in- fluential portion of its members situated in the neighborhood of where Mount Moriah church now stands, became desirous of building a new house there and establishing the church at that place, which being opposed by those living in the neighborhood of Pine run, those favoring the removal voluntarily withdrew and built a new house and formed themselves into a regular church organization, which they called Mount Moriah. A coun- cil was called to consider the propriety of the action. This council met July 6, 1861, and after examining " The Articles of Faith," &c., of the brethren and sisters, resolved to recognize them as a regular Baptist church, with the name of Mount Mo- riah, and on Sabbath Rev. W. R. McGowan preached the ser- mon, Rev. J. Davis offered prayer and gave the hand of fellow- ship and G. C. Sedgwick the charge to the church. The infant church elected the following officers: G. C. Sedgwick, pastor ; S. B. Thorp, clerk ; Andrew Ralston, W. P. Saunders, W. Mer- riman and G. W. Ralston, deacons ; John Cole, John L. Megrail and John Walden, trustees. The number that united as mem- bers on the occasion was thirty-five.

For about a year the church held its meetings in a barn and sometimes in a school house, near. In the summer of 1862, John and Thomas Cole gave the church an acre of land, upon which the present house was built. In regard to furnishing the bronse we find this entry upon the church records :

" Whereas, the Smithfield Chapter of R. A. Masons have gen- erously donated us the sum of $20 to pay for onr lamps, there- fore,

Resolved, That the thanks of this church be tendered to the Chapter for their kindness to ns, and may Heaven bless them in all their deeds of charities and labors of love."

A Sabbath school was organized and prayer meetings held. In the fall of 1864, the pastor, Rev. G. C. Sedgwick, impelled by a sense of duty resigned his charge and entered the service ot his country to help put down the great rebellion that threat- ened to destroy the country and the institutions of civil liberty, reared at so great a sacrifice by our forefathers.

562

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

In November, 1864, Rev. S. D. Ross was engaged as pastor to fill the vacancy. Before two years had expircd, this pastor was compelled by failing health to seek rest among the friends of his youth in his northern home. Rev. W. J. Dunn was in- vited to assume the pastorate which he did, October 6, 1866. After serving the church four years, this pastor also leaving the church it was pastorless until 1871, when he returned and served one year, and again left them. The congregation without a pastor became scattered, and the Sabbath school diminished, until in the spring of 1873, Rev. G. C. Sedgwick again took charge of the congregation which is now in a prosperous con- dition.

Upon the establishment of Monnt Moriah and a withdrawal of so large a portion of its members, Pine Run church is no longer able to keep up an organization, and for some years its meetings have ceased.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-UNIONPORT.

This church was organized June 18, 1874, by a committee of the Presbytery of Steubenville, appointed for that purpose. The committee consisted of Rev. Israel Price and L. V. Mil- ligan, with the elder, Henry Hammond. The original mem- bers were the following, twenty-three in number, viz : John Welday, Mrs. Elizabeth Welday, James Reed, Mrs. Mary Reed, Mrs. Sarah J. MeNary, Alexander Porter, J. P. Lyle, C. M. Jones, Emma C. Jones, John Moore, Mrs. Sarah Moore, Wil- liam Crenery, Mrs. Esther Crenery, Jonas Amspoker, Mrs. Ella Amspoker, John J. Gruber, Mrs. Mary Gruber, Dr. John Cameren, Mrs. Anna Cameren, George Polen, Mrs. Mary Ann Whitmore and Miss Mary Crenery.

Messrs. Alexander Porter, James Reed, John Welday and John Moore were elected to the office of ruling elders, and regularly ordained and installed. Messrs. Dr. John Cameren, J. J. Gruber and G. M. Jones were elected to the office of deacon, and regularly ordained and installed.

During the fall of 1874, the congregation erected a small but commodious house of worship, which was dedicated to the wor- ship of God on Thursday, the 4th day of February, 1875.

On the 28th day of May, 1875, the Rev. Alexander Swaney, D. D. was regularly installed as pastor. He was the first and only pastor of the church to the present date, and under his ministrations and by the favoring smile of divine providence, this church has enjoyed a steady growth. At present, after deaths and removals, the membership is about eighty.

M. E. CHURCH-UNIONPORT.

This church was organized about 1863-64. The first meet- ings were held in the old brick school house until it was burnt. They then held their meetings in the frame school house until the fall of 1874, when they built a new edifice which was dedi- cated by 1. C. Pershing, of Pittsburgh, who preached the dedi- catory sermon, assisted by W. D. Starkey, minister in charge. At its organization there were but twelve or fourteen members, which is now increased to forty. There is a Sunday school con- nected with the church.

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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 194

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