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 199

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 199
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 199

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).

The western face of the base bears this inscription : " To the memory of the fallen soldiers of Ross township, Jefferson county, Ohio, in the war of 1861 to 1865."

The western face of the die has these names and dates in- scribed on it : " Thomas, son of Robert and Martha George, 2d regiment, O. V. I., killed at Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862 ; Thomas Duke, 32d regiment, died August 27, 1864 ; John Duke, 1st Tennessee battery, died August 27, 1864; James Dorrance, 2d regiment, O. V. I., died March 31, 1862; Robert MeClave, 52d regiment, O. V. I .. died January 14, 1863; Baston Geren, 2d regiment, O. V. I., killed May 8, 1864; Elbridge Green, 8th lowa calvalry, died -, 1862. On the northern face is found : David Potts, 32d regiment, O. V. I, killed 1864; James Russell, 2d Reg, O. V. I., died April 14, 1862 ; John Porter, 2d regiment O. V. I., killed April, 1864; David Call, 2d regiment, O. V. I., died 1863 ; Isaiah Call, 2d regiment O. V. I., died 1863; J. Kirk- patrick, 32d regiment, O. V. I., died 1864; Alfred Walters, 2d regiment, O. V. I., died 1864; Samuel F. MeLain, 2d regiment, O. V. I., died 1863. Eastern face : Thomas B. Starn, 32d regi- ment, O. V. I., died November 2, 1865; Edward Graley, 32d regiment, O. V. I., died August 4, 1864; G. W. Graley, 122d regiment, O. V. I., died October 20, 1863; John Stewart, 2d regiment, O. V. I., died in prison, 1864 ; Aaron Scamp, 32d reg. iment O. V. I., died 1864; David Kriner, 2d regiment, O. V. I., died 1862; Jacob Kriner, 2d regiment, O. V. I., died 1862; Enos Striker, 2d regiment, O. V. I., died 1864. Southern face : H. K. Crabs, 52d regiment, O. V. I., died November 3d, 1863; Adam Sauer, 178th regiment, O. V. I., died January 14, 1865 ; Stanley Shane, 2d regiment O. V. I., died November 23, 1863; Newton Wycoff, 52d regiment, O. V. 1. died June, 1864; Wil- liam Rex, 2d regiment, O. V. I., died a prisoner, August, 1864; Benjamin Rex, 52d regiment, O. V. 1., died October, 1863; Ross Coyle, 122d regiment, O. V. I., killed December 4, 1863; Edward Goodlin, 52d regiment, O. V. I., died 1863. On the western face of the shaft is carved in high relief an appropriate military de- vice, the whole presenting a pleasing appearance. May this monument, conceived in patriotism, designed with taste and ex- ecuted with skill, keep forever green the memory of fallen he- roes whose names it records.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ISAAC SHANE was the son of James Shane, who emigrated from New Jersey to Washington county, Pa., in 1774, and settled about four miles west of the present site of Monongahela City, where Isaac was born December 26, 1782. In 1798, his father crossed the Ohio river at Cable's ferry, about three miles above Steubenville, and located on the headwaters of Wills creek. Here Isaac lived till October 17, 1805, when he married Han- nah Rex, daughter of George Rex, of Greene county, Pa., and in 1810, moved to what is now known as the " Red Mill " property. Again in 1812, he removed to the northeast quarter of section 19, range 3, township 11, where he has remained ever since, clearing out a large farm and rearing a large family. The chil- dren were born as follows: Martha, born July 5, 1807; Eliza, born February 27, 1809 ; Mary, born October 31, 1810; George R., born July 22, 1813; Susannab, born December 1, 1815 ; James H., born November 18, 1817; Isaac, born October 22, 1819; John, born May 26, 1822; Margaret, born September 29, 1825 ; Henry, born February 7, 1827. Margaret died in infancy and all the rest are married. Mr. Shane was a man of industrious habits and accumulated considerable property, he and his sons owning at one time about 1,000 acres of land in Ross township. He was elected justice of the peace in 1817, and served in that capacity till 1827 ; also served a term in the legislature in 1843. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Presbyterian. Mr. Sbane is at the present time in the 97th year of his age, and still in possession of his faeulties, with a retentive memory- dictating to the writer the history of the Bacon Ridge Presby- terian church-and bids fair to live to celebrate the one hun- dredth anniversary of his birth.

JAMES H. SHANE, eldest son of John Shane, was born in Ross township, November 18, 1817, and has lived all his life on the same property. September 7, 1843, he married Eliza B. Mills. To them were born three children-Cyrie S., born Jan- uary 15, 1845; Nancy E., born February 1, 1847, died 1849, and William W., born June 22, 1849, and died October 10, 1849. His wife dying November 17, 1849, he was married to Lucinda Scott, October 28, 1852, who died September 24, 1853. He was again married to Charlotte Rhinehart, April 25, 1854. To them were born two children-John R., born November 10, 1856, and Eliza M., born March 13, 1859. Cyril S. Shane enlisted in Com- pany G, 52d O. V. I., September, 1862, and died at Nashville, Tenn., December 23, 1863. Mr. Shane is a successful farmer de- voting his time and attention to stock raising. He clips annu- ally about 1,000 pounds of wool.

THOMAS H. GEORGE was the fourth son of Thomas and Jane George, and was born in Ross township, Jefferson county, Ohio, November 6, 1818. Received his education in the old log school house and was trained to industry and economy on the farm of his father. Taking the Golden Rule for his guide in lite, he early became the friend of the slave, and cast his first ballot for the liberty party, afterwards the free soil party. His choice for the presidency was never elected until the time of Abrabam Lincoln. He was married April 22, 1841, to Mary Robins, daughter of John Robins, of Carroll county, Ohio, who was born February 26, 1822. From this union there were born three sons and four daughters-John P., born July 5, 1842 ; Jane, born March 4, 1844 ; Sarab, born October 31, 1846 ; Thomas M., born October 4, 1849, Crissie K., born October 15, 1852; Edwin, born Oct. 22, 1864; Lizzie, born July 26, 1861.

MORDECAI MOORE, SR., emigrated to Ohio in 1806, and lo- cated at New Lisbon, Columbiana county. At the outbreak of the war of 1812, Mr. Moore enlisted in a company of "Light horse " under Captain William Harbaugh and served through the war. In 1815, he came to Ross township, Jefferson county, and although without capital he was possessed with an unlim- ited supply of pluck and enterprise. He found the manufacture of salt on Yellow creek conducted in a very crude and un- satisfactory manner and immediately set himself to work to im- prove the same. He at first located on section thirty-four, as there was found the salt water flowing spontaneously, but aft- erwards moved down the creek to the place afterwards known as " Moore's Salt Works," where he spent his time and means in boring for ;salt. So much reduced in circumstances did he become that it is related of him that he at one time pawned his coat for a bag of corn. But with a courage that de- fied defeat he persisted and success crowned his efforts. By sub- stituting coal for wood and pans for kettles, Mr. Moore's busi.

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

ness flourished and wealth poured in upon him. He served one term in the legislature and several terms as county com- missioner. He married Mary Laughlin and had seven children- John, Elizabeth, Abner, Cyrus, Bethsheba, Mordecai and Mary. Only three-Mordecai, Cyrus and Elizabeth-survive,

THOMAS GEORGE was born in Lancaster (now Dauplin county), Pa., in the month of February, 1780, and at the age of ten years his father, Robert George, moved to Washington county, Pa. In the year, 1802, Andrew Griffin entered section 28 of township 11, and range 3, of the Steubenville land district in Ohio, and in the year 1804, Robert George bought the east half of the same, and his son Thomas (having in 1800, married Jane Hunter) moved to it in 1805, and brought with him two children, named Christina and Esther. There were afterwards born to him five sons, named Robert, John, David, Thomas and Alexander ; and three girls, named Esther, Ann and Sarah Jane. Mr. George was the first permanent settler in Ross township, and planted the first orchard, having carried the young apple trees on a horse from Washington county, Pa. He was of Scotch Irish descent. Mr. George inherited all the leading traits of his sturdy Presbyterian ancestors. Belonging to that branch of the church known as the Associate Presbyterian, he carried with him into his new home in Ohio, principles that have largely influenced the society of the present day. He was a staunch abolitionist, and his house on Yellow creek was a noted station on "the underground railroad," having harbored as high as twenty-one fugitives at a time. Mr. George died August 10, 1868, having served one term in the Legislature, in 1817, and twenty-one years as associate judge of Jefferson county, Ohio.

ROBERT GEORGE, eldest son of Thomas George, was born in Ross township, March 27, 1806. Subject to all the vicissitudes of frontier life, our subject early became inured to labor, and ac- quired habits of industry and ecomomy, which served him a purpose in after life. August 21, 1832, he married Martha Mclaughlin, and to them were born three children-Thomas, born January 6, 1835 ; James, born December 19, 1836; and John, born November 6, 1839. Thomas enlisted in company "K," 2d O. V. I, under Captain Mitchell, October 1st, 1861, and was killed in the battle of Perrysville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862. John died of consumption at the age of twenty-four, and James remained at home. Robert George, like his father, was an abolitionist, and permitted his name to be used as a candi- date for the state senate for a number of years, when an elec- tion was an impossibility. A true friend of the soldiers, he erected at a cost of $700.00, a monument to the fallen heroes of Ross township. Mr. George still lives, enjoying the respect and confidence of his neighbors.

REV. H. Y. LEEPER, son of Hugh Leeper, of Beaver county, Pa., was born May 13, 1838. At the age of twenty he left home and attended Westminister College, in Lawrence county, Pa., about six months. In August, 1859, he went to Jefferson Col- lege, where he remained four years and graduated in 1863. He attended the Theological Seminary at Xenia, Ohio, four terms and was ordained at Sycamore, Ohio, in 1868, and installed pas- tor of the United Presbyterian congregation at that place. In January, 1870, Mr. Leeper accepted a call from the Yellow Creek U. P. congregation and removed to Mooretown, Jefferson county, Ohio. He was married May 28, 1867, to Mary Roshorough, daughter of William Rosborough, of Sparta, Ill. Their union has been blessed with three children-William A., Hugh M. and Earl B. Mr. L. is still the incumbent of the U. P. Church of Yellow Creek.

MORDECAI MOORE, son of Mordecai Moore, Sr., was born in Ross township, Jefferson county, Ohio, May 7, 1821. His early life was spent in and around the salt works of his father. Oc- tober 15, 1843, he married Elizabeth Kirk and by her had ten children, seven of whom are living and named respectively John, Lewis, Mordecai, Stanton, Mary, Ella and Olive. Mr. M. is an active business man, is engaged in farming, stock and wool raising. He and bis sons have about 1,900 acres of land and annually clip about 5,000 pounds of wool.

JAMES E. LOWRY was born in Ross township, Jefferson county, Ohio, July 6, 1838. He farmed, taught school and went to school at Mt. Union Academy until married, May 25, 1870, to Adeline Mcclellan, danghter of William McClellan, of Knox township, Jefferson county. To them were born four children- Charles B., born May 9, 1871; Dora V., horn February 2, 1873;

George D., born November 28, 1875 ; Emmet E., born June 4, 1877. Mr. Lowry enlisted in Company K, 2d O. V. I., and served ten months.

JOSEPH SHANE, son of Benjamin Shane, was born February 23, 1811. He married Susan Shane March 15, 1836; bas six children living and one dead-Isaac H., born December 15, 1836 ; Mary H., born February 7, 1839; Charles R., born December 22, 1842; Hannab, born March 15, 1846; Benjamin F., born August 18, 1852; Anna, born March 30, 1856; Jesse F., born September 16, 1859. Mr. Shane was elected justice of the peace in 1861, and still serves in that capacity. He was also county commissioner from 1867 to 1870.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP.

What now constitutes Springfield, originally belonged to, or was a part of several townships, but by the territory being sub- divided in creating new counties, it has finally assumed its pres- ent.shape. It is nine miles long from north to south, and the southern part from east to west, is four miles wide, while the northern part of the township is but three miles in width, and has an area of thirty square miles. Most of the township was at one time Green township, and subsequently Clinton. The township is bounded on the north by Columbia county, south by Harrison county, east by Salem, Ross and Brush creek town- ships, Jefferson county, and on the west by Carroll county.

DRAINAGE.

The southern part of the township is drained by Wolf run, Lick run and Elk Fork of Yellow creek, tributaries to Big Yel- low creek, while the middle and northern parts are drained by Middle fork and North fork of Yellow creek.

TOPOGRAPHY AND SOIL.

The soil in the southern part of the township is rich and pro- ductive, and under a high state of cultivation-it being quite level compared with the northern part-it being cut up consid- erably by Yellow creek and other smaller streams, but there are some fine farms on the banks of Yellow creek.

PIONEERS.

In mentioning the names of the first settlers of Springfield, we wish to say that our information is from the memory of the oldest living settlers. Solomon Miller, from Fayette county, Pa., settled in 1800, and was one of the first prominent settlers within the present limits of this township. He settled on sec- tion 10, but being too poor to buy the section, and nothing less at that time could be entered, after having lived two years on it, and made considerable improvements, the section was entered by Henry Miser in 1802, and Mr. Miller was dispossessed, and had to commence anew on section 11. In 1801 Stewart MeClave settled on section six, and from 1801 to 1806 came John Stutz, Joseph Gorden, Jacob Springer, Thomas Peterson, James All- man, Henry Isinogle, George Albaugh, James Rutledge, Mr. Davidson, Mr. Wells, Robert Young, Adley Calhoon and son, William S. Jenkins, James Campbell, S. Dorrance. Philip Bur- gett and several others, whose names we are unable to obtain, but all of these old settlers have passed away and almost for- gotten, but the noble deeds of these old fathers should be perpet- nated, and their hardships recorded, that they may live in the remembrance of posterity.

The mineral resources of Springfield are great.

Coal .- Coal can be found in most any part of the township, in fact the township is underlaid with coal of a first-class quality, and the only thing that is needed is the capital and energy to develop it.

Limestone .- The township is also bountifully supplied with lime, sandstone, freestone, &c.

Salt .- It is claimed upon good authority that the first salt that was ever manufactured on Yellow creek was manufactured in this township by Phillip Burgett and John Lucker. They were out hunting one day and found a spring of salt water. They procured a kettle at once and boiled enough to make about three bushels of salt, which they packed home to the great delight of their families and neighbors. Previons to that time the salt

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

was packed long distances and was very expensive. It was not long after this that " salt making" was the principal business along Yellow creek and continued to be until recently, but at this time there is no salt made in this township.

Productions .- The staple productions are corn, wheat, rye, oats, hay and most everything that is produced in this latitude. Wool growing assumes an important feature in the business of this township.

The Morgan raid passed through this township. He came into the township at East Springfield and then passed down on Yellow creek at Nebo, where he went into camp, the next morn- ing resuming his march down the creek in the direction of Sa- lineville, Colum biana county. He did not molest any one or de- stroy property, and the only cause for complaint was that they were terribly scared, and still a few of the more brave fol- lowed him and were in at the capture.

VILLAGES AND TOWNS.

AMSTERDAM

Situate in the extreme western part of the township, on the line of Carroll county, was laid out about 1828, by David Johnston. It is a small village and contains three small stores, two churches, a blacksmith shop and about one dozen dwelling houses.

NEBO,

Was laid out by M. Allman, but it is of still less importance than Amsterdam, and can not even boast of a postoffice or church. A small store, kept by W. Ruddicks, and a Flouring Mill con- stitutes the town.

CHURCHES.

AMSTERDAM M. E. CHURCH,

Was organized about 1840, and the same year they built their present house of worship. Owing to a lack of interest on the part of the members, and imperfect records, we are not able to give much account of this congregation. At present there are about eighty members.

AMSTERDAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Was organized, and their building erected, in the same year as the M. E. church, 1840. At present it has a membership of about sixty.

CIRCLE GREEN M. E. CHURCH

was organized in 1809 through the labors of the Rev. William Knox. It was organized and known by the name of Rutledge's M. E. Church until about 1850 when the name was changed to Cir- cle Green. There were a number of church members, and the gospel was preached at private houses for some time previous to the organization ; but immediately after, they proceeded to build a place of worship, which was built of hewed logs by each man contributing so many days' work, and in this way the building was erected without any money hardly. The char- ter members were: James Rutledge, wife and children, John, William, James, Edward, Simeon and Jane; John Kirk and wife, W. Taylor and wife, William Scarlott and wife and his children, William, George, Richard, Mary and Ann; Alexander Johnston and wife, and daughters Hettie and Rachel; Francis Johnston and wife, James Forster and wife, Henry Forster and wife, and several others whose names we were unable to obtain. All of the above mentioned are dead, except Simeon and Jane Rutledge and Hattie Johnston. They occupied the old log church for about twenty years, when their membership had in- creased till it was necessary to build a larger building, which was a frame. Robert Young and Thomas Rutledge gave one half acre cach for a church and burying ground. This was deeded to John Kirk, W. Taylor and William Rutledge, trustees of the M. E. Church.

This second church was destroyed by fire, and the members proceeded to build another on the same site in 1877 at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. At present there are only about forty members, but at one time they had about one hundred members.

Rev. J. F. Huddleston is the present minister in charge. Since the organization of the church its members have dwelt in har- mony and peace.

These facts are from the recollection of Simeon Rutledge.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

STUART MCCLAVE was born in Ireland and came to Jefferson county in 1801, and settled on the farm, where his grandson, Stuart McClave, now lives. At that time nothing less than a full section could be entered, so Mr. McClave entered section 6, which he paid for in payments. He was a weaver by trade, but after coming here he followed farming. He married a lady in Washington county, Pa., in 1802, and reared a family of eight children, ot whom three are still living. His brother Robert, who was a bachelor, lived with him. Shortly after he settled he built a horse mill, to which the people came a great many miles to get grinding done, it being the only one in the country at that time. He died, esteemed by all who knew him, in 1855, at the advanced age of 95 years. William McClave, son of Stu- art MeClave, was born in 1817, on a part of the farm where he now lives. Has followed farming all his life, except for about four years, when he was engaged in the mercantile business at Amsterdam from 1846 to 1850. Was married in 1847, and bas reared a family of eight children, all of whom are living.

JAMES KELLY was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1836, where he remained till sixteen years of age, when he came to Jefferson county and lived with his uncle, William Kelley; was educated at Westminster College in Pennsylvania, attending that school for four years, coming home on a vacation in 1861, and instead of returning to college he went into the army ; was a member of Company A, 54th Regiment Indiana V. I., was out only three months, when he returned to his uncle's, got mar- ried, and commenced business for himself; was married in 1862 'to Miss Ellen Erskine, by whom he bad two children, one son and one daughter. His wife died in 1877.

WILLIAM KELLY was born in Marion county, Ohio, in 1841, where he remained till three years of age, when his uncle, Wil- liam Kelly, adopted him, and since then he has always lived in Jefferson county ; was a member of Company G, 52d Regi- ment O. V. I., under Capt. Holmes, and Col. Dan McCook's reg- iment; enlisted August 8, 1861, in three-year service; was dis- charged on account of disabilities in 1862; was married in 1865, and has five children ; is a farmer.

SAMUEL CARSON, EsQ., was born in 1832 in Jefferson county, where he has always lived; was married in 1858 to Miss Achsah Householder, and has reared a family of seven children ; is a carpenter and joiner by trade.

JACOB GROVES was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Jeffer- son county at a very early day, but did not remain long: went to Franklin, where he purchased a farm. Shortly after he met his death by a tree falling upon him. He died in 1829. Reared a family of nine children, six of whom are still living. Jonas Groves, son of Jacob Groves, was born in 1816 in Jefferson county, and there most of his life has been passed. Com- menced to learn the blacksmith trade when fifteen years of age with George Rider, at Bowling Green, and served for nearly six years. He then opened a shop just north of Bowling Green, where he remained about three years, and then removed to Sa- lein, where he run shops for twelve years. In 1853 he pur- chased the farm where he now lives. He still does some black - smithing, but does not make a business of it. Was married in 1837, and has reared a family of nine children, of whom six are still living. Has been connected with the Presbyterian Church for the last fifteen years.

ROBERT YOUNG, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1780, where he grew to manhood. He was married in Fayette county, shortly after which he came to Jefferson county, in 1806, moving his family and all he possessed on three pack horses. Bought one quarter section of land from the government. Hc served in the war of 1812 under Capt. Gilmore, for about six months. Was elected to and filled various township offices. Was one of the " pioneer" school teachers in which capacity he acted for about twelve years. Reared a family of seven children of whom only two are living. Three of his children were born

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

at one birth, and two of these are the ones living, Samuel J. and Daniel Young. Mr. Young was a member of the Associate Reformed church. Was of Scoth Irish parentage, and a farmer by occupation. He departed this life in 1841, in the sixtieth year of his age.

DANIEL YOUNG, son of Robert Young, was born July 27, 1814, in Jefferson county, where he has since lived. He married in 1839, Miss E. Wagoner, and has reared a family of six daugh- ters, four of whom are still living. He has been connected with the Presbyterian church for sometime, and his family all belong to this church. Has been township treasurer for eight years.

JOHN KIRK, was one of the early settlers in Jefferson county. He was born in Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1787, and came with his parents to America in 1791. They settled near Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he lived with them until his marriage with Mary Taylor, 1812. He then removed to Brooke county, West Virginia, remained there a short time, then removed to Jeffer- son county, Ohio, where he lived until his death, April 30, 1874. He was eighty-four years old and had lived in Jefferson county sixty-two years. His family consisted of eleven children, eight of whom are still living, six of them in Jefferson county, one in Richland county, Ohio, and one in Missouri. His two youngest sons, Westley and James Kirk, are still living on the land en- tered by their father when he came to Ohio. When he first set- tled here, the country was an almost impenetrable wilderness; the clearings of the settlers were few and far between, and the howls of the wolf and the cries of the panther, could be heard on every side. The wolves would approach within a few steps of the door and make night hideous with their noise. He relates that one evening, as he was coming home after dark, he heard a noise in a thicket near by, and immediately started his dog in the direction of the sound. He soon discovered he had started up a pack of wolves, which were soon in pursuit of himself and dog, but his cabin being near, he barely succeeded in getting into it, but he supposes they ate the dog up, as he never found the slightest trace of him afterwards. On another occassion, as he was coming up a branch of Yellow Creek, called Long Run, be heard what appeared to be the cries of a woman in distress, but which he knew were the cries of a panther. He crept stealth- ily to a fence, to await developments, when presently a very large panther made its appearance. It passed so near he could hear its strong breathing. It went on without discovering him, perhaps from his being to the windward side.

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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 199

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