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 203

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 203
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 203

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).

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NEWBURG.

The first sermon was preached by Rev. J. M. Jamison, and the society organized by Rev. J. Kennedy, in 1869, with the fol- lowing members: George McGee and wife, Mary, A. H. Gas- ton and wife, Jane, W. Harper, wife and daughters, John Burns and wife, Mary, and Mrs. Gibbon and daughters. Rul- ing elders, Hamilton Gaston and George Magee. The first ordained minister was Rev. J. H. Leeper. After the close of Mr. Leeper's pastorate the society depended on supplies till January, 1877, when Rev. Braden became pastor and served eighteen months. The congregation is at present without a set- tled pastor. The church, a fine framne building 36x46, was erected in 1870, and is free from debt.

PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH AT MCCOYS.

Rev. F. A. Brown formed the first class of the following mem- bers, viz : James Stone and his wife, Mary, Levi Henry and wife, Sarah, M. O. Peters and wife, Susannah, George H. Hin- kle and wife, Mary, Bernard Herron and wife, John Adams and wife, Rebecca J., Margaret Mushrush, Letitia Atkinson, Nancy J. Hinkle, Elizabeth Hinkle, Lena Bell, Jennie Wherry, Nancy Maxwell and William H. Jones; trustees, J. C. Maxwell Barnard Heron, George H. Mushrush, James Stone, John Adams, M. O. Peters and William Jones; class leader, George H. Hinkle. The church building was erected in the fall of 1873, a frame structure 32x50 feet. The pastors were F. A. Brown, J. B. McCormick and John Daker, the present minis- ter, Present number of members, one hundred.

KNOXVILLE U. P. CHURCH

Was organized in 1837, by Rev. Samuel Taggart and John Don- aldson with a membership of seventeen, Isaac Grafton, Samuel White and Gilead Chapman were elected ruling elders, and Dr. Watt, J. Stokes and Isaac Grafton, trustees. Rev. Wm. Lari- mer was installed pastor April 1, 1838, and continued as such till 1848, when Rev. C. Campbell became pastor and retained that relation till 1854. Rev. J. H. Peacock was installed pastor in September, 1859, and served as such until April, 1867. Rev. J. B. Borland took charge of this congregation in connection with Richmond July 1, 1871, and still continues to sustain the pas- toral relation. The present members of session are: Daniel White, Robert Gray, Rutherford McClelland, Cletus Bowers, John T. Williamson, J. C. Rogers and John Smith. Deacons and Trustees-Cletus Bowers, Daniel Shelly, George Warren and Thomas Swann.

The present church edifice was erected in 1875, at a cost of $3,600 and dedicated by the Rev. S. J. Stewart. It is a frame building 32x48. Present number of members, about eighty.

SCHOOLS.

The history of education in Knox township is somewhat in- volved in obscurity, so much so that we cannot venture to say when and where the first school was taught. It is believed, however, that a school was taught at Sugar Grove in 1800. There are at present nine school buildings in the bounds of the township, none however of higher grade than " common schools." Besides the ordinary district school houses there is one sitnated in the town of Newburg at Sloan's station that is of more than ordinary size and aspires to the dignity of a graded school.

MANUFACTURERS.

The abundance and good quality of fire clay found along the Ohio river has led to the establishment of numerous " fire brick," " sewer pipe " and " terra cotta " works, as follows :

THE RAIN BOW FIRE BRICK WORKS.

These works are situated on Croxton's run, just above the Cleveland and Pittsburgh railroad bridge. Built by Michael Myers in 1859-the first works of the kind erected in the county. They are at present operated by Mr. J. G. Culp, under a five years' lease.

ENTERPRISE FIRE BRICK WORKS

Were built about 1869, by John Francy and Alexander Stewart and are capable of turning out 1,000,000 bricks annually. In 1870, the works were sold to Porter, Minor & Co., who still ope- rate them.

CARLYE'S SEWER PIPE AND TERRA COTTA WORKS,

These works were erected at Sloan's Station in 1855, by Geo. Carlyle, being the first works of the kind in the county of Jef- ferson and perhaps in the state of Ohio. The name of the firm is now Carlyle, Connally & Co.

EXCELSIOR SEWER PIPE AND TERRA COTTA WORKS

Are situated near Elliottsville, Jefferson county ; are leased and run by P. Connor & Bro., who employ about ten men and man- ufacture everything in their line of business.

FOREST CITY FIRE-BRICK WORKS

were built in 1873, by John Francy, and are situated near Sloan's Station on the line of the " River extension " of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh railroad. These works employ about twenty men, and turn out 1,000,000 bricks annually. Mr. Francy is having them over hauled, is putting in new machinery and intends hereafter to add the manufacture of sewer pipe to his business.

"ADAMANTINE" TERRA COTTA WORKS.

Erected at McCoy's Station by W. W. Ford & Co., and now owned and run by Stone & Taggart. There are also other works along the line of the C. & P. R. R., amongst them are those of Freeman Bro's., one mile below McCoy's Station.

"CALUMET" SEWER PIPE, FIRE-BRICK AND TERRA COTTA WORKS,

Francy, Daniels & Co., proprietors. These works were erected in November, 1870, by Garlick & Sizer, and operated by them until July, 1878, and since that time by the above mentioned firm. It is one of the largest establishments of the kind on the Ohio River. They manufacture in the sewer pipe line all sizes from the smallest up to thirty inches in diameter; also fire clay stove pipe, chimney linings and chimney tops. Architectural goods, such as window caps, door caps, cornice brackets, &c .; also a great variety of miscellaneous work constantly on hand, or if special work is desired it is made to order on short notice. They do a business of about $90.000 annually.

MILLS.

The first grist mill in Knox township and one of the first in Jefferson county was built on Croxton's run, about one mile from the Ohio river, by Michael Myers, Sr. This mill did good ser- vice for many years, but is now standing idle.

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HISTORYOF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES

TUNNEL GRIST MILLS.

These mills are situated on Yellow creek near the line of Ross township, and are owned by Mrs M. House.

J. C. KELLY, MERCHANT, SLOAN'S STATION, OHIO.

He came to Sloan's Station in June, 1872, from California, hav- ing lived in the "golden state" 20 years. He purchased the store house and dwelling that he now occupies, paying cash down in gold, something unprecedented for this place, and since that time he has followed the business of general merchandising with moderate success, making every year a little money notwithstand- ing the panic shrinkage on goods, and the hard times. While merchants were failing all around him, Mr. Kelly succeeded in bringing his vessel through many storms and breakers to a safe harbor. Mr. Kelly is an old merchant of fifteen years' cxper- ience, and is careful, cautious and considerate, making no haste to be rich, but rather to save what he brought from California, and each year add a little to the original nest egg. His system of business is cash and ready pay, no orders or promises to pay, and by pursuing this system of business he is enabled to buy for cash at bottom figures and sell to customers a little under those that buy on time.

BIOGRAPHIES OF KNOX TOWNSHIP, JEFFERSON COUNTY.

JOHN FRANCY was born in county Antrim, Ireland, April 11, 1830, where he received a limited education and grew to man- hood. Came to America, landed at New York, May 12, 1850; from there came direct to New Cumberland, where he com- menced work on a fire-brick yard owned by Stewart and Mu- ney, where he worked for six months, then came to Freeman's Landing, W. Va., where he engaged with G. S. Porter, worked for him until 1858, then went back to New Cumberland, where he engaged in the coal mines about one year. Then he took charge of Myers' brick works, which he operated two years. This is the first fire brick works in Jefferson county. He then went back to Cumberland and superintended the works of J. H. Atkinson two years, then leased the Stewart works, where he first worked and operated them six years, producing annu- ally about 900,000 bricks, using 1,500 tons of clay. In 1869, he purchased of J. R. M. Stewart one-half interest in a saw mill property, and in connection with Alexander Stewart, started fire brick works that were the most extensive in Jefferson county. They manufactured about 1,000,000 brick annually, using 2,000 tons of clay. After operating these works about a year they sold them to John Porter & Co., who still continue the business. He then took charge of the fire brick department of Garlik & Sizer, at Ellicottsville, where he worked one year. In 1873, he purchased the present-site and established the Foust City fire brick works, which he is now operating. They manu- facture about 1,000,000 brick annually, using 1500 tons of clay. They employ about twenty men.

Mr. Francy married, March 26, 1850, and the next day took passage for New York. Has reared a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters-all living. Postoffice Sloan's Station, Ohio.

P. CONNOR & BRO., manufacturers of sewer pipe and terra cotta work, are engaged in the Elliott factory and manufactur- ing everything in their line. They commenced business in 1877 and have a lease of the works for five years. They burn five kilns per month and employ ten men. Their works are known as the "Excelsior Sewer Pipe and Terra Cotta Works."

J. L. BLACKBURN was born May 5, 1846, in Jefferson county, where he has always lived. He was educated at the common schools. His father was also a native of Jefferson county. J. L. was married in the spring of 1871. He is a miller by trade and is now operating the Riverside flouring mills at. Sloan's Sta- tion, in the business of which he is a partner.

J. L. ELLIOTT .-- The grandfather of the subject of this sketch came to Jefferson county at a very early day and settled in Cross Creek township (viz: John Elliott). J. C. Elliott, father of J. L. Elliott, was born in Cross Creek township in about 1813 74-B. & J. Cos.

or 1814, where he grew to manhoood. The town of Elliotts- ville was named in honor of J. C. Elliott, who was one of the pioncer merchants. He moved to Allegheny City, Pa., where he is now engaged in business. Our subject has been keeping store in Elliottsville for the last two years and keeps an assort- ment of goods suited to the trade. John Elliott reared a family of six children-four sons and two daughters. J. C. Elliott reared a family of four children, all of whom are living.

JACOB NESSLEY was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1753, and married Elizabeth Groff, by whom he had two sons, John and Jacob. Jacob Nessley, Sr., settled on the eastern bank of the Ohio river, below Tomlinson's run in 1785, Here he established a nursery about the year 1790, and in 1800 he moved across the Ohio and established an nur- sery in 1801. The apple now known as the " Gate apple" was originally called the " Beam apple," and was brought from Lan- caster county, Pa., by Jacob Nessley. He died Nov. 3, 1832.

JOHN NESSLEY was born February 1, 1778, and married Eliza- beth Fawcett, November 2, 1809, by whom he had eight chil- dren, as follows : Alice, born January 24, 1811; Jacob G., born July 15, 1812 ; Matilda, born March 9, 1814; Judith, born June 14th, 1815; Mary, born January 29, 1818; Elizabeth, born June 17, 1820; Nancy, born July 23, 1822; John F., born February 8, 1824. John Nessly moved to his father's Ohio property in 1820, and died there in 1842 (January 17)

JUDITH NESSLEY, married Lewis K. McCoy, and settled on Section 34, Township 4, Range 1, near the present village of McCoy's Station. Seven children were the fruits of this mar- riage. Their names are as follows: Annette, Edwin, William, John J., Mary, Olive and Ida McCoy. Mrs McCoy survives her husband and occupies the old McCoy homestead.

J. W. COLLINS, M. D., was born in Cross Creek township, February 16, 1844, Was educated in common school till his seventeenth year, when he commenced teaching, which he con- tinued until twenty years of age, when he commenced the study of medicine with Prof. B. F. Payne. In June, 1870, he was licensed to practice medicine by the Philadelphia Univer- sity of Medicine and Surgery, since which he has been practic- ing at Sloan's Station. Attended a course of lectures at Colum- bus Medical College, and graduated at that institution in 1879. Was married, November 11, 1867. Postoffice, Sloan's Station, O.

GEORGE CARLYLE, was born October 15, 1824, in Scotland and eame to America in 1849. Learned the potters trade in Glas- gow, Scotland, and upon his arrival in America, he commenced work at Liverpool, Ohio, where heremained for about one year, when he went to Zanesville, Ohio, and worked about one year, and from there to Cincinnati for one year. On June 16, 1852, he came to Freeman's Landing, West Virginia, where with a capital of seventy dollars he commenced the manufacturing of Terra Cotta and Sewer Pipe, which was at that time the first works of the kind in America, and through his energy the foundation was laid for a vast business. He operated at Freeman's Landing for three years, when he removed to the Ohio side and established works at Sloan's Station, with which he is still connected. He labored under great disadvantage in in- troducing his wares, and was not a financial success until about 1863, when the importance of this kind of sewer pipe began to be noticed and appreciated until hundreds of establishments are required to furnish the demand. When he first started, the work was all done by hand, except grinding the clay, which was done by horse power. As soon as the business would sns- tain it, steam was attached, but still it had to be finished by hand. The work is now all done by machinery.

IL. C. WILKINSON was born in Jefferson county in 1844, where he has always lived. He received but a common school educa- tion .. Was married November 26, 1878, to Miss Belle Hay- thorne. He located at McCoy's Station in March. 1876, where he is manufacturing wagons, buggies, and everything in his line.

JAMES R. M. STEWART was born March 20, 1809, in London, England, and came with his father to Jefferson county when ten years of age, where he has always lived. He was educated

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

at Steubenville and Cincinnati and intended following the pro- fession of medicine, but his health failing him he had to quit school and give np his favorite profession. He went to Florida and recovered his health and then went into the river trade, in which he continued for about twenty years. He engaged ex- tensively in the Inmber business and built a large saw mill which he operated for a number of years, but sold the mill prop- erty to Francy & Stewart and they turned it into a fire brick and terra cotta works. He has been called upon to serve the people as justice of the peace for seven terms, but at the present has retired to private life. His father, Alexander Stewart, owned the first wagon, also the first iron plow that was ever brought into Knox township.

C. BOWER was born in 1834, in Germany, where he resided until seventeen years old. He served an apprenticeship of three years in Germany at cabinet making. He came to America in 1851, and to Jefferson county in 1853, where he has since lived. Came to Knoxville in November, 1863, and bought the shops he is now operating of John Kelly. At present Mr. Bower is car- rying a large assortment of furniture and everything in the line of undertaker's goods, and is doing a flourishing business.

PARKS REX, M. D., was born in Jefferson county, September 6, 1851, where he grew to manhood and received his education. In 1875 he commenced the study of medicine with John Mc- Carrel, M. D., of Wellsville, Ohio, where he remained three years, but during this time he attended lectures at the Cleveland Medical College, graduating in the spring of 1878. Commenced practicing at Knoxville soon after leaving college.

R. H. HALSTED was born in New York in 1809, but his father removed to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, in 1813, where our subject grew to manhood. Upon becoming of age he started for himself, and worked for about three years as a journeyman shoemaker (having Jearned the trade previous to his becoming of age) at different places, but becoming tired of a wandering life, he located in Steubenville, in 1832, and commenced business for himselt, doing custom work and also carrying a small stock ol ready-made work, which he purchased in Pittsburgh, until in 1844, when he made a trip to Boston, Mass., and after that time be purchased all his stock at that point, generally making two trips each year. Through his energy and sagacity he has accumulated considerable wealth, and in 1870 he sold his store to his son-in-law and retired to private life. Was married in 1836 to a daugter of F. L. Bond, of Baltimore, Md., and a cousin of Gov. Bradford, of Maryland. His wife is still living. They have reared a family of three children, all of whom are living-one son and two daughters. Has been a faithful mem- ber of the M. P. Church since 1836, He came to Sloan's Station in 1872, where he has since remained in the quietude of his own home enjoying the fruits of his labor.

WILLIAM MYERS, the son of Michael Myers, the Indian fighter, was born in Jefferson county in 1811, on the farm where he now resides, and where he has always lived. In those days it was not considered necessary for a young man to be educated, and our subject received but a limited education, but a most thorough education in the line of hard work. Was reared on the farm, but at the age of 21 years he took charge of the mill that had been built by his father at a very carly day; in fact it was the first mill built in this portion of Jefferson county, and is still known as Myers' mill. He continued in the mill for about fifteen years, when he went into the "river trade," which he has followed for the last twenty-five years. Was married in 1839, but lost his wife in 1841; was married again in 1845. By his first wife he reared two children, both of whom are still living; has been connected with the U. P. Church for the last fifteen years.

THOMAS L. MCLEAN was born in 1816, in Knox township, Jefferson county, where he has always resided. His father, John McLean, was born in Pennsylvania and lived there until 1799, when he removed to Jefferson county, and remained there to the time of his death, at the age of 76. There were eleven children in his father's family, six sons and five daughters. Thomas L. was married in 1844 to Miss H. Abbott, of Carroll county, Ohio, and has reared a family of twelve children, of whom eight are are still living. Of John McLean's family, five are still living. Our subject bas followed the vocation of teacher for about fifteen years. He has held various township offices. He has treated successfully a great many cases of cancer, and at this time, though in ill health, is still following his profession.

JOHN EDMISTON was born March 9, 1807; came to Knox town- ship, Jefferson county, in 1814, where he remained all his life. He was a miller by trade, which he followed about thirty years. He served many years as a justice of the peace, and was an influential citizen. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania. They reared a family of five children, of whom three are still living; was a member of the Presbyterian church.

J. W. EDMISTON was born in Jefferson county, June 3, 1833, where he has lived all his life; has always been a farmer; is now engaged in growing wool and general farming; was a mem- ber of Company D, 98th Regiment O. V .; enlisted August 15, 1862; served throughout the war, and was mustered out June 15, 1865. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. Was married February 17, 1860.

MRS. M. HOUSE has been living in Jefferson county since 1864. She was the wife of Joseph M. House. He died on the farm where she lives. Hle was engaged in the mercantile business for the last sixteen years, which business Mrs. House still car- ries on. She has also been postmistress at Salt Works post- office for the last four years. She also owns the flouring mill known as "Tunnel Mills." Her maiden name was Melissa Co- barn ; was a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. Was married in 1855.

ROBERT MCCLELLAND .- Born in Chester county, Pennsylva- nia in 1776, but removed with his father when seven years old, to Westmoreland county, where he lived till 1807, when he came to Jefferson county, and settled on the farm now owned by his son William. He bought the land from the government. He died in 1854. He reared a family of eleven children, seven sons and three daughters, of whom seven are still living, all in Jeffer- son county, except one sister, who lives in Ashland, Ohio. Was a cooper by trade, but farming was his business. He was out on an expedition against the Indians, near Meadville, Pa .; was gone about three months; was in one of the forts in Crawford county, Pa. It was attacked by the savages several times, but they were repulsed; returned safely. Served as a captain in the home militia in 1809-10 and 1811.

COL. JOHN MCCLELLAND was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., May 29, 1806, and came to Jefferson county with his father at the age of one year, where he has always lived ; was the eld- est son of Robert McClelland. His education is limited, and was obtained after he became of age, and through his own exertion. He workeda while at the carpenter and millwright trade, but has principally followed farming all his life. At the age of nine- teen, he received a commission as lieutenant in Captain Mitch- ell's rifle company, of the 7th Brigade, 14th Division of Ohio mi- litia, independent riflemen, commanded by Col. William Mc- Causlin. At McCauslin's resignation lieutenant McClelland was appointed by General Stokely as colonel, in which position he continued until the regiment was mustered out at the expiration of their time. He has filled various township offices and was nom- inated unanimously by the Democratic party to represent them in the legislature.

WILLIAM MCCLELLAND, was born in Jefferson, and on the farm where he now lives, in 1814, and where he has spent his life so far. Is a carpenter by trade but at present he devotes his time to farming. Married in 1841, and has reared a family of seven children all of whom are living.

REUBEN ALBAUGH, was born in Jefferson county, in 1810. When about ten year of age, he went to Harrison county with his father, where he remained till twenty-two years of age. Learned the trade of plowmaker, also wagonmaker. After he completed his trade he worked on journey work for several years. In February, 1834, he located his shop and commenced business at Bowling Green, where he is now operating. Married the same year, December 24, 1834, to Miss Sarah Rider and reared a family of ten children. His wife died in 1852, Septem- ber 10th, and Mr. Albaugh was married again April 24, 1860; has reared a family of four children, three of whom are living, by his last marriage. He for the first two years manufactured plows, but the third year he commenced wagon work and all kinds of farming implements. He says he made an average of one hundred and twenty plows yearly for a number of years, and all were sold to the farmers in the surrounding country. He kept three men at work constantly, but at present he is not

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HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

doing anything in the plow business since the war, but is doing quite a business in wagon and carriage work.

JAMES ALEXANDER was born in Brooke county, W. Va., Octo- ber 19, 1776, where he remained till after his marriage in 1796, when he came to what is now Knox township, where he re- mained until his death in 1865. He was married to Miss I. Brown, by whom he had ten children, of whom only three are living. His wife dying, he was married again in 1823 to Miss Rachel Spiller, by whom he reared a family of nine children, of whom only three are living. He served in the war of 1812 as captain of a volunteer rifle company in Col. Andrew's regi- ment. When he came to Jefferson county first he leased some land for five years. At the expiration of the time he bought the farm where his son, S. Z. Alexander, now lives, and where Mr. A. spent his life. Farming was his occupation through life. Served as justice of the peace for twenty-one years, also as town . ship clerk. Was connected with the Presbyterian Church, and was a ruling elder for over forty years.

S. Z. ALEXANDER, son of James Alexander, was born on the farnı where he now lives April 13, 1833; was married in 1859, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN CULP, third son of George and Keziah Culp, was born in 1815, in Jefferson county, where he has always lived. Was married December 25, 1849, to Miss M. M. Mccullough, and has reared a family of five children, four of whom are living. He inade two or three trips on the river as a trader, but has spent about twenty years of his life as a drover, driving stock across the mountains to the Atlantic cities. In 1851 be purchased the farm where he now lives, and for several years he has turned his attention to farming, wool growing, &c. His is one of the model farms of Jefferson county. Has been connected with the Presbyterian Church for the last twenty-eight years.

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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 203

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