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 213

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 213
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 213

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).

+Among them are the residences of Mr. W. MeCandless, Mr. Jas. Macken, &e., and on the distant hill will be seen the villas of Mr. Ingram and Mr. Von Bonhorst, commanding specially fine prospects.

vi.

APPENDIX.

which scenes alternate on each side of the track-until we ap- proach

"IDLEWOOD."

Now, it will naturally be concluded that there is a significance in this name, which is best tested by visiting the charming woodlands abounding there in midsummer, and if you don't feel like rusticating, or, in other words, " idling" away an hour or two in the grateful shades, why, then accord your verdict for a more appropriate name to this delightful spot. The depot, however, was formerly known as "Cemetery crossing," as the Chartiers cemetery is here located, and the county road lead- ing thereto crosses the track at this point. From the left side of the cars, at the depot, a pretty circular walk will be observed winding round the hill, which leads to what are termed " Idle- wood Cottages," a famous summer resort which has led to a change in the name of the station, and whither resort, each season, large numbers of pleasure seekers to indulge in rural pastimes. Looking from the right side of the car, are two con- spicuously handsome residences, respectively owned by Mr. Patterson and Mr. J. D. Biggerts, their locations, architecture and surroundings winning for them the admiration of thousands who gaze upon them during a mazy flight behind "the iron horse." Less than a mile, brings us, next, to a stopping point, for short called

" JACOBUS,"

a platform chiefly for the accommodation of the extensive Novelty Works, there run by Messrs. Jacobus & Nimick, as seen from the right side of the car. This important manufac- turing institution employs an average of at least 200 hands, though the district around is essentially agricultural, the land on either side of the track attesting in no measured degree to the skill, enterprise and industry of the local "knights of the plow." Yet a little further and we find ourselves crossing the famous "Chartiers creek," after which, from the right side of the car will be observed the " Pennsylvania Lead Co.'s Works," one of the largest and most popular enterprises of the kind in America. Also the mines and coke ovens of the "Mansfield Coal and Coke Co.," who operate on a scale of exceptional mag- nitude. And this brings us to

" NORTH MANSFIELD,"

approaching which, from the left side of the car, we get a dis- tinct view, in the distance, of the Chartiers Cemetery and " Idlewood Cottages," which were obscured from view by the large hill at the last station. Speaking of Mansfield, it must be understood that two boroughs are usually included. "North Mansfield " depot is really in " Mansfield Borough," while Mansfield Junction depot (a little over half a mile beyond) is in "Chartiers Borough," the two being divided by the Chartiers creek. Mr. Samuel McQuilty is the burgess of one and Mr. W. F. Ford of the other, though the two boroughs have only one postoffice, and that is in "Mansfield Borough," being known as " Mansfield Valley " Postoffice. Leaving "North Mansfield " station, as the R. R. officials designate it, we at once realize that we are emerging somewhat from "pastures green and towering forests," as houses present themselves, numerically, in town proportions. From the right side of the cars, as we approach

MANSFIELD JUNCTION DEPOT,

there is suddenly brought to our view a very fine newly built brick public school, with town clock in its tower; the entire structure probably costing in the neighborhood of $15,000. Mr. T. T. Taylor is the Superintendent at the present time. By looking back from the car window on the top of a hill or point, may be seen the very handsome country residence owned by Mr. Ford. As the train enters the junction de- pot, to the left is an engine shed, rendered necessary from the

fact that three or four engines have usually to be kept here. Taking up our position on the north side of the depot, notice- ably will be observed the handsome residence owned by Mr. David Steen, a wealthy and influential local coal producer, also the attractive residences of his two sons, William and Thomas, and his son-in-law, Mr. A. D. Walker. To the extreme left, on a point of the hill, is the fine residence of Mr. Jacob Doolittle, once the chief owner of property in this section and still a wealthy land owner, while the villas of Messrs. A. S. Rowland, W. J. Glenn, Hon. W. Hill, W. Ewing, J. Lee, and others, afford a striking and interesting variety in architectural effect. From the west end of the south platform, a view is obtained up the Main street, presenting quite a number of fine stores, while over the " ridge "-as they call it-or, we should rather say, hill may be found a number of extremely fine suburban villas owned by Messrs. M. B. Brown, Samuel Canada, Hugh Lee, W. J. Cook, D. Davis, D. Foster, Dr. Hope, &c. In the vicinity of Mansfield the hills are lofty and richly charged with "black diamonds." Coal mines are extensively operated, but there is no manufacture carried on, of any moment, beyond those already named, with the addition of a planing mill, steam flouring mill and brick yard. There are eight religious denominations in the united boroughs, though it is creditably asserted that the population, all told, does not exceed 3,000 or 4,000 inhabi- tants. A small weekly paper is published here, called the "Item," owned and edited by Mr. Knepper, who keeps his con- stituency promptly posted on things in general and with an "itemized " account of local doings. There are from fifteen to twenty stores neatly kept and efficiently run in the united boroughs, but we failed to recognize a good hotel. Mansfield being the junction of the Chartiers Railroad with the main stem of the P. C. & St. L. Ry., all passengers from the west going south, and from the south going west, change here. Ten regular stopping trains arrive and depart daily, and there is an office of the Western Union Telegraph Co., and Adam's ex- press agency at the depot-which building, though erected some eight or nine years ago, is kept in good order. Mr. W. H. Roberts, who has been with the company several years, is agent, and a gentleman whom we found exceedingly courteous and attentive in the discharge of his responsible duties.

WE NOW LEAVE MANSFIELD,

and to the right almost immediately observe what is called the "Grant" mines, operated by Messrs. Jones & Wilson, though owned by Ex-Judge Mellon. Soon after, to the left, is "Camp Hill" mine, owned and operated by Messrs. D. Steen & Sons, while still further, on the right, come the "Fort Pitt" mines, operated by the "Fort Pitt Coal Co.," nearly opposite to which are the "Pittsburgh Union mines," worked by Mr. J. McCon- nell. We now come to

"WALKER'S MILL "

station, so named after Mr. Isaac Walker, an extensive and in- fluential farmer and miller, whose fine brick residence and prosperous flouring mill may be seen from the depot. The groves and dells in this locality, will be observed, form delight- ful prospects. After leaving the depot, to the right we come to the extensive stone quarry owned by Mr. Isaac Walker, and a second, in close proximity, the property of the P. C. & St. L. Ry. Co., from which the road is very largely supplied. On the left, we pass another charming dell and then come in view of a cluster of houses accommodating probably 150 or 200 persons- chiefly miners. Soon after, from the same side of the car, will be observed a flourishing lime stone quarry, conducted by a Mr. Jackson, and then we?approach

HAYS' STATION,

a delightful rural spot

" Where feathered songsters love to chant- And sweetest flowers bloom."

vii.

APPENDIX.

To the right will be seen "Cherry mines," almost opposite the station, leaving which, we next pass through another heavy rock cutting, computed at 60 feet deep and probably 300 or 400 feet long. Then we come to Gregg's station, simply a shed and platform-the local resident, after whom it is called, resi- ding in a nice homestead located on the hill, as seen from the left side of the ear. It will be particularly observed that agri- culture is the leading pursuit here followed with abundant suc- eess, confirmed by a goodly sprinkling of very attractive farm buildings. As our train crosses the creek the views obtained from both sides of the car are specially interesting-particu- larly on the left, where we approach the "Oak Ridge" mines, directly after which comes

"OAK DALE STATION."

Here there are from 800 to 1,000 inhabitants and the locality is popular for being the seat of "Oak Dale Academy," a handsome and influential educational institution, patronized extensively by pupils even from considerable distances, who unsparingly avail themselves of the liberal advantages afforded by the re- duced fares governing school tickets, as adopted on this line. Now, "Oak Dale," it may be remarked, is quite a flourishing vil- lage, possessing an excellent flouring mill, a malt house, Odd Fellows' Hall, &c., with three or four well conducted stores, while it would appear to lack in nothing usually found in a desirable rural market town .* As a situation for the erection of suburban villas it is unexcelled, as an elderly gentleman resident from there remarked to us, "he should always consider that he owed at least ten years of his life to taking up his abode in so healthful and recluse a situation." Indeed, there may here be witnessed some of the prettiest residences on this line of rail, among them being most prominent, those erected by Mr. Guy, Mr. Ewings, and Mr. McFarland. Leaving Oak Dale to the left, we next strike the "National" mines, operated by the "Consolidated Coal and Mining Co.," of Cincinnati, subse- quently coming to

" NOBLESTOWN STATION,"

the depot being on the right side of the track, and from the appearance at which, of two fair sized, though somewhat weatherworn Hotels-the "Exchange" and "Pan-Handle" houses-one would natually infer that a live business was rather the rule than the exception. There are from 800 to 1,000 inhabitants here, whose main occupations consist of farming and mining, while several neat country residences relieve the otherwise monotonous rustic surroundings; noticeably among them being the fascinating homes of Mr. Herron, Mr. Greer, &c. We have now come to the end of the double track from Pittsburgh, and in response to the "all right" whistle from the locomotive, we take a parting glance at fair Noblestown and pursue the " narrower path " that leads, next, to

" ARLINGTON," OR " WILLOW GROVE."

The former style is derived from a plat of lots designed for suburban villas in that vicinity, while the latter is the name appropriately adopted by the railway officials. Neither of these names, however, or even any other still more attractive one, could be ill bestowed on so delightful a region-fashioned by nature, as it were,

" Wherein the wise might raise neat homes, And healthful live forever."

So general are charming prospects on every hand that it would be impossible for the most fastidious to discriminate a prefer- ence among the objects of interest. Leaving "Willow Grove" depot, there will be noticed on the right, the specially attrae- tive villas of Mr. Mc Vay and Hon. Vincent Miller-each, alike,

the subject of general comment and admiration among passing travelers on the rail. On the left, we next approach "Laurel Hill" mines, conducted by Messrs. W. P. Rend & Co., of Chi- cago, while almost opposite is " Brier Hill " mines, also a pros- perous enterprise. And this brings us to

M'DONALD'S STATION,

with its 1,000 or 1,500 inhabitants where,

" At the close of day, when labor's done, And all around is still, It's homeward wends each weary one That works the plow or mill."

The green sward and valued strata of the mighty hills, here still employ the best energies of the major part of the populace, though as a country scat this locality is also pre-eminently adapted. On the left will be seen the very fine residences of Mr. S. S. Johns and Mr. T. H. Cook, while on the right stands a neat U. P. Church and the pretty villas of Dr. Cook, Dr. Mc- Donald and Mr. Lindsay, though of all, probably, the most attractive is the stone built homestead on the magnificent farm of. Mr. John McDonald, after whom the depot is named-a gen- tleman whose name is proverbial for raising some of the finest stock in America. Proceeding yet nearly a mile and a half further, as we take in views of delightful woodland scenery, on the left, and we arrive at

" PRIMROSE STATION,"

modest in its surroundings as the veritable flower after which it is named-from whence is seen to the right, in a cluster of trees, the secluded residence of the McDonald Bros., who cultivate a rich farm of some nine hundred acres, and like their universally respected pater, are gentlemen very popular for their fine stock. A quarter of a mile hence, and we pass "Robins' Block Vein Coal" mines, owned by Mr. T. Burr Robins, near to which is a small cluster of houses or a village chiefly populated by miners. To the right will also be observed the pretty farm residence of Mr. McBurney-the rural surroundings being superb. To the left we soon approach "Midway" mines, operated by Mr. G. W. Crawford, and then comes

MIDWAY STATION .*

being so named from being mid-way between Pittsburgh and Steubenville. The only fine villa residences here calling for special reference are those of Mr. T. Burr Robins on the left and Mr. Donaldson on the right-gentlemen much respected in the neighborhood. Just past the depot, to the left, will be seen the " Walnut Hill" mines-the property of the " Walnut Hill Coal Co.," and we strike a deep rock cut probably 300 feet long, and 50 to 60 feet deep.

BULGER STATION. +

There is little to call attention to here, or yet until we have passed through Bulger Tunnel. 300 feet in length, as also the next station-" Raccoon "-when we cross a very fine iron bridge, put up last summer, and which spans " Raccoon creek."

BURGETTSTOWN,

the succeeding stop, is a place of probably 1,500 to 2,000 in- habitants, and commands a mill or two, wagon shop, &c., but is mainly supported by agriculture-the farmers in this sec- tion being very skillful and well-to-do-men. There are also the utmost facilities here for the dissemination of religion and education-a number of good stores-and we are not quite sure but there is also a small weekly paper. Leaving here, about a mile and three-quarters finds ns hurrying through another im- inense roek cutting and subsequently we enter what is called

*Midway is quite a rising little town, with probably 1,000 inhabitants, excellont churches, school house, and all other accessories essential to a well regulated and prosperous community. +Weare here at the greatest altitude along the route.

"All along the line, and particularly from Oak Dale, will milk cans be found at the depots, the farms on this road daily supplying immense quantities of milk to Pittsburgh City.

viii.

APPENDIX.

"Dinsmore tunnel," (about 400 feet long), and emerging from which, our train soon stops at Dinsmore depot. But

" DINSMORE," "HAMLIN'S" AND "PARIS ROAD" STATIONS,

all in succession, less than five miles apart, and possess few features of any moment beyond their exquisite rural prospects. The latter depot, however, takes its name from a road there located, leading to Paris, Washington county, Pa., and ere we arrive at

COLLIER'S STATION

we cross the state line-leaving Pennsylvania to travel through West Virginia. Collier's is a small station, but a very service- able one to R. R. men, as it is appointed with special switches and extra tracks for the convenience of dividing trains.

HOLLIDAY'S COVE,

as a stopping point, is so named after a cove discovered on the property of a Mr. Holliday at that place, and it is here that the name of " Holliday's Cove," originated as applied to the old " Holliday's Cove Railroad Co," already referred to in this work. " Edgington " station comes next; after which we arrive at

WHEELING JUNCTION,

around which clusters considerable interest, as it brings to our view the famous Ohio river, the romantic and grotesque hills that appear to encircle the West Virginia shore, the magnifi- cent Steubenville bridge across the river, and the Pittsburgh, Wheeling & Kentucky division of the " Pan-Handle " system that makes direct communication with Wheeling .* It is within a few rods of the old terminal depot of the first railroad ever laid down here-and among other interesting prospects, we command a very pleasing birdseye view of Steubenville city. On the original road referred to, (so persistently put through by Messrs. Edgington and Wells,); the first train was chartered on the 4th of July, 1854, but the enterprise very soon afterwards collapsed, yet the following reminiscenes of said road may still be seen from the left side of our train, just as it enters upon the bridge. Close to, yet a little below our track, there still stands, in a hollow, the frame of the first and only car ever run on the " Edgington and Wells Railroad," but which, for considerably over a score of years, has been used as a small dwelling house, while at a little distance therefrom is an old two-story frame that still bears the name of " Pan-Handle Hotel," it having been the original terminus of the old road. Such a primitive looking structure, in full view of the modern extensive bridge crossing the Ohio, affords a happy contrast in the matter of railroad enterprise, as compared with a quarter of a century ago. This magnificent structure, from the right of the car, as the train stands in front of Wheeling Junction depot, presents a gigantic enterprise and very fine piece of engineering,# (see full sized illustration). As our train crosses the viaduct, the view up and down the river is very fine, as also the distant woodland scenery, and glimpses obtained of

STEUBENVILLE,

at which depot we soon arrive. The station house, though somewhat small, is a very neat and substantial structure, the platform spacious, and indications everywhere assure of our having arrived at about the most prominent road-side town on our trip. Steubenville is in the eastern portion of Ohio, prob- ably one hundred miles from the centre, and may be said to be nearly half way between New York and Chicago. It is 150 miles from Columbus, 270 miles from Cincinnati, 42 miles from

Pittsburgh, and 22 miles from Wheeling. The population is estimated at probably 15,000, and among its leading manufac- tories are the Jefferson Iron and Nail Works, Beatty Flint Glass Tumbler Works, Acme Flint Glass Chimney Works, Clinton Paper Mills, P. C. & St. L. car shops, Steubenville Machine shops, Cincinnati Coal Co.'s coal shaft, Ohio & Penn- sylvania Coal Co.'s coal mines, Pan-Handle Chemical Works, Ohio Foundry, McDevitt's wool factory, Anderson's and Travis' planing mills, Ætna and McFecley's flouring mills, O. Pa. & W. Va.'wool warehouse, Alacana Steel Works, Miller's White Lead Works, Basler's Alc and Beer Brewery, Butte's Beer Brew- ery, Clark & Curfman's. Carriage Works, J. Murphy's Carriage Works, the Anchor and Hineman's Soap Works, Mingo Iron Works, Steubenville Furnace and Iron Co., Pearce & Son's Fur- niture Factory, Johnson's Copperas Works, Smallwood & Win- ning's Keg Factory, Steubenville Coal & Mining Co.'s Works, Union Marble Works, Sword's Marble Works, Long's Medical Laboratory, Well's Creek Test Oil Co., Staple's Boat Yard, Elliott's Tannery, Richardson's Boiler Works, Robinson & Ir- win's Machine Shops, Patent Roof Manufactory, and Hays' Vinegar Works. Not a bad showing for one town, and even yet there may be some small institutions that could be added. There are twenty-one churches here, representing fourteen denominations, two national and three private banks, two ex- tensive school buildings, with four sub-district schools, four hotels, two of them very good, two railroad depots, and four well appointed liveries. Steubenville boasts one of the neatest houses for entertainment, known as Garrett's Hall, seating from 850 to 1000 persons, which is a special inducement to the best companies traveling. We may further enumerate the fol- lowing, as recently published, (with the substance of the fore- going faets,) in a series of interesting artieles through the columns of the Steubenville Daily Gazette-there are thirteen cigar factories, eleven carpenters and builders, three lumberyards, ex- tensive "Grangers " wool house, three briek yards, two planing mills, an extensive steam dyeing house, five carpet weavers, two candy factories, two plumbers and gas fitters, two slate roofers, six tin stores, several heavy wagon manufacturers, five private coal banks, not associated with any other local enterprises, &c. Steubenville has probably one of the handsomest court houses in this or even adjoining states, and contains the home office of the Jefferson Insurance Corporation. Nor should we fail to add that the Steubenville Ladies' Seminary is an extensive, time-honored and admirably patronized institution; while there are five newspapers printed in the town-two daily and two weekly-one of which is the Steubenville Daily Herald, (Rep.) ably edited and controlled by Mr. P. B. Conn, who also issues a Weekly Herald, and the other, differing in politics from its cotem- porary, is the Steubenville Daily Gazette, one of the spiciest demo- cratic dailies published anywhere, being controlled by Messrs. McFadden & Hunter, who also command a very wide circu- lation for their popular weekly edition of the "GAZETTE." The Sunday Local is the only Sunday paper-and a capital one at that, owned and edited by Mr. A. M. Matlack.

Steubenville is an old incorporated town and has ever been characterized for commercial solidity and judicious enterprise. The P. C. & St. L. Ry. Co. have extensive car shops located here, employing from 200 to 220 men under the superintendence of Mr. A. K. Mansfield, an accomplished mechanic and a trusty servant for some years in the Company's employ. At these shops new work is made a specialty, and the admirable rolling stock on the old "Pan-Handle" line is a high compliment to them, though, of course, incidental repairs occasionally intrude themselves on their attention. As a manufacturing town-so is it commercially-one of the most inviting places in Ohio, to the capitalist, for it possesses the utmost facilities both by land and water. Property is very reasonable in price, and the local progressive spirit of its merchants and inhabitants generally is equalled only by their attachment to their town.

^See our trip, described elsewhere in this book, from " Wheeling Junction to Wheeling." +See foot-note to general history of " P. C. & St. L. Ry," in early part of this work,

#Put up in 1861-5, and consists of eight spans, the length, including abutment walls, being 2,060 feet. From low water mark to lower edge of cords over the main channel span is 9572 feet, and the whole is constructed on the most substantial masonry. It is probably one of the finest and safest structures of its kind in America.

ix.

APPENDIX.

But we hear our conductor's musical voice once more ringing out " all aboard," as though every one was deaf-and probably his patience is somewhat tested with our delay-hence we resume our seat. "The picture all the way from the Ohio to Columbus is one of marvelous beauty in the leafy month of June, with that other attribute of teeming wealth. And all along, through the three states between Pennsylvania and Mis- souri, the scenery is charming, and we might almost say, in- variably rich with promise of a glorious harvest.

"Sweet fields stand dressed in living green With rivers of delight."

Golden wheat fields wave in the breeze, and impatiently await the reaper, while here and there stand clusters of great, pussy stacks, rich with the freshly garnered treasures of the field; pastures veined with babbling brooks and specked with flocks and herds ; great meadows of timothy and clover; orchards laden with fruit and vineyards with the promise of a full vintage; neat farm houses embowered in groves; busy little towns and vil- lages all the way, where they make everything from a hair pin to a steam engine; green forests crowning the hills and bright streams coursing through the valleys, while over all shines the summer sun, with cloud-shadows here and there sailing across the wide landscape."-Steubenville Daily Gazette. For probably half a mile we command a view of the city, and from the left side will be seen, (before leaving the corporation limits) the ruins of Mears' flouring mill and distillery, though the distant view of West Virginia's shore, and the surface of the ever restless Ohio river, (dotted with steamers and barges) relieves the prospect of anything approaching monotony. We pass the famous Jef- ferson Iron and Nail Works, as also extensive coke ovens, and then resume the indulgence of scanning "God's broad acre" in all its magnificence, until arriving at

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 213

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