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 214

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 214
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 214

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MINGO JUNCTION,

where connection is made with the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad, as witnessed running parallel with our track on the left, though lower, and between us and the river. From here will also be seen the Mingo Iron Furnace, an extensive and important enterprise. Out in the river will be observed a large flat island, some twenty to thirty years ago known as "Potter's Island," when there was herbage and trees growing upon it-but which "time and tide" have borne away entirely on their swift wings. We should remark, however, that the genuine original name of this island was "Mingo Island," which name it has recently re-assumed and is still known by. About quarter of a mile from the last station will be observed on the left what is termed "Mingo Bottomn," Wellsburg being still further in the distance. We now cross the creek bridge and soon come to the first of a series of curves in the track, it will amply repay passengers to look out for. We also pass, to the left, what is known as "Adams' Bottom," the beautiful valley being surrounded with rich foliaged woodlands, Mr. G. J. Adams' residence being on the right, while Mr. Henry Adams conducts a fine farm further up the hill. Having passed round Gould's curve,* which describes two-thirds of a complete circle, we soon come to two other lesser curves-the whole winding, as it were, in snake form, through scenery of unsurpassed grandeur, until we arrive at

ALEXANDRIA ROAD STATION,

taking its name from Alexandria, Ohio. After leaving here we approach yet another curve, crossing a fine truss bridge that spans Cross creek. To the left about 400 yards from the sta- tion amid a pretty woodland scene will be observed a ravine or hollow between the hills, down which General Morgan de- scended during his famous raid in the Rebellion, and it was

not far from here that he burned the railroad bridge while de- vastating the track. Soon after, comes " Irondale," where trains occasionally stop, though the next regular station is

SMITHFIELD,

named after Smithfield, Ohio, which is located to the south. A mile-and-a-half from here we enter what is known as "Tun- nel 13" (signifying thirteen miles from Steubenville). . It is about 300 feet in length and a remarkably solid excavation, emerging from which we approach

SKELLEYS,

a small road side station in an exceedingly fertile agricultural district. A few minutes from here and our train dashes into another deep cutting connected with "Tunnel 17," 1,000 feet long.

BLOOMFIELD

is the next station, and located between two tunnels, as upon leaving it we soon strike "Tunnel 18," in the neighborhood of 600 feet long. And here we must remark, observing the test of an ingenious telegraph contrivance for the protection of trains passing through tunnels. It is the device of Mr. Lang, the efficient telegraph superintendent on this division, located at Dennison, and is operated as follows: At each end of the tunnel is a bell, having connection with the track, the rails of which, for the entire length of the tunnel being charged with electricity. Directly the wheels of any train comes in contact with them-and while remaining so-the bells start, and keep up, an incessant ringing. Consequently, no train is allowed to enter until the ringing has ceased. Again, should a portion, even to a single car of a freight train, bccome detached while passing through the tunnel, so long as a wheel remains on the track the ringing signal continues to warn approaching trains, from either direction. The experiment has been in operation for some time, and affords the most satisfactory re- sults, which we should not feel in the least surprised to find will bring it into genreal use. Next comes 1

UNIONPORT,

a small road side station in these days, but in 1854 it savored of somewhat greater importance as it was the terminus of the "Steubenville and Indiana Railroad." Having next passed

MILLER'S STATION,

a convenient stopping point for an important agricultural dis- trict, we come to

CADIZ JUNCTION,

from which a branch extends in the neighborhood of eight miles to Cadiz, a prosperous borough of about 2,500 inhabitants, and the county seat of Harrison county-a section of country extensively popular for stock raising and remunerative farm lands. The junction, itself, is simply a small village with two or three stores. Continuing our journey on the main track, half a mile, and the dark shadow which soon pervades our car suggests that we are once more beclouded with mighty towering rocks, through which is excavated "Tunnel 25," about 800 fect long. Then comes

FAIRVIEW,

an incorporated village of 600 or 800 inhabitants, though the postoffice retains the original name of "Jewett." It is quite a pleasant place to reside at, possessed of ample means for the re- ligious and mental training of its people, and withal, highly favored as a farming district. There is ample hotel accommo- dation. Leaving here, and passing "Rumley Crossing" with- out a stop, two miles brings us to

NEW MARKET STATION,

though the postoffice address here, is "Scio." It is also an in- corporated village of some 600 inhabitants, and claims con-

*This curve has frequently been credited with equal attractiveness to tho famous "Horse Shoe bend," and is extensively known by that name. The finest view is obtained from the platform of the rear car.

2-APP.

APPENDIX.

siderable prestige as a seat of learning from the location thereat of "Scio Seminary "-admirably conducted, extensively patron- ized and exceedingly popular for its many superior advantages. Yet four miles further on our journey, and we arrive at

MASTERVILLE,

a place of about 500 inhabitants, though possessing no special features of interest beyond those characterizing, also, the suc- ceeding incorporated village of Bowerstown, which for prolific farms has few equals in the State. About a mile and a half hence we pass through "Tunnel 42," 800 feet in length, con- nected with which is an immense cutting, and from the left side of the car is soon observed the "Philadelphia Coal Mines," operated by Messss. Tuscan & Co. Now we arrive at

PHILADELPHIA ROAD

depot, which derives its name from a pike at that point leading to New Philadelphia, Ohio. Though from here delightful rural prospects are all abounding, in special features beyond, there is but little or nothing to expatiate upon. Or, in other words, as we once heard the sentiment otherwise expressed :

" It's one of those places, devoid of much show, But when you talk planting-and making crops grow- There's few to surpass it-I'd have you to know."

On nearing the next station, the number of tracks abreast, in front of the depot-the activity of locomotives switching about, and especially the rush made by passengers to agreeably em- ploy the fifteen minutes delay in the indulgence of "creature comforts" at the hotel or refreshment counter, afford no uncer- tain indications that we are arriving at Dennison, which is within a few miles of being precisely midway between Pitts- burgh and Columbus-the former being 93 miles, and the latter 100 miles therefrom. But we here propose to break our jour- ney in view to furnishing some account of the surroundings, -resuming the trip hereafter.

DENNISON, AS A RAILWAY POINT,

is exceedingly popular-for its upshot, growth and support have been, and is, still derived from "the track of the iron horse." Even so late as 1863-4 the present town site was nothing but fields, and an isolated house or two was all that could be dis- covered, even though a microscopic examination be resorted to. But now we find here located the offices of

THE DIVISION SUPERINTENDENTS-

Mr. J. H. Barrett, of the Pittsburgh division, and Col. Jas. R. Shaler of the Columbus division-also the important locomo- tive shops of the P. C. & St. L. R'y. Mr. Barrett is heart and soul a railway man, having acquired about as competent a knowledge of the various systems as the best. He has really devoted the most of his life to a study of railroads, having been promoted, while with this company, first from chief train dis- patcher to master of transportation over the entire road, which position he filled with zeal and ability until within some five or six years ago, when the said district was divided. He was then assigned the half extending from Dennison to Columbus, and subsequently promoted to the additional charge of from Pittsburgh to Dennison, including the Wheeling, Washington and Cadiz branches, while Col. Jas. R. Shaler, also a faithful and competent official in the service of the same company for the past six years, was assigned the superintendence of the division running from Dennison to Columbus, which he still presides over with so much ability and success. Through the offices of these gentlemen are issued all the important changes and im- provements in the detail operations of the road, including the periodical

REVISIONS OF THE TIME CARDS.

The compiling of these intricate indispensables is accom- plished by a most ingenious and unerring device, known as a

time chart. Along the upper edge of this chart are consecu- tive numbers of hours and minutes, and down the left side, opposite the names of the stations, distances by miles are rep- resented, while the centre of the card is ruled in small black spaces, much resembling the face of a honey comb. Over its surface each train designated on its course by a thread, and its progress, time and passing points are indicated by the locating of a number of pins. By this method a completed chart shows at a glance all the trains on the road at one time, thus precluding the possibility of them running anywhere on each others time if the sehedule is only rigorously adhered to. Few people have any conception of the anxiety, care and re- sponsibility incurred in framing a new schedule-for to vary the running of a single train necessitates a readjustment of the chart throughout.

DENNISON-PAST AND PRESENT.

The name of Dennison was derived from Ex-Gov. Dennison, a considerable landowner in that place. It was laid out in 1865 by what was known as the Dennison Land Company, con- sisting of T. L. Jewett, G. W. McCook and G. W. McIlvaine. These gentlemen, anticipating the location here of the shops and round house, saw the propriety of securing the ground, of which they still hold considerable. The shops were entered upon in 1865, and immediately the town began to spring up. The number of inhabitants increased rapidly, and not feeling it by any means agreeable to be subservient to the local govern- ment of Uriehsville, directly a sufficient population warranted the application, it was made and obtained from the Legislature granting to Dennison the charter of an incorporated village, and being divided from Urichsville, half a mile distant, by "Little Still Water Creek," that stream was adopted as the boun- dary line. From this time Dennison never switched from " thie track of progress," and being exclusively supported by the " P. C. & St. L." shops it may consistently be termed "a railroad town" in every sense. Quite a large number of railroad em- ployes have also erected their own residences outside the lots controlled by the Land company, and the population of the town, at present presided over by Mr. Thos. McCormick as mayor, may fairly be estimated at 1,500. Among the most at- tractive residences we may mention those occupied by J. H. Barrett, Esq., Col. J. R. Shaler, Mrs. Denmead, Mr. Ross Kells, Dr. Brown (the Presbyterian Church parsonage) and others owned by Messrs. McCormick, Welsh, G. L. Lang, J. Ansell, J. M. Mosier, &c. This being the only station between Pitts- burgh and Columbus, at which a brief delay is necessary for a a change of locomotives, it has always been popular for the con- venience of

A FIRST-CLASS REFRESHMENT COUNTER,

where passengers could recuperate the inner feelings at a nomi- nal cost, during a protracted journey. Some eighteen months ago, that institution came into the hands of Mr. W. A. Bovey, a prominent resident in the neighborhood for the past twenty- five years, and a gentleman whose circumstances, extreme affability and enterprise pre-eminently adapt him for its effici- ent conduct. In addition to the bountifully supplied refresh- ment counter, where a grateful public, by the thousands, can attest to constantly meeting with everything clean, neat and wholesome as though prepared at their own homes, immediately to the east and in the rear of that stand, within a few feet of the platform, it will be observed that Mr. Bovey further con- ducts

A CAPITAL HOTEL AND DINING ROOM,

whence such passengers resort, from each train, who desire an excellent full meal, served sprightly and associated with every home comfort, at ordinary rates. The dining room is particu- larly inviting, with its number of snow white covered tables

xi.

APPENDIX.

set for any emergency, and it is surprising how cool and fresh it is kept during the heated summer weather. There is herc a seating capacity for nearly one hundred persons at a time, and we speak from experience when we say that host Bovey's cu- sine is unsurpassed by similar institutions on any other line in the Union. He has also the additional accommodation of twenty-seven neatly appointed sleeping chambers for guests, with cozy ladies' parlors and every other accessory usually found at a first-class hotel; and better still, we are glad to hear that steps are being taken by Mr. Bovey for the remodel- ling and extending of his platform refreshment counter, after which it will be 100 feet long, and entered from the front by double glass folding doors-lit by eight windows during the day and attractive chandeliers by night. The interior will be graced with plate-glass mirrors and the counters [tastefully fitted with handsome urns, tankards, &c., while the addition of a barber's shop and commodious bath rooms will not be over- looked. In short, it is Mr. Bovey's intention, that in the fore- going respects travelers shall find Dennison equally inviting with the best depots on any linc in the country.

TAKING OUR WALKS ABROAD,

we found that Dennison had three places of public worship- Presbyterian, Episcopal and Catholic-a reading room and library, and an exceedingly neat and well appointed literary hall-admirably adapted to the presentation of entertainments -being under the control of the "Tuscarawas Library and Reading Room Association," of which organization Col. Jas. R. Shaler is the president, and Mrs. Newton acts as librarian. The railroad company contributed handsomely to the establish- ment of the foregoing indulgences, and their employes are made beneficiaries, while the general public are subject to a small due. A more inviting and well kept institution we have seldom inspected. The Presbyterian, or as it is generally called "the Railway Church," was built some eight years ago, mainly at the instigation of Mr. W. W. Card, then superintendent on the P. C. & St. L., and Mr. Thos. Denmead, at that time master mechanic at the Dennison shops of the same road. The rail. road company, in their accustomed spirit of generosity towards their employes, lent substantial aid towards its construction, as did also the two gentlemen already named from their private means, and the result has been the construction of a most at- tractive and commodious building at a cost of some $20,000- it having a seating capacity for about 600 persons. Internally it is neatly fitted throughout with solid black walnut-revers- ible seats, similar to those in the cars, and the whole comfort- ably upholstered in crimson plush. It is suitably carpeted, perfeetly heated and ventilated, and has an organ and choir gallery at one end, containing a very fine pedal pipe organ of full compass. The pastor is the Rev. C. J. Hunter, whose priv- ilege it is to share the highest regard; of a large congregation and a distinguished position in the estimation of the Presby- tery. The Episcopalian Church, though much smaller, is a perfect little model in its construction. It was built in 1877, will seat about 200 persons, and is a frame structure upon a substantial stone base. It is finished inside very plainly in a light walnut, presenting a remarkably neat and comely ap- pearance for a house dedicated to the worship of God. It con- tains a suitable pipe organ, and the stained glass windows have a rich effect-particularly a magnificent memorial window inserted to the memory of the late Rev. W. Probasco, rector of Massillon, who rendered much spiritual consolation to the laity of this parish while it was yet a mission station. It may be said, however, that it was mainly through the Christian zeal and liberality of Col. Shaler that this interesting sacred edifice was first ereeted, and we understand that steps are already being taken to immediately ercet a parsonage connected therc- with .. The Rev. J. M. Hillyar is the minister in charge, having

received his appointment some twelve months ago, and in re- return for his characteristic energy in his sacred calling he shares the respect and sympathies of quite a considerable and influential congregation. The Catholic Church is small, but very repletely fitted and well attended, being under the spir- itual care of the Rev. Father Hawe, who is much beloved and manifests the utmost sincerity, ability and enthusiasm in his labor of love. In Dennison there is further

A VERY COMMODIOUS PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING

said to have been constructed at a cost of $5,000-well lit and ventilated-and at present commanding an average attendance of about 200 to 250 children, who are instructed under the su- perintendence of Mr. A. C. Bagnell.

COMMERCIALLY SPEAKING,

there is no gainsaying the fact that though Dennison has quite a good representation of well stocked and ably conducted stores, a considerable amount of trade, ostensibly belonging to it, falls to the share of Urichsville, where a large number of the railroad men have shown a preference to reside-the dis- tance being so trifling-or the probabilities are that the former would, to-day assume even much larger proportions. With the foregoing outline of the town in general we now propose to take in what may emphatically be styled "the lion sight," or in other words,

AN INSPECTION OF THE P. C. & ST. L. RY. CO.'S LOCOMOTIVE SHOPS.

The " Iron Horse" at Home-How He is Cared for and Stabled- An Insight to What is Necessary to Sustain Thoroughly Efficient Motive Power for an Impor- tant Railroad System.

Dennison can probably boast one of the most replete, thoroughly appointed and ably conducted-if not most ex- tensive-locomotive works in the country. The P. C. & St. L. road here controls a perfect "hive of mechanical industry," employing an average of at least 400 hands the year round. On the south side of the depot, upon forty acres of ground, will be observed a series of substantial brick buildings, conspicuous among which is what is termed an extensive "Round House " -or, if you please, a stable, with suitable stalls for the "wonderful iron horse of the nineteenth century." To the gentlemanly and generous attentions of Mr. Ross Kells-the master me- chanic-are we largely indebted for subsequent information freely given while chaperoning us through the institution over which he has the privilege of presiding. Commencing with

THE MACHINE SHOP,

which is 310 feet by 90 feet, lighted by innumerable windows, and an extensive perpendicular sky-light in the roof, we werc not a little surprised to gaze upon so interesting and diversified a scene of mechanical and physical animation. In this depart- nient the erecting and fitting is conducted under the able fore- manship of Mr. W. A. Stone-no fewer than fourteen tracks running into the building. Among the numerous appliances in active operation-for 150 men are employed in this shop alone-we noticed a magnificent 6 foot lathe for turning " driv- ing wheels," beside a score of lesser lathes for various purposes. Also, quartering, slotting, heading and bolting machines, drill presses, wheel presses, planers, boring mills, and so on. At the west end of this shop some wood work is also performed, such as constructing locomotive cabs, bumpers, "end sills," &c., involving the additional use of scroll saws, mortising ma- chines and other modern devices in artifice. In fact, so re-

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APPENDIX.

pletely appointed are the departments, that at these shops, the present year, they completely built engine No. 15, "from stem to stern," and she is one of the best locomotives now on their hands. Usually, however, they only put together their en- gines and conduct general repairs, turning out an average of fifty-two engines a year-or, one a week. Ascending a stair case at the west end of this building we were introduced to the pat- tern making and storage rooms, near to which is

"THE DRAFTING ROOM,"

in charge of Mr. W. P. Edwards. Here, we decidedly struck a "bonanza "-something entirely new, novel and instructive, in the way of copying plans and drawings by sun-light-similar to the principle of photography, only much more simple. It is a process by which duplicates may be produced within even ten minutes, in fine weather-thus enabling one man to easily ac- complish the work of nine draftsmen, on complicated designs, in one day. Through the kindness of Mr. Edwards, who has decidedly become an adept in the manipulation of the art, we are enabled to give some idea of the process. He first prepares a solution of red prussiate of potash, adds a solution of am- monia-citrate of iron-and mixing, preserves them from the light. With this combination he sensitizes his paper in a dark room-subsequently dries it, and it is ready for use. To perform the printing, a large plate of glass in a frame is neces- sary. The drawing is placed therein, face to the glass-the sensitized surface of the copying paper is laid on the back of the original to be copied, and a flannel padded and perfectly even back-board fills up the frame, when it is carefully screwed down. The frame is then turned up to the sun light, and ex- posed to its influence for a few minutes according to the light's strength. The copy is next taken out, thoroughly rinsed through a running stream of clear water, and the result is as follows: The dark lines on the original have left white ones on the copy, while the balance of the sheet has turned a deep blue -and thus a perfect fac simile of the original is secured. The process is simple to a degree, and perfect as photography, while copies are so cheaply, expeditiously and faithfully produced that the advantages thus conferred are of inestimable value- enabling mechanics in every department of the company's ser- vice to have their own copy of the draft they are engaged upon. Indeed, Mr. Edwards did suggest that he could even take us a photograph by his novel process, but having too much regard for the misappropriation of material such an experiment would incur, on so ordinary a visage, we bowed our acknowledg- ments and were soon introduced to

" THE BOILER ROOM,"

where the "rattle, rattle, rattle," and "rattle, tap, tap" of the industrious hammers furnished one with a lively conception of the precise locality nature had selected for the organ of hearing. This building, 80x100 feet, gives employment to about 45 hands and is under the foremanship of Mr. J. C. Johnson. Two sets of rolls, punch and shears, bolt cutter and bolt machines were being run sprightly, and nothing was wanting to convince one that this shop was contributing its full quota to the general activity of the works. Taking a breath of fresh air, for we verily imagined workers in iron and steel could hardly be con- structed as other men, in the matter of standing heat (assuming ourselves to be among the decided majority coming under the style of others), we nerved up to explore

"THE SMITH'S SHOP,"

a fine building, 80x120 feet, in which we were cordially re- ceived by Mr. Geo. Miser, the foreman. Here we found about 50. "sons of vulcan," "with broad and sinewy arms," scattering broadcast a shower of sparks-not "like chaff on a threshing floor," but verily to be comparisoned only to a mighty hail

storm. The merry "anvil chorus" that saluted us, intensified in its noise by the sprightly "thugs" from a 30 cwt. steam hammer, attesting to Solomon's wisdom-were it necessary- when he ascribed all honor to the smith, as the king of arti- ficers. This shop would seem to be the veritable key to the whole business, for upon it is made calls from every section of the works, and if we may judge from "the willing toil of the hardy crew," they are equal to any and every emergency. From here we proceed to

"THE ROUND HOUSE,"

so called from the fact of its being built in the form of a semi- circle, with a host of tracks running into as many apparent stalls, while in the centre of the yard a ponderous 50 foot turn- table is constructed to transfer the engines to or from any stall in the building. Among the makes of engines we noticed par- ticularly the Baldwin eight and ten whcel, the Pittsburgh Lo- comotive Works eight and ten wheel, and the Norris eight and ten wheel, which average in weight from 34 to 40 tons each. J. W. Rusk is foreman in this department, and merits com- mendation for the general tidiness and system everywhere apparent. Indeed, the passenger engines are the handsomest and cleanest kept we ever saw. Retracing our steps to the main building, we enter a branch therefrom, and find our- selves in

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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 214

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