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 216

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 216
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 216

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*LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOMAN AND NEW COMERSTOWN .- We learn from history that at the junction of the Killbuck and Walhouding rivers, a few miles northwest of the present Coshocton, lived, as early as 1750, Mary Harris, a white woman. She had been captured in one of the colonies by the Indians between 1730 and 1740, and was then a girl verging into womanhood. Her beauty captivated a chief, who made her his wife in the Indian fashion of that day. About 1740 the tribe of Custologa had retired into this valley where the white woman became one of the inhabitants with her warrior, and where they raised a wigwam which formed the nucleus of an Indian town near the forks of the stream above van.ed. Mary Harris had been sufficiently long with the Indians to become fascinated with their nomadic life and entered into all its romantic avenues, followed Engle Feather, her husband, to all the hunts in the valley, and whenever he went off with a war party to take a few scalps, she mixed his paint and laid it on, and plumed him for the wars, always putting him np sufficient venison and pinched corn for the journey. She was specially careful to polish his littlo hntehet and admonish him not to return without some good long-haired scalps for wigwam ornaments. So prominent did she become that the town was named "The White Woman Town," and the river from thence to the Muskingum was called, in honor of her, " The White Woman River." All went well until Eagle Feather came home, one dny, from beyond the Ohlo river with another white woman whom he intended should live with Mary and also share his affections. But Mary failed to see happiness from this standpoint, and, naming her " The New Comer," made things singularly lively for the lady. Some time afterwards Eagle Feather was found one morning with his head split open and the tomahawk remaining in the clovon skull, while "The New Comer" had fled. She was subsequently overtaken aud tomahawked, the body bring afterwards found by one Andrew Burney, of " The White Woman Town," and buried. Mary Harris married again, had children, and removed west in 1778-9. Alter that she beenmo oblivious in history, but the river from Coshocton to the mouth of the Killbuek is still called " Tho White Woman River."

xvi.

APPENDIX.

one conducted by Mr. S. Gorsline and the other by Mr. John Wier. On leaving the depot, a conspicuous looking two-story frame, painted slate color, will be observed on the left, which has been designed for a Grangers' Hall. Still further from the track will also be noticed a long white frame, with special win- dows, which is the Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Jones, and yet another mile and we notice between the hills what is called "Walker's Run," a famous coal region. By close observation the train will now be noticed to pass through a perfect forest of trees, in which the track forms a most de- lightful shady avenue. The sparkling surface of the Tusca- rawas river occasionally peeping through the foliage as if to remind one that

"He who sent the herbage green, The waving crops and forest scene, Was mindful of their needs-and so Bid creeks and rivers ceaseless flow."

From the left is seen the "Pentwyn Mines," operated by Messrs. Kessingham & Prosser, who ship extensively. Soon after pass- ing here, from the right side of the car may be observed, though very imperfectly through the trees, about a mile hence, a small village known as "Canal Louisville," having two places of worship (a Baptist and a Methodist church), with a popula- tion in the neighborhood of 100 to 200 people. We again rush through rich foliaged avenues till we come to the "Beach Hollow " mines, also operated by Messrs. Kessingham & Prosser, near which is located a water tank, on the side of the track, and the occasional stoppage of trains here for a supply of water affords passengers an opportunity of enjoying one of the finest prospects the admirer of nature could hope to meet with. Anterior to railroads, the old Cadiz & Coshocton pike was the main artery for trade and commerce through this section, as the river, within man's memory, in these days, was never navigable beyond the capacity of rafts or what was termed "arks." Leaving the water tank, the track pre- sents quite a curve, or double curve, if you will, as it is soon apparent from a glance out of the last door on the train that we have just been describing the form of the letter S, after which we are informed that it is a comparative straight run into Newark. Now is the time to gaze out on the right side of the car, and away in the distance, over the rich foliaged trees, will be seen a high hill occasionally peeping out with a sort of green mantle encircling its summit-or circular grass plat peak. That is the famous historical point where in 1764 Col. Boquet marched up to with his army (from Pennsylvania, against the Indians, and there camped-commanding a view of the three rivers and the entire surrounding country. It was there he compelled the Indians to surrender 260 white prisoners, without the loss of a man, and with equal success did he accomplish his return march .* Near by is also where the Tuscarawas and Walhonding (or "white woman") rivers join and form the Muskingum, which runs to and joins the Ohio at Marietta. About an eighth of a mile from Coshocton, on the left, will be observed a sort of half circle, sandy bottom valley, or river bed, with fine wooded hills on its banks, after which we strike the "Home Mines," operated by Mr. G. W. Rickets. Being only about 200 yards from the depot, once more turn to the right of the car, and a final and much more distinct view of Boquet's camping grounds is visible ere we come to a stand at the depot.

COSHOCTON*

is a very old town, around which clusters much interesting history dating back in the last century. It was here that the Delaware Indians established their last capitol, which they named "Goschackgunk," it being located between the present railroad track and the forks of the river, as seen from the right side of the car, and that capitol was destroyed in the neighbor- hood of 1781 by Col. Broadhead. Coshocton has ever given evidence of enterprise and effected a gradual healthy growth to its present importance. The town was incorporated in 1808, thus establishing it among the earliest in the State. The pres- ent mayor is Hugh Rickett, Esq., and the population is esti- mated at something over 2,000 inhabitants. Being the county seat of Coshocton county, it has a capital court house and pub- lic square that cost over $100,000, while it has some six or seven religious denominations worshiping within its limits, among them the Methodist church, under the Rev. Brown; Presbyte- rian, Rev. E. Hunt; Baptist, Rev. Joseph Hunter; Lutheran, Rev. Nunnemacher; Catholic, Rev. Father Jacquet, &c. First class schools are conducted in the eastern and western portions of the city, under the competent supervision of Professor Henry, as superintendent; two banks, (the First National and Stewart's private bank,) beside two excellent weekly papers that zeal- ously protect the interests of their constituency. Both are old established and edited with considerable ability. They are the Coshocton Democrat, by Mr. J. C. Fish, and the Coshocton Age, by Mr. Search. In the way of manufacture, we find here an important steel works, paper mill, planing, grist and flour- ing mills, fine cooper shop, &c., while most of the stores are quite a compliment to their proprietors. There is an opera house and three capital hotels-the "Price House," east of the depot, run by Mr. Harrison Price; the "McDonald House," at depot, by Mr. G. W. McDonald, and the "Central," in the west part of the city, conducted by Messrs. Seward and McCabe. There are quite a number of very attractive residences at Co- shocton, particularly that belonging to Mr. J. G. Stewart, oppo- site the depot; others owned by Mr. Eustace Hays, Mr. Lewis D' Moss and Mr. S. Lambertson, and quite a number on Chest- nut strect, including those occupied by Messrs. Jackson Hay, Anderson Johnson, William Walker, E. T. Spangler, Seth Mc- Lain, &c. Coshocton is a great mineral and agricultural dis- trict, both cannel and bituminous coal being mined here in almost endless quantities, while the land around, for agricul- tural purposes, is said to be so desirable and rare to obtain that it must be at forced sale if a purchase could be effected at $70 to $80 per acre. Leaving Coshocton the route is productive of little interest till we have proceeded about a mile and arrived at the old "New York," but now "Union" mines, run by a Mr. Robinson. They are prolific and extensively worked, being located in a splendid lay of country. About half a mile there- from may be seen, from the right side of the car, a genuine mound, near which, so late as 1860, bullets were often picked up, and it is said that huge skeletons have there been found.

*Among the captive children surrendered on this occasion to Col. Boquet was one whom no one claimed, and whose after history proved full of romance. She proved to be the daughter of one John Grey, heiress to half her father's farm in Mifflin county, Pa., but which property during her absence had reverted by law to her aunts and uncles, on the supposition of her death, and though, on her return from captivity, neither she nor her mother could recognize each other, by the stratagem of Colonel Boquet identity was unquestionably established hy the old lady singing a hymn that she always sung to her child in infancy, when the familiar strains caused the long-lost child to rush into the old lady's arms. Col. Boquet's success in conquering the Indians made him a brigadier general, but he died in 1766, at Pensaccla, of fever.

+ "Col. Charles Williams was the first settler in Coshocton county, though horn in Wash- ington county, Maryland, in 1764. He married Susan Carpenter, on the banks of the Ohio river, in the vicinity of Wheeling; emigrated to the salt works on the Muskingum river, and subsequently removed to the forks of the Muskingum, and built a cabin on the banks of this latter stream where Coshocton now stands. This was in the year 1800. The next year George and Thomas Carpenter arrived, also William and Samuel Morrison. These men, making their home with Col. Williams, the first year raised a crop of corn on " the prairie," four miles up White Woman's creek. This was probably the first crop of corn raised in the county by the whites, and was in 1801. The same year Michael Miller located here, and lived seven weeks on venison, bear meat, and other game without bread of any kind. # : * * From 1805 to 1812 the population of the county increased very rapidly, as is shown hy the fact that Coshoo- ton county, embracing at that time part of what is Holues county, furnished four companies for the war of 1812, under Captains Adam Johnston, Tanner, Beard and Evans. *

* * Coshocton was laid out in 1802 by Ebenezer Buckingham and John Matthews, of Marietta, under the name of Tuscarawas. The county was organized and the name of the county seat was changed in April, 1811. The first mill in the county was built by Jesse Fulton in 1812, and the first brick house in Coshocton was erected in 1816, corner of Cadiz and Second streets (the Fitchey house). It is said that Louis Phillippe, afterward King of France, visited Coshocton, in the character of a schoolmaster, during his exile."-Ohio Annals, by C. H. Mitchener.

xvii.

APPENDIX.

It is probably 50 to 60 feet high, and near by stands the ruins of an old log hut. Next we pass the old "Rock Run" mines, which have now fallen into disuse, and presently again obtain glimpses of the Muskingum river from the right side of the ears. Crossing a fine trestle-work bridge that spans the river, we come to

FRANKLIN STATION,

whereat will be observed the "Summit Mines," operated by F. S. Barnes & Co., but beyond these there is little of special in- terest till we arrive at

CONNERSVILLE.

Here is seen the "Connersville Mine," run by Mr. T. R. Mor- ton, as also a small brick church or school house near the depot platform, suggesting beyond doubt, that

"'Neath America's standard, it matters not where, Your lot may be cast to breathe freedom's pure air- There's spiritual comfort and learning as well To be found on the mountain-in forest and dell."

Shortly before arriving at the next station, having again pro- ceeded about the eighth of a mile between the canal and river, we approach a fine elevator on the right and almost opposite, across the track, is a beautiful residence, the whole owned by a widow lady by the name of Mrs. Robinson, whose son conducts the business of the elevator. Yet a little further, on the right, and there will be noticed a saw mill, on the canal bank,

" That's cleft full many a lusty log to shield our pioneers."

Next we come to

ADAMS' MILLS DEPOT

where there is a scattered village of probably two hundred inhabitants. A fine mill will be seen on the right and a small school house on the left of the cars. The residenees round here are for the most part small and humble, with the excep- tion of the rural abode of Mr. H. A. Smith, which is excep- tionally attractive. Following the canal, about half a mile dis- tant, on the right, it will be seen to run through a splendid large dam or lake, admirably adapted to a small boat and sug- gestive of affording "a happy hunting ground" for "ye ma- nipulator of ye rod and line." But calling to mind Dr. John- son's definition of a " fishing-rod"-which was that it "con- sisted of a pole, with a string at one end and a fool at the other," we beg to be exeused from giving further expression to our enthusiasm in this direction, and simply note the senti- ment of our brakeman, which still rings on the ear-

"DRESDEN JUNCTION

is the next station." Alighting from the car we were promptly informed that the Cincinnati & Mount Vernon train was on the opposite side of the depot, and it was well that it was-for the junction depot has little else to keep it company. It is however, located on a most agreeable and convenient spot, but without any buildings around it, except a miniature " Refresh- ment Saloon," and small boarding house with livery accom- modation. Thanks for this to a Mr. R. Donaker, from whom we were glad to receive assurances of something in the hotel line, much better, in the near future, as there is unquestion- ably a need of good accommodations at this point. Now Dresden is quite a little town, about 12 miles from the june- tion, and supplies hacks from its hotels to meet the various trains, while the C. & M. V. Road also runs through it. It is a town of some 1,500 inhabitants, has seven or eight pla- ees of worship, excellent school and its own newspaper, appro- priately styled the Dresden Doings, neatly gotten up and spicily edited by a Mr. W. Smith. The hotels are the "Osborne House," kept by Mr. T. Osborne, the " American House," by Mr. B. Green, and the "White House," by Mr. John Watson, while in the way of manufactures will be found a woolen mill, 3-APP.

three flouring mills, foundry, &c., besides a very fine grain house, the property of Messrs. Jones & Son. Dresden is an old town, and from its location derives most of its support from agriculture. Leaving the junction our train soon crosses another very fine bridge and we again enter upon the indul- gence of magnificent rural seenes, though we have bid farewell to the last coal works on this line. Some five or six miles from the last station brings us to the little town of

FRAZEYSBURG,

having a population of about 500 persons, and we are informed it is an incorporated village. There will be observed here a a planing mill and of course a flouring mill-the chief support, commercially, being derived from agricultural and mining pursuits-iron ore is also prolific in this section.

NASHPORT ROAD, HANOVER AND MONTGOMERY'S

follow in succession, but are simply road side stations affording little variety in the way of attractions to comment upon, unless we repeat the sentiment :

" Wherever the eye, upon nature may dwell, Commanding rare prospects of hillside or dell- Perfection's the rule-to the plain humble sod, Bidding man to look up, from nature to God."

Next we approach

NEWARK,

another of the most important towns along our present route, to arrive at which our train crosses the north fork of Lieking creek, ere we come to a stand. Newark* is an important centre for manufactures, and boasts a population of 12,000 in- habitants, while it is the junetion of the P. C. & St. L. with the Central Ohio, Lake Erie and Straitsville divisions of the B. & O. R. R. The present Mayor is J. W. Bigelow, Esq., and the educational facilities here are said to be second to those of no other town in the State-so many as seven school houses being under the able superintendence of Professor Hartzler. There are some twelve or thirteen places of worship, though some of the pastorates are going under ehange at the present time, and we are enabled only to give the following: Second Presbyterian, Rev. G. A. Beattie; Trinity Episcopal, Rev. F. M. Hall; Methodist Episcopal; Baptist, Rev. D. E. Owen; German Presbyterian, Rev. J. Kromer; Congregational, Rev. E. Jones; and Catholic, the Rev. Father De Callia. The town is an old one, yet still growing, and its tradesmen are shrewd business men of more than average enterprise. There are four capital papers published here, viz: The Advocate, by W. D. Morgan; the American, by Messrs. Clark & Underwood; the Banner, by W. R. Scott; and the Advance, by J. B. Lawlor. Prominent among the industrial enterprises are the "Newark Rolling Mills," the "Star Glass Works," by Shields, King & Co .; portable engine works by H. & F. Blandy, portable engine works, and saw mill, by Sheidler & MeNamar; stove foundry by Ashley & Kibler; en- gine foundry, by J. E. Thomas & Co. ; beside a number of smaller enterprises, such as flouring mills, wagon shops, &e. The freight agent in the employ of the P. C. & St. I., at this depot, is Mr. A. B. Jackson, who has worthily filled his present po- sition for the past sixteen years, while the tieket agent, Mr. J. M. Malone, has served the company faithfully for seven years- four years, during which, in his present capacity, at Newark. Leaving Newark, much as the town merits a still more lengthy notice-withheld only as our space is somewhat limited-we next come to

LOCKPORT,

which is in Licking county, and has a population of about 300 inhabitants. There is a rolling mill here, owned by parties in and around Newark, but that is all in the way of manufactures.

"It is the county seat for Licking county, and possesses a very fine fair ground and race track ; this county's annual meetings being always very largely attended.

xviii.

APPENDIX.

There is a suitable school house, but no church building in the village, near the western part of which the railroad runs through a portion of the old fort, part of which can be distinctly seen on the south, or from left side of the car.

GRANVILLE SIDING

is simply a convenient stopping point, but without a depot, taking its name from the "Feeder" that ran from Granville town (three miles north) to the canal south-the proposed crossing of the Ohio Central Railroad. From here we next approach

UNION STATION,

also in Licking county, though probably not blessed with a population to exceed 75 to 100 persons. It is, however, the depot for Granville town, three miles north, and has one store, owned by a Mr. N. Nash. The principal residents here are Messrs. A. Cunningham, Asa Parks, Felix Ford, senior and junior, W. H. Tyhurst and R. Kyle. East of the station one half mile, and on the north side, is the residence of Mrs. Jake- way, while west, one half-mile, and in a nice secluded grove (on the north side) is the residence of Mr. William Schisler. Just north of this, and conspicuous from the road, is the County Infirmary, and still further, in the same direction, the resi- dence of Mr. J. A. Lee, formerly owned by Mr. Elias Fassett and later by Mr. Frank Dunlevy.

KIRKERSVILLE STATION

takes its name from the town of Kirkersville, two miles south, and, being very sparingly populated, only commands one store kept by Messrs. Rugg Bros. There are telegraph and express offices at the depot. On south side of station is the neat resi- dence and productive farm owned by Mr. L. Beecher, as also a saw mill and tile mill, owned by Messrs. Wygart & Morrow, while one mile west, on the south side, close to the road, is the attractive residence of Mr. J. M. Stoddard-the first residence and farm south was originally owned by the late George Vance, and, we believe, succeeded to by his family. And this brings us to

PATASKALA STATION,

still in Licking county. The population here numbers about 700, and its name, which is of decided Indian derivation, is taken from the creek running near by. It has two good flour- ing mills, run by Messrs. Peters & Son and Jesse Horn as proprietors thereof, respectively. Two saw mills, by Messrs. Peters & Bro., and N. R. Pheaster; one handle factory, by N. G. Blanser, and a cigar manufactory by G. Lynn. Also a capital general store, Messrs. Mead & Youmans; dry goods and grocery, Hildreth and Stratton; dry goods and notions, H. & O. D. Ash- brook; grocery, C. L. Roberts; drugs, H. L. Beem; drugs and grocery, J. H. Baird & Bros. and J. W. Burnside; hardware, S. D. Whitehead; boots and shoes, D. H. Travel & Sons and Gco. W. Taylor; harness and saddles, H. C. Arnold; hardware and stoves, L. E. Skinner; furniture and agricultural implements, S. & J. Travel; merchant tailor, W. B. Arnold; jewelers, S. Ramey & Son; and two livery stables, by Messrs. Rinker & Outcalt and Rosengrant & Bro. There are three millinery establish- ments, conducted by Mrs. E. Davis, Mrs. W. Arnold and Miss Eliza Clarke; a job printing office by Mr. E. Davis, and a bakery by Mr. A. J. Clifton. In the matter of hotel accommo- dations, the " American House," under the efficient conduct of Mr. William Outcalt, affords ample entertainment for all com- crs. There are three places of worship here: the Presbyterian Church, in charge of the Rev. T. H. Kohr; a Methodist Epis- copal, under the teachings of the Rev. D. Y. Murdock, and a United Brethren Church, presided over by the Rev. Joseph Hopkins. In the way of education, there are five schools, (graded) under the able superintendence of Prof. S. Stoughton.

The principal residences on the north side of the railroad at this point are those of Messrs. W. C. Elliott, C. H. Elliott, J. S. Youmans and Jesse Green, (farm and residence.) On south side Messrs. W. H. Mead, E. B. Joseph, O. Nichols, M. V. Joseph, and J. H. Stimson. Just east of the town is Mr. M. E. You- man's residence and farm, with Mr. Joseph Atkinson's resi- dence next south. Then one half-mile northeast is the residence and farm of S. Philbrook, while the neat cottage residence north of the water station is occupied by Mrs. C. Moore. Mr. W. El- liott is the popular agent at Pataskala, to whom, with Mr. S. B. Howe, telegraph operator, we are indebted for courtesies extended. A mile hence, and we draw up at

COLUMBIA CENTER,

having a population of about 200 inhabitants. There are two churches here, a "Congregational" and "Christian Union," while there is a good school under the superintendence of Mr. Robert Foregraves. The principal residents are Messrs. Stoel Mills, Edmund Besse and Jacob Anderson. A short distance south of town are the prominent residences of Mr. Samuel Vand and Mr. Reuben Alward, while one mile west, on the south side, is the neat residence of Mr. George Gilbert.

SUMMIT STATION

can probably claim from 75 to 100 inhabitants. Has a "Chris- tian Union " church, but no school house in the village. A. D. Morgan keeps a hat and shoe store and H. Moore, a general store. There is here a B. & O. express and telegraph office, and the most prominent citizens are Messrs. Overturf, Jas. Stewart, David McIntosh, George Holcomb, Levi Geast and James Lay- ton. One mile west, on the south side, is the residence of Mr. Wm. Williams. It may be interesting to learn that this last station derives its name from being the highest point between Columbus and Newark, there being a gradual ascent almost the entire distance of fourteen miles from Columbus. We next come to

BLACKLICK,

the first depot we strike in Franklin county, having a popula- tion of probably 300. There are no church buildings here, but one school house. The freestone quarries seen, just before ar- riving at the depot, being the property of Mr. S. R. Armstrong. Near the west side of the town, south of the road, is the farm- stead and lands owned by Mr. Ezekiel Compton.

TAYLOR STATION

claims in the neighborhood of 200 inhabitants, is a delightful rural depot, but makes no display of ecclesiastical architecture, though there is ample provision made for educational purposes. A short distance west, and from the left side of the cars, may be seen the attractive residence of Mr. David Taylor, Jr., one half mile before arriving at the next station, which is

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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 216

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