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 218

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 218
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 218

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).

#See full account given in Trip over Main Line. A recent writer, referring to "The Desirability of Suburban Homes," says: "The health and pleasure of his family, appeals to the business man for a home in the country-free from the impure atmosphere and incessant excitement inseparable from a large manufacturing centre. Families, even of limited means, will find it far cheaper and infinitely more comfort- able to permanently reside in country villas, when such are easy of access from whence the head of the family is associated with business. And those having city employment will fur ther discover that the walk to and from a depot, in connection with a short and refreshing railway ride, much more agreeable, and pleasant, than a tedious "jig, jag," between widely separated points in the city in a crowded street car. It has been proven, " time and again," upon the most unquestionable computation that rural homes not only pay for themselves in a little time, but while doing so invariably secure for their occupants health, happiness and longevity."

xxiii.

APPENDIX.

tensive but exceedingly fertile. About a mile hence is Bower Hill, near to where Nevill's property was burned during the Whisky Insurrection,* while on the left side of the cars will be noticed an extensive coal works on the bank of the creek. Passing

"WOODVILLE" STATION,

to the left, we observe where "Peter's Run"t flows into the Chartier's creek through a comparative ravine, thickly wooded. Arriving now at

"BRIDGEVILLE" STATION,

near the mouth of "Mclaughlin's Run," we find a few stores and a number of highly attractive residences. Most no- table among which being the "Norwood Springs Hotel," conducted by Mr. Wright and extensively patronized by Pitts- burgh's citizens as a country resort. Its rooms are large, airy, well ventilated and handsomely furnished-lighted by gas, and open into spacious halls within, and broad piazzas without. The architecture of the building is exceedingly fine, its conve- niences perfect and the manner the business is conducted affords a flattering compliment to "mine host," whose facilities for the conduct of a sumptuous cuisine enables him to entertain his guests "royally." Leaving Bridgeville, for over a mile the woodland scenery is magnificent, while the highly cultivated farms contribute a diversity of mantled fields that enhance the beauty of the scene immeasurably. Coming to

HASTINGS' STATION,

Clark's coal works will be observed on the right, while the clat- ter of milk cans on the depot platform leaves little doubt but we are in the midst of a rich dairy district, from whence the "Iron City" is extensively supplied with that nutritious indis- pensable.# Again, continuing our course, we shortly observe, front the left side of the car, an old mill dam or sort of minia- ture cascade, which marks the spot where probably the first flouring mill in Western Pennsylvania once stood. It was erected over eighty years ago, and shared wide popularity as "Winfield's mill," but it fell a prey to an excessive flood about two years ago, leaving the stream still flowing as if to perpet- uate the sentiment of the poem on "The River"-

"Men may come, and men may go, But I flow on forever."

Two miles brings us to

"BOYCE'S STATION,"

where Boyce's old mill and a few isolated residences alone appear to warrant the necessity for a railroad stopping point, though the eligible sites that everywhere abound for the loca- tion of country residences, scem to invite those with means, from crowded cities, in the forcible interrogation-

"However can you, who have means at command, Inducements of country enjoyments withstand; To be parboil'd and smoked, in city or town, 'Mid confusion enough to turn brains upside down ?"

But we are now warned of our near approach to

- HILL'S STATION,

on arriving at which we find it located near the mouth of

"Brush Run," and named after Mr. William Hill, an extensive local land owner. There is a splendid ravine running between the hills, opposite this depot, leading to a disclosure of as fine a tract of country as eye could desire to dwell upon. Some fifty rods from the depot and we are in Washington county, receiving the intimation from our brakeman that the next station is

"GREER's,"

and in due course, at "Greer's" we arrive, that station being so named after a worthy old pioneer by the name of Robert Greer, who still

"Plows and sows, and reaps and mows In hopes of toit's reward."

His farm, like others in the locality, is an ornament and com- pliment to the county. Leaving the station, as we gaze from the left side of the cars, the richly wooded lofty hills present a magnificent sight, while the creek still continues within sight of the track. The next stop is at

"VAN EMMANS,"

named after Joseph Van Emmans, who owned property there at the time of the location of the road. From here the hills commence to recede, as it were, and a more open country with leveler grounds continues as we penetrate the county. We next come in view of the original "Morganza" property, once owned by old Col. Morgan, of revolutionary fame, passing which about a half a mile distant, to the right side of the car, is seen the "Morganza Institution," containing some three hundred boys and girls, and commanding about 500 acres of land. It is really the Pennsylvania Reform School, and instead of being entitled to the name of "Morganza," because it is supposed to stand on the old "Morganza" property, the fact is that the property in question was formerly owned by three families named Bracken. The buildings, at the distance, have a very pretty appearance, and near

MORGANZA STATION,

to the left of the cars, will be observed a newly constructed water works to supply the aforesaid buildings. We next ap- proach

"CANNONSBURG,"

quite a town of probably 1,500 to 1,800 inhabitants. Before ar- riving at the depot, from the left side of the car will be ob- served a neat fair ground of twenty-two acres, with first-class half mile track. This place was orignally laid out about 1790, and was the seat of the old "*Jefferson College" for some seventy-five years. It is an incorporated town, with Mr. Espee as burgess, and boasts beside a grist and planing mill, a full. ing mill, excellent lime-stone quarry, coal mines, wagon and smiths' shops, &c. It is quite an interesting country town, sur- rounded by a wealthy agricultural district. Between here and Washington, a distance of some six miles, there are three other stations, viz:

"HOUSTON'S," "EWING'S MILLS," AND "COOK'S,"

with interesting scenery much similar to that marking the previous portion of the route-if anything different, perhaps affording more extended views. Each of said stations is named after a prominent resident in its neighborhood, and thoughi barely distinguishable by the scattered private villas and farm residences, each alike, is conveniently positioned in a rich and prosperous agricultural territory .; Arriving at the ancient town of

*" The Whisky Insurrection " of 1791-4 grew out of an attempt to collect an excise tax on this liquor, in Western Pennsylvania.

+This stream is the only object in the " Pan-llandle Territory " upon which history has unquestionably fastened the derivation of its name upon an Indian chief. It is named after the famous " Indian l'eter," who came to that stream every year in early days, to make salt, and of whom tho Pittsburgh Leader recently remarked : "In Brownsville is the remains of an Indian grave-yard, where lies the body of the famons chieftain, ' Indian Peter,' who for many years led his warriors in battle against tho white settlors, but afterwards relented aud distinguished himself as the peaco advocate among the Indians, at the conference held in 1767 at California, seven miles down the river."

¿A competent literary authority writes from the "Nail City " as follows : " The farms of their Chartier's Valley are the richest the State affords, and the product of their dairics ever meet with a distinctive preferonce in Pittsburgh market, while 1 am assured that the ice cut from the Chartier's creek is the purest andmost extensively sought after for scientific aud medicinal purposes."

*This institution was recently removed to Washington, l'a., where it was incorporated with the Washington College, the two still being conducted there as " The Washington and Jefferson College."

¡Desirable locations for country homes we should remark, however, are not confined, to tho Chartior's Valley. As far west as Steubenville, on either side of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway, property possessing peculiar advantages of location, and at convenient dis- tauces from Pittsburgh, can be purchased at low prices aui on the most liberal terms.

xxiv.

APPENDIX.

WASHINGTON,*

the seat of Washington county, and terminus of this branch of the P. C. & St. L. Ry., we found the conveniences and atten- tions of a first-class depot. Upon making the acquaintance of Mr. D. I. Roberts, the efficient and gentlemanly agent, we were not slow to find in him a rich fund of local information for one who was simply making an inquisitorial excursion. The ear- liest settlement of Washington extends away back in the last century and there was a time, in the early part of this century when it was a place of considerable importance for those days, while at present it can boast of a population in the neighbor- hood of five or six thousand inhabitants. It is an incorporated town with Mr. Samuel Hazlett for burgess, and is an im- portant educational center. Here are located the "Washing- ton and Jefferson College," Dr. G. P. Hayes, president; " Wash- ington Female Seminary" (with few if any equals in the State) Miss Sherrard, principal; and a new Episcopalian Preparatory College, just about to be opened under the direction of the Rev. Samuel Earp. There is also one of the finest public schools in Washington to be found in any part of America, under the superintendence of Mr. Welsh, late of Syracuse, be- side capital union and night schools in prominent parts of the town. Washington has grown very considerably in the past nine or ten years, but is not characterised for its manufactures. It has, however, two excellent carriage works, small agricul- tural works, flouring mills, woolen mill and steam tannery. Nor should we omit to mention the fact that Washington is the seat of Dr. Le Moyne's noted crematory, that has of late years engrossed so much public attention in scientific circles. The town has a capital Court House, and the stores are, for the most part exceedingly fine, two of them in particular, presided over by Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Smith, respectively, being of metro- politan proportions and worthy the leading thoroughfares of the largest cities in the Union. In the matter of railroad facil- ities, in addition to the P. C. & St. L. branch terminating here, the "Hempfield Branch of the B. & O.," and the Waynesburg narrow gauge line runs into Washington, but Wheeling being thirty miles distant and Pittsburgh only thirty-one miles, of course these towns take much local trade, and the latter, being so much the larger commercial center, it is looked upon as the prominent market town for the district. Washington-par- ticularly the eastern portion of the town-owes much of its growth to the facilities afforded by the Chartier's Branch of the P. C. & St. L. Ry., which has not only cultivated an immense business in the past but is to-day developing the entire coun- try along its line of road at a marvelous pace. In the matter of literary publications, Washington is fully up to the stand- ard. So early as 1808, the Reporter was commenced and found hearty support. In 1817 the Examiner also came into circula- tion, and in 1851 the Review was issued-the latter becoming consolidated in 1865, as The Review and Examiner (Democratic) under which title the said publication is still carried on effi-

*Washington county, Pa., of 1781, may very justly claim an existence as a portion of Vir- ginia under the original charter granted to Sir Walter Raleigh, by Queen Elizabeth, on the 25th day of March, 1584. James I., in 1606, divided the entire colony between the London and Plymouth land companies, and the southwestern portion of Pennsylvania, claimed by Virginia, belonged to the Plymouth land company. Charles I., being successor to James, gave extensive grants of lands to Lord Fairfax and Lord Baltimore, which caused much diffi- culty in 1634. Virginia was divided in eight shires or counties, which, sir ce the Revolution, have been further divided into one hundred and fifty-two counties, of which fifty-three are in Virginia. The original act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania under date of March 28th, 1781, gave to Washington county its metes a d bounds. The borough of Washington was a portion of Strabane township, and was originally called "Catfish Camp," from two facts : first, from an Indian Chief by the name of Catfish, of Kuskee Indians, who owned the land so early as 1759. The stream also bears his name. Then, again, in 1769, when David Hodge purchased the three tracts of land from the Hunter family, the patent designates one as catfish camp, because it was the resting place of persons traveling from Red Stone Old Fort to Wheel- ing-hence it was called "Catfish Camp." When the town was laid out by David Hodge, October 13, 1781, he gave it the name of Basstowa, but on the 4th of November, 1784, tbe name was changed to Washington. On the 13th of February, 1810, it was incorporated as a borough, and its limits were extended in 1854 .- Illustrated Pennsylvania, by William H. Engle, M. D.

ciently by Messrs. Johnson & Neale. The Washington Observer, a first-class (Independent) weekly, entered the field in 1871 and is still very ably and successfully run by Messrs. Shellman & Campbell. The Elevator, a Temperance monthly, came out in 1874, being issued by Messrs. Johnson & Neale, and the Evening Reporter, a live little daily, with capital circulation, was launch- ed in 1876 by Messrs. Moore & Christman. Nor is this all, for last year, 1878, Mr. A. H. Ecker also came forward with the Washington Democrat, which is also finding a wide circulation. Nor should we omit to state that Messrs. Shellman & Campbell, with their characterstic enterprise, last year circulated The Farmer's Advocate, issued quarterly with an immense free circu- lation that induced extensive advertising patronage.

WHEELING JUNCTION TO WHEELING.

How we were Wound Round the Charming " Skirts" of West Virginia in Full View of Ohio's Most Attractive " Dress," Decked in Verdant Green and Animated with Natural Or- namentations of Matchless Interest.

A Fascinating Section of Country, Abounding in Lovely Locations for the Establishment of Rural Homes, and where a Peaceful Life can be Spent with Economy, Ease and Comfort, to the Enhancement of Worldly Pros- perity and Old Age.

There is, probably, no section of road identified with the en- tire "Pan Handle" system equally meriting of special com- ment with that included in the above caption. Except it be the superbly rich district so familiar as the "Chartier's Valley," extending from Mansfield to Washington, Pa., though the spe- cial attractions of the two widely differ in their geological as- pect-the superior expanse and animation, marking the sur- face of the Ohio river, also affording a wide contract, as com- pared with the still graceful windings of the famous Chartier's creek. Indeed both lines of railroad so abound in magnificent prospects that it would be impossible-along one or the other- for the most fastidious not to gratify his peculiar taste, in a pre-eminent degree, should he be in quest of a location to

"Share God's bounty in a rural home, And sip life's sweetest draughts."

Leaving Wheeling Junction, under the experienced "con- ductorship" of Capt. Tate-whose affability and attentions, it may be said, have inseparably associated his popularity with that of the road-our attention is first attracted by the singular comparison of sights here afforded by the two States of Ohio and West Virginia-separated by that ever restless and his- torical stream, the Ohio river. To the left, towering above us, we commence to follow a continuous chain of lofty hills, thickly wooded, and presenting the grandest display of rich and varied foliage, once forming a covert for roaming beasts of prey, but now intersected with wild flowers, winding paths, and not un- frequently patches of nutritious herbage. These hills are, however, in many parts, too steep for pasture or adoption to agricultural pursuits, hence their forest like attractiveness has become so little impaired at the hands of our enterprising pio- neers, while their rocky nature, below the subsoil, is frequently disclosed by rude stony projections and naturally formed grotto spectacles, of rare attractiveness, in the solid rock. To the right, as you sit facing the engine, a few rods from the depot, the first building (an old frame) still bears the almost obsolete sign of the "Pan-Handle House," and was the original ter-

XXV.

APPENDIX.

minus of the first railroad cut in this section. But it now stands only a rude relic, with the old stage coach, well calcu- lated to inspire us (in these days of progression) with the poetic sentiment of

" Who weeps for the days that are gone ? Not a man that can think-not one !"

Beyond it we take in a magnificent view of the fine bridge constructed by the P. C. & St. L. Ry. Co., spanning the river, and from its western extremity breaks upon our vision a fine view of the city of Steubenville *- its noble court house, ecclesiastically designed temples for Divine worship, manorial residences, secluded villas, and even busy streets, with here and there pillars of smoke ascending in the air in testimony to its importance as a manufacturing centre and as a hive of commercial industry. It will further be noticed that while we are being comfortably " carried around" the margin of West Virginia "on iron rails" we have the satisfaction of observing, (across the river) others, by the car load, being similarly treated in Ohio, on the track of the "Cleveland & Pittsburgh Rail- way," which likewise contributes its aid to enhance the busi- ness interests of the town and county seat just referred to. Nor is the river less condescending in rendering its best ser- vices for Steubenville's prosperity, it runs-(for it never stands)-between us and the corporation line of the latter place. But we are nearing our first stop, prior to which, will be observed on the left a delightful glen recently cleared by Mr. Wells (who is owner of the property) for the reception of visitors, and named by Mrs. Dr. Reid, "Fairy Glen," to which our readers might with pleasure and profit turn their attention. In short, a more inviting field for mineralogical and botanical research-and to indulge a free and agreeable picnic, neither the States of Ohio or Virginia can boast. And yet a little further, to the right, at a somewhat declining position from the track is the fine old mansion owned by Nathaniel Wells, Esq., the veteran worker in the people's cause, who so successfully operated in conjunction with a Mr. Edgington in opening up the first railroad that ever run in the vicinity of the present Wheeling Junction, then known as the " Edgington and Wells Railroad."+ We now arrive at

MIDDLE FERRY,

as its name implies, being so called because it is the centre one of three ferries connecting on this side with the P. W. & Ky. line. As we draw up at the platform, (for station house there is none,) the ferry will be observed on the right, a small steam- boat plying across the river every ten minutes to Steubenville landing (320 yards) which will probably be best located from the cars on this side by noting the foot of the slip directly in front of a fine hotel building, on the opposite side, displaying in bold letters the sign of the "St. Nicholas House." On this side there are only two or three isolated houses beyond the residence owned by Mr. Wells, whose family originally owned the major part of the tract of land here located, but Mr. Nathaniel is said to retain only some 200 to 300 acres of it, while he also controls the ferry to Steubenville. And now we must be pardoned for a somewhat lengthy comment on a sub- ject of exceptional interest. Mr. Wells is here the fortunate possessor of some 200 acres of magnificent hillside property, which he generously throws open to the public, year in and year out. A spot, we believe, unsurpassed in America to which excursionists may resort, with equal pleasure and profit, in the investigation of geology, or in fact, the study of any other perfective characteristic in nature. The property in ques- tion-a hill rising to an altitude of about 300 or 350 feet, is not only owned, but in person cared for, by Mr. Wells, and has been

aptly termed "one of God's most inviting gardens." "Anterior to the present owner coming into possession of the said property in 1836"-recently remarked that live local daily paper, the Steubenville Gazette-the entire area of the hillside was without a step, walk, plateau or even seat, but he having liberally made provisions in all these respects, we ascended two tiers of steep wooden steps that landed us, with weary legs, upon a rugged path at an altitude of about 150 feet, and we took to the left, under the shade of rich foliage, where only a few yards ahead a seat awaited us with two ever flowing streams of crystal water. Proceeding a little farther we came to a platform provided for picnic dancing parties, seated around-and having rested, we advanced only a litle further along a zig zag path till we ar- rived at the famous " Blowing Spring," so named from the blowing sound it makes during springing-equally as loud as a jeweler's blow pipe, though continuous. Here Mr. Wells origi- nally found a cave filled with broken fallen rocks, which he had removed, affording a space of seventy-six feet by seven feet and seven feet high, presenting all the grandeur of the caves on St. Michael's Mount, in England, where the tradition of "Jack the Giant Killer" was founded. Cold, sullen and sepulchral hang the surroundings, and the echo of the voice secins to arouse the inwardness of the conscience as one approaches the spring, with the words, "Let us drink." A neatly cut trough is provided, as also seats for visitors, and though we pass this object of interest, comparatively lightly, to take a general sur- vey, believe us, reader, it forms a conundrum for the scientist and a mystery to the world. It blows at intervals, and would seem to stop at pleasure, but defies all definition. Continuing our course yet 200 yards, we come to "Diamond Springs," cracks resembling a diamond as the pure water gushes from the crevices. Subsequently passing the "Twin Springs," the rugged grotto scenery presented, is indeed rich, but yet another 200 yards, and we are confronted with the gigantic "Parlor Rock," having the appearance, as one gazes upwards, of a pantomimic scene of leviathan cliffs of 150 feet overhanging us in honeycomb splen- dor, the result of the weather's operations, yet perfectly awe- inspiring in its grandeur. Still further and we approach the favorite seat of the late Secretary Stanton, formed in a cliff at least 100 feet high, where, in his youth, he resorted to study in seclusion-hence to him was it dedieated. As we here stood and beheld the sublime work of the "Great Master," with a deep ravine at our feet, the lofty trees striving in vain to tip the mighty rocks, and contemplating that we were treading the paths of the red man centuries ago, we could not desist musing-

" How trivial man's conceptions, Lord, When thou reveal'st thy works."

In exquisite grandeur the towering oak, the beech, sycamore and sugar tree, with scores of others, at immense altitudes, would sceni to have grown to shelter secluded spots in the gi- gantic rocks. Passing "Stanton Rock " we ascended yet sixty feet, almost perpendicular, and arrived at the summit of the hill, indulging the most exquisite panoramic bird's-eye view of the city, until locating the top of the steps we ascended and took our course to the right. Then came another plateau, where swings were erceted, and the rough grandeur of the rocks again seemed to tower as if laughing at the humble attempts of the mighti- est trees to reach them-such a scene of grotto, and natural wrought rustic beauty, the naturalist seldom beholds. Arriv- ing at the "Castle rocks," we found them presenting an invin- cible front high as the cedars of Lebanon, and equally grand in grotesque beauty presenting the veritable home of the fa- mous sea king

" Who calls all he has, for his own, In one hundred fathoms deep."

But we must hurry up. Rounding the south end of the hill we return by the track of the P. W. & Ky. R. R., and soon sight a magnificent isolated spiral rock called the "Devil's

For further account see trip over main stem.

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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 218

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