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 219

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 219
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 219

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).

#Fully described in a foot note undor the head of " History of the P'. C. & St. L. Ry,"-in the first chapter.

4-APP.

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Pulpit," some 200 tons, standing forty feet high, and resting on a pivot of about ten inches in circumferenee-to look at -just the kind of treacherous box one's idea would depict to place his "Satanic Majesty" in, to get rid of him. But still grander we next come to one of the finest and most per- fect Indian sepulchres ever witnessed in this country, discov- ered in 1834, internally 18 feet by 7 feet, egg-shaped, and 7 feet high in the centre-hewn out of one huge solid stone, centuries ago. When found it was filled with human skeletons that lay in a mass huddled together, grinning at the explorer as he re- moved the stone from the entrance. This is really one of the most valuable and interesting curiosities we ever saw. From here, on to the ferry, the woodland crested hillside is splendid to behold, while rabbits gambol and squirrels chirp to bid the visitor, as it were, a welcome to their rural home of nature's grandeur. Resuming our trip along the smooth running track (in which there is a graceful winding), we next arrive at

LOWER FERRY,

where a small ferryboat runs across to the Ohio shore, in the vicinity of the famous "Jefferson Furnace and Nail Works,"* clearly visible from our car. Here we find a platform only and a few houses to the right of the track, while we also pass the railway company's gravel bank from which they obtain the greater part of their rough ballast for the tracks. And soon we come to

MAHON'S,

simply a crossing, near to which, on the left, is the fine brick residence of Mr. Thomas Mahon, a well-to-do farmer, more familiarly recognizable as "Uncle Tom," being a worthy "dis- ciple of the plow," whose affability and genial turn of mind retains for him universal respect. But, not being afflicted with neighbors to disturb him "on the even tenor of his ways," he can well afford to be "Uncle" to a whole community and keep in store an ever ready friendly greeting for all. Not far distant is Mr. Burgoyne's farm, and adjoining to it is Mr. De- vinney's land. Opposite will be seen from the right side of the car, and across the river, "Mingo Iron Works," with the village (or "Mingo town") in the rear of it, that spot being associated with highly interesting reminiscences as recorded in Indian history and the early settlement of Ohio by the whites. Passing over about another mile of the most interesting part of the road, we suddenly hear the announcement from our brakeman that we are at

CROSS CREEK.

This is certainly a beautiful and secluded spot, with some- what more the appearance of business than the last place. There is a platform and switch, with a warehouse, owned by Mr. C. Devinney, who purchases grain, wool, &c., besides acting as depot agent. Soon after leaving the depot we cross a bridge spanning Cross creek, where it will amply repay to secure a view from the platform of the rear car. The surface of the Ohio, dotted with steamers, barges, &c .; the lovely distant hills, vales and magnificent farm lands of the " Buckeye State," and the picturesque view of the Pittsburgh and Cleveland Rail- road, on that side of the river, contribute to a scene of rare

attractiveness. A few moments and our fleet locomotive dashes past the coal mines, owned by Mr. Lazear, located on the left of the track, and we find ourselves at

LAZEARVILLE,

a rural stopping point named after Mr. Lazear, a prominent director of this line, residing at Wellsburg, and who laid out a little town here about the time the road was opened. We may take occasion to compliment that gentleman's excellent judgment in the selection of so delightful a spot to induce the erection of suburban residences. The healthful advantages rare prospects, exceptional facilities and fertility of the soil here afforded, will be found matchless, while we understand that the liberal terms submitted are such as to merit the imme- diate and careful consideration of all desiring to establish for themselves a delightful country home. There are, however, at present only some half dozen sites taken and residences erected thereon, which leaves abundant choice for intending purchasers. Leaving this depot, from the left of the cars, we soon observe Brook County Cemetery, one of the finest burial grounds in this section of the State, being neatly laid out, abundantly shaded with drooping trees and shrubs, and containing a rare variety of imposing monuments, tombstones, tablets, &c. The major part of the bodies originally buried in the old Wellsburg cemeteries were, upon its opening, exhumed and reinterred here. This eemetery, however, has only been opened some fifteen years. An amusing incident is related of an Eastern traveler, who, upon passing Lazearville depot, remarked, "Well, well! bless me, that's a remarkable good-sized cemetery for so small a town," little dreaming it was the representative insti- tution of an entire county. About a mile hence, and to the right, we come in view of a very fine fair ground, with excel- lent race track and extensive outbuildings, within the corpora- tion limits of Wellsburg, the annual meetings at which are invariably a great success, enjoying a widespread popularity for fine stock and the enjoyment of first-class turf indulgences. Across the river will be seen the coal works of the Pittsburgh Coal and Iron Company, on the track of the C. & P. R. R., just before Lagrange depot is arrived at on the same line. It is a prosperous enterprise, and employs quite a large number of hands. Nearly opposite the fair ground, on the left, is Mrs. Freshwater's fine residence, probably one of the most attractive in the county, while several other charming residences, on the same side of the track, we continue to view until our train arrives at

WELLSBURG,

the county seat of Brooke county. It is said there are few cities in the State, either older* or as old as this, while in the annals of history its record in the past has furnished an un- limited amount of exceptionally interesting reading. Across the river, though not seen from the depot, is Lagrange, Ohio, quite a little village. Wellsburg is a solid business place of about 2,500 inhabitants, being largely supported by a wealthy and successful agricultural community. It is possessed of cap- ital schools and ample church accommodation, while the stores throughout the town are thoroughly stocked and presided over by men of superior business tact and experience. There are two excellent weekly newspapers printed here, which jealously guard the interests of the ancient borough-the Herald, owned and most ably edited by a Mr. Jacob, and the News, controlled with ability and enterprise by Mr. A. Glass. Good hotel ac- commodations are provided, and the general good order of the city-its healthfulness and numerous other advantages-make it a most desirable locality in which to live. In the way of

$Few places are equally favored with Steubenville in the location of so extensive and suc- cessful an enterprise as this. The grounds occupied by the Jefferson Furnace and Nail Works may be fairly estimated at twenty acres, whereon are erected two very large blast furnaces, and two exceptionally fine nail mills or factories. There is also a prolific coal mine connected and one hundred and thirteen coke ovens, the latter, when in full run, contributing in the neighborhood of five thousand bushels of coke per day. The mine and ovens are only about eighty or a hundred yards from the main buildings and connected with a track, the entire product of both mines and ovens being consumed in the works. This firm manufactures 100 to 120 sizes and varieties of nails, from three-quarters of an inch to seven inches long, and the capacity of the works is 180,000 kegs, or 9,000 tons per year. They employ, on an average from 500 to 550 hands, paying out for wages every two weeks $12,000, in addition to which, for limestone and kegs, bought locally, with a host of incidental expenses, another $2,500-or an aggregate of $348,000 a year. Mr. D. Spaulding is president and takes general supervision ; Mr. Calvin B. Doty is vice president, and, as a practical nailer, is superintendent of the nail department ; Mr. C. H. Spaulding is secretary.

*Report has generally had it that Wellsburg was laid out in 1795, but records on file in Ohio county Court House show that at the January term of the county court of Ohio, in 1791, Charles Prather produced the plat of " Charlestown " (now Wellsburg) in open court. Moses Chapline was clerk of the court at the time, and Jas. Griffith was the surveyor who surveyed the plat of "Charlestown." Not bad anthority to settle the subject.

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manufacturer, there is a capital paper mill, reaper and mower establishment, carriage and smith shops, mills, &e. Those taking a lively interest in historical research and who may be desirous of locating a villa residence in the country-still com- manding the advantages of ready access to a live town-can select no finer place than the vieinity of Wellsburg. Mr. James Hervey is at present Mayor of the city, and may be congratu- lated upon his good fortune to preside over so interesting a county seat and so prosperous and peaceable a community- one special good feature in the local government of this bor- ough preeludes the establishment or conduct of any saloons or restaurants where intoxicating liquors are provided for publie indulgence. Senator W. H. Tarr, of the West Vir- ginia Legislature, and a member of an old and influential family in this section, resides here. In addition to occu- pying a very fine country seat himself, he also owns other attractive residences in the city and is a gentleman ex- eeedingly popular. There is a depot here, the principal one between the Junction and Wheeling, at which is found a telegraph office, express agency, &c., and Mr. J. P. Kline is the respected agent, most indefatigable in his attentions to busi- ness. Leaving Wellsburg, about a quarter of a mile and we eross Buffalo ereek, the mouth of which Washington and Craw- ford visited in 1770, while it is a stream most popular in his- torical lore, both for its adjacent hunting grounds and for being where

" Reckless chiefs and wiley braves- Blood thirsty-lurk'd around, Our noble pioners to find And fell them to the ground."

From the left we soon observe the neat white frame residence of Mr. Forbes, partner in the firm of Forbes and Carmichael, whose coal shoot crosses the track a very short distance further on, and from which the engines on this line are supplied with coal. Next we cross the Wellsburg and Bceeh Bottom county road, which crosses our traek several times. Having also wit- nessed Bowman's coal chute, on the left, we are politely in- formed that we are at

BEECH BOTTOM,

a strictly rural district of singular attractiveness and fertility. Here the country is specially open and the river is temporarily lost to view, though "mother earth," highly cultivated, fully makes up the deficiency with a diversity of erops that strike every one passing with admiration at their perfection. A platform simply marks the stopping point, yet it is one not un- sparingly patronized by surrounding residents even from a con- siderable distance. Nature's richest mantle still continues to surround us until, as we flit past Mr. E. Wells' farm on the left, we come in view of Mr. Robert Miller's homestead. ,

MILLER'S,

is so named after the Miller family. Mr. Robert Miller and his sons conduet prosperous farms near the crossing and switch here located, but it will be observed that sufficient space has bcen reserved by the railway company for the erection of a depot at some time-thus suggesting their presumption that this point is destined to future active growth. Immediately opposite the depot, in the midst of a fine field, will be observed an ancient mound, covered with locust trees and surmounted with a rude board stand under their graceful shades. This is what is known as old Beach Bottom race track, but is now only occasionally resorted to for the indulgence of picnics, for which it is a truly charming spot. This, we believe, is the only aneient mound to be witnessed from the cars along this track, though its entire length is through an interesting historical section of country. Across the river will be seen "Rush Run " coal works, doing an extensive business along the Ohio shore. Next comes

HEDGES',

which will again be found a crossing, only, with no houses around it, except one, to the left, which is occupied by a widow lady by the name of Hedges, after whose husband this calling point was named. There is nothing in the vicinity to dwell upon, except the beautiful country scenery, so we will pass on to

WINDSOR.

Here a Mr. Windsor would seem to be, as it were, "monarch of all he surveys," for beyond his own desirable residence, near the depot, there are only some three or four small tenant, cot- tages-all of which he owns. Mr. Windsor has also a large warchouse at the west end of the platform, from which he ships considerable grain and other produce by water. Mr. John Day also owns a neat farm south of Mr. Windsor's, and this brings us to

SHORT CREEK,

thus named from the creek running under the track west of the depot. Here is a platform, warehouse and switch, also a small store and tavern-" Short Creek House "-the whole in charge of Mr. Joseph Wilson, who further acts as the railway company's agent and keeps the post office. There are probably some forty to fifty persons residing within a brief range; while still further in the country are some eapital farms. Across the river from here may be seen the agricultural village of Warren, Ohio-

" A prosp'rous little country town That's nobly earned its own renown- Though not remarkable to fame, It's growing "smart " -- and that's the same."

M'CULLOCH'S

eomes next, known on the river as "Burns' Landing "-at which Mr. M. McCulloch, an influential farmer, resides- though south of this point nearly the whole of the river front is covered, to Riley's farm. Tiltonville, on the Ohio side of the river, may be fairly viewed from here, situated on the track of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh line, that has run almost parallel with us all the way from Steubenville. Also the ex- tensive farm owned by Capt. Moore.

WILSON'S,

we are acquainted, is the next call, approaching which we ob- serve, in the river, the first of three islands, called "The Sisters," the water in the channel only being navigable on the north side. There is simply a platform again at Wilson's and its name is derived from that of a gentleman who formerly owned the property thereabouts, but it was subsequently purchased by a Mr. Youngman, who resides in the only house near the platform.

LARKIN'S

is a flag station, where passengers are permitted to get their hands into railroading for themselves, by signaling the required trains. The whole region round is delightful for the location of villa residences, which, we shall be surprised if the near future does not bring in goodly numbers; it is, in fact, a rural location that can only be fully appreciated by paying it a per- sonal visit. It is called after Mr. Larkin, a successful farmer residing on the hill, about a mile from the depot, and who is also a member of Wheeling's City Council.

WILLOW SPRINGS,

like the previous stopping point, is surrounded by rural pros- pects, and derives its name from a fine spring at the foot of a willow in that neighborhood. Mr. J. C. McCord here farms and conducts market gardening for supply to Wheeling market. We find only a simple platform-houses, "like angel's visits," being "few and far between." Looking in the direction of the

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river we are now in view of the second "Sister Island," which is frequently flooded, yet each season produces quite a little erop of corn.

GLENN'S RUN.

Near the platform, to the left, will be seen the attractive brick residence of Mr. Barr, attorney at law, and also the summer resort of Dr. Bates and family, of Wheeling. There are no other houses very close thereto, but the district is characterized for extensive garden plats, cultivated to supply city markets. Glenn's Run, after which this stopping point is named, will be observed to run under the track, west of the depot; on the left will also be seen an orchard, known as Green's Grove, freely used for pic nic parties. The middle "Sister Island," seen on the right, is very fertile and farmed by Mr. McCord. Glancing over the river, we begin to site Martin's Ferry and its manu- facturing interests-the first four of the latter, in rotation, being Laughlin's extensive nail factory, Excelsior glass works, Ætna mill and Benwood blast furnace, a large keg factory, &c. We are now also passing the third af the "Sister Islands" and the surface of the river affords increasing evi- dences of maritime activity. Crossing the boundary line be- tween Richland and Washington districts, Ohio county-to which Wheeling corporation limits extends-we soon arrive at the

"TOP MILL,"

a platform that is not only an advantage to the adjacent coun- try people and the numerous employes at the "Top Mill," but also to a large number of citizens of North Wheeling. The extensive manufacturing institution, adjacent to it is the popular "Top Mill," blast furnace and nail works. From here the view of Martin's Ferry, across the river, has largely increased in extent. In addition to its manufactories already referred to, are now visible Spence, Baggs & Co's foundry; L. Spence's agricultural works, "Star" planing mills, Warwood's agricultural works, &c .; also extensive vineyards. Leaving the "Top Mill," other manufacturing institutions crowd upon us, as we proceed in the direction of Wheeling depot, far too rapidly to enumerate in detail, but among them are included prominently Fox & Ott's North Wheeling glass bottle works, Sweeney & Son's foundry and ship building yard, the "Supe- rior" machine works, Bell's stove foundry, Wilson & Dunlevy's

keg factory, the city water works, and so on-most of them, if not all, surrounded with residences-the track running parallel with, and only a block from, Main street. On the right side, having passed the ferry, a little south of the "Top Mill," will be observed the commencement or point of Wheeling Island, marked by a gravelly beach, shrubs and trees (Ætnaville iron works, Ohio, being opposite). We now continue to get full views of the Island, at intervals, until the magnificent suspen- sion bridge,* connecting it with Wheeling, comes in full view, and passing under it, a few yards, we find ourselves arrived at

WHEELING TERMINUS,

a fact readily realized from the presence and jargon of over zeal- ous " runners " for the various hotels. The agent here is Mr. J. M. Belleville, by whom the depot is conducted with much satisfaction. Wheeling is the capital of West Virginia and county seat of Ohio county, having a population of some 30,- 000 to 35,000-it is about 92 miles below Pittsburgh, and by far, the largest and most important city in the State. In addition to being the terminus of the P. W. & Ky. Ry., (of the " Pan Handle " system) it is also the end of the Wheeling Division

of the B. & O., and the western terminus of the P., B. & W., or Hempfield Road, while by means of its admirable suspension bridge across the river, easy and prompt connection can be made at Bridgeport with the C. & P. R. R. Wheeling is essen- tially a manufacturing city and one of steady growth, its main manufactures being iron, nails, and glass, (not forgetting-if you please-stogies.) Her manufacturing establishments num- ber about three hundred, and the value of the articles manu- factured annually amount to about $10,500,000-the chief item in which, being nails, having secured for it the style of " Nail City." The real estate, in the city of Wheeling, according to the latest returns, is valued at $9,945,621 00, while the personal property amounted to $4,943,094 00. In the way of street railroads, it has over nine miles of track in operation ; with a perfect system of water and gas works. It has some thirty churches and a large variety of religious denominations, with a perfect educational system in the way of schools, colleges and seminaries. There are two first-class daily papers-the Intel- ligencer and Register, with some six or eight "weeklies " pub- lished in the city, and several hotels-one of them equal to the reception of the most distinguished guests. The architecture of the public buildings and leading business blocks is very at- tractive and the drives and suburban residences in the ex- treme city limits, and the environs, are especially interesting and enjoyable. Nor should we fail to remark that Wheeling is also famous as a shipping port, its fleet of fine river steamers having few equals, and contributing immensely to its commer- cial success, while in the way of boating, for recreation, it has some six or eight excellent boat clubs, out of which successful oarsmen have been produced, who have spread the name and fame of the "Nail City" even far wider than we can hope to accomplish by the publication of this brief sketch of

A TRIP FROM WHEELING JUNCTION TO WHEELING.

PITTSBURGH, WHEELING & KENTUCKY RAILWAY.

ITS ORIGIN, PROGRESS AND SUCCESS-WELLSBURG ENTITLED TO THE HONOR OF ITS INCEPTION ..

" From small acorns giant oaks grow," was never more for- cibly illustrated than in the inception and success of the above road. So far back as 1867 and 1868, the seat of justice for Brooke county saw no good reason why the "giant achievement of the iron age " should not be her privilege as well as that of neighboring towns. Or, in other words, why Wellsburg should not be included on the "march of progress" by commanding railroad facilities commensurate with her necessities. Accord- ingly, J. H. Pendleton, Esq., L. Applegate, Esq., A. Kuhn, Esq. and Thomas Everett, Esq., all of Wellsburg, put their heads together-raised a capital fund necessary to comply with the law-$20,000-and J. H. Pendleton drew up the charter for a road to connect with the old "Pan Handle " line. Now, in evi- dence of the popular chord they had struck, we next find the common council of Wellsburg discussing their enterprise, which resulted in that corporate body voting a sum of $200, pay- able to the order of Messrs. Thos. Everett, Adam Kuhn and J. H. Pendleton, to be used at their discretion for the purpose of se- curing a charter for their proposed road. An application was duly made to the Legislature of West Virginia, and the charter granted on the 17th of July, 1868, as follows:

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE "PAN HANDLE RAILROAD COMPANY. (Passed July 15th, 1868.)

" Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia that for the purpose of constructing a railroad from the Holliday's Cove Railroad in Brooke county, to the town of Wellsburg, and thence to the eity of Wheeling, it shall be lawful to open books

%This bridge, one of the largest, if not the largest single span structure of the kind in the world, spans 1,010 feet from the summit of the towers on the opposite shores, each of which stands 1531/2 feet above the low water level of the river. The highest elevation of the flooring is immediately over the channel of the river, 212 feet from Wheeling shore, where the top of the flooring is a fraction over 93 feet above low water. The hight from low water to the bottom of the flooring, i. e. the lowest projecting timbers, is 9112 feet leaving that space for the pas- sage of steamers and vessels. Resisting strength, 297 tons. Engineer, Charles Ellett, jr., Esq.

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in the town of Wellsburg, under the direction of Adam Kuhn, Thomas Everett, William H. Harvey, Lewis Applegate, and A. M. Buchanan; and in the city of Wheeling under the direc- tion of Sobieski Brady, Thomas Sweeney, J. C. Acheson, Thos. H. Logan and Andrew Wilson, and at such other place or pla- ccs as the commissioners or any three of them may decide, and under the control of such other agents as they may appoint, for the purpose of receiving subscriptions to an amount not less than twenty thousand nor more than five hundred thousand dollars, to be divided into shares of fifty dollars each. And so soon as the sum of twenty thousand dollars shall have been sub- scribed, the subscribers, and those who may hereafter become associated with them, and their successors, shall be, and they are hereby incorporated by the name and style of "The Pan Handle Railroad Company," subject to all the provisions and entitled to all the benefits now conferred by law upon internal improvement companies, (in which the State has no interest) and especially to the provisions of chapters fifty-six, fifty-seven and sixty-one of the code of Virginia, edition of 1860, except as herein otherwise provided. In all meetings of the stockholders, each share-holder shall be entitled to cast one vote for each share of stock he may own, and should the amount of stock sub- scribed, be in the judgment of the directors, insufficient to com- plete and equip said road, it shall be lawful for the said board to borrow, from time to time, such sums of money as it may deem proper, at a rate of interest not exceeding seven per cent, and secure the payment thereof by a lien upon their road and property, or such portion thereof as they may deem advisable. It shall be lawful for the boards of supervisors of the counties of Brooke and Ohio, respectively, to subscribe, on behalf of said counties to the capital stock of said company to such an amount as to said board may seem proper, provided the assent of the voters of said counties be first had thereto, the same to be ascertained in the manner provided by the ninth section of chapter seventy-eight, passed October 21st, 1863; but said see- tion shall not otherwise apply to the subscription herein au- thorized; and should such subscription be made on behalf of said counties, or either of them, it shall be lawful for the board of supervisiors to raise the money necessary to make the same by issuing the bonds of the counties, respectively, bearing in- terest payable at such times as such board may deem best, and provide for the payment of the same at maturity, as in other cases of county indebtedness, and may also exempt said bonds from taxation for county and township purposes. The pro- visions of this section shall apply to any of the townships of said counties. The like authority to subscribe to the capital stock of said company, such an amount as she may deem . proper, is hereby conferred upon the city of Wheeling, the as- sent of her voters being first had and obtained in the manner now provided by law. The Legislature reserves the right to alter or amend this act."

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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 219

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