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 65
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 65
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From 1876 to 1878- E. V. Cleaver and William Bundy.
From 1878 to 1880-Ross J. Alexander and Harvey Danford.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
1850-Held at Columbus, May 6, Delegate, Daniel Peck.
1873- Assembled at Columbus, May 13. Adjourned to Cin- cinnati. Delegate, Daniel D. T. Cowen.
SHERIFFS.
From 1851 to 1803-Jacob Coleman (appointed.) From 1803 to 1809-Josiah Hedges, elected. From 1809 to 1812-James Hedges, elected. From 1812 to 1813-Anthony Weir, elected. From 1813 to 1819-David Moore, elected. From 1819 to 1824-William Perrine, elected. From 1824 to 1826-Solomon Bentley, Sr., elected. From 1826 to 1830-Ezer Ellis, elected. From 1830 to 1832-Solomon Bentley, Sr., elected.
From 1832 to 1836-William IL. Johnston, elected,
From 1836 to 1838-John Lippincott, elected,
From 1838 to 1844-William P. Simpson, elected.
From 1844 to 1848-IFugh MeNeely, elected.
From 1848 to 1850-James McConaughy, elected. From 1850 to 1856-J. C. Nichols, elected. From 1856 to 1860-John S. Anderson, elected. From 1860 to 1862-Patrick Lochary, elected. From 1862 to 1866-George H. Umstead, elected. From 1866 to 1868 -- 8 B. Piper, elected. From 1868 to 1870-W. H. Hays, clected. From 1870 to 1876-W. C. Cochran, elected. From 1876 to 1878-W. G. Kinney, elected. From 1878 to 1880-S. Hillis, elected.
"In 1851 the new Constitution was adopted, and the term of office was changed from oue to two years.
I-23-B. & J. Cos.
TREASURERS.
From 1801 to 1804-Daniel MeElherron, (appointed).
From 1804 to 1807-Andrew Marshall, (appointed).
From 1807 to 1812-Josiah Hedges, (appointed).
From 1812 to 1814-Jeremiah Fairhurst, (appointed).
From 1814 to 1825-Solomon Bentley, elected.
From 1825 to 1827-James Kelsey, elected. From 1827 to 1833-John McElroy, elected. From 1833 to 1839-Jacob Neiswanger, elected.
From 1839 to 1843-John Eaton, Jr., elected.
From 1843 to 1845-J. M. Mitchell, elected.
From 1845 to 1849-Lycurgus Jennings, elected.
From 1849 to 1853-John Kelly, elected.
From 1853 to 1857-Thomas Johnson, elected.
From 1857 to 1859-John Twinan, elected.
From 1859 to 1861-1. H. Patterson, eleeted. From 1861 to 1863-Amos Glover, elected.
From 1863 to 1867-Barkley Cooper, elected.
From 1867 to 1871-James Irwin, elected.
From 1871 to 1873-Andrew Porterfield, elected.
From 1873 to 1877-William J. Kelly, elected.
From 1877 to 1879-Hamilton Eaton, elected.
CLERKS OF THE COURT.
From 1801 to 1806-Elijah Woods, appointed,
From 1806 to 1810-James Caldwell, appointed.
. From 1810 to 1813-Josiah Hedges, appointed, From 1813 to 1826-Ezer Ellis, appointed,
From 1826 to 1834-Peter Tallman, Sr., appointed.
From 1834 to 1846-J. C. Tallman, appointed.
From 1846 to 1850-R. H. Miller, appointed. From 1850 to 1851-J. H. Heaton, appointed.
From 1851 to 1852-St Clair Kelley, appointed.
From 1852 to 1855-J. H. Heaton, elected.
From 1855 to 1856-W. R. Carle, elected. From 1856 to 1857-D. S. Adams, appointed. From 1857 to 1860-S. W. Gaston, elected. From 1860 to 1863-D. S. Adams, elected.
From 1863 to 1866-J. F. Charlesworth, elerted,
From 1866 to 1869-J. R. Mitchell, elected.
From 1869 to 1872-J. B. Campbell, elected.
From 1872 to 1878-J. R. Mitchell, elected.
From 1878 to 1881 -- A. C. Darrah, elected.
COMMISSIONERS.
1804-Leven Okey, John McWilliams, and Robert Giffin.
1806-Leven Okey, John Mc Williams, and Alexander Boggs. 1808-Leven Okey, John McWilliams, and Sterling Johnston. 1810-John McWilliams, Sterling Johnston, and Peter Tall- man, 1811-John McWilliams, Peter Tallman, and Alexander Boggs. 1818-Peter Tallman, Alexander Boggs, and Joseph Morri- SON1. 1821-Joseph Morrison, David Neiswanger, and John Nich- ols. 1824-Joseph Morrison, David Neiswanger, and John Nich- ols. 1829-David Smith, Isaac Barton, and David Neiswanger. 1830-David Neiswanger, Isaac Barton, and David Smith. 1833-David Neiswanger, Isaac Barton, and Thomas Heaney. 1836-Thomas Armstrong, Isaac Barton, and Thomas Hea- ney. 1837-Isaac Patton, Isaac Barton, and Thomas Armstrong. 1838-Isaac Patton, William Workman, and William Cook,
1839-John Cook, William Workman, and Isaac Patton. 1840-Peter A. Dallas, John Cook, and Thomas Pilcher.
1842-Robert B. Green, Thomas Pilcher, and Peter A. Dal- las. 1843-Robert B. Green, William Workman, and John Lyle. 1814-David Harris, R. B. Green, and John Lyle.
1815-Stephen C. Gregg, R. B. Green, and John Lyle. 1846-Jacob Coleman. David Harris, and S. C. Gregg. 1847-David Harris, Jacob Coleman, and S. C. Gregg. 1848-S. C. Gregg, Jacob Coleman, and David Harris. 1819-James Norman, David Harris, and S. C. Gregg. 1850-S. C. Vance, James Neuman, and S. C. Gregg. 1851-Ira Lewis, S. C. Vance, and James Nemman. 1852-James Nonman, S. C. Vance, and Ira Lewis.
1853 -- Thomas Majors, Ira Lewis, and and James Nonman,
180
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
1854-Thomas Majors, - Hateher, and Michael Danford. 1855-Thomas Majors, - Hatcher, and Michael Danford. 1856-John Majors, Michael Danford, and John Johnston. 1857-John Majors, Michael Danford, and John Johnston. 1858-John Majors, H. Massie, and John Johnston. 1859-J. T. Scofield, Geo. C. Bethel, and H. Massie. 1860-William Wilkinson, J. T. Scofield, and G. C. Bethel. 1861-James Alexander, J. T. Scofield, and William Wilkin- son, 1862-Jesse Barton, James Alexander, William Wilkinson. 1863-William Wilkinson, Jesse Barton, and James Alexan- der. 1864-William Wilkinson, Jesse Barton, and James Alexan- der. 1865 -- Dennis Kemp, William Wilkinson, and James Alex- ander, 1866-W. M. Campbell, Dennis Kemp, and James Alexander. 1867-James Alexander, Dennis Kemp, and James Campbell. 1868-H. Frasber, James Campbell, and James Alexander. 1869-Wm. Armstrong, H .Frasher, and James Alexander. 1870-James Kinney, H, Frasher, and James Alexander. 1871-H. Frasher, Win. Armstrong, and James Kinney. 1872-Wm. Armstrong, B. E. Dugan, and James Kinney. 1873-Solomon Hogue, B. E. Dugan, and James Alexander. 1874-Wm. Barber, Solomon Hogue, and James Alexander. 1875-I. J. Potts, Solomon Hogne, and Wm. Barber. 1876-A. W. Anderson, Wm. Barker, and I, J. Potts.
1877-H. Frasher, A. W. Anderson, and I. J. Potts. 1878-I. J. Potts, A. W. Anderson, and H. Frasher.
AUDITORS.
From 1823 to 1825-Peter Tallman,
From 1825 to 1836-Wm. McNeely.
From 1836 to 1838-G. S. Nagle.
From 1838 to 1840-Wm. Anderson.
From 1840 to 1842-T. Hoge.
From 1842 to 1844-Wm. Dunn.
From 1844 to 1848-Wm. Pancoast.
From 1848 to 1852-David Allen.
From 1852 to 1854-David Truman,
From 1854 to 1856-James F. Charlesworth.
From 1856 to 1858-Stephen Gressinger.
From 1858 to 1862-C. L. Poorman.
From 1862 to 1866 -- R. S. Clark.
From 1866 to 1871-R. M. Clark.
From 1871 to 1873-J. B. Longly.
From 1873 to 1877-W. E. Stamp.
From 1877 to 1880-W. N. Coffland.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.
From 1801 to 1804-Charles Hammond, appointed.
From 1804 to 1808 -- Jacob Nagle, appointed.
From 1808 to 1815-George Paull, appointed.
From 1815 to 1825-David Jennings appointed. From 1825 to 1833-W. B. Hubbard.
From 1833 to 1837-Wilson Shannon, elected. From 1837 to 1841-William Kennon, elected. From 1841 to 1845 -- R. J. Alexander, elected. From 1845 to 1849-C. C. Carroll, elected.
From 1849 to 1851-Joseph A. Ramage. elected.
From 1851 to 1855-Isaac E. Eaton, elected.
From 1855 to 1859-D. D. T. Cowen, elected.
From 1859 to 1861 -- Lorenzo Danford, elected. From 1861 to 1865-John A. Work, elected.
From 1865 to 1867 -- Robert H. Cochran. eleeted. From 1867 to 1871 -- John W. Shannon, elected.
From 1871 to 1877-Wilson S. hennon, elected. From 1877 to 1880-R. M. Eaton, elected.
PROBATE JUDGES.
From 1851 to 1857-David Harris. From 1857 to 1863-Robert Claudy.
From 1863 to 1866-C. W. Carroll.
From 1866 to 1869-A. W. Anderson.
From 1869 to 1878-C. W. Carroll.
From 1878 to 1881-Thomas Cochran:
RECORDERS.
The following named gentlemen have served in the office of County Recorder in the order in which they are placed :
Sterling Johnston, George Anderson,
William Faris, S. M. Howey,
(. S. Nagle, Felix Martin,
Peter Tallman, John Bickham.
William Faris,
John C. Bolou,
Robert Giffen, William Barnes,
M. J. Ward, ,
James Barnes.
CORON ERS.
From 1801 to 1806 --- John Dngan.
From 1806 to 1814-Joseph Morrison.
From 1814 to 1823-William Stevenson.
From 1823 to 1828-Wilmeth Jones.
From 1828 to 1830 -- George S. Nagle.
From 1830 to 1832-John Scatterday. From 1832 to 1834-Robert McMasters.
From 1834 to 1836-Wm, Kinney.
From 1836 to 1838 -- Moses Rhodes.
From 1838 to 1840-Joseph Moose.
From 1840 to 1841-Joseph Hargrave.
From 1841 to 1843 -- James Smith.
From 1843 to 1845-H. Ferguson.
From 1845 to 1849-Oliver Cunningham.
From 1849 to 1853-James Nichol.
From 1853 to 1859-Patrick Lochary.
From 1859 to 1863-George Criswell.
From 1863 to 1865-William Wilkinson.
From 1865 to 1866-Andrew Grubb.
From 1866 to 1870-George Criswell.
From 1870 to 1872- E. B, Kennedy.
From 1872 to 1878-Thomas Garrett.
From 1878 to 1880 -- E. B. Kennedy.
INFIRMARY DIRECTORS.
1842-William Lemon, Alex. Hannah and J. C. Anderson, elected.
1843-Henry West, elected.
1844-Stephen Paneoast, elected.
1845-Reuben Miller, elected.
1846-George Vanlaw, elected.
1847-Stephen Pancoast, eleeted.
1848-Abner Lodge and F. R. Phillips, elected.
1849-George Vanlaw, eleeted.
1850-Jacob Gosset, elected.
1851-Abner Lodge, elected.
1852-Balaam Nichols, elected.
1853-Hugh Ferguson, elected.
1854-Balaam Nichols, elected.
1855-T. R. Phillips, elected.
1856-Hugh Ferguson, elected.
1857-T. R. Phillips, elected.
1858-Hugh Ferguson, elected.
1859-Abner Lodge, elected.
1860-Oliver Taylor, elected. 1861-William Caldwell, elected.
1862-John Taggart, elected.
1863-R. J. Pollock, elected.
1864-Wm. Caldwell, elected.
1865-Balaam Nichols, elected.
1866-Nathaniel Taylor, elected. 1867-Wm. Caldwell, elected.
1868-Wm. Parkinson, elected.
1869-Nathaniel Taylor, elected.
1870-Jacob Gosset, elected.
1871-Wm. Parkinson, elected.
1872-Wm. Ramage, elected. 1873-Thomas Lodge, elected. 1874-John Anderson and N. Taylor, elected.
1875-Wm. Parkinson, elected.
1876-Labon Lodge, elected.
1877-Nathaniel Taylor, elected.
1878-Wm. Parkinson, eleeted.
OFFICIAL VOTE FOR GOVERNOR IN BELMONT COUNTY.
The following shows the number of votes cast in Belmont county for Governor, with the list of candidates from the organ-
181
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
ization of the same. Arthur St. Clair being the territorial gov - ernor, having received his appointment by the government, Ju- ly 13th, 1788, served as such until the close of the year 1802, when he was removed by Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, and then Charles W. Byrd, of Hamilton county, Secretary of the territory, acted as governor from 1802 to March 3, 1803. He was succeeded by Gov. Edward Tiffin, who served until March 3, 1807, when he resigned, to accept the office of United States Senator. Gov. Tiffin received 571 votes in Bel- mont county :
FOR 1807.
Return J. Meigs. 705
Nathaniel Massic. 174
FOR 1808.
Samuel Huntington .. 451
Thomas Worthington ..
816
Thomas Kirker .. .:
1
FOR 1810.
Return J. Meigs 448
Return J. Meigs, Jr .. 39
Thomas Worthington 495
FOR 1812.
Return J. Meigs 1,393
Thomas Scott. 73
FOR 1814.
Thomas Worthington No return,
Othniel Looker
No return.
FOR 1816.
Thomas Worthington No return.
James Dunlap .. No return.
Ethan A. Brown No return.
FOR 1818.
Ethan A. Brown 1,592
James Dunlap.
21
FOR 1820.
Ethan A. Brown. 1,842
Jeremiah Morrow.
15
FOR 1822.
Jeremiah Morrow No return.
'Allen Trimble. No return.
Wm. W. Irwin .. No return.
FOR 1824.
Jeremiah Morrow 1,268
Allen Trimble 1,191
FOR 1826.
Allen Trimble. 1,937
John Bigger 113
Alexander Campbell 395
Benjamin Tappan. 574
FOR 1828.
Allen Trimble. 1,975
John W. Campbell. 1,892
FOR 1830.
Duncan McArthur, R 1,822
Robert Imcas, D.
1,468
FOR 1832.
Robert Lucas, D ...
2,370
Darius Lymau, Whig and Anti-Mason.
2,191
FOR 1834.
Robert Lucas, D. 2,107
James Findlay, Whig. 2,230
FOR 1836.
Joseph Vance, Whig.
2,666
Eli Baldwin, Dem ...
2,358
FOR 1838.
Wilson Shannon.
2,670
Joseph Vance, Whig 2,220
FOR 1840.
Thomas Corwin, W.
3,195
Wilson Shannon, D. 2,806
FOR 1842.
*Wilson Shannon, D. 2,865
Thomas Corwin, W.
2,770
Leicester King, Abolitionist 171
FOR 1844.
Mordecai Bartley, W.
3,081
David Tod, D.
2,867
FOR 1846.
William Bebb. W 2,475
David Tod, D. 1,857
Samuel Lewis, Abolitionist 194
FOR 1848.
John B. Weller, D.
2,797
Seabury Ford, W
3,169
FOR 1850.
Reuben Wood, D 2,456
William Johnston, W.
2,834
Edward Smith, Ab. 69
FOR 1851.
+Reuben Wood, D 2,562
Samuel F. Vinton, W
2,747
Samuel Lewis, Ab. 196
FOR 1853.
William Medill, D. 1,964
Nelson Barrere, W. 1,478
Samuel Lewis, Ab. 1,288
FOR 1855.
William Medill, D. 1,853
Allen Trimble, K. N 1,003
Salmon P. Chase, R. 1,750
FOR 1857.
Salmon P. Chase, R. 1,572
Henry B. Payne, D 2,417
Phil. Van Trump, Am .. 950
FOR 1859.
William Dennison, R. . 2,280
Rufus P. Rauney, D.
2,591
FOR 1861.
David Todd, R.
3,025
Hugh J. Jewett, I) 3,138
FOR 1863.
John Brough, R
3,979
Clement L. Vallandigham, D.
3,257
$Wilson Shannon, of Belmont, resigned his position as governor of Ohio, April 13, 1844, to accept the office of Minister to Mexico, having received the appointment from President Tyler.
#Reuben Wood resigned July 15, 1853, to necept the office of Consul to Valparaiso.
182
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
FOR 1865.
Jacob D. Cox, R., home vote 3,303, army vote 60; total .... 3,363 George W. Morgan. D., home vote 3,274, army vote 15; total 3,289
FOR 1867.
Rutherford B. Hayes, R 3,412
.....
Allen G. Thurman, D. 3,971
FOR 1869.
Rutherford B. Hayes, R 3,248
George H. Pendleton, D. 3,764
FOR 1871.
Edward F. Noyes, R. 3,899
George W. McCook, D. 3,681
Gideon T. Stewart, Pro. 38
FOR 1873.
Edward F. Noyes, R 3,614
William Allen, D .. 3,394
Gideon T. Stewart, Pro. 230
Isaac Collins, Liberal, 16
FOR 1875.
William Allen, D. 4,588
Rutherford B. Hayes, R 4,514
FOR 1877.
Richard M. Bishop, D. 4,632
William H. West, R. 4,055
Lewis H. Bond. 00
Henry A. Thompson. 19
Stephen Johnson 13
THE NATIONAL ROAD.
The National Road was made through Belmont county in 1825-26. Ground was broken opposite the court house, July 4. 1825. A speech was made by Wm. B. Hubbard. The grading was let to different contractors in one mile sections. James Lloyd and Wilson were the contractors for the "Big Bridge" crossing Wheeling creek.
Casper Weaver was the engineer, and resided in St, Clairs- ville while the work was in progress. The road passes nearly through the centre of the county, from cast to west, entering at Bridgeport, on the river, at the cast, and leaving the connty at Fairview on the west, making a distance of thirty miles. On May 15, 1875, the State of Ohio surrendered the road to the conn- ties through which it passes, and it is now under the control of the county commissioners,
The following article concerning this road appeared in the St. Clairsville Gazettte of October 29, 1825 :
" The line of this road from Canton to Fairview, presents a scene of zeal and industry, seldom witnessed. It is expected that the contracts will be completed by the time mentioned in the articles of agreement, viz: Those of the 1st Division on the 1st of July, 1826; and those of the 2d and 3d Divisions on the 1st of September, 1826.
"It has been estimated that the average cost per mile, for grading, a cover of three inches of broken stone, and masonry, bridges, culverts, &c., will be about $3,400; that the cost of the whole line under contract, from the Ohio river to the west end of Fairview, a distance of twenty-eight and a half miles, with a cover of three inches in thickness of stone broken to a weight not exceeding four ounces, including masonry, will be about $100,000; and that the appropriation made by Congress last winter (1824) for this object, of $140,000, will complete that dis- tance with a cover of six inches, including masonry and all in- cidental expenditures, and will probably leave a small surplus. We are not aware of the average cost per mile of the National Road cast of the Ohio, but we presume the cost of making the road on this side of the river is considerably less, notwithstand- ing the McAdam's plan, on which this road is constructing, is more expensive than the old mode. We have been favored with the perusal of a letter, dated Zanesville, Oct. 9, 1825, from which we glean the following information respecting the surveying and locating of the National Road between that place and Columbus : The Commissioner, Mr. Knight, reached the level country, as it
is called, at about twenty and a half miles from Zanesville, and in that distance lost distance at the rate of four per cent. (one mile in every 400) on the straight line. About five miles ofthis will be 42 degrees ascent and descent. The first 63 miles will not have a grade above three degrees. It passes up the "Fallen Timber Run Valley," by which it gains a mile from Zanesville, having for that mile (or nearly so) passed up the Licking Val- ley. Perhaps less than a mile is lost in the whole fifty-three miles to Columbus.
Good stone for paving are rather scarce in the hilly country, and certainly so in the level, where gravel may be obtained and must be resorted to as the next best material. Good gravel will perhaps make a more pleasant road for light traveling than stone ; and, unless to be hanled too far, cheaper. The country is, however, too new in settlements to have brought to view its resources in these respects. The Commissioner is retracting the line to Columbus, upon the ground which his several experi- ments have indicated as the nearest and best, and carefully marking the same, and dividing it into sections for the purpose of estimating the expense, as directed by law. The surveys and location west of Columbus will not be commenced the present season."
No doubt, during the building of this road, the excitement in the people along its course was equal to that manifested in the construction of a railroad through a new country.
To-day there are one hundred miles of macadamized roads in Belmont county.
THE COURT HOUSE BELL.
The first public bell used in the county is the one that yet swings in the cupola of the court house, where it was suspended about 1827, and for over half a century its pcals have gone forth, calling the lawyer to his post, and, peradventure, arous- ing the slumbering prisoner from his pleasant dreams of liberty .. The tone of this bell is very clear and musical. It was procured by William Templeton and Major Thompson, at Philadelphia, at a cost of $125, and weighed 212 pounds. The political friends of Judge Ruggles, upon receiving the news of his third election to the United States Senate, were so rejoiced over the result that this bell was rung for half a day without ceasing.
ILL-TREATMENT TOWARD A REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER.
Michael L. Montgomery was an old revolutionary soldier, living in the vicinity of Barnesville, Belmont county, in 1828. He was aged at this time 84 years, and depended on his pension, which the government gave him, for the support of himself and aged wife, He had been a faithful soldier and received many scars, indicative of hard-fought battles, while braving the ene- emies of his country. Along about the 1st of March, in the year above mentioned, this soldier started for Pittsburgh from near Barnesville for the purpose of drawing his pension. While in Pittsburgh he became acquainted with a man by the name of Major P. Reid, who, after discovering the old man's mission in the city, proposed to accompany him to the office, where he drew ninety-six dollars, the amount due him at that time. Reid professed great kindness for the old gentleman, who was very unwell at the time, and proposed taking him under his care until they arrived at his home. He further proposed that the old man should give him his money for safekeeping, which he did to the amount of ninety-four dollars. They left Pittsburgh together in the steam boat "Star," and arrived at Wheeling, Vir- ginia, on the 5th of March, that year, where Reid left the old man under pretense of getting him a conveyance to Barnes- ville. He waited for him (Reid), but he not making his ap- pearance, left Wheeling and arrived at Barnesville a couple of days later. Reid arrived there on the same day. The old sol- dier demanded his money, and was informed by him that he should have it the next morning, it being in his trunk, which was in a wagon that would arrive, as he said, the next morning about 8 or 9 o'clock. But that night the fellow disappeared, taking the money with him, and was never heard of after. The poor soldier had to get along as best he could until he could draw again. But the citizens did not see him soffer for the necessaries of life.
LIST OF ATTORNIES AND DOCTORS IN 1828.
The following is a list of the attornies and physicians in Bel- mont county, The amount of tax assessed by the Clerk of the
183
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
Common Pleas Court was $500. This assessment was made at the June term, 1828 :
ATTORNEYS.
Thomas Shannon, Wm. B. Hubbard, James Weir.
William Kennon, Sr., Joseph A. Ramage.
PHYSICIANS.
Thomas Carroll, John McCracken,
Ephraim Gaston.
Carolus Judkins,
Aaron Hartley, John McMahon,
Jesse Bailey, Nathan Johnston,
James Wishart,
Lewis Gratigny, John W. Ayers.
PAUPERISM.
On the 18th day of October, 1828, the Commissioners of Bel- mont county purchased 150 acres of land from William Camp- bell for $2,800, for the purpose of having a suitable place for the support of the poor. The Commissioners at that time were Joseph Morrison, David Smith and Isaac Barton. At the time the land was bought there was standing on the prem- ises a brick building, which the county used for a number of years as the poor house. It underwent several material changes in the meantime by repairs put upon it and additions added thereto.
The first act recommending counties to erect poor houses was passed February 26, 1816. Several amendments were intro- duced, first on January 26, 1827, and another January 19, 1829. On March 5th, 1831, all prior laws were repealed and a new one passed. In Mareh, 1850, an act was passed changing the name of poor house to that of infirmary.
The old building was used until 1870, when one amongst the finest infirmary structures in the state was erected at a cost of $63,000. The contract was given out to the following named gentlemen : Oliver Crawford, Thomas Townsend and Thomas E. Clark. The building is four stories with the basement.
Among the first superintendents that were appointed to super- intend the Infirmary were Reuben Miller and William George, The following exhibit shows the number of persons supported in the Belmont county Infirmary and otherwise, from the poor fund for the years indicated :
In 1873, the number in the infirmary was 110; the number otherwise supported, 30; making a total of 140 for that year.
1n 1874, Belmont Infirmary contained 125 paupers ; and the number otherwise supported was 30; aggregating 155.
In 1875, the number of paupers admitted to the infirmary was 52 ; and the total number in the same, 115. The number of the paupers otherwise supported by the county was 40. The total cost of keeping paupers in the infirmary was $8,000, making an average cost of each per day of twenty cents.
In 1876, the number admitted was 73. The total number in the infirmary was 132. Fifty panpers were otherwise supported by the county, which cost the county $3,000. The total cost of keeping panpers for that year amounted to $12,000.
For the year 1877, 82 paupers were admitted, making a total in the infirmary of 144. The number supported otherwise, 40, which cost the county $4,473. The total cost for the support of pauperism amounted to $10,228.
The total number of inmates in the County Infirmary at present (1879) is 165.
ORGANIZATION OF TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
In the spring of 1832, the first meeting of the teachers of com - mon schools was held in the Court House, at St. Clairsville. The meeting was organized by appointing Mr. Isaac Hoge as Chair- man and Mr. Enoch Thomas, Secretary. Although it had been first intended to form a society to be composed of the teachers of Richland township, the meeting, after various remarks from the different individuals present, came to the conclusion that it would be more expedient to form an association more general and ex- tensive, so as to embrace all the teachers in the county and for that purpose adopted the following resolutions :
Resolved, That a committee of five teachers be appointed to draft a constitution to be submitted to a subsequent meeting of the teachers of Belmont county, for their consideration, with a view to the formation of a permanent society of the teachers of common schools, and that the said committee prepare and pub- lish an address to teachers and parents of Belmont county, and fix the time for a general meeting.
Resolved, That the said committee investigate what text-books
ought to be used in common sehools and report thereon to the the general meeting of teachers, as well as any and all other matters appertaining to the interests of common schools, so as to proeure a greater uniformity of system in common education.
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