USA > Ohio > Columbiana County > History of Columbiana County, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 30
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
The next most prominent hotel in the place was built in 1806, on the corner of Walnut and Beaver Streets, by Mordecai Moore, and was afterwards kept by David Hos- tetter, Michael Seydel, John Morrison, Gabriel Daley, Joseph Maus, and many others. The brick part was built in later years. The place is now kept by D. V. Hyde, and is known as the Sherman House.
About the same time, John Hessin opened a hotel on the corner of Market and Washington Streets, which passed out of existence soon after his death, in 1829. In 1806, George Duck kept a tavern in New Lisbon, and between this period and 1810 public-houses were kept on Walnut Street by Reuben P. McNamee and Michael Wirtz. The place has had other hotels, but the foregoing constitute the principal ones.
NEW LISBON BANKS.
The first bank organized in Columbiana County was the Columbiana Bank of New Lisbon, under a charter granted by the Legislature for that purpose. The first meeting for the election of directors was held on the 7th of March, 1814, and Thomas Gillingham, Thomas Moore, James Craig, William Harbaugh, Holland Green, Alexander Snodgrass, George Endley, Horace Potter, Martin Helman, Joseph Richardson, John Street, Elderkin Potter, and Gideon Hughes were elected directors, books having been opened previously for the subscription of stock at Steuben- ville, Pittsburgh, Canton, Beavertown, Greensburg, Salem, Beuver Mills, Petersburg, Poland, Sandy Store, Fairfield, Yellow Creek, and New Lisbon. Martin Helman was ap- pointed President of the bank ; Elderkin Potter, Cashier ; and Fisher A. Blocksom, Attorney. The old stone house east of the Methodist Episcopal church was soon after erected for a banking-house, and used many years for that purpose.
The bank, having ceased to do business for many years, owing to the monetary troubles of the times, was again re- organized in 1834 and 1835, and Andrew W. Loomis elected president and B. W. Snodgrass cashier. A new board of directors was also elected. The banking-house was in the two-story brick building on the corner of Beaver and
Digitized by Google
-
113
TOWNSHIP OF CENTRE.
Walput Streets. The directors under the new organization were Horace Potter, George Graham, George Endley, Chas. D. Coffin, William Carey, Joshua Hanna, John Burns, David Begges, David Small, George Garretson, Holland Green, and Benjamin Hanną.
As near as can be determined from the data at hand, the bank ceased business about 1846.
In 1846, B. W. Snodgrass and John McClymonds en- gaged in banking, and continued until the early part of 1852, when Dr. Snodgrass died, and the bank soon after closed, although McClymonds carried on a broker's business several years longer.
About 1853, Thomas McCoy engaged in the banking business, which he continued about twenty years.
In 1858, Lodge, Pritchard & Co. opened a banking- house, whose business is yet continued by Lodge & Small, the office being on Walnut Street.
The village has another private bank, which was opened, May 21, 1879, by S. J. and D. W. Firestone, under the firm-name of Firestone Brothers, Bankers. The office for- merly used for the county treasury is now their place of business.
The First National Bank of New Lisbon .- This bank was established Nov. 7, 1874, with a capital of $50,000. The first board of directors was composed of John McDon- ald, R. B. Pritchard, J. F. Benner, O. W. Kyle, and Ezra Frost. John McDonald was chosen President; R. B. Pritchard, Vice-President; and O. W. Kyle, Cashier. On the 4th of December, 1878, Mr. McDonald, the president, died, and J. F. Benner was appointed to fill that position. Dr. William Moore was elected to fill Benner's place as director. On the 9th of January, 1878, Cashier Kyle re- signed, and Mr. I. Child was appointed to fill the vacancy. There has since been no change of officers. The present directors are Ezra Frost, J. F. Benner, R. B. Pritchard, John MoVicker, and George H. Huston. The capital of the bank remains as originally fixed, and its business is trans- acted in a convenient office on Market Street, near the public square.
INSURANCE COMPANY.
The Columbiana County Mutual Insurance Company of New Lisbon was incorporated March 2, 1837. The first directors were George Endley, John Armstrong, Samuel Shriver, William Carey, William Helman, Joshua Hanna, George Garretson, Mathew Adams, and George McCook. The officers were John Armstrong, President; George Endley, Treasurer; D. B. Pentecost, Clerk ; Benjamin Pritchard, Peter Spiker, and Mahlon Briggs, Committee for the Appraisement of Property.
The company met with considerable favor and at once became prosperous, but in a few years it suffered heavy losses which greatly impaired its vitality. At this time Benjamin Pritchard became treasurer and agent of the company, and under his skillful management the prosperity of the company was not only restored, but greatly increased. For nearly thirty years he ably discharged the duties of these offices, and achieved the reputation which his son, R. B. Pritchard, acting in the same capacity since 1868, has successfully maintained.
The total number of policies issued from the time busi-
ness was begun until June 10, 1879, was 26,060, of which about 6000 are now in force. The property insured amounted to about $8,800,000, and the premium notes to about $363,570. No extra or special hazards are takep.
The presidents of the company have been the following : 1837-39, John Armstrong; 1839-40, Samuel Shriver; 1840-41, David Whitacre; 1841-46, Robert Hanna ; 1846-52, B. W. Snodgrass; 1852-64, A. L. Brewer; 1864-73, S. W. Orr; 1873, J. F. Benner (still in ofice).
The secretaries for the same period were: 1837-38, D. B. Pritchard ; 1838-39, De Lorma Brooks; 1839-40, James Clark ; 1840-66, David Anderson ; 1866-79, Wm. Baxter.
The present board of officers and directors of the com- pany are as follows: Directors, John Burns, Wm. M. Hostetter, D. A. Pritchard, Wm. Baxter, R. B. Pritchard, Wm. Myers, John Way, J. F. Benner, Ezra Frost. Officers: J. F. Benner, President ; R. B. Pritchard, Agent and Treasurer ; John Burns, Secretary.
NEW LISBON POST-OFFICE.
This office was established about 1809. Wm. Harbaugh . was the first postmaster, and kept the office in his saddlers' shop,-a small log building which stood near the site of Myers' carriage-shop. Soon after, his partner, Capt. Thomas Rowland, was appointed, and kept the office at the same place. When Capt. Rowland left on his military duties in 1812, Fisher A. Blocksom was appointed deputy, and removed the office to a small building which stood on Market Street, and there kept it a few years. At that time the mail was supplied once a week, and was carried from Pittsburgh via New Lisbon to Cleveland on horse- back.
In 1815, George Endley became the postmaster, and kept the office at his store on Walnut Street. David Begges was next appointed, and also kept the office at his store on Walnut Street. During his administration John Depue was the mail-carrier, and used two horses,-one to carry him, the other to carry the mail-bags, well strapped on. He announced his coming by blowing a small horn in such a way as to produce various pleasing notes. Its signal was regarded as a warning for the people to clear the way and let the carrier have an unobstructed passage. Soon after- wards the mails were carried by the different stage-lines passing through the place.
Since the time when Mr. Begges' connection with the post-office ceased the postmasters, in the order of their ap- pointment, have been William D. Ewing, Nathaniel Mitchell, Benezet F. Thompson, Alfred McCaskey, John Robertson, H. W. Brown, William M. Hostetter, and B. S. Young. The last named was appointed in February, 1870, and soon after moved the office into the basement of the new court- house, where it is now kept.
Since September, 1867, the office has been a postal money-order office, and since 1871 the postmasters have been appointed by the President direct. The following is a time-schedule of mails for June, 1879 :
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF MAILS.
Westville mail leaves at 7 A.M., and arrives at 6 P.M. Salineville mail arrives at 12 w., and departs at 1 P.M.
15
Digitized by Google
114
HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OHIO.
Hanover mail arrives at 12 M., and departs at 1 P.M. Moultrie mail leaves at 6 A.M., and arrives at 7 P.M. St. Clair mail leaves at 7 A.M., and arrives at 4 P.M. Mail from the north by railroad arrives at 11.30 A.M., and departs at 2.25 P.M., closing at 2.10 promptly.
All mails tri-weekly, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, except- ing northern and Wellsville.
B. S. YOUNG, Postmaster.
THE LEGAL PROFESSION
at New Lisbon presents a brilliant array of names of those who resided here or maintained offices in the place. If is believed that the appended list of attorneys embraces nearly all those who established themselves in their profession, and that the dates given in connection with their names will at least approximate the time when they began to practice at New Lisbon.
The first. lawyer in the place, and also the first prose- cuting attorney, was Obadiah Jennings, of Steubenville, who was appointed in 1803. It is not known whether he lived in New Lisbon. Very probably the first permanent lawyer was Fisher A. Blocksom. He came in 1805, and was in practice until about 1852, but resided in. the place until his death, Deo. 14, 1876, at the age of ninety-five years, three months, and three days.
About the same time, or in 1806, Elderkin Potter be- came an attorney in the village, continuing until his death, in 1846.
John H. Reddick came about 1810, and remained four or five years. He is best remembered for his efforts to secure the release of soldiers in 1812 on writs of habeas corpus. William E. Russell came about 1820, and re- mained until his death, thirty years later. . John Laird was an attorney for eight or ten years before his death, which occurred in 1830. Andrew .W. Loomis was an at- torney from 1825 until his removal to Pittsburgh, in 1840; Charles D. Coffin, for about the same length of time, when ho removed to Cincinnati; and David E. Harbaugh, from about 1828 until his removal to Detroit, about 1834. The two last named became judges at their new homes. A. L. Brewer practiced law at New Lisbon from about 1826 until his death, which occurred while in service as a paymaster of the United States army during the Rebellion. About the same time came William D. Ewing, who remained until 1850, when he removed to Pittsburgh. Dorsey B. Pente- cost was in practice from 1827 until 1830. Charles M. Aten located as a lawyer at New Lisbon "in November, 1828. He remains in the place, but does not follow his profession.
Isaac Stetson and a man named Loyd were among the resident lawyers from 1829 till 1832, and E. T. Merrick from 1830 until about 1839, when he removed to Louisi- ana, where he became chief-justice of the State. About the same time William S. Mckaig removed to Missouri. David Small was admitted in 1838, but died soon after he began practice. James L. Vallandigham became an attor- ney in 1839, but in 1843 abandoned that profession for theology. He is now a resident of Delaware. J. R. Va- natta was a lawyer in the village about the same time. Alexander Curtis came probably in 1839, and was a part- ner of Theo. Umstaeter until his death, in 1840. Mr. Umstaeter then formed a partnership with Edwin M. Stan-
ton, which was continued until the firm removed to Pitts- burgh, about 1850. James Mason was in practice from about the year 1839 until 1852, when he removed to Cleve- land. Joseph E. Vance settled at New Lisbon about 1840, and practiced until 1855. He died in 1871. A short time before 1840, Thomas J. Morgan practiced law in New Lisbon as an attorney, and subsequently went to Brazil as a United States officer.
John Clarke was admitted in 1835, and in 1840 began, and yet continues, the practice in New Lisbon.
Clement L. Vallandigham became an attorney in 1842, but in 1845 removed to Dayton, where he achieved renowa as a politician. He died June 17, 1871. . His brother, John L. H. Vallandigham, became a lawyer at New Lisbon, but removed to Hanover. James B. Blocksom, a native of New Lisbon, practiced there as an attorney about 1845, but soon after located at Canfield.
From about 1845, for terms varying from three to fifteen years, the following were of the New Lisbon Bar : E. J. Estep, John E. Clark, James Summers, John Watt, James H. Reeves, Samuel W. Orr, Moses D. Stalloup, William K. Upham, Jabez Beaumont, John M. Gilman, Thomas E. Fubrick, George M. Lee, R. D. Hartshorn, Lyman W. Pot- ter, John W. McCord, John Reed, and Seth L. Wadsworth. J. H. Wallace came in 1849 to New Lisbon, where he continues in practice. Simon Wisden, who came one year later, is still in practice. Thomas S. Woods practiced in New Lisbon from 1851 until his death, in 1867. James L. Smith also practiced in New Lisbon from about 1851 until his death, in 1874. William K. Gaston practiced law in New Lisbon from 1854 until 1859, when he re- moved to St. Paul. Robert G. Woods, who became a counselor at New Lisbon in or near the year. 1854, con- tinued there until his death, in 1873. James Clarke was admitted to the Bar in 1850, but has not confined himself to the practice of his profession. Attorneys named Le- moyne, Randolph, Curry, P. C. Young, and O. W. Kyle practiced law at New Lisbon after 1860, but have all re- moved.
The following attorneys, besides those already named, have practiced law at New Lisbon since the dates given, respectively : John W. Morrison, 1861 ; Solomon J. Fire- stone, 1861; W. A. Nichols, 1862; Conrad Hume, John Mc Vicker, and Harvey Morrison, 1864; John M. Dickin- son, 1865 ; Henty Frost, 1866; W. J. Jordan, 1870; N. B. Billingsley, 1873; Harmon Brown and W. S. Potts, 1875; Cyrus B. Dickey, 1877; and John H. Clarke, 1878.
THE PRESS OF NEW LISBON.
Early in life, Wm. D. Lepper, a native of. Hanover, Ger many, came to Pennsylvania, and in the latter part of 1808 to New Lisbon. . In December of that year he issued the first paper in the county, a small German sheet, which he called Der Patriot am Ohio. As it was but poorly patronized, it was soon discontinued. Early in the spring of 1809 he began the publication of The Ohio Patriot, in English. It was originally a small four-column sheet, and was issued by Mr. Lepper until 1833,-having been en- larged in the mean time to five columns, -- when it was sold to Joseph Cabell, who made a further enlargement. In 1835,
Digitized by Google
-
115
TOWNSHIP OF CENTRE.
Messrs. Hettsell and Gregg purchased the concern and issued the paper until 1839, when it became the property of Wm. D. Morgan, who continued as editor and publisher until 1852. That year W.m. H. Gill became the owner of the paper, and soon enlarged it. He was succeeded in 1857 by Mathew Johnson, who, early in 1858, was succeeded by Thomas S. Woods, upon whose death, in 1867, the paper passed to R. G. Woods, brother of Thomas S., who continued the publi- cation until his death, in 1873. George H. Vallandigham and others then had control of it for a year or two, when the Patriot became the property of W. S. Potts, by whom it has been edited and published until the present time, --- June, 1879. Ever since it was founded the Patriot has been a sturdy advocate of Democratic principles.
New Lisbon Gazette .- In 1826, Robert Fee first issued this paper, and continued it about six months, when its pub- lication ceased.
Columbiana American and New Lisbon Free Press .- This paper was established in June, 1827, by Wm. Camp- bell. In 1828 it became the property of Daniel Harbaugh, who employed John Watt as editor. The latter changed the name to Western Palladium and continued editor until 1835, when Nathaniel Mitchell became owner and retained pos- session until 1839, when G. W. Harper and S. Corbett be- came proprietors. In 1842 they sold the paper to Joseph Wilkinson, who issued it until 1854, when it was absorbed by the Buckeye State. It was an advocate of the princi- ples of the Whig party.
The Aurora .- John Frost, in March, 1832, began the publication of the Aurora, which was continued by him until November, 1856. It was an outspoken anti-slavery and tem- perance sheet, and during the last few years of its existence was issued from an office on West Walnut Street, uniquely constructed in circular form. The office was, as the editor expressed it, " built round, so the devil could not corner him." In its way the Aurora aided materially in mould- ing the sentiment of the community, and after the Repub- lican party was formed, its mission being ended, it ceased to exist.
In 1852, R. D. Hartshorn, a young lawyer of the village,: began the publication of the Buckeye State to advocate the principles of. the Republican party. In 1854 he purchased the old Palladium, and in 1856 sold the united interests to Robert C. Wilson, who continued the Buckeye State until his death, in 1863. His son James succeeded him, and also died at the head of the paper, in 1866. Col. Garrettson S. Young then became the proprietor and editor until his death, in 1871. His widow continued the paper a few years, when it became the property of E. F. Moore and P. C. Young. In 1875, Mr. Young relinquished his interest in the paper, which has since been edited and published by E. F. Moore. It is the leading Republican paper in the county.
In April, 1867, James K. Frew began the publication of the Neto Lisbon Journal, and has since successfully con- ducted it as a local paper.
The Merchants' Journal, a business' paper, was begun here in 1865 by J. D. Briggs, but it was soon discon- tinued.
In 1848, H. C. Trunick published for six months a small
temperance paper called the Ocean Wave. Other educa- tional and temperance monthlies have had a brief existence, but no further particulars can here be given.
MUSICAL BANDS AT NEW LISBON.
Various bands of musicians have been among the notable features of the place. The first band consisted of a few voluntary performers about 1813. William Hillman and Jacob Clapsaddle were the violinists; John Crafts, flutist; William D. Lepper blew the piccolo, and Dr. John D. Gloss played the triangle.
The next band was organized Oct. 22, 1832, and was known as the Polymian Band. Thomas Lewis, of Pitta- burgh, was the teacher. The roster was as follows: Leader, Joseph Way, clarionet; David Schultz, 'C. F. Helman, A. J. Begges, William Collier, John Beaumont, and Hiram Medill, clarionets; Ed. F. Lepper and Frank Richardson, bugles ; Robert Hanna, Jacob Ewing, Adam Endley, and Ed. Collier, flutes ; James MoElroy and J. Casper, bas- soons ; William A. Hoover and Matthias Nace, violins; Thomas Small and Thomas Beaumont, French horns; William Till, trombone; Samuel J. Hoover, ophicleide; and Pat. Murphy, bass drum.
For those days this band made a splendid appearance, but its organization was allowed to go down prior to 1840. In the fall of that year were organised Whig and Demo- cratic bands, which were finely equipped by the party managers, and in the exciting campaign which ensued did good service. . The rivalry stimulated them to practice until they had attained considerable proficiency. Removals and other causes soon led to their dismembership, and after a few years the place was again without a band. Since that period there have been several bands, but their exist- ence has generally been of short duration, and at present the village is without such an organization.
NOTABLE DAYS IN NEW LISBON.
First among the marked days which characterised the. history of New Lisbon was the anniversary celebration of the fiftieth year of American independence, July 4, 1826. Elaborate preparations had been made for the occasion, and the programme was faithfully carried out. The military was present in gorgeous array, and a speech was made by the most eloquent lawyer of the place, Andrew W. Loomis, Esq. This was followed by firing of cannon and other de- monstrations of joy, which were heartily engaged in by = large concourse of people. In 1840 political matters ran high at this place, and on the 29th of August the Whigs held a grand demonstration. Such a large, good-humored throng of people had never before been seen at New Lisbon, some estimating the number at 10,000 There were displayed all sorts of queer emblems, which were made the vehicles of fun, wit, and safcasm. Log cabins, canoes, skiffs, and other queer devices were moved on wheels. The procession disbanded in the northwestern part of the village, and there listened for two hours to Thomas Corwin, who entertained the people in a peculiarly fascinating way. He was followed by Thomas Ewing, a great man at that time. Half a dozen bands furnished the music. There have since been a number of similar demonstrations, but none which left
Digitized by Google
116
HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY, OHIO.
the impressions of 1840. On the 19th of September fol- lowing, the Democrats had a huge gathering, which was addressed by Benjamin Tappan, Wilson Shaw, and William Allen, and at which the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. In some respects the effect was fully equal to that produced by the Whig meeting, and for many years the partisans referred to these occasions as marking an epoch in the history of their parties in Columbiana County.
An elephant was first exhibited at New Lisbon in 1820, large numbers flocking into the village to see the show. The accompanying band consisted of a violin and tambourine.
New Lisbon experienced many days of excitement, and sotne of rejoicing, at different periods, during the inception, building, and completion of the Sandy and Beaver Canal, from 1834 to 1846, when it was opened .*
After a few years of doubts and discouragements, the vil- lage enjoyed another gala-day when ground was broken for the Niles and New Lisbon Railroad, The ceremony took place in the summer of 1856, Judge Newton, of Canfield, performing the principal part. Soon after, work was com- mebced, and much of it was done by Henry Springer as contractor. Various causes delayed the completion of the road until 1866, since which time trains have been run with considerable regularity, and, with good prospects of another railroad, the place is rapidly recovering from the disappointment occasioned by the failure of the canal.
MARKET-HOUSES.
Soon after 1812 was built on the south side of the pub- lic square a market-house, which consisted of a simple roof supported by two rows of brick pillars. Here market was held twice a week, early in the morning. In 1830 this building was displaced by a more comely structure, built after the style of the old house. The council voted #14 to be paid for ornamenting the columns with bases and capi- tals. William Hillman was appointed clerk and weigh- master at $8 per year, and for many years served in that capacity. Articles lacking the proper weight were confis- cated, and on a certain occasion, when a spirited young woman was charged with shortage in the butter which she had exposed for sale, she snatched the butter from his hands and smeared it freely over his face. In 1832 curb-stone market-places were provided, and in 1834 a Fairbanks hay-scale was erected near the market-house, and a place con- structed near by to house the fire apparatus. The history of
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WATER-WORKS,
owing to the loss of the records, is disconnected and incom- plete. The town authorities delegated Joshua Hanna in 1829 to purchase a small engine, which required sixteen men to propel the brakes. It was called " The Tiger," and was placed in charge of the " Phoenix Fire Company," after that body had provided thirty-three feet of hose. The whole was placed under the direction of fire-wardens ap- pointed by the council. The little machine proving inade- quate for the wants of the place, Mr. Hanna was again au- thorized, in 1835, to purchase an engine of greater capacity in Philadelphia. This he did at a cost of 8485.39}, and as he passed through Pittsburgh, on his way home, he
also purchased a dozen fire-buckets. The following year a fire-company was organized, of which Henry Janney was captain and served several years. He was followed by . Mahlon Briggs, and under their leadership " The Relief" had numerous hot contests with the destroying element.
To insure better protection and to prevent a general conflagration, steps were taken in 1836 to so amend the charter of the village as to empower the council to construct water-works. After considerable controversy the proposed improvement was made. A stone reservoir about 40 feet square and 10 feet deep was constructed at the head of Market Street by William Jellison about 1840. This supplied conduits along Market Street to Washington Street, branching east and west on Walnut so as to reach Beaver and Jefferson Streets, the whole costing $10,000. In 1874 a new and much larger reservoir was constructed, and the smaller one dispensed with. This improvement required a large increase of water-pipes, which were ex- tended on Washington Street and Lincoln Avenue, and hydrants were provided at convenient distances. To secure these additional advantages a further expenditure of $12,000 was made.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.