USA > Ohio > Guernsey County > History of Guernsey County, Ohio, Volume I > Part 33
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364
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
STATE OF DACOTAH.
"The St. Louis Gasette mentions the probability that some time within the next fifteen years, another star will be added to our constellation, with the title of the State of Dacotah. It will extend, according that paper, over the Prairie region north of Iowa, stretching probably from the Missouri to the Mississippi river, embracing the country watered by the St. Peters, the Sioux and the Jaques rivers, and include a part of the Coteau de Prairie. Its latitude will be the same as Michigan, northern New York, Vermont and New Hampshire, with a soil far superior to the average of these states taken together."
-Guernsey Times, March 6, 1841.
CAMBRIDGE MARKETS.
(Guernsey Times, 1854.)
Wheat, bu.
$1.03
Wool, 1b.
$0.30a45
Corn, do.
.40
Bacon, do.
6a 8
Oats, do.
.37
Butter, fresh 15
Flax seed, do.
.75
Pork,
31/2a 4
Timothy, do.
3.00
Beef, do.
4a 8
Clover, do.
4.50
Tallow, do.
9
Beans, do.
1.00
Lard, do.
7
Onions, do.
.75
Candles, do.
I2
Potatoes, do.
.37
Beeswax, do.
25
Corn meal, do.
.44
Calf skins, do.
61/4
Coal, do. .04
Hides, do.
4
Flour, cwt.
2.75
Soap, do.
3
Flour, bbl.
5.50
Feathers, do.
33
Hay, ton.
8.00
Flannel, white, 50
Wood, cord 1.00
Do., barred 62
Eggs, doz.
.IO
Linsey
31a33
Socks, pair.
.31
Linen
25a37
Dried Peaches,
1.50
Rag carpet
25a37
The price of produce of all kinds fluctuated greatly in the years imme- diately preceding the great panic. Here are two reports taken from the Guernsey Times of June and July, 1854:
365
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
"When we went to press last week, the price of wheat in the market was one dollar and seventy cents per bushel. Since then, it has fallen to one dollar and forty cents. We have heard of a few persons. who refused to sell their wheat when it was one dollar and eighty cents, expecting a still higher figure. These do not belong to the 'luck in leisure' class."-June 29, 1854.
"On Monday morning last the price of wheat came down to one dollar per bushel."-July 6, 1854.
CAMBRIDGE MARKET, 1837.
"Flour -- This article is selling at six dollars and fifty cents per barrel from stores and mills. Wagon price, six dollars.
"Corn-Is selling at fifty cents per bushel, and in great demand.
"Oats-Fifty cents per bushel is freely given. In great demand.
"Wheat has fallen to one dollar per bushel.
"Bacon-The hog round-from six to seven cents-hams, seven cents." -Guernsey Times, May 6, 1837.
1840-Wheat, forty cents ; corn, twenty-four cents; oats, eighteen cents ; flax, seventy-five cents; beans, seventy-five cents ; flour, per barrel, two dol- lars and seventy-five cents; salt, two dollars and seventy-five cents; butter, eight cents per pound ; lard, six cents; bacon, six and one-fourth cents.
MARKET PRICES AT LATER DATES.
It may not be without interest to know of the market quotations in Guernsey at different times in the history of the county. During the Civil war the following prices obtained in 1865: Wheat, two dollars per bushel ; corn, eighty cents ; oats, fifty-five cents ; timothy seed, five dollars per bushel ; beans, two dollars; onions a dollar and a quarter; potatoes, seventy cents ; salt, three dollars and fifty cents per barrel; flour, eleven dollars a barrel ; hay, eighteen dollars per ton; rags, five cents per pound ( for paper-mak- ing) ; eggs, twenty-five cents per dozen; butter, forty cents; hogs, twelve dollars per hundredweight; beef. ten dollars and fifty cents per hundred- weight ; candles, twenty-five cents per pound ; tea, one dollar and fifty cents to two dollars and fifty cents per pound ; sugar, twenty-five to thirty cents a pound ; country socks, fifty cents a pair ; wood, two dollars and seventy-five cents per cord. These prices were based on the greenback money and "shin- plaster" money then commonly used; gold was at a premium, running as high as two dollars and eighty-eight cents. But our money was good. As a
366
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
contrast, we will give the current prices in Richmond, Virginia, in 1863. when the war was at its midway stage :
Corn, eleven dollars per bushel; oats, six dollars per bushel; hay, ten dollars per hundredweight; apples, forty-five cents apiece, or forty-five dol- lars per barrel; onions, sixty-five dollars per bushel; lard, two dollars a pound ; butter, three dollars and fifty cents per pound ; cheese, two dollars per pound ; fresh beef, seventy-five cents a pound by the quarter; Irish potatoes, six dollars per bushel; white beans, one dollar per bushel; peanuts, twelve dollars and fifty cents per bushel; cranberries, one dollar and fifty cents a quart : turkeys, twelve dollars each; oysters, twelve dollars a gallon. This was payable in Confederate money.
PRESENT PRICES.
The quotations of today-1910-may be of little interest to the present reader, but will be read with interest by another generation, hence will be subjoined. The following quotations are from Chicago markets largely : Cattle, from four dollars and fifty cents to seven dollars and fifty cents; calves, from seven dollars and twenty-five cents to nine dollars and twenty- five cents ; hogs, six dollars and ninety-five cents; sheep, three dollars and fifty cents to four dollars and fifty cents ; wheat, ninety-one cents ; corn, for- ty-four cents ; oats, thirty-one cents ; mess pork, six dollars and fifty cents.
Groceries in Cambridge, at retail, were: Flour, two dollars and sixty cents per hundredweight ; granulated sugar, eighteen pounds per dollar ; rolled oats, per pound, eight cents ; seeded rasins, ten cents; tomatoes, eight to ten cents per can ; corn, eight, ten and twelve cents per can ; crackers, seven cents per pound ; potatoes, seventy cents ; rice, eight and ten cents ; breakfast Lacon, twenty-five cents ; lard, sixteen cents.
CALIFORNIA GOLD FEVER HERE.
The following was published in the centennial history of this county in the columns of the Jeffersonian, in 1876, and the author here makes use of it again :
"At once after the discovery of gold in California, the fever for emi- gration to the new Eldorado broke out in Guernsey county. Her people have the reputation of being restless and ever on the move, which fact may be traced to her former inefficient agricultural state and to the then and now want of manufacturing enterprise. It has become a saying that Guernsey
367
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
county people are found everywhere. Go where you will, some of them are sure to confront you, and in connection with the California emigration of 1849-50, she shares the early honors with Posey county, Illinois, and Pike county, Missouri.
"Posey county wagons will long be remembered, and a Pike county, Mis- souri, reminiscence of those days will long live in the song of Joe Bowers, in which is related the terrible account of a black-headed Californian having borne to him a red-headed baby. This doggerel will live as long as the more pretentious poems of Joaquin Miller and his imitators.
"Guernsey county gave to California many names for sites of towns. placers, valleys, etc., and Moore's Flat, named for Gen. J. G. Moore, who led the first Guernsey company, will be remembered as long as there is a California history to relate how the many worn and hungry emigrants poured down from the mountains to the hospitable and generous cabins of the Cam- bridge-California Mining Company, for by that name was the organization known, having for its object, 'the accumulation of gold and silver by mining and trafficking in the gold regions of California and New Mexico.'
"The company was organized March 31, 1849, and was to continue two years. It was the first company, we believe, which was organized in the state for this purpose. The shares of the stock were one hundred dollars each, and all members were to share alike in the accumulations, no matter if they became physically unable to labor. Members were permitted to send dele- gates, the agreements with whom were to be filed with the secretary. No division of the accumulations was to be made until the proposed return in 1851. It was stipulated that no service was to be performed on the Sab- bath day, except for the protection of the lives or property of the members of the company, and that 'members should recognize each other as brothers. by being affable and gentlemanly in their deportment.'
"No amendment was to be permitted to the constitution of the company. except in 'full meeting and without one dissenting voice.' Gambling, either among themselves or with others, was prohibited, and the use of intoxicating drinks, except under medical advice, was forbidden. This was perhaps the first prohibition movement ever inaugurated in the county. These stipulations were not rigidly adhered to by some of the members and delegates. Many of the members never came back, some died, and others made California their permanent residence, and their families have there become honourable mem- bers of society, and been elevated to many official places of great trust. The company as originally organized consisted of the following persons: Zaccheus Beatty, J. G. Moore, Joseph Stoner. Andrew Hanna, C. D. Bute. N. L. Wolv-
368
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
erton. Sol. Sunnafrank, George Chance, John Boyd, Henry Shively, James Kirkpatrick, John McKelvey, Samuel M. Roberts, John Clark, Samuel John- son.
(Members who sent delegates.)
Members.
Delegates.
Eliza Turner
Benjamin Plummer
Boaz Lofland William Lofland
William Shaw James Allison
M. Green John Beall
A. E. Cook
Alfred Cook
J. P. Tingle
John Hutchison 66
William Abell
Noah Hyatt
John N. Davis Abraham Conrad
H. C. Ferguson
Jacob Ferguson
John Sunnafrank
.William M. Rabe
Jenkin Mulvane
Seth J. Dickinson
John Mulvane
O. H. Davis
Aron Patterson
William H. Craig
E. Steese .J. Ax
C. Basset
William K. Davis
James V. Davis
Charles Armor
BOUND FOR THE LAND OF GOLD.
(Guernsey Times, March 26, 1852.)
"On Tuesday last the following persons departed from this place, bound for California, by the overland route: Jeremiah Jefferson, Cambridge ; Milton Jefferson, Cambridge; Franklin Jefferson, Cambridge; Josiah Mor- gan, Cambridge: Thomas Bryan, Cambridge; John Morrow, Cambridge; Andrew Cowen, Cambridge Township; John Black, Cambridge Township:
369
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
Alex. McNary, Cambridge Township: Daniel Burton, Cambridge Township; John McCulley, Knox Township; Alex. Johnston, Knox Township; J. W. Dennison, Senecaville; William Rigg, Jackson Township: Jesse Huggins, Jackson Township; George Murphy, Westland Township; Spear Mckinney, Westland Township; John Elliott, Rich Hill, Muskingum; William Hutch- ison, Rich Hill, Muskingum : Johnson Morgan, Rich Hill, Muskingum; Cal- vin Morgan, Rich Hill, Muskingum; Roseman Cox, Rich Hill, Muskingum."
(Times, April 2, 1852.)
"On Monday last the following named persons left this place for Cali- fornia, by the overland route : W. K. Davis, wife and five children: Joseph Stoner, John Wharton, George W. Curtis, James Hammond, Francis Ham- mond, Israel Jackson, Charles Scott, James Cochran, John F. Ellis, James Pollard. All go in the employ of Messrs. Davis and Brown, who design driv- ing a large number of stock across the plains to California."
THE PENNYROYAL REUNION SOCIETY.
What has come to be a very interesting reunion in this county, is known as the Pennyroyal Reunion, which was organized and the first meeting held in 1880. The Guernsey Times of August 26th of that year speaks of its history as follows :
"For Pennyroyaldom, my friends, For Pennyroyaldom! We'll take the cup of kindness yet, For Pennyroyaldom!"
"The long anticipated Pennyroyal Reunion of the natives and former and present residents of Oxford township took place last week. The fol- lowing is a brief program of the proceedings :
"First day, Tuesday morning .- About ten o'clock President J. O. Grimes came forward and announced that the time had arrived for the com- mencement of the exercises, and, after prayer was offered by Rev. I. N. White, in the absence of Rev. Hugh Forsythe, he introduced Hon. Newell Kennon, who delivered a splendid address of welcome. He spoke feelingly and with much dramatic intensity of the early pioneer days, now buried in the past, recalled a number of interesting customs, detailed several reminis- cences, and succeeded in rousing the enthusiasm of those present. To his effective address, Rev. D. Paul, D. D., of New Concord, responded in an
(24)
370
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
energetic and affecting manner. Doctor Paul's marked style of oratory has often been noted and admired, but never were his powers used to better pur- pose than on this day. He succeeded in deeply impressing the audience gath- ered around the stand, all scions of old Pennyroyaldom, a manly, noble race indeed.
"President Grimes made a short but pleasing speech at this juncture, thanking the managers of the association for the high honor bestowed upon him in electing him to the presidency of a social reunion such as this. He felt honored above his brethren, and did not know why he had been singled out from others worthier and better fitted than himself. He spoke of the palmy days of the National pike, Oxford's only public improvement, and recommended further improvement of the roadway. The meeting was then adjourned for dinner, and a more joyful crowd of men and women never before picnicked in old Oxford. The spirit of reunion and happiness seemed to pervade the assembly, and five hundred happy people gathered under the forest trees, bringing up the memories of by-gone days, and diligently making away with the chickens and other 'fixin's' prepared for the occasion.
"Tuesday Afternoon .- Promptly at one-thirty o'clock the exercises were resumed, the crowd around the stand and through the grounds being greatly increased by this time, until there was an audience of fourteen or fifteen hun- dred, wild with enthusiasm and cheering vociferously. William Borton, Esq., was announced as first on the afternoon program, and delivered the 'History of Pennyroyaldom,' which is briefly as follows: In the early days, shortly after Ebenezer Zane had marked out what was known as Zane's Trace, com- pliant to his instructions from the government, the grandfather of the speaker, Benjamin Borton, emigrated to Oxford township. Here grew wild, in large quantities, the pennyroyal which he had learned to distill in his na- tive New Jersey. The pennyroyal plant is a native of North America, en- tirely differing from the plant of the same name which is indigenous to Eng- land, and possesses marked medicinal qualities. But the name Pennyroyal- dom, as applied to Oxford township, originated in a reply of the worthy citi- zen, Mr. Morris Morton, while commissioner of the county, to some complaint in reference to high taxes, 'that when everything else failed, we could go out and pull enough pennyroyal to pay them.' Out of this simple phrase rose Pennyroyaldom, which has Oxford township for its birth-ground.
"Mr. Borton told of various incidents connected with the early history of Guernsey county, and his remarks were received with an enthralled sil- ence which bespoke an interest much deeper than uproarious applause can evince.
371
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
"Music for the occasion was furnished by the Fairview Cornet Band, under the leadership of Prof. W. B. Lee, of Fredericktown, Ohio, and com- posed of twelve young Oxfordites: Charlie Giffie, Jolin Morton, Thomas Bratton, Simeon Rosengrant, Rufus Hunt, Nathan H. Barber, Charlie Ham- ilton, Charlie Gleeves, Edward Stevens, William H. Kesselring, Charlie Tillet and William Frost. They made good music, although they have had only two years' experience.
"Mr. Robert B. Buchanan, in a well-modulated voice, read an original poem on Pennyroyaldom, an exquisitely conceived roundelay, in fourteen verses, which covered the subject thoroughly, and left nothing to be desired. Never has so comprehensive a poem embraced a subject so vital as Penny- royalism. His charming delivery added much to the effect of his poetic ad- dress. Mr. John Kirkpatrick, secretary of the reunion, read letters of regret and greeting from those who by force of circumstances were kept away. The first letter submitted was from W. R. Wagstaff, Esq., of Paola, Kansas, once editor of the Jeffersonian. The next was from Henry Kennon, Esq., of Princeton, Illinois, brother of Probate Judge Kennon. This interesting epistle was followed by a letter from Dr. Stewart L. Henry, of New Orleans. The president introduced Rev. W. H. Morton, of Cincinnati, who made a few suitable remarks, at the close of which a beautiful selection fell upon the air, tastefully rendered by the band. Then rose Rev. Samuel Forbes, of Sloan's Station, Ohio, and his words were fraught with eloquence. After him came D. D. Taylor, who made a short, humorous speech, at the same time apologiz- ing for the absence of his brother, T. Corwin Taylor, of Washington, D. C. Following these exercises, a grand volume of melody burst from the throats of the 'Pennyroyal Choir,' led by Mr. E. C. Morton, singing 'Home, Sweet Home.' after which the band played again, and the crowd dispersed until nine-thirty o'clock the next morning.
"Second Day, Wednesday Morning .- For Wednesday morning a special business meeting had been announced, with the view to a permanent organi- zation of a 'Pennyroyal Society.' The following committee was chosen for the following year: W. H. Morton, Newell Kennon, J. D. Taylor, Joseph Ferrell and William Borton. Secretary Kirkpatrick read a letter from ex- Senator T. W. Tipton, of Brownsville, Nebraska, while the committee was deliberating. A poem of no second merit, by Mr. Jesse Craig Weir, of Cadiz. Ohio, was read by D. D. Taylor, who made an humorous explanation of Mr. Weir's inability to read his own production, 'on account of native modesty.' This was followed by a letter from John S. Taylor, of West Liberty, Iowa. There were numerous other speakers, among whom may be mentioned J. O.
372
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
Grimes, Rev. John Ables, Mr. Bethuel Ables, the first child born in Oxford township, and songs were sung, and the band played.
"In the afternoon, the speakers, among whom may be mentioned Col. John Ferguson, Mr. William Morton, Doctor Paul, Col. J. D. Taylor, N. H. Barber, Esq .. Hon. William Lawrence, of Washington, Rev. J. T. Camp- bell, of Hermon church, near Kimbolton, J. D. Henry, W. S. Heade, J. B. Borton and D. D. Taylor. The closing song was 'Sweet Bye and Bye,' which was joined in by all on the grounds in an imposing chorus. 'Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow,' and the benediction, pronounced by Rev. Mr. Hollister, concluded one of the most notable meetings ever held in Guernsey county."
These reunions have been held regularly to the present time and have been a source of great value to old and young. Here, as at old settlers' re- unions, the people gather from far and near and renew friendships. Many states have been represented at these gatherings. Many men of ability and rare talent have spoken on these occasions. Eloquent speeches and heart- touching poems have been written and rendered here. With the passing of the years the interest has lost none of its old-time vim, but grandchildren love to keep sacred the memory of their forefathers in this way. An eighty-page pamphlet souvenir of five of these reunions was published in 1885, giving many speeches and original poems on this unique reunion society. John Kirk- patrick was the publisher of this interesting booklet. For many years it has been a home-coming occasion.
A CURIOUS OLD PAPER.
Through the kindness of Bethuel Ables, Esq., of Oxford township, we are able to give below a copy of the indentures that bound him as an appren- tice to the blacksmithi trade, more than half a century ago. The story this paper tells of the customs, dress and requirements of that early day is an interesting one.
"This indenture, made this twenty-third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two, Witnesseth :
"That Bethuel Ables, of Guernsey county and State of Ohio, by and with the consent of his parent, John Ables, hath put himself an apprentice to David Johnson, of the county and State aforesaid, to learn the art and mystery of the blacksmith business in all the parts that the said Johnson follows, for the term of five years, which term commences on the day and date above written (the said Bethuel being aged sixteen years the 16th instant of October)
373
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
and end the twenty-third day of October, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, during which term the said Bethuel Ables the said Johnson shall faithfully serve in all lawful business according to his power, wit and ability as a dutiful apprentice ought to do. The said Bethuel is not to follow any kind of gambling, nor waste his master's goods, his secrets keep, and all lawful commands everywhere readily obey. Said John- son is to teach and cause to be taught the said Bethuel the art and mystery of the blacksmith business in all the various parts that the said Johnson fol- lows, according to their ability in teaching and being taught, and find the said Bethttel in all wearing clothes, bedding and boarding and washing suitable for an apprentice during said term; also to get him the said Bethuel one coat, vest-coat and pantaloons of factory cotton when he arrives at the age of eighteen, and at the expiration of said term said Bethuel is to have one bel- lows, one anvil, and one vise, and the liberty of the shop to make such small tools as is necessary to start a shop with, also during said term said John- son is to give said Bethuel six months schooling. For the true and faithful fulfillment of the above engagements we have each of us set our hands and seals the day and date above written.
"Attest :
Abraham Anderson. "David Johnson, (seal) "Bethuel Ables, (seal)
James Starr.
"John Ables, (seal)"
-From Jeffersonian, February, 1880.
EARLY HIGHWAY ROBBERY.
What is always referred to as the "Taylor Robbery" was committed in 1819 when John Taylor, a wholesale merchant of Baltimore, Maryland, in the fall of the year, was out on a soliciting and collecting tour through the West. On his return journey East, carrying with him quite a large sum of money, he stayed over night at the Black Bear tavern of Gen. Simon Beymer, in Washington, this county. At this time Andrew Moore was keeping the old tavern at "Smithstown," six miles east of Washington, on the old Wheeling road. Mr. Taylor had been a frequent guest at the Moore house. Two of the Moore girls were visiting at the Beymer's and there met Mr. Taylor, who told them that he would be at their house the next day for dinner. The girls returned home early the next morning on horseback. Three miles east of Washington they passed three men seated on the roadside, in a timber belt known then and afterward as "Hubbard's woods." On reaching home the Moore girls gave the information that they had met Mr. Taylor at Beymer's,
37.4
GUERNSEY COUNTY, OHIO.
and that he would be there for dinner. As he had been a guest before, the girls made some extra preparation for him at dinner. Dinner time came and passed, and night came and no Mr. Taylor yet. After late bedtime he came to the house. He was admitted and acted so very different from his accus- tomed frank and jovial manner, that Moore thought he was laboring under a slight aberration of mind. He refused to tell where he had been or why he had not been there for dinner. He seemd to be alarmed and weighted down by a great mental strain. Moore kept insisting on his accounting for his strange action, until he said that he was bound under an oath not to tell what had caused his present condition. Moore still insisted that he should tell, and that a promise or an oath to keep secret what had happened to him was not binding. After much hesitation he told substantially the following: "As I was riding along about three miles from Washington, I was halted by three men who demanded my money, and taking my horse by the bridle led him off the road some distance, and swearing that if I undertook to get off they would kill me. I was taken off the horse and tied to a tree. They took my money out of the saddlebags and divided it. They did not seem in a hurry to get away and swore vengeance on me if I made any outcry. Two of the men were for killing me and the horse as they did not want the horse. But the other objected and said I should be left tied and the horse turned loose. We were down in a deep hollow and it was getting dark. All this time I was tied to the tree, my back against the tree, my arms tied around it. At last they determined to leave and started off. I then made an appeal to not be left there alone to die. One of them came back and untied my hands, after I had made a promise that I would never tell that I had been robbed.
"He also made me promise that I would remain an hour after they left. When it seemed to me the hour was up I made a move toward the horse, which was tied near by. They had not left, and came to me, swearing they would kill me, 'that dead men told no tales.' This so alarmed me that I sank down to the ground overcome with fear. When I regained my senses, I groped my way to the horse, and with much difficulty got to the road." When Andrew Moore heard this story he at once gave the information to his son, Robert B. Moore, who at once started to Washington and Cambridge to start out a party to catch the robbers. Three squads were made up under the leadership of General Moore, Colonel Beymer and Colonel Beatty. They came to the conclusion that Taylor had been followed from the West and that the men would take the back track. General Moore and Colonel Beatty started for Coshocton taking different roads, Colonel Beymer starting for Zanesville. In the evening of the second day they were overtaken by the
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