History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 33

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 33

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).

We pray, guid sirs, that, while in session, Ye frae this act, make no digression, May this guid year. be as the last. That we for mutton, may nae fast.

* * We'll leave the wool to make you hose That you your feet and legs may swaddle While to the Capital you paddle. There, warm all winter, may you sit And every day three dollars get Though people growl at your high wages And eall you fools instead of sages ; Though vexed at heart, they fall to fretting Because we praise their sheep by eating. Yet never mind, while so it follows We get the sheep, and you the dollars.

This poetic (?) scalping seems to have had its influence. At any rate, a few weeks later a bounty of $3 was offered by law for each scalp of a full-grown wolf.

From the following contemporary report there seem to have been plenty of squirrels in Barlow in 1822:

"At a Squirrel Hunt in Barlow, a few days

since, at which about twenty men were en- gaged on a side, under the command of Cap- tain Woodruff and Pond, an indiscriminate slaughter took place and four thousand two hundred and sixteen squirrels were slain. They appear to have been on the line of march from the West toward the East, and like all other armies, when necessity required, would quarter on the inhabitants of the country through which they were passing. Corn-fields are suffering much from their ravages. The Muskingum and Ohio Rivers do not stop their course. If ferries and bridges do not afford them free passage, they do not hesitate to plunge in and swim across. Although many of them have passed near our office, some climbed over it, and some have actually entered it. We have not been able to ascertain their point of destination."

WOOL AND WOLVES.

1828 .-

"The demand for wool in this county, since | the shearing. has been great and the prices good ; instead of manufacturing it, as has been practiced for several years past, the wool growers have sold it for cash down, and have perhaps realized more than in any one season for a number of years past, by working it to the best advantage they possibly could. We do not know the quantity that has been bought up, but there are but few who have retained much for their own use. The prices given for wool, it is hoped, will induce the farmer to turn his attention to the rearing of sheep in greater numbers, and whether the present prices continue or not, they will always be found to be a source of profit.

"To preserve sheep from destruction by wolves, a find was raised about a year ago, by private subscription, offering a bounty on wolves' scalps ; the money paid in has all been expended, and nine scalps, old and young, above those paid for, have been proved and presented for payment. We mention this that sheep-holders may be aware of the state of the wolf fund, and, if they are disposed, to take measures for increasing it."

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

1830 .---

"We have been informed by some of our most respectable agriculturists in the county, and those who have made exertions to raise large flocks of sheep, that, for six or seven years they have been troubled but little by wolves and that they had entertained strong hopes. as the country had become thickly set- tled, that these voracious animals would not again trouble them ; they have, however, within a year or eighteen months past suffered con- siderable by the visits of these destroyers- many sheep have been killed by them, and it requires the greatest care to secure their re- spective flocks from the reach of these animals. In order to effect the destruction of these an- imals, we are requested to state that in addi- tion to the bounties now given on wolf scalps by the State and county, a fund is creating. a part of which has been paid into the county treasury, to give five dollars for each old wolf scalp-for each young wolf under six months, if killed alone, one dollar-if one young and one old together, two dollars for each young wolf scalp ;- if one young and two old wolves together, three dollars for the young wolf scalp :- to be killed within the Counties of Washington and Morgan, or if started therein and pursued out of these coun- ties, east of the Muskingum River. By this additional bounty each old wolf scalp will be worth about $IO."

1830 .-

"The wolves having begun to kill sheep along the easterly side of the Muskingum river, many of the sheep owners, and others, believe, that if sufficient encouragement, a little exer- tion and perseverance by all interested, espe- cially those who have the art, and are experi- enced in catching wolves, they may soon be destroyed or drove from this section of the country, lying east of the Muskingum, in the counties of Washington and Morgan, which is supposed to be their habitual and daily range from North to South. With views to this effect, it is proposed to contribute them- selves, and persons will be authorized in each

township to ask the assistance of the inhabi- tants generally. The money will be deposited in the county treasury, and paid out to persons killing wolves upon the same evidence which is necessary to obtain the State bounty.

It is proposed to give in addition to the State bounty,

For every grown Wolf, ten dollars. For every sucking Whelp, one dollar,

If weaned and under six months, two dollars,

But if the slutt is taken at the same time, one dollar more in addition for each whelp.

"Signed by

"William R. Putnam, P. P. Putnam, Francis Devol, Joseph Barker, Benjamin Dana, Joseph Barker, Jr., William Dana, Enoch Rector."

December 18, 1830 .-

"David DeLong received Sio of the money deposited with the county treasurer ( raised by subscription, for the purpose of giving a bounty on wolf scalps .) for killing an old slut wolf in Salem township on the 13th instant."

November 10, 1821 .-

"Within the last six months, 600 heavy road wagons arrived at Wheeling, loaded with merchandise from the eastward."

In 1822 it is said that wool had been trans- ported from New Jersey to Steubenville to be manufactured into cloth, and that the cloth had been re-transported to the East.

November 9, 1821 .-

"Our farmers will perceive from an article under the New York date that there is a pros- pect of a demand from Europe for their flour. This news will be joyfully received-and if the demand should continue, as there is every reas- on to believe it will, the community will soon be relieved from the pecuniary distress which they have so long labored under.

"Flour is quoted in New York at $8 a bar- rel."

December 6, 1828 .-

"For three months past flour and wheat

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

have commanded higher prices in the United States than for many years. It has been sold in Baltimore as high as $9.50 per barrel, the price, however, is fluctuating; the latest ac- count we have seen says it was selling at $7.25. The cause of the rise in flour is said to be the shortness of crops in England and other countries in Europe, and the opening of their ports for the admission of bread stuffs. We are heartily glad that our farmers can real- ize a price for their wheat something like an equivalent for its real value-but whether the present price will continue is doubtful ; we fear it will not. Flour is selling at Zanesville and Marietta at $5 per barrel."

1823 .-

"Number of sheep killed within the past year by wolves :

Belpre Tp 24

Newport Tp 24

Wooster Tp 18

"Capt. Daniel Green left Marietta, March 21, 1823, with two flat boats loaded with flour and arrived at New Orleans April 12. The voyage is mentioned as one of great dis- patch.' "

October, 1824 .-

"Steam Coach .- Mr. S. T. Conn of Vir- ginia announces that he has made an improve- ment in the application of steam, which, from its small dimensions and the concentration of power in the generator, gives a certain assur- ance of enabling him to propel carriages on any turnpike or other road which has no uncom- mon obstruction."

PHENOMENA.

July 15, 1824 .-

"Earthquake .- At 17 minutes past II o'clock, this day, while we were engaged in working off our papers, we experienced a shock of an earthquake, for a few seconds, at- tended with a noise something like distant thunder, which appeared to come from the east, and proceeded to the west, and could be dis-

tinctly heard some time after the shock ceased. The shock was violent while it lasted. The oscillation appeared to be two or three inches."

Clarksburg Intelligencer, October 7,

1824 .- "Something Curious .- Within 200 yards from the road leading from Clarksburg up Elk Creek to Booth's ferry, and within five miles from the latter place, on the premises of David Hall, a company has been engaged for some time at intervals in boring for salt. At the depth of about 180 feet they opened a strong vein of wind, which instantly found vent at the top of the well in a tremendous roaring and spouting of water, throwing up perpendicular columns of that element to the distance of 50 feet. For some distance round this perpendicular shoot of water, plays an imperceptible gas or vapor so very inflammable as instantly to take fire whenever that element comes in contact with it."

1829 .-

** Locusts .- This section of our country is swarming with locusts. In our immediate vi- cinity the trees are full of them, especially the apple and peach orchards, which have been very much injured by their perforating the small limbs and twigs to deposit their eggs. In each hole are deposited a large number-as many as 40 or 50. On the peach trees many small limbs have been broken by the weight of the young peaches, at the holes made by them. It is, as we believe. 17 years since the locusts made their appearance in such abundance as the present season."

GENERAL LA FAYETTE.

Marietta, Friday, May 27, 1825 .-

"On Monday last, about nine o'clock, A. M., the Steam Boat 'Herald.' hove in sight of town, between two and three miles distant, and fired a gum, which was supposed to be a signal that General La Fayette was on board; as she

NOTE .-. Locusts have been especially abundant in this vicinity in 1846. 1863, 1880 and in 1897. They certainly have appeared in those years in far greater numbers than at any other time.

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approached the name of 'General La Fayette' appeared in large letters and placed all doubts aside. No preparation had been previously made for his reception, in consequence of its being generally believed that he would travel through the interior of the State. The Gen- eral, however, landed and was escorted to the beautiful mansion of Nahum Ward, Esq. ( with whom he had become acquainted in Paris ). where he continued about an hour, and received all those who chose to call on him. The news of his arrival was announced by the discharge of cannon, and the citizens began to flock around him, all eager to seize his hand and welcome them a few patriots of the Revolution paid him their respects, whose hands, when once he grasped them, he seemed unwilling to relin- quish, and whose interviews were very feeling in themselves, and rendered the scene very in- teresting to younger classes. After being in- troduced generally to the citizens-and to the ladies who flocked to the place to 'see and welcome a veteran, -he informed them that he was sorry to part with them so soon, and was again escorted by a large concourse of people to the beach, from whence he embarked on board the 'Herald,' and took his departure for Wheeling amidst the acclamations and cheers of the people and the roaring of can- non."

STEAMBOAT BUILDING.

March 22, 1822 .-

"It is with pleasure we announce that Mr. John Green has commenced building a Steam Boat in this place. The enterprise of this gen- tleman, in his individual undertaking, deserves the applause and encouragement of the pub- lic. We understand the Steam Boat is to car- ry about 100 tons.'

This boat was launched in May, 1822, and at that time its name "Rufus Putnam" was announced. In July she made the trip from Marietta to Wheeling in 1612 hours, surpass- ing all predecessors by nearly two hours. In 1822 first appears a weekly notice of the steam- boats passing Marietta.

1823 .-

"The Steam Boat "Mechanic' belonging to the Marietta Steam Boat Company, built on the Little Muskingum River, was safely launched into her destined element on the morning of Saturday last (March 22. 1823) about one o'clock. The boat is built of excellent mater- ials, well put together and of a very handsome model, 100 feet keel, and is designed to be fin- ished in a handsome and convenient manner for the accommodation of passengers. She will probably be ready to stem the torrent by the ist of June."

This boat went from Marietta to Wheeling him to the soil he so nobly defended-among in 15 running hours.

June 10, 1824 .-

"On the 7th inst., at nine o'clock .A. M. was launched from the shipyard of James Whitney, Esq., on Point Harmar in this Town, the beautiful Steam Boat 'Red River." She was built by Mr. Whitney on contract for Capt. John R. Kimbal of Orleans.

"The 'Red River' is 150 tons, 115 feet long. 20 feet beam. Timbers, locust and ce- dar."

January, 1826 .-

"On the 14th inst., was launched from the ship yard of James Whitney. Esq., in this town the two beautiful Steam Boats, the 'Coosa' and 'Warrior. They were launched sideways and reached the water without the least ma- terial injury. The 'Coosa' measures 180 tons, the 'Warrior.' 115. They were built on con- tract by Mr. Whitney and Stone, in Mr. Whit- ney's usual style and very much to the satisfac- tion of the contractors ( Capt. J. W. Bryne and Capt. Benj. Horner ). They are destined to run, the 'Cooso' on the Alabama, the 'Warrior' on the Tombigbee and will be in readiness to depart in a few days.

"We are pleased to learn that Messrs. Phil- lips and Carroll, of Steubenville, have decided on establishing a foundry in this Town, to go into operation early in the ensuing year.

"From the acknowledged mechanical tal- ! ents of these gentlemen for Steam Boat build-

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

ing and the local advantages this Town pos- sesses over Towns higher up the river, for Shipbuilding and particularly for Steam Boat building we trust, contractors will find it for their interest in future to build at this place."

August 30, 1820 .-

"There are now on the docks, and in the state of forwardness, in this town and vicinity. four steamboats, which for workmanship and materials will compare with any building on the Western waters.

"Two of the above mentioned boats are building by James Whitney, Esq., at his yard on the bank of the Muskingum-

"One on the bank of the Ohio, just below town, by Messrs. Drown, Olney. Parker and Thompson, all of whom are mechanics of the first order in their profession. She is about 180 tons burthen, of a fine model, and the ma- terials of which she is built are of the most durable kind: she is built in so convenient a situation that she can be launched at the lowest stage of the river. We learn that the above company intend to continue the business of steamboat building at this advantageous site.

"One on the bank of the Little Muskingum River by Mr. John Mitchell. We are informed she is a large boat and designed for the lower trade, built of excellent materials and well put together. All of which are in a state of for- wardness and can be made ready to launch on a short notice. We wish them success cor- responding with their enterprise and exer- tions."

Marietta, January 7. 1830 .-

"The Steamboat 'Atlantic.'-This splendid steamboat. from the shipyard of our worthy and enterprising citizen, James Whitney. Esq .. under whose immediate and attentive eye she was built, had her keel laid in June-her tim- bers, moulded out of the finest seasoned yel- low locust, set up, planked and fully prepared for her native element by the 20th of Novem- ber-when she went off her stocks in a style of beauty and splendor equal to any of her sister- hood on the seaboard, amid the shouts and

huzzas of an admiring multitude ; and when the waves had ceased their salutation she was as beautiful as a swan, resting less than three feet in the water. Since that period she has been finished with materials of the best kind, and in a manner which does no small credit to our industrious mechanics, for neatness and taste of finish. Her cabins, staterooms, and prom- enades are spacious and noble ; worthy of her commander, Captain Ryan, who gave un- wearied attention to her. She has a run of I70 feet on deck, 28 feet beam, 914 feet hold,

with guards 10 feet wide-and is 430 tons. Her engine is of superior order-mighty in power-having eight 22-foot boilers. She was built for Mr. Beech, Jeffersonville, Indi- ana, and took her departure from this place, descending, on the 5th : and is, unquestionably, one of the best boats ever built in America- and as such we have the honor to commend her to the notice of our brethren in the valley of the Ohio and Mississippi."

THE FIRST STEAMBOAT UP THE MUSKINGUM.

Marietta Gazette, January 15. 1824 .-

"On Friday morning (January 9, 1825), the steamboat 'Rufus Putnam' left this place upon a stage of water favorable to the inten- tion of the commander with freight and a large number of passengers and ascended the Muskingum River as far as Zanesville. The current of the river is much stronger than that of the Ohio, but she was able to stem it with ease.

"She returned to this place on Tuesday evening last, without accident, evincing the practicability of navigating this river, a portion of the year, by steamboats of 100 tons. . After discharging her freight and passengers, she left here for Cincinnati yesterday morning.

"Thus a steamboat has performed a trip up the Muskingum, hitherto thought impracti- cable by those unacquainted with the power of steam engines."

NAVIGATION OF THE MUSKINGUM. November 26, 1819 .- "A petition is about to be presented to the

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

next Legislature of Ohio ( says the Zanesville Express ) praying for the passage of a law au- thorizing the removal of all obstructions in the Muskingum River from this place to its mouth. Some day, not far distant, it may enable us to see the triumphant genius of Fulton receiving its tribute upon the waters of the Muskingum.

The value of the produce sent down the Muskingum from Zanesville in boats at the time of the spring freshet in 1820 was esti- mated at $62.070. This includes 4,884 barrels of flour, 1,055 barrels of pork and 169 barrels of whiskey.

April 29. 1825 .-

"The Muskingum from its mouth to that point ( where the proposed canal is to cross ) is already navigable for loaded keel-boats nearly the whole year-and by a few dams and locks between Marietta and Zanesville, at a compar- atively trifling expense, may be made to answer all the purposes of a canal, during the whoje year. This being practicable, it is evident that this section of country and this town es- pecially, will be immediately benefited. It is hoped the attention of our citizens will be turned to this subject, as one in which they are all concerned."

July 8, 1825 .-

"There is no doubt but the Muskingum may be made navigable at all seasons at com- paratively moderate expense. Thus would a connection be formed between the Chesapeake and Ohio, and the Erie and Ohio Canals- making a complete chain to the lakes. The navigation of the Ohio is impeded by low wa- ter between Marietta and Pittsburgh much more than it is below."

July 25. 1825 .-

"Chesapeake and Ohio Canal .- The citi- zens of the County of Washington are request- ed to meet at the Court House in Marietta on Monday the Ist day of August next. at 4 o'clock P. M. to consult on measures for ob- taining a survey, to ascertain the practicability of bringing the proposed canal for connecting

the waters of the Potomac with those of the Ohio, to unite with the latter river near the mouth of the Muskingum."

1 220 -

At a meeting of a winter fre Quan- of the County of Washington, convened at the Court House in Marietta on the ist day of August. in pursuance of public netice given in the Marietta Garette, "To consult upon measures for obtaining a survey to ascertain the practicability of bringing the proposed Canal for con- necting the waters of the Potomac, with those of the Oho, to unite with the latter river near the mouth of the Muskingum." Ichabod Nye, was chosen chairman, and James M. Booth, secretary,

Resolved unan meu ly. "That John P. Mayberry. Dudley Woodbridge and Joseph Barker. Esqrs. be a committee of correspondence to co-operate with the peo- ple of Harrison County. Virgina, and others for the purpose of dning a survey to ascertain the practi- allity of extending the proposed Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to the Ohio River by way of the waters of the Little Kenhawa or Middle Island. And to take such measures to obtam that object as they shall deem ex- pedient."

Res lord, "That the proceedings of this Meeting be published in the In erieun Friend & Marietta Gazette." The meeting then adjourned sine die.

Attest.

ICHABOD N'YE, Chairman, JAMES M. BOOTH, Seey.

NOTICE.

Marietta October 23. 18-7 .-

A petition will be presented to the next General Assembly of Ohio, for the passage of an act to incorpor- ate a company with authority to raise by subscription the necessary funds to improve the navigation of the Muskingum river, by dams and locks for the passage of steamboats from Marietta (at the mouth of the Muskingum) to the point where the Ohio Canal con- nect- with the Muskingum River near the town of Dresden.

MANY CITIZENS.

NAVIGATION OF THIE OHIO.

1826 .-

"During the last month a fund was raised by the citizens of this town for the purpose of improving the navigation of the river north- west of the island above this place, which has become so obstructed by logs and sand bars that it was impracticable, in low water, for boats to pass. It is with pleasure we state for the information of those concerned in boating, that the attempt of clearing the river of these obstructions has succeeded. equal to the wishes of those who generously made do-

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IIISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

nations for that purpose-and that, since the logs from the head to the foot of the island have been removed, the channel has greatly improved, and a passage for boats is rendered safe and easy."

THE TOWN IN 1820.

March 23. 1826 .-

"To many our anticipations of the future growth of Marietta may appear absurd and visionary. Yet the importance and natural advantages of its situation are generally al- lowed. But the want of rich lands, such as those within the reach of business in Cincin- nati, will prevent, as some suppose, any ex- tensive growth of this town. It is allowed that the Miami country possesses generally better lands than those in this and the neigh- boring counties. But the difference is far less than the general estimate. It is supposed that with the exception of our bottom lands, we have not much that is worth cultivating. But a minute survey of this county would present many excellent and profitable farms among the hills.

The hill lands have been held in unreasona- bly low estimation among ourselves. It is true we have a considerable portion of rough lands and of poor land, so called .. Rough lands, however, suffice well for pasture-and there are few tracts of sufficient size for a farm, which do not afford a tolerable propor- tion so level as to admit of comfortable till- age. But it has been said our hills are poor. Comparatively they may be-but not so poor but that they will bear good crops of wheat- nay of Indian corn-with judicious cultiva- tion. The truth is, that-although not many. perhaps, have emigrated to this county in the hope of finding fat pigs, ready roasted, &c., and that ready-made clothes, well washed and ironed, were to be found on the bushes, all gratis-yet too many have come with notions too nearly allied to the foregoing; and were awfully disappointed to find that here, as else- where, man must earn his bread by the sweat of his brow-in short, that the country was

so far from being the counterpart of the Gar- den of Eden, that much toil must be endured in order to subject it to the use of man. Even our rich bottom lands are but illy calculated to satisfy the wild expectations of many emi- grants. Experience has proved that our hill lands are susceptible of profitable cultivation. | One difficulty experienced in this part of the country has been-that the owners of the Ohio Company lands, living in different and distant places, or entertaining an extravagant opinion of the value of their lands, were not in a situ- ation, or not disposed, to sell. There are many tracts which would have been settled long ago, if they could have been purchased. This difficulty is now, in a great measure, sur- mounted. If the cultivation of tobacco should become extensive, most of our cultivated lands will be brought into profitable use- the rais- ing of sheep will succeed, and the growth of the town will be correspondent with that of the country.

"The Grand Ohio Canal will contribute es- sentially to the prosperity of Marietta. The improvement of the Muskingum River, by slack water navigation or otherwise, will un- doubtedly be effected. It will be strange in- deed if interesting results do not accrue to this place.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 33

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490