History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 34

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 34

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"There is no place on the western waters more favorable for building steam boats than Marietta. When the proposed foundry shall have been established, we doubt whether any other place shall enjoy equal advantages.

"Formerly the county of Washington sup- plied many articles to her neighbors; now we are sorry to say it-we buy a great portion of our flour from abroad. A steam mill is to be erected by Greene & Dodge, which we trust will stimulate our farmers to raise wheat enough, not only to supply our own wants, but to send abroad.

"A woolen factory, and many other manu- factories, we trust, will follow in due time."

MARKETING.

1826 .-

"To ascertain the prosperity of a country,

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in the vicinity of a town and of the town itself, one good rule for a stranger to pursue is to go to the Market Houses, on a market morning. and view the variety and quality of the produc- tions of the country, exposed for sale by the farmer, and the avidity with which these pro- ductions are purchased by the citizens of the town for home consumption.

"In places of any magnitude, one, among the first and most important regulations of a Corporation, is that of marketing, which, if governed by wholesome rules, carried rigor- ously into effect, produces a source of greatest convenience to the town and profit to the coun- try; it gives every citizen an opportunity of furnishing his family, for a given time, with provisions, and prevents monopoly, on one side-and, the seller, a time and place. to vend his articles with ease and advantage, on the other.

"In Marietta. although there is at present no regular marketing observed, no laws on that subject enforced. we believe that there are a sufficient number of inhabitants within the town to encourage an attempt. If the law regulating the Market' is once put into oper- ation, the convenience to the town and profit to the country will be sufficient alone to guar- anty its continuance. By putting the market law into rigorous execution, making it general- ly known. and holding out a little encourage- ment, few will be found possessing even a dis- position to transgress, and our market will abound with all the necessary articles for fami- ly consumption, and will, with the aid of the Agricultural Society, excite an emulation to excel in the quality of provisions -- and Soon put an end to the practice of running from door to door to beg the sale of the most ordinary productions of the country.

"Much might be said on this subject, but believing the citizens of the town capable of judging on the propriety of it for themselves. we shall be satisfied for the present . with mere- ly giving the above hints and requesting the attention of the Town Council to the subject."

MINISTERIAL LANDS.

Some of the colonies had an established church even after the Revolution. Ilence it did not seem strange to our fathers that in the deed made to the Ohio Company of Asso- ciates by the Board of Treasury for the United States, Section 20 in. each township was re- served "to be appropriated for the purposes of religion." We fear this pious forethought now causes much more profanity than preach- ing in the tracts thus reserved. It happens that many city lots of Marietta lie within what is popularly known as the "ministerial section." The "owners" of the lots hold their land under a lease, the total ground-rent of which amounts to about $800 a year. This sum is annually distributed among the churches of the town- ship in proportion to the adult membership. In one township the ministerial section was soll many years ago at 25 cents an acre and the proceeds were placed on interest. Hence the churches of that township receive state sup- port to the extent of $9.60, but, as the distribu- tion is troublesome, it is not attempted oftener than once in three years. Some townships have fortunately neglected to husband their funds and the rent "for the purposes of reli- gion" is no longer collected. It would be in the interest of "religion and morality" if the other townships could be guilty of the same wise neglect, and thus suffer to relapse, under the statute of limitations, a claim which no longer serves any useful purpose.

As early as 1820 an effort was made to throw off this burden from the land in Mari- etta but the only result has been the permis- sien given to obtain release by paying to the "Ministerial Trustees" a sum of money whose interest at six per cent. would equal the minis- terial rent.

September 6. 1826 .-

"It is hoped that the meeting notified for this evening, on the subject of Ministerial Lands,' will be duily attended. It is consid-

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ered that existence of this kind of tenure, cov- ering a great portion of the Town Plat, is very injurious to the interests and growth of the town. Many persons from abroad, it is be- lieved, have been deterred from purchasing and making valuable improvements, because they could not obtain the right of soil. It is un- pleasant to be called on yearly to pay a never- ending rent. It is not less unpleasant to ap- prehend that, after all, the present arrangement is liable to be broken up and a worse one sub- stituted. Congress reserved Section 29, in each township of the purchase, to be given for religious purposes-we will thank anyone to show when, where, and to whom they have given it. The power of the Ohio Legislature to exercise any jurisdiction over it is doubtful. It is therefore desirable that Congress may be induced to authorize our Legislature, in an equitable manner, to sell the ministerial lands as they have already done the school lands. The proceeds can then be funded hy the State. the interest paid and divided yearly, and the yearly costs of collection and management be saved. We believe it is a general sentiment that the original donation creates more harm than good in relation to the object it was in- tended to promote. We suppose, however, it cannot be lawfully diverted to any other pub- lic object. We do not expect it will. But the course proposed, we are satisfied, would essen- tially promote the interest of the fund as well as of the town and all concerned."

WASHINGTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

1826 .-

The undersigned -- having been appoined a :commit- tee to make arrangements for the annual exhibition of the Washington County Agricultural Society, of the Third Wednesday of October next-now gives notice. that Pens will be provided for all the animals on which premiums have been offered. also, provision for the same free of expense .- There will be. on that day, an address, and a dinner suited to the occasion. The order of the day will be published after the 20th of September; in the meantime, and previous to the 13th of September, it is earnestly requested that the citizens of our county who have not become members of the Society, but have it in contemplation to give countenance and support to it. that they call at the store of Col. Mills, who is Treasurer of the Society, and pay him two dol-

lars. the sum required for admission, and place their names on the Constitution.

Our prospects as a Society are flattering, and will, with the countenance and support of the public. have a very beneficial effect upon the interest of every class in the community.

SAMUEL P. HILDRETH, JOHN MILLS, NAHUM WARD. Committee of Arrangements.

September 20, 1826 .-

"The Agricultural Society of Washing- ton County will meet in the lower room of the Court House in Marietta, on the third Wed- nesday of October next, being the 18th, at 10 o'clock, A. M .. for the admission of members, and for the transaction of business.

"At 11 A. M., the Society will form pro- cession at the Court House, under Col. A. T. N've, as marshal of the day, and, with music, proceed to the First Society's Meeting House, where the Throne of Grace will be addressed by the Rev. Mr. Bingham, and an address to the society by the President, Joseph Barker, Jr., Esq. At 12 o'clock will commence the in- spection of the Stock, &c. &c. The several committees will report to the Society, to whom the premiums are to be awarded, in the Court Room, at 2 P. M .. immediately after which the Society, with such guests as may be invited, will partake of a dinner prepared for the occasion, if fair. in the avenue of Mr. Ward's Locust Walk; if not fair, in the avenue of the Court House.

"The Committee of Arrangements will see that provision for all the Stock is ready, free of expense,-Pens for the stock will be pre- pared in the square back of the Market House. The Butter and Cheese, will, without doubt be presented in the best order, labeled with the maker's name, and deposited in the front room of the building opposite Col. Mill's House.

"The Butter and Cheese, which takes the premium on that day can be exchanged for cash at the highest market price-and no doubt all the butter and cheese of good quali- ty, offered for the premium on that day, will meet with ready sale.

"The Committee of Arrangements are pleased to make known, that any new and use-

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ful implements of husbandry, or improve- ments on those now in use, or of Domestic Manufacture, Linen, Flannel, Carpeting, &c., &c., and the rare and extraordinary produc- tions of the soil, which have not been named a premium, will most cheerfully and heartily be received at the room where the Butter and Cheese is deposited, and will be taken care of, and exhibited to the Society on that day.

"The fruits of the soil that may be pre- sented to the table on that day will beg rate- fully accepted.

"We are constrained to renew our request that our fellow citizens will come forth on that day and give countenance and support to the attempt we are now making for an improve- ment in our agricultural concerns : every class in the community is interested ; and although highly flattered with the assurances of support, we cannot but urge every member to attend on that day with as many new recruits as have an interest in the welfare of the Society.

"NAHUM WARD, "S. P. HILDRETII. "JOHN MILLS, "Committee on Arrangements."

MARIETTA FAIR. [The First.]

October 25, 1826 .-

"Cattle Show and Exhibition of Manufac- turers, by the Washington County Agricul- tural Society.

"The undersigned were appointed a com- mittee to make public the proceedings of the Society on the 18th instant : a day which was propitious, in every respect, to the best wishes of the members of the Society. The day was fine-the early morn was ushered in by the lowing of cattle, the neighing of horses and bleating of lambs. Our citizen Farmers were numerous with us at an early hour, and we were honored with the company of gentlemen from the adjoining counties and from Vir- ginia.

"This being the first attempt at an exhibi- tion of this kind in this county, and not know-

ing what calculations to make, hardly upon any point, allowance will be made-we anticipate herafter better things,-nevertheless, the So- ciety have great satisfaction in the exhibition generally, of what was offered for premium, and also for the generous displays of articles not offered for premium.

"At 10 o'clock .A. M. the Society met in the Court Room, and received a handsome acces- sion in numbers-elected the officers for the ensuing year : at HI the procession was formed under Capt. F. Devol, as marshal of the day, and with music preceding marched to the church fronting the common, where we had music, prayers, and an address by the Presi- dent. Joseph Barker, Jr., Esq., which was cor- dially received.

"More time having been taken up in ex- amining the Stock, &c., &c., than was antici- pated, the company sat down to an excellent dinner at :3 P. M .- At 4, the Society repaired to the Court Room when the several commit- tees. by their several chairmen, announced to whom the premiums had been awarded-and who were requested by the President to come forward to the Treasurer, sitting at the table, and take their cash.

"The scene was truly interesting, and such as made a deep impression on the mind of everyone present of the beneficial effect of a society of this kind, fostered by the citizens generally, and properly conducted in a country even as young as ours.

"The season being reasonably dry, the pro- ducts of the soil are light.

"The Premiums were awarded as follows :

To Pascal P. Putnam, of Union, $ro for the best Merino ram.

To John Stone, of Belpre. $1 for the second best. To Benjamin Dana, of Waterford, $5 for the best Merino ewe.

To Henry Fearing, of Marietta, ȘI for the second best.

To P. P Putnam, of Union, Sto for the best ten Merino lambs. To Benjamin Dana, of Waterford. $1 for second best.

To Levi Oden, of Waterord. Sto for destroying the greatest number of wolves.

To John Handlin, the sum of $5 for having de- I -troyed the next greatest number.

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

To Charles Tidd, of Grandview, the sum of $20 for his horse. Rockinghain, the best stud kept in the county the last season.

To George Henderson, $1 for second best. To - MeAtee, of Waterford, $io for the best colt under three years of age.

To J. P. Mayberry, of Marietta, $io for the best brood mare and sucking colt.

To Thomas Seely, of Waterford, $2 for the next best mare and colt.

To John P. Mayberry, SI for the second best colt under three years.

l'o Charles Fuller, $to for the best bull under four years.

To F. Battelle, of Newport, $1 second best.

To John Stone, of Belpre, $io for the best cow.

To William R. Putnam, of Marietta, $Io for the best yoke of working oxen.

To Ebenezer Gates, of Marietta, $1 for second best. To Joseph Barker, Jr., of Newport, $5 for the best calf.

To Samuel Brown, of Warren, $6 for the largest hog. supposed to weigh about 600.

To George Dana, of Belpre, ȘI for the second larg- est.

To john Stone, of Belpre, one of Winan's Patent Ploughs, of the value of $to, for the greatest crop of corn.

To Stephan Dana, of Newport, $8 for the largest quantity of potatoes to the acre.

"The committee on sheep reported that the specimens of the various flocks exhibited great enterprise and attention ; the sheep generally were excellent-they had no small difficulty in selecting for premiums.

"The committee on Butter and Cheese re- ported the premium of $5 to Smithson for the best butter; to Mrs. Middleswart, $2 for the second best. Mr. Manby's and Mr. Lake's were very good. William Dana, of Newport, received the premium of $5 on the best cheese. Samuel Beech of Waterford, $2 for the second best. O. R. Loring. William R. Putnam and M. Mills, all of Belpre. ex- hibited excellent cheese.

"Mrs. William R. Putnam sent a beau- tiful specimen of linen, for which a small pre- mini was awarded. Miss Harriet Brown, of Waterford, sent also a small specimen of very handsome linen, for which a small pre- mium was awarded.

"Handsome specimens of cotton and indigo were presented by John Morris ( colored man) of this town, for which a small premium was awarded.

"Specimens of leather, in fine order, were exhibited by Messrs. Dodge & Crawford,-and by Otis Wheeler, also by James Forgason.

"Handsome specimens of hats were exhib- ited by Messrs. Curtis & Dunn.

"Carpeting .- Mrs. Col. Mills, Miss Eliza McFarland, Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Bingham sent in a handsome piece each; much praise was bestowed on the ladies for the carpeting another year more attention will be paid the ladies for household manufactures.

* "Several specimens of Yellow Leaf Tobac- co, in excellent order, were exhibited by J. Barker, Jr .. A. Chapman and M. Flanders.

"A. Warner, of Point Harmar, exhibited an ax, of cast-steel, which is recommended in high terms to the notice of the Farmers.

"E. Emerson exhibited specimen of his razorstraps very highly finished-a superior article.

"A. Cole, of Belpre, exhibited some excel- lent baskets, worthy the attention of our farin- ers, and for which a premium of $I was awarded him.

"There was also awarded to Marvil Starlin SI for having raised, on upland, the past seas- on 52 bushels of corn to the acre-each acre containing 2.500 hills of corn.

"At the close of the day several articles were sold at auction, at fair prices-Premium Butter at 20 cents per pound-Premium Cheese at 28 cents per pound.

"NAHUM WARD, "Corresponding Secretary. "I'M. A. WHITTLESEY, "Recording Secretary."

RAILROAD TO OHIO.

Copied in the American Friend, March, 1827 .-

"The projected railway from this place to the Ohio has originated with some of our wealthiest and most judicious citizens, and ex- cites much attention in the public at large. The pamphlet just published on the subject ' consists chiefly of estimates from authoritative sources, on the comparative cost and advan-

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tage of canals and railways, and on the amount of trade which would seek either of these chan- nels of communication with the West. It will be read with attention by every one who feels an interest in these topics generally, or in the prosperity of Baltimore. A general sentiment prevails here in favor of the scheme, as well from the character of its promoters, as from the evidence recently accumulated from various quarters, on the efficacy and cheapness of rail- road communication.

The trade of the valley of the Ohio is al- ready so important, and promises to become so immense, that it would deserve to be secured at almost any cost commensurate with our means. It must be confessed at the same time that the obstacles to a canal are various and formidable-the scarcity and annual din- inution of water, the immensity of the lockage, and the delay arising from it, the large portion of the year in which the canal would be frozen, and, finally, its insalubriousness during the autumn, in this laitude. These difficulties, though they could not have justly countervailed in the mind of the public, the advantages of a canal, render, however, so much the more striking the merits of a scheme by which it is supposed they may be wholly obviated. It will certainly be an ample recompense for the anxiety with which for some time past we have seen the trade of the interior gradually diverted into other channels and likely, at lengthi, to be lost to us altogether, if our delay shall have saved us from embarking in a scheme of secondary utility, and reserved our means unimpaired, for one of greater facil- ity, economy, and efficacy.

"Not the less praise, however, would be due on this account, to those who originally drew the attention of our citizens, and at a time when the theme was not popular here, to the value of a canal connecting us with the West. All human schemes are progressive, and the knowledge collected with pains for one purpose is not unseldom happily applied to a very different one. Thus the various plans in relation to the Susquehannah have led us gradually, we hope, to some definite one for

securing the trade of that most valued river. To the inquiries, too, to which the project of a canal to the Ohio gave rise,-to the estimates of the trade of that country, of its wealth in minerals and other articles of trade,-we are indebted not only for much valuable matter in itself, but for the data on which to found our calculations as to the new enterprise now afoot for securing the trade of the West."

BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAIL ROAD.

April 4, 1827 .-

"A meeting of the citizens of this county is requested n: this town on Monday next, by a notice which we have been requested to pub- lish in to-day's paper. This section of coun- try being deeply interested in the termina- tion of this very important road, it is hoped a general attendance of the citizens will take place .- The lest information we have ob- tained on the subject induces a belief that Mar- ietta will be the point of termination of the road. The Legislature of Virginia, in assent- ing to the act of incorporation, have limited the company, in intersecting the Ohio, to a point at or above the mouth of the Little Kanawha. The connection of the road with the Muskin- gum River, among many other superior ad- vantages to any other point, induces a belief that, by the efforts of the citizens on this line, the location of the road will be made to tern- inate at this place.

"The Baltimore American of March 20th, says that 13.586 shares of stock in the Balti- more and Ohio Rail Road Company were sub- scribed between ten and two o'clock yesterday, being the first day of opening the books. Many persons, to our knowledge, who intend to sub- scribe, have not yet gone forward, inasmuch as the books are to continue open for the succeed- ing nine days, including the present-and as subscriptions made at any time during that per- iod, will be equally good with those entered on the first day. The subscriptions will great- ly over-run, if they do not double, the amount required-so far, therefore as this important scheme depends upon money, its success is certain."

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

May 9, 1827 .-

"The Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Com-' pany have elected their Directors, whose names will be found in our paper today. As they commenced the enterprise with spirit and en- ergy, so they are progressing as rapidly as the magnitude of the work will permit. We learn that arrangements have been made for the im- mediate survey of the routes for the location of the road.

"A writer, in the Scioto Gasette, recom- mends to the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Company a continuation of the road from the Ohio River, west, through Ohio, to the Miami Valley, to the Wabash, and even to the Mis- sissippi; which we have copied into our paper today. The present object of the company, as we conceive, is to intersect the great artery of Western commerce, on the best route, and to the greatest advantage, to command as much of the Western trade, through the channel of the Ohio, as possible, which will not be a small proportion. It is at all times highly gratifying to witness the progress of internal improve- ments, and especially the construction of roads and canals. It has heretofore been presumed that to connect the Ohio River with Baltimore by Rail Road, was sufficient : but if the contin- uation to the interior of our State, west to the Wabash, or Mississippi, should be attended with proportionate advantage, we, at present. have no reason to doubt the propriety of ex- tending it. It is true, that it is a stupendous work, to come even as far as the Ohio River ; but the money, for the purpose, has already been raised, and materials and workmen will be easily commanded. Should the point of termination be at the confluence of the Mus- kingum with the Ohio, the attention of the State, or a company, would consequently be attracted by the necessity of the improvement of the navigation of the Muskingum River- and ultimately, to a continuation of the Rail Road west."

May 16, 1827 .--

"In our paper today will be found the pro- ceedings of the Morgan County meeting on the

subject of the Rail Road from Baltimore to the Ohio River. The sentiments therein ex- pressed are consonant with the feelings of the mass of citizens in this section of country. Every person who feels an anxiety for the prosperity of his country, cannot feel other- wise than highly pleased at the prospect of In- ternal Improvement and the encouragement of Domestic Manufactures-one is a guarantee of the perpetuity of the union of the States, and the other of their independence ;- the as- pect of the political horizon, however, is por- tentous of a coming storm, and all depends on the information and good judgment of the people to avert its consequences-we mean the approaching contest for the Presidency. The outs are determined to be in, at all hazards- and one of their principal hobby-horses is, that the present Administration is in favor of In- ternal Improvement, and that it is unconstitu- tional. This question, we thought, had, some time since, been decided by the proper author- ities, and was joyfully acquiesced in by the people, who, conscious of its tendency to mel- iorate their situation-facilitate the commun- ication between the extremes of our extensive country-provide a market for their surplus productions, even at their own door-and, serving to unite the interests of the different sections of our country, which, otherwise, must necessarily be brought into collision, and per- haps to ruin,-had sat down under the assur- ance of the accomplishment of an object so near their hearts. Now, that the outs ( who are opposed to a measure of such vital impor- tance, because, they say, it is unconstitutional ) may get in. they bring it forward as a princi- pal objection to the present Administration- and are endeavoring to persuade the people to come over to their interest, under the pretext of being more capable of construing the Con- stitution than those who are now so fortunate- ly at the helm of our political affairs."

Wednesday, May 30, 1827 .--

"Enquiries having been made of us, by cit- izens in remote parts of the country, respecting the recent proceedings of the Rail Road Com-

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 34

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