History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 41

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 41

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Steamboat "Chesapeake.' 180 tons. H. Dobbin ; built, 1831.

Steamboat 'Whale." 320 tons, Z. Foster & Co., New Orleans: by W. & S., 1831.

Steamboat- "Orion" and "Eclipse," 70 tons each : by W. & S., 1832.

The Marietta Foundry is in full tide of successful operation. Castings of every kind are made here, and in the best manner. None. perhaps. can be produced superior to them. From 100 to 120 tons of pig iron are moulded in this foundry every year.

The Marietta Steam Mill is a large build- ing of freestone, three stories high. containing three run of stones, and manufactures from fifty to sixty thousand bushels of Hour per annuim.

There are besides these two steam saw- mills ( one of which also produces flour), two carding machines tone worked by steam ), and four tanneries. One of these tanneries is very extensive. It has just been erected and put in operation by the Messrs. Vintons, formerly of Philadelphia. A steam engine performs the duties which in other instances are done by the strength of hand, saving consequently a vast amount of manual labor.

WASHINGTON COUNTY IN 1834.

( By J. Delafield, Jr.)

Wild Animals. In early days the forests of Washington County re-echoed to the bel- lowings and heavy bamp of the buffalo, the panther and the bear, and the howl of the wolf ; the fleet deer bounded, with timid feet, from the approach of the hunter : the lofty flight of the wild fowl was no protection against the uneiring aim of the arrow, which, whiz.ing through the air, brought back its fluttering mark : the lifted head of the rattlesnake reared itself in the path of the traveler; and the real torchlight of the Indian fishing canbe glared intensely on the light ripplings of the water. Put those days are now no more: the "stany- ing grounds" show where once the buffalo re- sorted: and the panther lives only in the tra- 'litions of old hunters. The arrow has given away to the rifle ball; the rattlesnake retires

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

to unfrequented rocks and sands, while the a brilliant light. It is very useful, and there- fishing canoe ro more glides along, managed "fore much employed in curing the diseases of by the dusky form of the red man, but is guided by the dexterous boatman's pole. and injuries done to horses. It is a preventive against the attacks of the "blowing fly." and is perhaps the best substance known for the prevention of friction in machinery.

The wild animals at present found in the county are chiefly those of the most harmless character, and which contribute to the siste- nance of man. There is perhaps in the most uninhabited parts an occasional bear, or, per- chance, at night a wolf may be heard to how! in some remote glens on the borders; but I may safely affirm that but few inhabitants of the county, at the present day, meet with either the one or the other. The deer still bounds with noiseless tread before the hunter's patlı. and the corn is sometimes molested by the se- cret attacks of the raccoon, opossum, or squir- rel. The wild turkey stalks along the woods in large flocks ; the streams are lined with the brilliant plumage of the wild duck ; and high in the air may be noticed the buzzard, wheel- ing in wide circles until his keen eye and scent attract him to the ground. The wild gray goose may be seen winging its vernal and au- tumnal flight through the air; and in the au- tumn may be heard from almost every branch the twittering of wild pigeons. Clouds on clouds come in thicker and thicker, until inill- ions are assembled in one grand "roost."

"In the township of Decatur is a tract three or four miles square, occupied by the wild pigeons as a roost, in the year 1832. The tini- ber over this tract is entirely destroyed. Mill- ions of beautiful birds made this their domi- cile for several months and afforded much sport to the huntsmen, and much food for the foxes." ( Manuscript notes of W. C. by S. P. Hil- dreth. ) .

Petroleum ( "spring-oil" or "Seneca oil") has been known to the hunters and early in- habitants of the county since its first settle- ment. It is generally supposed to be the product of coal at a great distance below the surface of the earth. It is, as is well known. an oleaginous substance, rather thicker than common tar, possessing a strong. disagreeable odor. This oil. by filtering it through char- coal. is almost deprived of its empyreumatic smell, and can be used in lamps. as it affords

There are to gases, "sulphuretted hydro- gen," and "carburetted hydrogen." which rise copiously in some places from the earth, par- ticularly on the banks of the Little Muskingum. The last named gas is considered so strong a mark of salt that many wells are sunk on this evidence alone. When a light is applied the gas inflames and burns for days, until ex- tinguished by rain, or a sudden gust of wind. There are some pools of water through which gases rise, and which consequently have ac- quired the name of "burning springs.'

While on this subject it will be expected that I should name the market at which pro- duce is sold and the best means of conveyance thereto. It has been remarked that the numer- ous streams gave surprising facilities to the inhabitants of even the inland townships, of conveying their goods and produce to market. Now there are so many markets of easy access that it is left to the final decision of the agri- culturist, whether to convey his load to Mari- etta and there sell it, or to take it to Cincin- nati, Louisville, Natchez. or New Orleans. It is a general practice for the farmer to select a large, tall and straight poplar ( Liriodendron tulipifera ) from which he whip-saws two large boat gunwales. By properly framing and fast- ening to these, cross pieces, studding and joists, boarding the whole up carefully, and caulking the bottom, to render it water-tight, he obtains a light draught flatboat, to which he appends a long sweep to steer with, and two others for rowing. Into this boat he conveys all his surplus produce, and perhaps that of his neighbors also, and with the assistance of one or two hands launches out into the current of the river, which bears his boat along to the market below. Generally the boat and cargo are sold at Cincinnati, although sometimes it is found more profitable to let the boat float on to New Orleans, and disposing of the cargo and boat there, at advanced prices, to return

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

home by one of the countless steamboats. which adorn the Western waters. These flat- boats usually hold from six to eight hundred barrels tonnage. Frequently the owners of the freight bring back in return a quantity of groceries, such as sugar, molasses, coffee, rice. &c., on which they make a second profit when they arrive at home. The convenience of ac- cess to Washington County affords its inhabi- tants other facilities. It is generally, as we have said, better suited to grazing than to arable farms. Where then is the market for cattle. for horses, for pork, for wool, and other pro- duce of such farms? My answer is, you may have it at your own door. Annually drovers perambulate the county to buy up all the cattle they can obtain. The Eastern markets are supplied with our beeves. our horses are be- fore the carriages of the Eastern cities droves being sent thither annually. Our pork and cheese supply the mart of New Orleans, sent hence by our merchants ; while our wool is ex- ported (by tons ) every year to the Eastern inanufactories, after having been purchased at the farmer's own fireside by the merchant from the seaboard on his annual visit.

Such are the markets of Washington Coun- ty. To the enterprising farmer, who will ad- venture a little for large profits, the mart of New Orleans is the point of attraction. The distance is great, but the cost and trouble of transportation is very small. Others proceed only to Cincinnati, or Louisville, and there dispose of their boats or rafts; and still more. preferring to devote the whole of their time to the cultivation of their farms, await the an- nual call of the beef or horse drover, or of the pork dealer, or wool merchant, and dispose of their surplus produce at home.

WOLVES.

February 24. 1834 .-

NOTICE TO WOLF KILLERS.

The undersigned, who was born and raised in a new country, now the State of Vermont, where wolves were extremely annoying, causing the death of vast num- ber- of Sheep, but which were soon destroved when a bounty of $20 per head was given,-having resided in

Waterford. in this county, since the year 1795, and ever since, more or less, a cul ator of Sheep; from ex- perience, firmly believe it is neney well expended when we pay a heavy bounty on wolves scalps; and I believe also "in the doctrine of self-defense, even shouldl it do my neighbors" good.

Some years ago an association of Wool growers in this county, was formed for the destruction of wolves, which failed to be comphed with, and the hun- ters not well paid :- but yet I hope and believe they will be remunerated for what has been done. We then petitioned the Legislature to give the Commissioners of this county the power to tax sheep for the destruc- tion of wolves; under this act the popular nerve was unstrung-the Commissioners quailed -the wolves re- joiced. ant multiplied to the great damage of the country.

That the wolves shall be destroyed. I now stand forth alone, speculation or no speculation, to offer, and will pay ten dollars for each and every full grown wolf, killed on the east of the Muskingum River, in the counties of Washington and Morgan. on the certificate of the Clerl: of the Court, in which it must be certified that they were killed east of the Muskingum River : and this bounty which, with the State and county will make $19. I hope and trust will be a strong inducement for the hunters to move forthwith against the enemy, and which I will pay until six months' notice is given in the public papers to the contrary. The woif hunters I hope to see early and often for this bounty, until there is not a grown wolf within the counties 1 have named. Wool is one of the main staples of our country, and will be so, and happy will it be for its inhabitants. The time will shortly arrive, as I trust, and well will it be for this region of country, when our town, county, and State anthorities will give especial patronage to Sheep.

BENJAMIN D.A.N.A. Waterford, Washington County.

Newport, Ohio, April 12, 1834 .- "The Wolf !- We call the attention of hunters to the following notice. It will be seen that by the liberality of individuals, the bounty will be increased to a sum rendering it of profit to the hunter to spend considerable time and exertion in the destruction of this animal :

Wolves .- . A few of the farmers of Newport town- ship, stimulated by the example and laudable exertions of an elder brother of the occupation, who has ever been jiheral and vigilant in the measures adopted in this section of the State, for the destruction of our com- mon enemy, the wolf, have authorized the undersigned to offer a bounty of ten dollars for each and every full grown wolf that may hereafter de destroyed within the County of Washington, on the east side of the great Muskingum River. The money will be paid by the subscriber. on the presentation of the certificate of the clerk of the county, taken in the form prescribed by law. to entitle the person killing the wolf to the State and county bounty.

JOSEPII BARKER, JR.

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

EMIGRANT ASSOCIATION.

Saturday, May 3, 1834 .-

"A meeting of several citizens of Marietta was convened at the Bank of Marietta, on Monday evening last, for the purpose of con- sulting upon the expediency of forming an Emigrant Association. John Mills, Esq., in the Chair, and J. Delafield, Jr., Secretary. On motion of Arius Nye, Esq .. it was Resolved, that it is expedient to form an Emigrant As- sociation in and for the County of Washing- ton. the principal purpose of which shall be to collect and furnish correct information to emigrants to this county, or who may be dis- posed to emigrate hither : and for the further- ance of this object, to open a communication with persons in the Eastern cities, particularly New York, through whom correct informa- tion of the character and advantages offered in this county and town may be given to emi- grants.

"The association was then organized by the election of the following gentlemen as officers :

President. Arius Nye. Vice-president, John Mills. Secretary, John Delafield, Jr.

Directors.

Douglas Putnam, E. B. Swearingen, James M. Booth, Joseph E. Hall. S. P. Hildreth, M. D.,

"Gentlemen who have farms in this county. for sale or lease, or who have mills, for sale or lease, mill-seats which are unoccupied. &c., &c., are informed that by leaving a correct written description of their property (and if possible a plat of the same ) with the Secretary. at Marietta, it will be open to the inspection of any emigrants who may arrive. Citizens in each township are respectfully requested to convey to the Secretary such information in relation to their respective townships as will prove of advantage and interest to emigrants who may come hither."

PUBLIC SPIRIT.

Marietta, April 19, 1836 .- TEA PLANT.

The subscriber has for ten years past cultivated successfully the genuine tea plant of China, and believes confidently that, after making various experiments in- volving considerable expense, he has at length discov- ered the art of drying and manufacturing the leaves, so as to produce the article of tea in quality equal to the Young Hyson imported.

He has in his possession samples which he will exhibit to any one desirous or curious to ascertain the fact. He will also give, gratis, to any gentleman de- irous of cultivating it. or willing to make the experi- ment, fresh seed, of last year's crop. and will, more. over, give instruction for planting and rearing it. He is certain it may be raised and cured in this country with good profit.

John Platt. N. B .- It is not any selfish motive that has induced him to give this notice, but a sincere desire that it may prove a benefit to this country, in which he has passed the better part of eight years of his life. Inquire fo: me at Mr. Christoper Carpenter's. Green street.

ROADS AND TURNPIKES.

1836 .-

"There is one obstruction to the growth of this place, which its inhabitants ought to set themselves earnestly about removing. It is the want of good roads and bridges in the vicinity. That a traveler should be compelled to pay heavy ferriages over little streams-and to head runs for want of bridges, in the neigh- borhood of such a town as Marietta, is a cir- cumstance not at all to its credit-and quite as little to its profit. A good bridge over Duck Creek, on the road by Dr. Moore's farm. would save its cost to the town in one year in the articles of fuel and building materials. We wish to see these evils speedily remedied."

"At a meeting of the Corporators of the Marietta and Newport Turnpike Road and Bridge Company, March 21, 1838, Joseph Barker, Jr., was appointed Chairman, and Win. A. Whittlesey, Secretary.

"The following resolution, offered by Will- iam West, to-wit. Resolved, that it is ex- pedient that books of subscription be forthwith opened to obtain stock in the Marietta and Newport Turnpike Road and Bridge Com-

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pany, under the direction of the first ten named Corporatois, as pointed out in the Second Sec- tion of the Act incorporating said Company, passed March 5, 1838, and seconded by Eben- ezer Battelle, was adopted by the following vote :

"Yeas-Joseph Barker, Jr., E. Battelle, John Mills, Wm. West, Jas. M. Booth, J. De La Vergne, Noah L. Wilson, Wm. Dana. Dud- ley Woodbridge, Win. A. Whittlesey, Weston Thomas. Robert T. Miller, D. Greene. Jonas Moore, Nahum Ward.

"Nays-None.

"The meeting of Corporators then ad- journed. JOSEPH BARKER, JR .. "Chairman.

".Attest. "WEM. A. WHITTLESEY, Secretary."

1839 .- BOADS ! ROADS'! No. 2.

To the Citizens of the Muskingum Valley. "Now's the day, and now's the hour."

The law for the encouragement of Turnpike Com- panies has been a considerable time in operation. Other parts of the State have availed themselves of it much- we, but little. An attempt was made to repeal it last winter. The members from Hamilton, it is understood. voted for the repeal !- yes. Hamilton has milked her full share from the publis cow and now would sell her off and debar other portions of the State from the like privilege. Now is the time for the Muskingum Valley to put in for such a share as may carry out the communications necessary to its prosperity and that of the public and public work . No time should be lost in carrying into effect the charter for Turnpikes ti Lancaster, Chillicothe and Zanesville. If those living in the lower part of the valley bestir themselves prop- erly the objects will be effected. But if they linger. others may step in and divert the course of prosperity. and the dwellers on the Muskingum may rue, too late, their blindness and want of timely exertion.

"There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which taken at the flood Leads on to fortune :--- Omitted-all the voyage of their life. Is bound in shallows and in miseries."

The word. therefore, is mir.

July 27, 1839 .-

"Agreeably to notice in the public papers of Marietta, signed by Nahum Ward. John Mills, P. B. Buell, John Dodge, Jesse Hilde-

brand. E. Short, and Thomas Vinton, corpor- ators ; the stockholders of the Muskingum Val- Hey Turnpike Company met at the Court House in Marietta, on Friday, the 26th of July, 1839. John Mills, Nahun Ward, and L. D. Barker. three of the commissioners named in the act ' of incorporation, were appointed to preside at this meeting, and A. T. Nye was appointed Secretary. The stockholders then proceeded to elect by ballot, nine Directors for the Com- pany, agreeabby to the 4th Section of the act incorporating said company, passed February 10. 1833, and on counting the ballots it ap peared that P. H. Buell, Nahum Ward, George W. Barker. John Dodge, L. D, Barker. Jesse Hildebrand. E. Short, John W. Dana, and Thomas Viaton, having each a majority of all the votes given, and the highest said nim- ber, are declared duly elected Directors of the Muskingum Valley Turnpike Company. "JOHN MILLS, "L. D. BARKER. "NAHUM WARD.

".A. T. NYE, SeC'"

IMPROVEMENT IN HORSES.

Warren, September 12, 1839 .-

"At a meeting of the Washington and Wood County Association for the Improve- ment of the Breed of Horses, held at the house of Geo. Reppert, in the township of Warren, agrecably to public notice.

"The meeting was organized by appoint- ing A. V. D. Joline, Chairman, and J. P. Wightman, Secretary, when the following of- ficers were appointed, and the following reso- lutions unanimously adopted :

Judges for the winning stand :

John De La Vergne. President. John Clark, Geo. Koppert, Vice presidents.

James Withrow, Stewards.

A. V. D. Joline. Ilenry Fearing.

Distance Judge -.

Geo. Smith.

J. P. Wightman, E. W. T. Clark.

Treasurer.

L. Chamberlain. Secretary. D. Barber.

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

Resolved. That Lewis W. Reppert. D. Barber, Jas. H. Deming and W. Greene be a Committee to lay out and cause to be made a track on the farm of Mr. Reppert 5 miles below Harmar.

Resolved, That the races commence on the I7th of October next and continue for three days. as follows: first day, first race mile heats, for three year olds: 2d race, same day, 2 mile heats, free for all ages : weight according to age; 2d day. mile heats, free for all ages, weight according to age: 3d day, mile heats, best 3 in 5. for all ages, weight according to age.

Resolved, That the amount of annual subscriptions and gate money, after deducting the expenses of obtain- ing and making the course, be applied equally in purses for the four races above mentioned.

The entrance to each race to be $10. The races to be free for all horses now owned in the counties of Washington and Wood, upon the condition that the cit- izens of Wood raise an amount to be added to the purses above named of not less than one-half of the amount raised by Washington County.

Res Need, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the chairman and Secretary and published in . the papers of Washington County, Ohio, and Wood County, Va.

A. V. D. JOLINE, Chairman.

J. P. WIGHTMAN, Scorctary.

RAPID TRANSIT IN 1839.

Parkersburg, July 19, 1839 .-

WINCHESTER AND PARKERSBURG MAIL AND ACCOMMODA . TION I.INE.

From Winchester direct to Parkersburg, Va. The subscribers have determined to run their line three times a week (instead of twice) and through in less than three days. with very little night traveling. This Line will connect with the Winchester. Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road, and the Alexandria, Washington and Staunton Stages-so that passengers going either East. West or Sonth. will only lodge in Winchester and pass on in four days from Baltimore, Washington or Alexandria. to Parkersburg (on the Ohio River) from whence they can go by steam up or down the River.

The Stage. have Taylor's Hotel in Winchester. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, and returning arrive there on Tuesday, Thursday and Sat-

urday. Leave MeGuire's Hotel in Parkersburg on Sun- day, Wednesday and riday mornings, and returning arrive there Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings. The distance through is 235 miles-the entire route on the Nortwestern Turnpike Road. Fare through $16. All intermediate points rated at about 7 cents per mile.

Good drivers, new Coaches and Teams are em- ployed and every possible attention will be paid by the Proprietors.

N. KUYKENDALL, J. LEWIS & Co ..

Proprietors.

PASSING OF TIIE STAGE COACHI.

August 7, 1840 .-

"Stage Accident .- On Tuesday last the mail stage and the opposition stage of Neil. Moore & Co.'s line, between this place and Zanesville, in coming down, came in contact about six miles above this, by which the opposition, containing nine passengers, was thrown off the road. down the bank, and upset, very serious- ly injuring a young man by the name of Peck, from New York, and, more or less, all the other passengers. These stages were racing. and in coming up March Run Hill, the mail at- tempted to pass the opposition, and in doing so run it off the road. According to the state- ments of passengers, there was considerable excitement between the drivers and agents who were seated with them, and threats have been made previous to this collision ; but as the af- fair will probably undergo a legal investiga- tion, we shall forbear to state anything fur- ther that we have heard. There is not the least doubt that both parties were to blame, as they seemed perfectly regardless of the safety of their passengers."

CHAPTER XII.

TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS OF THE COUNTY.

ADAMS TOWNSHIP- THE TOWN OF LOWELL-AURELIUS TOWNSHIP-BARLOW TOWNSHIP -BEL- PRE TOWNSHIP-THE TOWN OF BELPRE-DECATUR TOWNSHIP-DUNHAM TOWNSHIP -FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP-FEARING TOWNSHIP-GRANDVIEW TOWNSHIP-THE TOWN OF NEW MATAMORAS -INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP-LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP-LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - LUDLOW TOWNSHIP-MARIETTA TOWNSHIP - MUSKINGUM TOWNSHIP- NEWPORT TOWNSHIP-PALMER TOWNSHIP-SALEM TOWNSHIP- WARREN TOWNSHIP- WATERFORD TOWNSHIP-THE TOWN OF BEVERLY-WATERTOWN TOWNSHIP- WESLEY TOWNSHIP.

Adams township, lying east of Waterford, on the Noble County line, was incorporated in 1797, and was first settled when the Second Association was located at Waterford. Its history during the pioneer period-before 1800 -has been sketched. The earliest settlers were the Coburns, Allisons, Dodges, Davises, Fryes, Kinneys. Owens, Masons. Devols. and Spragues.

.A block-house was built on land settled by the Kinneys, known as "Kinney's Block- house." A monument has been erected on the site.

The improvement of the Muskingum Riv- er was the making of the little village "Buell's Lowell." laid out by P. B. Buell, which stood in what is now Upper Lowell. The first store was opened here in 1822. Lowell Mill was erected in 1842: Oak Mill was built in 1859: a planing mill was built, but burned in 1879. The first postmaster was E. Short, who went into off se about 1820, the office then being known as Adams. Buell's Lowell was incor- porated May 10. 1851 ; the first officials were :

Theodore Schriner, mayor; S. N. Merriam, re- corder; John Scott, Solomon Sharpe, John B. Regnier, Joseph Cox and George Fleck, trus- tees. William Bartlett was elected first mar- shal by the Board of Trustees.

Among the early settlers were: Nicholas and Asa Coburn, sons of Maj. Asa Coburn, with whom they came to Marietta from Mass- achusetts in the latter part of 1788. Major Coburn had won his title in the Massachusetts line of the Revolutionary Army. Many of his descendants live in Morgan County.

Robert Allison came from Pennsylvania in 1788. Moved to Cat's Creek in 1705. Ilis daughter, Mrs. Frost, born in Fayette Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1784. was for a long time before her death the only survivor of the pioneer life during the Indian war. She had a clear recollection of events that occurred at the Campus Martius, and especially of the Sunday school taught by Mrs. Lake. Mrs. Frost died at the home of her grandson. Mr. (. A. Stacy, near Lowell, in 1801.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 41

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