History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 73

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 73

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).

From the Cedar Hill burying-ground we have the following records :

"In memory of Major Haffield White, one of those Revolutionary patriots who continued in his country's service from the commencement to the end of the perilous struggle which obtained the independence of our country He was also one of the first settlers of the State of Ohio. He was born at Wenham, Mass .. Jan. 3d. A D. 1739. Died Dec. 13th. 1818. aged 88 years."

2. "In memory of Peltiah White, who emigrated

from Wenham, Mass., in 1788. to the Northwest Terri- tory, and suffered many hardships in the five years' Indian blockade at Marietta. He died Feb. 17th, 1832, in the 63d year of his age."

3 "Sacred to the memory of Peleg Springer, a native of Rhode Island, and a pioneer of the Western forest. Endured many privations and encountered many hardships during the five years' Indian blockade in the first settlement of Marietta, Ohio. He died Sept. 28th. A. D. 1828, in the 63d year of his age."

1. "In memory of Susanna, wife of Peltiah White, who died Sept. 12th, 1823, in the 52d year of her age."

I much want other reports. I, at this time, will designate only two, one of which is in the neighborhood of Miller's schoolhouse in Mar- ietta township, the other on the Henry Sheets farm, Newport township, not far away from the Barker schoolhouse.

SOME DISTINGUISHED VISITORS DURING THE PAST CENTURY.

Editor of the Register: If any complaint is made by your readers that the signature "G. M. W." so often appears in your columns, it may be charged to the promptness with which what I write appears. For instance, scarce was the ink dry with which was penned the article styled "Old Titles, Etc.," than I read it in print.

The ladies of the "Woman's Centennial Association" having planned a course of arti- cles to be read before the Association, which embraces subjects of general interest. I have not the program before me, but I believe that the topic of one paper is to be "The Celebrities Who in Old Times have Made Marietta a Visit." I shall enlarge this theme by adding the names of some who have been mere pass- ersby.

In the year 1749. M. Celeron de Bienville, with three hundred men, was directed by the French government to traverse the country as far as the Appalachian Mountains.

This officer was furnished with leaden plates with the arms of France engraved on them ; and he was ordered to bury them at par- ticular stations. In accordance with this order MI. Celeron de Bienville buried one of these plates on the west bank, near the mouth of the Muskingum River. This leaden plate is now

515

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

in the museum of the Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts.

On October 27. 1776, George Washington, in descending the Ohio River, made the fol- lowing entry in his journal: October 27 .- "Left our encampment a quarter before seven, and after passing the creek near which we lay and another near the same size and on the same side, and also an island about two miles in length. but not wide, we came to the mouth f the Muskingum, distant from our encamp- ment about four miles, and there viewed some ancient earth-works."

In the year 1795, Gen. Anthony Wayne made Fort Harmar the place of assembling his troops, before his celebrated and successful campaign against the Indians.

In the year 1796 William Henry Harrison (afterward President of the United States). as a lieutenant in the military service, was for more than a year a figure in the circles of Mar- ietta society.

Tecumseh, the great Indian warrior. in the year 1792, after the murder of the Carpenters less than seven miles distant from this place. from the Virginia hill tops saw the ascending smoke from the cabins of the picket point.

In the year 1820, the great statesman and orator, Henry Clay, on his way to Washing- ton City, spent several hours at the home of his friend and admirer, Col. Levi Barber.

Gen. La Fayette, the noble friend of this country in its struggle for independence, in the year 1825, was entertained at the hospit- able home of our fellow citizen. Nahum Ward. and was honored, as no man since has been honored, by the turning out of every living being in the town to greet his coming.

John Quincy Adams, in the year 1843, was received by an overflowing house at the Con- gregational Church by the multitudes who felt proud to honor one of our greatest statesmen.

Thomas Ewing. Sr., one of Ohio's most distinguished men, honored us by his presence and made one of the greatest speeches ever listened to by a Marietta audience. He tried his first penitentiary offense here, in 1816.

In the political campaign of 1840, Cassins

M. Clay, one of the most brilliant men of his day. delivered. in our Court House, a telling speech.

Kind reader, don't suppose whilst this arti- cle fails to name scores of others than those mentioned, that they are lost to memory.

Thomas Corwin. President Hayes. Senator William Allen. Gov. John Brough, President Garfield, Governor Hoadly, Governor Morton, of Indiana. Senator Thurman. Senator Sher- man. President McKinley, Senator Hanna, and Foraker have addressed our people. C. Vallandigham, an opponent of the War of 1861, also made his presence here and made a speech in 1803.

Among the distinguished divines who have honored us with their presence and filled our pulpits are Bishops Mellvaine and Hamline, Rev. Dr. Plumer. Dr. Lyman Beecher, each entitled to a chapter of many pages, but here is not the place to record their greatness.

Marietta has also been honored by visits from Generals Turchin. Crook and Steadman. Later on Senators Hoar and Daniels have been the honored guests of our city, and to assem- bled mulitudes delivered addresses, the thoughts contained in which will dwell in the minds of listeners, as long as life lasts.

On one cheerless morning, many years ago, a steamer landed at Hall's wharfboat. which lay near the Third street landing. and was taking on wood for boiler fuel. Soon upon the shore was seen a man in foreign dress. Meeting a boy on Ohio street, he asked, "What place is this?" In reply the lad answered. "Marietta. the oldest settled place in the Northwest." To which the interroga- tor remarked ( at the same time looking at the dilapidated, tumbled-down buildings on Third street ) .- "This does look settled." The speaker was no less a person than Dickens, the celebrated English author.

In my next I may speak of men who claim Marietta as their home.

RECOLLECTIONS OF SOME MEN OF FORMER YEARS.

If your readers have patience to follow me.

516

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

I will write briefly of some of those who lived here long ago.

Just outside the north corporation line. long years since, there lived Deacon William Rufus Putnam, a son of Gen. Rufus Putnam. He cultivated the land now owned by Marietta College. He was a member of the first Con- stitutional Convention, and afterward repeat- edly honored by his fellow citizens in being elected to places of trust. He died in the year 185. leaving an only son to inherit liis possessions. This son, William Rufus Put- nam, after receiving a liberal education, set- tled down upon the home farm and by a life of quiet, good behavior gained the confidence of his fellow citizens. and soon after the breaking out of the War of 1861, was made commander of the post at Marietta with the title of colonel. Whilst he was an ardent and determined supporter of the Union cause, yet he was a lover of peace rather than warfare. and his peace-loving disposition was some- times amusingly apparent during his career as a military officer.

At the time of Morgan's raid, when it was considered almost certain by the people of Mar- ietta, that Morgan's troops would cross the Muskingum here, Colonel Putnam ordered that a large number of bales of hay should be placed in the bridge to impede their progress. Had Morgan's men ever reached this point they would doubtless have been rejoiced to find an abundant supply of food for their horses in waiting for them, whilst the waters of the Muskingum were then so low that they would have found not the slightest difficulty in crossing anywhere.

The story has been often told of how Col. David H. Moore, then at Athens, started out, mounted upon a fine horse and carrying a handsome gold watch, to fight Morgan's men, and of how he entered in a few days on foot and without his watch. A message was sent him from Marietta over the wires, asking him the time of day, and this response was soon re- ceived : "How many bales of hay was it that Colonel Putnam ordered put on the bridge for the use of Morgan's cavalry ?"

Upon another occasion, during the war, the people of Parkersburg called upon the people of the surrounding country to aid them in their defense. A number of brave and enthusiastic young men from college here, volunteered their services, but before the party set out, the writ- er, who was to have charge of the expedition, was called aside by Colonel Putnam, who ex- acted a solemn promise from him that he would have his boats in readiness so that it the enemy should really come, all the students might be quickly transferred to this side of the river. "For," said he, "their parents would feel dreadfully, and would blame me if any- thing should happen to them.

Leaving the residence of Colonel Putnam and coming down Main street at the corner of that street and Sacra L'ia, at an early date was the home of John Newton, a most estimable citizen. Having been successful in the accum- · ulation of property in the Cow Run oil dis- trict, he had much leisure in the later years of his life and spent many hours each day in car- ing for and guarding Mound Cemetery. A few rods below on the same street, in a large frame house still standing, lived Harry Ship- man, a most worthy, industrious mechanic. much respected by everybody.

Recollection brings us next in view of the homes of two of the most honored and well known citizens, Col. Ichabod Nye and Gen. Rufus Putnam. A newspaper article would not allow of my writing of their meritorious lives and extended usefulness. Fortunately an abler pen than mine has recorded much of their history. Passing on down Front street, at the corner of Knox street lived Rev. Par- don Cook, who for many years was a traveling minister who preached the Gospel for the Gos- pel's sake.

Still further down the street, at the lower west corner of Wooster street, was the home of Azarialı Pratt, who at a very early date lo- cated here, pursuing the following of a gun- smith and locksmith. His son, Elisha Pratt, later occupied the same house and pursued the same business. Both were very worthy men. Nearby lived George Dunlevy, who was

517

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

quite a prominent citizen. For several years he was clerk of the court and an active mem- ber of society. On the adjoining lot was the home of Judge Joseph Wood, who in the last century moved from Belleville, Virginia, to Marietta and for many years was registrar of the U. S. Land Office. He lived to a great old age, always social and kindly. His home was a favorite resort for old and young alike. and his daughter, Miss Nancy, was in her day quite a belle.

Passing on down the street, in the house now occupied by Mrs. Hickock, lived Benja- min Putnam, an accomplished accountant and cashier of the Bank of Marietta.

In the square just below, in the house now occupied by Judge Follett, lived Gov. R. J. Meigs, of whose life and history much has been written. The dwelling house next be- low at that period was the home of Col. Eben- ezer Sproat. His father-in-law, Commodore Whipple, was an inmate of the household.

In this same dwelling for many years re- sided Capt. Daniel Greene, a man of very character. His title as captain was won upon the ocean. where he commanded a merchant- man for many years. He, like others in the same service, encountered not only the danger of the ocean, but of piratical attack. On one occasion, when near mid-ocean, his vessel was attacked by the crew of a pirate schooner, and while upon deck giving orders for defense. Captain Greene was shot through both cheeks. He bore the marks to the day of his death. and they are plainly discernable in his por- trait, which now hangs in the "Relic Room." His fondness for the water was such that in af- ter years he for many seasons commanded steamboats upon the Ohio. In the early days of which we write, there was no dwelling- house upon this street below those named un- til we reach Butler street. On the right of Main street, immediately south of Butler street. (welt Dr. John Cotton, a man of rare mental qualities and superior medical education. For years he was the chairman of the Whig Cen- tral Committee. At the period of this service, the custom was to send out circulars to differ-

ent parts of the county, and never once was there a misstatement of facts or an unkind at- tack upon any opposing candidate or upon the party in oppposition. He never sought an office, but was repeatedly honored by his fel- low-citizens in being selected to fill positions of responsibility.

On the left-hand side of the street, passing down, we first encountered the dwelling-place of Capt. Thomas Baker, who probably did more keel-boating on the Ohio and Mnskin- gum rivers than any man of his day. Al- though strictly honest and a man of great in- dustry, he became involved in debt, chiefly to a business firm in Wheeling. To that firm, Knox and McKee, he deeded about fifteen acres of ground. McKee had it laid off in lots, which he sold at a small price and, un- less the writer is mistaken, it was added to the city corporation as McKee's addition. This part of the city has latterly been known as Texas.

The next dwelling below on the east side was the home of Jason R. Curtis, a man of various employments and great industry. He was especially prominent during the War of 1812, being upon the staff of Governor Meigs.

The remaining houses on that side of Main street were occupied by John Cunningham, Bailus Phillips, Titus Buck. L. Edgerton. Sr., and John Gibson. On the west side of the same street was the home of Nathaniel Hol- den. Next below lived Joseph Holden and family, and, if my recollection is correct, there was no other dwelling house until you reached the corner of Main and Ohio streets. On the ground where now stands the Bellevue Hotel was the dwelling of Joseph Lincoln, Esq. Not one of the persons named as inhab- iting these dwellings at the time of which we write is now living.

SOME EARLY RECOLLECTIONS.

Editor of the Register. Chietly for the relief of my mind nowadays I write, and at times take up subjects, perhaps treating them in an uninteresting way. I shall not be dis-

518

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

comfited if you, after reading them, consign them to the waste-basket as valueless to your columns.

The death of James Holden, as announced in your columns a few days since, has led to a train of thought which but few now living can verify. My recollection of men and their pursuits, in the twenty years succeeding 1828, is most vivid. Even previous to that date I' have clear recollections of many things. South of the foot of Front street, over the Ohio River bank, sustained by wooden pillars, was a frame building divided into two store rooms, one occupied by Joseph Holden, the other by Nathaniel Holden. Perhaps it was in the year of 1833 that these gentlemen erected what was then considered a large building. where previously had stood the tavern-house of Shepard McIntosh. For many years the Holdens, in separate rooms of the building. sold merchandise. At a later date, Joseph Holden built a storehouse upon the corner of Front and Greene streets, the building latterly remodeled and now occupied by the First Na- tional Bank. At different periods dry goods, groceries and hardware were sold in that building by Joseph Holden, Sr., and for many years business was continued there by the fa- ther and his three sons, William, Joseph, and James. The building formerly mentioned as having been built by Jospeh and Nathaniel llolden was the brick building owned and oc- cupied of late years by Mr. Best.

As far back as memory goes, Casper Smithi and wife sold goods in a building on Ohio street, between Second and Third, where at a later period the business was continued by John Broughy, who married the widow of Casper Smith. It was in the employ of the latter that G. C. Best had his business train- ing, afterward becoming one of the most ac- curate, honest, and honorable of all Marietta dealers.

In two of the frame buildings on Ohio street, between Second and Front, John Mills sold merchandise. Upon the same street, near the corner of Second, a store was kept for many years by Weston Thomas, who aided

much in giving to Marietta business men the reputation for justice and fair dealing. At a later period he was associated with David C. Skinner. They built and occupied as a store- room the large, brick building near the corner of Second and Ohio streets. At a subsequent date, year not remembered, John Mills bought the Lincoln House at the corner of Front and Ohio streets, where now stands the Bellevue Hotel, transformed it into a business house and there sold merchandise, associated successive- ly with Luther Edgerton, Noah L. Wilson, Rufus P. Iams, and others, during a portion of that period, probably doing the largest busi- ness on this side of the Muskingum River.

Dudley Woodbridge first commenced mer- cantile business as early as 1798, in a store- house long since torn down, standing at the corner of Ohio and Muskingum streets. As early as 1818 he fitted up and occupied as a storeroom the building at "Flat Iron Corner," at different periods doing business under the names, Dudley Woodbridge & Co., D. T. Mor- gan & Co., Morgan & Woodbridge, Wood- bridge & Racer. In the year 1835, the build- ing then occupied was torn down and the building which now stands upon the ground was erected.

William F. Curtis for many years was in the mercantile business, occupying the store- - room on Front street. Robert Crawford also sold goods in a storeroom on the Muskingum bank, just below the mouth of Tiber Creek. R. J. Meigs and Henry P. Wilcox were for several years engaged in the sale of merchan- (lise, in a building at the corner of Front and Putnam.

The tavern-keepers of that day were: Samson Cole, Amos R. Harvey, Isaac Miner, John Broughy, Moses McFarland, Alexander Jlill and John Lewis.

The carpenters and house-joiners were : John Gibson, William Knox, Stephen Daniels, Richard Robinson, and Thomas Clogston.

Brick masons were: Oren Newton, fa- ther of Stephen Newton, Samuel Geren, and Thomas J. Westgate.

Blacksmiths were : Nathaniel Bishop,

519

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

grandfather of W. G. Way: Count Debonny, J. L. Reckard, father of J. L. Reckard, Jr .. Alvin Reckard, and Joseph Glines, grandfa- ther of Charles Glines.

Shoemakers were : Titus Buck, Daniel Nichol, and William Heidrick.

Tanners were: Justus Morse, James Fer- guson, T. & G. Vinton, Skinner Ralston & Co. Tailors were: John Lewis, John Cunning- ham. and Thomas B. Harsberger.

Lawyers were : David Putnam, John P. Mayberry, William A. Whittlesey, Arius Nye, Melvin Clarke, Davis Green, and C. F. Buell.

Physicians, John Cotton, Samuel P. Hil- dreth, George (). Hildreth, Shubel Fuller, and Felix Regnier.

These are some of the business and pro- fessional men of that early day, though in this hastily written sketch there are undoubtedly many omissions.

MOUND CEMETERY.

Messrs. Editors: Trusting that neither you nor your readers will conclude that we have Mound Cemetery on the brain, we ven- ture once more to write upon that subject.

After spending a full half day in looking over the grounds and reading epitaphs on nu- merous gravestones, and realizing that there lay buried there at least 5.000 of those who once claimed citizenship among us, and that that number embraced soldiers of all wars, statesmen of all parties, our own fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters, the dear companions of our youth, whose joy could not be complete unless we participated. we felt im- pelled to further effort to remove any objec- tion in the way of proper care and protection of those graves.

The first difficulty, the apparent lack of in- terest in many lot-holders, was brushed aside by the large attendance at the meeting of last week, at which a spirit was manifested that promises immediate action on the part of many to do all in their power to give a presentable appearance to that most beautiful spot.

Greatly gratifying was it to everyone who feels interested in this burying place to have

it authoritatively announced that there was more than $2,000 in the hands of the Ceme- tery Trustees, by them to be properly expend- ed. Following this statement came the dec- laration of one who should know and whose statement is corroborated by a recent examin- ation of the records, that there was nothing in the city ordinances forbidding the use of a necessary portion of said fund for placing in proper condition this most hallowed place.

This in conjunction with the fact that the funds on hand arose entirely from the sale of portions of Oak Grove Cemetery, two-thirds of the money for the purchase of which was paid by those whose graves we now desire to protect.

A reply to one more objection, and we have done. Many have feared that the title by which this property was held was incom- plete. To the great pleasure of the writer an examination of the early records of the Ministerial Trustees gives conclusive evidence of the appropriation of this square for burial purposes.

A copy of those proceedings is given be- low.

Tuesday, May 7. 1811.

The board met agreeably to a ljournment. Pres- ent. Thos. Stanley, John Sharp and Cornelius Hough- land.

The Town Council of Marietta made appheation for a permanent lease of the Mound Square as a pub- he burying ground, for the use of the town of Marietta. Whereas. It appears from the certificate of the town clerk that the mhabitants out the town of Marietta, in town meeting duly assembled on the 15th day of April, ISIt did. by resolution, direst the Town Council of said towy to make apphcation to the Trustees of the Ministerrd While Sonare in Marietta for a certam par- ccl of ground, known by the name of "Mound Square." for the use of the town as a public burying ground. and, whereas, sud Town Council siz .. Levi Barber, and Joseph Holden did make application, this seventh day of May. ist, agreeably to the resolution :

Now. therefore, be t resolved by the Board that the aloss nat ( 1 square be reserved to the town of Marietta, for the purpose above mentioned free of rent for the term of ninety-nine years, renewable for- ever, subject to the contract of sand town and laid out in such form and under such regulations as they may think proper, and be it further resolved, that the clerk be, and hereby is, directed to make out to the Town ('une ] of Marietta, is the time bung, a certificate of the a ve resultatis under the seal of the corpora- tion.

Attest : S. P. 11IL.URETH. Clerk.

520

HISTORY OF MIARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

What is left to be done? Let all join hearts and hands and unitedly and with spirit see that the desired work be done. Who are meant by all? The one thousand lot-owners, the Ladies' Improvement Association who de- serve credit for being largely instrumental in this prospective work, the Cemetery Trustees. two of whom, viz., William Westgate and George Elston, are honored citizens of Mar- ietta, and Mlr. Devine of the west side; the latter the writer does not know so well, but believes that his head and heart are right; in fine, all citizens of Marietta who are proud of their home and the attractive, historic spots about it.

MONUMENT TO MARK THE FIRST LANDING OF THE PIONEERS.

An examination of the early maps of Mar- ietta will show the observer that a small riv- ulet, passing from the southeastern outskirts of the town in a northwesterly direction, crossed Front street near where Buell's drug- store now stands, and wound its way thence to the Muskingum River, near the foot of Monroe street.

The observer of today will have difficulty in realizing that it was necessary, in early times, to cross this little stream upon a plank causeway in driving down Front street.

The action of the water at the terminus of the stream made quite an excavation in the bank; this impression was quite marked and observable. So much by way of introduction.

In the year 1858, Amos Porter, the then only surviving member of the little band of 48, who arrived at Marietta April 7. 1788, then quite an old man, at the request of the writer, that he would show him the exact spot where the pioneers landed, took him and others to the bank of the Muskingum, and the mouth of the above rivulet, stating that the "May- flower" landed on the lower side of the rivu- let, and then he and his companions there dis- embarked. On the opposite side, the bank being somewhat shelving, stood Indians, with their squaws, and some few soldiers from the fort across the river.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 73

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