USA > Ohio > Morgan County > History of Morgan County, Ohio, with portraits and biographical sketches of some of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 37
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SMITH BRANSON, M. D .- No physician. perhaps, is better or more favorably known in the southwestern part of Morgan County that Dr. Smith Bran- son, of Chesterfield. Born in 1822 in Belmont County, Ohio, he received a common school and academic education, though alike in character and kind. In 1841 he removed with his parents from Belmont to Washington County, Ohio, remaining there until 1847, when he went to Chesterfield and commenced the study of medicine with Dr. George Michener, one of the pioneer physicians of that section of the county. Ilis course of reading was to some extent enterrupted by other duties devoly- ing on him, and it was not until 1852 that he graduated with honors at Star- ling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio. Immediately following his gradnation he returned to Chesterfield and at once entered upon active practice. From the outset his professional qualifications were recognized, and he at once entered upon a lucrative practice that has con-
DR. GEORGE MICHENER, a member of . tinued to grow with each succeeding the religious Society of Friends, was year. The doctor was a leading mem- ber of " The Washington, Morgan and Athens Medical Society " from its for- mation to its dissolution, and for some years was a member of the State and National Medical Association. In Oc- tober. 1845, Dr. Branson was married to Miss Eliza Van Law. Three children were born to them, of whom two daugh- born in Jefferson County, Oho, in the vear 1812. In early life he was engaged in farming and teaching. He studied medicine under Dr. Barack Michener, of Massillon, Ohio, and located at Chester- lield about the year 1840, where for some twenty years he was extensively and reputably engaged in the practice
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
ters, both married, are still living. Lelia E., married to Reece Larkin, Esq., is a resident of Bennett, Nebraska, and Eleanor is the wife of Dr. N. Wright, a practicing physician at Mount ville, Morgan County, Ohio. In 1853. Dr. Branson was a candidate for represent- ative from Morgan County on the free-soil ticket. Upon the organization of the prohibition party he became one of its most active and influential mem- bers, receiving successively the nomina- tion for State senator from the 14th district, member of the State constitu- tional convention from Morgan County, and member of congress from the 15th district. Although his party has always been in the minority the doctor has not lost faith in its principles, and next to his chosen profession it has received the best thoughts of a cultured intellect.
DR. ISAAC PARKER located at Chester- field in June, 1845, and has been a resi- dent of the village and engaged in active practice ever since. The Doctor was born at Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio, August 15, 1815. His parents were members of the Society of Friends. and as a consequence he re- ceived a good education, graduating at Friends' Seminary, Mount Pleasant. in 1836. The same year he began the study of medicine with Dr. William Farmer of Salineville, Columbiana County, and continued to read under his tuition the ensuing three years. Then, in order to pay his preceptor, he assisted him in his practice for one year. Dr. Parker was too poor to attend lectures at any medical college, but received his certificate to practice from the Columbiana Medical Society in March. 1840. Some time after he formed a partnership with Dr. Stille, at
Somerton, Belmont County, and prac- ticed with him at that point for the ensuing two years. At this time his health failed him and he did not resume the active practice of his profession again imtil after his removal to Chester- tield. In 1847 he was married to Miss Frances C. Hodgin. Three children were born to them, only one of whom is now living-Dr. A. J. Parker. For a number of years the Doctor was a member of and a portion of the time president of " The Morgan, Washington and Athens Medical Society," a regular auxiliary of the State Medical Society. and represented by two delegates in the National Medical Association. Dr. Parker has always taken an active interest in politics and has usually held radical views upon any question he espoused. In 1847 he was elected mayor of Chesterfield, serving two terms, and in 1875 was a candidate for congress on the prohibition ticket in the 15th district. He is now an ardent republican. The Doctor is still in the professional business and enjoys a lu- crative practice.
ANDERSON JUDKINS PARKER, M. D .- One of the rising young physicians of Morgan County is Dr. Anderson Jud- kins Parker, of Chesterfield. He was born at Chesterfield in 1856, and after a thorough academic course began the study of medicine under the preceptor- ship of Dr. N. Wright, of that place. He graduated from Miama Medical College, of Cincinnati, in 1881, and im- mediately entered upon the active prac- tice of his profession at his birthplace, where he has since remained. For some years he has been an active and leading member of Morgan County and Muskingum Valley District Medical So- cieties. In 1876 the Doctor was mar-
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THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
ried to Miss Mintie Patterson, of Chest- erfield, and one child, a son, has been the result of the union. Dr. Parker is an accomplished physician, as his large and steadily growing practice testifies. He takes great interest in educational matters and for some years past has officiated as president of the school board of his native village. That he has a bright future before him those who know him best are most ready to assert.
DR. E. G. COULSON, of Pennsville, was born in the village of Georgetown, Harrison County, Ohio, August 18, 1821, and came to Morgan County in 1841. He received a thorough academical education, and at the age of seventeen commenced teaching, which avocation he followed for some years. Hle pursued a thorough course of study in medicine under several preceptors, more for the love of the science than with any view of future practice. In 1853 this part of the country was visit- ed with a very malignant type of dysentery, which prevailed as an epi- demic, and at the urgent solicitation of his friends he was induced to enter upon the active practice of his profes- sion. His success was such that he ob- tained an extensive and lucrative prac- tice at the outset ; in fact, it was only limited by his powers of endurance. Ile is now rapidly approaching the sun- set of life, and is still devotedly follow- ing the calling in which he has been engaged for more than one-third of a century. No one has enjoyed to a greater extent than he the confidence of his patrons; no one has had a larger share of the public esteem or the court- esies of the profession. He is one of the pioneer members of the Morgan County Medical Society. In 1875 he
was a delegate to the State Medical Society, and by it appointed a delegate to the American Medical Association in Philadelphia in 1876. In the ante- bellum days the Doctor was a pro- nounced anti-slavery man and one of the projectors of the Underground Rail- road in Morgan County. At the break- out of the war he threw his whole soul into the cause, and entered the army in 1861, and served as private, nurse, hospital steward. surgeon by detail, and came out as captain of - volunteers in 1864. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburgh Landing, Siegel's retreat from Martinsburg, and other minor engagements.
In 1854 the Doctor was married to Miss L. M. White, of Maryland, a very estimable lady. She was the mother of thirteen children. Her decease oc- curred September 29, 1884. In his re- ligion the Doctor is liberal. His creed is embraced in one word-Charity.
It is not necessary to say that he affiliates with the republican party.
LEROY S. HOLCOMB, M. D., the present representative of Morgan County in the State legislature, was born in Deav- erton, Ohio, September 21, 1839. Ilis father, Robert Holcomb, was a native of New Jersey, and came to Perry County, this State, in 1816, from thence to Deaverton, where he married Miss Margaret Dodds. He reared a family of five children, Leroy S. being the eldest. Ile passed his boyhood in Deaverton and received an academical education. For a time he engaged in teaching, but this avocation not prov- ing congenial he came to MeConnels- ville and entered the employ of J. B. Stone, one of the prominent merchants of the place. During the time Com- pany D, 97th O. V. I., was recruited.
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, ONIO.
and he was one of the first to connect himself with that organization. He was in the battles of Mission Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Frank- lin. Tenn. In the latter engagement he was seriously wounded,and on account of physical disability was discharged from the service. Ile returned to his home, and the following year commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Philip Kennedy, of his native town. He graduated in 1869 from the Ohio Medical College, and the following year he established himself in the prac- tice of his profession at Pennsville, Ohio, where he has since remained. In 1885 he received the nomination for representative, and was elected by a handsome majority. The Doctor is prominently connected with the order of " Odd Fellows," and is deputy grand master of Morgan County.
Dr. Holcomb has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Anna, daughter of William Foulke. She died in May of 1871, and in 1872 he was again mar- ried to Miss Eliza Scott, of Pennsville, who died in 1885, leaving three children, Anna M., Herold C. and Edith D. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and a gentleman highly esteemed, not only as a physician but as a citizen and neighbor.
NEHEMIAH WRIGHT, one of the rising young physicians of the county, was born at Chesterfield, Ohio, December 25, 1849. He received a liberal com- mon school education, and a graduated from the Miami Medical College in 1876. From 1875 to 1876 he served as a resident physician in the Cincinnati Hospital, and shortly after commenced practice in Chesterfield. In 1880 he removed to Mountville, where he is now located.
Dr. Wright evidences many of the qual- ifications of the successful practitioner, and is rapidly attaining a foremest po- sition among the physicians of the county. He has been a member of the Morgan Medical Society since 1876
MILES B. DAVIS, M.D., was born in Union Township, Morgan County, Ohio, October 7, 1849. Ilis parents died when he was a child, and at the age of eleven years he was thrown upon his own resources. Through the kindness of an uncle he was sent to school, and so well did he improve his opportunities that at the age of seventeen he com- menced teaching, an occupation he fol- lowed for fourteen years. His vacations were spent in a select schools and at the National Normal at Lebanon, and in this way obtained an academical education. In 1869 he began the study of medicine with Drs. Storer and Priest, of Millerstown, Ohio. He com- pleted his preparatory course, however, with James Davis, M.D., of Ringgold, Ohio, and graduated with honors from the Starling Medical College in Febru- ary of 1882. In May following he established himself in the practice of his profession at Rosseau, where he has built up an extensive and lucrative business. Ile is a member of the Morgan County Medical Society, and has already obtained a prominent place among the younger members of the profession. The Doctor is emphatically a " self-made man." From early youth he has been dependent upon his own exertions, not only for his education, but for everything else. His career is one which young men shouldl emulate.
DR. JAMES DAVIS .- The subject of this notice was born near Ringgold, March 26, 1827, and passed his early life on a farm, attending the common
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THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
schools until he was competent to teach and afterward engaging in that occupa- tion winters. He also learned carpen- try and worked at that business till about 1854, meantime devoting his leisure hours to the study of medicine. His medical preceptor was Dr. Daniel Rusk of Malta. Dr. Davis began active practice about 1859 and has since pur- sued his profession in Ringgold and vicinity, where he is much honored and respected as a citizen and a useful mem- ber of his profession. He became a member of the Morgan County Medical Society in 1875. Ile married, first, Nancy Chappelear; and after her death, Frances Reese, and is the father of four sons and two daughters living-five of the children being those of the second marriage. His oldest son, John D. Davis, is the present county surveyor.
DR. E. W. HALL, a native of Mus- kingum County, studied medicine under Dr. J. F. Leeper, of Rural Dale, grad- uated at the Starling Medical College in Columbus and began practice in Bristol in 1885.
MORGAN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
A meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a medical society at the office of Johnson & Dawes, in McCon- nellsville, on the 23d of November, 1839; present, Drs. Samuel Martin, Perley B. Johnson, J. C. Clark, Edward Dawes, Lyman Little, H. H. Little and Charles Robertson. At this meeting a consti- tution, drafted by Drs. Johnson, Clark and L. Little, was adopted, and the fol- lowing officers were chosen : Charles Robertson, president ; Edward Dawes, secretary ; Samuel Martin, treasurer; John C. Clark, Lyman Little and P. B. Johnson, censors.
The constitution prescribes that only
such persons as have a license or di- ploma from some medical society or college, or have passed a satisfatory examination before the censors, shall be eligible to membership in the society.
The socicty was formally organized in 1840 and incorporated in 1842. The presidents of the society have been Charles Robertson, who served several terms, P. B. Johnson, Lyman Little, J. H. Brown, J. S. Reeves, J. S. Abbott, Danicl Rusk, H. J. Noyes, Philip Ken- nedy, J. Alexander, L. S. Holcomb and perhaps others.
The following list contains the names and date of admission of all who have been admitted to membership in the society. Those whose names are marked with a * are deceased.
Charles Robertson, * Edward Dawes," Perley B. Johnson, Samnel Martin,* John C. Clark,* Lyman Little. H. H. Little, H. C. Grimmel, 1840; Dear- man Williams,* James Rusk,* C. B. Large, R. G. McLane, David R. Berry, Wm. H. Berry, J. G. Shoch, 1842; Custis Woodruff,* Isaac T. Shartle,* 1843; Nathaniel McNichols, James Lit- tle, P. A. Heitz, U. K. Hurd, 1844; Hiram Dover,* John Hull,* Wm. H. Reeves, James Bell," John S. Abbott,* Aaron Plumly, 1846; Wm. F. Grubb,* Daniel Rusk, 1847 ; Arthur Taggart, Wm. W. Wood, 1848; James S. Reeves, 1849; J. W. White," James Hull,* J. HI. Brown, Wm. C. Lenhart, Joli Al- exander, 1855 : Philip Kennedy,* E. G. Tracy, 1856; James McMurray,* 1857 ; M. McConnell,# 1859; Walter Moore, 1861; John Ewing, Win. B. Iledges, W. R. Kelly, 1867 ; Joseph E. Brown, Ili- ram JJ. Noyes, Leroy S. Holcomb, L. P. Culver, 1871; E. G. Coulson, James Davis, James Tracy, 1874: Orin W. Ward, D. M. Thurston, James O'Far-
19
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
nell, 1875; N. Wright, 1876 ; T. J. Bing- ham, 1880 ; J. E. Leeper, N. J. Piper,* A. J. Parker, 1881; G. L. Kennedy, Miles B. Davis, 1882.
Members now residing in the county ; J. S. Abbott, Stockport ; Jolin Alexan- der. J. H. Brown, J. E. Brown, John Ewing, W. R. Kelly, T. J. Bingham, McConnelsville; Daniel Rusk, Malta ; L. P. Culver, Reinersville ; L. S. Hol- comb, E. G. Coulson, Pennsville; G. L. Kennedy, Deavertown; II. J. Noyes, Unionville ; James Davis, Ringgold; N. Wright, Mountville; Isaac Huestis, A. J. Parker, Chester Hill; E. G. Tracy, Morganville ; M. B. Davis, Rosseau.
The records of this society are too voluminous and technical to be of gen- eral interest, one extract, however, of more than ordinary interest is given below :
February 21, 1874, at the time when the "Women's Crusade" temperance movement was in progress, the society unanimously adopted the following preamble and resolutions. As a tem- perance utterance from such an author- ity the resolution attracted much attention :
" WHEREAS, the use of alcoholic spir- its as a beverage is demoralizing, as is demonstrated by its effects in destroy- ing men mentally, physically and mor- ally ; in disrupting domestic relations, and spreading ruin and misery in every conceivable form ; and while we con- denn its use and the keeping of it in any place of resort for dispensation as a beverage, yet as physicians we claim that as a remedial agent there is for it no substitute, and that in the manufac-
ture of the most important remedies it is absolutely required and cannot be dispensed with ; therefore,
" Resolved, That we will, as we have heretofore, employ all proper means to discourage the use of alcoliolic spirits in any way that may tend to create an appetite for strong drink or encourage intemperance.
" Resolved, That we regard the use of alcoholic spirits under proper restric- tions and regulations as a necessary medicinal and mechanical agent.
" Resolved, That as conservators of the public health we deem it our duty to use whatever remedial agent we believe conducive to the welfare and interest of our patients, and we cannot permit others to dictate to us the reme- dies we shall use in the treatment of disease."
This utterance was made for the pur- pose of more explicitly defining the position of the society, which, on Jann- ary one preceding had passed a resolu- tion to the following effect :
"WHEREAS, the use of spirituous liquors as a beverage is used [sic] to an alarming extent in all ranks and con- ditions of society, with the opinion that it is not attended with any bad effects on life and health if it is not used to excess, but also that it is a safe remedy in the hands of the people for any trivial or imaginary ill ; therefore,
" Resolved, That we deprecate the indiscriminate use of alcoholic spirits as a beverage, and we regard it as too potent an agent to be prescribed by any but those whose education has qualified them to treat disease."
A. Normal
FROM PHOTOGRAPH OF A PAINTING MADE IN 1832.
CHAPTER XVII.
McCONNELSVILLE.
ORIGINAL PLAT OF THE TOWN, 1817-DONATION OF LOTS BY GENERAL MCCONNEL-JACOB KAHLER, THE FIRST SETTLER-THE PIONEERS OF THE VILLAGE-HOTEL KEEPERS-MERCHANTS AND MECHANICS-ANECDOTES-A PICTURE OF PIONEER VILLAGE LIFE-LATER SETTLERS AND INDUSTRIES-BANKS-INCORPORATION OF THE. TOWN-PROPERTY HOLDERS IN 1836-LIST OF TOWN OFFICERS, 1836-1866-A GLANCE AT THE NAMES OF FORMER BUSINESS MEN-BUSINESS OF 1886-REMINISCENCES-CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH, 1820-TELEGRAPH COMPANIES- EARLY SCHOOLS-THE NEW SCHOOLHOUSE-TEMPERANCE WORK IN THE TOWN AND COUNTY -EARLY TEMPERANCE WORKERS-THE MCCONNELSVILLE ORDINANCE-CHURCHES OF McCON- NELSVILLE-LODGES-BIOGRAPHIES.
TN the spring of 1817 the plat of the village of McConnelsville was made by William Montgomery, surveyor for General Robert McConnel, the proprie- tor, who then resided in Muskingum County. The town site, with the ex- ception of one or two small " patches," was then a forest of poplar, hickory, beech and elm of immense size, with dense undergrowth.
The original plat of the town in- cluded only ninety-two lots, and is known to owners and conveyancers as " The Old Town." It is bounded on the north by the alley north of Liberty Street ; on the east by the alley east of East Street; on the south by the river, and on the west by the alley west of West Street. The situation is certainly a favorable one, and the plat an improve- ment on others of a more recent date.
From the location which is about equidistant from Athens, Cambridge, Zanesville and Marietta, it would seem that General MeConnel had the future county seat and county in view when
he purchased the land of the govern- ment in 1805, paying $1.75 per acre for it. At all events, after the forma- tion of the county, as an inducement to make McConnelsville the county seat, he donated several lots for public purposes : Town lots number 15, 22, 29 and 30 for public buildings ;* two squares of five acres for a "military parade ground," one of which is now the village green and the other the grove. He also donated lots number 1 and 2 of the second addition to the Presbyterian Church, lots 13 and 14 to the Friends ; + lots 11 and 12 of the second addition to the Methodists; two lots on the north side of Jefferson, be- tween main and West Streets, to the Baptists ; a lot for a market place ; lots for school buildings, and to the county a portion of the present cemetery.
*Lots 15 and 22 were afterward sold by the county 15 to Michael Devin aud 22 to Thomas Devin-for the purpose of securing money to aid in the erection of the courthouse and jail.
+ The lots given to the Friends and Baptists were afterward devoted to different purposes.
291
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
The first settler of MeConnelsville was Jabob Kahler, who located in the fall of 1817. He had previously built a double log cabin on what is now Jef- ferson Street, near the corner of Pop- lar. The cabin was afterward used for some years by Alexander McConnel as a currier's shop in connection with his tannery adjoining. Kahler subse- quently built a frame house, the first in the town on lot 7, corner of Liberty and West Streets. He was a carpenter.
generally, and from his bar dealt out liquid refreshments at moderate prices. For some years his hostelry was the chief resort for all who visited the town. He was licensed "to keep tav- ern" at the second regular term of court, July 5, 1819-license fee, $7. His house had two rooms on the ground floor and two above. One of the lower rooms served as kitchen and dining- room, while the other was baggage- room, bar-room, sitting-room and par-
N.SHEPARD &
CROSSCUP & WEST- ENG CO PHILA.PA
M'CONNELSVILLE IN 1840.
The second honse in the town was erected on lot 19, West Street, by Thomas Moore. He left in 1820.
James Young, brickmaker, tavern keeper and justice of the peace, erected a story-and-a-half log house on lot 64, sonthwest corner of Main and Union Streets, and there, besides balancing the scales of justice for the township, furnished veal, venison and a variety of other viands to suit the tastes of lawyers, judges and court attendants
lor combined. The upper rooms fur- nished the sleeping accommodations.
On lot 79, northwest corner of Main and Water Streets, a two-story log house was erected, and opened to the public under the euphonious title of "The Sign of the Buck." In its day it was the resort of the elite of the val- . ley, and in it many a joyous couple joined in the reel, quadrille or waltz to the inspiring music of a fiddle. But now-
ADAM& HO
THE DEMOCRAT
GOT NATIONAL BAND
.G.P. HANN, CIGAR FACTORY
MC CONNELSVILLE IN 1886.
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M'CONNELSVILLE.
"Where once the sign-post caught the passing eye, Crumbled in heaps, its moldering ruins lie."
The proprietor, James Larrison, for some years carried the weekly mail on horseback from Zanesville to Marietta ; he was prompt and efficient in his duty. He carried a large tin horn at his side, upon which he blew a shrill blast as he entered or took his departure from each place. He was the first tavern-keeper of the village.
Another early tavern-keeper was Jacob P. Springer, the first sheriff of the county. His tavern was something of an improvement, and was kept in a frame building on lot 28.
Jacob Adams, the first merchant, and for many years one of the most prom- inent citizens, arrived in 1819, bringing with him his family, goods for his store, and the frame for the building, with counter, shelves, etc., already prepared. His store was on the southwest corner of the public square. The year of his arrival he set about building a brick house-the first in the town-which in 1820 was open to the public as the Adams House, a name which it still retains. With additions and alterations it has been continuously occupied as a hotel and is now kept by a son of the original proprietor.
According to the personal recollec- tion of the late Judge Gaylord the following men, with their families, were residents of the town on April 1, 1819:
Jacob Kahler . on lot No. 9
Moore & Paschal . 66 19
Jacob P. Springer 66
66 28 Jonathan Porter
25
Jonathan Williams . 66 51 Jacob Adams, on lots No. 42, 44 and 57 Lewis Ramey . on lot No. 61 James Young 64
Robert Robinson . on lot No. 65
Philip Kahler 66 66
Timothy Gaylord . 66 67
Jacob R. Price
79
Jacob Larrison.
79
Drs. Samnel A. Barker and General Alexander McConnel were single men and residents of the village. Dr. Barker was the only physician and was the first county clerk, first school master and first postmaster. General McConnel boarded with Jacob Kahler and had a tan yard in what is now the northwest part of the town. All the settlers, with the exceptions noted, had children, and most of the families were large. The number of inhabitants was then about seventy-five, of whom fully two thirds were children.
Jacob R. Price at one time county treasurer, was the village blacksmith. He died in Missouri. Robert Robinson and Timothy Gaylord were shoemak- ers. Both died in the village. Gay- lord was the first county recorder, after- ward auditor, justice, etc.
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