USA > Ohio > History of the Upper Ohio Valley, with family history and biographical sketches, a statement of its resources, industrial growth and commercial advantages, Vol. II pt 2 > Part 4
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
The original members composing this church at its reorganization in 1823, were James Shockney, and Rebecca Shockney, his wife; Luke Tipton, and Theresa Tipton, his wife; Thomas Rowland and Deborah Rowland, his wife; Andrew Roloson and Hannah Roloson, his wife - eight members in all.
The original log house having been occasionally repaired and weatherboarded, is still standing in a good state of preservation, though no regular preaching has been held in it for some years. It is Jet the legal property of the church.
The Pine Run church, after its re-organization in 1823. appears to have been for many years a strong, influential body, with a flourish- ing Sabbath school connected with it, but a large and influential por- tion of its members situated in the neighborhood of where Mount
428
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
Moriah church now stands, became desirous of building a new house there and establishing the church at that place, which being opposed by those living in the neighborhood of Pine Run, those favoring the removal voluntarily withdrew and built a new house and formed themselves into a regular church organization, which they called Mount Moriah. A council was called to consider the propriety of the action. This council met July 6, 1861, and after examining " the articles of faith," etc., of the brethren and sisters, resolved to recog- nize them as a regular Baptist church, with the name of Mount Moriah, and on Sabbath, Rev. W. R. McGowan preached the sermon, Rev. J. Davis offered prayer and gave the hand of fellowship, and G. C. Sedgwick, the charge of the church. The infant church elected the following officers: G. C. Sedgwick, pastor; S. B. Thorp, clerk; Andrew Ralston, W. P. Saunders, W. Merriman and G. W. Ral- ston, deacons; John Cole, John L. Megrail and John Walden, trus- tees. The number that united as members on that occasion was thirty-five.
For about a year the church held its meetings in a barn and some- times in a school-house, near. In the summer of 1862, John and Thomas Cole gave the church an acre of land, upon which the pres- ent house was built. In regard to furnishing the house we find this entry upon the church records:
"WHEREAS, the Smithfield chapter of R. A. Masons have gener- ously donated us the sum of $20 to pay for our lamps, therefore,
Resolved, That the thanks of this church be tendered to the Chap- ter for their kindness to us, and may Heaven bless them in all their deeds of charities and labors of love.'
A Sabbath school was organized and prayer meetings held. In the fall of 1864, the pastor, Rev. G. C. Sedgwick, impelled by a sense of duty, resigned his charge and entered the service of his country.
In November, 1864, Rev. S. D. Ross was engaged as pastor to fill the vacancy. Before two years had expired, this pastor was com- pelled by failing health to seek rest among the friends of his youth in his northern home. Rev. W. J. Dunn was invited to assume the pas- torate which he did, October 6, 1866. After serving the church four years, this pastor also leaving the church it was pastorless until 1871, when he returned and served one year, and again left them. The congregation, without a pastor, became scattered, and the Sabbath school diminished, until in the spring of 1873, Rev. G. C. Sedgwick again took charge of the congregation which is now in a prosperous condition. Upon the establishment of Mount Moriah and a with- drawal of so large a portion of its members. Pine Run church is no longer able to keep up an organization, and for some years its meetings have ceased.
The Society of Friends of Mt. Pleasant. - Among the early settlers of Jefferson county. the Society of Friends formed a considerable por- tion as to numbers, and by no means an unimportant part as to intlu- ence. These pioneers brought, not only the indomitable industry and thrift which soon transformed the wilderness to a community of pros-
429
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO.
perous homes, but also an intensity of religious fervor, and a fidelity to clearly defend convictions of right, which made them a strong power in shaping the contour of thought around them.
The stream of immigration flowed from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina -many coming as far as Friends' settlements in western Pennsylvania as early as 1799, and waiting there until the government was prepared to dispose of lands west of the Ohio river. Numbers from North Carolina sought this more rigorous climate that their children might grow up free from the association of slavery. Baltimore yearly meetings had for a long period held a testimony against this prevailing evil, and throughout the limits of the society a strong feeling on the subject existed which bore fruits in the new land. The first Friends' meeting west of the Ohio river was probably held in the autumn of iSoo, near the tent of Jonathan Taylor, where he first located in what is known as Concord, Belmont county, about five miles from Mt. Pleasant. He had en- camped in the forest while building his cabin in this new wilderness home. The little gathering consisted of himself, his wife and a few other individuals, seated under spreading branches upon newly felled logs. When the cabin was put up and covered, and the floor which consisted of puncheons partly laid, the meetings were transferred to it. The first meeting held in this cabin was on a First-day of the week. It had been preceded by a time of considerable rain, which in anticipation, rendered the accommodations very desirable. The poles designed for sleepers on which to lay the remainder of the floor, served as seats. We are justified in supposing that meetings for worship were from this time regularly held, as meetings for transacting the business of the society were regularly established, under the care of Friends in the cast, as early as 1802.
The Stantons, Lipseys, and a number of other Friends families settled near Mt. Pleasant in 1800. Jonathan Taylor soon removed from Concord to within a short distance of that place, on what is now known as the Updegraff farm. The years of 1801-2-3. were laborious ones. Forests were to fell, and the ground to prepare for planting sufficient for present need. Houses were to be built, and the pressing wants incident to pioneer life were to be met, but in iSo4 a log meeting house was built near where the Short Creek house now stands, one-half mile west of Mt. Pleasant. The records of a monthly meeting, called Short Creek, open third month, 5th, 1804. At this first meeting the subject of the pious and guarded education of the youth and the state of schools was weightily considered, and a committee appointed to give the subject further solid consideration. Nathan Updegraff was appointed to serve as clerk, Jesse llall and Henry Lewis from Short Creek preparative meeting and James C'arr, from Plymouth preparative meeting, to serve as overseers. The records of this meeting show a rapidly increasing membership by direct application and certificate brought by families moving within its limits, from the monthly meetings to which they previously be- longed. So prosperous was the society, that in ISoo ten acres of land
430
IHISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
was bought. The deed was executed by Horton Howard, Septem- ber 25, 1805, and made "to Nathan Updegraff, Aaron Brown, Enoch Harris and Jonathan Taylor, as trustees of the Society of Friends or Quakers, on behalf of themselves and jointly with the whole Short Creek monthly meeting of the Society." The consideration money was $30. The Short Creek meeting house, which still stands, was built in 1807, on this land, at an expense of $2,000. Its dimensions are 45x70. This lovely spot has truly come to be a city of the dead. The burying ground upon its summit, which overlooks a wide ex- panse of beautiful scenery, having received with nature's tenderness the forms of generation after generation of those who have gathered there for worship. In the spring of 1807 Short Creek quarterly meeting was organized, consisting of five monthly meetings, viz .: Concord, Short Creek, Salem, Miami, and West Branch. Four of these were in Ohio and West Branch in what was called the Indiana territory.
Ohio yearly meeting was set off from the yearly meeting of Balti- more in 1812, and was composed of Friends west of the Allegheny mountains. The first yearly meeting was held at Short Creek in IS13. During the years 1815-16 what is well known as the yearly meeting house was built in Mt. Pleasant, and was first occupied in 1816. It is a large brick building, 190x62, and variously estimated as capable of accommodating from 1,500 to 2,500 persons. Although the exclusive property of the yearly meeting, it has been used by the society for particular meetings since second month, 1817, for the greater con- venience of Friends residing in towns or country homes made this a more central point, members to the west of Mt. Pleasant still wor- shipping at Short Creek.
For a series of years the records of Short Creek monthly meeting show a rapid increase of membership. The minutes of tenth month, 1813, recommend Friends to continue their labor with those " who are still deficient in supporting our testimony respecting spirituous liquors," and a committee was appointed to have the subject in care. Marriages in accordance with established usage were frequent. The meeting of twelfth month 20, 1814, records as follows: "Benjamin Lundy and Esther Lewis appeared in this meeting and signified their intention of marriage with each other. They having consent of par- ents; George Kinsey and Ansalem Patterson are appointed to inquire into his clearness in other like engagements and report to the next meeting." According to custom a like committee was appointed in the women's meeting to make similar inquiries respecting the pro- posed bride. The meeting of first month 24. 1815, records that "the committee appointed to inquire into Benjamin Lundy's clearness, report that they find nothing to obstruct his proceeding in marriage with Esther Lewis. They are therefore at liberty to accomplish the same," and a committee was appointed in both the men's and women's meetings, to attend the marriage and report the " orderly accomplish- ment." From the meeting of second month 2ist, we further learn that "the Friends appointed to attend the marriage of Benjamin
1
431
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO.
Lundy and Esther Lewis, report that the same was orderly accom- plished," and from that held the 23d of fifth month, following that Benjamin Lundy and Esther, his wife, request a certificate to Plain- field monthly meeting, which was produced, approved and signed by the clerk. On sixth month 20, 1815, the representatives appointed the preceding month to attend the quarterly meeting, report that they all attended and inform "that it is recommended to the monthly meetings to appoint suitable committees to assist and encourage Friends in making wills in time of health." After due deliberation such an appointment was made. About the year ISIS, the subject of establishing an institution for the guarded education of Friends' children was agitated, but the definite steps which resulted in the Friends boarding school of Mt. Pleasant were not taken until years afterward.
The memorable division which occurred in the various yearly meet- ings in America, and which originated the two branches commonly known as Orthodox and Hicksite Friends, took place in Ohio, ninth month and sixth day, 1828, during the week of yearly meeting. The party sympathizing with Elias Hicks adopted the simple name of Friends, while the other party assumed the name of Orthodox Friends; each party, however, claiming to hold the principles of George Fox and other early ministers and writers of the church. The probability is that from the rise of the society in the seventeenth century, there had really existed differences of opinion on some doctrinal points which were not particularly regarded in the earlier days, while still warm from the fever kindled by persecution, and filled with the spiritual health which the presence and influence of the devoted men and women who were instrumental in the rise and carly prosperity of the society, had nourished. But when
" Full long its feet the flowery ways Of peace had trod,"
and
" Too cheaply truth-, once purchased dear, Were made its own."
Controversy more and more prevailed on points which have per- plexed the great and good in all ages of the Christian church, and respecting which widely diverse judgments have been reached by holy, God-loving, righteous men. As is the universal tendency where people are met on the basis of opinion, there developed two broad parties, which were necessarily irreconcilable, so long as that spirit prevailed, which in this age " gibbets men in sermons and burns them in print," and a permanent separation ensued. Oftimes
"God's hand within the shadow lays The stone whereon Itis gates of praise Shall rise at last."
Perhaps from this cloud which caused grevious mourning among many in both divisions came a baptism into deep things, which brought such a new nearness to God's truth. That spiritual comfort is dis-
.
432
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OINIO VALLEY.
pensed, independent of theological articles of opinion, seems patent since unquestionably these branches of the church, both continued to receive strength from an edifying gospel ministry, and to abound in members highly blessed spiritually.
For years the orthordox branch continued meetings for worship at both Mt. Pleasant and Short Creek. Early in the year 1829 the branch denominated Hicksite purchased land one mile west of Mt. Pleasant at a point central for those in membership, and soon occupied a meeting-house built thereon for particular meetings, but continued to have the use of the houses at Short Creek and Mt. Pleasant when desired for quarterly and yearly meeting purposes.
The orthordox yearly meeting of Ohio was again disrupted, in 1854, into what are known as the Gurney and Wilbur factions. Soon after this, those in harmony with the part denominated Gurney Friends discontinued the use of the house on Short creek, all consolidating in the meeting convening in the yearly meeting house in Mount Pleas- ant, and those denominated Wilburites found it desirable to discon- tinue their meeting, held at Short Creek, the members being attached to their meetings at other points. The boarding-school property remained in the possession of this branch until 1874, when the supreme court of Ohio, by its decision settled the title in favor of the Gurney division. Previous to this decision the Wilbur Friends had continued to hold their yearly meeting at Mount Pleasant, but soon after made arrangements to remove it to Barnesville, Belmont county. Their last yearly meeting was held at Mount Pleasant, in tenth month of 1877.
Those who worship still in Mt. Pleasant appear to have departed, in some measure, from the plain, simple form of earlier years. They now send out ministers into the world as evangelists, and have adopted the same practice of singing, praying and preaching that other churches have, and the general manner of conducting the religious services is not very different from other churches. Is one of their ministers expressed himself, it is now an aggressive and progressive church. After all its vicissitudes and trials it is still in a prosperous and flourishing condition, having had an addition of forty members within the last year. A Sabbath school was organized in connection with this church May 3, 1858, with Ellwood Ratcliff as superintendent. Early in its history care was extended toward cer- tain children, who were prevented from attending from want of suit- able clothing, and a committee was appointed to supply the wants of those in need. Solicitude was also felt for colored children and a committee was appointed in their behalf. This school is still con- tinued. Friends known as Hicksites hold their meetings regularly in the house one mile west of Mt. Pleasant, built soon after the division of 1828. The meetings appear to be conducted in the primitive style of Friends, and those assembling to be substantial, intelligent citizens of the community.
The Friends church in Smithfield township, is undoubtedly the oldest church in the township. It was organized as early as 1802.
433
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OIIIO.
The first meetings were held at the private residences of members until about 1804, when they put up a log building near where the present one stands. They used this building until 1813, when a good substantial brick took its place. This brick, with some repairs, stood until 1879, when it was torn away and the present ample frame house was erected. This last building cost about $2,000. The building committee consisted of Nathan L. Wood, William M. Cope and Evan Purviance. The lot on which this building stands contains ten acres. It was deeded June 7, 1810, by James Carr, to George Hammond, Casparius Garretson, David Purviance and Nathan McGrew, as trus- tees for the society. This church was originally called Plymouth monthly meeting. in 1818 the name was changed to Smithfield meeting. The congregation at present numbers about 180 members. The following is a partial list of the original members of the church in 1802: Benjamin Townsend and Jemima his wife, Malchi Jolly, Richard Jelks, James Carr, William Kirk, George Hammond, James Hammond and David Purviance. The first marriage in this church was Evan Evans and Mary Brighte, or Brite, which took place April 20, 18OS. The lot of ten acres on which the church stands is used as a cemetery. The first burial was a child of Malachi Jolly. The first grown person buried there was Jemima Townsend, wife of Benjamin Townsend. There was in connection with this church a Sabbath school established, commencing with about twenty scholars, that had increased to sixty in 1879. Evan Purviance has been super- intendent for the last seven years. Joseph Hoyle is assistant superin- tendent and Mary E. Blackburn, secretary. The same cause that brought about the division in the churches of the Society of Friends throughout the land in 1828, that resulted in the establishment of two separate organizations, had the same effect in the Smithfield church as in the others. It divided into Hicksites and Orthodox parties. The Hicksites organized a society and in 1829 built themselves a house of worship near the east end of Fourth street, where they met and wor- shipped until 1859, when by removals their numbers became so small that they ceased to hold regular meetings and dissolved their organi- zation and sold their property. Their house was a brick building and is now owned by William Vermillion.
In 1854, another division occurred in this church. This division was brought about by a difference of opinion between J. J. Gurney and Thomas Wilbur, on some theological points not clearly under- stood by the writer, and not necessary to the purpose of our work, if it was. These two parties were distinguished by the names of Gur- neyites and Wilburites, more commonly called "Gurneys" and " Wil- burs." The former of them being largely in the majority, retained possession of the property, and the "Wilburs" withdrew and formed a separate church organization. The seceding members, though very respectable in influence and standing in the community, were weak in numbers and have as yet built no meeting house, though they contem- plate doing so. They hold their meetings at private residences.
The colored churches of this county are as follows: Two in Steu- 28-B.
434
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OIHO VALLEY.
benville, the African Methodist Episcopal church, with a membership of ninety-six, and the Methodist Episcopal church (colored), with a membership of forty; the African Methodist Episcopal church at Mt. Pleasant, thirty-seven members, and the Methodist Episcopal church (colored) with fifty-two members; the Baptist church at Trenton, thirty-five members; the Smithfield African Methodist Episcopal church, forty-seven members; at Mclntyre, the African Methodist Episcopal church, forty-nine members, and the Baptist church twenty- three members. These figures have been given to us by Rev. D. W. Butler, present pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal church of Steubenville.
CHAPTER IX.
TIIE PRESS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
HE STEUBENVILLE HERALD justly lays claim to be- ing the oldest newspaper in the state, with perhaps a single exception. It was established by Lowry & Miller in the year 1806, its headquarters then being the one-story frame building on the east side of Third street immediately above Washington. In 1814 it was purchased by James Wilson, who had previously conducted the Aurora at Philadelphia. During the days of the whig party, it was a power in all this section of country. The entire sheet measured 22x18 inches, and it would hardly fill one corner of the present Weekly Herald. About 1838 Mr. Wilson became president of the Steubenville. Cadiz and Cambridge turnpike, and this, with his duties as associate judge of the court of common pleas, so absorbed his time that he gradually with- drew from active participation in the affairs of the paper, which was now run by his son Robert, and John Worstell. About 1843, they sold out to Nathan Purviance, who kept the paper but a very short time, when he disposed of it to W. R. Allison, a newspaper man of large experience and recognized ability, who, in 1847, established the Daily Herald. Mr. Allison retained control until October 1, 1873, when he was succeeded by P. B. Conn, the present proprietor. Since the Herald has been under the charge of the present proprietor, many and marked improvements have been made. The weekly edition now contains forty-eight columns. It is the recognized exponent of the republican party, not only for Jefferson county, but for eastern Ohio, and enjoys. as it deserves, an extended circulation and influence. Mr. J. B. Doyle is principal editorial writer.
Steubenville Daily and Weekly Gazette .- The Weekly Gazette was established by C. N. Allen, late editor of the Cadiz Sentinel, in Sep-
435
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO.
tember, 1865, though it might really be said to be erected upon the ruins of other newspaper enterprises, for previous to 1865 there had been several unsuccessful attempts made to maintain a live democratic paper in Steubenville. The original Weekly Gazette contained thirty- two columns. The prosperous times had the effect of building up a large and lucrative business for the publisher, and in 1868 a morning Daily Gazette was established -a neat, newsy, twenty-four column sheet, but the venture failed to obtain the patronage necessary to its continuance, and inside of a year the weekly was once more left in sole possession of the field, which it clung to with remarkable tenacity. The next attempt to establish a daily democratic paper was under- taken by C. N. Allen, in the fall of 1873, whose better judgment de- vised an evening edition as preferable to a morning paper. This proved successful, when the weekly was next relinquished and a semi- weekly substituted. On the ist of February, 1875, the Gazette estab- lishment was purchased by Messrs. H. H. McFadden and W. H. Ilunter, of Cadiz, the latter gentleman having been one of the editors of the Cadiz Sentinel. The new firm were not slow to make them- selves known and felt in the community. The semi-weekly was re- placed by the present W'cekly Gasette, which was then the largest paper in eastern Ohio, thirty-six columns. In May, 1875, the Daily Gazette was enlarged to twenty-eight columns. Under the careful and efficient management of McFadden & Hunter, the Daily and Weekly Gacette have alike flourished and become the factors of public opinion in Ohio to no inconsiderable extent. The editorials of the Gazette are largely quoted by its contemporaries throughout the country. Its editorials sparkle with originality of thought, earning for it exten- sive patronage and influence, ranking it among the leading papers of Ohio.
The Ohio Press, a first-class independent newspaper opposed to corrupt legislation, and in favor of " an honest government of the peo- ple and for the people," was established in August, 1879, by W. R. Allison, several years previously proprietor of the old " Steubenville Herald"" Mr. Allison is extensively known and widely experienced as a journalist in this community, and still retains the editorial chair on the Ohio Press. The Press is an eight-page paper published every Thursday. A more extended notice of Mr. Allison's career as a jour- nalist will be found elsewhere in this work.
Steubenville Germania, German weekly, appears every Saturday; independent in politics, four pages; size 26x40, subscription, $2.00; es- tablished by R. Schnorrenberg, August, 18to; from April 1, 18to, to April 1. 18;o. the firm was Schnorrenberg & Gescheider. On this date the former retired, leaving Mr. Gescheider as sole proprietor and editor of the paper. Large circulation, steadily increasing through- out this and adjoining counties as well as in the states of Ohio and West Virginia.
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.