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 48
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781
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
name of "Stillwater," at Rockfield, in Flushing township, where it has since remained a prosperous society. In 1850 a frame church took the place of the log building erected in 1832. The present membership is about 150.
The Ebenezer Baptist church, at Belmont, was formed by a part of the Stillwater church congregation after the division of that body in IS31. The church was organized in 1835, with William R. McGouen, William Stone and C. Skinner as elders. The first building was of logs, which was replaced in 1853 by a frame church which is still in use.
The Martin's Ferry Baptist church was organized in 1836, with six members, by Revs. G. C. Sedwick, R. S. Sedwick and T. M. Irwin. At that date there was no meeting house in the place, but by carnest work this small congregation succeeded in erecting one in 1841. The congregation grew and prospered and in later years erected a much larger building, which is still occupied by a congregation of about 150 members.
The Christian or Disciple's Church .- This church organization is of modern origin, having its origin as a separate church in the teachings of Alexander Campbell. Baptism by immersion being its special doctrine its converts were largely from the regular Baptist church, and its first church holding in this county was in the absorption of the major part of the membership and the church property of the Stillwater Baptist church, which became the " Stillwater Christian church." This congre- gation erected a church near Hendrysburg, in Kirkwood township. in IS32. In 1840 there were but eight congregations in what was then the sixteenth congressional district, and these employed three ministers, Revs. John Flick, Charles Van Voorhies and Alexander Ilall. These congregations were frequently visited by Alexander Campbell. and his father, Thomas Campbell.
The origin of the most of the Christian or Disciple's churches go back to the date of the missionary labors of Alexander Campbell, and his father, in 1828 to 1834, and these converts have been as leaven in each location that has worked until church organization has resulted in church construction. The Christian church at Bellaire is the larg- est in the county, and has the best church building. James Martin and his wife removed to Bellaire. in 1832, and were the first believers in this neighborhood. In 1833 Alexander Campbell and his father preached in a grove on Indian run, and several baptisms occurred. John Archer, who may fairly be termed the father of the church here, settled on Trough run in 1835, with his wife and his sons, and exerted an influence that added members to the young church rapidly. In IS3S the family removed to Bellaire, and the cooper shop of Mr. Archer was the only church until 1846, when the first church, a one-story brick, was erected on the lot now occupied by the Second ward public school building. The congregation grew rapidly requiring a larger building and the present fine structure on Belmont street was erected. The church now numbers 350 members, contributing for preaching and incidentals per year $1,487.94; for educational purposes, $313.21;
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
for missions, $111.83. The Sabbath school numbers 222 members, contributing annually for self-support, $104.91; and for missions, $73.13.
The Barnesville Christian church was erected in 1842. In 1857 the society purchased the Methodist Episcopal church building on Church street. The congregation now numbers 175 members. The first Sabbath school was organized in 1852, and from the start was pros- perous.
The Auburn church near Morristown was organized in 1854, but was merged with the Morristown congregation in 1862. This church now has 170 members with a Sunday-school with eighty members, and is in a prosperous condition.
The church at Hendrysburg was organized in 1867, and erected their church building in 1869. It has a membership of about 100 members.
One of the oldest churches in the county is on Captina creek in Wayne township, of which Hon. Harvey Danford is now a leading member. It was organized as early as 1833, and erected a church edi- fice in 1835. This building was burned down in 1850, and rebuilt, and was partly blown down in 1872. The present structure is a substan- tial brick building 30x36 feet, and cost about $1,500. The church has a membership of about 130 and a flourishing Sunday-school. In 1855 a number of members withdrew from this church and organized a new society and erected what is now known as " The Chestnut Level" Christian church, with a membership of about sixty.
The United Presbyterian Church .-- Most of the churches of this de- nomination in this county were organized as Associate, or Associate Reformed Presbyterian churches, and assumed their present name and connection when the union between the two was consummated at the joint synod held at Pittsburgh, May 26, 1858.
The first Associate Reformed organization in this county was that of the "Upper Wheeling Associated Reformed congregation," organ- ized about the year 1805, the first sermon being preached by Rev. Alexander Calderhead. He was succeeded by Rev. William Taggart. The first meetings were held in a tent. The first meeting house was built of logs about two miles southewest of Uniontown, which was replaced by a brick one in 1837. In 1855 Rev. William Taggart re- signed, the congregation removed to Uniontown, and the present structure built. The church assumed the name of United Presbyter- ians, in 1859, and Rev. D. F. Reid continued as pastor until 1864. when, a schism in the church on political questions occurring, a large number of members seceded and re-adopted the name of "Asso- ciate Reformed congregation."
Unity United Presbyterian church, Wheeling township, was or- ganized in 1814 by Rev. John Walker, and the first meeting house built in 1815, where the graveyard is now located. The house was of round logs 20x25. The next building was of hewed logs built in 1820. In 1833 a brick building 53x65 feet was erected and was succeeded by a frame building, the present structure, 38x58 feet. In 1841 the congrega- tion reached 250 communicants, which is double the present number.
783
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
The congregation at St. Clairsville was organized in 1830, in con- nection with the Associate Reform church. The first regular minister was Rev. Hugh Parks, in 1831, who served the congregation until 1839. He was succeeded in 1842, by Rev. Alexander Young, who served very acceptably and with marked success until 1857. After two years of vacancy he was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Johnson, who was installed and entered upon his pastorate in June, 1859. Under his ministry during the war he was intensely loyal and refused the right of communion to those who were not so, and a number left that church on that account, and many of his young parishioners volunteered, went into the army and never returned. He served with marked ability until 1874, when he resigned his charge. Ile was succeeded in April, 1875, by the present very efficient pastor, Rev. Thomas Balph, who has acceptably served the congregation since. The pres- ent membership is about 170.
The United Presbyterian church of Martin's Ferry was organized with sixteen members on the 4th of June, 1851, under the Associate Reform Presbytery of Steubenville, by Rev. T. L. Spear and Thomas Sweeney, James Waddle and J. R. Dickey as elders. A church cost- ing $2,000 was erected, and Rey. D. G. Bradford was the first pastor and served until 1857. Rev. R. G. Campbell was pastor from 1857. until 186;, in connection with the Centerville church, Rev. J. R. Slents served from 1869. to 1873, and was succeeded in 1874. by Rev. W. Weir, and he by Rev. A. E. Brownlee, who is still in charge.
The church at Warnock's and at Belmont, on the line of the Balti- more & Ohio railroad, was organized in 1827. The church at War- nock's, built in 1828 of brick, was replaced in 1871 by the present neat structure. Rev. Joseph Closkey was the first minister. Rev. Samuel McArthur succeeded him in August, 1838. In 1853, Josiah Alexander served the congregation, and was followed in 1858, by Rev. William Grimes, and at this period the church name was changed from . Isso- ciate Reform Presbyterian to United Presbyterian. This pastorate continued until 1862. In 1865, this church on political grounds, with- drew from the United Presbyterian synod, and united with the Asso- ciate Reform synod of the south. Rev. W. S. Moffat became pastor in 1867.
The Catholic Church .- The first Catholic church in this part of the state was the St. Francis church in Beaver township, Noble county. just beyond the western border of Belmont county, a majority of whose members resided in and around Temperanceville, in Somerset township, Belmont county. A log building was erected in 1822, on lands given by Mr. Gallagher, and was called St. Dominic's church. In IS54 a large building of brick was erected in which the congrega- tion still worship. The church now numbers 250 communicants.
The Bellaire Catholic church was organized during the construction of the Central Ohio R. R. in 1855, by Rev. Michael Kennedy, but when the road was finished it was found that the congregation could not support a minister, and Bellaire was dependent upon Rev. John W. Jaquet, then resident at the Beaver church. In 1857 the property on Belmont
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
street was purchased and the erection of St. John's church commenced, one of the lots having been donated by John HI. Sullivan. The church grew steadily under the ministration of Father Jacquet, until 1869, who was succeeded by Rev. P. J. Duly, who built and paid for the pastoral residence in IS;o. Rev. Thomas Whalen succeeded for a year, and then Rev. P. H. D. Steyel, who built an addition to the church, pur- chased a bell and enlarged the school building, ending his service in IS78. Rev. D. B. Cull, a very popular clergyman, succeeded him, and was very successful until his death in ISS7. He raised money and pur- chased the desirable lots at the head of Guernsey street, and raised money toward the construction of a new church and school building. He was succeeded by Rev. Fitz, the present pastor, who will, during the present year, begin the erection of the new church and school buildings. The church now has over 1,000 communicants, and over 200 children in the schools taught by the sisters of charity.
The Martin's Ferry Catholic church erected in 1872, a frame church, 25×45. It was a mission supplied from Bellaire until 1875, when Rev. J. A. Maroney took charge as resident pastor; succeeded in 1877 by Rev. Joseph Tuohy. Rev. Mattingly is the present pastor.
There are several small missions along the B. & O. railroad, sup- plied from Bellaire and Beaver churches, that have in all 300 or 400 communicants.
Episcopal Church .- In 1872 "Trinity Mission, Bellaire," was organ- ized by Rev. John Long, of Wellsville, Ohio. The society rented and used for over six years a building on the corner of Belmont and Thirty-sixth streets, formerly occupied as a cabinet-shop. At the or- ganization there were eight communicants. Rev. Jacob Rambo took charge of the mission in 1873. In 1878 a lot was purchased on Noble street, north of Indian run, and a neat frame building 25x45 feet erected, costing about $2.150. At this time the membership was forty- eight. The succeeding ministers were Rev. John S. Gibson in ISSo; Rev. W. W. Walker in 1882; Rev. W. S. Campbell in ISS7, and Rev. Charles O'Meara in 1890. The present membership is about the same as in 1878. There is an Episcopal church at Martin's Ferry with a neat new church building, and fifty members.
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785
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE PRESS OF BELMONT COUNTY.
BOUT the beginning of the year 1812 a paper called the Belmont Repository was started at St. Clairsville by Alex- ander Armstrong. The Repository had four columns to the page and was about one-fourth the present size of the Gazette. In 1818 we find the paper still under the manage- ment of Mr. Armstrong, but in August of that year its name was changed to the Belmont Journal. December 20, 1823, the name was again changed-this time called the Wl'estern Post; and Robert Il. Miller became associated with Mr. Armstrong in the publication of the paper. The paper continued to be printed the same size and form as when started in 1812. About the ist of January, 1825, Mr. Armstrong retired and R. H. Miller be- came sole editor and proprietor. About this time the name of the paper was changed again, and it became the St. Clairsville Gazette. The paper was also enlarged at this time to five columns on each page. We have been unable to ascertain the exact time when the paper first became known as the Gazette, but we believe that Mr. Miller gave it that name upon assuming control in January, 1825. Mr. Miller con- tinned to publish the paper until January, 1829, when George W. Manypenny became associated with him. On January 23, 1830, the Gasette was enlarged to a six-column paper. It was then the only democratic paper published in the congressional district, and the only one in any of the river counties from Marietta to Steubenville. August 27. 1830, Miller & Manypenny dissolved partnership, Mr. Miller retiring, and Mr. Manypenny continuing the publication of the paper until March 9, 1833, when it was sold to Messrs. John Y. and Jacob Glessner. Sometime in the year 1837 the Glessners sold out to Maj. John Irons. March 10, 1838, the Gazette passed into the hands of Dr. John Dunham, whose editorial connection with it lasted twelve years, ending March 15, 1850. February 23, 1839, Dr. Dunham enlarged the Gasette and made it seven columns to the page.
From February 23, 1839, to June 25, 1841, the paper was printed by Gill, Heaton & Co., and from the latter date to February 26, 1847, by Heaton & Gressinger. During all this time, however, Dr. Dunham had editorial control of the Gacette. In February, 1847, Dr. Dunham purchased a printing office of his own, and on the 26th of that month he became both editor and publisher of the paper. From March 1, 1844; to March 2, 1849, Alexander Patton was assistant edi- tor. February 26, 1847, Messrs. John 11. Heaton and Stephen Gressin- ger began the publication of another democratic paper in St. Clairsville, called The Citizen. This paper was published two years,
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1HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
and then (March 2, 1849) it was merged with the Gazette, the consoli- dated paper being called the Gazette and Citisen. Mr. Heaton retired at the time of the consolidation, and Dunham & Gressinger con- tinued in charge of the paper until March 15, 1850, at which time Dr. Dunham severed his connection with it. Stephen Gressinger was editor and publisher then until February 21, 1856, when he retired and was succeeded by John H. Heaton, Jaunary 2, 1862. The name of Citisen was dropped and the paper again became known as the St. Clairsville Gasette, which name it has retained to the present time. February 13, 1862, Mr. Heaton sold the paper to Mr. Gressin- ger, who conducted it for two years, and then on February 11, 1864. Mr. Heaton purchased it again from Mr. Gressinger. Mr. Heaton then conducted the Gazette to the time of his death, August 23, 1873. Mr. S. Gressinger was then employed to manage the paper, which he did until it came into the hands of the present proprietor. Novem- ber 1, 1873, the Gasette was transferred to Mr.C. N. Gaumer, as editor and proprietor, who was formerly connected with the Zanesville Sigual, as editor. In 1883, Mr. Ganmer sold the Gazette to J. M. Riley, now a practicing attorney of St. Clairsville, who conducted it until September, ISS9, when it came into possession of its present own- ers, Messrs. Milligan & Steenrod. The paper is a nine-column quarto, ably edited and managed, and is considered the organ of the demo- cratic party of the county. It is one of the most valuable plants in eastern Ohio.
The St. Clairsville Chronicle .- To give a detailed historical account of the Chronicle and its predecessors is a thing almost impossible. It is probable that its legitimate predecessor was established as early as 1813. If not at the time of its establisment it was a few years later called the National Historian, and in the latter part of twenties and early thirties it was owned and edited by Horace J. Howard. In IS31 Dr. J. G. Affleck, afteward editor of the True Blue, of Bridgeport, bought the Historian, which he edited until 1833, when he sold to Da- vid McPherson, by whom it is claimed by some, the name was changed to the Chronicle. By whom it was 'thereafter owned there is some question, but it is positively known that Wharton Howard, who after- ward moved to Iowa, was proprietor, and it is probable that it was from him that Gen. Cowan, now clerk of the district court at Cincin- nati, purchased the paper. It was an exponent of the whig party until the advent of the new republican party, since when it has advo- cated the principles of that party with marked courage and ability. David Thoburn came into possession of the Chronicle some time in the fifties and continued as its editor until 1860, when Col. C. L. Poor- man, the present editor and proprietor of the Bellaire Tribune, became editor and owner. He soon responded to the call of his country for defenders and went to the front, leaving J. B. Longley, a bright, able and versatile newspaper man, in charge. To those who know Mr. Longley it is not necessary to say that it was during his management a bold and fearless advocate of the Union cause. After ten years Col. Poorman sold to Wilkinson & Nichols, from whom the present
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BELMONT COUNTY, OIIIO.
proprietor, Mr. W. A. Hunt, purchased the paper in 1872. Since that time he has been constantly in charge, and perhaps no paper in the county bears more plainly the personality of its editor. It is uncom- promising in its advocacy of the principles of the republican party, and has by its zealous support added much to the strength of the party in its county. As a writer, Mr. Hunt deserves to be considered among those who have given the press in eastern Ohio its high place in the estimation of the people.
The first effort at "periodical literature" at Barnesville was made by the lady students of Davenport & Adler's "Classical Institute," then held in the old academy building. It was a little paper of four pages, 8x10 inches to the page, and was published weekly during the terms of the institute for the years 1856 and 1857. It was printed at Zanesville, Ohio, and was published by the " Philliphonian Society" of the institute. At first it was called The Gleaner, and the editress was changed every term. Finally it was called the Literary Casket and had " Excelsior" for its motto, and Miss M. L. Talbot, now Mrs. M. L. Walton, as permanent editress. That little paper crowns with honor every one connected with its career. Judging by the editorials it were a pity that Mrs. Walton did not continue to wield the pen. The Gleaner and Literary Casket were supported by the talents and purse of the lady students of the institute, and were circulated gratis.
The Intelligencer .- The first newspaper venture in Barnesville was made by E. R. Bartleson & Son, of Wheeling, in June, 1857. It was called The Intelligencer, and was a small twenty-four column jour- nal, and dealt in everything but politics. After the issue of two num- bers, the office was sold to George McClelland and Thomas Nichols, who continued its publication one year. In September, 1858, Mr. Mc- Clelland resumed its publication, and till June, 1861, the Intelligenter was the very mirror of affairs occurring in this portion of the state. It was well edited and occupied a prominent place in the ranks of coun- try journals.
The Enterprise .-- On the 28th of May, 1866, the first number of the Barnesville Enterprise, a seven-column folio, was published by George McClelland. In October, 18;0, the paper was enlarged to twenty- eight columns. In January, 1875. it was changed to a quarto, and en- larged to 31x45 inches. Samuel Price became a partner at this time. and the paper was conducted by McClelland & Price until October, 1877, at which date the latter retired, and Mr. McClelland resumed the management. The files of the Enterprise are replete with inter- esting matter. In IS;S the present editor and proprietor, Mr. E. P. Lee, became local editor, in which capacity he continued until isss. when he purchased the paper. The Enterprise is a six-column quarto issued on Wednesday of each week. So crowded have become its columns of late that a two page supplement is now regularly issued. It has a large patronage. Mrs. E. P. Lee is assistant editor.
Barnesville Republican, now one of the influential journals of Belmont county, Ohio, was established by Hanlon Brothers & Co. The first issue made its appearance June 14, 1883. It is a nine-column
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IHISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
folio, and as its name indicates is republican in politics, although it is more especially devoted to the general interests of the community. Mr. W. W., a son of T. T. Hanlon, is the chief editorial writer.
Much of the following is taken from former publications.
Journalism in Bellaire. - The first periodical appearing from the press in this city was the Bellaire Times. This paper was issued by Robert Duncan, who established the same in 1853. Duncan was succeeded on the Times by Dr. Joseph Gaston, with Dr. M. W. Junkins as local editor. In 1857 the Bellaire Intelligencer made its appearance, and was issued only a few months. H. E. Purdy established the Democratic Era, the first number appearing some time in 1858. His office was in the old shoe-factory school building. It lived until 1859 and then suspended. In 1868 Daniel Long published a small paper which he called the Bellaire Advertiser. It lasted until 1870.
On the 28th day of April, 1870, the Independent was issued from the press. It was established by a stock company, and was conducted and edited by John B. Longley, who retained the position as editor, with the exception of two years he spent in the office of county auditor. During this period the paper was edited by the present proprietor and Dr. M. W. Junkins. On the roth of November, 1877, James F. Anderson purchased the office. In ISSo the Daily Independent, issued every evening, was established. As its name indicates, it is inde- pendent in politics, but is neutral on no subject of public interest. Mr. Anderson, the editor and proprietor, is a native of Pultney township, where he spent his early days on a farm, which, perhaps, accounts for the stand he has always taken for the interest and protection of the farmer. Mr. Anderson is also a member of the Belmont county bar, and enjoys a lucrative practice. He was one of the earliest of his county to advocate the principles of the republican party. As a writer, Mr. Anderson is vigorous, bold and fearless, and woe unto the man or measure upon whom his unsparing lash may fall.
Bellaire Tribune .- The Bellaire Tribune was established Feb- ruary 6, 1879, by Col. C. L. Poorman. At the date of its first issue it had a larger bona fide subscription list than any paper in Bellaire. This was largely due to the Colonel's popularity in the county, he hav- ing edited the St. Clairsville Chronicle for ten years during and after the war. There is now a daily and semi-weekly edition of the Tribune, and both are very largely patronized by subscribers and advertisers. The Evening Daily is a seven-column folio, republican in politics, and is a vigorous exponent of the principles of that party. Col. Poorman is a writer of ability, well informed on all questions of public policy, widely known, and universly respected for his opinions on all ques- tions of party policy. He has been unremitting in his support of all public improvements, and through his paper and otherwise he has done much to improve the material condition of his town and county.
The Standard, published by D. W. Leet and John D. Nuzum started in April, 1870, and continued until sometime in 18;2. In i8;2, Mary E. Hoover established the Belmont City Commercial, but after a few months suspended until January, 1873, when Hoover and Ilall issued
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BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
the paper. In June of the year following, Miss Hoover again assumed sole charge, employing Will S. Faris as local editor. In January, 1875, the paper was sold to J. J. Clarkson, and in May of the same year he suspended publication. Cochran & Gow purchased the printing material and press of Clarkson, and on the fifth day of February, 1876, issued a neat seven-column paper styled Leader, which is still in successful operation. They added new material and press. On the Ist of July, 1876, John R. Gow purchased his partner's interest, and began the pulbication of a daily called the Daily Leader, which he issued just a week on trial, but Wheeling being so close with its dailies, interfered greatly, and the experiment in that enterprise was aban- doned. Mr. Gow has enlarged the Weekly Leader and otherwise im- proved it. Charles N. Allen was connected with the paper for a time.
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