USA > West Virginia > Monongalia County > History of Monongalia County, West Virginia, from its first settlements to the present time; with numerous biographical and family sketches > Part 45
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HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
repeated visits. The sites of some of these camps, called "fort fields," are still pointed out. Among other places, they are found on lands of W. G. Watson, B. H. Griffith, Samuel Shuttlesworth, Ann Robe, and on the Weaver farm, owned by T. H. Watson's heirs. Near Smithtown, on lands of Jolın C. Malone, is an Indian burying-place, located under an overhanging rock, close White Day creek. A number of bones and skeletons have been taken from this ancient cemetery, by Dr. Kramer and others. In Septem- ber, 1882, a large skeleton was uneartlied in the district by F. M. Fetty and wife. It was in a sitting position, in a rock grave, walled up with loose stones. In the summer of 1883, James A. Faulkner and others found an unusually large skeleton in the district. It is said to be that of a man whose stature was not less than seven feet, and wlio evidently belonged to pre-historic times. An Indian war- path-known as the "Eastern Trail"-crossed the district, passing by Smithtown and Halleck (see page 25-6).
EARLY SETTLERS.
It is impossible to state, from the information obtained, who were the first settlers in the district. The better tracts of land, along the river and elsewhere, were early taken by anventurous pioneers, and settlements sprang up along Booth's creek and in other parts of the district. The hardy generation wliose active labor first subdued these wilds, however, passed away and left little record of themselves, beyond the improvements they made. What has been gathered in regard to them, and the time of their coming, is stated in the history of the different towns or settlement centers, and in the notes which follow.
Capel Holland came at a very early day, and settled near where Goshen Baptist church now stands. His son, Rezin
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CLINTON DISTRICT.
Holland, was born in 1776 and died in 1851. He was the father of Mrs. H. G. West. It is said he built the first wind-mill in the county.
James and Josiah Wilson, two bachelor brothers, took up land here before 1777, and lived and died in the district. The Sears family settled here about 1778.
Jacob Holland, who served four years as a non-commis- sioned officer in the Revolutionary war, came from Berke- ley to this county in 1801, and settled near Morgantown. Two years later he moved to this district, where he died in 1838. He raised a family of seven sons and one daughter. William Holland, the sixth child, is the only one of these now living. He was born in 1797, and just sixty years ago married Susan Tarleton (born in 1802), who is still living. They raised a family of four sons and three daughters, and four adopted children. Mr. Holland remembers being chased by a bear when thirteen years old, and tells some very interesting stories in regard to his hunting experience in early. days.
John Austin came about 1806, and settled on the farm now owned by Jesse Shuttlesworth. Robert and William Robe settled at an early day between Uffington and Clin- ton Furnace. About 1817, B. H. Griffith came, with his father, from Poplar Springs, near Baltimore, and settled near Uffington. Isaac Reed was among the early settlers.
Thomas Steele was an early settler and hunter, near Clin- ton Furnace. He habitually wore a blue hunting shirt, with red fringe. On one occasion he shot a bear on his own land which it is said weighed over 400 pounds after being dressed.
George Hayes, formerly of this district, but now living in Harrison County, was a soldier in the war with Mexico and
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HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
in the last war. "He went out first and came in last." Silas Stevens was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died several years since.
Stephen Stansberry was born in 1803, married Sarah Sapp in 1826, and raised a family of fifteen children, eleven of whom are still living. Mrs. Stansberry and two of her sisters-Mary Pride and Elizabeth Trippett-had families which aggregated forty-five children.
Henry Dolton, a colored man, who had fought in the Revolutionary war, was among the early settlers in this dis- trict. He raised three sons-Bethuel, Levi and John. His remains lie buried in the woods a mile from Clinton Fur- nace, and an oak tree over a foot in diameter grows on his grave.
INDIAN MURDERS.
In the Indian raids which occurred during the Revolu- tionary war, several settlers were murdered by the red war- riors in what is now Clinton District. Among these victims of savage hostility were Thomas Miller and John Woodfin, killed in the vicinity of Cobun's creek (pages 60-1), and Thomas Stone, killed near Smithtown (page 62). Captain James Booth was another victim of savage hatred, and although not killed in the district, yet the nearness of the tragedy, and the circumstances connected with his deatlı, and that of his co-settlers, seem to be of sufficient interest to excuse the introduction of the following account, taken from the Border Warfare :
"On the 16th of June [1778], as Capt. James Booth and Nathaniel Cochran, were at work in a field on Booth's creek [in Marion Co.], they were fired at by the Indians. Booth fell, but Cochran, being very slightly wounded, took to flight. He was, however, overtaken and carried into captivity to their towns. From thence he was taken to Detroit, where he remained some time ; and endeavoring to
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escape from that place, unfortunately took a path which led him immediately to the Maumee old towns. Here he was detained awhile, and then sent back to Detroit, where he was exchanged, and from whence he made his way home, after having had to endure much suffering and many hardships. The loss of Booth was severely felt by the inhabitants in that settlement. He was not only an active and enterprising man, but was endowed with superior talents, and a better education than most of those who had settled in the country ; and on these accounts was very much missed.
"In a few days after this transaction, Benjamin Shinn, Wm. Grundy and Benjamin Washburn, returning from a lick on the head of Booth's creek, were fired on by the Indians, when near to Baxter's run. Washburn and Shinn escaped unhurt, but Grundy was killed : he was brother to Felix Grundy, of Tennessee, whose father was then residing at Simpson's creek, at a farm afterwards owned by Colonel Benjamin Wilson, Sr.
"This party of Indians continued for some days to prowl about the neighborhood, seeking opportunities of committing murder on the inhabitants. James Owens, a youth of sixteen years of age, was the only one whom they succeeded in killing after the murder of Grundy. Going from Powers' fort on Simpson's creek, to Booth's creek, his saddle girth gave away, and while he was down mending it, a ball was discharged at him, which killed both him and the horse."
VOTING PLACES.
From 1852 to 1863, the voting places in Clinton District were at Nicholas Osborn's and John Jones's. Previous to that, there had been a voting place at Smithtown, called Smithfield. From the formation of West Virginia until 1883, the polls were at Smithtown and Clinton Furnace. In the latter year, Clinton Furnace was dropped and voting places were established at Halleck and J. B. Bixler's, so that there are now three in the district-Smithtown, Halleck and Bixler's.
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HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
CIVIL LIST. -
Prior to 1852, the territory of the district was not recog- nized as a distinct part of the county. Isaac Powell, Sr., of Smithtown, was a magistrate for several years, about 1808, and, it is said, John Jeffs was also a magistrate for several years. In 1852, commissioners appointed for that purpose laid off the county into districts, and established this as the First Magisterial District, with boundaries as found on page 564.
JUSTICES.
1852.
Isaac Powell
Thomas Meredith
Isaac Reed
Capel Holland 1856.
1876. John Howell
Jon. M. Heck
O. B. Johnson.
WVin. C. Wilson
John Meredith
Joseph Haldeman 1871. 1880.
Isaac Reed
Moses Steele
S. T. Shuttleworth
John Howell Henry Austin
1860. Moses Steele.
CONSTABLES.
1852.
1866.
M. H. Steele 1872.
Thomas Tarleton 1856.
William Wilson
Samuel Hardin
Isaac Reed 1868.
John R. Steele S. Frum
1860. Samuel Hardin Jesse Austin 1865.
J. W. Phillips C. P. Devault
O. P. Jolliffe 1871. George Bell
1880. Robert Robe B. F. M. Fletcher
1864-O. B. Johnson 1865-Jos. Grubb, Jr. 1866-O. B. Johnson
1867-Thos. Tarleton
1869-S. T.Shuttleworth
1868-Oliver P. Jolliffe 1870-J. A. Faulkner
TOWNSHIP CLERKS.
1867-8-T. D. Harden 1870-1-H. Stansberry
1864-5-T. P. Selby 1866-F. D. Hardman
Jesse Austin.
1867. J. M. Jolliffe
Thomas Howell J. W. Phillips
1876.
A. J. Frum 1869.
SUPERVISORS.
1872.
J. A. Holland Moses Steele
Alpheus Holland Hamilton G. West Thomas Tarleton 1865. Chas. Cornwell 1867.
Thomas McBee
1869-L. C. Beals
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CLINTON DISTRICT.
TOWNSHIP TREASURERS.
1866-7-R. H. Jones 1868-9-J. M. Jolliffe
OVERSEERS OF POOR.
1867-S.T.Shuttleworth 1870-John Howell 1868-9-John R. Steele 1871 -- Capel Holland
1864-L. Selby L. Howell
1865-Leonard Selby
J. Trickett
1866-Joseph Trickett
1869-Ezra Stevens J. C. Cartright
J. M. Mason
Leonard Selby
SMITHTOWN.
This town is situated in the western part of the district, in a beautiful little valley on the waters of White Day creek. It is twelve miles south-west from Morgantown, on the Morgantown and Bridgeport Turnpike.
The first settlement in this vicinity, of which there is any account, was made in 1772, by Robinson Lucas, and, it is said, Peter Parker. On February 18, 1780, Lucas received a certificate from the land commissioners for 400 acres, "including his settlement made thereon in 1772," and on August 1, 1785, it was surveyed for him. In 1773, George Wilson and Andrew Ice received certificates for lands on White Day creek. On February 12, 1798, Richard Smith bought 189} acres* (part of a 400-acre tract) on White Day creek, from Simeon Riggs,t and Amassa, his wife, paying therefor the sum of fifty pounds.
* One account says part of this land was that on which Smithtown was afterward built. Another account says Richard Smith bought the land on which the town stands " of Timothy Smith, who came by it from Peter Parker, who settled it in 1772."
t Simeon Riggs settled here about 1785, and reared a family of nine children, among whom were Isaac and Aaron Riggs. Isaac Riggs ran a line of stages from Clarksburg to Morgantown, and from the latter place to Uniontown, Penn., about thirty-five years ago. He built the old brick house still standing on the left bank of White Day creek, and now owned by Watson. Aaron, Simeon's youngest son, was the father of Mrs. Susan Smith, of Halleck, who was born in 1811.
1864-E. Hall 1865-T. E. Holland
1864-John R. Steele 1865-Jon. Stansberry 1866-John R. Steele
INSPECTORS OF ELECTION.
1867-A. G.Devault 1870-Leonard Selby
Joseph Trickett J.C.D.Cartright
1868-L. Selby
Chas. Cornwell 1871-Leonard Selby
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HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
Richard Smith* laid out, Smithtown, with two streets, called First and Second streets, and on June 9, 1806, sold to Asher Lewis, lots No. 8 and 15 for $100; to Timothy Warden, No. 16 for $24; to Abram Owens, Nos. 1 and 13 for $52; and all the balance of the lots on First Street. In 1807, he sold to James Jeffs lots No. 14 and 26, on Second Street, for $72. Smith's house, built of stone, stood where Watson's now stands. It is said Seeley Sears built the second or third house in Smithtown. Smith built a corn mill on White Day creek, a short distance below where now stands the mill owned by Jolliffe's heirs. James Jeffs bought the mill, and his son, John Jeffs carried on the milling and tanning business here in 1826. Some years later, Joseph Jolliffe bought the property, and, in 1831, built the present mill, and a saw-mill.
In 1804, James G. Watsont came from Maryland and set- tled in this county. Three years later, he bought the farm now owned by J. C. Malone and moved there. He raised a family of three sons and two daughters. Two of his sons -Henry and Thomas-were magistrates. James D., the youngest son, married Ann M. Haymond, a sister of Judge Haymond's father, and raised a family of four children, of whom only William E. and Thomas F. Watson survive. James D. Watson died November 2, 1865, aged seventy-one years.
Among other early settlers and land owners here, were Robert Ferrell, who owned 936 acres, 90 of which now be-
* Richard Smith was a Quaker, who came from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, and from that State to this county. He was twice married : first, to Gracie Moore, and after her death, to Elizabeth Walker, both of Pennsylvania. He raised a family of ten or eleven children, among whom was Anthony Smith.
t James G. Watson was a famous hunter in his day, and kept a large pack of hounds, and a hunting horse named "Steamboat." He used a hunter's horn to call his dogs, devoted much time to the pleasures of the chase, was large hearted, liberal and hos- pitable, and was a fine specimen of the old Virginia gentleman.
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long to John C. Malone ; William Morris, who had a still- house here fifty years ago ; Barnabas Johnson, Adam Fast, Anthony Smith, - Dorsey and William Powell, the lat- ter coming from Washington County, Penn.
In 1822 a post-office was established here, with John Jeff's as postmaster. It was called White Day, after the name of the creek. Jeffs was succeeded by Joseph Jolliffe, who kept the office until about 1840, when James D. Wat- son was postmaster four years. After this, Jolliffe was again appointed, and continued to occupy the position un- til 1866, when he resigned and was succeded by W. C. Wil- son. Wilson held the office about fourteen years, and was succeeded, in 1880, by Charles D. Malone, the present in- cumbent.
The first store was kept by Dr. Robert Travis, about 1826, who was succeeded by Travis & Meredith. Thomas Meredith continued the business until his death, about 1852. Hutch- inson & Watson started a grocery about 1850. J. J. Hutch- inson soon bought out Watson and added dry goods. He was popular and successful. Among other merchants here have been J. M. Heck, John Wilson, G. W. Jolliffe, S. Har- den, Frank Miller and - Brock. The present merchants are : M. L. Hutchinson (son of J. J. Hutchinson), who be- gan business in 1879; W. C: Wilson, 1854; M. J. Jones, 1878.
The first physician was Dr. Travis, who practiced until his death in 1847. Among his successors have been Drs. A. S. Wardwell, G. W. Finfrock, Joseph Irwin, W. H. Sharps, I. C. Newman and - Campbell. Dr. E. B. Kra- mer is the present physician, and the only one in the dis- trict.
The first tavern was kept by John Malone, who came
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HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
from Martinsburg. He was succeeded by Joseph Jolliffe, who kept nearly thirty years. Isaac Powell opened a hotel about 1858, and continued it about four years, since which time there has been no licensed hotel in Smithtown.
The first blacksmith shop was opened by Joseph Jolliffe. John M. Mason worked at the business here for thirty years. The present blacksmiths are E. J. Michael and E. W. S. Mundell.
The present shoemakers are Charles D. Malone and Cornelius Heston. J. C. Malone worked at this business here for thirty years, and Wesley Malone for nearly twenty.
In 1816, Stephen Wilson taught school in Smithtown. For churches, see Church History.
From a diary kept by Mrs. Harriet Jolliffe, we learn that there were high waters here on the 2d and 10th, of March, 1824; June 2, 1845; April 10, 1852 ; April 11th and August 20, 1860; February 16, 1873; August 5, 1875. At the time of the fight at Fairmont, April 29, 1863, the Confederates came within three miles of Smithtown, and a considerable panic was created here.
CLINTON FURNACE.
This place is located on Booth's creek, six miles above its mouth, and nearly in the center of the district. Since the furnace quit operations, about 1858, the only business carried on here has been a store, mill and post-office. The land on which these buildings stand was patented Septem- ber 19, 1799. Henry Banks, John Phillips, David Sayer, Thomas Evans, and others, owned lands in the immediate vicinity before that. In 1810, James Jeffs settled here, buying the land now owned by O. B. Johnson from William Buchannon and Jacob Foulk. In 1803, Benjamin Thorn
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CLINTON DISTRICT.
erected the first mill here, and he sold his interest to Jeffs. About 1813, John Jeffs, a son of James, built and operated a tannery* here. About 1819, another and better mill was built, and a carding machine added. There was also a saw- mill. The place was then called Jeffstown-a name it con- tinued to bear until the erection of the furnace.
In 1829, Hadley Johnsont came from Washington County, Penn., purchased the Jeffs property, and carried on the various business enterprises begun by Jeffs. About 1832, Abraham Pearl opened a grocery here, but did business only a short time. About 1846, William Salyards came from Taylor County, where he had been connected with a furnace, bought land of John Frederick, Sr., and com- menced building a furnace here. The history of this enter- prise is given on page 258. In 1852, O. B. Johnson opened a general store here, and has continued the business to the present time. A post-office was established about 1854, with George Hardman as postmaster. Two years later he was succeeded by O. B. Johnson, the present postmaster. About 1859, Mr. Johnson built the present saw- and grist- mill, and abandoned the tannery and carding business. In 1858, a church was built here, principally by the Methodist Protestants, but its doors were open to all denominations. It was used for religious purposes until 1870. The school- house-No. 6-stands a short distance above the ruins of the furnace. For twenty years, commencing with 1863, Clinton Furnace was one of the two voting places in the district. Near here are two red sulphur springs.
*John Jeffs ran this tannery some years, when he removed to the mouth of Pawpaw creek, near where Rivesville now stands, and bought the Merrill tannery. From there he went to Smithtown, where he engaged in milling and also run a tannery. He is spoken of as a man of unusual business capacity.
t Hadley Johnson died July 31, 1863, aged 83 years; his wife, Rachel, died April 29, 1874, aged 86 years. Both lie buried in the Fairview cemetery.
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HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
HALLECK.
This place is situated in the southern part of the district, between Smithtown and Gladesville (Preston County), and was so named by James S. Watson, in honor of Gen. H. W. Halleck. The location is both pleasant and healthy, being on the range of hills that form the dividing line between the head-waters of Booth's creek and Laurel run. There is a store, post-office, blacksmith shop, church and school- house here, and the people of the neighborhood are ener- getic and progressive.
The first settlement in this vicinity, it is said,"was made by a man named Maxwell, on the farm now owned by James Miller. James Downey settled on the farm now owned by Joseph Smith, and George Reed on that owned by Nathan Kerns. A man named Betts lived for a while on the Cart- right farm. These were all squatters, and lost their claims by reason of their being included in older surveys. Among the settlers here previous to 1830, were Philip Holland, Hugh Bean, Andrew Key, James Trickett, Michael Trickett and Moses Kinkaid. Joseph Smith came in 1830, and among those who settled here soon after, were Asa Harris, Jacob Cartright, John G. Smith, James Watson,* Hugh Austin, William Golliher, Asa Fletcher and Oliver P. McRa.
Several years ago a stock of goods was brought here by James S. Watson, and at first these goods were kept in a room at C. H. Duncan's, but later Mr. Watson built a good store-house. A post-office was established in 1880, with Charles H. Duncan, the present incumbent, as postmaster.
An Indian war-path, called the Eastern Trail, passed where Halleck now stands. It is said that the Indians
* James Watson died January 10, 1870, aged 64 years; Christianne, his wife, died December 5, 1836, aged 23 years; buried at Fairview church.
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CLINTON DISTRICT.
stopped and camped here, at a large rock in Joseph Smith's field, on the first night of their retreat from Snowy Creek Glades (Preston County), where they had killed James Brain and captured his sons Isaac and Benjamin, in April, 1778.
UFFINGTON.
The first house (now gone) was built by Joseph Jolliffe, who carried on blacksmithing here. The house stood on the right bank of Booth's creek, a short distance above where the Fairmont pike crosses that stream. In 1850, William D. Smith, from Pittsburgh, opened a store here, and, in July of that year, secured the establishment of a post- office, which he named Uffington, after his wife's maiden name. Smith was a music teacher, and probably sold the first piano ever brought into the county. He left here about 1862, and the post-office was moved to Kerns's mill, a short distance away, with Charles Kerns as postmaster. It was afterward kept at Alexander Osborn's and at Fleming Jol- liffe's. For some years, the office was discontinued ; but it was re-established in 1873, with James S. Watson postmas- ter, who still holds that position. In 1859, and for several years thereafter, Charles Kerns kept a store here. Dr. John had a store here for some time. W. C. McGrew started a branch store here, and was succeeded by Watson & Jolliffe, who continue the business. There are now two stores and a blacksmith shop. For many years a hermit, known as " Doctor Alsoop," has dwelt on the hillside near Uffington. He exercises ownership over a small island in the Monon- gahela River, where he raises vegetables and grain for his sustenance. Very little else is known of him.
The iron bridge here was built about 1878, and cost over $1,500.
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HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
About 1827, a party of five Indians passed through here and stayed a night or two at Uffington. During this time they got into a row among themselves, and one of them was dangerously stabbed.
POST-OFFICES.
There are now four post-offices in the district. Following are the names, dates of establishment and present post- masters :
White Day, 1822. Charles D. Malone
Uffington, 1850 James S. Watson
Clinton Furnace, 1854 O. B. Johnson Halleck, 1880. Charles H. Duncan
There was a post-office at Pleasant Valley for many years, with Moses Steele postmaster, and one at Ezekiel Trickett's for two years, with Trickett as postmaster. The former was discontinued about 1879, and the latter in 1882, each on account of the postmaster's resignation.
ROADS.
The western part of the district is traversed by the Mor- gantown and Bridgeport Turnpike, locally called the Fair- mont pike, and through the eastern part passes the Beverly and Morgantown Turnpike, locally known as the Evansville pike. Besides these, the district has a complete net-work of country roads, affording communication with every part and with the surrounding country. Among these latter are roads from Smithtown to Halleck, from Uffington past Clinton Furnace to Halleck, from Pleasant Valley to Clinton Furnace, and many others.
OIL WELLS.
In 1865, parties from Wheeling began boring an oil well on the Clinton Furnace property. When about 180 feet down, they struck a vein of sulphur water, which spouted
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CLINTON DISTRICT.
up in the air twenty feet. They continued boring until they reached a depth of 283 feet, when the auger broke off in the rock, and the well was abandoned. Jerry White su- perintended the work. The sulphur water has continued to flow ever since, and is of uniform temperature winter and summer, being 56° Fah. A well was sunk for oil at Round Bottom, on the Monongahela River, near Uffington. Two holes were bored, but without success, and the enterprise was abandoned.
NOTED PLACES.
The famous " Pictured Rock " is located in this district, on the Morgantown and Bridgeport Turnpike, locally known as the Evansville pike. A description of this rock will be found on page 27. B. H. Griffith, now living in the district, says that half a century ago, when he was a young man, living with and working for Henry Hamilton, he plowed the dirt off the large flat rock now known as the Pictured Rock, and first discovered the figures. There were human forms, moccasin tracks, turkeys, deer, bears and other wild animal forms, deeply cut in the solid stone. When the pike was located, it ran by this rock, which was then cleaned off so as to show all the pictures. For a time, hundreds of people visited it every year. After exposure 8 to the air and rain, however, the figures began gradually to wear away, and many of them are now entirely obliterated. At various times, ambitious youths have evidently added a number of designs, with the intention of supplying the loss of the originals. Some of these additions, now moss- grown and ancient in appearance, bear dates within the last two decades.
Caves .-- Two caves are found in this district. One, on the land of Elizabeth Chipps, not far from the mouth of
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HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
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