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 53
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 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57
John H. Bowlby was a Jacksonian Democrat all his life, and voted for every Democratic nominee for president from James Madison to W. S. Hancock. He is still living, and hopes to live to vote for the nominee in 1884. He has been in the cattle business for sixty years. "He is the first man in this county who ever gave $100 for a yoke of oxen." In 1856, he built the steam-inill, 30x30 feet, three stories high, and a saw-mill, 18x45. Two run of buhrs were put in at first-same yet. . John H. and his son James P. run the business until 1860, when E. J. became a partner and James P. retired. About 1869, the mill passed entirely into the hands of E.J. About this time John H. distributed his property amounting to about $40,000, among his four children. In 1877, he made a fur- ther division among the four children, amounting to about $1,000 each. By the death of his son, John W., without heirs, the "home place " again passed to John H., and, in 1882, he sold this to his two sons.
John H. Bowlby has been a member of the Methodist Protestant Church for many years, and has been a class-leader and a steward. He was one of the charter members of Morgantown Lodge, No. 93, A. F. and A. M.
Thomas and Richard Bowlby, brothers, and John (grandfather of the subject of this sketch) went froin New Jersey to Nova Scotia
.
713
CASS DISTRICT.
about the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, being Loyalists, and afterward to Upper Canada, where their descendants are nu- merous and have enjoyed many distinctions under the Canadian government
JOHN T. FLEMING, youngest son of Levin Fleming and Mary Wil- ley, was born June 8, 1827, near Cassville. He worked on the farm until the age of twenty-one, about which time his health failing, he began teaching, which he followed for six years. He married Willimpe T. Smyth, daughter of Hynson Smyth, December 27, 1853. He was elected, in 1854, to the sheriffalty of the county, and was the first Democrat to hold that office in Monongalia. His success and efficiency was evidenced by a re-election the following term with 1000 majority, he serving as sheriff and deputy until 1860.
In 1865, he removed back to his farm near Cassville. Although his education was only that of the common schools, yet he has collected a considerable library, and is a man of extensive knowl- edge for his advantages.
He never had a lawsuit while sheriff, and retired from the office with honor to himself and with the personal good-will of the whole people. He was repeatedly complimented by State officials, for his promptness and kindness as a public servant.
.
CHRISTOPHER GARLOW came from Maryland, and married a Miss Snively. His children were : Andrew, father of John, who lives on Snider's Indian camp farm ; Joseph, who was killed in the War of 1812; John; Motta Partness; Tina Fortney ; Mary Barmore ; Elizabeth Muzzy, and Daniel.
PHILIP SHIVELY, grandfather of Michael Shively, when 93 years of age, split a hundred rails in a day. He used to say that his father was his "his own man for 100 years," he having been 121 years of age at his death.
'JOHN DAVIS married a Furbee. He died at 97 years of age. Of . his sons, Robert went to Tyler County ; Mathias remained in Mon- ongalia, while Thomas went to Kentucky.
Among the immigrants who came into Cass from Delaware, beside the Willeys, the Davises and the Flemings mentioned on
714
HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
page 698, were the Johnsons, the Lawlises, the Coles, the Prides, the Hayses, the Wades, the Barkers and the Conways.
ELIAS SIMPSON married Elizabeth Murray and came from Dela- ware and settled on William Wadkin's place on Scott's run, about 1794. One of his sons is Squire Purnell Simpson, now living in Morgantown. Elias had two brothers, William and David, who came out but who went West.
THOMAS HACKNEY came from Delaware. He married Elizabeth Hart. He was the father of ex-Sheriff Samuel Hackney, of Mor- gantown.
FORTNEY FAMILY .- The ancestor of the Fortney family came from France ; fought in the Revolution ; then returned and brought his family. His son Henry came from Frederick County, Md., to Greene County, Penn., and to Monongalia in 1808. Among Henry's sons were Daniel, Peter, and John. John's children were Daniel J., Eli (of Kentucky), Joseph, John G. (of Préston County), Levi, and Barbara Clark.
CHAPTER XXXII. GRANT DISTRICT.
Geographical Boundaries and General Description-Indian Occu- pation-Indian Mill Rock-Pioneers and Early Settlers-Stew- art's Block House-Growth of the District-Civil List-Polling Places and Presidential Votes-Towns : Granville, Laurel Point, Arnettsville, Lowesville, Georgetown, Flickersville-Mail Service -Roads-Mills- Religious Denominations-Sabbath Schools-Schools and School Officers-Statistics-Biographical Sketches.
GRANT DISTRICT is bounded on the north and north-east by Cass District ; on the east and south-east it is separated by the Monongahela River from Morgan and Clinton districts ; on the south and south-east it is bounded by Marion County and on the west and north-west it is bounded by Clay District.
Grant District, in 1807, comprised the Eighth (constab- ulary) District, except that portion of the present district south of Big Indian creek, which was in the Ninth. The Eighth also embraced all of Cass south of Scott's run. In 1831, it was the south-eastern part of the Third (constab- ulary) District, which comprised nearly the present terri- tory of Clay, Cass and Grant. In 1852, the present terri- tory of the district became the Fifth Magisterial District (p. 565). In 1863, Grant Township was established, em- bracing the territory of the present district, and named in honor of Gen. U. S. Grant. In 1873, Grant Township, by a change of designation merely, became the present Grant District.
.
716
HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
The slope of the main portion of the district is to the north-east and east in the direction of its main streams, Dent's run and the Monongahela River. In the southern part the slope is to the south-east in the direction of Big Indian creek.
The surface is broken and hilly ; the soil is clay and sand loam, very rich and productive. Wheat is said to average from 8 to 18 bushels per acre ; corn, 25 to 60; oats, 16 to 40, and potatoes, 75 to 125. All small fruits and vegetables do well. Apples are the main fruit crop; pears, cherries and plums are raised, and, some years, a crop of peaches. The district was once heavily timbered, but a great portion of it has been cleared. Oak (of different varieties) was the main timber, with sugar, poplar, chestnut, hickory and walnut. Its mineral wealth-coal, iron ore and limestone- has never been fully developed, but is similar in many re- spects to the mineral wealth of Cass District, as described, commencing at page 223.
The wild animals common in the district in an early day were the same as were found all over the county : the buf- falo, deer, panther, wolf, bear and wild cat, all of which have given away to the advance of civilization, whose ring- ing ax-blows cleared out their haunts for the domestic animals of to-day. Sheep, hogs, cattle and horses do well and thrive.
INDIAN OCCUPATION.
The Indians sought the hills and streams of Grant for the same purposes that they visited all other portions of the county, which were to hunt and fish.
INDIAN MILL ROCK.
On the waters of Stewart's run, on the farm of S. C. Stewart, is a large rock in which there are several holes
-
·
717
GRANT DISTRICT.
about 6 inches in diameter, varying in depth from 12 inches to 2} feet. They were said, by the early settlers, to have been used by the Indians to pound their corn in. A care- ful examination of the rock shows that they were not worn by the action of water, and likely were used by the Indians for pounding corn or for keeping fire, or for both purposes. In the latter case, ashes were put in, then fire, then more. ashes, then a stone lid or cover. Just below this rock are unmistakable evidences of an Indian encampment.
PIONEERS AND EARLY SETTLERS.
The following are among the pioneer settlers of Grant District from 1770 to 1779 :
1770-Alex Smith 1774-James Denny 1775-George Weaver
1771-Jacob Scott 1774-T. Cunningham 1775-Josiah Haskins
1772-Wm. Robinson 1774-Dan'l Burchill 1775-Benjamin Wilson
1772-George Robinson 1774-William Hill 1775-David Burchill
1773-James Piles 1774-Abe. Lemasters 1775-Joseph Barker
1773-John Cochran
1774-Samuel Osborn 1775-John Barker
1773-Jacob Barker
1775-John McDonald
1775-James Barker
1773-John Stewart
1775-John Dent
1775-Levi Carter
1773-Hezekiah Stout 1775-James Wells 1778 -- Lougb
STEWART'S BLOCK HOUSE.
John Stewart * built a block house on his lands on Stewart's run about one mile down from its head. It stood on a small ridge between two ravines on the right hand side of the run, and was standing as late as 1796. It was built some time after 1773. Henry Michael now owns the land the fort was on, and it was not far from his house where it stood.
The Indians never killed any one in Grant of whom we have any account. It is said that William Stewart, son of
* John Stewart, son of William Stewart mentioned on page 81, came from Stewart- town and took up 1115 acres of land along the run now bearing his name. He mar- ried a Miss Robe. Their children were: William, David, Samuel, Sarah, Elizabetlı Hall, Nancy and Mary.
718
HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY
John Stewart, was chased by Indians while returning from a mill that stood where Boyers's mill now is in Cass District.
GROWTH OF THE DISTRICT.
Being an agricultural district, its growth has been neces- sarily slow. The building of the pike through the district, to some extent, for a time, gave an impetus to the produc- tion of grain and the raising of horses and cattle. With a rich soil, the district is capable of a development that would make it one of the best.
The district, with 29,811 acres of area, stands fifth in order of size. In 1880, with 2,156 inhabitants, it is fourtlı in order of population; and, in 1883, with $849,932 of wealth, it stands first of the seven districts of the county in order of wealth.
CIVIL LIST-MAGISTERIAL OFFICERS, 1852-1863.
JUSTICES.
1852.
1856
1860
John B. Lough
John B. Lough
Gideon Barb
Jesse Mercer
John B. Lough Jesse Mercer
John B. Yeager
James Steele
Philip Rogers
Ulysses Camp
CONSTABLES.
1852
1856
1860
Ulysses Camp
Jacob Barker F. M. Arnett
William Smith G. W. Gilmore
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS, 1863-1873.
JUSTICES .*
1863
1867 1871
J. A. Waters
I. C. Rich
E. W. Brand
Isaac Cordray
James Steele
J. H. Coogle
CONSTABLES. 1867 1871
1863
R. B. Fogle
R. B. Fogle
R. B. Fogle
C. W. Miller
J. B. Lynch.
1865
J. S. Thorn 1869 R, B. Fogle
R. B. Fogle
J. S, Thorn
J. S. Thorn
* To fill vacancy : 1866, I. C. Rich.
719
GRANT DISTRICT.
SUPERVISORS.
1863-Matthew Lough 1866-Reuben Finnell 1869-Wm. Fear
1864-Reuben Finnell 1867-J. E. Arnett 1870-Wm. Fear
1865-Daniel Glasscock 1868-Wm. Fear a
1871-J. M. Taylor
INSPECTORS OF ELECTIONS.
1866-S. J. Cale 1869-Owen Hawker
J. P. Thorn J. P. Thorn
1867-A. Glasscock 1870-J. S. Lough
J. P. Thorn Eugenius Stumn
1868-James Steele 1871-J. P. Thorn
J. P. Thorn Eugenius Stumn
OVERSEERS OF POOR.
1863-65-J. McClarnan 1868-70-Reuben Finnel 1871-J. A. Thompson
1865-68-Wm. Fear
1863-65-M. Shanks
1865-D. C. Shaffer
1867-70-George Barb
TOWNSHIP TREASURERS.
1867-Robison Hare 1868-70-Curtis Arnett
1866-F. M. Arnett
DISTRICT OFFICERS, 1873-1884.
JUSTICES.
*1972-E. W. Brand 1876-E. W. Brand 1880-M. J. Knox
Shelby P. Barker James E. Dent J, P. Thorn
CONSTABLES. *1872-J. A. Thompson 1876-J. M.Hildebrand 1880-D. Y. McElroy J. B. Lynch Sam'l McElroy Taylor Hess POLLING PLACES.
1n 1832, Middletown (now Fairmont) and Morgantown seem to have been the nearest polling places. In 1852, Laurel Point and Cox's were establishedin the district. In 1864, Laurel Point and Arnettsville were established, and have been the polls since.
+ PRESIDENTIAL VOTE, 1852-1880.
1852, Pierce, 183 ; Scott, 33.
1864, Lincoln, 205 ; McClellan, 138.
· 1856, Buchanan, 169 ; 1868, Grant, 258 ;
Filmore, 12. Seymour, 146.
* Elected August 22, 1872, and went into office January 1, 1873.
t There is no record of 1860. The votes given are the sum total of votes cast at the polling places in the district.
.
1863-Henry Potter J. P. Thorn
1864-Henry Potter
J. P. Thorn
1865-Henry Potter
J. P. Thorn
1870-J. W. Smith TOWNSHIP CLERKS.
1866-John Johnson 1870-72 -- Garrett Conn
1863-66-Peter Fogle
720 HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
1872, Grant, 240 ; 1880, Garfield, 227 ;
Greeley, 133 ; O'Connor, 5. Hancock, 171.
1876, Hayes, 228 ; Tilden, 169.
TOWNS.
The oldest and largest town in the district is Granville. . It was laid out by Capt. Felix Scott, and named Grand- ville. It was established by an act of Assembly passed January 22, 1814, which recited "that the lots and streets as already laid off on the Monongaliela River, be established a town by the name of Grandville; and that John Bouslog, Robert C. Scott, James Tibbs, Thomas. Wade, Jr., Joseph Dunlap, Thomas Hess and Felix Scott" be appointed trus- tees. The houses were to be at least twelve feet square, with brick or stone chimneys, and seven years were allowed lot-holders in which to improve and build on their lots. On December 31, 1819, an act was passed allowing lot- holders seven years longer in which to build on their lots. On June 6, 1814, we find Capt. Felix Scott making his first sale of lots. The town was laid out into forty-three lots, and sold as follows, by Capt. Scott : *
No. Purchaser. No. Purchaser.
No. Purchaser.
1. Robert C. Scott
10. Robert C. Scott
19. Robert C. Scott
2. Johr. Bouslog
11. David Scott
20. Robert C. Scott
3. John Bouslog 12. David Scott
21, Robert C. Scott
4. John Bouslog
13. Robert C. Scott
22. Robert C. Scott
5. John Bouslog
14. Joseph Dunlap
23. Philip Shively
6. John Bouslog
15. George Barrick
24. Philip Shively
7. Thomas Hess
16. Robert C. Scott
25. Philip Shively
8. Thomas Hess
17. Robert C. Scott
26. Jacob Barrick
9. Benjamin Stephens 18. Robert C. Scott
27. Robert C. Scott
* Capt. Felix Scott was a son of Capt. David Scott who came from the South Branch. His wife, it is said, was a Cunningham. Their children were : 1. and 2. Phebe and Fanny, killed by Indians (pp. 63-64); 3. Hannah, who married Jesse, son of Col. Chas. Martin; 4. Col. James, who married Amelia Daugherty; 5. Robert, who married a Cunningham; 6. Capt. Felix, who married Nancy, daughter of Capt. Jolin Dent; 7. Sally, who married a Gapen. Capt. David Scott lived most of the time across the river from Hamilton in Union District. Major David Scott, of Grant, was said to have been a nephew of Capt. David Scott; and Jacob Scott, who lived at the " Red Bridge,"
OLIVER P. JOLLIFFE. See Appendix.
721
GRANT DISTRICT.
No. Purchaser.
No. Purchaser.
No. Purchaser.
28. Michael Shively
34. Joseph Dunlap
39. Philip Shively
29. John Fortney
35. Joseph Dunlap
40. Robert C. Scott
30. John Furbee
36. Samuel Everly
41. George Baremore
31. Daniel Thompson
37. Morgan Scott
42. George Barrick
32. Daniel Thompson
38. Philip Shively
43. Robert C. Scott
33. Robert C. Scott
On June 6, 1814, Robert C. Scott bought Nos. 1, 10, 16 to 22, 27, 33, 40 and 43 for $500. On the same day, Philip Shively bought Nos. 23 to 25, 38 and 39 for $80; John Bouslog, Nos. 2, 3, 6 and 45 for $500 ; Joseph Dunlap, Nos. 14, 34 and 35 $500; Thomas Hess, Nos. 7 and 8 for $100; George Barrack, Nos. 15 and 42 for $20; John Fortney, No. 29 for $30; Jacob Barrack, No. 26 for $20; George Bare- more, No. 41 for $10; Benjamin Stephens No. 9 for $20; Michael Shively No. 28 for $30; Daniel Thompson, Nos. 31 and 32 for $40 ; Samuel Everly, No. 36 for $56, and Morgan Scott No. 37 for $20. On June 10, 1816, Robert C. Scott bought No. 13 for $30. March 6, 1819, David Scott bought Nos. 11 and 12 for $80, and John Furbee No. 30 for $80.
1
It is said that Capt. Scott named the town from the island in the river opposite it, and also that he had the first house built, in 1812, where Mr. Lewellin lives. The first store was kept by Felix Scott, between 1812 and 1815. Dr. Dent kept a store for a long time. Several others have kept, and the last was the grocery of Mrs. Brown, who re- moved, in 1883, to Hamilton. Dr. Marmaduke Dent located as a physician here in 1830, and practiced for about 50 years. Dr. U. L. Clemmer was with him for awhile. About 1830, a post-office was established. On account of their being a post-office by the name of Grandville in the State, the name of the town was changed from Grandville to Gran-
was said to have been either a brother or a cousin of Capt. David Scott. JJacob died from exposure in the Indian wars, as a spy. Among his children were : James, Sarah Barker, and Phebe, wife of Benjamin Hamilton.
46
722
HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
ville. In 1880, the population was 122. The town is on the Monongahela River, two miles north-west of Morgan- town. There is now no post-office here. The only hotel is the Dent House, kept by 'Squire James E. Dent.
LAUREL POINT.
Capt. John Dent had a mill at Laurel Point, which burnt in 1800. A stone mill was built in its place, and it was suc- ceeded by the present steam mill, which was built in 1841 or 42, by Nimrod Dent. Between 1846 and 1851, the post- office was established. In 1851, E. G. Brooke was post- master. Milling, merchandising and distilling was com- menced in 1790 at this place by Capt. John Dent; in 1828, Nimrod and Dr. Marmaduke, his sons, succeeded him. In 1830, the Doctor sold out to Nimrod. Since Nimrod, quit, several stores have been kept. The first physician here was Dr. Dent, from 1828 to 1831.
ARNETTSVILLE .*
Arnettsville stands on ground formerly owned by James Arnett, Jr. The first lot was sold to John Hess, about 1853 ; the first house had been built in 1846, by James Arnett, Jr. About 1858, a regular plat of the town was made and lots offered for sale. About twenty-five years ago, a post- office was established here by the town name, and the name has never been changed. The present postmaster is A. M. Arnett,t who succeeded C. W. Miller. James S. Thorn was assistant postmaster. Among the previous postmasters were James Arnett, Jr., A. N. Miller, F. M.
* This sketch of Arnettsville was furnished by W. Scott Garner.
+ A. M. Arnett was born in 1823. His grandfather, Andrew Arnett, came here from the "Eastern Shore" in Virginia, about 1785. He owned 600 acres of land adjoining Arnettsville. A. M. Arnett married, in 1843, Lavina Price. They have had eleven children, five of whom are still living. Mr. Arnett was a constable before the civil war; has been postmaster since 1879, and a notary public since 1881.
723
GRANT DISTRICT.
Arnett,* Joseph H. Coogle. The first store was kept by George G. Gregg. Dr. James M. Price was the first phy- sician, about 1856 ; the present physician is Dr. George W. Dent. Among the other physicians who have practiced here were L. S. Brock, J. H. Stumm, F. Howell, J. P. Clayton, C. C. Jacobs. Among the merchants were A. N. Miller, Coogle & Brother, Thorn & Miller, Charles Billings- ley, S. A. Posten. The present merchants are Price Brothers and Hood & Clayton. Miss Irene Smith has a millinery store; Mrs. Martha E. Miller keeps the hotel ; Eddy & Floyd own a portable steam saw-mill which is located here at present. The population of the town in 1880 was given at fifty-four. It is situated on Big Indian creek, on the Morgantown and Fairmont pike, 11 miles south-west of the county-seat.
LOWESVILLE.
Lowesville is situated at the confluence of Big Indian creek with the Monongahela River, 12 miles south of Mor- gantown. It derives its name from Levi Lowe, who built a mill at this place before 1850. Jonathan M. Heck pur- chased the little town about 1852, and was to give $10,000 for it. Among the earlier merchants was Jehu Stevens, succeeded by James Hood,t Calvin Hood, John Hood, and Joseph A. Hood, the present merchant. We have no ac- count of any physician ever locating here. The post-office is named after the town, and Joseph A. Hood is the present
1 * Capt. Francis M. Arnett went to Markleysburgh, Fayette County, Penn., and kept a store; in 1870, kept Chalk Hill tavern; 1876, kept Arnett House, West Morgantown ; and now has removed back to Markleysburgh and opened a store.
· t John Hood came with his father, Archie Hood, from White Thorn, Scotland, to Washington County, Penn. John married Letitia Smith. Their children were : John S., Wm., James, Joseph, Maria Trippett and Letitia Hoffman. John Hood was with Launtz in the mercantile business in Blacksville in 1839; then at Hamilton ; and, about, 1850, came to the vicinity of Lowesville.
7.24
HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
postmaster. The residents of the town are : Joseph A. Hood, R. B. Tibbs, John Hood, James McElroy (black- smith), Jacob Phillips (shoemaker), James Hood (farmer), Mrs. Letitia Hood, Jacob Hoffman (carpenter), David Clayton (nursery agent), and the miller.
GEORGETOWN.
Many years ago the old log meeting-house was built, and was called Snyder's Church, the Snyder's Temple, and an effort was made to start a town by the name of Snydersville, but it failed. In 1881, H. C. Miller opened a store here and obtained the removal of Cedar Valley post-office to this point and the change of its name to Georgetown. John Snyder was the patentee of the land the town stands on. It is situated 9} miles south-west of Morgantown, on the Fishing Creek, Morgantown and Brandonville turnpike, generally called the Morgantown and Fairmont pike. The residents are: S. P. Barker (mill-owner), George Pratt, Emory Hill (blacksmith), R. S. Michael (blacksmith), H. C. Miller* (merchant), Thomas Wells (shoemaker), Isaac E. Arnett, Daniel Y. McElroy and Alpheus Rice ..
FLICKERSVILLE. +
In an early day, probably 1790 or 1800, John Coombs Came from Pennsylvania and erected a saw-mill, and after- ward a tub-mill for grinding corn. In 1833, a flouring-mill of two set of stones (one set were buhrs) was built here by Caleb P. Price. It was in operation until February, 1877, when it was destroyed by fire. There had been a lodge of Grangers organized here in 1876 (Lodge No. 30),
* H. Clay Miller was born at Morgantown in 1844 ; in mercantile business at Morgan- town; at Laurel Point, 1863-81 ; at Georgetown, 1881-4; was postmaster at Laurel Point, and now at Georgetown; was school commissioner, 1881-3 ; married, in 1876, Jennie T. Barker. Their children are: Lloyd, T. Ray, and Sarah A.
+ By W. Scott Garner.
725
GRANT DISTRICT.
which had held a meeting in a room of the mill build- ing on Saturday night, and the mill burned on Sunday- supposed to have caught from their fire. The first store here was a grocery, owned by J. B. Price, in 1853. Wm. Fear (1854) and J. W. Stansberry had stores. In 1876, the Grangers established a store, and, in two years, sold to J. P. Snider, who, in November, 1881, sold to the present pro- prietor, J. B. Price. J. B. Price started a blacksmith shop here in 1837, and carried it on until some four years ago. Lewis Chisler came here in 1882, and began wagon-making. Caleb P. Price came to Grant District in 1806, from New Jersey. The property here was sold to the Prices about · 1820. John Coombs returned to Pennsylvania and died there. The town is on a small run emptying into the Mon- ongahela River, about two miles from Lowesville.
MAIL SERVICE.
A daily mail runs from Morgantown to Fairmont. On this route in Grant are Laurel Point, Georgetown and Ar- nettsville post-offices. Lowesville, on another route, re- ceives a bi-weekly mail. The office at Granville has been discontinued. Cedar Valley was established at the Rev. Wm. N. Stewart's with Stewart as postmaster; in 1881, it was moved one-half mile to Georgetown, and the name of the office changed to Georgetown.
ROADS.
The main road through the district is the Brandonville and Fishing Creek Turnpike, generally called the Morgan- town and Fairmont pike. It runs from Morgantown by the " Red Bridge," Laurel Point, Georgetown and Arnettsville. The old State road runs with this pike to the "Red Bridge," where it turns off to the right and runs past Zoar Baptist
726
HISTORY OF MONONGALIA COUNTY.
church, John B. Lough's," and across the head of Stewart's run, in the direction of McCurdysville. A road runs along the river, and three road's run from Laurel Point into Cass District, while other roads run in every direction in the district. In 1882, Grant was divided into ten road pre- cincts, and the county court appointed the following sur- veyors :
No. 1. Matthew Larkin No. 6. Alpheus Rice
2. Eugene Snider 7. R. B. Tibbs
3. A. L. Eddy 8. J. A. Thompson
.. 4. Z. M. Barker 66 9. J. E. Stansberry ·
" 5. Jacob Eddy 10. William Camp
MILLS.
The first mill of which we have any account was Capt. John Dent's mill at Laurel Point, about 1790. Coombs's mill at Flickersville was likely the next. Levi Lowe built his mill at Lowesville before 1850, and it burnt down about fifteen years ago. His youngest son was in the mill when it burned and perished. He then built the present mill, a three-story frame, with a stone dam across the river giving water power all the year. The mill is valued at $8000. He sold to Hood, Wisman & Fisher, who were succeeded by Hood & Wisman, and they by the present firm of Hood & Son. Shelby P. Barker came to the site of Georgetown in
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.