USA > West Virginia > Wetzel County > History of Wetzel County, West Virginia > Part 9
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
129
HISTORY OF WETZEL COUNTY.
Martinsville, on his return he stopped at the home of the Whiteman Brothers, where he asked the boys if they wanted to cash the note, on which they remarked that they did not. He put it back in his pocket. John Gamble also dealt in cat- tle, and some time previous to this occasion, had purchased a calf from Mercer, on which he paid him all but two dollars. On meeting him at the home of the Whiteman Brothers, Mer- cer asked him for the money, upon which Gamble drew from his pocket a five dollar bill, and asked him if he had change for that, and Mercer replied that he had not. Mercer then asked him if that was all he had, and he said no. That he had some- thing near two hundred dollars. It was now beginning to get dark, and Gamble started for home, and told Mercer to come to his house in a few days and he would pay him. Mercer then stood watching him, and after Gamble had got in his skiff and pushed it out into the river, Mercer started toward him. That night he came home about two o'clock, wet and muddy. The evidence was sorely against him, though he presented the note that the Whiteman brothers had given to Gamble for payment. The thing now laid over for a year, and in the fall of 1851 there was a cornhusking near Point Pleasant ridge, and a number of people from New Martinsville attended. Among them was one John Hindman. On their return home they decided to all go different routes and see who got there first. Hindman took over the hill, coming over what is now known as Gamble's run (so named from Gamble), and as he was walking along a path which was then on the river bank, he saw the form of a man, who remarked: "I am John Gamble; Leb Mercer killed me. Take him up and have justice done," and suddenly disap- peared from view. Hindman being very badly scared, walked rapidly toward town, and the next morning told what he had seen. It was not believed by many people. Though he had never seen Gamble, he described his walk, clothes, etc. Mer- cer was arrested for murder in the first degree, which under the old law meant death or freedom, and he was released on the
130
1
HISTORY OF WEZTEL COUNTY.
grounds that ghost evidence would not go in court. It was be- lieved by many that he was guilty of the crime, and it is said that his lawyer had a very hard time to keep him from con- fessing the crime. He is now living back of St. Marys, W. Va., where it is said he acts very strangely, often muttering to him- self.
-
BIRDSEYE VIEW OF NEW MARTINSVILLE, FROM MARKER'S HILL IN 1891.
A HISTORY OF NEW MARTINSVILLE.
Edward Doolin, Its First Settler, Killed by the Indians on the Present Site of the Town-Some Interesting Facts Not Generally Known by the Present Generation.
About the year 1780, Edward Doolin patented and made en- try upon 800 acres of Ohio river hill and bottom land, which included in its boundaries the present site of the town of New Martinsville. The piece of land was a little more than a mile square, and lay in the angle formed by Fishing creek and the Ohio river. He cleared some land and built a small cabin near where now stands the Witten dwelling, selecting that spot on account of its nearness to a spring, it being the source of little Doolin, which runs through town. He farmed and improved on his land until 1784.
In September of that year a small band of Indians came down the river from the village of Wheeling, where they had been driven off by Colonel Zane, attacked his home unawares, and killed him. His wife and one child escaped. She retained ownership of the property for a time, selling it piece by piece.
The portion upon which the town is situated, was purchased by Presly Martin, the man for whom New Martinsville was named. Mr. Martin came here in 1811. He built a part of what is now the Point House, and planted an orchard of five acres between Washington street and the creek; a few trees are yet standing. Five years later he was followed by Friend Cox, who took up a farm and erected a house below the creek,
132
HISTORY OF WEZTEL COUNTY.
opposite the Point House. This house has recently burned down.
From this time until 1838 the settlement grew slowly. On March 28th of that year an act establishing the town of "Mar- tinsville," in the county of Tyler, was passed by the Assembly of Virginia, and in the same act Henry McCabe, Samuel Mc- Eldowney, Lewis Williams, John Buchanon and Benjamin F. Martin were appointed trustees to administer the affairs of the town. The surveying and platting was done by Lewis Wil- liams and three others. It extended from one lot below Wash- ington street to North street, and from Union street to the river. The streets included in these boundaries remain the same now as then, except Water street. This street was lo- cated on the river bank and was the widest and principal street in town, being 80 feet wide. It is evident that it was the pur- pose of the founders of this town to have a broad street on the river front, where they could have the benefit of the cool breezes from the west, and an open view of the river. I im- agine that trees had been left along the bank for the purpose of shade, and that the residents had placed benches under there, where the gentry were accustomed to loaf and discuss the issues of the day. I am informed that in 1842 there were twelve houses in town.
An incident occurred in 1845 that must have aroused dreams of wealth. A man presented himself to the community and remained awhile without any apparent means of support. Having no occupation, he was arrested under the vagrancy law, and to obtain his liberty was compelled to state his busi- ness to the town officers. Thereupon he showed papers from the French Government. By this it was ascertained that he was an accredited agent of that government sent to this com- munity to search for $87,000.00 supposed to have been buried below the creek during the French and Indian war. It is thought that he did not find the money. Shortly after this, another incident occurred in the same line. A Mr. Watkins
JAKINHOUSE
THE EAKIN HOUSE, Better Known as the old Wetzel House, Justus Eakin, Proprietor.
BRAST HOUSE, At New Martinsville, Mike, Amos and Jacob Brast, Props.
133
HISTORY OF WETZEL COUNTY.
of Monongalia county sold his farm there for 1,000 silver dol- lars, and came to this settlement; the silver, which weighed over 60 pounds, was too heavy to carry about his person, so he set aside $40.00 for his immediate use, and buried the remain- der at the foot of a paw paw bush, 60 steps from the river bank, midway between the mouth of the creek and a point op- posite Texas run; when he returned for his money, it could not be found.
An act prescribing the mode of electing trustees of New Mar- Martinsville in the county of Wetzel, and investing them with certain corporate powers was passed March 13th, 1848, by the Assembly of Virginia.
These trustees were elected annually by the people. They chose out of their own number to preside at their meetings. The subordinate officers were: Commissioner of Revenue, Ser- geant or Town Collector and Police.
At this time also, the town was extended to the creek, and the McClure addition on High street taken in. The new part of the town was surveyed and marked out by Thomas Tucker, who died several years ago.
Observe that the town was called "Martinsville in Tyler county." Now it is called, "New Martinsville in Wetzel county," Wetzel having been carved out of the North end of Tyler county in 1846.
The first County Court of Wetzel county was held April 6th, 1846. The justices present were Sampson Thistle, Friend Cox. William Little and Ebenezer Payne. Presley. Martin was elected first Clerk, and James Snodgrass first Prosecuting At- torney.
During the last decade, quite a number of well known names of the past and present moved to the burg: Houblers, the Vil- lers, the Biers, the Wises, the Halls, Snodgrasses, the Pottses, the Livelys, the Tuckers, the Coulters, the Moores, the Pitchers and the Vances.
As the town was increasing in size and business, some of the
134
HISTORY OF WEZTEL COUNTY.
more active spirits desired to make a better connection with the outside world, and accordingly, on the 21st day of Febru- ary, 1853, the Mannington and New Martinsville railroad was incorporated. The Directors were: Jas. G. West, Friend Cox, Presley Martin, Joseph C. Moore, Robert Cox, Samuel McEl- downey, George W. Bier, Joseph Vance, Edmund Moore, David Cunningham, William P. Snodgrass, Elias Blackshire and John Michael. If this railroad had been built, New Martins- ville would probably be now where Wheeling is, or at least much better off than she is.
The brick church that stood on Main street was built by the Methodists in 1854. About the same time an Episcopal church was built near this. It was sold and used for a school under the name of the New Martinsville Academy. When the Free School System was adopted by the State the building was used for a public school. It was finally sold to Standiford Bros., who have erected a three story building on the old site.
The town was divided on the Civil War question, and during that time many serious disturbances occurred and some of them were amusing. There was one incident that caused con- sternation in the minds of many. A United States flag was hung across Washington street for the purpose of proving the loyalty of the citizens, by compelling them to walk under it. One night was given to think over it, and all who would refuse would do so at the peril of their lives. It was seen on the morning of the fateful day, that the flag had disappeared, hav- ing been stolen during the night. The person who took it has kept his secret.
After the war, the town made very little progress until 1871. February 13th of that year, the Charter was amended and re- enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia. From this time onward, the town grew and improved more rapidly.
The Pittsburgh Stave Company came in 1873, and gave em- ployment to 125 men.
In 1891 the Wetzel County Fair Association was organized
BIRDSEYE VIEW OF NEW MARTINSVILLE, From the Ohio Side in 1894.
135
HISTORY OF WETZEL COUNTY.
at that place and leased the ground here in the town where the Fair was and is now held. The next year Burlington sprang up, Eseec, John and Thomas Burlingame being the settlers. Springertown started up five years later. The school house was built in 1880. In 1882 a church boom struck the town, and the M. E. church South, P. E., Baptist, and Catholic churches were erected. The Ohio River Railroad was built in 1883 .. In 1884 a flood came and was very destructive. The Clark and Mar- tin's additions came later. The latest additions are Martin Burlingame, Clark, Stender and McEldowney. A boom struck the town in the last five years, on which the Short Line Rail- road was built and the contracts for the erection of a new Court House and the new M. E. church let. The town has been booming for the past five years, and since that time a great many business houses and manufactories and fine resi- dences have been built. The town has six churches, the two M. E. churches, the Catholic, Christian, Presbyterian and Epis- copal; two school houses, one magnificent building which is being built by Contractor Burhart, six ladies' and gents' furnishing goods and shoe houses. They are Economy, Clar. ence Buhlingame, the Baltimore bargain house, Duerr Bros., John F. Loehr and J. M. Bender, and one in Brooklyn, The town has eight dry goods and notion stores, owned by Jose- phus Clark, Welch and Koontz, Mont Francis, Williams and Ankrom, N. Bandi, Levi Oblinger, Jacob Blair, Mont Burrows, Mr. Clark & Oblinger also have a hardware department to their store. Mr. Friend Wells and Bridgemen & Sons also have a hardware store. Seven groceries, Neff Bros. the Up-to- Date grocery, Geo. Rankin, who also keeps a full line of gro- ceries and green goods. Mrs. Newton, who also deals in ice- cream. Gorbey Bros., who keep a full line of groceries. Ja- cob Dennis, who also has a bakery, Mrs. G. Snodgrass and Smittle and Dunn. Three tailor shops owned by Geo. Grall,. Duerr Bros. and D. C. Weatherhead. There are three drug: stores, owned by R. T. Richardson, Dr. P. F. Lowther and P. D ..
136
HISTORY OF WEZTEL COUNTY.
Leap; one laundry, owned by R. Dayton; two bakeries, owned by Irven Ober and Jacob Dennis; three millinery stores, owned by Mrs. S. M. Snodgrass, L. Pemberton, H. Hathaway, and four barber shops owned by Jacob Koontz, M. L. Kendal, Geo. Houdenshilt and Soland and Van Camp. Two jewelry stores, owned by Duerr Bros. and C. M. Powers. One harness shop owned by Dave Mangold; one tin shop owned by M. B. Potts and Mr. Owens; two plumber shops owned by Dewey Potts and M. F. Powers; two flour mills owned by Stender & Stamm, and John Nusum; four hotels, the Eakin, Brast, Elk and Wells; three restaurants, owned by Thompson, Patsey Finerty and Martin F. Williamson. The town is supplied with gas and water. Mack Snodgrass tends to the pump station. Wm. Fitch is superintendent of the gas office. There are two ice plants, one owned by the citizens of the town and the other by Schmulbach Brewing Company, of Wheeling. The glass house is another large concern, owned chiefly by the citizens. The wholesale grocery is a large business house, situated on Maple avenue. Robert Morris is manager. The town has two stor- age houses, owned by the Reymann and Schmulbach Brewing Companies, of Wheeling; two large livery barns, owned by A. C. Ruby and J. H. Bowen; three blacksmith shops, owned by Frank McEldowney, Glen Barrick and Geo. Harman. The town has six doctors, Drs. Schmied, Boone, Browse, Downing, Lowther and Grim. Sixteen lawyers, J. W. and L. V. McIntire, Bruice, Wm. McG. and Charles Hall, P. D. and Thomas Morris, S. B. McEldowney, Thos. H. Cornet, J. W. Newman, Mr. Mor- ris, W. T. Sidel, T. P. Jacobs, E. B. Snodgrass, E. L. Robinson, R. E. L. Snodgrass, Thos. Mills, Bud Snodgrass and Frank Wells Clark. The present officers of the town are: Mayor, G. C. Westerman; Recorder, Jas. Bishop; Assessor, L. V. McIntire; Tax Collector, A. B. Morrison; Street Commissioner, vacant; Chief of Police, Ed. Luikhart. The councilmen for the First, Second and Third wards are Irven Ober, Jacob Koontz, A. C. Ruby, Wm. Culp, W. R. Rine and John Stender. Among the
EPISCOPAL CHURCH. New Martinsville.
137
HISTORY OF WETZEL COUNTY.
prosperous farmers around the town are John Stender, John C. McEldowney, Duerr Brothers, Owen and John Witten, Ben Bridgeman, Josephus Clark, Evan Williams, John Cochran, Isaac Black, John Stephens, Mr. Linager, Brown Brothers, Mr. Bowman, Samuel Martin, Felix Abersold, Cris Anthony, Gaberial Leap and Geo. Walker.
-
-----
MORGANTOWN OR PORTER FALLS.
It was settled in 1818 by Morgan Morgan, better known as Paddy Mod; it was to distinguish him from his cousin by the same name who went by the name of Spy Mod. The town is sit- uated in Green district, ten miles east of the county seat, on Big Fishing Creek, and the Short Line Railroad. It has about fifty inhabitants. The places of business in the town are: one store owned by Elsworth Sneider; one blacksmith shop, owned by George Midcap; and one saw mill owned by Morgan Bros., sons of Elisha Morgan. Morgan Morgan is postmaster. Among the prosperous farmers amound the town are Morgan Morgan, Mrs. Jerry Long, Morgan Brothers, Lewis Kocher, Samuel Headlee, Z. Cochran, Aaron Morgan, William and Leonard Morgan.
THE TERRY ENG (O COLUMBUSO
OHIO RIVER RAILROAD DEPOT, New Martinsville.
MINNIE.
Was settled in 1815 by Aaron Morgan, cousin of the noted Indian scout, Levi Morgan, and brother of Paddy Mod, the first settler in Porter's Falls. It is situated in Green district, six miles east of New Martinsville, the county seat, on the short line railroad and Big Fishing creek. The only place of busi- ness is a store owned by Reuben Yoho, who is also postmaster. Among the prosperous farmers around the postoffice are Ru- ben Yoho, Joe Wells, S. L. Morgan, Mrs. Aaron Clepstein, Friend Wells, Richard Morgan, Jacob Shamp, John Shamp, Walter and Fred Shamp.
MONEY POSTOFFICE.
Is a post office situated on a small run by the same name, which enters into Big Fishing creek one mile west of Reader. It took its name from Money Bates, who located the land near the stream at an early date. Part of the survey is now owned by Ed. Winning, Charles Kiger, Ruben Price, Fred Grocen- baucher, John King, Wm. Mayhall, Geo. Brown, Isaac Smith, Albert Koch, Thomas McCalaster, John Stealey, James Windland, Charles Hudson, Wm. Gadd, Rosella Fiece, Wilson Furbee, Jason Furbee, John and James Furbee, Geo. Worth, J. L. Higgins, Elisha Barker, Geo. Garrett, R. Wright, Wm. Workman, Isaac Wright, John, David and Wm. Lancaster, N. Strait, Susan Blackbridge, Dr. John Garrett, Jake Haught, Alex. Strait, Dr. Parks, Andrew McHenry, Milton, Hiram and George Strait, James Kerby, Jackson Strait, Jenkins Miller, William, Ulesses and Mack Miller.
LUMBUSO
OLD M. E. CHURCH .- NORTH.
LOT.
Is a town situated twenty-three miles east of the county seat. It has a population of about 340, and is rapidly growing, having the prospect of making one of the best towns along the Short Line Railroad. It was settled in the year of 1805 by James Hays, who came to that place and erected a cabin on the ground now owned by his grandson, G. T. Anderson. Other early settlers around the town were Jasper Wyatt, James WI- ley, Alexander Lantz, H. King, Abraham Ice, and Aiden Bales. The town is favored with one of the best hotels along the Short Line Railroad between New Martinsville and Clarksburg. It is owned by W. A. Dye. There is one restaurant, owned by Mr. West; one drug store, owned by Dr's. McGriven and Clel- lan; three dry goods and notions stores, owned by Smith & Fitcher; L. E. Lantz and Lee Schrachfield; one confectionery store, owned by Mr. Harness; one bakery owned by Wm. Lau- denslyn; one meat market, H. Taylor, proprietor; one black- smith shop, owned by The. Y. Barrick; and one planing mill, owned by Curby & Mansfield. It has one church and one schoolhouse. Among the prosperous farmers around the town are Levi, John, Amos and Polk Lowe, Sam. Lantz, Alex Bluty, J. M. Anderson, Catherine Satterfield, Mary Cunningham, Thomas Gorby, J. R. Davis, Milton Anderson, J. M. Loveall, John Wiley, A. Wyatt, H. H. King, J. Markindle, Wm. Batson, Y. T. Frances, M. Wiley, Ed. Cain, Wm. Henthorn, Ezra Hays, Geo. Hickmon, Geo. Wetzel, L. and D. McIntire Elizabeth Mor- gan, Lot King and William Watson.
KODOL.
Is a postoffice situated in Wetzel county, lately organ- ized. It was settled in the year 1854 by Silas J. Park, who came to that place and erected a house near the present site of the town of Kodol. It has three churches, Bap- tist, Methodist and Christian; and one school house. The postoffice was not organized until October, 1900, by J. J. Craw- ford, bodnsman and postmaster, and Stephen Park and I. N. Crawford. The town has two attorneys, F. Keller and E. Mor- ris, and two doctors, Lemley and Cox. It has one store. The prosperous farmers around the town are Wm. Leaganden, I. C. Brookover, S. C. and S. W. Park and I. N. Crawford.
MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL, OLD BUILDING.
SILVER HILL.
Is a village situated in Center district, It was settled in the year of 1825, by James A. Wood. The town has two churches, Christian and Methodist; one school house, two stores, owned by Rulong & Son, and C. E. Yeater; one blacksmith shop, owned by Geho & Harlan; one hotel, proprietor, W. J. Derrow. Among the prosperous farmers around the town are Wm. Car. ney, Solomon Carney, C. L. Yoho and S. C. Lowe. L. Yoho and S. C. Lowe.
HAZEL
Is a postoffice in Grant district, on Crow's run, twenty miles east of the county seat, and five miles south of Reader. Charles Fluharty is postmaster. The postoffice has one store and grist mill, both owned by Aaron Bassett. Among the prosperous farmers around the postoffice are Aaron Basset, James Martin, Lot Martin, Pleasance Myres, William Wright, Abraham Hiley, Charles Hiley, Friend Tracey, John Strait, Chas. Strait, E. M. Strait, Foster Higgins and Isaac Pitman.
F. W. PARSONS, County Superintendent of Schools.
๕.
PINEY FORK.
Is neither a village nor a postoffice, but a stopping place for a great many strangers. It is situated in Green district, on the Short Line Railroad, and twelve miles east of the county seat. It has one store and a hotel, both owned by Frank Stender.
-
MAUD.
Is a postoffice situated in Proctor district, ten miles from the county seat. It was settled in the year of 1801 by Gabrriel Leap, who came there and erected a cabin on the pro- perty now owned by Geo. W. Cook. The postoffice has one school house, one church, United Brethren, with W. W. Bur. gess as pastor; one lawyer, A. T. Morris. It has two stores, owned by F. P. Cook, who is also postmaster, and F. R. Suter. M .W. Burgess owns a sawmill. Joseph Burgess also owns a store and a blacksmith shop, Alexander Dulaney owns a gun- smith. Among the prosperous farmers around the postoffice are J. A. Kocher, A. T. Morris, J. C. Briggs, M. J. and J. I. Cook, I. N. Smith, J. M. Daran, L. Schrader, G. W. Brown and A. E. Koch.
CHILDS.
Is a postoffice situated in Green District, ten miles from the county seat, and three miles from the Short Line Railroad. It has one school house, and one M. E. church, the latter being sit- uated on Laurel Point near the postoffice.
COBURN.
Is a postoffice situated in Grant district. There is no town nor village there more than a postoffice. U. B. Ice is postmaster.
DEAN.
Is a postoffice situated ten miles from the county seat in Green district. It was settled in the year of 1831 by John Strasinder and Thomas Bartlett, who came to that place and erected a cabin near the present site of the John Clark pro- perty. The town has one Christian church, one school house and one store. The store is owned by John Cullinan. Patrick Clark is the postmaster. Among the prosperous farmers around the town are J. J. Morris, T. P. Horner, Patrick Clark, B. B. Postlethwait, J. A. Cumberledge, Wm. Sapp, Alex. Sapp, Isaac Kirkpatrick, Morgan Wright and A. T. Cain.
JOHN DEBOLT, Commissioner of the County Court.
HON. AARON MORGAN, Present Member of Legislature from Wetzel County.
HUNDRED.
Is a town situated on the B. and O. R. R. and Fish creek, and has a population of 300. The first settlement was made by Old Hundred (see Henry Church) who patented the land on and around the town in 1819. The town has one church and one school house; four dry goods and notion stores, owned by D. Franklin & Sons, who also have a millinery department, Ar- nold & Allen, and A. D. Ayres, Martin Windle, Mrs. L. D. Rob- erts and Mr. Wiley; one millinery store, owned by Mrs. A. E. Lahew; two drug stores, owned by John McComas and Dr. Kerns; one barber shop, owned by W. W. Carpenter; one blacksmith shop, owned by F. Shultz ;and one hotel, Commer- cial house, W. H. Lee, proprietor. The town is furnished with gas. F. B. Hamilton now owns a large potrion of the Church patent. The first store in Hundred was opened by F. M. Kel- lar in 1886, and associated with him was W. E. Hamilton. This store was located opposite the present postoffice, and is now under the management of D. Franklin & Sons. In 1894 T. B. Hamilton had a series of lot sales, in which a number were sold, and added a great deal to the prosperity of the town.
PADEN'S VALLEY.
Paden's Valley was settled in the year of 1790, by Obadiah Paden. He was among the first settlers of the Ohio Valley. He patented about two thousand acres of land, which at pre- sent bear his name. The extension of the Valley out in the country is known as Paden's Fork. The island in the Ohio river, lying in front of the Valley, containing about one hun- dred acres of land, is known as Paden's Island. He was of Dutch descent, and was originally from New York, later set- tling on the Susquehanna river, and was driven from there to the Valley. He erected a log house on a bank overlooking the beautiful Ohio, and taking up his large tract of land, he went to work with energy and determination, the chief characteris- tics of the old Dutch settlers. He was the father of about twelve children, the four sons chiefly inheriting the land of their father, and are known as Jesse, James, Joseph, and Sam- uel; who remain, and one daughter lies buried in the Paden cemetery. The remains of Obadiah Paden and his wife are both buried in the Paden cemetery and their grave is marked by a rough sandstone, the inscription being almost erased by time. There are two Indian mounds in the valley, one in the lower part, on the old Richard Ankrom farm. Many relics have been taken from these mounds. The town has one store, owned by Frank Boston. Annie Stephens is postmistress. Among the prosperous farmers around the town are Richard Ankrom, Mrs. Henry Ankrom, E. A. Pollack, James Stephens, J. N. Van Camp, A. J. Van Camp, L. Cook, Geo. Kiefer, Mr. Farmer, Geo. Smith and Uriah Kimble.
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.