Historical Marietta, Ohio

A Wedding and Funeral

2012-01-29T14:39:00.000-05:00

The Home News, January 31, 1861

On the 9th Inst. David Feldner was married to Rebecca Elliot, in Aurelius township, and on the same evening, his mother, Mrs. Feldner, living near Salem, was accidentally burned to death. There was no one about the house at the time of the occurrence, except her husband. She had been subject to fainting fits, and it is supposed that during his temporary absence from the room, she was seized with one of these, for when he returned, she was lying with her head in the fire. She was so badly injured that death relieved her in a short time from her sufferings.

Interesting Letter From an Old Timer

2012-01-22T06:32:00.000-05:00

Sunday Morning Observer, May 20, 1917

Who is there that does not remember Jasper S. Sprague, who for many years conducted a grocery store on Front street, at one time in a room two or three doors below Butler, later in a room on the upper canal bridge.

Mr. Sprague before going into the grocery business was a printer and was one of the best that ever "stuck type" in Marietta. We came into possession this last week of an article he wrote some twenty years ago, just prior to his death, which is of much interest and tells of some old Marietta history that many will remember. His predictions, in a large measure, have come true, showing the great foresight that Mr. Sprague possessed.

Mr. Sprague's article follows:

We old printers never die. Like Elijah, the prophet, they are supposed to go up in pillars of fire. None ever go down except the "devil" apprentice who receives his first lessons in the "lie" trough and plying the inky roller. I am one of two survivors who, 43 years ago, worked on the old "Intelligencer," edited by Beman Gates, Esq., lately deceased. The other lucky, living soul, who was a companion printer on the same paper, is the Rev. George R. Gear, of this city. In those days the pittance of wages scarcely provided for the body of the entered apprentice in the "Black Art," and the Reverend Gear did well in entering a field to save the souls of men. His life as a minister is no doubt the happy result of his early training in the old dingy printing office, where tallow dips were supreme and soap was at a premium.

This was in the days of the older and middle Marietta. There is still another Marietta, buried, dark, deep, infathomable. Mounds and stockades mark the resting place of the Cuthites and Titans who went out from Babylon on the first exodus - 240,000 strong - the Aztec and the Tolice - and no doubt were hunting for oil territory in these wild woods of ours. They are mostly dead as Ramesis whom they fought in Egypt.

When I came to Marietta there were no railroads centering here. To get a scoop on the latest news, we boys were sent to the boat landing morning and evening to await the arrival of the great "Buckeye State," "Crystal Palace" and other steamers plying the Ohio river from Wheeling to Cincinnati, veritable swift birds of passage. The obliging clerks supplied us with papers. These latest morsels, a week old, were displayed in big, startling head lines as the "Latest from Washington City" and Cunard line news, a month old from Europe! There were no stereotype plates and patent insides coming in by express to supply the lack of editorial brain power - there was no express office even in the city then.

The "Intelligencer" - the Register now - went out in the weekly mail by stage coach or post box to the rural subscribers who formulated their political opinion from the oracle at the county seat. Subscriptions were payable in ginseng, feathers, beeswax and a limited amount of cord wood as well as cash.

I remember when the first telegraph office was established in Marietta and the dismay of the opposition paper when Franklin Pierce's presidential message came over the line and was printed in the night and put out in an extra edition the next morning. The printers wore standing collars that day. The Whigs were ahead!

While a printer boy in Zanesville in 1852, I met Samuel Fairlamb, who was then about 85 years of age, and an inmate of the County infirmary, where he died shortly after. He had been a printer for Ben Franklin in Philadelphia. He gave me some of Franklin's type. With tearful eye and trembling lips, he related his bitter experience in printing the first paper in Ohio in 1801, on what is now Front street, Marietta, Ohio, and called the "Ohio Territorial Gazette and West Virginia Herald" of which paper the Marietta Register is now the lineal descendant by purchase and succession. He also printed a religious book similar to "Baxter's Saints Rest," edited by David Israel. Probably the first book printed west of the mountains.

In these days of progress there is no more use for the old printers than a live Indian. Type setting machines are fast supplanting the nimble fingered type setter. The evolution of journalism is evolving new methods. The newspaper of the future, possibly may be published by means of x-cathrode rays taken direct from great syndicates of brain reservoirs. The printer must go. The country editor must go - maybe the great dailies will succumb to electrical auroral writing in the sky when he that runs may read. When these things all happen the good printer will be found sitting at the right hand of the Majesty above.

J. S. Sprague.

Old Time Marietta

2012-01-12T08:14:00.002-05:00

Unidentified, undated newspaper clippings, ca. 1902

Reminiscences of the City Sixty Years ago, By Matilda.

On Sixth street, just above Mound cemetery, is where the first corn and wheat were raised in the first settlement of this state. Mr. George Hovey has a corn knife in his possession which was used at that time to cut this corn. In front of his residence, part of which stood there sixty years ago, there stands a wild cherry tree. As teams pass this tree in the road a hollow sound is given out, which has been noticed for many years. It has been surmised there might have been an underground passage connected with the ancient works, but never having been investigated, the sound remains a mystery.

A low house stood above this, in which Rev. Mr. Barnes once lived, long ago. Going around the corner of Wooster and Sixth, we come to the house once occupied by Caleb Emerson, editor of the "Western Spectator" and later of the "Marietta Gazette." He was one of the first trustees of the College, a lawyer of note and an active member in the Baptist church. His daughter, Mrs. Bailey, at an advanced age, still lives on the same lot.

A few years ago, an old resident of Marietta living in Ross county, returned. Looking around he said, "I just want to see that chinquapin patch where I gathered nuts when a boy." With a boyish gait he made his way to the end of Wooster street, expecting to see a deep hollow, the sides covered with chinquapin (a species of chestnut) bushes, but lo! No hollow, no bushes; a disappointed old boy was he. At this time "Oak Grove" had not become a cemetery and was called the "Nye woods." The Fourth of July was once celebrated on the north side of the hill; the Stars and Stripes floating among the trees, a brass band (a new institution) called forth the echoes from hill to hill; a speech by Judge Arius Nye, a procession, a dinner, and the "Fourth" was a success.

Our city once boasted a market house at the foot of Second street. There were no meat shops, very few groceries, no delivery wagons. Why is it since we have made such progress in civilization we do not need a market house?

There were about half a dozen stores at that time, among them that of Nathaniel Holden, John Mills, the Holden brothers, Dudley Woodbridge and the Shipman brothers. The demand for imported goods was small.

To have seen a lady in church, or walking on the street in the habiliments of the time would be a great surprise to the girls of this generation. Scoop bonnets were worn, which must come beyond the nose of the modest dame, or the green calash, a construction of berage and rattans, which would let down behind the head like a buggy top. Her dress was of scant dimensions, two or three inches waists, did not sweep the pavement. (There were no pavements to sweep.) Her hands were encased in silk net mits in summer, in winter with mittens carded, spun and knit by herself. Her shoes were of stout calf skin in winter, Morrocco in summer.

About this time the rubber overshoes were invented. When the first installment reached Marietta they were regarded critically by the buyers, as you would have done. They came with the clay moulds inclosed over which they were made; these had to be broken out, then you beheld a rather shapeless quivering rubber affair, but very acceptable on the muddy streets. No gentleman wore them, that was too feminine. Now he can get them on quicker than any lady. The umbrellas and parasols carried had the genuine whale bone ribs and the cloth of many colors, green predominating. One of this color is shown in a Chicago museum, said to have been carried by Washington. The bandanna was the handkerchief for gentleman and carried generally in their hats.

As the streets were not lighted at night in any way, sixty years ago, every family had its tin lantern, perforated with holes, as indispensable as the tea kettle to the household. In a socket within was inserted a "tallow dip" to light the wayfarer. "What was a tallow dip?" you say. It was the kind of candle our great-grandmothers made, by the quantity, in the fall (before the era of candle moulds) for winter use. This consisted in taking pieces of candle-wicking twice as long as the candle was intended to be, doubling it and slipping the loops, of a great number of these, on sticks two or three feet long, then arranging these on bars. The housewife would take each stick, insert the wicks in melted tallow, hang up to cool, when through the number, commence and dip over again and so on until each was the required size of a candle, the dipping was done and all were packed away for use. One of these was supposed to light a room for a household, inserted in the old brass candlesticks (now cherished as relics) with the accompanying tray and snuffers, the snuffers being used every few minutes.

When lard oil lamps came in use the family would stand at a distance while the wick was lighted for fear of an explosion, later the kerosene lamp caused greater fear, but was used on the street corners, a wonderful improvement on the lanterns. Now we use two kinds of gas and electricity and fear nothing.

Another custom of the housewife was the making of soft soap in the spring. The bar soap of the one hundred and one brands now in use were unknown, only small quantities of Castile soap in cakes were seen.

The large fire places, large enough for children to walk into, with cranes to swing out, covered with hooks for kettles, were built in every house. A cooking stove was unknown and when many years later a few were brought to Marietta, they were looked upon with distrust, pronounced a fraud, taking all the flavor from anything baked therein. Long sticks of wood chopped with an ax, andirons to hold them up, a backlog, a bellows, the bake kettle, spiders and hanging griddle completed the arrangements for cooking and housewarming. Woe to that family who let their fire go out. Lucifer matches were not invented until after 1830, so if so unfortunate as to lose fire there was a hurrying to a neighbors for the live coals and hurrying back, before they died out, this short stay originating the expression, "Have you come for fire?" to visitors making short calls. A flint and steel was used in emergencies to strike fire by the pioneers. To wind the clock and cover the fire were the last duties of the day at bed time. A foot stove was a luxury, sometimes used in churches, by individuals, before the time of heating churches.

It was not uncommon for girls of that period, if papa was away from home, to go to the wood yard and wield the ax (without cutting a foot off) either in cutting wood for the fire. She had not heard of the drudgery of the modern fashionable gymnasium, or she might still have preferred the ax. She had not one hundred and fourteen years old and Marietta in that time has laid aside most of the old time customs and devices, yet it took nearly a hundred years of drowsiness before it awoke to its present vigor, push and hustle. We have over fifteen churches, as many Sabbath schools, and schools, home missions, a jail, Court House, banks, many plants for manufacturing this and that. Many good things have come to us as the years rolled on.

Sprightly new suburbs as Norwood, Fairview Heights, Emerson Heights, Putnam Place, Sunnyside, Riverside and others, have seemed to arise out of the ground before we realized it. With all the good things have come the evil. There are "dark corners" and dens in alleys, basements, back rooms, second stories, which are not classed in the category of churches and we hold our breath while we think of all the young men (and older ones) and girls from some of our best families who frequent these places unknown to their parents.

We look for the "Good Government League" to come to the rescue.

MATILDA.

Reminiscences of Marietta Sixty Years Ago - Second Street

To stand at the south corner of Second and Putnam streets and look at the paved thoroughfares in all directions, one can hardly realize that sixty years ago, the people of Marietta had no more idea of paved streets of brick and asphalt than of the streets paved with gold they read about in their New Testaments. One was as much beyond their ken as the other. The Union Depot, just in sight from this corner, we had no use for then. Not a railroad entered the town. Telegraphy and telephone service had not been invented. The mail and travelers were carried mostly by stage coach. The great lumbering vehicle, with its black "boot" behind in which was stored the baggage of the passengers, was a welcome sight to the children as it came in from Zanesville in the evening. The driver blew long blasts on his horn, then the shout went up "The stage is coming" the stage is coming!" thus breaking the monotony where steam whistles and screechers had not invaded. Just above the present depot stood the first jail, its dungeons being secured by a lock and key now in existence, weighing 17 pounds, the key alone weighing two pounds. When this dungeon was empty, the sheriff would sometimes lock in the children playing around just to see how it felt to them. They did feel the grating of that key to the bone, and were as frightened as if they were all murderers.

On the south corner stood a female Seminary, superintended and taught by Lionel Tenny, wife and assistants. The girls of seventy to-day remember the good, also the adverse times that came to them within those walls. The graduates of that institution and the teachers have mostly passed away.

Across from this corner stood the residence of Nahum Ward, one of Marietta's oldest citizens. This house was set back from Putnam street, perhaps 200 feet, a large house for those days, and shaded in front by locust trees. The lawn in width extended from the bank corner to the alley. Beautiful shrubbery, fanciful trimmed evergreens and flowers along the paved walk to the house, delighted the school children as they gazed through the pickets, and seniors enjoyed it as well. Those daffodils and johnquils! I seem to see them still, nodding their heads in the springtime. Giant sycamores stood on Putnam street, a joy to the citizens. They have all been razed against the protests and moist eyes of the girls in their sixties. Nahum Ward's little land office stood some distance up Second street, demolished only within a few years.

The court house on the north corner had been re-modeled a number of times till finally to-day we behold an entirely new and magnificent Court House on the same site. Above the Court House stood the old Wilson home. Next came the Skinner house and a dwelling owned by three maiden sisters by the name of Stone. The last two houses still stand.

The old Academy, which had been removed from Front in very early times, stood on the ground where the Patterson house now stands. A stately elm marks the spot now, which has survived the skinnings of the boys of long ago, to procure the delectable "slippery elm" bark. Above the Ward land office, stood a building one story high, which was used for Episcopal services before a church was built, afterward for select schools. Beside this stood a house with a great window of diamond-shaped panes, said to have been an Episcopal parsonage.

The next building as you walked up the street was the small Methodist church, the first of that denomination built in Marietta. It's evening meetings were held at "early candle lighting." Woe to any bonnets under those sputtering candles on the wall. They had to be snuffed about every fifteen minutes. The "Easter bonnet" was unknown to our grandmothers. None of these church members were allowed to wear a bow of ribbon or an artificial flower, no amusements indulged in "which were not for the glory of God." Imagine their consternation should they behold the flower beds carried on hats to-day.

Next to the church lived Joseph Kelly. Grandpa Kelly was a staunch Methodist and held several offices in the church. He and his wife were entertainers and helpers of the itinerant preachers of that time. When only seven years old he was stolen from his parents by the Indians and kept until he was eleven. Little Joseph had a hard time among them, was tortured by the Indian lads by making him run the gauntlet (a long board) and each in a long row giving him a stroke with a whip as he passed. For some reason his ears were cut in slits, which marks he retained through life. This little story was published a great many years ago by Doctor Samuel Hildreth, in pamphlet form. Mrs. Barber, a daughter, and a number of grandchildren still reside in Marietta.

An old parsonage stood next Mr. Kelly's, was removed to north Fourth street, and is now re-modeled and occupied by Amon Huff.

From Wooster street to the Franks property was an immense pond covered with skaters in the winter. These boys have exchanged their skates for spectacles, crutches, canes and rolling chairs, and call themselves "grandpa" to wee men and women. Where the Franks residence now stands, a small frame called the Adams house, stood, where religious services were sometimes held. There were no houses on the other side from Wooster up to Washington. On the other corner there was a great hill, resembling a mound, for some reason called "Liberty hill." It has been carted away. The front enclosure reached to Second street. Therein were shops, where making and repairing of all articles the pioneer needed was done. Some of the account books kept at that time, yellow with age, kept in pounds, shillings and pence are now extant.

Dates in 1796-7 show the names of Return Jonathan Meigs, who had knee buckles repaired; Blennerhasset, who had a great deal of work done; Commodore Whipple, Fearing, Tupper, Nye and scores of others. Spoons were made from coins, gold beads for the ladies, also thimbles, guns, axes, plows, shovels, door latches, nails, everything made by hand.

There were no houses above this sixty years ago.

MATILDA.

Reminiscences of Marietta Sixty Years Ago - Third Street

This was considered a back street at that period. There were only four buildings on it, from Putnam street to "Putnam Place" at the other end. The most important of these was the Morris house, corner of Washington and Third, remodeled now, and occupied by the Otto family. This was a harbor to many flood sufferers in '32. Just above this was the long building called, I think, the Wheeler Wagon works. The residence of Joseph Morris was at the other end. He and his wife rode to the Congregational church every Sunday morning in a green wagon, common in those days, but which would be a curiosity now. Few of his descendants are living.

From Putnam to Wooster a wagon track was seldom seen, being mostly a swamp, and where the cows pastured themselves as on many another street. During the summer and fall, great quantities of mushrooms could be gathered in the morning dew on this street, immense in size, not like the tiny canned goods of our time, when epicures would revel in such morning harvests.

Some years before this, the whole block, on the corner of which stands the German M. E. church, and Dr. Gear's on the opposite corner was a sheep pasture. From the backs of these sheep the wool was sheared, picked (famous for fun were the "wool pickings"), carded into rolls by hand, spun and woven by the pioneer mothers into fabrics for winter wear of their households, and the flax fields in the vicinity after the long labor of planting, cutting, rotting, hatcheling, spinning and weaving, were converted into cloth for household linen and summer wear. In 1796 a young girl, Sarah Nye, living in this neighborhood, was soon to be married and the flax was stored in the attic of her father's house (Ebenezer Nye), which when converted into cloth would make her wedding outfit. The house caught fire, and burned down, flax and all. Bitter tears were shed by Sarah, as she had to wait another year till another crop of flax was raised. Time rolled on and in 1797 she became Mrs. Azariah Pratt. Her descendants of 70 and 80 live to tell the tale. Calico then was 50 cts per yard (eight yards only being required by our grandmothers for a dress) and other dry goods and groceries ranged accordingly. The wages for out of town, good school teachers was one dollar and twenty-five cents per week, one fourth to be paid in money, the other three-fourths in flax, rolls or wool.

As late as '84 the north corner of Wooster and Third was a sand bank. One summer afternoon two men sat on the ground here talking excitedly. A lady acquaintance passing by said, "What in the world are you doing in this sand?" "We are going to build a church here," was the reply, to the astonishment of the listener, and soon after there loomed up the First M. E. church of brick, in which the first service was held in the basement, Thanksgiving day, 1885. It does not seem very long ago that Wooster hill from Third, and Third from Wooster, could not be ascended by a team. Behold the transformation. There is no more desirable locality for a home than just this neighborhood.

The home of Dr. Samuel Hildreth still stands on Putnam beside the new Court House. A three-story residence was a wonderful sight; the constructing of from sixteen to twenty-four story buildings, skyward, had not yet been achieved by Americans, and now, perhaps, no other nation has succeeded in getting as near the stars. Doctors Hildreth and Cotton were the two who had the widest reputation (not half a dozen of them), and were appreciated and loved in the long ago.

The "Pool" house still stands next the Hildreth residence, said to be over a hundred years old, and now occupied by members of Anselm T. Nye's family. The Woodbridge homestead, similar in construction to the Wards, stood back from the street, on the corner of Putnam and Third. Immense trees decorated the yard, giving such a quiet cool look to the surroundings. The late G. M. Woodbridge was the last of a large family to pass away, children of this genial old gentleman, Dudley Woodbridge, who lived and died in this lovely home, as we remember it.

MATILDA.

Sixty Years Ago - Fourth Street as it Was.

The College grounds were not as extensive as now, and only one of the four buildings, the old Dormitory, had been built at that time. Fronting on Fourth street was the President's residence (Lindsley). The district school children stood as much in awe of a College President as of the President of the United States. One was equal to the other in their eyes. If he passed a group of these young scientists, they would huddle together and whisper "Yes, its the President." Good father Woodruff, who was called Marietta's polite man, so courteous to all and a great cultivator of flowers, lived in a cottage also fronting Fourth and had many apple trees in the rear from which the students (did not steal, of course) helped themselves secretly after night. Being observed by the owner, he would call out, "Boys, you can have as many apples as you wish."

Fronting Putnam, stood the old Academy, plastered on the out side, a dismal looking affair, but from which many a young man started in the ways of knowledge. A little lower on Fourth lived John and "uncle Bill Slocomb," who kept a shoe store, and where they also cut and made the yellow envelopes, a new "fad" of the day, and sold them readily to their customers. First above Putnam stood the district school house, two stories high, now remodeled into a dwelling house and occupied by Mrs. Gates. Here the three R's were taught, also grammar and Watts on the mind" year after year, mostly by male teachers. Here also were enacted pugilistic feats to the consternation of the scholars, between the teacher and some of the big boys, excelled only by "Corbett." Sometimes the teacher had the upper hand, oftener the big boy, first one prone on the floor, then the other. Time has leveled all differences, as to who should rule; all the teachers and nearly all of the scholars have passed away.

On the other side of the street, up to Scammel, were vacant lots, most of the year covered with water from the hill, making a long pond, a fine sliding place for the school children in winter, and thereby making custom for the local shoe maker.

A two story house came next, stairs on the out side. Next that the residence of Mr. Jones, father of Charles Jones, the merchant, and where Charlie spent his boyhood days, and still sticks to this street, noting all the improvements as the years go by. A brother of the first Mr. Jones lived in a cottage next. This completes the number to Scammel. As you crossed Scammel, the hill rose up in front of you and pedestrians had to climb at one side by the fence. At this corner a large orchard yielded its yearly crop of natural fruit, being also the corner of the "sheep pasture."

Just over the brow of the hill stood quite a large brick house, the residence of Nathaniel Clark, the "potter," who supplied the town people with jars, pans and jugs, made in a very laborious and primitive style. North of this Mr. Clark owned a large orchard reaching from Fourth to Fifth street, where Sabbath school picnics were held on the Fourth of July and addressed by G. M. Woodbridge and others. After this came a long stretch of grassy street equal to a lawn, only one small brick house thereon, the home of grandfather Shaw.

This desolate locality was said to be inhabited by ghosts, dark nights, and so believed by the school children, who would not venture through this avenue even in daylight. The ghosts proved generally to be belated drunken men, trying slyly in their dazed condition to locate their homes.

There was another little district school house standing on the site now occupied by the large Washington street school house. Theodore Scott, a successful teacher in many parts of Marietta, taught here at the time of his marriage to Miss Sarah Booth. Union Sabbath schools were also held in this building and occasionally a sermon delivered; one by Rev. John Woodbridge will be remembered by some, from the text, "I am the vine, ye are the branches." Just above this on the other side of Fourth on the corner, lived Barker Devol and wife (called the "odd women") and two daughters, Sally and Abby, and son, George. The oblong square, with its approaches on the four sides, a part of the ancient works, all are familiar with. It was named Camp Tupper in time of the Civil war, when soldiers encamped there. Beyond this there was a large extent of woods on the premises of Morris and Putnam.

What a hush there was among those trees; not a sound could be heard, save the clatter of falling beech nuts and hickory nuts, or the scurrying of a frightened squirrel up a tree with its winter stores. Not a locomotive whistle had ever been heard in this vicinity. A few steamboats plied the Ohio; two or three the Muskingum river, but no whistle sounded their coming; their distant puffing, seldom heard, was listened to with such interest and awe as we can hardly imagine now.

MATILDA

Fifth Street, as Seen By Matilda, Fifty Years Ago.

If the Marietta friends are not tired of these old-time streets, will start again up Fifth street, beginning at the Deterly house. There are three houses only, to Putnam, Deterly, Preston and Darrow, the latter named from a minister living there at the above date, and it still stands on the corner. On the west corner of Putnam and Fifth stood and now stands, the beautiful residence and the grounds called the Mills property, reaching to the alley on Putnam and quite a distance up the other street.

This place was the envy of our grandmothers, and as it becomes more and more improved by present owners, the grandchildren gaze with admiration on all that has been done. "Jack Mills" was a fun loving fellow and many are the pranks that the daughters of the pioneers have told us that he perpetrated in his younger days. Later, he was the stately, sedate Colonel Mills who occupied this house, respected by all. On the other side of Fifth stood the Henry Armstrong house.

Next Came "Mound Cemetery." As you pass in the gates and up the walk at the present time, you are struck with the great number of slabs and monuments, which are in view in this small inclosure, but when we consider that the unmarked graves are greater in number than the marked, how densely populated it seems, neighbor crowding upon neighbor. People generally feel that they are familiar with this city of the dead, yet how few know how many noted men and lovable women connected with Marietta's early history lie beneath this sod.

They made Marietta politically and financially and in church and college gave their brain work to this small community. One is surprised, in examining their life records, to see what they accomplished. One of these, Colonel Ebenezer Sproat, was six feet four, called by the Indians "Big Buckeye." Some think this gave the name "Buckeye," to our State. Others as Col. Ichabod Nye, Major Anselm Tupper, Gov. R. J. Meigs (who was also the first postmaster in Marietta), his father, R. J. Meigs, Sr., represented Washington county in the first Territorial Legislature, General Buell, Commodore Abraham Whipple, Nahum Ward, Joseph Holdren, Dr. Hildreth, Dr. John Cotton, Caleb Emerson, John Mills, Nathaniel Dodge and Oliver Cram. Any of these should make the grounds as sacred to Marietta as Mt. Vernon to the United States.

It is wonderful how many ministers of the Gospel have their last resting place here. Among them Rev. Daniel Story (the first pioneer minister), Samuel Robbins, Luther Bingham, Thomas Wickes, Greenbury Jones and Hiram Gear.

Colonels, Majors, Captains, Lieutenants and privates, volunteers in the Civil war, from Marietta homes, have their graves marked on Decoration Day to the proud satisfaction of our community. Perhaps a hundred years from now this ground will be regarded with greater interest than now. Ascending the forty-five steps to the summit of the "mound," one is led to inquire, "What is this on which I stand, an altar, a sepulchre, a fortress, a look out, or place of amusement? What kind of tools and instruments were used in its construction? What race of people and color lived here? What is the age of this structure?" These whats? might be asked all over Ohio, a good part of the United States and Mexico; surmises and conjectures are many, but we still remain in a mystery.

Opposite the cemetery stands the Cram house, now as then.

At the corner of Fifth and Scammel a few will remember, there stood a one-roomed house in the sand, occupied by different parties as the years went by, but at that time by "Old Mother Ellis," a very quaint character, who, when living on lower ground during the '32 flood, sought to pray down the high water while it was coming through her hearth and around her, insisting it would not touch her. She would not move out of her chair and had to be carried out. In this small house on the hill she died alone, her hymn book before her, her finger on a hymn, also a chapter marked in her bible, lying open, both of which were used at her funeral.

On the corner of fifth and Wooster stood an old brick house, built in primitive style, with an oven bulging out at the end, like many another in those days. This has given place to the "Ranger Block."

Above Wooster, there now stands a house owned by Mrs. Kingsbury, which was a very odd looking house before being remodeled and quite commodious for the time. A one story cottage came next on the same side. On the other side of fifth the older house owned by Mrs. Berry has quite a little history. Tradition said this building was made from parts of the "Blockhouse" or fort, which stood on Washington, from Front to Second. Mr. G. M. Woodbridge, to satisfy himself whether this were true or not, a number of years ago, when the house was being re-roofed, climbed up in the attic to investigate, when behold! there were the port holes through the beams, where guns were used by the pioneers to ward off the Indians, in early times. Services were held here by the Methodists, who had no church then and had a hard time to get a foothold in Marietta. The house was stoned, the windows broken, boards put on the chimney, smoking out the worshippers.

This house has been occupied and owned by quite a number of persons. Mrs. Bliss and daughters, Caroline and Mary, lived here at one time. (Mary is Mrs. Dr. Parker, of West Marietta). It was called the Stephens' property, the Grosvenor home and finally passing from one to another, Mrs. Berry is now the fortunate owner. Next comes the Martin Sinclair house, now occupied by J. W. Sturgiss. This ends the number of houses on Fifth street.

As you walked across Washington ahead of you might have been seen some ridges by the roadside, some small mounds and excavations, a part of the ancient works, all obliterated now, except the elevated square which is mutilated considerable on the west side of it. It formerly had approaches on three sides and a large indenture on the fourth. It had no trees upon it until latter years, unlike the "Mound" which had all over its sides oak and hickory, of very large growth, but have been mostly cut down. Again we come to the pawpaw bushes and the woods and I bid you "good-night."

MATILDA.

Days Recalled When "Old Putnam Street Was New"

2012-01-11T09:10:00.001-05:00

The Marietta Sunday Times, November 2, 1930

Nearing of completion of the new Citizens' bank building reminds the average-aged Mariettan of the days when "old Putnam street was new." Putnam street has been rebuilt - built new within the past half-century, except for only a few of the older buildings.

The forefathers who laid out the broad street had a vision, it seems, that automobile traffic would be an important feature in the trend of human and industrial events, else they would have laid out what are "horse and buggy" streets that are found in many other towns and cities that are not nearly so old as is Marietta.

Looking up and down Putnam street, one finds only three of the old buildings of the 100 year old class standing, those buildings that belong to the age of Marietta pioneers. They are the Corner Drug Store building and the Cooke building at Front street and the Hildreth building. The Corner Drug Store building that housed Marietta's early post office is the oldest of the trio, it having been built previous to the Hildreth building that dates back before 1820. The Cooke building at one time housed a Marietta bank. It is of the architectural vintage of 1830.

The first movement for the continuation of the business section advancing up Putnam street came in 1883-1884, when Strecker Bros. erected the first unit of their manufacturing plant on a part of the premises of the old Nahum Ward home.

ALMOST FORGOTTEN

Just working out on one's memory, the beautiful old trees that were on Putnam street until they were removed with the widening and resurfacing of Putnam street are already almost forgotten; and so are the old wooden telephone poles and telegraph poles on which were tacked constables sales, notices and posters. The poles were perforated with tacks just as the trees along the walks in Marietta College campus with their long years of service in advertising most everything - even the old black bordered funeral notices. There are those who distinctly remember when Putnam street was a dirt road before it was elevated to its grade of today.

And delving back further in one's memory, do you remember the F. A. Wheeler home that stood on the site of Otto Bros. store, with its semi-circular portico and high columns? And the George M. Woodbridge home, a square roofed old colonial house that stood on the south-west corner of the street at Third? And the Mrs. Kate Wakefield Dye home at Third and Putnam on the site of which is now the Wakefield hotel? And the old Sheppard home, at Fourth and Putnam, where stands the First Baptist Church? And the Miss Mary Nye home and the Judge Cutter home where now stand the business blocks between the Hildreth building and the Wakefield hotel? One would hardly know the Judge Cutter house in its new environment in a fine residential section on Second street where it was removed to make way for the Putnam theatre.

OLD COUNTY JAIL

And, does one remember the old sheriff's residence and county jail that stood where is now the First National Bank building and the Turner-Ebinger store? And when the late George Wieser erected the Wieser building on a part of what was the armory lot? Do you remember when the old armory was the roller skating rink? When it was used as a display hall for the relics of Marietta's centennial in 1888? All of the building blocks- the St. Clair building and the Meigs building are on the site of the old armory premises, the armory having stood back at the rear of the lot.

And, does one remember the old centenary church where General Ballington Booth talked when the Salvation Army first came to town? The old church disguised as a business block and was razed last year to make room for the Kresge building.

Just like the trees and the telephone poles of recent memory are the memory of the old Nathan Fawcett mansion, later the Cadwallader and Dr. Sam Hart homes that were razed in very recent years to make room for the Wood and Augenstein blocks, and the Montgomery Ward store.

STARTED BY MRS. MILLS

The old Marietta Female Seminary stood where the People's bank building is located now and that was one of the first, if not the first institution for higher learning for women in Ohio. The school was opened in the early 1830's. The mother of Col. John Mills and W. W. Mills was a teacher in the seminary.

The Tea Room was originally the home of Daniel P. Torpy who built the house that was later occupied by Dr. Charles S. Hart. What is now the Osteopathic Clinic was formerly the home of Prof. H. S. Saroni. The Follett home was built by the late A. D. Follett some 30 years ago.

The Unitarian church of 1857; the City Hall of 1871-1873; the old Baptist church of 1865; the old "law building" opposite The times' offices; the block of buildings between the Corner Drug Store building and Otto Bros. store' and also the Kropp building are some of the buildings left on Putnam street.

The court house corner has held its own for 107 years, when the "second" Washington county court house was erected on the present site in 1823. The old building was razed to make way for the present elegant structure in 1900-1902. The first court house was a log structure that stood where is now the First National bank building.

Marietta Museum

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American Friend & Marietta Gazette, September 17, 1831

The Marietta Museum is now open for the reception of company at the house of Maj. Alexander Hill, on Green street. Among the numerous articles it contains are the following Natural Curiosities.

Of Animals,

Pied Deer, Panther, Wolf, Ounce, Tiger Cat, Canada Lynx, Opossum, Wild Cat, Porcupine, &c.

Of Fish,

Sea Elephant, Shark, Sturgeon, Sea Dog, Seal, Alligator, Guana, &c.

Of Birds,

The Ostrich, Bittern, Loon, Swan, Peacock, and a great variety of small birds.

A handsome collection of Minerals, Shells, Petrifactions, Coins and Insects. Also

Wax Figures,

Among which are Washington, Jackson, Bolivar, Paez, Bonaparte, and Josephine. Wm. Wallace, Robert Bruce, Helen Mar; Capt. Wm. Morgan, Alexander the Great; Blue Beard as about to kill Fatima, when Selim interposes and slays Blue Beard, Irene stands weeping. Romeo, Juliet, and many others.

The Cosmorama,

Representing the City of Rome, Forts, Fortifications, Shipping, &c.

Temple of Industry,

With more than Forty figures, Mechanics engaged at their different occupations. Likewise a number of very interesting paintings.

The public is most respectfully informed that additions and changes will be weekly made, and no pains or expense will be spared to render the establishment worthy a continuance of the very liberal patronage it has already received.

Admittance 25 cents.

Ceremony in Aurelius

2012-01-04T07:52:00.000-05:00

The Home News, May 25, 1861

On Saturday afternoon last a large and enthusiastic gathering of the people of Aurelius township, men and women, took place at Pleasant Hill, near the Methodist Church. A handsome Liberty Pole was erected by the men, when a beautiful set of Stars and Stripes, "flag of the free heart's hope and home," prepared by the ladies, was run up by them, amid the hearty greetings of the four or five hundred persons present. Patriotic speeches were made by S. L. Fisher, of Pittsburgh, and H. Schofield, Esq. of Salem, and a renewed determination was manifested by all to defend the glorious ensign of the nation's integrity to the last and forevermore. The initial steps were taken to organize an efficient military company, some twenty or thirty names being subscribed on the spot.

General Serenade

2011-12-27T06:38:00.001-05:00

The Home News, August 18, 1860

Our city was treated to a general serenade, on Thursday night, by the German Brass Band. The musical procession consisted of a bus, illuminated along the edges by innumerable brilliant lanterns, and inside by a crowd of jovial "boys" - followed by the Band wagon, overflowing with music and musical fellows, and preceded and flanked on either side by an equestrian guard of honor composed of Sons of Malta, in full midnight dress. Thus equipped every part of the city was visited, and many a sleepy head was poked from the windows to discover whence so many harmonious sounds proceeded. On returning past the Home News office, the procession halted, gave us an extra touch, and three cheers, which said "good night" as plainly as any cheers ever did. We are glad to perceive that the band is constantly improving in the divine art, and we hope they may yet become as celebrated for their musical skill as even Menter's. Three cheers for the German Band! "Hip, hip, hip, hurra! hurra! hurra!"

Great Crowd Attends Sing

2011-12-25T17:07:00.001-05:00

Marietta Daily Times, December 26, 1916

A great crowd thronged the court house corner Monday evening and listened to the "Christmas Sing," conducted under the municipal Christmas tree, beautifully illuminated with electric lights of various hues.

It was far more successful than similar affairs in past years.

Only a mantle of snow was lacking to impart to the scene the real yuletide atmosphere. But there was compensation for this deficiency in the greater comfort of hundreds who assembled long before the hour set for the singing and stood through the 25-minute program.

Prof. James Bird conducted the choruses of choir and children singers. The Marietta band played accompaniments and gave a short program after the sing.

Vocal numbers given were "Adeste Fideles," "The Nativity," "Silent Night," "Carol," "O Tannenbaum" and "Joy to the World."

Christmas Cheer Full Tide Here

2011-12-19T05:59:00.001-05:00

Marietta Daily Times, December 22, 1916

Christmas, the season of gift giving and greetings, is once again welcomed by the people of this community, as well as everywhere else, as the dawn of the yearly festival approaches. Men and women alike, both old and young have swung into the merry column and on every side can be seen the spirit of contentment and satisfaction.

Employes of various concerns in the city are filled with yuletide cheer, with the announcement of their employers of a bonus of their yearly wages and other gifts, to be presented to them as a Christmas present.

The Bell Telephone Company will give to all its employes from two to three weeks' pay. Employes who have been in their services for a year or over will receive three weeks' pay and those employed by the company the last three months or over will be given two weeks' pay.

Employes of the Western Union Telegraph Company, including even the messenger boys, who have been in their service since January 1st, 1916, will receive seven percent of their yearly wages as a gift. Without a doubt the lucky message carriers are tickled to death over their good fortune.

All the employes of the Northwestern Chemical Company will receive a gift of two percent of their yearly wages. Employes of the J. G. McCrory Five & Ten Cent store in the service of the store for a year will receive $5 gold pieces and those in the service for two years will be rewarded with $10 gold pieces. Two girls have been with the company for two years and two other girls have been in service at the local store for one year periods, and will therefore receive gold pieces.

A number of other manufacturing concerns and merchants have also announced that they will again follow their annual custom of presenting their employes with gifts. Most of the gifts of the firms will consist of candies and tobaccos, while some will make presents of fruits and small articles.

This will surely be a merry Christmas for Mariettians, for with plenty of money put in circulation the past week, with the distribution of Christmas savings Funds by the banks, and a sufficient degree of health among the citizens, there is no chance for complaint, and the usual good cheer of the Christmas season is bound to prevail abundantly.

Railroad Matters

2011-12-17T07:01:00.000-05:00

The Home News, December 3, 1859

The Passenger Train on the M. & C. R. R. will deliver its passengers at the Harmar end of the bridge next week. The Depot is being removed to the vacant space between the track and the approach to the bridge, the track considerably raised and ballasted, and other improvements are in progress for that purpose. It seems to us that a slight expense only would be necessary to bring the train across the bridge, with an easy descent to the ground by Front street. This would unquestionably result to the benefit of the road, and we hope to see it accomplished ere long. The unsightly trestle work in Harmar is being removed, as it ought to be. We learn that it is destined to do duty on some part of the Union Road. This road, it is expected, will be finished to Belpre in ten or twelve weeks.

Xmas Trees Arrive

2011-12-15T19:56:00.002-05:00

Marietta Daily Times, December 7, 1916

The first load of Christmas trees have been received by local dealers. With their arrival the first real warning of the nearness of the Holidays is received by Marietta people. All of the merchants have started to decorate their stores in Christmas drapings and the stocks of the stores has been filled, ready for the Christmas shopper.

The evergreens this year are said to be as plentiful as in the past few years and the prices will average around 25c.

Rowdy Soldiers

2011-12-14T09:20:00.000-05:00

The Home News, November 30, 1861

Where do the soldiers hail from who roam our streets at all hours of the day and night, reeling to and fro like drunken men, poisoning the very atmosphere with their foul breath and obscene language? If their officers cannot restrain them, the civil authorities should take them in hand, and the sooner the better.

* * * * *

We understand that the tenants occupying houses near Camp Tupper, have been compelled to vacate them in consequence of the disorderly conduct of some of the volunteers in that camp. It is a pity that a few rowdies should be allowed to bring odium on a whole regiment. Let them be kicked out altogether.

* * * * *

Robert Griggs, a whiskey-drinking volunteer who disgraces Uncle Sam's uniform, and brings odium on his comrades by his rowdy conduct, was arrested on Thanksgiving Day for a breach of the peace. He resisted Marshal Kelley and the military guard until it became necessary to carry him. He was put in Sheriff Winsor's castle, where he will be made to feel the force of law and discipline both. He belongs to Camp Tupper.

Later Ship Building at Marietta

2011-12-10T06:23:00.001-05:00

The Marietta Register, April 7, 1881

Mr. Editor: In your paper of March 24th was published a list of sea-going vessels built here previous to the embargo. After that time the business was discontinued here until 1844. In the summer of that year several of the business men of Marietta formed a company for the purpose of building ships. The company was composed of John Mills, William and S. Slocomb, Bosworth and Wells, William R. Wells, John O. Cram, and A. T. Nye, and subsequently Nye and Hayward.

Capt. Ira Ellis, of Portland, Maine, was engaged as master builder and Capt. William R. Wells as superintendent of construction. A barque of about two hundred and fifty tons was commenced, and the building proceeded through the summer and fall. She was launched in January, 1845. She was rigged here, except her sails, which were sent from Boston to New Orleans, and was named Muskingum. She was placed in command of Capt. W. R. Wells, one of the company. He was from Portland, Maine. On the first of March, 1845, she left Marietta, being towed to Cincinnati by the steamboat Wing and Wing. She was loaded at Cincinnati with pork, lard and oil cake, and left that port the middle of March. A favorable stage of water occurred and she was safely towed to New Orleans. There she received her sails and departed for Liverpool. The voyage was successfully made and the cargo discharged. She took in a return cargo for Boston, which port she reached in safety and was sold.

The next vessel built was the barque Marietta, her model and size the same as the Muskingum. She left Marietta, February, 1846, under command of Capt. William R. Wells. She took in a part of her cargo at Cincinnati and a part at New Orleans, and sailed for New York, made a successful voyage and was sold there. The business of the Company was placed under the direction of A. t. Nye at this time.

In 1847, the Company built a brig of about two hundred and forty tons. She was called the Walhonding, and went from here in charge of Jacob Cram, super cargo, and Capt. Conway, of Portland, navigator. At Madison, Indiana, the Company purchased a load of pork and lard for New York. She reached that port, sold her cargo, and returned to New Orleans for another. On her return she reached the outer harbor of New York so late that she was placed in quarantine, where she was compelled to remain some weeks, greatly to the injury of the vessel and cargo. She was sold at New York with some loss to the owners.

Three schooners were built by the Company, the America and the Grace Darling, for Mr. Kimball, of Salem, Mass., one hundred and thirty and one hundred and forty tons. They were taken out by persons sent by Mr. Kimball for that purpose. The third schooner was for a Mr. Cochrane, of New Orleans. Mr. Cochrane sent persons here to take her out.

No other vessels were built by the "Marietta Ship Company." The ship yard of the Company was on the commons, just above the mill of John Oliver Cram, now the Phoenix Mills.

Capt. Ellis afterwards built two steamboats for Capt. Owen Franks.

Capt. Ellis died in Marietta some years ago.

One other vessel was built in Marietta of which the following account is furnished me by Capt. A. B. Waters.

"The barque 'John Farnum' was built at the Point in Marietta not far from where the foundry of A. T. Nye & Sons stands. She was owned by A. B. and I. R. Waters. She was two hundred and forty-nine and one half tons. Her keel was laid in the Spring of 1846 and she was launched in February 1847. She was towed at once to Portsmouth where she took on a cargo of Indian Corn. She was measured, inspected and cleared at Louisville, Ky. Her destination was 'Cork or a Port.'

She arrived at Cork in May, 1847 during the great famine in Ireland and returned to Philadelphia in August and was sold to Potter, McKeever & Co. of that city. The Master builder was Capt. William Knox, of Harmar. Capt. A. B. Waters had charge of the vessel and cargo with Capt. George Hatch as Navigator.

Capt. Hatch was afterwards Mayor of Cincinnati."

This completes the list of sea going vessels built at Marietta.

A. T. Nye
Marietta, April 4th, 1881.

Ship Building at Marietta

2011-12-09T09:23:00.001-05:00

The Marietta Register, March 24, 1881

Mr. Editor: Very few of your readers are aware of the extent to which ship-building was carried on in this place after the close of the Indian war, which began in 1791 and ended in 1795.

In the year 1800 the business was commenced here by several persons. The first vessel built was the brig St. Clair. In 1801 she went out under the command of Commodore Abraham Whipple (I will furnish you hereafter an account of her first voyage to the West Indies.)

Several Ship-yards were established here, about the same period. Among the first was that of Benjamin Ives Gilman, which was on the west side of the river, a little above the site of the building known as the Lock Works.

Mr. Gilman's master builder was James Whitney, of Baltimore, who resided in Harmar many years, and died there.

Another Ship-yard of equal importance was established on the east side of the Muskingum, by Col. Abner Lord. This was situated a short distance above where the Phoenix Mills now stand. Mr. Lord's master-builder was W. W. McGrath.

Another was established by General Edward W. Tupper, and occupied the space at the foot of Putnam street long known as the landing.

Charles Green Esq., known as one of the early business men of Marietta, built one or more vessels near the foot of Monroe Street. It was for him that the St. Clair was built.

Several vessels were built by Colonel Joseph Barker, about six miles up the Muskingum.

A sudden termination was put to this business by the passage of the "Embargo Law," in 1808.

Ship-building was resumed by the "Marietta Ship Company" in 1844. The master-builder was Ira Ellis, of Portland, Maine.

I enclose to you a list of the vessels built here previous to the embargo. The list was furnished to my father, Ichabod Nye, by James Whitney. A list of vessels built by the "Marietta Ship Company" I will send hereafter.

Marietta, Mar. 18, 1881. A. T. N.

* * *

Pt. Harmar, April 10th, 1833.
Col. Ichabod Nye - Dear Sir:

Enclosed you will find a list of all the vessels built in Marietta with the names of owners, builders and commanders &c.

Brig St. Clair 110 tons, Charles Greene & Co., built by Stephen Devol in 1800, commanded by Commodore Whipple.

Ship Muskingum, built by J. Devol for B. I. Gilman, in 1801, 200 tons, Capt. Crandon.

Brig Eliza Green, built by J. Devol for Charles Greene in 1801, 130 tons, Capt. Hodgkiss.

Brig Marietta, by J. Whitney for Abner Lord, in 1802, Capt. O. Williams, 150 tons.

Brig Dominie, by S. Crispin for D. Woodbridge, Jr., 1802, Capt. Lattimore, 140 tons.

Schooner Indiana, by J. Barker for E. W. Tupper, in 1802, Capt. Merrill, 80 tons.

Brig Mary Avery by D. Skilinger for G. Avery, 1802, Capt. Prentiss, tons 150.

Ship Temperance, 230 tons, built by James Whitney for A. Lord, in 1804, Capt. Williams.

Brig Orlando, built by J. Barker for E. W. Tupper, in 1803, say 160 tons, Capt. Miner.

Schooner Whitney, built by J. Whitney for A. Lord.

Schooner McGrath, built by J. Whitney for A. Lord, in 1803, Capts. Williams & Wilson, 70 tons.

Brig Ohio, 170 tons, built by J. Devol for McFarland & Co., in 1804, Capt. Rose.

Brig Perseverance, 170 tons, by J. Whitney for B. I. Gilman, in 1805, Capt. Wilson.

Ship Rufus King. 300 tons, by J. Whitney for Clark and B. I. Gilman, in 1806, Capt. Clark.

Two Gun Boats, by T. Vail for E. W. Tupper, in 1806.

Ship Tuscarawa, 320 tons, by W. McGrath, Marshall S. Jones for A. Lord, 1806.

Ship I. Atkinson, by W. McGrath for A. Lord, 320 tons, 1806.

Brig Hope, by A. Miller for Charles Green, 120 tons, 1806.

Ship Francis, copper fastened, 350 tons, by J. Whitney for B. I. Gilman, Capt. Wilson, 1807.

Ship Robert Hale,300 tons, by J. Whitney for B. I. Gilman, Capt. Holden, 1807.

Brig Golet, 120 tons, by W. McGrath for A. Lord, Capt. Sennet, 1807.

Brig Rufus Putnam, 150 tons, by W. McGrath, Col. Lord, Capt.

Schooner Belle, 103 tons, by J. Whitney for Gilman and Woodbridge, Capt. Boyle, 1808.

Schooner Maria, by J. Whitney for B. I. Gilman, 70 tons, 1814.

Miss Fay's Report

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The Marietta Register, January 12, 1865

Children's Home, Jan. 7, 1865.

Messrs. Commissioners - Sirs: As another year has closed, I forward to you, at your request, as correct an account as I can of our proceedings here. I feel the need of some more systematic way of doing the work before me. We need some wise and patriotic system of benevolence, planned and established, not only for the poor and unfortunate, but also more specially for our soldiers' children, who are left destitute and suddenly deprived of a father's care and protection. How many such fathers in our noble State have fallen and will fall, in this great struggle for freedom and the saving of the life of our nation! And, in view of the great and urgent call for the aid and sympathies of every kind and patriotic soul, I feel a desire to consecrate myself and property, with the exception of such amount as I may need through life, to this cause.

A home for such destitute children is now called for - one that will, in every way, be a home, guided by a christian principle, adorned with all that will ennoble the character and cultivate the mind, not only in our own county, but in every county in this State. What more noble act of gratitude can we bestow upon the fallen, patriotic fathers of Ohio, than to care for their beloved and destitute children, and so arrange such an institution, that the children may be trained for usefulness in the world, and an honor to the grave of their fathers? I hope, ere the year we have now just entered is closed, we shall be such an institution, with officers efficient and competent to carry out all their plans, to the honor of our noble State and county. A bill of this kind is now before the Legislature, through the kindness of Hon. Wm. F. Curtis.

We closed the past year with 29 children. All but three of these are ten and under. Three are not a county charge. I have had 13 additions this year. Five have found good homes. Five were taken away by their parents. Two have died (both infants). Our health as a family has been remarkably good. To be sure, we were afflicted by disease brought in the family, during the summer months, by children sent here. But, aside from this, we have had little or not sickness. For the last three months, we have not been obliged to call a physician once. In all this, we see the kind hand of our God. To Him be all the praise.

The school has been kept up six months at the Home the past year. During the summer, the children that were large enough were sent to the district school three months. Their improvement has been quite rapid. As a general thing, I think it will be found that they stand on a line with other children of their age, in regard to education. Arithmetic, Geography, Grammar, also History, are studied. One is in Ray's Arithmetic, 3d part; another studies Thomson's higher Arithmetic and Algebra. Miss Mary L. Shepard is still our teacher. Miss Emma Tilton has charge of the children out of school. Mr. A. T. Ewing, farmer and assistant. As to our financial affairs, we have been blessed beyond my most sanguine expectations. When I began the year, every thing looked dark. But faith in God alone kept me up. He has been, and still is, our guide; and, thanks be to His great name, we closed the year with far brighter prospects that ever before.

My expenses were - $2,655.82.

I received from the county - $1,809.24.

Donations in money - 276.36

Donations in books - 68.60

Donations in clothing - 87.50

Income from farm, &c. - 200.00

Dr. Wm. L. McCowin kindly gave one-half his salary - 40.00

Traveling expenses of myself - 43.88

2,525.58

An acknowledgement is here due to you and the kind ladies of Marietta, for furnishing me the means of visiting some of the public institutions of our State, thus giving me time to rest, and also opportunity to gain useful knowledge in laying plans for the future.

Very few improvements have been made on the Home the past year; yet I find my expenses have exceeded last year, and at the present rate of things, it must increase during this present year; for some additions will have to be made to our buildings to make us comfortable and healthy. Many thanks are due to the kind friends of our county for their noble efforts to assist in this grand work. Much more is needed to be done. While almost every month new additions are made of soldiers' children to our number, "let us not be weary in well doing," but "work while it is called to-day," praying always that the kind Father may direct us in all our labor, so that we may at least honor and glorify Him.

Yours truly,

C. A. Fay

Controversy Ended - Town Given Water

2011-12-06T06:10:00.004-05:00

The Register-Leader, December 9, 1921

Williamstown is no longer a veritable Sahara and the dry period of the past six days is now ended. Once again water is gushing through the mains of the town across the river and the controversy that brought on the arid season is definitely settled.

Under an agreement reached between officials of the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company and directors of the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank, the latter organization assumes temporary control of the water plant and has advanced the money in full payment of the bill rendered by the city of Marietta for water furnished since April last. This money was turned over to Marietta city officials shortly after six o'clock Thursday evening and the water was immediately turned on.

City Officials Action In Shutting Off Water May Hurt Local Merchants

2011-12-05T05:56:00.003-05:00

Register-Leader, December 7, 1921

Developments came thick and fast in the Williamstown water controversy Wednesday morning when officials of the West Virginia Public Service Commission and citizens of Williamstown entered into a dispute.

While an order of the service commission directing the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company to forthwith furnish its patrons in Williamstown and vicinity with an adequate supply of pure and wholesome water, citizens of the town across the river were circulating a petition designed to boycott Marietta merchants because of the attitude of Marietta city officials in rejecting an offer of the Williamstown council to settle the controversy. At noon 1100 signers had affixed their signatures to the petition, it was reported, and a canvass of the entire town was in progress.

The order of the service commission directing the Williamstown Water Company to immediately supply an adequate water supply was received by Mayor P. J. Corbitt Wednesday morning, according to an announcement. The order stated in part that the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company was "hereby required to forthwith obtain an adequate supply of pure water for its patrons and consumers in Williamstown and vicinity" and that said company should furnish its consumers with a constant supply of pure and wholesome water.

It was further ordered, the announcement said, that the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company should proceed with due diligence toward repairing and improving its distributing system, including the mains and service lines, in Williamstown and vicinity. The commission's order was signed by E. D. Lewis, chairman of the public service commission.

In a letter to Mayor Corbitt the commission supplemented its order to the Water Company with the statement that if the water supply was not turned on by Thursday, December 8, the mayor should read an affidavit to this effect to the chairman of the commission and the attorney of that body would be instructed to get into the courts to apply for a writ of mandamus and whatever other relief to which the city was entitled.

The petition designed to boycott Marietta merchants, according to a report circulated, was drafted when Marietta city officials rejected the proposal tendered Monday evening for settlement of the controversy. This proposal, it was stated, provided that Williamstown officials should take full charge of the quarterly collections of the water company and turn the proceeds over to the city of Marietta for application to the bill of approximately $2,000 now owing that corporation for water furnished to the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company.

The proposal was rejected by Marietta officials, it was said, because the city of Williamstown could not guarantee the bill, the budget of the town already being exceeded.

Williamstown - Town Without Water

2011-12-04T06:00:00.003-05:00

Register-Leader, December 6, 1921

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink seems to be the plight of the town right now although arrangements were being made Tuesday morning, which it is believed, will have the water turned on before the day is over.

Local officials made an effort Monday to have the situation relieved by having the water again turned on but the Marietta officials stood pat on their decision of having the water turned off until the bill owed them for water is paid by the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Co. The Williamstown Water, Light and Power Co. owes the city of Marietta approximately $2,000 for water from the first of last April.

The public hearing, which was to have been held Monday by the members of the West Virginia Public Service Commission was postponed because of the failure of the said committee members to arrive. This water situation has been threatened all fall but it was believed that arrangements could be made with the city of Marietta to prevent it.

Schools Close

The Williamstown High schools and the common schools which hold classes in the High school building were forced to close their doors Monday because of the fact that they had no water in the High school building, a hot air system is used in heating the building. The High school officials regretted to have this interruption come in the school work at this time because of the fact that the Christmas vacation will soon start and they had a definite amount of work they had hoped to have completed by that time.

Factory Closes

The American Bisque Factory which manufactures dolls and other toys was forced to close down Monday on account of the water being shut off. This is an extremely bad time for that factory to be closed because of the fact that they have some rush orders for Christmas to get out.

Fire Danger

If a fire should break out at this time the bucket brigade is the only means of extinguishing it. The Williamstown Lumber Co had taken extra precautions and it is the same with the rest of the local factories. The Fenton Art Glass Co. has a big water storage tank and they have not been bothered yet by the water being shut off.

Wells and cisterns in the community at this time are at a premium and neighbors are getting together and sharing these. The spring water companies are making a rich harvest furnishing the people with drinking water.

Water Cut From Town Over River

2011-12-03T05:05:00.001-05:00

Register-Leader, December 3, 1921

The old-time well and cistern again came into its own in Williamstown Saturday morning when the town's water supply was cut off by Marietta City because of failure of the Williamstown Water, Light and Power company to heed an ultimatum issued by Service Director A. J. Watson for settlement of a bill for water furnished the corporation. Promptly at nine o'clock, the time specified in the ultimatum, the water was ordered turned off by the Marietta Service Director and indications were that Williamstown would be without a water supply over the weekend and perhaps longer.

In view of the situation officials of the town across the river were active all Saturday morning in an effort to secure water temporarily but these efforts all met with failure. Officials journeyed to Parkersburg where an effort was made to have the matter brought before the circuit court and a writ of mandamus issued but this was thwarted by the fact that the West Virginia law specifically provides that such matters pertaining to public utilities must first be brought to the attention of the Public Service commission.

Hence the situation was referred to that body and a meeting arranged for Monday morning in the Williamstown council chamber. All citizens of Williamstown are urged to be in attendance.

Shutting off the town's water supply is proving a serious handicap according to reports of officials Saturday. In addition to the inconvenience caused to private residents the plant of the American Bisque Company was forced to close. The Fenton Art Glass Company continued to operate with an emergency water supply.

With nothing to do but await the hearing before representatives of the Public Service commission officials of Williamstown did not expect any definite action before Monday. Marietta city officials likewise were marking time awaiting some development in the controversy. Officials of the water company would not comment on the situation.

Shutting off the water supply came as the result of the Williamstown Water, Light and Power Company to reimbuse the city of Marietta in the sum of nearly $2,000 for water.

Three Students Take Cold Plunge in Back Waters At The Old College Grounds

2011-11-30T07:39:00.001-05:00

The Register-Leader, December 2, 1921

Ted Williams, Harold Brown and Eldon Schafer, all students in Marietta College, took a cold bath in the back waters on the old college grounds, corner of Butler and Fourth street Thursday afternoon. It was not an accident.

The three students donned their bathing suits and took a plunge into the chilly water, Williams taking a long swim. None of the men stayed in the water very long, however. On several occasions students have taken advantage of the flood waters in the college field, but it is doubtful ever before in December.

Boy's Arm is Fractured in Plane Crash

2011-11-28T19:38:00.001-05:00

The Register-Leader, December 1, 1921

A fracture of the left arm suffered by Willard Kuntz, five-year-old son of Jake Kuntz, was the worst injury suffered when the plane in which the boy and his father were riding crashed to the ground on the Gill farm on Harmar Hill, Wednesday. Pilot L. N. Scott, who was driving the plane, did not suffer a scratch.

An examination Wednesday afternoon showed that the Kuntz boy's arm was fractured and his shoulder was sprained. Mr. Kuntz was badly scratched about the face and he suffered bruises about his body. The boy was out playing with the youngsters in his neighborhood Thursday, little the worse for the accident.

Wednesday afternoon, when asked about taking another plane ride, young Kuntz stated that he did not care to go up tomorrow but that day after he might.

Murder at Bloomfield

2011-11-03T18:12:00.001-04:00

The Home News, October 12, 1861

A man of the name of Adamson was stabbed at Bloomfield, Ludlow tp., on election day, by a desperado named Joseph Elder. Elder has always been regarded as a dangerous man, and heretofore has made a practice of getting up a quarrel at every public gathering. As he is a powerful, reckless fellow, people would unite and drive him away, to preserve the peace. On a former occasion, Adamson, who was a law-abiding citizen, had helped to eject him from a company in which he was creating a disturbance, and Elder swore vengeance. His victim was engaged in conversation with another person near the polls, when Elder came upon him unawares and inflicted two wounds in his left side with a dirk. He lingered until the next day and died. Elder swam the creek which was high, and hid in the woods but was finally captured, and is now in the county jail. A bill has been found against him for murder in the 1st degree, and it is to be hoped that our county court will award him the punishment he so richly deserves.

Music in Pioneer Days

2011-10-27T17:48:00.000-04:00

Unidentified, undated newspaper clipping

Should we consider the real beginning of music, we must turn back to Bible times, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy.

I think our program committee had more recent times in mind, however, and wished us to recall as much as possible of the music in our own little corner of the world.

Since we are so closely connected with Marietta and Marietta with the East, I quote from a sermon preached at the centennial of the First Congregational church of Marietta, Dec. 6, 1896, by our own Dr. Dickinson, to whose influence, more than any other, though asserted in such a modest, unassuming way, we owe the success of this Society.

"In 1802 the Marietta church appointed choristers, as follows: Ichabod Nye, the first, Gideon Stacy, the second, and Nathaniel Gates, the third. The hymnology of that period was very primitive and consisted mostly of paraphrases of the Psalms and other portions of the Scriptures. These Psalms were adapted to a few tunes, mostly common metre, but the poetry was not always very elegant, as the following quotation will show:

Likewise the heavens be down-bowed,

And he descended and there was

Under his feet a gloomy cloud;

And he on cherub rode and flew;

Yes, he flew on the wings of winde,

His covert that him round confinde.

His covert that him round confine.

Psalms 48th, 6, was made to read as follows:

O God, breake Thou their tusks at once

Within their mouths throughout;

The tusks that in their great jawbones

Like lions' whelps hang out.

These Psalms were sung to solemn, drawling tunes and were usually lined either by the minister or deacon.

Choirs finally became tired of this method and resolved to abandon it, but like all other innovations, the change was opposed at first. A historian relates that in Worcester, Mass., in 1779, a resolution was adopted at the town meeting, that the mode of singing in this congregation here be without reading the Psalm line byline. The Sabbath succeeding the adoption of this resolution, after the hymn had been read by the minister, the aged and venerable Deacon Chamberlain, unwilling to abandon the custom of his fathers, and his own honorable prerogative, rose and read the first line, according to his usual practice. The singers, previously prepared to carry the desired alteration into effect, proceeded in their singing without pausing at the conclusion of the line. The white-haired officer of the church, with the full power of his voice, read on through the second line, until the loud notes of the collected body of singers overpowered his attempt to resist the progress of improvement. The deacon, deeply mortified at the triumph of this musical reformation, then seized his hat and retired from the meeting house in tears.

As the singers became more intelligent they desired a change from these monotonous, drawling tunes and about the time of our Revolution a Massachusetts singing master, by the name of Billings, introduced some tunes from the English, and prepared some himself, on a plan new to this country. The new style of singing was called fuguing because the different parts took up a sentence in order, following each other, for example, the words: "In reverence let the saints appear and bow before the Lord," were sung, and bow-wow-wow, and bow-wow-wow, and so on until base, treble, alto, counter and tenor had bow-wowed for about twenty seconds.

This lively music was very popular, especially with the young, and soon wrought a revolution in church music, though not without opposition. One belligerent clergyman preached against it from the words of the Prophet Amos: "The songs of the temple shall be turned into howling," and another Acts 17:6: "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also."

But the height of indignation and irreverence was reached by a worshipper who wrote on a panel in one of the pews in Salem church, as follows:

"Could poor King David but for once

To Salem church repair,

And hear his psalms thus warbled out,

Good Lord, how he would swear,

But could St. Paul but just pop in,

From higher scenes abstracted,

And hear his gospel now explained,

By heavens, he'd run distracted."

Hildreth tells us that in 1794 there was not a single violin in the Marietta garrison, while a few years later nearly every keel boat and barge on the western water carried one or more fiddles, and every night the men amused themselves with a hornpipe on the deck of the boat or by camp fire. The practice was no doubt introduced by the French boatmen from Kaskaskia, who were always fond of the dance and the music of the viol.

A pretty good substitute was, however, found on these joyous occasions in the voice of an elderly man who had been a sailor in his youth and was familiarly known by the name of Uncle Sam. He was fond of a dram and with the aid of the enlivening beverage would keep up a strain of fine vocal music the whole night. When toward daylight he became a little drowsy, a kind word and another glass set all right again. He oftener tired out the dancers than they him."

In our own "Belle Pre" or "Beautiful Valley," Farmers' Castle was erected in 1789, and in the following summer Rev. Daniel Story, the chaplain of the Ohio Company, preached once in four weeks. Col. Ebenezer Battelle, a man finely educated, was made religious instructor, and kept up the meetings on the other three Sundays.

Although there must have been music in the old block house in the enclosure, we have no records of any, as far as I have been able to ascertain, other than that of the drum, the church bell of war, beaten by sixteen-year-old Ebenezer Battelle, Jr.

In 1802 a religious society was formed, and William Browning, Judge Foster and Perley Howe were appointed a committee to collect subscriptions for a church. The members of this committee were very efficient in this line or else the people were more than generous, for history tells us that when the church on the bluff was completed they reported an excess over the amount expended of twelve shillings, nine pence, which was laid aside for current expenses.

At this time Rev. Samuel P. Robbins was hired to preach one Sunday during the month, and Isaac Pierce, Daniel Loring and Nathaniel Cushing were requested to read sermons on the other three Sundays. Deacon Miles and Col. Putnam were appointed to pray, and Perley Howe was made sexton and leader of the singing.

Shall I tell you the story of a Sabbath in one family (which was typical of all), handed down from generation to generation, as an incentive for church attendance and punctuality?

There is none of the breathless hurry of our modern Lord's Day in the little plank house on the river, but the family waken in the morning to the holy Sabbath calm.

The preparations for this day of rest and worship were begun at six o'clock on Saturday evening. The river flows gently on, a sweetly, lingering, melodious accompaniment to the notes of the sweet-voiced songsters of the forest. A simple breakfast over, the old ox cart is brought to the door, a keg of water from the well (the only one in the settlement at the time) is placed therein, together with gourds for drinking and then upon splint-bottomed chairs, the mother and children take their places. Close beside the cart the father walks, his musket upon his shoulder, ready to protect the little flock as they proceed through the rough hewn road of the forest.

They follow the river most of the way, until they reach the luxurious growth of cedars which suggested the name of Cedarville for the little town built there later. Here they ascend the hill and proceed to the enclosure round the church, where the oxen are unhitched from the cart and fed the "wisp of hay" brought along for their especial comfort.

Entering the church, Great grandfather Howe (for it is in our own family the story has been handed down) takes his place in front of the congregation and leads the singing by reading two lines, then singing them, while beating the time, then two more, etc., until the hymn is finished.

The music is from the Psalms, and after prayer and a long sermon, there is a basket dinner. The afternoon service is a repetition of that in the forenoon with the addition of catechism recitations. The service ended - and the fitting crowd for such a day, so well and peacefully spent, is found, when we look on the family circle singing in the deepening twilight:

"Silently the shades of evening

Gather round the lowly door

Silently they bring before me

Faces I shall see no more."

Surely for them the prophetic words would be true:

"And the night shall be filled with music,

And the cares that infest the day

Shall fold their tents like the Arabs,

And as silently steal away."

In 1822 the "Brick Church" was built and in 1827 withdrew their membership from the Marietta church and became a distinct organization. It might be interesting to note the arrangement of the old church. From a broad vestibule extending the entire width of the building, you enter the church through two broad doors. Directly inside, occupying the space between these doors, is the pulpit on a raised platform, and enclosed with a very high railing, so that during the service, at least, the members of the congregation are compelled to "look up" to their minister. By two aisles you reach the back of the church, where on another high platform, the choir (the first one in Belpre township) sits on benches arranged in tiers.

Here the musical mantle fell from Deacon Perley Howe as leader to his son, Rufus William Howe, who introduced the bass viol, as the first musical instrument ever used in a church in the settlement, tuning it with a letter "A" tuning fork. As he played the bass, he sang either soprano or tenor, as needed.

Of this time Mr. Russell O'Neal tells of an amusing incident. That Father Burgess, of Warren, came to preach one Sabbath in the old brick church and when he arose to announce the hymns and saw that they had brought a bass viol into church, he indignantly said: "We will fiddle and sing the 148th Psalm."

At a later date Francis Stone became chorister and a melodeon was purchased. His son Frank succeeded him.

You might be surprised to learn that with the exception of a postal of information on the subject of "Pioneer Music," there is no printed data concerning it in Marietta College, Marietta High School or Parkersburg libraries.

Dr. Dickinson's sermon from which I have already quoted, and an old family letter, which Mrs. Dale will probably read later, were the only items of information other than those gleaned, bit by bit, from talks with our own dear older folk, who smiled as they chatted of the memories of other days, and yet:

"How strange are the freaks of memory!

The lessons of life we forget,

While a trifle, a trick of color,

In the wonderful web is set."

Belpre has always been noted for her musical ability, and we find the older collections filled with the best productions of our great European composers. Not until the year '51 do any of these song books contain secular songs. Mr. Loring tells me the first time he ever heard "Old Kentucky Home" was in the old William Putnam home, when Elizabeth Putnam sang it, with wonderful sweetness and pathos.

Since the pioneer days we find the ways of writing music have changed greatly. In the olden times the different parts were spoken of as top-lined, second, treble and bass and in some of the books, the name of every note - do, re, mi, was written throughout the entire piece.

At one time, too, the notes instead of being round, were made in different shapes and were called shaped notes.

About the year 1844 Augustus Curtis held a singing school in the old brick church, followed by Samuel Breckenridge, at the Town House, and about the year 1856, Consider Hitchcock and his brother Myron came up from Newberry and taught a singing school in the old brick church. Consider Hitchcock led his singing class with a violin, and leaving his brother Myron in charge part of the time, held other classes in Marietta and vicinity. All these taught before the Civil War, for Myron Hitchcock, the last to serve, entered the army and died there in 1862.

One favorite form of music in the old pioneer singing school days was the "round," and who of us nowadays is not familiar with "Three Blind Mice," and who has not breathlessly followed the farmer's wife in her exciting experiences?

The Hitchcocks were men of great executive ability and leadership. Teaching in the old brick church, they trained the young people for the cantata, "Queen Esther," which was such a success that they reproduced it in Pomeroy and Parkersburg. One singer in that cantata is living today - Mrs. Rowena Putnam Stone, the mother of the vice president of this Association.

Mrs. Mary Gilbert Porter has a program (which we had hoped to receive in time for this meeting) of an entertainment given in the old brick church when she was organist there.

Prominent in musical circles at this time were the Putnams, Stones, Lorings, Brownings, Gilberts, Goodnoes, Beebes, Danas, Simpsons, Pinnells and Howes.

In the old brick church we find all denominations worshipping together in peace and harmony - singing and making melody in their hearts to the Lord. The time came, however, when it seemed best for the people of Belpre to have a church in the village, so in 1820 the Belpre Methodist church was established and the Belpre Congregational in 1869, with Frank Stone as chorister and Mrs. Addie Pinnell organist. Belpre Universalist in 1835, with Biles Steadman in charge of the music, who was their only chorister until Mr. Floyd Simpson. At one time they had a melodeon with violin and bass viol. Rockland Methodist church was built in 1832, and Alexander Kirkpatrick led the singing, using Watt's Hymnal.

If time permitted I should like so much to add a word of appreciation for the two lives (those of Mesdames Shaw and Pinnell) so unselfishly devoted to music in this our own day, leaving their impress on the character of those they have so generously trained, and keeping the tone of Belpre's music up to the standard already raised by the Pioneers.

It might appear that I have given more of church history than of music, but "Religion and music, twin sisters, born in heaven, have ever wandered hand in hand in their mission of love, to minister unto fallen man, to soothe, to strengthen and to save, civilization marks the path they have trodden, and superstition and unbelief have fled at their approach, like night at morning's dawn."

How much we enjoy thinking of the good old times when

"Memory sometimes bears us back

To scenes almost forgot."

Oldest Natives of Ohio, 1866

2011-10-17T23:39:00.000-04:00

Marietta Register, August 30, 1866

We mentioned, last week, the death of Maj. Thomas L. Pierce, of Zanesville, on the 14th inst., and corrected the statement that he was "the first white child born in Ohio." According to the best information we can gain he was born in Marietta, April 1790. He died at Richmond, Va., Aug. 14, 1866, in his 77th year.

The first white child born within the present limits of Ohio, so far as is now known, was Mary Heckewelder, daughter of Rev. John Heckewelder, one of the Moravian Missionaries. She was born at Salem, in the present county of Tuscarawas, April 16, 1781, and is till living at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in her 86th year. We have seen her name given as "Ann," but she signs her name to a letter of her own writing, now before us, "Mary." She was born before the permanent settlement.

St. Clair Kelly, who was born in Marietta, in December 1788, was the first born after the first settlement. He died in 1823.

The Zanesville Courier gives an extended notice of Major Pierce, speaking of him as "the first white male child born within the limits of the State of Ohio"; yet James Varnum Cushing, still living at Zanesville, and mentioned in the Courier's article, is more than a year older than was Major Pierce, and was the second born here.

The list stands, as nearly as we can now make it out, as follows:

St. Clair Kelly, December, 1788

James Varnum Cushing, January, 1789

Leicester Grosvenor Converse, Feb. 14, 1789

Joseph Barker, Feb. 28, 1789

Alpha Devol, Aug. 12, 1789

George Dana, April, 1790

Thomas L. Pierce, April, 1790

Oliver Rice Loring, June 17, 1790

Jeremiah Wilson, April 21, 1791

David Oliver, May 18, 1791

William Pitt Putnam, April 2, 1792

These eleven were all born in this county of Washington. Mr. Cushing is living at Zanesville; Mr. Devol and Mr. Wilson, at Waterford, in this county; Judge Loring and William Pitt Putnam, at Belpre; and Dr. Oliver, in Butler County.

Judge Arius Nye, of Marietta, who died July 27, 1865, was born Dec. 27, 1792; and Col. Enoch S. McIntosh, now living at Beverly, was born in Marietta, May 23, 1793.

Thomas Kain, who was living in Clermont county, a few years ago, was born in Hamilton county, in 1790, we think. The first settlements in that quarter of the State were at Columbia, mouth of the Little Miami, Nov., 1788; Cincinnati, Dec. 24, 1788; North Bend, Feb., 1789. These were advance parties of men, without women and children, who, however, soon followed. It is probable that some children were born there in 1790, besides Mr. Kain, who is said to have been the first born in that section of the State.

William Moody, still living, was the first male child born in Cincinnati. We have not the exact date of his birth, but it was in 1789 or 1790.

Dr. Lincoln Goodale, now living at Columbus in his 85th year - born at Brookfield, Mass., July 25, 1782 - is, we suppose, the only survivor of all who came to Ohio in the first year of the settlement. He came with the first families to Marietta, in August, 1788 - only men having arrived previous to that time. The total number who arrived here during the year 1788 was 132 - the men numbering 84; women and children, 48. The number of families was 15.

Proposal for Carrying Mail

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American Friend, August 14, 1818

Proposals for carrying Mails of the United States on the following Post Roads in Ohio will be received at the General Post Office, in the city of Washington, until the 12th day of October next, inclusive.

1. From Marietta by Brown's mills and Oliver's settlement to Lancaster, once a week.

     Leave Marietta every Tuesday at 6 A. M. arrive at Lancaster the next day by 6 P. M.

     Leave Lancaster every Thursday at 6 A. M. arrive at Marietta the next day by 6 P. M.

2. From Marietta by Belpre, Wilkesville, Jackson c. h. Piketon, West Union and Sandy Spring to Vanceburgh, Ky. once a week.

     Leave Marietta every Tuesday at 6 A. M. arrive at Vanceburg the next Thursday by 6 P. M.

     Leave Vanceburg every Friday at 6 A. M. arrive at Marietta the next Sunday by 6 P. M.

3. From Marietta by Toulmin's and Lexington to Woodfield, once a week.

     Leave Marietta every Tuesday at 6 A. M. arrive at Woodfield on Wednesday by 11 A. M.

     Leave Woodfield same day by 2 P. M. arrive at Marietta on Thursday by 6 P. M.

The contracts are to be in operation on the 16th day of November next; proposals to be received until October 12th.

Capt. Devol's Company

2011-10-16T14:55:00.002-04:00

The Home News, August 10, 1861

Below we print the roll of Capt. H. F. Devol's Company, 36th Reg. O.V. M. now in Camp Putnam. It is the first full company in Camp, and a better one, in every respect, can't be found. It is composed mostly of able bodied young men, of good habits, and good shots too - a fact which the rebels will find out whenever our boys get a crack at them.

Hiram F. Devol, Captain.
J. Gage Barker, 1st Lieutenant.
J. C. Selby, 2d Lieutenant.
John D. Anderson
James Armstrong
William H. Bishop
Henry A. Bishop
Arthur W. Barker
J. H. Barker
William Barnhart
Albert Burris
John Burris
Lewis Burris
Ben Bragg
Wilson Bell
James Bosman
B. F. Clay
Ralph Crooks
Allen Closs
John Crawford
O. J. DeWolf
E. H. DeWolf
Andrew Davis
Edmond Davis
Hildreth Davis
J. L. Davis
Frederick Davis
Harris Devol
Stephen C. Devol
C. H. Devol
S. M. Devol
Silas A. Devol
Joseph Dyar
D. W. Fouraker
Levi Fouraker
James Fish
James D. Grubb
Goodsell B. Grubb
William L. Gould
James D. Glidden
W. W. Harwood
William Hill
T. Hayt
Edward Hawley
Robert Israel
Thomas P. Jackson
William K. Johnson
Henry Kremer
George W. Kerns
James B. Laughery
John P. Laughery
Salathiel Ladd
Isaac Lucas
George Long
H. O. McClure
D. B. McClure
John Mason
Horatio W. Mason
George W. Mason
William Morrison
Francis McAtee
William Marshall
Moses Monette
Lewis Murdock
Elijah McKendree
Martin Miller
Perley Nott
Benjamin Nott
Zebulon Nixon
Robert Nesselrode
Perley Nesselrode
J. B. Oliver
Oscar Owens
Joseph Ormiston
Hardison Parsons
George W. Putnam
James L. Palmer
Isaac L. Palmer
David Palmer
Lyman D. Perrin
Charles W. Perkins
William Ross
Ezekiel Roberts
John C. Rigg
Hiram Ripley
John Smith
John Samons
Courtland Shepard
Frank Stewart
Arius F. Stacy
M. A. Stacy
J. E. Stacy
W. H. Scott
William Scott
Joseph Scofield
Albert Shaffer
James W. Swords
S. S. Stowe
O. H. Simons
Richard Samons
William Tullis
William L. True
Jere Unger
M. H. Vincent
O. J. Wood
G. A. Wood
Jacob Wooster
Ely Wilson
Amos Wilson
Stephen Winright
Royal R. Wright

Total: 108

We believe the above does not include all who have signed the muster roll of this company. If there are any whose hearts are faint, let them "back down" at once, and not wait until they have marched to the battle field, and then disorganizing their companies, in the hour of conflict by their own cowardice, as is too often the case.

Little Out of the Ordinary Done On Hallowe'en

2011-10-15T07:10:00.000-04:00

The Marietta Daily Times, November 1, 1904

As far as the destruction of property was concerned, Hallowe'en in this city was celebrated in a modest manner, there being few signs today of any serious acts committed by the revelers which are usually performed by the younger boys. The misplacing of various effects about the yards and streets was, of course, expected and the property owner who failed to prepare are therefore searching everywhere for wheelbarrows, chairs, carriages, etc., which are apt to be found most any place within or without the city limits today.

Things were very quiet about the College and High School and no rushes occurred. Early in the evening the Freshman class of the High School was hotly pursued by the Sophomores, but the former lads were too fleet for their enemies and an engagement failed to occur.

As usual corn and beans were the ammunition used by the children, which were either thrown from a shooter or tossed with the hand.

One prank of the small boys was the breaking of an old piece of glass directly under some one's large plate window. Thinking damage had been done their homes, residents would run out only to find it a joke of the boys.

Members of the police force were stationed at various points in the city to keep down trouble.

Stabbing Affray

2011-10-14T06:45:00.003-04:00

The Home News, November 30, 1860

On Monday last, a stabbing affray occurred on the river bank, at the foot of Sixth street, which created considerable excitement in that neighborhood.

Mr. C. A. Phillips and his son, the latter 16 or 17 years old, were gathering a quantity of drift wood from the river, which they piled up on the top of the bank. A brace of drunken fellows named Adam Davis and John Ingraham, who claim a residence near Tunnel Station, coming along, commenced throwing down the wood. The old man Phillips remonstrated against this proceeding, when the two villains commenced an assault upon him and his son, stabbing the former severely in the thigh, and injuring the young man about the head.

Neighbors close by interfered, one of whom, Robert McKittrick, stretched both rowdies on the ground, where they were guarded until Constable Goldsmith arrested them. An examination was immediately held before Esq. Test, who sent them to jail in default of $100 bail each, to answer the charge of assault with intent to kill.

Tall Walking

2011-10-12T18:01:00.000-04:00

The Home News, November 3, 1860

Tuesday last as a "great day in Marietta." So the bills said. They also said that on that day, Master Charlie Alford would give us, to quote from the Rhyme of ye Ancient Pedlar Man, a "specimen of tall walking." And so he did.

He stretched his cable from the roof of the National House to a pole erected at the corner of the alley by the "burnt district" - some 300 feet long and 50 to 60 feet high. At the appointed time, Charlie made his appearance on the roof of the National, in costume, and seizing his balancing pole, marched out on his air line, with the stately and heroic tread of a warrior. He reached the other end of this journey without difficulty, amid the hushed stillness of the largest crowd we ever saw in Marietta. Had it been a political gathering, it would have been said that ten thousand people were present; but as it was not, five thousand will include all.

Resting a few moments, he retraced his steps to near the National, when fastening his pole to the cable and guys, he gave an illustration of how a man would look pointing his pedals to the sky, hanging by his hands, feet, &c. at that distance above terra firma.

In the evening, in the beautiful moonlight, the performance was repeated, a torch being fastened to each end of his pole to light him on his perilous way. He accomplished the feat without difficulty, and retraced his steps to the hotel backward. A few Roman candles ended the entertainment, which was witnessed by almost as large a crowd as in the afternoon. Let Blondin look out for his laurels.

Accident to Father Walker

2011-10-10T18:21:00.002-04:00

The Home News, July 21, 1860

An accident of a severe nature occurred to Father Walker, pastor of St. Mary's Church in this city, at Pilcher's Hill, on Monday last. He was going out on the train to visit one of his stations, expecting to get off when the train reached the top of Pilcher grade, the Engineer having been accustomed to slacken speed to enable him to do so. But forgetting that Mr. Walker was on the train, he neglected it, which the unfortunate gentleman perceiving, he determined to risk jumping. In doing this his head came violently in contact with a stump, and he fell to the ground insensible. He was soon discovered by the friends who were expecting him, and removed to their house, where he was properly cared for.

A brakesman saw the accident, but neglected to give notice until the train had passed two miles beyond the place. The conductor immediately returned, but finding Mr. W. in good hands, went on.

Father Walker was severely hurt. He was removed to his residence in this city the same afternoon, and is doing well. It was a narrow escape.

A Vein of gold

2011-09-08T17:44:00.001-04:00

The Marietta Daily Times, December 4, 1899

A Death-Bed Confession Tells of Gold in Washington County.

In Maysville, Ky., there died three weeks ago, a man who upon his death-bed made the startling admission that fifty years ago he found gold in Washington county.

The confession was made to Robert Watkins, of this city, who was at the bedside.

The story is that fifty years ago he dug a water well at a point about five and a half miles up the Muskingum river and when down to the depth of about 35 or 36 feet he dug through a vein of gold two and a half feet in thickness and of a good quality.

He stated that the well was about 100 yards from the river bank and near a small ravine.

The well furnished elegant water and was used for years, but he thought that it was afterward abandoned.

He confided his secret to no one and carried it for almost fifty years and then only told it as death hove in sight.

Mr. Watkins told his story to Marshal Dye and the matter will be investigated.

It is thought from the description of the place as given in the story, that it is the old well that stands in front of the old mill and is on the place owned by Frank Weber.

Found Tombstone

2011-08-29T15:01:00.001-04:00

The Marietta Daily Times, July 18, 1904

Found Tombstone While Digging foundation for a Building.

A rather peculiar find was made by laborers who were digging the foundation for the new residence of W. S. Allender on Gilman street Saturday.

Imbedded a few feet beneath the foundation of an old house was found a tombstone lying face down which bore the following inscription:

"Elizabeth, wife of A. I. Stone died July 5, 1840, aged 24 years, 10 months and 13 days. Also her infant twins, Elizabeth died Oct. 8, 1840 aged 3 months and Augustus I., died Oct. 11, 1840 aged 3 months."

The face of the stone was not weather worn in the least and owing to this fact it is thought that the stone had never been erected.

* * * * *
Marietta Intelligencer, July 9, 1840

Died - At Harmar, on Sunday, the 5th inst., in the 24th year of her age, Mrs. Elizabeth Spencer Stone, wife of Mr. Augustus I. Stone, and only daughter of the late Samuel Selden Spencer, of Vienna, Virginia.

New School Building

2011-08-04T05:36:00.000-04:00

The Marietta Intelligencer, August 9, 1849

We notice the walls of a large brick building going up, near the Universalist Church on Second Street. We understand it to be designed for a school building, to be called the "Western Liberal Institute." The building will accommodate 180 pupils. The second story is to be occupied as a female School, and the lower story for a Male School.

Between our Union Schools, Academies, Female Seminaries, and the College, there is hardly a town in the west that enjoys so many advantages for acquiring a thorough education as Marietta. The "Institute" will in a few months be added to the list of schools now in operation here, and we may reasonably expect that with all these educational privileges, and a location which the history of the last twenty five years proves to be more healthy than almost any other in Ohio, the number of those who seek a residence here for the purpose of educating their families will be greatly increased.

Fast Day

2011-08-03T06:32:00.002-04:00

The Marietta Intelligencer, August 9, 1849

The observance of this day in Marietta, was very general among all classes of citizens. A single groggery was kept open, but with that exception we understand that every store and shop was closed. Religious services were held in all the churches, and the attendance upon them was very general.

We are sorry to add, that late in the evening the quiet of the good people at the corner of Front and Greene Streets was disturbed by a drunken roisterer, who mounted the old boiler and for half an hour spouted profanity and obscenity at Old Zach, the whigs, the abolitionists, and every body and thing - save the unterrified, and unwashed, democracy.

Death of a Noted Character - William Snively

2011-08-02T07:10:00.004-04:00

The Marietta Register, December 19, 1878

Last week, at his home, on the Little Muskingum, near the small post-town of Bloomfield, Washington county, there died one of the most noted characters of this part of Ohio, William Snively. He located on the Little Muskingum over fifty years ago, and took up one hundred and sixty acres of land, all of which with the exception of a small potato patch is uncleared, and as wild as when he first located it. A man of great mechanical genius, he built a forge, and was noted among the honest class of people as a splendid blacksmith and gun-maker. But his talents were not entirely devoted to a legitimate avocation, for he, in a very few years acquired a reputation as one of the most skillful counterfeiters west of the mountains. He was too smart to attempt the passage of the spurious money, but his location was known to every counterfeiter and horse thief in Ohio and West Virginia, who made his house and the many secret hiding places he had scattered around through the woods, a rendezvous to get counterfeit money, and hide stolen goods.

Of a very miserly and avaricious disposition, he was never known to spend a cent of money for the commonest necessaries of life. He has been known to eat a frugal meal of corn bread and milk, in the morning and walk to Marietta and back, a distance of twenty-two miles each way, and carry back with him fifty or a hundred pounds of iron, and without breaking his fast. For the last fifteen years he has added largely to his hoarded gains by the illicit distilling of liquor.

He died at the age of eighty-five, after an illness of but a few days, and what is the most harrowing to his relatives and has aroused the curiosity of the community, is that he went into eternity without revealing where his hoarded wealth was stored, the lowest estimate of which is $100,000, and up as high as $250,000. For many a year to come treasure hunters will be found at the dead hour of night digging into the bowels of what as once his land, in the remote hope of securing and enjoying the counterfeiter-miser's ill-gotten wealth. [Cincinnati Commercial.]

All but the $100,000. A man of that kind would be satisfied with saving 25 cents a day, and no interest entering into the count, it is easy to see how fast he would accumulate. He may have had $2,000 or $3,000 hid away.

The Marietta Register, December 26, 1878:

William Snively Again.

Last week, we published an interesting extract from the Cincinnati Commercial, giving certain statements regarding Mr. Snively, of Bloomfield, that need correcting in some things. A gentleman, who knew him well, says the charge of his harboring horse-thieves, and being such an adept counterfeiter, is groundless. He died Nov. 26th, aged eighty-five years, and was living at that time with William Pool, his grandson, to whom he deeded his land and all his property, some two years before, in consideration that Pool should care for him during his lifetime. He had five grand-children in this county, named Girts, to whom nothing was given. The stories of his great wealth must be attributed to a lively imagination.

The Marietta Times, January 2, 1879:

Mr. Snively Again.

Bloomfield, O., Dec. 17th, 1878.

Editor Times:

An article appeared in the Noble County Republican, of Dec. 5th, which purports to give the biography of a deceased citizen of this place, Mr. Snively. The writer of that article was certainly ignorant of the facts in the history of the deceased, or else maliciously sought to cast undue reproach on the memory of the dead, and to inflict a lasting and stinging wound on the relatives and friends of the deceased.

That Mr. Snively was a strange character, no person will pretend to deny. That the public may rightly understand why his character was strange, we will givea few facts i the history of his life: He was a German by decent, and came here from Belmong county, O., over fifty years ago, and entered 160 acres of land, built a comfortable house, planted a good orchard, cleared about twenty acres of land, which for some years, he cultivated with skill and judgment. He reared a family of four daughters, all of whom are dead. He was once a man of great genius, activity and power of endurance. He has been known to walk a distance of 60 miles in a day. About thirty years ago his mind became engrossed with the idea of perpetual motion, and for several years he labored to invent it. About this time he conceived an idea that with the aid of the wings of a turkey he could fly, and it is said that he made several attempts to accomplish his wild fancy. He has frequently been known to start on foot to Baltimore to learn how to salt pork. for the last twenty-five years he has been considered insane by all who knew him, and allowed to pursue his wild fancies at will.

He never was accused until accused by the Republican of being in any way connected with horse thieves or secreting stolen goods of any kind.

We acknowledge ourselves under obligations to the Republican for information concerning that enormous sum of money buried by this poor old man. The citizens of this locality might have remained ignorant of it had it not been for the Republican. We do not know any treasure hunters who feel in the least inclined to search for it, and perhaps the bowels of the earth may remain undisturbed for years unless that Noble Sluet will give more definite information about it.

Justice

Daniel Hovey - Obituary

2011-08-01T18:18:00.003-04:00

American Friend, December 11, 1823

Died, in Sutton township, Meigs County, Ohio, on the 4th instant, Mr. Daniel Hovey, aged 19 years, a native of New York, and eldest son of Mr. Eleazer Hovey, (formerly of Richmond, Ontario county, and Patentee of Hovey's celebrated Shearing Machine, of great repute among Clothiers and Manufacturers in the United States,) and for a few years past a resident of the state of Indiana.

It is seldom in obituary notices that we have it in our power to speak with such satisfaction of the virtues and amiable qualities of individuals, as of those of this promising and worthy young man. With a temper and disposition formed by nature to conciliate and please, he secured the friendship of his numerous acquaintances, whilst his correct and unexceptional conduct inspired confidence and procured respect.

On his arrival in this place he was employed as a School teacher, in which situation he continued but about three months, at which time he was more severely attacked with the consumption and confined to his room, where he continued till the time of his decease. In his death the public have sustained a loss which cannot be easily repaired, and his pupils and examplary instructor; independent of the feelings of friendship and regard, fostered and produced by time and education. He was an extraordinary natural genius; a poet, painter and engraver; he excelled most painters of our acquaintance, in Portrait, Landscape and Miniature Paintings; in poetry we have but little to judge from, his last production appeared in the 11th number of the "Marietta Gazette" (October 9th,) with the initials of his name, and wrote since his confinement to his death bed; as engraver, his last specimen, (and the only one in letter press, ) appeared in the "American Friend" No. 52, Vol. 7th, (June 19th, 1823). Though he had but few relations in this place to consecrate his ashes with their tears, yet the sorrow and regret of his more numerous acquaintances and friends accompanied his earthly remains to the grave. In the death of childhood there is little interest, in that of age there is nothing unnatural or unexpected; but the fall of youth, just opening into manhood, awakens the tenderest sympathies and emotions of our hearts. Thus we pass unheeded the mouldering trunk of the once vigorous and majestic oak which has fallen beneath the weight of years, whilst we pause, and contemplate, with pity, the prostrate ruins of the youthful magnolia, which grew in solitary beauty, but which fell, with all the foliage and fragrance of its expanding blossoms, beneath the sweeping tempest.

Communicated.

American Friend, June 19, 1823

The Arts in the West (Lilly Martin Spencer)

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Marietta Intelligencer, September 12, 1839

I have very recently seen the drawings and paintings of a young girl of this vicinity, and have not only been delighted, but surprised. I cannot give to any one an idea of the ensemble of Miss Martin's pictures; but I cannot refrain from drawing some attention to extraordinary merit.

Miss Martin is between 16 and 17 years of age, the daughter of M. Martin, who lives on a farm, very retired, and in rather plain but rural style. His daughter has been required to share the toil of the house and field, and with little opportunity to study, and with no one to teach, she has found sufficient leisure to display extraordinary taste, talent, and genius.

Her first work was on the unwhitened plastered wall of her chamber. She commenced with a piece of charcoal and common chalk, using her finger to stamp with. She has recently obtained some poor crayon and a few paints and brushes. With these instruments, she has covered the sides of her room with splendid pictures. Some of her drawings are copied from an old annual, but most of them are entirely the creation of her own fancy, or the scene described in some book she has read. One side of the room presents a view from a public piazza out upon a water scene bordered by hill and dale, and field and forest; all original, and beautifully conceived. Groups are presented on the piazza, in various employments, and the figures present not only an accurate proportion, but some of them are shaded and finished in the most exquisite manner. There are some talking politics and some making love. One picture presents a boy playing with the dog and cat; the dog and cat are fighting, and the boy has thrown his cap over the head of the dog, and is exulting at the advantage thus given to puss.

There is a large picture on another side, "la premier pas." A child, with laughing eye, but timid look, is adventuring a first step. The mother is bending over it to prevent a fall, and a little sister is coaxing it forward, with open arms ready to receive it. Puss is sitting in a chair, a careless observer of the scene.

And there is a moonlight scene; I will call it "the serenade," in which there is much taste and skill of design and execution.

On the other side is a tragic scene, suggested from reading a romance, difficult but well delineated. The figures stand out from the wall, and the countenances bear the impress of the passion designed to be expressed.

But the best hit of all is "the young baker." Mrs. Martin had sent her daughter to make bread, and while engaged, the child (for she has only the appearance of a child,) conceived the idea of drawing a like figure on the wall. And there it is, not in rude unfinished outline, but a well finished and most strikingly rich crayon drawing. This picture being alone, in a rough room, full of barrels, meal tubs, and rubbish, and being drawn on the rough plaster, has the most extraordinary effect. It represents a girl with a very pretty face, bending over her work, her hair disheveled and yet ornamental; the cape tied loose about her neck, and turned round to the side, sleeves rolled up, and both hands delving in the dough. One could not conceive of any thing more natural. This picture, alone, is worthy of more than I can write, and no one can have any idea of it without seeing it.

I can only say, that the circumstances of this display of talent are the most extraordinary. I cannot associate the work and the author together, so strange is the contrast! One gazes at the pictures and glances at the child, who appears to gaze totally unconscious of the merit they possess.

Morton, en passant.

The opinion of Morton is so much more valuable than our own, that we give his communication a place to the exclusion of some matter we had prepared upon the same subject.

Fire Engine Company

2011-07-30T16:14:00.000-04:00

American Friend, January 29, 1824

The Marietta Fire Engine Company will meet at Maj. Alexander Hill's on Thursday next, at 3 o'clock, P.M. A punctual attendance is requested.

John Mills, Sec.
January 29th, 1824.

Territorial Laws

2011-07-29T15:26:00.000-04:00

Marietta Intelligencer, September 5, 1839

I have been interested in looking over an old volume of the Territorial Laws, to notice the provision made by our early rulers, for the prevention of certain misdemeanors, which, whether more or less prevalent at that period, are certainly too common at the present day. Whatever might be thought of the expediency of such a law in our times, we can only look back upon it with respect for those who were its authors. A more strict regard to its injunctions would be attended with positive good to this generation. D.

The following is an extract from "A Law respecting Crimes and Punishments, published by his Excellency, Arthur St. Clair, Esquire, Governour, and the Honourable Samuel Holden Parsons, and James Mitchell Varnum, Esquires, Judges of the Territory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio, at the city of Marietta, the sixth day of September, in the thirteenth year of the Independence of the United States, and of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight.

Drunkenness.

If any person shall be convicted of drunkenness before one or more Justices of the Peace, the person so convicted shall be fined, for the first offence, in the sum of five dimes, and for every succeeding offence, and upon conviction, in the sum of one dollar; and in either case, upon the offender's neglecting or refusing to pay the fine, he shall be set in the stocks for the space of one hour. Provided, however, that complaint be made to the justice or justices within two days next after the offence shall have been committed.

Improper and Profane Language.

Wherever idle, vain and obscene conversation, profane cursing and swearing, and more especially the irreverently mentioning, calling upon, or invoking the sacred and Supreme Being, by any of the divine characters in which he hath graciously condescended to reveal his infinitely benificent purposes to mankind, are repugnant to every moral sentiment, subversive to every civil obligation, inconsistent with the ornaments of polished life, and abhorrent to the principles of the most benevolent religion. It is expected, therefore, if crimes of this kind should exist, they will not find encouragement, countenance, or approbation in this territory. It is strictly enjoined upon all officers and ministers of justice, upon parents, and others, heads of families, and upon others of every description, that they abstain from practices so vile and irrational; and that by example and precept, to the utmost of their power, they prevent the necessity of adopting and publishing laws, with penalties upon this head. And it is hereby declared that government will consider as unworthy its confidence all those who may obstinately violate these injunctions.

First Day of the Week.

Whereas, mankind in every stage of informed society, have consecrated certain portions of time to the particular cultivation of the social virtues, and the public adoration and worship of the common parent of the universe; and whereas a practice so rational in itself, and conformable to the divine precepts is greatly conducive to civilization as well as morality and piety; and whereas for the advancement of such important and interesting purposes, most of the christian world have set apart the first day of the week, as a day of rest from common labours and pursuits, it is therefore enjoined that all servile labour, works of necessity and charity only excepted, be wholly abstained from on said day."

Valuable Property, Cheap for Cash

2011-07-21T19:41:00.007-04:00

American Friend, January 26, 1821

For sale, by the undersigned, a cotton factory, containing 144 spindles, and the necessary appendage. Situated on Sixth Street, Marietta, with one half acre of land and a barn 16 by 20 feet attached thereto. The machinery may be purchased separately.

Also,

A convenient two story dwelling house, 35 by 40 feet, with four rooms in the first and six in the second story, pleasantly situated on Ohio Street, near the confluence of Ohio and Muskingum rivers, with a good garden and a barn.

Also,

Several tracts of wild land in Washington, Athens, and Meigs Counties.

A credit of one or two years, on good security, may be had for two thirds the amount of purchase.

Griffin Greene.
Marietta, Dec. 8, 1820

Location of Graves

2011-07-20T19:30:00.001-04:00

American Friend, January 18, 1822

Notice.

In order to prevent the confusion originating from a promiscuous location of graves, and preserve a regularity of interment of the deceased, &c. the Town Council have appointed Mr. Joseph Glines, superintendent of the Burying-ground square, within this town, and request all, who may be required to perform the last duties to their deceased friends, to call upon him for the purpose of locating their graves.

By order,
R. Prentiss, Town Clerk.
Jan. 14th, 1822

Masonic Notice

2011-07-19T19:15:00.001-04:00

American Friend, January 25, 1823

Isaac Rice, a member of American Union Lodge, No. 1, Marietta, O. was, on the 24th December, 1822, expelled from all the privileges of Masonry, for purloining a sum of money from Brother John Green, a member of said Lodge, while in his employ, as Steward of the Steam Boat Rufus Putnam. As said Rice has absconded, the fraternity will be on their guard.

By order of A. U. Lodge No. 1.
R. Crawford, Sec'y.

Dancing School

2011-07-18T19:12:00.002-04:00

American Friend, January 25, 1823

To the young Gentlemen and Ladies of the town of Marietta and its vicinity,

The undersigned has commenced a Dancing School at Maj. A. Hill's Assembly Room, where he intends teaching for the term of three months, two evenings in each week. Those wishing to become acquainted with the accomplishment of refined life will be thankfully received.

Terms one dollar and fifty cents for each person.

Hugh Hill

Mortality in Marietta

2011-07-17T10:49:00.001-04:00

Marietta Intelligencer, February 11, 1847

The number of deaths in the corporation of Marietta in the year between February 1, 1846, and February 1, 1847, was only 35. More than one third of this number (13) were under the age of five years. Less than one third of the number (12) were between five and forty years of age; nearly one third (10) were over the age of 40 years; more than one sixth (6) were over the age of sixty; and nearly one eighth (4) over seventy.

Diseases: The number who died of -

Fever - Males 6; Females 14
Consumption - Males 6; Females 3
Drowning - Males 2
Suicide - Males 1
Intemperence - Males 1
Appoplexy - Males 1
Scrofula - Females 3

For the last twenty years Marietta has been wonderfully exempt from sickness, and the number of deaths has probably been relatively smaller than in town in Ohio.

Marietta Vessels

2011-07-16T10:27:00.001-04:00

Marietta Intelligencer, February 11, 1847

Two Schooners - the Ohio, and the Grace Darling, - built last season by the Marietta Ship Company, left here on the evening of the 7th inst., in tow of the S. B. "Wing & Wing," for Cincinnati, where the balance of their Cargo, will be received, and whence they will depart for Boston in the course of a week.

The "Ohio," is 91-1/2 feet on deck, 24 feet beam, 7-1/2 feet hold. She measures 146 tons, Custom House measurement.

The "Grace Darling" measures 124-1/2 tons. She is 83-1/2 feet on deck, 23 feet beam,7 feet, 4-1/2 inches hold.

Both vessels are built of the best white oak, and are heavily iron fastened. The decks are white pine. The Cabins are below, very neatly finished with black walnut. They were built under the direction of Capt. Ira Ellis, the master builder, and one of the stockholders, of the "Marietta Ship Company," for E. D. Kimball, Esq., of Salem, Mass.

The vessels were rigged by Mr. Wm. C. Fauvelle, who takes one of them round to Boston.

The iron work was done by Count De Bonney.

The Barque built here last season by Captain William Knox, for Messrs. A. & I. Waters, is nearly finished, and will be launched on the first rise of water.

Another Schooner has been contracted to be built by the Marietta Ship Company. The workmen commenced their labors last week, and Capt. Ellis informs us that, if the weather is favorable, in sixteen days from this time the frame work will be up, and ready for planking! This Schooner is building for a Mr. Cochran of New Orleans.

Basin at the Mouth of Market Square Run

2011-07-15T09:57:00.000-04:00

Marietta Intelligencer, September 5, 1839

The authorities of the Town have commenced the excavation for this work in good earnest. Under their direction about four hundred loads of earth are daily removed. Twelve hundred loads have been placed at the foot of Post Street for a new landing at that place. This is done partly at the expense of Messrs. Marshall and Lewis who own property in that vicinity. Mr. Soyez has purchased one thousand loads for a new landing in front of his premises. Large quantities of earth have been placed on the old landings at the foot of Front and Market Streets. After the excavation is completed, we believe it is proposed to place guard locks below the bridge; and above the bridge both dry and wet docks will be erected. The water from the run will be taken across the commons by a culvert, nearly on the line of Butler Street. A portion of the earth from the culvert will be taken to fill the low ground on the east side of Front Street, and this street will thus be made straight.

We understand the water for the mills will be taken from the basin about midway between the bridge and the river by a mill race about 30 feet wide. The length of the mill race will be about 350 feet, and will require an excavation of about 6529 cubic yards.

Estate of John Brophy

2011-07-10T08:35:00.002-04:00

The Marietta Intelligencer, March 18, 1857

In the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County in the State of Ohio.

George M. Woodbridge, Samuel Shipman and Stephen Newton, administrators of the Estate of John Brophy, deceased, Plaintiffs, against

Robert Brophy, George Brophy, Libeus Brophy, Mary Taylor, and the unknown heirs of John Brophy, deceased, defendants.

The said defendants will take notice that on the 5th day of March, A.D. 1857, the said plaintiffs filed in said Court of Common Please of said Washington county, their petition setting forth that on the 28th day of October A.D. 1854, they were by the Probate Court of said Washington county, duly appointed and qualified as administrators of the estate of John Brophy late of Marietta in said Washington county, dec'd., who died intestate, that on the first day of May 1856, they as such administrators filed their accounts for settlement in said Probate Court; that on the 17th day of June 1856, said accounts were duly acted upon and allowed, and a balance found by said Court in the hands of said administrators of TWENTY ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND NINETY EIGHT 81-100 dollars, which said administrators were ordered by said Court to pay over according to law, that upon a further settlement by said administrators there will again be found a balance in their hands the amount not now known; that at the time of his decease, said John Brophy left no children heirs of his body, his heirs at law, entitled to the distribution of his personal estate; that said Robert Brophy and George Brophy, defendants claim to be brothers of the whole blood of said John Brophy dec'd, and as such entitled each to a distributive share of his personal estate as his heirs at law; that the said Mary Taylor who intermarried with _____ Taylor who is now dec'd., claims to be a sister of the whole blood of said John Brophy dec'd., and as such entitled to a distributive share of said John Brophy's personal estate as one of his heirs at law; that said Libeus Brophy one of the defendants claims to be the only surviving child and heir at law of one William Brophy now deceased, and that said William Brophy was a brother of the whole blood of said John Brophy deceased, and that said Libeus Brophy claims to be entitled to receive a distributive share of said John Brophy's said personal estate; that said plaintiffs have been informed that said John Brophy had a sister Jane who about the year 1823 married one John Farrell, that the last time said John and Jane Farrell were heard from they were residing in the city of New York in the year 1828; that said plaintiffs do not know whether said Jane Farrell is living or dead , nor if dead, whether she left any children, heirs of her body surviving her; that said administrators have been informed that said John Brophy had a sister Ann who in the year 1826 intermarried with one John Archbold - that said John and Ann Archbold soon after their marriage removed to England in the Kingdom of Great Britain; that in 1838 said Ann's family heard a rumor of the death of said Ann and that she had left surviving her two or three children her heirs at law - that said Ann as the plaintiffs are informed has not since been heard from; that said plaintiffs have no personal knowledge of the relationship of said defendants to said John Brophy deceased. The object and prayer of said petition is that said defendants may appear and establish their several claims to said John Brophy's said personal estate as his heirs at law - and that the Court shall finally order to whom the plaintiffs shall distribute said personal estate of said John Brophy deceased, as his heirs at law. Said defendants are required to appear and answer said petition against the first day of September 1857, agreeable to an order of said Court made herein, and said petition will be for final hearing at the October term of said Court.

A.D. 1857.
George M. Woodbridge
Samuel Shipman
Stephen Newton
Administrators of John Brophy, dec'd.
Davis Green, Att'y. for Plaintiffs
March 17, 1857

From Out The Past

2011-07-09T18:10:00.001-04:00

Sunday Morning Observer, March 10, 1918

The names of former business men and other prominent residents of Marietta omitted from my first list have recently come to memory.

T. P. Harshbarger had a tailoring establishment on the east side of Front street. "H. Weber, Tailor" was on a sign on the "Island" between the bridges. A Mr. Roberts, in the same business, lived on Greene street, east of Fourth, the location of his place of business has been forgotten. John Silvey, shoemaker, lived in the vicinity, Ebinger's harness shop was on Front street between Greene and Butler. W. I. Gray probably was the pioneer in furniture store although C. & S. Fuller manufactured in a limited way in a building previously a residence. The Daniels family on Church street was one of the largest in numbers. There was a church and a school on Church street at that time and it was considered a good residence street. Another Daniels family lived on Fourth street, near Greene. South of Greene resided the Clogston's, also Chris Deeble, the village blacksmith. Rev. J. W. McMaster was also accredited to Fourth street. Lemmel Metcalf was clerk at Mrs. Lewis' Mansion House, then a prominent hotel. Miss Cochran was the excellent teacher of the grammar school in the building on Fourth street, just north of Putnam. Bernard Rodick, later hardware merchant, was one of the pupils, as was J. W. (?) Sniffen, later a merchant. James Dunn, mayor; W. P. Skinner and John Test, justices of the peace, held offices many years, as did Stephen Newton, county recorder. Mr. Newton for a long time was the only fire insurance agent in Marietta.

The genial Leroy Protzman was known as "Roy." Everyone knew Theodore G. Fields, who lived with E. W. T. Clark on Fifth street.

Some twenty years ago, "Theo" was a resident of Parkersburg. Henry Wesselman and Van H. Bukey were chums. Collins was a music teacher and a friend of Henry Bosworth. Ward taught dancing, probably lived at Lowell or Beverly. Prof. Tenney's Seminary was on the corner diagonally across from the Court House. Giles' private school was in Harmar. In more recent years H. C. Vincent and O. R. Vincent were general freight and local freight agents, respectively, of the railroad to Palos.

E. B. C.

Heavy Tax-Payers

2011-07-06T09:16:00.000-04:00

The Marietta Register, June 29, 1875

Following are the names of persons in Washington county paying taxes on $1,000, and over, of personal property. We give the list by townships, and in some cases the amount shows the sum after the penalty is added. It gives only a partial showing of the wealth of individuals, as a man may have a large personal property in United States bonds, for instance, or may be wealthy, but only in real estate:

Adams Township
S. M. Devol, $2,090
Ranson Dutton, 4,572
Wm. A. Devol, 1,172
Mahala Kirkpatric, 1,319
Adam Minch, 1,256
Daniel S. Wern, 1,461
David Rumble, 1,362
Joseph S. Sprague, 1,788
Newhall Wilson, 1,325
John J. Wood, 5,576

Lowell Corporation
P. B. Buell, $1,465
Joseph Cox, 2,065
Albert Chandler, 1,170
Alvin E. Cozens, 7,548
Walter Davis & Co., 1,500
Willard Davis, 1,075
Lowell Foundry & Manuf'ing Co., 1,200
S. N. Merriam, 1,150
Phillip Mattern, 2,770
Peter Rice, 3,130
Jacob Ritz, 1,050
Perley Rummer, 1,425
C. M. Spooner, 1,205
Jacob Schramm, 2,764
Franz Wilking, Sr., 1,761

Aurelius
William M. Atkinson, $2,046
Jane Clinedinst, 1,135
I. H. DeLong, 1,700
Joseph Dixon, 1,090
Lafayette Jevrez, 1,310
J. A. Morrison, 2,700
J. E. Phelphs, 4,765
Smithson & Snider, 1,000
G. W. St. John, 3,995
Henry Wickens, 1,510
J. R. Waller, 2,030
L. C. Waller, 2 300
John Wharton, 1,178
Washington Coal Co., 1,060

Barlow
Mark Anderson, $3,034
T. G. Anderson, 1,165
William Anderson, 1,600
Susan Anderson, 1,000
William Breckenridge, 1,237
Thomas Breckenridge, 3,241
Pamelia Bell, 1,208
Joseph Barnet, 1,326
William Beebe, 1,000
Daniel Canfield, 1,190
Robert Dunlap, 1,254
D. N. Dunsmore, 1,570
David F. Fleming, 1,890
Thomas Fleming, 1,425
Thomas Fleming, Agent, 2,560
Thomas Fisher, 1,190
C. D. Ford, 2,236
Rowena Ford, 2,760
S. C. Green, 1,515
Hugh Greenless, 4,273
Margaret Gordon, 1,473
Andrew Harvey, 1,214
Mary Harvey 1,425
Ann Harvey, 1,510
N. P. Henry, 1,060
David Hays, 1,492
Samuel F. Hays, 1,230
Simon Jones, 2,000
Robert Lamb, 1,088
Arthur Lynch, 1,032
James Lynch, 2,575
M. G. Lawton, 1,027
James Lawton, 1,313
Margaret Loynachan, Admr., 4,070
J. W. Merrill, Agent, 1,050
Merrill Bros., 11,300
Merrill Bros. & Co., 3,000
A. & J. McFarland, 1,239
A. G. Murchy, 1,000
J. W. Morris, Ex., 1,868
Daniel Murchy, 3,607
Neil McKay, 1,048
John Milligan, 1,067
James Ormiston, 3d, 1,400
John Ormiston, 1,346
J. A. Ormiston, 1,443
James Ormiston, 4,577
Alexander Ormiston, 1,196
E. T. Parsons, 1,268
C. S. Pugh, Ex., 1,288
Amos Pryor, 1,002
Catharine Rathbone, 1,900
Selby & Bro., 1,500
Tuttle & Preston, 2,100
John W. Tuttle, 1,541
David Thompson, 4,916
D. H. Tompkins, 3,775
John Vincent, Guard., 1,155
Silas Woodruff, 2,090

Belpre
Cyrus Ames, $6,003
Justus Alderman, 8,145
Augusta Browning, Guard., 1,400
Blennerhassett Mill Co., 1,000
William H. Barkely, 2,279
John Bartlett, 5,120
Brown & Witte, 2,000
B. & O. and M. & C. Stock Yards, 1,825
J. M. Clouston, 7,500
E. S. Cox, 2,475
Walter & A. L. Curtis, 2,078
Carolin C. Curtis, 1,400
S. A. Campbell, 1,500
C. D. Cook, 1,085
James Colville, 1,245
L. R. Curtis, 3,190
Riley Druse, 1,091
Stephen Druse, 7,423
George Dana, 4,990
A. B. Ford, 2,522
J. M. Farson, 1,047
Alexander Fish, 996
Adaline Goodno, 1,000
Lucy Gilbert, 2,020
James Gandee, 1,500
William Hill, 2,300
G. A. Howe, 3,415
Josiah Henderson, 2,910
Thomas Harkins, 1,059
Ewell Hutchinson, 1,007
J. Harrison, 8,396
Daniel Johnson, 1,250
Johnson and Adams, 3,000
Bradley Johnson, 1,110
Edward Knee, 1,658
I. B. Kinkead, 1,706
M. Loring & M. C. Hale, 1,130
J. B. Lake, 1,310
Parker Lewis, 13,760
Edward Morris, 1,272
D. C. McKay, 1,800
Charles McKay, 2,483
S. H. McFarland, 1,291
W. P. McKinney, 1,350
William Mullen, 1,188
J. B. Mawhinney, 3,205
Michael Mulligan, 3,660
J. L. O'Neal & Co., 1,320
S. B. Oakes, 2,544
C. C. Oakes, 2,769
C. W. Oakes, 1,005
Porter & Gilbert, 3,450
J. S. Plumly, 1,028
A. M. Porterfield, 2,120
Jessie Pride, 1,590
I. W. Putnam, 2,178
R. Putnam, 1,551
E. A. Paden, 3,100
W. Paden, 1,000
E. W. Petty, 4,361
Joseph Reid, 2,156
Stone & Kinkead, 3,100
Samuel Stone, 1 163
J. M. Stone & Co., 3,557
S. M. Skeen, 5,270
Samuel Smith, 1,725
J. M. Stone, Administrator, 4 000
Stone and Hadley, 3,040
E. J. Simpson, 2,020
L. E. Stone, Administrator, 1,996
L. E. Stone, 3,503
Hannah Sharpneck, 1,615
O. M. Stone, 2,310
Nathan Sparhawk, 2,250
Samuel Thornton, 3,390
M. Vaughn, 1,033
Sylvester Williams, 3,560
Abner Woodruff, 15,101

Decatur
Conley, Wolcott & Co., $1,200
Hughes Eldred, 1,358
Thomas Jones, 1,195
W. F. Johnston, 1,146
Thomas McGirr, 4,515
Conrad Miller, Jr., 1,750
A. & W. Russell, 2,937
Hugh Weir, 1,410

Dunham
William Andrew, $1,345
William Chute, 1,410
W. P. Cole, 2,582
V. B. Calder, 3,220
Daniel Drain, 1,915
Julius Deming, 1,483
Robert R. Dunlap, 1,035
Milton Ellenwood, 1,060
Elizabeth Fullerton, 1,500
G. R. Goddard, 4,470
Joline Hopkins, 1,825
M. B. Hopkins, 2,125
J. J. Hollister, 1,225
Almond Henderson, 1,465
Fredric Lewis, 9,130
Caroline Lewis, 2,520
William McGill, Guard., 3,903
Jane McKay, 1,595
Edward McLarty, 1,821
Archibald Murchy, 7,982
William McGill, 1,246
Stephen Needham, 1,760
Smith & O'Connor, 1,902
D. R. Shaw, Guard., 1,875
Alexander Shaw, 2,375
Malcomb Shaw, 2,230
A. H. Smith, 3,170
Isabella Shaw, 1,020
Catharine Shaw, 1,940
B. E. Tilton, 1,780

Fairfield
R. D. Carothers, $1,408
Crewson, Trotter & Co., 1,100
S. Dunbar, 1,643
David Dunbar, 1,162
Thomas Dunbar, 2,000
J. A. Gage, 1,862
J. H. Gage, 1,323
A. W. Goddard, 1,283
C. H. Goddard, 1,644
Martha A. McNamara, 1,500
W. W. Morris, 2,060
F. M. Payne, 1,480
David Reed, Jr., 1,070
Harvey Smith, 6,700
R. R. Sutton, 1,050
Gilbert Smith, 1,400
Carmi Smith, 2,667
William Thompson, 2,437
G. W. Varner, 1,251

Fearing
C. W. Athey, $1,660
William Brown, 2,349
Lewis Bules, 6,873
J. D. Close, 1,436
Fast Dipple, 1,300
William P. Doan, 1,172
Thomas Dowling & Brothers, 2,214
Philo doan, 2,547
Martin Gerhold, 1,522
F. G. Gitteau, Guardian, 1,491
F. G. Gitteau, 1,047
Theobold Garber, 1,538
William Hall, 1,215
Ysic Kidd, 1,425
Henry Knock, 1,437
Christian lauer, Jr., 1,400
Jacob Marsch, 1,200
Daniel Marsch, 4,072
Charles Noa, 1,032
Christian Schinder, 1,892
Adam Schram, 1,470
John Whittock, 3,628
J. R. C. Whittock, 2,135
Robert Ward, 1,813
William Wagoner, 1,018

Grandview
John Bever, $1,580
Thomas Bowd, 1,343
Zachariah Cochran, 1,036
F. E. Collins, 1,829
J. W. Collins & Co., 8,772
Alonzo Dye, 2,430
Masseh Hupp, 1,000
Irwin Holdren, 1,847
Codrad miller, 1,064
Terrissa McMahon, 1,167
J. H. Steward, Guardian, 1,575
John Schoen, 1,125
William Stedman, 1,445
Schram & Cawley, 1,585
Edward Shapley, 1,595
Richard G. Webber, 1,472
H. A. Williamson, 7,926

Matamoras Corporation
Mary Dorsey, $2,025
Hutchinson & Sons, 1,550
Philip Hanshumaker, 1,445
Samuel Hensel, 1,505
Jonas Lisk, Guardian, 1,035
F. A. Lamping, 2,140
Charles miller, 1,300
Matchelauz & Son, 1,740
Lewis Pape, 2,000
John Rinard, Jr., 1,016
Samuel Shramm, 6,155
Friend C. Williamson, 1,000

Independence
Charles French, $1,850
Schrader Hille, 1,400
John Thomas, 1,626

Lawrence
Daniel H. Dye, $4,719
Jonathan T. Dye, 2d, 1,430
Exchange Oil Co., 4,037
Fifteen Oil Co., 2,728
Flanders, Vandal & Lost Wells, 1,075
Fletcher & Huntington Oil Co., 2,829
John Gitchell, 1,887
Grecian Bend Oil Co., 1,100
William Hune, 3,600
John B. Kimmick, 1,353
L. S. McCowan, 1,559
John Myers, 4,450
S. S. McGee, 1,909
Henry Perkins & Co., 1,116
John Rauber, 1,087
Kelly Ross & Co., 1,500
William Strachan, 1,055
John D. Templeton, 1,875
Hearon Walker, 2,058
West Virginia Transportation Co., 5,000

Liberty
David Rees, $1,022
Walter Turnbull, 2,200
Casper Wallinfelse, 1,149
Lewis Young, 1,271

Ludlow
Jackson Cross, $1,935
A. R. Giffen, 1,131
R. Giffen, Guardian of Hooper, 3,212
R. Giffen, Guardian of Tice, 2,800
R. Giffen, Guar. of G. D. Harvey, 8,416
R. Giffen, Guar. of S. J. Harvey, 8,506
R. Giffen, 1,279
John S. Hohman, 1,255
Hohman & Deintsbach, 3,000
J. S. Hohman & Co., 1,010
Charles Handlon, 1,578
Robert Mullenix, 2,436
David B. Mullenix, 1,046
A. Moose, 1,182
Isaac Scott & Brother, 3,139
R. Scott, Administrator, 6,428
Richard Scott, 1,238

Marietta Township
Charles Atkinson, $1,980
William F. Curtis, Guaridan, 2,250
William H. Cole, 6,158
Josephine G. Cogswell, 1,200
Thomas Cisler & Co., 3,160
William Corner, 2,541
William F. Curtis, 7,510
William F. Curtis, Trustee, 1,400
Thomas Cisler, 1,840
Benjamin F. Cogswell, 3,286
Thomas Chambers, 2,031
William L. Conrad, 1,822
Elizabeth Cogswell, 1,582
P. L. Dye, 1,938
Beman Gates, 1,655
Jacob Hendershott, 51,088
George W. Harness, 4,797
Calvin Hildreth, 1,231
B. S. Hildreth, 1,265
Nicholas Haas, 1,199
Samuel King, 1,671
J. C. Kidd, 2,422
O. M. Lovell & Co., 2,100
Jacob Lawrence, 1,206
Madison McAllister, 2,485
G. Meister, 2,315
Robert Miller, 4,970
John McAllister, 4,795
Miller & Bro., 1,282
John D. Phillips, 5,067
John D. Pape, 1,368
Joseph Phillips, 1,287
Benjamin Posey, 4,010
Isaac Perkins, 9,959
Rufus H. Rowland, 1,772
Francis D. Racer, 4,124
Mary A. Racer, 1,495
George Rice, 5,500
Russell J. Stephenson, 5,357
Annie Stephenson, 2,215
Louisa Stephenson, 1,471
Henry Shrodes, 3,659
J. P. Sanford, 3,972
Henry Stephenson, 1,012
Russel and Jewett Stephenson, 1,177
John Stephenson, 6,740
H. W. Thorniley, 1,354
William Thorniley, 2,218
William G. West, 1,405
George W. Wells, 1,991

The Marietta Register, August 5, 1875:
(continued from last week)

Marietta City - First Ward
D. B. Anderson, $2, 225
Mrs. Unice Anderson, 1,099
E. R. Alderman, 5,675
Best & Bro., 3,000
John Bickert, 3,605
Charles F. Biszantz, 1, 860
Conrad Biszantz, 1 300
Almer Bruce, 2,400
Bosworth, Wells & Co., 20,000
W. H. Buell & Co., 7,000
W. F. Curtis & Co., 5,000
R. L. Curtis, 2,750
W. F. Curtis, Jr., 1,000
Mrs. L. I. Darrow, 3,000
Dana & Pearce, 8,000
Hugh Donahoe, 4,375
Stephen Davis, 1,270
James H. Dye, 3,845
Henry Frank, 1,650
Owen Franks, 1,485
Thomas Goodman, 2,8800
Charls E. Glines, 5,250
Jacob Hineman, 1,280
Dr. Sam Hart, 1,789
W. James Harte, 4,075
Hall & Bro., 2,875
Hall & Best, 3,500
H. Hurwitz, 2,025
A. N. Hill, 1,500
Hovey, Iams & Co., 10,135
Peter Kunz, 2,600
J. & D. Miller, 1,010
Jacob Miller, 1,200
John Marshal, 1,620
Fred W. Morse, 1,120
A. T. Nye & Son, 5,285
Nye Hardware Co., 7,000
M. T. Peddinghaus, 3,190
Reckard & Son, 2,665
John Richards, 1,223
A. Reomer & Co., 2,000
Rodick Bros., 10,475
William Ridenour, 3,865
Martin Schmidt, 2,000
J. W. Sniffen, 1,300
Schmidt & Goebel, 2,700
Slocomb & Co., 11,062
Shipman, Holden & Co., 5,500
Philip Schramm, 1,030
J. W. Stanley, 3,613
A. S. Sayre, 1,395
James Stevens, 2, 185
Jacob Theis & Co., 2,175
D. B. Torpy, 1,600
Torpy & Kestermier, 1,000
S. R. Turner & Son, 8,784
William T. Westgate, 2,282
T. J. Westgate, 2,600
Webber & Hess, 2,025
A. J. Warner, 1,083
T. K. Wells, 1,515

Marietta - Second Ward
David Alban, $2,900
Jacob Abendshoen, 1,500
A. P. Brigham, Assignee of Eels, 1,800
E. G. Brigham, 2,500
C. H. Barenburg, 1,830
J. C. Bartlett, 1,800
John Boyd, 1,300
T. D. Biscoe, 1,090
Coleman, Beck & Co., 3,025
Fred Coleman, 4,405
J. D. Cadwallader, 3,520
E. R. Dale, 1,600
George T. Elston, 4,800
John Fischer & Bro., 7,350
Aaron Flanders, 1,628
C. G. Fell, 1,275
M. D. Follett, 1,695
Mary A. Holden, Guardian, 2,012
Mary A. Holden, 1,650
James Holden, 1,990
Jane Hopkins, 1,342
G. O. Hildreth, 1,120
J. B. C. Harris, Agent, 1,500
J. B. Hovey's, Sons, 1,200
E. W. Jones, 1,133
Charles Jones, 4,255
E. A. Jones, 1,020
S. S. Knowles, 1,150
August Kropp, 1,200
John Kendrick, 1,910
John Klintworth, 1,203
Henry Kelly, 1,401
C. K. Leonard, 1,825
Mrs. C. K. Leonard, 3,379
Mrs. M. C. Morris, 2,790
W. B. Mason, 1,840
S. M. McMillen, 1,570
S. B. & H. W. McFarland, 2,400
George Mathews, 7,334
E. W. Nye, 6,990
W. H. Oldham, 1,850
Richard Pattin, 1,570
P. B. Peters, 1,010
Mrs. Carrie S. Peters, 1,445
B. F. Pixley, 1,230
Rolston, Hall & Co., 6,750
William S. Roeser, 1,575
John V. Ramsey, 1,485
Ben Rodick, Ex., 3,500
Charles R. Rhodes, 1,850
Robert T. Robinson, 2,230
W. L. Rolston, Executor, 7,000
William & F. Rapp, 1,400
Jacob Seyler & Co., 3,000
Anna K. Schmidt, 1,650
Marcenia Stone, 2,500
J. D. Strauss, 8,713
J. S. Sprague, 1,660
Silas Slocomb, 1,006
H. G. Thomas, 1,044
Weston Thomas, 1,340
Theobald Triem, 5,150
Eliza A. Tenney, 1,310
M. P. Wells, 1,620
Agnes Ward, 7,550
Mrs. C. V. Waqrd, 11,350
Kate L. Ward, 4,545
Henry Wendelken, 2,046
F. A. Wheeler, 1,668
A. B. Waters, 1,287
J. F. Wehrs, 1,270
Henrietta Widdikind, 1,820
August Weber, 1,025
G. A. Warner, 4,724
Jane H. Whittlesey, 7,140

Marietta - Third Ward
B. Allbrecht, $1,227
W. H. Buell, Receiver, 1,000
J. W. L. Brown, 4,815
J. W. Baldwin, 2,023
W. H. Brown, 6,550
George Benedict, 3,500
L. W. Chamberlain, 1,665
L. W. Chamberlain for L. B. Hawks, 2,000
Rhoda Dunn, 1002
Amos Dye, 2,275
Sarah C. Dawes, 1,150
G. Doepken, 2,560
Lucy Dawes, 1,050
T. W. Ewart, 1,490
Luther Edgerton, 1,130
John D. Gerst, 2,600
Goddard, 1,100
Mary Gates, 1,100
T. H. Hawks, 1,550
C. C. Ketter, 2,595
L. Lehnhard, 3,895
James McClure, 1,433
John Mills, 3,325
Julia A. Miller, 2,820
C. H. Miller, Administrator, 2,000
John Mills, Jr., 1,320
D. G. Mathews, Assignee, 1,250
John Newton, 1,500
W. L. Rolston, 1,600
Alvin Reckard, Guardian, 1,500
A. Ruckman, 3,300
R. M. Stimson, 4,100
Fannie G. Slack, 3,380
William B. Thomas, 2,230
S. R. Turner, 1,325
Catharine Theis, 1,015
Gustav Wiedman, 2,101
I. R. Waters, 2,350
Martin Wendelken, 1,760
S. C. Wilhelm, 2,246

Muskingum
Isaac Atkinson, $3,370
Levi Bartlett, 1,445
Theobold Berg, Jr., 1,236
Theobold Becker & Co., 1,000
Conrad Decker, 1,076
Helen Devol, 2,765
Theodore Devol, 2,884
W. D. Devol, 1,444
C. H. Devol, 8,050
B. F. Devol, 1,905
Israel Devol, 2,610
J. H. Devol, 1,468
J. B. Dyar, 14,680
Joseph Dyar, 1,285
Augustine Dyar, 2,095
Julia Fearing, 1,222
John Gerhart, 1,476
Marietta Oil Refinery, 2,562
A. S. Marshall, 1,215
W. R. Putnam, 17,048
L. J. P. Putnam, 4,906
W. W. Rathbone, 5,080
Anthony Smith, 1,714
C. F. Stacey, 4,711
J. S. Stow, 4,170
S. S. Stow & Co., 1,000
Seldon S. Stow, 1,335
James S. Stow, 3,080
James Ward Estate, 2,930
Joseph Wood, 3,450

Harmar
N. S. Alcock, $4,100
William B. Alcock, 1,070
E. H. Allen, Jr., 1,450
John C. Beltz, 1,026
D. & C. Barber, 1,000
Walter Brabham, Executor, 1,295
Levi Barber, 1,100
Harlow Chapin, 5,050
Harlow Chapin, Executor, 2,350
J. F. Cole, 1,900
C. M. Cole, 8,400
Silas Fearing, 1,315
Henry Fearing, 1,590
Mary A. Gallagher, 1,000
Hall & Blair, 1,000
J. H. Jenkins, 1,196
M. G. Knox & Co., 1,000
William Kropp, 2,225
George H. Lord, 2,310
H. G. Lucas, 1,197
C. C. Lyman, 5,887
William Loffland, 1,775
Moore & Merrill, 9,000
J. H. McConnell, 2,800
William M. Naylor, 2,150
Douglas Putnam, 67,950
David P. Pugh, 1,900
Ann Pattin, 4,350
Putnam Sons & Co., 1,200
George C. Racer, 1,101
William Richardson, 1,000
John Schlaubach, 1,520
George P. Stevens, 3,258
Isaac Spaulding, 1,620
Courtland Shepard, 2,060
J. F. Stevens, 1,645
A. W. Tompkins, 2,830
T. M. Turner, Guardian, 3,800
T. M. Turner, 4,270

Newport
I. K. Adkins, $2,229
Peter Becker, 1,854
Eliza Chalk, 1,495
Peter Cline, 1,200
George Casady, 1,807
Eleanor Cook, 13,406
Cow Run Iron Tank Co., 4,000
S. A. Dana & Son, 1,795
Mrs. C. E. Dana, 1,293
John M. Gano, 1,070
William C. Greenwood, 4,645
Hays & Rea, 3,970
Richard Hays, 1,283
Cynthia B. Hill, 1,600
Adam Haas, 1,259
E. A. Jones, 2,380
M. J. Ker, 1,200
N. Little & Co., 1,500
Ner. Middleswart, 1,740
James Mackey, 6093
J. M. McElhinney & Son, 1,500
Ezra O'Neal, 1,081
Lewis Phillips, 3,270
John M. Plumer, 3,210
L. C. Rowland, 3,905
Henry Sheets, 7,455
John Varley, 1,805
West Virginia Transportation Co., 5,000

Palmer
A. F. Breckenridge, $2,360
Robert Breckenridge, 1,260
G. B. Dunsmoor, 1,291
Duncan Drain, 1,249
Thomas G. Graham, 1,626
Amos Gosset, 1,439
Maggie Greenlees, 1,400
William Hueston Estate, 1,200
John L. Malster, 1,143
John Malster, 9,180
J. G. Murdock, 1,335
James B. Perry, 1,125
James Perry, 1,358
George Quinn, 1,126
John D. Varner, 1,595

Waterford
James Bowen, $20,194
Richard Beebe, 1,215
Martin Bacon, 3,609
C. L. Bowen, Executor, 8,000
C. L. Bowen, 11,575
Charlotte R. Buck, 4,280
Henry D. Bartlett, 1,168
Harriet Culver, 1,800
William Creighton, 1,000
H. F. Devol, 11,710
U. S. Dye, 4,172
J. G. Farnsworth, Guardian, 1,200
Leonard Guist, 1,439
Stewart Gordon, Administrator, 1,400
Stewart Gordon, 3,320
Alonzo Hall, 6,600
John Hill, Sr., 1,036
J. H. Hubbell, 1,300
Mary Johnston, 1,300
P. H. Kelly, 2,260
Joseph Leonard, 2,727
Robert Leget, 2,050
John Nulton, 1,713
William H. Powers, 7,488
Sanford Powers, 5,040
William Smith, 4,706
David Storey, 1,025
Miss P. G. Shaw, 1,200
Miss Caroline A. Shaw, 1,200
William B. Shaw, 3,187
John Thomas, 1,480
John Tucker, 3,020
S. R. Van Metre, 1,400
John Vincent, 1,855
Jeremiah Wilson, 2,982
Daniel S. Ward, 2,121
Charles J. Wood, 1,369

Warren
H. N. Benedict, $1,407
Malcolm Blue, 3,750
Dean Briggs, 1,372
George Colman, 2,735
Marc Cole, 1,540
Samuel Dye, 2,505
Wallace E. Deming, 1,855
George Greenwood, 1,594
William Johnson, 1,260
T. W. Moore, 4,975
Benjamin Parlin, 1,615
James A. Reppert, 1,000
William Scott, 1,755
C. B. Tuttle, 6,153
Nick Weihl & Co., 1,000

Wesley
Thomas Bowman, $1,686
John D. Chamberlain, 1,500
Isaac Emmons, 1,885
J. G. Graham, 1,161
William Goddard, 1,450
William Greenawault, 1,574
Joseph Garretson, 1,253
Samuel Hugh, 1,070
E. Hollingsworth, 1,185
Thomas Hobson, 3,382
E. J. Holloway, 1,760
James King, 1,340
S. B. Kirby, 2,699
Lowery McGrew, 1,600
Daniel M. Mott, 1,020
Lewis Mills, Agent for Sibert, 1,000
James A. McGrew, 1,244
Gabriel Payne, 1,518
Joseph Penrose for heirs, 3,000
James Smith, 2,473
John Sheets, 1,648
J. W. Smith, 1,417
Henry Smith, 8,150
Eliza A. Worthington, 1,000
Zumbro & Bowman, 1,455

Watertown
Henry S. Arnold, $3,070
Lucinda Bingham, 1,000
Charles Buchanan, 1,300
W. N. Buchanan, 2,767
Edward Breckenridge, 1,325
E. and A. Breckenridge, 1,110
William Henry Deming, 1,115
William Henry Deming, Agent for Woodford's heirs, 1,369
J. T. Dunbar, 3,060
Seth Ford, 1,212
William Ferguson, 1,197
David Greenlees, 2,465
Joseph S. Humphrey, 1,701
Florence P. Malster, 2,075
Henry McGrew, 1,009
R. B. Parke, 6,992
John Parke, 2,474
Joseph B. Pottmeyer, 1,640
Levi E. Rutter, 1,400
Thomas Stanley, 1,111
Ferrand Waterman, 1,270
Markin Wagner, 1,411
Jacob Weihl, 2,710

Fourth of July 1875

2011-07-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

The Marietta Register, July 1, 1875

Mayor's Proclamation.

In view of the near approach of the Fourth, the attention of the inhabitants of the city is called to the following section of an ordinance of the city, passed December 4th, 1874.

Section 6. Any person who shall discharge any cannon, musket, fowling piece or other firearms, or fire any squib, cracker or other fireworks of whatever description on the streets, alleys or public places of said city, shall be fined for each offense, upon conviction thereof, in any sum not less than one nor more than fifty dollars; and any person who shall fire any such cannon, or firearms, or fire any such squib, cracker or fireworks, at any place other than a street, alley or other public place in said city, whereby any person shall be annoyed or disturbed, shall be fined on conviction thereof, in any sum not exceeding ten dollars.

It will be observed that the ordinance forbids the sport upon all days of the year, except as therein provided.

This may seem to the boys a severe measure, but when it is remembered that millions of dollars worth of property, and many valuable lives are annually destroyed by this kind of fun it ought to be a sufficient explanation of the necessity for such a law.

Jewett Palmer,
Mayor, City Marietta.

*     *     *     *     *

The Marietta Register, July 15, 1875

Fourth of July in Marietta, 1875

               Not a bell was rang,
               Not a bell dare toll,
Not a cracker was heard a-popping;
               Not a gun was fired,
               Not a cannon roared,
Or "Palmer" would come a-hopping.

               Not a candle went up
               With its streaming light,
No torpedo was heard a-snapping;
               Not a rocket was seen
               In the sky serene,
For Palmer was not to be caught napping.

               Not a boy dare shout,
               Or whistle a tune,
Or give his grandma any "sauce;"
               Not a kite was seen
               Flying high on its string.
Well, our Fourth of July was a farce.

Subscriber.

Independence Day in Salem

2011-07-02T14:34:00.002-04:00

The Marietta Register, July 19, 1877

On the 8th day of March 1877 at a regular meeting for drill and other purposes, the Salem Rifles determined to make arrangements for celebrating in a patriotic manner the one hundred and first anniversary of our national Independence and at once set about appointing committees to select grounds, make out a programme of proceedings, &c. The committee to select grounds, at the next meeting day of the company, reported that Mr. Hosea Porter had kindly consented to let them have the free use of his beautiful little grove, which was of easy access and abundantly supplied with water.

The Cycles of time in their gradual revolution brought the 4th of July to hand, and the company was busy in making preparations. They erected stands for speakers, benches for the accommodation of visitors, and a booth to dispense refreshments, and patriotic ladies of Salem volunteered to beautify the grounds by appropriately decorating them. In the meantime the proper committees were all at work in their separate capacities, to make the occasion pleasant to all; securing the service of Newton's Cornet Band, from Dexter City, to enliven the time with good music, and everything "went merry as a marriage bell."

The 4th approached. On the 3d the parched earth was called upon to drink in a copious rain, which to many seemed ominous of a wet 4th, but the glorious orb of day was resplendent on the morning of the 4th, and the beautiful morning was only the fore-runner of a more beautiful day.

At nine o'clock the company formed under the command of Liet. Lindamood, receiving his orders from Lieut. Hallett, officer of the day, and marched to the grove, followed by a gorgeously uniformed troop of Callithumpians, whose laughable antics contributed much to the amusing part of the celebration. Capt. M. C. True, of the Rifles, and a member of the reception committee, proceeded to the station to receive a detachment of the Marietta Zouaves - 25 in number - under the command of Lieut. Asa Beach, and escorted them to the edge of the grove, where Dr. G. W. Blake, in behalf of the Rifles, welcomed them, and preceded by the Dexter Band, escorted them to seats in front of the stand.

Mr. H. Kilmer was appointed President upon the stand, and Dr. Blake in a neat little speech, extended on the part of the Rifles a cordial invitation to every one present to enjoy themselves to the fullest extent, which invitation was literally accepted, every one seeming to enter into the occasion with full zest.

Addresses were delivered by W. F. Wire, F. P. Ames, Sydney Ridgeway, and Mr. Mulhane of the Marietta Zouaves.

The Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. Wire. Declamations by Perry Moore, Miss Parker and others. Thus was celebrated in a good old fashioned, comfortable, pleasant manner, the 101st anniversary of American Independence. The sham battle in the afternoon was an important feature of the day.

Not a single unpleasant thing occurred to mar the pleasure of anyone, as the Rifles were determined that no disorderly persons should remain upon the ground. The company was successful at their refreshment stand adding some dollars to the company fund.

Death of Isaac Lackey

2011-06-27T18:35:00.002-04:00

The Marietta Times, May 6, 1869

In Marietta, April 22, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Abenaid Mann, of old age, Isaac Lackey, aged 92 years and 7 months.

Let me go, my soul is weary
     Of the chains which bind it here;
Let my spirit bend it pinions
     To a brighter, holier sphere.
Earth, 'tis true, hath friends who bless me
     With their fond and faithful love,
But the hands of angels beckon
     Onward to the realms above.

Let me go, for earth hath sorrow,
     Sin, and pain, and bitter tears;
All its paths are dark and dreary,
     All its hopes are fraught with tears;
Short lived are its brightest flowers,
     Soon its cherished joys decay,
Let me go, I fain would leave it
     For the realms of endless day.

Let me go, my heart hath tasted
     Of my Saviour's wondrous grace;
Let me go, where I shall ever
     See and know Him face to face;
Let me go, the tree of heaven
     Rise before me waving bright,
And the distant crystal waters
     Flash upon my raptured sight.

Let me go, for songs seraphic
     Now seem calling from the sky;
'Tis the welcome of the angels
     Which e'en now are hovering nigh;
Let me go, they wait to bear me
     To the mansions of the blest,
Where the spirit worn and weary
     Finds at last its long-sought rest.

Varnum

2011-06-26T18:01:00.001-04:00

Marietta Register, December 28, 1871

Some weeks ago, in noticing the removal of the remains of twenty-seven persons from the original cemetery in Marietta, abandoned seventy years ago, to Oak Grove, we gave some account of Gen. James M. Varnum, who was a distinguished man, and whose remains were then identified. This paper was sent by Mrs. Beman Gates, to Dracut, Mass., the native place of Gen. Varnum, and drew forth the following reply:

Dracut, Mass., Nov. 21, 1871.

Dear Sir:

The paper which you sent "To any of the name of Varnum," was passed to me on Saturday last. Please accept my thanks, for nothing could have been more acceptable. I have made myself acquainted with some part of the history of Gen. James Mitchell Varnum, but the article in your paper poke of some things which I never knew before. I first became interested in his history by seeing his portrait hung in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, among the Generals of Revolutionary fame. I found a record of his birth in our town books, traced him to Rhode Island, through the war of the Revolution, and finally to Marietta, where he died.

The Marietta Register that you sent me, says he was born in Dracut, Mass., in 1749. The town record is that he was born Dec. 17, 1748, and was the son of Samuel and Hannah Varnum.

It is true that the farm on which his great-grandfather settled is still in the family. The name of his great-grandfather was Samuel, and he came from Wales, settled in Ipswich first, and afterwards removed to Chelmsford, on Merrimack river, opposite of what is now Dracut. He purchased land of the Indians, in Dracut, and was the first settler. He named the town Dracut from the name of his native town in Wales. His son Thomas remained on the parental farm, and the sons that have remained on that farm have all been named Thomas, although the name of Samuel has always been preserved.

The Thomas who is the present owner is a prosperous farmer, and I think the sixth of that name who has owned the farm. Samuel Varnum, his uncle, resides with him, is a bachelor, and now some 79 years of age.

You will not probably care to read much about the family, but as you took the trouble to send me the paper, I thought you might be interested to know some further facts. I have for some time been collecting facts, thinking that some time I might publish a history of Dracut. Thanking you again for your favor, allow me to subscribe myself.

Atkinson C. Varnum.

[To] Beman Gates, Esq.

Western Liberal Institute Is Remembered

2011-06-11T06:21:00.003-04:00

Sunday Morning Observer, February 2, 1918

The Boys And Girls Played Pranks As They Do In The Present Days.

In a recent letter from E. B. Clark, an old Marietta boy, now of Athens, that gentleman writes at some length of the old Western Liberal Institute here at Marietta and which many of the old time folks will remember.

Mr. Clarke says that the students of that seat of learning were very much the same as those at Marietta College in playing pranks.

One evening there was a party at the residence of Warren Wilcox, in the Southeast part of town. Some of the students told one of their number about the party and proposed attending although none were invited. They told him to ring the door bell, which he did, and the others made a hasty retreat. The ringer of the bell was invited in and gave the names of the others.

Upon another occasion an unsophisticated student was sent into a book store to inquire for eggs.

On Friday afternoons we had rhetorical exercises. There were two papers "published" and read on these occasions, some read "essays," others declaimed a speech. The papers took opposite sides on all questions like political newspapers of that day. Some would have Latin or Greek orations, translated to English, reading like this: "The farmer plows the land, cultivates the growing crops and harvests the corn and wheat, etc." Brother Lewis fixed up a bravesty on these which was delivered by Ridgeway, of Rainbow. I remember two words of the closing: "Et broadaxe." It created considerable merriment. I think Lewis was an adept at things humorous.

We of the smaller boys were afraid of Friday afternoons and would desert and kick football out in Butler street. But finally Nathan Kendall issued an order that all must attend.

After the Kendalls left, the Institute was placed under the management of a Baptist but was still nonsectarian. Mrs. Booth would have none other than Universalist teachers and proceeded to wreck the school and Theodore Scott used the building for his private school. The site is now occupied by a wholesale grocery.

The old Universalist church is still standing. An addition has been built to its front and the church is now a part of a carriage factory.

The years are much shorter than in the Institute times, and each succeeding year shorter than its immediate predecessor.

Remember the length of a three months' term in the district school? A Winter term then equaled an entire year at the present time.

This school was established for boys and girls in the Fall of 1849 on Second street, below Butler, and Prof. Paul Kendall was the first principal. The trustees of the school were Joseph Holden, Owen Franks, William Devol and L. J. P. Putnam.

Among the teachers were Paul R. Kendall, principal; Nathan Kendall, chemistry. A Universalist preacher was also a teacher and O. L. Clarke taught English grammar.

Among the students were: W. S. Ridgeway, Rainbow; A. L. Thornton, Shrewsbury, N.Y.; Bernard Peters, J. P. Devol, G. W. Mesenger, Universalist minister's son; Gates, (S. H. and Eben?), F. H. Loring, Austin B. Reginier, Austin L. Curtis, member Ohio Legislature; Charles E. Gard, Ralph g. Graham, West of Columbus; Julius Pollock, Timothy S. Matthews, merchant and banker; Wolcott, Watertown; James L. Gage, J. C. Clarke, O. L. Clarke, E. B. Clarke, Aaron T. Marshall, Achsah Weaver, Helen Weaver, Fanny Chappell, widow of T. S. Matthews lives at Jackson, Ohio; Maria L. Franks, Ferguson, Rowena Putnam, Huldah Putnam, Steadman, Stedman; Camella W. Pollock, Phebe E. Dalano, Miss Vincent, Eastern girl; Nan Mixer, Samuel Hammontree, Woodlands, W. Va.; Frank Seeley, Beverly, Ohio.

Ten Cents Reward

2011-06-10T17:36:00.001-04:00

The Marietta Gazette, May 23, 1835

Ranaway from the subscriber, on the 15th inst. Jacob Springer, (an idiot,) spiced with a good portion of knavery and hypocracy, - for whom I will pay the above reward, but no charges. I also hereby forbid any person from employing the said Jacob.

Wm. Pitt Putnam,
Guardian of Jacob Springer, (an Idiot.)
Belpre, May 16, 1835.

Indicted Arraigned in Court

2011-06-08T17:02:00.002-04:00

The Register-Leader, June 24, 1918

Charged with abandoning legitimate children, James Turner appeared before Judge Edw. B. Follett in Common Pleas court, Monday morning, an indictment having been returned by the last grand jury. He entered a plea of not guilty and was sentenced by the court to serve from one to three years in the Ohio State Penitentiary at hard labor. It was the recommendation of the court that the prisoner be released at the end of one year.

Barbara Warren faced charges of keeping a house of ill-fame, inducing one Anna Poole to immoral conduct and harboring a girl under the age of 18, for immoral purposes. A plea of not guilty was entered to all of the charges and her bond was fixed at $1,500. As this amount is secured by property owned by Mrs. Warren she was released.

Charles Laughlin, a railroad man who lives near Belpre, was arraigned on a charge of assault and battery. He pleaded guilty and was fined $10 and costs, which he paid and was released. The charges resulted from a dispute over the ownership of a dog. Laughlin pleaded guilty to the same charge before a justice at Belpre but as charges were not brought by the assaulted man the procedure was not according to law and the man was again arrested on an affidavit sworn out by the man whom he assaulted. In Squire C. T. O'Neill's court he pleaded guilty and was bound over to the grand jury.

Lawrence Singer, colored, was charged with burglary and larceny. He pleaded guilty and was fined $30 and costs. Singer opened the cash register at the Blume and Hauck barber shop, where he had been working, and took about $15.

Frank Lemon, charged with burglary and larcenty, pleaded guilty. His case was continued for sentence and bond was placed at $400. Lemon broke into the Cottle grocery at the corner of Seventh and Greene and took a number of articles, among them being a flashlight, some gum and candy and a small amount in money.

Charged with assault and battery, Friend T. Dye entered a plea of not guilty and bond was fixed at $300. He furnished this and was released.

Cora Young faced an indictment charging conducting a house of ill-fame. She pleaded guilty and was assessed a fine of $100 and costs and sentenced to serve six months in jail. The jail sentence was suspended during good behavior and on condition that the woman secure and retain honest employment.

Mary Wright pleaded guilty to the same charge and was fined $100 and costs. The fine was suspended on condition that she leave Marietta and stay away.

Marie West also faced a charge of conducting a house of ill-fame. She was released on condition that she immediately leave town and stay away.

Ella Smith entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of conducting a house of ill-fame. Her bond was fixed at $300. Leeper and Leeper are her attorneys.

Death of John Waterman

2011-06-03T06:31:00.000-04:00

The Marietta Gazette, September 6, 1834

We regret to say that a most unhappy occurence took place in Watertown on Monday last. While Mr. John Waterman, an aged gentleman, was stooping down near his fire, his son, Sherman Waterman 2d, who had been some time previous confined for lunacy, but was then at large, came behind him, and by a single blow with a piece of board, taken from the fire, laid him dead upon the floor. The blows were repeated three or four times afterwards. The young man is now in confinement, at this town. His mind, we are told, is completely unstrung.

Washington County, Ohio - World War I Draftees

2011-06-01T20:23:00.000-04:00

Marietta Daily Journal, June 19, 1918

Complete List of Draft Contingent Announced Today By Local Board.

One Hundred and Fifty-One Selects, Comprising The County's Next Quota, Will Entrain For Camp Sherman On Wednesday Morning, June 26.

The complete list of the 151 selects, who will comprise Washington County's next quota in the selective draft, was announced today by the local draft and exemption board and is printed herewith. The men will leave on next Wednesday, June 26, for Chillicothe, O., where they will enter Camp Sherman for training in the National Army. The contingent is the largest single quota yet furnished by Washington County.

The men will report at the office of the local board on Tuesday afternoon, June 25, and will receive final instructions at that time. Leaders for the group will also be selected. The selects will leave early Wednesday morning for Camp Sherman and will report there some time Wednesday afternoon.

Following is the complete list of those who will comprise the quota together with the names of ten alternates:

Arthur Herman Abbott, Belpre.
William Edward Abbott, Marietta.
Raymond Charles Abicht, Newport.
John Adams, Rinards Mills.
Jesse Raymond Allison, Wade.
Raymond Henry Altvater, Marietta.
Ralph H. Angert, Marietta.
Francis Sebastian Archer, Marietta.
Dow Athey, Dell.
Joseph Barnhart, Lowell.
Louis Henry Baum, Marietta.
Otheal L. Beebe, Waterford.
Noah R. Best, Lowell.
Fred Berga, Newport.
Clarence Jacob Best, Lowell.
Walter W. Berry, New Matamoras, R.D. 5.
Herbert W. Beidel, Watertown.
Clyde Ellsworth Blair, Marietta.
Charles Brown, New Matamoras.
D. R. Bradfield, New Matamoras.
Ottis Butts, Marietta.
Leroy Ivan Buck, Belpre.
Leonard Burkhart, New Matamoras.
John S. Carpenter, Marietta.
Wallace Carpenter, Marietta.
Robert R. Carle, Wingett's Run.
Walter Julius Chamberlain, Marietta.
Allie Chamberlain, Belpre.
Clyde Thorpe Clark, Marietta.
Lewis Franklin Clark, Glass.
Fred H. Cook, Rockland.
Wylie Cochran, Grandview.
Jay Devol Cober, Marietta.
Chester Dean Cooke, Marietta.
Edward Williamson Collins, New Matamoras.
Earl Craig, Marietta.
Darrell Vernon Cutshaw, Marietta.
Jesse Carl Davis, Marietta.
Jeff H. Davis, Marietta.
Roy Davis, Marietta.
John Dexter, Belpre.
Wilber F. Delong, Macksburg.
David Dunn, New Matamoras.
John Coggsshall Dutton, Little Hocking.
Herbert Edwards, Rinards Mills.
Roy Richard Engle, Lowell.
Karl William Epple, Marietta.
David Allen Epler, Whipple.
William B. Farnsworth, Leith.
John J. Farnsworth, Deucher.
James Leroy Farley, Marietta.
John Henry Farrell, Waterford.
Forest Thurman Felock, Swift.
Winona Forshey, Rinards Mills.
Ralph Foster, Marietta.
Raymond Tilton Gorham, Qualey.
J. Wesley Gray, Marietta.
William Joseph Griffith, Marietta.
Robert Arthur Grimes, Marietta.
Arthur Leo Hasley, Newport.
George Washington Haynes, Newport.
Albert Herman Hart, Marietta.
William Raymond Hart, Marietta.
Melvin J. Haire, Marietta.
Hugh Charles Haynes, Newport.
Lonnie Beach Hesson, Marietta.
Earl Hickman, Roxbury.
Edgar Dean Holdren, Lower Salem.
John William Hughey, Macksburg.
Vernon Winfield Hull, Belpre.
Orville Hunter, Marietta.
Lawrence William Jacobs, Warner.
Russell Lewis Jockson, Belpre.
Howard Johnson, Marietta.
Yewis A. Koon, Dalzell.
Carl F. Lee, Marietta.
Heber W. Leak, Lowell.
Harvey Lee, New Matamoras.
Roy Linza Lee, Parkersburg, W. Va.
Delva Lightfritz, Marietta.
Orville Franklin Longley, Little Hocking.
Wilfred Long, Lowell.
Earl Clifford Mars, Little Hocking.
Clyde Malone, Marietta.
Earl DeWitt Marquis, Marietta.
Lewis L. Malone, Deucher.
John H. Merrow, Marietta.
Lorentz Frederic Meister, Marietta.
Karl R. Meredith, Marietta.
Herman F. Miller, Stanleyville.
Benjamin Frank Milton, Belpre.
Charles M. Mulligan, Belpre.
Earl Fred Mueller, Marietta.
Harry McAtee, Cutler.
Walter W. McClure, Marietta.
Holly McCoy, Marietta.
Rollie E. McFarland, Lowell.
Peter Terrence McGillian, Leith.
Frank Newman, New Matamoras.
Marcus Jefferson Newell, Cutler.
Lemuel A. Newlen, Lowell.
Frederic Noland, Marietta.
Thomas O'Brien, Marietta.
Fred H. Ogle, Elba.
Roy B. Parsons, Broadwell.
Randall Girlie Peters, Marietta.
Harold Orton Perkins, Marietta.
Ben P. Pinkerton, Marietta.
George Washington Pickens, Marietta.
Joseph L. Reed, Marietta.
Obed S. Ripley, Warner.
Arthur Lee Robinson, Marietta.
Chas. Lafayette Robinson, Fifteen.
Albert Reno Rowland, Marietta.
U. T. Rowland, Newport.
Edward Raymond Schmidt, Marietta.
Robert Scott, Shay.
Greggory J. Schwenderman, Waterford.
Wallace Wolfram Schau, Whipple.
George Sersian, Marietta.
Pearl Victor Shafer, Marietta.
James G. Shapely, Grandview.
Walter Sheppard, Archers Fork.
Lewis Shears, Marietta.
Eugene Bruce Shuster, Wade.
Filmore Simpson, Marietta.
A. G. Sleek, Roxbury.
Reece Smith, Vincent.
Perry Leland Snow, Waterford.
Thomas H. Starkey, Marietta.
Roland Frederic Stewart, Marietta.
Philip Stengel, Coal Run.
Homer G. Stephens, Center Belpre.
Herman Strickler, Marietta.
Elmer Louis Suder, Marietta.
A. W. Templeton, Murphy.
Lyman Jackson Thomas, Marietta.
Jimmie Thomas, Marietta.
Con Gale Thomas, Dell.
David Valentine, Murphy.
Wheeler Voshel, Coal Run.
Charles Ferguson Wall, Marietta.
Clarence John Wenzel, Whipple.
Arthur Jacob Weber, Marietta.
Pearl Whitehair, Marietta.
Henry Nesbit Wilkin, Hillsboro, O.
William Wulfert, Marietta.
Harry S. Zoller, Marietta.

Alternates:

Herbert Stanley Beird, Marietta.
Ralph Bernard Schlicher, Marietta.
Joseph Powell, Marietta.
Paul Schwenderman, Lowell.
John A. Shears, Marietta.
George F. Hanes, Marietta.
Floyd Fred Law, Cutler.
Guy Marshall Mendenhall, Dell.
Leo Andrew Weber, Marietta.
Herman Beren, Marietta.

St. Luke's Parochial School

2011-05-31T08:36:00.001-04:00

Marietta Gazette, June 6, 1835

First semi-annual examination of St. Luke's Parochial School,
June 1, 1835.

The following testimonials were presented.

Male Preparatory Department:
Best General Scholarship - David Loring Brown
Spelling - David Loring Brown
Reading - George Nye and George W. Todd
Writing and Geography - Joseph Crawford

Junior Class:
Best General Scholarship - Hiram McNeil Brown
Spelling - Edward Roe
Reading - Chatham R. Wheat
Writing - David Hebard
English Grammar - Irenius Geren and John Russel Crawford
Geography - David Hebbard
Arithmetic, 1st division - David Hebbard
Arithmetic, 2d division - John Hall and J. R. Crawford

Second Class:
Best General Scholarship - Joseph Wood; William Spencer Nye
Spelling - Joseph Wood and William Spencer Nye
Reading - William S. Ward
Writing - William S. Ward
English Grammar - Joseph Wood
Arithmetic, 1st division - Joseph Wood and William Spencer Nye
Arithmetic, 2d division - Henry Kelly
Geography and History - Charles Butler Hall
Latin Grammar - William Spencer Nye
French - Joseph Wood
Pencillings and India Ink Drawings - R. Lane Sullivan

Senior Class:
Special Testimonials of Excellence:
English Grammar, Arithmetic and Surveying - Isaac H. Delong; Hiram E. True
Arithmetic - E. G. Doane
Latin - George Mayberry
Geometry, Logic, Rhetoric and History - Arius Spencer Nye and Isaac H. Jones

Female Department, Junior Class:
Best General Scholarship - Susan Buell
Spelling - Susan Buell
Reading - Harriet Dunlevy
Writing - Caroline Greene
Arithmetic - Maria Woodbridge
Narrative - Julia C. H. Willard and Jane Jones

Second Class:
Best General Scholarship - Sally Maria Buell
Spelling - Sally Maria Buell
Reading - Mary Millard
Writing - Susan Dodge
Arithmetic - Sally Maria Buell
English Grammar - S. M. Buell
Map-drawing - S. M. Buell

First Class:
Special Testimonials of Excellence:
Arithmetic, Geography, Map-drawing, abstracts of History and Natural Philosophy - Harriet Holden, Anne Maria Ward, Eunice McFarland, Sarah D. Roe
French - Sarah D. Roe
Music - Ann Maria Ward

The following is a list of those to whom the highest honors were given:

Preparatory Department:
David Loring Brown; Joseph Crawford

Junior Class:
Hiram McNeil Brown; David Hebbard; J. R. Crawford; Chatham R. Wheat; Charles E. Swearingen

Second Class:
Joseph Wood; William S. Nye; William S. Ward; Charles B. Hall; A. V. Swearingen; Ira Hill; Henry Kelly; Henry Anderson; Pardon Cook

Female Department, Junior Class:
Susan Buell; Maria Woodbridge; Jane Jones

Second Class:
Sally Maria Buell; Mary Ann Reckard; Eliza Ann Reckard; Susanna Dodge; Sarah Elizabeth Cole; Mary Millard; Frances Rowena Nye

First Class:
Harriet Holden; A. M. Ward; E. McFarland; and Sarah Roe

The above testimonials were certified by:

Thomas Bell, Professor of Ancient Languages and Mathematics.
G. M. Martin, Professor of French.
Charles Sullivan, Professor of Drawing and Painting.
Mrs. Sheppard, Professor of Music.
Miss Clarke, Teacher of Female Department.
J. Thomas Wheat, Rector.
Arius Nye, E. B. Swearingen, and D. H. Buell, Committee.

Order of Exercises at the first semi-annual exhibition of St. Luke's Parochial School.

Music - Prayer - Music.
Voluntary Recitations, by the First Class.
Music.
Voluntary Recitations, by the Second Class.
Music.
Voluntary Recitations, by the Third Class.
Music.
Oration on Chivalry (original), by I. H. Jones.
Music.
Report of School Committee.
Music.
Delivery of Testimonials.
Music.
Valedictory, by I. H. DeLong.
Music.
Benediction.

Milliner and Mantuamaker

2011-05-29T09:39:00.002-04:00

Marietta Gazette, April 30, 1836

The subscriber would respectfully inform the ladies of Marietta, and its vicinity, that she has just received the latest Fashions for Summer Bonnets and Dresses, and is now prepared to attend to all orders in the Milliner and Mantuamaking Business. Grateful for past favors, she hopes by close application to business, and a strict attention to good taste, to secure a liberal share of patronage. She intends to keep on hand a supply of silk bonnets and artificial flowers. Five or six young ladies are wanted as apprentices.

Orinda H. King.
Marietta, April 30.

Muskingum Ferry

2011-05-28T09:05:00.001-04:00

The Marietta Gazette, August 9, 1834

An Ordinance to regulate the Muskingum Ferry.

Be it ordained by the Mayor, Recorder, and Trustees of the Town of Marietta, in Council assembled.

Sec. 1. That the lessee or lessees of the Muskingum Ferry shall be, and they are hereby required to keep a regular and orderly ferry, with some suitable person in attendance at all times, from sun-rise until nine o'clock at night, each and every day of the whole term of such lease granted by the Trustees of said Town, in Council assembled.

Sec. 2. The boat or boats to be kept clean, free from water, in good order; and when the water will not admit of boats floating, a bridge of plank, at least three feet wide, for foot passengers, to be laid even, one plank butting against the other, and not to lap one over the other, shall be placed over that part of the ferry way when boats cannot float, that the passengers be not detained.

Sec. 3. That the highest price to be paid by any citizen of the Town, for himself and family, with horses, carriage or teams, except with wood, sand, clay, brick, castings, and other heavy extra loading, shall not exceed five dollars per annum; and others in proportion to their crossing, down to the sum of one dollar and fifty cents per annum, for all citizens of the Town, who may elect to cross by the year, giving satisfactory security to the lessee or lessees to pay semi-annually.

Sec. 4. When the lessee or lessees and the citizen cannot agree as to the sum to be paid for crossing said ferry per annum, or for extra crossing with articles excepted - the citizens may call on the Mayor, Recorder and Treasurer of the town, whose duty it shall be to fix the sum so, as aforesaid, to be paid, which shall be immediately complied with, or such citizens shall forfeit all the privileges of this ordinance.

Sec. 5. The Muskingum ferry, aforesaid, shall be leased from time to time or terms in accordance with this ordinance, and for such term of time as the Trustees of said Town, in Council assembled, shall determine by resolution or otherwise.

Sec. 6. For any breach of this ordinance the person or persons so liable, and so offending, shall forfeit and pay for the use of the town, on complaint to the Mayor, not less than one dollar, nor more than thirty dollars, with costs.

Sec. 7. This ordinance to be in force from and after the fifth of August next, and all laws relative to the same heretofore passed are hereby repealed.

Nahum Ward, Mayor.

Caleb Emerson, Recorder, Pro tem.

Passed July 17, 1834.

A Paved Foot Walk

2011-05-27T09:21:00.000-04:00

The Marietta Gazette, August 9, 1834

Resolved, By the Mayor, Recorder, and Trustees of the Town of Marietta, That a paved foot walk, four feet wide, of hard burnt brick, or smooth flag stone, be made the present season, from the corner of the Court House lot, on Second and Putnam streets, and on the eastwardly side of Second street to the corner of lot 570, thence on the northerly side of Scammel street to Front street; and from the corner of lot No. 665 across Putnam street to the corner of square No. 52.

Resolved, That a gravel walk be made on the westwardly side of Second street from Scammel street to the foot of Liberty Hill, and from Second street, on the northerly side of Scammel street to Fourth street, except across the drains, which are to be made of stone.

Resolved, That the crossings of the streets, culverts on the drains, and the gravel from the drains north of the Methodist Meeting House, on Second street, and from Second street to Fourth street, on the northerly side of Scammel street, be done at the expense of the third ward; and that the residue be done at the expense of the lots, or the owners of the same on said lines, so as aforesaid; all under the direction of the Trustees of the Third Ward.

Nahum Ward, Mayor.

J. P. Wightman, Recorder.

Passed June 30th, 1834.

The First Piano in Marietta

2011-05-19T09:03:00.000-04:00

The Marietta Times, February 14, 1889

The following statement regarding an old piano will be of interest to Mariettans. The instrument in question is probably the first one brought into the North-west Territory. Judge Solomon Sibley, of Detroit, Michigan, married a Miss Sproat, of Marietta, Ohio, early in this century. On the 357th page of a recent "History of Detroit" we find the following statement: The first piano brought to Detroit was the property of Mrs. Solomon Sibley, formerly Miss Sproat. She used it while attending school at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and (after her marriage in 1803) brought it with her to Detroit. It was transported on horseback from Bethlehem to Marietta, and we may therefore be well assured that it did not compare in size with the pianos of to-day.

We clip the above from the Marietta Leader of last week. While we do not doubt the piano referred to, may be the first one taken to Detroit, we are under the impression the writer is mistaken as to its being the first one in Marietta. There is now in this city, in the possession of Mrs. Margaret Newsom, a piano that has had the reputation of being the first instrument that was brought west of the Alleghenies. We are told it was taken to Marietta by Col. Lord, and afterward formed one of the attractions in Blennerhassett's mansion. Upon the breaking up of that historic establishment it passed into the hands of the late Mr. Nathaniel Gates, who acted as private secretary to Blennerhassett, and it was brought to Gallipolis in 1820. Mr. Gates disposed of the piano to the late General Newsom and it has remained in his family ever since. Of course it does not compare with the fine instruments of the present day. The dimensions are as follows: Length, five feet and two inches; width, one foot and ten inches, and the height is that of the modern instrument. Its compass is but five octavoes, and it was made in Philadelphia by Charles Albrecht.

Gallipolis Bulletin

Letter From California

2011-05-18T12:50:00.003-04:00

The Marietta Weekly Leader, April 5, 1887

Reminiscences of Marietta, and Its Surroundings as it Appeared to a Boy Sixty Years Ago.

Magalia, Butte Co., Cal.

March 25, 1887

Editor Leader:

A stray number of your paper fell into my hands a month since, from which I discover the Washington County Pioneer Association, and citizens generally are making preparations for a grand Centennial celebration of the first authorized settlement in the Territory of the Northwest, under the ordinance of 1787. To commence on the 7th, of April proximo, and continue three days.

In the long list of names as permanent members of the association, I recognize quite a number, that I knew when a boy sixty years ago. Of course, the greater number of the generation living at that date, having long since passed from earth, while a few still linger upon the shores of time. It has occurred to me, that a few notes, from one who has wandered far from his native town, might not be wholly uninteresting to your many readers.

My father, a native of Northfield, N. H. came to, and settled in Marietta in 1802. My eldest brother, whose name appears as Vice President of the association, according to the record in our old family bible (published in 1809) was born in Marietta, Nov. 12th, 1806; and the writer of this was born July 19th, 1815. My earliest school-boy days, were under the tuition of William Slocum, who taught for a number of years in the "Old Academy" near the large Presbyterian Church, fronting the Muskingum bottom.

Among my school mates were, Dudley and George Morgan Woodbridge, S. P. and George Hildreth, Guss and Jacob Cram, William, Charles, and George Emerson, William Wood, Noah L. Wilson, Furd. Buell, and William Putnam, of Harmar. Among the girls I remember, Julia Holden, Maria Buck, Martha Wilson, Isabella Green, Mary, Wing, Dodge, and the Ward girls, whose christian names I have forgotten.

Among the old people of the town, I remember, Gen. Rufus Putnam, Gov. Meigs, Henry P. Wilcox, Dudley Woodbridge, Sen., Joseph Holden (Merchant), James Dunn, Samuel P. Hildreth, M.D., John T. Cotton, M.D., Robert Crawford (Merchant), Nahum Ward (Land Agent), John Mills (Banker), Silas Cook (Jailor), and others too numerous to mention. In Harmar - James M. Whitney (the great steam boat builder), Judge Warner (Court of Common Pleas), and many others that I simply knew by sight.

Great changes are wrought by the ravages of time; not a face among a thousand, that I then knew, would I recognize now. There are, however, land marks about the town, that time will never change. There stands the Wilcox Hill, overlooking the "Point" or lower portion of the town. There is the "Covert Way" - the "Elevated Square," the great high "Mound," with its beautiful ring in the middle of the Old Cemetery - where lies the remains of Gen. Putnam, Commodore Whipple, Gov. Meigs, and many others of the honored dead. These localities will stand the ravages of time.

Here it was, on the plains of the "Stockaid," where I met my little school mates, and roamed over the play grounds of my childhood; and though sixty years have passed away, the pleasing reminiscences of those happy days still cling to fond memory like the fading shadows of a golden dream.

Allow me to mention a few more names, connected with some incidents that I call to mind, and I will close this letter already too long.

In 1824, on the occasion of the visit of Gen. La Fayette, of Revolutionary memory, to the United States, on his way from New Orleans to Pittsburg, he made a short call at Marietta, which roused the whole town to enthusiasm. One feature of the visit was to form the Sunday school children in a double column on the green lawn in front of Nahum Ward's palatial residence, while the great General passed down the center of the column, and shook hands with all the children - I remember his grip.

The "Marietta Gazette and American Friend" was the title of a paper published, and edited by Royal Prentiss, at an early day. I remember the old fashioned puff balls, with which they put the ink on the type, and the great lever which brought down the press. Another paper entitled The "Minerva Pilot" published, and edited by A. V. D. Joline, was run in opposition to the Gazette; and though the editors were bitter, the devils in each office were friendly, and often exchanged visits. Jack Brough, who afterwards became Gov. of the State, was then devil, in the Gazette office; and on a visit at the Minerva office, one evening while the paper was being put to press, and the employees absent at supper, he changed two letters in the title of the paper. So that the entire edition came out the next morning as the "MINERVA LIPOT." This was more than human nature could bear, and the wrath, and thunders hurled at the Gazette Office for the next few weeks was indeed terrific.

Young Brough, however, kept his distance, and soon went to the Athens College, where the Woodbridge boys, with many others from Marietta finished their education.

Dr. A. K. Stearns, now a resident with his family in Magalia, also received his education at Athens, and is one of the Pioneers of that section.

Wishing all who attend the Centennial a pleasant time, I am,

Respectfully Yours,

Joseph Glines.

More on the Execution of Bumgardner

2011-05-15T12:22:00.002-04:00

The Marietta Register, February 21, 1867

The account of the execution of Hanson Bumgardner issued from the Register Office in an extra, may be found on our first page. Some points in addition to those furnished by our reporter - we were not present - may be noted.

Rev. W. M. Mullenix, of Whitney Chapel - Methodist Episcopal Church - the spiritual adviser of Bumgardner, was with him every day, for weeks, and constantly and strenuously impressed upon him the importance of a full confession. On the day before the execution, about 11 o'clock, A.M., Mr. Mullenix told him that he could not hope for salvation if he should not confess, if guilty of the murder of Eubank. His reply was: "If I committed that murder I hope God will burn my soul in hell forever."

The counsel for Bumgardner applied to the Governor for a commutation of the death penalty to that of imprisonment in the Penitentiary for life. About 5 o'clock on the evening previous to the execution, Sheriff Hicks received a dispatch from the Governor, refusing to commute the sentence.

While Bumgardner was standing on the trap-door, his arms pinioned, his legs bound together, the hood drawn over his face, the rope adjusted around his neck, everything in readiness for his last moment, Mr. Mullenix whispered to him:

"Hanson, did you murder Eubank?"

"I did not!"

The Sheriff then asked:

"Are you ready, Hanson?"

"Yes sir, I am."

The drop fell, the neck was dislocated, and - the body was taken down after hanging 28 minutes, and immediately sent to the Harmar depot, on the way to Harrison county, West Va.

The medical attendants were Drs. Hart & Bartlett, (B. F. Hart and J. C. Bartlett), and Dr. S. D. Hart, Coroner. The arrangements of Sheriff J. A. Hicks were admirable. He was chiefly assisted by his brother, Thomas Hicks, Deputy Sheriff. J. M. Johnson, Sheriff of Athens county, and Capt. Levi Barber, of Harmar, also rendered assistance. Col. W. B. Mason, County Treasurer, and Capt. Geo. Benedict, Commissioner, were present, besides those before named, also reporters for the press, and Constable Davis, of Hockingport, who pursued Bumgardner, and was the means of his arrest. The Sheriff had a guard of ten or fifteen men, outside of the jail.

The enclosure in which the execution took place, was on the easterly side of the jail, covering the side door - was 17 ft. high. The scaffold was 12 ft. long by 7 wide, and 4-1/2 ft. high - double trap-door in the centre - and with the gallows, was built by Maj. Darius Towsley.

Comparatively few people assembled outside the jail. Except the guard, there was at no time, we think, over one hundred and fifty, and very few of that number were citizens of town. They were very quiet.

Remarks. If any think Bumgardner may have suffered unjustly, such thoughts can as well be dismissed at once. His declarations of innocence were on purely technical grounds - first, that he did not actually do the killing, although connected for the robbery of the murdered man, with those who did do it, (as he said,) he himself concealing it, and appropriating to his own use all the murdered man's property then with him; second, that the murder was (as he said) in West Virginia, hence, as he called it, "a very unjust thing" that he should suffer under the laws of Ohio. According to his own story, Bumgardner was guilty of the crime of murder, both in law and in morals. And there is no evidence whatever that leads to a reasonable suspicion that any person was connected with him in the murder, or that it was not done in Ohio; but the evidence is that he alone did the deed, and did it in Ohio. This is the belief of all who are best acquainted with the facts - those with him since his trial. His own word he constantly falsified - his speech at the gallows giving the lie to his protestations "before God" at the time of his sentence.

Bumgardner was a man about six feet tall, and weighed perhaps 180 pounds. He was physically strong, but morally weak. He possessed a great deal of nerve - that nerve which could cut off the head of Eubank. He had very strong affection for his children - would save them from stain as far as possible. From these points in his character it can be seen why he declared himself an "innocent man."

The Execution of Hanson Bumgardner

2011-05-14T13:51:00.000-04:00

The Marietta Register, February 21, 1867

He Speaks Over an Hour, and Admits his Guilt, but Denies that he Actually Committed the Murder.

The Drop Falls at 20 Minutes Before 2 O'Clock, P.M.

He Died Without a Struggle.

The execution of Hanson Bumgardner, for the murder of John Thomas Eubank, at Hill's Landing, in Belpre township, this county, September 13, 1866, took place to-day - Friday, February 15th, 1867.

The prisoner had appeared considerably broken down for a day or two past, but slept soundly on the night before the execution, and took his meals regularly - had gained ten or fifteen pounds in weight since his sentence, eight weeks ago.

9:40 A.M. Prisoner dressing; new black suit of broadcloth, not expensive; cleanly shaved; pale, but composed for one in his situation, voice low, manner subdued; conversed with freedom, but not without emotion as to the disposition of his body, which he wished to be buried at Union Church, Harrison county, West Virginia - not in Marietta. None of his friends present. Feels as if they have forsaken him. Appears weak, and walked into his cell, with difficulty, to change his clothes.

10 o'clock. Still dressing. Spoke again of his burial; wished it to be near his friends; preferred Union Church because he had a child, father and sister buried there. Desired that his wife and mother should see his remains - his wife being now at Greenwood Station, N. W. Branch B. & O. R. R., eleven miles from Clarksburg. A Mr. Rider present agreed to take his remains to his (Bumgardner's) friends. And on the agreement of Sheriff Hicks to deliver the body to Mr. Rider, the prisoner said: "May God bless you all."

Sheriff Hicks, and Rev. Mr. Mullenix, his spiritual adviser, came in. The prisoner thanked all for their kindness, and sat down to write. He showed considerable emotion when talking of his wife and three little children; but in writing, no tremor or nervousness. He rested his hopes on the Christian religion - was a Methodist by education. He desired Mr. Mullenix to go with his body to its burial.

10:30. prisoner still writing. parties conversing in the room, but not disturbing the writer, who appeared calm - a hammer sound on the scaffold not disturbing him in the least.

10:55. Finished writing. Complains of injustice to him in some of the published reports, but does not justify his own conduct. Intimates the guilt of others, but said his own sins were pardoned. Seems to feel hurt that he had been published as a "Bushwhacker."

11:10. Prisoner said: "Boys, have any of you got a cigar in your pocket? I have got in such a way of smoking." Cigar given him, and he smoked and talked with ease.

11:18. Sheriff came in, and prisoner gave him the letter he had written - which he read to Sheriff, exhibiting deep emotion, more however, about his family than from fear of death.

11:30. Reading concluded. Sheriff withdrew to open the way to the scaffold. Prisoner put the cigar in his mouth, and seemed the calmest of all in the terrible suspense.

11:35. Sheriff returns and cuts prisoner's finger nails, who says: "Now, I can beat you at that. You ain't afraid of me yet, are you?" - that is, of giving him the knife.

11:45. Cell doors unlocked that the prisoner might take leave of his fellow-prisoners. He said to them: "Boys, my humble thanks for you all. You all have been good friends to me, God bless you. God knows your condition - I don't. My wish is, you all may come to God. I have been pardoned by him. You may be unjustly dealt with, but if your peace is made with God, all will be well. God bless you."

He asked them to sing:

"Why should we start

And fear to die," &c.,

which they did, the prisoner weeping, after which he kneeled and prayed - for his fellow prisoners and his family, for mercy on his accusers - his own doom being unjust.

11:55. Prisoner shakes hands with his fellows, and urges repentence and religion upon them, speaking to each separately, and with much emotion.

12:05. Prisoner is tied, and says: "If you are going to stay here a minute, I will smoke a little more - if not, I am ready."

12:07. The dark hood having been put on his head, the prisoner walked to the scaffold, between Sheriff Hicks and Rev. Mr. Mullenix, and sat down - quite calm. Sheriff read the warrant of death. Coffin at one end of scaffold. Prisoner said:

I feel interested to leave a true record behind. Was born in Pendleton county, Virginia; went from there to Barbour county, then to Harrison county, where I was principally raised, till 19 years old, when I married. Family respectable. i am the first one ever charged with crime. Ought not to have married then - was young and thoughtless. Had a difficulty with and parted from wife. Her friends wanted a writing for divorce, which I gave. Startling point of trouble; began to drink. Took another woman, brought her to Ohio, intending to marry her, but put it off. Lived in Belpre. Was in jail once at Clarksburg on a false charge, but in five days gave bail. Next, on a spree, was arrested for breaking open a store, but cleared. Spoke of difficulty at Belpre. Plead guilty of assault; fined $5 and costs.

Moved to Iowa with this woman. She died, leaving a child 14 days old, which still lives. Started to California, was taken by Indians, and kept tied with a raw hide two weeks. Returned to Virginia, and married present wife in Pocahontas Co., just before the vote taken on secession, day after which left for Kentucky, with his wife. Left that State with Union forces, when Kirby Smith drove them back. Started for friends in Virginia, and was captured by Jenkins and carried to Warm Springs; kept a month and two days as a Yankee Spy, and was badly cared for. Released on taking oath not to go beyond the rebel lines. Was taken by rebel conscription, but did not take up arms - went on enrolling guard. Came to Gallia county, Ohio.

Here (Gallia county) in three weeks, became acquainted with John Woods, who caused his downfall. Last July he went into a wicked plot - ashamed to confess - for counterfeiting, and received $100 counterfeit, and "as purty greenbacks as you ever saw." September 1st went to Burning Springs, found said Woods, and became one of his companions. We chloroformed a doctor near Grafton, and robbed him. Monday, 10th, Eubank was with them, and the plot against Eubank was then laid. Prisoner was to get him to go for his (B's) family. Woods was to meet them, chloroform and rob Eubank, and take his team. No design to murder. Prisoner agreed to scheme.

Woods, prisoner and confederates met at Parkersburg. There changed plan. Prisoner bought Eubank's team, and went with him to Hill's Landing. Prisoner had skiff ready, and one of the confederates came to the wagon. They there induced Eubank to cross the river to rob him. Woods told him there was a dance over the river, and wanted him to go. Eubank went, taking the chain from the wagon to fasten the skiff with, and he never saw him afterwards. The men came back and said they believed they had killed Eubank. Prisoner felt impelled to divulge, said he never had consented to this, but they said if he was going to betray them he should die, too, presenting a revolver.

Prisoner was to take team, they to dispose of body - he knew not how till shown on the trial. Was to meet them at the mouth of Big Sandy, with team; but went the way on which he was arrested.

Said he was being hung for what he did not personally do, though concerned as above stated, and which was not done in this State - the murder was in Virginia. I wish all well, but it will not do to hang a man on circumstantial evidence. "I have become reconciled to my fate, though unjust. Have told the truth before God. God bless you all."

12:26. Prisoner closed. Dispatch handed to Sheriff, from Bumgardner's brother, saying that he was on the road, and asking body to be shipped, &c. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Mullenix. Prisoner affected, and given a glass of water, he drank freely.

1:30. Prisoner kneels on a chair and prays; "O Lord, I humble myself before thee for the last time. Comfort me and sustain me. Lord, it seems hard to suffer this. Bless me. If anything I have said is wrong enable me to correct it. O bless my family and children and comfort them. lord, bless my enemies. Sustain me in this hour. Save me not for anything I have done, but for thy sake. Amen."

1:33. Bid Sheriff and all good bye. Was strong, not nervous or trembling.

1:36. Stepped on trap door. Everything adjusted - hood drawn over the face - prisoner standing erect and praying.

1:40. Trap door fell. Prisoner shrugged his shoulders, and died.

The execution was in strict accordance with the law. Sheriff Hicks had his appointments carefully made, and performed his entire dreadful duties with kindness, with deep feeling, but with firmness.

Divorce Mill Grinds

2011-05-13T22:15:00.000-04:00

The Daily Register, April 13, 1900

Number of New Cases of Domestic Infelicity on the Appearance Docket in Common Pleas Court.

Thursday afternoon was a busy season for Clerk Trotter in Common Pleas Court, several new cases being filed, among which were a number founded on alleged marital troubles of various kinds.

Susan Nelson seeks a divorce from her husband, Frederick Nelson, on the ground of willful absence for more than three years past, gross neglect of duty, habitual drunkenness and unfaithfulness. Mary Moore, of Athens county, is named as co-respondent. The couple were married in Dunham township, May 5th, 1896, and have one child aged three years. The plaintiff asks for a decree of divorce, custody of the child and reasonable alimony.

Mary A. Milbaugh vs. Jacob Milbaugh is the title of another suit founded on alleged cruelty and neglect of duty. The couple were married in Marietta, July 6th, 1881, and have one child nine years old. The plaintiff alleges in her petition that the defendant cursed and threatened to strike and did strike her and ordered her to leave her home. On April 6th, 1900, she left him and has not lived with him as his wife since that date. She asks for custody of the child and alimony.

John W. Hill asks separation from his wife, Rosalie Hill, on the ground of willful absence for more than three years. They were united in marriage, July 18th, 1878, in Wood county, W. Va., and have one child thirteen years of age.

The most sensational suit of the number is that entitled William McGinnis against Frank Stegg, an action for five thousand dollars alleged damages for the alienation of the affections of the plaintiff's wife. The plaintiff charges in his petition that on January 4th, in certain hotel in this city, the defendant wickedly debauched Flora H. McGinnis, wife of the plaintiff, who has thereby suffered great distress of mind and great shame and dishonor.