Historic Spots Marked

 The Marietta Times, December 17, 1891

Marietta, Ohio, November 20, 1891.

To the New Century Historical Society:

Your committee appointed at a recent meeting of the Society, to mark historical spots in and around Marietta, in attempting to discharge this duty, have found themselves surrounded with difficulties innumerable, and in this report, which is respectfully submitted, they but offer the results of broken history in support of their conclusions.

The Well at Fort Harmar, which for years has been disappearing in consequence of the crumbling of the river bank and the innovations of man, after diligent search was identified, and unmistakably marked by being covered at its mouth by an immense mill stone.*

The place of the Landing of the Pioneers April 7, 1788, (to one of your committee pointed out by one of that number, Amos Porter, many years since), was as nearly marked as possible, and the marking was as follows: An iron rod one inch in diameter and three feet eight inches in length, was driven even with the surface of the ground, near the mouth of Monroe street, on the bank of the Muskingum river, on the lower side of the gully, 71 feet from the southwest corner of the Dudley Devol house, which point is 10 degrees E of N from the iron rod. From the iron rod to the upper corner of the Nye Foundry, 122 feet 4 inches in southeast direction. The iron rod was placed 33 feet 2 inches in a direct line to outer curb of pavement 20 degrees northeast.

Picketed Point - Marked as follows: An iron rod, three feet eight inches long, driven even with the surface of the ground at the southwest corner, near the confluence of the rivers. This rod placed near the centre of the road now traveled, 122 feet 4 inches, 15 degrees W of N from the lower corner of office of Nye Foundry.

The southeast corner, marked by iron rod drive in landing 58 feet from the west corner of the Flat Iron Corner store house built and formerly owned by Dudley Woodbridge (near Boiler Corner); direction from rod 15 degrees west of north.

The northeast corner, marked as other corners, is back of the Ebinger building, now occupied by Mr. Sulzbacher, 90 feet from the east line of Front street, 12 feet 6 inches from the northeast corner of building, 106 feet from the south line of Butler street.

The northwest corner, marked by iron rod placed near Muskingum river bank 106 feet south of south line of Butler, 36 feet west of building.

For a more full account of the subject matter treated in this report, inquiring minds are referred to the invaluable work of Dr. S. P. Hildreth, entitled Pioneer History, published in 1848.

Your committee would respectfully ask further time for investigation, and to be allowed in the future to report upon other points of interest.

Committee:

George M. Woodbridge

William H. Leeper

J. D. Cadwallader

Note - *This is the stone spoken of as follows in Delafield's Washington County History in 1831, page 28: "In making a pair of mill stones out of a block from a quarry in Salem township, there were discovered the marks of some ancient working of the same stone, and on penetrating to the depth of a few inches, there was an iron wedge discovered, firmly imbedded in the rock. The stone with this wedge in it is now the upper mill stone in Mr. Merriam's mill in Salem township." Mr. M. in after years removed his mill to the Muskingum near mouth of Bear Creek, and this stone in 1887 was taken from the river by Capt. Sayre, Sidney Ridgway and G. M. Woodbridge.

The Stockade - Campus Martius

 The Marietta Leader, August 30, 1890

To the Marietta Leader:

The size and location of the "Stockade" built by the Ohio Company at Marietta and called by them "Campus Martius" is thus defined by Dudley S. Nye, Esq., in presenting the Woman's Centennial Association with a section of one of the picketts which were placed around the fort for its greater protection during the Indian War.

Mr. Nye writes, "The 'Butt' or piece of wood now in possession of your Society presented by me for preservation through you, is the butt or lower end of one of the picketts in the outer wall, or protection around the 'Stockade' or 'Campus Martius', (so called by the Ohio Company), situated between Second and Front, and Washington and St. Clair streets in Marietta, Ohio.

The 'Stockade' or Fort was about 200 feet square. Outside of Corner Block Houses (and settlers houses between), there was around all a row of 'picketts,' made of trunks of trees set in the ground, close together, upright, and about 12 to 14 feet high and from 12 to 15 feet from the buildings.

When Washington Street was being widened and graded, or the wagon way widened by digging down the hill, 1843-44, I saw distinctly in the face of the cut the line of the picketts, the butts of which had been left in the ground (when cut down at the close of the Indian War) all so decayed that they would not hold together, except this butt which I took from the earth nearly opposite the Ohio Company's Land Office (on the opposite side of the street, owned and occupied by my father, Arius Nye, as a Law Office) and near the middle of the Southeast front of the Stockade. The butt has been in my possession ever since."

Mr. Nye lived from childhood to manhood in the General Rufus Putnam house, corner of Second and Washington streets, owned by his father. He is perfectly familiar with all the ancient landmarks of Campus Martius, now nearly all obliterated, and is probably the only person in Marietta who can define them from personal observation.

A.

Messrs. William & Bro.'s Historical Enterprise

 The Marietta Register, November 25, 1880

The writers in the employ of Messrs. H. Z. Williams & Bro., the projectors of the forthcoming history of Washington County, desire us to state that they have begun work in Marietta and at other points in their field, and that in course of time they will interview all old residents and others in the possession of valuable facts of local history. They desire that all may have an opportunity of contributing to the compilation of the volume upon which they are engaged and respectfully request that individuals throughout the county shall endeavor to refresh their memories of local events and bring to light whatever they may possess in the way of written or printed matter bearing upon Marietta or the county at large.

It is especially desired that those persons who are the depositories of information upon special topics shall be in readiness to give the fullest details possible upon those topics whatever they may be. The writers would feel obliged to those who have MSS or printed matter upon any of the institutions or interests of any locality in the county, will make such fact known to them, either personally or by letter, and so facilitate their search for facts. Communications should be addressed to H. Z. Williams & Brother, Marietta, Ohio. Anything concerning churches, schools, cemeteries, early events, or important later events, river navigation and improvement, old business houses, manufacturing establishments, etc., etc., will be particularly acceptable.

The publishers desire and intend to make their history of Washington County a comprehensive and exhaustive work. To this end they solicit the aid of all who are now residents or who may have been residents of the county, but who have located elsewhere. The volume will contain not less than 450 royal quarto pages, and be printed in the best style of the art, and with clear, large type, upon heavy tinted paper. It will contain among its illustrations sketches of historical objects and portraits of pioneers and prominent men of the county. Owing to the size of the volume, the broad scope of the work and the extraordinarily large task that the writers have before them in this classic ground, the company, although employing about eighteen or twenty men in all departments, will be unable to conclude its labors before the middle of next year.

M.

The Old Johnson House

The Marietta Register, September 21, 1871

The old "Johnson house" on Fifth Street, just below Washington, has been bought by James Stevens, who is repairing it.

This house has an interesting history. It was built (except the weather boarding) out of materials from the original Stockade, erected on Washington Street in 1788, by the first settlers here. The logs inside of the weather boarding are now partly exposed.

It was also the first house in which the Methodists in Marietta held their meetings in the early part of this century. It was then the residence of Jonas Johnson, the most active and prominent Methodist of this place in those days.

The first Methodist meeting in town was a Camp Meeting held near the Stockade Landing in 1804, at which Mr. Johnson was converted. On the organization of the Methodists Church here in 1805, he became the first Class Leader. Tradition tells us that his house used to be stoned, when meetings were held there, the windows broken, squibs fired, and the chimney covered with boards to smoke and annoy the worshipers.

New Washing Machine

The Marietta Intelligencer, June 18, 1846

Certificates.

Belpre, Ohio, Nov. 12, 1845.

We have used Mr. Clark's Washington Machine, and find it superior to any that we have used, cleansing the clothes with less ware and labor.

Edwin Guthrie

Hugh Wiley

Seymour Clough

Tupper's Plains, Nov. 15, 1845

I have used Mr. Clark's Washing Machine and find it superior to any that I have ever used. The saving of labor is equal to one half, and without any ware to clothes; when washed they are much cleaner.

Susan Green

This may certify that we have been using Mr. Nathaniel Clark's Washing Machine for about six months, and find it to be superior to any other that we have ever had. My wife says that it saves half of the labor, and it makes the clothes much cleaner.

Marietta, Nov. 24, 1845. Joseph Kelly

This is to certify that Mr. Nathaniel Clark, of Marietta, Washington county, O. left with my wife a Metallic Washing Machine, which he claims as his own invention. On using it in my family, I was informed by my wife that it answered a much better purpose than one made of wood, or any wooden one that she ever had used. In consequence thereof, I recommend the same pattern to the public, for its superiority to any other machine whatever.

Marietta, O. Nov. 24, 1845. J. Gabaudan

My family have one of Mr. Clark's Washing Machines in use, and fully concur in the above recommendation.

William Holden

I have had one of Mr. Clark's Machines in use in my family, and find it to be superior to any other machine we ever used or saw in use.

Marietta, Dec. 16 1845. John O. Cram.

We fully concur in the above. It is an excellent machine for the purpose named.

A. L. Guitteau

S. P. Hildreth

Clark Middleeswart

Owen Franks

William Fay

B. F. Dyar

Selden N. Merriam

John Swift

Charlotte Cockings

E. Gates

Robert Lyon

Eliza Jennings

This is to certify that I have seen used most kinds of Washing Machines; but the Washing Machine that Mr. N. Clark has invented is the best that I have seen. My wife says she can wash clothes as clean with his machine, without boiling, as she can with the old fashion with boiling, and they look much cleaner, and it saves one half the labor and soap.

Darius Towsley, of Marietta, O.

A supply of these Machines may be found at W. Holden's Store, or at the Shop of the manufacturer, in Marietta.

N. Clark

June 17, 1846

Columbia or Marietta?

United States Chronicle (Providence), August 9, 1787

Just Received, and to be sold by the printer hereof,

A New Map

Of the western Parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North-Carolina, comprehending the River Ohio, and all the Rivers that fall into it; Part of the River Mississippi, the Whole of the Illinois River, Lake Erie, Part of the Lakes Huron, Michigan, &c. and all the Country bordering on those Lakes and Rivers.

Done from actual Surveys by THOMAS HUTCHINS, Esq., Geographer-General to the United States.

Also,

A Pamphlet containing a Topographical Description of the western Parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North-Carolina, comprehending the Rivers Ohio, Kenhawa, Muskingum, Sioto, Kentucke, Cherokee, Wabash, Illinois, Mississippi, &c., the Soil, Climate and Produce, whether Animal or Mineral; the Mountains, Creeks, Roads, Distances, Latitudes, &c. of every Part, laid down in the aforementioned MAP; with a Plan of the Rapids of the Ohio, and of the several Villages in the Illinois Country, done on Copperplate; also, a Table of the Distances between Fort Pitt and the Mouth of the Ohio, and a correct List of the different Nations and Tribes of Indians, with the Number of Fighting Men, &c.

Published by Mr. Hutchins.

* * * A Plan of the new Town COLUMBIA, which is proposed to be built on the River MUSKINGUM, at its Confluence with the OHIO, may be seen at the Printing-Office, Westminster-Street.

Providence, August 1, 1787.

A Lost Son

American Friend, December 24, 1819

On the 17th July I landed at Baltimore, from England, with a part of my family and immediately started for the western country. My son William Collis started at the same time for Pittsburgh, and we parted on our journey thence. After waiting at Pittsburgh some time, I left that place for Marietta, Ohio, where I now reside, waiting intelligence from my son, whom I have not since heard from and do not know where he is. If he is yet alive he will find me at Marietta, Ohio, to which place he is requested to write me immediately.

William Collis

Dec. 21, 1819.

Printers throughout the states of Ohio and western part of Virginia will confer a favor on me by giving the above a few insertions.

W.C.

Historic Spots Marked

The Marietta Times, December 17, 1891

Marietta, O., Nov. 20, 1891.

To the New Century Historical Society:

Your committee appointed at a recent meeting of the Society to mark historical spots in and around Marietta, in attempting to discharge this duty, have found themselves surrounded with difficulties innumerable and in this report, which is respectfully submitted, they but offer the results of broken history in support of their conclusions.

The Well at Fort Harmar, which for years has been disappearing in consequence of the crumbling of the riverbank and the innovations of man, after diligent search was identified and unmistakable marked by being covered at its mouth by an immense mill stone. Note - This is the stone spoken of as follows in Delafield's Washington County History in 1831, page 28: "In making a pair of mill stones out of a block from a quarry in Salem Township, there were discovered the marks of some ancient working of the same stone, and on penetrating to the depth of a few inches, there was an iron wedge discovered, firmly imbedded in the rock. The stone with this wedge in it is now the upper mill stone in Mr. Merriam's mill in Salem Township." Mr. M. in after years removed his mill to the Muskingum near mouth of Bear Creek, and this stone in 1887 was taken from the river by Capt. Sayre, Sidney Ridgeway and G. M. Woodbridge.

The place of the Landing of the Pioneers, April 7, 1788, (to one of your committee pointed out by one of that number, Amos Porter, many years since) was as nearly marked as possible, and the marking was as follows:

An iron rod once inch in diameter and three feet eight inches in length was driven even with the surface of the ground, near the mouth of Monroe Street, on the bank of the Muskingum River, on the lower side of the gully, 71 feet from the southwest corner of the Dudley Devol house, which point is 10 degrees E of N from the iron rod. From the iron rod to the upper corner of the Nye Foundry, 122 feet 4 inches in southeast direction. The iron rod was placed 33 feet 2 inches in a direct line to the outer curb of pavement 20 degrees northeast.

Picketed Point - Marked as follows: An iron rod, three feet eight inches long, driven even with the surface of the ground at the southwest corner, near the confluence of the rivers. This rod placed near the center of the road now traveled, 122 feet 4 inches, 15 degrees W of N from lower corner of office of Nye Foundry.

The southeast corner, marked by iron rod drive in landing 58 feet from the west corner of the Flat Iron Corner store house built and formerly owned by Dudley Woodbridge (near Boiler Corner); direction from rod 15 degrees west of north.

The northeast corner, marked as other corners, in back of the Ebinger building, now occupied by Mr. Sulzbacher, 90 feet from the east line of Front Street, 12 feet 6 inches from the northeast corner of building, 106 feet from the south line of Butler Street.

The northwest corner, marked by iron rod placed near Muskingum River bank 106 feet south of south line of Butler, 36 feet west of building.

For a more full account of the subject matter treated in this report, inquiring minds are referred to the invaluable work of Dr. S. P. Hildreth, entitled Pioneer History, published in 1848.

Your committee would respectfully ask further time for investigation, and to be allowed in the future to report upon other points of interest.

Committee:

George M. Woodbridge

William H. Leeper

J. D. Cadwallader

Letter From Marietta

Weekly Messenger [Boston], January 15, 1818

Marietta, Nov. 11, 1817

Dear Friend - I now take this opportunity to inform you that we arrived here all in good health. I crossed the Ohio River at Charleston, Oct. 18th, 80 miles below Pittsburg, then went about 90 miles to Sairville - then I struck the Muskingum - then I went down by land sixty miles to Marietta.

I find this to be a poor, muddy hole; the mud here is more disagreeable than the snow in Massachusetts. My advice to all my friends is not to come to this Country. I intent to leave it as soon as the spring opens, and mean to be back before May is out. And there is not one in a hundred but what is discontented, but they can't get back having spent all their property in getting here.

It is the most broken country that I ever saw. Poor lean Pork is 12 cents per lb. They sell Salt at 4 cents the lb., poor dry Fish is 20 cents per lb. The Corn is miserable and we cannot get it ground, we have to pound it, those who have Lanterns grate it. Rum is 25 cts. a gill. Sugar is 37 cts. per lb. and as for Molasses, there is none. Iron is 12-1/2 cents per lb.

My horses stood the journey well. They are yet alive and in good health and flesh, but they tell me every day they are homesick and want to go back. They say they were good servants to bring me here, but will be better to carry me back.

This Country has been the ruin of a great many poor people. It has undone a great many poor souls forever.

There has been a great freshet in Marietta. They had to drive the Cattle back to the hills, and to paddle all thro' town into their houses. I wish you to show this letter to all my friends, especially to Mr. Wyman and to write me as soon as possible.

Zacheus Parker

[To:] Mr. Daniel Wells

Belpre Library takes the Palm for Age

 The Marietta Times, April 29, 1880

During the Centennial year, a work on the public libraries of America was issued by Gen. John Eaton, United States Commissioner of Education. In this work was an article from the pen of Professor Venable of Cincinnati, in which he stated that the Queen City Library was the oldest in the Northwest. This was immediately disputed by the Athens County Pioneer Association, and later by citizens of Belpre, Washington County. As a consequence General Eaton appointed a commission to investigate the claims of the several localities. The report of this commission has just been forwarded to Washington. It is as follows:

Columbus, Ohio, March 15, 1880

Hon. Mr. Eaton, National Commissioner of Education

Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

The undersigned, who were secured by you as a committee before whom could be brought claims and proofs of priority in the establishment of social (or public, as distinguished from private) libraries in the Northwestern Territory, beg leave to report that they have had before them the claims of three localities, viz: 1. Cincinnati; 2. Ames Township, Athens County, and 3. Belpre, Washington County, and that they are unanimously of the opinion that the claim of the last named place has been made good.

The evidence upon which they rely consists of the two following documents furnished in a letter of President I. W. Andrews of Marietta, dated March 1879, to the Marietta Register, and republished in the Cincinnati Gazette, the genuineness of the documents being certified to by that gentleman.

First - A receipt in the following terms:

Marietta, October 2d, 1796

Received of Jonathan Stone, by the hand of Benjamin Miles, ten dollars for his share in the Putnam Family Library.

W. P. Putnam, Clerk.

Second - A record in the Probate office of Washington County, among the items in the inventory of the estate of Jonathan Stone, dated September 2, 1801, reads thus:

"One share in the Putnam Library, $10."

It seems clear to your committee from these documents that the "Putnam Family Library," here referred to, was a social library with stockholders and officers, and that it was in existence in October, 1796. This antedates by a number of years the other claims. The library seems after a time to have been merged into the "Belpre Library," or "Belpre Farmers' Library."

Your committee does not find sufficient facts upon which to decide between the Cincinnati and the Ames libraries as to priority of inception. There seems no doubt that the Ames' Library Association was definitely organized in 1802, and quite probably in 1801. The first funds raised for the purchase of books were derived from the sale of raccoon and bear skins, which were sent on to Boston early in the summer of 1803, the first books being purchased in August, 1803, and reaching their destination in December, 1803.

The Committee consider it proved that the Cincinnati Library was organized in March 1802, and they count it entirely probably that this library was supplied with books at this time.

As to sustained vigor and efficient service in this community, the "Western Library Association," the "Coonskin," of Ames, seems clearly to have surpassed all its competitors.

Respectfully submitted,

Edward Orton

Isaiah Pillars

J. J. Burns

It may be added as a matter of interest that the Athens Pioneer Association, through Mr. A. B. Walker, Secretary, have expressed their pleasure at the favorable mention of the Ames' library, although regretting that the facts did not enable the Committee to award them the credit for the greatest age. The work of the Commission was largely performed by State School Commissioner Burns.

Ohio Statesman

Conestoga Wagon Found By Scouts

The Marietta Daily Times, April 7, 1937

A Conestoga wagon, first type of American wagon used after the old British army wagon, is in Campus Martius Museum. It is one of the early ones built in Pennsylvania where the name "Conestoga" was given this type of vehicle because it was first built at Conestoga, Pa.

Marietta Boy Scouts are responsible for uncovering the relic which is in the museum basement. It was found in the loft of an old dilapidated barn on the old Buck farm near Swift. The Buck farm is now the Boy Scout reservation.

The wagon was brought to the lower section of the Muskingum Valley in the early 1830s by John Buck, who settled on a farm of 300 acres that remained in the Buck family generations until the Boy Scout organization bought the farm. Buck was one of the contractors who built Luke Chute dam in the Muskingum when the state of Ohio made slack water improvements in building all the dams between Marietta and Zanesville. He brought his family to the lower Muskingum Valley in the wagon. For many decades it lay forgotten in the old barn, until it was discovered and restored by the Boy Scouts.

The wagon bed was in good condition when found by the scouts. It was necessary to put in new parts underneath, including wheel axles. It still has the genuine handwoven fabric top and the tar bucket hangs underneath.

Letter From Robert Oliver

Gazette of the United States, July 21, 1790

From the Hampshire Gazette -

Mr. Butler -  As every information from gentlemen of veracity relative to the Ohio Company is likely to be of public utility, I send you the following extract of a letter from Col. Robert Oliver, who has lived there almost two years, not doubting but it will be agreeably received by your customers in general, and in particular those interested in said Country - the public service being my only motive. I am yours, &c. William Sizer.

Wolf[creek], May 25, 1790.

Dear Sir, 

I shall endeavor to answer your letter methodically and, in the first place, do assure you the report that we were obliged to move to the city on account of the Indians, was every part thereof false and without the least foundation. The Indians have killed one man and stole some horses, which is all the mischief they have done on the purchase since my arrival. They appear to be very friendly and to bear a great regard for the Yankies, as they call us.

I lived at the city the first winter, and in the spring took up my land at this place, and undertook with three others to build mills, which we have completed and they are of the first rate.I raised last season about 100 bushels of corn, some potatoes, turnips, &c. &c. I moved my family here last September and have lived her ever since - have not been in the last disturbed. I have caught near two barrels of fish, some suckers, perch and pike; I have taken pike here of 24 lb. They appear to be of the same kind of the pickerel in New England.

I like my situation well, my land is exceeding good. You wish to know the summer season. It would not be worthwhile to give you a detail of every day. Let it suffice to say, the summer season appears to be well calculated to nourish the growth of the fruits of the earth. The weather in summer is not warmer, as I can perceive, than in New England, but of longer duration. 

The bottom land is as heavy timbered in general as the beech and maple land in Chester. The hills are oak and hickory, the most beautiful timber for building I ever saw. The face of the earth is not covered with stones as in New England, but they appear to be in quarries and are discovered upon the sides of hills and at the sides and bottom of creeks. They are almost, or entirely, either lime or free stone. The free stone makes as good grind stones as the Nova Scotia stone and are excellent for building. We have plenty of good clay. The boards the joiners use are yellow poplar, cherry and black walnut, of which there is great plenty.

The hills are about one mile from the Ohio at the mouth of the Muskingum. This is not all bottom land, part of it is what we call second bottom, and part an oak plain. The land at or near the point is flowed, I believe, once a year at least, occasioned by the water of the Ohio and Muskingum overflowing their banks, they being somewhat low. This is also the case with some part of the bottoms up the Muskingum. These bottoms will not bear wheat at present, for they are by far too rich, but the plains and hills appear to be excellent for wheat.

You request to know how many families there are at or near Marietta, but of this I am unable to inform you. There are three settlements here, one at Marietta, one down the Ohio and commences about twelve miles from Marietta and continues for near six miles. There is another at this place of about sixteen families, besides men who have not got their families and a number of single men. This settlement is about fourteen miles by land, but twenty-four by water, from Marietta. 

Provisions the last summer were very plenty. Flour sold at two dollars per hundred weight, bacon seven pence and eight pence per pound, whiskey three shillings and sixpence and four shillings per gallon, and almost every other necessary of life was sold at as low a rate. But provisions are now scarce and high. A vast quantity of flour is gone down to New Orleans (at the mouth of the Mississippi), but although provisions are scarce I believe we shall make a rub of it, and with a common blessing shall raise this year double the quantity of grain necessary for the support of the people on the ground. 

I must close my letter by giving you my real judgment (and it is founded partly on reason and partly on experience) on the difference between supporting a family here and with you. Take farms of a middling quality and equal improvements, I can raise three pounds of pork, two of beef, two of wool, two yards of common broad cloth, two pounds of butter, two and a half of bread, and two of all sorts of vegetables, as easy as you can one in New England. Believe me, Sir, I do not exaggerate.

.  

News From Marietta

The Massachusetts Spy, April 16, 1789

Extract of a letter from Marietta: "The progress of the settlement is sufficiently rapid for the first year. We are continually erecting houses, but arrivals are faster than we can possibly provide convenient coverings. Our first ball was opened about the middle of December, at which were fifteen ladies as well accomplished in the manners of polite circles as any I have ever seen in the old states. I mention this to shew the progress of society in this new world, where I believe we shall vie with, if not excel, the old states in every accomplishment necessary to render life agreeable and happy."

Rufus Putnam House

Sunday Morning Observer, September 30, 1917

The Rufus Putnam house, standing at the corner of Second and Washington streets, is probably second to the oldest house in the entire state and in the early days of the pioneers this historic old building housed the first school founded in Marietta. The building, which was one of the Campus Martius houses, was erected in the summer and fall of 1788.

It was built as a residence for General Rufus Putnam, facing on Washington Street and next adjoining the southeast corner of the block house. After the Indian War, General Putnam enlarged and improved the residence. Several years later he tore down a part of the block house and used a portion of it to build a wing kitchen on the Second Street side of his home. It was to this house he moved his family in 1790 and it was there he resided until his death in May, 1824.

During his life in Marietta, General Putnam had no other residence, except in the early summer of 1788 when he domiciled in his tent at "The Point," near the A. T. Nye and Son foundry.

Two years after the death of General Putnam, Arius Nye moved with his family into the house at the corner of Second and Washington streets. In 1831 he purchased the property from the heirs of Rufus Putnam. He made his home there until his death, July, 1865.

The last piece of wood from the old blockhouse was removed from the grounds in 1847, when Mr. Nye tore from his house the wing kitchen. At this time all the other buildings of the historic old fort had been removed.

Contrary to the belief of many Mariettans, the Rufus Putnam house was never a block house. It is now the Chapter House of the Daughters of the Revolution.

 

Birthday of Andrew Twiggs

The Marietta Times, November 23, 1882

Lower Salem, Ohio, November 9, 1882. Today we had the privilege of meeting at the residence of Mr. Andrew Twiggs, Sr., for the purpose of celebrating his 77th birthday. When the morning dawned, he felt rejoiced to think that he had been spared to see another birthday, and by 10 o'clock he rejoiced greatly to see his sons, daughters, grandchildren and other relatives gathering in for the purpose of having a good time. They continued to come until there were 51 in all. 

After they had all gathered the women set to work preparing dinner for the happy family. Many hands make quick work, so dinner was soon prepared and as soon dispatched. The afternoon was passed in playing croquet, cracking nuts, passing jokes, etc. After they had all enjoyed themselves enough for one day they departed to their respective homes, leaving the old gentleman feeling younger than some of his boys. Thinking the history of Mr. Twiggs might be interesting to some who know him, we will endeavor to produce it.

He was born in York County, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and came to Ohio when only two years old in a wagon, stopping at what is now known as Whipple Station. He lived with Asa Perkins, near Bonn, until he was 18 years of age and from there he went to Newport, where he worked two years with Mr. Newman to learn the carpenter's trade, and he became an accomplished workman. 

He was married to Miss Maria Miller in the year 1827. At this time his circumstances were such that he had to make rails at 15 cents per hundred to get his license, he then being able to cut and split 200 per day. After he was married and expenses paid for the same, he had not one cent left to commence with, and having a determination to accomplish something, he went to work with a will. 

When they moved to themselves, a little one-horse sled carried their stock of goods to a little old log house farm now known as the Moses Blake farm. Here he resided for two years; from thence he removed to the place where he now lives. The place at that time was a perfect wilderness, but by hard work he succeeded in clearing up his farm, making an honest and respectable living. 

He has also raised a family of eleven children, all of which are living yet, save one daughter that died about six years ago. The family consists of seven sons and four daughters. His oldest child is 54 years of age and his youngest is 28. He also has 46 grandchildren, all of which are living but seven, and he had three great-grandchildren. He has lived to see the commencement of the fourth generation and is still able to do considerable work yet. 

We now leave the subject, hoping that his remaining days may be spent happily.

Gilbert

 

Navigation of Duck Creek

The Marietta Register, November 30, 1923

It is not generally known that way back there in the yesteryears when the people who were in the harness in building up Washington County were looking into the future as they made every effort to solve the transportation problem to such a depth that they attempted to harness the waters of Duck Creek and to this end a company was formed and the work begun.

Some headway was made and at a session of the Ohio Legislature, an act was passed incorporating the "Duck Creek Navigation Company," authorizing said company to improve the navigation of said creek by slack water; in pursuance thereof a meeting of the Commissioners appointed by said act was held in Salem Township on the 4th day of May, 1837, to take into consideration the expediency of opening books to receive subscriptions to the stock of said company. A majority of said commissioners being present, a meeting was organized by calling Harry Hill to the chair and appointing Joel Tuttle secretary. The following resolution was then offered and unanimously adopted by the meeting: 

Resolved, That we deem it expedient that books shall be opened, agreeably to the act entitled, "An act to incorporate the Duck Creek navigation Company," for subscriptions to the stock of said company at Marietta, Fearing, Salem and Aurelius in the County of Washington and State of Ohio.

On motion it was moved that six of said commissioners be appointed to open the books to receive subscriptions to the stock of said company at such time and place as they may deem expedient. Whereupon, the following persons were appointed for that purpose, viz: William W. McIntosh, Selden N. Merriam, James Dutton, James M. Amlin, Harry Hill, Silas Hobby. 

It is hereby given that one hundred shares have been subscribed to the stock of the "Duck Creek Navigation Company," agreeably to the requisition of the 4th section of the act of the Ohio Legislature incorporating said company, and that a meeting of the stockholders will be held at the school house in Salem Township near the house of Rufus Payne on the 3rd day of June, 1837, at 6 o'clock a.m., for the purpose of electing five directors to manage the concerns of said company.

By order of the Commissioners.

May 6, 1837. Joel Tuttle, Secretary.

 
 

Businesses of 1808

The Ohio Gazette & Virginia Herald, November 17, 1808

Lewis Anderson

Respectfully informs his friends and the public that he has recommenced the Tayloring Business, in the house formerly occupied by Dudley Woodbridge, Jr., on Ohio Street, where orders will be punctually attended to on the most reasonable terms, and every satisfaction given to the public in his power; which he presumes will not be underserving of their notice, from his general knowledge of his trade and his unremitted attention to business and constant endeavor to Please.

Case & Funk

Respectfully inform their friends and the public in general, that they have commenced the Boot and Shoe-Making Business, at the house formerly occupied by D. Woodbridge, Jr., as a store, on Ohio Street; where orders in their line of business will be thankfully received, and the work executed with neatness and punctuality.

Home Life in Campus Martius

Sunday Morning Observer, April 22, 1917

From history and traditions handed down by our grandmother we learn much of the primitive way the pioneers had to live for many years. Salt, flour, dishes, etc., had to be brought to Pittsburgh from the East on pack horses, and brought down the Ohio on barges.

There were shops in the fort wherein were forges, anvil and bellows, here almost everything was made and repaired as the account books from 1796 down many years, show us. Mexican dollars were used in making teaspoons, tablespoons and ladies' thimbles, also gold beads (for our vain grandmothers). The swedges in which all of these were finished up are still in existence. Spoons made in that period and beads are still held sacred by late descendants today. Nails, door latches, tools, benches, tables, chests, etc., were made in these shops.

We read in account books of R. J. Meigs and Blennerhassett having knee buckles made or repaired. The dishes in common use were called wooden trenches, but for gala days, birthdays, Christmas and weddings, the families put their pewter dishes (brought from the East) together to make a spread. These pewter dishes shone like silver. One pewter turkey platter can be seen at this time (much corroded) on which a wild turkey has reposed many times on grandmother's table.

To roast these turkeys they were suspended in front of a log fire, a pan underneath, then the fowl was frequently turned and basted until entirely done. Other wild meats were cooked in the same way. Rye and "Ingin" bread was baked in the iron bake ovens before the fire.

White hickory ashes were made into pearlash to use with buttermilk. The tables and benches in common use were made of puncheon boards (logs sawed lengthwise with bark off) with crude legs underneath.

Torches were the main lights at night within the fort. For individual use a saucer of lard with a wick was often used until tallow could be obtained years later, then dip candles were made to lighten their homes.

Cows were driven over the mountains or brought down in barges. In these also sheep and pigs were brought. To milk a cow, our grandmothers were sheltered and protected by the father or sons with a musket in hand and eyes on the hills for the hidden Indians.

Home-made cloth, woolen and flaxen supplied the pioneers for nearly ten years, for winter and summer use. Calico would have been considered a luxury.

Thus thirty families and over a hundred children did their best during the Indian war and afterward to create this new settlement which we enjoy today.

The Sundays of these Puritan pioneers were kept sacredly and adhering almost to the old Bible command not to pick up sticks on the Sabbath day. It was considered wrong at that time to write letters on this day.

The noted Mary Lake, seeing all the restless children on the Sabbath, thought to gather them together and teach them, thus organizing the first Sunday School in the Northwest Territory. We imagine all these little folks sitting on the puncheon benches listening to the Christ story and being taught the Lord's Prayer, the ten commandments and Scripture verses. Mary Lake likes in Rainbow cemetery honored by a monument to her memory, erected by the Sabbath schools of Washington County.

There were some deprivations in the Civil War almost equal to those of our forefathers. Browned bran and molasses was the coffee; flour, beans and sugar were scarce; calico from 45 cents to a dollar per yard. Pork was the main meat of those at home, and in the warfare. People are anticipating some such conditions now. Time will tell.

                                                                                      S. M. M.

Marietta Commons

American Friend, September 27, 1816

Fellow Citizens of Marietta.

The following statement may be some information to those of you who were not at the first settlement of this place. The Ohio Company held up as an inducement to settlers, a large and extensive commons to consist of 4000 acres, to remain for the use of the citizens of this town forever; and their agent was ordered to lay off the same at, and near the confluence of the Muskingum with the Ohio, as appears of record. After this, a meeting of the said company was held in this place and the superintendent was directed to lay out 3000 acres of the said commons into three-acre lots; it was so done, and they are now held by themselves or heirs.

Some have asserted that Marietta never had any commons; if so, from what common was it that the 1000 three-acre lots were laid off? And, if there had been no common, would the proprietors of the Ohio Company have resolved to lay out the three-acre lots in the manner above mentioned? Could the Ohio Company have given to the citizens of Marietta any better title to the said lands, than by their resolutions, and laying off the same agreeably thereto? Can they afterward divest us of our rights and convey the property to others? I say no - with no more propriety than I could give to two different persons, warrantee deeds of the same piece of land, and of course the title which the Ohio Company has given to the three-acre lots and to the fractions of the 4,000 acres, is good for nothing. Judges of law say that if the 4,000 acres were laid out as commons, they are commons still.

Will the citizens of Marietta quietly suffer themselves to be divested of their rights? It is presumed not, and therefore hoped that they will attend the town meeting to be held on the 5th of October at 8 o'clock A.M.

A Friend to just rights and privileges.

 

Campus Martius Room

The Marietta Register, April 7, 1883

One of the rooms of Campus Martius is still standing as it stood originally, though enclosed as a room in a house. The house also stands on an adjoining lot 18 feet square, for which Dr. H. B. Shipman has a deed. He will need a lawyer to get possession however.