Belpre's Martha Washington Tea Party

The Marietta Times, May 5, 1881

The Martha Washington Tea Party given by the Ladies' Temperance Union in the basement of the congregational Church last Thursday evening netted a handsome sum. The attendance was much larger than the most enthusiastic workers anticipated. Early in the afternoon a rain storm set in which made things look unfavorable for success, but long before night people commenced gathering, and by 8 o'clock the house was densely packed.

Two large tables were spread, one representing an old-fashioned entertainment with olden time dishes (some of which were 100 years old) with pork, baked beans, doughnuts, corn bread, &c., and presided over by Mrs. A. W. Glazier as Martha Washington, dressed in olden time costume. In fact, we are told that some thought she was the veritable Martha Washington. The hostess was assisted by six young ladies with short dresses and low shoes. 

The other table was gotten up in a more modern and fashionable style, being loaded down with all the delicacies that could be procured with Mrs. James Mitchell as Lucy Hayes at the head of the table, assisted by six young ladies in fancy costume. 

Beside the large tables there were side tables with ice cream, cakes, candies and flowers, which were for sale at reasonable prices. Everything was sold and ate up except a very large fine cake donated to the Society by Mr. and Mrs. James Daniels of the steamer Hudson. The cake was offered for sale, but not bringing a satisfactory price, was presented by the ladies to Mrs. Lucy Hay(s) Mitchell. The proceeds will be devoted to the furtherance of the temperance cause in this community.

This is said to be the most social gathering ever had in Belpre. Old and young, rich and poor, high and low, were gathered seemingly not only to have good old-fashioned social time, but to make this a new starting point from which to push the temperance cause with renewed vigor in this community.

Woman Full Citizen Now, So of Course She'll Hunt With a Gun

 Marietta Daily Times, November 11, 1920

Women vote. Why shouldn't they hunt?

Feminine applicants for hunting licenses though are rare at the office of Clerk of Courts. And so when Mrs. Mary McNutt of near Westview appeared shortly before noon on Thursday, there was a mild sensation back of the counter.

"I didn't want to get it," Mrs. McNutt commented, after confessing to 43 years, 130 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes and a height of five feet, two inches.

"It was all his fault," referring doubtless to Mr. McNutt. "That's something I don't care anything about, but he argued all the time for me to go. And I didn't want to go without a license. They're so strict any more, anybody don't dare to even go along without a permit."

"Are you going to take a gun," Deputy Metcalf wanted to know.

"Well, I'll say I am," the huntress replied with spirit. "Think I'm going to run the rabbits down for him?"

"That's a dollar and a quarter thrown away," she declared after asking and being informed as to the fee. "But he's argued with me now for the last week."

Brave Girls Sound Alarm

 The Register-Leader, January 12, 1907

Remaining at Their Post of Duty at the Peril of Their Lives.

Called Out the Firemen.

Who by Valiant Work Saved the Business Part of Lowell from Destructive Flames - Midnight Fire Causes Two Thousand Dollar Loss.

The business part of the town of Lowell was threatened with destruction by flames shortly after ten o'clock Friday night, and but for the heroic work of a couple of young ladies at the telephone exchange, who at the risk of their lives, awakened the town, there would have been a disastrous fire. As it was, one of the main business blocks of the town was gutted by the flames, entailing damages which will aggregate about two thousand dollars.

Shortly after ten o'clock, a man on the street discovered that the Mattern Block at the corner of Front and Walnut streets was on fire. The blaze had started on the lower floor, which is occupied by Mrs. Esther L. Newton's millinery and dress-making establishment. The blinds were down at the time, but the man was attracted by breaking glass on the inside of the building.

The young ladies on duty at the Lowell Telephone Exchange, Misses Maude Williamson and Nellie Gray, were informed of the fire, and they at once sounded the alarm. In spite of the fact that the telephone building is located alongside of the Mattern Block and was every minute threatened by the flames, the young ladies remained bravely at their post until they had awakened the entire town. When they left the building, after the firemen had arrived, the smoke was so dense in the exchange that they were barely able to find the exit and were all but overcome by the heat and fumes arising from the fire.

The town fire department did excellent work upon its arrival at the fire, and after a hard fight, succeeded in getting the flames under control. While they were able to prevent a spread of the fire, they were unable to save any of the Mattern Block or its contents, and the building was completely gutted.

The second floor of the building was occupied by Messrs. Savage & Ray, who had just opened a photograph gallery. They had fitted their quarters up in fine shape and everything that they owned was destroyed. They had no insurance whatever, and their loss will be upwards of six hundred dollars. Mrs. Newton's loss will be about eight hundred dollars, which is partially covered by insurance. The damage to the building will amount to about six hundred dollars, which is covered by insurance.

The fact that a severe storm was just coming up at the time, with heavy wind, makes it all the more remarkable that the business part of the town was not wiped out by the flames; and the thanks of the businessmen of Lowell are certainly due the young ladies who awakened the town, and the volunteer firemen who worked so valiantly after their arrival.

Women Are Drawn Here As Jurors

The Register-Leader, September 22, 1921

For the first time in the history of Washington County women have been chosen to serve as grand and petit jurors during the fall term of court. This became known Thursday morning when jurors for the October term were drawn from the wheel by Judge David H. Thomas of the common pleas court. One woman, Laura Best, of 705 Second Street, will be included in the fifteen grand jurors who meet at the court house on Monday, October 10, at 10 A.M., to consider cases that have accumulated during the past four months.

Among the twenty petit jurors drawn to serve during the October term, four women are listed. They are Maud Edwards, 317 Sixth Street; Lillian Kerr of Newport; Anna Williams, 605 Montgomery Street; and Fannie Mindling of Cutler. The petit jurors have been summoned to meet on Monday, October 17.

The names of the newly enfranchised voters were first placed in the jury wheel when the annual selection was made by the jury commissioners in June. The drawing of grand and petit jurors Thursday was the first held since that time and hence women will sit in the jury box for the first time during the October term.

The following grand and petit jurors were drawn:

Grand Jurors - F. F. Graham, Vincent; E. H. Basim, Vincent; H. H. Hening, Dart; E. G. Day, Wingetts Run; Laura Best, 705 Second Street, Marietta; H. G. Chamberlain, Marietta R.D. 3; James R. Heyler, Marietta; Benjamine Wagner, Waterford; E. E. Reed, Marietta R.D. 5; C. T. Engle, Lowell; H. N. Smithson, Macksburg; William W. McAtie, Lowell; George White, Archers Fork; E. J. Morris, Cutler; and G. W. Pierce, of Waterford.

Petit Jurors - Maud Edwards, 317 Sixth Street, Marietta; J. Frank Coffman, Marietta R.D. 5; Lillian Kerr, Newport; F. E. Goddard, Cutler; Ray Beagle, 213 Montgomery Street, Marietta; William M. Hart, Muskingum Drive; W. F. Hale, Macksburg; Anna Williams, 605 Montgomery Street, Marietta; H. B. Goddard, 726 Second Street, Marietta; Lewis Hockinberry, Lower Salem; L. E. Miller, Marietta; F. A. West, Marietta; O. S. Creighton, 805 Fifth Street, Marietta; Fannie Mindling, Cutler; Clement Schilling, Marietta R.D.; O. Breckenridge, Watertown; E. J. Schott, Marietta R.D. 5; Frank Bartlett, Marietta R.D. 3; Frank McGirr, Little Hocking, and H. J. Tresch, of Fleming.

The Register-Leader, October 18, 1921:

Two Women Take Places in Jury Box

Women occupied two places in the jury box for the first time in Washington County, Tuesday morning, when petit jurors of the October term assembled at nine o'clock. One woman was excused from the panel selected for hearing of the first case on the court calendar while a fourth, drawn for duty as a petit juror, was excused by Judge David H. Thomas and did not report.

The two women who have drawn the honor of sitting on the first mixed jury of the county are Maude Edwards, 317 Sixth Street, Marietta, and Fannie Mindling, of Cutler. Both were impanneled for hearing the case of Edward F. Herrlinger against The Spectrum Crayon Corporation, the first on the October calendar.

Under a challenge of one of the attorneys in the case, Anna Williams, 605 Montgomery Street, who had been tentatively selected, was excused.

The fourth woman drawn for duty as a petit juror but who was excused from reporting Tuesday was Mrs. Lillian Kerr of Newport. Mrs. Kerr is the mother of four children, all under ten years of age, and her request that she be excused was granted.

In the case of Herrlinger and Company against the Spectrum Crayon Company it is alleged by the plaintiff that on April 16, 1920, the defendant placed its order with the plaintiff for 1 ton of chip board at the rate of $110.00 a ton. This was changed on June 14, 1920, the plaintiff asserts, to consist of two tons. On November, it is alleged, 4625 pounds of chip board were delivered, total cost of the consignment being $254.38. No part of this sum has ever been paid, the plaintiff asserts, and asks judgment for the amount, together with interest from December 4, 1920.

Attorney T. J. Summers is counsel for the plaintiff in the case while Attorney R. M. Noll represents the defendant.

In addition to the two women in the panel, jurors hearing the case are J. Frank Coffman, F. E. Goddard, Ray M. Beagle, Lewis Hockinberry, L. E. Miller, F. A. West, Clement Schilling, E. J. Schott, Frank Bartlett, and H. J. Tresch.

Ladies Turned Soldiers

 The Marietta Register, June 3, 1864

A member of the company of Captain Knowles hired one John ____ of Union Township as a substitute for the 100 days' service, who received a few dollars advance, when he took himself home - terribly afflicted - had the rheumatism so badly that he could scarcely walk!

Two ladies determined to arrest him and send him to his company. They dressed in some soldier-clothes, left or sent home by brothers in the army, put on black hats, blacked their upper lips, with also a touch upon their chins. One took a gun, the other a pistol, and about dark in the evening marched to the home of said John. They took him prisoner. He made all manner of excuses and complaints, but the soldiers were "under orders" to take him to Marietta. 

They started, one on each side of the prisoner - the father and mother following. One of the soldiers slipped and fell, but jumping up moved all forward at a quicker march. They came down about a mile, when the mother plead hard for John, and the soldiers finally agreed to let him off it he would give security to be at his post in Marietta at 9 o'clock next morning.

He did so, and before daylight was on his way to Marietta. However, he was finally refused as a substitute and permitted to go home to his mother - where he threatened what terrible things he would do if the soldiers should come again! The soldiers who arrested him, he says, were certainly drunk, as they could not walk like sober soldiers!

Milliner & Mantua Maker

The Marietta Intelligencer, October 29, 1846

Miss Ellen Young respectfully informs the Ladies of Marietta and Harmar that she is ready to commence the above named business at her Residence on 5th street, East of the College, at the house of M. Deterly, where she can be found at all times by those who choose to favor her with their custom. 

She intends to have on the newest Eastern Fashions.

All orders from the country shall receive immediate attention.

N.B. She will also attend to Embroidery and plain sewing.

Marietta Oct. 14, 1846.

Covered Their Ears

The Marietta Daily Times, April 10, 1905

Women On An Inter Urban Car

John Romire, who makes his home at Marietta and Parkersburg, created a scene Saturday afternoon on the Inter Urban car which left here at 2:30 o'clock.

The conductor had trouble in getting his fare after the car had reached Williamstown. When the fares were collected at Central, Romire was asleep and when awakened he refused to pay, and it is alleged called the collector of fares all kinds of indecent names. 

Among the passengers were about 25 women and they held their hands over their ears to keep out the sound of the oaths uttered. The conductor took Romire by the neck and ejected him from the car.

He continued his utterances and Policeman Noland placed him under arrest. His hearing was set before a Justice of the Peace at Parkersburg this morning.

Marietta Female Seminary

 The Marietta Intelligencer, August 6, 1846

Mr. Editor: Permit me through your paper to express the great pleasure felt at the examination of the above mentioned institution during two days of last week.

At an early hour on Monday the exercises commenced in presence of the whole school, numbering nearly 100, and of a larger number of citizens and strangers than usual on similar occasions, and all seemed deeply interested and much pleased. For one, I can truly say that I have never witnessed any examination in any other Female Seminary more thorough and satisfactory, and more complimentary both to pupils and teachers, as this was from the beginning to the end.

After attending for four years in succession, the Annual Examination in this Seminary, we feel assured that "it is the settled policy of the teachers to do the work of education well" for all who shall become their pupils; and the determination of the pupils to do themselves justice, and their instructors honor. And we cannot but regard the Superintendent and Principal and teachers as having already redeemed their pledge implied in the following "Miscellaneous Remarks" in their last Annual Catalogue: "This Seminary, in its plan, comprises an entire, thorough and liberal course of School Education, beginning with the first elements, and embracing not only the Languages and appropriate Sciences, but the ornamental branches."

In addition to the very gratifying intellectual improvement of the pupils, as evinced in their examination in their class books, compositions and scrap books, we had the most pleasing evidence that their daily Biblical exercise, together with their study of Natural Theology, Moral Philosophy, Evidence of Christianity, Butler's Analogy, Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation, and Edward's History of Redemption, were tending greatly to sanctify their literary attainments and consecrate them to the Lord. During the year just now closed the pupils of this Seminary have devoted $30 to the cause of educating a heathen youth for the ministry. Calisthenics also, for securing a better physical education, have been introduced in this Institution during the same time, and under the superintendence of Miss Rice this exercise has succeeded well.

The work which this Seminary is performing for this city, and for the community at large, also entitles it to the high regard and decided patronage of the public. The many goods teachers that have gone out from it already are blessings indeed wherever they labor, and are at once an honor to the school that trained them, and a praise to Marietta that first established it, and thus far has aided so much in sustaining it.

Our earnest prayer is that the fostering hand of this growing literary and pious community will mete out to this very valuable institution its ample patronage, and that God himself will make it a lasting blessing to us and to the whole world.

The Contest Off

The Marietta Times, February 14, 1894

The Colored Girl the Bone of Contention

The oratorical contest between the pupils of the Marietta and Parkersburg High Schools is off.

When it was announced last week that a colored girl had been selected as the essayist to represent Marietta there was a kick among the Parkersburg contestants. Feeling was so high that Prof. Ames wrote to Prof. Smith of Marietta, explained the situation and requested that either the colored girl's name be dropped from the program or else drop the essay altogether. We are informed that Mr. Smith has replied and refuses to drop either the colored girl or the essay.

That settles the contest as far as Parkersburg is concerned as the pupils absolutely refuse to take part on account of the colored girl being on the program. The most vigorous kick comes from some of the pupils who have Republican parents. - Parkersburg Sentinel.

The above tells the story. Parkersburg wanted a contest with Marietta. The arrangements were all made and the contestants all selected. But Parkersburg discovers "a fly in the ointment," and the contest all at once becomes offensive to those of our sister city.

And why their disquietude? Because, forsooth, a colored girl, one who through her life, and because of no fault of her own, must be marked with a dark skin, which is harder to be borne than would be the brand of Cain, has been announced as one of the Marietta selections.

Because this girl, by the use and improvement of the talent and advantages that God has given her, and in the exercise of the rights guaranteed to her by the fundamental law of the land, has, after competition with those who have fairer skins, been fairly awarded the place of honor, then does our sister city heap insult and indignity upon her by refusing to engage in the contest because she is to be in it.

We have heard of the chivalry of the South. We have read of it in prose and in rhyme. We have gloried in it, and if we could have successfully invoked the aid of the Muse, would before this have sung of it in words that would have been immortal; but those of whom we have heard and read and would have sung, would not decline a combat for the reasons given in this case. They, in their greatness, would say, "let the best one win," and would be satisfied with the result of whatever color might be the one who gained the day.

It is strange that Prof. Ames, a Belpre boy, should be the medium through which this decision is made known, for if our memory does not play us false as to the traditions of the past, there were several stations of the Underground Railroad close to the spot where Frank was born and raised.

As our contest for the selection of the Marietta scholars to compete with those from Parkersburg was public, it may be the latter place had some of its emissaries in attendance, and that the displays of oratory, eloquence and ability were so great that they were dismayed and reported to those who sent them that literary giants dwelt in the land and that it would not be safe for them to attempt to possess it.

Fear of failure, fear that this daughter of Ham might be the victor and not race prejudice may be the underlying reason for their withdrawal.

If this be the case we admire their discretion but deplore their lack of chivalrous behavior.

Milliner & Mantua Maker

The Marietta Intelligencer, October 29, 1846

Miss Ellen Young respectfully informs the Ladies of Marietta and Harmar that she is ready to commence the above named business at her Residence on 5th street, East of the College, at the house of M. Deterly, where she can be found at all times by those who choose to favor her with their custom.

She intends to have on the newest Eastern Fashions.

All orders from the country shall receive immediate attention.

N.B. She will also attend to Embroidery and plain sewing.

The Marietta Intelligencer, October 29, 1846

Lizzie Beal

The Marietta Times, October 26, 1882

A dispatch from Columbus to the Cincinnati Enquirer of Tuesday contains the following: "Six months ago a young woman named Lizzie Beal came here from Athens, her people now residing in Marietta. She has been engaged about town as a domestic, and formed the acquaintance of Lucas, a cigar-maker. He left a month ago, and it has developed in the last week or so that the girl was in an interesting condition and told certain parties she was going to have an operation performed. There are statements showing that she made a partial contract with a certain physician. It is reported tonight that the girl is very low and not expected to live, though the family allows no one to enter the room, and give out information sparingly. From the best information to be had there seems no doubt but the girl has been subject to a criminal operation, and that she will die from the effects.

Death of Lilly Martin Spencer

The Daily Register, May 24, 1902

A Famous Artist Who Formerly Lived in Vicinity of Marietta

New York, May 23 - Lilly Martin Spencer, a noted artist, whose paintings years ago achieved for her worldwide reputation, died yesterday [May 22, 1902] at 226 West 114th street at the age of 77 years.

Mrs. Spencer came to America with her parents when she was 5 years old. Her father was a scholarly Frenchman, instructor of the young Dukes of Exeter and Devonshire. They lived in Marietta, Ohio. At the age of 12 years Lilly Spencer was considered a marvel, and Nicholas Longworth, the Cincinnati millionaire, who had heard of her, offered to send her abroad to study. She refused to do so, because he stipulated that she must abstain from all original work for seven years and spend that time studying old masters. He remained her friend, however, and after she married and came to New York, she opened her studio under his patronage.

Among her most notable paintings are the allegorical representatives of "Truth Unmasking Falsehood," for which Senator Sprague of New Jersey offered $20,000, an immense sum at that time.

Up to a few weeks ago Mrs. Spencer still worked at her easel. Among her recent paintings are portraits of Mrs. Benjamin Harrison, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Robert Ingersoll. Her masterpiece is considered to be "Algeria," from "Childe Harold."

*     *     *     *     *

Scores of Marietta people will remember Mrs. Spencer when she lived here, and how even in childhood her work was marvelous. It is told that when she resided in a house near Devol's Dam she covered the very walls of the building with exquisite paintings and for many years the house was a place constantly visited by sightseers.

House of Ill Repute

The Marietta Daily Times, October 3, 1904 

A charge of keeping a house of ill fame was made by Chief Dye against Mrs. Angenora Robinson in the Mayor's court this morning. She is to be heard this afternoon.

Saturday evening Chief Dye and other officers raided Mrs. Robinson's house on Church Street. Three young women, Minnie Matthews, Irene Williams and Helen Hutton, and Frank Mouts, the latter of Parkersburg, were arrested and lodged in jail. A young Marietta man got away by a dash up Church Street at the critical moment.

Arraigned before the Mayor yesterday, the three women were charged with violating a rule of the Board of Health designed for the prevention of disease. They plead guilty, were fined $50 and costs, and sent back.

It is understood that Mouts is being held as a witness against Mrs. Robinson. She had maintained for the past few years that she is a reformed woman and does not tolerate vice.

Advocate of Equal Suffrage, Women Smoking and Drinking, Campaigned in Civil War Days

The Marietta Daily Times, April 7, 1938

During the period of the Civil War, campaigners for equal suffrage continued active and pioneer crusaders for "women's rights" appeared frequently before audiences in Marietta.

Among editors here there was a wide divergence of opinion at the time as to the conduct of and the justification for the war between the states. President Lincoln was not without his detractors. But there was harmonious accord on at least one proposition. Only the male of the species was qualified to conduct affairs of business, industry and government. Only the lords of creation should partake of political pie.

Away back in the early fifties there was a "bloomer" epidemic apparently starting, of all places, in Philadelphia. At first a sensation actuating near-violence by hoodlum mobs, the movement spread even to Marietta. A local editor comments at the time:

About Bloomer Costume

"The bloomer costume has become so common as to attract but little attention. But why are not the waists loosened? The dress is not made conducive to health by merely shortening the skirts. Off with the corsets - or the health argument in favor of the costume loses much of its power."

This man, and others, lived to regret their lack of prophetic vision. It appeared a trivial petticoat rebellion, at most. In a decade they were to learn that the phenomenon was not without portentous significance.

Files of many newspapers in Marietta and nearby cities reveal items dealing with the spread of the feminist movement in the early sixties. Invading crusaders invariably were women. Here is the editorial hail and farewell of one Marietta paper to one such who held forth in the court house on the night of December 5, 1864:

Called "Brainless Creature"

"On Monday night, a brainless, senseless creature, clothed in female apparel (doubtless a female, though we could not vouch for that) delivered a ranting, roaring Women's Rights harangue at the Court House in this city. Our reporter having been absent, we are unable to give a synopsis of this piece of femme de nonsense; but we learn that she 'spread it on' pretty muchly! - asserting the right of females to take part in elections, fill public offices, and do all other things which men may of right do, and declaring it to be the height of man's ambition to chew tobacco, smoke cigars and drink whiskey."

Audience Unsympathetic

"We do not know that she announced herself in favor of doffing petticoats and donning breeches, but see no reason why she should not have done so. The audience was an unsympathizing one, and manifested disapprobation in various ways, doubtless thinking such dubious characters better qualified for pinning up three corners of a diaper than instructing them in the rights to which females are entitled.

"Of course the lecturer was affronted and left in high dudgeon, declaring that she 'had always heard Marietta was a selfish place.' May the good old city continue to be selfish!" 

 

Female Education

American Friend, December 7, 1821.

The Trustees of the Muskingum Academy in Marietta have the satisfaction to announce to the Publick that arrangements have been made for opening a school in one of the apartments of the Academy, in connection with the school of Mr. Slocomb, for the instruction of young Ladies and Misses in the solid and ornamental branches of female education; and that Miss Goldthwait, recently from New England, where she has been engaged a number of years in the education of young ladies, will take charge of the same.

The school was opened on Monday, the 3d inst. The quarterly tuition will be, for reading, writing, English grammer, arithmetick, geography, rhetorick and composition - $3.00.

For drawing, painting, embroidery, &c. (in addition), $5.00.

Arrangements have also been made for the accommodation of 8 or 10 young ladies with boarding near the Academy at $1.50 per week.

It is believed that the qualifications and experience of Miss Goldthwait are such as to ensure satisfaction to those parents who shall intrust their daughters to her care; and that the most scrupulous attention will be given to the manners and morals of her pupils.

Marietta, Dec. 1, 1821.

N.B. Scholars must be furnished with Cummings Geography and Atlas, Walker's Dictionary & Murray's Grammar. Those likewise who have Watts on the mind, Mason on self-knowledge, Young's night thoughts, Thompson's seasons, or Cowper's poems are requested to bring them.

The Printers in Zanesville are requested to give the above an insertion in their respective papers.

 

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

Goes Mad in County Jail

The Marietta Daily Times, September 30, 1908

Reported that Nellie Kelley's Mind Has Become Unbalanced.

Woman Is Awaiting Hearing On Charge of Grave Character.

Is Nellie Kelley, in the county jail awaiting the sitting of the grand jury on a charge of harboring in a house of ill-fame a girl of tender years, insane, or is she feigning madness in an effort to escape a term in the Ohio penitentiary?

That is a question the courts will probably be called on to answer.

The woman has been in the prison for the past five or six weeks. She was arrested when a fifteen-years-old girl, Lena Freeman of Parkersburg, it is alleged, was found in her house on Ohio Street. When arraigned the evidence was found sufficient to warrant her being held for further investigation. Being unable to give bond in the sum of $1,000, she was sent to jail.

At first there was nothing unusual in her appearance or actions. Now, it is alleged, she gives evidence of being of unsound mind. At times she seems to have little recollection of where she is or why she is being held there. She talks incoherently and disconnectedly, and sometimes raves like a person who is violently insane.

The matter has been brought to the attention of her attorneys and the probability is that an effort will be made to secure her release on the ground that she has become insane through the confinement to which she has been subjected.

If the woman is found guilty of the crime with which she is charged, and the evidence is said to be very strong against her, she will get a term in the penitentiary. She is aware of that fact and this gives rise to the question of whether she is really insane or whether she has adopted this as a means of securing her release and possibly escaping the penalty for her alleged wrong doing.

The girl who was taken from the Kelley house was found guilty of incorrigibility and sentenced to the girls' industrial school at Delaware. She was taken there a few days ago and has begun her time at that institution. 

The condition of the Kelley woman has been noted only recently and her lawyers became aware of the change in her condition today. It is believed that they will take some action in the case within a day or two.

So far as there is any evidence the woman is really out of her mind, there having been no intimation that she is feigning insanity.

Move West In an Auto

 The Marietta Daily Times, July 23, 1919

Carrying a tent and two full sized beds which fasten on the sides of the running boards of an auto, R. B. Brenan, wife, son and Mrs. Brenan's sister, Miss Olive Dailey, will not only go west by motor but will sleep by the car.

The two beds, which contain springs as good as those on the ordinary bed in the home, have room enough in each for two people and they are said to be most comfortable. A big tent goes over the machine and covers the two beds.

Robert Brenan, who was recently master mechanic for the city, will take his family to California, locating near Los Angeles. They will leave Saturday and Miss Dailey, who recently returned from France where she did nursing in the army, will make her home with them.

Was Original of "Lorena"

Marietta Daily Journal, March 5, 1917

Mrs. Martha Ellen Johnson, widow of the late Judge William W. Johnson, whose death occurred at the home of C. E. Tresch of Second Street, Saturday, was widely known throughout this section as the heroine of the original poem, "Lorena." This song came into existence about the year 1858, and at that time created quite a sensation in the musical circles of the West. The music had a peculiar charm, the words were singularly touching and the whole poem suggested a story back of it. It was composed by a Rev. H D. L. Webster, who at the time of the happenings of his story occupied a pulpit in Zanesville, where Mrs. Johnson, then Miss Blocksom, lived. 

The poem created such a sensation when it appeared in print that the name Lorena at once became familiar. Many things were named after the title of this touching ballad, the most familiar of which was the old steamer, "Lorena," which for many years plied the waters of hte Ohio and Muskingum rivers.

*     *     *     *     *

Marietta Daily Journal, March 3, 1917

Mrs. Martha Ellen Johnson

Mrs. Johnson was called from our midst to the spiritual life this morning at 7:25. She was born at Zanesville, Ohio, December 8th, 1828, the daughter of Judge and Mrs. William Blocksom - married October 26, 1854, to William W. Johnson, a promising young lawyer of Ironton, Ohio, where they lived until Judge Johnson was elected to the Supreme Court of Ohio, and served eight years, when ill health overtook him. He died March 2nd, 1887, and was Chief Justice of Ohio at that time and acknowledged one of the ablest jurists of the state.

Mrs. Johnson for years was blind and bore her affliction with a forbearance which proved her Christian faith, endearing herself to her friends by her ever-present cheerfulness. 

Services will be held at her late residence, 325 Second Street, at 3 o'clock Sunday, after which her remains will be taken to Ironton, Ohio, to rest beside those of her husband and two sons.

[More about "Lorena": http://civilwarlibrarian.blogspot.com/2008/06/cwl-lorena.html]

The Court of Common Pleas

Marietta Intelligencer, November 23, 1843 

Commenced its session in this place on the 13th inst. Present, a full bench, viz: Hon. John E. Hanna, President Judge; Hon. John Cotton, Associate Judge; Hon. O. R. Loring, Associate Judge, Hon. Ebenezer Gates, Associate Judge.

The time of the court was almost exclusively occupied in the trial of criminals. Not a single case upon the civil docket was given to the jury. The following trials were had:

State of Ohio vs. Peter Noyes. Indictment for uttering and publishing counterfeit bank notes. Plea, not guilty. Parish & Buell, counsel for prisoner; Barber, Prosecuting Attorney; and A. S. Nye, for the State. This case was submitted to the jury without argument. Verdict, guilty. Sentence, ten years imprisonment in the Penitentiary.

State vs. William Hughes. Indictment for rape upon the body of Mrs. Elizabeth Figgins, in Adams township, in July last. [Betsey Perry married Thomas Figgins, Washington County, Ohio, March 2, 1832.] Plea, not guilty. Verdict, guilty. Sentence, twelve years in Penitentiary. Barber & Goddard for State; Parish & Buell for prisoner.

State vs. Aaron Carle, George Carle, and Joseph Carle. Indictment for aiding, abetting, and procuring the commission of rape by William Hughes. Plea, not guilty. Verdict, as to Aaron Carle, guilty. Sentence, three years in Penitentiary. George and Joseph Carle, not guilty. Counsel same as in case of Hughes.

State vs. Aaron Carle, George Carle, and Joseph Carle. Indictment against Aaron Carle for rape, and against George Carle and Joseph Carle for aiding and abetting in the commission of said rape. Plea, not guilty. Verdict, guilty. Sentence for Aaron Carle, twelve years in Penitentiary; George and Joseph (sons of Aaron), each three years. Counsel, same as in the case of Hughes.

State vs. George Wilson. Indictment for rape upon Sarah Perry in Adams township in December 1840. Plea, not guilty. After the examination of numerous witnesses, this case was submitted to the jury without argument. Verdict, guilty. Sentence, fifteen years i Penitentiary. Barber & A. S. Nye for State; Parish, Buell and Tompkins for prisoner.

The five prisoners first named were all residents of Morgan County. The one last named was originally from Morgan, but lived in this county at the time the offence was committed, escaped from the officer soon after his examination before the magistrate, and has since lived in Meigs County, until about three months ago, when on a visit to his friends in Morgan County, he was arrested by the officers of this county, and has since been confined in jail here. Not one of them was properly a citizen of Washington County. It will be noticed that the aggregate time for which these prisoners were sentenced is fifty-eight years.