General Serenade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Accident to Father Walker

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

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

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

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

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

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