Buckeye State

The Marietta Register, January 30, 1879

Mr. Editor:

In answer to your query as to the origin of the word Buckeye, as applied to the State and people of Ohio, I have the following in the handwriting of my father, Ichabod Nye, pioneer of 1788:

"The name Buckeye is given to the people of Ohio.  It denotes the first growth of the forest.  As a sprout in the spring season the buckeye shows itself before any other in this country.  So the first settlers and their descendants are called Buckeyes."

I think the above is the correct origin of the name.

Jan. 23, 1879.

A. T. N.

The Story of Boiler Corner

The Daily Register, May 14, 1901

Three Quarters of a Century and More the Old Boiler has Remained a Landmark at the Point of Greene and Ohio Streets, Gradually Disappearing From View.

Only a very small proportion of the newer inhabitants of Marietta are aware that there is such a landmark in Marietta as "Boiler Corner."  The older inhabitants very frequently mention it, and there have been so many inquiries concerning the matter that for the information of the latest residents, we will relate what is commonly known of its history, the facts being secured from G. W. Woodbridge's manuscript.

Away back in the early part of the century, Dudley Woodbridge conducted a general commission and forwarding business at the pint which is now the corner of Greene and Ohio streets.  His business was a good one and his store the headquarters of most of the river commerce.  Among other things, he ordered boilers and other heavy machinery from the manufacturers, charging a commission for the safe deliverance to the buyer.

In 1817, Mr. Woodbridge received a boiler which had been ordered by one of his customers, and paid the charges and commission on the same.  For some reason or other, the buyer failed to call for the boiler.  The cumbersome article was set up against the building to await the arrival of the owner.  The years slipped quickly by, until 1835 still found the boiler in the position it had been placed eighteen years before.  It was then decided to build a new structure where the old commission store had stood so many years, and the boiler was removed away from the building to be out of the way.

The boiler was one of the upright variety, and when it was moved to the point it now occupies, at the corner of Greene and Ohio, it was placed in a standing position, with the side vent near the top.  There it has rested ever since.  The casual observer would notice nothing extraordinary about the iron tube which now occupies a prominent position on the corner.  Time and the force of gravity has caused the heavy iron to sink into the earth.  Only about three or three and a half feet now remains in sight.  The vent, instead of being near the top, is now within a few inches of the ground.  The boiler is only about two and a half feet in diameter, and looks like nothing so much as a large pitch cauldron.

For generations, the flattened iron rim has been the roosting place of loafers, both day and evening.  The marks of wear are shown on every square inch of the surface.  Several persons, with misapplied industry, have cut their initials, and date of incision, in the hard metal.  Succeeding generations to the first ones, have respected the actions of their fathers and have left the old boiler in the position left by them.  About its metallic sides have been laid several brick pavements.  The stone curbing of the street is only a few feet away, and closer still has been erected an iron watering trough for the refreshment of weary steeds.  Telegraph and trolley poles are standing near.  Many a brick building and stone structure has been built within sight, and yet the old boiler stands as it did nearly three-quarters of a century ago, impassive and heeding not.

He who first ordered the boiler is dead and forgotten.  At present no records have been found which have perpetuated the name of the owner.  Woodbridge, in his manuscript, states that Captain Knox once knew well the man who had failed to call for it, but the name, price of the article, and other facts had long slipped his memory.  But the boiler still stands, and if not molested, will stand for generations to come.  The material of which it is made is excellent, as the work of corrosion has been baffled.  Though there are many who know nothing of "Boiler Corner," yet to the old inhabitants the names is suggestive of another period long ago, when Marietta was on the order of the quiet, slow-going, village town, living out its daily life more because it had to be lived than for the pleasure of the living.  When its traditions and history were its chief recommendations to recognition, and the delight of the citizen was to tell how it "used to be when I was a boy."

Those days have gone for Marietta.  The new Marietta's past is a thing to be learned chiefly from books and does not concern the present inhabitant beyond a certain interest and pride commonly felt in remote ancestry.  The new Marietta is making a history of its own, and its citizens point in pride to its present aggrandizement rather than to the old landmarks and historic spots made famous long ago.

Whether this is the proper spirit or not bears some argument, but the old monuments will remain with us and should be the pride of the new citizens as well as the old.  Familiarize yourselves with the historic points of your town, and you will find that living in Marietta will have a new attraction for you.

 
 

1884

Happenings of the Year 1884 as Gleaned From the Columns of the Leader.

The Marietta Weekly Leader, January 6, 1885:

JANUARY

The year 1884 opened with a dreary day.  Heavy rain in the afternoon.  New Years callers less numerous than usual.

Henry Roeser buys an interest in the insurance business of Hon. Henry Bohl.

Great revival at the United Brethren Church.  Thirty-three accessions.

Val Hovey buys one-sixth interest in steamer Valley Belle.

Thermometer Jan. 4th indicated ten degrees below zero, and from that date until 7th from six to fifteen below zero.

Monday, Jan. 15th at midnight snow commenced falling and continued until Wednesday noon, the 16th, reaching the depth of 22 inches, making the deepest snow since 1813.

Josephine Ricley and Frederick Paulding play in "Twelfth Night" at City Hall.

Mrs. Jonathan Caywood died Jan. 16.

Mrs. Charlotte Everleigh, aged 90, died at her son's home on Third street.

Jan. 17th, Scott Town flouring mill destroyed by fire.  Total loss estimated at $2,800.

Hon. M. D. Follett acts as a judge at the Ohio State University Oratorical Contest.

Col. John Stone, of Belpre, one of the pioneers of the county, died January 18, aged nearly 89 years.

Wesley Miner killed by the bursting of a copper steam pipe on the tow boat Nail City, at the mouth of the Muskingum river.

Ice six inches thick cut from the Muskingum river.

The snow makes a wreck of part of the rolling roof.  Ice surrounding boats in the Muskingum river blasted by use of powder.

The steamer Valley Belle sold to run in the Middleport and Ravenswood trade.

The Harmar flouring mill, after extensive improvements resumes operations.

The Artillery Fair receipts netted $175.

Uncle John Moore, of Barlow, aged 96 years, visits relatives in the city.

January 30th, the ice gorge in the Ohio River broke at Newport, River rose 9 feet within twelve hours.

January 31st, the ice in the Muskingum river broke about 1 p.m. creating great excitement.  No damage done.

FEBRUARY

The Ohio Natural Gas and Fuel Company, of Marietta, file a certificate of incorporation at Columbus.  Capital stock $1,000,000.

The Infirmary Directors meet and appoint an Infirmary Superintendent, in the person of Joseph Campbell, of Marietta township.  Dr. William Mitchell was re-appointed Infirmary Physician.

Sunday the 3d, the rains began to fall, and continued Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  By Wednesday the rivers were rising fast, and by afternoon the water was crossing Front street, reaching the fire under the boiler in the Leader Engine room just as the last paper was printed on the press.  Great excitement among merchants on the business streets.  Moving into high quarters the order of the day.  Water continued to rise until Saturday morning at 3 o'clock, February 9th.  The highest stage of water ever known in the history of the white man in the Ohio Valley, water gauging 14 feet on lower Front street at highest stage.  Great damage to property.  Hundreds of families homeless are sheltered by the citizens living on the "stockade."

Thursday night, February 7th, the county bridge across the Muskingum floats away, tearing loose the railroad bridge.  Both float down stream a mass of ruins.  Witlig's jewelry store and McLaren's art gallery float from their foundations.

Saturday, February 9th, the water was stationary.  At 4 p.m. had fallen 1 inch.  Great rejoicing by the people.  Bells rung violently and boat whistles tooted.

Water recedes slowly, leaving mud and debris of all sorts behind.

The Leader of the 19th, published a map of Marietta, Harmar and Williamstown, showing the flooded district, and gave a full list of property destroyed or damaged by the flood.

Gas lamps on the street lighted for the first time since the flood, February 21.

Gates & Payne purchased the Devol's Dam flouring mill.

Morten and Kelley established a rope ferry upon the Muskingum, February 25.

The U. S. Government donates 13210 bushels of coal to the three towns of Marietta, Harmar and Williamstown.

The steamer George Strecker sold, and put into the Beverly and Marietta trade.

MARCH

Phoenix Mill sale confirmed on the 4th, with W. L. Rolston, T. W. Moore, D. B. Torpy, Jewett Palmer and C. B. Hall as stockholders.

On the 4th, the City Council passed an ordinance dividing Marietta into four wards.

Charles A. Miller appointed Captain, and David Dow 1st Lieutenant of the Putnam Light Artillery.

John Johnson, of Watertown, died March 11, aged 93 years.

The post office moved back into its old quarters Friday, March 21st.

Sunday, March 23, services held in lecture room of the St. Luke's Episcopal Church, the first time since the flood.

"Nip and Tuck" play to a good house March 31.

The Marietta Weekly Leader, January 13, 1885:

APRIL

Rev. C. E. Dickinson lectured at the Congregational church, on "Rome."

Election for city and township officers on the 7th, Sidney Ridgway elected Mayor over C. W. Richards by a vote of 761 to 341.

The Leader reports ascertains and has published the choice of prominent Democratic citizens as to whom they want for Presidential candidate.

Col. William Davis, the oldest steamboatman on the Muskingum river, retires from active service.

The Republicans of Washington county met in Mass Convention on the 18th and nominated delegates to the Rep. State Convention.

Prof. M. R. Andrews delivered an interesting lecture at the Congregational church, on the 24th, subject: "In the Ranks."

On the 24th, a meeting of the citizens of Marietta, was held at the Mayor's office, for the purpose of considering the needs of the Old Line railroad.  Hon. W. P. Cutler presented the matter to the assembled citizens in a clear and masterly manner, from a business stand-point.

April 28th, the new School Board met, Rev. George R. Gear re-elected President, D. P. Adams, Secretary, and B. Rodick, Treasurer.

The Marietta Base Ball Club organized on the evening of the 30th.

MAY

William Bradford, while fleeing from officers of the law, runs into the Ohio river and is drowned.

May 13th hail fell, some of the stones being as large as walnuts.

The Methodist Church purchases a lot corner of Wooster and Third streets for $1,800, for building purposes.

William H. Gerken died May 14th, at his home in this city.

May 14th, Mr. Harold B. Nye was united in marriage to Miss Emma Curtis, both of this city.

Married - May 15th, Mr. Ben Strecker and Miss Julia A. Wendleken of this city.

May 17th, an exciting game of baseball was played at the Ball Park between the Arctics of Cincinnati and the Marietta Base Ball Club.  The Marietta's victorious by a score of 9 to 7.

May 24th, the finest game of baseball ever seen in Marietta, was played between the Kentons, of Covington, Ky., and the Marietta team.  The score was 2 to 5, in favor of the home club.

Union memorial services of all the churches in the city were held at the City Hall, Sunday evening, May 25th, under the auspices of the G. A. R.

The Marietta Building and Loan Co. organized with a capital of $100,000, Jacob Rech, President.

May 30th - Memorial Day - was fittingly observed in Marietta, and the services were participated in by the G. A. R. Societies of Marietta and Harmar, the old Veterans, the Knights of Pythias, Firemen and citizens in general.  The ceremonies were very impressive at the City Hall and at the cemeteries.  The day was observed throughout the county by the different G. A. R. Orders and citizens.

JUNE

Lydia Singer was found guilty of manslaughter, after trial, for killing her child by beating out its brains. 

Freddie Theis drowned while in bathing June 6th, aged 6 years.

Mr. John Richards, the Greene street grocer, died June 7th, aged 83 years.

The Leader published an elaborate map of the Macksburg oil region, June 10th.

Married - In Harmar, at the residence of the bride's father, June 12th, by Rev. H. C. Haskell, Mr. Val Hovey, of Marietta, and Miss Kate Strecker, of Harmar.

Field day at Marietta College on the 12th.

The exercises of the High School graduating class took place at the City Hall Friday evening, June 13th.  There was a large crowd present, and the essays and other parts of the programme interesting.

June 13th, a Citizen's Committee was organized to make arrangements for celebrating the 4th of July.

June 18th, Col. Bosworth mustered in a Post of G. A. R. at Moss Run.  On the 22nd a Post was mustered in Belpre.

Baseball - June 18th, Ironton vs Marietta, score 6 to 1 in favor of Ironton.  June 19th, Ironton vs Marietta, score 6 to 8 in favor of Marietta.  On the 21st, Athens vs. Marietta, score 4 to 18, in favor of Marietta.

Died - In this city, June 18th, Mr. Patrick McParland, after a painful illness.  June 21st at his home on Front street, very suddenly, Mr. Charles B. Hall, having contracted disease during the February flood, he was never well afterward.

June 26th, the corner stone of the new M. E. Church was laid with imposing ceremonies by the Masonic fraternities of Marietta and Harmar, and visiting lodges from sister cities.  The exercises were under charge of Grand Master Goodspeed of Athens.

JULY

Rufus B. Putnam instantly killed, while at his post of duty in the railroad yards of Boone, Iowa.

The Republican County Executive Committee organized by electing John McCormick, Chairman; C. C. Strauss, Secretary; Sidney Ridgeway, Treasurer.

July 3rd, Miss Julinda A. Hannold died, aged 23 years.

4th, George, the 12 year old son of Dr. C. T. Riley, of Matamoras, was drowned in the Ohio river, while bathing.

July 7th.  J. Wesley Sniffen, the Front Street hatter, died at Battle Creek, Mich., of nervous prostration.

July 8th, Julia Hunt personated "Calanthe" in the play of "Damon & Pythias" at the City Hall.  Kent Thomas taking the part of "Pythias" with William Lloyd as "Damon."

9th, Mr. Andrew Coleman and Miss Kate Bohl, married at Washington, Pa.

10th, the Baptist Church and Sunday School had a picnic at Howe's Grove.

23rd, Mrs. Elizabeth F. Locker, wife of Elijah Locker, died from the effects of lock-jaw.

31st, Steamer George Strecker sold to Messrs. S. A. Van Metre and O. Stowe for $5,300.

AUGUST

1st, reunion of the Greene family at Newport.

2nd, B. F. Bell elected Mayor of Harmar.

John Waters assaulted Edward Meisenhelder with a hatchet, inflicting a serious wound.  Waters arrested and lodged in jail.

5th.  Thomas Klutter at work upon the County bridge over the Muskingum is killed by the breaking of timbers, letting him fall into the water, a truck dropping and hitting him upon the head.

7th, Miss Lizzie Cunningham, an estimable young lady of Marietta died of consumption.

The golden wedding of Rev. Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Riley took place at their home in Cornerville.  A large number of guests being present to help celebrate the event.

11th, big fire at Beverly.  Star Foundry entirely destroyed.  Total loss $30,000; insurance $17,100.

20th & 21st, Grand Camp Fire of the G. A. R. under the management of Dick Cheatham Post.  A grand good time was had by all old soldiers present.

27th, Mr. Ed. Jett, of St. Louis and Miss Sophie Averbeck of Marietta were united in marriage.

Excursion to Cambridge to the Warner-Taylor debate.  A large delegation from this city.

Mrs. Hart, wife of Dr. Simeon Hart, and Matron of the Childrens' Home, died.

25th to Sept 2nd, Teachers' Institute in session.  Dr. Hancock and Miss Anna Bewley, instructors, a large enrollment of teachers.

29th, Ross Newport Post, G. A. R., at Newell's Run Town House, mustered by Col. D. P. Bosworth.
  
The Marietta Weekly Leader, January 20, 1885:

SEPTEMBER

1st, Walter Thomas entered upon his duties as County Treasurer.

2nd, Blaine & Logan plug hat epidemic breaks out in the city.

3rd, D. R. Rood, Esq., of Belpre, and Miss Priscilla Hadley, of Marietta, were united in marriage.  J. C. Holdren, of this city, and Miss Rena Moore, daughter of Col. T. W. Moore, started on the matrimonial voyage of life together.

5th, Mr. Edwin Guthrie, an old resident of Newbury, this county, was stricken with paralysis.

The free bridge re-opens to the public.

11th, College commences first session of new year.

The oil interest on Newell's Run booms.

15th, Deputy Sheriff Charles Dye died after several week's illness.

16th, Death - In Harmar, Dr. D. W. Putnam, after a long and painful illness, aged 42 years.

17th, 18th, 19th, the Washington County Fair in operation.  The attendance was large and the fair successful.

The arch on Front street completed.

18th, Mrs. Eliza Pillsbury, wife of Joshua Pillsbury, died, aged 71 years and 7 months.  Jacob Weihl, of Watertown, departed this life, aged 70 years.

22nd, Death - Mrs. Charles Athey, of paralysis, aged 61 years.

25th & 26th, Barlow Fair held.  It was a grand success.

25th, Dr. G. M. Pinnell and family, of Belpre, poisoned.  No deaths, but serious illness resulted from the effects of the poison.

Burglars making midnight calls upon our citizens.

30th, "Hoop of Gold" played at City Hall.

OCTOBER

2nd, great fire in Belpre.  The post office building, Henry Gettle's Confectionery store, Downer Bros.' shoe shop, and Carmi Smith's stables burned.  Total loss about $3,150.  The same day the small grocery store of Mrs. S. E. Gatz's on Main street was destroyed by fire.

6th, Hon. James G. Blaine visits Marietta.  One of the grandest political demonstrations ever seen here, followed.

9th, an excursion from this city goes to Parkersburg to greet Gen. John A. Logan.  113 coaches required to carry the number who went.

13th, grand Republican rally at night.  Marietta painted with rainbow tints.  Parkersburg sent up a large delegation.  Stewart L. Woodford addressed the masses at the Ball Park.  Tom Hendricks and General Warner addressed the Democracy at the Park.

14th, election day.  Very quiet all day.  Heavy vote polled.  Enthusiastic Republicans make "Rome Howl" at night.  Good news from all parts of the State.

19th, John B. Waters, the assaulter of Ed Meisenhelder, buried in Oak Grove Cemetery.

24th, sudden death of Mrs. M. H. Needham, of heart disease.

The Marietta Mineral Railroad running regular trains to Vincent, from Marietta.

28th, Nathan Sparhawk, an old pioneer, dies at his home in Belpre, full of years and honor.  His age was about 81 years.

NOVEMBER

4th, Presidential election passed off quietly.  Immense crowds at headquarters of both parties.  Great excitement, but neither side certain of victory.

8th, Mrs. Everleigh, who had been ill for some time, committed suicide by drowning.

10th, William J. Barnett, of Barlow Township, shot by an unknown assassin.  Barnett died about 5 o'clock a.m. on the 11th.

13th, John Gowdy, the well-known colored barber, died very suddenly.

14th, Capt. Lyon, an Ohio and Muskingum river pilot, residing near Beverly, fell dead on the streets of Zanesville.

27th, Thanksgiving Day.  Services at nearly all of the churches.

DECEMBER

1st, J. M. Murdock assumes his official duties as County Commissioner.

2nd, Strauss & Elson's flour mill burglarized.  About $14 stolen.

Miss Hattie Dye died at her home on Third street, of intermittent fever.

5th, big fire in Newport, Greenwood & Bosworth's tobacco factory burned.  Loss about $4,000.

9th, Frank R. Waters severed his connection with the Leader office.  J. T. Needham assumes his position.

Mrs. Mansfield Irving, under the auspices of C. B. Gates Post, gave an entertainment at Harmar Congregational Church.

Mr. Alfred S. Marshall died at his home in Muskingum Tp.

12th, Rev. Fritze delivered a lecture on "Egypt and Palestine."

17th, C. A. Jenne died very suddenly at Coal Run.

24th, the little son of William Price, of Harmar, fatally scalded.

Smith & Forman's planing mill destroyed by fire.

25th, Christmas passed off quietly and pleasantly in the city.  It was generally observed by everybody.

31st, The ice in the Muskingum river broke up and ran out quite freely.

 

Sherriff's Sale

American Friend & Marietta Gazette, April 24, 1830

By virtue of a writ of Pluries Pluries Fi. Fa. &c. issued from the Court of Common Peas of Washington County, and to me directed, I shall offer for sale on Tuesday the 27th day of April instant, at 12 o'clock, noon, at Nathaniel Clark's shop, a quantity of earthen ware, assorted, in lots to suit purchasers; levied on as the property of said Nathaniel Clark, at the suit of David A. Northrop (for the use of Nicholas McDougale.)

R. R. Greene, Sheriff.
Marietta, April 17th, 1830.