Ghouls at Parkersburg Rob a Grave

Marietta Daily Leader, January 26, 1901

Getting Jewelry of Great Value From the Corpse.

Rings and an Opal Brooch Were Taken From the Body of Mrs. Nettie Tracy.

Special to the Leader.

Parkersburg, W.V.  Jan. 25.  Two employees of the Parkersburg Chair Factory, Reedy Ruble and Ellsworth Cornell, were passing through Tavennerville Cemetery on their way home and a horrid sight met their eyes.  Just as they reached a spot near the corner of the cemetery, Ruble noticed to the right of the path, along which they were walking, a place where a pile of fresh dirt had been thrown.  Calling Cornell's attention, both men walked over to it and made the startling discovery that a grave had been opened and robbed.

They immediately reported the matter to Squire William Kirk, who in turn notified the relatives of the deceased that it had been robbed.  In a short time the entire neighborhood was aroused over the startling disclosure that had been made by Ruble and Cornell, and a party headed by Mrs. Jones, the mother of the dead woman, with Samuel Stutler and son, set out for the cemetery.

Upon reaching the cemetery they found that the robbers had opened the grave some time during the preceding night, and had not taken the coffin from its resting place, but had broken the glass and robbed the corpse of a plain gold wedding ring inside of which had been engraved the initials "J. T. to N. T.," one opal ring, and one opal brooch.  The rings had been hurriedly removed from the fingers and the brooch had evidently been torn from its place at the throat of the corpse.

The ghouls were evidently aware of the fact that the dead woman had, previous to her death, possessed a very valuable diamond brooch and a gold watch, so not finding these valuable articles on the corpse, ripped open the clothing with a knife in an effort to locate the jewelry, which they believed had been interred with the remains.  Failing to discover the more valuable jewelry, they dumped the lids of the coffin and roughbox, together with a lot of dirt, back into the grave indiscriminately, shoved a few handfuls of earth over it all and departed.

The remains of Mrs. Tracey were interred on the 27th of December, death being due to consumption.  The parties who committed the robbery were undoubtedly familiar with the possessions of the deceased, or they would not have believed that the grave contained valuables enough to warrant the risk they ran in committing the crime.  The residents of the South Side are greatly agitated over the affair, and will leave no stone unturned to bring the guilty ones to justice.

Methodism in Newport, Washington County

Marietta Register, March 10, 1870

The preaching by Methodist Ministers in this township was in dwelling houses and school houses until the year 1829, when a small, comfortable frame house was built, and deeded to the M. E. Church.

There is no church record to be found reaching beyond the dedication of this church edifice, but some of the old members recollected distinctly the ministrations of Revs. James Quinn, David Young, David Smithers, T. A. Morris (now Bishop), A. McElroy, Abraham Lippel, ____ Reynolds, Andrew Coleman, D. C. Merriman, P. M. McGown. 

In 1829, the house of worship was formally dedicated by Rev. R. F. Naylor; Philip Darby was his colleague.  Most of the years following, two ministers were sent annually to labor in this field, it being a circuit with other appointments connected thereto.  The following list is as nearly correct as can now be furnished, it being copied from the record kept in the Church Bible.

1830, John Johnson, Moses Tichenell.

1831, John Johnson, Nathaniel Little.

1832, R. Armstrong, H. Bradshaw.

(During this year, C. D. Battelle of Newport, was licensed to preach; recommended, and received on trial in the Pittsburgh Conference.)

1833, C. D. Battelle, George Smith.

1834, J. W. Minor, James C. Merriman.

1835, W. Athey, H. Tuttle.

1836, Pardon Cook, J. H. White.

1837, Pardon Cook, S. Jones.

1838, L. Petty.

1839, I. Archbold.

1840, I. Archbold.

1841, No record.

1842, John Hase, J. Adams.

1843, W. C. P. Hamilton.

1844, Philip Green, W. Cooper.

1845, Philip Green, J. D. Rich.

1846, R. Stevenson, T. F. Higgins.

1847, R. Stevenson, J. H. Sweany.

1848, J. Henderson.

1849, W. Athey.

1850-1851, J. W. Shirer.

1852, J. Phillips.

1853, No record.

1854, J. Phillips, J. Bailey.

1855, S. Lewis, J. Hollister.

1856, S. Lewis, A. Bell.

1857, Pardon Cook, E. Ellison.

1858, E. Ellison, A. Bell.

1859, A. Bell, C. H. Edwards.

1860, A. Huston, W. B. Edwards.

1861, A. Huston, H. Long.

1862-1863, J. Z. Morse.

1864-1865, J. H. White.

1866-1867, J. W. Hamilton.

1868-1869, D. C. Knowles.

Four native born sons of Newport became Methodist preachers.  Two of them now sleep in the graveyard near which they were raised.  Five members of this church became preachers wives.  Four of them are now in their tombs.

Of the fifty-six ministers named here, sixteen have passed away from earth.  This embraces a history of about fifty years.  Many precious revivals have been enjoyed in what is now called the frame church.  Rev. L. G. Bingham, aided by Methodist and Baptist ministers, held a very successful Union protracted meeting in that church, March, 1833.  Many were added to the different churches interested in the meeting.

Of the 38 members of the church in that place when the house was dedicated, nine are still living, though but two of them are in Newport.  That aged couple, Ebenezer Battelle and his wife Mary, hold an honorable membership here.

A brick church, a very fine edifice for the place, was built in 1869, and dedicated in the fall of that year.  May "the glory of this latter house" greatly exceed "the former."

C. D. B.

Mr. Cadwallader's

The Marietta Register, October 16, 1873

Some weeks since, we made mention of a removal, soon to take place, by Mr. Cadwallader, the photographer.  Since then, he has had put up an addition to Mr. Eells' new building, in the rear, and finished, for his accommodation with it, the entire second floor.  It is now ready for occupation, or nearly so, and looking upon it as an enterprise in which our town will feel some pride, as an Art Hall, complete in all its arrangements, we deem it deserving more than a passing notice.

To give some idea of its completeness, we would notice, first, a snugly fitted show case, at the foot of the stairs, setting in appropriately, as if so designed by the architect.  Here can always be seen to a good advantage samples of the work done.

Ascending a commodious stairway, we find ourselves in a long hall from which two or three rooms may be entered from the right, and in the rear of which, is found the reception room.

This is commodious, cheerful, and nicely furnished.  The walls are painted, the floor covered with a fine carpet, and a good case and counter for business stand at one side.

To the right of a short hall, leading from this room in the rear, we enter a dressing-room, supplied with a beautiful case, mirror, and marble water sink.  This room is especially cheerful, with its painted walls, and frescoed ceiling.  

From the hall, leading by this, is entered the Glass Room, or operating room.  For this, the addition to the building was put up.  It is so arranged that light can be thrown on all sides of the subject, and is finished in the best color and manner known to the art.  Mr. Cadwallader has profited by his long experience, and, it is believed this room, on which so much depends in getting a good picture, is all that could be desired.  Its height from the ground is much in its favor, shutting off any reflection.  From this, the dark room is entered, which is supplied with all modern improvements and conveniences.

Mr. Cadwallader has introduced many features entirely his own, found desirable in his experience.  His manner of washing prints will strike many as novel and full of merit.

But, going back and through the reception room, we find, on the south side, two rooms, used for stock and working rooms; and farther on, occupying corner of Butler and Front, a printing room, in which are perfect arrangements for preserving negatives.  The work of five years can be securely kept.  Besides the different rooms referred to, there is one, at the head of the stairs, designed for a studio for finishing in oil and crayon work.  Throughout, the rooms are complete; and, we suggest to our citizens generally to accept Mr. C.'s compliments for next Saturday evening, and see for themselves what a Fine Art Hall is to be opened for them to enjoy.

Girls Monday Club to Have Fine building

Marietta Daily Times, May 3, 1921

Memorial Will Honor Mrs. Mills.

Plans which he has developed for perpetuating the memory of Mrs. Mills, who was the founder and first president of the Girls Monday Club, were made known by William W. Mills at a meeting of the board of directors of the organization Monday afternoon.

This memorial will probably take the form of a group-building which will include a gymnasium, dormitory and cafeteria and of which the present building will be a wing.  The location of the Girls Monday Club is one of the most prominent in the city, and the lot is 91 by 135 feet.  The proposed building will be a handsome, fire-proof structure, complete in every detail, and occupying the entire Putnam street frontage.  The main entrance will be on Putnam Street.  It will be one of the finest buildings in Marietta, and will be a fitting memorial to the woman whose beautiful life has inspired the gift.  Mr. Donald P. Hart of New York is the architect.

In offering this wonderful gift, Mr. Mills emphasized to the board the great responsibility involved in undertaking the direction and maintenance of such an institution.  He suggested that the remainder of this year be devoted to perfecting the designs for the building and developing further plans for enlarging the usefulness of the club, and expressed the hope that the actual work of construction might be undertaken early in the spring of 1922.

The members of the board were overcome by the magnitude of the proffered gift.  They fully realize what an impetus will be given to their work by such a club house for the girls of Marietta.  They also realize that it will play an important part in the life of the community, and they hope that the interest shown by the people of the city will be sufficient to warrant their acceptance of the trust and responsibility which that acceptance entails.

Record of Deaths in Washington County for the Year 1873

The Marietta Register, January 8, 1874

At Knoxville, Tennessee, January 7, 1873, Mrs. Charlotte Nicholson, daughter of Col. A. Stone, of Harmar, aged 40.

In Marietta, January 12, Rezon Willis, aged about 68.

In Harmar, January 13, George V. Pattin. 

In Harmar, January 14, Mrs. Caroline Marshall, aged 40. 

In Toledo, January 12, Miss Augusta F. Tenney, formerly of this place.

In Muskingum township, January 18, Freeman Davis, in his 78th year.

In Scioto county, January 16, A. B. Murphy, an old resident of this county.

In Watertown, January 23, Mrs. S. Winn, in her 69th year.

In Watertown, January 31, Mrs. Catherine Remley, aged 60.

In Marietta, February 4, Benjamin F. Stone, aged 91.

In Marietta, February 15th, Mrs. Seneith Hildebrand, wife of the late Col. Hildebrand, aged 69.

In Washington City, February 16, Col. D. L. Eaton, brother-in-law of Prof. G. R. Rosseter.

At Flint's Mills, February 18, George W. Harvey, aged 45.

In Harmar, February 21, Mrs. Matilda F. Clarke, aged 73.

In St. Cloud, Minnesota, February 25, Major William G. Bloomfield, formerly of Marietta.

In Harmar, March 1, Mrs. Daniel P. Bosworth, aged 43.

In Marietta, March 12, Dudley W. Racer, aged 47.

In Marietta, March 13, John Theis, aged 48.

In Marietta, March 15, Mrs. Susan H. McIntosh, aged 87.  Mrs. M. was born in Massachusetts and resided in Marietta over 50 years.

In Marietta, March 21, Mr. Henry Opp, aged 62.

In Marietta, March 21, Elmira McAlister, wife of William Greenhill.

Near Chillicothe, March 27, James B. Marsh, aged 52.  He left Salem, this county, seven years before.

At Newport, March 27, Henry O. Little, aged 77. 

In Marietta, March 30, Mrs. Cordelia M. McKellar.

In Harmar, March 30, Mr. Arnold Winchester, aged 77.

In Marietta, April 2, Deacon Dennis Adams, aged 81.

In Marietta, April 7, R. H. Rood, aged 55.  His death was after a brief illness.

In Marietta, April 8, Mr. James Dunn, aged 81, came to Marietta first in 1812.

April 8, in Barlow township, Mrs. Abigail Richards, aged 91.

April 16, near Plymouth, Wilson Graham, aged 46.

April 24, William Gray, aged 78, Waterford, of paralysis.

April 27, in Marietta, Mrs. Rosanna Hall, wife of Joseph E. Hall, Sen., aged 69.

May 3, Mrs. Emily L. Hamilton, wife of Rev. L. L. H. Hamilton, of Boston, Mass.

May 4, in Belpre, A. H. Browning, aged 46.

May 7, in Marietta, Mrs. Sarah Talbot Stevens, wife of James Stevens.

May 19, in Barlow township, Alexander Gordon, aged 55.

May 23, in Marietta, Major George Clymer McCall, aged 78, a grandson of George Clymer, who signed the Declaration of Independence.

June 6, in Watertown, Conrad Bohl, aged 82.

June 13, in Harmar, of erysipelas, L. H. Jennings, aged 48.

June 23, in Barlow township, Mr. H. E. Vincent, aged 71.

July 7, in Marietta, of consumption, Edgar P. Pearce, aged 33.

July 11, in Marietta township, of apoplexy, Franklin Wells, aged 74.

July 11, in Harmar, of congestion of the liver, Mr. Isaiah Scott, aged 57.

July 26, in Waterford township, Mrs. Silence Devol, relict of Stephen Devol, aged 78.

July 30, at Butler, Bates county, Missouri, of consumption, Rev. Edwin W. P. Wyatt, aged 33.

August 6, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Sophia Browning Clarke (widow of Col. Melvin Clarke, 36th O.V.I.), aged 37.

August 7, at Guyandotte, W. Va., P. S. Smith, aged 77; born near Marietta; and when he died, the oldest citizen of Guyandotte.

August 15, in Harmar, Joseph S. Morris, aged 56.

August 16, in Marietta, James Davis, a native of England, aged 75.

August 16, in Marietta, Mrs. Mahala Pixley, aged 68.

September 6, in Barlow, Mrs. Betsy Tompkins, aged 84.

September 14, near Watertown, of typhoid fever, Mrs. Mary Ann Ryan, wife of Michael Ryan, aged 34.

September 27, in Marietta, Mrs. Mary Hicks, aged 73.

September 29, on Mile Run, of dropsy, Samuel Sprague, aged 78.

In Elk River, Minnesota, September 29, Mr. Ezekiel Dye, aged 91.  He had been a resident of Marietta 72 years of his life.

October 2, in Harmar, of consumption, Miss Jenny Hartson, aged 25.

October 8, in Marietta, Mrs. M. Johnson, wife of Willis H. Johnson.

October 12, in Warren township, of heart disease, Amos Wilson, aged 27.

At Maple Grove, Michigan, October 21, Mrs. Eliza J. Aikman, a former resident of Marietta, aged 56 years.

October 25, Mrs. H. L. Follett, wife of M. D. Follett, aged 41.

October 26, Miss Elizabeth Chambers, aged 26.

October 28, of consumption, George J. Bishop, son of N. F. Bishop, aged 21.

November 4, in Dunham, Miller Clarke, aged 77.

November 7, in Meigs county, Melzar Nye, Sen., aged 88.  Was in early life a resident of Washington county.

At the County Infirmary, November 7, Peter Keith, aged 70 years.

Near Lowell, November 18, Elizabeth Field, wife of Mr. H. Field.

In Harmar, November 19, Mr. William Roush, in his 40th year.

In Marietta, November 20, Mr. Dunlap Atkinson, in his 70th year.

In Warren, November 23, Mrs. Sarah Jane Miller, aged 35 years.

In Marietta township, November 24, Mr. Carlton Palmer, aged 72.

In Lawrence, November 24, Mr. Edward Collier Nye, in his 31st year.

In Marietta November 28, Mrs. Irena Benedict, in the 92d year of her age.

In Marietta, November 28, Mr. George Lewis Barnhart, aged 86 years.

In Lowell, Ohio, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Alice Fleck, wife of Jacob Fleck, and daughter of Darius Rummer.

December 3, Louisa Woodward, daughter of E. and S. H. Woodward, aged 18 years.

In Waterford, December 9, Samuel Morgan, formerly of Morgan county.

In Marietta, December 12, Mrs. Catharine Peters Smith, aged 50 years.

In Decatur, December 16, David A. Newell, aged 24.

In Muskingum, December 24, Isaac Foster, aged 55 years.

In Marietta, December 27, Mrs. Mary Crickard, aged 28 years.