Fire Fighter of Ye Old Days Is No More

Marietta Daily Journal, January 10, 1917

The Niagara, replica of Marietta's old fire fighting days, which has lain idle at the West Side Fire House for several years, has finally been cast aside.  The old engine was no longer of any use in the protection of the city against the fire evil, and so had to make room for more up to date apparatus.

During the shadows of Tuesday night, the firemen of the city department hauled the old machine out of its "stall" and to the shop of a local junk dealer, where it was disposed of for a sum of about $150.  All that was saved of this replica of other days was the large brass plates that bore the name of the engine and the date of its purchase.

The Niagara, it will be remembered, was purchased by the town of Harmar about the year 1870, and for years had been stationed at the West Side station.  During the many years of service that it experienced, the engine was manned by the "old guard" on Harmar's fighting force, and answered scores of alarms.  When the newer horse drawn fire apparatus was purchased the old steam engine was laid aside.

The engine would have been sold long ago but for the request of a number of the older residents that it be kept as a replica of the good old days.  But now, with the installation of the new motor apparatus, and the removal of the West Side department into their new home, there is no vacant room for the old fire fighting machine, hence its disposal.

Dickson Armory Bill Passed With A Rush

The Marietta Times, February 6, 1914

Goes Through the House and Without Loss of Any Time.

Something of a record for speedy enactment was made by the Dickson Bill, adopted by the senate at Columbus, Wednesday, which authorizes the state armory board to accept a part of the Ice Harbor lot in this city as a site for an armory and to build an armory on the ground. That it went through in a hurry and at a time when the assembly was hard pressed for time was due to the efforts of Rep. W. M. Dickson of this county.

The measure was planned, drawn and adopted in less than a week. On January 29, Rep. Dickson conferred with Gov. Cox in regard to the measure, and Adj. Gen. Wood was called into the conference. The governor said that if Rep. Dickson had a bill drafted that would pass muster at the attorney general's office, he would message it over to the house. Rep. Dickson called A. D. Follett on the phone and the local attorney wrote the bill, with exception of the description of the site, which was secured by Dr. Dickson at the armory board's officers.

Dr. Dickson then drafted the bill and had it approved by the attorney general. He introduced it in the house Monday evening, had the rules suspended and the measure passed to second reading. Tuesday morning under a suspension of the rules the bill was passed by the house and sent to the senate. This body approved it Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock.

As a result Marietta will soon have an O. N. G. armory.

Text of the Bill

The text of the Dickson Bill follows:

Whereas, the state armory board desires to erect an armory building in the city of Marietta, Ohio, and has caused plans and specifications for such building to be made, and land in said city suitable for the erection of such armory building has been offered to the state of Ohio and said state armory board as a gift, and a deed conveying said land to the state of Ohio has been duly executed and tendered to the state of Ohio and said state armory board, which deed conveys to the state of Ohio, the full unencumbered fee simple title to said land except that, under legislation which can not be modified by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, said land can not be used except for public purposes, and any building erected thereon must be occupied and used for some public purpose, such as the proposed purpose of a state armory building, for which reason the state armory board has not yet accepted said deed, and desires that the General Assembly of the state of Ohio act upon the matter of the acceptance of said deed therefor.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio:

Section 1. The state armory board is hereby authorized to accept, as the site for an armory building to be erected by it on behalf of the state of Ohio in the city of Marietta, Ohio, and to erect and maintain on such site said armory building, the following described land situate in the city of Marietta, county of Washington and state of Ohio, bounded and described as follows, to-wit:

Beginning at a point on Front Street where the southerly line of the lot deeded to the United States for the purpose of a Lock Tender's house intersects Front Street; thence from said point southerly along the westerly line of Front Street one hundred and eighty-five (185) feet; thence westerly on a line at right angles to Front Street to the Muskingum River; thence northerly along the east bank of the Muskingum River to a point where the southerly line of the property deeded to the United States for a Lock Tender's house intersects the Muskingum River; thence along the southerly line of said United States property to the place of beginning.

Provided, however, that the deed conveying such site to the state of Ohio shall first be approved by the Attorney General as conveying to the state of Ohio a sufficient title to the land included in such site for the purpose of using such land for any and all public purposes, including the erection and maintenance of an armory building.

Speech in the House

In support of the bill, Rep. J. J. Stanley of Portage County, chairman of the committee on military affairs, said on the floor of the house:

"The mere mention of that name 'Marietta' should cause every fibre within us to tingle with pride, and rouse every impulse of reverence, patriotism and devotion. What Plymouth Rock is to the nation at large, Marietta is to Ohio and the vast empire states carved out of the Northwest Territory.

"Around the name cluster memories of a period of history-making incidents and events unequalled in the annals of the world, which pass before us in mental review the valorous conquerors in the French and Indian wars side by side with revolutionary heroes; and close in the wake of the white-winged dove of peace we follow the course down the beautiful river, of the redoubtable Rufus Putnam, and his [forty]-seven intrepid companions to that ideal site at the conjunction of the Muskingum, where they planted the first white settlement in what is now our proud boast, the Grand Old Buckeye State.

"With public attention attracted and centered on the marvelous growths and developments in other portions of the state, Marietta's claims have been sadly overlooked, and she petitions us today for this slight recognition of her just desserts.

"She should have this armory as a fitting monument to her sacred past, as a pantheon for the holy relics of early days, and as an assembling place for the rapidly thinning county contingent of the dear old Boys in Blue.

"We are a long time dead, and to some of us approaching the shadows of life's sunset, it is comforting to think that future generations will bless our memories for bestowing this gift on Marietta, the birthplace of our glorious commonwealth."

  
 

Events of 1885 as Gleaned From the Leader's Columns

The Marietta Leader, January 5, 1886

January

The ladies of the Congregational Church present their pastor's wife, Mrs. C. E. Dickinson, with a handsome silk quilt.

Phoenix Mill changes hands. Messrs. Torpy and D. R. Greene assume the management.

Mrs. Mullen, aged 93-1/2 years, of Belpre Townsihp, died.

Mrs. Henry Wendelken, wife of the Front Street grocer, died.

Sheriff Rose took charge of the county jail.

A rise in the Ohio River lets out 3,930,000 bushels of coal.

Jacob Young, an old and well known citizen of this city, died of lung fever, aged 68 years.

The Jury in Ellis Hardy murder trial rendered a verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree.

M. Seipel & Co., purchase the drygoods stock of W. James Harte.

Hub factory sold for $13,000.

Miss Addie Roberts, daughter of George Roberts of Constitution, died of typhoid pneumonia, aged 18 years.

Mr. H. P. Whitney of Fourth Street fell and re-broke a leg that had just about healed up.

From the night of the 14th to the night of the 16th there was an almost incessant rainfall of over three inches of water.

Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Clark of Butler Street celebrated the 25th anniversary of their wedding.

Mrs. I. R. Rose had a heavy fall down a flight of 17 steps and received painful injuries.

The river reached a stage of 31-1/2 feet. Marietta escaped a disastrous flood by the timely arrival of a cold wave.

The boys made a skating rink of the ice on the back water.

Dr. Z. D. Walter and wife, W. D. Devol and wife, Mrs. W. W. Rathbone and daughter, visited the New Orleans World's Exposiiton.

The steamer Chesapeake sunk in the Ohio River near Little Muskingum, caused by a windstorm beating her hull against the rocks.

Amanda Muncey of Harmar roasted alive from an explosion of coal oil which ignited her clothing.

Rev. T. H. Monroe delivers an oration of great ability before Bartlett Lodge, No. 293, F. & A. M.

Messrs. Hall & Bailey assign to Jewett Palmer.

At the delinquent tax sale 114 pieces of property were sold.

Council passes a natural gas ordinance.

Ice cutting commenced on the canal on the 23rd.

Thomas Cleary, manager of O'Connor's quarries at Constitution, fell and broke his collar bone.

Mrs. Maggie Paden, an old and estimable lady of Belpre, died Thursday, January 22.

The Ohio Transit Company, T. D. Dale, President, made a sale of its pipe lines and tank lines to the National Transit Company.

The ladies of the Unitarian Church hold a fair and festival.

Mr. John Chase died January 23rd.

D. P. Bosworth, Jewett Palmer, T. F. Davis, Murray McMillen, J. E. Terry, of this city; Thomas Wiseman, G. W. Early, Harmar; I. W. Putnam, Belpre; W. C. Smiley and I. L. Devol, Beverly; Reese Thomas and wife, George W. Stanley and wife, of Lower Salem, were present at the State G. A. R. Encampment at Akron.

Died at her home in Cornerville, January 5th, Miss Mecca, youngest daughter of Reverend J. D. Riley, aged 23 years, 7 months and 12 days.

February

John Shrake & Sons finish a flouring mill with a capacity of 100 barrels per day.

Walker W. Wilson had a hand mashed while at work on the C. W. & B. new iron bridge.

Theodore Suck of St. Marys drowned in Middle Island Creek, while attempting to cross on the ice. He was a prominent citizen.

George Lyne found guilty of keeping a gambling house and fined $100 and 20 days in jail.

February 6, Col. D. P. Bosworth resigns Post Commandership of Buell Post G. A. R. in order to enter upon duties as Senior Vice Commander of the State Department.

February 5, Jerry Beagle, bridge builder on the C. & M. R. R., killed at Kimbolton by the collapsing of a boiler flue.

Will B. Waters enters the Marietta National Bank as Clerk.

The Harmar bond case trial commenced Wednesday, February 11. Saturday evening of the 14, the Jury retired and deliberated until Monday morning and failed to agree, standing six to six.

February 11, J. H. Rathbone, Supreme Lecturer of the Kinghts of Pythias order, lectured before Raynold Lodge of this city, subject: "The Mission of Our Order."

February 12, Captain A. B. Waters died from kidney troubles, aged 67 years.

A new post office was established at Deucher's, this county.

The second iron span of the railroad bridge was swung February 15.

February 11, mercury registered in the morning 10 degrees below zero.

Reverend G. R. Gear immersed 13 converts at the Baptist Church, February 22.

The Salvation Army invaded the city on the 22nd.

February 17th, thermometer 2 to 4 degrees below zero; 18th 10 degrees above; 19th, 3 to 7 degrees below; 20th, 10 degrees below; 21st, 11 degrees below; 22nd, 6 degrees below; 23rd, 8 degrees below. On the 21st at Children's Home it was 15 degrees below.

February 24th, snow fell to a depth of seven inches.

March     

On the 10th, Manly W. Mason of Coal Run was sentenced by Judge Campbell at Caldwell to 8 years for perjury, and his son, Frank Mason, was sentenced to 7 years for burglary.

Death - In this city on the 15th, Mrs. Julinda Payne, aged 80 years. Wife of Major George Payne.

William Foster of Tunnel, this county, was buried on the 9th by Harmar Lodge F. & A. M.

The case against Ellis Hardy for murder was nullied on the 9th by Judge Sibley in special session of court.

Mrs. Lizzie Gross purchased one-half of the Ward estate known as the Sweet Valley farm for $4,500.

Fred Weiss, once a prosperous hatter of this city, was found dead by the wayside on the road to the County Infirmary on the 17th. The coroner rendered a verdict of death from freezing.

March 18, the first wild geese of the season were seen flying north over the city.

Thomas Holden of Grandview Township died on the 16th. Aged over 80 years.

Adam Minch of Adams Township was crushed to death by a heavy log rolling over him.

On the 22nd, Mr. John Reynolds of Newport, aged 98 years, died from the effects of paralysis.

The residence of Mrs. Contner on Montgomery Street was destroyed by fire on the 25th.

On the 24th, Winthrop B. Hawkes died at Colorado Springs of consumption.

Mrs. Pattie Beebe died at Waterford on the 17th, aged 84 years, 16 days.

The building block belonging to E. W. Nye Esq. on Front Street, just below the canal bridge, on the night of the 29th burned at a loss of $1,500 to Mr. Nye; $2,200 to F. Lambert Reis; $500 to George H. Hovey; $100 to J. L. Stephens and a trifle to the Singer Sewing Machine Company, all occupants of the block.

April     

The Leader published a "Sermon to Young Men" delivered by C. E. Dickinson at the Congregational Church on the 5th.

On the 4th, Richard Beebe of Rainbow was thrown from his horse and injured so severely as to cause his death the next day.

Robert Greenway died at his home on Front Street on the 2nd of consumption, aged 29.

Died in this city, April 5, Joseph E. Hall, Esq., aged 93 years. He was a resident of this city for 68 years.

Mrs. Fannie Irvine and Mr. Laughlin Devine were united in marriage on the 2nd.

Mrs. Sarah Fulton Guitteau died at her home east of the city on the 2nd, of heart trouble.

On the 4th Elisha Kennedy was severely hurt at the C. & M. yards on Greene Street, and had both feet amputated by surgeons to avoid mortification of the mangled feet.

C. A. Brown and family of Belpre left on the 6th for Kansas.

The Washington County Pioneer Association met at the Court House at 1 p.m. on the 7th.

S. V. Department Commander D. P. Bosworth mustered Cutler Post G. A. R., No. 502, on the 10th.

City election held on the 6th. J. H. Dye was re-elected Marshal over john C. Smith, competitor.

F. E. Twitchell's (now Jenvey & McClure's) grocery was burglarized on the night of the 13th and about $46 stolen, besides valuable papers.

Captain Howard Hallett of Lower Salem died on the 15th after a short illness, the remote cause of which was a wound received in the war.

Mr. S. A. Fuller, undertaker, died at his home on Third Street on the 15th, from paralysis.

On April 20th, Mr. Samuel Brown, the oldest citizen of Coal Run Village, died, aged 78 years.

The County Jail improvements completed.

The National Transit Company purchased the pipe lines between Macksburg and Marietta from the West Virginia Transit Company.

Mrs. Seldon S. Stowe died at Middleport on the 22nd and was brought to Muskingum Township for burial.

The I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 67 of this city held a banquet on the 26th. Honorable W. F. Curtis was presented by the Lodge with a gold-headed cane as a token of respect and esteem.

May    

On the 1st ministerial papers were circulated by the various churches.

Mrs. Amelia Meisenhelder, aged 63 years, died on the 7th.

Wallace & Company's Circus and Menagerie exhibited in the city on the 9th.

Patrick Slattery died at the Soldier's Home, Dayton, on the 6th.

John S. Bukey, Esq., retired from the drug firm of Styer & Bukey on account of poor health.

Captain Edward Knox of Harmar died on the 13th, aged about 54 years.

Memorial services were held May 24th at City Hall under the auspices of the G. A. R. Posts of this city and Harmar. Reverend C. E. Dickinson delivered an address.

On the 25th the grand jury found an indictment against Fred Joy for the murder of Willard Pearce on the 15th.

Memorial Day was fittingly observed by the various G. A. R. Posts and citizens in general of our city and county. The morning being beautifully befitting the occasion. At night exercises were held at the City Hall, which were of an interesting character. Captain T. F. Winthrop delivered the principal address, which was eloquent and eminently appropriate.

June    

Reverend H. J. Taylor left on the 1st for Tacoma, Washington Territory, to an appointment over a Congregational Church. He went under the auspices of the Congregational Missionary Board.

Grandma Woodruff, mother of George R. and Reverend Norton Woodruff, died on the 1st, aged about 85 years.

Jacob E. Lockwood, one of Belpre's prominent citizens, died on the 5th.

Mrs. Schilling, mother of Mrs. Louis Goebel, died on the 7th, aged 76 years.

On the 7th, Martin Schmidt Esq. broke his leg by falling from a swing.

 John H. Welch was killed at Napier on the M. M. Railway on the 7th by falling from the banister of a bridge, which gave way with him. William Barret and Peter Reddy were bruised considerably at the same time.

Dr. G. W. Blake of Lower Salem died at his home on the 10th from a complication of diseases.

The youngest son of James Coggswell, living near Little Hocking, shot and killed himself accidentally on the 13th.

The thirty-fifth annual commencement of the High School took place at City Hall on the 12th. Eleven young ladies graduated.

C. B. Gates Post gave an enjoyable festival at their rooms in Harmar on the 15th.

The Cantata of Culprit Fay was given at the City Hall Friday evening, the 26th. It was a pleasing affair and attended by a great number of our citizens.

Commencement exercises of the College begun Sunday afternoon with an address before the Society of Inquiry by Reverend W. G. Ballantine, '68, and in the evening an address by Honorable W. P. Cutler on deceased Trustees.

Monday, June 29th, at 3 p.m., prize declamations by members of the Sophomore and Freshmen classes at the Congregational Church. In the evening historical addresses before the two literary societies.

Tuesday, the 30th, in the a.m., meeting of the Board of Trustees and Alumni Association. At 3 p.m. Reverend Charles E. Lindsley read a poem and Honorable John F. Follett delivered an address before the Alumni.

Farmers reported a slight frost on the morning of the 30th.

The Marietta Leader, January 18, 1886
 
July    

Wednesday, the 1st, at 10 a.m., Address memorial of Deceased Professors by Douglas Putnam Jr., and Semi Annual Address by President I. W. Andrews were delivered at the church, followed by conferring of degrees.

The Alumni Dinner took place at the City Hall at 12 p.m., about 200 participating. At 2 o'clock the guests adjourned to the main hall upstairs. Honorable A. T. Goshorn presided. Speeches were made by Governor Hoadly, Dr. Moore, Honorable J. F. Follett, Rev. C. C. Hart, Dr. D. B. Cotton, Judge M. F. Force, Reverend D. W. Rhodes, and General A. J. Warner. In the evening the President's levee, commencement ball at City Hall, and class suppers occupied the time of the students and guests of the college.

Mrs. Joseph Cross died in Barlow Township, aged 70 years.

Fires in grates were burning on the 1st and in the evening wraps were comfortable.

William and John Shedd arrived from Persia, Asia, on the 1st, after a journey of 10,000 miles.

The M. E. Sunday School pic-nicked to Cutler on the 2nd and the U. B. School went to Blennerhassett Island on the Dale.

The Glorious Fourth was hot and dusty. City full of country folks and Parkersburgers. The main attractions of the day were horse racing at the Fair Grounds and baseball at the ball park, between the Clippers and Shamrocks of Cincinnati. Many private exhibitions of fireworks at night.

Dr. C. W. Eddy and Conrad Krigbaum appointed by Council as members of the Board of Health. Fred Blume elected to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Isaac Atkinson on the 7th.

The Joy murder case occupied the Court's attention from the 6th to the 11th. Seventy witnesses examined. Jury returned verdict of manslaughter. Judge Sibley sentenced Joy to eight years hard labor in the Penitentiary. On the 13th Sheriff Rose escorted the prisoner to Columbus.

On the 9th, the Baptist Sunday School went to Blennerhassett on steamer Strecker.

On the 10th, hail fell in the country west of Marietta.

Squire David Martin of Lawrence Township died on the 14th from kidney disease. Aged 63 years.

The knights of Pythias excursioned to Vincent Grove on the 16th.

Samuel A. Harris died at his residence east of town on the 16th. Aged fifty years.

The new Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated on Sunday the 19th. Reverend C. H. Payne, D. D., President of Delaware University, preached the dedication sermon and officiated, assisted by the pastor, Reverend T. M. Leslie, G. W. Burns, Reverends C. d. Battelle, McCormick, Kayhoe, Cooley, and Cole. Over $4,900 were raised to pay off the debt remaining on the building.

Some 225 business men of this city, including city and county officials, excursioned over the Mineral Railway on the 17th.

On the 21st and 22nd the Veterans of the 63rd O.V.I. held a reunion at Beverly.

General U. S. Grant died on the 22nd. The Leader of the 28th came out dressed in mourning for the gallant hero.

July 31st, Mrs. Laughlin, mother of Mrs. Professor Andrews, died at the residence of her daughter on Second Street. Aged 82 years.

August     

On the 2nd, a heavy rainstorm set in at 3-1/2 o'clock, lasting until the evening of the 3rd. Over four inches of water fell.

On the 4th, the Republican County Convention met at the Court House and nominated a strong ticket.

On the 5th, the Republican Senatorial Convention for the 14th District convened at Beverly and nominated A. W. Glazier of Belpre for State Senator.

On the 5th, Bertie Shaw fell from the cars at the draw of the C. W. & B. R. R. bridge to the rocks below a distance of 35 feet and sustained serious injuries.

Married on the 5th, George L. Payne of Springfield, Ohio, and Miss Anna E. Mixer of Harmar.

Birth - August 6th, a son to Dr. O. M. Willis and wife.

On the 7th, James B. Halll of Aurelius Township died, aged 80 years.

On the 11th, Gilbert O'Neal's store at Newell's Run was burglarized. $95 were stolen.

On the 10th, at Belpre, Kuhn Brothers' tannery burned. Loss $5,000.

Governor J. B. Foraker passed through the city on the 10th on his way from the Caldwell reunion. An impromptu reception was held at the National House and the Governor made a short speech.

Death - At Newbury on the 14th, Mrs. Julia Oakes, aged 78 years.

Camping parties became the rage.

Death - On the 24th, in Harmar, James Webb.

Washington County Teachers' Institute in session from the 24th to the 28th. Two hundred and twenty-three teachers enrolled.

On the 26th, Mr. and Mrs. Joline Hopkins of Dunham Township celebrated their golden wedding.

The Democratic County Convention convened on the 25th.

The Democratic Senatorial Convention at Beverly on the 26th nominated John M. Amos of Caldwell for State Senator.

 September  

On Wednesday, the 2nd, Will B. Greene died at his home on Cutler Street of consumption. Aged 31 years.

The Defiance Fire Company dedicated their new hall on the 4th.

Judge J. B. Foraker spoke at City Hall to a large and enthusiastic audience on the afternoon of the 8ty. In the evening he spoke at Lowell and Beverly.

Death - In Decatur Township on the 6th, Michael Gallagher, aged 63 years.

Birth - In this city on the 12th to Ex-Mayor C. W. Richards and wife, a son.

Reunion of the Ohio Brigade in this city at the City Hall on the 9th and 10th. The Leader in its issue of the 15th published a full roster of surviving members of the Brigade.

Death - Near Whipple on the 17th, Jacob Flanders, aged 83 years.

On the 16th, 17th, and 18th, the Washington County Fair occurred and was largely attended. The receipts were larger than the year previous.

Death - In Warren Township on the 4th, D. Camp, aged 84 years and 11 months.

Death - In Warren Township on the 16th, Mrs. Julia Perdew, wife of David Perdew.

On the 18th Aberius Judd of Lowell died of paralysis.

On the 26th General R. P. Kennedy addressed a large audience at the City Hall.

Barlow Fair took place on the 24th and 25th. It was a great success. Receipts amounted to about $700.

On the 30th I. R. Waters, Esq., was thrown from his buggy and seriously injured. A young horse he was driving became frightened, which caused the accident.

October   

Married - On the 6th, William A. Batchelor of Milwaukee and Miss Emma M. Granger of this city.

12th - O.V.T.A. gave a tournament at Bull Creek before 2,000 spectators.

13th - Election day, quiet rainy and muddy. The Republicans received returns in Strecker's building and the Democrats in George A. Benedict's vacated store room.

The Republicans elected their whole county ticket by majorities ranging from 494 for Mason Gorby for Commissioner down to 267 for John McCormick for Prosecutor.

In this county, on the 10th, Henry Posey Sr. died, aged 80 years.

The Republicans of this city and vicinity jollified on the evening of the 17th. They had a red-letter time.

Death - In this city on the 18th, Daniel Becker Jr.

The Ohio Branch of the W. B. M. I. and O. W. H. M. U. met at the Congregational Church, this city, on the 22nd.

An adjourned session of the Washington County Teacher's Institute met at Beverly on the 24th.

On the night of the 31st, Bosworth's cigar factory at Newport, this county, was burned. Loss $2,500. Insurance $1,200.

The remains of Mr. Frank Towsley, who died at Athens on the 29th, were buried in this city under the auspices of the G. A. R.

Edward McGovern was killed by the cars at Harmar on the 30th.

Hallow E'en, night of the 31st.

November  

The month came in with a rush and roar.

Mr. John Swift, a former well-known and highly-esteemed citizen of Marietta, died at his home above Williamstown on the 1st. He was buried from the Baptist Church, this city.

November 2nd, Dr. J. B. Mellor of Harmar, died.

Peter Riffle of Belpre Township was sentenced by Judge Sibley to five years hard labor in the penitentiary for incest. Sheriff Rose took him to Columbus on the 9th.

On the 6th, the Woman's Home was opened to the public.

On the 8th, Miss Lillie Posey, daughter of Dudley Posey, died of consumption.

Allie Lightfritz, on the 11th, was run over by freight cars in Harmar and died on the 12th.

Colonel W. B. Mason, after a lingering illness, died on the 11th, aged 62 years, 2 months, and 25 days.

Edward Strauss, son of J. D. Strauss, Esq., Washington Street, died of typhoid fever on the 15th.

The frame dwelling of Mrs. Charles Hall on Greene Street was burned on the 16th.

Mrs. Hannah Starlin, a highly respected lady of Coal Run, died on the 19th.

Thanksgiving Day was generally observed by our citizens.

On the 24th occurred the marriage of Thomas Ewart Esq. to Miss Agnes S. Tibbetts.

Death - Mrs. E. E. Cutter, aged 78 years, 10 months and 5 days, at Watertown on the 28th.

Colonel J. F. Hoy of Baltimore commenced a series of temperance lectures at the Baptist Church, this city, on the 29th.

The Kittie Rhoades Combination played at the City Hall during the week, ending on the 29th.

December   

Drilling commenced on Gas Well No. 3 on the Cherry farm on the 1st.

Riley Druse of Belpre died on the 1st, aged 75 years.

On the 7th Mason Gorby qualified as County Commissioner.

On the morning of the 7th, mercury indicated 5 degrees above zero. The Muskingum was frozen over.

On the 22nd C. B. Wells died at his residence on Fifth Street. His funeral took place on Christmas Day.

Louis Steiger died at his home in Fultonburg on the 22nd.

Christmas was a raw and chilly day, but greatly enjoyed and closely observed by our citizens. The Sunday schools of both towns indulged in their usual festivities.

On the 29th Mr. George Flower of Centre Belpre and Miss L. Elizabeth De La Matre were united in marriage.

Watch meetings were held at the M. E. churches of this city and Harmar, New Year's eve. The church bells of the two towns rang out the old year. The year went out under clear skies and with a keen atmosphere.

New Government Building

The Daily Register, January 21, 1899

Plans Received for the New Lockmaster's House on the Ice Harbor Lot.

Lockmaster Henry Savage has received from the U.S. engineer department the plans for the new house which is to be erected on the Ice Harbor lot on the 45-foot strip granted to the general government by the State Legislature, Ministerial Trustees, and City Council. The building will be an eight-room brick structure, 39.2 by 26.6 feet in dimensions, two stories in height, and will contain eight rooms.

While the structure will not be large, it will present a handsome appearance and contribute materially to the improvement of the lot. The foundation will be built under the direction of Mr. Savage and will be entirely of concrete, blocked off in imitation of stone work. The foundation will be built to a height of six feet nine inches above the surface of the ground.

Mr. Savage states that the government will fill only that part of the lot under their control.

 

Letter From Colonel McIntosh

The Marietta Register, April 12, 1883

Fellow Citizens and Brother Pioneers:

Compelled by sickness I very reluctantly forgo the pleasure of being with you to-day.

You meet to commemorate one of the great historical events of this Nation.  The territory comprising the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin did not contain men enough until 1798 to entitle it to a Territorial legislature.  What gigantic strides have been made since that time the now millions of inhabitants attest.

Recalling the names of some of the old Pioneers of this neighborhood, or rather more properly speaking, near Olive Green, who lived in that vicinity, perhaps from 1790 to 1810, I am reminded of Robert Philander and Jared Andrews, Gen. Eli Cogswell and his brother Salmon, Aaron Delong, Henry Delong, Jesse and Ezekiel Davis, Stephen Clark, Nathaniel Chapman, Phineas and Nicholas Coburn, Josiah and Ezra Sherman, Thomas Seely, Jesse Gibbs, Peter Keith and his sons, Peter and Benjamin.

These Keiths were quite extensive manufacturers of bells for horses, cows and sheep, which with the aid of hammer and anvil they wrought from Juniata Iron.  When they had accumulated sufficient stock they loaded their horses with the same and traveled about the country selling them; having disposed of their stock, with the money so procured they entered U. S. lands.  Continuing their ventures until they became well-to-do farmers.  Their sons are now among the wealthy men of the west.

Wolf Creek has a history not to be forgotten at this time, and I trust some one more conversant with the early history of that locality will have prepared some incidents of early settlement for this meeting.

Referring to this meeting and her early recollections of this neighborhood, "Mrs. Fanny Gage" (well known to all of you as the daughter of Colonel Barker), in writing to my wife, says, "Born and brought up in the early days of Ohio, the State being but six years old at the time of my birth, its people were few and far between and the enemies of new settlements in the wilderness, the Indians, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and perhaps more than all, the mighty giants of the forests that overshadowed the place where they lived, gave admonition to the Pioneers of the fortitude necessary to that success.

"These early settlers were truly a band of brothers and sisters with open hands and loving hearts; the needs of one were the needs of all.

"My father's house on the great thoroughfare from the first settled town - Marietta - was called the 'free tavern,' the first stopping place - and the old barrel spring gushing from the nose of the hill, whose pure sweet water, always a luxury, made us acquainted with all the goers and comers of nearly all the Pioneers of Ohio - there was scarcely a family I did not know from Zanesville to Marietta.  Never was there a grander or more determined set of men than those old Pioneers of Ohio - what a state it has grown, how its records of good, and wise and valiant men looms up among the Nations of the earth."  And she adds, "How I wish I could be with you."

Realizing the necessity of brevity when so many of you will have much to say in so limited a time.  Yet I cannot refrain from relating an incident connected with the "Old Red House" in which I was born.  It was after the Battle of New Orleans which occurred on the 8th of January and, owing to the primitive manner of transmitting intelligence the news, did not reach Marietta until February 22nd, on which day the citizens assembled in the hall of the "Old Red House" to hold a meeting of rejoicing.

Col. Joseph Barker was chairman of the meeting, the excitement running so high that while he was speaking he mounted a table, seized and raised a split bottom chair upon which he had been sitting and in his wild gesticulations thrust the legs through the ceiling, dislodging the plastering which came down upon the heads of the astonished audience, much to their merriment.

Wishing you all a continued and prosperous existence, and many returns of this anniversary, I am fraternally Your Brother Pioneer,

E. S. McIntosh