On June 28, 2006, Governor Robert A. Taft signed legislation enacting section 5.2234 of the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio House Bill 393, to designate September 22 as Emancipation Day in honor of the anniversary of the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862.

The First Ohio Colored Regiment.

John M. Langston, colored, made a speech at the Court House, Tuesday night of this week, in behalf of the 1^st Ohio Colored Regiment, in Camp Delaware – asking for aid and recruits. We did not hear him, but learn from several who did that he made an eloquent speech, not surpassed in power by any one who has spoken in Marietta, this year. The house was filled, and at the close, the sum of $260 was raised and paid for the Regiment. It will be borne in mind that the Government does not pay bounty as for white recruits, the law not authorizing it. The colored people present raised $10 towards procuring colors for the Regiment. Two recruits were obtained. Dr. Coulter will canvass the county for colored recruits. This regiment now has between 700 and 800 men in it. The Marietta Register, Friday, October 2, 1863, p. 3, c. 2. [This may not have been an Emancipation Day event, but it occurred near September 22 and Langston was the speaker on at least two subsequent Emancipation Day celebrations.]

 

The Marietta Register, July 29, 1864

Emancipation Anniversary. 

The colored people will hold a Celebration on Harmar Hill, Monday, August 1st - forenoon and afternoon. Dudley Asbury of Harmar makes an address before dinner, and John M. Langston of Oberlin, one of Ohio's best speakers, at 2 o'clock P.M. A table will be furnished on the ground for dinner at reasonable rates. In the evening there will be a Festival at Marshall's Hall in Marietta, the proceeds to be devoted to the benefit of the Colored Church. The Marietta Register, July 29, 1864.

Celebration. 

The ‘colored people’ of Marietta, Harmar, and vicinity, held a celebration, on the beautiful Harmar Hill, Friday, 22d inst., in commemoration of the Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln. Wonder if the Copperheads think now that that Proclamation was a ‘bull against the comet!’ Prof. Ferguson, of Albany, Athens county, made a first-class speech – a speech, we are informed, for we were not there, that would have done credit to any ‘white’ man. Rev. Mr. Bartlett, of Barlow, and one or two others, addressed the audience – about 200 colored and 50 white. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 28, 1865, p. 3, c. 3. [Thomas Jefferson Ferguson (1830-1887), founder, principal, and president of the Albany Enterprise Academy (1863- 1886) in Athens County.]

The colored men of this county celebrated the anniversary of the preliminary proclamation of emancipation, at Vincent, Saturday, 22d inst. John M. Langston, the eminent colored orator, addressed them on that occasion. At night, on very short notice, the Court House in Marietta, was filled, to listen to Mr. Langston. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 27, 1866, p. 3, c. 1.

The "colored fellow-citizens" are to have a grand celebration in honor of the Emancipation Proclamation, at Fleming Station, Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, eastern part of Barlow township, Tuesday, 24^th inst. John M. Langston, the eloquent colored orator, is to be present, with other able speakers. It will be a "big" day – a highly interesting occasion. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 19, 1867, p. 3, c. 1.

The colored people will celebrate the Sixth [fifth] Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, at Cook’s Grove, Belpre, Tuesday, 22d inst. Address by Rev. D. E. Asbury, of Wheeling; and perhaps there will be other speakers. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 17, 1868, p. 3, c. 1.

The Marietta Register, September 16, 1869

Emancipation Celebration. 

The celebration of the sixth anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, will take place near Flemming Station, on the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1869. All persons desiring to celebrate this glorious event are earnestly requested to come and aid us, while we tell you how we are marching along. Those attending will be entertained by addresses from Prof. P. H. Murray, of Philadelphia; Rev. H. E. Asbury, of Allegheny City; Hon. H. H. Garnett, President of Avery College, Allegheny City. Arrangements have been made for half fare. The train will leave the Depot at Harmar, for Flemming Station, at 7:15, A. M. It will leave Belpre at 7, A. M. All can return on an extra train, which will leave the Station at 5 o’clock, P. M. / An invitation is cordially extended to all. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 16, 1869, p. 3, c. 5.

The colored people hold a ‘Grand Celebration’ of the anniversary of the Proclamation of Emancipation, and of the business of Equal Rights, at Cutler, this county, Thursday, Sept. 22d. The speakers announced are Prof. Wm. Hannibal Thomas, of Allegheny City, Hon. Wm. P. Cutler, Rev. T. J. Ferguson, also Col. Realf, of South Carolina. Half fare on the M. & C. Railroad, leaving Marietta, on the mail train, at 8:35 A. M., and returning on a special train at night. The Marietta Register, September 15, 1870.

Emancipation Celebration at Belpre.

A Big and Enthusiastic Crowd. / The celebration of the colored people in Col. Stone’s grove at Belpre, Monday, 23d inst., was an immense success, far exceeding any celebration held by them in Washington county. They came by cars, in ferry boats, in skiffs, in wagons, in buggies, and on foot, from Ohio and West Virginia, till, estimating after the manner of U.S. Democratic Senator Thurman, it was a ten-acre meeting. The Cincinnati Enquirer would put it at ‘the lowest figures, 5,000 of the sturdy yeomanry of the land present’ – provided it had been a Greeley crowd, which it was not. Cut the meeting into five parts, and each part would equal in numbers the Gen. Tom Ewing Greeley Libocratic meeting in Marietta, last week. It is not probable there was a Greeley colored man in all that vast throng, although several white Greeley men were there, Democrats, who did not at all relish the speakers. / The meeting was called to order by Mr. Sawyer, of Belpre, who was equal to the occasion at presiding. / The colored brass band, from Parkersburg, gave much satisfaction to all who heard their ‘mellifluous strains.’ / Prayer by Rev. Jesse Asbury, of Cedar, O. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was read by Wm. Cross, of Decatur township. / First speaker introduced, Thomas Still, of Chesterfield, Morgan county. Without pretension, he made a first-class talk, made good points and hits, - a speech that many a white man would be proud to deliver as well. / Dinner followed. There were baskets well filled with provisions, and many friends were entertained, pic-nic style. Twenty stands for the sale of refreshments, such as cold boiled hams, chickens, pies, ice cream, lemonade, &c., dotted the woods, and nothing stronger than sweet cider. One person was seen to ask for ‘suthin’ to take’ that might inebriate, but was firmly told, ‘Not ‘lowed on de ground. Here’s water. Dis a free country now sure, ‘cos of de Republicans, and you must take de free drink.’ / The drum corps waked the woods during the hours of mid-day. Also, the platform dance, to the music of three violins and a two-stringed bass viol, was in energetic operation all the spare time. / After dinner, Rev. J. W. McMaster, of Marietta, coming on the ground, was impressed for a ten minutes speech, the only white speaker of the day. / Prof. T. J. Ferguson, of Albany, Athens county, made the great speech of the day, drawing forth shout upon shout of applause. He was an able speaker, very. / Robt. W. Simmons, of Parkersburg, followed in a lively, ta[l]king speech. He is a sharp man, and was a delegate from West Virginia to the Philadelphia Republican National Convention. / None of the colored speakers had a word of comfort for Greeley. / The colored people, with reason, felt great pride in the success of their meeting. It was a very orderly assemblage, behaving with marked propriety of conduct. Men and women acted like gentlemen and ladies, and children were exceedingly respectful, quiet, tidily dressed, and did much honor to their parents. The Marietta Register, September 26, 1872, p. 3, c. 2.

The Marietta Register, September 17, 1874

Emancipation Day. 

Tuesday next, September 22d, is Emancipation Day, and we learn it is the intention of the colored people of Washington, Morgan and Athens counties to celebrate the event at Cutler Station, with speeches, music, etc. Gen. Dawes, Hon. N. H. Van Vorhes, and others speakers will be present. Rev. Mr. Thomas, of this city, will also deliver an oration. A half-fare train will leave Marietta at 7 in the morning; returning, will leave Cutler at 4 P. M. The train from Parkersburg will leave a little earlier. All well disposed persons are invited to participate. The Marietta Register, September 17, 1874, p. 3, c. 5.

Celebration at Cutler.

The colored friends of this and Athens county, joined in celebrating at Cutler, last Tuesday, the anniversary of President Lincoln’s proclamation of Emancipation. Similar gatherings were held at Parkersburg and at Nelsonville, in Athens county. These drew from the Cutler meeting, still it was largely attended. The day was beautiful, and the woods where the arrangements were made for spending the day, are delightfully situated, and close to the station. Excursion trains were run, and all the regular trains made stops. The German Band from Marietta was on hand to furnish music. Besides, there was vocal music by those taking part in the occasion. In the forenoon there was speaking for an hour, by Mr. Still, whose remarks we did not hear, but they were spoken of favorably. After dinner, the meeting was first addressed by Rev. Mr. Thomas, of Marietta, who spoke with a great deal of earnestness, entertaining the audience as few can. / He was followed by Gen. R. R. Dawes, the principal speaker of the day, who, for an hour held the large audience in unbroken interest. Gen. Dawes did himself credit, which, seeing he is a modest man, is all we feel at liberty to say. Jon. N. H. Van Vorhes was introduced and made a few remarks, being very unwell and not justified in attempting a set speech. / Mr. G. W. Harrison, of Harmar, was chairman of the meeting, and conducted it in a highly satisfactory manner. The day was innocently, pleasantly and profitably spent. No disturbances to mar the happiness of the occasion, which must have been participated in by nearly one thousand people. The conduct, the intelligent appearance of those in attendance, and the entire management of the exercises of the day were creditable to our colored friends, and would not suffer in contrast with any similar attempt of their heretofore more highly favored white brethren. The Marietta Register, Thursday, September 24, 1874, p. 2, c. 4. [George W. Harrison (1829-1897) was the father of Charles Sumner Harrison, John Langston Harrison, and Walter Clifton Harrison, early Black graduates of Marietta College. He had been a conductor on the Underground Railroad and was a local activist for Civil Rights.]

Final Plans For Emancipation Day.

How the Afro-Americans Will do Honor to the Memory of the Martyred Lincoln. / A Big Foreign Delegation Will Be Present From Surrounding Towns – Good Speaking. / Good Music and a General Good Time Anticipated at Maple Glen Park – Excursion Rates and Everybody Going. / Thirty-three years ago to-morrow, President Lincoln with his foresight and love for his fellowmen, issued a formal proclamation announcing that the colored people who were then in bondage, should be considered free after a certain date. / It was in the midst of a great struggle; at a time when freedom was not wholly assured, but at the opening of the following year, however, the proclamation became effective. Freedom, to men who had been bound by the chains of slavery, was a dear word, and when it was put into actual practice, how gladly was in received and hailed with joy by the colored population throughout our land! / Since that time, no holiday, no celebration, has been so dear to the colored people as has the twenty-second day of September. It is then that their present condition is contrasted with that of but a few years ago. Appropriate exercises in the principal cities of the United States are prepared, and the day is made one of gladness and rejoicing. It is right and proper that it should be. / It has been the custom of the colored people of this city and the surrounding country to celebrate this day in a fitting way each year, and this year promises to be no exception to the general rule, but will perhaps be the most complete in the general make-up of any that has preceded. The celebration, next Monday, will be held at Maple Glen Park, which is situated about 18 miles up the Muskingum, and needs no description to be made known to the people in this part of the country. Amusements of various kinds will be offered, and besides the intellectual part of the program, a general good time is anticipated. / The speakers expected for the day are Gov. McKinley [spoke in Marietta Oct. 1 or 2, 1895], Hon. David Sleeper, of Athens, and Mr. Chas. S. Dana, of this city. It is useless to say that these speakers, if all can be present, will interest the people, as their reputation is already established as eloquent, patriotic orators. / Singer’s famous mandolin and guitar club will furnish music during the day. / A large crowd is expected from Parkersburg, since the smallpox scare at Wheeling prevents them from attending there, as they had anticipated. / Excursion rates have been secured on the Z. & O. and T. & O. C. E. railroads. / Good connections will be made by the T. & O. C. E. with the Z. & O., and the crowd will be well accommodated. / Several of the leading colored people of the country will be there, and impromptu speeches will be made, songs sung, and all of the amusements characteristic of the colored people will be in full blast. That the day will be gloriously spent and fittingly celebrated, is a foregone conclusion, as the program arranged, already testifies. The Daily Register, September 21, 1895, p. 4, c. 3.

The largest crowd that has left this city for some time to celebrate Emancipation day, left this morning for Maple Glen Park. A large crowd came from Parkersburg and many came in over the T. & O. C. E. and were joined by the colored people of the city. About five hundred persons made up the crowd. All left happy as could be and the happiness will no doubt continue during the day.” The Daily Register, Monday, September 23, 1895, p. 5, c. 1.

The speeches at Maple Glen Park, yesterday, were made by Messrs. Chas. N. Dana, W. B. McGill and I. R. Rose. They were all very interesting throughout and were heartily received by the people present. The celebration was a great success and the day was appropriately celebrated.” The Daily Register, Tuesday, September 24, 1895, p. 5, c. 2.

Marietta Daily Leader, September 20, 1897

Emancipation Day.

Colored People Anticipate a Big Time Wednesday Afternoon. / The local committee on arrangements for the Emancipation Day celebration at the City Park Wednesday afternoon are confident of a large attendance and an old-time celebration. The T. & O. C. E., Z. & O. R., B. & O. S. W. and C. & M. railways will all make special excursion rates, and as this is the only celebration in Washington county this year, big crowds are expected over each road. / The orator of the day will be Hon. Wm. H. Parham, of Cincinnati, who is a member of the Ohio Legislature and one of the most widely known colored orators of the state. The colored people will be addressed by Hon. Lorenzo Danford also and probably by other speakers not yet secured. / The celebration promises to be the most successful one ever held in the county. Marietta Daily Leader, September 20, 1897.

Emancipation Day. 

Colored People Have a Most Successful Celebration on Wednesday. / There was a large and enthusiastic crowd of colored people in the city Wednesday to attend the Emancipation Day celebrations at the City Park. The day was an ideal one for such an occasion and the celebration passed off most successfully and enjoyably for all. / At one o’clock the exercises began with a street parade headed by the Marietta band and the speakers in carriages. Seats enough for about 3,000 people had been erected in front of the orchestra stand in the park, and when Chairman Ambrose Barnett called the audience to order every seat was filled. The orator of the day was Hon. William H. Parham of Cincinnati, a member of the Ohio House of Representatives and one of the most widely known colored speakers of the State. He was enthusiastically received when introduced, and after the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Miss Justice, delivered one of the strongest and most eloquent addresses ever heard in this county on a similar occasion. He was listened to with great interest by his large audience, who frequently showed their appreciation of his eloquence by enthusiastic applause. / At the conclusion of his address the crowd was entertained with some excellent music by the Marietta band, after which Senator M. A. Hanna was introduced amidst great applause and made a neat and appropriate speech, calling attention to the rapid strides of the colored race since the shackles were stricken from them by the great Proclamation, and prophesying continued advancement and increased prosperity in the years to come. Marietta Daily Leader, September 23, 1897, p. 3.

Program and List of Events for Emancipation Day.

Following is the program and list of events for the 38^th Emancipation Day anniversary to be held in the City Park, Marietta, O., next Monday, September 23^rd. / 1:00 P. M. – Parade, starting at Bethel A. M. E. Church, South Third street, in the following order: Marietta Police Force; Marietta Band; Pioneer City Lodge No. 43, K. of P.; Fire Department; Afro-American League of Washington and adjacent counties; Speakers of the day in carriages. / The line of march will be on Third to Greene, Greene to Front, Front to Putnam, Putnam to Second, Second to Scammel, Scammel to Front, Front to City Park. / Music and Prayer; Address of welcome by Hon. W. E. Sykes, Mayor of Marietta; Music by Marietta Band; Reading of Emancipation Proclamation, by miss Lizzie Dickinson, Vincent, O.; Music by Marietta Band; Address by Hon. C. C. Middleswart; Music by Band; Address by Henry Savage, Esq.; Music; Address by T. M. Fletcher, on Knighthood; Music; Address by Dr. O. A. Lambert; Music; Address by Bishop A. Grant, of the African M. E. church. / Evening. / 7:00 P. M. – Opening concert by Marietta Band, in front of City Hall; 7:30 – Speaking at Auditorium by one of the following able, eloquent and entertaining orators; President Joshua H. Jones, D. D., of Wilberforce University, the able negro educator of the North; Prof. Booker T. Washington, of Tuskogee Normal Institute, the leading negro educator of the South; Vocal and instrumental music will be rendered. Marietta Daily Leader, September 21, 1901, p. 8.

Emancipation Was Fittingly Observed by a Large Crowd on Monday.

On the 22^nd day of September, 1862, being thirty-nine years ago Monday, President Lincoln proclaimed to the world his famous Emancipation Proclamation, which became effective January 1^st, 1863, and which resulted in freedom to all slaves in the United States. / Each year September 22^nd is set aside by the colored people on which to rejoice over their freedom, and on Monday of this week the celebration of the 38^th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation was held in the City Park, this city. / Church Dedication. / On Sunday, as a preliminary to the Emancipation exercises, Bethel A. M. E. Church, on Third street, was dedicated, the sermon being delivered by Rev. C. S. Gee, Presiding Elder of the Columbus district of the A. M. E. Church. This took place Sunday forenoon, and in the afternoon exercises were held at the Auditorium, the sermon being delivered by Dr. Talbert, Secretary of Wilberforce University. Rev. Dr. Townsend, pastor of St. Paul’s A. M. E. Church, Columbus, preached at Bethel Church Sunday evening. / Emancipation Day. / Monday was a typical autumn day and hundreds of visitors from various sections came to the city to attend the exercises. / At one o’clock the parade formed at Bethel A. M. E. Church, South Third street in the following order: Marietta Police Force; Marietta Band; Pioneer City Lodge, No. 43, K. of P; Parkersburg Lodge, K. of P.; Fire Department; Afro-American League of Washington and adjoining counties; Speakers of the day in carriages. / The line of march was on Third to Greene, Greene to Front, Front to Putnam, Putnam to Second, Second to Scammel, Scammel to Front, Front to City Park. / Rev. W. H. Thomas, Pastor of Bethel Church, presided. First came music, then prayer, then an address of welcome by Mayor Sykes, then music, followed by the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, by Miss Lizzie Dickinson, of Vincent. Music by band. / Dr. O. A. Lambert was introduced and talked from a historical standpoint on slavery at length. He was followed by Henry Savage, who urged the colored people to organize. Hon. C. C. Middleswart talked of the great progress made by the colored race and of the importance of education. He was followed by Elder Gee and Dr. Talbert, both of whom made very interesting and instructive addresses. The speaking part of the program was interspersed with good selections from the Marietta Band. Marietta Daily Leader, Tuesday, September 24, 1901, p. 1, c. 2-3.

53 Years of Freedom To Be Celebrated.

A celebration more elaborate than that held three years ago, which marked the semi-centennial of the abolition of slavery in this country and brought a large crowd of people of the colored race from miles around, is being planned this year, the occasion being the fifty-third anniversary of the freedom of the negro from the bondage of slavery. The fittingness of a celebration of this kind finds ample justification in the marked progress of the race during its fifty-three years of freedom and everything points to the largest celebration of the kind ever held in Ohio. / The celebration this year will be of the nature of a Home Coming Week, during which former residents of this county and state are to be invited back to join in the celebration which comes to a close on Emancipation Day, September 22.  / Thursday evening a concert at the Auditorium theatre here by Miss Rachael Walker, prima donna soprano, who has won fame in the musical world and distinguished herself among the people of her race. The appearance of Miss Walker here promises to furnish a fitting climax to the week of festivities. Miss Walker is a former Cleveland, Ohio, girl. She is a finished singer, has been complimented by royalty and also by Mme. Patti. She is a pupil of the famous teacher, the late Mme. Marchesi. / The concert will be held Thursday evening, September 21, and local talent will contribute to the entertainment. The presence of Wright's Orchestra of Columbus will also be a pleasing feature.  / The celebration will begin with special services at the Wesleyan M. E. church here on Sunday, September 17. Monday evening a reception will be given at the church according to the tentative arrangements. Tuesday, a picnic and dance will be held at Fern Cliff Park, and on Wednesday, a lawn fete will be held at Sacra Via Park. Thursday evening Miss Walker will appear in a musical at the Auditorium, and Friday a general celebration of Emancipation Day will be held. / A big parade will be held in the morning. William Peyton of Rockland, an ex-slave said to be past 107 years old, will lead the parade, which will proceed to the fair grounds where the festivities will be held, including speeches and athletic events. / Governor Willis has been invited to address the holiday crowd and a colored speaker of national reputation will be included in the program of addresses. Gloucester, Athens, Middleport and Pomeroy will join with Marietta in the celebration of Emancipation Day, and large delegations are expected here on that day from Zanesville, Cambridge, Noble County, and the many other points in this section of Ohio and West Virginia. / A committee has been appointed by the Chamber of Commerce here to cooperate with the committee which has the arrangements for the celebration in charge and this furnishes even greater assurance of the success of the affair. The Register-Leader, August 19, 1916.

Yahuda Hochzeit

 The Marietta Times, March 9, 1898

The first orthodox Hebrew wedding ever solemnized in Marietta was that of Mr. Israel Evin and Miss Jetes Feika which took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Newman on Butler Street Friday evening, the bride, who has not been long in this country, being a sister of Mrs. Newman's and a cousin to Mr. A. Feika the tobacco and cigar merchant. Mr. Evin came here recently and is in business on Greene Street. A good sized company had been invited most of them Hebrews but a few Gentiles were present.

It is not our purpose to dwell on the manliness of the groom or the loveliness of the bride as these qualities are always taken for granted, but to briefly describe the spectacular part of the ceremony We cannot tell the pledges Rabbi Terscheid required them to make as, to us, Hebrew is one of the dead languages and we cannot resurrect it at will.

When the hour had come a canopy was erected which was made of embroidered cloth supported by poles which were held up by a man at each of the four corners. The broom was brought forward by an attendant and stationed under the canopy facing the Rabbi; then the bride with two attendants came forth and marched a number of times around the groom, finally taking a position to his left. All of those present had been supplied with wax tapers which they lighted and held in their uplifted hands all standing and the Rabbi, groom and other gentlemen with their hats on. 

All was now ready and the Rabbi began chanting the ceremony, which has come down through the ages from the time of Aaron, in a musical and melodious voice. As we listened we could not help thinking of the wonderful preservation of the ceremonies, the religion and the individuality of this people through all the vicissitudes of time for thousands of years.

A ring was placed upon the finger of the bride by the groom and near the close a wine glass was crushed under foot by the latter. A contract written in Hebrew which was signed by both parties was read and given into the custody of the bride. With singing, also in Hebrew, the marriage was over and two souls had been made one. The ceremonies were pretty and impressive and brought tears to the eyes of some of those who understood them.

After the wedding refreshments were served, the seats at the long tables were filled and full justice was done to the ample repast. As the newly married ones had not been permitted to partake of food from sundown to the evening before, they were no doubt ready to break their fast of more than twenty-four hours.

When all, except Mr. Fragner, had been fully satisfied, Mr. M. S. Luchs took charge as toast master and responses were in order. The first call was upon the representative of the Times and the company soon had all of his speechmaking they wanted and were delighted to applaud him for stopping so soon. Appropriate responses which were well received were made by Messrs. E. S. Alderman, Marcus Unger, Peter Unger, Rabbi Terscheid and others. Mr. P. Fragner made at least sixteen speeches and was always applauded - when he sat down.

One of the very pleasant features of the evening was the singing in Hebrew, German and English which was led by Mr. Miller who is certainly an artist. We thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. The festivities were closed with dancing. There was no Miriam with a timbrel but some Sons of Ham, with more modern instruments, made the music. We are notified that there will soon be another Hebrew wedding and are sure it will mean another "hot time in the old town."

Albany Enterprise Academy

The Marietta Register, July 8, 1864

Amesville, O., June 20, 1864.

Having been requested by some friends and patrons of the Albany Enterprise Academy, a school for the colored people, to visit that institution, I would hereby state that I have endeavored faithfully to perform the duty assigned to me, and that I find the effort to build up a permanent school of the kind designated, in successful progress.

The walls of the edifice, 30 by 48 feet, and two stories high, are completed, well and thoroughly built and ready for the roofing and floors. The materials for enclosing the building are nearly all on the spot and mechanics are engaged on the work. The building is well located for its purposes and when completed will be an honor to its donors, and a proud incentive, as well a great facility for the intellectual and moral elevation of the Colored People of the region. Thus far the undertaking is nearly free from debt and I doubt not has been as well and economically conducted as any similar enterprise.

There is also a school of colored persons ready to occupy the building when completed, of 49 enrolled scholars and a regular attendance of from 30 to 40 pupils. The school embraces the various ages from small children to full grown men and women, and the various hues from the most sable to those of the fairest complexions.

From a personal and particular examination on the spot, I have no doubt that the effort thus far conducted by the colored people to found an institution for their own benefit and which shall not be liable to be wrested from them, has been as successful as the most sanguine friends of the enterprise could expect, and that it is entirely worthy of the confidence and generous cooperation of the friends of education and of the colored race. The enterprise has the confidence and cordial sympathy of the enlightened and virtuous community where it is situated, with the exception of a few individuals who object to the institution because it is under the control of people of color, and who though impotent for evil at home, may possibly inure the cause abroad.

It is earnestly to be hoped that all the means necessary to complete this very important enterprise will be generously given until the long oppressed race shall have a fair opportunity of asserting their claim to a standing among the enlightened, intelligent and cultivated mankind.

Charles Merwin

Pastor, Presbyterian Church

Fourth of July in Marietta, 1798

 Home News, August 20, 1859

A correspondent of the Columbus Gazette, in searching among the old records in the Secretary of State's office, had his attention called to the following account of a Fourth of July celebration in Marietta in 1798. It was found in manuscript on the fly leaf of a surveyor's field note book, and no doubt the readers of the Home News will be interested in its perusal and preservation:

The day was ushered in by the discharge of cannon in three principal divisions of the town. At ten o'clock, Capt. Buell's company of Volunteer Cavalry paraded on the common near Campus Martius, uniform and martial (appearance) with the various movements performed in the course of the day, yielded honor to themselves and those who composed it, gave great pleasure to the spectators. Except Capt. Buell's company, who dined at Brough's tavern, the principal gentlemen of the town dined under a bowery erected for the purpose, on the banks of Muskingum river, and after dinner the following toasts were drank, under the discharge of cannon:

1. The day we celebrate.

2. United States - May her arms be successful against the enemies of her Independence, and her justice terrible to the agents of foreign influence and intrigue.

3. The Congress - Wisdom and unanimity in their Councils, firmness and decision in their measures.

4. The Hero and Father of his country, George Washington, President of the Society of Cincinnati. May his fellow citizens imitate his virtues and pursue and precepts left them in his last legacy.

5. The Citizens of the United States - May all Jacobins be made to know that the people of America cannot be separated from their government.

6. The Army of the United States - May they remember they are citizens in arms, employed for the defence of their country and the support of the rights of freemen, and not for the purpose of keeping the slaves of tyrants in subjection.

7. The Navy of the United States - May it be successful against the piratical cruisers of the Ocean, and soon become a scourge to all who shall dare insult our lawful Commerce.

8. The men who had the sagacity to suspect, the wisdom to detect and the courage to oppose French politics and intrigue.

9. Our late Envoys Extraordinary to the Republic of France.

10. Success to the Agriculture, Manufactures and Commerce of America.

11. The Territory in which we live. May we soon add another star to the American Constellation.

12. The Marquis La Fayette - The Hero and magnanimous sufferer in the cause of liberty. May his sufferings be held in grateful remembrance by every true American.

13. Governor St. Clair.

14. The American Fair - May they never give their hearts nor their hands to any but the friends of their country.

15. May the happy period soon arrive when the joyful song shall resound from pole to pole, "peace on earth and good will to men."

16. May those virtuous patriots by whose arduous struggles our National independence was achieved, never want successors, who at every hazard will defend our national honor and interest against the open attempts, or secret intrigues of foreign enemies or domestic conspirators.

And not only in Marietta, but in all the towns in its vicinity, the day was celebrated by every class of citizens, with festivity and joy, expressive of their attachment to the government of the United States, and their firm resolution to give their aid in the support of the Independence of their country. In truth it is not known that there now is, or ever has been, a Jacobin inhabitancy within the circle of the Ohio Company's settlement.

The Gazette correspondent adds, Capt. Buell named was Capt. Timothy Buell, not Gen. Joseph Buell of a later date.

The allusion in the second toast, to wit, of foreign influence and intrigue, evidences how fearful and jealous were our forefathers of the intrigues of European Courts, which were so prevalent in those days.

And the reference to Jacobians in the fifth toast, will be understood when the young reader calls to mind that at that time, the Infidels and Jacobins were making sad havoc in France, and it was found by "the fathers," that some of our own statesmen of that day were impregnated with what were called "French Ideas."

It will be seen by the tenor of the sixth sentiment that the people had not yet acquired a perfect confidence in the integrity of a standing army, hence the warning given.

The eighth toast again alludes to "French Politics," all of which shows that the patriots of those times were ever on the watch for the enemy, let him be in whatever guise he might.

The Ministers to France from the United States were James Monroe, 1794; Francis Dana and Charles C. Pinckney, 1797.

The wish expressed in the eleventh toast was realized five years subsequently, as we all know, and a glorious star has she become in a short half century.

The fourteenth sentiment would be well to repeat every 4th of July at least.

The fifteenth, hope for blessing upon the earth, has not been fully realized as yet!

The Wildman Theatrical Troupe

 The Marietta Register, May 22, 1873

The Wildman Theatrical Troupe performed in Marietta several evenings last week - not, however, to crowded houses. They are, without doubt, the best theatrical troupe that ever appeared here, giving the utmost satisfaction to all theatre goers. The troupe is made up of gentlemen and ladies, in the highest acceptation of those terms. We cheerfully recommend them. Their rendition of "Ten Nights in a Bar Room," on Monday night, was admirably performed; and, if the tipplers of Marietta could have been persuaded to attend, would have accomplished more in the cause of temperance than all the temperance lectures we have had.

Note: Clara Wildman, an actor known as the "Pearl of Song," was born about 1853 in London. Along with her touring company and husband Fred Wildman, also an actor, Clara traveled the midwestern and eastern United States, performing light comedic opera, variety shows, and plays. She retired about 1900 and died in New York City, November 14, 1919.

Clara Wildman
The Valley Virginian, April 9, 1874

Interesting Suit

The Marietta Register, July 12, 1866:

Mong Chaw Loo, who lectured in Marietta on the evenings of July 1st and 2d, has brought suit against the Muskingum river packet J. H. Best, because he was refused a seat at the first table on that boat last week, on which he was a passenger having paid full fare - refused for being a "colored person." He lays his damages at $5,000 for "mental and bodily anguish suffered." Ewart, Shaw & Sibley for the plaintiff; Knowles & Loomis for the defendant.

Mong Chaw Loo is a native of Burmah in Asia. He is about 25 years of age, and has been in this country eight years, obtaining an education. He is a graduate of the Baptist Literary and Theological Institution at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He has been studying medicine at Cleveland and expects to attend medical lectures at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, during the coming year, preparatory to returning to his native Burmah as a Missionary.

"Shaw Loo" 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaw_Loo

According to Washington County, Ohio, Common Pleas Court Journal, Volume 17, page 364, the case of "Mong Shaw Loo" was continued until February 2, 1869, when it was "settled and costs paid."  

Mong Chaw Loo is identified as "Shaw Loo" in a Wikipedia entry. He was born in 1839 in Moulmein, Myanmar, Burma. In 1857, he traveled to the United States and enrolled at Lewisburg University (now Bucknell), the first Burmese student to study in the U.S. Following graduation, he enrolled in the Cleveland Medical College (now Case Western Reserve School of Medicine), receiving an M.D. in 1867. Upon returning to Burma, he entered a lifelong career as a physician and author in Moulmein. Shaw Loo is called the "father of modern medicine" in Myanmar. He died in 1929, aged 90. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaw_Loo

The Mary E. Hovey Perjury Case

The Marietta Register (Semi-Weekly), Tuesday, June 17, 1884:

The Mary E. Hovey perjury case has occupied court three days and long ones at that. Saturday evening court ran till midnight, and then back to 11 o'clock and went over the last hour again. Nearly one hundred witnesses were examined including many experts. The cost to the county will be well nigh $1,000. As we go to press the jury are out on the case.

*     *     *

The Marietta Register (Semi-Weekly), Tuesday, June 17, 1884:

The Hovey perjury case will cost nearly $1,000. The expense will fall upon the county unless the jury returns a verdict of guilty. For unadulterated nastiness and spite, this case is without parallel in late years at the court house.

*     *     *

The Marietta Register (Semi-Weekly), Friday, June 20, 1884:

Guilty

The trail of Mary E. Hovey which occupied the court almost night and day for four days on a charge of perjury resulted in a verdict of guilty. The penalty is imprisonment for a term of three to ten years. A new trial was asked for and the motion will be heard July 2d. The grounds are considered slight and the chances are that Mrs. Hovey will be the second woman sent from Washington county for perjury. Mrs. Hovey's crime consisted in swearing out a warrant for a woman by the name of Kauf, charging her with stealing a watch which at the time was pledged to another party to secure a board bill.

The circumstances occurred some two years ago and were related at the time in the Register.

The case called a great many witnesses into court and in some aspects was scandalous. The defendant is a woman who has flaunted a disgraceful life in the face of decent people in Marietta for many years. A great many, several of them women, were dragged into court by her attorney and felt contaminated by the atmosphere surrounding the case, because they knew nothing bearing upon it and nothing good of the defendant. The verdict was one expected by all who heard much of the trial.

*     *     *

The Marietta Register (Semi-Weekly), Friday, June 20, 1884:

At the close of the Hovey perjury trial Monday evening, when the jury brought in its verdict of "Guilty," Judge Sibley ordered the Sheriff to commit Mrs. Hovey until time of sentence. The defendant shed a few tears and her counsel offered $500 bond for her safe appearance. But all to no avail, the Judge was immovable. "That's the way we do at Zanesville," said her attorney. "Well," said the Judge, "That may be the way they do in Zanesville, but it's not the way we do in Marietta." She was committed."

*     *     *

The Marietta Weekly Leader, Tuesday, June 24, 1884:

Monday evening about ten o'clock the jury in the Hovey case brought in a verdict of guilty Mr. Beard, the defendant's attorney, entered notice of a motion for a new trial and sentence was not passed. Mrs. Hovey was committed to jail notwithstanding Beard's earnest petition to have her placed in his custody. 

Since her confinement in the jail, Mrs. Hovey has evinced a good deal of stubbornness. She has eaten scarcely anything for several days and steadily refuses nourishment. Considering that she is probably doomed to a term of imprisonment in the penitentiary she is taking a poor way to prepare herself for it.

*     *     *

The Marietta Register (Semi-Weekly), Tuesday, July 15, 1884:

Court Proceedings

July 9th.

The State of Ohio vs. Mary E. Hovey. Motion for new trial heard; leave to file additional motion; both overruled; defendant excepts; sentenced to Penitentiary 4 years.

*     *     *

The Marietta Register (Semi-Weekly), Friday, July 18, 1884:

Mrs. Hovey expressed herself that she hoped she would never get out alive as she entered the female ward of the Penitentiary.

*     *     *

The Marietta Register, March 19, 1886:

Mrs. Hovey Pardoned.

Gov. Foraker pardoned Mrs. Mary E. Hovey, Monday, on the petition of Senator John O'Neill and other leading citizens, and because the officers and physicians at the penitentiary officially reported her to be in such bad health as to have been a constant care and burden to the state for the last twelve months, and that her health is continually growing worse, with no reasonable hope of recovery. She was released and joined her son, Milton Hovey, outside the prison walls. Mrs. Hovey went up for perjury in July 1884.

The Ohio State Journal of Tuesday prints portions of a poem said to have been written by her during her imprisonment as follows:

God pity the wretched prisoners

In their lonely cells this day,

Whatever the sin that tripped them,

God pity them still, I say.

Only a gleam of sunshine

Cleft by the rusty bars,

Only a scratch of azure,

Only a cluster of stars.

Only a barren future

To starve their hopes upon,

Only stinging memories

Of a past that's better gone.

Only a scorn from woman,

Only hate from man,

Only remorse to whisper

Of a life that might have been.

Once they were little children.

Perhaps their unstained feet

Were led by a gentle mother

Toward the Golden street.

Therefore, it in life's forest

They since have lost their way,

For the sake of her who bore them

"God pity them still," I say.

And ye who judge so harshly,

Are you sure the stumbling-stone

Which tripped the feet of others

May not have bruised your own?

Then pray for the wretches prisoners

All over the land this day,

That a holy hand of pity

Will wipe their sins away.

Note: Mary E. Koontz, born about 1841, was married to Franklin Hovey in Meigs County, Ohio, in 1861. On the 1880 Census, she was listed as a seamstress, living on Greene Street in Marietta with her 16-year-old son, Henry M. Hovey. Mary E. Hovey was committed to the Washington County, Ohio, jail on October 8, 1883, on the charge of perjury. According to a complaint made by Miss Callie Kauf, Mary "wickedly and maliciously devising and intending to vex and aggrieve" Daniel Kauf and Caroline Kauf and to subject them to the "punishment, pains and penalties" of law, had gone to William Glines, Justice of the Peace, on March 14, 1881, and "falsely and maliciously" swore to him that on March 7, 1881, Daniel, Caroline, and Callie Kauf had stolen money from her in the amount of $84 and a gold watch valued at $200. A transcript of the trial is found in Washington County Common Pleas Final Record, Volume 59, pages 263-338. It appears that Mary E. Hovey lived until 1891 and is buried in Zanesville's Greenwood Cemetery.

"Negro Voting"

The Marietta Register, March 28, 1867

The suit of William D. Myers vs. William Devol, Alfred Marshall and John Gearhart, Trustees of Muskingum township, for rejecting plaintiff's vote at the last October Election on account of his color, went to the jury in our Common Pleas this week, who gave a verdict of $120 against Marshall and Gearhart.

The case of I. F. Norman against the same parties, for the same cause, was submitted to the Court and $25 given against all three of the Trustees.

The attorneys were Harte & Stafford, and Alban for plaintiffs; Oldham, Follett and Loomis for defendants.

It was proved that both Myers and Norman were legal voters, each having a majority of white blood - voters under the "Democratic" Constitution as construed by a "Democratic" Court. Why cannot Democrats stand up to their own laws?

Joe Garry, Well Known Actor, Is Here On A Visit

The Register-Leader, July 19, 1920

Joseph R. Garry of New York City, formerly of Marietta, who has won considerable fame as an actor, is in the city making a visit between seasons with his sisters, Mrs. E. S. Haley and Miss Ella Garry, and his brother, Will Garry. He will be here for about two weeks.

On his return to Gotham, Mr. Garry will prepare to take one of the prominent parts in a new play, "The Proper Spirit," a comedy drama, which will be presented under the direction of Mrs. Henry B. Harris at either the Fulton or Hudson theatre. Only last week the play was given a try-out in Atlantic City, where its success was assured.

Mr. Garry attained the height of popularity and fame in the role of Tim Donohue in "The 13th Chair." Theatre-goers of Marietta recall this character in "The 13th Chair," which played here at the Auditorium a season or two ago. The police inspector in this play will be recalled as a great character and combining this fact with the praise the critics accorded Mr. Garry in this role, one finds evidence aplenty of the former local man's ability as an actor.

The late George P. Goodale in the Detroit Free Press, speaking of Mr. Garry as Tim Donohue, had the following to say:

"Mr. Joseph R. Garry plays Detective Tim Donahue, who dominates the situation through two entire acts. It is a remarkable example of the power of earnest acting to rouse and sustain interest. Mr. Garry is a student, a thinker, who gives reason for his professional doings, and whose work, therefore, is entitled to the fullest examination and incidentally our warm admiration. There is a touch of grim yet whimsical humor in the detective's admission, or proclamation, after having exhausted the resources of his trade, that he is 'a damned fool.'"

Mr. Luchs, manager of the Auditorium theatre, at the time he booked "The 13th Chair" for Marietta, sought to bring Mr. Garry's company here, but was unable to get it at that time.

Joe Garry spent his boyhood days here and he is back renewing old acquaintances. He has been on the stage for about 18 years, playing in many big productions during this period. Mr. Garry played here in "The Clansman" a number of years ago. It was the only play in which he ever played in Marietta. Last season Mr. Garry played in the musical version of "Brewster's Millions," and also in "Polly With A Past," a comedy.

In "The Proper Spirit," Mr. Garry will play the part of a secret service man. The character is very similar to the one he interpreted in "The 13th Chair."

Joseph R. Garry (left) and Ernest Truex in "The Fall Guy,"
Source: "The Haberdasher," May 1925.

Note: Joseph Richard Garry, 1877-1954, was the son of Anthony and Maria Hennessy Garry, Irish immigrants who lived on Butler Street in Marietta. Joe Garry is buried in Marietta's old Saint Mary Cemetery.

Scotch Emigrants and Nahum Ward

American Friend & Marietta Gazette, June 26, 1823

It gave me much pleasure a few days since to notice the arrival of a company of Scotch Emigrants to this part of the state of Ohio, sent out by our enterprising townsman, Mr. Ward. From their appearance, I have no doubt that they will make valuable citizens.

Others are on the road, and will probably arrive in a few days.

The manner in which this business is conducted is such as to reflect much credit on Mr. Ward: and is really advantageous to the emigrants in a pecuniary point of view. Those emigrants who have come into the United States, without any acquaintance to direct or advise them, without a knowledge of the country, the mode of travelling, and the prices of such articles as they must necessarily purchase, have generally expended their little all by loitering in the cities and on the roads defrauded by almost every one with whom they have intercourse - and eventually purchasing land, unsuitable for them, at enormous prices. These emigrants, on the contrary, bargained for their land with Mr. Ward, paid one half the amount of the purchase in Scotland, and the remainder to be paid in three years. If the land, as regards soil, situation, &c. &c. has not been correctly described to them they are released from their contracts, and the amounts which may have been paid is refunded.

They come here under his direction, his friends and agents have the means of conveyance from place to place, in readiness for them immediately on the arrival, and at a price too much below what they themselves could have obtained them for; they do not tarry, are not liable to be defrauded in the purchase of every little article which they may want: and they travel with an expedition which is very unusual even for those well acquainted with the country. When they have arrived on their land they find in most instances, a comfortable house provided for them and above all they are acquainted with the character of every neighbor with whom they must come in contact.

Taken in this light, and this is a correct view of the business, they, in my opinion, are really gainers should they pay three or four times the price for land, to Mr. Ward, for which an intelligent person, long resident in this country, would purchase it.

P.

Revolutionary War Officer First Individual Buried in Famous Mound Cemetery Here

Marietta Daily Times, April 7, 1938

Colonel Robert Taylor, Revolutionary War officer, with numerous direct descendants residing in and near Marietta, was the first individual buried in the famous Mound Cemetery here. Colonel Taylor died on September 30, 1801, "in the 65th year of his age."

In the little plot near the fence on the Sixth Street side of the cemetery are stones marking also the graves of his wife, Jane Taylor, and a daughter. An inscription records that Mrs. Taylor "departed this life Feb. 26th, 1819, in the 79th year of her age."

One time resident of Attleborough, Mass., Colonel Taylor came here with Commodore Abraham Whipple in 1799. He bought a farm of 200 acres along what is known now as Miller's Lane, a few miles east of Marietta. He acquired another tract in Fearing Township, near Whipple, and there he and his family resided at the time of his death.

The exact location of this tract has not been determined, according to Louis E. Miller, a great-grandson, living at 713 Fifth Street. Mr. Miller, aged 81, is the oldest surviving descendant. Great-great-granddaughters are Mrs. Emma West, Mrs. Lucy Racer and Mrs. Etta Miller Smith, all living in the Reno neighborhood, Marietta Township. Mrs. Smith is the wife of Clayton B. Smith, one time deputy in the Probate Court. They are parents of Glenn B. Smith of the county surveyor's office here, and a lieutenant in Company A, 166th Infantry, Ohio National Guard.

Lieutenant Smith has preserved some records dating back to the period of his relatives' residence here. There is a receipted bill for $6, the price of the black walnut coffin in which the colonel was laid to rest. Another bill for funeral charges totaled $2.25. One John Shaw appends his signature as recipient of these sums in full.

Here is a letter, faded and time-stained, written at Attleborough, Mass., to Colonel Taylor more than 137 years ago. Creases preserve the envelope form in which it was folded for "carriage," but time has obliterated every vestige of the seal. It was penned by John Tilton, a New England friend of the pioneering family. He was concerned as to how they fared in the "wild western state of Ohio."

Attleborough, 31st March 1800.

Dear Sir:

I received your agreeable favor of the 13th of January last on the 26th instant. Although I heard of your safe arrival, was very anxious to hear of your welfare, and how you and the family bore the fatigues of the journey.

We were exceeding glad on receiving the lines you wrote us, and we often mention the many agreeable hours which were spent in company by both families. I am glad to hear your town lot is so well situated, which must make it valuable. I suppose the land is natural to Indian corn as the other grains you mention, for I heard great fame of the production of that grain in the western country.

Your purchase of those articles of trade you mention - the profits of which will pay your expenses - is no small acquisition. I hope you are well supplied with fish that's peculiar to that country, and plenty of every kind in abundance.

Received a letter from (illegible) in answer to the one you were so kind as to forward from Pittsburgh, in which she mentions that Mr. Prince was in hopes to get you to settle in Cincinnati, as the country is so much superior, and they did so much better than in Marietta. he intended to write you on the subject, which I hope you have received ere this.

Nothing of any consequence has happened among us since your departure, except some failures. Job Sweeting has sold all his estate to Barry A. Page for five thousand dollars, and intends to purchase a farm. Capt. Page is about exchanging the estate with Jabez (name illegible) in North Providence, for his place. Doct. Sterling desires his best respects to you and family. He has met with an unfortunate loss in the death of his son a few weeks since, by suicide.

Your friends in town and country in general are well, and were exceeding glad to hear from you, and desire their best regards to you and family. I hope you have not made a purchase before you hear from Cincinnati. perhaps that part of the country would suit better than Marietta.

We have had a comfortable Winter. February and March were the most tedious. I hope in your next you'll be able to write us how you are settled, and your prospects, which i hope will be as soon as you receive this.

We have had great mourning and lamentation for the death of our illustrious and great General Washington, news of which has no doubt reached you ere this. As to politics, we have but little news except the New Constitution in France, and Boneparte being at the head of Government. We are all well at present. Mrs. Tilton and Mrs. (Benoset?) join with me in the most unfeigned love and esteem to yourself and family. And believe me, dear Sr., your humble servant,

John Tilton

P.S. Since writing the above, I thought it best to send this to the care of Col. Sprout, as you did not mention your being settled at Marietta, and perhaps you have gone to Cincinnati, and have paid the postage there. Please write to me often. Be assured that Mrs. Tilton and myself will be glad at all times to hear of your welfare and family. . . . Your son, Robert, thinks exceeding hard that you did not give him the lot up town, as now he is deprived of voting, and not eligible for any office in Town or Government. I remain as above.

John Tilton 

Destruction of Sacra Via

 

Drawing from "Ancient Mound at Marietta," by Samuel P. Hildreth, 

The American Pioneer, Volume 1, No. 10, October 1842, page 73.

*     *     *

The Marietta Intelligencer, January 30, 1855:

The Ancient Works

Dear Mr. Editor . . .

One of the pleasantest walks about Marietta is that which takes you to across the elevated square and past the mounds in its neighborhood; but it almost makes me angry to attempt it, for I am compelled to witness the spoilations which are continually going on among our ancient works - the covered way especially. I do really wonder if the spirit of reverence has died out entirely among our citizens! One would surely think so. I don't know how I should feel if I was a big influential MAN - but as it is, I am ready to blush whenever these things are mentioned, as they invariably are by strangers visiting the place as the objects most note-worthy about here. And I have noticed in all the letters from and about Marietta, either in this paper or others, that with but one exception The Ancient Works have burnished a prominent topic.

Those mounds, the relics of those once mighty Indians now no more, and the Campus Martius - the covered way - which we should cherish as almost sacred monuments of the perils of our brave forefathers - all "passing away" and there is a road cut through the covered way in one place while the rest is being dug away to be made into brick, I believe! Oh Young America!

M. Ellen Winthrope.

*     *     *

The Marietta Intelligencer, August 11, 1858:

Governor Greiner, of Columbus, was down here some ten days ago and spent the Sabbath. On looking into his paper of last Friday, which did not reach us until last night, we find a two column article headed "A Trip to Marietta." . . . We have room to-day for but a few extracts from his article:

Vandalism

Returning, we passed over the ancient works, the location of which being within its boundaries, has given to Marietta much of its celebrity.

What was our surprise and mortification to find a brick yard upon the Covered Way, and about a dozen laborers busily employed with a pick axe and shovel in digging away the ancient embankments for the purpose of making brick. This sacrilegious outrage, this almost unheard of species of modern vandalism is permitted by the authorities of Marietta, because the contractor promises to pay to the city five cents a yard for the clay to make brick of. Shade of General Rufus Putnam! Only think of it! Digging down these celebrated ancient works to make brick! the inducement five cents a yard!!! What ought to be done with a City Council that would tolerate such an outrage?

A thousand thanks for that, Mr. Greiner. Not very complimentary to the Council, to be sure, but richly deserved. Will you be so kind as to suggest what ought to be done with men who would be guilty of such sacrilege. We can think of nothing bad enough.

*     *     * 

The Marietta Intelligencer, September 29, 1858:

The Marietta Mound and Earthworks

In the New York Christian Inquirer we find a letter from this place, which we judge from the initials to have been written by a gentleman at present a temporary resident here. He writes upon the ancient works of Marietta. From his letter we make the following extracts:

Marietta - remarkable for its beautiful situation among the hills, at the confluence of the Ohio and the Muskingum, and for its college, the best in Ohio, and its Unitarian church, the most perfect, perhaps, as a work of art, in the West - is not less remarkable for its vestiges of a race of men of whom the most vague traditions is lost, the ancient mound-builders. The relics here are, with one exception, as remarkable as any in the Mississippi Valley. They are numerous and extensive, far more so than I had ever supposed.

I knew that in coming to Marietta I was going to the very heart of the mound region, but I cannot picture to you my surprise and bewilderment when last week, on turning a corner, I came in sight of the burying-ground and saw rising in the very midst of the city of the dead, with faultless symmetry, one of the largest mounds of the West. I do not think I could have been more impressed with an unexpected view of the Egyptian Pyramids. In the midst of fresh graves it rises, the grave of the buried Past, a perfect cone, to the height of thirty feet. Some dozen of the largest Western trees are growing upon it, one an oak of great antiquity; but older yet are a few decaying trunks where trees of an unknown age once flourished and died.

When Marietta was settled, all the earthworks were covered with a dense forest; now the trees remain but upon two. I shall have something to say by-and-by of the desecration to which they have been subjected.

A detailed account of the Mound and Elevated Square follows, and the letter thus concludes:

All these works lie on a plateau above the valley of the Muskingum, a fair and grassy plain. There is one other work which to me was as marked as any. I mean the Sacra Via, or Covered Way, as the people generally term it.

From the larger square on the plateau there leads to the river's banks one of the most imposing of roads. It is about seven hundred feet long and lies between two artificial banks, which are in the highest place some twenty feet high. The centre of this road is raised and gracefully rounded. At the foot of the banks this Sacra Via is one hundred and fifty feet wide; from the top of the banks across it is two hundred and thirty feet. Probably nowhere in the world can a finer relic of ancient roadmaking be found.

As I stood on the banks of the Muskingum and let my eye run up this masterly ancient road, and in my mind saw it thronged with the men of an ancient civilization, passing to and from their religious rites on the plateau above, and saw the altars smoking with the victims, and the mound overshadowed with the Divine presence which they adored, I felt that this communing with the Spirit of the Past had richly paid me for my visit West; for the desire to be for a time among these scenes had been one motive in inducing me to spend a few months in Ohio.

There is one great drawback here, just as there is wherever the Present comes in contact with the Past. The utilitarian spirit of the day is here before me and is doing its customary work. It does seem a sacrilege to see a miserable modern Warren Street, running up and down the middle of the magnificent Sacra Via, and to see a road cut directly through the banks which form the sides of it, in order to accommodate the wants of a tannery.

A German colony, too, has located itself on the site of the smaller square, and with making cellars and ploughing gardens and laying out streets, the day is close at hand when not a vestige of it will be seen. The Sacra Via is already harmed beyond telling by the roads which I have mentioned. The top of the large altar is a cow pasture.

But thanks to a few wise souls, the smaller altar is fenced, and the mound is in the cemetery, and they are safe. No, not quite safe. Some are discussing seriously the expediency of excavating the sides of the latter and putting tombs therein. It makes me almost provoked, that is to day, it carries me about as far as Paul would have me go, in "being angry and sinning not," to see this utilitarian spirit wreaking its dollar-and-cent spite upon these mysterious remains. The intention of the first settlers of Marietta was to have them sacredly preserved.

In the frontispiece of the Smithsonian volume of Squier and Davis, you have a good colored view of the Marietta remains. The last picture in the work is a colored engraving of the great mound. In the body of the book is a chart and a full description. I suppose the volume is in most good libraries. That gives a better account than I can give, for I feel the need, of engraving to tell the whole story in a worthy way. But no view equals the seeing. When you look at that mound and stand on the altars, and throw your glance up the Covered Way, you are in the very presence of the past, and the spirit of that gray, dim, mysterious Past oppresses you with its vague and uncertain shadows, but delights you with the bewilderment which it awakes.

W. L. G.

*     *     *

The Marietta Republican, March 29, 1861:

Sacra Via Destroyed

Sacra Via has been destroyed; several thousand yards of earth have been cut away and made into brick by the retiring member of the Council from the Second Ward. It is pretty generally understood that he has never paid or offered to pay therefore. If this be true would it not be well for voters to ponder the matter well before consenting to return him again?

One of the most beautiful spots in our City has been destroyed by our iconoclastic Councilman, and though he cannot restore the view, he should be compelled to make some recompense for his vandalism. Think of this, voters of the Second Ward.

*     *     *

History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Martin Register Andrews (1902), page 367:

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church 

[Old church building on lower Fourth Street, demolished in 1917.]

The church was begun in 1850 and after three years completed. The greatest amount subscribed by any one individual was $100, and that amount was given by but three persons, i.e., Father Perry, Hugh Brennan and John Burke.

What may be of interest to state is the fact that the clay our of which the bricks for the new building were made was taken from an old Indian mound - supposed to be an old prehistoric fortification, situated about where now passes Sacra Via street.

*     *     *

The Marietta Times, May 20, 1869:

John Greiner Song

The following original song was sung by Governor Greiner at a gathering of the Odd Fellows, in this place, on Wednesday night, 12th inst.

Floating down the blue Muskingum,
     In the merry month of May;
Forests filled with sweetest music,
     Fields with flowers in bright array,
Coming all, with hearts as lightly
     As the dancing waters flow;
On the way to Marietta,
     On the river Ohio.

Nestling homesteads, blooming orchards,
     "Cattle on a thousand hills;"
Sparkling through the fragrant meadows,
     Murmuring brooks, and crystal rills;
Valley of the happy Elk-Eye,
     Richer landscapes who can show!
Journeying on to Marietta,
     On the river Ohio.

Odd Fellows of the Ancient Order
     Built the mystic Covered Way;
"Campus Martius," "Sacra Via,"
     Mounds and Plain, their skill display.
Good old fellows - funny fellows,
     Did a heap of work to show
Our Grand Lodge in Marietta,
     On the river Ohio.

Proudly thought the ancient builders
     Of these Mounds and Way and Plain,
Monuments of skill and labor
     Should forever here remain.
Vain! - for hands so sacrilegious,
     Clay upheaved so long ago,
Make the bricks for Marietta,
     On the river Ohio.

Now, strange fellows, queer good fellows,
     All Odd Fellows, here we see,
The White - the Pink - the Blue - the Green
     And the scarleted degree.
Boasting nigh four hundred Lodges,
     Thirty thousand members true,
All like these, in Marietta,
     On the river Ohio.

They feed the hungry, clothe the naked,
     Stand by those who stand in need;
Fear the Lord and love your neighbor,
     Is the true Odd Fellows' creed.
Aid the Daughters of Rebecca;
     Then, when you to Heaven will go,
You'll remember Marietta,
     On the river Ohio.

When our Order it shall govern,
     Men no more will be deceivin',
Wives no longer will be scolding,
     Odd Fellows will then be even.
Every maid shall have a sweetheart,
     Every widow have a beau,
And a home in Marietta,
     On the river Ohio.

Daughters of Rebecca, blooming,
     Brethren, they are something slow,
Don't get home till nearly midnight,
     Dearest Becky's - is that so?
Ridin' a goat is rather tiresome,
     Sad experience tells us so;
Prove it we can in Marietta,
     On the river Ohio!