Old Marietta Papers - Number 11

The Marietta Register, December 4, 1863

"Old Marietta Papers" was a series of columns compiled and published in 1863 and 1864 by Rodney M. Stimson, editor of "The Marietta Register." 

January 1, 1819, the Report of "The Society in Marietta for the Promotion of good Morals," appears in the Friend, signed by David Putnam, S. P. Hildreth and John Cotton. It relates principally to Sunday Schools. May 11, 1817, three Sunday Schools were opened, one under the Superintendence of William Slocomb at Buell's school room; one under Elisha Huntington at Muskingum Academy: and one under Dr. John Cotton at Point Harmar. In 1818, there were two Sunday Schools, one in Marietta, under charge of William Slocomb, and one at Harmar, under Mr. Judson. The committees reported that "the progress in the schools was such as to afford the highest satisfaction." The number of scholars in the two schools in 1818 was 208.

February 22, 1819, citizens met at house of Moses McFarland to form an Agricultural Society. Capt. Jonathan Devol, Chairman, Anselm T. Nye, Secretary. Adjourned to meet April 7, but we find no account of that meeting. The Society met Nov. 17 - Benjamin Ives Gilman elected President; S. P. Hildreth, Recording Secretary; Nahum Ward, Corresponding Secretary; David Putnam, Treasurer.

Spring election, 1819, Town Council elected, to wit: Caleb Emerson, John Merrill and Amzi Stanley; Town Clerk, Royal Prentiss; Treasurer, Sampson Cole; Assessor, D. H. Buell; Constables, Enoch Hoff, Notley Drown, John J. Preston; Police Officers, Griffin Greene, C. Sylvester, J. R. Curtis.

April 13, 1819, a steer, raised by William R. Browning, Esq., of Belpre, 5 years old, killed, and weighed - beef 1290; hide 114; rough tallow 192; total 1596.

May 6, 1819, Henry P. Wilcox, P. M., removed the Post Office to the corner of Market (Front) and Putnam streets.

July 4 (Monday, 5th), 1819, dinner at Major Hill's. We give two of the toasts: By A. Warner - "The members of the late Congress, who opposed the extension of slavery, may they be the Mordecais whom the sovereign people shall delight to honor." By William Slocomb (then a teacher - "The rising Fair, may they ever let virtue be the subject, propriety of conduct the attributes, and good reputation the object, neatness and modesty connective particles, and benevolence and charity inseparable adjuncts."

September 13, 1819, a public meeting was held at the Court House (old one) for ascertaining public opinion in reference to a new Court House - Hon. John Sharp of Lawrence, Chairman; James M. Booth, Secretary. The committee, R. J. Meigs, D. H. Buell and L. Barber, reported in favor of a Court House with fire-proof offices at corner of Second and Putnam streets. Report adopted and sent to the County Commissioners. The present [1863] Court House is the result of this preliminary movement, not built, however, until 1822.

Extraordinary Pumpkins. In the year 1818, George Dana of Belpre raised 35 pumpkins from one seed, weighing in the aggregate 1759 lbs. and 11 oz. The weight of each is published in the Friend of Jan. 8, 1819. The 11 largest weighted: 154, 140, 130, 110, 108, 96, 94, 93, 90, 88 and 84. The smallest weighted 3 lbs and 14 oz.

Election in 1819. For Senator, in Washington County, Sardine Stone 540; Levi Barber 346; William R. Putnam 27. But Athens gave Barber 513; Stone 222. Majority for Barber, in the district, 88. For Representatives, Ephraim Cutler of Washington, and Elijah Hatch were elected, each receiving a majority in both this and Athens counties. For Commissioner, Titan Kimble was re-elected - Kimble 506; William Skinner 136; John True 103.

Marriages in 1819:

February 16, Lincoln C. Shaw and Miss Royal Protsman.

February 13, John Pierce of Marietta and Polly Locey of Warren.

["At Warren, on the 13th inst. by Ephraim Cutler, Esq, Mr. John Pierce of Marietta, to Miss Polly Locey, of the former place." American Friend, 26 Feb 1819, p. 2, c. 4]

March 1, Pardon Cook, of Wood Co., Va. (now Rev. P. Cook of this city) and Polly Russell of Union.

March 11, Edwin Burlingame and Jane Evans.

March 25, John Taylor and Mary Kepple, both of Salem.

April 1, Uz Foster and Mary Riley.

April 15, Samuel B. Jones of Fearing and Desdemona Slaughter of Marietta.

June 8, Elijah Boyce of Pint Pleasant, Va., and Mary Stacy of Union.

August 8, William Talbot and Jemima Smith.

August 18, Amos Chesebro and Lydia Maxon.

October 10, William Humphreys and Lydia Crane.

October 27, William R. Browning of Belpre and Miss Sophia, daughter of Col. Joseph Barker of Union.

October 21, Willey Fowler of Fearing and Cynthia Perkins of Salem.

December 2, in Lawrence, Robert Pierce and Susan Dye.

December 21, Gen. Nathaniel S. Cushing of Gallipolis and Mrs. Susan Merwin of Marietta.

Deaths in 1819:

January 1, Joseph Lincoln, aged 19, "an amiable young man of fine promise."

February 4, Timothy Stanley, aged 47.

February 16, William Whitehouse, aged 23.

February 24, in Adams, Mrs. Mary Spooner, wife of Dr. Cyrus Spooner.

February 26, Mrs. Jane Taylor, widow of Col. Robert Taylor, in her 79th year.

March 5, 1819, (nearly three months after it occurred), the death of Maj. Haffield White in Wooster (Watertown) is announced; he died Dec. 15, 1818, aged about 80, and was one of the leading men at the first settlement of Marietta.

April 23, in Wooster (Watertown), Mrs. Hannah, wife of Ezekiel Deming, Esq., in her 40th year.

May 13, Silas Parker, a candidate for the Gospel Ministry, aged 25.

May 29, Commodore Abraham Whipple, aged 85; his wife died October before, at the age of 79.

June 28, Isaac Palmer, aged 42.

July 8, in Lawrence, Mrs. Sophia Hoff, aged 70.

August 14, Wade Cross, aged 41.

 

Old Marietta Papers - Number 10

The Marietta Register, November 27, 1863

 

"Old Marietta Papers" was a series of columns compiled and published in 1863 and 1864 by Rodney M. Stimson, editor of "The Marietta Register." 

Notes from "American Friend" for the years 1817 and 1818, as follows:

The taxes on "resident land" in Washington County in 1816 amounted to $4,348; only seven counties in the State exceeded this; the rank was Ross, Hamilton, Columbiana, Fairfield, Trumbull, Clermont, Muskingum, Washington.

Ezekiel Deming, John Sharp and Henry Jolly elected Associate Judges of this county by the Legislature, January 1817.

Feb. 14, 1817, it was stated that the Ohio river had been bridged with ice for 25 days, ice 19 inches thick, and loaded wagons, sleds, &c., crossing daily; "the oldest inhabitant cannot remember a winter as severe."

The name of "Charleston," Brooke County, Virginia (a few miles above Wheeling) was changed to Wellsburg at this date.

Feb. 1817, Valentine Labolt, "an old aggressor," was sentenced to the Penitentiary for seven years by our Court, as the Friend says, for "having a natural propensity to steal cloth," an offense for which "he received a public whipping" a few years before.

March 27, 1817, the Bank of Marietta (two years after the war of 1812 had closed) resumed specie payment.

Spring Election, 1817 - Town Council, James Sharp, Samuel Hoit, Robert Williamson. Treasurer, Joseph Holden. Assessors, Daniel H. Buell, James M. Booth, Constables, Enoch Hoff, Sampson Cole, Isaac Rice. Justices of the Peace, James M. Booth, Anaximander Warner.

Adolphus Wing "hung out his shingle" in Marietta as an Attorney at Law, August 1817. He went from here to Michigan, we believe.

Sept. 9, 1817, John Lane was hung at Gallipolis for the murder of William Dowell.

In the fall of 1817, notice was publicly given that a petition would be presented to the next Legislature, praying for the removal of the County Seat from Marietta to Waterford; and a public meeting was called to meet December 3d at Major Alexander Hill's tavern on Greene Street to remonstrate against it. The movement, we presume, was not very formidable. Washington County then extended further north than at present; Morgan was formed the next winter.

Wednesday, February 4, 1818, it had snowed constantly for 30 hours, and the snow here was two feet deep on a level. On Monday, 9th, the mercury was 20 degrees below zero, and on Tuesday, 10th, 22 degrees below - heavy fog on both mornings.

May 14, 1818, "a number of the citizens of Marietta and townships adjoining, as a mark of their esteem for Col. Levi Barber, also of their approbation of his official conduct in the late session of Congress, gave him a public dinner" - "elegant repast," prepared by Major Alexander Hill. Joseph Wood presided, assisted by Ephraim Cutler. Among the volunteer toasts were those given by Ex-Gov. Meigs, Hon. John Sharp, D. H. Buell, James M. Booth, D. Woodbridge, Jr., Alexander Henderson, Dr. Hildreth, and Col. Barber himself toasted Henry Clay.

June 4, 1818, William C. Amlin was drowned in Duck Creek at the mouth of Reed's Run, while bathing, aged 20 - a son of James Amlin of Fearing.

In Belpre, July 1, 1818, John Rouse, aged 77, was found lying dead in a pool of water where he had been watering a horse, supposed to have fainted and fell in. He came from New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1789.

Nov. 5, 1818, annual meeting of the Medical Society, 3d District of Ohio, was held in Marietta; the following persons were licensed to practice medicine: Giles S. B. Hempstead (long in practice at Portsmouth, now retired at Hanging Rock), Ebenezer Bowen, Charles Ulmer, Alexander McMillan.

Nov. 1818, Henry P. Wilcox (son of Gen. Joseph Wilcox, then lately deceased) was appointed Postmaster of Marietta in place of Samuel Hoit, resigned.

Dec. 11, 1818, William McCracken was drowned in the Ohio near McFarland's landing.

Election in 1817 - Sardine Stone of Union Township was elected to the State Senate from Washington and Athens, receiving 612 votes in this county, without opposition. Nathaniel Hamilton of this county, and Sylvanus Ames of Athens, were elected to the House. The other candidates voted for were Major Alexander Hill and Giles Hempstead. Dr. J. B. Regnier was elected Commissioner, receiving 333 votes to 310 for Daniel Goodno.

Election in 1818 - Washington voted for Governor James Dunlap 627; Ethan A. Brown 262. The vote of Marietta was Dunlap 180; Brown 27. This county did not vote with the State, in which Brown received 30,194; Dunlap, 8,075.

For Representative in Congress, this county gave Col. Levi Barber (for re-election) 621; Gen. E. W. Tupper of Gallipolis, 213; Henry Brush of Chillicothe, 26. The District elected Brush, 2727; Barber, 1808; Tupper, 1954.

Col. Joseph Barker of Washington, and Sylvanus Ames of Athens, were elected to the Legislature. In this county Barker received 512; Ames 320; Amzi Stanley, 453; John Patterson, 99. Daniel Goodno was elected Commissioner; Timothy Buell, Sheriff; and Silas Cook, Coroner.

Marriages in 1817:

Jan. 2, in Adams, Joshua Sprague and Miss Phebe Brown.

Jan. 10, William Brewster of Warren and Lucretia Fuller of Marietta.

Jan. 30, Louis Soyez and Miss Ann Protsman.

March 27, Zephaniah Bosworth and Lucy Burlingame.

March 30, in Union, John Leonard and Elizabeth Hall.

April 12, Richard Thorla and Cammilla McAllister.

April 23, Dr. Cyrus Spooner of Adams and Mary Wing of Marietta.

April 27, Elisha Rose of Lawrence and Rebecca Cook of Fearing.

April 30, Salmon D. Buell of Adams and Miss Eliza Buell, daughter of Capt. Timothy Buell, of Marietta (parents of Maj. Gen. D. C. Buell).

May 11, Joseph Barker, Jr., of Newport and Melissa W. Stone of Belpre.

May 31, James Reed and Mary Noble, both of Salem.

July 2, Isaac Monkton of Wooster (Watertown) and Rebecca Haskell of Marietta.

July 23, Presley Petty and Margaret Nixon, both of Lawrence.

July 30, Joseph Geren and Nancy Hill.

Aug. 2, Aaron Fuller and Mary Irwin.

Aug. 5, Robert Williams and Mrs. Mary Needham.

Aug. 3, in Waterford, Dr. Nathaniel Fuller and Celestina Scott.

Sept. 10, David Gosset and Sarah Riley.

Sept. 16, Henry Hildreth and Abigail Haven.

Monday evening, Oct. 20, Nahum Ward and Miss Sarah C. Skinner.

Oct. 31, John Shepard and Lucy Burch, both of Adams.

Nov. 23, Capt. Joseph Cook of Wood County, Va., and Mrs. Rhoda Cook of Belpre.

Nov. 25, in Adams, Alexander Allison and Nancy Seifert.

Dec. 4, Jedediah Fuller and Nancy Nesmith.

Dec. 9, in Newport, Charles Little and Mary Frazer.

Marriages in 1818:

Jan. 4, William H. Buell and Lavinia Rogers.

Feb. 12, Judah M. Chamberlain and Rhoda McIntosh.

May 23, Thompson Gates and Sarah Gold.

June 4, Dr. Burr Bradley of Salem, Indiana, and Esther W. Plumer of Marietta.

June 28, John Gates, Jr., and Clarissa Crane.

July 2, in Salem, Milton Pixley and Anna Perkins.

Aug. 13, in Salem, James Hill and Phebe Hussey, also Norman Payne and Lydia Hussey.

Aug. 18, William McNeil and Susanna Corwin.

Oct. 6, in Union, Thomas Jenkins and Mary Dyar.

Oct. 25, Dr. Erastus Webb of Circleville and Miss Eliza Cook of Belpre.

Nov. 22, in Salem, William Porter and Mary Sutton.

Deaths in 1817:

Jan. 18, Gen. Joseph Wilcox in his 61st year (the publication of his death last week was erroneous).

April 1, in Harmar, Paul Fearing, Jr., in his 17th year.

April 20, Capt. Nathaniel Smith, aged 25.

June 1, Noah Needham, formerly of the State of Delaware.

July 7, in Waterford, Eli G. Cogswell, buried with Masonic honors.

Aug. 26, Oliver Dodge, aged 53, buried with Masonic honors in Adams.

Aug. 26, in Harmar, James Nichols.

Sept. 6, in Harmar, James Purington.

Oct. 3, Mrs. Sarah, wife of Jonathan Guitteau, aged 31.

Oct. 5, at Louisville, James C. McFarland, Esq., of Marietta.

Oct. 6, in Chillicothe, Mrs. Lucy, wife of Dudley Woodbridge, Sen.

Oct. 21, in Fearing, Simeon Tuttle.

Oct. 29, in Belpre, Dea. Benjamin Miles.

Nov. 16, in Zanesville, Elijah B. Merwin, Atty. at Law.

Dec. 4, Phillip Worthington, aged 67.

Deaths in 1818:

May 20, Mrs. Mary Hartshorn, aged 28.

June 14, Mrs. Sarah Thorniley, at Philadelphia, aged 54 (daughter of Col. Israel Putnam and sister of the late David Putnam).

July 20, Mrs. Lucy Putnam, widow of Maj. Ezra Putnam, aged 89.

July 31, in Harmar, James Sharp, Esq., aged 51.

Aug. 7, in Roxbury, Catharine, wife of Luke Emerson, aged 27.

Oct. 14, Mrs. Sarah, wife of Commodore Abraham Whipple, aged 79.

Advertisers in 1817:

Nathaniel Clark accepts a challenge of Alexander Mitchell of Short Creek, Virginia, published in St. Clairsville papers, to run his horse "Plough Boy" against Mitchell's horse "Defiance," for $500 or $1,000, four miles, provided Mitchell would come to Marietta to run.

May 22d - "Humbert, Miraben & Co, Watchmakers, lately arrived from Paris, respectfully inform the public," &c.

June 11 - "Dry Goods, Fancy and Millinery Store. Mrs. St. Aubin is opening," &c., at "corner of Water and Main streets." This was on the corner of what is now known as Front Street, next to the Ohio, now occupied by store houses built subsequently and owned by W. L. Rolston.

July 17 - "New Store, Dry Goods, upper end of Ohio Street," Wyllys Hall.

July 30 - New Saddlery, Alfred R. Beebe & Co, Marietta.

July 31 - New Store, Nathaniel Dodge, Jr., "on the upper Point, lately occupied by Skinner & Chambers."

Sept. 25 - New Goods, John Mills & Co.

Oct. 16 - William Slocomb (then a teacher, we believe) advertises Cummings' Geographies for sale. Archibald Rollow, blacksmith.

Oct. 23 - Dr. De St. Ledger, Parkersburg, will also practice in Belpre.

Advertisers in 1818:

January - Capt. Daniel Greene and Sidney Dodge formed partnership in trade - Greene & Dodge. 

Oct. 15 - David B. Anderson, Watch Repairer and Jeweller. "Farmers' Duck Creek Bridge" was then in use, Samuel H. Gates, Sec'y. Elisha Huntington was teaching in the "Muskingum Academy," and Secretary of the Marietta "Moral Society," a society kept up for some years for the promotion of good morals. A Mr. Holyoke opened a singing school in the Muskingum Academy. 

John Sharp, Esq., of Lawrence, Nov. 13, 1818, gives notice that he had obtained Pension Certificates for the following Revolutionary soldiers: Jerry Burham, Oliver Rice, Asher Allen, James Knowles, Godfrey Shreve, Joseph F. Trible.

Old Marietta Papers - Number 9

The Marietta Register, November 20, 1863

"Old Marietta Papers" was a series of columns compiled and published in 1863 and 1864 by Rodney M. Stimson, editor of "The Marietta Register." 

March 15, 1816, the "American Friend" first issued under the sole charge of the late Royal Prentiss, he having bought out his late partners T. & D. H. Buell. He announced that the paper would continue Republican, with "Truth its guide, Liberty its object." In its second issue Mr. Prentiss declared himself decidedly in favor of James Monroe for "the next President."

The year 1816 has been distinguished as "the cold year." April 19, the Friend says: "On Sunday last we were visited by a severe snow storm, and the night following by a severe frost. The prospects of fruit are entirely cut off. The weather still continues very cold."

May 17, 1816, it was announced that the Ohio Penitentiary was "filling up very fast," and contained 16 convicts! Think of the 800 today! There were none from Washington County.

A visit to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, in April, 1816, is related in a long letter published in the Friend by the late Nahum Ward. 

July 20, 1816, Nathan Cole of Warren, in a state of insanity, committed suicide by throwing himself into a well.

Sept. 2, 1816, William Reece was killed in Newport by a stick of timber falling on him at the raising of a barn.

Sept. 20, 1816, the store of Joseph Holden was broken open and robbed of between $100 and $200 in cash.

"David Putnam, Esq., raised in his garden this season a radish weighing 21 lbs., and 32 inches in circumference."

Levi Davis was tried for the murder of a stranger who was found floating down the river about a mile and a half below town. On the night of Aug. 8, 1816, Davis had started down the river in a canoe with this stranger; both had been drinking freely. Davis was sentenced to the Penitentiary for 21 years.

HORRID ACCIDENT - Under this head is related the explosion of the steamboat Washington, opposite Harmar, on the morning of June 5, 1816. It was a new boat, commanded by Capt. Shreve; left Wheeling Monday morning; "safely came to anchor opposite Point Harmar about 7 o'clock Tuesday evening"; the fires were kindled Wednesday morning, preparatory to starting, and soon it exploded and "spread death and torture in every direction"; seven persons lost their lives and ten others were scalded, some of them very badly; the town was alarmed by the explosion; six or eight of the victims "were nearly skinned from head to feet"; six died Wednesday night and were buried on Thursday, attended by a large concourse of citizens.

Among the badly scalded was Notley Drown; but he recovered to meet his death in a similar manner nearly fifteen years afterwards. He was killed by the explosion of the steamboat Tri-Color, April 19, 1831, at Wheeling, aged 35. Mr. Drown was Captain of the Tri-Color and was a resident of Harmar. His son, Capt. H. H. Drown, is the present well known and highly popular commander of the Marietta and Cincinnati packet, Bostona No. 2. 

Capt. Shreve was but slightly injured. The boat remained nearly three weeks for repairs, then left for the Mississippi.

ELECTION 1816 - Very light vote in this county. For Governor, Thomas Worthington, 360; James Dunlap, 225. For Congress, Levi Barber, 521; Edward W. Tupper, 47; Henry Brush, 17; John A. Fulton, 7. For Representatives, Sardine Stone, 535; and Robert Sinzee, 536, both elected without opposition. For Sheriff, Timothy Buell, 526; John Clark, 43; Alexander Hill, 28. For Commissioner, Titan Kimble, 441; Nathaniel Hamilton, 168. For Coroner, Sampson Cole, 525; A. Hamilton, 27. The district elected Levi Barber to Congress.

The Presidential Election took place November 1, 1816. The Friend of the week before contained no allusion to the fact, except the Sheriff's proclamation; and that published the week after contains no returns whatever. Two weeks after, the statement is made that but 42 votes were given in Marietta Township for Electors for President and Vice President, and but very few in the county. At previous elections Marietta had polled 170 votes. No public interest was felt in this election. The Federalist party was dead, and there was but slight opposition to the election of Mr. Monroe. Only 24 votes were given at Cincinnati, as the Friend learns. Ross County did not give 300 votes in all.

MARRIAGES in 1816:

January 21, Michael Gard and Clarissa Baker, both of Union.

April 7, Solomon Lewis and Miss Sarah White, both of Wooster (Watertown).

May 1, Joseph L. Reckard to Miss Delila Jennings, both of Marietta.

August 21, Henry Clark and Patty Herrington, both of Marietta.

August 15, John P. Mayberry, Attorney at Law, of Parkersburg, and Miss Lucy Fearing, of Harmar. 

August 27, John Corp and Elizabeth Dodd, both of Marietta.

September 22, George Dana and Deborah Fisher, in Belpre.

November 21, Zebulon Jennings and Betsey Maxon.

November 26, E. S. McIntosh of Marietta and Elizabeth Seeley of Waterford.

DEATHS in 1816:

Gen. Joseph M. Wilcox died in the beginning of the year, date not given.

May 10, H. W. Noble, Esq., formerly of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a highly esteemed merchant.

October 1, in Adams, Joshua Sprague, Sen., in his 89th year.

October 4, in Union, Sprague's granddaughter, Mrs. Cynthia Olney, in her 20th year.

ADVERTISERS in 1816 - Some notes from the advertisements in 1816, as follows: March 20, Nahum Ward offers "prime Ohio Bottom," opposite Guyandotte, at $15 per acre; land now worth $100 or more. John Platt, choice fruit trees for sale in Marietta. April 10, Bank of Marietta, A. Henderson, Cashier. April 25, Nathaniel Dodge "has put the rope-walk on Point Harmar in motion"; also Henry L. Prentiss "has put the old rope-walk (formerly occupied by Giles Hempstead) in motion." Elias Colby, blacksmith, at Harmar. June 11, J. & A. Cunningham, tailors, Marietta; and June 21, A. Fuller, sadler.

Old Marietta Papers - Number 8

The Marietta Register, November 13, 1863

"Old Marietta Papers" was a series of columns compiled and published in 1863 and 1864 by Rodney M. Stimson, editor of "The Marietta Register."

The following comprises all that we can glean from the "American Friend" for the years 1814 and 1815, that will interest our readers:

Saturday, Jan. 1, 1814, D. H. Buell assumed editorial control of the paper, which was now published by the firm of "T. & D. H. Buell," Mr. Everett, a partner with them for eight months, during which he was the editor, having died the week before. We shall give some account of the Buells in another article.

April 16, 1814, the name of the late Royal Prentiss first appears as one of the publishers of the Friend - the firm being "T. & D. H. Buell and R. Prentiss."

Feb. 15, 1814, Lieut. Joseph M. Wilcox of the regular U. S. Army was killed by Indians on the Alabama River in his 24th year. He was a son of Gen. Joseph Wilcox of Marietta and entered West Point Military Academy in 1807. He was sent down the Alabama River on a perilous expedition in command of three picked men in a canoe. After being out two days, they landed to escape 10 Indians in a canoe, but the Indians landed; they beat off the Indians, killing two of them. They wandered about in the woods to escape, went through swamps, and finally returned to the river and began building a raft, one of their men having deserted them. Just as their raft was done, the three men were attacked by eight Indians. They made a desperate resistance, and after Lieut. Wilcox was shot through the body and mortally wounded, he rushed on an Indian, knocked him down with his rifle and threw him into the river. Corporal Simpson was wounded in the knee. The other man crept into a cane brake. The Indians split the skulls of Lieut. Wilcox and the Corporal, having first scalped them, and just then a detachment came in sight, but too late to save the lives of the gallant Lieutenant and Corporal; they rescued the man in the cane brake.

May 7, 1814, Mathew Hungerford died, having been mortally injured a day or two before by a limb of a tree falling on his head while chopping in the woods near Marietta.

May 17, 1814, John Glidden was instantly killed in Fearing by a stick of timber falling on him at the raising of a house.

May 21, 1814, the Friend gives an account of a "reported highway robbery," 10th inst., near Graham's Station, now Racine, Meigs County. Abraham Youngkin was bringing $1,915 from J. C. McFarland at Charleston, Kanawha, to Joseph Holden in Marietta. He "reported" that he had been robbed. Afterwards $1,817 of the money was accidentally discovered where it had been secreted in Marietta. The Friend "forbears to comment," &c.

July 4, 1814 - celebrated by the "Republican citizens" at the Congregational Church. Declaration read by Col. Levi Barber, then Clerk of the Court. Oration by Isaac Humphreys, Esq. Dinner at the house of John Brough Esq. The committee of arrangements consisted of William Skinner, Joseph Holden and R. C. Barton.

March 30, 1815, Samuel McClintick, "a respectable citizen of this town," was drowned a short distance below Harmar, leaving a numerous family.

April, 1815, Samuel Hoit succeeded Griffin Greene as Postmaster of Marietta.

June 1, 1815, the ferry-boat attached to a rope across the Muskingum and propelled by the current, crossing in high water, was sunk by the force of the current and mismanagement of the ferry-man, having on board H. L. Prentiss and a black servant girl who lived with Gen. Wilcox. The girl was drowned. The others escaped.

July 4, 1815 - celebrated by "the Republican citizens." Procession formed in front of Joseph Holden's store under Chief Marshal R. C. Barton. Marched to the M. E. Church. Declaration read by Dr. Hildreth. Oration by D. H. Buell, Esq. Dinner at the house of John Brough, Esq.; Joseph Wood presided. Speaking of the oration by D. H. Buell, the committee of arrangements (Joseph Holden, Levi Barber, J. B. Regnier, S. P. Hildreth and R. C. Barton) in their report say that "for classical elegance, correctness of delineation, and the pure spirit of Republicanism which it breathed, it has rarely been equaled and never excelled in the Western country."

ELECTIONS - For the election in 1814, the Republicans of this county nominated John Sharp and Jehiel Gregory (the latter of Athens) for Representatives; Timothy Buell for Sheriff; Joseph Holden for Commissioner; and Silas Cook for Coroner. Capt. Buell declined to be re-elected Sheriff, and Capt. Alexander Hill was nominated instead; Joseph Holden declined to be Commissioner, and Daniel Goodno was nominated in his place, for re-election. The Federalists nominated Joseph Barker and Silas Bingham for Representatives; John Clark for Sheriff; Joshua Shipman for Commissioner; and Moses McFarland for Coroner.

The county went Republican, as it had usually done. The vote for Sheriff stood - Capt. Alexander Hill, 462. Maj. John Clark, 397. Total vote of Washington county, 870.

For Representative in Congress - William Creighton, Jr., of Chillicothe, received 509 votes. Levin Belt, 361. Athens County gave Creighton 212; Belt 106.

In 1815, John Sharp of this county, Republican, was elected to the State Senate, beating the late Deacon William R. Putnam 127 in Washington County and 175 in Athens. Henry Jolly of this county and Robert Linzee of Athens were elected Representatives over Joseph Barker and Alvin Bingham. William Skinner was elected Commissioner over Caleb Emerson. Total vote of Washington County, 817.

Marietta voted for Senator, Sharp, Republican, 121; Putnam, Federalist, 49.

MARRIAGES:

Dec. 30, 1813, Richard Alcock and Wealthy Buell, both of Marietta.

Jan. 2, 1814, Rufus P. Stone of Belpre and Eliza Barker of Union.

Feb. 13, 1814, Nathaniel Smith and Jemima Broom, both of Marietta.

March 20, 1814, Levi Cole and Sally Duncan, both of Marietta.

April 7, 1814, Abraham Payne and Philomelia Pixely, both of Marietta.

Oct. 29, 1814, by John Brough, Esq. (father of Gov. Brough), N. Bishop and Elizabeth Giles, both of Marietta.

Oct. 30, 1814, Reuben Cartwright and Catherine Protsman, both of Marietta.

Nov. 3, 1814, Capt. Jason R. Curtis and Polly Clark (parents of William F. Curtis), both of Marietta.

Dec. 1, 1814, Frances R. Stanley of Fearing and Nancy Payne of Salem.

Dec. 15, 1814, Ezra Chapman and Mary Conner, both of Marietta.

Dec. 22, 1814, Robert Wells and Hannah Case, both of Marietta. 

March 12, 1815, Capt. Nathaniel Olney of Union and Mary Smith of Adams.

April 6, [1815], Col. Robert C. Barton and Rachel B. Van Duyn, both of Marietta.

May 25, 1815, Francis Thierry and Fanny Blake, both of Marietta.

Sept. 6, [1815], in Wooster (Watertown), Peter Taylor and Margaret Ashcroft.

Oct. 12, 1815, Eli Iams and Catherine Crawford (parents of R. P. Iams), both of Marietta.

DEATHS:

March 29, 1814, Didier Gevrez, a native of France, aged 52.

April 7, 1814, Mrs. Polly Cole, wife of Samson Cole, "an amiable woman."

May 4, 1814, in Belpre, Mrs. Eunice Curtis, wife of Capt. Eleazer Curtis, aged 48.

May 9, 1814, Abigail Hoyt, wife of Benajah Hoyt, aged 59.

May 24, 1814, in Fearing, John Amlin, a native of Germany, aged 77.

May 29, 1814, Roswell Buell, eldest son of Capt. Timothy Buell, aged 19.

June 26, 1814, Jonathan Delong of Salem, aged 55.

Aug. 14, 1814, in Belpre, Col. Nathaniel Cushing, aged 57, and on the 26th, his wife Elizabeth, aged 61, both of fever; moved from Massachusetts in 1788, and the obituary states: "Long will the loss of this once happy pair be regretted by their neighbors and acquaintances. So long as virtue remains will their characters be esteemed."

Jan. 29, 1815, in Harmar, Isaac Mixer, tavern keeper, aged 78.

March 12, 1815, in Newport, Mrs. Elizabeth miner, wife of Capt. Matthew Miner, aged 45.

April 16, 1815, Charles Wells, Esq., of Tyler County, [West] Virginia, who had lived on the frontiers 40 years, aged 70.

May 2, 1815, in Adams, Mrs. Sabra Sprague, wife of Jonathan Sprague, aged 48.

October 31, 1815, in Washington, Kentucky, Joseph Bates of Marietta, aged 36.

July 16, 1815, Artemas Sawyer, Esq., died in Marietta, a lawyer and a native of Sterling, Massachusetts.

Aug. 7, 1815, Gordius G. Pierce, son of Stephen Pierce, in his 23d year.

ADVERTISERS - Among the advertisers in the years 1814 and 1815, we notice J. Mason, teacher of penmanship; James White, new mill on Duck Creek in Fearing; Robert McCabe & Co., shoemakers; H. Cole, tailor; Jonathan Devol & Carlisle, clothiers in Union; Capt. T. Buell requests the Washington County Volunteers who were in service in 1813 to meet at Stephen Shepard's tavern; Joseph Holden, in trade, Marietta, also James Whitney & Co., Harmar; Capt. Alexander Hill, Sept. 10, 1814, re-opens his public house at the old stand on Greene Street, having retired from the U. S. service; Skinner & Chambers, in trade, Harmar; Elisha Rose and Oren Newton, clothiers in Newport; James Stanley, clothier in Fearing; Jonathan Guitteau & Co., merchants; Woodbridge & Pierce, merchants; and H. W. Noble & Co., merchants; the late Dudley Woodbridge being in all of these firms.

The "Marietta Races" were advertised to take place on the Commons, Nov. 10, 1814 - a purse of $70 for four mile heats, on the second day, $30 for two mile heats, on the third day for "a handsome sweepstake," one mile heats. "N. B. No person will be permitted to erect a tent or sell liquors on the ground who is not a subscriber to the amount of $5."

The "Marietta Moral Society" notified to meet at the "new Congregational meeting house," Nov. 14, 1814.

Jan. 19, 1815, Griffin Greene, P.M., offers a reward of $150 for the detection and conviction of person or persons who broke open the mail between Marietta and Athens, Dec. 18, 1814. Jan. 28, 1815, law card of Porter Converse to practice in Marietta; and Feb. 4, medical card of Dr. Charles  A. Newton in Newport. April 13, 1815, Bank of Marietta, D. S. Chambers, Cashier; also D. J. Burr, Harmar, offers his flock of 91 merino sheep for sale, household furniture, &c. Lieut. Andrew Fisher, tavern, in Harmar. Samuel Jellison, tailor, in Marietta. June 2, 1815, dissolution of partnership in trade of Weston Thomas and Philip Cubbage. Ambrose Stewart, Harmar, blacksmith; and John Dodge, Waterford, wool carding.

July 27, 1815, Augustus Stone, Harmar, offers $100 reward for the robber who broke open his store and stole $360. Oliver Record to make edge tools in Marietta.

The 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3d Division, Ohio Militia, was ordered to parade on the Commons in Marietta, Sept. 2, 1815, by Col. Augustus Stone. The Regimental Staff consisted of Rev. S. P. Robbins, Chaplain; Dr. S. P. Hildreth, Surgeon; G. S. B. Hempstead, Surgeon's Mate; Jesse Davis, Paymaster; William Pitt Putnam, Adjutant; Daniel G. Stanley, Quartermaster; Stephen Devol, Sergt. Major; Weston Thomas, Quartermaster Sergeant; William Henry Shipman, Fife Major; John Matthews, Drum Major. John Thornily was Major. We are not advised who was the Lieut. Colonel.

Nov. 24, 1815, the late Dr. John Cotton inserted his medical card, stating that he had taken his residence in Harmar and would "faithfully and punctually attend to any business in the line of his profession."

So ends our notes for two years from the American Friend (1814 and 1815) and in the entire two years there was not more local matter than is often contained in a single number of The Marietta Register of this day.

Marriage License Record Indicates Much Perjury

The Marietta Daily Times, January 1, 1930

A new high record was hung up by the Washington County marriage license bureau at the probate court for 1929 when a total of 508 licenses to wed were issued. The previous high mark, 418, was made in 1928. The increase in marriage licenses issued here is plainly out of proportion to population figures of Washington County and persons interested may ask that the grand jury investigate with reference to breaking up perjury that is believed to be frequently committed by applicants.

The latest instance of this sort occurred on Tuesday, closing day of the year, when Frank H. Flaig and Miss Thelma E. Dulin, both of Parkersburg, W. Va., procured licenses. Both gave their sworn residence as Belpre. Flaig swore he was 22 years of age and Miss Dulin swore that she is 21.

An hour after the license was issued, Frank F. Flaig, the father of the bridegroom, appealed to the Marietta police to help find the couple, declaring that his son had stolen the family automobile in which to make a runaway marriage trip.

 The father not only exploded the idea that the couple were residents of Belpre, but he declared his boy is 20 years old and his bride is only 19. He said they never had resided in Washington County. He returned to Parkersburg declaring he would take steps to have the marriage annulled.

Dozens of West Virginia couples are believed to have sworn falsely in probate court in the past year. The majority of them have given Belpre as the bride's home. Within the last few years more "Belpre girls" than ever lived in that town have procured licenses in Washington County.

June and August vied for high honors at the marriage license bureau, with the Augustus Caesar month excelling by one. August brought 71 couples and June 70. The monthly record for the year follows: January, 21; February, 36; March, 29; April, 37; May, 30; June, 70; July, 30; August, 71; September, 41; October, 50; November, 43; December, 50.

 

Young Couple of Newport Run Away

The Marietta Daily Times, December 1, 1931:

Marietta police and the sheriff and county court officers were appealed to Tuesday by the parents of Miss Mabel Taylor, attractive Newport high school girl, in an effort to locate her and help prevent what is believed by them to be an elopement wherein the Taylor girl and Byron Burton, also of Newport, are the principals.

Miss Taylor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Taylor, is a member of the sophomore class at Newport High School. She is said to have left home at the usual time to go to school this morning but did not appear at the school building. Investigation is said to have developed the fact that young Burton, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Burton of Newport, also had disappeared.

Report of the disappearance of the young couple, each of whom is 16 years old, spread quickly throughout the village and it is said to have been learned that they, in company with a well known Newport woman, had driven away shortly before 9 o'clock.

Authorities here and in adjoining counties on both sides of the river were notified by the parents of the girl and they were asked to prevent the issuance of a marriage license. The girl was described as an attractive blonde, dressed in a green suit, hat and shoes to match and wearing a tan coat. 

The young couple and their companion are said to be traveling in a Chevrolet coach, and local officers were directing the search at noon today toward the state of Maryland to which they may have gone.

Burton and Miss Taylor are said to have been sweethearts for several years, having until recently attended the same school.

Mother of Runaway Girl Files Charges

The Marietta Daily Times, December 3, 1931:

Mrs. Agnes Taylor of Newport, whose daughter, Mabel Taylor, 16, Newport High School girl, is alleged to have run away from home with Byron Burton, a 16 year old boy, came to Marietta today to urge the sheriff and other officers to renew their efforts to find her daughter.

"Go ask about them at the court house; go out and search the roads; do something to find them," the mother is said to have urged as she talked to local officers. Sheriff Thorn conducted an extended investigation of the case Tuesday afternoon and evening. Deputy Sheriff Mossburg was still at work on the case today.

Mrs. Taylor declared she would make somebody suffer for the "wrong done me" and went before Judge Frank F. Fleming in Probate Court where she swore out a warrant charging Byron Burton and George Delong with contributing to the delinquency of Mabel Taylor. The warrant was placed in the sheriff's hands to be served.

Delong's name was connected with the case upon authority of Mrs. Taylor. She told officials here that Delong and his wife assisted the young couple in their elopement and took them in their automobile.

Elopers Are Married in Oakland, Maryland

The Marietta Daily Times, December 4, 1931:

Byron Burton and Mabel Taylor, 16 year old Newport young folks whose elopement Tuesday morning created a sensation in their home village, were married at Oakland, Maryland, Tuesday afternoon. They are in hiding in West Virginia, awaiting parental blessings before they return home.

Mr. and Mrs. George Delong of Newport Township, who accompanied the young folks to Maryland, returned home Thursday evening. They told friends of the bride and groom about the marriage and informed them that they drove Mr. and Mrs. Byron Burton back to Wheeling, West Virginia, where they left them at noon on Thursday. They would not say definitely whether the young couple had remained in Wheeling or in some nearby city or town.

As soon as Delong and his wife reached home and learned that a warrant was in the hands of the sheriff for the bridegroom and Delong, the latter took steps to retain counsel and early Friday morning he came to Marietta and surrendered to the sheriff. Attorney C. C. Middleswart will defend him.

Arrangements were made to continue the case until Wednesday of next week, and an agreement was made by Attorney Middleswart to bring both Burton and Delong into court at that time to face the charge made by the mother of the bride that they had contributed to the daughter's delinquency.

"Plans for the wedding had been underway for several months," Delong said at the sheriff's office on Friday. Burton and Miss Taylor decided to go to Oakland, Maryland, and the Delongs readily agreed to accompany them. They knew how to proceed, Delong told the sheriff. "You know we were married at Oakland," Delong explained, "and we knew just where to take them."

The youthful Mrs. Burton was a sophomore at the Newport High School.

They Were Married Very Quietly

The [Marietta] Daily Register, October 6, 1894

Mr. B. G. Dawes and Miss Bertie Burr Join Their Lives

From Lincoln State Journal

Miss Bertie O. Burr, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carlos C. Burr, and Mr. Beman G. Dawes, were united in marriage at the First Presbyterian church last night at 7 o'clock, by Rev. E. H. Curtis.

The ushers, Messrs. F. S. Burr; W. E. Eells of Marietta, Ohio; R. M. Joyce; S. E. Low; D. G. Wing and Lew Marshall, were kept busily engaged in seating the friends of the contracting parties.

Promptly at 7 o'clock, Mrs. P. V. M. Raymond struck the first notes of the Lohengrin wedding march and Miss Burr and Mr. Dawes entered through the western door. The bride was clad in handsome brocaded crepe, trimmed in ribbons and lace with a bridal veil hanging in graceful folds down her back. The groom looked his best and there were many complimentary exclamations on their appearance. The ceremony was brief, the ring service being used. Mr. C. C. Burr, the bride's father, gave her away.

At the close of the service, Mr. and Mrs. Dawes left the church by the eastern entrance, moving up the aisle to the sweet strains of Mendelssohn's march. They went directly to the home of the bride's parents, where a reception, which was attended by relatives and the most intimate friends, was tendered them.

The guests at the reception were given an opportunity to inspect one of the most elegant lists of presents ever received by a young couple. It was known that Mr. and Mrs. Dawes intended going to housekeeping immediately upon their return from a bridal trip, and it was natural therefore that all the presents were useful as well as beautiful. There was a large room devoted to the display of presents and in this could be found almost everything needed in making a home lovely, from a handsome filigree sugar spoon to a set of furniture. There were sets of china, choice bits of bric-a-brack, pictures denoting the taste of the donors and bank checks which will prove useful in the furnishing of a home.

Mr. and Mrs. Dawes were accompanied to the train at 9:30 by a large party of friends. They expect to be absent about two weeks, visiting the parents of the groom in Marietta, Ohio, where a reception will be tendered them. They will go from there to Washington and New York, returning to Lincoln about the 20th.

The [Marietta] Daily Register, October 10, 1894:

In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Beman Gates Dawes

The beautiful home of General and Mrs. Rufus R. Dawes, Fourth Street, was the scene of a charming reception from 8 to 11 last evening, in honor of Mr. Beman Gates Dawes and his beautiful bride of Lincoln, Nebraska. The house was handsomely decorated with potted flowers. Everything was appropriately arranged in green and white, the bride's colors. The bride was clad in handsome brocaded crepe, trimmed in lace.

Nearly one hundred guests were present. After being received by Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Dawes, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus C. Dawes, and Mr. and Mrs. B. G. Dawes, the guests were invited to lunch by Mrs. William W. Mills in her pleasant way, where in the adjoining rooms tables were arranged and refreshments were served, white and green prevailing.

Mr. and Mrs. Dawes remain until the latter part of the week, when they leave for a short visit to eastern cities, returning the next week for a few days' visit here, then to their home at Lincoln, Nebraska.

The reception was one of the prettiest for many seasons. We congratulate Mr. Dawes on his good fortune and wish him and his bride many years of prosperity and happiness.

   

Mary Ransom Stone

American Friend, July 12, 1822

State of Ohio, 

Washington County, ss.

Clerk's Office Supreme Court, Marietta

July 6th, 1822

Whereas Mary Stone, of Marietta, in said county, hath this day filed in this Office, her petition to the Judges of the said Supreme Court, next to be holden within and for said county. Wherein she represents that on the 25th day of February, A.D. 1798, the said petitioner (then Mary Ransom) was lawfully married to Derick Stone, then of Sandgate, county of Bennington and state of Vermont. That she has been abused and neglected by her said husband - who in the month of June, 1818, ordered and obliged her to quit the house wherein they then resided.  And that, ever since that time, the said Derick has wholly neglected and absented himself from said petitioner, nor has he in any way contributed to her support and maintenance. And praying for the causes aforesaid, that the bands of matrimony between said Mary and Derick Stone may be dissolved, &c.

Notice is, therefore, hereby given to the said Derick Stone, that he be and appear before the Judges of our said Supreme Court at the Court house in Marietta, in said county, on the seventeenth day of October next, being the first day of the next term of said Court, within, and for said county, to answer the allegations of said petition, and shew cause if any he have, why the prayer thereof should not be granted.

Attest,

Geo. Dunlevy, Clerk.

Reuben Merriam Atty. for Petitioner.

[Note: "1798 Feb. 25  Derick Stone and Polly Ransom," as published in "Sandgate, Vermont, Marriages (A list of persons married by James Murdock)," Genealogy: A Journal of American Ancestry, ed. by William Montgomery Clemens, Vol. X, No. 5, October 1921, p. 39]

 

Has Four Wives

Marietta Daily Leader, December 10, 1897

From Ravenswood, W.Va.

Some months ago, one C. W. Petty, a painter by trade, blew into this town from New Matamoras, Ohio. He was much gifted in the use of his tongue, so it is said, and could spin out yarns in a lively manner. 

Not many weeks ago, he married Florence Redden, daughter of U. Redden of this place. Last week a letter was received from a lady at Grandview, Ohio, signing her name "Mrs. Anna Belle Petty," and in this she claims to be his third wife, with one child, and says the other two women are living, his first wife having two children, second wife none.

Last week Petty's father-in-law, U. Redden, got onto the fellow's frequent marriages and made it so warm for him that on Saturday night, with his bundle of "duds" under his arm and tears as big as walnuts standing upon his cheeks, he bid farewell to his wife No. 4 and left for parts unknown, and probably to look for another woman to add to his list.

Notes from West Virginia Vital Records:   

Charles W. Petty of Washington County, Ohio, married Florence Leon Redin in Jackson County, West Virginia, September 25, 1897.

Charles W. Petty married Anna Belle Eddy in Pleasants County, West Virginia, June 14, 1896.

Charles W. Petty married Sarah Braden in Ritchie County, West Virginia, May 7, 1891.

Charles W. Petty appears to have been the son of Daniel and Aurelia Petty of New Matamoras, Grandview Township, Washington County, Ohio .

 

 

 

Curious Marriages

The Marietta Register, July 9, 1868

Three weeks ago we printed many interesting items that we had collected, relating to singular marriages. We now give a chapter of curious matters in this line that have happened in our county of Washington - premising that the record could be made much more complete, were it not for the danger of "treading on somebody's toes."

December 28, 1865, in Ludlow Township, James M. Groves, J. P., married on the same evening, at the same place, George Pugh and Mary Watson; also Isaac Pugh and Martha A. Watson.  These were father and son married to mother and daughter.

Two Greene Street girls - Misses D____ - who are sisters, have between them five living husbands. The oldest was divorced from her first husband on account of his willful absence; her second husband was divorced from her, by reason of her absence; and she is married to her third husband. The second girl was married and divorced, and is married again. None of the parties now live in this county.

John Brough, Esq., who was Sheriff of this county sixty years ago, came from England about the beginning of this century, when he was past middle age. In 1809, he buried a wife; was soon married to Miss Jane ____, and in 1811, the late John Brough - late distinguished Governor of Ohio - was born to them in the jail building. October 20, 1821, Mrs. Brough died; in five months and one day, March 21, 1822, Esq. Brough, who was then about 75 years old, married Mrs. Bridget Cross; in just four weeks, April 19, she died. Esq. Brough himself died, October 16, 1822. So, it appears that he buried two wives and was buried himself, all in less than a year.

There are several cases in this county wherein men have been married four times; one, three times, whose third wife is the niece of his second; one of our highly respectable citizens married his son's widow, there being children by both marriages. And in another case, many years ago, a young man and a young lady were engaged to be married; her parents objected, but they had a son born to them out of wedlock; both subsequently married (he twice) and buried other partners; their son had now become a man and was married, with a family of children; his parents were then married at his house, the grandchildren seeing their grandparents married! They are both now in their graves.

Many years ago, Pardon Cook, father of the late Mrs. Rhoda Hildreth of this city, and his brother, Joseph Cook, father of Rev. Pardon Cook, of Marietta, married sisters. In course of time, Pardon Cook died, also Joseph Cook's wife. Then Joseph Cook and Pardon Cook's widow were intermarried. So, in the last marriage (no children) the husband bore that relation to two sisters, while the wife was the wife of two brothers. Consequently the late Mrs. Hildreth and Rev. Pardon Cook were not only double cousins, but also stood in the relation of step-brother and step-sister.

Two brothers and two sisters of one family in Marietta, years ago, were intermarried with two sisters and two brothers of another family; not all at once, but at different dates. These were Otis Reckard and Nancy Jennings; Joseph Leonard Reckard and Delila Jennings; Jonathan Jennings and Susan Reckard; Junia Jennings and Eliza A. Reckard. Of these eight, six are now living - all in the neighborhood of "three score and ten," most over, some a little under. Jonathan Jennings died ten years ago. His widow (Susan Reckard) is now the fourth wife of Rev. J. C. McCoy. Otis Reckard died about three years ago.

Col. William B. Mason, our County Treasurer, and his wife, are both Masons, but of different families, claiming no relationship.  His father was William Mason, and her father was William Mason; his grandfather was William Mason, and her grandfather was William Mason. And they have a son William. So the young scion of four generations now known, counts himself a William, his father a William, his two grandfathers both Williams, and two great-grandfathers Williams, and all Masons.

We here mention a case out of this county, yet involving a young lady of Marietta. Miss Emily Palmer, who was raised by Rev. Luther G. Bingham, went to Lawrence County to teach, and there married Dr. McDowell, who had separated from his wife in Pennsylvania, leaving a daughter in her charge. In the course of years, Mrs. Emily McDowell died. The daughter by the first marriage was now grown up and married. Through her intervention, her father and mother were then remarried, after a separation of over twenty years, the husband of the daughter, who was a minister, performing the marriage ceremony!

It may be remarked that fifty years ago, when the population of this county was not over one-quarter of what it now is, three men advertised their wives as having left their bed and board, for every one man who does so at this day; a fact that we know, having carefully examined full files of Marietta papers from the year 1811. Does it indicate that ill-assorted and unhappy marriages were much more frequent half a century since than now? or was advertising wives more in fashion then?

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.