And for the transportation of persons or property across any creek within the county of Jefferson
or bounding the same, each ferry keeper may demand and receive one-half of the above rates and
no more.
1806.—Order in favor of Rachel Shaw for her attendance as a witness on the trial of Anthony
Beck and others for killing Willian Crocket, $2.50.
May 1, 1806.—Order in favor of Samuel B. Fleming, $300, as part payment due him for building
the new jail.
James Ross for the amount of his account for smith work done for fixing the locks for the new
jail.
June 9, 1806.—Order in favor of Samuel B. Fleming for $150 as part of the money due him for
building the jail.
September 2, 1806.—To S. B. Fleming $250 balance due him for building jail.
December 1, 1806.—Balance due S. B. Fleming on jail $18.50.
Monday, October 12, 1807.—Thomas Gray took the contract for building the court house at
$2,199.99 ½. He also purchased the log building adjoining the court house on March 8, 1808,
which had been occupied by the jailor.
March 3, 1824,—Ordered that Isaac Jenkinson is authorized to have the fence around the court
house repaired.
April 1, 1824.—The commissioners purchased of George Marshall 123 acres at $22 per acre for
the paupers of the county, The buildings on the farm were considered at that time sufficient for
the reception of the poor. In 1824 there were 9 paupers, and in 1825, 18, five of whom were
discharged that year and one eloped,
June 10, 1824.—Ordered by the commissioners that John Twaddle be allowed $100 to be paid
quarterly out of the county treasury for keeping six blind children.
Samuel Filson is appointed measurer, to keep the standard half bushel measure of Jefferson
county, and has been qualified as such.
WHIPPING POST.
In ye olden times the whipping post was looked upon as an almost indispensible institution.
However salutary its effect, it certainly lacked that merciful consideration marking our present
modes of inflicting punishment, and every humane disposition must hail, with no ordinary degree
of satisfaction, the total abolition of such a summary mode of castigating offenders. Even
Steubenville had its whipping post on the market square, and several were the sentences carried
out thereat. In fact, so late as August 11, 1810, we find recorded probably the last case of
corporal punishment being administered under its auspices. A colored man named Charles
Johnson, kept a small store in an old shanty near the present "Union and Deposit Bank," and
running out of pork, he visited the smoke house of Bazaleel Wells, under cover of darkness, and
extracted therefrom several hams. A few days afterwards, one Hannan, who kept the ferry,
happened to go up town very early to get something for breakfast, but failed in his mission. On
his return he met Charley, who said he would sell him a ham cheap. He did so, but it unhappily
proved a very dear one for the luckless negro. Hannan happening to pass Mr. Wells on his way
home, the latter observed his private mark on the ham--asked Hannan where he got it, and
subsequently sent him for another. Then Mr. Wells called on the constable—they proceeded to
Charley's shanty and there found several pieces of Mr, Wells's pork secreted in an old cellar.
Charley was made a prisoner, found guilty, and according to the records of the trial,* August 11,
1810, the following sentence was passed upon him : "That he be taken to the whipping post, and
there whipped nine stripes on his naked back ; that he pay four dollars damages to Bazaleel Wells
that he pay a fine of ten dollars and costs of prosecution; be confined in the jail for nine days, and
then committed until judgment be complied with." Charley was duly taken to the post and
received his lashes—amid great agonies, exclaiming as the sheriff applied the cat, "serves me
right, I ought not to steal my masses' hams, Lord have mussy on me." There are yet those living
who witnessed the scene, and describe it as being of a character they never hoped to witness
again. We have imperfect notes upon several whipping scenes of a more remote date, the records
of which, however, would add little of interest beyond the facts contained in the above
incident—said to be the last case of whipping in old Jefferson county.
PREMIUM FOR SCALPS OF WILD ANIMALS.
In 1803 a premium ranging from fifty cents to one dollar was paid out of the county treasury
upon the presentation of the proper certificate, for the scalp of each wolf or panther killed within
the county. For those under six months old a bounty of fifty cents was granted and for all above
six months old one dollar. This premium was soon increased to one and two dollars, and then
again, on the 3rd of June, 1807, the commissioners increased it to $1.50 and $3.00. The
following is taken from the records, showing to whom premiums were paid for scalps from 1803
to 1810 :
1803.—Andrew Lockhart was paid $2 for four young wolf scalps, John Downs, 50 cents for one,
Allen Lieper, $1 for one old wolf scalp, John Lashly $2 for two old wolf scalps, and Joseph
Rippey same amount for four young ones.
1804.—Moses Hoagland two dollars for two old wolf scalps, and William Roach one dollar for
one scalp.
1805.—Robert Maxwell, Abraham Winters, William Rippeth Jon Ross, William McCleary,
George Sayport, and John Castleman, were each paid one dollars for one old wolf scalp. Robert
McClish, Richard Castleman, and John Stull were each paid one dollar for one panther scalp.
John Moody was paid $5 for five wolf scalps.
1806.—George Helwig, Peter Thomas, Francis Dorsey, Josiah Johnston, Wm. Gray, each $1 for
one old wolf scalp ; Henry Gatshall, $2 for four young wolf scalps ; John Weirich, $4 for four
young wolf scalps ; S. Salmon. John Rowland, James Crawford, and Robert Carson, $2 each for
one old wolf scalp.
1807.—James Crawford, Isaac Laylort, Eli Quaintance, M. Willis, Jesse Parmore, Cornelius
Vanosdel, Wm. Deviers, Wm. Moore, Josiah Johnston, and George Nee, each $2 for one old
wolf scalp ; James Hoagland, $8 for two old and four young wolf scalps ; William Floyd and
John Bates, each $6 for two old wolf scalps ; Wm. Davis, Nathan Stafford, and Isaac White, each
$3 for one old wolf scalp ; Philip Harkley $3 for one old panther scalp.
1808—Robert Hill, Robert Carson, David Pugh, Thomas Bruce, George Pfoutz, W m. Rippey,
Jolly Rutter, Joseph McGrew, Joseph Johnston, Robert Meeks, Wm. Springer, James Davis,
Thomas Bruce, George Fitzpatrick, Peter Johnston, Jas. Glass, Benjamin Cablo, Caleb Wheeler
and Adam Kimmel, each $3 for one old wolf scalp ; Joseph Parmore, Wm. Johnston, Willis
Melva, Robert Meeks, Reuben Pfoutz and Philip Saltzman, each $6 fbr two old wolf scalps ;
John Miser, $36 for twelve old wolf scalps ; George Knee, $12 for four old wolf scalps ; George
Brown, $9 for six young wolf scalps ; Benjamin Johnston, $3 for one panther scalp.
1809—Benjamin Tipton, George Dewalt, William Smith, Abraham Walter, Jonathan Seers,
Aaron Hoagland and David Davis, each $3 for one old wolf scalp; Benjamin Johnston, $9 for
three old wolf scalps.
1810—James Blair, Charles Carter, George Johns and Adam Simmon, each $3 for one old wolf
scalp ; Jacob Springer, $4.50 for one old and one young wolf scalp ; Abraham Walter, $6 for two
old wolf scalps.
* See Common Pleas Journal "A.," page 292.
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 429
FRONTIER REMINISCENCES.
THE HEROIC FEAT OF THE TWO JOHNSON BOYS.
No history of this section of the country would be complete without it recorded the gallant
exploit of the two Johnson boys, who, though so youthful, both being under fourteen years of
age, purchased their liberty by fhe most risky stratagem. Henry and John Johnson, for such were
their names, came with their parents from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and located on
Beach Bottom, about three miles above the mouth of Short Creek. The Indians at that time were
particularly severe in their depredations upon white settlers, both in the way of stealing and
committing unmitigated deeds of atrocity.
That we may be authentic, we copy the following statement, prepared some years ago by Henry
Johnson, the younger of the two brothers, who afterward lived in Monroe county, Ohio, and
published in a Woodsfield paper about 1845 or 1846. In this narrative he says :
"I was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1777. When about eight years
old, my father, James Johnson, having a large family to provide for, sold his farm, with. the
expectation of acquiring larger possessions further west. Thus he was stimulated to encounter the
perils of a pioneer life. He crossed the Ohio river and bought some improvements on what was
called Beach Bottom flats, two and a half miles from the river, and three or four miles above the
mouth of Short creek, with the expectation of holding under the Virginia claim. Soon after we
reached there, the Indians became troublesome ; they stole horses and killed a number of persons
in our neighborhood. When I was between eleven and twelve years old, in the month of October,
1788, I was taken prisoner by the Indians, with my brother John, who was about eighteen months
older than 1. The circumstances were as follows :
" On Saturday evening we were out with an older brother, and came home late in the evening.
The next morning one of us lost a hat, and about the middle of the day, we thought perhaps we
had left it where we had been at work, about three-fourths of a mile from the house. We went, to
the place and found the hat, and sat down on a log by the roadside and commenced cracking nuts.
In a short time we saw two men coming toward us from the house,. By their dress, we supposed
they were two of our neighbors, James Perdue and J. Russell. We paid but little attention to them,
until they came quite near us, when we saw our mistake ; they were black. To escape by flight
was impossible, had we been disposed to try. We sat still until they came up. One of them said,
‘How do, brodder?' My brother then asked them if they were Indians, and they answered in the
affirmative, and said we must go with them. One of them had a buckskin pouch, which he gave
my brother to carry, and without further ceremony we took up the line of march for the
wilderness, not knowing whether we should ever return to our cheerful home ; and, not having
much love for our commanding officers, of course we obeyed orders rather tardily. The mode of
march was thus—one of the Indians walked about ten steps before, the other about ten behind us.
After traveling some distance, we halted in a deep hollow and sat down. They took out their
knives and whet them, and talked some time in the Indian tongue, which we could not
understand. My brother and me sat eight or ten steps from them, and talked about killing them
that night, and make our escape. I thought, from their looks and actions, that they were going to
kill us ; and, strange to say, I felt no alarm. I thought I would rather die than go with them. The
most of my trouble was, that my father and mother would be fretting after us, not knowing what
had become of us. I expressed my thoughts to John, who went and began to talk with them. He
said that father was cross to him, and made him work hard, and that he did not like hard work ;
that he would rather be a hunter and live in the woods. This seemed to please them, for they put
up their knives and talked more lively and pleasantly. We became very familiar, and many
questions passed between us; all parties were very inquisitive. They asked my brother which way
home was, several times, and he would tell them the contrary way every time, although he knew
the way very well. This would make them laugh ; they thought we were lost, and that we knew
no better. They conducted us over the Short creek hills in search of horses, but found none ; so
we continued on foot until night, when we halted in a hollow, about three miles from Carpenter's
fort, and about four from the place where they first took us ; our route being somewhat
circuitous, we made but slow progress. As night began to close in, I became fretful. My brother
encouraged me by whispering that we would kill them that night.
"After they had selected the place of our encampment, one of them scouted round, whilst the
other struck fire, which was done by stopping the touch-hole of his gun, and flashing powder in
the pan. After the Indian got the fire kindled, he reprimed the gun and went to an old stump, to
get some tinder wood, and while be was thus employed, my brother John took the gun, cocked it,
and was about to shoot the Indian ; alarmed lest the other might be close by, I remonstrated, and
taking hold of the gun, prevented him shooting ; at the same time I begged him to wait till night,
and I would help him kill them both, The other Indian came back about dark, when we took our
supper, such as it was,—some corn parched on the coals, and some roasted pork. We then sat
down and talked for some time. They seemed to be acquainted with the whole border settlement,
from Marietta to Beaver, and could number every fort and blockhouse, and asked my brother
how many fighting men there were in each place, and how many guns. In some places, my broth.
er said, there were a good many more guns than there were fighting men. They asked what use
were these guns. He said the women could load while the men fired. But how did these. guns get
there? My brother said, when the war was over with Great Britain, the soldiers that were enlisted
during the war were discharged, and they left a great many of their guns at the stations. They
asked my brother who owed that black horse that wore a bell ? He answered, father. They then
said the Indians could never catch that horse. We then wont to bed on the naked ground, to rest
and study out the best mode of attack. They put us between them, that they might be the better
able to guard us. After awhile, one of the Indians, supposing we were asleep, got up and stretched
himself on the other side of the fire, and soon began to snore. John, who had been watching every
motion, found they were sound asleep. He whispered to me to get up, which we did as carefully
as possible. John took the gun with which the Indian had struck fire, cocked it, and placed it in
the direction of the head of one of the Indians. He then took a tomahawk, and drew it over the
head of the other Indian. I pulled the trigger, and he struck at the same instant ; the blow falling
too far back on the neck, only stunned the Indian. He attempted to spring to his feet, uttering
most hideous yells, but my brother repeated the blows with such effect that the conflict became
terrible, and somewhat doubtful. The Indian, however, was forced to yield to the blows he
received on his head, and in a short time he lay quiet at our feet.
"The one that was shot never moved ; and fearing there were others close by, we hurried off, and
took nothing with us but the gun I shot with. They had told us we would see' Indians about
tomorrow, so we thought that there was a camp of Indians close by ; and fearing the report of the
gun, the Indian hallooing, and I calling to John, might bring them upon us, 'ire took our course
towards the river, and on going about three-fourths of a mile, came to a path which led to
Carpenter's fort, which was situated in what is now Warren township, Jefferson county. My
brother here hung up his hat, that he might know where to take off to find the camp. We got to
the fort a little before daybreak. We related our adventure, and the next day a small party went
out with my brother, and found the the Indian that was tomahawked, on the ground ; the other
had crawled off, and was not found till some time after. Ho was shot through close by the ear.
Having concluded this narrative, I will give a description of the two Indians, They were of the
Delaware tribe, and one of them a chief. He wore the badges of his office—the wampum belt,
three half-moons, and a silver plate on his breast ; bands of silver on both arms, and his ears cut
round and ornamented with silver ; the hair on the top of his head was done up with silver wire.
The other Indian seemed to be a kind of waiter. He was rather under size, a plain man. He wore a
fine beaver hat, with a hole shot through the crown. My brother asked him about the hat. He said
he killed a captain and got his hat. My brother asked him if he had killed many of the whites, and
he answered, a good many. He then asked him if the big Indian had killed many of the whites,
and he answered, a great many, and that he was a great captain—a chief."
It is stated that the place where the Johnson boys killed their Indian captors, is within the limits
of what is now section nine, in Wells township, Jefferson county, although similar claims are
made for several others places, some of them being Warren township. They were afterward
donated that section of land by the government for this service, and subsequently sold it to
Captain Robert Kirkwood. On account of its historical inter-
430 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
est, the tract has remained in the possession of the family connection ever since, and is now
owned by General R. H. K. Whitely, of Baltimore, Maryland.
MICHAEL MYERS, SR.
Was born at Winchester, Virginia, in 1845, and when lie was fourteen years of age his father
emigrated to what is now Washington county, Pennsylvania, but then Augusta county, Virginia,
and located on Pigeon creek, about six miles from the present site of Monongahela City and near
to Ginger Hill.
This was soon after the treaty of Fort Stanwix which opened up this part of the country to
permanent settlement, but the new settlers found no "downy beds of ease" awaiting them. Amid
the vicissitudes of frontier life young Myers grew to manhood, his knowledge of the woods and
Indian character qualifying him to participate in the stirring scenes that followed.
In the early part of 1774 occurred a circumstance which, if Mr. Myers' own statement is correct,
must have had some influence in bringing on the famous "Dunmore war."
The following extract is taken from an article which appeared in the Pittsburgh Gazette in 1850,
signed "C." and is believed to be from the pen of Lyman C. Draper :
"THE YELLOW CREEK MURDER AND LOGAN'S SPEECH.—This truly eloquent speech, in
which the guilt of the murders near Yellow creek is charged upon Col. Cresap, has given to that
occurrence a promience beyond that of any other of similar character. The writer of this article
became early satisfied that great injustice was done a brave man and a patriot in that admirable
production * * * and he was led by a desire to exculpate one, who in that case at least, was
innocent, to collect what evidence he could for that purpose.
"In course of his enquiries he ascertained some two years ago, that there was living in Ohio, a
few miles below Yellow creek, a certain Michael Myers, the very man who shed the first blood
which led to the killing of the Indians at Yellow creek.
"He then determined to embrace some early opportunity to obtain Myers' statement from himself,
although his informant, Mr. Sloan, a respectable and intelligent gentleman and neighbors of
Myers, had often heard his story, and repeated it to the writer.
"On the 21st of February last, the writer called on Mr. Myers, in company with his neighbor, Mr.
Sloan. He found him a stout, vigorous old man , his memory seemed good, except in the
recollection of names ; * * * he did not remember Lord Dunmore, although he had descended the
river as far as Grave creek when that nobleman led the expedition to the Scioto in 1774.
"Myers' account of the Yellow creek affair was as follows :
"In the month of May, 1774, he went across the Ohio near Yellow creek, in company with two
other men, to look at the country. They went up the creek two or three miles to a spring, at a
place now known as the Hollow Rock, where they concluded to encamp at night. Having
spancelled their horse, they turned him loose around the point of the hill, where there was good
grazing, and began kindling a fire. Soon after they heard their horses bell tinkling as though he
was moving rapidly. Myers then suspected that a wolf had scared the horse, and taking up his
rifle he ran round the point of the hill, until he saw the horse standing still, and an Indian
stooping down beside him trying to loosen the spancels. Myers immediately. raised his gun and
shot the Indian, and as soon as he had loaded again, he ran up the side of the hill until he
discovered a large number of Indians encamped, and one with a gun running toward him, but
looking toward the horse, he immediately fired at the second Indian, and without knowing
whether he killed him or not, he (Myers) wheeled about and ran towards the spring and the camp,
when he found that the other men had become alarmed and left before him.
" Next morning several Indians came over to Baker's station to inquire who had killed the two
Indians the evening before, but Greathouse, who appears to have been the master spirit, ordered
the men not to tell, and the Indians returned to their encampment.
"That afternoon or the next morning, a large canoe full of Indians was discovered crossing the
river ; the white men immediately seized their rifles and ran down to a point where the canoe
would be likely to land, and lying concealed until it came close, fired and killed every person in
the canoe but one.
" Such is Myers' narrative, and I have thought it worth preservation ; of its truth every one can
judge for himself. Mr. Sloan has known Myers for about twenty years, and has heard his
statement again and again, without variation, and his version of Myers' narrative agrees precisely
with that of Myers himself to the writer.
"Myers is well known as a veteran Indian fighter ; his story was told without the le ast shadow of
braggadocio, and certainly without any appearance of an effort to exonerate himself from a
charge of criminality.
"He spoke of killing the Indians with quite as much indifference as an experienced hunter would
of killing a bear.
"This narrative, if it be relied upon, certainly palliates in some degree the atrocity of the outrage
at Yellow creek. * *
"C"
In a letter to Mr. Brantz Mayer, Mr. Draper says :
" Myers positively asserts that this affair led the bostile parties of Indians to go over next day to
Baker's ; as it gives the plausible pretext for the story of the squaw who visited Mrs. Baker, and
as it is the same that Myers has constantly told to his neighbors, I am inclined to rely on its
accuracy. Mr Myers has always sustained a good character ; in early times was a captain and
served as a Justice of the Peace for many years. Myers admits that he took part in the firing on
the Indians who crossed in canoes on the day of the massacre."
After the Revolutionary war was fairly inaugurated the valley of the Ohio became the scene of
conflict between the red men and the frontier settlers of Pennsylvania, and Virginia, and and as it
became ecessary to send out scouts or spies to keep watch of the Indian movements along that
stream. Michael Myers was chosen as one eminently qualified by nature and fitted by training to
perform that important duty. He was a tall, raw-boned, muscular man, over six feet in height,
long limbed and sinewy; of remarkable strength, agility and endurance, he possessed the
reputation of being one of the strongest and fleetest men on the border.
Mr. Myers had a stoppage in his speech, to counteract which he usually prefaced his sentences
with the word " auver." From this circumstance he received the nick name of " Auver Mike
Myers."
On one occasion his admirers were complimenting him on his strength, and asked him which, he
or his friend Lewis Wetzel, excelled in that particular ; to which he replied, "Auver Wetzel could
through Auver Mike right into the air." He usually dressed in Indian fashion and was an adept in
imitating them in any manner desired.
A part of his duty consisted in patrolling from Mingo Bottom up the west bank of the Ohio to the
mouth of Yellow creek, where he would remain over night, cross the river and return by way of
the eastern shore or Virginia side the next day. While thus employed, he frequently stopped to
drink at a fine spring, about a mile below where Sloan's Station is now situated, known as "
Poplar spring," and on one occasion, approaching the spring, he found it in possession of " the
enemy red men. The question now arose, should he quietly retire and leave them in peaceable
possession or should he obey the instinct of the confirmed Indian hater and slay a foe every time
an opportunity presented itself?
He did not hesitate long, but raised his rifle, fired, and the largest of the savages fell into the
spring. The others hotly-pursued the " pale face," but Myers had calculated the difference of
speed, and the distance to be run, and by the time he reached the foot of Black's island, five miles
above, he had so far outstripped his pursuers that Captain Brady, who was in waiting for him,
had time to convey him across the river before the Indians arrived. When they had secured their
canoe, according to Myers' testimony, Brady averred that he could hit one of the Indians on the
opposite shore. Myers expressed his incredulity, when Brady raised his rifle, took deliberate aim,
and fired, the shot taking effect and one more warrior started on the road to the "happy hunting
grounds."
In 1782 Mr. Myers was with Col. Crawford as a scout on his ill-fated expedition to Sandusky and
afterwards said that Crawford, upon finding the Indian villages on the Upper Sandusky deserted,
feared an ambush and counseled retreat, but urged on by Col. Williamson and other officers he
marched on to his fate.
Before the days of steamboating on the western waters, commerce was carried on on the Ohio
and Mississippi rivers by means of flat boats. The settlers on the upper Ohio would raise wheat
which was turned into flour, and rye which was turned into whiskey, and these commodities
shipped to New Orleans and intermediate points. This business was the principal source from
which they derived their revenue.
Mr. Myers entered into this traffic with a will and it is said be made eleven trips to New Orleans
on flat boats and returned by
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 431
land through an almost unbroken wilderess. He made his last trip near the close of the last
century. He and his brother were stricken down with the yellow fever. His brother died and
Michael was robbed of $1600. After this he never visited New Orleans but confined his visits to
Louisville and other points. About the year 1795 Mr. Myers located on section 25, T. 4, R. 1 of
the original "seven ranges" surveyed by the government in 1785, and in 1799 he built a log house
on the bank of the Ohio, just below the mouth of Croxton's Run. In the year 1801 he built a flat•
boat at Williamsport—now Monongahela city—loaded his family and goods on it and conveyed
them to his new home in Ohio. The boat was turned into a ferry-boat and served many years as
such. In 1808 Mr. Myers built a grist mill on Croxton's Run, which by being rebuilt run until
1861. About the same time he built a stone house (the first of its kind in this part of Ohio) 30x40
feet, which was kept as a hotel for 40 years. When this hotel was built it was located 100 steps
from the river bank—opposite Gamble's Run —the brink of the river bank is now (1879) just
three steps from the cellar and ruins of the building.
Mr. Myers died at the advanced age of 107, as recorded on his tombstone at Sugar Grove church,
but his age is not positively known as his family records were destroyed during a freshet in the
Ohio which inundated his house in the year 1832.
CAPTURE OF THE CASTLEMAN GIRLS.
In the year 1791, there lived in what is now Hancock county, W. Va., a man by the name of
Castleman, who was the father of two girls, aged respectively nine and seven years, named Mary
and Margaret, These girls, in company with their uncle, a Mr. Martin, went across the Ohio river
to a sugar camp, situated at the mouth of Croxton's run, and while engaged in boiling sap were
surprised by the Indians, who shot Mr. Martin, took Mary and started in a western direction. In
the meantime Margaret had hidden in a sycamore tree, but seeing the situation came out and
called to her sister to wait for her and started to join them. A young Indian now ran back, picked
her up and claimed her as his own.
The Indians followed up Croxton's run, passed where Knoxville now stands and camped on
Yellow creek, on the site now occupied by the Tunnell mill. The second day the Indians killed a
bear and the girls ate heartily of the meat, as they had eaten nothing since they left home.
The course of their captors was directed to Sandusky, where the girls were kept as prisoners.
Margaret's master some years after sold her to a Frenchman at Detroit and Mary married a
half-breed Indian named "Johnny Cake."
After Wayne's treaty the government offered a reward for the delivery of Indian captives, and the
father of the girls went to Detroit after his daughters. He found them and induced Margaret to
return with him to the Ohio valley, but Mary preferred to remain with her tawney friends.
Margaret married a man named Jacob Wright, who afterwards owned the land on which his wife
when a girl spent her first night in captivity. It appears that Mary was a woman of fine personal
appearance, so much so as to attract the attention of the traders about Detroit.
This state of affairs did not suit Mr. Johnny C., and whenever he got his dusky skin full of
"firewater "—which was quite frequently--he would proceed to emulate the example of his
civilized brothers when under the influence of the green-eyed monster, by flourishing his
scalping knife in very unpleasant proximity to his wife's auburn curls. On one occasion,
becoming more violent than usual, he threw his knife at her which she avoided by springing
aside,. and deeming her life no longer safe in his company she "left his bed and board" and
sought refuge with her friends on Yellow creek. Her Indian spouse followed her and tried to
induce her to return, but the romance of life amongst the noble red men having vanished before
the reality of her actual experience, she refused and determined to spend the remainder of her life
amongst her own people. She afterwards married a man by the name of Wells, but never had any
children to either of her husbands. After the death of Mr. Wells she went to live with Mr. Roach
at Limaville, near Alliance, Ohio, where she died at the advanced age of ninety-seven.
THE SHOCKING EXPERIENCE AND SAD FATE OF THE RILEY FAMILY.
About the year 1783-4 an industrious family by the name of Riley, consisting of father, mother,
three sons and two daughters, took up a little piece of land about four miles almost west from
Mingo, on the farm at present owned by Mr. Smiley Johnson. While the father and two of the
boys were out in a field, at work, a patty of red skins came down upon them and stealth-fully
massacred the trio. The other boy seeing the state of affairs, ran. They seized the mother and tied
her to a grape vine (which was subsequently often visited by the curious, down to forty years
ago) while they gave chase to the other boy, running him down the hollow to Lagrange. While
they were gone the poor woman got lose and ran to the block house that stood at the mouth of
Battle Run. The Indians failed to catch the boy, and returning took the two girls prisoner, so far
as to what is known as " Ash Spring." One of the girls being very delicate here showed signs of
exhaustion, when they immediately tomahawked her on the spot, taking the other one on to
Detroit, where they sold her to a French trader. The bodies of the father, two sons and daughter
were subsequently found and buried beside each other near the spot on which they had resided,
their graves, even to this day been kept green and preserved by Mr. Johnson, as he found them
over fifty years ago. And such were the risks taken by our noble pioneers who sought to cultivate
and extend civilization — a whole family almost annihilated in a few hours, with nothing left to
honor their existence but four green mounds, a mother and two children cast, Heaven knows
wither, and even a humble stream named to their memory as " Rileys' Run" has changed its name
to "Riddell's Run and the past is almost forgotten."
FIRST CRIMINAL TRIAL IN JEFFERSON COUNTY-INDIAN WHITEYES
KILLED BY THE CARPENTER BOY.
The following incident occured in what is now Columbiana county, but at the time it came to
pass was in the limits of Jefferson. The circumstances of this incident are copied from Howe's
History of Ohio, page 105, and are as follows :
"In 1797 a few families moved across the Ohio and settled in its limits (then Jefferson county).
One of them, named Carpenter, made a settlement near West Point. Shortly after, Captain
Whiteyes, a noted Indian chief, stopped at the dwelling of Carpenter. Being intoxicated, he got
into some difficulty with a son of Mr. C., a lad of about 17 years of age, and threatened to kill
him. The young man upon this turned and ran., pursued by the Indian with uplifted tomahawk,
ready to bury it in his brains. Finding that the latter was fast gaining upon him, the young man
turned and shot him, and shortly afterwards he expired. As this was in time of peace, Carpenter
was apprehended and tried at Steubenville, under the territorial laws, the courts being then held
by justices of the peace. He was cleared, it appearing that he acted in self-defence. The death of
Whiteyes created great excitement, and fears were entertained that it would provoke hostilities
from the Indians. Great exertions were made to reconcile them, and several presents were given
to the friends of the late chief. The wife of Whiteyes received from three gentlemen, the sum of
$300; one of these donors was the late Bazaleel Wells, of Steubenville. This was the last Indian
blood shed by white men in this part of Ohio."
MRS. REYNOLDS AND HER CHILD ARE TOMAHAWKED-FOR WHICH DEED
SEVEN INDIANS ARE SUMMARILY DISPOSED OF.
Mr. James Simpson of Cross Creek village furnishes us with the following incident of local
interest :
"In the year 1799, a man of the name of Reynolds lived on a farm now owned and occupied by
William Dunbar, one and a half miles southwest of where Cross Creek village now stands.
Reynolds had a wife and one child, a mere babe, and a black female slave. In the summer of that
year, Reynolds being from home one day, eight Indians came to his house, took his wife and
child and black woman prisoners, taking what plunder they could carry and started for the river in
haste. Reynolds soon after came home, finding his family gone and his house plundered. He gave
the alarm and a party of whites were soon on trail, the Indians having killed the black woman and
scalped her soon after starting. Each party made the greatest haste, as the Indians knew well they
would be pursued, and were endeavoring to gain the river and cross before night. The whites
knew if they could not overtake them before they got across all hope of a rescue was at an end.
The river was struck, the sun being about an hour high, near Mingo, as that was the general place
of crossing at that day. The party of whites came suddenly upon the Indians, who were in the act
of making a raft to cross the river. Mrs. Reynolds was sitting close by with her babe in her arms.
The savages looking up saw their pursuers close at
432 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
hand and one stalwart Indian drew his tomahawk and with two merciless blows killed Mrs.
Reynolds and her child on the spot. A deadly fight ensued. Seven of the Indians were killed, only
one escaping, he having run up the river and could not be found. Some thought ho plunged into
the river and drowned himself. One white man was killed. Reynolds was almost distracted. His
wife and child were buried near where the fight took place, but no monument ever marked their
resting place. Reynolds would never again live on the farm, but sold to Joseph Patterson, who
afterwards became the Rev. Joseph Patterson, of Raccoon church. The whites who were in the
encounter were the Rev. Thomas Marquis, his brother, and Robert McCurdy. The two latter are
buried in the old grave yard at Cross Creek."
A RACE FOR LIFE.
"Among a number of other quite interesting incidents of early times about Steubenville, related at
a meeting of the Pioneers; Association, was one narrated by Mr. Nathaniel Mills of Josiah Davis,
which is illustrative of the perils of those times, which so sorely " tried men's souls" :
"In those early days all the salt procured by the settlers in this vicinity was transported from
Baltimore on horseback, and in return for it the people dug up through the forests here large
quantities of ginseng, for which at that time there was great demand in the market of Baltimore.
At the time in which this incident happened there were no settlers upon this side of the river ; but
when there were no rumors of Indians about, those on the other side were frequently in the habit
of crossing from the settlement at the fort to gather "sang root," as it was then popularly known,
on the hills back of our city. At the time of the occurrence we are about to relate, Josiah Davis, of
whom many of our older citizens have heard, and who was then a young man, in company with a
number of others had crossed in canoes and proceeded to a little clearing, upon what is now the
farm owned by John Bustard, for the purpose of laying in a supply of this marketable vegetable.
The manner of digging it was by sharpening a long stick with which the root was pried up from
its native earth and afterwards being dried was ready for transportation. The party had reached
the clearing, but only two had entered into it, young David and an old map named Anderson. The
old man had kneeled down on the ground and was busy at his work, and Davis was standing by
him engaged in sharpening his stick, when suddenly a wild whoop was uttered, two rifles rang
out on the air, and old man Anderson fell a corpse over his work, but Davis was untouched. The
remainder of the party, the savages did not appear to have seen, and they broke for their canoes
and hurriedly crossed the river, reporting the tidings to the distracted families at the settlement
that Anderson and Davis had both fallen under the bullets of the savages. This was incorrect,
however. At the moment old man Anderson fell, Davis realized the dangerous situation at
once, and being exceedingly fleet on loot, and determined to lead the savages of the trail of his
companions, darted into the forests in a southerly direction, heading towards what is now
Jacksonville. Then began a fearful race for life between this unarmed boy and the band of
screeching, blood-thirsty demons that were after him, whose terrific yells as they rent the forest
would have frozen to stone the heart of our modern youth with terror. Twice after the start did his
pursuers get sight of him and send the leaden messengers of death on its errand, but God's hand
shielded this brave lad who was so nobly striving to save his companions from massacre, by
misleading the howling heathen who were on his path. Fortunately through the thickness of the
forest, he succeeded in out distancing them and throwing them off his track, and he finally
reached the river near the present site of the rolling mill, into which he sprang and swam safely
across. His friends were shortly afterwards greatly astonished and heartily gratified to see him
bound into the cabin, with his knife stilt open in one hand and the stick he had been whittling in
the other, both of which in all of this terrible race for life, and his long dive through the river, he
had never dropped from his hands."
HOW LOST HIS HORSES AND ALSO HIS LIFE.
In January, 1785, when a gathering was called at Fort McIntosh, at the mouth of Big Beaver, to
sign the treaty, the famous Indian. Joe White Eyes, experienced a want of horses to convey
himself and followers thither, to obviate which he proceeded to the farm of a man named
Sullivan, below what is now known as La Grange. Hero he took all the animals he could find and
departed. Sullivan soon afterwards discovering his loss, called his dog and gave chase after the
horse thief. Coming close upon him the dog began to raise a considerable commotion, when
White Eyes leveled his piece and shot the unfortunate man to the ground, continuing his journey
with the horses. Speaking to another white settler on the subject, some time afterwards, White
Eyes remarked: " He mtist have been a fool ; he knew he was in danger when the dog kicked up
so, and he knew I was not going to be thus detected, therefore he compelled me to shoot him—I
couldn;t help myself."
AN IRISHMAN'S ADVENTURE.
The following, from a scrap book to which we have had access, was published in one of the
ewspapers of this vicinity :
" Our early times were times of considerable trouble and discomfort among the people, and yet
they had many occasions to celebrate in which the full sum of rejoicing was made manifest, and
even in the very midst of danger events often happened of the most ludicrous character. An old
citizen related to us a circumstance that transpired near old Fort Edgerton, across the river, that
admirably illustrates the fact that in whatever position an honest Irishman is placed he generally
manages to make the best of it possible.
"One day about the close of the last century, a. number of horsemen were heard in the vicinity of
the fort, and the suspicion being strong that they were Indians, a large scouting party left the fort,
under a famous scout named Slaughter, in the evening to reconnoitre along the trail. After
proceeding some distance without meeting any signs of the braves, they saw that night would
soon overtake them, and not wishing to spend it in the forests in those perilous times, they
resolved to return to the fort and next day would make a further reconnoiter. Shortly after turning
back they came to a small log cabin, which, although a quiet, cozy and comfortable spot, was
then tenantless. Now with the party was a stalwart Irishman who had but lately come from the
old country, and who had but a day or two before arrived at the fort, not yet having had the
satisfaction of seeing an Indian in full war costume. The Irishman, when he arrived at the hut and
seeing how comfortable looking it was, determined he would go no further, but would spend the
night there until his companions would return in the morning. No amount of dissuasion by his
companions could change his determination, so they moved off and left him in his quarters. A
large fireplace was in one corner of the cabin, and overhead a few slabs were stretched along the
joist, up to which, after eating his little lunch, the Irishman climbed and stretched himself for
slumber. He was soon wrapped comfortably in the arms of Morpheus and his dreams were
doubtless of the far off Erin land, when he was suddenly awakened by a loud jabbering of voices
outside, and immediately afterwards the door was opened and a number of parties came in, set
their guns down in a corner and proceeded to kindle a fire and cook some eatables. The Irishman
knowing full well that it was a band of redskins, maintained a deathly stillness for some time, but
curiosity overcame the more discreet impulses of his nature, and he determined to tare just one
peep at the " reds" to see what manner of men they were:. . No sooner thought. of than he put his
project in execution and began to climb quietly along the slab he was on to make an observation.
He reached the end, stretched himself cautiously over to take a look, when the treacherous slab
uptilted and landed the Hibernian right in the middle of the circle. He had hardly touched the
floor till he bounded up again and yelling, " Be Jasus ye are all prisoners," stretched his brawny
arms for a fight. The astounded troop of redskins, however, whose superstitious fears made them
imagine that the huge mass of humanity was some thunderbolt hurled by the arm of the Great
Spirit, broke out from the cabin with hideous yells and darted into the obscurity of the forest,
leaving their guns in the hut. There was no more sleep for Pat " that night, who remaied faithfully
at his post, blockading the door, and in the morning he was found in sound condition by his
friends, -horn he turned over quite a number of guns and other Indian accoutrements. What, in a
large degree substantiates the foregoing, we have learned direct from the lips of one Susan Potts,
(elsewhere referred to) who was a prisoner with the Indians at the time in Detroit, fhat she saw
the same squad of redskins on their return to their chief at that place, when he severely
admonished them and asked where they had left their arms, to which they replied that they went
into a hut to spend the night and when about to retire, like a thunderbolt from above, a white man
fell from the upper floor—the whole roof was alive with white men—and they had to run for
their lives."
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 433
PIONEER ECHOES.
During the Revolutionary war, Jacob Holmes was a regular spy engaged between Pittsburgh and
Wheeling.
George Cox was a scout in this section, and first came out with his father from the old Redstone
fort, about 1770. They tomahawked their way from Buffalo creek to Cross creek, on the Virginia
side, where they slept at night. On awaking in the morning, however, they heard roosters crowing
in the direction of Mingo Bottom, when they ascended the hill near by and observed an Indian
camp in the distance. It was enough, and beat a hasty retreat to the fort. They came out again,
however, in about two years, when George proved himself a competent scout, and the father
settled on land near Wellsburg.
There was a sugar orchard at Battle run, the spot where Buskirk engaged the Indians, in which
Mr. George Adams and a Mr. Andrew Buchanan fell a large tree in 1828-9, and on sawing it in
two found that right in the heart of the trunk they had cut through a large leaden ball, an ounce in
weight, supposed to be a " naturally preserved " relic from the famous fight that has made that
spot so memorable.
The first mill constructed on Cross creek was built by Robert and Andrew Wilson. It was not
larger than an average sized wash house, and stood within a mile of Mingo. It was afterwards
bought by James and John Boyd, and notwithstanding a suitable mill has since been erected in
close proximity, the old one still stands close .by, a relict of bygone days. The second mill was
erected in 1803, by Capt. Teel, for Bazaleel Wells, on Wells' run, near the Jefferson iron works.
About two years ago, at the mouth of Short Creek there were no fewer than seventeen skeletons
exhumed, affording unquestionable evidence of an Indian burial ground thereat.
In 1818 a severe storm struck Steubenville. It came in a vein down Wells' run, carried a small
empty frame house from Church street on to Market.street, and also dislodged the roof of the
paper mill, which it deposited in the river.
During the latter part of last century a block house stood precisely at the mouth of Battle Run, 1
mile from Lagrange and 8 miles from Steubenville, and close to the same spot there still stands
an unexplored mound.
Mr. Benjamin Kneff's son and daughter, residing on George's Rue, below Mingo, have, in the
past few years discovered some extraordinary large teeth. One is probably five or six inches in
length and nearly two inches in diameter, and the others are nearly so large, but differ much in
their appearance. The larger one was dug up from a depth of four feet, near Mingo furnace,
While some were found by the side of the stream in George;s Run. It is far beyond our
experience to place them.
The pioneers of old would seem to have possessed a wonderful faculty for making
bargains—especially with the Indians. As an instance, it may not be generally known, yet
unquestionably asserted that Richard Wells, better known by the cognomen of " Grey-Beard"
Wells, purchased from the Indians the entire frontage of the Virginia Hill, fronting Steubenville,
from Clark's Run to the Old paper mill coal banks, just below the R. R. bridge—a distance of two
miles—for two bottles of whiskey.
We learn from one who was present, that about the year 1800 Mr. Richard Wells, Bazaleel Wells
and wife, with Mr. John Ward and wife, availed themselves of a beautiful summer's evening, and
took a promenade on the levee, at that time—now known as Water street, Steubenville. As they
sauntered about, Mr. Wells, (popular as" Grey-Beard" Wells) was toying with his rifle, which
was his inseparable companion, when the party were surprised to hear the " toot" of an Indian.
Looking across the river they observed a lusty red skin had taken up his position on a very large
stone near the ferry and was making offensive gestures at the ladies, which so moved the
venerable pioneer's sense of decency, that he loaded his unerring weapon and in half a minute the
offender had turned an involuntary sommersault into the water and was floating down the stream
to rise no more.
Some years ago, while Mr. Frank Wells was in conversation with a Mr. John Carrol, on the
corner of Third and South streets, he was told by the latter gentleman that the lot adjoining his
own had been sold for taxes, and according to the records, the only title given to it was given by
the county, hence the heirs could recover it on presentation of the original title. This Mr. Wells
objected to, experiencing no doubt in his own mind that
55—B. & Cos.
it had been sold legally by his father. But to satisfy himself, on his return home he looked up a
small book that had been left to him, among other old documents, by his father, when he
discovered in the list of original lots sold by the old gentleman an entry to the effect that he had
exchanged the lot in question for a rifle, valued at $13.
The famous merino sheep were introduced into the state of Ohio about 1816 or 1817, by Bazaleel
Wells, of Steubenville, who, we are informed on the most reliable authority, gave $700 for the
buck and $300 to $400 for the ewe, but several years subsequent, the stock became so common
that $50 for stock animals was frequently accepted.
A COUPLE OF INTERESTING OLD LADIES.
The Steubenville Herald, September 22, 1876, says : There are two ladies, residents of Ohio, now
on a visit to Mr. Nathaniel Wells, of this county, aged 87 and 94 years. Mrs. Jemima Crogan, the
eldest, spent her youthful days with her father's family, Nathaniel Davis, Sr., near Holliday's
Cove in the days of Indian depredations among the settlers, when her family, with others,
frequently sought safety by fleeing to Fort Edgington. She can well remember, and relate with
much correctness and feeling, many thrilling events in pioneer life in the latter part of the last
century. Mrs. Crogan was married to Col. William Crogan in the year 1805. This William
Crogan was a brother to Major George Crogan, the celebrated youth of twenty-one years, who in
1813, during the war with England, successfully defended Fort Stevenson at Lower Sandusky,
with 160 privates against a combined force of English and Indians of 4,000 strong, under Geeral
Proctor, whom he repelled with fearful slaughter, his stratagem being so well planned and
executed that he lost but one killed and five or six wounded.
Mrs. Sarah Davis, the younger, was a daughter of Capt. Thos. Graham, a veteran of the
Revolution, who fought in many battles and received many wounds, but survived and lived to a
round old age, and enjoyed the liberty he so bravely fought for. He died ear Holliday's Cove. His
daughter, Sarah, was. married in 1810, to the late Nathaniel Davis, Jr., of this county. She now
resides with her daughter, in Ohio. Both these ladies are enjoying good health and enjoying
themselves as happily as two young girls on a centennial excursion.
LIST OF OFFICERS.
CONGRESSMEN.
The several distrects in which Jefferson county has been placed was represented by the
Honorable gentlemen in the subjoined list. The first congressional district comprised the entire
state, which remained unchanged for ten years. The second apportionment comprised six
districts, and Jefferson was placed in the fourth. In the third apportionment comprising fourteen
districts, it was in the eleventh. The fourth apportionment which divided the state into nineteen
districts threw it in the last one. Twenty-one districts were made in the fifth apportionment, then
it was in the seventeenth. In the sixth, it was in the twenty-first and last district. In the seventh,
nineteen districts, it was in the seventeenth. In the eighth, twenty districts, it is in the sixteenth
district.
VIII. Congress—from 1803 to 1805, Jeremiah Morrow.
IX. Congress—from 1805 to 1807, Jeremiah Morrow.
X. Congress—from 1807 to 1809, Jeremiah Morrow.
XI. Congress—from 1809 to 1811, Jeremiah Morrow.
XII. Congress—from 1811 to 1813, Jeremiah Morrow.
XIII. Congress—from 1813 to 1815, James Caldwell.
XIV. Congress—from 1815 to 1817, James Caldwell.
XV. Congress—from 1817 to 1819, Samuel Herrick.
XVI. Congress—from 1819 to 1821, Samuel Herrick.
XVII. Congress—from 1821 to 1823, John C. Wright and David Chambers.*
XVIII. Congress—from 1823 to 1825, John C. Wright.
XIX. Congress—from 1825 to 1827, John C. Wright.
XX. Congress—from 1827 to 1829, John C. Wright.
* J. C. Wright resigned and his place was filled by f)avid Chambers of Muskingum.
434 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
XXI. Congress—from 1829 to 1831, John M. Goodenow and H. H. Leavitt.*
XXII. Congress—from 1831 to 1833, H. H. Leavitt.
XXIII. Congress—from 1833 to 1835, H. H. Leavitt and Daniel Kilgore. †
XXIV. Congress—from 1835 to 1837, Daniel Kilgore.
XXV. Congress—from 1837 to 1839, Daniel Kilgore and Henry Swearingen. ‡
XXVI. Congress—from 1839 to 1841, Henry Swearingen.
XXVII. Congress—from 1841 to 1843, Samuel Stokely.
XXVIII. Congress—from 1843 to 1845, William McCauslin,
XXIX. Congress—from 1845 to 1847, George Fries.
XXX. Congress—from 1847 to 1849, George Fries.
XXXI. Congress—from 1849 to 1851, Joseph Cable.
XXXII. Congress—from 1851 to 1853, Joseph Cable.
XXXIII. Congress—from 1853 to 1855, Andrew Stewart.
XXXIV. Congress—from 1855 to 1857, John A. Bighorn.
XXXV. Congress—from 1857 to 1859, John A. Bigham.
XXXVI. Congress—from 1859 to 1861, John A. Bigham.
XXXVII. Congress—from 1861 to 1863, John A. Bigham.
XXXVIII. Congress—From 1863 to 1865; Ephraim R Eck-ley.
XXXIX. Congress—From 1865 to 1867, Ephraim R. Eckley.
XL. Congress—From 1867 to 1860 Ephraim R. Eckley.
XLI. Congress—From 1869 to 1871, Jacob A. Ambler.
XLII. Congress—From 1871 to 1873, Jacob A. Ambler.
XLIII, Congress—From 1873 to 1875, Lorenzo Danford.
XLIV. Congress—From 1875 to 1877, Lorenzo Danford.
XLV. Congress—From 1877 to 1879, Lorenzo Danford.
XLVI. Congress—From 1879 to 1881, Jonathan T. Updegraff
STATE SENATORS.
The first General Assembly of Ohio, convened at Chillicothe, on the first Tuesday of March,
1803. On the 2d day of Decemcember, 1816, the first Geeral Assembly convened at the
permanent seat of government at Columbus. The following is a list of members representing
Jefferson county :
1803—Zenas Kimberly, Bazaleel Wells, (March). Bazaleel Wells, (December session).
1804—John Milligan and James Pritchard.a
1805—James Pritchard and Benjamin Hough a
1806—Benjamin Hough and John Taggart.
1807—John McLaughlin, John McConnoll, a (latter to fill unexpired term of Wm. McFarland).
1808—John McLaughlin and Thomas Elliott.
1809—John McLaughlin and Thomas Elliott.
1810—John McLaughlin.
1811—James Pritchard and Daniel Welch.
1812—James Pritchard and James McMillan.
1813—James McMillan and John McLaughlin.
1814—John McLaughlin and Samuel Dunlap.b
1815—John McLaughlin and Samuel G. Berryhill. b
1816—John McLaughlin.
1817—John McLaughlin.
1818—John McLaughlin.
1819—John McLaughlin.
1820— John McLaughlin.
1821—David Sloan.
1822—David Sloan.
1823—David Sloan.
1824—David Sloan.
1825—William Lowry.
1826—William Lowry.
1827—Humphrey H. Leavitt.
1828—Humphrey H. Leavift.
1829—Henry Swearingen.
1830—Henry Swearingen.
1831—Andrew McMeehan.
1832—Andrew McMeehan.
1833—Andrew McMechan.
1834—Andrew McMechan.
1835—Andrew McMechan.
1836—Andrew McMechan.
1837—Samuel Stokely.
*John M. Goodenow resigned April14, 1830. In November following H. H. Leavitt was elected
for the vacancy.
†Humphrey H. Leavitt resigned July 10, 1334, to accept the office of Judge of the United States
District Court for Ohio, and on October the 18, 1834, Daniel Kilgore was elected for the vacancy.
‡ Daniel Kilgore resigned in 1838, and Henry Swearingen was elected for the vacancy.
1838—Samuel Stokely.
1839—James Mitchell.
1840—James Mitchell.
1841—James Mitchell. c
1842—Ephraim R. Eckley. c
1843—Ephraim R. Eckley. c
1844—Ephraim R. Eckley. c
1845—John Hastings.b
1846 —John Hastings.b
1847—John Hastings.b
1848—Pinckney Lewis.b
1849—Pinckney Lewis.b
1850—Pinckney Lewis.b
1852—James McKinney. a
1854—Joseph F. Wiliiams. a
1856—j. D. Cattell.a
1858—Joseph C. McCleary. a
1860—Anson L. Brewer.a
1862—Robert A. Sherrard.a
1864—Norman K. McKenzie. a
1866—J. T. Brooks.a
1868—J. T. Brooks.a
1870—Jared Dunbar.a
1872—Jonathan T. Updegraff.a
1874—J. K. Rukenbrod. a
1876—J. K. Rukenbrod.
1878—Rees G. Richards.
1880—Rees G. Richards.
REPRESENTATIVES.
The following is a list of the representatives to the General Assembly of Ohio, since the
organization of the State. The first General Assembly convened March 3, 1803, and the second
on the first Monday in December following :
1803—Rudolph Bear, Z. A. Beatty, Thomas Elliott, Isaac Meeks, Richard Beeson, Samuel
Dunlap, Joseph McKee and John Sloan.
1804—Thomas McClure, John Sloan 'and John McLaughlin.
1805—John Sloan, John McLaughlin and Thomas Elliott.
1806—Samuel Boyd, Thomas Elliott and John McLaughlin.
1807—Benjamin Hough, Thomas Elliott and Thos. McCune.
1808—James Pritchard, Thomas McCune, Samuel Dunlap and Stephen Ford.
1809—James Pritchard, Samuel Dunlap, Stephen Ford and George Humphrey.
1810—Samuel Dunlap, Stephen Ford, Andrew McNeely and James Pritchard.
1811—George Day, Thomas McCune and James Ford.
1812—James Ford, George Day and George Humphrey.
1813—Samuel Dunlap, Stephen Ford and John Patterson.*
1814—Jesse Martin, Stephen Ford and Andrew McNeely.
1815—Stephen Ford, Robert Patterson and Andrew McNeely.*
1816—James Wilson, Thomas Elliott and James Moore.
1817—Thomas Elliott, Stephen Ford and Jesse Martin.
1818—Stephen Ford, Thomas George and John Barrett.
1819—John Barrett and Robert Gilmore.
1820—John Barrett and James Wilson.
1821—James Wilson and Samuel McNary.
1822—Samuel NcNary and Jeremiah H. Hallock.
1823—John M. Goodenow and William Lowry.
1824—William Lowry and William Hamilton.
1825—William Hamilton and Humphry H. Leavitt.
1826—John McLaughlin and James Ross Wells.
1827—Samuel McNary and James Mitchell.
1828—Samuel McNary and James Mitchell.
1829—William C. McCauslin.
1830—William C. McCauslin and John Humphrey.
1831—John Leetch.
1832—John Leetch and William C. McCauslin.
1833—William C. McCauslin.
1834—John McLaughlin and Mordecai Moore.
1835—John McLaughlin, Mordecai Moore and Robert Patterson.
1836—Robert Patterson.
1837—Samuel McNary.
1838—Samuel McNary.
1839—George Mitchell.
a - Jefferson and Columbiana.
b - Jefferson and Harrison.
c - Jefferson and Carroll
* Representatives from Jefferson and Harrison.
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 435
1840—Roswell Marsh and John Shober.*
1841—Mathew Atkinson and Joseph Kithcart.*
1842—Nathapiel Dyde and Isaac Atkinson.*
1843—Smiley H. Johnson, Leonard Harsh and Isaac Shane.*
1844—Ezekial Harris.
1845—James G. Allen.
1846—Findley B. McGrew.
1847—James McKinney.
1848—Andrew Scott.
1849—James Russell.
1850—David Johnson.
1852—Thomas Means. †
1854—Amos Jones.
1856—Daniel McCurdy and Cyrus Mendenhall.
1858—James G. Allen, W. W. Worthington.
1860—James S. Scott.
1862—Joseph Means.
1864—Smith Lyon.
1866—Samuel C. Kerr.
1868—Samuel C, Kerr.
1870—Samuel H. Ford.
1872—Samuel H. Ford.
1874—Reese G. Richards.
1876—Resse G. Richards.
1878—Thomas B. Scott.
1880—Thomas. B. Scott.
COUNTY OFFICIALS.
SHERIFFS.
From 1797 to 1804—Francis Douglas, appointed.
From 1804 to 1806—John McKnight, elected.
From 1806 to 1808—John Gillis.
From 1808 to 1812—Wm. Phillips.
From 1812 to 1815—Robert Carrel.
From 1815 to 1821—Thomas Orr.
From 1821 to 1824—Robert Carrel.
From 1824 to 1828—Henry Swearingen.
From 1828 to 1830—Robert Thompson.
From 1830 to 1832—Henry Swearingen.
From 1832 to 1836—Thomas Carrel.
From 1836 to 1839—Isaac McDonald.
From 1839 to 1843—Samuel D. Hunter.
From 1843 to 1847—James M. Thomas.
From 1847 to 1855—Moses Dillon.
From 1855 to 1859—James H. Blynn.
From 1859 to 1863—John Moore.
From 1863 to 1865—George McCullough.
From 1865 to 1869—Ambrose W. Moore.
From 1869 to 1873—Thomas Montgomery.
From 1873 to 1877—Samuel Johnston.
From 1877 to 1881—Alex. Smith.
AUDITORS.
From 1820 to 1822—John Milligan.
From 1822 to 1824—James Patterson.
From 1824 to 1835—James Dillon.
From 1835 to 1842—Adam J. Les
From 1.842 to 1844—Alexander Conn.
From 1844 to 1846--Samuel Dundass.
From 1846 to 1850—C. A. Kirby.
From 1850 to 1853—James Melvin.
From 1853 to 1854—William Duling.
From 1854 to 1858—J. S. Lowe.
From 1858 to 1860—W. F. McMasters.
From 1860 to 1872—Wm. F. Simeral.
From 1872 to 1875—Robert K. Hill.
From 1875 to 1880—John Moore.
TREASURERS.
From 1797 to 1802—John Moody, appointed.
From 1802 to 1823—Samuel Hunter, appointed.
*Representatives from Jefferson and Carroll.
† First member under the new Constitution.
‡ On the 19th of April, 1842, the commissioners appointed James Savage to fill the vacancy
occasioned by the death of Adam J. Leslie.
In July, 1854, J. S. Lowe was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of William During who
died. He was subsequently elected.
I-55—B. & J. Cos.
From 1823 to 1831—Alex. J. McDowell, elected.
From 1831 to 1833—James Turnbull.
From 1833 to 1839—William Kilgore.
From 1839 to 1841—David Cable.
From 1841 to 1849—J. G. Morris.
From 1849 to 1851—Johnston Mooney.
From 1851 to 1855 —Alex. Skelly.
From 1855 to 1859—John McAdams.
From 1859 to 1863—David Myers.
From 1863 to 1867—John H. Bristol.
From 1867 to 1871—John C. Brown.
From 1871 to 1875—William A. Elliott.
From 1875 to 1879—J. C. Brown.
From 1879 to 1881—Samuel B. Campbell,
CLERKS OF THE COURT.
From 1797 to 1800—Bazaleel Wells, appointed.
From 1800 to 1810—John Ward.
From 1810 to 1817—Thomas Patton.
From 1817 to 1830—John Patterson.
From 1830 to 1832-H. H. Leavitt.
From 1832 to 1839—James R. Wells.
From 1839 to 1846—John S. Patterson.
From 1846 to 1849—James Johnston.
From 1849 to 1851—Joseph M. Mason.
From 1851 to 1857—George Webster, elected.
From 1857 to 1866—James Elliott.
From 1866 to 1881—Thomas B. Coulter.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.
From 1797 to 1803—Solomon Sibley.
From 1803 to 1808—Silas Paul.
From 1808 to 1811—Jesse Edgington.
From 1811 to 1815—J. C. Wright.
From 1815 to 1817—J. H. Hallock.
From 1823 to 1828—Humphrey H. Leavitt.
From 1828 to 1832—J. M. Goodenow.
From 1832 to 1839—James Collier.
From 1839 to 1843—John K. Sutherland.
From 1843 to 1847—Robert Orr.
From 1847 to 18497—R. S. Moody.
From 1849 to 1853—George W. Mason.
From 1853 to 1857—John H. S. Trainer.
From 1857 to 1859—John Oliver.
From 1859 to 1861—James M. Shae.
From 1861 to 1863—George W. Mason.
From 1863 to 1867—James F. Daton.
From 1867 to 1871—William A. Walden.
From 1871 to 1873—William P. Hays.
From 1873 to 1875—William A. Owesney.
From 1875 to 1877—Walter C. Ong.
From 1877 to 1879— John M. Cook.
From 1879 to 1881—John M. Cook.
RECORDERS.
From 1797 to 1801—Zenas Kimberly.
From 1801 to 1810—John Galbraith.
From 1810 to 1817—Bobert Boyd.
From 1817 to 1852--Alexander Sutherland.
From 1852 to 1858—George Beatty.
From 1858 to 1864 —Alex. Ewing.
From 1864 to 1873—Joseph M. Hunter.
From 1876 to 1877- —Henry K. Reynolds.*
From 1877 to 1880—Jacob Hull.
COMMISSIONERS.
The first election for county commissioners took place on the 2d day of April, 1804 :
1804—Zacheus Biggs, Benjamin Hough and Andrew Anderson.
1805—Andrew Anderson, John Jackson and Benjamin McCleary.
1807—Andrew Anderson, John Jackson and Martin Andrews.
1809—Andrew Anderson, John Jackson and Thomas Latta.
1810—John Jackson, Thomas Latta and Moses Ross.
1811—Thomas Latta, Moses Ross and William Edie.
*Henry K. Reynolds died before taking charge of the office, and Mr. Hull was appointed by the
Commissioners to fill the office until the next election in 1877, when he was chosen by the
people for recorder.
436 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
1812—Moses Ross, William Edie and Arthur Latimer.
1813—Moses Ross, Arthur Latimer and John Jackson.
1815—Arthur Latimer, John Jackson and Samuel McNary.
1820—John Jackson, Samel McNary and George Day.
1822—John Jackson, George Day and Isaac Jenkinson.
1824—John Jackson, George Day and John Andrews.
1827—John Jackson, George Day and Samuel Hunter.
1829—Samuel Hunter, John Winters and John Barrett.
1830--John Winters, Samuel McNary and John Andrews.
1832—John Andrews, Samuel McNary and William Smith.
1833—Samuel McNary, William Smith and John Barrett.
1835—Samuel McNary, John Barrett and William Cassell.
1837—William Cassel, George Culp and James Mitchell.
1840—William Cassel, George Culp and Nathaniel Myer.
1841—George Culp, Nathaniel Myer and Joseph B. McGrew,
1842—Nathaniel Myer, Joseph B. McGrew and Mordecai Moore.
1843—J. B. McGrew, William Cassel and Mordecai Moore.
1844—William Cassel, Mordecai Moore and Jacob Leas.
1842—William Cassel, Jacob Leas and Joseph B. McGrew.
1847—Jacob Leas, Joseph B. McGrew and Joseph Shane.
1848—J. B. McGrew, Joseph Shane and A, P. Cuppy.
1849—Joseph Shane, A. P. Cuppy and J. Du Bois.
1850—A. P. Guppy, John Du Bois and Joseph McCoy.
1851—John Du Bois, Joseph MeCoy and William Allmon.
1852—Joseph McCoy, William Allmon and A. P. Cuppy.
1854—Joseph McCoy, William Allmon and John A. De Huff.
1855—William Allmon, John A. De Huff and J. B. McGrew.
1856—John A. De Huff, Joseph B, McGrew and Alexander Conn.
1857—Alexander Conn, J. A. De Huff and William Kerr.
1858—Alexander Conn, William Kerr and Ira Dalrimple.
1859—William Kerr, Ira Dalrimple and Richard F. White.
1861—William Kerr, R. F. White and Charles Mathers.
1862—William Kerr, Charles Mathers and Josiah B. Salmon.
1865—William Kerr, Charles Mathers and James Reed.
1866—Charles Mathers, James Reed and A. J. Bayless.
1867—James Reed, A. J. Bayless and Joseph Shane.
1869—James Reed, Joseph Shane and Josiah .B. Salmon.
1870—James Reed, John Anderson and Benjamin Linton,
1871—James Reed, John Anderson and John Floyd.
1872—John Anderson, John Floyd and John S. Patterson.
1873—John Floyd, John S. Patterson and William Stark.
1874—John S. Patterson, William Stark and Mordecai Moore.
1875—William Stark, Mordecai Moore and Joseph Beatty.
1877—Joseph Beatty, William Stark and George Starr.
1879—Joseph Beatty, George Starr and James Ball.
PROBATE JUDGES.
From 1851 to 1858—John K. Sutherland.
From 1858 to 1863—William R. Lloyd.
From 1863 to 1865—William A. Doyle.
From 1865 to 1866—George M. Elliott.
From 1866 to 1878—Robert M. Martin.
From 1878 to 1881—Joseph W. Jordan.
CORONERS.
From 1797 to 1807—John McKnight.
From 1807 to 1809—Isaac Jenkinson.
From 1809 to 1816—David Larimer.
From 1816 to 1824—Edward Todd.
From 1824 to 1830—James Campbell.
From 1830 to 1832—Charles Porter.
From 1832 to 1836—David Cable.
From 1836 to 1839—Samuel Filson.
From 1839 to 1841—James Myers.
From 1841 to 1843—Samuel Hunter.
From 1843 to 1845—Johnston Mooney.
From 1845 to 1847—Samuel L. Potts.
From 1847 to 1851—Alexander Repine.
From 1851 to 1855—Robert McIntire.
From 1855 to 1857—Robert Boales.
From 1857 to 1861—John Oliver, Sr.
From 1861 to 1863—Robert McIntire.
From 1863 to 1879—Samuel Stephens.
COMMISSIONERS' CLERKS.
From 1804 to 1810—John Ward.
From 1810 to 1817—William Lowry.
From 1817 to 1818—Thomas Patton.
From 1818 to 1820—James Dillon.
In 1820 the office of county auditor was established and the functions of this office were
transferred into the hands of the county auditor
INFIRMARY DIRECTORS
From 1824 to 1837—Dr. John McDowell, Sr.. Benjamin W. Todd., John Permar, Henry
Swearenger. Alexander Sutherland, James Wilson and Henry Crew, (appointed.)
From 1827 to 1831—John Permar, James Wilson and Alexander J. McDowell.
From 1831 to 1838—Andrew McMechan, James Turnbull and William Roberts, (appointed.)
From 1838 to 1840—Alexander Conn, William Leslie and John Winters.
From 1840 to 1843—Alexander Conn, William Leslie and William Cunningham.
From 1843 to 1846—William Roberts, Isaac Winters and William Leslie.
From 1846 to 1848—William Robert, William Leslie and Samuel Potts.
From 1848 to 1850—Robert McCoy, William Leslie and Isaac Winters.
1850—William Leslie and John Hartford.
1851—John Armstrong.
1852—John Hartford.
1853—John Li n duff.
1854—Eli H. McFeely.
1855—John Hartford.
1856—William Cunningham.
1857—William Abraham.
1858—George McCullough.
1859—John H. Lindsay.
1860—William Abraham.
1861—George McCullough.
1862—John H. Lindsay.
1863—Thomas Maxwell.
1864—Jacob Dance.
1865—John H. Lindsay.
1866—John Hanna.
1867—Jacob Dance.
1869—Alexander J. Carrol, for two years, and John Hanna for three years.
1870—Jacob Dance.
1871—John H. Lindsay.
1872—Thomas Nixon.
1873—Robert Stark.
1874—John H. Lindsay.
1875—Robert McCox.
1876—Robert Stark.
1877—John H. Lindsay.
1878—Robert McCoy.
1879—Thomas Nixon.
COUNTY SURVEYORS.
The law creating the office of County Surveyor was made April 15,1803. Appointments to this
office were authorized by the Common Pleas Courts of each county. The office remained an
appointive one until 1831, when a law was passed making it elective. The following is a list of
the surveyors of Jefferson county from that date down :
From 1803 to 1816—Isaac Jenkins, appointed.
From 1816 to 1819—William Lowry.
From 1819 to 1823--Isaac Jenkins.
From 1823 to 1827--William Lowry.
From 1827 to 1833—James Dillon, elected.
From 1833 to 1836—William Lowry.
From 1836 to 1839—James Dillon.
From 1839 to 1842—Thomas West, appointed.
From 1842 to 1851—James M. Rickey.
From 1851 to 1852—Anthony Middlemarch.
From 1852 to 1855—Joseph M. Rickey.
From 1855 to 1858—W. F. Simeral.
From 1858 to 1861—William Marshall.
From 1861 to 1864—Joseph M. Rickey--appointed. From 1864 to 1870--James McCorkhill.
From 1870 to 1871—William A. Ellliott.*
From 1871 to 1876—John Moore.
From 1876 to 1879—Henry Lewis.
*Resigned.
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 437
OFFICIAL VOTE CAST FOR GOVERNOR IN JEFFERSON COUNTY.
The following is the official vote cast for the several candidates for Governor by Jefferson
county. Edward Tiffin was the first Governor of Ohio, and was elected in 1803. His vote in
Jefferson in 1806, is the earliest that can now be found :
1806.
Edward Tiffin - 822
1807.
Return J. Meigs - 457
Nathaniel Massie - 430
1808.
Samuel Huntington - 242
Thomas Worthington - 931
Thomas Kirker - 000
1810.
Return J. Meigs - 858
Thomas Worthington - 131
1812.
Return J. Meigs - 1,048
Thomas Scott - 421
1814.
Thomas Worthington - 1,532
Othniel Looker - 6
1816.
Thomas Worthington - 1,314
James Dunlap - 2
Ethan A. Brown - 51
1818.
Ethan A. Brown - 1,462
James Dunlap - 2
1820.
Ethan A. Brown - 1,763
Jeremiah Morrow - 44
William H. Harrison - 30
1822.
Jeremiah Morrow - 251
Allen Trimble - 1,339
W. W. Irwin - 54
1824.
Jeremiah Morrow - 1,301
Allen Trimble - 1,540
1826.
Allen Trimble - 1,696
John Biggere - 19
Alexander Campbell - 84
Benjamin Tappan - 896
1828.
Allen Trimble - 1,521
John W. Campbell - 1,848
1830.
Duncan McArthur (Nat. Repub.) - 1,362
Robert Lucas (Democrat) - 1,660
1832.
Robert Lucas, (vote unknown)
Darius Lyman (Whig and Anti-Mason.)
1834.
Robert Lucas, (D.) - 2,024
James Findlay, (W.) - 1,640
1836.
Joseph Vance, (W.) vote unknown
Eli Baldwin (D.) vote unknown.
1838
Wilson Shannon, (D.) - 2,372
Joseph Vance, (W.) - 1,865
1840.
Thomas Corwin, (W.) - 2,359
Wilson Shannon, (p.) - 2,326
1842.
Wilson Shannon, (D.) - 2,234
Thomas Corwin, (W.) - 2,162
1844.
Mordecai Bartley, (W) - 2,388
David Tod, (D.) - 2,413
Leicester King, (Abol.) - 115
1846.
William Bebb, (W ) - 1,970
David Tod, (D.) - 1,850
Samuel Lewis, (A.) - 117
1848.
John B. Weller, (D.) - 2,358
Seabury Ford, (W.) - 2,374
1850.
Reuben Wood, (D.) - 1,944
William Johnston, (W.) - 1,931
Edward Smith (A.) - 40
1851.
Reuben Wood, (D.) - 2,328
Samuel F. Vinton, (W.) - 2,042
Samuel Lewis, (A.) - 144
1853.
William Medill, (D.) - 2,124
Nelson Barrere, (W.) - 1,436
Samuel Lewis, (A.) - 633
1855.
William Medill, (D.) - 1,523
Allen Trimble, (Know Nothing) - 131
Salmon P. Chase, (Rep.) - 2,156
1857.
Salmon P. Chase, (R.) - 2,123
Henry B. Payne, (D.) - 1,934
Phil. Van Trump, (A) - 5
1859.
William Dennison, (R) - 2,294
Rufus P. Ranney, (D.) - 1,822
1861.
David Tod, (R) - 2,554
Hugh J. Jewett, (D.) - 1,162
1863.
John Brough, (R.) - 3,775
Clement L. Vallandigham, (D.) - 1,447
438 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
1865.
Jacob D. Cox, (R) - 2,843
George W. Morgan (D ) - 1,589
1867.
Rutherford B. Hayes, (R) - 2,969
Allen G. Thurman, (D ) - 2,202
1869.
Rutherford B. Hayes, (R.) - 2,921
George H. Pendleton, (D.) - 2,115
1871.
Edward F. Noyes, (R.) - 3,075
George W. McCook, (D.) - 2,111
1873.
Edward F. Noyes, (R ) - 3,013
William Allen, (D ) - 1,924
1875.
William Allen, (D) - 2,826
Rutherford B. Hayes, (R ) - 3,721
1877.
William H. West, (R ) - 2,178
Richard M. Bishop, (I).) - 2,484
1879.
Charles Foster, (R.) - 3,988
Thomas Ewing, (D.) - 2,915
THE BAR OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL COURT-SKETCHES OF EARLY AND
BY-GONE DISPENSERS OF JUSTICE WITH INTERESTING RECOLLECTIONS OF
TIME-HONORED LOCAL ADVOCATES AND MEN OF NATIONAL RENOWN.
The history of the Jefferson county bar naturally begins with the history of the county itself, and
includes a list of names which have come down to us as belonging to men of marked character
and intellect, and who have reflected credit upon themselves and the community which claimed
them as residents, both at home and abroad, in the contracted area of local struggles, and in the
more extended one of state or national affairs, in the tented field and battle’s strife as well as in
forensic ability, and in the domain and jurisdiction of the courts, as the biographies of present
members of the bar are fully treated of elsewhere. The object of this sketch is to give an account
of those who have passed away, bringing out the prominent figures of the past, and only referring
to those now existing, so far as may be necessary to preserve the thread of the story and make it
intelligible. The first court for the county of Jefferson in the territory of the United States,
northwest of the Ohio river, was held at Steubenville in pursuance of a proclamation by
Winthrop Sargent acting Governor of the territory, and met in the month of November, in the
year 1797. Philip Cable, John Moody and George Humphrius acted as judges, and on the first day
of the term, John Rolfe, James Wallace and Solomon Sibley were admitted to the bar. David
Vance appears as an associate judge or justice in the following; year, and Thomas Fawcett at the
August term in 1799, Wm. Wells in 1800, Jacob Martin and John Milligan in 1801, and this was
the form of the court until Ohio was admitted to the Union in 1802.
Pursuant to one of the first acts of the Legislature of the newly organized state, James Pritchard,
Philip Cable and Jacob Martin, Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the
county of Jefferson, met at the court house in Steubenville, and proceeded to lay off the county
into the different townships, more fully described elsewhere.
By the constitution of 1802, a more complete organization of of the judiciary was had by the
establishment in each county of a Court of Common Pleas, consisting of a presiding judge, and
not more than three nor less than two associate judges. All these were appointed by the General
Assembly for the term of seven years. The state was divided by law into three circuits, and a
judge who was to preside in the several counties of his district, appointed for each circuit,
Jefferson county being in the third. The other counties composing this circuit were Washington,
Belmont, Columbiana and Trumbull (Chase's Statutes, Vol. 1, page 356.) At the same session of
the Legislature, Calvin Pease, of Trumbull county, only twenty-seven years of age, and still more
youthful in appearance, was elected Presiding Judge of the third circuit, and with Philip Cable
and Jacob Martin as associates, held the first regular court at Steubenville under the state
constitution and the act passed in pursuance thereof, beginning on August 2, 1803. During his
term of service on the bench many interesting questions were presented for decision, one of them
especially far reaching in its results, and which developed into a contest involving not merely the
construction of a law, but the independence of the judiciary of the state. This was the
constitutionality of a portion of the act of 1805, defining the duties of justices of the peace. Judge
Pease decided that so much of the fifth section as gave justices of the peace jurisdiction in cases
where the party claimed more than $20 and not exceeding $50, and so much of the 29th section
as prevented plaintiffs from recovering costs in actions commenced in the first instance in the
courts of common pleas for claims between $20 and $50, were repugnant to the Constitution of
the United States and of the State of Ohio, and therefore null and void. The clamor and abuse
consequent upon this decision was not in the least mitigated or diminished by the circumstance
that it was concurred in by two of the three judges of the Supreme Court, viz : Messrs.
Huntingdon and Tod. At the session of the Legislature of 1807-8, steps were taken to impeach
Judge Pease, and the judges of the Supreme Court who concurred with him, but the resolutions
introduced into the House were not acted upon during the session. But the scheme was not
abandoned. At an early day of -the ext session, and with almost indecent haste, a committee was
appointed to inquire into the conduct of the offending judges, and with leave to exhibit articles of
impeachment or report otherwise, as the facts might justify. The committee, without delay,
reported articles of impeachment against Messrs. Pease and Tod, but not against Huntingdon,
who in the meantime had been elected governor of the state. The articles of impeachment were
preferred by the House of Representatives on the 23d of December, 1808, and Judge Pease was
summoned at once to appear before the Senate as a high court of impeachment, and he promptly
obeyed the summons. The managers of the prosecution on the part of the House were Thomas
Morris, afterward senator in Congress from Ohio, Joseph Sharp, James Pritchard, Samuel Marrett
and Othniel Tooker. Several days were consumed in the investigation, but the trial resulted in the
acquittal of the respondent.
In the case of George Tod, Judge or the Supreme Court, the following proceedings were had: He
was impeached for concurring in decisions made by Judge Pease, its the counties of Trumbull
and Jefferson, that certain provisions, of the act of the Legislature passed in 1805, defining the
duties of Justices of Peace, were in conflict with the—Constitution of the United States, and of
the state of Ohio, and therefore void. These decis- ions of the Court of Common Pleas, and of the
Supreme Court, it was insisted, were not only an assault upon the wisdom and dignity, but also
upon the supremacy of the Legislature, which passed the act in question. This could not be
endured, and the popular fury against the Judges, rose to a very high pitch, and the Senator from
the county of Trumbull at that time, (Calvin Cone, Esq.,) took no pains to soothe the offended
dignity of the members of that body or their sympathizing constituents, but pressed a contrary
line of conduct. The Judges must be brought to justice, he insisted vehemently, and he punished
so others might. be terrified by the example and deterred from committing similar offences in the
future. Mr Tod was first tried and acquitted. The managers of the impeachment as well as the
result were the same in both cases, and thus the independence of the Judiciary was settled at that
early day.
Judge Pease retained his office until the close of the December term, 1809, when he tendered his
resignation to the Govenor, and it was accepted. He afterwards became one of the Supreme
Judges of the state.
The first Prosecuting Attorney under the Constitution of 1802 was SILAS PAUL, a quaint
individual, with staff in hand and hair dressed in the cue, who resided on Will's creek. He was
admitted to bar at the February term, 1800, and at the August term, 1803, an order was made by
the court that his salary be fixed at $80 per annum, he to receive the same quarterly. He
continued the practice of law for many years
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 439
after that, finally retiring to his home on the south side of Will's creek in Steubenville township,
where he died in the year 1857, on August 15, at a ripe old age. Bazil and Harriet Paul, his two
children, still survive him, living in the same locality, while several grandchildren count
themselves among his descendants.
ZENAS KIMBERLY, one of the pioneers of the bar, makes his first appearance on the records at
the May term, 1800, and in 1805 entered the merchandising business in Warrenton, in this
county.
OBADIAH JENNINGS was a resident of Belmont county, but was found doing business as a
member of this bar at the February term, 1802. He afterwards became a minister in the
Presbyterian church, and died in Kentucky whither he had moved.
CUNNINGHAM SAMPLE and John Simonson, admitted at the May term, 1798, are persons
who should not he omitted, and a biography of Jesse Edgington, who was appointed Prosecuting
Attorney to succeed Silas Paul on August 8, 1808, will long be remembered.
PRISON BOUNDS.
The prison bounds of the county were laid off on August 11, 1806, and began in the west
boundary of what is now Bank alley, opposite the line between lots Nos. 228 and 229 of the
original plat, or between the property of Mrs. J. G. Morris and Dr. John Pearce on the corner of
Fourth and Washington streets and the adjoining lot, owned by William Robertson. From thence
the line ran eastwardly to the east boundary of Water street opposite the line between lots Nos. 32
and 33, now the property of James Robinson.; thence with the eastern boundary of Water street
to a point opposite the line between lots Nos. 24 and 25, a short distance above the C. & P. R. R.
passenger depot; thence to the river at low water mark and down the river to a point opposite the
line between lots Nos. 16 and 17, a short distance above the Kenyon machine shop, thence
westward with the direction of said line to the eastern boundary of Water street; thence with the
east boundary of the street southwardly to a point opposite the line between lots Nos. 8 and 9,
near the north end of the seminary grounds; thence westward to the western boundary of Bank
alley opposite the line between lots Nos. 204 and 205, now belonging to Mrs. P. Permar, and
Hugh Patterson ; thence with the alley line northward to the northeast corner of out lot No. 1,
now the corner of Bank alley and Adams street; thence westwardly to the northwest 'corner of
said lot, between what are now Fifth and Sixth streets ; thence northwardly, crossing Adams
street and running between out-lots Nos. 2, 6, 3 and 7, to the north boundary line of Washington
street ; thence eastwardly to the southwest corner of outlot No. 4, corner of Washington street
and Bank alley, and thence up the alley to the place of beginning. Within these bounds
imprisoned debtors were allowed to travel upon giving bond that they would not depart
therefrom without leave of court.
Judge Pease was succeeded by BENJAMIN RUGGLES, of Belmont county, who first presided at
the April term, 1810, and served until the close of the November term, 1814. He was succeeded
by Dr. George Tod, of Trumbull county, who served out his uexpired term during the year 1816.
After that came the Hon. BENJAMIN TAPPAN, who first presided at the June term, 1816, and
who was a leading man in public affairs, achieving a national reputation. Judge Tappan was born
in Northampton, Mass., on May 25, 1773, and was admitted to the bar at Hartford, Conn. about
the year 1798. In 1799 he came to Ohio and settled at Conn., being the first white settler in
Portage county. In 1801 he married at Weathersfield, Conn., Miss Nancy, sister of Hon. John C.
Wright, and with her came to Steubenville, in 1809. Here his abilities soon made him
conspicuous, and as stated, he became Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1816, holding that
office one-term, his last official act in that capacity being at the last term in 1823. He was
afterward appointed United States Judge by President Jackson, but the Senate failing to confirm
the appointment, he held the place but a few months. In 1838 he was elected United States
Senator, recciving 57 votes as a democrat to 50 for Thomas Ewing, Whig, and one blank. This
was on December 20th, and the following year he took his seat, serving a term of six years
ending in 1845. After his return he resumed the practice of law, which he followed. for several
years, and taking into partnership with him Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, he finally turned over his
business to him and retired. He died in April, 1857, full of years and honors. There are now two
of his sons living, Dr. Benjamin Tappan, of this city, and Prof. Eli Tappan, of Kenyon college,
Gambier, Ohio. Judge Tappan published a volume containing a report of court decisions while he
was on the bench, copies of which are now very scarce.
Prominent among the members of the bar at this period was JOHN C. WRIGHT, who was born
at Weatherston, Conn., and came here about the year 1810. He was married to a sister of James
Collier, and from his arrival took an active part in public affairs. In 1820 he was elected member
of Congress from this district and was reelected for several terms thereafter until he was
succeeded by John M. Goodenow, in 1829. After that he became one of the Supreme Court
Judges of the State of Ohio, which position he held until 1835, when he resigned on January 31st
of that year. He published a volume of Supreme Court decisions entitled Wright's Reports, which
are still quoted as authority. He removed from here to Cincinnati, where he continued the
practice of law, and also became one of the editors of the Cincinnati Gazette, which position he
held for a number of years. He was here in 1842 as attorney in the case of Geno & Gongs vs.
Talbott, which was tried in the Supreme Court. His sight at this time was considerably impaired.
In the winter of 1860-61 he was appointed a member of the famous Peace Conference called at
Washington in the hope of finding some plan by which the war of the rebellion might be
obviated, and it was while on his way home from that Conference in February of the latter year,
that he died at the age of about 78 years. One of his sons is, we believe, still living.
JOHN M. GOODENOW was another brilliant light of the bar of his. period and although
circumstances for which he was perhaps largely responsible, prevented him attaining that
measure of success which he would otherwise have reached, yet his abilities enabled him to
attain a position in public life which would have contented the aspirations of many a man. Mr.
Goodenow was a native of Vermont, and in 1813, was married to Mrs Sallie Campbell, sister of
John C. Wright, and soon after came to Steubenville. He had the misfortune soon after his arrival
here to involve himself in a bitter quarrel with his brother-in-law, Judge Tappan, which finally
ended in a slander suit vigorously contested, but in which Goodenow came off victorious. This,
right at the beginning of his work here, was a serious drawback to him, but he was able to make
such headway against these discouragements as to attain a position on the Supreme bench and to
defeat Wright for Congress in 1828. He served the greater part of the term, when he resigned to
accept the position of Minister to the South American Republic of Columbia. It is said that on his
return to the United States he was elected Common Pleas Judge in Cincinnati. Before he died he
went to Texas, but did not succeed there, and came back to Cincinnati, where he died in
indigence. It has been said of him that "As a politician Judge Goodenow might have been one of
the first in Ohio. As a judge he held no second rank. He was a fine classical scholar, perhaps too
much of a student for a politician, if not for a lawyer. The delight of his life was composition, yet
he never, or hardly ever, published. His mind ran, to literature, and if the papers he wrote, and
never published, were collected and printed, his fame as an essayist would make his fame wider
known and ninth more enduring than the name he gained in the civil service of his country, in
Congress, at the bar or on the bench."
JAMES COLLIER, who was a resident of Steubenville for many years, was born in Litchfield,
Connecticut, in May, 1789. He removed from there to Ithaca, New York, coming from thence to
Steubenville in 1820, studying law and being admitted to -the bar after his arrival here. Ile soon
stepped to the front rank through his ability and energy, and became prominent not only in the
direct line of his profession, but in the political world. He was an active member of the Whig
party, and was at one time a candidate for governor of the state, but was defeated for the
nomination. by Thomas Corwin, who was afterwards elected. He was prosecuting attorney of the
county for one term, and was a delegate to the Taylor Convention of 1848, and in the spring of
the following year was appointed collector of the port of San Francisco, being the first to hold
that office. He traveled overland to reach his destination, going via. Santa Fe, going through a
country almost unknown, and escorted across the plains by a detachment of U. S. cavalry. On the
expiration of his term he returned to Steubenville and engaged in the banking business, the result
of which was unfortunate, the Citizens' Bank, of which he was president, having failed in 1859.
Col. Collier was a soldier of the war of 1812, being adjutant of Bloom's regiment of New York
volunteers. He served on the Canadian frontier, and was present at the bloody battle of
Queenstown Heights. He was the first man to volunteer from
440 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
Jefferson county at the outbreak of the rebellion, notwithstanding he was now an old man, and
accompanied the troops as far as Harrisburg, when he was persuaded to return. He was not
engaged in active business after that and died on Sunday, February 2, 1873, at the advanced age
of eighty-four years. His wife, whose maiden name was Miss Eunice Ingersoll, still survives him,
together with two sons, John and William, and one daughter, Mrs. A. H. Dohrman.
DANIEL L. COLLIER, James' brother, was also born in Litchfield, January 15, 179.6. His father,
Thomas Collier, was an editor and a man of marked ability, and his mother, Elizabeth Stockwell,
of Norwark, Conn., was distinguished by a strong mind and fervent piety. Young Dan. first
served an apprenticeship in a printing office and afterwards became a clerk, until at the age of
twenty he concluded to try his fortunes in what was then the west. He took passage on a raft
down the Allegheny and Ohio rivers, and at length arrived at Steubenville during the year 1816.
Entering the law office of his brother-in-law, John C. Wright, he made rapid progress, and at the
August term of court, 1818, his name appears on the records as an attorneys In 1.823 he was
married to Miss Hetty Larimore, of Washington, Pa., a highly esteemed lady, the fruit of this
union was nine children. He removed to Philadelphia in 1857, where he took an active and
prominent part in public religious enterprises. He was a member of the board of managers of the
house of refuge, blind asylum and colonization society, and was also member and vice-president
of the Presbyterian Board of Publication and member of its Executive Committee. He died on
March 30, 1869, aged seventy-three years, two months and 15 days, honored and respected.
GEN. SAMUEL STOKELY was perhaps one of the most widely known members of the bar of
this period. Ho was born in oe of the counties of Western Pennsylvania, on January 25, 1796. He
was educated and graduated at Washington College, Pa., and came to Steubenville about 1816,
having studied law with Parker Campbell, of Washington. He was admitted to the bar in 1817,
and in April 1830, married Rachel, widow of Dr. P. S. Mason. Soon after that he purchased the "
grove" property in the south end of town, being the Bazaleel Wells; homestead, but since more
generally known as the Stokely grove, where he lived until his death, which occurred on May 23,
1861. He held a number of public offices, the first of which was that of U. S. Land receiver,
about 1827-8. He was senator from the Jefferson county district in the 36th General Assembly of
1837-8, and served a term in Congress from 1841 to 1843. He was Brigadier General of militia
several years before his death, by which he received the title by which he is generally known. His
first wife dying, he was afterwards married to Mrs. Lowther and Mrs Burton, both of whom are
dead. Four of his children are yet living, M. S. Stokely, of this city, Joseph Stokely, of Dubuque,
Iowa ; Mrs. E. S. Wood, of Gambier, Ohio ; and Mrs. S. J. Lloyd, of Cleveland. A contemporary
says of him :
" Wherever known he was recognized as an accomplished gentleman, with much military pride,
and always glad to meet his friends and extend them a generous hospitality."
ROSWELL MARSH was one of the self-made men of the bar, and he too came of New England
stock, having been born at Queechy, Vermont, in 1793. He came to Steubenville in 1821, and
studied law in the office of Samuel Stokeley. In 1823 he was admitted to practice, Judge Halleck
being then the presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, with Andrew Anderson, James
Moore, and Thomas George, associates, this probably being one of Judge Halleck's first official
acts. He followed the practice of law in this court for fifty years, and his white locks and
venerable appearance of later days long made him a conspicuous object. In 1840 he was elected a
member of the Legislature, and served one term. At the outbreak of the civil war he volunteered
his services in defense of his country, but his advanced age and infirmities prevented the
acceptance of his services by the government. He was appointed afterward on a committee with
S. W. Bostwick, of Harrison county, and Hon. B. S. Cowan of Belmont, to investigate claims for
losses sustained in Missouri during the rebellion. He was married to the widow of Dr, George
Wilson, of this city, who was also a daughter of Joseph Dorsey, of Washington county, Pa. He
was married a second time, and survived his wife by about three years, dying on the 17th of
August, 1875, in the 82d year of his age. Of his characteristics it was said : " He acquired
knowlege as a mason would build a stone wall—by hard work ; he was learned in the law,
possibly in some of its branches not absolutely necessary for professional success. He had great
faith in adjudicated cases, as shown in the English reports, and he was happy to bring a cart load
of books to sustain the position he had assumed. "Bracton" and "Fleta," old law writers, and the
"Year Books" were his library, and he could point you to the elementary principles therein, that
in his estimation, would settle any case before the Common Pleas, District or Supreme Court. He
was always very deliberate in his movements at the bar, never inclining to surprise the opposing
counsel, and there was never any necessity for the exclamation, "Who, Emma," to control his
actions ; he wanted time for argument, and the labor of tire court was in vain, when it attempted
to hurry him up, or limit the points of his case."
EPHRAIM ROOT was a young man of fine ability and good education. He came here from New
England; probably as early as 1814. At oe time he was a partner of Judge Hallock, and had he
lived would have been one of the leading lights of the bar. He never married, and died at an early
age, about the year 1821. This anecdote is told of him : " His office and bachelor lodging room
were in the rear of that elegant specimen of ancient architecture, the old Market House, and one
winter morning as " Sam," the colored boy, made his appearance to build the fire, Mr. Root (who
may have been fond of a morning " toddy") made inquiry if " Sol had arisen," " Yes, sir," said
Sam, "I jilt seed him takin' down de shutters; you can get a drink soon as you's a mind to git up
and go ober to de bar."
DAVID REDDICK came from Washington county, Pa., about the year 1812. His fattier was a
leading man in that community, and in fact, surveyed the greater part of Western Pennsylvania,
and the site of Allegheney City. His son was a man of ability but of violent temper, and
becoming involved in a quarrel with one Dr. Doffield, he was stabbed by that person, from the
effects of which he died. This was in 1818, and Reddick’s wife lived at Holiday's Cove, W. Va.,
for a number of years thereafter.
NATHANIEL DIKE, a cultured gentleman of the old school, was born in Beverly, Vermont,
about A. D. 1790 ; graduated at. Yale College, and came to Steubenville in 1816. He read law in
the office of John M. Goodenow and was admitted to the bar, but practiced law but a short time,
when he embarked in the dry goods business, at that time offering the inducements of a very
profitable trade. He was successful in this for a number of years, and later in life engaged
successively in the wool and wholesale grocery business, occupying the Andrews building, near
the court house. For a number of years he occupied the position of Associate Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas, along with Wilson and McDonald, and was president of the council when the
population of the town numbered only 3,300. He was also representative in the forty-first Geeral
Assembly of Ohio, which convened December 5, 1842. In November, 1819, he was married to
Miss Anna, daughter of George Woods, of Bedford, Pa. and granddaughter of Dr. John
McDowell, of Steubenville. He died in April, 1867.
JEREMIAH PARSONS FOGG, nephew of Prof. Theopilus Parsons, of Harvard College, the
well known law writer, was a contemporary of those we have mentioned. He died in Louisville,
in 1821.
Among the attorneys from other counties who during this period distinguished themselves at the
Steubenville bar should be mentioned Charles Hammond, of Belmont, afterwards editor of the
Cincinnati Gazette, who never failed to hold his audience ; Philip Doddridge, of Wellsburg, who
had a reputation all over his native state ; Walter Beebe, of Harrison county, and James Bell, of
Cambridge, Guernsey county.
JUDGE HALLOCK.—Judge Tappan was succeeded in 1823, by Jeremiah H. Hallock, who
served two terms as presiding judge, his official life closing with the December term, 1836. In
this period he atfained a deserved reputation as an upright, impartial judge, deliberate in action
and careful in decision. It was said that fewer of his decisions were reversed by the supreme court
than those of his contemporaries, and when his judgment was once pronounced there was more
hearty acquiescence in it than is usually the case in such instances. Judge Hallock's birthplace
was in Connecticut. He married a Miss Bassett, a most estimable lady, and coming to
Steubenville in 1815, lived for a long time on lower Market street. Previous to being elected
judge he held the office of prosecuting attorney, and upon his retirement from the bench he went
to farming southwest of the city. He lived awhile in Crosscreek township, and finally removed to
what is now known as the Means farm, in Steubenville township, and died there about 1847.
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 441
HON. HUMPHREY H. LEAVITT came to Steubenville from the Western Reserve about the
year 1820. He studied law and was admitted, and though modest and unassuming his merits soon
gave him a prominent place. Early in his career he was chosen prosecuting attorey, distinguishing
himself in that position by the energy with which he performed the duties of his office. In 1826,
he was elected to the Ohio Senate, serving in the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh General
Assemblies in 1827-8-9. In the fall of 1829 he was elected representative to Congress, serving
two terms from 1830 to 1834. In the latter year he was appointed by President Jackson, who was
his warm personal friend, to the judgeship of the United States District Court for the district of
Ohio. He occupied the bench for the first time in 1834, and in 1855, when the state was divided
into two judicial districts, ho continued judge of the Southern District, and became a resident of
Cincinnati. He resigned his office in 1871, having held it for a period of thirty-seven years, and
removed to Springfield, Ohio. He traveled in Europe in 1872, and was a member of the World's
Convention for prison reform, which met in London in the summer of that year, taking an active
part in its deliberation, and was the recipient of attentions from many distinguished men there.
His death occurred at Springfield, on Saturday, March 15,1873, and ended a life of which an
unusally large proportion was spent in public services, and upon which there rested not a blemish
or a stain, He died universally regretted as he had lived universally respected. Three sons survive
him, two of whom are ministers in the Protestant Episcopal church, John being president of
Lehigh University, South Bethlehem, Pa., and Edward living in the same neighborhood. Frank
has been quite successful in the mercantile business in Cincinnati.
JOHN K. SUTHERLAND-A student of Judge Leavitt was John K. Sutherland, who was born in
Shippensburg, Cumberland county, Pa., November 17, 1810. When he was but six months old
his father moved to Steubenville, becoming a leading and highly respected citizen. The son
inherited his father's taste for books, especially the classics. He was admitted to practice in 1831,
and soon.after was elected prosecuting attorey, performing the duties of his office in such a
manner as to give general satisfaction. In 1851 he was elected Probate Judge, and was
discharging the duties of his office for the third term at the time of his decease on April 28, 1858.
An evidence of his popularity was afforded by the fact of his election the last time when no other
candidate on his ticket, the Democatic, was successful. "Judge Sutherland," in the words of his
brother members of the "bar, was distinguished for ability, integrity, industry and fidelity to duty,
and his judicial capacity was emient for sound judgment and impartiality to all persons litigating
before his courts."
HON. EDWIN M. STANTON.
And now we come to one whom so far as great public services and a world-wide reputation
present any claim to be called great over one's fellow man, it would not be improper or
derogatory to his associates to call, "The noblest Roman of them all." We refer to the great War
Minister, Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, who first saw the light of day in what was then a two story
brick building on the west side of Third street, a short distance below Washington, December 19,
1814. The house of his birth is still standing, although materially altered and changed in
appearance, both outwardly and inwardly. Mr. Stanton's ancestors, who were Quakers, migrated
from Rhode Island to North Carolina, about the middle of the last century. His grandparents,
Benjamin and Abigail Stanton, resided near Beaufort, the maiden name of the latter being Macy.
She was a descendant of Thomas Macy, who was said to be the earliest white settler of
Nantucket, and whose flight as a result of giving shelter to a pursued Quaker was made the
subject of a fine poem by John G. Whittier. In his will Benjamin Stanton expressed "the will and
desire that all the poor black people that ever belonged to me be entirely free whenever the laws
of the land will allow it ; until which time my executors I leave as guardians to protect them and
see that they be not deprived of their rights or any way misused." In 1800 Mrs. Stanton and a
large family of children came to Ohio, and David Stanton, the father of Edwin M., became a
physician of standing and influence. His mother's maiden name was Lucy Norman, a native of
Culpepper county, Va. Edwin at the age of thirteen, became a clerk in the book store of James
Turnbull, and after remaining here about three years went to Kenyon college in 1831. He left
college in 1833, and after spending a short time in a Columbus book store returned to
Steubenville and began the study of law
56—B. & J. Cos.
in the office of his guardian, Daniel L. Collier. At the age of 21 or shortly after (1836), he was
admitted to the bar, and opened an office in Cadiz, Harrison county, where he was shortly after
elected Prosecuting Attorney. He built up a large practice, and having in the meantime returned
to Steubenville, he was elected by the General Assembly of the State, Reportcr of the decisions
of the Supreme Court, which office he held from 1842 to 1845, publishing volumes 11, 12 and
13 of the Ohio State Reports. Mr. Stanton was a Democrat in politics, in his early days, and had
already at this date become a prominent figure in the councils of his party. His reputation was
already extended and in 1845 he successfully defended Caleb J. McNulty, Clerk of the House of
Representatives, tried in the criminal court at Washington for embezzlement. In 1847 he
removed to Pittsburgh, forming a partnership with Hon. Charles Shaler, but kept an office in
Steubenville for nine years thereafter. His first Steubenville partner was Judge Tappan, and his
second Col. Geo. W. McCook. The case of the State of Pennsylvania against the Wheeling &
Belmont Bridge company, in which he was counsel for the State of Pennsylvania, before the U.
S, Supreme Court, attracted such general attention as to greatly increase his business before that
Court, so in 1856 he moved to Washington, D. C., in order to better attend to it. In 1858 he went
to California, as counsel for the government in some important land cases, and was also attorney
in quite a number of intricate patent eases. In 1859 he was associate counsel in the trial of Daniel
E. Sickles for the murder of Philip Barton Key. He met Mr. Lincoln the same year while engaged
before the United States Circuit Court at Cincinnati, in a suit growing out of a conflict between
the Manney and McCormick reaping machine interests, and in December, 1860, while engaged
in the same case he was nominated to the office of Attorney General by James Buchanan. Signs
of troublesome times were already apparent, but Mr. Stanton;s position was firmly taken on the
side of national honor, and the preservation of the government of the Union. He retired from the
Cabinet with the close of Mr. Buchanan's administration and resumed the practice of his
profession, but in January, 1862, he was appointed by Mr. Lincoln to the office of Secretary of
War. Here he was in a position where his genius and almost boundless energy had full play. His
efforts were indefatigable, he used little time for rest, ever seemed weary, and many of the most
important movements of the great struggle was made under his directions. To his untiring energy,
keen intellect and profound sagacity is due in no small degree the result of the conflict. He
enjoyed the most cordial personal friendship of President Lincoln to the time of the latter's
assassination in 1865, and upon Andrew Johnson's accession to the Presidency was requested to
continue in charge of the War Department. He differed with the President, however, in regard to
the reconstruction acts, the bill admitting Colorado as a state, the bill giving suffrage without
regard to color in the District of Columbia, and the Civil Rights and Freedmen's Bureau bills,
supporting the position of the Republican party, it having a majority in Congress. Matters at
length reached such a pass that on the 5th of August, 1867, Mr. Johnson requested his resignation
on the ground of " public considerations of a high character," to which Mr. Stanton replied that
"public considerations of a high character which alone had induced him to remain at the head of
this department constrained him not to resign before the next meeting of Congress." He could not
be removed under the tenure of office act, but on August 12th the President issued an order for
his suspension, and he obeyed it under protest, General Grant being appointed Secretary of War
ad interim. The Senate refused to sustain the President in the removal of Mr. Stanton, and on
January 13, 1868, reinstated him in his office. Mr. Johnson rcnewed the conflict by appointing
Geeral Lorenzo Thomas Secretary of War ad interim, but Mr. Stanton held the fort and refused to
vacate, staying in his office day and night. The proceedings in impeachment followed, and on the
failure to impeach the President, on May 26th, Mr. Stanton resigned. The Senate in confirming
his successor adopted a resolution that Mr. Stanton was not legally removed, but relinquished his
office, and subsequently Congress passed him a vote of thanks for the great ability, purity and
fidelity with which he had discharged his duties. These entire proceedings from their beginning
to their close were watched with the most intense interest all over the country, as much so as any
of the operations of the war. Although Mr. Stanton's constitution was broken down by the
tremendous strain which his efforts during the war had imposed on it, yet his circumstances
compelled him to renew the practice of his profession, very good evidence that he had not
become rich while
442 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
holding public office. His last visit to Steubenville was in the fall of 1868, when he addressed a
large public meeting on September 25th of that year in favor of General Grant for the Presidency.
On December 20, 1869, he was nominated by President Grant as associate justice of the Supreme
Court of the United States and was immediately confirmed by the Senate, but he was never to
take his scat, dying on December 24th, after a brief illness from dropsy, before his commission
was made out. Thus passed away one of the greatest men the country has ever possessed. Of his
ability, integrity, energy and inflexibility of resolution none doubted, and if at times he seemed
stern to those with whom he came in contact it must be remembered that those were times and
scenes calling for sternness and resolution. His ear was always open to the tale of distress and
hardship ; his affection for his native place remained until the last, and many a private soldier, as
his relatives especially from his own city can testify to his acts of kindness, bespoke a warm and
sympathetic heart. Certainly among the people of Steubenville and Jefferson county the name of
Edwin McMasters Stanton will always be held in honor.
Hon. G. W. Belden, of Stark county, succeeded Judge Hallock as presiding judge of this district,
beginning with the March term, 1837, and ending in 1839, at which time the district was changed
by the legislature, throwing Stark county beyond its boundaries. He died not long since.
Judge Belden was succeeded by Hon. Wm. Kennon, of Belmont county, who held the office until
November, 1846, and he in turn was succeded by Benjamin S. Cowan, of the same county, at the
May term, 1847, who served until February, 1852.
JOSEPH M. MASON, a member of the bar at this period was a native of Trumbull county. He
studied law with .Roswell Marsh, and practiced law in Monroe county. He came from Monroe
county in 1848, and held the office of clerk of court. He removed from here to Columbus, where
he died. His son George is a lawyer in Cleveland, and he has two daughters residing in
Washington, D. C.
RODERICK S. MOODY was a member of the bar during this period, and was one of the
shrewest, brightest and most brilliant minds that ever practiced at this bar. Mr. Moodey was a
native of Steubenville, having been born on May 22, 1817, the son of David and Sarah Sheldon
Moodey. He received the principal part of his education at Jefferson College, Pa., and on his
return home entered the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank as a clerk. He afterwards studied
medicine with Dr. Andrews and attended lectures in Philadeldeia, but thinking the law would be
more to his taste he took it up, and entered the office of Daniel Collier as a student. He was
admitted to practice in September, 1841, and on October 19 of the same year was married to
Miss Virginia Eoff of Wheeling. He was prosecuting attorney from 1846 to 1848, and was
appointed clerk of the court, but did not serve. He was also secretary and attorney for the
Steubenville and Indiana railroad in its early days. His first partner was Joseph Mason, and the
others James Elliott and E. McCook. He died on December 11, 1866, leaving a wife and family
of seven sons and three daughters to mourn his loss.
COL. GEORGE W. McCOOK was a member of the family that achieved a reputation both in
military and civil life, and which will occupy a place in our country's history accorded to but few.
He was the son of Daniel McCook, and was born in Cannonsburg, Pa., July 21, 1822. When
quite young his father removed to Columbiana county, Ohio, where they remained until George
was nine years old, when the the family removed to Carroll county. While living here he attended
college at New Athens, Ohio, and determined upon adopting the legal profession. At the close of
his collegiate career he studied law in the office of Edwin M, Stanton, and being admitted to
practice by the Supreme Court of the state then sitting in Trumbull county, he became a partner
with his preceptor, Mr. Stanton, in 1843. Together with his profession he soon became active as a
politician and was a prominent member of the Democratic party, taking an influential part. in the
affairs of that organization which he retained until his death. With the outbreak of the Mexican
war a company of volunteers was formed in Steubenville called the greys. This company'
organized about the middle of May, 1846, by electing Geo. W. McCook, then a rising young
lawyer, as captain. On May 27 the company left for Camp Washington at Cincinnati, where it
became company I of the 3d Ohio Infantry. Samuel R. Curtiss was made colonel, and Captain
McCook promoted to the lieutenant colonelcy. About six weeks before the return of the
regiment, Col. Curtiss was made inspector general, and Col. McCook placed in full command.
On July 3, 1846, the regiment left Cincinnati for New Orleans, and thence for Texas, crossing the
border at Fort Brown into Mexico, where they lay six months at Camp McCook. From thence
they went to Matamoras, and soon after Lieut. Col. McCook with three companies was detailed
to relieve Col. Morgan's regiment at the front, which they accomplished after one of the hardest
marches of the war. After that they went to Monterey and Buena Vista, and from thence home,
being mustered out on July 3, 1847. On his return Col. McCook resumed. his partnership wifh
Mr. Stanton, and in 1852, was supreme court reporter, preparing the report for that year. He was
elected attorney general in the fall of 1853, by a large majority. He was a candidate for
re-election in 1858, but was defeated by the Repulican candidate. A considerable part of Col.
McCook's law practice was connected with the affairs of the Steubenville and Indiana Railroad
Company, and in 1859 he made a visit to Europe to make arrangements with the first mortgage
bondholders of the road, in which trip he was successful. With the outbreak of the Rebellion Col.
McCook was appointed by Govenor Dennison one of the four officers to look after the interests
of the Ohio troops. He took charge of the 126th Ohio infantry until Col. Smith could be released
from the regular army to assume command, and in 1863 was Colonel of the 39th Ohio National
Guards, which afterwards became the 157th O. N. G., and was part of the hundred day troops,
engaged in guarding rebel prisoners at Fort Delaware. They returned home in September, 1864.
For years before his death Col. McCook was a leader in Democratic party politics in Ohio, being
geerally the chairman of the state delegation in their national conventions. He nominated John C.
Breckenridge in the Cincinnati convention of 1856, for Vice-President on the ticket with James
Buchanan, and at the New York convention of 1868, he nominated Horatio Seymore for the
Presidency. He was the Democratise andidate for Governor of Ohio in 1871, defeating in
convention Thomas Ewing and Durbin Ward, but was himself defeated at the polls by Gen. E. F.
Noyes, the Republican candidate. During this campaign he was attacked by disease of the brain,
which compelled him to withdraw from the canvass, and after that he took little active part in
politics, living quietly at his home in Steubenville. He died in New York on Friday, December
28, 1877, leaving three children, George W. McCook, Jr., Hetty B. and Robert McCook. His
wife, Miss Dick, who was an adopted daughter of Rev. C. C. Beatty, died in 1863. His funeral
was one of the largest ever in Steubenville, and by his liberality and generosity as a citizen, he
had won a place in the hearts of the people not easy to be effaced.
ROBERT L. McCOOK, brother of George W., is also to be counted among the members of the
Steubenville bar, as well as one of the family of the " fighting McCooks." He was born in
Columbiana county, December 28, 1827, and at the age of fifteen began assisting his father, who
was at that time clerk of the court of Carroll county, Concluding to be a lawyer, he began his
studies with Hon. E. B. Eckley, of Carrollton, and after a while removed to Steubenville and
completed his studies with the firm of Stanton & McCook, beginning the practice of the law soon
after. He removed to Columbus and then to Cincinnati, forming a partnership with Judge Stallo,
where the outbreak of the war found him with a large business and an established reputation in
his profession. He was commissioned Coloel of the 9th Ohio,, the first German regiment formed
for the suppression of the rebellion, and ever did an officer look more closely after the comfort
and welfare of his men. The regiment did gallant service through the war, enlisting for three
years when the first term had expired. Colonel McCook was commissioned a Brigadier General
of volunteers and assigned a brigade in Buell’s army, where he displayed a marked activity, zeal
and military capacity. Finally he was prostrated by camp dysentery, but although urged to go to
Nashville and remain until recovery, yet insisted on accompanying his men although compelled
to travel in an ambulance. On August 6, 1862, while separated from his troops, he was suddenly
attacked by a party of mounted guerrillas. After discovering the impossibility of either resistance
or escape, General McCook held up his hands in token of surrender, and immediately after was
shot and mortally wounded by Captain Frank Gurly, oe of the most dastardly murders ever
committed. He expired about noon the next day.
DANIEL MCCOOK, another brother of George W., although his practice here was quite limited
as to time, yet was a member of the Jefferson county bar. He was born at Carrollton on July 22,
1834, and received his education at a college in Florence, Al-
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 443
abama, where he graduated in 1858. He studied law in the office of his brother in Steubenville,
and was admitted to practice in 1858. Soon thereafter he removed to Leavenworth, Kansas, and
became a member of the widely known firm of Ewing, Sherman & McCook. Here in December,
1860, he married Miss Julia Tibbs, of Platte county, Mo. He was at the head of a militia
company, the Shields Grays, when the war broke out, and capfain and men forthwith volunteered
and marched to report to General Lyon at Wilson's creek. In November, 1861, he was appointed
adjutant general on the staff of his brother Alexander. then commanding a brigade in Buell's
army, where he served for nearly a year. In May, 1862, he was called to Ohio by Governor Tod to
recruit for the 52d Ohio, and during this period he visited Jefferson county for the last time.
Many of our citizens will remember that quiet Sunday afternoon when on account of the
exigencies of the occasion so many of them went down to La Grange to encourage the cause of
enlistment in Wells township, and listened to his words of impetuous eloquence as he urged them
to do their duty by their country. He went back to the front in August and led his regiment with
daring and success. He afterwards had charge of a brigade, but kept the 52d with him, and when
he fell in the terrible assault on Kenesaw Mountain mortally wounded, he was still known as the
colonel of the. 52d Ohio. A short time before he died word was brought of his promotion to a
brigadier generalship of volunteers for distinguished gallantry in battle. He had won his star and
grave at the same time.
COL. W. R. LLOYD was born at Chillicothe, O., on December 3, 1818. He read law with Judge
Pearce, of Carrollton, and after serving as Clerk of the court of that county removed to
Steubenville, where he carried on the practice of law, and married Miss Jennie, daughter of Gen.
Samuel Stokeley. For a time he was in patnership with Hon. John A. Bingham, of Cadiz. On May
4. 1858, he was appointed Probate Judge to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Hon. J. K.
Sutherland, and the following year was elected for the full term, but before it expired he recr
uited the Sixth Ohio cavalry from Warren county, and was appointed Lieutenants Colonel. He
resumed his law practice on his return home, and died on Friday, November 9, 1877, after a
protracted illness, leaving a wife and three children. He was a man of fine literary attainments as
well as a lawyer of ability.
JOSEPH MEANS, whose father, James Means, was long a prominent citizen of this place,
having an estate in what is now part of the Third Ward, of Steubenville, was born August 21,
1822. He studied law in the office of James Collier, and after his admission to the bar in 1844,
became a parter with that gentleman. He soon became identified prominently in public affairs,
and held a position in the City Council almost continuously from 1855 to 1866, and in 1871 he
was again elected to the same position, receiving a larger vote in his ward than that given to any
other candidate ; and in 1861-2 he represented this district with satisfaction in the State
Legislature, and at home was connected as President or Director in many of our leading
corporations, besides being at the head of a large foundry and machine shops. His death occurred
suddenly from congestion of the brain on the night of July 2, 1872, and when the news was made
public there probably was not a person in the community who did not feel the loss as of a
personal friend. His wife, Mrs. Mary Kelly Means, with one son and three daughters, survived
him.
WILLIAM SAMPLE, who was a resident of lslandcreek township, became a member Of this bar
about 1844. He afterwards moved to Coshocton county, where he was elected oe term as
Common Pleas Judge. This office was resiged by him in 1876, and he removed to Newark, Ohio,
where he resumed the practice of law. He died some three years since.
COL. GEORGE P. WEBSTER, was the son of John Webster, and was born near Middletown,
Butler county, O., December 24, 1824. He had a common school education, and went to
Hamilton in 1841, there performing duties in the office of the Clerk of Court. He studied law
with Thos. Millikin, and early in 1846 was admitted to the bar. He enlisted as a private in the
Mexican war, but was promoted to Sergeant Major in the First Ohio Infantry, serving with credit,
and was wounded in the right shoulder at the storming of Monterey, September, 1846. The war
over he married Miss Mary' McAdams, of Warrenton, Jefferson county, and a year later he
removed to Steubenville. He became clerk of court in 1851, holding the office two terms, after
which he became a partner in the law business with Martin Andrews. He was a Democrat in
politics, but on the outbreak of the rebellion took a most active part in -raising troops, and soon
I-56—B. & J. Cos.
after he was appointed Major of the 25th Ohio Infantry. After service in West Virginia in May,
1862, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and in the following July he was appointed
Colonel of the 98th Ohio, which regiment was organized at Camp Steubenville, three miles
below the city. He left Steubenville with his regiment August 23rd, going to Lexington, Ky., and
thence to Louisville. Here he was placed in command of the 34th Brigade, Jackson's Division,
McCook;s corps. The battle of Perryville followed shortly after, in which he was mortally
wounded, dying as a brave soldier on the field of battle. His son, John Mc A. Webster, is
lieutenant in the U. S. army.
Judge Cowan was succeeded on the bench by HON. THOMAS L. JEWETT, in February, 1852.
Judge Jewett was a native of Hartford county, Maryland, his parents being Quakers. He settled in
Cadiz, in 1844, engaging in the practice of law, being married at this time. He removed to
Steubenville in 1850, and in October of the following year was elected Judge of this judicial
sub-division on the democratic ticket over John A. Bingham, the republican candidate. His
commission was issued on January 16, 1852, and he occupied his office on the second Monday
of February, following. On August 29, 1854, he was elected director of the Steubenville &
Indiana railroad, when he resigned his position as Judge. On June 8, 1855, he was elected
president of the company, and continued as such until September 3, 1859, when the road having
become embarrassed, his position was changed to that of receiver. This office he held until the
completion of the Pittsburgh and Steubenville road across the West Virginia panhandle, and upon
the consolidation of the different lines in 1868, under the name of the Pittsburgh, Cininnati and
St. Louis Railway Company, Judge Jewett was elected president of the ew organization. He held
this office until May 7, 1871, his brother, Hugh J. Jewett, being with him part of the time as
manager. When the latter was called to the presidency of the Erie road, Judge Jewett resigned his
position, and soon after removed to Philadelphia, where he engaged in stock speculation to the
time of his death, which occurred at New York on Wednesday evening, November 3, 1875. His
wife and four children survived him. Judge Jewett was a man of marked character, and during the
war for the Union gave freely of his time, talents and money for the support of the government.
HON. THOMAS MEANS, who succeeded Mr. Jewett as common pleas judge, was a son of
James and brother of Hon. Joseph Means. He was born in Steubenville on March 31,1826, and
studied law with Daniel Collier. He was admitted to the bar almost as soon as he became of age
in 1847, and the following year married Miss Annie Stewart, of Louisville, Ky. He was a young
man of more than ordinary intellect and brilliancy, as the public positions he was called to fill
soon gave evidence. After living about eighteen months in St. Louis, Mr, Means came back to
Steubenville, where he formed a partnership with Mr. Jewett. In 1852-3, he served as a member
of the House of Representatives of the fiftieth General Assembly, and when Judge Jewett
resigned his position on the bench, MI:. Means was appointed by the governor to fill the
unexpired term, holding the office from October, 1854, through 1855. After he came from the
bench he resumed the practice of law, and removed to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he remained
until the outbreak of the war. Early in the conflict he was appointed by the government on a
commission to adjust war claims in the eighborhood of Cairo, Ill., and soon after that work was
completed hedied at his home in Steubenville on December 27, 1863, Judge Means was a man of
great promise, and had he lived would doubtless have taken one of the first places in the state and
nation. his wife, daughter and son survive him, the latter being a minister in the Protestant
Episcopal church.
Samuel W. Bostwick, of Harrison county, now deceased, succeeded Judge Means and held the
office until October, 1861. Hon. George W. McIlvaine, of Tuscarawas county became judge with
the March term, 1862, remaining on the bench until the fall of 1870, when he resigned to go on
the Supreme Bench of the state. Hon, John H. Miller, of Steubenville, was appointed to fill the
unexpired term, and afterwards elected for the full term, holding office until February, 1877,
when he was succeeded by James Patrick, Jr., of Tuscarawas county, the present incumbent.
PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR.
The following is a list of members of the bar now residing in Jefferson county, and having more
or less legal business to transact in its courts: Hon. John H. Miller, admitted in December, 1840 ;
Thomas McCauslen, admitted in August, 1844 Hon. R. Sherrard, r., Oct. 12, 1846; Hon. J. H. S.
Trainer, April 7, 1848 ;
444 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
James Elliot, January, 1852 ; A. H. Battin, May 11, 1853 ; W. A. Walden, April 27, 1858 ; Hon.
J. Dunbar, January, 1860; W. A. Owesney, September 18, 1862; James F. Baton, 1863; Thomas
P. Spencer, 1866 ; 0. P. Mosgrove, August 18, 1854 ; Hon. Robert Martin, April 18, 1862 ;
James A. McCurdy, September 18, 1862; David Moody, September 26, 1867; Wm. H. Lowe,
October 2, 1868 ; W. P. Hays, 1863 ; John McClave, September 16, 1868 ; John M. Cook,
January, 1869; Joseph B. Doyle, September 29, 1870 ; J. J. Gill, Scptember 29, 1868 ; J. C. Keys,
September 29, 1870 ; W. T. Campbell, September 29, 1870 ; J. M. Hunter, July 21. 1872 ; B. N.
Linduft, October 1, 1873 ; John J. Watson, September, 1873 ; W. C. Ong, April 28, 1874 ; E. S.
Andrews, April 25, 1876 ; Henry M. Priest, April 25, 1876 ; Charles B. Gilmore, April 25, 1876;
John A. Kithcart, October 1, 1873; W. V. B. Croskey, 1870 ; G. W. McCleary, June 25, 1873 ;
lion. R. G, Richards, March, 1877; John C. Kirkpatrick, September 25, 1877 ; Hon. J. W, Jordan,
September 28, 1872 ; 0. J. Beard, April 3, 1877 ; A. C. Lewis, October 2, 1877 ; David R. Mills,
April 4, 1877 ; Henry Gregg, April, 1878 ; George G. Bright, August 27, 1878 ; J. H. Everson,
August 27, 1878 ; Calvin May, August 27, 1878; John W. Jackman, August 27, 1878; W. J.
McCann, August 27, 1878 ; J. A. Burchfield, April 16, 1879 ; Charles A. Reynolds, June 17,
1879 ; John A. Mansfield, April 16, 1879 ; James W. Clark, April 16, 1.879 ; Emmett E. Erskine,
April 16, 1879 ; W. S. McCauslen, June 17, 1879 ; James F. Bigger, August 27, 1879; J. H.
Roberts, April 16, 1879 ; J. W. Paisley, April 16, 1879 ; M. S. Stokely, 1860.
POMOLOGY OF EASTERN OHIO.
No part of Ohio is more noted for the early production of choice fruits (especially apples) than
the counties of Jefferson and Belmont. in them the history of pomology is so interwoven and
linked together that it is difficult to separate ; and, to do justice to the subject, the writer is
compelled to trespass on Virginia soil. The cultivation of fruit in Eastern Ohio is as early as its
settlement. In most instances as soon as the pioneer made his "clearing" he selected a spot and
planted fruit trees, principally apple, This created a demand for apple trees, and little nurseries of
seedling trees sprung up over the country. Foremost in the nursery enterprise was Ebenezer Zane,
who started one on the island between Wheeling and Bridgeport before the year 1790. He was the
first American who engaged in the business on the Ohio river. It is said Jacob Nesley was the
second. His nursery was on the Virginia side of the river, a little below %the mouth of Yellow
creek. It was commenced in 1790. A few years after these other little nurseries of seedling trees
were started on the Ohio side of the river in the counties of Jefferson and Belmont.
The city of New Orleans afforded an excellent market for the products of the settlers, by way of
the Ohio river, and fine apples commanded great prices. This induced farmers to give
attention to the cultivation of select varieties. To do this the tree must be grafted, and a few
enterprising men engaged in the business of top-grafting. The greatest obstacle in this was the
difficulty in obtaining scions. In most instances the grafts were taken from the better kinds of
seedling trees. A few grafted trees were brought from the East and planted about Steubenville.
The first orchard of importance of grafted trees in this part of the state was at St. Clairsville, set
out by Judge Ruggles in the year 1810 or 1811. The trees were from the Putnam nursery at
Marietta, and contained all the important varieties in the Putnam list. The Judge was greatly
interested in the production of fine fruits, and was liberal in giving cuttings from his trees.
Orchardists and nurserymen living in the vicinity improved the opportunity of obtaining them so
cheaply. David Neiswanger. who, at that time, had a large orchard of seedling trees in Belmont
county, top-grafted them. In a few years thereafter he became one of the most prominent
fruit-growers in that county. Other men in Belmont and Jefferson 'counties engaged extensively
in growing apples for the New Orleans market. Perhaps none of them excelled John Hobson, of
Smithfield township, who shipped annually hundreds of barrels of choice Bellflowers down the
river of his own growing.
EARLY NURSERYMEN.
Jacob Nessley was the first man in this part of the country to cultivate grafted trees for sale. Ile
commenced the grafting business about the beginning of the present century. The principal
varieties of apples in his list were Gate, (now called Belmont) Dominie, or Wells, Rambo, Early
Pennock, or August apple, Bellflower, Golden Pippin or Golden Bell, and a few others. He found
ready sale for his grafted trees at good prices, and as the demand increased he enlarged his
nursery and added to his number of varieties. His sales were not confined to the immediate
neighborhood. Purchasers came from all parts of Eastern Ohio, and as far north as Cuyahoga
county, to his nursery for trees. Dr. Taylor, of Cleveland, O., in a report to the Ohio Pomological
Society concerning the early fruit-growers of the Western Reserve, says : "Another source, and
from which much was drawn, was Nessley’s nursery on the Ohio river." Nessley continued his
nursery many years, but when he became too infirm to attend to it himself, it soon went out of
existence. A small nursery was commenced at Steubenville at a tolerably early day, at which
some very choice fruits were cultivated. This nursery was of short duration. Two or three others
were since put in operation at the same place, but none of long continuance.
The next nursery of grafted trees in the vicinity, that attained to notoriety, was Samuel Wood;s,
of Smithfield. It was started on a small scale, but continued to grow until it became the most
extensive one in eastern Ohio. It is yet in existence, and carried on by the same family. It's area at
first was but a few rods square, and some half dozen varieties of apples, constituted its list of
fruits. Now its area is over forty acres, including the fruit orchard, ornamental and small fruit
departments. Over two hundred varieties of apples, peaches, cherries and pears have been
cultivated there. As a matter of interest, worthy to be related here, we will copy from a letter Of
Mr. Wood, addressed to the Ohio Promological Society in 1859, giving an account of his
nursery. He says:
"I emigrated to this county, from Frederick county, Maryland, in the spring of 1814, and in the
spring of 1816 commenced the cultivation of fruit trees on a small scale. I could not then procure
any American work on the subject, and labored under many difficulties in procuring varieties and
obtaining correct names. There were but few, grafted trees in this part of the state, and I sent east,
to Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia for varieties. I never sold an orchard of natural fruit. * *
* In 1818, Cox's work on fruits was published, it was a valuable assistant to me. I began to
correct. names; I had but few right; for instance,Pennock, was called "Evening Delight ;"
Bellflower, "Yellow Pippin ;" Golden. Pippin, "Golden Bell ;" etc. * * * After the trees from my
nursery commenced bearing, I could not furnish trees fast enough for the demand. Other
nurseries sprung up around me, and I furnished them grafts free of charge. These nurseries,
however, were of short duration, excepting James Kinsey's at Mt. Pleasant. * * * A neighbor
came to me tor trees when Golden Pippins (then called Golden Bell,) were in season. I gave him
some to eat we went into the nursery and he had me take up all the trees I had of that kind. 1
asked him what next. He took another bite of the apple and said he would have more Golden
Bells. * * Sometime after the trees from my nursery were in bearing, a neighbor threatened to sue
me for spoiling his orchard. He said, before I came here he had a good orchard, and made money
by selling fruit, and now said he, "I can not sell my apples or eat, them my self, but have to go to
my neighbor’s orchard when I want good ones to eat."
About the time the Wood's nursery was started at Smithfield, James Kinsey engaged in the
cultivation of grafted trees at Mt. Pleasant. He obtained most of his grafts from the Ruggles
orchard. This gave him some advantage over many of his rivals in the business. He soon became
quite popular in the nursery business, cultivating a large number of varieties. This nursery
continued to flourish between thirty and forty years.
At an early day a Mr. Millerson commenced the nursery business near to Barnesville. He engaged
extensively in it, furnishing fruit trees of choice varieties, for that and adjoining neighborhoods,
for a number of years. In 1838, Mr. Millerson, sold out his establishment to Samuel Wood of
Smithfield, who disposed of the trees by shipping a part down the Ohio to Illinois, and the
balance were hauled across the county in wagons, to Smithfield.
About the year 1820, Eli Nichols engaged in the nursery and fruit growing business at Loydsville,
Belmont county. His nursery, though small at first, soon became the foremost one in that section
of Ohio. In 1845 Mr. Nichols, moved to Coshocton county Ohio, taking his nursery stock with
him, He was a very enterprising man and noted Pomologist, taking great interest in the
introduction and cultivation of choice fruits. He assisted in the organization of the Ohio State
Pomological Society
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 445
in whose proceedings he took a conspicuous part for many years.
About the year 1830, Joel Wood embarked in the nursery business at Martin’s Ferry. At first he
confined his business to the cultivation of apple trees, but soon thereafter engaged in growing
plum, peach and pear trees, and in after years added grapes and berries to his list. Mr. Wood;s
nursery was in operation between twenty and thirty years. Since 1850, a number of little nurseries
of grafted trees have been in operation at different places in Belmont county ; most of them,
however, were of short duration. At the present writing the principal ones are, the Morrison
Brothers, near St. Clairsville, and J. & D. W. Edgerton, of Barnesville. James Edgerton, the
senior of the firm, engaged in the business at that place in 1851. and has continued it since that
time. In addition to the cultivation of fruit and ornamental trees, the firm is largely engaged in
growing small fruits for sale, principally berries. A number of persons at Barnesville are now
engaged in growing small fruits, and large quantities are produced there and shipped out of the
county, and for which Barnesville has a State-wide reputation.
Although not strictly coming under the head of pomology, we deem the establishment of J. D.
Slack, of Steubenville, worthy of mention here. His was a seed store, greenhouse, fruit and
flower garden combined. From 1830 to 1850, it was carried on extensively, producing many of
the attractions and novelties, in that business, of the day. It was at that time second to no other
establishment of the kind in the State.
PRODUCTION AND INTRODUCTION OF CHOICE APPLES.
Zane's Greening.—This is an apple of some merit, and at an early day obtained considerable
notoriety, especially as a late keeper. It is of the Rhode Island Greening type, which it much
resembles ; but it is smaller, more conical and a little more russet at the crown ; has a rich tart
flavor and is excellent for cooking, By some fruit-growers it is called Green Russet. It originated
in Zae's orchard, on the island, about the beginning of the present century.
Western Spy originated on the farm of. John Mansfield, in Wayne township, Jefferson, county,
Ohio. Tree, a strong, spreading grower, and blossoms late, which gives it character, the fruit
being seldom injured by late frosts. Fruit, large, globular, slightly flattened at the ends. Color,
yellow, with a pale red cheek. Is a late keeper and excellent for cooking. Introduced by Samuel
Wood.
Ohio Redstreak is from a seedling tree in the orchard of James Mansfield, Wayne township,
Jefferson county, Ohio. Tree, an upright, open grower and abundant bearer. Fruit, medium in
size, a little conical. Color, clear lemon yellow, beautifully striped with light and dark shades of
red, Flesh, white, of a pleasant taste and good for cooking. Season, midwinter. In troduced b
Samuel Wood, of Smithfield, about 1830.
Bentley Sweet originated with Solomon Bentley, near Belmont, Belmont county, Ohio. This is
one of our most profitable apples for market, and as a late keeper stands at the head of the list.
Specimens of it of two years' production are frequently exhibited on a plate at fairs. Tree, a
moderate grower and prolific bearer. Fruit, medium in size and nearly barrel shaped. Color,
green, with a little red on the sunny side when taken from the tree, but becoming a rich, clear red,
sometimes yellowish cheek, when in season, which is May and June. Flesh, fine grained and an
agreeable sweet.
Culp.—Originated near Richmond, Jefferson county, Ohio, and on the farm of George Culp. Tree
a vigorous grower, and unusual bearer. Fruit, medium to large ; color, yellowish green, with a
dull blush on the sunny side. A little russet at the crown, and sprinkled over the surface with gray
dots. Flesh, yellowish white, and neither sweet nor sour. Excellent for cooking and dessert ;
season, March and April ; quality, one of the best. Introduced by Samuel Wood and S. B.
Marshall, and is extensively cultivated in eastern and northeastern Ohio.
The Belmont Apple—Its Origin and History.—This excellent early winter apple has obtained
great notoriety, and much controversy has taken place as to its origin. It originated in the orchard
of Mrs. Beam, living near Strasburg, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, soon after the close of the
Revolutionary war. Mrs. Beam was a lady in high standing, and frequently had company. When
ordering apples for her guests, would say: "Bring some from the gate tree," from which
circumstance the family called the apple Gate ; the neighbors called it Mamma Beam, in honor of
the old lady.
About the year 1785, Jacob Nessley, a son of Mrs. Beam by a former marriage, settled in the
west, on the Virginia side of the Ohio river, as already stated, nearly opposite the mouth of
Yellow creek. Some time after settling there, he procured scions from the parent tree,
propagating the apple under the name of Gate. About the same time, other children of Mrs.
Beam, by the latter marriage, came to Ohio, and settled in Belmont county. They brought scions
with them from the same tree, and grafted them, calling the apple Mamma Beam. This caused it
to be known in each neighborhood by different names.
Between 1840 and 1845, controversies were had by fruit men of Ohio concerning the origin and
name of this apple. Kenevick, in his fifth addition of the "Orchardist," gave it as Belmont, and
originating in Belmont county, Ohio. Downing in his treaties on the "Fruits of America," gave
account of it under the name "Waxen, of Coke, or Gate," and Virginia as the place of its origin.
The Rev. Charles Springer, a noted fruit man, living near Zanesville, Ohio, knowing something
of the early history of the Gate apple, and to settle the question as to its origin, &c., addressed
letters to the Rev. Joseph Burns, of Steubenville, Ohio, concerning it. In answer, Mr. Burns
writes under date of February 16, 1846, as follows :
"C. SPRINGER, DEAR SIR :-I received your letter last week, requesting the history of the Gate
apple, &c. I have made the desired enquiry, and now send you the result. The old man Nessley
and wife, and the old man Brown and wife, are all dead, but the testimony of the Rev. George
Brown, of Steubenville, O., and the other persons who certify, may be relied on, as they received
their information from old Mr. Nessley, Mr. and Mrs. Brown.
"The residence of Mamma Beam, mother of Jacob Nessley, Sr., was near Strasburg, Lancaster
county, Pa. The 'Gate' apple is from a seedling which grew at her gate, from which circumstance
it was called by the family the Gate apple,; though by the neighbors it was called 'Mamma
Beam,; after the old lady. It was brought to the Ohio river, above Steubenville, by Jacob Nessley,
Sr., and so propagated throughout the west.
Yours, &c., JOS. BURNS."
"The above is a true history of the 'Gate apple,' as I received it from Richard Brown, Esq., and his
lady. Mrs. Beam told me she lived for some time with Mrs. Brown, her grandmother, had seen
the tree at the gate, and knew all the circumstances.
"GEORGE BROWN.
"We concur in the above,
"JACOB N. BROWN, son of Richard.
"GEORGE BROWN, son of Richard."
Mr. Springer presented the above letters, with other corroborating statements concerning the
origin and identity of the Gate apple, to the Ohio Fruit Growers and Nurserymen's Convention,
held at Columbus, Ohio, in 1847. The convention being satisfied as to the correctness of the
statements, and the origin and identity of the apple, accepted the same and they became a part of
its proceedings, and will be found on pages 9, 10 and 11 of the report for that year. By this time
this apple had become so generally known and recognized by the name Belmont, in Northern
Ohio, and New York, that the convention took no action on the name. The North American
Pomological Convention, for 1848, was held at Buffalo, New York. During its session this apple
was discussed, and the report is designated as Belmont, which name is now universally
recognized by .-fruit writers.
Why Called Belmont.—The Hon. Benjamin Ruggles, who located at St. Clairsville, about the
year 1810, took great interest in fruits. He was selected president judge of the Third Judicial
Circuit of Ohio. On one occasion, while holding court at Steubenville, was presented with an
apple by one of the jury, who lived near Yellow creek. The apple was in season, and the judge
was delighted with it. On asking its name and where it grew, was told by the juror, on his farm
and was called "Gate." The judge immediately procurred scions and had them grafted on his trees
at St. Clairsville. Some time after the judge's grafts commenced bearing, a farmer, by the name of
Beam, brought some apples to St. Clairsville for sale. They coining under the eyes of the judge,
he recognized them and asked their name and where they grew. The farmer said in his
orchard—that he had "lots of 'em," and "we call 'em Mamma Beam." Mr. Ruggles said he had the
same kind of apples growing in his
446 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
orchard, and told how and where he got them, and said, they are called "Gate." "0!" said the
farmer, "that fellow got his tree from Jake Nessley, my half brother, and Jake got his grafts from
mother's tree." This solved the mystery, and Judge Ruggles, supposing that the tree orignated in
Belmont county, called the apple Belmont. Much is due to .Judge Ruggles, for the rapid
introduction of this choice apple. Scions of it. soon found their way from Belmont county to
Cuyahoga county, Ohio, (probably through Judge Ruggles,) where it was extensively cultivated.
From Rockport, in that county, the fruit was conveyed to C. Olmsted, Esq., of Boston, and by
him presented, in 1834, before the Massachusetts Horticultural society, as Belmont, and
orginating in Belmont county, Ohio. It is highly probable, that from these circumstance Kenevick
was misled as to its origin, It is said Downing was misled by persons representing the Gate, to be
identical with Waxen. Charles Downing, Esq., in his edition of the fruits and fruit trees of
America, published in 1850, very briefly corrects the former account of the origin of this apple.
THE PLUM.
This delicious fruit, once so abundant in Eastern Ohio, has now nearly disappeared. Fifty years
ago, trees of the choicest varieties were growing in almost every farmer's front door yard, their
branches bending under the weight of luscious plums, disputing our passage to the domicil. They
are now only 'remembered by the few settlers who have survived them. Conspicuous in this class
of fruit, was the Askew plum, familiarly known in the counties of Belmont and Jefferson as "
Billy Askew's Golden Egg." As this plum was truly meritorious, a brief history of it will, no
doubt, be interesting: In 1814, Wm. Askew, from North Carolina, settled in Belmont county,
Ohio, near the village of Flushing. He brought with him plum seeds and planted them in his
garden. One of the trees, at the age of three years, commenced bearing, the fruit being as large as
a pullet's egg, a golden yellow, with a faint pink blush on one cheek. When held to the light, was
nearly transparent, and in quality the very best. Askew, who understood budding, commenced
propagating the trees. By the time his trees were old enough for sale, the plum had become so
popular that his trees commanded fabulous prices, Askew obtaining as high as two dollars a
piece for them. This was of short duration, for nurserymen getting possession of the variety, they
were soon scattered all over the country. The original tree, however, remained the great
attraction, bearing abundant crops of fruit almost every year for thirty years, when, in 1847, at the
age of thirty-three years, it died.
MEMOIR OF SAMUEL WOOD.
Nathan Wood, the father of the subject of this memoir, was born in Chester county, Pa., in 1781.
His father moved from that county to Frederick county, Maryland, when Nathan was young.
Soon after Nathan grew to manhood he married Miss Margaret Waters. The issue of this
marriage was three sons and two daughters—Samuel, Susan, Joel, Sarah and Thomas. In 1814
Nathan Wood emigrated with his family to Jefferson county, Ohio. He commenced farming on
McIntire creek, in Wells township, but in 1816 removed to and settled on a farm in Smithfield
township adjoining and east of the village of Smithfield. He remained on this farm until the death
of his wife, which occurred in the beginning of the year 1851. After her death he lived with his
son Samuel, where he died March 23, 1851, aged 70 years,
Samuel, eldest son of Nathan Wood, was born on Pipe. creek, Frederick county, Maryland,
February 19, 1802. While a youth he imbibed a passion for the cultivation of fruits, which
resulted in being his profession through life. At the age of twelve years his father brought him
with the family to Ohio, and two years thereafter (in 181(i) lie engaged in the nursery business,
on a small scale, on his father's farm at Smithfield. In the summer season, in addition to working
on the farm for his father, he gave sonic attention to his little nursery, which increased in
dimensions every year. In the winter season he went to school a little, and, although his education
was a limited one, it was sufficient to enable him to manage his business with considerable
ability. On the 26th of April, 1826, he was joined in marriage to Miss Lucy Lark, of Smithfield,
Ohio. To them were born two sons and five daughters—Anna Maria, Nathan L., Elizabeth,
Margaret, Jane, Edwin and Mary E.
Soon after his marriage he settled on the McIntire farm, in Wells township, and that year
transferred all his nursery stock to that place. His nursery now increased rapidly and became his
principal business. From ten or twelve kinds of apples which he at first cultivated the number
increased to over one hundred, including apples, peaches, plums and pears. After the trees from
his nursery commenced bearing the demand for them exceeded his supply. This increased his
energy, and he extended his nursery. In a few more years his supply exceeded the home demand,
and he sought a market for the surplus trees by shipping them down the Ohio river. The writer of
this sketch became personally acquainted with Samuel Wood fifty years ago, and in 1834 was
instructed by him in all the various modes then practiced in propagating fruit trees. Although it is
over forty years since they occurred, my mind is vividly carried back to the pleasant strolls I had
with him through his orchard, feasting on his choice mellow apples, tempting peaches and
luscious plums, and as I ate of them he seemed to enjoy the fruit with the same relish as myself.
My last visit to his orchard and nursery was in the fall of 1838, when I purchased the trees for my
first orchard in Holmes county. After his son Nathan L. grew to manhood the father again
enlarged his nursery, and, taking the son into partnership, they engaged (in addition to the
cultivation of fruit trees) in the production of ornamental trees and small fruits. In the fall of
1874, after a period of forty-eight years spent on the farm and nursery, his children all being
married and left home, and in consequence of feeble health and declining yea's, he, with his
beloved companion, left the dear old homestead and went to reside with their son-in-law, Samuel
Cope, the son, Nathan L., succeeding his father in the nursery business.
As a pioneer nurseryman of Ohio, Samuel Wood stood in the front rank laboring assiduously to
promote the interests of pomology. In the effort to establish, in 1839, a Fruit-Growers'
Association for Eastern Ohio, he took a conspicuous part. He was in attendance at the
Fruit-Growers' meeting at Columbus, Ohio, in 1847, and aided in the organization of the Ohio
Fruit-Growers' and Nurserymen's Association, which culminated in the present Ohio State
Pomological and Horticultural Society. In 1859 he wrote a very interesting and instructive letter
to the Ohio State Pomological Society concerning the early nurserymen of Ohio, and which is
published entire in the report of that year. He was also noted for his efforts in the introduction
and dissemination of choice apples, among which we will mention the notable Grimes' Golden,
Culp and many others.
At an early age he united with the Society of Friends, in which he retained an honorable standing
until death. Zealous for the cause of the Redeemer and a strict adherence to truth and justice, he
exercised a benign influence over his associates. In person he was tall and straight and agreeable
in his appearance. He was a man not much given to talking. His language was plain and well
chosen, and he could express his ideas in few words. In November, 1876, he died at the residence
of his son-in-law, Samuel Cope, aged 74 years. His remains are interred in the Friends' cemetery
at Smithfield, Ohio.
MILITARY RECORD OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
SOLDIERS OF 1812.
In June, 1812, the United States declared war against Great Britain. Of this war the west was the
principal theatre. Defeat, disaster and disgrace marked its opening scenes, but the latter events of
the contest were a series of brilliant achievements. Croghan's gallant defence of Fort Stephenson
Perry's victory upon Lake Erie; the total defeat by Harrison of the allied British and savages,
under Proctor and Tecumseh, on the Thames, and the great closing triumph of Jackson at New
Orleans, reflected the most brilliant lustre upon the American arms. In every vicissitude of this
contest, the conduct of Ohio was eminently patriotic and honorable. Her sons volunteered with
alacrity their services in the field, and no troops more patiently endured hardship or performed
better service.
Hardly a battle was fought in the northwest in which some of these brave citizen soldiers did not
seal their devotion to their country with their blood.
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 447
Jefferson county was not wanting in patriotic devotion to the cause, and furnished its full quota
of volunteers in defense of the national honor.
A regiment composed of fourteen companies, and aggregating 1,065 men, was raised within the
limits of what was then Jefferson county.
STAFF OFFICERS.
The following are the staff officers of the regiment :
John Andrews, lieutenant.
Thomas Glenn, major.
James Campbell, major.
George Darrow, major.
Jacob Frederick, major.
Mordecai Bartley, adjutant.
Thomas Campbell, surgeon.
Jacob Van Horn, quartermaster.
John B. Dowden, sergeant major.
John Patterson, quartermaster sergeant.
John McClintock, drum major.
John Niel, fife major.
CAPTAIN AARON ALLEN'S COMPANY,—Lieutenant, John Vantillburgh ; ensign, William
Mills ; sergeants, James Clare, Richard Shaw, John Farquar, Thomas Henderson ; corporals,
Christopher Abel , Hugh Levington, James Johnston, David Workman-121 men.
CAPTAIN THOMAS LATTA'S COMPANY.—Lieutenant, Hugh Christy ; ensign, William
Pritchard ; sergeants, George Brown, Alexander Patterson, George Ermatinger, John Haughey,
Isaac Holmes corporals, Cornelius Peterson, William Bety, James Haley, Mathew Palmer-159
men.
CAPTAIN JOHN ALEXANDER'S COMPANY.—Lieutenant, Hugh Christy ; ensign, David
Jackson ; sergeants, George Ermatinger, John Lynch, Robert Blackford, Hugh McGee; corporals,
Jeremiah Argo, Charles A. Lindsey, Thomas Martial, William Ross —71 men.
CAPTAIN ALLEN SCROGGS' COMPANY.—Lieutenant, John Ramsey; ensign, John Caldwell
; sergeants, Wm. Wilkin, Wm. Dun- lap, Wm. Holson, Wm. Robertson Samuel Avery, Joseph
Haverfield, John Connoway, John Eallace-56 men.
CAPTAIN JAMES ALEXANDER'S COMPANY,—Lieutenant, Henry Bayless ; ensign, John
Myers ; sergeants, James Andrews, Alexander Barr, Martin Saltsman, James Tolin ; corporals,
David Wilkinson ; Amos Wert, John Anderson, James Lyons-60 men.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH ZIMMERMAN'S COMPANY.—Lieutenant, James Kerr ; ensign, Conrad
Myers ; sergeants, George Schultz, George Estep, Wm. Rouch, Chaistiau Krepts ; corporals,
George Switezer, Ezekiel Moore, John Lawrence, Samuel Meek,-50 men.
CAPTAIN DAVID PECK'S COMPANY.—Lieutenant, Joseph Davis; ensign, Jacob Sheffer ;
sergeants, John Stoakes, Daniel Higgins, Dudley Smith, Jesse Barnum ; corporals, John Vaughn,
James Davis, James Miller, Wm. McKonkey,-79 men.
CAPTAIN NICHOLAS MURRY'S COMPANY.—Lieutenant, Nathan Winterenger ; ensign,
John Carrol ; sergeants, Philip Fulton, Joseph Batcheldor, James Carnihan, George Beatty ;
corporals, James Patton, Samuel Wilson, James Haskill, George Atkinson —44 men.
CAPTAIN WM. FOULK'S COMPANY.—Lieutenant, John Berkdell ; ensign, Jacob Crauss ;
sergeants, John Kester, John Cannon, John Hughston, John Chancy ; corporals, Addison
Makinnen, Rudolph Brandaberry, Andrew Armstrong, James Henderson-73 men.
CAPTAIN JACOB GILBERT'S COMPANY.—Lieutenant, John Teeton ; ensigns, Abraham
Fox, Conrad Myers ; sergeants, David Shoemaker, Samuel Outer, Michael Coyin; corporals,
Michael Shaffer, Randal Smith, Peter Miller, John Eaton, John Lepley —83 men.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH HOLMES' COMPANY—Lieutenants, Wm. Thorn, John Ramsey ; ensign,
Garvin Mitchell ; sergeants, Francis Popham, James Gilmore, Alexander Smith, John McCulley ;
corporals, Edward Van Horn, John Pollock, Thos. McBride, Joseph Hagerman-84 men.
CAPTAIN JAMES DOWNING'S COMPANY.—Lieutenant, Peter Johnson ; ensign, Thomas
Smith ; sergeants, John Forsythe, John Bosler, Michael, McGowen, Samuel Richards; corporals,
Abraham Bair, Benj. Akison, John Worden, Joseph Bashford —81 men.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM STOAKES' COMPANY.—Lieutenant, Thomas Orr ; ensign, John
Caldwell ; sergeants, John Elrod, John Paramore, David Kensey, Wm. Bashford ; corporals,
Benjamin Dean, Williamson Carothers, Isaac Vail, John Palmer-90 men.
MEXICAN WAR.
ROSTER AND HISTORY OF COMPANY I, THIRD REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEERS
(BY DR. J. R. MARSHALL, OF DUBLIN, O.]
The following correspondence and highly interesting paper, published by consent of a special
reunion committee in Steubenville, during the month of August, 1879, will be found to clearly
set forth everything worthy of preserving in relation to the subject in question. We therefore
reprint the article in its entirety, feeling fully assured of its accuracy :
" DUBLIN, FRANKLIN CO., O., August 6, 1879.
To Charles N. Allen, Charles McClusky, Harvey Alton, Robert McEneney and 1V. Teaff,
Committee of Reception of Mexican War Veterans, Steubenville, Ohio :
DEAR SIRS : Inclosed I send you a brief sketch from my diary, made up from day to day, of the
organization and history of company I, (Steubenville Greys), 3d regiment Ohio volunteers. In a
period of thirty-three years, it is impossible to keep in the mind many events that occurred so
long ago. If the publication of this sketch will revive many incidents of that war in the memory of
the survivors and their friends who live in and about Steubenville, and those that may visit you
from a distance on the occasion of the reunion at your town on the 28th of August, you are at
liberty to publish all or a part thereof, as you may think best. No preventing Providence, I shall
try and come down with the Columbus. delegation. Let me hear from you.
I remain, always, respectfully,
J. R. MARSHALL.
MEXICAN WAR VETERANS.
COMPANY I (STEUBENVILLE GREYS), THIRD REGIMENT 0. V.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
George W. McCook, captain , promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of 3d regiment.
John Kell, Jr., captain ; discharged with company at New Orleans.
O. C. Gray, first lieutenant; promoted to adjutantt of 3d regiment.
Frances Marion, second lieutenant ; resigned at Fort Brown, Texas, August 10, 1846.
E. T. Hooker, second lieutenant ; promoted from orderly sergeant to second lieutenant and
discharged with company at New Orleans.
Dr. J. C. Cable, third lieutenant; discharged with company at New Orleans.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Sergeants—Orderly sergeant, William H. Harlan ; second sergeant, Andrew J. Dick ; third
sergeant, John M. Todd ; fourth sergeant, Leonard Stulger.
Corporals—First corporal, George 0. Toms ; second corporal, J. R. Marshall; third corporal,
William P. Richardson ; fourth corporal, David S. Fresinger.
PRIVATES.—Jacob R. Ault, Harvey Alton, James W. Anderson, Richard Atkinson, discharged
at Camp McCook, Mexico, Sept. 13, 1846; James Broady, John L. Blackburn, James M.
Blackburn, Edward Brown, William H. Binns, John Crofford, died at Fort Brown, Texas, August
5, 1846; Charles Conley, William Cordel, died at Carnargo, Mexico, April, 1847; Benj.
448 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.
M. Culbertson, Jonathan Chambers, died at Fort Brown, Aug. 10, 1846; Edward Elliott, Isaac B.
Fisher, Thomas Fedely, Robert Ferguson, John Gossett, Albert Galloway, Robert Green ham,
:Lorenzo Gregory, David Harper, discharged at Cincinnati, 0., July 3, 1846 ; John Hatch,
discharged at Cincinnati, 0., July 3, 1846 ; Samuel Henderson, S. P. Rains, Francis Hardy, John.
Hanson, Charles Hays, Thomas Hogue, James Harris, discharged at Fort Brown, Texas, August
10, 1846 ; Thomas Johnson, deserted at Matamoras, Mexico ; Harup L, Joy, Oliver King, Samuel
Leigh man, John Moreland, Joseph Morrison, David Maxwell, Alex. McDonald, Joseph
McAlpin, Charles McGlisson, George McGary, Moses McFarrier, promoted to drum major 3d
Regiment; Fairfax W. Nelson, Henry Newell, Samuel Russell, Thomas L. M. Robinson, Andrew
Scott, Thomas Stewart, John Stone, transferred to Company K ; Charles Sweeney, Robert Snider,
Charles Steele, Blasius Spinharney, Ephraim Stonecipher, 2d corporal, discharged at Camp
McCook, Sept. 13, 1846 ; A. Slec, discharged at Matamoras, January 10, 1847 ; Nimrod Teat
Robert Thompson, died at Matamoras January 18, 1847, and buried at Camp McCook same day;
Nicholas Trapp, Stephen Todd, 2d corporal, discharged at Camp McCook, Sept. 13, .1846;
Hezekiah Yannati, Wm. H. Irwin.
Number of deaths, 3 ; in the field by sickness.
Number of discharges, 9 ; for disability and sickness.
Number of desertions, 1 ; persuaded by an elder brother, who was leading a frontier life in Texas.
Every man of the company was on the sick list at some period during his service. Some were
reduced to mere skeletons and finally recovered, mostly from chronic diarrhoea. Isaac B. Fisher
was a remarkable instance of extreme emaciation.
HISTORY.
The Steubenville Greys were organized immediately upon the call of President James K. Polk for
troops for the Mexican war, and left Steubenville June 4, 1846, at 3 o'clock P. M. for Cincinnati,
Ohio, on the steamboat Wisconsin. The company numbered then sixty-four men, including
non-commissioned officers, and arrived at Cincinnati on the 6th inst., and went immediately into
camp, four or five miles in the rear of the city, at Camp Washington. Colonel Samuel R. Curtis
was Commander of Post—afterwards Colonel of the Third Regiment. A few recruits were added
to the company from Piqua, Ohio, making a total of 69 men. Company I was well-equipped for
war on leaving Steubenville, having pans, tents and mess-chests—well filled with every
convenience for army life. We were honored with camp grounds immediately in front of Curtis'
Headquarters. Left Camp Washington on the 3d of July, as the Third Regiment of 0. V. and
marched to the city, whore the regiment was divided into two division of five companies each.
Company I, with four other companies, took passage on steamboat Tuscaloosa for New Orleans.
This division was under the command of Col. Curtis. The other division was under command of
Lieut. Col. McCook, and took passage on the steamboat New Era. Arrived at New Orleans, La.,
July 10, 1846. Left the boats and went into camp four miles below the city, at Camp Jackson, the
battlefield of New Orleans. Left Camp Jackson July 13, on the brig Orleans, for Brazos Island,
Texas. Came to anchor off the island July 20, 1846, on the 24th inst. were taken off the brig by
steamboat and safely landed on the land after a voyage of twelve days. After resting a few days
here, took up a line of march for Matamoras, via the mouth of river Rio Grande, keeping up the
right bank. August 5th, arrived at Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras City, and established camp
on the bank of the river above and in the rear of Fort Brown. This camp was called Camp Curtis,
in honor of our Colonel. August 18, 1846, Company I lost her first man, Jonathan Chambers, and
he was buried the same day in his blanket, without a coffin. August 18, in the dead hour of night,
the .regiment crossed the river to repel a large Mexican force that was reported near the city. This
was done for the purpose of testing the courage of the men. All appeared eager to go, arriving in
the city about daylight, and during the day established Camp McCook, between the city and river,
on Mexican soil. The Third Regiment remained here, except two companies, which were left in
Fort Brown for garrison duty, until February 2, 1847. At about this date, on the arrival of Lieut.
Gen. Winfield Scott, the Third Regiment was placed in Taylor's division, called the Army of the
Rio Gran de, and left on the above date for Comargo, going up the left bank of the river, arriving
there on the 13th of February, 1847, traveling the distance of 160 miles. Comargo is situated on
the river San Juan, three miles above its mouth, it being a tributary to the Rio Grande, and at the
head of steamboat navigation. Here we found a large Fort, called Ohio, partly completed, which
we attempted to finish.
On the 17th of February, three companies, including Company 1, left Comargo, under command
of Lieutenant Colonel McCook, to garrison the town of Meir, and to do escort duty from
Comargo, via. Meir, Senalvo and Monterey. About this date Gen. Santa Anna was advancing
with 20,000 men on Taylor and Wool at Buena Vista: February 25th all communication was cut
off from General Taylor, and McCook's command at Meir was ordered to fall back on Comargo.
March 7th we received the first news of the battle of Buena Vista, fought February 22 and 23,
1847, which was a complete victory to the American army. Mexican forces, 20,000 ; American
forces, 5,400 ; Mexican loss, 5,000, killed; American loss, 700.
March 7th we received orders to advance on Monterey forthwith, taking with us four companies
of Virginia troops infantry, one company of dragoons, two pieces of cannon, and a supply train
for General Taylor of 123 wagons, with additional wagons for regiment and other troops. The
train was from three to five miles long. We had heard of Col. Morgan's fight with a body of
Mexican cavalry near Merino ; also that Major Iddings of the 1st Ohio, was hemmed in with 200
men at Senalvo, and in great danger of being cut to pieces. We hurried up to his relief. They were
out of ammunition. After passing Senalvo for two days and nights, a large Mexican cavalry force
was on our right and left, constantly threatening us. At this juncture we camped for the night at
Ramas. Here we learned from an armed Mexican Ranchero that was captured that day, that they
intended to give us battle four miles in advance, where a few days before they had destroyed 120
wagons, loaded with supplies, and killed a large part of the wagoners, which were left unburied ,
But on the next morning,. arriving on the intended battle field, we were surprised to meet General
Taylor with a regiment of Arkansas cavalry, and a small battery of three or four guns. This of
course explained why they did not attack us, as General Taylor was now a terror to all Mexicans.
General Taylor concluded to pursue this Mexican force, taking our regiment, one company of
dragoons and a battery of four guns, started in pursuit. After traveling thirty or forty miles to a
town called Cadeveta, pressing them so closely, they left a few of our wounded, which they held
as prisoners ; we recaptured them, and then returned to Monterey, where we received orders to
proceed to Buena Vista via. Rinconnida Pass Saltillo, and arrived March 25, 1847, on the battle
field of Buena Vista. Here we remained with the main army in camp until May 18, 1847, when
by the following general order we directed our steps homewards :
HEADQUARTERS, BUENA VISTA, May 16, 1847.
Orders No. 190:—
The general commanding cannot see the Ohio regiments separate from his command without
expressing the entire satisfaction which their good discipline, orderly conduct and fine milltary
appearance have uniformly given him, and which causes him so deeply to regret they are not to
be with him in the future operations against Mexico. The Second and Third Ohio; regiment will
return to their homes, with the consciousness that they have done great credit to their state,
rendered good service to their country, and that they bear with them the hearty good will and
sincere admiration of their companions and commander. In parting with the officers and men the
general wishes them a pleasant journey and happy return to their families and friends.
By command of Brigadier General Wool.
IRVIN MCDOWELL, A. D. C.
Arrived at the mouth of the Rio Grande, June 5, 1847. Sailed from Brazos Island June 7, on
schooner Bounty for New Orleans, La. Arrived at New Orleans, June 15, and the entire regiment
was mustered out of service at the St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, La., June 21, 1847.
WAR RECORD IN THE SECESSION OF THE SOUTHERN STATES.
COMPANY H, 1ST REGIMENT O. V. I.
This company was recruited for the three years' service. It was mustered into service at Camp
Corwin, Ohio., October 26, 1861. The following is the company as mustered-in :
Benjamin F. Prentis, captain ; William A. Owesney, first lieutenant ; James H. Prentis, second
lieutenant.
HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 449
Sergeants-Joseph S. Slack,Joseph Morrow, David McAdams Henry Hunter, Thomas H. Teaff.
Corporals-Robert Brown, John Fisher, Jr., Josiah C. Tult, Alfred G. Forrester, William P. Brown,
George M. Elliott, John N. Snodgrass, William McMullen.
Musicians-Anson F. Bray, William B. Crewson.
Teamster-Rhesa Kendall.
PRIVATES-Gardner C. Abbott, Charles Banks, Andrew Banks, Thomas J. Burnet, John
.Blackburn, Thomas Brown, Alexander J. Brown, John W. Cole, George Dobbs, Samuel
Davison, Wm. F. Fleming, Jno. Francisco, Wm. E. Fisher, Ed. Findley, Geo. W. Flannegan
William Glow, Samuel A. Hervey, John Hannon, Daniel M. Hanna, David B. Kukill, Henry
Hoalman, Benjamin Hart, Peter Joseph, Jasper Jewett, John Jennings, James Kelley, W. M.•
Moore, Peter Martin, Joseph Martin, Stephen B. Myers, Albert Moller, Thomas A. Mellor
Chancey Miller, Daniel A. Moarland, David Milhizer, John McFarland, George McCracken,
John C. McElvey, David McLeish, Thomas M. Orrick, Daniel Prooser, John Peter, Otis H.
Patterson, Jos. Piles, Talbert Parish, Morris Quinlan, John F. Snowden, John Smith, Noah S.
Smith, J. B Smith, Joshua Stroud, Thomas Scott, Robert .Sloe, John 13. Swinehart, Richard
Saunders, A. H. Slane, Henry Stiver, Erastus Tubble, Jas. C. Timmons, James Wallace,
Otis Worstelle, Gorden Workman, William Waters, Thomas Williams, Henry Z. Wolf;
Columbus Treadway.
Not being able to find the muster-out roll on file in the adjutant general's office, the casualties of
Company H. are necessarily omitted. The members of this company Who did not veteranize were
mustered out October 6, 1864. The veterans of the 1st Regiment were transferred with recruits to
the 18th O. V. I. Captain B. F. Prentis resigned May 17, 1863.
RECRUITS.-We have been furnished with the following list of recruits for this company : John
Burk, Joseph Baltzell, John Castner, Edwin S. Castner, Mathew Delano, John Kell, John Long,
Augustus Myers, John S. Murrel, Edward Murry, Kyrihan Marian Robbins, William Saladin
William Stellers, Henry Sharp, Thomas Swann, John W. Smith, Nimrod Tear, Wm. L. Patterson,
captain ; William Pringle.
CO. G. 2D REGIMENT O. V. I.
This company was recruited by Captain. James F. Sarret, at Steubenville, Ohio. It was mustered
into survive a Camp Dennison, Ohio, September 11, 1861. The original officers were :
James F. Sarratt, captain ; promoted to major Mara 4, 1864; James W. Glasener, first lieutenant ;
Lafayette Van Horne, second lieutenant.
Sergeants-Henry W. Miser, Malachi Krebs, John W. Holliday, William Arbaugh, Stephen ,B.
Porter.
Corporals-William Pittenger, Sylvester Davis, Samuel W. Miller, H. H. Worthington, Jacob
Summers, David W. Matleck, Thomas H. Brown, Joseph Carter.
Drummer-James M. Owens.
Wagoner-Elisha Kendall.
PROMOTIONS-J. F. Sarratt. promoted to major, March 4, 1864; Malachi Krebs, promoted to
second lieutenant, Jan. 5, 1863, from second lieutenant to first lieutenant, Feb, 11, 1864; James
W. Glasener, promoted to captain, Feb. 11, 1864, and assigned to Co. F. (same regiment);
Lafayette Van Horn was appointed from second lieutenant to first lieutenant of Co. I. (same
regiment) ; Ang. 20, 1862 ; Henry H. Worthington, promoted to first sergeant, May 15, 1864;
Wm. V. Owen, promoted to sergeant., October 28, 1863; W. A. Stephens promoted to sergeant,
Feb. 1, 1864 ; Emory Porter promoted to sergeant, May 15, 1864; Franklin Hawkins, promoted to
corporal, July 25, 1862 ; Mortimer F. Brown, promoted to corporal, December 25, 1862; George
O. Boyer, promoted to corporal, June 16,1863; Franklin Collins, promoted to corporal. Aug. 14,
1863; Robert H. Brown, promoted to corporal, Oct. 28, 1863; George Steindley, promoted to
corporal. February 1, 1864.
PRIVATES.-Alexander Abraham, Thomas W. Ault, Vanguilder Banghart, Thomas Bond,
Addison Batchelor, John Curran, Adam Cunningham, James Cooper (ex .prisoner), Benjamin F.
Durbin, Jacob Drury, William Dunn, J. W. Ferrer, John Gilkrist, Perry Hines, Milton H. Hill,
Harrison Holman, John L. Hebron, John A. Hays, Henry Jobe, John Leonard, Jefferson Lopeman,
Edwin N. Maxwell, John W. McCowan, Obney Alfred, James Owen, Edward Pumphrey, W. H.
Surls, James W. Simpson, Thomas J. Winters.
57-B. & J. Cos.
GAINED BY ENLISTMENT.-Isaac Butterworth, Frank Dolby, John Hardacker, Albert J.
Holroyd, Ross P. Johnston, Frank Keller, John Lopeman, Thomas Martin, Robert P. Martin,
Samuel Melville, James Montgomery, E. H. McFeely, Walter Nichols, John Summers, James
Winters. These were afterward transferred.
PRISONERS OF WAR.-The following were captured at Chickamauga, Ga., September 20,
1863: Colligan Bernard, David W. Matlock, James P. Coyle, James Carter, Brunton Hymers,
Wm. P. McCormick, John Neiss, John O'Neal, Wm. P. Snodgrass, Wm. Smidt, James
Woodman, James R. Yeagley.
KILLED IN BATTLE.-William Arbaugh, at Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1.864; Alexander C. Mills,
Lookout Mt., November 24, 1863; Bazaleel Hanlan, John J. Lopeman, Jerry Linton, at Chaplin
Hills, October 8, 1862; Alex. D. Searles, Chickamauga, Ga., September 20, 1863 ; Urbana
Smith, Chaplin Hills, October 8, 1862 ; John K. Sutherland, near Kingston, Ga., June 1, 1864;
John R. Winters, at Chaplin Hills, October 8, 1862.
DIED.--Henry W. Miser, in hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, March 12, 1862 ; Sylvester Davis,
in hospital, Nashville, Tenn., September 4, 1862; Jacob Summers, of wounds received in battle
of Chickamauga, Ga.. October 27, 1363 ; Guthrie, in hospital, Annapolis, Md., April 14, 1863;
David H. Lazure, at Edgefield Junction, Tenn., December 3, 1862 ; Elijah Mattock, January 31,
1863, of wounds received at Stone river ; Walter Nichols, February 15, 1863, of wounds received
at Stone river.
DISCHARGED.-Malachi Krebs, January 5, 1863; William Pittenger, August 147.1863 ; James
Brown, August 20, 1862; Samuel W. Miller, July 25, 1862: Thomas H. Brown, January 22., 1863
; Joseph Adams, March 1,1862 ; Reuben Bartlett, October 20, 1862 ; George H. Boyd, June 25,
1862 ; James Charlton, December 9, 1861; James S. Davis, June 23, 1862 ; Sylvanus Davis,
December 16, 1862 ; Wm. T. Hall, July 25, 1862 ; Philip P. Houston, May 28,'1863 ; Elisha
Kendall, June 20, 1862 ; Benj. Lester, April 18, 1862; Otho Linton; February 6, 1862, Joseph
Loudecker, April 31, 1863; Patrick Laying, March '7, 1863 ; John M. Leas, August 30, 1863;
Richard McLain, May 7, 1863; Thomas Martin, January 7, 1863; Augustine Myers, July 25, 1862
; Porter Styles, January 9, 1862; Preston Roberts, July 20, 1862 ; James W. Sanford, August 12,
1862 ; Manfred Swine- hart, sent to hospital March 5, 1862; Thomas F. Man, August 27, 1862.
Company mustered out December 10, 1864.
COMPANY S, SECOND REGIMENT, O. V. I.
This company was recruited at Mitchell's salt works and Steubenville. Captain Sarratt's company
being over full a number were placed into company K. The organization of this company is as
follows :
David Mitchell, captain.
Joseph R. D. Clendening, first lieutenant.
Thomas Dyal, second lieutenant.
Sergeants-George C. Yengley, Mitchell Crabbs, James Smith, Michael O'Connell and James
Phillips.
Corporals-Thomas Hamilton, Henry Vandike, James L. Mc-Cane, Elias Roberts, Isaac H.
Morrison, Thomas Martin, Robert Robson and Thomas George.
Drummer-Adolphus Russell.
Teamster-James E, Lowry.
Pioneers-Albert Close and Johnson Hartman.
PROMOTIONS.-Benjamin F. Brady, promoted from second to first lieutenant, February 11,
1864; Joseph R. D. Clendenning, resigned December 7, 1861; George R. Hollister, promoted
from sergeant to first lieutenant, December 8, 1861, and from first lieutenant to captain and
transferred to company I, 2d O. V. I., January 1, 1864; Thomas Dyal promoted to first lieutenant
and transferred to company I, June 22, 1863; Benjamin F. Brady, promoted to second lieutenant,
June 22,1863; Elias Roberts, promoted from corporal to sergeant, January 10, 1863, and to first
sergeant, June 22, 1863; John Hamilton, promoted from private to second sergeant, January 10,
1863; Isaac Morrison, promoted from corporal to sergeant, June 23, 1863 ; Hamilton Smith,
promoted from private to corporal, February 1, 1862, and from corporal to sergeant, November 4,
1863; Henry Vandyke, promoted from corporal to sergeant, August 1, 1863; James