HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 225 invested the fortress on July 2nd, he abandoned it, for which act he was charged with cowardice, incapacity, &c. He was tried by a court-martial, but acquitted honorably. The facts were that the works were incomplete, and not capable of being defended against that force, and an attempt would have resulted in the loss of many of his men. He served until the close of the war with reputation. Whilst residing on his farm at Ligonier in 1785 he was elected a member of the Continental Congress, and chosen president of that august body in 1787. In 1789 he was appointed Governor of the Northwest Territory. He commanded an army which was sent against the Miami Indians, and was defeated near the Miami river, with heavy loss November, 1791. Ceased to be governor in the winter of 1802-3. The following sketch of Gen. St. Clair is extracted from the notes of Judge Burnet, who was personally acquainted with him, and will be read with interest by the people : "During the continuance of the first grade of that im perfect government of the territory he enjoyed the respect and confidence of every class of the people. He was plain and simple in his dress and equipage, open and frank in his manners, and accessible to persons of every rank. In these respects he exhibited a striking contrast with the secretary, Colonel Sargent, and that contrast, in some measure, increased his popularity, which he retained unimpaired till .after the commencement of the first session of the legislature. During that session he manifested a strong desire to enlarge his own powers and restrict those of the assembly, which was the more noticed, as he had opposed the usurpations of the legislative 'council, composed of himself, or in his absence the Secretary and the Judges of the General Court, and had taken an early opportunity of submitting his views on that subject to the General Assembly. * * * * * "The effect of the construction he gave, of his own powers, may be seen in the fact that of the thirty bills passed by the two Houses during the first session and sent to him for his approval, he refused his assent to eleven, some of which were supposed to be of much importance. and all of them calculated, more or less, to advance the public interest. Some of them he rejected, because they related to the establishment of new counties; others, because he thought they were unnecessary or inexpedient. Thus more than a third of the fruits of the labor of that entire session was lost by the exercise of the arbitrary discretion of one man. "This, and some other occurrences of a similar character, which were manifest deviations from his usual course, not easily accounted for, multiplied his opponents very rapidly and rendered it more difficult for his friends to defend and sustain him. They also created a state of bad feeling between the legislative and executive branches, and eventually terminated in his removal from office before the expiration of the territorial government. The governor was unquestionably a man of superior tal, of extensive information, and of great uprightness of Purpose, as well as suavity of manners. His general course, though in the main correct, was in some respects injurious to his own popularity, but it was the result of an honest cxercise of his judgment. He not only believed that the power he claimed belonged legitimately to the executive, but was convinced that the manner in which he exercised it was imposed on him as a duty, by the ordinance, and was calculated to advance the best interests of the territory. * * * * * "Soon after the governor was removed from office he returned to the Ligonier valley, poor, and destitute of means of subsistence ; and unfortunately, too much disabled by age and infirmity to embark in. any kind of active business. During his administration of the territorial government, he was induced to make himself personally liable for the purchase of a number of packhorses and other articles necessary to fit out an expedition against the Indians, to an amount of some two or three thousand dollars, which he was afterwards compelled to pay. Having no use for the money at the time, he did not present his claim to the government. After he was removed from office, he looked to that fund as his dependence for future subsistence ; and, under a full expectation of receiving it, he repaired to Washington City and presented his account to the proper officer of the treasury. To his utter surprise and disappointment it was rejected, on the mortifying ground, that, admitting it to have been originally correct. it was barred by the statute ; and that the time which had elapsed, afforded the highest presumption that it bad been settled, although no voucher or memorandum to that effect could be found in the department. To counteract the alleged presumption of payment, the original vouchers, showing the purchase, the purpose to which the property was applied and 29—B. & J. Cos. the payment of the money, were exhibited. It was, however, still insisted that as the transaction was an old one and had taken place before the burning of the war office in Philadelphia, the lapse of time furnished satisfactory evidence that the claim must have been settled and the vouchers destroyed in that conflagration. The pride of the old veteran was deeply wounded by the ground on which his claim was refused, and he was induced, from that consideration, as well as by the pressure of poverty and want, to persevere in his efforts to maintain the justice and equity of his demand ; still hoping that presumption would give way to truth. For the purpose of getting rid of his solicitations, Congress passed an act purporting to be an act for his relief; but which merely removed the technical objection, founded on lapse of time, by authorizing a settlement of his demands, regardless of the limitation. This step seemed necessary to preserve their own character ; but it left the worn out veteran still at the mercy of the accounting officers of the department, from whom he had nothing to expect but disappointment. During the same session a bill was introduced into the House of Representatives granting him an annuity, which was rejected on the third reading by a vote of 48 to 50. "After spending the principal part of two sessions in useless efforts, subsisting during the time on the bounty of his friends. he abandoned the pursuit in despair and returned to the Ligonier valley where he lived several years in the most abject poverty in the family of a widowed daughter as destitute as himself. At length Pennsylvania, his adopted state, from considerations of personal respect and gratitude for past services as well as from a laudable feeling of state pride, settled on him an annuity of three hundred dollars, which was soon after raised to six hundred and fifty dollars. That act of beneficence gave to the gallant old soldier a comfortable subsistence for the little remnant of his days which then remained. The honor resulting to the state from that step was very much enhanced by the fact that the individual on whom their bounty was bestowed, was a foreigner, and was known to be a warm opponent in politics to thereat majority of the legislature and their constituents. "He lived, however, but a short time to enjoy the bounty. On the 31st of August, 1818, that venerable officer of the Revolution, after a long, brilliant and useful life, died of an injury occasioned by the running away of his horse, near Greensburgh, in the eighty-fourth year of his age." BUILT IN THE WOODS. At the time Newell laid out the village of St. Clairsville, its site was covered with a dense forest. In a few years log buildings or cabins had sprung up like a mushroom. Immigrants came in on horseback and afoot. The trails were alive with pioneers bringing their small stores of household goods, packed on their beasts, . which made them appear as broad as long, and among stumps, trees and bushes, they spread out their goods and erected their habitations. FIRST PROPERTY HOLDERS. Below is subjoined a list of the first owners of town lots in St. Clairsville, and the dates of their purchase. David and Benjamin Newell were the grantors : To James Caldwell, October 29, 1800. To David Russell, January 20, 1801. To Enoch Rush, November 4, 1801. To John Francis, December 21, 1801. To John Woodburn, December 22, 1801. To Jacob Holtz, November 28, 1801. To Philip Windle, December 22, 1801. To George Michael, December 19, 1801. To Samuel Harbert, December 28, 1801. To Nicholas Steller, January 8, 1802. To Christian Rose, January 8,1802. To John Clause, January 8, 1802. To Abraham Lash, January 8, 1802. To John Thompson, January 29, 1802. To Joseph McConald, April 17, 1802. To Valentine Ault, February 16, 1802. To James Bell, February 17, 1802. To Lydia Allie, February 27, 1802. To Jacob Routh, January 29, 1802. To James Brian, January 14, 1802. To Jacob Devore, March 28, 1801. To Christopher Clouse, April 29, 1802. To James Woods, April 30, 1802. 226 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. To Mary Bowls, April 27, 1802. To James Finley, March 3, 1802. To David Kirkpatrick, April 27, 1802. To William Brown, April 27, 1802. To John Bly, April 20, 1802. To Israel Irwin, April 27, 1802. To William Irwin, May 8, 1802. To David Trimble, June 29, 1802. To Nancy Newell, April 29, 1802. To Daniel Peck, June 29, 1802. To William Young, July 3, 1802. To William Vance, July 31, 1802. To William Mathers, August 4, 1802. To Sally Thompson, August 13, 1802. To Absalom Martin, August 13, 1802. To Robert Griffith, August 17, 1802. To Thomas Conly, August 22, 1802. To Thomas Thompson, August 23, 1802. To Joseph Irwin, September 2, 1802. To Elijah Woods, August 7, 1802, To Noah Zane, September 17, 1802. To Magdaline Piper, September 11, 1802. To William Cougleton, September 16, 1802. To Joseph Martin, August 7, 1802. To William Bell, September 23, 1802. To Samuel McElroy, October 9, 1802. To William Frost, October 5, 1802. To John Dugan, October 9, 1802. To John McClain, October 29, 1802. To Samuel Buchanan, October 27, 1802. To William Gibson, October 11, 1802. To William Frost, October 11, 1802. To Robert Griffin, October 11, 1802. To Thomas Hellems, December 6, 1802. To William Gibson, December 9, 1802. To George Myers, February 3, 1803. To John Long, February 3, 1803. To Josiah Hedges, January 7, 1803. To Robert Johnston, April 4, 1803. To Robert Thompson, April 15, 1803. To William Cook, May 6, 1803. To Mahlon Smith, May 6. 1803. To Enoch Rush, May 6, 1803. To John Woodburn, May 14, 1803. To Sterling Johnston, October 1, 1803. To William Newell, September 28, 1003 To A. S. Woodrow, November 9, 1803. To Bazil Israel, November 9, 1803. To Abraham Barnhart, November 17, 1803. To James Barnes, January 7, 1803. To Moses Morehead, February 25, 1804. To Alpheus Ferren, February 25, 1804. To John Israel, February 26, 1804. To Wm. Gibson, February 25, 1804. To Robert Johnston, April, 8, 1804. To Nathan Updegtaff, April 13, 1804. To Daniel Church, April 13, 1804. To Thomas Ireland, May 6, 1803. To Jonathan Quigley, February 19, 1801. INCORPORATED. In 1807, Newell's plat with an additional part on the south side of town, laid out by William Mathers, was incorporated by the name of St. Clairsville. By said act of incorporation the following officers were appointed : President—John Patterson. Recorder—Sterling Johnston. Trustees—Michael Groves, William Brown, John Brown and Josiah Dillon. Collector--Wm. Cougleton. Treasurer—James Caldwell. Town Marshal—Robert Griffeth. How long this corporation was kept up is unknown ; but by dereliction of duty it died out, and perhaps, soon too, after the act passed. As time grew on and the town improved by the erection of frame and brick buildings, many of the log houses (for they were all log then) began to recede or diminish, the subject of incorporation commenced to be again agitated. A number of log hamlets which were unsafe from fire and otherwise, endangering .new ones built alongside of them, proved to be a great annoyance to the citizens. By having the village incorporated these could be removed. Accordingly on the 19th day of December, 1818, the following act of incorporation was effected : LETTERS OF INCORPORATION. "Whereas the householders in the town of St. Clairsville, in the county of Belmont, having complied with the provisions of the act of the General Assembly, entitled 'An act to provide for the incorporation of towns ;' and having filed in the office of the Secretary of State, the documents required by the above recited act ; therefore, " To all to whom these presents shall come.—Be it known, that the tract of land described in the following boundaries, beginning at a stake on the northwest corner of the commons of said town adjoining lands formerly of William Boggs (now Andrew White's out-lot); thence south 19 degrees east, fifty-eight poles to a stake on the southwest corner of the commons of said town ; and thence north 71½ degrees east, one hundred and eighty-one poles and six hundredths to a stake, a corner at the southeast corner of the commons of said town ; and thence 19 degrees west, fifty-eight poles to a stake at a corner on the north east corner of the commons of said town ; and thence south 74 degrees west, one hundred and eighty-one and six hundredths poles to the stake, the place of beginning. Also an addition to said town laid out by one Wm. Mathers, bounded as follows, to wit : Beginning for a corner at a stake on the southwest corner of the same, and on the south line of the commons of the town. plat herein first described, and thence south 19 degrees east, thirty-seven poles to a stake in the southwest corner of the commons of said addition ; ' and thence north 74 degrees east, forty-six and forty-two hundredths to a stake on the southeast corner of the said addition, and on the south line of the commons of the town plat herein first described, and thence south 74 degrees west, to the last place of beginning, as by the plat of said town and the addition thereto will more fully appear, and situate in the county of Belmont ; is hereby declared a town corporate and shall henceforth be distinguished by the name of St. Clairsville. * * * * * * "In testimony whereof, and in conformity to law, I, Jeremiah McLene, Secretary of State, have caused these letters to be made patent, and have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at Columbus, this 19th day of December, A. D. 1818. "JEREMIAH McLENE." "Owing to the length of the rules and regulations governing said town they are here omitted. The officers of town were president, recorder and trustees. These were empowered to appoint a town marshal, a collector and a treasurer. OFFICERS FOR 1879. Mayor—H. M. Davies. Clerk—R. R. Barrett. Treasuer—A. P. Blair. Councilmen—Robert M. Eaton, Benjamin S. McBride, Cyrus H. Kirk, W. S, Kennon, John E. West and John Carlisle. Marshal—William Rice. Deputy Marshal—L. C. Neiswanger. EARLY MERCHANTS. James Caldwell was the first person to open out a dry goods store in St. Clairsville. He came from Wheeling and started in the mercantile business in 1801. He erected a small cabin on the lot where Welday's bank now stands. He carried on the trade for a number of years and grew quite wealthy. Was the first president of the Belmont Bank of St. Clairsville in about 1816. Died about 1837. John Winters was the second party to engage in the store business. He commenced in 1802. These gentlemen were followed by James Barnes, in 1803; Peter Yarnald, John Patterson, and John Thompson, in 1806. Yarnald kept until 1813, when he sold out and removed from the village. The latter continued in the trade until 1824. Josiah Dillon kept in 1807. Samuel Sharp also started the same year. In 1813, Josiah Hedges started a store, and continued until 1819. He then sold out and removed to Seneca county, where, in 1821, he laid out the town of Tiffin, and named it in honor of the Hon. Edward Tiffin, of Ross county, president of the convention which formed the constitution of Ohio, and the first Governor of the State in 1803. John Carter & Co. opened out a store on the lot where the National hotel building now stands, along in 1806-7. Joseph Har- ris and Richard Freeman started stores in 1808. In 1819 Richard Charlesworth started in the dry goods business. He drove an extensive business in shipping produce to New Orleans, and dealt largely in furs and such like. He carried on the business for a number of years. HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 227 FIRST TAVERN KEEPERS. Jacob Holtz received the first license to keep a "house of public entertainment" in St. Clairsville, February 23d, 1802. He kept hotel until about 1806, when he removed into now Union township, and kept a tavern west of Morristown. On the 25th of May, (1802,) licenses were granted to John Thompson and Bazil Israel. James Barnes kept in 1803; the same year Wm. Gibson received a license to keep tavern. Michael Groves and Sterling Johnston in 1804; Andrew Moore, in 1805 ; Andrew Marshall in 1805; Absalom Martin, in 1807; Jacob Lease, in 1807, and John Brown, same year ; Zebulon Warner, in 1808, &e., &c. EARLY PHYSICIANS. The first physician to begin the practice of medicine in the town was Dr. Herron. He located here in about 1804. It is said he cut the letter "M" out of the hand of Peter Sunderland, who had been branded by the sheriff for the murder of John Holtz. He was followed by Dr. Hughes, who practiced here a great many years. Dr. Quigley succeeded him, who remained until about 1822. He subsequently lost his eyesight, and died blind. MISCELLANEOUS VOCATIONS. In 1803, Joseph Morrison began the manufacture of hats in St. Clairsville. A lively business was the hatter's trade in early days. Ralph Heath was the first silversmith. He opened out a shop on Marietta street, continuing for a number of years. The first tannery started was in 1803-4, by John Long. Smith & White started in 1808. Moses Morehead began, perhaps, a year earlier. Long's tannery was located in the southwest part of town, Smith and White's in the east end, and Morehead's in the southeast part of town. John Marchus carried on tailoring in St. Clairsville as early as 1803 of 4, and was the first man in that business in the town. He continued for a number of years. Joseph Patton started a shoe shop in 1801, and Henry Mitchell also began shoemaking near about the same time. These gentlemen were among the first. Ira Robertson opened the first tin shop in 1806. Samuel Sullivan was a hatter. Ho started in the town in 1806. Had his shop where George Jepson now lives. His son, John Sullivan, was made the first president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (Ohio division). A man by the name of Jesse Magee opened out, it is believed, the first cabinet shop. He was followed by Joseph Marshall. Jacob Leash, a Hessian, was the first barber who shaved and dressed hair in St. Clairsville. Reese Branson was the earliest clock-maker in his section of the county, and the first Fn St. Clairsville, He located here as early as 1806. He also made buttons out of pewter, with brass ̊Yes. In that line he had quite a run. That was the style of buttons worn by the early settlers, and appropriately used with their linsey-woolsey habiliments. John Copeland was the first person to carry on blacksmithing. His shop was situated on or near the present site of Major Thompson's residence. Robert Dent was the first school, teacher in St. Clairsville. Ho was a member of the Methodist church. A Rev. Mr. Colderhead was the first itinerant minister in the village. It is believed by a few persons now living, that Andrew Marshall was the earliest postmaster of St. Clairsville, and that he received his appointment from the second President of the United States, John Adams. In 1805-6, he took the contract to carry the mail, by wagon, from Wheeling to Lancaster. The mail prior to that time had been carried on horseback. There was a horse-mill on the lot where afterwards was built the Friends' church. A stillhouse stood on the same lot. It was quite small—only having one still. Messrs. Josiah Dillon and John Thompson were the operators there for a short time. The distillery burnt down, and the land was sold by Thompson to Taylor, who sold part to the Friends, in 1807, for a church site. Michael Groves also had a distillery on the lot owned by Mr. King, in a very early day. ST. CLAIRSVILLE IN 1808. From a letter written by a citizen of St. Clairsville to Mr. F. Cuming, dated December 30, 1808, the following is obtained: I-29--B & J. Cos. "St. Clairsville, a post town, and seat of justice for Belmont county, was so called in honor of Gen. Arthur St. Clair, late governor of the Northwest territory ; was laid (in the woods) by David Newell in the year 1801, on the great western post road from the city of Washington to Chillicothe, then called Zane's road, and at that time was scarcely passable for wagons. It is pleasantly situated on a rising ground, eleven miles west from Wheeling, in Virginia, sixty-seven southwest of Pittsburgh, two hundred and eighty-five on the usual route and two hundred and thirty-four in a straight line from Baltimore and the city of Washington, and one hundred and fifty E. N. E. of Chillicothe. On the south side of Newell's plat and the Marietta road, is an additional part laid out by William Mathers, which, by an act of the legislature, was incorporated with Newell's plat on the 23d of January, 1807, by the name of St. Clairsville, and is governed by a president, recorder and five trustees, and a town marshal, with power to create inferior officers to execute their ordinances. There are seventy-nine dwelling houses and four hundred inhabitants. The houses, with the exception of three two-story dwellings and a one-story brick school house, are all wooden, principally two stories high, mostly weather-boarded and neatly painted, which gives the town a new and thriving appearance: On the most elevated spot, and near the centre of the town-plat, north side of Main street, in the public square, stands the court house and goal under the same roof, a strong log building of two stories high. Within seven miles of this place are seven grist mills, two of which make merchant work, eight saw mills, one oil mill, and two carding machines erecting. Our lands are rich and heavily timbered with walnut, sugar maple, poplar, (a tree of which in sight of this place is eight feet four inches in diameter) white oak, ash, hickory, &c., and peculiarly adapted to the growth of fruit trees. The last season a young tree, whose trunk was 11 inch thick, third years' transplanting, blossomed and had fifty-six apples ; but being too prolific, the tree died before the fruit came to perfection. "The produce collected for the Atlantic ports, are flour (for the New Orleans market) hemp, flax, bees-wax, and in the fall of 1807, 12,000 weight of snake-rout, and 6,000 weight of ginseng (3,000 wt. of which being clarified) was sent from this place to the ports of Philadelphia and Baltimore. "Inexhaustable coal banks surround this place in almost every direction, and coal is delivered here at 61 cents per bushel. Notwithstanding the variableness of the weather, there is perhaps no place in the western country that can boast of a greater share of uniform health. The diseases most prevalent are rheumatisms, and a species of bilious fever that prevails most in dry seasons. Few places perhaps can boast of a greater population since the time of first settlement. Here are horses of a tolerable breed, mostly from Virginia, cattle not excellent, sheep of good quality and fine fleeces. "Here are two schools, five taverns, eight stores well assorted with goods, seven carpenters, three masons, two blacksmiths, two tanners or carriers, four cabinet makers, one brickmaker, two saddlers, one pottery, one tinner, two manufacturies of cut nails, two clock and watch makers, four shoemakers, three tailors, two turners in. wood, one spinning-wheel maker, (a very useful manufacture in a new country, and especially at this time when every family is a dollar the richer for every cent laid out in buying a spinning wheel, and pounds for every shilling's worth in home made garments,) one cart wright, two windsor chair makers, and one maker of split bottom chairs, two distilleries, one victualler, three physicians and two attorneys," EXTINCT CHURCH ASSOCIATIONS. Immediately opposite the present Methodist church stood the Episcopal church building; built 1822. The congregation becoming scattered it was used for some years by the Associate Reform church, and after that remained unoccupied; and about 1862 it fell down and the ground was sold. The Associate Reform, now the United Presbyterian church building, was erected about 1833, on the south side of the town. In 1874 the building was removed and repaired, with modern improvements. The Friends or Quakers, at one time numerous, have almost entirely disappeared. The meeting house .was taken down in 1875. It stood on the lot now owned by Col. Thompson. The building was erected in 1809-'10. A half acre of ground was purchased from a Mr. Taylor, of Steubenville, in 1807, by the Friends. Several years later they put up a church. Prior to holding services in their ,church they met at the house of Mr. William Mosley. His house stood on the present site of Mr. Sin- 228 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES clair's residence. An old lady named Mitchell used to preach for them, INITIAL ATTORNEYS. The first lawyer to locate in St. Clairsville was Jacob Nagle. lie, it is said, was a brilliant scholar and an excellent lawyer; but was addicted to strong drink to such an extent that his profession suffered thereby. He defended Peter Sunderland, the first person indicted in the Belmont county courts for murder, in 1804, and through his fine management and stirring eloquence induced a jury of twelve persons to bring in that singular verdict, (see early judiciary) thus saving his client from being hanged. He was followed by Charles Hammond, Moses Morehead, Col. George Paull, Daniel McElherron, Samuel Sprigg and others. SCHOOLS. Major Thompson says : The first school house erected in or near St. Clairsville, stood on the property now owned by Mr. Benjamin Barkhurst. It was built of logs in regular cabin fashion, about 1802. The door of this cabin swung on wooden binges. What light reflected into the small room was transmitted through a solitary window of greased paper. The seats were made of split timber, with flat side up, resting on wooden pins and at such a height from the the floor that the teacher seldom ever was annoyed by shuffling of feet on the same. Wm. Fleeharty officiated as teacher. Books were not numerous in those days. One often supplied the whole school. The pupils, when called up to recite, stood in a row and the book from which they read was passed from the head of the class down, each reading such portion assigned them by their teacher. School was taught several years, when petty jealousies sprang up between the country and town, the forme' accusing their master of partiality. One night a party of the dissatisfied gathered at the cabin and completely demolished it, scarcely leaving one log on another. Thus ended the first school and building, so the historian has been informed. The next school house was built at the west end of town along in 1803-4. It was a step farther on in improvement above the first. It is not positively known who taught there. Another school was started in 1806-7, near the present residence of Mrs. Ferren, which, Major Thompson says, was conducted under the influence of the Presbyterian congregation and continued for a number of years. In 1809, the Methodists, having by this time grown more numerous, in this place, started a school in a brick house on the southeast corner of the M. E. graveyard. This school was looked upon by some as an innovation. School was carried on here until about 1840. The first teacher who taught in this house was Prof. Dent. He was followed by Wm. Limberlake, Sterling; Johnston and Zadoc Masters. He taught in about 1822, and Join Taylor taught along in 1826-28; a Mr. Glasco in 1828-9 and W. Y. Ellis in about 1832, when others followed. In 1822 or '3 Miss Ann Leech taught a school for several terms in a house which stood on the lot where is situated the residence now occupied by Jesse Burley. A school was carried on on the lot now owned by Miss Mehala Hutchison. William Sims taught here in 1824-5. The building now used by the colored people was built for a school in 1830, and occupied as such for a number of years. Mr. G. W. Hoge tanght in this building several years and Miss Jane Edgerton taught here from 1855 to 1864. William Nettleton, Gregg and White taught a school on the lot owned by Mrs. Armstrong. On Samuel Taylor's lot, Marietta street, school was conducted for a number of years. David Moore taught the first graded school in St. Clairsville. Prior to June 1st, 1831, schools were mostly select. After this date a certain fund by the state was set apart for the support of common schools. In 1868, the present large and elegant brick building was erected. It measures 74x77, three stories high, and cost $36,000 irrespective of ground. The first and second floors are occupied by the schools, The third floor is used as a hall by the Masonic Fraternity. The high school is on the second floor; Grammar, Intermediate, Secondary and Primary on the first floor. First faculty was composed of Prof. J. J. Burns, (the present Commissioner of Public Schools in the State,) Miss --. Egelson, Miss M. C. Ryan, Miss Rebecca Billingly, Miss A. Adams. The teachers for 1879 are Prof. J. G. Black. Miss M. C. Ryan, Miss M. Davies, Miss M. Griffin and Miss A. Adams. This is an excellent corps, as well as those who preceded them in the new school building. For many years St. Clairsville has been very fortunate in securing good teachers. Even from the introduction of the free school law its educational advantages have far surpassed many other towns of its size in the state. OLD SEMINARIES. The building now owned and occupied by Dr. John Alexander was used for several years by Prof. F. S. Brooks as a Seminary, It was originally built for a residence by Dr. Thomas Carroll, a Quaker gentleman, who migrated from Columbiana county in about 1831. He engaged in the practice of medicine in this place a number of years. In 1841 he sold the building to Prof. F. S. Brooks, who converted it from a residence into a Seminary, and conducted it as such for a short time, but the school finally fell through for want of proper support. Prior to this Prof. Wilkinson had founded an Institute on the property now in the possession of Mr. John McClelland. He was succeeded by Brooks along about 1838. The latter bought the property and carried on a school for about a year, when the house took fire and was consumed, but he had it rebuilt. Prof. Brooks undertook to carry on both schools. the one at the edge of town for gentlemen and the other for ladies. But, being disappointed in his attempt to establish such a school with pecuniary results to justify him, he failed, and the buildings were purchased by the above named gentlemen. In 1836 the Methodists organized a Seminary in the eastern end of the old Masonic Hall. But this school, like the others, failed for want of proper support. There was also a common school taught in the west end of the same building at that time—both on the first floor. COLORED SCHOOLS. For a number of years St. Clairsville has kept up a separate school for the education of the colored children of the place. One of the old school buildings formerly used by the town is occupied by this school. A colored gentleman named West, has been the teacher for a couple of years. THE UNION CEMETERY. The Union Cemetery Association was organized April 29th: 1871. The trustees elected were George Brown, David Brown. William Chambers, George Jepson, Samuel M. Thompson, Honf R. E. Chambers, clerk. This cemetery is located about a hale mile north of St. Clairsville, and there is about fifteen acre enclosed in the lot. The site is a beautiful one, being on a elevated piece of ground. A portion of this lot was used for years by the Presbyterians and underneath its green, beautiful sod has been interred many of the early citizens. Hundreds people this city of the dead. Scarcely a family in St. Clairsville, but is linked to this sacred spot, where repose the remains of kindred and friends. Soon after the settlement in this vicinity the dead were interred in this ground. This place is being beautified more and more every year. The evergreens planted there by kind friends- above the resting place of those they loved will soon cast their shade over the walks which kindred frequent. Here may come the lover and find a retreat of quiet, weeping over the untimely fate of his betrothed and to deck her grave with flowers. Here let the father erect his monument to the memory of his noble child. Here let the profligate son catch the inspiration of repentance and virtue as he gazes on the last memorials of his pious parents. Here let a daughter revive a mother's image and endearment. "While this place of weeping still Its lone memorial keeps Whilst on her name, 'midst woods and hills The quiet sunshine keeps." Here a grateful public can pay their tribute to talent, learning and industry, devoted to the interest of mankind. As the eyes, that from this point, look mournfully upon the surrounding landscape, may they be favored, like Moses from the summit of Pisgah, with brighter visions of the promised rest in heaven. M. E. BURIAL GROUND. In 1809 the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church purchased from Josiah Hedges about one acre of ground for the HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 229 purpose of using it for a burial place. When Mr. John Thompson came in possession of the land from which this parcel had been sold he donated a half acre joining it, to the Episcopalian brethren who used it until the society abandoned their church. Since it has been used entirely by the former society. Here rests the remains of several old revolutionary soldiers, the body of Genin and other noted persons of early days. THE FRIENDS OR QUAKER'S GRAVEYARD. This burying place lies immediately north of town and contains about half an acre. Perhaps the first interment took place here along in 1810-12. It is still used for burial purposes occasionally. OLD BUILDINGS. Major Thompson says that the oldest building standing in town is the corner house opposite Shepherd Davis, wagon shop, and that the second one is back of Bumgarner s shop. The west end of Fink's tavern was the first shingle-roof house in town. He also says his father, John Thompson, built one amongst the first cabins in St. Clairsville, on the lot immediately east of Judge Kennon's residence, in 1800. HORSE MILLS AND DISTILLERIES. On a lot near where the Friends' meeting-house stood was erected a horse-mill along in 1807-8. A small still house was also built on. the same lot in about that year. Josiah Dillon owned them. The mill was afterwards burned down. A man from Zanesville operated the still. Mr. John Thompson purchased this distillery, and continued distilling for several years. Michael Groves run a still house on the lot owned by king. Distilleries were quite numerous in those days. Major Thompson says, still houses could be found on nearly every other farm. In this connection can be related an old circumstance, which took place. in the days of one-horse distilleries. A Teuton came to town with a three-bushel bag of rye, hunting market for the same. As no one seemed inclined to buy, the fellow got provoked, and said : "By jimminy ! If 1 can't sells him, 1 takes him home and makes him into viskey, den I eats him !" EARLY MEMBERS OF THE BELMONT COUNTY BAR. CHARLES HAMMOND.—First among the names of the honored members of the bar of Belmont county, stands that of Charles Hammond, who afterward became a prominent lawyer of the state: He was a native of Maryland and a graduate of Washington College, Soon after quitting school be entered the law office and was a pupil under the celebrated Philip Doddridge. He migrated to the county in 1801, to follow his chosen profession. In November of that year, he was appointed prosecuting attorney by the court, and then, soon afterwards, legally appointed by the Governor of the Northwest Territory, in which capacity he served until near the close of 1804. He was not only a lawyer of fine talent, but a man of great popularity with all classes. He was honest in the fullest sense of the word, and remarkably affable in manner. During the war of '12 he published The Federalist, of St. Clairsville. At this time he resided on the farm now owned by Charles H. Amick, near the top of Wheeling hill. In 1824 he removed to Cincinnati and attained a high position there as editor of the Gazette. He was the author of the celebrated political essays, signed "Hampden," published in the National intelligencer in 1820, regarding the character and Constitution of the United States government, for which he was highly complimented by President Jefferson. He died in Cincinnati in 1840, JACOB NAGLE.—A classical scholar and eloquent orator, migrated from Bedford, Pennsylvania, in 1802. He was the first resident lawyer St. Clairsville had. Prior to his removal to this region, he owned the Bedford Springs, which were famous for medicinal properties. He succeeded Hammond as prosecutor, serving from 1804 to 1808. He had a great weakness for drink. He was highly respected for his learning, but in later years was seldom ever entrusted with a case. Other lawyers less able to manage their busines, usually advised with him on intricate and difficult points of law. COL. GEORGE PAULL.—Migrated from Uniontown, Pa. Admitted to, practice in the Belmont county courts in 1806. He was a Colonel out in the war of '12, and was in the engagement which took place at Moravian village, on the Thames, October 5, 1813. He represented this county in the Legislature along with Wm. Dunn, from 1817 to 1819. He was the father of Rev. Alfred, and Judge James Paull, of Wheeling. He owned and resided in the house now occupied by General Weir, where he died. JUDGE RUGGLES—See biography. DAVID JENNINGS—Was a member of the Belmont county-bar for a number of years. He was admit in 1813. Was appointed prosecuting attorney in 1815, serving in that capacity-until 1825. In that year he was elected a member of Congress, where he remained until 1826. He was a brother of Obediah Jennings who quit the practice of law and turned his talent to preaching as a Presbyterian. He had a debate with Alexander Campbell, the founder of the .Disciples' Church. THOMAS H. GENIN—An able councellor at the Belmont county-bar for about fifty years, He was born March 23d, 1796, near Aquebogue, Suffolk county, Long Island. His parents died when a child, when he was taken by his uncle. William Woodhull, of Chester, New Jersey, and reared to manhood. His uncle was a graduate of Princeton College, culminating his collegiate course prior to the revolutionary war and had been a Presbyterian minister for twelve years. Genin became a pupil under him. He was destined for the law, but tried various kinds of industry before making discovery of that fact. Ile finally went to New York and studied law. In 1816, a t the age of twenty, was admitted to the bar of that city. In August of that year he was married to Miss Ann Hilliard, of Randolph, New Jersey. In 1817 he migrated to St. Clairsville, where he lived and died. He was Master Commissioner for twenty-six years. He was a literary man as well as a lawyer. He sympathized with Lundy's efforts and early espoused the cause. Became a. member of the "Humane Society," before which he delivered a brilliant oration. has written a number of papers on various topics and several poems, prominent amongst which is "Napo-lead." Above his grave is placed a life-size statuary, in which, it is said, the sculptor has finely delineated the features and figure of Genin. His death occurred in 1868. HON. WILSON SHANNON.—This gentleman was a prominent member of the Belmont county bar for a number of years, and a mac of national prominence. See biographical sketch of Shannon family. JAMES SHANNON was admitted to practice in 1818. He was a brother of Governor Shannon. He, it is said, was the most brilliant of all the brothers. Ile practiced law with great success. He, shortly after his admission to practice, removed to Lexington, Ky., where he followed his profession for ten years, and became prominent as a political leader, but the Whig majorities were too great to be overcome, and he, being a Democrat, was always defeated for local position. While residing at Lexington he married a daughter of ex-Governor Shelby. In 1832 President Jackson commissioned him as charge d' affairs to Guatimala, but he died before reaching his post. WILLIAM B. HUBBARD, emigrated to St. Clairsville in 1820. He came as an indifferent lawyer, but through Jacob Nagle he became quite a successful one. Served as prosecuting attorney from 1825 to 1833. Ile removed to Columbus where he accumulated a master fortune. He lived in that city until his death. STEPHEN CALDWELL, came from Brooke county, West Virginia, in about 1822. He was a scholarly and a very affable man. But, it is said, he was never very successful at the bar. He died in Philadelphia. JUDGE WILLIAM KENNON, SR.—This honorable gentleman, who has long since passed the meridian of life is still living in St. Clairsville. His public life has been full of usefulness as well as honor. The judge was born in .Fayette county, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1799. In 1822, he migrated with parents to St. Clairsville. Received a classical education at Athens College, Ohio, After leaving college he became a student at law under the tutorship of William B. Hubbard. In 18— he, in company with General James Weir, was admitted to the bar at Hillsborough, Highland county, Ohio. In 1825 he was married to Mary, daughter of Ezer Ellis, who was at that time, sheriff of Belmont county. This union resulted in three children—W. S., John and Ellis E. In 1828 he was elected to Congress, serving until 1833, and defeated in 1832 by James M. Bell, of Guernsey county, and in 1834 was again elected, serving from 1835 to 1837. In 1840, he was elected judge of the 15th judicial circuit and served ten years. He was a member of the constitutional convention in 1850 and the same year was supreme judge and president of the commission which made the present code of civil proceedure. All these positions he filled with distinguished ability. He withdrew from the bar and public life, owing to age and in- 230 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. firmity. He is now in the 81st year of his age. Residence east Main street. JOHN M. GOODENOW was a brilliant lawyer and scholar. He resided in St. Clairsville but a short time. Came in 1830. He was elected to the supreme bench. From this place he removed to Texas, but failed in business and started on his return to his former home. He died on his way near Cincinnati. G. W. THOMPSON was born in St. Clairsville in 1806. Graduated at Cannonsburg college, in 1825. Studied law under W. B. Hubbard, and was admitted to the bar in 1826. He practiced law here for five years. Removed to Wheeling in 1836, where he was married. He was afterwards elected judge of the court, and also elected to Congress from West Virginia. He still resides near Wheeling. ROBERT J. ALEXANDER was born on what is called Scotch Ridge, He was a son of the old Associate Judge Alexander. Graduated at Athens. Was admitted to the bar in 1831. In 1841 he was elected prosecutor and served in that office until 1845. He practiced until he was elected judge and served a full term as such. He died near St. Clairsville. HON. BENJAMIN S. COWEN was born, Sept. 27, 1792, in Washington county, N. Y. where he was also educated. He removed to Ohio in 1825, to the village of Moorefield, Harrison county, where he practised medicine for a short time, but was admitted to the bar in 1830, and shortly afterward was appointed Prosecuting Attorney for Monroe county. In 1832 he formed a law partnership with Wm. B. Hubbard and removed to St. Clairsville, where he resided until his death. In 1840 he was elected to the 27th Congress, and was chairman of the committee on claims. In 1844 he was chosen to the State Legislature, and' Was there recognized as the acknowledged leader of the Whig party in the House. He was elected by the Legislature in 1847, a judge of the court of Common Pleas, and was on the bench till 1853. He took a leading part in the founding of Brook's Institute and Seminary of St. Clairsville, where his two sons, D, D. T, and B. R. Cowen, received most of their education. He was married in Washington county, N. Y., to Annie, daughter of Judge Wood. He continued in the active practice of his profession till he died on his birthday, Sept. 27, 1869, at the age of 76 years, respected and beloved by all who knew him. HON. DANIEL PECK-Emigrated to St. Clairsville about 1824. He commenced practicing at the bar upon his settlement and continued until i862, when he removed to Wheeling, West Virginia, where he still follows his profession. HON. WM. KENNON, JR.-Was born in Ireland in 1802. His parents migrated to Belmont county, Ohio, when he was a child. He studied law with Hon. Wm. Kennon at St. Clairsville. He was admitted to practice in 1833. In 1837 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, serving until 1841. Was elected and served in congress from 1847 to 1849. He was elected Common Pleas judge and filled that position from 1865 to 1867. On account of ill-health he resigned his office, and died on the 19th day of October, 1867. C. C. CARROLL-First located in St. Clairsville as a physician, but was not very successful in physics, and, through the influence of Judge Ruggles, whose step-daughter he married, he was induced to turn his attention to law. He was a member of the bar for 26 years, and a citizen of St. Clairsville for thirty-one. "By his untiring application he had become a good lawyer, a ripe scholar, and deservedly distinguished as an able advocate, an honorable and successful practitioner, and a fearless and eloquent participator in the moral, political and philanthropic discussions of his time." He was elected as prosecuting attorney and served from 1845 to 1849. He died in St. Clairsville, December 25, 1858. MILLER PENNINGTON began practicing law at the Belmont county bar in 1841. He was a talented young man, full of pluck and energy, and was successful as a practitioner. Served the county one year in the Legislature in 1847. Had a bright future, but died young. HUGH J. JEWETT, President of the Erie Railroad, New York, studied law and resided in St. Clairsville for a number of years. He was admitted to the bar in 1839. From here he removed to Zanesville, where he became connected with railroad interests. In 1861 he was the Democratic candidate for Governor of Ohio. He has since been elected to the Legislature and also to Congress. LAWYERS OF BELMONT COUNTY ADMITTED TO PRACTICE. The following is a list of attorneys who were first admitted to practice, with the years thereto, as appear on the court records, from the organization of the county to 1879 : Charles Hammond, 1801. Daniel F. Barney, 1803. Jacob Nagle, 1804. Daniel Church, 1804. Robert Purviance. 1804. George Paull, 1806. David Jennings, 1813. James Shannon, 1818. William J. Thomas. 1819. Artemus Baker, 1821. Seneca S. Salsberry, 1823. Daniel Grey, 1824. Washington B. Johnston, 1825 G. W. Thompson, 1826. Peter W. Gate, 1827. Charles Morgan, 1828. G, M. Alex, 1828. Robert McClane, 1829. Francis D. Leonard, 1829. John R. Mulvany, 1830. Fernanda A. Evans, 1831. Nathan Evans, 1831. Abraham R. Dilworth, 1831. Charles C. Converse, 1832. Robert H. Miller, 1832. Isaac Hoge, 1832. Edmund G. Morgan, 1843. Sylvester Ginen, 1844. James H. Rainey, 1844. Oliver Swaney, 1845. John M. Algeo, 1845. Reuben Grant, 1845. Hugh M. Ramsey, 1845. John G. Leanor, 1845. Solomon R. Bonewitz, 1845. J, C. McCleary, 1846, John C. Tallman, 1846. Samuel F. Black, 1846. Richard H. Taneyhill, 1847. John Hibbard, 1847. Mathew P. Deady, 1847. George H. Umstead, 1864. Ira V. McMillen, 1865. James J. Hawthorne, 1866. Dewitt Danford, 1866. Thomas C. Dugan, 1866. Lewis C. Mechem, 1866. Wm. W. Alexander, 1866. James F. Tallman, 1866. Joseph St. Clair, 1866. Alexis Cope, 1866. F. G. Arter, 1866. Henry E. Frost, 1866. William Brown, 1838, Hugh J. Jewett, 1839. John Ferguson, 1840. Alexander M, Mitchell, 1841. Thomas L. Jewett, 1842. Thomas M. Drake, 1842. Henry Lovell, 1842. Moses H. Urguhart, 1843. James J. Grimes, 1843. John Sell, 1843. Lorenzo M. Cross, 1843. Henry C. Brumback, 1844. Isaac N. Taylor, 1849. James F. Chambers, 1851. William Wallace, 1851. Ellis Kennon, 1851. M. L. Hatcher, 1852. Joshua Stevens, 1852. Lorenzo Danford, 1854. I. H. Croxton, 1854. Andrew J. Lawrence, 1857. James A. Mayhugh, 1858. Henry Topping, 1859. John H. Norris, 1859. Robert C. Chambers, 1859 James B. Campbell, 1864. L. J. C. Drennen, 1867. W. L. Bolen, 1867. David A Hollingsworth, 1867. Geo. W. Mitchell, 1868. Joseph Pratt, 1868. N. A. Wade, 1868: Wm. L. Ramsey, 1868. James F. Anderson, 1868. Col. Jos. R. Mitchell, 1869. N. H. Barber, 1869. Dewitt C. Keimp, 1869. Thomas Ferrell, 1869.. Disney Rogers, 1866. John Dunham, 1867. Allen C. Miller, 1870. John F. Young, 1870. James D. Arick, 1870. Alex. C. Darrah, 1870. Isaac M. Riley, 1871. Lewis Hoeffler, 1871. Alfred H. Mitchell, 1871. Robert M. Eaton, 1871. Webster Street, 1871. Robert N. Wilson, 1872. Jacob A. McEwen, 1874. Samuel L. James, 1874, George W. Webster, 1874. James N. Kennon, 1873. Henry Gregg, 1878. T. W. Emerson, 1879. N. K. Kennon, 1879. James Patterson, 1833. William C. Watson, 1833. John B. Longly, 1834, L. J. Milligan, 1835. Thomas West, 1835. Gaston Tallman, 1835. Peter Tallman, 1835. Oliver Cunningham, 1836. Henry Kennon, 1836. William Woods, 1836. William Milligan, 1837. John Davenport, 1838. George W. Shannon, 1838. E. A. McMahon, 1838. Alfred Caldwell, 1838. Clarence O. McSwords, 1869. Orlando Cope, 1870. James C. Tallman, 1873. Samuel Hambleton, 1873. Daniel L. Crawford, 1873. Luke Voorhies, 1873. John O. Macolm, 1875. Frank M. Cowen, 1877. J. C Woodward, 1877. James G. Patrick, 1877. Wilson Mitchell, 1877. John B. Busby, 1877. John A. Green. 1878. Josiah S. Douglas, 1878. Alfred H. Evans, 1878. Melancthon R. Patterson, 1878. J. C. Agy, 1879, C. W. Gray, 1879. A. E. Hill, 1879. PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR. St. Clairsville.-Judge D. D. T. Cowen, Hon. Lorenzo Danford, Judge R. E. Chambers, Col. J. F. Charlesworth, Judge St. Clair Kelly, Hon. W. S. Kennon, Capt. Peter Tallman, Gen. G. W. Hoge, O. J. Swaney, G. H. Umstead, R. M. Eaton, J. C. Pratt, A. C. Darrah, James F. Tallman, I. M. Riley, F. M. Cow- HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 231 en, A. H, Mitchell, R. M. Davies, Thomas Cochran, T. W. Emerson, N. K. Kennon, J. W. Shannon, C. W. Carroll, Wilson Mitchell. Bellaire.—J. F. Kelly, J. A. Gallaher, J. B. Smith, W. H. Tallman, James C. Tallman, J. M. Reese, James F. Anderson, D. W. Cooper, De Witt Danford. Barnesville.—R. H. Taneyhill, James H. Collins, J. W. Walton, S. L. James, C. R. Rowans. Bridgeport.—Hon. R. J. Alexander, George Duncan, James E. B. McDonald. Flushing.--O. S. Holloway, Jesse Hollingsworth. HISTORY OF BELMONT LODGE NO. 16, F. & A. M. ITS ORGANIZATION—CHARTER MEMBERS AND FIRST OFFICIALS—EARLY LODGE ROOM—OLD HALL—HISTORY OF ITS PRESENT HALL— SHORT SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PRIMITIVE MEMBERS —PRESENT OFFICIALS. Belmont Lodge No. 16, of F. and A. M., was organized January 8, 1811, in the, Court House, by a dispensation from the Grand Worthy Lodge of Ohio, and on the 8th of January, 1812, a charter was granted them from that body, signed by Lewis Cass, Grand Master. This is the oldest lodge in the county. James Kelse, Sr., Ezra Ellis, Benjamin Ruggles, Henry H. Evans, Moses Moorhead, Thomas Thompson, James Carrothers, Josiah Dillon and Joseph Patten, are the names appearing on its charter. The following were its primitive officers : James H. Kelse, Worshipful Priest. Ezra Ellis, Senior Warden. Benjamin Ruggles, Junior Warden. The first room occupied by this lodge for stated meetings was a small one in Michael Groves' hotel building, which is now owned by Mr. Fink. Here a few Masons met faithfully from time to time and grew slowly in numbers, notwithstanding the heavy pressure brought to bear by the anti-Masons. It was in this lodge that the germ of Masonry of Belmont county took root, and extended its branches to other towns, After meeting a number of years in their first hall, they removed to the large jury room on the second floor of the Court House. Major Thompson said they staid in this place until 1827, and then they took up their quarters in their new hall, which had in the meantime, been erected. This building was a neat two story brick 25x70 feet, and situated at the lower end of South Market street. The lower Morns were used for an academy and village school. In 1849, the hall took fire from a defective flue, and the entire building was consumed. All the lodge property, however, was secured. After this they removed again into the room formerly used by them in the Court House. A few years later the society purchased the house owned by Mr. Johnson, which stood on the east end of the lot now occupied by the elegant three story brick. This building was erected in 1869. The third floor is used for their hall, which is 33x84. In connection they have a banqueting room 18x30 feet, Since 1870 an annual reunion and banquet has been kept up by the lodge in this hall, for the Masons and their families. The higher branches of Masonry which meet here are as follows : The Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, No. 17, organized in 1827. The Royal Select Masons, No. 54, organized in 1868. Hope Commandery, No. 26, Knights Templar, established in 1871. This lodge room is a pleasant and comfortable one. Its walls are decorated with the pictures of many of its early members, amongst which are found WILMETH JONES. He migrated from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in about 1816, and was made a Mason in this lodge soon after his settlement. He attained to the degree of Royal Arch Mason. He held prominent places in this lodge, and was sent to the grand lodge as representative, in which body he filled important positions on committees. He died here in 1862, greatly esteemed by his acquaintances WM. B. HUBBARD. As a Mason, William B. Hubbard acquired a national reputation. He was made a Mason in this lodge. He filled the different offices of the same with satisfaction to his brethren. In 1838 be removed to Columbus. Whilst residing there, he was appointed Grand Orator for the year 1842. In 1850 he was elected Grand Master of the state, which position he held for three successive years, with distinguished ability. Was elected the Most Eminent Grand Master of the General Encampment of the United States, serving in that capacity from 1847 to 1856. He died in Columbus, January 5, 1866. ROBERT H. MILLER Came to St. Clairsville a young man, and succeeded Alexander Armstrong in the newspaper business. He was considered a bright Mason, a sensational writer and a good, citizen. He filled the office of clerk of the courts from 1846 to 1850. He died August 15, 1850, and his remains were interred in the "Union Cemetery." MICHAEL RIDGERS Resided at Uniontown, Wheeling township. He was a devoted Mason and a humanitarian. He often made the expression that he was "devoted to his God and humanity." It was said he had a particular spot where he resorted for meditation. While here, one morning in deep reflection, he was impressed rather strangely that he ought to go to St. Clairsville. He had no rest until he started. As he entered the town he heard the cry of fire. A stable standing at the foot end of the lot where the National Hotel building stands, then owned by John Carter, was on fire. He hastened to the spot, and through his exertions prevented the fire from spreading, at the great peril of his life. All had forsaken the roof when he mounted it, called for water, and thereby saved the house; the stable was consumed. It was thought that had it not been for the bravery and exeition of this one man, the east end of St. Clairsville would have been destroyed. In his efforts to prevent the spreading of the flames his clothing was so soiled that a new suit was furnished him by the people, He returned to his home feeling that he had done a good day's work. This circumstance was often talked of for many years afterwards, referring to Ridgers with feelings of gratefulness. He subsequently removed to the far west. The following named gentlemen are the officers for the present year (1879) : W. M.—J, F. Charlesworth. S. W.—Jesse Meyers. J. W.—Jesse Pratt. S. D.—W. D. Baumgarner. J. D.—Edgar Meek. Sec'y—M. T. Coffland. Treas.—C. W. Carroll. Tyler—Alfred Lake. ST. CLAIRSVILLE LIGHT GUARDS. This company, stationed at St. Clairsville, was organized and mustered into the Ohio National Guard as a company of infantry on the 3d day of August, 1877, during the "strike" of that summer, and whilst there was a call upon state troops for the protection of property. Its membership, at that time numbering sixty-one, since increased by additional enlistments, meeting with several losses by commission and discharge. The following is a list of the original muster-roll and its first officers : OFFICERS. Wilson S. Kennon, captain. Frank M. Cowen, first lieutenant. Jesse B. Meyer, second lieutenant. Each of whom were duly commissioned on August 4, 1877. 232 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. PRIVATES. Thomas M. Adams, George A. Close, (b) Parker A. Heaton, Charles C. Williams, Robert A. Hammond, Newell K. Kennon, C. H. Giffin, (4) C. E. Hughes, W. C. Danford, William White, D. C. Stewart. James Weir, Jr., Frank Lowe, R. C. Thompson, Francis D. Bailey, (5) Robert Courtney, Thomas Roscoe, W. H. Seidnitz. Ambrose C. Arrick, William Clark, Wm. H. Geller, (a) Jesse B. Meyer, (e) Raiguel Troll, (d) W. S. Neiswanger. Charles W. Troll, Frank M. Cowen, (e) James A. Lewis, Richard Clark, C. T. Thompson, Asa T. Stilwell, William N. Coffland, (f) Henry B. Close, George W. Rinker, Samuel Geller, Jr., Cyrus Shouse, G. W, Shepherd, John L. Rice, Robert Goldsborough, James Cavender, Edwin S. Blaine, Wm. J. Walker, (1) D. T. Cowen, W. W. McMonies, (2) Louis C. Neiswanger, Parker J. West, (3) R. R. Barrett, John Hague, H. E. Wright, Horace Nichols. James R. Frazier, Harry Steinrod, Edgar Meek, G. S. Baker, Addison Thompson, (g) H. F. Hooper, John Carlile, John W. Beem, Brook Goldsborough, C. L. Faucett, Joseph Makison. RECRUITS, AUGUST 10, 1877. James White, Kelly Giffen, Harvey Bumgarner, C.   H. King, Conrad W. Troll. November 2d—Charles F. .Riley. August 30, 1878—Martin Cowen, j., W. A. Hamilton. In January, 1878, Captain Kennon resigned, turning over to his successor fifty stand of U. S. Springfield rifles, with accoutrements, and forty-four fatigue uniforms. By special orders from the Adjutant General's office the corn pang met January 25, 1878, to elect a captain and such other offices as might be vacated, which resulted as follows : Captain—Frank M. Cowen. First Lieutenant—J esse B. Meyer. Second Lieutenant—Addison Thompson. On the 28th day of .January, 1878, these gentlemen were duly commissioned. Some time during the winter of 1877-78 the Second Regiment of Infantry was formed in Eastern Ohio, to which the company was attached and designated as company "E." Through the efforts of its colonel, C. S. S. Baron, the regiment was soon fully equipped, Company E receiving ten additional stand of arms and equipments. For thirteen months after its organization the company was forced to conduct its drills in open air, winter and summer, regardless of weather. It had its regular drills and good attendance as required by law. Its ARMORY during that time was a room 14x17 feet, in the second story of the court house. In September, 1878, a well and neatly constructed building, 30x80 feet, was completed at the expense of Richland township and St. Clairsville for the use of the company as required by statute, and has been occupied by it since as its headquarters. On September 5, 1878, while encamped at Marietta, Ohio, with its regiment, the company won the second prize in a competitive drill, the Columbus cadets deservedly carrying off the first prize. In addition to its prize the captain received from Gen. George Crook, U. S. A., one of the judges, a letter of commendation upon the good showing of the company at the drill. The company to-day is succeeding as well as the average state troops, receiving no support except by the occasional state appropriations, the efforts of some of its members, and by dint of the strictest economy. By observing military discipline and * Appointed drum-major of 2d Regiment. b Appointed assistant surgeon of 2d Regiment. c Commissioned 2d lieutenant August 4, 1877, and 1st lieutenant January 28, 1878 d Honorably discharged. e Commissioned 1st lieutenant August 4. 1877, and captain January 28, 1878. f Honorably discharged. g Commissioned 2d lieutenant January 28, 1878. h Honorably discharged April 3, 1879, j As drummer. (1) 4th sergeant.. (2) 2d sergeant. (3) 5th sergeant. (4) 1st sergeant. (5) 3d sergeant. applying military laws, it has been able to comply with the requirements of the law, though frequently a great sacrifice to the business time of many of its members. THE ST. CLAIRSVILLE CORNET BAND. The present organization was incorporated in the year 1870, as a Musical Association, composed of a number of the leading citizens, held in the office of ex-Judge Chambers, in June, 1870, The authorized charter reads as follows : We, the undersigned citizens of St. Clairsville, Belmont county, Ohio, associated ourselves together for the purpose authorized in an act to provide for the incorporation of musical associations, passed and took effect, May 13, 1868. The object of this association is to develop the musical talent of St. Clairsville and vicinity, and it shall be called the " St. Clairsville Musical Association." R. E. Chambers, John H. Eaton, deceased. C. L. Poorman, R. M. Clark, Alexis Cope, J. B. Campbell. Wm. H. Hays, W. H. Barnes. STATE OF OHIO, BELMONT COUNTY, SS. : Before me the undersigned, a justice, within and for .Belmont county, this day personally appeared the above named, and acknowledged the signing and sealing of the .within instrument to be their voluntary act and deed, for the purpose therein expressed. Witness my hand and official signature this 30th day of June, A. D. 1870.  ANDREW ALEXANDER, J. P. The officers of its organization were R. E. Chambers, President ; Alexis Cope, Secretary ; J. F. Charlesworth, Treasurer. They were elected to hold office until their successors were elected and qualified. These officers have shown such manifest interest in the association that a -successor to either has never been deemed necessary. In the winter of 1873, the present band was re-organized with Mr. C. P. White as leader, and from that time to the present day it has been successfully conducted. In 1877 another change was made in its leadership, and Mr. C. E. Hughes elected as leader. Although the band has but ten members, it has gained considerable notoriety as a musical organization, and stands high in the estimation of musicians. At a band tournament in Barnesville, in 1878, the leader Mr. Hughes, won a silver, gold-mounted cornet in a contest for the best cornet player. The present officers of the band are C. E. Hughes, President; A. Singer, Vice President ; John Hague, Secretary ; .1. P. Hall, Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary. [The above facts are given by J. P. Hall.] SUMMARY OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE'S BUSINESS(1879.) Merchants—C. Troll, Kirk & Shepherd and F. Troll. Banker—H. C. Welday. Druggists—H. West, I. Patterson and B. Hoge. Hotel Keepers—T. E. Clark and W. P. Frasier. Silversmiths—W. S. Fawcett and J. McMillen. Publishers C. N. Gaumer and W. A. Hunt. Clothing Dealers—H. Myer and L. Hoffner. Furniture Dealers—B. R. Johnston and Alex. Barrett. Grocers—G. Jepson, J. A. Groves, J. A. Giffin, J. Osborn, Mrs. Evans, James Thompson and Boroff Bros. Tinners—T. Fawcett and W. Kephart. Liveries—J. Butler and J. P. Lowe. Dentists—M. Morrison and F. Talbert. Marble Dealers—Evans & Curran. Milliners—Mrs. J. Boroff, Misses Jones & Neal and Mrs. L. Barnes. Blacksmiths—J. Carlisle, A. McBride, J. Butler and J. Martin. Shoemakers—H. R. Bumgarner, John Riley, James Bulger, G. Bumgarner and John Jones. Saddlers—W. Sedwig and G. Singer. Wagonmakers—J. Butler, Shepherd Davis and J. Jones. Saloon Keepers—M. Fink, Joseph King, Wm. Gamble and A. C. Dowing. Millers—Carter & Steinrod. Carpenters—J. Billingsley, G. Billingsley, W. Weber, A. Clark, W. Bumgarner, A. Anderson and A. Barrett. Bricklayers—Ed. Meeks and P. White. Stone Masons—T. McConnell and E. Green. Barbers—J. Stonebraker and J. Williams. Billiard Saloon—Joel Nichols. HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 233 PROFESSIONS. Resident Ministers—Rev. Robert Alexander, Rev. Thomas Bali* Rev. J. H. Conkle. Physicians—Drs. Henry West,John Alexander,John E. West, A. H. Hewetson, John Tallman, George A. Close and John Thompson. JOURNALISM- IN ST. CLAIRSVILLE. THE ST, CLAIRSVILLE GAZETTE.—About the beginning of the year 1812 a paper called the Belmont Repository was started at St. Clairsville by Alexander Armstrong. The Repository had four columns to the page and was about one-fourth the present size of the Gazette. In 1818 we find the paper still under the management of Mr. Armstrong, but in August of that year its name was changed to the Belmont Journal. December 20, 1823, the name was again. changed—this time called the Western Post ; and Robert H. Miller became associated with Mr. Armstrong in the publication of the paper. The paper continued to be printed the same size and form as when started in 1812, and the subscription price was then, as it is now, two dollars a year. About the 1st of January, 1852, Mr. Armstrong . retired and R. H. Miller became sole editor and proprietor. About this time the name of the paper was changed again, and it became the St. Clairsville Gazette. The paper was also enlarged. at this time to five columns on each page. We have been unable to ascertain the exact time when the paper first became known as the Gazette, but we believe that Mr. Miller gave it that name upon assuming control in January, 1825. The oldest copy of the Gazette which we have been able to obtain is dated August 27th, 1825. This and other reasons lead us to believe that the paper was first called the Gazette about the beginning of that year. Mr.. Miller continued .to publish the paper until January, 1829, when George W. Manypenny became associated with him. On January 23d, 1830, the Gazette was enlarged to a six column paper. It was then the only Democratic paper published in. the Congressional district, and the only one in any of the river counties from Marietta to Steubenville. August. 27th, 1830, Miller & Manypanny dissolved partnership, Mr. Miller retiring, and Mr. Manypenny continuing the publication of the paper until March 9th, 1833, when it was sold to Messrs. John Y. and Jacob Glessner. Sometime in the year 1837 the Glessners sold out to Maj. John Irons. March 10th, 1838, the Gazette passed into the hands of Dr. John Dunham, whose editorial connection With it lasted twelve years, ending March 15th, 1850. February 23d, 1839, Dr. Dunham enlarged the Gazette and made it seven columns to the page. From February 23, 1839, to June 25, 1841, the paper was printed by Gill, Heaton & Co., and from the latter date to February 26, 1847, by Heaton & Gressinger. During all this time, however, Dr. Dunham had editorial control of the Gazette. In February, 1847, Dr. Dunham purchased a printing office of his own,. and on the 26th of that month he became both editor and publisher of the paper. From March 1, 1847, to March 2, 1849, Alexander Patton was assistant editor. February 26, 1847, Messrs. John H. Heaton and Stephen Gressinger began the publication of another Democratic paper in St. Clairsville, called The Citizen. This paper was published two years and then (March 2, 1849) it was merged with the Gazette, the consolidated paper being called the Gazette and Citizen. Mr. Heaton retired at the time of the consolidation, and Dunham & Gressinger continued in charge of the paper until March 15, 1850, at which time Dr. Dunham severed his connection with it. Stephen Gressinger was editor and publisher then until February 21, 1856, when he retired and was succeeded by John H. Heaton, January 2, 1862. The name of Citizen was dropped and the paper again became known as the St. Clairsville Gazette, which name it has retained to the present time. February 13, 1862, Mr. Heaton sold the paper to Mr. Gressinger, who conducted it for two years, and then, on February 11, 1864, Mr. Heaton purchased it again from Mr. Gressinger. Mr. Heaton then conducted the Gazette to the time of his death, August 23, 1873. Mr. S. Gressinger was then employed to manage the paper, which he did until it came into the hands of the present proprietor. November 1, 1873, the Gazette was transferred to the present editor and proprietor, Mr. C. N. Gaumer, (formerly connected with the Zanesville Signal as editor) in whose possession it has since. remained. Of the former editors and publishers of the Gazette, all are dead except. Col. G. W. Manypenny, who is now a prominent citizen of Columbus ;John Y. Glessner now the veteran editor of the Mansfield, Shield & Banner; Jacob 30—B. & J. Cos. Glessner, senior proprietor of the Zanesville paper mill, and Stephen Gressinger, of Bellaire. The Gazette, or rather the Belmont Repository, by which name it was first known, was, 80 far as can be ascertained, the first newspaper established in Belmont county. It is one of the oldest and most widely known papers in the State. The Gazette is and has always been, the recognized Democratic journal of the county. As the organ of Belmont Democracy it has done efficient service for its party, and occupies a high place among the political newspapers of the State. Some. of its editors have been among the noted politicians of Ohio. The Gazette was enlarged on the 21st of November, 1877, to its present dimensioms—eight columns to the page. The paper is in a flourishing condition, and gives entire satisfaction to the political party with which it is identified. ST. CLAIRSVILLE CHRONICLE.—The publishers of. this work express regret at their inability to obtain an appropriate historical sketch of this excellent journal at the time these pages are printed. We depended upon its editor to furnish us the necessary data, but he was unable to do so within the time, allotted after we called upon him for it. By a reference to the Ohio Statistical Report for 1877, we find that the paper was established as early as 1813. It was therefore among the. pioneer newspapers of eastern Ohio. In its career, a number of men have presided over its editorial columns, who have become prominent in the state and nation. Would that we could give a chronological list of them here. The Chronicle is the recognized Republican organ of Belmont county. Its present proprietor, W. A. Runt, Esq., is a gentleman of ability and high standing, and the paper fully meets the expectation. and requirements of its numerous patrons. It is an eight-column paper, and has a circulation of about 1600 copies. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. BY REV. ROBERT ALEXANDER. The first settlements were made in this region by a people who came from the southern and western parts of Pennsylvania, from Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, to seek homes for themselves and their children. They were a vigorous and energetic people of Scotch-Irish descent. It was the same element which in the beginning of the last century planted Presbyterianism on this continent.. Though they had' come into the wilderness and where living in rude and uncomfortable cabins, they were not the people to leave their religion behind them and lapse into a state of barbarism. No sooner had they found a home for themselves in the midst of the forest than they took measures to have a house for God. They felt that religion could not exist among them, apart from the public ordinances, and they determined that they would have a preached Gospel and Christian ordi nances dispensed among them. To see the spirit of the people and their zeal for God, we only need to learn that in the first year after the earliest settlement was made here a church was organized by the Presbytery of Ohio and called Richland. Of the number and names of those who entered into that organization we have no record, except that David McWilliams, William McWilliams and James McConnell were chosen to the office of Ruling Elder. This took place in the fall of 1798, about the same time that the church of Mt. Pleasant was organized under the name of Short Creek. Tradition tells us that Dr. McMillan, the pioneer minister of western Pennsylvania, assisted at the organization of one or both of these churches. Brought into existence in the same year, these two congregations have the honor of being the first Presbyterian churches planted in all eastern Ohm. The first place of worship of this congregation in its infancy was a log cabin, which stood near the Presbyterian cemetery, half a mile north of St. Clairsville. It is probable that this was built about the time of the organization of the church in 1798. It was a rude structure, yet it corresponded in the main. with the dwellings of those who worshipped in it, and no doubt cost them as much labor and sacrifice in proportion to their ability as many an elegant church has cost a wealthy people. Money was then scarce, and, had there been convenient markets, there was nothing to sell until the land was cleared and the crops had 234 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. grown; and at that day there was no excellent Board of Church Erection to assist feeble congregations on the frontier. They were compelled to rely on themselves and put up such a house as they could. It was soon insufficient for the accommodation of the people, especially on communion occasions, and they were accustomed to hold their services in the open air in a pleasant grove near by. Precious seasons were there enjoyed when thousands would come together from all the region around, some from a distance of twenty or thirty miles to attend the communion services. These strangers were entertained by the families of the congregation, and, as their accommodations were limited, a great part of the night would be spent in prayer and praise. Thus social intercourse was promoted, and " they that /eared the Lord spake often one to another." That first cabin church gave place to a larger and more comfortable log building, erected on the same spot in 1808. It was a double log house, with a recess in the middle of each side, in one of which was the pulpit. This was a great improvement on the other, for, as the country was improving rapidly, the determination of the people seemed to be that God's house should be as good if not better than their own. A valuable piece of ground had been offered to the congregation if they would build in the town, which was then rising in importance as the county seat; but the offer was declined, as the people were attached to the original site near their place of burial, and also as they feared the contaminating influence of the town, and regarded it as an unsuitable place for a house of worship. In that second house the congregation met and held their religious services till 1822, when a commodious brick church was erected within the limits of the town, at the west end. This change of location created some dissatisfaction among the people at the time, but did not prove a serious hindrance to the prosperity of the church. The building cost about three thousand dollars, a large sum at that day, and was used as a place of worship for nearly twenty years. The congregation for nearly thirty years had borne the name of "Richland," but, on the 19th of January, 1827, it was incorporated under the name of "The First Presbyterian Church of St. Clairsville," with William Bell, Andrew P. flapper and Dr. John McCracken as the first Trustees. This third house was totally destroyed by fire on the 15th of October, 1841; but the congregation, instead of being paralyzed and discouraged, held a meeting on the day following and resolved to proceed at once. to build again. The necessary arrangements were made, a new site chosen, and in the spring of 1843 the present building was finished at an expense of seven thousand dollars. We have now reviewed the progress of the congregation in their local habitation, the place where their religion took an outward form and the ordinances of God were enjoyed by them. As it is impossible to maintain long the spirit of religion without its outward form, an interesting part of the history of every church is an account of the very meeting place between them and their God; Where He displays his grace and unveils His glory, and where they manifest their devotion and worship before Him. Some of the dearest associations of Christians are often connected with the place where they have heard the Gospel and sat at the Lord's table. Many will never forget either on earth or in heaven the sacred spot where they gave themselves to the Savior. Dear as the place of birth or childhood may be, it is not so dear as the place where the soul is born to God. Even "the Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there." But let us now return to the beginning of our history as an organization, and take a glance at those who composed this church and at those from whose lips they have heard the Gospel. In the midst of their trials and privations, the pioneers of this neighborhood, after seeking an organization, were not contented without one to break to them regularly the bread of life. In the winter of 1799 a call was made out for the pastoral services of Rev. Joseph Anderson, who had been supplying this place and Short Creek (Mount Pleasant) for some time. The joint call was placed before the Presbytery of Ohio on the 15th of April, 1800, and Mr. Anderson was installed August 20th of the same year. He had been licensed by the Presbytery of Ohio, October 17th, 1798, and was ordained by the same Presbytery previous to his installation over these churches. His ordination took place, it is said, under a large tree on the farm of the late Clark Mitchell, near Mount Pleasant, and the honor was his of being the first Presbyterian minister ordained west of the Ohio. Mr. Anderson was a man of zeal and true piety, sound in the faith and abundant in labors, of good presence and address, but of moderate abilities. After serving both churches for many years, he was called for the whole of his time to this place; though he continued to supply Mount Pleasant for some years afterward. In October, 1830, he was dismissed from the pastoral charge here at his own request. He still continued to reside for some time on his farm, one mile north of St. Clairsville (now owned by Mr. Rankin), and in the year 1835 was dismissed to the Presbytery of St. Charles, in Missouri. There he preached for a time, and continued to reside till his death, which occurred in Monticello, Mo., in 1847, in the eightieth year of his age. During his ministry here much good was accomplished, especially in the former part of it. He labored among a people of piety, who had been trained in the sound principles of Presbyterianism. They were men of prayer, and strong in the faith. In the thirty yeais of Mr. Anderson's ministry here, the following persons were connected with the Session : David McWilliams, Wm. McWilliams, James McConnell, Wm. Ramage, Arthur Irwin, Robert Laughlin, John Perry, Matthew Anderson, John Marquis, Robert Bell, Wm. Faris, Sr., Robert Morrison, Humphrey Alexander, George Anderson, John Rankin, Andrew "P. Rapper, Franklin Bell, John. Culbertson, Jos, Lauglin, and Andrew Work. Besides these, as men who were prominent in the early membership of the church, though not in the Eldership, may be mentioned the names of Wm. Bell, Wm. Boggs, Wm. Faris, Mr., Alexander McConnell, Michael Grove, Joshua Anderson, Wm. Mathers, David Hutchison, Samuel Mutchmore, Samuel Robinson, Win. Robinson, Joseph Marshall, Samuel Crawford, David Rusk, and Allen Stewart. The names of Judge Patterson and Wm. Templeton may be mentioned also as among those who supported the Gospel and took a deep interest in the church in its early history, though not in the communion of it. They were both afterward leading men in the Associate Reformed church, which was organized here ir. 1832. These were all men of integrity and honor as citizens, and consistent and devoted friends of Christ and his cause. After the resignation of Mr. Anderson, the Rev. Alexander Logan supplied the pulpit for one year, and for three years following the Rev. Wm. Fuller and others supplied it for short periods. Things seemed to be in an unsettled state, till in July, 1834, a call was made for the Rev, Joseph Smith, and he became pastor in October of that year. Mr. Smith was a son of Rev. David Smith, and grandson of Rev. Dr. Power, who were both among the pioneer ministers in Western Pennsylvania. 110 was educated at Jefferson College, and licensed to preach the Gospel, April, 1819, After three years of Missionary labor in Virginia, he was ordained April 22d, 1822, and became pastor at Staunton, Va., and Frederick, Md., previous to coming here. His pastorate here was short but pleasant and successful. A revival of great power occurred during his ministry. A protracted meeting had been held in the begining of 1836, and God's Spirit was poured out in a wonderful manner. The church was revived, old stumbling blocks were taken out of the way, and a serious division which had existed in the church for years, was effectually healed. There were also added to the church, on the 12th of March following, fifty-nine persons, many of whom were baptized, showing the aggressive character of the work. Hitherto the church had received her increase of membership from her own children ; now a movement was made upon the _world, and the aged as well as the young were made to yield as trophies of redeeming grace. Permanent fruits followed, as they always do, a genuine work of grace, and many have died in the triumphs of faith, while others still live, and daily show the reality of their conversion. It is said that only one of all that number received to the church, dishonored his profession. Two entered in the ministry and did good service for Christ in their lifetime—Rev. J. P. Caldwell, of the Presbytery of St. Clairsville, and Rev. Ebenezer Henry of the Presbytery of Oxford. This revival was much talked of over the country, and the addition to the church was the largest that had been made to any Presbyterian church in this region. Mr. Smith was dismissed October, 1837, after a pastorate of three years, to become President of Franklin College. After two years in that position, he was called a second time to Frederick, Md., and then to Elliott's Mills. For five years he served as Agent of the Board of Domestic Missions, then settled at Round Hill and Elizabeth, and finally at Greensburg, Pa., in 1856. Ten years after that be resigned, and rested from a ministry of forty-seven years, till death released him from all earthly labors, December 4th, 1868. Dr. Smith was greatly blessed in his ministry wherever he went. He was instrumental in bringing into the church five hundred souls. He Was a devoted man, an excellent, impressive and earnest preacher, and a model HISTORY OF BETMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 235 Christian gentleman. The "History of Jefferson College" and "Old Redstone- are the literary productions of his pen. After Dr. Smith was dismissed in 1837, the pulpit was supplied occasionally for two years by Revs. Thomas J. Gordon, Jas. Kerr, John McCluskey, Wm. R. Work and others. The last named minister, now of Philadelphia, received his first call from this church, but declined it, and in October, 1839, a call was made for the service of the Rev. James Alexander, which he accepted, and soon after commenced his labors in this place. He was born near Mercer, Pa., in 1798 ; graduated at Jefferson College in 1826; studied Theology under the Rev. Samuel Tait, his pastor, and was licensed to preach the Gospel on the 9th of April, 1828. In October of that year he was ordained and installed pastor of Salem, Greenville and Big Bend, in the Presbytery of Blairsville, where he labored successfully for six years, and received to these churches one hundred members on examination, In 1834 he was called to Hopewell, in the Presbytery of Ohio, where he labored till 1839, when he came here. During his pastorate here, there were many difficulties to contend with. The house of worship was destroyed by fire, and great financial embarrassment fell upon the congregation in their attempt to repair their loss. Nothing is more dangerous to the spiritual growth of a people than the incumbrance of a heavy church debt. They will never prosper while they are contented to lie under it, and not make a vigorous and persevering effort to throw it off. Until the new church was completed, the congregation worshipped in the Court House, and as the place was not well arranged for reading sermons, the preacher was compelled by force of circumstances to abandon the use of notes, and thus, as he has said, was "saved from reading, as by fire." Resigning his charge in June, 1846—his farewell sermon being preached from Phil. 4: 8—he was settled at Martin's Ferry, in this county, where he spent a very successful ministry of thirteen years. The church of Kirkwood, now in a very prosperous condition, was organized by him during that time. He received the degree of D. D. from Jefferson College. In 1859 he was called to Allen Grove and Wolf Run, in West Virginia, and. in 1867 to Moundsville, where he labored faithfully till increasing infirmities compelled him to resign. He still resides in Moundsville. While Dr. Alexander was here, there were chosen to the Eldership, John Jepson, James McConnell, Robert Smiley, F. H. Brooks, H. H. Fisk, A. C. Work, John Tate, Sr., and John Porter. These were all conscioncious and reliable men, who had the best interest of the church at heart. Most of them have gone to their reward. There were also many who were useful men in the church at that time, whose names will appear in the list of trustees. There were two men, who, though not in the membership of the church, were constant in their attendance in the house -of God, and took a deep interest in all church affairs, and it is proper that their names should be recorded here. They were Hon. Benjamin Ruggles and Joseph Morrison. Judge Ruggles was distinguished for his liberality, not only in large gifts tothe church in the time of her pecuniary troubles, but in silent acts of kindness to his pastor, of which others knew nothing. Mr. Morrison rendered invaluable services, not only by his gifts, but by superintending the building of the church, in a most faithful and intelligent manner. Those were years of great trial in the history of this congregation, and as we consider them, we may well conclude that nothing has more vitality than a Presbyterian Church. Supplies were sent by Presbytery for one year after the resignation of Dr. Alexander, and then a call was given to the Rev. John Moffatt, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Lisbon, in August, 1847. This call was accepted and he was ordained and installed pastor in June, 1848—the only pastor whose ordination took place in this congregation. Mr. Moffatt was a native of Westerhall parish, in Scotland, and came to this country in July, 1838. After uniting with the Church of Middle Sandy, in Columbiana county, Ohio, ho pursued his studies for the ministry in New Lisbon Academy and in the Western Theological Seminary, at Allegheny, Pa., and was licensed in June, 1847, to preach the Gospel. This was his first pastoral charge, and here for more than thirteen years he preached the Gospel with great earnestness and success. A season of considerable awakening was enjoyed in 1858, in which thirty-two persons were added to the church, and God's own people were greatly revived and quickened. Mr. Moffatt resigned this charge January 1, 1861, to become pastor of Rockhill and Bellaire, and in 1863 was called to the Second Presbyterian Church in Wheeling, where he labored with great acceptance. His death occurred in December, 1875. During the ministry of Mr. Moffat there were added at times to the Session, Samuel Ramage, James Hutchison, John Tate, Jr., Thomas T. Thompson, Samuel B. Work and Samuel Cunningham, and shortly after his resignation, and while the pulpit was vacant, there were added, Dr. Henry West, William Chambers and William H. McBride. The Rev. David R. Campbell was the next pastor of this church. He was called to this field October 1, 1861, and entered on his duties in the following December, Mr. Campbell was born in Washington county, Pa., and graduated at Jefferson College in 1842. After spending a year in teaching, he entered the Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Pa., and completed the course there in 1846, in which year he was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of Washington. Transferred to the Presbytery of St. Clairsville, he labored as a stated supply at Woodsfield and Bealsville for some time, and on the 6th of October, 1847, he was ordained to the work of the ministry, and installed pastor over these congregations. He was afterward settled at Mount Prospect, in the Presbytery of Washington, and also at Two Ridges, in the Presbytery of Steubenville, from which place he was called here in 1861. His ministry here was remarkably successful in the ingathering of souls. In the beginning of 1862 an unusual interest was manifested in religion, and at the communion in March twenty-two persons made a profession of religion. From that time the state of religion was very good, the attendance on ordinances larger than usual, and the attention of hearers marked and solemn. This interesting state of things continued for three years, when, in 1865, the gathering clouds of mercy burst upon this people, and the most powerful and glorious revival of religion took place which was ever experienced in this whole region. The careless were aroused, the stout-hearted were humbled, and the caviller was silenced. All were forced to say, "Behold what wonders God has wrought." The subject of religion was the general theme of conversation, not merely around the doors of the church, but on the street, in the store, in the shop, in the family circle, and everywhere. One who came on. business from a distance said that the people were beside themselves, and could talk about nothing but religion. This was the judgment Festus passed on Paul. In the opinion of some it is legitimate to be excited on politics or business, or even pleasure, but not on that subject which claims the first and chief attention of man. Angels are excited over one repenting sinner; devils are excited over one escaping from them. How strange that men can ever be careless and indifferent on this subject! The immediate result of that work of grace was the addition to the church of one hundred persons. The 19th of March, 1865, will be remembered for generations, as a great day in the history of this church, when the aisles of this house were filled with those who stood up to take the vows of God upon them. Many of them were heads of families, some also in tender youth, and others in old age. It was a genuine work of God's spirit beyond a doubt. If we are told of some who have turned back and who have dishonored their profession, we may reply by pointing to as many inconsistent ones who have professed religion under the most ordinary circumstances. Let none limit the power of the Holy One, and say, " Thus far shalt thou come and no further," or dictate the manner in which His presence shall be felt. Blessed be His name for the display of His power in His Church, whether like the silent dew, or the gentle show- ers, or the pouring torrent. Come, Holy Spirit, come as Thou wilt ! The successful labors of Mr. Campbell terminated here February 18, 1866, and he at once took charge of the Second Presbyterian church in Steubenville. His useful life terminated in M arch, 1873. The present pastor, Rev. Robert Alexander, was called to this church September 22, 1866, and entered upon his work here on the 23d of December, of the same year. He was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 15th of Jane, 1837, and united with Rockhill church, April 1, 1854, under the ministry of Rev. Dr. Mitchell. He graduated at Washington College, Pa., June 20, 1855, and after pursuing a full course of Theological studies at Princeton, took an annual course in Edinburgh, Scotland. On the 6th of January, 1858, he was licensed by the Presbytery of St. Clairsville to preach the Gospel, and on the 7th of August, 1860, was ordained to the ministry by the Presbytery of Donegal, in Little Britain church, Lancaster county, Pa., over which he was installed pastor at the same time. His labors there continued more than six years and a half, during which time he received on profession of their faith about one hundred and thirty persons to the communion of that church. He commenced his labors in this church in December, 1866, 236 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. and was installed pastor in the April following. This has been a period of great prosperity in this congregation. In the twelve and a half years of his ministry, which have now passed, three hundred and twelve persons have been received on profession of their faith. The whole membership at present is four hundred and fifty, one of the largest in the Synod of Cleveland. Within six years the church has been visited with three revivals of great power. In one there were forty persons received on profession ; in another there were sixty ; in the last there were more than one hundred. While the church has increased in numbers, there has been an increase in all forms of Christian activity. The Sabbath School has been carried on very efficiently for more than fifty years. Of other agencies employed we have a Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, organized in 1872 ; a Young Men's Home Missionary Society, organized in 1877, and a Young Ladies' Mission Band, organized in 1879. In the past forty years, as far back as the record is made, there have been contributed to the various objects of benevolence more than fifteen thousand dollars, in addition to that contributed to the building and repairing of the church and the support of the pastor. There were added to the eldership in 1874, Joseph I. Taggart and Robert H. Anderson, and 1878 Henry Daniels, Samuel R. Finney, Wm. Lee, John A. Grove and George Jepson. These here named with James Hutchison, Wm. Chambers and Wm. H. McBride constitute the present session. There are many things in the past history of this church to excite humility and gratitude. The best men are imperfect men. But God has been gracious and his cause has been safe in his hands. The foundations of this congregation were laid upon the Rock of Ages, by the faith and prayers of godly men. God was honored by the safe denial and devotion of those who raised the standard of the Cross and published .the Gospel in these western wilds, and he has honored them by keeping his church through all the trials of these eighty years. He has fulfilled the promise : "My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed." UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION OF ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO. This congregation was organized in connection with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and in subordination to the first Synod of the West, which was constituted at Rush Creek, Ohio, April 27, 1z20. It was under the inspection of the Second Ohio Presbytery, The date of its formal organization is not known ; but it was about the year 1830. Previous to this date the Rev. William Taggart, D. D., was settled at Upper Wheeling, about eight miles northwest of St. Clairsville ; and the Rev. —. Calderhead preached in the neighborhood of Mt. Pleasant. Those adhering to A. R. P. church in the vicinity of St. Clairsville attended the above named places of preaching. In the year 1831 St. Clairsville was granted the moderation of a "call" which was made out for Mr. Hugh Parks, a licentiate, which he accepted in October of the same year ; and he was ordained and installed, by the Second Ohio Presbytery, April 26, 1832. Mr. Parks was reared in Belmont county, Ohio ; entered upon his literary course at about ten years of age; graduated at Jefferson College in his seventeenth year ; entered the A. R. P. Theological Seminary at Allegheny City, Pa., in 1827, and graduated in 1830. He labored efficiently as pastor of the congregation for seven years and a half, when he resigned his charge on account of ill health. He has resided in the bounds of the congregation ever since, and exercised his ministry in Eastern Ohio and West Virginia until within the past year, The Ruling Elders of the congregation at its organization and during the pastorate of the Rev. H. Parks, were David Wallace, William Templeton, John Patterson, John Nichol, Robert Stitt, William L. Duff—date of ordinatio—and John Stewart, ordained in 1838. The congregation first worshipped in the Protestant Episcopal Church. Its present house of worship was built in the year 1835. After the resignation of the Rev. H. Parks the congregation was vacant for nearly three years. Its second pastor was the Rev. Alex. Young, D.D. L.L. D., who was ordained and installed by the A. R. Presbytery of Steubenville, June 23, 1842. Dr. Young was born in Scotland—came to this counrty with his parents, who settled in Allegheny county, Pa. He graduated at the Western University, Pittsburgh, Pa.; entered the Theological Seminary at Allegheny City in 1839 ; was licensed by the Presbytery of Monongahela in 1841 and graduated in 1842. His pastorate was a very successful one. At the meeting of the Second Synod of the West in 1856, Dr. Young was elected Professor of Hebrew and Greek in the Theological Seminary at Oxford, Ohio. Upon the removal of the Seminary from Oxford, Ohio, to Monmouth, Illinois, he severed his connection with the St. Clairsville congregation. He continued in the Seminary at Monmouth until it was incorporated with the Seminary at Xenia, Ohio. In 1876 he was called to the chair of Pastoral Theology and Apologetics in the Seminary at Allegheny City, Pa., which position he still holds. During Dr. Young's pastorate the following persons were admitted to the office of the eldership in the congregation : John Brown, Joseph Maholin and Thomas M. Nichol in 1842 ; Isaac Taggart, June 1843 ; Thomas Duffand, Solomon Bently, September 11, 1856 and Samuel Griffin. The congregation enjoyed a great degree of prosperity during the fifteen years of Dr. Young's pastorate. It was characterized by a healthy, steady growth, and was a power of good in the community. The congregation was again vacant for about two years. During this interim the Union of the Associate and Associate Reformed Churches was consummated at the City Hall, Pittsburgh, Pa., on Wednesday, May 26, 1858. Since that date this congregation is know as the United Presbyterian Church of St. Clairsville. In the early part of the year 1859, the congregation called the Rev. J. B. Johnston, D. D., who was installed and entered upon his pastorate in June following. Dr. Johnston was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1802. He entered Jefferson College in 1823. But graduated from Franklin College, Ohio, in 1829. Studied theology under Drs. Bruce and Black and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in 1832. In June, 1834, he was ordained to the office of the ministry and settled in Geneva, Ohio. He labored in that field for twenty-five years. His labors as a pastor were largely blessed. He was also chiefly instrumental in founding Geneva College and Geneva Female Seminary, with which institution he was connected for several years. He also instructed a class of theological students. In all these multiplied labors his pastoral work was carried on, and the congregation under his care grew and prospered. In the month of June following, the Union of the Associate and Associate Reformed Churches he severed his relation with the R. P. Church and connected with the Presbytery of Sidney of the United Presbyterian Church ; and in June 1859, was installed pastor of St. Clairsville congregation by the Presbytery of Wheeling. During his pastorate the following persons were installed ruling elders in the congregation : William Stewart. and Humphrey Alexander, June 21, 1860 ; Robert Kerr, Sr. and James Gordon, May 13, 1867. This pastorate continued for fifteen years. It was an eventful one, and eminently successful. The congregation suffered much during the war of the rebellion. A number left the church for political reasons. Many young men entered the army—some never to return. But notwithstanding these reverses, the congregation grew and soon regained its former numerical strength. Dr. Johnston resigned his charge of the congregation in the spring of 1874. He left it well organized and in good working order. The congregation was again vacant for nearly one year. In November, 1874, the present pastor, Rev. Thomas Balph, was called. He was born in Butler county, Pa., received his literary training at the Butler Academy and Witherspoon Institute. Was admitted to the study of theology in 1859, by the presbytery of Butler. Entered the Seminary of Allegheny in November, 1861. Graduated in March, 1874. Accepted a call to the congregation of Mt. Prospect, in the presbytery of Chartiers, and was ordained and installed by that presbytery September 30, 1864. This charge was demitted the last Sabbath of April, 1874, and on the first Sabbath of April, 1875, he took charge of the St. Clairsville congregation. The history of this pastorate is yet to be written. On June 12, 1875, the following poisons were ordained and installed Ruling Elders : Samuel M. Thompson, John B. McMechan, Robert E. Giffen and John A. Clark. This congregation has had an existence for at least forty-eight years. It has had four pastors, all of whom are yet living. Twenty-two persons have exercised the .office of Ruling Elder. Its present Session consists of John Stewart, Isaac Taggart, Solomon Bently, Samuel Gillen, James Gordon, Samuel M. Thompson, John B. McMechan, Robert E. Giffen and John A. Clark. The church property is vested in a Board of Trustee, consisting of three members, elected annually. HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 237 The Woman's Missionary Society of the congregation was organized thirty years ago—has now a membership of eighty, meets monthly, and last year contributed $161. The Sabbath School embraces the whole congregation, parents and children—the number of children enrolled is 140, and the contributions of the school the past year amounted to $201. There are organized one weekly and six monthly prayer meetings. The present membership of the church is 164; and the total amount contributed the past year was $1,821. The following persons have entered the ministry from this congregation or are in a course of preparation for the ministry : Rev. A. D. Clark, D. D., August 12, 1846 Rev. T. P. Dysart, April 16, 1863; Rev. S. R. Frazier, June 11, 1867 ; Rev. D. A. Duff, June 15, 1869 ; Rev. R. B. Stewart, November 1, 1871; Rev. John Giffen, January 26, 1875. Messrs. J. R. Frazier and D. C. Stewart were, April 11, 1879, licensed as probationers for the. Gospel Ministry; and Mr. J. K. Giffen has been for one year under the care of presbytery as a student of theology. From the membership of this church the following persons have been, or are now laboring in the Foreign Mission field in Egypt : David R. Johnston, M. D., medical missionary, and wife, returned to this country in 1875 after an absence of seven years. Miss Eliza F. Johnston, who labored in Egypt about eightyears, and who has been home on a furlough for a year and a half, expects to return within a month. The Rev. John Giffen went out in the Spring of 1875, and is still in the field doing efficient service. Thus it will be seen that this congregation has contributed something to every department of the church's work. Its growth has not been rapid nor spasmodic, but steady and permanent ; and it is still in the full strength of its manhood, and, by the blessing of God, may do still greater things for the advancement of that Kingdom, "which shall never be moved." Much might be said of the members of this church in the way of biography. They were identified with every good work pertaming to the material, social and educational interests of Belmont county, especially in the vicinity of St. Clairsville ; but as this does not strictly pertain to a history of the congregation, we forbear. HISTORY OF THE M. E. CHURCH, ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OHIO. By REV. J. H. CONKLE. In writing the local history of any M. E. church many difficulties are to be met, not the least of which is the connectional character of that church. A local church has been connected primarily with a large circuit, in early times including frequently Whole counties. To this, St. Clairsville is no exception. The Presiding Elder's district was even more wide-spreading, covering territory now occupied by one or more annual conferences. The early preachers of Methodism were primarily and principally, Evangelists. This was a wise arrangement, as the scanty populations were to be followed into their widely-separated 1800—Jos. Rowen, John Cullison hamlets and cabins, to be saved, and organized into churches. These churches grew by and by into stations and self-supporting circuits. This history may be characterized prior to 1835, as much a narrative of Belmont county Methodism as of the church of St. Clairsville. Indeed, it necessarily includes the southern half of Harrison county. It is probable that only for brief periods does it include Barnesville and its immediate surroundings, This record has been compiled from the gener al minutes up to 1824; and since that date from the official records of the Quarterly Conference,, accurately and neatly kept by the late John C. Tallman and Stephen Gressinger, Esqs. It is probable that Belmont county was not visited by Methodist preachers prior to 1800, may be not till 1802 ; but to preserve the symmetry of the history, it may be necessary to remember that Ohio circuits first appear on the minutes in 1787. Redstone, west of the Allegheny mountains, precedes it it by two years, and Pittsburgh and Clarksburgh almost immediately succeed it. In 1793, Washington, Pa., appears on the minutes, with Samuel Hitt and Ephram Chambers as preachers, who probably visited the small settlements about Wheeling. Ohio circuit embraced any settlements in this territory prior to the organization of the West Wheeling circuit, and Methodist ecclesiastical events occurring on this circuit, are proper subjects of record in any history of this church. Holding, as we do, that Methodism had no existence in this county prior to 1800, we omit the names of the preachers prior to 1799, when Jesse Stoneman and Thomas Raymond were appointed to serve on the Ohio circuit—the latter dying June 13, 1799, aged 35 years. 1800-Jos. Rowen, John Cullison 1801—Benj. Essex, Jos. Hall; membership 521. 1802—The West Wheeling circuit first appears on the minutes within the bounds of the Pittsburgh District, with the renowned Thornton Fleming, as P. E. and Jos. Hall as preacher membership 394, 1803—John Cullison. 1804—Lasley Matthews. 1805—John West, Eli Town. 1806 —D. Stephens, A. Daniels. 1807—Wm. Knox, James Reiley, J. G. Watt. 1808—R. R. Roberts, Benedict Burgess. Later the former of these became an eminent preacher, and was one of the bishops of his church. 1809.—West Wheeling Circuit is found in the Western Conference, with Jacob Young and Thomas Church as preachers. During this year we commence to move among the certainties of local Methodist history. It is remembered by Major Thompson and others that Jesse Parks and Jacob Myers were reputable local preachers, and frequently preached earlier than 1809. On July 19; of that year, Vachel Hall, Henry Mozier, Henry Johnston, Robert Dent and Joseph Harris bought, as trustees, from Joseph Hedges, the lot now known as the Methodist Cemetery, on which they erected in the autumn of that year, for those days, a large frame church, with gallery facing the pulpit. Of probable cost and time of dedication, we have neither record nor tradition. 1810--Jacob Young, Wm. Lambdin—both of whom were famous preachers ; membership, 810. 1811—Wm. Lambdin, M. Ellis. 1812—Restored to Baltimore Conference ; John Clingham. 1813—Connected with Ohio Conference, and having the famous James B. Findley as preacher, to whom Ohio owes very much for his untiring efforts in christianizing the new civilization then springing up in our state. 1814—Barnesville and West Wheeling--J. B. Findley, M. Ellis. 1815—West Wheeling--Abel Robertson, M. Ellis. 1816—Archibald McElroy. 1817—William Knox. 1818—It is likely this year St. Clairsville. was included in Barnesville Circuit, and had Cornelius Springer and Bennett Dowler as preachers, the former becoming famous in the secession of the M. P. Church in 1828, and dying within the present decade at Zanesville, Ohio. 1819—Wm. Cunningham, Joseph Carper. 1820—West Wheeling reappears on the Ohio District, Wm. Swayze, P. E.; Jacob Young, T. R. Ruckle, preachers ; membership, 901. 1821—John Graham, Zarah H. Costin, still living, in Iowa. 1822—James McMahon, William Cunningham. 1823—John Graham, Samuel R. Brockunier. 1824—John McMahon, John Walker. During this year the Pittsburgh Conference was organized, and this section was included, and so continued until the East Ohio was organized in September, 1876. Among the famous preachers who served this District as Presiding Elders from its Methodist Ecclesiastical organization to 1824 may be named Valentine Cook, David Hitt, Thornton Fleming, James Quinn, Jacob Young, David Young—these were brothers, I believe—James B. Findley, Wm. Swayze, John Waterman, to whom it is said congregations would patiently listen for an hour and a half standing in snow ankle deep, as one of our citizens testifies. It seems from the General Minutes that Thornton Fleming and Jacob Young were Presiding Elders in this section at least fourteen y ears, and had much to do in laying the strong foundations on which we build so permanently to-day. From this date we are indebted to the records of the Quarterly Conference for our knowledge of the Methodism of this section. West Wheeling Circuit in 1827, had the following appoint- ments : St. Clairsville, Liston's, Mt. Pleasant, Harrisville, Stier's, Athens, R. Dickerson's, Thompson's, Haines', Cadiz, McCoy's, Eaton's, Matson's Pipe Creek, Kinsey's, Burrow's, Scott's, Smith's. The following members of Quarterly ference were present January 24, 1824: John Walker and John McMahon, preachers ; James Roberts, W. B. Evans, Edward Mercer, and David Mercer, local preachers ; Samuel Davis, John Huff, John Sampson, John Huffman and Thos. Thompson, exhorters ; Thos. Dunn, Stiers Lowry, Thos. Dickerson, Launcelot Herron, Jas. Hutton, Phineas Inskeep, Abner Burris and Peter Lady, as stewards and leaders. These were the days when quarterly meeting was an epoch, and attended as the District 238 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. Conference of to-day. The people were poor, as witness the contributions to the support of the Gospel during the quarter, $69,831. The following were members of the Quarterly Conference, not mentioned in the former list, .who were enrolled 'in 1827: Jacob Calbert, Vachel Hall, Joshua Robinson, Ebenezer Liston, Philip Darby, R. E. Carothers, local preaches; Moses Starr, Charles Magill, Matthew Thoburn, John Beal, John Warfield, John Buff, William Weekly, exhorters; Matthew Simpson, Sr., Alex. Armstrong, Robert Dent, Geo. Brown, Zach. Smith, stewards ; Andrew Scott, Eli Matson, John Poulson, John Covert, leaders. The following preachers have been Presiding Elders over this District, of which this congregation formed a part, from 1824 to 1879 : 1824-27—William Lambdin. 1828—Daniel Limerick. 1829-31—Joshua Monroe. 1831-35—Wesley Browning. 1836-39, '44, '46—Samuel R. Brockunier—a man of giant mould, irrepressible fun, who lives in the memory of multitudes, and of whom innumerable anecdotes are related. 1839-41—Robert Hopkins, who almost attained the highest place in his church, and who now lives in honored old age, at Sewickley, Pa. 1841-43—Edward Taylor. 1845—John Spencer—a little later a pioneer missionary to Oregon, where he still lives, a veteran of near 90 years. 1847—W esley Kenney. 1848-51—Gideon D. Kinnear. 1852-54-55—John Coil. 1853—James G. Sanson. 1855-59—John W. Baker. 1859-63—John Moffit. 1863-67—James L. Deens. 1867-71—James S. Bracken. 1871-75—Sylvester Burt. 1875-79—Jos. M. Carr. The following is the list of pastors from 1824 to 1879, with items of interest: 1823—Wm. Lambdin, Wm. Knox. 1824—John Chandler. I find that my authorities differ as to the pastorate in 1823-24. 1825—Simon Lauck, Charles Thorn ; preacher's house purchased by order of Quarterly Conference, held April 29, 1826, for $60—a very poor or a very cheap one. 1826—Daniel Limerick, James Moore. 1827—S. R. Brockunier, Thomas M. Hudson—still living, a veteran of 80 years. Whole amount contributed for the support of the ministry this year, $249.22. 1828—T. M. Hudson, Wm. Tipton. 1829—Thomas J. Taylor, N. Callender. 1830—Wm. Knox, Thomas Drummond—died later as a misionary in Missouri. 1831—P. M. McGowan Jas. Mills. Membership on circuit, 611. At St. Clairsville, 1832—J. P. Kent, N. Callender. 1833—David C. Merryman—died at St. Clairsville, October 13, 1835—W. C, Henderson. At a Quarterly Conference held at New Athens, May 18, 1833, we note the following record : "Matthew Simpson, r., upon the recommendation of his class, was liscensed to preach and also recommended to the Pittsburgh Annual Conference, as a suitable person to be received on trial into the Traveling Connection." He has since become the famous divine ; and from 1852 has been one of the Bishops of the M. E. Church. It is, worthy of record, that on Tuesday evening, May 20, 1879, accompanied by Bishop Harris, he visited the M. E. Church in St. Clairsville, and preached a never-to-be-forgotten discourse. Francis A. Dighton was also appointed to this work in 1833, and died in St. Clairsville, December 26, 1838, and with D. C. Merryman. sleep in the Methodist Cemetery, side by side with Revs. W. K. Foutch and J. C. Taylor. St. Clairsville was set off as a separate congregation, October 25, 1834, at a Quarterly Conference held at Pipe Creek Church, and F. A. Dighton appointed as pastor. Amount contributed for the support of the Gospel by this congregation in 1833, $494.08i. During this year the second Church—a commodious brick edifice—was built. Michael Carroll, Peter Hulse, Eli Wells, R. E. Carothers, Matthew Thoburn, James Arick, Rob- inson Baker, Wm. Wilkins and George Shipman, bought, as trustees, from Joseph A. Ramage and Sterling Johnston, lots on which the church is now located, for $210.00. This Church was dedicated to the worship of God by Rev. John Waterman, in the early winter of that year. 1834—Edward Smith—later the famous anti-slavery advocate seceding to the Weslyan Church. Primise Jones received as sexton this year $30.00. 1835—Cornelius D. Battelle. 1836.—James C. Merryman. This year St. Clairsville was organized into a circuit, with two or more congregations, remaining so most of the time until 1860. 1837—James Drummond—now a veteran of eighty years, residing at Cadiz, O. 1839—S. R. Brockunier. 1840—Charles Thorn. 1841—Edward Berkett. 1842—I. N. Baird—since editor of Pittsburgh Christian Advocate, now the veteran P. E. of Blairsville District, Pittsburgh Conference. 1843—David Trueman, 1844—David Trueman and Jos. Montgomery. Sunday school numbered 119. 1845-47—Jos. Montgomery, M. A, Ruter. 1847—L. Petty, C. H. Jackson. 1848—L. Petty and W. A. Davidson. 1849—Pardon Cook, W. A. Davidson. 1850—Pardon Cook, J. J. McIllyar. 1851—Jas. Henderson, J. J. Mclllyar. 1852—James Henderson. 1853—J. M. Rankin. 1854—W. C. P. Hamilton. 1855-57—Joseph Woodroffe. 1857-59—S. Y. Kennedy. 1859—A. D. McCormick. 1860—J. L. Deens. 1861-63 -Jos. M. Carr. 1863—W. K. Foutch, who died August 11, 1864, aged 27 years. Supplied this and succeeding year by J. C. Taylor, J. M. Thoburn, W. K. Marshall and Dr. H. W. Baker. 1865—Edward Ellison. 1866-70—John Grant. 1870-73—W. F. Lauck. 1873-76—John D. Vail, 1876-78—B. F. Beazelle. 1878—J. H. Conkle, present pastor. The historian needs write no eulogy on these men ; few of them are known to the present generation of St. Clairsville Methodists, but their record is on high. During the pastorate of Rev. John Grant, the building of the present commodious and handsome church was inaugurated. .1.t was carried to completion by Rev. W. F. Lauck, at a cost of a $11,500, The church free of debt is the monument of these men, and the equally noble laymen, and self-sacrificing women, who assisted. It was dedicated January 14, 1872, after able sermons by Rev. Drs. I. C. Pershing and C. A. Holmes, of. Pittsburgh, Pa. Under the pastorate of Rev. B. F. Beazelle, a convenient parsonage was purchased from Hon. L. Danford, for $1,800, to replace one burned some years before. The church now owns property estimated as worth $12,000. This church has been visited with several historic revivals. One in 1835, under the pastorate of Rev. Edward Smith, resulted in over 100 accessions, a number of whom are still pillars in the church—but most have fallen asleep. The pastorate of Rev. S. Y. Kennedy was also successful in building up the Church. During the winter of 1864-'5, after the death of Rev, W. K. Foutch, in charge of Rev. J. C. Taylor, and assisted by Rev. J. M. Thoburn—then on vacation from his work in India—and Rev. W. K. Marshall, of Bellaire, there were over 100 accessions, but owing to the transfer of their pastor to Kansas, these accessions were uncared for, and resulted in but little permanent strength to the church. During the winter of 1879, under the pastorate of Rev. J. H, Conkle, there were 136 accessions and over 100 conversions. The present membership numbers, including 129 probationers, 400. The Sunday School, the vigorous and aggressive arm of the church, has an enrollment of a little over 200, with an average of 153. It is equipped with a new, fresh library, black-boards, singing books, &c., and meets in newly papered and neatly carpeted rooms. It is organized into an efficient missionary society. This church has sent out some men and women of note, and marked usefulness. Among these, it will not be regarded invidious to mention Rev. J. M. Thoburn, D. D., and his sister, Belle M., who labor in the Indian Mission field. There is also a marked liberality in this congregation, paying for ministerial support in 1878, $1,240; Missions, $234; other beneficiaries, $163. HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 239 PRESENT CHURCH OFFICERS. Trustees—Amos Fawcett, Robert Pogue, Benjamin Barkhurst, Cephas Carroll, Israel Lewis, W. J. Thompson, F. D. Bailey, A. H. Mitchell, W. A. Hunt. Stewards—George Brown, H. C. Welday, A. T, McKelvy, James Young, Joseph .11. Close, Thomas C. Fawcett, John S. Close, Wm. W. McMonies. Class Leaders—J. S. Close, F. D. Bailey, C. Gummerie, G. Brown, J. H. Close, A. T. McKelvy. Sunday School Superintendent—A. T. McKelvy. President W. F. M. S—Mrs. Cephas Carroll. President of Home Missionary Society—Mrs. W. A. Hunt. ST. CLAIRSVILLE BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND NOTES. HON. BENJAMIN RUGGLES.—United States Senator and second President Judge of the Third Circuit of Ohio, was born at Woodstock, Windham county, Connecticut, February 21, 1782. This town was originally named Roxburry. His father was a farmer in moderate circumstances, who intended that his son should be educated for the ministry. This intention was thwarted by the loss of his property. He became surety for a neighbor and by the default of the latter hie. means were all swept away. He died when Benjamin was eight years old, leaving his family in straightened circumstances. Benjamin studied at the Brooklyn Academy, and after his graduation from this institution he read law with Judge Peters, of Hartford, Connecticut, and was admitted to the bar of that city. In 1807 he moved to Ohio, settling in Marietta, Washington county, where ho pursued with great success the practice of his profession. His profound learning, his skill and care as a counsellor, his power for rapid analyzation and conclusive argument, at once commanded not only professional but public attention, and he carved .his way quickly to the front rank of the jurists of the day. In 1810 he ho was elected by the Republicans in the Legislature to succeed Calvin Peas as President Judge of the Third Circuit, and was the second incumbent of that judicial office. Shortly after he moved from Marietta to St. Clairsville, and in the year 1812 he went to Connecticut, where he was married and brought his wife to Ohio. She died in 1817 and in 1825 he was again married. He lacked the gifts of an orator and failed to make that impression of substantial ability as successfully in open court as in chambers. He Was not distinguished as an advocate, but as a consulting attorney he had, perhaps, few superiors in the country. In 1815 he Was elected by the Legislature to the United States Senate and resigned the office of Judge after having ably filled it for five years to enter upon his new duties. Being very popular with his large constituency in Ohio he was twice re-elected to the United States Senate, and during his career in that body he rendered valuable if not brilliant services both to his state and the nation. He was president of the caucus held in Washington that nominated William H. Crawford, of Georgia, for the Presidency at the time when Clay, Adams and Jackson were in the field. At that period Martin Van Buren and Judge Ruggles were political friends ; and quite an extensive correspondence was carried on between them during the campaign. The Judge was for a long time Chairman of the Committee on Claims in the United States Senate, and was favorably spoken of in 1840 for the Vice Presidency, being strongly supported by several journals throughout the country. When fifty years of age he retired from political life and gave his attention to his farm, and more especially to the cultivation of fruit, He was instrumental in introducing to the growers of that section some of the choicest varieties. For a time after the expiration of his last term as Senator, he was president of the bank of St. Clairsville. He died after a brief illness at his residence at that place on September 2, 1857. Judge Ruggles enjoyed in an eminent degree the confidence of the Senate, and was greatly respected in his professional and private career. He was a firm believer in the great truths of of Christianity, and exerted wherever he went, or wherever he was known, an excellent moral influence. He was liberal in his views and generous in his impulses, and contributed to the advancement of all worthy improvements in the interests of the well-being of his fellow citizens. When he died the state lost an able man and society a beloved member. HON. JAMES ALEXANDER,—The following was written by the Ron. Benjamin Ruggles, who served eighteen years in the United States Senate, and printed in the "Times." The Hon. James Alexander, Jun., was born in the state of Pennsylvania. and at an early age removed with his father, James Alexander, who was one of the first associate judges of Belmont county, and settled in the county of Belmont, then the Northwest Territory, now state of Ohio, in the year 1799, being among the first emigrants to the country. The first years of his life were engaged in active industry in clearing away the forest, and in the severe labors of the field, encountering all the difficulties, hardships and privations, incident to the settlement of a new country. New Orleans being then the only market for the production of the soil, he was frequently engaged in transporting the productions of his own labor, and that of his neighbors to that market for sale. Such an enterprise at that period was both hazardous and laborious. It required four or five months to make a trip. There being no steamboat navigation on the river, the produce was floated down by the current, and the hands were compelled to return home on foot, through a wilderness country inhabited principally by savages. After acquiring a handsome property in this persevering and perilous manner, he established himself in the mercantile business in St. Clairsville, where by great industry- and close attention to business, he added greatly to his wealth. After which he purchased property in Wheeling, which has since been their home. He made a tour to Illinois to take care of, and improve his extensive landed property, and making preparations to return home when he was suddenly attacked with a billions fever, which, in a few days terminated his life. Nature had been liberal to the judge in bestowing on him talents of the first order, which were cultivated as well as the limited means of the country could furnish. He possessed a warm heart and strong social feelings, his conversational powers were great, varied, humorous and instructive. No man was more respected for his integrity of character, and scrupulous honesty in all the business transactions of life. Decision of mind, perseverance and firmness of purpose, were leading traits of his character. By the aid of all these high qualities, he was enabled to acquire a large property, and at the same time to secure the affection and confidence of the people among whom he lived. While residing in Ohio, his fellow-citizens often called upon him to fill various and important offices of trust and honor. He represented the county of Belmont in the Legislature of the state ; was appointed associate judge in the court of Common Pleas, and represented the district in which he lived in the Congress of the United States. The duties of all these offices were discharged with honor to himself, usefulness to the country, and to the satisfaction of his constituents. The deceased left a large number of relatives and friends to mourn his sudden death, His loss, to an amiable and devoted wife and three affectionate children, could never be repaired. A numerous family connection, as well as a large circle of acquaintances, mingled their grief with the mourners, and sympathized with them in their deep affliction and bereavement. Of the children spoken of, Thomas M. Alexander, the oldest, died in Wheeling September 10, 1854, The papers of the day spoke of him as "a young man of the highest intellectual endowments, magnanimous, honorable and generous to a fault. He possessed a towering genius and talent, and, with an amiability of disposition. Arrogance and haughtiness were passions that he was an entire stranger to. He had the intellectual power to conquer, but in his magnanimous intercourse with his fellow, he would prefer to be wounded than to wound. A man of finest feelings, a rich imagination, and descriptive powers of the highest. order. The other son, James M. Alexander, filled many positions of trust. At the time of his death he was President of the Board of Commissioners of Ohio county, Virginia, and in the resolutions of respect by them they said: "One of our most prominent citizens, an always kind, courteous and considerate gentleman, has gone to rest. He left no enemy." The only surviving member of the family is Mrs. L. Alex. Thompson, who now resides in St. Clairsville, Ohio. MAJOR THOMAS THOMPSON, the oldest citizen now living in St. Clairsville. was born April 8, 1800, fourteen miles east of Wheeling, and was brought to this village. when it was in woods, by his parents, in May of the same year. His father, John Thompson, was a native of Armagh county, Ireland ; married Miss Sarah Talbott, of parish of Langhall in 1789: migrated to the United Utates in 1790, and landed at New Castle, Delaware, 240 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. with only a few cents, expending all of that for a small morsel of food. He found a cabin wherein to lodge his family whilst he could look around for employment, but met few to sympathize with him. One day, when out in search of work, he came to where two roads forked, and he was undecided which one to take. As he paused for a moment sililoquizing : "If I had money I would go this road, for it seems the most traveled," when he happened to glance down to the ground. To his utter surprise and astonishment he discovered some money lying at his feet—less than a dollar in change. Ho traveled that road a short distance, and obtained work for all that winter. He always afterward befriended those of his native country, as he saw how they were looked down upon, and sent many a poor, destitute Irishman on his way rejoicing. He came to Chartier creek, near Cannonsburg, Pa., after several years residence at New Castle, and thence to St. Clairsville, where he became one of the first merchants, and grew to be quite wealthy. Here he lived until his death, in 1852, his wife having died in 1839. They reared a family of twelve children—three sons and one daughter still living. Thomas was the fifth child. He was educated in St. Clairsville, and at the age of seventeen assisted his father in the mercantile business. In 1829 he was married to Miss Mary Smith, daughter of Steele Smith of St. Clairsville, an old innkeeper who migrated to the village in 1812, and kept tavern until 1856, when he died. Our subject reared a family of nine children. In 1839 he was called to mourn the loss of his wife. In 1840 he retired from the store and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was married again, in 1841, to Miss Eliza Jane Close, who resided about a mile north of town. This union resulted in three children—one boy and two girls. He built a grist and saw mill on "Jug run," which be operated until it was burned down 1n 1841, having used it but a few months ; loss $11,000,—supposed to have been the work of incendiarism. He then purchased the property in which he is still living. In 1849 his hearing began to fail. Having injured his right eye in 1841, the sight left it in 1862. About this time the the other optic became affected and the sight grew very dim. This lasted for twelve years, when a total loss of sight took place. In 1878 he had his right eye operated upon, which enables him to discern objects more clearly. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, preached twice in his grandfather's barn, in Ireland. The Major, now almost eighty years old, still retains a good memory, and loves to talk of the early events of the town and county. With the exception of the partial loss of sight and bearing, he is blessed with a certain degree of health, and promises to enjoy years of life. Rev. J. B. JOHNSTON.—Rev. John B. Johnston, one of the oldest ministers now residing in Belmont county, was born in what is now Indiana county, Pa., on the 13th of March, 1802. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, and without an allusion to his ancestors this sketch would be incomplete, The early ancestors of our subject were sufferers from religious persecution in Scotland, prior to the reign of Oliver Cromwell, and although relieved in a great measure during that period, they preferred to emigrate to America, where religious freedom was promised a greater and more permanent security. In the subsequent periods of American history there were many important events with which they were identified. The great-grandfather and great-grandmother of our subject were massacred, by the savages during the French and Indian war at their residence, seven miles from Shippensburg, Pa. The Indians had been penetrating the set, tlements and committing depredations, and were then lurking in the neighborhood. As a precaution against an attack in the night, the children had been sent to sleep in the hay-mow. Our subject's grandfather, being the eldest, was then a boy of twelve years. Early in the morning he was aroused from his slumbers by the crack of a gun. Looking out from the hiding-place he saw his mother come to the door of the cabin, when she was instantly shot down and scalped by the savages. His father had been shot while getting water at the spring. Remaining in his hiding-place until the Indians had departed, he ran to arouse the neighbors and acquaint them with the depredation. It is' not surprising that such a scene should inspire in the mind of such a youth a revenge for Indian blood. After he grew to manhood he removed to the foot of the Allegheny mountain in Westmoreland county. During the Revolution he was a lieutenant in charge of a fort in that county, and on one occasion he held as a prisoner in the block-house the notorious Simon Girty. On another occasion he led a party of volunteers from the fort in pursuit of a band of Indians who had been committing depredations upon the whites, and, after following the trail all night through the snow, came upon the savages about three o'clock in the morning. His men attacked them as they lay around the fire, killed and wounded a considerable number, and scattered the remainder in all directions. The fleeing Indians were pursued by the men and a number killed with tomahawks. Lieutenant Johnston himself tomahawked one, and took off his powder-horn and shot-pouch, whicb are to this day preserved in the family as a relic. After this he pursued another and followed him a long distance, but only succeeded in getting close enough to wound him on the heel. The father and grandfather came from Westmoreland county to Jefferson county, Ohio, in the year 1806, when our subject was four years of age. They crossed the Ohio river on the old ferry then at Steubenville, which was at that time a frontier village, and settled in what is now Green township, Harrison county. In those days the schools were held in the primitive log school house, and children had to travel a distance of three or four miles. The first church of which our subject has any recollection was known in those days as the Beech Spring Presbyterian Church, near Hopedale, Harrison county. It was an old-fashioned log building, but one of the best in those primitive days. His father attended there with his family, and the minister then in charge was Dr. John Rea, whom our subject well recollects. One of the features of early worship was that communions and general meetings were held out in tents or the open air, and were attended by large crowds of people, some of whom would travel long distances. Our subject's grandfather on his mother's side, James Black was in the war of the Revolution, fought at the battle of Germantown under Washington, and his brother, John Black, for whom our subject was named, fell in that engagement. The Blacks were also of Scotch-Irish descent and came to Ohio at the same time and settled in the same locality as the Johnstone. Soon after his settlement there, James Black was chosen elder of the Presbyterian church at Beech Springs, near Hopedale, and served in that capacity during his lifetime. At his death he was succeeded by his son, who also served during his life, and in turn, his successor at his death was his son, John Hervy Black. who now resides at the same place, so that the eldership of this church has been filled by the family through three generations. Our subject was sent to college at Cannonsburg, Pa., as soon as he arrived at the age of twenty-one, and graduated at Franklin College, New Athens, Harrison county, Ohio, in the year 1829. He then went to Pittsburgh, studied theology and entered the ministry, being licensed in 1832. In 1833, he settled in Logan county, Ohio, and took charge ofa church located at what is now the village of New Geneva. He opened a classical school there about the year 1841, which was the basis, or origin, of the college which was founded at that place in 1845. Mr. Johnston also founded the female seminary at that place with the aid of ex-Governor Benjamin Stanton, Hon. William Lawrence, Judge W. H. West and other prominent gentlemen of Bellefontaine. After having been the pastor of that congregation for a period of twenty-five years, he severed his connection with the Reformed Presbyterian church in 1858, associated himself with, the United Presbyterian church and came to St. Clairsville, Belmont county in 1859. He has resided here ever since and served as the pastor of the congregation at this place until the year 1874, when he resigned on account of failing health. In December, 1870, he was appointed Postmaster of the village of St. Clairsville, and has held it until the present writing, As an author, our subject deserves more than a passing notice. He is the author of two interesting little works—one entitled " The Prayer Meeting," and the other " Psalmody, an Examination of Authority for Making Uninspired Songs, and for Using them in the Formal Worship of God." The first is a work of 360 and the latter 172 pages, are well written, and the subjects ably treated. Mr. Johnston had two sons in the war of the rebellion. The elder, James R., was a member of the 7th Kansas Cavalry, and had charge of the contrabands on President's Island, in the Mississippi river, where he took sick and died. The other son, David R., was a member of the 17th O. V. I—three months service. After the close of the war, he was sent as a medical missionary to Egypt, by the board of Foreign Missions of the U. P. Church, and remained there seven years. He is now a druggist in Mansfield, Ohio. His daughter, Eliza, has also been in the missionary service in Egypt, and his son, J. A. Johnston, Esq., is a practicing lawyer in Cambridge, Ohio. HON. LORENZO DANFORD, attorney-at-law, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, October 18, 1829. His father was a prom- HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 241 inent farmer., and held several offices of trust, the duties of which be discharged with intelligence and fidelity. Our subject attended the common schools and finished his education at Waynesburg, Pa. When twenty-three years of age he began to read law at St. Clairsville with Carlo C. Carroll, and was admitted to the bar in 1854. In 1856 he entered the political arena as a Whig, supported Filmore for the presidency, and was upon the state electoral ticket. Afterwards he affiliated with the Republican party, and became a distinguished member of it. In 1857 ha was elected prosecuting attorney for Belmont county, and was re-elected in 1859, vacating the office in 1861, prior to the expiration of his term, to join the army. On October 7, 1858, he was married to Annie H. Cook, of Jefferson county, Ohio, who died October 24, 1867. He enlisted as a private in the 17th 0. V. I., for three month's service, and was mustered out in August following. He returned home and assisted in raising a company for the 15th Ohio, of which he was elected second lieutenant. In 1862 he was promoted to the first lieutenancy, and then to the position of captain, which he resigned, August 1, 1864, on account of ill health. He was active and influential in his support of Lincoln in 1860 and 1864, and was one of the electoral delegation from Ohio which gave the vote of that state to Mr. Lincoln. On October 27, 1870, he married Mary M. Adams of St. Clairsville, Ohio. In October, 1872, he was elected on the Republican ticket to the Forty-third Congress, from the Sixteenth Ohio District, his opponent having been C. L. Poor-man, who ran as 'a Liberal Republican. In 1874, he was reelected, his opponent having been on this occasion, H. Boyle, Esq. In 1876 he was again re-elected over William A. Lawrence. At the expiration of this term, he declined a renomination, preferring to return to his profession rather than continue in public life. Mr. Danford was the successor of Hon. John A. Bingham, and has served the interests of his constituency and the people at large with distinguished ability. He has a wide reputation as a lawyer of great learning and skill, and as an orator his speeches in the House of Representatives, as well as his addresses to the bench, evince an ability for trenchant argument possessed by few men. He is deserving of the credit and esteem accorded him for his successful career, as it is the result of constantly exercised energy directed by noble purposes. JUDGE DANIEL D. T. COWEN, lawyer and jurist, son of Benjamin S. Cowen, was born in Moorefield, Harrison county, Ohio, January 20, 1826. From a very early age until December, 1832, he attended school in Moorefield, and upon the removal of his parents to St. Clairsville, he became a student of its common schools, and of Brook's Institute, of that place, of which his was as one of the founders. In the fall of 1841, he completed a course in the classics at Cadiz, Ohio, which was followed by a study of medicine, under the tutorship of Dr. John Alexander, of St. Clairsville, and upon acompletion of a full course to he began the study of law under his father and lion. Hugh J. Jewett. On January 20, 1847, he was admitted to practice at Columbus, and at once entered upon his professional career, at St. Clairsville. In 1851, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Belmont county, was re-elected in 1853, and also in 1855. Upon the resignation of John W. Okey, one of the Judges of the Common Pleas bench of his district, Mr. Cowen was appointed by the Governor to fill the vacancy. From 1854 until 1862, he was a member of the Board of School Examiners of Belmont county, at which latter date he resigned to enter the army. In 1862 he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 52nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served with that command, and for the greater part of the time, in charge of it, until February, 1863, when he resigned on account of the illness of his wife. Judge Cowen was one of the originators of the First National Bank of St. Clairsville, organized in April, 1864, and ever since he has filled its Presidency. He was, on March 28, 1848, married to Miss Hannah F. Martin, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, who died May 3rd, 1864. On August 8th, 1865, he married her sister, Ann E. Martin. In 1867, he was elected President of the St. Clairsville Building Association, the first organization of the kind in the town, and filled that office until its successful close six years thereafter. This association was followed by the Richland Building Association, of which he has been its President from the date of its organization in January, 1874. He was a delegate to the Ohio Constitutional Convention of 1873, and was one of its most active members, filling positions on important committees, framing articles for incorporation, and urging needed amendments to the organic law of the State. 31—B. & J. Cos. Judge Cowen is one of the oldest practicing lawyers at the Belmont county bar, and has a large and influential clientage. HON. ROBERT E. CHAMBERS, attorney-at-law, was born in Richland township, Belmont county, Ohio, of Irish parentage, his father having arrived in America in 1798, and his mother two years later. His father followed agricultural pursuits through life. Robert attended the district school during the winter months, laboring on the farm the balance of the year, until he attained his majority. He then worked at the carpenter trade for about a year, after which he taught school, and at the same time was a pupil in an academy which prepared him for college. He graduated from Franklin College, Harrison county, Ohio, in 1853, and subsequently resumed his vocation as a teacher, being employed as such in the district schools for three years and taught the high schools of St. Clairsville, Ohio, for two years ; likewise having supervision of the public schools of that place. He commenced the study of law in 1858, with Judge William Kennon, of St. Clairsville, was admitted to the bar in 1860, and at once entered upon the practice of his profession. In 1862 he was elected a member of the lower house in the General Assembly and served for one year. On his return home he resumed his legal duties and so continued until 1871, when he was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for five years. He filled the bench with honor, satisfaction and ability, and at the expiration of his term as such he again resumed the practice of law. Office on Main street, nearly opposite St. Clair Hotel. W. S. KENNON, attorney-at-law. The subject is a son of Wm. Kennon, Sr., and was born in St. Clairsville, May 15,1828. Was educated at his native town and Bethany College, in which latter place he remained three years. He then returned home, began reading law with his father, and was admitted to the bar. He practiced law until the war broke out, when, in the fall of 1861, he was made the Union candidate and elected to the legislature. He served in the sessions of 1861-62 and at the close of the latter session resigned to accept the appointment by Gov. Todd of Secretary of State. In the fall of 1862 he was defeated for that office, having been nominated by the Republicans. He was sent by Gov. Todd soon afterward to Washington to adjust Ohio's war claims against the government. In 1863, Secretary Stanton appointed him Paymaster of the United States Army, in which capacity he served four years, when he resigned, removed to Cincinnati and entered into the practice of law in partnership with Judge Okey and Milton Saylor. Here he remained until his father had a stroke of paralysis in 1871, when he was sent for. He came home and has been practicing law in St. Clairsville ever since. In the fall of the above year he was elected by the Republican party as Prosecuting Attorney, serving until 1878. He served six years as Master Commissioner. Office in Patterson's Block. JAMES A. BARNES was born in Barnesville September 19, 1823. He was reared a farmer, and for a number of years followed that occupation. In 1849 be married Miss Matilda Cater, a daughter of William Cater, of Somerset township, where he had removed. In February, 1864, he enlisted in the army and became a member of Company C of the 60th O. V. I., and served fifteen months. Participated in the attack on the lines at Petersburg, and on the 30th of September, 1864, lost his right arm in the engagement at Poplar Grove Church, Va. Returned home May 15, 1865. In 1866 he was elected assessor of Somerset township, and also was made collector of that township for the county treasurer. In the year following he was re-elected assessor and also justice of the peace, serving one term. In 1868 his wife died, and in the winter of 1869 he removed from Boston, his home in Somerset, to Barnesville, where, in the spring of 1870, he was elected assessor. In the fall of 1871 he was elected to the office of county recorder, on the Republican ticket, by a majority of 25 votes. He took charge of the office January 1, 1872. He was re-elected in 1874 by 491 votes, and run again in 1877, but., being declared beaten by two votes, he contested the election and won it by three. He was married to his second wife, Lizza A. Bumgarner, daughter of H. R. Bumgarner, of St. Clairsville. in 1876. He has rendered full satisfaction as a public officer. A. H. MITCHELL, attorney-at-law, is a son of David Mitchell, and was born May 31, 1849, near Lloydsville, Richland township, Belmont county. Received a common school education, and taught school from the time that he was 18 years of age until 22. In the meantime he devoted his leisure moments to 242 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. the study of law, and in September, 1871, he was admitted to the bar. He removed to St. Clairsville and commenced the practice of his profession in April, 1872. On the 23d of September, 1875, he married Miss M. A. Wilkinson, daughter of William Wilkinson, Esq., who served as commissioner of Belmont county for several years., In April, 1878, Mr. M. formed a partnership with his brother Wilson, in the law business, who was admitted to practice April, 1877. This firm has continued since that time. Office in Brown's building, (up stairs) opposite National Hotel. Residence, east end of St. Clairsville. PETER TALLMAN, attorney-at-law. The subject of this sketch is a son of Peter Tallman, who migrated from Virginia to Belmont county in 1802, and was married to a widow lady, Mrs. Berry, nee Jenkins. She had a family of three children. They resided in Union township, where, on the 21st of August, 1814, our subject was born. He was educated in St. Clairsville and Kenyon College, studied law with General James Weir and was admitted to practice, September, 1835. On the 13th of February, 1839, he was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Booker. In April, 1840, he removed to Morristown and engaged in merchandizing, where he continued for five years and then returned to St. Clairsville, resuming his law practice, which he had been obliged to abandon for a time on account of ill health. Whilst in Morristown he received the appointment of postmaster under Gen. Harrison's administration, and was removed by Tyler. In 1844, he was elected to the legislature from this county, serving one term and refused to be a candidate for the second. In 1849, he was elected a member. of the Board of Education, serving in that capacity- for eleven consecutive years. On the 22d of April, 1861, he raised a company of volunteer militia. He was captain of and belonged to the 17th regiment. The company remained out about four months. After being discharged he returned home and raised a company for the three years' service for his son, James F. Tallman. This company went into the 98th Ohio. He spent a year or two in raising men for the service and assisted in recruiting eight regiments. During the Brough campaign in 1863, he took the field and made eighty-eight speeches against C. L. Vallandigham. In 1866 he took his son in with him as a partner under the firm name of P. Tallman & Son. He says he has tried more civil and criminal cases than any other lawyer in the county in the same number of years. He is now the oldest lawyer practicing at the Belmont county bar. Office on the northwest corner of Main and Marietta streets, St. Clairsville. A. C. DARRAH, Clerk of the Courts, a son of William Darrah, was born in St. Clairsville, June 4, 1849. Received a liberal education in his native town and taught school several terms in Pease town township. He studied law with Danford & Kennon and in 1870 he was admitted to practice. The same fall he took up another school in Pease township and taught for two years. In 1872 he married Martha M. Darrah nee Harris, by whom he became the parent of three children. In 1875 he was elected Justice of the Peace, serving nearly the full term. In 1878 he was elected Clerk of the County Courts and is how filling the position to the satisfaction of the people. Residence on Main street, St. Clairsville, Ohio. ADDISON THOMPSON was born July 21, 1857, near St, Clairsville. Here he went to school until 1872, when he attended the Western University and Duff's College for a couple of years. In 1875 he was employed as assistant book-keeper in the Dispatch office, Pittsburgh, Pa., a situation he held about one year. In August, 1878, he was appointed deputy clerk of the courts of Belmont county, which position he still retains. HENRY M. DAVIES, son of Hiram C. Davies, was born in Sewellsville, December 7, 1846. Educated at Franklin College. In 1864 he enlisted in company G, of the 174th regiment, O. V. I. He was engaged in several battles—one at Decatur, Ala., Overhaul's Creek, Tenn., and at Kingston, N. C. ; being in service one year. Commenced the study of law in 1873 and was admitted at the April term of 1876, at Cambridge. Came to St. Clairsville in the following September, and began the practice of his profession. 'He was married to Miss Lizzie Henderson the same year. In 1878 he was elected Mayor of St. Clairsville. Law office a few doors east of Welday's Bank, Main street. HENRY C. WELDAY, banker, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1823. He is the second son of Henry and Nancy Welday, nee Smith. They migrated from Pennsylvania in 1802, and settled in the above named county, in Cross Creek township. His father was a prominent farmer, and was elected one of the directors of the Steubenville Bank, serving as such several years. In 1875 he died. His wife is still living, at this writing, in her 85th year, with one of her grand-children. Henry C. was reared on a farm, and attended the common schools of his district ; afterward taught school, and then took a commercial course in the Iron City College.. In 1848, he married Elizabeth Scott, daughter of Rev. Andrew Scott, of Jefferson county, and a sister of Thomas Scott, a missionary in India. For several years after his marriage he farmed his father's place. In 1859 he removed to St. Clairsville, and purchased the Shannon property, which he owned until 1867, when he sold, and erected his present residence. He engaged in the dry goods business, and in 1864 was instrumental in organizing the First National Bank of St. Clairsville, having sole charge of it four years. A teller was then appointed, and with the assistance of the same he has been doing the business ever since. He and his wife have been members of the M. E. Church for thirty-one years. COL. J. R. MITCHELL was born in York county, Pa. His parents were of Scotch-Irish extraction. He received an academical education, and in 1846 migrated to Belmont county, and engaged in school teaching for two years. In 1849 he removed to Morristown, and started in the mercantile business. Here he was appointed Postmaster under President Pierce's administration in 1853, and served several years, when he resigned and moved to St. Clairsville, in 1856, and became Deputy Clerk of the Court during S. W. Gaston's entire term. In the spring of 1860 he removed to Bridgeport and embarked in the drug business. In July, 1862, he recruited a company of men for the 98th Ohio, and was made captain. From the rank of captain, he, through meritorious conduct and bravery, was promoted to Major, and then to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was engaged in the battle at Perrysville, Ky.; was in several skirmishes about Franklin, Tennessee, and was with his regiment in Sherman's campaign to Atlanta. From this point, on account of sickness, he was obliged to withdraw, from the service. In the fall of 1865, he was elected Clerk of the Court on the Republican ticket, re-elected in 1872, and again in 1874, serving until February, 1878. On the 21st of September, 1870, he was married to Miss Celia A. Grove. He is at present Assistant Cashier of the First National Bank of St. Clairsville. JOHN H. HEATON was born in Uniontown, Fayette county, Pa., May 14, 1818. He learned the trade of a printer in the office of The Genius of Liberty, in that place. In 1837 he came to St. Clairsville, where he was connected with the Gazette and Citizen for twenty-eight years, being its editor for eighteen. lie was Deputy Clerk of the Court for several years, and held the position as Clerk of the Court by appointment, upon the death of Colonel Miller. In 1851 he was elected to that office, serving the usual term with credit. In 1863 he was a candidate on the Democratic State ticket for member of the Board of Public Works. In 1870 he was on the ticket for Comptroller of the State Treasury, and was for six years one of the Directors of the Central Ohio railroad, He was also for a number of years a member. of the Democratic State Central Committee. On the 19th of Jane, 1843; he was married to Miss Rebecca Askew, who was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1821. She Was the second daughter of Parker Askew. Our subject occupied a high position in the Masonic order, and was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, He died August 23, 1873. His wife .still survives him. CHARLES N. GAUMER, editor and proprietor of the St. Clairsville Gazette, was born November 19, 1849, in the town of Adamsville, Muskingum county, Ohio, 12 miles northeast of Zanesville. He was the second son of Jonathan Gaumer, who at that time pursued. the vocation of a carpenter. A few years later the family moved to a farm near the village, where the subject of this sketch was brought up, working on the farm in the summer and attending the district school during the winter. His facilities for obtaining an education were limited to a few months each year in the common school. He never had any of the advantages of high school or college, but, being apt to learn and fond of reading, he acquired knowledge sufficient to qualify himself for teaching, which profession he engaged in at the age of 18 years. After teaching school for five years (during which time he frequently contributed articles to the Zanesville newspapers), he became local editor of the Zanesville Signal in the spring of 1873. In this position Mr. G. gave such evident satisfaction to his employer and readers, and liking the business, he concluded to embark permanently and on his own responsi- HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 243 bility in journalism. In October, 1873, he bought the St. Clairsville Gazette, and has been editor and publisher of that paper from November 1, 1873, to the present time. Under his management the Gazette has been very successful and prospered to an unusual degree. On October 22, 1874, he married Miss Sue Slater, daughter of H. V. Slater, Esq., of Muskingum county, Ohio. Mr. G. takes a commendable pride in being a self-made man, and owes his success in life largely to his energy and determination to succeed in whatever he undertakes. ROBERT M. EATON, prosecuting attorney, a son of William and Elizabeth Eaton, nee Atwell, was born in Morristown, Belmont county, Ohio, April 23; 1849. He attended the common schools of his native village until 1864, when he went to the Cleveland Institute. In the summer of 1867 he graduated in a classical course. From November, 1867, to May, 1868, he was employed as assistant book-keeper for the firm of BHA, Garlick & Co., of that city. In the spring of 1868 be returned home, and in 1869 he turned his attention to the study of law with St. Clair Kelly, of St. Clairsville, under whose supervision he remained two years, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1871. He began the practice of his profession immediately, and in 1877 he was elected by the Democrats as prosecuting attorney of the county. His term of office expires on the first Monday in January, 1880. Office in Collins' block, opposite St. Clair Hotel, Main street. JOHN RIGGS, brickmaker, was born near St. Clairsville, May 14, 1846. In 1866 he engaged in the brick manufacturing business, which he has followed ever since. In December, 1868, he married Margaret Berry. COL. JAMES F. CHARLESWORTH, eldest son of Richard and Jane Charlesworth, nee Porter, was born. in St. Clairsville, November 25, 1826. His father was an early merchant in the town. Ho migrated from Baltimore along in 1820-2. James F. attended common schools and was then sent to Granville College, Ohio, where he graduated in 1841. Alter this he assisted his father in merchandizing until the outbreaking of the Mexican war, when he and his brother Richard F. left La Salle, Illinois, where his father had in the meantime removed, and enlisted in the regular army, became members of company H., 1st regiment mounted rifles, and served under General Scott. Received a slight wound at Contreras during the successful siege of Mexico. His colonel was mayor of the city after the entrance of the United States troops, and the regiment was detailed on Police duty for nine Months. Shortly after peace had been declared this regiment was dismissed, upon petition, by the President. He and his brother Richard returned to La Salle, where about four years later Richard died. James F., having a desire tor the law, remained at home but a short time, and then returned to St. Clairsville, and began the study of law with General Weir. In December, 1851, he was admitted to practice. In the fall of 1854 be was elected auditor of Belmont county, servingtwo years. On the 4th of July, 1855, he married Laura A. Tullman, daughter of William Tallman, deceased. In 1857, he purchased the St. Clairsville Independent Republican, which he edited until the secession of the southern states, when he discontinued its publication, raised a company, and went to the war. His was the first three years company in the state entered upon the adjutant general's books. He received his commission as captain, July 12, 1861. On the 16th day of May, 1862, be was promoted to major, and July 30, 1862, to lieutenant colonel. In the fall of 1861, be received a slight wound in the engagement at Allegheny Summit, Highland county, Virginia. On the 8th of June, 1862, during the battle of Cross Keys, be received an abdominal wound, the ball entering about two inches to the right of the umbilical cord, perforating the right ascending colon, breaking ott one of the false ribs from the spine and coining out about the same distance from the right of the spinal column, causing a partial paralysis of the colon. Was honorably discharged, upon bib own resignation, May, 18, 1863, approved by N. C. McLean, as follows : "HEADQUARTERS 1ST DIV. 11TH CORPS, "BROOK'S STATION, VA., May 13, 1863.  "Approved and respectfully forwarded. Whilst regretting the resignation of Lieutenant Colonel Charlesworth, I approve, as I personally know him to be disabled by an honorable wound. "N. C. McLEAN, Brig. Gen. Corn." Upon his return home he assumed the duties of clerk of the courts, to which office he had been elected while in the army. In 1864, he was elected colonel of the let regiment of the Bel- I-31-B & J Cos moat county militia. After serving his term as clerk he was appointed master commissioner of the Court of Common Pleas of the county, serving nine years. E. F. FEELEY, son of Conrad Feeley, was born in Pease township, Belmont county, Ohio, January 8, 1850. Educated in common schools. Learned the trade of a carpenter, which vocation he pursued about eight years. On the 2d of September, 1877, he was appointed deputy treasurer of Belmont county, which position he still holds. DR. HENRY WEST was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 8, 1810. He studied medicine at Mt. Pleasant under Dr. William Hamilton, and in 1831 removed to Bridgeport and began the practice of his profession. In 1835 he attended the Medical College at Cincinnati, where he graduated. The same year he married Agnes A. Kirkwood, daughter of Joseph Kirkwood. He represented Belmont county in the Legislature during the years 1838-9. In 1841 he removed to St. Clairsville, where he commenced practicing and has continued ever since. His wife died in 1854, and in 1855 he married his second wife, Agnes Parker, of St. Clairsville. In 1858 he started in the drug and hardware business under the firm name of J. H. West & Co. In 1857 he associated his son John in the business, changing the firm name to H. West & Co. He lost his second wife in 1864. He represented Belmont and Harrison counties in the state senate in 1866-7. For his third wife he married Mary J. Douglas in 1867. Mr. West was appointed in 1862 as surgeon of the 98th Ohio, and was in the field about fifteen months. The principal battles during that time he witnessed was Perrysburg and Chicamauga. He is at present examining surgeon for pensions, Residence, east end of town ; store, on Main street, opposite the bank. THOMAS E. CLARK, proprietor of National House, St. Clairsville. This house has a large run of custom, and is conducted on the most pleasing plan for a traveling public. Here is found a well-spread table, clean and comfortable rooms, with prices correspondingly low ; a genial and accommodating landlord and lady. Every attention given guests. There is also found a good stable in connection, with careful hostlers, so that both man and beast are well provided for. GEN. GEORGE W. HOGE was horn February 22, 1832, in Goshen township, Bulimia county. His father, a native of Loudon county, Va.., became a resident of Belmont county in territorial times; taught school about two years, was several years a county school examiner, and was admitted to the bar December 3, 1855, from the office of Benjamin S. and D. D. T. Cowen. Married Mary T, daughter of Benjamin S. Cowen, December 10, 1857. Practiced law till January, 1662, and then became chief clerk .of the secretary of state. He was prosecuting attorney in 1861 ; enlisted in Company B, 126th Ohio Infantry, July 8, 1862; was appointed first lieutenant, and promoted to captain June 25, 1863; served a while as judge advocate; fought in the 6th army corps in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Coal Harbor, Petersburg, Monocacy, Opequan, Fisher's Bill, Cedar Creek and other minor engagements, in several of which battles he commanded the regiment. In November, 1864, he became Colonel of the 183d Ohio Infantry, and led it in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. Appointed brigadier general by brevet March 13, 1865, and commanded a brigade in North Carolina. Ho was five times touched with the enemy's bullets. In 1867 he was appointed a register in bankruptcy. Resided and did a banking business in Bellaire from 1867 to 1877, and was for a time president of the Belmont Glass Works and of the Bellaire Street Railroad Company. Returned to the practice of law at St. Clairsville, in September, 1878. THOMAS W, EMERSON, son of William Emerson, of Goshen township, by his first wife, Jane Danford, was born in Wayne township, Belmont county, in 1851. When he was about two years old his parents removed to Goshen township, where, the same year, his mother died. His early life was spent on a farm. After teaching two terms in the county schools, be went to the National Normal School, Lebanon, Ohio, where he graduated in the Business Course in 1872 and in the Scientific Course in 1873. Spent the following year till September, 1874, in Lebanon as clerk in Kinsey's book store, at the expiration of which time he went to Medina, Ohio, and took the Classical Course at the Medina Normal School. In September, 1875, he went to Sedalia, Mo., where be spent one year as principal of the Broadway schools. The new constitution of Missouri, adopted, 244 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. in 1876, having crippled the public schools of the State, he aided in organizing the Central Normal and Collegiate Institute, of Sedalia, and was assigned the charge of the Scientific Department ; but a change having been occasioned, about the middle of the year, by the resignation of the Professor of Languages, the most of his work for the rest of the year was in that Department. In July, 1877, he resigned, and returned to Ohio, and commenced the study of law in the office of Hon. L. Danford, of St. Clairsville ; was admitted to practice, April 8th, 1879 ; has opened an office in St. Clairsville, in Brown's Block, opposite the National Hotel. NEWELL K. KENNON, attorney-at-law, was born April 8th, 1855, in the town of St. Clairsville, and is the son of the late Judge William Kennon, r., and Elizabeth (Kirkwood) Kennon. His father was a lawyer of eminence, was elected a member of the Thirtieth Congress, and in 1865 Common Pleas Judge for the district of Belmont and Monroe. His mother is a granddaughter of Robert Kirkwood, and a daughter of Joseph Kirkwood. He attended the schools of his native town, and in 1874-5-6, was a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. After finishing his studies there, he commenced the study of law in 1877 with Judge R. E. Chambers, of St. Clairsville, and was admitted to practice his profession April 8th, 1879. SAMUEL HILLES, Sheriff of Belmont county, a son of Nathan and Sarah Hilles, nee Cole, was born June 10, 1836, in Chester county, Pa. His parents migrated to Belmont county in 1844, and located in Loydsville. He received a common school education in this village. -In the spring of 1858, he began the study of dentistry with Dr. Y. H. Jones, of Loydsville, remaining under his supervision two years. In 1861, he enlisted as a private in company "E," 15th O. V. I. Immediately after being sworn into service he was made sergeant, and in 1862, he was promoted to second lieutenant, which rank he held but a few weeks and being regarded as meritorious, was again elevated to the position of first lieutenant. His army life was an active one—full of danger and suffering, He was engaged in the battles at Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Stone River, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga. At the battle of Stone River, he received two severe wounds by the explosion of a shell—one piece striking him on the right leg above the-knee and another piece in the back between the shoulders, and in the engagement at Chickamauga, he received a slight wound. He was discharged December 15, 1863, on account of disabilities by the Medical Board of Cincinnati. On September 20, 1864, he was united in marriage to Lizzie N. Lee, of Belmont county. At Loydsville he embarked in the mercantile trade and merchandised until October, 1867, after which time he went into partnership with Dr. H. W. Baker, of Barnesville, in dental surgery. In 1870, he removed to Red Oak, Iowa, and followed dentistry there in connection with agriculture. Came back to Barnesville in November 1874, and in January 1875, he took charge of the gas works as superintendent. In 1878 he became a candidate for sheriff on the Republican ticket, and in the fall of that year he was elected, which position he now fills to the people's satisfaction. HAMILTON EATON, Treasurer of Belmont county, was born in Morristown in 1840, and educated in the common schools. In the years 1858-9 he clerked in the drug store of McKelvey & Fisher, of that place. In the fall of 1859 he removed to Barnesville, entering as clerk, and afterward became proprietor of a drug store. He remained in that place nineteen years. He was appointed captain of one of the four "Departmental Monongahela Corps," of Belmont county, being mustered in August, 1863. He was out on one raid to Erie, Pa. On November 1st, 1864, they were mustered out. His company had eighty-eight men, rank and file. Headquarters were at Pittsburgh. He returned home, and in that year was united in mar- riage to Miss A. H. Ball. Mr. E. continued in the drug business in Barnesville until 1877, when he was elected to the office of County Treasurer on the Democratic ticket, and re-elected in 1879. Dr. JOHN ALEXANDER.—Was born near Belfast, Ireland, and is of Scotch-Irish parentage. At the age of sixteen he migrated to the United States, landing at Baltimore. After traveling rather extensively, be commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Carroll, of St. Clairsville, under whose supervision and tui- tion, with that of the Medical College of Ohio, he obtained his medical education. Whilst reading medicine he was obliged, owing to his limited means, to teach school occasionally as an auxiliary in his studies. In 1832, he commenced practicing in Flushing, and in the autumn of 1839, he removed to St.. Clairsville, where he has remained engaged in his profession ever since. In 1842, he married Miss Lucy Huey, daughter of Gen. Huey, of Washington county, Pa., who started for the field of action during the war of '12 as Major, but peace was declared before reaching his destination. As a practitioner the Dr. has been very successful. He always was much devoted to his profession, and never stopped for obstacles even at the risk of life, whilst in the discharge of his professional visitations, often swimming creeks in going to and returning from his patients. He fractured his legs seven times and either arm once by accidents occasioned by his horse falling with and on him. But, notwithstanding these casualties and many exposures he has enjoyed remarkably good health. For the last three years he was partially disabled owing to heart trouble, from which of late, he has greatly improved, so that he is able again to attend to his business as well as ever. He has a large practice, and is kept busy most all the time. Office and residence west Main street, St. Clairsville. OLIVER J. SWANEY was born in Monroe county, Ohio, November 14, 1819. His grandfather was a native of Fayette county, Pa,, and towards the close of the revolution he sold his farm, receiving therefor $10,000 in continental money, which in a short time became worthless. Not long after he died, and his family being in destitute circumstances, became separated. His son William, father of our subject, passed through the hardships of life, married Miss Eleanor Savage, of Lancaster county, Pa., and afterwards came to Ohio, first settling at Mt. Pleasant. From thence he went to Monroe county, and in 1821 removed to Morristown,. Belmont county, where he followed his trade, blacksmithing, and aided materially at that day to build up the town. He died there in 1853 in the seventieth year of his age, and his wife lived to the advanced age of eighty-nine years. Our subject was educated at Franklin College, Athens, Ohio. He studied law with William Kennon, r., and was admitted to the bar in 1846. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Pennington. He has lived in St. Clairsville ever since his admission to the practice of his profession. Office on central Main street. W. N. COFFLAND, Auditor of Belmont county. Mr. C. is a son .of George W. Coffland and was born in Goshen township, March 22, 1848. He was reared on a farm and received a common school education. At the age of eighteen he embarked in the mercantile business, in which he continued about six years. On the 10th of November, 1873, he became deputy auditor for W. E. Stamp. In the fall of 1877, he was elected to the office of county auditor on the Democratic ticket by a .large majority, and the people pronounce him an able, efficient and popular officer. On the 5th of May, 1879, be was married to Annie M. Lochary, of St. Clairsville. His present term of office expires in 1880. Residence, Main street. DAVID DARRAH. The subject was born on Little McMahon's creek, December 11, 1840. His parents moved to St. Clairsville when he was but five years of age. Here be received a common school education. In 1860 he started a butcher shop in the town. He first opened out in the old market house, where he continued for three years, then removed to his present location on Main street, nearly opposite Welday's bank. In 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Reynolds, of Steubenville, by whom he became the parent of one child. He keeps fresh meat the whole year round, having facilities for keeping the same in good order. Mr. D. owns a farm of forty acres adjoining town, and carries on farming in connection with butchering. H. C. MORRISON, dentist. Mr. Morrison was born August 31, 1837, in Morristown, Belmont county. He is a son of Robert Morrison, Esq. Studied dentistry with his father, with whom be practiced in partnership about ten years. In 1869 he made a tour west and located for practice in a town in Illinois, where he remained about three years, engaged in the dental business. Was married to Miss Mary J. Taggart, daughter of John Taggart, near St. Clairsville. In 1874 he returned from the west and located in St. Clairsville. Office on Main street, opposite bank. HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 245 THOMAS COCHRAN, Probate Judge., Thomas Cochran was born in Pease township, Belmont county, Ohio, May 25, 1847. He is a son of James and Nancy Cochran, nee Cord, and is the fourth son of a family of thirteen children. In 1852 his parents removed to Mead township. He attended Mt. Union College in the winters of 1866-7 ; taught a winter school at Deep Run in 1868, and in 1869 at Sardis, Monroe county. In the spring of 1870 he began reading law with J. B. Smith, of Bellaire ; attended law school at Ann Arbor in 1871, and was admitted to the bar in Columbus in the spring of same year. Immediately after his admission he removed to Bellaire and began the practice of his chosen profession. On January 6, 1873, he was made Deputy Sheriff under his brother, W. C. Cochran, which position he held two years. On October 30, 1873, he was married to Miss Ala Frint, daughter of John L. Frint, of St. Clairsville. In February, 1875, he removed to Martin's Ferry, where he resumed the practice of law, In the fall of 1878 he was elected Probate Judge on the Democratic ticket, and satisfactorily fills the position. WM. LEE, JR., was born in Wheeling township, January 18, 1814. His father, Robert Lee, was born in Ireland in 1776, and at the age of sixteen migrated to the United States, locating in Washington county, Pa., where, in December, 1800, he married Miss Mary Vance who was a daughter of Joseph Vance, an uncle of the Joseph Vance who was Governor of Ohio from December, 1836, to December, 1838. They removed to Wheeling township in 1810, where William was born, reared and educated. He worked with his father on the farm until twenty-five years of age. On the 8th of January, 1839, he married Miss Mary Dickerson of Harrison county. In the spring of 1839, he moved on a farm joining his father's which he purchased from him. Here he resided, following agriculture for twenty-nine years, then rented his place and bought property in St. Clairsville and removed into it. He owns four hundred and nine acres in Wheeling township. His residence is on west end of Main street. W. D. BUMGARNER was born in Belmont county, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1851. His father, Harvey B. Bumgarner, was born in Pennsylvania, March 26, 1818. He married Miss Massie Teets in 1841, and the same fall removed from Harrison county to Uniontown, Belmont county. In 1855 they removed to St. Clairsville. Here our subject received his schooling. At the age of twenty-one, he went to Wheeling, W. Va., to learn the carpenter's trade with Crawford and Morris, serving an apprenticeship of three years. In 1876 he returned to St. Clairsville and started in business for himself. Shop, north side east Main street. ROBERT THOMPSON was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, April 6, 1804. Mr. Thompson is but little indebted to schools for education. His father was one of the early merchants of St. Clairsville, and Robert's boyhood days were spent in his father's store. At the age of eighteen years, he began to clerk in his brother John's store, at St. Clairsville, where he continued till 1822, when his brother went to Wheeling, Robert still acting as his clerk, In 1826 be became his brother's partner and opened a store at Elizabethtown, Marshall county, West Virginia. They continued at this place some five years, and then sold their store. He then came to his father's, where he remained, till April 1844, when he became united in marriage to Miss Louisa Alexander, daughter of Judge James Alexander, Jr., of Belmont county. After his marriage he located on, a farm, where lie resided until some four years since, when he came to the place he now occupies in St. Clairsville. Mr. Thompson still owns his old farm of two hundred and thirty-three acres and an other of seventy-five acres both of which are in Richland township. NOBLE CARTER was born in Kirkwood township, Belmont county, Ohio, November 6, 1834. He obtained a common school education, and worked on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, after which he attended school at Fairview, Guernsey county. Followed teaching in district schools for several years. March 4,'1863, he enlisted as a private in the 15th 0. V. I. and served till the close of the war. Was a contractor of stone work for bridges, &c., at which he continued for eight years. Was elected county surveyor in 1872 and still holds the position. CHARLES COLLINS was born in St. Clairsville, June 4, 1813. Received a common school education. His father was a carpenter and migrated from near Hagerstown, Maryland, about the year 1807. As soon as his son was large enough to handle the tools, he worked with his father and learned the trade, which he bas followed ever since. April, 1854, he married Miss Rachel Merrit. They are the parents of three children, viz : Charles, Robert and Josephine. Robert is at Lafayette College and Charles is in the West. Mr. C. has always been a resident of St. Clairsville. BENJAMIN DICKEY was born in Chester county, Pa., December 28, 1818. Our subject's grandfather's name was John. He migrated to America from Ireland in 1764-5. He had four children, Robert, John, James and Margaret. Robert was born in 1775, in Chester, county, Pa. In 1800 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Collorn. They were the parents of twelve children, viz : Jane, John, Jesse, Margaret, Jane, James, Elizabeth, Kezediah, William, Benjamin, Sarah and Rachel Dickey. Ten of this family pew to man and womanhood. Nine of them were school teachers. James is a Presbyterian minister. John an M. E. minister. Jesse served as paymaster all through the rebellion has twice been a member of Congress from Pennsylvania. His youngest sister is a graduate of the Philadelphia Female Medical College, and has a large practice in Philadelphia. His father lived to be eighty-four years of age and his brother ninety-seven years. Our subject took an Academical course, and attended lectures at the Pennsylvania Medical University, where his health failed him, and he was obliged to give up the study of medicine, since which time he has followed farming. He came to Jefferson county, Ohio, in February, 1846, and located in Mt. Pleasant township, where he remained for seventeen years, and then removed to Wheeling township, Belmont county, and located on the old Rammage farm, which he still owns. In the Spring of 1877 he removed to St. Clairsville. On August 25, 1849, was married to Miss Leanna Waterman. JOHN HAGUE, son of Reuben and Anna V. Hague, was born in Springfield, September 19, 1853. When very small his parents removed to St. Clairsville, Ohio, where our subject was educated. When nineteen years of age he began tailoring with his father, and has been engaged at the business ever since. September 19, 1874, he was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Hilligas, of Cadiz, Ohio. DAVID M. DAVIES was born in St. Clairsville, May 2, 1820. His father was a native of York county, Pa. Was a soldier in the revolutionary war, was wounded at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, and was also at St. Clair's defeat in November 4, 1791. In 1809, he began his journey to St. Louis and when he arrived at St. Clairsville his wife was taken sick, and being obliged to stop, he made it his future home. He was reared a Quaker. Died in March 13, 1855, at the advanced age of ninety-five years. Our subject received a common school education and was a tailor by trade. On August 16, 1851, he was married to Miss Jennette Thompson, of St. Clairsville. In 1850, he was elected justice of the peace, served for nine years and was again elected to the office in 1879. Has also held other township offices of minor importance. Has always been a resident of St. Clairsville except from 1875 to 1878, which time ho was temporarily located in Wheeling. GEORGE JEPSON was born in Richland township, August 28, 1839. His parents are natives of Lancashire, England. His father was a weaver by trade, which he followed until 1826, when he migrated to America, and in 1835 he came to Belmont county and located on the Humphrey propeity. He followed farming till 1843, when he met with an accident whilst assisting at the raising of a barn, by the falling timbers, breaking his arm in three places, five ribs and completely crushing his right leg, and then removed to St. Clairsville. Our subject was brought to St. Clairsville when but four years of age, and it is here he received his education. His father started a grocery, and as soon as George was old enough he was placed in the store and he has followed that business ever since, save the three years he was in the Union army. On August 12, y, 1862, he enlisted in company B. 98th Reg. O. V. I., served till June 1, 1865. Was never off duty and never in a hospital. On December 28, 1871, he was married to Miss Rebecca E. Grove, a daughter of John A. Grove. He moved to his present location in 1854, but in 1866 their store was destroyed by fire. A building was immediately erected which 246 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. contains one of the Largest stocks of groceries in town. Has a full assortment of queensware, fancy groceries, &c. W. S. FAWCETT, ESQ., a son of Joel Fawcett, was born in Richland township, Belmont county, Ohio, May 19, 1847. Received his education in the common schools and at St. Clairsville. His early days were spent on the farm, and at the age of fifteen years he went to Wheeling and was then apprenticed to learn the silver-smith's trade, where he served five years, and from September, 1868, to March, 1877. worked for George Brown, of St. Clairsville. He then embarked in business for himself. His establishment is on Main street. On July 3, 1877, was united in marriage to Miss Annie C. Neiswanger, daughter of Isaac Neiswanger. LEWIS P. HOFFNER was born in Prussia, February 12, 1830. He was educated in the public schools, and at the age of fourteen years began to learn the tailor trade with his father. He remained with him four years, after which he led a migratory life till he was twenty four years of age. He then came to America, landing in Baltimore, May 20, 1854. In September, 1854, he came to St. Clairsville, and worked three years for Henry Meyer. In the fall of 1857 he was married to Miss Clara Howe, of Zanesville, Ohio. After his marriage he started in business for himself in St. Clairsville. His store is situated on south Main street, and residence in the eastern part of town. THOMAS J. MERRITT was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, January 1, 1830. When about two years of age, his mother removed to St. Clairsville, his father having died a short time previous. When Thomas was six years of age, his mother gave up housekeeping, and he went to live with John H. Heaton, editor of the St. Clairsville Gazette, in which office he learned his trade, which he has been engaged at over since. October 1, 1850, he was married to Miss Mary E. Franks, a native of Virginia. He has been employed in one office the longest of any man in Belmont county. He has never been sick twenty-four hours in his life, and never lost twenty days work in the office. JESSE PRATT was born in St. Clairsville, February 24, 1845. His parents came to Martin's Ferry when he was but one year old. When a little past two years of age his mother died, and he was sent to live with his uncle, Thomas Pyle, of Colerain township. Remaining there until at the age of eleven years, he returned to his father who resided in Pease township. At the age of seventeen years he entered the Union army, enlisting in company B., 98th Reg. 0. V. I., where he served for eighteen months and then was placed in company G. 170th regiment, remaining till March. 1865. In 1860 he began the painting business, and in 1865 went to Illinois. From the winter of 1865 to 1870 he was in Chicago, and from there he went to Dakota, remaining for a short time.       n February 24, 1875, he married Miss Mary K. White, of Colerain township. He located in St. Clairsville, March, 1875, where he has since resided, following his trade. JAS. WEIR.—This gentleman was born in Washington county, Pa., June 9, 1803. When seven years of age his parents emigrated to Belmont county, Ohio, and located about one mile from Barnesville. Mr. Weir is but little indebted to schools for his education, having attended school but six weeks in his life, and this was in an old log house in the woods. After sustaining a series of reverses of fortune by becoming surety for others, his father became entirely disheartened and broken down, but his mother rose above it and did most for the support of the family. She was a daughter of the late distinguished Judge John Craig, of Pa. His father died in the sixty-eighth year of his age, and his wife survived him for thirty years, dying at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. When thirteen years old our subject was cast upon the world to make his fortune by his own exertions, having nothing but a linen shirt and pants and an old hat, the back part of which was cut out, and then sowed up to make it small enough, one buckskin suspender and a barlow knife. He worked wherever he could find employment. When seventeen years of age he became a partner with David Smith and Isaac Branson, who were renters of a grist and saw-mill and woolen factory. It was here he made his first start, and when twenty years of age he had earned and saved $750. About this time he began the study of law with the Hon. David Jennings of St. Clairsville. He and Judge William Kennon, Sr., were admitted to the bar on the same day. Then he became a partner with his preceptor, and continued as a lawyer at the Belmont county bar for forty years, when he became so of with rheumatism that he could no longer write, and had to abandon his practice. In 1827, 1829 and 1836, he was chosen by the Whig patty as a member of the Legislature, and never got less than four hundred Democratic votes in the county. On the 29th of March, 1838, ho was parried to Miss Jane Porter, who died March 22, 1839, no children. On June 21, 1843, he married Miss Elizabeth McLaughlin, grand daughter of Judge Bryson, by whom he had eight children. His wife and five children are dead. Has three children living, viz : James, George W. and Ada. DR. GEORGE A. CLOSE was born in Richland township, Belmont county, Ohio, September 25, 1850. His grandfather, Henry Close, was born in York county, Pa., October, 177z; married Magdalene Neet, a native of Frederick county, Maryland, March 22, 1802. They migrated to Belmont county in the year 1805, and located one mile north of St. Clairsville. They were the parents of eight children, viz : Harriet, John, Mary A, George, Lucinda, Josiah, Eliza J, and Loretta Close. , Until the death of George, which occurred October 27, 1878, they were all living. John died February 14, 1879, in his seventy-seventh year. He was born March 3, 1805, in Wheeling, W. Va., and married Sarah E: Barnes, June, 1847. Their children's names are as follows : Henry B, George A, Belle, Mary E, Emma H Lorain T., John A., and Eliza J. Close. The latter named, is dead. Our subject obtained an academical education and then attended Starling Medical College of Columbus, where he graduated in 1875, after which he entered the Columbus Medical C,1- lege, graduating in 1876, since which time he has been practicing medicine in Belmont county, Ohio. The old farm on which his grandfather first located is still in possession of the Close family. GEORGE P. BUMGARNER, a native of Belmont county, Ohio, was born March 20, 1846. April 1, 1855, his parents removed to St. Clairsville. When fourteen years old he began the trade of shoemaking with his father and followed the same till September 27, 1864, when he enlisted as a private to serve in the Union army, 14th regiment, 0, V. I., and continued in service till the close of the war. Upon his return he again pursued his trade in St. Clairsville until March, 1869, when he went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained till August and returned to Ohio. Ile again came to St. Clairsville, and was united in marriage to Mary B. Gleave, September 29, 1870. They are the parents of three sons. In 1876, he began a shop of his own, which he continued until June, 1878, when he went to Missouri. He stayed but a short time and again returned to St. Clairsville. His shop is on East Main street. M. E. WILSON, son of John and Sarah Wilson, was born in St, Clairsville, Ohio, January 6, 1848. He was reared a farmer and gardener. Married Rebecca A. Little, of Wheeling, October 2, 1877. For two years he ran a hack from Warnock to St. Clairs- ville. In 1877, he began as a baker and confectioner and still continues the same. His father was born in Fayette county, Pa., and emigrated to Belmont county some fifty years ago. JAMES MCMILLAN was born in St. Clairsville, February 6, 1838. His hither was a native of Scotland, and in 1818 migrated to America, locating in the vicinity of St. Clairsville. He was by trade a tailor, and followed the same for many years. Our subject, when about fifteen years of age, began the trade of a silversmith with George Brown, with whom he continued till twenty years of age ; he then worked as a journeyman for two years. At the opening of the rebellion he enlisted as a private in Company K, 15th Regiment O. V. I., and served during the war. Ile was taken prisoner at the battle of Stone river and lodged at Libby prison for four months. He was in the naval service, as steward, for two and a half years. After his return from the war he bought the property he now owns on Main street, and has been pursuing his trade ever since. BENJAMIN R. JOHNSTON was born in Mead township, Belmont county, Ohio, October 15, 1833. His father is a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother was born in Richland township, and is a daughter of Samuel Connell, who was a major in the war of the Revolution. Their marriage occurred in 1824, and he resided in Mead township until. some eight years since. Benjamin was reared on the farm until fourteen years of age, when he came to St. Clairsville to attend school, and made his home with HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 247 Judge Ruggles, with whom he remained till the Judge's death. He married Margaret J. Buffington in November, 1854, who departed this life April 12, 1875. Mr. Johnston served as a private in the war of the rebellion. He enlisted in Company A, 25th O. V. I. and served three years. In the battle of Chancellorsville he received a slight wound, was taken prisoner, and lodged for a short time at Libby prison. Since the fall of 1869 he has been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. Office, on Main street. FREDERICK TROLL was born in Prussia, July 13, 1822. At fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, served three years, and became thoroughly skilled in his trade. After working at his trade in the cities of Hamburg, Berlin and Vienna he started to America, where he arrived in safety after a voyage of nine weeks and four days. He pursued his trade in Philadelphia until the fall of 1844, and from thence came to Wheeling, where he remained during the winter, and in the summer of 1845 came to St. Clairsville, and began as a clerk in his brother's store. In 1852 he became a partner, and from that date remained in the store the principal portion of his time. The firm was known by the name of C. and F, Troll till 1867, when they dissolved partnership, and April 1, 1867, Mr. Troll began a store in I. H. Patterson's storeroom. He continued at this place till September, 1875. In 1872 the firm became F. Troll & Son. During the spring and summer of 1875 he erected the brick building on Main street which is occupied as his storeroom. His stock consists of dry goods and notions. He was married to Miss Mary Troll on May 10, 1852. His oldest son, Albert, was married to Miss Laura Sharp March 27, 1877. SIMON JONES was horn in Belmont county, Ohio, December 24. 1836, in the town of Farmington. His father was a shoemaker by trade. Our subject learned his trade with Allen Job. After he had learned his trade he went to Mt. Pleasant, and worked for Eldridge, a carriage maker. In 1853 he came to St. Clairsville, and began work for Shepherd Davis, for whom he continued to labor until the beginning of the rebellion, when lie enlisted at the first call for troops, known as the three months' men. At the expiration of the three months, he again enlisted, and served under Sherman, in the 43d O. V. I., till the dose of the war. In 1873 he purchased three lots on Butler street, and in the fall of 1874 erected a shop, where he now makes wagons, buggies, carriages, &c., and does repairing of all kinds. Married Jane Courtney, September, 1866, by whom he has seven children, three boys and lour girls. ROBERT COURTNEY was born in Ireland, December 24, 1853. His parents emigrated to America in January, 1859. He served an apprenticeship of three years at blacksmithing with Mr. Martin, with whom he is now a partner. They have quite an extensive trade, and are good workmen. Their shop is on Marietta street. W. S. SEIDWITZ was born in Germany, April 8, 1S24. He is a saddler. He first served an apprenticeship of three years, and then worked as a journeyman till the opening of King William's war, in which he served two years and eight months. In 1849 he came to America ; after his arrival he worked in Wheeling for a short time, and then came to St. Clairsville. He married Mary Singer May 9, 1853, by whom he is the parent of two sons and two daughters. After his marriage, he and Wilson Askew became partners, and remained as such until the rebellion, when Mr. Seidwitz purchased his partner's interest. .Mr. Seidwitz does quite an extensive business. JEREMIAH STONEBRAKER was born in Belmont county, Ohio, July 29, 1842. His mother died when he was but thirteen years old, and at the age of seventeen he united himself with the Christian church at Ben Fork, being still a member. In his youth he met with an accident by falling down a flight of stairs, dislocating his hip joint, and making him a cripple for life. At the age of 22 years, he began keeping a grocery in Hartford, Guernsey county, Ohio, where .he remained for two years, and then was an apprentice under Frank Edgar, of Kokomo, Indiana, to learn the trade of a barber. On December 4, 1868, he was married to Miss Nancy Brown, who lived but ten months. January, 1871, he came to St. Clairsville to engage in his business, where he has ever since remained. Shop under National Hotel, south of Court House. On December 14,. 1871, he was married to Miss Ella Berry, of Richland township. In 1879 he Invented a window-shade and had it patented. It is so arranged that it can be lowered from the top or raised from the bottom for the transmission of light, and promises to be quite a desirable article. AMOS MCBRIDE, son of Jonathan McBride, was born near St.. Clairsville, March 10, 1855. His father was of Irish descent, and born in Baltimore, July 14, 1809. He attended common schools until 1873, when he began the trade of a blacksmith, with his brother, Robert H. McBride, with whom he worked about ten months, and finished with John Carlisle, in St. Clairsville. In 1876, he started a shop in the west end of town, where he carried on a short time, and purchased the present shop, situated in the east end of town. In 1877 he took in his brother, B. S. C. McBride, as a partner, which partnership has since continued under the firm name of McBride Brothers. Work of every description belonging to the trade is done in a neat and workmanlike manner by them. ST. CLAIRSVILLE MARBLE AND GRANITE WORKS, Evans & Curran, dealers in Italian and American marble, monuments, head stones, mantles, &c., Scotch and American granite monuments and head stones. "All work done in best style, and nothing but the best material used. Prices to suit the times. Satisfaction guaranteed. Estimates furnished on application. Cemetery lots enclosed in best style." This firm started in business in the fall of 1878. Mr. Evans, the senior partner, was born in Loydsville in 1852. In 1871 he removed to .Barnesville and learned marble cutting with Brister & Cunard. In 1876 he purchased his preceptor's interest and carried on the business for nearly three years. About five months prior to removal he formed a partnership with M. J. Curran. Mr. Curran was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in 1848. Migrated to New York city in 1859. Here he learned marble cutting with one of the largest and finest establishments in the city. Ili 1878 he came to Barnesville and formed the above firm. These gentlemen are good workmen and they understand their business thoroughly. Shop on Depot street, St. Clairsville. CYRUS H. KIRK, merchant, was born in Union township, September 18, 1846. He is a son of William B. and Ann Kirk, nee Jenkins. He received a common school education at Morristown, where his father moved and embarked in the mercantile trade. At a very early age he commenced clerking for his father in the store. Here he remained until 1868, when he hired with Everich & Round, wholesale grocers of Zanesville, as their traveling agent. He remained in their employ about two years. On the 9th of November, 1869, he has married to Chatharine Shepherd, daughter of James Shepherd of Union township. In 1876 he removed to St. Clairsville and started in the mercantile business, where he has remained ever since, driving a good trade. He carries a fine assortment of dry goods, notions, boots and shoes. Store opposite treasurer's office, Main street. REV. J. H. CONKLE, pastor; M. E. Church, St. Clairsville, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, December 15, 1838. In the spring of 1856, he entered the Beaver Academy, a school of considerable reputation at that time. Here he remained until the spring of 1861. In the autumn following he attended Mt. Union College and graduated in the class of 1865. In 1865, he was admitted into the Pittsburgh Conference at Canton, Ohio. In the spring of 1867, he was ordained .Deacon by Bishop Morris, at Massillon. He was ordained as elder, at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1869, by Bishop Kingsley. Was appointed to Columbiana circuit in 1865 ; to Chartiers, Pennsylvania, in 1866 ; to Elizabeth, Pennyslvania, in 1867-70; to Irwins, Pen nslyvania, 1870-73 ; Cambridge, Ohio, 1873-76 ; to Wellsville, Ohio 187677, and in the autumn of 1879, received the appointment at St. Clairsville. On the 11th of July, 1867, he was married to Emma Ferrand, of New Lisbon, Ohio. J. B. BUTLER.—The subject of this narrative was born in Harrison county, Ohio, near Harrisville, January 3, 1824. His father died when he was young and he was early thrown upon his own resources. He commenced learning the blacksmith trade with Henry W. Scover, serving an apprenticeship of over four years. In 1845, he rented a shop in St. Clairsville for two years, at the expiration of which time he had accumulated sufficient means to purchase a lot and erect a shop of his own. On the 4th of April, 1848, he was united in marriage to Jemima Beam, daughter of Benjamin Beam. In 1860 he built another shop in the east end of St. Clairsville, and two years following he built a cottage dwelling in the east end of town, in which he still re- 248 - HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES. sides. In 1878 he erected the present three-story frame on the lot in the rear of the National Hotel. In this he carries on several occupations : blacksmithing, wagon and carriage making, livery, sale and feed stable, and runs a daily hack line to Wheeling. He has served in the council of the St. Clairsville corporation for about three years. JAMES P. LOWE was born February, 1820, in Urbana, Champaign county, Ohio. He was a son of Joseph Lowe, who was of the denomination of Friends, He migrated from York, Pa., in 1806, settling in Champaign county, where he died. Our subject received his education in the common schools. When quite young he engaged for a short time in the mercantile business as clerk, and then learned the trade of harness making and carried on a shop for about ten years. In November, 1841, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Powell. His wife died in 1873. He af- terwards married Miss Mary O. Bally. In 1860 he was appointed superintendent of the infirmary and remained as such until 1871, when he removed to Belmont county, and was superintendent of the infirmary until the spring of 1876, when he came to St. Clairsville and embarked in the livery business, at which he is still engaged. Stable on North Market street, immediately back of the St. Clair Hotel. He keeps good horses and fine carriages, and charges are low. CHALKLEY DAWSON, County Surveyor, was born in Barnesville, Belmont county, Ohio, February 2, 1836. He was educated at Barnesville and the Friends' school at Chester county, Pa. He followed farming, and for several winter seasons taught school. In 1859 he married Martha Garriston. In 1863 he moved to Iowa, where he engaged in surveying and farming. Re returned to Barnesville in 1868, his wife having died the year prior. He was engineer and superintendent of the turnpike roads for seven years. In 1878 he was united in marriage to his second wife, Anna Branson, by whom he had one child. In 1875 he sunk the coal shaft at the Barnesville coal works, and lost considerable money in the operation. He lost his second wife by death in 1877. In 1878 he was elected county surveyor on the fusion ticket. Residence, St. Clairsville. J. B. LONGLEY, a native of Cadiz, Ohio, was born September 11, 1836. He attended common schools and received a practical printer's education in the Chronicle office in St. Clairsville, where he began learning his trade in 1850. In the fall of 1855 he journeyed westward as far as St. Louis, and engaged as compositor on the Republican of that city for two years. In 1858 be returned to St. Clairsville and commenced working again in the Chronicle office. On the 21st of October following he was married to Alice Weldin, a teacher at that time in the public schools. In the summer of 1860 he, at the instance of the Republican candidate for Congress, went to Woodsfield and conducted a campaign paper until after the presidential election in November. In the summer of 1861 he became editor of the Chronicle, and managed that journal through the war with credit to himself and party. In the spring of 1870 he founded the Bellaire Independent, which he edited for about two years. In the fall of 1871 he was elected auditor on the Republican ticket and served one term. He took charge of the paper again in 1874, and this time conducted it about four years, when he disposed of the office to Mr. Hunt, the present owner. HISTORY OF RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. ITS FORMATION AND EARLY SETTLERS. Richland was erected on the 24th day of February, 1802, from parts of Kirkwood and Pultney townships, The lands embraced within it were settled upon very early, but at the date of its organization its inhabitants were very few in number. Over two-thirds of its land was covered with the primeval forests. under whose branches clustered impenetrable underbrush, and around which was found the meanderings of the wild grapevine. But soon the woodman's ax echoed from many a hilltop and valley, breaking the solemn stillness of nature, and, doubtless, cheered the footsore traveler as he wended his way along the dim arid narrow paths which led by steep embankments and across where many streamlets strayed in their wild beauty. But when the ax denuded the lands, fields were seen spreading out in carpets of green, rich enough to yield abundantly to the husbandman. This is the largest township in the county, is of a decangular shape and bounded as follows: On the north by Wheeling and Colerain ; on the east by Colerain, Pease and Pultney; on the south by Mead and Smith, and on the west by Union townships. In 1804 a number of sections were taken off to form Pease, and on June 14, 1808, part was again taken from Richland in the formation of Colerain, and also in the same year several sections were cut off to form Wheeling. In 1819 Smith township was erected from Richland and York. Since that time the boundary has remained as above given. In 1819 Richland township contained 513 families including the town of St. Clairsville, and 3,251 inhabitants. In 1820 contained 3,379 inhabitants. At present Richland has two voting precincts, St. Clairsville and Glencoe. It is the wealthiest farming district in the county, and underlying its surface is found different stratas of coal running from three to six feet in thickness. EARLY SETTLERS. Amongst the pioneer settlers of Richland, are found the following named persons. They were living here in 1809, although some located as early. as 1798-9: Robert Akins, James Asbell, Joseph Anderson, William Ayers, Mathew Anderson, Abraham Amerine, Frederick Amerine, John Arick, Valentine Ault, Theo. Armstrong, John Ault, Isaiah Allen, Jacob Atilt, Peter Ault, Philip Ault, Andrew Ault, George Albeit, James Ady, William Askew, David Barnes, Samuel Barnes, (he was a revolutionary soldier.) Robert Biggs, George Beam, John Berry, Elizabeth Beam, Jacob Brown, Ezekiel Bromfield, Isaac Broderick, Alex. Boggs, James Belanga, Amos Bryan, Henry Belman, Zachariah Burns, George Barchus, Elisha Burris, John Brewer, Benjamin Braddock, Reese Branson, John Brown, Jr., Nicholas Brown, William Brown, William Bell, James Barnes, M. C. Carroll, Sarah Coleman, Jeremiah Coles, John Clavenger, Archibald Crawford, Henry Close, John Coulter, Mathias Craig. William Craig was a revolutionary soldier; he claimed to have been one of General Washington's body guard; he was fine looking, resolute and determined; made a splendid appearance as a soldier. James Carrothers, Adam Coffman. Joseph Craft, Joseph and Isaac Cowgill, Samuel Connell, Lamb Clark, John Carter, James Cloyd, Wm. Congletion, Richard Copeland, James Crawford, James Caldwell, Wm. ford, Wm. Dowler, Andrew Dickey, Asa and Job Dillon, Robt. Dunkin, John Dint, Leonard and Henry Devan, Benedick Dun-field, Caleb, David and Daniel Dillie, John Daily, Jonah and Ezra Dillon, Manchester Deford, Robert Dent, Geo. Elerick, John and Richard Elliott, Jonathan Elles, Dr. Henry Evan", John Elexander, Henry Fry, John Ferguson, Andrew Fine-frock; John Forrest, Andrew Foreman, Dennis Forrest, John Foreman, Joseph Fora, Jeremiah Fanhurst, John Frost, Frederick Fryman, John Fritz, Abraham Guady, Joseph Griffith, George Travis, Wm. Grimes, John Gill, Robert Graube, Barna- bas Gill, Samuel Gregg, James Grant, Alex. Gaston, James Gamble, James Gibson, Robert Griffith, Joseph Gill, Wm. Gough, Michael Grover, Wm. Henderson. Jacob Hanel, Abner Hogue, Isaac Hogue, David Hutcheson, Robert Happer, Zachariah Hays, Charles Holmes,. John Harris, Samuel Hardesty, Robert Hardesty, Wm. Hultz, Joseph Hultz, Valentine Horn, Jacob Haynes, Uriah Hardesty, Joseph Haynes, George Holmes, Mahlon Hatcher, Henry Hardy, John Haynes, Nathaniel Haynes, Joshua Hatcher, Benjamin Hasket, James Hagerman, John Hessan, John Hines, John Haynes. Jacob Holtz, Ralph Heath, Josiah Hedges, Joseph Harris, Notley Hays, James Haynes, James Ireland, George Ireland, Abraham Ingle, Caleb Ingle, John Inskip, Sarah Irwin, Thomas Ireland, Robert Irwin, Wm. Johnston, James Johnston, Adam Johnston, Gabriel Jones, Joseph Johnston, Peter Joy, Josiah Johnston, Sterling Johnston, Henry Johnston, George Keller, Eliazer Kenney, Benjamin Koomes, Samuel Kinkade, Joseph Linder, Jacob Loy, John Loop, Hugh Lyan, Samuel Lucas, David Lane, Jehu Lewis, Robert Laughlin, Thomas Lawson, Jacob Lease, Abraham Lash, Jonathan Miller, Neal Mahan, Samuel Mitchell, John. Marchus, Thomas Montgomery, Philip McGraw, David McClelland, Alexander McGougan, Wm. McMillan, David Moore, John Maxwell, Samuel Mutch more, Wm. McFarland,' John Miller, Joseph Murdoch, Joseph Mellot, George Mowell, James Miller, George McNabb, John McNabb, Jesse McGee, Moses Moorehead, Richard Meek, Isaac Moon, Joseph Morrison, Henry Mitchell, John Martin, Joseph Marshall, John Martin, Abner Moore, Jas. Martin, Joseph Merritt, Solomon Morrison, David McWilliams, Joseph Nicholson, john Norris, Joseph Nevil, David Newel, HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES - 249 Henry Neff, Moses Neal, Matthew Patterson, Walter Powers, Joseph Parris, Joseph Parrish, Isaac Worman, Wm. Warnock, David Work, David Work, Jr., Isaac Wilson, Edward Wilson, Isaac Wilson, Jr., Samuel Wilson, James Welsh, Hance Wiley, John Wilkinson, Win. Wilson, Wm. Weakly, Peter Waters, Richard Wilson, John Warnock, James Woods, Anthony Weyer, John Waters, John Warner, Joseph Warner, William Wingatt, Henry Warner, William Woods, Crawford Welsh, George Williams, Haddock Warner, John Wilson, Jane West, John Winters, John Mitchell, Zebulon Warner, Rudolph Parsel, Joseph Patton, Levi Pickering, Jonas Pickering, John Pryor, John Pryer, Jr., William Porterfield, Joseph Posey, James Parrish, John Perry, John Picket, Eli Plummer, Robert Porterfield, Gabriel Porterfield, Hugh Porterfield, John Patterson, George Paull, Wm. Perrine, Evan Phillips, Enoch Phillips, John Phillips, Richard Riley, Hezekiah Reed, Joseph Roberts, Ernis Reed, Thomas Robertson, Sarah Robertson, Jacob Roland, Ira Robertson, Wm. Sinclair, George Sinclair, John Shephard, Ernis Stackhouse, Jonathan Sutton, Valentine Shearer, Jacob Shewman, Samuel Sharp, John Scatterday, Philip Swank, Nethan Spencer, Aaron Smith, George Snyder, George Savley, James Starr, Wm. Smith, Francis Smith, Samuel Stonebreaker, George Saucerman, Frederick Shreak, Thos. Stephenson, Jesse Sparks, Thos. Smith, Isaac Simmons, John Smith, Mehlon Smith, John Simpson, Samuel Sullivan, Thomas Smith, Samuel Sprigg, Horace Stockdon, Richard Truax, Joseph Taylor, Solomon Tipton, Thos. Tipton, Absalom Tipton, Absalom Thomas, Robert Thompson, John Thompson, Israel Updegraff, Josiah Updegraff, Joseph Vanlaw, Wm. Vance, Ralph Vennan, Isaac Vore. HENRY JOHNSTON, one of the boys, captured by the Indians on Short creek, Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1788, was a resident of this township for a number of years. The boys, as will be remembered, made their escape by killing the Indians whilst they slept. The boys were aged thirteen and eleven ; one used the tomahawk and the other took the gun. Henry often alluded to this circumstance whilst in company with his friends. He served as justice of the peace in this township for many years. Mr. J. subsequently removed to Antioch, Monroe county, Ohio, where, it is believed, he died. The account of the encounter with the Indians is fully given elsewhere in the history of Jefferson county. GEORGE WESTLAKE was an early settler. He migrated to Richland township in about 1802. This gentleman had a brother Benjamin who experienced a lively encounter with an Indian, in which fight he was struck in the face with a tomahawk, cutting a hole in his cheek. This wound never healed. Whenever he attempted to drink anything and closed his mouth to swallow small portions of it spirted out the side of his face. It is not positively known whether he had been made a captive by the Indians or not, but it is thought .by some he had. He lived many years after the thrilling adventure with the Indian. WM. BOGGS migrated from Washington county, Pa., 1795, and settled on section 10, near St. Clairsville, joining the town plat on the west. He lived here until 1833, when he sold out and moved to Knox county, Ohio, where he died at the age of ninety-six years. He opened the first coal bank in the neighborhood of St. Clairsville, in 1800. None of the family, it is believed, is now living. JOSEPH COWGILL says his grandfather Isaac Cowgill was born in Bucks, county, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1760. He removed to Loudon county, where he married Miss Sarah Fred in 1784. In 1797, he migrated to Ohio county, Virginia, and settled in Wheeling. lie farmed the land upon which Ben-wood is situated. In 1799, he came to Richland township and bought the west half of section fifteen. This land had been selected for him by one of the Zane's, a particular friend of his, and who was well acquainted with all the lands in this locality. Mr. C.'s was the first emigrant wagon that was ferried across the new ferry at the Island. Prior to this time the ferry was below. He built one amongst the first hewed log houses in the county, who only settlers known west of him were Elijah Martin, ho lived where Mr. S. W. Coffland now lives, and James Wilson where Henry F. Pickering now resides. He was the father of eight children—Joseph, Isaac (1st), Amy, Ann, Sarah, Ralph, Isaac (2d), and Abraham, all of whom were residents of Belmont county. All died here except Joseph, who died in Guernsey county. Mr. Isaac Cowgill departed this life November 29, 1845, aged 85 years. His wife having died November 6, 1801. Two hundred and twenty acres of the land upon which be settled is still in the name of the Cowgills. Mr. C, and wife 31—B. & J. Cos. were of English extraction and held the religous views of the Friends or Quakers. ALLEN STEWART settled upon the other half of section fifteen which Cowgill settled, but soon after entering it Major Thompson says, sold his interest, thinking of doing better by buying land elsewhere, left the county and afterward failed, losing all he had. HENRY OWENS settled in Richland township near the close of the last century. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. JOHN TAGGART settled in Richland township in section 35 in 1807. He was of Irish descent and migrated to Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1773, RICHARD HARDESTY settled in Richland township on the farm that was known by the hunters as "Round Bottom," in 1795. He was of English descent. Served as a soldier in the revolutionary war. Had to cut his way through the forests after leaving the old stone house on the National pike, to where he settled. Came from now Martin's Ferry with an ox team and sled. In the vicinity of said place, he was robbed of his horses by the Indians. He died at the age of 93 years. ABNER LODGE settled in section 35 in 1802. He migrated from Loudon county, Virginia. He resided on this section but a short time then returned to his former home and about 1829 he returned to his land and lived there until his death . DAVID NEISWANGER migrated from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and settled in Richland township in the spring of 1801, locating on the land now owned by his son, Isaac Neiswanger, Esq. HENRY CLOSE settled about one pile north of St. Clairsville in 1804. ROBERT VANCE settled about three miles north of St. Clairsville. He located in the township near the close of the last century. DAVID VANCE, a brother of Robert, settled in the same neighborhood, where he owned considerable land. OBEDIAH HARDESTY settled very early on the farm now owned by Isaac Wells' heirs. It is said of Mr. H. that he was one of the kindest-hearted pioneers in this region, and when new settlers came in he was the first to visit them. He called to see if thy stood in want of any of the comforts of life, telling them to call at his house for anything they should happen to need. Ile was noted for his liberality and kindness. INDIAN SPRINGS. This spring is located on McMechen's farm, about two miles east of St. Clairsville. Here in 1782 about forty Indians met Thomas Mills and Lewis Wetzel in deadly conflict. Wetzel, after shooting an Indian, retreated so rapidly that he soon made his escape, but Mills was captured, massacred, scalped and left lying on the ground. He was afterwards found and buried near the spot upon which he was killed. See sketch of Wetzel. REMINISCENCES. ABOUT A PANTHER—A WHOLE CONGREGATION EXCITED. In the early history of the first church built near the Union Cemetery grounds at St. Clairsville, a circumstance occurred which is worthy of having a place among other facts in this work : One beautiful Sabbath day, in the spring of 1800, the people gathered at this log house for the purpose of attending divine service. Among the number was a man named Robert Thompson and wife, who lived about four hundred yards from the church. They left the children in the care of their oldest daughter, only six years of age, whilst they attended meeting. Soon after the services begun the little child came running into the church, and up to its papa, somewhat excited, and, elated over its discovery, said, in a sweet tone of voice: "O! papa, come ; the biggest cat; the biggest cat!" The father, as he drew the little child near him, whispered to her to not " talk out loud, she would disturb the meeting." But still the six-year-old repeated : "O! papa, come; the biggest cat; the biggest cat!" The mother, who was sitting close by, becoming somewhat alarmed, and in fear that something might have gone wrong, told her husband he had best go and see. He left the church and started in the direction of his home, but hadn't taken many steps when he was no little astonished at seeing a large fero-