HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 425 1854; A. M. Burgess, 1855; C. T. Hyde, 1856; J. E. Price, 1858; A. H. Burrell, 1859; J. E. Howe, 1861; M. A. Stewart, 1862; James Eddington, 1864; H. H. Myers, 1865; Jacob C. Frost, 1866; R. R Patterson, 1867; John F. Welch, 1868. 1870.—Mayor, John F. Welch; Clerk, W. C. Hickman; Treasurer, John C. Parker; Council, Win. Comstock, James Eddington, S. C. Koutner and C. Steenrod. 1871.—Mayor, S. W. Butt; Clerk, J. A. Benson; Council, Geo. Somers, A. N. Bull, S. Spencer, James Verity and Frank Jones. 1872.—Mayor. Thomas L. Mintun; Clerk, A. D. Miller; Coun Council, A. N. Bull, S. Spencer, A. Poston, James Verity and J. F. Welch. 1873.—Mayor, Thomas L. Mintun; Clerk, L. L. Scott; Council, J. F. Welch, S. N. Poston, Thomas Berry, Geo. Somers and S. C. Koutner. 1874.—Mayor, Wm. Gilliam; Clerk, James Verity; Council, W. W. Poston, J. W. Scott, J. M. Martin, Geo. Somers and S. C. Koutner. .1875.—Mayor, A. J. Schrader; Clerk, James Verity; Council, John T. Gray, B. C. Lefevre, S. C. Koutner, J. M. Martin, J. W. Scott and W. W. Poston. 1876.—Mayor, R. R. Ellis; Clerk, J. D. Jackson; Council, C. A. Cable, J. T. Gray, J. F. Welch, B. C. Lefevre, S. C. Koutner and W. W. Poston. 1877.—Mayor, R. R. Ellis; Clerk, L. C. Steenrod; Council, J. F. Brodt, John T. Gray, S. F. Robinet, C. A. Cable, J. F. Welch and W. W. Poston. 1878.—Mayor, John F. Camp (R. R. Patterson filling out unexpired term); Clerk, L. C. Steenrod; Council, C. A. Cable, W. B. Devore, T. R. Blake, J. F. Brodt, John T. Gray and S. F. Robinet. 1879—Mayor, Asher Buckley; Clerk, L. C. Steenrod; Council, Wm. Comstock, Geo. F. Gardner, Branson Poston, C. A. Cable, W. B. Devore and T. R. Blake. 1880.—Mayor, Asher Buckley; Clerk, Wm. Fisner; Council, Frank Cooley, Calvin Haines, T. P. Marshall, John T. Gray, Branson Poston and G. F. Gardner. 1881.—Mayor, Asher Buckley; Clerk, Wm. Fisner; Council, Branson Poston, I. P. Primrose, T. R. Blake, T. P. Marshall, John F. Gray and Frank Cooley. 426 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. 1882.—Mayor, James A. Tobin; Clerk, J. W. Bates; Council, E. H. Davis, W. P. Shepard, Jacob Stoneburner, I. P. Primrose, T. R. Blake and Branson Poston. 1883.—Mayor, James A. Tobin; Clerk, Eben Wilson ; Council, T. R. Blake, E. H. Davis, Jacob Stoneburner, I. P. Primrose, John Hill and W. P. Shepard. THE POSTOFFICE. The office was established Aug. 7, 1821, by Mr. George Courtauld, who was appointed Postmaster, and who kept the office in his store, in what is now Longstreth's Addition. The office was called Englishtown while kept at this place until Jan. 1, 1824, when it was removed to Nelsonville and the name changed. Mr. Daniel Nelson was at this time appointed Postmaster, holding the position until 1832, although the business of the office was done by Mr. James Knight, who acted as Mr. Nelson's clerk, and in 1832 became his successor. Since then the Postmasters have been as follows: James Knight, 1832 to 1836; John Lillabridge, 1836 to 1839; Henry Parkson, 1839 to 1840; L. D. Poston, 1840 to 1848; John H. Tucker, 1848 to 1850; Charles Cable, 1850 to 1852; Alfred Condon, 1852 to 1855; C. A. Cable, 1855 to 1857; M. A. Stuart, 1857 (two quarters); Joseph Brett, 1857 to 1862; T. L. Mintun, 1862 to 1866; John F. Welch, 1866 to 1871; Elliott Gardner, Dec. 9, 1871, to 1878; J. W. Frost, 1878 to present time. It was made a money-order office Aug. 1, 1870, the first order being issued on that day to John Mankoph, payable to the Times Chronicle Co., Cincinnati, 0., for the amount of $2.00. Up to the present date, March 29, 1883, 1,635 orders have been issued. It was changed from a fourth to a third class office Jan. 1, 1882. The sale of stamps for the year 1882 amounted to $2,826.96. CHURCHES. The Methodist Episcopal.—This society was first organized about 1836. Prior to this time the only church society which existed here was the United Brethren, who held meetings in the school-house or in a dwelling, as opportunity was afforded. This society was of short duration, being to a great extent absorbed by the Methodist society when it was formed. For a time this society used for its meetings dwellings and new buildings until they erected a building in 1838. It was a frame building 40 x 60 fees in dimensions, situated where the present church building now HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 427 stands. The first regular preacher was Ezekiel Gavet. Until 1868 the appointment belonged to a circuit, when it became a station belonging to the Ohio Conference. The successive pastors after it became a station have been Revs. Richard Doughty, I. Sminger, Samuel Bright, Jr., George W. Burns, Z. Fagan, H. B. Westervelt and J. H. Gardner, the present Pastor. The old church was replaced by a new one in 1877, which is a very fine structure, costing about $20,000. Besides an auditorium it has a large Sabbath-school room. The Presbyterian Church. at Nelsonville was founded by Rev. Thomas J. Downie, Nov. 1, 1868, he being engaged to locate as Pastor the same year. The church at this time, and for a number of years after, held its meetings in the hall of the Odd Fellows society. On the first organization of the society the following officers were elected: Elders, Jacob C. Frost, John G. Myers, Samuel N. Poston, Charles A. Cable. Deacons, W. H. Burrill, John T. Gray, J. H. E. Howe, J. F. Brodt. Trustees, John W. Scott, William Comstock, John C. Barrow, William J. Power, J. F. Brodt. Mr. Downie remained Pastor up to the time of his death, March 31, 1869. For a time, the church being without a pastor, Thomas L. Mintun occasionally filled the pulpit until Rev. W. L. S. Clark, of Western Missouri, visited the society in November of the same year,. and he was engaged to officiate as Pastor until March, 1870. The church was again without a pastor until Aug. 1 of the same year, when James Stickle, of Cincinnati, 0., was chosen Pastor, remaining one year, when he resigned on account of poor health, and the Rev. Julius Straus succeeded him, who remained until Oct. 7, 1874, when he, too, resigned. Jan. 1, 1875, Rev. Silas Cooke, of Canonsburg, Pa., became Pastor, he and also Mr. Straus having been regularly installed pastors. Mr. Cooke resigned in December, 1877, and was succeeded by the Rev. A. B. Rice, of Beverly, 0., March 13, 1878, and filled the pulpit until April 13, 1881. Rev. A. A. Jameson, of Fairmount, W. Va., was then engaged as a supply for one year, resigning July 23, 1882, being followed by the Rev. James H. Hawk, of Franklin, 0., who is the present Pastor. In the fall of 1873 the First Presbyterian Church of Nelsonville, was begun, and made ready for occupation in 1876. It was dedicated April 2, 1876, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. A. B. Boyd, of Lancaster, 0. It is a fine brick building worth 428 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. about $12,000. it is 40 x 60 feet in dimensions, has a Sabbath-school room, and is furnished with steam heating apparatus. The Church of Christ.—This church was established in Nelsonville in 1857 by Rev. L. M. Harvey. The organization took place in the residence of W.. P. Roberts, aud for some time after he meetings were held in private houses and school-houses. In ,859 a small house was built by the society on the hill-side now called Madison street. This building was sold for a private residence in 1873, and a new church, the present one, was built on Fort street. The church property also includes a parsonage on the same lot with the church. The church building is not large but it is elegantly finished on the inside, and well located. It cost about $6,000. The Pastors during the church's history have been, Revs. L. M. Harvey, Nathan Moody, John Moody, A. P. Frost, W. B. Thompson, A. B. Wade, A. W. Dean, M. A. Harvey and A. P. Frost, whose second pastorate began Nov. 19, 1882. Prominent among the evangelists who have labored with this church are: B. F. Franklin, T. D. Garvin, T. J. Clark, Elisha White, S. H. Bingman, Daniel Sweeney, R. G. White and Ira J. Chase, the latter having conducted three successful meetings during the last twelve years. The church is out of debt and in a very prosperous condition, claiming among its membership some of the most cultivated and influential residents of the city. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. One of the early and most prominent features of the village was its strong desire for educational advantages. To this end Daniel Nelson donated the school lot upon which the present plain but substantial three-story brick school-house now stands. The school interest has grown with its growth, and there is probably no better graded school in Southeastern Ohio than that of Nelsonville, under, at this time, the superintendency of Prof. F. S. Coultrap. The growth of Nelsonville compelled the erection of the brick building above mentioned in 1856, but there was very little record kept until since the late civil war. A portion of that also is missing. In the year 1865 the School Board was composed of B. F. Harper, A. Poston and C. Steenrod, the latter acting as clerk. In 1866 it was C. Steenrod, A. Poston and C. A. Cable, the latter also assuming the duty of clerk. This continued to be the number of the members of the board for a few years, when it changed to six members, with an addition of a treasurer and secretary. The HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 429 brick school-house of three stories has been for several years too small for the growth of the town, and there are now three other buildings used. In the meantime while the population of school age was rapidly increasing and increased expenses occurring for more room and -a greater number of efficient teachers, the startling fact became. apparent that the source of taxation and supply for school purposes was rapidly diminishing. So long as the property was in the hands of small operators, each being assessed, the valuation of real and personal estate was rather advancing than receding, but consolidation and large holdings were returned for taxation at so much less than their true or honest value that the real estate and personal property of Nelsonville decreased on the assessor's books no less than $246,378 within six years, to wit: Assessed valuation of real and personal property for the year 1875, $821,390; 1880, $575,01'2; total loss, $246,378; and in 1881 that assessment was still further reduced, net, $85,028. As above remarked, expenses and children of school age increased, and thus it was cutting both ways. Eight teachers only were employed in 1875, and fifteen were found necessary in 1881. In 1875 there were 708 pupils in attendance, and in 1880, 1,001, while the annual levy, in amount was exactly the same in 1880 as in 1875, notwithstanding the large increase. SOMETHING HAD TO BE DONE. A meeting was called in May, 1881, to take into consideration the proposal to vote a three-mill tax, or 30 cents on the $100 valuation for school purposes, in excess of the State fund, and in that call the Board of Education submitted to the people a carefully prepared circular compiled by Prof. Coultrap of the facts above given, and from which this paragraph has been taken, in substance. The same circular gave a comparison of teachers' salaries in Nelsonville and Logan not very flattering to the citizens of the former town. The statement made seemed to have a beneficial effect, for it aroused the people to the fact that a long-cherished institution was not receiving that care and nourishment to sustain it with vigorous life, and which in early years had been the pride of the city. There are now seventeen teachers employed in the public schools of Nelsonville, name and position as follows: F. S. Coultrap, Superintendent; Alice C. Pierce, Principal; Lucy A. Bell, Assistant; Meda Riddill, Helen T. Musser, Sarah Washburn, Mat- 430 - HISTORY OF HOOKING VALLEY. tie Warren, Ida B. Maxwell, Kate Gabriel, Callie Carnes, Retta Eckles, Elta Riddill, Emily Saumenig, Mary Weihr, Mrs. S. S. Keyser, Lizzie M. Howe and Lillie M. Butterworth, teachers. There are 1,084 children of school age, and an average enrollment of 780. The State school fund the past school year amounted in all to $1,666.00, and there is a school fund tax levy of ten mills. BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS, 1883. T. P. Marshall, President; Dr. I. P. Primrose, Josiah Wilson, W. G. Hickman, W. W. Poston, Geo. W. Devore; J. C. Parker, Treasurer; F. S. Coultrap, Secretary. LODGES AND SOCIETIES. Philodorean Lodge, No. 157, A. F. & A. 7.—This lodge was instituted May 20, 1848, and its charter is of date Sept. 28, 1848. The following were its charter members: Lincoln D. Chamberlain, W. P. Johnson, Jas. E. Price, Noah Wilder, Thos. Miller, R. G. McLean, Obediah J. Eckley and Jas. Pugsley. The officers who received their appointment by this charter were, Wm. P. Johnson, 1st Master; Jas. E. Price, 1st Senior Warden; Obediah J. Eckley, 1st Junior Warden. At the time the charter was given them M. Z. Kreeder was M. W. G. M. of the State, and his signature was affixed to the charter.
It has been for many years supposed that Lincoln D. Chamber lain was the first Past Master, but this is a mistake, W. P. Johnson held that position. Mr. Chamberlain's name is the first written of the charter members. These facts are taken from the original charter, and of course are correct. The Past Masters would then be the same as published, leaving out the first name. They were given us as follows: W. P. Johnson, 1849; J. E. Price, 1850; Thomas Shannon, 1851; J. E. Price, 1853; B. A. Lincoln, 1854; Thomas Shannon, 1856; William Gilliam, 1857; Thomas Shannon, 1859; Jos. H. Butterworth, 1864; S. S. McDivitt, 1865; Thomas Older, 1866; W. P. Roberts, 1867; S. S. McDivitt, 1868; J. F. Camp, 1869; H. S. Preston, 1872; J. F. Camp, 1874; H. S. Preston, 1875; John T. Gray, 1876.
Officers, 1883: John T. Gray, W. M.; Chas. H. Decker, S. W.; Wm. Hayburn, J. W.; J. F. Bradt, Treasurer; E. S. Jennings, Secretary; Calvin Haynes, S. D. ; P. P. Andrews, J. D.; B. F.
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Martin, Tyler; Alexander Beattie and Thomas Johnsou. Stewards.
Unity Lodge, No. 568, I. 0. 0. F., located at Nelsonville, Ohio, was instituted June the 5th, 1874. The charter members and first officers installed were as follows: Joseph Barnecut, N. G.; W. G. Hickman, V. G. ; T. B. Prichard, R. S. ; M. W. Davis, P. S.; James M. Riddle, Treasurer; S. F. Robinet, Samuel C. Breakey, J. S. Speelman, J. J. Hoodlet, Henry A. Harris, John S. Wilson, Calvin Millinger, G. W. Mitchell, Joseph Smith, Wm. Barnes, Thomas C. Wilson, Joseph P. Dean, J. M. Parker, Frederic Wend and Paul Cummins. The Past Grands are: J. J. Hoodlet, 1876; Wm. Barnes, 1876; S. C. Breakey, 1877; Joseph P. Dean, 1878; S. F. Robinet, 1878; W. C. Sidman, 1879; James Six, 1879; James M. Riddle, 1880; John S. Wright, 1880; Calvin Millinger, 1881; George V. Shaffer, 1881; Nathan Coy, 1882; Charles Ellwanger, 1882. The present membership is about 104. The present officers are: Wm. E. Evans, N. G.; W. F. Brandon, V. G.; Wm. J. Daniels, R. P.; W. H. Barnes, P. S., and S. F. Robinet, Treasurer.
The Phil Kearney Post, No. 38, was chartered July 16, 1880, with the following charter members: Chas. E. Cutler, Wm. M. Phillips, James Hartly, C. K. Lansley, Jacob Hammond, Thomas R. Blake, Wm. Rankin, Wm. Justice, I. P. Primrose, Albert Woody, Wm. A. Worley, Hiram Rosser, John F. Welch. The following roster of officers was duly elected, and installed by Chief Mustering Officer P. W. Stanhope: Chas. E. Cutler, Post Commander; Hiram Rosser, S. V. C. T. R. Blake, J. V. C.; A. Worley, Post Adj.; C. K. Lansley, Q. M.; Albert Woody, Chaplain; I. P. Primrose, Surgeon; Wm. Rankin, 0. of the day; Wm. Justice, 0. of the Guard; James Hartley, 1st G., and Wm. Phillips, 2d G. The following year was a prosperous one for the post. Roster for 1883: John 0. Burrell, P. C.; Alonzo Newton, J. V. ; Lemuel Cline, Surgeon; I. P. Primrose, Chaplain ; Jas. A. Wilson, P. A.; Albert Woody, Q. M. ; 0. of the D., Frank Morgan; John Figgins, .0. of the Guard. At this date, March 24, 1883, the post seems to be imbued with new life, and is on the road to prosperity, with all dues paid and some money in hands of Quartermaster.
Hockhocking Lodge, No. 339,1. 0. 0. F.—This lodge has had its records lost or mislaid and but little could be had of its previous history.
Thursday, July 8, 1858, Hockhocking Lodge, No. 339, I. 0. 0. F., was permanently organized here. The charter members were :
432 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY.
Messrs. C. A. Cable, E. W. Poston, E. C. Washburn, J. W. Fulton and John Burberry. That this lodge has been prosperous we have abundant evidence. Precisely eleven years afterward (in July, 1869), Nelsonville Encampment, No. 121, was instituted. The charter members were: S. N. Poston, Win. Comstock, Smith Spencer, I. P. Primrose, E. W. Newton and others. At this time, May, 1883, Joseph Barnicut is N. G., and T. P. Marshall, Secretary. A further history was promised us, but has failed to come to hand.
BUSINESS INTERESTS.
Nelsonville grew slowly until an impetus was given by the opening of railroad transportation. While the canal had been a great help, it was not as capable of moving the mineral wealth when mined as capital was ready to dig out this wealth, and on the 1st of February, 1866, the year following the close of the war, it had but the following houses: 137 dwelling houses, 2 churches, 1 school-house, 4 schools, 5 dry-goods stores, 10 groceries, 1 drug store, 1 saddler shop, 2 shoe shops, 1 cabinet shop, 3 carpenter shops, 2 barber shops, 3 blacksmith shops, 1 wagon-shop, 1 millinery store, 2 dressmakers, 2 mills, 1 hotel, 2 boarding houses, 2 bark yards, 3 doctors, 1 dry-dock, 2 lodges (I. 0. 0. F. and A. F. & A. M.), 1 tannery, 1 silversmith, a canal and several of the finest coal banks in the country.
This amount of business with a population of between 800 and 900 was Nelsonville in the spring of 1866.
In 1870 Nelsonville had a population of 1,080, and in 1880 of 3,095, or a gain of nearly 200 per cent. The completion of the railroads gave an impetus that is yet pressing her forward, and in 1890 she may show another gain of 200 per cent, or a population of 10,000. Her business interest now is composed of 13 general stores, 8 exclusive grocery stores, 4 drug stores, 2 boot and shoe stores, 1 clothing store, 2 jewelry stores, 1 furniture and stove store, 2 sewing-machine agencies, 3 hardware stores, 1 furniture store, 4 restaurants, 2 confectionery stores, 2 bakeries, 17 saloons, 2 livery stables, 1 flour and feed store, 4 meat markets, 3 barber shops, 3 millinery stores, 1 cigar manufactory, 1 tanyard, 2 tailors, 2 painters, 7 carpenters, 2 planing mills, 1 lumber yard, 2 dealers in plaster and cement, 1 foundry and machine shop, 2 flouring mills, 1 saw-mill, bank, churches, schools and lodges, newspaper and job offices, etc.
The Times was started in September, 1872, and the Mirror, now Gazette, in September, 1873, by Geo. Cook.
HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 433
PROFESSIONS.
Lawyers—James A. Tobin, Asher Buckley, W. C. Hickman, A. J. Schrader. Fire Insurance Agents—Asher Buckley, W. C. Hickman, Wilson Kessinger. Physicians—Aaron Shepard, I. P. Primrose, W. N. Alderman, W. E. W. & S. M. Shepard, K. Tinker, C. F. Gilliam & S. E. Butt, J. W. Johnson, A. J. Shrader.
It is possible that some few items of business interest have been overlooked, but the showing for 1883 is sufficiently wonderful to satisfy the most extravagant wishes or views of the people. Add to the above the mining interest and the railroad and there is something to excite extravagant hopes, also, for the future. It only needs capital and brawn to double the present output of the mines, and transportation will he found for it all.
Iron furnaces are what is wanted, and rolling mills, in fast machinery of all kinds. Coal and iron at hand, and where, with such means of shipment, can the workers of iron find a cheaper place for manufactures or a better market than what can be easily reached by rail and water?
MERCHANTS AND MINERS' BANK.
This is the only bank in Nelsonville; was organized in 1873, opening business Sept. 9, on an individnal liability. At the first election of officers, Charles Robbins was elected President, John W. Scott, Vice-President, and Charles A. Cable, Cashier. The original stockholders were Charles Robbins, John G. Myers, John W. Scott, Charles A. Cable, W. B. Brooks, of Columbus, and E. H. Moore, of Athens. The entire stock is now owned by Charles Robbins, Charles A. Cable, E. H. Moore and Eugene J. Cable. Mr. Robbins is the President, and Mr. C. A. Cable, Cashier.
NEWSPAPERS OF NELSONVILLE.
Times.—The first paper started in Nelsonville was called the Nelsonville Times. It was a six-column weekly paper, but only lived a short time. In the following year (1873) the Nelsonville Miner was published by George Cook. He made a lively and progressive paper of it, and always took the laborer's part. The coal operators got down on him for his independent spirit, and he closed out in December, 1875, to J. A. Straight, after publishing as good a paper as was ever seen in Nelsonville.
- 28 -
434 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY.
Mr. Straight kept up the wide-awake epirit of the paper. This was followed by the Mirror, and it was succeeded by the News.
The Nelsonville News.—The Nelsonville News may be said to be the successor of the Nelsonville Mirror, although the latter was of short life. The News was established by John A. Tullis in 1879. On his coming to Nelsonville in 1878 he purchased the press and office supplies from the proprietor of the _Mirror, but used the press only for job work. The first number of the News was issued Jan. 16, 1879. It was a seven-column paper, 24 x 36 inches, and so continued up to the 26th of the following June, when it was changed to an eight-column paper. Mr. Tullis has been its sole editor and proprietor from the start. The career of this paper has been as prosperous as could be expected under the circumstances. It has been steadily growing in strength, and is now on a firm basis, being not only self-supporting but producing a reasonable profit to its proprietor. It is neutral in politics, the editor's motto being: "An independent journal, devoted to the interest of its patrons." It is issued every Thursday, the subscription price being $1.50.
John A. Tullis, editor of the Nelsonville News, was born Nov. 11, 1836, near Donnelsville, Clarke Co., O. His father was a farmer in moderate circumstances, keeping his son on the farm with him. In 1844 the family removed to Champaign County, 0., still remaining on a farm. His father being unable to send him to college, young Tullis obtained what education he could at the public schools. He afterward attended a seminary in Clarke County, but was not able to continue until completing the course. When he became a man, his health being delicate, he decided to go into a life of business. He consequently engaged in and followed for a number of years, as long as his health permitted, wholesale produce shipping to New York and Philadelphia markets. The last four years he was in this business he was located at St. Paris, 0., where he was also engaged in the printing business. When he retired from business there, he came to Nelsonville and established his paper, on which he has worked faithfully ever since. Great credit is due to his perseverance and good management, as he is the first man who succeeded in permanently establishing a newspaper in Nelsonville, although numerous attempts had been made. He has well maintained the reputation of his profession, by endeavoring to infuse new and animated life in his fellow citizens. He has advocated public and private im-
HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 435
provements, aud it is not at all improbable that some of this seed has fallen in good soil, siuce at no time in the town's history has the progress of improvement been so great as at the present time.
He was married to Miss Susan E. Deaton, of Addison, Champaign County, March 31, 1859. Of this union there are three children, all daughters and all living—Addie A. was born Feb. 5, 1860; Anna V., April 23, 1875, aud Mabel, April 5, 1878.
Athens County Republican.—The Athens County Republican, published at Nelsonville, 0., was founded by James A. Miller and Charles Logan, at Athens, 0., in May, 1881. The first issue appeared June 1, 1881, the name of the paper at that time, and for several months after, being the Athens Republican.. Miller & Logan were the proprietors and editors up to Jau. 11, 1882, when the paper appeared with the name of James A. Miller as sole editor, Mr. Logan continuing to be part owner. As the name indicates, the paper is Republican in politics, its public statement being, To be devoted to the promotion and interests of the Republican party." In February, 1882, Mr. Miller became the sole proprietor. By the next issue the paper had again changed hands, the names of G. W. Baker, J. M. Wood and J. P. Wood appearing as proprietors, and that of G. W. Baker as editor and manager. The last number issued at Athens is dated Aug. 30, 1882, it having been sold to Charles P. Reid, its present owner, and taken at once to Nelsonville. Originally the Republican was a six-column four-page paper. It was subsequently enlarged, Aug. 3, 1881, to seven columns, and May 10, 1882, to eight columns, its present size. It was purchased by Charles P. Reid, who took possession Sept. 1, 1882, removing it to Nelsonville, where he issued the first number the following Thursday. Mr. Reid's name has appeared from that time to the present as sole editor and proprietor. It is issued regularly every Thursday, the subscription price being $1.50.
Charles P. Reid, editor of the Athens County Republican, was born Aug. 18, 1858, at Piqua, Miami Co., O. He received a good school education, finishing at Wapakoneta, O., in April, 1875, at which time he apprenticed himself to 0. J. Powell, publisher of the Wapakoneta Republican. He removed with Mr. Powell to Chicago Junction, Huron Co., 0., in the wiuter of 1875-'6, but returned to Wapakoneta in about one month, and immediately accepted a situation as foreman with Davis & Mc-
436 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY.
Murray, publishers of the Auglaize County Democrat. In November, 1879, he became associated with Trego & Binkley, publishers of the Sidney (0.) Journal, and later went to Piqua and took the foremanship and local chair on the Piqua Journal. In July, 1880, he accepted a situation with Colonel R. W. Joues, publisher of the Athens Journal. He remained but seven weeks, when he returned to his old situation as foreman of the Auglaize County Democrat,' and in December, 1880, when Mr. Davis, the publisher, was taken with hemorrhage of the lungs, he assumed editorial control of the Democrat, being then only twenty-three years old. He continued in that capacity until after Mr. Davis's death, June 19, 1881, when the office was sold by Mrs. C. P. Da_ vis, and he returned to the position of foreman, and so continued until he purchased the Athens County Republican, Aug. 26, 1882, from Baker & Woods. He was married to Miss Carrie E. Davis, daughter of C. P. Davis, Jan. 10, 1882. Immediately after taking charge of the Republican, Sept. 1, 1882, he removed to Nelsonville, issuing the paper the following week, as usual, without missing a number.
MANUFACTORIES.
The manufacturing interests of Nelsonville are as follows:
Nelsonville Foundry and Machine CO.'s works, established April, 1880. They are owned by a joint stock company, the President being John R. Buchtel, of Akron, 0. Among the products are steam-pipes and steam-fittings, and mining cars are a specialty.
Two Flouring Mills, a water mill, owned by Charles Robbins, and a steam mill, owned by C. Steenrod & Co., owned by M. Craig & Sons, and the Nelsonville Planing Mill Company, Asher P
Two Planing Mills oston, President.
This closes the history of the largest city in the valley of the Hocking, and its future destiny is very bright and promising. Energy, enterprise and morality will give her a prestige that no city ;n the valley can rival. May this be her lot.
CHAPTER XVII.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF YORK TOWNSHIP, INCLUDING THE CITY OF NELSONVILLE.
William Nelson Alderman, M. D., was born in Oxford, Morgan Co., Ohio, Nov. 27, 1853, a son of Nelson J. and Susannah ( Weimer) Alderman. He received a common-school education, remaining at home till eighteen years of age. On leaving home in 1871, he became associated with his brother, S. J. Alderman, in the mercantile business, in Bishopville, Ohio, under the firm name of S. J. Alderman & Bro. In 1874 he retired from the firm and began the study of medicine with Dr. George E. Carpenter, of Athens; was under his preceptorship one year and then went to Oxford and studied with Dr. H. D. Dantford, remaining with him until his graduation from the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, Feb. 28, 1877. He practiced with his preceptor till the following September, when he went to New York and took a course of lectures in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, graduating in February, 1878. In July, 1878, he located in Nelsonville, and in the spring of 1879, became associated with Dr. I. P. Primrose. Feb. 25, 1880. he married Sarah A., daughter of Dr. Primrose. They have one daughter—Addie P. Dr. Alderman is a member of Philodorean Lodge, No. 157, A. F. & A. M., Nelsonville.
Mason Andrews was born in Ames Township, Athens County, May 27, 1844, a son of David and Christiana ( Mowery ) Andrews. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common school, living with his mother until he grew to manhood. He was married Dec. 29, 1863, to Miss Eve Howard, only daughter of Loyd and Elizabeth (Weimer) ) Howard. They are the parents of five children—Loyd R., Emma V., William M., Ira E. and Hulda E. In 1874 Mr. Andrews purchased his present farm containing 114 acres of good land, under a high state of cultivation. He and his wife are members of the M. E. church. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., Hockhocking Lodge, No. 339.
Frank C. Armstrong, M. D., physician and surgeon, was born in the city of Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 2, 1859, a son of Thomas and Jane
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(Chadwick) Armstrong. His youth was spent in attending school. He began the study of medicine with Dr. S. W. Fowler, of Delaware, Ohio, and graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan Seminary in the summer of 1880, and at the Columbus Medical College in the winter of 1881 and 1882. He first commenced to practice with his preceptor in Delaware, and, in the fall of 1882, located in Buchtel, where he has met with good success. He is a member of the K. of P., York Lodge, No. 75.
William, Barnes was born in Wirt County, W. Va., June 15, 1842, a son of Nathan and Mary (Cornell) Barnes. When he was an infant his parents came to Ohio, and settled at Chauncey, Athens County, where he was reared and educated. In April, 1861, h enlisted in Company H, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, for three months, but served four months, and the following August re-enlisted in Company A, same regiment, for three years. In January, 1862, his regiment was consolidated with the Sixty-third Ohio Infantry, his company retaining the same letter. In January, 1864, he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment as a veteran to serve till the close of the war. July 22, 1864, he was taken prisoner at Decatur, Ga., and confined at Andersonville eight months. He was then taken to a parol camp, at Vicksburg, and kept a month, and then, April 22, 1865, was released on parol and taken with 2,200 released prisoners on board the transport steamboat Sultana, en route for Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, then a camp of distribution. When a few miles above the city of Memphis, on the morning of April 27, the boiler exploded, completely destroying the vessel and killing 1,600 men. Mr. Barnes was rescued at Memphis by clinging to a bale of hay. He and 400 or 500 of his comrades lay three days at Memphis awaiting transportation and recovering from the effects of the disaster. May 1, 1865, he was taken on board the mail boat Belle Memphis and arrived at Cairo the following morning, and May 4 arrived at Camp Chase, where he was discharged May 18, the war closing. He returned to Athens, remaining there till 1871, when he came to Nelsonville, and a greater part of the time since then has been in the employ of W. B. Brooks. April 5, 1877, he married Mary A. Shannon, of Nelsonville. They have one child—Mary F. Mr. Barnes is an Odd Fellow, a member of Unity Lodge, No. 568, and of Nelsonville Encampment, No. 121.
George Henry Barrows, proprietor of Barrows's saloon and billiard hall, of Nelsonville, was born in Albany, Maine, July 14, 1833, in which place he lived with his parents, Harvey and Han-
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nah (Beckley) Barrows, until he was eighteen years of age. His school opportunities were very limited. On leaving home he went to Yarmouth, Maine, where he was employed in a saw-mill nearly a year, when he went to A bington, Mass., and drove an express wagon for L. A. Ford for the same length of time. In 1853 he began to learn the shoemaker's trade at Abington, at which he worked till Nov. 14, 1854, when he went to New Bedford, Mass., and embarked on the whaling vessel, Benjamin Cummings, on which he cruised on the Pacific and Atlantic oceans until June, 1859, a period of nearly five years. During 1860 he worked as a section hand on the Grand Trunk Railroad until July when he worked on the farm and in the saw-mill of Peter C. Fickett at West Paris. In 1861 he was employed in the same town in a chair factory until the fall of 1862, when he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in Company F, Twenty-third Regiment of the Ohio Infantry, and at the end of nine months was discharged with his regiment. While out, he was on duty in guarding Washington City, D. C. After his discharge he again worked on the Grand Trunk Railroad as section foreman until the spring of 1864, when he went to Bath, Maine, and was employed in a saw-mill there until December, 1865. In March, 1866, he came to Ohio and was engaged as foreman of the switch yard at Piqua for the C., C. & I. C. R. R. Company until March, 1867, after which he was employed in the same yard as fireman on a switch engine until the summer of 1869. He then went to Fairfield County and was employed by Dodge, Case & Co., contractors on the C. & H. V. Railroad as foreman of the track layers until November. He was then engaged as engine dispatcher by the C. & H. V. R. R. Company at Nelsonville, after which he was employed at Athens in the same capacity until June, 1871, when he was placed in charge of a switch engine at Nelsonville until September, 1872, after which he engaged in his present business. Dec. 25, 1870, he was married to Miss Martha Smith, of Nelsonville. They have seven children, viz.: Harvey A., Peter; George A., John, Charles, Alonzo and James M.
Alexander Beattie, Marshal of Nelsonville, was born in Ayr, Scotland; Aug. 15,1851. When two years of age he came with his parents, Alex. and Sarah (Robinson) Beattie, to the United States, settling in Johnstown, Pa. He lived with them there, and in McKeysport, Pa., and Pomeroy, Ohio, and Sharon, Pa., until manhood, and was educated in the schools of those places. In 1872 he came to Nelsonville and was employed in the coal mines of W.
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B. Brooks & Son until 1879, when he was appointed one of the policemen of Nelsonville and served as such until April, 1882, when he was elected Marshal. Sept. 23, 1874, he was married to Miss Christiana A. Laird, of Sharon, Pa. They have two children—Estella May and Eva L. Mr. Beattie is a Master Mason and member of Philodorean Lodge, No. 157, of Nelsonville, of which he has filled the station of Junior Warden.
John W. Bennett, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Baltimore, Md., Aug. 17, 1849, a son of James and Priscilla C. (Luken) Bennett. In 1859 his parents came to Ohio and located in York Township, Athens County, near Nelsonville, where he resided till manhood. He was married April 20, 1871, to Mary L. Thornton, daughter of Madison and Sarah C. (Hicks) Thornton. They have had six children, only four now living—Loring R., Frank N., Charles W. and John M. Mr. Bennett's father was born in Baltimore County, Md., March 24, 1801. When eighteen years of age he was employed in the Patterson Rolling Mills near Baltimore, and remained there thirty-seven years. Sept. 23, 1844, he married Priscilla C. Luken, a native of Hartford County, Md., but reared in Baltimore County. They were the parents of seven children, six now living. They came to Athens County in 1859, and located near Nelsonville, where Mr. Bennett died Nov. 18, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were members of the Christian church, he having been Deacon over thirty-five years.
Thomas Berry, Superintendent C. & H. Coal and Iron Company, is a native of Allegheny County, Pa., born April 3, 1837, and reared near the city of Pittsburg. His youth was spent in mining coal which he has since followed, coining to Nelsonville Sept. 23, 1858. He was married Nov. 27, 1859, to Miss Hannah Charlton, a native of England, but reared in Ohio. During the late civil war he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, Aug. 21,1862. He participated in many hard-fought battles, among them, Winchester, Va., in June, 1863; Piedmont, in June, 1864; Cedar Creek, Lynchburg, and Petersburg. He was captured Feb. 16, 1863, but was soon after paroled. After the close of the war he returned to Ohio and settled in Nelsonville where he has since made his home. He secured his present position as Superintendent, July 1, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are the parents of five children, only four living—Charles M., born Sept. 23, 1860; Josephine Elizabeth, born Nov. 7, 1862; Inez Estella, born July 15, 1867; Thaddeus Huxly, born July 24, 1875; died
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Nov. 18, 1879; Ethel May, born Dec. 27, 1882. Mr. Berry is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Philodorean Lodge, No. 157.
Albert Slater Bethel, merchant and farmer, Nelsonville, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, near Cambridge, June 19, 1846. When about nine years of age he came with his parents, Lemuel T. and Rebecca (Slater) Bethel, to Athens County, settling in Trimble Township, where he lived with them until his twenty-second year, and received a common-school education. Being reared a farmer he followed that avocation until 1874, when, selling his farm, he was employed in the store of John W. Scott, a coal operator at Lick Run, Athens County, and was in his employ until 1878, when he came to Nelsonville and engaged in the mercantile business with his brother, J. C. Bethel, under the firm name of Bethel Brothers. In April, 1882, his brother retired from the firm. In connection with his mercantile business he also carried on farming to some extent. He has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Hannah Ann Anderson, of Athens County, whom he married Nov. 22, 1866, and who died in Trimble Township, Aug. 17, 1870, leaving him two children—George Lemuel and William J. June 6, 1876, he married Miss Sarah Luetta Anderson, of Ames Town. ship, Athens County. They have three children— Charles Sherman, Lucy May and Webster Garfield. Mr. Bethel is a Master, Royal Arch; Council and Knight Templar Mason, and member of Philodorean Lodge, No. 157, Nelsonville, and the chapter and council at Logan, and Commandery No. 15, at Athens.
Thomas N. Black was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, Oct. 12, 1829. In 1847 he came to the United States and located in Allegheny County, Pa., where he followed coal-mining until 1860, when he came to Ohio, and located in Zanesville, In June, 1877, he came to Buchtel, where he has since resided. He is Superintendent of the coal and iron mines of the Akron Iron Company. He was first married, April 18, 1854, to Margaret McKinnel, a native of Edinboro, Scotland; three children were born to them —William N., Elizabeth and Isabella. His wife died May 14, 1865. He was again married, Oct. 21, 1866, to Louisa Romine, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio. They have six children—Louisa, Mary, Annie, Jennie, Margaret and Flora. Mr. Black is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities. He has been an Odd Fellow over thirty years, and is now a member of the Buchtel Lodge, No. 712.
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James Rider Blake, a coat-miner in the Johnson Brothers & Patterson's coal mines, at Nelsonville, was born in Devonshire, England, April 3, 1823, where he lived until he was twenty years of age. He lived with his parents, Nathaniel and Joannah (Rider) Blake, until his ninth year when he was put out to a farmer, with whom he lived until April 25, 1843, when he enlisted in the Plymouth Division of the Royal Marines, and, after being drilled in the infantry and ship gun drill, embarked on board Her Majesty's ship Vanguard, in February, 1845. In the following May, on account of receiving an injury, he was placed in the Hasslar Hospital, at Gosport, England, where he remained four months, when he was transferred to the Marine Barracks at Portsmouth, where he remained a short time, after which he embarked on board Her Majesty's ship Superb, on which he served two months, when he was sent to the Stone House Barracks, and from there on board Her Majesty's ship Nimrod, on which he served four years and cruised around the Peak of Teneriff to Island of Ascension, thence to Sierra Leone, thence to Cape Mount, Cape Miserata, thence to the Cape of Good Hope. He cruised off the southeast coast of Africa, visiting all the ports, and thence through the channel of Mozambique to the Islands of Mozambique and Madagascar. He then cruised back to the Cape of Good Hope, the Island of St. Helena, thence to the East Indies and then back to England, making a cruise of nearly four years. He afterward embarked on Her Majesty's ship Bella Ropher. After serving as a marine eight years and six months he, in September, 1851, bought his discharge, and until the following January served as convict keeper at Dartmoor Prison. Feb. 18, 1852, he started to the United States, landing at New York City, March 29. He first went to Pittsburg, Pa., where he mined coal four months, and from there he went to Tuscarawas Valley, where he worked in the mines of G. W. Mcllvain until 1853. He afterward followed mining in Illinois, Missouri and West Virginia until August, 1857, when he came to Nelsonville and permanently settled. Feb. 8, 1855, he married Rebecca Prout, of Suffolk County, England. They have six children—Mary E., wife of Albert Michem; Sarah Jane, Nathaniel R., Susannah, Addie (deceased), Hester M. and Cora B. Oct. 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, to serve three years, and during his service participated in many battles, the most important being Athens, La Vergne, Stone River, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Davis Cross Roads, Lookout Mountain
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and Mission Ridge. From Oct. 17, 1863, to Feb. 14, 1864, he was detailed to take charge of the watch on the transport Paint Rock on the Tennessee River. He was discharged Nov. 10, 1864, being mustered out as First or Orderly Sergeant, having served as such for one year, and part of the last year being in command of his company, his superior officers being detailed to different posts of duty. After his return home he was immediately afflicted with blindness, the result of overwork and exposure while in the service, and had to be lead for three years. He finally recovered the partial sight of one eye through the skill of Dr. E. Williams, of Cincinnati. He has been elected twice and held the office of Councilman of Nelsonville, and is now an incumbent of that office. He is a member of Phil Kearney Post, No. 38, G. A. R., and has served as Junior Vice-Commander.
Asher Buckley, attorney at law, Nelsonville, was born in Canaan Township, Athens County, July 6, 1828, where he lived with his parents, Aratus and Margaret (Long) Buckley, until his fourteenth year, when he went to Clarksburgh, Harrison Co., Va., and learned the trade of saddle and harness making with Edward Link, working with him six years. In 1848 he returned to Athens County and engaged in the saddle and harness business at Guysville until 1853, when he removed his business to Coolville. While carrying on his business at Coolville he studied law under the preceptorship of the Hon. Charles Townsend, of Athens, and was admitted to the bar by the District Court at Athens, Sept. 1, 1876. In the spring of 1875 he came to Nelsonville and began the practice of law. While living in Coolville he was Mayor of that village four years. In the spring of 1878 he was elected Mayor of Nelsonville for a term of two years, and re-elected in the spring of 1880, holding the position for four years. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment, Ohio Infantry, to serve three years, and was discharged at the close of war, at Camp Dennison, July 2, 1865. He participated in the battles of the Shenandoah Valley, under Generals Sheridan, Hunter and Sigle, and at the siege and capture of Petersburg. April 25, 1852, while at Clarksburgh, Va., he married Miss Margaret Southworth. They have three living children—Harry C., a farmer, of Jackson County, W. Va.; Leverett K., of Youngstown, Ohio, and Gertrude, still at home. Mr. Buckley is a member of Philodorean Lodge, No. 157; Hockhocking Lodge, No. 339, and Nelsonville Encampment, No. 121.
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John Burberry, shipping clerk for C. L. Poston & Company, coal operators of Nelsonville, was born in Sussex County, England, Dec. 1, 1816, where he lived with his parents, John and Rebecca (Peskitt) Burberry, until his sixteenth year, receiving his education in the common school, when he immigrated with them to the United States, they arriving at Nelsonville, July 31, 1832. In 1833 he went. to Lancaster, Ohio, where he learned the tailor's trade with George H. Smith, serving an apprenticeship of four years, after which he did journey work for a short time. About the year 1837 he began business for himself at Lancaster, continuing till the spring of 1841, when he removed to Bremen, Ohio, remaining there till 1844, and while there he served as Constable and Assessor for two years, holding both offices at the same time. Leaving Bremen he returned to Lancaster, where he continued the tailoring business till 1849, after which he was engaged in the store of L. D. Poston, of Nelsonville, for the following eight years. In 1857 he became associated with Mr. Poston as a coal operator, and after several years he was employed as a general manager of Mr. Poston's coal business, staying with him till 1875. Since then he has been employed by Mr. Poston's successor, C. L. Poston & Company, in various branches of their extensive business. May 14, 1874, he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Hampshire) Thayer. She was a native of Sussex County, England, and carne with her parents to this country at the same time and on the same ship as our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Burberry are members of the M. E. church, of Nelsonville, of which he is Steward and Trustee.
John, Oscar Burrell, carpenter and stair-builder, of Nelsonville, was born in Newport, Maine, Oct. 12, 1837. When he was an infant his parents, Almond H. and Almira P. (Wilson) Burrell, came to Ohio and located in Alexander Township, Athens County. When he was twelve years of age they moved to Nelsonville. When eighteen years of age, in 1856, he went to Marietta and began to work in the Marietta Republican office under A. W. McCormick, to learn the printer's trade. He worked about one year, when, not liking the trade, he left the office and for a short time was employed on a steamboat on the Ohio River as a " Texas Tender." In the fall of 1858 he returned to Nelsonville, and in the spring of 1859 began to work at the carpenter's trade. In June, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-fifth Ohio Infantry, to serve three months. At the expiration of that term. he re-enlisted in Company A, One
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Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Infantry, for three years, serving as Quartermaster-Sergeant. His company participated in the capture of Cumberland Gap and siege of Knoxville. After his discharge he returned to Nelsonville and resumed work at the carpenter's trade, which he still follows. April 19, 1865, he was married to Maria P. Wilson, of Wolf's Plain, Athens Co., Ohio, who died Jan. 25, 1883, leaving one child—Amos Guy. Mr. Burrell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Nelsonville. He is a member of Phil Kearney Post, No. 38, G. A. R., of which he is Commander.
Peter Matthew Butt, proprietor of the Home saloon, Nelsonville, was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, Feb. 24, 1837. When fourteen years of age he began to maintain himself, and came to Nelsonville and began to work in and about the coal mines. In the spring of 1861 he went to California and engaged in gold mining in Placer County, until the fall of 1863, when he returned to Nelsonville and again engaged in coal mining until the fall of 1866, when he became established in his present business. He has served one term in the City Council of Nelsonville. He has been twice married; his first wife was Miss Irene Butt, a cousin, of Nelsonville, whom he married in December, 1855, and who died at Nelsonville, in November, 1858, leaving one child—Samuel Edgar, a physician of Nelsonville. Oct. 2, 1864, he married Miss Maria Lytle, of Logan, Ohio. They have five living children—Frank; Kate, Fred, Eugene and George, all living at home. They have lost two children—Emma M., who died Aug. 8, 1880; Mertie Blanch, who died Dec. 20, 1880.
Samuel Edgar Butt, M. D., Nelsonville, was born in that city April 12, 1857, and was educated in the common and High School. He is the son of Peter M. and Irene (Butt) Butt. His mother dying before he was two years old, he was taken by his grandmother and lived with her until he was seven years old, when his father married again and took him to live with him. When about seventeen he was employed as a surveyor, filling that position two years, when he took up the study of medicine under Dr. W. E. W. Sheppard, of Nelsonville, studying with him three years and graduating from the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, in March, 1880. He then became associated with Dr. C. F. Gilliam at Nelsonville in the practice of medicine, they mutually dissolving in 1882. He was City Physician of Nelsonville during 1880–'81. Oct. 26, 1881, he married Miss Addie Koutner, daughter of S. C.
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Koutner, of Nelsonville. She was formerly a teacher for some time in the Nelsonville public schools. They have one child—Solomon Edgar.
Charles Augustus Cable, Cashier of the Merchants and Miners' Bank of Nelsonville, and a member of the firm of C. A. Cable & Co., hardware, stoves, tinware and furniture dealers, was born in Nelsonville, April 6, 1834, where he was reared. He was educated in the public schools of Nelsonville and a select school at Athens. He is the son of Charles and Julia G. (Nye) Cable, with whom he lived until manhood. At the age of fifteen, while making his home with his parents, he engaged in the grocery and provision business at Nelsonville for about two years, when, in 1851, he became associated with his father in the general merchandising business. His father dying one year after, he carried on the business with his mother until 1856. He then carried on the business alone until 1858, when he discontinued it. From that time until 1861 he was employed as traveling salesman for the wholesale grocery house of Mead & Co., of New York City, and as clerk by Charles Ashton and Charles Robbins, at Nelsonville. Sept. 27, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry. On the organization of the company he was elected First Lieutenant. His regiment served in the Army of the Cumberland. From January to May, 1863, he was Acting Adjutant of his regiment, and as Quartermaster from May to June, 1863, when he was promoted. to Captain and took charge of his company until after the battle of. Chickamauga, when he became Acting Assistant Adjutant-General on the staff of Colonel T. R. Stanley, commanding an engi neers' brigade at Chattanooga, Tenn. In the spring of 1864 Colonel Stanley was relieved from the command of the engineer brigade and assigned to the command of the post of Chattanooga, Tenn., our subject still holding the position of Acting Assistant Adjutant-General under him until Oct. 20, 1864, when, at the expiration of his term of service, he returned home with his regiment and was mustered out. He participated in a number of battles, the most important being Athens, Ala. ; La Vergne, Tenn.; Stone River, Davis Cross Roads, Ga.; Chickamauga, Brown Ferry and Mission Ridge. In March, 1865, he engaged in the grocery and provision business at Nelsonville, following it one year when he estalished the hardware store, adding furniture to it in the spring of 1870. In that year his brother, Eugene J., became associated with him under the present firm name. in the fall of 1873
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he was one of the stockholders that organized the Merchants and Miners' Bank of Nelsonville, and was appointed its Cashier. During 1854-'55 he was Postmaster of Nelsonville, appointed under President Pierce. He was City Clerk of Nelsonville in 1855-'56, and has served as member of the City Council and Board of Education of Nelsonville and Trustee of York Township, several years each. In 1875-'76 he was one of the Trustees of the Athens Asylum for the Insane, at Athens. April 23, 1857, he married Miss Sarah A. Scott, daughter of Launcelot Scott, of Nelsonville. They have four children—Charles W., a physician of Logan, Ohio; Don Carlos, Teller in Merchants and Miners' Bank; and Eugene W. and Edith G., attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Cable are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Nelsonville, of which he is a Ruling Elder and a Trustee. He is a member of the Hock-hocking Lodge, No. 339, I. 0. 0. F., and is now Past Grand. He is a member of Phil Kearney Post, No. 38, G. A. R., Nelsonville.
Charles Cable (deceased), one of Nelsonville's old pioneers, was born at Jefferson, New York, Jan. 31, 1809. He came to Ohio about 1816 with his father, who settled at Athens. At the age of twelve he was apprenticed to learn the tanner's trade, and with the exception of one year he worked at his trade at Athens till 1833 when he went to Nelsonville, where he engaged in tanning till his death, which occurred April 2, 1852. During 1848 and 1849, in connection with his other business, he kept a hotel known as the Cable House, and at the time of his death was engaged in the general mercantile business and had dealt extensively in real estate. In 1838, when Nelsonville was first incorporated, he was elected its first Mayor. He has filled the positions of member of the Council and Township Trustee, besides various others during his life. Jan. 1, 1833, he was married to Julia G. Nye, of Dover Township, Athens County, by whom he had two sons—Charles A.. and Eugene J. In the spring of 1851 his son, Charles A., then seventeen years of age, became associated with him in the general mercantile business and continued with him till his death. From 1849 to the end of 1851 he was Postmaster of Nelsonville. His wife survived him nearly twelve years, she dying Jan. 12, 1862. She had belonged to the Christian church since girlhood, always taking an active part in church affairs. Mr. Cable, although not a member, always took an active part in promoting the growth of the church work. He was a man of great endurance and strength until 1846, when his health became broken down by over work.
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Charles Walter Cable, M. D., Nelsonville, was born July 25, 1859. He is the oldest of four children of Charles A. and Sarah A. (Scott) Cable, with whom he lived until manhood and received a High School education in his native city. At the age of seventeen he began the study of medicine under Dr. Richard Gundry, Superintendent of the Columbus Hospital for the Insane at Columbus, and was under his preceptorship eighteen months, when he went to Athens and studied under Dr. A. B. Frame eighteen months. He graduated from the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, March 2, 1880. He then continued his studies until the following winter when he went to New York City and attended a course of lectures at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which he graduated March 10, 1881. He then began the practice of medicine at Nelsonville. Oct. 12, 1881, he married Bessie, daughter of Elmor and Mary (Cooley) Golden, of Athens. They are both members of the First Presbyterian Church of Nelsonville.
John French Camp, real estate agent, Nelsonville, and Justice of the Peace of York Township, was born in Alexander Township, Athens Co., Ohio, March 11, 1829. He is the youngest of two sons of Edward and Charlotte (Taylor) Camp. His father dying when he was two years of age, he lived with his mother until he was twelve, when he began to maintain himself by working as a farmer's boy. At the age of sixteen he apprenticed himself to J. C. Frost, of Athens, to learn the tailor's trade, and remained with him two years, receiving his board and $40 per year for his services as an apprentice. He then, feeling the importance of having an education, entered the Preparatory Department of the Ohio University at Athens and attended two years, defraying the expenses of his board and tuition by working during the hours he was not in school and during vacations. In 1851 he engaged in teaching in the public schools and taught in Athens and Hocking counties until 1861, and in the meantime was Superintendent of the schools of Nelsonville for several terms. Oct. 2, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, as a private. In the following November he was promoted to First, or Orderly Sergeant, and served as such until April 1, 1864, when he was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company C, same regiment, and served in that capacity until he was mustered out at the expiration of his term of enlistment in 1864. He was in fourteen battles. The most important were Stone River, Chickamauga and Davis Cross Roads. After his discharge he returned to Athens County
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and taught until 1877. He located at Nelsonville in 1866 where he has since resided. He has been elected to and filled the office of Mayor of Nelsonville two terms, and has also served as Clerk of York Township two terms. In 1882 he was elected Justice of the Peace of York Township. In 1882 he became associated with Alexander W. Nelson in the real estate business, under the firm name of Camp & Nelson. April 25, 1851, he was married to Miss Mary Lutitia, daughter of Rev. John W. Brown, of Nelsonville. They have four children—Florence Iota, Julius French, William Preston and Angie Charlotta. They have lost one, Eva Sophia, who died July 22, 1864, at the age of nine years. Mr. Camp is a demitted Master Mason and also a demitted Odd Fellow, and has filled all the stations in both orders.
Alfred Harrison Carnes, senior member of the firm of Carnes & Shepard, merchants of Nelsonville, was born near Leesburgh, Loudoun Co., Va., Aug. 10, 1824. When he was seven years old he came with his parents, James and Mary (Scatteday) Carnes, to Ohio, settling near McConnelsville, Morgan County, and from there came to Athens County when he was thirteen. His parents both died the year before he was fifteen and he was thrown on his own resources. The first year after their death he lived with William Jolliffe in what is now Ward Township, Hocking County, working for him and attending school one year. He then went to Eggleston salt works on Sunday Creek, Athens County, and was engaged as fireman and engineer for two years, when, in 1842, he came to Nelsonville and located. He worked in the coal mines until the spring of 1856, when, by the request of a friend, Matthew Van Wormer, he entered his store as a clerk, remaining with him until the fall of 1860, when W. B. Brooks became Mr. Van Wormer's successor. He worked for Mr. Brooks until the fall of 1871, when he purchased the business house and stock of Lewis Steenrod and engaged in the mercantile business, W. P. Shepard being associated with him under the firm name of Carnes & Shepard. He has been a Trustee of York Township one year; a member of the Council three years, and of the School Board of Nelsonville. he has been twice married; his first wife was Miss Sarah A. Crothers, of Nelsonville, whom he married in the spring of 1850, and who died Oct. 21, 1858, leaving five children, three of whom are living—Sarah L., wife of W. P. Shepard ; Nancy V., wife of Robert J. Hickman, and Mary Z., wife of Thomas Johnson; Charles A. died Sept. 5, 1873, at the age of eighteen, and Emily
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