HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 625 Section 1 of act incorporating McArthur reads as follows : "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that so much of the territory in the township of Elk, in the county of Vinton, as is included within the original plat and survey of the town of McArthurstown, together with such additions as have been or may hereafter be made to said town, be, and the same is, hereby created a town corporate by the name of McArthur, and by that name shall be a body corporate and politic, with perpetual succession." DUNCAN MCARTHUR The town corporate thus perpetuated was named in honor of one of the brave, brilliant and substantial men whom it has been the good    EAST MAIN STREET, MCARTHUR fortune of the State of Ohio to periodically contribute to the statesmanship and citizenship of the country. When it was laid out as a town in 1815 its projectors christened it McArthurstown, as a slight testimonial to Gen. Duncan McArthur, who, as the commander-in-chief of, the Northwest army, had driven the hostile Indians from. the Lake Erie region, safeguarded Detroit and the American interests on the Canadian border, and was altogether the leading military figure of that time. Ten years before he had assisted Gen. Nathaniel Massie to lay out Chillicothe and in other important surveys ; had represented Ross County in the Legislature, been elected colonel and major-general of the state militia, and, notwithstanding that he was second in command at the unfortunate Hull surrender, had displayed such indignation over the occurrence in the fall of 1812 the democrats had sent him to Congress. General McArthur's military services during the following three years, or until the Town of McArthurstown was founded, include his gathering of the 8,000 men from the Scioto Valley, marshalling them Vol. 1-40  626 - HANGING ROCK IRON REGION near Sandusky, taking command of Fort Meigs, assuming the defense of Detroit, succeeding Harrison in command of the Northwest army, the defeat of the enemy Indians at the upper end of Lake Erie and his successful campaign against the Canadian militia directed from Detroit and Malden. From 1815 to 1822 General McArthur was elected three times to the Legislature, during which he took a decided stand in favor of the right of the United States Bank to establish branches wherever it chose in the State of Ohio. He also concluded several Indian treaties. In 1822 both General McArthur and Samuel F. Vinton were elected to Congress and served four years together. 'The former was more a man of action than one fitted for the steadfast, patient labors of a member of Congress, and his political career virtually terminated in that body. Although he was elected governor of Ohio in 1830, in June of that year he met with an accident which seriously crippled him, both physically and mentally. He had been placed in the gubernatorial chair by the anti-Jackson party. On the. expiration of his term of office he was again a candidate for Congress, but, under the circumstances, his defeat was a foregone conclusion, and his death a few years afterward was the pitiful conclusion of a life of natural energy, bravery and ability. FIRST VILLAGE ELECTION In the special act of the Ohio Legislature by which McArthur was incorporated, an election was ordered to be held for corporation officers on the 5th of April, 1851. The result was the choice of the following: J. S. Hawk, mayor ; L. G. Bort, clerk ; B. P. Hewett, Charles Brown, David Richmond, Joel A. Waldron and W. Swepston, trustees. MCARTHUR SCHOOLS The schools established at McArthur previous to its incorporation as a village have been noted. It became an independent school district in 1853. The first statistics obtainable show that in 1858 it contained 165 males of school age and 159 females ; total, 324. The schoolhouse on lot 98 was owned by the village board of education until 1865, when it was sold to James Lantz. The board, in the summer of 1859, bought 2 1/5 acres of their present school lot and the same fall commenced the brick work of a new building. It is a two-story brick, 62 by 66 feet, in the center of the lot of 3 1/5 acres in the northwest part of town, occupying a commanding site. The valuation of the McArthur school property; at that time was a little over seven thousand dollars. In 1913 a large modern style building was erected at a cost of $30,000. In the fall of 1860 J. P. Spahr took charge as superintendent of the first school taught in the new building, holding his position two years. He was energetic, well qualified, a good disciplinarian, but for some unexplained reason remained only two years. - Other early superintendents were W. H. Travis, Edmund Sheffield, John A. Hatfield; William Watkins, M. R. Barnes, W. R. Kelley and M. A. Henson. HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 627 The village Union School, embracing a first-class high school depart= ment and all the grammar grades, is under the general supervision of C. H. Copeland, county superintendent. Miss Linnie Arnold is the principal. VINTON COUNTY TEACHERS' INSTITUTE There is a well-conducted normal institute, which was organized, in the summer .of 1867, under the name of the Vinton County Teachers' Association. Its first officers were : President, NI. R. Barnes; vice presidents, L. 0. Perdue, J. S. Huhn and Frank Darby ; secretary, J. M. PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, MCARTHUR M. Gillivray ; treasurer, A. S. Asbury ; executive committee, C. D. Gist, B. F. Albin,, J. J. DeFigh and D. B. Zeigler. The association held its first institute during the first week of September, 1867, under the instruction of Prof. E. T. Tappan and W. H. Young, of the Ohio State University. Fifty-five teachers were in attendance. Until August, 1882, the institutes were held at McArthur, when for the first time, a session was convened at Hamden. The Vinton County Teachers' Institute has a constitution and , bylaws which control its affairs and regulate its membership. The objects of this association are the improvement of the teachers, the advancement of the interests of education, and the cultivation of enlightened public sentiment regarding the public school system. The institute is now under the management of the county board of education. INDUSTRIES The principal McArthur industry is the brick plant owned by the McArthur Brick Co. The officers of the company are H. .S. Hamilton, 628 - HANGING ROCK IRON REGION president ; Hon. 0. E. Vollenweider, vice president ; 0. F. Pilcher, secretary; L. W. Sprague, general manager ; A. Will, Jr., treasurer. There are several reasons why McArthur is proud of the plant.: 1. Every dollar of its stock is owned by McArthur citizens. 2. The plant has been a dividend payer from the day that it started, ten years ago. 3. We are the pioneers in making what is known as rough texture brick. The plant has a capacity of 66,000 brick per diem and furnishes employment for about one hundred men. Another considerable industry at McArthur is the flour mill erected, in 1856, in the eastern part of town near the railroad. The building, a four-story frame, 80 by 30 feet in dimensions, was originally furnished with four sets of burrs and a 100-horse power engine. Its smoke stack, seventy-five feet in height, made quite a landmark. 0. W. Gilman, the contractor who built the mill, purchased a one-third interest in the original business. The proprietary firm afterward became Gilman & Gold, and owned a coal bank near the mill from which to feed the engine. In 1878 they built an addition to the original building, 80 by 15 feet, two stories high, in which they placed woolen machinery for the purpose of doing custom work. The woolen part of the industry has been discontinued for many years. The old mill was destroyed by fire some years ago and was replaced by, a handsome brick structure, which is now in operation, owned by W. J. Ward. VINTON COUNTY NATIONAL BANK The oldest business or financial institution at McArthur of prominence is the Vinton County National Bank, of which Daniel Will is president and Aaron Will, Jr., is cashier. The original institution was the Vinton County Bank, organized on January 7, 1867, with the fol- . lowing officers: J. J. McDowell, ,president ; J. W. Delay, cashier ; other directors, A. Wolf, H. E. Austin and E. D. Dodge. The association continued in business without any change until September 1, 1868, when there was an agreement effected with the banking firm of Will, Brown & Co., doing business in McArthur, to consolidate (said firm having been organized and commenced business about the sametime as did the Vinton County Bank). The two firms on that date consolidated under the firm name of the Vinton County Bank, the capital stock being increased to $75,000, the following being the list of stockholders : H. S. Bundy, H. F. Austin, A. A. Austin, E. D. Dodge, D. Rannells, J. W. Delay, Andrew Wolf, Daniel Will, Charles Brown, Aaron Will, Thomas B. Davis. On January 9, 1869, the bank elected the following board of directors: Charles Brown, Thomas B. Davis, Andrew Wolf, J. W. Delay, Daniel. Will, David V. Rannells, E. D. Dodge. The board of directors organized by electing Daniel Will, president, and J. W. Delay, cashier. The HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 629 organization continued in business successfully until October 1, 1872, when it was converted into and commenced a business as a national bank, the title adopted being " The Vinton County National Bank, of McArthur, Ohio." The capital stock was $100,000, held by the following persons, each share representing $100: Daniel Will, 270 shares ; J. W. Delay, 130; Charles Brown, 125; E. D. Dodge, 120 ; Andrew Wolf, 100 ; H. S. Bundy, 100 ; D. V. Rannells, 50 ; A. Will, 35 ; Jacob G. Will, 30 ; Jacob S. Will, 30 ; T. B. Davis, 10. The stockholders reelected as directors, Daniel Will, Andrew Wolf, Charles Brown, H. S. Bundy and J. W. Delay, and the directors organized by electing Daniel Will, president, and J. W. Delay, cashier. The bank has since pursued a conservative and successful career without any change in its executive officers and but two changes in its board of directors; the first resulting from the resignation of H. S. Bundy, that vacancy being filled by the election of Aaron Will ; the second from the death of Charles Brown, the vacancy being filled by the election of Jacob G. Will. In November, 1878, it was deemed advisable by the board of directors to reduce the capital stock of the bank to $50,000, at which it remains. The only notable change in the management of the bank for twenty-five years occurred in 1898, when J. W. Delay, who had been appointed bank examiner, was succeeded as cashier by Aaron Will, Jr., the present incumbent. The deposits of the bank amount to $247,809 ; surplus and undivided profits, $29,000. MCARTHUR SAVINGS & LOAN CO. The McArthur Savings & Loan Co. has been doing a growing and profitable business for twenty-five years. Probably one-third of the population of the town, both men and women, are stockholders or depositors. Its authorized capital is $100,000, but its assets have kept climbing until they amount to $315,000. Its officials are as follows : F. P. Magee, president ; L. W. Sprague, vice president ; 0. F. Pilcher, secretary ; L. W. Thorp, Dr. G. M. Swepston, Dr. A. W. Paffenbarger, Hon. J. W. Darby and F. P. Magee, board of directors. THE TOWN HALL The town hall at McArthur, which was completed in 1883, was built jointly by the village and Elk Township at a cost of about six thousand dollars. The structure is of brick; two stories and ,basement;; the latter is occupied principally by fire apparatus and material ; the first floor is given over to municipal and township offices and rooms and the second to a large audience room for public meetings. FIRE OF 1883 It was during January of 1883 that McArthur's most destructive fire occurred. It broke out about 11 o'clock P. M. of January 16th and swept 630 - HANGING ROCK IRON REGION the entire square on the north side of Main Street between Market and Jackson streets. The most faithful efforts were put forth, aided by hook and ladder apparatus, but the buildings, with one or two exceptions, were old wooden shells and burned like tinder boxes. Following is a- list of the losses : The Davis Building, occupied. by A. R. Lantz, grocery ; Farley & Harris, oyster saloon ; H. K. Matteson, cigar shop ; P. Matts, jewelry store ; J. E. King, shoe shop, and the Armory of the Fenton Guards. This was the first building to burn and was situated near the east end of the square. From this the fire moved rapidly toward the west, taking the buildings and- drygoods store of C. M. Shively & Bro.; H. P. Ambrose, saddle shop ; J. H. King, shoe shop ; Dan McKeever, saloon ; Reynolds & Clements, meat store ; George W. Farley, barber shop ; D. Will & Bros., drygoods ; Mrs. Leah Kaler, residence ; J. J. ' Murphy, meat store ; building owned by T. D. Dodge, Mrs. Lyle, residence ; J. P. Ankram, drygoods, and Masonic Hall Building owned by D. C, Gill ; D. C. Gill, residence ; J. W. Delay's building on east end of square occupied by W. H. King, grocery ; L. Pierce, drug store ; Record printing office ; C. W. Taylor, barber shop ; E. A. Bratton, law office, and E. A. Bratton's residence. The entire loss of this fire was estimated at upward of fifty-five thousand dollars, about twenty thousand dollars of which was covered by insurance. VINTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN McArthur has two of the three newspapers published in the county —the Republican Tribune, edited and published by. V. R. Sprague, its politics indicated by its title, and the Democrat-Enquirer, of which F. P. .Magee is the proprietor. The Vinton County Republican was the first paper printed in Vinton County. It was removed from, Logan to McArthur, and the first number issued April 13, 1850. It was published by J. A. Browne and L. S. Bort, J. A. Browne, editor. The name at the head of the first three numbers of the paper was Vinton Republican, but the editor explained : "We propose to call our paper the Vinton County Republican, but have .not now the proper type to gut in the county." The motto of the paper was : " 'Tis a base abandonment of reason to resign our right of thought." October 24th of the same year L. S. Bort became sole proprietor. At the close of the first year L. S. Bort, J. K. Rochester and L. W. Bort became partners, Mr. Rochester retiring at the end of seven, weeks, and L. W. Bort, January 22, 1852, and again L. S. Bort became sole proprietor and confirmed its publication until August of that year. On August 26, 1852, the Republican was purchased by "a Democratic joint stock company," B. P. Hewitt and E. F. Bingham, editors, and the name changed to the Vinton County Flag. May 20, 1852, E. A. Bratton purchased and took editorial charge of the paper, changing the name, August 19, 1853, to McArthur Democrat. Motto : "The spirit of the age is. Democracy," which was changed in August, 1854, to : "No North, no South, no East, no West, under the Constitution ; but a sacred mainte- HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 631 nance of that instrument and true devotion to our common country." Changed, November 8, 1856, to : "Equal and exact justice to all men of whatever state, religious or political." March 20, 1856, Alexander Pearce bought the paper, taking J. T. Spence as partner April 17, who remained until March 13, 1858. Mr. Pearce sold out, December 27, 1860, to E. A. and W. E. Bratton, who again changed the motto to : "No North, no South, Tinder the Constitution, but a sacred maintenance of that instrument and the Union." May 7, 1864, W. E. Bratton retired, and returned October 19, 1865, and continued its publication until the close of that year. THE VINTON RECORD January 2, 1866, W. E. and A. E. Bratton took the Republican, and again the name was changed to the Vinton Record, with the motto : "The right is always expedient." June 1st A. W. Bratton sold his interest to W. E., who sold, January 3, 1867, to Ruth C. Bratton. A. E. Bratton was editor during all these changes except the year 1866. August 22, 1867, John T. Raper and W. H. H. Robinson purchased the office and restored it to its original politics. August 27, 1868, John T. Raper bought out his partner and continued its publication until November 23, 1876, when he sold the paper to A. Barleon. In July, 1870, while the Record was owned by Mr. Raper, the material of the Zaleski Herald, which had, in turn, descended from the McArthur Register, was absorbed by the Record and added to its outfit The Zaleski Herald was published from February, 1866, to the date named at the head of this paragraph. THE MCARTHUR REPUBLICAN The first issue of the McArthur Republican was put out by the Bort brothers on the 10th of December, 1852. It advocated the principles of the Whig party and had for its watchword the old motto of the Vinton County Republican : " 'Tis a base abandonment of reason to resign the right of thought." On December 9, 1853, L. S. Bort withdrew and L. W. Bort became editor and proprietor. On March 3d of 1854 the Republican discontinued because, as stated by its proprietor, it was losing $600 per annum by continuing in the field. Mr. Bort said in his valedictory that he had "424 subscribers, 30 of whom were real---the remainder only professional." MCARTHUR HERALD George Fultz and A. G. Hard revived the old Republican, June 2, 1854, under the name of the McArthur Herald, they having rented the office for one year, and suspended May 17, 1855, to refit and refurnish the office for the publication of the Mineral Region Herald. This paper made its appearance July 14, 1855, A. G. Hard, printer ; W. L. Edmiston and 632 - HANGING ROCK IRON REGION T. Wells Stanley, editors. May 26, 1856, Mr. Stanley retired, leaving Mr. Edmiston in full charge of the paper. It suspended publication during the summer of 1857. JOURNAL AND REGISTER August 4, 1856, John W. McBeth revived the Mineral Region Herald and changed its name to the McArthur Journal, having for its motto, "Pledged but to truth, to liberty and law, No favor sways us and no fear shall drive." From August 7 to November 21,1862, the paper was discontinued, while Mr. McBeth was in the army, publication being resumed on the last mentioned date. He continued the paper until the time of his death, which occurred in the beginning of 1863. J. G. Gibson revived the Journal, April 23, 1863, under the name of the McArthur Register, with the motto,, " One flag, one country, one destiny." September 1, 1865, Mr. Gibson severed his connection with the paper, and H. S. Sutherland appeared as publisher, with Capt. H. C. Jones, editor, and Capt. J. J. McDowell, assistant, the intention, being to suspend publication at the close of the fall political campaign, and accordingly, October 26, 1865, the paper suspended. For a number of years the newspaper patronage of the democrats was divided between the Enquirer and the Journal. The first copy of the latter publication was issued on the 14th of August, 1879, with Brown, Bray & Co. as publishers and M. M. Cherry and E. B. Drake in the editorial department. The Journal advocated the principles of the republican party. On December 14, 1879, M. M. Cherry became its sole editor by the withdrawal of Mr. Drake. January 8, 1880, the firm name Of A. W. Brown & Co. appears as the publishers, and April 14, 1880, J. Ira Bell became editor. April 22, 1880,' the paper was purchased by Hugh J. Savage & Co., who published the paper with W. M. Entler as editor. June 30,' 1:881, the name was changed to the Vinton County Democrat. THE DEMOCRAT-ENQUIRER The Democrat-Enquirer was formed by the union of the McArthur Enquirer, J. W. Bowen proprietor, and the Vinton County Democrat, W. M. Entler editor. For more than twenty years it has been under the management of F. P. Magee, its present owner and editor, with the exception of a short period, when John W. Fawcett was in charge. THE REPUBLICAN-TRIBUNE In 1894 the new Vinton County Republican was established by V. R. Sprague, its present publisher. In 1908 another republican paper, the Tribune, entered the local field, but in 1912 .the two papers welconsolidated under the name of the Republican-Tribune. HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 633 METHODIST CHURCH McArthur has four active churches—the Methodist, Christian, Presbyterian and Episcopal.. The founding of the first-named, in 1814, with Rev. Joel Havens as its first regular pastor, has already been noted. The first log church was used-by the Methodists and all other denominations for more than twenty years previous to 1843, when the society erected a brick Edifice, then considered quite substantial, if not imposing, for $1,800; size; 42 by 50 feet. The Methodist Church has pursued the even tenor of its way as a strong power for good in the community. The handsome edifice now occupied was erected in —. Rev. J. W. Orr is in charge of a church which has a membership of 280. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Presbyterians of McArthur first listened to preachers of their own church in 1838 ; they generally came from the university at Athens, and the meetings were usually held either in the old schoolhouse or the Methodist Church. About 1849 Rev. Chauncey P. Taylor was engaged as the regular pastor and very soon afterward a house of worship was erected on the corner of High Street and Boundary Avenue. But the society languished and in 187.8 there was a cessation of church activities which continued with only spasmodic revivals until the commencement of Charles B. Taylor's pastorate in 1895. He has resided at McArthur since that time. The church edifice now occupied by the society was erected in 1890 and the present membership is seventy. In connection with the resuscitation of the church, which had become well nigh extinct, the people remember gratefully the services of Rev. J. P: A. Dickey, who, assisted by Doctor Taylor, reorganized the church in 1889. THE CHRISTIANS The Christians commenced to hold services during the very early times at McArthur, but were not strong enough to erect a meeting house until 1861. In the following year a church building was completed, Benjamin Franklin, then editor of the American Christian Review, conducting the dedicatory services. Various improvements have been made in 'the house of worship to keep pace with a progressive society. Rev. Elmer B. Munson is now pastor over the church, which has a membership of 200. TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Trinity Episcopal Church, never large but always faithful, has a present membership of forty and is under the pastorate of Rev. D. W. Cox, who has been in charge for more than ten years. Its first services were held in 1863, the courthouse accommodating the worshipers for 634 - HANGING ROCK IRON REGION some time. The church became a regular mission in 1868, and thereafter until 1883 meetings were held in a room in the second story of a frame building which became known as Episcopal Hall. In June, 1883, a little brick church was completed. Among the pastors who served Trinity previous to Mr. Cox were Henry L. Badger, J. Mills Kendrick (now bishop of New Mexico), John Moncur, J. F. Ohl and F. P. Lutz. THE MASONS For a place of its size McArthur is well provided with secret societies. There are three Masonic bodies—Delta Lodge No. 207, F. and A. M., McArthur Chapter No. 102, R. A. M., and Sereno Chapter No. 128, 0. E. S. The dispensation for Delta Lodge is dated July 21, 1851, and is signed and sealed by William B. Hubbard, grand master, who appoints L. S. Bort, master ; B. P. Hewitt, S. W., and Joseph Magee, J. W. The first meeting was held July 30, 1851, brethren being present as follows : L. S. Bort, W. M. ; B. P. Hewitt, S. W. ; Joseph Magee, J. W. ; Jacob G. Will, treasurer ; W. M. Bolles, secretary ; E. D. Harper, S. D. ; E. B. Clark, J. D., and L: G. Brown, tyler ; visiting brethren, L. Hutchins, of Mingo Lodge No. 171, and J. W. Caldwell, of Hebbardsville Lodge No. 156. The petitions received were those of Silas D. Parker, Wm. H. Baird and Rev. S. Maddux. The grand lodge granted a charter dated Cleveland, November '4, 1851. The names. on this instrument are : L. S. Bort, B. P. Hewitt, Joseph Magee; J. G. Will, William M. Bolles, E. B. Clark, William Carson and L. G. Brown. The first election of officers was held November 8, 1851, resulting in the election of L: S. Bort, W. M. ; Joseph Magee, S. W. ; J. W. Caldwell, J. W.; J. G. Will, treasurer ; William M. Bolles, secretary ; E. D. Harper, S. D. ; L. W. Bort, J. D., and L. G. Brown, tyler. W. J. Ward is the present worshipful master and J. T. Foreman, secretary. McArthur Chapter was organized January 7, 1867, under dispensation, a charter being granted October .12th of that year. Under the provisions of the latter an election was held in December by which Alexander Pearce became first high priest and S. C. Case, secretary.. These offices are now held by A. W. Paffenbarger and Otto E. Vollenweider. The Eastern Star Chapter, like the other two bodies, meets in Masonic Hall. Edna May Ward is its worthy matron and Cynthia Hamilton its secretary. After having two of their lodge rooms consumed by fire,. the Masons constructed a building of their own, Masonic Hall being opened in March, 1883. THE ODD FELLOWS The Odd Fellows have two lodges, divided between the sexes, and since the great fire of 1883 have met over the Vinton County National Bank. HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 635 McArthur Lodge No. 364 of that order was instituted July 3, 1861, by Grand Master William F. Slater, and charter granted. The charter members were : John P. Spahr, Charles Brown, Joseph K. Will, John S. Hawk, Daniel Will and H. P. Ambrose. The lodge elected the following as the first officers of the organization : J. P. Spahr, N. G. ; H. P. Ambrose, V. G. ; Daniel Will, secretary; Charles Brown, treasurer. When the order was first established they held their meetings in what was known as the "Davis Building." Of Rebekah Lodge No. 629, I. 0. 0. F., Mary Cade is its present noble grand and Amanda McNutt, secretary. OTHER SOCIETIES Besides the bodies named the following have active organizations.: Elk Lodge No. 364, K. of P.—George W. Specht, chancellor commander, and J. W. Darby, keeper of records and seals ; Pathapasca Tribe No. 6, Inde pendent Order of Red Men—Owen Waldron, sachem and keeper of records ; McArthur Camp No. 3655, Modern Woodmen of America—F. L. Diles, V. C., and A. D. Carnal, clerk; McArthur Hive No. 291, L. 0. T. M.—Minnie Will, lady_ commander, and Anna Corson, record keeper ; Sergeant Reed Post No. 250, G. A. R.—Paris Horton, post commander, and W. H. Carson, adjutant. CHAPTER VI HISTORY OF HAMDEN THE PAINES AND CHARLES ROBBINS-PLATTING OF CHARLESTON-FIRST STORES AND INDUSTRIES-INCORPORATED AS A VILLAGE-SCHOOLS-THE HAMDEN ENTERPRISE-THE PURITAN BRICK PLANT-CITIZENS BANK OF HAMDEN-THE METHODIST CHURCH-SECRET SOCIETIES. Hamden, near the junction of the Hocking Valley and Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern railroads, is a village of about eleven hundred people, slightly smaller than McArthur. It is neat and ambitious; has four general and two hardware stores, a large drug store, a grocery store, one flour and feed establishment, a flour mill, a bakery of extensive business, a solid bank, a good newspaper and is the center of a district which is developing valuable deposits of fire clay and cements, as well as productive farms and fruitful orchards. It has but recently purchased a good light and power plant from the Hocking Valley Electric Railway Company, which will be operated as a municipal establishment. The village is also well supplied with natural gas. Its churches and societies are adequate to the religious and social needs of the community and its Union school, which embraces a high school department of the first class, is another evidence of its advantages for residence. THE PAINES AND CHARLES ROBBINS The commencement of the village history is generally claimed in the settlement of David Paine on lands between the present Wellston and Hamden. Mr. Paine's log cabin is believed to be the first dwelling erected between McArthurstown and the Town of Jackson. A few years after he erected it his son Lemuel moved to the present site of Hamden, near which was the home of Charles Robbins. The Paines were from Massachusetts Mr. Robbins from Orange County, New York. Abraham Wilbur, who was a neighbor, was also a Massachusetts man, as were several others who composed the pioneers. Incidentally most of them were also Methodists. PLATTING OF CHARLESTON Nathaniel Richmond was among the earliest and in 1820 entered the land upon which the Village of Hamden was eventually platted. In 1834 - 636 HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 637 the property was purchased by Charles Robbins and J. K. Wilson, who laid out the village in 1829, the survey being made by 0. M. Tyson. As shown on the original survey, the village was located in the southern part of section 19 and extended over in section 30, being altogether forty-eight lots. The plat was received by Justice .of the Peace Richmond, of Jackson County, on Christmas, 1829, and recorded on the following day. Mr. Robbins owned the land on the east side of Main Street and Mr. Wilson the tract on. the west side. FIRST STORES AND INDUSTRIES The first merchants in Charleston were William Burlegin and Augustus Frazee. Jervis Leach kept' the first hotel. The first teachers were Polly Ward, Thomas and Thompson Leach, John Keenan and Thomas Hagins. Samuel Tarr and Samuel Washburn built a tannery in an early day, which they soon after sold to George and Christian Yager, afterward erecting another. In 1853 and 1854 the foundry was built by a joint stock company with a capital of $5,000. During the previous year the village had been christened Hamden. The first postoffice in Clinton Township was kept one mile north of the present Town of Hamden and was called Reed's Mill. It was in the course of time removed to Hamden, which name it assumed and retained for a time. It was then named Hamden Junction (its present name) to avoid confusion with another place in the state bearing the same name. INCORPORATED AS A VILLAGE In 1876 Hamden was incorporated as a village and J. M. Thomas was elected its first mayor. Its city hall, a neat two-story brick building, was erected in 1882. SCHOOLS The first schoolhouse built on the village site was erected in 1861, and that was replaced by a far more substantial structure in 1888 ; and almost midway of these years the local press blossomed out. The village schools are at present under the superintendency of Prof. W. H. Webb. In 1874 the Hamden Leader commenced publication under the ownership of J. W. Bowen, who had founded the Democrat-Enquirer at McArthur. A. M. Vaughan was its editor. THE HAMDEN ENTERPRISE The Leader was succeeded on January 1, 1880, by the Hamden Enterprise, the owners of which were William Cassill, F. M. Smallwood and K. J. Cameron. The two latter were practical printers, and all three gave their time to the paper. At the end of six months Mr. Cassill withdrew from the firm, and the remaining partners, Messrs. Smallwood & Cameron, 638 - HANGING ROCK IRON REGION continued its publication, getting up a very creditable local paper until April 7, 1883. On May 7, 1883, the firm dissolved by mutual consent. Just previous to this, that is, on April 7, 1883, Messrs. Smallwood & Cameron started a paper at Wellston, Jackson County, which was taken in charge by Mr. Smallwood. K. J. CAMERON At the date of dissolution, May 7, 1883, Mr. Smallwood took the Wellston paper, a five-column quarto, called the Wellston Argus, while Mr. Cameron assumed sole control and proprietorship of the Hamden Enterprise, and this relationship is still maintained, so that Mr. Cameron is looked upon by the people of the county as a fixture. He learned the printer's trade in the office of the Hamden Leader, perfected it in the office of the McArthur Democrat-Enquirer, and is still at his job as an editor. Mr. Cameron is therefore the oldest newspaper man, in point of continuous county service, in Vinton County. His brother, H. A. Cameron, has been associated with him for many years in the management of the Enterprise. THE PURITAN BRICK PLANT Hamden has just at its eastern doors one of the largest brick manufactories in Southern Ohio, known as the Puritan Brick Company. The great enterprise was placed fairly on its feet in 1909; when the brick plant—only one feature of the ultimate Manufactory—was completed. In April, 1908, capitalists from Detroit, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and several points in Massachusetts, inspected the ground for the proposed industry. The original plan contemplated brick works, an iron furnace and a .cement plant, with a railroad leading from the main line of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern to the Puritan site. At the inspection of 1908 Porter McMillan, 'of Detroit, represented the iron interests; S. J. Heafield, of Columbus, the brick ; and William L. Holmes, of Detroit, the cement. Within a year from that time ground covering 1 1/2 square Miles was acquired and Mr. Holmes, president of the Puritan companies, turned the first shovelful of earth for the Puritan Railway. In the fall of 1909 both the railroad and the brick plant were completed along modern lines. Everything is run by electricity. The capacity of the plant is 100,000 fine face brick. Two coal mines were opened for fuel supply, and just below the thirty-two-foot vein were found the deposits of white shale for the brick and cement. The coal mines and crusher house are connected with the brick plant by the railroad, which is a mile long, and the material is conveyed in steel cars drawn by an electric locomotive. The water used in the manufacturing operations is drawn from a dam across the valley which forms a storage reservoir known as Puritan Lake. The property of the Puritan Brick Company, as it has been developed HANGING ROCK IRON. REGION - 639 within six years, is now valued at more than five hundred and forty thousand dollars, and includes the following assets : Land to the extent of 980 acres with houses, barns, etc., $122,872.75 ; brick plant and machinery, $213,873.94; power house and equipment, $38,800.98; railways and equipment, $56,028.92 ; laboratory, machine shop and saw mill, with equipments, $3,428.26. Besides furnishing the foregoing figures, President Holmes has supplied the writer with the following information as to the past, present and future of what is by far the most extensive industry now conducted within the limits of Vinton County : The Puritan Brick Company. owns 980 acres of land free and clear, together with standard gauge and industrial railroads, plant, etc. The BRICK WORKS NEAR HAMDEN brick plant was begun in September, 1908, and completed to a certain capacity in the fall of 1909. The capacity of the plant is in process of enlargement at the present time and the buildings have been built to allow for expansion of capacity. The plant is equipped for manufacturing both paving and facing brick. The present capacity of the plant, if run wholly on paving brick, is about 66,000 per day, or if run wholly on facing brick is about 100,000 per day. The company owns something over two miles of standard gauge railroad and about an equal mileage of industrial railroad equipped with electric motors, cars, etc. The area of Lake Puritan is about twenty acres. The company owns large deposits of coal and mines and uses its own coal for manufacturing purposes. It plans later .to enter the market extensively in the sale of its domestic coal. There are also very large deposits of iron ore on the property and in normal iron trade conditions the demand for Puritan iron is positive and considerable. The company plans to expand its brick plant operations as market and financial conditions warrant. The shales from which the highest 640 - HANGING ROCK IRON REGION grade paving brick and facing brick are made are practically limitless in extent over our property. There are also extensive deposits of the highest grade materials for manufacturing Portland cement and when cement market and financial conditions warrant a cement plant may also be built on the property. CITIZENS BANK OF HAMDEN The Citizens Bank of Hamden was opened for business in November, 1908, with R. S. Wilcox as president ; J. T. Ogier, vice president ; and C. C. Roberts, cashier. Its management has remained unchanged. The capital stock of the bank is $25,000, surplus and undivided profits $5,500, and deposits $125,000. THE METHODIST CHURCH There are three religious societies which draw their membership from Hamden and the immediate neighborhood, the Methodist, Presbyterian and United Brethren. The first named is the oldest and by far the strongest, its history being almost coeval. with that of the town. David Paine, who built his pioneer cabin between the future sites of Hamden and McArthurstown, was a sturdy and enthusiastic Methodist, and the pioneers of his faith often met at his home to listen to the early circuit riders who came into the region to expound the gospel. The first Methodist class was not regularly formed at Charleston until 1838. Mr. Robbins,' the founder, of the town, had donated land for a schoolhouse, and both before and after the class was formed the Methodists often met therein. The United. Brethren, who organized about the same time, also worshiped there, and in 1893 erected a church on the site of the little log schoolhouse. The Methodists erected a house of worship on the site of their present church in 1855-56. In 1876 it was remodeled and a bell tower erected. The latter was cut down in 1894 and other improvements made. At that time the membership had increased to about one hundred and fifty. Rev. John Dillon was the first pastor after Hamden was made the head of the circuit, then came David H. Cherrington, 1856-58 ; Peter V. Ferree, 1858-60; W. H. McClintock, 1860-61; John N. Pilcher, 1861-62 ; Isaac B. Cartlich, 1862-64 ; John F. Dickson, 1864-65 ; Joseph Robinson, 1865-66 ; E. N. Nichols, 1866-70 ; J. H. Hopkins, 1870-71; Ralph Watson, 1871-73 ; William Abernathy, 1873-75 ; Mordecai D. Vaughn, 1875-76 ; George Cherrington, 1876-79; John C. Arbuckle, 1879-81; Ebenezer B. Finney, 1881-84 ; Samuel A. Crosby,. 1884-87 ; Aquilla R. Neal, 1887-88 ; Charles V. Plenkharp, 1888-89; Wellington E. Prior, 1889-90 ; Alonzo B. Shaw, 1890-91; William S. Benner, 1891-92 ; William H. Miller,. 1892-95 ; David J. Smith and John Sieber, 1895 ; Isaac C. Peitsmeyer, 1896-98 ; Henry E. Brill, 1898-1903 ; E. E. Stone, 1903-07 ; J. W. Smith, 1907-09 ; J. A. Currier, 1909-12 ; C. F. Hager, 1912-14 ; J. H. Ludlow, 1914. The present membership of the Hamden church is 170 ; within Mr. HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 641 Ludlow's charge are also Finley and Winters chapels, which add fully 180 to these figures. SECRET SOCIETIES The Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Red Men are all well represented at Hamden. Mineral Lodge, F. & A. M., was organized in October, 1854, with the following officers: John Arnold, worshipful master; D. D. T. Hord,' senior warden ; Franklin Redd, junior warden. It has a present membership of eighty with W., H. Webb, worshipful master ; F. G. Sailor, senior warden; V. L. Ray, junior warden; W. H. Henry, secretary ; J. F. Ogler, Sr., treasurer. The Masons have also a chapter. They own a temple, which they purchased some time ago. Hamden Lodge, No. 517, I. 0. 0. F., was organized July 17, 1872. The late Dr. S. W. Monahan, well known as .a state legislator, was its first noble grand; B. W. Kelch, first secretary. It now has a membership of about one hundred and twenty, with the following officers : IL A. Robbins, noble grand; Walter Wilbur, vice grand; H: Foose, 'recording secretary;. 0. G. Cross, financial secretary. The Rebekahs (Carnation, No. 554), organized in July, 1902, and have a membership of seventy-five. Officers: Margaret Calvin, noble grand ; Edith McCall, vice grand; Viva Foose, recording secretary ; 0. E. Ray, financial secretary. The Odd Fellows erected a hall in 1907. at a cost of $5,000, in which both of their bodies meet. The Knights of Pythias are organized as Clinton Lodge, No. 299, and al uniformed ranks. Officers of the former : 0. G. Cross, chancellor commander ; John Marks, vice chancellor ; Wilson Armstrong, keeper of records and seal. The Pythian Sisters are also represented at Hamden. The Independent Order of Red Men have formed a society at a cam, paratively late date and muster some forty members. VOLUME TWO Hanging Rock Iron Region JOHN M. WILLIAMS. Every, community is frequently reminded of the fact that "in the midst of life we are in death." A poignant illustration of this was brought to Portsmouth May 25, 1915, when a few hours after he was struck and fatally injured by a street car within a short distance of his home, John M. Williams passed away. As was well stated at the time his activity in business, religious, fraternal and political circles earned him a prominence and high regard in the community that few men attain. In, the steady pursuit of one line of business through many years and by useful and disinterested service in various public offices, he had long been one of Portsmouth's best known and most esteemed citizens. From an humble beginning- he rose by his own efforts to a position of commanding influence. His .own family has many prominent associations with the Hanging Rock Iron Region, while his wife is a member of the Barber family, whose residence and activities identify it with the earliest times in Southern Ohio. The late John M. Williams was born at Martins. Ferry, Ohio, February 6, 1847, a son of Samuel A. and Harriet (Houston) Williams. On another page will be found a sketch of the late Samuel A. Williams. When a boy John NI. Williams had regular attendance at the local public schools, and the first break in the quiet routine of existence was at the age of eighteen when he enlisted in Company I of the One Hundred and Eighty-ninth Regiment of Ohio. Infantry. The war was then in its final period. He joined his command at Columbus, was sent south into Alabama, and continued in service until honorably discharged September 28, 1865. The young soldier returned home and for a time was steamboating on the Ohio River and then was an employe in the rolling mill.. August 25, 1869, began his apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade under Robert Baker, at that time one of Portsmouth's leading contractors and builders. After getting his standing as a master carpenter he continued in the business with an exceptional regularity, and has - 645 - 646 - HANGING ROCK IRON REGION been one of the best carpenters and builders in this section, his active work as a contractor and builder covering a period of forty-five years. In 1880 he engaged in partnership with Thomas Johnson in the contracting business and the two remained together for several years. Later Mr. Williams acquired an interest in the Smith Lumber Company, but sold out in 1903 and with W. A. Miller formed the Williams-Miller Lumber Company. Two years later he became sole owner and founded the Williams Limber Company, which was located on the Gallia Pike just east of Young Street. This business he successfully operated until 1912. In politics Mr. Williams was a stanch republican, and was repeatedly urged by his friends to become candidate for republican nomination as mayor, but never allowed his name to go before the primaries. Perhaps his best public service was as director of the public service at Portsmouth, a position to which he was appointed by Mayor Tynes in 1912. He filled that office until January, 1914, and retired with an enviable record for honesty and efficiency. His position among the contractors of the city was well illustrated by the fact that at the time of his death he was president of the Contractors' Association of Portsmouth, and he was also a director in the Portsmouth Savings & Loan Company. Many scores of buildings in and around Portsmouth attest his skill as a contractor and in later years he had the valuable assistance of his sons Samuel and Roy in managing the business. He was still in the. harness as a contractor at the time of his death. It should also be noted as a part of his public record that he served as chief of the fire department of Portsmouth from 1888 to 1892, and was a trustee of the city waterworks from 1894 to 1897. During the administration of Governor McKinley he was deputy inspector of workshops and factories. His high position in the city was given a testimonial after his death when the Various city offices were closed during the funeral services and there came from men of all classes tributes of respect and honor to a life which had been led with such signal usefulness. He also kept up associations with army comrades through Bailey Post No. 164, Grand Army of the Republic, and was affiliated with Aurora Lodge No. 48, Free and Accepted Masons, and with Massie Lodge No. 115 of the Knights of Pythias. Only a short time before his death Massie Lodge presented him with a gold medal in recognition of his twenty-five years of active membership. He was a devout. member Of the Second Presbyterian Church, and gave freely of his money and energy to its upbuilding and welfare, and was a member of the Gobd Fellowship Sunday-school class of that. church. His enterprise and ability were always matched by a generosity, and one notable .instance HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 647 of this was the service he rendered in rebuilding the church of a colored congregation in the city after the flood of 1913. On October 22, 1872, Mr. Williams married Alice Dean Barber, and for more than forty years. they traveled life's highway together. She was born in Portsmouth, a daughter of Uriah Barber, a native of Scioto County. Her grandfather was Samuel Barber, born in Pennsylvania July 5, 1787. Her great-grandfather was Major Uriah Barber, who was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1761, and in April, 1778, enlisted with the colonial troops for three months. That was the darkest period of the Revolution. He was in Captain Champlin's company and Colonel Hosterman's regiment. Again in the same year he enlisted, this time for eight months, and in Captain Morrow's company and Colonel Hartley's regiment. Following that came six months with Colonel Hunter's regiment, and later in 1779 he enlisted for six months in Captain Grove's company of Colonel Hunter's regiment. His name is found in the official records of these organizations, which showed strong fighting ability in winning independence. Many years after the war, when past the age of seventy, he applied for a pension on September 30, 1832, and the request was readily granted. In the meantime Major Barber had become one of the pioneers. of the Northwest Territory. In the summer of 1796 he landed at the mouth of the Little Scioto River, proceeded to Old Town, lived in that neighborhood until 1803, and then came to Portsmouth. What the country was like at that time must be left to the more general account found on other 'pages. Mr. Massie having given him a lot, Major Barber erected a two-story hewed log house, and opened it as a public inn, the first hotel in Portsmouth's recorded history. He also became quite prominent in public affairs. With the prestige of a Revolutionary soldier, he served acceptably as a major of the state militia,- and was also trustee of Wayne Township and filled several terms the office of county coroner. His death occurred June 26, 1846, at the age of eighty-five: His burial was with military honors. Col. Peter Kinney, then captain of the local militia, headed his company in the military ceremony. Major Barber Married for his first wife Barbara Clingman, daughter of John Michael Clingman, and she was the direct ancestor of Mrs. Williams. Samuel Barber, grandfather of Mrs. Williams, was a boy when his father came to Ohio, and here he learned the trade of shoemaker. At that time all footwear was made by. hand and by custom order, and many shoemakers journeyed about the country devoting a day or more to the requirements of each family. He did his work well and lived at Portsmouth until his death. His remains now rest in Greenlawn Cemetery. He married Violet Swords, who survived 'him several years. Uriah 648 - HANGING ROCK IRON REGION Barber, father of Mrs. Williams, when a boy was apprenticed to his uncle, Samuel Swords, to learn the trade of plasterer, and eventually became a successful contractor in that line and followed it the rest of his active career. He died at the age of fifty-six. His widow Rachel lived on to 'the advanced age of ninety-three. Both were members of the Methodist Protestant Church. They reared seven children : John, Mary, Jim, Alice, William, Kate and Lucy. Mr. and Mrs. Williams had a fine family of five children named Kate, Samuel A., Alice D., John and Royal A. Kate's first husband was George Wood, an engineer who lost his life in a railway accident, and she is now the wife of Howard N. Francis. of Adler, Washington, and has a. daughter Lois Miriam by her first husband. Samuel A., who is now connected with the River City Lumber Company of Portsmouth, has a military record, having enlisted April 24, 1898, three days after the declaration of -War on Spain, in Company H of the Fourth Regiment of Ohio Infantry, went with his command to Porto Rico and served until honorably discharged on January 21, 1899. By his marriage to Merle Black, Samuel A. has a son named Jahn M. The daughter Alice is the wife of Lloyd J. Moorhead of Portsmouth. The son John lost his life in a railway accident at the age of fifteen. Royal A. married Mary Derman and has a daughter named Alice D. JOHN F. KETTER. This publication exercises one of its important functions when it enters specific record concerning those sterling and progressive citizens who are. representative figures in connection with the various lines of industrial and commercial enterprise in the Hanging Rock Iron Region, and such .a one is Mr. Ketter, who is president and manager of the Ketter Buggy Company, which marks one of the important and substantial business enterprises in the city of Ironton. Mr. Ketter was born at Jackson Furnace, Scioto County, Ohio, 0.11 the 26th of April, 1849, a date that indicates that his is the distinction of being a scion of a pioneer family of this favored section of the Buckeye State. He is a son of Henry E. and Mary (Marting) Ketter, both natives of the great Empire of Germany, where the former was born in 1828, and the latter in 1824. Henry E. Ketter was reared and educated in his native land, where he learned the trades of brick and stone mason, and he immigrated to America in 1854,. when a young man S of about twenty-six years. He became actively identified with the iron industry in the Hanging Rock Region of Ohio in the pioneer days, assisted in the installing of many furnaces and was otherwise prominent as a skilled workman at his trade and in other mechanical lines. He continued to reside in Scioto County until his death, in 1881, and survived by thirty years the wife of HANGING ROCK IRON REGION - 649 his youth, she having passed away in 1851. Of their four children, the eldest is. William, who is a resident of Columbus, Ohio ; Mary is the wife of Frederick Graham, of Ironton ; John F., of this review, was the next in order of birth ; and Henry, who married Miss Maria Shumway, is employed as an expert blacksmith in the plant of the Ironton Portland Cement Company. John F. Ketter attended the common schools of Scioto County until he was sixteen years of age, and he then entered upon a virtual apprenticeship to learn the carriage and buggy business, by entering the employ of Henry Lively, of South Webster, Scioto County. The contract made between them provided that the young employe should provide for his own clothing and should receive for his services forty dollars and board for the first year, fifty for the second, and sixty for the third. At the expiration of his contract agreement Mr. Ketter went to the city of Portsmouth, where he worked as a journeyman at the carriage-maker's trade, until he had attained to his legal majority. Upon reaching the dignified position thus granting him the right of franchise he gave evidence •of his independence, ambition and self-reliance by initiating business on his own responsibility. He established a modest shop and through the efficiency of his work and the .fairness of his methods his trade grew apace, with incidental augmenting of his prosperity in financial lines. The major part of his independent business career has had Ironton as its stage, and there, in 1902, he expanded the scope and importance of his business by organizing the Ketter Buggy Company, which is incorporated with a capital stock of $25,000, and of which he has been president and manager from its inception, his technical ability and careful administrative policies having been the prime forces in making the enterprise a substantial success. Dr. Clark Lowry is vice-president of the company, and John W. Ketter, son of the founder, is secretary and treasurer. Mr. Ketter has shown himself most loyal and public-spirited as a citizen and business man, is a stalwart supporter of the cause of the republican party, served one term as a member of the city council of Ironton, is a member of the Ironton Chamber of Commerce, and both he and his wife are zealous members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in their home city. In addition to other realty in Ironton, Mr. Ketter is the owner of his fine residence property at 431 South Sixth Street. On the 27th of February; 1870, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Ketter to Miss Emma Frouein, daughter of the late Frederick Frouein, a prosperous farmer of Scioto County. Of the five children of this ideal union the eldest is John W., who is secretary and treasurer of the Ketter Buggy Company ; Frederick M., who is superintendent in the factory of the same company, married Flora Crum, and they have one child ; Henry,