Morgan County, Ohio - Chapter 14: Local Politics - the County Press, 1886 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 14: Local Politics - the County Press

Politics - Origin of the "Brimstone" and "Junto" Factions in the County - Their Leaders - How the Juntos Tried to Prevent a Brimstone from Serving as Sheriff - A Wily Politician Overreaches Himself - The Local Press - Progress and Influence of Journalism - The Mission of the County Paper - The First Paper - "The Morgan Sentinel" - "The Genius of Liberty" - The First Democratic Organ - The Newspaper War in McConnelsville - Description of an Early Copy of the " Sentinel " - "Morgan Record" - "Valley Democrat" - "Democratic Guard" - "The Chronicle" - "The Enquirer" - "The Conservative" - "The McConnelsville Democrat" - Whig and Republican Papers - "The Advocate" - "The Whig Standard" - Contents of an Early Number - "The Independent" - "The McConnelsville Herald" - Miscellaneous Publications .

IT should be remembered that at the time our county was organized there was an entire calm in the political atmosphere of the nation, and partisan names, as previously and subsequently designated, had become obsolete, especially in isolated localities. This atmosphere pervaded our community, and as a sequence our divisions were controlled by local contingencies.. Selfish and local interests have probably a controlling influence in parties as in other matters. Hence, as before stated, our citizens were divided on the county-seat question ; and being local in interest, local names were given. Those in favor of the location of the courthouse at McConnelsville were by their opponents called the ".Juntos," while those who contended for the East or W est had the sobriquet of "Brimstone" bestowed upon them by the eccentric Jonathan Williams,* because of the medical use of that article by some of the members of the party, and by these names each party was known and recognized in all the elections, irrespective of county, State or national issues, and each opposed the other with as much, if not more, vindictive spirit than is now evinced by the partisan politicians of the present day. Each party had its tavern, store, mechanic, and, where practicable, a " Brimstone" or "Junto" doctor. Hut this "unpleasantness" became somewhat ameliorated as times and circumstances changed, until the presidential election in 1826, when the local names became less prominent. And at the celebration of the 4tli of July, 1826, by all parties - including the ladies - after the viands were disposed of and the toasts responded to, the requiem of both parties was sung by L. I). Barker in an original song, "Old Uncle Sam," with the chorus:

Like most other Fourths of .1 uly, the morn was cloudy, with slight showers in the evening. On that day, the fiftieth anniversary, while we were celebrating the crowning glory of their lives, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died. But their memory and their names, with those of their compatriots, adorning the brightest page of history, will live as long as the everlasting hills of this continent shall greet the morning sun, or "historic words or breathing statues rise."

The law of July 5, 1805, required the sheriff -elect, on the reception of his commission from the clerk of the court of common pleas, to give bond within ten days acceptable to the commissioners of the county. This law was changed February 2, 1821, and required the bond to be given to the acceptance of the court within the same period. In 1823 Jacob Adams and Edwin Corner were candidates for sheriff ; the latter, of the Brimstone party, was elected, but unmindful of the change Mr. Corner executed his bond as required by the law of 1805 ; but as it was not, as required by the law of 1821, recorded in the clerk's book kept for that purpose, at the expiration of the ten days, the clerk (Dr. S. A. Barker, a Junto) reported to the associate judges that the sheriff-elect had not given bond, whereupon they met and declared the office vacant, and ordered a special election for sheriff to be held on the first day of January, 1 824. But Mr. Corner, conscious that he had been fairly elected, was not disposed to try it over again ; so when the legislature met, as it did then on the first Monday in December, he obtained the passage of a special act declaring him the sheriff of Morgan County and requiring the judges to accept his bond. They again met, accepted his bond, and passed a rescinding order for the special election. After the adjournment one of the judges inquired of the clerk what he thought of the proceedings. His reply was : " The people will pay no attention to it; another election will be held." This was the case; and the election took place on the day named in the first order, although Corner's bond had, or should have, been recorded by the clerk. At this election there were but few votes except for Mr. Adams, who, of course, was returned as elected sheriff. But the governor refused to issue a commission, and for the time being the matter was dropped by the Juntos. Not so with the Brimstones; they felt disposed to retaliate, and for that purpose, at the next term of the court, the president judge beingon the bench, charges were preferred against the clerk and Ids removal was effected. Ainasa Piper was appointed clerk pro tern, to give time to decide as to the eligibility of another who was afterward, ap] )ointe< 1 .

As it would require more space than the interest of the subject warrants to detail other skirmishes of the two parties, we propose, as old Bindley Murray did, to write a sequel.

In the case of the charges against the clerk, attorneys were engaged in the prosecution and defense, and for the prosecution Wyllys Silliman, of Zanesville, was employed. At the subsequent session of the legislature a United States senator was to be elected, for which office he was a candidate, as was also General Harrison. General Alexander McConnel was the representative from Morgan. Silliman, with a view of course to placate McConnel, said to him that the charges against the clerk were trivial and that the judges were censurable for his removal. Although this was unnecessary, it served as an additional reason with McConnel why he should support Silliman for senator, although he had not yet committed himself to the support of either. But unfortunately for himself Mr. Silliman had expressed an opinion directly the reverse in no very polite terms to a Mi*. Robinson, the representative from Coshocton County, who in the interest of Silliman related it to McConnel; this determined his course in the matter, and probably by liis vote and influence Harrison was elected United States senator and placed in "the line of safe precedent," or in the current that floated him to the White House.

With the election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency the local names of the political parties disappeared. The "Juntos" generally identified themselves with the democrats, and that party carried the county elections almost without exception until 1 845. In that year the whigs, who controlled the legislature of the State, enlarged Morgan County by annexing to it Homer and Marion Townships, thus overthrowing democratic supremacy in county politics. In 1S51 the formation of the new county of Noble took from Morgan some of her largest democratic strongholds, and since that time, as a rule, the opponents of the democrats ha ve been in the majority.

In connection with this brief review of the political history of Morgan Countv the following amusing anecdote is worthy of record. After the annexation of two townships from Athens County had been consummated, the whigs, then in power, found the result had not produced the desired majority for their party in the county. The project of forming the new county of Noble was agitated, and favored by others besides the inhabitants of the "east end," as, if carried out, it would reduce the democratic strength of the county. While this scheme was being zealously discussed, David Ball, of Malta Township was nominated bv the Whigs to represent the county in the legislature. The " eastenders" favorable to the new county were desirous of knowing how the candidates stood on this question, and one of them interrogated Ball as to his position. Mr. Ball replied in the following terse Quaker language:

This was a comforting assurance to the friends of the measure, but the other side received it with derision, and made a by-word of it. Though Ball was elected on the strength of this promise it was not until 1851 that Noble County became a fixed fact.

As an adjunct of modern civilization there is no more potent factor than the newspaper press. In nothing evincing the spirit of progress has there been greater advancement during the last half century than in American journalism. Fifty years ago the country had few newspapers that could be considered paying property; the metropolitan journals devoted about as much space to foreign as to domestic news, while country weeklies seemed to consider that which happened at home as of no importance whatever, and imitated the larger journals in style and contents. The telegraph and railroads, assisted by that enterprising spirit which is inseparably connected with successful journalistic management, have wrought most gratifying results. The weekly .newspaper whose support and circulation are confined to a single county no longer ambitiously apes the city daily. It has found its place as I the chronicler of local news, the protector and defender of home interests ; and recognizes the fact that its mission and that of the great journals of the day are totally distinct, separated by well-defined lines. This change has caused the country papers to be more liberally patronized, and given them a degree of infiuence which they never could have attained under the old method.

In the fall of 1827 John Wilkin and John Christy, young men from Cadiz, Ohio, came to McConnelsville with a small font of type, and while Edwin Corner was having an office built for them, with the assistance of a blacksmith made a printing-press on the double-lever principle, from which, October 10, 1827, was issued the first newspaper ever printed in Morgan County. The paper (which will be described further on) bore the title The 21 organ Sentinel and Me Connelsville Gazette. The Sentinel was a fivecolumn folio, its pages being about twelve by twenty inches in size, and would compare favorably with the better class of country weeklies of that day. But the circulation did not increase to an extent sufficient to make the investment profitable, and after about a year the publication was suspended. The press and type passed into the. hands of Isaac Pepper, who began the publication of The Genius of Liberty, which was continued for a year or two. The Sentinel had been neutral in politics ; the Genius was decidedly partisan and thoroughly imbued with the spirit of Jacksonian democracy.

"One Isaac Pepper, a political! adventurer came to our village to establish and put in working order a democratic press. He met with ready encouragement and purchased from one of the partners of Wilkin & Christy his interest in the Morgan Sentinel . The Sentinel in its course undertook to run in neutral nits, with a leaning toward whiggery ; and pretending to neutrality, it scarcely pleased any one. By such a course it became obnoxious to both parties, and consequently suspended and shut up shop. Party spirit at this time was running high. The presidential contest between Adams and Jackson - bank and anti-bank - were the engrossing political topics of the day, and politicians were greatly worked up, and would fight one another at the dropping of a hat. In this memorable contest nearly every man, besides a considerable sprinkling of women and all the boys, arrayed themselves on one side or the other, and valiantly contended for what they conceived to be right.

"On a certain day Pepper repaired to the Sentinel office to take possession of the type, press and fixtures, and all other things thereunto belonging. The democrats and whigs lounging around, watching one another, noticing' the movements of the valiant Pepper, made a rush pell-mell into the office, the one party (whigs) demanding an equal division of the type, etc., the other (democrats) objecting, and claiming all. On the running of the lighting politicians toward the office (which was a small frame building on the Mrs. Powell lot), coats were thrown, sleeves rolled up, arms offensive* and defensive seized, and a- war of demolition threatened by the parties against the press, if they failed to accomplish their ends and demands. The combatants quarreled and swore terribly, and severely impeached each others' characters.

" At length an ardent whig, who saw that Pepper was likely to take the press, type and all the fixtures to himself and start a Jackson paper, proposed to compromise the difficulty - that is, to give a little and take a little. He suggested that a mixed paper, representing both parties, should be published - on one side of the sheet the cause of whiggery, Clay and the United States Bank should be advocated, while on the other side democracy, Jackson and anti-bank should be sustained and have a hearing. A no less ardent democrat present protested, and remarked that 'a paper of that kind sent out among the people would he a pretty looking thing, with democratic truth on one side and . . . on the other nothing but whig lies. They would none of it.' This last xoek- ( Inlager , coming so opportunely, settled the 'press war,' and Pepper bore off the spoils. In the melee this same ardent whig got hold of a large American spread-eagle type and was about to make away with it when discovered by a democrat. He was commanded to lay it. down, as 'the British lion would be more appropriate and suit him and his principles, much better.'

" Pepper started his paper, earnestly edvocated the claims of Andrew -lackson, resulting in a majority in the county of about 200. Then it was that the whigs, not to he outdone and baffled in this way, started up a new press and then it was ' war to the knife,' and 'the knife to the hilt,' with occasional knockdowns, some biting, gouging and scratching among the valiant politicians."

Number three of volume first of the .1/ <>/'</ cm Si iitim l and Jf<d\>n nelsvd/e < laz/'tt<\ bearing the date Wednesday, October 24, 1827, has been shown to the writer. It is much the worse for wear and the ravages of time, but still legible. At the head of the first column stands the notice that " the Morgan Sentinel and J/ Con n el grille Gazette will be published once a week at $1.50 per annum, exclusive of postage, payable in advance; or $2.00 if paid half yearly, and $2.50 if not paid within the year.

The first page contains three columns of advertisements. The board of censors of the Twenty-Second Medical Society of Ohio announce a meeting at Barnesvi'lle the last Tuesday in ( )ctober. Dr. John Cook Bennett follows with an advertisement over a column in length, offering his professional services to the people of McConnelsville, and in proof that he is a full-fledged M. D. publishes several recommendations, including a certificate (in Latin) from the Twelfth Medical Society of Ohio. In these days such a doctor would at once be set down either as a quack or a "crank." Sylvanus Olney announces that his wife has left him without just cause, etc. Next comes a list of letters remaining unclaimed in the postoffice at McConnelsville, from which it will be seen that people in nearly all parts of the county were accustomed to receive their mail at the county seat. We subjoin the list , rerbatim :

Corner & Stone advertise " new and cheap goods," which they will exchange for cash or produce. Among the latter are mentioned flaxseed, flax, feathers, beeswax, flannel, cotton-wool and linsey cloth, hides, deerskins, furs, whiskey, flour, shoe-thread, etc. A. Simpson A Co. also offer a general assortment of goods on similar terms. Next follows a legal notice relative to "Jesse Cause, absconding debtor." Notice is given that a petition will be presented at the next session of the general assembly for a State road from Marietta to Zanesville, making McConnelsville and 'Waterford leading points on the route. The remaining two columns are taken up by selections, the first a' facetious anecdote detailing the "cause of the late war with Great Britain." " From the Democratic Press" is the caption of the following sarcastic bit :

England, the retailers, tailors and others have received direct from the manufacturer a large quantity of English cloths, cassimeres, etc., and some very highly finished, well wrought, double gilt buttons, with the words, 'Andrew Jackson, 4tii of March, 1829.' impressed upon them. Those who intend to wear the livery , buttons and all, and thus at once, and at all times, and in all places, make known their devotion to General Jackson, their hostility to the American system, and their preference of British manufactures, would do well to get them made up with as little delay as possible.

The second page is nearly all occupied by the "Constitution and Bylaws of the Washington Benevolent General Society of Washington County, Ohio," a charitable organization. " Latest from Greece," " British Reciprocity," " Conventions with England," a few brief notes relating to elections in Philadelphia, Delaware and Maryland, a few miscellaneous selections, and a continued story, occupying the whole of the fourth page, comprise the remainder of the literary contents of this number. There are only three brief advertisements on the third page, and to iill out the remaining space, evidently intended for advertising, the editors have put in a few humorous anecdotes, printed in the very largest size of primer type. The advertisements are interesting. Here is one which shows that an enterprising spirit was abroad among the inhabitants of the Muskingum Valley away back in 1S27 :

" A petition will be presented to the next general assembly of Ohio for the passage of an act to incorporate a company with authority to raise by subscription the necessary funds to improve the navigation of the Muskingum River by dams and locks for the passage of steamboats from Marietta (at the mouth of the Muskingum) to the point where the Ohio Canal connects with the Muskingum River, near the town of Dresden.

John James advertises that he will pay thirty-seven and a-half cents per bushel, "in salt or store goods," for all merchantable flaxseed delivered at his oil mill, three miles up the river from Malta, on Oil Spring Run.

Under the head of " Six Cents Reward " Bolser Keith advertises for the return of Adam Keith, an apprentice to the blacksmith business, who ran away from the advertiser in Manchester Township, on the 15th of September. "Any person securing him so that I may get him again shall receive the above reward, but no thanks or charges."

Three later numbers of the Sentinel are still in existence - numbers <5, 8 and 9 of volume first. In these the first page is nearly all covered with advertisements. Francis A. Barker, county auditor, submits a report for the year ending June 4, 1829, of receipts and expenditures of the county ; from which it appears that the former were $2,480.26J and the latter $2, 002.23. Number 6, dated November 14, 1827, j contains the first annual report of the j Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, and mirdbile dietu! a few local notes.

"We learn that the engineer with his company, employed in examining the Muskingum River, arrived at Marietta on Monday, the 12th inst., having completed the survey in eighteen days. The distance from Zanesville to Marietta is a little over seventy-five miles; the fall from the dam at the former place to low- water mark in the Ohio is 116.29 feet, viz : from the dam at Zanesville to the foot of Deadman's Ripple, 27.00; from Deadman's Ripple to the foot of McConnel's Ripple, 18.58; from McConnel's Ripple to Luke's Chute, 24.70 ; from Luke's Chute to Wright's Ripple, 29.64; from Wright's Ripple to the Ohio, 16.41. By the present calculation there will be thirteen dams, including the one at Zanesville."

" Casualty. - On Saturday last, as three men were crossing the river about six miles above this place, one of them, Mr. Adam Bankus, fell overboard and was drowned. ILis body has not been found."

Under the head of "Administration Meeting" " Many Citizens " issue a call for a meeting of citizens friendly to the reelection of John Q. Adams to the presidency, to be held at the courthouse, Saturday, the 24th of November.

"On the 11th inst., a little before daylight, our citizens were aroused by the unexpected noise of the steamboat iSpeedwell,' Captain Reading, on her way to Zanesville. Notwithstanding the early hour of her arrival, a considerable number of our townspeople had collected in time to welcome her by exchanging salutes. After discharging some lading for this place, and taking on board a considerable number of passengers, she proceeded and was greeted on her arrival at Zanesville by the citizens with gaping and gazing! We hope for the credit of the place, should a similar opportunity offer, they will manifest the spirit of the times in a more appropriate manner. Captain R. informed us that it was his intention to run the ' Speedwell ' bet ween Pittsburgh and Zanesville when the water will admit of it."

In 1834, from the old press and material used in the publication of the Sentinel, and afterward of the Genius of Libertij, C. Weirick issued the Morgan Record , which was continued a year or two.

In 1836 ILiram II. Robinson, afterward county treasurer, took the office and published the paper, changing its name to the Muskingum Valley Democrat. His editorial career was longer than that of any of his predecessors. He continued in the chair until 1841, when the paper, retaining the same name, passed into the hands of T. C. Cake, who engaged Elijah Hayward to edit it. The editor was a man of eminent ability as a lawyer and politician, and among other official positions had been one of the judges of the supreme court of the state.

In 1844 W. N. Watson came into possession of the office and issued the Ohio Democratic Guard. The Independent of April 12, 1844 (Janies A. Adair, editor), noted the appearance of the new paper in the following words : the title of a paper published in this place, the first number of which appeared last Wednesday. It is the continuation of the Valley Democrat , which has been suspended for a few months. The Guard is conducted by W. 1ST. Watson who is partially known to our citizens, having formerly published a paper here some years ago. As the name imports he claims to be the organ of the democracy of our county, and as such says : 'We fearlessly launch our barque upon the boisterous ocean of political strife.' The want of time has prevented us from giving his salutatory more than a hasty perusal, but we saw sufficient to satisfy us that he goes the full length of the hard-money doctrine. He flings his banner to the breeze inscribed with the names of VanBuren, Johnson and Todd."

In 1845 Watson sold out to A. T. Clark, who - as was said by some under the impression that a part of the name seemed to confine the scintillations of his pen to a too limited sphere - issued the paper as the Democratic Guard , which under his management continued to sparkle for two years, until January, 1848. With a change of owners came a change of name, and the Morgan County Chronicle appeared with F. A. Porter and Silas II. Davis, publishers, and Daniel B. Linn editor. Mr. Linn was a lawyer and a very able writer. Under his control the paper attained to a high degree of excellence. This was an exciting period politically - the Cass and Taylor campaign occurring in that year - and the paper had a good support and was read with satisfaction and approval by members of the party from which it received its chief support. At the end of the year Mr. Linn ceased to act as editor. The Chronicle was

June 1, 1854, appeared the first number of the Enquirer , which proved one of the best papers the county ever had. It was a large seven-column folio of neat typographical appearance, and devoted more space to the discussion of local affairs than had hitherto been the custom with the county press. The Enquirer was edited and published by D. B. Linn, a gentleman whose educational training and natural capabilities rendered him well fitted for the editorial chair. lie devoted his paper to the interests of Morgan County, first, last, and all the time; and though it was a political sheet (democratic) it was by no means " offensively partisan." Under his management the circulation ran up to over 800, which was good for those days. The "know-nothing" excitement was then at its height, and the Enquirer discussed this and other leading questions of the day in an intelligent and capable manner.

In 1859 Linn sold the Enquirer to Cyrus McGlashan, who continued its publication until March, 1864, several of the later numbers being half sheets only. Charles H. Bean next secured the press and material and published the Valley Democrat from April to November. The publication was then suspended and the material taken in charge by the Democratic Press Association.

July 20, 1866, there appeared the first number of the Conservative , demi ocratic in politics, issued from the press formerly owned by Linn. William Glenn was the editor and publisher. After publishing the paper about three months, in the thirteenth number he I announced: "This will be the last number for four weeks." The suspension was for financial reasons, and lie did not resume the publication. But on the 2d of November, 1866, the paper again appeared, published by Moore & Kelly. It was continued by them until January 26, 1S67, when Moore's name was dropped and Joseph A. Kelly became editor and publish.©!*. lie continued the paper until March, 1871. April 7, 1871, he issued the first number of the Independent, which was published in McConnelsville until November fol-

Malta, where the Independent survived a year or two longer. It aimed at neutrality in politics, as was indicated by its name, but its editor was a democrat and finally turned it into a prohibitionist paper. Mr. Kelly has since been engaged in journalism in Missouri, and is now connected with the Republican, the leading democratic paper of St. Louis.

In 1870 J. A. Kelly's paper, the Conservative, hitherto the democratic organ of Morgan County, became a prohibition journal, and the democratic party in the county Avas consequently Avithout a local paper. Many leading democrats, not favoring the change, AvithdreAV their support from the Conservative, and began to look around for some one to start a new paper that should be faithful to the time-honored principles of the democracy. The matter was much discussed in the councils of the party in the fall of 1870 anti the Avinter of 1870-71, but for some time no one Avas found willing to take the lead in the new enterprise. Some time in May, Francis A. Davis, by reason of failing health, caused by exposure in the army, Avas out of employment, having been obliged to give up his occupation - that of a steamboatman. He had had some experience in the printing business, having Avorked in his father's office Avhen a boy, and Avas induced to enter the journalistic field and start the much-desired democratic paper. On the 1st of July Mr. Davis started for Cincinnati, where he purchased a press and a full outfit of neAv type and fixtures, paying cash for the same out of his own funds. In due time the material for the neAv office arrived in McConnelsville, and on Friday, July 15, 1871, the first number of the Democrat was issued. At that time the subscription list contained the names of fifty-seven paying subscribers. After the appearance of the first number the circulation rapidly increased to about five hundred copies, remaining at this figure during the first year of the paper's existence. When the people began to see that the Democrat had come to stay, the list gradually increased, reaching its present circulation. The Democrat iioav has between 1,800 and 1,400 bona fide subscribers. Its course lias been such as to commend it to the party and the citizens generally. Mr. Davis' editorial career has been longer and - Ave venture the opinion - more successful than that of any other democratic editor in Morgan County. The Democrat, which started as an eight column folio, is now a six-column quarto.

Francis Asbury Davis was born near Uniontown, Perry County, Ohio, October 8, 1831. He received a limited common school education. He learned the trade of a printer in the office of his father, Avho published a paper in Somerset, Ohio. In 1819 he left home and came to McConnelsville, where for seventeen years he led the life of a boat- man. In -Tune, 1861, Mr. Davis took an active part in raising in Morgan County a company of volunteers, which was mustered into the service as Company H of the 25th Regiment O. V. I. He was elected first lieutenant, and for six months was the acting captain of the company. The hardships and exposures impaired his health, and in September, 1862, he was discharged on account of disability.

He was married July 14, 1861, to Miss Virginia Watkins, daughter of James Watkins, Esq., of McConnelsville. They have four children, Charles M., Ralph C., Francis A. and Virginia E.

Having thus traced the rise and progress of the local democratic organs of the county, let us turn to the other side and narrate the origin and growth of the whig and republican journals.

The first of the whig papers in the county was the Peoples Advocate. It was published by John White and M. Brister. The first number was issued some time in the year 1836, and the paper was continued for two years and three months. Ho copies of this paper are known to be in existence at the present time.

Early in the year 1839, from the same press which had printed the Advocate , John Teesdale issued The Ohio Whig Standard and Morgan Coimty Democrat. No. 40 of volume I, bearing the date September 27, 1839, has been shown to the writer. Under the somewhat lengthy title of the journal - which is printed in heavy black capitals - there appears the motto,

The Standard was a remarkably good-looking paper, much larger than the average country journal of that time, and neat in typographical appearance, barring the occasional appearance of an italic capital where a roman would have been expected. The paper contained four six-column pages, each about 15x21 inches in size. The subscription price was $2 per 'year if paid within three months, $2.50 within the year, $3 after the lapse of one year.

The Standard was evidently a thoroughly partisan paper. On the first page, under the head of " Office-holders, or Locofoco Nominations," the purposes of the Democrats are set forth tersely and in no very complimentary language, the opening paragraphs reading as follows :

And much more to the same purport. Then follows an article headed " Whig- Nominations," wherein the wliigs, of course, promise to do everything that is good. Next follows over two columns, taken from the Ohio State Jour - ' nal, relating to official rascality, subtreasurer's defalcations, etc., all of which has such a familiar, modern sound that one could fancy himself reading yesterday's paper but for the recurrence of the word whig and other now obsolete names. A column and a half is taken up with extracts from legislative proceedings at Harrisburg, Pa., during an investigation into I the causes of a conspiracy or fancied plot against the State troops. Under the head "Ohio in 1788 " appears a copy of an article originally published in the Salem, Mass., Mercury , relating to the Marietta colony. The " Farmers' Department," occupying the last column of the first page, and extending over on the next page, contains selections on various topics. Next comes a selection from the Cincinnati Gazette relating to foreign affairs.

At the head of the editorial columns appears a cut, bearing the coat of arms of Ohio. After the name of the paper and the editor, next comes

A paragraph announces the formation of a society called the McConnelsville Lyceum, to meet " on Tuesday next at Mr. Gage's schoolroom, at earl}7 candle-lighting, when the following question will be discussed :

"Is a republican form of government more conducive to the progress of literature than a monarchical?" William II. Peugh, of Union Township, is announced as a candidate for the next legislature. An article a little over a column in length discusses the river improvement then in progress. In three separate articles are announced bank failures at Cincinnati, Gallipolis and Canton. In a communication " One Who Knows " complains that the citizens of Morgan County living west of the Muskingum have not received a proportionate share of the local offices, and submits two tables showing that the inhabitants of the east side of the river have held seventy-eight offices, all told, while the other side have held but thirteen - hence his complaints. In another column "Ho Monopolist" complains of the grant to General McConnel of a mill privilege in connection with the dam and lock at McConnelsville. The second page, as will be seen, consisted largely of original matter, much of which was of local interest.

The third page contained but two columns of reading matter, the remainder, like all of the fourth page, being filled with advertisements, chiefly local. Under the head of " Late from Europe," news is given from London papers of September 2, twenty-five days previous. The market quotations show that flour was $4.50 per barrel at Cincinnati and Zanesville, and wheat seventy -five cents per bushel.

Having thus summarized the literary contents of the paper, let us glance at the advertisements. James Weeks offers for sale a two-horse carriage; Robert Kirby, Pennsville, a tavern stand for sale ; a cut representing a very prim soldier calls attention to the following:

" The Morgan Guards will parade at the Center Square, McConnelsville, in full uniform, white pantaloons, on Saturday, the 12tli October, at 10 o'clock a. m.

William Sherwood announces a public vendue. Corner & Davis, Malta, under the caption, " Hear the voice of the needy," call upon their creditors to settle. Converse & Bailey wish to exchange copper kettles for Avheat. Simpson & Seaman, Malta, offer dry goods, stoves, etc. D. W. Hanna, sole leather. John Lansley wants to exchange salt for wheat. Simpson A Seaman make a " reasonable request " that their customers settle. Samuel A. Barker has for sale plows, groceries, drugs, whisky, and many other articles.

The same dignified corporal (or an intimate relative) who calls attention to the parade of the Morgan Guards stands guard over the following quaint announcement :

E. Corner says, " 1, too, want money, and my wants are becoming to grievous to be borne long." G. Buckingham, II. Dover, W. W. McGrath A Co., E. Corner, J. B. Stone A Co. and Collum A Wilkin each offer a variety of commodities. Dr. C. Robertson and Dr. L. K. McLaughlin offer their professional services to the citizens of McConnelsville. Dr. Evans' medicines are advertised to the extent of nearly two columns, and Dr. Moffat's pills and bitters nearly one column. George Morris advertises a " wholesale and retail copper, tin, and sheet-iron manufactory," and announces that all kinds of marketable country produce will be taken in exchange for ware. A. B. Scott wants 500 bushels of oats, for which he will pay cash. Benjamin Nott, under the head of '-Muskingum Valley House," announces that he is "again in possession of his old tavern stand, lately kept by G. V. Hayward, on Center street, near the river." Janies Watkins and William II. Bozin an advertise a dissolution of copartnership in the saddlery and harness business. Rich A Bascom, lawyers, insert a modest card. John Scott and William Robinson, McConnelsville, each offer to make and sell hats "low for cash." There are also a few other advertisements not of especial interest at this late day.

Prom the appearance of this number we should judge that the Whig Standard was a far better paper than the average country weekly of that period, and that the merchants of McConnelsville and Malta were fully alive to its importance as an advertising medium. -

Mr. Teesdale continued the publication of the Standard until October, 1843, when -the paper ceased to be. During the exciting political contest when Dr. S. A. Barker, democrat, and Dr. Perley B. Johnson, whig, both of McConnelsville, were candidates for congress, the Whig Standard contributed its part toward making the race exciting. The editorials are said to have been remarkably vigorous and strong. Mr. Teesdale was an able editor, but he was not an astute financier, consequently his publishing, business did not pay. Tie came to McConnelsville from Wheeling, and was a practical printer. Ilis editorship of the Standard gave him some notoriety, and from Morgan County he went to Columbus, where for some years he was connected with the management of a whig paper - the predecessor of the present State Journal. He removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he published a paper for a time. He next became an employe in a government office at Washington, and died in that city.

January 19, 1S44, appeared number one of volume first of The Independent , James A. Adair, editor and publisher, office over the postottice. The mot to at the head of the title page is: "Justice to all men and inviolability of public faith." The first page is devoted to selected miscellany. On the second page appears the editor's salutatory, from which the following extract is taken :

" Pursuant to intimations given to a portion of the citizens of this county some two or three weeks since, the undersigned this day revives the publication of the Ohio Whig Standard under the title of the Independents

The editor then goes on to state that he commences with a small subscription list, much less than it ought to be, but enuao'es in the work " with the detero O minationto succeed if industry and perseverance can accomplish that object. If our friends give us the aid and cooperation which we expect, we shall place on a firm basis the whig organ of Morgan County."

The Independent was a six-column folio, of good print. The first number contained not a line of local news and only about six columns of advertisements. During the memorable presidential contest of Yan Buren versus Clay it steadily advocated the election of the latter. The first volume of the Independent is on file in the county auditor's office. October 24, 1845, Mr. Adair enlarged the paper to seven columns and changed its name to the Morgan Herald. The earliest copy of the Herald on file is that for the year beginning April 1, 1853, which bears the imprint, "volume 11, number 1," - though why the eleventh volume is a mystery, as the Independent , the predecessor of the Herald , was not begun until 1844. The Herald in 1853 was still published by Mr. Adair, who had his office "on Center street, opposite the clerk's office." The heading is printed in black capitals, and underneath it are the words, " Devoted to Politics, Sound Principles, Foreign and Domestic News, Agriculture, Commerce, Manufactures, Science, etc." The first page of the first number of the volume mentioned, contains miscellaneous and selected matter, and the first and second pages have three columns of " Laws of Ohio." The discussion of railroad matters then, as later, occupied a prominent place among the editorial matter. At the head of the editorial page appear the names of the whig candidates for State offices, the gubernatorial candidate, Nelson Barrere, of Richland County, heading the list. There are two columns of advertisements on the second page, five on the third and nearly six on the fourth. To a list of unclaimed letters remaining in the McConnelsville office the name of D. C. Pinkerton, postmaster, is appended, and in the local columns the appointment of Henry S. Wliissen to the same office is noted. Local notes are not numerous or remarkably interesting. The editor copies with comments a paragraph from a correspondent of the Zanesville Gazette who had visited McConnelsville and stated that he " had opportunities, from conversation with some of the citizens, to ascertain that things were flourishing with them. Considerable improvement in the way of building is to be done in the course of the season, and everything indicated that McConnelsville was to be a large recipient of the general prosperity of the valley. They deserve their success, and we heartily wish them a continuance and an increase of it."

Everything gives indications of a new impetus to the business and the growth of our town. We are likely to get in the current of the railroad spirit of the age, and if once fairly on that wave we expect that the determined spirit and energy of our people will put us up even with the times and with our neighbors."

What a pity that after the lapse of more than thirty years the editor's prediction as to prosperity to be brought by means of a railroad should still remain unfulfilled! In this connection an advertisement on the local page of the same paper deserves notice. It is illustrated by a cut of an engine drawing what appears to be two omnibusses, and is headed, "clear the track - the Iron Horse must come through !" and announces a grand rally (at the courthouse) of the citizens of Morgan and adjoining counties friendly to the construction of a railroad, to be held on Friday, April 8, 1853. The advertisement. is signed by William Hawkins and E. E. Evans, committee.

About this time the Herald devotes considerable space to the discussion of the Nebraska bill, and to the subject of abolition. Volume 12th, number I, the paper appears with a new heading and the motto, " Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable." The editor also congratulates himself on having "a larger subscription and better patronage " than at any time since the paper came under his control. He also changes his price from $1.50 to $2 per year, and announces that his patrons must pay in advance or else pay $3 per year. Mr. Adair subsequently enlarged the Herald to eight columns, but there was not a. proportionate increase in the amount of local news. From May, 1854, to August,

1850, Mr. Adair published a tri-weekly Herald in addition to the regular weekly edition. Mr. Adair's editorial career of t wenty years entitles him to rank as the Nestor of Morgan County journalism. He is still living in McConnelsville, at a ripe old age.

In January, 1864, Robert C. Brown assumed control of the Herald and continued as its editor and publisher until April 10, 1868, assisted during a portion of the time by Will W. Pyle, local editor. During this time- the Herald changed but little in appearance or character. There was a trifle more of local and editorial matter than when Mr. Adair edited it. Mr. Brown sold out to Andrew Kahler, and his son, C. E. Kahler, and Will W. Pyle took the editorial chair. During this year (1868) the publishers advertised their circulation as 1,300. During their administration the name of the paper, which had become the Morgan Count;/ Herald , was changed to the McConnelsville Herald. July 29, 1870, W. W . Pyle announces his retirement from editorial connection with the paper, he having purchased the Zanesville City Times. He made the Herald a good paper.

November 4, 1870, the names of James M. Rusk and C. E. Kahler appear as editors, A. Kahler A Son still continuing the publishers. April 21, 1871, there was another change in the editorial board, and the names of J. M. Rusk and A. Kahler were placed at the head of the editorial columns, ('. E. Kahler having severed his connection with the paper. October 20, 187 1 , >1 esse R. Foulke took Rusk's place, and edited the Herald until August, 1872, when -I. It. Foulke A Co. became editors and proprietors. The paper was published by this firm, which consisted of J. R. Foulke and his brother, William Fonlke, until February, 1883. J. R. Foulke was then sole proprietor until April 1886, when Charles S. Sprague, became editor and proprietor. Mr. Sprague is an energetic and active young man, a recent graduate of the college at Granville, and well qualified for his present position.

Soon after Mr. Foulke became proprietor of the paper he began to urge the importance of providing a home for the poor and friendless children of the county. Agitation of the question continued until at length, through the Herald's efforts, it was brought before the people, and to the surprise of all the measure was carried by a vote of over 3,300 in its favor and only about 500 opposed. The Morgan County Children's Home is the result.

When but a hoy of twelve, young Sprague exhibited his predilection for the printing business, in publishing two amateur journals, - The Budget , and McConnelsville Enterprise', and later, during his college career, he edited and published the Denison Weekly News and the Denison Collegian , the latter being a college monthly magazine.

After graduating at the college Mr. Sprague returned to his native town and assumed control of the Herald. From this time the paper thrived with renewed vigor, and within in these few months its circulation has increased several hundred, and the Herald now

The Herald has always strongly favored all public improvements and sought to promote the best interests of the people. As an expositor of the principles of the republican party its course 1ms been such as to commend it to republicans generally. It it edited with ability, and that its worth is appreciated is shown by the fact that its subscription list has nearly doubled in the last ten years. January 1, 1884, the Herald changed its form from an eight-column folio to a seven-column quarto, and is now one of the largest country papers in the State. The paper has had a successful career and its office is well equipped both for newspaper and job work.

The account of miscellaneous publications is quickly told. In 1845 the Peer-Out was published by George Poor, a boy who worked in the Herd'd office. The Peer-Out was a paper of juvenile size, which gave the local gossip and the effusions of the unfledged llteratC much of which now finds its way into papers of a larger growth.

In 1847 John S. Dye, who had previously dealt in counterfeit detectors, published for a short time a half-size sheet called the Workingman' s Advocate.

With three exceptions, all the papers thus far published in the county have been issued from the county-seat. Two of the exceptions, the Newsboy and the Independent of Malta, have already been noticed. There remains one more to be mentioned, which from its size and character might aptly be termed a J lusas nut arm in journalism. 4' his was the Copperhead Ventilator , the first number of which appeared, issued at Windsor some time in May, 1863, James Brannan, editor and uroprietor. The Ventilator was called into existence by the war and aimed to thoroughly ventilate the aims and motives of the anti-unionists. It was thoroughly Union in its sentiments, and dealt in the strongest of sarcasm, ridicule and invective, using forcible if not elegant English. It was a four column folio, published monthly at the price of 25 cents per year. It was issued, but not regularly, until near the close of the war.

Chapter

The First Courts - The Primitive Court House - The Early Courts and Lawyers - John Poland, the First Attorney - Hon. John E. Hanna - James I,. Gage, and Other Early Lawyers - Hon. J. M. Gaylord - Hon. Elijah Hayward - Hon. E. E. Evans - Colonel Melvin Clarke - Hon. Isaac Parrish - Hon. C. B. Tompkins - Judge F. W. Wood - Royal T. Sprague - General F. B. Pond - Biographies of Members of the Present Bar - Newell Corner, IIon. E. M. Stanbery, J. A. Ivers, W. B. Crew, and Others - Reminiscences.

rp HE first terra of court held in i Morgan County began April 5, 1819, in a log cabin situated on lot fiftyone, south Main street, McConnelsville. The bench of justice was borrowed from a carpenter, and in dimension wTas ample for the accommodation of the usual number of judges. It, however, was occupied only by the three associates, the president judge (lion. Ezra Osborn, of Portsmouth, was the judge of this judicial district) failing to attend. The lawyers and litigants occupied a small area in front, while the jury were seated on two benches of less elevation than the judges' seat. The witnesses and spectators appropriated the residue of the available space, or attended to the adjustment of other matters on the outside.

"Be it remembered that on this fifth day of April, eighteen hundred and nineteen, and of the State the eighteenth, William Kan net Is, Sherebiah

Clark and William B. Young presented commissions from his excellency, Ethan Allen Brown, governor of the State of Ohio, appointing each of them associate judges of the County of Morgan. Also certificates on their several commissions that they anti each of them had taken the oath of allegiance and office- Whereupon a court of common pleas was holden for the County of Morgan at the court room in the town of McConnelsville, the seat of justice for said county. Present, Hon. William B. Young* and Sherebiah Clark, associates, and William Rannells, presiding judge.

At this term of court Nathan Dearborn, coroner, acted as sheriff. On the first day, Dr. Samuel A. Barker was appointed clerk, John Doland prosecuting attorney, and Timothy Gaylord

B. Young' lived within the present limits of Malta Township, Sherebiah Clark in Olive Township, and William Rannells in Brookfield Township, (now) Noble County.

The Bench And Bar

recorder pro tern. The first judgment entered by the court was in favor of General Isaac Van Horn, of Zanesville, against John Dodds, for the sum of $114.34 and costs. The term lasted two days.

At a called court held May 20, 1819, the first letters of administration were granted to Dr. Samuel Martin upon the estate of Thomas Martin deceased. Thomas Martin was a brother of Dr. Martin, and was drowned in attempting to cross the river a short distance above McConnelsville.

The second regular term of court began July 5, 1819, in a cabin located on lot 19, in McConnelsville. Nathan Dearborn, of Windsor Township, was the coroner and acting sheriff. The following were summoned as the first grand jury of the county :

The first indictment presented by the grand jury was against Enoch Toper for assault and battery on James Frisby. Erisby was afterward a justice of the peace and a prominent citizen of Bloom Township. To the indictment Toper pleaded "not guilty," and for the trial the first petit jury was impaneled, viz.: T. M. Gates, Benjamin Johnson, William Murphy, William Tew is, Micaii Adams, Philip K abler, Benjamin William, Eli jah Witham, Abraham Hews, John Seaman, Samuel White and B. W. Talbot.

the jury to have anything to eat or drink (water excepted) until they agreed upon a verdict." They soon agreed, finding Toper* guilty. He Avas assessed a fine of $3 and costs.

The October term of ©hurt, 1819, began on the 4th of the month. At this term James Reed was the first person naturalized. He was an Irishman, residing on Duck Creek, now in Noble County.

The first slander suit in the county was tried at this term - Ezekiel Hyatt vs. Philip Moore. Moore charged Hyatt with having sworn to a lie on the trial of a case before a justice of the peace. The jury who tried the case were Levi Davis, John B. Perry, Phineas Coburn, Simeon Blake, James Whitaker, William Silvey, James Harris, Jared Andrews, Levi Ellis, Levi Deaver, John Shutt and Jonathan Porter.

At the March term, 1820, the president judge, Hon. E. Osborn, made his first appearance at McConnelsville in his official capacity. Up to that time the associate judges had managed the judicial affairs of the county.

Under the first constitution of the State (1802) the court of common pleas was constituted of a president judge and three associates elected by the legislature for a term of seven years. The president judge was a lawyer and held court in the different counties composing his judicial district! The associate

*At the March term. 1820. Leper's name again figured on the records, lie was then indicted for assault and battery on John Hull, and John Hull was indicted lor a similar offense against l.oper. Hull pleaded "guilty," and was fined $1. The case against l.o per was iiullc fjrnwiiuiril.

judges were citizens of tlie county, and, with one exception in Morgan County, were not lawyers. "They were," says Judge Gaylord, "generally honest, substantial gentlemen of sound judgment and good appearance, of fair ability and of general information; without prejudice, hatred or ill-will toward any one. In some instances, however, there were failures in all or a part of these important qualifications. If there should be any such it was set down as a mistake by the judge-makers and patiently borne with, for in those days impeachment was seldom resorted to. The wags about the court-house and court-room would have their fun at the expense of the honorable judicary, and occasionally indulged in pretty rough remarks. They would declare that there were 1,000 judges upon the bench. . . .

Morgan County is small, both in territory and in population ; the people are of a peaceful disposition and averse to litigation, consequently there has never been a large amount of legal business. Vet the county has had, and still has, a bar of more than average ability. The record of able, honorable men. Several Morgan County attorneys have distinguished themselves as legislators, jurists and military officers. In this chapter the writer has sought to include the name of every lawyer of prominence who ever resided in the countv, giving biographical sketches wherever such were obtainable.

attorneys who attended to the small amount of legal business brought before the courts were chiefly residents of Muskingum, and among them were several men of high standing in the legal profession. A glance at some of the earliest court journals reveals the names of S. W. Culbertson, General Herrick, Charles B. Goddard, Wyllys Silliman, Appleton Downer, Alexander Harper, Richard Stillwell and John Doland.

John Doland became the first resident attorney, and put out a sign notifying the public that he was an " attorney and counselor at law and solicitor in chancery in Morgan and adjacent counties." He had but little legal business, and for a livelihood he betook himself to teaching the village school. He had talent, but was intemperate and dissipated, and of little account as a lawyer.

Hon. John E. Hanna is not only the oldest member of the Morgan County bar, but also one of the oldest lawyers of Southern Ohio. He has resided and practiced his profession in McConnelsville for sixty years. The county has no citizen who is better known or more highly esteemed. Full of years and honors, Judge Hanna is passing the evening of his life among the people of Morgan County, to which he came when on the threshold of man's estate. He has witnessed most of the changes which time and progressive industry have wrought in the county since its organization, and his own influence has always been cast in favor of every public measure calculated to promote the best interests of the people. The merchants, doctors, county officials and lawyers.of McConnelsville in 182f> - where j are they ?

Tee Bench And Bar

John E. Hanna is descended from a family of pioneers. His grandfather, John Hanna, was a pioneer settler west of the Alleghanies, and was the founder of Hannastown on the Loyalhanna, the first county seat of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, which was hurried by the Indians and the proprietor of the town and his wife taken prisoners. John Hanna, the father of Judge Hanna, learned the saddler's trade, and established himself in business in Greensburg, where he married Ann Leonard, a niece of Governor Finley. John Hanna and wife lived in Greensburg until after three children were born, then bought a farm on the Youehiogheny River, in Rostrover Township, Westmoreland County, three miles above Robbstown. There, on the 19th of December, 1805, John E. Hanna was born. In 1815 the family removed to Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was reared and educaeed. The father of Judge Hanna was the first auditor of Harrison County, and afterward held the office of associate judge. John E. Hanna read law under Hon. Chauncey Dewey, and was admitted to the bar of Ohio September 25, 1 825, although then less than twenty years of age.

In the spring of 1826 lie came to Mc- Connelsville, where his home has been ever since. June 7, 1826, he married Susan Robertson, a sister of Dr. Robertson. Mrs. Hanna died April 15, 1865, and the Judge afterward married Sarah S., daughter of Rev. William Swazey.

In 1826 he was appointed as aid upon the staff of General Alexander McConnel, and in the following year brigade major. He held the latter position until 1831, and was then chosen brigadiergeneral of militia, in which capacity he served until 184<>. In the spring of 1831 he was appointed prosecuting attorney, and on the 12th of October, in the same year, postmaster of McConnelsville. In 1833 the office of prosecuting attorney was made elective and | postmasters became inefegible. He therefore resigned the postmastership and was elected prosecuting attorney. He continued to serve in that office until 1838, and in the fall of that year was elected representative to the legislature from Morgan County. He was reelected the following year and served another term.

In February, 1840, he was elected president judge of the eighth judicial circuit of the court of common [pleas, embracing the counties of Morgan, Washington, Athens, Meigs, Gallia, Lawrence and Scioto. In this important office he served with honor for seven years, and doubtless would have been reelected but for the fact that the legislature was anti-democratic. In 1854, Judge Stillwell having resigned as president judge, Judge Hanna was appointed to fill the vacancy.

At the opening of the rebellion he espoused the cause of the Union with warmth, and took an active part in raising troops for the army. lie was offered the position of lieutenant-colonel of the I 7th Regiment, but declined on account of the ill health of his wife. Governor Foster appointed him one of the trustees of the Athens Asylum for the Insane, and through his influence I >r. Agnes Johnson wasappointed physician to minister to the wants of the female patients. This was the first appointment of a female physician in any of the State institutions, and experience has shown the wisdom of the experiment. In November, 1855, Judge Hanna was appointed postmaster at McConnelsv i lie, and entered upon his duties in January following. He has been a lifelong Democrat.

James L. Gage located in McConnelsville in 1827. He was originally from New York State, but came here from Lucas County, Ohio. He served two terms as prosecuting attorney, and in 1844-7 was one of the associate judges of the county. During his stay he established a foundry in McConnelsville, which did a good business for a time, but finally resulted unsuccessfully. After more than twenty years' residence in Morgan County he removed to the northern part of the State, where he died. He was a lawyer of fair ability.

Hon. James Madison Gaylord. This gentleman, an able and honored citizen, was born in Zanesville May 29, 181 1, and died in McConnelsville June 14, 1874. He came with his parents to McConnelsville in 1818, and resided in the village until his death. He was a man of good ability, and though his educational opportunities were not great his self-acquired knowledge thoroughly fitted him for the practical duties of life. He attended the village schools, and for one year was a pupil of the university at Athens. In 1833-4 hereadlaAv intheofficeof Judge Ilanna, but did not complete his legal studies. In 1834 he was appointed clerk of the court of common pleas, also clerk of the supreme court (now the district court), which positions he tilled until 1849. In 1850 he was elected to congress from the thirteenth district, which then included Morgan County. At the expiration of his term he was elected probate judge, and held the office during one term. In 1860 he was deputy United States Marshal, and took the census of the county. In 1805 he was elected justice of the peace, and by successive reelections was continued in that office until'his death. He was a stanch democrat, always active in politics, and one of the best stump speakers the county ever had. For twenty years he was a member of the county central committee of his party. In 1836 he married Roxa, daughter of N. Shepard. Three sons survived him, and two of his sons were sacrificed on the altar of his country. In all his official positions, as well as in private and social life, his conduct was marked by the strictest integrity and uprightness, and his genial affability and sterling worth won the highest appreciation and respect. He was a very pleasing writer, and in 1872-3 contributed to the Democrat , under the signature of "Antiquarian," a series of remarkably interesting articles on the local history of the county, from which the editors of this volume have freely drawn, especially in the preparation of the histories of the several townships.

Hon. Elijah Hayward, aged seventyeight, died at his residence in McConnelsville September 24, 1864. He was a native of the town of Bridgewater, Mass., and was mainly self-educated. Fie read law under Chief-Justice Parsons of Massachusetts, and in 1818 traveled in Europe. In 1S1 9 became west, reaching Cincinnati in December. There he engaged in the practice of law, and for a time edited a democratic newspaper known as Liberty Hall. For four years (1825 to 1829) he represented

Hamilton County in the legislature, and in 1830 was elected judge of the supreme court of Ohio. In the next year President Jackson appointed him commissioner of the general land office, which position he held until 1835. He then resigned and removed to McConnelsville, whither his son Fred, still a resident of the town, had preceded him. During his residence here he practiced law, and for a time was editor of one of the local papers. He did not seek business, and consequently his practice was not large. During the later years of his life he devoted much of his time to the preparation of genealogical histories of the Massachusetts families represented in southern Ohio. After his death his manuscripts went to the Massachusetts Historical Society. He was a life-long democrat, and was a Roman Catholic in religious faith, though reared a Protestant. He was an intimate personal friend of Andrew Jackson, and is said to have had considerable influence over him at one time. Judge Hayward was a man of great force of character, and of extensive and varied attainments.

Hon. Ezra E. Evans, ex-judge of the eighth judicial district, was a resident attorney of Morgan County for nearly a score of years. He was born near llelmont Station, in Belmont County, Ohio, March 5, 1816, and educated in the common schools. He read law in Cambridge, Guernsey County, under his brother, Nathan Evans, and was admitted to the bar April 17, 1837, in Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. After practicing a short time in Toledo lie returned to Cambridge, where he practiced from December, 1838, until March, 1840. He then moved to Mc- Connelsville, and in 1851 was elected probate judge, which office he held two years. In 1858 he removed to Zanesville, here he still resides and practices His profession. In 1861 he was elected judge of the court of common pleas, and held that office one term. He was married in 1843 to Mary F. Lawrence, widow of John R. Lawrence, and daughter of Colonel Benjamin W. Talbot. Judge Evans was formerly a whig, and is now a republican.

Melvin Clarke, for ten years a practicing attorney of McConnelsville, was descended from Puritan ancestors, and was born in Ashfield, Mass., November 15, 1818. He was educated in the schools of his native state, and in 1838 came west. For several years he was engaged in teaching in Kentucky, 7 Vest Virginia and Washington County, Ohio. Devoting himself to the study of law in his spare time he gained admission to the bar in 1843, and began the practice of his profession in Morgan County. He had a clear analytical mind, and was a cogent reasoner and an able lawyer. In 1853 lie removed to Marietta, where he practiced law until the outbreak of the rebellion. He was one of the organizers of the 36th Regiment O. Ah I., and served as lieutenant-colonel of that organization until killed bv a shot from a ten-pound shell at the battle of Antietam September 17, 1862. He was buried at Marietta with military honors, and a monument was erected to 1 1 is memory by his j comrades in arms and by his associates at the bar. Col. Clarke was twice married, first to Miss Dorcas Dana of Newport, and second to Miss Sophia Browning of Belpre, Ohio. By his lirst marriage lie had one son, Joseph 1). Clarke, who was killed in the war at City Point, Va., in 1864.

I Ion. Isaac Parrish was a member of the Morgan County bar for several years, and represented tl 1 is district in congress. He was admitted to the bar prior to 1840, and located in Guernsey County, where lie was an unsuccessful candidate for congressional honors; but after moving to Morgan County he sought and obtained a nomination ; was elected, and served in the congress of 1845-7. He was a democrat - a man of considerable ability - but his arguments were always conspicuous for that fault known to rhetoricians as "arguing in a circle." He embarked in the milling business at Sharon, then in Morgan County, and while there originated a project known as the Sharon Railroad, which a few year's later was merged into the famous " Calico " line. After the failure of his visionary enterprise he was one of the chief projectors and organizers of Noble County. He moved west, and engaged in law business at Guthrie Center, Iowa, where he was drowned by the upsetting of a boat.

Hon. Daniel B. Linn, now a resident of Zanesville, passed his early life and began his professional career in Morgan County. He was born in Muskingum County, in 1819, and in 1820 moved to Center Township, Morgan County. His father, Joseph C. Linn, was a man of prominence in that township ; held the office of justice of the peace, and was an associate judge of the county. The subject of this notice was educated at Granville and Marietta Colleges, graduating from the latter institution after a six years' course in 1 840. He then taught in an academy at Belpre, meantime studying medicine, and afterward civil engineering. He next began the study of law, and in 1840 was admitted to the bar at Bucyrus.

He began practice in McConnelsville in the office of Judge Hanna, and was afterward associated with him in practice for two years. In 1848 he edited the Morgan Count g Chronicle , and in 1854 established the Enquirer , a. democratic newspaper, which he edited until 1859, at the same time carrying on his law business and taking an active part in politics. In 1860 he removed to Zanesville. Since leaving Morgan County Mr. Linn has devoted himself to the practice of law and to railroad matters. In 1866-7 and 1868-9 he represented Muskingum and Perry Counties in the State senate, and in 1870-1 represented the same district on the State board of equalization.

IIon. Cydnor B. Tompkins was a native of Belmont County. With his father's family he came to Morgan County at an early day. He was a graduate of the Ohio University and read law with George James at Zanesville, after which he opened an office in McConnelsville. lie was subsequently elected prosecuting attorney, and was a member of Congress from 1857 to 1861 . Possessed of a tenacious memory, he seldom if ever, forgot anything he read or that came under his observation. He was an able advocate, and eloquent speaker, of ardent temperament, a warm, personal friend and genial companion. He died in McConnelsville July 22, 1862.

Hon. Frederick W. Wood, ex-judge of the eighth district, was for many years one of the prominent lawyers of the Morgan County bar. He passed his early life in Manchester township, this county, where his father, Frederick Wood, settled in 1832. Judge Wood was. educated at Marietta and Granville. lie studied law in McConnels- ville under W. T. Bascom, and also attended the Cincinnati law school. In 1817 he was admitted to the bar and settled at McConnelsville, where he practiced until his removal to Columbus in 1876. He served as captain in the 86th Regiment O. V. I. in 1862, and was a member of the legislature of 1863-4. In 1864 he was a presidential elector, and in 1868 a delegate to the Chicago convention. He was elected judge in 1869 and served upon the bench five years.

Royal T. Sprague came to McConnelsville from Muskingum County -- along in the forties," and remained three or four years, practicing in partnership with C. C. Covey. He was a man of excellent ability. In 1849 he went to California and he has since served as chief justice of that state.

David B. Shivel, a native of McConnelsville, was county recorder in 1852-55. He afterward studied law and was admitted to the bar, but practiced very little. He became a teacher and died while following that profession.

Joseph Gaston, now a successful lawyer of Portland, Oregon, was reared and educated in Morgan County. He read law and about 1860 located in McConnelsville for a short time. He then went to the Pacific slope, where lie has become prominent as a railroad man and lawyer.

R. I). Hopper studied law in the office of Hon. C. B. Tompkins, and practiced in McConnelsville for ten or twelve years. He went to St. Louis some time during the war; returned to this state and died.

William W. Pyle, a native of Morgan County, and for several years a compositor in the Herald office, was admitted to the bar in September, 1865.

General Francis Bates Pond was born at Ellisburg, Jefferson County, Hew York, August 19, 1825, and died at Malta, Morgan County, O., November 2, 1883. He was the eldest in the family of Rev. Charles B. and Abbey (Russell Bates) Pond, which consisted of eight children. His family was of English extraction, and their record can be traced back to Samuel Pond, " Gentleman," in the year 1642. That he came of loyal, patriotic stock, is evidenced in the fact that his grandfather, Major Barnabas Pond, served with distinction under General Lafayette in the war of the revolution, while Admiral Foote was a lineal descendant of one of his ancestors.

The boyhood of General Pond was spent at his father's home, or at work upon neighboring farms until he attained his sixteenth year. At this time he experienced his first great sorrow - the death of his mother - a lady of rare excellence of character, and ay hose influence contributed largely to the success that croAvned his efforts in after life. Shortly after the death of his mother, which occurred in July, 1841, lie entered Oberlin College in this State. He soon evidenced the possession of those qualities that subsequently made everyone who came in contact with him his friend. He was possessed of a remarkably retentive memory, Avliich in a degree lessened his scholastic labors. His college life was tilled with deprivations and struggles. He was without means, and he literally worked his way through the five years' course. One of the salient points of his character then, as in after years, w'as his thorough appreciation of the humorous. Life to him always had a bright side, and he loved to look upon it. This element in his character enabled him to pass through ordeals which would have disheartened many young men of his age. lie graduated with honors in the class of 1846, and spent the succeeding three years at Kent, 0. One year was ; occupied in teaching and two as bookkeeper for the firm of Charles and Marvin Kent of that place. In the spring of 1850 he came to Harmar, O., and was employed as a teacher of the classics in the Harmar Academy, taught by his uncle, Henry Bates.

During his senior year at college the question as to which profession he should adopt as his life's vocation - law or theology - agitated his mind. His father, a Congregational clergyman, and a gentleman of marked ability as a minister, was quite desirous that he should choose the former. To make the choice involved a severe struggle extending through a period of three years. He finally became convinced, however, that he was not called to the ministry, and wrote his father that he had decided to become a lawyer. These years of indecision lie regarded as the most unprofitable of his life. In 1849 he commenced the study of the law in an office at Cleveland, Ohio, and subsequently studied in the office of Darwin E. Gardiner, of Marietta, Ohio. At the solicitation of Hon. Henry Dowes he came to Malta November 2, 1850, and during the winter, and succeeding one Avas engaged in teaching, at the same time pursuing his legal studies in the office of Colonel Melvin Clarke, March 10, 1852, he was admitted to the bar, and immediately entered upon the active practice of his profession. In 1855 he was elected prosecuting attorney and served two terms with credit and distinction ; during this time he was engaged in the trial of a number of important cases that gave him more than a local reputation as a rising lawyer.

In April, 1861, he enlisted as a private in what was subsequently known as Company H of the 17th O. V. I.. and was unanimously elected its captain, and upon the organization of the regiment was made its lieutenant colonel and served in that capacity under General Rosecrans in an active campaign in West Virginia, In October, 1861, he Avas commissioned lieutenant colonel with L. P. Marsh as colonel to recruit the 62d regiment. Colonel Marsh resigned in January, 1862, and General Pond was promoted to the colonelcy and ordered to the front. He served under Generals Lander and Shields in the campaign of 1862 in the Shenandoah Valley. From the 1st of July, 1862, he served with General McClellan on the peninsula where his command remained until the General fell back to Hampdon, and thence to Suffolk under Generals Mansfield and Peck. In January, 1863, he moved Avitli his regiment to Newbern, N. C., and thence by ocean transports to Port Royal harbor. He led the advance in the capture of Folly Island, participated in the attack on Morris Island, Avliere his command Avas terribly cut to pieces. In the Avi filer of 1863-4 his regiment veteranized, and after a furlough of one month he returned to the front and Avas assigned to the command of General Butler, and during the campaign of 1864 he commanded the 1st Brigade 1st Division 10th Army Corps. The campaign Avas a severe one, ancl from 2,400 strong in the spring his comma nd was reduced to 1,100 in November, nearly all killed and wounded. He had one horse shot from under him, and was, as it was thought at the time, slightly wounded in the temple. In December, 1864, he resigned his commission on account of ill health and returned to his home. He was made brigadier general by brevet in 1864.

After his return to McConnelsville the General again entered upon the practice of the law, and in 1867 was elected a member of the house of representatives of Ohio. At the expiration of his term he Avas elected attorney general of the State (1870) and served two terms. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1873. His official life closed with his second term in the State senate in 1883. While a member of that body lie introduced and secured the passage of the law known as the " Pond Bill," an act to "more effectually provide against the evils resulting from the traffic in intoxicating liquors," and which proposed taxation, as a practical and restrictive policy, under the peculiar provisions of the State constitution relating to the traffic in intoxicating liquors. Throughout his entire legislative career his ability as a lawyer Avas recognized, and Avhile a member of the senate he was chairman of the judiciary committee. 1 1 is vieivs upon all questions were sound and comprehensive,, and lie was regarded as a discreet and prudent legislator, a, safe counsellor, an efficient executive officer and a faithful guardian of every trust committed to his hands. In his political affiliation lie was a republican. In religious belief he was through life an adherent of the early teachings of his father; and the cornerstone of his creed was, " To do good to his felloAvmen."

General Pond Avas first married to Miss Eliza A., daughter of George L. Corner, Esq., of Malta, in 1854. She died January 13, 1866. May 21, 1867, he married Miss Emma, a sister of his first Avife. She died March 18, 1870. In 1876 he Avas married to Miss Janet, daughter of Andrew Alexander, of Washington County, Pa. Bv the first marriage there were two children, Mary Blanche, now Mrs. W. F. Smith, of Barnesville, Ohio, and George Charles, now residing at St. Paul, Minn. By the second, a son, Francis Newell, avIio died in infancy.

At the close of his legislative services, General Pond returned to his home, but it was only for the purpose of battling as a gallant soldier with the " Grim Destroyer." The wound in the right temple, which was received in an engagement at Dee]) Bun, Va., August 16, 1864, developed into a malignant cancer, which terminated his life after nineteen years of suffering, which he endured Avithout a murmur.

The character of General Pond seemed to be a strange mingling of manly sternness and Avomanly tenderness. Kind and gentle almost to a fault, yet he Avas possessed of iron neiwe and an invincible Avill. In his life and aims he was more the philanthropist than the philosopher. In social life he was noted for his hospitality and genial affability. He possessed in a rare degree that quality of bearing and manner, united Avith a comeliness of person and a fine presence, Avhicli not only impressed the stranger, but endeared him to all who enjoyed his society, and nowhere Avas his death more regretted than in Morgan County.

Henry Moore Davis, for many years a member of the bar of Ohio, died at his home in Malta Township, September 20, 1882, aged 91 years. lie was born near Hagerstown, Md., December 7, 1791. In the year 1802 he moved with his parents to the vicinity of East Rusliville, Fairfield County, O. In February, 1821, he married Elizabeth Ruth, of Knox County, O., who died March 24, 1877. They reared eight children - one daughter and seven sons ; all still living save two sons. In the war of 1812 Mr. Davis joined Captain Adam Hinckley' s company in a Kentucky regiment and served under General Harrison in his memorable campaigns. From 1836 to 1842 he edited and published a paper called the Democrat and Advertiser at Somerset, Perry County, O. He began the study of law under John B. Orton at Somerset in 1842, and was admitted to the bar in 1844. Mr. Davis resided in Perry County until 1851, when lie removed to Morgan County, where he resided until his death. He was a man of moral habits and strict integrity. He joined the Methodist Church when young, and remained a consistent Christian as long as he lived. He joined the Masonic order at Lancaster in 1826, and was among the oldest Masons in Ohio.

Cautius C. Covey was another lawyer who came to McConnelsville in 1840, and was prosecuting attorney in 1844-47. He removed to Marietta, and while living there was a candidate for State senator for the district composed of Washington and Morgan Counties. 1 1 is opponent, Edwin Corner, of Morgan County, was declared elected, but on the election being contested by Covey, the seat was given to the latter. In November, 1852, while on his way

IIon. E. M. Stanbery is a leading1 member of the bar, and the most prominent and best known business man of Morgan County. His history, therefore, is an essential part of the history of the county, though Mr. Stanbery very reluctantly yielded his consent to the appearance in this chapter of a personal mention of himself.

Elias Millen Stanbery*- son of Jacob W. and Eliza (Jones) Stanbery, was born on the farm now owned by David Frasli, one mile north of Triadelpliia, in Deerfield Township, Morgan County, April 20, 1833. He received his early education in the primitive log school houses of pioneer days, with their slab benches, high writing desks and other uncomfortable appointments. He was a quick and diligent pupil, and, as many of his old schoolmates remember, a leader in boyish sports. In the summer of 1853 he attended the high school at McConnelsville, then under the superintendency of Daniel T. Johnson ; and in the following fall and winter taught school at Big Bottom and Locust Grove. In the spring of 1854 our subject en tered the Ohio University at Athens, where he took an exceptionally high rank in his studies, and graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1857. He attended the Cincinnati Law School the following winter and graduated from that institution with the degree of LL.B. in 1858. The next year was spent in Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska, but becoming convinced that the West at that time had more than a sufficient number of lawyers, he returned to his native county and in October, 1859, opened a law office in McConnelsville, where he has since resided. He entered upon his professional career with the industry and earnestness which have been characteristic of all of his undertakings, and soon rose to prominence. He made it a rule to refuse all cases that he believed to be without merit ; but when he accepted employment, he nave his best skill and most earnest efforts to the cause of his client and was usually successful. From 1862 his law practice was large and profitable, and aside from this he dealt in real estate, and the loaning of money. In 1875 he came into possession, and later became sole owner of the McConnel mill, and since that time he has given most of his time to his large business interests, having retired (but not wholly) from the practice of law.

To the management of his business Mr. Stanbery brought the same industry and perseverance with which he had entered upon the practice of the law; and his business enterprise and good judgment have rendered him abundantly successful. The records of M< >rgan ( ,'ounty show that he has owned and conveyed more real estate and now pays more taxes than any other person now or heretofore living in the county. He takes a commendable interest in all that tends to advance the best interests of the town and county ; and every worthy public enterprise finds in him an earnest advocate and a warm supporter. He gave his assistance and support to the founding of the First National Bank in McConnelsville, to the erection of the bridge across the river at that place, and to the establishing and upbuilding of the Brown-Manly Plow Company of Malta. For fifteen years lie has worked zealously to secure a railroad through the county and to the county seat, and has spent much time and money with that object in view. After subscribing to no less than ten different railroad projects, it gives the writer pleasure to note that the final success of the efforts I of Mr. Stanbery, and those of other public-spirited citizens, now seems near I at hand.

In 1883 and 1884 Mr. Stanbery erected in McConnelsville a dwelling house and a business block, that if not destroyed, will attest his energy, enterprise and public spirit long after he has passed from off the stage of life forever.

Mr. Stanbery is a republican and takes a deep interest both in local and national politics. He has also been honored with some offices, in which he discharged his duties most satisfactorily to the people who gave him their votes, and to citizens generally, even though they might differ with him in politics. In 1862 he was elected prosecuting attorney; reelected in 1864 and 1866. He performed the duties of his position without fear or favor. In 1SS0 he was elected to represent his district in the State board of equalization. In 1X81 he was elected representative from Morgan County to the 65th General Assemblv, and bv reelection served in | the 66th Assembly. He distinguished himself as one of the "working members" of the legislature and was identified with several prominent measures.

{ During his membership of the assembly, large appropriations were secured J for the repair and improvement of the Muskingum River. lie supported amendments to the general appropriation bills for the distribution of fish in the inland waters of the State; and was ! among the foremost of those favoring appropriations for the extension and improvement of the Ohio and the Ohio State Universities, and all State benevolent institutions. In general, his representation ivas useful to the State and county, and honorable to himself. He secured the passage of a road law, applicable to Morgan County, for the purpose of building up an improved system of roads. Though he knew at the time that the measure would probably prove unpopular at first, he acted upon the principle that it is better to be right than to hold office, following the dictates of his judgment, and willing to submit the decision of the matter to time and experiment.

Through life he has been generous with his friends and charitable toward the worthy poor. He has never refused aid to the distressed, if he believed them worthy. He has taken pleasure in assisting deserving young men to start in business, and in helping those who have been unfortunate, if he believed that their misfortunes were without their own fault.

Virtulon Rich, a native of Vermont, came to McConnelsville about 1838. He was a lawyer of common ability, and never had a large practice. He served as justice of the peace one or two terms. He left McConnelsville in 1857, and now resides near Detroit, Mich.

Henry R. Hughes, a native of Malta, read law with Melvin Clarke, and practiced in Malta and McConnelsville a few years, beginning in 1856. During the war he removed to Perry County.

Newell Corner, probate judge, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Morgan County, within the present limits of which his father, George L. Corner, was born in 1797. The subject of this notice was born in Malta, March 2, 1841. He was educated iu the schools of this county, and after attending Delaware College for a short time began the study of law in the office of Wood & Pond. He was admitted to the bar in September, 1867, and began practice in Malta; afterward he was a- partner in the firm of Pond, Corner tfe Foulke, and next of the firm of Pond tfc Corner until 1876. He was then elected probate judge, and is now serving his fourth term in that position. No other evidence is necessary to show the popularity and esteem in which Judge Corner is held by the citizens of the county. But few men of his age have been more closely identified with the affairs of the county or have watched its development with greater interest. Every enterprise devoted to its advancement finds in Judge Corner a warm friend anti an able advocate. In his religious and political affiliations he is a Methodist and a republican.

Hon. Thomas W. Tipton, one of the first United States senators from the State of Nebraska, was a McConnelsville lawyer for about three years, commencing some time during the war. He was the son of a Methodist preacher, Rev. William Tipton, and was admitted to the bar in Guernsey County. He was somewhat noted as a temperance lecturer. From this county he went to Nebraska, where lie soon rose to prominence as a lawyer and politician.

June 25, 1876. He was born in Brooks County, Ya., December 11, 1800, and in 1815 came to Morgan County, settling- with his parents on Meigs Creek, a mile from any neighbor. Here he endured the hardships of pioneer life until 182-4. In that year he married Elizabeth Jennings, of Marietta, and came to McConnelsville to live. He worked at the carpenter's trade, and with the exception of a few years at the home of his only son, Rev. J. IV. Fonts, in Beverly, resided in the town until his death. He was elected probate judge in 1854, and filled that office to the entire satisfaction of the public for six years. He was a member of the Methodist Church for fifty-four years, and was prominent in church matter. He was a good man, a worthy citizen, and always on the right side of every moral question.

Henry M. Dawes, a man of excellent ability, though never an attorney in Morgan County, was, nevertheless, one of the many promising men the county has produced. He was born in Malta in 1832, and was the son of the late Henry Dawes, an influential citizen. He was educated at Marietta College, and after his admission to the bar practiced in Washington County until his decease in 1860. He was possessed of a strong mind, was a good reason er, and, had he lived, no doubt his talents would have won for him distinction and honor.

Barclay & Berry was the name of a law firm in McConnelsville about 1862-63. Charles R. Barclay had practiced at Beverly for six or seven years, and had served as prosecuting attorney of Washington County. James L Berry was admitted to the bar in Morgan County, lie was mayor of |

Joseph Arthur Kelly, a son of the late Joseph Kelly, of McConnelsville, was born about 1843, and was educated at the Harvard Law School. He was admitted to the bar of Morgan Countv in September, 1865, but practiced law but little, as he engaged in newspaper work soon after his admission to the bar and followed that business chiefly during his stay in McConnelsville. In 1873 he removed to Savannah, Mo., where he edited a democratic paper several years. From Savannah he went to St. Louis, where he is now connected with the St. Louis Republican.

W. T. Bascom came from Vermont. He was a cousin of V. Rich and practiced law in partnership with him. lie was afterward in Columbus and there edited the Ohio State Journal several years. He moved to Mount Vernon, Ohio, and died there a few years ago.

Wm. J. Ramsey, a native of Washington, Pa., and a graduate of the college at that place, came to McConnelsville between 1835 and 1840. He was a young man of good ability, and served as prosecuting attorney in 1S41-44. lb* died in McConnelsville in October, 1844.

Henry S. Robertson, son of Dr. Charles Robertson, was a native of Barnesville, Belmont County, Ohio, born June 2, 1824, and came to McConnelsville when about two years of age. His education was in the primitive semi-occasional schools of the early days of the town - with the exception of one year at tin* McConnelsville Academy. He read law with ,1. F. Hanna and was in partnership with him for several years; was prosecuting attorney and prominent as a politician.

member of and chairman of the whigcentral committee, and writer for the Ifr ml <1 during the years 1846-47-48. He was also an earnest advocate of the temperance question. He died after a lingering- illness March 30, 1856.

James A. Adair is a member of the bar, and as such is mentioned here although he lias never practiced his profession. He was born in Adams County, Pa., March 25, 1814, and passed his early life in that county, being for a time a- teacher in the town of Gettysburg. In 1836 he went to Virginia and taught two years in London and Jefferson Counties. He was married in Jefferson County, and moved thence to Muskingum County, Ohio, where he remained about five years, during which he taught in Zanesville three years. He studied law under Franklin Gale and was admitted to the bar at Wooster in the fall of 1843. In January, 1844, he came to McConnelsville, where for twenty years he edited and published the McConnelsville Herald. During this time he served four years as county auditor. He has been mayor of McConnelsville and served in other local offices. For some years he has been engaged in the pension business. Three of his sons - John S., Henry H. (deceased) and Addison A. - were in the service in the late war.

A. VT. Stewart was born in Belmont County, Ohio, January 24, 1831. He received a common school education and read law under Tompkins A Hopper. November 14, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, 78th O. 1". I., and directly after the regiment reached camp was made orderly sergeant of the company. In February, 1863, he was made second lieutenant, and by the death of the commanding officer of Company