Washington County, Ohio - Chapter 9: Economics and Social Progress. 1788 1830, 1902 (part 2 of 2)

"Mr. Prentiss : - Sir, We understand, from good authority, that the examinations which have been made, under the directions of the committee of the county, conducted by Col. Joseph Barker, from the Ohio River, opposite this place, to Clarksburg, have proved highly satisfactory. Lieutenants Trimble and Barney. Engineers, are now on the waters of the Little Kanawha, from whence they will return to this place for the purpose of going upon the examination of the route from Cow Creek, by the north fork of Hughes River, to Arnold's Creekwhich puts into ]\Iiddle-Island River, from thence up the same to the waters of Ten-Mile Creek to the head of Turkey-Foot Fork, thence oa-er upon Limestone Creek down to Elk. at Clarksburg. They will also examine Middle" Island River, from its junction with the Ohio, until they intersect the route from Cow Creek to Clarksburg.

"We speak with confidence and advisedly, and say, the route from Tyger Valley River west, up from Grape Run to the head of Simpson's Creek, down to Bridgeport, thence to Elk Creek, down the same to West Fork to the mouth of Limestone Creek, up the same, thence down Ten-Mile Creek to the Forks, up Salem Fork to the dividing ridge at ]\Ioore's, down Middle-Island waters to the mouth of Arnold's

Creek, up the same to the Fork of Long Run. up the same o\-er to the waters of Hughes River, by the State House (Martin's), down the same to the mouth of Bear Run, up the same and over upon the waters of Cow Creek, thence down the same to the Ohio River, ten miles above the mouth of the JNIuskingum River, the grand artery of the State of Ohio; we say this is one of the best p(3ssible routes for the Rail Road, the distance is about onethird of the way from ^Marietta to Baltimore, is capable of receiving a more level road, and at less expense than the same distance from Baltimore west.

"Gentlemen in Clarksburg have endeavored to go about 12 miles south of that place with the road for Parkersburg, but failing, as we believe in finding as advantageous ground as was anticipated, have cast an eye from Tyger Valley River to ^Marietta, by Clarksburg - and this is called the new route."

Office of the Ohio and Baltimore Rai! Road Company. Aug. 25. 1S27. Voiir favor of the i.?th instant is received. I am highly gratified at the zealous interest you continue to manifest in the Rail Road, and have, on behalf of the Company, to thank you very sincerely, for the aid you and other citizens of your country have afforded to Lieut. Trimble in his examinattcns.

"On you, gentlemen, will soon devolve the duty to elect a man of ability and integrity to discharge the arduous duties of Senator in the Legislature of the State. At no previous period have subjects of as great local importance and deep interest been submitted to your consideration ; they are such as to affect the feelings and hopes of every man among you. The formation of a Rail Road from Baltimore to the river Ohio will fornr a new era in our commercial relations and pecuniary concerns; it will furnish a i-apid and safe conveyance of the goods of the merchant, and the ponderous productions of our soil - the mode will be safe, the trip short, - the market and returns certain; the effects will be to relieve us from pecuniary embarrassment, individually; give activity to a great dormant capital, and raise the value of a real property, of every description, in an eminent degree.

"Preparatory to the attainment of those great objects, a sacrifice must be made of some prejudices which arose from a difference of opinion on some political subjects; such, however, as might be expected to arise between men of strong intellectual powers and independent minds, on questions of difficult solution.

"Addressing those who have a perfect knowledge of the facts and considerations involved in this subject, it will not, at present, be necessary to enter into detail ; it might be deemed a trespass or anticipation of gentlemen whose special appointment may render it their peculiar duty, and who will, no doubt, in due time perform it; but a brief recapitulation of some facts, of general notoriety and observation, may not be improper on the present occasion.

"^Marietta occupies a site of inestimate value, when a fair estimate is formed of her local advantages- The Ohio River does not furnish inducements and advantages, to the Baltimore Rail Road Company, equal, in any other spot, to that opposite the mouth of the Great Muskingum; there the contemplated Rail Road will ultimately terminate, should w)e act with proper energy in developing the resources of the State, and furnish an unfailing communication with it by water. An immense quicksand bar, in the Ohio near the mouth of the Muskingum, renders the river Ohio almost impassable at that spot, at low water; below that bar there are no obstructions to the navigation by keel-boats, but such as can certainly and easily be obviated. Nature prescribes the spot, and the interests of the Rail Road Company will induce them to follow her dictates. The route through Virginia passing through or near Clarksburg is equal, perhaps superior, to any other which can be selected for the purpose. The contemplated improvement of the Muskingum, by mieans of dams and locks (until it will conxmunicate with the canal, which terminates at Cleveland, on Lake Erie), will furnish a vast number of mill seats, with a water power equal to any object, or any purpose; on which factories, flour-mills, iron works, fulling mills, oil and sawmills will be erected on an extensive scale, and can command an adequate supply of requisite materials. Iron, coal and salt, nature has bestowed to us with munificent prodigality; we raise immense quantities of wool; the Mississippi will convey, in peace or war, inexhaustible supplies of cotton, at reduced prices, to the Muskingum factories ; and there is no risk in asserting that the great ^Muskingum, in conjunction with the contemplated Rail Road, will become the emporium of this State, for wcal'.h, manufactures, and commerce. The Ohio Canal will convey, on its bosom, into liic Muski'igum, all the richest and most portable productions oi the interior of our State. The passage from Cleveland to Detroit is short, and with a little enterprise a great part of the fur trade wouh' find its way to the Baltimore market through her channel. During the last session of our Legislature an endeavor was made, by Mr . William R. Putnam, to obtain an appropriation to discharge the expenses of a regular topographical survey of the Muskingum Valley, as a measure preparatory to obtain and to render it navigable: in which, after arduous efforts, he was partially successful. After the survey is completed, the report cannot fail of proving conclusively favorable; but to attain those objects, requires ability and knowledge, not only of this subject, but every other connected with it, and persevering exertion. The ability of Mr. Putnam is well known, his devotion to the accomplishment of this great object ascertained, his interest, the interest of his family and his friends are completely identified with yours. Superadded to those considerations, one more and that of no common weight, presents itself : There is, at the present day, no other man on whom the public voice will unite, in our county, to give a certainty of being elected. By electing Mr. Putnam, we shall have two members from this county to represent our interests, a

Senator and Representative; otherwise we shall have but one. And, gentlemen, consider that on this great and important measure, conflicting interests will interpose ; the opposition may be powerful, and if not met adequately, we may lose the great advantages which the God of nature designed for this section of the State. Union is necessary to success, and therefore we ought at this time to unite in favor of Mr. William Rufus Putnam as our Senator."

"There is plenty of room yet left for Marietta to become 'an important city.' We have in view the 'improvement of the navigation of the ]\Iuskingum,' which when completed will be equal if not superior to any canal; an act for which was passed at the last session of the Legislature, and no doubt is entertained, if the money market will permit, that the stock would be immediately taken up, when the books are open for subscription.

"We have in view the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road, the termination of which, the commanding situation of this point, induces us to believe will influence its location in our vicinty ; and we have as handsome situation for a town as any in the West. When these great w-orks are completed, and the time is not far distant - this place will vie with almost any other, in importance - bustle of business - and commanding attitude."

Health Of Marietta

"We have not in any season known it more healthy then the present. No case of fever, that had originated in town, exists within our knowledge, and but few are down with any disease. An erroneous opinion has gone forth in the world that 'Marietta is a sickly place' - this ought to be contradicted, and the distant public correctly informed. Our residence here has been of sufficient length to confirm us in the knowledge of its general health, and we declare it. In the course of thirty years we have been visited by three sickly seasons, and that is all - 1S07-22 and 23 - and then we were not more afflicted than the Western Country generally. Our citizens think themselves highly favored in their location as to health, and are not willing to exchange it for any other on that account."

"The public are hereby infoniied that a New Road is now opened and ready for traveling from Zanesville to Marietta, by way of !McConnelsville.

"Directions. - Persons traveling from Mar" ietta on this road will proceed direct to Waterford Landing ; thence up the river and cross Olive, Green and Meigs Creeks at or near their mouths, one fourth of a mile above the lastnamed creek, take the right hand road up the hill ; then follow the ridge to McConnelsville. Those traveling from Zanesville will keep down the river about 13 miles, then the road rises upon the ridge (be careful to keep the road that is most on top the ridge) ; then the plainest road to McConnelsville.

Silk Culture

"We have had deposited with us, as a sample, a couple of skeins of sewing silk, raised and manufactured last summer by Mr. J. Dexter of this place. From the appearance of this silk, as far as our knowledge extends, we do not hesitate to announce it of a superior quality to that of imported silk, and would recommend to those who are desirous of introducing the manufacture oi the article, to call and examine it.

ed with the manner of raising the worm and keeping them in a heaUhy state, and is making preparations, by raising mnlberry trees, &c.. to carry the business on more extensively. It is ascertained, satisfactorily, that our climate is suited to the nature of the silk worm, and white mulberry, - the latter is a native of our soil and grows vigorously. It is hoped that more of the citizens of our county will take the subject into consideration. We believe the time is not far distant when it will become a souTse of great profit to those who embark in it, and a vast saving to the public, by retaining the money in the country that would lie sent to foreign countries to purchase the article."

"Since we published our last sheet, we have called upon Mr. Dexter whom, as we have before informed the public, intends going into the silk raising business as fast as the growth of the white mulberry tree will permit. We found him engaged in feeding about 70.000 worms, which were all he could conveniently obtain leaves for the present season. He has. however, made arrangements, and has a great number of mulberry trees set out. for the purpose of increasing the number of worms another season to 150 or 200.000. The experience had already confirms us in the opinion that our soil and climate are congenial to the growth and health of the silk worm, and we believe the time is not far distant when silk will be a principal article of export from this section of country. We are much gratified to be informed that a few other persons in our vicinity have taken the subject into consideration, and are trying the silk worms the present season - for the purpose of acquiring a knowledge of the nature of them, and the mode of treatment and care that will be required to rear them profitably in large numbers. An opportunity is now presented, through the experience of Mr. Dexter, for our citizens to acquire the information, to whom he is ready and willing to give any assistance, gratuitously, they mav require : and it is hoped they will not be backward in calling upon him while his multitude are at work (say two weeks) and inform themselves by seeing as well as hearing.

"As a filature is about being established at Baltimore for the purpose of manufacturing silk - there will always be a ready market, in cash, for all the cocoons that can be produced ; - we hope this will be an inducement, for those who are in any wise skeptical on the subject, to take hold of the business at once, and, within our borders, create a source of revenue that will be profitable and easily attained." ill-dressed and shattily armed militia of Ohio

The German Immigration

After having arrived at Buffalo, we embarked on the lake, passed on to Cleveland, and thence on the canal, on which the beloved Garfield subsequently gained the sobriquet of "Tow Boy," we continued our journey to Zanes\'ille, Olhio. We reached Zanesville on an old-fashioned training day. Those of you who remember what an old-style training day was. especially in the new and undeveloped condition of society and of government in the West, will at once understand what that meant, and the striking contrast such an exhibition presented to the eyes of those who had lived on the borders of France, a region that had been dominated at that time for nearly half a century by the military spirit and discipline which the First Napoleon had evoked, and which at that period was still dominant all over Europe. I remember well the amusement which the array of soldiers, dressed in every conceivable variety of uniform, afforded, armed with cornstalks and broom handles, and other equally dangerous weapons of war, who went through the evolutions of drilling, directed by the gallant captains of that period of frontier life!

In those peaceful times my father might well laugh - when he contrasted these uncouth, ill-dressed and shabbil)- armed militia of Ohio with the French and German soldiers of the regular army, whom he had seen at an earlier day in the Fatherland! But had he lived to our times, he would ha\-e been taught the eloquent and patriotic lesson which doubtless some of these very cornstalk and broomstick heroes, or their immediate descendants, taught the world in that great contest evoked by our Civil War through which we have lived, and which gave to the world the names of such men - once doubtless crude and 3-outhful American pioneers - as Farragut, Garfield, Hayes. Sherman, Grant and some in our very presence here tonight, wivy might not inappropriately be named, men who now fill as important a place in the history of the world, as Napoleon, and Wellington and Nelson, and the able world-famed generals, whom' tlicy commanded during the great continental upheaval that smote the nations of Europe at the close of the last and during the beginning of the present century!

From Zanesville we made our way down the quiet, yet beautiful Muskingum - to W'ashington County and finally to Marietta, our point of destination, in a flatboat, the only method of navigation then possible on this river, which as yet had been untouched by State aid. by the constructions of dams, and the slack-water system which in a few years thereafter was secured in its behalf, and which has made it since then a somewhat more important waterway of the State. Isaac Humphreys, of Point Harmar. a Democrat of the olden school, was elected to the State Legislature in 1835. served in the House for two terms, and in the Senate for two terms more, secured the appropriation by which this improvement was made, and the means of slackwater navigation were secured iov this stream. The improvement. I well remember, was in progress in 1838. and it is a fact worth mentioning here that during this year, and perhaps for a year or more thereafter, John Sherman, as a, young civil engineer, spent much of his time in Washington County, while engaged in that capacity upon this improvement.

In recalling these early days, I am reminded of the wonderful transformation that these fifty or more years have wrought upon the natural scenery - how the tide of immigration that came in and possessed the land, has since then shorn the hi,lls of their forest trees, how the climate, as well as the atmospheric conditions, have been transformed thereby. How much more frequent inundations have since then become, and how great floods often sweep over Western valleys, and not infrequently carry death and destruction on an extensive scale before them. How the denudation of the forests is hastening the time when much of our country will be stricken with poverty for building material and fuel, as the older countries in Europe have been stricken for centuries. In driving a few years ago. from Marietta to Watertown. a distance of- some twelve or thirteen miles, to visit a relative, over a road I had traversed again and again forty odd years before, and with which I had become perfectly familiar, I lost my way, because the forest trees had everywhere been cut down, and I had to make inquiries in order to put myself on the right road to reach my point of destination. This suggested to me the wonderful change which the settlement of the country had made and was making, and the hard exactions which civilization seems to demand. I