Washington County, Ohio - Chapter 9: Economics and Social Progress. 1788 1830, 1902 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 9: Economics and Social Progress. 1788 1830

Mills - Clothing - Salt - Boat-Buildixg - Marietta in 1809 - Imports from the East - Steam Mill - Indians - Trade Stimulated by the War of 18 12 - Withdrawal OF Specie to the East - Hard Times - Search for Silver - The Scotch Immigration - Change of Method in Taxing Land - Improvements - Temperance Movement - A Change in the Population of the County - Humane Society - Agricultural Society - Grand Circus Hunt - Wool and Wolves - Phenomena - General La Fayette - Steamboat Building - The First Steamboat up the Muskingum - Navigation of the Muskingum - Navigation of the Ohio - The Town IN 1826 - Marketing - Ministerial Lands - Washington County Agricultural Society - Marietta Fair - Railroad to Ohio - Baltimore and Ohio Railroad - Health of Marietta - Silk Culture - The German Immigration.

The isolated position of the pioneers soon taught them to depend upon their own labors for almost every form of food, shelter and clothing. For meat they depended principally upon the game to be found in the forest, the supply often proving very scant. The streams were more plentifully stocked with fish. The only grain they could raise in considerable quantities before 1796 was Indian corn.

Th_e grinding of corn in a hand mill was so laborious that the citizens of Belpre began to look for a site for a water-mill. They found one, which appeared suitable, on the Little Hocking a mile and a half from the Ohio and here Griffin Greene and Robert Bradford employed the millwrights Baldwin and Applegate to construct a dam and a mill. The work was interrupted by the Indian war, but in 1791 Capt. Jonathan Devol. with the advice and assistance of Griffin Greene, erected a floating mill which consisted of two boats fastened near each other, side by side, with a waterwheel between them which was turned by the current of the ri\-er. Thus power was secured for putting in motion the mill which stood in the larger of the two boats. It is said that from one to two bushels of corn could be ground every hour after the boats had been anchored in the channel between Farmers' Castle and what is now called Blennerhassett's Island.

A mill of similar construction was built for the use of the settlers at the Campus Martins in the time of the Indian war but the current of the Muskingum was hardly sufficient even when the boats were taken to a riffle alio\e the fort. For a time they depended on hand mills, when they could not spare a large party to take the corn to the Wo\i Creek ]\lills. As for. wheat, no considerable amount was raised before 1796.

While the settlers at Plainfield (afterward Water ford, now Beverly) were planting and building, Col. Robert Oliver, Maj. Haffield White, and Capt. John Dodge, began to erect a water mill on Wolf Creek about a mile from its mouth, thus with wise forethought providing a very important utility for the second association which had moved out from the main colony. This mill was so necessary to the settlers that even in the time of the Indian war armed parties would go to the mill, and while one party would grind the corn the others would stand guard against the enemy.

Clothing

For clothing, they early learned to make use of deerskins, which, when well dressed, proved comfortable and durable. Flax was raised almost from the first and this the housewives of that day knew how- to spin and weave. Even a little cotton was raised for clothing but the summers proved too short for its successful cultivation. Soon the few sheep that had been brought over the mountains increased into little flocks. The wool was carded, spun, and woven at the homes for a number of years until woolen mills could be built at the streams. In the second decade of the last century these had sprung up at different places in the county as will be seen by those who look over the list of advertisements found in the succeeding chapter. As early as 1791 a tannery was erected by Col. Ichabod Nye, on the Plain some distance northward from the Campus Martins.

Salt

In 1794 the scarcity of salt prompted Griffin Greene, Ro^bert Bradford and Joel Oaks to start out from Farmers' Castle under the guidance of Peter Anderson, John Coleman, and Joshua Dewey, in quest of a salt spring which was said to be on the waters of the Scioto. They found such a spring about 25 miles from where Chillicothe now stands, and saw abundant evidence that it had often been visited by the Indians. A rumor about the existence of this spring had caused the Ohio Company to pass the following resolution to prevent the formation of a salt trust :

Resolved, That this sixth divisiion of land to the proprietors is made upon the express loondition and reserve, that every salt spring now known, or what shall hereafter be found within the lands that shall fall to the lot of any proprietor, they be and are hereby reserved to the use of the company, with such quantity of land about them_ as the agents and proprietors shall think proper to assume for general purposes, not exceeding three thousand acres ; the person on whose land they are found, to receive other lands of equal value.

Later surveys proved that this spring was not within the Ohio Company Purchase, but the settlers found another supply not far from Duncan's Falls, as noted in another chapter.

Boat-Building

One industry, boat-building in one form or another, begun with the settlement, has continued until the present time, and although there have been seasons of depression, is now a prosperous business. The progress of this industry is described by Maj. Jervis Cutler, one of the 48 pioneers, in a book published in Boston in 1 81 2, but probably written by him in 1809 or 1810.

The town of Marietta, situated at the confluence of the Muskingum with the Ohio, has greatly increased in population and wealth. Before the settlement commenced, the ground on the eastern side of the jNIuskingum was laid out in the form of a city, containing one thous- and lots of 90 feet front and 180 feet rear. The squares were oblong, separated by spacious streets, which intersect at right angles. A large square was reserved for a market, and several others, in dififerent parts of the city, for public uses, or pleasure ground. There are now, on the city ground, more than one hundred houses, and about one sixth part are built with brick and stone. Many of the houses are large and built in a handsome style. The form in which the town is built adds much to its elegance, and the gentle rising of the city ground back from the Ohio affords an extended and delightful prospect of the rivers and distant hills, which is greatly heightened and enlivened by the shipping and various kinds of water craft floating on the streams. A part of the town is built on the opposite side of the Muskingum, and the houses not inferior in elegance to those on the city ground.

Marietta is the seat of justice for the county of \\'ashington, and has a Court House and Jail. There are two religious societies ; the largest is Congregational, who have erected a handsome meeting house. It has an academy, which is also improved as a house for public worship.

Within the area of the ground laid out for a city, at the northeast part of it, are a number of the ancient works so frequently found in the Western Country. They consist principally of two large oblong squares and an elevated mound, in the form of a cone. The largest square contains forty acres, and the smallest, twenty. They are enclosed by walls or ramparts of earth, without any ditches, from six to ten feet in height, and about thirty feet in breadth at the base, with twelve openings, or gateways, at regular distances from each other. From one Oif the angles of the largest square nearest the Muskingum, is the appearance of the walls of a covert way, leading towards the river. The highest part of the remains of these walls is twenty-one feet, and fortv feet in breadth at the base. The mound of earth, in form of a sugar-loaf, is thirty feet in height, and the base 115 feet in diameter. It is situated at a little distance from the smallest square. These works are included in public squares and have been carefully preserved; but a small opening has been made in the conic mound and found to contain human bones. Although these ancient works fill the beholder with astonishment, others have been discovered of far greater magnitude. On a branch of the Muskingum, about ninety miles from Marietta, there are these ancient works extending about two miles in length, and the ramparts and mounds of a much greater height than those found here. \'estiges of ancient works of different forms and sizes, and at small distances, are to be found over the whole State, and in manv nther parts uf the Western Country.

Marietta is fax'orablv situated for commerce and manufactories. The depth and gentle motion of the water, in the mouth of the Muskingum, and the cheapness of excellent ship timber render this one of the best places for ship-building on the Ohio river. A number of large ships and brigs were built in a short time, and the employment was rapidly progressing until a stop was put to it by the embargo. Thre$ rope-walks, of nearly a thousand feet in length, were erected, and the numerous mechanic branches, connected with the highly important employment of ship-building, were established. The Muskingum (which means, in the Indian language, "Elk's Eye") is of immense importance to this town. The current is moderate, rarely overflowing its banks, and may be navigated with keel-boats and other craft, during the summer as far as Zanes\-ille, sixty nnles from M'arietta. There are falls, but liapjiily formed for erecting water works of every description. Above the falls the river is again navigable, not only in the main stream, but in many of the numerous branches which meander through a rich and level country in their way to the river. The largest branch is the Tuskarawa, which, with only a portage of seven miles and a half, communicates with the Cuyahoga River, emptying into Lake Erie. The immense quantity of produce which this fertile tract of country' is capable of yielding for the market, and the easy transportation, cannot fail of rendering Marietta a convenient place of sale or deposit, from whence, by ships built here, it may be sent abroad. Materials for many different manufactories may be procured here with so much facility, and from the well known spirit of industry and enterprise prevailing among the l^eople, there can be no doul)t of their establishment in process of time. A bank was established here in 1807. with a deposit of 100,000 dollars, from which essential benefits have been derived. There is a post office, two printing offices, and two weekly papers.

Ascending the Muskingum from Marietta at the distance of five miles, is Captain Devol's shipyard, where a number of large \-essels have been built, and one of them of more than two hundred tons. The workmanship and 'timber of these vessels are said not to be iniferior to any that have been built in the United States. Their frames were black walnut, which is said to be as durable as the live oak and is much lighter. The plank of these vessels are said to be of an unusual length and firmness. The forests here abound with the best timber, such as white oak, black walnut and locust, and the prodigious height and size of the trees admit of the selection of any dimensions which can be wanted. Excellent masts of yellow pine are easily procured. Iron ore is found, in places, in almost every part of the State and a sufficiency of bar iron can be obtained without difficulty. But the want of a greater number of furnaces and forges keeps up the price higher than it otherwise would be. As much tar as can be wanted is brought down the Allegheny River. The people can with ease, raise as much hemp and flax as would be sufficient to supply the whole of the United States.

The lands on the Muskingum above Marietta are rich, thickly settled and well cultivated. At a distance of twelve miles is the town of Adams, and twenty-three miles, by water, is the town of Waterford, within the purchase of the Ohio Company. At a small distance above this purchase, the bottom lands are narrow, and the hills are many of them steep, tufted with pine, for about thirty miles. They then begin to recede from the river, and bottoms increase in width to Zanesville; at the distance of a few miles west of the river the face of the country is swelling hills, with a rich soil, and the growth principally beech and oak.

The hills on this river abound with coal, and much of it of an excellent ciuality. It is said a vein of coal has been found crossing the bed of the river, remarkable for its purity. The pieces of the coal have the appearance of \arnish, somewhat resembling japan, and when laid on the fire, a kind of fusion is produced, which continues until it is consumed by evaporation, with out disagreeable smell, and deposits scarcely any cinder or ashes. Coal has been sold at Marietta at about three cents the bushel, and is much used by the inhabitants for fuel, in preference to wood, when wood can be purchased at one dollar per cord.

Descending the Ohio, at the distance of ten miles below Marietta, is Zelpre. This beautiful village is several miles in length, extending to the Little Hockhocking Ri\-er. The people are principally farmers. The good management and excellent culture of their farms ha\'e been' much admired. An early attention is paid to raising different kinds of fruit trees. Orchards of apple trees of large extent have been planted, which are now becoming extremely productive. The fruit is of \arious kinds and of the best flavour. Prodigious quantities of cider are made, and when the fruit is properly collected and carefully made, the liquor is of the first quality. They have likewise large peach orchards for making peach brandy. In this part of the State apple trees and all garden fruit trees thrive surprisingly, and the flavour and size of the fruit are considered superior to that of the Atlantic States. The gardens yield all the culinary plants in high perfection. The various sorts of melons are delicious and grow to a large size.

Opposite to Belpre is the beautiful island owned by Mr. Blennerhassett. The name of this unfortunate man, whom Colonel Burr by his artifices seduced to engage in his nefarious schemes, is well known. This may render some description of this beautiful seat the more interesting. The following was written. by a gentleman, on a tour from Philadelphia, and published in the Ohio Navigator. -

"Blennerhassett's Island. - On ascending the bank from the landing (a cjuarter of a mile below the eastern end), we entered at a handsome double gate, with hewn stone square pilasters, a gravel walk, which led us about one hundred and fifty paces h, ihc house, with a meadow on the left, and a shrubbery on the right, separated by a low hedge uif privy-sally, through which innumerable columbines and various other hardy flowers were displaying .themselves to the sun. The house is built of wood, and occupies a square of about fifty-four feet each side, is two stories high, and in just proportion ; it is connected with two wings, by a semi-circular portico, or corridor, running from each front corner. T-lie shrubbery well stocked with flowering shrubs, and all the variety of evergreens natural to the climate, as well as several exotics, surrdund the garden, and has gravel walks, laljyrinth fashion, winding through it. The garden is not large, but seems to have had every delicacy of fruit, vegetable and flower, which this fine climate and luxurious soil produces. In short, Blennerhassett's Island is a most charming retreat for any man of fortune fond of retirement, and it is a situation perhaps not exceeded for beauty in the world. It wants, however, the variety of mountain, precipice, cataract, distant prospect, and so forth, which constitute the grand and sublime."

From Belpre to the Great Hockhocking the country is vuieven, and some high hills near the Ohio, but the soil is generally good and the growth is large. Excellent farms are made back from the Ohio on both the Hockhockings, and on their branches where there are large bottoms, and rich swelling hills.

Oin the Great Hockhocking, thirty miles from the Ohio, are the two college townships granted by Congress to the Ohio Company for the endowment of a university. Athens, one of these townships, is beautifully situated on a bend of the river, commanding an extensive prospect. The settlements commenced in 1797. The town is laid out in regular form; the never-failing springs of excellent water are numerous ; and the soil extremely rich and fertile. The number of families in the town is supposed to be about one hundred. An act incorporating the university was granted in 180 1. A building has been erected for the instruction of youth, who are at present under the care of a perceptor. The bottom lands on this river are more extensive and of a better quality than those on the Muskingum.

After all these efi^orts to make this little community a self-supporting economic unit, there yet remained numerous articles of prime necessity to a community such as that about the ]\Iuskingum, utterly unattainable except by importation from the East. Books were indispensable to a colony from New England; glass, iron and steel in various forms were also necessary ; all these must be brought in wagons over the mountains from Philadelphia to Pittsburg and down the Ohio in keel-boats, or from Baltimore by the way of Winchester in Virginia. A little later the most important thoroughfare was the National Road from Cumberland, Maryland, to Wheeling.

In payment for these commodities the pioneers could send to the East furs and ginseng from the forest, and to New Orleans or the West Indies corn, pork, potatoes, lumber and flour. The traces of this Southern trade were seen in the Spanish coins which were abundant in this country until 1859-6O'. These coins stamped with two pillars, supposed to be the origin of our conventional dollar mark ($), included not only halves and quarters, but also eighths and even sixteenths of a dollar. These last two coins, called respectively the "levy" and the '"fip," were often used as the measure of prices. Hence in the old-time price lists such rates as 6>4 cents, 12I/I, 18^, 3i>4, etc., were very common. Congress at last got rid of these coins in the years just before the Civil War bv "demonetizing" them, or rather, by making them a legal tender for less than their bullion value. For example, the quarter, which from long wear had lost weight, had an average value of about 2t, cents. They were a legal tender for but 20. As a result of this legislation, the Spanish coins were sent to the mint for re-coinage.

So persistent, however, is the force of habit that our grocers still make use of 12^/2 cents as a favorite price, but in practice the buyer usually finds that it means 13.

The products for New Orleans were usually floated down the river in flat-boats which were sold as well as their cargoes. At least two gttierations of boys in this county used to look forward with eagerness to the time when they would be large enough to go "down the river" on a flatboat. At first the return trip was a long and dangerous one overland through Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky, but a little later they could come on a steamboat.

Steam Mill

It was not alone in ship and boat-building that the pioneers showed enterprise. A steam mill was erected in 181 1 and began work early in 1812; apparently the first mill of the kind in this part of Ohio. The following account of this work is given in the American Spectator:

Marietta, December 14, 181 1. - "We are happy to announce that the building of the Steam Mill Company has been completed, and that the engine, having been put in motion on the evening of Saturday last, was found to operate fully to the satisfactioin of the engineers and proprietors. The millstones are not as yet received and some apparatus is yet to be prepared, but we believe the mill is expected to be in operation at no very distant day.

'On Tuesday, the 7th instant, the steam mill was put in operation for the first time, and its success met the most sanguine expectations of the proprietors. It was built by William Green, of Zanesville, and is universally allowed, by good judges, to be far superior in workmanship to the one at Pittsburg. There is as yet but one pair of stones in operation, which were taken from the banks of Raccoon Creek, in this State. They will grind a bushel of grain in three minutes. It is said that steam mills of similar construction will be erected the ensuing summer in the towns of Steubenville, St. Clairsville and Cincinnati."

What kind of tracks through the woods were dignified with the name of roads may be conjectured from the following letter to General Putnam, giving directions for opening one, which was, perhaps, among the best of its day :

.\s you have taken the pains cf having the road from Marietta to St. Clairsville surveyed, I will thank you to contract with the lowest bidder for opening the same, and making it passable for a wagon, iprovided that the price shall not exceed five dollars per mile. The amount of that contract and the account of the surveyor, being bom certified by you, will be discharged by the Register of the Land Office at Steubenville, who has received instructions on the subject.

Marietta, December 14, 181 1. - "Some people of our city have taken no small alarm on account of a number of Shawnee Indians hunting in this vicinity, some of whom were in town yesterday. As they have with them their squaws and papooses, we believe there is no cause of apprehension on their account. When asked why they do not go and fight with the Prophet they answered, 'Toh! he bad man.' A considerable number of them are hunting within 60 or 70 miles of this place."

tured in 1790 near Belleville, Virginia, and brought back to ^Marietta by Colonel Meigs in 1796. The}' were directed to Josqih Kelly, who then lived in the house which is now No. 419 Second street, and were delighted to find their old playmate "Lalaque," as they adied him.

The uneasiness was increased after Hull's unaccountable surrender of the forces at Detroit ; but this was soon quieted by the achievements of Commodore Perry and General Harrison, who drove the enemy from our borders.

The war furnished a ready market for all our surplus products, not only flour, meal, pork and beef, were purchased at good prices but even home-made blankets, if not much worn, were readily purchased for the soldiers and paid for in cash. At that time the wool of the newly imported Merino sheep was worth $1 a pound. The inevitable result followed, - extravagance and a desire for articles brought from the East. There was a rapid increase in the number of banks and in the volume of their circulation. Indeed at this time the popular idea of a bank was not an institution for the collection and distribution of credit, but a device for manufacturing what was called money.

Withdrawal Of Specie To The East

At the close of the war, when our products no longer found a iready purchaser at home at high prices, our people continued to import large quantities of goods from the

East and the natural result followed : an unfavorable balance of trade. At first people wondered why so many wagon loads of specie were hauled eastward from this part of Ohio. In fact, the banks were transferring their specie resen-es to pay the debts which the people themselves had' contracted, for goods in the East. At last a day of reckoning came; the paper of \\'estern banks, received for a while at a heavy discount, was finally refused altogether in payment for goods purchased in the East. The bills of Western banks were all sent back and Eastern exchange could be purchased only at exorbitant premiums.

In 1816 the evils arising from importing more than we exported was evident in this condition of exchange. Specie or bills which would pass east of the Alleghanies sold at 10 per cent, premium over the bills of local banks. To remove this evil, an effort was made to organize the Commercial & Exporting Company oif Marietta, with 2,000 shares of $50 each, fo'ur-fifths of each share to be paid for in produce. Little seems to ha\'e been acci.niplished by the attempt although very good men were appointed to solicit subscriptions to the stock - Daniel H. Buell, Sardine Stone, Benjamin Dawes, Asa Cheadle, William Ford, Jr., Cornelius Houghland, Ephraim Cutler, William Browning, Daniel G. Stanley, William Dana, and Henry Jolly.

The irredeemable paper currency would not be taken in the Eastern cities. The factories at home were willing to take either Ohio bank notes or produce. If all kinds of factories had been here the circle of trade would have been complete and the paper money would have answered every purpose. But there were many articles, such as cutlery, finer fabrics, china and glassware which could not be purchased in Ohio and for these our fathers were not sending enough products over the mountains, or down the river.

"Agricola,"' in the American Friend for July 19, 1816, notes the fact that a large quantity of gold and silver had recently left this place for Philadelphia and that it would never return because the people of this county were not exporting surplus products; that nothing but unchartered bank paper would remain here. The specie which had come here to pay the soldiers and buy provisions for the war had been sent eastward to adjust the trade balances and then came - a crash.

Hard Times

The Aiiicricaii Friend (June, 1819) said: "Take the present times all in all, and they are truly alarming. ***** Xhis we know, let luxury and extravagance be laid aside and a true system of industry and economy be pursued, and it will operate most powerfully against the hard times."

This year and the next a list of banks whose notes were recived at par in Marietta was published, and there were many changes in the list from week to week.

Late in the summer of 1819 a meeting of merchants was held in Marietta when it was resolved that notes of the Cincinnati banks, of the Lebanon and Miami Banking Company, of the L'rbana Banking Company, of the Dayton Manufacturing Company, -and of the Zanesville Canal & Manufacturing Company should only be received at 15 per cent, discount, and the Farmers' Mechanics" & Manufacturers' Bank of Chillicothe at 25 per cent, discount. In January of that year the Legislature of Ohio had passed a law making it a misdemeanor punishable with a fine of $500 to "receive in payment any bank note for a less amount than the sum expressed to be due in the body thereof," but the law seemed to have no terrors. Perhaps the merchants thought that if a fine were imposed they could pay it in some of the legally protected bank paper which would not cost them much, but which the officers of the State must take at their face value.

These are the farmers, all poor and forlorn, That sold to the Traders, all shaven and shorn, The Beef and the Butter, the Pork and the Corn, That was bought with the Rags, all tattered and torn. That was issued as money, noon, evening and morn, By the cunning Directors that manage the men That own the Bank that Jack built.

The confusion in currency and the lack of legal tender money compelled people to resort to barter. In October, 182a, a committee consisting ui Rev. Samuel P. Robbins, David Putnam, William R. Putnam, William Slocomb and Augustus Stone, was soliciting help for a mission among the Choctaws. A boat of 40 tons burthen was to be sent with the contributions, and the committee had this to say to their benevolent fellow citizens: "During the present state of pecuniary embarrassment, mioney is not particularly solicited, further than to answer the purpose of transportation; but a portion of the common products of our soil, which the God of blessings has so bountifully bestowed.' '

.\ninng the commodities niientioned by the Aiuciican Friend as receivable in payment of subscriptions in 1819-20-21 were: Pork, flour, cornmeal, oats, tallow, country linen, lard, wood, maple sugar, city orders, bacon, geese feathers, wool, leather, flax, wool cloth, firewood and deer skins.

"it is useless, at present, to enter upon an explanation of all the causes which have led a happy and flourishing people into a state nearly allied to general bankruptcy.

"Many of the members of the Legislature must duly reflect that much of the present general pressure has originated with them: they chartered bank after bank without providing for the redemption of the bank paper. When charters alone would no longer give confidence, they assimilated the honor of the State with these banks, by making it become a stockholder therein. Their measures gave currency to this spurious paper. It gave a fictitious rise to property, activity to honest enterprise, and furnished unbouneled means for fraudulent speculation, of a species which it ought to be deemed a misnomer to call else but barefaced swindling. All at once this fictitious capital was forcibly drawn from circulation, owing to the numerous frauds to which its issue gave rise - and the fictitious impulse which it gave ceased with its circulation."

In 1820-21 there was a strange condition of public sentiment with reference to the appraisement of propert}' seized for debt. It frequently happened that such articles would be appraised at two or three times the highest price they had ever maintained in the open market. Of course the goods thus estimated at a fictitious value could not be sold even at one half the appraisement, and the creditor was helpless.

Many persons at this time advocated the abolition of all legal process for the collection O'f debts, so tliat the honesty of the debtor might be the only security.

In 1S22-23, as a result of the "sickly seasons," some inhabitants of this county sought new homes in the higher land far from the river. It was urged by some persuns that an artificial route should be made to an Eastern market, the better to escape the danger of infection from New Orleans.

About this time the Muskingum Mining Company made an expensive search after silver by sinking a shaft near Chandlersville. Some of the best men of Marietta and Zanesville were engaged in the enterprise. It is easy to ridicule the experiment after the result is known, but if we examine the evidence presented at the time they began the work, we must confess that there was a reasonable prospect of success and that in making the investigation they showed a commendalile public spirit.

There was still public land to be obtained within the county, 1,440 acres being sold in the first half of the year 1822, and large tracts owned by the members of the Ohio Company or their assignees, were still unoccupied. The year 1823 is marked by the arrival of many emigrants directly from Scotland - a valuable addition to our population.

"I have had all my lands laid off in a book' in parts of 50, 80, 100 or 1,000 acres, and in the bond which I give them I stipulate that if they do not find the tract as I have described it in the bond, that I will refund the money, on their arrival on the land, and the bond shall be void. I have none but very decent men going out."

We can readily believe that Mr. Ward's opinion of the men he was sending hither from Scotland was correct, for they have left many worthy descendants in our county. The arrival of the first party at their new home is mentioned in June, 1823, and in November, George Richardson, \Villiam McKay, George Duncan, Archibald Fisher and Daniel Nichol report themselves well pleased with the land they have purchased.

After 1821 partial relief came to the distressed farmers through an increased demand for our products at good prices, but the confusion in currency occasioned by the multiplicity of local banks continued to annoy the commercial world until 1863. To the credit of the banks of Marietta, it must be said, that they weathered the storms better than those of some other towns.

It is interesting to note that for more ban 20 years there was discussion in favor of an improvement in the navigation of the Muskingum. As early as 1819 such improvement was advocated. In 1824 the steamboat "Rufus Putnam," went in a time of freshet to Zanesville and returned in safety, thus showing the power of a steamboat to stem the cur- rent of the Muskingum even when it was at the highest. The officers and passengers were received with great honor at Zanesville and hopes were entertained that soon the river might, by a system of dams, be made navigable -at all seasons of the year. But this hope was not realized until 1841.

Change In Method Of Taxing Land

In 1825 the unfair system of taxing land by the acre, rather than by its commercial value, a system especially hard upon the owners hill land, in Washington County, >vas changed to our present system of levying taxes upon the assessed valuation. For this change we are especially indebted to the earnest labors of our Rej)resentative, Ephraim Cutler. It might be supposed that much of this land was held for speculative purposes but such was not the case. In fact the greater part of the fertile bottom lands had been given to actual settlers as described by Colonel Barker.

These donation lands were given in lots of 100 acres to actual settlers whether members of the Ohio Company or not. This movement to encourage settlement and preserve this part of Ohio for the Union was begun by the free action of the Ohio Company and afterward continued by Congress. The result was beneficial to the country but it left to those officers and soldiers, who had invested the earnings of eight years of hard militan' service, a few acres of land about Marietta, and the uncleared and unoccupied land of the hills.

For a long time the tide of immigration passed this land, and settled on the alluvial plains of the Scioto and Miami. After 1823 a new and hardy race of farmers began to take possession o'f these hills and transformed the lair of wolves and panthers to beautiful farms, bearing abundant crops. In 1825 tobacco became a paying crop and there was much attention paid to new varieties and improved quality of seed. Another attempt was made to form an agricultural society; President Joseph Barker announced that the county fair would be held near the Court House on the third Wednesday of October, 1826, and that pens would be provided for the stock which might be brought. At this period the Belpre cheese was as well known along tlie river, as the Western Reserve and the New York Cream have been in later times.

Th advertisements which appeared from time to time fixed approximately the date of the first appearance of many of the improvements and luxuries which soon came to be regarded as necessities.

Iron plows, a great improvement on the wooden mould-boards, were advertised in 1827. A baker, who had been plying his trade before 1825, advertised his wares in that year and in 1827 informed his friends that he had ice for sale in the month of June. In 1828 appeared the first notice of a "theater" at McFarland's Hall. The play announced is the comedy of "Paul Pry."

We have said that it took 20 years of agitation to secure an improvement of navigation on the Muskingum. It took more than 30 years of earnest work on the part of the citizens of this county to secure a railroad, connecting us with the East. As early as 1827, even before a rail had been laid at Baltimore, our citizens were awake to their interests and were striving to convince the officers of the projected railroad that it was best to have the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad strike the Ohio near Marietta.

In 1827. t«'o of our merchants, Augustus Stone and Dudley Woodbridge, were offering to sell goods at wholesale as well as retail, thus showing the increase in the number of country stores.

In 1829 a new foundry appeared, at first on the west side under the management of a skilled workman from Steu1>en\"ille. The next year A. T. Nye assumed control of the business, and it has been continued under the direction of his sons and grandsons to the present day.

runaway slave appeared in the Marietta papers, but no other had appeared since i8j6. In the next decade one more advertisement of that kind was pubhshed.

In 1829 there was a movement for the erection of a free bridge over Duck Creek, but this reform, which we now consider so necessary to our commercial progress, was delayed almost 40 years.

In the period between 1825-30 the strife between religious bodies grew unusually bitter and the controversialists eagerly sought the columns of our weekly papers and taxed the patience of the editors if not the readers.

It is evident from many letters and communications that the Masonic body occupied 3 very prominent position throughout the first 40 years of our history, being almost the only society, beside the churches. Apparently the discipline of this society was strict ; the names of members expelled were advertised in a way which public sentiment would hardly tolerate today.

Temperance Movement

Until about 1830 such strong drinks as whiskey, apple brandy, and peach brandy, were as freely advertised as any other commodity. They were freely received in payment for delits or for goods. The hospitality of the settler would have been considered scant of the guest were not ofifered some form of spirituous liquors and the best merchants thought it proper to treat their customers at the close of a trade. But in 1830 the whole community had been awakened to a sense of the evils resulting from intemperance and societies sprang up in different parts of the county to repress its inroads upon the home.

A Change In The Population Of The County

The year 1830 marks a change in the population of Washington County. Just before this time, Scotch emigrants had begun to come to the hill land, and next came a large number of German farmers. Both of these have formed an important addition, not only to the productive power of this part of the country, to its wealth in houses and chattels, but, what is of more importance, to its wealth in citizenship. From the very first they have shown themselves tnie Americans, ready to decide political questions on their merits according to the evidence presented and not at the dictation of a boss. The best evidence of their character as citizens is found in the beautiful homes scattered over the hills from one end of the county to the other; in the school houses and churches found in every township ; in the abundance of those things which satisfy* the wants of mankind and even of those which contribute to his intellectual development and refinement.

In 1830 there were some industries not now seen in our county ; they have been replaced by others which have proved more remunerative. At that time hemp was produced in considerable ciuantities; flax also was cultivated, both for the oil and fiber ; castor-oil beans were also raised in such quantities as to be manufactured into oil. About this time attempts were made at the cultivation O'f silk and it was found that the climate was suitable for that business, but the demand for labor in other occupations was sO' great that it did not prove remunerative. Silk culture failed because lalx)Ters could not be Iiired here at 10 cents a day. Some attention before this time had been paid to the improvement in cultivation of sweet potatoes but as yet no experiments had been made in storing them in large quantities, hence the trade was temporary and not very large.

By 1830 bears had disappeared from the north side of the Ohio River, at least in this part of the State. A few wolves still roamed over parts of Washington and Morgan counties and committed depredations upon the increasing flocks of sheep, but the nun-.5jer of these plunderers was small and the flock masters looked forward hopefully to the time when the few vagrant robbers could be exterminated. To hasten this end, public-spirited farmers had contributed from their private means to raise a fund, which was deposited in the county treasury, for the purpose of giving a bounty of $io to everyone who should be so fortunate as to secure the scalp of a wolf.

By this time the depressing effects of the "sickly seasons" (1822-23) ^'^^^ almost disappeared: a succession of years when general health had prevailed had encouraged settlers to come into the county and filled the older inhabitants with a more hopeful spirit for the future.

A new era was about to begin - an era of impro\-enfcnt in lalx>r-sa\'ing machinery, of better means of communication and exchange. Tllie canal and railroad were about to take the place of the bridle path through the wilderness.

A writer, in December 20, 1816, complains that under the existing system of taxation, poor unimproved land in this county was made to pay a tax of from four to 10 per cent, of its market value.

At a meeting of landholders held in Greenleaf's Hall, December 28, 1816, vigorous resolutions \\'ere passed condemming the method of taxing by acres rather than by valuation. Nahum Ward said he paid out $100 in bringing the resolutions before the Legislature but no relief was obtained until 1825.

On February 14, 1817, the ice on the Ohio near Marietta was 19 inches thick. The following notice appeared under date of March 2ist : "No mail has arrived at this place from the East since our last." A few days later was printed the followino-: "The Bank of I\Iarietta commenced the payment of specie on Thursday morning, March 27th."

In 1817 there was organized the "Emigrant Society of the County of Washington, Ohio," for the express purpose of "administering relief to sick and distressed emigrants, of giving employment to their poor, and of counseling and giving information to those who may not

A letter from New Orleans gives an interesting view of the increasing commerce of the Western Country concentrated at a point at New Orleans. In no previous year has the produce been brought in such quantity to this market."

The total expenditures of the county for the year ending June, 181 7, were not quite two thousand dollars; to be exact, they were $1,989.23/2.

General St. Clair has for some years past received from the State of Pennsylvania $400 per annum. The Legislature of that Commonwealth, at its last sitting, added $350 a year to his pension.

A merchant from Marietta, Ohio, has just left this city with several tons of goods (it being his second trip), who takes them from Albany by way of Geneva and Hamilton on the Alleghenv River, to* his place in the State of Ohio.

In a newspaper of 181 7, "Fair Play" stated that it was known that certain individuals had purchased all the salt which could be made at the Kanawha works and then had raised the price to $2 a bushel. He asked the General Assembly to interfere and protect the public against these "pests of society." .

We are pleased to learn the .success of the undertaking of Jacob .'\yres, Esq. He has with great labor obtained a stream of salt water which yields more than one barrel per minute, and in quality inferior to none hitherto discovered. We are assured that he will manufacture troiTi tvvo to three hundred bushels daily, and that 1he business will be in operation in the present week. Those citizens oppressed by the present price of this useful commodity will be gratified to hear that they can soon be supplied from 'his works at a price not higher than $1.50 per bushel.

Humane Society

We are about to establish a society in our good township of Warren, which we intend styling the "Huniant Society," the principles of which will differ materially from those established in some of our sister towns - for whereas, their avowed principles are to take in strangers ; the most prominent of ours will be to turn them out. for where any of our waste cabins are cleared of a family of troublesome paupers, we make it a rule instantly to put a fire to if, which has not only a very salutary effect, but is attended with other very admirable consequences, as it rids us at once of the following, viz., squatters, vagrants, sometimes scoundrels and generally fleas. Zeno.

Agricultural Society

In the spring of 1819 a meeting, of which Capt. Jonathan Devol was chairman and Anselm T. Nye, secretary, was held in Marietta to form a "Society for Promoting Agriculture and Manufactures."

American Friend, November 27, 1818. - "The example of the suspension of specie payments, by the banks of Cincinnati, has been followed by the Franklin Bank of Columbus,' Farmers', Mechanics' & Manufacturers' Bank of Chillicothe, and the Muskingum Bank."

The mails were so irregular at this time that seven consecutive numbers of a weekly paper from Washington came at one time. ^Ir. Wilcox, the postmaster, explained that the mails were brought as far as Winchester by coach; that between that place and the Poto-

"We have no disposition to lower the estimation in which other parts of the State are held. We would only say that this quarter in our opinion is too much underrated - and when our agricultural practice shall become more improved - when our farmers shall have learned the most rational and profitable application of their industry - when the advantages of raising sheep shall be duly estimated, our county will no longer be spoken of as a tract mostly barren and unfit for cultivation."

Grand Circus Hunt

Notice is hereby given, that there is to be a circus hunt on the head waters of the Big and Little west branches of the little Hockhocking on Thursday the 8th day of February. 1821. It is hoped that all those who feel able to perform a march of four or five miles, both men and bnvs. will appear on the ground on Wednesday, the 7th of February, prepared to camp out for the night. The inhabitants of Warren. Belpre and Decatur will assemble at or near Mr. Hall's on the Waterford road ; - those of Wesley Barlow, etc. will form the north line from John Smith's west to the road leading from the Ohio to Federal Creek, so as to inteirsect said road about six miles from the Ohio. Those of Newberry will form on said Federal Creek road. It is expectL'd that all who have horns or conch-shells will bring them. No dogs to be brought on the ground. .'Vs it is the express object of this hunt to kill wolves and panthers, it is hoped that those who can not refrain from shooting deer will leave their guns at home. Walter Curtis. Newberry, William Johnson, Decatur, Thaddeus B. Pond. Barlow, .\nios Dunham. Warren, Miller Clark, Belpre, O. R. Loring, Belpre. W. P. Putnam. Belpre, John Stone. Belpre,

A later report says that on account of want of system the hunt was not successful although wolves, bears, and panthers were seen in different places.

Convention Of Wolves

It was of late upon Hockhocking - The wolves in droves together flocking, Resolved with laudable intention To form a national convention And gather all their sage directors Lawyers, scribes, and quacks, and doctors, That they might send our Legislature A sort of complimentary letter.

But noble sirs, what you hae done We all approve it as our own; Your gen'rous Si^uls omitted scalping Your lirilhers, through llie forest yelping. And. frae our lugs tocik ofl[ the tounty Throughout the State in every county We bless and praise your matchless kindness Tho' some sour knaves hae called it blindness.

We pray, guid sirs, that, while in session, Ye frae this act, make no digression, May this guid year, be as the last. That we for mutton, may nae fast.

This poetic (?) scalping seems to have had its influence. At any rate, a few weeks later a, bounty of $3 was offered by law for each scalp of a full-grown wolf.

since, at which about twenty men were engaged on a side, under the command of Captain Woodruff and Pond, an indiscriminate slaughter took place and four thousand two Juindrcd and sixteen squirrels were slain. They appear to have been on the line of march from the West toward the East, and like all other armies, when necessity required, would quarter on the inhabitants of the country through \A-hich they \vere passing. Corn-fields are suffering much from their ravages. The Muskingum and Ohio Rivers do not stop their course. If ferries and bridges do not afford them free passage, they do not hesitate to plunge in and swim across. Although many of them have passed near our office, some climbed over it, and some ha\-e actually entered it. We have not been able to ascertain their point of destination."

"The demand for wool in this county, since the shearing, has been great and the prices good : instead of manufacturing it, as has been practiced for several years past, the wool growers have sold it for cash down, and have perhaps realized more than in any one season for a number of years past, by working it to the best advantage they possibly could. We do not know the quantity that has been bought up, but there are but few who have retained much for their own use. The prices given for wool, it is hoped, will induce the farmer to turn his attention to the rearing of sheqj in greater numbers, and whether the present prices continue or not, they will always be found to be a source of profit.

"To preserve sheep from destruction by wolves, a fund was raised about a year ago, by private subscription, offering a bounty on wolves' scalps : the money paid in has all been expended, and nine scalps, old and young, above those paid for, have been proved and presented for payment. \\'e mention this that sheep-holders may be aware of the state of the wolf fund, and, if they are disposed, to take measures for increasing it."

"We have been informed Ijy some of our most respectable agriculturists in the county, and those who have made exertions to raise large flocks of sheep, that, for six or seven years they have been troubled but little by wolves and that they had entertained strong hopes, as the country had become thickly settled, that these voracious animals would nnt again trouble them; they have, however, within a year or eighteen months past sutTered considerable by the \'isits of these destroyers - many sheep have been killed by them, and it requires the greatest care to secure their respective flocks from the reach of these animals. In order to effect the destruction of these animals, we are requested to state that in addition to the bounties now given on wolf scalps by the State and county, a fund is creating, a part of which has been paid into the county treasury, to give five dollars for each old wolf scalp - for each young wolf under six months, if killed alone, one dollar - if one young and one old together, two dollars for each young wolf scalp; - if one young and two old wolves together, three dollars for the young wolf scalp: - to be killed within the Counties of Washington and Alorgan, or if started therein and pursued out of these counties, east of the Muskingum River. By tliis additional bounty each old wolf scalp will be worth about $10."

"The wolves having begun to kill sheep along the easterly side of the Muskingum rivermany of the sheep owners, and others, believe, that if sufficient encouragement, a little exertion and perseverance by all interested, especially those who have the art. and are experienced in catching wolves, they may soon be destroyed or drove from this section of the country, lying east of the Muskingum, in the counties of Washington and Morgan, which is supposed to be their habitual and daily range from North to South. \\\x\\ views to this effect, it is proposed to contribute themselves, and persons will be authorized in each township to ask the assistance of the inhabitants generally. The money will be deposited in the county treasury, and paid out to persons killing wolves upon the same evidence which is necessary to obtain the State bounty.

"David DeLong received $10 of the money deposited with the county treasurer (raised by subscription, for the purpose of giving a bounty on wolf scalps ,) for killing an old slut wolf in Salem township on the 13th instant."

November 16, 1821. - "Within the last six months, 600 heavyroad wagons arrived at Wheeling, loaded with j merchandise from the eastward." I In 1822 it is said that wool had been transi ported from New Jersey to Steubenville to be ' manufactured into cloth, and that the cloth had been re-transported to the East.

"Our farmers will perceive from an article under the New York date that there is a prospect of a demand from Europe for their flour. This news will be joyfully received - and if the demand should continue, as there is every reason to believe it will, the community will soon be relieved from the pecuniary distress which they have so long labored under.

have commanded higher prices in the United States than for many years. It has been sold in Bahimore as high as $9.50 per barrel, the price, however, is fluctuating; the latest account we have seen says it was selling at $7.25. The cause of the rise in flour is said to be the shortness of crops in England and other countries in Europe, and the opening of their ports for the admission of bread stufifs. We are heartily glad that our farmers can realize a price for their wheat something like an equivalent for its real value - but whether the present price will continue is doubtful ; we fear it will not. Flour is selling at Zanesville and Marietta at $5 per barrel."

"Capt. Daniel Green left ^Marietta, March 21, 1823, with two flat boats loaded with flour and arrived at New Orleans April 12. The voyage is mentioned as one of great dispatch.' "

"Steam Coach. - ;\Ir. S. T. Conn of Vii'- ginia announces that he has made an improvement in the application of steam, which, from its small dimensions and the concentration of power in the generator, gives a certain assurance of enabling him to propel carriages on any turnpike or other road which has no uncommon obstruction."

Phenomena

"Earthquake. - At 17 minutes past 11 o'clock, this day, while we were engaged in working off our papers, we experienced a shock of an earthquake, for a few seconds, attended with a noise something like distant thunder, which appeared to come from the east, and proceeded to the west, and could be distinctly heard some time after the shock ceased. The shock was violent while it lasted. The oscillation appeared to be two or three inches."

"Something Curious. - Within 200 yards from the road leading from Clarksburg up Elk Creek to Booth's ferry, and within five miles from the latter place, on the premises of David Hall, a company has been engaged for some time at intervals in boring for salt. At the depth of about 180 feet they opened a strong vein of wind, which instantly found vent at the top of the well in a tremendous roaring and spouting of water, throwing up perpendicular columns of that element to the distance of 50 feet. For some distance round this perpendicular shoot of water, plays an imperceptible gas or vapor so very inflammable as instantly to take fire whenever that element comes in contact with it."

"^"Locusts. - This section of our country is swarming with locusts. In our immediate vicinity the trees are full of them, especially the apple and peach orchards, which have been very much injured by their perforating the small limbs and twigs to deposit their eggs. In each hole are deposited a large number - as many as 40 or 50. On the peach trees many small limbs have been broken by the weight of the young peaches, at the holes made by them,. It is, as we believe, 17 years since the locusts made their appearance in such abundance as the present season."

General La Fayette

Marietta, Friday, May 2y, 1825. - "On Monday last, about nine o'clock, A. M., the Steam Boat 'Herald.' hove in sight of town, between two and three miles distant, and fired a gun, which was supposed to be a signal that General La Fayette was on board ; as she

Note. - Locusts have been especially abundant in this vicinity in 1846, 1863, 1880 and in 1897. They certainly have appeared in those years in far greater numbers, than at any other time.

approached the name of 'General La Fayette' appeared in large letters and placed all doubts aside. No preparation had been previously made for his reception, in consequence of its being generally believed that he would travel through the interior of the State. Tlhe General, however, landed and was escorted to the beautiful mansion of Nahum Ward, Esq. (with whom he had become acquainted in Paris), where he continued about an hdur. and recei\'ed all those who chose to call on him. The news of his arrival was announced by the discharge of cannon, and the citizens began to flock around him, all eager to seize his hand and welcome him to the soil he so nobly defended - among them a few patriots of the Revolution paid him their respects, whose hands, when once he grasped them, he seemed unwilling to relinquish, and whose interviews were very feeling in themselves, and rendered the scene very interesting to younger classes. After being introduced generally to the citizens - and to the ladies who flocked to the iplace to 'see and welcome a veteran,' - he informed them that he was sorry to part with them so soon, and was again escorted by a large concourse of people to the l>each, from \\ hence he embarked on board the 'Herald," and took his departure for Wheeling amidst the acclamations and cheers of the people and the roaring of cannon."

Ste.A.Mboat Building

"It is with pleasure we announce that ]Mr. John Green has commenced building a Steam Boat in this place. The enterprise of this gentleman, in his individual undertaking, deserves the applause and encouragement of the public . We understand the Steam Boat is to carry about 100 tons."

This boat was launched in May, 1822, and at that time its name "Rufus Putnam" was announced. In July she made the trip from Marietta to Wheeling in i6i<^ hours, surpassing all predecessors by nearly two hours. In 1822 first appears a weekly notice of the steamboats passing Marietta.

"The Steam Boat 'Mechanic' belonging to the Marietta Steam Boat Company, built on the Little I\Iuskingum River, was safely launched into her destined element on the morning of Saturday last (March 22. 1823) about one o'clock. The boat is built of excellent materials, well put together and of a very handsome model, 100 feet keel, and is designed to be finished in a handsome and convenient manner for the accommodation of passengers. She will probably be ready to stem the torrent by the 1st of June."

-'On the 7tii iiist., at nine o'cluck A. M., was launched from the shipyard of James Whitney, Esq., on Point Harmar in this Town, the beautiful Steam Boat 'Red River.' She was built by Mr. Whitney on contract for Capt. John R. Kimbal of Orleans.

"On the 14th inst., was launched from the ship vard of James Whitney. Esq., in this town the two beautiful Steam Boats, the 'Coosa' and 'Warrior.' They were launched sideways and reached the water without the least material injury. The 'Coosa' measures 180 tons, the 115. They were built on contract by ]Mr. Whitney and Stone, in ]\Ir. Whitney's usual style and very much to the satisfaction of the contractors (Capt. J. \Y. Bryne and Capt. Benj. Horner). They are destined toi run, the 'Cooso' on the Alabama, the 'Warrior' on the Tombigbee and will be in readiness to depart in a few days.

"We are pleased to learn that Messrs. Phillips and Carroll, of Steubenville, have decided on establishing a foundry in this Town, to go into operation early in the ensuing year.

ing and the local advantages this Town possesses over Towns higher up the river, for Shipbuilding and particularly for Steam Boat building we trust, contractors will find it for their interest in future to build at this place."

"There are now on the docks, and in the state of forwardness, in this town and vicinity, four steamboats, which for workmanship and materials will compare with any building on the Western waters.

"One on the bank of the Ohio, just below town, by Alessrs. Drown, Olnev, Parker and Thompson, all of whom are mechanics of the first order in their profession. She is about 180 tons burthen, of a fine model, and the materials of which she is built are of the most durable kind ; she is built in so convenient a situation that she can be launched at the lowest stage of the river." We learn that the above company intend to continue the business of steamboat building at this advantageous site.

"One on the bank of the Little Muskingum River by ]\Ir. John Mitchell. We are informed she is a large boat and designed for the lower trade, built of excellent materials and well put together. All of whith are in a state of forwardness and can be made ready to launch on a short notice. We wish them success corresponding with their enterprise and exertions.''

"The Steamboat 'Atlantic' - This splendid steamboat, from the shipyard of our worthy and enterprising citizen, James Whitney, Esq., under whose immediate and attentive eye she was built, had her keel laid in June - her timbers, moulded out of the finest seasoned yellow locust, set up, planked and fully prepared for her native element by the 20th of November - when she went off her stocks in a style of beauty and splendor equal to any of her sisterhood on the seaboard, amid the shouts and huzzas of an admiring multitude ; and when the waves had ceased their salutation she was as beautiful as a swan, resting less than three feet in the water. Since that period she has been finished with materials of the best kind, and in a manner which does no small credit to our industrious mechanics, for neatness and taste of finish. Her cabins, staterooms, and promenades are spacious and noble; worthy of her commander. Captain Ryan, who gave unwearied attention to her. She has a run of 170 feet on deck, 28 feet beam, 9^4 feet hold, with guards 10 feet wide - and is 430 tons. j Her engine is of superior order - mighty in ! power - having eight 22-foot boilers. She was built for Mr. Beech, Jefifersonville, Indiana, and took her departure from this place, descending, on the 5th : and is, unquestionably, one of the best boats ever built in America - and as such we have the honor to commend her to the notice of our brethren in the valley of the Ohio and ^lississippi."

"On Friday morning (January 9, 1825), the steamboat "Rufus Putnam' left this place upon a stage of water favorable to the intention of the commander with freight and a large number of passengers and ascended the ^luskingum River as far as Zanesville. The current of the river is much stronger than that of the Ohio, but she was able to stem it with ease.

"She returned to this place on Tuesday evening last, without accident, evincing the practicability of navigating this river, a portion of the year, by steamboats of 100 tons. After discharging her freight and passengers, slie left here for Cincinnati yesterday morning.

"Thus a steamboat has performed a trip up the Muskingum, hitherto thought impracticable by those unacquainted with the power of steam engines."

Navigation Of The Muskingum

next Legislature of Ohio (says the Zanesville Extrrcss) praying for the passage of a law authorizing the removal of all obstructions in the Muskingum River from this place to its mouth. Some day, not far distant, it may enable us to see the triumphant gaiius of Fulton receiving its tribute upon the waters of the JNIuskingum." The value of the produce sent down the ]\luskingum from Zanesville in boats at the time of the spring freshet in 1820 was estimated at $62,070. This includes 4,884 barrels of flour, 1,055' barrels o^ pork and 169 barrels of whiskey.

"The Muskingum from its mouth to that point (where the proposed canal is to cross) is already navigable for loaded keel-boats nearly the whole year - and by a few dams and locks between Marietta and Zanesville, at a comparatively trifling expense, may be made to answer all the pui-poses O'f a canal, during the whole year. This being practicable, it is evident that this section of country and this town especially, will be immediately benefited. It is hoped the attention of our citizens .will be turned to this subject,' as one in which they are all concerned.''

"There is no doubt but the Muskingum may be made navigable at all seasons at comparatively moderate expense. Thus would a connection be formed between the Chesapeake and Ohio, and the Erie and Ohio Canals - making a complete chain to the lakes. The navigation of the Ohio is impeded by low water between Marietta and Pittsburgh much more than it is below."'

"Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. - The citizens of the County of Washington are requested to meet at the Court House in Marietta on Monday the ist day of August next, at 4 o'clock P. M. to consult on measures for obtaining a sur\-ey, to ascertain the practicability of bringing the proposed canal for connecting

At a meeting of a number of the Citizens of tlie County of Wasiiington, convened at the Court House in Marietta on the ist day of August, in pursuance of public notice given in the Marietta Gazette, "To consult upon measures for obtaining a survey to ascertain the practicability of bruiging the proposed Canal for connecting the waters of the Potomac, with those of the Ohio, to unite with the latter river near the mouth of the IMuskingum." Ichabod \ye, was chosen chairman, and James M. Booth, secretary.

Resolved unanimously. "That John P. 'Mayberry, Dudley Woodbridge and Joseph Barker, Esqrs. be a committee of correspondence to co-operate with the people of Harrison County. Virginia, and fathers for the purpose of obtaining a survey to ascertain the practicability of extending the proposed Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to the Ohio River by way of the waters of the Little Kenhawa or Middle Island. And to take such measures to obtain that object as they shall deem expedient."

A petition will be presented to the next General Assembly of Ohio, for the passage of an act to incorporate a com.pany with authority to raise by subscription the necessary funds to niiprove 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,

Many Citizens Navigation Of The Ohio

"During the last month a fund was raised by the citizens of this town for the purpose of impro\ing the navigation of the river northwest of the island above this place, which has become so obstructed by logs and sand bars that it was impracticable, in low water, for boats to pass. It is with pleasure we state for the information of those concerned in boating, that the attemot of clearing the river of these obstructions has succeeded, equal to the wishes of those who generously made do- nations for that purpose - and that, since the logs from the head to the foot of the island have been removed, the channel has greatly improved, and a passage for boats is rendered safe and easy."

The Town In 1 826

"To many our anticipations of the future growth of Marietta ma}- appear absurd and visionary. Yet the importance and natural advantages of its situation are generally allowed. But the want of rich lands, such as those within the reach of business in Cincinnati, will prevent, as some suppose, any extensive growth of this town. It is allowed that the Miami country possesses generally better lands than those in this and the neighboring counties. But the difference is far less than the general estimate. It is supposed that with the exception of our bottom lands, we have not much that is worth cultivating. But a minute survey of this county would present many excellent and profitable farms among the hills.

The hill lands have been held in unreasonably low estimation among ourselves. It is true we have a considerable portion of rough lands and of poor land, so called. Rough lands, however, suffice well for pasture - and there are few tracts of sufficient size for a farm, which do not afford a tolerable proportion so level as to admit of comfortable tillage. But it has been said our hills are poor. Comparatively they may be - but not so poor but that they will bear good crops of wheat - nay of Indian corn - with judicious cultivation. The truth is, that - although not many, perhaps, have emigrated to this county in the hope of finding fat pigs, ready roasted, &c., and that ready-made clothes, well washed and ironed, were to be found on the bushes, all gratis - yet too many have come with notions too nearly allied to the foregoing; and were awfully disappointed to find that here, as elsewhere, man must earn his bread by the sweat of his brow - in short, that the country was so far from being the counterpart of the Garden of Eden, that much toil must be endured in order to subject it to the use of man. Even our rich bottom lands are but illy calculated to satisfy the wild expectations of many emigrants. Experience has proved that our hill lands are susceptible of profitable cultivation. One difficulty experienced in this part of the country has been - that the owners of the Ohio Company lands, living in dift'erent and distant places, or entertaining an extravagant opinion of the value of their lands, were not in a situation, or not disposed, to sell. There are many tracts which would have been settled long ago, if they could have been purchased. This difficulty is now, in a great measure, surmounted. If the cultivation of tobacco should become extensive, most of our cultivated lands will be brought into profitable use - the raising of sheep will succeed, and the growth of the town will be correspondent with that of the country.

"The Grand Ohio Canal will contribute essentially to the prosperity of Marietta. The improvement of the Muskingum River, by slack water navigation or otherwise, will undoubtedly be effected. It will be strange indeed if interesting results do not accrue to this place.

"There is no place on the western waters more favorable for building steam boats than Marietta. When the proposed foundry shall have been established, we doubt whether any other place shall enjov equal advantages.

"Formerly the county of Washington supplied many articles to her neighbors; now we are sorry to say it - we buy a great portion of our flour from abroad. A steam mill is to be erected by Greene & Dodge, which we trust will stimulate our farmers to raise wheat enough, not only to supply our own wants, hut to send abroad.

Marketing And Represextative Citizens

in the vicinity of a town and of the town itself, one good rule for a stranger to pursue is to go to the Market Houses, on a market morning, and view the variety and quality of the productions of the country, exposed for sale by the farmer, and the avidity with which these productions are purchased by the citizens of the town for home consumption.

"In places of any magnitude, one, among the first and most important regulations of a Corporation, is that of marketing, which, if governed by wholesome rules, carried rigorously into effect, produces a source of greatest convenience to the town and profit to the country ; it gives every citizen an opportunity of furnishing his family, for a given time, with provisions, and prevents monopoly, on one side - and, the seller, a time and place, to vend his articles with ease and advantage, on the other.

"In Marietta, although there is at present no regular marketing observed, no laws on that subject enforced, we believe that there are a sufficient number of inhabitants within the town to encourage an attempt. If the 'law regulating the Market' is once put into operation, the convenience to the town and profit to the country will be sufficient alone to guaranty its continuance. By putting the market law into rigorous execution, making it generally known, and holding out a little encouragement, few will be found possessing even a disposition to transgress, and our market will abound with all the necessary articles for family consumption, and will, with the aid.oif the Agricultural Society, excite an emulation to excel in the quality of provisions - and Soon put an end to the practice of running from door to door to beg the sale of the most ordinary productions of the country.

"Much might be said on this subject, but believing the citizens of the town capable of judging on the propriety of it for themselves, we shall be satisfied for the present , with merely giving the above hints and requesting the attention of the Town Council to the subject."

Ministerial Lands

Some of the colonies had an estal)lished hurch even after the Revolution. Hence it I did not seem strange to our fathers that in the deed made to the Ohio Company of Associates by the Board of Treasury for the United States, Section 29 in each township was reser\ed "to be appropriated for the purposes of religion." W'e fear this pious forethoughtnow causes much more profanity than preaching in the tracts thus reserved. It happens that many city lots of [Marietta lie within what is popularly known as the "ministerial section." The "owners" of the lots hold their land under a lease, the total ground-rent of which amounts to about $800 a year. This sum is annually distributed among the churches of the township in proportion to the adult membership. In one township the ministerial section was sold many years ago at 25 cents an acre and the proceeds were placed on interest. Hence the churches of that township receive state support to the extent of $9.60, but, as the distribution is troublesome, it is not attempted oftener than once in three years. Some townships have fortunately neglected to husband their funds and the rent "for the purposes of religion" is no longer collected. It would be in the interest of "religion and morality" if the otiier townships could be guilty of the same wise neglect, and thus suft'er to relapse, under the statute of limitations, a claim which no longer serves any useful purpose.

As early as 1826 an effort was made to throw off this burden from the land in Marietta but the only result has been the permission given to obtain release by paying to the "Ministerial Trustees" a sum of money whose interest at six per cent, would equal the ministerial rent.

ered that existence of this kind of tenure, covering a great portion of the Town Plat, is very injurious to the interests and growth of the town. Many persons from abroad, it is believed, have been deterred from purchasing and making vakiable improvements, because they could not obtain the right of soil. It is unpleasant to be called on yearly to pay a neverending rent. It is not less unpleasant to apprehend that, after all, the present arrangement is liable to be broken up and a worse one substituted. Congress reserved Section 29, in each township of the purchase, to be given for religious purposes - we will thank anyone to show when, where, and to whom they have given it. The power of the Ohio Legislature to exercise any jurisdiction over it is doubtful. It is therefore desirable that Congress may be induced to authorize our Legislature, in an equitable manner, to sell the ministerial lands as they have already done the school lands. The proceeds can then be funded by the State, the interest paid and divided yearly, and the yearly costs of collection and management be saved. We believe it is a general sentiment that the original donation creates more harm than good in relation to the object it was intended to promote. We suppose, however, it cannot be lawfully diverted to any other public object. We do not expect it will. But the course proposed, we are satisfied, w-ould essentially promote the interest of the fund as well as of the town and all concerned."'

The undersigned - having been appoined a committee to make arrangements for the annual exhibition of the Washingto:i County Agricultural Society, of the Third Wednesday of October next - now gives notice, that Pens will "be provided for all the animals on which premiums have been offered, also, provision for the satne free of expense. - There will be, on that day. an address, and a dinner suited to the occasion. The order of the day will be published after the 20th of September; in the meantime, and previous to the l.^th of September, it is earnestly requested that the citizens of our 'County who have not become members of the Society, but have it in contemplation to give countenance and support to it, that they call at the store of Col. Mills, who If Treasurer of the Society, and pay him two dollars, the sum required for admission, and place their names on the Constitution.

Our prospects as a Society are flattering, and will, with the countenance and support of the public, have a very beneficial effect upon the interest of every class in the community.

"The Agricultural Society of Washington County will meet in the lower room of the Court House in Alarietta, on the third Wednesday of October next, being the i8th, at 10 o'clock, A. M., for the admission of members, and for the transaction of business.

"At II A. M., the Society wall form procession at the Court House, under Col. A. T. Nye, as marshal of the day, and, with music, proceed to the First Society's ^Meeting House, where the Throne of Grace will be addressed by the Rev. Mr. Bingham, and an address to the society by the President, Joseph Barker, Jr., Esq. At 12 o'clock will commence the inspection of the Stock, &c. &c. The several committees will report to the Society, to whom the premiums are to be awarded, in the Court Room, at 2 P. M., immediately after which the Societv, with such guests as may be invited, will partake of a dinner prepared for the occasion, if fair, in the avenue of Mr. Ward's Locust Walk; if not fair, in the avenue of the Court House.

"The Committee of Arrangements will see that provision for all the Stock is ready, free of expense. - Pens for the stock will be prepared in the square back of the Market House. The Butter and Cheese, will, without doubt be presented in the best order, labeled with the maker's name, and deposited in the front room of the building opposite Col. Mill's House.

"The Butter and Cheese, which takes the premium on that day can be exchanged for cash at the highest market price - and no doubt all the butter and cheese of gowl quality, offered for the premium on that day, will meet with ready sale.

ful implements of husbandry, or improvements on those now in use, or of Domestic Manufacture, Linen, Flannel, Carpeting, &c., &c., and the rare and extraordinary productions of the soil, which have not been named a premium, will most cheerfully and heartily be received at the room where the Butter and Cheese is deposited, and will be taken care of, and exhibited to the Society on that day.

"We are constrained to renew our request that our fellow citizens will come forth on that day and give countenance and support to the attempt we are now making for an improvement in our agricultural concerns: every cjass in the community is interested ; and although highly flattered with the assurances of support, we cannot but urge every member to attend on that day with as many new recruits as have an interest in the welfare of the Society. "Nahum Ward,

Marietta Fair

"The undersigned were appointed a committee to make public the proceedings of the Society on the i8th instant; a day which was propitious, in every respect, to the best wishes of the members of the Society. The day was fine - the early morn was ushered in by the lowing of cattle, the neighing of horses and bleating of lambs. Our citizen Farmers were numerous with us at an early hour, and we were honored with the company of gentlemen from the adjoining counties and from Virginia.

"This being the first attempt at an exhibition of this kind in this county, and not knowing what calculations to make, hardly upon any pomt, allowance will be made - we anticipate herafter better things.^nevertheless, the Society have great satisfaction in the exhibition generally, of what was offered for premium, and also for the generous displays of articles not offered for premium.

"At 10 o'clock A. ]M. the Society met in the Court Room, and received a handsome accession in numbers - elected the officers for the ensuing year ; at 1 1 the procession was formed under Capt. F. Devol, as marshal of the day, and with music preceding marched to the church fronting the common, where we had music, prayers, and an address by the President, Joseph Barker, Jr., Esq., which was cordially received.

"More time having been taken up in examining the Stock, &c., &c., than was anticipated, the company sat down to an excellent dinner at 3 P. M. - At 4, the Society repaired to the Court Room when the several committees, by their se\-eral chairmen, announced to whom the premiums had been awarded - and who were requested by the President to come forward to the Treasurer, sitting at the table, and take their cash.

"Tilie scene was truly interesting, and such as made a deep impression on the mind of everyone present of the beneficial effect of a society of this kind, fostered by the citizens generally, and properly conducted in a country even as young as ours.

"The committee on sheep reported that the specimens of the various flocks exhibited great enterprise and attention : the sheep generally were excellent - they had no small difficulty in selecting for premiums.

for the best butter; to Mrs. ]\Iiddleswart, $2 for the second best. Mr. Manby's and Mr. Lake's were very good. William Dana, of Newport, received the premium of $5 on the best cheese. Samuel Beech of Waterford, $2 for the second best. O. R. Loring, William R. Putnam and M. 'Mills, all of Belpre, exhibited excellent cheese.

"Mrs. William R. Putnam sent a beautiful specimen of linen, for which a small premium was awarded. Miss Harriet Brown, of W^aterford, sent also a small specimen of very handsome linen, for which a small premium was awarded.

"Carpeting. - Mrs. Col. Mills, Miss Eliza McFarland, Mrs. \\'ilson and Mrs. Bingham sent in a handsome piece each ; much praise was bestowed on the ladies ior the carpeting - another year more attention will be paid the ladies for household manufactures.

"There was also awarded to Marvil Starlin $1 for having raised, on upland, the past season 52 bushels of corn to the acre - each acre containing 2,500 hills of corn.

"At the close of the day several articles were sold at auction, at fair prices - Premium Butter at 20 cents per pound - Premium Cheese at 28 cents per pound.

Railroad To Ohio

"The projected railway from this place to the Ohio has originated with some of our wealthiest and most judicious citizens, and excites much attention in the public at large. The pamphlet just published on the subject consists chiefly of estimates from authoritative sources, on the comparative cost and advan- tage of canals and railways, and on the amount of trade which would seek either of these channels of communication with the West. It will be read with attention by every one who feels an interest in these topics generally, or in the prosperity of Baltimore. A general sentiment prevails here in favor of the scheme, as well from the character of its promoters, as from the evidence recently accumulated front varioiis quarters, on the effiicacy and cheapness of railroad communication.

The trade of the valley of the Ohio is already so important, and promises to become so mimense, that it would deserve to be secured at almost any cost commensurate with our means. It must be confessed at the same time that the obstacles to a canal are various and formidable - the scarcity and annual diminution of water, the immensity of the lockage, and the delay arising from it, the large portion of the jear in which the canal would be frozen, and, finally, its insalubriousness during the autumn, in this laitude. These difficulties, though they could not have justly countervailed in the mind of the public, the advantages of a canal, render, however, so much the more striking the merits of a scheme by which it is supposed they may be wholly obviated. It will certainly be an ample recompense for the anxiety with which for some time past we have seen the trade of the interior gradually diverted into other channels and likely, at length, to be lost to us altogether, if our delay shall have saved us from em'barking in a scheme of secondary utility, and reserved our means unimpaired, for one of greater facility, economy, and efficacy.

"Not the less praise, however, would be due on this account, to those who originally drew the attention of our citizens, and at a time when the theme was not popular here, to the value of a canal connecting us with the West. All human schemes are progressive, and the knowledge collected with pains for one purpose is not unseldom happily applied to a very different one. Thus the various plans in relation to the Susquehannah have led us gradually, we hope, to some definite one for securing the trade of that most valued river. To the inequities, too, to which the project of a canal to the Ohio, gave rise, - tO' the estimates of the trade of that country, of its wealth in minerals and other articles of trade, - we are indebted not only for much valuable matter in itself, but for the data on which to found our calculations as tO' the new enterprise now afoot for securing the trade of the West."

Baltimore And Ohio Rail Road

"A meeting of the citizens of this county is requested ni this town on .Monday next, by a notice wdiich we have been requested to publish in to-day's paper. This section of country being deeply interested in the termination of this very important road, it is hoped a general attendance of the citizens will take place. - The test information we have obtained on the subject induces a belief that Marietta will be the point of termination of the road. The Legislature of Virginia, in assenting to the act of incorporation, have limited the company, in intersecting the Ohio, to a point at or above the mouth of the Little Kanawha. The connection of the road with the IMuskingum River, among many other superior advantages to any other point, induces a belief that, by the efforts of the citizens on this line, the location of the road will be made to terminate at this place.

"The Baltimore American of I\Iarch 20th, says that 13,586 shares of stock in the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Company were subscribed between ten and two o'clock yesterday, being the first day of opening the books. Many persons, to our knowledge, who intend to subscribe, have not yet gone forward, inasmuch as the books are to continue open for the succeeding nine days, including the present - and as subscriptions made at any time during that period, will be equally good with those entered on the first day. The subscriptions will greatly over-run, if they do not double, the amount required - so far, therefore as this important scheme depends upon money, its success is certain."

"The Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Company ha\-e elected their Directors, whose names will be found in our paper today. As they commenced the enterprise with spirit and energy, so they are progressing as rapidly as the magnitude of the work will permit. \Ve learn that arrangements have been made for the immediate survey of the routes for the location of the road.

"A writer, in the Scioto Gaccttc, recommends to the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road Company a continuation of the road from the Ohio River, west, through Ohio, to the Miami \"alley, to the Wabash, and even to the Mississippi ; which we have copied into our paper today. The present object of the company, as we conceive, is to intersect the great artery of Western commerce, on the best route, and to the greatest advantage, to command as much of the Western trade, through the channel of the Ohio, as possible, which will not be a small proportion. It is at all times highly gratifying to witness the progress of internal improvements, a,nd especially the constructioai^of roads and canals. It has heretofore been presumed that to connect the Ohio River with Baltimore by Rail .Rioad, was sufficient : but if the continuation to the interior of our State, west to the ^^'abash, or Mississippi, should be attended with proportionate advantage, we, at present, have no reason to doubt the propriety of extending it. It is true, that it is a stupendous work, to come even as far as the Ohio River; but the money, for the purpose, has already been raised, and materials and workmen will be easily commanded. Should the point of termination be at the confluence of the Muskingum with the Ohio, the attention of the State, or a company, Avould consequently be attracted by the necessity of the improvement of the navigation of the Muskingum River - and ultimately, to a continuation of the Rail Road west."

subject of the Rail Road from Baltimore to the Ohio River. The sentiments therein expressed are consonant with the feelings of the mass of citizens in this section of country. Every person who feels an anxiety for the prosperity of his country, cannot feel otherwise than highly pleased at the prospect of Internal Improvement and the encouragement of Domestic Manufactures - one is a guarantee of the perpetuity of the union of the States, and the other of their independence ; - the aspect of the political horizon, however, is portentous of a coming storm, and all depends on the information and good judgment of the people to avert its consecjuences - we mean the approaching contest for the Presidency. The outs are determined to be in, at all hazards - and one of their principal hobby-horses is, that the present Administration is in favor of Internal Improvement, and that it is unconstitutional. This question, we thought, had, some time since, been decided by the proper authorities, and was joyfully acquiesced in by the people, who, conscious of its tendency to meliorate their situation - facilitate the communication between the extremes of our extensive country - provide a market for their surplus productions, even at their own door - and, serving to unite the interests of the different sections of our country, which, otherwise, must necessarily be brought into collision, and perhaps to ruin, - had sat down under the assurance of the accomplishment of an object so near their hearts. Now, that the Ciuts ( who are opposed to a measure of such \'ital importance, because, they say, it is unconstitutional) may get in, they bring it forward as a principal objection to the present Administration - and are endeavoring to persuade the people to come over to their interest, under the pretext of being more capable of construing the Constitution than those who are now so fortunately at the helm of our political affairs."

pany, and the prospect of the road terminating at this place - induces us to notice the interest which is generally expressed ciU the subject, and the liigh hopes entertained, by the best informed, that our wishes will be gratified. As to information on the* subject through the medium of the papers, we have not recently re^ ceived any more than we have published. We are informed, however, that the corresponding committee of this county have in their hands a letter recently received from Baltimore on the subject, which extends as much encouragement as from the present stage of the business could be reasonably expected. All the information we receive, which we deem interesting to our readers, shall be promptly laid before them."