Washington County, Ohio - Chapter 11: Commercial Development, 1902

Chapter 11: Commercial Development

Improvement of the Muskingum - Railroad History - Navigation of Duck Creek - County Court House - Old Established Business Houses - Marietta Post Office - City Hall - Marietta Township in 1833 - Washington County in 1834 - Wolves - Emigrant Association - Public Spirit - Roads and Turnpikes - Improvement IN Horses - Rapid Transit in 1839 - Passing of the Stage Coach.

Between 1830 and 1S80 canals had been constructed across our State and at the close of the period, the Aluskingumi had been made navigable by means of a system of dams and locks. In the survey for this \voa-k along the Jv'Duskingum, the yonthful John Sherman, afterward the distinguished Senator and Secretary, carried a rod. By the year 1840 a railroad from the East was rapidly appoaching our borders and four days would no longer be considered a wonderfully rapid trip from Baltimore to Marietta. E\-ery elen-Jient of our population which has taken a part in the county's industrial, and social devlopment was then represented within our borders. Every creed also had its place of worship and its minister or priest. All the valuable land on the hills had been occupied and new houses had sprung up in every township. At this distance of time it is hard for us to realize how slow the growth of the country had been in the first half century. Marietta township, to ^^-hich nearly one thousand immigrants had ccnae within the first five years of the settlement, had, after 45 years, barely two thousand inhabitants, and even in 1840 only 2,689. For the ne.xt 45 years the development was gradual and the increase of population was by no means rapid. It is only within the last 20 years that there has been any rapid growth, and of this development we shall read in another chapter.

Inland navigation was revolutionized in 1827 when towing was discovered to be practical, and barge-ixiilding as \\iell as l>oatbuilding began. At this date the ]\Iuskinguni was not navigable except at high water. The "Rufus Putnam," a side-wheeler of 60 tons. was the first steamer that ascended the ri\'er. lliis occiDrred in 1824. Leaving Marietta Friday morning she reached Zanesville Saturday evening. The return trip was made in only eight ho'urs, such was the rai>idity of the river current. The first steamer to make the trip after slack-water improvement was made was the "Tuscarawas," September 18, 1841.

[Marietta, Januarv 10, 1835. - "Muskingum River. - Public attention is becoming attracted every day to the vast importance of this river. Few are so blind as not i to perceive tiiat before many years shall pass away, this natural channel will become the great thorouglifare for the exports and impons of the interior of Oliio. There is but one thingwanting to perfect it - that is a disposition on the part of the General Assembly of Ohio to do equal and exact justice to every portion of the State. An appropriation for the improA'ement of this ri\er will only be meting out to the people of this section of the State that which is justly due to theni. The counti7 through which the ]\Iuskingum flows has ever steadily supjiorted the policy of the State with regard to internal improvements - freely paid her proportion of taxes, which have become onerous, ^\-ithout a murmur - under a full con- \'iction that the time would soon come when its claims would be heard and attended to. That time has arrived - and the people will never cease to petition the Legislature till justice be done ihemi. Their united voice will be heard in the Legislative halls - and the voice of the freeman is seldom heard in vain. Reciprocal justice is all that we ask.

"The meeting held last Saturday on this subject passed resolutions requesting our Senator and Representative to use their influence to effect the passage of a bill making the proposed improvement, and to renew the memorial sent to them last session."

The citizens of Roxbury township actively interested themselves in the matter, as is shown by the following report of their meeting, and the resolutions there adopted :

"At a meeting of a numlier of citizens of Roxbury township, County, friendly to internal improvements, pursuant to public notice, convened at H. Garcl's store on Saturday, November 28, 1835, for the purpose of taking into consideration the expediency of memorializing the Legislature of Ohio in regard to the improvement of the navigation of the Muskingum River. The meeting was organized 'by appointing G. P. Frisby, Esq., chairman, Hiel Dunsmoor, secretary; after which the following resolutions were adopted :

Resolved, That the citi/jens of the ^Muskingum valley would be neglecfful of iheir own interests, and also the interests of tlie State, should they not continue to press their just claim upon the legislature to improve as soon as possible the navigation of one of the best rivers of Ohio, in such manner as to conduce most to the public weal.

Resohcii. That the improvement of the Musgingum River, in such manner as to produce slack-water navigation from Zanesville to its conflux with the Ohio River, at Marietta, would be an obect of inestimable valut, n..t rmly to the citizens of the valley, but to the State generally.

Krscl'wl , That we believe it to be only necessary for our wise Legislature to fairly understand and consider the subject, to induce them to make said improvement, at the expense of the State.

"ie^ohrd. That James Rogers, G- P. Frisby. Evan Jenkins, Hiel Dunsmoor, L-Iiram Gard, Elias. Puther, and John Malstcr. be a committee to prepare and present said memorial to the citizens of the township, for signatures.

Resohed, That Hiram Gard be requested to forward the memorial to our Representative, requesting him and cur Senator to use all proper means for the attainment of the object of said memorial.

Rtsphcj, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the chairman and secretary, and presented to the editors of both papers printed at IMarietta for publication.

A memorial was prepared for the Legislature and a bill was introduced the following winter by Hon. Isaac Humphreys, representative from Washington County, ordering the work and appropriating $400,000 for the purpose. The bill passed the House February 5th, and the Senate March 4th, Thanks were expressed to the author of the bill in the following testimonial :

Sir: - At a meetmg of the -citizens of the county this evening, at the Mansion House Hotel, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you as their Representative, the grateful acknowledg- ments of the citizens of the County for the energy, promptitnde and untiring industry you have displayed in procuring the passage ot the bill through the House of Representatives for the improvement of the Muskingum River by slack-water navigation ; a measure which the citizens of the County have long been anxious for, as one of the most important branches pi internal improvement, for the honor and interests of the State, and the valley of the Muskingum. And further to request you will accept of a public dinner from your constitutents shortly after your return, - and that you appoint some day when it may suit your convenience to give us that high satisfaction and pleasure.

In compliance with the act nf the Legislature, under the direction of William Wall as acting commissioner, and David Bates as chief engineer, the work for the improvement of the Muskingum River was advertised to he let in the fall of 1836. The following is the advertisement that appeared in the newspapers, calling for bids on the Muskingum River improvement :

Proposals will be received on the 20th day of October next, at the Court House in McConnelsville, for improving the 'Muskingum River, by Slack Water Navi.gation from Zanesville to Marietta. 9 or 10 dams across the JNiuskingum River, u or 13 locks. The excavation of a number of short canals, and the building of several Canal Bridges, are included in the work.

Plans and specifications of the work may be seen at the Court House in McConnelsville, or at the Commissioner's Office, at .Adams' Ta\ern, at any time after the 4th day of October.

The successful bidders were G. W. Manypenny, who secured the contract for building the dam at Zanesville; Josiah Spaulding, the lock at the same place; Hosmer, Chapin & Sharp, the dam at Taylorsville ; Lyon, Buck & Wolf, the lock at the same place ; Arthur Taggert, the lock and dam at Bald Eagle ; Hosmer,

Chapin & Sharp, the lock and dam at McConnelsville ; Arthur Taggert, the lock and dam at Windsor; Lyon. Buck & Wolf, the lock and dam at Luke Chute; John McCune, the dam and canal at Beverly ; Arthur Taggert, the lock i at the same place ; Lyon, Buck & Wolf, the lock at Lowell; Arthur Taggert, the lock and dam at Devois ; Hosmer, Chapin & Sharp, the lock and dam at Marietta. The work was commenced in the spring of 1837 and completed in the fall of 1 84 1. The size of the locks was changed from the original plan - which provided that they should be only 120 feet long by 20 feet in width - to 185 feet in length and 36 feet in width. Even this size admits only the smaller class of boats that navigate the Ohio. The supervisor and chief engineer, at the commencement and during the first two years' progress of the work, was Samuel R. Curtis, a graduate of West Point - a most excellent man, but said to be in a measure deficient in practical knowledge and experience. The members of the several firms were distributed as follows : Mr. Taggert supervised all four of his contracts, Mr. Wolf at Taylorsville lock. John Buck at Luke Chute, Truton Lyon the lock at Lowell, Colonel Sharp at Taylorsville dam, Stephen R. Hosmer the lock and dam at McConnelsville, Harlow Chapin the Marietta lock and dam. It was considered at the time of the assigning of the different contracts that the dam and lock at Marietta was the most difficult to construct - and justly, too - on account of the liability of back water from the Ohio River, and the other members of the firm insisted that Chapin, in consideration of having had the most experience, should perform the work, which was accordingly done.

And Representatij-E Citizens

the dam at this place, and washed out the gravel beneath the foundation, at a point near the end, on the Marietta side, so much that the dam had settled, at the lowest point yesterday afternoon, six or perhaps seven feet from the top line. The dam, being completed, was nearly or quite full of water, and of course the pressure was very great - the water still running through at a furious rate. The loss to the State will be very considerable ; and should this breach be immediately repaired, there is no certainty that the dam will stand, it being equally as liable to be undermined in other places.

"We are of the opinion that the dam at this or any other point, on the Muskingum, cannot stand, unless the foundation is made of, or secured by pilings, where the bed of the river is composed of gravel and quicksands. This occurrence has confirmed us in the belief of this ; and if it be true, the State would be greatly the gainer, if the whole wooden superstructure were entirely removed from its present location. The dam a!t this place, Ave believe, was not considered difficult in its construction, but unfortunately it was built on a sandy foundation."

Lock No. I was built on the Harmar side, which from a commercial and navigable standpoint was a mistake. The dam was washed out in 1892 and the government changed the lock to its present location, where it was completed some four years later. The lock here is 56 by 330 feet, 24 feet above the mitre sill. The lift is from six to 12 feet, according to the stage of the water. The keeper's house, a fine modern brick structure, Avas built in 1899, at a cost of $3,500, the lot, 45 by 250 feet, worth $12,000, having been donated by the city.

Railroad History

Undoubtedly the most remarkaljle instance of early business enterprise, not only in Washington County but in the entire West, is outlined in a letter now in the possession of E. M. Booth, Esq.. dated July 19, 1827 - two years

Col. J. Mills - Sir, the railroad committee, at a meeting held this day, made choice of yourself, Col. A. Stone and Jos. Holden, as agents, for the purpose of collecting funds by subscription, to defray the expense of surveying a route for the railroad between Marietta and Clarksburg. S. P. Hildreth, Sec.

Attached to this is the subscription list of 95 citizens and receipt of James M. Booth as treasurer for $192. The survey was made, but for reasons political and pro-slavery the western termini were made at Wheeling and Parkersburg within the bounds of the old State of Virginia.^

In 1837,3 committee appointed at a county meeting commissioned Judge Cutler to go to Baltimore to confer with Louis McLane, the president of the Baltimore & Ohio Company, with regard to the route of that road which had been built about 80 miles.

Judge Cutler was again requested by a meeting of citizens, held November 30. 1839, to repair immediately to Baltimore and obtain interviews with the Board of Directors, and seek to impress on the minds of its members the great importance of terminating the road in this section of the Ohio Valley.

The efforts of the citizens of Marietta and Washington counties, however, in calling the attention of Baltimore railroad managers to the advantages of a location of their great wf rk upon a line most direct to Cincinnati and St. Louis as well as most accessible to the fertile interior of Ohio, was so far successful that earnest efliorts were nnade to secure legislation from the State of Virginia in accordance with that policy. The opening for public use of the Cumberland turnpike road to Wheeling had directed the attention of Baltimore merchants to that point on the Ohio river as the only one that would meet their views and interests. The city city of Wheeling availed herself of this preference and exerted such an infliience with the Virginia Legislature that years of controversy were spent in an effort nn the part of the more intelligent and far seeing friends of the Baltimore road to reach the Ohio upon a direct

Middle Island was the preferred route of those who had listened to representations urged by the agents from Marietta. Tlien as a next choice was Fishing Creek and at oue time Fish Creek wias accepted b}- the Baltimore managers as a compromise. But Wheeling influence prevailed and the Baltimore & Ohio Company were obliged to accept Grave Creek, 12 miles below Wheeling, as their point of entrance to the Ohio Valley or continue a struggle that promised indefinite delay.

Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad. - A special charter was granted to the Belpre & Cincinnati (afterward known as the Marietta & Cincinnati) Railroad Company in 1845 to build a road to Cincinnati, with terminus on the Ohio River, either at Belpre or Harmar.

Tlie companv was organized at Chillicothe and Washington County interests were represented in the Board of Directors by N. L. Wilson and William P. Cutler.

As the terminus of the Baltimore & Ohio was then undecided, they obtained from the Legislature - with the consent and approbation of the Belpre & Cincinnati directors - the right to extend from Harmar up the Ohio Valley to any point so as to connect with any railroad or other improvement that should be built to the Ohio River on the easterly side thereof.

This legislative grant of a right to extend from Harmar up the Ohio Valley was procured in accordance with advice received from the manager of the Baltimore & Ohio Company, and with their known wishes on that subject.

The following extract from a letter to Hon. William P. Cutler from Louis McLane. then president of the company, sufficiently indicates their views and fully justifies the efforts made to bring the road to Harmar :

Baltimore, January 14, 1848. Unless it should be indispensably necessary to -prescribe some limit to the extension of your road, it would appear to me most advisable that the right should be obtained to extend it to any point on the Ohio at which the company should determine to connect with our road, or if a limitation be unavoidable, to obtain the right to extend it to any point on the Ohio 'River not higher up than the month of Fish Creek. That would enable you certainly to connet with the projected improvement either from that point of Fishing Creek, and I have very little doubt that before we finish our road lo Wheeling our intersecting road will be authorized from, the mouth of Fishing Creek.

The Belpre & Cincinnati charter, with Harmar as an available teriuinus, and with subsequent right of extension up the Ohio Valley, so as to meet the views expressed in President McLane" s letter as above quoted, made a cooperation of all the above-named interests possible.

The first effort to build was by placing 24 miles between Chillicothe and Greenfield, and II miles east of Chillicothe under contract. This was soon followed by a second contract, extending to Byres station on the east and Blanchester on the west. At the date of these contracts the control of the company was in the hands of directors from Athens, Ross, and Highland Counties. Washington County had but two representatives on the board, Messrs. Wilson and Cutler.

Finally, after various vicissitudes, the track of the Marietta & Cincinnati road (the name having been changed because of alteration in the proposed route) was laid through to Harmar in 1857. Li 1868 the road passed into the hands of the Baltimore & Ohio Company and soon, to save 10 miles in distance, 30 miles of road were built along the Hocking Valley to Belpre and the old road-bed of the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad was abandoned. In 1884 a portion of the abandoned road-bed was reclaimed by the organization of the Toledo & Ohio Central Extension Railroad by T. D. Dale, Esq. Its western terminus was at Stewart, and its northern at Patos, where it connects with the Ohio Central lines. In November, 1893, it went into the iiands of a receiver and in August of the following year Mr. Dale was appointed receiver.

Clei'cland & Marietta Railroad. - The history of the enterprise, which resulted in the building of this road, is one of numerous failures. The company as originally organized was known as the Marietta & Pittsburgh Rail- road Company, and it was brought into being for the purpose of constructing a road from Marietta to Dennison, Tuscarawas County, passing through the counties of Washington, Noble, Guernsey, Harrison, and Tuscarawas. The certificate of organization was filed September 29, 1868, and the first meeting of the stockholders, pursuant to a call of the corporators, was held December 8, 1868, at the First National Bank of Marietta. The original corporators were: William H. Frazier of Caldwell, William Glidden of Noble county, William C. Okey, William P. Cutler, and Rufus R. Dawes. The stockholders elected the following gentelmen as the first directors of the company, viz: William P. Cutler, A. J. Warner, and Rufus R. Dawes, of Washington County ; William Frazier, of Noble: Isaac Morton. Thomas Greene and William Lawrence of Guernsey. At a meeting of the directors, held upon the same day William P. Cutler was chosen president, and Rufus R. Dawes, secretary. At the second meeting, held February 18, 1869, A. J. Warner resigned his place as director of the company and became, with James McArthur, party to a contract to construct the road from Marietta to Caldwell, a distance of 33 miles, the original purpose being to purchase the nearest good coal fields. They agreed to build the road for about $17,000 per mile, taking their pay in the stock subscriptions and bonds of the road. The contract was made and submitted February 18, 1869, and the directors were ordered to place a mortgage upon the road and issue bonds to the amount of $15,000 per mile. Construction was commenced in the summer of 1869. On June 30th the company was authorized to issue a mortgage of $1,500,000, it having been arranged to extend the construction from Caldwell to Dennison or some other point to connect with the "Pan Handle" or Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway. Of these bonds $500,000 were to be used in payment for building that part of the road between ]\Lirietta and Caldwell already under contract. This action by the Board of Directors was ratified by the stockholders July i, 1870. At the annual meeting of the stockholders December 14, 1870, it appears from the president's report that six miles of track had been laid. The grading was completed to Caldwell, and cross ties furnished for nearly the whole of the line. It was shown that the sum of $115,879 had been expended by the company, which by this time was largely in debt to the contractors.

At this meeting a new Board of Directors was elected, viz : William P. Cutler, Rufus R. Dawes, Samuel Shipman, James Dutton, of Washington County ; William H. Frazier and David McKee of Noble. This Board organized by the election of Mr. Cutler as president, Mr. Frazier as vice-president, Samuel Shipman as treasurer, and J. A. Kingsbury as secretary.

Up to this time no effort had been made to carry out the company's plan ofc extending the line north of Caldwell. At a meeting of the directors. May i, 1871, the following resolution was adopted :

Resolved. That we deem it advisable to take the necessary steps at once toward extending our line northward from Caldwell, and that W. Richardson and Samuel Shipman be a committee to take all preliminary and neces-ary steps to attain that effect.

At the same meeting ^Mr. \\'arner submitted a proposition on behalf of the firm of Warner & McArthur, proposing to build the extension contemplated, and a resolution was passed authorizing the company to enter into a contract with them, the company agreeing to furnish the right of way. An agreement was executed on the 1 2th of June following. The contractors immediately began the work of locating the line through to Newcomerstown, which point had finally been selected as the place of junction. At a meeting held November 30, 1 87 1, the northern terminus of the road had been changed from Newcomerstown to Canal Dover, Tuscarawas County, and the contractors were given authority to take subscriptions in the name of the county, and to enter into contracts for rights of way. By this time the road was completed and the rolling stock was moving over it between ;Marietta and Caldwell. The first train went over the road - from Marietta to \Miipple, 14 miles - on the first day of April, 1S71.

On 'the first day of January, 1872, the fourth annual meeting of the company was held, and the following directors were chosen, viz: A. J. Warner, Samuel Shipman, W. Richardson, W. H. Frazier. Isaac Morton, A. Wilhelmi, and William P. Cutler.

A. T. ^^^arner was chosen president, and from this time on almost the entire responsibility of the affairs of the company rested upon him. The company had become largely in arrears to the contractors, being unable to collect subscriptions fast enough to pay for the construction. Arrangements were made with the several counties to provide subscriptions of stock .to a given amount and to furnish right of way as conditioned prior to entering upon the construction of the road in them. As soon as the line was definitely located between Caldwell and Canal Dover, a branch was projected to run from Liberty, Guernsey County, via Coshocton, to iMansfield, to be known as the "Northwest Extension," which it was intended should become the main line. A considerable amount of money was subscribed, and county and township aid was voted to this line, but before work could be begun the panic of 1873 overtook the company and put an end to operations. Prior to this, however, Mr. Warner had negotiated the ist mortgage bonds through parties in New York City and Amsterdam. which enabled the company to prosecute their work vigorously through the season of 1872.

February 11. 1873. the annual meeting for that year was held. The old Board of Directors was continued in office, with the exception of Mr. Richardson, whose place was filled by Thomas W. Ewart. During this year the name of the company was changed to that of the Marietta, Pittsburg & Cleveland Railway Company ; the "^Marietta City Branch" was built, affording connection with the iMarietta & Cincinnati Railroad at Front street: and a consolidated mortgage was authorized to be issued for the purpose of providing additional funds, and taking up the mortgage previously issued.

It may be remarked, that during the summer of 1873 the work of construction was pushed ahead with all of the rapidity possible. Most of the grading was done, ties provided, and the line was 'got in readiness for the laying of iron, except in the construction of tunnels, of which four were proposed between Caldwell and Canal Dover. One of these it was necessary to complete before cars conld be run on the road. On this tunnel, south of Newcomerstown, work was carried on night and day for several months. In order to hasten the track-laying and get the road into runningorder, the three other summits were crossed by steep grades and zig-zags. Progress, however, was considerably delayed, and the company and contractors were embarrassed by the tardiness of subscribers in paying the money they had promised, and the difficulty in selling bonds. But by employing every energy at their command and using their own funds, the contractors pushed the road forward until the panic came on. The track was tlien laid nearly to Cambridge, from the south, and most of the way from Canal Dover to Newcomerstown, upon the north, but none of the road had been ballasted and the cuts and embankments were new and required constant attention. At this juncture it became a serious question whether it was possible to complete the line or whether it must be abandoned. Bonds could not be negotiated, and it was almost impossible to make any further collections on stock subscriptions. The floating debt was large and pressing.

Up to this time Mr. Warner was not personally involved beyond the direct obligations he had assumed as contractor in building the road. The construction of the road came to a halt. Mr. Warner, knowing that if the work was long delayed, the iron on hand must be sold and the enterprise fail completely, and the subscribers along the line not only lose all of the money they had paid in, but also lose the road, determined to carry the project through, even if he did so at the expense of heavily involving himself, personally. In February, 1874, he went to Europe, and after some time spent there succeeded in effecting a negotiation whereby the first bonds were substituted by the new consolidated bonds and adtlitional funds provided for carrying on the work. The business of the road, however, which was largely dependent upon the development of the coal and iron held, came to a standstill, furnaces "blowiing out'" and rolling mills "shutting down." The road was left by these causes without sufficient earnings to pay the interest on the bonds. This complication of troubles, being supplemented and aggravated by an unparalleled flood in Duck Creek, which did great damage along the southern part of the line, made it necessary to apply for a receiver. On August 5, 1875, A. J. -Warner was appointed to this position by Judge ]Marsh of the Court of Common Pleas of Guernsey County. The road was operated by the receiver from this time until June 13, 1877, when it was sold under order of the court, Cyrus W. Field, John Paton, and Isaac Morton becoming the purchasers as trustees for the bondholders. The trustees conducted the business of the road until May I, 1880, when, in accordance with an agreement made by the bondholders, the road was transferred to the new organization, the Cleveland & Marietta Railroad Companv. a corporation duly formed under the State law, and hax'ing- for directors Isaac Morton, of Cambridge; Douglas Putnam, of Marietta; Stanley Mathews, Larz Anderson, F. H. Short, and Charles W. West, of Cincinnati; Cyrus W. Field, Charles Lanier, and John Paton, of New York City ; C. D. Willard, of Washington, District of Columbia ; and S. C. Baldwin, of Cleveland. These directors elected Isaac Morton, president and treasurer, and S. C. Baldwin, vice-president and secretary.

Oliio Valley Railroad. - The first love of Marietta in the railroad building line was the; Ohio Valley, or rather the Marietta & Cincinnati & Bellaire Railroad. For this enterprise this city voted $100,000 in 1852. A large part of the road between here and Bellaire was graded and large sums spent on stone work along the line. Then came the pinch for money to complete the road and only the Cincinnati and ^Marietta division was completed.

The enterprise lay dormant until some time in the "seventies," when a new company was formed to build the road, and it might be said in passing that a company was also formed to build a road from Marietta to Zanesville on the east side of the ^Muskingum. Gen. Rufus R. Dawes was at the head of this enterprise. Both of these companies relied on the counties, towns and villages along the lines of the respective roads to \'ote money to help build same. This the various municipalities along both ri\-ers had done and the contracts were about to be let for the construction of them when the law under ^^-hich the votes were taken was declared unconstitutional and both enterprises fell through. That decision was in the nature of a calamity to Marietta.

Then a few years later General \\'arner got control of the right of way held by the old M. & C. Railroad which cost $10,000. the money as supposed, having been furnished by the Pennsylvania Companv to purchase the same. Then a campaign was inaugurated to raise money by private suliscription and to secure donations of the remaining rights of way. An accurate survey was made and all the plans, profiles and grade papers, etc.. necessary to let contracts for construction, were prepared. This was in the year 1883.

^Marietta had no Board of Trade then and e\-erything was left to one man. General Warner, who did all the negotiating with the Pennsylvania Company, and the people were assured that the road would l)e built. Railroad ties were bought and distriljuted along the line.

and so far as any outsider could tell, the road was an assured fact, and we were congratulating ourselves that our hopes were at last to be realized, but suddenly the wihole enterprise was dropped, the ties were shipped to the Pennsylvania, which road is always needing railroad ties, the plans and specifications were folded up, General Warner went to Congress and all the hopes, enterprise and efforts of the citizens of Marietta went for naught and the enterprise was laid away with this epitaph : "Requiescat in Pace."'

The Ohio River Railroad on the opposite side of the Ohio was built about the time the Ohio Valley was abandoned ; whether that had anything to do with the abandonment of the enterprise is not definitely known. There can hardly be any competition between two railroads on opposite sides of such a gulf as the Ohio. Impassable except at the ferries, which are few and far between, a railroad on this side of the Ohio would not only hold every passenger, but every pound of freight, absolutely as though no such road as the Ohio River Railroad ever existed. Not only that, but a road along a great river like the Ohio between such cities as Bellaire and Marietta, with the prosperous communities lying between, would pay from the word go. There is no more promising opening for the investment of money than in building this road.

"At the last session o-f the Ohio Legislature. an act ^^^as passed incorporating the "Duck Creek Navigation Company. " authorizing said comlpany to imiprove the navigation of said Creek by slack--water ; in pursuance thereof a meeting of the Commissioners appointed by said act was held in Salem Township, on the 4th day of May, 1837, to take into consideration the expediency O'f opening books toi receive subscriptions to the stock of said Company, a miajority of said Conlmissioners being present, a mieeting was organized by calling Harry Hill to the chair, and appointing Joel Tuttle, Secretarv. The following resolution was then

Resolved, That we deem it (expedient that books shall be opened, agreeably to the act entitled, "an act to incorporate the Duck Creek Navigation Coinpany" for subscriptions to the stock of said company, at Marietta, Fearing, Salem and Aurelius, in the County of Washington, and State of Ohio.

"On motion it was moved that six of said Commissioners be appointed tO' open the books to receive subscriptions to the stock of said Company, at such time and place as they may deem expedient. Whereupon, the folloAving persons were appointed for that purpose viz : William W. Mcintosh, Selden N. Merriam, James Dutton. James M'. Amlin, Harry Hill, Silas Hobby.

Notice

Is hereby given that one hundred shares have been subscribed to the stock of the "Duck Creek Navigation Ccmipany," agreeably to the /requisition jof the 4lh section 'of the act of the Ohio Legislature incorporating said Company, and that a meeting of the stockholders will be held at the school house in Salem township, near the house of Rufus Payne on the 3d day of June, 1837, at 6 o'clock A. M., for the purpose of electing five directors, to manage the concerns of said company.

County Court House

The first court was held at the residence of Col. Elbenezer Battelle and subsequently in the Northwest Block-house. Sometime before the close of the i8th century- a Court House was erected at a cost of about $ i ,000. A movement to that effect is mentioned in the records of 1792, but we cannot find that the appropriation was made until 1798, and the building was erected the next year. The upper story was used foT courts and the lower for jailoir's residence, with' a strong log jail attached. A new Court Honse was finished in 1823, 48 by 48, two stories. The north addition was erected in 1854 and the front 24 by 48 was put up in 1876. A petition signed by 19 citizens asked that the old part be located near the center of the lot; the commissioners granted tlie petition, which is still preserved with the original signatures. The present Jail was built in 1848.

Tlie movement for the erection of the handsomie Court Hbuse, a view of which appears as tlie frontispiece of this work, was led by the Marietta Board of Trade in 1898, and a vigorous canvass brought a majority of the votes to favor the retirement of the old Court House and the County Commissioners began to provide for the expense. The contract for the new structure w'as awarded, August, 1900, to W. H. Hlis and H. C. Kennedy, doing business as W. H. Ellis & Company, Cincinnati Contractors, wdio have had large experience in the erection of public buildings and are a thoroughly reliable firm. Their bid was for $147,- 000; allowances for extras doubtless brought the cost to exceed $150,000. Washington Coimty now has the most supefb structure in Southeastern Ohio. The architects are Samuel Hannaford & Sons, of Cincinnati, and the w^ork is under supen'ision of W. L. Hadley, Henry Strecker and D. R. Shaw, County Commissioners. The building is faced all around wjith Bedford stone and required o\-er two raillions of bricks in its walls. It has a frontage of 114 feet on Putnam and 141 feet along Second street. The comb of the roof is 68 feet high, top of the tower 158 feet above the ground and the building makes an elegant home for the courts and coimtv ofiices. It will be made fireproof and the third floor will be a substantial steel jail.

Old Established Business Houses

Some of the more important commercial activities which have done their part toward making Marietta known in the business life of the west should not be omitted in the record of this half century of the city's life. Prominent among these stable industries is the A. T. Nye & Son Company. Anselm Tupper Xye was bom November 9, 1797, in the Campus Martins, and spent most of his life in furthering interests connected with this city. A foundry was started near the old Fort Harmar site.about 1829 and its projectors sold out to A. T. Nye, Sr., in 1830, who associated with himself his brother, Ichabod H. Nye, and a nqjhew, Rotheus Maynard, as A. T. Nye & Company. In 1854, the junior partners retired and A. T. Nye, jr., born Decanber 17, 1832, became associated w^th his father, the firm name changing tO' A. T. Nye & Son, the latter being the active partner from thaice until his death, January 9, 1899. For many years he was president of the Citizens National Bank, and otherwise largely interested in the city's progress. Succeeding the death of A. T. Nye, Jr., the A'. T. Nye & Son Company was incorporated by his sons, G. L. Nye becoming president, H. B. Nye, treasurer'; and A. T. Nye (3d), business manager, all natives of Miarietta and grandsons of the founder of the business.

In 1866 the plant was removed to its present site on the Point where it occupies an acre of ground, bounded by Muskingum, Post and Monroe streets. The buildings comprise a large foundry, pattern shop, storerooms, offices, etc., and the specialties produced are the celebrated Leader stoves and steel ranges with all kinds of sto\"e hollow-ware. By prompt methods, honorable dealing's, and the intrinsic value of its products this firm commands an extensive trade. Employment is givai to an average of 50 skilled men, making a pay-roll O'f about $3,000 per month. Through the depressions within the past 70 years, this plant has never ceased to give employment to its mai and annually forward about the usual amount of goods to its customers. It has continued under a direct line of family descent since 1830, its financial intesrit\- is unquestioned and the A. T. Xye & Sun C-'mipany will doubtless remain in the future as in the past, in the front of Marietta's manufacturing success.

The Marietta Manufacturing Company was commenced in 1856 by W. F. Robertson &: Ci mipany and has been operated as a foundry exer since under various firm names. It took its present title in 1890 and a year later was incorporated with a capital stock of $75,000.' The present officers are Alia Winsor, president and secretary ; J. H. McConnell, superintendent ; W. S. Dye. treasurer. The works coAcr about an acre of ground, fronting on

Fort and Putnam streets and extending back to Franklin street. Tliis is a complete foundry with pattern and machine shops and has made a single casting which weig-hed lo tons. The president is a native of the county and looks after the wholesale trade; the superintendent is a native Mariettian, for 30 years a machinist, while the treasurer was also born in this county and has resided in the city for 10 years past. The trade of the Marietta Manufacturing Company extends well over Ohio and adjacent states, the product being stoves and ranges, iron and brass castings, plows and repairs. In the well-'furnished machine departmient a specialt}- is made oi' compound and condensing engines, pumps, etc., for the ^teamboat trade. Fifty to 60 men are employed and this sohd industry is an important factor in Marietta's growth and continued prosperity. The boiler plant of Henry Strecker has been in operation since 18O7. \\''hen it was established by George Strecker.. He was succeeded in 1898 by Henry Strecker. the present owner, one of the present County Commissioners. Tlie works are located on Fort street, above Lancaster, and occupy almost an acre of land. When in full operation about 12 men are employed. Marine boilers are a specialty, many of the large Ohio River boats having been fitted out here.

There is no question but what the Marietta Chair Company is entitled to first place among the industrial concerns of this city, from the magnitude of its operations and probably in point of age. The chair business which was started here in 1820 was succeeded by the present organization in 1856. It is the leader in Marietta industries. Although its employees are all union men, the liberality with which they have been treated and the frankness with which they have been consulted has always met their a]inr(ival and the firm has a record of "no strikes."

John Mills, president and treasurer, is a son of Col. John Mills, the family having been among Marietta's most enterprising citizens. J. H. Grafton, secretary and general manager, has been identified with the company for 32 years, and is now the vice-president of the National Chair Association and president of the Central & Southern States Association. Mr. Grafton's efiforts in the upbuilding of Marietta are well known. The ilarietta Chair Company, through its catalogues, has done much to advertise the fame of this city abroad and its magnitude of operations has been a great factor in the continued prosperity of the place; in short, the institution has been conducted on the broad-gauge principles, of which any city might well be proud. A large sawmill here is run by the chair company.

Thomas Cisler & Son, brick manufacturers, located on East Putnam street, are the pioneer brick works of Marietta. Established in 1858, the business has been continued on the same site ever since. The works are equipped for turning out about 25.000 building and paving bricks per day. The material from which the bricks are made is a superior quality of shale, gas is used for fuel and the bricks are burned in both up and down-draft kilns. The premises comprise about 25 acres and upon a sightly knoll near the works ]\Ir. Cisler has erected a commodious structure in which the ofifice of the firm is located. This industry is an illustration of Marietta's feasibility for manufacturing and a credit to its owners.

G. M. Knox & Son. Ship-building began in Marietta in 1800, continuing brisk until stopped bv President Jefferson's "Embargo Act" in 1808. The first brig, no tons, was named the "St. Clair"' and was built for Charles Greene & Company by Stephen Devol. In 1832 ship-building was again revived by Captain ^^'illianl Knox. He turned out about 35 boats, which were among the finest built in their time. In 1865 G. 'M. Knox purchased an interest in the business, and in 1887 H. D. Knox was taken into partnership. The boatyard is situated two squares below the mouth of the Miuskingum River. It gives employment to from 30 to 50 hands as occasion requires.

And Representative Citizens Marietta Post Office

Prior to 1794, Marietta's only communication with the East was by private messengers. In the spring- of that year a route was established between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati and an office opened here with R. J. ^leigs, Jr., as first postmaster. The post came by this place every two \^'eeks. In 1798 the first route was established between Marietta and Zanesville, the trip requiring from two to four days. Four years later a route was made to Cincinnati via Athens. In 1825 tlie service had vastly imiproved, but weekly mail was yet considered upto-date. The postmasters here for 20 years ipast have been S. L. Grosvenol', appointed 1882; E. S. Nye, 1886; E. R. Alderman, 1890; Henr}^ Roeser, 1894; and M, M. Rose, 1898. Mr. Rose was chairman of the Republican County Commlittee prior to his appointment and favorably known in Marietta. About a ton of mail now passes through this office each day. The employes are : A. D. Mc- Coy, assistant postmaster, with seven clerks, eight city carriers, and four rural carriers. The system of free rural delivery is being rapidly e.xtended over the county. Last year the earnings of this office were a little more than $31,000, and if the present rate of increase continues until 1904, it will have reached the $40,000 limit, which would place it among the offices of the First Class. The Post Office now occupies commodious ciuarters in the new St. Clair Building on Putnam street, almost directly opposite the new Court House.

City Hall

The need ol a City Hall appears to have been felt for several years before any definite measures were resorted to for supph-ing the deficiency. The City Council decided in 1871 to erect a substantial brick building of a sufficient size to accommodate the city offices and the Fire Dq>artment. and afford a place of meeting for their body and their successors in office. The contract was awarded to W. \\. McCoy, he being the lowest bidder, UDon September 15th, and preparations were immediately begun for the work. It had been the intention of the Council to Ixiild upon the commons, now commonly called the Park, at the comer of Front and Putnam streets, but there was objection made to this location. An appeal to the court resulted in an injunction restraining the Council from, building on the common, and thereupon the present site of the City Hall was purchased of ]\I. P. Esq. 'W'ork had been begun here when the Cit-\- Council, finding that there was much interest manifested in the matter, and a very general desire that tlie building should be much larger than had been contemplated, called a special election for th.e purpose of securing an accurate expression of public opinion. The ballots were prepared so as to read, "City Hall, yes," and "City Hall, no." The vote was \-ery nearly unanin-jous for building a City Hall, and it being understood that the majority were in favor of a building which would answer all possible requiremients and be an ornament to the town, the plans and specificatic^ns w ere changed, and a new contract made with ]\Ir. ]\IcCoy. The building committee consisted of Micliael H. Xeedham, George S. Jones, and Ddidley S. Xye. They examined several city halls in neighboring towns and reported plans which were adopted October 3. 1871. \\'ork was immj?diately begun and the building was finished and ready for occupancy by the first of February, 1873. The building cost about $70,000. nearl}- all of which amount was expended in ]\f arietta. The Hall was formally opened February 4th, with a presentation by amateurs (all Alariettians) of Bulwer's drama, "The Lady ol Lyons." A congratulatory address to the people upon the completion of the building was delivered by Gen. Rufus R. Dawes before the curtain was raised. Two other entertainments were given upon the evenings of February 6th and 7th. The proceeds of the three, which amounted to about $1,000, was invested in scener}-, which was presented to the city. In 1894 the building was remodeled at a cost of $17,000, making a commodious and complete opera house, wdiich seats an audience of 1,500 and brings a steady revenue to the municipality.

The towaiship of Marietta is eight miles long on the Ohio River, and froiii' two to six miles in breadth. It returns about 1 1.720 acres for taxation, and contains about 2.000 inhabitants. The town, as has been laefore stated, is situated at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio, and extends along each bank. Having herto'fore alluded at large to its general features, we proceed more into detail, and state, as far as is in our power, the statistics of Marietta.

The public buildings are the Court House. Jail, Market House, Bank Building, Library Hall, Female Academy, Collegiate Institute, and four houses of public worship.

The Court House is a large and handsome building, square in front, two stories high, capped by a handson"!e cupola. The upper story contains a spacious and convenient court room, with two- jury rooms, the ascent to- which is by a neat flight of stone steps. Below, two transverse halls divide off four firqiroof offices, used by the auditor, recorder, clerk, and sherift".

The ]\Iarket House is a small but neat building in "Second." on "Ohio" street. It is in general fully supplied with every variety which the season affords.

The Bank of Marietta is a large building, twio stories in height, with an ornamental front, which is copied from the United States Branch bank in the city of New York. The linking room directors' room, guard room, and vault occupy the major part of the basement, while the remainder, with the whole upper story, is finished off neatly as a dwelling house. The banking institution is one of the best in the State, affording to farmers great accommodation and its stockholders a liberal dividend. Its discounts for the year 1832 amounted in the aggregate to the sum of $325,489.

The Congregational, which is the largest, is perhaps one of the first built in Ohio. It was planned by and erected under the supervision of Gen. Rufus Putnam. It is two stories high and ftu'nished with a wide gallery extending around the sides and front. The front of the building presents a large gable flanked by two towers, which contain the staircases to the galleries, and a large clear-sounding bell, a present from the old Masonic Society in this place. The officiating clergyman is Rev. Mr. Bingham.

The Methodist Church is a neat one-story building on Second street, perfectly plain in its appearance, and embowered in a cluster of beautiful trees. It accommodates a very large congregation and is usually filled to overflowing. The present officiating clergvmen are Rev. Mr. Poe and Dr. Roe.

The New M'ethodist Churcli, is a handsome edifice, erected on Point Harmar, within a few months past. Its size is 50 by 30 feet. The front is ornamented by lancet-pointed windows, and presents an exceedingly neat appearance.

The Episcopal Church is now being built on a commanding situation, in Scammel street, corner of Fourth street, on the rise of groinid ascending to "the plain." .It is to be finished in the Grecian Doric order - the front being a vestibule of 10 feet projection, adorned by four massive fluted columns supporting a rich and heavy pediment. The size of it is 60 feet by 40. The building is of brick, which is to be stuccoed in imitation of marble, and the ascent to it will be a handsome flight of steps the whole width of the building. The clergyman officiating is Rev. Mr. Wheat.

This much for our public buildings. They are indeed ornamental to the town. The rural beauty of Marietta has often induced the bbtservation that "but little business is done here ; the houses are too clean." In answer we submit facts, premising them by one remark, that Marietta is extended over a large space (there being no less than i .075 lots in the town ) and the coal smoke which arises from our fur- naces and mills, instead of O'verhanging the town in one dense black cloud, is driven off by the gentle breezes induced by the current of the rivers. Again, the business of Mlarietta is not done, as in other towns, W a continued rolling of carts, wagons and carriages alone. Our thoroughfares are the swift Muskingum and the broad Ohio, and where, in other towns, is only heard the incessant rumbling of wheels, in Marietta these sounds are responsive to the echo of the boatman's bom, or the steamboat bell. But to particulars. During the past months of the present )-ear, no less than 40 flatboats have left town filled with produce, and mtmufactures. Keel-boats constantly arrive and depart laden ; while steamboats contribute in by no means the least degree to the farther exports and imports of Marietta. The more extaisive branches of business pursued here we name as follows :

The steamboat yard, owned by Messrs. Whitney and Stone, at which an extensive business is done in the construction of boats. We insert the namtes and tonnage of the boats built here, with pleasure, and if, perchance, it meets a traveler's eye. he may recollect their speed, their strength and beauty.

The Marietta Foundry is in full tide of successful operation. Castings of every kind are made here, and in the best manner. None, perhaps, can be produced superior to them. From 100 to 120 tons of pig iron are moulded in this foundry every year.

The Marietta Steam Mill is a large building of freestone, three stories high, containing three run of stones, and manufaxTtures from fifty to sixty thousand bushels of floitr per annum.

There are besides these two steam sawmills (one of which also produces flour), two carding machines (one worked by steami'), and four tanneries. One of these tanneries is very extensive. It has just been erected and put in operation by the Alessrs. Vintons, formerly of Philadelphia. A steam engine performs the duties which in other instances are done by the strength of hand, saving consecjuentlv a vast amoaint of manual labor.

\\'ild Animals. - In early days the forests of Washington County re-echoed to the bellow ings and hea^ y tramp of the bufifalo, the panther and the bear, and the howl of the wolf ; the fleet deer bounded, with timid feet, from the approach of the hunter; the lofty flight of the wild fowl was no protection against the unerring aim of the arrow, which, whizzing through the air, brought back its fluttering mark; the lifted h.^ad of the rattlesnake reared itself in the path of the traveler; and the red torchlight of the Indian fishing canoe glared intensely on the light ripplings of the water. Eut those days are now no more; the "stam])- ing grounds" show where once the buffalo resorted; and the panther lives only in the traditions of old hunters. The arrow" has given awav to the rifle ball ; the rattlesnake retires to unfrequented rocks and sands, \\lhile the fishing canoe no more gUdes along, managed by the dusk}- form of the red man, but is guided by the dexterous boatman's pole.

Tlie wild animials at present found in the county are chiefly those of tlie most harmless character, and which contribute to the sustenance of man. T|here is perhaps in the most uninhabited parts an occasional bear, or, perchance, at night a wolf may be heard to howl in some remote glens on the borders; but I may safely affirm that but few inhabitants of the county, at the present day, meet with either the one or the other. The deer still bounds with noiseless tread before the hunter's path, and the corn is sometimes molested by the secret attacks of the raccoon, opossum, or squirrel. The wild turkey stalks along the woods in large flocks; the streams are lined with the brilliant plumage of the wild duck; and high in the air may be noticed the buzzard, wheeling in wide circles until his keen eye and scent attract him to the ground. The wild gray goose may be seen winging its \emal and autumnal flight through the air; and in the autunm may be heard from almost every branch the twittering of wild pigeons. Clouds on clouds come in thicker and thicker, until millions are assembled in one grand "roost."

"In the township of Decatur is a tract three or four miles square, occupied by the wild pigeons as a roost, in the year 1832. The timber over this tract is entirely destroyed. ]\Iillions of beautiful birds made this their doinicile for several months and afforded much sport to the huntsmen, and much food for the foxes." (Manuscript notes of \\'. C. bv S. P. Hildreth.).

Petroleum ("spring-oil" or "Seneca oil") has been known to the hunters and earh- inhabitants of the county since its first settlement. It is generally supposed to be the product of coal at a great distance below the surface of the earth. It is. as is well known, an oleaginous substance, rather thicker than comanton tar, possessing a strong, disagreeable odor. This oil, by filtering it through charcoal, is almost dqjrived of its empyreumatic smell, and can be used in lamps, as it aft'ords a brilliant light. It is very useful, and therefore niuch employed in curing the diseases of and injuries done to horses. It is a preventive against the attacks of the "blowing fly." and is perhaps the best substance known for the prevention of friction in machinery.

There are to gases, "sulphuretted hydrogen," and "carburetted hydrogen," which rise copiously in some places from the earth, particularly on the banks of the Little ^luskingum. The last named gas is considered so strong a mark of salt that many wells are sunk on this evidence alone. When a light is applied the gas inflames and burns for days, until extinguished by rain, or a suddai gtist of wind. There are some pools of water through which gases rise, and which consequently have ac- \ quired the name of "burning springs." [ \Miile on this subject it will be expected that I should name the market at which produce is sold and the best means of conveyance thereto. It has been remarked that the numerous streauKS gave surprising facilities to the inhabitants of even the inland townships, of conveying their goods and produce to market. ! X'ow there are so many markets of eas}' access that it is left tO' the final decision of the agriculturist, whether to convey his load to Marietta and there sell it, or to take it to Cincinnati, Louisville, Natchez, or New Orleans. It is a general practice for the farmer to select a large, tall and straight poplar {Liriodcndron fiilipifcra) from which he whip-saws two large boat gunwales. By properly framing and fastening tOi these, cross pieces, studding and joists, boarding the whole up carefully, and caulking the bottom, to render it water-tight, he obtains a light draught flatboat, to which he appends a long sweep to steer with, and two others for rowing. Into this boat he conveys all his surplus produce, and perhaps that of his neighbors also', and with the assistance of one or two hands launches out into the current of the river, which bears his boat along to the market below. Generally the boat and cargo are sold at Cincinnati, although sometimes it is found miore profitable to let the boat float on to New Orleans, and disposing of the cargo and boat there, at advanced prices, to return home by one of the countless steamboats, which adorn the Western waters. These tlatboats usually hold from six to eight hundred barrels tonnage. Frequently the owners of the freight bring back in return a quantity of groceries, such as sugar, molasses, coffee, rice, &c., on which they make a second protit when they arrive at home. The convenience of access to Washington County affords its inhabitants other facilities. It is generally, as we have said, better suited to grazing than tO' arable farms. Where then is the market for cattle, for horses, for pork, for wool, and other produce of such farms ? Aly answer is, you may ha\-e it at your own door. Annually drovers perambulate the county to buy up all the cattle the}- can obtain. The Eastern markets are supplied with cjur beeves. Our horses are before the carriages of the Eastern cities droves being sent thither annually. Our pork and ciieese supply the mart of New O'rleans, sent hence by our merchants ; while our wool is exported (by tons) every year to the Eastern manufactories, after having been purchased at the farmer's fireside by the merchant from the seaboard on his annual visit.

Such are the markets of Washington Count}-. To the enterprising farmer, who will adventure a little for large profits, the mart of Xew Orleans is the point of attraction. The distance is great, but the cost and trouble of transportation is very small. Others proceed only to Cincinnati, or Louisville, and there dispose of their boats or rafts ; and still more, preferring to devote the whole of their time to the cultivation of their farms, await the annual call (jf the beef or horse dro^ver, or of the [xirk dealer, or wool merchant, and dispose of their surplus produce at home.

Notice To Wolf Killers

The undersigned, who was born and raised in a new country, now the State of Vermont, where wolves were extremely annoying, causing the death of vast numbers of Sheep, but which were soon destroyed when a bounty of $20 per head was given, - having resided in

Waterford, in this county, since the year 1795, and ever since, more or less, a cultivator of Sheep ; from experience, firmly believe it is money well expended when we pay a heavy bounty on wolves'' scalps ; and I believe also "in the doctrine of self-defense, even should it do my neighbors"' good.

Some >ears ago an association of Wool growers in this county, was formed for ithe destruction of wohes, which failed to be complied with, and the hunters not well paid; - but yet I hope and believe they will be remunerated for what has been done. We then petitioned the Legislature tn sive the Commissioners of this county the ])m',\, r {., i:[x >hoep for the destruction of wolves: iuhKt \\\\- aci llio popular nerve was unstrung - the Comiuissi.jtier^ quailed - the wolves rejoiced, and Timltiplied to the great damage of the country.

That the wolves shall be destroyed. I now stand forth alone, speculation or no speculation, to offer, and will pay ten dollars for each and every full grown wolf, killed on the east of the Muskingum River, in the counties of Washington and Moigan. on the certificate of the Clerl: of th" Court, in which it must be certified that they were killed east of the Muskingum River ; and this bounty which, with the State and county will make $19, I hope and trust will be a strong inducement for the hunters to move forthwith against the enemy, and which I will pay until six months' notice is given in the public 'papers to the contrary. The woif hunters I hope to see early and often for this bounty, until there is not a grown wclf within the counties I have named.

Wool is one of the main staples of our country, and will be ISO, and happy will it be for its* inhabitants. The time will shortly arrive, as I trust, and well will it be for this region of country, when our town, county, and State authorities will give especial patronage to Sheep.

Newport, Ohio, Apiil 12, 1834. - "The Wolf! - We call the attention ai hunters to the following notice. It will be seen that by the liberality of individuals, the bounty .wlill be increased toi a sum rendering it of profit tO' the hunter to spend considerable time and exertion in the destruction of this animal :

Wolves.- -A few of the farmers of Newport township, stimulated by the example and laudable exertions of an elder brother of the occupation, who has ever been liberal and vigilant in the measures adopted in this section of the State, for the destruction of our common enemy, the wolf, have authorized the undersigned to offer a bounty of ten dollars for each and every full grown \\T)lf that may hereafter de destroyed within the County of Washington, on the east side of the great Muskingum River. 'The money will be paid by the subscriber, on the presentation of the certificate of the clerk of the coimty. taken in the form prescribed by law, to entitle the person killing the wolf to the State and county bounty.

Emigrant Association

"A meeting of several citizens of Marietta was convened at the Bank of ^larietta, on Mionday e\ening last, for the purpose of consulting upon the expediency of forming an Emigrant .'Association. John Mills, Esq., in the Chair, and J. Delafield, Jr., Secretary. On motion of Arius Nye, Esq., it was Resolved, that it is expedient to fomi an Emigrant Association in and for the County of Washington: the principal purpose of which shall be to collect and furnish correct information to emigrants to this county, or who may \x disposed to emigrate hither; and for the furtherance of this object, to open a communication with persons in the Eastern cities, particularly New York, through whom correct information of the character and advantages offerefl in this county and town may be given to emigrants.

"Gentlemen who have farms in this county,* for sale or lease, or who have mills, for sale or lease, mill-seats which are unoccupied, &c., &c., are informed that by leaving a correct A\ritten description of their property (and if possible a plat of the same) with the Secretary, at Marietta, it will be open to the inspection of any emigrants who may arrive. Citizens in each township are respectfully requested to convey to the Secretary such information in relation to their respective townships as will prove of advantage and interest to emigrants who mav come hither."

Public Spirit Tea Plant

The subscriber has 'for ten years past cultivated ;fully the genuine tea plant of China, and believes confidently that, after making various experiments involving considerable expense, he has at length discovered the art of drj'ing and .manufacturing the leaves, so as to produce the article of tea in quality equal to the Young Hyson imported.

He has in his possession samples w'hich he will exhibit to any one desirous or icurious to ascertain the fact. He will also give, gratis, to any gentleman desirous of cultivating it, or willing to make the experiment, fresh seed, of last year's crop, and will, moreover, give instruction for planting and rearing it. He is certain it may be raised and cured in this country with good profit.

N. B. - It is not any selfish motive that has induced him to give this notice, but a sincere desire that it may prove a benefit to this country, in which he has passed the better part of eight years of his life. Inquire for me at Mr. Christoper Carpenter's. Green street.

"There is one Obstruction to the growth of this place, which its inhabitants oitg'ht to set themselves earnestly a1x>ut removing. It is the want of good roads and bridges in the vicinity. That a traveler should be compelled to pay heavy ferriages over little streams - and to head runs for want of -bridges, in the neighborhood of such a town as Marietta, is a circumstance not at all to its credit - and cpiite as little to its profit. A good bridge over Duck Creek, on the road by Dr. Moore's fann, would save its cost to the town in one year in the articles of fuel and building materials. We wish to see these evils speedily rem'edied."

"At a meeting of the Corporators of the Marietta and Ne\vport Turnpike Road and Bridge Company, March 21, 1838, Joseph Barker, Jr., was appointed Chairman, and A\'m. A. Whittlesey, Secretary.

"The following resolution, offered by Willianl West, to-wit. Resolved, that it is expedient that lx>oks of subscrijjtion be forthwith oij>ened to obtain stock in the Marietta and Newport Turnpike Road and Bridge Com- pany. under the direction of the tirst ten named Corporators, as pointed out in the Second Section of the Act incorporating said Company, passed March 5, 1838. and seconded by Ebenezer Battelle, was adopted by the following vote:

The law for the encouragement of Turnpike Companies haS' been a considerable time in operation. Other parts of the State have availed themselves of it much - we, hut little. An attempt was made to repeal it last winter. The members from Hamilton, it is understood, voted for the repeal ! - yes. Hamilton has milked her full share from the public cow - and now would sell her off and debar other portions of the State from the like privilege. Now is the tinxe for the Muskingum Valley to put in for such a share as may carry out the communications necessary to its prosperity and that of the public and public works. No time should be lost in carrying into effect the charter for Turnpikes to Lancaster. Chillicothe and Zanesville. If those living in the lower part of the valley bestir themselves properly the objects will be effected. But if they linger, others m^y step in and divert the course of prosperity, and the dwellers on the Muskingum may rue. too late, their blindneS'S and want of timely exertion.

The word, therefore, is Mcrt'. . July 27, 1839. - "Agreeably to notice in the public papers of Marietta, signed bv Nahum Ward, John Mills, P. B. Buell, John Dodge, Jesse Hildebrand, E. Short, and Thomas Vinton, corporators ; the stockholders of the Afuskingum Valley Turnpike Company met at the Cotu't House in Marietta, on Friday, the 26th of July, 1839. John Mills, Nalium! Ward, and L. D. Barker, three of the commissioners named in the act of incorporation, were appointed to preside at this meeting, and A.. T. Nye was ai^ijointed Secretary. The stockholders then proceeded to elect by ballot, nine Directors for the Company, agreeably to the 4th Section of the act incorporating said company, passed February ^6, 1833, and on counting the ballots it appeared that P. H. Buell, Nahum \\''ard, George W. Barker, John Dodge, L. D, Barker, Jesse Ilildehrand, E. Short, John \\'. Dana, and Thomas Vinton, having each a majority of all the votes given, and the highest said number, are declared duly elected Directors of the Muskingum Valley Turnpike Company. "John Mills, "L. D. Barker, "Nahum Ward. "A. T. NvE, Scc'y."

Improvement In Horses

"At a meeting of the Washington and W^ood County Association for the Improvement of the Breed of Horses, held at the house of Geo. Reppert. in the township of Warren, agreeably to public notice,

"The meeting was organized by appointing A. V. D. Joline. Chairman, and J. P. Wightman, Secretary, when the following officers were appointed, and the f(jllo\\-ing resolutions unanimously adopted :

Resolved. That Lewis W. Reppert, D. Barber, Jas. H. Deming and W. Greene be a Committee to lay out and cause to be made a track on the farm of Mr. Reppert 5 miles below Harmar.

Resolved, That the races commence on the 17th of October next and continue for three days, as follows : first day, first race mile heats, for three year olds ; 2d race, same day, 2 mile heats, free for all ages; weight according to age ; 2d day, mile heats, free for all ages, weight according to age ; 3d day, mile heats, best 3 in 5, for all ages, weight according' to age.

Resolved, That the amount of annual subscriptions and gate money, after deducting the expenses of obtaining and making the course, be applied equally in purses for the four races above mentioned.

The entrance to each race to be $10. The races to be free for all 'horses now owned in the counties of Washington and Wood, upon the condition that the citizens of Wood raise an amount to be added to the purses above named of not le^s than one-half of the amount raised by Washington County.

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the chairman and Secretary and published in the papers of Washington County, Ohio, and Wood County, Va.

Rapid Transit In 1 839

Froni Winchester direct to Parkersburg. Va. The subscribers have determined to run their line three times a week (instead of twice) and through in less than three days, with very little night traveling. This Line will connect with the Winchester. Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road, and the Alexandria, Washington and Staunton Stages - so that passengers going either East. West or South, will only lodge in Winchester and pass on in four dayj from Baltimore. Washington or Alexandria, to Parkersburg Con the Ohio River) from whence they can go by steam up or down the River.

The Stages l\;ave Taylor's Hotel in Winchester, every Monday. Wednesday and Friday morning, and returning arrive there on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Leave McGuire's Hotel in Parkersburg on Sunday. Wednesday and riday mornings, and returning arrive there Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings.

The distance through is 235 miles - the entire route on the Nortwestern Turnpike Road. Fare through $16. All intermediate points rated at about 7 cents per mile.

Passing Of The Stage Coach

"Stage Accident. - On Tuesday last the mail stage and the opposition stage of Neil, Moore & Co.'s line, between this place and Zanesville, in coming down, came in contact about six mljles above this, by w!iich the opposition, containing nine passengers, was thrown off the road, down the bank, and upset, very seriously injuring a young man by the name of Peck, from New York, and, more or less, all the other passengers. These stages were racing, and in coming up March Run Hill, the mail attempted to pass the opposition, and in doing so run it off the road. According to the statements of passengers, there was considerable excitement between the drivers and agents who were seated with them, and threats have been made previous to this collision ; 'but as the affair will probably midergo a legal investigation, we shall forbear to state anything further that we have heard. There is not the least doiibt that both parties \Yere to blame, as they seemled perfectly regardless of the safety of their passengers."