Pultney Township (part 2 of 3)

The electric light power for it supply of the city 1s furnished by two corporations, viz.: The Bellaire Gas & Electric Company, and the Belmont Electric Light Power Company. The Bellaire Street Railway Company was organized in 1874 with a capital stock of $50,000 with John Fink, Jacob Heatherington, John M. Criswell, Anthony Sheets, A. M. Anderson, Isaac Booth, T. A. Cummins and G. W. Hogue as incorporators. The cost of building the road was $21,700. A few years later 1t was merged into the present system' of electric motor lines uniting Bellaire with Bridgeport, Martin's Ferry and Wheeling.

The Banks And Loan Companies

The first bank established in Bellaire was a private banking institution organized by Hogue, Cowen Company in 1867. The firm name was changed in 1870 to Hogue, Sheets & Company. This company ceased to do business in 1878.

The First National Bank. - ' The next banking house was known as the City Bank of Bellaire, which was founded December 26, 1876, by A. W. Anderson, Isaac Booth, A. O. Mellott, J. T. Mercer, C. C. Kelley and A. P. Tall- | man, with A. W. Anderson, president, and A. P. Tallman, cashier. The capital stock was $18,000. It was changed to the First National Bank in January, 1872, with a capital of $50,000, the above-named gentlemen, including N. W. Junkins, being directors, and the same president and cashier being continued. Its capital has since been increased to $200,000. Its deposits are now about one million dollars, and its aggregated assets about $1,400,000.

The following gentlemen have served as presidents in the order named: A. W. Anderson, J.'T. Mercer, Herman Roemer, and George ost. A. P. Tallman has been cashier and active manager since the bank was organized. James T. Kelley was elected assistant cashier in 1888 and William J. Morrison in 1902, both still holding these positions. The bank has never missed a semi-annual dividend since it began business. The present directors are: George W. Yost, William Harvey, A. O. Mellott, John R. Gow, A. P. Tallman, J. T. Kelley and George Robinson. In addition to the above, Jacob "Maser, James B. Gorrell, James Kelsey, Andrew Smith, Owen Mehan, and John Stewart have acted as directors, the most of them for a long time prior to and up to their death.

The Dollar Savings Bank. - The next bank ing institution in order was the Dollar Savings Bank, organized in 1889, with J. A. Gallagher, president and C. C. Kelley, secretary and cashier. The capital stock is $50,000, with a surplus of $10,000. The additional liability of stockholders is $50,000.

The present officers are A. Klotz, president; Dr. J. P. West, vice-president; C. W. Dickens, cashier and W. C. Warnock, treasurer. Directors - A. Klotz, M. L. Blackburn, Jacob Rietz, Alex: Neff,-C- Rumbach;- Jo P West; Tohr Parks, Robert McKelvey and C. W. Dickens.

The Belmont Savings & Loan Company was organized March 3, 1885. The capital stock - of the company at the beginning was $1,000,000, divided into 5,000 shares of $200 each. The names of the incorporators are as follows: James B. Darrah, William J. Mc- Clain, John Coulson, Patrick Whealan, David H. Darrah, John E. Robinson, Tames re Anderson. At a meeting of the directors on the 17th day of March, 1890, the capital stock of the company was increased to $2,000,000. The present officers are: James F. Anderson,

Bellaire Steel Works And Representati Ve Citizens

The Buckeye Savings & Loan C ompany of Bellaire, Ohio, was incorporated May 7, 1890, by Thomas J. Boyce, Richard Heslop, William Moorehouse, Phillipe Brailly and Samuel Moore, with an authorized capital of $5,000,- 000, the purpose of the company being the raising of money to be loaned to its members and others, only on real estate security.

The securities owned by the Buckeye Building & Loan Company were purchased by the new company, as the Buckeye Savings & Loan Company offered greater advantages to both borrowers and depositors, owing to the privileges granted in the laws under which the new company was organized. Some smaller companies also found it to their advantage to combine with the Buckeye Savings & Loan Company.

On December 31, 1890, the net assets of the new company amounted to $150,000. Since that time the growth of the Buckeye Savings & Loan Company has been steady and continued, the last statement of the company showing loans of two-thirds of a million, with a reserve fund of $35,000.

The increasing business of the company demanded more room, which was secured by removal from the first quarters in the Central Block to a room on 32nd street, and later, by removal to a new building on the corner of 32nd and Belmont streets, which is the present location of the company.

The "Buckeye Block," the only real estate owned by the Buckeye Savings & Loan Company, is directly east of the new city building, and is one of the best locations in the city. Thomas Garrett, the first president of the company, died soon after his election to that office. His successor, W. C. Bergundthal occupied the position until his election as county treasurer and his removal from the city. He was succeeded by George Walters, who is now the president of the company. Both Mr. Moorehouse as vice-president and Luke Gavin

William Parks, the first secretary of the company, and to whose effort and ability the success of the Buckeye Savings & Loan Company is chiefly due, died in 1893. He was succeeded by B. C. Tyler, who resigned the position one year later and was succeeded by W. G. McClain, the present secretary. The office of assistant secretary has been filled by John Parks since the death of his son, William Parks, in 1893. Miss Jennie Smith is bookkeeper.

The present officers of the company are: President, George Walters; vice-president, William Moorehouse ; secretary, W. G. Mc- Clain; assistant secretary, John Parks; treasurer, Luke Gavin; directors, - - George Walters, John Parks, William Moorehouse, Richard Heslop, Luke Gavin, C. M. Wyrick, Charles H. Dankworth, W. N. Brailly and. L. G. Battelle. i

The Manufacturing Interests

Perhaps the first large manufacturing industry in the city was the Bellaire Nail Works, incorporated in November, 1866, with B. R. Cowen, president, and D. J. Smith, secretary. The original' capital was $155,000, which was subsequently increased to $375,000 by the erection of a blast furnace with a capacity of TOO tons of pig iron daily, and a steel plant with a capacity of 275 tons in 24 hours and 200,000 kegs of nails annually.

Today the Carnegie Steel Company, which has been absorbed by the National Steel Company, operates the Bellaire Steel Works, and the officers are: W. E. Corey, president; H. B. Bope, vice-president, both located in Pittsburg and N. M. Peterson, division superintendent of this district. The tin plant employs r,100 men and produces annually put in operation in Bellaire, other than glass, was the Bellaire Implement Machine Works, organized in November, 1870, as a joint stock company, with Col. C. L. Poorman, president and H. A. Waddell, secretary.

This company was obliged to face the business and financial depression oí 1873-74, and, failing to meet their bonds when due in 1878, were compelled to suspend business at a time when their wares were in good demand.

Bellaire deservedly gained the title of the "Glass City" by the number of glass factories in operation from 1870 to 1885, and the vast capital invested in the business.

The first flint glass works was the Belmont, organized in 1861, with W. G. Barnard, H. Fauple, H. Over, John Robinsom, and David Carr, as directors. The next in order was the Bellaire Window Glass Company, organized in 1870-71, with John W. Sanders, president, and F. M. Sheets, secretary. Then came the Star Glass Works conducted by J. H. Sullivan & Sons. It was followed by the National in 1869. Then the Bellaire Goblet Works was organized in 1876 with W. B. Gorby, president, and E. G. Morgan, secretary. The next in order was the Union Window Glass Company, organized in 1880 with D. J. Smyth, president, and C. C. Kelley, secretary. The Enterprise Window Glass Company, a cooperative concern, was established in 1884. The Bellaire Stamping Company was established by C. S. S. Barron, J. T. Mercer and A. P. Tallman. This organization was subsequently removed to Harvey, Illinois.

The factories now in operation are the Bellaire Bottle Company, G. S. Armstrong, president and Mr. Sheldon, secretary. The National Glass Manufacturing Company, organized by Crangle, Dalzell & Co., of Wheeling, which is now operated and known as the Rodefer Glass Company. The Novelty Stamping Company, the Century Glass Company, the Enterprise Enamel Company, organized by Dorer and Smith. F

Its managers are among the most experienced capitalists in Bellaire and Wheeling. The company is organized under the laws of West Virginia, and the incorporators are: J. E. Anderson, of Bellaire; and J. N. Vance, L. E. Sands, Morris Horkheimer and Ed. Muhleman, of Wheeling. The directors are: A. P. Tallman and J. F. Anderson, of Bellaire; and J. N. Vance, L. E. Sands, Morris Horkheimer, Frank C. Hoffman, Lawrence Schenk, Joseph Speidel and Ed. Muhleman, of Wheeling. The authorized capital stock is $500,000, and the amount subscribed is $488,900. The officers are: President, J. N. Vance; secretary, Ed. Muhleman; treasurer, L. E. Sands; executive committee, - James F. Anderson, A. P. Tallman and Ed. Muhleman.

The Mason Heater Company has a capital of $50,000. Its officers are: August Schick, president; Chalmers Trimble, secretary. The directors are: August Schick, J. H. McDonald, H. W. Hermann, S. J. Rockershousen, Emil Schmidt, R. L. Bowman, O. P. Mason, M. K. Beazel and Chalmers Trimble. It also gives employment to about 100 hands.

The Anderson & McGregor Company, the Suburban Brick Company, the Standard Stone & Brick Company, the Bellaire Stove Company, the Bellaire Boiler & Bridge Company, the C. L. Dorer Foundry Company, the Anderson Brothers' foundry, and the two flour mills of Stewart & Ward, and T. Ault & Son are also among the important manufacturing concerns of Bellaire:

Since writing the above, the Belmont Stamping & Enameling Company was organized September 23, 1902, by the election of John T. Troll as president, Alex. Neff, vice-president, been taken out under the laws of West Virhas been paid in. The board of directors is constituted as follows: Alex. Neff, U. G. Fletcher, John T. Troll, Albert Troll, Samuel Campbell, John Jamison and J. Reynolds.

The Railroads Entering The City

The first railroad entering into Bellaire and indeed into Belmont County was the Central Ohio Railroad. This great thoroughfare now known as the Western Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was chartered by the General Assembly of Ohio in 1848.

the construction of a railroad from Columbus to the Ohio River by Newark and Zanesville and eventually to be extended westward to the Indiana line. The capital stock was fixed at $1,500.000, with the privilege of increasing it to $2,500,000.

At the organization of the company, the foilowing gentlemen were elected directors, viz: Solomon Sturgiss, John Hamm, William Dennison, Jr., George James, Albert Cherwood, Charles B. Goddart, Daniel Marble, Levi Claypool, Daniel Brush and Stephen R. Hosmar.

Sullivan retired from the presidency and Mr. After two years of service, Mr. Fassett resigned, and Judge Hugh J. Jewett of Zanesville was appointed receiver, and subsequently chosen as president.

In 1865, the road became a lessee of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, and has been operated by the latter with great success ever since.

| the Ohio at this point was built by the Baltimore & Ohio and Central Ohio roads conjointly at the ratio cost of two-thirds by the & Ohio and one-third by the Central Ohio. The span of this great stone structure, not including the approaches, is threefourths of a mile, and the approaches aré doubtless of equal length. The two spans over the channel of the river alone measure 700 feet. The bridge is of the highest architectural design, and cost a million and a quarter of dollars.

In order to accommodate the rapidly increasing intercourse between tlie two cities, a company has been organized to construct a foot and wagon bridge between Bellaire and Benwood. But owing to some differences as to the point.of location, the Council has not yet

The Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad, extending from Cleveland to Bellaire on the south and Cleveland to Beaver on the north, was chartered in 1836. It progressed slowly for want of money and active work did not begin tor II years thereafter. In 1849 the work on the main line was begun and completed to the river under the supervision of Joseph and Silas Chamberlain.

In 1853 the Bellaire and Beaver divisions of the road following the course of the river were put under contracts and were completed and opened for business in 1856. After the panic of 1857 the value of the stock ran down, when the road passed under the control of the Pennsylvania Company, by whom it is still operated on the basis of 6 per cent interest on the par value of the stock, viz: 147.

There was a period in the history of this | road, when its maintenance was largely due | to the tireless efforts of W. W. Holloway of | But for. the financial aid ren- | obliged to suspend. This road also terminates in Bellaire and since it passed into the hands of the Pennsylvania Company it has been very successfully operated.

As a local road, it is probably one of the most profitable in the State, touching as it does all the mining and manufacturing towns bordering upon the Ohio River from Bellaire to Pittsburg.

The Bellaire, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railway was organized in 1875. The, purpose of the company was to build a railroad from Bellaire to Athens, Ohio, through altogether the roughest country in the State, viz: Belmont, Monroe, Washington and Athens counties. The work of raising the necessary funds was entrusted to Col. J.,H. Sullivan, the builder of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

The road changed hands in 1902 and is now known as the Ohio River & Western Railroad. This road is a valuable tributary to the stream of trade entering into Bellaire.

The Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Rail- _way. - One of the most important roads in the county is the Cleveland, Lorain Wheeling Railway, extending from Lorain on the north to Bellaire on the south, a distance of 161 miles.

This road passes through one of the richest mining and agricultural districts in the State. It was constructed from Dennison in Tuscarawas County to Bridgeport in 1876, following

The road was then known as the Cleveland, Tuscarawas Valley Wheeling Railway. But for the efforts of prominent citizens and directors in vigorously pushing the work of construction, the road would not have been extended to the river.

Its capital stock is $5,600,000 and funded indebtedness, $1,170,000. Millions of tons of coal mined in Belmont County are shipped over this road annually, and new coal organizations are created almost monthly for the development of new territory. Within two years the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad has obtained a controlling interest in the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling and it 1s today operated by that company. This road is also a valuable tributary to the trade of Bellaire.

The Ohio Valley Railroad was organized in 1889 with a view of penetrating the undeveloped territory bordering the Ohio River south of Bellaire and has been completed to Powhatan in York township.

The Schools

In 1860 the School Board purchased the old shoe factory, and fitted it up for a school house. This continued in use until 1871, when the large and costly school building was constructed, just west of the old building at a cost of $21,000, exclusive of furniture. Some of the first teachers were Vincent Milligan, Jacob Davis, Richard Merrill and Thomas Munnell.

Bellaire High School

The first Board of Education we have a record of was organized in 1874-75, and was composed of John S. Cratty, president; John ` Archer, Josephus Gorby, Isaac Booth, Ufiah Venning, George W. Hogue, clerk.

Today there are seven school buildings that cost an aggregate of $24,015.78. There are 41 teachers employed, with an enrollment of 1,725 scholars.

is $1,500; that of high school principals, $720. The average wages of the lady teachers are $39.84; average wages of gentlemen teachers, $67.50. The cost of education per capita on the total enrollment is $9.49. Between $1,500 and $2,000 have been expended in the maintenance of the library.

The present Board of Education consists of J. H. Heatherington, president; George Walters, vice-president; H. A. Lichtenberger, secretary; and H. P. Rodewig, C. M. Wyrick, D. Walker and I. Dean.

The Churches

The Christian Church. - Date of organization of the Christian Church in Bellaire is July 4, 1840. John Archer, Sr., and Adam Long were elected elders and John Archer, Jr., and Richard Gosney, deacons. The original members were:

John Archer, Sr., was a cooper by trade and carried on this business in his shop which stood on the bank of the Ohio River and near the mouth of McMechen's Creek in what is now Bellaire. In this shop the organization of this church was effected and meetings for worship were held for several years or until a church building was erected. Here, on the 12th day of March, 1841, J. H. Jones, a preacher from the Western Reserve, preached. The coopershop overflowed. "Where shall I stand?" said the preacher. "There," said Mr. Archer, turning up a half-bushel measure, "stand on that." And there on that narrow pulpit he preached the Gospel with eloquence and power.

The church soon outgrew the narrow limits of the coopershop and in 1843 a meeting was held to consider the question of building a house of worship. In 1846 the work of building began and the house was completed in the same year. This church building stood on the ground now occupied by the Second Ward school house in Bellaire. The opening services in the new building were held by Alexander Campbell and Robert Graham on the second Sunday in the month of December, 1846. Here the congregation continued to worship until the present church building was erected in 1870. From 1840 to 1862 many ministers, some of them prominent among the Disciples, preached occasional discourses or conducted meetings, but during this time there was no settled pastor. Dating from 1862 the list of preachers in charge and the terms served is as follows: 1862-66, H. S. Glasier; 1866-69, H. D. Carlton; 1870-72, Jesse H. Berry; 1872-77,-1. J. Spencer; 1878-82, B. S, Dean; 1883-86, J. M. Monroe; 1887-92, A. B. Williams; 1893-96, R. G. White; 1896-97, W. P. Walden; 1897-1902, Charles M. Watson. The elders of the church at present are as follows: W. J. Morrison, Leroy Hopkins, Theobald Klee and Joseph Mertz. The deacons are: George Mertz, J. W. Morrell, Robert Anderson, David Walker, Thomas first Methodist sermon in the then village of Bellaire, and a few weeks later organized a class of 11 members: Garrett Jones, joseph Long, Macca Long, Jacob Davis, Rebecca nu Mary Dave. Robert Patterson, Polly Patterson, James Robinson, Jane Robinson and Jacob Davis. Garrett Jones was appointed leader and chosen Sunday-school superintendent. Soon 10 more united and the planting was of the Lord. A board of trustees was appointed: Joseph Long, Joseph Wilson, Jacob Davis, Thomas Crozier, James Robinson, Thomas P. Hunter, Robert H. O'Neill.

The first church building was erected on 27th street in the winter of 1839-49, in which the people worshiped until 1857, when the present site was secured and then the struggle of © building a two-story, brick structure began. In 1860 the basement was finished at a cost of $4,000 and dedicated. In 1863 the auditorium was completed and dedicated January 24, 1864. About this time it became a station. Thus far it had been in St. Clairsville circuit, Martins- ' ville circuit, Centreville circuit and then became a circuit of its own with only two outlying points. $

In 1889 a handsome, commodious, new church was built at a cost of $20,000 or more. The laity who toiled through these years áre worthy of mention, but they are too many and records are too brief. Many have their rewards; many remain, honored and respected.

Montgomery, William A. Ruter, L. Petty, C. H. Jackson, W. A. Davidson, Pardon Cook, J. J. Mclllgar, John W. Baker, David Cross, M. W. Dallas, M. L. Weekly, P. G. Edmonds, J. L. Deens, J. D. Vail, W. K. Marshall, J. F. Jones, Walter Brown, P A. Pierce, Josiah Mansell, J. H. Rogers, T. S. Hodgson, J. W. Toland, A. R. Chapman, A. W. Butts, John Williams, R. F. Keeler, Thomas W. Lane, D. W. Chandler, O. W.. Holmes, E. A. Simons and D. W. Knight.

MASSIONS san T Re $300 lreedmens*Aidb Wer antes diet ee 50 Board of Church Extension en.) ae e 35 EGucation e eo etn tartare A 41 Tract? Society b e E EE MISA SER 8 Sunday School Unione a er ORE 8 American BID SSI RA 8 A e REN Re N $630 Necessities Ri an... le sac ns 52 Bishop asar ERU MURAT CLE 22 Totals Mo. COMES PME IL AMENS ME $724

The Second. Methodist Episcopal Church. - The church was organized about the year 1881 by T. H. Armstrong, Ph. D., who was its first pastor and under whose supervision the building was erected on its present site, and dedicated October 23, 1881. Among its first of-

Sunday-school was organized several years earlier, about 1876, of which Jonathan Huffman was the first superintendent. Rev. A. R. Chapman, who was the pastor of the First Methodist ^ Episcopal Church, Bellaire, preached the dedicatory sermon.

The church is valued at $3,000. There is no parsonage belonging to it. There are at the present time about 250 members and seven probationers. There is an enrollment of Sunday-school scholars of 225, of which school George Deitritch is the efficient superintendent.

L. E. Wilson, William Diday and John Askew. Weeks is president and Huffman secretary of the board. Trustees: J. M. Coffield, John Askew, Edwin Sutton, John Boyer, James L. Fry, W. S. Glasgow and William Diday. Leaders of church classes: James W. Grooms, John Askew, John Boyers, L. E. Wilson and William S. Glasgow.

It is asserted that the site of the church was presented to the original trustees by the father of Rev. T. H. Armstrong. It is situated at the corner of Guernsey and roth streets.

The First Presbyterian Church of Bellaire was organized August 27, 1860, with John-S. Cratty, John W. Milligan and A. W. Anderson, chosen as ruling elders. At the same time a suitable brick church was erected as a house ot worship. _

Upon October 1, 1860, Rev. John Moffat, D. D., was chosen pastor of the church and entered upon his duties the second Sabbath of January, 1861. On February 3, 1863, Dr. Moffat accepted a call to the Second. Presbyterian Church of Wheeling, West Virginia, and | upon August 30,1863, Rev. J. D. Fitzgerald |

In June, 1866, Rev. William Gaston was chosen pastor of the church and continued to serve the congregation until December 1, 1881. In the interim, it was found necessary to erect a new house of worship to accommodate the increasing number of members, and a second church was built in 1871.

The members of the session are as follows: A. T. Stewart, Dr. J. P. West, A. J. McClelland and E. W. Cooper. In connection with the church there is a prosperous and well conducted Sabbath-school. The present membership of the church numbers 250.

The United Presbyterian | Church. - The Presbytery of Wheeling at a meeting in St. Clairsville, Ohio, March 12, 1872, having granted the request of certain persons that a church should be organized in Bellaire, appointed a session for that purpose, consisting ot the pastor and elders of the church in Wheeling and the elders of the High Ridge congregation.

In pursuance of this direction, the following persons met in Bellaire on April 20th: Rev. J. T. McClure, Messrs. A. Taylor, M. W. Miller, John Johnson and J. S. Keyser. The organization was then effected with 24 members. The first elders, Alexander DuBois and Robert Walker, were ordained and installed May 8, 1872. Rev. R. G. Wallace, now of San Diego, California, was the first pastor, beginning work in 1873 and continuing as pastor until 1887.

Rev. W. F. McLaughlin became pastor in 1887 and resigned in 1889, being succeeded by Rev. William Wallace whose pastorate included from 1890 to April, 1893. Rev. H. S. Boyd became pastor in 1894 and was released in October, 1898.

The present pastor, Rev. Charles P. Proudfit, was ordained and installed pastor of this church September 12, 1899. The elders are: John DuBois, Joseph Clemesto and Robert Johnston; trustees, - - M. List, Alex. DuBois, and John H. McGraw, with W. C. Warnock,

Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church. - Rev. J. K. Rogers of Steubenville, Ohio, was the first clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church to officiate regularly at Bellaire.

He held services once each month in the Presbyterian Church during the year 1861. Rev. M. Coleman, of East Liverpool, officiated for a few months in 1866, on alternate Sundays. Rev. John Long of Wellsville organized the church under the name "Trinity Mission" in 1872, with eight communicants. He held services on alternate Sundays in a hall. In August of this year a framework shop on the corner. of Belmont and 36th streets was leased for five years at $144 a year. lt was fitted up at an expense of $280. Mr. Long resigned in 1873. Rev. T. O. Tongue of Moundsville, West Virginia, officiated from April to September in 1873.

Rev. Jacob Rambo, formerly missionary to Africa, took charge in October, 1873, preaching every Sunday until March, 1874, from Which for 15 months he preached morning and evening on three Sundays each month. From July 1, 1875, he preached twice a day, on alternate Sundays, going to Cross Creek, Jefferson County, on the other Sundays. July 1,

1878, a lot was purchased on Noble street near 42nd street for $650. Mr. Rambo resigned in December, 1879. Rev. John S. Gibson took charge in December, 1880, and resigned in 1882. l t afternoon. Mr. Campbell died at Bellaire in 1888. In 1890, Rev. C. O'Meara took charge of tlie church and resigned in 1891. He was succeeded in 1892 by Rev. W. H. Burbank, who remained in charge about a year. In 1895 Rev. John P. Frayter took charge of the work and remained until December, 1898. While Mr. Frayter was in charge, a Sunday-school room was erected in the rear of the church. Rev. D. W. Cox took charge of the church in July, 1900, and is in charge at this date (October, 1902). The church has a membership of 50.

The Catholic Church. - The history of Catholicity in this city dates back to the early "fifties" and "forties." A few Catholic families, mostly of Irish origin, settled in the little

village then occupying the present site of Bellaire. The missionary fathers from Cincinnati, Ohio, would occasionally pass through the region and minister to the spiritual wants of the people. Notable amongst the early missionary fathers was the Rev. French Father Tinpant, who later on made Steubenville his headquarters. In 1834 Rev. Father Bloomer from Beaver, Ohio, later Batesville, made regular monthly visits to Bellaire. Father Bloomer said mass in the houses of private individuals and gathered about him the few families, in number about 40 persons. Father Bloomer was followed by Father Kennedy, who, however, remained only a short time. About 1856, Rev. Father Jacquett, pastor of St. Mary's Church in Beaver, assumed charge of the little Catholic community in Bellaire. Father Jacquett made regular monthly visits, and was accompanied on these by a little altar boy from one of the best families in Batesville. This little altar boy in after years became a priest himself, and after the death of Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans was made administrator of the Co- After the appointment of Bishop Watterson to the vacant see, the young man was elected by the Sovereign Pontiff to the bishopric of Galveston in Texas, and is now Rt. Rev. Bishop Gallagher of that see. About the year 1857 Father Jacquett bought the first property owned by the Catholics in

Bellaire. The property consisted of two lots situated on Guernsey street near the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad bridge, which at that time, however, was not yet built. A certain Mr. Sullivan made the struggling little congregation a present of a third lot. On this property Father Jacquett built the first church in Bellaire. The structure was a little brick edifice. At that time the Columbus Diocese had not yet been erected by the Holy Father and Bellaire was a portion of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, presided over by Archbishop Purcell. It was this archbishop that dedicated the little church upon its completion. Father Jacquett also took steps to gather the children of the few Catholic families into a school. All told, there were an even dozen of children. This school was placed in charge of secular teachers. In 7868 a certain Father Daly was made the permanent pastor of the Catholic community in Bellaire. Father Daly built the first parochial residence, which was a brick structure and is still standing. Father Daly also built the first school house for the parish, the former school occupying a small room at the corner of what are now Belmont and 31st streets. Father Daly. dying in 1870, was followed by Father Maher, who, however, remained only a very short time, and was followed by Rev. Father Philip Steyle in 1871 as permanent pastor. In 1872 Father Steyle bought two more lots adjoining the property already owned by the congregation and enlarged the school building. This pastor also introduced the Sisters of the Humility of Mary as teachers in the school. Father Steyle also built an addition to the brick church, enlarging the same both toward the front and rear. The Sisters of the Humility of Mary, having been withdrawn by their superioress after faithful service, were succeeded by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

In 1881 Rev. Father Daniel Cull was appointed to the pastorate of Bellaire, Father Steyle taking charge of a large parish in Portsmouth whence he was afterward transferred to Delaware, where he built a magnificent church and is now an irremovable rector. During

Father Cull's administration, the parish acquired new property located at the head of Guernsey street. The property consisted of four lots, two lying on each side of the street, and are bounded on the north by 37th street. The Sisters of St. Joseph having been withdrawn were replaced by the Sisters of Charity from Nazareth, Kentucky, who are at this writing still the teaching faculty in the schools. Father Cull died in January, 1888. The parish was placed in charge of Rev. Father W. H. McDermitt pending the appointment of a permanent pastor. Father Richard "Fitzgerald, rector of the Cathedral in Columbus, was appointed as pastor after three months. During the rectorship of Father Fitzgerald, the school buildings were enlarged and in the year 1894 a new and magnificent brick structure was begun by reason of the increased parish. The new building was designed to furnish accommodations both for the schools of the parish and to serve for a time as a church. The building was erected at the head of Guernsey street on the east side of the street.

Father Fitzgerald, falling sick of a virulent cancer that was gnawing the vitals of his throat, resigned in January, 1896, and was followed by Rev. Joseph M. Wehrle, then pastor of the Catholic Church in Wheelersburg, Ohio. Father Wehrle took possession of the parish in February of the same year and completed the brick structure begun by his predecessor. In 1897 the parochial residence was removed to the building opposite the new school building at the head of Guernsey street, and all the former property owned by the congregation below the railroad bridge was disposed of. The old church was torn down and tenement houses now occupy the site. In 1899 the congregation purchased more property, consisting of two lots lving to the south of the property owned by the parish at the head of Guernsey street. A large tract of land lving outside of the citv limits was also purchased in order to enlarge the cemetery. In 1901 property was again purchased, this time at the head of Bel- | mont street and bounded by 37th street on the | south. The property consisted of four very desirable lots and large brick mansion. This property was designed as a home for the | Sisters who teach "the parochial school, the | community of Sisters being now more than double the number of those who first came to Bellaire in order to teach the schools of the parish. At this writing preparations are making by the congregation to build a magnificent parochial residence. Architects have been invited to submit plans and specifications for the new building, which will be begun next spring. The new residence will be Gothic in architecture and large and commodious in every respect. The residence is intended to be the home of at least three permanent priests in the parish, one of whom will be the pastor.

The congregation has grown from the first 40 individuals to a membership at this writing of more than 4,000 persons. The Catholic community is made up largely of Irish, Germans, Slovak and Italians, while also some few Poles, Kriners, Croatians, Syrians and Bohemians are numbered amongst the parishioners. Besides the present large parish in the city, Father Wehrle has also charge of several missions at which large numbers of Catholics are settling. The jurisdiction of the pastor extends on the south to the Monroe County line and on the west comprises Washington, Smith and a portion of Richland townships, and extends on the north, with the exception of two sections, to the Pease township line. While preparations are making for the building of the commodious and magnificent , parochial residence, plans will also be submitted by the architects and accepted for the future church that will be built in the parish. It is the intention of Father Wehrle to build the future church after the design of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Rheims, France. The building will involve an outlay of over $100,000, and will be of French Gothic architecture.

The number of children now attending the schools of the parish is over 400. Besides the high school department, there is also instruction given in vocal and instrumental music and fine needle work.

organized in 1866 by Rev. Dudley Asbury and Rev. W. H. Brown. The latter is now a member of the Pittsburg Conference. The former died last February, - he was a member of the Tennesse Conference. There are but three members living now who were among the first in the organization of the church, namely, George W. Peters, Mrs. George W. Peters and Rebecca Jacobs, all quite aged people.

The beautiful church edifice, in which public worship is held, has a seating capacity of 270, and is all paid for. The membership of the church is 35. . The value of the church property is $8,000.

Secret And Fraternal Organizations

Bellaire Lodge No. 267, F. & A. M., was organized October 25, 1855. The charter members were G. W. Anderson, Joel Strahl, J. Johnson, J. M. Spangler, Thomas Fulton, J. A. Porterfield, Robert Darrah, R. E. Neal, John Kelley, E P. Birdsong, Po H. Allen and H. M. Dolby.

It has today a membership of 130, and the officers for 1902 are: T. W. Overman, W. M.; George E. Morgan, S. W.; R. W. Archer, T. Welt, Kelley, treasurer; Cyrus Strahl, sec-

Ionic Lodge No. 438, F. & A. M., was organized October 19, 1870. The following are the charter members: B. R. Cowen, J. S. Smith, M. N. Mercer, David Rankin, J. T. Mercer, James B. Darrah, G. R. Greer, M. W. Junkins, A. Grafton, T. K. Crosier, George W. Hogue, D. Westlake and N. B. Scott.

Bellaire Chapter No. 107, R. A. M., was organized October 17, 1868. Its present membership is 113. The following are the charter members: E. G. Morgan, John Kelley, W. J. Kelley, J. S. Lockwood, J. H. Coleman, N. » Venning, J. C. Shimmons, William Greenfield, B. R. Cowen and M. P. Smith.

there had been considerable interest manifested by members of the I. 0. 0. F. residing in Bellaire, relative to the organization of a lodge here.

Archibald, Wilbur Kriter, John Muth, and | Hiram M. Ingler effected a preliminary organization on July ro, 1865, by electing Joseph Mercer, chairman; John Muth, Secretary; an George Kern, treasurer. This organization took immediate action toward organizing a lodge.of T. .O. O: F., but it:was. not unti the spring of 1866 that they were suecessful in securing a charter.

On Tuesday, April 26, 1866, their efforts were crowned with success and Bellaire Lodge No. 378, I. O. O. F., was instituted with brothers John Muth, Christian Bippus, D. K. Sanford, H. M. Ingler, George Kern, Joseph Mercer, George H. Muth, W. H. Thurber, Ralph Heatherington and Elias Dew as charter members; and John Muth, noble grand; Christian Bippus, vice grand; D. K. Sanford, secretary ; and George Kern, treasurer. The lodge was at once popular with the public, soon taking a leading place among the fraternal societies of | the city. l In the spring of 1869 the German members start, enlisting as it did Germans who have ever taken a just pride in their lodge. This lodge meets every Saturday evening at 7:30 in the 1. O. O. F. Hall.

About the year 1872, Bellaire Lodge purchased two lots on the corner of 33rd and Belmont streets on which they erected a two-story frame business house. This building remained until the spring of 1890 when it was torn down | and a fine three-story brick building, 40 feet front and 110 feet depth, was erected at a cost of $20,000. The first and second stories are rented as business rooms and the third story is fitted up as a lodge hall, making one of the finest halls for lodge purposes in Eastern Ohio. Here Bellaire Lodge No. 378, I. O. O. F., meets every Tuesday evening at 7 SO

In 1869 the members decided to organize a higher branch of the 1. O. O. F. and on the 14th of July, 1869, they instituted Bellaire Encampment No. 122, I. O. O. F., with patriarchs JD. Sumers, C. SS. Baron; W. S. Lane, W. C. Cochran, William A. Lilly, John B. Gorby, E. H. Williams, A. L. Baron, William Hipkins, A. Grafton, J. W. Janes and I. N. Grafton as charter members. This proved to be very popular with the members of the order and it is today in a most flourishing condition. It meets the first and third Fridays of each month at 7:30 p. m., in the I. O, O. F. Hall.

About 1880 a ladies I. O. O. F. lodge was organized known as the Daughters.of Rebekah, but for some unexplained reason was allowed to lapse. Nothing further was done in the matter of Rebekah Lodge until the spring of 1902, when a new Daughters öf -Rebekah lodge was organized with 42 members, which will be instituted the first or second week of October, 1902.

Black Prince Lodge, No. 57, Knights of Pwthias, was chartered March 12, 1874. Names of charter members: J. B. Darrah, E. F. Satterfield, W. A. McLaughlin, C. Bippus, Alex. Clohan, A--Roeder, T. H:' Hahn; EL L'owelbaPowbickle JS. Canter," OU T Black burn, A. Schick, R. Criswell, William Wheeler, Thomas S. Cooper, D. S. Criswell, A. Johnson, E. Ly keeley W: S: Carroll; TEMrGodfrey, O. C. Bray, A. Ault, A. S. Feeley, H. Landkrohn, H. Ulrich, J. Dunning, J. Hipkins, P. O. Criswell, A. McClain, Henry Ditwiler.

When the foundation of the new city building at Bellaire was completed, an invitation was extended the order of Knights of Pythias of Bellaire to perform the ceremony. When this fact became known, some citizens of Bellaire who did not approve of such proceedings asked the court through Father Wehrle of the Catholic Church to enjoin the Knights of Pythias until the case could be tried. This the court granted, but regardless of the injunction the Knights of Pythias proceeded with the corner stone laying.

After the ceremonies were completed, the parties who took active part in the ceremonies were arrested for contempt of court. The Knights. however, asked for a hearing before another court. This request Judge Hollingsworth granted and the case was heard by Judge Frasier of Lanesville, who dismissed the defendants upon technical grounds.

"In regard to the corner stone matter, Black The honor of laying the stone was accorded to the Arlington Company, No. 92, U. R., K. of P., of Bellaire (which is a military company composed of Knights of Pythias, most of its members also belonging to Black Prince Lodge, but some belonging to other lodges) by the City Council, on May 13. 1902. Some time afterward Arlington Company found that they could not lay the stone because they had no ritual for that kind of work. They then visited the grand chancellor of the State, and after consulting with him they turned the matter over to the Grand Lodge, K. of P., of the State of Ohio. This was on May 25, 1902. On the night of the 29th, the Arlington Company was enjoined from laying the stone or permitting it to be laid. On the next day the Grand Lodge laid the stone. Shortly afterward the parties who had been enjoined were cited to appear and show cause why they should not be punished for contempt. After a hearing, they were found not guilty and dismissed. Black Prince Lodge had «no part in the matter other than that some of their members acted as Grand Lodge officers at the layng of the stone, being specially deputized by the grand chancellor." cabees, was organized May 9, 1900. The charter officials were: Commander, Flora DuBois; lieutenant commander, Lucinda Jackson; past commander, Penelope Dean; record keeper, Lida Heatherington; finance keeper, Luella Jeffers; mistress at arms, Maude Rofelty ; sergeant, Mabel Long; chaplain, Alice J. Wilson; sentinel, Lottie Hart; picket, Annie Strong. The number of charter members was 46.

record keeper, Alice J. Wilson; finance keeper, Ora Z. Weeks; mistress at arms, Luella Jeffers; sergeant, Sarah Buress; chaplain, Louisa LaRoche; sentinel, Regina Meyer; picket,, Margaret Strahl. The number of members at: present is 82.

This organization is one of the best of the assessment societies in the State, and the order is the only independent order of ladies in the world, at present controlled entirely by women from the highest to the lowest official.

Bellaire Lodge No. 2, Shield of Honor, was organized in 1899, the date of its charter being November 2nd. The following were the charter members: J. M. King, D. Robinson, T. C. Ward, W. C. Joseph, C. W. Swisher, E. A. Shoen, F. Morgan, T. J. Murphy, ENT Swartz, William Johnson, Sr., T. Eberling, W. S. Anderson, S. Keindlar, H. A. Shukman, W. B. Kimes, L. W. Franke, D. Gulley, S. Haney, M. W. Johnston and W. C. Howard. The first officers of the lodge were as follows: S. M., J. Joseph; W. M., D. Gulley; J. M., T. Eberling ; recording and financial secretary, J. M. King; treasurer, D. Robinson; chaplain, William Johnston ; conductor, T. B. Murphy; trustees, W. B. Anderson, W. B. Kimes and T. Swartz.

The officers of the lodge for 1902 are as follows: S. M., Henry Smith; W. M., Gus. A. Stephens; J. M., Walter Smith; recording and financial secretary, William Lockwood: treasurer, 1). Robinson; conductor, J. A. Malone; chaplain, H. Burkhart; trustees, E. Pickett, Te M. King and W. Smith.

Junior O. U. A. M. Band, Ohio V alley Council, No. 21. - This organization, which has 87 members, was organized April 30, 1867, and is open for concerts, excursions, chautauquas, parades, etc. Its charter members were as follows: James Moorehouse, George W. Bell, S. Ames, John Best, Samuel Brown, A. Lt tomas, WW. VE Love, George Miller, Thomas Clegg, Alexander V. Smith, John Lappart, F. Schick, William H. Fry, Joseph B. Cheeseman, Thomas Fay, J. E. Moorehouse, Charles Ambler, A. Steubenrach and L. Pangratz.

The present officials are: Councilor, Ross Logan; vice councilor, H. Dunfee; recording secretary, Gus. A. Stephens; assistant recording secretary, T. G. Monroe: financial secretary, John Thurn; treasurer, A. Grafton; conductor, James Moffat; warden, D. D. Ogle; inside sentinal, James Hadley ; outside sentinel, Samuel Leach; chaplain, S. Workman; trustees, Gus. A. Stephens, C. A. Keyser and E. J. Day; representative to State Council, hof Moorehouse; junior past councilor, E. iL. Day,

Spangler Post, No. 99, G. A. R., of Bellaire. was organized July 9, 1881. Two preliminary meetings were held to make all the necessary arrangements. On May 3oth preceding, a meeting was held in the Loan Exhibition Building and Comrade Frederick Eberle was called to the chair and Comrade S. H. Lee was appointed secretary. At this meeting 83 applications were made for membership. On June 13th, the executive committee, consisting of Levi Cassell chairman, J. M. Richardson, S. H. Lee, W. H. Little and Thomas Keyser reported the methods of procedure to effect an organization and on July 6th at a meeting held in the City Hall the following officers were duly elected: Post commander, Frederick Eberle; senior vice commander, S. H. Lee; junior vice commander, W. C. Grafton; quartermaster, P. 5. Osborne; surgeon, S. C. Gerrard; chaplain, J. M. Richardson: officer of the day, Levi Cassell ; officer of the guard, Henry Crimmel.

On July oth, Comrade C. E. Irwin of Thoburn Post, No. 72, of Martin's Ferry, formally mustered in these officers and likewise 33 mem- 'bers. Comrades Irwin and Meek of Martin's Ferry and Lee of Bellaire made appropriate remarks and the officers being duly installed Spangler entered upon its work, - a work that has continued for 21 years.

The past commanders at present connected with the Post are: W. D. Jones, H. C. Kemple. James Lancaster, August Haas, J. W. Morrell, W. H. Thompson, J. B. Gibson and A. Porterfield. The present officers (November 1, 1902) are: Post commander, A. Porterfield; adjutant, August Haas; quartermaster, W. H. Thompson; chaplain, John King; officer of the day, H. C. "Kemple; officer of the guard, James Lancaster; surgeon, A. Roeder; guard, L. Schram. The trustees for 1902 are H. C. Kemple, August Haas and

The Newspapers Of Bellaire

The editor and proprietor was Robert Duncan, and The Times was conducted under his management for a year, os two prominent physicians, - Dr. Milton Junkins and Dr. Joseph Gaston, m ne control. These gentlemen sought to make The Times pre-eminently a local paper.

Between 1857 and 1859, two other newspaper organizations were formed, viz: - the Bellaire Intelligencer, and the Democratic Era. The latter paper is said to have been a newsy, spicy sheet that met with much public favor; but all these enterprises failed for want of sufficient patronage, as did also The Advertiser, issued in 1870.

The Independent was first issued in 1870 by a joint stock company with J. B. Longley as manager and editor. Subsequently Mr. Longley obtained entire control of the paper, a position he held until 1871 when he. was elected county auditor.

Upon entering the auditors office, Mr. Longley temporarily sundered his connection with the paper, and Dr. Junkins and James F. Anderson acted as editors and managers. After a few months Dr. Junkins retired from the paper, and Mr. Anderson assumed the editorial - chair.

In 1873 Mr. manele term of office expired, and he again took editorial charge of the paper for three years, when Mr. Anderson assumed entire control, a position that he has filled with great acceptability for a quarter of a century.

As its name implies The Independent has been "independent in all things but neutral in none" and while advocating the doctrines of the Republican party it is free in its criticisms of public men and public measures of all parties, if in the editor's judgment they are unworthy of public support. It is an earnest advocate of retrenchment and economy in the management of public affairs.

founder and he continued as editor and publisher until April, 1901, when he disposed of the plant to Prof. D. W. Shields, the present proprietor.

The paper was originally a five-column eight-page journal but was in a few years enlarged to its presént size, - eight pages of six columns each. : influential papers in the county in advocacy of the political principles of the party it espouses. It has always been courteous and manly in its treatment of men and measures and has maintained the respect of its political opponents.

Mr. Warnock says: "Home news has been its special feature. It does not advocate prohibition of the liquor traffic as a political measure, yet a line of whiskey advertisements never appeared, in its columns."

The Bellaire Daily Herald-Tribune is the only Democratic paper ever published in Belmont County. The Weekly Herald was established in 1885 by E. M. Lockwood and was |

Colonel Poorman had been prominent in county affairs for many years previous to and after his service in the army. He was for 10 years editor of the Belmont Chronicle, and to this fact was largely due his success in the management of The Tribune. In 1879-81, he started the daily edition of The Tribune. Upon October 1, 1899, R. C. Meyer purchased The Tribune from Colonel Poorman and combined the two papers as the Herald-Tribune and since then it has been successful in the publication of the daily and weekly Herald-Tribune.

The Tribune during the administration of Colonel Poorman was intensely Republican, but in the Greeley campaign it supported the veteran editor of the New York Tribune for the Presidency and for a time thereafter lost the support of the Republican organization. However, in 1885, Colonel Poorman was elected to represent Belmont County in the General Assembly of Ohio, a position that he filled with marked ability for two terms.

Subsequently The Tribune supported W. J. Bryan, the Democratic candidate for President upon the "silver" issue, but always claimed to be Republican.

Under the management of R. C. Meyer, the Daily Herald-Tribune is regarded as the foremost Democratic daily in the eastern and southeastern sections of the county. Its editor, R. C. Meyer, is one of the most practical and promising newspaper men in Eastern Ohio. He is familiar with the work in all its details and while earnest in the support of the political faith which his paper advocates he will resort to no unfair or dishonest means to achieve party success. He is a young man of uprightness and integrity and the success which his paper has achieved attests the appreciation of the public. Mr. Meyer is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and especially interested in the religious welfare of the young people.

Other newspaper enterprises. - In addition to the three papers at present published in Bellaire there have been issued at various times other newspaper enterprises that were short lived; viz., - The Standard in 1870 by Leet & Nuzum; The Belmont City Commercial in 1872 with Miss Mary Hoover as editor. During the administration of Miss Hoover, W. S. Faris served as local editor and there began his short but brilliant career as a journalist.

The Bellaire Cemetery Association

Greenwood Cemetery was set apart as a burving ground in 1859. Previous to this, the "Daris Burying Ground," located near the Sullivan coal mines, had been used as a graveyard

Greenwood Cemetery is only about a half mile from the city and is beautifully located. The property originally consisted of but four acres that was purchased for $800. officers were: President, James Nicoll; clerk, E. G. Morgan; treasurer, Alex. Hammond; trustees, B. R. Cowen, Joseph McMurray, R. H. Long, George Criswell and John Hattery. The cemetery continues a joint stock association and is maintained with great care. Today it is veritable garden spot. As to the.value of the property held, a stockholder says:

"Each purchaser of a lot in the cemetery becomes a member of the association and is entitled to a vote at the annual meeting of lot owners. The by-laws "provide that trustees shall be elected by the lot owners at their an-

The only source of income 1s from the sale of lots, and, up to the present time, it is said, the money received has all been applied in the purchase of grounds, improvements, and the salary of the sexton; so that the association has no assets except the unsold portion of the cemetery grounds. The best part of the grounds have already been sold and the value of the remainder would be very difficult to determine. I would guess that it would be worth, at least, $10,000; that 1s, for cemetery purposes it would ultimately bring that amount. If sold at public sale and for other purposes, it would not bring one-quarter of that amount. The cost of the entire cemetery, including all the improvements, public and private, would probably run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

"T had a talk with. some of the trustees and the above was as near as they could inform me as to the values you enquire about. The board of trustees, as at present constituted, is as follows: Thomas Ault, William S. Carroll, Jacob Rietz, George S. Jennings, C. M. Wyrich and A. J. Norton. Thomas Ault is president of the board and A. J. Norton is secretary."

Chapter Xvl

TLEMENTS - THE OLD MILLS AND MEETING Houses - CoaL Mininc - Fruit - TOWNSHIP OFFICERS - THE CITY or MARTIN's Ferry - Its POPULATION - A SKETCH OF EBENEZER MaRTIN - THE Post OFFICE - INCORPORATION, AND List OF Mayors AND ÖFFICIALS - THE CHuRCHES - THE SCHOOLS- - THE Banks - THg MANUFACTORIES - SECRET SOCIETIES - THOBURN Post, G. A. R - Tur Press - THE BRIDGE Over THE OH10 - 4A NOTABLE CHARACTER - THE City or BRIDGEPORT - THE First BripGE - THE INCORPORATION - THE Mayors AND City OFFICIALS - THE PosTMASTERS - THF AETNAVILLE BRIDGE - THE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS - THE Banks - Dr. AFFLECK AND Dr. Topp - THE CHURCHES - THE

The first legal settlement in what is now known as Pease township was made by Captain Kirkwood in the village of Kirkwood adjoining Bridgeport, in 1789. There were some tomahawk claims, made as early as 1785, on ground now embraced in Martin's Ferry, but these could not be held after the bloody attack upon the Kirkwood home, by the Indians in 1791, as heretofore related. Immigration was suspended for a few years. After the treaty of 1795, the Indians were peaceful for a time, and immigrants began to pour in from all sections of the country. The township was organized in 1806, and was called after Judge Pease, of the early courts.

It borders on the Jefferson County line on the north and the Ohio River cn the east, with Pultney township on the south and west, and Colerain and Richland on the north and northwest.

Increase In Population And Wealth

The increase of personal property upon the tax duplicate in 1902 over the returns in 1901 was $18,052 in the First Ward of Bridgeport, $7,690 in the Second, and $2,949 in the Third, making a total gain of $28,691 in the city alone, while the corporation tax levy was reduced from 2.94 in 1901 to 2.92 in 1902.

The First Settlements

In rapid succession cames the Moores, Clarkes, Mitchells, Alexanders and Pickens, all of whom had effected settlements before 1800 on what is now known as Scotch Ridge, so named because the early settlers were from Old Scotland. William Wiley came from Penn- sylvania in 1801, and Benjamin Steel from North Carolina in 1800; William Brown from Maryland in 1802, and Robert Finney from Pennsylvania in 1803. The Griffins, Johnsons, Scotts, Yosts, Worleys and Allens came between 1800-05, and an old soldier of the War of 1812, named James Smith, located in the township in 1815.

The Old Mills And Meeting Houses

Wheeling Creek and Glenn's Run furnished excellent water power for the first grist mills, some of which are substantial stone structures, in a fair state of preservation. This is notably true of the great Oglebay stone mill, about three miles west of the river, and the old Kinsey mill at the foot of the "big hill," which only recently disappeared. The Oglebay mill has

The Scott's meeting house is probably the oldest Methodist meeting house in the county, and one of the oldest of any denomination. The date of its establishment 1s not clearly known, but preaching was held at the house of Andrew Scott, where the church organization was effected, over a century ago. The first church building was erected in 1834, but previous to that the circuit rider visited it regularly, holding divine service. some of the distinguished ministers who filled appointments in this old charge were Bishop Simpson, James B. Finley, Archibald McElroy, Wesley Browning and David Merryman. ,

Revs. Finley and McElroy were among the pioneer preachers of distinction. The lineal descendants of Father Scott still reside in the old home adjoining the church.

Coal Mining

COAL MINING Has been an important industry in Pease township for half a century. Coal veins No. 8, 11 and 12, are all successfully operated, the two latter veins for local purposes mainly, but the No. 8 vein is mined in immense quantities for commercial purposes and shipped over the C., L. & W., C. P., and W. & L. E. railroads to distant markets. ;

In 1880 W. J. Rainey was probably the largest shipper in the township, forwarding to other markets 30,000 tons annually. In 1902 the coal mined by the Lorain Coal & Dock Company, in Pease township alone, amounts to thousands of tons daily.

Fruit

The hills of Pease township are crowned with valuable orchards of apples, peaches, cherries, plums and pears, which find an excellent home market among the mill and mine workers in the valley.

Twenty-five years ago there were over 300 acres of the hill slopes set apart for grape culture, and the industry was successfully conducted, but at the opening of the 2oth century grape growing is practically abandoned, and more attention is given to orchard fruits, ber- - ries, live stock and grain.

Township Board of Education. - There are 13 school districts in Pease township, outside .of Bridgeport and Martin's Ferry, namely: Third District, Robert Applegarth; Fourth, E. B. Lilly; Fitth, J. H^ Blacktord= SiXE HORE Gibbins; Eighth, A: R. Jordan; Ninth, E. A. Berry; Eleventh, E. G. Krauter; Twelfth, A. R. Sterling; Thirteenth, William Kerg; Four- A. Ring.

And Representative Cilizens Iqi

This is an increase over the census of 1890 of 1,510. This is the largest increase in population acquired by any town in the county, in the same period, and is due largely to the marvelous growth of the industries of the township.

A Sketch Of Ebenezer Martin

However, the first settlement was effected in 1787 by Capt. Absalom Martin, the father of Ebenezer, and an old Revolutionary soldier from New Jersey, whose mother was a sister of Col. Ebenezer Zane, one of the defenders of Fort Henry. The original patent of the United States government to Absalom Martin was granted March 5, 1788. Seven years later he iaid out the requisite number of lots, streets and alleys to form a town, which he called "Jefferson."

And in 1801, upon the erection of Belmont County, he entered into competition with Pultney and Newellstown for the establishment of the county seat, and when Pultney secured the prize he abandoned the town, and returned to the cultivation of his broad acres, which he pursued until his death.

Forty-five years later Ebenezer Martin sold IOO lots and called the town first "Martinsville," and, upon learning there was already a Martinsville in Ohio, he changed the title to "Martin's Ferry."

In 1836 the second sale of lots occurred, and: again in 1837. This included the territory from Walnut street on the north, to Washington street on the south, and from the river to 5th street on the west. Subsequently 25 additions were made to the city, within a period of half a century.

means of communication between Ohio and Virginia at this point, was established in 1785, and soon became noted - by travelers and drovers. Two taverns were built for their entertainment, where genuine pioneer hospitality was dispensed with a liberal hand.

Ebenezer Martin died January 15, 1876, universally mourned. He was a man of generous impulses, liberal in his entertainment of all who came to him, whether white or red men. He was a man of high education, having obtained a classical education at college, and a devout and sincere Christian, a Methodist of the old school, but without a taint of.sectarian prejudice.

Was established in 1835, with William Beasle as postmaster. He was succeeded in turn by James Martin, John Zane, Ebenezer Martin, Elijah Woods, S. F. Dean, James Patterson, M. C. Mitchell, John W. Terrill and the present incumbent, G. G. Sedgwick.

Martin's Ferry of today is a city of "mag- . nificent distances," for, outside of the central or business districts, the houses are separated by broad lots. The location is decidedly the best in the county for a large city. From the lower plain to the higher level, the work of construction is going forward. ~

So rapid has been the increase of population, that houses cannot be built fast enough to supply the demand. During the past year 152 buildings were constructed, and the cry is for more. As an evidence of the rapid growth of the city in wealth and prosperity, it is only necessary to add that the increase of the tax duplicate, based upon the assessor's returns last year, is between $160,000 and $175,000, and the city treasury is in such a healthy condition that after all liabilities have been met, $23,000 are left in the treasury, and ample provision is made for all maturing obligations.

The Methodist Episcopal Church. - There were Methodists in Martin's Ferry prior to I821. As early as 1814 a class was organized by the mother of Ebenezer Martin, whereat the few scattering Methodists would weekly assemble, but the class did not survive this good' woman's efforts beyond 1816.

The history of the church proper dates from the first camp meeting, held in Walnut Grove, im 1821, at which time many were converted, and among the number Rebecca Hadsell, who later walked to Scott's, on the St. Clairsville road, in midwinter, to urge the preacher to come to her neighborhood and preach. He came at the appointed time, and after an earnest and impressive discourse a class was formed, as follows: Obadiah Barnes, leader; Absalom Ross and Anna Ross, John Buriss and wife, Father Hadsell and family numbering eight in all, making a total of 21, and from this humble beginning Methodism in Martin's Ferry grew.

The church for many years was an appointment on the Cadiz circuit, and the first circuit riders were Revs. John Graham and Zara Coston. As there was no church building, preaching was held in different farm houses, locating finally at Joseph Hadsell's, near Burlington, but the flood of 1832 carried the farm house away.

This year (1832) is noted in local church history for the wonderful revivals that attended the Drummond camp meetings, resulting in a great gain to the church. Among the converts was the late John Fennimore, who was a mainstay of the church until his death.

Prayer meetings continued to be held in log school houses and homes until 1837, when during the ministry of Rev. C. D. Battelle, the following trustees were appointed: Daniel Zane, Hugh McGregor, James Turner, James Moore, James McConnaughy. Under their supervision money was collected and, a lot having been donated by Ebenezer Martin, a church was erected upon the site of the present structure.

Martinsville became a station in 1853. In 1859 the old church was destroyed by fire and for a year the congregation worshiped in the Baptist and Presbyterian churches. In 1860 the present structure was erected and during the administration of Rev. J. S. Winter, in 1888, the building was enlarged but the society is again confronted by the problem of additional . room,.and a new building has become a necessity.

Of the many who have won distinction in this field of labor, we might mention Ebenezer Martin and John Fennimore. Rev. Dr. De Haas, heretofore referred to, was recommended for license to preach from this church, and Revs. Turner, McGuire and Rider have also gone out from this charge. The superintendent of the Sunday-school, Benjamin Exley, has filled that position for 16 consecutive years.

The board of stewards is thus constituted : E O Padelförd, C. S. Helsley, Ephraim Brown, Robert Slaughter, Gardner Hysell, W. S. Palmer, J. A. Wilson, George W. Burton, J. R. Williams, Robert Beavon, Samuel Huskins, Lee Morris and J. O. Jones. The trustees are: W. H. Woods, W. M. Cattell, John M. Henderson, Theodore Snodgrass and M. E. Coyle. .

The Presbyterian Church was organized March 31, 1841, with 16 members, a majority of whom had been members of the Mount Pleasant Church. Joseph Blackford, James Wiley and Moses Porter were the first elders. During the first year there was no stated preaching. After that Revs. Nicholas, Murray, Samuel Hare and James Stewart each served the church for a short period.

In June, 1846, Rev. James Alexander, D. 10 began his labors and was installed pastor for one-half his time. He labored faithfully and successfully. During his pastorate the Kirkwood Church was organized, principally from was pastor from 1860 to 1863. In June, 1864, Rev. G. W. Chalfant was installed over this and the Kirkwood Church. December 4, 1869, Rev. H. G. Blayney was installed and served the church until April 17, 1872. -A year was spent under supplies, when Dr. Chalfant again served as pastor in connection with Kirkwood until June, 188 1.

pastor in McKeesport - was installed. The | Hes was called and accepted his present pastorate | In 1885 Rev. E. F. Walker, | | the first time, 38 years ago, and Rev. P. Style

The ruling elders have been: Joseph Blackford, Moses Porter, James Wiley, John Mitchell, Henry Wells, J. G. Wiley, Robert Blackford, James H. Drennen, Hamilton Blackford, Thomas J. Holliday, William Strong, A. A. Smith, James Smiley, W. N. Holliday, Samuel Sharpless, William St. Clair, J. A. Mitchell, Thomas G. Culbertson, Jobn Armstrong, William Clark, John M. Kinslow, George Matheny, Dr. W. H. Hall, now of Denver, and Dr. W. E. Hervey, of Pittsburg. The present eldership consists of Capt. H. W. Smith, R. C. Swartz, James A. Dickson, G. W. Reece, Dr. A. R. Ong, and Thomas W. Shreve.

The first building was erected in 1841, remodeled in 1866, enlarged in 1875 and again in I886. The old building was taken down in 1897, that the present beautiful and commodious building might be erected on the original Site.

The Catholic Churches. - F orty-eight years ago there were but two Catholics in Martin's Ferry. No church had yet been built, and the few Catholics of Burlington and Martin's Ferry had to journey to Wheeling to attend mass. A few years later Father Maher of Bellaire visited the little village and the few Catholics assembled for worship in a small room on the corner of Ist and Washington streets. At this time there were eight families, and services were held once every month. Desirous of having a place of worship, they began to look about for a lot on which to erect a church. Their first place was purchased by Messrs. F. O'Neil and B. Corcoran on rst street, and through the efforts of Mrs. Arbaugh, Mrs. Mc- Donough, Mrs. Maul and Mrs. Lacey, a little church was built and services were held in it for a month. On the other Sundays of the month the people journeyed to Wheeling, where they attended divine service at the Wheeling Hospital. From time to time, Catholic families found their way to Martin's Ferry, and the little church on Ist street was found to be too small, and they began to look about for a new site upon which to erect a larger church.

The present site was purchased by the then resident pastor, Father Marooney. After a few years' labor, failing health obliged him to resign his charge, and Father Touhy was appointed in his place. By him the adjoining property was purchased, and steps were taken for the building of the present church. About this time Father Mattingly succeeded Father Touhy, and the present church was begun. G. W. Arbaugh, who had built the little church on Ist street, drew the plans for the present church, which was completed 14 years ago, and dedicated by Bishop Watterson. Since that

Four years ago, the death of Father Mattingly made vacant the parish of Martin's Ferry, and the present pastor, Rev. C. A. Mulhearn, was appointed. The work of his predecessors has been ably carried on. During his - pastorate the church has been newly frescoed, handsome stained glass windows have been placed in the church and a new pipe organ, at a cost of $1,600, has been added to the church. The parochial school has 191 pupils under the direction of five teachers.

The Baptist Church. was organized in the year 1836 with six members, through the labors of Thomas M. Erwin, a missionary of the Ohio Baptist Convention.

The recognition of the church took place in the old public school building, where the church had its first meeting place, in December, 1836. The following ministers were present at the .service: George.G. Sedgwick, Sr., R. H. Sedgwick and Thomas M. Erwin.

members of the church: William Callahan, Anna Callahan, John Davis, Elizabeth Davis, John Dakin and Mary Dakin, none of whom are now living.

The first meeting house was built and entered.for worship in 1840. This old building, made sacred by many blessed memories, was used as the meeting place of the church for 52 years.

During the 57 years since the church was organized the following have served as pastors: Thomas M. Erwin, from 1836; William Wadsworth, from 1842; Willam Callahan, from 1842; Daniel Cell, from 1844; Edward Jones, from 1849; William R. Mayberry, from 1852; Gs Cx Sedgwick, from 1854; C. He Gunter, from 1869; G. C. Sedgwick, from 1876; P. Martin, from 1885; J. T. Bradford, from 1887; C. M. Conway, from 1889; L. D. Morse, from 1891; W. B. Hartzog, W. C. D. Bond and E. A. Read, the present incumbent, from November, 1900. i

The records of the church show that during the pastorate of these 16 pastors there have been added to the church over 650 members, a large number of them by baptism. God has thus richly blessed the faithful labors of pastors and people during these many years.

At a meeting of the church early in 1892 it was unanimously voted to erect a new meeting house on the site of the old building. Plans were adopted at a subsequent meeting, and work was begun about the middle of August. This new and beautiful building was entered for the first service of praise Wednesday even- - ing, March 8th, and was formally dedicated to God, Sunday, March 26, 1893. The following named gentlemen served as the building committee of the church, and gave most faithful and arduous labor in prosecuting the work laid upon them. George L. Spence, chairman; Leroy C. Sedgwick, E. Koerber, and Joseph B. Larue. i

The present membership of the church is 366. The present deacons are: Joel Hobensack, W. D. Reid, G. L. Spence, Ed Koerber, Hugh McGlumphrey, William M. Jones and Henry Koehrsen. 1

And Representa Tive Citizens

The German. Lutheran Church was organized in 1864, in the room of the United Presbyterian Church, and the first pastor was Rev. Frederick Fredericks. Previous to this, the German Lutherans of Martin's Ferry were obliged to cross over to Wheeling, in order to worship with the Christians of their own creed. The pastors in succession were Revs. Berkenmeyer, Eastermeyer, Walters, Fritz, Baker, Kunkle, Merwyn. The church building was erected in 1867. Some of the charter members were: Henry Helling, Louis Myers, Frederick Kanapp, Charles Swartz, August Rothermund, Henry "Juyger, Charles Seabright, Henry Floto and Jacob Brown.

The English Lutheran Church was organized as a mission in 1865 by Rev. Mr. Oehlschlager in the opera hall. The present pastor is Rev. E. F. Schillinger, and the present membership is 35. This organization has just completed a new and neat brick church. The board of deacons consists of George Dursh, elder; Casper Dursh, treasurer, Frederick Daumme, Jr.

The United Presbyterian. Church. - Thomas Sweeney, James Waddell and J. R. Dickie, with Rev. T. L. Speer, composed the session that organized the first United Presbyterian Church of Martin's Ferry in 1851. The membership numbered but 16 at the beginning and of this number Samuel Giffin, John Lawrence, Andrew Ralston and Thomas Mitchell were elected elders.

Rev. Mr. Bradford was the first pastor that supplied the pulpit, and this position he retained for nearly two years, in conjunction with an appointment at West Alexander.

The first church edifice was constructed upon the corner of 4th and Hanover streets, at a total cost of $22,050. The building was a neat and commodious brick structure.

After Rev. Mr. Bradford removed to Allegheny, the church encountered many disappointments, and for years it seemed as if the congregation would become hopelessly scattered without a leader. But in 1863 Rev. R. Y. Campbelt accepted the appointment of pastor in connection with Centreville, Ohio, and the small appointment in West Virginia. Under his leadership, the church took on new life and additional members were added to the congregation. In 1867 Rev. Mr. Campbell accepted a position in Franklin College, and the church was again without a leader. In 1869 Rev. Mr. Slentz accepted the pastorate, and, although feeble in body, worked perseveringly for the upbuilding of the congregation, and was very successful until September, 1873, when he dropped dead in St. Louis from heart trouble, while visiting in the West. Rev. Mr. Weir succeeded him in 1874, and in 1880 the board consisted of James Kerr, A. G. Campbell and David Thorburn. The deacons were J. M. Blackford, Robert Kerr and J. P. Prowl. Rev. Mr. Weir was succeeded by Rev. A. E. Brownlee. .

In March, 1901, the congregation completed a new and handsome brick edifice, capable of accommodating their increased numbers, at a cost of $15,500, to which should be added $7,000 for the lot.

The present pastor is Rev. A. R. Robinson, who accepted the charge in 1899. The session in 1902 is thus constituted: James Kerr, David Thorburn, Edwin C. Boyd, Dr. J. M. Blackford and Isaac Giffen. Rev. Mr. Kerr has served: the congregation in that capacity for nearly 4x years, and Mr. Thorburn for upwards. of 25 years. The trustees are: J. S. Mitchell, A. W. Kerr, George Ralston, Howard Stewart and W. W. Crowl. The superintendent of the Sunday-school is Edwin C. Boyd, who has served in that capacity for to successive years. The present membership is 152.

Of Martin's Ferry are among the foremost in the state. President McCombs says the curriculum of studies is in advance of any public school in Eastern Ohio.

Graduates from the Martin's Ferry High School are admitted to all the leading colleges in the land today, without being subjected to a preparatory course. Scholars enter the High School of Martin's Ferry from the Wheeling and Steubenville schools, as well as all the surrounding towns in order to fit themselves for college without being compelled to go far from home.

The first school of Martin's Ferry was built in 1823, on a lot donated by Capt. Absalom Martin. It is pictured as a comfortable little frame building, set upon props, with a large old-fashioned chimney, and a window on either side of a center door.

The first teacher was a gentleman called Livingston. At this time there were but three houses within what are now the corporate limits of the citv, so that many scholars walked as much as tliree miles in order to attend school. In 1828 the school was removed, in order to erect a large packing establishment. The school directors chosen in thaf year were Samuel Zane, Ebenezer Martin and William Barnes, and these gentlemen authorized a new school to be opened upon the farm of Ebenezer Martin, and this school was long used as a church and Sabbath-school by the Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians. Rev. Mr. Erwin has described it as "a dirty, dingy little building." Among the early teachers were Hezekiah Brown, Thomas: Harvey, Mr. and Mrs. Groves, Mr. Watterson, P. Bailey and Mr. Murphy.

In 1837 the school house was burned, and numerous private schools were started in various parts of the town, and these were supported by subscriptions, mainly.

Harvey. The teachers from 1850 were Mr. Kerr, Mr. McCormick and John Edwards. In 1857 Alfred Kirk of Steubenville was chosen superintendent, and a year later he was succeeded by Prof. Charles R. Shreve.

In 1878 $4,000 was expended for the erection of a new modern building to be known as the Central School, and two years later, another building was in demand to accommodate the increasing number of school children, and $14,250 was appropriated for the erection of a large new school building, with all modern appointments, to be known as the North School. In 1890 there was a demánd for more room, and additional facilities, wherefore the School Board constructed another large threestory building at a cost of $19,340, and this school is known as the South School.

The board of directors in 1853, when the public school system of Martin's Ferry was fairly inaugurated, consisted of James Alexander, Joel Woods, David Park, J. D. McCoy, H. W. Smith and Charles Ensel. A half century later the School Board was composed of E. E. McCombs, president; S. F. Dean, clerk; and: Dr; T. W- Darrah, John WE Vickers E H. Rider, J. E. Springer and Thomas R. Lloyd. . E

The enrollment for 1902 is 1,496 and the schools are so overcrowded that a new High School has become a necessity, and the present school board has ordered the construction of a new High School at a cost of $60,000.

The present superintendent is Prof. J. H. Snyder; principal of the High School, Prof. M. D. Morris; superintendent of the Central School, T. F. Mitchell; superintendent of the North School, J. E. Ring; superintendent of the South School, C. S. Eaton. The total number of teachers is 35 and the cost of maintaining the schools during 1901 was $16,500.

The Banks

The Commercial Bank Company. - The first of these in the order of establishment is the Commercial Bank Company, which was founded by James A. Gray and H. W. Smith, as a" private bank, in January 1872, with a capital of $50,000. In 1886 George H. Smith and James A. Dickson were admitted as partners to the company, the former serving as cashier and the latter as assistant cashier.

The People's Savings Bank C ompany was organized in 1891, with a capital of $30,000. It is a State incorporation, and its first directors were A. D. Seamon, B. F. Brady, J. S. Harrison, Henry Floto, William Liphardt, F. R. Sedgwick, James Kerr, F. H. Eick and d B. Montgomery. Its present officers are: L. Spence, president; F. R. Sedgwick, vice-president; M. E. Cole, cashier.

The German Bank is also a State bank, organized in 1902, with a paid-up capital of $25,- 000. Its officers are E. E. McCombs, president; J. E. Reynolds, vice-president; W. C. Bergundthal, cashier; and W. H. Woods, assistant cashier.

The Manufactories

The advantages of Martin's Ferry as a commercial and manufacturing center were early recognized, and in 1836 a threshing machine factory was operated by Thomas Wiley and Griffith McMillen. A year later a pottery for the manufacture of earthern and stoneware was established by William Callahan, Joseph Stephens, Joseph Hans and John Dakin.

In 1845 Benjamin Hoyle began to manufacture agricultural machinery on an extensive scale. About five years later L. Spence established the Ohio Valley Agricultural Works.

.ers and George K. Jenkins built the first blast furnace in the Upper Ohio Valley on grounds rich in coal and iron ore, three miles from the town. Subsequently the furnace was removed to its present location, east of the railroads and near the river, and it is successfully operated today with all modern appliances by the Wheeling Steel & Iron Company, producing 30.000 tons of Bessemer iron annually, and employing 70 men, with a monthly pay roll amounting to $1,200 per month.

The Laughlin Nail Company. - In 1873 William Clark donated 2r acres of ground for the establishment of a nail mill, and with others organized the Ohio City Iron & Nail Works, which began operations in 1874 with 50 nail machines.

Because of the stringency of the money market, the mill was compelled to suspend in 1876, when it was leased and operated by the Benwood Nail Company.

Under the new management the mill was known as the Laughlin Nail & Steel Company. Their capacity for production has been increased from 30 to 192 nail machines, making it one of the largest cut nail factories in the world. The product is now steel, and steel nails are made, instead of iron nails, as formerly.

The mill is conducted as an independent company, with W. L. Glessner as president, and W. T. Dixon as secretary, and gives employment to 350 men, who produce ro,ooo kegs of steel cut nails per week and 12,000 tons of black and galvanized sheets of steel roofing, siding, ceiling, etc., annually. "Their monthly pay roll will amount to about $22,000.

The Laughlin Tin Plate Company is operated today by the American Tin Plate Com-- pany, with W. T. Graham as president; Warner Arms as vice-president; and Cecil Robinson, district manager. This great tin plate factory employs 1,750 hands and produces 46,000 tons of black plates for tinning, and 1,000,000 boxes tin and terne plate, and their pay roll has reached about $85,000 per month.

In addition to the great iron and steel factories above mentioned, there are also in operation the Riverside Bridge Company, William Mann's foundry, Spence-Baggs Stove Company, the Stanton Heater Company, the Mc- Dermott Tool Company, the Hipkins Mold Works, the Uneeda Tool Works, the Acme Sheet Metal Company, the Novelty Mold Works, the Scott Lumber Company, Martin's Ferry Barrel & Box Company, the Bettis Stave & Barrel Works, Belmont Brewery, the Avondale Stone Company, the Belmont Brick Company, the National Glass Company, the Beaumont Glass Company, and Wilson's laundry,

In 1861 Michael Sweeney and James Phillips erected a new furnace, but, lacking means, Col. James. McCluny and Joseph Bell of Wheeling became partners, and, with added capital, the enterprise was rushed with so much vigor that in 1868 it had three 10-pot furnaces and was run with great success. was afterward known as the West Virginia Glass Company, and is now operated by the National Glass Company.

The next glass organization was known as the Elson Glass Company. It was organized in 1882 with a capital of $120,000, with W. K. Elson as president and M. Sheets as secretary. It employed 175 hands and was operated with great success.

Secret Societies

Ohio City Lodge, No 496, F. E A M. - Before the organization of a lodge in Martin's Ferry, the Masons of this city were obliged to attend lodge at Bridgeport, and as there were no convenient methods of intercommunication between the two then villages, it was for a considerable time felt desirable to have a home lodge in Martin's Ferry. While this seemed desirable to the Martin's Ferry members, the Bridgeport members were not fully satisfied to lose the membership of the former place and the territory that a new lodge would necessarily cut off. However, after much talk and the discussion of many plans and propositions, and the conceding of certain territorial jurisdiction, the consent of the lodge at Bridgeport was obtained, and after many discouragements and delays a dispensation was obtained from the Grand Master of Ohio, to es- - tablish and constitute a lodge at Martin's Ferry. On the 22nd day of April, 1874, the constitution of the new lodge occurred, and was conducted by Most Worshipful Grand Master Asa. H. Battin. J. Potter Jordan was installed

| exander, on behalf of Samuel Irwin, the youngest member of the new organization, presented the lodge with a fine copy of the Bible. His presentation speech was clothed in beautiful language, and the precious boon was accepted on behalf of the lodge by Rev. Dr. Sedgwick in a very earnest and appropriate manner. The charter members were: L. C. Sedgwick, L. W. Inglebright, L. C. Wells, Francis Wright, Samuel Young, George W. Medill, A. M. Shipman, L. L. Smith, Ross J. Alexander, Jesse M. Ruggles, Hiram Frazier, Alexander Rose, Joseph A. Major, McGruder Selby, James A. Crossley, G. G. Sedgwick, John Z. Cochran, George E. Rider, James Dean, Edward Williams and J. Potter Jordan.

The first lodge room was located in Medill's Hall, on Hanover street, near the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad, and the new organization immediately began to grow rapidly in membership, and its influence began to be felt in the then village of about 2,000 population.

Abram Lash, McGruder Selby (deceased), Humphrey Williams, C. H. Morris, Rev. A. W. Harris, James Y. Patterson, Dr. A. R. Ong, Thomas F. Mitchell and Dr. J. W. Darrah. me present officers are: E. E. McCombs, W. y: catty SAW de Ro Springer T e : "Heyward Long, secretary ; J. W. Darrah, treasurer; RE "Farnell, SIL MEDIE Greer, TADS and James Miskell, tyler.

stituted April 12, 1873, by District Great Chief ' Alexander Clohan of Bellaire, assisted by members of the tribe located at Bellaire, Bridgeport and Wheeling.

Thomas J. Irwin, one of the charter members of this lodge, has been re-elected great chief of records. Those who have held continuous membership since the organization of the lodge are: Robert Applegarth, James Craig, Jacob Diehl, Thomas J. Irwin, James Miskell, W. H. Moore and John Sterling.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows. - Belmont City Lodge No. 221, I. O. O. Eo Martin's Ferry, with the following charter members: Shannon Bigger, James Smith, Charles Schwartz, James Bane, Daniel Morgan, Henry Snodgrass, James Haines, J. M. Woodcock, Harvey Pratt, Robert Cottrell, Charles H. Turner, George Geiger, John Watkins, Peter Beasle, John Fisher. Of these none remain, the last one (J. M. Woodeock of Bridgeport) having died a short time ago.

Owing to the fact that the records of the lodge were destroyed by fire in April, 1885, it is impossible to give the names of the officers at the time of the organization, and possibly other items of interest are omitted.

On September 15, 1887, Onward Lodge, No. 758, I. O. O. F., was instituted with 23 members and continued in existence until January 4, 1889, when the two lodges consolidated, the name and number of Belmont City Lodge being retained.

Hebron Encampment, No. 149, I. O. O. F., was instituted at Bridgeport, Ohio, April 14, 1851, with William Alexander, Miller Chaltant, Elias Dew, James Magill, Goodwin Hall, E. W. Martin and William P. Baggs as charter members.

The meetings were held in that village until about 1870 when it was decided to locate the encampment in Martin's Ferry, as many of the members resided there.

The charter bears date of January 18, 1851, but the encampment was not instituted until almost three months later. The present officers of the encampment are: C. P., Robert Ulrick; senior warden, Sutton Palmer; junior warden, Robert Slaughter; H. P., John Vickers; scribe, George W. Burton; treasurer, William Sloan.

Welcome Lodge, No. 190, MAROTO F was instituted at Martin's Ferry, December rs: 1891, with 29 charter members present. Out of this number, only six remain - H. G. Woods, John W. Reed, B. F. Brady, Nicholas Beck, George B. Barr and George W. Reece - the others having died or dropped out. The lodge gained in membership for a short time and. then began to decrease because of lack-of interest among the members. In 1897 Lewis O. Rothermund and Alex. T. Frazier died, and in 1809 R. F. Allender, Harry C. Jump and SH: Montgomery also passed away, leaving a membership of 13. About two years ago interest was aroused in the order, and the lodge now has a membership of s7, representing insurance to the amount of $77,000. The present officers are: P. M. W., William T. Dixon, Jr.;

At the outbreak of the Civil War, many of the brave volunteers, who entered the United States service from Pease township, enlisted in the 1st and 2nd Virginia (Loyal) Infantry, and upon the reorganization of the regiments for three years they continued in the same organization and fought under the leadership of Col. Joseph Thoburn, who was killed in the bloody battle of Cedar Creek. When the war ` was ended, and the first G. A. R. post was organized in 1873, the old soldiers who had fought under Colonel Thoburn, who was himself a brave son of Belmont County, called their organization "Thoburn Post."

The organization is still maintained, but their ranks have gradually been reduced, until today they number but 31. The officers for 1902 were: William Sloan, commander; Levi Davis, senior vice-commander; John Mc- Knight, junior vice-commander; James Miskel, chaplain; George Barr, quartermaster; W. G. Morgan, adjutant; Albert Liphardt, officer of the day; and James Green, officer of the guard. -

The Martims Ferry Evening Times was established March 2, 1891, by Leroy C. Sedgwick and George B. Barr under the firm name of Sedgwick & Barr, and made its first appearance as a six-column folio. The paper was issued from the Parker building, corner of Hanover street and the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad, for about two years when the office was removed to the McDonough building, on the opposite side of Hanover street. In October, 1893, Mr. Barr disposed of his interest to Alvin L. Sedgwick, and the firm name was changed to L. C. Sedgwick & Son. Two years later Ira B. Sedgwick was taken into the firm. Up to 1894 The Times was issued as a daily only,-but in that year a weekly was added in the form of a nine-column folio, which has since been changed to eght pages. Increase in business demanded more room, and in 1898 the proprietors purchased a site and erected a two-story brick building on 4th street, moving into it in August of that year. In 1899 the form of the daily was changed to eight pages, in which shape it is still issued.

In politics The Times has always been Republican, but its fairness in the discussion of political issues, as well as the firm stand taken upon the right side of all public questions affecting the interests of the people, is evidenced by the: large patronage received from those of a different political faith. The circulation of both daily and weekly has increased steadily, until now it is the leading paper in the county both in point of circulation and influence. W. G. Creamer is at the head of the reportorial staff.

In connection with the newspaper, The Times Ras a job department second to none in this part of the State. From a small beginning it has grown to its present proportions through strict attention to business details and a disposition to deal honorably toward all its patrons, and today its reliability and the excellence of the work turned out are unsurpassed. Its facilities for turning out job printing are ample - its equipment embracing the latest type faces, five presses, folder, gas engine, power cutter, stitching machine, perforator, ruling machine, etc., with workmen of experience. This department 1s in charge of George B. Barr, who, although disposing of his financial interest in The Times, has remained in its service since its beginning.

The Ohio Valley News. - Attempts were made to establish a newspaper in Martinsville as far back as 1849. This publication was called The Enterprise, and was issued at alternate periods in Martinsville and Bridgeport.

This enterprise was short lived, as was another publication established a few years thereafter. No further efforts were put forth until 1872 when Mr. Barr of Wheeling organized a joint stock company for the publication of The Commercial, with Mr. Barr as editor. This company soon failed, when Mr. Ashenhurst and Mr. Clauser purchased the paper,

Mr. Clauser sold his interest to Mr. Ashenhurstwho changed the paper to a seven-column tolio, and changed its name to the one it bears today: The Ohio Valley News. Mr. Ashenhurst soon withdrew from Martin's Ferry and

In 1876 Mr. Gow withdrew to engage in the newspaper work in Bellaire and Mr. Drennen continued its publication until his death in 1896. This véteran editor was one of the original Republicans of Belmont County and his paper was ever regarded as the stanch exponent of Republican principles. After his death his son, R. P. J. Drennen, conducted the business for four years when upon May r, 1900, R. D. and James H. Robinson, grandsons of the late James H. Drennen, purchased the paper and are conducting it with great success.

The Bridge Over The Ohio

One of the marked improvements in the development of Martin's Ferry was the completion of the Wheeling Bridge & Terminal Company's bridge over the Ohio, under the management of Judge Robert H. Cochran, a tormer Belmont County man, who as president of the company and managing director of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, was mainly instrumental in its construction. The first engine was run over the bridge December 31, 1899, but the bridge was not completed until 1900.

The bridge is entirely of stone and steel, and is a double track railway structure, with an extensive terminal system on both sides of the river, including three double-track tunnels in Wheeling aggregating 4,200 feet in length.

A Notable Character

Perhaps it will be a surprise to many to know that in a humble farm home, adjoining the city, there was born of "canny" Scotch- Irish parents a lad named W. J. Rainey, who possessed in remarkable degree the keenness and foresight of a trader.

When still in his "teens," he became noted as a purchaser of live stock, and could guess with the accuracy of a long experienced dealer the weight of all live stock. A few years thereafter, he added wheat and wool to the farm products he handled and with added gains. i

When the Cleveland & Pittsburg stock dropped'to ro and 15 cents per share, he purchased largely and held the stock in confidence until it advanced to 86 when he sold.

He had now accumulated considerable wealth and "when his father gave him the coal underlying his farm, of which he had come into possession after a long legal contest, Mr. Rainey associated with him a company of capitalists, to operate the mines upon an extensive scale.

In the prosecution of this enterprise he became a millionaire. A few years ago when this humble farmer's lad died, he had accumulated a fortune of $23,000,000.

The City Of Bridgeport

As elsewhere stated, the first legal settlement in the county was made within the corporate limits of Bridgeport by Captain Kirkwood in 1789.

Centennial History

At this time the Zane road, now the National Road, extended east and west, and a State road running north and south from Wellsville to Marietta passed through the town near Fleming's Run.