Richland Township (part 3 of 5)

slave to receive so many lashes, during several days in succession; each of those whippings excepting the first was called 'tickling up the old scabs. Female servants, both white and black, were subjected to the whip in common with the males. Having to pass through the yard of a neighbor on the way to school it happened that on going my usual route on a cold snowy morning, when I came within view of the house, I was much surprised at seeing a naked woman standing at the whipping post, and her master with a hickory in his hand. When I got to the place I stopped to see what was going on; after the woman had received a certain number of lashes, a female black slave was ordered from the kitchen, stripped, and fastened by the irons of the whipping post, her scars exhibiting the stripes and corrugations of former years. Both these women had handkerchiefs tied around their eyes to prevent them from seeing when the blow was coming. The hickory used by this man was a forked one twisted together and tied. A hickory of this kind, owing to the inequlity of its surface, gives the greater pain. With this he scourged the backs of these two women alternately, but for what length of time I do not know; being shocked at the sight, I hurried on- to school and left the master at his work. I might here relate many other methods of torture, of which 1 have been an eye witness, among these people, such as the thumb screw, sweating, the birch, and etc., but it is enough; the heart sickens at such cruelties."

Chapter Iii Civil Government

ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY - PROCLAMATION OF GOVERNOR ST. CLAIR - THE FIRST County SEAT - THE First CoURT - THE First ELECTION PRECINCTS - THE FIRST

UNWRITTEN HisTORY - A TRIBUTE TO GOVERNOR ST. CLAIR - COUNTY SEAT REMOVED TO ST. CLAiRsviLLE - THE First MURDER TRIAL - BOUNTIES - THE FIRST Court HOUSE AND GAOL - THE EVOLUTION OF THE TOWNSHIPS.

At the time of the adoption of the ordinance of 1787, Belmont County was only a part of the great undivided territory of the Northwest. Of this ordinance a distinguished -attorney has said it was the most remarkable political document, with the possible exception of the Delcaration of Independence, ever produced by uninspired men. The declared purpose of the ordinance was to fix and establish the principles of civiland religious government as the basis of all law. declared to be necessary for good government and the happiness of all the people and it was accordingly ordained that schools and all other means of education should be encouraged. Thus was laid early and deep the foundation of our common school system and higher educational institutions throughout the great Northwest. Among the other beneficent provisions of that great ordinance were justice and taxation, the integrity of private contracts and good faith towards: the native Indians. slavery was also forever forbidden in all that great territory 87 years before the curse was stricken from our national Constitution.

The Continental Congress that enacted the ordinance of 1787, providing for the government of the Northwest Territory, was presided over by General St. Clair, who was subsequently made governor of the new territory and arrived at Marietta in July 1788, to assume the. One of his first official acts was to establish the county of Washington that embraced nearly all the territory now within the boundary of the State of Ohio. In the division and subdivision of this gigantic county, there arose much conflict and strife between Governor St. Clair and the Legislature, by reason of which 11 of the 30 bills passed by the first General Assembly were rejected by the Governor because many of these bills provided for the erection of new counties and the Governor held that that prerogative rested solely with him. He charged, furthermore, that land speculators sought the erection of new counties for «orrupt purposes, and the Governor maintained this contention until it led to his removal by President Thomas Jefferson in 1802. Prior to this, Governor St. Clair established Jefferson County, which included all of the territory now embraced in Belmont County, a portion of Flushing township; subsequently Jefferson County was again subdivided and with the addition of lands from Washington County, the county of Belmont (the beautiful mountains) was organized November 7, 1801. This was the roth county of Ohio in the order of establishment and the last county created before the admission of Ohio into the Union.

Proclamation Of Governor St. Clair

By Arthur St. Clair, governor of the territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio. Whereas, in my proclamation erecting the county of Belmont bearing date 7th day of September last a mistake, towit: the word north instead of west in the description of one of the boundaries crept into the press copy. To rectify the same and remove all doubts about the boundaries of said county of Belmont, I have issued this my present proclamaticn, hereby declaring that the lines of boundary shall begin as in the aforesaid proclamation on the Ohio River at the middle of the fourth township of the second range of townships in the seven ranges and running with the line between the third and fourth sections of the said township, counting from the township line, but which are numbered 16 and 17 upon the map produced west to the western boundary of the said seven ranges; thence south with the said western boundary to the middle of the fifth township in the seventh range; thence east to the Ohio River where the line between the ninth and tenth section of the third township in the third range intersects the same, and thence with the Ohio River to the place of beginning, and the said lines as above described are hereby declared to be the lines and limits of boundary of the county of Belmont and are the same which were intended to be established by the aforesaid proclamation.

Given under my hand, and seal of the territory, at Cincinnati, the 13th day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and one, and of the independence of the United States, the twentysixth. AR ST. CEATR TAIB: EIRST COUNTY SEAT!

After the issuance of the above, the county seat was established at a little village called Pultney, that was laid out by Daniel McElherren, August 22, 1799, after a sharp contest with the village of Jefferson, now Martin's Ferry, laid out by Absolem Martin, in 1795. Pultney was located about one mile below Bellaire, and Jefferson is now the prosperous city of Martin's Ferry.

Held in Belmont County convened in the home of Jacob Repshire, one of the judges in Pultney, Tuesday, November 24, 1801. It was a Court of Quarter Sessions, with Judges Daniel McElherren, Jacob Repshire and David Lockwood on the bench. At this session the first division of the county into townships was enacted. Up to this time the county embraced | all the present area of the county, and all the east tier of townships in Guernsey and Noble counties, and nearly all of Monroe County. But this court divided the county into four parallel townships, namely, Kirkwood, Puitney, York, and Salem.

The first grand jury consisted of Notley Hayes, Patrick White, John King, Anthony Rizer, Joshua M. Sherry, Thomas Duffield, William Bush, George Barnett, Peter Buzzard, John Wall, Abraham Emerine, Richard Hardesty, John Lamb, Robert Giffin, Henry Leep, Samuel Barnes, Andrew Miller, and Archibald Smith." The distinguished Charles Hammond was chosen by this court to act as prosecutor, until his appointment could be confirmed by the Attorney General. Two roads were ordered by this court, namely the construction of a road, under the supervision of Jacob Cole- and Newellstown (St. Clairsville); and a license for the construction of a road over the Zane Trail, from the river at or near Kirkwood west through the county, practically along the line of the present National Road. At this term of the court, we also find an entry upon the court journals as follows: "That there be built on the public grounds in the town of Pultney a brick house 35 feet square, two stories high. The first story to be 12 feet in the clear, and the second eight feet in the clear. The same to be occupied as a Court House for

Jacob Repshire, David Lockwood (two of the judges) and Samuel Dille were appointed to purchase material to the amount of $500 for the Court House. And they were subsequently empowered to make additional purchases and employ ádditional workmen for the speedy completion of the same. Until the new Court House was completed, the court rented a house from Judge Repshire, in which court was held until the new Court House was completed.

The First Election Precincts

In 1803, the court appointed an election precinct in each township. Prior to this action of the court, there were but two election precincts in the whole county. One of these was the home of Bassil Israel in Newellstown, now St. Clairsville, and the other in the home of Jacob Repshire in the town of Pultney, near the present city of Bellaire, and to these two disiant precincts all the electors of the county assembled. Two years later two more precincts were added. One at the home oí William Congleton in York township, and the other in the home oí Robert Latte, in Salem township. And thus the precincts increased in number with the added townships and the increasing population until at the lapse of our first century there were 32 precincts in the county. At the second term of the court held in February, 1802, the following judges were present: David Vance, David Lockwood, Daniel McElherren. In response to a call the following grand jury was chosen: Ezra Hall, Peter Wirich, Eben Phillip, John Caldwell, John Nixon, Louis Sherer, John Kidd, John Williams, David Wordly. Matt Hungerford, Alex Duke, Henry Lingo, Robert Russell, Ebenezer Smith, Archibald Smith, Ezekiel Boggs, and James Eagleson. At this term of court three indictments were found against Judge Jacob Repshire for assault and battery, but the charges were not sustained and the Judge was acquitted. Judge Repshire was one of the magistrates holding court the previous year and was twice indicted at this term for the same

The First Constables And Election Supervisors

At the same term the following constables and election supervisors were appointed: Kirkwood township - constables, William Congleton and Thomas Richards; supervisors, Thomas Richards, William Boggs, Joshua Hatcher, and James Knowles. Pultney - constables, Philip Dover and Joseph Lashley; supervisors, Jacob Repshire and David Wherry. York - constable, Samuel Dille; supervisors, John Dille Ephraim Bates, and Michael Moores «^ x

Much of the county revenue in those days was obtained from licenses; all business firms and places of entertainment were licensed and the fees for license ranged from $2 to $12 per year. At this session of the court, a license was granted Ananias Randall for keeping a house of public entertainment, and Jacob Holtz was licensed to keep a tavern in St. Clairsville.

A Unique Way Of Raising Money

The people of St. Clairsville were anxious to build an academy at the county seat that would be an honor to the county, but were unable to raise the money by subscription, or other private enterprises. Whereupon they decided upon the following unique method of raising the funds.

-A petition numerously signed by many influential citizens of the county, including ministers of the Gospel, was presented to the Legislature as follows: "To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of Ohio.

"The petition of a number of the citizens of the town of St. Clairsville and the county of Belmont humbly showeth that they labor under many disadvantages for the want of a seminary of learning in that part of the State in which they reside. They further state to your honorable body, that they are unable by private enterprise to raise funds for the erection of an academy. From petitions deeming an institution of this kind in that section of the State of immense advantage not only to the citizens of the county aforesaid but to the State in general, we pray your honorable body to pass a law at your present session authorizing a public lottery in the town of St. Clairsville in Belmont County to raise the sum of $7,000 for the purpose of erecting a public academy in the town or vicinity of St. Clairsville in said county, and your petitioners are in duty bound, etc."

At the same term of the court, it was ordered that a house on public ground be erected in the town of Pultney 24 by 15 feet, of complete hewn logs and shingle roof, strongly built with a log partition across the center to be used as a gaol. This, the first jail of Belmont County, was built by Richard Butler at a cost of $165, and was completed on May 26, 1802. Upon August 25th tollowing the court ordered the construction of a "pound" for the imprisonment of the estrays, and this building when completed was 66 feet square and built of posts and rails of good oak timber, a gate hune on irom hinges and secured by a strong lock and key.

The First Meeting Of The Supreme Court

We find the first records of the meeting of the Supreme Court on June 28, I803, at Pultney. The presiding judges were Samuel Huntington and William Spriggs, and Elijah Woods was appointed clerk. At this court, Charles Hammond was appointed United States prosecutor, and Daniel Barney was admitted to practice. The work upon the new Court House was not pushed with vigor, and completion of the jail and pound outstripped it. For this and other reasons, a movement was inaugurated to remove the seat of justice to Newellstown in Richland township.

was changed to St. Clairsville, in honor of Governor St. Clair, and it is charged with the expectation of winning his support in the movement.

A Bit Of Unwritten History

With regard to the removal of the county seat from Pultney to St. Clairsville, C. C. Kelly of Bellaire says: "A few years before the death of 'old 'Squire Kellsey,' one of the pioneers of Pultney township, he told me that a great barbecue was held at Newellstown, to which General St. Clair, the Governor of the Northwest Territory, was invited. The word of General St. Clair was considered authority on about all matters regarding public affairs at that time. The General responded to the invitation, was wined and dined by the good people of Newellstown, although wine was probably a scarce article at that-time and the probabilities are that something more in keeping with the times was used as a substitute for wine. At any rate it seemed to produce the desired effect. In the midst of the feast of good things, and while every one, especially the General, was feeling real good and of a disposing mind, a motion was made and unanimously carried changing the name of the town from Newellstown to St. Clairsville in honor of General St; Claire. The Chauncey Depew of the occasion then suggested to the General that St. Clairsville would be a good place for the courity seat, that it could not do anybody any good away down there at Pultney in the woods, while its location at St. Clairsville would be nearer the center of the county and at the same time help to build up the town just named for him. The General at once fell in with the idea and ordered the removal. A yoke of cattle with a cart was sent down to Pultney and the records of the county were taken to St. Clairsville, and this was the beginning and end of the first county seat removal question in Belmont County."

A Tribute To Governor St. Clair

of Roslyn, was educated at the University of Edinburgh, and studied medicine under John Hunter, but, entering the English army as an ensign, he came to America with the British fleet, and served under Amhurst at Lewisburg, and under Wolfe at the storming of Quebec. In 1762 he resigned his commission, and settled in the Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania, where he tinental Army, and in August, a brigadier general, and fought in the battles of Trenton and Princeton. In 1777, he was made a brigadier general, and placed in command at Ticonderoga, but was obliged to evacuate before the superior army of Burgoyne. For this he was tried before a court martial, in Philadelphia to protect Congress, while Washington marched to Yorktown, but was again in the field before the surrender of Cornwallis. In 1786 he was sent to Congress, of which he became president, in 1787. When the government of the Northwest Territory was organized, he was made Governor, and held that position until 1802.

In 1791 he became commander-in-chief of the army operating against the Miami Indians. He was surprised on November 4th, near the Miami villages, and his forces cut to pieces. Washington refused a court of inquiry, and

The late Judge Burnett of Cincinnati, who was personally acquainted with St. Clair, says he was a man of superior talents and great uprightness of purpose, as well as suavity of manners. As Governor of the Northwest Territory, he believed that the power he claimed legitimately belonged to the chief executive, and the manner in which he exercised it was this extremity he presented a claim against the government of $200 or $300 he had assumed in fitting up an expedition against the Indians, when to his mortification it was refused. The pride of the old veteran was touched and, after spending several winters in seeking remuneration from Congress he returned to the Ligonier Valley, where he lived in the most abject pov- ations of respect and gratitude for his past services, settled upon him an annuity of $650, which gave to the gallant old soldier a comfortable subsistence for his remaining days.

County Seat Removed To St. Clairsville

On April 1, 1803, the first General Assembly of Ohio, held in Chillicothe, passed an act appointing John Mathews, James Brown and Robert Speer as commissioners to examine and report whether a removal of the seat of justice in said county of Belmont be necessary for the convenience and accommodation of the citizens thereof, and certify their opinion thereon. And when this committee visited St. Clairsville it was said that Governor St. Clair accompanied them. The report of the commissioners, as recorded in Vol. II of the Ohio laws, is as follows: i

Whereas, John Mathews, James Brown and Robert Speer, commissioners for Belmont County, in pursuance OÍ the powers delegated to them by an act entitled an act to provide for the permanent seat of justice in day of April, 1803, have reported to this General Assembly that on examination they do find that St. Clairsville is the most proper place for the .seat of justice in the county of Belmont; therefore,

Section I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio that St. Clairsville in the county of Belmont be and the same is hereby declared the seat of justice for the said county of Belmont, and that all courts hereafter to be holden in and for said county shall be held in the town of St. Clairsville, and all officers are required to conduct themselves accordingly. Passed igth January, 1804. ELIAS LANGHAM, the House of Representatives. NATHANIEL MASSIE, Speaker of the Senate.

So, in April, 1804, the seat of justice was removed to St. Clairsville, and soon thereafter the county property at Pultney was sold for $219 to Daniel McElherren. The first Court of Quarter Sessions, with Judge Pease presiding, was held in the house of William Congleton, of St. Clairsville, on the 16th of April, 1804, for which Mr. Congleton received a small consideration. Two months thereafter, the Supreme Court met at the new seat of Justice, and at this session Jacob Nagle and Daniel Church were admitted to the bar.

The First Murder Trial

The first record of a murder tried in Belmont County appears in the proceedings of this court with Jonathan Meigs, Samuel Hunt- - ington, and William Spriggs on the bench. A grand jury, composed of Elias Ellis, foreman, Francis Bowen, Valentine Ault, George De- Long, Edward Milliner, Samuel Brown, John Bradshaw, Risson Masters, John Boyd, Joshua Hatcher, Arthur Morrison, Michael Carroll and Edward Bryson, brought a true bill against Peter Sunderland, for the murder of John Holtz, who, being arraigned before the court, pleaded not guilty. The day following the prisoner was brought into court for trial, and the following jury was impaneled: Levi Okey, Andrew Marshall, John Dungan, Moses Given, John Nichol, James E. Newell, feloniously killing the said John Holtz." Sunderland was sentenced to pay all the costs and be burned upon his left hand. Whereupon the prisoner was placed in charge of Sheriff Jacob Coleman, and the burning was inflicted upon the scene of the murder, on Main street, St. Clairsville, just west of the present Court House, and just Opposite the residence and store of Ellis Wilson. j

In 1809 this court sentenced an old offender, a negro, "Cuff, who was arrested for petty theft, to a sound whip lashing, which was vigorously administered, the negro meanwhile bawling lustily. Among the civil cases, we note the first slander suit in the annals of the court was held at the summer term of the court in 1815, in which John Wherry obtained $80 damage from John Winter for damaging his character.

At this period in our history the records show that the injury done by wolves and panthers must have been very great, for in 1802 the commissioners ordered that the highest bounty be paid for wolf scalps and in 1804 the amount paid out for wolves was very much greater than panthers, indicating that the wolves greatly outnumbered the panthers. The bounty paid was from $1 to $3 per head, and all claims were required to be attested by oath. Parties killing such animals were required to take the scalp before a justice of the peace, who must certify that they were genuine, when the hunters could secure their bounty from the treasurer. There is a record of $125 having been paid out for such bounties between 1803-08. While the panthers were not as numerous as bears, they were regarded as infinitely more ferocious and dangerous. It is related of a citizen of St. Clairsville named Robert Thompson that while attending divine worship in the old Presbyterian Church of a century ago, his little daughter entered the church very much alarmed and disturbed the congregation bv crying to her father, "Come home, oh, come home quick." The father hurried home, and to his astonishment saw a fierce panther on a tree a few feet from the door | and the children greatly alarmed. Hurrying | for his rifle. the ferocious beast was soon

The First Court House And Gaol

After the removal of the seat of justice to St. Clairsville, the county commissioners met in the September following. Present: Levi Okey, John Williams and Robert Giffin. In the proceedings we find the following entry with reference to the construction of a Court House and gaol. -

The public buildings were "let up" to the lowest bidder, who was Alexander Young, with Sterling Johnson as surety, and the amount was fixed at $1,000 for the jail and jailer's rooms and $70 for raising an upper story upon the same for a Court House. The expense of furnishing which was to be paid for by donations, for which Sterling Johnson and Robert Gifn and William Congleton entered into bond. These buildings were used for-jail and jailer's residence and court rooms until 1814, and stood about where the present jail stands. After the completion of the second Court House in 1803 the building was sold and the logs were removed and used in the construction of a one-story building on the lot now occupied by Mrs. A. Cochran.

The commissioners at the same session allowed the sheriff $20 for salary for the year 1803 and $8 fees for service in the case of Peter Sunderland, the murderer, and Samuel Courtland was also allowed $122.75 for guarding the prisoner. Some of the early justices of the peace who served as early as 1802-03 were: Thomas Mitchell, John Ferris, Jacob Davis, Andrew Marshall, Moses Merritt, James Starr, John Greer, Jacob Repshire, Thomas Wilson, Levi Okey, James Henthorn, David

Thomas Thompson. And some of the first marriages performed by these justices were: William Patterson and Kitty Clark in 1803; John Grant and Elizabeth Masters in 1803; Peter Alexander and Jane Mitchell in 1804; John Plummer and Nancy Sidwell in 1804; Jacob Long and Martha Lashley; Timothy

Bates and Ruth Moore in 1804; Myers Thomson and Sarah Cole in 1805; Joseph Wilson and Ruth Hardesty in 1805; John Gray and Hannah Okey in 1805; Cornelius Okey and Hannah Weir in 1805; James Taylor and Elizabeth Barton in 1805; John Dille and Nancy Gallagher, and Conrad Neff and Elizabeth Feely. The first couple married by a minister of the Gospel of which there is any record is Alexander McWilliams and Margaret Nixon, who were married by Rev. Alexander Caiderhead, August 7, 1804.

The county seat being thus established, we present as next in order our first county officials. These were as follows: Congressmen for the district 1n which Belmont County was embraced, - Jeremiah Morrow, of Warren County, from 1803 to 1813. State Senators, - Wiliam Vance and Thomas Kirker, 1803. Representatives in General Assembly, - Joseph

1801 to 1803. Clerk of the court, - Elijah Woods, appointed 1801 to 1806. County commissioners - Levan Okey, John McWilliams and Robert Giffin, 1804. Prosecuting attorney, - Charles Hammond, appointed 1801 to 1804. Recorder, - Sterling Johnson, 1804. Coroner, - John Dungan, 1801 to 1806. The offices of county auditor and Probate judge not created until 1823 and 1851, respectively. ;

Having quoted from the records of the first court in Belmont County, and some proceedings of its first board of county commissioners, we will now present some of the first deeds entered upon the book of the county recorder. The first deed was given by Henry Lingo and Rebecca, his wife, to Robert Bell, dated October 13, 1800, and it conveyed 100 acres of land, being part of lot number 24 in the sixth township of third range, consideration $500. This lot was probably near Stewartsville, and an abstract of its title shows that the tract of. land was granted to Robert Johnson in April, 1780, and by Johnson to Obadiah Hardesty, date uncertain, and by Hardesty to Lingo on

And Representa Ves Citizens

March 7, 1796.. The second deed given was recorded October 29, 1800, by Benjamin Newell and Jane, his wife, to James Caldwell, of Ohio County, Va., and consisted of two lots in the town of St. Clairsville, one numbered 28, fronting on Main street, the other, lot 53, cornering on the first mentioned lot, each contain-. ing a quarter of an acre, consideration $32. These lots are supposed to be a short distance west of the Court House. Another is dated November 4, 1801, from David Newell and wife, of the county of Belmont, Northwest Territory, to Emsby Rush, of Brooke County, Virginia, in consideration of $12 for lot number 157, in St. Clairsville, and containing about one-fourth of an acre.

About this time began the evolution of the townships whereby the four original and paralll townships were increased to 16 and we cull freely from an article in the Belmont Chronicle describing this evolution.

By an act of the General Assembly in 1810, creating Guernsey County, a portion of Kirkwood, Pultney and York townships were ceded to Guernsey County, and in January, 1813, by a similar act of the Legislature, the whole of the township of Salem was ceded to Monroe County, thus materially reducing the boundaries of Belmont County. By subsequent divisions and subdivisions the following changes occurred: The erection of Richland township, so named because of its productive limestone soil, was the first following the original divi- Sion as enacted by the court sitting at Pultney Bottom, February 24, 1802. The original Kirkwood township was cut in twain, and all that portion of it lying east of the present west boundary line of Richland township, north to the county line and east to the river, was embraced in Richland township as originally formed. On May 26, 1802, the boundaries of Richland were again extended two miles | south, so as to include a part of the original | and the remaining 12 sections of what is now Smith were added to York township. Richland has thus embraced in its boundaries Pease, Colerain, and the greater part of Wheeling and Smith townships as now existing, though not all this area at one time.

The next townships to be set off were Pease and Union on August 15, 1804. Pease was named after Judge Pease, one of the presiding judges, and at the time of its formation embraced the territory within its present boundaries and also 12 sections that now belong to Colerain. Union township, formed at the same time, embraced all in its present territory and those parts of F lushing and Wheeling townships included within the east and west boundaries of the township and extending north to the county line. On March II, 1805, two rows of sections of what is now Goshen were added to it.

Warren was erected June ro, 1807, from Kirkwood as extended in 1802. In the latter year a part of what had been Pultney was added to Kirkwood. Warren at first embraced all withm its present boundary and all of what is now Goshen, except two rows of sections on the north side.

On January 14, 1808, Colerain and Wheeling were erected. The description given of Colerain does not agree with its present boundaries. It is probable that its present boundaries were formed from Richland and Pease, though one row of sections on the east side may have been added later, though no record to that effect is in evidence after diligent search.

Wheeling was cut off from Richland and embraced its present territory except the six sections on the west, which were taken from Union in 1817 and added to Wheeling.

Wayne was formed March s, 1811, from York and embraced all of what is now Wayne and Somerset and a part of Washington township. It also included some territory now in Monroe County.

Union, 16 sections being taken from Kirkwood and 12 from Union. On that date Kirkwood, one of the original townships, having been divided and subdivided and extended, assumed its present boundaries.

Washington was the last township to be erected, this being ordered in 1831, 12 sections being taken off Wayne, and 30 from York. Then the township lines assumed their present location. i

Chapter Iv To General

Belmont as at present constituted is divided into three parallel ridges that are separated by Wheeling, McMechen's and Captina creeks, that empty into the Ohio at Bridgeport, Bellaire and Powhatan respectively.

60,875 at the last census. The marvelous growth of the county in the century just closed is evidenced in the following census table, which reveals the increase in population by decades:

A study of this table reveals the fact that the great increase has been in the manufacturing townships ot Pultney and Pease along our river front, and this gain is the result of the industrial development in Bellaire, Bridgeport and Martin's Ferry. At present many new mining and manufacturing industries are in process of organization and the next decade wil witness largely increased numbers in wealth and population.

The rapid growth of the county in wealth and population necessitated an enlarged and more substantial Court House and jail. Wherefore, in February, 1813, the commissioners called for bids for the construction of a building in design similar to the court houses previously constructed at Steubenville and Cadiz. Namely, a square, two-story brick building with a cupola and high spires 1n the center of the roof facing north, south, east and west. The contract was given to William Brown for $56,040, the work to be completed by April 1, 1815. At the same time, Sterling Johnson obtained the contract for grading the ground for the sum of $270. ane

The work was rapidly pushed to completion, and before the specified time the contractors turned the new Court House over to the commissioners, namely, - Peter Tallman, Alexander Boggs and Joseph Morrison. Not, however, until a committee of inspection from Steubenville reported the building as complete in all respects. After a lapse of five years, it was necessary to add three county offices to the Court House, and a contract was awarded Stacy Boven to build two substantial offices east of the Court House and in addition thereto, and one upon the west side of the building at a cost of $10,050. And upon the recommendation of Charles Collins and Robert mechanics, the commissioners, Messrs. Tallman, Boggs and Morrison, accepted these buildings when completed. This new building was regarded as a palace in its day, and served the county as its temple of justice for upward of 70 years. The picture of the "Old Court House," as it was familiarly called, appears in this volume, and will call vividly to the minds of the people of this and of past generations the many interesting and stirring scenes that have occurred within and without its walls. Many great legal battles

Thurman, have measured legal swords with Belmont County's no less honored and able Charles Hammond, Governor Shannon, Benjamin S. Cowen, Judge Ruggles, William Kennon, Sr., and William Kennon, Jr. On great public and political occasions, the leaders of all political parties, preceding and following the war, have appealed to their followers with warmth and eloquence from its platform within or from the high stone balcony that surrounded it without. And old citizens yet recall the enthusiasm aroused by the presence of such eminent leaders as Salmon P. Chase and "Bluff" Ben Wade and Allan G. Thurman.

The Second Jail

Six years later it was found necessary to construct a new brick jail to succeed the old log gaol, erected in 1805. The contract was awarded William Brown, March 19, 1819, for $3,040, and Sterling. Johnson, . who had figured in the construction of all former public buildings, was awarded the contract of grading for $95. The specifications read as follows :

"Ihe building is to be two stories high, with an entry way six feet wide, and to contain two rooms for dungeons and two jailer's rooms on the first story.

The whole was completed within two years according to contract. And the work was promptly done and accepted by the commissioners. In the meantime the county officials occupied such cramped quarters that. it was thought necessary for both comfort and public safety to construct a fireproof building for the preservation of public documents. So upon

April 15, 1836, William Askew was awarded a contract for constructing an absolutely fireproof building, north of the Court House, to be 32 by 46 feet and two stories high, at a cost of $3,300. This building was constructed by Charles H. Bailey, and the building occupied the ground upon which the present jailer's residence stands.

The Third Jail

The second jail was soon found wholly inadequate to confine the ever-increasing number of prisoners, and in 1842 it was again found necessary to build the third or stone jail, which was erected by Charles H. Bailey and Charles Collins at a cost of $38,002.

County, and the whole of Salem township to Monroe County, as heretofore mentioned, the area of Belmont County was still greater than required by the Constitution. Whereupon in 1818 citizens in the townships of Somerset, township, remote from the county seat, united with citizens residing in the township of Guernsey and Monroe counties to form a new county with Barnesville as the county seat. The citizens of Barnesville were very active in this project and presented the following petition to the Legislature setting forth the arguments favoring the proposed county:

"To the Honorable, the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, the petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of parts of the counties of Belmont, Guernsey and Monroe, respectfully showeth of justice. That they labor under many innesses ete. venience to them to have a new county created out of the parts of the aforesaid, so as to establish the seat of justice at Barnesville,

"Your petitioners presame not to dictate to Your Honorable Body, but are well convinced that the said counties of Belmont, Guernsey and Monroe contain a sufficiency of territory for four counties, without making either less than the Constitution requires. Your petitioners are well convinced that such a measure would much increase the population, greatly enhance the value of lands, and render general * satisfaction to this part of the State. Comprehended in said territory there are 400 square miles, with a very considerable population, and | leaving at the same time in each of the aforesaid counties of Belmont, Guernsey and Monroe a sufficient number of square miles to form acounty. Your petitioners are well aware that there is considerable opposition to the erection of the new county by a part of the inhabitants thereof, who reside on that part of the State road and its vicinity which passes through the county hereby petitioned for. But your petitioners, reposing full confidence in Your Honorable Body, have little doubt that in your deliberations on the subject you will be led to think that the benefit arising to this part of the county will more than counterbalance the advantages which our opponents have and do derive from the benefits resulting from the said State road, and we further beg leave to inform Your Honors that we have in the town of Barnesville a considerable woolen factory, merchant mill and sawmill just ready to go into operation, all of which will be operated by steam power, which in some degree, no doubt, claim the fostering care of Your Honorable Body." This measure failed, however. Twenty-nine years later Fairview in Guernsey County instituted another movement for the establishment of a new county, that in addiiton to the territory from Harrison and Tuscarawas counties would embrace all the townships of Belmont County included in the previous plan. This movement was vigorously opposed by

When the "Old Court House" had served the seat of justice for upwards of half of a century it was seen that a change must soon be made. Many additional rooms had been built as attachments to the Court House building proper, to accommodate the increased number of countv officials whose quarters were very cramped and uncomfortable. The court building proper was under constant repair in order to make it habitable, and the whole structure was unworthy a wealthy and populous county like Belmont. But every suggestion to construct a new Court House was met by a demand upon the part of the citizens of Pultney township to have the county seat restored to tbe site from which it was originally removed in'1804. And this agitation culminated in a county seat war beginning about 1857 and continuing with great bitterness for a period of 25 years.

The contest divided the people of the county socially, commercially and politically. In political conventions, candidates seeking preferment in either of the great political parties for the sake of harmony were chosen from the ranks of those who in the matter of county seat removal had no pronounced views for or against. And these candidates were usually found beyond the limits of Richland and Pultney townships. Those who favored removal for the most part resided in Pultney township or in the townships bordering thereon in the eastern and southeastern portion of the county, while the advocates of maintaining the county seat at St. Clairsville dwelt largely in the rural townships west, south, and northeast of St. Clairsville. The arguments used by those favoring removal were that the completion of the Central Ohio and the Cleveland & Pittsburg railroads had attracted a preponderance of population along the lines of these roads both east and south, and a removal of the county seat to Bellaire would afford easier facilities for the majority of the people of the county to reach the seat of justice. On the other hand, the advocates of the retention of the county seat at St, Clairsville insisted that geographical center of the county and therefore were more accessible to all the people, and especially the rural population, as all roads constructed for a half century were built to St. Clairsville and the National Pike that was built through the county from east to west passed through St. Clairsville.

And in order to further emphasize their claim to the county seat, the citizens of St. Clairsville and Richland township under the two-mile law built two macadamized roads, one extending from the county seat to Warnock's station on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at a cost upwards of $62,500, and the other known as the Cadiz Pike, extending north to the county line. These were for the accommodation of the citizens living in the north, south, and southwest portions of the county, in reaching the county seat. |

A corporation of the citizens of St. Clairsville, with a view of making the county seat more accessible, built a narrow gauge railroad from St. Clairsville to St. Clairsville Junction on the Baltimore & Ohio, at a cost of $35,000. This road was so badly damaged by floods that it became inoperative, but was rebuilt at great cost and converted to a broad guage road that was subsequently turned over to the B. &. O. Railroad, under whose management it has been in successful operation for many years. Ata later period, a Cleveland & Lorain Railroad was in course of construction; a corporation of St. Clairsville, with a view of affording citizens of Bridgeport, Martin's Ferrv and Bellaire speedy communication with St. Clairsville, constructed a railroad from the county seat to a point on the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling road, near Barton, at a cost of nearly $30,000. Notwithstanding all these improvements, the fight continued without abatement and the agitation was especially bitter through the "seventies." Every winter the advocates of removal would send petitions to the Legislature praying for the removal of the seat of justice. And every winter the opponents of the measure would send up lengthy remonstrances. : of Bellaire and St. Clairsville spent most of the winter in Columbus lobbying for and against the bills for removal. In one or two instances legislative committees came down and looked over the ground and returning to the General Assembly reported against the bill for removal. In 1881 Bellaire determined to bring the matter directly to a vote of the people by making it an issue in the campaign, and a removal ticket was placed in nomination. But the regular ticket was elected. In 1883 St. Clairsville, through Representative Locke of Medina County, introduced a bill providing for a new Court House at St. Clairsville, and a hard and bitter fight was made for its passage, but it also failed.

Finally in 1883 Hon. Samuel Hilles was nominated for the House of Representatives upon the Republican ticket, pledged that the county seat matter should not be agitated during his term of office. The Democratic convention that was held soon thereafter refused to bind its candidate by any such pledge. Mr. Hilles was elected. But when the Legislature met, a strong delegation of leading Democrats from the countv seat reopened the question without the knowledge of Representative Hilles. ; senator Williams of Cleveland introduced a bill providing for the construction of a new and modern Court House at the county seat, and the Legislature, weary of the endless agitation and unprofitable discussion that occupied so much of its time every winter, determined to bring the question to an end, and the bill was carried under the suspension of the rules by an overwhelming majority. Thus this long protracted contest was brought to an end. Some bitter animosities were engendered by this continued strife which the fingers of time have long since removed. i

The New Court House And J Ail

When the bill for the construction of the new Court House was enacted into a law, the county commissioners, whose duty it was to carry out its provisions, were Messrs. Owen Mehan, Nathaniel Taylor and Morris Cope.

Plans and bids were advertised for, and many were received, but after careful consideration the commissioners adopted the plans submitted by Architect J. W. Yost of Columbus. Mr. McClain of Bellaire was awarded the contract for the stone work; John B. Fisher of Columbus, for painting and glazing; Simon Cain of Cleveland, for brick work; Doarzbach & Decker, for plastering; and Lane Brothers of Newark, for iron work; the total aggregating $97,000. These bids before being accepted were submitted to a committee consisting of Probate Judge Thomas Cochran, Sheriff Leroy Sedgwick, Clerk of the Courts Wil LE and William Alexander, Esq., and were by ` them approved. In order to obtain a suitable site upon which to erect such a pretentious structure, the street known as Market street, was vacated, and the property known as the Frasier House, one of the old National Road hostelries, was purchased. When everything was in readiness, the work began under the superintendence of Thomas E. Clark, a skilled architect and builder, who maintained an oversight over all the building until the work of construction was completed. As the work progressed, many changes in the original plan were found necessary. In the main building it was determined to use stone rather than brick, and in order to secure a solid foundation for such an enormous building an additional expense of $20,000 was incurred. To meet the additional expenses incurred in the completion of all the buildings, special legislation was obtained from time to time.

The picture of the new Court House presented in this chapter exhibits a public building which for beauty and architectural design is perhaps not surpassed by any building of a like character in the State. Erected upon the highest summit of this beautiful hill country, its great steeple cleaves the sky, serving the traveler as a guiding tower by day and a beacon From the upper windows of this stately structure the eyes sweep the horiof surpassing Hilltop and valley are clothed in liv- ing green, with clumps of forest here and there belted by green meadows and fields of golden grain, while every roadway is bordered by homes of comfort and content.

Adjoining the Court House, with a broad stone promenade intervening, was built the sheriffs residence and jai. The former, an attractive modern residence, and the latter, a strong, substantial structure of stone and iron, provided with all the improvements in prison equipment. The cost of these imposing public buildings is best told by the commissioners' report in their summary of all: expenditures which we publish herewith:

Morris Cope W. C. Berry

Amount paid by annual levy..............$117,484.52 We have deducted amounts received from sale of public property and premiums on bonds, viz., $7,448.00 from the amount paid for new site, viz., $11,400, which leaves the above net amount as cost of-site to county. The cost of sheriff's residence, as stated above, includes a considerable amount which properly belongs to cost of jail, but cannot be separated, as it was contracted for with the residence. MORRIS COPE, W. C. BERRY, Je C ISRAED

Before concluding the chapter upon the growth of Belmont County, it might be proper: to give a list of the men who filled the various positions of public trust since the formation of our county, and among this long list of able and honored men will be found the names of some of Ohio's most distinguished statesmen.

It is but proper to add that since July 1, 1902, the auditor-elect, A. W. Beatty, the treasurerelect, John D. Haves, and the clerk of courts, Louis L. Scheehle, have been inducted into office.

Representatives In Congress

The following have been Representatives in Congress from the district in which Belmont County was situated from the time of its organization as a county: Jeremiah Morrow, of Warren County, 1803-1813; James Caldwell, Belmont County, 1813-1817; Samuel Herrick, Muskingum County, 1817-21; John Chright and David Chambers, Muskingum County, 1821-23; John Patterson, Belmont County, 1823-25; David Jennings and. Thomas Sherman, Belmont County, 1825-27; John Davenport, Belmont County, 1827-29; Judge William Kennon, Belmont County, 1829-33; Judge M. Ball, Guernsey County, 1833-35; Judge Will-

Representatives To General Assembly

The Representatives elected to the General Assembly from Belmont County were: 1803, Joseph Sharp and Elijah Woods to the General Assembly, at Chillicothe, March 1, 4805, and Josiah Dillon and James Smith to the one convened in December, 1803; 1804, Thomas Wilson and John Stewart; 1805, John Stewart and James Smith; 1806, Josiah Dillon and John Stewart; 1807, William Vance and John Patterson; 1808, Joseph Sharp, Edward Bryson and Isaac Vore; 1809, Joseph Sharp, Isaac Vore and Josiah Dillon; 1810, Elijah Woods, Joseph Moorehead and William Smith; 1811, James Smith, Thomas Mitchell and Joseph Sharp; 1812, Josiah Dillon, Jacob Myers and Peter Yarnell; 1813, Moses Moorehead, Ambrose Danford and William Sinclair: ISIA, Joseph Sharp, Edward Bryson-and Thomas Majors; 1815, David Wallace, James Smith and Thomas Majors; 1816, Charles Hammond, Thomas Townsend and Edward Bryson; 1817, Charles Hammond, George Paull and William Dunn; 1818, Charles Hammond, George Paull and William Dunn; 1819, William Dunn, Thomas Shannon and John Smith; 1820, William Dunn," Thomas Shannon and Charles Hammond; 1821-22, William Dunn, Thomas Shannon and Alexander Armstrong; 1823, William Perrine, Isaac Atkinson and John Scatterday; 1824, John Davenport, Thomas Shannon; 1825-26, William Perrine, William Dunn and Eli Nichols; 1827-28, Jamés Wier,

Patterson; 1830, John Davenport and James Alexander; 1831-32, John Patton, William Workman and William B. Hubbard; 1833-34, Joseph A. Ramage, John Thompson and Soiomon Bentley; 1835-36, Solomon Bentley, William Chambers and James Weir; 1937. Ephraim Gaston and Isaac H. Green; 1838-39, Henry West and Thomas A. Way; 1840, Crawford Welsh and John Koontz: 1841, William Workman and Samuel Dunn; 1842, Thomas Pilcher; 1843, Samuel Dunn and

Cowen and Peter Tallman; and William Hogue; 1847 1848, Samuel Bigger; and Hugh McNeely; Jamesi]. Grimes, , A. C. Ramage and Price Cornwell; 1853, E. V. Cleaver and Samuel Findlay; 1855, James A. Turner and Robert Hamilton; 1857-59, Isaac Welsh; 1861, Wilson S. Kennon: 1863, Robert E. Chambers; 1865-67, Coulson Davenport and John Patterson; I869, John W. Kennon and Thomas M. Nichol; 1871, John A. Wayer; 1873, Thomas El: Armstrong: 1875, E. V. Cleaver and William Bundy ; 1877, Ross J. Alexander and Harvey Danford; 1879,- David Wagner; 1883, Samuel Hilles; 1885, Samuel Hilles and C. L. Poorman, 2887) CL Roormantrand Ager. . McKelvey; 1880, A. T. McKelvey; 1891, C. J. Heinlein; 1895, C. J. Howard and E. B. Armstrong; 1897, E..B. Armstrong; 1899, P. B. Worthington, present incumbent.

Clerks Of. The Courts County Commissioners

1804, Levan Okey, John McWilliams, Robert Griffin; 1806, Levan Okey, John McWilliams and Alexander Boggs; 1808, Levan Okey, John McWilliams and Sterling Johnson; 1810, John McWilliams, Sterling Johnson and Peter Tallman; 1811, John McWilliams, Peter Tallman and Alexander Boggs; 1818, Peter Tallman, Alexander Boggs and Joseph. Morrison; 1821, Joseph Morrison,

And Representative Citi Zens

David Neiswanger and John Nichols; Joseph Morrison, David Neiswanger and Nichols; 1829-30, David Smith, and David Neiswanger; 1833-36, Thomas Armstrong, Isaac Barton and Thomas Heaney; 1837, Thomas Armstrong, Isaac Barton and . Isaac Patton; 1838-39, William Workman, John Cook and Isaac Patton; 1840, Peter A. Dallas, John Cook and Thomas Pilcher; 1842, Thomas Pilcher, Peter A. Dallas and Robert B. Green; 1843, John Lisle and William Workman; 1844, John Lisle, Robert B. Green and David Harris; 1845, John Lisle, Robert B. Green and Stephen C. Gregg; 1846, David Harris, Jacob Coleman and Stephen C. Gregg ; same in 1847 and 1848; 1849, David Harris, James Norman and Stephen C. Gregg; 1850, 5. C. Vance, James Newman and Stephen C. Gregg ; 1851-52, S. C. Vance, James Newman and Ira Lewis; 1853, Thomas Majors, James Newman and Ira Lewis; 1854, Thomas Majors, Hatcher and Michael Danford; same in 1854 and 1855; 1856, Jokn Majors, John Johnson and Michael Danford; 1858, John Majors, John Johnson and Harrison Mas- ` sey; 1859, J. T. Scofield, George C. Bethel and Harrison Massey; 1860, J. T. Scofield, James Alexander and William Wilkinson; 1862-65, Jesse Barton, James Alexander and William Wilkinson; 1865, Dennis Kemp, James Alexander and William Wilkinson; 1866, Dennis Kemp, James Alexander and W. M. Campbell ; 1867, Dennis Kemp, James Alexander and James Campbell; 1868, H. Frasier, James Alexander and James Campbell; 1869-70, H. Frasier, James Alexander and William Armstrong; 1871, H. Frasier, William Armstrong and James Kinney; 1872, B. E. Dungan, William Armstrong and James Kinney; 1503 LB E Dungan, James Alexander and' Solomon -Hogue; 1874, William Barber, James Alexander and Solomon Hogue; 1875, William Bar- Der la Potts and Solomon Hogue; £3.76, IE J. Potts, William Barber and A. W. Anderson; 1877-78, H. Frasier, I. J. Potts and A. W. Anderson; 1879, H. Frasier, I. J. Potts and Owen Mehan; 1880, Owen Mehan, I. J. Potts and William Alexander;: 1881-82, Owen

Mehan, William Alexander and 1883-84, Owen Mehan, Nathaniel Taylor and MorrisCope; 1885, W. J. Berry, Nathaniel Taylor and Morris Cope; 1886, W. J. Berry, John C. Israel and Morris Cope; 1887-90, W. J. Berry, John C. Israel and Miles Hart; 1895, W. S. Mechem, Silas Bailey and George M. Wise; 1899, J. W. Wilkinson, George M. Wise and T. B. Smith, - present incumbents. Since the above was written J. W. Martin was elected tor the ensuing term.

Early Thoroughfares

The roads of Belmont County at the opening of the 1gth century could scarcely be dignifed by that name. One of the first acts of the first court held in the county authorized the construction of two roads viz., one from Pultney (Bellaire) to Newellstown (St. Clairsville), under the supervision of Jacob Coleman, surveyor, and the other a license for the construction of a road over the Zane Trail, extending through the county from east to west, over territory that 1s practically the same

-as that occupied by the National Road. All other thoroughfares were simply trails and bridle paths that were blazed through the forest from one settlement to another. And many of these bloody trails were the scenes of hairbreadth escapes and thriling adventures, the memory of which will linger in rural communities, to be told with ever increasing interest for.

Before the organization of the county, the government contracted with Col. Ebenezer Zane at Fort Henry in Wheeling for the construction of a wagon road over the famous Zane Trail from Wheeling to Zanesville, in consideration of which he was to receive three sections of government land. 'The road was completed in two years, viz., 1797-98; but the work was very indifferently done. Colonel Zane was better at constructing forts than

The National Road

The first good road constructed in Belmont County was that section of the great national thoroughfare known as the National Road, which through the untiring efforts of Henry Clay was built by the government. This great macadamized road, begun in 1806-07, was not completed through Belmont County until 1825, when it became the great thoroughfare for the transportation of travel and traffic from east to west, and gave a powerful impetus to western migration.

Of this national thoroughfare a distinguished statesman has said: "It-is a monument of a past age, but like all other monuments it is interesting as well as venerable." In opening up the West and Northwest, it carried tens of thousands of population and millions of wealth, and, more than any other material structure in the land, it served to harmonize, strengthen, if not save, the Union.

The cost of the road through Belmont County was estimated at $34,000 per mile, ot $100,000 from Bridgeport to Fairview, a distance of 281% miles; this covered the expense

And Representative Ci Tizens

The road traverses the most picturesque and beautiful section of Belmont County, and 60 ago a-ride over its broad smooth surface would charm the stage coach passengers of the olden time by its ever-changing panorama of beautiful scenery; a panorama of hilltop and valley, that relieved the longest journey of its weariness and monotony.

The road as originally constructed far surpassed the renowned Appian Way of the Roman Empire, in that it was 8o feet in width through Belmont County, while the latter was but 20 feet in width. Upon the National Road six carriages could pass abreast, while upon the Appian Way but two could pass each other. The National Road was renowned for the number and excellence of the taverns that were built upon its borders. Some of these old taverns were only a mile apart, and were called wagon stands, because attached to each tavern was a great shed, beneath which the wagons found shelter for the night, while the wagoners found cheer and comfort by the glow of the large open grate of the barroom, where whiskey was freely dispensed at two drinks for a "fippenny bit" (614 cents).

Conestoga Wagons

The wagons that carried all the merchandise from east to west were great, broad-tired, canvas-covered wagons, that were drawn by six to 12 Conestoga horses. Over the hames of these horses were attached a semi-circle of bells that made the air merry with their joyous jingle. The capacity of some of these great wagons is almost incredible; some carried as much as IO tons, and the average wagon carried from two to three tons.

An idea of the extent of the traffic may be had from the statement that a single commission house in Wheeling unloaded 1,081 wagons in a single year, and the freightage upon the goods carried amounted to $90,000. When these immense wagons were ready for a start the driver would mount the hind near horse and gathering the lines in one hand would Sweep the old blacksnake whip over his head with a

One line operated by N. P. Talmadge was known as the "Good Intent Line" and another known as the "Neill Line" was conducted by William Neill, afterward the proprietor of the well-known Neill House at Columbus.

The speed attained by these old stage coaches was remarkable. With favorable weather and good roads, the trip from St. Clairsville to Wheeling, a distance of 12 miles, was accomplished in an hour, and as many as 20 of these great, four-horse coaches could be counted in line at one time. :

The Old Taverns

The taverns whereat the stage coaches stopped were known as stage houses, and differed from the wagon stands in that they were about 12 miles apart, and given over to the entertainment of passengers, while the harddriven horsés were being exchanged for fresh steeds. At these well-kept hostelries, hungry passengers could obtain an excellent meal for a "levy" (1214 cents). The first of these taverns after entering Belmont County was conducted by Moses Rhodes of Bridgeport. A few miles farther west was the well known Stone Tavern, now occupied today by John Patterson. At this point on the National Road there is a wonderful tree that has become a noted landmark. This immense tree is probably upward of a century in age, and still strong and vigorous.

Bordering upon the National Road, its widespreading branches cover an area a hundred feet in diameter and extend over the pike about 30 feet, thus affording protection for a dozen or more conveyances beneath its sheltering shade. The trunk of this great tree is 13 feet in circumference. Then followed Chambers', then follow in succession McMechen's and Mc- Caffrey's, better known as the "Good Intent," and beyond is St. Clairsville, with Joseph Smith as proprietor. After leaving the county seat, is mentioned the fine brick tavern kept in good style by a man named Neiswanger, and this old tavern, erected 91 years ago, is occupied by his grandchildren. A few miles farther on are Hoover's and Chamberlain's. Here our research ends; but the names of these old hostelries are still familiar to the people of this generation, and the descendants of the proprietors are among our honored and prosperous citizens today.

The Old Stage Coach

The old-time stage coach was a long covered conveyance comiortably upholstered, with two doors in the middle, each with glass windows that served for both light and ventilation. The coach contained two broad seats facing each other with a capacity for seating six passengers. (On the rear of each coach was a leather covered attachment for carrying baggage in the shape of an inverted V, and called a "boot," and in front was an elevated seat for the driver. This conveyance was swung upon two broad heavy leather straps in place of springs, causing a rocking motion to the coach while moving.

The entrance of the first stage into Belmont County in 1818 created a great sensation. The announcement had been made days in advance ` and great crowds had collected at every stopping place between Bridgeport and Morristown and at every crossroads to see the four-horse coach dash by.

The driver would wind his horn, and crack his whip, and the foaming steeds would gallop past at the rate of 12 miles an hour, while the merry party within and without the stage made the welkin ring with their laughter and cheers.

Passing Of The National Road

Since the advent of railroads, this great thoroughfare has ceased to be a National Road. The government turned it over to the various States through which it passed in 1852, and Obio at a later date required the various counties through which it extends to provide for its maintenance.

So that today it is but a local road in Belmont County, maintained in part by the revenues obtained from tolls, and when the tolls are insufficient the county commissioners appropriate yearly a sum sufficient for its maintenance.

The first year of our second century, a motor line that will traverse the line of the National Road through the entire length of the county and beyond, is in course of construction from Bridgeport westward, and the line is at present in operation to the foot of the "big hill" five miles from Bridgeport, where a halt has been called to determine the course to pursue in reaching St. Clairsville.

Those who live on the line of the National Road demand that the motor line pursue the National Road route as proposed in the application for a charter. But the company is inclined to take the easier grade, via Barton.

The completion of this electric line will unite the city and country so closely that it is expected hundreds from the overcrowded streets along our river fronts will establish healthful homes on the beautiful hills over which the road will pass.

It is a curious fact that when the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which in places runs parallel to the National Road, was in course of construction, its completion was stoutly opposed by many prominent statesmen, because of the injury the public would sustain in the abandonment of the National Road.

Great Western

conspicuous because of his opposition to the extension of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through Pennsylvania, and was sustained by his constituents in his opposition. He insisted that tbe National Road would better subserve the weal than a steam railroad, and in support of his argument furnished a carefully prepared statement of the incidental revenues derived by the people from the travel and traffic of the road.

He estimated the number of horseshoes made by the blacksmiths along the road; the number of nails required to drive them; the number of bushels of grain and tons of hay furnished by the farmers to the tavern keepers, and the vast quantities of chickens, turkeys, eggs, butter, vegetables and fruit required to supply the traveling public. But such arguments could not stay the wheels of progress.

Telegraph And Telephone Lines

Following the course of the National Road through the county are myriads of wires mounted upon three lines of immense cedar poles. These lines represent the wires of the Western Union Telegraph Company, the American Bell Telephone Company, and the numerous independent telephone companies whose wires extend through the county. The independent companies have increased so rapidly that they have practically superseded the old established companies in rural districts; and in the transaction of local business.

The independent telephone companies that are connected for operations in Belmont County today are: The National Telephone Company, Belmont Telephone Company, Flushing Telephone Company, Union Telephone Com- - pany, Cambridge Telephone Company, and the Harrison Telephone Company. The majority of these local companies follow the lines of the macadamized roads, while hundreds of wires follow the lines of the various railroads throughout the county.

Other Pikes

In addition to the 28 miles of the National Road extending through the county, there are about 70 miles of macadamized roads constructed in various sections of Belmont County, some built by the county and maintained by - tolls, but the greater number were built under special legislative enactment for Pultney and Warren townships, and are free pikes.

These roads are as follows: The Bellaire & Jacobsburg Pike, nearly seven miles; Bridgeport & Colerain Pike, about 10 miles; Martins Ferry & Colerain Pike, five miles; Cadiz Pike, two and one-third miles; St. Clairsville & New Athens Pike, 14 miles; Flushing Pike, I2 miles; Bellaire & Wegee Pike, nearly two miles; Bellaire & St. Clairsville Pike, nearly five miles; Bellaire & McMechen's Creek Pike, six and one-half miles: Bellaire & West Wheeling Pike, two and one-fourth miles: Pipe Creek Pike, four miles.

Perhaps no material improvements have contributed more to the development, especially of the agricultural resources, of Belmont County, than the hundred miles of pike completed in its first century.

Chapter Vi

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES - GRAIN, LivE STOCK AND FARM PRODUCTS - FRUIT CULTURE - A UNIQUE CHARACTER - A REMARKABLE APPLE TREE - FRUIT YIELD - PRICE OF - Farm PRODUCTS IN 1902 - VALUE OF FARMS AND Live STOCK - MINING RESOURCES - THE DEPTH OF THE SEVERAL COAL VEINS - THE PIONEER COAL SHIPPER - THE MINES IN OPERATION IN 1902 - THE UNDEVELOPED CoAL LANDS - MANUFACTURING

Agricultural Resources

'The opening up of the primeval forests was marked by the most reckless waste of valuable timber. Thousands of acres covered by forests of oak, walnut, poplar, beech, sugar maple - and chestnut were utterly destroyed in order to

The surface configuration of the county 1s greatly diversified. The land for the most part is high and rolling, with abrupt bluffs rising to great altitudes along the shores of the Ohio. The rugged hillsides are rich in mineral wealth and enclose beautiful and fertile vallevs that are swept by the waters of the Captina, McMechen's Creek and Wheeling Creek.

The soil along the water courses is very rich and fertile; upon the uplands it is mainly a strong limestone or clay loam, very productive and capable of great endurance. The staple crops grown by.the early settlers were wheat and corn, and until the overtaxed soil began to rebel against the unceasing demands made upon it, Belmont County was recognized as one of thé great granaries for the South and Southwest. From 1820 to 1845 the incomparable Wheeling Creek valley was without a rival in wheat growing; at harvest time it presented the appearance of a great golden sea waving in its wealth of ripening grain. Individual farmers raised from 100 to 500 bushels of wheat annually, and the 10 grist mills that were built in Wheeling township were kept running night and day to satisfy the demands made upon them. 2

Another staple source of revenue to the pioneer farmer was hog raising. The immense crops of corn grown upon the virgin soil was mainly fed to hogs and pork packing became a leading industry as early as 1820.

Large slaughter pens were established at Uniontown, and other points in Belmont County, and the bacon thus manufactured was transported in wagons across the mountains to Baltimore, whence it was distributed all over the South. The cultivation of tobacco began in I819 near Barnesville.

Up to the year 1825, corn, wheat and flax, had been the staple crops in the southern part ot Belmont County, but when it was discovered that the rich hillsides of the border tier of townships were adapted to tobacco culture, and that the crop was far more remunerative than grasses or grain, it became the staple industry, and soon the log dryhouses became a marked feature of the tobacco farmer's home. The continued cultivation of this exhausting crop has greatly impoverished much of the land in that section and the farmers are turning their attention to sheep husbandry as a means of restoring the loss of fertility. Within the last decade, however, the industry became depressed by reason of prevailing low prices, and there was a marked falling off in the number of flocks and the yield of wool.

In 1870 the acreage of wheat in Belmont County was 19,122. And the yield per acre was I2.25 bushels per acre. In 1899 the acreage in wheat was 25,855, with a yield of 274,- 604 bushels or a fraction over 10 bushels per acre. The average yield of corn per acre in 1870 was 40.10 bushels; in 1899, it was 30.07 bushels per acre. The census reported 124,070 sheep in Belmont County in 1890, while in 1900 there were but 84,760, - a decrease of 39.310. This decrease arises from causes above stated. In 1890 the wool clip of Belmont County amounted to 666,002 pounds, and in 1900 to 426,580, a decrease of 133,422 pounds.

Grain, Live Stock And Farm Products

The accompanying official reports of the live stock and crops grown upon the farms of Belmont County in 1900 will be of value as showing the marvelous growth of agriculture in the century Just closed:

The growth of barley and rye as these figures indicate is practically abandoned in Beimont County, and the little produced is fed to ' live stock.

Datry Products

Perhaps no part of the country has acquired a higher reputation for fruit culture than the hills of Belmont County. This is perhaps due in part to the cultivation of such fruits as are indigenous to our soil and climate. Doddridge in his notes says: "In early days blackberries grew in abundance in those places where shortly before the settlement of the country the timber had been blown down by hurricanes. When ripe, which was in the time of harvest, the children and young people resorted to the fallen timber in large companies under a guard for the purpose of gathering the berries. Wild raspberries of an agreeable flavor were found in many places. Gooseberries of a small size and very full of thorns, but of an agreeable taste, grew in some places in the woods. Whortleberries were never abundant in this section but grew in favorable localities.

"Wild plums were abundant in rich land. They were of various colors and sizes and many of them of excellent flavor. The wild 'plums of late years like our Damson plums fall off prematurely. An indifferent kind of fruit called buckberries used to grow on small shrubs on poor ridges.

"Our fall fruits were winter and fall grapes. Of these grapes we had several varieties and some of them large and of excellent flavor. Black haws grew on large bushes along the bot- . toms of small water courses. The berries when ripe are large and make a fine appearance. Wild cherries were abundant in many places and are a very agreeable fruit. The crabapple was very abundant along the small water courses. The fruit of some of these trees were regarded as delicious." z

As early as 1801 the eccentric "Johnny Appleseed" established his first nursery upon the head-waters of the Big Stillwater; thence he traversed the entire. county planting seed wherever there was a settlement, furnishing stock to the poor and needy without money and without price.

We may be permitted to say in passing that many of the choicest apples in existence today originated in the nurseries of "Johnny Appleseed." And the fruit growers of Ohio owe a debt of gratitude to this philanthropist for his untiring efforts, and unflagging zeal in the cause of pomology. John Chapman, better known as "Johnny Appleseed," was born in the vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1773, and "early became widely known throughout the counties of Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Eastern Ohio, on account of his pas- sion of producing apples from seed. How he obtained the idea of growing choice apples from seed and finding a sale for his trees is not known, but it is enough to know that before the close of the 18th century he was frequently seen with ax in hand and a bag of apple seeds on his back, wending his way through the settlements to the wilderness, there to practice his cherished theory.

This done he enclosed it with a brush fence, and during the summer cultivated the young trees and looked up suitable places for other nurseries. In the fall he returned to the settlement, procured another stock of seeds and at the proper season again wended his way to the wilderness and repeated the previous year's operations.

The Western Country was rapidly settled and as soon as the pioneers made their clearings Johnny was ready with his apple trees. The price of the trees was of little consequence. He seemed to derive intense satisfaction in seeingthem transplanted in orchards. The benevolence of this ecentric man was unbounded. He generally went barefooted, but if he had a pair of shoes and saw any one whom he thought needed them he would take them off and give them to the person. Among his many eccentricities was one of bearing pain with the fortitude of an Indian warrior. He gloried in suffering and would often thrust needles and pins into his flesh without a tremor. He hardly ever wore shoes except in winter, but if traveling in summer time and the roads hurt his feet, he would wear sandals and a big hat with one side very large and wide and bent down to keep the heat from his face. He was religiously inclined and at an early day embraced the doctrines of Swedenborg. Almost the first thing he would do when he entered a house and was weary was to lie down on the floor with his knapsack for a pillow and his head toward the light of the door or window and he would say, ^Will you have some fresh u - - news right from Heaven?" and carefully take out his old worn books, a Testament or two, and several books, exponents of the faith that ohnny so zealously lived. A prominent nurseryman and pomologist of hio in an article published in I846 thus speaks of "Johnny Appleseed:" "Obscure and iliterate though he was, he was in some respects another Dr. Van Mons, and must have been endued with the instinct of his theory. His usual practice was to gather his seeds from seedling trees, and take them írom as many different trees as were to be found within the range of his rambles and from those particular trees affording the highest evidence in their truit that the process of amelioration was begun, and was going on in them. "At first his visits were necessarily extended

A Remarkable Apple Tree

The soil of Belmont County seems peculiarly adapted to the growth and development of the apple, and the trees of a past generation have attained a great age and marvelous dimensions.

Thomas and Prudence Williams were pioneer settlers near the present site of Barnesville, Ohio, on the farm since owned by the late Peter Sears. In the spring of 1807, Prudence

"went on horseback, alone, to Redstone, Pennsylvania, a distance of near 100 miles, a large part ot which was a wilderness road. Her purpose was to obtain fruit trees; these she carried home behind her, and planted them herself. The last one was blown down in a storm Seventh Month roth, 1896. It was a beautiful tree and had grown to a great size.

the roots and forks, and to feet at 18 inches above the ground. It had four large branches, one of which measured four feet in circumference, another five feet, another five feet two inches, and the other five feet II inches; these measurements were taken at 18 inches from the junction of the forks. It was believed to be the largest apple tree in Belmont County. There were other trees brought and planted but the exact number is not known; but within the knowledge of persons now living on the farm, there were one pear tree and a dozen or more apple trees, most of which, so far as known, were seedlings.

All bore abundant crops of good fruit. This one outlived the others many years. It was a very beautiful, dome-shaped tree and the owners so highly prized this "ancient landmark," though set by hands unknown to them, that the two main parts of the tree, which were showing signs of separating from decay, had been held together for several years by a strong iron rod and chain, obtained for the purpose by the late Peter Sears, who was a great admirer of fruit trees and lover of fruit.

Bruit Yield

his table indicates the lowest yield of fruit in many- years. Tender varieties such as peaches, cherries and plums were almost entirely destroyed by frost. The yield of fruit in some toumships in the county in 1902 is greater than the above for the entire county.

The destruction wrought by the ravages of codling moth, curculio, and pear blight and rot, has compelled the fruit growers to resort to spraying with insecticides and fungicides as a preventive, and three and often four sprayings à season are necessary to secure a perfect crop

In addition to the above reports there are 373 acres devoted to small fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, currants and blackberries that yielded a total of 13,626 bushels, the larger part of which are strawberries which have become a leading industry in many sections of Pease, Pultney, Colerain, and Richland townships. In 1889, Barnesville in Warren township was the center of the berry industry of Belmont County, producing alone upwards of 30,000 bushels annually. But the business in that section has been practically abandoned because of limited shipping facilities and remoteness from good markets. The fruit growers in the townships above named for the most part find good local markets in the cities of Wheeling, Bellaire and Martin's Ferry, where the berries are transported in wagons the same day they are gathered.

In the horticultural field several varieties of fruit of exceptionally good quality have originated in Belmont County. Among these I mention the Belmont or Gate apple, one of the most luscious and beautiful fall or early winter apples, and very hardy and productive. This originated in the orchard of Judge Ruggles from a seedling planted by "Johnny Appleseed." Another profitable apple because of its great productiveness and good keeping qualities is the Bentley Sweet, named after Major Bentley. This apple of late years has been affected with a bitter rot which may be controlled in a great measure by spraying. Young trees of this variety not over 10 or 12 years of age have borne as much as three barrels of marketable apples per tree, that will keep readily in good storage from October until May.

The Colerain grape, a choice white grape that originated in Colerain township, is highly esteemed because of its great productiveness and delicious flavor.

Price Of Farm Products In 1902 Live Stock

While the prices of farm products are high, the cost of production is correspondingly high. Because of the great demand for men to operate the mines, and build the railroads and motor lines in course of construction, farm laborers are scarce, and good hands receive from month with the privilege of homestead, garden and cow pasture free. Whereas at the opening oí the century, the best farm labor was employed at 50 cents per day, and regular hands at from $10 to $12 per month.

The progress in the field of agriculture in the century just closed has been marvelous. The sickle, the scythe, the rake and the flail are abandoned for gathering crops, and today on every farm are model binders, mowers and rakes, operated by horse or steam power. Steam threshers are in every neighborhood, and double cultivators, smoothing harrows and drags are in common usage for the cultivation of the soil.

Value Of Farms And Live Stock

The value of the farms and live stock of Belmont County is placed at $15,789,420. In the last decade the representatives of large capitalists and coal organizations have been traversing Belmont County and purchasing the sixfoot vein of coal underlying fhe farming lands..

And Representative Gtiizens

Since 1900 the competition among buyers has been very active; as a result fully two-thirds of this coal vein has been sold, at prices ranging from $10 to $30 per acre.

By reason of these sales an enormous sum of money, estimated by conservative men at two million dollars, has been paid to the farmers of the county for this single vein of coal, thus relieving the financial embarrassment of those in debt and adding millions to the wealth of the farming community. i

Mining Resources

The coal- measures of Ohio, and particularly the upper coal measure, can be seen and studied better in Belmont County, perhaps, than any other locality west of the Ohio River. Thomas Emerson, late of Belmont County, and the well known geologist, says: "The Pittsburg seam of coal underlies the entire area of Belmont County. It is the great seam so extensively mined at Pittsburg, so well known in the iron factories, and which has for years supplied so large a part of the coal commerce of the Ohio River. This seam is mined at outcrops in 10 of the 16 townships of Belmont County.

The Depth Of The Several Coal Veins

"The rise of the stratum towards the Northwest brings it to the surface along the creek valleys in Flushing, Kirkwood and Union townships. The same causes together with the great depth to which the stream has eroded makes this seam accessible along Wheeling Creek and its larger tributaries, for the distance of 19 miles from the river; that is, in Wheeling, Colerain, Richland and Pease townships. It is accessible all along the eastern border of the last named townships, of course, by virtue of the depth of the river valley, and down the river to Bellaire where the dip carries it below the river level. It disappears below the level of the creek at Franklin station, at which point it is largely mined. In Mead township, near the mouth of Pipe Creek, it again outcrops as it does also in York township for the distance of five miles along Captina, where the stream crosses the anticlinal. In Washington and Wayne townships, it could easily be reached by shafts at almost any point along the valley of Captina. On the old Danford homestead near the Wayne township line, an oil well sunk by A. C. Danford, reached the Pittsburg seam at the depth of 39 feet, and the seam is reported to be 1714 feet at this point.

"This is the greatest thickness this seam is known to have. The next greatest, perhaps, is an outcrop in Union township on the land of saiah Lee in section 31. Here it reaches a thickness of 10 feet. Its usual thickness is about six or seven feet.

"In Warren township, the Pittsburg coal, if indeed it does not outcrop, would be easily accessible by shaft along Stillwater. Down the Leatherwood, west of Barnesville, a seam the same as mined in the Barnesville shaft, and believed to be the Pittsburg, is mined in hillsides. In Goshen and Smith, the Pittsburg coal is not seen, but it might, if it were needed, be reached by shaft in either of these townships.

"Over the Pittsburg coal, and separated from it usually by four or tive feet of slate or soapstone shales, there is a seam of limestone about 25 feet thick. Between this and the next coal seam above, there is an interval of 30 to 40 feet. This interval is filled mostly with limestone, one bed of which, about six feet in thickness, possesses good hydraulic properties and is known as the Bellaire cement. About seven feet deep, sometimes less, lies coal number eight, a seam usually a foot or eighteen inches in thickness, but sometimes reaching four feet.

"Coal number eight C is the third seam in importance of the coals of. Belmont County. Lying from 80 to 9o feet above the Pittsburg coal, it is scarcely noted where that seam is accessible, but it outcrops along the creeks, sometimes for many miles after its great neighbor has disappeared, in which cases its true value is recognized. Along Captina it is visible as far as Armstrong's Mills. In Wayne township it is again brought to the sur- face perhaps by an anticlinal arch, where it is well known as the Horeb coal. On Mc- Mechen's Creek it is known as the Glencoe coal. It is mined along Wheeling Creek above where the Pittsburg seam disappears, as far as the crossing of the Uniontown & Flushing Turnpike. At Flushing it is now known as the Tunnel seam.

"Between coal number eight C, and the next seam above number nine, there is an interval of about 70 feet, though it seems to be as little as 40 feet at some places, and as much as 85 feet at others. greater varlety of strata than any other series of equal extent in the county. It contains the famous Parker cement, with a great variety of limestones, sandstones and slates. Coal number nine is a comparatively thin and unimportant seam, but it is reported by Professor Stephenson of the State Survey to be very persistent and seldom less than 30 inches thick. In the Barnesville shaft, it is found in its proper place immediately over the limestone series and is two feet thick. After the formation of coal number nine, it appears to change to some point west of the Ohio and southwest of Belmont County.

"Coal number 10, known generally in Belmont County as the Badgersburg coal, and in Guernsey and Noble counties, as the Cumberland coal, is second in importance only to the Pittsburg seam, of all the coals of the upper measure. It is accessible in those townships where the Pittsburg seam is not.

number 10 in Goshen township, lies a fine flagstone formation. Coal number 11, the next in order, is an unimportant seam either thin or so split up with slate as to be of little value. In Goshen township, where it seems to be best developed, it is usually found to be nearly four feet thick. Thirty-five or 40 feet above coal number 11 in the western part of the county .1s coal number 12. Coal number 12 is a much thicker and better vein than coal number rr. It is mined extensively and is valued higher by the farmers of the ridge sections.

terval of sandstone is coal number 13. This seam is seen in the hilltop (generally double) as far north as Morristown and St. Clairsville. It thickens toward the south, till in Washington township it reaches a thickness of six feet. Above coal number 13 at an interval of about 10 feet there is-a six-inch seam of splint coal which has been supposed to be the highest seam of the county, but there is an 18-inch seam of the Upper Barren measures at least 25 feet higher than this but it 1s of little importance.

"A deep well recently drilled, one and one- _ half miles northwest of Flushing, gives the following record: The Pittsburg seam of coal was struck at 97 feet, 60 feet of limestone being passed through in the interval. At 595 feet a coal seam seven feet thick was reported and another seam five to six feet thick was found at a depth of 700 feet, and still a third seam, three to four feet thick at 815 feet. From the above discoveries we can scarcely estimate the wealth of the mineral resources underlying our lands."

The Pioneer Coal Shipper

Up to 1830 the mining of coal was for domestic purposes only, and little or no value was attached to it for shipping purposes. In 1832 Capt. John Fink. an old steamboat man who was familar with the demands of the trade for coal 1n Southern cities, began to build coal boats for the purpose of shipping coal to the New Orleans market. Mines were opened near the mouth of McMechen's Creek, and Captain Fink became the pioneer in the coal shipping industry of Belmont County. As illustrating the primitive and laborious methods employed in the mining of this coal, we need only mention that the bulk of it was shoveled into carts and reshoveled into flatboats, which upon the rise of the river were floated to New Orleans to be used in furnishing heat for sugar refineries. These boats were unloaded by deckhands who carried the coal off in a barrel attached to a rope bail, which swung over a pole on the shoulders of two men.

Heatherington and his family of four sturdy boys rented a coal bank from Captain Fink and bought eight acres of land upon which to carry on operations. These men were skilled the mine with great profit, supplying passing steamers with thousands of bushels of coal in addition to what was furnished the homes and factories of the growing city of Bellaire. From this humble beginning Mr. Heatherington in 1870 had accumulated a large fortune, and had built himself an imposing residence at a cost of $35,000. Until the opening of the Cleveland & Pittsburg, Baltimore & Ohio and Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling railroads, the mining of coal for shipment was confined to the operations along our river front.

Today there are upwards of 50 square miles of the six-foot vein of coal along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad that is being mined and loaded into cars by gravitation, while along the line of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling road there are over 100 miles of this same Pittsburg coal vein in operation, that is likewise loaded by gravitation.

These mines yield tens of thousands of bushels of coal daily, and employ an aggregate of nearly 3,000 miners, that receive for their labor a total of $170,000 per month.

These figures do not include the coal on Captina, which is a comparatively undeveloped field, nor the many thousands of bushels of coal mined and consumed daily in the operation of the numerous mills and factories along our | river front.

The Mines In Operation In 1902

Maple Hill mine, the Taggart mines, the Flushing mines, the Wheeling Creek mines, the Echo, Black Diamond and Ohio and West Virginia mines, operated by the Troll Brothers | on a branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; |

Mills on the Bellaire, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railway; the Gaylord mines near Don on the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad; and the Wegee mines near Ambler. There is in addition to the above the Scheck mines, the Pittsburg & Ohio Coal Company and the Belmont mine No. 2 in Bellaire.

The coal of Belmont County is regarded as being without a superior for the operation of locomotives, and is in great demand for that purpose throughout the country. The fast engines of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad each

Wheeling road consumes 973 tons daily and the Wheeling & Lake Erie consumes 1,200 tons daily. Hundreds of cars of this coal are shipped to Canada by the Troll mines weekly for locomotive purposes, and more is demanded but lack of sufficient cars forbids such long shipments. An analysis of the Belmont County coal reveals .

The Undeveloped Coal Lands

In addition to the mines already in operation, large purchases of undeveloped coal land have been made since the opening of the new century as already referred to, for which an aggregate of over two million dollars was paid. These purchases are as follows: veal the fact that in 1840 the bulk of the population resided in the rural districts and agriculture was the leading industry. The few primitive manufacturing enterprises were located at the county seat, and consisted of two cut nail factories, a furniture factory, a brush factory, a coffin factory and a shoe factory. In Uniontown there were millwrights and in Martin's Ferry there were also foundries and machine works. In 1880 a marked change was noted.

In the interval between 1840 and 1880, the manufacturing interest developed with great rapidity, especially in Pease, Pultney and Warren townships. Before the completion of the Central Ohio Railroad to Bellaire and the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad to Bridgeport side of the county had 50 per cent. more, property on the tax certificate than the nine townships on the south side, yet in IO years after the railroads were completed and in operation the tax payers in the nine townships on the south side of.the county had returned 50 per cent. more property to the assessor than the townships on the north side.

Invited by the accessibility and cheapness of raw material as well as good transportation facilities both by rail and water, manufacturing establishments were built all along our river front. Money was plenty, labor was in demand and well remunerated, and glass houses, iron mills, blast furnaces and machine works sprang up as if by magic. The first glass works were organized in 1861 at Bellaire, and the first rolling mill in 1866 at the same place. These continued to increase in number until in 1890 there were 18 glass houses and six rolling mills and blast furnaces in Pease and Pultney townships .alone; in addition to which there were numerous agricultural machinery factories, stove foundries and barrel factories. with an aggregate capital of nearly two millions of dollars, and furnishing employment to upwards of 3,000 workmen.

At the opening of the 20th century, Belmont County had become a great industrial center, with immense steel plants, glass houses, nail mfils and foundries, that blacken the sky with the smoke of their factories and illuminate the heavens with the light of their furnaces by night.

These factories and mills give employment to 92,075 operatives with a monthly pay roll of $367,700. William Alexander of Bridgeport says that the promotion and progress of these great industrial enterprises was due largely to the untiring zeal and sacrifices of such publicspirited citizens as W. W. Holloway, Ebenezer Rhodes and John C. Tallman of Bridgeport; William Clark of Martin's Ferry; A. L. Wetherald and W. G. Barnard of Bellaire.

To this list of worthy men we might add Col. C. L. Poorman, Gen. B. R. Cowen and Col. J. H. Sullivan of Bellaire; William T. Graham of Bridgeport; Cyrus Mendenhall and L. Spence of Martin's Ferry; and J. M. Lewis and J. H. Watt of Barnesville.

John C. Tallman proved an able financier and wise counselor in the promotion of all these great industries. W. W. Holloway stood by the helm and piloted the Aetna Standard Mill through the financial storm of 1873, when its stock sold as low as 40 and 50 cents on the dollar. l

The great steel plants in Bellaire, Martin's Ferry and Aetnaville have been absorbed by and are today operated by the national steel trust which is now preparing to add valuable improvements to the plant in Bellaire. A history of the various mills and factories will be found in the history of the township in which each is located.

The Cyclone Of 1887

The morning of the 17th of April, 1887, was an eventful day in the history of Belmont County in that, on that day, there swept over a portion of the county the fiercest tornado ever witnessed by our people.