Warren Township (part 2 of 2)

These meetings continued until 1810, when the first Methodist log church was erected and dedicated to the service of God. In the construction of this old church, the members and friends contributed the hewn logs and two great stone chimnevs were built upon the outside of the building with immense fire-places within. The seats were slabs without backs, and the walls were ceiled and a little circular pulpit stood between the great open fire-places.

In this humble place of worship Methodism was planted and it grew with such rapidity that in 1824 the head of every family in the town but five were members of the church.

In this pioneer church the first wedding in the village was celebrated, - that of Robert Mills to Patience Shaw, which was performed by Rev. James Rounds.

Some of the prominent Methodists of those pioneer days were: William Philpot, a local preacher named Rev. Avery West, Robert Ogg, Philip Dyer, Archibald Cole, William Harper, Jacob Snyder, Nathan Riley and Rev. Z. Barnes. i

Between 1812 and 1820 many valuable additions were made to the church. Prominent among these were Panter Laws; Benjamin H. McCall, father of Colonel McCall; Hon. John Davenport, the prominent statesman and jurist heretofore referred to; John Gibson, the wealthy merchant, who contributed lavishly to the support of this feeble chuch; Nathan John. a noted character and an intense Methodist of the old school, who conducted the Sabbath-school through a session of three hours without any intermission; John Brown: Charles Scurr, John Price, who, as heretofore noted, was the local preacher who introduced the cultivation of tobacco into Eastern Ohio

In 1820 the little log meeting house was too small to hold the large congregation and a more commodious brick church was erected on the same site. In the winter of 1835-36 a revival was conducted during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Waddell, the celebrated orator of whom a writer has said, "So powerful was his oratory upon the people that the whole congregation seemed a mass of mourners and nothing was heard but prayers and shouts and exclamations of praise." Two hundred probationers were received during the revival, which spread to every Methodist society within a radius of 20 or 30 miles. Another memorable revival was held in 1848, conducted by Revs. Best, Flowers and Wolf. The continued increase in membership necessitated the erection of a larger church. So in 1856 a new and capacious brick church, with a seating capacity of 256, was erected. The cost of this structure was $4,000. This church was built during the ministry of Rev. John Coil.

Thirty-three years later when the membership had reached 700 the corner stone of the present beautiful and costly church edifice was laid with most impressive ceremonies. Upon September 28, 1890, this church was dedicated to the service of God by Bishops Thoburn and Joyce. The cost of this new church complete was $25,935.83. The pastor of thé church during the erection of the building was Rev. C. E. Manchester. The membership of the church today is upwards of 950. The pastor in charge is Dr. A. J. Hiatt, and the Sabbathschool superintendent is T. J. Rogers. The trustees are Charles P. Dobbins, T. G. Wilson, J. W. Judkins, Ross Dent, C. H. McKeener, EB. Lee, E. E. Coburn, JW. Doudna and A. P. Hicks. The parsonage trustees are: G. E. Hunt, B. C. Patterson, Joseph Knox, J. R. Price, A. T. Warrick, Joseph Leap, F. R. Yocum, W. E. Sharp and S. E. Hague. The stewards are: J. S. Howard, J. W. Cassells, J. A. White,, J. L. Woodward, J. W. Fowler, m W. Hingley, J. A. Judkins, E. L. Cunnard, E.

The Presbyterian Church. - The early history of Presbyterianism in Barnesville is unique, in that a commodious house of worship was erected before an organization had been formed. Prior to 1840 Mr. and Mrs. James McLeish were the only Presbyterians in the community. The number gradually increased until in 1857 they felt themselves strong enough to build a church. A committee was selected, consisting of David McCartney, John Bradfield, Dr. Hoover, H. R. Brown and William Alders. They decided to raise $1,600. The amount was subscribed in one day and the work of construction began the same fall. The total cost of the property when completed was $2,000.

The organization of the church took place January 15, in 1859, with 23 members, and was supplied with preaching by the presbytery until June, 1862, when Rev. William R. Kirkwood was installed pastor. He was followed by Rev. J. P. Caldwell in 1866; Rev. Charles H. McClelland in 1871; Rev. D. H. Lafferty in 1875; Rev. Alexander St. Clair in 1877; Rev. W. E. Mack in 1879; Rev. Samuel H. Wallace in 1881; Rev. J. L. Reed in 1886; Rev. J. A. Donahey in 1891; Rev. Allan Krichbaum in 1893; and the present pastor, Rev. E. A. Culley, in December of 1899.

The eldership has been as follows: William Alders and John George, elected in 1859; R. E. Frasier, in 1862; Joseph Harper, in 1864; J. W. Kennon, in 1865; Isaac T. Woods, in 1869; Daniel J. Speer and James Jeffrey, in 1874; Dr. W. J. McCalvin, G. W. Sheppard and J. W. Laughlin, in 1881; Dr. A. Trimmer, J. M. Yarnell and William Tidball, in 1887; Peter Giffen, D. C. Kennon, C. J. Howard, Dr. G. W. Riddile and Samuel Hilles, in 1892; J. S. Harrison, Arthur Rogers and Isaac R. Lane, in 1898.

The congregation has grown steadily until now, ih 1902, it numbers 325 members. It has a well organized Sabbath-school, with Hon. C. J. Howard as superintendent; a Junior Christian Endeavor Society, a Westminster

The present house of worship, now approaching completion, is a stone structure, with all modern conveniences, costing $30,000. Work was begun on it in August of 1901.

"They began their labors at an early period in the settlement of our country and have extended their ecclesiastical and educational establishments so as to keep pace with the extension of our population - with a Godly care which does them honor.

"And were it not for the herculean labors of the Methodist Society many of our remote settlements would have been at this day almost in a state of barbarism.

"There is scarcely a single settlement. in the whole extent of the Western Country which has not been blessed with the ministry of this people - and to this ministry the public morality and piety are immensely indebted."

The African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1873. Its first pastor was Rev. C. E. Green, who was an itinerant, and the first elder was Rev. Mr. Thompson. At the time of organization, there was a membership of 25. A machine shop on South street, near the railroad, was fitted up for a church at a cost of $1,100.

The pastor serving the congregation in 1902 is Rev. G. J. Cotton, and the official board is as follows: Stewards, - William King, Joseph Wilson, James Earley, F. H. Jackson, Prof. B. O. MeMichael, Jessie Lynn and Addison Lee; trustees, - Robert Cowen, Ross Cowen, F. H. Jackson, B. O. McMichael and Thomas Simmons; class leaders, - William King and Albert Shipp. The membership of the church at present is 71. j

The Schools

For 20 years succeeding 1830, "The Little Brick School House" was the seat of learning for Barnesville youth. In 1854 the people voted to erect a union school house of five rooms.

The members of the Board at present are: Charles P. Dobbins, president; J. W. Wellons, clerk; Otho, P. Norris, R. H. Howard, FAA White and S. B. Piper.

The library of 1,200 volumes is well stocked with choice literature, representing the best in poetry, biography, history, travel, fiction and science.

Secret Societies

Friendship Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M. - About the year 1826 a few Masons of Barnesville and vicinity began to agitate the question of organizing a lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in this place. A room was procured on the southeast corner of Main and Arch streets, now owned by William Kinney, a part of said building being occupied as a grocery. Samuel P. Hunt, a clerk in Davenport's store, was appointed to prepare the necessary papers and draw up a petition to.the Grand Master of tion was signed by the following Master Masons, viz. : William Clark, Zadoc Davis, Charles Scurr and John Hance, of Barnesville; James Gilliland and Henry Tillett, of Fairview; and William Mason, Cornelius Okey, Daniel O'Connor and Levi Johnson, of Monroe County, Ohio. A recommendation from Belmont Lodge, No. 16, F.& A .M., of St. Clairsville, Ohio, was also secured. The petition, with all the accompanying papers and the fee of $40, was enclosed and forwarded to Samuel Wheeler, the Grand Master of the State. After waiting a reasonable time, he was written to, and in due time an answer was received from him in which he stated that he had not received

This was quite a serious matter for the brethren at that day, but having mdde up their minds that a lodge was needed in Barnesville, they immediately proceeded to prepare the papers a second time. Belmont Lodge, No. 16, furnished another recommendation. To insure the safe conveyance of the fee of $40 when sent the second time, they divided or cut two $20 bills into equal parts and enclosed two of these parts with the petition to the Grand Master. On hearing from him that he had received the application and remittance, they enclosed the remaining parts of the bills in a second communication.

Owing to the anti-Masonic excitement that prevailed throughout the State, they were . doomed to a further disappointment. The Grand Master, instead of forwarding the dispensation for a new lodge, wrote them that on account of the feeling that was arising against . the order, he would prefer not to grant the prayer of the petitioners, but would refer the matter to the Grand Lodge at its next annual communication. The time fixed for this meeting was "the second Monday of January, 18275

At the fall election of the year 1826, the people of Belmont County elected John Davenport as State Senator. A request was made of the Master of Belmont Lodge, No. 16, Mr. Carothers, that he would give his proxy to Senator Davenport that he might sit as a memnew lodge.

ber of the Grand Lodge and be in position to look after the interests of the petitioners for a This request was readily granted by Mr. Carothers, and he at once forwarded his proxy to Senator Davenport at Columbus, Ohio. The petitioners for the new lodge forwarded to Senator Davenport an order on the Grand Master, asking him to hand.over to Senator Davenport all the papers referring to the matter. On January 8, 1827, Senator Davenport, in the Grand Lodge, presented the petition from sundry Masons in the county of Belmont, praying for a dispensation to hold a lodge in Barnesville, under the name of Friendship Lodge, which petition was referred to the committee on charters and dispensations. On January 9, 1827, Mr. Sherman, from the said committee, reported that they were of the opinion that it was expedient to grant the petitioners a dispensation as by them prayed for. The Grand Lodge thereupon passed a resolution

On February 16th Benjamin Bloomfield, who was the first master of Friendship Lodge, was notified that Grand Master John M. Goodnow would visit Barnesville on or about February 27, 1827, for the purpose of instituting the new lodge and the latter asked that all the necessary arrangements be made for that purpose. He stated that owing to the bad roads it would take him about two days to reach the place, and that he would come by the way of St. Clairsville and bring the jewels of Belmont Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., along with him and as many of the brethren as could be persuaded to come from there to assist in the ceremonies of instituting the new lodge. An invitation was sent to Cambridge Lodge, No. 66, to come on that occasion. On the day appointed Grand Master Goodnow, with six or

At an early hour in the evening, the brethren repaired to their lodge room, where Grand Master Goodnow, with the assistance. of the visiting brethren, instituted Friendship Lodge, with Benjamin Bloomfield as W. M.; Samuel

P. Hunt, as S. W.; Zadoc Davis, as J. W.; John McCune, as treasurer; Benjamin McCall, as secretary; John Hance, as S. D.; Charles Scurr, as J. D.; and Nathan Riley, as tyler, with full power to initiate, pass and raise. About January r, 1828, a copy of the proceedings of the new lodge were drawn off the minutes and properly attested and forwarded tc William B. Hubbard, delegate from Belmont Lodge, No. 16, to the Grand Lodge of Ohio. On January 14, 1828, the papers were referred to the committee on charters and dispensations, and on January I5, 1828, the chairman of said committee, Mr. Fielding, reported that the by-laws and proceedings of Friendship Lodge being in perfect accordance with the principles of Freemasonry, etc., they would recommend that a charter be granted, which report was adopted and a charter issued to Friendship Lodge, No. 89, under date of January I5, 1828. For some four or five years the lodge maintained itself fairly well up to the year 1833, when the excitement that had arisen against Freemasonry became so strong that the lodge found itself unable to properly sustain itself. For various causes many of the brethren absented themselves from the meetings of the lodge; and, hence, failed in giving it the necessary support. After considerable discussion, a motion was made at one of the stated communications, that the lodge would surrender its charter and cease meeting as a lodge. The motion was carried, and Friendship Lodge, No. 89, was stricken from the rolls of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. For a period of about eight years, Friendship Lodge was dormant, and, during this time the members became so scattered over the country that only a few of the faithful ones were left in the town. Among those who were left, we refer to Robert Happer, Robert Hodgen, John McCune, Vachel Barnes, Nathah Riley, John Koontz, J. W.

West Virginia. These brethren were in the habit of meeting occasionally as a lodge of instruction. It was during the progress of one of these meetings held in October, 1842, that

John A. Weyer of Moriah Lodge, No. 105, while on his way to Grand Lodge, stopped off in Barnesville to remain over night. Inquiring for Col. Benjamin McCall, he was informed by Mrs. McCall that he was attending a lodge meeting and directed him to go to a certain room in town, where he would no doubt find him and a few of the brethren assembled in the interests of Freemasonry. Repairing to the designated place, he found the brethren assembled and he was accorded a pleasant reception. After spending a good portion of the night in consulting with each other in regard to the principles and tenets of the order, of which he was a most zealous adherent, the brethren agreed that application might be made at this meeting of the Grand Lodge for the return of the old charter, under which they might again re-organize Friendship Lodge, No. 89, and have the same again placed on the roll of Masonic lodges of the State of Ohio. During one of the sessions of the Grand Lodge, Mr. Weyer arose and made a statement of the visit he had just made with the brethren in Barnesville. He very feelingly referred to the faithful brethren, whom he had the pleasure of meeting in that place and how earnestly they had besought him to ask the Grand Lodge to restore to.them the old charter. He stated that during all these years a few of the faithful at Barnesville had assembled together from time to time and kept alive their knowledge of the principles and ritual of Freemasonry, and closed his remarks by making a motion that the charter of Friendship Lodge, No. 89, they might again organize and do the work of a Masoniclodge. It is needless to say that the motion was passed amidst the greatest excitement. A dispensation was issued by Grand Master W. J. Reese, directing the brethren to meet and elect officers and prepare for work. He also issued his proxy to Wilmeth Jones, of

Clairsville, Ohio, authorizing him to install the officers-elect of Friendship Lodge, which was properly done in due form. On September 6, 1843, Col. Benjamin McCall was elected as del- would not agree. While at the Grand Lodge, he spent several hours in the basement of the Capitol building, searching among the old records for the original charter and just when he began to feel that he must give up the search, he found it, and it was brought home on his return. On November 1, 1843 at a stated communication of Friendship Lodge he made a report of the visit He had made to the Grand Lodge and concluded by presenting to the brethren the old original charter under which the lodge was first organized. It is said that the brethren were so rejoiced on its reception that the master of the lodge could scarcely keep them within proper bounds during the evening. On account of its history, the brethren who received it at that time, as well as the brethren who hold it in their keeping today, all have a high regard for this old charter. Another reason that makes it of so much interest to the brethren is the fact that it is signed by one of . Ohio's most illustrious and distinguished sons, Hon. Thomas Corwin, who was the acting Grand Master during the sessions of the Grand Lodge that were held in the year 1828. It has been hanging in a prominent place on the walls of the lodge room since that time, and so far as may be known, it will hang there for many years to come. It is beginning to look old and faded, and has suffered some mutilation, but the brethren would not part with it under any consideration.

About the year 1863 the lodge and chapter purchased what was known as the old "Academy Building" on East Main street, and after making some necessary repairs, the Masonic bodies of Barnesville at once moved into it, where they remained for many years. Finally a movement was made looking toward enlarging the boundaries of Masonry in Barnesville, A better location was desired and more room was needed. Having by economical management secured a surplus fund of some $3,000 to $4,000, the lodge decided that a new location should be secured. A committee, consisting of James H. Watt, J. W. Hingley, T. E. Frasier, J. H. Reed, J. A. Howard and W. H. Anderson for the lodge and James H. Watt, J. W..: Hingley, J. H. Reed and A. E. Dent fór the chapter, was appointed by each of these bodies to select and recommend a property that could be purchased. In due time an opportunity appeared for the purchase of a lot on the south side of Main street, which belonged to the estate of John H. Piper. After some discussion of the matter, this lot was finally secured. A large three-story stone and brick building was erected in 1890-91, arranged with a view to accommodate the Masonic bodies of Barnesville for years to come. The first floor is occupied as a shoe store by John W. Cassells. The second story was built for a banqueting room, with kitchen and pantries attached, and the third floor 1s occupied as lodge and chapter rooms, with tyler's room and preparation room adjoining. The new building was dedicated to Masonry on June 24, 1891, by representatives of the Grand Lodge. Immediately thereafter the lodge and chapter moved in, and since then have enjoyed the advantages of a new, commodious and permanent home. Both these orders are growing rapidly and are. now permanently established in Barnesville, Ohio. The number of members in Friendship Lodge, No. 89, is 133, and of the chapter, 84.

The officers of Friendship Lodge at present are as follows: J. C. Mayhew, W. M.; A. W. Vaughn S TND ESP. ¿Cool JesWis Pals mer H. Laughlin, S. D.; C. M. Robitzer, J. D.; William E. Emerson, treasurer; Dr. G. H. Kemp, secretary; and R. M. Corbin, tyler. (The writer of the above is largely indebted to records, etc., make by Col. Benjamin McCall, who was secretary of the Masonic bodies of this place for many years before his decease.)

Barnesville Lodge, No. 165, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 13, 1851. The charter members were: Thomas C. Parker, Sr., Jacob H. Parker, Frank Davis, Joseph Eisman and William G. Laws.

And Representa Live Gitizens

secretary, Francis Moore; financial secretary, J. M. Cassells: treasurer, Alex Moore; trustees, - J. E. McDonald, L. B. Smith and MAR: Price. The members of this lodge number 190.

Warren Lodge, No. 76, K. of P., is one of the strongest secret organizations in Warren township. It had a membership of 160 in October, 1902. W. D. Lyle is keeper of the records, and the value of the lodge furnishings and money on hand amount in the aggregate to $3,395.57. This lodge meets every Friday evening.

Petty, post commander; G. E. Hilles, senior vice commander; H. S. Bames, junior vice commander ; Allen Floyd, quartermaster; S. B. Piper, officer of the day; R. C. Graves, adjutant; H. W. Baker, chaplain and G. S. Wellons, surgeon. The membership increased rapidly for 10 vears - reaching in the aggregate near 200, but in the last 10 years the decrease has been equally rapid. lived upward of 20 years, the membership is reduced to about 4o - the original number. This decline is not, however, due entirely to loss by deaths. become tired of the meetings and dropped out through lack of interest.

leading his men when the fatal bullet struck him. He died May rrth at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and sleeps today in an unknown grave, as do.thousands of his comrades. On Fame's eternal camping ground, Their silent tents are spread,

The first paper published in Barnesville was a little four page periodical issued by the students of Davenport and Addler's Classical Institute and was published through the years 1856-57. However, it was printed at Zanesville and published by one of the societies. It was first called The Gleaner, with Mrs. Talbot and Walton as editors.

In 1857 The Intelligencer was issued by E. R. Bartleson & Son, afterward the publishers of The Wheeling Intelligencer. It was a 24- column paper, devoted mainly to local news, but did not represent any political party. Ina short time the office was sold to George Mc- Clelland and Thomas Nichols, who continued its publication for a year.

The Barnesville Enterprise. - On the 28th of May, 1866, the first number of The Barnesville Enterprise^a seven-column folio, was published by George McClelland. In October, 1870, the paper was enlarged to 28 columns. In January, 1875, it was changed to a six-column, eight-page paper, and Samuel Price became a partner for two years. In 1888, on the death of Mr. McClelland, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Lee became the owners and have since conducted it. The Enterprise was one of the first weekly papers in Ohio to make a feature of local and country correspondence and it rapidly went to the front rank of weekly papers in this section, a position it has ever since held. Its circulation todav is 2,200.

The Barnesville Republican. - The first number of The Barnesville Republican was issued June r4, 1883, the publishers being Hanlon Brothers" Papei Company, composed of T. T. Hanlon and.two sons, William W.

was editor and manager and the success of the paper from the start was due to his indefatigable efforts. He continued in charge until November 8, 1897, when the paper was sold to Charles C. Carroll of St. Clairsville,- a talented and finely educated young man who conducted the publication with marked success. He was tendered a government position in Washington and decided to accept selling The Republican on July 21, 1899, to H. E. Dement, who continues in charge. Mr. Dement had been connected with the paper as assistant editor and foreman since 1900, and is thoroughly.

In the advocacy of public improvements it has been unremitting and, though public spirited and enterprising, the editor eàrnestly advocates reform in public management and retrenchment in public expenditures.

The Cemeteries

There are two cemetery associations in Barnesville. The first that we shall mention is the Green Mountain Cemetery Association which was formed May 5, 1858, with Colson Davenport, Adam Bentz, Stephen Wilson, John H. Morrow and H. T. Barnes as its trustees. This cemetery has always been known as "Knob Field" because of its high elevation. It occupies eight acres ot land and contains 168 lots.

The South Cemetery was organized March 4, 1858, and was orginally known as the Barnesville Cemetery Association. The grounds were purchased May 8, 1858, and contained 10 acres and were dedicated to cemetery purposes the same year by Rev. James Henderson. The first officers were as follows: Trustees, William A. Talbot, R. Happer, David McCartney, William Barnes, John Bradfeld; treasurer, B. Davenport; secretary, J. W. Warfield; superintendent, J. S.

Evans. The number of lots sold is 220. The present officers are: Dr. J. A. Judkins, president; John S. Howard, secretary; John W. Bradfield, treasurer; Robert Evans and H. R. Brown. |

Is established at Tacoma, in Warren township, and occupies a beautiful site commanding a widespread view of the loveliest hill - country in the State. The main building is four stories high, surmounted by a cupola, and with two wings, each three stories high. The whole is a modern brick structure of handsome architectural design, with a frontage of 164 feet, and a depth of 110 feet. It contains - 63 rooms and is lighted with electricity and heated with steam. The farm upon which it is located contains 63 acres. The Home was established in 1880 for the physical, mental and moral training -of indigent children, until suitable homes could be provided for them. At the earnest appeal of Isaac Holloway, David Conrow, and 82 others, the county commissioners submitted the whole question of establishing a Children's Home to the people of the county, and the proposition carried by a majority of 2,319.

` -Under the supervision of Architect J. W. Yost, the building was constructed. The farm upon which the Home is located cost $5,800, and the building cost $35,000; the whole making a total cost of $40,800.

The first trustees were Francis Davis, Joseph Green, J. W. Laughlin, J. W. Hingley, William Million, David Conrow, A. W. Anderson, John S. Howard, Hamilton Eaton, Isaac R. Lane, William R. Piper, George T. Nuzum, Samuel Hillis, James A. Shepherd and Herman Roemer. The first superintendent was Stephen Gressinger who only served a brief two months, when Francis Davis, one of the trustees of the institution, took charge until the appointment of. Joseph Green, who served for five years. Peter Giften followed and was in charge of the institution seven years. N. B. Stewart, the next superintendent in order, served two years,

In addition there are six lady and one gentleman assistants. There were in the Home, March 31, 1902, 33 children, and five were out on trial. Twenty-two had been indentured and adopted, eight returned to parents, and two died, making a total of 70 cared for during the year. The average monthly enrollment of children attending the school was 29. The total expenditure for 1902 amounted to $5,860.92, or a net expense per capita, of $145.36. In addition to the quantity of farm products consumed at the institution, $379 worth were sold from off the farm. The reports of the trustees and county Board of Charities speak very approvingly of the institution.

The Board Of Charities

In this connection, some mention should be made of the work of this philanthropic body that was organized several years ago for the purpose of visiting and inspecting our charitable institutions and jails in the interest of the health and comfort of the inmates. These humane men and women work without compensation, visiting all the penal and charitable institutions of the county at intervals of six months, examining into the sanitary and moral condition of these institutions with a view of correcting any neglect or mismanagement in these particulars. Some of the members of the Board, who have been most active in the past, were Dr. Ely ot Barnesville, Mrs. Rodefer of Bellaire, Mrs. Robert J. Alexander, of St. Clairsville, Dr. Thomas Balph of St. Clairsville, Dr. John W. Wellons of Barnesville, Mrs. Ross J. Alexander, Bridgeport, and Mrs. J. B. Smith, Bellaire.

The present Board consists of William Alexander of Bridgeport, Peter Giffen of Flushing, D. H. Milligan of St. Clairsville, Mrs. Rodefer of Bellaire, Mrs. Je Co Picker ing, and Mrs. James McNeice.