HISTORY OF MARIETTA by Thos. J. Summers, B. A. ,Illustrated, 1903 The Leader Publishing Co., Printers, Marietta, Ohio Pg. 301 CHAPTER XX HISTORICAL REMAINS There are few cites in the basin of the Mississippi, and none in the valley of the Ohio, whose historical remains have been sketched so often as those of Marietta. As soon as the student begins the study of these remains, he must face the vastness of the question which is suggested by the simple and enduring earthworks that are scattered throughout different parts of the State. This treatise of the subject, however, must refer only to those that are situated in Marietta, and in this study the reader must remember that at the very outset we are confronted by the dark curtain which shuts off many centuries of the past. The city of Marietta alone attests through its monuments that a vast race at one time dwelt in this land, occupied it and passed away. We call them the Mound Builders, but of their origin, character and disappearance, no positive information in known. With a reference to the short sketch already given of this race, we pass to the study of their remains in Marietta. THE GREAT MOUND OR CONUS The most interesting remain of the Mound Builders in Marietta is the large mound now enclosed in Mound cemetery. Of this mound it is but just to say that, although it is not the largest in the state, there are few of such beauty and historical fame. This mound is about 115 feet in diameter, and 30 feet in perpendicular altitude, and is perhaps the largest in the State in proportion to its circumference. It is very unique in its embankment and ditch surrounding it. This ditch is about fifteen feet wide and four feet deep, and outside of it Pg. 302 is an earthen wall about four feet high and twenty feet wide. At first sight on would suppose that the ditch and wall form a circle, but such is not the case; an eclipse is more nearly the figure formed by this wall, as one diameter is two hundred and thirty feet, and the other about two hundred and fifteen. It is stated that at one time there were a number of small pieced of a wall of slight elevation on the west and south sides of the mound, which formed an imperfect enclosure. As to the original shape of the mound, there is a divergency of opinion. Was it always truncated? It is at present, and no citizen of Marietta can recall when it was not. Some (photo of the mound) argue, however, that it is doubtless a sepulchral mound, and thus has two chambers; that the flattening of the top is due to the caving in of one or both of these chambers (which in most cases were constructed of timber.) Others believe that the flattening is due to the uprooting of a great oak which is described in Dr. Cutler’s journal as standing upon it in 1788. He also spoke of it as the “great conic mound.” But it stand today as perfect as when it was first discovered by Putnam’s little band. It is always interesting to know as to the opening of a Pg. 303 mound. the general belief is regard to this mound is that it has never been excavated, but the fact is that it has been partially son. Mr. Harris quotes Dr. Cutler as saying that “an opening being made at the summit of the great mound there were found the bones of an adult in a horizontal position, covered with a flat stone. Beneath this skeleton were three stones placed vertically at small and different distances, but no bones were discovered. That this venerable monument might not be defaced, the opening was closed without futher search. It is generally believed that the skeletons found was not lower than fifteen feet from the top. Whether there is another chamber in this mound at the base is unknown, although in all the large mounds that have been excabated and found to contain one chamber near the top, there has been found another at the base. Such being the case, on is led to believe that therein lie the bones of some great hero of the race, which perhaps were deposited with great pomp and glory. When it comes to the purpose of this mound, we meet a question the answer of which can only be conjectured. The foundation and wall around would suggest that it was built for some other purpose that the mere erecting of a large earthwork. It is conjectured that it might have been erected as a place for the ovservance of religious worship, from whose sacrificial fires the cries of this people ascended to the Great Spirit, and others say it is a monument to some hero of this race, typifying by its magnitude and symmetry the nobility and beauty of his life. In March, 1791, the Ohio Company leased to Rufus Putnam for twelve years the public square containing the mound, with the following conditions: “He would surround the whole square with mulberry trees, with an elm at each corner. The base of the mound to be encircled with weeping willows, with evergreens on the mound. The circular parapet outside of the ditch to be surrounded with trees; all within the square to remain undisturbed by the plow, and Pg. 304 seeded down to grass; the whole enclosure with a post and rail fence.” He soon, however, ceded it to the town. The flight of stone steps that lead up the mound was constructed in 1837 by Ichabod Nye and Thomas Vinton, who had been appointed by the council as a committee to make the needed improvements in all the squares. During this year fences were built around them. QUADRANAOU AND CAPTOLIUM It has already been stated that in a resolution passed at the first meeting of the Ohio Company in the Northwest it was decided that elevated square number 11, which is between Warren on the south, and Third and Fourth streets on the west and east, and occupying one-half the square, be called Quadranaou, and that elevated square number 19, which is between Fourth and Fifth streets on the west and east, and on Washington street on the south, and occupying about two-fifths of the square, be called Capitioium. Soon after this was a resolution passed which was intended for the preservation of these ancient works. The resolution was to the following effect: “Resolved, That Colonel Battelle, and Colonel Crary, and Major Sargent be a committee to lease the public squares (to Samuel H. Parsons, Rufus Putnam and Griffin Greene, esqs.), the one on which the great mound stands, the Quadranaou and Capitiolium, for so long as they are not wanted for the uses for which they were reserved. The committee are to point out the mode of improvement for ornament, and in what manner the ancient works shall be preserved, and also to ascertain the amount of what is to be given.” In March, 1791, the Ohio Company leased to Rufus Putnam for twelve years the public square containing the large mound, on condition that he should set out trees and make other improvements. On the same terms and conditions were the Capitolium square leased to Dudley Woodbridge for ten years, and the Quadranaou to Benjamin Tupper. The trees which were to be planted on these squares were to be of native growth. Subsequently Rufus Putnam, Paul Fearing and Dr. Jabez True were appointed trustees to take charge of these squares, until the town should be incorpo- Pg. 305 rated; they could lease them to proper persons, the proceeds of which were to go to the education of indigent orphans. In 1820 there arose a warm controversy as to whether the lessee of one of these squares had the right to deface it. At that time, the square containing the Quadranaou was leased to D. Hartshorn, who had transferred the right to Rev. Joseph Willard. The latter began plowing down the pyramid, and soon did the citizens protest against such a step. Caleb Emerson being one of the strong protesters. The subject was much discussed, and the merits of the case were argued in the newspaper who signed himself “Fair Play,” and Mr. Willard. The council removed the square from Mr. Willard’s possession and leased it to C. D. G. Bonny. The damage done was repaired by the citizens, but the case was carried into the court, where it was decided in favor of the citizens and town. BURIAL PLACES The earliest burial places were not in Mound cemetery, as commonly supposed, but in a lot on the ridge south of the present Oak Grove cemetery, laid off by the Ohio Company when the settlement was first made. At this place was buried the first person who died in Marietta, Nathaniel Cushing’s little daughter Nabby, who died on August 25, 1788. She was buried on the site where the house of the late Beman Gates stands. Here also was buried Judge Varnum, the second person who died in the settlement. There were several other persons buried in this locality prior to the breaking out of the Indian War in 1791, but during this war burials were not made here, but on the brow of the sand hill now dug off, just above Wooster street, on the line of Third street. Captain Joseph Rogers who was killed on March 13, 1791, was buried in Third street, then unimproved. A daughter of Governor St. Clair, a son of Major Putnam, James Wells, wife and daughter, William Moulton and many others were also buried there. However, in 1839, the remains of most of these people were exhumed and re-inter- Pg. 306 red in Mound cemetery, and in 1867 the remains of twenty-eight persons were removed to Oak Grove cemetery, and a granite monument erected to mark there last resting place. But as late as 1849 there were still some graves remaining back of Third street. General Benjamin Tupper was buried under an apple tree in 1792, between Third and Fourth streets opposite the Quadranaou. At the same place was buried a child of Ichabod Nye, and afterwards Major Anselm Tupper. The remains of these persons were years afterward removed to the Mound cemetery. The cemetery in Harmar is older than Mound cemetery, being laid out by the Ohio Company in 1796. From the journal of proceeding of the Company we learn that a resolution was passed the “three be also laid out three acres on the west side of the Muskingum river.” Who was the first person to be buried in this cemetery in not known. MOUND CEMETERY The site which is now known as mound cemetery was originally called “Marie Antoinette Square.” It was made a burial place in 1800, and the first person buried in it was Colonel Robert Taylor, who died September 30, 1801. The largest and perhaps the most enduring monument in this cemetery is the mound of which mention has just been made. It stands as a monument of a pre-historic race, and doubtless covers the skeleton of some noted person once a great ruler of that vast race which once dwelt on this land. It stands as a monument not only of a forgotten personage, but also of a might race of which there is no absolute knowledge in history. Surrounding this ancient structure are the stones which mark the graves of the inhabitants of Marietta who lived here during the first half of the last century. It is here where rest the remains of many of the pioneers of western civilization, the founders of the State, men of lofty character and great achievements. Although it was not the earliest burial place of Marietta, yet the fact of its Pg. 307 historical mound and its stone monuments so aged that their inscription no longer proclaim the names of those who rest beneath them, makes it of peculiar interest in the history of Marietta. After the cession of this square to the town by Rufus Putnam, in 1791, no formal action was taken by the corporation toward an establishment of a cemetery here until May 3, 1808, although it was made a burial place in 1800, and the first person buried in it was Col. Robert Taylor, who died on September 30, 1801. His grave is marked by the following inscription cut on a stone monument: Memory of Col. ROBERT TAYLOR who departed This Life Sep. 30th, 1801 in the 65 year of his age Being The First interment In this Burying Ground. The second person buried here was Rev. Daniel Story, in 1804. His monument was erected seventy-four years after his death, with the inscription: “He was the first minister of Christ who came to labor in the vast field known as the Northwest Territory, exception the Moravian missionaries.” In February, 1805, was laid to rest in this cemetery the remains of Col. Ebenezer Sproat, the first sheriff of Washington county. Joseph Lincoln was the next hero buried near the mound. On an old-fashioned tomb of sandstone is the following inscription, almost illegible: Here, Are interred the remains of Joseph Lincoln A native of Gloucester, Mass. Who departed this life Sept. 21st 1807 In the 47th year of his age. In 1811 Ezra Putnam,, the oldest of the pioneers, was buried here; in 1812, Gen. Joseph Buell. pg. 308 The grave of Rufus Putnam is marked by a plain granite monument, with the following inscription: Gen. Rufus Putnam A Revolutionary Officer And the leader of the Colony which made the First settlement in the Territory of the Northwest. Born April 9, 1738 Died May 4, 1824. Here also is the grave of Commodore Whipple, with a long inscription, a follows: Sacred to the memory of COMMODORE ABRAHAM WHIPPLE whose name, skill and courage WILL EVER REMAIN THE PRIDE AND BOAST OF HIS COUNTRY. In the late Revolution he was the FIRST ON THE SEA TO HURL DEFIANCE AT GREAT BRITAIN, gallantly leading the way to arrest from the Mistress of the ocean, her septre, AND THERE TO WAVE THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER. He also conducted to the sea the first square-rigged vessel ever built on the Ohio OPENING TO COMMERCE RESOURCES BEYOND CALCULATION. Another long inscription is that of Return J. Meigs, Jr. as follows: Here lies The body of His Excellency Return Jonathan Meigs, Who was born at Middletown, Conn., Nov. 1765, And died at Marietta, March 29, 1825. For many years his time and talents were Devoted to the services of his country. He successively filled the distinguished places of Judge of the Territory Northwest of the Ohio, Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio, Senator in the Congress of the United States, Governor of the State of Ohio, and Postmaster General of the United States. To the honored and revered memory of And ardent Patriot, A practical Statesman, An enlightened Scholar, A dutiful Son, An indulgent Father An affectionate Husband, This monument is erected by his morning widow, Sophia Meigs. Pg. 309 Other graves of men of early note in Marietta were Ichabod Nye, Capt. Josiah Monroe, Dr. Cotton, Dr. Hildreth, David Everett, Nahum Ward, three generation of Woodbridges. Arius and Anselm Tupper, Caleb Emerson, Col. Mills, and many others. Many epitaphs upon the monuments are quaint and expressive of the characteristics of our forefathers. OAK GROVE CEMETERY What is now know as Oak Grove cemetery consists of 33 acres of land bought by the city of Judge Arius Nye in 1861. The site was selected by Dr. J. D. Cotton and C. F. Buell. The first persons interred here were two little children, and the first adult was Timothy Cone, who died April 24, 1864. SOLDIERS’ MONUMENT This monument stands on the common, fifty feet from Front street and the same distance from the line of Putnam street. It stands as a monument to shoe who sacrificed their lives in the cause of the union during the Civil War. The first meeting in the interest of the erection of such a monument was held on June 7, 1865. Later an association was formed for this purpose, which was incorporated under the laws of Ohio on August 8, 1865. Immediately an effort was made to secure sufficient money to erect this monument, which work continued until 1874, by which time enough funds had been provided. On September 20, 1874, it was voted to contract with T. O’Hare, of Cincinnati, for a monument at the cost of $4,550. The contract was afterwards Pg. 310 (photo of the soldiers monument) modified so that the material should be Quincy granite instead of “light granite,” at an additional cost of $150, making a total cost of $4,700. The monument having been completed, it was decided that September 17, 1875, be the day for the dedicatory ceremonies. On this occasion the address of the welcome was delivered by President I. H. Andrews, of Marietta College, with addresses by General John Pope, Judge Force, Honorable A. J. Warner,--the oration of the day being delivered by General F. C. H. Smith, of Marietta. In 1880 was prepared a roll of the dead referred to on the monument. The iron fence enclosing this monument was placed around it in 1877, and on June 8, 1880, Congress donated four twenty-pound Parrot guns, which were let into four stone blocks and placed at corners of the monument, as they now stand. OTHER MONUMENTS In January, 1891, a granite stone was set by the New Century Historical Society at the foot of Washington street, bearing this inscription: “S. W. Corner Campus Martius, “The Stockade,” occupied by the first Governor of the N. W. Territory, and by the pioneers of Ohio during the Indian War of 1791-5.” On April 7, 1802, another stone was placed by this Society pg. 311 in the yard of the west side school, which reads: “Site of Fort Harmar, built 1785: Headquarters 1796-9 of Gen. Josiah Harmar, of Pa., Gen. in Chief of U. S. A.” On July 15, 1892, a granite monument was erected in Muskingum Park, bearing a bronze plate inscribed: “Near this spot, July 15th, 1788, Gen. Arthur St. Clair, of the Revolutionary Army and President of Congress, 1778, was inaugurated first Governor of the Territory of the United States northwest of the Ohio River. On this ground stood Centennial Hall of the celebration, July 15th to 20th, 1888.” THE OHIO COMPANY’S OFFICE here shown (photo of Ohio Company office) was erected about 1790. It stands on its original site on Washington street between Front and Second. It is yet in comparatively good shape, and is generally believed to the oldest house now standing in the State. It is being preserved by the Historical Society of the city, and is a building of much historical interest. THE OLD BLOCK-HOUSE, as it commonly called is located on the southeast corner of the site of Campus Martius. This building was erected about the close of the Indian War, by General Rufus Putnam. That it was ever a block-house is reasonably doubted, although a portion of the timber of the building was a part of the original block-house. It was used by General Putnam as a residence till the time of his death, after which it was occupied by Arius Nye till 1865. It now belongs to Miss Minerva T. Nye. During the late cyclone on June 25, 1902, this building Pg. 312 was much damaged and has been since been repaired. It is a building of much historical interest. TIBER CREEK At the first settlement, a small creek passed through the southern half of the town and was called “the Tiber.” This stream rose from springs within two miles of the city and for a few years was a steady stream. Over it a substantial bridge was built by the first settlers, which was 90 feet long and 25 feet high, covered with hewn plank four inches thick. Tiber Way was named for this creek. (photo of the Old Block-House) End of chapter..... Extracted by Debbie Noland Nitsche July 2005