July - August 2006
Historical & Genealogy Newsletter
for Washington County, Ohio

(PLAIN TEXT VERSION)

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Compiled and Published by Debbie Noland Nitsche
Diamonddeb@comcast.net




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      The kids and I did our annual 3 week trip back to Ohio to visit 
relatives and friends from July 9th-22nd.  We sure did enjoy ourselves this 
year.  So much, that time zipped by so fast that I once again did not get to 
do all the things that I wanted to do while I was there.  DARN!!!  Oh 
well..........  But it was nice to also get out of the big city here, go 
back home and have a lot of fun.
     One morning, I met Henry Burke at the Eli Chapman Center.   He showed 
me his African-American Collection there.  I was in "AWE" to say the least 
to learn some of the history about Africa.  The fine detailed carvings on 
the pieces were "beautiful".   Each piece has it's own story.   Our day did 
not end there...
     Henry took me to Cutler to the William Smith station house of the UGRR. 
The house is for sale.  Hopefully who ever buys it, take pride in it's rich 
history, and will take care of it.  It's a beautiful old farm house, in good 
repair.  We also went to Constitution to see the Ephraim Cutler Marker. 
There is still much evidence of the old Cutler stone quarry all round, 
especially up and down the area of where the railroad tracks cross over on 
Co. Rd. 3.  Henry Burke dozed many of the old quarry stones while making the 
pond, called, "Fisherman's Paradise"  at the intersection of Co. Rd. 3 and 
State Route 7.  And yes...I did get a stone to bring back home with me.  LOL 
I just finished cleaning it up, and will preserve it by turning it into a 
piece of art, along with the history and info about Ephraim Cutler on the 
underside of it.  Once it's completed, I will be sure to take a pic of it 
and put it online.  (The crafty things you can do with rocks.  LOL)
     Henry and I also went to the Belpre Historical Society, where I met 
Nancy Sams.  A very nice person, who knows a lot of Belpre history.  Of 
course I got a few pics from their museum too, and purchased Henry's book 
about the UGRR in Washington Co. and other places in southeast Ohio.  We 
also went over to Parkersburg, WV and visited several sites there too.  Talk 
about a day of FUN and very educational!!!  I recommend that if anyone is 
interested in the UGRR of Washington County and plans to visit, definitely 
contact Henry.  Not only is his African American collection a must see...I 
guarantee that you will learn a lot, and have fun!  ----THANKS HENRY!!
=======================================================================================


Steamboat "Washington" Explosion in 1816

Lloyd's steamboat directory, and disasters on the western waters, containing 
the history of the first application of steam, as a motive power; the lives 
of John Fitch and Robert Fulton ... History of the early steamboat 
navigation on western waters ... Full accounts of all the steamboat 
disasters ... A complete list of steamboats and all other vessels now afloat 
on the western rivers and lakes ... maps of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers 
.. List of plantations on the Mississippi river ... One hundred ... 
engravings, and forty-six maps
By James T. Lloyd., Cincinnati, P.: J. T. Lloyd & co., 1856.

(Photo sketch of the Steamboat Washington)
  (Subscribers only)

TERRIFIC EXPLOSION AND LOSS OF LIFE ON BOARD THE STEAMBOAT WASHINGTON
Pages 55-57

     This deplorable accident took place on the Ohio river on the 9th day of 
June, 1816.  The Washington was the largest and finest boat which had 
hitherto floated on any western stream.  Her commander, Captain SHREVE, was 
skilled and experienced in all the duties of his calling;  her machinery was 
all presumed to be in the best possible order, and no human foresight could 
have anticipated the fatal even.
     The boat left Marietta, Ohio, on Monday, June 7, and on the afternoon 
of the following day came safely to anchor off Point Harmar, where she 
remained until Wednesday morning.  The fires were now kindled, and other 
preparations made for continuing the voyage down the Ohio;  but a difficulty 
occurred in getting the boat into a proper position to start the machinery. 
While laboring to effect this object--the boat having in the mean time, been 
carried by the force of the current near the Virginia shore--it became 
necessary to throw out a kedge anchor at the stern.  Soon after, all hands 
were summoned aft to haul in the kedge, and while they were collected on the 
quarter for that purpose, by a singular and most unfortunate chance, the end 
of the cylinder nearest the stern was blown off, and a column of scalding 
water was thrown among the crowd, inflicting the most frightful injuries on 
nearly all of the boat's crew, +and killing a number on the spot.  The cry 
of consternation and anguish which then arose might have been heard for 
miles.  The captain, mate, and several others were blown overboard;  but all 
of these, with the exception of one man, were afterwards rescued from the 
water, but were found to be more or less injured, either by the fragments of 
the cylinder or the scalding water.
     The inhabitants of the neighboring town, now called Harmar, were 
universally alarmed by the sound of the explosion, which appeared to shake 
the solid earth to a considerable distance.  A number of physicians and many 
other citizens crowded into the boat to ascertain the extent of the 
calamity;  but no language can describe the scene of misery and torture 
which then presented itself to the view of the spectators.  The deck was 
strewn with mangled and writhing human beings, uttering screams and groans 
of intense suffering.  Some, fore fortunate than their companions, lay still 
in the embrace of death.  Among the wounded, six or eight, under the 
influence of their maddening torments, had torn off their clothes, to which 
the entire skin of their limbs or bodies adhered;  the eyes of others had 
been put out, and their faces were changed to an undistinguishable mass of 
flesh by the scalding water.  But the greatest suffers, apparently, where 
those who had been internally injured by inhaling the scalding steam, the 
effect of which on the lungs is agonizing beyond all the powers of 
imagination to conceive.  The whole scene was too horrible for description, 
and it made an impression on the minds of those who witnessed it which could 
never be obliterated.
     The cause of the explosion was a disarrangement of the safety-valve, 
which had become immovable in consequence of the accidental slipping of the 
weight to the extremity of the lever.  The following is a list of the killed 
and wounded by this calamitous explosion:
KILLED:
   Peter Lanfer, passenger
   B. Harvey, passenger
   Anna C. Jones, passenger
   Thomas Brown, passenger
   James Nulta, passenger
   ____ Jones, passenger
   Samuel Wait, carpenter
   Jacob ____, colored cook
WOUNDED:
   Captain Shreve, commander
   Mr. Clark, engineer
   James Blair, passenger
   George White, passenger
   Enoch H. McFeeley, passenger
   Joseph Walsh, passenger
   John C. Williams, (mortally), passenger
     Mr. Williams of Kentucky, the unhappy gentleman last mentioned in the 
preceding list, while lying in the cabin of the Washington, in his last 
moments, offered on the cabin-boys all his money if he would knock him in 
the head to put a speeding end to his misery.  The boy who received this 
offer, and who relates the incident, in now Captain Hiram Burch, of 
Marietta, Ohio.
     Joseph ____, one of the hands, was missing,  he is supposed to have 
been blown overboard, and carried down by the current.  Several of the 
wounded died a short time afterwards in consequence of their injuries.  At a 
meeting of the citizens of Marietta, a committee was appointed to provide 
for the suffers, and to make arrangements for the burial of the dead.
=======================================================================================


Biography of Dr. Samuel Prescott Hildreth and his son, George Osgood 
Hildreth

The Biographical Encyclopedia of Ohio of the Nineteenth Century
Columbus, OH, Galaxy Publishing Co., 1876.

     George Osgood Hildreth, M. D. was born in Marietta, Ohio, November 
17th, 1812.    His father, Dr. Samuel Prescott Hildreth, widely known as a 
medical practitioner, author and scientist, was born in Methuen, 
Massachusetts, September 30th, 1783, descending from a distinguished New 
England ancestry, traced directly to Richard Hildreth, who emigrated from 
England more than two centuries ago.   His boyhood was passed on his 
father's farm and in studies at a common school.   His preparations for a 
collegiate course were made at Phillips' Andover Academy, but before the 
completion of his college training he entered upon the study of medicine 
with Dr. Thomas Kittredge, at Andover, North parish.   In May, 1805, not 
then twenty-two years of age, he began practice in Hampstead, Rockingham 
county, New Hampshire, and after a sixteen months' residence in this place 
he started, September 9th, 1806, on horseback for the West, arriving at 
Marietta, Ohio, October 4th.   Here he remained nine weeks, and then went to 
Belpre, twelve miles distant, to practice.   Here, on August 19th, 1807, he 
married Rhoda, daughter of Captain Pardon Cook.   She was a native of New 
Bedford, Massachusetts, and came to Ohio in 1804 with her mother, then a 
widow.   In 1808, after a stay of fifteen months in Belpre, Dr. Hildreth 
returned to Marietta, and there resided until his death, July 24th, 1863.
     His wife, a lady of most estimable qualities and many accomplishments, 
died at the same place, June 21st, 1868.   In 1810, when twenty-seven years 
of age, Dr. Hildreth was elected to the Ohio Legislature, and re-elected in 
1811.   At that time he was a supporter of the Jefferson and Madison 
administrations.   His unsuccessful opponent in 1811 was the late Judge 
Ephraim Cutler, a Federalist. In later years both acted in concert as Whigs. 
Upon the expiration of his second term he declined to act further in that 
capacity. He was a man of decided political opinions, and of such unswerving 
integrity that there was no inducement that could lead him against the 
right.   He was a Republican from the formation of that party, in 1854. 
The Legislature of which he was a member, in 1811, elected him Collector of 
Non-resident Taxes, at a salary of $250 per annum, and he held that office 
for eight years, when, in 1819, it was abolished.   In 1810 he became clerk 
of the Trustees of the Ministerial Lands, and retained that position until 
his death.   At home and abroad he was highly esteemed for his scientific 
labors.   Among his publications were, in 1808, a "History of the Epidemic 
of the Year 1807;" in 1812 a "Description of the American Colombo, with a 
Drawing of the Plant;" in 1822 a "Treatise on Hydrophobia," and another on a 
curious case similar to that of the Siamese twins, which occurred in his 
practice.   These papers were published in the New York Medical Repository. 
In 1824 he published in the Philadelphia Journal of Medical Science a full 
history of the great Epidemic Fever that visited the Ohio valley and 
Marietta in 1822 and 1823; and in 1825, in the Western Journal of Medicine, 
of Cincinnati, an account of the minor diseases of the epidemic.   In 1826 
he became the author of a series of papers on the "Natural and Civil History 
of Washington County," printed in Silliman's Journal of Science, New Haven. 
From that time until his death he was a frequent contributor to that journal 
on conchological, geological, meteorological and medical subjects.   These 
were all very valuable, especially those treating on the salt-bearing rock 
in Ohio, and the history of salt manufacture from the first settlement in 
that State.   His "Diary of a Naturalist" was exceedingly interesting and 
instructive.   In 1837 he became one of the assistant geologists on the Ohio 
State Geological Survey, and in 1839 became President of the Medical Society 
of Ohio, and delivered before it, at Cleveland, as the annual address, a 
"History of the Diseases and Climate of Southeastern Ohio from its First 
Settlement," which was printed by the society and widely circulated.   In 
the same year he published a "History of the Settlement of Belville, Western 
Virginia," which was continued through several numbers of the Hesperian, a 
magazine issued in Cincinnati.   In 1842-43 he contributed frequently to the 
American Pioneer, then published monthly in the same city.   In 1848 he 
issued his "Pioneer History," an octavo volume of 525 pages, which was "an 
account of the first examinations of the Ohio valley and early settlement of 
the Northwest Territory."   This was followed in 1852 by his "Lives of the 
Early Settlers of Ohio," an octavo volume of 539 pages. In 1830 he began a 
cabinet of natural history, from the fossil insects, shells and plants of 
Ohio, to which were added minerals, insects and marine specimens from other 
quarters.   In a few years he had gathered four thousand specimens, 
including many relics from "ancient mounds." In 1855 he donated this 
valuable cabinet to Marietta College, together with his scientific library, 
and many rare works pertaining to the pioneer history of the West.   These 
occupy a room known as "Hildreth's Cabinet," and by this donation he became 
one of the leading benefactors of that institution.   He was a man of 
sincere piety, and was everywhere esteemed for his profound learning and his 
attractive social qualities.
     George Osgood Hildreth, his son, was educated at the Ohio University, 
at Athens, from which he graduated in 1829.   Upon leaving this institution 
he entered at once upon the study of medicine with his father, and soon 
after entered the medical department of Transylvania University, at 
Lexington, Kentucky, from which he graduated in 1835.   He commenced 
practice at once, associated with his father, at Marietta, and has 
uninterruptedly continued it until the present time, with the exception of 
four years, from 1849 to 1853, when he was in California, to which the 
prevalent "gold fever" had impelled him.   He resumed his professional 
duties upon his return, and continued alone in their performance since the 
death of his father, in 1863.   In June, 1863, he was appointed Examiner of 
United States Pensioners, and still retains that position.   For a number of 
years he has acted as clerk of the Ministerial Trustees of Marietta; is a 
stockholder in the First National Bank and in the Marietta National Bank; a 
member of the Washington County Medical Society; occupies the family 
homestead on Putnam street, and is still unmarried.
=======================================================================================



Biography of William Smith

History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio
And Representative Citizens
Edited & Compiled by Martin R. Andrew, M. A.
Published by Biographical Publishing Co., 1902
pg. 1074-5

     WILLIAM SMITH, a native of Yorkshire, England, was born in March 1841, 
and is now a farmer of Waterford township, Washington County, Ohio.  His 
father was also named William Smith, and was born in Yorkshire, in 1801; 
his death occurred in 1872.  He was employed as a steward for noblemen in 
England.  His wife, whose name was Elizabeth, was born in Yorkshire, 
England, in 1801, and died in 1851.  they had three children, namely:  John, 
deceased;  Elizabeth, who lives in England; and William.
     The subject of this sketch, was married in 1867, and his wife died ten 
years later.  She left two children,--Cohen, and engineer on the Ohio river; 
and Margaret E., who married Harmon Matthews, a stationary engineer in 
Duquesne, Pennsylvania.  Mr. Smith was again married, in 1884, to Mrs. Vesta 
Foster, widow of Lemuel Foster.  She was born in Adams township, Washington 
County, Ohio, in 1844 and is a daughter of Adelphia and Patience Mason.  By 
her first marriage she had one child,--Ishmael,--who was born in Adams 
township in May 1870, and died in infancy.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one 
child--Letitia--who was born in 1884, on the Dana farm in Waterford 
township, and is now living in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania.
     Mr. Smith came from England to the United States in 1870, and located 
on the Shaw farm, in Waterford township, where he remained two years.  He 
then managed the Dana farm for twenty-one years, or until 1884.  At present 
he is living two miles southeast of Beverly, where he owns a farm of 40 
acres, which he successfully operates.  He is very well informed on 
agricultural matters, and has had a long experience in farming.  He is a 
member of the Episcopal Church, and his wife attends the Christian church. 
Mr. Smith is a member of the Beverly lodge of Odd Fellows.  Politically, he 
is a Republican.  Both he and his wife stand very high in the community, 
where they have many friends.
=======================================================================================


Tragedy helps Date Underground Railroad Activity

Written by Henry Burke
burkeh@charter.net

     This is a revision of an original article I wrote some time ago from 
some sketchy information tat was gathered here and there.  To me the 
importance of this article was not eh names of individuals involved so much 
as the fact that this story is the earliest escape of fugitive slaves from 
across the Ohio River in Virginia that I have found to date.
     Some descendants of Joseph Tomlinson (II) read the article as I had 
originally written it, and they gave me more accurate information about the 
incident than my original article had produced.  This is a corrected version 
of this important incident, along with some additional information of 
interest.

     In 1800 there were 61 slaves listed in Wood County, Virginia, and 257 
slaves in Ohio County.  As this story unfolds in 1804, Joseph (II) owned a 
plantation at the Flats of Grave Creek in Ohio County, Virginia, 
(Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia since 1863), and also he owned 
a farm at William's Station, Wood County, Virginia, across the Ohio River 
from the mouth of the Muskingum River.  Joseph Tomlinson (III worked his 
slaves on both his properties, taking them up and down the Ohio River as 
needed.
     In 1804, while working at William's Station farm, two of Joseph 
Tomlinson's slaves ran away, one named Mike and the other unnamed.  They 
crossed the Ohio River at Marietta, and traveled about forty miles north of 
the Muskingum River to a place called Owl Creek, where they stopped at a 
homestead owned by William Craig.  Indications are that the fugitive slaves 
had settled in and had been working for William Craig for some time.  Joseph 
Tomlinson II got word about the location of the two errant slaves from a man 
traveling down the Muskingum River by canoe.
     Joseph Tomlinson (II), accompanied by his son Robert and three of his 
sons in-law, immediately left Virginia, and traveled up the Muskingum River 
to retrieve their fugitive slaves.
     William Craig spotted the slave owner coming and gave the alarm.  The 
two slaves started running away, but Robert Tomlinson was very swift of foot 
and soon overtook Mike.  Robert knocked Mike to the ground by using his 
rifle as a club.  When Mike regained his feet, Robert again knocked him to 
the ground.  Robert and Mike were reported to have been about the same age, 
and raised together at the Flats of Grave Creek.  The harsh treatment 
inflicting upon Mike by Robert enraged Mike.  After repeatedly being knocked 
down by Robert, Mike pulled a knife from his belt and stabbed Robert 
Tomlinson.  Robert reportedly ran back to his father and cried out, "Father 
he has killed me."  Then he died.
     The other fugitive slave, who remains unnamed, managed to escape, but 
Mike was captured by Joseph Tomlinson II.  After burying Robert, the slave 
hunters took Mike and started back across country headed east toward Grave 
Creek, Virginia.  The first night, they camped three miles west of 
Cumberland at a place called Negro Run.  While there they were joined by two 
of their neighbors back in Ohio County, Virginia named Mr. Reeve and Mr. 
Cockayn, who were on their way to Kentucky on business.
     Both Reeve and Cockayn witnessed Joseph Tomlinson II execute Mike at 
Negro Run.  Mr. Reeve and Mr. Cockayn then reported this murder to 
authorities in Muskingum County, Ohio and a corner's inquest was held by 
Henry Smith, Esq. of Putnam, Ohio.  Governor, Edward Tiffin, was notified 
and he sent a written notice to the Virginia Attorney General requesting 
that Joseph Tomlinson II be extradited back to Ohio for an inquest, but the 
request was denied.
     Mike was never given a proper burial, instead his bones was buried in a 
shallow grave.  Eventually his bones were dug up by animals and scattered 
around the area where he had been killed, according to Mr. Reeve, who clamed 
to have seen the bones on many occasions when he camped at that spot.
     In 1835, after Joseph Tomlinson II had been dead for about a decade, 
his wife Elizabeth emancipated all of their slaves.  So in the very early 
days of slavery in western Virginia, a needless tragedy struck down two 
young men on the Muskingum River Underground Railroad Trail!
     Because numerous fugitive slaves, mainly from Virginia, used the 
Muskingum River as an escape route to Canada, this story about the beginning 
of the Underground Road north of the Ohio River is very important in 
establishing an approximate date for the beginning of fugitive slave traffic 
on Ohio's Underground Railroad, even though the escape did not yet extend 
north to Canada!.

To read more about the Underground Railroad in Washington County, Ohio, be 
sure to visit Henry Burke's website at this link:
http://henryburke1010.tripod.com/index.html
=======================================================================================


William Philip Cole & Louisa Shields 50th Wedding Anniversary

Marietta Times
December 11, 1890

Wedding Anniversary,
Cole-Shields
MARRIED 50 YEARS - 1840-1890

     November 24th 1840, Mr. W. P. Cole and Miss Louisa Shields were married 
at Watertown, this county--they at once began housekeeping on a farm about 
two miles above Belpre on the Ohio river, where they have continued to 
reside over since.
     November 24th, 1890 their children with their families, and a few near 
relatives and neighbors met at their home, to celebrate their "Golden 
Wedding."  The day was pleasant as June and was most highly enjoyed by all; 
music, vocal and instrumental, was furnished by Miss Linnie Knowles and 
others at the piano, and Mr. C. Ballard with violin.  Their daughter in-law, 
Mrs. Anna Cole gave appropriate recitations in her usual happy manner.
     At 2 P.M. a most excellent dinner was served;  those at the head table 
with the "Bride and Groom." ate from a dainty china set of dishes a present 
from Mr. Cole to his wife, 50 years ago.  The condition of these frail 
dishes after so long use, would shame the carelessness of many housekeepers 
of the present day.
     Mr. and Mrs. Cold have fair health, and with the exception of the loss 
of sight by Mr. Cole, they enjoy the afternoon of life in its full measure; 
thought he as been blind a number of years, Mr. Cole can yet see, in memory, 
the faces of his old friends, and his little grand-children, whose faces he 
never saw, are easily distinguished by the touch of this hand, and each 
one's voice is familiar to his ear.
     All their living children and grand-children were with them on this 
occasion.
     The following verses, written by a near neighbor, were read by Mrs. D. 
D. Knowles:

     Full fifty years their course have run,
    Since these two paths have merged in one;
    Full fifty years of care and pain
    With blessings oft for glad refrain.

    Nine times have cradled hopes been prest
    Beneath the shelter of their nest,
    Four times has Death with loving Hand
    Transplanted one to the Spirit Land.

    Four times with marriage rings they meet
    And fill their number thus complete,
    Five daughter and four sons to-day
    Will gather here for Holiday.

    From other homes, five prattling tongues
    With joyous feet to Grandpa's come
    And join to bless the meeting day
    That now is fifty years away

    These golden days have quickly sped,
    Put silver crowns upon their heads,
    Now here they sit with darkening eyes
    With eager questions and replies.

    To wait that last and known event,
    For which our lives on earth are sent,
    In hopes with spirit eyes to see
    The Blessings of Eternity.

    There again will the children meet
    With joys renewed at Grandpa's feet
    Where he shall see and know their call.
    A happy meeting for them all.

     After enjoying the entire day, their friends bid the aged couple 
good-bye, hoping thy might enjoy many more returns of this so pleasant an 
anniversary.
So may be it.        "X"
=======================================================================================


1874 Death of Louis Coss/Cross

Steubenville Daily Herald
Steubenville, Ohio
December 3, 1874
Vol. 28. - No. 186
Front Page, Col. 5

     A Marietta, Ohio, special says in an affray on Tuesday, between LOUIS 
COSS and NELSON M. CLARKE, the latter was dangerously cut by the former, and 
as alleged, in self-defense, struck CROSS upon the head with a fence rail, 
killing him instantly.


---NOTE:  Not sure if the Louis mentioned above is COSS or CROSS.  Typed as 
it appeared in the newspaper.
=======================================================================================



July 1878 Family Register
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, DEATHS, ESTATES

The Marietta Register
July 18, 1878
Page 3;  Col. 5
[Names are capitalized for easy identification]

FAMILY REGISTER

BIRTHS
     HARRIS - On Cow Run, July 12th, a son to Mr. and Mrs. JESSE HARRIS.
     FOLLETT - in this city, July 10th, a son to Hon. M. D. FOLLETT and 
wife.

MARRIAGES
     CREWSON-DANLEY - July 9th, by E. I. PARSONS J. P. at the residence of 
the bride's mother, in Vincent, Ohio.  Mr. STEWART E. CREWSON, to Miss IDA 
l. DANLEY, both of Vincent.
     SEEVERS-BELL - At the residence of the bride's father in Harmar, July 
3d, by Rev. W. T. LEWIS, Mr. LORENZO SEEVERS to Miss MARIA BELL.
     GRATEY-HENDERSHOT - In Marietta, July 3d, by Rev. J. W. RIDDLE, Mr. WM. 
GRATEY, of Parkersburg, W. Va., to Miss MARY J. HENDERSHOT of Marietta.
     SAYERS - RITCHIE - July 13th[?] [could read 18th], by a. G. HOLISTER, 
J. P., Mr. ASHER SAYERS to Miss VIOLA RICHIE ['T' is omitted], both of 
Dunham township.
     WILSON - HENRY - July 11, by Rev. H. P. MASON, MR. AMOS WILSON to Miss 
LOTTA HENRY, both of Coal Run.

DEATHS
     McBEE - In Ludlow, July 8th[?]  [hard to read. could be 9th], ROBERT, 
infant son of Mr. and Mrs. FRANKLIN McBEE.
     BEEBE - In Waterford, July 15, at 7 o'clock, a.m. , SALLIE, wife of G. 
W. BEEBE, in her 58 year, of paralysis.
     GETTINGS - In Watertown township, July 7th, Mrs. FERNA O. GETTINGS, 
aged 70 yrs.  Washington, D. C., Clarksburg, W., Va., and Zanesville, O., 
papers, please copy.
     COLE - In this city, July 12, AMY, wife of SAMPSON COLE in her 78th 
year.

ESTATE OF STEPHEN SCHMIDT
     Notice is hereby given that the undersigned has been appointed as 
Executor of the estate of STEPHEN SCHMIDT, late of Washington County, Ohio, 
deceased.
     Dated this 12 day of July, A. D. 1878.
July 8-3w    --JACOB BROWN
=======================================================================================


The 1884 Flood

Denton Journal
Denton, Maryland
February 16, 1884
Pg. ? Col 2

BURIED UNDER THE OHIO RIVER
Thousands of People Driven From Their Homes By The Flood

     It is impossible to picture the terrible nature of the flood which is 
now raging on the Ohio river.  For miles and miles along its banks villages 
and towns are under water.  From Pittsburg the river, on its way to the 
Mississippi, skirts the States of Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana and 
Illinois.  Scores of rivers are emptying the waters of half a dozen States 
into the Ohio and swelling it beyond all precedent.  The highest ark ever 
before reached--that of the flood of last year, 68 feet 6/12 inches--is 
eclipsed, for on Wednesday afternoon the river reached the 70 foot mark and 
still kept on climbing upward.  In Cincinnati and suburbs over five thousand 
houses are more or less submerged by the flood.  A number of houses have 
already toppled over and are kept from floating off by being anchored to 
more permanent structures neared the shore.
     The correspondent of the Philadelphia Times telegraphs from Marietta 
that he has just made the dangerous trip from Wheeling to Marietta in an 
open boat.  The scene presented was one of ruin and desolation.  The 
beautiful valley is a graveyard of wrecked homes, desolated farms and ruined 
fortunes.  The small towns have suffered most.  Benwood, W. Va., is totally 
submerged and the wretched people are shivering in box cars on the 
hillsides.  New Martinsburg, capital of Wetzel county, shows nothing but 
housetops.  Several lives have been lost and large numbers of valuable 
cattle.  The citizens have plated cannon on the hilltop and fire a volley 
into every steamboat that passes.  They do this on grounds that the waves 
made by the boats topple building from the foundations.  Half a dozen pilots 
have been severely wounded and a number of passengers injured.
     Conckransville is washed out.  The pretty little town has but three 
houses left.  Five hundred people on the hills are depending on charity for 
daily bread.  Marietta has two thousand five hundred people in destitute 
circumstances.  The number of needy persons increases each day.  Two 
thousand dollars has been furnished by the government but that will not go 
far.  The whole country for miles is in a like condition.  The loss in 
Washington county is estimated at $2,000,000.  No aid can come from the 
surrounding country.  Marietta is the oldest city in Ohio and is probably 
the heaviest sufferer.  The number of homes demolished cannot be counted. 
Four hundred housed floated past in a single day.
     Belpre opposite the historic island of Blennerhassett, had every store 
and mill carried away.  On every island as far up as Wheeling hang clusters 
of houses, barns, spans of bridges, oil tanks and cars.  The Ohio Railroad, 
which has just been completed between Parkersburg and Wheeling, was washing 
away for miles by the waves.  Sections of it are lodged on the Ohio hills. 
Every hollow is filled with floating cars.
=======================================================================================


1888 - Obituary of Diantha Cole Deming

Marietta Times
Thursday, January 31, 1888:

IN MEMORIAM
     Diantha Cole, beloved wife of Mr. James H. Deming, of Constitution, 
died Sunday evening, Dec. 30, 1888.  Mrs. Deming was born Oct. 21, 1808, 
near her present home at Constitution.  She had been sick for several months 
and was thought to be better, until a short time before she closed her 
loving eyes in death and looked for the last time on those she loved; dear 
husband, four daughters, two sons and sister, who stood around her bed; 
'twas hard to _____that loving wife and mother, pass away from earth.  Thus 
ends a life of one who was ever as affectionate wife, a kind and loving 
mother, she was a member of the Universalist church for several years.  Drs. 
Deming was highly respected by all who knew her, none knew her but to love 
her.  On that bright New Year's morning long before the appointed time for 
the sermon to begin, all the rooms wee crowded with friends and relatives at 
the old home, anxious to look for the last time on one who had lived for 
over 80 years among them, now calmly sleeping in death.  And as the choir 
sang, "Weep not for me, my friends, " there was not one who did not weep. 
Rev. Lusk, of Marietta, preached the funeral sermon.  she was buried in the 
old family Cemetery, at Gravel Bank, followed by a large precession of 
mourning relatives and friends.  The family has the sympathy of the 
community in their sad loss.
     A previous one from us is gone,
     A voice we loved is stilled;
     A place is acant in her home
     Which never can be filled.

    God in His goodness has recalled,
    The boon His love had gives;
    And thought the body moulders here,
    The soul is safe in Heaven.

    Jesus, while our hearts are bleeding,
    O'er the spoils that death has won;
    We would at the solemn meeting,
    Calmly say, --Thy will be done.

    Though cast down, we're not forsaken,
    Though afflicted, not alone'
    Thou did'st give, and Thou hast taken,
    Blessed Lord, Thy will be Done.

                                           A FRIEND
=======================================================================================



1895 Obituary of Abigail Gray

Bangor Daily Whig and Courier
Bangor, Maine
Friday, October 4, 1895
Page ? Col. 3

ABIGAIL GRAY
An Old Resident of Lynn, Dead
     LYNN, Mass., Oct. 3.  Mrs. Abigail Gray, 93 years of age, is dead.  She 
was born in Gloucester, the daughter of Capt. Samuel Pearson, who was lost 
at sea when she was four years of age.  Her mother met a violent death soon 
after.  She came to Lynn in early life and married Austin Gray who came from 
Marietta, Ohio, on horseback, the entire way.  She was the mother of several 
children.
=======================================================================================



1896 Oil Tanks Destroyed on the Racer Farm at Sand-Hill

The Daily Herald
Delphos, Ohio
Thursday Evening, July 16, 1896
Vol. III.  No. 7   Col. 5     (cost of this newspaper was 3 cents)
Front Page

OIL TANKS DESTROYED
Effects of a Thunderstorm in and Near Marietta, Ohio
     MARIETTA, O., July 16--This city and vicinity was visited yesterday by 
a severe thunderstorm.  The lightning struck an oil rig on the Racer farm at 
Sand Hill, one mile east of the city, setting fire to it and to tanks of 
oil, all of which were consumed.
     The fire was communicated to the Rock Oil company's well on the Scott 
farm and destroyed another derrick and tow more tanks of oil.  In all 600 
barrels of oil were consumed.  The tanks on the Racer farm belonged to the 
Racer Oil company.  The lightning also struck the fine new Willard school 
building in this city, doing considerable injury.
=======================================================================================




1901 Death of Florence Chidester

Oakland Tribune
(Oakland, California)
January  7, 1901

BOY MURDERS HIS SISTER
His Parents Prostrated and Mother May Die
---Associated Press Dispatches by The Tribune's Special Leased Wire.
     MARIETTA, Ohio, Jan 7.--During the absence of WILLIAM CHIDESTER and his 
wife from their home on the river near here, Thomas, a 9 year old son, shot 
and killed his sister FLORENCE, age 14.  No reason is known.
     He apparently does not realize the enormity of his crime, and fought 
for possession of the gun when a neighbor arrived.
     The parents are prostrated, and the mother may die.
=======================================================================================



Death Notice of William J. Jewell

Oakland Tribune
(Oakland, California)
January 7, 1901
Pg. 4 Col. 2

     G. A. R. MAN IS KILLED BY TRAIN
     MARIETTA, Ohio, April 11.--MAJOR WILLIAM J. JEWELL, on of the most 
widely known G. A. R. men of Ohio was instantly killed by a train here 
today.  With CECIL GARNDER he was in automobile.  The machine had passed 
safely ahead of an incoming train, when MAJOR JEWELL, becoming excited, 
jumped and fell under the train.
=======================================================================================



Email -  MUSKINGUM RIVER DESIGNATD OHIO WATER TRAIL

From:
Rosalie Lucas Hartinger
Gulfport, Florida
BocaCiega59@cs.com

Hi Henry (and others)....if you haven't already come across the article in 
the Weds., July 19, 2006 issue of PERRY COUNTY TRIBUNE, New Lexington, Ohio, 
pg. 12, here are some of the highlights:

"The historic, 112 mile Muskingum River in southeast Ohio became the state's 
second water trail today, following designation  by the Ohio  Dept. of 
Natural Resources (ODNR)...........................The Muskingum River, the 
longest navigable river that lies completely within Ohio, flows from 
Coshocton to Marietta  through four counties and some of the state's most 
picturesque scenery.  Two hundred years ago the river was a pathway carrying 
settlers into frontier Ohio and the Northwest Territory.  It remains an 
important link to the state's heritage, with its 10 hand-operated wooden 
locks, developed in the early 1800s, still in service today.  This unique 
lock and dam system has been designated a National Civil Engineering 
Landmark.  Earlier this year, the lock system joined the National Register of 
Historic Places.  In coming weeks the National Park Service is expected to 
designate the river as the nation’s first National Historic Navigation 
District........................

Since in our particular family five (5) LUCAS blacksmiths/shipbuilders came 
from Hartford/Middletown, Connecticut after the Rev. War and each took up 
100 acres of free Donation Lands, at Marietta, Northwest Territory, late 
1700s (if promised to clear the land and protect the colony), there were many 
more who did so, too, of course, since the territory eventually encompassed 
land in six states, and constituted the beginning of our country's push 
westward.

Rosalie Lucas Hartinger
Gulfport, Florida
BocaCiega59@cs.com
=======================================================================================



WHAT'S NEW .......

1870 School Agreement Contract - HANNAH VINTON - Dunham Twp.
School Directors were:  W. P. Cole, B. E. Tilton, and John Mankins.  View a 
copy of the 'orginial' handwritten agreement by clicking this link:
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/n/i/t/Debra-Nitsche/PHOTO/0127photo.html


While in Marietta, I stopped by the Washington County, Ohio Genealogy 
Library.  While there,  I copied 2 pages (pages 262,263) of the 'original' 
tax records from the book:  1839 Treasure's Duplicate.   This book is 
recorded by Township, and then in ABC order of everyone taxed in each 
Township.  These pages are part of Warren Township.

Of the people mentioned on these two pages in WARREN township,  are the 
names of   Daniel Cutler;  Thomas Coles;  John P. Cushman;  John Cole Junr; 
George W. Delavergue;  John Delavergue;  George Dunlevy & heirs;  George 
Dana;  Thomas Delano;  Amos Delano's heirs;  Benjamin Dana;  Soloman Drown; 
Dana & Roosevelt;  Stephen Davis;  Nathaniel Dodge's Estate;  John Dodge; 
A. Dunham & R. D. Hollister;  James H. Deming;  Joel Dodge;  Samuel 
Ellenwood;  William Edgar's heirs;  Francis Faris;  Erastus Flint;  William 
Fraser's heirs;  Henry Fearing;  Joseph Fulcher;  Isaac French & Electa 
French;  Lewis Finch;  Charles Fowler;  Paul Fearing's heirs;  John B. 
Francis:  James Fraser;  Mathew Faris.
Each pages gives the following information for each person:

    OWNERS NAME:
    NO OF ACRES IN THE LOT:
    NO OF THE LOT:
    SITUATED IN R:     T:     S:
    NO OF ACRES TAXED:
    VALUE:
    VALUE OF HOUSES, MILLS &C:
    PART:
    STATE & CANAL:
    CO SCHOOL & POOR:
    ROAD TAX:
    TOTAL:
    DELIQIS:

If anyone is researching any of these people, and would like me to send you 
the information, please let me know.
Diamonddeb@comcast.net


My family history database has been updated.  It contains many of the early 
settlers of WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO -- Lots of information about the 
families of Mankins,  Johnson,  Cole,  Green(e),  Dodge,  McNeal,  Beebe, 
Parke,  Mason,  Coburn,  Noland,  Beagle,  Farnsworth,  Harden,  Spencer And 
"MANY" Allied Families. -22 Generations  - 1126 Surnames - 5875 Individuals
http://wc.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=diamonddeb
=======================================================================================


Sites Worth Checking Out

I still get a few emails from time to time with people asking me about the 
PBS documentary that was made into a DVD about the settlement of Marietta 
and the Northwest Territory.  The documentary is titled "OPENING THE DOOR 
WEST"  The story of the Ohio Company and the first legal American settlement 
of the Northwest Territory.
Be sure to click on the MENU on the left hand side of the screen to view 
various sections of the website, plus where to order your copy of the DVD or 
video tape.
http://www.openingthedoorwest.com/index.htm
Marietta Online has a special 6 minute preview on their website.
Click this link    http://www.mariettaonline.com/ohiocompany/preview.php

Deb Murray's site:
     Washington County, Ohio Biographies
     http://members.tripod.com/debmurray/ohio/wasohbio.htm
          More Washington Co. Bios By Surname
          http://members.tripod.com/debmurray/ohio/wasbiosur.htm

Genealogy of Mathew Kerr
http://www.genealogyboard.com/karr/messages/274.html
=======================================================================================


Do you have an article or biography that you would like to summit to the 
Newsletter?   Would you like to see a certain topic featured?   Any 
pre-published items submitted must be before 1923 because of copyright laws. 
Feel free to send your articles and/or requests and I will add them to the 
upcoming editions.


All Newsletters are written and sent by email in "html" format.  If you 
cannot view any of the bold print, photos or 'click' the Links that are in 
every newsletter, you are receiving it in the "plain text" format.  In order 
to view this Newsletter in it's 'original' format, please adjust your 
settings.  If you do not know how to do this, Email me, and I will be glad 
to take you through the steps of getting it done.  All Newsletters are 
archived in the 'plain text' format.  That means, once it is archived, there 
will be no photos, or bold print and you must copy and paste the 'Links' in 
your browser.

Debbie (Noland) Nitsche
Diamonddeb@comcast.net

Washington County, Ohio Historical & Genealogy "LINKS"
http://hometown.aol.com/washcohistory/Intropage1.html

History & Genealogy of Washington County, Ohio
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/n/i/t/Debra-Nitsche//


To view past editions (with Index) of this newsletter visit: 
http://hometown.aol.com/washcohistory/page6.html