About this time there was some rivalry among the families in the village and J. B. Hulburt, who had been a teacher in one of the neighboring township schools, was placed in charge of another tuition school known as Belpre Seminary.
Through efforts of W. W. Northrup, Esq., a special school district was organized in Belpre Village in 1872, and W. W. Northrup, N. B. Adams, and C. A. Brown were chosen a Board of Education. This Board organized a High School with J. B. Hulburt as principal and Mary Barkley, Edna Hubbard and Parks S. Browning, assistants.
The following year Prof. E. S. Cox became superintendent of the schools and principal of the High School. He graded the village schools, systemized the course of study, and thoroughly organized the several departments and so prepared the schools for greater usefulness. Mr. Cox was an eminent teacher for many years.
Mr. L. D. Brown was superintendent in 1874. This gentleman was afterwards superintendent of schools in the state and still later was President of the State University of Nevada. It is pleasant to record that Belpre contributed her mite in preparing Mr. Brown for greater usefulness.
Previous to this time the village schools were held in the frame building now occupied as a dwelling by Dr. Charles Goodno. The size and importance of these schools increased so rapidly that in 1875 the citizens decided to construct a new and more extensive building of brick. This was completed at a cost of about $10,000 and the following year was occupied by the schools.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
The first death in Belpre was that of Captain Zebulon King who was murdered by Indians May 1st, 1789 while clearing the land on his claim. The place of his burial is unknown. It is probable that his body and those of several others who died during the first decade were buried in private grounds. A cemetery was laid out very early on the bluff a little below the site of the first log meeting house, as this was about half a mile above Farmers Castle it seems probable it was not laid out until after the Indian War. Here are graves of most of the first settlers although a part of the original ground has been carried away by the river. The following inscriptions from the old cemetery were obtained by E. B. Dana for A. T. Nye, Esq., previous to 1881.
(1) - Over (or near?) this spot were buried Capt. King, Jonas Davis, Mrs. Armstrong and her three children, all of whom were massacred by the Indians in this vicinity. Mrs. Armstrong and her children on the Virginia shore, during the years 1791-5. This stone is erected to rescue their names and fate from oblivion. Erected by George Dana, 1836.
(2) - To the memory of Col. Daniel Bent a native of Mass. who died April 4, 1848. Aged 74 years.
Mary, wife of Col. Daniel Bent died June 10, 1851 in the 84th year of her age.
(3) - Jonathan Stone, who departed this life March 24, 1801, in the 60th year of his age. A Captain and an active officer in the American Revolutionary War, one of the first settlers of this town. An affectionate husband, a tender parent, beloved and respected by all who knew him.
(4) - Captain William Dana, a revolutionary soldier, born in Massachusetts, emigrated to the west in 1788, and settled in Belpre. Died in 1809 aged 69 years. Captain Dana spent a part of the first year in Marietta, went to Belpre in 1789.
Mary, wife of Captain William Dana, a native of Massachusetts died in 1852, aged 79 years.
(5) - In memory of William Browning a native of Massachusetts whence he emigrated to the then western wilderness in 1789. He lived to behold, and contributed in causing these valleys to give place to the arts and comforts of civilized life. Died August 1825 aged 56.
In memory of Abigail Browning, wife of William Browning and daughter of General Rufus Putnam, who departed this life February 24, 1803, aged 35.
In memory of Mary Browning, wife of William Browning Esq., formerly wife of Peregrene Foster, Esq., who died September 1825, aged 65 years.
(6) - Persis Howe, wife of Perley Howe, and daughter of Rufus Putnam (whose dust lies here) died Sept. A. D. 1822 aged 55 years.
(7) - In memory of Jonathan Haskell, a native of Massachusetts, who departed this life December 6, 1810 in the 62nd year of his age.
(8) - In memory of Daniel Loring, who died 31st July 1825, aged 73 years.
In memory of Mrs. Lucy Loring consort of Daniel Loring, Esq., who died 8th of September, aged 75 years.
(9) - In memory of Major Robert Bradford who died September 11, 1822 in the 72nd year of his age, was a revolutionary officer and one of the first settlers in this county.
Captain and Mrs. Benjamin Miles were buried in this cemetery but their graves could not be found.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
The complete list of officers and soldiers of the Revolution buried in Belpre so far as known is as follows:
(1) - Captain William Dana of Charleston or Worcester Mass.
(2) - Major Jonathan Haskell born in Massachusetts. Commissioned Major in the regular service. Stationed at Marietta 1791. Died 1810 aged 62 years.
(3) - Colonel Nathaniel Cushing; born near Boston, Mass.
(4) - Colonel Israel Putnam, born Salem, Mass. Served in regiment with his father General Israel Putnam.
(5) - Captain Jonathan Stone. Born Braintree, Mass. Served in Northern army under Gen. Rufus Putnam and General Gates.
(6) - Colonel Alexander Oliver of Massachusetts.
(7) - Colonel Daniel Bent of Massachusetts.
(8) - Sherafiah Fletcher, soldier, Lowell, Mass.
(9)-Major Oliver Rice, Massachusetts.
(l0) - Captain Benjamin Miles, Rutland, Mass.
(ll) - Major Robert Bradford, Plymouth, Mass. Lineal descendant of Governor Bradford.
(12) - Captain Zebulon King of Rhode Island, killed by Indians in 1789 (old cemetery.)
(13) - Peregrene Foster from Rhode Island.
(14) - Noah Sparehawk.
These men were not only among the heroes who, by their sacrifices, gave us the best country in the world, they were the pioneers of our favored town of Belpre. They deserve to be honored by their successors to the latest time.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
The citizens of Belpre should secure the old cemetery from all encroachments by a strong and durable fence and the ground should be kept in such order that when the sons and daughters of Belpre shall visit their old homes they may not only walk among the graves of the honored dead but may also tell their friends how faithfully the memory of these heroes is kept fresh by the care of their resting place.
The first deaths in the Lower Settlement (Newbury) were Mrs. Brown and child and Persis Dunham murdered by Indians who were buried on the farm of Truman Guthrie near the river. Burials were made near this spot until about 1825 when this cemetery was abandoned on account of occasional floods and another opened on higher ground near the school house. In 1871 the tomb stones were removed from the old cemetery and a marble monument was erected bearing this inscription.
"Anthony Spacht and wife Catharine, Hannah, wife of Joseph Guthrie, Stratton, Leavens, Bliss, Dunham, one woman and two children killed by Indians; these and some names not now remembered died and were buried on this spot between 1790 and 1810. Erected by some of their descendants as a token of their memory. Erected in 1871."
There is a small neighborhood cemetery about one and one-half miles north of Porterfield station, used by families in the vicinity.
The principal cemetery, now used by nearly the whole township, is known as the Rockland cemetery. This was laid out about 1821 and the old brick meeting house stood within its bounds. After the organization of the Center Belpre Church this building fell to them and after the erection of their house at Porterfield the old brick was demolished. It is quite generally conceded that this was a mistake for a. chapel is needed in every considerable cemetery where services may be held for strangers and for bodies brought from a distance, and the old building was well adapted in size and locality for that purpose.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
ROLL OF HONOR We have found it very difficult to secure a complete list of those who have entered the United States Service. A part of these have volunteered at different times and a part have been drafted. There are four post offices in the township and by our method of distributing mail persons do not all receive mail from the town in which they live. We are glad to give the Roll of Honor as complete as we have been able to make it.
Harry Abbott Arthur Abbott Harry Anderson James E. Anderson Other Anderson William Atkinson Brodie Baker William Bacon Dennis V. Bailey Anvil Clair Bradley George Baum Daniel Berry Charles Brownfield Earnest W. Brownfield Frank Browning Dallas Earl Bliss Lysle Bliss Peter Boyd I van Brick Ralph Brackney Donald Campbell John Campbell Bertran Cillis Robert Cook Fred Cook Charles Costolo George Costello Loring E. Coo Charles Covey John Kenneth Christopher LeRoy A. Criss Loring Criss William T. Criss Clifford Cunninghom Lockwood Dana Charles R. Delo Frederic Dressel Harry Dressel Dean Davis Glen DeVol Earl Dugan John Coggshall Dutton John Dexter Howard Dugan Putnam Druley Roscoe Fore Wheatley Frashure Walt Fluhardy Ralph Gainor E. Creel Gainor, Lieut. James Gandee, Lieut. Clifford Gainor Arthur Glazier, Lieut. Willard Garrett Raymond Goodno Owen Gray Vernon Gray Roy Haddox Reed Haddox James Houser Raymond Hawk George Hall Robert Hines Clarence Hilferding William Hunter Stewart Hobensack Chester Hupp Earnest Hupp J. David Hupp William Hupp Vernon Hull Ray Hickman ___ Hill Russell Jackson George E. Jolley, Lieut. Ogle Jober Roy Kraft Blair Kimes Joseph Kirker James Kesterson Robert Kesterson Otto Leach John Leach Emmet Leach Ray Sinza Lee J rovanni A. Liberatore George Crocket Lynn William McDonald Clifford Matheny Dow Matheny Clair Matheny Wade Matheny Edward D. Matheny George Lewis Maley Earl Clifford Mars Benjamin F. Milton Charles M. Mulligan William P. Mulligan James Nolan Herman Nusum Lewis M. Nicholas Gordon Packard Dale Packard Harold Packard Carl Packard George Packett George Pope George Potter Galen Virgil Phelps Charles H. Pryor Edward Pryor, Jr. Rodney Pryor Ray Pennybacker Cecil B. Pride Eugene Ramsey Tennie Roberts LeRoy Roberts Clyde Robinson Elmer E. Robinson Everett Ross Clyde Ross Frank Riffle Neal Riffle Charles Scott Robert Shaw Calvin Squires Ralph Stribbling Earnest Stephens Guy Stephens Homer Stephens Clifford Statts George Bennett Stone Harry S. Sprague David A. Swesey Raymond Sheppard Lewis Tippie David Thomas Leslie Turner Stone Trautman Lester Tompkins Henry A. Thorn Everett Ullom Harry R. VanDyke Raymond VanMeter Carl Valentine Samuel Ward John Weaver Pearl A. Weaver John Worcester Raymond Wallace George Wallace Frank Wigner Ray Wigner James Webster Robert Weight Henry Wise
When fighting ceased November 11, 1918, as a result of the Armistice, part of these men were in France and part were still in training cantonments in this country.
The first man from Belpre who fell as a martyr to the cause of world freedom was John Kenneth Christopher who was killed at Chateau Thierry. A little later Frank Browning died in hospital from Pneumonia induced by a gun shot wound. These were our martyrs.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
This account of Mr. Loring is taken from Williams’ History of Washington County, page 524
Daniel Loring, the father of the Loring family of this county emigrated from Massachusetts to Ohio during the early period of settlement. He had married, at Sudbury, Massachusetts, in ''Way Side Inn," a Miss Howe, one of the family which for generations had presided at that historic place, now celebrated in American poetry. She died before the settlement of Marietta, leaving three children who accompanied their father to the west, viz: Isreal, Charlotte, (wife of A. W. Putnam) and Ezekiel. He married for his second wife, Mrs. Rice of Belpre township, and by her had four children, the youngest of whom was Oliver Rice, whose portrait appears above. Daniel Loring was the head of the church at Sudbury, and after coming to Belpre was commonly known as "Priest Loring." He was one of the founders of Universalism in Belpre and was also prominent among the early Masons. He held the office of Justice of the Peace for nearly two decades. This was at a period when the best and most intelligent men were elected to the magistracy. The death of Daniel Loring occurred during the sickly season of 1822 -3.
Oliver Rice Loring was born June 17, 1790. During his youth he received the best instruction the neighborhood afforded, which at the present day would not be considered more than that of a secondary school. He was sent to Athens a short time to "complete his course" in grammar, Arithmetic, Geography and other common branches. He married for his first wife Fanny Warren and settled on the homestead. She died in 1827, and the following year he married Orinda Howe who was born in 1799 and died in 1889. Mr. Loring held the Office of Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and was highly complimented by older members of the bar as an officer. He held the office of Ensign of Militia about the time of the War of 1812, and at various times local township offices. He was for many years a Whig leader in that end of the County and was one of the council which frequently met in Joseph Holdens Store in Marietta, and was sardonically designated by John Brophy and his Democratic friends as "Joe Holden's Sinate."
Judge Loring was a man of strong sense, and always had a certain influence in the community. He was reserved in his manners, and never sought notoriety. He died November 21, 1873.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Dr. Franklin P. Ames, son of Cyrus and Sarah P. Ames, was born in Belpre, November 6th, 1852. He was descended from Cyrus and Mary Ames who settled in Belpre about 1800. Dr. Ames was a pupil in Belpre Academy before the establishment of the High School, and graduated from Marietta College in 1877. He devoted several years to teaching in Belpre Village High School and in other places, and secured a medical Diploma from Cleveland Homeopathic College. He practiced medicine in Belpre in connection with his farm, though the latter has claimed most of his attention in later years. He was an intelligent and enterprising citizen and held a number of important township and county offices. He was active in the Little Hocking Grange and a Charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of Belpre Village. He was a member and generous supporter of the Universalist Church, also one of the organizers and most faithful supporters of the Belpre Historical Society. When he learned that a History of Belpre was being prepared he was very much interested in its publication and knowing of the present great advance in the cost of both material and labor he donated $100.00 to aid in its publication. Without this timely aid the book would probably not have been published at the present time, perhaps never. The people of Belpre owe a lasting tribute of gratitude to this public spirited citizen who died July 3rd, 1918 before he had seen this book except in manuscript.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Hon. A. W. Glazier was born and reared on a farm near Amesville, Athens County, Ohio. He was educated in the common schools and select schools of that time and was for some time a teacher. While a young man he engaged for three years in general merchandising at Urbana, Ohio. About this time he married Miss Mary Wyatt Hide of Millfield, Athens County, and settled on a farm a half mile south of the village of Amesville. Soon after this he united with the Presbyterian Church and was elected an Elder, which office he held until his removal to Belpre in 1876. In Belpre he became an efficient member of the Congregational Church of which he was deacon, respected and beloved, during the remainder of his life. At one time he engaged for a few years in manufacturing but continued to manage his farm, and considered himself a farmer. He held various official positions at various times, Justice of the Peace, land appraiser, member of the Board of Ohio University at Athens, and represented his district, the fourteenth, in the State Senate for 1886 and 1887. In this capacity he was recognized as a faithful and intelligent legislator. He was a man of strict integrity and sterling character and always interested and active in every movement which promoted a high standard of character. He was active in promoting temperance and every thing that improved the community. October 31st, 1901, Mr. and Mrs. Glazier celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage at which time a host of friends expressed to them their congratulations and good wishes. For ten years he was incapacitated for active duties from an attack of paralysis. His mind was still active and he was a wise counselor in both civil and church matters. He was tenderly cared for by his wife and children until his death in 1908. Mrs. Glazier survived him for several years. She died in 1914.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
George Augustus Howe, a well known and influential citizen of Washington County, was born in Belpre, Oct. 1, 1838, on the old Howe homestead where he has spent his life. His grandfather, Captain Perley Howe, was a native of Killingsley, Conn. and was one of the early settlers in Belpre. He married Persis, daughter of General Rufus Putnam, in 1798. He was commissioned Captain of the First Brigade, Third Division, of Washington County Militia, in 1803. At the time of Aaron Burr's Conspiracy his Company stood guard, and Captain Howe was a juror in the case. He was a teacher for many years, first in the old Stockade at Marietta, and later at Belpre, and often called "Master Howe." He was one of the founders of the Belpre Congregational Church and the first Deacon, an office he held until his death in 1855, at the age of eighty-eight. His son, Rufus William Howe, was born and spent his life on the Howe farm. In his youth he attended Marietta Academy and boarded in the family of his grand-father, Gen. Rufus Putnam. He married Lucy Eastman in 1833. She died September 22, 1834. He married for his second wife, Polly Proctor of Watertown, who was the mother of four children: viz. Joseph Perley, George, Augustus, Rufus William and Persis Putnam. He was a faithful member or the Congregational Church and being gifted as a musician he served as chorister forty-four years. He died July 24th, 1865.
George Augustus Howe, the second son or Rufus William, is the only member of the family now living. Besides the home schools he was educated in Amesville Academy. Plans were perfected for him to enter the law office of Judge Greene at Marietta, but the untimely death of the latter and the failing health of his father made it necessary for him to abandon this cherished hope, and he entered into partnership with his father on the farm.
When President Abraham. Lincoln called for Volunteers at the beginning of the Civil War, 1861, Mr. Howe first entered the service, as a member of the Ohio National Guards, Company A, 46th Regiment, and served on guard duty for three months, after which he was honorably discharged. When President Lincoln issued another call for 200,000 men he again left his crops and aged father, and became a member of Co. H, 148 Regiment, Ohio Volunt.eers, serving faithfully as Corporal, until honorably discharged, September 14, 1864. Only four of one hundred and ten men in his company still survive. Mr. Howe was married to Charlotte Ann Wyatt, of Amesville, October 25, 1865. To them were born five children, Charlotte Wyatt, Mary Emily, Persis Putnam, also Blanche and Jessie who died in infancy; the others still survive. Mrs. Howe died November 5, 1878 and several years later Mr. Howe married Mary Stella Vance Chapman of College Hill, Hamilton County, Ohio, who was very active in the work of the Congregational church and president of its Missionary Society until her death in 1904. Mr. Howe has been a life long and active member and supporter of the Congregational Church and served as one of the Trustees until failing health prevented him from performing this service.
For several years he has been a "shut in" during most of the Winter months but he has a wide reputation for never failing cheerfulness and genuine old time hospitality, and is always interested and willing to aid in whatever makes for the betterment of his fellow men. Mr. Howe died August 10, 1919, while this book was in press.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
George Howe Bower was born September 19, 1892 in Belpre, Ohio, at the home of his grandfather, George A. Howe; and this first home, was ever the dearest spot on earth to him, loving the old farm with a true affection. He found keen enjoyment in everything connected with it and being a lover of nature, he "Found tongues in trees; books in the running brooks; Sermons in stones; and good in everything."
It was in this home that the parents early had the little golden haired boy baptized and consecrated his life to the Master. While quite young he became a follower of Christ, and united with the Presbyterian Church at Sistersville, W . Va. Later when he came to make his home at Parkersburg, W. Va., he united with the Presbyterian Church of that city.
He received most of his education in the Sistersville schools, graduating from the High School with high honors, at the age of eighteen years.
His aspiration and plans were to continue his education at Harvard University; but the great Reaper scarcely permitted the blossom of youth to burst into the flower of manhood, and he went to be with the Great Teacher.
His was a wonderfully active mind, and he was, unusually well informed on the vital topics of the day, the best in literature art, and science.
He was very fond, also, of the biographies of our greatest writers, thinkers, and inventors, reading only the worth-while books and magazines, those which contain food for thought.
After graduation he was employed by the Standard Oil Company. He had a natural aptitude and capacity for business affairs and had his life been spared, he would without doubt, have climbed to the greatest heights of success.
He took his initiatory degree in Masonry at the earliest possible opportunity - the day after he attained the age of twenty-one - when he became a member of Mt. Olivet Lodge, No.3, A. F. and A. M. of Parkersburg, W. Va.
This seemed fitting, since his great, great, great grand father, General Rufus Putnam, was the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge in the State of Ohio, at Marietta, Ohio, and his father, Mr. E. O. Bower was Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of W. Va.
His maternal grandmother was a descendant of Col. John Wyatt of the revolutionary fame.
His maternal grandfather George A. Howe, is one of the leading citizens of Washington County and a descendant of two of the oldest families in the Ohio Valley, numbering among his ancestors, General Rufus Putnam, Father of Ohio, and Perley Howe, who was one of the jurors who tried Aaron Burr for treason.
It was no wonder then, since he had more than proved himself worthy of such noble ancestry, that his heart burned with patriotism at the call of President Wilson for Volunteers in our recent world's conflict, and was only kept from enlisting, by ill health.
Endowed with a cheerful, generous, forgiving disposition, he made hosts of friends, and people in every walk of life, received the little helpful favors and sunny smiles which smoothed out many rough places in life, without his being conscious that he had done anything unusual.
"It's doing the little "extras."
The things we're not asked to do;
The favors that help one's brother,
To trust in God and you.
It's doing, I say, the "extras,"
The things not looked for, you know,
That will bring us our King's kind notice,
A "well done," as on we go. "
Coming in the very morning of life, and cutting short a career that had every promise of marked usefulness and success, his sudden failure in health and his death were a crushing sorrow to his hosts of friends to whom his memory will be filled with the fragrance which arises from the recollection of many loving deeds.
"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not in figures on a dial.
We should count time by heart-throbs; he most lives
Who thinks most, feels the noblest,
Acts the best."
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
MRS. SUSAN D. (WILLIAMS) DICKINSON.
Mrs. Susan D. (Williams) Dickinson was born at Charlemont, Franklin County, Massachusetts, December 27, 1836. She spent her childhood in a country home and was educated in Shellburne Falls Academy and Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. She taught several years in Massachusetts and in Illinois and was married to Rev. C. E. Dickinson, the compiler of this book, Oct. 1st, 1863. For more than half a century she has been a helpmate indeed in his work in the following churches: First Congregational, Oak Park, Ill., First Congregational, Elgin Ins. First Congregational, Marietta, Ohio, First Congregational, Windham, Ohio, Columbia Congregational, Cincinnati, Ohio and First Congregational, Belpre, Ohio. In all these places she has been a leader in Ladies Missionary and other societies. In Marietta she was president of a Chautauqua Circle, and graduated from that institution in 1889. She was a citizen of Belpre for eight years from 1906 to 1914. She was a leader in the Ladies Missionary Society of the Congregational Church and also an eminently successful Adult Bible Class teacher in the Sunday School.
She also furnished several valuable essays for the Woman's Reading Club. She and her husband have resided in Marietta, since 1914. At the ripe age of eighty-three years she is still a comfort and inspiration to her family and friends.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
MRS. NANCY ARMSTRONG Mrs. Nancy Armstrong is of Scotch-Irish descent and was born in the western part of Pennsylvania in 1841. She removed with her parents to Marietta, Ohio in 1854, and was educated in Marietta High School. She taught for some time in the schools of that city, and in 1866 accepted the position of Principal in Belpre Academy, where she continued until the organization of Belpre High School. In 1873 she was joined in marriage with William Armstrong who had been employed in the United States Commissary department during the Civil War and later accepted a position in the First National Bank of Parkersburg, West Va., with which institution he continued forty-five years; Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have lived all this time in Belpre, strongly attached to the village and people and specially to the Congregational Church of which they are active and esteemed members. For most of these years Mrs. Armstrong has been a teacher in the Sunday School and is specially gifted as an Adult Class teacher. She was one of the organizers and still an active member of the Belpre Womans Reading Club," of which she was president for several years. She is also an active member of the Belpre Historical Society. She has made a life long study of science and literature and the results of her extensive reading are a great assistance in the work of these organizations. She is an active member of the Missionary Society and other organizations in her own church, and is also interested and willing to aid other churches and benevolent enterprises which benefit humanity. We hope her useful life may continue many years an example and inspiration to the younger portion of the Community.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio Corporal John Kenneth Christopher, son of Charles S. and Flora Spencer Cb1"istopher, was born July 15th, 1894, and was killed in battle November 1, 1918 at Argonne Forest in the last great drive of the European War. He enlisted June 13th, 1817 at Wheeling, West Virginia, and was transferred to Philadelphia Marine Barracks for training. Five weeks later he was on the way to France where he was enrolled in the 5th Regiment of Marines. February 15, 1918 he went into the trenches with his regiment which won an enviable reputation in the battles of Chateau Thierry, June 6th, also June 21-26, at Soissons July 18-19. St. Mihiel Sector, September 12-16, Argonne Woods, November 1. He was wounded in September and was in hospital for a time, but returned to the regiment in season to be in the fight at Argonne where he gave his life as a sacrifice on the altar of freedom. Corporal Christopher was born and spent his youth in the beautiful Ohio Valley, and was educated in the Belpre Schools. As a lad he was generous, self sacrificing and courageous, and gained many warm friends who anticipated for him a successful career. He became a member of the Congregational Church of Belpre, about three years before his enlistment. In the Sunday School he belonged to a class known as Boy Scouts under the care of Miss Persis P. Howe. Of this class more than twenty were in some branch of service during the war. Letters received from Corporal Christopher indicated that his Christian character was maintained and strengthened by his war experience. He was one of the first men in Belpre to enlist and the first to give his life. Millions of young men were sacrificed during this terrible war and there is mourning in millions of homes, and yet the sorrow is as great in each individual home as though they were the only sufferers, and Belpre should as tenderly cherish the memory of her martyrs as though no other community had been afflicted. February 16th a very interesting and impressive memorial service was held in the Congregational church, and roses and poppies will probably continue to bloom over an unknown grave "Somewhere in France." Corporal John Kenneth Christopher and Frank Browning were Belpre's two martyrs in this war.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio In 1820 a Company of missionary colonists and teachers, on their way by boat to their mission work among the Choctaw Indians stopped for a time at Marietta where the people became very much interested in them and made generous contributions for their work. This company was led by Rev. Cyrus Byington who commenced active life as a lawyer but soon consecrated himself to the work of a Christian minister and prepared for service as a Foreign Missionary. When this company started down the river in their flat boats and passed Belpre Mr. George Dana, Sr., knowing their business wrote in his journal as follows: "The Missionary Boat has arrived from Marietta on her way to the Choctaw Nation. The plan of enlightening the Savages is certainly philanthropic, to say nothing of the importance of giving them the gospel. They are an injured people; have been driven from their rightful possessions by the whites; have became as it were a remnant that will soon be extinguished unless arrested in their downward career; the plan of Missions and schools has been devised for that purpose. Human generosity and justice conspire to dictate its formation. As they become informed they will become amalgamated with the whites, -be brought under the mild sway of our laws, and become a happy and useful people and be an accession to the nation. And who that has experienced the influence of the gospel would not rejoice in assisting to send it to this dark and benighted people? May prosperity attend the Mission." Mr. Dana did not know what influence these missionaries were to exert upon his family during the coming years. Mr. Byington continued this missionary service for nearly half a century, occasionally visiting Marietta and Belpre, where he spoke in the churches and people continued their interest in the work. In 1827 he was married to Miss Sophia Nye of Marietta who for forty years shared with him their arduous and self denying work. In 1852 their daughter, Lucy Byington, born on the Missionary field, was married to Dea George Dana, Jr., and spent the remainder of her life a faithful wife and mother in the Dana home. When her father and mother retired from the Mission after the Civil War in 1866, they came to Belpre and made their home for a time with this daughter. In 1867 Mr. Byington published reminiscences of his work in the New York Observer from which we make the following quotation: "We left Marieta with our hearts greatly refreshed and encouraged in our undertaking. We had heard of the Blennerhassett Island, named for the wealthy gentleman who settled on it, and built his fine palace and out houses there, and who was visited to his ruin by Aaron Burr. We have read Mr. Wirts description of the Island, the house and the family, a description rarely surpassed by our gifted writers. When we passed along we saw his seat in ruins, burned down, the chimneys still standing. Little could I know or think while gazing on these ruins on our way to the Choctaws, that forty-six years after I should retire, wearied and worn, to find a home, a quiet room for prayer and study, on the banks of the Ohio and adjacent to this same Island, and my own daughter, her husband and their children there to welcome me, feed me, nourish and strengthen me, in the hope that I might do a little more for our blessed Saviour. It is even so. It was in that room I revised the translation and reconstructed and wrote out the Choctaw grammar." This grammar was published for its literary merit by the "Pensylvania Historical and Philosophical Society." He also prepared a very complete. Choctaw Dictionary which was published by the "Smithsonian Institute." The fact that the Indians in this country have adopted the English as their written language has prevented the continued use of these books, but they will perpetuate an extinct dialect and are a valuable monument of self-denying missionary labor. In Andover Theological Seminary Mr. Byington was associated with Luther Bingham, Pliny Fisk, Levi Parsons, and others who became eminent in Foreign and Home Missionary Work. He was eminent for his scholarship and devoted piety. A friend wrote of him: "Brother Byington's raiment seemed perfumed with spiritual myrrh, and, like Harlan Page, wherever he went his theme was Jesus and his great Salvation." Aided by his devoted wife, he reduced the Choctaw language to writing and published in it several books including portions of the Scriptures. He received into the Churches nine hundred Christian Choctaws, and to all of these he was a Spiritual father. After retiring to Belpre he purchased and removed to a home in which he died December 31, 1868. Mrs. Sophia Nye Byington spent her last years with her daughter in the Dana home where she died February 4, 1880. Both were buried in Rockland Cemetery. This Providential connection of Belpre with Foreign Missions is interesting and should be remembered by future generations.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio Herbert Spencer Curtis was born in Newbury Ohio, June 6, 1867, and was the son of Austin L. and Betha Putnam Curtis. He was a descendant of two of the pioneer families of Belpre Township who had a leading part in the formation of a State in the wilderness. He selected dentistry as his chosen profession in life and opened an office in Parkersburg, West Virginia where he had a successful practice for about eighteen years. He gave his service freely and generously to many deserving children particularly those in the Children's Home of Parkersburg. He resided several years in Belpre Village where he was a public spirited citizen and gave an earnest support to every enterprise which benefitted the community. He was married in 1904 to Bernice A. Smith of Belpre to whom two sons were born, John Austin, and Henry Starr. Dr. Curtis was a charter member of the Belpre Masonic Lodge No. 609, and also a member of Parkersburg Lodge No. 198, B. P. O. Elks. On July 8th, 1919, Dr. Curtis and his son John Austin were instantly killed on a grade crossing at Little Hocking. They were on their way in an automobile to the Curtis farm in Newbury which they frequently visited. As there were no witnesses to the accident it cannot be described. It was a great shock to the whole community and a loud call for better safeguards at our railway grade crossings. John Austin, eldest son of Herbert S. and Bernice A. Curtis, was born in Parkersburg, May 20, 1906. He was a quiet, lovable boy, a favorite with his companions, a diligent scholar and an omniverous reader. At the time of his death he was a pupil in the Parkersburg Junior High School and gave promise of a bright future career.
A History of Belpre Washington County, Ohio
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C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West Virginia
C. E. Dickinson, D.D.
Published by Globe Printing & Binding Company, Parkersburg, West VirginiaDeb Murray