Ohio Valley News

Excerpts from The Ohio Press, Steubenville, Ohio

1879-1890

EditorÕs note: I abstracted these items from the newspapers in 1987. The purpose was to show my mother the essence of the Ohio Valley in the late 1800s. They were not selected with genealogical research in mind, however, there is a lot of material included that is of interest to researchers. JGD

1879

Fashion

1879–A new material for underclothing is Japanese silk–a soft uncrushable fabric.

Waistcoats reaching to the knee, with large pocket flaps, are among the very latest novelties.

New ulsters are so tight that only the dress skirt can be comfortably worn underneath them.

Flat boas will be again worn as the season advances; they will be trimmed inside with ecru alencon lace and fastened with bows of colored satin ribbon.

The India shawl holds a place of honor among wraps. It drapes gracefully, is harmonious with almost every toilette, and the rich coloring gives an air of distinction to the whole. All kinds are worn, long and square, the striped and the figured styles.

Embroidered Japanese wrappers, down lined and quilted, are an elegant novelty. The front is richly embroidered in shaded blue silks, the embroidery, forming a point on the basque back and reaching to its extremity. The cuffs and pockets are also covered with embroidery.

Cloaks of white lambs' wool cloth are shown for wee toddlers.

October 10, 1879–The Ohio River is lower now than it has been since 1854, with but little prospects of a rise very soon. We noticed the top of a rock sticking above water, the other day, up at Brown's Island that hasn't seen daylight for the last twenty-five years. The hermit can wade the river any place up there. He says some medium-sized catfish undertook to go up through the channel side of the island last Sunday and had to back out again for want of the requisite "wetness."

October 24, 1879–The bed of the river on the Ohio side of Brown's Island is almost dry. All the water could easily pass through a two-inch auger hole, and the boys utilize the sand bars for the purpose of playing ball.

City Council

October 10, 1879–The regular session of city council was held Tuesday night, of this week, with President Munker in the chair. An ordinance for grading Madison and Sherman Avenues was read the second time, and the ordinance for grading the curb line on South Street, from High to Third, was passed. The street commissioner recommended stone crossings to be laid at Sixth and Market, and at the alley on Fifth Street below Market. A resolution was introduced for the codifying of city ordinances, which was carried. Mr. Lewis called attention to the bad condition of Seventh Street between Washington and Market, and that the street commissioner be instructed to repair said street. Mr. Beatty moved to amend by charging the property holders on that part of the street with the improvements. Carried. After a number of bills had been paid, council adjourned.

Iron & Steel

October 17, 1879–The Jefferson Iron Company, of this city, are removing their store from Third Street to Raney, Sheal & Co's new building, North Fourth Street. The old stand was too small for their immense trade. Among the many large rolling mills in operation in the western country, probably none have been more successfully managed than the Jefferson Iron Works, located at Steubenville, Ohio. It is now on full in all departments, double turn, (except the railroad mill) giving steady employment to upwards of 600 men. The present managers, who are all practical iron workers, have kept it running quite steady since they took charge, each giving his personal attention in his special department. They have twenty-two boiling and three heating furnaces on steady, double turn, and are daily producing a large quantity of their well known brand nails. They have two large blast furnaces, but are operating but one stack at present. The other furnace would be put in blast at once if they could get the ore to operate it. They have a shaft just back of the mill from which they daily hoist 7,000 bushels of coal, which is consumed in the mill and manufactured into coke for the blast furnace, having 112 coke ovens in blast. The men in the works are all feeling well over the encouraging prospects of better times. The boilers have received the advance on the scale, which gives them $5.75 per ton, twenty-five cents higher than Pittsburgh prices.

North School

Friday, October 31, 1879–One of the most beautiful as well as the most instructive places to visit in the city is the North Fourth Street school building, with its well arranged, airy and healthful departments for the education of our youth. Its neat, finely kept lawns and well ordered playgrounds, cannot fail to attract the attention of the passerby. The building was completed in 1873 and the school placed under the immediate supervision of Mr. D.W. Matlack, who, with the assistance of an excellent corps of teachers, has done much toward bringing our schools up to their present high standard. Entering the building at the front entrance, we find the primary grades on the right of the main hall, while the intermediate and grammar departments occupy the left hand side and the whole of the second floor. The lowest primary or infant department is in charge of Miss S.F. Brown, whose skill and judgment have so blended the kindergarten and school room that there is just enough of the former to make it attractive and sufficient of the latter to make it beneficial to the children. Miss Anna Cox and Miss McCauslen occupy rooms in the basement, Miss Cox having charge of the highest intermediate department, and Miss McCauslen a division of the primary. The remaining schools of the primary and intermediate departments are in charge of Miss Dora J. Evans, No. 2, Miss Angie Hall, No. 3, Miss Julia Linn, No. 4, Miss Anna Dohrman, No. 5, and Miss Anna Moore, No. 6. These are all experienced and faithful teachers, as a glance at their schools will readily testify. On the second floor are the grammar departments, divided into four separate schools. The D grammar is in charge of Miss Moreland, first C grammar, Miss Hays, second C grammar, Miss Anna Moncrief. The A and B grades are taught by the principal, Mr. Matlack, assisted by Miss Kells. These teachers, like the others, are earnest in their work and seem to have but one object, that of making their schools as nearly perfect as possible. The entire building is heated by steam, and well lighted and ventilated, special attention being given to preserving the health of the children. With her excellent corps of teachers and splendid school building, Steubenville may be justly proud of the advantages which she offers for the education of her youth.

Coal Chute Project

Friday, October 31, 1879–The erection of the immense coal chute over the river, so long talked of, is now a fixed fact, and work was commenced on it Monday morning. The contract for building is in the hands of S. R. Johnson and S. L. Gardner, both of Pittsburgh, who expect to have everything ready for receiving and shipping coal by the first of January next. Owing to the low stage of water in the river, it is almost impossible to procure the necessary lumber, but by an almost superhuman effort enough has been brought through to carry on the work until the river rises. In order to give our readers some idea of the gigantic proportions of this structure, it is only necessary to state that it will require 11,000 cubic yards of stone work and 500,000 feet of lumber to complete it. The necessity for erecting such a large structure at the river is, that the company will be able to stock their coal as it is brought in by the cars, in these chutes, which will save rehandling when they wish to transfer it to barges.

It is proposed by the company to load immense quantities of coal at this port for the lower markets, which will be towed away in barges by powerful towboats. This will add immeasurably to the commercial importance of Steubenville, and the company who are engaged in this big enterprise should receive the full measure of our influence as a city. The "Keystone Coal Company" is the style of the firm engaged in this coal operation and it is composed of some of the heaviest operators about Pittsburgh, such gentlemen as Thos. Fawcett, Captain Hays, Samuel Brown, James Marshall, James Bailey and many others, all highly responsible. Several of their new mines, notably the one at Hanlon's, are about ready to commence shipping, and when everything is in full working order they expect to handle from 40,000 to 50,000 bushels daily.

Sec. Stanton's Daughter

Friday, November 1879–All that remains of the family of Edwin M. Stanton, the great war secretary, is clasped by the canvas belt that his youngest daughter wears. She was born while her father was a member of Buchanan's Cabinet and is just out of her "teens." Like all pretty girls in Washington, she has had her "experiences," but is now going to settle down and marry a lieutenant of artillery. Once she had a narrow escape. The Turkish minister fell in love with her and asked her to be his wife. He is a handsome fellow, wealthy, and fascinating and was considered a good catch. The girl accepted him, and the titled Turk called upon her brother, who was a lawyer of high standing, since deceased, to ask her hand. The prudent brother made some inquiries as to the social position his sister would occupy in Turkey, and was frankly told that, of course, she would have to conform to the customs of the country--the harem. When Miss Stanton learned this she recalled her acceptance, and the Turk and she have never recognized each other since, nor has he since attempted to marry an American girl. This Turk, whose name is Aristache, wears immense rings and pins and shirt studs, and has an assortment that would make a woman wild. The number and value of his jewels is fabulous, and he keeps them in a precious casket locked with a gold key. It is said that he has a set of rings and pins, etc., for every day in the year, and would sooner cut his nose off than wear the same set two days in succession.

The Water We Drink

Friday, October 31, 1879–The scarcity of water and the possibility of it becoming still scarcer, is a question which is now causing considerable apprehension both in towns and in the country. It is not only the scarcity of water which is creating this wide spread alarm, but the inferior quality of it, caused by the long continued drought, which is creating so much uneasiness in the minds of many people. The water now being used in the city is totally unfit for drinking purposes, as the river from which it is pumped is little better than a stagnant pool which contains about an equal amount of filth and water, the former ingredient being the washings of the many towns and cities above here. In many of the pools along the river a green substance collects on the water which is sure to breed disease, if used. The supply pipe of our water works is only an inch or two under the surface, and being located where there is very little current, cannot help drawing into its mouth much of the impurities and decaying vegetable matter that gathers there. We would advise our people, especially those who are compelled to use hydrant water, to filter it as far as possible. The only thing in our favor is the season is so far advanced that rain or snow must come soon. In the meantime our streets and alleys should be kept clean and street washers used liberally.

November, 1879–Prosecuting Attorney Ong and Judge Jordan, while out gunning, Friday, in the vicinity of Smithfield, caught a bittern, which is a rare bird in this region. It measured twenty-six inches from beak to the end of the tail, and its wings measured twenty-eight inches from tip to tip. The bittern next night took refuge in a coal shed, and a lump of coal fell down, and left the bird ready to be cremated.

November, 1879–A number of Indians passed through this city on Sunday morning via Panhandle route, from Washington, where they had been called to inquire into the Indian agency frauds. Among them were three chiefs of the Iowa tribe and four chiefs of the Sacs tribe. An interpreter also accompanied them.

1880

Friday, December 10, 1880–Steubenville

The people of Finley and Thomson churches in the Sixth Ward, under the pastoral care of the Rev. D.A. Pearce are making arrangements for a Christmas tree and concert at each church. That at Thomson will be on Christmas eve, Dec. 24th. The concert, like others that have been held, promises to be a success, it being only necessary to say that it is under the supervision of G.M. Smith, member of council for the Sixth Ward, whose ability to conduct an entertainment of this kind cannot be excelled. The time for the Finley concert has not been fully decided.

As we write these notices, some recollections connected with and prior to the founding of these societies flash across our mind. When the writer came to this place twelve years ago, there was no church in the district, we being then outside of the city limits. There were several saloons in the Brick row all in full blast, and as a consequence drunkenness and debauchery were prevalent. The Sabbath was a day for fights and brawls. It was no uncommon thing to see men, often heads of families, with dogs and whiskey wending their way to the woods to spend the day in hunting and rambling. Children poorly clad and lacking food were plenty; and the general condition of things was akin to heathenism as compared with to-day.

The question may be asked, why this change? There is not a single saloon in the ward, but instead have two churches well filled with earnest Christians; our strong men are now good husbands and kind fathers, and men who had no place in society because of drunkenness are now a blessing to the community, many of them prominent in the church. Christianity has changed everything. Rev. Grace, a godly man, came to the little handful, then worshiping in the school house. His efforts were blessed of God, and many men with their families were brought into the church. His influence was deeply felt, and though dead he yet lives in our grateful memories. During the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Cravens the churches were built and dedicated to the worship of God. Others have followed doing much good, and for all we ascribe the glory to our Father in heaven. We are also favored with an excellent school and Christian teachers, whose interest in teaching our children in temperance and morality as well as training their minds we keenly appreciate. Miss Leslie, for her untiring efforts as principal of the school, has the good will and gratitude of our people. Our mines are in full blast, our furnaces and mill booming; good health prevails and we are a happy people, for all of which we are duly thankful.

An Old Couple Reminescence Of 1818

Correspondent of the Ohio Press

December 14, 1880–Hammondsville, Ohio- Perhaps the oldest persons now living in this part of the country are David Call and wife, who reside in Ross township, near the Pine Grove Church. Although in their eighties, they are still enjoying a good measure of health, the best of spirits, and full possession of their faculties. Having spent nearly all their lives in this part of the country, they are able to give much interesting information about the early days on Yellow Creek. While yet a boy, Mr. Call enlisted with a company of volunteers from this country, as a soldier in the second war of independence, or war of 1812, as it is usually called.

On the 26th of August, this company marched out of Steubenville, camping for the first night near Jacksonville, and the second night on Elk fork of Yellow Creek. Keeping in a northwestern direction they marched, at the rate of about twenty-five miles a day, the entire distance from Steubenville to the west end of Lake Erie, where they joined the army of the north-west, under command of General Harrison. The daily allowance of provisions to each man was a pound of flour and a pound of meat, with a liberal allowance of whiskey. After six months' service, the company was discharged, without having participated in any serious engagements.

For a number of years subsequently Mr. Call engaged in the manufacture of salt, at the salt works near Mooretown. The salt industry, when first established in this part of the country, was quite prosperous. All that could be made met a ready market at a good price, ten dollars a barrel being received in some cases. But in a few years the large manufactories, on the Ohio south of this, and also at points in the west, were started and as the supply increased, prices declined until it was found no longer profitable to run the works here, and they were all abandoned, leaving no evidence of their existance to our day but large piles of cinders from their furnaces, and here and there a piece of a huge trough which served as a brine tank, and which, having become thoroughly saturated with the salt water, resisted decay much longer than any other timbers used in the works. The post office department still continues the names, "Moore's Salt Works" and "Mitchell's Salt Works" which, in a way serves to keep the traditions of those early days alive. Much of the land that is now fenced and cultivated was then a pathless forest, abounding in game of various kinds - bears, wolves, and deer being quite numerous. Naturally fond of hunting, Mr. Call usually spent his leisure time in the chase, and his skill as a marksman, with his profound knowledge of the habits of wild animals made him very successful, frequently finding it necessary to get assistance in bringing the game home. The first vote he cast for a presidential candidate was for John Quincy Adams. He has been a staunch republican ever since the foundation of that party and helped to swell the republican majority in both the state and national elections this fall. About half of his life has been spent on the farm where he still lives.

1881

Why Is It?

Steubenville, 1881– A slight misapprehension exists in the minds of some people concerning the supposed work of a woman physician. They are prone to regard her as some exotic, the result of a foreign outgrowth of ultra or fanciful ideas; one not prepared to deal with the hard conditions which the physician has to meet. False views about her position peep out in remarks upon her work. While attending a case of croup the other day in the city, Dr. Devoe was asked in a tone of surprise: "Why do you attend such cases?" In the country while visiting a diptheria case, a neighbor remarked, "She did not suppose Miss Devoe would come into the country to visit the sick." Again the exclamation is sometimes heard, "Why, I did not suppose Miss Devoe attended women in confinement!" or again it is remarked to the effect that with ordinary ailments she does not have much to do. She only cures bad cases of rheumatism that other doctors have failed to help, so they say. Others have a vague idea of a lady physician, that is possessed of some little art in "mixing up medicines," for which she charges so much a bottle!

Why such limitations should attach to the popular conception of the work of a woman physician and not to that of the male practitioner, it is difficult to explain from any rational standpoint. For it is not the condition of sex that qualifies or disqualifies one for the practice of medicine. Judging by the qualities and attainments which go to make the good physician, many men would be counted outside the ranks of the profession, and many women would be counted in. The quality of sympathy does not inhere in the masculine gender alone. The mental faculties of perception, discrimination, imagination and judgment so much needed in the sick room, are not limited to the male sex. The quick discernment and correct judgment which direct the selection of remedies to relieve distress, and to calm the delirium and raging pulse of fever, are womanly as well as manly qualities. They are necessary to all physicians.

If a lady practitioner gives her time largely to the treatment of chronic ailments which require more skill than the management of acute disorders, it shows that she has such work to do; it does not indicate her unfitness for the treatment of sudden sickness, but rather her ability to well treat it.

If she has had thorough training under eminent teachers of the obstetric art in the best medical schools, she is not thereby disabled, or unfitted for the practice of it, but rather qualified for her work. And, if to special training, she adds years of experience in, and devotion to, her work, they should count for her in the estimate of the public as much as do like requisites for the male physician.

1885

King Carnival

January, 1885–The height of the skating season reached the climax Tuesday night at the Fifth ward rink. At an early hour crowds wended their way to the rink, and everybody was on the qui vive to get a glimpse of the merry masquers. At 6 o'clock, 800 tickets had been sold at the door, and still the crowd poured in until the room was densely packed, scarcely leaving room for the skaters. The crowd has been estimated over four thousand, Manager Truesdale remarked that he expected people to come to the carnival, but not by the acre. Promptly at 7:30 the carnival opened by a grand promenade en costume, lead by "Uncle Sam" (Dr. Frank Maxwell) and "Folly" (Miss Tracy Means) about fifty couples being on the floor, and all expert skaters. These varied costumes and striking masques made a grotesque and bewildering scene. There were the usual fancy costumes; handsome velvet costumed knights, monks, Indians, cowboys, British dudes, comic characters, and Mother Hubbard among the gentlemen; while the ladies were attired as folly, morning, night, peasants, little Bo-peep, winter and various other beautiful masque costumes, which glittered and sparkled in the gaslight. After the opening promenade, there were several contests for various prizes. Miss Cora Richardson as Bo-peep, received the prize, a handsome pair of skates, as the best and most graceful lady skater. Miss Tracy Means as Folly, received the prize for the handsomest costume. John Brannigan took the prize for the best gentleman skater, Mr. Tonner for the handsomest costume, and Charley Bishop was awarded the prize for the best comic costume. The entire entertainment was very creditable to the managers, and a grand financial success. The only drawback to the enjoyment of the crowd was the crowded house and intense heat, which was almost unbearable.

There is something marvelous in the fascination of roller skating. The two large rinks now in operation are crowded in the morning with those who are learning, and afternoons by ladies and children, and night by everybody that can skate, old and young, large and small, grandfathers, and wee tots, all having caught this charming epidemic. Teachers and parents complain that studies and lessons are thrown to the winds, and the minds of the children are absorbed by the rollers; also, that the boys and girls will make many sacrifices in the way of food and clothing to get money to spend at the rink. We heard of one young girl who had received money from her parents to purchase goods for a dress. Price to be paid, $1.25 per yard. The young miss went to the store and picked out goods worth seventy-five cents, saving the balance for enjoyment at the rink. One mother says her boy will build fires, carry coal, oil skates, or do almost any menial work around the rinks, thereby receiving free admission tickets and the privilege of skating. Whether the epidemic will be lasting or not, remains to be seen. There are now two rinks running, the third completed, and rumor says Garrett's opera house and the building recently occupied by the P.C. & St. L.R.R. paint shops will also be repaired for that purpose, thus establishing five rinks in our midst.

Cyclone And Blizzard

January, 1885–A terrific wind storm struck the city last Friday night about 11 o'clock, and raged unabated for nearly two hours. It came up as suddenly as a shot from a cannon. It rushed, roared and struck with terrible force, crashing in windows, blowing down trees, hurling bricks, slate and signs in dire confusion and causing the many pedestrians on the street to become terror-stricken. The large audience that greeted Maggie Mitchell at the opera house were returning to their homes and met the full fury of the gale. Many sought shelter along the street, ringing up friends and asking shelter from its terror. The herdic line with two full coaches started up Fourth street and came near having a frightful accident - one mule was blown down and wheels uplifted, but fortunately they were heavily freighted, which prevented the vehicles from overturning and the people reached their homes in safety, although terribly frightened. The greatest damage was done to the First Presbyterian church which is badly wrecked. The large stone spire on the southeast corner was twisted and misplaced - large stones falling from it to the roof, tearing away the roof and spouting, while the north wall bulged from the strain to the extent of 15 inches, causing the windows in the front to shatter their casings and loosened the entire front of the building, rendering it intensely dangerous, as it is liable to fall at any moment.

This church is one of the handsomest in the city and has an immense front built of Berea stone with elegant carvings and massive pillars and cost about $75,000. To all appearances the church will have to be taken almost entirely down and rebuilt as the buttresses are broken and the building cracked from one end to the other. The parsonage, a handsome new brick to the north of the building, was pronounced in danger of being crushed by the falling walls, hence the family of Dr. W.M. Grimes, pastor of the church, had to leave their home, without much warning, and seek shelter among homes in their congregation. The families who resided on the south side of the church also moved out. A barricade has been extended around the church, warning people of danger and the walls are being propped. The congregation will worship with the Second Presbyterian congregation until they determine upon the best course to pursue. It is a dire calamity on these people, as they have had many misfortunes to contend against since the erection of this church, and have struggled nobly to free themselves from a heavy debt and are really unable to incur the immense work that is thus suddenly forced upon them. Beside this large damage the city escaped marvelously, although many large trees, fences, chimneys, signs and windows were broken and damaged. The loss is comparatively small.

On The River

January, 1885–The Batchelor was backing out from the wharf when the wind struck her, blowing her across the river, where she remained until morning. Starting down to Wellsburg in the morning and attempting to land, the wind struck her again, throwing her on the rocks, springing a leak. The O'Neal came to the rescue, taking off the freight to Wheeling. The Batchelor made her way back to the wharf at this place and will have to go on the docks.

Friday, May 1, l885–Steubenville, Ohio

The fires in twenty-four furnaces were lighted at the Mingo Junction iron works. They will run double turn in the manufacture of iron rails, until all the iron on hand is consumed, and will give employment to about 125 men. They will continue making steel nails.

A large crowd attended the sheriff's sales in front of the courthouse this afternoon. The property of J.W. Mandel, including "Imperial hotel" and dwelling on N. Fourth street, attracted considerable attention. The hotel was appraised at $12,000 and was bought by Thomas Barclay for $10,000. The residence was appraised at $10,000 and was sold to J.B. Salmon for $7,600.

Tuesday~The Steubenville furnace and iron company, which has been offered for sale on several occasions, and has undergone some litigation, was sold to-day at sheriff's sale, the purchaser being Jasper M. Porter, and the price paid $29,050. The first bid was $20,900, offered by Colonel Simpson, of Wheeling. The bidding was participated in by W.R.E. Elliott and R. Sherrard, of this city, W.H. Hearne, of the Riverside mill, Wheeling, and Jasper M. Porter, of Smith, Porter & Co. of New Cumberland, W.Va. The property included about forty-four acres of land, 154 acres of coal privileges, blast furnace, coal shaft, coke ovens, switches, tracks, weight scales and all buildings, engines and machinery. The property was appraised at $32,500. The works were built in 1873, at a cost of $248,000. At the time of sale there was an indebtedness of about $60,000, the balance of which stockholders will have to make up. It is thought that Mr. Porter will turn the furnace into a terra cotta works.

Thursday~The Jefferson iron works will tear down their blast furnaces and erect a large furnace for the manufacture of Besimer pig to supply the Wheeling steel plant. It is also rumored that the Steubenville furnace, recently purchased at sheriff sale by Jasper Porter & Co., will also be converted into the same industry.

An Indian show has pitched its tents upon the old circus ground, on Sixth avenue, and will be the stamping ground for the small boy for the next two weeks.

Saloons will hereafter close at 10 p.m. every night and all barber shops and saloons will be closed on Sunday.

Friday, May 8, 1885–

S.M. Wilson, the new proprietor of the St. Charles Hotel, a few blocks north of Market on Fourth street, Steubenville, has spent time and money this spring in altering, rearranging and improving the St. Charles Hotel.

W.H. Harter is moving into his repaired storeroom, which he is fixing up in first-class style. Mr. Harter seems rather unfortunate as two panes of new plate glass just placed in the show windows cracked for some unknown cause.

Mr. E.B. Caswell;, foreman of Pearce's furniture manufactory, was married on Tuesday evening to Miss Mary Filson, daughter of David Filson, Esq., the ceremony being performed at the Fifth Street M.P. parsonage, Rev. F.A. Brown officiating.

The marriage of Miss Mary Sharp, daughter of Sheriff Sharp, to J. Ross McCleary, a prominent young attorney of this city on Tuesday evening, was a delightful social affair. About two hundred guests were present to witness the ceremony at the family residence on North Third Street.

Friday, May 15, 1885–

Decoration day next,
The kids are mumpsy,
The oyster taketh its summer vacation.
Candidates are engaged in strengthening their fences.
The lawns about town are beautifully carpeted with green.

Nineteen interments and four removals in the Union cemetery during the month of April.

St. Peter's Church are erecting a chapel 40 by 60 on S. Fifth Street, next to their school.

Saturday~Shivery. Snow fell to the depth of two inches in Island Creek township, and hills of Yellow creek are covered with a snow white garb.

Monday~Gypsies are passing through the city westward-bound in "prairie schooners".

Miss Alice Johnson had returned from a four weeks' visit to her sister, Mrs. David Welday, who resides near Richmond. Mrs. Welday accompanied her home and spent the week in the city.

Friday, May 22, 1885–

Excursions and picnics.
Primary election Saturday,
Candidates have had a busy week.
The Indian show has gone to Zanesville.

Flowers for Decoration Day. Leave your order with Miss Wells, the florist, N. Fourth Street.

Now the sunfish and minnow
Wag their shiny little tails,
While the chipmunk and the robin
Adorn the fence's rails.

The new Catholic church building, on South Fifth street, has been named the "Church of the Holy name." The seating capacity will be 600.

Croquet promises to be the outdoor fashionable pastime this summer. The girls are already preparing for the campaign by making exquisite toilettes and ordering dainty slippers.

Six boys were arrested by Marshall Finney Sunday afternoon, for bathing in the river. A city ordinance prohibits any bathing in the river before 8 p.m.

Franklin avenue mission sewing school held their closing exercises last Saturday. About 80 little girls were in attendance. Prizes were awarded to the pupils who had made the best progress in sewing and for regular attendance during the year.

Friday, May 22, 1885–

NOTE~The American committee to receive the great Bartholdi statue, "Liberty Enlightening the World," which is on its way to our shore, are short of the necessary funds to complete the pedestal for this great statue, and makes an earnest appeal to every citizen in the U.S. to contribute their mite to this worthy object. France has done her part; the statue is completed and will soon be on its way to our shores, where it will forever stand an emblem of the liberty achieved by the United States, aided by France, over one hundred years ago. This great work has been accomplished by France appealing to the patriotism of her people, which has resulted in this colossal gift to the United States.

The epidemic over at Paris Roads and Hanlin's Station has been pronounced by Dr. Boggs, of New York, who came out to make a thorough examination of the disease, malignant diphtheria, and the rapid progress of the disease has been contagion -- neighbors, visiting and helping care for the sick, and not using disinfectants, carried it into their families. Out of 150 persons, thirty have been stricken down and most of them died.

Entertainment & Recreation. The first steamboat excursion of the season took place Monday evening. It was a very pleasant one and was greatly enjoyed by the young society folks who formed the party, as well as by some older ones who accompanied them. The boat engaged for the occasion was the splendid sternwheel steamer Andes, she left Wheeling shortly after 5 o'clock with a merry crowd on board, numbering over 100. Steubenville was their destination. Soon after leaving Wheeling supper was served in good style, followed by dancing the rest of the evening. Steubenville was reached a little after 8 o'clock. The boat lay there for a half hour or so and was boarded by a number of Steubenville ladies and gentlemen. The boat then ran up as far as Brown's Island and then returned to Steubenville, where she stopped for a few minutes before beginning the trip home. As a matter of course several of the boys got left in Steubenville, and again as another matter of course several Steubenville boys had to come down to Wheeling. Steubenville girls caught the Wheelingites and Wheeling girls the Steubenvillians.

The recent rise in the river has given the coal fleet an opportunity to pass down the river. About 7,000,000 bushels of coal has passed during the week.

Friday, June 5, 1885–

June taxes are ripe
June roses are blooming
The great iron strike began on Monday, and 100,000 men are idle.
Strawberries are retailing at 20 cents per quart.

The greatest antidote for roaches and water bugs about your house is the common toad. Catch one or two of these quiet little fellows and place them in the kitchen or near the sink, and they will rid the house in a short time. The toads become domesticated, never wander about the house, and are so cleanly and inoffensive that there is no objection to their presence. Try the remedy. They are also better than a patent fly catcher.

The rolling mills of this city and Mingo have closed down for an indefinite period, the proprietors having declined to sign the scale. This throws about 2,500 men out of employment in this district, including a large number of miners and laborers.

The excursion last night to Wheeling on the O'Neal, under the auspices of Hamline church, was a very enjoyable affair, about one hundred persons being on board.

The new stalls are being completed in the market house and most of them have been rented. This will do away with the fruit and vegetable stand on the street, which will be quite an improvement. Space will be given on the curb for farmers and gardeners on regular market days free of charge.

Thursday~Big rain last night--Excursions occupy the attention of the public.

The First M.E. church give the first lawn fete of the season this evening.

Buy Churns from Winfield Scott.

Col. Coulter delivered the memorial address at Richmond.

Mrs. Wm. Mossgrove celebrated her 78th birthday on Wednesday, at the residence of her daughters, Mrs. Emma Kilgore and Mrs. Caroline Lacey with whom she resides.

Ewd. Warner, of Steubenville, came out one day last week to Brown's in a one-horse wagon to take a fish. He unhitched in the bed of the creek just above the old dam, and, tying the horse to the back end of the wagon, went away. The horse we presume, wanted to fish also, for he finally put himself and wagon down over the dam, a fall of 10 or 12 feet, but luckily the nag escaped serious injury, and the wagon, with plenty of fish line, was able to stand the trip home.

MEMORIAL DAY, 1885–

Saturday morning dawned clear and bright and all nature was refreshed and beautiful after the recent showers. Business houses were nearly all closed and the day was generally observed. Bunting was unfurled at half-mast and many strangers were in the city.

The G.A.R. assembled promptly at 1 o'clock at the court house and the procession was soon formed under command of Dr. John Pearce, post commander, in the following order: Seibert's band, members of Stanton post, flower wagon, carriage with orator and chaplain, carriages with ladies' aid society, citizens in carriages and on foot.

Upon arriving at the city of the dead the G.A.R. post, with garlands and baskets of flowers, accompanied by the band playing a dirge, proceeded to each grave and placed thereon their floral offering.

The Board Of Health

met in regular session at the mayor's office on Monday night, the following members being present: E.Y. Dougherty, J. Dunbar, Dr. E.A. Elliott, Henry Ewing, W.H. Hunter, and the chairman - Mayor Opperman.

The report of the sanitary officers, Messrs. Worthington and Doyle, was read. The greatest number of nuisances were found on Water Street and in the Sixth Ward. Upon motion the mayor was instructed to rigidly enforce the ordinances requiring all slaughter houses and pig pens removed outside the city limits. A wagon load of copperas was ordered by the board for distribution to those who were too poor to purchase it. After deliberation on the question of where to dump the night soil and city refuse, it was decided to order the street commissioner to repair the road to the river bank below Boreland's shaft and dump it in the river.

June 5, 1885–

Election Of Teachers

High School: James M. Hammond, Annie N. Gilmore, Elvira O'Neal and Carrie Wolcott.

First Ward School: Rebecca Hull, Lizzie Niell, Mallie Clemmens, Lucy Curfman, Clara Hubert, Lizie J. Holroyd and Annie H. Devoire

Second Ward School: Rachel McCarel, Mame Dowey, Carrie Dohrman, Mattie Marion, Phoebe Hart and Maggie Peters.

Fourth Ward School: Virginia F. Saunders, Isadore Cochran, Mary A. Hill, Josie Hammond, Etta M. Battin, Ida Fickes, Julia C. Linn, Angie S. Hall, Dora J. Evans, Isabelle Tappan and Sarah F. Brown.

Teachers for the Fifth Ward School and rolling mill district and the janitors for the different buildings will be elected

Friday, June 12, 1885

Gorgeous roses.
Lye is excellent for cleaning sinks and sink drains.
Commencement at Hopedale Normal college, June 26th.
Strawberry shortcake taketh the lead over the rhubarb pie.

Hugh H. Cunningham, of Cross Creek township, has received from the proprietors of the Pittsburgh Stockman a sulky plow, the prize won by him in a essay contest. His essay was on rearing and breeding horses, and he was one of forty-six competitors, some of whom are noted as specialists. Jefferson county is ahead in almost everything. Gazette

Vacation draweth nigh, and for three months the boy of the house will roam through field and glade, penetrate the thickets' mysteries, dive and swim in all the waters, get his sweet little back blistered through a torn short by the hot rays of the summer sun and get it reblistered when he reaches home at night. All hail the season of wild flowers, stonebruises and poison vines, and all hail the boy who knows each one.

Jacob Ault's team ran off on South Seventh street today, turned down Market street and ran into the stone steps at the residence of J. Dunbar, breaking the balustrade. They were then caught without other injury.

Several small boys who work at Beatty's glass house were arrested on complaint of the citizens for making a racket at 4 o'clock in the morning, when going off their night turn. The mayor gave them a reprimand and dismissed them with the understanding that hereafter they pass to and from work in a quiet and orderly manner.

The rise in the river enabled the coal fleet to pass down, the tow boats numbered 34, coal boats 147, 166 barges, fuel flats 22, containing in all 5,700,000 bushels of coal. This makes the fourth fleet that has passed down during the past 45 days, and stocks up the southern coal yards in good condition.

Wm. Harden, of Cross Creek township, was seriously injured by the falling of a tree he was chopping. It struck him on the head and back, fracturing his skull and spraining his back. Dr. McLane was summoned and gave the proper attention.

Wednesday~Commencement day at the seminary. The flower committee of the W.C.T.U.. visited our infirmary today, and held the first religious service that has been held in that institution since the present management. They also found fifteen little children exposed to the influences of the inmates. Is there not a field here for missionary work? These children are growing up to manhood and womanhood, while our children's home is still going around on wheels---

The probabilities are that the Acme glass works will run steady until August 1st, when they will close down for the heated term.

Ada Farmer of McCoy's Station, lit the fire with coal oil; the can exploded and the burning oil flew in all directions. The girl was badly scorched in the face and had her hair and eyebrows badly singed. It was a narrow call.

Thursday~The Fifth ward band will have a picnic at Town Rock on Saturday. Picnics to Brown's Island are now in order.

Miss Emma McDonald will give a reception to her music class at her mother's residence on North Third street.

A reception was given by the ladies of the Fifth Street M.P. Church on Thursday evening at the parsonage in honor of the 25th marriage anniversary of their pastor, Rev. and Mrs. Brown.

Harlan W. Stewart, the popular N. Fourth street druggist and Miss Myrtle Campbell, were married at the U.P. parsonage Tuesday evening, Rev. Owens officiating.

Miss Laura Hunt, daughter of William Hunt, Esq., superintendent of water works, and Mr. Joseph Robertson, of Wichita, Kansas were married at the residence of the bride's parents Tuesday evening, Rev. F.A. Brown performing the ceremony.

East Springfield~The young folks of Mosquito Hollow met at the school house Tuesday and had a spelling match.

Brush Creek~C. Russell has put down a well near the site of his contemplated new dwelling house, which he expects to build the present season. The house will be on the road between Thompson's school house and Chestnut Grove church, and situated south of the residence of J.M. Beard.

Steubenville Female Seminary

June, 1885–The annual commencement exercises of the seminary commenced on Sabbath evening in the Second Presbyterian church. On Monday evening a delightful reception was given to the graduating class by Dr. and Mrs. Wightman, at the seminary. Tuesday afternoon an art exhibit was given in the school hall and many visitors inspected the beautiful work displayed, which speaks well of the artistic taste of the pupils. Tuesday evening a concert was given which showed the progress made by the music scholars. The commencement exercises took place on Wednesday morning, and the school hall was crowded with a bright and elegant audience. The young ladies, ten in number, presented a charming appearance, clad in white raiments adorned with beautiful flowers, they were Lizzie W. Dickson, Jennie Anderson, A.K. Browning, Emma E. Laughlin, Mary M. McClure, Mary P. Reid, Mary Robb, Anna W. Shrock, Lulu M. Wallace and May E. Moore.

Friday, June 19, 1885–

Cherries are ripe.
Pittsburgh firms have signed the scale.
Let us hear of the heavy fleeces of wool.
Fourth of July picnics are being arranged.

The green grocers refuse to comply with the order of the market committee to vacate their stands on the street, and remove inside the market house and claim they rented the outside stands for the summer and will lose their trade by the change. The committee offered them a remittance to cover losses, but the green grocers said it was too small and refused to accept.

New steel plant to be erected at Mingo: Contracts have been made for erection of a new Bessemer steel plant at Mingo Junction. It will be operated by the Junction iron company, Samuel Laughlin being president of the former company, and his brother Alexander of the latter. The daily capacity will be 800 tons of nail slabs. The erection of the new steel plant will involve an expenditure of $260,000.

Hervey Mooney, Geo. Hill, Wills Kells and Asa Johnson have completed a very nice and convenient camp boat in artistic style, the boys doing all the work on it themselves. They expect to embark in it for Brown's island the last of the month, where they will camp for the summer.

Tuesday~This afternoon as the funeral cortege of James Means, Jr., was passing up Market street, a country team hitched on Fifth street frightened at the cars, broke loose and ran off at a maddening pace, turned down Market street and dashed furiously into the procession. The driver of the hearse, with great presence of mind, turned the horses in to the pavement, but the carriage containing the pallbearers received the full force of the blow, breaking the forward wheel and disabling it for further use. A carriage in the rear of the procession went to the carrier's assistance, but fortunately none of the young men were injured. Mrs. James Means was so frightened and prostrated by the shock that she fainted and had to be taken into the residence of Charles Gallegher and was unable to go to the cemetery.

Wednesday~The board of health are having trouble with those who keep pig pens within the city limits.

The market committee have arranged stalls inside and made many improvements but the men who rented stalls outside refuse to come in and those who have rented inside refuse to open up until those outside also come in, as they claim that the outside salesmen have the first advantage. The green grocers are firm and say they will stand a suit against them.

Thursday~The ladies of the Fifth street Zion's Lutheran church, hold a fair and festival at Turner hall to-night.

Gen. Grant growing weaker. The course of the disease is as said, one of increasing debility.

The graduating class of the high school is composed of 42, Miss Sallie Holroyd, valedictorian and Thomas McCauslen, salutatorian. Other members were: John C. Ferguson, Nannie M. Shellart, James F. Sarratt, Agnes Fisher, Ella Fisher, Rachel McEneny, Lizzie Provines, Hervey G. Mooney, Carrie E. Forbes, Hattie R. Burke,Katie L. Gilmore, Jessie L. Erwin, Jessie G. Morrison, Laura C. Giles, Adda Halderman, Emma M. Moncrieff, Bertha May, Nettie M. Browning, Mary A. Perkins, Maud A. Dunbar, Biena Bluck, Caisy Cable, Cora L. Coulter, Jacob R. Thompson, Jessie H. Ridgely, Charles B. Kells, Mary E. Ralston, Nellie H. Copeland,Sallie J. Holroyd, Thomas W. Walker, Nanie Johnson, Mary R. Barrett, Edwin S. Anderson, Emma L. Fickes, Gertie Curn, Hattie King, Blanche W. Hanlin, Gertrude Gittings, Thomas McCauslen, Jesse B. Pearce, Olive L. Ferree. Commencement exercises will be held at the opera house.

Friday, June 26, 1885–

Glorious moonlight nights.
Spring chickens are ripening.
The general health of the city is good.
Youngsters are wrestling with chicken pox and whooping cough.

J.D. Tweed, who resides on the old Sherrard farm, known as "Sugar Hill," cut down a large white-oak tree last week which measured 5 feet, 4 inches in diameter.

Strawberries are in market in abundance and are very fine this season.

Toronto Presbyterians will erect a new house of worship at a cost of $3,000.

East Springfield~Jack Mills takes the cake, bake shop, servant girl and all, as the boss ginsing digger in all the regions 'round about in size of roots. The other day he brought one to town weighing one pound, the stalk of which was two feet high.

Reed's Mill~There are some bad boys who come to this place on Sundays to bathe at which the citizens are becoming highly incensed and are going to see if there is any law against such wickedness.

Bishop Bedell pays the following compliment to the parish of Steubenville in the church paper, the "Standard of the Cross," after his recent visit to our city: "Under the Rev. W.R. Grange, St. Paul's church is flourishing in every relation. The Sunday school is large, the congregation devout and responsive, and the music especially congregational and especially good, being entirely voluntary. The building itself, of stone, is graceful, well proportioned, dignified and commodious. Its decorations are exceedingly tasteful, "nothing wanting, nothing superfluous." It impresses me as being one of the most beautiful churches in Ohio."