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                     Chapter XIII.

     The Churches of the City of Portsmouth.

                     Presbyterian.
  First Presbyterian Church.- In the year 1817, when Portsmouth had about forty or fifty 
houses and between 250 and 300 inhabitants, the First Presbyterian Church was 
organized by Rev. Stephen Lindley. Prior to this time, almost from the time the 
settlement was fairly started in 1805, occasional services had been held by ministers of 
this denomination who came from other settlements or were passing through. Among 
them were Rev. Williamson of West Union; Rev. Gilliland, of Red Oak, and Rev. Robert 
G. Wilson, of Ross County. The house of worship during these years for all 
denominations was the old court-house, about thirty or forty feet square, standing in the 
middle of Market street, between Second and Front. It was in that building that this 
church was organized. Four elders were elected, viz.: Josiah Morton, David Mitchell, 
William Russell and John Lawson. At the first regular meeting of this church ten persons 
were received as members: Mrs. Nancy Morton, Andrew Galloway and wife, Moses 
Baird, Elizabeth Ewing, James Logan, Ruth Russell, Mary Williams, James Abbot and 
Nancy Lindley. Thus the organization was started with fourteen members, eight males 
and six females. At the end of the first year it numbered twenty-three. Mr. Lindley 
remained pastor up to the beginning of 1824, about seven years in all. During this period 
ninety-two members were received into the church, thirty-four by certificate and fifty-
eight on examination; seven were dismissed to unite with other churches, two died and 
one was suspended, leaving eighty-two members on the roll. During the same period 
there were ninety baptisms-sixteen adults and seventy-four children. Their church, built 
in 1822, was the first house of worship in Portsmouth. It stood on Second street below 
Market, was thirty-six feet by forty-five and cost $1,651.73 ¾, according to the records. 
The years 1824 and 1825 were without meetings except occasional ones held by 
ministers from a distance. Late in 1825 Rev. J. Wood became stated supply, remaining 
about two years. During this time but little advance was gained. The church had burdened 
itself with debt and from other cause it was passing through the most trying period of its 
existence. Mr. Lindley's salary for this point was $200 a year; he had one other 
appointment at Sandy Spring which paid $150 a year.
  In 1828 Rev. Eleazer Brainerd began his ministry with the church and continued as 
stated supply till 1836. He was sent out by the American Home Missionary Society and 
received a part of his support from that society during the whole time he remained, except 
the last year. During his ministry the church was materially strengthened by the addition 
of members and an awakened interest in financial affairs, which had run extremely low. 
Ever afterward the church has been completely self-sustaining.
  From 1836 to December, 1838, no record of any kind was kept. In the latter part of 
December, 1838, Rev. William Graves was detained here by the sudden freezing of the 
Ohio, while traveling from Alton, Ill., to Pittsburg. He held a communion service, 
assisted by Rev. Mr. Clark, and was prevailed upon to remain longer and hold a 
protracted meeting. It lasted four weeks, through the month of January, 1839. The 
meeting was very successful, resulting in a great revival of the spirit and the addition to 
the church of thirty-six new members. At the close of this period the entire membership 
of the church was ninety-eight. May 1, 1839, Rev. Alexander W. Brown became stated 
supply and continued as such for two years. In 1840 the house of worship was enlarged 
by adding eighteen feet to the length and being otherwise greatly improved. The next 
three years, from April, 1841, to April, 1844, Rev. Aaron Williams was stated supply.
  Rev. Hiram Bingham acted as stated supply from 1844 to April, 1846, after which, for 
about five months, the pulpit was vacant.
  Late in the year 1846 Rev. David Cushing came here with a letter of introduction from 
Rev. Dr. Hodge, of Columbus. He was soon made choice of and became stated supply for 
six months, after which he was regularly installed as pastor in March, 1847. He remained 
in the position about two years when, on account of failing health, he tendered his 
resignation and on the first day of June, 1849, three weeks after his resignation, he died.
  In September, 1849, Rev. Marcus Hicks became stated supply and continued such about 
two and a half years.
  In January, 1851, a great revival was held in which the minister, who had poor health, 
was assisted by Revs. James Rowland, of Circleville, and William Beecher, of 
Chillicothe. Also during this pastorate, in the year 1850, the present church, situated on 
the corner of Third and Court streets, was erected at an expense of about $16,000. The 
dedication took place in January, 1854. 
  The present pastor of this old and wealthy church society is Rev. Dr. E. P. Pratt, who 
came in January, 1852, and was regularly installed as pastor on the 3d of May, following. 
At that time there were 119 members of this church, but very few of whom remain to the 
present time. During this long pastorate, now nearly thirty-four years, several revivals 
were held, about once in every two years. The total number of all who have been taken 
into the membership of the church is 1,511.
  This church has had ten different ministers in the sixty-six years of its history.
  There has been a flourishing Sabbath-school in connection with the church ever since 
the earliest days of its existence. In 1874, before the formation of the new church society, 
the school numbered 600 scholars. Since that time the number has been above 300. Mr. 
Robert Bell has been the Superintendent since about 1856.
  In 1872 R. A. Ketchum came and laborer, as an associate pastor, with Dr. Pratt. The 
congregation was very large, the membership numbering about 600. With this large 
membership it was deemed expedient that a new society be formed, which was done by 
mutual consent and harmony in 1874. The new society, a colony from the old one, was 
formed from 175 of its members, many of whom lived in the eastern part of the city, near 
where the new building was erected. Mr. Ketchum took charge of the congregation as its 
pastor and it has since grown and flourished as the Second Presbyterian Church of 
Portsmouth. 
  During Dr. Pratt's ministry in this church he has solemnized 195 marriages and attended 
423 funerals.
  E. Perkins Pratt, D. D., was born in Athens County, Ohio, Feb. 17, 1816, a son of David 
and Julia (Perkins) Pratt. He was reared on a farm; attended the Ohio University, 
graduating in 1837. Then taught school in the South a year, and returned to Athens and 
studied theology and reviewed mental and moral science, as a resident graduate, under 
Dr. Wm. H. McGuffey, a year and a half, at the same time studying Hebrew with Elisha 
Ballentine, and was a tutor of the Greek language. In 1841 he established the female 
seminary, afterward Cooper Seminary, in Dayton, Ohio, and taught a year with his sister, 
now Mrs. Hay. He studied with Dr. J. W. Hall and was licensed to preach by the 
Presbytery of Ohio in October, 1841; commenced preaching in Paris, Ky., in 1842, and 
Portsmouth, Ohio, and was installed pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in May, 
continuing with them till July, 1878, thus having been pastor of only two churches. He 
has been School Examiner in the public schools several years; has been Trustee of 
Marietta College, of Lane Theological Seminary, and of Western Female College, 
Oxford, nearly twenty years, and a Director of Danville Theological Seminary since 
1870. During the civil war he took an active part in aiding the sanitary and Christian 
commissions. He was married in 1844 to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Judge Mills, of 
Frankfort, Ky. She died in 1850 leaving one son, D. P., now a teacher in Bridgeport, 
Ohio. In 1853 Mr. Pratt married Elizabeth, daughter of James Loughry, of Rockville, 
Ohio. She died in 1870, leaving three daughters. In 1876 he married Mary E., daughter of 
Rev. Nathaniel Urmston.
  Second Presbyterian Church.- The Second Presbyterian Church edifice of Portsmouth, 
Ohio, was completed in January, 1875, and on the 24th day of the same month was 
dedicated to the worship and service of God. It was built by the First Church, under the 
management of the following committees: Building Committee, J. L. Hibbs, J. H. Roads 
and W. K. Thompson; Committee on Finance, E. B. Green and A. B. Voohes, assisted by 
others. The idea of a second church, which, for some time previous, had been entertained 
by the pastor of the First Church, found tangible expression in the year 1870 by a 
memorial thank-offering from the First Church for the union of the two branches of the 
Presbyterian Church, consummated in 1869. This thank-offering of $5,000 was 
appropriated to the purchase of the lot where the Second Church now stands. The lot is 
situated on the northwest corner of Eighth and North Waller streets, and is 175 x 185. 
The building, with pavements and fence, cost about $20,000, making a total of $25,000. 
No debt was left upon the church at the time of its dedication. The dedication sermon was 
preached by the present pastor, Rev. H. A. Ketchum, from Ps. Xcvi: 6. "Honor and 
majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary." On the 9th day of 
February, following, the Second Presbyterian Church of Portsmouth, Ohio, was 
organized by the Presbytery of Portsmouth. The eleventh article of the by-laws and 
regulations adopted at that time was as follows: "This society will adopt, and become 
incorporate, under the general law of the State of Ohio, providing for the incorporation of 
religious societies, the corporate name being, "The Second Presbyterian Church of 
Portsmouth, Ohio."
  The following officers were elected elders and deacons on the "rotary plan," at the time 
of the organization, viz.: Elders- Joseph Riggs, George W. Weyer, M. D., J. P. Bing, M. 
D., O. C. McCall, P. J. Kline, M. D., and Dr. C. P. Dennis. Trustees (for one year)- I. R. 
Lane, O. C. McCall, R. P. Rifenberick, Irving Drew and J. H. Brown.
  On April 3, 1875, the following brethren were elected Deacons: T. M. Patterson, Irving 
Drew, J. R. Boal and W. S. Green.
  The church continued to increase in membership until in the spring of 1881 the number 
reported to Presbytery was 285. Since that time the membership has been somewhat 
diminished by emigration. The church has been blessed with great unanimity of feeling 
on the part of both church and congregation. A hopeful future beckons to greater efforts 
and grander achievements.
  Rev. Heber A. Ketchum, pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, of Portsmouth, was 
born in Huron County, Ohio, May 27, 1836. His parents, Isaac Sherwood and Anna 
(Hurd) Ketchum, were both of American birth, were married in the state of New York 
and died in Lansing, Mich. H. A. Ketchum was one of nine children, seven of whom 
grew to adult age. On reaching his majority Mr. Ketchum spent about four years as 
salesman and bookkeeper in stores at Plymouth and Shiloh, Ohio. At the age of twenty-
four he was persuaded to appear before the committee on education, of the Presbytery of 
Huron, with a view to entering upon a course of study for the ministry. He complied with 
the request to enter upon such a study and began his preparation in the academy at 
Hayesville, Ohio. He afterward attended the Western Reserve College, at Huron, 
graduating in 1866, and after three years spent in the Lane Theological Seminary 
graduated from that institution in 1869. His first call was to New Richmond, Ohio, where 
he was installed as pastor of the Presbyterian church, June 20, 1869, remaining until 
August, 1872. From that date until the formation of the Second Presbyterian Church at 
Portsmouth, he was co-pastor with Rev. E. P. Pratt, D. D., in the First Presbyterian 
Church of Portsmouth. At the formation of the Second Church, which was a colony from 
the old one, he received a unanimous call to the pastorate of the same, where he still 
remains. Mr. Ketchum served three months in the Union army in 1862. He was married 
Aug. 25, 1869, to Anslie, youngest daughter of Joseph and Anna Blackman, of Huron. 
They have four children- William F., born Aug. 5, 1870; Mary Edith, Dec. 17, 1872, 
Bertha, Feb. 7, 1875; Edith, Feb. 8, 1878.
  First German Presbyterian Church.- This church was organized Oct. 29, 1866, most of 
the members having come from another church on Fifth street, of this city. At first the 
services were held in a room of the courthouse, and afterward in the little brick church on 
Fifth street, now called Oelschlaeger's Hall. In 1869 the present house was commenced 
and was dedicated Feb. 22, 1870. It is a fine brick building 45 x 75 feet in size, situated 
on the corner of Chillicothe and Seventh streets.
  The church at the present time has a membership of 225. It has a flourishing Sunday 
school with a membership of 165. The total receipts of the church up to July 1, 1883, 
amount to $31,800. The church has no debts. Rev. H. Veith was the pastor from the time 
of organization until April, 1870. He was succeeded by Rev. John Heckman, who 
remained until September, 1873. He was a member of the Northwestern Synod, of the 
German Reformed Church. After him, Rev. Elias Benzing, of Cleveland, Ohio, a member 
of the Cleveland Presbytery, was called to the pastorate, and took charge Nov. 4, 1873. 
He was regularly installed May 28, 1874, and remains the pastor at the present time.

                     Episcopal.
  All-Saints' Episcopal Church.- The parish of All-Saints' Church, Portsmouth, was 
organized June 23, 1819. The original "Article of Association" is preserved among the 
records of the parish. It is signed by twenty-three individuals, at the head of which stand 
conspicuous the names of Samuel Gunn, Thos. Waller, Aaron Kinney and John Smith. A 
few months previous to this period the Rev. Intrepid Morse, late of St. Paul's Church, 
Steubenville, visited the old court-house, which stood in the middle of Market street, 
between Front and Second. His coming was at the request of Bishop Chase, to whom 
application had been made by Mr. Gunn for clerical services. This, so far as is known, 
was the first visit of an Episcopal clergyman to the place. At the time of the organization 
above named, Bishop Chase made his first visitation to the parish.
  Bishop Chase preached several times, and baptized two adults, viz., Margaret and Mary 
Waller, afterward Mrs. Francis Cleveland and Mrs. Washington Kinney. He also 
administered the rite of confirmation to eight persons and the Lord's Supper to six; and 
this was the number, six only, which composed the first communion of this parish. It does 
not appear that a vestry was elected at this time, but it is on record that Samuel Gunn and 
Thos. Waller were appointed Wardens. It is probable that the election of a vestry was 
deferred until such time as it could be done in accordance with the laws of the State in 
regard to religious societies.
  The next event in the history of the parish calling for notice was a second visitation of 
Bishop Chase, on the 27th day of July, 1820, when, according to the record left by himself 
(in his own handwriting) he baptized three adults and eight infants, confirmed seven and 
administered the Lord's Supper to nine persons.
  Dec. 9, 1820, the first vestry of this parish was elected, consisting of Aaron Kinney, 
Samuel L. Wilkinson, John Smith, John Young and Ezra Hard.
  July 19, 1834, Rev. Henry Caswell became its settled pastor and remained in charge of 
the parish about two years, and was succeeded, in May, 1833, by the Rev. Dexter Potter, 
who reported in September following that the members of the church had erected a house 
of worship of the Gothic architecture, 47 x 34 feet, and would complete it some time in 
the course of a month. It was completed in due time, and consecrated to God Nov. 28 of 
the same year, by Bishop McIlvaine. 
  Mr. Potter remained in charge only about six months, when it became vacant and 
remained so till September, 1834. Rev. Joshua T. Eaton then became its minister, but 
held the charge only about eight months. He left no report on record and no means of 
knowing the state of the parish at that time. In November, 1835, the Rev. Alvah Sanford 
was called to the rectorship and remained in charge about two years. His last report gave 
thirty-one as the number of communicants at that time (1837). The parish then remained 
vacant until Nov. 9, 1838. Up to that time, embracing a period of nearly twenty years, it 
appears that the whole amount of ministerial service did not much exceed five years. In 
1838 an invitation was extended to Rev. Erastus Burr, who was then seeking to regain his 
impaired health in the South. He accepted the call and came at once to the discharge of 
his work. His work here, which was a life work to him, lasting thirty-five years, 
constitutes the essential part of the church's history, though it must here be told in a few 
words. He began with many misgivings as to the result, and with doubts on his part 
whether his connection with the parish would be longer than that of some of his 
predecessors. But harmony and success attended his steps from the first. The list which 
he found on the parish register of twenty-eight, had grown to sixty-two before the close 
of the year.
  For the first time in its history the salary of the rector was raised without missionary aid. 
Another expense, heavy for those times, was also incurred that year by the erection of a 
comfortable parsonage. This enterprise was commenced early in the spring, and such was 
the mind to work and give that it was completed, paid for, and occupied by the rector and 
his family by the first of June ensuing. In June, the Bishop of the diocese made a visit to 
the parish, when twenty-two persons were confirmed. In 1849, the old church after 
having been enlarged, and again remodeled to accommodate the increasing congregation, 
was still found too small. It was therefore resolved to build a new one, and the present 
church was the result. It was commenced in the spring of 1850. It was finished, and clear 
of debt, by the first of September, 1851; and on the 3d of that month it was consecrated to 
the worship and service of Almighty God, by Bishop McIlvaine. In five or six years they 
began to feel the want of more room. About this time God put into the hearts of two men, 
brothers by nature as well by grace, to provide for this increasing want, and the erection 
of Christ Church was the result. In 1860 a great revival was experienced, in which sixty 
members were added.
  A few years before a tasteful chapel and Sunday-school room had been erected. After it 
had been injured by fire, and proving too small and otherwise inconvenient, the present 
spacious and well-adapted building took its place, in 1868.
  In June, 1869, the Rev. James T. Franklin became the assistant of Dr. Burr, continuing 
in the position for one year. He was then succeeded by Rev. H. W. Jones, who continued 
three years, both rendering valuable aid in the work of the parish.
  Nov. 9, 1863, the Rev. I. N. Stanger became the successor of Dr. Burr as rector of the 
parish. He left here to take charge of Christ Church in Cincinnati, and was succeeded by 
Rev. Henry L. Badger, the present rector, Aug. 1, 1877. During Mr. Stanger's time an 
addition and some modifications were made to the church.
  Rev. Erastus Burr, D. D., was born in Bridgeport, Conn., April 5, 1805, a son of Ozias 
and Elizabeth (Nash) Burr, natives of Connecticut, his father, born Jan. 13, 1773, and his 
mother Oct. 9, 1776. His father was a son of Ozias and Sarah (Nichols) Burr; his mother 
a daughter of Simon and Eleanor (Conch) Nash. His parents were married Jan. 1, 1798, 
and settled in Bridgeport, but in 1818 removed to Ohio, and located at Worthington, 
Fairfield County, where his mother died Feb. 21, 1834, and his father Aug. 15, 1845. 
They left a family of eight sons and one daughter, four of the sons now living. Our 
subject received a good common-school education in New England. After coming to 
Ohio he spent the summer sessions till sixteen years of age in working on the farm. He 
then began to prepare for college, and attended a classical school established in 1820, by 
Bishop Chase. He spent two years and a half in Kenyon College; was the first student of 
that institution, and probably the only member of his class now living. In 1828 he entered 
the Junior class of Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., and graduated in 1830. He then spent 
some time in Nashville, Tenn., and pursued his theological studies; was ordained at 
Lexington, Ky., Jan. 6 1833 (Epiphany), by Rt. Rev. B. B. Smith, being the first person 
ordained by him. August, 1834, he was called to the rectorship of St. John's Church, 
Worthington. He resigned in 1838, and spent several months in LaGrange, Tenn., for his 
health. He subsequently accepted a call to All Saints' Church, Portsmouth, and continued 
in charge thirty-five years. He was married Feb. 7, 1833, to Harriet, daughter of Ezra 
Griswold, Esq., one of the original proprietors of Worthington. They have had four 
children – Ann Howard, died at the age of twenty; Charles McIlvaine, now living at 
Worthington; George Griswold, died at the age of seven years; Elizabeth Nash, now Mrs. 
T. J. Cochran, of Avondale, near Cincinnati. On the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage 
of Dr. and Mrs. Burr, Feb. 7, 1883, the event was celebrated in the chapel of All Saints' 
Church by his many friends and former parishioners. There were present many friends 
from abroad, and many congratulatory letters were read from friends who could not be 
present. Many valuable and interesting mementoes were presented them, not the least 
being a golden purse of $600. Space forbids a full account of the memorable occasion, 
but it went far to show the place Dr. Burr and his wife hold in the hearts of the people. 
Dr. Burr is a member of the Masonic fraternity; lodge, chapter and commandery. He was 
High Priest of Mt. Vernon Chapter eight years, and Grand Orator and Grand Chaplain of 
the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
  Christ Church – The parish of this church was organized in Aug. 30, 1858. The primary 
meeting for organization was called to order by Rev. Erastus Burr, Rector of All Saints' 
Church, who stated that the growth of the parish and prosperity of the city justified the 
formation of a second church.
  Washington Kinney and Peter Kinney, members of All Saints' Church, possessed of 
ample means, voluntarily assumed the expense of building a new church edifice, and 
upon completion of the same they donated the building to the wardens and vestry of 
Christ Church, free from debt and free from all cost to the members.
  This liberal gift, which was graciously accepted by the congregation, was soon followed 
by another, an organ, presented by Eli and Peter Kinney. This left the congregation to 
assemble for worship with hardly any financial demand.
  The church is a handsome brick structure, built after an English model, with tower and 
transepts, and can accommodate 450 people. A fine chapel has since been built by the 
side of the church.
  The first vestry chosen were as follows: Washington Kinney, Peter Kinney, P. C. 
Kinney, H. Hall, J. L. Watkins, V. D. L. Tracy, D. S. Moore, J. P. Terry and S. P. 
Nickells; these elected from their number W. Kinney and V. D. L. Tracy as Wardens.
  Rev. Samuel D. Tompkins was called as first Rector of the parish on Sept. 13, 1858. 
The second was Rev. W. J. Clark, called in 1861. The succeeding Rectors, in their order, 
are as follows: Revs. A. P. Brush, W. H. Watts, J. T. Franklin, F. H. Brooke, H. B. 
Ensworth and the present Rector, Rev. W. C. Maguire. The church continues to be 
prosperous and is doing a good work. The church and chapel are valued at $14,000. The 
present Wardens are J. L. Watkins and S. R. Ross.
 
                     Methodist-Episcopal.
  Sixth Street Methodist Episcopal Church – The history of this church properly dates 
from the establishment of Methodism in the city, but as that is given under Bigelow 
Chapel, which retains the identity of the original society, it will not be necessary here to 
go back of the division of the old society.
  The division took place in 1853 as a measure of convenience only, since the society had 
become too large for proper accommodation in one building, besides the inconvenient 
distance many had to travel in reaching one church. When it became evident that a 
second church in another part of the city would be advantageous, a lot on Seventh street, 
above Chillicothe, was donated by Rev. R. O. Spencer, to be occupied by the Methodist 
Episcopal church. Rev. Andrew Carroll was Presiding Elder, and at that time two 
preachers, Revs. Benjamin St. J. Fry and G. W. Brush, were in charge. A frame chapel 
was built on the lot so generously donated, called Spencer Chapel, and a portion of the 
flock moved into it. It was dedicated by Rev. Andrew Carroll, and Rev. Z. Wharton 
became the first minister.
  The building served until 1866, when the society became too large for Spencer Chapel, 
and under the ministry of Rev. C. C. McCabe, D. D., a move was contemplated. Messrs. 
Richard Lloyd and sons offered to donate the lot on the corner of Sixth and Chillicothe 
streets, provided $20,000 should be subscribed to build a church thereon. The amount 
was subscribed, and one of the finest M. E. church building in the Ohio Conference now 
stands on the lot. Spencer Chapel was sold.
  The ministers of this church have been as follows, in the order named: Z. Wharton, 
Edward Mabee, J. A. Brodrick, J. F. Given, S. M. Merrill, L. Taft, J. F. Williams, J. T. 
Miller, C. C. McCabe, J. F. King, A. B. See, J. H. Gardner, T. W. Stanley, C. M. 
Bithauser, W. H. Sutherland, T. R. Taylor, R. N. Wallace, T. DeW. Peake. The 
membership has ranged from 142 up to 522, the highest number having been reached in 
the year 1873. Since that time the number has been steadily between 300 and 400.
  Rev. T. DeWitt Peake, pastor of the Sixth Street Methodist Church, of Portsmouth, was 
born in Butler County, Ohio, near the city of Hamilton, March 19, 1843. He is the second 
son of William Burton and Syntha Peake. He lived with his parents at the place of his 
birth until eleven years of age, when, with the family, he removed to the State of Indiana. 
There he educated at the Hartsville University, finishing his studies in 1862. At the 
breaking of the war he assisted in raising a company and went out as Second-Lieutenant 
of his company, which helped to compose the Sixth-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. 
At the end of thirteen months he was discharged on account of physical disability. During 
most of this time he was on detail duty, engaging in only one fight, that of 
Mumfordsville, Ky. On returning from the war he served one term as Revenue Assessor 
in Indiana, at the expiration of which he returned to Hamilton, Ohio, where he was 
engaged for some time in teaching school. While in Indiana he had prepared himself for 
the practice of law but, feeling a call to the ministry, never fully engaged in that 
profession. In 1870 he entered Cincinnati Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Hillsboro, Ohio, remaining in that conference, preaching at various points, eleven 
years. In 1881 he was transferred to the Ohio Conference and was stationed for one year 
at Coolville and in the fall of 1882 at Sixth Street Church, Portsmouth. At an early age 
Mr. Peake entered upon a life of vigorous application consigning, himself to intellectual 
labor, a persistent seeker after truth. It was not enough for him to learn from the books of 
and simply follow in the tracks of those who had gone before him. His inclination led 
him to go beyond the simple acceptance of modes of faith practiced in the church and 
examine the reasonableness of their grounds. Truth has been the great object for which he 
has sought and to which he has paid his devotion, whether it be through the old modes or 
through others that seemed to him more becoming. For these diversions, slightly at 
variance with the general practices, he has endured no little persecution, but his 
orthodoxy has stood unimpeachable. His preaching is characterized by clearness, his 
illustrations being taken from every day life, by a masterly presentation of practical 
instruction, and a fearless promulgation of his own individual views of scripture teaching. 
He is one of the few preachers of the gospel who has the boldness to ignore rock-ribbed 
theories which are wont to go out from the pulpit, and think for himself and preach 
directly from his own heart. The favor with which his preaching is received is measured 
by the large and intelligent audiences which flock to hear him at every opportunity. 
Together with studies and preaching, he has engaged himself to considerable extent in 
writing. While yet a boy he contributed to the columns of the Cincinnati Gazette, and 
later to other later to other news and political papers. At the early age of seventeen, as a 
politician, he stumped Shelby County, Ind., with an ability that presaged for him success 
from the rostrum in whatever profession he should choose. After entering the ministry he 
published a small work on sanctification, which, being a new departure, brought forth 
considerable comment, both for and against, and created no small stir in the religious 
atmosphere of the country. He is, at the present time, engaged on a book entitled, "A 
History of Idolatry," which he expects to make the work of his life. Its aim will be to 
show that all nations were originally monotheistic and will contain much new and 
singular information. His sermons are published weekly in one of the newspapers of the 
city, and up to the present time about seventy-five of his sermons have been published in 
papers and pamphlets for distribution. He has long been a literary contributor to different 
literary and religious journals including the Western Christian Advocate and 
Northwestern Advocate. While a member of the Cincinnati Conference Mr. Peake had the 
experience of being called to answer charges against his orthodoxy before a council of his 
fellow ministers, a common fate, of recent years, to many of our ablest ministers. From 
his preaching it had been learned that he did not believe nor teach the theory of total 
depravity, as a doctrine of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but that hereditary corruption 
was, which he boldly set forth with his best ability. He was requested by a committee, 
appointed for that purpose, to write an essay on the subject of total depravity, which he 
did; and for his orthodoxy was brought into question. At the following conference the 
presiding elder presented to the body the case of Mr. Peake, which had been a subject of 
considerable discussion, and in doing so denounced his theories as detrimental to the 
cause of Methodism. Mr. Peake thereupon requested the appointment of a committee of 
inquiry before whom he could set forth and explain his true position. This was done and 
as a result, after a thorough examination and a strong argument on the part of Mr. Peake 
in defense of his position, he was fully vindicated. To the further credit of Mr. Peake it 
may be said since that time the works of Revs. W. B. Pope and Minor Raymond have 
appeared, which are accepted as the highest authority in this church, and in both of these 
the identical views of Mr. Peake on the subjects named are supported. On the 20th of 
April, 1878, he was married to Miss Lida Vale. He is the father of four living children.
  Bigelow Methodist Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, Ohio. – The first society was 
organized in 1800 at Philip Moore's, just across the Scioto River. The old stone house in 
which the meetings were held is still standing.
  This appointment was a part of the old Scioto Circuit. Up the 1805 the Scioto Circuit 
belonged to the Kentucky District, which embraced, beside the work in Ohio, all of 
Kentucky and Tennessee and the greater part of North Carolina. In 1805 a new district
was formed called the "Ohio," embracing all the work in the State.
  Rev. Henry Smith was the first minister on the Scioto Circuit, and Rev. William 
McKendree (afterward Bishop) was the first Presiding Elder.
  In 1805 the renowned Peter Cartwright was assistant preacher on this circuit. He was a 
frontier man; he was an effective minister for more than sixty years, and served as 
Presiding Elder for fifty years.
  Rev. John Sale was the first Presiding Elder of the Ohio District.
  In 1809, at a quarterly meeting held at Benjamin Turner's, James B. Finley was 
recommended as a suitable person to be received into the conference as an itinerant 
minister. At a quarterly meeting in the old stone house across the Scioto, May 29, 1813, 
Henry B. Bascom, the illustrious Western orator who achieved a national reputation, 
received his first license and preached his first sermon.
  In 1813 the Scioto Circuit was divided and Salt Creek Circuit was formed; at the same 
time the class was divided and one organized in Portsmouth. This Portsmouth 
appointment was thus first a part of the Salt Creek Circuit, and now the Scioto District 
and Western Conference. Its first circuit preacher was Rev. Nelson Spring, in 1814. 
There were but seven members in the society when organized. They were Escrich Hall 
and wife, Rachel Barber, Rev. J. R. Turner and wife, Mary Scarborough and Anna 
Glover. Rev. J. R. Turner was the first Class Leader.
  The Methodist Episcopal church was the first organization in Portsmouth, preceding the 
Presbyterians four years and the Episcopalians six years. The Methodists also owned the 
first church, having purchased and remodeled the academy on the corner of Market and 
Fourth streets, in 1820, paying for it $1,100, partially in corn. The house was warmed by 
two old-fashioned fireplaces, one on either side of the pulpit, and was lighted by candles.
  In 1821 John McDowell, who for nearly fifty years was the leading spirit of this church, 
was appointed Class Leader.
  In 1821 the first Sabbath-school was organized; John McDowell was Superintendent.
  Portsmouth was made a station in 1829.
  During the pastorate of Rev. George Crum a lot was purchased on Second street, 
between Market and Court streets, and on it was built the largest church edifice then in 
Portsmouth. This was "Old Bigelow Chapel." It was dedicated in 1834 by Rev. J. R. 
Finley, the Presiding Elder of the district. The Trustees were Jacob Clingman, Jacob P. 
Noel, John Barker, N. W. Andrews, C. C. Hyatt, Joseph Fennimore, Moses Gregory, J. R. 
Turner and John McDowell.
  So far as known, C. C. Hyatt is the only one of this number now living. He is still one of 
the active business men of Portsmouth. A few years after this church was dedicated, Paul 
Brodbeck, a German, was passing by the church during a watch-night service. He entered 
to see what was going on and was converted. In the face of great opposition he became a 
Methodist, and finally a minister. His son is one of the popular young ministers of the 
Cincinnati Conference and is now stationed at Springfield. In 1844 the German Episcopal 
Church was organized. This was the first swarm from "Old Bigelow." Their beautiful and 
substantial church on the corner of Fourth and Washington streets stands as a monument 
of their devotion to their church.
  In 1853, the building on Second street being too small to accommodate the 
congregation, a lot was secured, on Seventh street above Chillicothe, and Spencer Chapel 
was erected, and 142 members and a proportionate number of the congregation moved 
into the new church. Rev. Z. Wharton was the first new pastor.
  In 1850 the present site was purchased and the church now standing erected. Rev. 
George Brush dedicated the chapel, and Rev. Dr. Thompson (afterward Bishop) 
dedicated the audience room. From that time to the present the course of this church has 
been steadily progressive. The membership has not been large, but has ever been earnest 
and true. This church pays her apportionment for all the benevolent causes of the church 
every year. She has no blanks, no deficiencies. The present building has suffered twice 
from fire, the last time in March, 1867. Nothing was left but the walls. By honorable 
effort the society recovered itself, from its own resources. This church pays from $1,200 
to $1,500 salary, and a parsonage. This church owns two parsonages; one is occupied by 
the pastor, the other is rented. It is out of debt, and owns church property worth $40,000. 
Since it was a station the following ministers have served as pastors: 1829, A. D. Fox; 
1830, James Callahan; 1831, William Herr; 1832, Elijah Truitt; 1833, William Young; 
1834-'35, George C. Crum; 1836-'37, Henry Turner; 1838-'39, William Simmons; 1840, 
William H. Lawder; 1841, R. S. Foster (now Bishop); 1842, Cyrus Brooks; 1843, Wesley 
Rowe; 1844, William R. Anderson; 1845, Clinton B. Sears; 1846-'47, David Whitcomb, 
1848-'49, P. P. Ingalls; 1850, John W. White; 1851, J. W. White and B. St. James Fry; 
1852, B. St. James Fry and G. W. Brush; 1853, A. Brooks; 1854-'55, B. N. Spahr; 1856, 
H. T. Magill; 1857-'58, A. B. See; 1859-'60, J. H. Creighton; 1861, S. C. Riker; 1862-
'63, T. H. Phillips; 1864-'65-'66, Isaac Crook; 1867-'68, E. A. Cranston; 1869-'70, 
James Mitchell; 1871-'72-'73, R. W. Manley; 1874-'75-'76, J. C. Jackson; 1877-'78-'79, 
J. W. Peters; 1880, S. B. Matthews, who died in June after his appointment; 1881-'82, J. 
W. Dillon, the present incumbent.
  During the same period the following ministers have served as Presiding Elders: 1829 to 
1831, Isaac C. Hunter; 1832-'35, J. B. Finley; 1836-'37, James Quinn; 1838 to 1841, 
Michael Marley; 1842-'45, John Firree; 1846-'49, John Stewart; 1850-'52, R. O. 
Spencer; 1853-'56, Andrew Carroll; 1857-'58, Uriah Heath; 1859-'62, Levi 
Cunningham; 1863-'66, A. B. See; 1867-'70, John Dillon; 1871-'74, John F. Miller; 
1875-'78, S. M. Bright; 1879-'80, J. W. Dillon, the present pastor of the church; 1881-
'82 is M. V. B. Evans.
  The present official members of this church are John Waller, George Little, James Y. 
Gordon, J. D. Claire, W. C. Draper, E. E. Ewing, J. G. Reed, L. H. Murphy, John Cooley, 
William M. Pursell, George D. Selby, Gilbert D. Wait, A. J. Fuller, Dr. D. S. Ricketts and 
W. F. Taylor.
  John W. Dillon was born near Millersport, Lawrence Co., Ohio, Oct. 18, 1834, a son of 
Samuel and Mary C. (White) Dillon, natives of Virginia, his father born in Franklin 
County, and his mother in Botetourt County. His father was of Irish descent. His parents 
were married Aug. 14, 1831, and had a family of three sons and five daughters; one son 
and two daughters are now living. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm and in 
attending the common school. He was for some time under the instruction of a private 
tutor. He was licensed to preach in Rome Chapel, Lawrence County, Ohio, July 16, 1856, 
and Aug. 26, 1857, at Chillicothe, Ohio, was received into the itinerant minister of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, a member of the Ohio Conference, and has spent seventeen 
years in the ministry – three years at Ironton, three at Newark, three at Zanesville, four at 
Gallipolis and four at Portsmouth. He was married at Sandy Springs, Adams Co., Ohio, 
Jan. 10, 1860, to Mary C. Cox. Five children have been born to them – Mary C., Sarah J., 
John Grant, Edmond B., and Benjamin H. One daughter is the wife of M. Mollohan, of 
Gallipolis, and the other of G. D. Wait, of J. H. Wait & Son, Portsmouth. Mr. Dillon is a 
member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities and the Knights of Honor. He, in 
1863, was one to assist the home companies in the Morgan raid.
  German Methodist Episcopal Church. – In 1839 Wm. Nast, D. D., and John Zwahlen 
visited Portsmouth and distributed some of the issues of the Christlich Apologete among 
German citizens. About this time Paul Brodbeck, who was carelessly passing by Bigelow 
while a revival was in progress, dropped in and before leaving was converted. Rev. Peter 
Schmucker paid a visit to Paul Brodbeck in 1844 and preached the same evening at the 
house of Stephen Brodbeck, a member of the Roman Catholic church. The next evening 
he preached at the house of Daniel Emerich. Rev. P. Schmucker was Presiding Elder and 
gave orders to Rev. John Hoppen to take Portsmouth into the mission, which was already 
large. Mr. Hoppen preached regularly in the school-house on Fourth street. The first 
quarterly conference was held in the fall of 1844, in the house of Daniel Emerick,   and 
official members were present from West Union, Piketon, Waverly, Beaver, etc. Paul 
Brodbeck was an Exhorter in the Bigelow church, but now joined the German class 
where he could be more useful and in September, 1845, was sent as a traveling preacher 
to Wheeling, W. Va.
  In 1845 the circuit was called Portsmouth and Rev. J. Geyer was appointed pastor. In 
1846 a resolution was passed to build a church, and a lot accordingly purchased on 
Fourth street, between Market and Jefferson. The building was completed in the 
following year. The present fine church on the corner of Washington and Fourth was 
built in 1868, the old one having been sold. This building is a very fine one, 50 x 75 feet 
in size, and is quite an ornament to the city. The congregation has now 185 members and 
a Sunday school of 200 children. Rev. G. Trefz is the present pastor in charge. 
  African Methodist Episcopal Church. – The first attempt at church organization by the 
colored people of Portsmouth was sometime before 1850. In the year 1855, in 
conference, mention was made of the little society at Portsmouth by Revs. Isaac Dillon 
and Wm. Morgan, circuit preachers in Southern Ohio, who had visited and preached at 
this place. It was weak at first and did not become able to support a resident minister until 
1868 when Rev. Phillip Tolliver was employed. About this time they purchased Spencer 
Chapel from the Methodists who at that time removed to Sixth Street Church. Before 
purchasing this they worshiped in a small frame building which still stands and is used 
for a residence, on Fifth street, between Court and Market. 

                     Baptist.
  First Baptist Church. – In December, 1849, Rev. J. H. Walden, under the direction of 
the Ohio Baptist Convention, commenced preaching in Portsmouth with  a view to 
establishing a church. Already a number of the denomination lived here, but no attempt at 
organization had ever been made. A meeting was called to be held Jan. 9, 1850, at which 
Rev. Walden presided, and two committees were appointed, one on membership for the 
new church and one on articles of faith, etc. On the first committee D. D. Jones and John 
Lionberger were appointed; on the second, George Heordth and D. H. Minard.
  In due time the committee on membership reported fourteen names, viz.: Mr. and Mrs. 
J. H. Walden, Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Minard, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. 
Wolf, Mrs. J. H. Wait, Mrs. E. Morgan, Mrs. Doan, Miss Elizabeth Loomis, John 
Lionberger and Joseph S. Jones, who constituted the First Baptist Church of Portsmouth. 
The committee on articles of faith reported the adoption of the same as formerly adopted 
by the State Baptist Convention. Rev. Mr. Walden remained pastor until January, 1851, 
when, on his resignation, he was succeeded by Rev. Joseph T. Robert, formerly of 
Cincinnati. His connection with the church as pastor lasted until the fall of 1857 after 
which the pulpit was vacant for a few months. Rev. Mr. Wyeth then served as a supply 
from April, 1858, till April, 1860, when Rev. J. D. King succeeded to the pastorate. He 
remained as pastor about six years.
  The first services were held in Apollo Hall on the west side of Market, near Second 
street, which was used until the present church was built in 1859. 
  The membership increased until in 1853-‘4 there were about 100. Since that time the 
number has varied from 100 to 216.
  Pleasant Green Church, Colored. – The colored element in the population of 
Portsmouth has steadily grown with the growth of the city. After the existence of the 
African Methodist Church for a little over ten years, the Baptist denomination was 
introduced by Elder Butler Harper, now a minister in Kansas City, Mo. He organized a 
church here in 1866, with twenty-one members. All of these except seven have died 
members of the church, and the remaining seven are still faithful. The strength and 
membership have grown constantly, they numbering at the present time 113 members.
  C. M. Bowles, who came in 1881, is the present pastor. At different times there have 
been spaces of a few months during which there was no pastor. 
  The church is a modest brick structure on the corner of Finley and Tenth streets, 
surrounded by a plat of grass; is neatly furnished inside and supplied with an organ. It has 
a flourishing Sabbath-school under the superintendence of J. Cranshaw.

                     Catholic.
  The two fine Catholic churches of Portsmouth present a worthy and lasting monument 
to the enterprise and religious zeal of the people of that religion. Beginning at a day when 
the city was firmly founded, in the most primitive manner, it has more than equaled the 
growth of the city in its race toward power and influence. The church embraces about 450 
families in the city, while their two church edifices, one of them among the finest in the 
State, would be ornamental to any city.
  The first move toward establishing a church here was in 1831, while the Ohio Canal was 
building at this place. Many of the laborers were of foreign nationality and members of 
the Catholic church. In April of that year Rev. Father D. Rapp came and held meetings 
two different times. In 1842 Rev. Father T. R. Butler held a meeting of ten days. These 
meetings were held in a square brick building on the southwest corner of Market and 
Fourth streets. The Rev. Father H. D. Yonker, afterward Bishop of Alton, Ill., also visited 
this place. Prior to 1831 occasional meetings had been held by priests from neighboring 
cities, but they were irregular and held in private houses.
  A few months after the ten days' meeting of Father Butler, Father Joseph O'Mealy was 
sent here by Archbishop Pursell, whose bishopric then included Portsmouth. Father 
O'Mealy was permanently established here for about four years, though a great portion of 
his time was taken up in labor at a number of other points in this part of the State. At first 
he held services in his dwelling, which stood on Second street, where Knittel's bakery 
now stands; but as soon as possible he completed the building of a new church, the 
Church of the Nativity, which still stands on the corner of Madison and Third streets, 
though not now used as a church. This church was completed and the first service held in 
it on Christmas Day, 1842. The rectory was built at the same time on the same lot.
  During his stay here, which lasted until November, 1845, Father O'Mealy established 
churches at Ripley, Wilkesville and Pine Grove, and held services regularly at each.
  After the ministry of Father O'Mealy, who was called to another place in 1845, Father 
Emanuel Theinpont, of Dayton, was placed in charge here and remained until 1850.
  He was a man of great ability and energy and had built the Emanuel Church, of Dayton. 
He also had charge of churches of the surrounding country, including the ones above 
named, and at the furnace towns in the eastern part of the county. A new church was 
established by him at Pond Creek, a French settlement of this county.
  At the close of his service, and after the place had been without a resident pastor for one 
or two months, Father Murphy, formerly of Australia, came here by appointment. His 
ministry was of only three or four months' duration, when the pulpit was again left vacant 
for a short time.
  In the fall of 1852 Father Gilmour, now Rev. Richard Gilmour, Bishop of Cleveland, 
having just completed his studies at Emmittsburg, Md., was sent here by Archbishop 
Pursell, as his first field of labor. He was then a man of feeble constitution and the field 
being too large and the labor too great for one man, Rev. Francis Karge, a Franciscan 
Polish priest just from Europe, was sent as his associate.  
  At this time a large portion of the members were German, unable to speak or understand 
English, and as Father Gilmour was unable to preach in German, while Father Karge was 
unable to preach successfully in any other tongue, the congregation was divided.
  Church of the Holy Redeemer. – This is a fine structure situated on the north side of 
Sixth street, east of Gay. It was built soon after the division of the congregation. The 
Germans retained the Church of the Nativity, but by the year 1854 the English had their 
present building completed for worship. Father Gilmour remained here about five years, 
after which he was placed in charge of St. Patrick's Church, of Cincinnati. After the 
division of the congregation at this place, and Father Karge was giving his attention to the 
German portion, Father Quigley was sent as Father Gilmour's assistant, but remained 
only a few months. Father Donahue, now of Dayton, then came as the associate of Father 
Gilmour. He remained to the end of Father Gilmour's ministry, and became his 
successor.
  He was succeeded by Rev. A. Harren. He remained but two or three years. Rev. John J. 
Curley succeeded him, but remained only a few months. Rev. O. A. Walker, present 
Vicar-General of the Columbus Diocese, was then in charge for seven years, from 1866 
to 1873. He was transferred to Circleville, Ohio, and Rev. John C. Goldsmith, now of the 
Orphan Asylum at Columbus, became his successor. He was only here a few months 
when he was succeeded by Rev. D. B. Cull, who remained from 1874 to 1878, when Rev. 
P. Steyle, the present priest, who is a native of France, took charge of the church. The 
church edifice was thoroughly remodeled in 1881, greatly improving its appearance. The 
parish numbers about 120 families.
  St. Mary's Catholic Church. – Under Rev. F. Karge the German Catholics prospered 
largely, and in a short time saw the necessity of building a new and larger church. They 
bought a lot on the corner of Market and Fifth, for the sum of $2,520, in the year 1859, 
and in 1864 the foundation of the church was commenced, while at the same time a large 
school-house was erected on the church ground at a cost of $3,000. The corner-stone of 
the new church was laid on the 9th of May, 1869, by the Rt. Rev. Rosecrans, Bishop of 
Columbus. The church was dedicated July 31, 1870, having been built at a cost of 
$50,000. April 25, 1871, Rev. Karge was succeeded by Rev. A. Nonnen, a native of 
Alsace, who is the present priest.
  On his arrival the congregation was in critical circumstances. A grand and beautiful 
church indeed, but an empty church, without a parsonage, and a debt of $28,367 staring 
him in the face. This was apparently too much for the few German families who made up 
the congregation, but under the direction of their pastor they went to work with a new 
zeal and set at naught the discouraging tendency of this enormous debt. Notwithstanding  
all this, in the fall of 1871 they incurred the additional debt of $2,400 by the erection of a 
parsonage, and another of $1,100 in the following year by an addition to the school-
house. In 1878 it started again by a fresh impulse for improvement. They secured erection 
of a large and beautiful pipe organ, at a cost of $2,300, and in 1879 three nice and 
imposing Gothic altars were placed in the church at a cost of $3,000. After twelve years 
of hard work, be it said to their credit, this congregation has the satisfaction of seeing all 
these expensive improvements paid for, and the debt reduced to $9,000.

                     Miscellaneous.
  German United Evangelical Church. – This society is purely German, the sermons 
being preached in that tongue and the congregation composed entirely of German 
speaking people. The organization was first formed in 1853 by Rev. G. Wiehle. It was the 
second German church organization in the city, the German church organization in the 
city, the German Catholic church preceding it about two years. It was at first composed 
of about forty families who at once contributed to the erection of a church edifice, which 
was built in the same year and which still serves the society.
  The signification of its name, "United Evangelical," means a harmonious blending of 
the Protestant and Lutheran doctrines.
  The church is now in a flourishing condition and contains about 150 families. The 
successive ministers have been as follows: G. Wiehle, 1853-'56; Leopold Alberti, 1856-
'59; H. Veith, 1859-'66; B. Sickel, 1866-'71; K. Zimmerman, 1871-'75; P. Scheliha, 
1875-'81; Christian Haas, 1881-'83.
  German United Brethren. – This church was organized in 1866 by Rev. G. F. Albright. 
The first meetings were held in the members' houses until the following year, when the 
church, on the corner of Seventh and Gay streets, was built. This church is being 
remodeled at the present time (1883) and when completed the outlay will reach $3,800. 
The church is in a growing condition and when the building is completed it will be one of 
the finest small churches in the city.
  After the ministry of Mr. Albright, which lasted two years, the society was served two 
years by the Rev. G. Schmidt. The succeeding ministers have been as follows: Rev. G. F. 
Albright again for two years, Rev. J. Ernest two years, Rev. E. Lorens three years, Rev. 
C. Streich three years, Rev. G. Schmidt three years, and Rev. C. Streich again since 1882.
  The membership in 1867 numbered fifteen; now it numbers about 80.
  Kal a Kodesh Bench Abraham (Holy Congregation of the Sons of Abraham). – This 
Hebrew church organized was formed in September, 1858, by fifteen Jewish families 
under Rev. Raphael Lasker. All of the families had come from German or France and 
located in business in Portsmouth.
  At the organization Levi and M. Eichelstein, two brothers, were made presiding officers, 
and L. Stern, Simon Lehman, Isaac Freiberg, Henry Richman, Jacob Stern, M. Seeberger 
and B. Dreifoas were elected Trustees.
  The society grew and flourished for a while so that in 1871 it embraced a congregation 
of about twenty-five families. For a few years following, by deaths and removals, it 
declined to about twenty families in 1877, since which time it has remained stationary. 
The organization is now in a progressive condition, enjoying perfect harmony and free 
from debt. In the year of its organization the society purchased one-half of the Masonic 
property on the corner of Washington and Third streets. One large room in this building 
is dedicated to the uses of a synagogue, in the furnishing of which the society has 
expended upward of $1,000. Besides this property they own a separate burying ground in 
the city cemetery.
  The society meets regularly for preaching and prayer twice a week, Friday evening and 
Saturday morning, and has a regular Sabbath-school, which meets on Sunday morning. A 
few members of the church organization live at Jackson and some at Ironton.

                     Cemetery.
  In the earliest days of settlement here but little pomp and ceremony attended the burial 
of those who now and then caused the grave to open and to whose memory a humble 
mound of earth arose.
  The first site of burial after civilization fairly begun was on the hill just back of 
Alexandria. This was used long after the inhabitants of Alexandria moved to Portsmouth. 
To this place the remains of Dr. Thomas Waller were borne in 1823.
  The first public graveyard, as it was then called, in Portsmouth, was on the ground now 
covered by the Burgess Steel and Iron Works. This served the people for many years. 
This ground being too small as well as too near the business part of town, was abandoned 
in 1829, and a part of the present cemetery was laid out as a burying ground. The first 
burial in this new ground was that of William Peebles, brother of John G. Peebles. The 
lot at first contained only five or six acres, but at different times since additions have 
increased it to forty-two acres. In 1872 and 1873 additions were made of eight acres each. 
The cemetery lies on the northern border of the city limit, a portion of it, lately laid off by 
the Catholics, being across the line in Clay Township. It is a large, shady lawn, on 
elevated ground, laid out with gravel drives and beautifully ornamented with monuments, 
shrubbery and flowers.
                     (Illustration of Allen F. Givens, p. 221)