Pleasants County, West Virginia - Tyler Gazette Industrial ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal represen- ative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ************************************************************************ From TYLER GAZETTE INDUSTRIAL - PLEASANTS COUNTY Reprinted Wetzel County (WV) Genealogical Society, Vol. 20. Typed by Rene'e Woolley, (Alenay@udata.com) HISTORY OF PLEASANTS COUNTY The Smallest County in the State One Hundred and Eighty Square Miles Pleasants County lies in the western part of West Virginia, along the Ohio River. Tyler County bounds it on the north and east, Ritchie and Wood, on the east and south, and Washington County, Ohio, on the west. It is one of the smallest counties in the state, having only 180 square miles. Along the Ohio River lies the beautiful bottom lands which attracted the early explorers and settlers. Back from the river, the general surface is hilly, but the sides of these hills are chiefly easy slopes, and no where do they rise into rugged peaks, but are well rounded and capable of a high degree of cultivation. Among the hills are innumerable valleys down which sparkling brooks flow to form the waters of the large creeks of which Pleasants County can boast of four fair proportions. The most important is Middle Island Creek, which has it's sourcr far off in Doddridge, divides the broad county of Tyler, and then flows through Pleasants nearly parallel to the Ohio, into which it empties just above St Marys, after traversing 200 miles or more of country. At times it is navigable for small streams for a distance of five miles from it's mouth, and it is possible to open it with locks as far as Middlebourne, 50 or 60 miles from it's junction with the Ohio. The general direction of all the streams in Pleasants is west. French, Cow, and Bull creeks have their source in the dividing ridge of Pleasants and Ritchie counties and flow in parallels to the Ohio. The chief of these streams is Bull Creek, which marks the Wood County line it's whole length of 18 miles. Cow Creek, three miles north, is somewhat smaller though it affords excellent water power. On the north side of this creek is a good vein of coal, which crops out on the surface, and which has been partially worked. Its waters join the Ohio at Willow Island about 12 miles from its source. French Creek, which enters the Ohio at Belmont, three miles below St Marys, first flows through a thickly timbered section. Along this stream 10 years ago was the oil region of Pleasant County, although, at present, there are wells along almost every stream in the county. Middle Island Creek has two branches of considerable size - McKim Creek and Sugar Creek, both rising in Tyler. The county of Pleasants, is divided into six magisterial districts, Union, Washington, Grant, LaFayette, McKim, and Jefferson. The first three of these are situated upon the Ohio. The eastern boundary of the other three districts are within a few miles of the Parkersburg branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad According to the term - by which Virginia yielded up the northwest territory to the national government in 1786, the northwest bank was made the boundary line. Consequently, the jurisdiction of Pleasants extends to the Ohio shore of the river and several large and beautiful islands form a part of the territory. The largest of these is Middle Island, directly opposite the mouth of the creek by that name. The island is almost two miles in length, it's lower end fronting the southern limit of St Marys and contains almost 300 acres of good rich soil. Grape Island is almost a mile further north. The Three Brothers Island is named in honor of the Briscoe brothers, who took "tomahawk" claims along the Ohio in 1783, lies between French Creek and Willow Island, opposite the mouth of Cow Creek. The history of Pleasants County is brief. As we have stated in another part of this work, in 1738 all the land lying between the Big Kanawha, the Ohio and Pennsylvania and Maryland was called the "District of West Augusta". In 1776 the district was divided in to the counties of Ohio and Monongalia. Middle Isaland Creek, then known as the "Louisiana River", being the division line. In 1784, Harrison County was set out from Monongalia, extending along the Ohio from Middle Island to the Big Kanawha. In 1799, Wood County was carved from Harrison County, and in 1843 the western portion of Wood was set apart and called Ritchie County. Tyler County was separated from Ohio County in 1815, and in 1851, the county of Pleasants was formed from portions of Tyler, Ritchie and Wood counties, and was named in honor of James Pleasants, governor of West Virginia in 1822. The first county court was held in what is now the residence of I. O. Reynolds, formerly the old "Central House", at the corner of Main and Lafayette streets, St Marys, May 15, 1851. This house then belonged to A. H. Creel. The following gentlemen served as justices: Moses Williamson, John K Prince, Abner Martin, Thomas Browse, Samuel Hammett, Abram D Gorrell, Isaac Williamson, Edmund Riggs, Alex H Creel, and John Stewart. Renlney Hickman was appointed clerk of the circuit court. Greenbury Riggs, crier; Thomas Browse, surveyor; John K Prince, commissioner of revenue, and Moses Williamson, sheriff. The county was divided into two counties by districts, Upper and Lower. Joseph Gorrell, Thomas Rymer and Jesse C Beeson were made constables of the Upper District, and Edward W Johnson and Ambrose Smith of the Lower District. Among the attorneys licensed the first year were W. I. Boreman, John W Horner, Joseph Spencer, John J Jackson Jr , Arthur I Boreman, William L Jackson, James M Jackson, Benjamin W Jackson, Leonard S Hall, Joseph C Moore and Jacob B Blair. William L Jackson was elected prosecuting attorney, and John W Widderfield was appointed deputy clerk. Henry C Creel was made collector of the county. The county was divided into four pool districts, which were also school districts with the following commissioners: Henry Flesher, No 2; William Hanes, No 2; Phineas Feeney, No 3 and R T Parker, No 4. Founding of St Marys A H Creel Donated Land to Build a Court House - The Town Once a Ferry Landing A H Creel was the founder of St Marys, and he donated the land on which the present county court house stands. He also subscribed $800. The building was erected in 1852 at a cost of $5,300. Mr Creel came from Virginia in 1834, and bought land below Middle Island Creek. Like other towns along the Ohio, St Marys owes it's origin to first being a ferry landing. After Mr Creel had sold his land at the mouth of Green's Run, and made an unsuccessful attempt to start a town further up the river, he at last bought the land which is now the site of St Marys, in 1847, from H L Pickens. The land north of this was bought by William Bills, Samuel Pickens and Silas Gallagher. The town of St Marys was laid out in 1840. Thomas Browse being the surveyor. At the time there were only three or four houses in the neighborhood, one near the site of the Cain House, and the another on the hill where Mrs S Gallagher still lives. The first house built in the town was the large frame structure at the corner of Creel and Water streets, built by the Logan brothers, and for many years used by them as a store. About the same time the large brick building on the opposite side of Creel street was built by A H Creel. Several other buildings then followed in rapid succession. The Reynold's house was built by Amber Smith, and there, the first courts were held from 1851 to 1854, when the court house was completed. The county road then came in through the Bills and Gallagher estate, to the river front near where the residence of John F Barron now stands. A road was built to the Ellenboro Pike, which for a number of years enjoyed the advantages of a depot trade between the Ohio and the East until the B & O Railroad was constructed. In 1876 thirteen cooper shops were in operation in St Marys, and rough staves were sold for $20 per thousand. Money was plentiful, work brisk and the "world moved" right along. A year later owing to the panic the number of cooper shops were reduced to two. At this time Creel Street was the principal thoroughfare. Four stores, three hotels and a saloon made business on this street very lively at times. The town was incorporated in 1872 by an act of the legislature, but the character not giving satisfaction, the mayor - R Towzey and others, petitioned for a repeal, and the charter was annulled in 1876. It was re-incorporated in 1880 by the circuit court and since then has made rapid strides in improvement. R Patterson was the first mayor under the new charter, and D W Reynolds, recorder, J B Townsend was mayor in 1881, 1882, 1883; J L Richardson in 1884, and up to August 1885, when he resigned and R Patterson was appointed to fill the vacancy. J B Townsend served in 1886, R A Gallagher in 1887 and 1888, and James Patterson in 1889. The present town officers are J C Noland, Esq., mayor; Andrew Porter Esq., recorder; George Zipf, sergeant and S M Riggs, B F West, Greene Haddox, John Shupbach and J M Imlay, councilmen. The present county officers are A H Core, sheriff; B F Leckman, F M Triplett and W C Curtis, commissioners of the county court; C P Creig Esq., prosecuting attorney; Thomas Sullivan, assessor; R A Flesher, circuit clerk; W C Dotson, county clerk; L N Tavenner Esq., circuit judge. The largest town in the county is St Marys, the population of which is almost 1,000. It is the county seat and one of the most attractive places along the Ohio River. The real estate valuation of the place is $71,347 and the personal property valuation about $85,000. Streets of St Marys How the Town Was Laid Out - Some of the Business Men The town of St Marys was laid out in the form of a parallelogram. The south boundary is Washington Street, the east skirts the bank of the upper bottom and the south takes in the lower hill. The streets running east from the river are Creel, Lafayette, George, Clay and Washington. Those running parallel with the river are First, Second and Third but better known as Water, Main and Third. St Marys is situated 45 feet above low water, and higher than other towns along the Ohio River. The flood of 1852 came just to the Cain house foundations and the great flood of 1898 did scarcely any damage. The business interests of St Marys are represented by the following men and institutions. Solomon Ankrom, general store; Samuel Barkwell, coal and farm implements; T M Barnsdall & Co., oil operators; John F Barron, lawyer; George W Barting, grocer; Mrs D A Blackburn, milliner; George W Brown, Commercial Hotel; William Brown, justice; Bushfield & Co, coffins; George H Hudson, Cain Hotel; Augustus M Campbell, lawyer; Henry S Coen, justice; Alfred H Cole, postmaster; H K Cooper & Co., merchant tailors; Alonso B Core, sheriff; W H G Core, general store; Cotton A Standiford, furniture; Commodore P Craig, prosecuting attorney; William Curtis, county commissioner; John H Duan, tinner; W C Dotson, county clerk; Elmer Edgar, jeweler; A N Fleming, photographer; R A Flesher, circuit clerk; Samuel Flowers, general store; Mr Myers, Ohio River Railroad agent and Adams Express; N B Gabbert, blacksmith; John B Gabbert, grocer; Harry H Gallagher, publisher St Marys Oracle; Robert A Gallagher, editor Oracle; Great Kanawha Co. oil producers; Alva S Grimm, physician; John R Harris, blacksmith; Henry H Hess, meats; Imlay Bros., plasterers; Clyde B Johnson, lawyer; George Kelsall, general store; Mrs Sarah E Kelsall, milliner; LeBaron & Schupboch, meats; Harlan P Locke, lawyer; John Locke, barber; Mallory Bros., oil producers; Julius Manthey, horse shoer; C M Matheney, lawyer; J C Noland, lawyer and mayor; Newton Ogden, general store; Rev A W Ownby, M E pastor; Jas. Parscal, restaurant; Robert L Pemberton, county school superintendent; Poorman Oil Co., producers; Pleasants County Bank, I O Reynolds, cashier; Andrew J Porter, lawyer and collector; W E Reed, hardware; R Reynolds, oil producer; River Gas Company, I O Reynolds, manager; George K Roby, livery; A Ruttencutter, drayman; St Marys Manufacturing Company, flour and planing mill; John Schauwecker, tanner; John Schupbach, barber; B F Seckman, president county court; Miss Emma Snively, grocery; George C Stanley, general store; David Q Steere, physician; Steward and Barking, livery; J Strickling & Sons, general store; J T Sullivan, county assessor; Sweeney and Riggs, flour and lumber; James H Thompson, shoes and harness; B B Timmons, shoemaker; Townsend & Hanes, lawyers; Frank M Triplett, county commissioner; Watson & Watson, druggist and physician; S L White & Co., drugs; George Zepf, blacksmith. Biographical Sketches Representative Citizens of St Marys, the Capital of Pleasants County A representative citizen of St Marys is the Hon. Newton Ogden, who occupied a place in the State Senate for one term, and who is at present president of the Pleasants County Bank. He was born in Wood County, W Va, in 1851. His father was Lewis Ogden, after whom the famous Ogden oil field was named, and his mother, before marriage, was Eliza J Hunter, of Steubenville, O. Newton Ogden was educated in the public schools of Wood County, W Va, and at Marietta Academy. He was married in 1877 to Sarah Elizabeth Hults and to them were born three children, all of whom are still living - Edna May, now 15 years of age; Ralph N, 5 years and Eugene H, 2 years old. Mr Ogden engaged in the merchantile business and in 1887 he moved to St Marys. Four years later he was nominated by the Republicans of Fourth Senatorial Districts to represent them in the State legislature, and he was elected by a good majority. In addition to this public trust, Mr Ogden has held other important offices, serving as postmaster at St Marys under President Harrison's administration and previous to that as postmaster at Waverly, Valley Mills and other points. He owes his success in life to his sturdy Scotch-Irish descent. Raised in the country districts and surrounded by circumstances not the most favorable in life he soon learned to depend upon himself and he has thus been able to hoe his own row. It was due to his exertion and influence that the Pleasants County Bank was organized in 1897 and he was made president of it. The other officers are: R H Browse, vice president; I O Reynolds, secretary, and Dr A S Grimm, D W Reynold, R N Corbett, John Schauwecker, C C Schauwecker, Dr G H Gale, R A Gorrell, R H Browse and N Ogden, directors. The capital stock is $25,000 with privilege of increasing that amount to $50,000. The bank declared a 3 per cent dividend the first year. Mr Ogden built his present handsome residence in St Marys in 1894. The building is a frame structure not far from the river bank, and it is one of the most beautiful locations in the town. In addition to the enterprises here mentioned, Mr Ogden is one of the leading merchants of St Marys and is interested in the oil developments to some extent. Attorney John F Barron One of the leading citizens and most prominent attorneys at the Pleasants County Bar is John F Barron, Esq. He is an Ohioan by birth, first seeing the light of day at Athens, Athens County. His father was M L Barron of County Cork, Ireland, who married Miss Nancy V Aralin, of West Virginia. The son was sent to the public schools of Ohio and West Virginia during his youth, and he laid the foundation of his success later in life by teaching. He followed this vocation for some years, being principal of the St Marys schools for some time. Applying himself to the study of law, he was admitted to the bar September 24, 1896, and today enjoys one of the most lucrative practices of any attorney in West Virginia. In addition to being a lawyer of prominence he is a man of business along other lines, and owns considerable property, real and personal. He owns one of the handsomest residences on the West Virginia side of the Ohio River. It is situated on a prominence not far from the river bank and only a block from the Ohio River railroad station. In summer it is one of the most beautiful spots to be found anywhere. Mr Barron was married to Miss Lizzie G Gallagher, and to them have been born four children: Maggie, aged 14; Frances S, aged 10; Frank J, aged 7, and Harry G, aged 2. Mr Barron is a man of strong Democratic proclivities. Attorney Clyde B Johnson Attorney Clyde B Johnson, one of the most prominent politicians and attorneys in St Marys, was born in Pleasants County, W Va, June 17, 1871. His father was James L Johnson. His mother was Anna Martin Johnson, daughter of Abner Martin, one of the promoters of the county's organization, and a member of it's first grand jury. Mr Johnson commenced to attend public school near his home at the age of 12 years, and spent a part of one year under the tutorship of the late Prof J D Phillips, at Marietta, Ohio. He began teaching at the age of 17 years, and followed the profession for seven years. He finished his education at the West Virginia Conference Seminary, Buckhannon, W Va, and began the study of the law in the spring of 1893, under the direction of Hon A B Campbell, of St Marys, W Va, being admitted to the bar February, 1895. He opened an office in Sistersville, W Va, the following month, and practiced his profession in that bustling oil metropolis for nearly a year, when political aspirations called him back to his native county. In his opinions on most subjects, Mr Johnson is a liberal, and in politics is an ardent advocate of the principles of government taught by Jefferson. He has ever since approaching the years of manhood taken a lively interest in politics, and each campaign since his sixteenth year has found him upon the stump in support of his party's candidates. He was one of the original Silver Democrats of the Fourth Congressional District, and advocated free coinage strongly in a speech made at the Huntington convention in 1894, nominating his old preceptor for Congress. He was also a member of the committee on resolutions at that convention, and he penned the financial plank adopted by it. In 1894 Mr Johnson was a candidate for his party's nomination for the legislature in Pleasants County, and after a hotly contested fight in convention, necessitating five ballots, was defeated by one- seventh of a vote by Hon Robert H Browse, of Grape Island. Mr Browse was one of the most wealthy and influential men of the county, and had been a member of the legislature during one, and perhaps two former sessions. In the campaign of 1896, Mr Johnson was the nominee of his party for Prosecuting Attorney of his county, but went down in the wreck of the Democratic Waterloo of that year, and was defeated by his Republican opponent by a majority of 22 votes. Since his defeat for the Prosecuting Attorneyship, Mr Johnson has been practicing law in Pleasants, and the other counties of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and has built up a paying practice which is still increasing. His latest venture is upon the matrimonial sea. Tiring of single blessedness, he was united in marriage on February 9, 1898 to Miss Anna Grace Hart, an accomplished young lady of Randolph County, West Virginia, the only daughter of the late Hon S Hart, who was one of the best known men of that section of the state. It is Mr Johnson's intention to remain in St Marys, and practice his profession in the courts of Pleasants and other neighboring counties. He thinks the political outlook is very bright for a sweeping Democratic victory at the coming congressional election of this year, and it has just leaked out to his closest friends, that he aspires to become his party's nominee in the approaching contest, for State Senator to represent the Fourth Senatorial District. The district is composed of the counties of Pleasants, Wood, Wirt, Calhoun and Gilmer. Mr Johnson is well known through all of these counties, and his friends claim that his chances for the nomination are good, especially so when it is remembered that under the old Democratic rule of rotation in office, the nomination for senator should fall to a Pleasants County man. If nominated, he will make an able and aggressive campaign of each county in the district. Postmaster A H Cole Mr Cole was born October 9, 1842, in Belmont County. His father was William C Cole and his mother, before marriage, was Rebecca B McFarland. The son was educated in the public schools of Ohio and when the civil war broke out he enlisted in the Fifteenth W Va infantry, organized by Col McCaslin, commanded later by Col T Morris, afterwards killed at Snicker's Ford. The command then went to Col John Holliday, who lived for several years after the conflict was over. Mr Cole remained in the service until June 24, 1865, when he was mustered out at Wheeling. Two years later, on June 1, he was married to Dorcas M Reynolds, daughter of Daniel Reynolds, of Pleasants County. To this union were born nine children, eight of whom are still living, as follows: Married, Chas R Cole to Cora Baker, and they now live at Raven Rock; Cora M Cole to W L Core, residence, St Marys; Sarah B Cole to James Cook, residence, St Marys; Walter W Cole to Edith Bochman, residence, St Marys. The children yet unmarried are Lillian M, Sylvia A, Martha P and Chester A. Mr Cole is a Republican in politics ad served four years on the St Marys school board. He was a candidate for sheriff once, but was defeated by a very small majority. After the memorable campaign of 1896 Mr Cole announced himself a candidate for the office of postmaster of St Marys, and he was appointed by President McKinley. The office is at this time fourth class, but it will not be long until it will be advanced to a salaried place, as the receipts for 1897 were close to $2,000. The last quarter showed about $500. Mr Cole was one of the founders of the North Methodist Episcopal Church of St Marys, and himself and family are still members of it. Mr Cole was the first Sunday school superintendent of that organization and he is still trustee of the church. Prosecuting Attorney C P Craig Few men in life reach the goal of their ambition by so short a cut as did the present Prosecuting Attorney of Pleasants County, C P Craig, Esq. He landed safely in that position almost at a single bound. After studying law with A M Campbel, Esq, of St Marys, and being admitted to the bar in 1896, he announced himself a candidate for the office of Prosecuting Attorney, and against a strong Democratic phalanx, he succeeded in winning the fight. The time elapsing from the date of his admission to the practice of law until he occupied the chair of prosecutor was less than four months. Mr Craig is a man of strong character and self confidence. Although not favored by the most fortunate conditions, he has won his way slowly but surely to the distinction which his office implies. He was born August 1, 1868, near Buffalo Creek, Tyler County. His father was James Craig, of Greene County, Pa, and his mother, before marriage, was Edith Gatewell. The son received his early education in the public schools of Tyler and Pleasants counties. After passing the usual course of study, he taught select school in Pleasant County. In this calling he was successful, but not being satisfied with the remuneration, he commenced the study of law, under A M Campbell, Esq, and succeeded in passing the examination in the summer of 1896, in time to be a candidate for the office which he now fills. He was supported by not only the Republican forces, but by the Democrats, as well, and not withstanding that the county went Democratic for the national candidates, he defeated his opponent and won by a small majority. He did this by unusual energy and exertion combined with his strong determination to succeed. He canvased the whole county on foot, and wherever he went he made friends. Mr Craig was married March 8, 1894, to Miss Cora Wilson, daughter of Silas Wilson, of Pleasants County, and to them two children have been born, Ivy May and Edith Pearl. This family resides at St Marys, where they moved from Hebron in 1896. They are members of the M E Church. Mr Craig is a member of the Junior Order United American Mechanics. Attorney J C Noland A man of influence in Pleasants County affairs in J C Noland, Esq, who is, at present, mayor of St Marys, and who has served as prosecuting attorney of the county for two terms. He is a man of strong religious and political sentiment. He has been a Democrat all his life and was one of the founders of the Episcopal Church at St Marys. He was born October 18, 1858, his father being old Virginia stock. The senior Noland was born in Loudon County in 1813 and Mrs Noland, whose name before marriage was Caraline Fitshugh, was born in Prince William County in 1817. She was of the famous Fitshugh family and the recent Consul General to Cuba, Fitshugh Lee, is related to Mr Noland. J C Noland, Esq, received his education in the public schools of St Marys. He was not only a good student, but a hard worker, and during the summer in his boyhood and youth he worked on the farm. At the age of 18 he began teaching school, and continued this vocation for 10 consecutive years, being principal of St Marys schools 1882 and 1883. His methods of teaching attracted favorable attention and he was made school examiner, which office he filled in Pleasants County for a period of four years. In 1887 he completed a course at law and was admitted to practice. A year later he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the county, and at the expiration of the term was re-elected. He served until 1897 when he was succeeded by C P Craig, Esq. A year later he was nominated for the office of Mayor of St Marys and received every vote. Mr Noland was married November 17, 1897 to Miss Olla Smith, daughter of John W Smith, of Parkersburg. He is a stockholder in the Farmers and Producers National Bank of Sistersville, and is one of the few of St Marys who is trying to build up the town. Mr Noland is a Mason and Odd Fellow. He is the deputy grand master of the state I O O F, under Grand Master Romeo H Freer, Esq. While in this position he conducted the ceremonies of the dedication of the I O O F’s temple at Parkersburg. Railroad Agent Myers The efficient and accommodating agent, who presides over the interests of the Ohio River Railroad, at St Marys, is Sylvester Myers. He fills the position of passenger, freight and express agent as well as telegraph operator and general hustler. That he is fully competent to do this is shown by the amount of business he does, the receipts amounting to more than $2,000 per month. Mr Myers was born July 9, 1861, in Marion County, W Va. His father was Nelson Myers, and his mother, before marriage, was Susannah Glover, both natives of Marion County, and both of whom are still living. The son received his early education at "Brush College" at Glover's Gap. In 1879 he took up the study of telegraphy and was appointed night operator at Littleton, a small station on the B & O Railroad, in Wetzel County. He served in this position two years, and was then made agent and operator at the same place, which he continued to hold for a period of eight years. He then went into the trainmaster's office, as clerk, at Grafton, where he remained six months, and then, on account of ill health, he resigned to accept the agency at Littleton again. He remained in this position one year, and then was appointed relief agent on the western division of the B & O from Grafton to Wheeling, Parkersburg and Piedmont. This position he resigned, and was appointed agent at Pennsboro, Ritchie County. This position he was also obligated to resign on account of ill health and he was then sent to Smithton as station operator. This position he held for a short time and then resigned to accept the agency of the Ohio River Railroad at St Marys. The office there is one of the neatest and prettiest along the road. It contains two waiting rooms, office, wareroom and express office. Mr Myers was married September 26, 1881, to Miss Francis Carpenter, of Arkansas, and to them have been born six children: Laura M, Willie C, Walter M, Thurman H, Bessie V, and Eddie M. Judge Lewis N Tavenner Judge Lewis N Tavenner, of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of West Virginia, of which Pleasants County is a part. He was born on May 17, 1855, at Wirt, -----------.His father was Isaac Tavenner, who became both wealthy and famous, Judge Tavenners mother was the daughter of John Warth, who killed the Indians at Fort Harmer, now Mar......... .......... the early pioneer days. Judge Tavenner received his early education in the schhols of Parkersburg, district of Wood County, and he closed under the tutorage of Professor John C Nash, who became a noted character. Upon the unanimous petition of the Wood County bar, Mr Tavenner was appointed Judge by Governor MacCorknle, April 1, 1896, to complete the unexpired term of Hon A I Boreman, and at the November contest he was re-elected upon the Democratic ticket. Mr Tavenner has the distinction of having delivered the first Free Silver speech in 1878, long before W J Bryan ever thought of being a candidate for President of the United States. This incident was shortly after he commenced to read law, and three years later he was admitted to the bar. Mr Tavenner left home at an early age, and has made his own way in the world. He owns a very comfortable home in Parkersburg. Pleasants County Realty The real estate valuation of Pleasants County in 1890 was $801,649 and in 1897 $854,454. The personal property valuation in 1890 was $350,750 and in 1897 $580,378. The population at present, based upon the vote of 1897, is 9500. In 1890 it was about 7,000. Towns and Villages A Directory of All the Business Concerns in Pleasants County Outside of St Marys Adair - Population, 20. Located 14 miles from St Marys and 7 miles north of Ellenboro, on B & O R R; mail daily. J W Gorrell, postmaster. Belmont - Population, 400. Located on the O R R 3 miles from St Marys. Adams Express. J A Swallow, postmaster; C C Faulkner, physician; J M Hughes, general store; William Locke, shoemaker; J K Shingleton, flour mill; Smith Brothers, flour mill; W B Stout, hotel. Boreland - Located 9 miles from St Marys. Ship via Waverly on the O R R. Mail daily. M A Ruckman, general store. Eureka - Population 150. Located on the Ohio River Railroad in Pleasants County, 3 1/2 miles west of St Marys, the county seat. Adams Express. Postal Telegraph. J H Reese, postmaster; Barnesdale and Moore, oil operatores; Bear Creek Refining Co; Cochran Brothers, hotel; John Cochran, lumber; Little Venture Oil Co; J H Reese, railroad and express agent; Reese and Bostaph, oil producers; P Simmons, groceries and drugs. Grape Island - In Pleasants County, on the O R R, 3 miles from St Marys and 64 miles from Wheeling. Mail daily. W H Steere, postmaster; T J Bailey, railroad agent; B Goerder, general store; W H Steere, notary public. Horse Neck - In Pleasants County, 7 miles from St Marys and 12 miles from Marietta; population, 180. Mail daily. J C Malone, postmaster; O C Childers, justice; N A Childers, hotel; W H Farson, lumber and feed; M L Hennen & Co, general store; Thomas Kestler, live stock; J M Hinds, justice; G C Hughes, blacksmith; J C Malone, barber. Hebron - Population 200. Located in the eastern part of Pleasants County, 16 miles from St Marys and 8 miles from Ellenboro. Thomas E Clovis, postmaster; Miss Cora Cowden, music teacher; S A Gattrell, saw mill: H P Jones, physician; A G Lamp, general store; J C McGregor & Co, general store; Morgan & Clovis, general store; L C Shingleton, hotel; Shingleton & Co, general store; Amos Wagner, blacksmith; James Wagner, general store. Josiah - On the O R R, 8 miles northeast of St Marys. Adams Express. S D Riggs, postmaster; G E McKinney, general store, railroad and express agent. Lytton - Population 10. Located 12 miles east of St Marys. F Arns, postmaster. Salama - Population 100. Located on the O R R , 6 miles from St Marys and 72 miles from Wheeling. Adams Express. A Williams, postmaster; Rev H Cope, Baptist Pastor; T Garrett, flour mill; R G Hammett, general store; L Joy, blacksmith; Lemuel Meeks, meats; John Peckens, barber; Lee Sheets, hotel; S Sheets, notary; A Williams, general store and railroad and express agent. Schultz - Population 70. Located 7 miles south of St Marys and 25 miles from Parkersburg. Mail daily. E L Smith, postmaster; J L Colter, livery;T H Core, general store; J M Cross, blacksmith; D R Dunn, flour and saw mill; T C Hammett, livestock; Mountain State Gas Co; Mrs M C Nole, hotel; G S M Powell, notary; S L Ross, physician; F R Smith, general store; H M Smith, blacksmith; Charles Ward, shoemaker; S S Wells, carpenter. Union Mills - Postoffice 6 miles from St Marys, the nearest shipping point. C Trickett, postmaster; A J Cunningham, stone mason; A N Ellis, general store; Charles Heckathorn, general store; A G Huggins, general store; Charles Little, blacksmith; J P Bock, carpenter; Amos Smith, general store. Wasp - Country postallies 15 miles northeast of St Marys and 5 miles from Ben's Run. Mail daily. T C Davis, postmaster.