The Gallipolis Journal
January 6, 1876

Nabbed.—One John McNeal, aged about twenty-five, living on Kanawha, broke into two houses on Campaign, Sunday, while both families were at church, and stole a silver watch and a lot of silver coin.  He was caught in this city, on Monday, by Marshal Dale.  The watch was found at Sam Young’s saloon, where it had been pawned for whisky, and the money had been spent at Mr. Hern’s store.  He was tried before Judge Logue, and sent to jail in default of $100 bail.  He formerly lived in Cheshire township.

Many A Cannie Day.—Perhaps some of our citizens do not know that on Friday night, while Mr. John Gibson headed the procession, that Mr. Joseph Vanden, of our city, aged 89 years, was one of the lookers on.  Mr. Vanden was out, stick in hand, and about as lively as our fifty year old men.  He and Mr. Gibson were soldiers together in the war of 1812.  “Blessings on your frosty paws.”

We hear that Mr. Lorenzo Clark, whose injuries we mentioned last week, will recover.  We are glad to note this.

We ate Florida oranges on New Year’s Day.  They came from Dr. Needham, through his brother-in-law, Mr. W. C. Henking, and were picked from trees growing on the Doctor’s place which he has purchased near Jacksonville.  They were delicious.

Stewart Williams, a colored man aged about forty years, living in the upper end of the city, was adjudged insane by the Probate Court, on Thursday, and returned to jail.  Application will be made for his admission to the Athens Asylum.  His affliction, we hear, was brought on by domestic difficulties.

Miss Nettie Frank has returned from her Iowa visit.

1876.  The Centennial.  Gallipolis a Blaze of Fire.

As per the notice published by us last week our city celebrated the birth of the Nation’s hundredth birth day, and in such celebration far surpassed the most sanguine expectation of the greatest enthusiast.  Labor, time and money were not spared, and to the most active our citizens are under many obligations.  Everything was carried out to the letter.  At half-past ten the procession began to move from the corner of Second and Court Streets.  It was headed by a neatly painted wagon, beautifully decorated with flags, and bearing the motto, “Youth and old age.”  In the wagon were Mr. John Gibson, of Clay township, aged ONE HUNDRED AND THREE YEARS, and about a dozen small girls tastily dressed in white.  The Cadot Guards followed.  Then came the fire engine, bright as a dollar, and bespangled with flags.  Then came the Hook and Ladder Company with mottoes.  Then followed the hose carts with . . . mottoes.  Then came the torchlights and transparencies. . . .The procession marched up Second and down Third streets.  At midnight a cannon thundered out the signal, and all the bells in the city rang out.  This was followed by a beautiful display of fire-works at the Public Square.  During this display minute guns were fired, waking the last sleeping citizens, if there were any.  A large bonfire was lighted in the center of the Square, and all was light as day.  While the procession moved the whole city was illuminated beautifully.  We saw scarcely a house on the line of march unilluminated. . . . The Dufour House and the Merchant’s Hotel were gotten up in style . . . The foundry men of Enos, Hill & Co., however, carried off the plume.  They, without charge, drew wires across the street, and arranged gas to burn therein, and make the words “Welcome 1876.”  This was the admired of all. . . .  After midnight a tired city sank to rest, with bright visions of the beautiful display upon them.  We can not recollect of any circumstance that ever half way came up to this in taste, grandeur and magnitude.  Welcome, welcome, thrice welcome 1876.

From Cheshire.
Amos Walker is visiting relatives in Proctorville.  Miss Flora Hibbs, of Portsmouth, and Miss Sarah Maddy, of Addison, are here paying relatives and friends a visit.  Alvah Agee, a student of Marietta College, is at home on a furlough.  S. W. Mauck was at home on a visit last week.  Miss Mary Cornwell, of Chicago, and Miss Cora Bayes, of Gallipolis, were visiting friends here last week.

Mr. Martin King , formerly a resident of this township, died at his home in Missouri, about two weeks ago.

Dayton Ashworth, in attempting to cross the back-water at Knopp’s ford, with a load of lumber, missed the road and drove over the bank into about twelve feet of water.  H. W. Mapes and C. W. Mathews, rode over the same bank the same day, and both escaped uninjured.

It is reported that the store-house of Wm. Bradbury, in Kygerville, was entered by burglars last Friday night and a small amount of money taken from the counter drawer.

From Raccoon.
Mr. Junius Ridgway took a lot of mules to the Cincinnati market, and has gone on a visit to Texas.

The old year has fled, and the Centennial ushered in with the ringing of the new College bell . . . Her peals, loud and clear, . . . a new page in the history of our town. The credit of which belongs to Messrs. Cochrane & Brown, of Gallipolis.

Some of the Centennial cake found its way out to Rio Grande—four different varieties, viz: Gold, Silver, Marble and Jelly . . . Mrs. R. Cochrane and Miss L. Hott certainly understand the art of cake-making.

J. Broughman still carries the mail despite the mud and every other obstacle.  He has a vehicle expressly for that purpose during the bad roads.

A. Troth moved into his new residence about Christmas.

From Kygerville.
We have a good common school taught by Mr. Bradbury, and the school is largely attended.

There was a burglary committed in this place last Thursday night on Will Bradbury’s store, and some twenty-two dollars was taken in cash; nothing else that he has discovered at present.

The Galliipolis Journal
January 13, 1876

We regret to announce this week that our respected friend, Mr. James Gills, of Gallipolis township, was, on Tuesday night of last week, afflicted with two strokes of paralysis.  We are pleased, however, to state that at this writing he is recovering.

Our readers will notice, by announcement elsewhere, that a change has taken place in the firm of Messrs. Vanden & Hutchinson, the Senior member retiring.  Mr. Vanden will take with him in his retirement the respect and confidence of the business community.  His successor, Mr. Baldridge, is a business man of character and standing, and has for the past year been in the employ of the wholesale dry goods house of Messrs. Halliday & Miles.

We learn that Dr. Saunders, of this city, lately performed a successful surgical operation upon a Mrs. Pettit, of this township, for what is known to medicine as a “fibroid uterine tumor.”  The tumor, when first removed, was as large as an ordinary hen egg.  At the last accounts, the patient was getting along well, with good prospect of a full restoration to health.—Pomeroy Telegraph.  Dr. Saunders was for many years a resident of this county.  He is, we believe, the only one now alive of the twelve physicians who were in active practice in the county when he came here, in 1840.

On Wednesday of last week there came near being a dangerous fire at the residence of Mr. Jno. T. Talbott, on State street.  Prompt measures extinguished it, with but little damage.

Dr. J. R. Safford has gone to Cincinnati, and will be absent about a week.

Mr. Henry Eagle, of Huntington township, had a sorrel horse stolen from him, on Tuesday night of last week.  Parties have been looking for it, but without success.

Some poor miscreant who is animated by the devil, has been engaged the past week in strewing poisoned food upon our streets and in private yard for the extermination of the canine race.  Judge Hebard, Mr. Chas. Johnson and several others have lost valuable dogs at the hands of this common poisoner.

From Addison.
Mr. L. A. Bing, formerly of Addison, but now from Texas, after an absence of over eight years, is here visiting his numerous friends and relatives.  He is at present engaged in a patent right of an augur for boring well.

It is not intended for man to live alone—Elliot Watson thought so, and last Thursday evening put a stop to such a way of living, by taking Miss Jennie Reynolds to himself.  The Rev. Mr. Dixon lashed the vessels and started them on their voyage.  May fair winds and gentle currents waft them along their journey, and may they cast anchor in the Haven of Peace.  Long may they live to enjoy its tranquil waters, with a numerous progeny to make the place lively.  We noticed Mr. Benjamin Sisson, of Porter, also Mr. C. A. Smith, of Thurman, and Miss Mary Eblin, of Cheshire, guests at the wedding.

John Davis, son of Jenken W. Davis, of Centerville, shot himself through the forehead with a shot gun, accidentally, in the 15th.  It is thought it will not prove fatal.  It is a very bad wound.

Our old friend, Joseph Mauck, Esq., is at present in New Orleans, and he writes us these cheering words:—I am nearly well, and will be fully ready for work by the first of April.

Messrs. Mullineux, Lawson & Co. have another contract at Rio Grande.  It is a large three story brick boarding house, to contain forty seven rooms.  Work will be commenced in the Spring.

It has been the custom of the mail hack driver, these cold nights, to stow away himself and mail-bags in a large box fastened upon four wheels, through a hole cut in the box, insert the ribbons, and thus rattle over the mud and stones as snug as a bug in a rug.  But pleasures are like poppies spread.  One night last week, while ensconced thus, and just starting for the railroad the horses started at a John Gilpin gait.  Turning corners proved disastrous.  The driver found himself, mail-bags, box, wheels and horses in different places.  The box and wheels still stand in our streets a monument of misplaced confidence in horse-flesh.

The anniversary of the Tin Wedding of Mr. M. E. Jerman and Lady came in the natural course of events on the evening of the 11th inst.  Their relatives and friends decided to honor the occasion, and to make it a surprise withal.  So, in due secrecy the arrangements were made; the presents were bought, and the feast of good things for the inner man, even to the making of hot coffee were prepared at a neighbor’s house, and at the proper hour the party numbering between 25 and 30, appeared at the door of the residence of Mr. Jerman, sounding their approach by beating music on the tinware, and demanded admittance.  The surprise was complete, and the pleasure attending the event will long linger in the memories of all participants.

The Gallipolis Journal
January 20, 1876

John Davis, son of Jenken W. Davis, of Centerville, shot himself through the forehead with a shot gun, accidentally, on the 15th.  It is thought it will not prove fatal.  It is a very bad wound.

Our old friend, Joseph Mauck, Esq., is at present in New Orleans, and he writes us these cheering words:—I am nearly well, and will be fully ready for work by the first of April.

Messrs. Mullineux, Lawson & Co. have another contract at Rio Grande.  It is a large three story brick boarding house, to contain forty seven rooms.  Work will be commenced in the Spring.

It has been the custom of the mail hack driver, these cold nights, to stow away himself and mail-bags in a large box fastened upon four wheels, through a hole cut in the box, insert the ribbons, and thus rattle over the mud and stones as snug as a bug in a rug.  But pleasures are like poppies spread.  One night last week, while ensconced thus, and just starting for the railroad the horses started at a John Gilpin gait.  Turning corners proved disastrous.  The driver found himself, mail-bags, box, wheels and horses in different places.  The box and wheels still stand in our streets a monument of misplaced confidence in horse-flesh.

The anniversary of the Tin Wedding of Mr. M. E. Jerman and Lady came in the natural course of events on the evening of the 11th inst.  Their relatives and friends decided to honor the occasion, and to make it a surprise withal.  So, in due secrecy the arrangements were made; the presents were bought, and the feast of good things for the inner man, even to the making of hot coffee, were prepared at a neighbor’s house, and at the proper hour the party numbering between 25 and 30, appeared at the door of the residence of Mr. Jerman, sounding their approach by beating music on the tinware, and demanded admittance.  The surprise was complete, and the pleasure attending the event will long linger in the memories of all participants.

CORRALLED.—One James W. Clark acting as Marshal of Crown City was brought to jail on Friday night, charged with forgery.  Clark wrote two promissory notes, one for $50 and one for $25, and signed the name of Mr. Hiram Rankin to them, after which he attempted to negotiate them.  When arrested and taken before the Justice he pled guilty, and bound over to the Court of Common Pleas in the sum of $500.  Clark, we understand, does not deny that he forged the notes, but says he was led into it by others, who, in company with himself, took this way of raising money to get away with; yet Clark refuses to tell who the others are.  Clark is about 24 years of age.

Mr. Louie F. Maguet is happy.  It is a girl of 8 1/2 lbs.

Mrs. W. H. H. Sisson has been quite unwell, but is recovering.

From Cheshire.
Mr. Peter Swisher is in feeble health.

Messrs. Sandford, Maddy & Co. are erecting a new barn on the corner of Main street and Skunk alley.

Mr. George Gould, for some five preceding years, a resident of Northern Kansas, is here visiting relatives.  He reports peace and plenty exist in his section of the country.

The Gallipolis Journal
January 27, 1876

Died, at the residence of his mother, in Louisville, Ky., of lockjaw, James Calvin Barnett, aged 29 years, 11 months and 22 days.  The deceased was a nephew of Mr. William Rust, of this city.

Thieves About.—On Thursday night thieves attempted an entrance by the rear door into the dry goods store of Mr. F. M. Holloway, on Second street.  They first tried to get in by wrenching off the window blind, but failing in this, they pried open the door.  Just as the course was open to them for an entrance, the scoundrels heard something “drap,” and they decamped without securing any plunder or inquiring [into] the cause of the noise.  Lucky thieves.

Chas. Ratekin and George Saxton were sent to jail last week from Springfield township, by Judge Irwin, for burglarizing a tobacco house.  They now chew the cud of reflection.

Mr. Henry Menager, whose mysterious disappearance from New York City we noticed a few weeks since, has turned up at Selma, Alabama, all right.

Mr. Isaac Rowley has received the appointment of Postmaster at Pine Grove, in place of Mr. H. C. Summers, resigned.  Mr. Rowley will make a good officer.

The Dry Docks are a determined matter.  The capital stock has been received and a charter applied for.  To Mr. B. T. Enos are we indebted for this important improvement.  His zeal, energy and perseverance worked the project through.  The public spirit of such a man is invaluable to a town.

The hand of the fiend-hearted villain, the worse than ghoul, has again been laid upon us.  Our faithful field and office companion for the past four years, the general favorite, the bold, dashing, true, yet kind and noble “Rob-Roy,” has joined the innumerable host by the hands of the common thief and assassin who has been engaged in his hellish work of strewing poison upon our streets and in private yards.  We gave “Rob” honorable burial, a consideration that will be denied this son of Borgia.

From Vinton.
On the evening of the 20th inst., Homer Atkinson drowned a valuable horse at the watering place near the bridge.  The horse being hitched to a buggy and reined up, was unable to swim.  Homer had to take water but came out none the worse for his ducking.  . . .   The population of our village was increased last Thursday evening by the advent of a bouncing boy.  Homer Atkinson is the happy father.  Thus has every cloud a silver lining.  The Atkinson boys have sold their grocery to one Weil, a hero of Crusader fame.

Prof. Steel has just closed his writing school.  Many made marked improvements.  Jas. McGhee received the prize for the most rapid advancement.

Jordan Miller, an aged colored man, and one of the original “thirty-niners,” who were freed by their master in Virginia, and settled in Morgan township many years ago, died on the 20th inst.  Though a stranger to letters and to books unknown, Jordan was a theologian and a jurist of no mean pretense.  Gone to meet his master.

From Raccoon.
A Mr. Davis, of Centerville, awoke on Sabbath last to find himself minus two good horses, they having disappeared during the dark hours of the night.  Runners were on the hunt of them on Sunday.

College finished and closed, with the stillness of death, save the hoarse ticking of the clock.  We can see no good reason for not having a class in the Preparatory Department in the spring, with a qualified teacher.  [ . . . ]

Rev. R. Dunn has taken a trip to the West, and closed his labors here for the present.

The friends of Mrs. J. H. Wood indulge the hope now that she will be completely cured of heart disease, with which she has been greatly afflicted for some months past.  She is receiving treatment from Dr. Oswald, of Fayette county, Ohio.

The Gallipolis Journal
February 3, 1876

On Monday night last, a popular citizen of the First Ward, had an accession to his family, in the person of a fine boy.  The little stranger made his appearance in the family of Mr. E. S. Aleshire.  We congratulate the happy father, but hope, Ned, the next accession may not be a voter.   S. G.

Mr. A. O. Mauck was in the city on Monday, looking as jolly as a bridegroom.  He is in business at Cleveland now.  Ame is none of nature’s journey work.

Mr. Charles Rust is at home from St. Louis on a visit.  He is conductor on a street car in that city.  He reports Mr. Andrew Woods there in the same business, and Mr. George House in a jewelry establishment.  Mr. Rust is looking well.

The new spire of the Methodist Church is being put up.  It will be one hundred and forty feet in height when completed.

The name of the Thomasson House has been changed to the Kanawha House.

From Crown City
[ . . .] every person who enjoys health and talent is concentrating their united efforts, both mentally and physically, to complete and make comfortable the M. E. Church of this place, for the purpose of dedicating (it) on the first Sabbath in February next.  The Rev. D. H. Moore, D.D., of Cincinnati, will entertain the people on the occasion. . . .  A good choir, with instrumental music, will be in attendance, . . . The J. C. Crossley will leave Ironton Sunday morning, Feb. 6th, carrying passengers at half rate, round trip, returning to Ironton Sunday night.  Come and enjoy a good time, and bring your pocket-book or the “Widow’s mite,”—either will be highly appreciated and thankfully received.

Miles Blake is improving in health, and is getting his share of patronage, both as a merchant and lawyer—in the latter, he is always successful.

From Vinton.
Teamsters report the Vinton and Gallipolis mud pike in execrable condition.  Gallia is one of the few counties in the State enjoying the unenviable reputation of not having a single mile of macadamized road.

Either a meteor burst, or the spirits of the damned were let loose last Friday night at 11 p.m., in front of the little “Rose-bud,” on the corner.  The very air seemed pregnant with rocks, boulders and bricks, and they all had a common course—Weil’s grocery door.  This makes serenade number two.  Nobody hurt yet.  “Who throwed them rocks?”

The “Black Diamond Minstrels” performed two nights last week.  The storms of applause indicated that the ecstatic chords of the rustic being were thrilled and vibrated even to the bottom of their boots.

From Cheshire.
Messrs. Charles W. and C. E. Matthews, left on the steamer Andes last Wednesday for Illinois, to visit relatives and see the country.

Mr. Elijah Darst died at his home in this township on the 21st, aged 57 years.  His disease was chronic rheumatism.

A. O. Mauck and wife, of Cleveland, are here spending a few weeks with relatives and numerous friends.  Amos looks jovial, hearty and happy as of yore.

John N. Rothgeb and Miss Alice Wilson went to Gallipolis, last Thursday, on the steamer Luella.  John and his wife returned the same evening on the Salt Valley.  We hope their journey through life will be more pleasant than it was from the Salt Valley home.  John robbed Cheshire of one of her best young ladies.

The Gallipolis Journal
February 10, 1876

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Vanden gave a family party on Saturday, Mrs. V.’s eighty-first birth day.  They had a lively time.  Mr. V. will be eighty-nine years old in April.  Both of the old folks are in excellent health, and promise to stay with the children many moons yet.

A young man, colored, named Robinson, the step-son of Harvey Robinson, Springfield township, fell into the fire Friday evening, and was so severely burned that his life is despaired of.  He was subject to fits, and it is supposed that he fell into the fire from one of these.

Work was forgotten and neglected on Friday and Saturday.  Every implement of industry save only the snow-shovel was rusting from disuse.  They were out sleigh-riding.  Everything that would do for sliding, except a cellar door, was out and going like mad.  The girls, God bless ‘em, were out with their frumples, fixings, bows, ribbons and loose ends generally, taking it all in.  Our own Mary Jane, that long since melted this stony heart, was out too, (excuse these tears) with another fellow.  Sleighs that had served as hen roosts for the past two years; jumpers that never jumped before, and sleds topped off with dry goods boxes were all brought into requisition.  Even a long “dug-out” was brought from the river and drawn through the streets by six horses.  Bells till midnight.  In fine, they had just such another time as did the monkey and parrot, so familiar to those versed in profane history.

Mr. W. C. Miller, whose retirement from the business of a merchant is elsewhere announced, has been in active business in this city over forty-one years.

Mr. Jno. A. Vanden has removed to his farm, in Clay township, and Mr. John Morton is a resident of our city.

Messrs. Geo. W. Bing, J. M. Howell and D. J. Allison have been selected to represent Gallia county in the State Grange, which meets at Cleveland on the 15th inst.

Mr. W. H. Reed, of Ohio township, has resigned the office of Magistrate, and will remove to Cheshire township.  He is a good citizen, and we are glad that the County is not to lose him.

Mr. James Hannan closes his connection with the Gas Works this week.  He has been Superintendent from the start, and has performed the duties of the position with fidelity and skill.  His retirement is not the result of any fault with his management, but solely in the line of economy.  Gas consumers will miss Mr. H., as he was ever kind and accommodating in his intercourse with them.  Mr. F. W. Dages takes Mr. Hannan’s place.

Mr. Alfred Kinder, who went to New Orleans in the early part of the season in charge of produce boats, returned home Friday evening.  He came through by rail, and was just three days and three hours in making the trip.  [ . . .]

Mr. E. R. Harding is teaching the La Belle School, in Lawrence county, and giving satisfaction.

Mr. Z. V. Mauck, of the firm of Mauck & Gentry, has gone to his mother’s home in Cheshire, to recruit his poor health.

There are seven detestable looking curmudgeons in jail.  The last accession was Nat Clark, colored, who was put in by officer McGhee on Saturday, for cutting saddles and harnesses, out in Huntington.

A New District.  Gallipolis is to have a Board of Inspectors.  Advices from Washington state that Secretary Bristow will give us a Board of local inspectors, with our city as headquarters, with district attached.  The district will extend from the Big Sandy River to the Muskingum River, but not including these two rivers.  Great and Little Kanawha Rivers are within our district.  . . . The whole United States is under one officer for the inspection of steam vessels.  He is called Inspector General.  He has ten subordinates, each having a district, called supervising inspectors.  Under these last are established local boards of inspectors.  This is what we are to have.  It will be the duty of this Board to examine hulls and boilers of steamboats, examine captains, mates, engineers and pilots of steamboats, and grant them licenses. . . . This Board will consist of two members, inspector of hulls and inspector of boilers. . . . The Inspector of Hulls is required to have a practical knowledge of shipbuilding and navigation, and the uses of steam in navigation, to be fully competent to make a reliable estimate of the strength, sea-worthiness and other qualities of the hulls of steam vessels and their equipment. . .  The Inspector of Boilers is required to be a man who, from his knowledge and experience of the duties of an engineer employed in navigating vessels by steam, and also the construction of boilers, machinery and appurtenances therewith connected. [ . . .]

The Gallipolis Journal
Februaery 17, 1876

Oliver Jones and Anthony Swapsey are men of color. The former lives in the neighborhood of Patriot, and Gallipolis enjoys the privilege of being the home of the latter.  Of Jones but little is known, but Swapsey has often been suspected of sundry subtractions of divers articles.  This one formed the design of cleaning out the meat house of Sheriff Stuart.  On Saturday night they carried it into execution, and carried off twenty-four fine hams.  Jones was lodged in jail, one of the hams having been found at an old lady’s, up town, where he had sold it.  Swapsey was suspicioned, but he distanced the police, and has absented his body since.  A search warrant revealed some hams in the cellar of Julius Gurdy, and some also in the coal-house of one Sade Henry.  Gurdy and Miss Henry were arrested and taken before Judge Kerr, on Monday, and waiving an examination were bound over to court in the sum of $200 each.  Jones was released from jail on Tuesday, there being no proof against him.

The body of an unknown boy was found in the Ohio river, at Mr. Geo. Moore’s upper landing, on Tuesday of last week.  Mr. A. T. Morton, who found him, furnishes the following description:  4 feet 2 inches high, between 10 and 11 years old, auburn hair, and was dressed in jeans pants, red flannel shirt, a canton flannel shirt, and over these a striped calico shirt, a blue neck-tie and morocco shoes.  He was buried at the point where found, on the bank, above high water.

Mr. Louis Durain, of our city, has secured a patent for his new invention—a handle for garden tools.  It is a complete thing.

A small boy named Shank, aged about five years, fell off a dry goods box on Second street, Thursday, cutting his head badly.

Samuel Gaskins, of Ohio township, makes the eighth man in jail.  Samuel is crazy.  He was confined once before.

A Board, consisting of Capt. J. S. Devinney, Supervising Inspector of Steamboats, the Surveyor of Customs at Wheeling, and the Judge of the District Court of W. Va., have been directed by Secretary Bristow to designate two suitable persons for appointment as Inspectors, to be stationed at Gallipolis.  The new Inspectors are to be subject to the local Board of Inspectors at Wheeling.

Father Francis Guthrie, of our city, will make his future home at Clifton, W. Va.  We hope him many years yet.

Gen. Reifsnyder returned from his western trip last Thursday.  He is pleased with the appearance and activity of the great West.

Henry Frank, a former resident of this city, but now a citizen of Marietta, died in Cincinnati on Monday. His age was about 66 years.
P.S.  It appears that Mr. Frank hung himself, while laboring under a fit of mental aberration, caused by severe pain, superinduced by a long-continued and severe illness.

Mrs. Joseph Hannan, of Ironton, is visiting friends in the city this week.

From Springfield
The revival at the Laodicea (colored) Church has been in progress for seven weeks past and with good results.

Mr. J. B. McCall, Jr., has returned to the land of his nativity after an absence of some five years in the West.

Messrs. I. and R. Thaxton have returned home after visiting relatives near Charleston, W. Va.  They report seeing the victims “Judge Lynch” recently so rashly disposed of.

Porter has recently made some improvement in the way of removing the Post-office to a more eligible part of the city.  An undertaker’s house is the latest addition to the place.

From Addison.
Mr. Levi C. Jones is very low with typhoid fever, having been confined to his bed for seven weeks.  Dr. Barton is on the go about all the time, having several bad cases that are wide apart.  He reports no great amount of sickness in the neighborhood.  When we consider the horrible condition of the roads and the three hundred pounds of humanity he takes whitherso he goeth, we don’t think there is another man in the county that could undergo the same he does.  In much of his travels he goes on foot.

Mr. John Rees, a resident on Little Campaign, died January 28th.  Mr. R. was a kind, good and peaceable citizen.  He was over three score years and ten, and if I am rightly informed was born in Addison township.  Thus another of the early pioneers has been gathered to the better land.

Our newly married friend, F. Southall and wife, are going to domicile on Polecat, about a mile from Addison.  [ . . .]

Some thief went down through the roof of Dan’l Trichler’s smoke-house and took therefrom two large shoulders and one side of meat.

From Cheshire.
H. W. Resener is in Pittsburgh on business.

Mr. Geo. Mitchell is seriously ill with lung fever.

Charles W. Matthews & Son returned home from Illinois yesterday.  We are informed that Charlie E. was relieved of some cash while on the cars coming home—pocket picked.

On last Friday evening a social party was given at the residence of Mr. Geo. W. Bing. [ . . .]

There is considerable sickness in the community now, and we notice that the business is divided among Dr. Barton, of Addison, Dr. Johnson, of Kyger, and Dr. Watkins, of Middleport.

The Gallipolis Journal
February 24. 1876

The daughter of Mr. C. D. Bailey, who has been seriously ill for some weeks, is convalescing.

Huntington township sent another recruit to the jail last week, in the person of John Clark, colored, charged with larceny.

Mrs. Rosina LeClercq, relict of the late Augustin LeClercq, is convalescing after a severe illness.

The new steamer . . . by the Ward brothers is to be named J. M. Kerr, in honor of one of our city merchants.

An alarm of fire was sounded Monday noon.  It proved to be the smokehouse of Mr. James Haptonstall, in the First Ward, and was speedily extinguished, with the loss of a few pieces of meat.  The Fire Department responded promptly, but its services were not needed.

Louie, son of Mr. Moses Moch, is recovering from a severe attack of typhoid fever.

Mrs. Elizabeth Deem, wife of Mr. James Deem, of this city, died at the Athens Lunatic Asylum on Sunday.  She was sent to the Institution about two years ago.  She was brought here for burial.

Masquerade.  At Henking’s Hall on Feb. 29th, the Helterkeit Club, which is composed of a select number of our best German citizens, intends to have a Grand Jubilee.  The jovial club has for its officers President E. Strauss; Vice-President, W. Koch; Secretary, Chas. Stockhoff; Treasurer, S. Goetz.  We are indebted to the Helterkites for an invitation.

A Mrs. Beck and her son George, were tried before R. Carter, J.P., in Perry township, on Saturday, for larceny.  Failing to give bonds in the sum of $200 each, they were committed to the safe keeping of Sheriff Stuart to await the action of the Grand Jury.

V. M. Firor, Esq., for some years a practicing attorney at the Gallipolis bar, is engaged at present in the poultry business near Charlestown, Jefferson county, Virginia.  We hope his fostering care of fledglings may prove more lucrative than picking clients.  At all events, the spirit of old John Brown will not disturb his slumbers.

A Dotty Dimple of a damsel, one Mollie Fannon, whose place of habitation is “the alley,” was up before one of our Justices of the Peace, on Friday morning, charged with subtracting from the trowsers [sic] of a young man from the country, in whose embraces she was encircled the night before, about $200, some notes, etc.  The complainant not being just ready for trial, the case was continued until Saturday at one o’clock.  At that hour the y.m.f.t.c. failed to appear, and Mollie was turned loose.  There can be but little doubt, if any at all, that the money, etc. were stolen, but it is thought that the accused had no hand in the stealing.  This is another warning for young men not to go there, or not to take their money there, or not to take their trowsers there, or—which?  Do you understand, or is a diagram necessary?

From Morgan.
Miss Libbie Thaxton has recovered from her late illness.  Mr. Elijah Rife is dangerously ill with typhoid fever.

Mr. W. S. Thaxton has returned from teaching school over among the mountain fastnesses of West Va.   Messrs. Robert and Joseph Thaxton have returned from Charleston W. Va.  The former brings with him a new wife.

One death of late—the wife of Mr. Moses Shoemaker.  She leaves a family of small children.

Mr. Benoni McCall, of Cass county, Mo., is here on a visit.

Mr. Thomas Lee is going to pull up stakes in West Va., and reset them in old Gallia.

From Vinton.
E. T. Holcomb has gone to Cincinnati to attend an important case in court.

John Clark, colored, known by the sobriquet of “one eyed John, the painter,” has got into trouble, and into jail, by having too much property about him.  The goods consisted of the saddle-skirts etc., which were cut off Mr. Martindale’s saddles, mentioned in a previous letter.  Better go in with both eyes on it next time, John!

Mr. Eistagle, brother-in-law of Bernard Buck, is negotiating for property in our place.

Mr. Ralston and Miss McLeish were married on the evening of the 18th.  The boys belled them and report a donation of nine pies—propitious augury of future bliss.

For the Gallipolis Journal.  Urbana, Illinois, Feb. 17, 1876
Mr. Editor:— . . .  We cannot do without the Journal at all, or think so anyway.  We are from Gallia, and our neighbors, a great many of whom are from Gallia, are all glad to get hold of the Journal to hear from the old home.  Among these are J. D. Porter, J. M. Martin, R. Allen and others. . . . We have had a very open winter; no snow at all, scarcely 2 inches of snow all winter.  There was an immense corn crop raised here last season, about all husked now. . . . The oats were damaged considerably by the heavy rains in July and August. . . . Yours, respectfully, Arius Nye

The Gallipolis Journal
March 2, 1876

The Golden Wedding of Mr. John Priestley and Lady occurred last Wednesday, Feb. 23d, and the event was celebrated by a family re-union at the residence, in this city, of the aged pair.  Mr. Priestley was born in 1805, and his wife in 1803.  They have had nine children, four only living, three sons and one daughter.  The grandchildren number thirteen, and one great-grandchild.  These were all present but one.  Mr. P. has resided here since 1849.

The wife of Mr. Johnson Brewer, of Green township, has been declared insane, and has been taken to the Athens Asylum.  Mr. Brewer has the sympathy of his friends.

In the February number of the Bible Society Board, we notice the acknowledgment of the receipt by the Treasurer of the American Bible Society of the legacy of $500, left to the Society by Thomas Evans, late of Centreville, in this county.

Mrs. S. Pugh, of Vinton, has been adjudged insane by the Probate Court, and taken to the Athens Asylum for treatment.

An act of vandalism was committed Sunday evening in the breaking of a large pane of glass in the show window of Messrs. J. M. Kerr & Co.  It is a pity that the perpetrators of such acts could not be found and punished.

If the Public Square is to be used as a cow pasture this summer, why not tear down the fence and give unlimited access?  It might be sold for fire wood, whereas in its present outlook it is a disgrace to the city.  Still, to our mind, the better plan would be to repair it, and make it safe against trespassing stock.

Much interest and pleasure were added to the Æolian Club entertainment by the presence of Dr. C. M. Pitrat and Lady of Buffalo, W.Va.  As simply amateur performers, the one on the violin and the other on the piano, they are hardly excelled anywhere.  Their execution was almost faultless.

The students of the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, celebrated Feb. 22d in grand style.  Among the orators we find the name of S. D. Hutsinpiller, of this county.

A Wellsville, Ohio correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, expresses the opinion that he has found in that town the oldest man in Ohio . . .Henry Aten . . . in his one hundred and third year.  We have in Gallia County an older man than Mr. Aten.  We refer to Mr. John Gibson, of Clay township, who was born December 25th, 1772, and is therefore in his one hundred and fourth year.

From Cheshire.
David Lasley has gone to Missouri on business.

Mrs. Hannah Roush died at her home in this township on the 26th ult., aged 88 years.

Mr. George Mitchell is convalescing.

Alvah Agee returned home from Marietta College last Wednesday, suffering with a severe sore throat, but is at present convalescing.

Mr. Jacob Coughenor’s granary was entered by thieves, last Thursday night, and about eight bushels of wheat taken therefrom.  John Croff has been arrested charged with the theft.  The evidence against him will no doubt convict him.  Mr. John Watson’s granary was robbed of about ten bushels of wheat and some beans.  No clue to the thieves.

Mr. David Blair was aroused from his slumbers one night last week, and upon taking a survey of the surroundings, he spied a man just about to escape through a window, with his arms full of bedclothes.  The thief was undoubtedly a poor man.

J. W. Mauck, while passing by the store of L. W. Mauck & Co., last Monday night, between the hours of 10 and 11, discovered that the front door had been pried open.  He immediately awoke L. W. & D. B., also H. & H. W. Resener.  The five then marched quietly to the store, but arrived too late to catch the rogues.  . . . The thieves took the two money drawers and contents (about twelve dollars in small change), one caddy tobacco and a revolver.  The money drawers were afterward found just below town, but the thieves . . . as as yet hiding well.  They call on L. W. M. & Co. annually.

The Gallipolis Journal
March 9, 1876

Mr. Laing Halliday, and his son, Capt. A. M. Halliday, leave for Florida to-day, Wednesday.  Mr. Z. V. Mauck expects to join the party at Cincinnati.

Mr. Hiram Dale has returned from the Lone Star State, in excellent health.

Geo. Williams, one of “the boys” from this city, is in the Canton, Ohio, jail upon the charge of shooting with intent to kill.  It seems he was quite successful in running his three card monte game on a train between Mansfield and Canton, and having won considerable money, the situation became too warm for him on that train, so he attempted to jump it.  In the attempt to prevent his escape he shot one of the passengers through the leg.  He was finally overhauled at Indianapolis.

Wm. Kinder, Clay township, lost his granary and warehouse by fire last Wednesday.  It was insured. [ . . . ]

Capt. W. K. S. Hall is Steward on the West Virginia in place of Mr. Mark Smith.

Cutting Affray.  John E. Jones and James Hughes had a little cutting scrape out in Walnut township, the other day.  From what we learn there was no premeditation in the affair, but that the parties met in the road, and a quarrel springing up, Hughes stuck a knife in Jones’ lung.  Hughes is in jail under indictment, and Jones is in bed.  It is thought the latter will recover.

Solo’s Reminiscences.
A way down in Gallia county in the peaceful valley of Raccoon river lies the quiet village of Vinton.  This little town was always ambitious.  It took its name from a distinguished citizen, and always abounded in general and other public characters.  As long ago as 1856 it boasted of a weekly newspaper, and “The Gallia Republican” did good service in the early days of the Republican party.  Though its newspaper fulfilled its mission, and is among the things of the past, Vinton is still the center of attraction with its flouring mill; its merchants, its courts, its prospective rail road, and its wet groceries.  But if Vinton is more deserving of note for any one greatness more than another, it is for its legal talent.  Nowhere on this mundane sphere of ours do I know of a village so highly favored as Vinton and its vicinity.  There is not a public room but what should be dedicated by the old lady’s parody on a familiar hymn.
    “Ye lawyer men come view the place where you shall shortly lie.”
I do not mean by the above that lawyers are untruthful as a class, or that the legal gentlemen, that are called to Vinton, are not of average morality.  I am only intent on giving a certain noted character his due.
The foregoing observations were suggested by a late protracted litigation which like a story in the Ledger seems to enjoy being continued.  The second trial of this case came off in Judge Drake’s court on the 19th ult., before a jury.  It was about a set of mule harness, and the plaintiff had as counsel, Capt. Martin, of Vinton; Esq. Douglass, of Wilkesville and C. B. Taylor of Porter.  The defendant was represented by G. P. Matthews, of Vinton, and Brewster, of Salem.  We also noticed in attendance Messrs. Turner, Keaton, Coates, Woods, Clark and Geo. Bard, an array of legal talent seldom gathered together in a country village.  At the last hearing the verdict was for the defendant, subject to the manipulations of the court and counsel.—Cor. Meigs Co. News.

Avon, Illinois, March 2, 1876.
Ed. Journal:  Enclosed find two dollars, which you will please place to my credit, and send me the Journal as long as you can for that am’t, as I believe the first subscription is most out.  Your paper comes to me like cool water to a man that is thirsty.  I once was of your county and State, in fact all my early recollections are of old Gallia and its people, and it is a great pleasure to me in looking over the columns of your paper to see so many familiar names.  Although thirty years have made many changes, still do I remember when there was no telegraph, no woolen factory, or gas works, in fact none of the late improvements of the present day, in the town of old Gallipolis.
Mr. Editor, go back with me to the time that old uncle Jo. Devacht commanded the old steamer Science, and then look at things as you find them now, and the change seems so great that the mind can hardly comprehend it.  But lest I should weary you, I will close by saying that there may still be some living in your county that would like, even at this late date, to hear that I still live.  I will say that if it should happen that any one of my old friends should see these lines, and thereby have their curiosity excited about our Western country, if they will write to me I will at any time be glad to give them any and all information that I can, in regard to our beautiful country.
Will say in conclusion that health is good and mud plenty.  No snow this winter until yesterday, then only four inches.                    Yours truly, David Armstrong

From Morgan.
Messrs. Benoni and John Mackall have returned to their homes in Missouri.

Mr. Hiram Lambert and son have returned from their trip to West Va.  The former sold his farm there.

Some prowling cusses entered the Poplar church again, and carried off part of the stove.

The Gallipolis Journal
March 16, 1876

The Erwin Case.
On Thursday morning, in the Court of Common Pleas, the case of the State of Ohio vs. James W. Erwin, for the murder of David Henry Lollis, his son-in-law, on the 20th day of January, 1872, was called.  Upon the call of the venire facias it was discovered that one of the thirty-six, Mr. George W. Wilcox, was absent.  An attachment was sent out, and Mr. W. brought in.  In this connection it is but justice to say that Mr. W. had a good excuse for his non-appearance, and the attachment was dismissed.  On Friday morning the case was again taken up, and . . . the following jury was secured without exhausting the venire:  Lycurgus Waugh, John H. Pritchett and M. C. Waugh, of Ohio township; Walter Johnson, James T. Halley and John C. Swindler, of Guyan township; Wm. S. Entsminger and Aaron N. George, of Addison township; John R. Boster, of Huntington township; Benton Shelton, of Greenfield township; John W. Holloway, of Gallipolis township; Daniel J. Davis, of Perry township.
     Owing to the length of time that has elapsed since this affair occurred, we will again state the circumstances.  Lollis became involved in trouble with one of Erwin’s daughters, and compromised the matter by giving his promissory notes.  Lollis afterward married the girl, but Erwin refused to give him back the notes, he holding them. . . . Lollis and Erwin lived very close together for some time, but did not get along amiably at all times.  On the day of the shooting it seems that Lollis had removed some things belonging to Erwin out from a shed and corn-crib.  Erwin took offense at this, and was at the shed arranging things while Lollis was cutting wood in the yard.  Lollis threw the axe on his shoulder and started to where Erwin was under the shed.  Here stories differ; Erwin claiming that Lollis drew the axe to strike him, and he shot in self-defense.  The state claimed that the shooting was unnecessary.  This case came on for trial in October, 1872, and the jury convicted Erwin of murder in the second degree, but in consequence of the misconduct of a juror, Judge Guthrie set aside the verdict.  . . .  After the examination of forty-eight witnesses the examination closed . . . on Monday evening.  The arguments in the case commenced and continued . . . on Tuesday, after which Judge Knowles ably charged the jury, and they retired for consultation.  Verdict—murder in second degree.

Dr. J. R. Safford, of this city, has been elected a member of the Executive Committee of the State Council of the Sovereigns of Industry.

Mr. Geo. P. Mathews, of Vinton, who was granted the county scholarship in the Ohio University by the Commissioners, last week, will not return to that institution, but thinks of teaching the Normal School in Worthington, Ohio, this Spring.

Dr. Badgley received a telegram Monday, announcing the burning of a house he owned in Winona, Ill., his late residence.  He has gone to look after the loss.

Mr. Richard Deckard, of Huntington township, this county, is one hundred and nine years old.  He can walk three or four miles, and is never sick.  Who can beat that?

Mrs. G. W. Wilcox, of Huntington township, is lying very low with consumption.

From Addison.
Addison town filling up.  J. C. Jobe moved into the Gates block.  Madison Ramey, from Middleport moves in the Amos house.  Wm. Tuning is ensconced in the Claflin house.

L. C. Jones is recovering slowly from a long case of typhoid fever.  Two of his family are now improving from the same.

Miss Nettie Rothgeb has been suffering with acute rheumatism.

Miss Lou. Preston has been visiting friends.

The Gallipolis Journal
March 23, 1876        

Capt. Fred. Ford and Malin H. Rodgers, the former for hulls, and the latter for boilers, have been appointed United States Inspectors for the new District, with headquarters in this city.  Local pride led us to hope that the selection of Inspectors would have been made from citizens of Gallipolis, as we had here a number of gentlemen every way qualified for the duties of the positions.  But it having been otherwise decided, we can bear testimony to the appointees’ being gentlemen of intelligence and of practical experience in the duties required of them.  Capt. Ford is one of the pioneer steamboat men in the Gallipolis and Kanawha trade, and a man of the highest integrity.  With Mr. Rodgers we are not so well acquainted, but his friends speak well of him both as a man and a citizen.  We welcome both to our city, and to the duties of their new and important positions.

Charles Adkins, who was sent last fall to the Penitentiary for participation in the robbery of Mr. Reuben Rice, in Guyan township, died in that Institution recently of small-pox.

Mr. Joseph Blickle, late of the firm of Blickle & Uferman, tanners, concluded to build a tan house near the old one, on Vine street, and now come Messrs. Charles Semon and Treat S. Ford, who own property near by the proposed site, and enjoin him from building there, as a tan yard will give disagreeable and unhealthy smells.  The case is pending in the Common Pleas Court.

Dr. F. A. Cromley has been appointed Coroner, Dr. McCormick declining to qualify.

Mr. Marion Harrington has been appointed Postmaster at Northup in place of W. Burnett, resigned.

Mr. Robert T. Carter left Sunday evening for a trip to Southern Kansas, in search for a home.

Mr. John Dunn has built a neat little dwelling house upon his lot on Front street.

Oscar Viney is the second colored man who ever sat upon a jury in Gallia county.  He is the first one ever drawn regularly from the box.

Mr. J. C. Wood pays the city $35 a year for the privilege of ferrying the river at this place.

Capt. Wm. Bay has secured the Mail contract, by steamer, between Gallipolis and Portsmouth.

John White and Alpheus Irwin were before Judge Kerr on Monday, to answer for $80 yanked out of a countryman by fraud, the other day.  Judgment was rendered against them, and an appeal taken.

From Swan Creek
Dr. Halley is improving his new farm rapidly, and doing a good business with his store.

Singing-school at Mr. Zion Church is taught by J. J. Warren, Jr.  Grammar School every Friday night, taught by S. V. Clark.  Mr. Clark is one of our best teachers.

From Harrisburg
N. P. Summers will soon set up his shoe-shop here.  C. P. Wood has his harness-shop under way.

James A. Wood is the happy father of a fine boy—9 lbs..

Muskrats. opossums, mink, skunks, and everything else that has any fur worth ten cents, being hunted now.  All the boys smell loud.

L. Gossett has moved into his new house at last.

O K. Rhodes, Jno. Sannar, Jos. Sannar and Lewis Fee went to Arkansas to seek their fortunes.  O.K. Rhodes got the pneumonia and chills for his; balance of the boys very homesick; reporting musquitoes as large as humming birds.

Mrs. C. C. Wood, is very sick, and has been for about six weeks.

A. C. Stephenson is on the road again with his notion wagon.  He is trying to sell out, and intends quitting the business.  Stephenson says that he has at last found the gal that was intended for him, and is going to “tie up.”  Says he found her at the Centennial Ball at Vinton, Feb. 14th.

The Gallipolis Journal
March 30, 1876

A Question of Bounty.
The United States District Attorney yesterday instituted suit in the Circuit Court against Daniel Coverston, of Gallia county, Ohio.  It is alleged in the petition that he at two separate times, under two separate acts of Congress, collected $100 bounty which he claimed was due him on account of his dead son Samuel, who was killed while serving as a member of Captain Smith’s independent company of Trumbull Guards.  The Government claims that, as said company was not a regularly enlisted body of soldiery, the deceased son or his relatives were not entitled to any bounty, either under the act of July 28, 1866, or that of July 2d, 1862.  Coverston was frequently asked to refund the $200 to the Government, but refused to comply with any such behest.—Cin. Enq.

Jacob Welker and Joseph Shaner, two young men from Morgan township, started last week for Marshall county, Iowa, where they intend making their future home.  May Gallia boys always have the best of success.

Samuel S. Sisson, Esq., has an attack of the fever and ague.

Our attention was called a few days since to a surgical operation performed by Dr. N. B. Sisson, of Porter.  It was for the cure of a bad case of hair [sic] lip, and so skillful was the operation that it required close inspection to convince one that the lip had ever been disfigured.  The young man is John W. Gardner,  and he lives with A. J. Powell, Esq., of Springfield township.

Mr. Louis Baer, of the firm of Henking, Allemong & Co., visits Europe this summer.  He sails from New York April 29th.  His family will accompany him.  They will return in time to take in the Exposition.

For the Gallipolis Journal
Edward Robertson, son of Mrs. Martha A. Robertson, formerly of this city, was murdered at Toledo, on the night of the 31st of October last.  The body was not found until some time in December last.  When found, it was in the water, and both legs were broken.  The last seen of young Robertson he was with a lot of his young companions going out on the lake upon a fishing excursion.  His companions state that they were driven ashore by a storm, and that in the storm Robertson was drowned.  The injuries to the body as above stated rather belie this.  Robertson was at the time of his death about twenty-five years of age.  He left here about four years ago.  At the time of his death he was a mail agent on the fast line between Toledo and Buffalo, holding that position under Postmaster General Jewell, of whom he was a relative.

The J. M. Kerr, the neat little craft built at this place by the Ward brothers for the Gallipolis and Huntington trade, will be ready for business in from four to six weeks.  She is designed to draw only about fifteen inches, which will enable her to navigate on the lowest water.  Gallipolis is famous for supporting her local packets, and we predict a bright future for the J. M. Kerr.

From Crown City.
Messrs. Gillingham and Cole, of Crown City flouring mill, successors to James Sloan, are driving business lively, and are liked by all, not for their industry alone, but because they employ Mr. Dust, a man who thoroughly understands how to make good “bread stuff,” and who is noted for his integrity and zealous christian principles.  He is welcomed here by all good citizens.

Some improvement here in the way of buildings.  Enoch Doddridge is building an addition to his residence, and Dr. Alcorn is having erected on his premises a photograph gallery.  [. . . ]

From Clipper Mill.
Messrs. S. G. and S. A. Coffman leave home Wednesday by the Andes, the former for Illinois, the latter for Indiana.  Success attend them.  Mr. Will C. Coffman, of Indiana, is visiting his old home.  It is reported that he contemplates taking a Hoosier wife on his return to his adopted State.  Be careful, Cun, we have good girls in Gallia.

Miss F. E. Willey has gone to Athens to school, having finished her term at school at Swan Creek.

John A. Plymale has finished his school at Mercer’s Bottom, and has returned home.  As a teacher John is a success.

The Gallipolis Journal
April 6, 1876

Mr. Wren Fountain has gone to Texas, having moved his family to Gallipolis.—Meigs Co. Republican.

Mr. Rodney Downing, of Middleport, is without doubt the oldest printer’s devil in Southern Ohio.  He worked the old fashioned sheep skin balls in a printing office in Gallipolis, away back in 1815.  What wonderful improvements have been made in the printing business since those days!  Mr. Downing is not quite so old as Auld Clooty himself, but he is a great deal better man.—Meigs Co. Republican.

Mr. Charles Carel closed his Dancing School, Wednesday evening, with a Masquerade ball.  It was a pleasant and happy affair.

Stealing.—On Monday night of last week Mr. Jonah F. Robinson, Township Treasurer of Morgan township, retired to bed as usual, placing under his pillow $700 of township funds, the same being in two separate packages of $500 and $200.  Some time during the night the $500 roll was taken, the other remaining untouched.  Suspicion naturally falls upon one long known to be of those who only need knowledge and opportunity to steal.  This loss to Mr. Robinson is to be greatly regretted, as he is poorly able to stand it.  We hope he may be able to recover it, and to punish the thief.

Mr. W. H. Markin, of Harrison township, lost his dwelling by fire on the morning of March 25th.  The loss is about $600; no insurance.  This is a case deserving of something more substantial than mere sympathy, as Mr. Markin is ill prepared to bear the loss.

John and Maro Croff, father and son, are working out fines on the streets, imposed by the recent term of the Common Pleas Court, for stealing wheat from Mr. Jacob. Coughenour.

A son of Mr. Horner injured his leg on Saturday by falling from a fence, on Second street.

Hon. J. L. Vance has furnished a lot of valuable books to the Reading Room.

Dr. Needham and family have returned from their winter sojourn in Florida.

Matters about the Dry Docks present a lively appearance.  The Superintendent, Mr. W. A. Phillips, is an efficient manager, and moves things right along.  The Alex. Chambers is still on the Docks, and is receiving thorough repairs.  She will be as good as new when she takes to the water again.  Capt. Parsons is superintending the repairs. . . . The Docks are now giving employment to some fifteen hands, mechanics and laborers. . . . Our mechanics, workers in both iron and wood, have no superiors anywhere.  No matter what may be the condition of a steamer needing repairs, whether in machinery, hull or upper works, her owners will find here mechanics able to meet every requirement demanded of them and in as skillful and satisfactory a manner as the very best.

The Gallipolis Journal
April 13, 1876

Wanted—Partner.  I have a nice Photograph Tent, with Instruments and everything pertaining to the business, would like to have a young man to buy half and learn the Art.  To such a person I would give a good chance.  For particulars enquire at Goetz’ Family Grocery, corner of Third and Grape.

At Mound Hill Cemetery the Trustees have built a neat summer house at a cost of $130; have set out over one hundred evergreens and two hundred shade trees, and greatly improved the road leading thereto.  They will shortly build a dwelling house for the Sexton, on the Neighborhood road.

The smoke-house belonging to Mr. J. G. Henshaw, Green township, was entered on the night of April 1st, and robbed of five hams and five shoulders.  No arrests.  The same night Mr. Frank Waddell lost one ham and one shoulder.

Capt. Samuel Rothgeb was elected Assessor in Addison township at the recent election.

The funeral services of Jacob Rife, son of Mr. Nathan Rife, were held at Addison Town-house, Sunday, and were conducted by the Grangers.  The attendance was large, and the ceremonies impressive.

Mrs. Charles Semon has been quite ill for two weeks.  Mrs. J. J. Cadot has been confined some time with inflammatory rheumatism.  Mrs. Sample, mother-in-law of Mr. H. F. McGonagle, is lying quite low with paralysis. Mr. Xavier Brandstetter is lying quite ill with the typhoid fever.

Dr. Badgley is certainly entitled to the horns.  This time it is twin girls.  The last time it was twin boys.  We congratulate the Doctor.

Mr. William Griffith returned from his trip to Europe last week.

Mrs. Hiram Maxon has contracted with a Portsmouth firm for a monument for her lately deceased husband.  It is to be built of Red Scotch Granite, 13 1/2 feet in height, with a base of 3 1/4 feet.  Price $950.

Mr. John C.. Hutsinpillar injured his hand on a saw in the Furniture Factory, last week.

Mr. John DeLille will go out to Rio Grande next week to set up a picture gallery.

W. Y. Miles, Esq., left Monday for Columbus, where he goes to engage in business.  He has bought out a wholesale Notion house, and will continue that trade.  His family will follow in a short time.

Dr. R. A. Vance leaves the city to enter upon the practice of medicine in Washington City.

The Medical Convention.  This body adjourned Thursday evening, after a two days’ session.  There were about fifty physicians in attendance, gentlemen of intelligence and culture.  The time was taken up in the discussion of questions of practice, the reading of essays, and in lectures.  The following are the officers of the Association for the current year:  President, R. A. Vance, MD; Vice President, J. O. Wall, MD; Secretary, Dr. Clark; Treasurer, Dr. Reed; Censors, Doctors Wilson, Knight, Bing, Jacobs and Nash.  The next meeting of the Association will be held at Huntington, W. Va., Nov. 1, 1876.
The grand consummation of the two days’ proceedings, was the supper at Henking’s Hall . . . A more sumptuous and elegant spread we have never seen.  It was the work principally of the wives and daughters of our resident physicians, and by it they have won the crown of table excellence. [. . . ]

From Wood’s Mill.
Somerfield Cherington is teaching vocal music here.

Mr. F. J. Glenn has just shipped a lot of sheep and cattle to Cincinnati from this section.

The Gallipolis Journal
April 20, 1876

John Phillips, of Addison township, this county, was found dead in his bed at Pt. Pleasant, where he was working, one morning last week.  He retired in good health.

Messrs. R. R. Bane, G. G. Jones and Wm. A. Davies, of this county, left last week to attend the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio.  Miss F. E. Willey was granted the county scholarship in the Ohio University for one year.

St. Peters Parish, Episcopal, Monday evening, elected the following Vestrymen:  A. Vance, S. W.; H. N. Ford, J. W.; E. S. Aleshire, A. L. Langley, W. B. Trump, W. S. Wheatley and Joseph Hunt.  The following gentlemen were elected Delegates to the Convention which assembles at Portsmouth, May 17th: A. Vance, E. S. Aleshire and A. L. Langley.

Pullin & Thomas have brought suit against Capt. Ripley, ex-Sheriff, for tying up their flat-boat, the same containing railroad ties.  The ties were attached at the suit of Hibbs, Richardson & Co. vs. Friedman & Hess.  The damages claimed are $257.

Gallia county has lost two of its old and respected citizens the past week.  We refer to Simeon Roach, of Green township, and Isaac Carter, of Perry township.  They died honored in years, and in the respect and love of their fellow citizens.

In the United States Court, at Cincinnati last week, proceedings were commenced against Drs. J. R. Safford and A. Badgley, of our city, among others, for infringing the patent for artificial gums and palates.  The proceedings were instituted by the Goodyear Dental Vulcanite Company.

From Addison.
At the last meeting of the Farmers’ Club, Mr. Wesley Rothgeb gave a lecture, most of which was directed against the filthy habit of tobacco chewing.

Miss Izetta E. Hoy, only child of the late Charles Hoy, formerly of Gallipolis, leaves the 17th for Rockingham Co. Va., to make it her future home, with Mr. Keezele, a relative.

Death has been in our midst, and surely Addison township has been severely visited this winter and spring.  On the 9th the funeral of Jacob Rife was preached by the Rev. Wm. Fulton at the Town-house, to the largest congregation ever at a funeral in the township.  Mr. Rife was married, and leaves a wife with two small children.  On the 12th the funeral of James Phillips was preached at the same place by Rev. Mr. Dixon.  His remains were buried in the grave yard near Cheshire.  Mr. Phillips was born in the Shenandoah Valley, in the year 1816, been a resident of the county over 30 years, was jailer of the county several years while Mr. Rife was sheriff, volunteered in the 56th Regiment when it was first organized, and served with it until the Rebellion was put down and the regiment mustered out.  Mr. Phillips was a peaceable, fearless, resolute, upright citizen.  In Mr. Phillips’ death we are reminded of the uncertainty of life, having retired at night in his usual health, when discovered next morning he was cold in death.
Died on the 12th inst., Martha Watson, wife of Wilton Watson.  Funeral the 14th by Rev. Dixon, at M. E. Church in Addison.  Burial conducted by the Addison Grange, W. M. Chas. Watson officiating.  . . .  Mrs. Watson had been married but a little over a year, was but 22 years old.  Her sickness (consumption) was protracted through several months, which she bore with commendable patience, possessed with an amiable, benign disposition, beloved by all who knew her. . . . Mr. David Long an old and respectable citizen, living about a mile above Pt. Pleasant, W. Va., was buried the 15th inst.

The Gallipolis Journal
April 27, 1876

Mr. Geo. X. Atkinson, of Vinton, returned from the Lebanon Normal school last week.

Aunt Sally Donnally, an old resident of Green township, died of cancer last week.

The following are the Fire Wardens for the coming year:  P.B. Pritchett, J. B. Clendinen, James Haptonstall, W. F. Cromley and Lewis Curry.

Mr. and Mrs. H. N. Ford were surprised Monday evening, by a call from a large number of their friends, in remembrance of the twentieth anniversary of their wedding.

Mr. John Pepple is erecting a two-story building near his residence on Second street.

The colored boy, Geo. Robinson, of Springfield township, who was so severely burned some time ago, . . . was brought to the Infirmary on Friday.  His head and shoulders are still raw, presenting an almost disgusting appearance, but it is now believed he will recover, although at the time the burning occurred no one supposed he would or could live a week.

Charles Ratekin is working in a tailor shop, and James W. Clark is finishing coffins, both in the Ohio Penitentiary.  They were sent at the last term of the Court of Common Pleas.

Mr. Louis Baer and family left Saturday night for Europe.

Mr. X. Branstetter, the owner of the Brewery, died on Tuesday.  He has been sick for some weeks.

Crown City Fun.  The proprietress of a family boat lying at Crown City is no slouch of a girl.  She is red-headed, and her face is a history of past licentiousness.  When you pass that point on a boat, don’t make mouths at that calico.  The steamer St. James passed along Friday, and a deck-hand took occasion to make an exposure to her ladyship not warranted even by her appearance.  She forthwith drew a revolver and by shooting three times at the darkey, persuaded him to beat a retreat.  A warrant was issued by the Mayor for the woman.  The Marshal went to arrest her, when “her man” came forth and snowed the Marshal under with a bad whipping.   At last accounts the affair was a draw.

Mrs. Shepard has leased to the Marine Dock Company, a garden lot belonging to her, lying below the Public Square for the term of five years, the company paying the tax thereon.  The city Council will probably lease to the company the lots adjoining for the same purpose and for the same consideration.  This is the way to encourage our enterprises.

From Cheshire.
Mr. John Watson, who has been suffering with lung disease for several months, is still quite ill.  George Bing, Sr., the oldest pioneer in the community, is dangerously ill.  Mr. N. W. Wilson is suffering from a stroke of paralysis, which affected his left side. He is convalescing.

Some daring scoundrel entered the house of George N. Swisher last Thursday night, and stole his pants, containing his pocket-book, from the side of the bed where he was sleeping. . . . He found the pants a short distance from the house, but the purse containing $40 was not there.  He tracked the thief about five miles but did not find him at home.

John Ray received four votes for constable at the spring election.  John was not a candidate, but he is a popular man among the people.

The steam-engine at the cooper-shop will be put in motion in about two weeks.  The proprietor, Mr. L. W. Mauck, state that he can then manufacture about one thousand barrels a week.

From Arlington.
We called on Mr. James Eblin the other day and found him quite unwell.  Miss Mary, daughter of Mr. E., was suffering from lung fever.

Arlington is the coal region of Cheshire township, and in it is mined most of the coal that is mined in the county, amounting to about 200,000 bushels each year.  We notice prominently among them the Arlington, worked by J. Blackburn, and the Roush bank, worked by John Evans & Sons.  These banks supply coal at the banks to citizens at $3.50 per one hundred bushels.  Among the many hauling from the mines we notice ‘Squire Wm. Symmes; he works well at the business for a retail dry goods merchant.

The citizens of Arlington buy most of their goods and groceries at the popular firm of L. M. & D. B. Mauck.  The boys have the vim for business.  Messrs. Resener & Sons supply us with fine W W & A flour. Arlington, also in return supplies them with coal.

Mr. Wm. McClenthen teaches the Arlington school.

The Galllipolis Journal
May 4, 1876

Mr. Elias Romine, who died on the 8th, removed from Gallia county to Rutland, thirty-two years ago.  He was industrious and well respected.  For the last fifteen or eighteen years he has been entirely blind, but he bore the affliction with becoming resignation.  He had been a church member for thirty-five years, and maintained the Christian profession with steadfastness.—Rutland Cor. Pom. Tel.

A horse attached to a sulky ran off on Wednesday.  It belonged to McCormick’s Livery stable.  In the sulky was a son of Mr. McCormick.  In the scrape he was kicked on the calf of the leg by the horse, receiving a bad wound.

The following gentlemen, Monday, were elected Trustees of the Presbyterian Church, viz: A. W. Allemong, W. G. Fuller, J. H. Evans, D. W. Davies and L. L. Ellsworth.

The free concert by the colored band Thursday evening, brought out a large crowd of listeners.  The performance was a credit to the band.  They were somewhat disturbed by some wicked boys throwing stones.  The band is anxious to learn the names of those boys, and will give a suitable reward to any one who will furnish them.  It is proposed to give them a lesson from the statutes of Ohio.

Mr. Samuel Welker and wife, of Vinton, left Saturday night for Columbiana county, whither they go to visit the scenes of childhood.

Clarence Ward will be Captain, and M. C. Shallcross, Clerk, of the new J. M. Kerr.

West Point Cadets.  Telegrams were received by friends here, Tuesday morning, announcing the intelligence that two of our County boys had passed a successful examination, and had been admitted Cadets at West Point. It will be remembered that at the competitive examination held in this city, last year for the appointment of a Cadet from this District, two of the applicants stood about equal in the standard of qualifications. . . . The committee gave the preference to J. B. Aleshire, and Congressman Vance appointed him.  The friends of Oberlin M. Carter, believing him to be the kind of metal of which soldiers and scholars are made, applied to the President for an  appointment at large.  General Grant answered by placing the name of the young man on his list of appointments.  The result is, that Gallia County secures two appointments to West Point, and we congratulate the young gentlemen upon their success.  We believe both will acquit themselves with credit to their place of nativity.

We see by the Cincinnati Commercial of Friday that Miss Lillie Heisner, of this city, has joined the Catholic Church, at Mount Notre Dame, Reading, O.

Mr. David White, of Green township, has become insane on account of religious excitement produced from protracted revivals in his neighborhood.  He will be taken to the Asylum at Athens to-day (Thursday).

Mr. Hiram Dale removes to Point Pleasant, having purchased an interest in the Flouring Mill at that place.

The funeral obsequies of Mr. Branstetter occurred on Friday.  The attendance was large, and the remains were escorted to the Cemetery by the Naomi Brass Band.

The city Council has appointed Geo. D. McBride, Esq., Superintendent of Measures.  Messrs. W.C.H. Needham, W. B. Guthrie and R. Bray have been appointed members of the local Board of Health.

Five special policemen from each Ward is the order.  They are to serve without pay, further than what they get as fees.  Up to date the following gentlemen have been appointed:  Wm. Cromley, Thos. J. Blackburn, Oren Richards, Phillip Leppert, Albert Hughes, L. J. Langley, Samuel McElhinney, Lewis Curry, Sheperd Sheldon, Jos. H. Sprague, Wm. Selfridge, M. R. Mathews and W. H. Johnson.

Workmen are slating the spire of the Methodist Church.

The typhoid fever is raging among children in the city.

The Gallipolis Journal
May 11, 1876

H&N, somehow, I left out the May 11 Journal, while sending the one for May 18, which had lots of news.  So here is part of May 11.

Mrs. W. L. James (nee Morrison) died at the residence of her husband, in Green township, Tuesday morning.

Mrs. Robert S. Bickle, of Point Pleasant, died suddenly of paralysis, Saturday morning.

Mr. John W. Gillman, of Chicago, is at home on a short visit.

Daniel Beck, of Green township, is the champion plower.  With a single two-horse team, he turned over ten acres in four days.  Who beats it?

Emmanuel, son of Mr.George Rupe, of Cheshire township, aged about eighteen years, was adjudged insane by the Probate Court, on Wednesday, and ordered to be taken to the Asylum.  No particular cause is assigned for the derangement.

Mr. Hugh Plymale, Jr., was elected Magistrate, in Clay township, Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Guthrie, of Point Pleasant, celebrated their tin wedding on the 28th ult.  Mrs. Guthrie was formerly Miss Clara Van Gilder, of Cheshire.  The presents were many and handsome.

Mr. Jas. Harper left on the steamer Hudson, Sunday evening, to pay his accustomed visit to his aged mother.  The old lady has attained her 82d year, and is the daughter of Dr. Robert Wilcox, a surgeon in the war of the American Revolution, who demised in the year 1812.

Mr. H. C. Woodward has resigned his position in the wholesale house of Jno. T. Halliday & Co. and returned to Middleport.

The dwelling house of Mr. John Hall, residing in Walnut township, was destroyed by fire last Thursday.  House and contents total loss, which amounts to about $800.  The origin of the fire is unknown.

For the 24 hours ending last Thursday, 18 steamers landed at our wharf, three of the number mail boats.  During that same time, 22 towboats passed.

Thos. Cherrington, Esq., of Ironton, and Capt. Oakes, of the Crawford House, Cincinnati, were in the city the past week.

Mr. John Kerns and lady left on Saturday for Missouri on a visit, and to see the scenery.

Capt. S. H. Smithers, of Detroit, Mich., is in the city on a visit to relatives and friends.  He is on his way to the Centennial.

The late Mr. X. Brandstetter had $1000 insurance on his life, payable to Mrs. B.

The Gallipolis Journal
May 18, 1876

Mrs. Devol met with a very serious accident while out driving with Mr. Robt. Durain.  The horse became frightened at a dog and shied, and the lady and gentleman were both pitched out, Mrs. Devol besides having a limb broken, sustaining other serious injuries.—Lancaster Gazette.  This is a son of Mr. Louis Durain, of this city.

Mr. E. Westlake has been appointed a member of the Board of Health.

Irving M. Lusher, a young man, was drowned in Raccoon creek, at the Blessing farm, Harrison township, on Tuesday.  He, with others, was seining at the time, and it is supposed he cramped.  His body was recovered in about half an hour.

Mr. Charles Creuzet celebrated his eighty-third birthday, Monday, with an appropriate dinner.

The new silver is forcing into circulation a good deal of old silver.  Mr. F. B. Rife, of Morgan township, paid his subscription to the Journal, Friday, in silver which had been stored away since the first year of the war.

Mr. Johnson Brewer and daughter visited the wife and mother at the Athens Lunatic Asylum last week.  They speak with great respect of Dr. Grundy, and the care bestowed on patients.  Mrs. Brewer is no better, but still hopes are entertained of her ultimate recovery.

The body of a white boy, apparently about twenty years of age, was found in the river at Swan Creek, on Friday.  Not identified.

Mr. Charles Ufferman, some years absent in the West, has returned to the city.

Mr. William Wallace, of Iowa, is here on a visit to old friends.

Cremation.  The name of Dr. J. F. LeMoyne, of Washington, Penn., is familiar to many of our readers.  His wife, now deceased, was a daughter of the late J. P. R. Bureau, of this city, and his father was one of the original French emigrants who settled Gallipolis.  Dr. LeMoyne has a sister still a resident of this city, Mrs. John Sanns, now in the 84th year of her age.  Dr. LeMoyne is in feeble health, and looks forward to an early death.  In view of that event, he is preparing for the disposal of his body.  He has determined to be cremated after death, and the subject has excited great interest in the neighborhood.  A reporter of the Pittsburg Leader recently interviewed the Doctor, and gives a detailed account of his views on cremation, and the reasons that induced him to adopt this method of disposing of dead bodies.  We condense the important points.
Dr. LeMoyne assigns five reasons for the act, viz:—1st, The total destruction of matter, the decomposition of which tends greatly to produce malignant diseases.  2d.  The economy thereof, doing away with expensive funerals and cemeteries.  3d.  It shows an equality of all persons, for all can be cremated, and there will be no cemeteries for the rich or poor.  4th.  Is the moral argument in teaching man to be humble, leaving out the tears and parade over dead statesmen, etc.  5th.  The social argument, that it is far more horrible to bury the body than to burn it.  The Doctor sustains these several propositions with arguments of much force and power. . . . It is added that the Doctor had obtained the consent of all his relatives except one to the fulfillment of his desire and plan.

Utica, Mo., May 9th, 1876
Mr. Editor:—I drop you a line to let you know that I am still alive and doing very well.  The Journal comes regularly and is a welcome visitor.  Could not get along without the Journal.  Utica is a town of 1200 inhabitants, on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, a lively town.  I am Postmaster at this place, now, and as strong a Radical as ever, a Hayes man for President.  Enclosed I send you $2 for subscription to the Journal.  Yours truly, W. W. Watts

From Arabia.
The Arabia Mill is doing good work.  One of its owners, K. McAllister, used to be in the employ of R. Aleshire & Co., of your city.

John Hall, of Walnut township, lost his house and contents by fire last week. . . . This is the second time Mr. Hall has been burned out.  He is a son-in-law of Mr. Henshaw, of Green township.

From Addison.
Much sickness on Campaign.  Mrs. James Vance is not expected to live.  It is gratifying to learn that out venerable friend George Bing, is better.

The Gallipolis Journal
May 25, 1876

Perry Savage, a young man twenty-three years of age, who lives in Gallia county, Ohio, was yesterday morning struck by a train on the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad, about a mile and a half from Ludlow.  It seems that Savage, seeing a passenger train approaching on one track, jumped off upon the other line, when he was struck by a freight train coming the other way.  He was thrown out the track and picked up in an unconscious condition by Andrew Schaffer and John Smith, of St. Bernard, who brought him to the Cincinnati Hospital in an express wagon.  He appears to be suffering from concussion of the brain, and has a frightful scalp wound on the back of his head, but the physicians think he will recover.  Cin. Com. of Saturday.

A correspondent of the Columbus Dispatch is authority for the statement that the Railroad from Grand Haven, Michigan, to Gallipolis, represented by Mr. Gibbs, is now well nigh assured by the sale of ten millions of dollars of its bonds.  The road is regarded with good favor by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and by the people of Milwaukee, Wis., a point of grain export almost as extensive as Chicago.  The correspondent predicts an early commencement of the location of the road.

Mr. James Cherington, residing near Rodney, in Springfield township, underwent a surgical operation, Friday, for strangulated hernia, and his many friends will rejoice to learn that his situation, on Tuesday was favorable to his ultimate and full recovery.  Doctors Mills and Newton performed the surgery.

At the Grand Council of Red Men, held at Steubenville last week, Fred. J. Zehring was appointed Great Mischirmewap.

Mr. A. W. Allemong has bought the Regnier residence on State street.

Samuel Kerr, Esq., upon the recommendation of Mayor, has been appointed to act as Mayor in case of absence of Mayor Bird.

A pic-nic and platform dance will come off at George’s Creek next Saturday.  Committee of arrangements: W. S. Cavin, J. H. Brown, P.T. Wall, C. Callahan, and F. A. Kaulbersch.  Floor Managers, F. Dages, F. Cole and T. J. Blackburn.  The Gazelle will take visitors to the grounds, charging 40 cents a couple for the round trip, and leaving here at 7 o’clock.  No liquors allowed.

River News.  The C. P. Huntington has been sold to Mary Stone, of Michigan, for $4,000.  Capt. A. Donnally, formerly of this city, has bought one-third of the Mary Miller for $3,000.  The St. James is being dismantled at Cincinnati.  The Salt Valley took fifteen horses from here on Friday.  The Clara, we understand, will enter the Gallipolis and Winfield trade.  The Andes always goes down Wednesday evenings loaded to the guards.  Forty thousand cubic feet of walnut lumber in logs are being shipped from Big Sandy over the C & O. R.R. for Europe.  The steamer Billy Parsons is engaged at present in towing them to Huntington.

From Cheshire.
Mr. George Bing, Sr., we are happy to state, is convalescing, and is able to be up and around.  Miss Ada, daughter of Capt. Day, is quite sick.  Mrs. James Vance died last Thursday.

We were informed this morning, Monday, that there were three horses stolen in the community last night, belonging to the following men:  C. A. Carl, Mr. Wells and Alan Coughenour.

From Vinton.
J. A. Porter has painted up and is keeping the White Bear Hotel.  R. P. Porter and J. A. Feltman are in partnership selling goods.

Friday night—R. D. Edwards—a big boy.  Happy papa!

Richard Deckard, of Raccoon township, is one hundred and three years old.  His age is proved by that of his wife, who was exactly ten years his junior.  Were she now living, her age would be ninety-three.  Mr. Deckard is lively as a cricket.

The Gallipolis Journal
June 1, 1876

The warehouse of Mr. G. B. Little, of Sprinkle’s Mill, this county, was struck by lightning, one night last week.  A keg of power therein exploded, but even this, in connection with the lightning, failed to set the building on fire.  Things were, however, scattered around promiscuously.  The loss will be about $500.  There was no insurance on the building. [. . .]

Mr. James Cherington died at his residence near Rodney, Thursday evening, of inflammation of the bowels about one week after he had been operated upon for strangulated hernia.

Col. R. Cowden, Cor. Sec. S. S. Union, addressed a union meeting of our city congregations, at the Presbyterian Church, Sunday evening, in behalf of organizing County and Ward or township auxiliary Unions in all portions of the State, and through these to put a Sabbath School within the reach of every person in Ohio. . . .  A committee, consisting of Messrs. S. Y. Wasson, J. H. Evans, H. N. Ford, W. B. Guthrie, D. W. Davies and T. N. Ford, was appointed to take preliminary steps towards effecting a County organization, select officers, etc., and report at a subsequent meeting of the friends of the cause.

Piersall and Jordan, the two men sent up from Swan Creek for stealing shoes out of Mr. Trobridge’s store, finished working out their fines last week, and the High Sheriff gave them a quarter to pay their ferriage and they “cut sticks” for West Va.  Another prisoner at work on the streets escaped last week.

John, aged eighteen months, son of Wm. H. Baer, formerly of our city, fell into a cistern at Brush Creek, Ky., the other day, and was either drowned, or killed by the fall.

The smoke-house of Mr. E. N. Ridgway, Raccoon township, was opened with a crow-bar, one night last week, and his meat lugged off.

The warehouse of Mr. G. B. Little, of Sprinkle’s Mill, this county, was struck by lightning, one night last week.  A keg of power therein exploded, but even this, in connection with the lightning, failed to set the building on fire.  Things were, however, scattered around promiscuously.  The loss will be about $500.  There was no insurance on the building. [. . .]

Mr. James Cherington died at his residence near Rodney, Thursday evening, of inflammation of the bowels about one week after he had been operated upon for strangulated hernia.

Col. R. Cowden, Cor. Sec. S. S. Union, addressed a union meeting of our city congregations, at the Presbyterian Church, Sunday evening, in behalf of organizing County and Ward or township auxiliary Unions in all portions of the State, and through these to put a Sabbath School within the reach of every person in Ohio. . . .  A committee, consisting of Messrs. S. Y. Wasson, J. H. Evans, H. N. Ford, W. B. Guthrie, D. W. Davies and T. N. Ford, was appointed to take preliminary steps towards effecting a County organization, select officers, etc., and report at a subsequent meeting of the friends of the cause.

Piersall and Jordan, the two men sent up from Swan Creek for stealing shoes out of Mr. Trobridge’s store, finished working out their fines last week, and the High Sheriff gave them a quarter to pay their ferriage and they “cut sticks” for West Va.  Another prisoner at work on the streets escaped last week.

John, aged eighteen months, son of Wm. H. Baer, formerly of our city, fell into a cistern at Brush Creek, Ky., the other day, and was either drowned, or killed by the fall.

The smoke-house of Mr. E. N. Ridgway, Raccoon township, was opened with a crow-bar, one night last week, and his meat lugged off.

The Grand Jury came into court on Thursday and reported that they had found bills of indictment as follows:  One against John White for shooting with intent to kill and also to wound; one against Jacob Malone for horse stealing; one against George W. Viney and James Dickerson for grand larceny; one against Ulysses M. Rader for assault and battery; one against Charles E. Fry for same; one against Jeremiah Coates for same; and one against Gomer Thompson for disturbing religious meetings.  Fifty-four witnesses were before the Grand Jury.  [. . .]

The J. C. Crossley is still in the Ironton and Pomeroy trade, and is doing a star business.  Capt. Bay on the roof, Will Walters in the office, and Squire Suiter at the wheel, make a jolly, well-met trio that always insures a pleasant trip either up or down.  [. . . ]

The number of taxpayers in Gallia County is 5075, one in five and a fraction of the population.  [. . . ]  Cheshire pays the most tax; Green comes next; Addison . . . comes third in the list; Raccoon ranks fourth.       

From Vinton
The carding and spinning factory of Messrs. Shack & Hamilton is now in operation.

Mr.M. D. J. Hickerson is the champion farmer, having put in over one hundred and fifty acres of corn this spring.  Mr. H. has a food farm and understands the business, but doesn’t deal in cattle.

From Addison
Miss Barbara Swisher, daughter of G. W. Swisher, on Little Kyger, died the 27th inst., after a long illness, with consumption.  The sickness on Campaign is abating; the sick are all convalescing.

Miss Clara Rothgeb arrived home Friday, from a four months’ visit to relatives in Illinois, highly pleased with same.

Mr. John Berry, formerly from Addison, died at his home near Ottumwa, Iowa, of lung fever, in April last.

The Gallipolis Journal
June 15, 1876

Miss Florence Norton, daughter of Dr. Norton, is a graduate this year of the Portsmouth Young Ladies’ Seminary.

Dr. W. L. Williams, of Centerville, died suddenly on Sunday.  He was taken ill in church, whither he had gone in his usual health, and died about 4 o’clock in the afternoon.  He was a man greatly respected by his acquaintances.

Mr. D. W. Davies lost a valuable horse, last week, by lock-jaw.

T. W. Hampton and family remove this week to Union City, Indiana, their future home.

The Colored Band held a merry festival and dance at Betz’s Hall Friday evening.

Messrs. Bailey & Ridenour closed a contract with Mr. E. Betz, on Friday, for the building of a business house on their vacant lot adjoining Mr. Fenner’s property, fronting the Public Square.  The building is to be 126 feet deep, width 20 feet in the clear, and the front portion three stories high.  It is to be completed by Sept. 1st.  Price, $3,100.

The wife of Leonard Beck, died on Thursday, and was buried on Saturday.

Ansel T. Holcomb, Jr., formerly of this county, but now of Butler, Mo., is a delegate to the Cincinnati Republican Convention.

Johnny Shallcross will leave this week for Ellsworth, Kansas, to enter a drug store.

Mr. Edward Deletombe and daughter, and Chas. C. Weibert have gone to the Centennial.

Mr. A. B. Greenwood finished the job of painting the new M. E. Church last week.

Mr. W. H. H. Menager will open a new store in the old Zehring stand, on Second street.

Mr. J. M. Kerr has broken ground for a residence on Cedar street, between Second and Third.  Mr. E. Betz has the contract for the brick work.

Mr. John Pepple bought the two sunken coal barges which were grounded at Gallipolis Island the other day by the tow boat D. T. Lane for $600, coal, boats and all.  There are 17,000 bushels of coal in the barges, and one of the barges will be serviceable hereafter.  Mr. P. removed the coal from them last week.

The Spring term of the Gallia Academy closed last week.  Mr. Chase ceases his connection with the Institution with the close of this term.  He has made an efficient Principal, and the well wishes of a host of friends accompany him in his retirement.  Mr. W. Mitchell, a graduate of Marietta College, and a thoroughly competent teacher, is expected to succeed Mr. Chase as Principal.

The Gallipolis Journal
June 22, 1876

Mr. David M. Evans has been appointed postmaster at Thurman, vice Dr. W. L. Williams, deceased.  The appointment is satisfactory.  Mr. Evans will make a good official.

The graduating exercises of the Gallipolis High School took place in their Hall on Thursday evening.  The following were the graduating class:  Cora Hutsinpiller, Emma L. McClurg, Frank C. Langley, Geo. S. Beall, Mary E. McLellan, Myrtle E. Halliday, Sabina E. Gatewood, Harry M. Curry, Mary J. Irwin, Fannie Rathburn, Stanley F. Brading, Blanche E. Cadot, Lena M. Wood, Elmore J. Mossman.  [ . . . ]

Joseph Morrison, Esq., of Muscatine, Iowa, is in the city visiting old friends.

John Houck, of one of the lower townships, was sent to jail last week by Judge Lewis, of Harrison township, under a peace warrant, in default of $100.  It seems that John disturbed the calm and quiet of his mother-in-law, who thereupon made complaint.

Sudden Death—Monday morning a telegram was received in the city announcing the death of James Henry Nash, Esq., at Charleston, W. Va.  He was found dead in his bed that morning.  He was a son of Judge Nash, of this city, and in his thirty-sixth year.  He leaves a wife and children.  The remains were brought to this city, and buried Wednesday forenoon, from the residence of Judge Nash.  The following gentlemen accompanied the remains from Charleston as Pall Bearers:—Col. T. B. Swan, Capt. J. W. Cracraft, Maj. O. Fontaine, A. Burlew, R. H. Freer and C. P. Snider.  The following gentlemen acted as Pall Bearers here:—Capt. J. A. Hamilton, Capt. E. S. Aleshire, E. H. Neal, C. W. Cherringtotn, Prof. E. W. Chase, and J. H. Evans.  Mr. Nash was one of the leading lawyers of the Charleston bar.  His sudden, early death is greatly to be regretted, and much sympathy will go out to his relatives and friends.

“Buckshot” is dead.  This will be an item of news to many of our readers.  His name was Eli Davis.  He died in Pike county, this state, last February, but the fact has never reached us until now.  ”Buckshot” has a history.  He was a soldier, every inch of him.  He served through the Mexican war, and was wounded at the battle of Buena Vista with a buckshot, hence his nick-name of “Buckshot.”  In 1861, he was living in Morgan township.  Although about forty-five, he volunteered in Co. B, 36th O. V. I., and followed the army until he was wounded by the fragment of a shell at the battle of Antietam.  After this he retired from war’s alarms, living in this county until seven or eight years (ago), when he removed to Pike county.  May the greenest grass grow upon, the sweetest birds sing above, and the brightest stars look down upon his humble grave.

Dan Rice and Cook’s shows have formed a combination, and have gone West.  Nourse, of our city, is with them as leader of the band.

Mr. Rufus W. Davis, of Cheshire township, is the happy father of twins—boys.

Gallia county has three graduates this year, viz: Julius R. Adney, Washington and Jefferson (Pa.)College; Frank Halliday and Fred. Henking, Delaware (O.) College.  The first named is Classical; the last are Scientific.

The Gallipolis Journal
June 29, 1876

George P. Matthews, Esq., graduates at the State Normal School at Worthington, Ohio, this year.  He delivers the valedictory—”Crowns and Corals.”

Mrs. G. W. Isaminger and family, of Hamilton, Ohio, are visiting relatives in Morgan township.

The colored folks of the city will celebrate the Fourth of July out on the “Grayum Point,” directly across the Chickamauga from the Furniture Factory.  Good speakers will be in attendance.  They had a big picnic at George’s creek on Thursday.

The salary of the post office of Gallipolis has been cut down by the Post-Office Department from $2,300 to $1,500.

C. C. Mack, son of Mr. Charles Mack, of this city, graduated last week at the celebrated Commercial School at Poughkeepsie, N.Y.  Hereafter he will attend to the queensware department of his father’s business.

Mr. Ed. Campbell is quite ill with typhoid fever.  Mr. W. H. Langley has been confined to his house from illness for several days.

The trial of James Black for cutting Boone Dailey took place before Judge Kerr on Friday.  Dailey appeared and swore that he urged the quarrel and commenced the attack upon Black.  The latter was accordingly discharged.  John Houck was habeas corpused out of jail on Friday.

From Addison
We are pained to hear of the death of Albert Leonard, formerly of Addison.  He died in Missouri.  Mr. L. has many relatives and friends here; he moved from here about twenty-five years ago.  Peace to his mind, rest for his body, and his spirit in the better land.  Adieu.

Jas. Fulton, son of Osborn Fulton, fell from a mulberry tree 25 or 30 feet, struck the ground in the hard road, about a week ago, and broke his wrist, fractured his ankle and was severely hurt otherwise.  Dr. Barton set the broken limbs and he is doing as well as could be expected.

W. H. Reynolds left Tuesday night for the Centennial; he expects to spend a few days in Washington on his way.

                                                     The New M. E. Church
     The erection of their new church by the Methodist Episcopal Society of this city, on the corner of Second and Cedar streets, as fully completed, stands to-day, as a credit to the society and an honor to the city.  In its proportions, viewed from any and every point, by an eye critical or perceptive, it at once strikes the eye of the beholder with pleasure.  Its solidity and beauty, enhanced by its finely proportioned and towering spire, give to it an attraction that can scarcely be excelled if equaled.
     In this edifice the Architect has not confined himself to the rules of any particular period, or the special style in any region, but the church has been designed in the spirit of the English Gothic, which prevailed in the thirteenth century.  The church is cruciform in shape, with a length of eighty seven feet, and width from out to out of sixty eight feet.  It is constructed of brick, with freestone water table and window sills.  The walls are relieved and supported by buttresses capped with freestone.
     The main front, with the entrances, is on Second street.  In this gable is a gothic window, nine feet wide and twenty-four feet high, the central figure of this front of the edifice.  The Cedar street front, composed largely of the gable produced by the transept, has a large triple window and two double windows.
From the south-west angle rises the tower, eighteen feet square at the base; it rises sixty-two feet to the clock tower, which is diminished and rises fifteen feet with four gables and four wheel frames seven feet in diameter, to receive clock faces; this is surmounted by the spire proper, constructed of wood and slate, sixty-three feet high, making the entire height from the pavement one hundred and forty feet.
     The building is two stories, the lower room being designed expressly for a Sunday-school and lecture room; it has four Bible class and two infant class rooms, opening into the main room, with sliding partitions so arranged that all the classes can be brought into full view of the superintendent’s desk.  This room is high, airy and cheerful, and while specially adapted for Sunday-school purposes, at the same time it affords excellent accommodation for the prayer and class meetings of the church.  Coming out of this room, we are in the vestibule, which is entered by three double doorways from Second street.  The vestibule is capacious and neat, its floor is covered with matting.  Broad stairways, by their mechanical perfection at once impress the visitor with the excellence of the design.  Three sets of double doors open from thence into the main audience room, facing each a broad aisle.  This room is the principal feature of the edifice.  In its harmonious proportion, its beautiful windows, its elegant carpet and chandeliers, its pews and altar railing, and the arch that forms the background of the pulpit and altar gives a pleasant effect. The shape of the church cruciform gives the idea of the architect in planning this room; it is to group the audience just as closely to the pulpit as possible, the altar and pulpit being the center of a half circle, which has proved to be the only form producing perfect acoustic effects.
     The nave is sixty feet in length; across the nave and transepts sixty-four feet.  The pews are made of ash and black walnut, polished in the most skillful manner, and so arranged that all persons in the house can look directly at the pulpit, without turning the head.  The gallery over the vestibule is twenty-eight feet in length by fourteen in width; it is finished in front with Gothic panels and cornice.  The whole room is wainscoated to the window sills.
     The roof is open framed, the ceiling supported by four open trusses, parallel with the main front, four parallel with the main front, four parallel with transepts, and two thrown diagonally across from either side of the transepts, intersecting each other in the middle of the ceiling.  All the wood work in the room, except the pews and altar, finished in chestnut, oiled and varnished.  The walls in each end of the transept have one triple and two double Gothic windows; two double Gothic windows face the front from the sides of the transept, and there are two single windows on each side of the nave.  In the rear of the gallery, over the main entrance, is the triple window.  The windows are of stained glass, and in design and in design and elegance are superior to many, and equaled by few of the finest churches in the country.  This elegance of design and beauty is due to the generous action of various members and friends of the society, who endowed them as memorials, sacred to their friends, the founders and leaders of the church in times past.    
    The altar is semi-circular, surrounded by a low communion railing, supported by turned balusters, the whole constructed of the finest black walnut; around it are low cushioned seats for communicants, upholstered with crimson terry.  Within the altar the recess of the arch is a raised platform on which the choir is seated.  Such is a brief description of this part of the church; every thing about it is good; the carpet is of the best quality. The materials are generally of the best.  The wood work is the natural wood, oiled and varnished.  The room is heated from below, and well ventilated with registers at the ceiling and the floor, connected with air ducts constructed beneath the floor.
    The entire cost of the church as it stands is only about $17.000, including carpets and furniture, which was raised by the ladies of the congregation.  This church was erected under the supervision of T. S. Ford, Architect, of Gallipolis, Ohio.  The contractors were T. S. and H. N. Ford.
     Truly has it been written, that there is no more conclusive testimony of the state of society in a community than that to be found in their architecture.  Thus by harmonious work, by energy fitly applied, and with an untiring zeal, in this the accomplishment of their work, this edifice stands a temple beautiful in its proportions and in its interior adornments, most strongly contrasting with the old building, a true sign of the progress of rational views, the increase of intelligence, meeting the demands of the times in which we live, and indicating a future of prosperity and hope.

The Gallipolis Journal
July 6,1876

Mrs. Horace H. Jones died quite suddenly at her residence in this city, on Friday morning.  Mr. Jones left here about a week since to visit the Centennial, going by the way of Richmond, Norfolk and thence by steamer to New York.  Although the telegraph was used extensively his friends were unable to communicate the sad news to him.  Mrs. Jones was in average health at the time of her husband’s departure.  The deceased was a Christian lady.  She leaves no children.
     Later.  Mr. Jones was reached with a telegraph at Philadelphia, on Monday evening, and immediately started home.

During the rain storm of Sunday afternoon lightning struck the Presbyterian Church steeple in this city, knocking off the top, and completely shattering one side of it.  The fluid is supposed to have spread over the iron roof, hence no damage to the house proper.  The ball upon the top was knocked into the yard of Mr. A. M. White, about one hundred and fifty feet distant, and timbers and slivers scattered about in every direction.  Members of the choir were in the church at the time, but fortunately escaped with nothing more serious than a severe shock.

Mr. S. Goetz had some fine hams stolen from his warehouse one night last week.

Mr. James Grafton, of Centerville, has the contract, commencing July 1st, for carrying the mail to and from the Railroad at Portland.

A son of Mr. Anderson Wooton, of Clay township, aged nineteen years, met with a fatal accident on Monday.  He propped up a skiff and went to sleep in the shade under it.  While he was asleep the skiff fell, smashing his head.

Mr. J. J. Allison has closed his school at South Point, and leaves today (Wednesday) to attend the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio.

Mr. M. E. Hard and wife, formerly of our public schools, but now of the public schools at Washington C. H., O., are visiting relatives in the city.

Rev. Geo. Cherington, of Letart, is visiting in the city.

The residence of Mr. R. P. Porter, in Vinton, caught fire, on Friday, from the kitchen flue, but was extinguished with but little loss.

The store of Mr. Aaron Davis, at Cora, was broken open on Thursday night, and $14 in money, ten pounds of tobacco and a carpet-sack stolen.  The thief was captured the following day near Rio Grande, and taken before Judge Thomas, who bound him over to court in the sum of $100.  He was put into custody of the constable, but in the night he escaped by jumping from an upper window.  The constable gave pursuit and caught him on Saturday, and found the hole which he had dug in the ground and concealed the tobacco and carpet-sack.  The money was also found in his possession.  He was brought to jail on Sunday evening.  His name is James Morris.  He is about twenty-three years old, and unmarried.  His father lives near Chambersburg.  Morris has been working in the neighborhood of Cora for some time.

The Gallipolis Journal
July 13, 1876

Judge Hartsook, of Raccoon township, sent Lize Maguire and Elizabeth Liston to jail last week, in default of $200 bail each, for stealing chickens from one Henry Anderson.

Chambersburg has a pretty kettle of fish now.  She is incorporated, you know.  On the 4th of July one of her citizens was arrested for shooting crackers in the streets.  The defendant called (for) a jury.  The jury disagreed, and now there are not enough men in the corporation to make another jury.

The contracts for carrying the Ironton and Gallipolis mail, overland, has been awarded to Augustus Dewitt, of Harrison township, for $545.  The Gallipolis and Quaker Bottom route, overland, has been awarded to David Sutfin, of Clay township, for $173.  Both are reliable men.

The returned Centennial visitors report having seen cadets Carter and Aleshire at Philadelphia.  The boys are looking well, are straight as arrows, and are well satisfied.  The whole garrison was in attendance at the Centennial.

The Herbert Bros., of Charleston, as merchant tailors, and W. B. Trump, with dry goods, will occupy the two vacant rooms in the Drouillard Block, on Court street, in a few days.

Mr. A. L. Long and family, former residents of this city, but now of Steubenville, arrived Tuesday evening on a visit to relatives.

Capt. Ford removed his family to this city this week.  They will occupy the residence of Mr. Hiram Dale.

Jack Wall has opened a jewelry store and cigar stand near the corner of Second and Locust streets.

Lightning Freaks.  The storms of the past week have been frequent and always accompanied by thunder and lightning.  The bolts have visited us.  On Wednesday the lightning struck the roof of the house of Mr. W. Y. Miles, in this city, occupied by Mr. Edwards, followed a row of closets down to the cellar, the walls of which it damaged considerably.  Garments hanging in these closets were singed, but the occupants of the house, although awake, did not experience anything until the smell of singed garments attracted them.  On Wednesday night the dwelling house of Mr. Joseph M. Croninger, in Green township, was struck.  The fluid passed under the roof and to the ground.  No member of the family was injured.  The loss to the building will be about $100.  Three trees in different places in Green township were struck the same night.

It took twelve kegs of beer to supply the German picnic, near Rodney, on the 4th of July.

The July meeting of the Gallia County Medical Society was of unusual interest—made so by an exhaustive and comprehensive lecture on Anatomy, by Dr. R. D. Jacobs.  The following officers were elected for the coming year:  R.D. Jacobs, M.D., President; R.A. Vance, M.D., 1st Vice-President; J.B. Kerr, M.D., 2nd Vice-President; W.C. H. Needham, M.D., Secretary; W.W. Mills, M.D. Cor. Secretary; W.S. Newton, M.D., Treasurer; Censors—W.B. Guthrie, MD; Thos. Northup, MD; John Sanns, MD; Essayists for August Meeting—Drs. Rathburn and Sisson.         W.C.H. Needham, Sec’y.

From Cheshire
The Fourth passed off quietly and pleasantly here.  A majority of our citizens spent the day in Watson’s grove at a basket picnic.  Short and interesting speeches were made by J. W. Mauck, J. R. Adney and Rev. Diixon.  Prof. Adney as a historian, is a success.  The Cheshire brass band furnished excellent music.

Mr. E. A. Lasley is again on his native heath, after an absence of more than three years.

S. W. Swanson has the brick work of his new building about completed; it improves the beauty of the town.  There are more buildings on Skunk Alley than any street in town, and they might make a neat (?) appearance if they had been built fronting the alley.

Miss Belle Guthrie, who has been absent several months, visiting a sister in Charleston, has returned home.

Mr. John Reynolds and Miss Mary Eblin were united in marriage last Thursday.  We mingle our voices with those of their many friends, in wishing them a life of prosperity and happiness.

The Gallipolis Journal
July 20, 1876

In the United States Court at Cincinnati, J. A. Martin has filed a libel against the tow boat Alex. Chambers, to recover $598 for services as pilot.  W.O. Martin, L.Z. Cadot, James H. Summers and John H. Clendinen are garnishees.

The steamer J. M. Kerr is tied to the bank here on account of a disagreement between the owners.  We hope it may be adjusted soon, and the Kerr started again.

Capt. Samuel Welker and R. D. Edwards of Vinton, have a contract for building a bridge in Mason county, W. Va.  It will take about three months to complete the work.

Mr. John Walters, living on Chickamauga, had a horse killed by lightning during the storm of Wednesday.  Mr. John W. Cherington had a sheep killed on the same day by lightning.

Elizabeth Liston was taken out of jail on a habeus corpus, on Tuesday.

Railroad Meeting.  According to a notice published in another part of this paper, the stockholders of the Gallipolis, McA. & C. R. R. Company are called upon to meet in this city on the 16th day of August, to consider and act upon a proposition to sell the road.  That we can build it is most uncertain, that others can is certain.  We hope that every stockholder will be present and hear the proposition.  Let all come, and with one voice say what shall be done.

The Gallipolis Journal
July 27, 1876

Mr. B. W. Persinger, the Baker, while delivering bread at Point Pleasant, Tuesday, was suddenly stricken down by some violent disease, and for some hours his life was despaired of.  At a later hour he was reported improving.

Lev. Sweeney, an old trespasser, was possessed of a devil last week.  As a rule the devil possesses Lev.  He took a large club, on Thursday, and struck his sister several times on the head with it.  The wounds were terrible to look upon.  She made affidavit before the Mayor, and now Lev. is trying to cancel a fine of $15 upon the streets, closely attached to a ball and chain.

Mr. Andrew McLellan, living just above the city, received a sun stroke, Wednesday morning.  Through the skill of Dr. Cromley he is coming through all right.

Judge Nash and wife started Monday for a trip to the East.

From Cheshire
Miss Luella Bing, an accomplished lady of Portsmouth, is in town visiting friends.  Mr. A. E. Bing, of Portsmouth, spent a few days in town last week.

Mr. David Tate, an old and respected citizen, died at his home in Kygerville, last Thursday, aged 77 years.

M. E. A. Lasley left for the West yesterday.

Mr. Peter Swisher, we are sorry to state, is again seriously ill.

The Gallipolis Journal
August 17, 1876

L. Perry, Esq., and family have returned from their Centennial trip, bringing with them specimens of many of the wonderful things to be found there.

Geo. Bolles got a finger cut off, while running one of the saws at Messrs. Mullineux, Lawson & Co.’s Planing Mill, last Friday.

George Washington Tucker stole seventy-five cents of Mr. Persinger the other day, and now has to work fourteen days on the streets for it.

G.H. Shaffer, Jos. Shank, Ben. Gardner and Ed Damron left on the Virgie Lee for the Centennial on last Wednesday, and will take in Niagara, New York and Washington on their way.

Capt. Jonathan Hamilton has brought suit against the owners of the Luella, claiming $50 damages for turning the Gazelle and a flat-boat adrift.  The case comes on for trial to-day.

It seems that James Morris, who is in jail here for burglarizing Mr. Aaron Davis’ store, was connected with a robbery of Center Furnace, Lawrence county, some time ago.

Messrs. Enos, Hill & Co. libeled the steamer Wild Gazelle, last week, for $395, this sum being owed to them for repairing the boat.  Security was given and the boat released.

The Inspectors granted licenses last week as follows: Peter Shatt, Middleport, pilot and captain; John Watson, Middleport, engineer, and Ben. Webster, Gallipolis, engineer.

From Vinton
Mrs. J. C. Kerr, of Cincinnati, is visiting relatives here.

A horse attached to a buggy in which were Hon. H. S. Neal and C. M. Holcomb, Esq., ran off, on Wednesday, while coming down the long hill across the creek, smashing up the buggy and throwing the occupants out.  They escaped, however, with no damage.   On Wednesday and Thursday evenings Mr. Neal made speeches at the Academy. [ . .

The Gallipolis Journal
August 24, 1876

The Perry township Republicans organized their Hayes Club by electing the following officers:—R. Carter, President; Amos Ripley, Vice-Pres.;  W.A. Davis, Sec.; and Giles Davis, Treas.  Fifty-two voters signed the Constitution.  Mr. David Davis delivered a short and stirring address.

Wm. P. Wood, of Greenfield township, was put “in hoc” last week on a peace warrant sworn out by his son.  Judge Foster held the court, and required $100 bail, which the accused was unable to furnish.

Inspectors Ford and Rodgers tested the boilers of the Luella the past week, allowing her a working pressure of 125 lbs.  They also licensed Edward Johnson, of Point Pleasant, Captain and first class pilot, and Barton Marsh, of steamer Potomac, second engineer.

Painful Accident.—Mr. Henry Blanc, wife, Mrs. Uferman and three children of Mrs. U. started from the city in a carriage, Saturday, for the home of Mr. Blanc, distant about four miles.  When near their destination the horses became unmanageable, ran off, and threw them all out of the carriage.  Mr. Blanc received several slight wounds; Mrs. Blanc had a limb injured and her nose broken; Mrs. Uferman was injured in several places; one of the children received a severe cut in the head and had a bone of the forearm broken; another was considerably bruised up, and the third escaped uninjured.  Medical attendance will probably bring them all through safely.

A Festival will be given at the residence of Mr. Geo. Wise, on Saturday evening August 26th, for the benefit of Clay Chapel burying grounds.  All are invited.

Mr. W. Mollohan, formerly of this city, and now of Kansas, in company with his wife were thrown from a buggy, about two weeks ago, while out riding.  Mr. M. had a collar bone broken and Mrs. M. was badly bruised.  They are the parents of Mr. M. Mollohan, of this city.

Mr. Chas. C. Wood left for Illinois on Wednesday of last week, on a visit to his son and a sick grandchild.

Capt. Hamilton recovered a judgment of $10 against the Brown Bros., of the Luella, for turning the Gazelle and a flat loose.

Col. John Furgerson, of Cambridge, Ohio, at one time commandant at this place, was in the city Sunday, en route to West Virginia.

Fire.  About four o’clock Tuesday evening a fire broke out in Skees’ Furniture store, and before it was extinguished the warehouse belonging to the the foundry of Kling, Shober & Co., a dwelling house belonging to J. J. Poll, occupied by Jos. Richards, and a double house belonging to C. C. Weibert, John Lupton and Thos. L. Bell were burned.  The latter would have been saved, as also would the warehouse, had not the hose bursted [sic] several times.  The fire is thought to have originated by sparks from the cupola of the foundry, but workmen at the foundry state, that the building was burning inside several minutes before the roof caught.  The following are the losses and insurance:  J. J. Pool, loss $1,500, insurance $750; E. Skees, loss, $2,200, insurance $1,500, saved, $400; Bell & Lupton, loss $600, no insurance; Kling, Shober & Co., loss $1,000, no insurance.  The goods in all three of the dwelling houses were saved.

From Cheshire
John Hooper and Frank A. Guthrie departed for Indianapolis, on the 12th, where they expect to remain the coming winter.

J. W. & S. W. Mauck and D. F. Ashworth left for the “big show” this morning (Monday).  The former will go from Philadelphia to Hillsdale, Mich., and enter upon his work as a member of the faculty of Hillsdale College.

Misses Mary and Serepta Swanson returned home last week from a two months’ visit at Jackson.

Mr. Lewis C. Ralston and Miss Ada Vanzant were united in marriage last Wednesday evening.  May happiness, love and unity forever greet their homes, and their lives be as sweet as the blooming rose.

The Gallipolis Journal
August 31, 1876

The M. E. Church has received a new Esty organ.  Master Dwight Johnson, of Portsmouth, aged fourteen, furnished the first music last Sunday.  His performing is quite a credit.

At the Festival, at the residence of Mr. Geo. Wise, in Clay township, Saturday evening, the table in charge of Mr. Simeon Irwin, suffered the loss of its funds, some $6, by being stolen.  The thieves will be caught unless they leave the county.

Hayes Club met at Court House at 8 o’clock P.M.  An organization was effected by electing the following officers:—President, C. W. Bird; Vice President, P. B. Pritchett; Secretary, Geo. Gilman; Treasurer, Col. L. Z. Cadot.  On motion, a committee of three be appointed from each ward and the township to secure signers to the Hayes Club.  Committee: 1st Ward—James Williams, James Haptonstall, E. J. Hutsinpiller.  2nd Ward—A. W. Kerns, L. L. Ellsworth, S. F. Neal.  3d Ward—James W. Dale, McKendrey Sprague. ____Crawford.  4th Ward—James Gatewood, W. McFarland, Paul Landcraft.  Township Committee—Jno. A. Morrison, _____Blazer, D. W. Davies.  Secretary authorized to notify committee, and urge immediate action upon them.  President authorized to secure Speaker for next meeting.  The following executive committee was appointed:  C. M. Holcomb, J. H. Evans, Jno. A. Hamilton, S. D. Cowden, Alex. Brock.  Adjourned to Friday evening, September 1st, 1876 at Court House.  Geo. Gilman, Sec’y.

A female deck passenger was drowned off a boat at Cheshire, Saturday, while drawing a a bucket of water.  A passenger was drowned off the Hudson at the wharf, Sunday evening last.  A reward of $50 is offered for the body.

Mr. Joseph Hunt returns thanks to the band which serenaded him one evening last week.  Had he not been unwell they would have received a speech.

Samuel Gatrel, a shoemaker of Chambersburg, was put in jail Thursday, charged with passing counterfeit money.  He says he is innocent.

Roy F. Wrigley, late assistant engineer on the Gallipolis, McA.. & C. R. R. was taken to Cincinnati by Marshal Dale, Wednesday, on a requisition from Indiana, charged with the seduction of a young lady at Richmond.

Jas. M. Crowley will leave to attend Medical lectures at the Louisville medical college in a few days.

W. S. Sisson and lady, of Ironton, are in the city visiting relatives.

J. R. Adney has gone to the Yellowstone region.

All parties agree that the street cleaning work now being done in the city under Mr. Wm. Kennet is the best that has ever been done.  Great credit is due  Mr. K.

Mrs. Thompson is building a new house out on the Neighborhood road close to the Cemetery road.

A Parsons boy fell from a tree in the Academy yard, Sunday, and broke his arm.

S. D. Cowden and G. D. McBaine left Monday morning for Put-in-Bay, to attend the Masonic Grand Lodge.  The former represents the Chapter and the latter the Council.

The Rev. John Dillon, who will be remembered as the former presiding Elder in this District, died at his residence near Zaleski, on last Saturday morning.  His remains were taken to Zanesville for interment.

The Gallipolis Journal
September 7, 1876

From the Alexandria Mo. Commercial
A Model Farm—What Pluck and Enterprise Will Do.
     In a two hours’ ramble one day last week, over the extensive farm of William J. Young, one mile south of Luray, we were surprised at the improvements he had made during the past two years—he now having one of the largest and best farms in Clark county.  He has six hundred acres in one body, lying north of the Wyaconda, 440 acres of which are under fence; of this, 125 acres are in meadow, 50 in corn and the remainder, with the exception of a large orchard, in pasture.  The 160 acres not under fence, is covered with good, heavy timber and is just north of the Wyaconda.
     It is one of the best stock farms in the county, being sheltered by timber on the north, west and south, and having an abundance of good water and pasture.  The farm is well stocked with horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, etc., etc., all of which are in good condition and would sell any day for their cash value.  . . .  The house is a substantial two-story frame, seven rooms and a cellar.  The orchard is several acres in extent, is in good trim and contains all the different varieties of fruit . . .  He recently purchased a farm north of Luray, but being offered $300 the next day for his bargain, disposed of it.  He now owns and rents five dwellings and a store house in Luray, several he having recently built.  Mr. Young has worked, traded for and made all of this within the past few years, and it is with pleasure that we make a brief mention of his success.
[Mr. Young is well known by many of our citizens, and with pride looks back to his Gallia Co. home.  He is a brother of Miss Barbara Young and Mrs. A. C. Hughes, of our city.]

Mr. Charles Rees, whose death is published elsewhere, was a soldier under Napoleon, and was in the battle of Waterloo.

Creditors are busy proving their claims against the steamboat J. M. Kerr, which is to be sold this month.  The indebtedness of the boat is about $5,000.

An unoccupied tenant house belonging to Mr. R. Bray, and situated at the upper end of Fourth street was burned Sunday night.  No alarm was given.  The work of an incendiary.  Loss slight.

Philo Ripley, Anderson Boyer and Alfred Smith have been added to the city police force.

Mr. R. T. Carter and family have removed from this city to Quaker Bottom.

J. C. Atkinson and R. R. Bane, of this county, have gone to the Lebanon school.

The bodies of the man who was drowned off the Hudson at the wharf the other day, and the female who was drowned at Cheshire were recovered in the river below Bladensburg, on Thursday.

Dr. Newton, his daughter, Charley Dages, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Miller, A. Moch, Wm. Shober and Adam Uhrig have gone to the Centennial.

The officers of the Morgan (township) Hayes Club are: Peolo Eno, President; S. Pugh and Gideon Roush, Vice Presidents; A. Barton, Sec., and Wm. Ralph, Treas.  Thirty signed the Constitution at the first meeting.

Republican Honesty.  Mr. Jno. L. Guy retired from the county treasureship on Monday.  During the four years, 1872, 3, 4, and 5, the duplicate collections have amounted in the aggregate to $478,662.43.  The miscellaneous collections for the same time to $9,251.87.  The receipts from the State, as the county’s portion of school fund and interest on Sec. 16, to $63,467.07.  The amount received from the State ministerial fund, $1,246.63 making a grand total of $552,628.  Here is an example of Republican official honesty.  Over half a million dollars have passed through the hands of one man and not a cent is missing.

Fred. Douglas Coming.  At a meeting of the colored citizens of the Third Ward, on Friday evening, to take action relative to the coming of Fred. Douglas to this city on the 22d of September to address the colored voters, Alex. Brock was chosen to the Chair; Amos Black chosen Vice President; J. W. Smith, Secretary, and Oscar Viney, Treasurer.  The permanent officers were appointed a Committee of Reception and to procure and prepare a place for the speech.  The colored voters of Charleston, Ironton, Pomeroy, Portsmouth, Pt. Pleasant, Middleport and elsewhere are hereby cordially invited to come and hear the greatest colored orator of the United States.

Railroad Matters.  The Directors were in session Tuesday.  Mr. Wm. Nash was elected to fill the vacancy in the Board occasioned by the death of Mr. W. H. Langley.  T. B. Bancroft, Esq., was chosen President.  Resolutions of respect to the late President, Mr. W. H. Langley, were passed. Also, a resolution stopping the payment of all salaries, was adopted.  Committees to audit unsettled accounts of the Company, and to devise means to raise the $20,000 pledged by the Stockholders were appointed.  Mr. White, President of the new company, is in the city, and will remain here until the necessary papers completing the transfer of the road are made and signed.  Everything looks favorable for the early commencement of work upon the road.

Mr. Cecil Fogg and lady are going to start to the Centennial in a short time.  Also Mr. and Miss Holcomb, of Vinton.

Mr. Reuben Halfhill, of Cheshire township, had his house burglarized on Wednesday last and about five hundred dollars taken.

On Monday last, Charles Ball, of Cheshire, accidentally shot himself through the leg, while taking a revolver from his pocket, making an ugly, painful, though not necessarily fatal wound.  He had no business to be carrying a revolver.  Dr. W. A. Watkins, of Middleport, dressed the wound.—Middleport Republican

Rio Grande College
     This is a new Institution.  It is located in Raccoon township, this county, on the mail route between Gallipolis and Portland.  It had its conception in the benevolent heart of the late Nehemiah Atwood, and it has been nobly consummated by the companion which he left, now Mrs. Harrison Wood.  The College building cost about $18,000, and is a fine structure, doing credit to its builders, Messrs. Mullineux, Lawton & Co.  A large and well arranged boarding house is in the course of construction, and will soon be completed.  The formal dedication of the College building took place last Wednesday.  It drew together a large crowd, estimated as high as 2,000.  The exercises consisted: 1st, of the reading of a portion of Scripture; 2d, prayer by Rev. H. J. Carr, of Jackson; 3d, a history of the Institution by Rev. I. Z. Haning, President of the Board of Trustees; 4th, address by President Dunn, which was the great feature of the occasion, being an able and earnest plea in behalf of higher education for the masses, that all might be qualified for any of the duties which a Republic could require of its citizens; 5th, response in behalf of the people for the generous gift in aid of education, by Rev. H.. L. Whitehead; 6th, short address by Prof. Molton; 7th, dedication prayer by Prof. Dunn.
     Before closing the proceedings of the day, the following resolutions were offered, the first by Prof. Wood and the second by President Dunn, and adopted unanimously, viz:
     Resolved, That this audience as the friends of Rio Grande College tender to the Naomi Band of Gallipolis, a vote of thanks for their prompt and gratuitous services in rendering most excellent music on the occasion . . .  to Mr. W. H. McCormick . . .  [for] conveying the Band to and from the College.
     Resolved, That we gratefully recognize the noble generosity of Mrs. Wood in what has been already accomplished . . . and pledge out sympathy and co-operation in the prosecution of the enterprise.
The first term of this Institution begins Wednesday, Sept. 13.  The teachers are Rev. R. Dunn, Principal; assistants, Prof. A. A. Molton, A.M., Geo. A. Slaton, and Miss Nellie Philips. [ . . .]

GRAND RALLY!!  HAYES POLE IN GALLIPOLIS, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 1876. 
     Hon. Geo. W. Carter, of Louisiana, will be present and address the crowd.  Come everybody.  The pole will be raised at 10 A.M.  Speaking will commence at 1 P.M.  Cannon will be fired, and a National Flag, a beautiful bunting banner twenty-seven feet long, will be run up by a committee of thirteen young ladies dressed in white with a red and blue scarf.  The following ladies constitute the committee:  Maggie Pitrat, Marie Mullineux, Anna Vanden, Darien Maxon, Clara Perry, Emma Andrews, Kate Dillon, Sallie Dillon, Hettie Pitrat, Emma Dages, Alice Pitrat, Fannie Rathburn, Lena Wood.  The committee will consult together, and fix upon suitable, similar dress.  They will meet at the residence of the last named on the committee at 10 A.M., next Tuesday.

The Gallipolis Journal
September 14, 1876

Paul Landcraft, a colored man living in the upper end of the city, while cutting a tree out on the farm of the late Valentine Switzer, Tuesday, had the misfortune to have it fall upon him, from which he received serious injuries.

We hear that Mr. Howard is engineering on our railroad near Eagle Furnace, trying to save a tunnel.

There was a fuss at the Gem Saloon on Monday evening. A trouble arose between Slusher, the keeper, and Chas. Johnson.  They got into the fuss about a broken window.  Johnson drew a revolver and shot at Slusher, but missed him and shot James, son of Mr. John Lupton, through the forearm.  Johnson was arrested by Marshal Dale the same night, and on Tuesday was bound over to Court in the sum of $500, for shooting with intent to kill.  John B. Clendinen bondsman.

Z.V. Mauck, Jno. T. Hampton and Prof. Van Sickle are in the city.

Last week Inspectors Ford and Rodgers issued licenses as follows:  James C. Woods, of Gallipolis, Master and Pilot, William W. Ward, of Gallipolis, First Engineer.  William Patchell, of Buffalo, Master and Pilot.  William F. Patchell, of Buffalo, Second Engineer.  Chas. Rodgers, of Charleston, Mate.  George Wright, of Raymond City, Master and Pilot.  William Johnson, Raymond City, First Engineer.

The transfer of the Railroad to the new Company, was made complete last week.  The terms were those prescribed in the resolutions passed at the Stockholders’ meeting.

Julius R. Adney, a graduate of the last class at Washington and Jefferson College, Pa., on Saturday, was adjudged insane by Judge Kent, and sent to the Insane Asylum at Athens.  Mr. Adney’s personal friends will regret to learn that his prospects of a useful life have been clouded thus early.

Prof. J. S. Wilson, late of our public schools, has been elected Superintendent of the Ironton schools, at a salary of $1,600.  We congratulate Ironton on the selection of so excellent a teacher.  May his shadow and smile never grow less.

Charles Myers, the shoemaker who testified in the case of the State vs. Bob Viney and Fred. Holmes, for burglary, and in which they were sent to the penitentiary, is in jail at Cattlettsburg for breaking into two stores.

Mr. Henry Lowe and family have returned from Columbiana county to Vinton, their former home.

The Gallipolis Journal
September 21, 1876

Col. L. Z. Cadot is visiting relatives in Scioto county, his old home.  W. T. Minturn, J. H. Weil and W. S. Wheatly have gone to the Centennial.  J. L. Hayward is at Pittsburg.  Judge Nash, G. D. McBride, A. Moch, Wm. Shober and A. Uhrig have returned from the Centennial.  L. J. Langley, Jr., J. M. Kerr, and Frank Deletombe leave for the Centennial this evening.  Jas. B. Cromley leaves this evening to attend medical lectures at Louisville.

E. Patterson, an old citizen of the county, leaves this week for a residence in Kansas.

Jurors for next Court.  Grand Jury: Alfred Gray, Edward Swisher, John B. Lewis, Martin Rutherford, Seth Foster, Geo. B. Norman, Jacob W. Ward, John Coughenour, I. F. Chapman, John H Carter, Noah Walp, John Sowder, David Fulton, George Northup and Washington Reifsnyder.  Petit Jury:—Benjamin Sisson, A. B. Hamilton, W. H. H. McDaniel, Robert Edwards, James Miller, Erastus L. Wood, Jacob S. Clark, William Tate, Geo. W. Grimes, John Clark, John Campbell and William Childers.

On Wednesday afternoon a colored driver of Mr. W. H. McCormick drove a horse and buggy down the Dufour Wharf to wash the buggy.  Unfortunately he drove in too far, and drowned the horse.  The buggy was recovered the next morning.  The driver swam out uninjured.

The Wild Gazelle towed an uncompleted steamboat and a keel boat loaded with brick from Pomeroy to Cincinnati in twenty-seven hours, last week.

On Friday, Mr. Ed. Gills, of this city, was made the happy father of an 8 1/2 pound boy.  This child has two grandmothers, Mrs. Gills and Mrs. Ralph, one great-grandmother, Mrs. Bankard, and one great-great-grandmother, Mrs. Maguet, all living.  In other words it is the fifth living generation.

Christopher Neeley, of Guyan township, was put in jail last week.  He was sent up by Judge Lewis on the charge of stealing a horse from Mrs. Vaughn.  Bail required, $300.

Mr. J. C. Hubbard, colored, of Ironton, spoke at the Court-house on Saturday evening.  He had a good audience and made a good speech.

Tuesday the Israelites celebrated their New Year—”Rosh Hashanah.”

Rev. Mr. Peden, assisted by Cynthia Bing, will teach the Cheshire schools this year.

Several skiff thieves have been arrested here during the past week and lodged in jail.

Mr. Samuel Wise, of Clay township, presented us, Saturday, with specimens of his apple crop.  Among them were the Wine Sap, the Blue Pairmain and the Pound Pippin.  They are splendid specimens, large and sound.  A bushel contained but 72 apples.

There is [sic] now in the Infirmary twenty-four youths and children.  The Directors would like to have them reared and educated in private families.  Thanks to the Medical Society for their acceptance of our invitation to visit the Infirmary.   A. Logue, Infirmary Director.

Card of Thanks.  We, the members of the Naomi Band, desire . . . to return our thanks to the Mason County, W. Va., Agricultural and Mechanical Association, and to the committee appointed to secure music for the Fair; our thanks for their kindness in employing us to play at their exhibition, and for the kindness shown us while in their midst.  . . . to Mr. Willard, for the liberal donation he made us . . . to Capt. Brown of the steamer Luella, and Capt. Chas. Clendinen, of the Billy Parsons . . . for gratuitously transporting us to and from this city to Point Pleasant . . .  Naomi Band.

The Gallipolis Journal
September 28, 1876

Mrs. Julia Ann Harper, consort of the late James Harper, who published the Gallia Free Press in this city from 1825 until 1831, and mother of our fellow townsman, Mr. Jas. Harper, died in Meadville, Pennsylvania, at the residence of Rev. Daniel I. Edwards, her son-in-law, on Monday last, September 25th, 1876.  She was the daughter of Dr. Robert Wilcox, a Surgeon in the war of the American Revolution, and was born in Martinsburg, Virginia, March 17th, 1794.  The remains will be interred in Spring Grove Cemetery, near Cincinnati.

John White, a moral agriculturist, late of our city, is, we understand, in jail at Ironton for gambling.

At the annual Grange picnic, held at Bethesda church, in Walnut township, on Wednesday, it is estimated that there were over fifteen hundred persons present.

Tuesday night some fellow put a ladder up to a rear window of Mr. W. S. Hanson’s house, on Court street, and climbed to the room occupied by Mr. D. H. Baldridge.  Just as he was getting inside Mr. Baldridge saw him, and seizing a pillow shoved him back with it.  While the burglar was getting down the ladder Mr. B. was hunting his revolver, with which, when found, he opened a fusillade upon the thief, but without effect.

Judge Kerr is confined to his house with illness.  Judge Logue is staying in the Probate office.

Mr. Neil Robinson, son of Captain John A. Robinson, formerly of this city, was married to Miss Jesse Stem, in Cincinnati, on Thursday last.

Jo. Anderson is keeping a livery stable again on an alley between Front and Second street.  Jo. is a lightning livery man.

The Gallipolis Journal
October 5, 1876

The steamboat J. M. Kerr was sold on Monday by U. S. Marshal Campbell to Morris C. Shallcross for $4,050.

Mr. Henry Hill left Wednesday to attend Medical Lectures at Cincinnati.

Dr. McCann, of Addison, has bought out and will run a drug store at Racine.

The Ohio Conference has given Rev. W. H. Gibbons a year’s respite from ministerial work for the benefit of his health.

“Better times,” and the “revival of business,” are the cheering words that reach us from every point.  There is no doubt that we have touched bottom, and that we are now on the road to business activity and prosperity.  The anticipation of the election of Hayes has had much to do with this improvement in commercial and business circles, and we must see to it that the anticipation is made good.  . . .  A grand object for the Centennial year.

Rev. E. Heagler, says a telegram from Lancaster, supplies the pulpit of the M. E. Church, in this city, for the coming year.  Rev. Mr. Battelle goes to Logan.

On Friday the Gallia county Agricultural Society elected five Directors, viz:  John E. Mills, William Cherington, J. C. Vanden, Reuben Aleshire and Rob’t. C. Johnston.  These gentlemen, with the five members holding over, will meet at the Secretary’s office at 1 P.M. next Saturday to organize and elect officers.

From Addison
The river last week threatened to clean us out again.  A good deal of corn on the low bottoms was destroyed, and some potatoes.  Wesley Rothgeb lost three or four acres of the latter.  The Captain dam’d it (not profanely) off about 20 acres of corn, potatoes, beans, tobacco, &c., by filling a ravine and a short levy [sic] on Thursday morning.  It only lacked 3 inches of breaking over.  He says he feels kind o’ streaked [sic], but pitched in, and made it secure.  He estimates he saved $200 worth of produce.

C. C. Barton has gone to Louisville to attend the Medical college, but Clayt called at Judge Kent’s, and was seen late Sunday eve in company with his sweetheart at Rev. Mr. Young’s—but not by the Doctor.  Pretty sly, Clayt.  Health, peace, prosperity and happiness to you and yours, by your humble servant.

Mrs. E. A. Boice, of Springhill, Kansas, is at her old home, visiting friends and relatives.

Mr. Frank Southall is happy—it’s a  girl.

Mrs. Lew Bing arrived from Texas to join her husband.  She is quite sick.

The Gallipolis Journal
October 12, 1876

Our former fellow townsman , Capt. Aug. Donnally, is about completing one of the finest freight and passenger packets to be found upon the Western waters.  We were aboard of her while in the city last week, and found her perfect in all compartments.  Her length of keel is 280 feet, with 41 feet beam, four 41 ft. double-flued boilers, powerful engines, and all the modern appliances for conveniently handling and stowing of freight.  The cabin is of the plain, common sense style, free from gaud and display, while the staterooms are large and commodious, which insures comfort to the possessor.  She is a beautiful model, sits upon the water like a duck, and is designed for the Cincinnati and New Orleans trade.  Her name will be A. C. Donnally, in commemoration of a noble son of our old school-mate, “Gus.,” who died a few days since.  . . . Capt. Frank Donnally,of our city, will be found in the office.

We learn that two car loads of tools for work on the Columbus & Gallipolis Railway, have arrived at Vinton Station.  Mr. White, President of the Road, is expected in the city this week.

Mr. James Ingels, of Harrison township, leaves in a few days for a settlement in Kansas.

On Thursday C. M. Holcomb, Esq., as administrator of the late Mr. Brandstetter, sold all the real and personal property belonging to said estate.  . . .   Mrs. Huthmaker and Mrs. Naegle, daughters of Mr. Brandstetter, bought the Brewery, (lot No. 6) and are now running the same.  They deserve the patronage of our citizens.

Fatal Shooting
     About 7 o’clock Saturday evening Henry Cousens, familiarly known as “Dad” Cousens, a colored fellow aged about twenty years, in company with his sister, came out of Mr. Irwin’s grocery, Henry carrying in front of him a peck of potatoes which he had just bought.  They crossed the intersection of the streets diagonally to the corner owned by Mr. Williams.  At this corner stood Edward Willis, Cole Mitchell and Clint Nelson, three colored young men.  Just as Henry and his sister approached, Nelson started across the street toward the residence of Mr. Hunt, leaving Willis and Mitchell alone.  As Henry and his sister passed these two one of them threw at Henry what his sister thinks was a hat.  Henry put the potatoes on the curb stone and started toward them, the sister going on toward home.  She had gone by a few steps when a revolver was discharged.  Green Viney and Chas. Robinson, colored men, were standing just around the corner, and they inquired the cause of the shot, but received no reply.  Cousens staggered across to the middle of Third street and fell dead.  Mitchell and Willis started out Pine street, and have not been seen since, though the police  have been after them.
     Coroner Cromley called a jury together on Sunday, and held an inquest.  The jury found a verdict that the deceased came to his death from a pistol shot caused by Edward Willis or Cole Mitchell, and the jury knew not which.  The bullet passed through the lung and heart, and struck the backbone.  It seems from the testimony given before the jury that there was no quarrel or words passed between Cousens and the parties standing on the corner from the time Cousens placed the potatoes on the curb stone until the shot was fired.  It is on the wind that Mitchell and Willis, about two weeks ago, had some difficulty with Cousens, and the former had not been chary in their remarks as to what they would do for Cousens.  Of course the straight story can only come out upon a regular judicial investigation.  Cousens is spoken of as rather a good disposed boy, while Mitchell is said to be obstinate and vindictive.

The Gallipolis Journal
October 19, 1876

Public Schools.  The Board of Education makes the following statement relative to the change of certain text books:  In school No. 4, the change from McGuffey’s to Harvey’s Reader, was made as follows:  Every pupil who had a McGuffey’s Third Reader belonging in the family received a new book for the old one, even exchange.  Those who had no old ones were required to purchase new ones—the price being the same for the Harvey’s as for the same grade of McGuffey.
The change in Histories in No. 9, was effected in a similar manner. . . . the retail price of Venable’s History, which was discarded, is $1.25, while the retail price of Anderson’s, which was introduced, is $1.20.
The pupils in rooms Nos. 3 and 6, need new readers, whether a change is made or not.  They have used the books which they have until they have read them through several times, and have wholly lost interest in them.  It will cost less money to change than to buy new books of the same series, but of the next higher grade. . . .  Those having McGuffey’s 2d Readers, can have a new book for the old, by paying twenty-five cents; those who have no old book can have the new one for forty cents.
Those who have 4th Readers, McGuffey’s, can have a new one for old, by paying fifty cents; those who have no old one, can have the new one for seventy-five cents. . . .  By order of the Board of Education.   L. Perry, James Gatewood, James Vanden, Committee on Text Books

Messrs. T. S. & H. N. Ford, owners of the lower planing mill in our city, made an assignment on Friday for the benefit of creditors.  Capt. D. Y. Smithers, assignee.

Cole Mitchell, one of the colored boys engaged in the shooting of Henry Cousens, mentioned by us last week, returned to his mother’s home, opposite Point Pleasant, Friday night, and was picked up by the police.  He is now in jail.  His age is said to be only thirteen years.  Willis, the other boy engaged in the shooting, has not turned up yet.  The County Commissioners are thinking of offering a reward for him.

Hurrah for the Boys.  On Wednesday evening last Jno. Plymale and Sim. Irion raised a Hayes and Wheeler pole, in front of the residence of Hugh Plymale, Esq., 65 feet high, in honor of Neal’s victory.  On the following Sabbath a good loyal democrat who wished to pay a visit to a friend, and to avoid seeing the motto (Hayes and Wheeler), made a circuit of about two miles.  The boys say it is not their desire to punish democracy by useless travel, and if such men will send them word when they want to pass they will pull the cords and let her down.

Gallipolis, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1876
Editor Journal:  Sir:—We submit the following in contradiction of a report circulated to the prejudice of Gatewood, Fuller & Co., Furniture Manufacturers in this city, in effect that they threatened to discharge any who would not vote the Republican ticket.  Therefore, We, the undersigned, working men, employed by the above named Company, without regard to politics, declare that no such threat, or insinuation to that effect, was ever made to our knowledge, but we were left perfectly free in the exercise of our rights.  (Signed) J. W. Cubbage, H. M. Grothouse, E. S. Tippens, J. H. Shank, John Moats, Wm. L. Gatewood, Jonathan Wolf, John T. Shepard, G. E. Mulford, Frank Dunney, P. B. Pritchett, J. F. Walker, S. B. Lasley, C. S. Friend, Charles Wolf, F. Kaulbersh, Conrad Hawk, Frank B. Cole, H. A. Goines, Wm. S. Price, Claudius Wolf.

Rev. R. Breare and family left Saturday for Massachusetts, their future home.

The Pole Raising at Porter.  The crowd that gathered to witness the flag raising, on the Hayes and Wheeler pole, at Porter, on the 6th inst., and to hear the speeches made on that occasion, was simply immense. First came a long procession with music and flags flying.  The people then gathered around the Pole, where after a spirited address by Hon. E. A. Stone, the stars and stripes were hoisted aloft by thirteen veterans of the grand old party that saved the Union, whose names are as follows:  Rev. H. R. Howe, Stephen Sisson, Samuel Rowley, David Hamilton, James Johnston, J. N. Kerr, John Blosser, David Summers, A. Watts, M. R. Matthews, John Morrow, J. A. Rodgers, Enoch Russell.  After this . . . a masterly address was made by Hon. H. S. Bundy, followed by J. L. Jones, Esq., Presidential elector, in a few forcible words.  In the evening . . . the brick church was crowded to hear Hon H. S. Neal, . . . and then came . . . a pithy review of the gradual breaking down of prejudice . . . by the Hon. H. S. Bundy, who gave his hearers a taste of what prejudice against the black man had been for the past twenty years . . . The Republicans of Springfield township deserve great praise, and their noble allies of Morgan and Cheshire are entitled to much credit for the grand success achieved.

From Gallia Furnace
Our highly esteemed friend, Jos. Stafford, has moved with his family to Sciotoville, Scioto county.  Mr. Stafford has been clerking at the Furnace for about twelve years, and is regarded by all his acquaintances as a man of undoubted integrity.  That he may soon return is the hope of many.

The Gallipolis Journal
October 26, 1876

Recorder Booton—blessed again.  A big, bouncing boy.

C. M. Holcomb and W. H. C. Ecker left for the Centennial on Tuesday.  Judge Bradbury, Z. V. Mauck, J. C. Vanden and wife are at the Centennial.

Mr. Louis Baer and family have returned from Europe.

Capt. John M. Holloway has rented and will open what was formerly the Kanawha House under a new administration, beginning by changing the name of the house.

Mr. C. Gillilan will not travel for the house of J. L. Hibbs & Co., of Portsmouth, but will devote his time to his business at Centerville, the firm being Smith & Gillilan.

Mrs. Hiram Maxon has recently had put up, in the new Cemetery, a fine monument in memory of her late deceased husband.  It is made of the Scotch gray granite, and cost about $1,000.

Mr. E. E. Waddell, of Green township, has found a new use for his apples.  He makes them into cider, and then of the cider makes a jelly.  He reduced seven barrels of cider, containing forty gallons each, to 19 gallons of jelly.  It is a pleasant, useful article.

We regret to learn that Rev. E. V. Bing, of the Ohio Conference, M. E. Church, a native of this county, has lately been adjudged insane by the Licking County Probate Court, and sent to an Asylum.

Shooting.—About four o’clock on Saturday afternoon two colored men named Robert Jones and Henry Davis, the former living in this township and the latter in Green, became involved in a quarrel in the street near Livingstone’s grocery at the lower end of the city.  In the “mill” Jones pulled a revolver and shot at Davis, but missed him and struck Jacob Long, a German from Green township, who was getting out of his wagon to go into a store.  The ball struck Mr. Long in the shoulder, making a wound more sore than serious.  Jones was soon arrested and lodged in the watch house.

Mr. Charles Johnson, Jr., of this city, has rented the bar of Capt. Aug. Donnally’s new boat, the A. C.. Donnally, at $125 per month, and will leave this week to take charge of it.  We wish him success.

The Commissions of the following justices of the Peace, elected at the last election, have arrived:—John Norman, Perry; William Symmes, Cheshire; James Barton and David Fulton, Addison; Cyrenius A. Wilcox, Morgan; and John Irwin, Springfield.  Mr. Fulton succeeds ‘Squire Daniels, and Mr. Wilcox succeeds ‘Squire Wiggins.

Mr. James Hopkins, this city, had his shoulder dislocated, by a fall, while repairing a cistern for Dr. Badgley.

Mr. Charles Semon, Court street, has inaugurated the oyster season.  He receives direct from Baltimore, by express, always fresh, and can accommodate families and others by the can at low prices.  He is also prepared to serve them to customers by the dozen, or more, in good style.

The Grand Jury submitted the following jail report [to the Court of Common Pleas]:
We found the jail in good order and apparently well kept, and in as good state and condition as the circumstances of the building will permit; we heard no complaint of treatment, diet or accommodations of the prisoners, only such as grow out of the nature and circumstances of the building itself.  The building is . . . radically defective, and cannot be repaired or improved . . . without great expense . . .  In our opinion a new jail should be built.  We found that the rules prescribed for the regulation and keeping of jails have been faithfully kept and observed, and did not find that any of the provisions of the Act for the regulations of county jails have been violated.

For the Gallipolis Journal, Gallia County Medical Society, Vinton, Oct. 18, 1876
. . . Committee appointed to visit the County Infirmary, made the following report:
. . . In company with one of the gentlemanly directors, your committee visited the Infirmary and were shown around the premises by the present efficient Superintendent, Mr. Cole. . . . we will . . . state what we saw, and

For the Gallipolis Journal, Gallia County Medical Society, Vinton, Oct. 18, 1876
. . . Committee appointed to visit the County Infirmary, made the following report:
. . . In company with one of the gentlemanly directors, your committee visited the Infirmary and were shown around the premises by the present efficient Superintendent, Mr. Cole. . . . we will . . . state what we saw, and . . . hint as to some improvements which, we believe, would render the condition of the inmates much more pleasant, and secure for them an immunity from many plagues to which they are now liable . . . The Institution, standing as it does, upon a gently sloping plateau, is naturally adapted to a good system of ventilation and drainage, had the original founders so arranged . . . —which they utterly failed to do—placing as they did, the kitchens, wash-houses, coal-sheds, stables—and in fact all out buildings, with one exception, above and upon higher ground than that occupied by the buildings used as the living, sleeping and eating apartments of the inmates, so that a large amount of the accumulated filth of the Institution finds its way under and around the main building, escaping the bounds of imperfect gutters and sewers, forming cesspools here and there—sending forth the septic germs, which in themselves are sufficient to so poison the atmosphere which these poor wretches are forced to inhale, night and day, as to induce in them, if not active febrile diseases, at least a state of anaemiac, which renders them obnoxious to the same. . . .  Now the question comes up for solution, why should this state of things exist, when there are three or four thousand dollars of appropriations, (surplus) lying idle . . . in the county’s coffers?  . . .
We look upon the Gallia county Infirmary as a sad commentary upon the design of an institution of that character and the end sought to be obtained by it.  Now, we believe that economy is secured in another direction—provide for the pauper a good home, surrounded with healthy air, good comfortable bed and sleeping apartment, good variety of healthy nutritious food, plain, comfortable clothing, prompt, skillful medical aid when sick, and those that ever have been will soon be able to “paddle their own canoe,” and the county will not be taxed from year to year with taking care of scores of men, women and children, who are invalids for want of good hygienic surroundings and appropriate medical aid.
Very respectfully submitted, W. H. Guthrie, M.D., W. C. H. Needham, M.D., John Cating, M.D., Committee.
The committee discharged and report received.  Motion prevailed, that the city papers be invited to publish the same.

The Gallipolis Journal
November 2, 1876

The wife of Andrew Oversall died on last Saturday morning, of typhoid pneumonia, after a short illness.  Her remains were taken to near Gallipolis, for interment.—Ironton Register.

Whit Wiseman, lately married to Miss Bell Null, of Gallia county, is building a new frame house, on the old Guyandotte and Jackson road.—Ironton Register.

Editor Journal:  The “Volunteer Fire Department” of this city, through their committee and your paper, desire to return their sincere thanks to the citizens of Gallipolis, who were so liberal in their donations to (the) firemen’s supper which was held on Friday, October 27, 1876, and to the ladies who so kindly assisted at supper, especially to Mrs. E. Skees, for the valuable service rendered by her on the occasion, also to Naomi Band for the excellent music they rendered to the delight of all who heard them.  F. M. Dages, Wm. Kling, Thos. Hott, Committee

Bishop Jaggar, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, preached in this city Tuesday evening.

Messrs. J. F. Irwin, his son, and Moses Moch, left for the Centennial Sunday evening.  Messrs. Henry Lear and Frederick Klages returned from a two weeks’ visit to the Centennial on Thursday.  Mr. J. C. Vanden and Harry Sanns returned from the Centennial Sunday.

Capt. Frank Donnally left Saturday, to assume the position of Clerk on the new steamer, A. C. Donnally, which leaves Cincinnati this week for New Orleans.

Deputy U. S. Marshall James M. Campbell sold the steamer J. M. Kerr, Monday, to Capt. J. M. Paulsey of this city, for $3,005.

The following young gentlemen of this city, returned from the Centennial Friday night, viz: Frank S. Ford, Ollie S. Sanns, Jno. R. McCormick, Frank Hutsinpiller, Jos. Rathburn and Jas. D. Bell.  Mr. Sanns met with an accident at Washington.  When inspecting one of the ships at the Navy yard, he made a misstep, and fell a distance of some nine feet, bruising his person considerably.

Messrs. Graham, Riggs and Clark, of Clay township, have four boats about ready for the Southern market, loaded with potatoes and apples.  They have stock enough to load one or two more, but cannot get the boats.  They are enterprising traders, and are generally successful.

Last Saturday night a pleasant episode took place in the photographic hall of Mr. Charles Calohan.  The chief of the fire department, together with several of his comrades, summoned the members of Naomi Band together there, and informed them that the firemen wishing to show their appreciation of their kindness to them for furnishing such good music on Friday last, had a present for them.  Mr. W. P. Buell, on the part of the firemen, presented the musical corps with a magnificent cake, and informed them that the brave men who were ever ready to protect the lives and property of others at the risk of their own desired them to receive it, not for its intrinsic value, but because of the spirit that prompted the giving of it.  Mr. James Sanns, on the part of the band received it with many thanks.

The family of Mr. J. M. Kerr missed the cream for their coffee one or two mornings; the cow was present, but she gave no milk; it was a mystery,  Feeling sure that someone not entitled to it was getting that milk, the cow was watched.  The thief was discovered; it was a two-months’ old pig.  Every night, he would suck the cow dry, and was getting as far as a pig should be.  Now the family have their cream, and the pig grunts his displeasure.

The St. Charles Hotel, heretofore known as the Kanawha House, will open to-day, Nov. 1st, under the superintendence of Capt. John W. Holloway.  Everything will be done to accommodate travellers and boarders, in the best style of modern hotels, and terms will be as low as the best houses in the Ohio valley.

The Gallipolis Journal
November 9, 1876

From a list of those granted (steamboat) licenses by Ford and Rodgers, Local Inspectors, are the following from Gallipolis:  James M. Polsley, Captain; James T. Halliday, Engineer; W. H. Bays, Pilot; and George Woolweaver, Mate.

This was the last issue available until 1880. The missing issues cover the time period of the yellow fever epidemic and it has been speculated that the issues may have been burned.

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