LDS DOCUMENTS, PART 3
January through Sept., 1884

Source: LDS Microfilm No. 0205533, Vol. 1, No. 138 (1 Jan 1884) - Vol. 3, No. 127 (30 Jun 1884), "The Daily State Journal", Parkersburg, Wood county W. Va.

Issue dated Monday, 21 January 1884:
"The rivalry between the two packets is, during the freeze-up, taking a new and interesting shape. Messrs. Park and Ball, respectively of the 'Oneida' and (C.C.)'Martin', are vieing with each other in presenting their patrons with their autographs - on statements of accounts. (Wirt) 'Transcript'."

"During the freeze-up in the river considerable travel and traffic has been carried on over the pike between this place and Parkersburg, but the teamsters seem to think it is a hard way of serving the Lord. - (Wirt) 'Transcript'."

Source: LDS Microfilm No. 0205533, Vol. 1, No. 138 (1 Jan 1884) - Vol. 2, No. 127 (20 Jun 1884), "The Daily State Journal", Parkersburg, Wood county W. Va.

Issue dated Friday, 1 February 1884:
"'Scioto'-'(John) Lomas'. The Celebrated Case Near its Close. The first witness in this case Thursday morning was Chas. H. Page, of Wood Co., who was second engineer on the 'Scioto'. He testified as to the signals he received from the pilot, and as to his management of the boat. He stated that when the accident occurred, he backed the boat with all speed toward the West Va. shore; that he did not leave the engine room until the water drove him from his place and the engine had ceased to turn the wheels of the boat.

"Cyrus Higgs, the engineer of the 'Scioto', corroborated Page's testimony in every particular. He stated that when he passed through the engine room to escape from drowning, the wheels were still moving.

"John White, who was a saloon keeper of Moundsville, testified that Keller came into his saloon on the day of the collison and got a drink of whisky, but he also stated that he was not drunk.

"Mr. Chalfant, of Wellsville, O., was a passenger on the 'Scioto', and escaped death by climing upon the hurricane deck. He gave a full account of the disaster, which does not differ materially from that of other witnesses.

"Mr. Hubbard was on the 'Scioto' as engineer. His testimony was about the same as that of Higgs and Page. John B. Cook was recalled, for the purpose of impeaching himself, but his testimony was essentially the same.

"Daniel Malone, of East Liverpool, was no account as a witness. He first stated that he was standing on the stern of the 'Scioto' at the time of the collision, but at another time in his testimony he placed himself somewhere else. Testimony of no weight.

"Moses McCann, engineer of 'Lomas' was recalled and subjected to a severe examination. He has been on the stand several times. Nothing new was brought out on his testimony.

"John McSweeney, of Wheeling, was next placed on the stand, for the purpose of impeaching Moses McCann. He also testified as an expert, he being a practical boat builder. The models of the two boats were used frequently in the examination of this witness."

Issue dated Friday, 1 February 1884:
"The 'Scioto'-'Lomas' case will likely close soon, as the Court wishes all the testimony to be in by this evening."

Issue dated Thursday, 6 March 1884:
"An Incident of Keller's Trial. This is told by the 'Cincinnati Times-Star' of Tuesday evening.

"Last year when Pilot David Keller of the 'Scioto' was tried for manslaughter, the jury failed to agree. 'A very laughable incident occurred during the trial,' remarked a gentleman this morning who was present at the trial. 'A drawing of the boat's engines as they were found after the 'Scioto' went down, showing the position of the "cams", was in evidence, and one of the attorneys explained to the jury, I was sitting behind the jury, and had a good view of the drawing which the able attorney carefully and scientifically (?) analyzed while he held it upside down, neither he nor the jury knowing the difference.'"

Issue dated Monday, 17 March 1884:
"Charlie Page is home off the steamer 'Courier'."

Issue dated Wednesday, 26 March 1884:
"Mrs. Keller, mother of David C. Keller, arrived in this city from Wheeling this morning to be present in Court this afternoon."

Issue dated Monday, 3 March 1884:
"Interview With a Veteran River Man. Our reporter met Capt. I(ssac) N. Hook, the oldest river man on the Ohio, at the Swann House this morning. The Captain commenced steamboating in 1827. He was in this neighborhood at the time of the flood of 1832. He was the first who placed his barges in front of his stseamboat when towing. Formerly it was customary to hitch them on behind, or tie them to the sides. His manner of towing was considered very amusing at its origin, but no one thinks of towing in any other way at the present time.

"Many of our old citizens will remember the old-fashioned bowl whistles which were used on the boats and locomotives in the old days. The Captain introduced the whistle now universally used at the present time. It was by accident that he discovered it. He was going into Wheeling and his whistle was broken. The upper hemisphere was blown off. He placed in its stead a keg. His whistle also caused much amusement but it has taken the place of the old 'bowl' screecher, which would almost lift a man off his feet when it blew.

"The Captain also invented the 'spool windlass' by means of which the gates of the locks on all our rivers are now opened. They were formerly swung back by huge windlasses making hard work for eight men. Curious to say he took out no patents on the invention but gave the Company for which he worked all the advantages gratuitously.

"He has been up the Little Kanawha repairing the locks damaged by the late flood. The Captain says he took the first steamboat to Burning Springs that ever passed up the Little Kanawha. He is now on his way to the Muskingum to repair the canal washed out in the flood."

Issue dated Wednesday, 5 March 1884:
"River Riplets. The 'Courier' arrived at this point this morning and after a short stop departed for Wheeling. She reports hard running through the ice."

Issue dated Friday, 28 March 1884:
"Keller's Situation. It is now earnestly hoped by many that Keller will escape incarceration in the penitentiary by the payment of a heavy fine. He is in poor health and confinement for any legth of time would prove a serious if not a fatal blow to his impaired constitution. Mr. Keller's mother is now in the city, waiting anxiously for the end which now seems to be near at hand. She has the sympathy of all who know her. We understand that B. B. Dovener of Wheeling, senior counsel for Mr. Keller, has been telegraphed for and will be here tomorrow, in time to be present when the matter comes up for the consideration of the Court."

Issue dated Thursday, 3 April 1884:
"The Shacktown Lock. Capt. I(saac) N. Hook, who is superintending the repairs on the Shacktown Lock was in the city last night. He is very much discouraged over the result of the work on the lock. The river rises at the most inopportune times, and destroys the work already accomplished. The repairing will still be continued, and as the work already done, has been under difficulties, we hope they may have better success in the future."

"Keller Sentenced. The Last Scene of the Now Famous Trial. For nearly two years the celebrated 'Scioto'-'Lomas' trial has been an interesting proceeding to the many readers of the American press. During the progress of two trials the people have watched the progress with unabated interest. Many diverse opinions have been held as to the guilt or innnocence of the accused. The labors of his counsel, experienced and able lawyers, have been indefatigable in his behalf. To-day finished their work.

"A large number of the citizens of Parkersburg assembled this afternoon at the U.S. Court Room to hear the sentence. The prisoner sat in his accustomed place, with his mother by his side. Mrs. Keller has been with her son during the entire time since the catastrophe, excepting when owing to sickness it was impossible. Her mother's devotion has never flagged. Judge Jackson, after rehearsing at some length the circumstances of the horrible accident at Mingo Junction, by which so many lost their lives, sentenced Keller to pay $500 fine, and to be imprisoned in the penitentiary for the space of two years. The scene in the Court room was very affecting. Mrs. Keller was overcome by sorrow, and sobbed piteously as she thought of the punishment to be inflicted on her son. The sentence was much heavier than was generally anticipated."

Issue date Saturday, 12 April 1884:
"Letter from Mrs. Keller. Her Touching Appeal for her Son. 'Wheeling Journal'. The following touching appeal was made by Mrs. Keller, mother of Dave Keller, to Judge Jackson, following his conviction of manslaughter, and before his sentence. It is a most eloquent and touching appeal, such as can only come from a mother's heart:

"'Parkersburg, Feb. 25, 1884. To His Honor, Judge J. J. Jackson: Dear Sir: - Pradon me for a few words before your Honor passes sentence uon my son. I know you will not fail to consider what I say. You have it in your power to vindicate the majesty of the law, and at the same time relieve me from almost endless suffering and pain. I know that my son never intended any wrong or crime. It was simply an accident which resulted from following, as a pilot, a custom well and long established among Ohio river pilots; but a jury has convicted him, and it is left to your honor to affix the punishment. However, much may be said, or may have been said to the contrary, David has been a dutiful son, and has always been a stay to me in my declining years. He is my only support. I beg of you, Judge, to affix a severe fine, which he will willingly, cheerfully and faithfully pay if you will give him a few months' time, but don't, please don't disgrace him and me with a penitentiary sentence. If your Honor, in the dischage of your high prerogative, feels that imprisonment is necessary to atone for violation of law, please make the time as short as you can, in consideration of all mitigating facts, and let it be in a county and not a State prison.

"I write this with the fulness of a mother's heart, and I know you will not turn to me a deaf ear, but feel sure that you will temper justice with mercy.

"Believe me, Sir, sincerely yours, Mary A. Keller.'"

More on this disaster, D.

Issue dated Thursday, 8 May 1884:
"Thomas J. Dunbar and bride, who were married at Kanawha Station last evening, passed through the city today on their bridal tour. They were down the river on the 'Emma Graham'."

Issue dated Thursday, 26 June 1884:
"Married. Something quite out of the usual order of marriages was the wedding of Mr. L. J. McGee and Miss Brassie Pennybacker of Belleville. On Sunday, the groom came up to this city and obtained his license and on yesterday when the 'Andes' went down, she was hailed and an arrangement was made by which the steamer laid at Belleville a short time. A minister, Rev. J. W. Lambert, was obtained, and the ceremony was performed in the presence of the officers of the boat and the immediate friends of the parties concerned. After the ceremony, the happy couple immediately went on board the steamer and proceeded on their bridal tour.

"The bride nee Miss Brassie Pennybacker is a charming and accomplished young lady well-known and admired by all who know her for her many excellent qualities. The groom has for many years been connected with the establishment of W. A. Cooper at Belleville, and is a rising business man. The 'State Journal' joins with their many friends wishing them 'bon voyage' through life."

Issue dated Saturday, 28 June 1884:
"Fourth of July Excursion to Newark. The steamer 'C. C. Martin' will carry an excursion to Newark, Wirt county, on next Friday the 4th of July, giving all who may wish a chance to visit the noted Mineral Springs of Dr. Dovener. Leaving the wharf at 7 a.m. Fare, round trip, $1.00."

Source: LDS Microfilm No. 0205534, Vol. 2, No. 128 (1 July 1884) - Vol. 3, No. 136 (30 Dec 1884).
Newspaper Extracts, 1884, - Month of July

Issue dated Tuesday, 1 July 1884:
"The Wheeling & Parkersburg Transportation Company proposes to build two stern-wheel packets to take the place of the 'Courier' and 'Diurnal', so well known in the Wheeling and Parkersburg trade. These boats will not be complete until next year.

"In speaking to an old river man recently, he said: 'Have you noticed that the great majority of packets being built nowadays are stern wheelers? It's a fact, you can see it costs so little to run a stern wheel boat compared to the expense attending the operation of a side-wheeler, and then they cost so little. The steamer 'Diurnal' cost fully $30,000. A stern-wheel boat to take her place would cost one-half that amount. A stern-wheel boat will last much longer than a side-wheeler. There is not so much jar and tear, as the machinery is not so heavy. Yes, the day of the side-wheelers is almost over. The stern-wheelers are not so fine in appearance, but they have the quality of utility.'"

Issue dated Tuesday, 1 July 1884 from "The Daily State Journal":
"There will be a Fourth of July picnic at Mineral Wells, and parties wishing to go can go up on the 'C. C. Martin', which will leave at 7 o'clock in the morning, and return in the evening and get off at Kincheloe's landing, about one mile from the Wells."

"Fourth of July Excursion to Newark. The steamer 'C. C. Martin' will carry an excursion to Newark, Wirt county, on next Friday the 4th of July, giving all who may wish a chance to visit the noted Mineral Springs of Dr. Dovener. Leaving the wharf at 7 a.m. Fare, round trip, $1.00."

Issue dated Thursday, 3 July 1884 from Newspaper Extracts:
"One of the most important river transactions of late is the sale of the steamer 'Harry D. Knox'. Messrs. James H. Owings, Capt. Hod Knowles, and Capt. Al. Slaven, are the purchasers. The sum paid for her we understand was $9,000, and each of the above named gentlemen own one-third of her. Capt. John Brookhart, the popular river-man, will Captain her."

Issue dated Saturday, 5 July 1884:
"The Scioto Disaster Again. The Wheeling 'Intelligencer' Thursday anounced that John Holt, administrator of the estate of Zinn Hart, deceased, entered suit in the Circuit Court, by his attorney, John E. McKennon, Esq., against the Wheeling and Parkersburg Transportation Company, claiming damages in the sum of $10,000 for the killing of said Hart, who was one of the fifty-four passengers who lost their lives on the ill-fated night of July 4, 1882, when the steamer 'Scioto' and 'Lomax', both bearing excursion parties, collided near Mingo. This is about the fourteenth damage suit against the owners of the boats for loss of life by the disaster, and most of them lay damages at $10,000. None of them have yet been tried, though most of them were entered in 1882. A few of them were taken to the U.S. Court."

Issue dated Monday, 7 July 1884 from "The Daily State Journal":
"Misses Rose and Nannie, the two charming little daughters of Capt. E. P. Chancellor, have returned from a trip to Pittsburgh on their father's boat."

Issue dated Tuesday, 8 July 1884:
"Capt. Samuel Sylvis and wife, of the firm of John A. Wood & Son (Coal Shippers-d.), J. D. Curtis and wife, Capt. James Wood, of the steamer 'Jim Wood' and Capt. John McIntire, of the steamer 'B. D. Wood' ( a towboat - D.), en route for Pittsburgh, were in the city to-day."

"Capt. Hod Knowles, of the steamer 'Emma Graham', was in the city to-day, on his way from Cincinnati to Hockingport."

Issue dated Wednesday, 9 July 1884:
"The Kanawha packets are having a hard time of it getting over the shallow places in the river. There is not two feet of water to go on."

"The steamer '(R.R. DAWES - D.)Dawes' was sold Saturday to Capt. Leavitt, who proposes to run her either in the Marietta and Murrayville trade or the Ravenswood and Parkersburg. Marietta is the point. Let Capt. Leavitt have encouragement to come to Marietta. The 'Dawes' will go out of her old trade Saturday, and another boat, possibly the 'Richmond', be chartered to fill her place until a new one can be built. The 'Dawes' sold for $9,500, and under Capt. Green has made some money for her owners. - 'Marietta Leader'."

Issue dated Thursday, 10 July 1884:
"An excursion party of young folks from this city went down to the Island yesterday evening skiffwise."

Issue dated Saturday, 12 July 1884 from "The Daily State Journal":
"Boy Drowned. A sad case of drowning occurred near the city this morning. A number of young lads were bathing in the Little Kanawha river about noon to-day. Among the number was a young son of Jacob Keller, about 11 years of age. While the boys were in the river, the steamer 'C. C. Martin' came along, and a number of the swimmers plunged into her waves. It is thought that young Keller strangled. At all events he sank and drowned before he could be rescued. Our informant tells us that the body has not yet been recovered. The boy's father, Mr. Jacob Keller, is in Wirt county, above Burning Springs, where he is engaged on the Black Diamond survey corps. He has been sent for and will arrive as soon as possible."

Issue dated Monday, 14 July 1884 from "The Daily State Journal":
"Body Recovered. The body of young Keller, who was drowned in the Little Kanawha last Saturday, was recovered Saturday evening. It was found near the spot where he sank for the last time. It was borne to the home of his fther, from where the funeral took place to-day."

Issue dated Monday, 14 July 1884:
"The steamer 'Stockdale' which passed up Saturday evening, had the biggest up and down trip she ever carried. She had an excursion party composed of Pittsburgh 'schoolmarms' on board, and the trip was likewise one of the gayest of the season."

"This is by all odds the most pleasant time of the year in which to travel by boat, and many are availing themselves of the pleasure by river excursions."

Issue dated Tuesday, 15 July 1884:
"The little packet, 'T. D. Dale', took down a large crow of Marietta's good people to Mrs. Dana's elegant country seat in Belpre. Every one votes it as the best party of the season. - (Marietta) 'Register'."

"Wm. Weston, engineer, is at Marietta again and will put a full force at work on the Ice Harbor, as many as can be used, with a view of pushing it as far as possible."

Issue dated Wednesday, 16 July 1884:
"Old steamboatmen, in discussing the 'Morgan-Central City' case are unanimous in the opinion that the collison as the result of the use of the electric lights on the former, and all predict that it would not be long before night excursions on the river would be prohibited by the department."

Issue dated Friday, 18 July 1884:
"Pilot Elmer Varian, of the 'Hibernia', was recently examined for color blindness, and failed to pass. He was granted license, however, as a daylight pilot and master."

Issue dated Friday, 18 July 1884 from "The Daily State Journal":
"Captain William Prince, whose heroic services in behalf of the flood imprisoned inhabitants of Wheeling Island in February will never be forgotten, Wednesday received from the grateful recipients of his kindness a neat memento of that occasion and of their remembrances of his part in it. They gave him an elegant gold watch, bearing on the interior of the back the inscription: 'Presented to Captain William Prince by his friends in token of their appreciation of his noble and heroic conduct during the flood of 1884."

"Clark Barringer, the genial chief clerk of the steamer 'Katie Stockdale', came from Rochester to-day, where his boat is laid up, and went down the river to his home at Reedville, on the 'Knox'."

Issue dated Wednesday, 23 July 1884 from "The Daily State Journal":
"George Gale, of Parkersburg, has mounted and completed a model skiff propeller, operated by the feet. It is said to be a success. He has made a trial trip to Blennerhassett's with twelve passengers, with two man-power. He proposes to make a trial trip on the Muskingum the coming week. - 'Marietta Leader'."

Issue dated Saturday, 26 July 1884 from "The Daily State Journal":
"Capt. Al. Slaven has gone to Catlettsburg, Ky. We understand that he is negotiating for the purchase of a low water boat. He is one of the most popular men on the river."

"The steamer 'Chancellor' passed down last night with the Democratic delegates from Charleston and intermediate points on board. There were a large number from Ravenswood and Point Pleasant. They only stopped at this point long enough to allow the proverbially thirsty to replenish their flasks."

Issue dated Wednesday, 30 July 1884 from "The Daily State Journal":
"Capt. Frank Cooper, formerly of the 'Harry D. Knox', is in the city."

Source: LDS Microfilm No. 0205534, Vol. 2, No. 128 (1 Jul 1884) - Vol. 3, No. 136 (31 Dec 1884), "The Daily State Journal", Parkersburg, Wood county W. Va. - Month of September

Issue dated Saturday, 6 September 1884:
"Resolutions of Respect. There was a meeting of the Directors of the Wheeling and Parkersburg Transportation Company, held at Wheeling yesterday. Beside the general routine business transacted, resolutions of respect were passed to the late President of the Company, Capt. C. H. Booth, whose death was lately chronicled in our columns."

Issue dated Monday, 8 September 1884:
"Takes the Broom. 'Florida Weekly Times'. The fine steamer, 'Chesapeake', has at last been awarded the broom by the steamer 'H. B. Plant', for 'cleaning her up' on the last round trip, and making the best time on the round between this city and Sanford ever recorded. The 'Chesapeake' has been thoroughly cleaned and painted, and on her last trip made the round trip in less than thirteen hours, including all landings for wood or for discharging and taking on freight. This unprecedented time is attributed, outside of the extraordinary speed, to the fact that she has just been thoroughly cleaned and painted, and has her former old engineer, Mr. James M. Steen of Hamilton, O., who ran her on the Ohio river, and who knows how to handle the machinery to get the most speed, in charge of the engines. Recognizing the fact that he had been beaten, Captain Hall, of the (H.B.) Plant', yesterday presented the 'Chesapeake' with a new broom, the handle of which was profusely decorated with ribbons."

Issue dated Saturday, 20 September 1884:
"River. It is now impossible for the Kanawha boats to pass Lock No. 1. All the freight has to be transferred at that point. Owing to the delay this transfer necessitates the Oneida Transportation Company's packets will hereafter make but three trips per week, leaving this place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 11 o'clock a.m."

Issue dated Monday, 22 September 1884:
"A Remarkable Fact. After having had the highest water in the Ohio river last February since '32, and seeing the rushing, roaring flood as it made its way downward devastating the Valley, it is a remarkable fact that close upon this event, we now have the lowest stage of water that has been known for thirty years. Nothing like it has been witnessed for many years. Not a boat is now touching at our wharf. Even the little 'Jerry Osborne' cannot pass the channel at Blennerhassett Island. This state of affairs is certainly going from one extreme to another."

Issue dated Tuesday, 23 September 1884:
"Mrs. W. H. Small departed yesterday evening for Baltimore. She will sail for Europe on the steamer 'Servia', October 11. She will be absent during the entire winter."

Issue dated Wednesday, 24 September 1884:
"Capt. Charley Leavitt was in the city yesterday, looking after his steamboat interests. He will put the 'Knox' in her old trade as soon as the river raises."

Issue dated Saturday, 27 September 1884:
"River. Owing to rains above, the river rose twelve inches yesterday. The increase of water in the channel was needed badly, for the river had become but little better than a stagnant pond.

"One of Kraft's barges stuck in Lock No. 1 yesterday, and it was after dark before it could be released. It was only extricated by cutting off one corner of the front end of the barge.

"The 'Jerry Osborne' is running in the lower river trade.

"There is only one boat running into Point Pleasant.

"The 'Harry Knox' will resume her trade as soon as the river raises."

Issue dated Tuesday, 30 September 1884:
"Steamboats Libeled. Wheeling 'Register'. The side wheel steamers 'Diurnal' and 'Regular' were yesterday libeled by Hannibal Forbes, Esq., Assistant Clerk of the U.S. District court and U.S. Commissioner, and last evening Deputy Marshal W. H. Ramp left on the Ohio River road to take charge of them and place guards on board to remain there until such time as they shall be sold under the Marshal's hammer. Both boats are laid up at points down the river, where they have been since the low water season. Both boats belong to the Wheeling & Parkersburg Transportation Company, of which Henry Schmulbach was a few days since elected President, Superintendent and Treasurer, 'vice' Capt. Chas. H. Booth, deceased. The 'Diurnal' was libeled by the Cincinnati Marine and Dock Railway through an agent for repairs, and the 'Regular', it is understood, by Frank Booth of the firm of Booth & Son for supplies furnished the company. It is rumored that the side-wheeler 'Courier' will be libeled to-day. Should such be the case it would practically wind up the affairs of the Transportation company."

You Are In Part 3

Part 1 > Part 2 > Part 3 > Part 4 > Part 5 > Part 6 > Part 7 > Part 8 > Part 9 > Part 10 > Part 11 > Part 12

HERBS FOR HEALTH
Herbs, Vitimins and Minerals