On this day in 1825, the Erie Canal was completed. This created a route for boats from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes.
On this day in 1979, the Iran Hostage Crisis began.
On this day in 1995, the Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, was assassinated while at a peace rally.
And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1885, it was reported that Mr. and Mrs. John Trapp have moved to Westerville.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
'Tis the Season to VOTE!
Election season is upon us! Political signs have replaced Halloween fare in yards, and campaign ads echo on every radio station. So, I am revisiting a piece that I wrote for the ChuckeryOhio.com website. This piece discusses Charles W. Fairbanks, 26th Vice President of the United States. And, remember friends, please go to the polls next Tuesday and VOTE!
"The Last of the America's Log Cabin Statesmen"
Charles Warren Fairbanks was born on May 11, 1852 in a log cabin near Unionville
Center in Union County, Ohio to Loriston Monroe and Mary Adelaide Smith Fairbanks.
His father was a wagon maker. Charles Fairbanks was one of ten children. And, as a child,
he attended the local schools in Darby Township, Union County, Ohio.
After grade school, he attended Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. While there he was the co-editor of the school newspaper. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in
1872. He would later marry his co-editor, Cornelia Cole on October 6, 1874 in
Marysville, Ohio. Five children were born to this union. They were Adelaide, Warren,
Frederick, Richard, and Robert.
His first job after college was with the Associated Press in 1872. He covered political
rallies supporting Horace Greeley in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the 1872
Presidential Election. And the seed of his political interests was planted.
Charles and Cornelia Fairbanks then moved to Cleveland, Ohio. While in Cleveland,
Charles attended law school. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1874. In this same
year, the young Fairbanks couple moved to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Charles W. Fairbanks' first job in Indianapolis was an appointment as manager of
the bankrupt Bloomington, Indianapolis, and Western Railroad. In this capacity he
earned $5,000 a year, which was a large sum of money in the 1870s. He later moved
on to serve a legal counsel for the Ohio and Chesapeake Railroad. In 1877 he
successfully prosecuted striking railroaders, drawing attention to himself from the
Indiana Republican Party.
In subsequent years, Fairbanks worked tirelessly to rebuild the Republican Party in
Indiana. He was successful in this endeavor due to his very strong financial standing
in the Indianapolis community and through his many business contacts that he had
acquired through his railroad work. The Indiana Republican Party rewarded Charles
Fairbanks with a nomination to the US Senate in 1893. However, Fairbanks was not
elected. In 1896, Fairbanks was a strong supporter of William McKinley, even
speaking on his behalf as the Keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention.
This propelled Fairbanks into the national political spotlight. And, he was elected to
the US Senate in 1896.
As a Senator from Indiana, Charles W. Fairbanks, was appointed to the British Joint
High Commission that was to decide the dividing line between Canada and the
Alaskan Territory. He has been quoted as saying, "I am opposed to the yielding of an
inch of United States Territory." His resolve in this issue drew admiration from the
local people in Alaska, and they named a community Fairbanks. This small
community grew into one of the largest cities in Alaska.
In 1900, some members of the Republican Party tried to persuade Fairbanks to
accept the nomination to the office of Vice President. But, Fairbanks instead opted to
remain a US Senator. He was also now heavily involved in the newspaper business in
Indianapolis. He had a paper, the Indianapolis News. In 1901, this paper purchased
the Indianapolis Journal. Fairbanks also thought he could win the Republican
Presidential nomination in 1905. But, in 1901, William McKinley was assassinated.
Vice President Theodore Roosevelt became the President, and he rather liked the
office. He was able to gain the support necessary to gain the Republican Nomination
for President in 1905. So, Fairbanks accepted the Vice Presidential nomination.
Charles W. Fairbanks served as the twenty sixth Vice President of the United States
under the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. His term lasted from 1905 to 1908. In
1908, when Roosevelt opted not to seek reelection, instead supporting William
Howard Taft, Fairbanks went back to practicing law in Indianapolis.
In 1912, Charles Fairbanks returned to the political arena to help develop a platform
for the Republican Party. In 1913, his wife Cornelia died. By 1916, he was ready to try
again for the Presidential nomination. While he failed in this attempt, he was able to
gain the Vice Presidential nomination under Charles Evans Hughes. The election was
close in 1916, but Hughes and Fairbanks lost the election to the Democratic
incumbents, Woodrow Wilson and Thomas Marshall.
Charles W. Fairbanks once again returned to Indianapolis, Indiana to practice law.
But, by 1917, his health began to fail. He died in Indianapolis on June 4, 1918 and
was buried in the Crown Hill Cemetery.
"The Last of the America's Log Cabin Statesmen"
Charles Warren Fairbanks was born on May 11, 1852 in a log cabin near Unionville
Center in Union County, Ohio to Loriston Monroe and Mary Adelaide Smith Fairbanks.
His father was a wagon maker. Charles Fairbanks was one of ten children. And, as a child,
he attended the local schools in Darby Township, Union County, Ohio.
After grade school, he attended Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. While there he was the co-editor of the school newspaper. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in
1872. He would later marry his co-editor, Cornelia Cole on October 6, 1874 in
Marysville, Ohio. Five children were born to this union. They were Adelaide, Warren,
Frederick, Richard, and Robert.
His first job after college was with the Associated Press in 1872. He covered political
rallies supporting Horace Greeley in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the 1872
Presidential Election. And the seed of his political interests was planted.
Charles and Cornelia Fairbanks then moved to Cleveland, Ohio. While in Cleveland,
Charles attended law school. He was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1874. In this same
year, the young Fairbanks couple moved to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Charles W. Fairbanks' first job in Indianapolis was an appointment as manager of
the bankrupt Bloomington, Indianapolis, and Western Railroad. In this capacity he
earned $5,000 a year, which was a large sum of money in the 1870s. He later moved
on to serve a legal counsel for the Ohio and Chesapeake Railroad. In 1877 he
successfully prosecuted striking railroaders, drawing attention to himself from the
Indiana Republican Party.
In subsequent years, Fairbanks worked tirelessly to rebuild the Republican Party in
Indiana. He was successful in this endeavor due to his very strong financial standing
in the Indianapolis community and through his many business contacts that he had
acquired through his railroad work. The Indiana Republican Party rewarded Charles
Fairbanks with a nomination to the US Senate in 1893. However, Fairbanks was not
elected. In 1896, Fairbanks was a strong supporter of William McKinley, even
speaking on his behalf as the Keynote speaker at the Republican National Convention.
This propelled Fairbanks into the national political spotlight. And, he was elected to
the US Senate in 1896.
As a Senator from Indiana, Charles W. Fairbanks, was appointed to the British Joint
High Commission that was to decide the dividing line between Canada and the
Alaskan Territory. He has been quoted as saying, "I am opposed to the yielding of an
inch of United States Territory." His resolve in this issue drew admiration from the
local people in Alaska, and they named a community Fairbanks. This small
community grew into one of the largest cities in Alaska.
In 1900, some members of the Republican Party tried to persuade Fairbanks to
accept the nomination to the office of Vice President. But, Fairbanks instead opted to
remain a US Senator. He was also now heavily involved in the newspaper business in
Indianapolis. He had a paper, the Indianapolis News. In 1901, this paper purchased
the Indianapolis Journal. Fairbanks also thought he could win the Republican
Presidential nomination in 1905. But, in 1901, William McKinley was assassinated.
Vice President Theodore Roosevelt became the President, and he rather liked the
office. He was able to gain the support necessary to gain the Republican Nomination
for President in 1905. So, Fairbanks accepted the Vice Presidential nomination.
Charles W. Fairbanks served as the twenty sixth Vice President of the United States
under the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. His term lasted from 1905 to 1908. In
1908, when Roosevelt opted not to seek reelection, instead supporting William
Howard Taft, Fairbanks went back to practicing law in Indianapolis.
In 1912, Charles Fairbanks returned to the political arena to help develop a platform
for the Republican Party. In 1913, his wife Cornelia died. By 1916, he was ready to try
again for the Presidential nomination. While he failed in this attempt, he was able to
gain the Vice Presidential nomination under Charles Evans Hughes. The election was
close in 1916, but Hughes and Fairbanks lost the election to the Democratic
incumbents, Woodrow Wilson and Thomas Marshall.
Charles W. Fairbanks once again returned to Indianapolis, Indiana to practice law.
But, by 1917, his health began to fail. He died in Indianapolis on June 4, 1918 and
was buried in the Crown Hill Cemetery.
Today in History - November 3
On this day in 1493, explorer Christopher Columbus first sighted Dominica, an island in the Carribean.
On this day in 1903, Panama and Colombia separate into two countries.
On this day in 1918, Poland declared its independence from Russia.
On this day in 1964, the citizens of Washington, D. C. are first allowed to vote in a presidential election.
And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1885, it was reported that several young ladies of the neighborhood have organized a brass band.
On this day in 1903, Panama and Colombia separate into two countries.
On this day in 1918, Poland declared its independence from Russia.
On this day in 1964, the citizens of Washington, D. C. are first allowed to vote in a presidential election.
And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1885, it was reported that several young ladies of the neighborhood have organized a brass band.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Bridge Builder of Union County
Last Friday, an Ohio History Marker at the Culbertson Covered Bridge on Winget Road in Union County, Ohio was dedicated. So, today I am "borrowing" this piece I wrote about R. L. Partridge and posted to the Chuckery, Ohio website. Enjoy!
REUBEN L. PARTRIDGE
Reuben L. Partridge was born on September 10, 1823 in Essex County, New York to
Cyrus and Lucina Partridge. He was one of four children.
The family was counted among pioneer familes in Franklin County, Ohio, where they
moved prior to 1836. When Reuben's father died in 1836, his mother moved the
family to Marysville, Ohio where her son from an earlier marriage lived. This older son
was Rowland Lee, a local wagon maker. Young Reuben soon learned this trade
from his older half-brother. He remained a wagon maker for over eight years. He
then chose to follow the carpenter's trade.
Reuben Partridge married Maria Wolford in late 1846. At the time of her death, Maria
was the oldest living, native-born, Marysville citizen. To this union were born six
children Asenath, A. Jennette (Vosburg), Frances L. (Sager), Flora L., Catherine O.,
and Lillian.
In 1855, Partridge accepted his first contract to build the first self supporting bridge in
Union County. By 1866, Partridge was building bridges full time. In 1872, he
received a patent for his truss design. By 1883, Partridge had built over 125 bridges,
most of them were covered, wooden bridges following his patented design. He also
built some iron bridges. Most of the bridges he built were in Union County. He also
built some bridges in the surrounding counties.
Reuben L. Partridge died from complications due to a broken leg that resulted from a
fall from the Alsaugh Bridge over Blues Creek. He was overseeing repairs to this bridge that was north of Marysville at the time of his fall. He died in July of 1900.
Over the course of his life, Partridge served on the Marysville CIty Council, as the Paris
Township Clerk, and as a Paris Township Trustee. He was also a part of the first
militia formed in Union County, though he never served in the US military. He also
was very active in raising money and support for service groups from Union County
who served in both the Mexican War and the Civil War.
There are four Partridge covered bridges remaining in Union County in 2007. These
bridges include the Bigelow Covered Bridge, the Culbertson Covered Bridge, the
Pottersburg Covered Bridge, and the Spain Creek Covered Bridge. Until 1993, there
were five Partridge covered bridges in Union County. But, unfortunately, the Reed
Covered Bridge fell into Big Darby Creek in August of 1993.
The only Partridge Bridge remaining that was not built in Union County is the
Bergstresser Covered Bridge. This bridge is also known as the Dietz Bridge. This
bridge is located over the Little Walnut Creek near Canal Winchester.
Today in History - November 2
On this day in 1755, Marie Antoinette was born. She became the Queen of France, and was later beheaded.
On this day in 1783, General George Washington gave his Farewell Address to his troops.
On this day in 1889, North and South Dakota are admitted to the Union as the 39th and 40th states.
On this day in 2000, the first residents of the International Space Station docked.
And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, it was reported that Mrs. Jean Collitt was ill with brain trouble.
On this day in 1783, General George Washington gave his Farewell Address to his troops.
On this day in 1889, North and South Dakota are admitted to the Union as the 39th and 40th states.
On this day in 2000, the first residents of the International Space Station docked.
And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, it was reported that Mrs. Jean Collitt was ill with brain trouble.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
More on the elder Ebenezer Zane
As promised, I am returning to the topic of Ebenezer Zane - the elder. This distinction is used to ease confusion between Ebenezer Zane (1747-1811) and his nephew of the same name.
Ebenezer Zane was the second child of William Zane of Virginia. With two of his brothers, Silas and Jonathan, Ebenezer Zane founded the first settlement at what is now Wheeling, West Virginia. Ebenezer also served in the British Military prior to the Revolutionary War. He was in Fort Henry when his father was wounded and his sister, Betty Zane, ran out of the fort to retrieve munitions from the family's cabin. Ebenezer also served in the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War.
After the war, in 1796, Ebenezer Zane petitioned Congress for permission and funds to create a road through the Northwest Territory. In return, Zane requested land near the Scioto, Muskingum, and Hocking Rivers. So, from 1796 to 1797 Zane worked on his road. It began in Wheeling, Virginia (note: before it was West Virginia) and ended in Maysville, Kentucky. This road frequently followed old Indian Trails, and in most places, this road was not suitable for travel by wagon. The road would become known as Zane's Trace. Between 1825 and 1830, the part of the road between Wheeling and Zanesville was rebuilt for inclusion in the "new" National Road. The National Road was later superseded by US Route 40.
The town of Zanesville was named for Ebenezer Zane and is situated on a track of land that was deeded to his brother, Jonathan, and son-in-law, John McIntire. The town was originally platted in 1799 as Westbourne. But, the name was later changed to Zanesville by a postmaster.
And, so this is the legacy of Ebenzer Zane, the elder. While he was a national figure, those outside of Ohio and West Virginia probably have no idea who he was.
Ebenezer Zane was the second child of William Zane of Virginia. With two of his brothers, Silas and Jonathan, Ebenezer Zane founded the first settlement at what is now Wheeling, West Virginia. Ebenezer also served in the British Military prior to the Revolutionary War. He was in Fort Henry when his father was wounded and his sister, Betty Zane, ran out of the fort to retrieve munitions from the family's cabin. Ebenezer also served in the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War.
After the war, in 1796, Ebenezer Zane petitioned Congress for permission and funds to create a road through the Northwest Territory. In return, Zane requested land near the Scioto, Muskingum, and Hocking Rivers. So, from 1796 to 1797 Zane worked on his road. It began in Wheeling, Virginia (note: before it was West Virginia) and ended in Maysville, Kentucky. This road frequently followed old Indian Trails, and in most places, this road was not suitable for travel by wagon. The road would become known as Zane's Trace. Between 1825 and 1830, the part of the road between Wheeling and Zanesville was rebuilt for inclusion in the "new" National Road. The National Road was later superseded by US Route 40.
The town of Zanesville was named for Ebenezer Zane and is situated on a track of land that was deeded to his brother, Jonathan, and son-in-law, John McIntire. The town was originally platted in 1799 as Westbourne. But, the name was later changed to Zanesville by a postmaster.
And, so this is the legacy of Ebenzer Zane, the elder. While he was a national figure, those outside of Ohio and West Virginia probably have no idea who he was.
Today in History - November 1
On this day in 1512, the Sistine Chapel was first opened to public exhibition since its ceiling had been painted by Michelangelo.
On this day in 1765, British Parilament enacted the Stamp Act on its American Colonies. This was intended to pay for military expenses in defending the American frontier. Instead, this became a catalyst for the American Revolution.
On this day in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln appointed George B. McClellan to replace General Winfield Scott as commander of the United States Army.
And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, it was reported that George Rausch from Delaware County was in the neighborhood visiting relatives.
On this day in 1765, British Parilament enacted the Stamp Act on its American Colonies. This was intended to pay for military expenses in defending the American frontier. Instead, this became a catalyst for the American Revolution.
On this day in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln appointed George B. McClellan to replace General Winfield Scott as commander of the United States Army.
And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, it was reported that George Rausch from Delaware County was in the neighborhood visiting relatives.
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