West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 156 by Charlie Miller
More old timers from West Jefferson Centennial –
Do you remember?
- The home of Dr. Colliver, the corner of Main and West Streets, and the famous well at the curb in front? (This was on the southeast corner) The railroad pumping station and the ancient pump house where Mr. Powell was in charge for many years?
-That Isaac Jones, the founder of West Jefferson, is buried in the New Hampton Cemetery?
- That Dr. Snyder occupied for many years the historic building on the southeast corner of Main and Walnut St which is still standing and was the home of James Farrington an early and prominent citizen? (Current Huntington Bank)
- That Alex Swanston built the present Building & Loan structure and made it practically a one-person job? (Still standing on the northwest corner of Main & Walnut Streets. This building was built in 1858)
- Do you remember that Gaines Simpkins, the saddler, well known to all in his time, lived in the house still standing at the southwest corner of Main & Bridge Sts.?
- Remember the old mill race was built by Thos. Cartmill to supply water power for a vertical saw and an overshot wheel at his grist Mill? (This was at the end of the Mill Road.)
- Remember the well in front of the Baptist Church with its huge wooden trough where stagecoach horses were watered? Was it a real treat for tired and dusty travelers on the National Road? (The church sat on the southeast corner of Main and Center Streets.)
- Lastly, the old Town Hall, its diminutive tower, and a squawky little bell that, on a quiet evening, could be heard at least two blocks away?
- A short biography of the town founder, Isaac Jones. He was born in New Jersey in 1802 and came to Ohio in 1819 with his father, Samuel. In 1821, he married Eliza, the daughter of John Mills. Later, 110 acres were deeded to him by his father, and he formed the original plat of the Village of Jefferson. He was a member of the Baptist Church and founded it in 1820. He was ordained as a minister about 1835. In 1840, Governor Shannon appointed him an Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, which he served until his death on September 22, 1842.
Is is fitting, therefore, on this night to pay a silent tribute to the memory of the Rev. Isaac Jones and to his co-workers. They founded a community, they helped to build a nation.