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History of Martins Ferry, Ohio
Martins Ferry is the oldest city in the State of Ohio. Settled by pioneers in the early 1780's the city was established in 1787 with the opening of the Northwest Territory. Prior to these settlers the area was known for a large concentration of Iroquois and Mingo indian tribes. Their relics have been found in the areas now known as Third, Hanover, Broadway and Adams Streets as well as the Walnut Grove Cemetary area.
In 1785, the federal government sent Ensign John Armstrong to the area to evict the settlers fromthe area. He was not entirely successful. He reported on April 12, 1785 that there were large numbers of settlers in Hoglin's or Mercer's Town which was the orginal name of the settlement. These settlers had already established law and order and had elected two justices. Later Col. James Monroe reported that settlers were still in the area. The area was then known as Norristown.
Dr. Archer Hulbert of Marietta College reported in his historical work entitled The Ohio River that a fring of camps sprang up on the Indian side of the Ohio River here. These were the first American pioneers to live on Ohio soil. He also reported that Ensign Armstrong arrived here with twenty soldiers to drive the settlers out. He was met with a large settlement that had already elected justivces and tried cases. They were given a short amount of time to move but most did not. According to Hulbert: "There is evidence that this settlement was never broken up. This then is the oldest settlement of American pioneers in the State of Ohio."
When the Northwest Territory was opened in 1787, Absolom Martin was given 640 acres of land for his help with the surveying work. He then began laying out the town with streets and alleys, naming the town "Jefferson." After becoming discouraged when Pultney, now known as Bellaire, was chosen as the County seatinstead of Jefferson, he left. In 1835 his son Ebenezer continued the work, laying out 100 lots to build on which sold quickly. He renamed the town to "Martinsville."
The town grew rapidly then, with schools, farms and churches springing up. The name was once again changed to Martin's Ferry because there was another Martinsville in the state. This name referred to the importance that the ferry placed with commerce on the river.
The early settlers were law-abiding people as well as generous. Ebenezer Martin gave land to the Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterians to build on. As part of the Northwest Territory, slavery was prohibited. There were several homes in Martins Ferry that were used as stops on the underground railroad.
The Walnut Grove cemetary holds many glimpses of history. It is the burial grounds of much of the Zane family. Ebenezer and Betty Zane are buried there. Betty Zane is known as the heroine of the battle at Fort Henry in 1782. Her famous gunpowder run is taught in the schools nationwide. There is a memorial to Betty Zane at the entrance to the cemetary.
Other famous Martins Ferry residents include: William Dean Howeiis, novelist and dean of American letters, James Wright author, Robert Fortsyth who designed the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio and Lou Groza of the Cleveland Browns.