Genealogy society visits Smithfield historical group

SMITHFIELD - The Jefferson County Chapter of Ohio Genealogical Society, in its quest to visit each historical society in the county between 2009-10, began with the Smithfield Historical Society location.

Flora L. VerStraten, genealogy society president, presided for the business meeting then turned over the program to Lee Mooney, historical society president.

The business meeting consisted of cemetery work updates, including work that has been done in Northern Cemetery, Smithfield, and plans to put the tombstone inscription information on the chapter Web site at www.jeffcochapter.com by fall.

Ruth Ferrari spoke about the history of the society. She served as president starting in 1997, until into the 2000s. James Nightingale was president when the society was incorporated and the group was formed.

Ferrari was presented with potted flowers as thanks from the historical society for work she has done over the years.

Smithfield was first known as Carrtown from the Carr family. It was later changed to Smithfield, possibly due to the Quaker association, as noted by Mooney.

Mary Ann Boyd gave a presentation about a millinery shop owned by Edna Johnson, a relative. Women from as far as Steubenville came to purchase hats in the early 1900s. The cost would be as high as $25. Keeping things in perspective, rent during the turn of the century was about $9 a month, so it is easy to see that the hats brought a good price, Boyd said.. Easter season was the busiest of all holidays and there were many times when Johnson didn't sleep but made hats all night. She would never come down on the price of a hat for a client either, Boyd said.

The history of Smithfield, compiled and written by Ella Maxwell and Marie Mooney, Lee Mooney's mother, has been reprinted and is available for purchase from the historical society for $10. Contact Ann Grayzar at 733-7949 for a booklet.

Judi Phillippi, vice president, was commended on her efforts in collecting class pictures, trophies, band uniforms and other memorabilia from Smithfield High School, home of the Spartan mascot.

The historical society building was toured by the OGS members. They learned about the underground railroad quilt painted on the floor of one of the rooms. Colors in the quilt indicated if slaves traveling through the underground railroad were welcome at a specific house. The center of the quilt had a black square of fabric, meaning underground members knew they would be safe at that house.

There were several known underground railroad stops in the Smithfield area, including a farm near the James Maxwell home and at the House of Prayer located across from the Northern Cemetery.

The historical society building was once the Flenniken Store and was purchased by the group in 1991 for $5,000.

The genealogical society will visit the Richmond Historical Society Sept. 8, the Toronto Historical Society Nov. 10, and the annual Christmas luncheon and program will be in December.

The chapter is planning a two-day trip to Gettysburg in 2010. Those interested can contact VerStraten at fverstraten@dishmail.net or (740) 765-4049.