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736 - HISTORY OF UPPER OHIO VALLEY

WHEELING TOWNSHIP.

James Alexander was an old settler of Goshen township, Belmont county, Ohio. He was a s0n of Thomas Alexander, and was born in county Antrim, Ireland, coming to this country when but nine years of age. Upon his arrival in America the young Irishman went to work on a farm, receiving a common school education. November 9, 1843, he was married to Miss Eliza McCormick, a daughter of Alexander H. and Anna McCormick. Mrs. Alexander was one of nine children, those living are: Mary Rebecca, William, John and Eliza.

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Mr. and Mrs. McCormick are both Americans. Anna, Mary, Sarah and John are the living children of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander. October 22, 1888, James Alexander passed away, regretted and mourned by the entire community. Since his father's death, John has been operating the farm, and his skillful management is fully attested by the fact that he has added twenty-eight acres of land to the property, and now has 138 acres of as finely cultivated land as can be found in the vicinity. Mr. Alexander and his wife were both members of the United Presbyterian church up to the time of his death. The entire family possess those characteristics which make the bone and sinew of the American nation, and are thoroughly respected and beloved by their neighbors.

Clark Boyd, of Wheeling township, is a son of William and Nancy (Patterson) Boyd. William was born in Maryland, of Scotch descent. His father fought bravely in the war of 1812, being only fourteen years of age. It is said that he conducted himself with far more valor

than many .a man of more advanced years. The mother Nancy Patterson, was a native of Ireland, and came to this country with her parents in her youth. Mr. Boyd has never been married, but has a very pleasant home with the Misses Mary and Maggie Walker. Besides his own well cultivated farm of sixty-five acres, and a stockholder in the First National bank of Flushing, Mr. Boyd manages the large agricultural estate of the Misses Walker. The latter ladies are very respected and highly cultivated members of the community in which they live.

John Caldwell is one of thirteen children born to William and Mary Jane (Bell) Caldwell. Of these children eight are still living: John, William T., Patrick B., Robert B., George A., Elizabeth, Anna B. and Sarah A. John was raised with his brothers and sisters on his father's farm, receiving a good common school education. At the age of twenty-eight years he was united in marriage to Miss Euphemia E. Hays, a lady of fine talents and from a very highly connected family. Mr. Caldwell is one of the most popular young citizens in Wheeling township, having been honored by his fellow townsmen by being elected for several terms a townhip trustee, and at the present time he is also land appraiser of the township. He has a farm of 168 acres brought to a state of the highest cultivation, it is justly deemed about the best land in Belmont county for general farming purposes. Mr. Caldwell has made an especial study of general farming, and is a bright, progressive young agriculturist. He is as broad-minded in his politics as he is in his business, being a liberal democrat. Mrs. Caldwell is a highly esteemed member of the Bannock Presbyterian church.

William M. Campbell is a very prominent general merchant of Belmont county, Ohio. He is one of eleven children born to James and Margaret (Smith) Campbell. The father was one of the earliest settlers in Belmont county. When he came here from Washington

county, Penn., there were but three settlements in all the region, the one where he lived, where the Henderson family live, and the one

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where the Sharp family reside. His father, when they moved to Ohio, took up a section of land, and as fast as his sons became of age he settled 160 acres of this land on them. The sons are: John, William, James and David. The mother was a Pennsylvanian and married their father in that state. William received a good common school education, helping his father on the farm and in the grist-mill during his vacations. This mill was one of the first to be erected in the county, having been established by his father about the year 1818, William rebuilt it in 1842, operating it in connection with his farm until he went into the general mercantile business at Uniontown, Belmont county, Ohio. Mr. Campbell married for his first wife, Miss. Mary Kerr, who died in 1875, about thirty-nine years after her marriage. His second wife was Miss Lucinda Dixon, she passed away in 1889. Mr. Campbell has long been a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church; he has served his county as one of its commissioners; has. also been town treasurer for fourteen years, and at one time received the nomination on the democratic ticket as representative of his district in the state legislature. He is a man of much foresight and business ability, a consistent member of society, and of undisputed probity.

Thomas Duff was one of nine children born to James and Margaret (Larimer) Duff. The parents were among the early settlers of Belmont county. Their children were: John, born May 27, 1784; Catherine, born March 7, 1786; Mary, born June 22, 1789; Sidney, born February 7, 1793; Elizabeth, born February 15, 1795; Martha, born February 14, 1799; Thomas, born February 20, 1802; Margaret, born April 15, 1805; William, born September T0, 1809, and David, born April 4, 1788. These children are now all dead. The father came to Ohio in 1806 with his family, living there until his death, which occurred in 1835. Thomas, the principal of this biography, was brought up on the farm, receiving a common school education. At the age of thirty-three he married Miss Margaret Blackburn, July, 1835. They have had fourteen children, five of whom still survive. Those living are: Mary A., Josias, Robert Y., Ella and Thomas. Those deceased are: James, William L., Margaret A., John T., David A., Sarah E., Catherine, Samuel F. and Elmer E. Thomas has charge of the farm, and has met with the most gratifying success in his work, having one of the best farms in the vicinity, and he is also one of the leading stock-raisers of this justly noted stock county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Duff were members of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Duff was for many years a ruling elder in the church, and filled this dignified office at the time of his death.

Malcom Ferguson is one of the oldest citizens of Wheeling township, Belmont Co. Ohio. His mother, Mary (Miller) Ferguson, died when he was but Co., years old. Samuel Ferguson, his father, broke up the home after the death of his wife, and Malcom went to live with William McFarland, remaining with him until he was twenty-two years of age. He never enjoyed the advantages of school life after he was twelve, but induced by his desire for an education, he studied

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at night, and by dint of hard work and much study he has succeeded in gaining a very desirable knowledge of men and things, having a systematic, well equipped mind. When he was twenty-eight years old he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Patton, two children were the issue of this marriage: James P., who lives on section 14 of Wheeling township, a much respected member of the community in which he lives, and a member of the board of education; and Mary M., deceased. After but four years of wedded life, Mrs. Ferguson was called away from this world. In time Mr. Ferguson married a second wife, this time Miss Julia A. Miller, daughter of David and Jane Miller, who were both natives of Cumberland county, Penn., became his bride. This second marriage has been blessed by the birth of two children: one son, William H., who is a minister of the United Presbyterian church, being at present located at Piper City, Ill., where he is much beloved for the efficient work he is doing, and Nancy J., who died at the age of eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson are members of the United Presbyterian church, of Unity, having been connected with the church for almost fifty years. Mr. Ferguson has been an elder in his church since 1852, has served as trustee of his township for four years, and has made a success of his business, having 200 acres 4f highly cultivated farming land, which is finely stocked and wisely tended. Mr. Ferguson- is now retired from active life at the age of seventy-seven years, although he is still hale and hearty.

Edward Handerschild, postmaster and leading merchant of Shepherdstown, Ohio, is a son of John and Catherine Handerschild, who were both natives of Germany. Mr. Handerschild was born in Wheeling, W. Va., July 20, 1854, he lived with his parents during his youth and attended the public schools. June, 1876, Miss Catherine Viola McIntire became his wife. She was the daughter of Albert and Carolina McIntire. The young couple settled upon a farm in Monroe county, where they lived for a period of two years, then removed to Shepherdstown where they have since resided. Here Mr. Handerschild engaged in the general mercantile trade, establishing the business in the spring of 1879. Since 1882 he has been local agent for the Buckeye and Peerless reaper companies. The great success which he has met with in this agency has induced the company to give him the management of seven counties of the state. He has also been the postmaster at Shepherdstown for eleven years. Robert E., born April 28, 1877; Enlola M., born January 13, 1879; Kittie L., born March 29, 1881; Clara A., born July 22, 1883; and Edna V., born August 28, 1888, are the issue of this marriage. Mr. Handerschild is a very successful business man, and has the respect and esteem of all who know him. He and wife are active, earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Shepherdstown.

Henderson Hays was the eldest son born to William and. Elizabeth (Irwin) Hays, he was born March 29, 1821. When but twelve years of age his mother died, March 7, 1833, leaving a family of six small children to the care of the father, who himself was in very delicate health; after much suffering, he joined his wife on the 29th of August,

 

740 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.

1835. The death of the parents scattered the family, and Henderson, after spending a year or so in the employ of his uncle, John Hays, went to live with Goodman Coulter, who at that time, carried on a large milling business on Miller's Run, eight or ten miles distant from the city of Pittsburgh, Penn. The boy was put in charge of a six-horse team, by which the flour was carried to Pittsburgh, although scarcely able to lift the harness to the backs of the horses, being then but fourteen years old. By his care and constant attention to his employer's interests, he soon gained the confidence and esteem of the latter and these happy relations were kept up as long as he stayed with him. On the 13th of October, 1842, he married Mr. Coulter's eldest daughter, Olivia, by whom he had three children: Euphemia Elizabeth, born April 6, 1845, married John Caldwell, January 24, 1872; Cynthia Annetta, born August 29, 1846, married John Gillespy, August 23, 1876, now living near Chariton, Lucas county, Iowa; her husband is an elder in the United Presbyterian church, and was a delegate to the assembly of that church in 1881 ; and Mary Teressa, married Robert E. Dool, December 18, 1874, and now lives in the vicinity of Millersburg, Mercer county, Ill. Mrs. Hays died September 18, 1852, a woman of great piety and purity of soul. March 30, 1854, Miss Catharine Downing became his wife, by her he had five children: William Goodman, born July 27, 1855; John Downing, born January 25, 1857; Irwin Lee, born October 25, 1858; Olivia Ella, born February 8, 1852, died September 23, 1863, and Lena May, born February 25, 1867. For some time after his first marriage, Mr. Hays lived near M. Coulter, afterward moving to Ohio. The family now live within a few miles of Uniontown, Belmont county, within the bounds of the Old Crab Apple church, of which they have long been consistent, energetic members, the whole family being actively engaged in Sabbath school work, and in all causes that tend to make men better. The second Mrs. Hays is the daughter of John and Eleanor (Lee) Downing, they were natives of Ohio, the latter of Irish descent. All the children are married and live in the vicinity of the paternal home, with the exception of Lena May, who, after obtaining her education from Franklin college at New Athens, Ohio, was married to Thomas Ellsworth Holliday, August 7, 1889, also a graduate of Franklin college, he afterward took a theological course at Allegheny seminary. The young couple were sent September 20, 1889, to Gurdasbur, Northern India, as missionaries, going under the auspices of the board of education of the United Presbyterian church, of which church, Rev. Mr. Holliday is a minister. Soon after the departure of his beloved daughter on her noble mission, the father was called to his final rest and reward, his death occurring January 1, 1890. Mrs. Hays, who was born March 21, 1827, is still an active woman, living on the old homestead with her son John, who conducts the farm and cares for his mother. He is a young man of much promise, and possesses the confidence of his friends and neighbors to a gratifying degree.

Asa H. Hoge is a representative farmer and stock-raiser of Wheeling township. He is a son of Levi and Mary (Hirst) Hoge, who were

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married November 2, 1838. Levi's father, William Hoge, was a native of Pennsylvania, removing to Ohio with his family about the year 1802. He settled near Flushing, Belmont county, and was one of the earliest pioneers of the county. Here he engaged in the tannery business and farming, and met with much success in his business enterprises. When Levi became of age his father gave him a good farm. Levi was the father of six children: David, born October 1839; Asa H., born February 23, 1842; Thomas C., born February 25, 1845; Rebecca W., born October 22, 1847; John B., born January 9, 1850, and Joseph S., born October 18, 1852. All of these children are living except David, who died August 12, 1850. The mother went to her final rest April 27, 1855, and the father, April 15, 1857. They were both members of the Society of Friends, and lived lives of such purity and honesty that their children have never had to blush for their parents' actions. The father and mother possessed liberal, broad minds, believed in education and gave their children every chance to fit themselves in the highest manner for life. Asa H., when a small boy, worked on a farm in the summer season, attending school the rest of the year. Having obtained a go0d education, he taught school for nine years, and when thirty years of age, married Ruth Anna Crew, daughter of Jesse B. and Elizabeth H. Crew; the former was a native of Charles City county, Va., and died July 30, 1865; the latter was youngest daughter of Israel Jenkins, who removed from Winchester, Va., in the year 1801, and settled on a farm in the neighborhood of Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio, living upon the same for a period of sixty years, until near the close of his life, which terminated in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Hoge were married the 28th day of March, 1872; the ancestors of both as far back as the families can be traced were Quakers. They have three children: Florence Emma, Robert Barclay and Walter Jenkins. Mr. Hoge's farm of ninety acres is under a high state of cultivation, the soil being of the best quality, the buildings, and fences thereon, conveniently arranged and in excellent repair, and the results of his farming are above the average, while he takes special interest in the improvement of stock, keeping the Spanish Merino sheep, thoroughbred Short-horn cattle, Poland-China hogs and Plymouth Rock fowls.

William McCracken was born and raised on his father's farm, being the youngest of four children. He had only a common school education. On May 28, 1863, he married Miss Angeline Henderson, daughter of William T. and Jane (Anderson) Henderson, who were American born, but of Irish descent. William T. Henderson was a man of fine intelligence, high moral character, and a good financier. His ancestors owned many broad acres, and the family had a reputation for their skill in farming and stock-raising. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McCracken: an infant, which died December 14, 1864; Maggie A., William H. and 'R. J. Porter. After his marriage Mr. McCracken at once moved to the farm which he now lives on. He has met with gratifying success in his business, having 125 acres of well cultivated land, on which he

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does mixed farming. He and his wife are acceptable members of the United Presbyterian church, of Unity. Mr. McCracken's father was born in Washington county, Penn., March 4, 1797, and came to Ohio with his father, Robert, in 1805, settling in Harrison county. His early life was spent in clearing and cultivating the land which his father had taken up. He remained with his parents until 1826, when he married Margaret McCune, daughter of Col. Thomas McCune of revolutionary fame. His wife died in 1832, and he again married, this time to Mary Porter, November 5, 1833. They had four children: Margaret, Jane, Robert and William. When first married he moved to the property now occupied by Nathaniel Taylor, where he remained until 1846, when he removed to the place where his wife died January 21, 1879, and where he, too, died June 6, 1884, passing away at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years. Both he and wife were consistent members of the United Presbyterian church. William McCracken is educating his children in music, his daughter Maggie attending Muskingum college for that ,arid other educational purposes.

Thomas Morgan was born in. Lancaster county, Penn. His father was Isaac Morgan. Thomas received a common school education, and learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. September 19, 1836, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Allen. The young couple lived in Burgettstown, Penn., for two years, during which time Mr. Morgan worked at his trade, they then removed to a farm in Belmont county, where the family still reside. Nine children have come of this mar- riage, they are: Moses A.; Isaac N., deceased; Margaret J., deceased; Indiana volunteers. Mrs. Morgan has in her possession a copy of the William R., Martin L., Cassie E., John W., Camilla F. and Elmer L. Isaac N. was a member of Company C, Thirty-seventh regiment of song, "The Old Union Wagon," which was dedicated to his regiment, and which he sent home just before his death. He died in the defense of his country, and now sleeps in a soldier's grave, honored and mourned. The father and mother were members of the Crab Apple Presbyterian church, the latter is still an active member. Mr. Morgan was a justice of the peace of Wheeling township, and a man who commanded the respect and love of his fellow townsmen. His death occurred in October, 1868. Mrs. Morgan is a daughter of the Rev. Moses Allen, and was reared in Washingt0n county, Penn. Although she is now seventy-three years of age, she is in the best of health and a very energetic, capable woman.

Balaam Nichols, now deceased, was one of the old settlers of Belmont county. He was a son of John Nichols, a Virginian. Balaam was raised on the paternal farm, living there until he was married to of unimproved land and went to farming on his own responsibility. marriage he lived on his father's farm until he purchased 123/4. acres ing his wife and nine children to mourn the loss of a devoted husband and an affectionate father. The children are: Christena L., Mah- In 1880, after a life of integrity and usefulness, he passed away, leav- Miss Abigail Hatcher, a daughter of Mahlon Hatcher. After his

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lon H., John G., Lemuel 0., Albert L., Nancy J., Adaline M., Ira L. and Emily M., all of them are still living and filling their positions in society as true and conscientious men and women. Mrs. Nichols is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she has been a communicant for fifty-six years. The s0n, Mahlon, took charge of the farm upon the death of his father, and has since bought the other children's interest in it, now owning it jointly with his mother. He is a prudent, successful farmer. The family is a very happy and useful "addition to the community.

There is probably not a more prosperous farmer and stock-raiser in Belmont county, than James B. Patton. Mr. Patton was reared on his father's farm, and by association with him gained a great amount of the practical agricultural knowledge which he possesses to such a marked degree. The father was one of the most enterprising men in Wheeling township, and his son has inherited his father's ability. Mr.. James B. Patton obtained an average education in the township schools, and at the age of twenty-three was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dunbar, a daughter of one of the oldest settlers in the township, Mr. William Dunbar. Carl D. born October 6, 1868; Cal- vin C., February 13, 1874, and Thomas D., November 11, 1877, are the children that have born to them. Carl is a graduate of the Hopedale Commercial college, and all three of the sons give promise of becoming efficient men. Mr. Patton has 247 acres of very fine farming land, and besides his large farming interests he is extensively engaged in stock-raising, in the latter enterprise he has been very successful. Mr. and Mrs. Patton were both members of the United Presbyterian church, until death called Mrs. Patton to the greater congregation above; she died September 30, 1889, the sad event cast a heavy gloom over the bereaved home and caused a felt vacancy in community at large.

Thomas L. Patton is a very prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Belmont counay, Ohio. His farm of 188 acres of highly improved land bears testimony to his wisdom and energy. The horses and cattle that are raised on his place are not to be excelled anywhere for the purposes for which they are bred. Mr. Patton is one of twelve children; he spent his boyhood on his father's farm, and in the public schools of his native town. In December, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie McKee. They are the parents of three children: Eloise, born December 20, 1882; Hugh, born April 24, 1885; and Anna Margaret, born September 8, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Patton are influential members of the United Presbyterian church. Mrs. Patton is a daughter of Capt. H. L. McKee. Capt. McKee was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1830, he was educated at Muskingum college, graduating with credit in 1854. For a short time thereafter he was principal of the Findlay schools, after which he assumed the editorial control of the Hancock Jeffersonian. His connection with that paper lasted about two years, at the expiration of which time he became the editor and proprietor of the Tiffin Tribune. The presidency of Muskingum college was pressed upon him, the trustees insisted upon his

744 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.

acceptance of the high honor, but he would not relinquish his own profession, until the call for defenders of his country was issued, then he laid down his facile pen and took up arms, August 16, 1862. Capt. McKee enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-third regiment of Ohio volunteers, of which he was elected first lieutenant. As soon as the regiment got into the field, President Lincoln appointed him a commissary of subsistence with the rank of captain, and he served in this capacity until his death in July, 1865, at St. Clairsville, leaving a wife and three children. September 9, 1856, he was married to Miss Maggie Campbell, daughter of Dr. John Campbell, of Belmont county. Mrs. McKee passed away November 5, 1870. Capt. McKee was a man of rare talents and accomplishments, a brave soldier, a wise editor and withal a man of great kindness of heart.

William Patton, father of the above, first saw the light of day in Londonderry county, Ireland, November, 1798. His father, Samuel Patton, was an American citizen, of Scotch-Irish parentage. He was part owner of a merchant vessel which traded between New York and Dublin. This vessel was wrecked off the coast of Ireland in the year 1789, the father saving his life by swimming ashore. After the loss of his vessel he remained in Ireland for fourteen years, meanwhile marrying a Scotch girl by the name of Jane Friar. On the 3d day of May, 1803, six months after the birth of his son William, he sailed with his wife and child for America. When they had been a few weeks at sea small-pox broke out on shipboard and a great number died, but Samuel and his family escaped, and on the 1st day of August, 1803, they disembarked at Philadelphia. From Philadelphia they made their way to Wheeling, W. Va., and in the spring of 1804 they took possession of a farm situated on Wheeling creek, in Belmont county, Ohio. Their new home was in an almost unbroken wilderness, Philadelphia being the nearest place from which they could obtain salt, drugs and the general necessaries of life. William Patton grew up to be a man of much worth, taking part prominently in all the public enterprises that were set on foot in his vicinity. He was a firm friend and supporter of Franklin college, and was for many years an active member of its board of directors, and was one of the men to whom the college buildings and property was deeded to hold in trust for educational purposes. He gave his potent aid in organizing the old bank of St. Clairsville, about fifty-seven years ago, and ably seconded James McCartney in his great work of constructing a macadamized road from Uniontown to St. Clairsville. He was scrupulously honest in his business, and sincere in his religion, being a ruling elder of the United Presbyterian congregation of Unity, for forty years. He loved all who possessed a Christian spirit, of whatever denomination. He went to his reward May, 1873. His wife, Anna, daughter of Alexander Clark, was born October, 1811, in Lancaster county, Penn., married October, 1829, died June 2, 1885. She was a fitting consort for her noble husband, to which no greater praise can be given her.

William L. Patton, postmaster and general merchant of Fairpoint,,

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Wheeling township, Belmont county, Ohio, was born in June, 1849• His early life was spent on his father's farm. The father, William Patton, Sr., was a man of liberal mind. He sent his son to Washington college, where he took a good stand, but did not graduate. In 1874 Mr. Patton married Miss Maggie McNary, February 24, 1874, who was a member of one of the oldest families in the county. They have had four-children: Loda Lee, born November 2, 1875; Park, born December 3, 1879; A. Van, born May 5, 1883, and Nellie, October 11, 1884. After his marriage Mr. Patton followed the occupation of farming with much success until 1880, when he entered the general merchandise trade at Fairpoint. He still retains the management of his farm, consisting of 170 acres, mostly devoted to stock-raising, sheep and horses. He buys grain and all products of the farm. His . college-trained mind has made him a practical, shrewd business man, and yet, withal, he is a man of pronounced integrity and uprightness in his dealing. Both Mr. and Mrs. Patton are earnest members of the United Presbyterian church.

An old and leading farmer of Wheeling township is James Price, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1818. He is a son 0f John and Elizabeth (Edwards) Price, who were natives of England and South Wales, respectively. After emigrating to America the young people met, and in 1802 were united in marriage, after which they went to live on the old William Bell farm, here they remained for two or three years, then removed to the vicinity of Brice Station, in Belmont county, and lived there for ten years. In either 180 or 1812 they located six miles west of Flushing, Ohio, on Big Stillwater creek, where they lived until their death. James Price lived with his parents in Flushing township until he reached manhood, having received a good common school education. When twenty-six years of age he was joined in marriage to Miss Nancy Williamson, of Harrison county, Ohio. This union has been blessed by the birth of four children: Jane, who died in 1872; John W.; Martin L. and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Price are influential members of the United Presbyterian church, having been in this connection for many years. Some five or six years since Mr. Price retired from the active duties of farming, at which he has made a gratifying success, and at the same time he resigned from the responsible office of trustee of Wheeling township. Mr. Price also served as trustee for three years in Flushing and More- field townships in the division known as No. 0. He was appointed in the year 1878, by Judge Carroll, of Belmont county, as guardian of John H. and Lee H. Downing, minor children of Alexander Downing, deceased, and continued in this capacity for ten years, honestly and ably controlling a large fortune of money and landed estate. Mr. Price himself is possessed of a large fortune, honorably and honestly acquired, and is a man of intelligence, business enterprise, and willing always to assist in the promotion of the public good. He and his worthy and Christian wife have the esteem and regard of all who know them. Mr. and Mrs. Price are educating and caring for two bright,

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little grandchildren: Bessie P. and William H., who survive their mother, Mrs. Jane Dunbar.

Henry Taylor is an energetic, successful farmer of Wheeling township Mr. Taylor is a son of William Taylor; he was brought up on his father's farm, obtaining his schooling at the common schools of his native town. March 29, 1870, he was married to Miss Elvira Henderson, by whom he has had three children, they are: Maggie D., born March 4, 1871, married February 6, 1890, to D. R. Bentley; William H., born October 24, 1873, and Freddie L., born August I 1, 1882. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Taylor went to live in an old log house which stands near Mr. Taylor's, Sr., home, they lived there until two years ago, when they removed to their present beautiful home. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are acceptable members of the United Presbyterian church of Uniontown, and are both much beloved and respected by all with whom they come in contact. For several years Mr. Taylor has had the high honor of serving as one of the school directors of Wheeling township.

James Taylor is one of the coming young farmers of Wheeling township, Belmont Co., Ohio. He was born and raised on the farm he now operates. His education was obtained in the public schools of his native county. At the age of twenty-one years he was married to Miss Sarah L. Thompson. Four children have resulted from this union: Emmett A., Willie T., and Mary M., now dead, and Nannie L. Mr. Taylor was appointed to the position of clerk of Wheeling township, and so acceptable were his services that his fellow-townsmen in the springs of 1888 and 1890, elected him to the clerkship for two years more. The family are active, consistent members of the United Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Taylor is treasurer, having filled this office with ability for over six years. William Taylor, the father of the above, is a son of John Taylor and Mary (McNought) Taylor, who were the parents of nine children. In 1825 they moved to the farm that William now owns. This property was entered from the government by one William McWilliams, it was cleared by John Taylor and his sons. The mother died in 1834, and in 1861 the father was laid to rest by her side. After the death of his parents William took charge of the farm, having had the greater part of the management since 1838, at which time he was twenty-three years old. About this time he married Margaret Gillespie, by her he had three sons: John, James and Henry, the former lived to be but six years old. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were members of the Associate Reform church until its union with the United Presbyterian church. Mrs. Taylor passed away January 13, 1885. A man thoroughly respected by his neighbors, an honored elder of his church, he is passing his later years in peace and contentment, having 300 broad acres of finely cultivated land his old age is amply provided for. Since the death of his wife, an estimable lady by the name of Mrs. Thompson, has taken the charge of his household arrangements. The farm is efficiently operated by the two sons, Henry and James.

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John Watson is a prosperous farmer of Wheeling township, Belmont county, Ohio. His parents were Thomas and Jane (Hays) Watson. Thomas Watson was born at Middle Springs, Penn., and when a boy came with his father to Washington county, Penn. Thomas' father came from Middle Springs, Franklin county, Penn , and passed most of his life in Washington county, where he died. John Watson had nine brothers and sisters, they are: James, born January 20, 1816, died November 6, 1825; Eliza Jane, born October 30, 1817; Martha, born September 29, 1819; William H., born March 20, 1822; Nancy, born May 13, 1824; Mary Ann, born December 27, 1826; - Jolt, born January 29, 1829; Catharine, born August 7, 1831; James F., born November 3, 1833; and Rachael, born November 12, 18.35, died September 13, 1845. The father and mother for a time after their marriage lived in Cannonsburg, the former pursuing his trade of a blacksmith, they afterward moved on to a farm where John, the subject of this sketch, was raised, receiving an ordinary amount of schooling, by application and wide reading he has obtained a good command of language, and has upon different occasions addressed audiences with much effect upon live issues of the day. Mr. Watson was joined in wedlock December 18, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Hammond, of St. Ciairsville; this union has resulted in the birth of four children: James Hays, William Waddle, Ella Jane and John Walter. After his marriage he lived for two years on a farm in Pennsylvania, then removed to the farm he now owns in Wheeling township, Belmont county, Ohio. Mrs. Watson is a daughter of James and Jane (Caldwell) Hammond. The Caldwells are natives of Ireland. Mr. Watson and his family are members of the United Presbyterian church of Unity, of which Mr. Watson is a ruling elder. One of the very finest farms in the county and one of the best reputations for honesty and integrity are possessed by John Watson.