BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 747
YORK TOWNSHIP.
J. S. Boone, M. D., is a leading physician of Powhatan, Ohio, and also a descendant of a very
illustrious family, one that has had much to do with the settlement and growth of the states of
Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia. He was born at Greensboro, Green county, Penn., May 17, 1840.
His parents were Joseph and Mary (Donham) Boone. Joseph Boone was born in Jefferson, Green
county, Penn., August 24, 1794. His wife was born at Mapletown, Penn., November 2, 1796.
James and Catherine (Williams) Boone were Joseph's parents. The former was born January 21,
1769. The original stock lived at Bradwick, England, about eight miles from Exeter. George
Boone was the first of the family to immigrate to America. He arrived at Philadelphia with his
wife and eleven children on the 10th of October, 1717. The names 0f three of their sons were:
John, James and Squire, the last named being the father of the famous Daniel Boone. John Boone
was born November 21, 1745. He took Sophia Whitehead to wife, and by her had one son and
one daughter, James and Susan. James
748 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
was born January 21, 1769. His father died soon after his son's birth, and his widow then married
John Riddle, of Reading, Penn. Riddle was a tory, and not being able to bear the pressure which
was brought to bear on him by his neighbors, he went to Canada. Joseph, one of the sons of
James, was the father of Dr. J. S. Boone. Dr. Boone was educated in the schools of Greensboro
and Comickle, Penn., and at the age of eighteen, began the study of medicine under the tutelage
of Dr. Pricket, with whom he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he entered
Company C, First West Virginia cavalry, and for nearly four years he followed their fortunes
with great valor, serving under the " Fighting" Generals Kilpatrick and Custer. He was mustered
out of the service as a sergeant. After the war he commenced to practice medicine, reading and
practicing until 1871, at which time he entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery,
graduating from the same in 1872. He then began practicing at Shiloh, Tyler county, W. Va.,
remaining there until September I, 1877, when he removed to Powhatan, Ohio, where he has
resided and continued in his profession, having built up a fine practice and a reputation second to
none for skill and integrity. The doctor is a member of the State Medical society of West
Virginia, of the Belmont County Medical society of Ohio, of the I. 0. 0. F. and of the Masonic
order, and is on the roster of the G. A. R. Powhatan post. February 14, 1866, he was married to
Miss Anna A. O'Haro. She was born in Weston, W. Va., August 12, 1842, and died at Spencer,
April 25, 1867. He was again married, this time to Mary E. Galoway, of Tyler county, W. Va.;
the ceremony was perfomed August 14, 1869. Mrs. Boone was born December 11, 1841. This
union has been blessed by the birth of one son, Edgar L., born June 7, 1870. He is now reading
medicine and gives a promise of becoming a worthy successor of his father. Dr. and Mrs. Boone
are active members of the Presbyterian church, of Powhatan, and are held in high esteem by all
who know them.
G. M. Fowles, principal of the Powhatan public schools, is a son of Richard and Sarah (Shipley)
Fowles. His father is an Englishman by birth, having come to the United States in 1858. His
mother was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn. Professor Fowles is a native of
Pennsylvania, having been born in Allegheny county, May 7, 1868. His father and mother, who
were married in 1861, were the parents of four daughters and two sons, Mrs. Fowles is the only
one in the family who is deceased. G. M. Fowles received his early education in the common
schools of Allegheny county, when thirteen years of age he attended a Normal school taught by
Miss Hannah Paterson, for three summer terms, he then remained out of school until 1887.
January 1st of that year he entered the State Normal school at California, Penn., from which he
graduated with honor June 14, 1888. In the fall of the same year he was elected the principal of
the Powhatan schools, meeting with much success during his first term; he was chosen to
succeed himself in 1889, and he is still engaged in this important work, having made for himself,
though yet young, a very enviable
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 749
reputation as an educator. Professor Fowles is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
James A. Giffen is an extensive agriculturist and sheep raiser. His birth occurred September 27,
1850, in Salem township, Monroe Co., Ohio: His parents are John and Nancy (Adams) Giffen,
who are very estimable people. Until fifteen years old James attended the public schools of
Monroe county. Moving to Belmont county he finished his schooling there, and when eighteen
years old went to work for his uncle, continuing with him for ten years. During this time he saved
considerable money, and at the death of his uncle he came into possession of the farm, containing
172 acres, and has since added to his property until he now owns and operates 302 acres of the
most highly cultivated land in the township. While he has had great success in farming his
specialty is the breeding of fine sheep, which have become famous, and are a source of a large
revenue to their owner. Mr. Giffen married Miss Jennie Cooke, November 11, 1880. She is the
daughter of John and Eliza ( Johnson) Cooke, and was born September 26, 1858. This marriage
has been crowned by the birth of five children: Lawrence C., born October 10; 1881; Otto A.,
born February 10, 1883; Wilma L., born April 21, 1885; Clara L., born July 5, 1887, and Jennie
A., born January 23, 1890. Mr. .and Mrs. Giffen are acceptable members of the United
Presbyterian church, and are always identified with any movement calculated to advance the
interests of their community.
Charles M. Green is one of the leading teachers of York township. He was born January 12,
1845; in the town where he still lives. His parents were from New York state; they were Samuel
and Mary (J0nes) Green. The father was born in 1806, and died in 1871; Mary, his wife, was
born in 180, and died in 1861. Samuel came to Ohio in 1824, and his wife about four years later;
they were married in 1825, and reared a family of eight children. Samuel Green was a farmer and
produce boat trader, while his father was a stock dealer, sending a great deal of stock to the
Baltimore markets. Professor Green was educated in the common schools of York township, and
also at the Waynesburgh college, in Green county, Penn., and at Hopedale college, in Harrison
county, Ohio. He spent several terms in college, and commenced teaching at the age of
twenty-seven, and has taught continuously ever since, most of this time being spent in the
schools of York township. August 21, 1885, Miss Louisa Bandi became his wife. She is a
daughter of Nicholas and Barbara Bandi, aria was born in 1853. Two children are the happy
result of this marriage: Alice Roberta, born May 30, 1886; and Howard Stanley, born April 18,
1889. Professor Green is at present clerk of the board of education, and also township clerk, a
position which he held for two years. He is recognized as a leading educator of Belmont county.
Mrs. Green is a member of the German Lutheran church, while her husband is a communicant of
the Presbyterian denomination.
Robert Johnson, Jr., is a prosperous farmer of York township, Belmont Co., Ohio. He is a
native of Ireland, in which country he was
750 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
born, January 14, 1835, in the county Antrim. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth Johnson,
who emigrated to this country in 1849, settl- ing on McMahan creek; they remained there until
1851, when he purchased the farm where his son, Robert, Jr., now lives. The father was born in
1789, and the mother, who was Elizabeth McFadden, September 29, 1801; they were married in
October, 1821. Their children are: Sarah, born July 21, 1822; John, born October 29, 1824;
Thomas, born September 15, 1826; James, born November 20, 1828, died December 12, 1886;
Eliza J., born July 14, 1831, died September 26, 1865; Robert, Jr., born January 14, 1835; Nancy,
born April 21, 1838; William, born January 25, 1841, died June 4, 1881, and David, born
January 7, 1843. The father died July 23, 1851, but his wife still survives in good health at the
advanced age of eighty-nine years. The subject of this biography received his education in
Ireland, and when he came to the United States, went to work for a Mr. George Neff, and worked
for him until 1851, when he removed to the farm where he now lives. His father died in the sane
year, and the sons remained on the farm until they married. They then left, purchasing property of
their own, leaving Robert in charge of the homestead. He was married to Miss Sarah C.
Hamilton, January 12, 1871. She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth Hamilton, both natives
of Ireland. Sarah C., was born in Ireland, January 21, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents
of three sons and four daughters: Robert K., born October 27, 1871; William H., born August 28,
1873; John Mc., born June 19, 1875; Mary E., born February 13, 1877; Lorenia J., born February
21, 1880; Leanna A., born December 10, 1882, and Sarah I., born January 20, 1888. Mr. Johnson
is a most successful farmer, having wonderful abilities in this direction; he has also turned his
attention to wool culture very extensively, and has developed a very desirable business in this
line. Both he and his wife are leading members of the United Presbyterian church.
Volney Nickolaus is one of the leading business men of Powhatan, Ohio. His birth occurred in
Philadelphia, Penn., December 11, 1848. He is a son of Frederick and Rachel (Pfefer) Nickolaus,
who were both natives of Germany, having immigrated to this country at an early date. They first
settled in Philadelphia, where they remained for a short time, afterward removing to Monroe
county, Ohio, where they still reside. Eight children were born to them, seven of whom are still
living. Volney, the fourth son, was educated in the common schools'. of Monroe county, and
began an apprenticeship of three years in 1866, with Michael Stein a carriage builder. After his
time had been served Mr. Nickolaus remained with Mr. Stein a short time as a workman, then
went to Bellaire, Ohio, where he worked for Abraham Marsh, afterward returning to Mr. Stein,
he stayed with him for one year, then lived at his home for a year, and in October, 1873, he
finally settled in Powhatan Point. In the course of one year Mr. Nickolaus bought Mr. Fish out,
and in a few years erected the large shop which he now operates. He manufactures all
descriptions of vehicles, and has by energy and honesty built up a large and
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 751
profitable business. He was married October 5, 1875, to Miss Mary Walter. Mrs. Nickolaus was
born April 20, 1852. Two sons and two daughters have come to bless their home, one of the
daughters is deceased: Emma, Walter and Willoughby are the surviving children. Mr. Nickolaus
is at present the honored treasurer of York township, and he and his family are held in the highest
regard by their fellow towns-people:
One of Belmont county's most favored sons is John G. Owens, of York township. Mr. Owens
was born in Richland township, Belmont Co., Ohio, September 12, 1815. His parents were Henry
and Elizabeth (Clark) Owens. The father was a native of Ireland, from which country he
emigrated when but twelve years of age. He remained near Philadelphia, Penn., until after his
marriage, when he came to Ohio and settled in Richland township. Mr. Owens lived on congress
land for a few years, then entered the farm on which John Owens was. born. John obtained his
schooling in the old pioneer log schoolhouses, not having the advantages of the children who live
in this day,. still by perseverance and a love for kn0wledge, he acquired a good education.
Growing to manhood he went to farming in Richland township, where he remained until about
1840. In 1838 Miss Elizabeth Louelen, of Mead township, became his wife, and two years later
Mr. Owens purchased a farm in Monroe county. Here he lived for twenty-one years, during
which time his wife died. He then married Mrs. DeLong, daughter of William Philips. Soon after
this they removed to York township, and on the 5th of November, 1884, his second wife died.
September 13, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss. Lydia R. Duvall, a daughter of Brice H.,
and Priscilla (Simpson) Duvall. Mrs. Owens was born June z1, 1839. Mr. Owens has figured
quite prominently in politics, having served as an assessor of Monroe county, was justice of the
peace for nine years of the same county, and directly after his coming to York township he was
elected land appraiser. He has served a number of terms as a trustee, and was elected a justice of
the peace of York township, but on account of pressing private business resigned the honor, but
in a short time was re-elected, and is now filling this important position. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and himself and wife are earnest communicants of the Methodist Episcopal
church. A man ready at all times. to give to the best of his energies to any public go0d, and one
whose sterling integrity and uprightness are fully appreciated by all with whom he comes in
contact.
The representative miller and merchant of Captina, Ohio, was born at Captina, February 16,
1852. His father and mother, I. J. and Mary J. (Bryson) Potts, were from prominent families. I. J.
Potts was born in West Wheeling, while his wife first saw the light of day in York township.
They reared a family of three sons and one daughter, all of whom are living. E. R. Potts went to
the York schools until he was sixteen years old, when he began to work in his father's mill,
remaining with him in this capacity for five years, he then purchased the mill from his father, and
has operated it up to this time with great success.
752 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
In 1888 he bought the mercantile business of E. B. Potts, and has carried this on in connection
with his mill and farming interests. His store is a model of its kind, everything can be found there
that is usually kept in the first-class general stores. Mr. Potts has lived a life of usefulness and his
energy and enterprise have left their mark on the community in which he lives. Miss Ella
McGrew, a lady of many accomplishments, and of great purity of character, became his wife
September 17, 1882. Mrs. Potts is a daughter of Arch and Lydia McGrew, she was born August
15, 1859. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Potts has been greatly brightened by the birth of three
daughters: Mary D., Neva, and Jean. The family move in the best circles of the county, and are
highly respected and much beloved.
George E. Ramsay is a prominent agriculturist of Powhatan, Belmont Co., Ohio. He is a son of
Aaron and Nancy Ramsay (of whom mention is made elsewhere). Mr. Ramsay first saw the light
of day November 12, 1861. His early boyhood was spent in the public schools of Powhatan, later
he attended the St. Francis college in Cambria county, Penn. Here he remained one year.
Returning from college his father gave him a tract of land situated near the old homestead; here
he has put his best energies and experience, and the result is a great credit to his abilities. His
particular attention is paid to the cultivation of wheat, of which he raises large crops. His
marriage to Miss Lizzie Sanford was solemnized September 17, 1884. Mrs. Ramsay was born
September 17, 1863, and is the daughter of David Sanford. One daughter has been born into their
happy home: Edna Browning, whose birth occurred February 3, 1887. Mr. Ramsay is a Mason,
and both he and wife are active communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
I. W. Ramsay is a leading citizen of York township, and is a man yet in the prime of life, having
been born August i 1, 1847. He is a son of Aaron and Nancy Ramsay, and comes from a very old
and prominent family. His schooling was received in the schools of York township, and having
been reared on his father's farm, and having a natural taste for tilling the soil, he chose farming
for his life work. He took Miss Sarah Riley to wife July 4, 1876. Mrs. Ramsay is a daughter of
William and Elizabeth (Ramsay) Riley. William Riley was born September 0, 1825, and his wife
was born February 1, 1839. They were married October 10, 1857. Sarah, the wife of the subject
of this sketch, was born into this world October 17, 1858. Three sons and four daughters are the
issue of this union, they are: Nancy E., born August 22, 1877, died September 4, 1877; Mary L.,
born July 1, 1878; Amy S., born April 23, 1880, died October 1, 1880; Ida O., born March 14,
1882; Isaac Aaron, born March 15, 1884; William H., born February 14, 1886, and Randall
Rupert, born December 12, 1887. Mr. Ramsay is a practical agriculturist, and has met with the
most pleasing success; he also raises the finest grade of horses, cattle and sheep. His farm is one
of the best properties in the county, and he is known for miles around as a true American farmer.
He and his wife are both influential members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
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and are always ready to give their aid to any legitimate enterprise which will in any way enhance
the welfare of their fellowmen.
W. A. Ramsay was born March 14, 1859. He is a son of Aaron F. and Nancy (Thornbrook)
Ramsay. The former was born in Washington county, Penn., March 27, 1813, the latter in
Belmont county, Ohio, September 12, 180. Aaron came with his father, Thomas, to Belmont
county in 1818, being among the pioneer settlers. Thomas Ramsay was a native of Ireland, and
emigrated to Washington county, Penn., at the age of eighteen years, remaining there until he
moved to Ohio. Aaron F. Ramsay was married in 1844. Four sons and four daughters were born
of this union. The entire family is living with the exception of one daughter. Mr. Ramsay lived
near Jacobs- burgh until 1857, when he moved to a farm in the vicinity of Powhatan, In 1866 he
again moved, this time to Powhatan, where he has since resided. W. A. Ramsay was educated in
the Powhatan schools, and in the monastery at Loretto, Penn. Upon his return from school he
went to work on his father's farm, and has since continued with gratifying success in this
business. He is one of the progressive, active young farmers of the county, and his future
promises to be a very bright one. August 4, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Emily
Campbell, a daughter of William and Josephine Campbell. Emily was born July 9, 1864. One son
is the result of this marriage, Ben A., born May 21, 1881. Mr. Ramsay is a member of the I. 0.0.
F., lodge of Powhatan. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay are active and influential members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
John Ramser, proprietor of the United States distillery, No. 1, Eighteenth district of Ohio,
situated at Powhatan, Ohio, is a native of Switzerland, in which country he was born May 18,
1825, emigrating to this country June 17, 1847. He first located in Allegheny City, where he
w0rked as a laborer and carpenter until 1854, when he moved to Powhatan, where he built
himself a house and engaged in the carpentry trade; he afterward sold his house and removed to
California in 1858, taking his wife and two children with him; they went by way of Panama to
San Fransisco. When he landed in San Francisco he found that his entire outfit had been stolen;
he at once went to work for a Jew, manufacturing safes. He then resumed his old trade, working
at it until he had accumulated sufficient money to buy another outfit for himself and family, when
they started for the mines. On this journey they encountered many obstacles, the severe snow
storms hindered them much and caused the blindness of one of his children for several months.
Finally they reached the mines at Forest City, and Mr; Ramser had only worked for a few days
when the entire town was burned down. From here he went to the mines on Rock creek, where he
worked in the mines for two years, at the expiration of which time he removed to Sacramento
with the purpose of going into the huckstering business. He crossed the mountains forty times,
encountering all the perils and hardships of a frontier life. After some time spent in this way, he
moved onto a ranch and burned charcoal for a living. While here his wife died. Soon after
48-B
754 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
he started back over the plains with his five motherless little children.. The return trip took over
four long months of weary travel. Reaching Powhatan he built a distillery on Cat's Run in 1867,
and operated the same until 1880, when he removed to Powhatan, where he established the large
distillery now owned and operated by himself. By his first wife Mr. Ramser had eleven children,
six of whom are living. By his second wife, who was Miss Lena Berger, he has had eleven
children, six of them being dead. Mr. Ramser is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Masonic
order of Powhatan, Maria lodge, No. 105, having completed the degrees of the latter May, 1868.
A man of various experiences, yet one who has made a success of his life, and who is respected
by his neighbors.
One of the most prominent physicians, and a very distinguished citizen of Powhatan, Ohio, is Dr.
E. N. Riggs, who was born in Washington county, Penn., September 22, 1846. His parents were
Edward and Hester (Newmeyer) Riggs, the former was born in 1802, and the latter in 1809. They
raised a family of ten children, nine of whom still survive them. When but nine years old Dr.
Riggs commenced attending the South Western Normal school of Pennsylvania, and continued
there until seventeen years of age, at which time he began to read medicine with his brother, Dr.
D. W. Riggs, and A. O. Hunter, M. D. He afterward entered entered Bellevue Medical college in
New York, remaining there for one year, he then attended the Cincinnati Medical college, where
he graduated with honor in 1872. After his graduation Dr. Riggs returned to Pennsylvania, and
began the practice of his profession with his brother in Allegheny City. Here he remained for
seven years meeting with much success. In 1876, he removed to Powhatan Point, and has since
built up a very lucrative practice. While in Allegheny he was a member of the board of health,
and four years was a director of the poor, and previous to his removal to Powhatan, was elected a
member of the city council. April 9, 1873, Miss Luella Abrams, daughter of Capt. W. J. and
Mary Abrams, became his wife. She was born October 13, 1850. They are the parents of one son:
William E., born June 4, 1876. For four years Dr._ Riggs had the honor of being a member of the
board of pension examiners at Bellaire, Ohio, and for four years was township treasurer, a
member of the board of school truscees of Powhatan, and is also one of the directors of the Ohio
Valley railway company, he is also a member of the Masonic lodge, of the A. O. U. W., having
been a member of Grand lodge at the session of 1876. Dr. and Mrs. Riggs are both very earnest
members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the former being the superintendent of the
Sunday-school of that church.
Philip Wurster is the leading merchant tailor of Powhatan. Mr. Wurster is a native of
Wurtemberg, Germany, where he was born March 31, 1846. His parents were Charles Friederich
and Barbara (Frey) Wurster. They reared a family of five children. The father was born in 1802
and died in 1856. After the father's death in Germany the family began to move to this country.
The subject's oldest
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 755
brother came to Wheeling when Philip was six years old. He a few years later was followed by
his sister Agatha. Philip came with his mother and one sister, arriving in America in May, 1866.
Immediately he made his way to Wheeling, W. Va., and engaged in the merchant tailoring
business there for three years, after which he moved to Powhatan, and has since resided there
with the exception 0f six months spent in Kanawa county, W. Va. He was married May 11, 1869,
to Miss Rosa Lude. She was born July 3, 1854, a daughter of Michael and Sarah (Elder) Lude.
The former was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Wurster have had two sons,
Charles Philip, born October 31, 1871, and George Ludwig Lewis, born April 3, 1880. Mr.
Wurster is a member and past grand master of the I. 0. 0. F., and also is an earnest member of the
Presbyterian church.