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JOSEPH GIBBONS, one of the oldest and most esteemed citizens of Belmont County, whose years but illustrate his wonderful vitality, resides on his fine farm in Warren township, near Barnesville, and is the center of a devoted family circle.

Few venerable citizens remain whose births antedate the War of 1812, but Mr. Gibbons is one of these, his birth taking place on September 27, 1811, when the chief magistrate of this great country was James Madison. He has seen generations come and go, and still retains his active interest in general affairs and bears his 91 years with the ease of a man in middle age. His parents were Homer and Martha (South) Gibbons, natives of Virginia and New jersey, respectively, the former of whom left his native State in early life and settled in Jefferson County, Ohio. His wife came to this State in 1800, and her parents also settled in Jefferson County. They became the parents of these children : John, Mary, Homer, Enoch, Jesse, James and Sarah, deceased, while the living ones are : Joseph, Robert, Samuel B., William and Borden.

Joseph Gibbons was born in Belmont County, on his father's farm, where he spent his early days, and attended the district schools in his locality. He grew to manhood engaged in agricultural pursuits, and, having been industrious and provident, had accumulated a considerable sum of money by the time he was ready to establish a home of his own. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Penina Williams, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Arnold) Williams, who were natives of South Carolina, settling in Ohio about 1800. Mrs. Gibbons was born in 1817 and after a life of 71 years, filled with good deeds and kind acts, she passed out of life on January 16, 1888. The children born to this happy marriage were the following: Elam, born October 23, 1838; Eli W., born June 27, 1840; Edmund, born July 28, 1842 ; Samuel and Homer, twins, born in 1844; Sarah, born June 13, 1845, died July to. 1846; James S. and Mary H., twins, born March 19, 1847: Joseph B., born February 6, 185o; Anna and Martha, twins, born June 26,1852; Elizabeth, born September 11, 1854; Laving H., born August 25, 186o; and Edward V., born April 15, 1862.

Mr. Gibbons for some years has lived free from all business care, although quite capable of actively managing his former interests. Through life he has been an enterprising man and at all times has testified his willingness to assist in the developing of his county. His estimable character and long and useful life have attached many friends to him, who take pride in his vigor, in spite of his advanced age. They hope he may be spared yet many years to show the results of a life which has been devoted to the honest accumulation of means and to the welfare of his family and neighborhood. Mr. Gibbons is a member of the Society of Friends.

J. C. ROBERT'S, residing at No. 419 Washington street, Martin's Ferry, has for 20 years occupied the position of sheet roller in the rolling mill of this city, exercising the same perseverance and determination in regular work that he previously exhibited as a soldier in the War of the Rebellion. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, September 22, 1847, and is a son of E. W. and Emily (Cook) Roberts.

E. W. Roberts was one of the first sheet rollers in this country, and followed this occupation for the most part throughout his business life. Late in years he settled in Sharon, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged at his trade for the rest of his life. He died July 23, 1872, at the age of 62. During his young manhood he married Emily Cook. She survived her husband, dying in 1879 in her 63rd year. A pleasing woman, spiritually minded, and gifted with the most charming feminine traits, she won the friendship of all who knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Robert had ten children first died in Pittsburg at the age of 13 years; three died young, Ruth Anna and Joanna, who were twins, and Joseph; the fifth never married; Elizabeth, now the widow of Charles Ulp, resides at No. 116

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South Penn street, Wheeling Island. The other children are Louisa, who has never married; John C.; William S., an iron worker for the past 11 years, and Emma, who married Baldwin Chew, and has since died at the age of 47. Mr. Roberts was a liberal supporter of the Baptist Church. His wife belonged to the Methodist Church.

J. C. Roberts procured his education at Niles, Ohio, where it was his privilege to be a schoolmate of William McKinley, our late President. As boys they were intimately associated, played mumblety peg together and other childish games. Later in life they both served their State as soldiers in the Civil War. It was in September, 1861, in Company G, 19th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., that Mr. Roberts enlisted. Entering the Army of the Cumberland, he with his regiment fought at Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862; at Perryville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862; at Stone River, Tennessee, January 2, 1863, and at Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863. He also took part in the closing battles of the war, was in the Atlanta campaign, and fought at Franklin and Nashville under General Thomas. His first enlistment expired near the close of 1862, and on January 1, 1863, he again re-enlisted, serving in all four years and two months. He was mustered out in November, 1865. In the battle of Stone River, Tennessee, he was appointed one of a force to guard a train of ammunition and provisions, which the Rebels were determined to possess if possible. The struggle was a fierce one, and the Southern cavalry did succeed in capturing the train and taking prisoners of the guard, Mr. Roberts among them; but half an hour later the captain of the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment, with his cavalry, retook both the train and the prisoners. Mr. Roberts was wounded with buckshot once during the war, and not having the hurt attended to until the next day, suffered considerable pain, but no serious injury resulted from the mishap. Considering the severe fighting in which he was engaged, hisescape was almost miraculous. Out of 101 men who first enlisted in his company, only three returned from the war, and he was one of the three. Since the war Mr. Roberts has been engaged steadily in the rolling-mill business. In 1882 he took a position as a sheet roller in a mill at Martin's Ferry, and, giving excellent satisfaction, he has remained here ever since.

Mr. Roberts has never married, but gives his time mainly to his business and to society. He belongs to the Elks and to the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel & Tin Workers, and has served as an officer in each society. As a Civil War veteran he belongs to the G. A. R. He possesses much force of character and makes a success of whatever he undertakes.

WILLIAM LUTHER PATTON, postmaster of Fairpoint, Belmont County, Ohio, is also the owner of a flourishing mercantile business at that place, and is one of the foremost citizens of Wheeling township. He was born June 8, 1849, a son of William and Anna (Clark) Patton, and still resides on his native place, owning a fine farm on the outskirts of the town, where he and his family live very comfortably.

William Patton, the father, was born near Belfast, Ireland, in County Down, in 1799, but immigrated to this country with his parents. He was an honest, straightforward citizen and a man of very firm opinions. He married Anna Clark, who was born in 1810, a daughter of Alexander Clark of Lancaster County, of the Keystone State. The early education of Mr. Patton was exceedingly limited, for he attended school but six weeks in his life. However, he had an apt, inquiring mind, and succeeded in teaching himself so well that he prospered in his business life and accumulated considerable wealth. This wealth he afterward divided among his twelve children, nine of whom were sons,—their names will be mentioned later. In his occupation as general farmer he made a specialty

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of raising fine stock, and in this branch he was doubly successful and made the greater part of his wealth. At his death, which occurred in 1872 at the age of 73 years, each of his living sons was given a farm. The death of Mrs. Patton occurred in 1885, when she was 75 years of age. Mr. Patton was a Seceder in religious opinions, but his wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and during the greater part of his married life Mr. Patton also attended that church, having united with it in later life, and he served faithfully as ruling elder many years. He took no interest in politics, since even in his day he considered them immoral, but from the beginning of the slavery question he was an Abolitionist, although he had nothing to do with the "Underground Railroad" system. He was a member of no sect or order, as his religious ideas forbade it, but he did his part as a citizen to assist in enterprises of worth, and his fellowmen found in him a ready assistant in time of need.

Our subject's brothers and sisters were as follows: Samuel, born in 1830, who died in 1857, when pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Detroit, was a graduate of the U. P. Seminary at Canonsburg, and it is said preached his first sermon when 20 years of age. He left a widow to mourn for him, her name having been Jennie Lee of Cadiz, Ohio, before her marriage. Margaret, born in 1832, became the wife of Rev. J. P. Robb of Sidney, Ohio, in 1859, he being pastor of the United Presbyterian Church at that place, and they have a daughter, who was educated at Washington Seminary at Washington, Pennsylvania. John, who was born in 1834, and lives at St. Clairsville, Ohio, was united in marriage with Lauretta Thompson, a daughter of Major Thomas Thompson, and has three children. His education was obtained at Franklin College, which he left when the war broke out and became a member of the 98th Reg., O. V. I. Eleanor, born in 1836, became the wife of Rev. Josiah Stevenson of Bellevue, Pennsylvania, a United Presbyterian, who recently went to

Ireland and gathered complete data of the Patton family; they have been blessed with eight children. Alexander C., born in 1838, followed farming as a vocation, and when the Civil War broke out enlisted in the 170th Reg., O. V. I., and became a captain later. He married Agnes Sharp of Uniontown, Ohio, and they had two children and lived in Springfield, Ohio, where the father died in 1900. Caroline was born in 184o and married Addison Lysle of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, a prominent coal dealer, residing in Allegheny, and they had one child. Mrs. Lysle was educated in Washington Seminary and graduated from that institution. James, born in 1842, chose Elizabeth Dunbar, a daughter of William Dunbar, of Uniontown, Ohio, for his wife, and they had three children when she died. He married a second time, this time choosing Agnes Cook, daughter of James Cook of New Athens, Ohio. George M., born in 1844, served in the war as a member of the 98th Reg., O. V. I., and married Louise M. Campbell, a daughter of Dr. John Campbell of Uniontown, who bore him six children. Calvin W., who was born in 1846, was a member of the 170th Reg., O. V. I., during the Civil War, and was united in marriage with Harriet Dunbar and later with Dora Troll, who bore him two children, John T. and C. G. Mrs. Patton formerly resided in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Sylvanus was born in 1852 and died in 1863, aged twelve years. Thomas L., born in 1855, married Jennie McKee of Uniontown, and lives at Alliance, Ohio. They have four children. An only brother of our subject's father died when but 20 years old.

William Luther Patton led Maggie R. McNary, daughter of John McNary, of Belmont County, to the hymeneal altar in 1873. She was born in 185o and had two brothers. Her scholastic training was obtained in Franklin College, and she and our subject have four children, namely, Lodalee, born November 2, 1874; Park, born in December, 1879; A. Van, born May 5, 1883, and Nellie Mc-

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Nary, born in 1885. They are still residents of the home farm with their parents, and the two eldest children have attended college to obtain the best education possible. Lodalee graduated at Franklin College in New Athens, Ohio, the third in rank in her class. Park graduated from the High School at St. Clairsville, at Franklin College also, and took a business course at the business college at Poughkeepsie, thus fitting himself thoroughly for the position he occupies as professor of mathematics in Curry College of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. A. Van has graduated from the High School at St. Clairsville, also is clerking in his father's store, but his parents believe that children should not be sent to school too young, and he will be given ample opportunity to take a more advanced course at some college at a later date.

Mr. Patton has had charge of the duties at the post office since 1886, except about six months during Cleveland's administration, and he has proved a most valuable man for the place, being of an accommodating, cheerful nature. He has built up a hustling business and has the best patronage of the village, which speaks for his ability as a merchant and his popularity as a citizen.

JOHN AMRINE, whose death occurred August 27, 1901, at Bridgeport, Ohio, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, January to, 182o, and he lived practically all his life in his native county.

He was a son of Peter and Nancy Amrine, who were among the hardy pioneeer settlers of Ohio. His mother died in 1832 of cholera. The family then removed to Perry County, Ohio. John did not like his new home, and, with his father's permission, returned to Belmont County ; although only a boy of 12, he walked all the way back, and thus young John Amrine started upon his own resources in the race of life.

For several years he made his home with his uncle, Francis McConnell, and worked at farming on Scotch Ridge, and elsewhere. He followed boating on the Ohio River for 16 years.

At the age of 30 years he was united in marriage with Deborah Enlow, a daughter of Jacob and Rachel Enlow, who were also pioneer residents of Belmont County. From this union they had a family of nine children, of whom Mary B., the widow of Jeremiah Sturgeon; Virginia A., the wife of Milton McConnaughy; Miss Gertrude H. and Fred S. Amrine are still living; and Frank H., who died in 1895, leaving a widow, Mrs. Jessie Bailey Amrine, and one child, Frank.

Mrs. John Amrine was born February 7, 1826, and died December 13, 1895.

Peter Amrine, the father of our subject, died April 20, 1864, aged 74 years.

Soon after his marriage, John Amrine engaged in the coal boating business with Hugh McNeely and others, and although this business did not prove very lucrative, yet he gave $200 of his meager savings to build the First Methodist Episcopal Church that was built in Bridgeport, and in later years proved his devotion to the cause of Christianity by giving liberally toward the erection of the other two brick Methodist Episcopal Churches in Kirkwood.

For 67 years Mr. Amrine was a devout member of the Methodist Church, serving mostly in some official capacity.

He was public spirited and was the first to take stock in the Aetna Mill in 1873, and was later a charter member of the re-organized Aetna-Standard Mills.

In fraternal circles, he was an active Mason for many years, and was the last of the charter members of the Bridgeport blue lodge.

John Amrine was a true and earnest patriot during the great war for the Union, and throughout his life he loved to talk and read of Lincoln, Grant, Garfield, McKinley and others of our good and great. He was an ardent Republican.

The last 40 years of his life he was engaged in farming and market gardening, and enjoyed his fine suburban home with his interesting

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family; and thus we see this boy with the rough exterior of pioneer life, without a mother's love to guide or a father's hand to protect, no parental roof, and with but little school privileges, and yet making life a success.

With the practice of industry, economy and sobriety, and being possessed of many of the finer sterling qualities of heart and mind, John Amrine walked amid the rough environments of a life on the river and the crude times of his early days, and yet he became the honored citizen, the good friend and the worthy Christian gentleman.

He was cast in a gentle mold, and yet he was ever firm and steadfast for the right. He loved fair dealing, and his genial manner made and kept all who knew him his friends.

In his last illness he found delight in giving Christian advice and counsel to all who came to his bedside. His last hours were a fit ending of an upright, exemplary life.

Soothed and sustained by an unfaltering trust, he "approached the grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams." "Calm and peaceful be thy sleep," good friend.

ELI S. MORGAN, one of the progressive agriculturists of Wheeling township, Belmont County, manages not only his own large and well-kept farm, but also a still larger one for his mother. Possessed of a large capacity for work, and being one who attends strictly to his own business, he has accumulated considerable property, including some of the best-bred stock. He comes of a family of soil tillers, and was born on the Belmont County homestead December 19, 1865, son of Philip and Sarah (Seebirt) Morgan.

George V. Morgan, grandfather of Eli S., was born in 1775. In the early days he moved to Ohio, being one of the pioneers of the rich agricultural districts of this State. Here he purchased what was known as the Mintier farm, where he passed many busy

years of his life, engaged in the development of its resources. Later he moved to the Morgan farm, where he spent the rest of his life, dying there.

Philip Morgan, son of George V. and father of Eli S., was also a prominent agriculturist of this section, purchasing and managing the homestead where the son now resides. Born in Uniontown, Ohio, in 1819, he procured his education in the common schools of his vicinity. Preparatory to an occupation in life, as a youth he entered a tannery and there learned a trade, at which in time he became very proficient. During his young manhood he purchased the farm already referred to, in Wheeling township. This place he cleared and broke, and greatly improved. As he also added to its area, occasionally, by large land purchases, it at one time embraced 514 acres. January 5, 1845, Mr. Morgan married Sarah Seebirt, an attractive girl of 18, born in 1825, daughter of Eli and Caroline Seebirt, and granddaughter of Adam Seebirt, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, resided there for many years, and later crossed the mountains and became one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Eli Seebirt were born two children,—Sarah, and Eli, born in 1827, died in 1898. Mrs. Morgan, now 78, has been a hardworking woman all her life, also a faithful mother and devoted wife. She was reared in this vicinity, and attended for many years the Wheeling Valley public schools. In religious circles she is especially prominent, and has been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church for nearly 40 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were born nine children: Mary Ellen, .born January 24, 1846, received a common school education, married Harvey Rusk, a farmer, now deceased, who resided on his family homestead in Richland township, near Fairpoint, in Belmont County, and they had six children,—Addison E., Elmer, Sadie, Marshall, Ina, and Ross. The father died in 189o, and the family still reside on the homestead. Marshall J., second child of Philip Morgan,

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born September 26, 1847, married Mary Close, daughter of John Close, who resides near St. Clairsville, Belmont County, and they had two children,—Philip, and Leota, who resides east of the Morgan farm, near the Valley Church. Martha A., born August 14, 1849, married Samuel Coleman, of Wheeling township, and they have three children. Melissa J., born October 14, 1851, married Charles Love, son of Rev. Mr. Love, and they reside in Athens. They have two children. John, born November 13, 1853, who received his education in the common schools and Franklin College, married Mary Lyle, of Wheeling township, and they live on Athens Pike, near the toll gate, and are the parents of five children,—Wilbur, Lyle, Marshall, Robert, and Linnie. Milton, born November 14, 1856, died at the age of six years. Ada, born April 24, 1859, married William P. Hedges, and they reside near Cadiz, Ohio. Linnie (Euphemia Ulinda), born June 18, 1861, married Rusk Love, and they reside in Wheeling township. They have two children, Everett and Phil. Eli S. is mentioned below. Mr. Morgan was a man highly respected in his community, possessed marked integrity and was especially influential in religious circles, serving as elder in the Presbyterian Church at Valley Church for 25 years. His children were also members of this church.

Eli S. Morgan received the ordinary rearing of a farm boy, attending the common schools regularly for a number of years, and taking a helping hand in the usual farm duties. Upon reaching manhood he began farming on the homestead, and after the death of his father assumed the entire management of the place, which now embraces 215 acres. This place is well improved, and the buildings, which were erected about 50 years ago, have been kept in excellent condition and are still intact. Here he engages in general farming and stock raising with marked success. His land being productive yields large and valuable crops, and his stock is among the best put on the market. Inaddition to carrying on this place he manages 76 1/2 acres of land, which he purchased for himself. This he has also greatly improved, and has largely under cultivation. Keeping abreast of the times, he applies progressive methods in farming and at the same time is extremely practical.

In February, 1892, Mr. Morgan married Mary Hutchison, daughter of John and Sadie Hutchison, of St. Clairsville, Ohio. Mrs. Morgan is a highly cultivated woman, and received her education in the common schools and Franklin College. By this marriage there have been five children: John Hutchison, born March 3, 1894; Sarah Ada, born February 16, 1896; Emma Lucinda, born March 3, 1898, who died in the same year at the age of six months; Lucinda Rose, born May 27, 1899; and Russell Seebirt, born December 18, 1901.

Mr. Morgan has achieved success in life by attending strictly to his own duties. He gives but little attention to public affairs, and has never sought office. Like his father, however, he votes the Democratic ticket. He is a man of firm religious convictions and belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

HON. ROSS J. ALEXANDER, a most highly esteemed resident of Bridgeport, Ohio, has been a prominent figure in professional and political life in Belmont County for a number of years, resigning the cares of business in 1894, after a successful and honorable career.

Mr. Alexander claims an old and honored ancestry. The first member of this branch of the Alexander family of which we find authentic mention was James Alexander, the great-great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in 1706 near Campbelltown, Scotland, and who came to the United States in 1774, his tomb now being found at Slate Ridge, Maryland. His son, James, the second of the name, was born in 1733 in Scotland also, and came to America in 1771, dying

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May 9, 1817, at the age of 84 years. He served during the Revolutionary War with the Pennsylvania troops, his home being in the vicinity of York, in that State. He was buried in the Alexander Cemetery at South Ridge, in Belmont County, Ohio. James Alexander (2) was twice married, his first wife, Margaret Wilson, dying in Scotland, leaving four children, namely, Andrew, James, Margaret and Jane,—the eldest of these, James (3), being our subject's grandfather. The second marriage was to Margaret Clarke Ross, and seven children were born to this union.

James Alexander (3), the grandfather of Hon. Ross J. Alexander, was born in Scotland, came to the United States in 1766, and died May 11, 1852, at the age of 95 years. He married Isabella Ross and had a family of ten children, namely, Margaret, James, Agnes, Jane W., Isabella R., John, Jenetta, Peter; Robert Jefferson and Lavinia, all of whom have passed away. Of this family Agnes, born May 15, 1792, was the first white child born in Belmont County. She died February 20, 1825. Her marriage was to Robert Gray, and of their four children James A., lately deceased, was a banker at Martin's Ferry, Ohio.

Robert Jefferson Alexander, the father of our subject, was born October 6, 1806, and died January 30, 1863. On November 1, 1831, he married Mary A. Jennings, a native of Belmont' County, and a daughter of David Jennings, for many years prominent in political life as State Senator and member of Congress, and for 15 years county prosecuting attorney. Mrs. Alexander was one of a family of six children born to her parents, viz., Mary A., Rachel R., Jacob D., David L., Jonathan G. and Margaret L.,—Jonathan G. being the only survivor. The Jennings family is an honorable one in a number of the States of the Union. Jacob Jennings, the maternal great-great-grandfather of our subject, served as a minute man in the militia of Morris County, New Jersey, during the Revolutionary War, and his wife was Mary ennedy, a daughter of Rev. Samuel Kennedy. Jacob Jennings (2), our subject's great-grandfather, also participated in the Revolutionary War, and the document is in the family's possession which tells that he was captain of the Jersey Blues and a surgeon in the Sussex County Militia during this period. He was severely wounded at the battle of Trenton, December 26, 1776, and bore the marks of the conflict until his death. At the age of 40 years he was licensed to preach by the Dutch Reformed Church and removed to Virginia, and in 1802 served at Pittsburg as the first moderator of the synod. Mrs. Alexander was a niece of the distinguished Jonathan Jennings, who was the first Governor of the State of Indiana and for whom a county in the southeastern part of that State was named, and the State of Indiana has recently erected a $5,000 monument to his memory.

Robert Jefferson Alexander was an able attorney and practiced all his life in Belmont County, serving through two terms as county prosecuting attorney, and was the first judge of the Court of Common Pleas under the new Constitution of 1851, his term covering five years of service. His interest was pronounced in the fostering of public educational enterprises, and he favored legislation for the advancement of agricultural opportunities. Mr. Alexander was born on October 6, 1806, and through a period of 57 years was one of the most useful citizens of Belmont County. The children born to this first marriage were as follows: Theresa, who is Mrs. K. S. Boreman, of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Ross J., who is the subject of this sketch. Robert J.. who is a resident of the State of Washington, and William W., who resides at Akron. Ohio. The mother of these children died in 1844 at the age of 33 years. The second marriage of Mr. Alexander was to a sister of his first wife, Rachel R., who was the widow of William H. Tallman, the one daughter born to this union being Mary Ann, the wife of James Murray, of Wheeling, West Virginia.

The birth of Ross J. Alexander occurred

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in Belmont County on Christmas Day, 1834. He was reared in a home of refinement and intelligence and was offered excellent educational advantages. From Linsly Institute in Wheeling he went to Franklin College, Ohio, and later graduated with the highest honors in the class of 1854 from Washington and Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania. Under his eminent father he studied law and was admitted to practice in December, 1856, locating in St. Clairsville. For a period of 18 years Mr. Alexander carried on a large and absorbing practice in that place, removing in 1872 to Bridgeport, only to change the location, not the nature or volume, of his business. Many honors have been shown our subject by appreciative fellow citizens. For 12 years he was master commissioner of the county and for two terms he was the municipal head of the city of St. Clairsville. He has served as a member of the Bridgeport Council a number of times, has been a member of and president of the Bridgeport School Board for many years, and has been identified with all public enterprises of lasting value. During two years he was an efficient member of the Ohio Legislature, rendering his party yeoman service during the administration of President Cleveland. He also served in the far West as a member of the Puyallup Indian Commission of the State of Washington, in all of these varied responsible offices upholding the dignity of the position and conscientiously performing the many duties.

On July 14, 1858, Mr. Alexander was united in marriage with Margaretta Askew. a native of St. Clairsville and a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (McElroy) Askew, the latter of whom was a daughter of John McElroy, who was a captain in the War of 1812. A family of four children were born to our subject and wife, as follows: Marian, who married William Alexander, resides in Kansas City, Kansas, and they have two children, Askew and Ross J.; Lillian, who married Frank Sigel, resides at Kansas City, Missouri, and has two daughters, Margaret and Virginia; Minnie R., who married J. C. Heinlein, a prominent attorney of Bridgeport, and their children are Margaret, George and Dorothy; and St. Clair, of Kansas City, Missouri. Both our subject and wife are leading members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a well-known member of the Masonic order and has held the highest positions in lodge, chapter and commandery, and has been a delegate many times to all the grand bodies in the State. From his youth he has been interested in politics, and is an ardent advocate of unadulterated Jeffersonian Democracy.

WILLIAM H. McCARTNEY, who during life was one of the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Belmont County, was born at Linton Mills, Coshocton County, Ohio, June 28, 1840, a son of David and Elizabeth (Heslop) McCartney, the former of whom was born in 1816. On March 21, 1837, he married Elizabeth Heslop, and they reared a family of four children. David McCartney was an extensive farmer and also engaged in the banking business at Fort Howard, Wisconsin. He died at Thomasville, Georgia.

For a number of years William H. McCartney was associated with his father in business and became well and favorably known. He was married to Martha Hunt, who was born November 30, 1842, a daughter of Philip Hunt, of Maryland, who was a well-known stockman and extensive farmer The union resulted in the birth of the following children: Nellie, who married Dr. J. W. Wellons, one of the rising young physicians of Barnesville, a son of the distinguished Dr. G. S. Wellons; and Jesse T., who was born May 10, 1873, and who is attending the Ohio Medical College. He will graduate in 1903. He resides with his mother on the old homestead, located within a quarter of a mile of the city of Barnesville. This estate comprises 47 acres of well-improved land, while the stately brick

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residence is one of the handsomest in this vicinity. Jesse T. McCartney, like his father, is identified with the Republican party, and is one of the popular young men of this locality. The family is one held in high esteem throughout Warren township.

William H. McCartney was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died September 29, 1901. Mrs. McCartney is a member of the M. E. Church of Barnesville, Ohio.

JOHN WATSON, a representative farmer and eminent citizen of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, where so many years of his life have been spent upon a farm, has followed agricultural pursuits to very good advantage, having accumulated quite a competency, and is highly respected in his community for his many excellent qualities. Mr. Watson was born January 19, 1829, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on a farm near Canonsburg. He now owns 315 acres, which includes one-fourth of the old Hammond farm, which was acquired as a legacy to his wife, three-quarters of which was purchased by our subject, and also the farm upon which our subject resides, which was purchased by him some time since. The handsome residence and other substantial improvements were all made by Mr. Watson, who carries on general farming in the most approved manner, but makes a specialty of raising fine sheep; in fact, a great deal of his money has been made on sheep alone, but he also raises a limited number of horses, cattle, hogs, etc.

Thomas Watson, the father of our subject, was a blacksmith by trade, and at one time resided in Canonsburg. He subsequently removed to the farm near that place, where our subject was born, and there continued in the blacksmith business for several years. He married Jane, the eldest daughter of William Hays, who lived at Plum Run, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and who reared a family of seven children.

Our subject's parents had ten children,viz., James, Eliza Jane, Martha, William Hays, Nancy, Mary Ann, John (subject), Catherine, James F. and Rachel. All are now deceased except three sisters, who reside at Canonsburg, and one brother, James F., is a resident of Indiana. James, the eldest son, died at the early age of nine years, and Rachel at ten years. William died in Belmont County in 1889, and Nancy passed to her rest the same year, while Catherine died as recently as 1901.

December 18, 1867, Mr. Watson was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Hammond, the ceremony which bound them for life taking place at St. Clairsville, Ohio. The first two years of their married life were spent by the young people in Pennsylvania, after which they removed to the farm formerly owned by subject's father-in-law and which was originally the property of Robert Hammond, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Watson. This grandfather was a member of the Seceders' Church, which afterward was absorbed by the United Presbyterian. He died in 1845, and his homestead passed to his youngest son, James Hammond, the father of Mrs. Watson, and was later purchased by our subject.

The elder Hammonds were of Irish descent and were natives of Washington County, Pennsylvania. James Hammond followed farming during all his active years. After passing his 60th milestone he left the farm, which was the birthplace of Mrs. Watson, and removed to St. Clairsville, where the closing years of his life were spent. He attained the age of 72 years and left quite a comfortable estate to his family. He possessed but a common-school education, but close application to business brought its well-earned freedom from toil during his last years. Both he and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church. He was twice married. By his first union, with Jane Caldwell, three children were born, two of whom still survive, Mrs. Watson being the eldest of the family. She has one sister, residing in Waterloo, Iowa. By his union with

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Susan Finney, there were two children, who grew to maturity, both of them living now near St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Mrs. Watson was born in 1841. Her maternal grandfather, John Caldwell, emigrated to this country from Ireland. He died in Pittsburg from a malignant fever, and two or three of his sisters succumbed to the malady also. The father of Mrs. Watson was brought to Ohio by his parents at the age of three years. His parents located at that time on the old Hammond farm, which the elder Hammond cleared from the woods. The mother of Mrs. Watson was a native of Ireland and accompanied her parents to this country when seven years old. She was born in 1812 and died in 1850. She was reared principally in Pennsylvania and came to Belmont County when a young woman. Her husband was born May 13, 1808, and survived her many years, 188o marking the date of his death.

Four children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Watson, as follows: James Hays, born February 5, 1870; William NV., born August 6, 1871; Ella Jane, born September 9, 1873, and J. Walter, born November 12, 1878. James H. married Amanda Watson on the 19th day of March, 1896. His wife is a daughter of Andrew Watson of Guernsey County. He has five children—Margaret H., born in February, 1897; John Melvin, born in 1898; William G., born in January, 1900, and twins, born in November, 1901, their names being Winfield Hays and Mary Helen.

William W. is still unmarried and remains at home on the farm. He was liberally educated at Franklin College at New Athens, Ohio. Ella Jane, the eldest daughter, was educated at the same institution. January 3, 1900. she married Jay B. Patton. and resides in Harrison County, Ohio. J. Walter, the youngest son of our subject, like his brothers and sister, was sent to Franklin College, from which he graduated. For the past two years he has attended the United Presbyterian Seminary at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where he is taking a theological course. He makes his home at the seminary and has filled the pulpit on several occasions.

Mr. Watson is a man of broad, liberal ideas. He has spent a great deal of money in rearing his family, and his children are all the recipients of a liberal education. Two of his sons, James and William W., have chosen the vocation of their father and will be farmers. In politics our subject was a faithful adherent of the Republican party up to 1884. He was present at a political meeting in Pittsburg in 1856, and during the same year cast his vote for Fremont. During the campaign of 1884 he worked hard for Blaine, but the latter's attitude on the prohibition question in Maine soured him on Blaine and the Republican party also. Since then Mr. Watson has used his vote and influence with the Prohibitionists. However, he has never been a politician, but has done his duty as a citizen, having served on the election board, as supervisor and in various other capacities.

In his religious ideas our subject has been a lifelong member of the United Presbyterian Church. He has been an elder of the same since 1871, and has served upon several occasions as a delegate to the General Assembly, particularly at Cambridge in 1878, and at Allegheny in May, 1902. Both he and his wife can remember attending church in the early days, listening to a sermon in the forenoon, and after a luncheon another sermon of more than the average length was delivered in the afternoon. Mr. Watson has led an exemplary life, and has always been active in church affairs and is beloved by all who know him. Mr. Watson served nearly 35 years in Sabbath-school work.

JOHN DuBOIS, a noted lumber dealer and manufacturer of Bellaire, Ohio, is indigenous to Belmont County, his birth having taken place June 4, 1838, in Colerain township. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Douglas) Du Bois, both natives of County Antrim, Ireland, where their marriage vows

648 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

were exchanged. Five children were born to them before they left their native land. After emigration they settled in Belmont County, Ohio and in time four more children were born to them. The father was a blacksmith by trade and followed that occupation for some years with such success that he purchased a farm in Colerain township and engaged in argicultural pursuits. Success crowned his efforts and he acquired a large amount of land. He died in 1880, having previously lost his companion and helpmeet in 1857.

Mr. DuBois has one brother living, Maj. Joseph M. DuBois, of Dallas, Texas, who served during the Civil War in the 15th Ohio Regiment and rendered valuable services to our country. The subject of this narrative remained at home upon his father's farm until he attained the age of 35 years, and he still owns and manages the homestead farm in Colerain township. He located in Bellaire in 1876, succeeding in the lumber business his brother, Alexander, whose demise took place about that time. Mr. DuBois has followed that line of work constantly ever since. In 188o he built a planing mill on Central avenue and Harrison street. This mill has been operated for nearly a quarter of a century under the firm name of DuBois & McCoy, and turns out a large amount of work. Mr. DuBois has been twice married. In early manhood he married Margaret Frazier, who died in October, 1888, leaving seven sons, as follows: James F., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; John A.; Samuel L., a minister of the United Presbyterian Church; Joseph M., excity treasurer and at present bookkeeper at the mill; David Douglas, a law student at Columbus; Charles McConkey, who died at the early age of four years, and Lawrence Lorain, who is also employed at the mill.

Some time after the decease of his first wife our subject married the present Mrs. DuBois, whose maiden name was Sarah Atkinson: she was reared near Wheeling, West Virginia. The family prefer the religion of the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. DuBois is an ardent Republican, and although not a politician, he has been honored with the confidence of the people in his community and has served his party faithfully. From 1892 to 1894 he served as mayor of Bellaire, and his administration of city affairs during his term was commendable. As a business man he is straight forward and upright in his dealings, and he has few equals in the lumber business. Years of constant toil have brought to him a well-deserved reward, and he has long since reached an enviable position financially. He has a beautiful home which he built some time ago at No. 4211 Noble street. His office is located on Central avenue.

THOMAS D. FRITTER, a well-known and prosperous farmer of Belmont County, located in section 17, Union township, near Lafferty, was born in Belmont County on February 22, 1843, a son of Humphrey and Ann (Perkins) Fritter, both of whom were natives of Belmont County, the former a son of Moses and Sarah Fritter, of Stafford County. Humphrey Fritter was born in 1808 and died in 1866, aged 58 years. He owned a fine farm of 5o acres in Goshen township and there reared his family, became a prominent citizen, and served for a long period as one of the school directors. His wife was a daughter of Stephen and Catherine Perkins, natives of Frederick County, Virginia, making her home in section 17, Union township, until her death, September 4, 1902. Seven children were born to our subject's parents, he being the second in order of birth, the others being as follows: Sarah C., who married J. W. Hartsock, of Warren County, Ohio; Cilicia A., who married A. B. Phillips, lives in Meade County, South Dakota; Stephen W., who resides in Flushing township, is a farmer; Francis, who is a farmer and resides in this county, adjoining our subject; Martha, who

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still lives in the old home; and Sina, who is Mrs. Frank Spencer, of Boulder County, Colorado.

Thomas D. Fritter, of this biography, attended school in Belmont County, and later spent some time at study in Franklin College. He has devoted his life to farming, owning nine acres of land individually, and 150 acres in conjunction with his mother's estate, all of it being very valuable on account of its being underlaid with coal. This has not yet been developed, but the land is very fertile, and under Mr. Fritter's excellent management yields generously. He is no politician, but a man of extensive reading, owning and enjoying a large and well-selected library and keeping in touch with the literature of the day. He is a member of the Masonic order and has filled all of the offices of Flushing Lodge, No. 298, of Flushing, Ohio, temporarily. Several years since he accepted the office of land appraiser, but cares little for political honors or public place. He deservedly stands well as a substantial and worthy citizen of Union town. ship.

DAVID B. LONG, widely known in Belmont County as a veteran of the late Civil War, raises choice fruits and garden truck, etc., on his well tilled farm, about one and a half miles west of Bellaire. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Kilgore) Long, grandson of Jacob Long and was born .on the present site of the city of Bellaire, January 22, 1829.

Jacob Long was a substantial Pennsylvania Dutchman, and, was a native of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. His business career was a success in every way ; he hauled salt, when that commodity was worth $5 per bushel, and followed wagoning across the mountains to a great extent.

John Long, our subject's father, was born and reared in Mead township, Belmont County, and became one of the residents of Pultney township previous to the birth of our subject. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Kilgore, and they had a family of 11 children, whose names will be given later. Mr. Long died when 73 years of age in 1878, leaving his farm and its interests to the care of his widow and her children. Mrs. Long survived until 1884, when she too passed away, at the age of 84 years.

Our subject's brothers and sisters are as follows : Jacob, who is a dairyman, living south of Bellaire; William, residing in Pultney township, as does also his brother Alexander; Nancy Jane and Sybil, residents of Belmont County, one of whom resides at Cambridge; John, whose demise took place in the spring of 1902; Joseph, who died in the army; and three sisters, Martha, Mackey and Margaret, who are deceased.

The intellectual training of David B. Long was derived from the common schools of Pultney township, and his first active employment was found on the farm, where he worked until the beginning of the Civil War. At that time, he, together with all his brothers except Jacob, enlisted to serve his country, becoming a member of Company H, 61st Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and served as orderly sergeant of the company. He participated in many battles of importance and served, altogether, three years and two months, being mustered out of service in the spring of 1865. On August 20, 1864, while in line of battle under General Hooker at Peach Tree Creek, he was wounded, the ball striking his right shoulder and causing the amputation of his arm, on which account he has received a liberal pension for many years. He was also in the battle of Gettysburg with the 11th and 12th Army Corps, which were later sent to the Southwest and consolidated to form the 20th Army Corps.

At the close of the war, Mr. Long returned home and entered into the stock business—feeding, buying and selling with great profit. He spent 18 years in this manner on his farm, three miles west of Bellaire, and finally decided to journey west to Kansas. He chose his location in Labette County and spent two years, 1884-86, there, but the crops were not what he had expected and he was troubled

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with the ague, all of which led to his removal to his native place. Arriving once more at the scenes of his boyhood years, he built. his present home, about 10 years ago, and has met with unqualified success in business affairs since.

Mr. Long was married to Cynthia A. Shahan, in July, 1849. ' She was born and reared near Shadyside, Belmont County. Six sons and four daughters have been born to this union, namely : Harmon, John, James, Samuel, Edwin, George, Sarah Jane, Isabelle, Alice and Cynthia G. The last three are still residents of Belmont County. Sarah Jane lives in the State of Washington. George is a carpenter and also conducts a store near Warwick. Edwin and Samuel are farmers and fruit growers in Michigan. Samuel is a minister of the Gospel. James farms in Belmont County, and Harmon follows agricultural pursuits in Champaign County, Ohio. The family are Methodists in their religious convictions, the father having joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1849. In political affairs he is a true Republican and has served as township trustee, besides holding various other offices. He was formerly a member of the G. A. R. In all affairs which he undertakes he possesses the unbounded confidence and well wishes of his fellow citizens, and he has always been a credit to his community.

WILLIAM A. MERRITT, a representative farmer and popular citizen of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born on the fine farm which he now owns and operates, on April 23, 1857, a son of James F. Merritt, who died when William A. was but two years of age.

Daniel Merritt, the great-grandfather of our subject, entered 64o acres of land from the government in 1805, and our subject has in his possession the patent deed for the same, bearing the signatures of President Jefferson and Secretary of State James Madison. Daniel Merritt served as an officer through the., Revolutionary War, and left his sword and belt to his descendants. These were in the possession of our subject's father, but after his death, on March 18, 1859, were partially destroyed by fire. The sword with its silver mountings was turned into a corn-cutter and into silver rings, both now lost. Daniel Merritt was born August 15, 1750, and died on this farm after living upon it some 20 years; his brother, who was a surveyor, platted it. He reared a family of six children, three sons and three daughters, by his wife, Nancy Merritt, who was born February 2, 1762. These children were: Polly, Betsey, Plesy, John, William, and Josiah.

John Merritt, son of Daniel and grandfather of our subject, was born May 7, 1797, married Sarah Ferguson and died on this farm on January 1841. Their children were the following: James F., born February 18, 1820; Daniel, born November 27, 1821; Anna, born March 4, 1824; Nancy, born May 21, 1826; and Josiah, born August 31, 1828. John's wife, Sarah. died October 7, 1834, and he married Margaret Armstrong October 15, 1835, and these children were born: Sarah, born July 18, 1836; Mary Jane, born March 18, 1840; and John.

James Merritt, the father of our subject, married Christina Lodge on May 14, 1846, and the children born to this union were: Tamzen, born May 9, 1847, married Byron Hoge, of Wheeling township, and died October 15, 1889, leaving three sons, James B., Arthur W., and Frank G., all of whom are in business in Cleveland; Sarah C., born August 15, 1850, resides with our subject, William A., of this sketch.

William A. Merritt is one of the best-known and most highly. respected citizens of Wheeling township, not only on account of his excellence as a farmer, but also for those qualities which go to make a reliable and stable man, one of energy. honesty, integrity and good-fellowship. His home is one of the best improved in the township, and he is

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justly proud of his fine buildings and high-grade stock. In politics he is a Republican. differing from his father, and has held many of the county offices, has been school director for nine years and is clerk of the board; he was also his party's candidate for director of the County Infirmary, and was elected November 4, 1902, with 1,700 majority.

On March 18, 1891, Mr. Merritt was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Bentley, daughter of Solomon and Eleanor Bentley, of Richland township, and the children born to this union are: Tamzen C., born September 18, 1892; Anna E., born May 15, 1894; James B., born October 26, 1898; and William L., born January 31, 1900. Both Mr. and Mrs. Merritt belong to the Presbyterian Church. His land is very valuable, being underlaid with several veins of coal, while the third oil well of this section is located here, the derrick for its operation being in course of construction.

ALEXANDER Y. HENDERSON, a progressive farmer of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born on his present farm July 18, 1844, and is a son of Alexander and grandson of Andrew Henderson.

Andrew Henderson was born in Pennsylvania and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was father of the following children: Alexander, father of our subject; Andrew, who lived at Cambridge; William, who lived and died in the West; James, a United Presbyterian minister, who died in Iowa, where his family still reside; Matthew, born in 1807, lived in Wheeling township,—he married Miranda A. Perrian, who was born in New York City in 1811, and they had 11 children; John, who lived in Belmont County, died at St. Clairsville in 1897; Martha, who married John Carnahan, died in Athens, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of William McFarland, died in Athens, Ohio; and Mary. wife of John Kerr, died in Belmont County.

Alexander Henderson was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, in 1797, and was a young man when he came with his father to Ohio about 1815. He settled and cleared the land which became known as the old family homestead, it at one time comprising more than 500 acres. He was father of the following children: Andrew, born in Belmont County, in 1824, moved to Missouri after the war, in which he and two sons, Samuel and William, fought. He later went west, and at the time of his death in 1899 was living in Boonville, Missouri. William, born in 1828, lived in Colerain township until his death, and his family still reside there. James, born in 1832, was captain of Company G, 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was wounded at Snicker's Gap July 18, 1864. He died in Colerain township in 1873. Alexander Y. is the subject of this biography. Mary Jane, born in 1826, married Samuel Sloan, by whom she had 11 children. Martha, born in 1830, married William Kerr, who died in 1890, leaving four children. Elizabeth, who lives in Kansas, is the widow of John Baker, who died in 1901. Hannah Ann, wife of James Coulter, lives near Harrisville, in Harrison County, Ohio.

Alexander Y. Henderson attended the common schools of his community, and was but 20 years of age when he enlisted in Company G, 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He participated in the engagements at Snicker's Gap and Winchester, and was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. He has always followed farming as an occupation, and just after his marriage settled on the farm to the south of his present location. His house was destroyed by fire in 1868, and was replaced by a handsome new brick home at a cost of $3,200. He moved to his present farm in 1900 and erected a new house and barn. He has 40 acres of the old homestead, and follows general farming and stock raising. He raises nothing but registered stock, and makes a specialty of Chester White hogs and Scotch Collie dogs. He is a fine penman, and in 1900 was called upon to take the

654 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

census of the township. He has been notary public since 1896, school director seven or eight years, and has held other township offices. He is a Republican, and has been central committeeman for a period of 12 years.

Our subject was married October 25, 1866. to Rachel A. Coulter, who was born January 8, 1844, and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann Coulter. Her father was born in Maryland in 1816 and died January 8, 1901; her mother was born in Belmont County in 1815 and died in 1890. Ten children were born to this union: Charles L., September 13, 1867, a veterinary surgeon of Flushing; Alfred H., born March 6, 1869, agent and telegraph operator at Fairpoint, married Laura Berry, of Bridgeport; Frank Wilmer, born December 23, 1870, who is cashier of the First National Bank of Bridgeport, married Carrie Branum; Alonzo Ross, born December 15, 1872, is in the employ of the Crescent Coal Company, he was married March 30, 1893, to Nona Edwards, and has three children; Elma Novelta, born January 24, 1875, married William F. Lemmon and lives in Harrison County, Ohio; Luman C., born February 7, 1877, is telegraph operator on the Lake Erie Railroad, near Canton. Ohio; Oralena T., born January 13, 1879, is at home; Marion F., born October 17, 1882; Anna Angelica, born December 29, 1885; and Alexander Y., Jr. Religiously, the family belongs to the U. P. Church.

CHARLES E. POTTS, night superintendent of the Aetna Standard Mill, at No. 706 West Washington street, Martin's Ferry, is a man who, as his position indicates, carries the respect and esteem of his employers and is numbered among the representative citizens of his county. He is a son of Nathan H. and Anna D. Potts and was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 7. 1867.

Nathan H. Potts followed farming pursuits until the war broke out between the North and South, and he enlisted in the army in April, 1861, during the first call of President Lincoln for 75,000 volunteers. He was wounded in the left limb at Salem, May 3, 1863, and returned to his home, where he took a position as chief of telegraph operators in Philadelphia. During the remainder of his life he held this position, and January 19, 1884, he departed this life, aged 44 years, four months and 20 days. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the latter's death took place September 30, 1874, at the age of 24 years. They had only two children, Charles, our subject, and Orville, who died in 1872 at the age of two years, having contracted the smallpox when it was epidemic in Philadelphia.

Our subject was reared by his grandparents and sent to school in Philadelphia, after which he learned the trade of a tanner and currier for four years, and went to Martin's Ferry in 1886. He found employment in the Aetna Standard Mill, where he has ever since been engaged, and he has held his present position for nearly five years.

March 12, 1894, he was united in marriage with Olive Carpenter, a daughter of Eugene and Oella (Farmer) Carpenter, and a native of Martin's Ferry. The Farmers and Carpenters were old families, well known in Belmont County, who were born, reared and died with the interests of its cities and towns at heart. Mrs. Potts is one of a family of ten children—Leona V., who died when 19 years of age; Olive, our subject's wife; Ethel M., who died March 6, 1889, aged 14 years; Claud E., a cooper in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania; Pearl, who died at the age of six weeks; Pearl, the second, now Mrs. Larry Broderick, residing in Coraopolis also; Myrtle, a resident of Springdale, Pennsylvania; Isaac C., numbered among the residents of Coraopolis, where he is following the trade of a cooper; Grover C., likewise a cooper in Coraopolis; Una, who died July

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3, 1891, aged 14 months. The parents were devoted and active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Potts have three children, viz., Wilfred Eugene, Elton Gifford and Thelma Leota. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father of Mrs. Potts died March 16, 1901, aged 51 years, and his wife died October 9, 1894. They left an example and record as most excellent people, leading devout and worthy lives, which afford a pleasing memory to a large circle of acquaintances.

MATTHEW CLARK MITCHELL, of Martin's Ferry, whose death occurred in January, 1900, was born on Scotch Ridge, Belmont County, Ohio. July 22, 1840. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Porter Mitchell, and was one of a family of five children.

Mr. Mitchell took a prominent part in politics, and his advice was much sought in party councils. He filled many offices with credit. From 1865 to 1870, inclusive, he was chief clerk in the Patent Office at Washington, D. C. He was mayor of Martin's Ferry from 1882 to 1885, and from 1888 to 1889. He was justice of the peace for two terms. Following the election of President Harrison. Mr. Mitchell was made postmaster of Martin's Ferry, continuing in office during the whole administration. At the time of Mr. Mitchell's death, he was chairman of the county board of deputy state supervisors of election, and had been elected land appraiser for the city. In Mr. Mitchell's death, the people at large suffered a loss only second to that sustained by his family. Upon many occasions his sound judgment and keen insight were of incalculable value to the public. Endowed with grateful, genial manners, he made many warm friends, who greatly regretted his untimely demise.

In 1877 Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage with Mary E. Kennon. a member of a prominent family of St. Clairsville, Ohio. Four daughters,—Ellen, Mary, Sarah B. and Ruth, —and his widow survived him. Ellen graduated from the Martin's Ferry High School, in the class of 1898 and also from King's School of Oratory, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In June, 1901, she was married to Paul Bogle, son of the well-known divine of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. S. J. Bogle, D. D. Mary graduated from the Martin's Ferry High School in the class of 1900. Sarah B. graduated from the Martin's Ferry High School in the class of 1902. It is worthy of remark that all of these talented young ladies graduated from their home school, their father having faith in its scholarship and an assured feeling that it was the best in the State. Ruth, who is the youngest of the family, is a student in the High School and will graduate in the class of 1906. The mother of this family, as noted, is a woman of great executive ability and under all circumstances has proved herself equal to the demands made upon her. The home is one of education and refinement and its members are prominent in the social life of the city.

Wilson S. Kennon, attorney-at-law, was born May 15, 1826, at St. Clairsville, a son of William Kennon. He was educated in his native town and at Bethany College, read law with his father, was admitted to the bar and practiced law until the outbreak of the Civil \Var. In 1861 he was made the Union candidate and was elected to the Legislature. In 1862 he was appointed by Governor Todd, Secretary of State. In 1863, Secretary of War Stanton appointed him paymaster in the army, in which capacity he served four years. Upon his resignation being accepted, he removed to Cincinnati and there entered upon the practice of law with Judge Okey and Milton Saylor. Mr. Kennon remained in that city until 1871, returning then to his native place on account of his father's illness. He was elected and served from 1874 to 1878 as prosecuting attorney. His death occurred in June, 1897.

Ellis E. Kennon, the second son of Hon. William Kennon, was born in St. Clairsville, in April, 1830. He received a liberal education at Bethany College, Virginia, studied law with his father and completed his course with Hon.

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Hugh J. Jewett and was admitted to the bar in 1854. In November, 1855, he married Eleanor M. Sutton and his one daughter is Mrs. Matthew Clark Mitchell, of Martin's Ferry. During the Civil War, he was made adjutant of the 98th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and at the battle of Perryville, where he was performing the duties of acting adjutant general, he distinguished himself as a true and courageous soldier. The death of Ellis E. Kennon occurred in June, 1878, while he was yet in the prime of life. His reputation was that of one of the leading lawyers at the bar of Belmont County.

JAMES TAYLOR, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a representative of two old and highly regarded families of both Pennsylvania and Ohio. He is a son of William and Margaret (Gillespie) Taylor, formerly of Pennsylvania, later of Guernsey County, Ohio.

The Taylors came originally from Ireland, the great-grandfather of James Taylor of this sketch having been born in that land and later becoming the founder of the family in Washington County, near Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. The Gillespies also came from Ireland, Grandfather James Gillespie either having been born in that land or upon the ocean during the voyage to the United States. The Taylor family settled in Knox County, Ohio, at a later date, and there the children of Grandfather John Taylor were born, removal being made to Belmont County in 1824.

Grandfather John Taylor married Mary McNaught prior to leaving Pennsylvania, and in 1824 they came to Wheeling township and in 1825 settled upon the farm which our subject now owns. This farm was entered by William McWilliams under a patent deed and was sold later to John Taylor, by whom it was cleared with the assistance of his sons. At the time of location, the country was still unsettled, wild animals still being seen in the forests and equally dangerous savages still menacing life and property. Those were days in which men went prepared to meet a foe in every stranger. A little incident, which remained fresh in the mind of Grandfather Taylor through life, exemplifies this in a marked degree. He was a man of powerful physique, and was always alert and watchful for attacks from Indians, which were still frequent. One day he sat in his house cobbling a pair of shoes, in which business he was using a sharp leather knife, when a rap at his cabin door was heard and when, with knife in hand, he unfastened the latch he was confronted with a rifle in the hands of an individual dressed in coon skins. Taken completely by surprise, when the stranger lunged at him Mr. Taylor sprang upon the supposed Indian and slashed his coat from one side to the other, barely escaping making a serious wound. However, no copper-skin appeared under the clothing, and he was horrified to find that he had almost killed a cousin, Thomas Raiffe, who had played a rather dangerous practical joke. He lived to see the savages disappear from his lands and to see a part of the wonderful development of this garden spot of Belmont County. John Taylor was born October 1, 1783, and died in 1861. His children were these: Thomas, born April 21, 1807; Elizabeth, born January 20, 1809; John, born October 5, 1810, died March 30, 1896; Margaret, born January 26, 1813; Nathaniel, born December 15, 1814, died September 3, 1889; William, born August 1, 1817; Henry, born April 5, 1822, and Sarah Jane, born October 7, 1825.

William Taylor, the father of our subject, was a man of high moral character and was well educated for his time and locality. On March 11, 184o, he married Margaret Gillespie, and they had three children born to them, namely, John, who died at the age of six years; James, the subject of this review, and Henry, born May 16, 1845. Both he and wife were members of the Associate Reform Church in .which he was an elder, as his father had been before him, later becom-

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ing attached to the United Brethren religious body. The farm of 160 acres which had been the property of John Taylor is now owned by Henry and James Taylor. The father and his two sons lived on and operated the old farm of nearly 300 acres, Henry remaining at home after marriage. William Taylor died August 28, 1893, his wife dying many years previously, on February 18, 1882.

James Taylor was born on January 4, 1843, and on September 1, 1864, at the age of 21 years, he married Sarah Louisa Thompson, daughter of Samuel L. Thompson, of Morgan County, Ohio. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are: Emmet A., born August 24, 1865, was married May 14, 1899, to Nellie Coleman, and resides near his father, engaged in farming; William, born October 6, 1868, on March 18, 1896, married Maggie I. Walker, and has three children; Mary, born December 25, 1875, died June 5, 1883; and Nannie L., born November 23, 1879, who resides at home. Mr. Taylor's farm is located in the coal and oil belt and is regarded as one of the most desirable in Wheeling township. He engages in farming and stock raising and has been very successful in both lines. The family is one which has commanded respect and esteem for many years, and Wheeling township has no more useful citizen than James Taylor.

CHARLES B. WRIGHT, who is well known as proprietor of the Horner House, of Morristown, Ohio, was born in Goshen township, Belmont County, Ohio, September 29, 1863, and is a son of Chattam B. and Margaret Jane (Kinney) Wright, both natives of Goshen township, where they now reside on a farm of 80 acres.

Chattam Wright, father of our subject, served as Infirmary director for two terms during the "nineties." As a result of his union with Margaret Jane Kinney, he had nine children, two of whom, Martha and Josiah, died at the age of three years. Theseven who grew up to maturity are: John W., a stock dealer of Belmont; Clinton K., who resides on a farm in Goshen township; George H., who resides on a farm in Goshen township; Charles B., whose name heads this sketch; Fred I., a farmer of Goshen township; Abbie, wife of Samuel Boroff, of St. Clairsville; and Alice J., wife of William F. Bentley, a farmer of Goshen township.

Charles B. Wright was educated in the common schools of Goshen township, and assisted in the work on the farm until he attained his majority, when he was married and began life for himself. He engaged in the huckstering business and conducted a store in his township, also in Wheeling, West Virginia. He served as township trustee for a period of three years, but refused to run for another term. He removed to Morristown in 1894, and here conducted a store very successfully until 1897, when he established his present hotel business. He has attained great popularity with the traveling public, his table being supplied with the best the market affords. Mr. Wright looks carefully to the comfort of his guests and sees that they receive the best of service, and his untiring efforts have been crowned with success.

On October 15, 1885, Mr. Wright was joined in marriage with Carrie Dermott, who was born December 7, 1866, in Belmont County, and is a daughter of William and Sarah (Kinney) Dermott. Her father was a native of Ireland, coming therefrom with his parents when a small boy. He was a son of John and Margaret Dermott, who located on a farm in Belmont County. William Dermott resides on a farm south of Belmont, Belmont County, Ohio. He is a member of the Masonic order. His wife's maiden name was Sarah Kinney and she first married Cyrus Ewers, by whom she had four children: Mary, wife of Jonah Gildon, of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania; Henry Clay, who is in the hardware business in Bagley, Iowa; Cyrus D., who is a partner of his brother, Henry Clay; and John, who died

660 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

in childhood. As a result of her union with Mr. Dermott she had three children: the wife of our subject; Herman, who resides at the home of his father, married Alta Russell and has one son, Sewell; and Edwin, who died at the age of 22. Mr. Dermott was a soldier in the Civil War and served in the 98th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., until the close of the war. He accompanied General Sherman in his famous march to the sea and was at the siege of Atlanta.

Mr. and Mrs. Wright have five children: Clyde, Mabel, Hazel, Harry, and George. Our subject is a Republican in politics. Fraternally he is a member of Hazen Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 251 also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

D. T. PHILLIPS, M. D., physician and surgeon, and mayor of the town of Morristown, Ohio, has had a uniformly successful career both in his profession and as a political leader. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, on March 31, 1868, a son of Elijah and Delilah (Keadle) Phillips, both of whom are natives of the same county.

The family is of Welsh origin, Evan Phillips, the grandfather of Dr. Phillips, being born in Maryland of Welsh parents. Elijah Phillips was born in 1828 and has followed an agricultural life in Belmont County until the present date, and has been identified with township affairs, serving as trustee and for the two past consecutive terms as township land appraiser. The mother of Dr. Phillips was born in 1836 and married in 1854. With her husband, she is active and valued in the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Phillips is one of a family of 13 children born to his parents, the eighth in order of birth, the others being the following: James L., a cabinetmaker, carpenter and contractor at Beallsville, Ohio; John M., a farmer of this county, died in January, 1892, about 34 years of age; Melissa E., solicitor for the Singer Sewing Machine Company in Cleveland, Ohio; William D., formerly in the express business, now in the postal service, since 1892 on the route between Cleveland and Indianapolis; Minnie, the wife of William Deaver, residents on a part of the home farm; Elijah B., chief of police at Plattsmouth, State of Nebraska; Martha J., deceased; Rodney A., a professional musician and stage performer; Almeda E., the wife of Giffen Null, a farmer in this county; Walter S., a contracting plumber, was smothered in a trench he was inspecting, at Carroll, Iowa; and Addie L. and Jennie Florence, both at home, highly educated young ladies, quite capable as teachers. The whole family is musical, and while only one brother has turned his talent into a business, when all are at home an orchestra is formed which could command a high price from an opera or concert manager. All have been thoroughly educated and represent one of the most intellectual as well as physically perfect families in the community. The five surviving brothers have the unique distinction of being of the same height, over six feet, and are equally proportioned, and all are men of dignified bearing and affable manner.

Dr. Phillips was fortunate in his birth and environments, coming into a family where culture, education and refinement occupied proper positions in the scheme of life. After completing his common school course, he was given advantages in the Beallsville Normal school, and then took up the profession of teaching, and succeeded so well that if he had not been still more strongly influenced in the direction of medicine, he would doubtless have become one of the State's leading educators. For 52 months he continued a teacher, in the meantime reading medicine under Dr. G. W. Steward, of Jerusalem, Ohio, and so thoroughly prepared himself in the details that his graduation from Starling Medical College, of Columbus, followed in 1897. Dr. Phillips graduated at the head of his class and was awarded the gold medal for excellent scholarship. On account of this brilliancy, he

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was in demand as hospital interne, but refused several very flattering offers in order to locate at Morristown and enter upon regular practice. Since April, 1897, he has been a successful practitioner in this town, being especially skilled in surgery. He is a member of the American Medical Association, is examiner for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, and is lodge physician for both the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. The most cordial relations exist between him and brother practitioners, and he is a valued member of fraternal and social organizations.

Dr. Phillips acts politically with the Democratic party in State and national affairs, but independently in local matters. In 1899 he was appointed mayor of Morristown to fill the unexpired term of Hon. A. M. Majors, and so well were municipal affairs managed and adjusted by him that at the election in the spring of 1902 he was the candidate of both parties, who were glad to testify to his efficiency and to enjoy a clean, conservative and effective administration. Dr. Phillips is yet a young man and his past and present popularity point to still higher honors, both in professional and political life. Dr. Phillips is a member of Hazen Lodge, No. 251, F. & A. M., and Chapter No. 69, R. A. M., of Barnesville, Ohio.

GEORGE CROZIER. Among the well-known and highly respected farmer citizens of Mead township, George Crozier is prominent, as one who has acquired a competency through his own industry, and who has identified himself with the measures which have tended to the prosperity and advancement of the interests of this community. Mr. Crozier owns and resides upon the farm on which he was born, February 7, 1830, a son of James and Christina (Armstrong) Crozier, the latter of whom died when he was but a child of six years.

James Crozier was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and accompanied his father to America at the age of 16 years. They loacted first in Carroll County, Ohio, later came to Belmont, and, in 1825, James Crozier married Christina Armstrong. The farm, which Grandfather George Crozier bought in Mead township, descended to his son, James, and later to our subject, who bought the interests of the other heirs, becoming thus heavily in debt before he was 21 years of age.

In 1851 our subject was married to Margaret Boyd, daughter of. William Boyd, of Richland township, and a large and most estimable family has been born to them, as follows: James, who is unmarried, is engaged in a mining business in Colorada; Jemima Jane, who married Thomas J. Watt, a farmer of Smith township, has two children, William and Martha; William Boyd, who was drowned at the age of 22 years, at Cedar Creek, Illinois; Robert L., who has recently married, resides in California, having engaged in mining in the Cripple Creek district in Colorado; Emma Catherine, who is the wife of Albert McKelvey; A. M. F., who is a practicing physician in Hocking County, in the mining district, graduated from the medical department of the State University at Columbus, six years ago; Margaret Ann, who is the wife of Perry B. Myers of Pultney township, has one son, George; Joseph Presley, who married Jennie Eddington, of Bellville, Ohio, resides on the home farm, and has two sons, George Eddington and Stanley; Nenna B., who married Samuel Kirkland, resides near her father; Mary Luella, who married Ellis Myers, resides in York township ; Samuel Bruce, who is a dental student at Columbus ; and a daughter, who died in infancy.

When the call came in 1864 for 100-day recruits to repel the invaders from the State, Mr. Crozier was one to respond, although he left a wife and six little children to do so. He was a member of Company C, 170th Reg., Ohio National Guard, the regiment being in the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 8th Army Corps. Soon after enlistment he was made sergeant of his company. His duty was mainly confined to guard and garrison, although he took part in

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the troubles at Harper's Ferry and at Snicker's Ford, on July 24, 1864, when his regiment lost 135 men. He returned home in September, 1864, and resumed his ordinary occupations. When Mr. Crozier started out in life he owned, or rather was in debt for, 118 acres, which has been increased to 325 acres, all his own property. In the autumn of 1901 he retired from its active management. At this time he and his estimable wife celebrated their golden wedding, all of the children being present, except one. It is the pleasant custom of this united family to have an annual reunion on the home farm, north of Businessburg. He belongs to the United Presbyterian Church of Belmont. In political belief he is a stanch Republican, and was a member of the Farmers' Alliance. Few men in Mead township are more highly regarded or considered more thoroughly representative.

N. J. HATCHER, one of the substantial and representative farmers and popular citizens of Belmont County, residing on his farm in section 2, Union township, near Loydsville, was born August 3, 1828, in Union township, a son of Elijah and Jane (Craig) Hatcher, both of whom were natives of Loudoun County.

Elijah Hatcher, the father, was born August 15, 1796, in Loudoun County, Virginia, a son of Quaker parents, Noah and Rachel (Beans) Hatcher, the former of whom died of old age in Virginia, the latter, coming to Ohio at an early day, died at the age of 86 years. Of the children of Noah and Rachel Hatcher, Edward died in Virginia. John, the youngest, lived for many years near Portland, Oregon, having been a pilot and teamster for General Fremont, and a noted trader with .the Indians. The others were Elijah and Mary, the former of whom was the father of the subject of this biography.

In 1822 Elijah Hatcher was married in Loudoun County, Virginia, to Jane Craig, who was born on August 15, 1806, on the same day of the month as her husband, but 10 years later. From early girlhood she was a member of the Methodist Church and was a woman of noble character, devoted to her home and church. She passed away on January 16, 1889, at the age of 82 years and five months. In 1827 Elijah Hatcher and .wife came to Ohio and engaged in farming in Belmont County, and held many of the township offices. Although a birthright member of the Society of Friends, prior to decease he united with the Methodist Church, of which his wife was so consistent a member. These most estimable people had a family of seven children, namely: N. J., of this sketch; Rebecca, who resides near the toll gate, on the National Road, in this county; Rachel, who married Joseph Pancoast, is deceased, as is also her husband; Eliza, who married James B. Hogue, the first white child born in Grundy County, Illinois, is deceased; Sarah, who married Leander Moore, resides in Lucas County, Iowa; John, who also is a resident of Iowa; and Cecilia, who married Charles Pickering, of Richland township, Belmont County.

N. J. Hatcher obtained his education in the country schools and in the advanced school at Loydsville, and grew to manhood as his father's assistant on the farm. At the age of 21 he began operating for himself, and for many years has taken a prominent position among the leading agriculturists and large land owners of the county. Mr. Hatcher owns very valuable land, the Pittsburg vein underlying all of it, while its fertility makes it desirable for farming purposes. He owns 218 acres in section 2 and a farm of 77 acres in Richland township, adjoining the former tract in Union township.

On May 7, 1856, Mr. Hatcher was married to Mary E. Gregg, a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio with her parents when two years of age. She was the eldest of the family of eight children born to her parents, Hendley and Amy Gregg, the others being:

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Joshua, who is a farmer in Pottawattamie County, Iowa; Samuel, deceased, who lived in Warren County, Iowa; Hendley, who resides on the home place, in Goshen township, this county; Frances and Henrietta, unmarried, who live in Barnesville; William, deceased, who lived in Iowa; and Victoria, who is Mrs. Thomas Rogers, of Barnesville. Mrs. Hatcher died May 1, 1891, a consistent member of the Methodist Church, a woman of lovely life and character, possessing a disposition of cheerfulness, disposed to contribute to the happiness of all about her, valued in her church and beloved in her family. Her five children were the following: Rosa M., still at home; Amy J., the wife of J. W. Wilkinson, county commissioner, more extended mention of whom will be found elsewhere; John William, born June 7, 1861, died June 7, 1863, at the age of two years; Elijah Clyde, who is in the wholesale grocery business at Allegheny City, married Orpha Sidebottom and has two children,, Emmett and Ellen; Grace, who is Mrs. Robert Hood, resides at Cambridge, Ohio, and has one child, Mary; and Ida M., who is at home.

Mr. Hatcher has long been well known as a capitalist, and has been a director in the Second National Bank of St. Clairsville; has been a capable member of the School Board for years, and has acceptably filled other local positions.

WILLIAM A. GIFFEN, a prominent farmer of Belmont County, Ohio, who owns and operates one of the large and productive farms in Colerain township, near St. Clairsville, was born not far from Martin's Ferry, in this county, on Glenn's Run, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Kerr) Giffen, the former of whom was a native of Ohio County, West Virginia, and the latter of Belmont County.

In 1825 the parents of Samuel Giffen settled on the farm now owned by our subject, William A. Giffen, all of this land probably being underlaid with rich coal veins. Samuel resided at Glenn's Run for 15 years, but in 1861 located on this property, where he immediately began improvements, erecting a comfortable residence and building a commodious barn. He was a straightforward, public-spirited citizen, actively in sympathy with the Republican party, and prominent in the religious and educational advancement of the county. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church and reared his family in that faith. Samuel Giffen was born June 6, 1810, and died October 5, 1884, his wife being some years younger, born on November 1, 1823, and died on January 27, 1898, very generally regretted on account of her active interest in church work and her kindness to neighbors and devotion to family and friends. She belonged to one of the old and honorable families of the county, Robert and Sarah (Taggart) Kerr being her parents, the former of whom came to America from Scotland, and the latter, born in 1802, from Ireland.

On the paternal side, Grandfather John Giffen, with his wife, Elizabeth (Morrison) Giffen, with his ten children also, came to Belmont County in 1825, from Ohio County, (West) Virginia. These children were: Mary, Mrs. David Coats, born July 17, 1799; Robert, born November 28, 1801, was county recorder of Belmont County, and died unmarried; William, born March 21, 1804, married, first, a Miss Graham, and, second, Mary Morrison; John, born February 28, 1806; Joseph, born March 1, 1808; Samuel, born June 6, 1810; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Denham, was born April 2, 1813, and is the last survivor of the family; Jane, born May 8, 1815, was Mrs. James Frazier; Morrison, born September 22, 1817; and Sarah A., born February 5, 1820, married William Grimes, and both have long since passed away. The maternal family was also large and became well known through the county, the eldest of the family being the mother of our subject; the others as follows:

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James Kerr, born in 1824, resides at Martin's Ferry; Catherine married John Porterfield, and both are deceased; Sarah J. married Samuel Thompson and resides in St. Clairsville; Robert, deceased, was a farmer in this county; Isaac and Peter, twins, are both deceased; Peter (2) studied for the ministry, but enlisted in the army in the Civil War, and died while on a furlough from disease contracted in the service; Louisa died at the age of five years; and Mary, born July 17, 1844, died December 9, 1898. Thus passed away members of two prominent families of the county, but they left behind them records of worthy lives and representatives who inherited their most admirable traits of character.

A family of 12 children was born to Samuel and Margaret Giffen, namely: John, Sarah E., Robert K., Isaac, James P., William A., Morrison E., Samuel R., Mary L., Laura, James, and Margaret B. John Giffen is a distinguished clergyman of the United Presbyterian Church. He graduated at Westminster College in 1871, and at Allegheny Seminary in 1875 and immediately accepted work in the missionary field in Egypt, and has been located at various points, during the greater part of the time being assistant at the church in Cairo. There he has been instructor in Associate College and Cairo Theological Seminary, and is a man of great learning. His first marriage was to Mary Galoway, of Due West, South Carolina, who died in October, 1881. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Newlin, in 1883. Sarah E. married William Hinkle, a farmer and fruit grower, and they live near Cameron, West Virginia. Robert K. is a traveling salesman. He first married Emma Brown, and later her sister Ella, and resides in Wheeling. Isaac married Margaret Paxton, now deceased, and resides on a farm near Martin's Ferry. Jane C. died at the age of 20 months. Morrison E. graduated from Muskingum College in the class of 1886, and from Allegheny Seminary in the spring of 1889, and in the fall of the latter year went as a missionary to Egypt, where he has since been occupied, having charge of the distribution of books and village work as minister and missionary. He married Miss Franc Martin in 1886. Samuel R., born in 1860, was a farmer, and died February 2, 1900. James P. is a graduate of Muskingum College of 1891, and of Xenia Theological Seminary of 1894, and is a minister of the United Presbyterian Church, located at Edgerton, Kansas. He married Libbia Sleeth. All of the daughters were also given collegiate advantages.

William A. Giffen is a graduate of Muskingum College, and has been identified with agricultural interests during the greater part of his life. After the death of his father, he attended to the settling of the estate, and has charge of the home farm, consisting of about 300 acres, the greater part of which is still undivided. His personal estate comprises 200 acres or more, all of which is very valuable, both for farming purposes and also for its coal deposits.

Mr. Giffen is an active Republican and a substantial and representative citizen. Like his father, he has ever been held in high esteem in Colerain township.

JOHN W. WILKINSON, very favorably known through Belmont County, on account of efficient service as county commissioner and as a useful and representative citizen, resides upon his valuable farm, comprising 170 acres in section 3, Union township, was born in Smith township, near Lewis' Mills, on July 24, 1854, a son of William and Mary Ann (Leckletter) Wilkinson, both of whom were natives of Ohio.

William Wilkinson also followed farming as his chief occupation through life, owning large tracts of valuable land, and for six years was county commissioner. His death took place in May, 1878, at the age of 65 years. As a man of business and integrity he probably stood second to none

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in the county, and both he and wife were as highly respected as they were widely known. The latter died at the age of 61 years, a devoted member of the Christian Church. These parents had a family of 11 children born to them, as follows: Milo, who served three years in the Civil War, a member of the 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., re-enlisted, was wounded, and died in the hospital; Sadie, who first married Solomon Spencer, and, second, Dr. McMaster, is now a widow and resides in Smith township; Clark, a soldier, who served in the Civil War in the 98th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., was wounded at Perryville, Kentucky, later became editor of the "Belmont Chronicle," resides in Spokane, Washington, actively engaged in literary work, a man of unusual mentality; Isaac, who owns a fine estate of over 800 acres in Mitchell County, Kansas; Carrie, who married A. P. White, resides on a farm near the old homestead; Alice, who married Alfred H. Mitchell, a prominent attorney of St. Clairsville, and more extended mention of him may be found on another page; Emily, who died at the age of 16 years; John W., who is our subject; Frank, who resides in Kansas, was the founder of a glass works in Indiana, and was treasurer of the company; Julia, who was a bright and promising student at the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, died of quick consumption; and Elizabeth, who married James Hinney, is also deceased.

John W. Wilkinson was given educational advantages both in the local schools and at college, later entering upon an agricultural life which he has followed ever since with great success. His farm is well located, his buildings combine comfort, beauty and utility, and all of his surroundings display the air of prosperity which proclaims the careful manager and excellent farmer. In 1896 he was elected county commissioner, on the same ticket which carried the names of the lamented President McKinley and Vice-President Hobart, and served until the end of his term.

On May 19, 1881, our subject was married to Jennie A. Hatcher, a native of Warren township, Belmont County, and a daughter of James and Amy Hatcher, of this township. The four children born to this union were: Fred C., a student of Lebanon, Ohio, is a teacher in Belmont County; Walter, educated at Morristown; James died at the age of ten months; and Clark died at the age of five months. The religious association of the family is with the Methodist Church, in which Mr. Wilkinson is a trustee, and all are most highly esteemed members of society.

GEORGE W. REECE, who is engaged in a real estate and loan business at Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, is one of the active and enterprising citizens to which this section owes much of its recent wonderful growth.

The birth of Mr. Reece took place on July 27, 1847, a son of George W. and Sarah (Hill) Reece, the latter of whom was the thirteenth child born to Thomas and Sarah Hill, her advent into the world being in mid-ocean, on a sailing vessel, between England and America, this vessel being 90 days overdue on account of adverse winds. George W. Reece, the father of our subject, was a blacksmith by trade and was employed at the Barnes Glass Works at what was then known as "Ritchietown," but which is now included in the corporate limits of Wheeling. Later he located at the point now known as Benwood and there started into business for himself. He was known over a wide extent of country as an expert in his trade, and owners of horses would come long distances in order that he should shoe their valuable animals. Mr. Reece was also known for his genial manner and his place of business was a favorite resort for the better class, who there discussed matters of general interest while they were confident that

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he was doing work in his line in the most skilled manner. After Mr. Reece gave up his business at this place and went to Wheeling, his many friends were distressed to learn that he there succumbed to the cholera, in 1849. His was one of the most virulent cases, being fatal in a few hours. This was remarkable, as he was a man of such strength and agility, that he could run and jump over a horse or seat himself so nimbly beside a rider that he would not be noticed for some time. He was regarded as the leader of athletic sports in his locality, which were then of the most innocent nature, consisting principally of tests of skill for the enjoyment of others, no speculation being attached to the contests. Although he was not a church member, he was a man who lived an exemplary life. He accompanied his wife to the Methodist Church, with which she was connected. His wife died of cholera two days prior to his death.

Our subject was not much over two years of age when his father died and he was the youngest member of a family of five children, named as follows : John E., Eliza J., Mary F., an infant, deceased, and George W. John E., who resides at Lazearville, West Virginia, where he is postmaster, served three years as a drummer in the 1st Reg. Virginia Vol. Inf., was captured at Moorefield, Virginia, kept in Libby Prison over 90 days and then returned home; Eliza J., who is the widow of Mitchell Reagan, is a trained nurse; Mary F., who died at the age of 43 years, was the wife of Rev. F. Byrnes, of the Disciples' Church.

George W. Reece acquired his education in the schools in his neighborhood and worked around the coal mines in West Virginia until 1882 and then worked in a grocery which was known as the "Drovers' Home," located at North Benwood. He later became interested in it. In the flood of February, 8, 1884, all he had accumulated was swept away, and he then came to Martin's Ferry. For a few years he worked at the carpenter trade, then embarked in the confectionery business and in 1892 became interested in real estate and loans, a business he has followed ever since. For over a year he dealt exclusively in Ohio and West Virginia coal and timber lands. He is now the president and director of the Uneeda Tool & Machine Works, of Martin's Ferry, and has done much in the interest of this and other city industries.

The marriage of Mr. Reece took place on October 24, 1872, to Grizzella J. Riggle, a native of West Virginia, a daughter of Amos Riggle. Both of her parents are deceased. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Reece are: Jacob, who resides at Zanesville, Ohio; Elizabeth (Mrs. Rev. Ravenscroft), who resides in Missouri; David, who resides in Colorado; Lavina, who is Mrs. Harry Patterson, of McMechen, West Virginia; Emma (Mrs. Dalby Marple), who died in 1900; Florence (Mrs. Charles Kirby), who died about 1890; and Margaret (Mrs. James Thomas), who resides in Wheeling. Mrs. Reece is a very useful member of the Presbyterian Church, belongs to the religious order of that body known as the King's Daughters, is a member of the Home Missionary Society and is active in the ladies' social and church organizations in the city. Mr. Reece is an elder in the Presbyterian Church and a liberal supporter of its benevolent and missionary enterprises. His fraternal connection is with the American Order of United Workmen, in which he has passed all the chairs. He takes no active interest in politics, beyond voting the Republican ticket, but in all other matters pertaining to civic life he is interested and ever ready with his efforts.

EDWARD M. SIMPSON. Among the prominent and influential citizens of Colerain township, Belmont County, Ohio, there is none who stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens than the gentleman whose name appears above. He is a native of Ohio, having been born in Canton, November 24, 1840, and is a son of Francis and Isabella (Laird) Simpson.

Francis Simpson, father of our subject, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in

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1800. After the death of his father and the remarriage of his mother, Francis was bound out to John Dillon, a Quaker of Zanesville, Ohio, when he was but seven years old. There he learned the iron trade, and when 21 years of age was offered $1,000 a year to manage the work, a position which he accepted. He was manager of the Dillon Iron Foundry for years, and then with his brother-in-law, James Hazlett, bought the iron works at Sandyville, Ohio, which they conducted for some years. He moved to Belmont County in 1841, and lived near Morristown until his death in 1876, at the age of 76 years. Religiously, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. For a period of 20 years he satisfactorily discharged the duties of clerk of Union township. He was three times married, his first union being with Isabella Laird, by whom he had four children, namely: Mary, widow of John Smurr, residing in Topeka. Kansas; William, a resident of Cambridge, Ohio; Edward M., subject of this sketch; and Isabella, wife of Eugene Dillon. After the death of his first wife at the age of 35 years. Mr. Simpson formed a second union with Margaret Gordon, now deceased, by whom he had a son, Robert. He formed a third matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Duncan, and she died without issue.

Edward M. Simpson attended the common schools, and as a boy assisted his father on the farm. He began farming for himself at the age of 21 years, and has always continued at that vocation. He came to Colerain township in 1870, purchasing one quarter section of land in section 26. all of which is underlaid with coal. He has sold some acres of this, one vein of the coal recently selling for $8 an acre. He is an energetic and enterprising man. deeply interested in the welfare of his township and county, and has friends beyond number who admire him for his sterling worth and high character.

Mr. Simpson was united in marriage December 25, 1861, to Miss Catherine Harris, a native of this county and a (laughter of

Daniel and Hannah Harris, both of whom are deceased. She has two younger sisters: Frances, widow of John Crymble, of Pasco: and Ella, deceased, who was wife of Louis Neiswanger. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have five children, as follows: Fanny, wife of John Crawford, of Pasco, by whom she has seven children, as follows,—Karl, Gertrude, Harriet, Ray, Eugene, Frances, and Waneta; Adda, wife of Dr. O. M. Keesor, of Beallsville, Monroe County, has two children. Ward and Catherine; Emma, wife of U. F. Duff, residing in Deming, New Mexico, has two children, Lorella and Dorothy; Robert M., a farmer of Colerain township, resides at home,—he has 18 acres of land, containing some 2,000 fruit trees, mostly plums, pears and cherries; and Lizzie, wife of Ross Hawthorne, of Harrisville, has one son, Ralph. Religiously, Mrs. Simpson is a member of the M. P. Church. He is not interested greatly in politics and votes the Union Reform ticket.

SYLVANUS C. DYSART, a Civil War veteran and retired agriculturist, now residing with his tenant, Wayne A. Wharton and family, on the Dysart homestead in Wheeling township, is a man of considerable means, has traveled extensively and is well informed on all general subjects. He was born on the farm on which he now resides April 23, 1832, and is the son of John and Maria Cook (Grimes) Dysart.

William Dysart, grandfather of Sylvanus C., born in Ireland, came to this country in 1802, and after a short residence in Pennsylvania moved to Ohio, where, purchasing land of the government, he made a permanent home for himself. A man of great energy and power, he cleared the new land and made it in time a valuable piece of property. To Mr. Dysart and wife were born four children—John, who is mentioned below; William, born in 1805, married Lucinda Henderson, and they had eight children, two

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boys and six girls,—he owned for some time a farm near Fairpoint, later one of zoo acres in Champaign County, where he died; Boyd, born in 1807, who lived in Morristown and died there, married Jane Henderson, a cousin of Lucinda Henderson, and they had three sons,—Mrs. Dysart married for her second husband James Twinem; Jane, born in 1809, died in 1855, married John Neal of Guernsey County, Ohio, and they had nine children, four boys and five girls. Mr. Dysart taught school before coming to this country.

John Dysart, father of Sylvanus, was born while the parents were on board ship coming from Ireland to America in 1802. He made his home for the most part in Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio. After the death of his parents he purchased his brothers' interests in the family homestead and there lived and carried on farming for the rest of his life. In 1841 he put up a new barn, which is still intact, and in 1853 he erected the house in which Sylvanus now resides. He died August 20, 1890, and his wife October 31, 1894. Both are interred in the cemetery at St. Clairsville. About 1830 he married Maria Cook Grimes, daughter of William Grimes, who was born in Pennsylvania, settled in Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, about 1775, and there spent the rest of his life. His house and its contents were destroyed by fire in 1844 and his wife suffered severe burns, from the effects of which she died. To Mr. and Mrs. Dysart were born six children—Sylvanus C., who is mentioned below; William, born in 1834, died December 10, 1895; Thomas, born in 1836, became a United Presbyterian minister and officiated for some time in Mansfield, Ohio, where he died in 1882; Boyd \V., born in 1839, now resides in Greene County, Missouri; John B., born in 1841, met his death from the effects of a wound received in the Civil War; Mary Jane, born in 1853, married Renoldo Runyan of Jefferson County, Ohio, and died in 1888.

Sylvanus C. Dysart procured his education in the district schools of Wheeling township.

Upon reaching manhood he assisted in the management of the home farm for a number of years. Here he remained until the Civil War broke out, and then in the spring of 1864 enlisted in the 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and going to the front put in 100 days of hard service, and was in five different battles, including Winchester, Snicker's Gap and Cedar Creek. Returning by the way of Pittsburg, he was there elaborately entertained, soon after which he received his discharge at Columbus. After the war he remained with his parents on the home farm until their death. Then, in January, 1895, he purchased the place of his brother, J. B. Dysart, who administered the estate. He has since let the farm, Wayne A. Wharton being the present tenant, and has spent considerable time in the West, returning occasionally to look after his property.

Mr. Dysart has never married, a fact which he now somewhat regrets. He has spent much of his time in travel, taking in the World's Fair in 1893 going on an excursion trip in 1882 and 1883, and at different times visiting Canada and its points of interest, including Niagara Falls and Toronto. He belongs to the United Presbyterian Church of Harrisville, Ohio, and is a consistent member. In politics he is an ardent Republican.

THOMAS J. McKELVEY, a prominent and successful farmer and a highly esteemed and representative citizen of Belmont County, is located on a fine farm in section 27, Mead township. He was born in Richland township on October 1, 1847, a son of Joseph and Ann Jane (Boyd) McKelvey, the latter of whom was born 73 years ago in Belmont County, and is now a resident of Cambridge, Guernsey County. Her father was William Boyd, who came as a pioneer to the county and who settled and cleared up a farm near Franklin station, where he resided until his death some 12 years ago in advanced age.

Joseph McKelvey was born in Ireland in

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1821 and died in this county in February, 1891. When but a lad of 17 years in 1838 he came to the United States, locating in Richland township, Belmont County, on land near our subject's present home, and there he lived until within two years of his death, this occurring in Bellaire, where he lived retired. A Republican from principle, he always vigorously supported the party. His brothers were: James, who removed from Belmont to Monroe County and died there; Robert, who resided on Pipe Creek, near Businessburg, has a son, Thomas, who lives near Belmont; Thomas, for whom our subject was named, never married, but accumulated a large amount of land in Mead township and was a wealthy man at time of death; David was drowned in the Ohio River in young manhood; George, who removed to Monroe County, his son George C. being the present Democratic candidate for sheriff of Belmont County; Samuel; Joseph; and Weir, who resided in both Belmont and Monroe counties. finally settling at Bellaire, where he died and where his sons are prominent citizens.

A family of nine children were born to Joseph and Ann Jane McKelvey, as follows: Thomas J., the eldest; Margaret Ann married Ross Hutchison and died in Kansas; Lizzie married A. D. King and resides near Glencoe; 'William resides in Smith township, near Glencoe; Mary Bell married Clarence W. Neff and they reside near Neff's siding; Sarah Jane, who married James Johnson, and lives in Arkansas; Mattie married Joseph Duncan, a business man of Cleveland, Ohio: Robert was accidentally killed while following his business as mine inspector in Colorado, leaving his widow, a daughter of Isaiah Neff; and Eva, who died young.

Mr. McKelvey of this record was reared in Richland township, where he was educated and lived until his marriage, when he removed to Mead and purchased his present fine farm, located but a short distance north of Key station. Here he has a farm of 100 acres of the best kind of land, well adapted to general farming and stock raising, and here Mr. McKelvey has just completed a handsome new residence, fitted with every comfort for modern living. In 1876 he married Ada L., a daughter of Peter Neff, and the two children born to this union are Clarence Neff, a druggist engaged with Charles Arnold in Bellaire, who was but recently married to Maggie Knox, of this county; and Roberta May, a young lady at home. The religious membership of the family is in the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. McKelvey is an active Republican. He was formerly connected with the Farmers' Alliance movement. As a first-class citizen, awake to the requirements of modern times, he is held in general esteem, and is respected and beloved in his locality as a good neighbor and exemplary member of society.

DR. J. N. McMASTER. A prominent member of an old Belmont County family is found in Dr. J. N. McMaster, who, since the fall of 1871, has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Centreville, Ohio. where he is also a leading and representative citizen.

Dr. McMaster was born December 30, 1844, on his father's farm in Mead township, being a son of Samuel and Sarah Ann (Gregory) McMaster, and a grandson of Robert McMaster, a pioneer from Pennsylvania, in 1817. The father was born in 1813, and the mother in 1817; the former still survives, but the latter passed away in 1901.

Our subject was reared on his father's estate and secured his education in the local schools, deciding early in life upon his intended career. The outbreak of the Civil War changed, for a time, the current of his life, as on October 7, 1862, he enlisted for service, entering the 9th Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., participating in the campaign through the South under Generals Burnsides, Rauseau and the gallent Kilpatrick, who was his last commander. His term of service ended July 16, 1865. Returning home, he began the study of medicine in earnest, teaching school in order to pro-

676 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

vide the means, attending one term at West Alexander Academy during this time and in the winter of 1868-69 took his first lectures at Starling Medical College. The winter of 1869-70 was spent at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he graduated in March, 1870. His first practice was in association with Dr. William Piper for 18 months, but in October, 1871, he located at Centreville, and this village has been his home during all the succeeding busy years. At different times during this period, he has admitted partners, at one time Dr. G. L. Ramsey, and at another the late Dr. Wilkinson, as the demands upon his strength and time have been too onerous. Dr. McMaster built his comfortable home in 1876 and has his office located in the same building.

On November 27, 1871, our subject was united in marriage with Susan E. Neff, daughter of Henry and Matilda A. (Hall) Neff, the latter of whom died at the age of 49 years, in 1865, and the former of whom resides, aged 92 years, near Glencoe, where Mrs. McMaster was born July 18, 1846. She is one of seven children born to her parents, namely : George Hall, born September 10, 1845, died at the age of nine days; Susan Elizabeth, Mrs. McMaster ; Dorcas Ann, born May 2, 1848, the wife of John A. Thompson, of St. Clairsville ; Jane L., born March 17, 1850, became Mrs. Helpbringer, and died recently near Glencoe; Vachel Singleton, born August 14, 1852, died at the age of three years; Margaret M. C., born May 9, 1855, married Rev. T. H. Armstrong; and Henry Allen, born July 21, 1859, who resides on his farm in Smith township. Mrs. McMaster is a cultivated lady and was educated at Steubenville. Three children were born to the Doctor and his wife, namely: Elva Leonora, born April 24, 1873, married Rev. A. A. Brown, a Methodist minister of Beverly, Ohio, and they have three children, Chase McMaster, Edna Elizabeth and Stowell Nelson. Rev. William Henry McMaster was born September 17, 1875, and is one of the most brilliant young men this locality has ever produced. On July 27, 1899, he graduated a Mount Union, and graduated also at Drew University, where he took the fellowship prize of $250 in gold, which was to be used for higher education. On June 24, 1902, he graduated at the University of New York, having spent two years in teaching at Drew Theological School, and was ordained a deacon, September 17, 1899, at the Eastern Ohio Conference and preached his first sermon on his 18th birthday. For the past eight years he has been in the ministry and is now stationed at Elmhurst, New York. The youngest son, Samuel Emerson McMaster, was born September 22, 1881, taught school one year, graduated at Lebanon College in 1900, spent 1901 at the Ohio State University, and is now attending the Ohio Medical College at Columbus.

The religious connection of the whole family is with the Methodist Church. Dr. McMaster has served six terms as notary public, being first appointed by Governor Hardly. He is a member of Hess Post, G. A. R., No. 595, at Armstrong's Mills, and was one of the charter members of Weyer Lodge, F. & A. M., at Centreville, serving for 10 years as its secretary. He belongs also to the Belmont County Medical Society and keeps abreast of the times in his profession. Dr. McMaster is the accredited examiner for these insurance companies : The Mutual Benefit, of New Jersey; the Home, of New York; the Michigan Mutual, of Detroit; the New York Life; and the Prudential.

WILLIAM HARRISON WARREN, a prominent farmer of Mead township, Belmont County, and a worthy representative of old pioneer families of the county which have been conspicuous through generations both in agricultural and military life, was born in his present home in Mead township in 184o, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Hardesty) Warren.

On the maternal side of the family, Mr. Warren comes of Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, Obadiah Hardesty, serving in the Continental Army. Mrs. Warren was

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born in Glencoe, Richland township, Belmont County, where her father located on a farm soon after the close of the Revolutionary War, and died in 1877, aged about 77 years. On the paternal side the early ancestors belonged to the State of Maryland, and there Daniel Warren was born in 1790, a son of Haddick Warren, who first located at Middletown, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and from there came to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1804, all of the following children having been born prior to this time —Daniel, John, Caleb, James, William, Polly, Catherine and Sarah. Haddick Warren was one of the first settlers to locate in the eastern part of Belmont County, buying a farm near Neff's siding, where he spent the remainder of his life and where his tomb may be found. He also was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

It is a subject of comment that when the country needed help in the various struggles from which has come American independence, the Warren family always had a loyal member to offer service. Thus in the War of 1812 Daniel Warren participated with gallantry. After his marriage he came to Mead township and located on a farm in section 30, the same property now owned by his son, our subject. He engaged in agricultural pursuits through the whole of his life, attaining very substantial results. His political views made him in early life an old line Whig, and an active supporter of the Republican party after its formation.

On December 21, 1815, Daniel Warren and Sarah Hardesty were united in marriage, and a family of 14 children were born to them in the old home on the farm. Nancy, the eldest, was born February 21, 1817, and died in the old home at the age of 55 years; John, born October 4. 1818, died unmarried in St. Joseph. Missouri, aged about 33 years; 1 Eliza, born April 4, 1820, married James Shipman. and they moved first to Kansas, then to Illinois and later to Missouri, where she died about 1897, their three children also being deceased: Noah V., born November 17, 1821, died at Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio, aged 21 years; Morgan, born November 4, 1823, married Jane Thornberry, moved to Iowa and was drowned in the Ottawa River in 1876,—he had been a soldier in the Civil War in the 29th Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf., and left a large family, five sons residing in Kansas; Mary Ann, born November 4, 1823, died in 1877, the wife of Joseph Carle; Charity, born October 14, 1825, died at the age of nine years; Susan, born February 10, 1829, married William Graham, and both died at their home at Captina Creek, one of their daughters and two of the sons residing in Belmont County, one in West Virginia and one in Nebraska; Sarah, the twin sister of Susan, married William Wiley, and at death left a son and daughter, residents of Jackson County, Indiana; Haddick L., born January 17, 1831, resides at Alma, Ross County, Ohio, was a brave soldier in the Civil War from Meigs County, and married Elizabeth Moore; Rebecca, born April 21, 1833, is the widow of James Wiley, and resides at Ella, Marshall County, West Virginia; Rhoda, born October 20, 1834, married Prince Green, and resides in Spraytown, Jackson County, Indiana; Ebenezer, born July 4, 1838, died unmarried in 1871.

The youngest member of this family was the subject of this record, William Harrison Warren, who was born on December 16, 1840. He was reared to farm work, and the principal business interests of his life have been centered in agricultural developments. His fine farm of 218 1/2 acres is well cultivated and finely improved, and he has here engaged in general farming. combined with dairying, his general prosperity being the result of excellent management and the intelligent use of modern methods and improved machinery.

On April 16, 1866, Mr. Warren married Harriet Eliza Berry, who was born September 30, 1845, in Mead township, a daughter of William C. and Mary (Haughtengohow) Berry, the former of whom was born at Wellsburg. Virginia, now West Virginia, and died in 1879, aged 68 years. He was a son

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of John and Mary Ann (Clark) Berry, an old Virginia family of prominence. The mother was also born at Wellsburg and died in 1862, aged 51 years. Mrs. Warren is one of a family of ten children born to her parents, these being: James, deceased; Jacob, a resident of Mead township; Clark died at the age of six months; Mary Ann married Ira Kidder, lived at Moundsville, West Virginia, and died in 1898; Rachel Ellen died unmarried in 1869, aged 27 years; Harriet E., the wife of Mr. Warren; Augusta J. is the widow of James White of Moundsville; William J., a resident of Mead township; John WV., a resident of Moundsville, married Lizzie Lash, and James Albert, a resident of Moundsville, married Lizzie Schrimp.

To Mr. and Mrs. Warren has been born a family of eight children, namely, William S., born April 2, 1867, is a physician in practice at Businessburg, Ohio, graduating from Bryant & Stratton's Business College and Starling Medical College. He married Anna C. Boyd, and their four children are: Mary Elizabeth, aged seven years; Dulcie E., aged five years; Harriet Isabel, aged two years, and William Boyd, an infant, deceased. Myrta I., born March 29, 1869, married George H. Ramsey of Mead township, and they have five children—Forrest, born in 1891; Clarence E., born in 1893; Harriet Mildred, born June 6, 1896; Harry Warren, born February 15, 1898, and Loring Fulton, born September 3, 1901. Carrie B., born March 3, 1871, married William A. Craig, and they reside in Businessburg, their children being Loring Day, born August 5, 1894, Harriet Eliza, born July 29, 1897, and an infant, born May 2, 1899, deceased. Daniel H., born July 5, 1873. is a graduate of the Western Pennsylvania University and for the past year has been practicing his profession of dentistry at Allegheny City. He is also a graduate in pharmacy, graduating from Scio College July 26, 1900. Otta L., born October 6, 1875, married George McCommon, a professor in a school at Windsor, Ashtabula County, Ohio. V. Josephine, born July 14, 1877, is a young lady at home. Charles Foster, born October to, 1879, is a teacher at Neff's siding. On April 18, 1902, he married Ada L. Neff, of Neff's siding. The youngest son, Harrison Edwin, was born November 1, 1882, and remains at home assisting his father.

During the stormy period of the Civil War Mr. Warren, true to family tradition, offered his services in defense of his country, belonging during nine months at the close of the war to Company I, 5th Ohio Vol. Cav., under the brave Kilpatrick, and escaped any serious injury. In political sentiment he has always adhered to the Republican party, supporting its candidates and promoting its influence. In fraternal connection he is associated with the Masonic body, belonging to Weyer Lodge, No. 541, of Centreville, Ohio, as are also his sons, and he also belongs to Spangler Post, G. A. R., of Bellaire. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church at Pleasant Hill.

Mr. Warren and family are well and favorably known in Businessburg and vicinity and enjoy a wide and pleasant social prominence.

JOHN M. WILKINS, who is numbered among the influential farmers of Belmont County, Ohio, is a general farmer, owning about 149 acres of cultivated land in Richland township. He was born on the home place in 1846 and resides there today.

Mr. Wilkins is a son of Robert and Margaret (Murray) Wilkins, both natives of Richland township, and now deceased. Robert Wilkins became an agriculturist and also raised stock to some extent, becoming quite successful in his occupation. He married Margaret Murray, whose father was bridge contractor on the old National Road. She died in 1893, when 76 years of age, leaving as mourners her husband and several children. She was the mother of six children,

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namely: Augusta, Lydia, James, John M., Robert and Ellen; but Robert, James and Augusta are now passed away. Lydia and our subject are still single and live on the home place. Ella is the widow of Dr. George Close and now makes her home with our subject also, the farm being near St. Clairsville, on the north.

Our subject's parents were devoted in their membership in the M. E. Church, and reared their children in this faith also. In politics Mr. Wilkins was a Republican and an earnest worker for party welfare. Socially he was a member of St. Clairsville Lodge of the I. O. O. F. At his death in June, 1899, he was 81 years old, and in losing him, the county lost one of its truest and best citizens.

John M. Wilkins fully understands the management of his acres, and his home surroundings show that he is both prosperous and progressive. He is liberal in both religious and political views and takes much interest in the work of either class. As a well-meaning citizen he has the honor and respect of all his fellow men.

CAPT. ALBERT W. LEE, postmaster at Uniontown, Belmont _.County, and one of the county^'s representative citizens, is a native of the Buckeye State. born on February 1, 1840, in New Athens, Harrison County. He is a son of William Lee, a grandson of James Lee, Jr., and a great-grandson of James and Isabella (Bascowan) Lee, the latter a daughter of Lord Bascowan, of the north of Ireland.

James Lee, Sr., was evidently a man of wealth and social prominence, indicated by his being received as a son-in-law by a member of the Irish nobility, but, beyond the fact of the alliance, little is known of his movements except of his unfortunate start for America. The family records show that in 1785, James Lee, Sr.. in company with his family, including his son James, three brothers, two sisters, three uncles, with their families, one sister-in-law and 33 cousins, embarked on a vessel named "The Faithful Steward," which so far falsified its cognomen as to go to pieces on the shores of Delaware Bay, on its passage from London to Philadelphia, and all the trusting passengers were drowned except James Lee, Jr., his brother's .wife, and four cousins, who finally reached land on pieces of wreckage, the ship being scuttled by sailors, as there was a heavy insurance on the ship and cargo.

James Lee, Jr., the grandfather of Captain Lee, was born January 14, 1759, in County Donegal, Ireland, and on March 15, 1792, married Elizabeth Rankin, who was of Scotch-Irish origin, and a native of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Lee settled in Chartier's Valley, three miles northeast of Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania, near the station which now bears the appropriate name of Meadowlands, there rearing his family and living until the time of his death, December 21, 1843, in his 85th year. His son James inherited his farm. The children of James and Elizabeth Lee were nine in number, namely : Thomas, William, Elizabeth, Hugh, Mary, George, Rachel, Samuel and James. Of these,—Thomas came to Ohio at an early day, settled near Cadiz, became a man of affairs, and was made judge of the County Court. He owned a large farm northeast of Cadiz and at first conducted a tannery, but later engaged exclusively in farming. He reared a family of three boys and five girls, two of the former becoming ministers. His death occurred in 1855. Elizabeth married a Mr. Buchanan and removed to Illinois, where she reared a family and died some years ago. Hugh married and moved to Oregon, in 1853, settled in the Willamette Valley, where he died in 1884. Mary became Mrs. Heuston and lived and died in Illinois. George married, located in Pomeroy, Ohio, in the jewelry business, and died there. Rachel married Rev. David Thompson and with her husband started west as a missionary, dying at Fort Laramie, on the way to Oregon, in 1853. Samuel married Mary Russell of Washington County and lived and died in Concord, Muskingum County, Ohio; they had one

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son and five daughters. James lived and died on the old farm in Washington County, Ohio.

Other members of the Lee family were three brothers of great-grandfather James, one of whom settled in Carroll County, Ohio; another, Hugh, settled near Cross Creek, Pennsylvania; and a third, James, who settled near Hickory, in Washington County, Pennsylvania. A distinguished member of another branch of the family of Captain Lee was Gen. Robert E. Lee, who was a descendant of a family of Lees that came from the north of England and settled in Virginia, having gone there about the same time our subject's ancestry went from England to Ireland, thence to America.

William Lee, the father of Captain Lee, was born December 25, 1798, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and lived there until 20 years of age, learned the tailor's trade, and then went to St. Louis, Missouri, soon after locating at Cadiz, Ohio, where he married Maria Pritchard, daughter of Jesse Pritchard, on March 22, 1824, and worked for a short time at his trade, but later engaged in a mercantile business in Cadiz and New Athens until 1854, when he sold his store and moved to a farm. He remained on this farm, near Loydsville until 1875, when he removed to St. Clairsville and resided in that place until his death on January 8, 1886. Mr. Lee was a man of limited education, but was industrious and energetic and was successful in business. A family of six sons and four daughters was born to William and Maria Lee, as follows : James, born February 27, 1825, never married, lived in New Athens, but died in August, 1899, at the home of his brother, Albert W. ; John P., born June 10, 1827, died of scarlet fever on January 19, 1831; Mary, born August 5, 1829, died February 7, 1831, of scarlet fever; Sarah I., born January 7, 1832, died January 25, 1841, of fever; John R., born September 14, 1834, died February 15, 1841, of fever; Jesse, born April 26, 1837, died February 28, 1856, being drowned in Duck Creek, Washington County, Ohio: Albert W., of this biography ; Elizabeth M., born December 18, 1842, and died in 1900, married Samuel Hilles, who at different times was sheriff of Belmont County and member of the Legislature,—their children consisted of two boys and three girls, one of the former being superintendent of the Juvenile School on the Hudson (New York) ; Emma N., born September 16, 1845, married Henry N. Moore, of Red Oak, Iowa, where she still resides, having two children living, three being dead; and William Howard, born September 20, 1848, who has been twice married, his first wife being Clara Vickers; he lives near Tacoma, State of Washington, and has six children.

Albert W. Lee, the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated primarily in the common schools in his native county and then attended Franklin College, leaving his studies in order to enlist, as a private, for service in the Civil War, under Capt. Peter Tallman, in Company K, 17th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for three months and was in the West Virginia campaign during this term. He re-enlisted in Company E, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for three years, under Capt. Frank Askew, again entering as a private, and saw service in the Army of the Cumberland, under General Buell, in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, taking sick at Iuka and Florence and, after one year of service, was discharged at Nashville. On recovering from the fever which had prostrated him and shortened his second term of service, our subject raised a company of his own, through Wheeling and Union townships, which was accepted and mustered into the service as Company E, 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., of which Mr. Lee was elected captain.

In the meantime, after his discharge at Nashville, Captain Lee attended Duff's Business College, at Pittsburg, and graduated in March, 1864, taking his company after this to Washington, D. C. The company was assigned to the Valley of Virginia in the summer of 1864, and took part in several battles and skirmishes. Captain Lee's company was engaged in skirmishes with General Early's men at Harper's Ferry, July 6, 1864, and also at Snicker's Gap, in July, 1864, at Winchester,

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in July, 1864, where General Mulligan was killed and where our subject barely escaped capture, and in all these engagements bore off honors for gallant conduct. After a service of about two years, the company was mustered out, in September, 1864.

After the close of his service, Captain Lee went to Johnson's Island, in the bay, at Sandusky, and took charge of a military store for his cousin, Fulton Moffett, who had the appointment from the government as storekeeper for the military post located there; several thousand Confederate prisoners were confined there, the greater number of these being commissioned officers of the Confederate Army. Captain Lee remained there until May, 1865, and then came to his father's farm at Loydsville, soon after being appointed assistant revenue collector for the eight western townships of Belmont County, filling the position until November 23, 1865. This was the date of his marriage to Sarah Lee, daughter of William Lee, who resided near Uniontown, a second cousin of Captain Lee's father. With his wife he settled on a farm two miles north of Uniontown and there engaged in farming and extensive stock raising, making a specialty of sheep, and figuratively changing his sword into a ploughshare. In January, 1898, Captain Lee bought two stores in Uniontown and also purchased the Dunbar cornerlot property, consolidating the stores, and operated the business until 1901, when he sold it to his son Charles P. Lee, who later sold to Everett Taylor, who conducts the business, although the property still belongs to Charles P. Lee.

The children born to Captain and Mrs. Lee numbered four, namely : William D., Annie Marie, Charles P. and Robert Vance. William Lee was born April 3, 1867, and married Bessie Dunbar, their two children, Marjory and Frances, being born respectively in 1898 and 1900. Mr. Lee was thoroughly educated at Franklin College, at New Athens, and now resides on _a farm within one and one-half miles of Uniontown. Annie Marie Lee was born August 11, 1869, was educated at Franklin College, and died February 18, 1897. Charles P. Lee was born April 8, 1871, married Birdie Taylor and they have one little daughter of four years, named Martha, and reside at Bannock. Robert Vance Lee was born January 2, 1875, and married Lucy Perry, a daughter of O. H. Perry, of Cadiz, Ohio, a descendant of Commodore Perry. Mr. Lee resides in Meadville, Pennsylvania, a jeweler by trade, and his one child, Mary Enita, was born in February, 1891, in Durango, Colorado.

Although a Republican in his political sympathy, a son of a father who was an Abolitionist or Free-Soiler, Captain Lee has not taken of late years a very deep interest in public matters, aside from local affairs. He has faithfully served his locality in a number of offices, has been justice of the peace and has been frequently urged to accept political positions, but since 1892 has never consented to become a . candidate. Since May 19, 1898, he has been postmaster at Uniontown, appointed through Charles Emory Smith under the administration of the late President McKinley, and has made one of the best officials the people of this section have ever had. Since taking charge, the office has been raised to a money order office and business has increased five per cent. For many years he has shown his interest in educational matters by serving on the School Board. In religious life, Captain Lee has always been identified with the Presbyterian Church, was reared in its teachings, his father being one of the elders, and nearly all of his family are still in active membership in the Bannock Presbyterian Church, although our subject has practically, in late years, withdrawn on account of difference of opinion. He has been superintendent of this Sunday-school and taught the Young Ladies' Bible Class for a long period and has taken an active interest in the Young People's meetings. His present attitude is that of a firm believer in the essential truths of Christianity, but he does not feel that he can hold with some of the beliefs which have crept into the church. Few men know the Bible more thoroughly or follow

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its precepts more conscientiously, and his views on life and its religious duties and privileges are held my many other thoughtful persons.

SAMUEL McMASTER. Very many of the leading old families of Belmont County were founded in this locality by sturdy pioneers from Pennsylvania, who came hither in the early days of its settlement to secure homes for their large number of children, and such was the case with the McMaster family, so well and favorably known.

Robert McMaster was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and married Sarah Meeks, who was born across the line, in Washington County, in the same State, and with their children, in 1817, they migrated to Belmont County, Ohio, where Robert purchased a tract of 8o acres from Frazier Taylor. in Mead township, near Jacobsburg. It was probably somewhat improved at the time, as it had been originally the property of the well-known Thomas Miles. Later, Robert McMaster secured 70 acres in Smith township, near Jacobsburg, and here both he and wife died, the latter in February. 18;o, at the age of 52 years, and the former in 1874. at the age of 84 years. They had a family of five sons and four daughters born to them, all of whom grew to maturity and some of whom have shown a remarkable longevity, as is notable in the case of the subject of this sketch. Samuel McMaster, the eldest of the family, who was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on December 6, 1813. The others were as follows; Frances, now Mrs. Weyer, of Powhatan, Belmont County, was born in 1815, also in Pennsylvania: Nancy was born in 1817 and has been deceased many years; Andrew', born in 1818. has also been deceased for a long period: Dr. William was born in 1820. and for some 20 years practiced medicine and conducted a drug store at Bellaire, where he died; George was born in 1822, learned the trade of saddler at St. Clairsville, and practiced the same at Bellaire and Wheeling, where he died; Margaret was born in 1824, married Harvey Porterfield, and died in 1852, of cholera, at Bellaire: Mary Ann was born in 1826, married, first. Thomas Fulton, second, William Allen, and, third. William Hoskinson, and resides, a widow, with her daughter at Moundsville; and Henry, born in 1829, who follows a tailoring business at Bellaire.

Our venerable subject has been an active man through many years of his life, engaged in coopering. cobbling. but mainly in farming, and owned the farm where A. W. McMaster now resides. The old home in which he and wife went to housekeeping, in 1835, was destroyed by fire, in 1900, together with contents greatly valued by the family. Mr. McMaster was married November 5, 1835, at Jacobsburg, to Sarah Ann Gregory, who was born near St. Clairsville in 1817, and died January 24. 1901. after a happy married life of 6; years. The children of this union were: Robert Clark. born September 8. 1836, married Angeline Simpson on January 27. 1859, and died March 24, 1859: William W.. born March 22. 1838, married Isabel McNiece and they live near Glencoe on a farm, with children.—Lizzie, Sadie. Margaret, Annie. Carrie. and Susan, Bertie May being deceased: John W., born July 16, 1841, married Margaret Porterfield and resides in Kansas, their children being Ella, Acidic, Emma, Samuel, Minnie, James, and Alice: Dr. James N., born December 30, 1844: Thomas J., born November 13, 1846: Samuel A. born May 12, 1851, died November 17. 1852: Alexander W. was born September 30, 1853: and Sarah E., born October 19, 1860, married September 8. 1881, Atwell D. Creamer. born in Mead township May 9, 1861, and they reside on a farm in Smith township, near Jacobsburg, and have children.—Everett. Ernest N., Ila Gail. Susan, and Ethel. In politics Mr. McMaster has always supported the Democratic party and has been called upon to fill many of the township offices. having been supervisor and

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township clerk, and for 27 years justice of the peace, administering this office continuously for 21 years. His Masonic connection dates back to 1843, when he was received into Moriah Lodge, now of Powhatan, but then of Jacobsburg, and he was a charter member of Weyer Lodge at Centreville, in Smith township. Mr. McMaster has never attached himself to any religious body, although his attendance has always been upon Presbyterian services, with his wife. He has contributed to the building of both Presbyterian and Methodist churches, and has always supported reformatory and moral laws.

EDWARD L. MEAD, a highly respected resident of Goshen township, where he is engaged in farming, was born in Goshen township, Belmont County, in 1859, and is a son of Enfield S. and Lucy (Dearborn) Mead, the former of whom was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in April, 1817, and died August 13, 1898.

Samuel Mead, the grandfather of Edward L., was born July 3, 1779, and was a son of Benjamin and Hannah Mead. In his early years, he was a school teacher. For many years he resided at Olivett, near which he owned a large tract of land, a portion of which is still owned by one of his grandsons. He married Hannah Whittaker, who died at the old home near Olivett. He died December 29, 1861, aged 83 years, five months and 26 clays. Samuel Mead and wife were the parents of nine children, as follows : Asenath, born January 11, 1808, married Asa Hoge, and died but recently; Benjamin L., born March 25, 1811, was a tanner by trade and lived at Quaker City, Guernsey County, for many years, moved then to Minneapolis, and there owns property and now lives in California ; Phineas, born November 9, 1812, resides at Olivett, on a part of the old homestead, and died some 18 years ago ; Clementine, born June 24, 1814, died in the winter of 1901-02, in Morgan County, leaving her husband, William Spencer; Enfield Samuel,born April 22, T817; Amanda Jane, born May 27, 1819, married Jeptha Cowgill, resided in Iowa and died about five years ago at Colorado Springs at the home of a daughter; Louisa Maria, born November 2, 1820, married Dr. Clark Schooley of Mount Pleasant, and died several years ago; Lamina Letitia, born August 9, 1823, is the widow of Edward Loyd, and resides at Columbus, Ohio; and Milo Milton, born February 25, 1827, a physician in Minneapolis, who was a surgeon in the army during the Civil War.

Enfield Samuel Mead, the father of the subject of this biography, spent his boyhood near Olivett and obtained the best schooling afforded at the time in the locality. December 7, 1848, he married Lucy Dearborn, who was born November 18, 1824, in Morgan County, a daughter of Nathan and Lucy Dearborn, one of the pioneer families, and she survived until January 9, 1901. In 1861 they settled on the farm now owned by Edward L. and resided there for 38 years. Mr. Mead was a fine representative of the farming community, a man of industry, high principles and strict integrity. He was a Republican in his political attachment and served with credit as trustee of his township. The eight children born to him and wife were: Corwin D., born November 13, 1849, resides at Pierre, South Dakota,—he married Ida Wicks, of Granville, and has three daughters; Clarkson O., born June 23, 1851, is a farmer near Champion, Nebraska, and married first Mary Martin, who died March 23, 1880, and married second a Miss Pine of Iowa; Anson G., born August 22, 1853, who is an attorney at Beloit, Kansas, married Phoebe Elma Lee, who lived near Somerton; Ida S., born September 25, 1855, married Thomas T. Colpitts, a stone contractor of Toledo, Ohio; Annie E., born October 19, 1857, married H. C. Ewers, a hardware merchant of Bagley, Iowa, and died at Minneapolis, February 3, 1885; Edward L., of this sketch; Virginia L., born April 9, 1862, married W. K. Burns, a farmer residing near Bagley, Iowa; and Amanda B., born October 21, 1864, who married her brother-in-law, H. C. Ewers, at Bagley, Iowa.

688 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

The pleasant old home in Goshen township is doubly dear to our subject on account of having been his home ever since he was four years of age. It contains 16o% acres, located in section 21, and he has followed general farming all his life, taking a just pride in his fertile acres and sleek, well-conditioned stock and cattle. His methods have insured him a good measure of success and Mr. Mead has been able to establish himself among the most substantial men of the township. His tastes have been entirely in the direction of agriculture, although his two brothers, Corwin and A. G., are equally devoted to the law, the former having been Probate judge in South Dakota and the latter a member of the Kansas State Senate. A quieter life has satisfied our subject and he is well and widely known as a thoroughly representative farmer and a most highly esteemed citizen.

In 1888 Mr. Mead was married to Emma S. McEndree, who was born on an adjoining farm, January 15, 1867, and is a daughter of H. F. and Frances J. (Talbert) McEndree, the former of whom was born October 14, 1843, in Belmont County, being a son of H. F. and Sophia McEndree. He grew to manhood in his native county, preparing for the active duties of life, but the whole current was changed for years, by the outbreak of the Civil War. With loyalty and enthusiasm, he enrolled his name as one of his country's defenders, in Company I, 69th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., on February 3, 1862, for a service of three years or through the war. On February 18, 1864, he was honorably discharged, at Chattanooga, Tennessee, by reason of re-enlistment as a veteran volunteer. Mr. McEndree gave his service until the close of the struggle, and after participating in some of the most serious engagements of the war was finally discharged on July 14, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. Among the battles which can never be forgotten by the people of the United States on account of their fearful havoc and carnage, were those of Murfresboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Jonesboro, and also the great march of Sherman to the sea, and in all these Mr. McEndreetook the part of a brave and valiant soldier. Upon his return, he married, on March 8, 1866, Frances J. Talbert, a daughter of William and Emily Talbert, of Morristown, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Talbert have resided in Belmont County many years, where a family of six children was born to them, namely : Emma, who became Mrs. Mead, in 1888; Clarkson, who in 1892 married Clara A. Palmer, resides in Speidel; Charles, who in 1896 married Ida Burns, resides in Belmont; Albert, who is engaged with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; and Jessie Beatrice, who is at home with her parents. Mr. McEndree is a member of Hilles Post, G. A. R., No. 220, of Barnesville. Both he and wife are consistent and worthy members of the Baptist Church at Bethesda.

A family of two children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mead, viz.: Enfield S., born August 29, 1891, and George A., born February 8, 1902. In politics Mr. Mead stands on the Republican platform and actively supports the principles of that party. With his estimable wife, he belongs to Ebenezer Baptist Church.

WILLIAM RAMSEY, one of the prominent and substantial farmers of Mead township, Belmont County, Ohio, belongs to an old-established family of State and county, whose members are known through their several communities as leading and representative citizens. The birth of William Ramsey took place December 24, 1844, in Washington township, Belmont County, and his parents were Allen and Mary (Thornborough) Ramsey, the latter of whom was born in England about 1816, a daughter of William and Matilda (Lazenby) Thornborough. The Thornborough family came to America and settled in Belmont County about 1818, entered land in Washington township, and resided there the balance of their lives, Mr. Thornborough dying about 1845, his widow surviving until 1882.

The founder of the Ramsey family in Bel-

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mont County was Thomas Ramsey, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, who immigrated to Washington County, Pennsylvania, about 1790, at the age of 18 years, married there a member of the Falconer family, and moved with his children to Smith township, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1818, and there lived for the rest of his life, leaving these sons: David, John, Samuel, Abram, Allen, and Aaron F.

Allen Ramsey, the fifth son of Thomas, Ramsey, was born May 28, 1811, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was brought by his father to Belmont County in 1818. His marriage to Mary Thornborough took place in Washington township, Belmont County, where he resided a number of years, his last days, however, being spent in Mead township, where he died July 19, 1887. His venerable widow still survives, at the age of 86 years, a resident of Key station, Mead township. The children of Allen Ramsey and wife were: Elizabeth, who married William Thompson, resides in Mead township and has a large family; Thomas H., who is a farmer near our subject; Louisa, who died young; Nancy Jane, who is Mrs. Devol, resides in York township; William, who is the subject of this biography; George, who was a resident of Mead township, died at the age of 19 years; Eleanor, who died at the age of 18 years; Matilda A., who married David Little, resides at Glencoe; Louisa, who married John Harvey, resides at Bellaire; and John A., who is a farmer and also a merchant residing at Key station.

William Ramsey was mainly reared in Mead township, where his schooling was obtained, and he remained on the home farm until he was 26 years old. After marriage he located in the southwestern part of Mead township, purchasing the Taylor, farm, and has devoted his attention to general farming and the raising of standard sheep and cattle. His herd of Shorthorn cattle ranks with the best in the State. Mr. Ramsey operates 266 acres and has what may well be termed amodel farm. In 1892 he erected his handsome residence, and all of the surroundings have an air of thrift and prosperity.

On September 5, 1870, Mr. Ramsey was married to Amanda Helpbringer, who was born in Smith township in 1850, and a family of nine children has been born to them: Dr. George L., a prominent physician of Powhatan Point; Lura V., who died September 1, 1898, aged 23 years; Clara, who died at the age of three years; William John, born in 1878, resides at home; Arthur Allen, who died at the age of three years; Mary F., who married John W. Muster, resides with her father, her two children being Lura Beatrice and Eugene Ralph; Ellis E., born March 29, 1886, and Newell M., aged 12 years, and Eva A., aged 10 years, are at home. All of these children have been given excellent educational advantages and have been well fitted for the responsibilities of life.

Mr. Ramsey is a Republican in his political adherence, and has capably and frequently served in many of the township offices, at present being a member of the School Board. The family belong to the Methodist Church at Jacobsburg, a pleasant town reached by a short drive. Mr. Ramsey lives near enough to thus enjoy both town and country benefits. In addition to being a man of known integrity, Mr. Ramsey also has the reputation of being a most genial and hospitable host. Although now one of the substantial men of the township, he began far down the ladder, his success being almost entirely due to his own efforts.

ELLIOTT W. GROVES, a successful farmer and intelligent and esteemed citizen of Flushing township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Kirkwood township, in the same county, July 1, 1855, a son of Samuel and Charlotte (Douglass) Groves, the latter a daughter of Hugh Douglass, of the same township. The Groves family is an

690 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

old and respected one, noted for its devotion to the Methodist Church, and for its adherence to the principles of Democracy. The Douglasses originated in Scotland, immigrated to Maryland, where Hugh Douglass was born.

Samuel Groves, the father of our subject, was born in Kirkwood township, Belmont County, in 1825, and died August 26, 1900, aged 65 years, six months and 14 days. In 1854 he married Charlotte Douglass, and they had born to them a family of six children, namely: Elliott W.; Iona I., who married A. Ferguson Hunter, lives near Barnesville; Cyrus died when but 10 years of age; Savina, Eliza, and Ida. Samuel Groves followed farming all his life, residing on a farm adjoining the farm where he was born. He was a man of exemplary character, devoted to his home and family, and highly respected in his neighborhood. He was of Holland descent on the paternal side and German on the maternal, and inherited admirable traits from both parents.

Elliott W. Groves acquired a good common school education, which wide reading and much travel has ripened into a vast fund of useful knowledge. On September 11, 1879, he married Laura Howell, a daughter of Hiram, a granddaughter of John, and a great-granddaughter of Benjamin Howell. Mr. and Mrs. Groves reside on the Howell homestead, her mother still surviving, an honored member of the family. They have one son, Murry, who was born September 20, 1886.

Mr. Groves has taken an active and interested part in political matters, although he has never consented to accept political favors. During the continuance of the Greenback party he supported it, but now votes independently, favoring the principles of the Populists and believing in the free coinage of silver. He is connected with the order of Odd Fellows, and was an honorary member of the Order of United American Mechanics for a season. It is his desire to locate in business in the neighborhood of Pueblo, Colorado, in the near future, his health not being robust enough for an agricultural life. In person Mr. Groves impresses one pleasantly, his erect figure and fine countenance being notable, while intelligence is denoted by his clear eye and careful, well-modulated voice. His interests are centered in the welfare of his family, and believes the Great West, through which he has extensively traveled, is the place for the young men of the future to find their opportunities.

THOMAS J. McMASTER, a well-known farmer and prominent and representative citizen of Belmont County, as well as a member of one of its oldest families, was born November 13, 1846, in Mead township, a son of Samuel and Sarah Ann (Gregory) McMaster, the former of whom still survives at the age of 89 years, coming from a sturdy stock noted for its longevity.

The boyhood of Mr. McMaster was spent in Mead township, where he attended school and remained until the age of 24 years, serving in the meantime, during the Civil War, in Battery A, 1st West Virginia Light Artillery, from 1864 until the close of hostilities. In 187o he removed to Monroe County, buying a farm near Newcastle, in Green township, and remained engaged there until the fall of 1900, when he returned to Belmont County and purchased his present fine land in the southwestern part of Mead township, from the Dollar Savings Bank Company of St. Clairsville. This was originally a part of the old T. H. Ramsey estate. Mr. McMaster owns 190 acres, which is well adapted to farming, and which he has placed in the finest possible condition.

In 1868 Mr . McMaster was married to Maggie Griffith, born in 1846, a daughter of William and Christina (Gray) Griffith, who came from Pennsylvania to Belmont County 55 years ago and located in Smith township, near Jacobsburg. A family of eight children has been born to our subject and his wife,

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as follows: Robert A., who died in 1900, at the age of 30 years; William S. is a farmer near Jacobsburg, married Miss McKelvey; James A. resides in Mead township; Mary is the wife of George Taylor and they reside at Banksville, near Pittsburg; and Charles A., Alice R., Homer Eugene, and Maud, at home.

Politically Mr. McMaster has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has been one of the solid, reliable men who are always called upon in a community to accept public trusts, and has served two terms of six years as justice of the peace and three terms as trustee of Monroe County. In fraternal life he has always been prominent, belonging to Monroe Lodge, No. 189, F. & A. M., of Woodsfield, and the I. O. O. F. lodge at the same place. Mrs. McMaster is a member of the Presbyterian Church and Mr. McMaster inclines in the same direction, liberally giving support. He belongs to the G. A. R. Mr. McMaster is held in very high esteem in his neighborhood and is justly regarded one of the representative citizens. His home is one of the most attractive in Mead township, and his hospitality is extended to a wide circle of friends.

CHALKLEY DAWSON, president of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, at Bellaire, Ohio, is one of the prominent and highly esteemed residents of the city. Almost his whole life has been spent in his native State. His business interests are centered in the city of Bellaire and vicinity.

Mr. Dawson was born in Barnesville, Belmont County, February 2, 1836, where he received his primary education, finishing at the Friends' School at West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania, as he came of Friend parentage. and was reared in the simple faith from which he has never altogether separated himself. After leaving school he passed several years as a farmer during the summers and as a teacher during the winters, and during this time, in 1859, he married Martha Garretson. In 1863 he moved to Iowa and remained there until 1868, engaged in farming and surveying, but returned then to Barnesville, his wife having died in the previous year. Mr. Dawson soon made his ability as an engineer so apparent that he was made engineer and superintendent of the turnpike roads, and continued in this capacity for seven years. In 1875 he sunk the coal shaft at the Barnesville coal works, but this did not prove a success and resulted in considerable personal loss. In 1878 he was elected county surveyor, on the fusion ticket, although politically he has always been a stanch Republican. His father was a Free-Soiler, and our subject was active in the Fremont campaign, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Dawson has been a resident of Bellaire since 1882 ; prior to that time he lived in St. Clairsville. In 1886 he erected his beautiful home at No. 4337 Jefferson street.

The second marriage of Mr. Dawson was to Anna Branson, who died in 1877, leaving one child, who is now deceased. The present Mrs. Dawson was formerly Margaret T. Happer, of Barnesville. Since its organization, Mr. Dawson has been the able president of the Farmers' & Merchants Bank, of Bellaire, one of the sound, conservative financial institutions of Eastern Ohio. Mr. Dawson is a man of social instincts and his fraternal relations include membership in the Masonic order, being a member of Bellaire Lodge, F. & A. M.; Bellaire Chapter, R. A. M.; Bellaire Council ; Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T., of St. Clairsville; Ohio Consistory of Scottish Rites, of Columbus ; and Osiris Temple, of the Mystic Shrine, of Wheeling, West Virginia.

For the past 15 years our subject has given the most of his energies to mine engineering, being an expert in the profession, thoroughly technical in his knowledge and perfectly practical in his methods. However, this profession shows but one side of Mr. Dawson's character, for he is also a man of affairs, a politician of fixed conviction, a financier of ability and a genial, hospitable member of social life.

694 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

A. W. COLLINS, who is known through Kirkwood township, Belmont County, as one of its leading farmers and stock raisers, has the distinction of having been born upon the memorable day in 1861 when the Stars and Stripes were fired upon as they floated over Fort Sumter.

The parents of Mr. Collins were John A. and Janetta (Bartow) Collins, both of whom were natives of Ohio. John A. Collins was one of the early victims of the Civil War. In 1861, at the call of his country, he left his farm, his wife and his two little ones and offered his services as a loyal, patriotic citizen, enlisting as a private in Company F, 25th Ohio Vol. Inf., served through to months, during which time he took part in several battles, and then was discharged on account of disability, exposure during an attack of measles producing serious results. Mr. Collins lived but a short time after his return home, dying in February, 1862, at the age of 31 years, as truly a sacrifice on the altar of his country as if his end had come at the cannon's mouth. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Collins were: Demetrius, who died when four years of age; a babe, who died in infancy; Austin A., a resident of Flushing township, unmarried; and A. W., of this sketch. The second marriage of Mrs. Collins was to John R. Wilson, a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, who died March 19, 1884, at the age of 84 years. Mrs. Wilson resides at Holloway, Ohio, a most highly esteemed member of the Methodist Church.

A W. Collins obtained his education in the common schools and Denison University, at Granville, Ohio, where he remained through his sophomore year. Prior to his entrance at college, Mr. Collins was licensed to preach by the Stillwater Baptist Church, in which church ,he has held membership for 22 years. After returning from the university, Mr. Collins followed a very busy life for three years, working on the railroad and at farming, gaining the esteem and respect of all who knew him, and at the sametime accumulating property and in every way fitting himself for good citizenship.

On May 28, 1891, Mr. Collins was united in marriage with Laura D. Groves, a native of this county and a daughter of William J. and Mary R. (Ridgeway) (Sheppard) Groves, the former of whom died August 20, 1902, at the age of 79 years. Mrs. Collins was born August 13, 1868, and has been a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, and is active in missionary and benevolent work. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Collins are: Myra B., Ross M., Margaret L., and Henry S.

In politics Mr. Collins is a Republican, and still holds membership with his college fraternity, Sigma Chi. Both he and wife are active and enthusiastic workers in missionary fields, and not only read the best of literature, but encourage others to do the same.

J. M. HENSLEY, M. D., a leading and successful physician of Bellaire, Ohio, with convenient offices on Union street in this city, is also an esteemed and public spirited citizen. He was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, in 1857, and is a son of Rev. James L. Hensley, M. D., who is now a resident of Marion, Ohio.

Rev. James L. Hensley, M. D., who is widely known as a popular minister in the United Brethren Church, is also noted as a physician of skill and learning, as a lawyer of ability and force, and, in addition, a statesman whose wise legislation has given him prominence. At the age of 70 years he is still at home in either profession. His birth took place in 1832, in Rockingham County, Virginia, and his early educational opportunities were limited. Reading and study later in life simply developed inherent faculties, making of him the brilliant man he has long been. In October, 1856, he engaged in the ministry of the United Brethren Church, and has never severed these relations. During the Civil War he was made

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commissary-general on the staff of General Boyer, serving in the 96th Regiment, West Virginia Militia. His collegiate and medical course was pursued at the Eclectic Medical Institute, at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he graduated February 17, 1865. He was admitted to practice as an attorney before the pension and treasury departments of the United States, and in 1876 he was elected by the Republicans of Mason County, West Virginia, to the State Legislature, by a majority of 335 votes, serving through two terms. In 1877 he removed to Ohio and was elected by the Republican voters to the 72nd General Assembly, by the Marion-Morrow district, over Judge Asa A. Gardiner, by a plurality of 648 votes. He belongs to the Northern Ohio, the Ohio State, and the American Medical associations. In addition to our subject, Rev. Mr. Hensley has these children: Dr. G. B., who was at one time located in Bellaire, but is now practicing at Chester, Meigs County, Ohio; David M., who is a jeweler and optician at Decatur, Indiana; Mrs. Mary J. Wetzell, who resides at Middleport, Meigs County; and Elizabeth F., the wife of George NV. Smith, who is engaged in the steel works at Martin's Ferry, Ohio.

Dr. J. M. Hensley, the immediate subject of this sketch, was primarily educated in West Virginia, later entering Carleton College, at Syracuse, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1876. His medical reading occupied three years. including a course at Starling Medical College, at Columbus, and in 1882 he began his practice in his native State for 10 years. He then graduated at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati in 1892, and took up practice in that school in Meigs County, Ohio. In 1897 he came to Belmont County and resided in Martin's Ferry during the two following years, and then moved to Bellaire, where his time has been fully occupied ever since.

The marriage of Dr. Hensley was to Marinda Douglas, of Jackson County, West Virginia, and the six children born to thisunion are as follows: Susan E.; Michael L., married, has one child and resides at West Wheeling; Mary F., at home; Essie M., now Mrs. Davis, resides at Bellaire; and Alfred and Cora Ellen, who are both at home. Dr. Hensley entertains cordial relations with the Harrison County Medical Association, the West Virginia State Eclectic Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. He bears fraternal relations to the Odd Fellow order in West Virginia, the Knights of Pythias of Meigs County, the F. & A. M. of Bellaire, and the Tribe of Ben Hur of Bellaire, being examining physician for this order.

OLIVER S. NEGUS, a prominent farmer residing two miles northwest of Colerain, in Colerain township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, October 30, 1847, and is a son of Caleb B. and Eliza J. (Branson) Negus.

Caleb B. Negus was born in Pennsylvania, December 5, 1819, and came to Ohio, where he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, becoming widely known over Jefferson and Belmont counties. He was an enthusiastic Abolitionist and earnestly advocated the cause. His death occurred December 13, 1853. He was married March 9, 1843, to Eliza J. Branson, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, December 1, 1812, and they had 'five children, as follows: Rachel E., who died at the age of 35 years; Amasa L., who also died at the age of 35; Oliver S.; Anna B., who died at the age of 22, and Plummer B., who died at the age of five years. After the death of her husband Mrs. Negus formed a second union with Jonathan Fawcett of Columbiana County, Ohio, and after their marriage they lived in Colerain township, this county. Mrs. Fawcett, who lived for some years at the home of our subject, died at Martin's Ferry while on a visit August 1o, 1889.

Oliver S. Negus was educated at the

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Friends' Boarding School at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and after his school days were over took to farming, an occupation he has followed throughout life. He has one of the most beautiful homes on the Cadiz Pike, two miles northwest of Colerain, being located on the old Archie Majors estate. He owns 94 acres, all of which is underlaid with coal. He also engages in dairying to some extent. He was at one time trustee of Colerain township and was commissioner of the Colerain & Martin's Ferry Pike from its inception until he resigned. He is one of the reliable and substantial citizens of the county, and is everywhere held in the highest esteem.

November 1, 1876, Mr. Negus was united in marriage with Deborah Steer, who comes of one of the most respected families of this section. She is a daughter of Israel and Rebecca (Bracken) Steer, granddaughter of James and Ruth (Wilson) Steer, and great-granddaughter of James and Abigail (Edgerton) Steer. James, the great-grandfather, came from Virginia in 1812 with his family and located in Colerain township, Belmont County, Ohio, where he died in 1819. James Steer, grandfather of Mrs. Negus, accompanied his father to Ohio in 1812 and located in section 12, range 3. He was married in 1819 and lived on his home farm until his death, in 1874, at the advanced age of 93 years. He was one of the early type of pioneers who settled in the then new State and suffered untold hardships and deprivations in converting a wilderness into improved farming land. He and his wife were parents of seven children, as follows: Israel; Abigail. who died at the age of 75 years, was the wife of Jonathan Scofield; Martha, wife of Jehu Bailey, died at the age of 70 years; Rachel, wife of Joseph P. Lupton, is deceased; James, of Barnesville. Ohio; Nathan. of Colerain, and Joseph, who died at the age of three years. Israel Steer was educated in the common school and at Mount Pleasant Friends' Boarding School. and has been a farmer all his life. He has been an extensive land owner at different times, and at present owns 150 acres, which is underlaid with coal. October 31, 1844, he was united in marriage with Rebecca Bracken, who was born in Ohio, April 10, 1825, and died September 3, 1901. To them were born seven children, as follows: Lindley B., who married Hannah Penrose, resides in Colerain township; Deborah, wife of our subject; Elisha, who married Ellen Gilbert, is a prosperous farmer; Phoebe died at the age of 47 years; Sina, wife of James Walton, of Warren township; Wilson J., who resides on the old home farm in Colerain township, and Sarah, who was a teacher for several years in the seminary of the church. Mr. Steer is a broadminded and liberal thinking man and is wide awake to the interests of the community.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Negus, namely: Anna B.; Albert, a graduate of Wheeling Business College; Mary R., a graduate of the Friends' Boarding School at Barnesville; Laura E., Sarah D. and Wilson A. The parents and children are all members of Short Creek Monthly Meeting, of which their parents were also members.

JACOB PARKINSON is one of the prominent farmer-citizens of Richland township, and owns and operates a fine farm of 204 acres, located within a few miles of St. Clairsville, Belmont County. He was born October 5, 1854. in the township which is still his home.

William Parkinson, the father of Jacob, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1827, came to Belmont County in 1851 and died here in 1899. He was a farmer through life in Richland township and was prominent in Democratic political circles. He held the position of Infirmary director during a number of terms and his wise administration of affairs resulted in more comforts for the inmates and less needless expenditure to the county. The mother of Mr. Parkinson was Mary Lynn, a daughter of James and Isabel

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(Sheppard) Lynn, and was born in Union township, and still survives, at the age of 72 years, a resident of Richland township. The four children born to our subject's parents were: Jacob; James L., a resident of Richland township; Mary Bell, the wife of Frank S. Waddell, of Richland township; and Daniel K., who is farming on the old homestead.

Jacob Parkinson grew up on his father's farm and obtained his education in the common schools. In 1883 he married Sarah Brown, a daughter of James and Mary Brown, who was born in Cincinnati, in 1861, and was a teacher in Logan County. The five children born to this union were: Jessie Lynn, born in 1884; Louie May, born in 1886; William B., born in 1889; Mary Isabel, born in 1896, deceased ; and Frank H., born in 1901. The religious connection of Mr. Parkinson and family is with the Methodist Church. His large farm is devoted both to farming and stock raising and is most pleasantly situated, within seven miles of St. Clairsville. In politics, our subject affiliates with the Democratic party. He is known to he an upright, honest man, a fine farmer, good neighbor and devoted to the welfare of his home and family, and is a worthy representative of the best citizenship of his township.

ROBERT McKELVEY, a substantial farmer of Mead township, Belmont County, Ohio, and also a leading business citizen of Bellaire, was born in Mead township. in 1845, being a son of Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey. The family is of Irish extraction; the grandfather, Robert McKelvey, died in Ireland, leaving a widow. They resided near Omah, County Tyrone. The maiden name of the grandmother was Boyd. After the death of her husband, she came to America with one of her sons, Thomas McKelvey, who later made his home in Richland and Mead townships, Belmont County, and died, unmarried, in the latter township at the home of his brother Joseph. The grandmother of our subject died when the latter was about 12 years old and was interred in the United Presbyterian Church Cemetery at Belmont. The sons of Robert McKelvey were : James, who died in Monroe County, although formerly a resident of Belmont; Thomas; Robert; Samuel; George; Joseph and Weir. David Creamer, the maternal grandfather, was a very early settler in Belmont County, driving across the mountains from Maryland and locating in Mead township, where his children were born.

Robert McKelvey was well educated, supplementing what he learned in the local schools with what could be gained through attendance at college at Athens, and also received instruction at a select school at the Bethel Church. For a period of 52 months prior to his marriage, he engaged in teaching and then located on his present farm, in 1873. This property was purchased by Thomas McKelvey from a Mr. Welsh, during the Civil War. In 1873 our subject married Mary J. Neff, daughter of Conrad Neff; she was born in 1856, in York township, this county. The four children of this union are : Icy Della, who is the wife of Dr. J. C. Archer, of Neff's siding, Pultney township; Hova Emerson, who will complete his course in dentistry, at Columbus, Ohio, in March, 1903; Lawrence Earl, who is the very capable manager of his father's farm ; and Samuel Neff, who has become an expert electrician, and has done much work on telephone lines.

Mr. McKelvey has not been so engrossed in agricultural pursuits as to put aside business opportunities of considerable magnitude, and is very well known for his capacity in many lines of activity. He is president of the Enterprise Telephone Company, a director in the People's Telephone Company and director in the Dollar Savings Bank of Bellaire, looking at all times carefully after the interests of these concerns. His prominence in politics has made him a successful candidate for many local offices ; for nine years he has served as justice of the peace, he has been assessor and land appraiser, and was holding the responsible position of township treasurer, at the time

700 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

he cast his first vote, for a Democratic administration. His fine farm of 210 acres reflects credit upon its excellent management while its substantial and comfortable buildings make an ideal home. Formerly he was connected with the Farmers' Alliance movement. With his wife and family, he attends the United Presbyterian Church, and few men in Mead township stand higher in public esteem.

JAMES EDGERTON, one of the most successful fruit growers and largest shippers, in Belmont County, Ohio, is also one of the most prominent and esteemed citizens of Warren township. Our subject was born in this county, in 1828, one of a family of 13 children born to Joseph and Charity (Doudna) Edgerton, both of whom were natives of North Carolina.

Joseph Edgerton was born in 1797, in Wayne County, North Carolina, and remained there until 1804, when he came with his parents to Ohio, settling on Captina Creek. There his father erected a flouring mill and operated the same until his death. Joseph Edgerton died in Iowa, in 1865. The mother of our subject was a daughter of John and Miriam Doudna, natives of North Carolina, who settled in Ohio, about 1804. She passed out of life in Belmont County, in 1855. Both parents were consistent and worthy members of the Society of Friends, and were well known and most highly respected throughout the county.

James Edgerton was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education in the subscription schools until the age of 17, when he was placed in the excellent school conducted by Friends, located at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, where he completed his education. In 1852 he purchased a farm located about two miles from the city of Barnesville, which was devoted to the nursery business, and in 1879 purchased his present farm, consisting of 28 acres, and here he has brought to perfection many varieties of fruit, making a specialty of raspberries and strawberries. He is one of the largest shippers in this locality, to Philadelphia, Chicago and other points. He shipped the first bushel of strawberries ever shipped from Belmont County to Chicago, establishing a market for the fruit in that city. His methods have been investigated by other growers and in many cases have been adopted. There are few facts about the growing of fruit in this section that remain secrets to Mr. Edgerton, and he is justly considered an authority.

Mr. Edgerton was the first person who bred Jersey cattle west of the Alleghany Mountains and brought his first jersey cattle to Belmont County from Rhode Island in 1867. He still owns some fine milch cows of that breed.

In 1852 Mr. Edgerton was married to Mary Ann Williams, a daughter of William C. and Rebecca Williams, the former of whom was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in 181o, and settled in Belmont County in 1819, and lived here until his death in 1879. The death of his wife occurred in 1874, her birth having been in 1814. The ten children born to our subject and wife were named as follows : William D., Rebecca, Joseph S., Thomas D., Caroline, Mary J., Sarah T., Walter J., James W. and Anna E. Rebecca died October 23, 1891. Thomas D. was drowned in 1885. James W. married Edith Conrow, daughter of Thomas Conrow, of Flushing, Ohio, and she died November 4. 1898, leaving a babe of five months. Rebecca also left one child at death. Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton have 12 grandchildren, in whom they take much comfort.

JOSEPH A. ORR, a well-known agriculturist of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, lives on his farm of 100 acres four miles south of St. Clairsville. His birth occurred in 1851, and he is a native of the farm which he now calls his own.

The Orr family is of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject's grandfather, Charles Orr, was a native of Pennsylvania and was a soldier of the Revolution. His father, William Orr, emigrated to the United States from Scotland. James Orr, father of Joseph A., was born

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July 22, 1796, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and followed farming as a vocation. His residence in Belmont County dated from 1830 when he came here and settled on the farm now owned by our subject in Richland township. He was a wheelwright by trade, and was considered an expert at the business, making Belmont County the center of his operations for a number of years previous to engaging in farming. At the time of his death, in September, 1887, he had accumulated considerable property and was looked upon as a representative citizen of the county.

He was a Democrat until 1856, and then became a Republican, being at all times strongly in favor of abolition of slavery. He was married May 19, 1835, to Jane Stitt, who was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, May 8, 1806, being a daughter of John and Mary (Chambers) Stitt. John Stitt was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1778, and came to the Northwest Territory in 1798. He was a son of John and Jane (McElroy) Stitt, both natives of Ireland. He was married March 2, 1805, to Mary Chambers, and came with his family to Belmont County, March 17, 1818, where he lived until his death, April 14, 1863. Mary (Chambers) Stitt was born in Ireland in 178o, and with her parents, Alexander and Rachel (Mays) Chambers, came to this country in 1708, settling in Jefferson County, Ohio. Both Mr. and Mrs. Orr were United Presbyterians in religious faith and were members of the United Presbyterian Church at St. Clairsville during their lifetime. James Orr's death took place September 22, 1887, but his widow survived him until December 1896. The names of their seven children are as follows: Mary A., John, Eliza J., all deceased; and William S., Rachel C.. James N., and Joseph. John served in the Civil War as a member of Company F, 15th Reg.. Ohio Vol. Inf., and died July 2, 1863, at Murfreesboro. Tennessee, having been in the hospital a short time previous to his death; he now lies buried in the National Cemetery at Murfreesboro. James N. married Sarah M. Gordon, a daughter of David and Jane (Dickey) Gordon, the former of whom was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church and lived in Virginia, and they have a family of five children, namely : Harry G., Charles W., deceased ; Frank L., Mary E., and Thomas T. James N. Orr is a carpenter by trade and a good workman. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and lives in New Philadelphia.

Joseph A. and his brother, William S., who live together, are Republicans in their political views. Mr. Orr has a well-tilled farm and thoroughly understands farming in all its details. In religion he is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. With the other members of the family, he attends services at St. Clairsville regularly.

W. G. SIMPSON, assistant cashier of the Farmer's & Merchant's Bank of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, is a gentleman of ability and has many excellent qualifications which make his services of great value to the company by which he is employed. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Burns) Simpson, and was born in Mead township.

William Simpson was a native of Pultney township and died in 1863, when our subject was still quite small. He followed steamboating for some time and subsequently became a tiller of the soil, being especially successful in the latter pursuit. He shipped boats of produce down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, where they were disposed of with profit. His father was originally from the Keystone State.

William Simpson married a Miss Burns, whose demise occurred in 1879. They reared a fa mily of 12 children, of whom W. G. is the youngest. One son, W. B., manages the home farm in Mead township; one lives in Mansfield, and another in Delaware, Ohio; and one daughter makes her home in St. Clairsville. Ohio. while another lives in Missouri. These children are all that survive of the once large family. Mr. Simpson was an early Republican, being originally a mem-

702 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

ber of the Know-Nothing or American party, and was decided in his opinions.

Our subject is a native of Belmont County and was reared on the farm, remaining there until he attained the age of 17 years, at which time he entered Galey's Seminary at Lexington, Ohio, and completed the course there. He embarked in the coal business on his own interests after this and opened the Glenn mine in Belmont County, which he conducted with the best results for 12 or 15 years. He disposed of it to the combine just previous to taking his present position in the bank as assistant cashier. He is prompt and active in performing his duties and has the entire confidence of his employers in the various business duties which claim his attention.

Miss Mary M. McMannis, of Belmont County, became the wife of our subject and they have now two children, namely: Earl E. and Pearl L., and reside in their comfortable, convenient home at No. 3564 Belmont street. In religious opinions they are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Bellaire.

Politically, Mr. Simpson is always a Republican. He affiliates with Wier Lodge at Demos in fraternal circles, and is also a member of the A. F. & A. M. and Hope Commandery, No. 26, of St. Clairsville, Ohio. To various enterprises of the city he gives his attention. Having the welfare of Bellaire at heart, he also has the respect of her citizens and his fellow men.

SILAS BAILEY, one of the large farmers and successful stock raisers of Belmont County, Ohio, belongs to one of the old-settled families of the county, one whose members have been among the prominent citizens for many years.

Silas Bailey was born in 1839 in Warren township, Belmont County. a son of Jesse, who was born in 1814 in Warren township and died in 1898, aged 84 years. He was a son of Jesse Bailey, who came as a pioneer from North Carolina and located in Warren township, taking up land on which both he and his son Jesse followed farming. The mother of our subject was Asenath Patterson, born in 1818 in Warren township, a daughter of Silas and Rachel (Starbuck) Patterson, who had migrated to Belmont County at an early day from Loudoun County, Virginia, and settled in Goshen township. The names of the brothers and sisters of the father were: Edmund, Uriah, Mary and Matilda, and on the maternal side they were: George, Nathan and Elizabeth, the last named dying at the age of 87 years in 1901. Silas is the eldest of his parents' children, the others being: John, deceased; L. P.; Sarah Elizabeth, who died in young womanhood; Allen; Jane, who died young, and an infant deceased.

At the age of 12 years Mr. Bailey left Warren township and ever since has lived in Goshen township, securing his education in the public schools. When he reached maturity he located on a farm near his present home and for 15 years was very actively and successfully engaged in the buying, selling and raising of stock, handling a very large amount annually. His well-improved farm of 240 acres is located three and one-half miles southeast of Barnesville, and he devotes it principally to stock and he has much more than a local reputation for fine specimens.

Mr. Bailey is a stanch Republican and has been quite prominent in the political movements of his party in Belmont County, and has been the efficient holder of a number of the responsible offices. In 1890 he was made land appraiser. and in January, 1891, he was elected county commissioner, receiving 2,750 majority in the election, the largest ever received by any candidate. He held the office for six years and nine months, until September 20, 1898, giving his undivided attention to it during this time.

In 1863 Mr. Bailey was married to Ann Elizabeth Bolon, born in 1843 in Belmont County, a daughter of Stephen G. Bolon, one

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of the early settlers. The children born to this union were: Sarah Olive married William Boyd, a farmer in Warren township; Cora married F. D. Howell, of Barnesville, mail agent between Wheeling and Chicago, and they have two children, Doris and Raymond; Lemuel L., a resident of Warren township, married Barbara Emerson and they have children, Willard and James; Delbert assists his father and resides at home; Ross resides on the old homestead of Jesse Bailey, in Goshen township, married Hattie Bingham, and they have children,—Helen and Mildred; Campsie has been a teacher for the past five years and is now teaching in Barnesville, Ohio; Nora has been a teacher for the past three years; Dallas S., who is a student in telegraphy at Oberlin College; and Agnes and Franklin, who are deceased.

Mr. Bailey is liberal in his religious views, but was reared a Friend. He is a man of most genial presence, frank and hospitable, and enjoys public esteem.

GEORGE E. SMITH, located in section 5, Kirkwood township, Belmont County, is a prominent farmer and an extensive dealer in hard lumber. He was born in this county April 25, 1845, and is a son of Nathan S. and Sarah (Taylor) Smith, and grandson of Charles Smith.

Nathan S. Smith was born in Harrison County, Ohio, January 22, 1807, and died March 3, 1867. He married Sarah Taylor, a daughter of Noble and Elizabeth (Lockwood) Taylor. She was born July 19, 1813, and died April 22, 1857. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To them were born the following children : Charles T., a carpenter, who went south in 188 and served in the militia there for a time. Returning north to Washington, D. C., in 186r, he built a government bridge over Aqua Creek. He later took a post-graduate course in Duff's Business College, and then was superintendent of construction work on the Denver & Rio

Grande Railroad until his death, which resulted from an accident in 1883. Noble, the second son, died in infancy. Oliver P., who was born November 15, 1842, served in the 98th Ohio Regiment from August, 1862, until the close of the war. He was graduated from Rush Medical College, practiced for several years in Charleston, Kansas, then at Fall River, Kansas, where he died June 13, 1880. Elizabeth E., widow of John Buchanan, resides in this county. George E. is the subject of this biography. William C., born March 9, J848, died in 1882. Laura J. is the wife of Calvin S. Travis, and resides in New Martinsville, West Virginia. Isaac H., born July 22, 1854, resides in this county. Nathan L. resides in Boise City, Idaho.

George E. Smith received his education in the common schools and as a boy assisted in the work about the farm. He entered business for himself when about 16 years old as a farmer and lumberman and has since continued. He deals heavily in hard lumber, exporting extensively. He buys wherever he can and ships mainly to Glasgow, Scotland, and to Hamburg, Germany. He finds it a very profitable business as well as a pleasant one, as it acquaints him with prominent business men of this and foreign countries. He also engages in general farming and stock raising, and has a farm of 300 acres, all improved and underlaid with coal. He is located along Scott's Run, which stream gets its name from a Mr. Scott who was murdered by the Indians on the quarter section on which our subject's house is now located, near the present residence of Oscar White.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage March 24, 1867, to Sarah E. Perkins, a native of this county. Her father, Rev. Jonathan Perkins, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in this county, and was a son of Samuel Perkins, who served as a private in the War of 1812. Samuel Perkins was a son of Thomas Perkins, who entered the land in section 17, on which his great-great-grandson, Samuel W., is now located, the latter also possessing the patent for the land signed by Thomas Jef-

706 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

ferson. Eleven children were born to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, namely : Letha L., who graduated from Winfield (Kansas) College in 1893 in the class with E. O. Creighton, who afterward became her husband,—they live in Roswell, New Mexico, where Mr. Creighton is superintendent of schools; Charles S., of Bridgeport, married Mary B. Kirk and has three children,—Floyd, Leslie and Reba; Philetus M., who graduated from Franklin College, and is a member of the class of 1903 in the law department of the Ohio State University; Sarah R.; Mabel, wife of George C. Douglas, a farmer at Otto, Oklahoma ; George T., a student at the Ohio State University ; Laura E.; J. Olney; Esther L.; Ada D.; and one deceased. Religiously they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which our. subject is trustee. He is a Republican in politics.

ALFRED E. MASSIE, a well-known citizen of York township, Belmont County, has been for some time one of the township's most successful farmers and has taken an active interest in its development and good government.

Mr. Massie was born in 1854, in York township, being a son of Harrison and Rebecca (Carle) Massie, the latter of whom died March, 1889, at the age of 72 years. Harrison Massie was born in Virginia, in 1810, and crossed the mountains into Ohio, in company with his father, "Bud" Massie, who located in 1815 on a branch of Little McMechen's Creek, in Belmont County. Harrison Massie explored much of the country during his earlier years and at one time lived in Missouri, where he lost his wife and three children. When he later settled in Belmont County, he engaged in teaching school and continued in the profession for 17 consecutive years, serving also as a justice of the peace and taking a prominent part in political life. For several years he engaged in a mercantile business in Dover, or Captina, and later moved to Powhatan, contemplating the erection of a large store in that village. His plans were discouraged by his physician, who advised an agricultural life, this resulting in the purchase of a farm on Pleasant Ridge, which is now owned by Mrs. Belle Massie, the widow of Franklin Massie. There Harrison Massie erected a $2,500 house, which was later destroyed by fire, but which was rebuilt in 1866. There Mr. Massie passed his last days, dying in July, 1889. He was a man of many virtues, entirely self-made, and one who looked carefully after the welfare of his family and educated his children, his sons all becoming teachers for a short period. Mr. Massie was thrice married, the mother of our subject being his last wife and the mother of these children : William A., of Oregon; George A., of Washington ; Alfred E., of York township; Harrison O.; Franklin D., deceased, his three children being,—Zella, Edith and Hudson, the death of the latter being in 1891; and Mary L., the wife of Aaron F. Ramsey, of York township.

As stated, Alfred E. Massie obtained an excellent education and is one of the most intelligent and well-informed men of York township, one in whom his fellow citizens have placed implicit confidence on many occasions, making him for many years a school director and one of the township trustees. Until 1890 he resided at the home farm and then purchased his present estate, which he operates in connection with an adjoining farm which he rents. His methods are practical and have given him very satisfactory returns for his industry, his home farm near Captina as well as his rented land showing the results of careful rotation of crops and extensive fertilizing.

In 1880 Mr. Massie was married to Alice M. Owens, daughter of John G. Owens, who came to this county soon after the close of the Civil War. Mrs. Massie was born in 1861, in Monroe County, Ohio, and her immediate kindred comprise three half-brothers, one sister and three brothers. Of these, two brothers and two half-brothers are also residents of Belmont County. An interesting family of six children, three sons and three daughters, has

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been born to Mr. and Mrs. Massie, all of whom are being prepared for useful places in life, and who bear these names : Edward O., born in November, 1880; Olive I., born in 1882; Cleveland E., born in 1883; Leila V., born in 1886; Cyril, born in 1896; and Beryl, born in 1898. In political sentiment, Mr. Massie is a Democrat and he is well known in the councils of his party in his locality. Both he and his estimable wife are consistent members of the Methodist Church, for the past 15 years being members of the congregation of Amity Church.

ELDRIDGE D. SCATTERDAY, a well-known resident and farmer near Kelsey station, in Smith township, Belmont County, was born January 1, 1830, in Richland township. near St. Clairsville, and is a son of Euclid and Deborah (Pond) Scatterday.

John Scatterday, grandfather of our subject, was born in 1766 and came to St. Clairsville about 1803. He was justice of the peace for a period of 24 years, and resided on his farm during the summer months and at St. Clairsville in the winter. He also served in the State Legislature of Ohio. He was a great student of history and was a broad and liberal minded man. His death occurred on his farm near St. Clairsville, December 4, 1844. In 1794 he was married to Rebecca Ewers, who was born in 1766 and died in 1842. She was of Welsh descent, and the Scatterdays are of English-German descent.

Euclid Scatterday was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1795, and came to Belmont County with his parents. He located in Smith township about 1840, purchasing the farm of 150 acres, of which 25 acres are now owned by his son, E. E. Scatterday, and the remainder by our subject. He was originally a Whig in politics and later supported the Democratic ticket. He served for many years as justice of the peace in Smith township. He died July 31, 1871. His wife, who was born in 1805, died at the age of 82 years. To them were born the following children : Adeline,

who died at the age of 30 years; Eldridge D.; Elizabeth A., widow of James Gladden, resides in Smith township; Rebecca, deceased; Mary, wife of Francis McMillen; John L., who resides on a farm in Illinois; Henry H., who is a farmer and manufacturer of soft drinks, resides in Illinois; George R., who resides at Wheeling, West Virginia; Alonzo P., a farmer residing in Ohio.

Eldridge D. Scatterday has resided at his present home since he was 10 years of age. He received a good common school education and has always followed the vocation of farming. He purchased the interests of the other heirs to the home farm, and his mother resided with him for a period of 18 years. He has engaged in general farming, but in earlier years was extensively engaged in sheep raising.

Mr. Scatterday was united in marriage with Elizabeth Phillips, a daughter of William Phillips, and granddaughter of Jacob Ault, one of the pioneers of Belmont County. She was born in Richland township January 1, 1834, and it is a remarkable fact that she and her husband were both born on New Year's Day. To this union were born nine children : Catherine E. is the wife of Thomas McGaughy of Smith township. David M., who resides on a farm adjoining that of his father, is one of the township trustees. He is in partnership with his brother, Euclid E., under the firm name of E. E. & D. M. Scatterday; and for the past 15 years they have engaged in the implement and plumbing business, also doing well drilling. David M. first married Margaret Stonebraker, who died leaving a daughter, Zillah, who married Andrew Ault of Smith township, by whom she has one child, Meek Gladden, our subject's only great-grandchild. David M. formed a second union with Artie Timberlake, and they have two sons, Lyle Eldridge and Chester. Euclid E., a member of the firm of E. E. & D. M. Scatterday, resides near his father in a new home which he recently built. He married Melissa Brown, and has three children : Elva Adelia, and Russell B. and Lettie Irene (twins). Wil-

708 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

liam Francis is a practicing physican and surgeon, being a graduate of Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. He married Lelia Worley of Columbus. Albert W., a well-known merchant of Centreville, married Olive Fitch, and has five sons : Leland, Harry, Herbert, Carl and Chase. Henry Lincoln, who resides on the farm of Mrs. James Gladden and operates it for her, married Annie Barrett, a daughter of William Barrett, and sister of Rev. William Barrett, and they have two children : Mabel and Mary. Emmett A., who resides near his father and conducts the latter's farm, married Lorena Wilson and has two children : Verna F. and Harold W. Mary, wife of Crawford Neff, resides in Smith township and has two children : Ernest Emerson and Newell Leslie. Clinton McLain, the youngest of the family, is now attending the dental department of Ohio State University. In politics our subject is a Republican. Fraternally he is, as is his son, Euclid E., a member of Weyer Lodge No. 541, F. & A. M. He has filled all the chairs but master, and was first made a Mason in Moriah Lodge, No. 105, under Dr. John A. Weyer as master. Religiously, he is a member of Concord Presbyterian Church near Centreville.

JACOB SCHNEGG, a well-known and representative farmer of Belmont County, Ohio, resides on his valuable farm of 160 acres, located on Cat's Creek, York township, where he has been settled since February 11, 1879.

Mr. Schnegg is a native of Ohio, born in Switzer township, Monroe County, very near the Belmont County line, and within a few miles of his present comfortable home, on March 15, 1830, being a son of Bernhart Christian Schnegg, who brought his family from Bern, Switzerland, in 1828, and located in Monroe County, Ohio. The parents of Mr. Schnegg resided in that locality through life, rearing a large family, and there the father died in 1881. Our subject was the first member of the family to be born in America, a brother having died in Switzerland prior to the family exodus, and another brother, Levi Daniel Christian, died in Ohio, in 1886.

In 1852 Mr. Schnegg located on a farm just south of his present one, and remained there until 1879, when he bought his present home farm, where he has resided ever since. This property was secured from Robert Gates and it formerly belonged to Henry Gates, this family being one of the pioneer settlers on the rich lands skirting Cat's Creek. In addition to this farm of 160 acres, Mr. Schnegg owns 109 acres in a farm directly south. He is a practical, well-informed agriculturist, and the fine state of cultivation shown by his land gives evidence of his close attention and thorough understanding of modern methods and the use of modern machinery. His buildings are attractive and substantial, and a coal shaft, sunk on the farm and actively operated by his son John Schnegg, demonstrates a fine vein of "black diamonds" underneath the fertile soil.

The marriage of Mr. Schnegg took place in Monroe County, to Mary Ann Zwigart, who was born in York township, Belmont County, in January, 1832, of Swiss parentage. Since their marriage, their home has been continuously in Belmont County. They have become the parents of 11 children, namely : Christian J., who resides on a farm just south of his parents' home, is married and has a family; Elizabeth, who married John Koher, also resides near her father; Caroline, who married Charles Rock, lives in Washington township; John, who resides at home, has charge of the coal bank ; Mary, deceased, married Wood Ruble; William, who resides at home; Charlotte, who married A. G. Boner, who is a prominent citizen and large land owner near Captina, Belmont County; Mrs. Amelia Steiner, who resides near her parents; Lewis Wesley, who is a farmer in Mead township; and Katie and Louella, both of whom died young.

Mr. and Mrs. Schnegg have the satisfaction of having their children settled near them, all well placed and prospering.

In his earlier years, our subject was quite a

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skillful carpenter and understood the cabinet-making trade sufficiently to construct the tables, chairs and other ordinary pieces of furniture for himself and family. In politics, he has been a lifelong Democrat. All the family belong to St. John's Evangelical Church, located in Switzer township, Monroe County, the present able pastor being Rev. Charles G. Kittlehut. The church edifice was probably erected 75 years ago. A disastrous fire destroyed the old parsonage some years since, entailing the loss of all the old records. Mr. Schnegg was very liberal in his assistance toward the erection of a new building. He is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of his neighborhood.

WILLIAM H. WHITE. In noting the representative men of Belmont County, William H. White must take a prominent position, not only as an honored survivor of the great Civil War, but as the oldest continuous resident and the first mayor of the town of Belmont, Ohio, in whose growth and development he has been an important factor.

Mr. White was born in Belmont County, Ohio, September 6, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin and Margaret E. (Phipps) White, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Early in the "thirties," Benjamin White came to Belmont County from Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, and engaged in a tanning business in which he was later associated with his sons. For 65 years he followed this occupation, which at that time was a very necessary and common one, and, although he amassed no great fortune, he lived in comfort and reared a large family. He was born April 6, 1806, and died May 10, 1894. Mr. White was thrice married, the first time to Rebecca Sidwell, who died in 1837. The second marriage was to Margaret E. Phipps, who died at the age of 45 years, on Christmas Day, 1865. His third marriage was to the Widow Stonebraker. The mother of our subject, whose memory inspires many tender reminiscences, was a model woman inevery situation in life,—a perfect Christian, a kind and sympathizing and helpful neighbor, a faithful wife and a most devoted mother.

Our subject is one of a family of nine children, which are herewith mentioned in order of birth : Albert P., William H., Mary P., Rosabella, Ann Eliza, Lydia A., Regina, Alice, and Seward. The survivors are : Albert P., who is a resident of Lamira, Ohio, and was formerly principal of the Bellaire public schools; William H., who is the subject of this sketch; Lydia A. (Mrs. Simon Garber), who resides in Los Angeles, California; Regina (Mrs. Christian W. Tillett), who resides in Barnesville; and Seward, who is a merchant at Los Angeles, California. The record of those deceased is as follows : Mary P., born April 3, 1843, died December 22, 1851; Rosabella, born in April, 1845, married William Heskett, and died November 23, 1880; Ann Eliza, born April 17, 1846, died September 20, 1848; and Alice, born April 17, 1856, died February 26, 1861. The children of the first marriage of our subject's father were: John S., who resides in Brighton, Iowa; Jacob M., who was born January 13, 1830, and died in 1859; and Rebecca, who was born September 30, 1837, married Isaac Drummond and resides in Kansas.

Our subject received a good common-school education and was becoming of great assistance to his father in the tanning business when the outbreak of the Civil War gave a new trend to his life, turning the tanyard boy into a manly defender of his country's honor and bringing in its train experiences which have influenced his whole later life. On June 5, 1861, he enlisted at St. Clairsville in Company A, 25th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Capt. James F. Charlesworth, and has the decided honor of being in the first company enlisted for three years in Belmont County. The first battle in which the young soldier took part was in 1861 at Cheat Mountain, where the Union forces were victorious. Then at Greenbrier River, Camp Baldwin, and then McDowell, our subject kept learning the great game of war, and later, when General Milroy joined

712 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

forces with General Fremont, engaged with the latter's command in the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. On June 8, 1862, he took part in the battle of Cross Keys, where Colonel Charlesworth was wounded, and then with the command crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains and took part in the battle of Cedar Mountain, where General Banks was defeated by General Jackson. The next battle was the Second Bull Run, under General Pope, and immediately after, Mr. White was taken sick and was sent to the Manion House hospital, where he was kept until the spring of 1863. Rejoining his command at Aqua Creek Landing, he was in time to take part in the battle of Chancellorsville, May 23, 1863, followed by the slaughter at Gettysburg, and in the 11 days' engagement in the vicinity our subject received a wound in the knee. He was taken prisoner and placed in what was called a hospital, but received no surgical attention and after the battle was over was retaken by the Union forces. As a sample of some of the experiences gone through with by that band which each year is "growing a little grayer, a little slower, a little fewer," it is meet that the younger generation should read and remember such incidents as the following : Mr. White relates that while he was lying in agony in the hospital, with his leg swollen to twice its size, a Federal surgeon came to him and, after probing the wound, said : "No remedy but to have the limb amputated," and the reply given by our subject was worthy that of a hero,—"If it must be done, you can't get the knife into it too soon for me." The surgeon replied to this : "I am worn out, have had no time for either dinner or supper and have had no rest all day and am going to find a farm house and try to sleep, and will return in the morning and make the amputation." The agony of mind and body of our subject can scarcely be imagined, although an amputation, especially at an army hospital in those days before the successful use of anaesthetics and prior to the discoveries of Pasteur and Lister for protection of wounded surfaces, was something which filled the mind with horror, it seemed preferable to Mr. White than to endure the pain which then distracted him. The morning came, but it brought no surgeon, and consequently Mr. White still has the use of his two limbs, quite recovered. The father of our subject came to the hospital to take him home, but could only succeed in transporting him as far as Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, no permit being given to take him farther. Here our subject was placed in the Cotton Factory hospital and remained there until October, 1863, when the order was given to transfer all Ohio patients to Columbus and in the hospital there he was kept until December, when a surgical examination placed him in the invalid corps and he was sent to Indianapolis, where he was employed in guard duty over prisoners until June, 1864, when, at the close of his three years, he was honorably discharged.

Upon his return from the army, Mr. White again worked at the tanning business and in 1866 engaged in a livery business at Belmont. Following this, he was employed in various enterprises, did mason work and plastering for some years and in 1888 resumed tanning, adding a harness and saddle department to his other lines. Selling out in 1895, Mr. White then bought property in Belmont and remodeled it, making a town hall, which he later sold to the Odd Fellows, and since that time has been most successful in his handling of property. He is a man of excellent business ability, quick to seize opportunities and possesses an energy and industry, which has brought its reward in the accumulation of a large amount of real estate of great value. His home farm consists of six acres, which makes 22 town lots, with one acre of ground surrounding his comfortable and homelike residence, which has one of the most beautiful locations in Belmont, on a bluff overlooking the town, and the house is surrounded with choice and well-selected shade and fruit trees, truly a home which combines all that is best in both town and country.

Mr. White was married January 2, 1868, to Laura J. Widdoes, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of Isaac and Louisa Widdoes, the former of whom was born in Penn-

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sylvania and the latter in Flushing, Ohio. The father of Mrs. White came to Ohio in the "forties," a shoemaker by trade, but later became a seaman. The mother of Mrs. White died September 20, 1858, aged 31 years. She was a daughter of John and Hannah Fisher, of Loudoun County, Virginia. Mrs. White is one of two children born to her parents, her sister being Mrs. Elizabeth Justice, wife of James Justice, of New Athens, Ohio. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. White were named as follows : Clayton L., Anna L., Lizzie J., Dora M., and Walter G. Clayton L. White is a barber in Belmont and is well and favorably known. He married Ora Myers and they have one son, William L. Beal, born on May 14, 1902, the same day that the Beal law was adopted, making Belmont a prohibition town, hence the addition of Beal to the babe's name. Anna L. married L. R. Carmen, a merchant of Belmont, and they have two children,—Enoch W. and an infant daughter. Lizzie J. married John B. Colley and they reside at Coshocton, Ohio, where_ Mr. Colley owns a cigar store. Dora M. married Samuel Riemenschneider, of Bethesda, Ohio, and they have one daughter,—Bernice. Walter G. White, who is employed on the railroad, married Ollie Surprize of this county, and they have one child, Vivian. Both our subject and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mrs. White is a lady of most engaging personality and much esteemed by all who know her. Mr. White was made the first mayor of Belmont and has never ceased his public-spirited endeavors, and has favored and fostered all her worthy enterprises.

DR. C. C. WHITSITT, a prominent physician and surgeon of Hendrysburg, Belmont County, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1860, and is a son of Dr. J. E. and Clara B. (Martin) Whitsitt, both natives of Pennsylvania.

Dr. J. E. Whitsitt was born in May, 1826, prepared for the medical profession at the Ohio

University, and began practice in 1852. He became a partner of Dr. John Keys at Bellsville, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Dr. Keys served as surgeon in the army, leaving the practice at home in charge of Dr. Whitsitt. The latter practiced from 1852 until 1880, since which time he has lived in retirement at Bethany, West Virginia. He practiced there some years and was examiner for numerous insurance companies. He recruited a company for service during the Civil War in Ballsville, and has been a trustee of Bethany College for a number of years. He is a member and trustee in the Christian Church. He was always a member of the Republican party after its organization. He married Clara B. Martin, who was born June 1, 1836, and is a daughter of John and Jane (Vail) Martin. She is also a devout member and a very active worker of the Christian Church. Seven children blessed this union : Emma J., who died in December, 1894, aged 42 years, was the wife of M. M. Cochran, of Pennsylvania; C. C., subject of this sketch; Anna, who died at the age of three years; Ollie, who died at the age of three years; Kitty, who died at the age of 10 years; Ralph, who died at the age of two years; and John W., who resides in Bethany, West Virginia, a member of the class of 1903 in the Pittsburg Medical College.

Dr. C. C. Whitsitt received his literary education at Bethany College and then entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati in 1879, graduating therefrom with the class of 1882. He began practice at once and was in partnership with his father for two years. He practiced at Bethany until 1884, then removed to Hendrysburg, Ohio, where he has since continued with the exception of two years spent in New Philadelphia. He is a general practitioner and examiner for numerous insurance companies. He is a man of sterling qualities, a close student and is abreast of the times in every branch of medical science. He has the esteem of the community, and has been a medical examiner for the U. S. pension board.

In 1884, Dr. Whitsitt was united in marriage with Rosa L. Jones, a native of Hendrys-

714 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

burg, and a daughter of Dr. William and Betsy Ann (Goodman) Jones. Her mother still resides in Bethesda, Ohio. Four children were born to them : William E., who was born January 16, 1885, and died August 6, 1885 ; Percy B., born August 8, 1886, and died October 12, 1886; Emma E., born October 27, 1889, and died October 3, 1890; and Bessie L., born May 2, 1892, who is attending school at Bethesda. The mother of these children, born November 27, 1863, died June 1o, 1892. Dr. Whitsitt formed a second union on April 18, 1899, with Lena L. McLaughlin, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of John McLaughlin. The latter was born August 27, 1832, and died September 27, 1892; Mrs. McLaughlin now resides in Hendrysburg, and has been mother of the following children : William, who died at the age of three years ; John, who died at the age of one year; Louisa, wife of Stanton White, lives in Hendrysburg; James A. resides in Wheeling; Clement L. resides in Oklahoma Territory ; Albert G., who resides in Bridgeport, Ohio; Everett, who lives in Hendrysburg; and Lena L., wife of our subject. Dr. Whitsitt is a member of Kirkwood Lodge, No. 446, F. & A. M.

JOHN IRA LEWIS, of Lamira, Goshen township, Belmont County, is employed in the double occupation of farming and milling, in which he has met with profit and prosperity. He was born October 1o, 1845, in Monroe County, Ohio, and is a son of Charles W. and Lydia A. (Gregg) Lewis.

Charles W. Lewis was born in the Keystone State August 13, 1818, and was a son of Isaac and Mary Lewis; the former was born in 1774 and died in 1843. Charles W. Lewis followed farming all his life, except a few years when he was engaged in mercantile pursuits in Monroe County, Ohio. During his youthful days he wagoned over the mountains, and was a resident of his native county until 1844; in that year he removed to Monroe County, Ohio, and thence to Belmont County in 1850, wherehe purchased his farm in Goshen, Smith and Richland townships, and resided upon it until his death. He owns 75 acres in both Goshen and Smith townships and 57 acres in Richland township, all of which he improved to the best of his ability. On February 14, 1840, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage at Plainfield Friends' Meeting with Lydia A. Gregg, who was born in Belmont County in August, 1819, and their union was blessed with eight children, six of whom are living at the present time. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Lewis was school director for a number of years, but declined any other office. His death took place November 27, 1888; his wife's demise occurred a few years later. Both were people of integrity and industry, widely known and well-to-do, and at their deaths they left very few, if any, who entertained anything but the best of feeling toward them.

Our subject's brothers and sisters are as follows : John G. and Mary, both of whom died when but two years of age; Isaac W., who is a merchant of Logan County, Ohio, born June 20, 1841, married Ella Stewart and has three children,—Frank, Roy and May ; John Ira is the subject of this sketch and his record appears below ; William H., born December 24, 1851, is a resident of Philadelphia, where he has been engaged in business as a wool commission merchant for 25 years; Mary A. married David Cratty, a glass manufacturer of Findlay, Ohio, and has a daughter, Nellie, born January 16, 1886; Julia E., born May 1o, 1857, married Frank B. Wilkinson, who resides in Logansport, Indiana, and has two children, Charles W. and Grace A.; and Charles Sherman, born August 12, 1864, who married Miss M. Wengt, has one son, C. W., born in 1899, and resides in Findlay, Ohio, where he is engaged in the glass business.

John Ira Lewis received his education in the common schools of Belmont County and worked on the farm until he was 16 years of age. At this time the Civil War commenced to threaten the Union, and in May, 1862, he enlisted in the three-months' service as a mem-

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 715

ber of Company A, 85th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was sent to guard Rebel prisoners at Camp Chase, where he remained until the expiration of his term of service. While he was serving as a guard during this three-months' service, a call was made for volunteers from the ranks to go to Kentucky to take care of John Morgan and his marauding band. Mr. Lewis, with a number of his comrades, responded. At another time a call was made for volunteers to go to Covington, Kentucky, to hold the place against Gen. Kirby Smith. Mr. Lewis again responded, and after his duty was over there and he returned to Camp Chase, he found that the other members of the company had been mustered out quite a while before and had gone home. He also returned home, after serving 15 days over his term of enlistment. This did not finish his war experience, however, for in February, 1864, he re-enlisted as a member of Company D, 43d Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and continued in the service until the close of the conflict. His first battle was experienced May 13 to 15, 1864, in the conflict before Resaca, Georgia, the starting of the Atlanta campaign. He also participated in all of the battles of the campaign until the surrender of Atlanta, and then marched with General Sherman to the sea, then through the Carolinas on to Petersburg, thence to Richmond and to Washington City, where in the grand review that followed he spent the happiest days of his life. From Washington he proceeded to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was on guard duty for a time and afterward was ordered to Columbus, Ohio, and was mustered out of service on July 17th, just in time to return to his home by July 19th, where his parents, his paternal grandmother and his maternal grandparents were all waiting to welcome him.

Mr. Lewis began life as a farmer in the summer and a teacher in the winter months, and he continued agricultural pursuits from 187o until November, 1900, the latter year being the date of his purchase of the Belmont Roller Mills, which he has since operated in connection with the farm work. The farm consists of 15o acres, from which the coal hasbeen sold, so it is devoted to general farming. The mill is one of the latest and most improved model roller mills, is 8o by 90 feet and four stories high. Mr. Lewis buys and grinds the grain and feed and his mill is as neat and clean as any place of its kind in the county. The capacity is about 6o barrels in 24 hours, and most of the flour is shipped to the East.

March 3, 1870, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Mary J. Parks, a daughter of William and Maria (Campbell) Parks, and a great-granddaughter of John Nichol, whose history is given in another part of this work. The union has been blessed with eight children, three dying in infancy. The others are: Harry W., born April 3, 1871, who runs the farm with his father; Della M., born September 30, 1874, now Mrs. George K. Phillips, who has two children, Nellie M. and William; and Charles W., born February 19, 1880; Anna B., born October 23, 1881, and William Parks, born August 13, 1885, who are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are members of the Presbyterian Church. In. fraternal circles the husband is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he takes an active interest, and is now trustee of his township, to which office he was elected two years ago by his party. All the citizens of Lamira have the highest opinion and friendship for Mr. Lewis and his worthy wife.

M. SHEETS, one of the hustling business men of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, is in the coal business and has the best and most complete equipment in the county for a merchant mine. He owns about 150 acres of coal land that reaches back into the neighboring hills, and near his home place he has opened up a mine within the city limits, and in the near future expects to operate it on a lease.

Our subject was born in Meigs County, Ohio, June 22, 1839, and attended West Liberty Academy of West Virginia to secure his education. Following the completion of his studies there he embarked in the mercantile business in his own interest and for some

716 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

years continued the same with good results. Subsequently he sold this business, and was then in the glass business for the next twenty-six years.

The tipple shed, with scales, etc., all complete, is built in close proximity to the mine in the side of a hill. It is circular in shape, having a diameter of sixty feet, rounded out and leveled and walled with stone. In the circle are the buildings, scales, etc., and everything needed in the work. The working force employed consists of about twenty-five miners, and they supply all local demands for bituminous coal. In short it is one of the best enterprises of the kind in the county or State and the duties of its superintendent are by no means light or small, and require the best of judgment.

Mary Newland, a daughter of John K. Newland of Martin's Ferry, became the wife of our subject November 18, 1869, and further mention of her is made in the biography of Mayor Isaac Newland, given in another part of ,this volume. They, and later their two daughters, were all married in the same room of the old Newland homestead, this having become the property of Mrs. Sheets upon the division of her father's estate. To Mr. and Mrs. Sheets were born three daughters, Mary J., J. Beatrice, and Clara, who is still a member of the home circle. Mary J. became the wife of James W. Ralston, a machinist at the Laughlin Mill, in June, 1892, and they have one child, Rolland Sheets Ralston. J. Beatrice married Edward Exley, who was a descendant of one of the old families of Wheeling. They were married in 1896 and now live in Toledo, Ohio.

For the past twenty-five years Mr. and Mrs. Sheets have lived upon their old homestead, formerly the property of Mrs. Sheets' father. It was built by Noah Zane in 1844, who owned the property at that time, but sold it to Mr. Newland in 1857, and it will be remembered by many who in years past called it "Noah's Ark." This title was given for two reasons; first, because it was built by Noah, and second, because, although it does not stand upon Mt. Ararat, it nevertheless surmounts a high hill. It is surrounded by many trees, of elm and hickory, etc., which make a beautiful shade, and also give it the appearance of one of the most sightly homes in the county. The house, itself, is built of brick, and contains fourteen rooms, large and commodious, all in an excellent state of preservation. The dining room, especially, is roomy, being made so as to seat sixty persons at the table. The house is very well planned and is one of the old landmarks. With the Woodses, the Martins, and the Millers places, it was a place of rendezvous for people of Wheeling and other nearby cities, who wanted a few days rest, or a country outing, with a general good time, spent in games or dancing.

But these days are now past and the old homesteads are inhabited by different people who in many respects have other manners and customs ; however, Mr. and Mrs. Sheets prefer to. keep up the long established customs of Kentucky and Virginia, whose hospitality, entertainment, and courtesy reign supreme, and in this respect they have surely succeeded for the latch string is always out.

DR. WILLIAM N. ROGERS enjoys a lucrative practice in his chosen profession, in the city of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio. His success is due to his own qualifications and determination. His birth occurred at Concord, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1871. He did not reside in that place many years, but removed to Media, Delaware County, Pa., and remained there until 1900.

William N. Rogers became a student of the common schools of Media, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the High School there in 1889, standing well to the front in his class. His best efforts were spent in learning the printer's trade for the next few years, and he worked at this until September, of the year 1894, economizing in every way as he had determined to become a physician and surgeon. He accordingly became enrolled among the

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students at Hahnemann Medical College, a homeopathic institution of Philadelphia, and finished his course in good time, graduating May 12, 1898, well equipped for his chosen work.

However, the Spanish-American War then occupied the attention of many of the best citizens and the month following his graduation in 1898 he entered the 1st U. S. Volunteer Engineers and served in the Porto Rican campaign till late in the fall, when he again returned to his profession. From July, 1899, until February 1, 1900, he was employed as junior surgeon of the visiting staff of the out-patient department of Hahnemann Hospital, receiving a very fine surgical training in this way after which he removed to Bellaire, Ohio, and has both office and residence located at No. 1923 Belmont street. He has met with most pleasing success since his residence there, has identified himself with the interests of township and county and now numbers his friends by the score. He is examiner for the Western & Southern Life Insurance Company of this district, is secretary of the Ohio Valley Homeopathic Medical Society, and is vice-president of the West Virginia State Homeopathic Medical Society.

In fraternal circles Dr. Rogers is a past officer of Garfield Lodge, No. 94, Knights of Pythias, of Pennsylvania.

RICHARD SHEPHERD, one of the substantial farmers and upright and representative citizens of Belmont County, was born on the fine farm which he now owns and operates, in 1840. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Lazenby) Shepherd, natives of England, who came to America in 1820, coming directly to Belmont County, where Thomas Shepherd entered 8o acres of government land in Washington township, and lived upon his farm until his death in 1850, at the age of 52 years. Mrs. Mary (Lazenby) Shepherd passed away in 1863, at the age of 68 years, while our subject was serving in the army.

The 13 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Shepherd were as follows : Elizabeth (Mrs. Dayton), who resides in Wetzel County, West Virginia; Edward, who died at the age of 48 years ; John, who died about 1870, aged 47 years, having resided on the home farm and having for some 20 years conducted a grocery boat on the Ohio River; William, who removed to Brown County, Indiana, prior to the Civil War,—he served in the 25th Indiana Regiment and was wounded and died in that State; Mary Ann (Mrs. Dawson), who died in 1900, in Beallsville, Monroe County, her husband having died in the army; Jacob, who resides on a farm in Jackson County, West Virginia, near Ravenswood ; Thomas, who served in Company D, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in the Civil War, and lives in Brown County, Indiana; Isaac, who died in 1898 in Belmont County; Isaiah, who died in the Civil War, having been a member of Company D, 43^rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.; Nancy (Mrs. McAvoy), who removed to Iowa and later to Nebraska; Clarissa (Mrs. Thomas Harlan), who resides in Wetzel County, West Virginia; Richard; and George, who died at the age of 15 years.

Richard Shepherd was reared on the old farm which he first left to shoulder a musket in the Civil War, enlisting December 17, 1861, in Company D, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and gallantly did his duty in the ranks, participating in all the most serious battles, but escaped injury and was discharged in July, 1865. With the exception of four years during which time he leased his farm and resided at Beallsville, this old homestead has been his residence all his life. The property is his own and comprises 235 acres of some of the best land in Washington township. Mr. Shepherd has it under a fine state of improvement, and in July, 1895, built a fine home in the attractive locality of Armstrong's Mills.

In February, 1867, Mr. Shepherd married Martha Jane Sherwood, who was born near Centreville in Smith township, a daughter of the late George Sherwood, who came at an early day from Pennsylvania. In political sen-

720 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

timent, Mr. Shepherd is a stanch Republican. He belongs to Hess Post, G. A. R., No. 595, and has been an official in the Odd Fellows' lodge. Both he and wife are consistent members of the Armstrong's Mills Methodist Church. He is a man of property and prominence, worthily represents a well-known family, and is a first-class citizen in every respect.

TYSON C. ROWLES, well known as one of the successful farmers and leading citizens of Somerset township, Belmont County, was born in 1832, in Colerain township, and has been a resident of the former township since 1882.

The father of our subject was Azariah Rowles, who was born in 1796, in Maryland, and died in Belmont County, in 1846. In 1822 he came to Belmont County and settled in Colerain township, and his death occurred in Smith township. By trade he was a cooper, but he engaged also in farming. He was drafted into the service during the War of 1812 and was a soldier for a time at Baltimore. In politics he was a Whig. Mr. Rowles was reared a Friend, but he lost his birthright by marrying outside the Society without making proper acknowledgment. The mother of our subject was Sarah Hendrickson, who was born in New Jersey, and who died at the age of 61 years, in 1868. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church and a woman of most admirable qualities. A family of eight children was born to Azariah and Sarah (Hendrickson) Rowles, as follows : Hezekiah, who lives in Knox County, Illinois; Mary, who died young; Elizabeth, who is the widow of William Workman ; Thomas J., deceased, who was a soldier during the Civil War, from Belmont County; Nathan H., of Bellaire, who was an officer, with rank of captain, in the 170th Reg., Ohio National Guard, during the Civil War; Tyson C., of this sketch ; Elihu B., who was a member of the 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., during the Civil War and lost his life for his country, in the battle of Altoona, in Sherman's campaign, in 1864; and Nancy E., who is the widow of Elmer Clifford, of Wheeling.

Tyson C. Rowles was educated in the public schools and for a considerable period, in young manhood, was engaged in teaching in Belmont County, teaching for six years in Barnesville. He afterwards engaged in the tanning business at Barnesville, conducting this industry for 10 years. In 1882 he removed to Somerset township and located in section 19, where he most successfully operates a farm of 16o acres. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Rowles has most efficiently filled the offices of trustee and land appraiser and enjoys the reputation of being one of the township's most upright officials.

In 1861 Mr. Rowles was married to Eliza B. Mackall, who was born in Barnesville in 1837, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Mackall. She is a lady of Christian virtues and a most consistent member of the Methodist Church. Fraternally, Mr. Rowles is a Mason, belonging to the local lodge. As a citizen and as a neighbor, he is held in high esteem in Somerset township.

M. E. MOORE is one of the best known farmers and most highly esteemed citizens of Wayne township, Belmont County, whose long and honorable record during the Civil War also entitles him to the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens.

Mr. Moore was born March 1, 1841, in Washington township, on a farm in the vicinity of his present home, and he is a son of Michael and Priscilla (Deaver) Moore.

Michael Moore was born on Captina Creek, in Washington township, and died at the age of 32 years, March 17, 1841, when our subject was an infant of two weeks. He was a son of Jacob Moore, who came to Ohio from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, the family having been founded there by Michael Moore, an early emigrant from Germany. The latter was one of the earliest pioneers in Belmont County, where he died at the age of 106

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years. Jacob Moore, the grandfather of our subject, owned several farms in Washington and Wayne townships, and was the father of these children : John, Henry, Amster, Alfred, Michael, Rachel and Abigail.

The mother of our subject was born in Maryland, of an old and much respected family. She contracted a second marriage, with Eli Mantle, and died some 20 years ago. The children of her first marriage were four in number, namely : Erastus, Adam T., Elizabeth and our subject. Erastus Moore was born in 1833 and in 1859 married Nancy Mechem. In the spring of 1860 he removed to his present fine farm in section 2, Wayne township. His six children were : Rev. Melancthon, who is the pastor of the Christian Church at Garnett, Kansas ; Amanda J., who is Mrs. Thornberry, of Washington, Pennsylvania; Rev. Zuinglius, who is pastor of the Christian Church at Milford, Illinois ; Laura, who is the wife of J. J. Phillips, of Washington township; Rev. Luther, who is pastor of the Third Christian Church at Akron, Ohio; Vietta, who is deceased ; and Edison L., who lives at Akron, Ohio. Adam T. Moore served during the Civil War as a member of the 179th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He resides on the old home place in Washington township. Elizabeth became Mrs. Stukey and died in Indiana. The three children of the second marriage are : Ellen J., the wife of H. J. Danford, of California; and Hiram Mantle, of Wayne township ; and Alexander C. Mantle, of Washington township.

Reared on the farm and educated in the public schools, Mr. Moore grew to young manhood, a representative young farmer. The outbreak of the Civil War completely changed the current of his life, turning it from the peaceful paths of agriculture into the stress and strife of warfare. For almost five years his services were devoted to his country. With loyal enthusiasm he answered the first call for three-year volunteers, entering Company E, 2nd Reg., West Virginia Vol. Inf. ; veteraned in Company E, 5th Reg., West Virginia Vol. Cav., and again veteraned in Company K, 6th Reg., West Virginia Vol. Cav. Although hesaw much hard service and participated in some of the most terrible battles of the war, Mr. Moore miraculously escaped serious injury. He was a member of the famous Averill's cavalry, in West Virginia and was captured by the enemy, spending four months as a prisoner, after the battle of Piedmont. He was left at campaign until the surrender of Atlanta, and Stanton Hospital and, being detailed there as nurse, took such excellent care of 13 wounded Union prisoners, that all but one regained health. Five days were spent in a hospital, from an attack of measles, and that about covered actual illness. In the fall of 1865, he was sent with his veteran regiment to Kansas and Colorado against the Indians, and was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, May 22, 1866, was discharged at Wheeling and arrived home, in Belmont County, June 1, 1866, after a wearisome but honorable service of four years, 11 months and 22 days. He was in Washington City in 1865 and was one of Gen. O. O. Howard's body guard during the trial of the Lincoln conspirators. He participated in the grand review in 1865, and boasts of again marching down Pennsylvania avenue in 1902 at the G. A. R. National Encampment. He has worthily filled all the chairs, including that of commander of G. A. R., Danford Post, No. 525, of Beallsville, Ohio. He was most highly honored on July 1, 1889, by being commissioned lieutenant-colonel by Commander Samuel H. Hurst, of the Department of Ohio, G. A. R., the commission being given at the headquarters at Chillicothe, Ohio.

After his return from the army, Mr. Moore soon married and purchased the old Phillip King farm, on Piney Creek, making the same his home until 1891, when he bought his present home farm, comprising 231 acres, a part of which, 40 acres each, was settled by Samuel and Israel Moore. This is one of the well developed farms of the locality and has been made still more valuable and attractive by the recent completion of a handsome, modern residence.

Mr. Moore was married in the fall of 1866, to Annis Danford, who was born in 1845 in

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Noble County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Emmor Danford of Belmont County. The members of Mrs. Moore's family are scattered : Hiram J., who served in the Civil War, a member of the 27th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., married Ellen J. Mantle, the half-sister of our subject, and they reside at San Diego, California; Thomas, who served in the Civil War also in an Ohio regiment, married Marsha Barkus and is in the mining business at Boulder, Colorado; Nancy Ellen married A. M. Caldwell and lives at New Martinsville, West Virginia; Cynthia married T. H. Blenus, a native of Nova Scotia, and they reside at Jacksonville, Florida; and another brother, E. O., has been lost in the West since 1880.

A family of four children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore, namely : Solon A., born July 22, 1867, who is a teacher of 14 years' experience in Belmont County, a graduate of the Valparaiso Business College and the Elliott School of Shorthand and Typewriting, at Wheeling, and resides with his parents ; Hiram C., born September 24, 1868, who died November 25, 1891; Walton E., born March 6, 1874, who is his father's capable assistant at home; and Adam V., born December 2, 1882, who died November 26, 189o.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore are valued members of the Belmont Ridge Christian Church. No one is ever left in doubt as to Mr. Moore's politics, and he is justly proud of the fact that he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln and has consistently supported the same party ever since. An honest, upright, straightforward man, M. E. Moore enjoys public esteem for his present position as neighbor and citizen, and for his past record as a brave, faithful and gallant soldier.

M. L. BLACKBURN, president of the Novelty Stamping Company, of Bellaire, Ohio, is a native of this State, born in Belmont County, and for the past 34 years has practically been a resident of Bellaire, though the greater part of his active life has been prominently identified with the industrial development of Eastern Ohio. From 1876 to 1892 he was interested in the glass business. Since 1892 he has held the position of president of the Novelty company, for which his years of business experience have eminently qualified him.

The Novelty Stamping Company was established in the summer of 1892, for the manufacture of stamped ware, from sheet metals, the product including all culinary household utensils. The officers of this company are men whose names carry with them reliability, viz.: M. L. Blackburn, president; A. Klotz, vice-president; and L. G. Battelle, secretary and treasurer. The board of directors include the above officers and also George Walters, F. B. Archer, John Schick and Clarence Baur.

This business was incorporated in the fall of 1892 and began operating in February, 1893, at 34th and Monroe streets. The building was erected by the company on the site of the Belmont Glass Works plant, which had been torn down, and covers an area of about half a block. About 250 employees are kept in the various departments, tinder a capable foreman.

JOSEPH O. McKELVEY, a well-known farmer and prominent business man, residing in Mead township, Belmont County, was born February 11, 1854, in this township, being a son of Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey, extended mentioned of whom will be found in another part of this volume.

Mr. McKelvey grew up on the farm, obtaining a good common-school education, and remained at home until 1885, when he purchased his present farm in section 14, near Vallonia, in Mead township, this fine property being locally known as the old Beach farm. It was purchased from Samuel Day and contains 157 acres, which has undergone wonderful improvements under the practical and energetic methods of Mr. McKelvey. The buildings are of a very substantial character, the residence being large and convenient and all the surroundings testifying to thrift and excellent management. Mr. McKelvey is a first-class

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farmer, understanding all agricultural subjects very thoroughly, and belongs to a family which has made Mead township noted for its fine farms.

In 1885 Mr. McKelvey was married to Ida B. King, who was born in 1861 in Richland township, being a daughter of the late James King, and a family of five children has been born to this union, namely : James Curtis, aged 16 years ; George Embra, aged 14.; Lucille, aged 12; Florence B., aged lo; and Morris K., a little lad of two years. The religious membership of the family is with the Bethel Presbyterian Church.

In addition to his farming interests, Mr. McKelvey has been largely engaged in coal optioning, and during the past two years has optioned 16,000 acres, in Mead, Smith and Washington townships. He has been a life-long Democrat and has been township treasurer and township trustee, being eminently qualified to hold public office. Formerly he was a member of the Order of United American Mechanics. His time is absorbed in his different lines of activity and he is regarded as one of the very active and successful business men of his section of Belmont County.

SAMUEL CARPENTER, ESQ., a well-known farmer residing in the southwest part of York township, Belmont County, was born in this township in 1846, and is a son of Robert and Sevilla (Gates) Carpenter.

Robert Carpenter, grandfather of our subject, was one of the pioneers of this section of the country and experienced all the hardships of the early days and the excitement of life among hostile Indians. At one time when he was riding a pony, bringing in the stock to the fort, he was waylaid by two Indians, whose purpose was to steal some horses. They shot young Carpenter through the arm, breaking it near the shoulder. He fell from his pony, which broke away. The pony did not again return to the fort until about a year later. The Indians ordered Mr. Carpenter to catch thehorses, but he did not succeed, as the animals probably scented the blood from his wounded shoulder, else he would have mounted one and made a dash for liberty. He was made a prisoner and held captive for some time, but finally made his escape by taking off his moccasins and running for his life.

Robert Carpenter, father of our subject, came to Belmont County in 1832 from Noble County, Ohio, locating on the farm now occupied by his son Robert. He took up considerable land and at one time owned about 650 acres in Belmont County, and some 50o acres in Indiana. He was largely engaged in sheep raising, and was a very prosperous man. He lived to reachthe age of almost 80 years, dying in 1879. His wife, Sevilla Gates, was born in 1800 on Cat's Run in York township, and died in December, '1898. The following children were born to Robert and Sevilla (Gates) Carpenter : Elizabeth, born January 29, 1823 ; Sevilla, October 24, 1824; Hannah, August 30, 1826; Maria, March 5, 1829; George, January 23, 1831; David, May 11, 1833; Robert (1), April 29, 1835; Albert, October 3, 1837; Robert (2), June 3, 1840; Mary A., May 13, 1843 ; and Samuel, October 8, 1846. Robert Carpenter, the ninth child, and older brother of our subject, enlisted in Company F, 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., serving in the 14th Army Corps with Sherman at Perryville, Tucker's Ford, and Winchester. After serving eight months in that regiment, he re-enlisted in Company C, 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in 1864, in the 100-day service. He married Catherine Koher, who was born and reared in Belmont County and is a daughter of Jacob Koher, and to them were born 10 children, as follows : Maria, Mary, Edward, Jacob, Lottie, Warner W., Arminta, Amos, Ross, and Chalmer F., who died at the age of five months. Robert Carpenter has been a member of Armstrong Post No. 595, G. A. R., for more than 20 years, and belongs to the Grand View Christian Church.

Samuel Carpenter was reared in York township and all his life has resided near his present home, to which he moved in 1892. He owns 240 acres and follows general farming.

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He was formerly extensively engaged in sheep raising. February 24, 1872, he married Jemima Pugh, who died in 1884, leaving four children : Ursula S., wife of John F. Fraley, residing on a part of her father's farm ; Alice M., wife of Wesley Durrigg, of Washington township ; Mertie M.; and Sarah L. Four are deceased, namely : Harriet E.; Arnold W.; Ardella M.; and Irena. Our subject was again married in 1886 to Mary C. Hall, a daughter of Job Hall of Washington township, and they have three children : Stella G.; Omar R.; and Bessie E. Politically, Mr. Carpenter is a Democrat, and has served as justice of the peace and as land appraiser. He was formerly a member of the Farmers' Alliance. Religiously, he and his family are members of the Church of Christ.

WINFIELD S. MECHEM, ex-county commissioner, who served Belmont County in this capacity for a period of seven years, and one of the best farmers and reliable business men of Washington township, was born in 1847 on the fine farm which he now owns near Alledonia, being a son of Lewis and Bathsheba (Danford) Mechem, the latter of whom was born at Ten Mile, Greene County, Pennsylvania, in 1808 and died in 1890.

Lewis Mechem, the father of our subject, was born in 1804, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a son of John Mechem, who migrated in the year 1808 to this county, locating first in Colerain township, later removing to Barnesville and then to Malaga, Monroe County, in 1812. With the assistance of his brother and a hired assistant, he cut a path through the dense woods between Barnesville and Monroe County. In 1816 the family returned to Belmont County and settled in Washington township on Captina Creek. Grandfather Mechem followed a mercantile business during the greater part of his life. He was born about 1770 and died in 1858. His wife, formerly a Miss Evans, born in 1776, died in 1874, in her 99th year at the home of Samuel Danford.

In 1830 Lewis Mechem purchased 160 acres of the land which now constitutes our subject's home, 80 acres each of the tract having been entered by Isaac Moore and a Mr. Brownfield, who received patents from President Andrew Jackson. Lewis Mechem was a stanch Whig and later a Republican, and an influential and representative man of his time and locality. He was an active member and an elder in the Belmont Ridge Christian Church, the first services of which were held in his home in 1856. He was one of 13 children, the others being Mary, John, Rachel, Jane, Ellen, Edward and Edwin, twins, Della Jane, Jesse, Naomi, Sarah and Nancy, and of these Edward resides in Iowa and Naomi in Indiana. Lewis Mechem and his wife had 10 children, as follows : William, deceased; Sinie, deceased; Huldah (Mrs. Wright), of Kansas; John G., of Wright County, Iowa; Nancy E. (Mrs. Moore), of Belmont County; Amanda (Mrs. Stewart) died in Oregon ; L. C., an attorney at Centerville, Iowa; Sarah J. (Mrs. Boyer), of Missouri; Winfield S., of this sketch; and Louisa J. (Mrs. McFarland), of Belmont County.

Our subject was reared and educated in Belmont County and while still a young man completed his reading of law and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He then went as far west as Des Moines, Iowa, to grow up with the country in his profession, but failing health compelled him, nine months later, to return and seek exercise again in an agricultural life. This is a very valuable property and, aside from public duties, Mr. Mechem operates his farm successfully and during the past couple of years has also optioned some 2,200 acres of coal land. In 1890 he was elected county commissioner and, after serving seven years, is now giving his attention to farming.

Mr. Mechem married Elvira Thornberry, the daughter of Lewis Thornberry, a native of Pennsylvania, but an old resident here, where she was born and the children of this union are : Udell, who married a Miss Lucas, resides at home and they have one daughter, Thelma ; William, who is employed at Mount Pleasant with the Upsil Coal Company; and Ross, who

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is at home. Mr. Mechem is a Republican, and in 188o he served as land appraiser. The religious connection of the family is with the Belmont Ridge Christian Church.

HENRY M. ROTHERMUND, a well-known contractor and builder of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, is located at No. 239 6th street, was born at Warnock's station, Belmont County, Ohio, December 17, 1857, being a son of Augustus and Hannah (Specht) Rothermund.

Augustus Rothermund, the father of our subject, was born in Germany and there learned the building trade. In 1852 he came to America, and joined his brother, Frederick, who was already located at Wheeling, (West) Virginia. There he followed his trade and did much of his building and contracting in Bridgeport and Martin's Ferry. His work was of a character that advertised him and he became well known through the county. His death occurred at the age of 69 years, his wife having passed away previously in her 48th year. Both parents of our subject were consistent and worthy members of the German Lutheran Church. A family of nine children was born to them, as follows : William, who died when 40 years of age; Henry M.; Charles, who is a partner with Henry M., and resides in Martin's Ferry; Lewis, deceased, lived but 26 years, but was a prominent man in Martin's Ferry, being a leading grocer, and president of the City Council at the time of his death; Hannah (Mrs. Moore) lives in Martin's Ferry; August (1), deceased ; August, who does the plastering for his brothers' contract buildings ; Caroline, who is deceased; and Louisa, who died at the age of six years from lockjaw.

Our subject obtained his education in the public schools at Martin's Ferry, beginning at the age of 16 years to learn his trade with his father, working thus until 23 years old, and then started independently in the same business. Mr. Rothermund has a skill in his work not possessed by all contractors and builders. He acts so honestly with the public that he has gained the full confidence of the people of Martin's Ferry and Bridgeport. He has done much of the work in both cities and has plastered as many as 78 buildings in one year. There is one peculiarity about our subject, and that is that if he thinks he cannot finish work in the specified time he will not undertake the job, and in this way the public has grown to trust his word and to secure his services if possible. He carries all the best trade in his locality, and takes a just pride in its completeness. Mr. Rothermund is one of the directors in the German Savings Bank and owns much property of a valuable nature through the city, having at least six acres divided into building lots. Although he is no politician, he votes with the Democratic party, but refuses all tenders of office.

Mr. Rothermund was married July 17, 1882, to Minnie Seabright, a native of this county and a daughter of Charles and Louisa Seabright, both deceased. The three children born to this union are : Pearl Elizabeth, Lewis Carl and Elwood William. The religious connection of the family is with the German Lutheran Church. Our subject is a very enterprising and public-spirited man and is very highly regarded in Martin's Ferry, for his integrity of character and good citizenship.

HON. LORENZO DANFORD. Few names in Belmont County carried with them more influence or suggestions of high esteem, than did that of the late Lorenzo Danford, who for many years was identified with so many of the leading interests of the county and was such an able representative of its bar.

Like the majority of public men, Lorenzo Danford was born and reared on a farm. His birth took place in Belmont County, Ohio, October 18, 1829, being a son of Samuel Danford. His primary education was acquired in the public schools. Later he entered college at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, beginning the study of law at the age of 23 years, under the tutelage of Carlo C. Carroll, of St. Clairsville,

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Ohio. His admission to the bar was in 1854. Almost immediately he took a leading position in political life, great questions then coming forward in national affairs. He made his entrance into political life as a Whig and was a member of the State electoral ticket in 1856, supporting Millard Fillmore for President. After the dissolution of the Whig party, Mr. Danford cast his fortunes with the newly-born Republican party, and was its ardent supporter and a prominent member in its councils for a period of 40 years. In 1857 he was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney of Belmont County, and was re-elected in 1859, resigning this office, with characteristic patriotism, to enter the army in 1861.

Mr. Danford organized Company E. of the 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in which he was elected 2nd lieutenant, but was later promoted to be 1st lieutenant, and still later captain, holding this rank until August 1, 1864, when he resigned his position on account of failing health. The first election of Mr. Danford to Congress was in 1872, when he defeated John A. Bingham, of the war period renown. In 1876 he was returned by his constituents, and in 1878 he disappointed them by a strenuous refusal to receive further honors. It was not until 1894 that he was again prevailed upon to be his party's standard-bearer and then he was elected by a large majority. In 1898 he was re-elected for the term beginning March I, 1899, and thus some two years yet remained of his service when death closed his earthly career. While in Congress he introduced many important measures and was a member of the committee which was sent to Louisiana, South Carolina and Florida, in the Hayes-Tildert contest. He took a bold stand in regard to immigration and was chairman of the committee on that subject. It was no secret that he was pressed to accept the Governorship of Ohio when Mr. Hayes was last elected, and had Mr. Danford belonged to the class of scheming, trafficking politicians that dominate public affairs too often, he might have reached greater eminence in the party's councils.

The personal feeling for Mr. Danford in

Belmont County was of a most flattering nature. During the war he was seriously shot by sharpshooters and was carried from the field to a hospital, thought to be mortally wounded, but recovered and returned to his duties to the great delight of his fellow citizens. In what is remembered as the great "S" trestle wreck, he was one of the injured passengers, and was terribly lacerated about the head and also internally injured, to such a degree that the Wheeling papers published his obituary with the most heartfelt expressions of sorrow. These papers he read later, saying that he wanted to live long enough to vote once more for General Grant. One of the great acts of his life he felt to have been the casting of his electoral vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 186o, and he was wont to refer to it through later years, with expressions of pleasure.

Personally, Mr. Danford was a warm-hearted, affable man and had many friends and ardent admirers. His success in political life was due to the enthusiasm of his friends rather than to his personal efforts and it was with the greatest difficulty that he was induced to re-enter the poltical arena, in 1894, to contest for the Belmont delegation against his old political rival, Col. C. L. Poorman. His career as an attorney was not less illustrious than as a politician. He was an adroit practitioner and he scorned the technical tricks with which some attorneys win cases, giving fair and honorable treatment to his opponents. His eloquence as a speaker won for him many closely contested cases and his fame extended all over Ohio. In all his practice he never was an attorney for any railroad or corporation and always gave his best efforts to preserve the interests of the common people.

Quoting from the "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" :

"Hon. Lorenzo Danford, son of Samuel Danford, a prominent farmer of this county, and who was a conspicuous figure of his day, and served the people in various official positions with much intelligence and great ability. As Congressman, as an orator upon questions of politics and statesmanship and as a lawyer

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of breadth and power, he was one of the distinguished men of Eastern Ohio. In criminal practice his fame was particularly widespread as one of the foremost in that branch of his profession."

Quoting from The St. Clairsville Chronicle:

"Hon. Lorenzo Danford had a wide reputation as an attorney of great learning and skill and as an orator. His speeches in the House of Representatives as well as his addresses to the bench evince an ability for trenchant argument possessed by few men. He is deserving of the esteem accorded him for his successful career, as it is the result of constantly exercised energy directed by noble purpose."

On October 7, 1858, Mr. Danford was married to Anna H. Cook, who died October 7, 1867, leaving three children : William C., John M., and Thomas J. On October 27, 1870, he married Mary M. Adams, of Belmont County,—a daughter, Carrie Lee, being born to this union. The death of Hon. Lorenzo Danford took place at the residence of John Sidebottom, near Loydsville, Ohio, on June 19, 1899, in his 71st year. A cold contracted during the funeral services over his father developed into "la grippe," with complications, although the immediate cause of collapse was heart failure. The obsequies were conducted according to the simple and impressive ceremony of Drummond Post, Grand Army of the Republic, after the general services were conducted by Rev. Thomas Balph, assisted by Rev. J. S. Secrest, both of the Methodist Church.

William C. Danford, the eldest son of Hon. Lorenzo Danford, was born in St. Clairsville, and there received his education. Through the kind interest of President Garfield, he was appointed a United States mail clerk, a position he has filled with credit for 25 years. On June 19, 1886, he was united in marriage with Mattie Judkins, a native of Monroe County, Ohio, and a daughter of Joel and Jane Judkins, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. Judkins is an honored resident of St. Clairsville. Mrs. Danford belongs to the Methodist Church.

John M. Danford, the second son of Hon. Lorenzo Danford, died at the age of 27 years, and Thomas J. is a resident of St. Clairsville. The sister of the above, and the daughter of Hon. Lorenzo Danford, by his second marriage, is a woman of education and force of character, well worthy of so illustrious a father. She is a graduate of the Ohio State Medical University and a trained nurse. Through the personal interest of President McKinley, a friend of the family, she was appointed a nurse in the army in the Philippine Islands, where for two years she has given efficient service. After a visit to old friends in Ohio, she intends to return to her noble work in the Orient.

ROBERT C. MONTGOMERY. Among the leading business men of Martin's Ferry is Robert C. Montgomery, who conducts a first-class grocery, located at No. 729 Broadway. Mr. Montgomery was born in Marshall County, West Virginia, January 9, 1869, being a son of Joseph B. and Elizabeth A. (Caswell) Montgomery. The former was born in West Virginia, while the latter was a native of Massachusetts.

The grandparents of Mr. Montgomery were William and Elizabeth (Blakemore) Montgomery, both of whom were born in West Virginia, when the State was still a part of the Old Dominion. William Montgomery was a cooper by trade, and in his shop his four sons learned the business. His children were as follows : George, Joseph B., James, William, Emma, Elizabeth, Amanda, Mary, Oella and Henrietta. George served three years in the Civil War, participated in many battles, was once severely wounded in the shoulder. George lives on Wheeling Island. James died at the age of 24 years. William resides at Martin's Ferry and is employed at the tin mill. Emma J. is the widow of John Hawn and resides in Wheeling, Elizabeth is the widow of Josiah Caswell, who was the brother of Robert C. Montgomery's mother. Amanda married Al-

730 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

bert Ferguson, and both are deceased. Mary married Harry Jump, who is engaged in the . dry goods business at Martin's Ferry. Oella married Charles Wells and resides on the Island. Henrietta died at the age of six years. William Montgomery was a son of Thomas Montgomery, who was one of the early settlers in West Virginia, and was born near Shepherdstown, in 1815, and was a farmer by occupation. In 1858 he married Elizabeth Blakemore, who died in 1888.

Joseph B. Montgomery, the father of our subject, was born in Benwood, Marshall County, (West) Virginia, in 1844. In his early years he followed a coopering business, machinery which at present does all that line of work not having been invented. He was so occupied until his enlistment, in 1864, in the 5th Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., for service in the Civil War. Mr. Montgomery took part in the Atlanta campaign under Sherman, went with the army to the sea and participated in the review at Washington, where he was discharged in October, 1865, having served almost two years. Upon his return to his home, he resumed his trade, at which he worked until his marriage, in 1868. He then purchased a farm in Marshall County and followed the life of an agriculturist for 15 years. In 1884 he removed to Martin's Ferry and erected the first business house in that part of the city known as "The Orchard," this building being the one now occupied by his son. Mr. Montgomery thoroughly identified himself with that part of the city. In 1887 he was elected a member of the School Board and during one term was its president. In 1888 he was elected a member of the City Council from the Third Ward and served in that body for three terms, during two of which he was its president.

On May 7, 1868, Mr. Montgomery was married to Margaret Elizabeth Caswell, who was born March 7, 1849, in Massachusetts, a daughter of Robert and Roanna Caswell, both natives of the same State, who migrated to (West) Virginia in 1852. Mr. Caswell was born May 12, 1818, and his wife May 23, 1818, and the former died in 1854, at the age of 36, and the latter June 25, 1871, at the age of 53 years. Mrs. Montgomery was the youngest of three children, and is the only survivor. She had two brothers. Josiah, who followed his father's trade of nailer, lived to be 33 years of age. On January 1, 1864, he froze his feet so seriously that he suffered through the remainder of his life from this injury. He married the sister of J. B. Montgomery. The second brother, Elijah, was also a nailer by trade. He married Anna Trainer, daughter of Rev. Thomas Harvey Trainer, of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Wheeling. Mrs. Montgomery was long a consistent member of this religious body in this locality and is now connected with the Emory Methodist Church at Pittsburg, of which city she is a resident. J. B. Montgomery was trustee and a member of the board of stewards of the Methodist Church at Martin's Ferry and gave freely of his time and money to further its interests. He was of a sunny nature, very genial and companionable, true to every trust and a most loyal and patriotic citizen. His loyalty was tested at a time and in a State which gave meaning to the word patriotism. Mr. Montgomery died October 16, 1899.

Robert C. Montgomery was educated in the schools of Marshall County and later took a business course in Frasher's Business College, at Wheeling. Upon completing his school days, April 1, 1884, he entered his father's grocery store at Martin's Ferry, and was taken into partnership in 1895, the firm style becoming J. B. Montgomery & Son. His father retired from the business in 1899, since which time the business has been conducted under the name of R. C. Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery is the older of two children, his brother Howard D. being a successful attorney in Pittsburg. Mr. Montgomery, through his long experience, has become thoroughly posted on the grocery trade and conducts a first-class store, dealing largely in fresh fruits and vegetables as well as choice canned goods. His stock is displayed in a very attractive manner, his business receives his individual attention,

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and he counts among his patrons the most exacting trade of the city.

On March 27, 1895, Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage with Rose B. Maxwell, a native of West Virginia, who is a daughter of John D. Maxwell and a member of the following family : Maggie, who is Mrs. Ross Lake; Alexander O., James P., George D. and Edward, all residing on the Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery a family of three children has been born, namely : Elizabeth L., Joseph B. and Robert M. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church. Mr. Montgomery is valued in various business activities of the city and has just been elected a trustee of the Electric Light Company. In fraternal association, he belongs to the K. of P., Uniform Rank, and is captain of Ohio City Company, No. 48, and has passed through all the chairs in the order; he also belongs to the Maccabees. In political sentiment he is an ardent Republican and has served as delegate to county conventions. He is a charter member of the Vigilant Hose Company.

JOHN E. TIMBERLAKE, a substantial farmer and well-known citizen of Belmont County, which has been his home for many years, was born in Morgan (now Noble) County, Ohio, in August, 1838, a son of Nelson and Hannah (Lyons) Timberlake, the latter of whom was of Pennsylvania birth and of Scotch-Irish ancestry.

Nelson Timberlake was born near St. Clairsville, being a son of William Timberlake, who was a teacher in the night schools of St. Clairsville, in the early days. The mother of Nelson Timberlake was, before marriage, Miss Johnson, and a sister to the well-known Richard M. Johnson. In his earlier years Nelson Timberlake worked in mills and followed a carpenter and wagon-making business, but later purchased a small farm and there died at the comparatively early age of 42 years, when our subject was eight years old, while his wife survived many years, dying in 1884, at the age of72 years. The children born to these parents were eight in number, two of whom died young. The others were as follows : Warren T., of Virginia; Amanda (Mrs. Clethero), of Nebraska; Alice, a teacher in Iowa, married and later died there; Priscilla died in Noble County; William H. died or was probably killed during the Civil War, having been appointed provost marshal by Governor Fletcher just at the close of the war and was sent on the trail of the James boys and other desperadoes ; and John E.

John E. Timberlake attended school in Noble County and assisted the family in early manhood, prior to entering the service of his country. On June. 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, 25th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served during the stormiest part of the Civil War, giving three years of his life to the cause and suffering for an entire year from a very serious wound in the arm, received at Chancellorsville. Upon his return, he entered Mount Union College, where he pursued his studies for a time, and then located in Washington township, Belmont County, in 1865, and engaged in farming, an occupation he has successfully pursued ever since. Mr. Timberlake is one of the really good farmers of this locality, practical and progressive, and his fine farm of 140 acres, with its valuable improvements, testifies to his agricultural ability.

Mr. Timberlake married Orpha Adaline Lindsey, who was born in Washington township, Belmont County, October 13, 1848, and was a daughter of George Lindsey, one of the early settlers of this locality. She was the youngest of a large family, and died January 1, 1902. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Timberlake were: Florence, the wife of U. G. Conoway of Washington township; Charles E., a graduate of Scio College, an able attorney, now practicing law at Bellaire with the firm of Danford & Danford; Mary O., the wife of Everett E. Workman, a mail carrier at Bellaire ; Nannie, the wife of City Attorney Cook Danford, of Bellaire; and H. Estella, who resides with her father. Mr. Timberlake and daughter spend a part of the year at the

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farm at Crab Apple, and the remainder in Bellaire. In political adherence, Mr. Timberlake has never wavered since casting his vote for President Lincoln, and has served in a number of township offices with the greatest efficiency. He was a charter member of Hess Post, G. A. R., at Armstrong's Mills, of which he is still a member. Mr. Timberlake is well known and as highly esteemed, his reputation being that of a reliable man and representative citizen. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which denomination his wife was also a member.

WILLIAM McNICHOLS, a substantial farmer and most highly esteemed resident of Goshen township, Belmont County, owning one of the most desirable farms of this locality, was born October 23, 1835, in Goshen township.

Joseph McNichols, his father, was one of the best known and most respected citizens of the township. He died in 1892 at the age of 84 years. For 27 years he had followed the trade of gunsmith, on his farm, south of Belmont, in addition to operating a large property. He was a man well known for his integrity and for his stanch adherence to the Republican party. His first marriage was to Charity Newsom, a daughter of Jordan Newsom, a staid and most respected Friend, who left his home in North Carolina and entered land in Ohio, wishing to live and rear his family in a Free State. His wife belonged to the old Morris family of South Carolina. Mr. Newsom was one of the first settlers in the township and built the brick house which our subject now occupies, but he was killed prior to its completion. Our subject bought the farm in 1864, and has resided here since .the spring of 1865. Although the old mansion was erected over 8o years ago, it is fairly well preserved, and an observant eye can see the print of the trowel on the mortar at the present time. It evidently was no contract work. Our subject's mother died 42 years ago, and his stepmother resides at Bethesda. Afamily of four children was reared to maturity, and five others died young,—Isaac, Joseph H., Asa and two daughters. Those who were reared were : William, Mary, Thomas C., and Sarah A. Mary was born in 1838 and married Elmore Phillips. They lived on her father's farm for some years, later moved to the farm of Mr. Phillips' father, and later bought a farm at Mount Olivet, where Mrs. Phillips died 34 years ago. Mr. Phillips moved to Harrison County, Ohio, where he now lives. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are as follows : Josephine, who married Oscar Hibbs, who has been in business at Piedmont for some years ; Alonzo C., a resident of Northern Ohio; Ida B. and Jessie E., all having been wards of their uncle, William. Thomas C. McNichols resides at Bethesda, owns a farm south of Belmont, one in Indiana, and is a surveyor and an unusually fine mathematician. Sarah never married and resides most comfortably at Bethesda.

Mr. McNichols was reared on the farm and was educated in the common schools. At the age of 22 he was united in marriage to Nancy J. Russell, a daughter of Samuel Russell; she was born and reared in this vicinity, a member of one of the oldest families. She lived to the age of 62 years, dying June 19, 1902, a most estimable, Christian wife and mother. The nine living children of our subject are: Stephen, who is a traveling salesman, married Laura White, has one son, Myron, and resides at Morristown ; Emma, who married John Murphy, a merchant at Bethesda, and has these children,—Viola, Oscar, Dorothy and Orville: Viola, who married Lincoln H. Thrall, who is in the cigar business at Bethesda, and they have two children,—Gail and Faye; Frank, who is in business with Mr. Thrall, married Hattie Patterson and they have three children,—Artie, Gertrude and Myrtle ; Charles, who is a farmer, unmarried; and Ross, Mary Alice, Joseph and Ella, who are at home. William died at the age of 21 years. The children are attendants at the Baptist Church. Mr. McNichols has always been generous in his support of all moral movements and religious

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bodies, but he has never formally connected himself with any, leaning perhaps to the simplicity of belief of his Quakeress mother. Since 1867 he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the local lodge at Barnesville. In politics he has been a lifelong Republican, although he has never consented to act in any official position.

Mr. McNichols owns 180 1/2 acres of land in Goshen township, situated in sections 32 and 26, which he has devoted to general farming. Formerly he dealt in stock, probably for 27 years, during 13 of which he was in partnership with Silas Bailey. On the death of his father, much care and responsibility devolved upon him and for quite a period he was engaged in the settling of the estate. Mr. McNichols stands before his fellow citizens as a man of upright character and peaceable and useful life, and is held in universal esteem.

THE HEATHERINGTON FAMILY has been prominently identified with the coal interests of Belmont County, especially in the vicinity of Bellaire, for a number of years, and it is conspicuous not only for wealth and business activity, but also for its public spirit, civic usefulness and social position.

Jacob Heatherington, a most highly esteemed citizen of this city, and the father of Winfield Scott Heatherington, was born in 1814, in England, and came to America at the age of 14 years with his parents and four brothers, the latter locating in various parts of the country. Mr. Heatherington had no educational advantages in his youth. He followed the occupation of "trapper" in the mines near his home in the north of England prior to coming to the United States. His father located at West Wheeling, Ohio, and there conducted a small coal mine, the same now operated by the Brooks Coal Company. Jacob Heatherington came to Bellaire while still young, and soon after became the owner of a lot of eight acres of land, and on that tract the most of his children were born. His first residence, where three of the children were born, survived the flood of 1832, and the second building stood through the flood of 1852, which demolished so much river property.

In these early days, Mr. Heatherington was closely associated with Captain Fink, and at various times purchased small tracts of land in the valley from Fink, which yearly increased in value and are now largely built upon, comprising a very important part of the city of Bellaire.

The foundation of Mr. Heatherington's large fortune was laid in working in the coal mines, and in this connection, notice must be made of an humble member of the family known as "Jack." Inseparably connected with Mr. Heatherington's early and arduous labors was the little black mule called "Jack." As he grew old and died, worn out through 44 years of useful service, the "side-partner," as his affectionate and appreciative master denominated him, was given burial in a quiet and shady corner of the estate, while the members of the family grieved as at the loss of a friend. In recognition of a companion who never failed him in days of adversity, Mr. Heatherington, in erecting his palatial mansion in this city, ordered that a graven image of "Jack" should adorn the keystone over its front door.

Jacob Heatherington first labored in the coal mine which opens near the present residence of Carl L. Dorer, on McMechen's Creek, and later opened a mine just below his residence. A few years after he opened what is known as Belmont No. 1, and which is now operated by Albert Heatherington, the son of the former owner. His next enterprise was the opening up of Belmont No. 2, the "River" mine, and this was operated by the family until 1899, when it was sold to the Empire Coal Company, which works it under the same name. It "is a most valuable property, and had been operated for 20 years by Winfield Scott Heatherington and Miss Lyde Heatherington, daughter of the late Alexander Heatherington and niece of Jacob Heatherington. At the close of the Civil War, Mr. Heatherington made a trip to his native land and upon his return brought with him a prominent English architect, who

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planned and built the stately home in South Bellaire, at a cost of $30,000. This home is about the most elaborate residence in the city. The bricks used in its construction were burned upon the estate. This architect while in Ohio was engaged to erect other buildings, the capitol at Wheeling being an example of his architecture. The children of Jacob Heatherington were the following : Melinda, John, Alexander, Hamden, Martha, Winfield Scott, Wilbur, Oella, who died in 1894; Albert; and Perky, who died at the age of five years. Of these, Melinda died young. John served three years in the Civil War. He married Amanda Waggoner and their one child, Elmer Ellsworth, is deceased. Alexander died in 1891, aged about 54 years. He married Elizabeth Jones, a native of Belmont County, who resides at Bellaire. Four of their children died young, and the four surviving ones are : Lyde, who capably carries on her father's business, in association with her uncle, our subject; Flora, who married James F. DuBois, a prominent citizen of Bellaire; Jacob, who is a clerk in Bellaire; and Edwin, who is still in school. Hamden is a veteran of the Civil War, having served four years, and was mustered out as captain ; in 1889, he removed to Noble County, Ohio, where he is engaged in farming. He married Elizabeth Penn, a native of Belmont County, and their one son and three daughters are the following : Jacob, who is married and has two children, lives at Newport News, Virginia, where he is a ship carpenter, in the employ of the government ; Olie, who is married, lives at Point Pleasant, West Virginia; Mabel, also married, lives in Indiana; and Nellie, who is a young lady at home. Martha resides at Bellaire. Wilbur, who was born in 1849, died about 1879, leaving his widow and two children,—Serena and Oella. Albert, who is married and resides at Bellaire, has two sons, William and Jacob, the latter of whom manages the mine known as Belmont No. 1. In politics this family has been united in its allegiance to the Republican party. With the exception of John. all of the sons and father have been identified with either the Masonic or Odd Fellow fraternities. The Christian Church in this section was largely built by Jacob Heatherington, and the family membership has been with that religious body through many years.

Jacob Heatherington's wife was a most estimable woman and a devout member of the Christian Church. Her demise was sadly mourned. She died in 1896, aged about 80 years.

Winfield Scott Heatherington was born near the residence of his father, in South Bellaire, in 1847. At that time his father owned 52 acres of the valuable land along the river, about one-half of which has been sold to the railroads and for choice residence sites. Mr. Heatherington has operated what is known as the "River" mine, as noted above, his duties being the superintendence of the outside work, while his niece manages the office. Three fine residences are in course of construction, several blocks north of the family home. They are being built by our subject, his brother, John, and Lyde, his niece. Winfield Scott Heatherington married a daughter of Rudolph Archer, deceased, and to this union were born four sons and two daughters, namely : Howard, who was formerly a miner, but now a glass worker, married Eva Harper, has one child, Eugene, and resides in the First Ward; Orlando, who is also a glass worker, married Miss Rufer and has two sons,—Raymond and Newell ; Maud, who married John Rankin, bookkeeper for the Delaplain Dry Goods Company of Wheeling, resides on Wheeling Island, and is the mother of two sons,—Chauncey A. and Ralph H.; Albert, who conducts a large gentlemen's furnishing business in Bellaire, a member of the firm of Heatherington & Archer, married Mary Buchanan, and they have one dauhgter, Mildred ; Winfield Scott, Jr., who is the master of a vessel and pilot, secured his license on the day he reached his majority, being the youngest pilot then in government waters, married Anna Schramm, and they have one daughter, Grace; and Martha, the youngest, who resides at home.

The Heatherington name has been perpetuated in many ways in Belmont County, and

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has long been familiar in many circles, most notably in a musical organization, known as the Heatherington Band. It was organized over 6o years ago by William and Jacob Heatherington, the latter being at that time the drummer. Winfield Scott Heatherington was elected to that rank while still too small to carry his drum, and later conducted the band for some 30 years, being an expert baritone player. His eldest son is also skilled on the same instrument. He resigned this duty to his son in 1887. The band consists of 24 pieces and it is well known all over the county.

JOSEPH T. HANES, prominently identified with the insurance and real estate interests of Belmont County, Ohio, is one of the leading business men of Martin's Ferry and an honored survivor of the Civil War. Mr. Hanes was born at Martin's Ferry, July 7, 1839, and is a son of James and Rebecca (Hadsell) Hanes, both of whom were natives of Ohio.

James Hanes was a brick and stone contractor and was born in 1802. He was reared on a pioneer farm in Belmont County, was married in 1824, and then settled at Burlington, which is the oldest town in this county. The house is still standing, which was the family home until 1835, at which time he built the first dwelling house in Martin's Ferry. His house and an old warehouse composed Martin's Ferry at that time. Joseph McCleary built the chimney of the house. He later became an attorney and practiced law in Martin's Ferry until his death. This house, a twostory brick, is still standing on the corner of 3rd and Clay streets, in a good state of preservation. James Hanes was a man of ability and rare judgment. He held many public offices and was universally respected. He traveled all over the county in the interests of Dodge's patent grate, and became well known in every neighborhood. In 1846 he commenced a marble business, continuing in that until his death. Many of his monuments may be noted in thecemeteries through Belmont and adjacent counties. Mr. Hanes was always enthusiastic over the possibilities of Martin's Ferry as a manufacturing center, and its later development has justified his claims, although he was not permitted to see more than the awakening of its commercial activity. His death took place on Christmas Day, 1862, at the time when his son, our subject, was marching to the battle of Stone River, which was fought on January 2, 1863. His widow survived until July 13, 1889, dying at the age of 87 years. She had been a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, was a real "mother in Israel," and as she lived immediatly across the street from the church building, many of the class meetings and social organizations were held in her house. There the itinerant preacher always found a warm welcome. She was a woman of much fortitude, of most lovely, motherly, Christian character. She and her husband are recalled as most worthy types of the Ohio pioneers, whose sober lives did much to encourage temperance and morality during the early days. Their memories will long be cherished.

Joseph T. Hanes was the sixth member of a family of eight children born to his parents, the others being as follows : Lucinda R., born in 1827, married William Edgington and lives at Martin's Ferry; Josephine married Daniel Long, and died in 1898, at the age of 68, a worthy member of the Methodist Church; Martha has always remained in the old home, performing household duties, writing during the war the welcome letters, and living the sweet, quiet existence of a pious and worthy woman; Elizabeth married Wesley A. Jones, who died, a soldier, in the hospital at Evansville, Indiana—her daughter, Estella, is the widow of Ephraim Hanes ; Minerva is the widow of Alexander Rose and resides at Fairmont, West Virginia; Anna E., who married R. C. Melson, lives in the old home ; James C. is a stove molder in a foundry at Mansfield, Ohio.

The early education of our subject was necessarily obtained in the school house of his

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locality, which was the old log house on Locust street, between 2nd and 3rd, now made use of by a foundry for the storage of flasks. In 1854 the first union school in this part of the State was built, containing eight rooms, located on the site where the stately Central School building now stands. The latter is the third school building erected on the same spot. At the time of the building of the union school, our subject was ready for high school, and he continued at his books until 1857, during the winters ; his summers during these latter years were employed with his father in the marble shop. He continued to work at marble cutting until 1862, when he went to Pittsburg and there enlisted in a regiment of heavy artillery, but the regiment proved already complete, so he returned home and on September 11, 1862, enlisted in Company G, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and soon his regiment was hurried to the front. His first battle was at Stone River, and on the first day the regiment was surprised while at breakfast, and although the soldiers of the command fought bravely, some were captured, several were killed and the artillery was captured, our subject being one of the prisoners taken. He was sent to Libby Prison at Richmond, where he was kept two months and was then exchanged and joined his regiment at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He escaped none of the horrors which prevailed at the infamous Richmond prison, but congratulated himself that it lasted but two long months. From April until June 15th, the regiment remained near Murfreesboro, and then started out on the Tullahoma campaign. Three days after General Rosecrans succeeded in outflanking General Bragg, and during the summer campaign of 1863, Chattanooga was taken and .the Union forces remained there encamped until September. The battle of Chickamauga took place on September 19th, and after fighting through that terrible Friday, Saturday and Sunday, our subject was again taken prisoner. The facts were these : Darkness fell that Sunday night while fighting was still going on, and the hospitals were being filled with the wounded and dying. General Rosecrans and his staff came by and told the soldiers of the 15th Ohio Regiment that they were within the Union lines and to remain there and care for the wounded. No duty of this kind would have ever been disregarded by a man of our subject's character, and it was through his devotion that he was captured. He gave special attention to a mortally wounded captain and carried water to him, a quarter of a mile, at intervals throughout the night. In the morning he found himself a captive. He was sent to Richmond again, from there to Danville, and from April 19th to November 10th, a period of seven fearful months, he was kept at the Andersonville pen. Here, Mr. Hanes certifies, they usually had one meal a day, consisting of cake made from cornmeal, baked on a board before the fire, with a bit of bacon prepared the same way. The food and prevailing conditions gave our subject a case of scurvy. His teeth became loose, his gums black and his limbs would not support his body. He was carried on a board to the hospital, and during his five weeks there was fed on rice. He had by this time given up all hope of return and really wanted to die and be out of his misery, and probably would have succumbed had it not been for the encouragement and help rendered him by two comrades from Wheeling, whose names he gives with affection, William Phillips and Oliver Stringer. At last came the day of his exchange and he was carried out of the prison on a board, sent to Savannah and there was fed and clothed. From there he was transferred to Annapolis, where he was given more clothes and what he longed for, a bath. Just before the holidays he neared home, still walking with a cane, gaunt and weak, but grateful for his recovery and conscious of a faithful performance of duty. Just after the death of his father his mother felt the need of her son to such an extent that she asked of Cyrus Mendenhall, a friend, to apply to his friend, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, for a discharge of our subject, and the letter received is here copied:

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ADJT. GEN. OFFICE, WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 1863.

Cyrus Mendenhall, Sir : I have the honor to inform you that the discharge of Joseph T. Hanes, Co. G, 15th Reg., O. V. I., has been ordered by this department.

I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obt. servant,

SIMON BERCER, Asst. Adjt. Gen.

The colonel of our subject's regiment received a copy of the above at the time the battle of Chickamauga was pending, and this short detention of the order brought upon Mr. Hanes his terrible prison experience, its starvation, hardship and impaired health, while his father's business had necessarily suffered such neglect that the settling of his estate entailed months of extra labor. As soon as possible, in the spring of 1865, our subject began the settlement of the estate, and, as his recovery progressed, continued the business, being active in it until 1879. He still owns it, although the greater part of his attention is now given to his large real estate and insurance interests.

The marriage of Mr. Hanes took place on February 11, 1869, to Hannah M. Clyker, a native of Wheeling, and a daughter of Ambert and Hannah Clyker, both of whom are deceased. The three children born to this marriage are : James W., deceased; Gertrude C., who married Ellis D. Lash and resides at Martin's Ferry, having a family of two children, Julia M. and Joseph H.; and Lyman S., who married Bessie Douglas, and is engaged with his father in business. Both our subject and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. His fraternal connections are numerous and of a pleasant nature, being a member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M.; the G. A. R. Post, of which he has been post commander ; I. O. O. F.; and K. of P. In all of these organizations he has been active and has represented them in their higher councils. In politics he is a Republican of the most vigorous type. In 1888, with Judge Robert H. Cochran and Col. George P. Bissell, he started into the enterprise of building up the Wheeling Terminal Railway, being the purchasing agent for right of way through Martin's Ferry, bringing the work to a successful terminationand paying out over $100,000. They organized a company for the Ohio side tunnel, of which our subject is secretary and a director. It has been absorbed in what is now known as the Wheeling Terminal Company, a strong financial corporation.

J. A. GREEN, one of the foremost business men of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, gives the greater part of his attention to his grocery store, where he handles fresh meat, flour, etc., and a full line of both fancy and staple groceries. The parents of our subject were Samuel and Elizabeth (Cannon) Green, and he is a grandson of "Little" Henry Green, who is well remembered as one of the earliest residents of Belmont county.

Samuel Green and his estimable wife were born and reared near Captina Creek, and died when our subject was still a small child, his birth having taken place in Monroe County in 1857. During his boyhood he had only the common schools from which to gain his knowledge of books and what he has acquired beyond the short period of instruction there, he has gained through his own efforts and he may be called a selfmade man. He resided with friends at Lewis' Mills, Ohio, after his parents' death, spending three years in this manner, and in 1872 went to Bellaire, where his home has been ever since.

The first employment J. A. Green found upon locating in Bellaire was that of clerk in the grocery store of I. L. Fawcett, who is still in business in the city and is known as one of the oldest grocers in Bellaire. Becoming familiar with the business and store while he was employed as clerk there, Mr. Green soon decided to embark in business for himself and in 1885 he opened his own place of business to the public at Nos. 2111-13 Belmont street, and has continued to prosper to the present day. He has remodeled his store, making it double, so the dimensions are now 40 by 65 feet; it has a steel ceiling, is provided with both electric lights and fans, and under the supervision of our

740 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

subject is a model of neatness everywhere, with the wares arranged most advantageously. Four people are employed to conduct affairs quickly and smoothly and Mr. Green is active manager, spending most of his time there, although interested in many other business enterprises.

Mr. Green was united in marriage with Susan Wilson, who is a daughter of N. R. Wilson, residing near Belmont. They have five children; namely, William H., James Earl, Bertha, Cora Nell, and Flora May, and live comfortably in their residence at No. 2105 Belmont street, which is very conveniently situated in regard to the store. The family attended divine services at the M. E. Church.

In politics Mr. Green is a Republican, voting the straight ticket at elections. He is a director of the Enterprise Enamel Company, director and president of the Belmont Electric Light & Power Company, and a stockholder in the new Imperial Glass Company. By his energy, careful attention to small details and his uniform courtesy, he has placed himself upon a popular basis with the purchasing community, which has led to his success in business.

JOHN F. CROSSLAND, member of the firm of J. F. Crossland & Company, dealers in pure drugs, medicines, stationery, wall paper, toilet articles, fancy goods and sundries, at St. Clairsville, Ohio, is one of the enterprising business men of this city.

The birth of Mr. Crossland took place in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on January 3, 1862, and he is the only surviving child of George W. and Mary Crossland, the latter of whom died in 1863 when but 21 years of age. George W. Crossland has been an agriculturist all his life, formerly in Pennsylvania and later near Belmont, in this county, to which he came in 1868 and where he still owns valuable farming lands. His home is now in St. Clairsville, and in March, 1902, he passed his 80th birthday. He has heldmany offices of responsibility, and is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church. His second marriage was to Mary Carter, and the two surviving children of this union are James D., who is a druggist and resides in St. Clairsville, and Nettie, who is the wife of Clark Daniels, also a resident of this city.

John F. Crossland of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Belmont and acquired his pharmaceutical education in the very practical way of handling and dispensing drugs while he studied their properties, and to such good effect that he passed the rather severe examination of the State Board of Pharmacy in the class of 1884, holding a certificate to that effect. After his school days he entered the store of J. McCaffrey in Belmont and later was for five years in a clerical position with J. B. Hoge at St. Clairsville, and during this time mastered the mysteries of pills and potions. In 1885 he opened a drug store in St. Clairsville with an entirely new and most attractive stock, and his business has been a prosperous one from the start. In 1892 the original firm was dissolved and a new store secured, the firm name of J. F. Crossland & Company being continued, but this store was destroyed by fire, January 26, 1899. Three days later business was resumed and the building of the present commodious structure was commenced. The store room occupied by this drug firm is 18 by 72 feet in dimensions, with a basement where facilities are found for storage, and modern methods are made use of to expedite business and exhibit stock. The latter is of so varied a nature and of so large an amount that the business done is almost that of a department store, having nearly doubled in quantity from that done prior to the fire. A business that amounts to from $1o,000 to $12,000 annually in a city the size of St. Clairsville must be regarded as flourishing and its prospects encouraging.

This modern store makes a specialty of the careful compounding of prescriptions, of fresh, new drugs. Mrs. J. F. Crossland and Miss Anna W. McBride deserve honorable

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mention for their long and efficient service in our subject's employ.

Mr. Crossland was married on June 27, 1888, to Minnie Harrison, of Bethesda, Belmont County, a daughter of William H. and Mary Harrison, of that place. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crossland are the following: Clare L.; Marguerite and Marie, twins, and John F., Jr., who died in 1902, aged 11 months. Both our subject and wife belong to the Methodist Church, in which Mr. Crossland is a steward. The only secret organization with which he has ever connected himself is the Modern Woodmen of America. His business success must be credited in a great measure to his untiring efforts to please the public, this being as laudable in business as in private life.

J. MELVIN RICHARDS, secretary and superintendent of the Epworth Park Chatauqua Assembly, at Bethesda, Ohio, is a leading and representative citizen of Belmont County. Mr. Richards was born in Wheeling (West) Virginia, October 7, 1834, and is a son of James and Mary (Hurford) Richards, the former of whom was a native of Newton, Massachusetts, and the latter of Pennsylvania.

James Richards located in Wheeling in 1821, in his 15th year, at a time when the greater number of the houses were of log construction and there were neither railroad nor steamboat transportation facilities. By trade he was a machinist and was also a natural mechanic, filling many important positions in the growing town. Few men took a more active interest in the fostering of the Methodist Church, and he was the organizer of at least three churches of that denomination in the vicinity of Wheeling, and was one of the leading members of the First Methodist Church of the city, which was then located on the site of the present 4th street edifice. Believing that every member should have a working place in the church, he did much missionary work, his efforts always being to extend the influences ofreligion and education. His death occurred at Wheeling, in 1854, at the age of 48 years. His widow survived him a great many years, passing away in May, 1902, the last survivor of the old First Methodist Church congregation. Her 90 years had silvered her hair and left many traces of advanced age, but they had not quenched her interest in the church which had been to her such a living interest in its struggling days. But a short time prior to her death, she sent to the authorities the church data, including names of ministers and congregation, and conditions of that early time, and received from the official board a letter thanking her for her valuable additions to the church history. She was widely known as "Aunt Polly Richards," and was one of the most valued workers as long as physical strength was given her. Her house was always open to the itinerant preachers of those pioneer days, and multitudes shared the hospitality of her home and enjoyed the fruits of her Christian influence. She was converted in youth and filled more than a half century with her best Christian influences. It seemed as if she had a peculiar fitness for all lines of church work on account of a sympathetic nature and a loving heart. In a deeply religious and happy home seven children were born, the subject of this sketch being the eldest.

J. Melvin Richards obtained an excellent education in the public schools of Wheeling, and later entered into an establishment to learn the trade of plumbing, gas fitting, steam fitting and brass work, and later became foreman and superintendent of the shops of Dillon,. & Company, remaining with them until his enlistment for service in the Civil War.

The record of our subject during the continuance of the war, from 1862 until he was honorably mustered out on June 27, 1865, deserves even more extended mention than can be made in the limits of a sketch of the present description. As an authentic account of one of the most gallant survivors of the War of the Rebellion, we take the liberty of herein inscribing the same from the records of Bat-

744 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

tery D, from the archives on file in Washington D. C.

"J. Melvin Richards helped to organize, and enlisted as a private in, Battery D (Carlin's Battery), 1st West Virginia Light Artillery, August 19, 1862. Mustered as senior 2nd lieutenant, August 20. Promoted 1st lieutenant, March 26, 1864. Served in R. R. District, Department of the Ohio, with Gen. R. H. Milroy. In Middle Department, and Department of Upper Potomac ; in 8th Army Corps ; in Department of West Virginia; and in Reserve Artillery Department, to June, 1865.

"Service—Expedition on Cheat and Alleghany Mountain to Crab Bottom and Monterey; march to Beverly and Webster on special expedition; on duty at New Creek; expedition to Petersburg, Winchester and Strasburg, Virginia; battle of Winchester and Carter's Woods; special duty at Wheeling and New Creek and Hancock, Maryland ; Gen. Sigel's expedition in the Shenandoah Valley and the battle of New Market; Hunter's expedition to Lynchburg; skirmish at Harrisonburg, Virginia; battle of Piedmont, Virginia; destruction of military stores at Staunton, Virginia; destruction of Military Institute at Lexington, Virginia; skirmishes at Otter Creek, Diamond Hill, Liberty, Buckhannon ; battle of Lynchburg, Virginia; operations in vicinity of Bufort's Gap and Mason's Creek, and on detached duty, by section and battery, at various stages of the war, and at various times and places as the exigencies of the service demanded.

" Made prisoner of war June 21, 1864; imprisoned at Lynchburg, Virginia; Macon, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina (under fire) ; Columbia, South Carolina; Charlotte and Goldsborough, North Carolina; and, after nearly nine months' imprisonment was paroled at Wilmington, North Carolina, March, 1865. Honorably mustered out June 27, 1865."

This is a record of which our subject, family, friends and fellowcitizens may be justly proud. It is however a difficult matter to associate the present dignified, genial and active church worker with the gallant, dashing officer, except that in both cases may be recognized those attributes which belong to true nobility of character,—self possession, energy, poise and perseverance in the battle for the right.

After the close of the war, our subject was one of those remarkable men which our country has not ceased to honor, who quietly returned to peaceful avocations and took up the lines temporarily laid down. With the same firm he resumed his work in plumbing and gas and steam fitting, becoming a member of the firm of Dillon, Thompson & Company; but he soon found that his long service, with its imprisonment, had made inroads upon his health, and with reluctance on both sides he severed the connections of years. For several succeeding years he was employed in the general delivery department of the Wheeling Post Office, later embarking in an agency business, in which he remained until 1888, when he first became interested in the work at Bethesda, Ohio. Although he came here first for a period of rest, he soon after became identified with the work of the Epworth Park Assembly, resulting in his engagement as superintendent, a position he has acceptably filled for the past 12 years. The beautiful grounds of the Chautauqua Assembly, with the attractive improvements, have during this time been under his care and management, and as a practical workman, he has planned and executed with an eye to the most efficiency and with the greatest economy, and the result is one of the most delightful retreats in Belmont County.

The marriage of Mr. Richards took place in August, 1863, to Emeline White, of Marshall County, West Virginia. She was a woman of Christian virtue, devoted to the Methodist Church. Her death occurred in 1879, at the age of 45 years. The second marriage of our subject was in 1893, to Sarah Eliza Baron, of Bellaire, Ohio, a most estimable, educated, cultured lady, who is an able assistant to her husband in every department of church work and the promotion of the intellectual and social life of the Epworth Park Assembly. Mr. Richards is gifted with a very fine voice and for a score of years was connected with the Methodist

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Church choir in Wheeling. The two children born to our subject were Olive W. and Wilma B., the former of whom passed away in her 21st year and the latter at the age of seven years. Fraternally, Mr. Richards is an advanced Odd Fellow, being a past grand in that order, and he is also a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He had been a lifelong Republican until the campaign of 1884, since which date he has voted with the Prohibition party. He has been one of the greatest factors in Bethesda's prosperity and his enthusiastic spirit, which communicates itself to others, shows he is just as much in his right place now as he was in front of the enemy's guns in the "sixties."

J. W. PIPER, M. D., a physician of eminence in Belmont County, and one of the leading and representative citizens of Bethesda, was born in Belmont County, September 29, 1841, being a son of John and Abigail (Linder) Piper, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and the latter in Belmont County.

The Piper family has combined German and Scotch ancestry and has been noted for its virility, longevity, and devotion to the tenets of the Methodist Church. John Piper, the father of Dr. Piper, was born May 23, 1805, and died December 24, 1863, and his wife was born December 13, 1810 and died in September, 1892. They were both devoted in their attachment to the Methodist Church and carefully reared their large family to obey its teachings. Mr. Piper came to Ohio a young man and through a long and exemplary life followed agricultural pursuits. They reared to maturity a family of 12 children, consisting of seven sons and five daughters. The names of these children were as follows : Zenas, who resides in Warnock, Ohio, and follows a meat business ; Dr. William, who practices his profession at Bellaire; Martha, who was born August 20, 1833, and diedSeptember 28, 1861; Lucinda, who married Samuel McKeen, and died in189o; Marshall, who conducts a boarding house in Bellaire; Elizabeth, who married Thomas C. Stephenson, was born November 10, 1837, and died September 13, 1884, having been a widow since the Civil War; Leah, who was born May 1, 1840, and died June 13, 1869; J. W., who is the subject of this sketch; Wilson S., who is in the express business, and resides in Bellaire; Nathaniel, who resides on a farm near Demos, Ohio; Mary A., who married David Campbell, and resides in Kansas; and Joseph, born February 20, 1850, who was killed by lightning June 2o, 1871.

The early education of Dr. Piper was acquired in the public schools and his medical inclinations were encouraged by his elder brother, William, with whom he began his study, continuing from the age of 18 to 21 years. On August 28, 1862, the young medical student put aside his books and ambitions for a future career, and enlisted as a private soldier in Company F, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. At his first battle, that of Stone River, on Wednesday, December 31, 1862, he was taken prisoner and sent first to Chattanooga, then to Atlanta, later to Montgomery, Alabama, and thence to Richmond, where he was confined for five days in Libby Prison, which the Doctor says were just four and onehalf days too many for the times and accommodations. Being paroled, he returned home and about three months later was exchanged and immediately returned to his regiment, which was then at Tullahoma, Tennessee. He was then overtaken by a sickness which confined him to a hospital for five months and when he had .sufficiently recovered he was transferred to the. invalid corps (Veteran Reserve Corps) at Louisville, Kentucky, and remained with that from December, 1863, to September, 1865, when his term of three years expired. As the war was then closing, our subject felt at liberty to look to his personal interests and began a practice of medicine in Bethesda, in which he has ever since continued. Later he graduated from the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, in the class of 1872. His continuous practice covers some 37 years and during this

746 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

time his medical and surgical skill has been shown on many occasions. He has been examining surgeon for many insurance companies, is a member of the Ohio Medical Society, has long been regarded as one of the leading men in his profession in this locality, and for many years he has served on the School Board and has advocated all worthy enterprises in his community.

Dr. Piper was married March 3, 1866, to Emma Vanfossen, a native of Goshen township, Belmont County, a daughter of George Vanfossen, who is an esteemed member of the Christian Church, in Bethesda. Mrs. Vanfossen died at the age of 57 years, having been a lifelong member of the Baptist Church. The children born to Dr. and Mrs. Piper are the following : Lewis U., a resident of Bethesda, married Laura B. Brown, and has three children,—Willard, Grace and Meta; Ada M., who married H. F. Holden of Bethesda, has two children ; Josephine L., who married Dr. E. W. Turner, resides in Laurelville, Hocking County, Ohio ; and Laura B. and Pearl A., who are still at home. Dr. Piper is a man of character, strong in his beliefs and principles, and is district steward in the Methodist Church, of which his family, even to the grandchildren, are members. His political affiliation is with the Republican party.

JAMES W. MARTIN, county commissioner of Belmont County and one of the county's most substantial and representative citizens, descends from an old and honorable Ohio family. His birth took place on November 2, 1856, on his father's farm in Goshen township, this county, being a son of Amos G. and Mary A. (White) Martin.

The Martins were established in Belmont County by Isaac Martin, who came from his native Pennsylvania at an early day, and with other members of the Society of Friends settled on Bend Fork. Later he sold his property there and removed to Stumptown, where he followed farming, and died at Hocking, Washington County, Ohio, about 50 years ago. His wife was Martha Wilson, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and her death took place at Hocking. They reared seven children, viz.: Martha, Rebecca, Sarah, Thomas, Samuel, Amos G. and William, all of whom became residents of Belmont County.

Amos G. Martin was born in Belmont County and in early years followed the trade of cooper, but after his marriage and location in Goshen township he engaged in farming. He was an intelligent and reliable man who was frequently called upon to serve in township offices, supported the Republican party in politics, and his death at the age of 55 years, on January 5, 1875, removed from the locality one of the best citizens. The mother of our subject was Mary A. White, who was born in 1824, in Belmont County, and died in January, 1862. She was a daughter of James and Mary White, the former of whom was an early pioneer of the county and became one of its prominent and successful men. The old White mansion home, now about l00 years old, still stands, and is located about onequarter mile from Mr. Martin's present home, the farm belonging to him, as do also the homesteads of his parents and grandparents. Mr. White was a success both in farming and in horse breeding and for years was a leading citizen. A family of five children was born to the parents of our subject, namely: Martha A. married S. S. Lingo, a farmer, and they moved to Southern Iowa, where she died, leaving four children,—Walter, Ernest, Mabel and Otis ; Mary E. in 1876 married C. O. Mead and they moved to Iowa, where she died in March, 1880,—Mr. Mead now resides in Nebraska ; Laura E. died in this county on February 7, 1887, unmarried ; James W.; A. G., a cigar manufacturer at Bethesda, married Clara B. Hunt, who died December 20, 1901, leaving three children,—Golde, Charles H. and Mattie Jewell.

Belmont County has been the chosen home of James W. Martin, all his early associations being connected with Goshen township. After completing the common school course he went

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to Wheeling, where he took a course at the Wheeling Business College, graduating in March, 1880. Owning so large an acreage of land, his farming and stock raising has been on a rather extensive scale; in former years he gave much attention to sheep raising. In Goshen township his farm contains 225 acres and he also owns 40 acres adjoining the town of Bethesda where he has already laid out one addition and sold lots, this beautiful little town attracting buyers of homes from all over the State.

Although a good farmer and a fine man of business, Mr. Martin is probably better known in the county on account of his prominence in politics. In the spring of 188o he was elected a justice of the peace, when but 22 years of age, and he was, no doubt, the youngest in the State, and he served with great acceptability for three terms, or nine years, and has served ever since that time, continuously, as notary public. For some years he was the popular postmaster, and his late election as county commissioner not only testifies to the valuation in which he is held by his party, but also is a matter of congratulation to his many friends who know his eminent fitness for public life. From 188o to 1883, with Joseph G. Bolon, he was engaged in a mercantile business at Hunter, and during this time was the Republican appointee to the office of postmaster.

On November 8, 1884, Mr. Martin was married to Roxy L. Langle, who was born November 14, 1858, in Belmont County, and is a daughter of Abraham and Sidney A. (Wilson) Langle, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and the latter in Ohio. Mr. Langle died in 1891, aged about 90 years; his widow still survives and lives in Goshen township at the age of 68 years. Mrs. Martin was the third member of her parents' family, the others being as follows : Isaac H., who is a farmer in Arkansas, married Lizzie Gooderich and they have four children,—Grover, William, Mace and Clara; Theodore F., who married Mary Grooms, died in 1902, his wife being also deceased, their son, Howard, living with his grandfather Grooms; Mary F.; Elsie A.; and William K, who married Rachel A. Moore of Hunter.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin lost an unnamed infant, their three surviving children being: Nellie L., born September 12, 1884; Corwin A., born March 12, 1889; and Hillis Ernest, born April 19, 1902. Warren J., born September 12, 1900, died June 20, 1901. Mrs. Martin and her daughter both belong to the Baptist Church.

WILLIAM STANTON, one of Belmont County's enterprising citizens, is a representative of a family which can trace an ancestry as far back in the past as 1600, but is a man who requires no such lineage to assure him the respect and esteem of his fellowcitizens in and around the pleasant village of Tacoma. As postmaster, farmer and man of large business interests, he receives consideration, while his estimable character as a private citizen brings him the confidence and friendship of those with whom he comes into contact.

Henry Stanton, the paternal grandfather of William, was born in North Carolina, and in youth accompanied his mother to Ohio, passing the remainder of his life here. His son Joseph Stanton, the father of William, was born near Mount Pleasant, Ohio, in 1812, and died in 1859. He married Mary, a daughter of S. and Elizabeth Hodgin, natives of Georgia and residents of Belmont County, Ohio. Their children were the following: William, of this sketch ; Eli, deceased ; Anna, the wife of Nathan Bundy; Eunice, deceased; and Elizabeth, the wife of L. P. Bailey.

William Stanton was born September 15, 1839, in Warren township and was reared on his father's farm and was educated at the Friends' Boarding School, at Mount Pleasant. In 1864 he was united in marriage with Jane S. Davis, daughter of Francis and Mary Davis, both natives of Ohio. The ten children of this union were named as follows : Eva T., Mary D., deceased ; Joseph E.; Francis W., deceased ; John L., deceased ; Elwood D.; Anna C.; Edna M. and Ellen D., twins; William Macy.

748 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

In 1867, together with W. K. Tipton, our subject settled two miles east of Barnesville, on the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and in 1871 engaged in the nursery business, occupying 25 acres of land, erecting here a greenhouse 22 by 40 feet in dimensions, and an additional 67 acres which was partially set out in orchard. This land is situated in the northwest corner of section 4. This business continued from 1871 until 1873, when our subject bought Mr. Tipton's interest and has since then operated the nursery and greenhouse alone. His careful attention and wise and judicious experimenting and cultivation have resulted in a prosperity which has made him one of the leading fruit growers of the county. In 1894 Mr. Stanton was one of the organizers of a company which erected a creamery on a tract of his land, on section 10, a twostory frame house, with a modern dairy attached. Since that time Mr. Stanton has gradually bought all the stock of the company with the exception of oneseventh, and is practically its sole owner. It was through the influence of Mr. Stanton that a post office was established at this point in February, 1887, by President Cleveland, and on March 15th following our subject took charge.

Mr. Stanton is one of the leading citizens in his locality. With his family he attends the Friends' Meeting, to which religious body his family has long belonged. He has never had any political aspirations, preferring a life devoted to congenial business enterprises.

ELISHA A. MOBERLY, whose fine farm and comfortable home attracts general attention and favorable comment from the traveler through Smith township, Belmont County, is one of the practical and successful farmers and stock raisers of his locality. The farm is one which has been in the possession of the Moberly family for several generations, the grandparents of Elisha A. settling in Smith township when it was an almost unbroken wilderness. They were real pioneers, coming to Ohio from Virginia, sturdy and stout of heart. It is related of the brave grandmother that she, with two little children, remained alone in the wilderness while her husband cultivated the field of corn for their sustenance, many miles away. These courageous ancestors have long since passed away, together with their children, but their grandchildren enjoy the results of their energy.

Elisha A. Moberly was born in 1841 and was reared in Smith township. He is a son of Reason and Julia Ann (Arvin) Moberly, the former of whom was born in Virginia, in 1811 and was brought a child of two years to Belmont County by his parents, John and Lucy Moberly. John Moberly located first in 1813 in Pultney Bottom, near Bellaire, moved then to Licking County, but soon returned to Belmont County, settling first in Richland township, but in 1816 entering a farm of 8o acres in Smith township, in section 19. His brother Thomas also took up 8o acres and our subject now owns 120 acres of the 16oacre tract.

Reason Moberly, the father of Elisha A., was one of seven children, and the eldest of the family, the others being : William, Rebecca, Catherine, the wife of Cornelius Barkis; Joshua, John and Lucinda. In 1839 he was united in marriage with Julia Ann Arvin, who was born in 1814, a daughter of Elisha Arvin, and came with her mother and half-brother to Belmont County in 1826. The other members of her family have all passed away and her death took place in 1875 within two weeks of that of her husband. They left a family of five children, as follows : John W., who is a carpenter in Harvey County, Kansas ; Elisha A.; Henrietta, who lives on the home place in Smith township; Henry, who lived on a part of the old farm, died in 1901; and Lucy, who resides on the old farm. Joshua H. died in infancy.

Mr. Moberly has resided on the old farm practically all his life, engaged in general farming and stock raising, and owns 210 acres. One valuable farm, located east of the one he occupies, is owned by him in partnership with

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his sisters. He has taken an interested part in township politics, voting the Republican ticket. In 1865 he married Eliza Jane McGaughy, born in 1838 in Smith township, the eldest of five children of Cyrus McGaughy, the others being: William, who died in infancy; Sarah, Mrs. Daniel Myers, living near Kelsey station; Thomas, residing at the old farm, and Mary Sabina, deceased, who was the wife of William Clifford. The one child born our subject and wife is Thomas H., born in 1868, who married Elizabeth J. Warnock, daughter of Lawson Warnock of Smith township, they reside in the old home. The religious connection of the family is with. the Concord Presbyterian Church. They are people of substance and prominence in Smith township.

MORGAN PUGH, a member of one of the most prominent old families of Washington township, Belmont County, was born on his present farm, June 3, 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Pittman) Pugh, and a grandson of Jesse Pugh.

Jesse Pugh was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, whence he came, about 1800, to Belmont County, Ohio. He cleared a large tract of land at the mouth of Pea Vine Creek, and founded a family which later became so numerous in the vicinity that it gave the name to Pugh Ridge. Here Jesse Pugh died, having reared these children : John, Morgan, David, Samuel, Elizabeth and Sarah, all of whom have passed out of life.

Samuel Pugh, the fourth son of Jesse, was born July 3, 1804, in York township, Belmont County, and died during the Civil War. His wife, Sarah (Pittman) Pugh, was born May 3, 1811, and died March 21, 1875. She was a daughter of Jacob Pittman and was born in Monroe County, Ohio. They were parents of the following children : Edwin, Edward, Morgan, Melinda, Gordon. Samuel, Rebecca Jane, Sarah Ann, Helen, Clarissa, Louisa, Elizabeth, Matilda, Thomas J. and Lovina E. Edwin,who was born October 8, 1830, resides in Missouri. Edward, the twin of Edwin, died October 3, 1838. Melinda, who is deceased, was born October 7, 1833. Gordon, who was born February 15, 1835, resides in Beallsville, Monroe County, and still owns land on Pugh Ridge in Washington township, this county. Samuel, who was born July 27, 1837, resides in Iowa. Rebecca Jane, who was born February 9, 1839, died in 1900, in Virginia. Sarah Ann, who was born November 3, 1840, married J. S. Davis, and they reside in the vicinity of the old home. Helen, who was born January 28, 1842, married John F. McWilliams, and resides in West Virginia. Clarissa, who was born September 8, 1843, died October 13, 1844. Louisa, who was born May 8, 1845, died May 7, 1846. Elizabeth, who was born January 27, 1847, married Jason D. Hendershot of Washington township. Matilda, who was born January 9, 1849, died March 8, 1851. Thomas J., who was born in 1852, resides on the home farm in Washington township. He married Susan Ruble, who was born May 21, 1858, and is a daughter of Daniel Ruble, a pioneer of York township, and they have these children,—Mary Blanche, Ira Ross, Zella, Leah Alice and Carrie Bell. Lovina E., who was born February 8, 1855, is the wife of Abraham Workman, and resides in West Virginia. Samuel Pugh made his home on Pugh Ridge and at the time of his death owned 600 acres of land, which became the property of his children.

Morgan Pugh was reared and obtained his education in Washington township. This fertile part of Belmont County has always been his home and here he owns a quarter section of wellimproved land, devoting his energies to general farming and stock raising. Being a man of practical ideas and excellent business capacity, he has prospered and is justly regarded as being one of the solid men of the township.

In 1857 our subject was united in marriage with Hannah Noffsinger, a daughter of John Noffsinger, of Belmont County, and they had one son, Cadmus, who died in infancy. In

752 - NTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

politics, Mr. Pugh is a Democrat, and has served as school director very acceptably. Fraternally, he belongs to the lodge of Odd Fellows, formerly of Armstrong's Mills. Religiously, he favors the Christian Church.

THOMAS W. BRANSON, superintendent and manager of the Belmont County Children's Home, which is located near Barnesville, Ohio, is conceded to be the most thorough and competent manager that institution has ever had. Mr. Branson was born October 29, 1854, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, and he is a son of Aaron and Frances (Crawford) Branson, whose family consisted of six children. Our subject's father was born in Flushing township, Belmont County, Ohio, April 4, 1811, and he was a son of Jacob Branson, Sr. Aaron Branson during his active life was largely engaged in the manufacture of implements. He died in 1876, and was survived by his widow until March 25, 1887. She was a daughter of Richard and Priscilla Crawford.

Thomas W. Branson was reared and educated mainly in Flushing township. When grown to manhood he followed the fortunes of a stationary engineer until 1886. He then engaged in the hardware business in Barnesville, which occupied his attention until 1896. May 1, 1895, he was appointed superintendent and manager of the Belmont County Children's Home, and by his adaptability and fitness for the place he has been retained ever since. This institution is supported by the county, and is one of the best managed concerns of its kind in the State. An extensive history of the Home appears in a different part of this volume.

About 32 children are inmates at the present time and are under the direct supervision of our subject, whose personal attention is given to even the small details connected with the care and comfort of those in his charge. Being of a kind and cheerful disposition, he has not only made a good guardian for the otherwise homeless waifs, but is also their faithful friend, while at the same time he curtails all unnecessary expense, practicing economy in every possible way. The trustees of the institution should consider themselves fortunate in securing the services of a man who is naturally so well qualified and adapted to fill the place, and his retention from year to year attests their entire satisfaction and appreciation of his efforts.

On the first day of June, 1882, Mr. Branson married Rebecca Patton, an accomplished daughter of Dr. Patton, who for many years was a leading physician and surgeon of New Athens, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Branson have reared one son, Ernest P., who was born June 14, 1883. The family are faithful attendants of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, our subject affiliates with the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but has never sought office, being obliged to give his time to the wants and care of the inmates of the Home. He is a man of sterling integrity and good principles, and has attained success by his own endeavors.

OLIVER C. PARKER, one of the well-known and substantial men of Belmont County, Ohio, has for many years been identified with farming and stock interests, and now finds a pleasant home, retired from activity, in the prosperous city of Martin's Ferry.

The birth of Mr. Parker occurred on March 24, 1829, in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Mary (Judkins ) Parker, both of whom were born in Northampton County, North Carolina, where they were married.

The Parker family is of Welsh origin, and Grandfather Jacob Parker was an example of the best type of that thrifty and energetic people. In 1805 the parents of our subject left their North Carolina farm, with oxcart and household belongings, and became pioneers

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in Ohio. For a time they lingered in Jefferson County, but later located in Belmont County, where Joseph Parker rented land for 14 years and then bought Too acres. Our subject now owns all but 14 acres of the original farm. From the Giffen estate Oliver C. Parker purchased 23 1/2 acres, making in all a total of 109 1/2 acres, underlaid with the Pittsburg or No. 8 vein of coal, which is sold. Joseph Parker was born in 1778 and died in April, 1855, having always been numbered among the useful citizens of the county. The mother of our subject was born in 1787 and died in April, 1871. She was a daughter of James and Martha (Stanton) Judkins, through her mother being related to the great Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton. She was a most estimable woman, and she professed the simple Friend faith. She lived a life of meekness and kindness, her gentle touch and sympathizing presence often bringing comfort in the neighboring pioneer homes. Joseph Parker was also a Friend, of the orthodox faith, but as he had been reared in a State where he saw the effects of slavery, he was of a more aggressive spirit, and went great lengths to assist the work of the "Underground Railroad." His abolition ideas had much to do with his settlement in Ohio.

Oliver C. Parker was the ninth member of the family of ten children born to his parents, the names being : Abigail, born in 1803, married Joshua Steele, and she died in 1855, aged about 52 years ; Jacob, who was a skilled machinist, a builder of threshers, in his day, died on August 21, 1849, aged 43 years; James, who was born in 1809, married Harriet Beck, who died with cholera in 1833 on the farm in Pease township; Dr. William, who was born in 1812, practiced many years in Columbiana County, Ohio, and died at the age of 68 years ; Dr. Isaac, who was born in 1815, practiced in Morgan County, Ohio, and died in 1893; Stanton J., who was born in 1818, followed farming and died in 1889 ; Dr. Joseph, who was born in 1821, practiced in Washington County, Ohio, and died in 1885 ; Anderson, J., who was born in 1824, died on August 20, 1849,he lived i00 miles from his brother Jacob and died one day earlier. The parents and relatives were starting to attend the funeral of Anderson, when they were prostrated still further by the news of the death of Jacob. Anderson was a teacher, had about finished his law course, came home from St. Clairsville, was taken ill with dysentery and died. The tenth member of the family was Martha A., who married Dr. William Van Pelt, and died in 1854, ten months after marriage, at the age of 21 years. Thus our subject is the only survivor.

Oliver C. Parker received only the educational training obtainable in the district schools in his vicinity. He was reared on the farm and assisted his father, and, as the youngest son, remained with his parents and gave them filial care until they passed out of life. His early interests were centered in agriculture and he has always followed it, succeeding in his farming and also in his breeding and selling of good stock.

Mr. Parker was married in 1864 to Martha Van Pelt, who was an invalid for 12 years, and died January 3, 1877, having been a patient sufferer. She was a daughter of Jacob and Jane (Wiley) Van Pelt, of Belmont County. The second marriage of Mr. Parker was on October 29, 1879, to Mary Kathleen West, a daughter of and the only surviving member of the family of Dr. Simon Brown and Mary Zane (Martin) West. The one child of this union is Simon West, who is a druggist, having studied pharmacy since his 15th year, and is now attending the College of Pharmacy at Scio, Harrison County, Ohio. Mr. Parker is a man of earnest, thoughtful character. Mrs. Parker is a granddaughter of Ebenezer Martin, who was the founder of Martin's Ferry. Her father, Dr. West, was a practitioner in Pease township for 50 years, a man of skill and reputation. He graduated in 1836 from the Cincinnati Medical. College, which has graduated five physicians of the name.

Mr. Parker is not a politician, but takes great pride in casting his vote for the candi

754 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

dates of the Republican party. Although his first vote was cast for John P. Hale, the FreeSoil_ candidate in 1852, since the formation of the Republican party he has been a strong supporter of its principles. He has never missed a vote for a presidential candidate since 1856. He served four years as trustee of Pease township.

JOHN R. WILSON, a respected resident of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, where he is engaged in the laundry business, was born in Ontario, Canada, March 12, 1864, and is a son of James and Jessie (Lithgo) Wilson, both natives of Scotland.

James Wilson moved from Scotland to Canada with his wife in the early "forties," and there engaged in architecture until 1858, when he moved to Pennsylvania. There he was an early oil operator and producer at a time when the oil was hauled in wagons to the refinery, tanks then being not in use. He continued as a producer until his death by paralysis April 10, 1880, at the age of fiftytwo years. He was a very successful and highly esteemed business man. His wife died December 17, 1881, at the age of fiftytwo years. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wilson was possessed of a fine education and was especially proficient in mathematics. He was a genial, courteous, temperate and industrious man, as highly respected as he was widely known. He and his wife had eight children, as follows : David, who died in infancy; Thomas, a resident of Michigan; James T., of Martin's Ferry, who died August 5, 1902; William L., of Hollsopple, Pennsylvania; R. K., of Wilson's Laundry, at Bridgeport; John R., subject of this sketch ; P. A., a thorough mechanic and marine engineer, located at Erie, Pennsylvania ; and Jessie, who died June 19, 1898, at the age of twentyfive, was wife of A. R. Cochran of Martin's Ferry.

John R. Wilson's education has been mostly self acquired and through contact with the world, as he received very little schooling.

His first business undertaking was in the laundry at Martin's Ferry, which he owns. This he established in March of 189o, and it has proved an excellent business venture. He is numbered among the substantial and worthy men of the town, and takes part in such enterprises as to him seems for the best interests of the community.

October 2, 1890, John R. Wilson was united in marriage with Ella C. Ryan of Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of William and Catherine Ryan, natives of Ireland. Her father died December 26, 188o, and her mother December 25, 1899. Both were members of the Roman Catholic Church. To them were born six children, namely : Mary, wife of Michael Ryan; Katie, deceased, who was wife of Edward Partridge, for many years clerk of courts in Cincinnati, Ohio; Margaret, a resident of Dayton, Ohio; Hannah, who also resides at Dayton; Ella C., wife of our subject; and William, who died at the age of three years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born four children, as follows : William L.; James C.; John R., Jr.; and Robert E. Religiously, they are members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject is a member of the Ohio City Lodge, No. 486, F. & A. M.; Belmont City Lodge, No. 221, I. O. O. F.; Ohio City Lodge, No. 54, K. of P.; and Bellaire Lodge No. 419, B. P. O. E.

ALEXANDER W. McMASTER, a prominent and representative farmer of Belmont County, owning a fine, well cultivated farm in Mead township, is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families of this locality. He was born in 1853 in Mead township, a son of Samuel and Sarah A. (Gregory) McMaster.

Judge Robert McMaster, the grandfather of Alexander, came from Washington County, Pennsylvania, to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1817, accompanied by two children, Samuel and Fanny, the latter the widow of J. A. Weyer, of Powhatan. Grandfather Mc

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 755

Master located in the section north of our subject's present fine farm, buying land in small tracts until he was owner of many acres. At the time of his settlement in Mead township this part of the county was almost uninhabited, the Taylor and Miles families being about the only residents. "Uncle" Tommy Miles is still recalled as one of the first residents of this section. Ere long, however, other settlers came and the cares and responsibilities of the community increased along with progress and improvement, and as a man of judgment and force of character, Robert McMaster was called upon to assume prominent positions, serving efficiently as coroner, justice of the peace and as Common Pleas judge. He was a man eminently fitted for public life, and this section is indebted to him for much of its early development. His first wife died about 1850, and in 1851 he married Adeline Rankin, and the one son of this union is Dr. R. O. McMaster of the McMaster Hospital of Wheeling. Mrs. McMaster spent the last 15 years of her life after the death of her husband with Mrs. Dr. Piper. Judge McMaster died in 1874, aged 83 years. The children of his first marriage were: George, William, Andrew, Henry, Samuel, Fanny, Amanda, Margaret and Nancy.

Samuel McMaster was reared on his father's farm and remained there until sometime later than 1830, when he moved upon the farm occupied by his son, in section 31, range 3,a tract of 152 acres. Here Mr. McMaster resided until the fall of 1900, when he removed to the home of a daughter, Mrs. A. D. Creamer, living near Jacobsburg. The mother of our subject was born in March, 1817, on the Duncan farm, near St. Clairsville, and removed in the "thirties" to Smith township, near Jacobsburg. She was a daughter of Patrick and Ella (Dowler) Gregory, natives of Ireland, who died at Jacobsburg and both were interred in that vicinity. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory were: Thomas, Wesley, Pauline, Jimmy, Martha, Ella, Betsey, Sarah A. and Hannah. Mrs. McMaster died in January, 1901.

The marriage of the parents of our subject took place in 1834, and they had a family of seven sons and one daughter born to them, namely: Robert, who died in 1859, aged 22 years; William W., who resides on a farm near Glencoe, Richland township; John W., emigrated to Kansas in 1883 and lives near Wichita, in Sedgwick County, having lived on a part of the Miles land in this county,—he married Margaret Porterfield in 1864 and has five daughters and two sons; Dr. J. N., who is a resident of Centreville, Belmont County; Thomas J., who is a farmer in section 31, in Mead township; Albert, who died at the age of two years; Alexander, who is the subject of this record;' and Emma S., who married A. D. Creamer and lives in Smith township.

Alexander McMaster was reared on the home farm and educated in the district schools of Mead township. It has been his pleasant lot to remain through life in this most desirable part of Mead township, having always been the home farmer. In 1901 he erected his present handsome residence of eight rooms, which is one of the most complete and convenient houses in his locality. Mr. McMaster has given his attention to general farming and stock raising, mainly standard breeds of cattle and sheep, and has been very successful in both lines.

On April, 1877, Mr. McMaster was united in marriage with Melissa Taylor, who was born in October, 1853, and was reared in the same neighborhood as our subject, a daughter of Frazier and Lucy (Remley) Taylor, the latter being a venerated member of her soninlaw's household. The children born to our subject and wife consisted of three sons and three daughters, namely, Flora E., Ross A., Samuel, Ida, Roberta and Delbert.

In politics Mr. McMaster has always been identified with the Democratic party and exerts a wide influence in its ranks in his section. For 27 years his father admirably filled

756 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

the office of justice of the peace and is a man of the utmost reliability and the highest citizenship. Following his father's lead, our subject early became connected with the Masonic body. Samuel McMaster was originally a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 105, but later became a charter member of Weyer Lodge of Centreville, and as he joined the organization in 1844, he is probably the oldest Mason in the county. Our subject belongs to Weyer Lodge, No. 541, of Centreville, Ohio, and St. Clairsville Chapter, No. 17, R. A. M. Mr. McMaster with his family attends the Methodist Church at Jacobsburg and is a liberal contributor to its support. Few families in the township are better known or more generally esteemed.

JOHN A. RAMSEY, one of the prominent and successful business men of Key, Belmont County, Ohio, who is engaged in farming and stock dealing and also handling the leading makes of farm machinery, was born in 186o, in Mead township, being a son of Allen and Mary (Thornborough) Ramsey. Our subject's mother was born in England, but was brought to Ohio when but 18 months old by her father, William Thornborough, who entered land on what is known as the Ramsey Ridge, and which is now the property of Abram Ramsey. Extended mention of Allen Ramsey and other member of the family will be found on other pages of this work.

John A. Ramsey was reared on the home farm and remained there, assisting in the work and attending school, until he reached manhood. A trip through the great West about this time was a most excellent method of education; during his 18 months of absence, he visited almost all of the Western States and Territories, spent six months at Portland, Oregon, and saw many phases of life and living which, perhaps, made him all the more satisfied with the advantages and opportunities offered in Belmont County. Mr. Ramsey is a large land owner, among his possessions beinga valuable farm of 200 acres in the vicinity of Key, and his elegant residence in this town. For the past two years he has been handling machinery and is extensively engaged in dealing in stock.

In 1891 Mr. Ramsey was married to Minnie A. DeLong, who was born in 1870, in Mead township, and four children have been born to this union, namely : Bertha, born April 27, 1895, died April 29, 1895; Gladys, born July 4, 1896; Lena Valletta, born July 31, 1898; and Carrie Wanita, born January 12, 1900. Mrs. Ramsey belongs to a prominent county family. Her father, Adam DeLong, was born in Belmont County, June 14, 1827, and died December 26, 1899, being a son of Jonathan DeLong, a native of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. In young manhood Adam DeLong moved to Washington County, Ohio, and during his 10 years of residence there married Mary Ann Flowers, who is a beloved member of Mr. Ramsey's household. After leaving his farm in Washington County, Mr. DeLong lived for a time in Businessburg, removing to Belmont town some seven years prior to his death. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. DeLong were : Tirzah, who died October 26, 1861, aged nine years; John T., who is a farmer near Danbury, Nebraska, married Annie McHenry of Illinois, and four of their six children survive; Harriet S., who is the widow of William Irwin, who died in 1902, resides at Shadyside, with two sons and three daughters; Samuel M., who married Levada Keyser, lives near Anvil, Ohio ; Alvaretta, who married James Hart, resides at Belmont and has four sons; Ida M., who married O. S. Hall, died one year later, in 1892 ; Robert H.; Minnie A., who became Mrs. Ramsey, was born May 19, 1870; and William A., who resides at Belmont, engaged as a salesman,—he married Dora Gregg and has two sons. As this family was one of the early ones of the county, more extended mention is interesting.

Jonathan DeLong was born April 25, 1796, in Pennsylvania, and was the first of the family to locate in Belmont County, about

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1812. He died February 5, 1868, owning at one time 320 acres of timber land, in Mead township. His children were: Rachel, born July 17, 1816, married Robert Watt, and both died at their home near Jacobsburg; Andrew, born October 15, 1817, married Catherine Phillips and they died near Businessburg; Jacob, born July 1, 1819, moved to Washington County, and there married a Miss Hoover and still survives; John, born July 2, 1821, married a Miss Hoover, and died in Washington County; Samuel, born October 21, 1823, married Margaret Scott and they live in Indiana; Catherine, born May 1, 1825, married . a Mr. Wiley and they live in Washington County ; Adam, born June 14, 1827; Sabina, named for her mother, born October 1, 1830, married William Kirkpatrick and they live in Washington County; Jonathan C., born April 7, 1833, died in Washington County; and Martin Luther, born August 4, 1836, married Christiana Trimble and they reside near Lewis' Mills, in Belmont County.

Mr. Ramsey is identified with the Republican party. Formerly he was connected with the Farmers' Alliance movement and has always been deeply interested in agricultural advancement. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Church at Jacobsburg. As an upright and honorable citizen, Mr. Ramsey enjoys the esteem of his fellow citizens.

MOSES PERKINS, a prominent farmer, stock raiser and dealer, residing in section 11, Kirkwood township, Belmont County, was born on the farm now owned by his nephew, Samuel W. Perkins, December 6, 1829. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hart) Perkins.

His parents were both natives of Maryland. His father, Samuel, came to Kirkwood township as early as 1802, when the forest had scarcely been touched by the hand of man. He built a shed in which to live until the completion of his house, and the 16o acres which cornprised his home farm have since been in possession of the Perkins family. He held no offices and was a good farmer, giving that work his entire attention. He served as a private during the War of 1812, and made an honorable record as a soldier. He died at the age of 73 years, and was survived six years by his wife, who died at the age of 80 years. He and his wife were both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To their union were born the following children : Nelson, who farmed in this county until his death at the age of 60 years; Rebecca, the wife of Reuben Mitcalf, died at the age of 75 years; Maria, who died at the age of 20 years Cassander, who died at the age of 25 years ; Jonathan, a record of whose life appears in the biography of Samuel W. Perkins; William, a farmer of this county, who died at the age of 60 years; Delilah, who died at the age of 27, was the wife of Fielder Perkins; Letha, who died at the age of 16 years; and Moses, the only surviving member of the family. Four of the girls died of scarlet fever within four months.

Moses Perkins was educated in the common schools of his community, and as a boy assisted in the work upon the farm. He has disposed of 6o acres of the original tract held by him, but retains some loo acres, which are planted to wheat and corn for the most part. The land is well improved and is underlaid with coal which has never been leased or sold. He is one of the reliable citizens of his township, and wherever known is held in the highest esteem.

Mr. Perkins was joined in marriage November 11, 1853, with Rebecca J. Murphy, a native of this county and a daughter of L. D. and Elizabeth Murphy, the father a native of Ohio and the mother, of Maryland. She is one of nine children, the others being: Delilah, who resides in Wisconsin, is widow of George Weeden, who was killed as a soldier in the Union Army; Brice M., a farmer, living in Wisconsin; Sarah J., wife of David Majors, of Kirkwood township ; A. C., deceased ; Asbury, a farmer of Kirkwood township ; Hamilton, a farmer of Kirkwood township; James A., de-

758 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

ceased; and L. D., deceased, who was a farmer in Belmont County and later in Wisconsin.

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have three children : Elizabeth, wife of Wilson McWilliams, a farmer of the county, has four children living,—Weldie, Campsie, Frederick, and Eva B.; Mary F., wife of O. B. Groves, a contract plasterer of Barnesville, has six children,—Forest and Belle, deceased, Gertrude, Everett, Moses and Willard; and Rosa I., who married Colbert Sheppard, and both are deceased, leaving one child, Mary Ethel, who married Oliver M. Smith, September 6, 1902. Mrs. Perkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN CARLILE, a dealer in lumber and builders' supplies in St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio, and also a general farmer, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, January 3, 1846. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Davidson) Carlile.

James Carlile, an aged citizen of St. Clairsville, was born in Ireland, where for many years he was a miller. His mill, which was located on a high hill, was run by wind, and he ground corn, wheat, and rye. He came to America in 1853. During the voyage, which lasted seven weeks and three days, a most terrible storm was encountered, which continued for 12 hours. Mr. Carlile landed in New York, where he remained for a brief period, and then went to Wheeling, West Virginia. After a short time, he located in St. Clairsville. There he followed various lines of business, such as teaming, and hauling dry goods and lumber from Wheeling to St. Clairsville, before the time of railroads. He then settled on 13 acres of land near St. Clairsville, where he farmed and reared his family. He married Elizabeth Davidson, and they had two children,—John, and Annie, who died in her 26th year. James Carlile is now 92 years old, and is a wellknown figure in St. Clairsville.

John Carlile was schooled in St. Clairsville, and after his school days were over he went to Wheeling to learn a trade. He learned thetrade of blacksmithing under Samuel J. Ellefritz, and followed that line of work for three years. Later, he worked as a blacksmith for Busby & Little, carriage manufacturers, of Wheeling, West Virginia. He then did blacksmithing in St. Clairsville, under the firm name of Martin & Carlile. This partnership lasted for two years, when Mr. Carlile bought Mr. Martin's interest, and was engaged in the carriage and general blacksmithing business, alone, for 15 years. In 1881, he entered the lumber business, having the only lumber yard in St. Clairsville, and in this he is very successful. In addition to the lumber business, he owns a farm in Richland township, and carries on farming. Mr. Carlile is an excellent business man, is conscientious and energetic, and his success has been due entirely to his own diligence and perseverance.

The subject of this sketch was united in marriage March 7, 188o, to Eugenie Johnston, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of B. R. and Margaret (Buffington) Johnston. Mr. Carlile and his wife have five children, namely : Walter D., a clerk for the Scott Lumber Company, at Martin's Ferry, Ohio ; Annie E., a bookkeeper in her father's office; Mary M., who is at home; James R., who assists his father in the lumber business; and Gertrude, who is in school.

Mr. Carlile and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Masonic blue lodge in St. Clairsville. In every way, he is a good and enterprising citizen, and worthy of the respect in which he is held.

A. W. WILCOX, justice of the peace at Bethesda, Goshen township, Belmont County, also carries on general farming, leading the life of a most intelligent and active citizen. He was born February 12, 1854, and his parents were Isaac and Parthena (Fletcher) Wilcox, natives of Belmont County.

Mr. Wilcox was educated in the common schools and took a more comprehensive course at the Hopedale Normal College and became

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a teacher in country schools. During the last years he taught, as well as afterward, he held the office of township clerk, after which he entered the mercantile business at Ozark, Monroe County, Ohio. In 1887 he removed to Goshen township, where he purchased a farm, and has been a farmer ever since.

September 30, 1885, he was united in marriage with Frances A. Patterson, a daughter of William and Harriet Patterson, both of whom are deceased. They were blessed with one child, Hazel D., and in her their hopes are centered.

Politically our subject is a thorough believer in the principles set forth by the Republican party. Mr. Wilcox is a liberal patron and believer of the Chautauqua Assembly, which is located in Goshen township, this county. Fraternally, he is a member of Belmont Lodge, No. 277, I. O. O. F., of Belmont, Ohio.

JOHN LARUE HENDERSON and ROBERT PATTERSON HENDERSON, prominent farmers of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, are sons of Matthew Henderson, and grandsons of Andrew Henderson.

Matthew Henderson was united in marriage with Miranda Perrian, who was born in New York City and whose ancestors at an early day moved from Holland to France and at a later day became established in America. One, Jacob Perrian, was surveyor for William Penn and entered some land, where the city of Philadelphia now stands, and, it is said, leased it for 99 years. Peter Perrian, father of Mrs. Henderson, moved to Ohio in 1821 and in 1822 established an old wheat mill in Belmont County. He subsequently moved to Harrisville, and then to Monroe County. He died at the age of 85 years, and his wife died four years later at the age of 85 years. They had seven children, all of whom are now deceased. Matthew Henderson and Miranda Perrian were married on Wheeling Creek in Belmont County in 1831, and there passed the remainder of their lives, the former dying in September, 1862, and the latter, March 1, 1887. To them were born the following children: William P., deceased; John Larue; Wilson; Leander, deceased; Edward, deceased; Matthew C., who was never married and lives in Colerain township; Peter P., deceased; Andrew J.; Alexander, deceased; Mary P., deceased ; Miranda, deceased, and Robert Patterson.

John Larue Henderson was born in Wheeling township, two miles below his present farm, August 6, 1833. He took to farming at an early day and has since continued in that occupation with unvarying success. He has 122 acres of land and follows general farming and stock raising. He enlisted in 1864 in the l00day service, participating in several hard fought battles. He has never married. In politics he has always been a stalwart Republican. Religiously, he was baptized in the old Seceders' Presbyterian Church.

Robert Patterson Henderson was born where his residence now stands in Wheeling township, June 8, 1855, and has followed farming all his life, remaining at home until after his marriage. He moved to Oregon, where he lived some 14 months, then moved to Oklahoma Territory. where he was the first man that ever sowed wheat in Pottawatomie County, hauling the seed a distance of 72 miles with oxteams. In 1891 he was married to Mary C. Dietrich, a daughter of Philip Dietrich of West Wheeling. Her parents are of German descent, and she is one of 12 children, all of whom are now living but John. To this union was born one child, Mabel Esther, born May 4, 1892, in Linn County, Oregon.

W. W. GIFFEN, one of the most successful farmers of Mead township, Belmont County, owns and occupies a fine farm in the vicinity of Businessburg, the location of his spacious brick residence being on a high hill and commanding an extended view over miles of country.

W. W. Giffen was born in Monroe County, Ohio, and he is a son of John and Nancy

764 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

(Adams) Giffen, who were married in Belmont County, although the former was born in Scotland in 1819, and the latter, in Pennsylvania, in 1828. Both parents are beloved and honored members of their son's household.

John Giffen was a son of William and Isabel (Reed) Giffen, who emigrated from Scotland to America, in 182o, settling first in Pennsylvania, but in the following spring pushing on into Belmont County, Ohio, where they located on McMechen's Creek. Later they removed to Pleasant Hill. In the spring of 1846 their son, John Giffen, removed to Monroe County, and remained there until 1866, when he returned to Belmont County and purchased the farm where he resides with his son. This was known as the William Warren farm, and the large and substantial residence was erected by William Warren. Here John Giffen most successfully pursued an agricultural life, accumulated a competency and for a number of years has lived a retired life. During many years he was prominently identified with public affairs in the township, most efficiently filled many of the local offices, and on many occasions served as trustee. He is known as a man of the highest integrity and one whose word needs no legal measure to make it binding. A family of 10 children was born to John and Nancy (Adams) Giffen, their names being as follows : Isabel, the wife of David Johnson, a farmer living near St. Clairsville; W. W., of this sketch, who is unmarried; James A., a resident of Licking County, Ohio, who married Jane Cooke, and has these children,—Lawrence, Otto, Wilma, Clara, Annie, Sarah and Jennie; John, A., of Licking County, who is unmarried ; Sarah J., who died some years ago ; Orleana. who resides at home; Letitia, who married Joseph Main, of Delaware County, Ohio, and has one child,—Nancy Lavella ; Matthew, who is unmarried, is a resident of Morrow County; Archie, who is a resident of Delaware County, married Martha Main, and has three children,—Lloyd, Alta and Alma (twins) ; and Elizabeth, who died in 1882.

Our subject is an experienced, careful, practical farmer, and for a considerable period hehas given much attention to the breeding of high grade stock, thoroughbred cattle and sheep, his healthy flocks of National Delaine sheep and .herds of sleek Durham cattle testifying to his gratifying success. In politics, Mr. Giffen is identified with the Democratic party. The family belongs to the United Presbyterian Church and attend services at Pleasant Hill. This family is very well known through Belmont County, where they have attained prominence in agricultural circles and are socially representative. The beautiful old home is often the scene of family reunions, the aged parents being the center of the group, happy in the knowledge that their children have grown to be not only a credit to them, but also to the county.

GEORGE K. PHILLIPS, postmaster at Glencoe, Richland township, Belmont County, and chief clerk of the Belmont Coal Company at this point, and well known through his participation in other business enterprises, was born in Goshen township, near Belmont, in 187o, being a son of Ralph W. and Margaret (Dermott) Phillips.

Ralph W. Phillips was born in 1834, in Goshen township and is a representative farmer of Belmont County. For 20 years he was a successful teacher and for 11 years has been township trustee. His wife was born in 1836, in Ireland. At the age of ten years she came to America with her parents, Thomas and Margaret Dermott, who now reside in Goshen township. The children born to our subject's parents were : William, who died at the age of three years ; Jennie, who married Edward C. Michael, United State Express agent, at Bellaire, and they have two children ; Lawrence, who operates a well drill, resides at Belmont,—he married Rachel Eckles and they have four children ; and George K.

George K. Phillips obtained his education in the public schools at Belmont. and was 16 years old when he taught his first term of school, at Wood Grove, Union township, and

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continued to teach at the one place for three successive years. For a period he successfully operated a farm in Belmont County and then became the owner and operator of the Belmont Roller Mills, remaining with this plant for four years. In February, 1902, he was made chief clerk of the Belmont Coal Company, and for 18 months previous to this date he was head shipping clerk of the Bellaire Bottle Company. He was appointed postmaster of Glencoe in 1902. In politics he is an active Republican and takes much interest in the success of the candidates and measures of this party.

In 1894, Mr. Phillips was married to Della M. Lewis, who was born in Goshen township, a daughter of John I. and Mary J. Lewis, and two children have been born to this union, viz.: Nellie M., born in 1896, and William, in 1899. Mr. Phillips is an enterprising and successful business man, who is awake to the demands of the times, and through stability of character enjoys the confidence of his employers as well as the public.

GEORGE A. KORNER. Among the successful and busy men of York township, is George A. Korner, a wellknown farmer and dairyman, and also a business man who for some years has been identified with the coal interests of both Belmont and Monroe counties.

Mr. Korner is of German extraction, born in York township, Belmont County, in 1853. He is a son of Henry and Doris (Dempewolf) Korner, the latter of whom was born in Germany and died in Ohio, in 1895, aged 82 years. Henry Korner, the father, was born in 1810, in Germany and about the time of his majority came to the United States, finding his first employment in the lumber regions of the State of New York. His adopted country was at that time having some differences with France, and the young man enlisted in the United States Navy, as a member of a band, and on the historic old ship "Constitution" cruised through the Mediterranean and stopped at many European ports during his four years of service. After all this travel, Mr. Korner selected Belmont County, Ohio, as his choice of residence, and at Steinersville, York township, he engaged in a mercantile business for several years. He then purchased the farm near the town, now owned by our subject, and engaged in farming until 1881, when his death occurred. Mr. Korner married Doris Dempewolf and they reared a family of seven children, as follows : Theodore, who is a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia; Gustavus, who resides at Bradford, Pennsylvania ; Louisa (Mrs. Aggers), who resides in Seattle, Washington; Lewis, who is a resident of Prairie Depot, Ohio ; George A. ; Albert, a resident of Columbus, who was formerly a teacher in Belmont County ; and Dr. Alexander, who practices his profession at Woodsfield, Ohio.

Mr. Korner has engaged in extensive farming operations and has been also interested in modern dairying. In addition he has given much attention to the optioning of coal lands, both in Belmont and Monroe counties, and is well known through the locality as a keen, successful man of business enterprise. In the fall of 1901 he built his handsome residence in Steinersville, which, in modern equipment, comfort and convenience, is not equaled in York township. He has introduced a complete system of waterworks, finding his supply in a spring on an adjacent hill, this being the first private plant in the township.

On February 22, 1888, Mr. Korner was united in marriage with Clara Stackhouse, a daughter of Joshua Stackhouse, an old pioneer of the county, and to this union have been born two children,—Doris, aged 12 years, and Waldo, aged 10 years, both of whom are bright pupils at school. Mr. Korner has always been identified with the Democratic party, although no seeker for office, his varied business interests fully occupying the time not filled with personal and social activities. He is very well known in his locality and enjoys a full measure of the esteem of his fellow citizens, and is reckoned among the solid men of old York township.

766 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

M. C. STONEBRAKER, one of the prominent farmers and influential citizens of Mead township, Belmont County, was born in March, 1857, on the farm where he new resides, the only son of Ephraim and Martha E. (Granfell) Stonebraker, who were married on December 30, 1852, at Jacobsburg, Belmont County.

Ephraim Stonebraker was the youngest of a family of 15 children born to his father, Samuel Stonebraker, who was twice married. Ephraim died on the farm where his widow resides with her son and family, near Key station, in March, 1865, aged 35 years. The mother of our subject was born August 12, 1833, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Barnett) Granfell, the former being of English descent and the latter of ScotchIrish. William Granfell was born September 27, 1791, and died in 1837; his wife, born June 4, 1805, died April 13, 1866. Their children were: Martha E., James, Thomas, Miles, Preston, Mary, who died young, and Margaret, who married James Gladdin of Smith township and is also deceased. Mrs. Stonebraker is a niece of one who was so well known and highly regarded in this section that he was universally called "Uncle" Tommy Miles, a very early pioneer. He never married, and at death willed his section of land to relatives.

Our subject was educated in the district schools and has spent his whole life on his farm, which contains 8o acres of well tilled and productive land, where he has successfully carried on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Stonebraker erected here a very comfortable house in 1884 and replaced the old one, which serves well as a stable. although under its old roof three generations of the family found shelter for many years. Mr. Stonebraker has leased the old farm and is preparing to remove to Key in order to give his children better educational advantages and to retire from enforced activity.

In 1878 Mr. Stonebraker was married to Mary Phillips, who was born in Smith township, in July, 1859, a daughter of James W. and Annie (White) Phillips, the latter of whom has been deceased for some 15 years. The Phillips family was a very early one in Smith township and lived near Jacobsburg station. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Stonebraker are Earl B., born December 8, 1882, who is a graduate of the Wheeling Business College and is now a solicitor for the same; and Etta M., who was born May 3, 1891.

In political sentiment Mr. Stonebraker has been a lifelong Democrat, and he has most acceptably served for six years as township trustee and is serving his third term as justice of the peace, his excellent judgment and high standing in the community making him a very popular official. In religious views the family is in accord with the Presbyterian Church and attend services at the Concord Church.

GEORGE FLOTO, who conducts a meat market on 7th street, Martin's Ferry, and who is one of the excellent citizens of the place, was born in this city on May 5, 1866, a son of Henry and Margaret (Proler) Floto.

Henry Floto, the father, was born in Germany and came to America prior to his marriage, leaving his parents and several of his family in the old country. Several brothers live in Steubenville, Ohio. Mr. Floto followed the trade of baker through his active life, and is a wellknown and respected citizen of the county, of ample means and is identified with a number of the financial enterprises of Martin's Ferry. He has been president of the board of directors of the old Buckeye glass house, and the People's Savings Bank and of other institutions. His life has been passsed here until within the last few years. He retired from active business although he is but 66 years of age, his wife being some six years his junior. Both are members of the German Lutheran Church. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Floto were the following : George,

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of this sketch ; Ada, who assists her brothers in the bakery; Frank, who conducts the bakery business in Martin's Ferry; Henry, who is engaged in the meat business with his brother George; Christopher, who is engaged in the bakery; Emma and William, who reside at home. Two children are deceased.

George Floto acquired his education in the schools of Martin's Ferry and assisted his father in the baking business until his health failed him. Since changing his line of work he has regained his health and now has a very prosperous trade. He has been in the meat business for several years and thoroughly understands the wants of the public. He is a stockholder in the Germania HalfDollar Savings Bank of Wheeling, and his industry and provident husbanding of his means augur a life of ease in his old age.

On April 12, 1894, Mr. Floto was married to Elizabeth H. Seabright, daughter of Charles and Louisa Seabright, and two children have been born to this union, a bright little son and daughter, Philip H. and Ruth L. Our subject and wife belong to the German Lutheran Church. He is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias and also belongs to the Uniform Rank. He takes only a passing interest in politics, but is fully awake to all that will benefit or advance the interests of his community, in this way proving himself a most useful citizen.

GEORGE LAWRENCE RAMSEY, M. D., is a leading physician of York township, Belmont County, Ohio, and a prominent representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of the county. Dr. Ramsey was born in Mead township in 1872, being the eldest of the nine children born to his parents, William and Amanda (Helpbringer) Ramsey, most highly esteemed residents of Mead township.

The early ancestral history of the Ramsey family reaches back to Ireland, in which land the greatgrandfather of Dr. Ramsey was born in 1772. In 1790 he immigrated to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where he married a Miss Falconer and in 1818 removed to Belmont County, Ohio, as one of the first settlers of Smith township. He left a family of six sons and one daughter, namely : David, John, Samuel, Abram, Allen, Aaron F., and Nellie.

Allen Ramsey, the grandfather of Dr. Ramsey, was born May 28, 1811, and married Mary Thornborough, in Washington township, Belmont County. The Thornborough family originated in England, the grandmother being a daughter of William and Matilda (Lazenby) Thornborough, who came to America and settled in Belmont County about 1818 and followed an agricultural life in Washington township until death. Mrs. Allen Ramsey died December 1, 1902, at the age of 86 years.

There were six children in the family of William and Amanda (Helpbringer) Ramsey, that grew to maturity, namely : William J., Ellis C., Newell M., Mary T., who married John W. Muster; Eva L., and George Lawrence.

Dr. Ramsey obtained his primary education in the common schools in the vicinity of his birthplace, and as early as the age of 14 years decided upon his life work, thereafter directing his study and reading to that end. When prepared for college, he entered the Ohio Medical University at Columbus, Ohio, graduating with much credit, on April 5, 1898. His first location for practice was at Batesville, Noble County, where he remained until the spring of 1901, when he settled at Powhatan Point, purchasing there his fine property on the turnpike, and owns one of the handsomest homes in this select neighborhood.

On March 20, 1900, Dr. Ramsey was married to Luella V. Wilson, a young lady of Charleston, West Virginia, and one child, Newell Wilson, was born to this union, in this county. Dr. Ramsey's fraternal connection is with the Knights of Pythias, of Batesville, and he also belongs to the Belmont County Medical Association. Like all his family, the Doctor is a strong supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and continues attached

768 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

to the Methodist Church, in which he was carefully reared by an excellent mother. Dr. Ramsey sustains the most cordial relations with his brother practitioners, and his ability and skill have been very generally recognized by the community.

WILLIAM DUVALL, who since 1851 has been a resident of Belmont County and is well known as the postmaster and popular general merchant of Businessburg, in Mead township, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Jefferson County, December 4, 1820.

The parents of Mr. Duvall were Dennis and Mahala (Fowler) Duvall, the former of whom died in Jefferson County and the latter in Mead township at the age of 77 years. Our subject is the only member of his parents' family surviving, and although the winters of 82 years have somewhat whitened his locks, his physical and mental activity place his years not beyond 50. With the vigor of middle life he manages the details of a large business and makes in person his purchases in Wheeling when necessary to supplement his stock. His capacity is such that he may justly look forward to many more years of activity and usefulness.

Mr. Duvall was reared in Jefferson County, where he remained until 1851, coming then to Pipe Creek, Belmont County, where he was engaged for some years in both farming and merchandising. In the stormy days of the Civil War his loyalty induced him to so arrange his business that he could enlist in the service of his country, entering in 1862 Company F, 52nd Ohio Vol. Inf., in which service he continued two years and eleven months, or until the close of the war. His regiment was included in the 14th Army Corps, 2nd Brigade and 32nd Division, under grim old General Sherman, with whom he marched to the sea. Although not seriously wounded, Mr. Duvall had some very close calls, one of these being at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. Every day of his service but one, Mr. Duvall carried his load of equipment.

After his return from the army our subject opened up a general store at Businessburg, and this has mainly claimed his attention ever since. This store building was erected by Mr. Warren, who was one of the early pioneers of this locality. For the past 25 years the post office has been under Mr. Duvall's charge, its management giving general satisfaction. In politics our subject is a stanch Republican and is proud of his State and his party. In his earlier years he was in sympathy with the Know Nothing party. He has not been a seeker for office; served during a short period as justice of the peace, and declined the position of township assessor even when elected. Mr. Duvall never married, but in the community in which he has lived so long is surrounded by warm personal friends. He attends the Bethel Presbyterian Church.

JOHN WORKMAN, a prominent and substantial farmer of Smith township, Belmont County, is a worthy representative of an old family of the county. He was born in Smith township in 1827, being a son of William and Isabel (Eckels) Workman, the former of whom was born in Maryland, and died in Ohio in 1865, aged 78 years. The latter was born in Belmont County, Ohio, and died here in 1885, at the age of 80 years.

William Workman accompanied his parents to Belmont County from Maryland, at an early day, and through a long life became well known in business and politics and accumulated an ample fortune. In his earlier years he engaged in milling and in wagonmaking, but the latter part of his life was passed in farming. Mr. Workman bore his part in the War of 1812 and for many years was a justice of the peace. In politics a Democrat, he was the choice of his party for county commissioner at various times and creditably served for five terms as a member of the Ohio Legislature. He was one of

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the substantial men of his county and left a fine farm of 240 acres of valuable land to his family. A family of 11 children was born to William and Isabel Workman, namely : Charles C., Mary A., William, Robert E., Sarah J., Amos, John, David, Isabel, Robinson, and Keziah.

John Workman, the seventh member of the above family, was reared like other boys of his day, with much work and a little schooling, and grew to manhood quite capable of managing a farm of his own and of taking his place as one of the responsible citizens of his county. In 1849 he married Elizabeth J. Lash, who was a daughter of Isaac and Ann (Ogleby) Lash, and was born in Belmont County in 1828. A family of 11 children was born to this union, as follows : William L., one deceased, Harvey C., Joseph, one deceased, Sarah J., John W., Mary A., Ida and two deceased.

Mr. Workman owns a fine farm of 103 acres, located one mile west of the hamlet of Whitney, and successfully carries on general farming and stock raising to a moderate extent. A man of reliability and integrity, he has taken a leading place in township movements, and has served most capably as justice of the peace, township trustee and as school director. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. The religious membership of the family is with the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN YOUNG, a well-known and successful fruit grower of Pease township, Belmont County, is a native of Germany, a country which has given Ohio many of her most valued . citizens.

Mr. Young was born in 1831, and he is a son of Jacob Young, who was also a native of Bavaria, Germany, and who brought his family to the United States in the fall of 1836. The voyage was made in a sailing vessel and 40 days were passed on the Atlantic Ocean. The family located at Wheeling where Jacob Young found work at his trade of blacksmith, and also in the coal mines, until the breakingout of the Civil War, when he became a member of the 77th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and participated in the siege of Vicksburg. He died several years ago, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Frederick Kerner, who died at the home of Mr. Young, at the age of 89 years. Mrs. Jacob Young died June 13, 1885, at the age of 8o years.

John Young was the only child born to his parents and was given excellent educational advantages in the German schools, but had little opportunity to learn the English language. While still a lad, he earned 12 1/2 cents a day, hoeing corn for Governor Sharnick, who resided south of Wheeling on Carval's Run. About 1849 he entered the Top Mill at Wheeling and was one of the workmen there employed in making the wire which was used to build the old suspension bridge across the Ohio, from Wheeling to the Island. At the opening of the La Belle Mill he secured work there and remained until 1859, removing then to Pease township, Belmont County. In 1863 he was able to purchase his present home farm of about 6o acres, and since that time has made many substantial improvements on the place, erecting fine buildings and turning his land into a fruit farm. Here Mr. Young can show some of the finest grapes grown in this part of the State, his vineyard covering two and onehalf acres, and its productiveness enabling him to sell more than 10 tons of fruit a season. Other specialties are strawberries and raspberries. His careful culture and thorough knowledge of varieties and soils make these fruits very profitable.

On February 22, 1852, Mr. Young married Margaret Meal, a native of Strasburg, Alsace, France, who died some years since, leaving the following children : Lizzie, who is the wife of Frederick Adolphs, resides on the Cadiz Pike; Albert, who married Margaret, a daughter of William Neelan, also resides along this pike, and is employed in the AetnaStandard Mill; Lena, who married Charles Adolphs, resides at Bridgeport; and Catherine, who married George Meister, who is the leader of the famous Meister Band, of Bridgeport. The sec-

772 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

ond marriage of Mr. Young was to Barbara Miller, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, but who has lived for 42 years in the United States.

Mr. Young has been a faithful and enthusiastic Republican since he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, in Ritchie township, Wheeling, at a time when it was a dangerous policy to speak in favor of the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Young was one of the eight men who were brave enough to vote as they deemed right. He is a man of admirable judgment and strict integrity, and has capably filled the position of supervisor of his township for about 10 years. His religious membership is in the German Lutheran Church. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows, of Bridgeport.

MILES HART, one of the well-known and popular citizens of Smith township, who for 28 consecutive years followed teaching in Belmont County, comes of an old agricultural family, which originated in the person of his grandfather, Miles Hart, in Greene County, Pennsylvania.

Our subject was born January 24, 1844, in Smith township, and is a son of Silas and Sarah (Twinem) Hart, the latter of whom was born in 1816, in the State of New York, a daughter of Leonard and Mary Twinem, who came from Ireland to Belmont County about 1817. Mrs. Hart died at the old home just north of Centreville. Silas Hart was born in 1817, in Smith township, and was a son of Miles Hart, who came to Belmont County in 1815 and stopped first in Mead township at Dillie's Bottom and then settled permanently on section 28, in Smith township, where he died in 1852. Silas Hart died in the spring of 1894, at the home of his son Miles. Our subject is one of a family of seven children born to his parents, three of whom besides himself survive, namely: Catherine (Mrs. Barrett), of Texas; Leonard, a resident of Goshen township; and S. W., of Smith township. Cephas and Hamilton are deceased, and a daughter died in infancy.

Miles Hart was reared on the farm and attended the country schools and also went to a select school. In 1866 he began to teach the winter sessions of school in his neighborhood, learning in the meantime the carpenter trade and spending the summer vacations on the farm, continuing thus until 1894, when he gave up the profession to devote himself entirely to the operation of his farm. Mr. Hart purchased this valuable and attractive home in 1872 and has 82% acres of land most admirably fitted for farming and stock raising.

In 1878 Mr. Hart was married to Mary C. Stonebraker, who was born in Smith township in 186o, being one of five children born to Jeremiah and Mary (Glover) Stonebraker, the three survivors being : James W., of Smith township; Eliza J. (Mrs. McCann), of Richland township ; and Mrs. Hart. Those deceased were : John T. and Margaret, the wife of D. M. Scatterday. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hart, one of whom died in infancy. Of the two young ladies, Sarah is the successful teacher of a school near Martin's Ferry, and Blanche is still a student.

Mr. Hart has taken an active interest in politics in his locality, voting the Republican ticket, and has been called upon to serve in many offices, his intelligence, education and excellent judgment making him eminently desirable as a township or county official. By appointment he served one year as township clerk and was elected and reelected, serving with the greatest efficiency. In the latter "seventies" he served for two years as assessor. The religious connection of the family is with the Concord Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Hart is the clerk of the congregation.

Mr. Hart's long associations as an educator make him a very well-known resident of Smith township, and few citizens are so highly regarded by all classes of people. As a teacher he was brought into such close relations that his interest in many of his neigh-

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bors began in childhood and a mutual regard has ever since been maintained. He has a wide circle of attached friends. He was elected a member of the Board of Education, and served with credit for a term of three years.

JOHN W. DELANEY, a prominent farmer and successful stock raiser of Smith township, Belmont County, and one of its leading and representative citizens, was born in this township, December 24, 1840. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Montgomery) DeLaney, the former of whom was born in the State of Maryland, coming to Belmont County while the National Road was being built, making his way from Baltimore afoot. He was fatherless and dependent upon his own resources, his father having met death on the Potomac River. Prior to coming to Ohio, John DeLaney had served as a soldier from Maryland against the British, in the War of 1812, and was wounded.

When John DeLaney first came to Belmont County, he was engaged as a tobacco packer with the father of Col. J. F. Charlesworth. Several years later he bought a farm near Ferris Mills, which he improved, and then removed to the farm now owned and occupied by his son, J. W., of this sketch. Here he died, September 13, 1864, aged 75 years. The mother of our subject, Elizabeth (Montgomery) DeLaney, passed away March 30, 1878, having lived 84 years. Both parents were regarded highly in their locality. Their three children were : Hannah, who became Mrs. Lash, and both she and husband are deceased; Sarah J., who became Mrs. Robson, and she is also deceased; and J. W., the youngest.

Mr. DeLaney is one of the large land owners of Smith township. Here he was born, reared and educated and here his useful life has been passed, mainly in agricultural pursuits, great attention having been given to stock raising. Mr. DeLaney probably owns the finest herd of thoroughbred Spanish Merino sheep in Belmont County and justly takes pride in them.

He is considered an authority in stock matters, notably so in sheep, and he has done much to raise the general standard in Belmont County. The fine farm where he now resides and upon which he built his elegant home, in the summer of 1878, comprises 16o acres and formerly belonged to his father. In addition, Mr. De Laney owns 110 acres in the northwest quarter of section 16, and a valuable tract of 80 acres in section 24. This is all valuable, cultivated land and some of the choicest in the township.

In 1878 Mr. DeLaney was united in marriage with Mary E. Workman, who was born in Knox County, and the five children born to this union are : Jerusha Jane; Martha Florilla, the wife of Harry Scott, of Warnock; ; A. N.; J. W., Jr.; and Susan E.

As one of the representative members of the Republican party in Smith township, Mr. De Laney has been called upon to accept a number of local offices and has performed the duties of the same with credit to himself and his locality. For a long period he has been a leading member of the Concord Presbyterian Church. He is one of the intelligent, upright, publicspirited citizens of his township, one always found in the front rank in progressive movements, and one whose advice may always be relied upon in agricultural affairs.

JOHN L. CUNARD, a worthy representative of one of the old families of Belmont County, Ohio, and a prominent farmer of Union township, owning two fine farms of 93 and 50 acres, in section 11, and. another large cultivated tract of 150 acres, in section lo, was born in Union township, November 15, 1874.

Smith Cunard, the father of John L., was born November 15, 1839, in Union township, and died January 10, 1902, in the same township, in which he passed his whole life, a farmer by vocation, and a large land owner, possessing 520 acres in the township. He was interested in sheep raising and made it very profitable.

774 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

He was a man of estimable character, highly regarded in his community and was very frequently called upon to settle estates and hold township offices, being one of the truly reliable, solid citizens to whom a community looks for assistance in times of adversity or anxiety. At the age of 22 years he married Christina Gosset, daughter of William and Elizabeth Gosset, the former of whom lived to attain the age of 97 years and the latter, the age of 8o years. Mrs. Smith Cunard died August 12, 1902.

Marion Lee Cunard, the grandfather of John L., came to Ohio from Loudoun County Virginia, about 1836 and settled first in Richland township, Belmont County, where he remained until 1846 ,and then removed to section 4, when he lived for 12 years, removing then to section 5, where he purchased 16o acres of land and lived upon it until his death, which occurred in 1868, at the age of 52 years. His parents were Edward and Adah (Thatcher) Cunard, both of whom died in Loudoun County where Edward Cunard was a slaveholder,—his widow eventually freed her slaves. Edward Cunard died a young man, but his widow survived him, living to be 8o years old. The children of Edward Cunard were: Marion L., Steven T., Luther C., Sarah Ann (Mrs. Thomas Stone), Nancy C., (Mrs. Smith Marks), Mary P., unmarried, and Maria (Mrs. Craven Copeland), all of whom are deceased. Marion Lee Cunard married Permelia Nichols, who was born December 7, 1817, and died March 18, 1844. She had nine brothers and sisters, as follows : Maria (Mrs. James Gardner), deceased; Nancy (Mrs. William Norris) ; Jonah, who first married Nancy Hoge and second, Jerusha France; Balaam, who married Abigail Hatcher; Sarah (Mrs. Caldwell Dunn) ; Samuel, who married Sarah Dillon; Elizabeth (Mrs. Andrew Richey) ; Alfred, a resident of Mercer County, Ohio,. who married Eliza Hoover, now deceased ; and Daniel, who married Adaline Brock, and resides near Mount Hope school house. Other members of our subject's family are. John, an uncle, residing in Wheeling township, Belmont County, who married first Lettie Spencer and second, Katie Neihart; and an aunt, Mrs. Ada A. Ferguson, born April 1o, 1844, who was educated in the common schools and was married to Joseph W. Ferguson, July 19, 1879.

John L. Cunard was one of a family of five children born to his parents, three of whom died in early life. He was the fourth in order of birth, his surviving sister being Elizabeth Piersel, the wife of William Piersel, of Union township. This sister has one child, Mary Christina. Mr. Cunard and his sister have a claim of 150 acres of land in Union township, which is in the possesion of Sadie Rankin, who has a life claim on it, she having been a member of the family since her seventh year.

Mr. Cunard was educated in the common schools of his township, and has followed farming and stock raising all his life, making a specialty of grain crops. On November 15, 1899, he married Ella Ida Walker, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of William and Matilda Walker of this county. Mrs. Cunard was the seventh in a family of nine children born to her parents, the others being as follows : George, a resident of Bridgeport; Margaret (Mrs. William Taylor), a resident of this county; Nancy, deceased; Orville, at home ; Amy ; James ; Frank ; and Clyde and Nellie, twins. One son, Walker Smith, was born to our subject and wife, on August 25, 1901. Mrs. Cunard is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church and is much valued socially. Mr. Cunard belongs to no secret societies, and votes with the Republican party, although in no sense a politician. He is one of the best known and most highly respected young farmers of the county and bids fair to become one of its most prominent farmers.

T. C. AYERS. The legal profession in St. Clairsville, Ohio, is well represented by men who have won reputation throughout Belmont County, and among these is T. C. Ayers, whose field of practice covers the county, State and United States courts. Mr. Ayers was born in Noble

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County, Ohio, May 20, 1858, and is a son of Philander C. and Nancy J. (Eagan) Ayers.

Philander C. Ayers is one of Belmont County's most substantial farmers. After a residence of 14 years in Noble County, he moved to Belmont County, in 1863. In 1862, he sent a substitute into the army, as his removal to Belmont County made it necessary for him to remain at home. He is in every way qualified to fill responsible positions, but has accepted only local offices. He has reached the age of 74 years, and his wife is about seven years his junior. Both are most highly respected members of the Methodist Church. They became the parents of 14 children, namely : Margaret F. (Morris) ; Mary E. (Bigley) ; Emma A. (Groves) ; Anna M. (Henderson) ; T. C.; Adda E. (Howell) ; Tabitha J. (Barber) ; William F.; E. E., a minister, who married Eleanor Elder; Minnie C., who is at home; Harriet K. (Shepherd) ; John H., who married Clara Carpenter, and lives on the home farm ; Esther M. (Shepherd) ; and Lorena B., who died in 1876, at the age of three and a half years.

The subject of this sketch attended the common schools and Hopedale Academy, in Harrison County, and pursued a course in the Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio. He studied law under John Pollock, of St. Clairsville, and completed his legal studies at the Cincinnati Law School, in 1889. Since that time Mr. Ayers has made his home in St. Clairsville, and by reason of his public spirit, progressive enterprise and ability as a lawyer, he has become one of the leading citizens of the place.

On May 10, 1888, Mr. Ayers was united in marriage with Mary E. Gibson, who was born in Noble County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late LeRoy Gibson, and a relative of General Gibson. Her mother was Margaret Berry, and both the Gibson and Berry families are old and honored ones in Belmont County. Two children were born to this union,—Kendall G. and Cecil L. Mrs. Ayers is an active member of the Methodist Church.

For a number of years, Mr. Ayers has been a prominent member of Belmont Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., in which he is past master. He is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, and was one of the organizers, on November 9, 1897, of the lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he has since been clerk. This lodge was the first one of that order in this Congressional district. As an orator, Mr. Ayers has always been in great demand during political campaigns, as his logical reasoning and fluency of speech impress his points as conclusively on an audience of voters as on a jury. Mr. Ayers is held in high esteem in St. Clairsville, his record having shown him to be wise in counsel, generous and fair in spirit, a scrupulous official, and honorable and agreeable in all the relations of life.

ISAAC H. PITTMAN, a well-known citizen of Pilcher, Wayne township, Belmont County, and the efficient and popular postmaster, was born April 17, 1870, in Monroe County, Ohio, being a son of David B. and Rachel Jane (Ady) Pittman.

The Pittman family is of French origin, but the grandfather of our subject, Theodore Pittman, was a native of Ohio, born near Beallsville, in Monroe County. His son, David B., was born in Monroe County in 1846, but came to Belmont County in 1881, locating first on Piney Creek, near Beallsville, removing to his present fine farm in section 30, near Pilcher, in 1885. For several years he has served as supervisor. His wife, Rachel Jane Ady, was born in 1850, near Cameron, Monroe County, a daughter of Joshua and Catherine (Hurd) Ady. Our subject is the eldest of the seven children born to his parents, the others being : Theodore A., a farmer of Monroe County, who married Ella Hudson and has two children,—Elvert and Herbert; Ida, who lives at home; Catherine, who married Ezra Kirkbride, a farmer near Pilcher, and has two children,—Rose and Vernon ; Charles, who is engaged in the huckster business and resides at Pilcher; and Stephen L. and Marion S., who are both at home.

776 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

Mr. Pittman was educated both in Monroe and Belmont counties and took a supplementary course in a normal school. For nine years he engaged in farming in Wayne township, but in 1899 turned his attention in a different direction, embarking in a mercantile business at Pilcher. Since its opening, his business has been greatly enlarged and now Mr. Pittman carries a stock that is valued at $2,000, conducting a general store and supplying a large territory. Since September, 1901, he has also been the postmaster and has become one of the most prominent men of the village, owning his own comfortable and attractive home, his store and other property.

In 1891 Mr. Pittman was married to Flora Sutton, who was born in Wayne township, near Hunter, a daughter of Joseph and Phrelove (Stidd) Sutton, both families being among the early settlers. Mrs. Pittman has one sister, Mrs. Ernest Moore, of Wayne township. Mr. and Mrs. Pittman have one bright little son of 10 years, Bracy S., who is an apt student at school and already a help in the business.

In politics Mr. Pittman is stanch in his Republicanism and is highly valued by his party. His fraternal connection is with the lodge of Knights of Pythias, of Jerusalem, Monroe County. Both he and his estimable wife belong to and liberally assist in supporting the Christian Church.

SAMUEL GILLASPIE, a well-known agriculturist residing in York township, Belmont County, Ohio, resides on the old home farm where he was born and has always lived. The date of his birth is 1842, and he is a son of David Gillaspie and grandson of David Gillaspie.

David Gillaspie, grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and at the age of 16 years was in the blockhouse at Wheeling, (West) Virginia. He was a potter by trade and for some years worked about Wheeling. Upon coming to York township, he located upon the farm now owned and occupied by our subject, which has been in possession of the Gillaspie family for more than 90 years. He took up section 27 in partnership with the Moore family and lived upon this farm until his death in 1857. He married Hannah Stuckey, by whom he had the following children : John, Jacob, David, Nancy, Lydia, Barbara and Elizabeth.

David Gillaspie, father of our subject, was born in York township in 1812 and resided here all his life, dying in 1887. He was a Democrat in politics and served as township trustee many years. He married Matilda Gates, who now resides at Beallsville, Ohio, at the advanced age of 84 years. To them were born three children : Samuel; Philena, of Beallsville, widow of Thomas Wilson; and Nancy (Brock), who lives in Monroe County. Mrs. Gillaspie's father was Daniel Gates.

Samuel Gillaspie was reared in his native county and in 1862 enlisted in Company F, 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in the 14th Army Corps, under General Sherman, accompanying that great general in his march through the Southern States to the Atlantic Coast. Upon the close of the war he returned home and has since engaged in farming. He helped to build the present house on the farm, as well as the barn and other outbuildings, and at the present time owns 72 acres of well improved land.

Mr. Gillaspie was joined in marriage to Melinda Hurley, who was born in Washington township, Belmont County, in 1847, and is a daughter of Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Willis) Hurley, being one of eight children that grew to mature years : Washington, Charlotte, Franklin, James, Nehemiah, Cyrus, who died in Andersonville Prison, Sarah E., and Melinda. Those who died before reaching maturity were Adeline, Eveline, Sarah E., and an infant. To our subject and his wife were born the following children : Annie married Louis Schafer and has three children living, Leroy, Myrtle, Goldie, and one deceased, Bernice Marie; Zepheniah married Mary Boner and has a daughter, Hazel; Effie married George Kreichbaum, of York township, and has a son, Clarence; Elizabeth (Perin) has two sons living, Floyd and Ralph, and one de-

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ceased, John N.; Winona, wife of Albert Newhart, has a son, Newell; Myrtle, Hattie, and Sherman. Three children—Maud, Lena. and an infant—are deceased. In politics Mr. Gillaspie is independent. Socially he is a member of G. A. R. Post, No. 595, at Armstrong's Mills. Religiously he is a member of the Christian Church.

Ithamer P. Gillaspie, a cousin of our subject, residing in section 28, York township, was born December 2, 1848, and is a son of John and Margaret (Cree) Gillaspie, his mother, who is 76 years of age, residing with him. His father was born in 1803 and died in 1879. Ithamer is one of 10 children: Melissa D., widow of David Carpenter, residing in Mead township ; Nancy Jane, deceased, who was the wife of William Richmond; Wellington, of Wirt County, West Virginia; Margaret Elizabeth, deceased, wife of Abram Ramsay; David C., of Emporia, Kansas ; John J.; Hannah; Mary E.; Ithamer P., and George W., of Glencoe. Ithamer P. Gillaspie married Sarah Janet Giffen, who was born in York township in 185o and is a daughter of John G. and Sarah Giffen, and they have four sons and one daughter, as follows : Martha J. (Fish), of Bellaire, Ohio, who has two children, Neva and Eula ; Everett E., of West Virginia; George W., of West Virginia; Cleveland G., and Clarence A. The Gillaspie family is one of the oldest and best known in York township.

PETER NEFF, a representative of one of Belmont County's oldest and most prominent families, is engaged in farming in Pultney township near the farm on which he was born, August 28, 1822.

Peter Neff is a son of George and Margaret (Helm) Neff, who came to Pultney township from near Baltimore, Maryland, as early as the spring of 1806. George Neff owned a farm, but followed blacksmithing, being one of the first to follow that trade in the county. They were parents of the following children :Jacob, Andrew, Henry, Mary, George, Hannah, John, Peter and Elizabeth.

Jacob Neff, who was born December 18, 1806, was married to Mary Owen, June 17, 1830. He lived and died in Richland township. Andrew, born November 24, 1808, was married to Jane Alexander, Aril 1, 1845, Henry, born July 30, 1811, is the oldest of the family now living. He was married to Matilda A. Hall on October 15, 1844. Mary, born July 30, 1813, is now deceased. George, born February 20, 1815, was married March 6, 1849, to Sarah Bucher, who died in June, 1900. He resides on his farm near Neff's siding. For a period of 6o years he conducted the sawmill now operated by his son, Franklin, it having been built in 1832. He has six children, as follows : John B., who is vicepresident and general manager of a large fruit exchange in California; Enoch, who is a physician of St. Joseph, Missouri; George, who died at the age of two years; Margaret E., who died in 1882, at the age of 26 years; Franklin, born in 1858, is a civil engineer, manages his father's farm, is interested in coal and manufacturing enterprises and is secretary and treasurer of the Standard Stone & Brick Company, he was married in 1891 to Mary E. Hall, a daughter of William Hall of Pultney township; and Mary S., who married James S. Culverhouse of Cadiz. Hannah, the sixth child of George and Margaret (Helm) Neff, was born August 1, 1817, and was married October 15, 1840, to James T. Scott. John, deceased, was born January 19, 1820. Elizabeth, who was born August 29, 1825, married Enoch D. Crawford, October 21, 1852.

Peter Neff is living on a farm which formed a part of the old homestead, andhis fine brick residence is but a short distance from the place where he was born, although a new house stands on the old site. He follows general farming and has a great deal of pasture land, raising thoroughbred stock.

Peter Neff was married November 20, 1852, to Eliza Jane Thompson, who died August 2, 1896, leaving two children : Clarence W., and

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Ada. Clarence W. was born December 25, 1853, and actively manages our subject's farm of 326 acres. He married Mary Bell McKelvey, October 20, 1876, and has two children : Alva Meades and Ada Luella. Ada, who was born March 23, 1857, was married October 25, 1876, to Thomas McKelvey, who resides near Bethel station, by whom she has two children; Clarence, who is with the Charles Arnold drug company of Bellaire, and May, who is at home. In politics, Mr. Neff is a Democrat. He is a member of the Coal Brook Presbyterian Church. His son Clarence W. and the latter's wife belong to the Belmont United Presbyterian Church.

DR. ISAAC G. COPE, whose death occurred August 31, 1898, practiced his profession in Belmont County for nearly 40 years, being located in Colerain township. Early in his career he gained an enviable reputation as a physician, which increased as the years went by. He was loved by his many patients for his manly virtues ; he was in truth a "family physician," and the sick in spirit as well as in body confided in him.

Dr. Cope was born in Colerain township February 12, 1840, and was a son of Dr. Caleb Cope, whom the older generation remember as one of the pioneer physicians of Belmont County.

Dr. Caleb Cope was for many years the leading physician in Colerain township, and was noted not only for his great skill in his profession, but also for his public spirit and loyalty to his country. He sent four of his sons to serve in the Civil War and contributed most liberally to its continuance. After a period of illness, he died October 6, 1875, aged about 65 years, sincerely lamented by a large family and by patients distributed all over the township and vicinity. Dr. Caleb Cope's first marriage was to Mildred Fowler, and six sons were born to this union, namely. Dr. Isaac G.; Alexis and Herman, twins; John W.; James H.; and Orlando. Alexis enlisted at the beginning of the Civil War, as a private, for three months, and then became a veteran in the 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., coming out of the service with a captain's commission. For a number of years he has been the superintendent of the State University of Ohio, at Columbus. Herman died at the age of six years. John W. served in the Civil War as a member of the 98th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He was married at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and died in that city in 1882, at the age of 39 years. James H. resides in Colerain township. Orlando is the superintendent of the Belmont County Infirmary. The mother of these sons died in 1849, and in 185o Dr. Cope married Julia A. French, and the four children born to this union are the following : Dr. Charles S., who resides in Michigan; Dr. William H., who resides in California; Frederick, who lives near Martin's Ferry; and Mary, who has her home with her brother, William H., in California. For some years she was a successful teacher in the county. The second Mrs. Cope died in 1873. Both she and her husband belonged to the Society of Friends.

Dr. Isaac G. Cope was educated in the common schools of Farmington, Colerain township. He read medicine with his father and was engaged in practice when President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 troops to quell the rebellion. He enlisted as a private, but on account of his medical knowledge was soon made hospital steward, and later was commissioned surgeon, in 1864. He served about three years and then resigned in order to return home and take up his father's practice, the latter being in failing health. Until his death, he was in constant practice and became still more eminent than his father. He was a valued member of the G. A .R. and was also connected with the Masonic societies of St. Clairsville.

On May 4, 1865, Dr. Isaac G. Cope was united in marriage with Elizabeth C. Dungan, a native of Belmont County and a daughter of B. Ellis and Sarah (Fox) Dungan. Mr. Dungan, who was a prosperous farmer, died March 14, 1883, at the age of 75 years;

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his wife died April 25, 1889, in her 81st year. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dungan were estimable members of the Society of Friends. They had a family of eight children, as follows : Josiah, who was a clerk in a grocery, died in 1861, at the age of 25 years ; Charles is a farmer of this county; William is farming on the old Dungan homestead ; Thomas C., who is an attorney and realestate dealer, lives in Missouri; Mary Anna married Edgar A. Berry, who is farming in Colerain township; Elizabeth C., the wife of our subject; Julia, who married John Lash, a jeweler in Wheeling, resides in a pleasant home on Wheeling Island; Sarah C., who married John Wiley, resides on a farm in Colerain township.

A family of 11 children was born to Dr. Isaac G. Cope and his wife, the record being as follows : Caleb H., who is a farmer of Belmont County, married Anna Hughes and they have three children,—Harold D., Esther L. and Bertha; Dr. Ellis C.; Mary Anna; Sarah M. married Edwin Steer and has two children,—Ralph C. and Frank ; Elizabeth C.; Alice M., who is taking a trained nurse's course in the Allegheny General Hospital ; Mabel I.; Edith S. married Hollarn J. Cope and is a teacher in the San Jose (California) public schools, they have on child, Robert; Julia L.; and Isaac G. and Lucille, both students at school.

DR. ELLIS C. COPE, second son of Dr. Isaac G. Cope, was born November 26, 1869, in Colerain township. Inheriting instincts, and spurred on by the eminent examples of his father and grandfather, he decided early in life to adopt the medical profession, and directed his studies to that end. His preparatory reading was pursued under his father and he graduated in 1893, at the Ohio Medical University. at Columbus. After a year of practice as a physician and surgeon in the Protestant Hospital, at Columbus, he began work in this county, locating at Barton. He has been made surgeon at this point for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and for several of the standard insurance companies.

Dr. Ellis C. Cope was married October 30,1900, to Mercy Pratt, a native of Belmont County, being a daughter of Joseph and Anna Pratt. Mr. Pratt died at the age of 43 years, but Mrs. Pratt still survives and resides near Barton. Dr. Cope stands well both socially and professionally, being a member of the county, State and national medical societies, and being also identified with the leading organizations of a social nature in his community.

JOHN F. SHRY. A thorough business man, wellqualified farmer and prominent county official is found in John F. Shry, of sections 30 and 36, Wayne township, Belmont County. He was born in 1862, in Somerset township, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Baker) Shry.

Henry Shry was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, and came to Belmont County a fatherless boy. He found a pleasant home with Henry Gregg of Goshen township, with whom he remained until he began his own life as a farmer, becoming the owner of property in Goshen, Somerset and Warren townships. In politics he was always identified with the Democratic party. His death took place on November 30, 1900. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth Baker, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio, and who died when John F., who was the youngest of ten children, was four years of age, the others being: Milton H., who was a member of the 60th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., died in the army during the Civil War; George also served in the army and died later in Belmont County, leaving a widow and family in Barnesville; Thomas Irvin resides in Kirkwood township, this county; Winfield S. lives in Wayne township; Sarah Elizabeth is the wife of Jonathan Mercer of Warren township ; Mary Eliza is the wife of Jonathan Briggs of Salem, Ohio; Ruth Ella is the wife of J. J. Sears of Piedmont, Ohio, formerly treasurer of Harrison County; William H., a horse dealer in California; and Martha Jane, the wife of George Armstrong, of Morristown, Ohio.

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When John F. Shry was 10 years old, the family moved into Warren township and two years later into Goshen township, and in both townships was his education secured. In 1890 he purchased from Mr. Copeland his present fine farm of 95 acres, and located on the place, making the greater part of the improvements that now add so much to the value of the property. Until within the past three or four years Mr. Shry has followed an agricultural life. He has of late been much interested in coal optioning and oil leasing, also giving some attention to politics. Like his father, he is a stanch Democrat, and is serving as township trustee, belonging also to the Board of Education.

In 1889 Mr. Shry was married to Mary Ellen Day, who was born in Somerset township, and is a daughter of the late George Day, who died December 3, 1900, having served four years during the Civil War, a member of the 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Two daughters have been born to this union, namely : Bertha Mabel and Laura E., both little maidens at school. Mr. and Mrs. Shry attend services in the Methodist Church. He is a public spirited, wide awake citizen, fully equal to the demands of the day, and holds a high place in the regard of the residents of Wayne township.

JAMES RALEY, deceased, one of the hardy pioneers who performed his part in converting Belmont County from an unbroken wilderness into a country of rich farms, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1756. When a young man, he went to Frederick County, Virginia, where he married Rachel Steer, a daughter of James and Abigail Steer of the same place. After five children had been born to them, they removed to what was then the Northwest Territory, purchasing from the government a farm in the northern part of Pease township, Belmont County, choosing a spot on a sunny hillside near a never failing spring of water. Here James Raley followed blacksmithing and with the help of his family soon cut off enough of the timber to till the soil and raise crops, and in a few years had a plentiful supply of the comforts of life. Their sugar was made from the maple trees, their clothing from the flax they raised, and the wool from their sheep. The forests had to be cleared away before crops could be raised, but in common with other pioneers they toiled bravely on and soon were rewarded by a good living. Both James and Rachel Raley lived to an advanced age in the full possession of their faculties, and were buried in a nearby Friends' burying ground, where rest the remains of all their children except one. The farm remained in the family for 86 years and is now in possession of Edgar Berry. They were through life consistent and valued members of the Society of Friends. Of their children, who were 10 in number, several died before reaching maturity. Among those who grew to manhood and womanhood were: Asa ; Hannah, who married John Howard. by whom she had 10 children, of which number, one is now living, their descendants mostly being located in Iowa; Ann, who married Thomas Hirst, and is survived by a son who lives in Whittier, California, her descendants mostly being located in California and Arizona; Joseph, who married Sally Fowler, but died without issue; and Rachel, the youngest daughter, who married Daniel Atkinson, and left three children,—Mary, who married Evan Beitler of Cowles, Nebraska; Ruth, wife of John Thomas Packer, of Marietta, Iowa, and William, who married Catherine Williams and lives near Pleasant Grove, Ohio.

Asa Raley was born in 1797 and grew to be one of the substantial men of Pease township, Belmont County. In 1826, he married Asenath Hirst, a daughter of David Hirst. The latter, a son of John and Mary Hirst, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1761, and in 1796 was joined in marriage with Ann Smith, a daughter of Thomas and Rachel Smith. In 1815 they removed to Ohio, living two years at Mount Pleasant, Jefferson

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County, nine years at Colerain, Belmont County, and the rest of their lives at Flushing, Belmont County. They reared a large family of children, the descendants of whom are settled in the West with the exception of a few who remain in Belmont County. These children were : Thomas, John, Israel, Asenath, Rachel, Mary, Smith and Hannah. Smith Hirst, the last survivor of the family, died at Colerain in 1898, aged nearly .90 years, leaving no family. They were consistent and useful members of the orthodox branch of the Society of Friends, and firm in their adherence to the doctrines held by them as a society.

To Asa and Asenath (Hirst) Raley were born the following offspring : David H., who lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. ; Dr. J. Newton, who lives in Reading, Lyon County, Kansas; Mary H., wife of Edward Stratton of Salem, Ohio ; Martha R., married to Joseph Russell, afterward to Gibson Binns (both now deceased), of Colerain, Ohio; Rachel R., wife of Jacob Maule of Colerain, Ohio; and Elizabeth and Melissa A., who are unmarried.

D. H. DARRAH, owner and proprietor of "Darrah's Pharmacy," a flourishing business establishment at No. 3175 Union street, Bellaire, Ohio, has worked in various capacities, but for the past 20 years has been chiefly engaged in the drug business. Mr. Darrah was born in 1856 and was reared at St. Clairsville, Ohio. He is a son of John and Martha (Harris) Darrah and grandson of William and Letetia (McFarland) Darrah. His mother was a daughter of David and Mary (Arrick) Harris and granddaughter of Enoch and Laney (Dew) Harris. His grandmother, Mary (Arrick) Harris, was a daughter of John and Susanna (Price) Arrick.

William Darrah, our subject's paternal grandfather, emigrated from Ireland and located at St. Clairsville, Belmont County, where he was engaged in mercantile business until his death. His wife, Letetia McFarland, was a native of Scotland.

John Darrah, father of D. H. Darrah, followed farming for some time prior to his death, but had investments in various public enterprises. Previous to, and during the Civil War, he bought and shipped stock to Chicago. He died soon after the close of that conflict. His wife's father, David Harris, served nine consecutive years as Probate judge of Belmont County.

D. H. Darrah was educated in the public school adjacent to his father's farm, three miles west of Bridgeport on the National Pike, and also had the benefits of an academic course in Franklin College at New Athens, Ohio. In 1874, he located in Bellaire and clerked several months in the First National Bank. He then entered the drug store of Husbands & Inskeep as an apprentice to learn the drug business. He afterward worked in a similar capacity with J. & M. N. Mercer, druggists, with whom he remained two years. A little latter he purchased an interest in the Bellaire Democrat and in partnership with John R. Gow tried journalism for about six months. In the latter "seventies" he purchased a drug store in South Bellaire and has been engaged mainly in that line of work ever since.

In 1896 he erected his present store building of modern design, which is built of brick and is two stories high. The lot upon which the structure stands is 120 by 24 feet, and the building itself is 84 by 24 feet. It has a steel ceiling and is conveniently arranged, being well stocked with drugs and the usual line of accessories found in any firstclass drug store. The place also contains a fine soda fountain and everything is well arranged and neatly kept. Mr. Darrah is a registered pharmacist and fills prescriptions in a careful manner. In addition to this, he handles the finest line of pure drugs in the city and has put upon the market several preparations of his own composition. Conspicuous among the latter are "Darrah's Headache Powders" and "Darrah's Pleasant Worm Syrup."

Our subject was united in marriage with Ida G. Patterson, a daughter of James and Katherine Patterson, and they have one child

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living, a daughter, Katie, and one deceased, Pearl, who died aged 12 years. In politics, Mr. Darrah is a Republican. He has served two terms as township clerk. At one time he was a candidate on the Republican ticket for county auditor. The county was then heavily Democratic, but notwithstanding this fact he was defeated by only two votes. He filled the office for 10 months, however, being appointed to fill a vacancy by the county commissioners. Mr. Darrah was appointed postmaster of Bellaire in 1888, during Harrison's administration and served four years.

In Masonic circles, our subject is a member of both the blue lodge, in which he served as master, and the chapter at Bellaire and of Hope Commandery No. 26 of St. Clairsville, of which he is senior warden. Aside from his business, he is interested in various enterprises. He is upright and honorable in all dealings and enjoys a good patronage. The family favor the Presbyterian Church and stand well in social circles. Mr. Darrah is a charter member of the Dollar Savings Bank of Bellaire, and has served as a director of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company.

JOHN CALDWELL, one of the substantial, representative and public spirited citizens of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, who resides upon his fine farm comprising 168 acres of land situated in the coal and oil belt, was born May 18, 1843, in Wheeling township, at the home of his grandfather, John Bell.

The family is of Irish origin, the grandfather of our subject, also named John Caldwell, being a native of County Antrim, Ireland. He came to America with his family, when his son William was about five years of age. In Ireland he married Mary Black of his own county and they had three children born in the old country,—William, Jane and John Patrick,—while Elizabeth was born near Philadelphia, where they landed. The family started west at a later date, and at Pittsburgthe father, with others, took a fever and died, leaving the widow in the strange land with four children to rear. She located in Washington County, Pennsylvania, about five miles west of Washington and bravely took up her burden, following weaving in order to bring her little ones bread. She educated them as well as she could, and kept them together, and in every way was a woman of character well worthy to be remembered by her descendants.

William Caldwell, the father of our subject was born in Ireland, February 14, 1814, and crossed the ocean with his parents in 1819. He lived with his mother near Little Washington until they removed to Ohio about 1830, when they located on a little farm near Fairpoint in Wheeling township, moving in 1836 to a farm which is now the site of Bannock, which he in association with his uncle, Patrick Black, bought equally,—William buying the west half, about 75 acres. June 2, 1842, Mr. Caldwell married Mary Jane Bell, daughter of John and Margaret (Dunn) Bell, of this county and of Scotch descent, tracing an ancestry to Robert Bruce of Bannockburn. After their marriage, William and his wife went to housekeeping on the farm, occupying the old log house then standing, the uncle building a new brick residence on his portion of the land, where he with two brothers lived out their lives. William also built a new residence and both of these still stand, some additions having been made to them. There were born to William and Mary Jane (Bell) Caldwell a family of 13 children, namely : John our subject; Margaret Dunn, who was born in 1844, and died in 1852; William Taggart, who was born July 1o, 1846, married Mary E. Price, has nine children, and lives in Wheeling township; Patrick Black, who was born May 12, 1848, married Nancy Armstrong, has five children, and lives in Richland township, near Bannock; Elizabeth Jane, who was born July 26, 1850, married John Clark, has four children and lives in Union township ; Robert Bruce, who was born April 26, 1852, married Margaret Snedeker of this county, has two children and lives in Richland town-

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ship, near East Richland; Mary, who was born January 27, 1855, died of diphtheria, in 1863; Annie Bell, who was born June 27, 1856, married Fred M. Daniel, has seven children, and resides in Richland township, near Bannock and St. Clairsville; an infant, born in 1857, deceased; George Alex., who was born July 13, 1858, lives single on the home farm at Bannock; James Hammond, who was born May 18, 1860, died of diphtheria in 1863; Martha Ellen, who was born January 23, 1862, died of diphtheria in 1863; and Sarah Agnes, born March 4, 1864, who lives on the home farm.

Our subject remained at home until 1872 when, on January 24th, he married Euphemia Elizabeth Hays, a daughter of Henderson Hays, of Wheeling township, near Uniontown. After marriage, he moved to his present farm where he has continued to make improvements, erected all the buildings except the barn and has engaged in extensive farming. Mr. Caldwell's land is very valuable, lying as it does, in the coal and oil belt of the State. Since the death of Mrs. Caldwell, in 1894, various members of his family have resided with him. In religious belief, our subject is a Presbyterian, and like his father, active in the work of the church, also like the latter being identified with the Democratic party. For many years he has been township trustee and school director, and in 1890 and again in 1900, he served as land appraiser. Mr. Caldwell is much esteemed in his locality as an upright man, and one who through his public-spirit has assisted in the growth and development of his township.

JOHN J. KOEHNLINE, deceased, was for many years a prominent man of Bridgeport, Ohio, and during his long and useful life stood among the foremost and most enterprising citizens of Belmont County. He was born in Fulton, (West) Virginia, March 28, 1840, being the second child and eldest son of John M. and Elizabeth (Klem) Koehnline.

John M. Koehnlein was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1816, and came to the United States in 1838. The trip was made on board a sailing vessel and he was four months on the way. He located in Bellaire, Ohio, removing some time later to Marshall County, West Virginia,—while living there his marriage took place. His wife, Elizabeth Klem, was a native of Baden, Germany, and their marriage was consummated at Bellaire, Ohio. Mrs. Koehnline died February 5, 1899, at the advanced age of 81 years and five months. Six children were born to her and her husband, as follows: Elizabeth, John J., the subject of this biography; Jacob; Catherine B.; Henry; and William. Elizabeth, who married Nicholas Zimmer, died at the age of 58 years. Jacob enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, serving four years. He finally died from cholera, after an illness of about five hours. Catherine married William Conway and is also deceased. Henry is a resident of the city of Bridgeport, Ohio, and William is a contractor and builder and real estate dealer of the same city.

John M. Koehnline was a pioneer in this section of the country. He opened the mine between Aetna and Bridgeport, during the war, having removed to the latter place in 1863, and engaged in the coal business. He shipped the product of his mine as far south as New Orleans. His death took place in 1875.

John J. Koehnline, our subject, was educated in his native place and was one of the pioneer river men on the Ohio River. He boated coal to Cincinnati and Louisville, from Bridgeport and often from Pittsburg. He had a steamboat of his own called the " General Harrison," and was also engaged in transferring freight across the river at Bellaire. In 1890, he moved up the river opposite the Wheeling steel bridge, and carried on the coal business from that point. This mine is now run by his sons, and is the largest retail mine in the city, furnishing employment to upward of 18 men.

In company with his brother, William, our subject opened an ice house, under the firm name of Koehnline Brothers and for a number of years carried on a successful business.

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Later an artificial ice plant was started by our subject and his son, George, and a flourishing business in that line has been carried on to the present day, the son having succeeded to the business. The plant has a capacity of 24 tons per day and during the summer season furnishes employment for 10 or 12 men. Four wagons are required to distribute ice, the product being disposed of in Bridgeport and vicinity. The running expenses of the plant exceed $200 per week, and it ranks among the most practical and useful enterprises in the city.

Mr. Koehnline was quite an extensive property owner, and floated the first coal to Louisville after the war. He enlisted in the Union Army, June 1, 1861, as a private in the 2nd Reg., West Virginia Vol. Inf., which later became a cavalry regiment. Our subject served with the regiment throughout his term of service, having enlisted for four years. He was engaged principally in scout and picket duty previous to 1864, and during that time participated in the engagements at Lewisburg, Sinking Creek, Wytheville, and various others. He was subsequently attached to Milroy's Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Army Corps, of the Army of West Virginia. He was with all the movements of the regiment until he was honorably discharged from service at the expiration of his term at Camp Carlisle, June 6, 1864. He took active part in the battles of Bull Run, Kelley's Ford, Rocky Faced Gap, Alleghany Mountain, and Beverly, and in the minor engagements of Cloyd's Run, Piedmont, New Market, and many other skirmishes. He also took part in Averill's famous raid. He was wounded in battle, but never severely, but had numerous narrow escapes from danger by reason of his personal disregard of danger.

October 7, 1871, Mr. Koehnline was united in marriage with Miss Cilles, a daughter of George and Barbara (Smith) Cilles. The ceremony was performed on Wheeling Island, Rev. J. T. Latane, an Episcopalian divine of Wheeling, officiating. Mrs. Koehnline is the eldest of 10 children. Her father was a gardener by occupation and died in 1897, aged 76 years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife, whose death took place during the same year, was a faithful member of the Catholic Church. Mr. and Mrs. Cilles reared the following children : Mrs. Koehnline, widow of our subject; Casper, who resides near Parkersburg, West Virginia; Minnie, deceased; Amelia, who died when about 32 years old ; Christina ; Louisa, who died aged 19 years; Tillie, wife of William Baker, of Wheeling; Jennie, a stenographer and bookkeeper in Wheeling ; Rosa, who died aged 13 years ; and George, a gardener of Wheeling Island.

Mr. Koehnline's death took place April 14, 1902, being 62 years and 17 days old at the time of his demise. He was not only an interesting character, but was a valued citizen as well. He lived almost all his life in Bridgeport, and was prominently connected with many of the important business enterprises of this city. He was a worthy and upright citizen and he was deeply mourned by a large number of citizens in this section of Ohio. He was a valued member of the G. A. R., and was past commander and treasurer of the same. Politically, he was an ardent Republican. In religious circles both he and Mrs. Koehnline were active members and workers, the former being a member of the German Lutheran Church ; and the latter has been a member of the Episcopal Church since her l0th year. She has ever been a devoted and active worker in both church and Sunday-school work, contributing very liberally toward the support of both.

Mr. and Mrs. Koehnline reared a large family. Nine children were born to them, viz.: John J., Jr., who died in infancy; George M.; Rosa B., who married James W. Dillon, of Bridgeport, and has one child, Elmer W.; James A. ; Katie E., who was a member of the graduating class of 1902 of the Bridgeport High School, is assistant bookkeeper in the office of her brothers; Thomas; Harrison and Mary A. and Frederick, who died in infancy.

George M. Koehnline and his brother, James A., succeeded their father, John J. Koehnline, in the coal and ice business, and are regarded as being among The most successful and rising young merchants of Bridgeport.

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CRAWFORD WELSH ARMSTRONG, owner and operator of the Armstrong Mills in Washington township, located at one of the important stations on the Ohio River & Western Railroad, is one of the leading business men of Belmont County. Mr. Armstrong owns the town site at this place, and has had the property surveyed and platted, it being the only one of its kind in Washington township. Here he has erected a number of comfortable houses, many of which he has sold to resident employees of the great mills. For a number of years Mr. Armstrong has concentrated his efforts here and has engaged extensively in a mercantile business.

On December 5, 1841, Mr. Armstrong was born at Armstrong's Mills, being a son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Welsh) Armstrong, the former of whom was born March 11, 1813, in Belmont County, a son of that old pioneer Thomas Armstrong, who, with his family, migrated from Pennsylvania. to Ohio and settled in 1811 on Captina Creek. Here Thomas Armstrong started a tannery and young Alexander learned the business and when, in 1833, the father opened up a general store, the son was equally useful in a clerical position, exhibiting indeed so excellent a business capacity that in 1839 he was admitted to a partnership, his brother James receiving the other half interest in 1843. In 1844 Alexander Armstrong purchased the grist mill which his father built and continued to operate it in connection with a woolen factory, at the latter place manufacturing cloth and yarns and working the wool into rolls for the use of the neighboring farmers' wives. In 1847 the brothers disposed of their dry goods and discontinued that branch of their business, but Alexander subsequently opened a new store, in partnership with a Mr. Miller, who, in 1849, sold his interest to James Armstrong. The firm of Armstrong Brothers continued until 1854, when the goods were again disposed of and the store room was leased to William Woodburn, who continued there a few years and then removed his stock elsewhere.

About 1858 Alexander Armstrong, who wasa born merchant, again started into the mercantile business at his old stand, in partnership with E. W. Bryson, the latter retiring six years later, and Mr. Armstrong continuing alone until his death in March, 1884. During all this time he also conducted the woolen factory which he had built in 1846 and which is still a part of the large store building now occupied by the firm of C. W. Armstrong & Son. Mr. Armstrong was the postmaster at this place from the receipt of his commission from President Tyler until his death, and he was succeeded for one year by his son, C. W. Armstrong. The mercantile business is now conducted by a Mr. Lindsey, who is also the postmaster. Alexander Armstrong was a man of unusual business acumen and became possessed of a large amount of property, owning 1,100 acres of land exclusive of his mills and stores. He was one of the important factors in the organization of the Bellaire & Southwestern Railroad, now the Bellaire, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railway, and served both as director and as vicepresident. A later reorganization has changed this road into the Ohio River & Western Railroad, but during Mr. Armstrong's connection it bore its former name. He was prominent also in the Methodist Church, and also in public life, as late as 1871 having a clerical position under the administration of Hon. Isaac Welsh in the State Treasurer's office. In all these various lines of activity,. Mr. Armstrong displayed an uprightness of character and recognition of business integrity which reflects honor upon his family and the enterprises which bear his name.

In 1839 Alexander Armstrong was united in marriage with Elizabeth Welsh, who was born February 21, 1819, in Belmont County, and was a daughter of Crawford and Mary Ann (Erford) Welsh, the former of whom was born July 7, 1784, in York County, Pennsylvania. and married in 1807; and the latter of whom was born September 20, 1789, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and died February 21, 1875. Crawford Welsh came to Belmont County soon after his marriage and took up land in the eastern part of Richland

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township, bringing his wife in 1808 and here he died December 13, 1863. He had been a man of affairs and had served four terms in the Ohio Legislature. These children were born to Crawford Welsh and wife: John, Isaac, Henry, David, Elizabeth, James R., Temperance, Mary Jane, and Crawford Erford. John, who was born December 15, 1808, became prominent and served as associate judge in this county but died at Laclede, Missouri, in 1866. Isaac, who was born July 20, 1811, married Mary Armstrong, daughter of Thomas Armstrong, moved then to Beallsville, Monroe County, engaging in mercantile pursuits and the buying and shipping of tobacco, until 1854. Then he removed to a farm on Capitan Creek, near Armstrong's Mills, and lived there until death. In 1857 he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives by the united vote of Americans and Republicans, was reelected in 1859, and then served two years as Senator from the Belmont and Harrison County district. In 1868 he was presidential elector for the 16th District and was chosen to carry the vote of Ohio to Washington. In 1871 he was elected State Treasurer and held the office to within six weeks of the expiration of his second term, his son Leroy completing the unexpired time. Mr. Welsh dying November 29, 1875. Henry, who was born April 5, 1814, moved to near Laclede, Missouri, and died there. David, who was born August 27, 1816, died July 29, 1866, at Glencoe, Richland township, having served as surgeon of the 33rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., through the Civil War. James R., who was born September 7, 1821, died in youth. Temperance, who was born August 9, 1824, married Rev. John C. Thompson, a minister of the Congregational Church, and died May 29, 1901, at Clarksfield, Ohio. Mary Jane, who was born January 10, 1828, died young. Crawford Erford, the only survivor, was born December 19, 1833, served in the Civil War as a member of Company F, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., from August, 1862, until discharged December 19, 1864, on account of a severe wound in the leg, received in June, 1864, at Kenesaw Mountain, has never married but resides at Armstrong's Mills and has been elected five times as township treasurer.

The children of Alexander and Elizabeth (Welsh) Armstrong were these : Julius, Crawford Welsh, Zwingle, Alonzo A., Hon. Elihu B., Rev. Thomas, Leroy Wood, and Mary Elizabeth. Julius Armstrong was born April 6, 1840, and resides at Columbus, where he is chief clerk in the office of the Secretary of State, having been first appointed by Governor McKinley and reappointed by Governor Nash. From August, 1862, until the close of the Civil War he served in Company F, 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He married Lizzie Warren of Belmont County and has three children,—Edna, Clara and Warren. Zwingle Armstrong was born December 22, 1843, and resides at Armstrong's Mills on his farm of 475 acres, where he built an elegant brick residence in 186o. His first marriage was to Rosalie Kelley, who was born in 1853 at St. Clairsville, daughter of John and Rachel (Judkins) Kelley, the former a county treasurer many years ago. Mrs. Armstrong died 30 years since. The present Mrs. Zwingle Armstrong was formerly the widow of H. T. Meek, of Bellaire. and the children of her first marriage are: Nellie. the wife of J. M. Armstrong of Pittsburg; and Elsie, a student at Mount Union College. Alonzo A. Armstrong was born November 23, 1846, and is an Indian agent for the government in Arizona. He married Jennie Woodburn and they have one daughter, Florence. Hon. Elihu B. Armstrong was born September 7, 1849, has served two terms as State legislator and resides at Armstrong's Mills. He married Mary H. Lindsey, who died in November, 1899; the six children of this union are as follows : Carl, Bertie and Bertha (twins), Rex, Robert and Edith. Rev. Thomas Armstrong was born October 15, 1852, and is the pastor of the Methodist Church at Cadiz, Ohio. He married Maggie Neff and they have three children. Leroy Wood Armstrong was born May 26, 1857, and resides on his farm near the mills. He married Mattie Armstrong of Delaware, Ohio. Mary Elizabeth, who was born September 3, 1861, mar-

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ried John A. Lindsey, and they reside on a farm near Farmer City, Illinois, and have two children,—Edith and Leone.

Crawford Welsh Armstrong, our subject, has made his home at Armstrong's Mills all his life except during an army service and from 1866 to 1871, when in business at Glencoe. From 1872 to 1882, at which time he purchased the mill, he was engaged in merchandising for his father and managed the mill, in the latter year purchasing the mill. He carried on the business on his own account until it was burned in April, 1900. No time was lost in rebuilding the mill, with increased facilities, and it was started January. 15, 1901, with a capacity of 35 barrels. After the death of his father, our subject with his brother, Elihu B. Armstrong, continued the store about one year and then sold that line to Julius Armstrong, who several years later sold to H. B. Wilkinson, who in turn sold to its present proprietor, A. J. Lindsey. In the fall of 1892 our subject started the present store, which is conducted under the firm name of C. W. Armstrong & Son, the latter, Frank B., having taken a half interest and for some years having been the manager of this large stock. Mr. Armstrong owns 50 acres of the town site, as noted before, and has done much to make this a very attractive locality.

In July, 1867, Mr. Armstrong married Sarah A. Elliott, who was born in 1844, a daughter of Thomas Elliott of Trumbull County, Ohio. The children born to this union are : Frank B., a very successful business man ; Estella E., the wife of Luther Perkins of this vicinity, their children being,—Mary and Chester; Bessie B., a student in a medical college at Columbus preparing for a professional life; Harry M., an engineer at the flouring mill; and Gertrude, at home.

Mr. Armstrong has a notable war record ; enlisting as a private in November, 1861, in Company D, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., he was soon promoted to be corporal ; December 31, 1863: he was appointed duty sergeant; and August 9, 1864, 1st sergeant. On April 1, 1865. he was made captain and mustered out as such July 19, 1865. Politically he has always been identified with the Republican party, as have the other members of his family. Many township offices have been thrust upon him, and he served three years as jury commissioner, one of the first appointments by Judge J. B. Driggs in this county under the new law. For the past 30 years he has been a consistent member of the Methodist Church. His fraternal relations are with Hess Post, G. A. R., No. 595, of Armstrong's Mills. In every relation of life Mr. Armstrong occupies an honorable position and he is very justly regarded as one of the most progressive business men of Belmont County.

JOHN C. JOHNSON, who conducts a farm in Richmond township, Belmont County, Ohio, has various other business interests and is one of the substantial men of his vicinity. He is a native of this county, born in Colerain township, October 23, 1850, and is a son of Robert Johnson. His grandfather, George Johnson, was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and came to this country when a young man, settling near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

Robert Johnson was born at Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1813, and died December 17, 1884. He came to Belmont County in 1840, locating first in Pease township and then in Colerain township where he died. He also resided in Harrison County for a period of 17 years. He was a coal miner, well digger and river man, in addition to which he engaged in farming a part of the time. He was a member of the Methodist Church all his life, as were his parents before him. Prior to the war he was a Democrat, and then changed his political allegiance to the Republican party. He married Emily Dowell, who was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, and died in 1855, at the age of 37 years. They had nine children, as follows : David, Eliza A., Tillie J., William and Daniel, all of whom are deceased ; George, who lives in Harrison County; John C., subject of this sketch; Edward; and one who died in infancy.

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John C. Johnson has employed most of his time in buying and selling options on coal land, disposing of 2,100 acres in this manner in 1901 at a goodly profit, and still has some 1,900 to dispose of. He is a coal miner and worked for some time in the mines of Belmont County, in the mines at Streator, Illinois, and at other places. He worked on a farm during his early life, and in 1898 purchased the Kinter farm of 234 acres,. which he is now successfully operating.

June 26, 1878, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Rebecca Ella Robison, a daughter of John and Lydia Robison. Mrs. Robison is now living at the age of 93 years, is hale and hearty, and every indication points to her reaching the century mark. Mrs. Johnson was born in Harrison County, August 28, 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been blessed with eight children, as follows: Anna May ; Frederick ; Cora Belle; Mary Elva; Asa Jay; Clara Emma; and two who died young. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and is serving his second term on the School Board. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

J. OLIVER PORTERFIELD, a well-known educator of Belmont County, Ohio, in which profession he has been engaged for the past 20 years, was born on the home farm in section 31, Smith township, April 11, 1861. He is a son of Alexander and Lydia Jane (Carleton) Porterfield. and grandson of John and Margaret (Robb) Porterfield.

John Porterfield was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1801, locating first in Pennsylvania. In 1805, he removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he remained until 1811, when he came to Belmont County and located .in Richland township on the farm now occupied by Prof. W. D. Porterfield. In 1818 he removed to Smith township, where he died. He and his wife had 16 children, as follows : Elizabeth ; Susan; Matthew ; John and James, twins ; William ; Margaret ; Emily ; Mary, widow of George Myers, residing in Pultney township ; Monica ; Andrew; Jane; Nathaniel; Alexander; Sarah, widow of George W. Kemp, residing in Goshen township ; and Joseph. But two of the family are now living.

Alexander Porterfield was born in Smith township, January 22, 1830, and died June 6, 1900. He was married November 6, 1856, to Lydia Jane Carleton, who was born in Goshen township March 12, 1839, and is a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Pryor) Carleton. She was born on the farm settled upon by the Carletons in 1814, and which has since been in the possession of the family. Her father, Thomas Carleton, was born in 1813 and died July 15, 1869. He married Margaret Pryor, who was born in 1819 and died October 16, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Carleton were parents of the following children : Lydia Jane; Joshua, deceased; Mark L.; Margaret Ann (Bentley), deceased; Thomas W., of Smith township; William, of Smith township; Elizabeth (Kinney), of Montgomery County, Kansas ; and John O., of Goshen township.

Alexander Porterfield and wife had five children, as follows : Margaret Isabelle, who is at home; Clara D., wife of J. W. Stonebraker of Smith township; J. Oliver, subject of this sketch ; Emma L., wife of W. W. Lucas of Smith township; and Crawford O., who owns and resides on a part of the home farm in Smith township,—he married Margaret I. Mellott, a daughter of Joshua R. Mellott of Smith township.

J. Oliver Porterfield was reared and primarily educated in the country schools. He entered upon his profession in 1883, and has since continued, his first schools being at Lampsville and in Goshen township. During 1886 and 1887 he taught at Hopedale College in Harrison County, and has since been located at many different places. He is at present in charge of the Lampsville school. He has never married and resides at the home built by his father in 1875, a most substantial and comfortable brick structure. The farm consists of 480 acres and

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is owned by various members of the family. They make a specialty of raising Delaine sheep and Shorthorn cattle.

Politically, our subject is a Republican and since September 1, 1900, has served as a member of the board of school examiners for the county. He was appointed to this office for a term of three years.

JOHN W. NEFF, capitalist, planingmill owner, coal operator and farmer, is prominent in each line and is one of the leading men of Belmont County. His large and wellcultivated farm, comprising 288 acres, is located nine miles south of St. Clairsville, and is one of the most valuable tracts of land in Richland township.

Mr. Neff is a son of Belmont County, born in 1846, in Pultney township, his parents, Andrew and Jane (Alexander) Neff, also being natives of the same township. The father died in the old home in 1852, having been a successful farmer through life, a member of the Democratic party, and long connected with the Presbyterian Church. The mother was a daughter of Robert Alexander, and she died in 1883, at the age of 68 years, a most consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Robert Alexander's wife was a Miss Dixon. The three children born to our subject's parents were : John W., Alexander and Andrew J.

When Mr. Neff began his planing mill operations in 1880, the machinery was erected in his barn ; in 1883 his great new mill was ready for the expansion which had taken place in the business, which is now the most extensive in its line in the county. The many articles manufactured at his plant include such as the following: Siding, flooring, molding, brackets, casing, ceiling, window and door frames, farm ladders, step ladders, water troughs, sleds, telephone brackets, porch columns, fence pickets, paper roofing, Carey's roofing, lining paper, deadening felt, shingles, lath, lime, plaster, doors, windows, transoms, wire cloth, fence,wood pumps, Myers' pumps and hay tools, spraying pumps, roller doors, track and hangers, pulleys, rope (4 inch and under), hinges, locks and catches, nails, oil and paints, ochre, white lead and roof coating. To meet further demands, Mr. Neff is building another plant at Neff's siding. Another of his enterprises, the Neff Coal Company, is located just below. Mr. Neff is interested in the Shadyside Real Estate & Improvement Company, in various lots and enterprises in Bellaire, and is also a stockholder in the Dollar Savings Bank of Bellaire.

In 1873, Mr. Neff was married to Mary E. McKelvey, a daughter of Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey. She was born in Mead township, Belmont County, in 1847. Four children were born to this union, namely : Lizzie E., who married Frank Mellott; Harry A., who married Dora Schramm, daughter of Jacob Schramm; Andrew; and Oliver. The religious connection of the family is with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Neff is a man of business stability and integrity and is regarded with feelings of the highest esteem throughout Belmont County. Mr. Neff was one of the promoters of the Enterprise Telephone Company, and has been a director in the organization since its incorporation. In connection with his many other enterprises, he is also successfully engaged in the fruit growing industry, making a specialty of plums and small fruit.

LEE EVANS. In Lee Evans, Wayne township, Belmont County, finds her oldest citizen who has continuously made his home here, and also one of her most successful farmers and leading men. Mr. Evans was born within two miles of his present home, in Wayne town' ship, in 1826, and he is a son of John N. Evans, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, and accompanied his parents to Belmont County about 1804.

Eleazer and Mary (Nichols) Evans, the parents of John N. Evans, were Virginians by birth. The former was left an orphan in

796 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

youth, and earlier family records are not at hand. He followed farming all his life and, later, coming to Ohio, bought a small farm in Goshen township, Belmont County, where he settled and became a man of consequence. For 20 years he was a justice of the peace in Goshen township and later was made treasurer of Wayne township. He died at the age of 7o years, in July, 1847, his widow surviving some three years. Their children were these : John N., who was the father of our subject; Alfred, who was a merchant at Belmont, where he died; Israel, who moved to the West, became a farmer near Council Bluffs, Iowa, and died there; Nathan, known as Judge Evans, of Cambridge, represented the 16th District in Congress, and died at the above place; Margaret, who died at the age of 60 years ; George, who died on his farm in Indiana; Elizabeth, who married William McFarland, died at the age of 8o years, her husband still surviving in Goshen township, at the age of 90 years; Sarah, who is deceased; Ezra E., who was known as Judge Evans, of Zanesville, was at attorney and died in the fall of 1901; Aaron, who has reached the age of 83 years, resides in Wayne township, near Somerton ; and Albert, who died in youth.

John N. Evans resided in Goshen township until his marriage, and then moved to Wayne township, locating on the ridge, some two miles north of Newcastle, moving later to a property one mile south of Hunter, and then removing to a farm directly east, two miles, where his death occurred in 1862. Mr. Evans, like his father, became one of the prominent and responsible men of his time, called upon to fill offices and to assist in township government.

The mother of our subject was Jane Kinney, who was born in 1800 in County Armagh, Ireland, and who came to America in young womanhood. Her death occurred in June, 1859. She was a woman of strong personality and strength of character, and left a large family inheriting many of her admirable attributes. Her children were : Elisha, deceased ; Mary, who resides in Western Iowa, at the age of 81 years; Thomas, deceased; Lee, of this biography: Margaret, who lives in Wayne township; Deborah, deceased ; Ruth, who died in November, 1859; Eden D., who died in Wayne township, in 1881, served three years in the Civil War; Elwood B., who resides on a farm in Wayne township; William H. H., who died in 1858 ; and Sarah E., who lives in Nashville, Indiana.

For 76 years Lee Evans has been a resident of Wayne township and has done his part in promoting the township's advancement. His early manhood was passed in farming during the summers and teaching school during the winters. Since 1863 he has occupied his present farm of 364 acres, this land having been originally entered by aMr. Stanley, but since the grandfather's time the homestead has been in the possession of the Evans family. Mr. Evans has carried on general farming and is known for the success which has always attended his efforts. In 1884 the present comfortable and commodious residence was erected to take the place of the old home which was destroyed by fire. The Evans men in every generation have been men of ability, who have taken prominent positions in their communities, and such has been the case with our subject. He has at various times served as justice of the peace and as treasurer of the township, and his opinion has been highly regarded and his judgment consulted in all public affairs. Since the organization of the Republican party he has been an ardent adherent, formerly having belonged to the Whig party and having cast his first vote for President Taylor. He has served many times as a delegate of his party and as members of various political organizations, and was a very important worker in the campaign which resulted in the election of the late Governor McKinley. Fraternally he has long belonged to the Masons, having been a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 89, at Barnesville, belonging now to Somerton Lodge, No. 354, F. & A. M.

On September 20, 1849, Mr. Evans was married to Martha A. Shipman, born in 1828, at St. Clairsville, a daughter of George Shipman, who moved to Wayne township when she

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was a girl. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Evans all survive, no bereavement having yet entered the family. These are : Hannah J., a teacher, residing at home; Melvina R., the wife of Rev. D. C. Wasburn, of the Methodist Church at Belle, Ohio; Ruth A., at home; Ada, the wife of C. F. Coleman, of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Eva O., at home. A family reunion of more than usual interest took place at the old home, on September 20, 1899, this being the occasion of the golden wedding of our honored subject and estimable wife. The family circle of children and grandchildren was complete. Both Mr. and Mrs. Evans have long been prominent in the Methodist Church at Mount Horeb, in which our subject has been very active and useful as class leader, exhorter and steward. In the evening of life, it is most gratifying to be able to look back over so many well spent years and to enjoy the affection of kindred and the high esteem of neighbors and friends.

JOSEPH McALLISTER, the junior member of the firm of J. & J. H. McAllister, lumber merchants and extensive farmers, of Morristown, Ohio, a leading business factor and a prominent public citizen, was born August 22, 1851, in Pultney township, Belmont County, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Tarbott) McAllister.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. McAllister were Wallace and Elizabeth McAllister, who came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Belmont County, in 1807, locating on a farm of 50 acres in Pultney township, near Rock Hill Church, in the shadow of which they lie buried. Elizabeth McAllister was a woman of exalted Christian character, and one of the charter members of the Rock Hill Presbyterian Church, which was organized under an elm tree, standing about one and onehalf miles west of Bellaire, on McMechen's Creek. Since that day when the little fervent band of Christian men and women gathered under the spreading branches of the old elm to found a church, three edifices have been erected, the third of which was destroyed by lightning, and the fourth is now building, the intention being to make it a substantial, commodious structure, costing $8,000.

John McAllister, the father of our subject was an only child, and was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and accompanied his parents to Ohio in 1807. He naturally inherited the home farm and lived upon it until his death, in 1878, in his 77th year. From his parents he imbibed religious principles which guided him through life, making him not only a man of Godly life, but one who scrupulously lived up to all the ordinances of the religious body to which he belonged. In the observance of these rites, he was supported by his wife, and one of the most valued possessions of our subject is his beloved mother's wellread Bible. Both parents were laid away in the cemetery of the Rock Hill Church, in which they had so long worshiped, the mother preceding the father some eight years, dying in 187o, in her 56th year. Her three brothers were: William, a farmer; James, a carpenter; and John, a farmer,—all of them prominent men and lifelong residents of Pultney township. Mrs. McAllister was the eldest of three sisters, the second being Fanny, who died at the age of 18 years, and Isabel, the only survivor, who is the widow of Daniel Giffen, of Pease township, whose home adjoins the High Ridge United Presbyterian Church property.

A family of 12 children was born to John and Elizabeth (Tarbott) McAllister, namely: Elizabeth, who married Steven White, resides in Owen County, Indiana; Robert, who lives on the old farm; Wallace, who is a farmer in Delaware County, Ohio; Isabel, who married Hugh Giffin, who is a retired farmer of Pultney township; Nancy J., who married Thomas W. Lucas, a farmer of Owen County, Indiana; James, who resides at Kirkwood, is a farmer of Belmont County; Margaret, who married John Giffin, resides on their farm in Pultney township; John H., who is the senior member of the lumber firm, resides at

798 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

Morristown ; Mary F., who married George W. Gillis, resides on their farm in Owen County, Indiana; Joseph, who is the subject of this biography; Martha Ann, who married Thomas Davis, resides at Kirkwood, where Mr. Davis is a sheet roller in the AetnaStandard Mill; and Sarah C., who married W. L. Brokaw, and resides at Cambridge, Ohio. It is a somewhat unusual circumstance that so numerous a family should all have attained maturity and have passed into middle life without any vacancy in its ranks.

Joseph McAllister was educated in the old Rock Hill school house and assisted his father on the farm until 1871, when he and his brother, John H. McAllister, formed a partnership in carpenter contracting, following this line until 1876, when they became owners and operators of a portable, circular sawmill, and until 1882 they engaged in custom work. In the spring of the latter year they changed their business into one of contracting and furnishing timber from the tree, for railroad constructing, and in this industry they operate not only their own mill, but five others also, having an annual output of from $20,000 to $50,000 worth of lumber, the business reaching the latter figure in 1901. In their own mill they employ 12 men, besides having a full equipment of teams, camp equipage and all the outfit and belongings for such purpose, furnishing their first customers, the Scott Lumber Company of Bridgeport, Ohio, the AetnaStandard Iron & Steel Company, and the C., L. & W. Railway Company, their operations having been chiefly confined to Belmont County. Their contract has been made for their entire output until 1903, at which time, or soon after, the firm contemplates retiring from business.

The firm of J. & J. H. McAllister also owns fine farming lands in Belmont County, comprising l00 acres, which they have operated for the past five years, making a specialty of wheat growing, realizing this year 30 bushels to the acre. Joseph McAllister has been prominent in civic and township affairs, having held many of the responsible positions in the latter, at various times, and for two terms having been honored by his fellow citizens with the office of mayor of Morristown, serving most acceptably in every instance. In fraternal orders he is a prominent Odd Fellow, and has represented District No. 36, in the Grand Lodge of Ohio, two terms, and is also a member of the encampment branch of the order. He is a member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M., and is vice-chancellor in the Knights of Pythias.

On June 29, 1881, Mr. McAllister was united in marriage with R. E. Jolly, who was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of the late distinguished Prof. E. B. Jolly and Elizabeth Sights, the former of whom was a native also of Pennsylvania, where for 33 years he was a noted educator, being one of the first five teachers to win a State certificate. Professor Jolly died January 2. 1886, at the age of 56 years. He was a lifelong member of the Disciples' Church, and a great Bible student, becoming an authority in Holy Writ, for he possessed such thorough knowledge of the Scriptures that he was able to immediately locate a text upon hearing it repeated. He was held in high esteem both as teacher and man. His venerable widow still survives at the age of 73 years, and resides at Taylorstown, Washington County, Pennsylvania. She also is a consistent member of the Disciples' Church and a lover and student of the Bible. These parents reared nine children, the eldest being Mrs. McAllister, and the others being as follows : Frank D., who is a carpenter and contractor, living in Claysville, Pennsylvania ; William C., who is a farmer ,living near Taylorstown, Pennsylvania; E. M., who is also a farmer, living near Middletown, Pennsylvania; John C., who is a farmer, living near Middletown also; Mattie B., who was a teacher for nine years, died at the age of 25 years; Minnie, who married M. J. McKelebon, a motorman on the electric railroad, resides on Wheeling Island; Susie C., who married William Grimes, in the postal service, lives at Claysville, Pennsylvania ; and Lettie May, who is still at home.

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The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. McAllister were : Maude E., who is a graduate of the Morristown High School and also of the musical department of Mount Union College, Ohio, a lady of unusual musical gifts; Charles L., who was born January 11, 1884, died July 12th of the same year; and Ethelynd who is still a student, and who displays marked musical ability on the violin. Both parents and daughters are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. McAllister has been a trustee for the past 12 years. In every way our subject is a most worthy citizen and with his family belongs to the best social life in Morristown.

J. TAYLOR HENDERSHOT, one of the best known citizens of Washington township, Belmont County, is a prosperous general merchant of Hendershot, of which he is also the postmaster. He was born in this township in 1849, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Barrett) Hendershot.

Henry Hendershot engaged in farming all his life, and for many years lived on the farm now occupied by our subject. He died in 1885 and his wife in 1871. The mother was probably a Virginian by birth, and was in the blockhouse at Wheeling during the trouble with Indians. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hendershot became parents of the following children : John Peter, deceased, a soldier of the Civil War ; William, deceased, who also served in the army; Henry Clay, deceased, also a soldier of the Union Army; Elizabeth, deceased; Annie (McGar), a widow, residing near Belmont; Lydia Bell, deceased, and J. Taylor, subject of this biography.

J. Taylor Hendershot was reared and has always made his home on the farm. Early in the "nineties" he established a general store, carrying a stock of goods invoicing about $2,000, and this he has since conducted in a most successful manner. When Hendershot was made a post office some seven years ago our subject received the appointment of postmaster, in which capacity he has since continued. He owns a farm of 160 acres, all of which is well improved and is operated under his direction. He was joined in marriage with Eunice Hall, a daughter of Job Hall, and they have three children : Birdie O., now at Steubenville; Foster Welch, at Captina Mills, and Bernie Baer, at home. Politically he is a Republican and has served as township trustee and in other local offices. He is a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 105, F. & A. M., of Powhatan. In religious attachment he is a member of Grand View Christian Church.

Job Hall, father of Mrs. Hendershot, was born in Richland township, Belmont County, in 1824, and is a son of William and Nancy (Dillon) Hall, and grandson of Dennis Hall. The last named moved to Wheeling from Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1805, and later located in Pease township, and finally in Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio. He was a miller by trade and followed milling throughout life. He married Rachel Shubridge, who died in Knox County, Ohio, and of the children born to them four died before leaving Virginia. The others, William Y., John, James, Nancy, and Priscilla, are now all deceased. William Y. Hall, father of Job Hall, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, January 9, 1795, and came with his father to Richland township. He resided in Belmont County until 1854, when he moved to the State of Iowa, locating in Appanoose County, where he followed carpentering and farming. His death occurred January 13, 1870. His wife, Nancy Dillon, was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, in 1801, and was a daughter of Job and Catherine (Colly) Dillon, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Richland township when Mrs. Hall was very small. She died in 1833 in the prime of life. Six children were born to William and Nancy Hall, namely : Alma, born in 1822, married and moved to Iowa, where she died; Job; Lovina, born in 1827, married Isaac Meek and died in this county ; Melissa, born in 1829, died at Armstrong's Mills; Catherine, born in 1831, died single, and Nancy, born in 1833, who is the wife of William Slay, of Glencoe.

800 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

Job Hall was four years old when brought to Washington township, where he has since made his home, having now passed the age of 78 years. He was reared on a farm, but later took up the trade of a millwright when 33 years of age. He engaged at various mills and continued in the business until some five years ago, his last work being to help put in the rolls at the Armstrong Mills, which were later burned. He has resided on his present home farm since 1859, and has followed farming during that period. He was married in 1849 to Elizabeth Hendershot, who was born in Washington township in 1824, and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Brewer) Hendershot. They have five children : Eunice, born in 1850 and wife of J. T. Hendershot; James W., born in 1852, died at the age of two years ; Alonzo O., born in 1854, resides at Bellaire, where he is engaged in the grocery business; Mary, born in 1857, wife of Samuel Carpenter, of York township; and Viola, born in 1860, married Charles F. Kocher, a blacksmith, and resides at Armstrong's Mills. Politically Mr. Hall is a Democrat and has served in various township offices. Fraternally he is a member of Captina Lodge, No. 429, I. O. O. F. His wife is a member of the Christian Church and he is a Universalist.

FREDERICK FRALEY, well known as one of the representative farmers of Washington township, Belmont County, was born in Germany, December 7, 1838, and was six months of age when brought by his parents to this country. His parents, Philip and Barbara (Vite) Fraley, upon coming from Alsace, Germany, first located in Monroe County, Ohio, but shortly after came to Belmont County, locating on Cat's Run, in Washington township.

The parents of our subject both died on the home farm, the father in 1867, at the age of 77 years, and the mother in December, 1879. There were seven children in the family of Philip Fraley, as follows : Jacob, half-brother of our subject ; George, deceased, whose son Charles lives on the old home farm; Peter, a farmer of Monroe County; Frederick; Philip, proprietor of the Beallsville Mills, who also owns a farm in Monroe County; Barbara, wife of John Andregg, of Steubenville, Ohio, and Charlotte, wife of Henry Anshutz, of Washington township. All remained at home until marriage and each had a farm.

Frederick Fraley remained at home longer than the other children, and he and his brother Philip secured of Charles Danford the John Noffsinger farm, on which he now lives. He has 16o acres, which he devotes to general farming and stock raising, and he is considered one of .the substantial and reliable farmers of the township.

Mr. Fraley was joined in marriage with Mary Schafer, who was born in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1841, and is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Intzinger) Schafer. Her parents came from Wurtemberg, Germany, and were early residents of Monroe County, Ohio. They were parents of nine children, as follows : Godfrey, who resides near Barnesville; Jacob, an engineer of Sardis, Ohio; Adam, a retired farmer, who conducts a hotel at Newport, Ohio; Frederick, a farmer living near New Martinsville, West Virginia; George, deceased ; Levi, who resides near Somerton, Ohio, and follows farming; Mary, wife of Mr. Fraley; Catherine, who is unmarried, and Elizabeth, wife of Frederick Walter, who lives in Switzer township, Monroe County, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Fraley have to children, as follows : Edward, a farmer, located south of Hendershot, married Miss Wright and has three daughters—Lucy, Carrie and Mary; Pauline, wife of Mathias Brown, resides near her father and has three children—Lucy, Minta and Nina; Clara, widow of L. G. Brown, resides with her father and has three children —Francis, Clarence and Bessie; Caroline, wife of Alfred Schafer, resides in Washington township and has five children—Lawrence, Leslie, Frederick, Elsie and a baby; Charles, a farmer, living southeast of Beallsville, Mon-

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roe County, married Sevilla Kocher and has three children—Effie, Arlie and Lester; John W. resides in Davenport, Iowa, and is unmarried; George, who is in the pottery business at Steubenville, married Luella Schrawger and has two children—Dewey and Russell ; Jacob T., who resides in Steubenville, married Blemma Bilyen; Harry Berton, who is at home, and Oliver B., of Steubenville, Ohio. Two children died in infancy. In politics Mr. Fraley is a strong supporter of Democratic principles. He is a Lutheran in religious views and his wife is a Methodist.

HERMAN HARTENSTEIN, a venerable and honored resident of Belmont County, Ohio, has spent almost half a century of his useful life in the iron and steel works. In 1900 he retired to his farm near Bellaire,—this farm is most beautifully situated, being located on a hill overlooking the Ohio River. The original purchase contained but 30 acres, but later a 50acre tract adjoining was added, making it one of the finest 8oacre farms in the vicinity. Here Mr. Hartenstein carries on general farming and his activity would put to shame many a younger man. Valuable sand pits are to be found on his land and large quantities of sand are sold for molding purposes.

As the same indicates, the subject of this sketch is of German nativity. His birth took place in October, 1830, in Saxony, Germany, and he is a son of Henry Hartenstein, who with his family emigrated from the fatherland, locating in Butler County, Pennsylvania, in 1844. Purchasing a tract of land in that county, Henry Hartenstein followed agricultural pursuits for many years. About a year prior to his death, he sold his farm and removed to a nearby town. Both he and his wife died in 1895—within six weeks of each other—and both were octogenarians at the time of their deaths.

Although living in a distant county, our subject made it a rule to visit his aged parents at least once a year for many years before their deaths. He has four sisters, who reside on farms in different parts of Butler County, Pennsylvania, and his brother, Louis, is successfully engaged in mercantile life in the same State.

Mr. Hartenstein obtained his primary education in Germany, and after locating in the United States attended night school. When 15 years of age, he secured employment in the iron works at Brady's Bend, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, continuing to work there until 1849, when the plant was closed. After a brief sojourn at Pittsburg, he went to Wheeling, and followed the fortunes of a miner a few months. The following year (1850), upon the opening of the Belmont Mills, Mr. Hartenstein entered the employ of Bailey, Woodward & Co., continuing in the employ of that firm for many years after the La Belle Mill was built there by them, working in all 17 years with the Belmont and La Belle companies. He first worked in the rolling department and later was employed for years in the boiling rooms. He tended the puddling furnaces and, as the business grew, became manager of the puddling and heating furnaces, retaining that position for years.

In 1886 Mr. Hartenstein entered the steel works as assistant manager and filled that position in an able manner until his retirement from the service in 1900, having spent 49 years in the business. He is well known all over the steel region and is one of the few men now living who were among the early employees of the mills.

In February, 1852, our subject was united in marriage with Louisa Knipping, who was born in Germany in 1833 and is a daughter of William and Theresa (Schlinkey) Knipping. She came to this country in 1844 and was reared in the family of her stepfather, August Wiedebusch, who lived in Wheeling, West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Hartenstein have five daughters and three sons living and have lost several children. Their two eldest sons, August and Herman, reside in the West. Albert, the youngest son, is a druggist in Bellaira. The daughters are Leona (Mrs. John Murphy),

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Roberta (Mrs. Peter Kern), Louisa (Mrs. Joseph Glasser), Mary (Mrs. James McKee) and Annie, wife of John Glasser, a manufacturer of some note. All reside in Bellaire.

Mr. Hartenstein is a faithful follower of the Democratic party. While a resident of Wheeling, he served three years as a member of the City Council. Mr. Hartenstein was captain in the West Virginia State Militia during the Civil War. In fraternal circles, he is a prominent Mason, having a membership of 20 years' standing. He affiliates with the blue lodge and chapter of Bellaire and with Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T., of St. Clairsville. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since he was 21 years of age. He is an active member of the Lutheran Church and contributed largely toward its support. From the foregoing it will be seen that our subject has led a long and active life and, although now in advanced years, is still a useful member of his community.

Mrs. Hartenstein's father fought in the battle of Waterloo and was never wounded. He was a brave soldier and was granted a life pension by King William, who also awarded him a brass medal.

SAMUEL W. PERKINS, a farmer and stock raiser residing in section 17, Kirkwood township, Belmont County, was born in this township July 14, 1849. He is a son of Rev. Jonathan and Rebecca (Majors) Perkins, and a grandson of Samuel Perkins, after whom he was named. The last named was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his widow received a pension for nearly 15 years.

Rev. Jonathan Perkins was born June 15, 1820, where the house of our subject now stands, and was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. He traveled the Moorefield circuit and was senior minister of the circuit. He later had a local charge and was a man of great popularity, enjoying the distinction of having united in marriage and buried more people than any other minister in the county. He served as justice of the peace some 12 or 15 years, and his efforts were successful in amicably settling the differences of his neighbors without the intervention of the courts. During the Civil War he was captain of a military company which he took out to oppose the Morgan raid. He was a strong abolitionist and believed in a vigorous prosecution of the war. At one time he owned nearly a section of land and was a very successful farmer. In 1872 he had a large quantity of wool destroyed in the great Boston fire, but his loss was comparatively slight, owing to the property being insured. His death, which occurred August 28, 1887, was widely deplored, as he had lived a very useful life and came from one of the early families of the county. He joined the church at the age of 17 years and ever after was a consistent Christian. He served as a class leader in the church at Salem, and during a period of 15 years never missed a class meeting. He was united in marriage February 8, 1846, to Rebecca Majors, who was born in section 18, Kirkwood township, September 9, 1825, and died August 25, 1902. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years was quite active in church work. She was a great home woman until the death of her husband, when home lost its charms, and she thereafter spent her declining years at the homes of her children, whose chief joy was ministering to her wants. Eight children blessed the union' of Rev. and Mrs. Perkins, five of whom survive, namely : Sarah E., wife of George E. Smith; Samuel W.; Margaret R., wife of J. W. Anderson, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Wichita, Kansas; Josephine O., wife of Albert S. Reynolds, a justice of the peace of Kirkwood township, and N. S. G., who resides where his father lived.

Samuel NV. Perkins was educated in the common schools and later at Hopedale, after which he took to agricultural pursuits. He has 210 acres of well improved land, and all is underlaid with coal. He raises some stock that he sells, and winters about 35 head. He is one of the substantial men of his township,

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of which he is now serving his second term as trustee.

March 29, 1876, Mr. Perkins was united in marriage with Nannie A. Anderson, a native of this county, and a daughter of D. P. and Margaret Anderson, the former of whom died in 1890, and the latter April 18, 1902, at the age of 86 years. Mr. Anderson and wife had the following children : Rev. J. W.; Mary, wife of Rev. W. G. Cash, superintendent of schools at Morristown for a time; Nannie A., and Ella M., wife of G. W. Warrick, who resides on the old Anderson homestead in this county. Our subject and his wife have four children, as follows : Emsley O., a member of the class of 1904 at Athens College; Isa Edith, who married F. J. Hamilton, a manufacturer of cigars at Hendrysburg, O., and has a daughter, Carrie L.; Jonathan F., who lives at home on the farm, and Margaret R., who is attending school. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been trustee and steward. He has frequently served as superintendent of Sundayschools and has been a leader for about to years. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Republican.

J. C. ISRAEL, a well-known agriculturist residing in section 2, Kirkwood township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born on his present farm December 21, 1833. He is a son of Robert and Mary (Taylor) Israel, and grandson of John Israel, who was a civil engineer and laid out the town of Sewellsville.

John Israel was born in England and came to the United States at an early age, settling in Maryland. He came to Ohio in 1801, and with his brotherinlaw, Nicholas Gazaway, entered section 2, Kirkwood township, in partnership, this farm having since remained in possession of the family. On account of ill health he took a trip to the West Indies, and returned much benefited, but soon after died. His wife, Rachel Clary, died on the home farm at the age of 82 years. They had a family of12 children, 11 of whom grew to maturity, but all have now passed away.

Robert Israel was born on the home farm in 1806, and lived there until he retired from active business, then moved to Morristown, where he died in 1891. He was a farmer and stock raiser and for a period of 20 years was a trustee of his township. He was a member and elder of the Christian Church in Morristown. He was an ardent Whig and later a Republican, favoring a vigorous prosecution of the Civil War. He married Mary Taylor, whose father, Noble Taylor, was one of the best known men and largest land owners in the county at the time of his death, about the middle of the 19th century. Mrs. Israel was born in 1810 and died in 1858. To this union were born the following children : Sarah E., born in 1831 and died in 1868, was the wife of John M. Dickerson ; J. C.; Noble J., born in 1836 and died in 1889; Clarissa A., wife of John M. Dickerson, resides in Muskingum County; and Joseph H., who died in 1876.

J. C. Israel received his education in the district schools and has lived on the home farm all his life. With his brother, Noble J., he entered the army under General Brooks and was called out to repel the Rebels, who sought to invade the Northern States from Canada. They were in the service a period of 17 months and were with the regiment at Cleveland during Morgan's raid, and were sent as guards on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Our subject has some 363 acres of land, all well improved and underlaid with coal. He raises stock and grain, his land averaging from 50 to 75 bushels of corn to the acre. He has never had to buy grain with which to feed his stock. He has served as land appraiser, was township assessor two years, and school director 12 years. He was county commissioner six years, beginning in 1885, and acted in that capacity during the construction of the county buildings.

In 1856 Mr. Israel was joined in marriage with Elizabeth A. Pryor, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Israel died in February, 1858, at the age of 22 years, and

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in 1860 he formed a second union with Sarah E. Skaggs, who died in 1869, leaving three children : E. L., a farmer in Union township, who married Ella Landers and has four children^—Roy, Hobart, Dewey and Lillian; Mattie, a twin of E. L., who died at the age of six months; and Robert, a pharmacist of Morristown, who married Mattie McCarrahan and has two children—John B. and Abbie. In 1871 Mr. Israel married Maria G. Gregg, a daughter of Steven C. Gregg, county commissioner for many years, and they have two sons, Emmet G., of Oklahoma, who married Kate Hill, and Albert, of Texas. Religiously our subject is an elder and member of the Christian Church. He is probably the oldest Republican in the county, although not the oldest man.

JAMES PATTON FERGUSON, who has lived in the section of Belmont County known as Wheeling township since 1859, is engaged in the occupation of general farming, and also raises some fine stock, especially in sheep and cattle. He is of Irish descent, being a son of Malcolm and Mary (Patton) Ferguson, and a grandson of Samuel Ferguson, who was born in Ireland and immigrated to this country during the early part of the last century.

Samuel Ferguson settled in Washington County, Pennsylvania, at first, soon after his arrival in the United States, but his residence there was but of short duration for he removed to the State of Ohio in 1824, and was located in Colerain township, Belmont County, for a time. Then he lived with his daughter Hannah on a farm in Wheeling township. This farm was his home during the remainder of his life and is but a short distance away from the land owned by our subject. While living in Pennsylvania, the first wife of Mr. Ferguson was taken away by death, leaving him six children, namely : James, Malcolm, Benjamin, Hannah, Sarah Ann and Eliza Jane. James Ferguson was born in Pennsylvania in 1808 and removed with his father to Ohio in 1824. He was educated in part in the common schools, but on the whole his education was mostly obtained through his own, individual efforts, for he was a natural student and had a wonderful aptitude for mathematics, oftentimes receiving difficult problems for solution from his relatives and friends in Ireland. He made his home at McComb, Hancock County, Ohio, reared a large family of children and lived to a very old age, being found dead in his bed one morning. Benjamin Ferguson was born in 1816. Hannah was was born in 1810 and married George Coss, a native of Ross County, near Chillicothe, Ohio. She is now deceased and left five children to mourn her loss. Sarah Ann was born in 1814 and married Mr. Wood. Eliza Jane was born in 1818, and married William Sloan, of Harrisville, Ohio. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Ferguson married a second time, but the second wife also died while he was in Pennsylvania and left no children.

Malcolm Ferguson, the father of our subject, was born July 27, 1812, and was a native of the Keystone State. He, like his father, was also married twice, the first marriage being contracted with Mary Patton, the mother of our subject, who was a daughter of James H. and Jane (Walker) Patton. The maternal grandmother of our subject was a sister of Rev. John Walker, one of the founders and first teachers of Franklin College, and died at the advanced age of 91 years. When James P. Ferguson was but four years of age his mother died, leaving one other child, Mary Miller, and some time later his father married Julia A. Miller, a daughter of David Miller of Cadiz, Ohio, and a school teacher by profession. They also had two children, named William Hanna and Nancy Jane. Mary Miller, our subject's own sister, was born April 20, 1844, and in October, 1867, was united in marriage with Samuel McCracken of Wisconsin and had the following children : Malcolm F., born September 13, 1868; Robert F., born June 15, 1870, who has been two years in the service of the United Presbyterian Church at Xenia, Ohio. Mrs. McCracken married a second time, being united with William Voshall,

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February 17, 1876, but died April 15, 1877. She and her infant daughter were buried in one coffin.

William Hanna Ferguson was born October 29, 1847, and obtained a thorough education at Franklin College, after which he took a course at the theological seminary, at Xenia, becoming a minister of the United Presbyterian Church. He was located at Uniontown, Ohio, for a time, and at Piper City, Illinois, prior to locating in Lisbon Center, New York, his present place of residence. He chose for his wife Sarah Armstrong of Logan County, but they have no children.

Nancy Jane Ferguson was born July 11, 1852, and died November 29, 1860, a victim of diphtheria, her case being the first in the neighborhood to prove fatal.

Malcolm Ferguson's father died when he was but a small boy and he made his own way through life and succeeded well in his efforts, proving a source of benefit and help to those around him who had not the experience and ability that were his. His death occurred September 3, 1896, but he is still remembered by many of his neighbors and friends.

Our subject is a native of New Athens, Harrison County, and was born August 8, 1841. He received a favorable training in the common schools and when the family removed from Harrison to Belmont County, he went with them and has resided here ever since. During the Civil War he joined the 100-day service as a member of the 170th Reg., Ohio National Guard, and saw good service during his term.

November 11, 1869, James P. Ferguson was married to Sarah C. Amos, a daughter of Joshua and Orpah (McComas) Amos, her parents being people from Baltimore, who first removed to a farm in Monroe County, Ohio, and made their home for a time, afterward moving to Colerain township, Belmont County, Ohio. Mrs. Ferguson was the second child in a family of eight, and was born February 23, 1838. Her brothers and sisters are as follows : James O., publisher of the Shelby County Democrat, who has traveled much in foreign lands, is quite conspicuous in political affairs, and is a prominent worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was Adjutant General of the State, under Governor Allen, has represented Monroe County in the Legislature, and has served as State Senator from his district also; Elizabeth J., who was born in 184o, married Mr. Prewett; William, who was born in 1842; A. Mack, born in 1844; Benjamin F., born in 1846; Anna M., born in 1848; and Elbridge Gerry, born in 1861.

Our subject and his wife had two children, but the beloved mother died March 15, 1894. Glenn Amos, the oldest child, was born February 1, 1878, on the home farm, was educated in the common schools first and later took a course of three terms at Franklin College. Anna Myrtle was born February 5, 1879, was also educated in the common schools, but since her mother died, when she was 15 years old, she has taken full charge of the home duties for her brother and father, filling the position with loving care and fidelity. She was married October 29, 1902, to Elmer E. Coulter of Harrisville, Ohio. Two nephews that were reared by Mr. Ferguson and his wife also belong to the home circle.

James P. Ferguson's grandparents on both sides of the family were Associate Presbyterians and he and his children also belong to the United Presbyterian Church at Unity, Rev. W. G. Waddle being the present pastor, and Mr. Ferguson's membership in that church dates back to the year 1861, when he first took his vows and became a member, continuing faithful and zealous in his church work ever since. His fellow citizens hold all due respect and consideration for him, esteeming his services as those of a friend, worker and earnest helper. He has never taken an active part in politics beyond the great questions which rise from time to time.

Mr. Ferguson was married to Elizabeth Eleanor Bentley September 16, 1902, she being a daughter of the late Solomon and Eleanor (Thompson) Bentley of Bannock, Belmont County, Ohio.

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GEORGE GILLESPIE, a well-known citizen of York township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of this township, the date of his birth being 1841. He is a son of Jacob and Mary E. (Pyles) Gillespie, and grandson of David Gillespie.

David Gillespie was born in America, but was of Irish parentage. He was at the Wheeling blockhouse, contemporary with the Zane family. Upon coming to York township, Belmont County, Ohio, he took up land from the government at Dover, now owned and occupied by Samuel Gillaspie. His death occurred before the breaking out of the Civil War. His children were John, Jacob, David, Nancy, Lydia, Barbara, and Elizabeth, all of whom are now deceased.

Jacob Gillespie was born in York township in 1806 and died in 1895. He resided in York township all his life, a part of the time being located in the northern part of the township. He married Mary E. Pyles, who was born in York township and died about 1847. To them were born the following children : Mary Elizabeth, wife of James Giffen, living at Glencoe; Robert G., who resides at Waverly, Coffey County, Kansas; Ebenezer, who served in Company F, 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., was killed in the battle of Chickamauga ; Lydia, deceased, was the wife of Alexander Graham, of Washington township; George, subject of this sketch; Sarah, wife of Noah B. Carle, resides near St. Clairsville, in Richland township, and Maria Louise, who died about 1847.

George Gillespie was reared at the home of his grandparents in York township, until he was 12 years of age, since which time he has lived in York township. He came to his present home about 1891, it being the old James A. Giffen farm in section 22, consisting of 172 acres. He is engaged in general farming and has a well improved farm. He is a man of high character, deeply interested in all relating to the general welfare of the township and county, and stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

Mr. Gillespie was united in marriage with Mary E. Giffen, who was born in York township, and is a (laughter of John G. Giffen, and to them were born nine children, as follows : Alice, who lives at home; Sarah Ellen, wife of Joseph Penn, of Belmont, Belmont County; Lena B., wife of Charles E. Ruble, residing in Bellaire, Ohio; Albert A., of Moundsville, West Virginia; Lawrence, a machinist by trade, located in California; Edison, who is also located in California; Vernon B., who lives at home; Frank E., who is also at home, and Mary J. Politically Mr. Gillespie is independent, and is at present a trustee of York township, to which office he was elected in the spring of 1901 on the Democratic ticket. In religious views he is a member of the Christian Church.

ALBERT ZURCHAR, a well-known farmer of Washington township, residing on the William Hendershot farm, which he owns, has been a resident of Belmont County since 1898. He was born March 29, 1844, in Canton Bern, Switzerland, and is a son of Albert and Margaretta (Spring) Zurchar, who never came to this country. He is an only son and has six sisters, four of whom live in Switzerland.

Albert Zurchar was educated in the good common schools of his native land and also learned the trade of cheesemaker, which he followed several years. In the fall of 1866 he came to America, locating in Ohio township, Monroe County, O., where he resided some years. He then lived in Wetzel County, West Virginia, for 11 years, at the end of which period he returned to Monroe County, Ohio, where he purchased a farm. He continued there until he sold his farm in 1898, when he came to Washington township, Belmont County, purchasing the 'William Hendershot place. Here he has a farm of 140 acres, which he devotes mainly to stock raising. He has good stock, preferring Durham and Jersey cows, and contemplates the manufacture of the famous Schweitzerkase, for which he would find a ready sale.

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Mr. Zurchar was first married to Mary Rief, who is deceased. He then married his present wife, Louisa Yost, who was born in Washington township and is a daughter of Jacob Yost, who is of an old family of this section. Two children have blessed this union, Adelia and Charles. In politics our subject is Democratic on national issues, but independent in local affairs. In religious views he is a Lutheran, but attends the Christian Church. Mr. Zurchar is a selfmade man in all that term implies, and during his residence of but four years in this community has won innumerable friends, who admire him for his excellent traits of character.

RICHARD ARTHINGTON DOSTER, the popular postmaster of Temperanceville, Somerset township, Belmont County, and for the past 11 years its leading merchant, was born in 1864, in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio, and has been a resident of Belmont County since 1881.

Mr. Doster is of old and honorable ancestry, his material line being the same as that of Alexander H. Stephens, the leading statesman of the Southern Confederacy, while a long and uninterrupted line leads on the paternal side as far back as Queen Elizabeth, of England. His father is Aaron B. C. Doster, who for many years was a commercial traveler and now assists in the management of his son's establishment in Temperanceville.

Aaron B. C. Doster was born in 1832 near Martinsburg, Fayette County, Ohio, and accompanied his son to Belmont_ County in 1881. In politics he supports the Republican party and is fraternally a Mason. The mother of our subject was Louisa Jane Stephens, who was born in Monroe County, and died in 187o, at the early age of 29 years. She had been the devoted mother of four children, namely : John S., deceased; Richard A., of this sketch; Mary H. (Mrs. William Mace of Temperanceville) ; and Hattie F., deceased.

Our subject received excellent educational advantages, attending Woodsfield High School and Greenfield Seminary, following which he engaged for nine years in teaching school, five of these being in the schools of Temperanceville. Embarking in the mercantile business, Mr. Doster has continued to yearly expand until he now carries as complete and well assorted a stock of goods as can be found in any town of its size in the county. His trade is a critical one and extends over a wide scope of country. In April, 1897, he was appointed postmaster, and still continues in office.

In May, 1896, Mr. Doster was united in marriage with Annie L. Gallagher, who was born in Temperanceville in 1871, and is a daughter of Austin and Barbara (Harren) Gallagher, and a niece of the distinguished Catholic Bishop, Nicholas Gallagher, of Galveston, Texas. The two children born to this union are: Louisa Marie, born in 1897; and Charles Ralph, born in 1900. Mrs. Doster, a lady of refinement and culture, is a devoted daughter of the Catholic Church. Mr. Doster belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

GEORGE W. GREEN, a prosperous farmer of York township, Belmont County, of which he is a native, was born June 23, 1835, and is a son of Robert B. and Mary T. (Trackler) Green.

Robert B. Green was born in New York State January 27, 1792, and moved with his father, Asher Green, first to Moundsville, West Virginia, about 1802, and in 1815 to Belmont County, buying a tract of land at the mouth of Cat's Run, which had been entered by George Lemley, and is located in section 14. Mr. Green had a large tract of land, consisting of 420 acres, and engaged in general farming. He also traded between his place and New Orleans, making his first trip on a flatboat in 1865, returning home on foot. He frequently made the return trip by boat to New York. He resided on the home farm until his death September 18, 1869. He was at one time a commissioner of Belmont County, and

812 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

assisted in building the wooden bridge across Captina Creek, in the "forties." He married Mary T. Trackler, who was born in Shenandoah County, (West) Virginia, February 6, 1799, and died in Belmont County, April 27, 1874. She came to Gallia County, Ohio, about 1806, and for years carded the wool and made clothing for the family. Her father, who was of German descent, came by wagon down the Kanawha River and settled upon 400 acres of land along the Ohio River. To Mr. and Mrs. Green were born the following children : Philip T., born May 21, 1819, and died April 12, 1844; Albert G., born June 30, 1821, who lived on a portion of the old homestead until his death; Elizabeth, born April 11, 1823, died April 7, 1826; Loman H., born February 3, 1825, who is deceased; Barbara T., born August 21, 1827, who married John M. Robb and resides on a part of the old home place; Permelia, born in June, 1830, now deceased, first married a Mr. Ring, and later John Owens; Mary, born January 7, 1832, married William Abrams, who survives her and resides in Allegheny City, being a steamboat pilot ; George W., subject of this biography, and John C., who was born June 8. 1841, and died September 21, 1842..

George W. Green was reared on the home farm in York township, and for three or four years clerked in the store of Dorsey & Potts, also teaching school for a time. From May 1, 1864, to September 31, 1864, he served with the rank of 2nd lieutenant in Company C, 170th Reg., Ohio National Guard, with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. Upon his return from war he served one year as clerk in the store, and then returned to the farm to care for his parents in their declining years. He has a very fine farm, on which he built a comfortable home and made many other improvements, and follows general farming.

January 1, 1869, Mr. Green was joined in marriage with lane Greenlee, who was born on McMechen's Creek January 23, 1845, and is a daughter of Alexander Greenlee. her mother being a Brice. She was reared on McMechen's Creek and moved to York township when her father purchased the Lemley farm. To this union have been born the following children : Mary O., born August 20, 1869, who is the wife of Oscar W. McMannis, and resides in Colerain township; Robert B., born October 8, 1871, who lives at home; Charles E., born June 12, 1872, who teaches school at Captina ; William J., born January 21, 1875, who is at home; Albert G., born May 19, 1877, who died February 18, 1882 ; Walter L., born September 29, 1879, who died March 3, 1899; and John A., born January 2, 1882, who is at home. Politically our subject was a Democrat for many years and is now a Prohibitionist. He served as assessor of York township two terms. In religious views he is liberal as to creed, his wife and Charles E. attending the Presbyterian Church and his three other sons the Methodist.

HENRY C. ANSHUTZ, a prosperous farmer residing on the southeast corner of Washington township, Belmont County, was born at Moundsville, (West) Virginia, March 26, 1846. He is a son of Christian and Catherine M. (Jenewine) Anshutz, both natives of Germany.

The parents of our subject came to the United States when children and their marriage occurred in Belmont County, Ohio. The father came to this county about 1836 and for a number of years was an engineer in a flouring mill in this section. He was located at Moundsville when our subject was born. He followed the same line of business for a period of 14 years. In 1855 he returned to Belmont County and located on the farm now mainly owned and operated by his son, Henry C. He purchased land in section 1, Washington township, first buying 8o acres, to which he subsequently added. His death occurred in 1869, at the age of 56 years. His wife is still living at the age of 82 years and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Gates, living in the West. They had four children, as follows : Sarah Amelia, wife of Robert Gates, residing at Nevada, Mis-

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souri ; Edward, who died in Kansas, leaving a wife and three children; Charles, who died in Nevada, after having traveled extensively over the West; and Henry C., whose name heads this biography.

Henry C. Anshutz was nine years of age when his father moved upon his present home farm, and here he has since resided. He owns this farm of 16o acres and has some 40 acres in section 7, all well improved with substantial buildings. The original log house has been remodeled and rebuilt into a comfortable modern home, and a new barn was constructed in 1893. He follows general farming and has raised very fine stock.

In 1869, Mr. Anshutz was married to Charlotte Fraley, a sister of Frederick Fraley, whose life sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and nine children have been born to them, as follows : Luella, wife of William Hendershot, residing at Bellaire, where he is agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company; George, a farmer residing at Armstrong's Mills, married Etta Hendershot; Edward, a farmer living near Beallsville, Monroe County, Ohio, married Orissa Dawson; Emma, wife of William Schafer, resides near Barnesville, where her husband farms ; Robert ; Amos ; Arminta ; Annie and Cora, the last five living at home with their parents. Politically, our subject is a Democrat. Religiously, he is a member of the Lutheran Church, attending St. John's Church in Monroe County.

AMBROSE G. KING. One of the honorable old names in Belmont County, one which has been7 conspicuous in agricultural, business and military life, is that of King. One of the family's leading representatives is Ambrose G. King, a prominent and successful farmer of Wayne township, who was born April 22, 1837, in Washington township, Belmont County, a son of Philip and Margaret (Danford) King.

Philip King was born in 1812, in Greene County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Michael King, who was one of the early settlers of Monroe County, Ohio, and one of its most prosperous farmers. For nearly 70 years Philip King was a resident of Belmont County, a farmer of excellence, a merchant and tobacco handler of business integrity, a large land owner and a prominent Republican politician. For 27 years he served as justice of the peace in Wayne township, removing there when Ambrose was a boy, and he held other township offices with the efficiency of an honest and upright citizen. His death occurred in 1898.

The mother of our subject was Margaret Danford, a daughter of Hon. Ambrose Danford, at one time a State legislator. She died in 1872, at the age of 6o years. The surviving members of the family born to these parents are: P. L., who resides at Bethesda, Ohio; W. P., who is a merchant at Beallsville, Monroe County; Mary, who married William Miller, a farmer near Beallsville; and Ambrose G., of this biography .

The boyhood of Mr. King was spent in Wayne township and he was educated in the excellent schools at Barnesville. Until the outbreak of the Civil War, he had been mainly engaged in farming, having married and settled down to the enjoyment of domestic life. But Mr. King was too loyal and patriotic to ignore the call of the great President for defenders of the Union, and among the early enlistments of brave men, who hastened to Marietta, to enroll their names, we find that of Ambrose G. King, on August 13, 1861, in Company E, 36th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and from that date until he received his honorable discharge as a veteran, at Columbus, Ohio, July 27, 1865, his life, energies and faithful service were devoted to his country. His connection during these years was with the 4th, the 8th, the 11th and the 14th Army Corps. So long and continuous a service could scarcely escape being dangerous and that Mr. King, or to give him his wellearned rank, Lieutenant King, saw hard fighting and was in the midst of it, was very conclusively proven by his three serious wounds, a coincidence being that

814 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

all occurred in September, the first on the 17th in 1862, the second on the 20th in 1863, and the third on the 19th in 1864. His first wound, at the battle of Antietam, was serious enough to send him home on a furlough of 30 days, after which he rejoined his regiment. His second wound was received at the charge at Chickamauga, a gunshot in the mouth, this necessitating a stay of two months in the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee. His wound was so serious, while his valor was so pronounced, that a newspaper deemed it notable enough to thus comment :

"At the battle of Chickamauga, Sergeant King, giving vent to his feelings when a bullet entered his mouth, passed through his cheek and carried with it some teeth, had hardly recovered from the shock when a Rebel demanded his gun, and he answered 'yes,' and plunged his bayonet through his body."

The third wound which this gallant officer received was at Opequan, in 1864, a gunshot wound in the forehead, and this necessitated a hospital residence, at Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, for a period of two months. At this time he was a veteran, his first service having honorably terminated February 14, 1864. On the same day he reenlisted, in Company E, 36th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was transferred to Company F, 36th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. and as above noted was honorably discharged in 1865. To his credit stands a long list of the most telling battles of the war : Lewisburg, Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, South Mountain, Antietam, Tullahoma, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Brown's Ferry, Missionary Ridge. Cloyd's Mountain, Lynchburg, Kenesaw Mountain, Cabletown, Charlestown, Winchester, Martinsburg, Halltown, Berryville, Opequan and Beverly. Lieutenant King is the popular commander of the G. A. R. post at Pilcher, an office he has filled since its organization, with the exception of two years. The King family was a remarkably loyal one, three brothers of our subject also serving with distinction : Michael, a member of the 3rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., now deceased, who was a prisoner for 26 months ; Philip L.; and Charles H., a member of the 25th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., who died of the wounds he received at Gettysburg. The military spirit still lives in this patriotic family and resulted in a grandson of our subject taking part in the SpanishAmercian War as a member of the 6th Illinois Regiment. This young man lost his life at Pittsburg, on September 23, 1902,—he was then employed on the Pennsylvania Railroad.

On December 23, 1858, Ambrose G. King was united in marriage with Amanda J. Hudson, a daughter of William and Susan (Knull) Hudson, who came to Ohio prior to the birth of Mrs. King. A family of seven children was born to this union, as follows : William R., residing near his father, married first a Miss Tittlow, who at death left two children, Maud and Lettie,—the present wife, formerly a Miss Phillips, is the mother of an infant; Martha J., who is the wife of Leander Davis, resides in Wayne township, and they have six children; Charles S., who married Lucy Hocks, resides in Illinois, and they have two children ; Benetta, who first married a Mr. Davis, had two children, her second husband being Mr. McFrederick, and their residence Jerusalem, Monroe County; Mary A., who is the wife of William Barrett, has three children and they live near Glencoe ; Emma, who is a trained nurse in Philadelphia; and Kate M., who resides in Barnesville. Mr. King and sons are unusually fine specimens of physical manhood, the father being six feet four inches tall and weighing 240 pounds. his son Charles reaching six feet six inches and weighing 230 pounds, while William is almost an equal, weighing 227 pounds and being six feet three inches in height.

Farming on his wellcultivated 50 acres is the main business of this soldiercitizen, but he has been many times honored with township offices in the gift of the people and the Republican party. As a justice of the peace he has given excellent satisfaction, and now is a notary public in Pilcher. His fraternal association with the Knights of Pythias at Jerusalem, in Monroe County, is of long standing. Our subject is well known through Wayne

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township and is a representative man and a justly honored survivor of that great struggle which convulsed the country and absorbed its best blood, 40 years ago.

In six trips across the plains, during which hevisited the Black Hills, Colorado and California, Mr. King also was a participant in some Indian fighting.

THE CUNNINGHAM FAMILY. One of the pioneers of Belmont County was John Cunningham, who was born of ScotchIrish parentage, in March, 1771, in Berkeley County, Virginia. He, with his brother Hugh, were members of the militia sent out under General Lee to quell the "Whiskey Insurrection" in Pennsylvania. Both of these brothers were among the first persons who ever drove wagons over the Alleghany Mountains. Mr. Cunningham and his wife, Hannah (Robinson) Cunningham, came to Belmont County in 1805 and settled near Bellaire on what is now known as the Rhodes farm. He built of logs the present house occupying the knoll opposite to the Klee farm. This house was subsequently weatherboarded and it is still in a good state of preservation after the lapse of almost a century. Mr. Cunningham and his wife were ardent advocates of temperance. Indeed, so strong were Mr. Cunningham's temperance principles that he has been called the "father of temperance" in the community. Mrs. Cunningham was much interested in foreign mission work, then in its infancy. Her prayers for the cause were answered by the calling of two granddaughters, Mrs. Margaret Capp and Mrs. C. W. Mateer, and a greatgranddaughter, Mrs. Margaret Wells, to the mission work in China.

Mr. Cunningham was ordained as one of the two first elders of the Rock Hill Presbyterian Church, and near this church he lies in his last sleep. Mrs. Cunningham died in 1859, being the last of the original members of Rock Hill Church. Their family consisted of six sons and six daughters, and there were 53 grandsons and 37 granddaughters.

The sons were : Israel, James, Hugh, John, Samuel and George. The daughters were: Abigail, who married John Mooney; Hannah, who married Robert Brown; Sarah, who married William Rankin; Rebecca, who married John Faris; Julia, who married George Milligan, and Agnes, who died in early girlhood. Of the sons, two were lifelong residents of Belmont County. These were George, who married Mary Harris, and Samuel, who married Eliza Work, daughter of Andrew and Anne (Anderson) Work, of the vicinity of St. Clairsville. The living children of George Cunningham are Mrs. Leroy Wise of Washington, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Reece Thomas, Mrs. Alva Wise and Miss Hannah Cunningham of the vicinity of Bellaire. Samuel Cunningham's living children are Mrs. Jesse Bonar, of Moundsville, West Virginia; Miss Alice Cunningham, principal of Bellaire High School, and William Cunningham of Toledo, Ohio. The descendants of the remaining sons and of the daughters of John and Hannah Cunningham live in Delaware and Champaign counties, Ohio, and in Ohio County, West Virginia.

H. J. ZINK, a prosperous merchant of Powhatan, has been a resident of the town for a period of 27 years.

Mr. Zink was born in Monroe County, Ohio, and was 15 years of age when, in 1875, he came to Powhatan as clerk in his brother's store. His brother, Edward Zink, had located here some 10 years previously, being the oldest merchant in Powhatan, and conducted a large and prosperous store. H. J. Zink was clerk for his brother for a period of 15 years, then leased his present building for a period of three years, placing in it a complete stock of general merchandise. His business thrived, and at the end of the three years he purchased the building, in which he has since been located. He carries a large stock of everything, which goes to make up a stock, invoicing at from $10,000 to $12,000, and each year has witnessed a large increase over the previous

816 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY.

year in the amount of business transacted. Mr. Zink is a thoroughly uptodate, wideawake and energetic business man, and his great success has been due to his own efforts alone. He has a twostory building, the dimensions of which are 44 by 65 feet, and it is divided into four large rooms. He has a force of three assistants the year around. About 1898 he opened a branch store at Moundsville, West Virginia, where he carries a stock valued at from $7,000 to $10,000.

Mr. Zink was joined in marriage with Amelia Ramser, of Monroe County, Ohio, and they have two children, Helen and Frederick. He recently erected a very comfortable home on Second street, in which he lives with his family. Our subject is a stanch Democrat in politics, and has served as treasurer of York township for the past 10 years or more. Religiously he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN F. WHEATLEY has been a general merchant for the past 25 years at Atlas, Belmont County, Ohio, and is the very popular postmaster. He is a native of Ohio, born in 1850, in Somerset township, Belmont County.

Levi Wheatley, the father of John F., was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and after a busy and useful life of 70 years died in Belmont County September 3, 1875. For many years he taught school and later managed a farm in Somerset township. In his early life he was a Whig in politics, and later was actively identified with the Republican party. Both he and wife were consistent members of the Methodist Church. The mother of our subject was Lydia Heck, who was born in Monroe County, Ohio, and died in 1858, at the age of 35 years. The four children born to the parents of John F. Wheatley were as follows : Mary S., who married John F. Wheaton, of West Virginia; William, deceased; John F., of this sketch; and Frederick D., deceased .

Mr. Wheatley obtained an excellent education under the supervision of his father, and followed the trade of shoemaker for some years. Later he embarked in a mercantile business at Atlas and has also engaged in the manufacture of cigars. For 25 years he has kept the leading general store in the village, and has a trade which extends over a wide territory. Mr. Wheatley is well known as an active member of the Republican party and he has very capably served in a number of the township offices, has been judge of election and trustee and for a long period, a notary public. He is a man of social instincts, and was for many years a member of the' local lodge of Odd Fellows and a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 331.

In 1872 Mr. Wheatley married Margaret A. Finley, who was born in Somerset township in 1852, a daughter of Jacob and Esther Finley, and a family of five children was born to this union, viz, : Charles D., employed in the steel works; Jacob W., a justice of the peace; William C., a cigar manufacturer, at Atlas; Lucy A., who married Phineas McKendree, of Speidel, Ohio; and George, deceased. Mrs. Wheatley is a most esteemed member of the Christian Church. In all the relations of life, Mr. Wheatley has shown himself a man of excellent judgment and a high standard of honor, and he is very highly regarded through Somerset township for his many sterling qualities.

SAMUEL RAMSAY, one of the largest land owners and substantial citizens of York township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born April 11, 1842, and is a son of Abraham and Sarah (Maloney) Ramsay.

Abraham Ramsay was born in 1807 and was a son of Thomas Ramsay, a native of Ireland, whose people were wealthy linen manufacturers there. Thomas Ramsay came to America about ₁₇₉₅ and married a Miss Falconer in Pennsylvania. He accumulated considerable property in Washington County, Pennsylvania, but through injudiciously going security lost quite heavily. He came to Bel

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mont County about 1812, locating in the woods in the southeastern part of the county, on Moore's Run. He worked some on the National Road. He and his wife were parents of 10 children, as follows : Abraham, father of our subject; Samuel, Allen, David, Aaron, John, Margaret, Nancy, Jennie, and Elizabeth.

Abraham Ramsay resided near and at Jacobsburg until his death in 1886, at which time he owned about 1,000 acres of land, mainly in Smith township. He married Sarah Maloney, who was born in Pennsylvania, and married in Belmont County, where she died about 1888. To this union were born the following children: Thomas, deceased; David, deceased; John, who resides near our subject, but in Washington township; Abraham, who also lives in Washington township; Samuel; Nancy (Taylor), of Smith township; Elizabeth (Riley), of Mead township; Aaron, of Smith township, and Allen, deceased. Two children died in infancy.

Samuel Ramsay resided in Washington township until he was 10 years of age, removing then with his parents to Smith township. He purchased his present home farm in York township about 1878, and was married in Guernsey County. He and his wife began housekeeping on this farm and except two or three years spent in Smith township have since made it their home. The farm, which was covered with stone, timber and underbrush, has been greatly improved and is now very valuable farming land. Mr. Ramsay manages the work on the farm and is an extensive sheep man, as was his father, handling from 300 to 500 head of sheep. He owns 375 acres in York township, besides two farms, containing 243 acres, in Washington and Mead townships.

Samuel Ramsay was joined in marriage with Susanna Mendenhall, a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Mendenhall, both of whom reside near Salesville, Guernsey County, Ohio. Mrs. Ramsay was born in Noble County, Ohio, April 10, 1852, and as a result of her union with our subject has had the following children : Thomas Abraham, of Washingtontownship, who married Cora Kittlewell and has three sons; Samuel Oliver, living in Mead township, married a Miss Fraley; Annie A. (Trigg), whose husband is a blacksmith at Jacobsburg; Delphi Odessa (Devaul), whose husband is a farmer and sawmill man of Smith township ; Lela L., w ho is single and lives at home; Carrie Golda, who is also single; Edna Loretta, who attends school at Jacobsburg; Lewis, who is at home and assists his father; Sarah Rebecca, who is deceased, and Emma Ethel and Joseph, who died in infancy. Politically Mr. Ramsay cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln for President, and has voted the Republican ticket ever since. In religious attachment, he and his family are Methodists and attend church at Jacobsburg.

WALKER FULTON. The agricultural possibilities of Smith township, Belmont County, are well shown in some of its model farms and in none more than in the fine, wellimproved estate of Walker Fulton, comprising 176 acres, favorably located two miles southeast of Glencoe. Mr. Fulton is a Buckeye by birth, born in Richland township, Belmont County, a son of Charles and Jane (Brown) Fulton.

Charles Fulton was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, came to the United States in 1837 and died in Mead township, Belmont County, October 25, 1901, at the age of 88 years. By trade he was a shoemaker and worker in leather and prior to locating in the United States was connected with the military service in Canada and employed in the manufacture of leather stocks or collars used to keep the British soldier's head erect. After coming to Ohio, he engaged in farming in Mead township, took part in Democratic politics and was appointed justice of the peace. For 40 years he was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church. His wife was also of Irish birth and ancestry, born in County Derry and married there, and died in Ohio January 27, 1894, in the 81st year of her age. The nine children born to them bore

818 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

these names: William and George, deceased; Walker; Robert McKelvey, of Richland township; Isabella, the wife of George D. Creamer of Mead township; Mary E. and James M., deceased; Thomas, a farmer at Delaware; and the youngest child, who is deceased.

Mr. Fulton was reared to work on a farm and has always devoted his attention to the pursuits of agriculture. His line has been general farming and moderate stock raising, and he has been eminently successful, ranking with the most progressive and practical farmers of his locality. In improvements and modern methods, Mr. Fulton keeps abreast of the times and assists materially in making Smith township a leading agricultural one of the county.

In 1865 Mr. Fulton was married to Ellen E. Trimble, who is a daughter of John and Catherine Trimble of Brooke County, West Virginia, and a family of eight children has been born to them, namely : Margaret W., a teacher in Barnesville; Charles B., deceased; John T., engaged in the Harrison County oil fields ; Effie J.; Catherine, a teacher in Barnesville; William S., a physician in Wheeling; Sarah A., of Philadelphia ; and Mary. Mr. Fulton and family belong to the United Presbyterian Church in which he is a trustee. He is one of the substantial citizens of Smith township, and belongs to a family well known and thoroughly esteemed.

AUGUST KRAATZ, now living in retirement at No. 816 Broadway, Martin's Ferry, is one of the thrifty German citizens who have helped to build up the industries of the city. For over a quarter of a century he was engaged as a skilled blacksmith and has amassed considerable wealth. He is now a large stockholder in the People's Bank and the Belmont Brewery and is a director in the latter. He is also an inventor of considerable note.

Mr. Kraatz was born in Mechlenburg, Germany, November 16, 1845, and when quite young lost his father. He was, however, given careful training by his mother, a most excellent woman. She is still living in Germany and is now 80 years old.

In the excellent schools of his native country Mr. Kraatz procured a good, thorough education. . Having a decided liking for mechanics, at an early age he entered a blacksmith shop and learned the trade, becoming in the course of time very proficient. Well equipped for life, at the age of 21 he determined to come to the United States. Soon after landing he proceeded to Wheeling, where he remained for eight years. He found no difficulty in securing positions, and during his stay in Wheeling followed his trade for some of the time at the old Washington Mill and later in connection with the iron works. Coming to Martin's Ferry at the end of this period, he engaged himself as a blacksmith in the Aetna Standard Mill, where he remained until February, 1902, a period of 26 years. That his work has been in every respect satisfactory and first class goes without saying. During this period he invented the long squaring shear knives, an excellent article, which has been on the market for the last 17 years. It has had a large sale. A steady, hard worker all his life, Mr. Kraatz has made considerable money, which he has invested to much advantage in brewery stock and in the People's Bank. Owing to his business ability, he has been made a director of the Belmont Brewery.

While residing in Wheeling, in 1869, Mr. Kraatz married Eliza Bieberson, who was born in Hanover, Germany, March 16, 1845. She is one of three children. Her brother, Henry Bieberson, is now president of the Belmont Brewery. Her sister, Wilhelmina, married August Rolf and resides on Market street, in Wheeling. Mr. and Mrs. Kraatz have had nine children : Matilda married William H. Helfenbine, and resides at Martin's Ferry; Emma, wife of Edwin Oppelt, of East Liverpool, Ohio, has a son, Oscar ; Clara, who has never married, lives at home; Charles, who married Enola Rohrich, is assistant engineer at the Belmont Brewery in Martin's Ferry; Fredericka lives at home ; Harry is in the grocery business with his brother-in-law in East

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Liverpool; George, who works in the Aetna Standard Mill; Eliza, who died February 10, 1893, at the age of 10; Gertrude, who died December 26, 1901, at the age of 14 years and three months.

Mr. Kraatz is a man whose word carries weight in his community. As a Republican he exerts a large influence in local politics. Fraternally he belongs to the B. P. O. E. Both he and his wife are prominent members of the German Lutheran Church. In 1901 Mr. Kraatz made a trip to Germany, paying a visit to his aged mother, and in October, 1902, he took an extended trip throughout the Southwestern States, visiting Texas principally, and had a most enjoyable time.

DAVID F. McKELVEY. The well cultivated and finely improved farm of David F. McKelvey, located in section 32, Mead township, not only reflects great credit upon its owner, but also demonstrates the great agricultural possibilities of this part of Belmont County. Mr. McKelvey is one of the prominent citizens of Mead township, possessing honorable ancestry, wealth and social position, and is also a representative man in political life. David F. McKelvey was born September 23, 1844, in Mead township, Belmont County, on a farm in the vicinity of his present property, the same now being operated by his youngest brother, Samuel P. McKelvey. His parents were the late Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey, the latter of whom was also born in this county, a daughter of David Creamer, one of the early settlers of Belmont County and one of the very few permitted to see both the dawn and the close of a century. His daughter, Mrs. McKelvey, died July 11, 1885.

Samuel McKelvey was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and after a voyage of six weeks on the Atlantic Ocean reached Belmont County in 1840, where he purchased a farm in Mead township, from Zachariah Hayes, its original owner, and here Mr. McKelvey died in 1888, when over 80 years of age, having survived all his brothers, viz.: James, David, George, Joseph, Thomas and Weir. They had a sister, Elizabeth, who married a Mr. McCaffrey. The five sons and four daughters of Samuel McKelvey and wife were: David F., of this biography ; Robert, Thomas B. and Joseph O., of Mead township; Emma and Narcissa, living on the home farm; Mary E., the wife of John W. Neff, and Nancy Jane, the wife of Theodore Neff, of Bellaire; and Samuel P., born in 1864, who is the capable operator of the home farm, an estate comprising 188 acres, lying in sections 31, 36 and 25. It has been greatly improved under Mr. McKelvey's management.

Reared on the farm, David F. McKelvey has always been deeply interested in agricultural pursuits and has spent the greater part of his life in Mead township. He received a fair education and during his earlier years taught the country schools, but after marriage began his business career as a farmer. For several years he farmed at Wegee, but for the past 20 years has been established on his present farm, a valuable tract of 140 acres, which he has successfully devoted to general farming and stock raising. This land was originally the property of "Tommy" Miles, then the Porterfields, later the McMasters and then was purchased by Mr. McKelvey.

March 24, 1881, Mr. McKelvey was married to Ida J. Alexander, who was born in Pultney township, in 1856, and is a daughter of Samuel Alexander, a pioneer. The two daughters born to this union are Mary and Lucy, both of whom belong to the home circle. In politics Mr. McKelvey has been more than usually prominent and was but lately sent as a delegate to the Democratic Congressional Convention held at Martin's Ferry. For the past five years he has served as township treasurer and is at present one of the school directors. During its existence, he belonged to the Farmers' Alliance. His religious connection is with the United Presbyterian Church. As a commentary upon the great strides made in the county, Mr. McKelvey shows a wellpreserved hothouse on his farm, the same having served

822 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

as his earliest school house. With pride he can also point out the neat and attractive buildings now serving as educational edifices.

ARNOLD WILLIAM BURKHART, a wellknown agriculturist located in Washington township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, April 1, 1845, and is a son of Andrew and Eustua (Frankhouser) Burkhart, and grandson of Andrew Burkhart.

Andrew Burkhart, the grandfather, came to this country from Switzerland in 1820, and entered land in York township, Belmont County, Ohio, where he followed the business of a horticulturist. He built a log house on his claim, which stood until destroyed by fire in 1897. He and his wife had six children, as follows: John; Catherine (Syllis), who died at Martin's Ferry; Annie (Muster) ; Frederick, who was unmarried and died in 1897; Andrew; and Mary, wife of Jacob Kocher of York township.

Andrew Burkhart, father of our subject, was born in Switzerland, in 1808, and at 12 years of age came to Belmont County, Ohio, with his father. He was married here in 1840, and later with his wife removed to Monroe County, Ohio, where both died. He died April 25, 1893, at the age of 85 years, and she died in March, 1894. aged 74 years. His wife was a daughter of Nicholas Frankhouser, a pioneer of Belmont County, and also a native of Switzerland. To this union were born the following children : Arnold W.; Rosanna (Sweigard), a widow residing in Monroe County; Caroline, who resides in Monroe County; Jacob, of Monroe County; Lena, wife of Frank Cain of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Mary, wife of Clarence Carpenter of Iowa; Louisa, wife of Henry Kraft of Monroe County; and Samuel, Lizzie and another daughter who died of diphtheria at an early age.

At the age of 10 years, Arnold W. Burkhart accompanied his parents to Belmont County, where he has since resided. During the Civil War he served some four months with General Sheridan, having enlisted in Company C, 170^th Reg., Ohio National Guard, and was wounded at Snicker's Gap, Virginia, in 1864. He remained at home until after his marriage, and then resided on Carpenter's Ridge where Samuel Carpenter now resides. In May, 1888, he bought a part of the old Chandler tract, also known as the William Graham farm, and on this he has since resided. He has 16o acres under a high state of cultivation and devotes it to general farming and stock raising. Honest and straightforward in all his transactions, he has gained the lasting confidence and respect of his fellow citizens, who are pleased to call him a friend.

Mr. Burkhart was joined in marriage with Mary M. Carpenter, youngest daughter of Robert Carpenter, whose wife died December 8. 1898, at the age of 98 years. They have mine children, as follows : Sevilla (Wild), of York township; Lucy (Vandine), who lives at home; Emma H. (Moore), of Bellaire; Jemima (Hendershot) ; Margaret (Vandine), who lives near her parents ; Theodore F.; Grover; Ida; and Eunice. None of the family has ever been sick enough to require the aid of a physician or the use of medicine, which is truly a remarkable record. Although his family has always been Democratic, Mr. Burkhart is a stalwart Republican, and at one time was township assessor. He is a member of Post No. 595, G. A. R., of Armstrong's Mills.

B. F. DISQUE, a prominent citizen of Powhatan, Belmont County, Ohio, where he conducts a large general store, was born in this town in 1852, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Pfeffer) Disque. The father is in his 86th year and is one of the oldest residents of the village. With Mrs. Louis Boger, Mrs. John A. Weyer, Mrs. Richard Dorsey, and Mrs. James Workman, he shares the honor of having lived in Powhatan for more than half a century.

Henry Disque was born in Bavaria, Germany, and upon coming to this country spent nine years in the State of New York. He then lived one year in Monroe County, Ohio,

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spent the winter of 1848 at Wheeling, and in 1849 moved to Powhatan, where he has since resided. For a period of more than 60 years he followed his trade as a shoemaker. He married Mary Pfeffer, who was also born in Bavaria, Germany, and died at Powhatan in 1891. Six children were born to them, as follows : Henry, who is in the drug business at Pittsburg; Fred, who is a member of the firm of J. J. Porter & Company, of Pittsburg; George A., a jeweler at Erie, Pennsylvania; Mary (Fuchs), deceased; B. F., subject of this biography, and Mrs. Callie May, who resides at New Matamoras, Washington County, Ohio. The two eldest were born in New York, the third child in Monroe County, Ohio, and the other three at Powhatan, where all were reared.

B. F. Disque early in life worked at the trade of a shoemaker for a few years, then entered the mercantile business at Powhatan as a clerk in 1881. In 1884 he formed a partnershin with William Hornbrook, which continued 12 years, and since that time he has conducted the store alone. During the entire time he has been located in his present building, the dimensions of which are 70 by 21 feet. A very complete line of general merchandise is carried. To the rear of the building is a warehouse, in which surplus stock is stored. Across the street from this building is a large storeroom, in which a very complete line of furniture is carried. The trade extends over a large area, surrounding Powhatan and into West Virginia, and necessitates the employment of two or three clerks all the time.

Mr. Disque was first married to Maggie Bean, who died November 19, 1897, leaving two children, Clifford and Eva. He formed a second matrimonial alliance with Mary Hornbrook, a daughter of J. P. Hornbrook, who owns considerable real estate at Powhatan, although he is _not a resident. Mr. Disque built a fine home on Front street, in which he lived with his family until he sold it recently to Dr. J. A. Berry. Politically Mr. Disque has always been a stanch Democrat, and in former years was quite active in political affairs. He served three terms as township clerk, two terms as township treasurer, and officiated in other minor capacities, such as director of the School Board and councilman. He is an elder and member of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian Church, of which his father is also a member. His fellow elder in the church is Philip Frankhouser, and in addition to himself the board of trustees includes John Fuchs, Philip Frankhouser, Charles Greene and Samuel Fielding. Our subject is one of the substantial men of the community and has a host of friends wherever he is known.

GEORGE WASHINGTON HENDERSHOT, one of the oldest and most prominent farmers of Washington township, Belmont County, was born in this township along Pea Vine Creek, in 1818.

He is a son of Michael and Mary (Space) Hendershot, who emigrated from New Jersey February 15, 1815, locating along Captina Creek. They both died on the home farm when 86 years of age. The mother of our subject was the second wife of Michael Hendershot, and to them were born the following children : John, born in 1807, who died in 1833 ; Isaac, born in 1809, who died in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1867; Henry, born February 26, 1811, who died in Washington township in 1885: George Washington, subject of this biography; Mary Ann, born in 1813, who died at the age of 21 years; Sarah Maria, born in 1820, who married Henry Lomar September 9, 1843, and lived in Beallsville, Monroe County, Ohio, where she died ; and Michael, born in 1823, who died at Columbus and was buried in York township. By his first wife Michael Hendershot had two children, Daniel, who died in 1883, and Angeline, wife of Adolph Harmon, born in 1804, and died in Nebraska about 1893.

George W. Hendershot was reared and has always resided in Washington township. He owns about one section of land, which is devoted to sheep raising and general farming un-

824 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

der his supervision. He cleared this land at an early day and actively managed it until a few years ago, when it was given into the care of his sons. each of whom receives his share of the crops.

September 30, 1843, Mr. Hendershot married Sevilla Carpenter, who was born in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1824, and is a daughter of Robert Carpenter, who moved to York township, Belmont County. when she was eight years of age. Twelve children were born to them: The eldest died in infancy; Penelope, wife of William Pfeffenbach, resides at Bellaire; Michael Taylor, who lives on the home farm, married Margaret Linden and has five children; Robert C., also residing on the home farm, married Lovina Taylor, deceased, and later Margaret Bryson ; Henry S., residing on his father's farm, married Elizabeth Bryson; Sevilla Jane, wife of John Graham, resides on her father's farm on Pea Vine Creek ; Mary, wife of Christopher Schnegg, lives in York township; Alice, who died at Wheeling, was the wife of David Honey ; Margaret, who married Ross Carle, resides on Pea Vine Creek; George Grant, who resides with his father, married Sarah Diantha Hess; Nancy Ellen, married George Carle and resides near Bellaire, Pultney township; and Anna Laura died at the age of three years. Although Mr. Hendershot's eyesight has failed rapidly in recent years, he retains all his oldtime sagacity in business affairs, and gives counsel to his sons. He is most highly esteemed and has friends of long standing in the county. He has always been a Republican since the organization of the party. He was reared a Presbyterian, but is inclined to be liberal in his views.

HIRAM D. TIMMONS*, superintendent and manager of the Barnesville Gas & Electric Light Company, is an expert electrician and plumber, having attained success by adroit endeavor, close application and by years of constant practice of his vocation. He was born in Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, and is past the meridian of life. He is a son of Eli and Sarah (Dickerson) Timmons, who reared a family of seven children.

Eli Timmons was one of the pioneer settlers of Harrison County, Ohio. In early manhood he learned the trade of a carriage maker, which he followed with success up to the time of his death on the 30th of December, 1877. Eli Timmons was born March 16, 1819, and his wife was many years his junior, her birth having occurred September 25, 1830. She is also deceased.

Hiram D. Timmons accompanied his parents to Barnesville when a mere boy. He became apprenticed and learned the plumbing and heating trade under Healy Brothers. He completed his trade in 1879, having mastered all the details of the business. Some time afterward Mr. Timmons accepted a position as traveling representative of Gordan, Stroebel & La Rue, a large Philadelphia firm. He traveled throughout the South for this establishment for a period of three years, and during that time he fitted many factories throughout with machinery, doing all the hydraulic work and steam piping himself. In 1889, he severed his connection with the house and accepted his present lucrative position.

The city of Barnesville was first relieved from darkness December 25, 1874, by the introduction of gas. A company had been previously organized on September 15th, of the same year, and a plant was built a short distance north of the Hilles flouring mill; this plant was erected by B. Van Steinberger of New York City, who was the chief instigator, at the cost of $24,000, and the late Hon. Samuel Hilles was the first superintendent. The city was lighted in this manner until March 15, 189o, when an ordinance was passed by the City Council, whereby it provided for the lighting of the city by electricity. A franchise was granted to the Fort Wayne Electric Lighting Company, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who furnished incandescent lights to the city for a period of ten years.

In 1900. the Barnesville Gas Company obtained the franchise to furnish lights to the city and an electric plant was added at a cost

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of $50,000 and the name of the company was changed to the Barnesville Gas '& Electric Light Company. The present officers are : J. W. Bradfield, president; J. M. Lewis, vicepresident; and F. Hunt, secretary; with Hiram D. Timmons, superintendent and manager. As before mentioned, the latter became connected with the company in 1889 and has the exclusive control of this large plant. He is a thorough electrician and employs four assistants. Under his careful and capable management the plant has given thorough satisfaction. His kind and amiable disposition, coupled with his shrewd business methods, has made hosts of friends for him while working in this capacity.

In fraternal circles he is a member of the Odd Fellows, and in politics he supports the Republican party. His influence is extensive and powerful and he has done much in securing public improvements as well as stimulating private enterprises. The success of the plant with which he is connected is largely due to his unremitting efforts and the manner in which he has surmounted all obstacles and risen to his present place of authority and responsibility from apprenticeship shows his aggressive and energetic nature.

HAMILTON G. WOODS,* a shearman in the Laughlin Sheet Mill at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, is serving his second term as councilman from the Second Ward, is on the finance committee, the ordinance committee, police, sewer, street and waterworks committees, and can be depended upon to do according to agreement. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, February 7, 1861, and his parents were John and Nancy (Gosney) Woods, natives of Smithfield, Ohio.

John Woods spent all his active life as a boiler in the Top Mill in Wheeling, West Virginia. He moved to Martin's Ferry in 1886, a retired business man, and there lived until his death, October 18, 1890, at the age of 66 years. He was married June 4, 1854, Nancy Gosney becoming his wife. She was a daughter of Reuben and Loretta Gosney. Her father died at the age of 6o years during the Civil War, and her mother died in 1849. Mrs. Woods was one of a family of 11 children, of whom the four surviving are : Mary J., who married William McKee, who was killed at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864; Nancy, our subject's mother; James, a resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Davis, residing in Martin's Ferry. The names of the deceased children are as follows : Elizabeth, whose death took place when she was just 18 years old ; Hamilton, who died at the advanced age of 70 years; John and John Reuben, who died in boyhood; Andrew, whose death occurred at the age of 55 years, served in the Civil War as a private; Albert, who died when two years old; and Thomas, who is presumed to be living, but who went west and has not been heard from for 12 years.

Our subject's father and mother had two children, John M., who works at the mill in Bridgeport, Ohio; and our subject, Hamilton G. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and John Woods always took part as an officer. He and Governor Atchison were well known to each other, were warm friends, and worked together in the temperance movement in West Virginia.

Hamilton G. Woods was educated in the public schools of Wheeling, after which he, like his father, worked at boiling in the Top Mill and followed that occupation until the organization of the Standard Mill at Bridgeport, Ohio. He helped to start this mill and was given a position as shearer in it, remaining with the company for 19 years, until October, 1901. He left the Standard Mill only to take his position in the Laughlin Mill as shearer.

December 22, 1880, Lillie Howell, a daughter of Isaac and Fanny (Dickerson) Howell, now deceased, became our subject's wife. Her father was a stationary engineer and died January 25, 1901, at the age of 76 years. Mrs. Howell died in 1866, at the early age of 28 years, when Mrs. Woods was quite young.

826 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

They were member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at her death that church lost one of its most enthusiastic workers, as well as an excellent singer, for Mrs. Howell always sang in the choir. She became a member in early girlhood and found many little ways of making herself useful and serviceable. Mrs. Woods is a native of Ohio and has been the mother of nine children, whose names are as follows :

Frank H., who works in the Laughlin Sheet Mill and does most efficient service for one of his years; Beulah H.; Richard C. and Kathleen L., twins ; Hulda B., Lillie H., Donald S., Gilbert H., and Elizabeth M., born June 5, 1900, and died September 14th of the same year. The father and mother of these children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and rear their children in that faith also. Mrs. Woods is president of the mercy and help department of the church work and certainly does her part. In politics Mr. Woods is a Republican of strong convictions, and as a member of the Council has been of great service to the city. He is also a strong believer in the temperance question,—he acts, lives, and believes in temperance at all times; since he, himself, has never drank an intoxicant in his life, he has never been able to see the need for others to do so, and has taken a firm, determined stand on this question. He and his family live in their pleasant, beautiful home at No. 623 West Washington street.

E. N. BOGGS*, a representative citizen of Barton, Ohio, who is extensively engaged in mining and mercantile business, was born in Colerain township in 1859. He is a son of Francis and Elizabeth (Berry) Boggs. His mother was a daughter of Jacob Berry, who settled in Colerain township about 1802, coming from Hagerstown, Maryland, with his parents when about three years of age.

David Boggs, the paternal grandfather of our subject, came from Maryland to Belmont County in the early part of the 19th century. He settled upon a farm about six miles from Bridgeport, in Colerain township, remaininghere the balance of his life. He accumulated a good property and was a very prominent man of his day. He opened up the first coal bank in Belmont County, it being located on Flat Run. It was not only the first bank opened, but also the first opened for commercial purposes and was known as a "peddler's bank." Belmont County ranks fourth among the counties of the State in the production of coal. David Boggs married Mary Waddle, of Ohio County (West) Virginia, who was born in Triadelphia. The following children were born to them: David; Marjorie, deceased, who married J. W. Collins, of Newark, Ohio; William W., who died in California; Francis; and James, of Belmont County.

Francis Boggs, father of E. N. Boggs, devoted all of his life to agricultural pursuits, in which he met with more than ordinary success. In connection with his farming interests, he also operated a coal bank, which netted him good profits. He was known for his strict integrity and square dealings. He voted the Democratic ticket, but never aspired to office. However, upon several occasions he was called upon to fill township offices.

To him and his wife the following children were born : Ella, who married J. W. Bean, of Bridgeport, Ohio: Catherine, who married M. D. Goldman, of Topeka, Kansas ; Ona M., who married E. T. Russell, an elder of the Seventh Day Adventists, with headquarters at Lincoln, Nebraska ; F. W., who is assisting his brother in the mercantile business; Jacob W., who was killed in a railroad wreck in 1891; and R. T., who is a conductor on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

E. N. Boggs received a liberal amount of schooling in the district schools of Colerain township, after which he took a business course in Wheeling, West Virginia. Later he attended the normal university at Lebanon, Ohio, and in 1882 he engaged in the coal business, which has claimed the major portion of his attention since that time. He has been eminently successful. He employs on an average 150 men. During the summer months he ships the product of his mine to Northern transportation

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companies, and during the winter the coal is used for fuel on trunk line railroads. In 1892 Mr. Boggs opened a general store at Barton, in which he keeps a full stock of choice family groceries, boots, shoes, clothing, patent medicines, etc. His store is a modern twostory structure and is firstclass in all its appointments.

Mr. Boggs was married in 1892 to Jemima Hall, daughter of Henry and Hannah Hall, respected citizens of Colerain township. The family consists of four children : Paul ; Marjorie; Mildred, and Elizabeth. Socially, Mr. Boggs is a member of Belmont Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.; Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T., of St. Clairsville, and also is a member of the K. of P.

HON. HARVEY DANFORD*. Among the prominent citizens of Belmont County, widely known in agricultural, political and social life, is Hon. Harvey Danford, who, during 1877, 1878 and 1879, ably represented Belmont County in the State Legislature. Mr. Danford is a man of intellectual strength, extensive travel, wide reading, social acquaintance and large means.

He was born February 16, 1822, in Washington township, Belmont County, on a farm located some two and onehalf miles above Armstrong's Mills. He was reared in Washington township, but has resided in Wayne township for the past 49 years. In early youth he had no better advantages than the ordinary farmer boy, his education being entirely secured in the public schools of his day. When he reached maturity he purchased a part of school section 16, in Washington township, which he sold in 1849, removing then to Iowa. However he did not locate there, but soon after returned to Belmont County, and about 1855 he purchased his present fine farm in section 4, Wayne township, making subsequent purchases until his landed possessions in this county now aggregate 613 acres. Until recently, despite his many other interests, Mr. Danford has personally managed this large estate. Among otherpossessions is a tract of 40 acres in Florida, secured during one of his numerous visits in the South.

Mr. Danford has long been a factor in the politics of Belmont County. His present political attitude is as an independent voter, although various currents have led him into supporting late Republican candidates. In his earlier years he was a Whig, admiring Henry Clay and his principles. His vote was cast for both Lincoln and Grant, also for Horace Greeley. Always independent in his view of matters, Mr. Danford has been especially free from any charge of "machinemade politics" and has voted as his conscience and judgment decided as certain issues were presented to the people. No more able man was found by the Democrats in 1877 to send as a Representative to the Legislature, and he defended the principles of that party until the election of President Cleveland. He is not in favor of free trade. Some six or eight years Mr. Danford served most acceptably as township treasurer, but is now free from official duties.

In 185o Mr. Danford married Eliza Jane Perkins, a daughter of Elijah Perkins, who was brought from near Waynesburg, Virginia, to Belmont County in infancy and after a long life here died in 1895, when more than 100 years of age. Mrs. Danford was born in 1829 and her four brothers are : Elihu, Jonas. Reuben and William, the two named last residing near Bethesda. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Danford were : V. A., who resides upon a part of the home farm, as does Charles; Victoria, deceased, was the wife of A. C. Mantell —her daughter, Mrs. E. P. Ward, also occupies a part of the farm; and Rev. M. V. The last named is a graduate of Bethany College at Lexington, and was ordained a minister in Belmont Ridge Christian Church, and for the past two years has been an instructor at the Christian College at Albany, Missouri, but has lately located at Shadyside as bookkeeper for T. A. Rodefer. Mr. Danford has four granddaughters and is rearing the youngest. The family is one of close attachment and for 40 years has been connected with the Christian Church.

828 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

DR. WILLIAM O. S. PIPER* is honored and esteemed by the citizens of Bellaire, Ohio, as one of the best physicians of the city, whose future is full of promise. He was born in Glencoe, Belmont County, in 1872, and is a son of Dr. William Piper and grandson of John Piper, who came from Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and followed farming as a business, his later years being spent on his home place in Mead township, to which he removed a short time before his death.

Dr. William Piper, the father, spent his younger days upon his father's farm and. after securing his education taught school for a few years until he determined on the medical profession as his life work. He attended lectures given at Starling Medical College and became a physician in 1857, his first field of practice being at Jacobsburg, Ohio, where he had good success. He practiced later at Newark, Ohio, and at Glencoe, this county, and at last settled permanently in Bellaire in 189o, having his office and residence both at No. 3263 Guernsey street. He is now one of the oldest and bestknown citizens and practitioners in his native county, and during his 45 years of work has gained the reputation he bears as an expert in his profession, skilled and persevering, and as a man of generous but firm disposition. He has reached the age of 70 years, his birth having taken place in May, 1832, near St. Clairsville, Ohio, and although he has always taken an interest in public affairs he has given his time exclusively to his profession. He was trustee of the Children's Home and surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad for several years. The only sister of our subject is the wife of Rev. A. Johnson, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Newark, Ohio.

Dr. William O. S. Piper followed the example of his father and also taught school in his early years, attending medical lectures at Baltimore. His graduation from the University of Baltimore occurred in 1893, and for the past ten years he has been located at Bellaire, where his office and residence are with his father's on Guernsey street. He chose a daughter of Alfred Paull for his wife, and they have one child, William Charles, born in 1901. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving of their means toward its support.

Fraternally our subject is a Mason, being a member of the blue lodge and chapter of Bellaire and also of Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T., of St. Clairsville, Ohio. Socially he is a member of the Belmont County Medical Society and of the Ohio State Medical Society, and is valued for his willing service in both. He now has a regular practice which is daily increasing and by careful study and untiring diligence he keeps abreast of the times, and is well informed on all new developments in the medical world. He is looked upon as a man of fine attainments and natural ability and is one of the best physicians in the city.

LOUIS A. CLIPP*, a prosperous farmer and progressive citizen of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Jefferson County, (West) Virginia, in 1847, and is a son of James W. and Elizabeth Ann Clipp.

James W. Clipp, father of our subject, was engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life, dying in 1892, at the age of 79 years. He was a Whig before the Civil War and was a strong supporter of the cause of the Union, but since the war was independent in political affairs. His wife, Elizabeth Ann, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and died in 1896, at the age of 70 years. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Five children were born to their union, as follows : John R.; Charles W.; Louis A.; Margaret V., wife of George Huffmaster; and Thomas P.

Louis A. Clipp was reared in his native county and lived there until 1875, when he removed to Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio. He later located in Wheeling township, where he resided 12 years. He again returned to Richland township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and now resides on his

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farm of 80 acres two miles north of St. Clairsville. He has always been deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare and development of his township and county, and is president of the Cadiz & St. Clairsville Pike Company. He is also agent for the Champion Machine Company in his district.

In 1876 Mr. Clipp was united in marriage with Mary Ann Jackson, who was born in Wheeling township in 1849 and is a daughter of William and Annie Jackson. Six children resulted from this union, as follows : Wilbert L.; Annie Viola, a stenographer and bookkeeper at Bellaire; James Blaine, who is with the Belmont Telephone Company; Jessie Edith; Philip R.; and Lizzie Loraine. Fraternally, Mr. Clipp is a Mason, and in politics is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Wilbert L. Clipp, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Clipp, was graduated from Delaware College in 1895. On May 22, 1899, he entered the service of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, being given charge of the car service department at Bellaire, Ohio. On October 1, 1900, he was promoted to be assistant chief clerk to Superintendent of Terminals J. M. Barrett of the Baltimore & Ohio, with headquarters at Wheeling, West Virginia, which position he held until October 14, 1901, on which date he was transferred to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, as stenographer to Car Distributor F. B. Lockhart. On March 1, 1902, he succeeded Mr. Lockhart as car distributor with headquarters at Pittsburg, having control of the entire Pittsburg division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, in which position he has continued.