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BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 521 PEASE TOWNSHIP. William A. Allen was born in 1858, on the farm where he now resides in Belmont county, Ohio. Was the son of John and Sarah (Greenlee) Allen, both natives of Ohio. John Allen was the son of John and Martha J. (Giffin) Allen, who came from Scotland to America some time before the Revolutionary war. William has, since his birth, been living on the farm formerly owned by his father, where he still resides. His education has all been received from the common schools of the county. He was married in 1888 to Miss Annie Warrell, a daughter of William and Margaret J. (Mealy) Warrell, of Washington, Penn. They are not as yet blessed with any children. Mr. Allen by industry and perseverance, bids fair to follow in the tracks of his worthy father. John Allen, father of William, was born 1814, on his father's farm in Belmont county, on a part of which his son still resides. His life was principally spent on the farm of his father, and in the early part of it got an education from the common schools. He married in 1848, a Miss Sarah Greenlee, born 1822, a native of this county, and a daughter of James and Sarah Greenlee, who, from all the facts obtainable, were from over the sea. By his first wife he was father of seven children, only one of whom is living: Margaret A., Martha J., James, John, one died in infancy, William, Lizzie B. William is the only living representative of this family. Mrs. Sarah Allen died in 1861 on the homestead farm, and at her death the family lost a kind mother and loving parent, and the community a good citizen. John, the father remarried in 1877, a Margaret McGregor, daughter of James McGregor, a native of Pennsylvania. There were no child- 522 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. ren by the second marriage. The second wife died after a short illness. John Allen died in 1886, and in his death the family lost a loving relative, and the community one of her best citizens. He was always a strong supporter of all educational matters, and a man who was always respected and looked up to by his neighbors. The son, William, has by industry and good management, maintained the family name and honor and is already recognized as a man of much ability and resource in the community in which he lives. He with his wife occupy the home of his ancestors and has a fine, well improved farm and a pleasant residence. John Armstrong, of Martin's Ferry, one of the pioneer business men of the upper Ohio valley, was born near Enniskillen, county of Fermanagh, Ireland, February 15, 1806. His parents, Andrew and Mary Armstrong, were married about 1804, and had five children, of whom John is the only survivor. The father emigrated to Canada, and soon afterward died there. John Armstrong was reared in Ireland, receiving a limited schooling, and was engaged in farming until he was about thirty years old, when in 1837 he came to the United States. He landed at New York, but not finding employment there, he went to Pittsburgh, where he found various employment until he secured the position of porter in a carpet store, where he remained for some time working up to the position of book-keeper. He came to Wheeling in 1845 and was engaged as a book-keeper for two years, with Prior, Clark & Co., after which, in 1852, he embarked in business in the Fifth ward. He conducted this quite successfully for ten years, and since then has not been actively engaged in business. He has made judicious investments, however, and is interested in various manufactories, being a stockholder in the Standard Iron works, the Benwood and /Etna works, and also has an interest in the Ohio Valley and National banks of Wheeling. In 1870 he came to Martin's Ferry, which has since been his residence, and in 1882 he, in company with William R. Ratcliff and others, organized the Exchange bank of this city, of which he was elected president. Mr. Armstrong is one of the pioneers in business in this region, and his successful career, rising from poverty to a commanding position among men, is one highly deserving of notice. He was married in October, 1856, to Jane Hunter, of Pittsburgh, and they have two children: Jennie, the wife of Dr. Harvey, and Margaret. Mr. Armstrong and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. W. F. Bayha, of the firm of Bayha Brothers, was born in Fulton, W. Va., in 1860. He learned the blacksmith, carriage ironer and horse-shoer's trades in the city of Wheeling, where he worked for ten years prior to the establishment of the factory at Bridgeport, Ohio. His brother, Andrew A. Bayha, also a skilled carriage maker and wood worker, was born in Fulton in 1863. He acquired his knowledge of the business in Wheeling, becoming an expert workman. After working in Wheeling for eight years he, on November 1, 1887, formed a partnership with his brother. Since this date they have operated the wagon and carriage shops on Main street in the city of BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 523 Bridgeport. This firm manufactures on quite an extensive scale for so young a concern, and bids fair to become a very large house. They manufacture all sorts and kinds of wagons, buggies and carriages to order, and also carried large assortment of manufactured vehicles. They at present employ ten skilled workmen in their shops. Besides the manufacture of carriages, Bayha Brothers have a large trade in, horse-shoeing. They make a specialty of the latter industry, shoeing horses on scientific principles. They also carry on a general repairing and jobbing business in all departments. Enterprising and progressive as they are, it is only a question of time until they will be obliged to enlarge their works, to employ more men and to extend their business generally, providing the same energy and wisdom is employed in the future as has been in the past. Joseph Bird, of Martin's Ferry, general manager of the blast furnace at that place, was born at Briher Hill, Staffordshire, England, in April, 1827. He is the son of Stephen Bird, who was an iron worker by occupation, and did a great deal of work by contract, employing workmen, and also owned and managed a small farm. He died from cholera in 1832. He was twice married and had twelve children. His second wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was Maria (Shakspeare) Shakspeare. Joseph Bird had no edu cational advantages in his childhood and when quite young began working at an iron furnace, and continued to be so employed until he came to the United States in 1851. He landed at New Orleans after a voyage of three months, and then came up the Mississippi to St. Louis, where he found employment at Brennan's iron mills a short time. Proceeding then to eastern Pennsylvania, he settled in the Lehigh valley, where he remained some five years. Subsequently he went to Rochester, N. Y., where he blew the first furnace in that city, thence went to Pittsburgh and remained two years, and in 1875 came to Steubenville, Ohio, which was his residence until 1879, when he settled at Martin's Ferry, and entered the employment of the Benwood iron company, as manager of the blast furnace at this place. He is an acknowledged master of his important business in all its many details, and is a competent and successful manager. He was the first to make iron exclusively from cinders, and though the process he discovered was no source of great profit to him, he was the means of bringing about a great change in iron working. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is in politics a republican. Mr. Bird was married in 1850 to Susannah Scriven, who started with him from England, and died on ship board and was buried in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1852 he was married to Mary Jones, of Pennsylvania, and they have had ten children, of whom these survive: Mary J., Hanna and Clara. Benjamin F. Brady, of Martin's Ferry, a leading dry goods merchant, is a native of Ohio, born in Jefferson county, February 7, 1843. He is the son of Robert Brady, a native of Cannonsburgh, Penn., who there learned the tailor's trade, and after coming to Ohio, when a 524 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. young man, followed it at Knoxville, until his death, about 1855. About the year 1841 he was married to Elizabeth Clare, a native of Ohio, who is still living at Knoxville. To this marriage were born seven children, five of whom are living. Benjamin F. Brady was reared at Knoxville, and after his school days were over, was engaged in clerking in various stores at that place until the outbreak of the rebellion. In 1861 he .enlisted under the first call in Company I, Twentieth Ohio regiment, and served three months in West Virginia. He then re-enlisted in the Second Ohio for three years, and served in the army of the Tennessee, participating in the battles of Lookout Mountain, Stone River, Mission Ridge, and other important engagements. After the battle of Perrysville, he was promoted from the ranks to second lieutenant, and after Stone River, to first lieutenant, as which he was mustered out in the fall of 1864. After the war he resided at various places until 1875, when he opened a general store at Irondale, Ohio, which was his place of abode until 1882, when he came to Martin's Ferry. Since then he has conducted a dry goods, notions and millinery business with much success, and is known as an active and popular business man. He is a member of the Masonic and G. A. R. fraternities, and in politics has been active as a republican. Mr. Brady was married in 1872 to Catherine McDonald, of Hammondsville, and they have one child, Elizabeth. Mrs. Brady is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. George W. Chessell, of Martin's Ferry, a successful business man, was born at Belmont in 1843. His grandfather, George Chessell, Sr., a native of England, came to the United States and settled near Smithfield, Jefferson county, where he learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed for many years. He is still living, a resident of Hendrysburg, Belmont county. His son, George the father of George W., was born in England. He was married to Ann Davis, who died in 1887, and by this union had twelve children, five of whom survive. The subject of this sketch received his education at Hendrysburg. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted, in 1861, in Company K, Fifteenth Ohio regiment, with which he served four years and two months. During this period he passed through many great battles, such as Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga and Chattanooga, and saw much severe service. He was mustered out as quartermaster sergeant, at San Antonio, Texas, in 1865. On his return to Ohio he engaged in the grocery business, at Hendrysburg, until 1874, when he was appointed postal clerk on the Baltimore & Ohio road, running from Columbus to Grafton, and afterward from Newark to Chicago. He remained in the employment of the government until November, 1888. On July 23, 1889, he had, in company with M. F. Earp, purchased the Gem laundry at Martin's Ferry, and to this business he has since given his attention. This institution is well-known for the excellence of its work, and is quite popular throughout the surrounding country. Mr. Chessell is a member of the Masonic order, the I. O. O. F. and the Knights of Pythias. In BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 525 politics he is a republican. He was married, in 1866, to Sarah J. Hogue, of Jefferson county. and they have three children: Alma, George W. and Harry E. Matthew A. Chew, general superintendent of the nail department of the Laughlin nail company's works, is a native of Pittsburgh, born March 14, 1857. He is a grandson of Richard Chew, a native of England, who, before coming to America in 1826, was a soldier in the British army. After coming to this country he followed his trade as a nailer until his death in 1835. His son, Matthew J., the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Trenton, N. J., and received his education in the Catholic schools at Pittsburgh. He learned the trade of a nailer at New Castle, Penn., and in 1858 came to Wheeling, where he was engaged with the Belmont iron company. In 1864 he became a stockholder in the Belmont iron company and removed to Ironton, Ohio, but in 1866 he returned to Wheeling and was employed in the old Top mill. His death occurred in 1878. By his marriage to Annie Adams, a native of Pennsylvania, who survives, he shad eleven children, seven of whom are living. Matthew A. Chew, when fourteen years old, spent three months as an apprentice with Bell, Atchison & Co. nail manufacturers, and then completed his trade with his father. Co., this he worked uninterruptedly at his trade, with the exception of seven months as a clerk in the store of Joseph Graves, at Wheeling, until 1885. At the time of the strike in that year he was elected national secretary of the the U. N. N. and R. association, and served in that capacity until the close of the strike in 1886. He then purchased a half interest in the News Letter, at Wheeling, and was connected with that paper until July, 1888. Resuming his trade, he worked at the Spaulding nail works at Brilliant Ohio, until November, 1889, when he was tendered his present position. He is widely known for his skillfullness, energy and enterprise. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Chew was married in August, 1878, to Annie, daughter of Joseph Graves, of Wheeling, and they have one- child, Ella B. William Clark, of Martin's Ferry, an old resident of that place and vicinity, is a native of Scotland, born at Kirkrubert, August 13, 1820. His father, Hugh Clark, came to America with his family in 1822, and for five years resided in Washington county, Penn., being then engaged in brewing. In 1827 he came to Wheeling, and became a partner of Henry Moore, for many years a prominent business man of that city. In 1842 he dissolved this partnership, having some time before acquired a tract of land on the island, where he then engaged in gardening until 1852, when he turned over the business to his eldest son, William, and made a trip to Scotland. Returning in 1854, he died December 25, 1856. By his marriage to Mary Manson, a native of Scotland, and a descendant of John Maitland, one of the conclave who adopted the confession of faith, together with shorter and larger cathecisms, and all the solemn leagues which have successfully governed the great Presbyterian church all these years, since the sixteenth century. He had six children, three of whom survive. 526 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. The mother died about 1867. The subject of this sketch was educated at Wheeling, and then aided his father until as has been stated he took entire charge of the gardening business on Wheeling Island. This he conducted until 1859 when he come to Martin's Ferry, and farmed and gardened until 1874. In that year he and others organized the Ohio City Nail company, of which he was elected president. To this enterprise he donated twenty acres of ground, the present site of the nail works, also gave To0 acres of coal in return for stock. About three years later the company made an assignment, and the works were afterward bought by the Laughlin Nail company. Mr. Clark was one of the greatest losers in the old company, to the amount of about $120,000. He has throughout life been enterprising and liberal in his relations to the public. In 1873 he donated to the county the land on which the Ohio valley free pike was built, and to the old Wheeling steel company, of which he was a director, he gave eight acres, now the site of the Elson Glass works. In 1872 he made an addition to the town, known as Clark's addition, now mostly built up. He has also been interested in banking, and With George H. Jenkins, John Armstrong and others, organized the Ohio City bank, now known as the Exchange bank, of which he was vice president. For several years Mr. Clark has led a retired life. Of the Presbyterian church he is an active member, has been elder for several years, was superintendent of the Sunday-school of the First church of Wheeling some time, and actively engaged in other Sunday-school work, and for many years superintended a mission school and almost entirely supported it financially and otherwise, and in 1883 was a commissioner to the general assembly of the church at Saratoga. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Clark was married September 26, 1849, to Margaret G. Culbertson, who died in May, 1870. To this union eight children were born, of whom there are living: Clara G., Mary M,, Sarah A., Thomas C., who is now a minister of the gospel of a Presbyterian church near Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; Martha A., and Phoebe R. In 1875 Mr. Clark was married to Annie E., daughter of Edward Mansfield, of Jefferson county, Ohio. Judge John S. Cochrane, a distinguished citizen of Martin's Ferry, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, September 9, 1841. His family in this country, prominent in the early settlement, is descended from William Cochrane, who was a native of England, and a cousin of Sir Thomas Cochrane, earl of Dumdonald, a British admiral. William Cochrane came to America about 1765, and settled near West Liberty on what is now known as the Jacobs and Dexton farms, which he acquired possession of by tomahawk right. He lost his life at the hands of the Indians during that savage raid, one incident of which was the famous leap of the frontiersman, McCullough. He was shot after a desperate chase, just as he was in sight of the block house at West Liberty. His companion, William Boggs, was captured but made his escape and returned to his home at Wheeling, where some of his descendants are still living. William Cochrane had three sons, Thomas, James and Robert. The latter, grandfather of Judge Coch- JUDGE JOHN S. COCHRANE BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 527 rane, was born in 1770, and reared near West Liberty, but when quite a young man he crossed to Ohio about the beginning of this century and settled near Burlington, Belmont county, where he acquired a large tract of land, which he resided upon until his death in 1860. Of his sixteen children, four are living. His son, Robert, Jr., father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Belmont county in 1814, and passed his life on a farm near Martin's Ferry, being one of the leading citizens of that vicinity. He died in 1863, from fever which he contracted in a southern hospital while trying to save the life of his son, Watson, then a prisoner of war. He was married about 1835 to Susannah Davis, by whom he had thirteen children, eleven of whom were reared. Six of the seven sons served in the Union army, but all escaped death, though two were severely wounded. When the father went south he left the large farm in charge of his wife and four daughters, in the midst of a severe winter, and they were compelled to haul feed through fifteen inches of snow to save their live stock, with but slight assistance from others. Their heroic efforts sufficed, however, to prevent any loss until the arrival of one of the sons, who secured a discharge and came home. They managed the farm until it was sold. The widow of Robert, Jr., is still living. Judge Cochrane was reared in Belmont county, and at twenty years of age, he enlisted in Company K, Fifteenth Ohio regiment, in the fall of 1861, with his brother, R. H. Cochrane, elsewhere mentioned. After one year's service he came home and administered on the estate of his deceased father. After the close of the war he determined to adopt the profession of law, and studied three years with Hon. William Kennon, judge of the supreme court of Ohio. He then began the practice at St. Clairsville, but soon afterward removed to Sedalia, Mo., where he followed his profession with success for ten years. He was elected prosecuting attorney and served one term, and in 1868 was elected judge of the court of common pleas, a position he filled with credit until 1872. In 1876 he removed to Wheeling, and practiced there until 1882, when he removed to Martin's Ferry, where he is still in the practice of law. He has always taken an active part in public affairs, and has been public-spirited and enterprising. In the republican party he has been quite prominent, and in 1888 was elected by his party as elector for the seventeenth congressional district. Judge Cochrane is now president of the Electric Light company of this place. He was married in 1867 to Mattie W. Weldin, of Wheeling. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is a member of the Knights of Honor, the Maccabees and the National Union fraternities. W. B. Crawford, postmaster and grocer of Blaine, Belmont county, Ohio, is a son of William F. and Harriet Crawford, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this book. Mr. Crawford was born April 5, 1852. His early life was passed in Bridgeport, where he received a common school education. After obtaining his schooling he engaged in the grocery business, first with his brother in Bridgeport. After remaining with his brother for five years he sold his interest in the 528 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. business and removed to Richland township, where he entered the dairy business. Four years later, Mr. Crawford returned to Pease township, and operated a farm for three years. Subsequently, in 1887, he established the grocery business, which he now conducts, having met with marked success. He was appointed postmaster at Blaine, July , 1889, and took charge of the office July 23, 1889. Mr. Crawford has been a school director of the township, serving to the satisfaction of all concerned. In 1881, he married Miss Fannie, daughter of Edward and Catherine Simpson. Mrs. Crawford was born March 3, 1863; the mother, Catherine Simpson, was born, December 25, 1843, and the father November 27, 1841. The following named children have been born to them: Carl E., born March 19, 1882; Gertrude, born March 20, 1884; Harriet C., born April 16, 1885; David R., born July 29, 1887, and Francis H., born December 3, 1889. Mr. Crawford is a member of the Masonic Order of Bridgeport, and Mrs. Crawford is a regular communicant of the Presbyterian church. W. B. Crawford is a man who has gained the respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen, and is regarded as a business man of much foresight and ability. Rev. Dr. Frank S. De Hass was born in Washington county, Penn., October 1, 1821. The family was originally German, being known by the name of Von Hass, and having three distinct branches. The family were Protestant Huguenots, emigrated to Holland, and in 1772 some portion of them came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. Gen. John Philippy Hass, of Revolutionary memory, was an immediate ancestor of the subject of our notice. Dr. De Hass was educated at Washington college, Penn., and was licensed as a Methodist preacher in 1843. His first appointment was at Leesburg, Ohio, in connection with the Pittsburgh conference. He was ordained deacon in 1845, and elder in 1857. In 1845 he was stationed at Murrysville, Penn.; in 1846, Weston, Va.; in 1847-'48, Wheeling; in 1849-'50, agent' of Allegheny college; in 1851-'52, Wesley college, Pittsburgh; 1853-'54, secretary of " Tract Society," in Methodist church; in 1855-'56, Trinity church, Pittsburgh; in 1857-'58, again secretary of Tract Society; in 1859-'60, Seventh street, New York; 1861-'62, Washington street, Brooklyn. He was appointed to the Pacific Street church, Brooklyn, in 1863, and three years later went to the Metropolitan church, in Washington city, where he remained three years. Among the attendants at this church were, President Grant, Vice-p-resident Colfax, Chief Justice Chase and many other distinguished 'individuals. Two years were then spent with Trinity church, Cincinnati, and two subsequent years' travel in Europe, Egypt and Palestine. In the Holy Land he secured a rare manuscript of the Book of Moses, found in a tomb supposed to date a century before Christ. April 1, 1872, he was appointed to the Lexington Avenue church, New York. He received the degree of D. D. from Michigan university, in 1870. Dr. De Hass .enjoyed considerable reputation as an eloquent speaker. Various sermons at camp meetings were spoken of as grand in the extreme. On one occasion he chained the attention of 10,000 persons for one hour and twenty BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 529 minutes. He attended the general Sunday-school convention held in London, in 1862, and at one of the sessions made a speech of marked beauty and power. His publications are principally sermons. At the time of his appointment to the consulate at Jerusalem, Dr. De Hass was pastor of the Lexington Avenue Methodist church, New York city, which charge he resigned soon after. A gentleman of high social culture and of varied learning and accomplishments, he was amply qualified for all the requirements of his office and made a worthy representative of our country abroad. In addition to his consular duties Dr. De Hass devoted his leisure hours to biblical researches in and around Jerusalem. After his return from the Holy Land and the last years of his life were spent principally in travel. Some ten years before his death he came to Martin's Ferry, where he owned some property, and on account of his mother living here. Three years before his death symptoms of cancer began to appear on the lower part of his face, and was ultimately the cause of his death, which occurred December 8, 1889. He never took an active part in politics, but was ever identified with the republican party. He was also a member of the Masonic order. James H. Drennen is a native of Steubenville, Ohio, was brought up on a farm from his fifth to his fourteenth year, at which time he went to Pittsburgh to serve an apprenticeship to a cabinet- and chair- maker whose place of business was corner of Third and Smithfield streets. In 1837 he went to Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio, to work at his trade. There he married, and purchasing a farm in Pease township, three miles distant from Martin's Ferry, where he continued to reside till the care of the News requiring all his attention, he removed to Martin's Ferry, where he has since resided. Since he has had control of the News, the place has grown from a village of 1,800, to a city of 7,000 to 8,000 inhabitants; from one railroad, the Cleveland & Pittsburgh, it has two in operation, and another nearly completed, which will open up additional communications with the entire country, and give several other railroads access to the city and the east via the splendid railroad bridge connecting the city with Wheeling, which will be completed in June. During the existence of the News, manufacturing of iron and glass has been firmly established in the little city where it is published, for which that paper is certainly entitled to a due share of credit, as it has always given prominence to all enterprises which Mr. Drennen believed would tend to building up the town of his adoption. While the News has never been a partisan sheet, it has always contended for a protective tariff, and while Mr. Drennen remains in control, it may be depended on to favor any policy which will create and foster a diversified industry. George Duncan, of Martin's Ferry, a prominent attorney, was born in Allegheny county, Penn., May 11, 1841. He is the son of Thomas Duncan, a native of Pennsylvania, who was reared in Allegheny county, and learned the trade of wool-carding. He became the owner of a carding mill about ten miles north of Pittsburgh, on the Allegheny road, which he operated about forty years. Disposing of this 34 - B 530 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. in 1862, he purchased a farm on which he resided until his death, November 19, 1864. He was married in 1838, to Nancy Herdman, by whom he had six children, of whom three besides the subject of this sketch, are living. The mother also survives. George Duncan received his early education in the common schools of Allegheny county, and in the Valley academy, and when about nineteen years old began the study of law with Thomas Howard and John D. Mahon, of Pittsburgh. Removing subsequently to Columbiana county, Ohio, he completed his studies with J. D. King, and in November, 1865, he was admitted to the bar of Mahoning county. While pursuing these professional studies he had followed teaching in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Beginning the practice in Columbiana county, 1n 1867, he remained there seven years, and then went to Norwalk, Ohio, which was his residence until he removed to Martin's Ferry, in the spring of 1878. Here he has attained a creditable place in his profession, and is widely known as a learned and successful lawyer. Mr. Duncan was married in 1863, to Maggie Hall, of Allegheny county, by whom he has three children: Thomas M., Nannie V., and Lottie. William K. Elson, of Martin's Ferry, one of the most enterprising manufacturers of the upper Ohio valley, was born in Stark county, Ohio, November 27, 1833. He is the son of John and Harriet Elson, the former of whom died when the subject of this sketch was but nine months old. In 1837 the latter came to Wheeling with his mother, and in that city attended the then indifferent schools until he was twelve years old, after which he entered the employment of Barnes, Hobbs & Co. He then learned the trade of a glass blower, and became a master of that craft. He did not leave the employment of this company until he was about twenty, nine years of age, when, in 1863, in company with John Oesterling, Peter Castle, James Leisure and others, he started a small factory at W heeling, which has since developed into the Central Glass works. He remained with this glass manufacturing company until January, 1878, when he became associated with the Belmont glass house, of Bellaire, and remained there five years. In 1881, he joined with M. Sheets and others in the organization of the Elson Glass company at Martin's Ferry, of which he has acted as president, and now holds the position of general manager. W. H. Robinson is now president of the company. Mr. Elson's residence at Martin's Ferry began in 1885, and though a comparatively recent comer, he is accorded a prominent place in business and social circles, and is highly esteemed by all. His political affiliation is with the republican party. Mr. Elson was married in 1855, and has three children. Mrs. Elson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Henry Floto, president of the Northwood Glass company, of Martin's Ferry, was born in Brunswick, Germany, in 1839. He is the son of Lewis and Caroline (Frohme) Floto, natives of Germany. The father, who died in 1850, was a shoemaker by trade, and also engaged in farming. The mother is still living in Germany. Henry Floto received a limited education in Germany and learned the craft of a BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 531 glass-blower, at which he was engaged until he came to the United States in 1863. He found employment at Steubenville about one year, then worked at McKee's Glass works at Pittsburgh, afterward at various places, and in 1866 came to Martin's Ferry and entered the employment of Sweeney & McCluny. Soon afterward he and his brother purchased the bakery establishment of J. Ensley, and this he still conducts. He is also a stockholder and president of the Northwood Glass company. He has been highly successful in business, and is one of the most enterprising men of the town. No less than thirteen residences and other buildings have been erected by him in Martin's Ferry, and he is active in the public interests. Mr. Floto also owns large tracts of land in Tennessee. He was married in 1866 to Margaret Roller, of Steubenvile, and nine children have been born to them: George, Hattie, Frank, Henry, Christian, Emma, William, Minnie (deceased), and Charles. He is a member of the Lutheran, and his wife of the Catholic, church. E. W. Gilmore is a native of Ohio, born in the town of Smithfield, Jefferson county, that state. His parents, John and Elizabeth, were both natives of Maryland. In 1869 he moved to Bridgeport, Ohio. Some five years after his removal to Bridgeport, he entered the grocery business, and still occupies the stand where he commenced trading. The business, urged on by his thrift and foresight, has steadily increased, year by year, until at the present time he ranks among the leading grocers of Bridgeport. Mr. Gilmore is a member of Belmont lodge, K. of P., of Bridgeport. Politically, he is a " liberal " democrat. Thomas L. Glessner, president of the Laughlin Nail company, is a native of Zanesville, Ohio, and a son of Jacob Glessner, one of the pioneer publishers of eastern Ohio. Jacob Glessner was born in Somerset county, Penn., where he learned the printer's trade. In 1834 he removed to St. Clairsville, Ohio, and, in company with his brother, purchased the St. Clairsville Gazetle, which they published about five years. He then went to Zanesville, and published the Aurora, the leading democratic organ, for six years, after which he established a family journal, known as the Zanesville City Times, which he conducted for over twenty years. In 1867 he sold the paper and purchased the Zanesville paper mill, which he managed until 1886, since when he has been retired from business. While at St. Clairsville he was married to Miss Laughlin, of Wheeling, and five children have been born to them, of whom one is deceased. Thomas L. Glessner, after receiving his education at Zanesville, entered the Benwood Iron works, and there remained six years, having charge of the Benwood office. In 1878, in company with his uncle, Alexander Laughlin, he purchased the Ohio City Iron and Nail works, at Martin's Ferry, and organized the Laughlin Nail company, of which he acted as secretary until the death of Mr. Laughlin in 1885, when he assumed his present position. The works were partially destroyed by fire in 1882 and again in 1886, but each time were rebuilt and enlarged, and they are now the second largest nail works in the world. 532 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Mr. Glessner is also president of the Laughlin and Junction Steel company, which built and operates the Bessemer Steel works at Mingo Junction. He has been a resident of Wheeling since 1872, and is regarded as one of its foremost citizens. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is in political matters a republican. He was married in 1879, to a daughter of George R. Taylor, elsewhere mentioned, and one child, Mary, has been born to this union. C. F. Handel, the subject of this sketch, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 28, 1840. Four years later his parents came to the United States and settled at Pasco Station, Ohio. Learning the printer's trade in Wheeling, he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at his trade until the outbreak of the late war. Heeding his adopted country's call, he was among the first to enroll himself on the roster of the Ninth regiment of the Ohio volunteer infantry, whose fortunes he bravely followed through the trying scenes of the battles of Rich Mountain, Fairfax Ferry, Mills's Springs, Shiloh, Perryville, Chickamauga and Resaca. Having been honorably discharged in the year 1864, he went to New York, where he followed his trade for one year, after which he returned to Ohio and established a grocery business at Pasco, his father's old home. Mr. Handel remained at Pasco until 1871, then removed to Wheeling, where he became a member of the firm of Klein & Handel, wholesale dealers in notions. In 1883 he again moved, this time to Bridgeport, Ohio. He established a grocery house here which he still presides over, and under his guidance does an increasingly prosperous buisness. Mr. Handel married Miss Elizabeth Breidenstein in 1870. Miss Breidenstein was the daughter of Caspar Breidenstein, one of the most prominent and honored of Bridgeport's pioneers. Two sons, Willie and Albert, are the result of this union. The qualities that made him a true, courageous soldier, a successful business man and an upright citizen, won him the regard of his fellow townsmen, and in 1886, their vote placed him in the city council. A member of the republican party, yet respected by all parties. The family are members of the German Lutheran church of Wheeling. Joseph T. Hanes, of Martin's Ferry, a prominent business man, was born at that place, July 7, 1839. His father, James Hanes, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Martin's Ferry in 1855, and was one of the first settlers, erecting one of the first dwelling houses. His occupation was marble-cutting, which he followed until his death in 1862. In 1827 he was married to Rebecca Hadsell, a native of Pennsylvania, who died July 18, 1889, aged eighty-eight years. These parents had eight children, all of whom are living. The subject of this sketch received his education in the old log school-house on Lucas street, and in the Union school, and then took a commercial course with the intention of starting a commercial school, but this was prevented by the war of the rebellion. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, of the Fifteenth Ohio regiment, and served until 1865. He was captured at the battle of Chickamauga, and for over sixteen months was confined at Andersonville and other military prisons, at one time almost suf- BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 533 fering death from scurvy. When exchanged in November, 1864, he was completely broken down and required crutches to move about. After the war he took up his father's business, which he carried on until 1874, when failing health compelled him to abandon it and he engaged in the real estate business. In this he does a considerable business, and is also interested in building associations, one of which, the Franklin, he started in 1879. He also acts as a notary public and insurance and steamship agent. He has taken an active interest in politics as a republican, and has been influential in municipal affairs, having, as councilman, been instrumental in securing water works. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and National Union fraternities. Mr. Hanes. was married in 1869 to Anna Clyker, of Wheeling, by whom he has had three children, Gertrude C., Lyman S., and James W., deceased. Charles A. H. Helling, of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, secretary of the Northwood Glass works of that city, was born in Derenthal, province of Brunswick, Germany, March 24, 1847. He is the son of Henry and Sophia Helling, who came to this country about 1849. They remained at Wheeling some two years, and then came to Martin's Ferry, their subsequent residence. Henry Helling was one of the leading men of his day, being for many years the leading coal dealer of Martin's Ferry, and interested in nearly all the enterprises of the place. He was a member of the Ohio City Nail mill company, now known as the Laughlin Nail mill company, the Buckeye Glass company, the Martin's Ferry Stone company, and was one of the organizers of the old Ohio City bank known as the Exchange bank at present, and of the Northwood Glass company. In other business channels he also acted as a public-spirited man, and was one of the organizers of the German Lutheran church. He died May 27, 1889, but his wife survives. They were the parents of five children, one of whom is deceased. The subject of this sketch after attending the schools of Martin's Ferry in his youth, went into business with his father as book-keeper, a position he held until January, 1888, when he took the position of shipping clerk. In 1889 he was elected secretary of the company which he now efficiently serves. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran church. He was married December t0, 1872, to Kate Dorsch, of Martin's Ferry, who died in 1873, leaving one child, Charles G. In October, 1874, Mr. Helling was married to Annie Burk, daughter of Frederick Burk, born in the Province of Wurtemberg, Germany. They have three sons and three daughters, one son having died. William E. Hervey, M. D., a successful physician and surgeon of Martin's Ferry, was born in Ohio county, W. Va., October 2, 1855. He is a grandson of William Hervey, one of the early residents of the state of West Virginia, a farmer by occupation, and an influential citizen. Thomas H. Hervey, son of the latter, and the father of Dr. Hervey, was born in Ohio county. He followed farming and stock- raising and was a prosperous and worthy man. By his marriage in 534 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. 1851 to Rachel A. Maxwell, he had eight children, all of whom are living. Dr. Hervey was reared in Ohio county, and was educated at the West Liberty Normal school, the academy at Cannonsburgh, Penn., and at the Washington and Jefferson college, where he was graduated. In 1879 he began the study of medicine under Dr. J. T. Carter, of Triadelphia, and in the following year he entered the medical college of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1882. He opened an office at Martin's Ferry in the same year, and has since then been actively engaged in the practice. He is held in high regard as a physician and as a citizen. The doctor was married in October, 1886, to Jennie, daughter of John Armstrong, elswhere mentioned. They have one child, Margaret A. Dr. Hervey and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. James L. Higgins was born in Bridgep0rt, Ohio, April 10th, 1854, of Irish-American parentage; his father being a native of Ireland, and his mother a native of Ohio. Mr. Higgins's early life was passed in the public schools of Bridgeport. He filled various situations satisfactorily until the year 1881, when an opportunity for entering the grocery trade offered itself, which he accepted. Having succeeded to the business of Joseph Waterman, he brought to it the energy and uprightness which had always characterized him, and which have made him the successful business man that he is. He has since added to his grocery business by establishing a line of transfer wagons, which are run in connection with the C. & P. railroad. Mr. Higgins is an acceptable member of the following secret orders: K. G. E., Washington castle No. 5, of Bridgeport; Belmont lodge, No. 109, K. of P.; and also the Knights of Labor and Knights of Maccabees. In politics he is a republican. In 1885 Mr. Higgins was married to Azelia Rosa, of Wheeling, a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church. Two sons, Arthur and Paul, have blessed their union. One of the most skillful machinists of Bridgeport is Thomas Hill. Mr. Hill is an Englishman by birth, having been born in that country, July 6, 1840, in Dunstairs, Elton township, Lancashire. His parents were John and Rebecca Hill, also natives of England. John Hill was born in the year 1817, and his wife 1819. They reared a family of four sons and two daughters, one of the daughters is now deceased. Thomas Hill, the principal of this biography, lived in England until he had reached manhood. He learned the machinist's trade in his native land. May 24, 1861, he was united in marriage to Sarah A. Leach, daughter of James and Elizabeth Leach, both English born. Mr. and Mrs. Hill and one son emigrated to this country July 6, 1863. After their arrival, Mr. Hill worked at his trade in Massachusetts for three years, then returned to England, but in one year came back to the United States and took up his residence in Bridgeport, Ohio. Until the spring of 1870 Mr. Hill was employed in the shops of Spence, Wiley & Gray, machinists of Martin's Fery. At this time he started the shop which he now occupies. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had five sons and six daughters, seven of these children are now living. Mr. Hill is a member of the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias, and Sons BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 535 of St. George; he is also an active and influential communicant of the Presbyterian church, and is very prominent in Y. M. C. A. work. He is always ready to give of his means and time to any public improvement, or to aid the needy and afflicted. Stephen Hipkins, Jr., proprietor of the Novelty Model works, of Martin's Ferry,. was born in England, July, 1841. His father, who bore the same name, was a blacksmith by trade, and after coming to this country, followed his trade for a number of years, being for some time in the employment of the Ohio Central railroad, and afterward in business for himself. He resided successively at Philadelphia, Zanesville, Ohio, and Bellaire, living in the latter place from 1859 for fifteen years. Since then he has resided upon a farm. He was married in England to Eliza Brown, who survives, and they had ten children, seven of whom are living. The subject of this sketch was eight years old when he came to this country, and when about fourteen years old, became an apprentice in iron working with H. & P. Blandey, of Zanesville, and after removing to Bellaire, entered the employment of the Central Ohio railroad, and completed the trade of lqcomotive machinist. He served as a foreman with the company until 1861 or 1862, and then was engaged a year at Zanesville, after which he entered the service of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh road at the Wellsburg shops. Soon afterward he removed to Bellaire and established a shop, in connection with which he made glass moulds for the Belmont glass company, an occupation to which his attention was turned while working for some years with George Barnes, who was employed in that manner. After working at Wheeling for Hobbs, Brockunier & Co., he came to Martin's Ferry, to take charge of the mould department of the Buckeye Glass works. This position he resigned in 1884 and engaged in a limited way on his own account in the manufacture of glass moulds, with the assistance of his sons. By hard work and perseverance this business has grown to be the largest of the kind in the valley outside of Pittsburgh. The reputation of his goods is wide spread, and they have a ready sale. He is a public-spirited citizen, takes an active part in municipal affairs, having been a member of the city council, and now holding the office of president of the water works board, and in politics he is an earnest republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the Masonic, Knights of Honor, Odd Fellows, and G. A. R. fraternities, having been qualified for membership in the latter by service in Company I, One Hundred and Seventieth Ohio infantry. Mr. Hipkins was married in 1862 to Maggie H. Heatherington, of Bellaire, and they have eight children: Bertie, George, Howard, Emma, Jessie, Laura, and Frank and Flora, twins. Robert T. Howell is the son of one of those old stalwarts whose footsteps can be traced upon the pages of pioneer history so long as men remain true to the past, and do not forget the teachings of their fathers. David E. Howell came to this country from Wales, at the time when the infant Republic was most in need of true sons. He settled in Bridgeport in its early days, where he engaged in the wagon 536 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. and carriage business, afterward becoming a grocer. He served as justice of the peace of Pease township, for twenty-eight years, and was postmaster at Bridgeport for eight or nine years. He married Susan Marders, a native of Mississippi, by whom he had thirteen children. After a life of usefulness and probity, he died in the city of his adoption, having lived there for forty-five years. Mrs. Howell is still living. Robert Howell came into this world November 22, 1841. After receiving a practical education in the Bridgeport common schools he became connected with his father in the hardware business, the name of the firm being D. E. Howell & Son. He continued with his father for six years, when he sold his interest to him and went into the produce business, engaging in this for some fifteen years, after which he entered the insurance and real estate business, which he continues to the present time. In 1885 Mr. Howell was elected justice of the peace of Pease township, which position he still occupies. On May 7, 1867, he married Rebecca L. Worthington, a daughter of the Rev. N. C. Worthington, a Methodist minister of Bridgeport, at that time, now located in Muskingum county, Ohio. Five children have come to bless their lives, all of them living. W. W. holds a position with the Warfield Grocery company, of Quincy, Ill.; Charles W., Frank, Maggie and Susie still remain at home. Mr. . Howell is a member of Bridgeport lodge, No. 181, F. & A. M.; Belmont chapter, No. 141, also of Bridgeport lodge, No. 109, K. of P. He served his country bravely during her struggle, as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Seventieth Ohio volunteer infantry Politically, he is a staunch republican. Mrs. Howell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a worthy companion of her husband's life. John C. Kehrer, of Martin's Ferry, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1831, the son of John Kehrer, who was a gardener and grape raiser, by occupation. He died in 1853, and his wife 1851. Mr. Kehrer received good educational advantages in Germany up to his fourteenth year, when he was apprenticed for three years, to a stone mason. Subsequently he followed his trade in that country two years, as a journeyman, and then, in 1849, came to the United States. On landing, he came directly to Wheeling, and followed his trade there until 1858. He then took a tour through the west, visiting all the large cities, and on his return, crossed to Martin's Ferry, and in partnership with others, purchased a tract of thirty-one acres, upon which he began the culture of grapes. As soon as the vineyard was producing, they provided a cellar, and under the firm name of Scheele & Kehrer, began the production of wine. This was the first wine cellar in the valley, and the qualities of the soil for wine production was not yet known. The experiment has, however, under the skillful management of Mr. Kehrer, proved to be an entire success, and the product of their vineyard finds a ready market in all the cities of the land. The firm now has about fifteen acres of land devoted to vineyard, and produces four to five thousand gallons of wine per year. Mr. Kehrer is recognized as one of the most competent wine producers of the val- BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 537 ley, and as a citizen, he is highly esteemed. He is a member of the German Lutheran church, has been a Mason since 1856, and is a republican. He was married in 1851, to Matilda Cook, of Wheeling, and they have had six children: Jeannette, Albert, Matilda, Emma, Lizzie and Clara, the two latter being deceased. Robert Kirkwood, the subject of the following sketch, was born near Newark, Del., in 1756. His ancestors were Scotch, but in the latter part of the seventeenth century a branch of the family removed to the north of Ireland. In this Scotch settlement, near Derry, about 1731, lived two brothers, William and Robert Kirkwood, both born in Ireland. These are the first names in the connection that have come down to us. William, some ten or twelve years the senior, died in Ireland, leaving a widow with two children. Robert, the younger brother, the father of our subject, when a very young man, concluded to emigrate to America. He set sail about 1732, with the widow and children of his brother William, and landed in Newcastle, Del., some time in the year. They soon made their way to a farm two miles northwest of Newark. Mr. Kirkwood, though in reduced circumstances at the time of his arrival, by dint of industry and economy became in a few years the owner of this farm on which he had found his first American home. He married a Miss McDowell, a member of the Society of Friends. Their family contained an only son, and he was given his father's name — Robert. With a view to his preparation for the Christian ministry he was given a classical training in the Newark academy, But the commencement of hostilities with Great Britain aroused the patriotism of the youthful student; he enlisted in the Delaware regiment commanded by Col. Hazlett, and was made a lieutenant at the early age of twenty. Kirkwood was with the army of Washington at New York, participated in the Long Island campaign, and was in the battles of Princeton, Trenton and Brandywine. After the death of Col. Hazlett, who fell at Princeton, he was appointed captain, an office in which he served until the close of the war. It has been asked why a soldier of Capt. Kirkwood's merit was never promoted to a higher rank. Suffice 1t to say that in the disastrous battle of Camden the Delaware regiment was reduced from eight to two companies, and required, therefore, no higher office than a captain. The soldiers who had been under Hazlett's command were taken to South Carolina by Gen. Gates in 1780. Capt. Kirkwood bore an honorable part in the battles of Camden, the Cowpens, Guilford, and others. " During all that southern campaign," it has been said, " he was the first in the British lines, and also in their works. Nine of the enemy's fortifications were successively taken, and in them our hero was always the first to place a foot. For his great services he repeatedly received thanks from Generals Greene, Morgan, and Smallwood. His individual exertions obtained a peculiar renown for what remained of the Delaware regiment. At the close of the war, Capt. Kirkwood, through the influence of Washington, was brevetted a major. He returned to his native state, and was received by his fellow-citizens with distinguished honors. His friends 538 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. in Delaware numbered almost the entire population." Major Kirkwood married a Miss England, and their residence was for some time at Cantwell's Bridge, now Odessa, Del. About 1788 or '89, he removed to Ohio, immediately west of Wheeling, Va. He was said to have been the first white man to fix his home 1n that section of what was then the northwestern territory. His house, built chiefly by his own hands, was a log cabin, covered with bark. He was exposed to the attacks of neighboring Indians, who, as he soon learned, were designing to make him a captive. On being informed of their intentions, he secured the assistance of a few soldiers from Wheeling. Armed with muskets, they awaited the attack, which was made near midnight. The Indians, finding the door barred, set fire to the bark roof. At Kirkwood's order the roof was knocked off with the butts of their muskets, the assailants, seen by the light of the burning roof, were fired upon and pursued. Several Indians were killed, the rest fled, and the major with his party escaped unhurt. During the first years of Washington's administration great depredations were committed by the Indians in many parts of the northwest territory. To repel these savages and afford protection to settlers, an army was raised in 1791 and placed under the command of Gen. St. Clair. In the memorable defeat of that year (November 4), Kirkwood fell, mortally wounded. All we know of his last moments is stated by Col. Slough, a fellow officer, in a letter written thirty years after the event. He said: " Capt. Kirkwood had been sick for several days previous to the 4th of November, but was always ready for duty. At the dawn of day, that morning, after the advanced guard was attacked and driven in, I saw him cheering his men, and by his example, inspiring confidence in all who saw him. When he received the wound, I cannot say. I was at a distance from him, and busily engaged in attending to my own duty. About 8 o'clock, I received a severe wound in my right arm, just above the elbow. As it bled very much, and our surgeon was in the rear, I was advised to go and have it dressed. On my way to re-join my company, I found my friend Kirkwood, lying against the root of a tree, shot through the abdomen, and in great pain. After calling to the surgeon, and commending him to his care, I saw no more of him until the retreat was ordered, I then ran to him, and proposed having him carried off. He said, " No, I am dying; save yourself, if you can, and leave me to my fate. . . . I see the Indians coming, and God knows how they will treat me." Some weeks after the battle, the ground was visited by American soldiers, to make such disposition as was possible, of the killed, left on the field. The body of Maj. Kirkwood was recognized by a pair of Indian moccasins, known to have been in his possession. Many years afterward, as the present writer was informed by Hon. John M. Clayton, the people of Delaware would have given his remains an honorable burial in his native state, but their identification was no longer possible. Maj. Kirkwood left but two children, a son, Joseph R., and a daughter, Mary. The latter married Mr. Whitely, of Delaware. Her son, Robert Kirkwood Whitely, was educated at West Point, and be- BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 539 came a captain in the United States army. The son, Joseph R. Kirkwood, married Miss Gillespie, a descendant of Rev. George Gillespie. the first pastor of White Clay Creek, and head of Christiana churches near Newark, Del. They removed at an early day, to Bridgeport, Ohio. Their only son died in infancy, so that the name of Kirkwood, in this branch of the family, is now extinct. The name in another branch is by no means rare. The numerous descendants of daughters, however, bearing the names of Alexander, Allen, Large and McConahey, are well-known and highly respected in the upper Ohio valley. Koehnline Bros. is one of the very best firms doing business in the vicinity of Bridgeport, The business was founded by John M. Koehnline, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1816. Coming to America in 1838 he located at Bellaire, Ohio, where he carried on a coal and ice business for four years, shipping coal to the southern markets. Moving to Marshall county, W. Va., he remained there until 1863, at the expiration of which time he went to Bridgeport, Ohio, where he died in 1875. While living at Bellaire he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Klemm, a native of Baden, Germany. They were the parents of six children, four of them surviving: Elizabeth, now the wife of N. Zimmer; Henry, William and John. William, the subject of this sketch, is the junior member of the firm of Koehnline Bros. He was born April 4, 1858, in Marshall county, W. Va.. After obtaining a good education in the public schools of Bridgeport, he worked for his father in the coal and ice trade until the death of the latter. In 1878 the firm of Koehnline Bros. was formed, and still exists, doing a very large coal and ice business at Bridgeport. November 17, 1889, he married Miss Rachel Fox, of the same city. Mr. Koehnline is a prominent member of Belmont lodge, No. 09, K. of. P., of Bridgeport, and an acceptable member of the Lutheran church. Three different times this energetic, successful young business man has been honored by an election to the Bridgeport council, of which he is a member at the present time. A thorough republican in politics, yet he has always conducted himself with such uprightness and wisdom that those of all parties honor and respect him. John, the senior member of the firm, was born March 14, 1841, in Marshall county, W. Va. He was educated in Marshall county schools, and has done his share towards making the reputation of the firm what it is. August F. Koehrsen, of Martin's Ferry, a prominent hardware dealer and roofer, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, August 28, 1864, the son of Peter F. and Emma (Walters) Koehrsen. His father served seven years as an apprentice to the trade of cabinetmaker, which he followed in Denmark until 1865, when he came to the United States. He resided successively in New York, New Jersey, at Richmond, Va., and then came to Wheeling, where he resided until 1871, when he made his home at Martin's Ferry, where he has since lived, being engaged with the Buckeye Glass company. By his marriage, which occurred in 1857, he had seven children, three of 540 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. whom are living. Their mother died at Wheeling, February 6, 1871. The subject of this sketch at the age of sixteen began an apprenticeship of two years with James Clayland, of Bridgeport, as a roofer, and then worked as a journeyman four years. In May, 1887, he established a small business at Bridgeport, borrowing the money with which to buy the necessary tools. He remained there until January, 1889, when he removed to Martin's Ferry, where his business has steadily prospered and increased until he now occupies the three floors of his business site. Mr. Koehrsen is one of the most successful young business men of the place, and has the good will of all. He was married December 24, 1884, to Mary E., daughter of William E. Freese, deceased, of Terre Haute, Ind., and they have had two children: Newton S. and Charles O., the latter having died in infancy. Mrs. Koehrsen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the order of the Golden Eagle. Charles W. Kuckuck, a prominent merchant of Martin's Ferry, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, December 1, 1866. The subject of this sketch received his early education at Martin's Ferry, and subsequently attended the business college at Wheeling. Before attending college he was engaged with the Buckeye & Union Glass Co., as shipping clerk, and after completing his education he engaged in the hat business, purchasing the busines then conducted by Mr. Swartz. This business he has since continued, and enlarged by the addition of clothing and furnishing goods, and his establishment is now conceded to be the leading clothing and hat establishment in the city. His enterprise and sagacity in trade have fairly earned for him a leading position among the business men of the place, and his public spirit has made him one of the town's valued citizens. In 1889 he, in company with Messrs. Ong and Swartz, began the erection of one of the largest business blocks in Martin's Ferry, a part of which is in use as an opera house. Mr. Kuckuck takes an active part in fraternity matters and is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Knights of Pythias, the American Mechanics and Foresters. John W. Lane, a prominent business man of Martin's Ferry, was born near Williamstown, Wood county, W.Va., January 15, 1861. He is the grandson of Samuel Lane, who settled in Upshur county, W. Va., in an early day, and engaged in stock-raising, dying in 1886, and the son of Perry Lane, who was reared as a farmer at the home of his father, in Upshur county, and is engaged in that calling in Wood county, where he settled about 1856. The latter was married about 1860, to Susan Mail, and seven children were born to them, of whom one is deceased. John W. Lane was educated in the common schools at his home, and at the commercial college at Parkersburgh. At seventeen he became an apprentice of Cole Bros., plumbers, machinists and steam fitters, of Parkersburgh, and served four years. He then worked at his trade one year in the Baltimore & Ohio railroad shops at that place, after which he was engaged at Wheeling and Pittsburgh until 1867. In the latter year he established his present business at Martin's Ferry, starting in partnership with BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 541 his brother, 0. B. Lane, who remained a partner until July, 1889, since when the business has been entirely in the hands of the subject of this sketch. His well-known skill and talent for business has led to the building up of a large and lucrative trade. Mr. Lane is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and Knights of Pythias, and in politics is democratic. He was married in June, 1885, to Mary E. Murray, of Wheeling. William B. Lewis, manager of the Laughlin Nail mill, of Martin's Ferry, was born at Wheeling, W. Va., August, 1842. His father, Thomas E. Lewis, a native of Monmouthshire, England, was a millwright by trade, and on coming to the United States in 1825, first settled in Baltimore, where he resided several years. Removing then to Wheeling, he erected the first two rolling mills at that place, the old Top mill, and the mill which stood where the Baltimore & Ohio passenger depot now is. In 1850 he took a contract for removing a rolling mill from Cincinnati to St. Lous, but died in Cincinnati May 11, 1850. He was married in 1838 to Emily Tyson, a native of Fredericksburg, Va., daughter of James and Mary Tyson, a soldier of the war of 1812. She is still living with her son. The children born to this marriage-were six in number, and three are now living. The subject of this sketch received his education in the night schools at Wheeling, and when only seven years old began work in the Top mill, where he continued until the mill was destroyed by fire in 1852. He found employment in various mills until he was twenty-one years old, when he went to Cincinnati, and until 1873 was manager of the Cincinnati Railway Iron works. At the time of the panic he went to San Francisco, where he was engaged in rail making two years. During that period he had partly contracted with the Chinese government for the running of a rolling mill in that country, but the death of his wife compelled him to give up the project. Returning to Moundsville in 1876 he remained there until 1878, when he entered the employment of the Laughlin Nail company as a roller. In 1884 he became a member of the joint stock company which erected the rolling mills at Brilliant, and he was manager of the forge department of that establishment until January, 1889, when he accepted his present position with the Laughlin company. Mr. Lewis is one of the most skillful iron workers of the country, and as a manager he is very highly valued. In social and public affairs he takes an active part. He 1s a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the I. 0. 0. F. and Knights of Honor and National Union fraternities, and has served the community three years as a member of the school board. Mr. Lewis was married in 1865 to Camilla Carpenter, of Wheeling, who died in 1878. By this union he had five children, William F., who represents his father's interests in a furniture store at East Liverpool; Laura C., deceased; Thomas E.; Emma, deceased; and John, deceased. D. S. Loe, the well-known citizen and grocer of West Wheeling, Ohio, was born in Old Philadelphia, Penn., February 22, 1832. His parents were Robert and Catherine Loe, natives of Pennsylvania, who 542 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. came to Ohio in 1838, and settled on a farm owned by John Fink, where they resided for about two years, they then removed to Bellaire and remained there for a short time. Finally taking a farm on Gravel Hill the father and his six sons operated a farm there for several years. D. S. Loe was the recipient of an average common school education, such as was obtainable to the young of those days. He went to the "Old Stone School-house" just below the present city of West Wheeling, situated on Whiskey run. After leaving school Mr. Loe became a brick-layer, having acquired the trade from his elder brother. For several years the Loe brothers, six of them, followed the brick-layer's trade at Wheeling, W. Va. Mr. Loe worked in the Riverside mill for nine years after abandoning brick-laying, and during all these years he lost but twenty-four days from his work. In 1883 he embarked in the grocery business and has since continued in this business, having met with much success. He is classed among the enterprising citizens of the place, and can be relied upon to aid any movement promising benefit to the community. Mr. Loe and Miss Janes Boyles were joined in marriage in the year 1852 and their union has resulted in the birth of five sons and three daughters, one son and one daughter being deceased. Mr. Loe is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and his wife and sons are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church. Conrad Long, of Martin's Ferry, a successful business man, was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, in April, 1836. Before he was two years old, his father and mother died, and he was left in the care of other relatives. At fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to a tinner, with whom he worked until he was eighteen years old, when in the year 1854, he came to the United States, in the company of an uncle and aunt, who settled in Virginia. He came on to Wheeling, and entered the employment of George W. Johnson, with whom he remained two years. He then made his home at Martin's Ferry, in 1856, and for one year was in the employment of Mr. Dunlevy, whose business he subsequently purchased. He was one of the first tinners in Martin's Ferry, and laid the first tin roof in the town and in eastern Ohio. His services were consequently in great demand at various neighboring places, and he built up a large business in tinning, to which he gave his personal attention until 1884. His business grew rapidly from the start, and in 1859, he purchased a lot on Washington street, and in 1880 erected a business block on Washington street on the site of his old shop. To this he added a large storeroom in 1887. His hardware stock has been enlarged until he now has one of the leading establishments of the kind in the valley, and also carries a large line of agricultural implements. In 1884 his stock was considerably damaged by the flood, but he has since repaired his losses. Beginning as a poor orphan boy in a foreign land his career is one highly deserving of consideration. Mr. Long is a member of the I. O. O. F., lodge and encampment, and in politics is a democrat. He was married in 1858, to Kate, daughter of Ebenezer Clark, and granddaughter of Elizabeth Zane. They have six children: Capitola BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 543 Charles, Howard, Louise, Mattie and Elizabeth Z. Mrs. Long is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.  Alexander Lyle was born in Mercer county, Penn., December 13, 1848, the son of Alexander and Janette (McCarty) Lyle, natives of Scotland, who emigrated to the United States in the year 1847, and settled in Mercer county, Penn., where they lived for several years, subsequently moving to Ohio. Alexander, Sr., was a contractor on the C. & P. railroad. After the completion of the road, he was chosen foreman of the river division, a position he filled for many years. Finally, retiring from railroading, Mr. Lyle purchased a farm where he resided until his death, February 15,1885. Alexander, Jr., attended the common schools of Belmont county until fifteen years of age, at which time he began working in the Belmont Rolling mills, and was occupied in this pursuit for twenty years. After leaving the mills he was employed in various capacities, but returned to his trade and worked in the mills at Brilliant, Ohio, for one year. Abandoning the iron mills once more, he established a grocery business October 12, 1887, purchasing the business from Parks Loe. January 1,1873, he took Anna Retta Worls to be his wife. She is a daughter of Milton Worls. One son and one daughter have been born to them, named: Harry A. and Anna, respectively. Mr. Lyle is a Mason. Mr. Lyle has so conducted himself in his business and private life as to command a large circle of warm friends, and to gain the respect of all. His business prosperity fully attests his ability and integrity.  William B. McClure, M. D., a successful physician of Martin's Ferry, was born at Pittsburgh, July 4, 1848. He is the grandson of Judge McClure, one of the pioneer lawyers of Allegheny county, and judge of its court for a considerable time. This distinguished gentleman lived to be about one hundred years old, and was hale and hearty at that age, his death being caused by the breaking of a limb. Alexander P. McClure, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Pittsburgh, and was there educated. For a long time he was engaged in civil engineering, particularly underground surveying for drainage, but the later years of his life were spent at McKeesport, where he was engaged in the mercantile business. He died in 1880. His wife was Margaret, daughter of William B. McClure, a native of Pennsylvania, and for many years clerk of the court of Allegheny county. He was a member of the board of commissioners which let the contract for the building of the second court 'house of that county, which was burned several years ago. Alexander McClure and wife had six children, who are all living. Dr. McClure received his early education at McKeesport, graduating from the school there in 1868. He then studied medicine two years with Dr. Hall, of Pittsburgh, after which he practiced three years as a disciple of the old school of medicine. At the end of that time he began study under Dr. E. W. Dean, the leading homeopathist of Braddocksfield, and subsequently engaged in the practice of homeopathy in Allegheny county. In 1880 he entered the Pulte medical college, of Cincinnati, and graduated in 1882. After practicing a time in Allegheny county he came to Martin's  544 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Ferry in 1883, where he has since resided. He is one of the leading practitioners in his school of the profession, and has an extensive clientele. The doctor is active in social and public affairs, is a member of the Presbyterian church, and of the Knights of Pythias, the American Mechanics and the Maccabees fraternities, and in politics is a republican. He was married in 1875, to Rebecca M. Fleming, of Pittsburgh, and they have three children: Ray F., George C. and William A. Dr. James McCum McConahey came to Bridgport, Ohio, about 1840, and was the first resident practitioner of Bridgeport. He came to Bridgeport immediately after having graduated from the old Miami medical college of physicians and surgeons. His marriage to Catherine Steele Kirkwood, took place in May, 1845. The result of this marriage was five sons and one daughter; two of the sons, George G. and Robert Kirkwood, and the daughter, Mary M., survive. Mrs. McConahey was a daughter of Joseph Kirkwood, who was one of the pioneer characters of Kirkwood. His father was Col. Robert Kirkwood, commander of the Delaware troops in the Revolutionary war. He was killed in action, at the battle in which St. Clair was defeated. While Dr. McConahey resided in Bridgeport he did more for the advancement of the town, than almost any other man, and was repeatedly requested to accept some of the offices of prominence, local and state, but he preferred to follow his profession. His public spirit led him to assist in any legitimate enterprise for the good of the community, but his modesty kept him from accepting any other reward for his labors than the esteem and good-will of his neighbors. Dr. McConahey was also very active in religious matters, and was one of the first to suggest the building of the Presbyterian church, and he magnanimously mortgaged his own personal effects to secure money with which to aid in the erection of this edifice. His property was seized by the sheriff, to satisfy this mortgage, and he only recovered it by paying a large portion of the church debt. He was a sufferer from white swelling, from his boyhood, and while his own pain was great, he never was heard to complain, and was ever ready to alleviate the sufferings of others, to his own physical detriment. He was one of the founders of the Belmont County Medical society, and was the coeditor of its journal for several years. His fame as a physician was not confined to the town in which he lived, his services being sought by the sick, all over the county and in the city of Wheeling. His death occurred June 9, 1870, aged sixty-one, and was a great calamity to the neighborhood. He left a host of friends and acquaintances, his funeral being one of the largest ever held in Bridgeport. His wife died May 30, 1887. George G. McConahey, a native of Kirkwood, Ohio, born January 6, 1848, was educated in the public schools and in the Linsley institute, of Wheeling, and was graduated from Washington and Jefferson college in 1869. After studying law for one year, circumstances beyond his control compelled him to abandon this project and he has since been engaged in teaching. At present, Mr. McConahey is teaching in sub-district No. 12, of Pease township, Belmont BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 545 county, Ohio, near Martin's Ferry, this being his third year. Margaret E. Payne, daughter of Mahlon and Jane Payne, became his wife in 1882. Mrs. McConahey was born November 16, 1859. The result of this union is two daughters: Felicia, born August 9, 1886, and Lucia, now deceased, born July 12, 1883. Mr. McConahey is undoubtedly a successful teacher, his record is unstained by any dishonorable or mean act, either in private or public life. A popular liveryman of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, is G. T. McCue, who is a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he was born September 16, 1854, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Gardner) McCue. The father was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 24, 1824, and his wife, in Tuscarawas county, in April, 1824. Robert McCue's father was James McCue, an Irishman by birth, having immigrated to this country. He was a very prominent man in his day, having been the colonel of the muster of Jefferson county during the war of 1812, he was also at one time the wealthiest man in the county. His ultimate financial failure was caused by the dishonesty of his so-called friends. James McCue raised a family of ten sons and four daughters, five of the children are still living. Robert McCue now resides near Mt: Pleasant, Ohio, where he is engaged in the production of fine fruits and berries. His seven children are living. G. T. McCue, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the schools of his native town, and also at Rehobeth, Jefferson county. After leaving school Mr. McCue worked for a man by the name of James Russell, remaining with him for seven years or more. August 2, 1880, he took Miss Samantha V. Carter to wife. She is a daughter of Nelson and Mary Carter, and was born June 9, 1855. After his marriage he engaged in farming in Jefferson county. March 8, 1886, Mr. McCue and his brother established a livery business in Martin's Ferry, which they conducted until March 0, 1890, at which time he purchased his brother's interest, and now operates the business himself. He is noted for his stylish driving horses, and also for his fairness to all. Mr. and Mrs. McCue had one child, Jessie H., born May 17, 1887. He is a prominent member of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge of Martin's Ferry, and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are much respected by the community at large. Daniel Z. McSwords, of Martin's Ferry, a well-known retired druggist, is a representative of one of the early families of this region. He is the grandson of Archibald McSwords, a native of north Ireland, who came to America during the Revolutionary war, with British troops, but as soon as possible, after landing, joined the continental army, and served in its ranks until independence was secured: Then coming west, he settled in Virginia and was engaged for several years, in the manufacture of iron at Mooresfield. Subsequently he came to Brooke county, W. Va., and engaged in farming and stock-raising until his latter years, which were spent with his son at Martin's Ferry. He died in 1855. While at Mooresfield, he was married to a Miss Moore, who died in 1815, the same year of the birth of their only son, Amon, the father of the subject of this sketch. Amon McSwords be- 35 - B 546 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. came in youth, a clerk in a dry goods store, at Wheeling, and several years later, went to Wellsburg, where he conducted a general store and acquired an interest in the glass works there. About 1850, he removed- to Bridgeport and engaged in merchandise there, and on Wheeling Island, and several years later, he embarked in the same business at Martin's Ferry, in company with Mr. Cable, in partnership with whom he also conducted a meat market and a slaughterhouse. Before settling at Bridgeport he had also been engaged in trading on the river, between Wheeling and New Orleans. Being greatly interested in the culture of small fruits, he spent his declining years upon a farm near the Ferry, and was not engaged in business for some fifteen years, before his death, April 16, 1874. He was married in 1837, to. Indiana, daughter of Daniel Zane, a relative of the celebrated Elizabeth Zane, and three children were born to them: Orville C., Alexis A. and Daniel Z. The subject of this sketch was born September 3, 1840. He was educated at Martin's Ferry, and at the West Liberty academy, and then, in 1847, engaged in the drug trade at Wheeling. Subsequently he removed to Martin's Ferry and conducted the same business here until February, 1888, since when he has been retired. His was one of the leading drug- establishments of the place, and Mr. McSwords was decidedly successful in business.. He is regarded as one of the leading influential men of the town, and is socially popular. He and wife are members of the Episcopal church, and he is a member of the Senior Order of American Mechanics, the Maccabees and Foresters. Mr. McSwords was married in 1883, to Laura Barnhill, of Bellaire. William Mann, of Martin's Ferry, a prominent manufacturer, was born at Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland, October 28, 1845. His parents, James L. and Elizabeth (Walker) Mann, were both natives of the shire of Fife, Scotland, and the father was for over twenty-five years engaged with the Summerlea Iron company of Coatbridge, in the blacksmithing and carpentry department. He brought his family to the United States in 1876, and was occupied for a short time in farming, but at present resides at Little Falls. His wife died in 1889. They had six children, five of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch received his education at his home in Scotland. He served an apprenticeship of five years in pattern making in the Summerlea Iron works, and then took a position in the Atlas foundry and machine shops, where, after six months' experience, he was promoted foreman,. a position he held for three years, and until his immigration- to America. Soon after reaching this country, he became engaged with the firm of D. M. Ford & Co., of Chicago, and soon afterward removed to Pittsburgh, where, for three years, he held a position with Dixon, Marshall & Co. Coming to Martin's Ferry in about 1874, he entered the employment of Culperston, Wiley & Co., as pattern maker, and remained with that house until 1879, when he leased the works, and embarked in business on his own account. Subsequently he became the sole owner of the works, now the largest foundry and machine shop in Martin's Ferry. Besides this important property, Mr. Mann BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 547 is a stockholder in other larger manufactories, and is widely known as a successful and prosperous business man. His success in life is owing to his own industry and business skill, as he began in this country without capital. He is a public spirited citizen, and active in social enterprises. He and wife, whose maiden name was Janet McGilvray, are active members of 'the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a republican. Ebenezer Martin, founder of Martin's Ferry, born November 9, 1791, on what is now the site of the Benwood blast furnace, died January 15, 1876, was one of the most widely known pioneers of eastern Ohio. He was the son of Absalom Martin, a native of New Jersey, who assisted in the earliest government surveys of Ohio, and received therefor a grant of 640 acres near the site of Martin's Ferry, on the west side of the river. During the war of the revolution he had been a gallant soldier, and he held the rank of captain. He settled upon his grant in the latter part of the last century and died there in 1800. In 1789 he was married to Catherine, daughter of Ebenezer Zane, and they had two children, a daughter, who died young, and Ebenezer, the subject of this sketch. The spirit of the latter may be judged by the fact that he traveled on horseback from his Ohio home to Princeton, N. J., to obtain an education. On his return home he took charge of the farm and continued to manage it during the remainder- of his life, and after his father's death also conducted the ferry which the elder Martin established over the Ohio river, and retained control of this until 1840, when he sold it to Hugh Nichols. In 1835 he layed out the town which was known until recent years as Martinsville, but now as Martin's Ferry. He devoted his life to the care of his property, and devoted considerable time to fruit raising, having one of the best orchards in the valley. To this, such was his charity and kindness, all poor people had free access. His faith in human nature was imposed upon by many dishonest rogues, and most of his property had passed out of his hands before his death. His good deeds were beyond number, and all mourned his death. His religious affiliation was with the Methodist church, to which he gave a lot when he platted the town, and in politics he was a whig and afterward a republican. Mr. Martin was first married in 1809, to Hannah McLaughlin, a daughter of Elizabeth Zane, and by this union he had nine children, of whom one survives: Catherine E. In 1837, his first wife having died, he married Minerva, daughter of Isaac Zane, and they had ten children: Isaac, Rebecca V., wife of Mr. Van Pelt, of Lansing, Mich.; Ebenezer, of Lake Harbor, Mich.; Edith M., deceased; Leonidas, of Lake Harbor, Mich.; Antoinette, of the same place; Annie M., wife of William H. Wood; Lucian B., of Fostoria, Ohio, and two who died in infancy. Three of the sons by the first marriage were soldiers in the war of the rebellion. Absalom died in a hospital at St. Louis; John M., a transport pilot, and Ephraim, who died from disease contracted in the service. Ebenezer, Jr., also served in the First Virginia regiment. John P. Maywood, manager of the Hotel Maywood, of Martin's Ferry, 548 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. was born in Philadelphia, May 30, 1832, the son of William and Dorcas (Paul) Maywood, both natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, William Maywood, a native of county Tyrone, Ireland, came to America previous to the revolution and settled at Philadelphia. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. William Maywood, born at Philadelphia about 1785, was a bricklayer by trade, and was extensively engaged in contracting in that and other cities. He also served in the war of 1812, and died while engaged in building at Pittsburgh, in 1832. His wife died in 1839. Of their four children, three are now living. The subject of this sketch received his education at Philadelphia, and then served an apprenticeship of five years in carpentry, a trade which he followed until recent years. At the outbreak of the rebellion he was one of the first to enlist in Baker's regiment, which afterward became the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, and he served while with the army of the Potomac, in all its battles until the battle of Antietam, when he was wounded in the hip, and discharged from active service. Afterward re-enlisting as a carpenter he was promoted to overseer and aided in the construction of all the bridges between Nashville and Atlanta. Returning home after the close of the war he followed his trade until 1888, when he took charge of the old Hanover hotel at Martin's Ferry, the name of which he changed to Hotel Maywood. This he has made an inviting and well-kept establishment. Mr. Maywood was married in 1862, to Caroline, daughter of Joseph Kim, a well known pioneer.     She died in 1871, leaving three children: Joseph J., Jennie F. and Maggie P. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. In 1874 he married Rebecca Woler, his present wife. Mr. Maywood is a member of the Presbyterian church, and of the Masonic fraternity, and the democratic party. Thomas J. Mears, of Martin's Ferry, a prominent manufacturer, was born at Wellsville, Ohio, August 9, 1848. His father, Thomas Mears, a native of Ireland, came to America in 1836, and settled at Montreal, Canada, which he left, however, two years later to come to the United States. His occupation at that time was road contracting. Going to Defiance in 1839, he secured the contract for digging a part of the Maumee canal, on which he was occupied two years. He then made his residence at Wellsville, and graded two miles of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh railroad from that place to Yellow creek, also graded the road through Martin's Ferry. Another of his works was the pike road from Martin's Ferry to Mt. Pleasant. He died while working on the contract for railroad construction through Martin's Ferry. By his marriage to Jane Callahan, who survives, he had four children. The subject of this sketch, after receiving his education at Martin's Ferry, learned the cooper's trade, which he followed about ten years. In 1873 he started a small factory in company with William Houge, George Watson and John Bowen; but this enterprise was short lived. In the following January he again embarked in the business in company with D. Park, on the site of the works. In 1878 their works were destroyed by fire, but immediately rebuilt. On the death of Mr. Park in 1881, Mr. Mears became sole proprietor, at which he BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 549 still remains. His establishment is the most extensive manufactory of casks, barrels, kegs and boxes in the upper Ohio valley, and its prosperous development is the most eloquent commentary upon the business ability of its founder. Mr. Mears has still other important interests, being one of the organizers of the Northwood Glass works,. and a director of the same, a stockholder in the Crystal Glass works of Bridgeport, also in the Junction Iron works at Mingo Junction, the Elson Glass works, and he manages a factory at Bellaire in connection with his factory at this place, and owns a general store on Washington street. His investments at Martin's Ferry are many and important, and he is regarded as one of the notable and influential men of the place. He has taken no active part in politics, though he has served upon the council and as township clerk. He is a member of the Catholic church of Wheeling. Mr. Mears was married in 1882 to Emma, daughter of William Watson, of this place, and they have four children: Emma, Jane P., Inez A. and Lucy B. Samuel Milligan is one of ten children born to George and Mary (Pasters) Milligan, his birth occurring October 3, 1829, on Short creek, Jefferson Co., Ohio. George Milligan was born in Ireland. Emigrating, to the United States at an early date, he settled in Jefferson county, where he raised his family of four sons and six daughters, three of the sons and four daughters survive. Samuel Milligan attended the common schools of Jefferson county, and at the age of eighteen years entered the butcher trade at Warrenton, Ohio. Mr Milligan moved from .Warrenton to Martin's Ferry, where he entered the meat business, but subsequently was engaged in boating on the Ohio river, continuing in this occupation until 1853, when he returned to Martin's Ferry and again embarked in the meat business, which he still conducts. His marriage to Mary Allender took place in July, 1853, shortly after his return to this city. Mrs. Milligan's parents were Robert and Margaret Allender. Mr. and Mrs. Milligan have been blessed by the birth of five sons and seven daughters, seven of these children are still living, forming a very happy home. Mr. Milligan is a member of the Martin's Ferry lodge of the I. 0. 0. F., and is held in high esteem by all with whom he comes in contact. His business is one of the largest of the kind in the city, and has been made so only by the honesty of its owner and by his business ability. Matthew C. Mitchell, ex-mayor of Martin's Ferry, was born near Mt. Pleasant, Belmont county, July 22, 1840. Of that county Thomas Mitchell, his grandfather, was one of the early settlers, purchasing at an early day a large tract of land at Scotch Ridge, from the government, and farming there until his death, about 1850. John P. Mitchell, a son of the latter, was born in 1802, and was reared upon the farm, where he lived and engaged in agriculture until 1873, when he died. By his wife, Mary M. Theaker, to whom he was married in 18;9, and who is still living, he had five children, two of whom are living, besides the subject of this sketch. The latter, after attending the common schools, entered successively Haysville and Oberlin colleges, and after completing his studies there he accepted a position in 550 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. the United States patent office, under the commissioner, Thomas C. Theaker, his mother's brother. He remained there until 1869, and then returned home to take charge of the home farm. In 1876 he removed to Martin's Ferry, and embarked in the grocery business in which he was successfully engaged until 1876. Having taken an active part in municipal affairs, and being a public-spirited and popular citizen, he was elected in 1878 to the offices of justice of the peace and mayor. The former office he held six years. The mayor's office he has occupied ever since, excepting two years in which he was compelled to give his attention to his private affairs. During this period he acted as assistant manager of the stove foundry, of which he was one of the directors. At the end of that time he was again elected mayor. Mr. Mitchell is a leader in the republican party, and was one of the delegates to its last state convention. In 1889, he served as chairman of the senatorial convention of Belmont and Harrison counties. At the centennial exposition at Columbus he represented Belmont county as commissioner. He is prominent in several fraternal organizations, being a Knight' Templar in the Masonic order, and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Mitchell was married September 20, 1877, to Mary E. Kennon, granddaughter of Judge William Kennon, and daughter of Ellis Kennon. By this union he has five children: E. Kennon, Ellen S., Mary T., Sarah B., and Ruth M. He tendered his resignation as mayor, to take effect March 31, 1890, to accept the position of postmaster to which he was appointed by the president, March 7, 1890. Rockwell B. Mitchell, the present mayor of Bridgeport, was born in Bridgeport, Ohio, January 6, 1857. His early youth was spent in the public schools of Bridgeport, and also at the Cannonsburg academy, at Cannonsburg, Ohio. After leaving school he worked on a farm some time. Nothing suiting him better than the useful occupation of a farmer, he has always been connected with farming more or less. Mr. Mitchell has figured prominently in the politics of his section, having been elected to fill the responsible position of township treasurer, and serving two terms as corporation treasurer of Bridgeport, also two terms as assessor. In the spring of 1888, the democratic party nominated him for mayor of his native city. The good esteem in which he was held by his fellow townsmen was attested by his election. He is a member of the Belmont lodge No. 109, K. of P., also Golden Eagles, Washington Castle No. 5, American Mechanics, and Knights of the Maccabees. His father, Vincent Mitchell, was also a very prominent man in his time. He was a native of York, Penn., as was also his first wife, Nancy. Both of them were of Scotch-Irish descent. Vincent Mitchell received a very liberal .education. After leaving school he worked upon a farm until he accepted a situation with his brother as a clerk in the latter's general merchandise store, in which capacity he continued until he purchased-the business. He carried on the business for some twenty-five years, at the expiration of which time he sad out his store and moved to Bridgeport, Ohio. BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 551 Here he, with others, built, and started a foundry uncles the firm name of Thacker, Mitchell & Co. The business was continued for four years. His first wife having died he married Miss Susanna Hogg, by whom he had three children, all of whom are living: Miriam, Jennie and John T. Mrs. Mitchell died in 184o. Ten years later, on March 14, he was again married, this time to Josephine Kirkwood, a daughter of Joseph Kirkwood, who was one of the founders of Bridgeport, at which place he settled at a very early date. He was a son of Robert Kirkwood, of Revolutionary fame, having served with great distinction under General George Washington. When Joseph Kirkwood came to Bridgeport, then Canton, he owned and operated a farm on the tract of land which is now known as Kirkwood. He continued as a farmer until his death, which occurred in 1856. His wife was the daughter of Rev. George Gillespie, the famous Scotch divine, who was sent to England by parliament. Ten children were born to Margaret and Joseph Kirkwood, four of them are still living: Capt. R. Kirkwood was killed in the battle at which St. Clair was defeated; Sarah E., who married Joseph Large; Elizabeth, the widow of William Kennon, Jr., at one time a prominent attorney of St. Clairsville; Margaret, who mar- ried Rev. James Alexander, of the Presbyterian church, then stationed at Martin's Ferry, and Josephine, the wife of Vincent Mitchell, who is now deceased. Eight children blessed the marriage of Vincent Mitchell and Josephine Kirkwood, seven of these are living: Margaret G., the wife of Shields W. McCurdy, a Methodist minister now living at Grafton, Penn.; William, Harriet L., Emma and Euna, twins, Walter, and Rockwell B., the present mayor of Bridgeport. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are active members of the Presbyterian church, and raised their large family of children in that faith. Seldom is a family seen that has kept its record cleaner than has this branch of the Mitchell family. Joseph B. Montgomery, one of the leading business men of Martin's Ferry, was born at Benwood, W. Va., in 1844; of that part of the county, his grandfather, Thomas Montgomery, a native of Ireland, was one of the early settlers. He made his home first at Sheppardstown, Va., but afterward removed to Marshall county, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was a farmer by occupation. His son, William Montgomery, the father of Joseph B., was born near Sheppardstown, in 1815. His life has been devoted to farming, an occupation in which he has been quite successful. He is still living at Wheeling. About 1859 he was married to Elizabeth Blakemore, who died in 1888, and they had ten children, two of whom are deceased. The subject of this sketch was educated at Wheeling, where his parents removed when he was six months old. Until he was twenty- three years, he was occupied as a cooper, and he then engaged in farming, which he followed until 1884, when he came to Martin's Ferry, and erected the first business house in that part of the city, known as " the orchard." Here he began, on a small scale, a grocery and provision store, out of which his enterprise and talent for business has developed one of the most successful retail establishments 552 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. of the city. Since coming to the city he has thoroughly identified himself with its affairs, and he is regarded as one of its most valuable citizens. He has particularly devoted himself, and with much success, to the advancement of that part of the city in which he is located. In 1887, he was elected to the board of education from the Third ward, and through his efforts the new school-house was located in that ward. In 1888 he was elected to the city council from the same ward. In politics he is a republican. He is a member of the Methodist church, and of the I. O. O. F. In 1864 Mr. Montgomery enlisted in Company I, Fifth Ohio cavalry, and served until the close of the war, under Kilpatrick, in Sherman's march to the sea. Mr. Montgomery was married in 1867 to Elizabeth Caswell, of Wheeling, and they have two children, Robert C. and Howard D. Harry Northwood, general superintendent and manager of the Northwood Glass works of Martin's Ferry, was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1860. He is one of nine children of John Northwood, of Wordsley, Staffordshire, one of the leading glass manufacturers of England, and one of those who, in 1870, produced the work which received the grand prize of the Legion of Honor. He is a very skillful and artistic glass carver, and at one time produced a vase which was valued at $25,000, and was sold to Tiffany & Co., New York. The subject of this sketch, at the age of fourteen years, entered the glass factory as an apprentice and served seven years in that capacity. He then came to the United States, on a venture, hardly expecting to remain, but coming on to Wheeling, he entered the employment of the Hobbs Glass company as manager of the etching department, a position he held for eighteen months. He then held the position of designer for the La Belle Glass works, of Bridgeport, until the flood of 1884, when he went to Phillipsburg, and for a year was engaged with the Phoenix company. The La Belle works by that time were again in operation, and he accepted the general management of the same, filling that place until the establishment was destroyed by fire in 1887. In December of that year, in company with Henry Helling, Henry Floto, William Mears and Thomas Mears, he organized the Northwood Glass company, now one of the important manufacturing corporations of the valley. Possessed of unusual mechanical skill and knowledge, as well as tact as a manager, Mr. Northwood has already, though comparatively young, achieved notable success in life. He is active and enterprising in social affairs, and public spirited, and is one of the lessees of the opera house, a favorite institution of the place. He is a member of the Episcopal church, the Masonic fraternity and Knights of Pythias, and is a republican. He was married, in 1882, to Clara E. Beaumont, of England, and they have two children: H. Clarence and Mabel. Albert R. Ong, M. D., physician and druggist, of Martin's Ferry, was born in JeTferson county, Ohio, near. Smithfield, October 9, 1847. He is a descendant of one of the oldest and best known families of Jefferson county: His father, Moses Ong, was born" in that county December 0, 18, and in 1831 was married to Anna Cain, by BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 553 whom he had fourteen children, ten of whom, besides the subject of this sketch, survive. The mother died in 1874, but the father, whose life has successfully been devoted to farming and stock-raising, is still living, aged seventy-nine years. Dr. Ong received his early schooling in Jefferson county, and subsequently entered Allegheny college, at Meadville, Penn., where he was graduated in 1872. Soon afterward he was called to the chair of mathematics and astronomy and the vice-presidency of Richmond college, Jefferson county, a position he held for three years. Then determining to adopt the profession of medicine, he pursued the study under Dr. Clancy, of Smithfield, with whom he remained three years. In 1875-6 he attended the Ohio medical college, of Cincinnati, and in 1876-7 he at tended at the Columbus medical college, where he was graduated in 1877. In the same year he began the practice at Smithfield, but in the following year removed to Martin's Ferry, and here purchased a small stock of drugs and opened on a limited scale a drug store which he has developed into one of the finest establishments of the kind in this region. Abandoning his practice during the past few years, he has devoted his efforts entirely to business, in which field his talent for affairs has made him eminently successful. As a citizen he is highly popular. An evidence of his public spirit is the opera house block, the finest building of the city, erected by him and Messrs. Swartz and Kuckuck. He has served as a member of the pension examining board since removing here. Dr. Ong was married April 9, 1884, to Catherine Anderson, of Martin's Ferry, and they have one child, Frances H. Mrs. Ong is a member of the Presbyterian church. The doctor is a member of the Society of Friends, and of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities. Capt. William H. Orr, of Martin's Ferry, was born near Abingdon, Washington Co., Va., 1815, the son of William and Mary Orr. His father came to this land from Ireland, his native country, about 1770, with his parents, and settled in Virginia, where he farmed until the outbreak of the Revolutionary war, when he enlisted in the continental army and served until independence was achieved. He died about 1820. Three children were born to him, of whom William H. is probably the only survivor. Capt. Orr was reared upon the farm of his parents, and at seventeen years of age began an apprenticeship at carriage making, which lasted six years, after which he followed the trade as a journeyman for a considerable period, also engaging in stock dealing, traveling over the greater part of the south. He removed to Wheeling in 1848, but soon crossed to Martin's Ferry, and found employment in his trade with Wells Brothers, wagon builders. Two years later he entered the employment of Hoyle & Griffith, manufacturers of threshing machines, and when Mr. Hoyle established a separate business, he went with him and held the position of foreman over seventeen years. At the outbreak of the rebellion Capt. Orr, though he had been reared in a slave state, promptly espoused the cause of the Union, and was the first man at Martin's Ferry to open a recruiting station for three-year enlistments. He signed the 554 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. roll September 2, 1861, the first on the list, and soon had forty men for the First Virginia regiment, who were organized in Company C, with him as first lieutenant. At his first battle, at Winchester, under Gen. Shields, he was severely wounded, his shin bone being split by a bullet. In the spring of 1862, Capt. Millhouse was captured, and Lieut. Orr succeeded to the command, and served as captain until his discharge in 1864, at expiration of period of enlistment. The record made by Capt. Orr as a patriot and soldier, is one highly deserving of commemoration. On his return to Martin's Ferry, he resumed his position with Mr. Hoyle for one year, and in 1866 he was appointed United States inspector and gauger of spirits, a position he held for two years. Being elected mayor of Martin's Ferry in 1868, he served two years, and at the expiration of that time established a bakery, which he conducted until he was wrecked by the great flood of 1884. Since then he has been engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He also acts as health officer of the city, managing trustee of the cemetery, as which he was elected in 1889, and secretary of the Ohio State Saving and Loan company. He has lived a life characterized by industry, patriotic devotion and public spirit, and is highly esteemed by all. The religious and other organizations with which he is affiliated, are the Methodist Episcopal church, the G. A. R. and D. of R., and the republican party. He was married in 1852 to Jane A. Waters, and they have had three children: Alice W., Eva J., and Marian, now deceased. David Park, one of the pioneer merchants of Martin's Ferry, was born in county Tyrone, Ireland, in 1815, and is the only survivor of ten children of Robert and Margaret (Reynolds) Park. The father, a farmer by occupation, died in 1862, and the mother died in 1828. The subject of this sketch received a limited education in Ireland, and assisted his father on the farm until he was about eighteen years old, when he spent two years as a clerk in a store. In 1838 he came to the United States and settled at Pittsburgh, where he began as help in a wholesale grocery house, working his way up to a position in the office. After working there four years he was assisted by a member of his firm to establish a small store at Martin's Ferry in 1842. He started on a lot now owned by Conrad Long, and continued to do business on Washington street until 1881. His business gradually increased, and his devotion to trade, and talent for the occupation, enabled him to become one of the leading grocers of the city. He took an active interest in public affairs also, and for thirteen years served the township as treasurer, and for nine years was a valued member of the school board, serving at the time the old Union school was established. He has also served on the city council. Though never an active politician, he has been a steadfast member of the democratic party. For some time he has been retired from business, and as one of the oldest citizens of the town, is resting from an active and prosperous career. He was married in 1838, a few months before immigrating, to Eliza McIvor, of county Tyrone, by whom he had ten children: Sarah P., Eliza, wife of Rev. Barnatz, lately of BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 555 Wheeling; John R., David, William H., Ross, Mary M., Fred J., secretary of the North Wheeling Glass works, and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Park are members of the Presbyterian church. Oliver C. Parker, a well-known citizen of Martin's Ferry, was born in Pease township, Belmont county, March 24, 1829. His father, Joseph Parker, one of the early settlers of eastern Ohio, was a native of North Carolina, and a son of Jacob Parker, who was born in the same state, and passed his life there. Joseph Parker was a farmer by occupation, and in 1805, crossed the Ohio and settled in Jefferson county, near Harrisville, whence he removed several years later and settled near Martin's Ferry, where he lived the remainder of his days, dying in 1855, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was married October 21, 1801, to Mary, daughter of James Judkins, of North Carolina, and by this union, had ten children, of whom but two are now living. His wife died in 1871, at the age of eighty-four years. The subject of this paragraph, received his boyhood education in the then limited schools of Pease township, and then engaged in farming, which he carried on successfully, until he was compelled by a sunstroke, received in 1872, to retire from active affairs. He was one of the most enterprising and thorough farmers of the county, and is now a prosperous and highly esteemed citizen. During the term of four years, he served the people of the township acceptably as trustee. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Parker was married in 1864, to Martha J. Van Pelt, who died in 1877, and in 1879, he re-married, his bride being Mary K., daughter of Dr. S. B. West, elsewhere mentioned. She is a member of the Presbyterian church. To this marriage there is one child, Simon W. Perhaps no family has figured more prominently in the settlement and growth of the upper Ohio valley, than the Rhodes family. Among the most worthy and noted citizens of Bridgport, the descendants of this family take rank. In about 1800, Moses Rhodes moved from Virginia, to Canton, Ohio, now Bridgeport, with his aged father. Moses Rhodes was born near Morefield, Va., in 1784, and died in Bridgeport in 1871. While living here he married Nancy Martin, the daughter of Col. Martin, who was one of the most prominent, as well as one of the wealthiest, men of what was then Virginia, now West Virginia. He was a public man, and was a member of the Virginia senate at the time of his death. Nancy, his daughter, was left an orphan at the age of twelve years and was taken into the family of her guardian, Presley Martin, who was a half-brother of her father, Col. Martin. Presley Martin was also a noted politician and citizen of the vicinity in which he lived, his home being at New Martinsville, which town he laid out and which was named in his honor. Nancy Rhodes died in her seventy-third year. Moses Rhodes was among the first to open a tavern in the upper Ohio valley, having established one in, what is now, Bridgeport, at a very early date. He also owned a ferry, and a boat-yard, and speculated in produce, which he bought for the New Orleans market and carried down the river on a flatboat. Several times he made this, then, perilous trip, walking back 556 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. the entire distance to Bridgeport, carrying his silver-money on his back in a sack. The return route lay through the territory of the Chickasaw and Chocktaw Indian nations in the states of Mississippi and Tennessee. The sturdy pioneer on two different occasions sailed from New Orleans to New York, returning on foot to Bridgeport. Later, he erected the Rhodes block, and two warehouses in that town, and for years conducted a large grain and produce business, also running a lumber yard at the same time. In 1852 he retired from active business with an ample fortune, owning considerable real estate in Bridgeport and vicinity, and thereafter lived a quiet and retired life until his death. In politics he was an old line whig, and always took a decided interest in public affairs. Although the Rhodes family were originally Quakers, he became an acceptable member of the Presbyterian church, in which faith he died. His estimable wife was a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church. This happy marriage was blessed by seven children, three of whom are living. Martin died in 1828; Elizabeth P. and Caroline S., the wife of Christian Ogleby, died in 1875. Lucinda, is the wido* of Luther Harrah, a member of one of the first families of Belmont county; Charles, who died in 1865, and Mary, now the wife of William Thomas, of Pultney township, Belmont county, and Elizabeth, who married William B. Kern of Middlebourne, W. Va., she died in 1861. It was of such stock that Ebenezer Rhodes, the principal of this biographical sketch, came. He was born in Bridgeport, June 26, 1818, and has since resided there. It has been his privilege to see the place grow from a mere hamlet to an important city, throbbing with industry, the seat of several large iron mills and other manufactories, several of which he has been active in establishing and maintaining. He received a good education in the common schools, and afterward in Franklin college at Athens, Ohio. Early in life he became connected with his father in the commission business, and under his wise tutelage laid the foundation for a practical business education. Upon the retirement of Moses Rhodes, his father, he and his brother-in-law, Ogleby, succeeded to the business. Soon afterward they gave up the commission business and engaged in the wholesale grocery trade. Eight years later Mr. Ogleby retired from the firm, and Charles Rhodes became a partner. About four years later, Charles was obliged to discontinue business on account of poor health, at which time W. S. Warfield was taken into partnership. Some time after, Mr. Rhodes bought Mr. Warfield's share and took his son Charles into the firm. In 1875 he turned the business over to his sons, C. M. and O. T. Rhodes. Several years later Mr. Rhodes obtained an interest in the Diamond flour mill, which he now owns exclusively. This mill is one of the most valuable properties in eastern Ohio. He owns considerable real estate in Bridgeport, and has been identified with the various improvements in that city and vicinity, being one of the originators of the First National bank, and for twenty years its president. He was also for several years president of the La Belle Glass works, also one of the builders and directors of the "'Etna Iron works. The citi- BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 557 zens of his native town honored him for twenty years by making him a member of their school board, two years of which he was its president. Mr. Rhodes was one of the directors of the Tuscarawas Valley railroad from the beginning to its completion. On August 3, 1843, he took Caroline Townsend, of New Brighton, to wife. She also descended from one of the oldest and most prominent Quaker families of western Pennsylyania. She was laid to rest September 17, 1888. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhode, eight children have been born, seven of whom survive. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Bridgeport, and no one excels him as a good and loyal citizen, and an earnest promoter of every good and moral movement for the improvement of his fellow-men. Charles Seabright is one of the prominent contractors of Martin's Ferry. He handles some very large contracts, and is also a stockholder in the Spence, Baggs Company's stove foundry. Mr. Sea- bright was born in Germany, December 25, 1825, and lived there until 1849, at which time he emigrated to the United States, acid settled in the city of Wheeling, W. Va. There he followed the trade of a stone mason for two years, and in 1851 came to Martin's Ferry, and engaged in contracting. Mr. Seabright has been a contractor ever since, with the exception of a few months spent in the meat business. June 18, 185o, he espoused Louise Myer, also a native of Germany. Louis, Charles, William, Emma, Amenia, Louise and Lizzie are the children of this marriage. The mother died in 1884, leaving a home bereft of a tender mother and a loving wife. Mr. Seabright is a prominent member of the I. 0. 0. F., and also of the K. of P. lodges of Martin's Ferry, and is a communicant of the Lutheran church. No man in the city is more ready to aid any deserving charitable or municipal enterprise than Charles Seabright. He is a public spirited, progressive business man and citizen. Hiram W. Smith, vice president of the Commercial bank of Martin's Ferry, was born in Washington county, Penn., March 23, 1821. He is the son of Henry and Barbara (Everly) Smith, who had four children, of whom Hiram W. is the only survivor. The father was born in England, and came to the United States at an early day in the settlement of the Ohio valley, locating in Washington county, Penn., which was his home until death, which occurred in 1839, in his fifty- fourth year. He was in early life a school teacher, but became one of the pioneers of the coal business on the Monongahela river, continuing in that trade during the remainder of his life. The subject of this sketch when but fifteen years of age, having received a slight education in the public schools, became engaged in the coal trade with his father and brothers. In 1838 he formed a partnership with his brothers, Jehu P. and Lewis E., under the title of Smith & Bros., and they continued in business until the death of Lewis in 1872, after which Mr. Smith and his surviving brother kept up the business until 1879, when the latter died, and Mr. Smith disposed of their steamers and barges and leased their mines. During a good portion of the time while in the coal business, Mr. Smith acted as captain and pilot be- 558 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. tween Pittsburgh and New Orleans, and gained an extensive knowledge of the lower river. Having been a director in the First National bank of Bridgeport, Ohio, from its organization, and acquired some knowledge of banking, in 1872, in company with James A. Gray, he established the Commercial bank of Martin's Ferry, of which he served fifteen years as cashier before being elected to his present position. In 1886 George H. Smith and James A. Dixon became partners, George H. Smith was chosen cashier, and Dixon, assistant cashier. Mr. Smith is one of the leaders in business of the town, popular with all, and prominent in the various avenues of social activity. For several years he has served as a member of the town council. He and wife are active members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Smith was married in 1844, to Martha, daughter of George Sharpless, who was one of the first settlers of Belmont county, and by this union had eight children, six of whom survive. This wife died in 1865, and in 1867 he was maried to Angeline Lash, and widow of Platoff McNeely, by whom he has two children: Ernest J. and Howard F. Thomas J. Smith, one of the leading business men of Pease township, Belmont county, was born in that county in 1824, the son of Col. James M. Smith, one of the early settlers. Col. Smith was born in Loudon county, Va., in 179o, the son of Thomas Smith, of English descent, who served in the war of the revolution. Col. Smith was a farmer and a cooper by occupation. He served one year in the war of 1812, and then, in 1813, came to Belmont county, settling within a mile of Burlington, where he lived upon a farm until his death in 1873. He held the rank of colonel in the state militia of Ohio. He was married in 1809, to Mary Berry, who died in 1875, and by this union had eleven children, four of whom are now living. The subject of this mention was reared upon the farm of his parents, and became engaged as a farmer, raising with his brothers, large quantities of grain, which they disposed of by trading along the river. In 1854 he turned his attention to gardening, which he followed until 1879, when he purchased the stock of goods at Burlington, then owned by Goodhue Bros. This he added to, and has since conducted business on a larger scale than before known in the place, meeting with considerable success, and acquiring a reputation as a skillful business man. Burlington is one of the oldest trading points on the river, a store having been established here over sixty years ago. In 1881 a post- office was established, known as Don, of which John J. Smith was postmaster until July, 1888, since when the subject of this mention has held the office. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of the Masonic order, and of the democratic party. He was married May 23, 1854, to Lucinda Jump, a representative of one of the pioneer families, and they have had eight children: Mary E., John J., Emery L., deceased; Amanda J., deceased; Louisa, Kate E., Theresa L., deceased, and James W. J. H. Tilton is a leading citizen of Pease township, Belmont county, Ohio. Mr. Tilton was born May 8, 1846, the son of Joel and Cynthia A. (Hartzell) Tilton. Joel Tilton was born March 10, 1813, in the BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 559 state of Ohio, Jefferson county. Cynthia Hartzell first saw the light in Somerset county, Penn., November 4, 1811. Joel Tilton's father was Joseph Tilton, who was born near the headwaters of the Buffalo, in the state of Pennsylvania. His wife, Mary, was also a native of the same place. Joseph came to Ohio with his parents in 1775, and settled in Warren township, Jefferson county, Ohio. Here he went to work in the woods, and by great toil and energy he acquired one • of the finest farms in the county, consisting of 640 acres. He was exposed to all the hardships incidental to a pioneer life, often after laboring all day in clearing his land he would be obliged to keep watch at night for the approach of hostile Indians. The Yorkville coal works are now situated on this farm. Joseph and Mary Tilton were the parents of twelve children. The father died at the age of ninety- three years three months and eleven days. His first permanent residence still stands as a monument to the enterprise of this man; it is over one hundred years old. Joel, the youngest child born to these parents, was raised in Jefferson county, and was educated in the old pioneer log school-house. His father deeded his brother and himself a part of the old homestead in Belmont county, the deed being dated December 0, 1838, the witnesses being Dr. S. B. West and John Zane. The instrument was drawn up by John.Beazle. He was married to Cynthia A. Hartzell, December 21, 1.834, and their marriage was blessed by the birth of five sons and two daughters, named: Noah J., born May 3, 1836; Mary McKin, now living in Kansas City, was born August 19, 1838; Indiana (Darrah) was born March T0, 1841, now a resident of Jefferson county; Joseph was born November 2, 1843, lives near Bethany, W. Va.; John H., born May 8, 1846; Fran cis H., born November 28, 1848, lives near Tiltonsville; George W., born June 25, 1851, he lives on the farm formerly owned by J. West. The dividing line between Belmont and Jefferson counties runs through his house, so that he can vote in either county. Joel Tilton died February 3, 1873. His son, John H., was appointed administrator of the estate. The wives of Joel, Noah J., and John H., reside on the Joel Tilton homestead, and the sons, John and Noah, operate the farm. They raise large crops of grain, and are prosperous and thorough agriculturists. The family stand very high in the community. One of the early pioneers and physicians of Bridgeport, Ohio, is Dr. John M. Todd, who was born in Fayette county, Penn., January 26, 1826, son of Samuel P. and Susan (Kerr) Todd, natives of New York and New Jersey, respectively. The father was one of the early physicians of Belmont county, Ohio, having practiced at St. Clairsville at a very early date. Samuel and Susan Todd had eight children born to them, all of whom are living, six boys and two girls. He died at Uniontown, Penn., May 30, 1846, at the age of forty-four years. Mrs. Todd died at Claysville, Penn., February 23, 1884, at the age of eighty-six years. The subject of this sketch received a common school education which he obtained in the public schools of Washington county, Penn. At the age of eighteen years 560 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. he began the study of medicine, but before he completed the study he entered the Mexican army under Capt. George W. McCook, of Steubenville, and shared the fortune of occupation under Gen. Taylor. After returning he continued his studies under the preceptorship of R. F. Biddle, of Monongahela City, until he received his finishing training in the Jefferson medical college, at Philadelphia. In 1852 he began the practice of medicine at Holliday's Cove, Hancock county, W. Va., remaining here until 1855, when he moved to the county seat, remaining there for four years, when he left because of the want of educational advantages. He then moved to New Lisbon, Ohio, where he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he took the commission of surgeon in the field regiment, Sixty- fifth Ohio volunteers, serving until 1865. Having resigned on account of a severe injury received at Atlanta, Ga., came to Bridgeport and engaged in his practice* and also the drug business, he having continued the practice until the present time. Dr. Todd has been surgeon of C. & P. R. R., in which capacity he has served for twenty- three years. He was married April 17, 1855, to Mary E. Wilson, daughter of Alexander Wilson, of Monongahela City, Penn., a very prominent citizen of that city. They are the parents of two children, both daughters, Ida V., who married Frank P. Zimmer, of one of the prominent families of Wheeling, September 19, 1883, now residing at Omaha, Neb., and Eva May. The family are members of the Presbyterian church. Dr. Todd is a member of the Branum post, No. 271, G. A. R. Dr. Todd has acted as postmaster of Bridgeport for eight years, beginning with Grant's last term. He is an active republican in politics. G. W. Tweedy, one of the leading citizens of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Jefferson county, Ohio, February 2, 1842. His parents were William and Sarah (Worrel) Tweedy, both Ohioans. Mr. Tweedy received a common school education in the Jefferson county schools. August 8, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, and for nearly three years he endured all the hardships and dangers incident to a soldier's life. He was mustered out of service in June, 1865, and at once returned to his home, where he engaged in tilling the soil. Subsequently he embarked in the livery business at Mt. Pleasant, and continued in this until the spring of 1890. He then sold his business and came to Martin's Ferry, where he now operates a large livery and feed establishment on Walnut street, between Third and Fourth. He was married September 20, 1867, to Miss Hannah J. Ong, by whom he has had three sons and one daughter, they are: William A., Libbie M., George W. and an infant yet unnamed. Mrs. Tweedy is the daughter of Abram and Elizabeth Ong, and was born September 27, 1847. Mr. Tweedy has met with fair success in his business, and is a man of strict integrity, and, although a shrewd businessman, he is just to all. The Hon. David Wagener, proprietor of the Buckeye Paper mills, was born in Franklin county, Penn., October 10, 1827. His parents were John and Elizabeth Wagener, both Pennsylvanians. David BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 561 Wagener was reared in Pennsylvania, living there until he had reached the age of sixteen years. While still living in Pennsylvania, Mr. Wagener learned the saddle and harness business. Coming to Ohio in 1843 he worked in the paper mills during the evenings and at the carpenter's trade in the day time. In the spring of 1844 he and his brother came to West Wheeling and built the paper mill now owned and operated by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Wagener figured very prominently in the politics of his state, having been elected to the Ohio state senate in 1877, taking his seat as senator in 1878. He served for two year, and after two years of retirement, he was elected a member of the house. His term of office expiring, Mr. Wagener retired from political life, and has since given his undivided attention to his business. He was a prominent stockholder in the Wheeling Street railways, and was one of the originators of the Wheeling Hinge factory. Miss Jane Clemens became his wife in 1848. She is a daughter of Mrs. Ann Clemens. Five children are the fruit of this union. Mr. Wagener is an influential member of the Presbyterian church, and one of the most progressive and broadminded men in the community. His public and private career give evidence of great ability and of strict integrity. As a senator his vote and influence was invariably cast on the side of morality and public improvement. As a business man he is regarded with the utmost confidence by all with whom he comes in contact. A fine specimen of a true American citizen and representative of the people. Van Wagener, M. D., was born in North Wheeling, May 3, 1853, of American parentage, his father, David, being a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother, Jane Clemens, a native of Ohio. Both of the latter are still living. David Clemens was an early settler of West Wheeling, where he was engaged in the manufacture of wrapping paper. In his youth, Dr. Wagener attended the public schools, rounding up his preparatory education at the Lindsay Institute, afterward entering the noted old college at Washington, Penn. After leaving college he went into his father's paper-mill as a paper maker, which he continued for two years. As surely as water will find its level, so surely will the well balanced man find the position best suited for him to fill; the young man was eminently fitted for the profession of medicine, both on account of his education and natural abilities, so he left the mill to take up the study of medicine, which he began under Dr. W. S. Fischer, of Bridgeport, with whom he remained for three years. Having received a thorough preparation in his chosen profession, at the Ohio medical college, from which institution he graduated, the young medical student attended a course of lectures at Bellevue hos- pital, New York, in the years of 1876 and '77. Locating in the thriv- ing city of Bridgeport, Dr. Wagener at once began to build up the enviable reputation and practice which he now possesses in no small degree. He is at present the county physician, and also the assistant surgeon of the river division of the C. & P. railroad. He is an honored member of the Belmont County Medical society, also of Belmont lodge, No. 09, K. of P., of Bridgeport, and of the Charles L. Plinny 36 - B 562 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Lent, No. 14o, Knights of the Maccabees. In 1879, Ada S. Harrah, daughter of Mrs. Lucinda V. Harrah, became his wife. Dr. Wagener is a useful, honored citizen of Bridgeport. The democratic party receives his vote and influence. Henry Warwood, of Martin's Ferry, was born in Staffordshire, Eng land, February 23, 1823, the son of William Warwood, a skillful tool maker who was employed during his active life in the Brades Steel works, one of the oldest factories of the kind in England. He died in 1858. By his marriage to Sarah Harrison, whose death occurred in the same year as his own, he had nine children, of whom three are deceased. The subject of this sketch received a limited education during his childhood in England, going to night school while employed in the factory where he began work at nine years of age. Coming to the United States in 1848, he remained at Pittsburgh some time in the employment of the Lippincotts, but was compelled by failing health to give up that situation. Then starting a small tool factory at Brown's Coal works, he worked there until 1854, when he came to Martin's Ferry, and started in the same business on a small scale, in the block where the postoffice is now situated, on the site now occupied by Thorngate's hardware store. He engaged in the manufacture of garden rakes and miners' tools, being among the first to manufacture rakes in this country. The excellence of his work soon gave him a widespread reputation, and his business increased until in 1868 he purchased property on First street and erected a large factory. He has for some time abandoned the manufacture of garden rakes, and now produces miners' tools exclusively, and these are sold in every part of the United States where mining is carried on. His coal pick is regarded among miners as the standard of excellence. He is in all respects a self-made man, and his remarkable success is wholly due to his talent as a business man, skill as a workman, and the honesty of his goods. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and in politics he is a republican. During the war he was actively engaged in recruiting men for the Union army. Mr. Warwood was married in 1849 to Mary Bradshaw, a descendant of John Bradshaw, a distinguished family of England, and they have four children: William, Sarah J., Maria and Emily H. Dr. Simon B. West, deceased, one of the pioneer physicians of Martin's Ferry, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1812, the son of Henry West, one of the early settlers of that county. Dr. West spent his early years on the farm, and began the study of medicine, about 1833, with his brother, Dr. Henry West, then practicing at Bridgeport. He completed his professional studies at the Ohio medical college, at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1836. Coming to Martin's Ferry in the same year, he began a practice which he continued in for exactly fifty years, then retiring, and devoting to rest his remaining years, which were terminated by death in 1885. He was one of the most eminent men in his profession in this region, and is also remembered as one of the most enterprising of the citizens of Martin's Ferry, ever ready to aid in enterprises for the advancement of the material BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 563 and social interests of the place.' He was one of the directors of the Ohio City Nail company, and interested in various other projects. Dr. West was married in July, 1838 to Mary Zane Martin, daughter of Ebenezer Martin, and she died in 1882. Of their eight children there is but one survivor, the wife of Oliver C. Parker.  Brady O. Williams, M. D., a leading physician of Martin's Ferry, is a native of West Virginia, born in Wetzel county, November 13, 1847. He is the son of Francis E. Williams, who was born in West Virginia, August 18, 1809, whose life was mainly devoted to farming, though in his earlier life he was occupied in selling produce on the river. This gentleman, a worthy and highly respected man, died May 18, 1889. By his marriage, in 1844, to Ann J. O'Neill, also a native of West Virginia, who died August 29, 1878, he had ten children, of whom five survive besides the subject of this sketch. Dr. Williams in his childhood attended the schools at his home, New Martinsville, and afterward studied at Mt. Union college, Ohio. He then spent three years as a school teacher, during the same time reading medicine with Dr. R. H. Cummins, of Wheeling. During the winters of 1871-2 and 1872-3, he attended medical lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where he was graduated in March, 1873. In May of the same year he opened an office at Martin's Ferry, where he has since remained. In the years of practice since elapsed Dr. Williams has gained an honorable reputation as a skillful physician, abreast with all the advancement of his profession, and devoted to the interests of his patients. He has taken a due interest in social and municipal affairs, is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has served three years as a member of the school board. The doctor was married in 1881 to Mary, daughter of Mrs. Caroline V. Grove, of St. Clairsville, and they have three sons: Brady G., Phil F. and J. Forest.  Joel Wood, of Martin's Ferry, one who has by the promotion of various important enterprises, rendered this part of the Ohio valley great service, was born in Smithfield, Ohio, August 22, 1814. He 1s the grandson of William Wood, a native of Pennsylvania, who was for some time a resident of Frederick county, Md., and settled in Jefferson county, Ohio, about 18, becoming the first merchant of Smithfield. About 1815 he engaged in farming, and his death occurred June 3, 1844. This well-known and worthy pioneer was the father of eight children, all now deceased. His son, Joel, Sr., the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Maryland, and there received his education. He soon after removed to Ohio and engaged in business. He died in 1814. By his marriage in 1804, at New Market, Frederick Co., Md., to Elizabeth Poultney, who died February 8, 1844, he had five children, all of whom are deceased but the subject of this sketch. Both parents were members of the Society of Friends. Joel Wood, the subject of this sketch, spent his early years in Smithfield, Ohio, receiving such education as the various private schools afforded, there then being no public schools provided by law. During 1829 and 1830 he attended the boarding school of Joseph Gibbons at Mt. Pleasant,  564 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Ohio, and in 1831 and 1832, the school or college of John Gummerre, at Burlington, N. J. The years following, before locating in Martin's Ferry, were spent in teaching school and in merchandising in Baltimore, Md. On the 4th day of July, 1837, he came to Martin's Ferry and went into the mercantile business. On the 30th day of August, 1837, he was married to Elizabeth Carr McGrew, granddaughter of James Carr, first settler and proprietor of Smithfield. Ohio, in Friends meeting house at Smithfield, according to the customs of Orthodox Friends, of which society they were members. About the year 1843 he sold out his mercantile business and engaged extensively in the nursery and fruit growing business until 1852, when he interested in railroad enterprises, and was appointed right-of-way solicitor for the Cleveland & Pittsburgh railroad; remained with that road as their representative in Martin's Ferry, until 1871. In that year he associated with himself Joseph Bell and Chester Hubbard, of Wheeling, and several other gentlemen of Ohio, and organized the Wheeling & Lake Erie railroad company. Elected as its first president, he served in that capacity for five years, and afterward as a director for many years. He was the pioneer of this road, which is now building into Martin's Ferry, and it will be a monument to his forethought and enterprise. Mr. Wood has always been prominently identified with the material advancement of Martin's Ferry, being an early advocate of plank roads and turnpikes. He was also one of the incorporators and a director, continuously until 1890, of the Wheeling & Harrisburg railway, subsequently called the Wheeling Bridge & Terminal railway company. From early life he has taken a deep interest in the cause of public schools, and in the moral reforms of the day; especially those of anti-slavery and temperance. Soon after coming to Martin's Ferry, he was made a member of the board of education and inaugurated the first steps which resulted in the establishment of the union, or free school system, in 1853, and which position he held for over thirty years. While yet a very young man his interest was deeply enlisted in freeing the slaves, and in 1837 he became a member of that hated organization, the abolitionists, and at once took an active part in the work. He cast his first vote for James G. Birney. Was made one of the vice presidents of the Ohio Anti-Slavery society, and was sent as a delegate from Belmont county, Ohio, to the national convention held held in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1848, where was formed the Free Soil party, and Martin Van Buren nominated for president. Both before and after coming to Martin's Ferry, he was the agent of the "Underground Railroad," and helped many slaves to gain their freedom, oftentimes at great personal risk. In 1830 he become interested in the temperance work; took an active part in the Washingtonian movement, and has been ever since interested in all movements for the suppression of the liquor traffic. For the past ten years he has been identified with the prohibition party, and was a delegate to the national convention held at Indianapolis in May, 1888, which nominated Clinton B. Fisk for president. Five children were born to Mr. Wood: George R., Mary C., William H., Oliver Russell and BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 565 Lucy J., the first and' the last being deceased. Mr. Wood has always enjoyed the highest standing for honesty and integrity. Although starting in life with little, he has by strict integrity and attention to business, accumulated a considerable portion of this world's goods. William H. Wood, of Martin's Ferry, general agent of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling railroad, was born at Martin's Ferry, in 1847, the son of Joel Wood, a notice of whom appears in this chapter. Mr. Wood received a thorough education, preparing for college at Martin's Ferry, and pursuing his collegiate studies at Earlham college, Richmond, Ind. On his return home he entered the employment of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh railroad, and was in the service of that company twelve years. When his father resigned the position of agent at this place, the subject of this sketch was appointed to the position, which he held until 1875, when he resigned. He then gave his attention until 1886 to the manufacture of brick, and since the last named year has held the position of agent for the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling road. He has spent the greater part of his life as a railroad man, and is thoroughly informed in all the details of the business. His courtesy and efficiency render him one of the most popular of railroad officials. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is in politics a prohibitionist, and he is affiliated with the Knights of Honor, National Union and I. P. A. fraternities. Mr. Wood was married in 1870, to Annie Martin, daughter of Ebenezer Martin, noticed elsewhere, and to this union four children have been born; Roy G., Charles M., Alice L. and Archie.