BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 655
He and wife then started out for themselves with a capital of just $75, and he hired out for $144 a
year, boarding himself, at farm work, and was so engaged for four years, and during this time, he
and wife made their start in life. The partner of his early struggles died June 20, 1866. By her he
had four children, two of whom are living: William and Elizabeth. His second marriage was to
Elizabeth Huth, who was born in 1842 at Wheeling, daughter of Peter and Caroline (Flocher)
Huth, who kept the William Tell house at Wheel- ing thirteen years. Mr. Marshall now owns a
farm of ma acres, well improved.
Owen Meehan was born in the year 1834, in county. Monaghan, Ireland, and was a son of Owen
and Mary Meehan, natives of that county. His early life, until about the age of thirteen, was spent
in Ireland, acquiring an education and assisting his father on his farm. The family remained in
Ireland, but the son, Owen, removed to America, at the age of thirteen, locating first on a farm in
New York, where he remained for two years, when he removed to West Virginia, locating in
Rollisburg, where he worked for about two years when he removed to Wheeling, and engaged in
the machine shops for the B. & O. railroad company. He was engaged here a short time when his
uncle, Patrick Meehan, who had a contract for building some of the bridges for the C. O. division
of the B. & O., died, and Owen was obliged to take the work through to completion. On the
completion of the C. O. division, he entered service under Col. John A. Sullivan, at that time
president of the Central Ohio railroad, having supervision of his private affairs. Leaving his
service he entered the B. & O. shops at at Bellaire, taking charge of night force of repair work.
During the time Mr. Meehan was employed here he was instrumental in saving the company
many dollars worth of property. One night, the shops taking fire when there were many engines
and coaches contained by them, Mr. Meehan, with but one engine at command, and at
considerable risk, saved all the property but one yard engine, which was partially destroyed and
quite seriously burned during the fire. After he had recovered from his injuries he went on the
road as a locomotive engineer, running between Bellaire and Columbus, in which capacity he
was employed for nine or ten years. Retiring,from this, he went into coal mining in 1866, under
the firm name of Stewart, Ball & Meehan. In. 1868 Ball retired from the firm, and since that time
Stewart & Meehan have continued the business, in which they have been successful. Mr. Meehan
was married in 1873 to Miss Margaret E. Douglas, a daughter of Andrew Douglas, of Richland
township, Belmont county, Ohio. The children of this marriage were six in number, four of
whom are living, namely: Minerva D.; William, deceased; Eliza, deceased; John E.; Mary Etta.
Mr. Meehan has paid some attention to poli- tics in his home affairs, having been trustee of the
township and on the board of county commissioners for some six years. Mr. Meehan is a member
of the Catholic church, while Mrs. Meehan belongs to the Presbyterian. Mr. Meehan is also
interested in many business enterprises in Bellaire, and was one of the organizers of the Bellaire
Gas
656 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
Light and Coke company, which has since been changed to Bellaire Gas and Electric company,
0f which Mr. Meehan is president, also one of the organizers of the !Etna Glass and
Manufacturing company, of Bellaire, of which he has always been a director, and for the last
three years has served as president of the organization. He is identified with some minor
enterprises and an owner of considerable real estate in different parts of the city. Mr. Meehan's
father, Owen Meehan, Sr., died in his native country, Ireland, in 1879, at the advanced age of one
hundred and five years.
James W. Mellott, a prominent farmer of Richland township, Belmont county, is of French
descent, being a great-grandson of Samuel Mellott, a native of France, who settled in Virginia,
many years ago. His son, John, came to Belmont county in an early day, and entered a quarter
section of land, where he settled in a log cabin, and subsisted on the wholesome pioneer fare
while he cleared away the forest. Being a cripple, he did not take part in the war of 1812, but had
the duty of providing wood for all the women in the neighborhood, whose husbands were in the
field. The land which he entered is still in the Mellot family. He married a Miss Workman, and
one of their sons, William, born in Pennsylvania in 1799, is the father of the subject of this
mention. His mother's maiden name was Mary A. Ault. She was born in Pennsylvania, and is a
daughter of Frederick Ault, who took part in the defense of the fort at Wheeling, at the time
Elizabeth there were several other volunteers for the hazardous adventure. Mr. Mellott was born
in 1834, and reared on the farm of his parents. The education he received in the old log
school-house, he supplemented at Zane performed her heroic feat of carrying powder past the
enemy's lines, and he often told of how Miss Zane insisted on going, although the Barnesville
academy, and he then engaged in teaching, which was his profession for twelve years. He now
has 150 acres of the old Mellott homestead, to which he has added eighty-six acres adjoining,
making a very convenient and valuable farm, which he has very neatly adorned and improved.
Mr. Mellott was married in 1860, to Hannah J. Merritt, who was born in 1838, the daughter of
Robert and Mary E. (Milligan) Merritt. To this union, two children have been born: Mary E.,
wife of Dr. John A. Clark, and Robert W. Mr. and Mrs. Mellott are members of the Presbyterian
church.
David H. Milligan, one of the proprietors of the St. Clairsville Gazette, was born in Belmont
county in 1853, the son of George W. and Margaret (Cunningham) Milligan. He was reared in
Belmont county, attending the common schools in childhood, and afterward attended Franklin
college three years, and Mt. Union college one year. Returning then to Belmont county, he
entered the law office of Peter Tallman, where he studied law three years, and was admitted to
the bar in 1880. Previous to this he had been engaged teaching school to a considerable extent
and subsequent to 1870 taught during eleven winters. On his admission to the bar, Mr. Milli-
gan established an office at Bellaire, and there remained one year. He then returned to St.
Clairsville, and continued the practice there
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 657
until 1885, when he accepted a deputyship in the clerk's office, a position he held until
September 1, 1889, when he embarked in the newspaper business as one of the proprietors of the
St. Clairsville Gazette, the leading democratic paper of Belmont county, which shows promise of
increased influence under their energetic management.
George E. Steenrod, who is associated with Mr. Milligan in the ownership and management of
the St. Clairsville Gazelle, was born in 1860, a son of Daniel Steenrod. He was reared on a farm
and given the advantages of the common schools, after which he pursued a course of study and
became a graduate of Columbus business college. After completing his studies he accepted a
position in a wholesale grocery store in Steubenville, where he remained two years, after which
he returned to Belmont county, and was engaged upon the farm until the fall of 1889, when in
company with Mr. Milligan, he purchased the St. Clairsville Gazelle.
Col. Joseph R. Mitchell, cashier of the First National bank of St. Clairsville, was born in York
county, Penn., in 1830, the on of David and Martha (Dinsmore) Mitchell. The father was a native
of York county, Penn., where he followed the trade of blacksmithing and also was engaged in
farming. He was the son of Joseph Mitchell, a native of Ireland, whose wife was of Scotch
descent. During the war of 1812 David Mitchell started with other volunteers to the relief of
Baltimore, but his services were rendered unnecessary before his arrival there. Col. Mitchell was
reared and educated at his Pennsylvania home, attending an academy there, and in 1849 he came
to Ohio, and taught school three years near Cincinnati. He then removed to Morristown, where he
taught school about two years, and engaged in business, also serving subsequent to 1853, as
postmaster at that town, under the administration of President Pierce. In 1856 he removed to St.
Clairsville, and was appointed by S. W. Gaston, then clerk of the courts, as his deputy, and this
position he filled during the entire term of his principal. In the spring of 1860 he removed to
Bridgeport and engaged in the drug business, but the country soon called him to different scenes.
In July, 1862 he recruited Company B, of the Ninety-eighth Ohio regiment, which, as captain, he
led to the front. During the next year, his bravery and meritorious conduct led to his promotion
successively to major and then to lieutenant colonel. He was always at his post of duty, excepting
three weeks of illness in a hospital, and participated in many severe engagements, among which
may be mentioned, Perrysville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Rome, and the battles of
Sherman's march to the sea. After receiving an honorable discharge in Washington, in 1865, he
returned home, and in the ensuing fall was elected clerk of the courts of Belmont county. This
office he filled with an efficiency that has seldom been equaled, and after his first term he was
twice re-elected to the clerkship. Including the period of his service as deputy he was engaged in
the duties of this office twelve years. A year after finally retiring from the office he accepted the
position of cashier of the First National bank of St. Clairsville,
42-B
658 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
in which post he has won the favor of the public and contributed in no slight degree to the
upbuilding of the extensive business of that institution. Col. Mitchell was married September 21,
1870, to Cecilia A. Grove, daughter of John A. Grove, of this county, and by this union has five
children: Carrie, Mary, Rodney, Blanche and Cecilia. He and wife are members of the
Presbyterian church.
Henry Morgan, a prosperous farmer of Richland township, resid- ing in the suburbs of St.
Clairsville, is a native of Wheeling township, where his ancestors settled in 1811. He is a son of
Amos Morgan, who was born in Baltimore county, Md., a son of Philip and Susan Morgan, the
former of English, and the latter of German, lineage. These latter emigrated to Ohio in the same
year as did Henry and Margaret (Hooker) Gittinger, who went from the same county in
Maryland, and the two families made their home in Wheeling township in 1811. Catherine,
daughter of the Gittingers, became the wife of Amos Morgan, and the mother of the subject of
this mention. Henry Morgan was reared in Wheeling township, and after finishing his education
in Franklin college, was a teacher for four years. In 1872 he was married to Anna, daughter of
Mahlon L. and Adaline (Barnes) Hatcher. Her father, a son of Mahlon and Phcebe (Hagerman)
Hatcher, and grandson of Joshua and Jane (Richerick) Hatcher, was an attorney of the Belmont
county bar from 1852 until 1860, at the time of his death. Mrs. Morgan's mother was born in this
county, a daughter of John and Ann (Thompson) Barnes, the former of whom was a son of David
Barnes, a native of England; and the latter a daughter of John and Sarah (Talbott) Thompson, rho
came from Ireland in the last century. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have had these children, eight of
whom are living: Nina H., Henry St. Clair; Lizzie, deceased; Etta, Edwin D., Clarence, Ray,
Adda H., Esther W. and M. L. Mr. Morgan and wife are members of the United Presbyterian
church, of which he is the present treasurer. He was a member of the building committee for the
erection of the church at St. Clairsville.
Louis Murdaugh, proprietor of the St. Clairsville mills, was born in Jefferson county, in 1838,
the son of Isaac and Eliza Murdaugh, the former of whom was a miller by occupation, and was so
engaged during the greater part of his life. Lewis was reared in Jefferson county, until his
thirteenth year, when he came with his parents to this county. Two years later he found
employment in the mill on the Burleigh place, and has ever since been engaged in that business.
In 1871 he went to the west and followed his trade as miller for four years, and on his return he
took charge of the Morristown mill. After an engagement there of ten years' duration lie came to
St. Clairsville, and bought his present property, which was then a buhr mill. He so0n rebuilt the
establishment and added all the modern improvements, and the roller process, and is now making
flour which is in great favor and is the peer of any produced in the state of Ohio. He is an
influential citizen, is a member of the town council of St. Clairsville, and is highly esteemed by
all. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Murdaugh was married in 1862 to
Mag-
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 659
gie Bigger, daughter of Shannon Bigger, who is now in his eighty- third year.
About the year 1810 Henry Neff, a native of Allegheny county, Md., son of John Neff, of
German descent, settled in Belmont county, and began the work of clearing a farm in the
wilderness. Soon afterward he was called to the service of his country, and participated in the war
of 1812, being one of the soldiers betrayed by the surrender of Gen. Hull. In 1820 he was married
to Elizabeth Blocher, a native of Cumberland, Md., and they had three children: George, John A.
and Sarah Jane, of whom the second is the only survivor, the father died in May, 1830, at the age
of fifty-one years. John A. Neff, now one of the substantial farmers of Belmont county, was born
in Richland township, 1823, and reared in the log cabin home on the farm entered by his
grandfather, which is now part of his possessions. He attended school and afterward taught four
winters in the pioneer school-houses of his county, and taught one winter also in Bedford county,
Penn. Learning the trade of a brickmaker, he bundled up his wardrobe in a cotton handkerchief,
in 1842, and walked to Mt. Vernon, Knox county, where he worked about six months, and then
walked home 125 miles with seven dollars cash and the balance, that had not been traded out in a
note. He had previously worked two days picking brush for an old German, who paid with one
fish hook, so that Mr. Neff is well acquainted with the wages of labor in the "golden age " that is
past. After returning from Mt. Vernon he and J. S. Anderson hulled clover seed for quite a
number of farmers in the surrounding neighborhood. In the spring of 1843 he went to Cum-.
Berland, Md., where he finished his trade of making and burning common and hand-pressed
brick. He spent four years in Maryland, after which he made and burned a great many kilns of
brick in Belmont county, Ohio and West Virginia. Monuments of his burning of brick number
over thirty farm-houses, seven churches and quite a number of school-houses, the school-houses
in St. Clairsville and Morristown, the brick to rebuild the burnt block in St. Clairsville that was
destroyed by fire in 1866, and the brick for the Belmont county infirmary. He now has a splendid
farm of 320 acres, with a substantial two-story brick house. From 1842 to 1884 he carried on the
manufacture of brick, and the material for the building of the Methodist Episcopal church,
school-house and many other structures were supplied from his yards. He is a leading member
and trustee and steward of the Methodist church, of which his wife is also a member, and he has
served on the school board for thirty-five years, and as trustee of his township one term. Mr. Neff
was united 1n marriage, in 1851, to Elizabeth Giffen, who was born April 5, 1830, daughter of
Alexander and Mary (Hinkle) Giffen, and of the seven children born to them, six are living:
Alice, wife of Joseph Frazier, and mother of one child; George A., who married Martha Gerard,
and has one child; Emmet M., who married Neva Fozeman, and has two children; Mary, wife of
Newton Warnock, and mother of one child; Sarah, wife of
660 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
George Fulton, two children; and John W., who is now attending the commercial college in
Wheeling, W. Va.
John W. Neff, an enterprising farmer of Richland township, Belmont county, was born in that
county, April 5, 1846, the son of Andrew and Jane Neff. Both parents were natives of Ohio, the
mother having been born in Belmont county in 1814, the daughter of Robert Alexander. Mr. Neff
was reared on the homestead farm, and received his education in the common schools. On March
12, 1873, he was married to Mary E., daughter of Samuel and Lucinda McKelvey (Creamer)
McKelvey. She was born in 1847. To this union four children have been born: Lizzie Ella, Harry
A., Andrew T. and Olive D. Mr. Neff is the owner of 290 acres of valuable land, which is among
the best improved in the county. In connection with agricultural pursuits, Mr. Neff is extensively
engaged in fruit culture, having recently planted upon his farm the finest varieties of fruits
indigenous to this section of country. He also conducts a planing- mill and grist-mill, in the
operation of which be has met with deserved success. As a citizen he 1s leading and influential.
The residence and other buildings of Mr. Neff are widely known as among the finest and best
appointed in this part of the state, and are a credit to the architectural progress of the county.
William Neff, a member of one of the pioneer families of Belmont county, was born April I,
1821, on section 20 of Richland township. He is the son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Fuly) Neff,
worthy citizens of an early day. He was reared on the farm which he now occupies, and received
his schooling in the little log structure which sufficed in pioneer times, attending when there was
not work at home to demand his time. He has devoted his life, since the days when he assisted in
the toilsome clearing away of the forest, to the tillage of the soil he aided to redeem from a state
of nature, and with such persistency has he labored that he has never gone out of his county
except to Wheeling. His life has been one of industry, and the fruits of it he is now enjoying in a
valuable farm and comfortable surroundings. On October 3, 1850, Mr. Neff was married to Sarah
Stewart, and they have had two children, of whom one, Mary Jane, survives. He and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is one of the trustees.
David Neiswanger was one of the pioneer farmers and famous hunters of deer and bear in
Belmont county in the early years of the present century. He was born in Lancaster county, Penn.,
the son of Christian Neiswanger, a native of Germany, who emigrated in 1726, and built himself
a log cabin in the woods, of what is now Lancaster county. David was a soldier in the war of
1812, and as a commissary, by appointment of his intimate friend, Brig.-Gen. Lewis Cass,
furnished over $1,500 worth of provisions to the army, for which he never obtained any
recompense. On May 26, 1789, he was married to Mary Harr, and in 1802, with his family, he
came to Belmont county, where, after traveling a few months, he settled in Richland township,
and
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 661
bought eighty acres of wild land, which he cleared and lived upon until 1840. He was a
prominent man, and served four or five terms as county commissioner. He was engaged in
business as a butcher, to some extent, but his regular trade was weaving, which he followed in
connection with farming. His eldest daughter, Elizabeth, learned the same trade, and at one time,
in 1811, obtained silk worm eggs from New York, and grew cocoons and made thread from
which she wove a silk dress, which is still in existence. When the family came to Ohio, the
Indians were yet hostile, and troublesome, stealing horses and goods, and on one occasion, when
he was out buying cattle, he was obliged to swim his horse across the Muskingum river in the
floating ice, to escape the redskins. To David and Mary Neiswanger, children were born as
follows: Elizabeth, April 13, 1793 died March 18, 1866; Christopher, July 3, 1792, died January
21, 1852; Mary, July 3, 1794, died August 21, 1833; David, October 20, 1795, died September 2,
1828; John, August 22, 1797, died August 25, 1873; Jacob, August 21, 1799, died May 22, 1852;
Abraham, died in infancy; Christiana, July 21, 1802; Joseph, February 16, 1804, died January 31,
1838; Ann, February 27, 1806, died October 7, 1876; Abram, March 15, 1808; Isaac, April 3,
1810; Samuel, November 12, 1812, died July 31, 1832. The oldest son was a soldier in the war of
1812. Major Isaac Neiswanger, now one of the prominent and substantial citizens of Richland
township, was reared in his county, and in early manhood gave his attention to the study of law,
which he pursued in the office of ex-Gov. Shannon, but at his father's decease, he abandoned the
profession and took charge of his father's estate, which was of extensive proportions. In 1856, he
was elected justice of the peace of Richland township, and he has served in that position almost
continuously for thirty-six years. Maj. Neiswanger was the founder of the Belmont County
Agricultural society, one of the oldest in the state, and he was made a corporator by an act of the
legislature, in 1846, of the State Board of Agriculture, as which he served several years. He is
now the only survivor of the corporators of that body. He also served as president of the Belmont
County Agricultural society in 1853-4, 1859, 1872-3-4. In 1863, Maj. Neiswanger was appointed
and served a term in the army of the Potomac, as superintendent of horse department. On January
II, 1845, he was married to Elizabeth S., who was born June 18, 1823, daughter of Parker and
Rebecca (Wilson) Askew, the latter of whom came to Ohio in 1817, from Delaware, and was one
of the early tanners of the county. The following children have been born to this union: Mary E.,
November 5, 1845; Ida B., May 9, 1847; Charles S., April 14, 1849; Annie C., December 21,
1851; Lewis C., January 2, 1855; Gertrude A., August 31, 1857; George M., March 15, 1860;
Edmund L., April 18, 1864.
John W. Nichols, one of the prominent younger lawyers of St. Clairsville, and senator-elect from
Belmont and Harrison counties, was born in Belmont county, in October, 1856. He is the son of
Nathan B. and Sarah E. (Hoge) Nichols, both natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio with their
family in 1839. His father came to Ohio
662 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
with his parents when he was thirteen years of age, and was reared in this county, receiving his
education in the common schools and Brooks institute. In 1849 he went to California, during the.
gold excitement, making the trip overland with three yoke of oxen. He spent but one year there
and then returned to Belmont county, where he was married. Settling on the farm which has since
been his home, he has been engaged in agriculture, and has been highly prosperous, now owning
over 1,000 acres of land. He is one of the most prominent and influential farmers of the county.
His son, John W. Nichols, the subject of this mention, received his early education in the schools
of the county, and then spent two years at Hopedale college, and afterward two years at the Ohio
state university at Columbus. On his return from the university he decided to study law, and
entered the office of Judge Cowan for that purpose. Under the guidance of that learned attorney
he advanced rapidly, and in 1883 was admitted to the bar. In the following year he opened an
office at St. Clairsville, and has since been actively engaged in the, practice. He has also taken a
deep interest in public affairs, and as a member of the republican party, is one of the foremost in
the political fray. As the candidate of his party for the position of state senator for the counties of
Belmont and Harrison, he was elected in November, 1889. Mr. Nichols was married in 1884 to
Lina H. Hoge, of Illinois, and by this union has three children: Charles and Wilbur K., and Fred
H. He is a member of the Society of Friends and his wife of the Presbyterian church.
Thomas M. Nichol, a prominent citizen of Belmont county, is a descendant of Thomas and
Isabelle (Cooke) Nichol, one of seven brothers, of county Derry, Ireland. Their son, John, who
was raised at Nichol Hill, Ireland, came to the United States in 1789, first settled in
Pennsylvania, and thence moved to Colerain township, Belmont county, in 1800. He built the
stone house on the National road four miles west of Bridgeport, which stands to this day. In
Ireland he married Anna Woodburn, and on coming to this country their son William was
thirteen weeks of age. The latter was reared in this country and was married to Hiatt Mitchell.
Thomas M., the son of the latter, is the subject of this mention. He was born in this county in
1817, and was given a good education for his day, finishing in a select school, after which he
taught two terms of school. Mr. Nichol has taken an active part in public affairs, and being an
enterprising and popular citizen, has been honored by several public trusts. He has served as
trustee of his township several terms, and as infirmary director several years. He was elected
justice of the peace but resigned this office. During two years, 1868 to 1870, he served as
representative of Belmont county to the state legislature, but losing his health while at the capital,
refused to be a candidate for a second term. His landed interests are extensive, comprising 610
acres of valuable land. In 1843 Mr. Nichol was married to Margaret Creamer, who was born in
Belmont county, in 1821, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Barnett) Creamer, the former of
whom was a native of
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 663
Maryland and a pioneer of Belmont county. To this union eight children were born, seven of
whom are living: Clark, William, John, Thomas M., Addison, Sylvanua and Harriet E. Mr.
Nichol and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.
In 1830, James Orr, a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., born in 1796, of Scotch-Irish
lineage, came to Belmont county, and settled on a farm of seventy acres, which is now in the
possession of his son, Joseph. James Orr was the son of one of the heroes of the revolution, and a
worthy and industrious man. When he came to this state he had $200 which he had accumulated
while following his trade as wheelwright. He married Jane Still, who was born in Jefferson
county, Ohio, in 1806, and they had seven children: John, who died in the army; Mary A., died in
childhood; Eliza J., William S., James N., Joseph A. and Rachel C. James N. was married to
Sarah Gordon, in 1873, and they had five children: Harry G.; Charles, who died young; Frank
W., Mary and Thomas. The father, James Orr, resided upon his Richland township farm until his
death in September, 1887; his widow is still living. Joseph A. Orr, the youngest child, is now one
of the leading younger farmers of Richland township. He was born in August, 1852, and was
reared on a farm, attending at intervals the common schools. He has an excellent farm of ro0
acres, seventy of which is the old homestead, and all is well improved, with comfortable
buildings. He is widely known in the county and highly respected.
Michael G. Overbaugh, a worthy and esteemed citizen of St. Clairsville, was born in
Pennsylvania in 1828, a son of Joseph Overbaugh. His mother, whose maiden name was
Barkhoff, died when he was three years old, and his childhood was consequently anything but
pleasant. He was bound out, for eight years, and was then taken away from his guardian on
account of mistreatment. At sixteen years of age he came to Wheeling, where his father had
resided about eight years, and two years later they went to Bridgeport, where his father
re-married. He was at Bridgeport and in that neighborhood some thirteen years, and then
removed to St. Clairsville in the spring of 1863, where he engaged in gardening, in which he is
still employed, having made a marked success of his enterprise. Though starting out without
resources, he now has fifty-five acres of beautiful land within the incorporation, two-story brick
dwellings and a frame cottage, and a series of finely tended gardens which are attractive as well
as lucrative. In 1852 Mr. Overbaugh was married to Rachel Hague, a native of Indiana, and they
have four children: Charles, Mary, John and Frank.
William Parkinson, a successful farmer of Richland township, was born in Jefferson county,
Ohio, in the year 1827. His father Jacob Parkinson, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and about
1813, removed from Maryland to Jefferson county, where he settled on forest land, and built him
a home which was his abode until death. He was a son of Thomas and Isabel Parkinson, the
former of whom was a soldier in the war of the revolution. The sword which he carried in that
664 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
struggle is now in the possession of his descendants. Jacob Parkinson was united in marriage to
Mary Keller, and one of their sons, William Parkinson, is the subject of this sketch. The latter
was reared and educated in Jefferson county, and has devoted his life with much success to the
pursuits of agriculture. He is now the owner of 500 acres of valuable land which is well
improved. Mr. Parkinson was married in 1852, to Mary Lynn, who was born in Belmont county
in 1831, the daughter of James and Isabel Lynn. To this union have been born four children:
Jacob, James L., Mary B. and Daniel K.
Isaac H. Patterson, deceased, of St. Clairsville, was one of the leading druggists of eastern
Ohio, and prominent in the community and county. He was a son of John Patterson, who was
born in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1771. Before the close of the century the latter was married to
Grizella Hazlett, and they moved afterward to Washington county, and thence in 1804, to St.
Clairsville, where John Patterson engaged in mercantile pursuits in partnership with Thomas
McCall. He was very prominent in public affairs, was a member of the legislature as a
representative in 1807, and as a senator from 1814 to 1818, and was a member of the lower
house of congress in 1823-5, at the time when the election of president was thrown upon that
body. He voted for Adams, and his brother, Thomas Patterson, in congress from his Pennsylvania
district, voted for Jackson. Mr. Patterson was president of the Belmont bank of St. Clairsville, for
nearly twenty years. He died in 1848, full of years and honors. His son, Isaac H., was born in St.
Clairsville, June 20, 1821, on the same town lot which was the place of his decease, July 31,
1887. After finishing his education at Franklin college he went to Philadelphia to learn the
business of a pharmacist. In 1847 he returned to his native town, having thoroughly learned his
trade, and had some experience of an educational nature as an employe of the custom house. In
1850 he embarked in the drug trade at Wheeling, and during his residence there, which lasted
seven years, also engaged in the manufacture of bottles with a partner, Mr. Quarrier. While at
Wheeling he was married to Sarah W. Jacob, daughter of John Jacob, and by this union he had
three children, John, James and Anna. From 1857 until his decease Mr. Patterson resided at St.
Clairsville, and gained a widespread reputation as one of the most skillful and competent
druggists of the state. He was called to various public positions, being for many years treasurer of
the school funds of St. Clairsville, and for two years, 1861-3, treasurer of Belmont county, also
president of the St. Clairsville railroad. All trusts reposed in him were discharged with
scrupulous fidelity, for he was a man of remarkable rectitude and manly honor. He took much
interest in collecting and preserving the facts of early local history, and the work of writers of this
day are much aided by his recorded recollections.
Calvin W. Patton, an energetic farmer of Richland township, who owns a farm of 160 acres in
one of the handsomest locations in the county, was worn in Wheeling township, in 1847, the son
of William and Anna (Clark) Patton. His father was born in Ireland in 1799,
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 665
and came to America with his parents when about three years of age. They settled at Wheeling,
and remained there several years, going then to Belmont county, and making their home there the
remainder of their days. The father, Samuel Patton, was a native of Ireland, and a member of the
Seceder church. William Patton was one of the first abolitionists of Belmont county, and was so
strong and consistent in his principles that he refused to become naturalized or vote until after
slavery was abolished by the emancipation proclamation. Almost the first occupation of Calvin
Patton was as a soldier. He enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Seventieth Ohio infantry,
in 1863, with three other brothers, and received an honorable discharge at Columbus, in October,
1863. December 28, 1876, he was married to Dora E. Troll, daughter of Conrad and Emma
(Steenrod) Troll. She was born in 1854. By this union he has one child, John T. Mr. Patton
suffered a severe loss by the great tornado of April 15, 1887. His two-story brick dwelling was
demolished, a new barn was torn down, and another large barn and several other buildings were
torn to pieces, and his orchard swept away. His wife and child in the house at the time escaped by
going to the cellar, and five head of horses and a man in the barn also escaped injury in a very
remarkable way. Ten young lambs in the pasture were taken up and never afterward heard of, and
a .large watering trough was carried over the town of St. Clairsville, and dropped two miles
beyond.
Henry F. Pickering, a prominent farmer of Richland township, was born in Colerain township
in 1827, son of Elijah and Rebecca S. Pickering. His father, who was a son of John and Mary
(Carpenter) Pickering, was born in Virginia in 1801, and came to Ohio with his parents n 1802.
They settled in Colerain township, where Elijah was reared, iamid the hardships of pioneer life.
He married Rebecca S. Fox, daughter of Josiah and Anna (Miller) Fox, the former a native of
England, and the latter of Philadelphia. She was born in Virginia and afterward resided in
Maryland. Her father was one of the first draughtsmen in the military service of the colonies, and
served through the Revolutionary war, and was appointed by Washington his first secretary in the
navy. A plate which he brought from England, made in 1701, is still in the possession of his
descendants. He was the first man to use coal in Wheeling for domestic purposes, ands was a
resident of that locality at the time of the great earthquake. He lived to be eighty-six years of age.
Elijah Pickering was the father of seven children, five of whom are living: Henry F.; Anna M.,
now the wife of D. Pickering; Sarah F., wife of William H. Seamon, of Ohio; Josiah F.; John C.;
and Francis D. and Alexander H., both deceased. Elijah Pickering hauled most of the material for
the stone bridge over Wheeling creek at Kinzie Mills, and laid in Baltimore four days because he
could not get out on account of the crowd of people who were in the city to see Gen. Lafayette.
Henry F. Pickering was reared in this county, and received his education in the early log
school-houses. In 1862 he was married to Hannah K. Cook, who was born March 1832, in the
state of Delaware, the daughter of Caleb and Hannah
666 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
(Kemp) Cook. She was a true and faithful wife, and gave to him two children, of whom one,
Laura C., was married to John Ely, of Harrison county, Ohio, and died on December 15, 1886.
Joseph H. survives. Her husband gives the following account of the sickness and death of Mrs.
Hannah K. Pickering: " Being of a quiet, unassuming disposition from a child, the impress of
truth was early stamped upon her mind, and a desire begotten in her heart to make her peace with
God, which I think I have no reason to doubt that she did, and which I have every assurance she
fully enjoyed in her last days and hours of life. When she was first attacked with this dreaded
disease, she seemed to manifest quite a desire that she might recover, or at least be spared the
offensive and painful torture to which most victims of this disease are subjected, although there
appeared to be a calm resignation to the Divine will, and a great degree of patience manifested
through all these years of affliction. During the latter part of the second year of her treatment her
sufferings were the most severe. She became so benumbed or paralyzed in her limbs and body
that she was void of all natural feeling, and‘ was entirely helpless for several weeks. All hope of
her recovery at this time was despaired of by her friends and neighbors. It was a frequent remark
of those who called to see her, that she was the embodiment of patience. However, in this hour of
extremity, she trusted not so much in medical skill as in the wisdom of God — having a firm
reliance in the power of Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can
either think or ask. She raised her petition in behalf of her dear children — that He would spare
her to them a little longer. All glory be to God, who hears the humblest cry of the weakest child.
He favored her petition and raised her up, and in the space of a few months she was so far
recovered as to be able to resume her household cares, and contribute to the comfort and care of
her family. In the latter part of the eighth month, 1879 -she was taken with a severe cough which
preyed heavily upon her physical strength, and she began gradually declining from day to day;
however, she still continued to pursue her daily routine of duty and care for her family until about
the middle of the twelfth month, from which time she was unable to perform any physical labor.
It being my privilege to be with her during all her affliction and at her last earthly pilgrimage, she
frequently spoke to me of the condition of her mind; of her resignation to her heavenly Father's
will; of the perfect repose, and sweet peace she enjoyed. Several days before her decease, she
requested me to see that her burial clothes were in readiness. With calm composure she spoke of
some articles of clothing that would be needed for the children, and told me to have them
prepared this week— seeming to realize the nearness of the close. She suffered no pain, though
she had a very troublesome cough, and at times great difficulty of breathing. During the last few
days she was unable to speak but a few words at a time. So calm and restful was her soul
continually that she could speak of death and give directions for interment without any apparent
emotion. It was a source of much comfort to
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 667
her to have the company andattention of her brother-in-law, Dr.Garretson, of Salem, Ohio, who
spent the last few days of her life with her. On the seventh day afternoon her brother and two
sisters came, whom she was very glad to see, but was too weak to talk to them, saying maybe she
would rally up a little so she could talk to them after a while. She seemed to grow weaker and
weaker until about 10 o'clock seventh day night, when I came to her bed-side, took her by the
hand and said: ' Mother, has it come to this, that we must part?' The grace of God was
wonderfully manifested, as strength and voice returned, and she was enabled to answer in a clear,
audible voice: ' Yes, Henry, it has come to that. The time has almost come when I will have to
leave you all.' After talking to- gether for little time, answering some inquiries and giving some
ad- vice, she said: ' I want thee to be a father to thy children; to give them good advice and
consider well the counsel thee give them. Put thy trust in thy heavenly Father, and the same
power that has sustained me will sustain and comfort thee through all the trials and cares of life.'
On looking up to her children, who 'stood by the bed weeping, she said: ' Dear, dear children,
don't weep for me. I am going to leave you, and I know you will miss me, but I am not afraid to
die. I feel that I am going home, and I want you to be good chil- dren and prepare to meet me.'
Then, addressing the children separately, she gave them each a little good advice — saying of
Joseph, he had always been a good bit of a mother-boy, ' I know he will miss his mother, but I
want thee to be a good boy and get ready to meet me again.' Her brother coming to the bed-side,
she looked up at him and said: ' Well, Enos, has thee anything to say to me?' He answered he
believed not, only he was sorry to see her suffering so. She replied: `I am not suffering, and I
cannot say that I have been sick. My disease has been very peculiar. I have just gradually
weakened away. My strength is failing very fast, and I feel that my time has almost come.' Then
after addressing some remarks to others, she said: `I have such perfect peace of mind.' Her
manner, her voice and expression confirmed the true fullness of the words she spoke. When she
had concluded speaking, she said: ' Now lay me back and let me rest.' After she had lain quiet for
some time, she took me by the hand and bade me an affectionate farewell; then she kissed her
two children and bade them farewell, and then extended her hand to all around her bed, saying to
each one — ' Farewell.' Mine eyes could not refrain from weeping, but my soul praised the Lord,
and as I bowed down and bade her the last farewell on earth, I said, ' By the grace of God I will
meet thee in Heaven.' She retained consciousness to the last. She was a devoted member of the
Society of Friends."
Folding her hands upon her breast,
She calmly entered inlo rest;
Leaving the scenes of earthly care,
The joy and bliss of heaven to share.
The date of her death was first month 25th, 1880. In 1883 Mr. Pick,. ering was married to Anna
Thorp, daughter of Thomas and Mary
668 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
(Foulk) Thorp. Her father was born in Delaware in 1781, and came to Ohio in 1822, settling near
Morristown. In 1834, he removed to Morgan county, and cleared two farms in succession.
Thomas Thorp was the father of eleven children: Sarah A., deceased; Samuel F., deceased;
James, deceased; Ellenor, deceased, who was married to William B. Thompson; Jabez, now of
Warren county, Ohio; Hannah, wife of James Picket; Elizabeth, deceased; Jesse, deceased; Mary
W., wife of Joseph Mendenhall; Thomas, of Clark county, Ohio; Ann F. Mr. Pickering and wife
are members of the Friends' church, as were their ancestors, and they hold official positions in the
church. He has preserved many relics of his family, and has a powder horn and shotgun which
are over 200 years old, and were brought to America from England in 1707. He died second
month 18th, 1877, in his ninety-fifth year and three months.
John Charles Pickering, a well-known farmer of Richland township, was born in Wheeling
township in 1836, to the union of Elijah Pickering and Rebecca S. Fox, both of whom were
natives of Virginia. His father was born near Winchester, Va., in 1801, and was the son of John
and Mary (Carpenter) Pickering, the former of whom was a son of Samuel Pickering, a native of
England. Rebecca S. Fox was a daughter of Josiah and Anna (Miller) Fox, the father being a
native of England and the mother of Germany. The subject of this mention received a common
school education in his childhood, and was reared as a farmer, which has been his occupation
through life. He has charge of the homestead farm, and is skilful and energetic in his methods.
Mr. Pickering was married in 1872, to Cecelia Hatcher, born in Belmont county in 1847, the
daughter of Elijah and Jane (Craig) Hatcher, both natives of Loudon county, Va. Her father was a
son of Noah and Rachel (Beans) Hatcher, who were both born in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs.
Pickering have three children: Ellis H., Estella and Lorain. He and wife are members of the
Society of Friends, of which he is a trustee. He is a leading citizen, and has been a member of the
school board for fifteen years. In his farm enterprises he makes a specialty of the breeding of
short-horn cattle. Mr. Pickering is a member of the Methodist church.
Robert Pogue, deceased, who was in his day one of the leading farmers of Belmont county, was
born March 1, 1824, the son of George and Nancy (Davis) Pogue, and died April 25, 1882. He
was reared on the farm, and followed that vocation through life. He was an estimable and
enterprising man, and owned at the time of his death, 160 acres of valuable land. He was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his widow adheres. He was married in
1870, to Anna G. Rankin, who was born in 1842, in Belmont county, the daughter of James and
Sarah (Campbell) Rankin. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio, first
settling in Belmont county, where he remained one year and then removed to Noble county,
where he settled in the woods and cleared a farm. His wife died in 1878, and he now makes his
home with Mrs. Pogue. This estimable lady now occupies the property left by her husband.
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 669
John Pollock, a prominent attorney of St. Clairsville, is of a family which were early settlers of
Ohio. His father, Robert Pollock, came with the family of his parents from Maryland. His
grandfather removed to this state from Pennsylvania, early in the third decade of the present
century, and settled in Harrison county. There Robert Pollock, the father of the subject of this
mention, was born in 1824. The latter, about 1834, removed with his parents to Belmont county,
and was there raised on a farm with the advantages of a common school education. He became a
machinist and was so engaged about ten years, then going on a farm and following agriculture
until the present. John Pollock, son of the above, by his wife, Mary Jane, was reared in this
county, and after going through the common schools continued his education during two years at
Franklin college, and three at the Washington and Jefferson college, Pennsylvania, at which latter
institution he was graduated in 1878. On his return to St. Clairsville he entered the law office of
Hon. Lorenzo Danford, and 1880 he was admitted to the bar. In 1881 Mr. Pollock opened an
office in St. Clairsville, and has since been actively engaged in the practice with considerable
success. He also gives much attention to politics, being one of the republican leaders of the
county, and at the present time chairman of the central and executive committees of Belmont
county. In April, 1887, Mr. Pollock was married to Ella Finney, a native of this county, and by
this union they have one child, Harry.
Among the well-known residents of Belmont county during the early decades of the present
century, was John Porterfield, a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1801, and first
settled in Lancaster county, Penn., where he remained until about 1808, when he came to Ohio.
He lived for one year in Harrison county, and then settled in Belmont county, which was his
abiding place during the remainder of his life. He came here a poor man, but accumulated
considerable property, owning at one time 240 acres of land. He married Margaret Robb, who
was born at Lancaster, Penn., the daughter of John and Monica (Dunlap) Robb, of a family
supposed to have an interest in a valuable estate left by a bachelor who owned eighty acres within
the present limits of Philadelphia. Their son, John Porterfield, bow in this county, in February 14,
1814, was reared on the farm and educated in the pioneer schools. At the age of twenty years he
began an independent career, and for seventeen years worked by the month on a farm in Illinois.
By close economy he saved, during this time, $1,500, with which he returned to his native
county. In 1851 he was married to Catharine Kerr, a native of Belmont county, daughtar of
Robert and Sarah Kerr. She had but one child who died young, and she died also in 1852. In 1855
he was married to Sarah McFadden, daughter of John and Mary McFadden, and by this union he
has had two children, both of whom are living, James P. and May. Mr. Porterfield and wife are
both members of the United Presbyterian church. He is now one of the solid and prosperous men
of the county, having 320 acres of excellent land, with handsome and commodious buildings, and
be-
670 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
sides his agricultural interests conducts a dairy with forty-five or fifty cows.
William D. Porterfield, a well-known and successful teacher of Belmont county, is a descendant
of one of the early families of the county, the Porterfields, who are elsewhere mentioned. He is a
son of Andrew and Elizabeth A. (Glasgow) Porterfield, the former of whom was a son of James
and Mary (Robb) Porterfield. William D. was born in 1861, in Richland township, and received a
good common school education, after which he completed a full college course and received a
diploma. After finishing his school days he attended college at Ada, Hardin county, after which,
in 1883, he began teaching. This has since been his vocation, in connection with farming, and as
a teacher he displays peculiar adaptation for successful and valuable work. Mr. Porterfield was
married in 1886 to Myrtle E. Bear, who was born in Montgomery county, the daughter of Henry
Bear. By this union he has one child, Clarence V. Mr. Porterfield and wife are members of the
Presbyterian church. He owns sixty-five acres of the old homestead farm.
Louis B. Potts, a prominent business man of Glencoe, Belmont county, was born in 1855, a son
of I. J. and Mary (Bryson) Potts, two worthy and estimable members of the Society of Friends.
His father was engaged in farming and also conducted a flouring-mill and store, and in assisting
him in these duties Louis found occupation in his youth, and acquired the rudiments of his
business training. This business education was evidently founded on the correct principles, for he
has prospered in all his undertakings, and is one of the most successful tradesmen of the county.
In 1876, he embarked in general merchandise at Dover, and remained there nine years, serving
during that period for one term as treasurer of York township. At the end of that time he removed
to Glencoe, where he is now doing a good business; in the fall of 1889, he erected the
handsomest two-story dwelling in the village. Mr. Potts was married in 1877, to Mary Welsh, a
native of Monroe county, but raised in Belmont, and daugher of Isaac and Mary (Armstrong)
Welsh. By this union he has four children: Ralph W., Clarence T., Zella M. and Beulah M. Mrs.
Potts is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Henry Rehm, a leading farmer of Richland township, was born in Hesse, Germany, in 1835, and
came to America in 1857, when twenty-two years of age. He is the son of John and Catherine
(Nubb) Rehm, natives of Hesse, his father being a son of John Rehm. After coming to this
country, he remained at Wheeling several years and was there married in 1867 to Catherine,
daughter of George Ott. She is also a native of Hesse, born in 1842. In 1874 Mr. Rehm removed
to Richland township, settling on the land he now lives upon. While at Wheeling he had charge
of the Reiman brewery for several years, but since coming to Ohio he has been engaged in
farming, in which by good management and economy he has been notably successful. He now
has a good farm of 100 acres, with a handsome two-story brick dwelling, and other valuable
improvements. His suc-
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 671
cess has been of a kind highly deserving of notice considering that his capital on reaching this
country amounted to only $4.00. Mr. Rehm has seven children: John, Elizabeth, Anna, Lena,
George, Powell and Henry.
George Robinson, of St. Clairsville, treasurer of Belmont county, was born in Chester county,
Penn., January 11, 1846. He is the son of James and Mary Robinson, the former of whom died
when the subject of this mention was but one week old, and the latter when he was four years
old. Left alone in the world at this tender age, his prospects in the world were discouraging
indeed. He was bound out to a farmer, and was reared thus to his sixteenth year, when he sought
more exciting employment, and enlisted in Company A, Thirtieth regiment Pennsylvania
infantry. He served one year, the period of his enlistment, and then desired to re-enlist, but was
prevented by the objection of his guardian. Returning to his home he was induced to remove
westward, and in 1863 he came to Martin's Ferry, where he served an apprenticeship in the
blacksmith shop of John Fisher. The trade he then learned, he followed for twenty-two years
subsequent. During his residence at Martin's Ferry he took an active part in public affairs, and he
soon became well known in that city and throughout the county as a man of ability and integrity
and talent for public service. In 1875 he was elected to the common council of Martin's Ferry and
served in that capacity for four years. Then being elected trustee of Pease township, he served
seven consecutive years with much credit. At the expiration of that trust he was nominated by the
republican party, for treasurer of Belmont county. He was elected, and at the expiration of his
first term, re-elected. This responsible office he has filled to the satisfaction of the people of the
.county, the confidence and esteem of whom he has won to a remarkable extent. Socially he is
highly regarded, and he is a valued member of the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment, and the
Knights of Pythias. To all public enterprises for the benefit of the people at large, he lends his
ready aid and sympathy. Mr. Robinson was married to Mary J. Pennington, a descendant of a
pioneer family of Martin's Ferry. To this union five children have been born. Mr. Robinson and
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Hon. Benjamin Ruggles, United States senator and second president judge of the third circuit of
Ohio, was born at Woodstock, Windham Co., Conn., February 21, 1782. This town was
originally named Roxbury. His father was a farmer. in moderate circumstances, who intended
that his son should be educated for the ministry. This intention was thwarted by the loss of his
property. He became surety for a neighbor, and by the default of the latter his means were all
swept away. He died when Benjamin was eight years old, leaving his family in straitened
circumstances. Benjamin studied at the Brooklyn academy, and after his graduation from this
institution he read law with Judge Peters, of Hartford, Conn., and was admitted to the bar of that
city. In 1807 he moved to Ohio, settling in Marietta, Washington county, where he pursued with
great success
672 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
the practice of his profession. His profound learning, his skill and care as counsellor, his power
for rapid analyzation and conclusive argument, at once commanded not only professional but
public attention, and he carved his way quickly to the front rank of the jurists of the day. In 1810
he was elected by the republicans of the legislature to succeed Calvin Peas as president judge of
the third circuit, and was the second incumbent of that judicial office. Shortly after he moved
from Marietta to St. Clairsville, and in the year 1812 he went to Connecticut, where he was
married and brought his wife to Ohio. She died in 1817, and in 1825 he was again married. He
lacked the gifts of an orator and failed to make that impression of substantial ability as
successfully in open court as in chambers. He was not distinguished as an advocate, but as a
consulting attorney he had, perhaps, few superiors in the country. In 1815 he was elected by the
legislature to the United States senate, and resigned the office of judge after having ably filled it
for five years, to enter upon his new duties. Being very popular with his large constituency in
Ohio, he was twice re-elected to the United States senate, and during his career in that body he
rendered valuable if not brilliant services both to his state and the nation. He was president of the
caucus held in Washington that nominated William H. Crawford, of Georgia, for the presidency
at the time when Clay, Adams and Jackson were in the field. At that period Martin Van Buren
and Judge Ruggles were political friends, and quite an extensive correspondence was carried on
between them during the campaign. The judge was for a long time chairman of the committee on
claims in the United States senate, and was favorably spoken of in 1840 for the vice presidency,
being strongly supported by several journals throughout the country. When fifty years of age he
retired from political life and gave his attention to his farm,. and more especially to the
cultivation of fruit.= He was instrumental in introducing to the growers of that section some of
the choicest varieties. For a time after the expiration of his last term as senator, he was president
of the Bank of St. Clairsville. He died after a brief illness at his residence at that place on
September 2, 1857. Judge Ruggles enjoyed in an eminent degree the confidence of the senate,
and was greatly respected in his professional and private career. He was a firm believer in the
great truths of Christianity, and exerted wherever he went, or wherever he was known, an
excellent moral influence. He was liberal in his views and generous in his impulses, and
contributed to the advancement of all worthy improvements in the interests of the well-being of
his fellow citizens. When he died the state lost an able man and society a beloved member.
William Satterthwaite, of Richland township, prominent among the old citizens of Belmont
county, was born October 21, 1811, on the farm which was also the birth place of the noted
statesman, William Windom. He is a son of Joseph W. and Anna (Van Law) Satterthwaite,
natives of New Jersey, who came to Ohio before 1800, and settled in the woods, going through
the hardships of pioneer life. Amid such scenes William Satterthwaite was reared, receiving his
education in
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 673
the log school-house that was the, abode of learning in that day. In 1834 he was married to
Nancy, daughter of William and Mary A. (Bealle) Cash, both of whom were natives of Maryland.
Her father was a son of William and Keziah, (Nichol) Cash, the former of whom was a soldier in
the war of the revolution. Her mother's father was Gen. Stricker, a distinguished officer of the
same war. After his marriage Mr. Satterthwaite embarked in the mercantile business at
Loydsville, and continued the same until 1852, when he retired and assumed the management of
the farm where he now lives. Here he and wife have 180 acres of valuable land, left to Mrs.
Satterthwaite by her father, and a comfortable home. Mr. and Mrs. Satterthwaite have had ten
children, of whom nine are living: Mary, Anna E., Henry, Adda, Isabel, Samuel, Wallace, George
and Emmet. Mr. Satterthwaite is a member of the Society of Friends, and his wife is affiliated
with the Methodist Episcopal church.
Adam Scales, a well-known farmer of Richland township, was born on the old homestead farm,
September 15, 1828. He is the son of John and Jane (Ogle) Scales, who were both natives of
Ireland. His father was the son of John and Mary (Love) Scales. The latter emigrated to this
country in an early day, and died at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, in 1819, but the former died in county
Tyrone, Ireland, in 1783. Mr. Scales was reared on the farm which was his birthplace, and when
he reached the age of twenty-four years he was engaged for seven months in teaching. He then
resumed farming, at which he has ever since been engaged with much success. He has a fine farm
of 130 acres, than which none is more handsomely improved in Richland township, which is
famous for her well-kept farms. Mr. Scales has served as school director of his township for six
years. He is one of the influential men of the community. On May 20, 1875, he was married to
Clara McNiece, a native of Belmont county, and by this union has three children: Monedo J.,
Winona B. and Edwin M. Mrs. Scales is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Prominent in the history of the upper Ohio valley, are the descendants of Charles C.
Schumacher, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, who was impressed with others of his
countrymen in the army of Napoleon, when the latter was marching to Russia. He accompanied
the French army to Moscow, and was a witnes of it's defeat and disastrous retreat. He afterward
served his regular time of six years in the German army, and on September 7, 1848, with his
wife, Maria M. Sinner, and their three sons: John Christopher, Jacob Frederick and Carl William,
sailed on the ship Junita, from Antwerp. They reached New York, November 23, and Wheeling,
December 13, 1848. Here he and his two older sons were engaged as architects and contractors
until 1855, when the father retired to his farm in Belmont county, and engaged in viniculture.
John C. worked with his father until his retirement, and while engaged on the suspension bridge
at Wheeling, contracting rheumatism which caused him great suffering until his death, in 1878.
Jacob F. became one of the most eminent divines of the Lutheran church, was stationed at
Buffalo, and is now
43-B
674 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
the vice consul of the United States to Syria. Charles W. was born in Wurtemburg, April 22,
1831. He was finely educated in his native land in Greek, Latin, French and German. On leaving
school he adopted the vocation of a butcher, which he followed in Germany, traveling also in
France and Switzerland. Becoming old enough to be impressed in the army, and being
dissatisfied with the form of government, he joined his parents when they came to America. On
reaching Wheeling he established a meat market in the Second ward market house, and did an
extensive business until 1855, when he removed to Belmont county, and settled on Little
McMahon creek, where he planted the third vineyard in the county. During the war he
established himself at Chicago, and in connection with W. Hazlewood at Pittsburgh, and John
Darrah, at Washington, they did an extensive business furnishing cattle to the government. After
the war he, with his family, moved to Beach Hill, two and one-half miles east of St. Clairsville,
when he established a meat market at St. Clairsville, and with his son Charles, also did an
extensive shipping business to the eastern markets. He died in his fiftieth year, and was mourned
as a most worthy and valuable citizen. By his wife, Christina Bayha, he had ten children, eight of
whom are living: Charles C., William, Jacob, David, Louisa, Joseph, Emma and Benjamin.
Charles, William and Louisa are residents of this county. Charles C. who is now the leading meat
dealer of St. Clairsville, was born at C., in 1851. In 1874 he was married to Carrie Snyder, of
Wheeling, and of their four children, three are living: John W., Bessie and Carl. He and wife and
two oldest children are members of the First Presbyterian church of St. Clairsville. In 1884 Mr.
Schumacher, bought the market which he now conducts; and has since met with much success in
its management.
Leroy C. Sedwick, ex-sheriff of Belmont county, was born in Ohio in 1845, the son of Rev.
George C. and Hannah C. (Lamb) Sedwick. He came to Belmont county with his parents when
'he was seven years of age, and spent five years on the farm of his father and when he was
eighteen years of age, he enlisted in the Union army. He first became a member of Company H,
light artillery, and served in that command about one year. He then returned home and assisted in
organizing Company K, of the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth regiment Ohio volunteers. He was
elected second lieutenant of this company, and was subsequently for his soldierly qualities
promoted to first lieutenant, as which he was mustered out in 1865. Few men had a more
honorable record for patriotism and bravery, and he was on this account deservedly popular
among all his comrades. From 1865 to 1879 he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. In civil life
he is no less highly regarded, and his history is not wanting in proof of the esteem in which he is
held by his fellow citizens. In 1882 he was the republican candidate for sheriff of Belmont
county, and he received a majority of 400, running over 500 votes ahead of his ticket, being the
only republican elected, and was re-elected in 1884 and again ran far ahead of his ticket. His
service in this office covered a period of
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 675
eight years, four as chief deputy under Sheriff Willis and four sheriff, and was characterized by
efficiency and fidelity to the interests of the public, and he was the only sheriff the county ever
had who never let a prisoner escape from his custody. At its close he removed to his farm, where
he now lives. He has 108 acres of valuable land, well improved, and in addition to the tillage of
the same he conducts a large dairy. In 1866 Mr. Sedwick was married to Sarah Maycock
daughter of John and Emily (George) Maycock, children: Nellie L., Alvin L., Ira B., E. May,
Mary Bird, Lulu L., Sadie E., Grace C. and Chester C. Mr. Sedwick and wife are members of the
regular Baptist church.
John W. Shannon, one of the leading attorneys of St. Clairsville, was born at that place on June
29, 1842, the son of John and Mary (Sharpless) Shannon. His mother was born in Belmont
county, Ohio, December 19, 1811, and was the daughter of William Sharpless, who was born
about 1765. Her grandfather, Thomas Sharpless, was born at Chester, Penn., August 29, 1738,
and died in 1797. The 'ancestry is further traced as follows: Thomas was the son of Daniel, born
December 24, 1710, died in 1775. He was the son of John, who was born at Blackenhall,
Cheshire, England, November 16, 1666, who was the son of John, who was born in Wybernbury,
Cheshire, August 15, 1624, and emigrated to America, becoming the first of the family in this
country. He died in 1685. John Shannon was reared at St. Clairsville, at the home which he now
occupies, and here he received his primary education, to which he added by attendance at
Washington and Jefferson college. Having decided to follow the profession of law, he entered the
office of Judge Cowan in 1862, and after three years' study was admitted to the bar in 1865. He
began the practice at Bellaire, and his talent as an attorney, early manifested in his career, as well
as his tact and ability for public affairs, soon made him prominent. In 1867 he was elected
prosecuting attorney for Belmont county, on the democratic ticket, and two years later was
re-elected, filling that office two terms with fidelity to the trust reposed in him. After his election
he returned to St. Clairsville, which has since been his home. In February, 1877, he was
appointed master commissioner of the county, and this place he held until 1883. He has also
served on the board of education for about twelve years, displaying in that capacity a just
appreciation of the needs of the community and proper methods of development of the schools.
His practice is extensive and absorbing in its demands upon his time, but in the ways already
mentioned and many others, he continued to manifest the interest of a good citizen in those
public measures which tend to the improvement of society. Mr. Shannon was married on
December 19, 1871, to Elizabeth, daughter of Aaron F. and Nancy (Thornburgh) Ramsey. She
was born October 6, 1847. By this union he has five children: Nancy R., born December 4, 1873;
Mary M., born July 1, 1875; John W., born April 23, 1877; Aaron R., born September 28, 1881;
Wilson K., born February 3, 1883. Mrs. Shannon is a devoted member of the Presbyterian
church.
676 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
The Sidwells, prominent and highly respected people of St. Clairsville and vicinity, are
descendants of three brothers, who came to this continent from England, where their home had
been at Letcomb Regis, many years ago. One of the brothers died soon after reaching this
country, another never married, and the third married and left a family. A Richard Sidwell, who
died in England, left a large estate, which according to a copy of the will once in the possession
of a Richard Sidwell, of Pennsylvania, was bequeathed to his American relatives. This latter
Richard, was a cousin of the grandfather of Plummer Sidwell, a venerable citizen of St.
Clairsville. Plummer Sidwell was born in Jefferson county, in 1818, the son of Eli and
Sarah (Purviance) Sidwell. His father was born in Maryland, and was a son of Henry Sidwell,
and his wife, Sina Plummer, both natives of Maryland. Sarah Purviance was a native of
Pennsylvania, and a daughter of James Purviance. Mr. Sidwell is a member of the Society of
Friends, being trustee of the cemetery. He is highly esteemed by the many with whom he is
acquainted, and this long residence in the state has enriched his memory with many
reminiscences of the past. He has prospered in life, through honest living and fair dealing, and
possesses 157 acres of land near St. Clairsville, and forty near Glencoe. Elma Sidwell, a daughter
of Eli and Sarah Sidwell, above named, was born also in Jefferson county, where she grew to the
age of fifteen years. In 1840, she came with her parents to Belmont county, where she has since
lived. In her early days she experienced all the privations of a pioneer life, and obtained her
education by walking two miles every day to the log school-house which was nearest their home.
She now has a comfortable home at St. Clairsville, where she is highly regarded. She is a
member of the Society of Friends. Phoebe Sidwell, daughter of Eli and Sarah Sidwell, was
married in 1852, to Aaron Foulk, who is one of the oldest living pioneers of Belmont county. He
was born in Bucks county, Penn., October 26, 1804, the son of Issachar and Jane (Barton) Foulk.
His father was a native of Bucks county also, and was the son of William and Priscilla (Lester)
Foulk, of Welsh descent. Mr. Foulk came to Belmont county with his parents when he was five
years of age, and he was reared in this county. He was first married 1n 1834, to Esther George,
daughter of Travis and Esther (St. Clair) George, and by this union had one son, George. Mr.
Foulk and wife are members of the Society of Friends.
John S. Smith, of Richland township, was born in 1834, the son of Joseph and Rebecca
(McMillan) Smith. His father was born in Washington, Penn., in 1804, the son of John Smith,
who was a native of Chester, Penn. The latter was a soldier in the war of 1812, and after that
struggle was over removed to Indiana and settled on a farm near where Terre Haute now stands,
but had been there but a few weeks when he died. John S. Smith was reared in Belmont county,
aad after receiving a common school education, had procured a license to teach when there was a
demand for his services on behalf of his country, and in 1862 he enlisted in Company G,
Ninety-eighth Ohio
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 677
volunteer infantry under Capt. Hugh Ferguson. He served in the battle of Perrysville, but was
soon broken in health, and became unfit for duty much of the time. He remained with his
regiment, however, until the close of the war, receiving his discharge at Harrisburgh, Penn., in
July, 1865. He now receives a pension of $22 per month. Returning to Richland township, he
was elected justice of the peace and held that office two terms. He then removed to Union
township, and became railroad and express agent at Lafferty Station, and while holding that
position was elected justice of the peace, but declined to serve. His father becoming an invalid,
Mr. Smith returned to Richland township four years later, and took charge of the farm, and when
his father died three years afterward, he bought and moved upon the farm. In 1882 he was
married to Isabell Clark, daughter of Hugh and Deborah (Eccles) Clark, the former of whom is a
cousin of John C. Breckenridge. She was born in this county in 1845. They have two children:
Nellie C. and Viola May. Mr. Smith is a member of the Presbyterian church, and of the G. A. R.,
He has in his possession, among other relics of the olden time, a will made by James Rowland in
1762.
Daniel Steenrod, a descendant of one of the prominent families in the settlement of the Ohio
valley, is now one of the leading farmers of the township of Richland. His grandfather, Daniel
Steen- rod, a native of Duchess county, N. Y., came to Ohio county, W. Va., when five years of
age, and there grew to manhood. He was one of the notable people of the early days of Wheeling,
and though beginning his career without a dollar, was worth $200,000 at the time of his death.
His wife's maiden name was Emma Gater. Their son, Edward G., married Eliza J. daughter of
John and Sarah (Talbert) Thompson,. natives of Ireland, and one of their sons, Daniel, is the
subject of this mention. Daniel Steenrod was born in Greene county, Penn., in 1828. At six years
of age he lost his father by death, and he then came to Ohio, where he remained until his
sixteenth year. He then returned to Virginia, where he was reared to manhood. In 1856 he was
married to Sina S., daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Colley) Woodmansee, by which uninn he
had three children: Harry L., now a citizen of Dakota; George E., editor and proprietor in
connection with David Milligan, of the St. Clairsville Gazelle, and Anna C. Mrs. Steenrod was
born in 1834, in Belmont county. She and her husband are members of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Steenrod has served on the school board of his district for nine years. He is a member of the
Masonic order. His landed possessions comprise. 126% acres of good land, with handsome and
substantial buildings, and he is reckoned as one of the solid and influential men of the county.
John Stewart, of Richland township, one of the best-known pioneers of Belmont county, was
born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1807. He is the son of Edie Stewart, a native of Virginia. The
latter was a son of Robert Stewart. Jane Craig, wife of Edie, was a daughter of William Craig, a
native of Ireland, who crossed the mountains with
678 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
Daniel Boone, and settled in Kentucky, where he fought with that famous hunter in several of his
skirmishes with the Indians. He was a soldier in the war of the revolution, and was subsequently
one of the first settlers near Wheeling, living there at a time when he had no neighbor within six
miles, and he was compelled to frequently seek shelter from the Indians. Edward Stewart came to
Ohio in 1803, settled upon leased lands, in the woods of Harrison county. In the war of 1812 he
lost his life, and left his widow with four children: William, Robert, John and Elizabeth. After
the death of the father, the family sold off the personal property and paid for the land. Left an
orphan at the tender age of five years, Mr. Stewart suffered many of the blows of adversity,
doubly hard in the wilds of the frontier. The mother and children removed to Virginia, whence
about ten years later they returned to Ohio, and settled in Belmont c0unty. At the age of
twenty-three, Mr. Stewart became a hired hand at $8 a month, and continued at that price three
years. In 1832 he was married to Ann Bell, who was born in 1812, and .then leased a farm, and
raised tobacco four years. He then went to Logan county, Ohio, but returning to Belmont, bought
120 acres of land, which he cleared and tilled successfully. In 1857 he bought and settled on the
farm which he now occupies. His present possessions include 215 acres of valuable land. As has
been shown by this brief sketch, his career has been one of unpromising beginnings, and solid
and honorable success achieved by persevering industry. He and wife are members of the United
Presbyterian church. Nine children have been born to them during their happy married life, which
has covered a period of fifty- seven years. The surviving children are: John E., Robert, James,
Craig, Margaret J., Anna B. and Mary B. Three of the sons were in the late war of the rebellion;
one was out four years and six months, one out three years, the other one not so long. All
returned safely home. Two of them are United Presbyterian preachers, and two of them are
farmers. The daughters are married and doing well.
James A. Stewart, a prominent citizen of Richland township, was born in Belmont county,
February 13, 1842, a son of John Stewart, mention of whom is made in this work. He was reared
on the farm and received a common school education, which he completed after returning from
the army by attending Hopedale Normal school. In 1862 he enlisted in the service of the republic,
becoming a member of Company B, Ninety-eighth Ohio infantry, and served until the close of
the war, always being at his post of duty. He served in the company of Capt. J. R. Mitchell, in all
its engagements except when on detached service. He was with Sherman in his march to the sea,
and was one of the "bummers" or foragers of his company. In 1864 he was detached as escort
upon the staff of Gen. Jeff. C. Davis, and as such, took part in the grand review at Washington in
1865. At Chickamauga he received a slight wound. After an honorable and gallant service he was
discharged at Cleveland in 1865, as corporal. His brother, Robert B., was also a gallant soldier,
enlisting in 1861 in Company E, Fifteenth regiment, and serving through the war, being hon-
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 679
orably discharged in Texas in 1865. In 1870 Mr. Stewart was married to Catherine, daughter of
Rev. J. B. Johnston and his wife, Elizabeth Boyd. She was born in Logan county, December 8,
1848. By this union he had nine :children, of whom eight survive: Lida M., William B., John
Black, Elizabeth A., Sarah J., Emma W., Mary E. and Ruth B. He and wife are members of the
United Presbyterian church, of which he was trustee during the erection of the church at St.
Clairsville. He is a member of Drummond post, G. A. R., and is chaplain of the same.
John E. Stewart, of Richland township, was born in the same in 1834, the son of John and Anna
(Bell) Stewart. In childhood he removed with his parents to Wheeling township, where he grew
to manhood and received his education. Though his schooling was limited, the subsequent
extensive reading, and varied experience, has made him one of the intelligent and progressive
men of the county. In September, 1860, he was married to Mary J., daughter of Christopher
Hinkle, an account of whom is given in these pages. Four years later he enlisted in Company E,
One Hundred and Seventieth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, as a corporal, and served in that
rank until his discharge in 1865. Mr. Stewart is influential and popular, and has served in a public
capacity, as trustee of Wheeling township, and as school director six years. He has a fertile farm
of ninety-five acres, and a comfortable residence and other substantial buildings. Mrs. Stewart
was born in Richland township in October, 1836, and she and her husband are members of the
United Presbyterian church. Two children have been born to them, of whom one is living, Rosa
A. She is the wife of William Daniel, and has two children: Henry and Anna Belle.
John Stewart, prominently connected with the coal mining industry of Belmont county, was
born in Washington, Penn., in 1827, the son of John and Ann (Patton) Stewart. His father was
born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1803, the son of John and Mary (McCord) Stewart, but resided
during the greater part of his life, and died in Pennsylvania. John Stewart was reared in his native
state, and on October 19, 1854, he was married to Mary, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Cadick)
Cochrane, who were pioneers of Martin's Ferry. In April, 1864, Mr. Stewart removed from
Pennsylvania with his family, to Belmont county, and purchased 170 acres where he now resides.
Here, in 1866, he began coal mining, opening the now famous Franklin coal works, under the
firm name of Stewart, Ball & Meehan This mine was opened May 31, 1866, and work was
continued by the original firm until January, 1873, when Mr. Ball withdrew, and Mr. Stewart and
Owen Meehan continued the business, and they constitute the present firm. The product of this
mine has averaged about 200 tons per day, and employment is given to from fifty to seventy-five
men. This coal is superior to any other mined in Belmont county, and has been shipped
extensively all over the west. It is especially adapted to locomotive use, and for this purpose, is
used by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad company. In 1868, Mr. Stewart laid out the
680 - HISTORY. OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
town of Stewartville, of which he was appointed postmaster in 1874, and still holds that position.
This village is known as Franklin Station, on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. By his marriage
above mentioned, he had seven children, five of whom are living. Mr. Stewart is one of the
leading men of the county, everywhere well- known and highly regarded, and his financial
prosperity is a notable witness of his integrity and good business ability.
Lewis Sutton, one of the early and prominent settlers of Belmont county, was born in Peapack,
N. J., in 1793. His father, Jonathan Sutton, and his mother, Hannah (Hayden) Sutton, were born
in New England. They were of English descent, and removed to New Jersey on account of the
blue laws. He served in the Revolutionary war. In 1807 he removed with his family to Ohio,
purchasing a farm two and one-half miles south of St. Clairsville, where he died in 1831. The
farm has ever since been owned by some of his family. Lewis Sutton learned the wheel-wright
trade, which he pursued while a young man. Afterward he formed a partnership with Mr. John
Patton, and started a store in St. Clairsville, and continued in that business some years. In 1817
he married Eleanor McWilliams, who was born near St. Clairsville, in 1799, while as yet Ohio
was a territory. Her father, David McWilliams, and her mother, Mary (Wilson) McWilliams,
were born in Washington county, Penn., and moved to the place where St. Clairsville now stands
when the only road was a pathway through the forest, which had been trodden by the Indians. He
helped to raise the first house in St. Clairsville, and had also helped to raise the first two houses
in Wheeling, W. Va., and purchased a farm adjoining and west of the town. He was one of the
organizers of the First Presbyterian church, which was the only church in St. Clairsville for a
number of years. He remained a ruling elder in that church until his death in 1845. In 1844 Lewis
Sutton purchased a farm of 214 acres, two and one-half miles east of St. Clairsville, where he
died in April, 1882. His family consisted of six children: Mary W., William Van Dorn, Ellen M.,
and Sophia H. died previous to him. The only remaining ones are Mrs. George Brown, of St.
Clairsville, and David M. Sutton. David M., the only surviving son, now owns and resides on the
old homestead. In 1864 he was married to Mary R., daughter of William and Eleanor (Brown)
McMechan. Their family consists of three children: LuEllen M., William Van Dorn and Lewis
M.
One of the early settlers of Belmont county was Zachariah Sutton, a native of New Jersey, and
son of Jonathan and Hannah (Hayden) Sutton. Richard Sutton, now a venerable resident of this
county, is a son of the marriage of Zachariah Sutton to Nancy King, who was born in Maryland, a
daughter of John and Dorothy (Hall) King. Richard was married in 1848 to Nancy Harvey, who
was born in Belmont county in 1829, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Thompson) Harvey.
By this union he has had eleven children, ten of whom are living: Ira R., Mary; James, deceased;
John V., Nancy E., Margaret, Richard D., Chester, Ida, Bertha and William. Mrs. Sutton,
BELMONT 'COUNTY, OHIO - 681
dead for a number of years, was a devoted member of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Sutton
received a good education in his youth, and after he was through attending school in the log
house used for that purpose he taught two terms in that primitive academy. He has served his
township as assessor in 1871 and during one term. As a farmer he has been prosperous and his
farm one of the finest in the township, embracing 179 acres. This land is underlaid by valuable
deposits of coal, and perhaps oil or gas.
One of the early settlers of Belmont county was Zachariah Sutton, whose son, Richard Sutton,
was born in this county, April 14, 1826. He married Nancy Harvey, April 6, 1848, and five years
later removed to Richland township, buying land which covered rich beds of coal. Their son,
John V. Sutton, an enterprising young farmer of Richland township, was born in that township
November 29, 1858. He was reared on the farm and received a common school education. In
1879 he was married to Sarah J. Giffen, who was born in October, 1861, the daughter of Joseph
and Mary J. Giffen. By this union he has three children: Minnie R., Roobey R.,. and Cora E., Mr.
Sutton and wife are members of the United Presyterian church. Mr. Sutton owns a farm of 102
acres, with good improvements, which is probably underlaid with rich veins of gas or oil. He
leased the land for the purpose of boring, to the Standard Oil company in 1885, and in
September, 1889, they began to sink a well, which it is hoped will be profitable.
John Taggart, a venerable and well known citizen of Belmont county, was born in Jefferson
county, Ohio, May 8, 1808. His grandfather, John Taggart, was born in county Down, Ireland,
August 12, 1756, and in 1775 emigrated to America, landing at Baltimore on May 6, after a
voyage of about twenty weeks. On October 15, 1777, he was married to Sarah McCartney, also a
native of Ireland, and to them ten children were born: James, June 27, 1778; John, June 8, 1780;
William, March 7, 1783; Samuel, September 3, 1785; Jane, October 31, 1787; Joseph, January
12, 1789; Margaret, May 1, 1792; Sarah, December 25, 1795; Isaac, August 12, 1779, and Nancy
in 1790. The father and mother were members of the Seceding church in Ireland, and the subject
of this mention still treasures the family Bible they brought over with them. The ancestor, John
Taggart, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. James Taggart, the oldest son of the above, was
born in York county, Penn. He served in the war of 1812. He married Catherine Stett, and one of
the children of this union is John, the subject of this mention. When he was two years old his
parents removed to Belmont county, and settled upon the farm he now occupies. The first money
he earned was $6, the pay for chopping twenty-four cords of wood within T00 yards of his
present residence. On March 15, 1832, he was married to Nancy Roberts, who was born in
Canada, June 14, 1812, daughter of Ezekiel, and Anna (Doyle) Roberts. Her father was born 1n
1775, in Pennsylvania, son of Cadwallader and Mary (Schumacher) Roberts, of Welsh descent.
Mr. and Mrs. Taggert have had eight children: Joseph, born March 16,
682 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
1833; Catherine, died in infancy; Atwell M., born September 9, 1837; James, September 10,
1839; Mary, May 15, 1842; Wilson S., November 8, 1848, and Agnes, March 1, 1854. Mr.
Roberts and wife are both members of the Presbyterian church. He began keeping house $40 in
debt, but his industry and business tact have made him a prosperous man, now in the enjoyment
of a good farm of 180 acres, with handsome buildings. He and wife have journeyed together
fifty-eight years of their lives, and it is the wish of all who know these venerable people, that they
may be spared many more seasons of comfort and happiness. She is now the only living member
of her family. Mr. Taggart has been a life-long democrat, having cast his first vote for Andrew
Jackson. He has for three years held -the office of infirmary director, having been elected,
although the political majority of the county is largely against him.
Joseph J. Taggart was born in Richland township, of which he is now a venerable and honored
resident, October 19, 1823. His grandfather was a native of Ireland and emigrated to America
about 1773, settling in York county, Penn. His maternal 'grandfather was a soldier of the
revolution, and was with Washington when he crossed the Delaware river and at Valley Forge. In
1800, taking with him his large family of children, he removed to Jefferson county, Ohio, and
shortly afterward came to Belmont county. His son, Isaac, the father of the subject of this
mention, was born in Chester county, Penn. He and his brother served during the war of 1812 in
Capt. Campbell's company for six months. He died at the age of eighty-nine years. His wife s
maiden name was Margaret McCaughey. Joseph J. Taggart was reared on the farm at which he
was b0rn, and received the education common to his early days. On January 6, 1852, he was
married to Margaret Wells, who was born in 1829 in Jefferson county, daughter of Levi and
Ellen (Clemens) Wells, and by this union had eight children, five of whom are living: Alexander,
William, Lena M., Addie and Plattoff. Mr. Taggart and wife are members of the Presbyterian
church, of which he has been an elder for ten years. He is influential and popular and has
efficiently discharged the duties of township trustee for twelve years in succession. In November,
1889, he was elected land appraiser on the democratic ticket, without opposition. His farm,
which is handsomely improved, includes seventy- seven acres of land.
Samuel Taylor, a worthy citizen of Richland township, is a native of county Armagh, Ireland,
born in 1830, the son of William and Hannah (Robinson) Taylor. He remained in his native
country until 1851, when he crossed the ocean in a voyage of thirty-one days, and landed at New
York. He found work as a hod-carrier, being a very poor man, and many a day carried a hod on a
bleeding shoulder which he could not afford to rest to heal. In 1853-54 he made rails at 50 cents
a hundred, when flour was $8 a barrel, and boarded himself. He managed by close economy to
save enough to buy a small farm in Wayne township, Belmont county, and upon this he lived
eleven years, making SIG0 a years and his living while on it. He then
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 683
sold his land at a profit of $1,600, and purchased a farm of fifty-five acres at $100 an acre, and
upon this he now resides. He also owns forty-three acres in Wayne township, and two houses and
lots in St. Clairsville. His honorable and industrious career has made him many friends. In 1852
Mr. Taylor was married to Mary Courtney, of county Tyrone, Ireland, who was born July 12,
1833, and died August 16, 1867. By this union he had seven children, of whom five are living:
William, Cornelia, Mary, George and Samuel. In August, 1868, Mr. Taylor married Eliza J. Kyle,
of county Tyrone, born in 1835, and of the four children born to them, three are living: Ella,
Lizzie and Lola. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he
served as sexton at St. Clairsville for eighteen years. He is a member of the Masonic Order of
Royal Arch degree.
Samuel M. Thompson, one of the leading citizens of St. Clairsville, was born November 9,
1829. His father, James Thompson, was the son of Samuel and Agnes (McCaskey) Thompson,
both natives of Ireland, who emigrated from that land when James Was a small boy, and settled
in Lancaster county, Penn., where the latter grew to manhood: In 1823 James was married to
Margaret Clark, and six children were born to them, four of whom are now living: Agnes J. wife
of David Brow; Ellinor, wife of Solomon Bentley; Mary J., now a resident of Oakland, Cal.
James Thompson devoted his life to farming in Lancaster county, Penn., and died in 1838. His
wife, who is still living, at the age of eighty years, was born in Lancaster county in 1803, the
daughter of Alexander and Ellinor (Downs) Clark. They, who were both natives of Ireland, were
married in that land and came to America in 1799, and settled in Lancaster county, and thence
removed to Belmont county in 1828. Both are deceased, the father passing away at the age of
ninety years. After the death of his father, Samuel M. Thompson, with his mother, accompanied
his grandfather to Ohio and settled in Belmont county, where the latter died in 1850. He was
educated in the common schools and by attendance at Madison college, in Guernsey county,
during two years. In November, 1851, he was married to Pleasey, daughter of John and Nancy
(Clemens) McDowell, by whom he had two children, who died in infancy. The mother, a
member of the United Presbyterian church, died in 1856, and in 1861 he was married to Sarah J.,
daughter of Robert and Sarah (Taggart) Kerr. Her father, a son of Robert and Margaret
(McDowell) Kerr, was a native of Scotland. He came to Pennsylvania in 1818, and five years
later removed to Belmont county, where he lived until his death, May 16, 1879, at eighty, years
of age. He was a teacher in this county for about twenty years. His wife was a native of Ireland.
Mrs. Sarah Thompson had been previously married to Thomas E. Kelley, deceased, in 1849. She
and her husband are members of the United Presbyterian church, of which he is an elder.
Throughout his life Mr. Thompson has played the part of a worthy and valuable citizen. In 1864
he served in Company E, of the One Hundred and Seventieth regiment Ohio volunteers. When
684 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
the site of the public buildings of the county was in dispute, he was one of the foremost workers
for his town, and aided greatly in securing the location at St. Clairsville. He is one of the
prominent land owners of the county, owning thirty acres within the corporate limits of St.
Clairsville, and 139 acres, beautifully situated on an elevation overlooking the city.
Frederick Troll, deceased, was one of the prominent business men of St. Clairsville. He was
born in Landan, Waldeck, Germany, July 13, 1822, and when he was fourteen years old was
apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, with whom he served three years, thoroughly learning the trade.
This he worked at during several years in the cities of Hamburg, Berlin and Vienna, and then in
1844 sailed for America, and reached New York after a voyage of over nine weeks. He worked at
New York in a brick-yard for a short time to obtain means to continue his journey, and then
proceeded to Philadelphia, where he found more congenial employment for two years in a piano
factory. At the end of that time he came to St. Clairsville, and after clerking for some time with
his brother he became his partner in the dry goods business. In 1867 he embarked in business on
his own account, dealing extensively in dry goods and notions. He was very successful as a
business man, and at his death, in January 31, 1886, left to Cissons Albert, Charles W., Louis and
George, a valuable business, which they still conduct. They have widened the scope of the
establishment and give attention to merchant tailoring, and are also the most extensive wool
dealers in Belmont county. Mr. Troll was a very influential citizen, and was very far-sighted and
enterprising in working for the advantage of his town. Much credit is due to him for the erection
of the new county buildings at St. Clairsville, as when everyone else had given up hope in
securing them, he continued to hold secret meetings of enthusiastic friends of the town in his
store, and by constant hard work they finally saw success crown their efforts. He donated
liberally to these buildings, and was also a liberal contributor to the railroad. All of his success in
life was due to his own earnest and unremitting efforts and his fine business tact. He came to the
county a poor boy without resources. Mr. Troll was married May 10, 1852, to Mary Troll, a
native of Germany, and they had nine children, all of whom are living.
William B. Waddell, a prominent farmer of Richland township, was born in 1820, in Belmont
county, the son of James and Sarah (Cash) Waddell. The father was born in West Virginia in
1777, and was a son of Moses and Ellen (Carter) Waddell, who were natives of the same state,
and the former of whom was a son of Alexander Waddell, who emigrated from Ireland. James
Waddell was a soldier in the war of 1812, in company of Capt. Daniel Connor, under Gen.
Harrison, and for several years, drew a pension for his services. He was a baker by trade, and
cooked while in the service. William B. was reared amid the hardships of pioneerdays, getting his
schooling by walking two and a half miles, to the little log school-house, with greased paper
windows which was their best academy of learning.
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 685
His parents were poor and he had to labor early and late to help them through. In 1847, he was
married to Ellen Lucas, and soon afterward, they removed to Guernsey county, where he began
farming, and by close economy, saved enough to buy ea small farm, which subsequently he sold,
and bought a larger tract, and by so continuing, and . engaging successfully in the culture of
tobacco, he was able in the spring of 1855, to buy and settle on the farm where he now lives. He
now owns 287 acres in Richland township, well improved, and is reckoned among the substantial
and prosperous men of the county. Notwithstanding his life of toil, he is, at the age of seventy
years, still in excellent health. His wife, who was a daughter of Elisha and Susan (Ault) Lucas,
and was born in Smith township, in 1827, and died April 7, 1883, leaving one son, Frank S. The
latter was born in Kirkwood township, May 30, 1852. After attending the Hopedale Normal
school two years, and the college at New Athens, eighteen months, he graduated from Iron City
Commercial college, and began teaching, at which he was engaged five years. In the school year
of 1873-4, he taught the grammar grade of the St. Clairsville school. He was married in
November, 1877, to Mary B. Parkinson, who was born in 1859, daughter of William and Mary
(Lynn) Parkinson, and he has five children: Pearl, Mabel, William W., Paul and Wayne.
Benjamin Watkins, a worthy and honored old citizen of Belmont county, was born in Guernsey
county, Ohio, July 28, 1812, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Worley) Watkins. Thomas
Watkins, a native of Delaware, came to Ohio about 1800, and in the war of 1812 was a soldier
under Gen.. Harrison. He was a son of Peter and Sarah (Cotton) Watkins, the former of whom
was a native of Wales. Peter was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and lost his life on
ship-board during a naval battle. He had a large estate in Delaware on what was called
Goose-neck Bend. Benjamin Watkins, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in
Guernsey county. He began his own career without capital, but his energy and industry sufficed
to give him success, and a comfortable share of the world's wealth. In 1838 he was married to
Artemesia Linder, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1819, the daughter of George
and Margaret (Shepherd) Linder, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, of German
descent, and the latter of Brooke county, Va., of Welsh descent. Benjamin Watkins and wife had
four children, of whom there is but one survivor, John Watkins. The latter, an intelligent and
enterprising farmer, was married in 1879, to Mary, daughter of Walden and Elizabeth (Scott)
Worley, and they have two children, of whom one is living, Walden. Mr. Watkins and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Henry C. Welday, a capitalist of St. Clairsville, and one of the heaviest stockholders of the bank
of St. Clairsville, was born in Jefferson county, in 1823, the son of Henry and Nancy (Smith)
Welday. His father was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at ten years of age, in 1802, with
his father, Abram Welday. The latter, a native of Germany, came to Pennsylvania about time of
the close of
686 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
the war of the revolution, and remained there until he came into Ohio, hauling his goods in
wagons, and cutting their way through the woods. Settling upon land in Jefferson county, they
cleared a piece of ground for their log hut, which was afterward replaced with a hewed log
house.. The seven children, five of whom were boys, took an active part in this work of
settlement. Henry, the father of the subject of this mention, shared in this labor, and received the
limited education that was available. He was naturally bright in mind, however, and in following
his trade of carpenter, he would go into the woods and hew out the timber, and make everything
fit for its place by mental calculation. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and afterward drew a
pension and received a land warrant, the land • which he secured with the same afterward being
sold to a lawyer at Cadiz. He died at the age of eighty-four years. Henry C. Welday was reared on
the farm and given a common school education, which he improved upon with a commercial
course at the Iron City college, Pittsburgh. He studied much at home, and beginning at nineteen
years of age, taught two terms of school. Afterward he began farming on his father's land, and in
1850 bought the farm, upon which he remained five years. His father then gave him $5,000. He
sold his farm and traveled two years in the east and west in 1857-8. In 1864 he assisted in the
organization of the bank of St. Clairsville, and built the entire block in which that institution is
situated. On May 4, 1848, Mr. Welday was married to Elizabeth Scott, daughter of Rev. Andrew
and Jane Scott. Her father was a Methodist Episcopal minister for many years, and also
represented the county of Jefferson in the legislature in the session of 1848-9. About 1867 he
died of cancer. Mr. Welday and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which
he is steward and trustee.
John White, a well-known farmer of Belmont county, who has for six consecutive terms held
the office of trustee of Richland township, was born in Wheeling township, at Fairpoint, in 1833.
He is the son of Thomas and Nancy J. (Bickham) White. He was reared on the farm and received
his schooling in the primitive school-houses which were peculiar to the days of his youth. In
1859 he was married to Mary Mellott, who was born in April, 1841, the daughter of William and
Mary (Ault) Mellott. To this union five children were born, of whom three are living: John B.,
William T. and Nora M. Their mother died November 25, 1881. On June 20, 1883, Mr. White
was married to Nancy, daughter of James and Susan McFarland, an account of whom is given in
this work. She is a member of the United Presbyterian church and he of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. White's services have long been in demand by the people of the communities in which he has
resided. In 1867-8 he was trustee of York township, and after his removal to Richland township
he was appointed trustee, and served in that capacity six months, when he was nominated and
elected to the same position. In this function he gave such general satisfaction that he was
re-elected, and he was successively called upon until he had served six terms. A seventh time he
was nomin-
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 687
ated without his consent for justice of the peace and elected, and after his election and he got his
commission he resigned. In 1883 he was nominated for infirma?y director, but was defeated with
the rest of his ticket. Mr. White has a good farm of 130 acres, and is prosperous and successful.
William White, deceased, in his lifetime one of the enterprising farmers of Richland township,
was born in Ireland in 1814, and died at his home in this township. He came to this continent
with his parents, James and Elizabeth (McDoll) White, and settled in Belmont county, where he
was reared amid the privations and discomforts of pioneer days. He devoted his life to agriculture
and met with much success, and being a good business man, husbanded his earnings in such a
manner that he left his family a large estate, including 126 acres which they now occupy in
Richland township and a half-interest in 04 acres near. Bellaire. In all respects he was a good and
worthy citizen. Mr. White was married June 14, 1838, to Eliza Keyser, who was born in 1820,
the daughter 0f William and Margaret (Workman) Keyser. To this union were born ten children,
of whom nine are living: Margaret E., Elizabeth J., Charles, Sarah Ann, Mary, Martha V.,
Angeline, William and Nancy T. Mrs. White, who survives her husband, is an estimable lady,
and a member of the United Presbyterian church, of which her husband was also a member. At
one time he held the office of assessor of Wheeling township.
Robert Wilkins, a leading citizen of Belmont county, was born in 1816, a son of James and
Lydia (Boggs) Wilkins, the former of whom was of Welsh, and the latter of Irish, descent. His
father removed with his parents to Westmoreland county, Penn., and there grew to manhood, and
learned the saddler's trade. At this occupation he worked for some time in Pennsylvania, and then
came to Belmont county, some time before the beginning of the present century. He entered a
section of land on a part of which Belmont now stands, and remained there until 1805, when he
sold out and removed to 160 acres, which he purchased, one-fourth mile north of St. Clairsville.
Here he lived until his death in 1851. He was an active and influential politician; and was a
fearless and effective advocate of the principles, first of the whig, and then of the republican,
party. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm where he now lives, and in 1838 he was
married to Margaret Murray, a native of Virginia, who came to this county with her parents. To
this union were born six children, four of whom are living: Lydia, John M., Ella and Robert M.
Mr. Wilkins has a fine farm of 150 acres, 0ne of the best improved in the county, and also has
295 acres in Morgan county. He gives much attenti0n to st0ck-raising, and is one of the leading
sheep growers. He is an enterprising citizen, and contributed liberally to the contest on behalf of
St. Clairsville for the possession of the county seat.
One of the well-known families during the early period of the settlement of Belmont county was
that of which Joshua Worley, now a leading citizen of the county, is a representative. He is a
son of Jacob Worley, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1772, and when about
688 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
sixteen years of age came to Ohio, with his father, Joseph Worley, and his family. They erected
the first cabin where Bridgeport now stands, and settled in the woods among the hostile Indians
and wild animals. A considerable number of years later, Joseph Worley removed to Marion*
county, Ohio, leaving here Jacob and an older brother. The latter entered lands and cleared the
same, acquiring valuable and extensive farms. At the time of the Hardesty floods in 1819, Jacob
Worley lived on McMahan creek, and suffered much from the calamity. Jacob married Mary
Holtz, a native of Germany. Their son, Joshua, was reared in Pultney township, and in 1845, was
married to Margaret Greenley, who was born in Belmont county, in which she died in 1852. To
this union two children were born, James A., who died at the age of nineteen years, and Mary J.,
who became the wife of Francis McCann, and has two children living: James and Rena. She died
in 1880. In 1854, Mr. Worley was married to Susan Lucas. He and wife are members of the
Presbyterian church. He is an influential citizen, and has served officially as township trustee,
two terms in Smith township and three in Richland. He has a valua¬ble and extensively
improved farm of 185 acres.
John F. Young, an enterprising farmer of Richland township, was born in Morgan county, Ohio,
November 14, 1842. His father, James Young, was born in Pennsylvania, in December, 1813,
and came to Ohio with his parents when nine years of age. James grew to manhood on the farm
of his parents, John and Catherine Young, of German descent, and was then married to Lydia A.
Hulse. After this event he and his, wife moved to Morgan county, where they remained ten years.
Subsequently he returned to Pennsylvania, where he died in 1880. John F. Young, in 1862, when
twenty years of age, responded to the call of his country, and enlisted in Company F, Fiftieth
Ohio volunteer regiment. He served gallantly until his honorable discharge, in July, 1865, at
Camp Dennison, Cincinnati. He served with his command in all its engagements, and was in the
field continually, except about four months, when disease and accident compelled him to remain
in a hospital. On returning home he determined to apply himself, first to obtaining a good
education, and entered Washington and Jefferson college in 1865, where he was graduated in
1868, in the scientific course. He then turned his attention to the profession of law, and read law
for three years in the office of Alexis Cope, being admitted to the bar of Belmont county in 1870.
From 1870 to 1872 he taught in the country schools to aid him in his progress, and in the latter
year he began the practice at Bellaire. He was admitted to the bars of West Virginia and
Kentucky, and had good success in his chosen calling until 1877, when he retired from the same.
In December, 1877, he was married to Mary, daughter of Amos and Charity Fawcett, elsewhere
mentioned, and in the same year Mr. Young removed to the old homestead farm where he now
resides, a place of 130 acres, handsomely improved, where he enjoys a comfortable and happy
home. He is one of the influential men of the county.
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 689
Joseph Cowgill, says his grandfather, Isaac Cowgill, was born in Bucks county, Penn., April 23,
1760. He removed to Loudon county, where he married Miss Sarah Fred in 1784. In 1797 he
migrated to Ohio c0unty, Va., and settled in Wheeling. He farmed the land upon which Benwood
is situated. In 1799, he came to Richland township and bought the west half of section 15. This
land had been selected for him by one of the Zanes, a particular friend of his, and who was well
acquainted with all the lands in this locality. Mr. Cowgill's was the first emigrant wagon that was
ferried across the new ferry at the island. Prior to this time the ferry was below. He built one
amongst the first hewed log houses in the county. The only settlers known west of him were
Elijah Martin, who lived where Mr. S. W. Coffland now lives, and James Wilson, where Henry
F. Pickering now resides. He was the father of eight children: Joseph, Isaac (1st), Amy, Ann,
Sarah, Ralph, Isaac (2d), and Abraham, all of whom were residents of Belmont county. All died
here except Joseph, who died in Guernsey county. Mr. Isaac Cowgill departed this life November
29, 1845, aged eighty-five years, his wife having died November 6, 1801. Two hundred and
twenty acres of land upon which he settled is still in the name of the Cowgills. Mr. Cowgill and
wife were of English extraction, and held the religious views of the Friends or Quakers.
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 689
SMITH TOWNSHIP.
B. R. Ault, a well-known resident of Centerville, Belmont Co., Smith township, Ohio, was born
in that county October 7, 1831, and is the son of William and Margaret (Rose) Ault, the former
of whom was a native of Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mr. Ault was reared in Smith
township, and educated in the local schools. In May, 1853, he was married to Isabel, daughter of
Emanuel and Rachel Denoon, born February 6, 1837. This wife died June 18, 1867, leaving four
sons and one daughter, who survive. In April, 1870, Mr. Ault was married to Sarah A., daughter
of William P. and Rosella (Ervin) Pickeral, and by this union two sons have been born: B. F.,
June 19, 1871, and George F., born September 10, 1873. In the year 1858 Mr. Ault removed to
Centerville and erected a carriage factory and blacksmith shop, which he has conducted from that
time until the present, with much success. He takes much interest in the science of meteorology,
and is the weather observer at Centerville, for the state weather service, and the chief signal
office at Washington, D. C.
One of the conspicuous names in the history of Belmont county is that of Michael Ault, Jr. His
father, a native of Washington county, Penn., in 1814, accompanied by his wife and seven
children, emigrated to Richland township, Belmont county, settling where Glencoe now is. There
he erected a grist-mill, and conducted the same until within a few years of his death, which
occurred in 1848. The seven children born to them were as follows: Elizabeth, John, Adam,
Mary, Sarah, Michael and Daniel. Three of these are still living: Mary, aged eighty-seven;
Michael, aged eighty-two, and David, aged seventy-
44-B
690 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
eight. Michael Ault is now one of the venerable citizens of the township. He was born in the first
decade of the century. His life has been devoted to farming, milling and shipping of various
merchandise. Before the death of his father, he built a large frame mill to take the place of the log
building which had been fitted up by his father many years before, with mill-stones brought
down the river on a flat-boat from his old mill in Pennsylvania. The second mill is still running.
Michael Ault, Jr., did a very large business with this mill, having between October, 1847, and
May, 1848, made, packed and shipped 10,000 barrels of flour, besides grinding country grists,
shipping flour to the east and down the Ohio, and also dealt in live stock, making trips to
Baltimore. In 1869, he sold the mill, but still resides on the old home farm with his two daughters
and his brother, Daniel (his wife having died in 1880), and is still active and able to attend to
business. Michael Ault was married March 10, 1831, to Catharine Ijams, daughter of Thomas
and Catharine Ijams, and five sons and five daughters have been born to them, of .whom eight
are living. Thomas Ijams was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving seven
years under George Washington. He was a native of Maryland, moved from there to Washington
county, Penn., and finally made his home near Glencoe, where is died. Mr. Ault is a member of
the Presbyterian church, and is one of the township's most esteemed citizens.
John Baugh, one of the old and highly esteemed citizens of Smith township, was born in the state
of Virginia, at an early day in the present century, and when quite young was brought by his
parents to what is now West Virginia, but shortly afterward they removed to St. Clairsville,
which was his home for four years. During that time he learned the trade of blacksmithing. Mr.
Baugh's ancestors were valiant in the defense of their country, his grandfather serving in the war
of the revolution under Washington, and his uncles in the war of 1812. Though he himself did
not take part in the civil war, he was a firm supporter of the union. In his business ventures he
has been prosperous, and he is now comfortably situated, with a good farm of over 100 acres.
Mr. Baugh was married March 13, 1833, to Mary Campbell, a native of Ireland, by whom he had
five children, three of whom survive, James, William and Mary. He was married the second time
to Anna Toughel, also a native of Ireland, March 28, 1843, and she survives. He is a member of
the Premillenial church, and site of the Presbyterian.
Moses Boggs, a venerable and respected citizen of Smith township, was born in Richland
township, Belmont county, May 28, 1809. He is a son of Rice Boggs and his wife, Theodosia
Stephenson. His father was born in Delaware, and removed thence to Pennsylvania, and from
there to Ohio in an early day, becoming one of the pioneers of the state. After an industrious and
adventurous Jife he passed away at the age of ninety-three years. Moses Boggs was educated in
the old log school-house of his day, with its slab seats and greased paper lights, and as he grew
up he adopted the vocation of a farmer, which he has
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 691
since followed in connection with stock-raising and dealing, and with such success that he has
accumulated property and has a comfortable home during his declining years, Mr. Boggs is a
member of the Presbyterian church. He is liberal in his relations to church and community, and
has many friends.
Edward Bryson, a prominent citizen of Centerville, Belmont county, was born August 4, 1832,
a son of Isaiah and May Bryson, who were early and well-known settlers of the county. Isaiah
Bryson was born May 14, 1803, and his wife, November 20, 1805, and they were united in
matrimony December 3, 1829. Eight children were born to them, as follows: Barbara J., October
29, 1830; Edward W., August 4, 1832; Mary E., June 18, 1834; Caroline, August 1I, 1836, died
January 30, 1870; Indiana, January 9, 1839; Leander B., March 20, 1841; John A., April 5, 1843;
Emeline V., October 20, 1846, died April 17, 1865. The father died July 11, 1889, and his wife,
October 15, 1847. The subject of this mention was educated in the common schools of Belmont
county, and at Moundsville, W. Va., and afterward engaged in the mercantile business at
Moundsville. Subsequently he followed the same business at Armstrong, six years, and was then
at Centerville six or seven years in partnership with his brother. His next residence was at
Belmont, where he was engaged seven years at milling, and six in mercantile business. Returning
to Centerville in 1888, he has erected a spacious store-room in connection with his dwelling,
which he intends to stock with groceries, hardware, and a complete general line of merchandise..
Mr. Bryson was married March 10, 1872, to Melvina H. Jackson, by whom he has three children:
Nettie, born November 2, 1876, died March 26, 1885; Arthur, born October 29, 1879; Archie,
born February 26, 1882, died July 26, 1882. Mrs. Bryson is a member of the Protestant Methodist
church.
J. A. Bryson, a well-known business man of Centerville, is a son of the above named Isaiah and
Mary Bryson, and was born on Captina creek, April 5,1843. He received his education at
Moundsville, W. Va., and when he had reached his nineteenth year he enlisted in the union army
as a member of Company A, Twelfth Virginia infantry, August 11, 1862, and served gallantly
during the remainder of the war, receiving an honorable discharge June 16, 1865. Upon his return
to Moundsville he engaged in merchandise for a short time, and then in the year 1866 was
occupied in gardening. He removed to Centerville, Ohio, in the fall of that year, and embarked in
the mercantile business, in which he has continued until the present. He is a leading and
enterprising citizen, and at present is serving as postmaster, to which office he was appointed
September 5, 1885, and as township treasurer, as which he is filling his third term. Mr. Bryson is
a member of G. A.R. post, No. 595. February 25, 1875, he was married to Martha A. Hu- kill,
who was born May 16, 1853, and they have had three children: Franklin, born January 16, 1876;
Harry, deceased, born May 9, 1878, and Lawrence, born August 29, 1888. Mrs. Bryson is a
member of the Concord Presbythrian church.
William M. Clifford, one of the old citizens of Smith township,
692 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
Belmont county, was born in Wheeling township, December 1, 1820, the son of William and
Mary (Stewart) Clifford. The father was born in Pennsylvania, January 15, 1786, and emigrated
to Ohio in 1800. He had two sons and a daughter, of whom this subject is the only survivor.
William was educated with the meager advantages of pioneer days, and on October 15, 1845, he
was married to Elizabeth J. Foster, born January 24, 1829, the daughter of John and Martha
(Montgomery) Foster. To this marriage four sons and three daughters have been born, of whom
one son is deceased. Mr. Clifford's occupation through life has been carpentry. In the spring of
1889, he removed from his farm to a home in Centerville. He is the present trustee of the
township, and is serving his sixth year as such. R. H. Clifford, son of the above is a popular
teacher at Centerville. He was born in Smith township, March 17, 1848, and received his
education in the common schools and at the Lebanon Normal school. He began teaching in 1866,
and has ever since been engaged in the profession, and with the exception of a few terms entirely
in Smith township, teaching fourteen terms in one district. He was married September 12, 1872,
to Esther Mayhugh, who was b0rn April 13, 1854, and they have three children: Harry, born July
1, 1873; Luella M., born January 19, 1876; Angie E., born February 2, 1886. Mr. Clifford was
elected clerk of the township in 1874, and served five years, and was re-elected in 1884. Mrs.
Clifford is a daughter of William Mayhugh, who was born September 23, 1828, and was married
October 22, 1852, to Angeline, daughter of Lloyd and Esther (Matson) Foster. Mrs. Clifford is
the only child of this union. Mr. Mayhugh's occupation has been that of a carpenter until recent
years, when a failure of eyesight compelled him to desist, and he is now engaged in carrying the
mail from Centerville to Warnock. He and wife were engaged in the hotel business and in
keeping a grocery at Centerville during eleven years.
Robert M. Fulton, one of the leading business men of Smith township, was born in Belmont
county, February 11, 1841, a son of John and Jane (Alexander) Fulton. These parents, who were
both natives of Ireland, emigrated to the United States about the year 1812, and settled on
Wheeling creek, where they reared a family of six s0ns and four daughters, of whom three sons
and two daughters survive. Robert M. received his education in the common schools of this
township, and worked upon the farm until the beginning of the civil war, when, on June 4, 1861,
he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fifth Ohio infantry, and served until after the close of the war,
receiving an honorable discharge June 18, 1866. On his return to this county he engaged in
merchandise, and continued in that here until 1883, and then went to Kansas. Returning to Ohio,
in 1886, he opened a general store at Marbletown, which he is still conducting. Mr. Fulton was
married September 25, 1871, to Lucy J. Wiley, who was born March 28, 1848, and died January
29, 1883. To this marriage were born one son and five daughters, one of the latter of whom is
deceased. On March 13, 1884, Mr. Fulton was married to Mary B. Warnock, who
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 693
was born April 3, 1844, the daughter of Robert Warnock, and they have had two daughters, one
of whom survives. Mr. Fulton and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and he is
a comrade of the G. A. R.
John C. Gay, an enterprising young farmer of Smith township, Belmont county, Ohio, was born
0n the farm where he now resides, December 9, 1859. He is the son of Thomas Gay, who was
born in 1823, and on March 18, 1856, was married to Mary J. Boyd, who was born
in Ireland in 1840, and came to the United States about 1852. Thomas Boyd had five sons and
three daughters, all of whom survive. Rachel was born January 4, 1859; John C. was born- as
above stated; William N. was born August 14, 1861; Eliza was born September 7, 1863, and
Thomas B. was born September 18, 1865. The subject of this sketch was educated in the
common schools of his native township, and has spent his life in agricultural pursuits. Since the
death of the father, the sons and mother have continued to manage the home farm, making the
raising of stock a specialty. They are prosperous, and have the esteem of a wide circle of friends.
All the family have membership in the Presbyterian church at Concord, near Centerville, Ohio.
George Green, a citizen of Smith township, was born in Germany, August 15, 1856, the son of
Henry and Catherine (Romer) Greeen, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. The father
was born May 20, 1824, and with his family came to the United States in 1867, stopping first at
Pittsburgh for a short time. He then proceeded to Wheeling and remained three months, after
which he came to Bellaire, Ohio, where he made his residence two years. He then settled on the
National pike, five miles from Bridgeport, and remained there until the time of his death, May io,
1877. George Green, the subject of this mention, remained at home, engaged in gardening, until
October 5, 1880, when he was married to Linda Hubbs, who was born and raised in Marshall
county, W. Va. He then removed to Mead t0wnship, where he resided two years before making
his home at Jacobsburgh, where he still remains. Mr. Green and wife have three sons, Frank
Burton, born August 19, 1881; George Henry, born April 28, 1883, and Edgar Elwood, born
March 15 1885. Mrs. Green is a member of the Presbyterian church, at Wegee.
Henry. R. Haines, an enterprising young farmer of Smith township, was born at Bellaire, Ohio,
September 12, 1859, a son of Isaac W. and Susan E. (Neff) Haines, the former of whom was born
at Dover, Ohio, April 18, 1835, and the latter was born near Frostburg, Md., March 12, 1837.
They were married November 27, 1856, and five children were born to their union, of whom two
sons and ode daughter survive. Henry R. Haines was educated in the common schools of the
county, and after leaving school he engaged in farming, at which he was occupied subsequently,
and in which vo- cation he has attained a rank among the most successful and enterprising. He
has occupied his present residence two years. Mr. Haines was married October 26, 1882, to
Emma McCaslin, who died
694 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
February 12, 1884, leaving one daughter. On June 22, 1887, he was married to Sadie V. Ault, and
they have one son. Mr. Haines is one of the prominent young men of the county, and is well-liked
by all.
Miles R. Hart, of Smith township, a member of the board of commissioners of Belmont county,
was born in that township June 3, 1846, the son of Robert and Hannah Hart. The father was born
in Greene county, Penn., June 29, 1806, and was a son of Miles Hart, who emigrated to Ohio in
1814. The latter was an elder of the Presbyterian church, and for many years a justice of the
peace. Robert was married January 3. 1839, to Hannah, daughter of James and Rachel (Smith)
Gordon, who were natives of York county, Penn., and emigrated to Ohio in 1816, and settled on
the farm now owned by the subject of this mention. Robert and Hannah Hart had six children,
three sons and three daughters, and five survive. Miles R. was educated in the common schools
of Smith township, and after he had left school he made a trip to Missouri, and while there was
engaged in teaching for several months. On his return to Ohio he followed the carpenter's trade
for a year, and then engaged in farming, which has since been his vocation, in connection with
stock-raising and wool growing. He has been prominent for several years in public affairs, and in
1882 was elected justice of the peace, as which he served three terms, also holding the position of
notary public, to which he was appointed by Gov. Hoadley in 1885, and reappointed by Gov.
Foraker in 1888. Though a democrat in politics, and opposed by a republican majority of over
B00, he was successful in the fall of 1889 as the democratic candidate for the commissionership,
and assumed the office on the first Monday of January, 1890. He and wife are members of the
Concord Presbyterian church, in which he is a ruling elder.
James Hogan, a popular teacher of Smith township, Belmont county, was born January 10,
1865, a son of William and Mary (Scott) Hogan, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to this
country about the year 1845. They were married in Belmont county in the year .1856. The father
was engaged upon the railroad as section boss for a number of years, and continued at that until
compelled by advanced age to retire from the same. James was educated in the common schools
of the township, and in the spring of 1884 began teaching, at which he has since been engaged.
He has met with success in his profession, and is considered one of the most promising men in
his line of work. He and his parents are members of the Catholic church.
Daniel Holahan, an estimable citizen of Smith township, is a native of Ireland, born in the year
1824. He was well educated in his native land, by the church, and became classical assistant at
the Queen's college, at Limerick. On coming to this country in 1853, he was here only three
weeks when he entered St. Joseph's college, at Buffalo. Owing to a trifling misunderstanding he
left there and removed to Steubenville, where he, was married. In 1858 he came to his present
place of residence, but remained there at that time but one year, going to Kentucky and living
there until the time of the rebellion
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 695
He then crossed to Ohio, and has resided in Smith township for the past twenty-three years. He
bought the farm he now lives on in 1879. Mr. Holahan was married June 7, 1857, to Honora
Keehan, of. Steubenville, and they have had three sons and three daughters, the eldest of whom, a
girl, died in 1883. The y0ungest, a daughter, is a student of stenography at Duff's college, of
Pittsburgh. The sons are telegraph operators, and one is engaged as a train dispatcher at
Allegheny City, Penn. Mr. Holahan and family are members of the Catholic church.
W. J. Kelsey, of Smith township, one of the most prominent farmers of the region, is a son of
Robert Kelsey, one of the early settlers of Belmont county. Robert was born in Ireland, in 1807,
and in 1811 emigrated to the United States with his parents, who made their home across the
river from Wheeling. On May 31, 1831, Robert was married to Rachel Livingston, who was born
1n Ireland in 1799, and they had two sons and one daughter, of whom the former survive. Robert
farmed for many years a farm which he purchased from James Kelsey, an uncle, who was one of
the pioneers. He died January 25, 1868, and his wife died August 12, 1883. W. J. Kelsey was
born August 19, 1834, and reared on the farm, and received his education in the common schools
of the township. He has devoted his life to farming and stock-raising, at which he has been
notably successful. He has a fine herd of Spanish Merino sheep, and is an extensive grower of
wool, and breeder of fine sheep. April 29, 1869, Mr. Kelsey was married to Elizabeth A.,
daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth (Grimes) Ram- age, and they have three children: Robert
Archibald, born March 19, 1870; Rachel Adella, born January 13, 1873, and Louise May, born
March. 1, 1878. Mrs. Kelsey is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Among the worthy early settlers of Ohio was Jacob Lewis, who was born in Pennsylvania in
1760. He was married in the year 'S00 to Mary Bundy, of North Carolina, and a year or two later
they migrated to Mt. Pleasant township, Jefferson county, where they lived until 1822, when they
purchased and moved upon the Lewis mill property, in Smith township. He died in 1829, and his
wife in 1859. Five children were born to them, one of whom, Ira Lewis, was born in Jefferson
county, March 30, 1808. He, upon the death of his father, took charge of the mill, and in 1848
tore away the old log mill and built the present frame structure, and conducted the grist- and also
the flour-mill, until his death July 1, 1889. He was one of the leading citizens of the county,
owned several farms, and was elected in 1852 as county commissioner. He was married in 1829,
to Elizabeth Gregg, who died September 16, 1878, and they had two sons and four daughters. T.
E. Lewis, a son of the above, was born June 4, 1832, in Smith township, and is now one of the
prominent men of the county. He received his education after leaving the common schools, at
Mt. Pleasant and West Alexander college, and then engaged in the milling business and in
farming, in both of which he has met with much success. Near his residence is the station of
Lewis' Mill, on the B. & O. railroad, named in honor of Ira Lewis. Mr. Lewis was married
September 22, 1859, to Mary A. Happer, who was born at Barnesville,
696 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
June 16, 1832. They have three sons: W. D., a farmer residing near the old homestead; Clinton
H., in business in California; Walter G., deputy treasurer of Belmont county. Mr. Lewis and wife
were reared in the Society of Friends, and are deserving of the high esteem in which they are held
by all.
Joseph Lester, a veterinary surgeon of considerable note and ability, now a resident of Smith
township, was born in county Armagh, Ireland, April 10, 1853. He was educated in his native
land and there became engaged as a veterinary surgeon, having up to the present time given
eighteen years' study to the diseases of animals. In June, 1874, .he came to the United States, and
after a residence of two and a half years in the city of Wheeling, came to Belmont county, Ohio,
and in the spring of 1885, took possession of his present residence. Mr. Lester devotes much
attention to the practice of veterinary surgery, and meets annually with a distinguished Indiana
practitioner. He is also the owner of a fine English horse, " Messenger," which is one of the most
valuable in this region. Mr. Lester was married March 26, 1884, to Emma L. McKeen, of
Belmont county, and they have one son, now deceased, and three daughters: Eva May, Jenny and
Olive. Mr. Lester is a member of the Presbyterian church, and his wife of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
e-mail from Linda McGraw, Monday, December 28, 2009 9:01PM
Hello!
Want to advise you that Joseph Lester is my Great Grandfather. In his Ohio (Belmont Co.) biography three daughters were omitted.
1. Margaret Lee Lester Penrose (my grandmother)
2. Nellie Lester (Great Aunt)
3. Lucinda Lester
and a son: Albert Lester which all were from Belmont County.
Also his wife's name is incorrect. Her name was Emily not Emma.
I am also in contact with the family over in Northern Ireland. Plan to go back to visit with them late this summer.
Thank you for your assistance in advance. Did not know who else to contact.
Sincerely,
Linda (Susie) McGraw
(I also grew up in St.Clairsville, OH., Belmont Co., but now reside in Florida.)
E. H. Lucas, one of the prominent farmers of Smith township, was born near where he now
resides, April 27, 1837. He is a son of Elisha H. Lucas, son of Samuel and Eleanor Lucas. Elisha
H. Lucas, Sr., was born in Green county, Penn., June 16, 1801, and came to Ohio in his boyhood,
and afterward entered a farm near the present home of his son. About the same time Susanna
Ault, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Ault, came to this county with her parents, who settled
near St. Clairsville. She was born in Washington county, Penn., January 15, 1802, and in 1825
she was married to Elisha Lucas, to whom she bore eleven children, three sons and one daughter
of whom survive. Elisha Lucas died December 9, 1864, and his wife September 24, 1873. E. H.
Lucas was reared as a farmer, and has devoted his life to that vocation. He has been prominent in
local affairs, and has served his township as justice of the peace, assessor and township trustee.
On January 19, 1865, he was married to Caroline Myers, who was born August 12, 1842, the
'daughter of Jacob and Charity Myers, the former of whom was born in Washington county,
Penn., in 1805, and the latter in the same county in 1804. Jacob Myers died in 1876, and Charity
in 1885, and of their eight children, three sons and three daughters survive. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas
are members of the Methodist Protestant church, at Centerville.
Samuel C. Lucas, a highly esteemed citizen of Smith township, Belmont county, was born
October 10, 1832, the son of Enos and Mary (Ault) Lucas. Samuel Lucas, the grandfather of the
subject of this mention, was one of the worthy pioneers of Belmont county, well-known and
prominent in his day. Samuel C. Lucas was educated in the common schools of the county, and
was reared as a farmer, in which vocation his life has been spent. He has prospered in this call-
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 697
ing, and is one of the well-to-do men. of the county. In 1861, Mr. Lucas was married to Lucy L.
Warnock, daughter of William Warnock. She was born March 4, 1843. To this union have been
born ten children, six sons and four daughters. Mr. Lucas and wife, are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church at Warnock.
Albert McAllister, of Jacobsburgh, Ohio, a well-known and highly respected citizen, was born
at Loydsville, Belmont county, July 12, 1850. He is the son of Charles and Barbara (Schultz)
McAllister, the former of whom was born in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1800, and the latter was
born near St. Clairsville, Ohio. The subject of this mention was educated at Loydsville, and upon
the close of his school days, he enlisted in the Sixth United States cavalry, and served five years,
being during that time with General Sheridan through the National Park. At the expiration of his
enlistment he received an honorable discharge, and he subsequently spent seven years in the
west. Five years ago he established himself at Jacobsburgh, and engaged in the trade of a
blacksmith, opening a shop which has been quite successful and popular. Mr. McAllister was
married 'March 23, 1885, to Caroline E. Marshall, whose parents were natives of Pennsylvania,
and removed to Monroe county, Ohio, at an early date. By this union he has two, daughters,
Grace Afton, born March 29, 1886, and Lizzie May, born September, 1887. Mr. McAllister is a
Master Mason of the Centerville lodge, and Mrs. McAllister is a member of the Presbyterian
church.
Wilson McCloud, a well-known business man of Centerville, Belmont county, is a native of
Smith township. He was born December 27, 1846, a son of Elias and Margaret (Mobely)
McCloud. When only three years old he was bound out to a Dr. Wilson, with whom he lived
until his twenty-fifth year. He was then married to Alsie J. Jarrett, and they resided upon the farm
of Dr. Wilson for eight years thereafter. They then in 1880 removed to Olivet, and thence a year
later to Centerville, where he has since resided. In 1885 Mr. McCloud took a position as clerk in
the store of A. Mayhugh, a position he still holds. He is active and enterprising, and is popular
socially. He is a member of the Weyer lodge, F. & A. M., and of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and his wife 1s a member of the Methodist Protestant church. She was born September 9, 1854,
the daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Kaufman) Jarrett, and is the mother of two children: John A.,
born June 19, 1872, and Cora, born September 13, 1876.
Robert McConnell, a venerable and highly esteemed citizen of Smith township, was born in
Wheeling, in 1811, the son of William and Barbara (Wolf) McConnell, natives of Pennsylvania.
Robert was well educated, completing his literary studies at Jefferson college at Cannonsburgh,
Penn., and after leaving college he entered upon the study of law. He engaged in the practice of
that profession at Wheeling, and shortly afterward removed to Indiana, and was occupied with
his profession two years at Merom. In 1837 he moved to Elizabethtown, Marshall county, W.
Va., and there continued in the
698 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
practice until 1845. He then removed to the town of Texas in the same county, and five years
later again settled at Elizabethtown, where he remained until April, 1888, when he removed to
Marbletown, Ohio, where he is leading a retired life. In '1870, he was married to Miss Buskirk,
of Ohio, and both are members of the Presbyterian church.
Hiram McGaughey, well known as one of the prosperous farmers of Smith township, was born
March 14, 1817, and is a son of William and Ann (Boyd) McGaughey. His father was born in
Maryland, October 21, 1774, and was married in his native state, coming from there 1810 to
Ohio. He was a resident of St. Clairsville for a short time, and Then purchased a farm in Smith
township, where he resided until his death, in August, 1834. He was a soldier in the war of 1812,
serving throughout that struggle. By his wife, who died two years before his decease, he had four
sons and eight daughters. Hiram, one of these children of the pioneer home, was reared amid the
scenes of early settlement, with such schooling as was possible, and he has ever since followed
the vocation of farming, which he then learned. He was married April 24, 1845, to Elizabeth
Watt, a daughter of Thomas and Jane Watt, natives of Hartford county, Md., who settled near
Jacobsburgh, Belmont county, in 1816. To this union six children were born, of whom two
daughters survive. Thomas Watt died in July, 1827, and his wife, August 29, 1889, at the age of
ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs. McGaughey are members of the Presbyterian church near
Centerville, of which he has been a deacon for a number of years, and is at present trustee.
Robert McGaughey, a worthy resident of Smith township, and son of the above named William
and Ann McGaughey, was born April 12, 1832, in this county. He was educated in the common
schools of Smith township, and from his earliest years has been engaged in agriculture, at which
he has been industrious and persevering and successful. He was married April 19, 1883, to Mary
A. Feeley, who was born January 29, 1832, the daughter of William and Ann (Neff) Feeley. Her
father and mother were natives of this county, and the former, who was a prosperous farmer, died
June 3, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. McGaughey lived and farmed upon the old homestead, where Hiram
McGaughey now resides, until 1875, when they moved to their present place of business. They
are members of the Presbyterian church, and are highly esteemed by all.
James N. McMaster, M. D., of Centerville, a well-known member of the medical profession of
Belmont county, is a native of that county, born at Jacobsburgh, December 30, 1844. He is a son
of Samuel McMaster, who was born in Pennsylvania, December 26, 1813, the latter of whom
was a son of Robert McMaster, also a native Pennsylvanian, born August 10, 1793. Oh
November 5, 1835, Samuel McMaster was married to Sarah A. Gregory, and to this union were
born seven sons and five daughters, of whom the following survive: William W., of Richland
township; John W., of Wichita, Kas.; Thomas J., of Laing's, Ohio; Alexander W., of near
Jacobsburgh;
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 699
Emma S. Kramer, of Jacobsburgh, and Dr. James N. McMaster. The latter was reared upon the
farm until 1862, when he enlisted as a private in the Ninth Ohio cavalry, and served valliantly for
three years. He participated in the campaigns in the southwest, and in Sherman's famous
movement to Savannah and through the Carolinas, after which he was honorably discharged at
Lexington, in North Carolina, in September, 1865. Returning home, he engaged in teaching and
reading medicine, and after previously attending the Starling Medical college at Columbus, he
was graduated in medicine at the Medical college of Ohio, at Cincinnati, in 1870. He began the
practice at Glencoe, Ohio, in partnership with Dr. William Piper, but soon after his marriage to
Susan E. Neff, which occurred November 28, 1871, he removed to Centerville, where he has
acquired an extensive and lucrative practice. In addition to his practice, the doctor performs the
duties of notary public, as which he was commissioned by , Goys. Hoadley and Foraker. He is
one of the charter members of W. Meyer lodge, No. 541, F. & A. M. of Centerville, and irs
secretary, and is surgeon of Hess post, G. A. R., of Armstrong. He and wife are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is recording stewart for the circuit. By his marriage
above mentioned, the doctor has three children: Elva Lenora, born April 24, 1873; William
Henry, born September 17, 1875; Samuel E., born September 22, 1881.
A. Mayhugh, well-known as a prominent business man of Centerville, Belmont county, was
born August 10, 1841, the son of Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Ruble) Mayhugh. In his youth Mr.
Mayhugh received a limited education, and early in life turned his attention to mercantile
pursuits. He became engaged as a huckster, and continued at it for sixteen years, at the end of
that period busying himself with various occupations for some eight years. He then resumed the
huckster business, and in 1881 opened a grocery store in Centerville, starting on a small scale. He
was successful from the outset, and was soon compelled to move to more ample quarters, and he
now has the most extensive establishment and the largest trade at Centerville and throughout the
surrounding territory. Everything found in a first-class general store is kept on hand. In the
summer seasons Mr. Mayhugh entrusts his store to his assistant, Wilson McCloud, and runs a
notion wagon. He is a worthy and respected citizen, and he and wife are members of the
Christian church. He was first married in 1861, to Mary L. Mayhugh, by whom he had three
daughters, and in 1876, he was united to Priscilla Ward, who died January 1, 1882. In June,
1885, he was married to Louisa Perkins, by whom he has a son and a daughter.
Robert I. Ogilbee, a prosperous and successful farmer of Smith township, Belmont county, was
born October 20, 1830, a son of John and Ann (Irwin) Ogilbee, the former of whom was born in
Pennsylvania, in 1796. John Ogilbee emigrated to Ohio in 1815, with his parents and settled on
the farm now owned by William Lash. He married, and had one son, the subject of this mention.
Robert I. Ogil-
700 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
bee was reared on the farm and received a common school education. Choosing early in his life
the vocation of a farmer, he has devoted himself to that with much success during life. On May
30, 1860, he was married to Martha I., daughter of of William and Sarah Ogilbee, and to this
union have been born nine children, four sons and five daughters, six of whom survive. Mr.
Ogilbee and wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
James A. Ramsey, a popular citizen and prosperous farmer of Smith township, and a resident of
Jacobsburgh, was born August 6, 1835. He is a son of Samuel and Ellinor (Nichols) Ramsey, the
former of whom was born in Washington county, Penn., in 1803, and the latter in 1807, and the
parents of both of whom were natives of county Tyrone, Ireland. James A. Ramsey, the subject of
this mention, was reared on the farm, and trained to that vocation, and his education was
obtained in the common schools of Jacobsburgh. Arriving at majority, he entered upon the career
of a farmer, and in 1866 he was united in marriage to Nancy J. Jackson, daughter of Henry and
Elizabeth (Belleville) Jackson, natives of Hampshire county, Va. Mrs. Ramsey was born in the
year 1839. By this marriage she is the mother of six daughters: Elizabeth, Viola, Mary E.,.Lora J.,
Nora, and one deceased.
R. D. Sutton, a native of Belmont county, and one of its energetic and successful farmers,
residing in Smith township, near Glencoe, was born March 8, 1864, the son of Richard and
Nancy (Harvey) Sutton. He was educated in the common schools, on leaving which he devoted
himself to agriculture, in which he is still engaged. He also gives much attention to the breeding
of sheep, and has a fine herd of National Delaine Merinos, to which he is justified in attaching a
high value. Though a young man, Mr. Sutton holds a high rank among the farmers and
stock-raisers of his township. He was married March 6, 1884, to Mary A. Giffin, who was born
July 7, 1865, the daughter of Joseph and Mary J. (Ault) Giffin. By this union Mr. Sutton has two
daughters, Edna F. born May 22, 1885, and Blanche J., born April 2, 1889. He and wife are
members of the United Presbyterian church at St. Clairsville.
William T. Taylor, a well-known resident of Smith township, who is by occupation a farmer,
and has devoted himself to that pursuit all his life, with the exception of two years spent in
mercantile pursuits at Jacobsburgh, was born in Mead township, May 24, 1846, and is a son of
Frazier and Lucy (Remley) Taylor. His father was a native of Jefferson county, Ohio. The subject
of this mention was educated in the common schools of Mead township, and reared as a farmer.
In 1872 he was united in marriage to Josephine N. Johnson, on May 2. She is a daughter of
Sterling and Elizabeth (Dunlap) Johnson, both of whom are natives of Belmont county, Ohio.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, four sons and three daughters, six of
whom are living: Samuel Burt; William T., Alpha, Josie D. Her- man and Kenneth. Mr. and Mrs.
Taylor are members of the D., dist Episcopal church of Jacobsburgh, and are highly esteemed.
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 701
William Warnock, Sr., one of the oldest residents of Belmont county, is a son of John Warnock,
a notable pioneer, who was born in 1767, near Winchester, Va., the son of a native of Ireland,
who served in the British army seven years. John Warnock was married about 1796, to Isabella
Gilkison, of Virginia, and in 1804, with his wife and four children, he came to Belmont county,
and settled on section 11, Smith township, one-half mile below Warnock's Station. There they
made their home in a little log cabin, and began the work of clearing. He was successful in
business and amassed a comfortable property and built himself, in 1831, a good brick house. In
1806 he built the first saw-mill on McMahan creek, and established a fulling mill on the creek in
1814 or 1815, in which he subsequently put carding and spinning and weaving machines, and
these were in operation until a recent period. He died in 1840, and his wife in 1847. They reared
a family of. ten children. William Warnock, born in West Virginia, September 25, 1801, was
three years old when the family came to Ohio, and he was reared among the hardships and
deprivations of a pioneer life. At the age of fifteen he became engaged in his father's woolen mill,
and remained in that occupation until 1832. He was then in mercantile business two years, and
then purchased the gristmill and farm at Warnock, which he operated many years. He has been
one of the township's prominent men, has served as trustee eight or ten years, and has been
selected in eleven instances to settle up estates of decedents, some of which are quite
complicated. His career has beon a successful one, and he now owns 260 acres of valuable land,
including part of the village of Warnock. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church,
which his father established at that place. Mr. Warnock was married in 1828, to Jane Poak, of
West Virginia, by whom he had ten children, of whom John, William, Sarah, Lucy and Frances
are living. Their mother died in 1871, and on March 24, 1874, he was married to Nancy, daughter
of Robert and Ann (Ferguson) Dunn, born in county Derry, Ireland, in 1819.
A. P. White, a prominent and successful teacher of Belmont county, was born March 5, 1840,
the son of Benjamin and Margaret E. (Phipps) White, the former of whom was born at
Brownsfield, Penn., in April, 1806. Prof. White received his first education at Belmont, and
subsequently attended the Barnesville academy, then under the direction of Profs. William S.
Alder and Samuel Davenport. He then became a student at Hopedale college, in Harrison county,
then presided over by Edwin Regal, and after leaving this institution he began teaching at
Jacobsburgh, and afterward was the principal of the Belmont school for several years. Sometime
later he was treasurer of the Belmont Glass works for about two years, and was then salesman in
a grocery and queensware store at Bellaire for eighteen months. He became superintendent of the
Bellaire schools and served one year, and was then the principal of the First ward school of that
city for three years, after which he went to Quaker City, and was principal of the school one year.
On closing this engagement
702 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
he went to his farm near Lewis' Mills and remained there some time but subsequently removed to
Belmont, and for five years held the position of principal of the school. He is now residing on his
farm, and teaching a school in the vicinity. Mr. White was married December 29, 1863, to
Ermina J. Hoge, who was by this union the mother of six children. She died March 15, 1877. Of
the children, Alvin Lincoln, a graduate of Bethany college, is a civil engineer of Wheeling; the
other children are Albert Bushrod, Ernest Milton, Charles Lloyd, Ada Hoge and Clara Leona. On
September 24, 1879, Mr. White was married to Caroline Virginia Wilkinson, by whom he has
one daughter, Julia Elizabeth. Mr. White and wife and four eldest children are members of the
Disciple church of Belmont.
Job Dillon, one of the firm of Dillon Bros., proprietors of the National Mills, Hendrysburg,
Ohio, and the subject of this sketch is one of eight children, born to Job and Catharine Dillon.
The children were: Levi, deceased; John, deceased; Nancy, deceased; David, deceased; Peter C.,
deceased; Benjamin F. and Job, our subject; Hannah, deceased. The father, Job Dillon, was born
in New Jersey, but moved, in 1803, to Belmont county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming until
his death, which occurred in 1816. His wife, Catharine (Colley) Dillon, was born in
Pennsylvania, near Union. She died in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Dillon were life-long members of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Job Dillon, seventh child of Job and Catharine Dillon, was born in
June, 1815. The years of his boyhood were spent upon the farm, but at the age of twenty-five, he
began the carpenter's trade, which he carried on successfully for twenty years, then, upon the
death of his brother, returned to the farm where he worked five years. At the end of this period he
began his present business, that of milling. The business is owned by J. Dillon & Bro., who, by
their close attention to business, and fair dealing with their customers, have succeeded in
establishing one of the best mills in Kirkwood township. They have just put in the patent roller,
manufactured by Todds & Sanley, of St. Louis, Missouri, and the first of its kind in the state of
Ohio. Mr. Dillon served his township as trustee for nine years, and is well and favorably known
and much liked by all his friends.
William Eaton is the only living representative of nine children born to John and Catherine
(Eckels) Eaton. The children were: Joseph, born January 4, 1895, died February 8, 1825; John,
born October 18, 1896, died December 10, 1848; Jeanet, born November 4, 1808, (the wife of
Robert Miller), died December 1 1, 1826; Mary, wife of Joseph Rodgers, born February 1, 1811;
Benjamin, born April 21, 1814, died May 15, 1877; Daniel, born July 5, 1816, died November 4,
1861; William, born December 16, 1818; Isaac E., born December 22, 1820, died in 1882, in
Leavenworth City, Kan.; David, born March 2, 1824, died May 28, 1847, he was a soldier in the
Mexican war, and met his death at the front. The father of these children was born April 6, 1781,
in Pennsylvania. In 1814 he came with his parents to Morristown, Belmont Co., Ohio. He died
July 11, 1843. At the time of his
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 703
death he was standing behind the counter in his hotel, his demise being caused apoplexy. The
mother was born December 11, 1780, and died March 1, 1863, having reached the advanced age
of eighty-three years. Mr. and Mrs Eaton were devout members of the Presbyterian church, the
latter being one of the first members, at a time when services were held in the woods, before they
had any church building. John Eaton established a hotel on what is now the "Old State road,"
when the township was unsettled, there being but three houses in Morristown at the time. He was
postmaster of Morristown during the last twenty-five years of his life. William Eaton received his
education in the old log school-house at Morristown, which was the only school in the vicinity in
that day. When he was twelve years of age he was taken into his father's store and remained there
for sixteen years. December 1, 1846, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Atwell, a
daughter of Thompson and Nancy Atwell, who were natives of Loudon county, Va. They came to
Belmont county, Ohio, in 1826, and here reared six children, viz.: William, born August 12,
1826, he went to California in 1849 and was not heard from until January, 1889, he was then in
Mexico; Elizabeth, born February 2, 1828; Jesse, born January 30, 1831, died in Nevada in 1887;
Thomas E., born June 29, 1833, died December 30, 1888; Susan, born August 19, 1836, the wife
of Edward Harris, now living in California; Mary Jane, born February I, 1839, wife of Andrew
Ewers. The father was born September 28, 1797, and died March 3, 1861; the mother died June
29, 1881. William Eaton was engaged in the mercantile business for six years after his marriage,
he then turned his attention to farming and stock-raising, and has been very successful in this
pursuit. The children that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Eaton are: Robert M., born April 23,
1849, he is one of the brightest young men that Belmont county has produced; he was
prosecuting attorney of Belmont county, being elected in 1880, he served two years, and after
that became one of St. Clairsville's most prominent lawyers; he was admitted to the bar in 1871.
In 1886 he moved to Atchison, Kan., and has met with such success in his new home that in 1888
he was elected judge of the district court; Charles A., born August 16, 1851, lives with his
parents; Mary B., born February 23, 1854, is the wife of John C. Tomlinson, a member of the
firm of Tomlinson & Eaton, lawyers; Ruth E., born April 18, 1858, died October 5, 1860. Mr.
and Mrs. Eaton are consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and are held in the highest
esteem by their large circle of friends. Mr. Eaton is one of the representative agriculturists of the
county.
John V. Fisher is the only child of Archibald and Eliza Ann (Vance) Fisher. The former was
born in Glasgow, Scotland, in about 1800. He was a graduate of one of the noted Latin schools of
Scotland. He emigrated to this country in 1826, coming, with his parents, direct to Wheeling, W.
Va. Soon after his arrival in Wheeling, Mr. Fisher embarked in the printing and book-binding
business. A great part of all the printing done in the upper Ohio valley was turned out of his
printing establishment in that day. Mr. Fisher, the
704 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
subject of this mention, has several very interesting old almanacs which were published by him.
Archibald Fisher married Eliza Vance in 1836, and they removed to St. Louis, Mo., where he
engaged in the wholesale book trade, continuing in this business until his death in 1848. His
wife was born in Baltimore, Md., about the year 1808, the daughter of William and Mary (Paxon)
Vance. Mary (Paxon) Vance was born in Philadelphia, of Scotch parentage. William Vance was
a lieutenant in the Nicholson regiment during the war of 1812. He had the distinguished honor of
hearing the Star Spangled Banner sung the first time it was ever produced. His sword, which he
carried in the war of 1812, and also one which belonged to Andrear Ferrea, having been made in
the twelfth century, are in the possession of Mr. John Fisher. John V. Fisher was born in
Wheeling, W. Va., September 28, 1837. His parents' death occurred while he was attending the
public schools of his native state; he then went to live with his paternal grandfather, who resided
in Wheeling, and remained with him until he was nineteen years of age. By this time Mr. Fisher
had obtained a good education, and went to sea on a whaling vessel, sailing to the Indian Ocean.
After a two-years' cruise the good ship "Corthian" put in at New London, Conn., with a cargo of
4,500 barrels of oil; her commander was Captain Rogers. Mr. Fisher returned to Wheeling after
his long voyage, and after remaining for a time, removed August, 1859, to Morristown, where he
engaged in the drug business. In the same year of his coming to Morristown he was married to
Miss Martha Lippincott, the youngest daughter of John and Charity Lippincott, who come from
one of the oldest families of Belmont county. The following children were born to them: Agnes
(deceased) ; Mary, the wife of Frank Amos, of Columbus, Ohio, she was a graduate of Monroe
seminary, of Michigan; her marriage occurred June 15, 1887; she died July t0, 1887, of heart
trouble; Virginia Belle, a bright and highly cultivated lady, and Earl Vance. Mrs. Fisher and
daughter are earnest members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Fisher is a member of Hazen
Masonic lodge, and also a charter member of the Morristown lodge, K. of P. He is a democrat.
A. J. Hogue, one of the leading physicians of Morristown, Belmont county, Ohio, was born in
Union township, Belmont county, Ohio, in 1832. Like most farmer's sons, Dr. Hogue attended
the district schools in the winter and worked on the farm in the summer season. When he had
reached the age of eighteen years his parents moved to Loydsville, and he became a scholar in the
village schools. After completing his preliminary education he taught school for several terms,
and then commenced the study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Y. H. Jones, of Loydsville,
with whom he remained for three years. At the expiration of this time he entered the Cincinnati
medical college. After remaining in college for five months Dr. Hogue began the practice of
medicine in the winter of 1855, at Malaga. After two years he removed to Burns Mills, Belmont
county, Ohio, and practiced there until his removal to Morristown
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 705
in 1859. When his country called for volunteers to defend its cause, he proffered his services, and
was soon made surgeon in charge of the Refugee hospital for women and children. He remained
in this capacity until he was 'honorably discharged in May, 1865, at Clarks,- ville, Tenn. His
marriage to Miss Eliza. Harper was solemnized in 1856, and their union has been attended by the
happiest relations. In August, 1889, Dr. Hogue admitted G. C. Watson into partnership. Dr.
Watson is a physician of rare ability, and his presence in the firm has been attended with the most
gratifying results. Dr. Hogue was a member of the board of examiners of Belmont county, have
been appointed to fill this responsible position by the Belmont Medical society. He has filled
various different positions of trust in the township, and is a member of Hazen lodge of the
Masonic fraternity. G. C. Watson, above mentioned, is a graduate of the Starling Medical
college, having been a member of the class 0f 1889. He is the son of John K. and Annie
(Culvertson) Watson, who were residents of Concord, Muskingum county, Ohio. The father died
in 1885, and the mother in 1881. They were both earnest members of the Presbyterian church,
and were useful members of the community in which they lived. At the time of his death he was
the superintendent of the Concord high school. Dr. Watson is a physician of much promise.
John C. Israel, a leading agriculturist of Kirkwood township, Belmont Co., Ohio, is one of five
children born to Robert and Mary Elizabeth Israel. The children are: Sarah Elizabeth, deceased;
John C.; Noble J., deceased; Joseph, deceased, and Clara Ann. These parents were both members
of the Christian church, and were very highly respected. The father is still living in Morristown;
the mother, who was the daughter of Noble Taylor, of Union township, died in February, 1856.
John C. Israel, the principal of this memoir, was born in 1833, on the farm which his grandfather
settled in 1801, and now occupied by Mr. Israel. He taught school for some time when a young
man, and then began his life work as a farmer. In September, 1856, he espoused Elizabeth Ann
Pryor. She died in February, 1858. Some time after he married a second time, by this marriage he
had two sons: Eugene. L. and Robert S. Mr. Israel's second wife died, and he then married Maria
Gregg, November 22, 1872, by whom he has had two children: Emmet G. and Albert G. Mr. and
Mrs. Israel are worthy members of the Christian church. Eugene L. Israel is a graduate of
Pittsburgh Mercantile college, and Robert entered Bethany college, will graduate in June, 1890.
Mr. Israel has filled most of the township offices, and is now serving his second term as a county
commissioner. Is vice-president of the First National bank, Batesville, Ohio. His large farm of
377 acres is in the highest state of cultivation. He makes a specialty of raising grain and stock.
His live stock is of the finest breeds, and has gained for him an enviable reputation as a
stock-raiser. Mr. Israel is an energetic farmer and a useful citizen.
William B. Kirk, the prosperous merchant and wool dealer of Mor-
45-B
706 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
ristown, Belmont county, Ohio, is a representative of a very old and influential family. His
great-great-grandfather's name was Alfancy Kirk, who was born in Scotland and .came to this
country in early manhood; the great-grandfather's name was Adam Kirk, who was a physician.
His three sons were William, Adam and Caleb. All that is known of the latter is that he owned a
large flour-mill on the Brandywine. William, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and his
brother Adam, left Chester county, Penn., in 1796, and moved to Fayette county, Penn. After a
residence in the last named county of sixteen years, they came to Belmont county, Ohio. In a few
years Adam took up his abode in the western portion of the state, and nothing further is known of
him or his family, except that a part of his sons went to Indiana. William Kirk remained in
Belmont county until his death in the year 1842. His eight children were: Hannah, Samuel, Mary,
Isaac, Robert, Phebe, Edith and William. The latter died when twenty-two years of age. The
mother of these children was Edith. Robert lived to be eighty-two years old. Samuel died in his
eighty-sixth year and Isaac in his eighty-seventh year. Samuel was the father of William B. Kirk.
He was born June 2, 1792. About 1816 he was joined in marriage to Rachael Jones, a native of
Jerfferson county, Va. Six of their children reached maturity. They were: Levi, Sarah A., Edith,
William B., Samuel and Lydia H. William B., Sarah A. and Lydia H., still survive. William B.
Kirk was born in Belmont county, Ohio, July 8, 1822, on a farm within a mile of the village of
Flushing. He obtained his education by his own efforts, working hard during the day, he would
study at night by the light of a fireplace, getting what help he could from his father. He taught
school for seventeen years, his first charge being near the town of Athens, Ohio. November 27,
1845, he took Miss Ann Jinkins to wife. She is a daughter of James and Margaret Jinkins, the
former a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio with his parents when a mere lad. Margaret
(Barlow) Jinkins was born in Maryland, and came to Ohio with her parents when a small child.
The father died in his eighty-seventh year, and the mother at the advanced age of ninety years.
Mr. and Mrs. William B. Kirk are the parents of five children: Cyrus H., born September 18,
1846; John J., born February 16, 1849; Samuel A., born March 29, 1851, died N0vember 5,
1853; Ralph W., born April 22, 1858, and Elwilla, born March 9, 1862. August 7, 1862, Mr. Kirk
entered the Union army as captain of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth regiment of
the Ohio volunteer infantry. He was honorably discharged for disability, June 24, 1863. Captain
Kirk has several highly complimentary official documents in his possession, setting forth his
efficiency as an officer in the service and petitioning his admittance as an officer to the Invalid
Corps. They are signed by the following distinguished officers: Lieutenant Colonel William
Harlan, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry; B. F. Smith, colonel
commanding the Third brigade, Third division, Third army corps; and Brigadier General B. F.
Kelley. Mr. Kirk was prevented from
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 707
further service however, by the ravages of disease. But his valor and patriotism are fully
evidenced by his bravery and patriotism during the term of hard service in which he was
engaged. Mr. Kirk has been honored by his fellow townsmen by being elected as clerk of the
township, and also as a justice of the peace. After the war he embarked in the mercantile and
wool-buying business, and has since continued with much success. Mr. Kirk is a believer in the
doctrines laid down by Swedenborg, but his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He is a member of the Robert Hallis post, of Barnesville, of the G. A. R., and is also a member of
the F. & A. M., Hazen lodge, No. 251, and the I. O. O. F. He has been Master of the Masonic
lodge for many years, and has filled all the chairs in lodge No. 196 of the I. O. O. F. Cyrus H.
Kirk married Kate Shepherd, and his four children are: Estella, James W., Anna C. and Mary L.
Estella is the wife of Warren Cowen, whom she married January 22, 1890. John J. married
Emma Lynn, by whom he has had three children: Irena, Gertrude and John W. Ralph W. married
Maggie E. Davis. His children are: Willis D., Ross L. and Hazen. Elwilla is the wife of Ross W.
Lindsley, of Cambridge, Ohio. They are the parents of two children: Ida B., James Kirk Lindsley.
Mr. Lindsley is a prominent boot and shoe merchant of Cambridge. himself one of the
representative merchants of Morristown. His wife, benefit to the community in which they live.
Mr. Kirk was educated and they are always both interested in whatever movement will bring at
Mt. Union college, having there taken a complete business course. Mrs. Margaret Kirk., is an
active member of the Presbyterian church,
Ralph W. Kirk, an enterprising young merchant of Morristown, son of the above mention, is
successor to his father in business. By his unwearied industy, he has made his business a thriving
one, and and Rebecca McCreary. The children were: John, the eldest son, born July 20, 1825;
George Irwin, born August 26, 1826; Huldah, deceased, born January 25, 1828; James, born July
11, 1830; Nelson, born January 8, 1832; Andrew, born July 26, 1833; Hugh, born Feb-
William T. McCreary is one of ten children that were born to Hugh ruary 3, 1835; Joseph, born
March 26, 1837; William, born March 3, 1839; Rebecca Jane, born February 10, 1842. Hugh
McCreary, the father of the subject of this sketch, was also one of ten children, and was born in
Pennsylvania, September 19, 1801. When quite a small boy his parents settled on a farm near
Washington, Guernsey county, Ohio, where Hugh raised his family and lived until his death,
which occurred January 16, 1873. Rebecca McCreary, the mother of Will- iam, and a daughter of
George and Elizabeth Irwin, was born in 1803. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but
came to Ohio at a very early day and settled near Washington, Guernsey Co., Ohio. Mrs.
McCreary is still living with one of her sons in Guernsey county. She is in her eighty-seventh
year, and remarkably active for one of her years, having ridden from Morristown to Washington,
a distance of twenty-one miles, when eighty-six years of age. The subject of this mention,
William T. McCreary, was born March 3, 1839, on the farm
708 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
which his father entered, near Washington, Guernsey county. His education, which is very
practical, was obtained in the common schools of his neighborhood. At the age of twenty-three
and about the height of the gold excitement, he, with a company of friends, embarked for San
Francisco, going from New York by water. From thence the party went up the Columbia river to
work, and after spending eight years in which he was moderately successful in a financial way, in
prospecting, mining, packing and ranching, and one summer in the mines, he joined a company
of seventy-six and started for Idaho. At that time the country was very wild and new, and after
three years' experience in fighting Indians, he returned to the scenes of his childhood. Finding his
father in declining health, he and one of his brothers took ''the management of the old farm. In
connection with this successful management, Mr. McCreary bought timber for the Baltimore &
Ohio railroad. This, he continued to do for eight or ten years, when he bought a merchants'
flouring-mill at Byesville, Guernsey county, which under his excellent management has become
one of the finest merchants' flouring-mills on the old state road. Mr. McCreary was united in
marriage to Miss Elenor McKelvey, December 9, 1874. Five children were the result of this
union. viz.: Zelena May, Robert B. and Hugh B., twins, Charles D., who died at the age of one
year, and a baby which died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. McCreary are Presbyterians in their belief,
Mr. McCreary being an elder in that church. The people of his township have evinced their
confidence in his sterling qualities by electing him trustee, six years in succession. He is
democratic in his views.
J. 0. McKelvey is a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Belmont county, Ohio. Mr. McKelvey was
born in Mead township, Belmont Co., Ohio, February 11, 1854. His parents were Samuel and
Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey. The former was born in Tyrone county, Ireland, March 18, 1809,
and in 1841 emigrated to this country, settling in. Belmont county, Ohio, where he was of great
service in building the old national pike road, built by the government. Lucinda Creamer became
his wife in 1842. By her he had five sons and four daughters, all of whom survive. The mother
was born in 1830, and died July 11, 1885. J. 0. McKelvey attended the public schools of his
district, and March 0, 1886, was married to Miss Ida B. King. She is a daughter of James and
Margaret King, and was born September 13, 1860. Having received a good education she taught
for ten successive terms in Belmont county, and is a lady of much culture and refinement. This
marriage has been blessed by the birth of two sons: James C., born January 1,1887, and George
E., born November 13, 1888. Mr. McKelvey took possession of his farm March 6, 1887, and now
has as fine a property as there is in the county, having 157 acres of rich farming land, which is
finely situated and worked in the latest and most approved way. His specialty is fine stock, his
cattle and sheep are not surpassed in the state, and it is but justice to say that he has the finest
breed of sheep in the county. This farm was stocked at a great expense and everything about the
property evi-
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO - 709
dences the skill and progressiveness of its owner. In 1888 he was elected to fill the responsible
position of township treasurer, having been true to his trust he has been kept in office ever since.
He has also served as a school director of his district, and is a man much respected and beloved
by his large circle of friends.
Rev. William G. Major was one of ten children born to John and Sarah Major: His father, John
Major, was born in Maryland, and came with his parents to Kirkwood township about 1810. Here
he lived until his death, which occurred about 1854, the exact date is not known. Mr. and Mrs.
Major were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and highly respected by all who knew
them. Mr. William Major, the subject of this mention, was born in 1829 in Kirkwood township
and spent his boyhood days on the farm. About the time he was nineteen years of age, he united
with the Methodist Episcopal church and was made class-leader, which office he discharged
faithfully for about twenty years, when he was licensed to exhort before that church. Through the
influence of some persons his license was taken from him and he was notified by the conference
that there was a charge against him. As he was prevented from being present by sickness, the
case was tried in his absence and decided against him. After persistent effort to re-open the case
where he would have an opportunity t0 defend himself against what he claims was a false charge
he was refused. He and his friends used every effert to have the decision reversed, but the
conference did not reconsider the matter. Mr. Major then left the Methodist Episcopal church and
went to the Methodist Protestant, where he was taken in as an ordained minister. Mr. Major and
his brother-in-law held a meeting in Hendrysburg and gathered together fifty-two charter
members, and built a beautiful little church, which gave him license to preach and be a member
of what is known as the Belmont circuit. Mr. Major was married January 22, 1852, to Martha
Sheppard, and to them have been born nine children, viz.: Thomas W., Arminda E., Adaline L.;
Alice 0.; Sarah, deceased; Albert E.; Silas, deceased; Etta, May W. and Rosa. Mr. and Mrs.
Major have a very interesting family and enjoy the pleasure of having a large circle of friends.
Mr. Major has a finely cultivated farm of 226 acres, on the old state road, and makes a business
of general farming.
Samuel Pollock was born January 11, 1818. He was one of the leading citizens of Morristown,
Belmont county, Ohio, and his death, which occurred March 29, 1882, not only caused a
mournful vacancy in his family, but was also a calamity to the community in which he lived. His
widow and the following named children survive him: James W., Margaret G., Mary E., John C.,
a prominent lawyer of Windfield, Kan., Nancy, Joseph S., and William H. Mr. Pollock was a
devout member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder. His marriage to Jane Scott
took place October 21, 1851. Mrs. Scott, who still resides in Morristown, is the daughter of
James and Mary Scott. The father was born at sea, while the family were voyaging to America.
On this voyage, his only brother died. Mr.
710 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
Scott followed the life of a sailor for three years, and then settled in Chester county, Penn., where
he was married. After his marriage, he moved to Ohio. Six of the twelve children born to him are
still living: James Scott's father, although born in Scotland, was a soldier in the Irish rebellion,
and in an engagement with Queen's Light Horse Cavalry, was taken prisoner, and kept in
confinement for some time. After his release, he came to America and settled in Philadelphia,
and was there married to Miss M. Whistler. After living in Pennsylvania for about fifteen years,
he came to Belmont county, Ohio, where he died in 1857. His wife was a descendant of one of
the pioneer families of Manhattan Island. She died at an advanced age. Her death occurred
August 22, 1861.
Ambrose Steger, the prominent merchant of Morristown, Belmont county, was born in
Wurtemberg, Germany, April 6, 1831, the son of Sylvester and Agnes Steger, who were the
parents of six children: Michael, Bonapart, Andrew, Nicholas, Ambrose and Theresa. Mr. Steger
and his brother Nicholas were the only ones of the family who came to America. Ambrose Steger
emigrated to this country at the age of twenty-four, in 1855. He came direct to Wheeling, where
he found his brother who had preceded him. For some time he worked at anything which was
obtainable, and by dint of economy and hard work, managed to embark in the produce business,
in which he continued until 1862, when he moved to Morristown, where he engaged in the
mercantile business. His father died in 1842 and his mother, whose maiden name was Heitsman,
died in 1853. When thirty-one years of age Mr. Steger was united in marriage to Susannah
Schlientz, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio. Their ten children are: John M., Sylvester,
Charlie, William, Harvey N., Lilly, May, Clarence A., Edgar N., Frank D. and Harry V., all
living. John M. married Miss C. Hoover, by whom he has had one child: Lawrence H. John
Steger is the proprietor of a large and flourishing cigar factory in Morristown, and the whole
family fill positions of trust and esteem in the community. Mr. Ambrose Steger has met with
much success in his business and is regarded as one of the substantial, enterprising business men
of the township.