466 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Volunteers, and was detailed for duty with the department of field hospitals at White House, Virginia. In June, 1864, these hospitals were removed to City Point, Virginia, and the Doctor was there on duty until December 22, 1864. Then he was placed in charge of the cavalry corps hospital, principally to accomplish its reorganization. In the following January, he was placed in charge of the depot field hospital, of the 6th Army Corps, and held that position until the surrender of General Lee, when all the hospitals at that place were broken up. On May 26, 1865, having continued on duty until the last moment, Dr. Ely transferred all the remaining hospital inmates aboard the hospital steamer "Connecticut," in charge of Surgeon of U. S. Volunteers, J. B. Hood, for transportation to Washington. Although much suffering was endured by various patients, none can ever realize the unselfish devotion displayed by Dr. Ely, or the efforts he put forth at all times in their behalf. His valuable services were appreciated, however, by the government. On August 12. 1865, he was placed in charge of the City General Hospital at Indianapolis, and was finally mustered out of service on October 16, 1865.
After these years of faithful service, under the hardest possible conditions, Dr. Ely returned to his home, and on November 7, 1865, located in Barnesville, where he has ever since resided. In 1868, he received an appointment as United States examining surgeon for pensions, a position he held under the administration of President Cleveland.
In 1854, Dr. Ely was married to Emily E. Hogue, a daughter of Samuel Hogue. Three children were born to this union, the only survivor being Ernest S., who is a graduate of the Cincinnati School of Pharmacy, and is engaged in the drug business as a partner in the firm of Ely & Wilson in Barnesville. As noted in the opening of this article, Dr. Ely has been a very important factor in the development of the various commercial and financial enterprises of this city, and has become one of the most substantial citizens of Barnesville. His friends are met, and old battles talked over, in G. A. R. Post, No. 220, of which Dr. Ely is a valued member. He also enjoys fraternal relations with the Masonic order.
JAMES WOODS, a well-known and successful business man of Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, is identified with many of the leading enterprises in this locality. While his office is located in Bridgeport, his home is situated on the Cadiz Pike and is one of the new and elegant residences along this highway.
James Woods was born at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, some 53 years ago, a son of John Woods, who was for many years prominently identified with the progress and development of Belmont County. John Woods was also born at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, in 1816, and was a son of William Woods, a native of Ireland. Grandfather William Woods married Elizabeth Harness, who was a daughter of a wealthy planter of Virginia. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio. His son John came to Belmont County March 26, 1863, and located in Pease township on a farm which was secured from Gen. Robert E. Lee, and it was land given by the government to the famous Harry Lee for services rendered in the Revolutionary War. John Woods accumulated both land and property, became a sound financier and was one of the directors of the First National Bank of Bridgeport, severing his connection of 25 years shortly before his death. He died August 7, 1897. He was widely known, as he engaged in a number of business enterprises and accumulated the most of his large means by industry and keen business judgment. In his earlier years he dealt in cattle and drove them himself from one county to another; he was long a large wool buyer and handled sheep extensively for this purpose. For a number of years he was closely connected with Mr. Hogg, a wealthy business man of Mount Pleasant. He settled up his own
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Church. Her death took place November 9, 1898. She had five children, all living at the present time, T. Bradley being the eldest.
T. B. Smith received his education in the public schools of Wheeling, and in the schools of Jefferson County. At the close of school days he took up the occupation of a merchant miller, and establishing a business at Elm Grove, carried on the same for four years with much success. In 1866 he left Elm Grove and entered into partnership with his father, in the same business, at Bridgeport, Ohio, the firm name being Smith & Son. This continued until the death of the elder Mr. Smith, in 1883, when the buisness was carried on by our subject until 1898, at that date the milling business was discontinued, and no other business was established until 1902. In March, 1902, the W. B. Hall Furniture Company commenced business, the partners being W. B. Hall, Madison Aldredge and T. B. Smith, our subject. Their furniture room is very large and is one of the finest in the county. The company carries a heavy stock, and are enjoying the best trade of the city. In addition to their furniture department they have an undertaking department, which is also one of the best in the city, and their stock includes a fine line of wall paper.
October 8, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in matrimony with Nannie A. Lash, a daughter of Abram and Nannie (Powell) Lash, people who were well known throughout the county. Mrs. Smith is a native of Belmont County and she and her husband have two children, Fred L. and Mary Eloise. Fred L. is an electrician in charge of the electrical work in the plant of the American Tin Plate Company at Martin's Ferry. He was united in marriage with Minnie Morgan, a native of Bridgeport, Ohio, and they have one child, Morgan B.
Mary Eloise is now doing excellent service as saleslady in the employ of the W. B. Hall Furniture Company; she has the advantage of a very good education, and has a knowledge of bookkeeping, typewriting and stenography, being a graduate of the Bridgeport High School, class of 1901. estate and adjusted his affairs two years prior to his death. His widow still resides on the large farm which he occupied on the Cadiz Pike. The children of John Woods were four in number, namely, James, of this sketch; John and William A., both residents of Pease township, and Mrs. Anna S. Litten, of Colerain. Mr. Woods was prominent in the Democratic party, also in the Masonic fraternity, and exerted a wide influence in both bodies.
James Woods was married in 1900 to Jetta Hayes, and they reside in the beautiful home recently completed. Mr. Woods is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Bridgeport, and through his energy, capital and influence contributes materially to the development and prosperity of Bridgeport and vicinity.
T. BRADLEY SMITH, prominently known in Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, as a member of the W. B. Hall Furniture Company, is also serving his county in the office of county commissioner, having been elected in 1896 by the Republican party.
Our subject is a native of Jefferson County, West Virginia, born September 18, 1840. He is a son of Frederick C. and Mary E. (Sharff ) Smith, natives of the states of Virginia and Maryland respectively. Frederick C. Smith was a merchant miller by trade and was known throughout the county as one of its most enterprising business men. In 1857, he removed from his home in the Valley of Virginia, and resided in Wheeling until 1862, but at that date removed to Belmont County, Ohio, and here lived many years, doing the farmers in this district great service by trading with them and furnishing them a home market for their grain. He served in some of the minor offices to the satisfaction of his party, and in his religious convictions was an attendant of the M. E. Church. He died April 12, 1883, at the age of sixty-nine years and nine months.
Our subject's mother, who was Mary E. Sharff before marriage, lived to the age of 83 years. She was a member of the M. E.
468 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Mr. Smith has done his best to serve the Republican party since the election of Mr. Lincoln in 1861. For several years he served as school director, and is now doing excellent service as county commissioner of Belmont County. He and his worthy wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Smith is considered one of his county's most substantial citizens and has unquestionably good business qualifications.
MORDECAI NELSON, a well-known railroad man and an esteemed citizen of Bellaire, Ohio, was born in Pultney township, one mile west of this city, in 1842. He is a son of Joseph and Theresa (Wheatley) Nelson, the former of whom was of Irish birth and parentage.
Joseph Nelson, the father of Mordecai, came to the United States when but a small boy, with his parents, who located at West Liberty, Ohio County, (West) Virginia, and when he had reached maturity he removed to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1811, just following his marriage, and located on the farm where his son, our subject, was born. Here he carried on farming all his life, dying in 1851, aged 61 years, his widow surviving until 1876, dying when over 75 years. Seven children were born to Joseph and Theresa Nelson, three of whom, including our subject, are living, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Hopkins, who remains on the home farm; and Joseph C., who is timekeeper for the National Cash Register Company, at Dayton, Ohio, where he has a family. The members of the family who have passed away are: Mrs. E. R. Gill; Mrs. George Mertz; John, who died 14 years ago; Robert, who died in 1884; and Isaac, who died in Nebraska in 1892,his two sons still reside in Nebraska.
Until the age of 21 years our subject remained at home, occupied with agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in the public schools. About two months after reaching his majority, he entered the employ of the C. & P. Railroad as fireman, between Bellaire and Pittsburg, and five years later, in 1868, he was promoted to the position of engineer, and has served as such continuously ever since. He is fortunate in having a short and pleasant run, between Bellaire and Martin's Ferry, as this enables him to enjoy home life, which, in his case, is appreciated, as he is devoted to his home and family. Since 1878 this home has been located at No. 3632 Guernsey street, Mr. Nelson having purchased it at that time.
In 1870 Mr. Nelson married Annie E., a daughter of Thomas Anderson, of Ohio County, West Virginia, and three children were born to them, namely: Edna May, who died at the age of 16 years; Alice Lulu, and William E. In politics Mr. Nelson has always been a Republican, his father having been an old line Whig. Our subject is serving his fifth term of three years each as a member of the city water board of Bellaire. Since 1865 he has been a Mason, and belongs to Bellaire Lodge, No. 267, and Bellaire Chapter. In 1870, at Allegheny, he joined the order of B. of L. E., and belongs to Wellsville Division, No. 170.
As citizen and business man, as well as an attendant of the services of the Christian Church. of which his family are members, Mr. Nelson has so lived as to gain the regard of his fellow citizens, and he is able to number among his warm personal friends a large proportion of the leading men of Bellaire and vicinity.
HUGH M. MERRITT, who laid out the town of Merritt, in Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of Pultney township, which is still his home, having been born July 19, 1842, within two miles of his present residence. He is a son of Robert and Eveline (Milligan) Merritt and grandson of William and Mary (Long) Merritt.
William Merritt was born in 1780 and followed farming as his vocation through life. He purchased the farm upon which the Suburban Brick Works are located, near Bel-
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laire, and lived there until his death, which took place in his 55th year, January 12, 1835. December 18, 1806, he was united in marriage with Mary Long, who was born September 7, 1783, and died February 21, 1840, in her 57th year.
The paternal grandparents of our subject had seven children, namely: Mary, Robert, Harriet, James L., Sarah Ann, Elizabeth L., and Benjamin A. Mary was born December 1, 1807, and lived to the advanced age of 80 years. She married George Milligan on the 18th day of November, 1824. They moved into West Virginia, locating for a time near Triadelphia, and they reared a large family. In later years they moved to a farm near Mt. Vernon, where both spent their last years. Harriet was born January 16, 1812, and died at the early age of three years. James L. was born June 17, 1814, and died June 15, 1815. Sarah Ann was born January 20, 1818, and her death took place April 23, 1879. She married John W. ' Milligan and they resided some years in Harrison County, but subsequently returned and purchased the old homestead, known as the George Robinson farm, which was their home until death. Elizabeth L. was born April 20, 1821. Benjamin A. was born September 2, 1825, and came to his death by drowning in McMechen's Creek, May 23, 1850. He married Mary Thomas.
Robert Merritt, the father of our subject. was born March 6, 1809, and died July 26, 1884. On the 18th day of October, 1831, he was joined in marriage with Eveline Milligan; she was born February 19, 1812, and died January 11, 1901. About 1847 Robert Merritt moved with his family to the farm just east of subject's present home, and the same is now owned by Charles Rosser. There the father engaged in farming and reared a large family. The children were as follows: Mary A., Eliza Ruth, James L., Hannah J., William W., Hugh M., Sarah E., Josiah, Benjamin A., and Robert Mitchell.
Mary A. is the widow of Samuel Alexander, who died about 1883. During his lifethey lived at the Robert Alexander homestead, which is still the home of the widow. Eliza Ruth married Alfred Stroman. They lived in Southern Illinois until the death of her husband. Mrs. Stroman has returned to her old home, but now resides on the Hutchison place in Pultney township, near St. Clairsville. James L., who was a minister of the Presbyterian faith for many years, died in 1883, leaving a widow, who resides in California.
Hannah J. is the wife of James W. Mellott, of Richland township, near Glencoe. William W. died in 1862, during the Civil War, at Tuscumbia, Alabama, at the early age of 22 years. Sarah E. died in 1864, aged 20 years. Josiah died in 1890, aged 40 years. He was twice married, and left a widow, who resides in Atlantic, Iowa. His death took place near Griswold. Iowa. Benjamin A., who lived in Nebraska and was a candidate for Representative at the time of his death, was killed in Cass County, Iowa, in 1894. Robert Mitchell is single. and resides in California.
Hugh M. Merritt, from his fifth year, was reared on the old homestead, of which he now owns a part. For several years he lived in the old log house, which was over a century old. His farm consisted of 77 acres of land adjacent to the town of Merritt, which he laid out. He has added many improvements to his place, now having a nice residence and a fine set of farm buildings. He has devoted his life exclusively to his farming interests. He has been twice married. His first marriage took place March 24, 1869, with Sarah V. Payne. She was a native of Frederick County, Virginia, and a daughter of Joseph E, and Sarah A. C. Payne. She died January 7, 1873, leaving three children: Anna Roberta, Joseph William, and Sarah E. V.
Anna Roberta was born April 29, 1870. She married William Crim, of Frederick County, Virginia, and they have two children, Lois and Hugh M. Joseph William was born July 26, 1871, and resides near
470 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
our subject. He married Carrie Dunlap and they have reared four children. The eldest two, George William and Charles Robert, are twins, and the others are Joseph P. and Helen. Sarah E. V. was born December 13, 1872. She is the wife of Charles Ridgeway, of Berkeley County, Virginia, and they have three children.
April 29, 1875, Mr. Merritt was joined in marriage with Rachel A. Fisher,. daughter of Louis and Hannah Fisher, of Smith township. This marriage is without issue, and the present Mrs. Merritt was born May 3, 1845. Politically our subject is firm in his allegiance to the Democratic party.
The family attend the First Presbyterian Church of Bellaire.
WILLIAM LIPPHARDT. Among the successful and rapidly expanding business concerns of Bellaire, Ohio, is that known as the Enterprise Enamel Company, which, since its organization in October, 1897, has grown into one of the leading industrial plants of Belmont County. The officers, directors and stockholders are, in the main, responsible and prominent citizens of Bellaire and vicinity.
The first meeting of the board of directors of the new enterprise convened on December 13, 1897, with William Lipphardt as president; Carl L. Dorer, vice-president; James F. DuBois, secretary and treasurer, the other members being F. H. Eick, J. A. Green, Theodore Neff, and Theodore Rossbach. Since that first meeting some re-organization has taken place, and the present officers are as follows: William Lipphardt, of Martin's Ferry, president; Thomas L. Strong, vice-president and general manager; R. C. Faris, secretary and treasurer. The board of directors is composed of the following leading citizens and capitalists: William Lipphardt, Thomas L. Strong, Theodore Neff, C. L. Dorer, J. A. Green, William A. Howell, and John R. Gow.
In February, 1899, new buildings were erected to permit of the use of modern machinery, and now some two acres of land are included in the plant. The imposing main building, three stories in height, with dimensions of 60 by 120 feet, contains the offices, the packing department and store rooms. The furnace room, where the burning and baking is done, is a one-story building, with dimensions of 120 by 78 feet, while the drying and shipping rooms require another one-story building, of 120 by loo feet. The building of another large structure, in which will be installed machinery for pressing iron into shape, shows that this enterprise is living up to its name, its business continually expanding until almost every part of the country is demanding the products of the Bellaire plant. The location of the Enterprise Enamel Company works is on Union street, between 17th and 18th, a situation which affords the best of railroad facilities, the Baltimore & Ohio road being on one side and the C. & P. on the other. The necessary number of employees reaches 220. The distributing point for the completed work of the Enterprise company is Chicago, the trade being handled through jobbers.
That this business should have reached such large proportions in comparatively so short a time, must, in a great measure, be attributed to the business energy of its officers, who have all contributed to the success of this industry, which shows every indication of continued prosperity.
W. C. BERGUNDTHAL, a citizen of Bellaire and ex-treasurer of Belmont County, Ohio, was born in 1851 in Monroe County, near the Belmont County line.
W. C. Bergundthal was reared in Belmont County, and for many years prior to 1897 was connected with the Lantern Globe Company of Bellaire, Ohio. In the fall of 1897, he was elected county treasurer on the Republican
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ticket, and in 1899 was re-elected, his term expiring in 1901.
Mr. Bergundthal was united in marriage with Cora V. Dorsey of Powhatan, Ohio, January 20, 1881, and they have two children : Wilma, born in 1886; and John, born in 1891. Fraternally, our subject is a member of Moriah Lodge No. 105, F. & A. M.; Bellaire Chapter No. 107, R. A. M. ; Hope Commandery No 26, K. T.; Ohio Consistory S. P. R. S. of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Syrian Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cincinnati. Mr. Bergundthal is the present cashier of the German Savings Bank of Martin's Ferry, which institution was incorporated under the laws of Ohio in the spring of 1902.
HON. JOHN SALISBURY COCHRAN, Probate judge for Belmont County, secretary of the Board of Trade of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, a lawyer of prominence and a highly esteemed citizen, is a worthy representative of a family of unusual prominence in the military life of the country, for generations.
Robert Cochran, the grandfather of Judge Cochran, was a direct descendant of Sir Archibald Cochran, the ninth Earl of Dundonald, England, and a son of William Cochran, who was a pioneer settler in Virginia, east of the present city of Wheeling. In company with William Boggs, William Cochran was sent from Fort Van Meter as a scout to ascertain the results of the battle of Fort Henry, and in this adventure was killed and scalped by the Indians, east of Wheeling. William Cochran also was associated with the noted scout and Indian fighter, Louis Wetzel, and accompanied him in many of his famous expeditions.
Robert Cochran was a contemporary of Elizabeth Zane, the noted heroine whose tale has been told in song and story, who carried the powder at the battle of Fort Henry when it was attacked by the combined forces of English and Indians, September 13 and 14, 1782. It will be remembered that this was the last battle of the War of the Revolution and was fought after peace was declared, no electric messages then flashing the news of peace almost as soon as it was declared, as would be the case in modern warfare. At this time Robert Cochran was 20 years of age and Elizabeth Zane was 16. Although history does not reveal the existence of any romantic attachment between the brave girl and our subject's ancestor, it is known that they were friends and companions, the family farms adjoining on the hillside back of Martin's Ferry. On the Zane farm, Elizabeth died in 1828, while Robert Cochran lived to within three months of 100 years, his tomb being the oldest one in the old Weeks Cemetery. He was a large landowner, his possessions extending from Bridgeport to Glen's Run, the same being now divided into many good farm homes. His wife was Rebecca Pierce, who was a relative, a cousin in fact, of President Franklin K. Pierce. Her death, at the age of 59 years, was caused by an injury to her throat, accidentally inflicted by the horns of a cow.
Judge Cochran was born in Colerain township, Belmont County, Ohio, September 9, 1841, being a son of Robert and Susanna (Davis) Cochran, both natives of Ohio, the former born in 1813 and the latter in 1814. Robert Cochran, like his father, was a large landowner and was a successful stockraiser. During the Civil War he saw six of his brave sons serving at one time in the Union Army, all of them being under 21 years of age, except the eldest, who had cast his maiden vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Through devotion to a son, Mr. Cochran lost his own life. One son was lying dangerously sick within the Confederate lines and the father hastened to endeavor to secure his release, and contracted typhoid fever, from which he died, in 1863, the sick son recovering and arriving safely at home. The mother survived until 1893, dying at about the age of 80 years. Both parents were devoted in their attachment to the Methodist Church and their home was open to every minister of their religious faith. They were what this modern age, in its desire to express its highest type of Christian living, denominates, sometimes, as "real" people, and exerted
474 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
an influence which is still felt by those who came within their acquaintance. A family of 13 children was born to them, two of these dying in infancy. The names of the 11 that grew to maturity are as follows : Robert H.; Lucelia ; John S., subject of this sketch ; Wilson and Watson, twins ; Crowner C.; Anna B.; Cordelia ; Fenimore P.; Alfaretta B.; and Sumner F. Robert H., who was judge of the County Court of Ohio County, West Virginia, and one of the prominent men of the State, was born June 25, 1836, and died in Toledo, Ohio, February 22, 1895, aged 59 years. He was a member of General Negley's staff and was provost marshal of that division. He participated in the battle of Stone River and other engagements. After the war, he was at different times supreme dictator of the Knights of Honor, a member of the executive board of the Army of the Cumberland, and made the first annual address of the meeting of the society of the Army of the Cumberland, at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He projected and constructed the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, also the Wheeling Terminal Railway, and he built the bridge spanning the Ohio River at Martin's Ferry. At different times he was president of both of these roads. Lucelia, who married John Brown, was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and died in 1864, aged 58 years. Both Wilson and Watson belonged to the 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., both enlisted twice, both were sick and were discharged, and on recovery both re-enlisted. Wilson removed to Creighton, Cass County, Missouri, where he is a justice of the peace and mayor of the town, while Watson resides in Severance, Doniphan County, Kansas, a successful builder and contractor. Crowner C. enlisted in the Union Army, in 1862 and served through the war as a private, and now resides in Bridgeport, where he is paving contractor. Anna B. married Robert Woods and died when about 40 years of age. Cordelia married Dr. John Major, who is deceased, and she resides in Severance, Kansas. Fenimore P. ran away from home when a little over 13 years of age, enlisted as a drummer boy, was promoted to be orderly at
General Wood's headquarters and served until after the close of the war. He now resides at Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, and has been prosecuting attorney of the county for a number of years. Alfaretta B. married William Strain, superintendent of the schools of Brooke County, West Virginia, and is deceased. Sumner F. resides in Martin's Ferry, an employee of the Laughlin Tin Mill.
Our subject had completed his course of study. in the Martin's Ferry High School, when the great wave of enthusiasm passed through the loyal North at the call of the President for troops to subdue the rebellion. On July 16, 1861, he enrolled his name as a soldier in Company K, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. The death of his father recalled him home after a service of a little less than one year, during which period he saw no small amount of active service. For a long time he was occupied in settling up the estate and in arranging his late father's affairs and then engaged in teaching while he pursued his law studies under ex-Supreme Court Judge Kennon, Sr., of St. Clairsville. In December, 1863, he was admitted to the bar and began practice at once in St. Clairsville, one year later removing to Sedalia, Missouri, where he became prosecuting attorney of Pettis County and was subsequently elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas. After four years in Missouri, Judge Cochran returned east and entered into a law practice with his brother Robert H., at Wheeling, West Virginia, the partnership of Cochran & Cochran existing until 1880, when Robert H. Cochran was elected president of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, his removal to Toledo following. Our subject remained in Martin's Ferry as the attorney for that road and later for the Wheeling Terminal Railway, but in 1882 he bought a farm on the hill overlooking Martin's Ferry, near the old ancestral home and removed thereto, although he still continued his practice in Wheeling. Judge Cochran has a large clientage in Martin's Ferry an( the eastern counties of the State, his reputation as a fair and impartial adviser in complicate( questions of law, as well as his knowledge and
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experience of almost every form of litigation, having gained him increasing practice as the years have gone by. At the recent election, occurring November 4, 1902, Judge Cochran was elected Probate judge for Belmont County by a majority of 1,829 votes, leading all candidates on the Republican ticket, whether national, State or county.
On March 22, 1867, judge Cochran was married to Martha A. Weldin, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, a daughter of Jacob and Alice Weldin, both of whom are deceased. One son was born to this union, Arthur Weldin, who died in infancy. Both Judge Cochran and his wife are valued members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is an ardent member of the Republican party, while fraternally he is associated with the Knights of the Maccabees.
DEWITT DANFORD, senior member of the law firm of Danford & Danford, of Bellaire, Ohio, is not only a representative member of his profession, but he is also a leading citizen, whose usefulness in civic affairs was shown by his election to the position of president of the City Council, and his selection as city solicitor, for three succeeding terms. Mr. Danford is a Buckeye, born in Washington township, Belmont County in 1843.
His grandfather, William Danford, came to Belmont County, with two brothers, in 1799, and he made the first permanent settlement on Captina Creek, the farm now being occupied by John Danford. William Danford died in Sandusky when his son Samuel was but a youth.
Samuel Danford, the father of our subject, was born in Belmont County in 1804, and died in 1899. By occupation he was a farmer, but during the War of the Rebellion he was a mustering officer in Belmont County, his father having been in the War of 1812, with the rank of lieutenant. The family through three generations have displayed a loyal spirit and have served faithfully and well. The mother of our subject was a daughter of John Mechem, and crossed the Alleghany Mountains with her parents when she was but two years old. She was born in 1800 and died in 1891. Three sons and three daughters were reared by Samuel Danford and wife, one son, our subject, and two daughters still surviving. Lorenzo Danford, lately deceased, a very prominent citizen of Ohio, was elected a member of Congress in 1894, prior to which year having been a law partner with his brother Dewitt. Another brother, John, gave up his life at Stone River, during the Civil War.
In June, 1861, Mr. Danford, of this sketch, entered into the service of his country, enlisting in Company E, 2nd Virginia Regiment, afterwards "mounted infantry," and remained in the service for three years, being mustered out as a member of the 5th West Virginia Cavalry. His regiment participated in many engagements and skirmishes, a part of the time in an independent brigade, and during the winter of 1863-64 it was under the command of General Averill during his raid across the mountains. The last fight in which our subject took part was at Floyd Mountain, under General Crook.
Upon his return home, Mr. Danford entered upon the study of the law at St. Clairsville, and he was admitted to the bar of Belmont County in 1866, locating for a time at Bellaire. In 1867 he took a trip to the West, visiting Gentry County, Missouri, where he taught school for a few months and then entered the offices of the county clerk and collector, remaining so connected for seven years. When Mr. Danford resumed his residence in Bellaire he began a law practice in partnership with J. F. Anderson, which existed until 1884, but the failing health of both himself and wife made removal to a farm a matter of importance. Three years later he came back, invigorated and in 1887 formed a law partnership with his brother, Lorenzo Danford, which con-
476 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
tinued until the latter was elected to Congress, as noted previously.
In 1874 Mr. Danford married Laura Cook, a daughter of Dr. John Cook. She was born in 1841 at Richmond, Jefferson County, Ohio, but the family removed to St. Clairsville some years prior to her marriage. Her death occurred in 1897, at the age of 56 years. The one son of this marriage was born at Bellaire in 1875, and is the junior partner in the firm of Danford & Danford. There are few young men in this city who have so quickly come to the front in public life as has Cook Danford. He read law for two years with his father, and then spent two years at the Ohio State University in the Law School, and in 1896 was admitted to the Ohio bar. He is serving his second term as city solicitor. By marriage he is connected with the family of John Timberlake, prominent in Washington township, and has one daughter, Laura Elizabeth.
In politics our subject is an active Republican, and has efficiently served in many local offices. For a considerable period he was a member of the City Council, and a portion of the time its president, and as city solicitor he gave satisfaction during three terms. Mr. Danford is a Methodist in religious belief. His acquaintance is large in Bellaire, and the firm of Danford & Danford has the confidence of the public in no small degree.
HUGH M. PICKENS, who is extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits in his native township, was born September 25, 1833, in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, in his father's cabin in the northern part of the township. He is a son of John Clark and Martha (McConahey) Pickens, and grandson of William and Agnes (Alexander) Pickens.
William Pickens, grandfather of our subject, was born September 15, 1762, in Scotland, and with two of his brothers came to this country, locating in Maryland. He cameto Belmont County, Ohio, early in the nineteenth century and secured land in the northern part of Pease township from Robert and Elizabeth Woods. It was a tract of 220 acres extending to the Jefferson County dine and located in section 33, township 4, range 2. The deed to this property bears date of October 21, 1821, and has since been in possession of the Pickens family. In 1822 William Pickens built a house which is still standing and is used now by S. A. C. Pickens. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, also a millwright, and made doors, mouldings, etc. He built and conducted the first sawmill on Deep Run. Later he moved to Mount Pleasant, where he became a large property holder, and there he lived until his death, April 24, 1841. William Pickens was first married to Agnes Alexander, who was born in Scotland in 1762, came to America in 1771, and died April 4, 1817. He formed a second union with Margaret DeMent, who was born August 3, 1779. By his first wife he had the following children: Margaret, born March 5, 1790; Thomas, born February 26, 1792; James, born June 13, 1794; Ellen, born October 20, 1796; William, born April 10, 1799; Janet, born November 14, 1801; Nancy A., born February 3, 1804; John Clark, born August 15, 1806, and Alexander, born August 31, 1811.
John Clark Pickens was born in Pease township and reared on the home farm. He purchased the farm now owned by his son, S. A. C. Pickens, from the other heirs, and died in the residence where he had lived from the time he was 17 years of age. He was married February 9, 1831, to Martha McConahey, who was born April 12, 1807, at Warrenton, Ohio, and died March 23, 1881. Their children were as follows: William, Hugh M., Margaret E., James Calvin, Thomas M., Agnes Eliza, Martha J., and Samuel A. C. William, who was born March 7, 1832, and died in 1884. married a daughter of Dr: Caldwell, who survives him. They had the following children: Rev. John. who is a Presbyterian minister;
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Hugh, who lives with his mother; Harry, who is married and lives at Adena, Ohio; Herbert, who is a druggist of Pittsburg; Paul, who is in the hardware and general agency business at Colerain; Mrs. Maude (Dungan), who lives on a farm near Newcastle, Pennsylvania; Ora (Edwards), deceased; Bessie, who is at home, and Blanche. Walter and Sadie, who died young. James Calvin was born April 22, 1838, and died October 3, 1839. Margaret E., born June 9, 1836, died March 1, 1847. Thomas M., born February 20, 1840, died September 20, 1849. Agnes Eliza, born April 23, 1843, widow of Rev. Dr. Alexander, who died in Virginia, resides in Wheeling. Martha J., who was born February 9, 1845, died October 28, 1876.
Samuel A. C. Pickens was born in 1848 and has resided on the old home farm all his life. He owns a tract of 181 acres, and since his father's death in 1887 has built a fine new ten-room house. He was married in 1873 to Mary J. Finney, a daughter of Robert J. Finney, and granddaughter of Joseph and Mary (Mitchell) Finney. Joseph Finney came to Ohio from Pennsylvania early in the nineteenth century. He and his wife were parents of the following children: Robert J., John M., who resides on the old home place; James C., deceased; Jane, who resides with John; Elizabeth, wife of George Parks, living in Iowa; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of William Darrah, and Margaret A., whose death occurred recently. Robert J. Finney was born near Martin's Ferry, October 9, 1823. He married Rebecca Gow, a daughter of William Gow, whose family came from Ireland, and she died December 25, 1896, at the age of 69 years. They had twelve children, Margaret A., wife of Frank Jordan, living near Bridgeport; Mary j., born in 1853, wife of Samuel A. C. Pickens; Louise, wife of I. N. Talbot of Martin's Ferry; Janette C., who is at home; William J., who married Emma West and lives in Pease township; Joseph A., who married Eva Shears and lives in Pease township; Laura R., wife of Dr. Burdette of Burgetstown, Pennsylvania; one who died in infancy; Robert L., who married Jane McCune and resides in Pease township; Val I., wife of W. Taylor of Pease township, and John C., who is single and lives at home. Samuel A. C. Pickens and wife have five children, as follows: Elmer E., Mattie I., Robert C., Ada R. and Mary E.
Hugh M. Pickens was reared on the farm now owned by S. A. C. Pickens and lived there until his marriage in 1857. He started for himself and lived on a farm near the old home place for some years, then was located on a farm near Mount Pleasant for a period of eleven years. Disposing of that place, he moved to Scotch Ridge, in Pease township, where he continued until 1882, when he purchased and located upon his present home farm on the Burlington Pike, about four miles northwest of Martin's Ferry. He is a very prosperous farmer and one of the respected citizens of his section.
December 24, 1857, Hugh M. Pickens was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Margaret M. Jamison, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio, December 25, 1841, and is a daughter of Alexander and Mary Jamison, both of whom are deceased. Thirteen children have blessed this union: Martha Ada, born August 25, 1859, died September 8, 1864; James Alexander, born March 2, 1861, died September 19, 1863; Mary Margaret, born September 29, 1862, died September 6, 186a; John Ross, born July 21, 1865, resides in Denver, Colorado; William Clark, a twin brother of John Ross, is employed in the large department store of Stone & Thomas at Wheeling; Barclay Jamison, born June 18, 1867, is employed at the Hub clothing store at Wheeling; Samuel McConahey. born April 4, 1869, died July 29, 1870; Athelbert Hugh, born February 7, 1871, married Nevada Darrah and resides with our subject; a son, born February 17, 1875, died on October 5 of that year; a daughter, also born February 17, 1875, died on June 20, 1875; Martha Jane, born August 4, 1876, married
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William Irwin and resides at Steubenville, Ohio, they have a son, Hugh P.; Agnes Jamison, born March 16, 1873, is the wife of Walker McConnell, a farmer near Steubenville,—they have one child, Mary T., born in September, 1902; Lizzie Lawton, born May 26, 1880, is the only child at home with our subject and his wife. Seven of the children, with their families, are members of the Presbyterian Church, which the Pickens family has always favored.
DR. P. E. HEPLER, prominent as a physician and surgeon in Bridgeport, Ohio, as a man of discreet judgment, skilled in the profession he has chosen for his life-work, is an essential citizen of Bridgeport. He is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Money) Hepler, both natives of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and descended from old and well-known families of that State.
Mr. Hepler, father of our subject, is now a retired farmer, residing at Fairmount City, Pennsylvania, and reached his seventy-eighth milestone on May 20, 1902. His marriage with Elizabeth Money resulted in three children, Dr. A. J., Margaret, and Dr. P. E., our subject. For years, the parents were prominent, working members of the German Reform Church. A. J. Hepler is now a leading physician and surgeon in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and is examining physician on the United States pension board, and also occupies the position of president of one of the banks of the city. His enterprise and activity in business affairs are a credit to his ability and spirit as a citizen. Margaret Hepler married Gabriel Stallman, a resident of Limestone, Pennsylvania, who is extensively engaged as a farmer. The mother of these children is still living and was 67 years old, June 18, 1902.
Like his parents, our subject is a native of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and was born May 10, 1872. His educational advantages were many, he being a student at the Clarion State Normal School at first, subsequently taking a course at the Western University of
Pennsylvania, and afterward attending a university in Tennessee, and graduating in a class of twenty-two members in 1895.
Dr. Hepler, then a full-fledged physician and surgeon, chose Fairmount, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, as his first field of labor and enjoyed a good practice until his removal from there to Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1895, where he has since been most successful, and the general practice which he has built up in this city should be a credit and honor to the ability and purpose of any physician.
Our subject is still enjoying a life of single blessedness. In fraternal circles he affiliates with a large number of organizations, and is also examiner for some of them, among them the A. O. U. W., the Patriotic Order of Sons of America, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and both Junior and Senior orders of the United American Mechanics. In religious belief he is a member of the German Reform Church.
The Doctor stands high both as a citizen and as a practitioner. He is a gentleman of courteous, refined bearing, the picture of health and strength, is well read in his profession and the literature of the day, and takes great interest in what is daily taking place.
ALLEN BAILEY, a progressive farmer and dairyman, of Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, is also one of the county's most substantial and reliable citizens, highly esteemed for his integrity wherever known.
The birth of Allen Bailey took place on June I I, 1859, in Goshen township, Belmont County, one of the seven children born to Jesse and Asenath (Patterson) Bailey, three of whom still survive. Our subject was reared and educated in Goshen township and still owns a valuable farm of too acres in that township. Since 1889 he has resided in Warren township and here owns a farm of 150 acres, devoting much attention to dairying interests, in connection with extensive farming.
The marriage of Mr. Bailey took place in 1880, to Eva L. Patterson, a daughter of
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David Patterson, a carpenter by trade, and a member of one of the highly respected county families. The children born to this marriage are: Ethel E., Clifford J., Ernest D., Edna A., Mary A., Dorothy and George Wilson. Our subject and family are all members of the Society of Friends. For several years Mr. Bailey has served on the School Board, and belongs to the Grange, taking a deep interest in the movement. His political opinions make his vote an independent one, bound by no party tie. His Warren township farm is the one formerly owned by Hon. William Bundy, and is known to be one of the most valuable in this part of the county. Mr. Bailey, as previously mentioned, is a man who is held in the highest esteem, and has a wide circle of friends.
E. E. McCOMBS, attorney-at-law and notary public at Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, is president of the German Savings Bank Company and president of the School Board. His parents were Hiram M. and Sarah M. (Kemple) McCombs, natives of West Virginia, and our subject was born August 23, 1860, in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Hiram M. McCombs followed agricultural pursuits in West Virginia until 1877 and then located near Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio, where he lived until 1880, when he moved to Martin's Ferry and was interested in the grain and feed business until he went on the farm previous to being again engaged in the grain and feed business with his son. Mr. McCombs never held office. but was often of service in helping his friends to office. He and his wife were active members of the Presbyterian Church in West Virginia, before coming to Ohio, and he served quite a while as deacon. His death took place January 2, 1894, but his widow still survives, a much respected resident of Martin's Ferry, where she makes her home with her son, the subject of this sketch. She was the mother of five children, as follows : Charles W.; Ida Bell, who died in
1881; E. E.; Etta A., wife of G .G. Sedgwick, postmaster of Martin's Ferry; and Bessie A., who died at the early age of five years in 1882, a few months after the death of Ida Bell.
The common schools of West Virginia and Ohio furnished our subject with the education he possessed prior to his locating in Martin's Ferry, where he was graduated from the High School in the class of 1883. Shortly after this, he accepted a position as bookkeeper and teller in the Exchange Bank, now known as the People's Savings Bank, and there remained for about two and a half years, at which time he decided to study law. Securing a certificate, he taught school for one year and read law, and finally enrolled himself among the students in the law school at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1887. He was graduated in the class of 1890, and was admitted to the bar May 29, 1890. He immediately opened an office in Martin's Ferry, and has met with success in building up a good practice. He has been identified with quite a number of important cases so far in his career, but prefers office rather than court practice. He was early admitted to practice in the State and Federal courts. He has identified himself with many of the leading interests of the city, and is held in the highest regard.
January 15, 1891, Mr. McCombs was united in marriage with Cassie B. Chandler, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of the late Joseph S. and Therza H. (Hogg) Chandler. Her father was for many years a prominent citizen of Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and was a weaver by trade. Mr. and Mrs. McCombs have two children, Frank H. and Ralph E. In religion they are Presbyterians.
Mr. McCombs has never cared for office and the one he now holds as president of the School Board is the only one he has ever accepted. He has now served three years as a member and two years as president. For three years prior to becoming a member of the board, he held the office of president of the City Board of School Examiners, but when he accepted the former he resigned the latter office. In fraternal circles he is a Mason. being past worshipful master of the blue lodge, past high priest of Bel-
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mont Chapter, and a member of the council, commandery and shrine. In politics he is a Republican of decided opinions. He is classed among the county's most worthy citizens.
JOHN H. McGRAW, associated with J. W. Jones, under the firm name of Jones & McGraw, is a representative citizen of Bellaire, Ohio, in every respect. The firm do a most flourishing business and have the most extensive contracts in the city, in the building line, and are well known throughout this section of Ohio. Mr. McGraw is a son of James and Sarah (McCracken) McGraw, his birth occurring in the vicinity of High Ridge Church.
James McGraw was a native of Ireland, and was born in 1848 in County Antrim. He was also a contractor and builder by trade, and an excellent workman. He was united in matrimony with Sarah McCracken, who was also born in Ireland and left her native country at the age of six years. Mr. McGraw was located at first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but later removed to Belmont County, where he remained until his death in April, 1893, at the age of 79 years. His wife departed this life some years before, in June, 1880, and left a number of children to mourn her loss. Their union resulted in eight children, of whom the following are yet living: William, who is a farmer and justice of the peace in Colerain township; Robert, of Coffey County, Kansas; Margaret (Egan), living in Moundsville, West Virginia; Sarah, who is the wife of A. J. Keyser, residing near Flushing, Belmont County; and John H. The father of these children was a thorough Democrat and esteemed as a dutiful and useful citizen.
John H. McGraw spent his boyhood days on the home place in Colerain township, residing there until he became 20 years of age, when he chose contracting for his business through life and immediately started to work with an uncle, William McGraw. Forthe past 13 years he has met with unbounded good fortune in his business life, and the firm of which he is a member have charge of probably 90 per cent. of the building done in Bellaire, this speaking volumes for their promptness, splendid work, and strict attention to business. They employ about 20 men regularly and by kind, but firm, dealings with the workmen Mr. McGraw not only obtains the best results in the work but continues in their good will and respect. The numerous large contracts which he undertakes are filled to the letter, and thus he has the best wishes and commendation of all citizens. All his life has been spent in Belmont County, and the past 23 years he has lived in Bellaire.
Mr. McGraw was united in marriage bonds with Emma Nelson, who was born in Belmont County, and they have a family of five children, as follows: William and Robert, attending school, and John, Anna, and Herbert, who are still at home, the family residence being located at No. 4324 Noble street. The preference in religious matters is given to the United Presbyterian Church, of which our subject is now serving as trustee. Politically he is nearly always a supporter of the Democratic party, but votes for the man he considers the best for the place. In fraternal circles he belongs to Black Prince Lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
FRED NEININGER, mayor of the city of Bridgeport, has led a wonderfully active life in business affairs all over his township and county. He is engaged in the butcher business in Bridgeport, being the oldest in that business in town, and is a stockholder in the Hide & Tallow Association, and in the Union Opera House of Bridgeport, Ohio.
Our subject is a son of John and Lucia (Gans) Neininger, and was born June 15, 1857, claiming Wheeling, West Virginia, as his birthplace. His father and mother were natives of Germany and emigrated to the United
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States and conducted a hotel at Wheeling. In 1865 John settled in Bridgeport, and started in business as a grocer and later embarked in the wholesale liquor business in which he continued until his death at the age of forty-five years, in 1871. His wife has now reached the age of sixty-nine years and is still numbered among the inhabitants of Bridgeport. She and her husband had five children, our subject being the second. They are : Emma, now the wife of Elias Williams, of Wellsville, Ohio; Fred (subject) ; Bertha, now Mrs. Fred Delman of Bridgeport ; Joseph, working in the mills at Columbus, Ohio; and Louis, who died at the early age of twenty years.
Fred Neininger received his education in the schools of Bridgeport, and at the close of those delightful days learned the trade of a butcher, and worked as a journeyman for thirteen years. He then embarked in the butcher business in Bridgeport and was for six years president of the Wheeling Butchers' Protective Association. He is a charter member of the Hide & Tallow Association, and interested in many other business enterprises.
September 5, 1878, our subject was united in marriage with Louisa Cedars, a native of Germany, and they have five children ; viz., Lucia, a bookkeeper and typewriter ; Eva, a member of the class of 1902 of the Bridgeport High School ; Fred, Dora M., and Ada. The entire family are members of the English Lutheran Church, and attend services regularly.
Mr. Neininger is a Democrat in politics and takes a lively interest in township and county affairs. In 1892 he was elected councilman, and his service in this line was so satisfactory that in 1894 he was re-elected. In 1896 he was elected to the position of treasurer, and served with credit until 1898, when he became a candidate for mayor of Bridgeport and was elected, serving until the close of the nineteenth century, and was re-elected to start the new century. While fulfilling his duties as treasurer he ran for county commissioner on the Democratic ticket, and ran 1028 votes ahead of the ticket. All the Republicans elected had a majority of 1600 with the exception of the opponent of our subject who had only 412 majority and this alone speaks well for our subject's popularity not only with the Democrats, but likewise with the Republicans.
In fraternal circles Mr. Neininger is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also affiliates with the Elks. He is a progressive and up-to-date man and evidently believes firmly in twentieth century progress.
ELLIS P. LEE, editor and publisher of the Barnesville Enterprise, which is one of the leading local papers of Eastern Ohio, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1842, and is a son of James and Lydia Lee, of Berks County.
Mr. Lee was born in the same house (which is still standing) in which Daniel Boone was born, and by intermarriage of his ancestors with the Boone family is distantly related to the noted Kentucky hunter. He can also trace his ancestors back more than fifteen hundred years. by the marriage of his great-grandfather to the daughter of Edward and Eleanor Foulke, descendants of the royal families of England and Wales. The genealogical tables of the Foulke family show different lines of descent from about 300 A. D., through Edward I., William the Conqueror, and the various kings of Great Britain, down to the time the Foulkes came to this country in 1698 and settled at Gwynedd, Pennsylvania.
In 1861 Mr. Lee graduated with honor from Westtown Boarding School, the well-known school of the Society of Friends, near Westchester, Pennsylvania, and then engaged in teaching school in his native county, later following this profession in Columbiana County, Ohio. Mr. Lee subsequently took a commercial course and graduated from Crittenden's Commercial College, in Philadelphia ; in 1867 he moved to Barnesville where he entered the First National Bank as its bookkeeper, and was later placed in the responsible position of cashier. His faithful and efficient service in this capacity continued through nine years, and
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upon resigning this position he engaged, for a short time, in the nursery business.
It was in 1878 that Mr. Lee first became connected with the Barnesville Enterprise, entering as its foreman and local editor, and it was soon realized by himself and friends that this congenial work promised great success. In October, 1888, Mr. Lee and wife purchased the property and good will, and under their management the paper has gained in popularity until at present it is a welcome visitor in almost every home in the city. Mr. Lee has shown excellent business ability and is a writer of force and character; he is able to present the local news in most pleasing form, and vigorously champions all progressive and laudable enterprises. In his work he is ably assisted by the talented lady who is his wife.
In 1869 Mr. Lee was united in marriage with Octa M. Dove, who is a daughter of John and Maria Dove, both of whom are natives of Maryland, and were among the early settlers in Barnesville. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lee, namely : Laura D., who died in 1883, and Charles E., who resides with his parents. Both our subject and wife are active members of the Methodist Church and are prominent in the social life of the city. For a number of years Mr. Lee has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M., and Barnesville Chapter, No. 69, R. A. M.
CARLOS A. SMITH, proprietor of the United States Steam Laundry, which is the finest establishment of its kind in Bellaire, Ohio, has had 20 years' experience in the laundry business. He spent 12 years in the service of the Bellaire Steam Laundry, on Guernsey street, which was then owned by his father, George C. Smith, who taught him all the details of the business. Our subject first started into business for himself on the east side of the park, but afterward secured a lot on the corner of Noble street and Central avenue, and constructed his presentplant in 1893. The building is strictly a modern one, constructed of brick and measures about 42 feet by 60 feet. It is a one-story building and is equipped with the latest and most improved machinery. In the rear part of the building are the engine and boiler, the former being of 10 H. P. and the latter 20 H. P. These furnish the power which operates all the machinery. Mr. Smith personally superintends all work, and having such facilities for turning out good work, he naturally secures the "lion's share" of the business. In addition, he has a fine suburban trade, embracing New Concord, Cameron, Barnesville, and other surrounding towns. He employs from 17 to 20 workmen and guarantees satisfaction to his customers.
Mr. Smith was born at Mount Zion, Belmont County, Ohio, in October, 1861. His father, George C. Smith, was an early resident of Belmont County, and was a blacksmith by trade, but the latter years of his life were spent in the laundry business, ownand operating, as he did, the Bellaire Steam Laundry. He died in September, 1901, aged 68 years. Our subject's mother is also a native of Belmont County, having been born near Jacobsburg. Her maiden name was Nancy Snively, and at this writing she resides in Bellaire. Besides our subject, she has two other sons and four daughters, as follows: F. B. of Cleveland; E. R.; Mrs. Alice Groves of Pennsylvania; Mrs. James Johnson, whose husband was formerly city marshal of Bellaire; Meda, and Margaret.
Mr. Smith has a fine modern residence at No. 3354 Guernsey street, which he purchased some time ago and remodeled. His marriage with Kate Schick, of Belmont County, resulted in the birth of three children, viz.: Beulah, Lily, and Carlos A., Jr. In his political preferment our subject is a Democrat, and socially is a Mason, and a member of Black Prince Lodge, Knights of Pythias; D. O. K. K.; B. P. O. E., and Royal Arcanum. The family attend services at the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they are members. Mr. Smith is uniformly
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popular in his community, and his straight-forward business methods have brought success which he deserves. Having discharged his duties in a manner above criticism, he has acquired the approval not only of patrons, but of all who are in any way connected with his establishment. He is a member of the national, Ohio State and local laundrymen associations.
HON. CHARLES J. HOWARD, one of the leading attorneys of Belmont County, Ohio, who has ably represented the county in the State Legislature for two terms, and is now serving the city of Barnesville as attorney, is one of the brilliant young men of this locality who give promise of sustaining the proud reputation which Ohio now holds in the Sisterhood of States.
Hon. Charles J. Howard was born in Barnesville, on March 26, 1862, a son of Albertus and Mary L. (Fry) Howard, who had a family of three children born to them. Albertus Howard was the youngest of a family of seven children and was a native of Maryland. His father moved to Belmont County and died when his son was about four years of age, leaving him ample means which he used, later in life, in extensive tobacco operations, continuing the shipping of tobacco ever since.
Mr. Howard of this biography was afforded excellent educational advantages, his completion of the common and high school course, in Barnesville, being followed by his attendance at the Ohio State University. Selecting the law as a profession, he began his reading with Collins & Smith, and in 1883 entered the Cincinnati Law School, where he graduated in the same year and located in his native city. His ability soon brought him into prominence, and in 1895 he was elected to the State Legislature, and in 1897 approval of his course was shown by a re-election. His record while in the House is one reflecting credit upon himself and his constituency. He has ably served the city as attorney for several terms andhis prospects are bright for higher political honors. His interest in educational matters caused him to give them time and attention on the School Board, and all matters of public moment promising to benefit this IocaIity are sure of his interest. Mr. Howard is both a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, in his fraternal connection, while in religious matters, he belongs to the Presbyterian denomination and is superintendent of the Sunday-school at the present time.
JOHN R. GOW, the efficient postmaster of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, is now serving his second term in that office, and is well known throughout the city as a business man and enterprising citizen. Mr. Gow's parents have both been dead some years, and he has practically spent his life in Belmont County.
The early boyhood days of Mr. Gow were passed upon a farm near Martin's Ferry, Ohio, and it was in that city that he filled his first position as a boy in the newspaper business. He was just 16 years of age when he was engaged in the office of the "Ohio Valley News," and this position he held with good results for a number of years, but in 1875-76 he removed to Bellaire, where, associated with others, he conducted the "Bellaire Leader" for four years, making it a bright, newsy sheet, reading matter well selected, editorials good, and local news admirably presented, Following this, he was elected city clerk and held the office 16 years, until he received the appointment of postmaster from President McKinley. He took charge of his duties at the Post Office in April, 1898, and was re-appointed in April, 1902, by President Roosevelt, to the satisfaction of the people of his community.
Our subject has one son, Robert C., who was educated at Bellaire and also spent two years at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. He is now 21 years of age and is employed by the Bellaire Bottle Company. Mr. Gow is identified with many business enterprises
486 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
of Bellaire, among which are the following: He is a director of the First National Bank of . Bellaire, of the Enterprise Enamel Company, and of the Bellaire Bottle Works. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith, having been reared as such.
Socially Mr. Gow affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, having passed through all the chairs of the blue lodge and chapter of Bellaire, and of Hope Commandery, K. T., at St. Clairsville.
WILLIAM SIDDALL, the well-known master mechanic at the Bellaire Works of the National Steel Company, came to this city in February, 1899, from Duquesne, Pennsylvania, to accept this responsible position, and has charge of all the mechanical part of this large plant.
By birth Mr. Siddall is an Englishman, born in 1867 in Birmingham, the great industrial center, where his father was a skilled machinist and where he served the rigorous apprenticeship demanded in his native country. Seeing wider opportunities in America for skilled labor, Mr. Siddall at the age of 21 years, in 1888, crossed the Atlantic and located first at Cleveland. There and in other localities Mr. Siddall has continued in his line of work. For a time he was located at Columbus, Ohio, and there entered the State University, where he took a special course in mechanical engineering. After completing the same he accepted the position of chief engineer of the Duquesne Mills, from which he was promoted to that of assistant master mechanic, which he resigned in order to accept the still more desirable one which he so ably fills at the present time.
In 1899 Mr. Siddall was united in marriage with a daughter of the well-known contractor, J. W. Jones, of Bellaire, and they have one daughter, Ella. His fine home was completed in the spring of 1902 and is located at No. 4145 Harrison street, and is a model of convenience and the first of its style of architecture in the city.
Politically, Mr. Siddall is identified with the Republican party, while fraternally be belongs to a number of organizations, notably the Knights of Pythias of Cleveland, and since 1891 Newburg Masonic Lodge of Cleveland, Baker Chapter of Cleveland, and Scioto Consistory of Columbus. Mrs. Siddall is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a lady of social culture. Mr. Siddall stands high in his profession and commands both the esteem and confidence of his employers as well as of the employees.
WILLIAM A. WOODS, a prominent farmer and dairyman of Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, is not only one of its most substantial citizens, but also one of its most reliable and respected men. He is a native of Pease township, and was born in 1861, a son of John Woods, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of James Woods.
Mr. Woods grew to manhood, attending the district schools and assisting in the farm work and also helping in busy times in the neighborhood. One year after marriage he worked for his father and then operated one of the latter's farms, according to arrangement, working on shares. Mr. Woods prospered in this way during 13 years and then bought his present fine farm which comprises 130 acres, which is reputed to be the best producing farm of the township. It was formerly known as the Cochran farm. Mr. Woods has placed very fine improvements here and has erected a handsome residence of ten rooms and a substantial and commodious barn. For the past three years he has added dairying to his other interests, his place being known as the Upland Dairy, and its products are sold in Bridgeport and Martin's Ferry. Mr. Woods is a practical farmer and believes in handling only good stock, keeping Jersey, Durham and Holstein cattle. His large home farm is devoted to general farming and dairying interests, and he owns another farm, con-
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sisting of 82 acres, on Scotch Ridge, which he leases.
The marriage of Mr. Woods was to Lou Devault, a daughter of William Devault, an early settler of the county, and they have had ten children born to them—Harry and John, who died young; Myrtle, Robert Lee, Jesse, Blanche, Addie, Grace, Ellis and Erma. In politics Mr. Woods has been a life-long Democrat. His religious views are liberal, but he is ever ready to give his support to all educational and moral enterprises.
JOHN M. HENDERSON, a hardware merchant of Martin's Ferry, and one of the most industrious business men of the city, owns the finest hardware store in the county, and has numerous other business enterprises that occupy all his attention, among them his interest in the coal lands so abundant throughout the States of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Mr. Henderson is a son of Hugh and Margaret (Cowen) Henderson, natives of the Keystone State, and is himself a native of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, where he was born February 13, 1863. Hugh Henderson was a stationary engineer by vocation, and followed that occupation throughout most of his lifetime. Previous to taking this up, however, he was a miller and owned a mill in Pennsylvania for many years until after the Civil War, when in 1869 he removed to Ohio and settled on a farm three miles from Martin's Ferry. This farm has recently been sold to the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad Company, who will open up the coal fields it contains. Hugh Henderson is now a retired business man and resides at the old Henderson homestead in Martin's Ferry, situated at the head of Walnut street. He has reached the advanced age of 76 years. For three score years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, has held all the offices accorded to laymen, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school, etc. His wife died at the age of 66 years, May 6, 1898, having been a lifelong member of the same Methodist Episcopal Church. She was one of the most devoted of church workers, always painstaking and thorough in all she did, and her deeds and efforts to help others will furnish pleasant, endearing memories to the many, who remember her still, for long years to come. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson were the parents of six children, our subject being the fifth child. The others are as follows : Jennie (Mrs. William P. Green), who resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Homer W., who was first a commercial traveler for the Standard Oil Company until 1887, when he started the hotel business in Pittsburg, which he still carries on with good success; J. B., who is engaged in the coke and coal business at Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, having enjoyed a very successful career; Emma, who is a resident of the home place with her father, is a very active church worker and possesses many of the qualities and noble traits of character which characterized the efficient services of her mother; and Hugh K., who lives in Pittsburg, where for 14 years he was in the coal business with Joseph Walton, and where he still is identified with the Pittsburg coal combine.
John M. Henderson, our subject, received training in the way of education in the commercial department of Frasher's College at Wheeling, West Virginia. He served an apprenticeship at the Martin's Ferry Stove Works, and was later a member of the Joseph Bell Stove Company, of Wheeling. He remained at that place until the foundry was moved to Muncie, Indiana, in 1890 and then he found employment in Martin's Ferry, in the establishment of the hardware business which he still conducts. His rooms are large and well supplied with a full line of jobbers' and builders' supplies, shelf hardware, brick, tile, etc.. in fact everything that should be handled by a hardware merchant. The large patronage which he has and the satisfactory manner in which he conducts the business speak for his knowledge of the principles that are best employed, and for his honesty and accommodation as well. The building which he occupies could not have a better location,
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as it is on a corner in the business center of the city.
On October 22, 1892, Mr. Henderson was united in marriage with Ida M. Cope of Smithfield, Ohio, the only child of William and Mary A. Cope, who are members of the Society of Friends, residing at Smithfield. To the union of our subject and his wife have been born four children, but one of whom is now living. The record follows : William H. and Lewis, who died in infancy; Joseph Charles, whose death took place in 1900, at the age of four years; and Lewis B., now three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson are devoted to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the former has been trustee for over 20 years.
The business life of Mr. Henderson has many different enterprises to claim his attention, among which are the following. He is now the president of the First National Bank at Dillonvale, Ohio, which was established in February, 1901. He is also connected with other banking houses all along the Ohio Valley. He has coal stock, and an interest in the mines throughout the surrounding country ; in the last three years he has disposed of 80,000 acres of coal land in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In Belmont County he has bought in fee over 5,000 acres of coal lands and disposed of over 18,000 acres.
In politics Mr. Henderson is a member of the Republican party, and was elected in 1890 to the City Council of Martin's Ferry, serving as a member two terms and as president of the same for two terms. He is always active in politics and as a business man is classed among the leaders in the Upper Ohio Valley. No matter how great the rush in business life, he has time for church, town or county whenever they desire his service or help.
WILLIAM WESLEY WOODS, who has engaged successfully in various lines of business, is at the present time engaged in bottling and marketing the famous Woods' Lithia Water. He was born, reared and has always lived in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Martha (Coss) Woods.
James Woods was born December 18, 1818, and died October 25, 1898. He was a son of William and Elizabeth (Harness) Woods. William Woods, grandfather of our subject, was the first white child born back of Pittsburg, on what is called Woods' Run, and died in the sixty-eighth year of his age in 1847. He was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and for some years of his life engaged in the butchering business. He and his bride, who was the daughter of a wealthy Virginia planter, ran away to be married. She died in 1889 at the age of ninety-three years while living at the home of her son, John. Both are buried in the cemetery at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio. They had eight children, three of whom, two sons named William and a daughter, died in childhood. Those who grew to maturity were: John, a record of whose life appears in the sketch of James Woods; James; George, who was born in 1820 and died in 1900; Robert, who resides in Pease township, and in September, 1902, celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday, and Elizabeth, widow of Daniel Gill, who resides at Gillespie, Ohio.
James Woods was united in marriage with Martha Coss, who was born in May, 1816, and died March 23, 1898. She was a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (McConnell) Coss, her mother being a sister of Francis McConnell, a prominent man of this section. Daniel Coss served in the War of 1812 and the war with Mexico, and was cook for the famous General Harrison. He conducted a store at Bridgeport and during the prevalence of cholera ministered to and helped bury many of the victims. During that time he remained away from his family so as not to expose them, and neither he nor they contracted the dread disease. He was one of the founders of Methodism in Belmont County. In 1866 he and seven brothers held a reunion, the youngest being seventy-three years old and the others past eighty-four years. Their picture was taken,
/p>
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and the one in possession of our subject is very highly prized by him. Of these brothers, Jacob, lived to reach the age of 103 years, dying at Chillicothe; and Adam for some years conducted a livery at Martin's Ferry.
James and Martha (Coss) Woods reared seven children, as follows: John, who was born at Mt. Pleasant and died at the age of two years; Elizabeth, wife of James McBride of Piper City, Illinois; Eleanor, of Martin's Ferry, widow of George Hobensack; Eliza Bell, who died in July, 1888, was the wife of Richard Veasy of Martin's Ferry; James Ross, who resides at Bridgeport, married Mary McKeever; George, who died aged two years, and William Wesley, our subject.
William Wesley Woods has engaged in many lines of business, and although he has owned the home farm the past few years, has never engaged in farming. He promoted a most successful oil company, realizing a handsome amount in dividends, then purchased the home farm of 113 acres, on which he has lived since 1897. The old home was the voting precinct during the time of Andrew Jackson, and some of the ballots have since been .found. Mr. Woods has erected a comfortable home. He has been engaged for some five years in bottling and shipping the famous Woods' Lithia Water, obtained from an unfailing spring on the farm. It is particularly a cure for kidney troubles, and the number of cures effected have been numerous. Of too cases of Bright's disease where the water was freely used by the patients, but one was lost. The water is placed in one-gallon bottles manufactured at Bellaire, and from too to 500 per day are shipped to different parts of the country, some going as far as Minnesota and Oklahoma. Mr. Woods devotes his entire attention to this business, leasing his farm to others.
William W. Woods was united in marriage with Margaret Isola Stewart, who was born in Jefferson County and is a daughter of James and Rebecca (Heller) Stewart. She came with her parents when a child to Martin's Ferry, where her father conducted a feed store until his death. Her mother still resides there. She is one of eight children, as follows: George, an attorney of Detroit, who held a responsible government position under President Cleveland; Kate, wife of Samuel Heaton, a blacksmith of Martin's Ferry; John, of Cameron, West Virginia; Thomas S., a carpenter of Pittsburg; Frank, of Pittsburg; Margaret Isola; Ella, wife of R. H. McKee, teller of the Bank of the Ohio Valley at Wheeling, and Carrie, who is single and at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Woods have six children, as follows: James Russell, born December 6, 1881; Martha Jane, born August 11, 1885; Katie Belle, born April 23, 1888; Margaret Isola, born March 21, 1891; William McKinley, born September 25, 1893, and Paul Edwin, born November 20, 1899. Politically, Mr. Woods is a Republican. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. of Bridgeport. Religiously he is a member of the M. E. Church, attending Lancaster Chapel, which is located on the farm, the site of which was donated by James Woods.
GEORGE KERN, who has been secretary of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company of Bellaire, Ohio, for the past three years, was born in the Rhine section of Germany, in 1837. In 1853, when still a lad, he immigrated to America, intent upon making a career for himself. A short time was spent in Baltimore, Maryland, and then the young man made his way to Wheeling, (West) Virginia, and two years later located in Benwood, where he followed the trade of baker until he came to Bellaire, in 1856, engaging in the same business until 1885.
Mr. Kern then embarked in a confectionery business and continued in the same until he accepted his present responsible position as secretary of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company. The marriage of Mr. Kern was to Cath-
494 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
erine Roder, who was born in Hesse, Germany. and a family of 12 children was born to them, eight of these survive and all live in Bellaire, with the exception of one who resides at Richmond. Virginia. The handsome family residence is located on Belmont street in South Bellaire, where the family is much esteemed and has a wide circle of friends. In politics Mr. Kern is a Democrat and has voted that ticket since 1859. For 20 years he served his township as trustee and has been a member of the City Council of Bellaire for to years. Mr. Kern is a man of social instincts and belongs to many fraternal orders, including the Odd Fellows. For many years he has been a leading member of the German Reformed Church.
JOHN H. HOPKINS, assistant secretary of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1867, a son of James P. and Isabel (Nelson) Hopkins, the former of whom died in 1881. The family moved to Belmont County and to Bellaire in 1882. His mother was born 70 years ago in Belmont County and our subject has five brothers and two sisters, namely: Nettie; N. S., a farmer and also a stock dealer; Rev. J. A., pastor of a Christian Church in Maryland; R. L., a farmer of Belmont County; Mrs. Mary Giffin, living near Bellaire; George E., in the insurance business at Bellaire; and Bert W., now clerk of Pultney township.
Mr. Hopkins took a course at Wheeling Business College after attending the Bellaire High School, and since 1887 has followed bookkeeping, being for a time with the United States Glass Company at Pittsburg. Since June, 1898, he has been connected with his present company and he is also secretary of the Bellaire Water Works, the business of the two concerns being conducted in the same office. Mr. Hopkins was married to Edna C. Blackburn, a daughter of M. L. Blackburn, and has one son, Francis Perry. His pleasant home is situated at Rose Hill, and both he and wife belong to the Christian Church. His fraternal connection is with Black Prince Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
The Belmont Savings & Loan Company wasincorporated March 5, 1885, the incorporators being: James B. Darrah, deceased; William J. McClain; John W. Coulson; Patrick Whealan; David H. Darrah; John E. Robinson; and James F. Anderson, and these formed the hoard of directors. The present officers are : J. F. Anderson, president; John H. McGraw, vice-president; George Kern, secretary; James T. Kelley, treasurer ; and John H. Hopkins, assistant secretary, the board of directors being formed by the above with David Walker and Charles A. Grella. The business is carried on in Bellaire at No. 3252 Union street.
E. G. KRAUTER, a well-known farmer of Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Southern Germany in 1856, and resided there until he reached the age of eighteen years. He then came on a visit to his uncle, William Burkle, who at that time was a butcher of Bridgeport, Ohio. Mr. Krauter engaged in the grocery business successfully at Martin's Ferry for a period of eight years, then sold out to Louis Scheehle. He has since given his attention to farming.
Mr. Krauter is residing on the old Van Pelt farm, which he purchased in 1887 from Hiram McCombs, the grantee of Margaret Blocher, who had purchased the property at the division of the Van Pelt estate. Jacob Van Pelt had located on the place as early as I 1825, and the family owned a large tract of land in Pease township. He built the brick part of the house now occupied by our subject in 1850, to which the latter added and remodeled, making a very attractive home. The Van Pelts, who were very prominent in this county, have all passed away. Oliver Van Pelt, the last of the name in this county, was born in 1831 and died August 15, 1902, having always lived in Pease township. Of the old homestead Mr. Krauter has 66 acres, and during the past fourteen years has been engaged in the dairy business, wholesaling to a milkman at Martin's Ferry. His farm is well stocked and he makes a specialty of Jersey and Holstein cattle. He also pur-
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chased the James Wiley home of 150 acres in 1897. The Wiley farm he leases on shares. He grows fruit extensively and devotes the upper part of his farm to raising grain and stock.
Mr. Krauter was united in marriage with a daughter of Christ Hoffman of Ohio County, West Virginia, he being a retired butcher residing in Fulton. To this union were born two daughters, Carrie and Minnie. aged 20 and 16 years, respectively. In politics our subject has always been a Republican. He has been a member of the board of education for the past twelve years, and for ten years has been commissioner of the Martin's Ferry & Colerain Pike. Fraternally he is a member of the National Union. Religiously he is a German Lutheran, but his family is Presbyterian.
THEODORE NEFF, one of the best known citizens and business men of Belmont County, Ohio, maintains an office at No. 3184 Union street, Bellaire, and conducts the largest fire, life, accident, tornado and windstorm insurance business in the county. He is a native of this county, having been born in York township, October 15, 1851, and is a son of George and Martha (Williams) Neff.
The Neff or Neife family originally came from Switzerland, locating in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Conrad Neff, grandfather of our subject, a native of Maryland, with two brothers, John and George, started overland for Missouri in 1797. Upon arriving at Wheeling, (West) Virginia, the wife of Conrad Neff was taken sick and died. John Neff proceeded to Missouri, but George remained with Conrad. With their families they crossed the river and located a few miles from Bridgeport in Belmont County, where they entered land. The numerous representatives of the Neff family, so widely known in Belmont County, are all descended from these hardy pioneers. By his first wife Conrad Neff had two Children. He formed a second union in 1802 or 1803 with Elizabeth Feeley, by whom he had ten children, among them being the father of our subject. Of the twelve children of whom he was father, all lived to reach the age of seventy years, and one of them, Benjamin, is now residing in Pultney township, being past eighty years of age.
George Neff was born three miles east of St. Clairsville in 1809, and died December 18, 1884. He followed the occupation of farming, and during most of his life resided near Captina Creek. He married Martha Williams, who was born in 1811 in one of the first houses built in Bridgeport, and died in September, 1878. She was a daughter of Ezra Williams, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to this country at an early day.
Theodore Neff's boyhood days were spent in York township, where he lived until he passed the age of 35 years. In 1901 he purchased his present home farm, a part of the Jacob Rodefer farm, on the hill overlooking many miles of the Ohio Valley and the cities of Wheeling and Bellaire. Here he will soon have laid out and suitably set with trees a park to be known as Neff's Grandview Park, which will be a valuable addition to the city of Bellaire. A means of transportation will be provided to convey people up and down the bluff, and the view being one of unsurpassed beauty, it will be a very popular place. Mr. Neff owns five farms in Belmont County, and for many years has engaged in growing vegetables and raising thoroughbred stock and fowls of all kinds. He is a Democrat in politics, but has accepted of no offices except assessor of York township, in which capacity he served two terms. He and his son, Edney, are members of Ionic Lodge, No. 438, F. & A. M. On his farm is located an abundance of splendid molding sand, for the removal and exportation of which the Belmont Sand Company was organized. The pits contain sands of every grade. for heavy and light molding, building, and for plastering and bricklaying. The company controls the large pits on
496 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Mr. Neff's farm and others in the county, and supply sand for the local market and for many large corporations in other parts of the country, including the Pennsylvania Railroad. At the present time about 100 tons per day are taken from the pits and loaded upon cars. In the near future up-to-date machinery, probably electrical, will be installed to reduce to a minimum the expense of loading and digging. Ochre is also found conveniently and will later be developed. Mr. Neff has been the prime mover in various business enterprises, notable among which is the Enterprise Enamel Company, of which he purchased the first shares of stock.
Five different business concerns have their office and headquarters at No. 3184 Union street, the office of Mr. Neff. Following is a brief sketch of each:
The Belmont Electric Light & Power Company was organized in 1899 by Theodore Neff, J. B. Watt, John T. Flynn, J. A. Green and Thomas E. Shelly. J. A. Green is president; H. A. Neff, secretary and manager, and five of the organizers are directors. The plant is located on Monroe street, between 35th and 36th streets, and supplies light and power for the city.
The Neff Real Estate & Investment Company was organized and chartered under the laws of Ohio in the spring of 1902 by Theodore Neff, John W. Neff, Harry A. Neff, Thomas B. McKelvey and J. O. McKelvey, these men constituting the board of directors. The officers are: T. B. McKelvey, president; Harry A. Neff, secretary, and E. D. Neff, treasurer. An extensive business has been done toward improving the city and suburbs, especially at Shadyside, where free excursions are run by the company and many lots have been sold for residence and speculative purposes. The prospects of the suburb for a home site are bright.
The Enterprise Telephone Company has over sixty 'phones in use, besides centrals, accommodating a large number of farms and business houses. The suburban line operates
through St. Joe, McClainsville, Neff's siding, Bald Knob, etc., with central at Valonia and branches to Dillie's Bottom, and central at Key, with branches among farmers. It has central exchange with the National and Ohio Valley companies at Bellaire. Robert McKelvey is president; William Unterzuber, vice-president; Franklin Neff, secretary, and J. O. McKelvey, treasurer. Among the directors are William Ramsey, Samuel White, John W. Neff, Alexander Neff and Dr. Korell of Key.
The Eastern Ohio Milling Company was recently incorporated for the purpose of milling, dealing in feed and the wholesale grocery business. The officers are: George O. Robinson, president; Morris Elikan, vice-president, and J. P. Clutter, secretary and treasurer. The office will be at the old Ault Mill, which will be remodeled and equipped. The directors of the company incude Alexander Neff and H. A. Neff.
December 4, 1878, Theodore Neff was united in marriage with Nancy J. McKelvey of Mead township, and they have three children, namely, Edney D., aged 22 years, who has for the past five years engaged in the insurance business with his father; Jacob H., who is 18 years old and lives at home, and Carrie L., aged 16 years. Religiously the family attends the U. P. Church.
JULIUS H. HAYS, superintendent of the carpenter and construction gang at the Bellaire plant of the National Steel Company for the past twelve years, is one of the oldest employees of the plant, his term of service ranking second. Mr. Hays is highly esteemed by his employers for his efficiency and long years of faithful attachment to their interests.
Julius H. Hays was born in 1852 in Germany, and alone and dependent upon his own resources he came to America at the age of 15 years. In Germany his father operated a large wind-power flouring mill,
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but the youth believed he could better his condition in a new country. A sister, Mulder, resides in Texas. Being willing, energetic and pleasant in manner, he soon secured employment in New York as clerk in a store at $8 a month and continued there for two years, and then went to Wheeling, West Virginia. There he learned the carpenter trade with William Bitmeyer, and followed the same in Wheeling, later being one of the builders of the Aetna Standard Mill. In 1884 he came to Bellaire and began work as a journeyman carpenter with his present employers, and by careful and thorough work gained his promotion in 1890 to the position of superintendent of all of the carpentering and construction of the heavy rigging of the steel works with a force of from 40 to 50 men under his charge. During his seventeen years' connection with this plant Mr. Hays has seen many changes. When he came here in 1884 three carpenters only were required where now fourteen, with helpers, are needed, and the mules which used to pull the cars have been replaced by twelve locomotives. The single blast furnace, where 60 tons of pig-iron was a large day's work, has been superseded by furnaces with a capacity of 350 tons.
Mr. Hays has a beautiful home at No. 4754 Jefferson street, containing eight apartments and surrounded by a fine lawn. The house was erected by him in 1888. He has a most interesting family, which is well and favorably known in the city. His marriage was to Carrie Backer, daughter of Peter Backer, who came to Wheeling 52 years ago from Germany and was engaged for 28 years at the La Belle coal mine. Mr. Backer at the age of 81 years is still vigorous and but lately returned from an enjoyable visit to his native land. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hays were: Anna, at home; Alberta, the wife of Augustus Stellars, of the Novelty Stamping Company; John, a clerk and assistant mechanical engineer at the steel works ; Nellie, a stenographer in the office of the steel works, and George, receiving clerk at the National steel works.
In political sentiment Mr. Hays is an ardent Republican, and he is fraternally connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In his religious views he is very liberal, seeing good in every denomination, but his family attend the Episcopal Church, and this he liberally assists. From the position of a poor German lad without friends, Mr. Hays has made his own way in the world and now possesses ample means, many friends and is well deserving the high esteem in which he is held by those who know him best.
COL. JAMES F. CHARLESWORTH, who has attained a high degree of success as an attorney-at-law of St. Clairsville, Ohio, was born in that city, November 25, 1826, and is a son of Richard and Jane (Porter) Charlesworth. His father was one of the early business men of St. Clairsville, having come to Belmont County from Baltimore, Maryland, in 1820.
James F. Charlesworth was educated at Granville College, where he completed the course in 1844, and then engaged in business with his father. At the outbreak of the war with Mexico, he and his younger brother, Richard W., left home and enlisted in Company H. First Regiment Mounted Rifles, now the 3rd U. S. Cavalry. They saw active service in Mexico under Gen. Winfield Scott, and Colonel Charlesworth was wounded at Contreras. The colonel of his regiment performed the functions of mayor of the City of Mexico after the entrance of the United States troops, and the regiment was detailed for police duty for a period of nine months, quitting the city after the declaration of peace. Shortly after the war, Mr. Charlesworth returned to St. Clairsville, and entered upon the study of law under the supervision of General Weir. After his admission to the bar, in 1851, he successfully engaged in practice until 1854, when he
500 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
was elected to the office of auditor of Belmont County, and served as such for a term of two years. In 1857, he became proprietor and editor of the Independent Republican, a paper which. he published until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he felt that duty to his country called him to the field. He raised the first three years' company entered on the records of the adjutant general, and of this was commissioned captain, July 12, 1861. His previous military service made him of exceptional value to the country at this time. He was active in the field, and in the fall of 1861 received a slight wound at Alleghany Summit, Virginia. His ability as a soldier and leader attracted the attention of his superior officers, and he was rewarded by promotion as major of his regiment, May 16, 1862. On June 8th, of the same year, he was severely wounded at the battle of Cross Keys, a minnie ball entering the abdomen, and coming out about two inches from the spinal column. On July 30, 1862, he was promoted to be lieutenant-colonel, and on May 18, 1863, resigned because of physical disability, further service being impossible. His resignation received the following indorsement from Brig.-Gen. N. C. McLean, at the headquarters of the First Division, 11th Army Corps, at Brooks Station, May 13, 1863: "Approved and respectfully forwarded to Lieut-Col. Charlesworth ; I approve as I personally know him to be disabled by an honorable wound." Colonel Charlesworth still possesses the ball which passed through his body, and was found where he fell. He also has in his possession the vest then worn by him, showing the direction the ball took. These relics he treasures as mementoes of honorable service.
Upon his return home Colonel Charlesworth entered upon his duties as clerk of Belmont County, to which office he had been elected while in the service. In 1864, he served as colonel of the 1st Regiment, Belmont County Militia. On the expiration of his term as clerk, he was appointed master commissioner of the Court of Common Pleas, and served in that capacity for nine years. During thetroubles incident to the construction of the Central Ohio Railroad, now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, he was appointed and commissioned a captain, to organize the celebrated Washington Guards, which were on duty about four years. He also rendered valuable service to St. Clairsville during the county seat contest with Bellaire, and he and his associates succeeded in having the Legislature make appropriations for the present magnificent county building. He is a Democrat, in politics, and has been an enthusiastic worker for party success. He was a delegate to the convention which nominated James E. Campbell for governor; he has served as vice-president of the Democratic State Central Committee, and as trustee of the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors' Home. His fraternal associations are with Lodge No. 16, F. & A. M.; Chapter No. 17, R. A. M.; and Hope Commandery. No. 26, K. T. He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was formerly commander of the Belmont County Battalion.
Colonel Charlesworth was married July 4. 1855, to Laura A. Tallman, a daughter of William Tallman, deceased.
J. R. ANDERSON, superintendent of the public schools of Belmont County, Ohio, a man of scholarly attainments and personal popularity, is an Ohio product, born at Bellaire in 1863, a son of Isaac C. and Mahala J. (Lashley) Anderson, the latter of whom belongs to an old county family which located southeast of the city of Bellaire as early as 1830.
The Andersons were natives of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and there Isaac C. Anderson was born 76 years ago. A notable occasion was the celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac C. Anderson, which took place at the family residence, No. 612 Vine street, Bellaire. in October. 1901. Mr. Anderson is a veteran of the Civil War, and he and his estimable wife are the
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central figures in a large family of children, namely: William, who is engaged in business in connection with the Bellaire Foundry & Machine Company; Mrs. P. R. Myers, who resides at Quincy, Illinois; Mrs. N. J. McDonald, who resides in Bellaire; Newton, who is also connected with the Bellaire Foundry; J. Albert, who resides at South Bend, Indiana; J. R., who is the subject of this review; Mrs. Maria J. Simpson, who lives in Bellaire; Mrs. O. C. Henry, who is a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Charles, who is associated with the subject of this sketch in the ownership of the Bellaire Foundry & Machine Company plant.
The primary education of Superintendent Anderson was obtained in the public schools of Bellaire, and his degree of M. A. was secured after doing collegiate work at Bethany, West Virginia. Mr. Anderson's services were immediately secured in the public schools of his native city, and for one year he was principal of the Second Ward school and for ten years was assistant principal of the Central building, in 1898 becoming superintendent, filling the position with the same efficiency which has marked his whole professional career, bringing the schools to a high standard.
The Bellaire Foundry & Machine Company, with which enterprise our subject is financially connected, was established in 1895 by Charles and J. R. Anderson and Clarence Simpson, the last named withdrawing after three years. The business is now the property of the Anderson brothers and is located at the corner of 33rd and Hamilton streets, where a large business is done, requiring the aid of a number of skilled foundrymen and machinists. It is one of the successful industries of Bellaire.
The marriage of Prof. J. R. Anderson was to a daughter of John Wood, who came some thirty years ago to Bellaire. and for thirty years has been one of the leading contracting carpenters in this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Wood reside at Shadyside. The seven children born to our subject and wife were asfollows: Edward, Clarence, Walter, Robert, Bertie, Ethel and. Raymond. Our subject was reared to believe implicitly in the principles of the Republican party, of which his father has been an adherent from its organization, and is active in its interests. Fraternally he is associated with the Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., of Bellaire, the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. The Christian Church has long been the religious body with which both the Anderson and Wood families have been identified, and our subject is one of its deacons and liberal supporters. His standing as teacher and citizen is unquestioned, and his personal attributes have brought to him a wide circle of friends.
ROBERT McDONALD, a competent foreman to the superintendent of the converting and blooming mill of the National Steel Works at Bellaire, Ohio, is a veteran in the steel business, having done his first work in that line in 1875. At that time he entered the Edgar Thompson Steel Works, a part of the Carnegie plant, and has labored faithfully in developing the steel industry ever since. He spent nine years in the Duquesne mill, resigning his situation there to accept his present position at Bellaire, where he located in April, 1898. From loo to 200 men are employed in the departments under his charge, and as Mr. McDonald has worked his way through all the lower and intermediate departments, he is well fitted to fulfill the duties devolved upon him.
Our subject is a native of Pennsylvania and has one brother, J. H. McDonald, who is superintendent of the department at the steel works of which the subject of this sketch is foreman. The residence of Mr. McDonald is at No. 4269 Noble street. Three years ago he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who was a Kentucky lady. Five children blessed their union. The eldest daughter, Bertha, who is eighteen years old, manages the home for her father and looks after
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the younger children, Clifford, Flora and Esther, whose ages are, respectively, thirteen, eleven and eight years. Foster, the eldest son, who is twenty years old, is employed at the steel works.
Mr. McDonald is a faithful adherent to the Republican party, and uses both his vote and his influence to advance its interests. In fraternal organizations he is allied with the Masons, being a member of both blue lodge and the chapter of Bellaire. In his religious opinions he favors the Presbyterian Church, but his children prefer to attend the United Presbyterian.
R. SMILEY NELSON, proprietor of the United States Dairy, conducts the leading business in that line in Bellaire, Ohio. He was born in Pultney township in 1856, is a son of Matthew G. and Mary Ann (Keyser) Nelson, and grandson of Robert and Mary (McGregor) Nelson.
Robert Nelson was a native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and located in Belmont County in 1812, purchasing at that time a 160-acre farm in section 25, Pultney township. He cleared this farm and upon it followed agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, March 5, 1857. He was 69 years and six months old at the time of his death. His wife survived him for many years, and only two of her children lived to witness her death, which occurred November 21, 1881, she being in her 86th year. Eight children were born to her and her husband, namely, John, Robert, Elizabeth, Matthew G.. Thomas, Alexander, Benjamin Franklin and Margaret.
John Nelson was born in 1819, and died in 1902 in Illinois. Robert resides on the old home farm in Pultney township. He was born October 8, 1822, and married in 1849 Emeline Cummings, a daughter of Joseph and Anne (Prescott) Cummings. His wife was a native of Kennebec County, Maine, born in 1825. They have five children, as follows: Helen, wife of Warren Holgate, a ranchmanof Manhattan, Montana; Annie; Edwin, a merchant in the State of Maine; Frank, who resides in Pultney township, and Margaret, wife of Rev. Ashbel Lane of Fremont, Ohio.
Elizabeth Nelson was born in 1825 and died soon after her marriage with Edward Gill.
Thomas Nelson was born in 1829 and died in 1859.
Alexander Nelson was born in March, 1831, and during his active life was a physician and surgeon at Martin's Ferry. He died in 1874.
Benjamin Franklin Nelson was born in 1835 and followed mercantile life in Bellaire until cut off by death in 1864.
Margaret Nelson was born in 1837. She married John Hinkel and passed to her final rest in 1867.
Matthew G. Nelson, the father of our subject, was born January 28, 1827, in Pultney township. He followed farming and died in 1871, but two months before his 45th birthday. His widow is still living, being now 79 years old. She resides with our subject. Five children were born to her and her husband. Of these. two, Ella and William, died young. One daughter, Lizzie, resides in Pultney township with our subject while Frank K., our subject's only brother has a family and resides on Wheeling Island being an employee of the Aetna Standard Mill.
We now take up the life or our subject, R Smiley Nelson. He was reared on his father' farm in Pultney township, and during hi youth he attended Rock Hill School. H followed in the footsteps of the grandfather and father and confined himself to agricultural pursuits until about eight years ago. At that time he believed he saw a good business opening, and his effort during the intervening years have proved the correctness o. his judgment.
He established the United States Dairy Bellaire and does a thriving business in that prosperous city. He runs two wagons, which cover regular routes daily, and about100 gal
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Ions of milk and cream are required to supply regular customers. Mr. Nelson keeps 40 good milch cows, many of them thoroughbreds—Jersey, Holstein and Durham breeds. The constant attention of four men is required to handle the business, which is conducted on a well-paying basis.
Mr. Nelson has a finely improved farm. His residence is large and comfortable, while many other convenient buildings are found on his place.
His marriage with Cordelia H. Robinson resulted in the birth of three daughters and one son. The latter, John G., drives one of his father's milk wagons. The other children. Gara, Estella and Rachel, are also at home. Politically, Mr. Nelson is a stanch Republican. He is public spirited and charitable. He is a member of Rock Hill Presbyterian Church.
ROGER ASHTON, a prominent citizen of Martin's Ferry, councilman from the First Ward, superintendent of local mines, and a stockholder in the German Bank, was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales. September 11, 1845.
The parents of Mr. Ashton were John and Mary (Clayton) Ashton, who lived in Wales all of their lives. John Ashton was a wool carder by trade and followed the occupation through life. He lived to be over 82 years of age, surviving his wife many years, her death occurring at the age of 65 years. Both parents were members of the Calvinistic Methodist Church. They were the parents of ten children, the five survivors being the following : John, who is a merchant in Wales; Richard, who is a miner in Wales ; Thomas, who resides in Hocking Valley, Perry County, Ohio; William, who resides at Little Falls, New York; the fifth being Roger, of this biography. The members of the family who have passed away are : Edward, who died at the age of 23 ; Elizabeth, who lived to the age of 60; Benjamin, who died when 23 ; David, who died at the age of 30: and Mary Ann, who died when nine years of age, all passing away in Wales except David, who died in Alabama.
Mr. Ashton had absolutely no early educational advantages, his first opportunity for attending school presenting itself when he was 23 years of age. At that time he was even ignorant of the letters of the alphabet, but he made excellent use of his six months at school, made such rapid progress, especially in mathematics, that his knowledge surpassed that of his teacher. After this period of schooling was passed he began business as a coal weigher, following that occupation for the succeeding nine years, at which time he came to the United States. Mr. Ashton began his business career in this country as a miner, digging coal in the very mines which are now being operated under his superintendence. They are located within the corporate limits of Martin's Ferry, and are owned by the American Sheet Steel Company. It is a testimonial to the ability and efficiency of Mr. Ashton that he has risen from one of the most subordinate positions to his present one of responsibility, and has so satisfactorily filled the same for the past fifteen years. The high esteem in which he is held by the company is well deserved and very gratifying.
The first marriage of Mr. Ashton was in his native land to Margaret Evans, who died March 19, 1891, at the age of 42 years. A family of 12 children was born to this union, all of whom died in infancy with the exception of David R., who is a tin worker, unmarried, and a resident of Martin's Ferry. The second marriage of Mr. Ashton was on August 3, 1891, to Margaret Meredith, a native of Wales, who came to America in 1889, a daughter of Gwenllyn Meredith. The children born to this union were as follows : Roger; Edith, who died at the age of seven months ; Mary ; John, who died at the age of one year; and Margaret. Mr. Ashton has accumulated ample means, and owns three houses and one valuable lot within the corporate limits. He has taken an active part in the political life of the community and his election as councilman on April 7, 1902, was not only a triumph for
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the Republican ticket, but also a testimonial to his personal popularity as his majority was nine over three to one against his opponent. Fraternally Mr. Ashton belongs to the Elks.
A review of the career of Mr. Ashton gives an excellent illustration of the success which awaits those who come to America resolved to live a life of industry, to become integral parts of this great Nation and become its useful citizens. At the same time it may be noted that Mr. Ashton is a worthy representative of a country whose sturdy sons have contributed, in no small degree, to the prosperity of many sections of their adopted land.
A. O. MELLOTT, ex-mayor of Bellaire and senior member of the firm of Mellott & Son, undertakers and furniture dealers, owns the finest establishment of its kind in Bellaire and for many years has been one of the most successful merchants of that place. About 30 years ago he purchased the store of the Marietta Chair Company, which at that time was entirely new, having just been rebuilt after a destructive fire. Mr. Mellott restocked the building and added the undertaking department.
The building in which his business is conducted is located on the corner of 33rd and Belmont streets, is 40 by 120 feet and is two stories high. The undertaking parlors are located on the second floor and first-class work in this line is guaranteed by Mr. Mellott, who is an expert embalmer. The furniture department contains a complete variety of up-to-date furniture at moderate prices, and the quality of goods is not surpassed anywhere in the city.
Mr. Mellott was born in Richland township, near Glencoe, in September, 1830. His father, William Mellott, was a native of Eastern Pennsylvania, and the year 1800 marks the date of his birth. About 1804 he was brought to Belmont County, Ohio, by his father, John Mellott,, who located the first year on a tract now known as the Dixon farm. Later, he removed to the farm near Glencoe, which he purchased, and which is still in the possession of the family, being, at the present time, owned by James Mellott, a brother to our subject. The grandfather and father both followed farming as an avocation, and the former died in Monroe County when about 72 years of age. The latter died in 1885 at the great age of four score years and five. Both were stanch Democrats in politics.
The mother of our subject was, before marriage, a Miss Ault, and was also a native of the Keystone State. She is also deceased. Her father, Frederick Ault, moved to Belmont County between 1820 and 1825, and two brothers, Frederick and George, reside near Belmont. Mr. Mellott has four brothers and one sister, as follows: Frederick, a farmer in Monroe County, Ohio; Isaac, a farmer of Mead township, Belmont County, Ohio; Sarah, who married a Mr. Manchester, a farmer and railroad man of Mead township; David, a farmer of York township; and James, who resides on the home farm near Glencoe.
The subject of this biography was educated in the schools of Richland township and in the Barnesville Academy, and for the following 18 years he engaged in teaching school; then he followed agricultural pursuits for about five years. In 1867 he removed to Bellaire. and his interests have been identified with that city ever since. He operated a general merchandise store on Union street and carried on a successful business there for three years. Disposing of his business at a fair profit, he embarked in the manufacturing business with the Bellaire Stamping Company, being one of the organizers of the same, also serving as director. Then followed a prosperous period, during which he served as mayor and as justice of the peace, previous to engaging in the vast business enterprise which still claims his attention.
Mr. Mellott was joined in marriage with Phoebe Jane Myers, a daughter of Dixon
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Myers, a distinguished citizen of Mead township, and she was a descendant of one of the oldest families of Belmont County. Mrs. Mellott was born in 1837 and passed to her final rest in February, 1897. Three children were born to our subject and wife. William D., the eldest son, is the junior member of the firm of Mellott & Son, having been admitted into the business in 1884. Alice, the only daughter, married Aaron Smalley, of Indianapolis, Indiana. James F., the youngest son of our subject, is an expert accountant and bookkeeper and for the past 14 years has served as bookkeeper of the First National Bank of Bellaire. He is married and resides in that city. The family favor the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In all respects Mr. Mellott is a useful and influential member of society. Although a business man, he is well informed on all topics of general interest. As a friend he is highly valued, for he is ever ready with counsel, help and encouragement. His success has come from steady purpose and constant industry, and he justly merits the position of true worth and esteem which he has attained. He has a fine residence on the corner of Harrison and 32nd streets.
Mr. Mellott was one of the incorporators of the First National Bank of Bellaire, Ohio, and has been a director in that institution since its organization.
CLARENCE E. BAUER, a director of the Novelty Stamping Company and for the past eight years superintendent of the stamping department of this successful plant, has been a resident of Bellaire since 1873, in which city he was educated.
The birth of Mr. Bauer occurred in 1862 in Virginia, and during his early youth with his parents he resided at different towns in the Ohio Valley. His family and kindred are not very numerous, but he has two brothers and one sister residing at Bellaire. Since 1874 he has been interested in the stamping business, having at that date entered the employ of the old Bellaire Stamping Works, to which the Novelty plant succeeded. The stamping department, which is immediately under his supervision, is one of the most important in the business, and forty men and a large amount of valuable machinery is in his charge, it being his business to see that they work in unison, with the greatest amount of accuracy and perfection, and with the least amount of expense. To successfully do this requires a man of certain talents, and these Mr. Bauer possesses.
The family resides at No. 3628 Harrison street. His political affiliation is with the Republican party, although merely as a supporter, not as an office seeker. He is justly regarded as one of the enterprising business men of the city, and the plant with which he is associated is widely known for its excellent products.
ROBERT L. HENDERSON, a photographer by profession, is said to be the best artist in Bellaire, Ohio. Mr. Henderson was born in 1869 in the city which is still his home, and he is a son of Robert and Hester J. (Sellers) Henderson. His father was a saddler by trade prior to his removal from Richmond, Virginia. After locating in Ohio, however, he followed railroad life, being employed in the transportation department of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Bellaire. He died in 1895, at the early age of 42 years.
The mother of our subject is still living, being at the present time a resident of Clarksburg, West Virginia. She was born in Wheeling, now West Virginia, and, is a daughter of V. P. Sellers. Her father removed from West Virginia to Bellaire, Ohio. where he conducted a jewelry store.
Mr. Henderson is the eldest of a family of five children; the others are: Perry, of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Pearl (Ash) ; Edward, a theatrical man, who makes his home in Wheeling when not on the road; and
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Cora, who is still at home. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Bellaire and in his youth learned the photographer's trade with Mr. Sellers, an uncle, who now conducts a portable gallery. He began business on his own behalf in 1896 and has been very successful. His gallery is located at No. 3161 Union street, just north of the Globe Hotel, where he is pleased to see all patrons. His photographs show the touch of an artist and give excellent satisfaction.
Emma Coffman, of Bellaire, became the wife of our subject, and they have two children, Paul and Mildred. Mrs. Henderson's home was formerly in Centreville, Ohio, and the family have a pleasant cottage on Gravel Hill. In politics our subject is outspoken and true in his allegiance to the Republican party, and in fraternal circles he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the K. O. T. M. The family embrace the religion of the Christian Church and have a large number of friends. Mr. Henderson, wide awake to the interests of his community, is an upright, consistent and reliable citizen.
JAMES M. WEEKS, president of the C. L. Dorer Foundry Company, located on Water street, north of 26th, is also manager of the National Glass Works, located on 21st and Union streets, the latter being owned by T. A. Rodefer.
The birth of Mr. Weeks took place in 1866, in Ohio County, West Virginia, and he was brought to Belmont County, Ohio, in youth, by his parents, William and Arminta (Higgs) Weeks, the former of whom is a miller by trade and has followed that business for many years. William Weeks was born 65 years ago in the Shenandoah Valley and married in Virginia, rearing a family of four sons and three daughters: James M., our subject; Harry C., a glass-worker at Bellaire; Lilly (Mrs. Patterson), of Baker City, Oregon; Nora (Mrs. Long), of McMechen, West Virginia; Bert and Bruce, twins, miller and glass-worker, at Bellaire; and Jessie (Mrs. Dunfee), of Bellaire.
James M. Weeks, of this sketch, was reared near Bellaire and had but limited school advantages, it being necessary for him to leave school early in order to become an earning factor in the family. He first learned the glass business, working his way through all the various departments and becoming thoroughly acquainted with every detail. Since February 1, 1893, he has been connected with the National Glass Works, and for the past three years has had entire charge of the manfacturing part of the plant, employing 15o men and boys. They turn out lamp chimneys, lantern globes, vault_ lights, sky lights and prismatic window lights, the out-put being in demand all over the country. The C. L. Dorer Foundry Company was established and incorporated in the winter of 1900-01, by J. M. Weeks, C. L. Dorer, Henry Vaupel, Sebastian Wimmer, and Clarence Simpson, the last named having charge of the business as general manager. The other officers are: C. L. Dorer, secretary and treasurer; S. Wimmer, vice-president, and our subject, president. This new and prosperous enterprise has enjoyed encouraging patronage and employs some 12 skilled mechanics, and prospects are that the number will soon be increased, as large contracts have been secured. The business is that of a general line of foundry work, a specialty being made of glass-mold castings. In addition to the great business interests which he has shown such ability to manage, Mr. Weeks is largely interested in Western lands. including mining property.
The marriage of our subject was to Della Lafferty, a native of Belmont County, and the pleasant family residence is at No. 2009 Belmont street. In politics Mr. Weeks favors the Prohibition party, while in religious connection he belongs to the South Bellaire Methodist Church. In our subject we find a typical representative of a selfmade man, and he possesses the poise, the
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clear-headed shrewdness of one who has had to battle for his rights, and the confidence of one who has been successful. He has shown his ability in directing business affairs and in managing large forces of men, and takes a leading position in the business world of Bellaire. He is much assisted by his happy faculty of making friends and is regarded with esteem by those who know him either publicly or socially.
LOUIS LINCOLN SCHEEHLE, clerk of the courts of Belmont County, and an esteemed and well-known citizen of Martin's Ferry, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, June 26, 1864, being a son of Philip G. and Elizabeth (Hardman) Scheehle, both of whom were born in Germany.
Philip G. Scheehle came to the United States. He was a contractor and builder of note; the Moundsville Penitentiary, the Wheeling Post Office, and many other imposing buildings stand to testify to his constructive ability. In Martin's Ferry he erected the Buckeye glass house and at Morgantown, West Virginia, he built the main college structure. Mr. Scheehle was well and favorably known through several States as a contractor of reliability. He was a man of ample means, of generous disposition and good citizenship. He belonged to the Lutheran Church. His death occurred at the age of 66 years. His wife died at the age of 64 years. They had a family of 12 children.
Louis Lincoln Scheehle was the seventh member of his parents' family and the only one who resides in the State of Ohio. His education was secured in the schools of Wheeling and in Frasher's Business College in that city. After finishing his attendance at school, he accepted a clerkship in a Wheeling grocery store and continued in the service of one employer for seven years. At the age of 21 he located in Martin's Ferry and put into practice the knowledge which his seven years had brought him. He embarked in the grocery business and this he has continued at the same place ever since,managing it with excellent ability, and furnishing to the people of Martin's Ferry a store second to none. Mr. Scheehle has been a very successful investor in real estate and owns much valuable property. His attractive residence on 5th street is one of the handsomest and most elegantly appointed in the city. It is his intention to still farther extend his business, which is now the largest in the county, by providing still larger and more modern quarters and adding to his now extensive stock everything to be found in grocery establishments in any part of the world.
In almost all of the prominent business enterprises of Martin's Ferry he has taken a leading part. For two terms he was a member of the board of the electric light plant. He now is president of the Retail Grocer's Association of Martin's Ferry, and his interest in educational matters has been shown by his serving two terms on the School Board, one term as its president. For many years he has been the treasurer of the German Lutheran Church. He is regarded as one of the city's most substantial and reliable men. His reputation as a capitalist is founded upon ample means and large real estate holdings. In 1901 he was elected clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, on the Republican ticket.
On September 14, 1890, Mr. Scheehle was married to Louisa J., daughter of the late Charles Seabright, and three children have been born to this union, namely : Elsie, Harold G. and Edward R. The religious connection of the family is with the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Scheehle is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics of Martin's Ferry.
THOMAS J. MEARS, formerly a prominent manufacturer of Martin's Ferry, now deceased, was born in Wellsville, Ohio, on August 9, 1848, being a son of Thomas and Jane (Callahan) Mears. His paternal grandparents were Mark and Judith (Dunn) Mears,
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while his maternal grandparents were William and Catherine (Crossen) Callahan.
Thomas Mears, the father of the late Thomas J., was born in Ireland and came to America in 1836, settling at Montreal, Canada. Two years later he came to the United States and followed his trade of road contracting. In 1839 he removed to Defiance, Ohio, and secured the contract for digging a part of the Maumee Canal, where he was engaged for two years. His next work was at Wellsville, Ohio, where he graded two miles of the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad from that place to Yellow Creek, and also graded the road through Martin's Ferry. Another of his contracts was the turnpike road from Martin's Ferry to Mount Pleasant, Ohio. He died while engaged on the contract for railroad construction through Martin's Ferry. His widow survived until April 11, 1902, dying when almost 84 years of age. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mears, viz., Thomas J., Catherine (Mrs. Charles Burns), of Bellaire, Ohio; Mary, who for the past 32 years has been one of the Sisters of the Visitation of Abingdon, Virginia, and Elizabeth, who resides at the old home in Martin's Ferry.
The late Thomas J. Mears was educated in Martin's Ferry and learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for some ten years. In 1873 he started a small factory in company with William Houge, George Watson and John Bowen, but this enterprise was not successful. In the following January, under other conditions, he again embarked in business in association with D. Park, Jr., on the site of the present works. In 1878 the plant was destroyed by fire, but business had been so prosperous that the factory was immediately rebuilt. On the death of Mr. Park in 1881, Mr. Mears became the sole proprietor and so continued until his own demise, on December 26, 1897, aged 49 years, 4 months and 18 days. His establishment was one of the most extensive plants for the manufacture of casks, barrels, kegs and boxes in the Upper Ohio Valley, and itsprosperous development was a most eloquent commentary upon the business ability of its founder. Mr. Mears had other important business interests. He was one of the organizers of the Northwood Glass Works and a director of the same; a stockholder in the Crystal Glass Company of Bridgeport; also in the Junction Iron Works at Mingo Junction, and the Elson Glass Works. In addition he managed a factory at Bellaire in connection with a factory at Martin's Ferry and owned a general store in the latter city, located on Washington street. His investments in Martin's Ferry were many and important, and he was justly regarded as one of the notably successful men of the community. In his death the city lost one of her most enterprising citizens, one who was ever on the alert to build up the city, especially in the line of manufacturing. He was a stanch Democrat, but took no active part in politics, although he served in the City Council and as township clerk. He was a consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church at Wheeling.
On February 16, 1882, Mr. Mears was married to Emma Watson, daughter of William S. and Delilah H. (Williams) Watson, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania. By trade William S. Watson was a nailer and made his home in Wheeling, (West) Virginia, prior to his marriage. About. 185o he moved to Martin's Ferry, having married in 1849, and lived there until his death, which took place in May, 1898, at the age of 75 years. The mother of Mrs. Mears was born in August, 1831, and died December 3, 1879. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Mears were Nathan and Lucy (Foraker) Watson, the former of whom lived into advanced age, the latter dying in early womanhood, William being the youngest child in their family. The maternal grandparents were Thomas and Hannah (Johnson) Williams, the former of whom was for a long period a manufacturer of edged tools in Belmont County.
Mrs. Mears was one of a family of seven
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children, as follows: John, who is a resident of Bridgeport; William, who died in boyhood; Joshua, who resides in Martin's Ferry; Hannah, who died at the age of two years; Adelaide P., who married William Woods. a farmer of Belmont County; Emma, who became Mrs. Mears; and James, who died at the age of 10 years. Five children were born to Thomas J. and Emma (Wat son) Mears, as follows: Janie P., born December 22, 1882, died August 6, 1896; Emma W., born October 9, 1884, died on New Year's Day, 1899; Inez A., Lucy B., and Thomas J.
Mr. Mears was well known and universally respected, and his fellow citizens recall him with words of praise. To those who were admitted to his friendship and private life, he was known as a man of high and worthy motives.
JAMES F. McGILL, a prominent and successful citizen of Barnesville, Ohio, conducts a large blacksmith shop in this city, and also deals extensively in buggies, wagons and improved machinery of various kinds, being himself a practical machinist.
Mr. McGill was born September 9, 1859, on his father's farm in Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio. He is a son of John and Mary (Moore) McGill. John McGill was born in Belmont County, July 26, 1816, and died February 14, 1896. His widow still survives. He was one of the leading farmers of Warren township, and the family has been held in high esteem there for a long period.
James F. McGill obtained an excellent common school education in Warren township, and at the age of 21 years began to learn the blacksmith's trade. In 1880, he began farming and combined the two lines of business until 1898, when he took a trip to the far West. He located in Oregon, where he worked at his trade until he came back to his native county, and settled in Barnesville, on September 15, 1901. Since that time he has prospered in his business enterprises in this city, and at his shop and ware-rooms carries a stock of goods valued at $2,500.
Mr. McGill was married March 20, 1883, to Ida M. Outland, a daughter of one of Barnesville's representative citizens. Four children were born to this union, namely : Outland T., who died in infancy ; Iva P.; Howard C. and Clinton S. Mr. McGill is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in which he is active. He is regarded as one of the progressive young business men of the city, and is considered an excellent mechanic and a trustworthy and honorable citizen.
JAMES A. JUDKINS, M. D. A leading citizen' of Barnesville, Ohio, is found in Dr. James A. Judkins, a prominent physician and surgeon, and a worthy representative of a name long respected in the commercial and social circles of this city.
The birth of Dr. Judkins occurred in Nov. 15,1842, in Barnesville, Ohio, and he was one of a family of three children born to Jesse and Eliza (Bailey) Judkins. The father was born in North Carolina, in 1799, and accompanied his parents to Barnesville in 1808. His father was a physician, and a Friend in religious belief. The mother was a daughter of James and Jane Bailey, and was born in York County, Pennsylvania. In his early life, Jesse Judkins was engaged in farming, but later he became a merchant, and carried on an extensive business in Barnesville for many years.
Dr. Judkins attended the common schools of Barnesville, and began the study of medicine under the direction of his predecessor, Dr. E. Williams, in the same office he now occupies. He graduated from the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, in the class of 1866. He was in partnership with Dr. E. Williams, his preceptor, until 1881, after which he remained alone until he associated with him his son, William L. Judkins, who graduated in 1892, from Oberlin College, and later, entered the University of Pennsylvania, from the medical department of which he graduated in the class of 1894. For many years the skill and ability of
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the subject of this sketch have been generally recognized by the citizens of Barnesville and vicinity, and he has easily held the position of the leading practitioner.
On October 2, 1867, Dr. James A. Judkins was united in marriage with Marietta V. Lewis, and two children born to this union still survive, namely : Dr. William L. and Mary Edna. The family is identified with the Methodist Church, in which it has always been one of the most highly valued. Fraternally, the Doctor is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is a stanch Republican. He belongs to the Belmont County Medical Society. Dr. Judkins, on account of his extensive experience, is often called into consultation with brother practitioners, with whom he enjoys the most cordial relations. He is highly esteemed in Barnesville and occupies an enviable position, socially and professionally. Since its organization, he has been one of the directors of the People's National Bank.
CHARLES W. RODEWIG, mayor of the city of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Bellaire in November, 1862, being a son of Frederick and Margaret (Luckhard) Rodewig, the latter of whom was born 63 years ago in Hesse, Germany, and is now a beloved and honored resident at the home of her son, H. P. Rodewig.
Frederick Rodewig, the father of Mayor Rodewig, was born near Hanover, Germany, where he learned the trade of willow worker, becoming a designer and maker of fancy chairs and other articles. At one time he exhibited some of his work at a fair in Wheeling. However, Mr. Rodewig was obliged to give up his employment on account of impaired health, resulting from the sedentary occupation. In 1854 he located in Bellaire, and here engaged in a bakery business, which he successfully conducted until about 1887, when he retired from active business life. Mr. Rodewig became a prominent and influential man in Bellaire, was made receiver for the old street car line, and was active in securing the present electric service. He was one of the originators of the old line, and also of the gas plant, and later was a stockholder in the gas and electric light company. For nine years he was a member of the Board of Education and for four years was city treasurer, also serving for several years as councilman from the Third Ward. The handsome business block at No. 3137 Belmont street was erected by him. In politics he was a Democrat. During the period that he was a member of the School Board, a number of the commodious school buildings which adorn the city were erected. A family of seven sons came to him and his wife,. viz.: August, who is in the employ of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railway Company, at Bridgeport; Fred, who is a clerk in his brother's furniture store; Charles W.; Henry P., who is a furniture merchant in Bellaire; John, who is a clerk in the above-named business; and Edward and George, both connected with the glass works, the latter being a member of the Trade Assembly.
The present presiding city officer of Bellaire, Charles W.. Rodewig, the subject of this sketch, has been connected with the business life of this city since attaining his majority. He assisted his father in the bakery business until 1889, was an efficient member of the police force, engaged in the furniture business for some years, became prominent in Democratic politics, and in April, 1902, was elected mayor of the city. He has justified the expectations of his friends in making a fine officer, and, judging the future by the past, Bellaire will have a clean, honest administration, in which its citizens can take pride.
The first marriage of Mayor Rodewig was to Lena Glaser, who at decease left one daughter, Clara M., a graduate of the Bellaire schools, and although but 18 years of age, a cadet on the teacher's list. The second marriage of Mayor Rodewig was to Elizabeth Ludwig, and they have two children,
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namely: Blanche and Carl W. The family are German Lutherans. Socially our subject belongs to the Belmont Turnverein, the Knights of Pythias, and the B. P. O. E., and he also belongs to the Chemical Company of the volunteer fire department.
THOMAS WISTAR SHREVE, a prominent attorney of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, and a representative of an old and scholarly family, was born in Roscoe, Coshocton County, Ohio, March 31, 1858, and is a son of Charles R. and Martha (Bradshaw) Shreve, natives of Ohio and New York, respectively. All his ancestors, as far back as can be accurately traced, were very prominent men in the communities in which they lived, and all had very eventful lives.
It is believed that all the Shreves in America are the descendants of one Thomas Sheriff. The first authentic evidence of his presence in the country is found at Plymouth, Massachusetts, under date of December 7, 1641; he seems to have later moved to Rhode Island. He became the owner of land at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, December 10, 1666. Those of his descendants who stayed in Rhode Island as late as 1737 retained the name "Sheriff," while his son Caleb, who married and went to New Jersey, adopted the form "Shreve." Both names have the same meaning and derivation. Shrievalty, (shrevalty, as it is sometimes spelled) and sheriffalty are different spellings of the same word. Webster says that "shrieve" is a contraction of the Old English "shereve" or "shirereeve."
Caleb Shreve permanently located in New Jersey about 1680. He purchased land in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, to which he got title by virtue of a deed dated January 9, 1676-7. The original deed is in the possession of one of his descendants. On April 22, 1699, he purchased a farm in Burlington County, New Jersey, seven miles east of the present site of Mount Holly. This farm has ever since been owned by one of his descendants, a portion of the house in which Caleb Shreve lived which was built of brick is still standing. He had seven children to each of whom at their marriage he gave a fine farm. Judging from the records of New Jersey, Caleb Shreve and his immediate descendant§ played a most prominent part in the early history of the colony. Besides being prominent in civil life, the "Official Register of the Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War" shows that there were 12 Shreves, all of whom are believed to have been descendants of Caleb Shreve, in the Revolutionary Army. Among them were three colonels, one lieutenant-colonel, one captain and two lieutenants.
Col. Israel Shreve, the grandson of Caleb Shreve and great-great-grandfather of our subject, served his country throughout the Revolutionary War. Soon after the battle of Bunker Hill, the Provincial Congress ordered four regiments to be raised from New Jersey. Although Quaker blood coursed in his veins, Israel Shreve promptly responded and was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the second battalion of New Jersey troops November 8, 1775, and upon the re-organization of the "Jersey Line" November 28, 1776, he was made colonel of the Second Regiment, in which capacity he served until the end of the war. His regiment was a part of Maxwell's brigade and was with Washington in many of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War, and under his command won laurels in many bloody encounters. His son, Lieut. John Shreve, the great-grandfather of our subject, though a lad of only 13 years of age at the beginning of the war, took an active part in the struggle for independence, much of the time in service with his father. When the father's regiment marched for Canada in February, 1776, the son went with him. On July 15, 1776, John Shreve was appointed an ensign in his father's regiment. When the regiment was re-organized. he was made first ensign in the regiment, and later, July 1, 1777, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Both father and son passed the winter of 1777 and 1778 with Washington
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at Valley Forge. Lieut. John Shreve has left, in his own handwriting, lengthy accounts of the connection of himself and his father with the Revolutionary War in general. Both were on the ground during the negotiations between Arnold and Andree, and both were eye witnesses of the latter's execution. Col. Israel Shreve had a brother, William Shreve, who served as major, then as lieutenant-colonel, and finally as colonel of the 1st New Jersey Regiment. Another brother, Samuel Shreve, entered the Revolutionary Army as a captain in the First Battalion Gloucester (New Jersey), and became lieutenant-colonel of the same. Still another brother, Caleb Shreve, was very prominent in civil life, in New Jersey, during the war. Two of the three brothers of Col. Israel Shreve had sons in the same army, one of whom was a captain. All were "Fighting Quakers" and were disciplined for their want of meekness, but after the war were forgiven and allowed to return. Col. Israel Shreve died the same night Washington did, and it is believed about the same hour. It is said that his last words were : "Washington, O ! Washington."
Lieut. John Shreve, the great-grandfather of the subject of this biography, spent about forty years of the best part of his life in Western Pennsylvania, where for a great part of that time he served as a public official in various capacities, representing his county several times in the State Legislature. He died near Alliance, Ohio, at the age of 92 years, honored and respected by all.
His son, Dr. Thomas C. Shreve, the grandfather of our subject, was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, holding high rank among his associates and in the institution, and practiced his profession through life successfully. He passed the early part of his professional life in Ohio, during which time he represented his county in the Ohio Legislature in the years 1845 and 1846. He went to Kansas in 1857, locating at White Cloud. He had become prominent as an Abolitionist before he left Ohio. He was one of the early Republicans in the Sunflower State. He was a man of fine personal appearance. It is said of him at his death, that "intelligent, social, highminded, courteous and honorable, he seemed like a gentleman of the olden time, rarely met in these days." His wife, Ann G. (Coates) Shreve, was a most remarkable woman in every way. She was born in 1802, and was educated at the Friends' school at Westtown, Pennsylvania. In her Ohio home, she warmly espoused the cause of temperance and was one of the first in the struggle for the legal rights of women, at the time when great heroism was required. She was, as well, an active and effective laborer for the freedom of the slaves. She and her husband soon filled an influential position in their new Kansas home. She lived neatly 95 years. An interesting story is told of her grandmother Coates. She with her newly married husband were living. during the winter and spring of 1778, on a farm, near the winter camp, occupied by Washington and his army at Valley Forge. One day at the opening of spring, in the absence of both husband and wife, some of Washington's men came to the farm and took away the farm team, leaving an old worn out horse to do the spring plowing and planting. On the return of the wife, on learning what had happened, she mounted the old horse and rode to the camp, and asked for an interview with General Washington. He granted the interview. In the course of it, she is said to have assured him, that she and her husband were anxious to do all in their power to supply the needs of the army, but that it was simply impossible for them to do their part in providing provisions, if they were deprived of the assistance of the team which had been taken for the use of the army. She plead her case so elequently that Washington granted her request, and allowed her to take the team back home with her.
Charles R. Shreve, the father of our subject, was one of the ablest and best known educators in the State of Ohio. He took charge of the schools of Martin's Ferry, in 1859, which schools he served continuously as superintendent and teacher for 29 years.
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When he took charge of them, they were in a deplorable condition, but he gradually brought them to a high standard of efficiency. Leading educators of the State have said that Mr. Shreve graduated from the Martin's Ferry schools a class of students second to none in the State. It was said by one of his students, who graduated under him, that if it had been left to the graduates of the Martin's Ferry High School, Mr. Shreve would have been kept in the office of superintendent as long as he was able to attend to its duties, and then would have been pensioned the remainder of his life. When he severed his connection with the schools in 1888, they were recognized by the leading educators of Ohio as being among the best in the State. Mr. Shreve acted as county school examiner for Belmont County for a long term of years, and also served one term as State school examiner under Prof. J. J. Burns, State Superintendent of Schools of Ohio. Before coming to Martin's Ferry, he had been for to years superintendent of the public schools of Roscoe, Ohio, and had, earlier still, taught four years in the High School at Massillon, where he met Martha B. Bradshaw, a lady of scholarly attainments, who became his wife October 25, 1851. Mrs. Shreve taught in the High School at Roscoe, and afterward in Martin's Ferry.
The genealogy of our subject's mother has never been verified as was that of his father, but her ancestors are believed to have been as high-minded people and to have resisted English rule in Scotland and Ireland as bravely and with as much self-forgetfulness as did the Shreves in America.
After severing his connection with the schools in 1888, Mr. Shreve engaged in the business of writing life and fire insurance. He died June 25, 1890, at the age of 62 years. Mrs. Shreve survives her husband and is still living in Martin's Ferry at a ripe old age, highly honored by those with whom she has been so long and so intimately associated.
Charles R. Shreve was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and served the same as senior warden. He was brought up a Friend. After coming to Martin's Ferry, he became a member of the Episcopal Church at Wheeling, West Virginia. Later on, desiring to become associated with a Martin's Ferry church, and as there was no church of the Episcopal denomination in the city then, he affiliated himself with the Presbyterians; but when a branch of the Episcopal Church was organized he united himself with it. He was clerk of the Presbyterian Church from 1868 to 1885. He had many friends, among whom was Rev. George W. Chalfant, D. D., who for years had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Martin's Ferry. At the date of the death of Mr. Shreve, Dr. Chalfant was the pastor of one of the leading churches of Pittsburg, whence he came to preach the funeral sermon over his dead friend. Dr. Chalfant began his remarks by saying, in substance, that when in the course of his ministry he came to preach on any particular phase of character, he was in the habit of choosing from among his acquaintances the man whose character would furnish him the best type of the phase of character to be described, which character he would then take as a basis of the discussion. On one occasion he desired to preach a sermon on the ideal Christian gentleman. He said he did on this occasion as his custom was; he thought over the whole range of his acquaintances, and chose the character of the man who lay before them as the best type known to him personally, of what he believed an ideal Christian gentleman should be. He said, "I intend to preach today, as a funeral sermon, the sermon I then preached, with this difference : then, what I said was altogether impersonal ; today, I shall show how the life and character of the departed justified my choice of him as the type." Then with eloquence he spoke of the ideal Christian gentleman, illustrating his address with events in the life of Charles R. Shreve.
Thomas W. Shreve was the eldest of the two children born to his parents, his sister, Margaret C. Shreve, dying in 1887, at the age of 16 years. His primary education was obtained in the public schools of Martin's Ferry,
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from which he graduated in 1875. He immediately entered Western Reserve College, then located at Hudson, Ohio, from which college he graduated in 1879 with the degree of A. B. He taught the next year in the Martin's Ferry High School. In the fall of 1880 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1882 with the degree of LL. B. He spent his vacations reading law in the office and under the direction of Hon. Lorenzo Danford. In May, 1882, he was admitted to the bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio, and at once opened an office in Martin's Ferry, where he is now located. He has practiced his profession in all the courts of the State of Ohio. In 1895 he won a notable victory in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, sitting at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is regarded as one of the most logical reasoners and most careful advisers in the county.
Our subject was brought up in, and early joined, the Episcopal Church, serving the Martin's Ferry church for a number of years as its clerk, a member of its vestry and superintendent of its Sunday-school. He was a member of the building committee that built the church edifice for the organization in Martin's Ferry.
On July 3, 1883, Mr. Shreve was united in marriage to Jennie L. Gray, a daughter of James A. and Martha D. Gray. James A. Gray was a member of the well known banking firm of Gray & Smith, who organized and successfully conducted for many years in Martin's Ferry the bank known as the Commercial Bank of Martin's Ferry, Ohio. Miss Gray graduated from the Martin's Ferry High School in 1877 and from the Wheeling Female College in 1881. Mrs. Shreve was at' her marriage and now is a member of the Presbyterian Church. To them were born four sons, namely : Charles Gray, who graduated from the Martin's Ferry High School in 1902, and is now (1902-03) a freshman in Adelbert College of Western Reserve University, at Cleveland, Ohio; Ernest Bradshaw,of the class of 1904 in the Martin's Ferry High School; James Wistar and Eugene Sheldon. It is a pleasant bit of family history that as both Mr. and Mrs. Shreve are graduates of the Martin's Ferry High School, they are the first couple to have a child follow their example.
Mr. Shreve joined the Presbyterian Church in 1891. In 1893 he became clerk of the congregation, which office he has ever since held. In 1896 he was elected a trustee, which office he held until his resignation in 1901. On April 3, 1901, he was elected an elder of the same church. He is serving the church as the superintendent of its Sunday-school. He was a member of the building committee that planned for and built the new church edifice for that congregation. Mr. Shreve has held a number of offices in connection with union Sunday-school work in the county, township and city. For a time he was president of the Y. M. C. A. of Martin's Ferry.
Mr. Shreve has always taken an active interest in athletics. He was the second member of the Martin's Ferry Volunteer Fire Department, Dr. T. W. Darrah being the first. He was an active member of the Alert Hose Company from 1887 to 1901. He was a member of, and ran with, the Independence Hose team at the beginning of its career as a victorious racing team.
Mr. Shreve is actively interested in whatever will further the growth and prosperity of Martin's Ferry and vicinity. He is an active, energetic member of the Martin's Ferry Board of Trade.
The home of our subject is one that is made beautiful by the refining influences of life, and where the old-fashioned virtues of manly honor through achievement, and of attainment through Christian living are taught the younger generation.
Mr. Shreve's political affiliations are with the Prohibition party. He has been a member of the party since 1888. He has been a candidate a number of times for county and local offices on the ticket of that party. On May 16, 1901, he was nominated by the Ohio State
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Prohibition Convention, held at Akron, Ohio, for attorney general of Ohio; and at a like convention held at Martin's Ferry in 1902, he was nominated for Congress for the Sixteenth Congressional District of Ohio.
ROBERT W. MUHLEMAN, M. D., a prominent and successful physician of Bellaire, Ohio, is also a leading citizen who has been identified with many of the business interests which have largely contributed to the prosperity of the city. The birth of Dr. Muhleman took place in Monroe County, Ohio, May 5, 1853, a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Zink) Muhleman.
Both parents of our subject were born in Switzerland and came to America and to Monroe County, Ohio, about 1830, and were married in 1843. The father engaged in farming until his death, which took place in 1884, when he was 75 years of age. The mother survived until February, 1898, dying at the age of 79 years. They had eight children, as follows : Edward, a prominent citizen of Bellaire, who is at the head of the Imperial Glass Company, now engaged in building a plant at a cost of $200,000; Henry, deceased, who was a clerk at the Crystal Window Glass Works, and his family resides at Bridgeport; Charles, who is a physician at Parkersburg, West Virginia, studied with our subject, took a medical course at Cleveland, and practiced for two years in Bellaire; Mary, who is the wife of the architect, W. B. O'Neill; Caroline, who married A. W. Voegtly, formerly secretary of the Crystal Window Glass Company of Bellaire, now residing at Gas City, Indiana; Sarah, who is a resident of Barnesville, Monroe County, Ohio; Emma (Mrs. Paulus), who resides at Chicago, Illinois. Our subject was the third son of the family.
Dr. Muhleman was primarily educated in the schools of Monroe County and later attended Baldwin University at Berea, Ohio. After completing his collegiate course, he returned home and engaged in teaching for anumber of years and became so well known as an educator that he was elected superintendent of schools at Barnesville, during 1873-74. His aim, however, was to enter the medical profession and his studies had been privately pursued to that end, and after a thorough training under Dr. S. A. Muhleman, of Wheeling, in 1876 he entered Pulte Medical College, at Cincinnati, and graduated in 1877, immediately locating in his present home. Here Dr. Muhleman has enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice. Early in his citizenship in Bellaire, he became interested in the glass business, and in company with C. C. Cratty, C. C. Kelley, H. Roemer and others, organized the Union Window Glass Company, in 1879; the instituting of this business enterprise was followed, in 1882, by the organization of the Crystal Window Glass Company, in association with D. J. Smith, S. Q. Hamilton and John Shannafelt, of which company Dr. Muhleman was chosen president, which official position he has filled ever since. He is also interested in and is the vice-president of the Bellaire Window Glass Company.
Dr. Muhleman is a man of fine business instinct and when he invested largely in land at Wichita, Kansas, in 1887, he foresaw the certain development of that State, and realized handsomely on his investments. His ownership of valuable property in Bellaire is large, including residence sections, building blocks, the Post Office building, the furniture store building occupied by Rodewig, and also the quarters used by the Wheeling Natural Gas Company. The Doctor has taken a deep interest in almost all progressive movements in the city and many of them owe their prosperity to his fostering care. He is vice-president of the Ohio Valley Telephone Company.
Dr. Muhleman has settled convictions on almost all subjects, as is the case with strong men, and his loyalty to the Democratic party is well known to his friends and associates. In a like way he believes in and supports the Methodist Church, his activity taking the form of assisting in its many enterprises and making possible a wider field for its work. He
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entertains the most cordial relations with his brother physicians and belongs to the Ohio Valley Medical Association.
R. ROSS WATT, president and general manager, and also the junior member, of the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company, of Barnesville, Ohio, is one of the progressive and energetic young business men which the great development of industries here has brought to the front. The times require active brains and youthful energy and these are supplied by capable, self-poised, and intelligent young men like R. Ross Watt.
Mr. Watt was born April 17, 1861, in Monroe County, Ohio, where he was reared. He attended the public schools of Barnesville, and graduated from the High School. He is a son of Joseph and Maria (Slack) Watt, most highly respected residents of Monroe County. In 1877, Mr. Watt became connected with the Watt Mining Car Wheel Works in the capacity of bookkeeper, and when the concern was organized into a stock company, in 1882, he became financially interested in it and was made secretary and treasurer, in which capacities he continued until May, 1902. The death of his brother, James H. Watt, who was the president of the company, then caused a change to be made, and the officers of the company now are : R. R. Watt, president and general manager; J. W. Watt, vice-president and treasurer ; P. H. Laughlin, secretary, and Stewart Watt, superintendent. The Watt Mining Car Wheel Works constitutes a leading industry of Belmont County, and gives employment to more persons than any other concern in the county. Mr. Watt is very popular with his employees and is regarded as one of the leading business men of this locality.
On June 11, 1891, Mr. Watt was united in marriage with Mary Lewis, a daughter of J. Milton Lewis, president of the First National Bank of Barnesville. Two children have been born to this union, Alice, and Lewis, who bears his grandfather's honored name. Mr. and Mrs. Watt are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church and take an active part in its benevolent and charitable work. In the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Watt is well known, and is in active affiliation with its many bodies. His political sympathy is entirely with the Republican party, although he has no political ambitions. The family home is one of the most beautiful in Barnesville, which is noted for the taste and elegance displayed in its residences. Mr. Watt and his wife are prominent factors in the higher circles of its social life.
J. A. GREENFIELD, freight agent of the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad at Bellaire, Ohio, is a typical railroader and has been a faithful employee of that company since 1864, having filled his present position since 1887. Mr. Greenfield was born in Western New York in 1849, and is a son of William Greenfield, who was also a native of the Empire State. With his family he settled in Bellaire in 1864, and was employed for many years in the freight department of the same system upon which our subject is employed. He died in 1876, aged 62 years. His widow is still living and, with her daughter, Jennie, resides with our subject in Bellaire. Her maiden name was Strong, and her father was a noted contractor and builder, having built the first church structure in Syracuse, New York.
In early youth Mr. Greenfield began a railroad career, working first on the Pennsylvania lines. He was first stationed at Bellaire as clerk in the freight department, but was soon transferred to different points. He rose from clerk to freight agent, and was employed in the latter capacity at Liverpool for five years, from 1882 to 1887, when he was transferred to his present position at Bellaire, where he continues to give excellent satisfaction.
Politically, Mr. Greenfield is a close adherent to the Republican party, as have been
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all members of the family. For six years he served as deputy supervisor of elections for Belmont County. Socially he is a Mason of high degree, being a member of the blue lodge of Bellaire and of Hope Commandery, K. T., of St. Clairsville. On religious subjects he entertains liberal ideas, but his mother is a Baptist, while his sisters favor the Methodist Church. His record with the railroad is above reproach. By his own exertions and his faithfulness in executing the trusts imposed upon him, he has worked his way up from an humble position, and deserves great credit.
W. W. COWEN. The subject of this sketch is not only a prominent member of the legal profession and a leading citizen of St. Clairsville, Ohio, but he bears a name which for many years has been distinguished in Belmont County. The names of Tallman, Carroll, Danford and Cowen have shed luster upon the bar of this county. W. W. Cowen is successfully treading in the footsteps of his honored father.
The birth of Mr. Cowen occurred in St. Clairsville, April 1, 1868. He is a son of Judge D. D. T. Cowen, of Harrison County, Ohio, and Anna E. Martin, his wife, who was born near Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Judge Cowen was for many years so conspicuous a figure in the annals of Belmont County, that the biographer quotes concerning his life and services from a high authority concerning the public men of the Upper Ohio Valley :
"Judge D. D. T. Cowen was one of the most distinguished lawyers who practiced at the Belmont County bar. His father, Benjamin Sprague Cowen, was a noted jurist and statesman, and both he and his wife were natives of Washington County, New York, whence they moved, in 1825, to Harrison County, Ohio, where Judge Cowen was born January 20, 1826. A few years later the family moved to St. Clairsville, Ohio, where the Judge attended the public schools and Brooks' Institute, his father being one of the foundersof that institution. His classical education was received under the tutelage of Dr. McBane, of Cadiz, Ohio, and later he studied medicine and surgery under his uncle, Dr. Sylvanus Wood, of Cadiz, and Dr. Alexander, of St. Clairsville. His study of medicine was only to get a broader and more comprehensive education, preparatory to the practice of the law, for that was his chosen profession. Under the wise guidance of his eminent father and his father's partner, Hugh J. Jewett, later president of the Erie Railroad, he was fitted for the bar and was admitted on January 20, 1847. Soon afterward he began practice in Belmont County and attained a high standing in this county, whose bar has been adorned with the talents of an exceptionally large number of able men. In time Judge Cowen came to be the recognized leader of this association of leaders, and practiced in all the courts of his section and in the Supreme Court of Ohio. Soon after the commencement of hostilities between the North and the South he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., of which Daniel McCook was colonel. Later, when that officer was assigned to the command of a brigade, the command of the regiment devolved upon Colonel Cowen, and he participated in all the engagements in which his command took part, until the sad news of his wife's failing health forced him to resign his commission and return to her to whom he owed his first allegiance. Tendering his resignation, he was honorably discharged in February, 1863. On his return home, he was made chairman of the military committee of Belmont County, of which Judge Kennon, Judge Kelley and Benjamin S. Cowen were members. Judge Cowen served as prosecuting attorney of this county from 1852 to 1858. He also served as mayor and clerk of St. Clairsville, at other times, and was a member of the boards of Education and School Examiners, from 1854 to 1862, at which time he resigned in order to enter the army. On the resignation of Judge John Okey as Common Pleas judge, Colonel Cowen was made his successor, and served the remainder of the former's term. Judge Cow-
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en's superior ability was recognized by his election as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1873, by a majority of over 2,300 votes, in a county about evenly divided politically. From its organization he was president of the First National Bank of St. Clairsville. In April, 1884, this distinguished man passed away to his eternal rest, his death causing a sorely felt vacancy in the county."
Judge Cowen was twice married, first to Frances Martin, who died in 1863, and second, to her sister, Anna E. Martin; they were daughters of Tazwell P. and Nancy E. Martin. The death of the second Mrs. Cowen took place in March, 1901. The children born to Judge Cowen's first marriage were as follows : Pressley, deceased; Walter S., a resident of St. Clairsville; Frank M., cashier of a bank at Flushing, Ohio; Duane, an insurance agent at Bellaire ; Martin, a resident of Bellaire ; and Flora May, now Mrs. James Williams, residing near East Richland, Ohio. The children of the second marriage were,—Warren W., the subject of this biography, and Eleanor, now Mrs. Miskimmins, of St. Clairsville.
The primary education of Warren W. Cowen was obtained in the public schools at St. Clairsville, and this was followed by a course at Washington and Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania. Under the discipline of the well-known firm of Nichols & Pollock, of St. Clairsville, he prepared for the bar, and was admitted to practice in 1895. For four years he served as deputy-sheriff, under Sheriff Darby, who is now warden of the Ohio State Penitentiary. Since the fall of 1899 Mr. Cowen has enjoyed a large practice, independent of any partnership, and his ability has been recognized in many quarters.
On February 21, 1890, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Estella Kirk, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of Cyrus and Catherine Kirk. Her father died in 1892, and her mother is one of the esteemed and honored residents of Kirkwood township. The three children born to this union are,—Elsie Armstrong; Stella Beatrice ; and Martin Lindsey. Mr. Cowen, with his family, belongs to the Methodist Church, in which he is a member of the official body, and to which he contributes liberal support. He is recognized as one of the rising young attorneys of Belmont County, is energetic and enterprising, and takes a justifiable pride in the record of his eminent father and grandfather.
BENJAMIN S. McBRIDE, who formerly carried an extensive line of groceries in St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio, was born near that city, December 6, 1845, and is a son of Jonathan and Mary (Harrison) McBride.
Jonathan McBride was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and during the years of his active business life followed blacksmithing. He was an expert mechanic, and a man of much ingenuity. In 1833 he married Mary Harrison, who was born in Lancastershire, England. He died in 1859, and his wife died March 9, 1879, aged 68 years. They reared the following children, namely : William H., who lives on a farm in Belmont County ; Robert H., who lives in McPherson County, Kansas; Daniel H., who deals in hardware and farming implements in St. Clairsville; Benjamin S., the subject of this sketch ; Amos, who is at the head of the McBride Carriage Company; Sirena, the wife of Franklin Ayers, of Washington County, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Piper, of Cleveland, Ohio ; and Mary Ann, who died in 1869, aged 19 years.
Benjamin S. McBride attended the public schools of Belmont County, and afterward worked on a farm for some time. On May 1, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 85th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., to do garrison duty. He was put into active service, followed Morgan into Kentucky, and was on duty until "September of that year. After his return, Mr. McBride learned the trade of a blacksmith with his brother, Robert, and worked at it for 25 years. He then sold out to his brother, and in 1901 engaged in the grocery business, carrying a full line of fancy and staple groceries. His store is well patronized, and his customers receive
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prompt and courteous attention. Mr. McBride is a man of good business principles, and deals honestly and fairly with all.
On December 20, 1877, the subject of this sketch was married to Emma J. White, a native of St. Clairsville, and a daughter of Israel and Arminda White, of this city. They have five children, namely : Benjamin S., who is in the carriage business with his uncle, Amos McBride; Robert H., who clerks in his father's store; Luella A.; Margaret D.; and Sirena E.
Mrs. McBride is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. McBride has served as councilman, and has been a member of the School Board for four years. He is a Mason, and a member of the G. A. R., in which he is a charter member and quartermaster of Drummond Post, No. 203, of St. Clairsville.
DAVID K. ALLEN, a prominent business man of Martin's Ferry, was born in Bridgeport, Ohio, on the Kirkwood side, on June 5, 1844. His parents were David and Ann S. (Kirkwood) Allen, the latter a member of an old and distinguished family of the State.
David Allen, the father of David K., was born in 1796 and died October 23, 1872. His life had been one of active endeavor in many lines. His birthplace was in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and there he was educated and became cashier in a local bank. Later he became a partial owner and one of the directors of the first foundry erected at Wheeling, and after locating there engaged in the commission mercantile business, which he also carried on at Bridgeport, Ohio. He commanded a company during the War of 1812 and was very prominent in political life. After serving through two terms as auditor of Belmont County, he was elected to the Senate from this county and subsequently was re-elected. Mr. Allen for some time was also engaged in an insurance business. He was acknowledged to be the best-informed man in the county on current literature and through life exerted a wide influence. His wife was a daughter of Joseph Kirkwood, whose father commanded a Delaware regiment during the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Allen died on November 3, 1887, aged 77 years, her birth having been on February 28, 1812. The children born to David Allen and wife were the following : Sutia A. K., deceased, was the wife of Albert Rice; Mary B., deceased, was the wife of John F. Wetzel, a descendant of Lewis Wetzel, the famous Indian fighter; Robert K. resides at Dixmont, Pennsylvania, where he is assistant superintendent of a hospital ; Margaret E. is Mrs. James M. Culbertson and residesat Alliance, Ohio; James died at the age of six years; David K. of this sketch was the sixth child in order of birth; the next was an unnamed infant ; Jonathan G. resides at Marshall, Texas; Joseph K. resides in Alliance, Ohio; James P. resides in Cumberland. Maryland; and George G. resides at Boston, Massachusetts.
David K. Allen enjoyed educational advantages in the schools of Bridgeport and later took a course at Wheeling, West Virginia, under Professor Harding. He had scarcely completed his schooling when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, on August 15, 1862, entering Company F, 50th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and took part in his first battle on October 8, 1862, at Perryville, although he had been through several skirmishes prior to this. In the Army of the Ohio he participated in all the Atlanta campaign and was under those noted Ohio generals, Sherman and Schofield. After the siege of Atlanta Mr. Allen was a member of the 23rd Army Corps, which was sent by General Sherman to relieve General Corse at the dreadful battle of Altoona Pass. "Hold the fort for troops are coming" was Sherman's signal to Corse, but before General Sherman arrived General Corse had defeated the enemy and put them to flight. Mr. Allen's corps went with Sherman as far as Rome, Georgia, and then they were ordered back to Tennessee, via Chattanooga, Columbia, Spring Hill and, after the battle there on No-
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Anna L. Hance, a daughter of George Hance, of Barnesville. Both are active members of the Methodist Church, and are highly esteemed socially. The Doctor belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also has membership with the Belmont County Medical Society. His political affiliation is with the Republican party.
GRANVILLE S. WELLONS, M. D., is one of the oldest and certainly one of the most highly esteemed physicians and surgeons of Barnesville, Ohio, where for many years his name has been almost a household word, especially with the older generation, to whom he has ministered for almost 44 years.
Dr. Wellons comes of old Virginia ancestry, and counts among his forefathers many of the distinguished men of that State. His birth occurred on September 22, 1834 in Somerton, Belmont County, Ohio, and he is a son of Asa and Asenath (Davis) Wellons.
Moses Davis; the maternal grandfather of Dr. Wellons, was born in Virginia, and was one of the first settlers of the city of Barnesville, Ohio. This was when Warren township was still a wilderness, inhabited only by wild animals. He later moved to Somerton, Belmont County, where he remained the rest of his active life. The birth of the father of Asa Wellons occurred in 1802, and he lived until his 89th birthday. His wife was born in 1801, and lived to the age of 96 years. They had four children, two of whom died in infancy. In his early years Asa Wellons was engaged in wagon-making. He also owned a carding machine, and carded wool for several years. Later he became a farmer, and was a prominent and respected citizen. He lived in Somerton up to 1865, and his death took place in Barnesville.
The educational advantages afforded Dr. Wellons in his youth were limited indeed, and all his school opportunities were those offered by the little log cabin in the woods. His parents taught him the value of industry, and when a mere boy he was placed at work to feed the carding machine, and was thus employed
until he was 16 years old. He then worked, for one year, on a farm one mile north of Barnesville, which was a welcome relief from the toil of the factory. In 185o an epidemic of typhoid fever broke out in Somerton, and the subject of this sketch left his work in the country and offered his services to assist in caring for the sick. Later, he returned to the farm, as his father needed his assistance.
In 1852 Dr. Wellons assumed the responsibility of his own care and career. Although he had enjoyed such meager advantages, he was probably better equipped mentally than many of his companions, as he had taken advantage of every spare moment to improve his mind, and was accepted as a teacher, in 1853. While teaching during the succeeding three years, the young man was still an ambitious student. He read medical works whenever opportunity came, and saved his earnings, so that during the summers of 1854 and 1855 he was able to attend the Classic Institute, in Barnesville. His medical education was being pursued under the direction of Dr. Schooley, and he continued to teach until 1858. After completing the course of medical reading then prescribed, Dr. Wellons moved into Barnesville, in 1859, and was there married to Anna J. Griffin. Her death occurred in 1895. Four children were born to this union, of whom the sole survivor is Dr. James W. Wellons, who is well and favorably known to the public and the medical profession in this county. The second wife of Dr. Wellons was Sarah P. McKeever, a daughter of John McKeever. One daughter. May, was born to this union, who was one of the graduates from the Barnesville High School in the class of 1902. She is now attending Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
Prior to entering upon his practice, Dr. Wellons attended the lectures of the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and graduated from this institution. In July, 1863, he was commissioned as surgeon, and on July 29th was assigned to the 91st Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He remained in the service until the regiment was mustered out, and recalls with melancholy
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pleasure his comrades, Sheridan and McKinley.
Immediately upon his return to Barnesville, Dr. Wellons resumed his practice, his army experience having more thoroughly fitted him for his chosen work. Since 1887, he has divided his attention between his practice and the management of one of the largest drug stores of the city, having intrusted much of the former kind of work to others. During the administrations of President Cleveland and President Harrison, Dr. Wellons was medical examiner for the government, and he is now surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. He has been prominent in public life and a member of the City Council. He is a man of large means and is generous in his charities. His drug stock is valued at some $4,000, while his farm of 82 1/2 acres, located a mile and a half from the city, is finely improved and is probably better equipped than any other of its size in the State. Dr. Wellons also owns a number of fine houses and lots in the city. His present store was erected on a lot 18 1/2 feet front, by 165 feet depth. This building was rebuilt after a disastrous fire, in 1895, at a cost of $6,000, and is one of the most modern establishments of its kind in the city. The Doctor occupies both stories in his business, and carries a complete line of drugs, physicians' supplies and surgical goods. Dr. Wellons is interested in the oil business, also, to the extent of enjoying an income from a fine, producing well on his farm.
In politics, Dr. Wellons has been a lifelong Republican, and has voted the ticket of that party for 47 years. Although his parents were Virginians, they did not approve of slavery, and Dr. Wellons grew up, imbibing Republican principles. Dr. Wellons has had such a wide acquaintance in this section, that he seems to be identified with almost everything pertaining to it for half a century. His influence has always been directed to the upbuilding of the business standards of Barnesville, and to the education of its people in the line of morality and temperance. While he is a member of no religious denomination, he is a liberal supporter of churches.
JAMES W. WELLONS, M. D., who is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Barnesville, Ohio, honorably perpetuates a name and fame won by his esteemed father, Dr. Granville S. Wellons, who, for many years, was one of the ablest practitioners of Belmont County. The latter has resigned the major part of his practice to his son, and is engaged in the drug business in Barnesville. The mother of the subject of this sketch was also born in this locality, her name, Anna J. Griffin, recalling that of one of the old settlers of the vicinity. James W. is the only survivor of three children born to his parents.
Dr. James W. Wellons was born in Barnesville, October 1, 1862, and attended the common schools. His early inclination in the direction of a medical career was fostered by his father, under whose wise direction he pursued his studies until he was ready to enter the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, from which his father had graduated. The son finished his course with great credit, on March 8, 1884, and then took a special course on diseases of the eye and throat. After receiving his diploma he returned to Barnesville and entered into a congenial partnership with his father, which continued until their business was interrupted by a great loss from fire. Since that time, the younger physician has attended to a large practice alone, his patronage coming from all over the city, as well as his immediate vicinity.
In 1886, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Nora W. Hunt, of Barnesville, Ohio, a daughter of Francis and Hannah Hunt. prominent residents of Barnesville. One child was born to this union,—Francis G., who died in infancy. Mrs. WelIons died in December, 1888.
On September 24, 1891, Dr. Wellons married Nellie E. McCartney, who is a daughter of William H. McCartney, one of Belmont County's leading farmers. The two children born to this union are named Charles M. and Annie E. The family is identified with the Presbyterian Church. and is prominent in social life. Dr. Wellons belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 89. F. & A. M., and Barnesville Chapter,
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No. 69, R. A. M. He is also a member of Warren Lodge, No. 76, Knights of Pythias. His political adherence is to the Republican party.
The worth of Dr. Wellons as a physician and surgeon of the utmost reliability has been frequently demonstrated by his selection for important professional positions. From 1884 to 1891, he was township physician, and during the years 1890 and 1891 he was physician and medical examiner for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. In 1896, he was again appointed township physician, and since 1901 has been physician at the Children's Home ; he is also a member of the City Board of Health. His interest in educational matters has been displayed in many ways, and he is the present clerk of the Board of Education.
JACOB BONEYSTEELE, proprietor of the only artificial ice factory in Bellaire, Ohio, has a plant of some magnitude on the corner of 23rd and Union streets, which has a capacity of 35 tons daily. Mr. Boneysteele first engaged in the manufacture of ice in 1885, when he entered into a partnership for that purpose with William Bridenstein. The latter retired from business in 1891 and our subject then became sole proprietor. He erected the present plant, which was increased to its present capacity in 1901, and employs 13 regular men, running three delivery wagons. His office is at No. 209 23rd street, and he does a large amount of business.
Mr. Boneysteele was born near Pittsburg in 1852, and previous to engaging in the manufacture of ice learned the glass-blower's trade, and followed that line of work for a number of years with the National Glass Company of Bellaire. He also served several years as manager for that company. His marriage with Katie Baggs, who is a native of the Mountain State but who has lived in Belmont County since 1872, took place at Bridgeport, and they have four children, namely, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jacob and Park. The family residence is situated at No. 215 23rd street. The religious views of the family are varied: our subject favors the German Lutheran Church; his wife, the Methodist Episcopal ; his eldest daughter. the Episcopal ; and the other three children, the Presbyterian.
Politically, Mr. Boneysteele is a Republican, and has served six years as a member of the City Council from the First Ward. Socially, he is allied with the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and Wheeling Lodge No. 424, Knights of Honor. He has been decidedly successful in his business ventures and now possesses considerable real estate in Bellaire. In addition, he has invested largely, in various public enterprises, among them the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, in which he is a stockholder. He was a stockholder in the Star Glass Company, and was a stockholder in the Ohio Valley Glass Company, of Bridgeport, Ohio, of which he was manager, —this firm manufactures bottles and fruit jars. He is a stockholder in the Enameled Steel Tile Company, of Bellaire, Ohio.
WILLIAM O. CHAPPELL, one of the younger members of the Belmont County bar, was born in Boston, Belmont County, Ohio, December 8, 1873. He was one in a family of four children of Joseph and Melissa A. (John) Chappell.
Joseph W. Chappell is one of the substantial citizens of Barnesville, where he was long engaged as a merchant and insurance agent. He was born in 1849, and is still a resident of Barnesville, where he and wife are much esteemed.
William O. Chappell attended the public schools, and subsequently pursued a course in the Batesville (Ohio) Normal School. At the age of 18 years he began to put his education to practical use by engaging in teaching, which he continued for two years. Subsequently he went into the insurance business and began the study of law, under the careful tutelage of Attorney George A. Colpitts, of Barnesville.
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He was admitted to the bar of Belmont County October 14, 1899, and was admitted to practice in the United States courts on October 12, 1900. He immediately ,entered into practice in Barnesville, in partnership with George A. Colpitts.
On December 22, 1894, Mr. Chappell was united in marriage with Carrie B. Dement, a daughter of Josiah Dement. Two children have been born to their union, namely : Eva H. and Clifford L. The religious connection of the family is with the Christian Church, in which they are prominent and useful. Mr. Chappell is an active Republican in politics, and his present prominence promises more for the future, as Ohio has long supplied some of the best political material the party has had. Fraternally, he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He is an earnest, able and industrious lawyer, and is thoroughly devoted to his profession. He justly receives a large patronage, and enjoys a wide circle of warm friends.
WILLIAM SLOAN, an enterprising, congenial and most highly respected citizen of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, is a contractor and builder by trade and claims Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, as his native city. He was born November 26, 1826, a son of John and Jane (Kissick) Sloan, both born in Ireland, where they were also reared and married October 8, 1825.
John Sloan was born November 24, 1803, and his wife's birth took place November 19, 1804. Soon after they were married they immigrated to the United States, and Mr. Sloan found work in the boiler works in Pittsburg and continued in the place for four years, and at the end of that time removed to Harrison County, Ohio, bought a farm, then sold it and subsequently purchased property in the town of Moorefield, Harrison County, and spent the next five years there until his death occurred, September 19, 1878.
In politics Mr. Sloan was first a Whig and later a Republican, and served two years as county auditor, but was then knocked out by the Know-Nothing party. At a later date he also served for many years as county commissioner, and altogether he was considered one of the leading men of his county, a fine scholar and a true gentleman. He and his wife were active workers in the United Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder for fifty years or more. When the Civil War broke out he was one who believed in its vigorous prosecution, and his two sons were active participants during the years that it lasted. His wife died September 28, 1844, and left him six children as a legacy. They are as follows: William, our subject; Nancy, who was born in 1829, married John Marshall, and died in 1898; Jane, the widow of William Buchanan, numbered among the inhabitants of Minnesota; Anna E., now Mrs. William Scott of Harrison County; Thomas, who resides in Minnesota, enlisted in Company C, 98th O. V. I., in 1862, and served under General Sherman in his march to the sea, Jefferson Davis of the Federal service was his corps commander, and he took part in all the battles of the command, having the good fortune never to be in the hospital; and Mary M., born in 1840, died in 1844.
Some years after the death of his first wife Mr. Sloan married a second time, this time choosing Eliza Wherry, by whom he had three children; Sarah (Mrs. Newton Lance), whose husband died, but she married a second time; Levi W., residing on a farm in Harrison County; Mary E. (Mrs. John Clemens), residing in Harrison County on a farm. The mother of these children was also a member of the United Presbyterian Church and died when about 60 years of age.
William Sloan, our subject, received his education in the Harrison County common schools, and later when he had finished his education in these he went to Martin's Ferry in 185o, became a contractor and builder, built many of the fine, handsome houses seen throughout that city and the surrounding country, among them his own beautiful resi-
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dence, and has ever since that date made his home in that city. He has always employed many men in his work, and in his work he does not take contracts for building any public buildings, but contents himself with doing good work on the dwelling houses. He has the reputation of being an excellent workman, and with his wide experience in the business easily makes it profitable. His place of business is 801 South 4th street.
In March, 1864, our subject became a member of Company C, 1st West Virginia Vol. Inf., and was in the Army of the Shenandoah, doing most of his shooting and marching in that part of the country. He was a participant in the battle when " Sheridan was twenty miles away," and was personally acquainted with that great general. July 16, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Clarksburg, West Virginia, and returned to his home and resumed the business which he has ever since continued.
Mr. Sloan has been twice married. He was united in matrimony November 18, 1851, with Louanna C. Sigler, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Philip Sigler and his wife. This marriage was prolific of four children—Elizabeth J., who was born July 10, 1852, and died October 3rd of the same year; Elliott W., born September to, 1854, was united in marriage with Maggie Irwin, who died and left him one child, Cora M.; he died December 6, 1891, and his little daughter then made her home with our subject and has remained there ever since; Anna, the third child, died in infancy, and Cora B., born March 29, 1888, lives with our subject. Mrs. Sloan was born June 3, 1830, and her death occurred June 25, 1861. During her life she was an active worker in the United Presbyterian Church. March 3, 1863, our subject was married a second time, this time choosing Mrs. Margaret Smith, the widow of John Smith and a daughter of John Murphy of Pennsylvania. She died August 10, 1881. She was also a United Presbyterian in her religious belief. Our subject's daughter, Cora B., is also a great worker and helper in the same church and is loved and respected by all for her many gentle and good qualities.
In politics Mr. Sloan is an ardent Republican, and in fraternal circles is a member of the I. O. O. F. organization and has passed through all the chairs, being a past grand. He is also a member of the G. A. R. Post and past commander of that organization.
LEVI LICHTIG, proprietor of the large department store located at Nos. 3000-3016 Union street, Bellaire, Ohio, is a most successful merchant, excellent citizen and self-made man. Through his own able efforts he has built up a large and prosperous business, become the owner of much valuable property, and is financially interested in a number of the prominent commercial enterprises of this city.
The birth of Mr. Lichtig was in Austria in 1862, where he resided and acquired his education until 1882, when he came to America. Locating in the city of New York, he employed his first year in selecting a permanent location in which to open up a small business and selected Bellaire as the scene of his operations. At No. 3016 Union street he first engaged as a merchant in a popular selection of articles which he could sell for five or ten cents. His pleasant manners, excellent stock and fair and honorable dealing soon brought him custom, and as it gradually increased he purchased the building and added to his goods until he now owns the block inclusive between Nos. 3016 and 3000, with about 110 feet of frontage on Union street. His great department store includes these departments: Shoes, clothing, gents' furnishings. dry goods, notions, hardware, tinware, jewelry, optical goods, etc., and in connection conducts the only loan office in the city, this being a great accommodation to many persons. Quite recently he has added to his holdings in the city the Eberly property on Belmont street and there conducts a furni-
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ture business. Although Mr. Lichtig personally superintends his large enterprises, he employs a number of skilled and accommodating helpers, his business on Union street requiring eight salespeople.
Mr. Lichtig is a man of keen business judgment and is a wise adviser to many who wish to invest money, his own success demonstrating his business shrewdness and capacity. He is interested in the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank, and also the Mason Heater Company and Driggs Baking Company, both of Bellaire, and is a stockholder in the Rich Enamel Company of Cleveland, Ohio. His marriage was to Rosie Rich of Zanesville, Ohio, and his residence is on the upper floor of his great store building. In political sentiment Mr. Lichtig is an active Republican, and he is fraternally connected with the Bel laire Lodge, No. 378, of Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Hebrew Congregation. In business circles in Bellaire our subject has a high standing as an upright man, and few citizens are more generous in their contributions to worthy charities.
J. E. SPRINGER, the superintendent of the Aetna Standard Mill at Martin's Ferry and Bridgeport, Ohio, is a gentleman deserving of the recognition and esteem of all his fellowmen and an upright citizen of Belmont County. He is a son of Thomas and Celena (Bott) Springer, and was born January 5, 1873, in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Thomas Springer was born in Washington County, Ohio, and early in life learned the trade of a wagonmaker and worked at this for some time. At this writing, however, he is a mill worker, which he began after leaving the occupation of his trade. He married Celena Bott, who is now deceased, her death having taken place December 20, 1886, at the age of 33 years. To this union were born five children, as follows: Charles Henry, who died in childhood; J. E., our subject; George W., Harry and Thomas, the last three being mill workers in Martin's Ferry. Mr. and Mrs. Springer belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in that faith our subject was reared. The father was united in marriage a second time in July, 1893, with Louisa Fowler, a daughter of David Fowler, and they have four children, namely, Madge L., Ralph W., Merle L. and Edith M., who died in infancy. Mr. Springer is still living at the age of fifty-one years.
Our subject graduated from the schools of Martin's Ferry in 1891, and worked a few months with his father in the mill. Subsequently he became connected with the clerical force in February, 1892, and at the present time is serving as superintendent. He commenced near the bottom of the ladder and has been advanced by good service from time to time until he attained his present position.
August 28, 1894, Mr. Springer was united in marriage with Milicent M. Fowler, a native of Marshall County, Iowa, and a daughter of David W. and Elizabeth (Hornish) Fowler, the former a native of Belmont County and the latter of Washington County, Pennsylvania. David W. Fowler was an agriculturist and served his country during the Civil War as a member of the too-day service. In 1875 he returned to Belmont County, Ohio, and as long as he was able interested himself in farming. His death occurred October 5, 1890, at the age of 61 years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his beloved widow is still living at the age of 73 years. Our subject's wife was the ninth child in a family of ten children, and their names are as follows: Ella M., who followed teaching for many years; John W., who died in February, 1896; Joseph E., a mill worker in Martin's Ferry; Agnes J., now Mrs. George W. Thompson, residing at Martin's Ferry; Anna M. (Mrs. John R. Thompson); Lizzie A.; Louisa, who married Thomas Springer and lives in Martin's Ferry; David H., a blacksmith of that city also; our subject's wife, Milicent,
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and Russell, who died when but three years of age.
Mr. Springer takes an interest in politics and votes the Republican ticket. His first national vote was cast for William McKinley. He was elected member of the School Board April 8, 1892, and has served conscientiously and well. In social circles he is a member of Ohio City Lodge, No. 486, F. & A. M.; is junior warden of the same, and is a member of Belmont Chapter. His residence is located at No. 512 Vine street, and there he and his wife enjoy a peaceful, comfortable existence.
DR. DALE L. WALKER, of St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in 1860, in the house in which he now lives. He is one of the most highly esteemed physicians and citizens of St. Clairsville, and is a son of Dr. Joseph Walker, and grandson of James Walker.
James Walker was a native of Ireland, and was the first representative of the family to settle in this country. Dr. Joseph Walker was born in Wheeling township, Belmont County, in 1820, and was educated at Franklin College. He read medicine with Dr. Alexander, of St. Clairsville, and took lectures at the Ohio Medical College, in Cincinnati. He began the practice of medicine in St. Clairsville in 1843, and continued thus until his death, which occurred in 1864. He was a prominent man, and his' death was greatly mourned in the community. He married Margaret L. Jennings, who was born in 1826, and was a daughter of David Jennings. She died in 1892, leaving the following children, namely: Alphonso, a druggist, of Chicago; Elma E., who lives in St. Clairsville, and Dale L., the subject of this sketch.
Dr. Dale L. Walker attended the common schools of St. Clairsville, and later was a pupil in the St. Clairsville High School. He began the study of medicine with Dr. J. C. Tallman and took a course of lectures at the
Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, where he graduated with the class of 1885. He immediately began the practice of his chosen profession in St. Clairsville, where he has continued to reside, and is known as one of the finest physicians of the county. He has a large number of patients, who place the greatest confidence in his ability as a physician and surgeon, and his name is well known in medical circles.
Dr. Walker is a member of the Belmont County Medical Society. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
JONATHAN T. SCOFIELD. The real estate, loan and insurance business is one of great importance in a growing and prosperous city like Barnesville, and the satisfactory handling of it requires men of ability and experience. One of the old and reliable agents in this line is Jonathan T. Scofield, who has conducted an office in Barnesville since 1875.
Mr. Scofield was born February 6, 1820, in Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, and is one of the eight children of Issachar and Edith (Marshall) Schofield. His father was born in Montgomery County, Maryland, and spent his younger days on the sea. Later he learned the milling business and also engaged in teaming. During the War of 1812, his teams were pressed into the service and employed hauling government records and books out of the United States capital, when Washington was threatened: In this war the British army encamped near his home, in that part of Maryland which became a part of the District of Columbia. His death occurred in 1834, and his widow survived him until 1852.
The birthplace of the subject of this sketch was within a mile and a half of his present home, on a farm, southeast of Barnesville, on which his father began farming in 1815. There Jonathan grew to manhood. Early in life, he spent five years in
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Alexandria, Virginia, but with this exception Ohio has been his home ever since, and Belmont County his location. In 1873 he moved from the farm into Barnesville, and established the business which he has since conducted.
In December, 1848, Mr. Scofield was married to Abigail Steer, a daughter of James Steer, of Colerain, formerly of Concord, Ohio. A family of five children was born to this union. A daughter married Perley Pickett, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The family is connected with the Society of Friends. In politics Mr. Scofield has always been a Republican, since the formation of the party; he was formerly a Whig. Many positions of responsibility have been urged for his acceptance, and he has served three years as county commissioner, from 1859 to 1862. He has been identified with many progressive and important movements in the county which have tended to the public benefit. His straightforward business methods have always won him the confidence of his fellow citizens, and his long business career has caused his name to be held in the highest esteem in Belmont County.
HENRY J. CECIL, a well-to-do sheet mill roller, of Martin's Ferry, residing at No. 714 Pearl street, is perhaps one of the most popular men of his city. As a public spirited man he takes a keen interest in all local affairs and has made an excellent record among fraternities. He was born in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia, at the corner of loth and Market streets, December 31, 1864, and is the son of Robert M. and Mary V. (Wade) Cecil.
Robert M. Cecil was born in Virginia in 1820. After reaching manhood he followed farming in his native State with much success for a great many years. Late in life, in 1885, he came to Martin's Ferry, where he lived in retirement with his sons. He died in March, 1888, at the age of 67. During hisyoung manhood Mr. Cecil married Millie J. Manning, and after her death Mary V. Wade. The second Mrs. Cecil is now living in Martin's Ferry. She is an honored and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By the first marriage there were seven children, most of whom are now living in Marshall County, West Virginia—George W., Henry M., Vine, Leah, John, Mary and Millie. By the second marriage there were six children—Henry J., who is mentioned below; James, a sheet mill roller, of Martin's Ferry; Isaac N., who has a sketch elsewhere in this volume; Robert M., a sheet mill roller; Rebecca, who married Fred Ebberling, and Jeannette, who has never married. The last three reside in Martin's Ferry, the latter with her mother.
Henry J. Cecil procured his education in Rule Schule of West Virginia, exhibiting a decided tendency toward mathematics, at which he afterward became very expert. Accustomed to farm work from his earliest years, as a young man he followed that occupation for some time by himself. At the same time he materially increased his income by getting out timber for the Shriver Coal & Lumber Company. Deciding, however, that he might better his chances in life by removing to a city, he finally moved to Martin's Ferry, where he soon secured a position as heater in the Standard Mill. Taking hold ofhis work with energy and ability, he made a thorough success of it and remained with that company until the autumn of 1901. Since then he has been engaged in the Laughlin Sheet Mill in this city. His work has always been thorough and proficient and commands for him a good salary.
January 13, 1889, Mr. Cecil married Mary A. Davis, who was born in Martin's Ferry, daughter of W. and Martha Davis, who still reside at Martin's Ferry. Mr. and Mrs. Cecil have had three children—Mabel, who died at the age of one year; Windom D., and Henry J.
Mr. Cecil is a man who has always made the most of his opportunities, and has won
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for himself a lasting reputation as an advocate of progress and advancement in our industrial system. As a member of the A. A. I. S. & T. W. he is now serving his third term as deputy vice-president of the second district of the order. He has attended four of its annual conventions—at Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Wheeling, respectively. As a man of intelligence and force he has served on six conference committees, three of which have been with the American Sheet Steel Association and the other three with the United States Steel Corporation. In conventions he speaks with force and to the point, and his word carries weight. Other lodges with which he affiliates are the K. of P., the F. of A. and the P. H. C. His wife is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
THOMAS L. WILLIAMS, councilman from the Fourth Ward of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, was elected to that position in April, 1902. He is an enterprising young man. He is a tinworker by trade and is now engaged in the Laughlin Mill as roller. The parents of our subject were married in 1871 in England and left directly afterward for the United States. They landed in Richmond, Virginia, the birthplace of our subject, and lived there until Thomas L. had attained the age of 3 months, and then removed to Martin's Ferry, which has ever since been their home. The father learned the trade of a roller in England and immigrated to this country with the view of working in the mills here. He rolled the first iron ever rolled in the Ohio Valley Rolling Mill, which afterward became the Laughlin Mill. At the present time he is a sheet heater in the Aetna Standard Mill and is a prominent workman. He is now 51 years of age, and is trustee of the River View Cemetery, although he never has cared to accept offices. In fraternal circles he is a prominent Mason, being a member of the chapter. His wife is now 53 years of age, and they have had five children our subject being the eldest, whom they reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The children of our subject's parents were: Thomas L., our subject; Fred G., working in the mill; Lottie, who married George Heil, a butcher, of Martin's Ferry; Nettie, engaged in the millinery business and a member of the firm of Foreman & Williams of Martin's Ferry, and Harry, who still attends school.
Thomas L. Williams received a good education in the public schools of Martin's Ferry, where he has lived since September, 1873. At the close of his school days he was in the bicycle business and is the holder of several road records in Wheeling and Chicago and local century runs. He was also one of the first to introduce football in this vicinity, being manager and right tackle of the old Y. M. C. A. team, and also manager of the Vigilant Athletic Club, which organization played some of the best teams in this district. After leaving the bicycle business he was engaged in the men's furnishing business for a short time and in 1896 went into the American Tin Plate Company's employ and is now roller, rendering good, capable service.
October 16, 1895, our subject was united in marriage with Isabel Johnson, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Charles A. and Mary J. Johnson, the latter an honored resident of Martin's Ferry. Mr. Johnson, who died at the age of 47 years in 1878, served three years when the Civil War was in progress, enlisting at New Castle, Pennsylavnia. Mrs. Williams is one of nine children, and those besides herself are: Charles, of Elwood, Indiana; Mary K., now Mrs. P. J. Beck; John E.; George, who died when three months old; Harry S., Philip and Unity B. The most of these are residents of Martin's Ferry.
Our subject and his wife have one child, Doris Lottie. Mr. Williams' attention has various enterprises to claim it since he is on a number of committees, such as street,
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waterworks, finance, fire department and city scales, and is chairman of several of them. He is a member of the Martin's Ferry Fire Department and is secretary of the Alert Hose Company, for further information of which see the sketch of Dr. Darrah, also in this volume. He is owner of the Ohio Valley Beagle Kennels, whose dogs are some of the finest in the country, last year winning the National Derby at Wakefield, New Jersey, besides numerous other firsts on the bench elsewhere. They are a source of profit to their owner.
In fraternal circles Mr. Williams is also prominent, affiliating with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, F. & A. M., and Belmont Chapter, R. A. M. He is a member of the Lewis Avon Lodge, No. 34, of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, is now serving his fifth term as financial secretary, and has represented the lodge at the last three conventions, one at Milwaukee in 1901, and one in Wheeling in 1902; also one at Pittsburg (a special) in 1902.
In politics Mr. Williams is a very active Republican and has been a delegate to several county conventions. He is a member of the famous Mark Hanna Club of Martin's Ferry and helped to organize it. Its reputation was that of one of the best drilled clubs in the county. In every way our subject is whole-hearted, congenial and courteous, hospitable and gentlemanly in conduct, and most popular with his fellow citizens.
DAVID WALKER, real estate agent and collecting agent for the First National Bank of Bellaire, Ohio, may virtually he termed a self-made man, one who, from small beginnings, has risen to a place full of responsibility and trust. Mr. Walker is a Scotchman by birth, that event having taken place January 22, 1865, in Lanarkshire, Scotland.
His parents were Samuel and Amelia (Crowson) Walker, who located in Belmont County in 1882." The beloved mother died in 1899, aged 73 years, and she is still survived by her husband, who has now passed his 79th year and resides with our subject in Bellaire.
Mr. Walker is one of a family of seven children, all being deceased with the exception of four. Two brothers, Samuel and James, are employed at the Bellaire Steel Works and reside in that city. Our subject was the recipient of a common school education in his native country. After coming to the United States he took a thorough business course at Wheeling Business College, and for a period of two years thereafter he was engaged in work at the steel works in Bellaire. In November, 1883, he accepted a position as collecting agent of the First National Bank, and has worked in that capacity through the intervening years up to the present time. Six months after engaging with the bank, he opened a real estate office and has handled large amounts of property. For many years he also handled fire insurance, but in 1901 he disposed of the latter, selling his interest in that line to Creamer & Neff.
Mr. Walker has a convenient office directly over the First National Bank. He has conducted his business on a paying basis and has accumulated quite a good deal of property. He owns several houses in Bellaire in addition to his present attractive residence, which he recently built on the corner of 44th and Harrison streets.
Our subject has been twice married. His first marriage was contracted with Sarah Elizabeth Brown, of Belmont County. Three children blessed this union; two died in infancy. The remaining one, Laura, is attending school. October 1, 1890, the mother of these children left her earthly home for the life beyond the grave. Mr. Walker was subsequently joined in marriage with Anna Elizabeth Conrad, and two children were born to them, David and Vera. Socially our
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subject is identified with the Knights of Pythias and Knights of the Golden Eagle. Himself and wife are also members of the Ladies' Temple of the Golden Eagle. In his religious views he is an active member of the Christian Church, of which he is deacon at the present writing. Politically, he is a stanch Republican. In the spring of 1902 he was elected a member of the School Board of Bellaire. Mr. Walker takes a fitting interest in Bellaire and vicinity and is a liberal contributor toward enterprises of worth and benefit to the city. He is a director of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company.
GEORGE O. ROBINSON, one of the most successful business men and manufacturers of Belmont County, has been a resident of the county since 1864. He was born in Wheeling, (West) Virginia, in 1852, and is a son of John R. Robinson, who was for many years identified with the iron and steel interests of Wheeling.
George O. Robinson was practically reared in Belmont County, and his first business experience was in market gardening on McMechen's Creek, following that occupation for a period of eight years. He then embarked in the ice business, to which he later added the coal and brick business, and in the latter branch he still continues. He is one of the large real estate owners of the county, being interested in various tracts of land in Pultney township, much of it close to the city of Bellaire. All is arable land and most of it is under lease for coal and other purposes. Among his holdings are a half interest in 206 acres adjoining the city limits, 19 acres on McMechen's Creek in the suburbs of Bellaire, and about 40 acres at Georgetown, a part of the old home farm, and a half interest in a 100 acre tract, a part of which is in the city limits. Mr. Robinson's main attention is given to the brick business and his real estate interests. He is vice-president and general manager of the Standard Stone & Brick Company, which was started in May, 1901, the plant being located at McClainville, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. It is a modern plant in all its appointments and gives employment to some 55 men, having a capacity of 50,000 bricks per day. It is under the superintendence of his son, John Howard Robinson. Alexander Neff is president of the company; George O. Robinson, vice-president and general manager; and Franklin Neff, secretary and treasurer. The plant is located about three miles west of Bellaire and during the first year of its existence turned out 6,000,000 bricks. They operate a sandstone quarry in connection, and a fine quality of building stone is furnished to the surrounding county. The office of the plant is located on 23rd street, between Belmont and Guernsey streets, in Bellaire.
Mr. Robinson is president of the Eastern Ohio Milling Company, and a director in the First National Bank of Bellaire, Ohio.
Mr. Robinson was united in marriage with Emma L. Thompson of Belmont County, and they have the following children : John Howard, superintendent of the Standard Stone & Brick Company, who resides at Georgetown, where he has a small farm, he married Daisy Bohill, and they have two children, Dorothy and Grace; Lulu and Mary, who are attending the seminary at Washington, Pennsylvania ; Grace, who is in school at Washington, Pennsylvania ; Frank, who attends school ; George, also attending school ; and Ada. Owing to better educational facilities at Washington, Pennsylvania, Mr. Robinson moved his family to that city, although all his business interests are in Belmont County. In politics, he is a strong Republican. He is a Mason, and in religious belief is a Presbyterian.
SAMUEL B. PIPER, who is township clerk of Warren township, and ex-postmaster of the city of Barnesville, Ohio, is one of the prominent surviving soldiers of the Civil War, and a most highly respected citizen.
Mr. Piper was born June 14, 1837, in Barnesville, where his parents, John H. and
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Jane E. (Claudy) Piper, resided and where they reared a family of five children. His father was born in Georgetown, Delaware, where he was engaged in the transportation business. His death occurred in Barnesville, in 1876, and his wife survived him until 1885. Until he was 14 years of age, Samuel B. Piper attended the public schools, and at the age of 18 years began to learn the saddlery and harness business, at which he worked for two years. Then he entered the office of the Ohio Central Railroad, now a part of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad. There he was employed until 1860, and then went into the dry goods business.
On April 15, 1861, Mr. Piper enlisted at Columbus, Ohio, in Company A, for the three months service. Two months later he was mustered out, and on the same day, June 13, 1861, he re-enlisted in the same company for three years. Mr. Piper faithfully performed the duties of a soldier. With great good fortune he escaped danger and was honorably discharged March 28, 1865. Returning to Barnesville, he re-entered the dry goods business, and continued thus until January, 1867. Then he was elected sheriff of Belmont County on the Republican ticket. His duties in that capacity were also performed with completeness, and again he returned to mercantile pursuits. In 187o he sold his business and became a traveling representative of a wholesale hat and cap establishment of Philadelphia. One year later, he resigned this position, and returned to Barnesville.
In Mr. Piper, Postmaster Lewis found an excellent assistant at this time, and one year later the former was appointed postmaster by President Grant. For 12 years, he continued in this office in Barnesville, and resigned in October, 1886, in order to devote his time to fire and life insurance. In this line Mr. Piper has been engaged successfully ever since.. On January 27, 1894, he was appointed township clerk and served thus until the following April. He was elected to the same office in 1894, and re-elected in 1896, 1898, 1900 and 1902. His management of the affairs of the office has been so efficient that the public is loth to dispense with his valuable services.
Mr. Piper was married to Sarah E. Frasier, who was a daughter of J. W. Frasier, a prominent farmer of Belmont County. Three daughters were born of this union, namely : Laura B., now Mrs. E. M. Hunt ; Mary E.; and Bertha, now Mrs. E. O. Cox. All of the family belong to the Presbyterian Church, with the exception of Mary E., who is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Piper is a man of social instincts and belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M.; Warren Lodge, No. 76. K. of P.; and Hilles Post, No. 220, G. A. R. Mr. Piper is widely known, and enjoys a full measure of public esteem. He is one of the representative citizens of Barnesville.
CHARLES J. LYNCH, who has attained a high position among the citizens of Bellaire, Ohio, by his practice of the legal profession in that city, is a gentleman of scholarly attainments, and has secured a large clientage. His office is located in the Buckeye Building. He was born in Antioch, Monroe County, Ohio, in 1872, and is a son of E. L. and Elizabeth (Read) Lynch, both descendants of old Ohio families, who are highly respected citizens of Woodsfield, Ohio.
E. L. Lynch is also a practitioner of law, and has made Monroe County the field of his labors for a large number of years. He is a native citizen of Monroe County and at one time served two terms as clerk of the courts. He and his wife located at Woodsfield years ago, and for at least 20 years Mr. Lynch has been an attorney of law at that place, gaining the plaudits of all by his eloquence and comprehensiveness. In politics he was a firm Democrat. His family consisted of three sons and five daughters, the latter being still inmates of the home circle. Our subject's two brothers are interested in the oil business quite extensively.
Charles Lynch was reared and educated
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in Woodsfield, Ohio, and chose the profession of law for his life work, following wisely in the footsteps of his father. He therefore read law in his father's office and was finally admitted to the bar in 1895, and immediately entered upon his duties as an attorney. The past four years have been spent in Belmont County, the first two in Barnesville, and the past two in Bellaire. As a speaker he is argumentive and eloquent and enters upon a case with enthusiasm and energy, such as can only bear good results to the cause of his client. By his conscientiousness and good judgment he has won the approval of his fellow citizens, as well as their esteem.
Mr. Lynch was united in marriage with Gail V. McKeever, of Barnesville, and they make their home at No. 4652 Jefferson street. In politics our subject gives his vote and influence to the Democratic party, and fraternally he is a member of the B. P. O. E., and of the Masonic Lodge at Woodsfield, Ohio.
WILLIAM L. MILLIGAN of the well-known firm of J. H. Milligan's Sons, now doing business at No. 3117 Union street, Bellaire, has one of the largest and most reliable shoe stores in this vicinity, and in 1902 was compelled to erect a splendid new brick building in order to supply the demands of his steadily increasing custom. He makes no pretensions to being selfmade, his father having paved the way to the business he is now so ably continuing. Nevertheless, he has shown himself a man of enterprise and of much inherent ability for managing and directing affairs.
Mr. Milligan was born in Belmont County and comes of one of the old and influential families of the vicinity, his father, J. H. Milligan, a well-known business man and prominent agriculturist, having been born in Belmont County about 1829. Here near Bellaire, in Pultney township, upon reaching manhood he settled upon a farm and engaged in agriculture. Like everything he undertook in life, he concentrated his entire energies upon this work and made an unqualified success and continued in it until 1881. Possessed of considerable means, in 1884 he moved to Bellaire, and in company with his son, J. L., opened a shoe store. By prudent management and courteous reception of customers he worked up a large trade and soon had the business on a very firm foundation. Retaining the confidence of the public, he continued the business until 1891, when he was succeeded in the partnership by his son, William L. With an eye to the future he has always managed to lay aside something for a rainy day. He is now comfortably fixed. His farm in Pultney township he has never disposed of, and he still receives a large income from it. He is now living in retirement at his pleasant residence in Bellaire. Mr. Milligan married Hannah J. Carson, from West Alexandria, Pennsylvania, and their children are: Clinton, who is connected with a window glass company at Danville, Illinois; Eunice, who is now at home; E. C., and William L. of Bellaire; and J. L., who died in 1896.
William L. Milligan embarked upon his successful business career in 1893, succeeding, as has been said, his father. The firm name, however, was not changed, remaining as it had been, J. H. Milligan & Son. He took up the work as if accustomed to it all his life, and very ably supplied his father's vacant place. For three years the business continued under the same firm name, then occurred the death of the senior member of the firm, J. L. Milligan, and a change occurred. Another brother, E. C., stepped into the vacant place and the firm name was changed to J. H. Milligan's Sons. These two enterprising men have advanced their industry materially, have added a leather and finding department, and in other respects enlarged the business. The new building which they erected is a three-story modern brick structure and was built on the site of the
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old building. The upper floors will be rented as dwellings.
Socially, Mr. Milligan stands high in his community. He is a member of the F. & A. M. of Bellaire; Hope Commandery, No. 26, K., T., of St. Clairsville; Aladdin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Columbus, and the B. P. O. E. of Bellaire. He usually votes the Democratic ticket, but is somewhat independent in politics. In religious sentiment he is a Presbyterian.
JOHN METZGER, a well-known traveling salesman located at No. 28 South 2nd street, Martin's Ferry, an active member and ex-president of the City Council, was born in Martin's Ferry, April 17, 1874.
The parents of Mr. Metzger were George and Margaret (Jacob) Metzger, both of whom were natives of Germany, born near Strasburg, in Alsace. In 1872 they came to America and located at Martin's Ferry, where the father was employed at the glass works. His death occurred when he was about 50 years of age. A quiet, industrious man, he only took a voting interest in politics, identifying himself with the Republican party. He belonged to the German Lutheran Church. His widow has reached the age of 68 years and is one of the most highly respected residents of the city. She has interested herself in active church work and is well known for her charity and Christian spirit. Five of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Metzger were born in Germany near Strasburg, John, of this sketch, being the youngest and the only one born after the family reached America. The other members were: One daughter, who died young in Alsace: Mary, who married Fred Somers, had one son, Louis, and died at the age of 33 years; Eva, who married Baltzer Thiel, a millman, in Wheeling, has three children—John, Clara and Margaret; George, who died in Martin's Ferry in 1887 at the age of 20 years, and Michael, who married Martha Edwards, resides at Marietta. Ohio.
John Metzger obtained an excellent common-school education in the schools of Martin's Ferry and commenced his business life as a clerk in the grocery store of Lotz & Scheehle in this city, with whom he continued for thirteen years, acquiring a thorough and practical knowledge and becoming well acquainted with the trade and the public. Two years since, when Mr. Metzger bought out the grocery business of Mrs. Thomas Mears, he found he had many friends, and his business in this line continued until June, 1902, when he sold out on account of failing health and engaged with S. C. Bigler & Co., wholesale produce merchants of Wheeling, West Virginia, and is meeting with much success.
Mr. Metzger was carefully reared in the German Lutheran Church, and is serving now as one of the trustees and for seven years has been the Sunday-school superintendent. A stanch Republican, he is serving his second term as councilman, having been president of the board during his first term, and is a member of the finance, street and sewer committees. In fraternal life he belongs to the Foresters of America, and is a charter member in the order of the Shield of Honor. Mr. Metzger has shown great business ability and public spirit in the management of public affairs, and is justly regarded as one of the rising young men of the city
BLUM BROTHERS is one of the most progressive and enterprising business houses of Bellaire, Ohio. It is composed of Henry and Isaac Blum, proprietors of the mammoth store located on the corner of 33rd and Belmont streets, in this city, dealers in gents' furnishings, clothing, dry goods, carpets, ladies' underwear, etc., and a complete line of ladies' readymade suits, many of which are imported. This great establishment has a frontage on Belmont street of 80 feet, and carries the largest and best selected stock in the city.
The enterprising members of the firm of Blum Brothers were born in Alsace, France,
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which country they left about 187o, Henry preceding Isaac, and becoming a clerk in the establishment of an uncle in Wheeling, West Virginia. Later when Isaac arrived he also entered his uncle's employ as bookkeeper. In 1875 Henry Blum embarked in business in Bellaire, and two years later his brother joined him and the present partnership was formed. Business began in a small way on Union street at the former home of the First National Bank, removal being made later to the Mrs. Hess building, opposite the Post Office, and it was not until 1884 that the present most desirable location was secured. In that year the energetic brothers opened a single store on the corner of 33rd and Belmont streets, the same now being the clothing and gents' furnishing department. Business increased at such a rapid rate that three years later they purchased the adjoining store, which was formerly occupied by a tea company, and after remodeling this, making what is really a double store, they turned it into a vast dry-goods department. With 80 feet frontage and 100 feet depth and two floors, they have one of the most convenient stores to be found in the city. Five employees are necessary in the gents' clothing department, one cashier only being necessary on account of the employment of the cash carrier system. In the dry-goods department six girls and five boys are required, while the personal attention of both partners is given at all times. They have so systematized their business that patrons are able to be served with no loss of time, while the quality of the goods, the taste employed in their selection and the utmost courtesy with which customers are welcomed have brought to this firm a permanent and constantly increasing trade of a most satisfactory kind.
Both members of the firm of Blum Brothers are married and reside in adjoining homes on Belmont street. Socially they are members of the Knights of Pythias, both having formerly been Odd Fellows. Both are also members of the Jewish Reform Church, of which 'Henry Blum is treasurer and Isaac
Blum is reader. Henry is a trustee of the Jewish Orphans' Home at Cleveland, Ohio, and is interested in various manufacturing plants at Bellaire, one of these being the Novelty Stamping Company, and others the new Enameled Steel Tile Company and the Imperial Glass Works. The firm as individuals have always contributed liberally to the various business and social enterprises which have been inaugurated for the city's benefit, and in every way are most highly esteemed and valued citizens.
BENJAMIN DAVENPORT, who for many years was one of the leading citizens of Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, and an important factor in the commercial growth of Barnesville, passed out of life, full of years and honors, April 19, 1885.
The birth of Mr. Davenport took place February 2, 1813, and he was one of a family of eight children born to Hon. John and Martha (Colson) Davenport, who came from Virginia to Barnesville in 1818. The other members of the family were : Colson, who represented his constituents during two terms in the State Legislature; Eleanor; Mary A.; Rebecca C.; John A. and William, who died in infancy, the deaths of George H. and Samuel occurring later in life.
In 1834 Benjamin Davenport was united in marriage with Anna M. Bradshaw, a daughter of Maj. William Bradshaw. She died in August, 1889, and the children of this union were as follows : Ellen M.: Adrianna, the wife of Col. W. C. Watson, of East Liverpool, Ohio; Betty L., wife of C. C. Minton, of Marion, Kansas; Harriet F., who is the wife of Judge James H. Collins, one of the most eminent jurists of the State of Ohio; John W., deceased ; and James, who is in business in Baltimore, Maryland. After marriage Mr. Davenport embarked in the mercantile business which occupied his energies almost through his life, being associated during the greater part of the time with his brother Colson, and
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William A. Talbott. The reliable and upright character of Mr. Davenport made him of great value in his township as justice of the peace for many years and during a part of his career he served as recorder and also as mayor. He took a personal pride in the religious development of the city, and with pleasure served for 30 years as superintendent of the Methodist Sabbath-school.
Although his family name was one held in respect in Belmont County, he did not need its luster to illumine his life, for its own acts testified to its worth. Scrupulously honest, wholesouled, kind-hearted and charitable, he not only looked after the welfare of those dependent upon him, but he willingly shared with others who were unfortunate. Friends won were always friends. Belmont county never lost a more upright, useful or conscientious man than Benjamin Davenport, and the testimonials to his worth were general through the city in which his estimable life had exerted its beneficent influence.
JUDGE JAMES H. COLLINS, whose name is indissolubly connected with the triumphs of the Belmont County bar, was born in the State of Maryland, but was practically reared in Barnesville. After a happy childhood on his father's farm near Henrysburg, he attended school and in early manhood began to fit himself for the law. His reading was conducted under Hon. John Davenport, and resulted in his admission to practice in 1862, Barnesville being selected by him as his field of action. In 1867 he was appointed attorney for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company and in 1879 was appointed general counsel of all lines of the Baltimore & Ohio, east of the Ohio River, and since that time his major interests have been centered in it. Since 1881 he has been located in Columbus, where he is an authority in his chosen profession. The first marriage of Judge Collins was to Rachel Judkins, and two children were born to this union, Essie B., being the only survivor. The second marriage of Judge Collins was to Harriet F. Davenport, in 1873.
Both Judge and Mrs. Collins belong to the Methodist Church. Their winter residence is in Columbus, but they spend their summers at a beautiful home located one mile west of Barnesville.
G. W. MEDILL, a retired wholesale merchant of Bridgeport, Ohio, was attentive to business for many years in this city and has a reputation for only square and honest dealings with his many friends and acquaintances. He is a son of Joseph and Nancy (Fleming) Medill, and was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, October 26, 1841.
Joseph Medill lived in his native country, Ireland, until he attained the age of twenty-one years, when he crossed the ocean and landed in Philadelphia. There he resided until his removal to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where he first met Nancy Fleming, a native of that county, who afterward became his wife, and was the mother of our subject. He then traveled to Ohio, and at a sheriff's sale at Steubenville he purchased the farm that became the family homestead. He farmed very extensively and was especially devoted to raising sheep for the wool. At one time he owned 1800 sheep and had possession of 1031 acres of land, owning more land than any other farmer in the county. At his death, when eighty-one years of age, Jefferson County, Ohio, lost one of her most proficient citizens and farmers. His beloved wife departed this life when forty-five years of age and she and her husband were members of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. She was a noble, kind-hearted woman, devoted to her church, and loved to be of help and assistance to any one suffering or troubled. Mr. Medill was first a Whig and later, until his death, a Democrat, and while much interested in politics, he would never accept the responsibilities of office.
Of the twelve children born to this estimable couple, four only are now living; William (2), now residing at Tiltonville, Ohio ; Margaret, the wife of Adam McCune, of Kansas; G. W., subject of this personal history;
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and Nancy, now Mrs. Dr. Kelley of Steubenville, Ohio. The children now deceased were: John, James, Thomas (1), Elizabeth, Joseph, Fleming, William (1), and Thomas (2) .
Our subject derived his education from various schools and colleges attending first the normal school at Hopedale, Ohio, where he completed a course with honor, and subsequently took a more thorough course in the Iron City Commercial College at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. When his school days were over, the work on the farm being quite heavy he assisted his father for nearly a year in these duties. Soon afterward he removed to Martin's Ferry, where he embarked in the merchandise business under his own name, continuing until he sold out in January, 1868. On February 28 of the same year he removed to Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, and again entered business as a wholesale grocer, under the firm name of Watkins, Ferguson & Co. Four years later he bought the share of Mr. Watkins and the firm became Ferguson & Medill which continued four years longer, when the business was sold out. For the year following our subject kept books for J. S. Bates & Co., when Bates, Junkins and Alexander had interests in the business; our subject finally bought one-half interest and with Ross Junkins ran the business with, success and profit until 1876, then concluded to buy the share of Mr. Junkins also, and conducted things by himself until 1889, then selling with profit. He enjoyed a vacation of a year, resting from the cares of business life and then once again started to work. this time in the capacity of clerk for Stone & Thomas of Wheeling, West Virginia. After three years of this work he left and opened up business in his own name as a retail grocer in Bridgeport, Ohio. For six years he met with the best of success, but his health broke down and he was compelled to sell the business to a Mr. Boston, and retire from active life.
November 4, 1870, Mr. Medill was united in matrimony with Mary A. Gray, a native of Bridgeport and a daughter of James A. Gray of Martin's Ferry. They have three children;namely, James G., secretary of the Laughlin Tin Mill at Martin's Ferry; Martha M. (now Mrs. John S. Goodwin), of East Liverpool, Ohio, where Mr. Goodwin is engaged in the pottery business,—they have on child, James; and George F., boss roll turner at Cambridge, Ohio. The family attend the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Medill are members, the former having been trustee for many years.
Mr. Medill served as township treasurer for nine years, being elected every year and was nominated for the tenth year, but declined. In politics he votes for the man who will be the best for the position.
Mr. Medill affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of blue lodge, chapter and commandery.
EUGENE M. WILKES, city clerk of the city of Barnesville, Ohio, and who is also interested in the Globe clothing establishment of this city as leading salesman, is one of the energetic and successful business men of the younger generation.
The birth of Mr. Wilkes was on November 12, 1873, in Noble County, Ohio, a son of Cyrus A. and Amanda (Moseley) Wilkes, the former of whom is an extensive farmer and respected resident of Morgan County, Ohio. A family of five children was born to the parents of our subject, three of whom still survive.
Mr. Wilkes secured the greater part of his excellent education in the common schools of Noble County, but at the age of 15 years he came to Barnesville, and has been identified with this city ever since. For 12 years he was the efficient clerk and bookkeeper in a grocery establishment, and at the same time took an active part in politics. Both lines brought him reward, the former close attention to business and display of activity making him a desired acquisition to the Globe clothing establishment, and the latter furnishing the Republican party
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with a most excellent citizen for the position of city clerk. His connection with the Globe dates from January, 1902, and with the civic position, from April, 1902.
On September 8, 1887, Mr. Wilkes was united in marriage with Katie Hackett, and two children were born to this union, namely : L. Wauneta and Helen B. Mr. Wilkes is socially inclined, and is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias and the Jr. O. U. A. M. Although young in years, he has shown so much interest in party matters and has displayed such excellent judgment that it is the opinion of his many friends that the future holds more rewards for his party integrity and activity.
JAMES F. DuBOIS, a young business man of Bellaire, Ohio, whose enterprise and ability have placed him in the forefront of a number of substantial enterprises in Bellaire, is one whose success may rank him in the future with other captains of industry.
James F. DuBois was born near Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1865, and is one of six sons born to John DuBois, who is well known in the lumber and planing-mill business. Morris DuBois, a brother to James F., served for a period as city treasurer of Bellaire. When about 12 years of age our subject came with his parents to Bellaire, and entered his father's planing-mill as bookkeeper, remaining there for several years. Later he became teller of the Dollar Savings Bank, where he remained for three years. As an organizer his ability was first shown in the forming of the Enterprise Enamel Company, of which he was secretary for some time. He then served for six months as secretary of the Novelty Stamping Company. Experience teaches, and through a number of business ventures and successes Mr. DuBois reached his present responsible position of secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Bellaire Brick Company, a Delaware corporation, recently formed. This business was established in the spring of 1900 by our subject, in conjunction with S. H. and H. H. Criswell, all being stockholders. In 1901 the business was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, with the following officers: S. H. Criswell, president; H. H. Criswell, vice-president, and James F. DuBois, secretary, treasurer and general manager. The business site was bought from J. A. Gallaher and Crozier Brothers, but the buildings have been almost entirely erected by the present company. Ten and one-half acres of ground are utilized, the clay and other ingredients being found on the place. The product is red brick, the capacity of a 10-hour day being from 35,000 to 40,000 bricks. The burning of the brick is done with coal, but natural gas is used for drying.
A notable invention belonging to and used by this company is the result of ideas of Mr. DuBois, which enables the company to take the wet clay from the bank, mold it into bricks, burn the bricks, and load them on the cars ready for shipment in 72 hours, and with but one handling. This is something entirely new in brick-making, and the invention is being rapidly developed to perfection. From 15 to 20 men are given employment.
The Enameled Steel Tile Company is a recently incorporated business enterprise of Bellaire, its articles of incorporation bearing date of June 25, 1902. The industry is for the manufacture of metallic tile, enameled. for use in bathrooms, for hearths, ceilings, in all colors and designs, with a finish which is guaranteed to be durable. The plant for this great industry will be located on lower Union street, and will have a capacity of 3,000 square feet of ceiling per day of To hours, and will give employment to a large number of people. It has been incorporated with a capital of $50,000, and its officers are the following substantial citizens: James F. DuBois, president; E. J. A. Drennen, of Martin's Ferry, vice-president ; J. W. Garber, secretary and treasurer: and William
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Landkrohn, manager. Mr. DuBois is a tireless worker, and he has ever at heart the best interests of those organizations with which he is connected.
Our subject was married in 1895 to a daughter of Alexander Heatherington, and a granddaughter of Jacob Heatherington. Jacob Heatherington is one of the most venerable residents of Belmont County, to which he came in 1832, and is nearing his 90th birthday. During his business career he was a very prominent coal operator. Mr. and Mrs. DuBois have one son, John Alexander. The family residence is located at No. 1766 Belmont street. The family are members of the Christian Church, although Mr. DuBois is liberal to all denominations. In politics he is a Republican, and is fraternally prominent as a Knight of Pythias and a Mason, being a member of Bellaire Lodge, F. & A. M., and also of the chapter and council of Bellaire.
THOMAS T. FRASIER, a retired builder and contractor of Bridgeport, Ohio, is a substantial and esteemed citizen of Belmont County, and is also a representative one in his line of activity. Mr. Frasier is a man of enlightened views and liberal ideas, many years of his life having been spent in most useful endeavor in various parts of the country, and he was no small factor in the progress and material development of some portions of it.
The birth of Mr. Frasier occurred in Belmont County, Ohio, on July 23, 1832, a son of Townsend and Elizabeth (Bailey) Frasier, the former of whom was a native of Loudoun County. Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. Townsend Frasier started for Ohio in young manhood, making the trip on horseback, riding behind another man. His business and occupation was that of bricklayer, but like other competent men of his time he was equally skilled in other trades. It was his hand that drove the first stake on the National Road on this side of the Ohio River, and it was his horse that first crossed the Ohio, on what was then thenew bridge, the rider of the horse being Daniel Zane. Mr. Frasier on account of the excellence of his work was employed to make the most of the bricks used in his locality and he did much of the work on many public buildings, one of these being the first bank built in Bridgeport, which he did by contract. For some years he conducted the old Stone Tavern, where our subject was born, but later removed to the farm of 108 acres where his son now resides. This land was originally the property of the Zanes, and Mr. Frasier was employed by them to lay off farms. This was his home until his death, at the age of 80 years. Few men were better or more favorably known in this locality than Townsend Frasier. His many years of consistent life in the Methodist Church made him acceptable in all of the offices of the laymen, and by example and precept he lived up to his professions. Mr. Frasier was married in St. Clairsville. Mrs. Frasier also was a devout member of the Methodist Church. She died at the age of 82 years. They were both known as pioneers of the county and were most excellent people, and though gone their many good deeds and acts of kindness afford pleasing memories to many who are yet living. In cases of sickness, distress and other emergencies, they were always found where they could do the greatest good. Their nine children were the following: Alfred, who died unmarried at the age of 20 years; Charles, who died at the age of 60 years, was a farmer; James, who died when about 30 years of age, went with a party to California, in 1849; Adeline, who first married John Huss, and second, Jason Pool, died at about 50 years of age; Elizabeth, who married Amos Osborne; Thomas, who is the subject of this biography; Joseph, who is deceased ; Wesley B., who resides in this county; and William, who is also a farmer in Belmont County.
Thomas T. Frasier was 18 years of age when he completed his school days and then began to learn the building trade under his brother-in-law, Amos Osborne, later going to Bureau County, Illinois, where he worked at his trade for one year and then was one of a party
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of four who went to Iowa, to lay off land warrants. He remained during one summer at Newton and then went to Leavenworth, Kansas, finding plenty and remunerative work there at his trade, for eight years. Mr. Frasier then began his adventurous career as a freighter, making the trip to Denver, twice a year, with oxteams. This business he followed for five years and during this time made nine trips, his preparations for the tenth being interrupted by active Indian hostilities. With his teams he returned to Leavenworth and there loaded up with government goods for Fort Gibson. However he was able to get no farther than Fort Scott as the escort got too far ahead, and that winter the train had to camp there. In the spring of 1866 he took the overland route to Montana, with oxteams, and was 103 days on the way, fording streams, crossing gulches and over almost impassable roads, at last making the great crossing of the Platte, at Julesburg. Mr. Frasier saw many wild adventures and witnessed many thrilling incidents, at all times doing his part toward the peaceful adjustment of differences. At Fort Carney this expedition halted for a short time, but finally reached the intended destination and delivered the goods.
Mr. Frasier remained for three years in Montana, during which time he engaged in prospecting and did some mining, returning then to his home. The great West attracted him again, resulting in a second visit to Montana, in 1868, and during the succeeding three years he became much interested in gold mining, and finally became the owner of a claim which he later sold to an English company. During this period, in company with 16 others, Mr. Frasier started from Deer Lodge, and visited the section which is now the great National Park, enjoying its beauties and wonders before art had done anything to spoil nature's own handiwork in that grand canyon. In the fall of the same year, our subject returned to Ohio, his travels and experiences having given him an education which whole libraries could not have bestowed.
Since locating permanently in Bridgeport,Mr. Frasier has done a vast amount of work in the line of his trade, and has also been interested in other activities. He has erected many dwellings, and has erected all the tipples for the Wheeling Creek Coal Company, also at Crescent and at Barton. One of his private enterprises has been the building of a number of comfortable cottage homes, suitable for the families of miners, and which are sold to them as their means permit them to buy. This has been a much appreciated charity and has encouraged many a struggling but honest miner to better his condition. This is what Mr. Frasier believes to be true philanthropy, to help others to help themselves. For many years he has shown deep interest in educational matters by service on the School Board and has been a very liberal supporter of public-spirited enterprises. For a long period he has been a trustee in the Presbyterian Church. As a financier he has been a conservative vice-president of the Dollar Savings Bank of Bridgeport. He was a charter member of the Linwood Cemetery Association and is one of its officers. Mr. Frasier is an ex-officio justice of the peace of Brookside, which is a suburb of Bridgeport.
In 1882 Mr. Frasier was married to Sarah E. Enlow, who was born in Belmont County, a daughter of John and Mary (DuBois) Enlow, and the two children born to this union are : M. Margaret and Thomas Townsend.
WILLIAM KOEHNLINE, a contractor, builder, and real estate man of Bridgeport, Ohio, has led an active life since his early years. He is a son of John M. and Elizabeth (Klem) Koehnline and was born in Benwood, Marshall County, (West) Virginia, April 4, 1858.
John M. Koehnline was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born in 1816, and in 1838 left his native country and came to the United States, being on the water four months in a sailing vessel. Bellaire became his home upon his arrival in this country, and some time later he removed to Marshall County, West Virginia, previous to locating permanently in Bridge-
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port in the winter of 1863. There he bought coal mines and shipped the coal from them as far south as New Orleans. He made a success of his business and was respected by all who knew him.
He chose for his wife Elizabeth Klem also of German nativity, and claiming Baden as her birthplace. They had a family of six children, who were as follows : Elizabeth married Nicholas Zimmer, and died in her fifty-eighth year. John was engaged for twenty years in partnership with our subject, William, in the coal business and his death took place recently, April 14, 1902, at the age of sixty-two years. He served his country valiantly for four years as a private in one of the companies recruited in West Virginia. Before the close of the war he was severely wounded by a shell and up to the time of his death it caused him trouble and pain. Jacob, who enlisted in the war about the same time as his brother, was in a different regiment and served nearly four years also. His death at Carlton, Kentucky, in 1866, was caused by cholera after a sickness of about five hours. Catherine B., who was Mrs. William Conway, is now deceased. Henry resides in Bridgeport. William, subject of these lines, is the youngest in the family.
Mr. Koehnline's death took place in 1875 and his widow survived him until she attained the age of eighty-one years and five months and then also departed this life, on the 5th day of February, 1899. Both parents were members of the German Lutheran Church.
William Koehnline received his education in the public schools of Bridgeport, and subsequently embarked in the coal and ice business, in partnership with his brother, John, under the firm name of Koehnline Brothers, continuing for twenty years when he engaged in business as a real estate dealer and a contractor and builder, in which he has continued to the present day. Success has crowned his efforts and he is esteemed as a good citizen who is public-spirited and enterprising. He served as school director seven years, and for eleven years was councilman, serving during the period when the city progressed rapidly and built the sewerage and water works as necessary improvements to its welfare and advancement.
November 17, 1889, our subject was united in marriage with Rachel Fox, a daughter of Jacob and Christiana Fox, and a native of Belmont County. She was one of a number of children, seven of whom are now living, as follows : Lizzie, now Mrs. Lewis Cook; William; Fred; Rachel, wife of our subject; Henry; Mary, employed as cashier for the Bell Telephone Company; and Edward.
Our subject and his wife have five children, four of whom are attending school. They are as follows : William, Irvin, Mabel, Elizabeth, and an infant. The family are all faithful members of the German Lutheran Church. In fraternal circles he affiliates with the F. & A. M. He is considered one of the substantial and essential citizens of Bridgeport and certainly does his part to help in its advancement.
HON. CAPELL L. WEEMS. One of the leading citizens of Belmont County, Ohio, is Capell L. Weems, who has made an honorable record, both as legislator and prosecuting attorney for the county.
Mr. Weems is an Ohio product, born in Noble County, July 7, 1860, being a son of David L. and Hester A. Weems, the former of whom was born in Maryland, and the latter in Ohio. Their residence is now in Summerfield, Noble County, and they are aged respectively 69 and 60 years. For a period David L. Weems was well known in the tobacco packing trade, and later as a reliable carpenter and builder. For some years he has lived retired from activity. Mrs. Weems is a member of the Methodist Church in Summerfield. They reared four children, Capell L. being the eldest, and the others as follows : Mason O., an educator and county superintendent, in Ohio, who is now taking a post-graduate course at Ada, Ohio ; William H., who is a stenographer in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and Dora A.. whose husband is superintendent of an artificial ice plant, at Memphis, Tennessee, she having
564 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY.
for some years been a nurse in a private sanitarium in the same city.
The early education and training of our subject was that which the average American boy of the day receives, in the public schools, except that he earlier than usual began a career as educator. Taking a short course in the normal school, he started out at the age of 16 years and not only succeeded in the country districts, but was soon promoted to higher positions and was finally made superintendent of the Senecaville schools, filling this responsible position, notwithstanding his youth, until he left it to enter upon the practice of law, the study of which he had been pursuing in the meantime. His preceptors were McGinnis & Dalzell, of Caldwell, Ohio, and there he was admitted to the bar in October, 1881 and began practice in 1883. Our subject entered upon his law course in partnership with Mr. McGinnis, and the firm style adopted was that of McGinnis & Weems which continued until 1889, at which time Mr. Weems removed to Cleveland to accept a partnership there with William T. Clark and R. D. Updegraff.
In May, 1890, Mr. Weems removed from Cleveland and located at St Clairsville, Ohio. Prior to. this, in 1884, while still one of the youngest members of the bar of Noble County, his ability was so manifest that he was elected prosecuting attorney, and his career in this office increased public confidence in such a measure, that before the expiration of his first term he was nominated and elected a member of the House of Representatives. It was no small honor for the young member to be placed upon the judiciary committee and the esteem in which he was held could have been no more fittingly shown, than it was by his selection as a member of the joint committee of the two houses, which met in the recess of 1888. This committee prepared the constitutional amendments that were submitted to the people of the State in 1889, and on account of his legal learning and unerring judgment, much of the work fell upon Mr. Weems. In 1893 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Belmont County, although his opponent was an older resident an and
more widely known, but his vigorous administration during his first term gave him a popularity that was exhibited at his second election, when he ran far ahead of the general and national ticket. Since residing in St. Clairsville, Mr. Weems has carried on his large practice alone and has covered a wide field of work. His interest in political questions is always active and during important campaigns his services are placed at the command of his party leaders, his oratorical powers making him a valued speaker.
On November 6, 1883, Mr. Weems was united in marriage with Mary B. Nay, a native of West Virginia, and a daughter of P. G. Nay, who is engaged in the silversmith business at Knightstown, Indiana. The three children born to this union are: Chester N., Milton M. and Lillian A. Mrs. Weems is very actively connected with the Methodist Church and is the president of the missionary society of that body. Mr. Weems is a man of genial, social nature and his fraternal connections are with the blue lodge, F. & A. M., the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. Mr. Weems has been prominently before the public for a number of years, he has borne the limelight of criticism as all public men must do, but his record as a good and efficient officer and as a true and worthy citizen is before the world; and he can easily abide by its verdict.
THOMAS R. MORROW, superintendent and sexton of the Northern and Southern Cemetery, at Barnesville, Ohio, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, April 2, 1831, and was a babe of five weeks when he was taken by his father to Barnesville, where he was reared and educated. His parents were John and Evelyn (Peck) Morrow, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, in 1806. He learned the trade of carpenter and followed it through life, his death occurring on August 23, 1884. He was an intelligent and well educated man and left many friends to mourn his loss.
Our subject was one of a family of seven children, having one brother and three half sis-
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ters and two half brothers. When he selected his life work he chose the vocation of blacksmith and had his training at the forge under William H. Moore, and followed the business until 1862. His next work was as baggage master at Barnesville, with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and he remained in that capacity for three years. In 1875 he was appointed to his present position and has most efficiently performed its duties ever since. His taste and care have made the cemetery under his charge a very beautiful spot.
On October 4, 1853, Mr. Morrow was united in marriage with Julia A. Gardner, a daughter of Joseph Gardner, formerly of Barnesville, and three daughters were born to this union. Mr. Morrow is identified with the Democratic party, and for many years has been in affiliation with the order of Odd Fellows. With his family he attends the Methodist Church and is one of its leading members. Mr. Morrow is one of the oldest residents of Barnesville and enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends. Despite his advancing years he possesses eyesight that might be envied by those much younger, while his memory reaches back to the days when many of the modern comforts of life were still unthought of in the little town which now is the bustling city of Barnesville.
WILLIAM A. SHARP, a representative farmer and respected citizen of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born May 14, 1858, on the farm which he now owns and occupies, this being land entered from the government by his grandfather, George Sharp, in 1806. The latter was a native of Pennsylvania, and was evidently a man of foresight and excellent business ability, for he not only secured 640 acres of land in the newly opened territory, but later increased it. He resided upon this farm and spent his life clearing and improving it, and here reared a large family.
William Sharp, son of George, and father of William A., was born in 1809, and inheriting his father's large estate, followed farming through life and died May 18, 1859. On November 14, 1838, he married Caroline Harrah, who was born on January 22, 1814, on a farm near Lafferty station, where her father, Alexander Harrah, had settled in 1802. The birth of the latter was on July 7, 1779, and his death occurred July 15, 1859. His wife Jane was born October 17, 1780, and died March 8, 1861. The mother of our subject died October 20, 1886. The children born to William and Caroline Sharp were these Isoline, born October 5, 1839, married Samuel Campbell May 19, 1869, and they reside at St. Clairsville; Agnes, born June 16, 1841, married Alexander C. Patton, who is deceased, and she resides near Springfield, with two children; James Alexander, born February 21, 1843, died June 11, 1848 ; George, born March 23, 1845, married on May 20, 1874, Mary J. Walker, and they live at Mutual, Ohio, and have eight children : Joseph L., born May 28, 1847, was married November 30, 1876, to Susanna Frater, and lived on the home farm until both died, leaving five children,—Harry, born June 10, 1879, George and Caroline, twins, born September 7, 1883, and Samuel and Isoline, twins, born May 12, 1893, who .make their home on a part of the old Sharp homestead ; Grizella Jane, born September 2, 1849, was married June 28, 1877, to John M. Finney, and lives near Cedarville, having five surviving children; Ethelinda, born November 15, 1851, was married November 15, 1871, to M. C. Brownlee, and they live at Columbus, Missouri, and have eight children; and William A., who is the subject of this record.
Mr. Sharp was educated liberally, attending both Wooster University and Franklin College. He has devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, having charge of the old homestead farm ; has been very successful in raising fine cattle, his herds of AberdeenAngus cattle being among the most valuable in the county. He also owns and operates a portable sawmill, and also is interested in the movements looking to the development of the coal and oil interests of Belmont County. For several years he was a member of the Uniontown Band, but has sev
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ered official connection with it. He is a man of business and active in its promotion, but takes little interest in political matters. Mr. Sharp is rather liberal in his religious views, but inclines to the body of United Brethren to which his good mother belonged. He is most highly esteemed in Wheeling township where his family has so long had an honorable record.
ISAAC NEWLAND, mayor of the city of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, justice of the peace, a leader in the contracting and building trade, and a progressive, publicspirited citizen, was born in Kirkwood, a suburb of Bridgeport, on December 29, 1841.
The parents of Mayor Newland were John K. and Jane M. (Sims) Newland, both of whom were born in New York and married in Wetzel County, (West) Virginia, coming to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1837. Mr. Newland opened the first lumber yards in Belmont County, locating them in Bridgeport, and did an immense lumber business for many years all over the county, in which he became well known and relied upon. Mr. Newland's knowledge of lumber was complete and although he dealt in it individually, he also at times had partners, and one of these was John Nelson, an old and esteemed resident. Mr. Newland was connected by bonds of friendship with such men as Ebenezer Zane and with the latter was interested in many progressive enterprises for the development of Belmont County. His death occurred in 1867, at the age of 66 years, a member of the Christian Church, in Wheeling. His widow passed away in 1881 at the age of 68 years, a woman of character and virtue, one who bravely endured the privations of pioneer life.
The family moved to Martin's Ferry in the spring of 1857. Mr. Newland purchased farming land from Noah Zane, a son of Daniel, and here he made a vineyard, having some 40 acres in grapes. This vineyard was rented by our subject and his brother from the father, and in the early spring of 1869 the vinespromised well. However, a terrific hailstorm on May 29th of that year tore down the vines and destroyed all hope of grapes. In the following year, however, this loss was made up, as during 1870 the family picked and sold 65 tons from the rested vines, at $100 a ton. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Newland were : William, Archimedes, A. D., Isaac, John K., Mary and Jennie.
The primary education of Mayor Newland was acquired in his native place, and later he entered the public school in Martin's Ferry. After finishing his education he began to farm and operate the vineyard and garden on the home place. From these rural and peaceful employments he was aroused by President Lincoln's call for troops, and in April, 1861, enlisted for a fourmonths' service. At its close the men were paid in full, and he received his pay in gold, at the old Rhodes Hotel, in Bridgeport. After a visit at home he reenlisted. first entering Capt. Frank Buell's battery, but later was transferred to the 11th Ohio Cavalry, and his command was sent to fight the Indians in the Western territories. Prior to this he had participated in the battle of Cross Keys and other engagements, in West Virginia, and his later service consumed two and onehalf years, making his full term four and twothird years. During his Western service the duty was principally to keep open the road for the Overland Mail to California. During his residence in these regions he met Buffalo Bill, whose name is well known in this and other countries, and he also belonged to the party that accompanied the Grand Duke Alexis when, during his visit to the United States, he shot buffalo through our Western lands. Mayor Newland assisted in taking about 700 Indian ponies on the Little Big Horn, near where the brave General Custer met death in 1876. Later these ponies were sold, at Fort Laramie, by the government. During all his perilous service, our subject was never wounded or taken prisoner.
Upon his return to Ohio, Mayor Newland engaged in building and contracting, making a specialty of school buildings, although many
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handsome residences in this vicinity testify to his skill as a builder. In May, 1900, Mayor Newland was elected justice of the peace, and the duties of this position made it necessary for him to withdraw from other activity. Although he has been an interested Republican, he has never been a politician in the sense of an office seeker, and the office of mayor was given him by appreciative friends and fellowcitizens.
Mayor Newland returned from the army in August, 1866, and in the fall of the same year was married to Laura Moore, a native of this county. a daughter of James and Anna Moore, who came to Ohio from New York. Mr. Moore was a native of England, an old resident of Belmont County, and at one time owned a large woolen factory.
The five children born to Mayor Newland and wife were : Frank, who died at the age of 18 months; Hally B., a contractor in Martin's Ferry, who married a Miss Burney, has two children—John K., and Gene; Annie, who married Robert Harper, resides in Pittsburg and has one son—Richard; Mary, who died at the age of one year ; and Margaret, who is a student in the High School.
CAPT. BURGET McCONNAUGHY, a retired coal dealer of Bridgeport, Ohio, and an extensive property owner, was born November 17, 1828. He is a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Glass) McConnaughy, who were among the most prominent citizens of Bridgeport, Ohio.
Joseph McConnaughy was a native of Maryland and his birth dates back to October, 1801. In early manhood he located in Jefferson County, Ohio, and was employed for many years at Moore's Salt Works. In 1831 he came to Belmont County, but the following year returned to Jefferson County to escape the ravages of the cholera, which was quite prevalent in Bridgeport for several months. Returning, he engaged in the manufacture of brick and also became an expert bricklayer. He was a contractor and built many of the old time residences and edifices in the vicinity, among them the Methodist Episcopal Church at Scott's. He also took contracts for excavating and road building and in that capacity worked upon the old National Road, furnishing stone, etc. He filled many large contracts for hauling, for bridges, buildings, etc. He was a very prominent man in the community. He was one of the organizers of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Bridgeport, and was among the most active members of that church. He donated the lot upon which the church was built in the west end, which is in his first addition to the city. He also served as trustee of his township during the war. His useful career was cut short by his death, January 19, 1887, when he was in his 86th year. He laid out his farm into city lots and in this way he made five additions to Bridgeport, covering a period of 52 years. His wife was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and she died in 1876, aged 76 years. Ten children were born to this worthy couple, namely, Mary, who married William Taylor; Elizabeth, who married Amos Davis; Milton, a resident of Kirkwood ; Burget, the subject of this biography; Matilda, who married J. C. Duncan ; James ; Joseph ; William; Martin L., a resident of Bridgeport; and Emma S., who married James Cochran. All are now deceased except our subject, his brothers, Milton and Martin L., and his sister, Elizabeth.
Captain McConnaughy was educated in the public schools of the west end of Bridgeport and also attended a private subscription school. While still in his youth, he began teaming for his father, and at the early age of 17 hauled bacon, lard and tobacco over the old National Read across the mountains to Cumberland, Maryland,—a distance of 132 miles. From nine to ten days were required to make the trip each way, and he brought dry goods, etc., back with him. Five horses were used by our subject in making this trip, and his brother Milton, who did similar teaming, drove six horses.
November 21, 1848, when 20 years old, Captain McConnaughy was united in marriage with Elizabeth De Noon, a native of Belleville, Pennsylvania, and the only survivor of a large family. Her father was Elias D. De Noon.
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One brother, William, served in the war for three years. Another brother, Benjamin, died in the State of New York. A sister, Tabitha, married Miles Hutchinson.
After his marriage Captain McConnaughy continued in the transfer business, also purchasing coal from his father, which he sold and delivered to his customers, and made a very fair income. In the fall of 1860, with his brother Joseph, he loaded coal into boats, intending to go to New Orleans. They started on September 12th, and upon reaching Louisville, Kentucky, the river suddenly fell and they were compelled to lay there until October. They then proceeded on their way together to Helena, Arkansas, where they separated, our subject taking one boat and his brother the other. At St. Joseph, Missouri, and Helena, Arkansas, they began selling coal by the barrel. As they neared New Orleans they exchanged coal for sugar and molasses, and upon reaching that city were compelled to sell out at half price. It was then January 8, 1861, and the climate was uncomfortably warm for Northerners in more ways than one. Hastily disposing of his cargo for what he could obtain, Captain McConnaughy returned to Cairo, Illinois, his brother following three weeks later,—each a sadder and wiser man, having lost $600 apiece on the trip.
The Captain has a war record which is second to few in this section. He is a veteran who carried the gun and sword for more than five years and took part in many of the leading engagements. As a soldier of the Army of the Potomac, he made a record that all his descendants can point to with pride. June 5, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company A, 25th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., which was put in the 11th Army Corps just prior to the battle of Gettysburg. The first battle in which he took active part was at Green Brier, West Virginia. This was followed by the battles of Chancellorsville, Second Bull Run, and the great battle of Gettysburg. During the latter every commissioned officer in his company fell, with the exception of one, a second lieutenant. In all, our subject took part in more than 20 important battles and he was also in about 70 skirmishes. January 1, 1863, he reenlisted in South Carolina, and then went home on a 30 days' furlough, returning at its close to Hilton Head, where he was stationed for six months. November 31, 1864, during an engagement at Honey Hill, South Carolina, he was severely but not dangerously wounded in the thigh. Captain McConnaughy served five years and thirteen days and did not receive his discharge until June 18, 1866, over a year after the surrender of Lee. Enlisting as a private, he was soon made corporal and two years later was promoted to sergeant. Promotion again followed and he became second lieutenant, serving as such, however, only one day, and that at Gettysburg. From first lieutenant he was made captain of Company G, 25th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and as such received honorable discharge.
Captain and Mrs. McConnaughy have reared four children, two sons and two daughters, and have lost two, Dorcas and William. Those living are Joseph, Emma, Elias, and Anna. Joseph has been twice married. His first union was with Mary Birdsall and his second with Mrs. Sarah Radcliff. He has three children, Charles, Harry, and Lottie, and has lost four. Emma has also been twice married. Her first marriage was contracted with Robert McCullough and one child, Burt, who still survives, was the issue. She is now the wife of William Williams. Elias married Jennie Nichols, and they have seven children. Anna, who is the present Mrs. John Oxentine, was first wedded to George Shafer, by whom she had one son, Edward.
Captain McConnaughy is a valued member of Branum Post, G. A. R., and is now serving as senior vicecommander. He was quartermaster of the same for four years. Before the war he served one term in the City Council. Since the war he has served as trustee of Pease township for 13 successive years. He was elected a member of the School Board and has served 19 years, and his service in that capacity has proved most beneficial. He is on the committee for repairs, painting and building.
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The Captain has also been director of the .Belmont County Infirmary for four years, filling one long term and one short term. He has been presiding judge in the Second Ward ever since the Australian ballot system has been in use, and is filling that position at the present time. Some time since he was elected president of the Home Building & Loan Association, and served as such for nine consecutive years. That organization has recently squared up all accounts and has gone out of existence.
Religiously, our subject is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. November 10, 1872, he was made a trustee and subsequently became steward. Politically, he is an ardent Republican. However, he did not vote for President Lincoln when he was first elected President on account of being away from home, being at that time in Louisville. In 1864 he made his vote count, being then at Folly Island, South Carolina, when he served as judge of election. He was with Capt. Charles Worth, when that gentleman was shot by a sharpshooter.
Upon his return from the war, Captain McConnaughy purchased 25 acres of land, upon which he opened a coal mine in the following August. By October seven men were at work in the mine, which goes to prove the hustling qualities of our subject. For 16 years this mine was successfully operated, and at the close of that time the land was sold at the same price as the purchase money, having yielded its owner a fair income for all those years and returning him the original sum of investment.
JAMES W. WISE, senior member of the basket manufacturing firm of \Vise & Dewees, of Barnesville, Ohio, proprietors of the extensive industry known as the Barlow Basket Company, is one of the city's most progressive business men.
The Wise family is one of the oldest in Belmont County, the grandfather of James W. having been born here in 1817. He passed away in the spring of 1902, when almost 85years of age. The subject of this sketch was born in the vicinity of Bellaire, Ohio, on his father's farm, August 25, 1871, and is a son of John A. and Mary (Williams) Wise. John A. Wise is well known as a skilled and successful gardener.
James W. Wise attended the common schools in his vicinity, and for a number of years was connected with the canning industry. He acted as manager of a large canning establishment in Barnesville for a considerable period, and is now working in the same capacity with the E. C. Flains Company, which purchased the canning plant. In 1898 he accepted a similar position in an extensive establishment in Carthage, Indiana, where he remained one year. His business ability made him desire to enter into an industrial line of his own, and this he was enabled to do by the purchase of a half interest in the Barlow Basket Company. This is the only concern of its kind in Barnesville, and is equipped for the manufacture of fruit and vegetable baskets, packages and crates of 30 different styles. The company ships its products extensively to Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. It has a capacity of 20,000 baskets daily, and employs during the busy season about 35 hands. The receipts aggregate from $7,000 to $8,000 annually, and the plant covers a space of half an acre, being valued at $6,000.
Mr. Wise was married in December, 1899, to Inez Barlow, a daughter of Amos Barlow, a prominent business man of Barnesville, who established the basket company in 1887, under the style of A. Barlow & Son. The elder Barlow withdrew from the company in 1899. Mr. \Vise succeeded him in the concern, his partner being W. H. Barlow, and the business was thus conducted until 1902, when Mr. Barlow sold his interest to Samuel Dewees, and the enterprise became known as the Barlow Basket Company.
In politics Mr. Wise is identified with the Republican party. He and his wife are valued members of the Methodist Church. His ability as a business man has been in evidence since he has become associated with the Barlow Bas
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ket Company, and not only his products but his methods have marked him as worthy of the esteem of the community and the confidence of the trade.
SAMUEL A. CLEMENS, who is a leading business man of Bridgeport, Ohio, operating one of the most complete grocery stores in the city, and who is also a most highly esteemed citizen, was born in Belmont County, January 29, 1830, a son of Augustus and Ann (Carnahan) Clemens, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania.
Augustus Clemens was a ship carpenter by trade and this occupation he followed through life. After locating in Ohio he engaged in the building of boats for the Ohio River trade, many of these being for the transportation of coal. He died in 1852, at Bridgeport, of the cholera, which at that time was epidemic. Many of the people had fled and it was most difficult to procure help to decently dispose of the dead. He consented to prepare one Bloomfield for burial, and two hours later succumbed to the dread malady himself. He was known as a most worthy, kindhearted man, one who was always ready to extend assistance, and his death was doubly sad on this account and because it left his wife and three children practically without means of livelihood.
The mother of our subject was one of those noble, courageous women whose lives of selfdenial and devotion command the reverent attention of all who learn of them. She was born on January 23, 1803, and was a daughter of Robert and Ann Carnahan, who were natives of Ireland. They came to America and settled in youth in the State of Pennsylvania, were married there and reared a family of seven children, among whom were : Thomas, John, Margaret, now Mrs. John Bailey, Mary, Elizabeth, now Mrs. Watkins, and Mrs. Clemens. The latter lived until December 29, 1892, a devout member of the Methodist Church. After the death of her husband she faced the world with three small children, one of these being a babebut eight weeks old, and by her good management, thrift and care, reared them to respectable maturity, receiving no assistance from friends or relatives. Very often in those early years it taxed her heavily to provide for and to educate her little flock, but she managed to do it and is remembered with grateful affection by these children. Our subject was the second member of the family and had two sisters, one of these, Jane, is the wife of Hon. David Wagner of West Wheeling, now retired, formerly an exState Senator ; the other, Cornelia L., was Mrs. D. B. Kirk, who died in 1892.
Our subject was "the only son of his mother," and she being a widow, he early began his efforts to contribute to the support of the family, entering an establishment to learn the carpet trade as soon as he completed a course in a private school. This trade, however, he never followed, later beginning work in a paper mill on the Wheeling side of the river. There our subject spent 30 years of his life, an expert in the business and was known as a finisher. When Dr. Todd became postmaster of Bridgeport, (luring the administration of President Grant, he looked about for a reliable man for his assistant and selected for the position Samuel A. Clemens, and three years were passed in that office. After the close of his official life, Mr. Clemens went to work in a planing mill known as Baggs' mill, and remained there over five years, and during that whole period lost but five and onehalf days. Here he was engaged in making boxes for use in the glass houses. Changing his business at that time, our subject then bought out the grocery store of James Clark, which was then located on the present site of Dent's drug store. Three months later he purchased the new wellappointed grocery store which he now occupies, and since that time has steadily enlarged and expanded his business until he now leads in the grocery line.
When President Lincoln made his call for 75,000 men in 1861, our subject was one who loyally responded. He gave four years of service to the government, in the quartermaster's department under Col. H. C. Ransom,
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in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. At first Mr. Clemens was engaged as ateamster, at $20 a month, but Colonel Ransom was a very good friend to him and was a classmate of General Grant. The Colonel was glad to have a quiet, industrious, reliable man, with a good record about him, and instead of giving our subject a team he put him at other work requiring ability and when the war closed the latter was drawing and earning a salary of $80 a month. During the campaign in Kentucky he was wagonmaster and had charge of the teams of General Granger's command and these teams through all the dangers and disadvantages incident to storms, bad roads and marauding parties, succeeded in getting provisions to the soldiers, a very necessary part of the great game of war.
The marriage of Judge Clemens, for he has long served as a most efficient justice of the peace, being now in his fourth term, took place December 26, 1854, to Catherine Loe, a native of Belmont County. To this marriage these children were born : Ella B., who married Milton B. Morgan, and has two children, Earl and Milton; and Harry A., who is his father's efficient clerk. The mother of these children died February 23, 1862, aged 33 years, while our subject was in the army. She was a devout member of the Methodist Church.
The second marriage of our subject took place on October 15, 1865, to Mary E. Hornage, a native of Belmont County, a daughter of George Homage. No children of this marriage survive. She was born February to, 1837, and died February 10, 1899, a good Christian woman, and a consistent member of the Methodist Church. The only members of the family of his wife who still survive are David Loe, of West Wheeling, and Robert Lowe, of Wood County, Ohio. A sister of the second Mrs. Clemens, Margaret A. Homage, has made her home with our subject for many years.
Mr. Clemens is one of the most enterprising and substantial citizens of Bridgeport. In his official position he has been a great peacemaker, settling many disputes without litigation. Heis one of the trustees of the Methodist Church and has filled many positions on its official board. Fraternally, Mr. Clemens is a blue lodge Mason, and politically he supports the Republican party. His long residence has made him familiar to almost every one in Bridgeport, and it is a testimonial to his worth that he is held in such general esteem.
ANDREW JAMES NEFF, who owns several fine farms in Belmont County, Ohio, resides upon the home farm in section 17, Pultney township, where his birth took place in 1850. His life has practically been spent upon that place. This farm contains 214 acres, is finely improved with handsome residence, substantial barns, granaries, etc. The house itself was built by Mr. Neff's father in 1842, but many of the improvements have been added by our subject. In addition, our subject owns a 137acre farm in the valley south, and a 120acre tract in Mead township, in all about 500 acres. Most of this land is under lease, but the home farm is operated by Mr. Neff, who makes a specialty of raising fine fruits, especially peaches. Some attention is also paid to stock raising and a glimpse into his stock pens and pastures reveals the presence of some choice breeds.
Andrew J. Neff is a son of Andrew, Sr., and Jane (Alexander) Neff. His mother was a daughter of Robert Alexander, one of the pioneer settlers of Belmont County. He was ablacksmith by trade and was an expert workman in that line, conducting for many years a shop near St. Clairsville Junction. He purchased a farm in that vicinity, and cleared much of the land himself. Subject's father also followed agricultural pursuits and further mention is made of his life in the more complete history of the Neff family given in another part of this volume. He had three sons, John W., a resident of Richland township; Alexander, of Pultney township, and Andrew James, the subject of this narrative.
Andrew J. Neff attended public school in
578 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
his native township and also a private institution of learning near Bethel. His life has been devoted almost wholly to farming in its various branches, and success has met his efforts. He is the proud possessor of the ancestral homestead, which he obtained by purchasing the interest of the other heirs. His marriage with Mary A. Brannen, a daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Shahan) Brannen, of Pultney township, has resulted in four children. Two of these died young,—one an infant yet unnamed, and the other, Charles A., who was seven months old at the time of his death. The surviving children are Herbert B. and Hazel J. The former is attending commercial college in Bellaire and the latter is a student in the St. Clairsville schools. Mrs, Neff's parents were among the early settlers in Pultney township and are still highly esteemed residents of that community.
In politics Mr. Neff is a faithful advocate of the Democratic party. He takes a becoming interest in both national and municipal issues. He is largely concerned in various business organizations in his section and at the present time is serving in an official capacity for several. He stands well in social and religious circles, being an active member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church.
JAMES MITCHELL BLACKFORD, M. D. Among the prominent men of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, who stand high in professional and social life, is Dr. James Mitchell Blackford, who was born in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, on January 24, 1837, a son of Joseph and Isabella (Latimer) Blackford.
Joseph Blackford was a son of Robert Blackford who served as a soldier in the War of 1812 and whose wife was given a pension after his death, in 1832, in this county, of Asiatic cholera. Joseph Blackford settled on his farm which he purchased in 1832, and lived there until his death, which occurred on February 29. 1880, when over 82 years of age, his birth having taken place in Ohio County, ( West) Virginia, in 1797. He was a leading man in his township and most prominent in the Presbyterian Church, a charter member of the church in Martin's Ferry, having previously been an elder in the church at Mount Pleasant in Jefferson County. For 35 years he was an elder in the Martin's Ferry church and one of its most substantial members and strong supporters. Mr. Blackford was for many years a stanch Democrat, but his attitude in regard to temperance laws made him an early member of the Prohibition party. His farming was carried on in the days when the rule of the neighborhood in which he lived, was to supply his assistants during the heavy summer work with intoxicants ; he, however, after noting the effect would not observe the custom and took a firm stand against it. In this he was seconded by his friend and neighbor, Joshua Steele, a worthy Quaker, and they were the first mien to succeed in having their harvesting clone without the dispensation of whisky. It was probably due to the high personal character of these two men that so little trouble arose when they thus dared custom and public opinion, but they succeeded by their firmness in checking a growing evil, and finally turning the tide in favor of temperance. A brother of Joseph Blackford, Robert by name, located on a farm in Pease township in 1841, and lived a quiet, unassuming life, was known as an excellent blacksmith and as an exemplary citizen. He died in 1891, at the age of 79 Years. His son Josiah, fell into the hands of the enemy at the battle of Chickamauga and his fate was never learned.
The mother of our subject was a daughter of William Latimer and was born in 1805, the youngest of a family of eight children, all of whom have passed away. In 1800 William Church. A family of six sons was born to Latimer came with John Wiley, from Pennsylvania, and settled on adjoining sections of land in Belmont County on what is now known as the Colerain Pike. One son of Mr. Latimer named William was killed in the War of 1812. Mrs. Blackford died at the age of 66 years. She was long a member of the Presbyterian Church. A family of six sons was born to
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Joseph Blackford and wife, namely : William H.. deceased, who farmed the old homestead, died Sept. 14, 1902, aged 75 ; Rev. Alexander Latimer, D. D., who for 30 years was a missionary in Brazil, died during a visit to the United States in 1890 of yellow fever at Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 62 years; Rev. Robert Allen. who was a minister for 13 years at Clarksburg, West Virginia, and died in 1896; Rev. John H., a Presbyterian minister for many years, and has been stationed since 1897, at Slatelick, Pennsylvania; Dr. James Mitchell, who is the subject of this biography; and Joseph Anderson, who died at the age of eight years. All of these sons that grew to maturity have become prominent in professional life, testifying in the strongest degree the tendency given by early moral surroundings.
Dr. Blackford acquired his literary education at Miller Academy, and later pursued a higher course at Vermilion Institute. His preceptor in medicine was that eminent physician, Dr. John Campbell, of Uniontown. Ohio, of whom Dr. John Cook. formerly of Bridgeport, was also a pupil. Dr. Blackford still further pursued his studies at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and completed his course at Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in 1865. He began practice at Morristown, Ohio, removing in 1873 to Martin's Ferry. thus being the second oldest practitioner in this city, being preceded by Dr. Williams. Dr. Blackford has always held a large practice, his learning and skill making him prominent through the county and a very valued member of the Belmont County Medical Society, of which he has served as president. He is a ready writer as well as deep thinker and his contributions to medical journals have been regarded as worthy of extended notice and discussion. He has been the medical examiner for insurance companies and has been health officer a number of times. No more judicious selection could be made on the School Board than Dr. Blackford, as his interests have always been engaged in the cause of education, and he has served for six years. While Dr. Blackford is a close student and careful observer in his own profession, and an interested promoter of civic progress, he takes no active part in politics, being only concerned that the most capable men be elected.
On January 16, 1866, Dr. Blackford was married to Catherine Reid, who was born in Ireland, coming to the United States at the age of ten years. She is one of ten living children and the eldest born to her parents.
The four children born to Dr. and Mrs. Blackford were: Robert A., Mary R., Joseph E. and John Latimer, the last named dying at the age of five years. Robert A. graduated from Washington and Jefferson College, in 1889 and from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in the class of 1899. also from Washington College in 1899, then taught two years in the grammar schools of Martin's Ferry and for three years was principal of the High School, served for two years as physician of an insane asylum, at Warren, Pennsylvania, and one year at the hospital at Pottstown, in the same State, and is now permanently located in practice with our subject. Joseph E. has been for the past to years the Martin's Ferry correspondent of the Wheeling News; he married Anna Bell Hobbs and their two children were named Edward, who died at the age of five years, and Kathryne. Mr. Blackford is regarded as a rising man in the newspaper profession.
Dr. Blackford is an elder in the United Presbyterian Church and his two oldest children are also members. The family is one of the most highly regarded in the social circles of Martin's Ferry and its head enjoys universal esteem.
REV. FATHER JOSEPH A. WEIGAND, pastor of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, of Bridgeport, Ohio. was born in Baden, Germany. June 8, 1866. His parents were Felix and Genevieve (Schmidt) Weigand, the former of whom was an extensive farmer, a man of general knowledge and one whose influence was directed continually to enterprises for the
580 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
betterment of the church and his community. He was a zealous worker, was widely known and deservedly respected. His death occurred on July 7, 1895, from an attack of "la grippe," this being the first sickness he ever had. The mother of Father Weigand died when he was a small child.
Father Joseph Weigand was one in a family of 12 children born to his parents, all of whom were given educational advantages. Preparatory study is very thorough in Germany and this foundation results in that country's producing the most scholarly men of the times. After this preparation, Father Weigand entered the gymnasium at TauberBischofsheim, where he took a course of study requiring attendance for three years, and then came to America. He was but 12 years of age when he entered St. Vincent College, completing there his classical training, and then entered St. Mary's Seminary, at Baltimore, Maryland, where he completed his theological course and was there ordained by that distinguished dignitary of the Church, Cardinal Gibbons. Father Weigand was but 23 years of age, the youngest of a class of 53, and carried off the highest honors, and received the books, premiums and medals. His first work was assigned him under Father White, at the Cathedral at Columbus, Ohio, but within six months he was appointed to the Bridgeport pastorate, taking charge January, 1900. As assistant he has Father Roderick McEachen, a native of Shawnee, Ohio, who was ordained August 10, 1901, by Bishop Moeller, in Columbus. Father McEachen studied theology at Inspruck, Austria, and was appointed here in September, 1901.
Father McEachen returned to Europe in the fall of 1902, in order to take a special course in the Sclavonic languages, for the purpose of fitting himself for work among the Slavonic people in the Columbus diocese. St. Anthony has a congregation of loo families, aside from a great number of single communicants who find a home in Bridgeport. This is an unusual showing for a town of its size. No less than 12 nationalities are represented in the congregation. The day school is in charge of the Sisters of Charity, of Nazareth, Kentucky, and the attendance varies from 10o to 150. Excellent advantages are afforded the pupils and a course of study is followed as prescribed for the State and public schools.
Father Weigand has still another school under his charge, conducted by the same Sisters, located at Maynard, a mining district, the pupils being about 75 Slavonic children. At that point the school has been in existence for some four years and soon a fine school building will be erected. Father Weigand is filled with the zeal of the early Fathers, and his success in pioneer fields is worthy of all commendation. The great truths of his teaching have changed a mass of ignorant, neglected people into selfrespecting, lawabiding citizens, and his work is heartily commended by all residents of Bridgeport, entirely irrespective of doctrinal belief. Personally he is both beloved and esteemed.
Father Joseph Wittman of Troy, New York, has been assisting Father Weigand since the departure of Father McEachen.
CHARLES FOWLER, a wellknown contractor and farmer of Barnesville, Ohio, was born February 12, 1852, a son of Samuel and Eliza (Groves) Fowler, the former of whom was a native of Maryland, became a skilled mechanic, and for a number of years superintended the gravel trains on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Barnesville. His death took place here early in the "seventies," and his widow passed away in 1898.
Charles Fowler was one of a family of seven children, all of whom were reared to be industrious and were afforded good, common school educations. When about 21 years of age, our subject learned the carpenter trade, and his close application and thorough work soon brought him promotion and enabled him to enter upon contracting and building on a large scale. He also owns a farm in the vicinity of Barnesville, where he demonstrates
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that he is as successful an agriculturist as he is a contractor and builder.
On September 29, 1879, Mr. Fowler was married to Hulda Greeneltch, a daughter of one of the highly respected families of Monroe County. She is a lady of great capacity and has shown her business ability by her successful management of the Fowler Hotel, which she conducted from the spring of 1899 and finally purchased. Under her management the hotel is not only a financial success, but it is also one of the best regulated hostelries of the city.
Mr. Fowler has been a lifelong Republican and a useful citizen.
MRS. J. (KIRKWOOD) MITCHELL, so highly esteemed and beloved by the people of Kirkwood, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in that town and ranks among the oldest residents. She is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Gillespie) Kirkwood, granddaughter of Robert Kirkwood, and was born September 15, 1827.
Our subject's paternal grandfather, Robert Kirkwood, was deeply interested in his studies for the ministry when the Revolutionary War broke out. He immediately dropped "Euclid" and shouldering his musket marched to the service of his country. He started as captain, raised a company in Newark, Delaware, his native State, and afterward served as an officer of high rank under the illustrious Washington. His two children, one daughter and one son, were : Joseph, the father of our subject ; and Mrs. Whitely, who after her first husband's demise married Mr. Boyer.—she had two children, Robert H. and Mary A. by her first marriage, and her children of the second marriage are now deceased. Robert Kirkwood died at the age of seventy-two years.
Joseph Kirkwood was born March 25, 1784, and chose for his wife Margaret Gillespie, who was born July 6, 1785. Both were natives of Newark. Delaware, and both attended the same schools there when children. During his early youth, Mr. Kirkwood worked as bookkeeper in his uncle's store in Newark, but after his marriage crossed the Alleghanies on horseback and arrived in Belmont County, Ohio, during the early part of the last century. He settled in Canton (now Bridgeport), and immediately turned his attention to farming and there remained until his death, June 9, 1856. In 1812 he served in the war but would not receive a pension or warrant for his services. He and his beloved wife had a family of 10 children : Hannah M. (Mrs. James McCune), born in t 807 and died 1849; Sarah (Mrs. Joseph Large) ; Robert, born in 1810, and died in 1811; Ann S., who was born February 28, 1812, married David Allen, and is now deceased ; Adeline, who married Dr. Henry West and died July 8, 1854; Mary, born in 1817, and died in 1838 ; Elizabeth, born February 5, 1818, and died in the "nineties"; Catherine S., born August 24, 1820, married Dr. James McConahey, and died in the "eighties" ; Margaret A., born May 27, 1823, is now a resident of Kirkwood, the widow of Rev. James Alexander of the Presbyterian Church ; and Mrs. Mitchell, our subject, who is the youngest in the family and who, with Mrs. Margaret A. Alexander, is the only living member of the once large family. Mrs. Joseph Kirkwood's death took place at the advanced age of 84 years, February 14, 1866. She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, and a pioneer with her husband, both knowing well the hardships, dangers, deprivations, and difficulties of early Ohio pioneer life.
Mrs. Mitchell is the widow of Vincent Mitchell, who was a native of Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio, where he was profitably engaged in mercantile business until 1849, when he removed to Kirkwood. He and our subject were united in matrimony, March 14, 1850, and their union was blessed with eight children, as follows : Margaret A.; William V.; Rockwell B.; Ada and Lee, who died young; Clara E. and Carrie E., twins; and Walter. Margaret A. is the wife of Rev. Shields M. Macurdy, one of the leading men of the Pittsburg Conference, highly respected by all and a charming singer. They have six
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children; Josephine, Vincent, S. W., Britton, Elder, and Errat. William V. is as yet unmarried and resides at home, as does also Rockwell B., the latter having served several terms as mayor of Bridgeport, of which Kirkwood is a part. Clara E., one of the twins, is now Mrs. D. Myers of Wheeling Island; her twin sister, Carrie E. (Mrs. George Robinson), also of Wheeling Island, is now deceased, having left two children, Josephine and Martha L. Walter Mitchell married Daisie Adams of California, and has one daughter, Alphia.
Vincent Mitchell died at the age of 77 years, October 25, 1881. He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Mitchell has been a member since her 16th year. In politics, he was a Democrat, glad to be of service to his party whenever it was possible. Before his marriage with our subject, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage October 11, 1830, with Susanna Hogg, who died October 19, 1845, leaving three children, Miriam, R. Jane, and John J. Miriam Mitchell was the wife of R. B. Boyd, and died at the age of 40 years. R. Jane Mitchell resides with her stepmother, the subject of this biography. John J. Mitchell married Margaret Guyton, but is now deceased, having left seven children to mourn his loss, namely : Myrtle E., Harry, Alonzo L., Alma, Ollie, Rose E., and Lulu G.
LINDLEY P. BAILEY. The dairy interests are important ones in Belmont County, Ohio, where natural conditions are so favorable to success, and intelligent operators engage in the industry. Dairies and creameries are found in every township, but very few of them reach the high standard demanded by the critical and fastidious public. The Belmont Stock Farm Dairy fulfills every condition and is owned and operated by Lindley P. Bailey, a prominent dairyman, who is also well known as a breeder of fine. Jersey cattle, and who is the able president of the Ohio Dairymen's Association.
The birth of Mr. Bailey occurred on March 8, 185o, in Goshen township, Belmont County, one of seven children born to Jesse and Asenath (Patterson) Bailey, three of whom survive. Jesse Bailey was also born in Belmont County, a son of Jesse, who was a native of North Carolina. The Bailey family has been noted for its agricultural success and its members have belonged to Belmont County's best class of citizens. Jesse Bailey spent his whole life as a farmer and reaped ample results from his excellent methods and intelligent management. In the country schools of his locality, Mr. Bailey was given his elementary education, which was supplemented by attendance at the Friends' Boarding School, at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio. After seven years devoted to teaching, during which time he gave much intelligent attention to agricultural matters, Mr. Bailey decided to follow the family vocation and become a farmer. After making a successful trial on rented land, he went into debt for a tract of 66 acres of good land, gave it close attention, put into practice modern methods, and prospered from the very first, gradually adding to his possessions until he now owns 240 acres of choice Belmont County land, with excellent improvements and fine, modern buildings.
In 1881 Mr. Bailey made his first experiment with Jersey cattle, trading a threshing machine for his first herd, and has succeeded far beyond the average, although he has met with some reverses, as is the case in almost every kind of business, in 1885, losing about $3,000 in shipping. In 1888 he erected his present creamery, at a cost of $1,000, and this establishment has gained a wide reputation for the quality of its products, manufactured under the careful eye of its owner, with the assistance of one expert and four helpers. Between 60 and 70 head of cows contribute the milk supply. Believing in the advantages that accrue from concentration of effort, Mr. Bailey has devoted most of his energies, in the past 20 ' years, to the development and improvement of Jersey cattle and to securing excellence in daisy products. and it is his opinion that the future of satisfactory dairying lies entirely in intelligent education in this line. He would have this improvement begin in the stable and con
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tinue until the finished product is served to the public, and believes that then and only then, will the public know the perfection which may be attained. Most necessary adjuncts are cleanliness, intelligence and honesty, in combination with the modern machinery which must he in use wherever quality is a necessity to success. In his own establishment, Mr. Bailey has spared no expense, has placed expensive machines with skilled labor, and the patrons of the Belmont Stock Farm Dairy may feel assured that its milk has been Pasteurized and rendered wholly healthful and of the finest flavor. Mr. Bailey obtains a large supply of his milk from his own carefully tended herd and those of his neighbors who comply with the sanitary requirements demanded, and care and feed their cows as science has determined will produce healthful milk. The large product of this creamery, during the winter season, all goes to the McJunkin Straight Dairy Co., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who are extensive retailers, supplying the leading families of that city.
Mr. Bailey has been so prominently identified with the dairy interests of Ohio, that scarcely any leading organization or journal has failed to give him credit. Prior to becoming president of the Ohio Dairymen's Association. he served as secretary and treasurer for a long period, and in 1898 was made special dairy inspector of the State under J. E. Blackburn and Governor Bushnell. In 1893 he was made a director in the American Jersey Cattle Club, few men in the county or State having a more complete and exhaustive knowledge of Jersey cattle. In 1896 Mr. Bailey held his last annual sale of Jersey cattle, this being the ninth occasion. The Belmont Stock Farm is located one and onehalf miles from Barnesville, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and these sales were always largely attended, dealers realizing that here could be obtained superior cattle, and having every assurance that only honest methods would be employed in their disposal. It has been our subject's aim to produce a dairy animal, which, by proper and careful attention, will produce the greatest yield of milkand butter, while adding nothing to its expense. This is practical.
In July, 1871, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage with Elizabeth Stanton, daughter of Joseph Stanton, of Belmont County, and six children were born to this union, namely : Edwin M., Oscar J., Anna M., Alva C., Clara and Jesse S. Edwin M. married Lillian Doudna, a daughter of J. W. Doudna, and operates a modern creamery at Pittsburg. Oscar J. married Mary A. Bracken, daughter of Lindley Bracken, of Belmont County, and conducts a creamery business in Wheeling, West Virginia. Anna M. married Clarence Patton, of Iowa. Alva C. married Laura Steer, a daughter of Nathan Steer and in association with his father conducts a dairy business at Spencer. Although Mr. Bailey did nothing to influence his sons in their choice of career, when the choice was made, he assisted them in thoroughly perfecting themselves in the details of the business, sending two of them to the dairy school conducted at Madison, Wisconsin, and the third to a similar school in Ohio. The family belongs to the Society of Friends, and all its members are thoroughly respected members of the community. In political association, Mr. Bailey is a Republican, but has never consented to accept any office except that of school director, although particularly well fitted to discharge the duties of almost any office. His large business enterprises and his absorption in his business, whereby he has attained such success, have precluded activity in other lines.
LIEUT. JOHN F. SMITH, a retired farmer and most highly esteemed citizen of Bridgeport, Ohio, was born in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, on October 4, 1830, a son of James M. and Mary (Berry) Smith, the latter of whom was a native of Loudoun County Virginia.
James M. Smith, the father, was also born in Loudoun County and by trade was a cooper. About 1815 or 1816 he decided to move to Ohio where he believed there would be more
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great with litigants, settling many difficulties without costs or trouble. James M. Smith was born in 1817 and died in 1873. He was a Mason and loved the workings of that body. He is still recalled as one of the useful citizens, a good man, a kind neighbor and a firm friend.
No less estimable a character was our subject's worthy mother. She was some 18 months younger than her husband and filled every situation in life with the affection, selfsacrifice and cheerfulness of a lovely, Christian nature. Her many acts of kindness afford pleasant memories to this day. She was the beloved mother of 12 children, the three survivors of this large family being: John F., who is the subject of this sketch, being the youngest of all ; Thomas, who is a merchant, resides at Burlington, in Belmont County; and Allen, who lived for a time in this county, later moved to Missouri, and is now a resident of Colorado. One other member of the family was our subject's sister Amanda, who married Hezekiah Brown in Belmont County, but died a widow, in Tennessee, when nearly 70 years of age.
Our subject had poor school advantages, but both his father and mother were far above the average in intelligence and his home training was excellent. His early years were spent in farming and in driving a team, hauling produce through the town and country and hauling the materials for boat building. The boating enterprise covered a period of 20 years and he was actively engaged in assisting his parent in this business, although his principal business from youth has been farming. Mr. Smith owns a farm of 140 acres which a geologic survey has demonstrated to be underlaid with coal. In time this may prove a large fortune for our subject.
Although a zealous and influential Republican, Lieutenant Smith has never sought office. His title was honorably obtained during the Civil War, when he belonged to Company G, 170th Regiment, Ohio National Guard, an organization which did faithful garrison duty, and on July 4, 1864, was hastened to the front, being ordered from Washington City to Harper's Ferry. During the succeeding four demand for his goods, and with wife and three children, a wagon load of household belongings, with $50 in his pocket and two strong horses, set out for the new home, reaching St. Clairsville, Ohio, in the course of time, tired doubtless and homesick for the old surroundings. However, the father and mother of our subject possessed the true pioneer spirit, and soon after located at Glenn's Run, where Mr. Smith was engaged to make the flour barrels for the mills at that place, under the management of William McWilliams. Buying 20 acres of land, Mr. Smith began a little farming which was fairly successful, but later became engaged in the boat building business, an enterprise which rewarded him well. The boats he constructed were known as "broad horns," and were built for the purpose of taking produce down the Ohio River, Mr. Smith receiving fifty cents per barrel for making the trip. It was his custom to build two boats every year, one filled with coal, the other with produce, run them down the river to New Orleans and there trade boat and all for molasses and sugar which he would bring back on a steamboat to Wheeling. Several occasions occurred when he and his boys made the return trip from Louisville on the ice. On his last trip, Mr. Smith received some very choice sugar of the loaf variety and with this he entered into negotiations with Governor Shannon, by which the latter took the sugar in part payment for 66 acres of land, this being now owned by the subject of this sketch. Governor Shannon had bought this land from an heir in Ireland, who had inherited it in the division of an uncle's estate, but this heir never came to America and the original owners do not possess any of the large property, our subject owning 150 acres of it and his sister, Mrs. Amanda Brown, another 150 acres. James M. Smith, or more properly, Colonel Smith, as he was locally known, served in the War of 1812 and received for this service a land warrant in Missouri upon which his son settled. He was made colonel of the county militia and thus acquired his title. For many years he served as a justice of the peace and his influence was
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months, the regiment was continually engaged in skirmishing between Harper's Ferry and Cedar Creek. When the regiment was honorably discharged and its members mustered out, at Columbus, our subject had a good record, but had escaped either wound or imprisonment, although, as he humorously expresses it, he on one occasion did some "tall running" to escape.
Mr. Smith was married on January 3, 1861, to Theresa M. Miller, a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, and a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Whitaker) Miller, who were natives of Germany. Our subject is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a man who stands well in his community. His genial, pleasant manner makes him popular and among those who know him best, he is prized most highly as friend and comrade.
HON. JAMES A. WHITE, the popular and efficient mayor of the city of Barnesville, Ohio, is one of the leading and representative young men of the city, with whose civic affairs he has been identified since 1898:
Mayor James A. White is an Ohio product. He was born in Muskingum County, October 13, 1872, and is one of a family of five children born to Alexander and Christina (Hammond) White, both of whom were also natives of Ohio. Alexander White followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1890. His widow still survives him, and finds a congenial home with her son, James A.
A good, common-school education was afforded James A. White in his boyhood, but his knowledge of the higher branches was acquired by his own efforts, in the evenings, after the finishing of his day's work in the planing mill, where he continued for 18 months. He attended Mount Union College for one year, and later matriculated in Muskingum College, from which he graduated with the class of 1898. For some time he was engaged in teaching, and followed this profession with much success. In 1891, he located in Barnesville, and three years afterward was chosen as a teacher in Warren township; he continued in that capacity until 1897. In 1898, he was elected mayor of this city, on the Citizens' ticket, and so excellent was his municipal rule that in 1900 he was reelected on the Republican ticket. This was certainly a personal triumph, and it was made more notable by a second reelection in 1902. At each election, he was also made a justice of the peace. His able administration has won him the confidence of all factions, and there are few men in public life who are so universally and justly popular.
Mr. White is a prominent citizen, outside of politics. His interest in the growth and development of the city in every way is continued and earnest. He has served on the School Board, has been one of the county executive officers, and has exerted his influence in favor of every laudable enterprise. He is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias, and also belongs to the Jr. O. U. A. M. For a number of years, he has been connected with the Methodist Church, and is active in assisting in its benevolent work. He has been a Sunday-school teacher for several years, and is now serving as president of the Epworth League. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Conference held at Chicago, Illinois, in May, 1900, having been selected as one of six from the East Ohio Conference.
ROBERT GIFFIN, an esteemed resident of Bridgeport, Ohio, is a representative of one of the oldest and most favorably known families in Belmont County. For many years he has followed the trade of bricklaying and is generally acknowledged to be the most reliable worker in that line to be found in the county. In addition to this it may be truthfully remarked that Mr. Giffin has an honorable record as a soldier of the Civil War to which both he and his fellowcitizens may point with pride.
The birth of Robert Giffin occurred on July 9, 1836, in Belmont County, Ohio, a son of Robert and Sarah (Hinkel) Giffin, both of whom were also natives of this county. The father of our subject was a carpenter and con
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tractor and erected many residences and a great number of the commodious and substantial barns which indicate so well, through the county, the substantial standing of the farmer. His religion was that of the Presbyterian Church, belonging first to the Covenanters' and later to the United Presbyterian Church. He died in 1866. His widow survived to the age of 87 years. The Giffin family, as noted, is an old one in Belmont County, founded by George Giffin, our subject's grandfather. The father of George was one of the first settlers at Roney's Point, (West) Virginia, and there George married Mary Milligan, and they came to Belmont County in the latter part of the 18th century. The grandfather died about 1840. Both he and wife belonged to the old Covenanters' Church and he contributed the land on which to erect the High Ridge Church edifice, where is located High Ridge Cemetery. George Giffin was an extensive farmer and owned much land, giving a farm to each of his five boys and three girls, all of whom have passed off the stage of life.
Robert Giffin of this sketch is one of a family of 13 children born to his parents, all of whom are living in Belmont County with the exception of : Mary, who died at the age of 15 months ; Daniel, who died unmarried in 1855, in Illinois; and Susan, Mrs. McFarland, who died in Oregon. A good, commonschool education was afforded our subject and he grew to young manhood assisting his father on the farm, continuing to be thus employed until the day of his enlistment for service in the Civil War, September 17, 1861. On October 14, 1861, he was mustered into Company A, 43rd Ohio Vol. Inf. as a private and his first meeting with the enemy was in General Pope's army, at the battle of New Madrid, Missouri, participating then in all the battles of his command,—Island No. to, Fort Pillow, Corinth, both siege and battle, and, then taking part in the marches and skirmishes of Sherman's army after his reenlistment, on December 24, 1863, in the same company and regiment. Then came the battle of Atlanta, andthe siege of Atlanta, the latter being understood by those who endured it as a period of 120 days under fire. To fully understand, the younger generation must listen to the thrilling story as it is related by one of the surviving heroes, and sluggish indeed will burn the fires of patriotism if it does not thrill the heart and kindle anew the respect with which the Civil War veterans should be regarded. After the close of the Atlanta campaign came the march to the sea, thence into South Carolina, then to her northern sister and then came the happy day when Johnston surrendered to the gallant army of General Sherman. Mr. Giffin was permitted to also participate in the grand review at Washington City, an occasion which will never be forgotten by the brave soldier who was one of the honored ones of the occasion. On July 13, 1865, he was mustered out of the service at Louisville, Kentucky, having served three years and nine months. During this long period he was never wounded or taken prisoner and endured the exposure very well after the first year. At the siege of Corinth on May 26, 1862, he was prostrated by a sunstroke which rendered him insensible until the following day, but this was his most serious accident.
After he had done his duty to his country, our subject quietly returned to his home and took up his trade, and has followed bricklaying ever since. For some 25 years this has been his chief employment and during a greater part of the time he has been an employee of the AetnaStandard Sheet Steel Works, this alone testifying to his skill, only workmen of high grade being employed here. He is known for his reliability as well as his good work and commands the respect of all who know him.
The marriage of Mr. Giffin was in April, 1861, to Florence L. McConnaughy, a daughter of John McConnaughy, a native of this county. Mrs. Giffin was one of a family of five children born to her parents, namely : Lucinda, who died in girlhood ; Elzan, who is Mrs. William Smith, of this town; Florence L., who became Mrs. Giffin; Howell, who resides in Bridgeport ; and Jane, who married C. W. Clogston, and died in In-
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dian Territory, in 1901. The children born to our subject and wife were : John, who is a paper hanger and contractor, residing in Bridgeport, married Ella Tomlinson and has one child; Virginia Clara, who is Mrs. John McMillen and who resides in Maynard, has three children by a former marriage; Maggie, who is Mrs. William Boyles and resides in Bridgeport, has two children—Harry and Robert; Van Roy, who married Bessie Higgs and has two children—Irene and Kenneth ; and Ida, who is a graduate of Frasher's Business College, in Wheeling.
For several years our subject served as a member of the board of health and for two years he has been a trustee of the cemetery. In Masonic circles Mr. Giffin has long been known as an enthusiastic and useful member, his connection with the order covering a period of 35 years, during the most of this time he has been tyler of the lodge. He also belongs to Belmont Chapter, No. 140, and has been guard for a quarter of a century, and is one of the charter members of this chapter. He is also a charter member of Branum Post No. 221, G. A. R., is officer of the day and has filled almost every official position in this post. He also belongs to the Senior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr. Giffin has many friends in Bridgeport and is known for his integrity and estimable character. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church.
JOHN S. HUTCHISON, a retired farmer of Belmont Count, Ohio, who resides at St. Clairsville, was born in Belmont County, August 25, 1825, and is a son of David and Jane (Smith) Hutchison.
David Hutchison was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1762. His parents were Robert and Nancy Hutchison, natives of Ireland, who fled from their country on account of religious persecution, and settled in Pennsylvania in 1740, where they remained through life. Our subject's grandmother, Nancy Hutchison, died in 1782. David Hutchison's wife was born in Ireland. When she was 13 years old her parents embarked on a sailing vessel for the United States, but many misfortunes befell them. The vessel lost her bearings and was on the ocean for 13 weeks, during which time a great deal of suffering prevailed on account of the scarcity of drinking water. The only way this was procured was by taking advantage of the rainstorms, holding a sheet by its four corners, and catching enough fresh water to turn into a vessel. In spite of this and many later hardships, this brave woman lived to the age of 74 years and reared a family of 11 children.
In 1803 David Hutchison journeyed to Ohio, passing. through Wheeling on his way to Belmont County, and finding there but a few dwellings. He died in 1847, at the age of 85 years. He and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. The life histories of the 11 children left by this most worthy couple would, in many instances, read like romances. All of them became most exemplary men and women. In the order of their birth these children were as follows : Rebecca, Nancy, James, Robert, David, William, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, and John S. Rebecca became Mrs. Jasper Robson and died in the vicinity of St. Clairsville, December 23, 1892, aged 89 years, 4 months and 20 days. Nancy died unmarried, October 11, 1891, aged 86 years. James became an extensive farmer, having passed through the experiences of Ohio pioneer life. For many years he was a leading elder in the Presbyterian Church and a member of the session for 37 years. His death occurred September 13, 1898, when he was 91 years and 2 months old. Robert died July 6, 1846, at the age of 36 years, 3 months and 18 days. He had made his home in Missouri. While making a journey to the old homestead in Belmont County, he became so ill that he hardly reached there before the final collapse. David went to California in the late "forties," prior, however, to the finding of gold in 1849. He married in Ohio, and had a family of five children, four of whom still survive. Since he went out prospecting with two companions
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he has never been heard from, and his relatives suppose that he was killed by the Indians. William died in 1840, when 26 years and 21 days old. Jane married John C. Hutchison, and they lived at several different points in Ohio, and then moved to Kansas, where she died, April 27, 1856, at the age of 74 years. Her remains were brought to Plymouth, Ohio, for burial. Elizabeth married Samuel Hutchison and lives in Franklin County, Kansas. Mary married, first, John Bickham, and after his death a Mr. Stockdel, who is a farmer in Guernsey County. Joseph died December 11, 1896, unmarried, at the age of 73 years. He had always lived at the old home.
John S. Hutchison, the youngest member of the above family, obtained his mental training in the district schools, and from boyhood to manhood assisted his father on the farm. Previous to the death of the latter, he rented land for cultivation, but at that time purchased the interests of the other heirs in the estate, and is now the owner of 279 acres of land. This is well improved and is of great value on account of being underlaid with coal deposits, the variety being known as the Pittsburg vein, No. 8. This coal Mr. Hutchison sold for $40 per acre. He also owns a valuable stone quarry on this property. He now rents his farm.
In November, 1900, Mr. Hutchison moved to St. Clairsville, although he has by no means lost his interest in his fine land and stock. His farm has been an abundant producer of all kinds of grain, and there he has raised a great deal of fine stock, particularly Shropshire sheep, with which he has been very successful. For years he has ranked among the reliable, judicious and successful agriculturists of the county. He has been active in favoring those measures which his judgment convinced him would be of benefit to the locality, and served for a long period as president of the turnpike road, which at the time was one of the most important and useful enterprises of the county. His interest in educational matters has been shown by many years of service on the School Board.
On December 11, 1866, Mr. Hutchison was married to Sarah J. Rose, who was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1838, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Kelsey) Rose, natives of Guernsey County. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison, namely : Elizabeth J.; Mary R. (Mrs. E. S. Morgan), whose children are John, Adda, Lucille, and Russell; Emma H. (Mrs. Dr. Thompson), a resident of this county; and Eva L., who resides at home. Mr. Hutchison and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and contribute liberally to its support. Mr. Hutchison belongs to no secret organizations and cares not for political preferment. Indeed, he does not consider himself a politician at all, but votes the Prohibition ticket from conscientious convictions. His greatest interest is in promoting the usefulness of the Presbyterian Church in St. Clairsville. During the erection of its edifice he was a member of the building committee, and a generous donor to the cause. For a number of years he has been a most successful teacher in the Sabbath-school, and takes a genuine delight in the work. In every relation of life the subject of this sketch stands for what is right, and few men can have higher praise.
HENRY W. DOUGLASS, who passed out of life in January, 1896, was for a number of years one of the most successful and highly esteemed farmer citizens of Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio. A good neighbor and a husband and father devoted to the welfare of his family, he left many to sorrow at his death, while his township lost, in him, one of its most honest and valued residents.
The birth of Mr. Douglass took place in Warren township, in 1847, one of a family of 13 children born to George and Ellen (Nuzum) Douglass. The father died in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1879, aged 84 years four months, and the mother died November 4, 3892, aged 88 years one month. Our late subject followed an agricultural life, and at his death left for the use of his family a fine, well improved farm consisting of 168 acres.
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In March, 1874, Mr. Douglass was united in marriage with Sarah E. Reed, who was born in Somerset township, Belmont County, a daughter of William L. Reed. The four children born to this union were as follows : Harry C., born on April 29, .1875 ; Amy E., born on June 15, 1880; Emmor R., born June 24, 1882; and Grace M., born September 20, 1889. Harry C. and Emmor superintend the farm and are both well educated and intelligent young men. In July, 1896, Harry C. was united in marriage with Bertie E. Woodland, a daughter of John C. Woodland, one of Belmont County's progressive citizens. One bright little daughter, Edith, has been born to this union. Harry C. Douglass, like his father, affiliates with the Democratic party. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church, in which the late Mr. Douglass was most highly valued. He was also connected with the Masonic fraternity. The pleasant farmhouse is the home of the whole family, and also of Miss Maria C. Douglass, a sister of the late Henry W. Douglass. They are all well known in Warren township and enjoy universal esteem.
F. W. HIBBARD, who conducts the leading furniture and undertaking business in Barnesville, Ohio, is one of the city's most substantial men and prominent citizens. His family was established in the State in 1819, by his grandfather, Caleb Hibbard, who was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1781, and was a cabinetmaker and watchmaker by trade. He settled near West Chester, Ohio, and also purchased property in Barnesville, a portion of which is still in the possession of his grandson, F. W. Hibbard.
The birth of Mr. Hibbard occurred in Barnesville, January 26, 1844, and he is a son of Hiram and Sarah (Hamilton) Hibbard. Hiram Hibbard was born in Ohio in 1821, and his mother, Matilda (Stowe) Hibbard, was a relative of two distinguished Americans, John Quincy Adams and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Hiram Hibbard spent six years at Cadiz, Ohio,learning the cabinetmaker's trade, and in 1843 located in Barnesville, where he established a business which he later enlarged by the addition of a furniture line. His death occurred April 5, 1868, at which time he held the office of township treasurer, a position of trust that he had filled for many years. Sarah (Hamilton) Hibbard passed away in March, 1888.
After graduating from the Hopedale school, in Harrison County, F. W. Hibbard took a preparatory course, in expectation of entering an Eastern college, but his plans miscarried, and he left school in 1865. At this time, he entered the freight department of the Central Ohio Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, at Bellaire, where he remained until October, 1867. He then returned to Barnesville, and entered into a partnership with his father. For a short time after the latter's death, the business was still carried on under the firm name of Hibbard & Son, but in late years F. W. Hibbard's name only has been in use. His store is the largest and most complete in the city and his stock is valued at about $10,000. His business interests include many of the most important enterprises of Barnesville. He is a stockholder in the glass company, and also in the gas and oil company. Many public positions have been offered for his acceptance, but he has refused all except a membership in the City Council.
In 1866, Mr. Hibbard was married to Delia A. Ogle, at Bellaire, Ohio. Seven children have resulted from this union, as follows : Maude O. (Mrs. Charles Heed) ; Claude S., who was associated with his father in business, died January 26, 1902; Gail H. (Mrs. J. Harry Lewis) ; Blanche P. (Mrs. George S. Bradfield) ; Grace C. (Mrs. Charles E. Lee), who died January 2, 1896; Fay F., who died January 2, 1896; and Madge D. (Mrs. L. M. H. Potter) . Mr. Hibbard is a prominent member of Barnesville Lodge, No. 185, I. O. O. F. ; Warren Lodge, No. 76, K. of P.; and of Robert Hilles Post, No. 220, G. A. R.,—having served in the Civil War in Company H, 170th Reg., Ohio National Guard.
Mr. Hibbard is one of the liberal and public
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spirited citizens of Barnesville, who in living up to the demands of the day takes a deep interest in institutions which will prove of benefit to the city. The foundation stone of his success in life has been business integrity, and thus he has won the esteem of all who know him.
JOHN W. FOWLER, one of the most successful grocers of Barnesville, Ohio, is a product of that hustling, thriving community. Born there in February, 1847, he has for the most part spent his life in the place, and during his mature years has been prominently identified with several of its leading industries. He is the son of James and Mary A. (Holland) Fowler.
James Fowler was born in Maryland, and was one of those hardworking, courageous tillers of the soil who dared hardship and privation, early pushed westward, and became possessors of the fertile districts of the Ohio Valley. Coming to this country in 1818, he immediately set out for this region, and after some prospecting located on a farm just north of Barnesville, in what is now Warren township. Disdaining no labor, he did his share of the clearing and breaking of the new land, and in time possessed one of the most valuable pieces of property in the vicinity. Being a man of great enterprise, and seeing a good opening for a stone mason in the place, he learned that trade and followed it with marked success for many years. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad tunnel in Barnesville is an evidence of his skillful workmanship. After taking up the trade of a stone mason he made Barnesville his home for some time and became exceedingly popular and influential in the place. He died January 18, 1894, and his wife, Mary (Holland), passed away in 1848.
John W. Fowler obtained a thorough, practical education in the well conducted and progressive schools of Barnesville. As a special training for his life work he began to assist his father at an early age, and thus learned the trade of a stone mason, at which he becamevery proficient. Upon reaching manhood, he followed this business in Barnesville, on his own account, for several years, and always secured plenty of work and made good wages. During a part of each year, however, he was engaged in the tobacco packing industry, at which he also made considerable money, but when the season was over he resumed his work at masonry. During the raging of the Civil War he gave up his business for a while, and in 1864, in response to the President's call for soldiers, enlisted in Company E, 194th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and under the provost marshal went to the front. He served with distinction until he received his honorable discharge in November, 1865. After returning to Barnesville he resumed his business as a stone mason and tobacco packer, which he continued for many years. Strict attention to business and wise financial management enabled him, in the course of time, to lay by something substantial for the future. With this, in 1895, he opened, in Barnesville, a retail grocery store, and, taking in a son as partner, established the firm J. W. Fowler & Son. Being well known in the place, he had no difficulty in securing custom, and was soon conducting a large and flourishing business. His trade has steadily increased, and in 1900 it became so large that he found it advisable to take in a second son as partner, and the firm has since been known as J. W. Fowler & Sons. It carries a complete line of the best grade of groceries, and its stock of goods, which is larger than that of any similar establishment in Barnesville, is valued at $5,000. The business necessitates the use of three storage rooms and one wareroom, a substantial stone structure, 40 by 20 feet in dimensions. The store itself is located in the center of the town, on West Main street. The firm is thoroughly reliable and has established for itself, far and near, a reputation for honesty and fair dealing.
In November, 1872, Mr. Fowler married Emma Barnes, who belongs to one of the first families of Barnesville. She is the daughter of Caleb Barnes and a relative of James Barnes, from whom the place received its name.
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By this marriage there have been two sons,—Ross B. and Chester J.
Mr. Fowler, though influential in his vicinity, has modestly refrained from pushing himself forward, politically. As a Republican, however, his word carries weight in local affairs. He stands high fraternally, as a member of the I. O. O. F., and acts as presiding officer in the Sharon, Ohio, Encampment.
J. F. McCARTY, residing at No. 611 Broadway, Martin's Ferry, has in the last few years attained considerable prominence as an inventor. His articles, including a milk can, a fruit jar, and the Uneda punch have all been exceedingly practical, and have had a large sale. Mr. McCarty is undoubtedly talented, and as he is now scarcely past middle age, the public has reason to expect still greater works of him. He was born in Colerain township, Belmont County, November 15, 1858, and is a son of Ezra and Emily (Cope) McCarty.
John McCarty, grandfather of J. F., was a native of Scotland. At an early date he came to the United States, and in the course of time became one of the pioneers of the new State of Ohio. He married an English woman, and they both lived to an advanced age, he being over 90 at the time of his death. Both were widely known and highly respected through the State.
Ezra McCarty, father of J. F., resided in Belmont County for many years of his life. Learning the carpenter's trade at an early age, he afterward followed that occupation for many years. Making a thorough success of his work, he finally rose to the position of a contractor. Many of the buildings, including houses and barns in Belmont County, are the results of his handiwork or supervision. He lived to the age of 74, dying in the spring of 1898. In early manhood he married Emily Cope, daughter of George and Hannah Cope of Farmington, Colerain township. Mr. Cope was a teacher for some years. Later he was engaged in the grocery business. His wife wasa Quaker. Both lived to advanced age. Mrs. McCarty died in January, 1879, at the age of 45. To Mr. and Mrs. McCarty were born eight children ;—George is a contractor in Martin's Ferry; Charles, an architect in Wheeling; J. F. is mentioned below; Edward is a carpenter in Martin's Ferry; Lizzie, deceased, was married to Louis Keyser; Ada married Henry White and resides on a farm in Colerain township ; Harry died May 15, 1902, at the age of 34; and William is engaged in the mill business in Martin's Ferry.
J. F. McCarty moved with his parents to Martin's Ferry in 1867 when but nine years old. Here he grew to manhood, and in the public schools procured a thoroughly practical education. With a bent toward mechanics, upon starting out in life he decided to learn the blacksmith trade, and took his apprenticeship with Samuel Heaton, who has the reputation of being the best blacksmith in the State, and who is still carrying on a large business. Results proved that Mr. McCarty had chosen the work for which he was fitted, and he followed his trade from the time he was eighteen until 1897, in all about thirty-one years. His work led to some practical experiments, and about the time he gave up blacksmithing he invented and secured a patent on a machine for separating tin plate. This proved successful and he sold his patent outright to the Aetna Standard Company for a large sum. His next invention, a hot air heater, came a little too late to receive its merited deserts. But his milk can and his vacuum fruit jar have met with unqualified success. The milk can is so adjusted as to prevent a churning process during travel. The fruit jar is constructed of rubber and glass, may be handled by a child without danger of its breaking, and is one of the most excellent articles for preserving fruit on the market. Among other recent inventions is a Uneda punch, which costs only about $15 and is guaranteed to do the work of a $95 punch. Mr. McCarty has already sold a great many of these, and they are everywhere giving excellent satisfaction.
January 4, 1880, Mr. McCarty married
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Sarah K. Lewis, who was born in Ohio, daughter of James and Sarah (Martin) Lewis. Mrs. Lewis is now living in Martin's Ferry, where she is highly respected and has many warm friends. Mr. Lewis was an engineer on the ferry boat for 14 years, and was well and favorably known over the county. He died in his 59th year. Mr. and Mrs. McCarty have had two children,—Sarah Emily, born October 23, 1880, was a highly gifted girl, who completed her course at the Martin's Ferry High School in 1897 and was intending to continue her studies during the ensuing year, but was stricken with consumption and died September 17, 1897. Clara Belle graduated from the Martin's Ferry High School class of 1902.
Mr. McCarty occupies a leading place among the citizens of Martin's Ferry. He is a member of the K. of P. and Uniform Rank, K. of P., and as such has served as chairman of the executive board for some years. As a Republican he exerts a large influence in politics. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church.
The Martin family of which Mrs. McCarty is a member has its tragedy, connected with her maternal grandfather, James W. Martin. He was for some time a resident of Brooke County, (West) Virginia; later, he resided in Wheeling; and in 1837 he moved to Martin's Ferry, where he erected what was for years the Martin family residence, a house which is still standing, on Fayette street. And it was here that all his children were born. He was a shoemaker by trade, and followed this occupation for many years in Martin's Ferry. As a man of influence and ability he also served as postmaster of the place for some time. He marrried Nancy Saunders, and they had eight children, of whom Sarah, the mother of Mrs. McCarty, is the only one now living. It was in 1848 that the sad event referred to took place. Mr. Martin. in behalf of his wife, a helpless invalid, had started to see a physician in Wheeling and procure medicine. When sufficient time for his return had elapsed he failed to appear. Nine days passed, and still he absented himself. The family, by this time fully convinced that something very unusual lad happened to him, institued a search. Kind neighbors did their best, but found no :race of him. On the tenth day the griefstricken wife called her children to her bedside and informed them that he was dead and that his body was in the river. She described minutely the exact spot where she believed he could be found. At her bidding kind friends searched the place, and sure enough found his body. The medicine, which he had obtained, was still in his pocket. There was a dent in his skull, which might have caused instant death. Whether it was received before or after his plunge in the river will ever be a mystery. Mrs. Martin's strange and accurate knowledge of his whereabouts had been revealed to her in a dream. She was not of a superstitious family, and this is the only instance in her life of dreams having any special meaning.
SAMUEL FOWLER, whose prominence as a reliable contractor has been established, in Barnesville, Ohio, was born there July 12, 1865, one of six children of William H. and Adeline (Prior) Fowler, four of whom still survive. William Fowler and his wife are residents of Barnesville, the former being one of the early settlers, and a contractor of note in this vicinity.
Samuel Fowler attended school in Barnesville and since the age of 24 years has been associated in the contracting business with his father. He has been very successful in his line on account of the excellent work he has turned out, and the activity with which he has completed very important contracts. His first large contract was one mile of brick paving, which showed accurate, careful work, and was perfectly satisfactory to the municipality. The ten miles of graveling which he put upon the pike roads not only added to the beauty of the environs of the city, but gained him the commendation of all who make use of these highways. Mr. Fowler employs a force of from 25 to 100 men. He has at present, in course of
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erection, a fine residence on West Main street, which will be completed in the fall of 1902, at a cost of about $3,000. It will be provided with all modern improvements, and will be handsome, convenient and comfortable.
In 1892 Mr. Fowler married Minnie Youse, a daughter of George Youse, who is well known in Guernsey County, where he is a popular hotelkeeper. Two little daughters were born to this union, namely : Helen and Louise. Mr. Fowler is identified with the Republican party. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias. He is regarded as one of the progressive business men of Barnesville, and also as a citizen of integrity and reliability.
HEYWARD LONG. It has been said by many in these later years that a young man without capital cannot make his start in life and rise to a position of affluence in a short time. In reading the life of Heyward Long, the gentleman whose name heads this writing, one may easily see that no greater fallacy exists, and that opportunities arrive each day for those who have the energy, economy and industry to make the most of them. Heyward Long is now one of the most prominent business men of Martin's Ferry, where he carries on an extensive business as hardware merchant, at No. 412 Hanover street. He is a native of the city and was born March 24, 1871, a son of Conrad and Kate (Clark) Long and a greatgrandson of Elizabeth Zane, well known to the people of this part of the State as a girl of great daring and courage, who played her part in the history of the county. It was she who, during a fight with the Indians in defense of Fort Henry, volunteered to run to a nearby house before the deadly fire from the Indians and secure an apron full of powder. She performed the feat and returned in safety to the fort.
Conrad Long was born in Germany, at Strasburg, November 21, 1835. He was left an orphan early in life and received his education in the German schools, under the care of an uncle. In 1856 he immigrated to the United States, and has since made Martin's Ferry his home. While in his native country he learned the trade of a tinner, and for a year following his arrival in the United States he .readily found work at his trade. However, he was not satisfied, and bought a hardware store, which he conducted profitably until 1897, and has since been in partnership with our subject in his store. Conrad Long was united in marriage with Kate Clark, a native of Martin's Ferry, who bore him six children, our subject being the third. The others are: Capitola, now Mrs. Harry Eberling, of Bellaire; Charles B., engaged as a tinner in the American Sheet Steel Company's establishment at Martin's Ferry; Eloise, at home; Pattie, who married William Anderson, of Wheeling; and Elizabeth. The father is now 69 years of age, and his wife is 67.
Heyward Long was educated in the High School of Martin's Ferry, and after school days were over he began his business career as a clerk in his father's store. Later he put in a year's time at bridge work, after which he started to work again as clerk, and in 1895 embarked in business for himself as a hardware merchant. The room he occupies is 85 feet long and 18 1/2 feet wide, with a basement under the entire building, while his wareroom is 20 by too feet and is well stocked. He handles farm implements, paints, cutlery, stoves, etc., and all the various things found in a firstclass hardware store of today. The store has electric lights and all the modern conveniences, and is very nicely located. The trade has gradually increased from the time the business was started.
May 9, 1803, our subject was united in marriage with Rosa Gordon, a native of Greg s, West Virginia. and they have two children. Edna and Lillian. Mr. Long is chief of the fire department of Martin's Ferry, and a member of the "Racing Team," a description of which is found in the sketch
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of Dr. J. W. Darrah, elsewhere in this book. Mr. Long is fleet of foot, and therefore is a valued member of this team. Before his business affairs occupied all his time, he was given much to wrestling, that being a pastime of his. He is a very good athlete and has given much attention to athletics. He was captain in 1894 of the "Vigilant Athletic Club," whose football team won every game participated in by them during that year and were considered the champions of the Upper Ohio Valley, from Pittsburg to Portsmouth.
In politics Mr. Long is an ardent Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason, affiliating with the blue lodge, F. & A. M.; Belmont Chapter, No. 140, R. A. M.; Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T.; and Osiris Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Wheeling. He is also a member of the Blair Lodge, B. P. O. E., No. 419, and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of which he is a charter member and trustee.
JAMES C. GRAY, a prominent attorney and one of the active and successful business men of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Belmont County on June 20, 1851, a son of James W. and Alison (Thorburn) Gray, the former of whom was a native of Belmont County, and the latter of Scotland.
James W. Gray, the father of the subject of this biography, was one of the leading business men of the Eastern Ohio Valley. In 1865 he bought a one-half interest in the William Wiley foundry and machine works, and continued to operate in that connection until he with others bought the other half interest and the firm continued until his retirement, in 1872, as the James W. Gray Company, Mr. Gray being almost sole owner. The castings made at this foundry gained favor over a wide territory, were used in Pittsburg. Wheeling and Cincinnati. During the Civil War they made shot, shells and cannon balls for the Union Army. It was one of the pioneer industries of the section and under the vigorous control of Mr. Gray proved a substantial financial success.
For a number of years James W. Gray was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church. He was an Abolitionist in political sentiment and desired the prosecution of the war to its honorable end. His death occurred on June 23, 1887, in his 67th year. He was sincerely mourned for he was known to be an upright man and estimable citizen. The mother of our subject was born July 21, 1824, a daughter of Alexander Thorburn, who came from Scotland in the early days of the century passed, and settled at Scotch Ridge, Belmont County, but after a number of years moved to near Quincy, Illinois, where he died. His wife passed away November 6, 1858, in this county. The children born to James W. Gray and his wife were four in number, viz.: John A., who is a professor in Muskingum College; James C., who is our subject; Ellen, who resides with her brother just mentioned; and Sarah, who has charge of the art department at Muskingum College.
The early education of James C. Gray was obtained in Martin's Ferry, and later he completed his education at Muskingum College, graduating with the degree of B. L. He followed this with a law course at Ann Arbor, Michigan, graduating there in the class of 1880. His practice was begun at Martin's Ferry where he has since continued. He has served the city in several responsible positions, although his inclinations are not in the direction of political honor. His leading ambition is to rank well in his profession. For four years he served the city as solicitor, has been local attorney for several railroads. He created a favorable impression and a degree of prominence for himself in the famous case of the collision on the Ohio River between the "John Lomas" and the steamer "Scioto," on July 4, 1882. He was the senior counsel on the "Lomas" side. During the campaigns of 1896 and 1900 he was active in working for the Republican candidates in the national campaigns. While he seeks no office for himself, he is ever
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ready to help his friends and uphold the principles of his chosen party. Both of his parents were devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, and he has found his religious home within that body for the past 18 years, and has been the director of the choir in the Martin's Ferry church.
On December 5, 1883, Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Clara Bird, a native of Easton, Pennsylvania, born June 20, 1861, a daughter of Joseph Bird, who was an English ironmaster that came to Belmont County in 1879. Mrs. Gray died on March 21, 1902, deeply lamented by all who knew her. She was devoted to the church, was a member of the Woman's Club at Wheeling, an exceedingly popular personage in social circles and a blessing to her home and family. The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gray were : Calvin Bird, taking an electrical course at the American Tin Plate company's Works; James Paul ; and William Shakspeare, named for the immortal bard on account of a relationship existing through his maternal grandparents. Mr. Gray as noted above has made an enviable record as a lawyer and is equally fortunate in possessing the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens who recognize in him an honest, upright and public spirited man.
FRANK M. MELTON, postmaster of Olivett, Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, is also a leading merchant, large landholder and prominent and representative citizen of the county. His birth occurred August 21, 1838, in Kirkwood township, Belmont County, one of a family of ten children born to Moses and Diana Melton.
The father of Frank M. Melton was born in North Carolina and the mother was a native of Delaware. In his earlier life the father was a prosperous farmer, but later became a school teacher. His death occurred in 1874, and that of his wife in 1863. In 1860 with his son, our subject, he engaged in the mercantile business, continuing until 1872.
Mr. Melton, of this sketch, received an excellent education in Kirkwood township. In 1860, as noted above, he entered into partnership with his father, in Warren township, in the mercantile business, at the present location, the firm style being Melton & Son, until he bought his father's interest in 1872. After this several changes took place in the firm name as Mr. Melton associated with him various persons, the name becoming Melton & Gibson, and when Charles Gibson withdrew, Melton & Knox, then Melton & Murphy, J. J. Murphy becoming a partner. This name continued until the firm sold the entire stock to J. Knox, who continued the business until 1884, when the name was changed to J. J. Murphy & Co., and still later, Levi Hutton purchased the business, and in turn, sold it to F. Jones, who moved the stock to Henrysburg.
In 1892 our subject rebuilt his store and completely restocked it with a varied and well assorted lot of goods suited to the demands of his trade, which long experience had made him acquainted with. He carries a general line of dry goods, notions, groceries, a complete line of hardware, as well as shoes, hats and caps, all fresh, clean and of excellent quality. In .every sense of the word, Mr. Melton is a successful merchant, catering to every taste and dealing justly with every customer. Mr. Melton also owns a large amount of property in Belmont County, one farm comprising 100 acres of excellent land in Warren township, and another of 40 acres, in Kirkwood township. With J. J. Murphy he is also interested in 25 acres located near Olivett and is also the owner of some improved lots. In addition, Mr. Melton is a large stockholder in the Barnesville Glass Company, and in many smaller enterprises.
The marriage of Mr. Melton was to Mary D. Smith, a daughter of John N. Smith, whose father was one of Noble County's presiding judges for a number of years. This marriage occurred on September 30, 1866, and three children were born to this union, namely : Willard S., Clyde W., and Ada M. Clyde W. is associated with his father as clerk. Ada M.
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married A. M. Boyd, late a bookkeeper in St. Louis. Missouri, but now a clerk in our subject's store.
For 15 years our subject's father was postmaster at Henrysburg, and the former acted as deputy for a number of years. Since its first establishment, Mr: Melton has been the postmaster of the Olivett office. The name is a much respected as well as old one, in Belmont County. The grandfather of our subject located here in 1800 and his son drove the first stakes in the building of the town of Freeport, in Harrison County. Mr. Melton was traveling salesman for 20 years, representing the following firms at different times : Frank Davis & Co., of Barnesville, Ohio; J. M. Lewis of Barnesville, Ohio, and L. S. Delaplain of Wheeling, West Virginia. Previous to being engaged with these companies, he represented a wholesale tobacco factory.
DILLWYN C. BUNDY, secretary and treasurer of the Belmont Insurance Association, of Barnesville , Ohio, is one of Belmont County's representative, substantial and prominent citizens. He bears a name which is honored through the county for its estimable character and is notable as belonging to the pioneer days.
Dillwyn C. Bundy was born in Belmont County, March 29, 1861, a son of Hon. William and Asenath (Doudna) Bundy, the former of whom is one of the distinguished citizens of this county, now retired from the activities of public life. He was one of a family of 12 children born to William and Sarah (Overman) Bundy, eleven of whom still survive. The father of Hon. William Bundy was born in North Carolina, in 1780 and in 1806 came to Belmont County. Ohio, settling on a farm near Barnesville. In 1815 he located his permanent home in Warren township, on section 4, and remained there until his death, which occurred in June, 1828. His wife was also a North Carolinian by birth. Both parents of Hon. William Bundy were consistent and leading members of the Society of Friends. They named their children as follows : Mary, Ezekiel, Eli, Charity, John, Nathan, Sarah, William, Dempsey, Chalkley, and Elizabeth, ten of these being deceased.
Hon. William Bundy was born in Warren township, Belmont County, in 1819, and grew to manhood accustomed to agricultural pursuits. His education was acquired in the country schools. In 1843 he married Prudence Wood, and one child, Allen, was born to this union. Mrs. Bundy died about 18 months after marriage. Three years later, Mr. Bundy married Asenath Doudna, daughter of Joel Doudna, a native of North Carolina. Nine children were born to this union, as follows : Prudence, deceased; T. Clarkson; Joel P., deceased; Almeda, deceased; Evaline, deceased; Charles, deceased; Dillwyn, Rebecca H., and an infant which passed away in babyhood. Mrs. Bundy was a most estimable and dearly beloved Christian woman, and for 42 years was her husband's companion, her death occurring on September 20, 1889. Mr. Bundy followed a farming life, occupying an estate of 365 acres, but, like Cincinnatus of old, he was called from his plow to assume the duties of a statesman, his fellowcitizens electing him as a Representative to the General Assembly, in 1875. Although the district was Democratic, and Mr. Bundy was a Republican in politics, the personal esteem in which he was held resulted in his election. His deep interest in the growth and development of Belmont County has been constant, and although now advanced in years and out of the rapid tide, he notes all local improvements with pleasure and is generous in his assistance of worthy enterprises.
Dillwyn C. Bundy was reared in Warren township, attended the common schools and there laid the foundation of an education which he later completed at the Friends' Boarding School at Barnesville, Ohio. At manhood he located on his present fine farm of 108 acres and is acknowledged to he one of the leading agriculturists of the county. Upon the organization of the Belmont Insurance Association of Barnesville, in 1897, he became its secretary
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and treasurer. This company represents over $2,000,000 of property, and is conducted exclusively as an association for the insurance of farm property. The amount of insurance now in force is $1,150,000, and the list of policy holders in Belmont County reaches almost 900.
The marriage of Mr. Bundy was to Elizabeth Steer, daughter of James and Mary (Green) Steer, prominent farming people of Belmont County, and a family of five children was born to this union, namely : Charles E., Amie, Walter A., deceased ; Mary E., and Margaret A. This family and connections represent many members of the Society of Friends in Belmont County, and is especially known for its public spirit and integrity of life and character. Mr. Bundy is active in his adherence to the Republican party, and is widely known and universally respected.
GEORGE H. MUTH, a retired business man of Bellaire and a large property owner, has made his money almost entirely in the mercantile business of this city. For many years he kept a large butcher shop in the place, and afterward established the flourishing grocery store which his son is so ably conducting. He was born in Wheeling. West Virginia, in 1837, and is the son of John and Katherine C. (Briel) Muth.
John Muth was born in Hesse Cassel, Germany. In 1832, after his marriage, he came to this country and settled at Fulton, near Wheeling, West Virginia. There he opened a butcher shop, which he conducted with success until 1848. Then moving to Bellaire, he opened in the Second Ward, on the river bank, a large general store, one of the first to be established in the place. It supplied one of the evident needs of the city and was a success from the start. From year to year he enlarged his stock of goods to meet the increasing demands of a growing population, and he continued in the industry until 1863, when he retired. He died in 1866, at the age of 57. He was married in Germany to Katherine C. Briel, who was born in Frankfort, Germany. She died in 1876, at the age of 66. To Mr. and Mrs. Muth were born three children: George H., who is mentioned below; Katherine, who married a Mr. Martin, of Muncie, Indiana; and Lizzie, who married a Mr. Thurber, and died some years ago in Bellaire.
George H. Muth, at the early age of 18, embarked upon his business career as a butcher in Bellaire. Previous experience with his father had initiated him in the work, and he was enabled in a short time to put the industry upon a solid foundation. Making a good start, he had no difficulty in keeping the excellent reputation he soon won, and for 35 years he perseveringly continued in this line. Then, in 1884, he erected at the corner of 33rd and Belmont streets a large and substantial grocery store. Here he put in an extensive stock of goods and began business. Well known as a reliable and accommodating merchant in the place, he at once secured a large patronage, and, meeting with no reverses, he continued to run his store until 1900, when he was succeeded by his son John. The firm name now is "Muth Grocery Co." He has been very successful in his different ventures and he now owns, besides the store, a fine residence and other valuable property.
Mr. Muth married a Miss Ambler, daughter of Isaac Ambler, of Belmont County, and they have had eight children, three of whom are now living: Katie, who married Dr. Maser, of Parsons, Kansas; Etta, the wife of George Hill, of Bellaire; and John, who is now in charge of the grocery store. The other five died young.
Mr. Muth has long been considered one of the solid business men of the place. As a man keenly interested in the welfare of the city, he has belonged to the volunteer fire department for 28 years, and has served as chief for 13 years. In politics he affiliates with the Democrats: in religious sentiment he is a Lutheran. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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JAMES P. CROWL. There is probably not a more reliable employee in the Mann foundry, or one who has been in that establishment longer than the foreman, Mr. Crowl, who resides at No. 302 Third street, Martin's Ferry. For ,nearly fifty years he has been engaged in this manufactory, and his fidelity to his work has won for him the unbounded confidence of not only the proprietor but also of the workmen. Born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1834, he is a son of Finley and Elizabeth J. (Greer) Crowl.
Finley Crowl was a man of great integrity and of much intellectual and physical strength. Upon reaching manhood he settled upon a farm in Pennsylvania, where he followed agriculture for the rest of his life. Not content with ordinary methods,. he brought both science and skill to bear upon his work, and won for himself an excellent reputation among agriculturists. He made a specialty of grain, and was thought to raise the best of any one in the county. Having passed a long and useful life, he died at the advanced age of 86. During his young manhood he married Elizabeth J. Greer, a noble, refined woman, who proved a wonderful help and encouragement to him in all his undertakings in life. She died in 1849 at the age of 45 years, 11 months and 17 days. To Mr. and Mrs. Crowl were born nine children,—Alexander, a wellknown farmer of Chester County, Pennsylvania ; Margaret E., who married E. Bye and resides on a farm in Chester County; James P., who is mentioned below; John, who died some time ago in Fargo, North Dakota ; Amos, who is engaged in business in Dickinson, North Dakota; Elizabeth, who married Ralph Greer and resides in Chester County, where he is engaged in the pottery business; Anna S., the wife of Townsend Pue, a farmer of Chester County, Pennsylvania ; Mary J.. who died at the age of five years; and William, who keeps a hotel in Wilmington, Delaware. Mr. Crowl was an influential member of the Presbyterian Church.
James P. Crowl was reared in Pennsylvania, and in the common schools of his State procured his education. He was early trained to farm work, and as a youth worked at this occupation until he was 18 years old. He then, in 1852, came to Martin's Ferry and secured a position in the foundry, in which he has since been engaged. At first he worked at molding, and, exercising both care and skill in his work, was soon promoted to a higher position. Since then he has been regularly advanced whenever opportunity occurred until eight years ago, he was made foreman. This position he has occupied ever since, exhibiting tact in the management of the men and an admirable comprehension of the work. He has under him about 25 men, the entire force in the foundry, and the work which he overlooks includes the making of all kinds of iron goods.
November 3, 1861, Mr. Crowl married Anna Lawrence, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio. By this marriage there have been five children,—Herbert Lawrence, who was born November 15, 1862, died April lo, 1878; William W., a glass decorator; Frank, born November 3, 1866, died November 23, 1882; Nellie, born May 15, 1868, died December 26, 1868; and Alma Edna, who married John M. Turner and has one child, Will Lawrence.
Mr. Crowl is both popular and influential in his city. In politics he has always taken a large interest, and is an unwavering Republican. Both he and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church and he is serving as deacon. In the I. O. O. F. of which he is a member he occupies a high position, having passed all the chairs of that order.
John Lawrence, father of Mrs. Crowl, was born in Pennsylvania, in August, 1795. Having procured a thorough education, and being a man of scholarly tastes, in the early period of his mature life he engaged in teaching and won for himself considerable distinction in the profession. Later he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some years, and finally he settled on a farm and engaged in agriculture. He lived to the advanced age of 80, dying in April, 1876. During his early manhood he married Elizabeth Kerr, who was born in Pennsylvania, and they had seven chil
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dren,—Susan, who married Alexander G. Holliday, died in her 63rd year in Nebraska, where her husband also died. Margaret married C. H. Turner, who served in the Civil War for three years. Both she and her husband died in Illinois, she at the age of 68. William resides in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas. James and Lavina died young. Anna is mentioned above. Elizabeth is now the widow of William H. Bendle, who served for three years in the Civil War. Mr. Lawrence and all his family joined the United Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder and liberal supporter.
ELLIS B. STEELE, a veteran of the Civil War, is a prosperous farmer residing on the old Steele homestead in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio. He was born on this farm in 1828, as was his father, Joshua, who was born in 1804.
Benajah Steele, grandfather of our subject, was born in Jones County, North Carolina, and came of Quaker ancestry. His father was Peter Steele, who never left North Carolina. Benajah Steele assisted in the early survey of Ohio in 1799, and moved here in 1800, locating in section 1, township 7, range 3. He died in 1854, at the age of 94 years, seven months and 26 days. He was one of the "Minute Men" of the Revolutionary War, and was a stanch Whig. He married a daughter of Joshua Bundy, and she died November 18, 1834. To them were born the following children: Peter, Mary, Elijah, Ruth, Joshua, and Ellis, all of whom are now deceased.
Joshua Steele resided on the farm where he was born and followed farming throughout life. He was a stanch Whig and active on the line of the "Underground Railroad." He married Abigail Parker, who was born in Northampton County, North Carolina, in 1803, and died in 1855. Seven children were born to them, as follows: Ellis B.; Mary, who died in infancy; Sarah, who resides with our subject; Wesley, who died
April 19, 1900; Joseph, who died in 1858; Jacob, who resides with our subject; and Addison, who resides near by. Addison Steele married a daughter of Robert Goff and has two children, Addison Winfield and Leah. Wesley Steele served in the Civil War in Company G, 170th Ohio Vol. Inf.,—the same company and regiment of which the subject of this sketch was a member. He married Caroline, Cunningham, daughter of George Cunningham, in the fall of 1865, and lived near the old home. At his death he left his widow and one daughter, who married Harry Brown, son of Albert Brown, of Upland, Ohio.
The Steeles were very active in operating the "Underground Railroad," and Ellis B. Steele probably ran the last train through his section of Belmont County, the route being in the southeastern part, from the river to Trenton or Emerson, in Jefferson County.
Ellis B. Steele has always followed blacksmithing and farming, having learned his trade with John Theaker, on Short Creek. He built his first shop on the farm in 1852, and erected the present one in 1890, although he has engaged but little at his trade during the past 15 years. The present home was built in 1828, the year of his birth. There are 159 acres to the home place, and this is devoted to general farming and stock raising. He erected at Steele's Grove a hall for amusements and picnics. He has been active in Sabbathschool work, but attends church at different places, still favoring the Society of Friends. He served as trustee of Pease township two or three terms, and also as land appraiser. In politics he is a stanch Republican. During the Civil War he served as corporal in Company G, 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., 19th Army Corps, in the 100day service in 1864. He was not wounded, but suffered very severely from malarial fever that he contracted.
Fraternally, Mr. Steele has been a member of the Odd Fellows for 52 years, being the oldest continuous member of the Mount
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Pleasant Lodge, No. 63, which he joined in August, 1851. He joined the Masons in 1865, Mount Pleasant Lodge, but is now a member of the Martin's Ferry lodge. For 24 years he has belonged to the Patrons of Husbandry of Morning View. He is a member of J. T. Updegraff Post, G. A. R., of Mount Pleasant. Mr. Steele has never been married.
HON. JOHN W. LAUGHLIN, one of the most influential citizens and enterprising and successful farmers of Belmont County, Ohio, is now living a retired life at his beautiful country home, about one and a half miles west of Barnesville. Mr. Laughlin is an Ohioan by birth, being a native of Washington, Guernsey County, and his birth dates back to March 15, 1837. He is a son of Thomas W. and Jane T. (Robe) Laughlin, whose family consisted of five children.
Our subject was reared on a farm and received his early education in the common schools. He subsequently attended Miller Academy in his native county ; at that time, this institution enjoyed quite a reputation for thoroughness. In 1858, Mr. Laughlin entered Jefferson College at Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, where he completed an extensive course, graduating from that institution in 1861.
The following year he took up the cause of the stars and stripes, and it was his pleasure to defend that emblem of union and strength for several years thereafter. January 10th of that year he enlisted as a private in Company B, 1st Reg., Ohio Vol. Cavalry. He rose rapidly from the ranks and became successively second lieutenant, first lieutenant and then adjutant. For a brief period he served as captain of Company K, and commanded two companies while acting as General Howard's escort. His military record was most praiseworthy ; he served three years and nine months, and was honorably discharged from the service September 13, 1865, at Hilton Head, S. C.
Returning from the war covered with honors, his marriage with Maggie J. Cowden was chronicled in November of the same year. Mrs. Laughlin is a daughter of David and Margery Cowden and is one of a family of four children. She was born at the old Cowden home, near Quaker City, Ohio. Her parents were both natives of Ireland, and but one of their children survive, our subject's wife's brother, W. N. Cowden. The latter was at one time president of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, and also served as secretary of the Ohio Wool Growers' Association. Mrs. Laughlin died December 11, 1893.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin; namely, Emma E., Thomas C., David A. and Albert W. (twins), Anna, James N., John C., Palmer H., Lelia J., and Lester M. Of these, Anna and James N. are deceased. The eldest son, Thomas C., Ph. D., after pursuing theological studies, became a minister of the Gospel. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Princeton Theological Seminary and in addition studied at Harvard University and two years in Berlin and Paris. He has recently been appointed professor in the Pacific Seminary at Berkeley, California. Palmer H., another son, is secretary of the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company. Owing to his excellent business ability, in the spring of 1902, he was promoted and at that time became secretary of this large manufacturing establishment.
While yet a resident of Guernsey County, Mr. Laughlin first became connected with the political history of that county. He was nominated three times for Representative and subsequently had bestowed upon him the highest honor of his county. In the fall of 1873, he was elected State Senator on the Democratic ticket, and served his term to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He has also served as trustee of the Children's Home, being appointed by the county commissioners. His ambition gratified, he voluntarily withdrew from the political field, and since that time his interests have been identified with an agricultural community. He owns a beautiful and wellimproved farm, a short distance from
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Barnesville, and of late years has not sought publicity of any kind. Although his residence is of modern make, his home life is simple and unostentatious. He carries on general farming and is quite an extensive stock raiser.
The career of John W. Laughlin is a notable one ; he has earned every honor bestowed upon him, by unremitting toil and painstaking effort. He ascribes most of the credit of his success to his sound fundamental schooling, and is content to spend his closing years in comfort upon his farm, surrounded by his family and a multitude of friends and neighbors, who delight to do him honor. He is a valued member of Robert Hilles Post, No. 220, G. A. R., of Barnesville, of which he is a past commander. He holds a membership in the First Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an elder for several years.
CALVIN POLLOCK, one of the prominent and highly esteemed citizens of Belmont County, Ohio, residing in section 6, in Union township, near Lafferty, was born on the farm which he now owns and operates, on January 21, 1838.
The parents of Mr. Pollock were John and Nancy (Hays) Pollock, both of whom were born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, where they were married on May 20, 1817, and soon after started to found a home in the far West, which was then considered to include the State of Ohio. They lived for a few years in Harrison County, Ohio, and in 1820 came to Belmont County, where Mr. Pollock bought the present family estate from its owner, John Marcus. As one of the pioneers of the county he was well known, and for more than 40 years was called upon to fill various responsible public offices. His political principles made him a Whig in early life, later a Republican, and he was one of the most interested promoters of the "Underground Railroad," his abolition views being well known in his locality. Both he and his wife were leading members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder for many years. Mr. Pollock was a man of unusual intellect, and during the latter days of his life, when the dark cloud of the Civil War was hovering over the country, he supported the Union to the best of his ability, and kept well informed on all current matters of that momentous period. He did not live to see the opening of hostilities, but he predicted them and hoped for a vigorous policy on the part of the North. His death took place February 26, 1861, his birth having been on March 6, 1795. His widow was born on March 25, 1798, and she survived until October 7, 1879, her long life of 82 years having been given to good actions and kind deeds.
Calvin Pollock, of this sketch, was the 12th member of his parents' family of 14 children, the others being: Samuel, who was born January 11, 1818, was a farmer in Belmont County, where he died at the age of 64 years; William H., who was born October 7, 1819, died at about the age of 65 years; James and Alexander both died in infancy; Robert J., who was born December 24, 1824, is a resident of Wheeling township; Hannah Jane, who was born November 21, 1826, married Dr. J. H. Crumbacker, and resides at Antrim, Ohio; Eleanor, who was born October 19, 1828, married James Lynn, of Washington County, Pennsylvania; John, who was born October 8, 1830, died at the age of 33 years, from a wound received at the battle of Chickamauga; James, who was born August 8, 1832, died at the age of 18 years; Margaret, who was born April 8, 1834, married Alexander Cook, and resides in Cambridge, Ohio; Mary H., who was born May 5, 1836, married John McConnell, and resides in Washington County, Pennsylvania; Sarah R., who is deceased, was born November 8, 1840, and married Mahlon Nichol; and Agnes, deceased, who was born March 8, 1842, and married Rev. J. A. Scroggs, of Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Calvin Pollock was educated in the public
616 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
schools in his locality, and assisted his father on the farm until 1863, when he took individual charge of the same, when his brother John entered the army. Mr. Pollock has spent his life developing and improving the property, it becoming his by purchase from the other heirs. The farm contains 160 acres and Mr. Pollock only cultivates for home consumption, raising grain, corn and hay. For the past 16 years he has been engaged quite extensively in the dairy business, and ships the milk product of 25 cows to Wheeling, West Virginia. The whole extent of the property is underlaid with coal, rendering it one of the most valuable tracts of land in Union township.
On December 8, 1869, Mr. Pollock was married to Aggie J. Henry, a native of this county, a daughter of John and Ellen (Clark) Henry, the former of whom is a merchant in Fairview, Ohio. Mrs. Pollock is one of a family of four children, viz.: Alexander C., a resident of Allegheny; Mrs. Pollock; Mary D., deceased; and Maggie, deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs Pollock are members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which the former has been an elder for many years, and both have been teachers in the Sundayschool for over 30 years. Mr. Pollock has never been deeply interested in political problems, but as a strict temperance man acts with the Prohibition party. He is as highly esteemed as any resident of Union township, in every relation of life, and the solid air of comfort which' prevails about his home makes it a notable one. Here both he and his estimable wife delight to offer a generous hospitality to their many friends.
STEWART & WARD, wholesale grocers and millers, located at the corner of 28th and Water streets, is an old and reliable business firm of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, which was established in 1879, 23 years ago. Until 1892 the business was milling, but in that year the firm embarked in the wholesale grocery line, and is the only jobbing house in Bellaire.
The mill was purchased from the firm of Bent & Dunlop, and has been remodeled and equipped with modern machinery until it is firstclass and thoroughly uptodate. The main brands of flour manufactured are the "Beauty," the "Daisy Roller" and the "Anchor." This house distributes several brands of Northwestern spring wheat flour to its trade. The business requires 15 employees, including traveling men, who cover the regular Wheeling jobbing district. The mill is operated by steam power and railroad facilities are of the best. As the firm controls the jobbing trade in the county, it occupies a leading and independent position. Its managers are men of ability and reliability and enjoy the confidence of the public to the fullest extent.
A. T. STEWART was born and reared in Jefferson County, Ohio, but has resided at Bellaire ever since the organization of the present business. Prior to that he had engaged in a mercantile line, and conducted a general store at Toronto, Ohio, several years. In young manhood he went to Vicksburg, and spent two years there in a jobbing business just before locating in Bellaire. His residence is on Belmont street. His family consists of three children, as follows: A. Mack, who is storekeeper for the National Steel Company at Bellaire; and Roberta L. and William, who are at home. Mrs. Stewart is deceased. Mr. Stewart has at various times been interested in business enterprises in the city and has been a member of the Board of Education. His religious connection is with the Presbyterian Church.
D. A. WARD has been a resident of Bellaire since 1879, when he formed his partnership with Mr. Stewart. He was born in 1850, near Steubenville, Ohio, and in 1876 went to Toronto, Ohio, and there engaged in a milling business. He was reared on a farm and was given a good common school
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education, which fitted him for a business career in which he has been so successful. He married Ella M. Stewart, a sister of his partner, and his three children are: Frankie, bookkeeper for the firm; Amy and Donald. Mr. Ward built a handsome home in the Fourth Ward, and he is a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Bellaire. In politics he is a Republican, and, like his partner, is held in esteem for his upright business methods as well as his estimable personal characteristics.
GEORGE COOKE, attorneyatlaw, and excity solicitor of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, is a son of James and Jane (McCracken) Cooke, natives of Harrison County, Ohio, and residents of New Athens, of the same county.
James Cooke has followed the occupation of a farmer all his life and is today numbered among the county's welltodo, substantial citizens, who is known throughout the surrounding county. He has been township trustee for some twelve of fourteen years, has always been alert in politics, and is a Democrat. He and his family prefer the doctrines of the United Presbyterian Church, of which he is a prominent member and trustee also.
Our subject is the third in a family of five children : W. M., who is a carpenter and contractor at New Athens, Ohio; Agnes M., who is now Mrs. J. B. Patton, of New Athens ; George, our subject; Margaret F., still living in the home circle; Rev. Robert Parks, a graduate of Franklin College, Ohio.
George Cooke was educated in the common schools, afterward taking a course in Franklin College, and completing it through the junior year. He read law with George Duncan after this and was finally admitted to the bar in 1894, and began practice in his own name. He has practiced in all the courts of the State and in the Supreme Court and is considered one of the rising young attorneys of the county. In 1899 he was elected city solicitor of Martin's Ferry with a majority of three to one in a localitypronounced Republican, and in the second election in 1900 he carried all the wards of the city, with the exception of one. He has served in the office for three years, showing his fine official capacity. He has been deputy supervisor of elections in Belmont County for four years, and has also been a member of the Republican County Executive Committee, taking a lively interest in politics.
April 30,1902, Mr. Cooke was united in marriage with Lena F. McKay, a native of Delaware, Ohio, and a daughter of John McKay, now deceased. They are members of the United Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Cooke has been secretary of the congregation for years. In fraternal circles our subject is a member of the K. of P. and has passed through most of the chairs; a member of the Bellaire Lodge of Elks; and also of the A. O. U. W. fraternity. Mr. Cooke is one of the stirring speakers on the Democratic side in county and national campaigns; he is a faithful student, well read, and stands deservedly high in the estimation of all.
HON. JOHN W. KENNON. One of the wellknown and honored names in Belmont County, Ohio, is that of Kennon, representing large landed interests as well as social and political prominence. A most worthy and esteemed member of this family is found in Hon. John W. Kennon, who resides upon a fine estate within one mile of the city of Barnesville.
The birth of Mr. Kennon occurred in Ireland, in 1812, a year of historic interest in the annals of America, and was one of a family of seven children born to Newall and Jane (Wilson) Kennon, the latter of whom died in her native Ireland, in 1819. In 1821, the father of our subject, with his seven motherless children, left his excellent farm in Ireland, where he had ' prospered as long as he had been cheered and supported by the presence of his devoted wife; emigrating to America, he made his first permanent settlement in Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, where he purchased 1,000 acres of land, paying for this
618 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
large tract the sum of $10,000. In those early days the land was yet covered with its virgin ' growth of timber. In order to have the land quickly cleared and put under cultivation, Mr. Kennon hired various parties to undertake this business, leasing to each for seven years, free of charge, the contract being that they were to clear 21 acres. A man of excellent business faculty, he lived to see many changes wrought by his plans. He died in 1863, at the advanced age of 91 years.
John W. Kennon grew to the age of eight years in his native county, Down, Ireland, at that age accompanying his father to America. His education was obtained in an old log school house near his home, in company with the children of other pioneer families, and he was reared to agricultural pursuits, for which he has never lost a taste. At the beginning of the Grange movement, he became interested and during his later legislative career furthered in every way in his power those laws tending to be of advantage to the farming community. Successfully operating a large estate, he also became a leader in public matters and on more than one occasion, on account of the reliability of his character, was selected to serve as a United States juror, at Cincinnati. During the winters of 1868 and 1869, he served as a Representative in the State Legislature, and he was appointed one of the committee to select the site of the State Reform School for Girls, the same being now a credit to White Sulphur Springs, Delaware County, Ohio.
On November 7, 1851, Mr. Kennon was united in marriage with Eliza DuBois, and ten children were born to this union, as follows : Jane W., Josephine, Mary E., J. Newall, Agnes. Thomas J., William H., Anna E., Robert R., and George W., the two last named being deceased. Mary E. married Daniel Crawford, who died in February, 1884. Josephine married E. T. Parker, who died in February, 1896. Agnes married John C. Buchanan. Anna E. married Frank J. Beaston, a manufacturer of Philadelphia. Thomas J. married Clara M. Beaston of Philadelphia where they reside. William H. married Zetta Eccleston, and they reside in Cleveland. J. Newall resides with his aged parents. In 1875, Mr. Kennon erected a handsome residence on his estate just one mile north of Barnesville. A discovery of oil was made on his farm, resulting in a productive well and the drilling of a second, this also promising to be satisfactory. Mr. Kennon and family belong to the Presbyterian Church. He is most highly regarded in this vicinity as not only one of the most substantial but also as one of the most upright and publicspirited citizens of Belmont County.
BENJAMIN F. MUMMA, one of Warren township's progressive farmers, belonging to one of the old and honored families of the State, was born in Kirkwood township, Belmont County, September 9, 1849, one of a family of seven children born to Daniel and Elizabeth (Sheppard) Mumma, five of whom still survive.
Daniel Mumma was also a native of Kirkwood township, born there in 1817, one of a family of four children who were born on his father's farm. Through a long life filled with meritorious deeds, he passed out of it in September, 1899.
Benjamin F. Mumma attended the schools of Kirkwood township, and remained there until 1876, when he removed to Warren township where he purchased his present fine farm. This comprises l00 acres in section 12, in Warren township, which is now under the management of Joseph W. Murphy, our subject's very capable son-in-law, who was born November 15, 1868, in Kirkwood township, one of a family of ten children born to his parents, Lafayette and Tacy J. (Sudduth) Murphy.
Benjamin F. Mumma was married January 1. 1874, to Armintha Taylor, a daughter of Rev. Abijah Taylor, of Kirkwood township. Four children were born to this marriage, Emsley, deceased; Hattie L., who married J. W. Murphy, on May lo, 1900; Charles R. and Linnie. The religious association of the family
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is with the Methodist Church. In political sentiment, Mr. Mumma is most in sympathy with the Prohibition party. Much interested in agricultural development, he belongs to the Grange and furthers all movements looking to the protection as well as advancement of the farmers' interests. For three years he served as school director, his excellent judgment and deep and intelligent interest making him a valuable acquisition on the board. He lives retired from business activity, enjoying the fruits of his land, and the companionship and affection of his family.
J. HARRY McDONALD, superintendent of the Bessemer department for the National Steel Company in their extensive plant at Bellaire, Ohio, is one of the bestknown and most successful business men of the city. He efficiently fills a position of grave responsibility. Since the summer of 1884 he has been a resident of Bellaire, and closely identified with the great corporation noted above, although he had been connected with the steel business in Braddock, Pennsylvania, since 1876.
The birth of Mr. McDonald took place in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, one of a family of 15 children born to Patrick and Christiana McDonald, the former of whom came to Bellaire in 1888, in the steel industry, but who now is a resident of Youngstown, Ohio. Our subject's sisters reside near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, while the surviving sons are located as follows: Thomas, Joseph, Lewis and William are all connected with the steel business in Youngstown; Charles is connected with the iron business at Duquesne, Pennsylvania; Isaac is in the same business at Homestead; Samuel is connected with the Tennessee Coal & Iron Company in Alabama; Francis D. is connected with the Republic Steel & Ii on Company at Youngstown; and Robert, who lives in Bellaire, Ohio.
Our subject was educated in the common-schools of Allegheny County and began his work in the steel industry when about 20 years of age. His industrial schooling was of the most practical character, and its results are seen in the present responsible position filled with so much success. It has been by firm determination and constant, painstaking effort that our subject has gradually risen from his first humble position to the present one.
The marriage of Mr. McDonald was to a daughter of Joseph Wood, who was a former resident of Bellaire, but now lives in Cambridge. Mrs. McDonald was reared and educated in Bellaire. The two children born to this union are J. Wood and Harry Eugene. The family home is located at No. 4139 Harrison street, in a handsome residence erected in 1902 by Mr. McDonald. The fraternal connections of our subject are with Bellaire Lodge, No. 267, F. & A. M.; Chapter No. 107, R. A. M.; and Hope Commandery, No. 26, of St. Clairsville, Ohio. and Black Prince Lodge, No. 57, Knights of Pythias, of Bellaire, Ohio. Mr. McDonald is one of the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Bellaire. His political affiliation is with the Republican party.
By a former union Mr. McDonald has a daughter, Lulu M., who married Thomas McGowan, of Bellaire, Ohio.
THOMPSON M. WELLS, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon who has resided in Bellaire, Ohio, since 1886, was born in 1853, on what is now the site of the Diamond Mill, at Bridgeport, and he was reared at Martin's Ferry.
The parents of Dr. Wells were Henry and Margaret (McConahey) Wells, the former of whom followed the trade of blacksmith until 1859, after which time he conducted a foundry at Martin's Ferry. He came to Belmont County in 1822, from Philadelphia, where he was born, and where his father also was a blacksmith. The McConahey family of which Dr.
622 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Wells' mother was a member was one of the pioneer ones of Belmont County. She died when our subject was small, and he, with his brothers, was reared by her sister, who was born in Belmont county in 1805. Her brother, Dr. James McConahey, was younger than she, and his son George conducts a country store on the Martin's Ferry & Mount Pleasant Pike. Dr. Wells' father died January 2, 1890, aged 75 years.
Dr. Wells was one of three sons who were so early bereft of their mother, namely : Dr. Levi C., H. E. and our subject. Dr. Levi C. is a practicing physician at Cambridge, Ohio. H. E. was engaged in the drug business for many years with a Mr. Dent, at Bridgeport, Ohio, but on account of failing health he purchased a farm near by and died May 14, 1893, his wife having passed away the year previously.
Dr. Wells had many educational advantages. In the fall of 1869 he entered Franklin College and later attended medical lectures at Philadelphia, graduating from Hahnemann Medical College on March 10, 1875, at the age of 22 years. He began his practice, in the school of homeopathy, at Baresville, Monroe County, Ohio, in 1875 and continued there until his location in Bellaire in 1886. His home and office are located at No. 3467 Guernsey street, and he has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice.
The marriage of Dr. Wells was to a daughter of R. B. Smith, of Mount Pleasant, Ohio, the latter being a boyish comrade of Dr. Wells' father. Four children were born to this marriage, namely : Helen, who died August 12, 1895, aged 19 years and six months; Mabel, now Mrs. Way, whose husband is a messenger on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, and a son of Dr. Way, of Woodsfield, Ohio; Malcolm M., who is a graduate of the Elliott school and the Bellaire High School, is well known in football circles, and although but 24 years old, is yardmaster of the tracks of the United States Steel Corporation's mill at Bellaire, and lives at home ; and Palma, who is yet a student. For 22 years Dr. Wells has been a Mason and both he and his son Malcolm belong to the Bellaire blue lodge and the chapter. His father was the first elder in the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church, away back in 184142, and the Doctor still adheres to the religious principles in which he was reared. He is a member of the Ohio Valley Homeopathic Medical Association. In person our subject is built in generous mold, weighing some 300 pounds. It has been said by some of his grateful patients, that a visit from the jovial, pleasant physician, with his vitality and good cheer, does more good than pills or potions. This may be one secret of the Doctor's unusual success and popularity.
DAVID COSS, a well-known business man of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, has his place of business at No. 411 Walnut street, and deals extensively in paints, oils, varnishes, dye stuffs, etc. He also buys powder by the car load and sells dynamite in both large and small quantities. He is a native of Martin's Ferry, was born January 7, 1859, and is a son of Harrison and Mary J. (Linn) Coss.
Harrison Coss was very well known and esteemed during his life. and followed the occupation of a bricklayer, taking contracts, etc., and doing work principally on dwellings. He was united in marriage with Mary J. Linn, who is still an honored resident of Martin's Ferry, her home for many years. She was born in 1830 and bore her husband eight children. Her husband was a through and through Republican and served as councilman for several years with much satisfaction to all. He departed this life November 6, 1900, on the day on which President McKinley and VicePresident Roosevelt were elected to office. Mrs. Coss has been a lifelong member of the M. E. Church, and is a great worker in religious movements. The names of her children are as follows : William H., Rena, David, our subject; Addison, Clara, Delora, Herman, and Frank, who like his father before him is a bricklayer by occupation and makes his home in Martin's Ferry. Herman is a
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blacksmith in the American Tin Plate Mill at Martin's Ferry; Delora married W. E. Thomas, a worker in the mill and lives in Zanesville, Ohio; William H. and Addison are employed as blacksmiths at the Laughlin Mill in Martin's Ferry,—the former has been twice married, having been united with Sallie Chambers, and later with Maggie Sweeney; the latter married Mary Blakemore.
David Coss was educated in the schools of his native city and afterward found a position as clerk in a grocery store where he worked until he had mastered painting, the trade which he subsequently followed for twelve or fifteen years until 1893. At the end of that year he embarked in business as a paint and oil dealer, and by honesty and fair dealing has built up a first rate patronage and trade, and is ranked among the foremost business men of the city.
Mr. Coss has never married. He is a Republican of decided opinions as was his father, and takes much interest in politics. In fraternal circles he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and has passed through all the chairs; and also affiliates with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
From 1896 until 1900, Mr. Coss served with credit as city treasurer, and has gained the confidence and trust of the public by his faithfulness to duty and his prompt and active methods. He is a stockholder in the German Savings Bank.
GEORGE L. SPENCE, president of the Stanton Heater Company, director in the People's Savings Bank, stockholder in the First National Bank of Bridgeport, director and vicepresident of the Fidelity Savings & Loan Company and . director in the SpenceBaggs Stove Company, of Martin's Ferry, is one of the leading business men of the Ohio Valley.
Mr. Spence is an Ohio product, born in Martin's Ferry, on November 11, 1866, a son of Lavosier and Elizabeth (Dakan) Spence, the former of whom was born in Jefferson County and the latter in Belmont County, in the same State. Lavosier Spence was born to parents who lived in an unassuming way, in a cabin on a rented farm in Mount Pleasant township, Jefferson County, on January 14, 1829, and like the majority of selfmade men attained his present position as a capitalist, by climbing up a hill of toil. His educational advantages were meager indeed and he just simply went to work and kept at it through youth and manhood ; his struggles developed his character as well as his mental and physical being. From being a good carpenter he developed into an excellent machinist, and in 1857 he began the making of threshing machines in Martin's Ferry, and ten years later made engines, continuing the business until 1899. Mr. Spence was one of the original builders of the old Aetna and Standard iron and steel companies' works, and was a director in both companies until they went into the combination in 1899. In 1873 he went into the manufacture of stoves, continuing alone until 1874, when he admitted several gentlemen into partnership, the firm name thus becoming Spence, Baggs & Co., which operated successfully until 1900 when the present firm of the Spence=Baggs Stove Co. was incorporated. This company is yearly expanding and growing more prosperous.
In 1899 the thresher and engine plants which our subject's father established were merged into the Riverside Bridge Company, Mr. Spence still retaining an interest. He is also a director in the Stanton Heater Company, is president of the People's Savings Bank and vicepresident of the First National Bank of Bridgeport, Ohio.
Mr. Spence is financially interested in other manufacturing enterprises in Martin's Ferry. For years he has been one of the most enterprising men of the city, ready to promote its best interests. Mr. Spence owns one of the handsomest residences in Martin's Ferry, which is situated on a bluff commanding a fine view of the hills and the river. He delights in his home, in his family and friends and is proud and hopeful regarding the future of this city. He has been identified with much of the improvement in this section.
624 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
On August 20, 1857, Mr. Spence was married to Elizabeth Dakan who came to Martin's Ferry in 1854. Two sons were born to this union, namely : John D. and George L. John D. Spence was born on November 3, 1862, and died August 6, 1895. He married Texa Arnett, who was a native of Wheeling, who died in 1889, at the age of 24 years, leaving two children, Elizabeth D. and Grover L.
George L Spence received many educational advantages. Finishing his primary education in the lower grades in Martin's Ferry, he entered the High School, graduating from that institution in 1886 and then entered the Ohio State University at Columbus. In 1887, when in the sophomore year, he left the college in order to enter into the thresher and engine manufacturing business in which he was made a partner in 1890, continuing as such until 1899 when he assisted in the incorporation of the Stanton Heater Company and raised the funds to put it on a safe basis. Like his father, Mr. Spence has an unusual degree of business ability and is interested in many of the leading enterprises in this locality and is foremost in all public movements tending to the prosperity and advancement of Martin's Ferry. He is interested and still a director in the Spence-Baggs Stove Company ; he helped to organize the Belmont Brick Company and was a director in that company for some seven years; is a stockholder in the First National Bank in Bridgeport; and in 1887 was one of the organizers and has been a director and the vicepresident of the Fidelity Savings & Loan Company since. Mr. Spence was one of the original organizers of the Y. M. C. A. and served for two years as its president.
On October 12, 1892, Mr. Spence was married to Flora A. McCord, a native of Martin's Ferry and a daughter of C. G. and Anna McCord, residents of the same city. For the past 20 years Mr. McCord has been in the brick business and is a member of the brick firm of McCord Brothers, of Martin's Ferry, Ohio. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Spence, Emma A. and Gertrude E. The religious connection of the family is with the Baptist Church, in which body Mr. Spence has efficiently filled all the positions accorded to a layman. His support is liberal and both he and his wife find much enjoyment in furthering its usefulness. Politics do not appeal to Mr. Spence, and he confines his activity to local affairs. He is justly ranked high in business circles and his integrity and justice in dealing with others is only equaled by his display of engaging qualities in private life.
HON. WILLIAM F. SMITH, a citizen of St. Clairsville, Ohio, is judge of the Probate Court of Belmont County, in which capacity he has served with honor and credit since 1896. He was born on a farm near Chester Hill, in Morgan County, Ohio, June 5, 1854, and is a son of David and Mary (Foulke) Smith, who were members of the Society of Friends and both natives of Ohio. His mother died when he was four years old. His father, now past 75 years of age, is living on the old home farm near Chester Hill.
Judge Smith attended boarding school at Westtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania, graduating from there in 1875. He later went to Haverford College in Pennsylvania, from which institution he graduated in the summer of 1877. He then went to McConnelsville, Ohio, and commenced the study of law in the office of Pond & Foulke, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1879. He taught school for a number of years while acquiring his education.
He was married June 23, 1880, to Mary Blanche Pond, only daughter of his former preceptor, Col. Francis B. Pond, and Eliza A. (Corner) Pond. Colonel Pond was colonel of the 62nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in the War of the Rebellion, and was later Attorney General of the State of Ohio. Judge Smith and his wife soon after their marriage located at Barnesville, Ohio, where he commenced the practice of law, and continued there in successful practice until 1896, when he was elected to the office of Probate
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judge on the Republican ticket, since which time he has resided in St. Clairsville. He was reelected by an increased majority in 1899. He has always taken an active interest in politics in support of the principles of the Republican party.
Judge Smith and his family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In secret orders he is an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias, and a Mason. Judge Smith and his wife are the parents of two children: Harold D., who is attending the public school in St. Clairsville, and Frances E., a daughter, who is now a junior in Lake Erie College at Painesville, Ohio.
JOHN SCHICK, for many years a prominent coal operator, residing at Bellaire, Ohio, was born in Germany in 1845, and is a son of Martin Schick.
Martin Schick came to the United States in 1847, first locating in Baltimore for 12 years, then in Wheeling two years, when he came to Bellaire. He was for a number of years immigrant agent for the B. & O. R. R., having charge of immigrants for the West, directing them across the river and placing them on proper trains and routes for theif destinations. He conducted the Eagle House for several years, and also owned a farm west of Bellaire, upon which the miners' shanties are now built. For two years he followed the coal business. He died in 1881. He was a wellknown man in this vicinity and on the railroad between Baltimore and Columbus. He and his wife had the following children: Mrs. Lena Miller; Mrs. Joseph Cleaver; John; August, who .was in partnership with John for many years; Andrew; George; Fred; Mrs. Louise Clouse; Anna Schempf, deceased; Mrs. C. A. Smith; and Frances, deceased. Those living are residents of Bellaire.
John Schick was two years old when his parents moved to this country, and received his educational training in the Fifth Ward School at Wheeling, and in a school in Bellaire located where the C. & P. R. R. depot now stands. In 1858 he went to Richmond, Virginia, where he spent two years as apprentice at the tinners' trade, then returned home and entered the employ of George W. Johnson at Wheeling, and later of Thomas Medford at Bellaire. Because he was under age, he ran away from home and enlisted in Company A, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., serving from January 11, 1862, until July 13, 1865, being in Sherman's army. He was never sick a day, and, in fact, gained in health during his service. Returning to Bellaire, he resumed the tinning trade, which he followed until 1880, since which time he has engaged mainly in looking after his various properties. He owns three business buildings and eight residences in Bellaire, besides having other business interests. He is a director and stockholder of the Novelty Stamping Company, which he helped to promote and build; director of the Farmer's & Merchant's Bank; stockholder in the Mason Heater Company and the Imperial Glass Company. In 1877 he and his brother August formed a partnership in the coal business, and until recently operated the mine one mile and a half west of Bellaire, on the B. & O. R. R., from which mine coal has been furnished the railroad since before the Civil War. It is one of the oldest mines in the county and was formerly conducted by Jacob Heatherington and his brother. At the present time it is operated by John A., a son of our subject, and M. J., a son of August Schick, who succeeded their fathers as partners. They employ about 85 men and produce from 5,000 to 8,000 bushels daily. For the past 17 years our subject has resided at No. 3625 Guernsey street. where he has a fine home, which was built by Alexander DuBois and remodeled by himself.
December 27, 1869, Mr. Schick married Augusta Bauer, of Martinsburg, and they have three children: Fred M., a druggist in Colorado; John A., and Augusta A. In
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politics our subject is a Democrat. In religious attachment he is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bellaire.
CHARLES A. GRELLA, an enterprising grocer of Bellaire, is now conducting one of the largest and oldest industries of its kind in the city, the business having been established in 1879 by his father. Since he took a hand in the management, however, he has done much to push the business to its present prosperous condition and to make the store at 4575 Jefferson street one of the busiest markets in the city.
Mr. Grella has undoubtedly inherited much of his energy and clearheaded business capacity from his good German ancestors. His father, Louis Grella, was a native of Germany, and in 1870 came to this country and soon afterward settled in Bellaire. Here at its present location in 1878 he erected the store where the son is now conducting business, a substantial structure 80 by 20 feet. The following year he put in a good stock of groceries and started business. The industry proved a success from the start, and from year to year he was enabled to enlarge his stock and branch out in other respects. In 1893 he received his son as a partner and the firm has since been known as L. Grella & Son. Mr. Grella died in June, 1901. His wife is now residing at their pleasant residence at No. 4565 Jefferson street. To Mr. and Mrs. Grella were born seven children—Louis, now in the steel business in Pittsburg; Charles A., who is mentioned below; William, a clerk in his brother's grocery store; Minnie, who lives at home; Louisa, who married D. Riley, of Pittsburg, and Emma and Ida, who are still at home. Mr. Grella was a man who exerted an influence upon the public affairs of the city. In politics he affiliated with the Democrats.
Charles A. Grella was reared in an atmosphere of business, and upon reaching manhood readily took to the industry his father had so firmly established in Bellaire. As has been said, he became a partner in this grocery establishment in 1893, and since the death of his father, about a year ago, he has taken full charge of affairs. He carries a full line of staple and fancy groceries, has a large retail trade, and is engaged to some extent in the wholesale business. In fact, the industry requires the employment of six men regularly and at times even more. Having considerable surplus capital, Mr. Grella has branched out to some extent, and as a large investor in the enterprises is now director of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company, and also of the recently organized Enameled Steel Tile Company.
Mr. Grella is now residing at the home of his parents. He belongs to the I. O. O. F.; F. & A. M., Ionic Lodge, of Bellaire; Hope Commandery, K. T., of St. Clairsville; K. of P., Black Prince Lodge, and the Junior O. U. A. M. Politically he affiliates with the Republicans, and in religious views he sides with the German Reformed Church
REV. CHARLES A. MULHEARN, rector of St. Mary's Church at Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, has a large place in the hearts of his congregation and has no little part to play in the arena of life and work. He was ushered into this life September 22, 1861, and claims New Jersey as his native State. His parents were Michael and Mary (Conaty) Mulhearn, natives of County Cavin, Ireland, and are at present honored residents of New London, Connecticut.
Michael Mulhearn is a shoemaker by vocation, and has traveled from Maine to California in the interests of his business. He makes a specialty of manufacturing shoes for cripples, and has given the work much time and study. He immigrated to this country in 1854 as did also his wife, and they were married soon after their arrival. Several children blessed their union : Charles A., the oldest of the three living; Frank, who is the efficient
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chief engineer of a revenue cutter on the ocean; and Daniel, living at home.
The educational advantages of our subject were good. He obtained the rudiments of his education in the public schools of New London, Connecticut, later entered the High School, and finished with honor. The next eight years of his life were spent on a steamer running between New London and Sag Harbor, New York, serving in the capacity of clerk. He then entered Niagara University in New York, where he completed a classical course, and determined to become a minister. He accordingly went to Montreal and there took a course in theology, and was ordained for this diocese by Bishop Ryan of Buffalo, June 15, 1889. He served the following ten years as assistant in the Cathedral, in Columbus, Ohio, to Bishop Watterson. and his residence in Martin's Ferry has dated from November, 1888. He has charge of a church, situated in one of the nice locations of the city, which has a seating capacity for 600 and has a membership of 940 people. The schools in connection with it have a course of study similar of that of public schools and there are now about 225 students enrolled. The parsonage is an exceedingly comfortable place and is fitted with many of the modern conveniences. There is always plenty to do and plenty to plan for future work and Mr. Mulhearn is very busy with numerous duties depending upon him. As a good. Christian gentleman he is spoken of in the highest terms.
PAUL MORRISON. M. D., one of the leading young physicians of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of the county, born on May 1, 1869. a son of S. G. W. and Louise Mary (Scott) Morrison. the former of whom is a native of Maryland, and the latter of Virginia.
S. G. W. Morrison is an iron broker and has (lone business in that line under his own name as a firm style for the past 35 years. Prior to that time he was in the foundry business in Wheeling. Although he is over 80 years of age, his mind is still alert and he carries on his usual avocations. The mother of our subject, at the age of 76 years, is also remarkably active, and both are most highly esteemed in this community. Both are consistent members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Morrison is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, but he has never desired political notice. A family of nine children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, viz.: Mrs. F. S. Watson, the widow of James Watson, resides with her parents. Charles S. is an attorney in Wheeling. Mary A. is Mrs. Charles H. Dilley and resides in New York City. Dr. Frank S. is a dentist in Martin's Ferry. Dr. Paul is the subject of this review. William was killed at the age of 21 at the battle of Cedar Creek, being struck in the temple with a spent ball. He enlisted as a private in the Civil War and was promoted for gallantry to be lieutenant in the 14th Reg., West Virginia Vol. Inf. He was a young man of promise. Scott died at the age of eight years. Dr. John \V., who was a practitioner in Martin's Ferry, died in 1891, aged 41 years. Virginia M. married Abraham Lash and died in Martin's Ferry, aged 36 years.
Dr. Paul Morrison obtained his primary education at the public schools of Martin's Ferry and later became a student at Kenyon College, of Gambier, Ohio, graduating in the classical department there in 1892. He then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, graduating from that great institution in 1896. His hospital experience was gained in the Sloan Maternity Hospital and the Chambers Street Hospital, in the former of which he spent several months, gaining knowledge which he could have secured in no other way. When he settled for practice at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it was as a thoroughly skilled surgeon and a well instructed physician, and with the added experience of two years. he located at Martin's Ferry. in 1898. His practice is of a general nature and he is examining physician for several insurance and fraternal associations. His relations with the medical associations of Bel-
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mont County and Eastern Ohio are most cordial in their nature and his contributions to their literature are given careful attention.
Dr. Morrison was married on December 26, 1894, to Genevieve Carpenter, a native of Port Jarvis, New York, a daughter of William S. and Emily (Palmer) Carpenter, residents of Port Jarvis. The Doctor and wife are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in which he is a member of the vestry. His political interest is in the success of the Republican party, but his professional duties leave him little time for politics. Dr. Morrison is well qualified and has a constantly increasing practice.
DAVID THORBURN, a prominent and influential farmer of Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born December 2, 1828, on his present farm in section 31, and has made his home on it all his life, with the exception of eight years, from 1850 to 1858, spent in Colerain township. His home, which is the oldest brick house on Scotch Ridge, is very substantial and since it has been remodeled presents a modern appearance.
David Thorburn is a son of Alexander and Helen (Harper) Thorburn. His father came to this country from Scotland, where he was born, reared and married, being accompanied by his wife and two children, who were born in Dalkeith, Scotland. They arrived at Wheeling, West Virginia, in July or August, 1825, and there Mr. Thorburn followed his trade as a tanner, working for a time with Mr. Gardner, of Wheeling. He moved to Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, in the fall of 1825, and purchased what has since been the home farm, it having been entered by the Alexanders and owned at the time by Peter Alexander. He continued on this farm until 1857, when he sold it to the subject of this biography, and moved to the farm adjoining on the south, now owned by Mr. McGlenn. Remaining there until the spring of 1866, he moved to Adams County, Illinois, where he died in the fall of 1866, at the age of 70 years. He was a Whig, and later a Republican, and was a strong Abolitionist. He was always active in the United Presbyterian Church. His wife was born in Scotland and died on the home farm in 1848, aged 47 years. Their children were: Marion, Elsie, Robert, David, Alexander, Helen, Bethia (Jeffers), and Jeanette (Giddings), Marion, born in Scotland, was the wife of Robert Frazier, and died where Mozart Park is now situated, in Ohio County, West Virginia, in the 46th year of her age. Elsie, who was born in Scotland and died in 1858, was the wife of J. W. Gray. Robert, born on the home farm April 26, 1826, married, first, Miss Moore, and after her death married Miss Stringer. He has five sons and three daughters. He moved west to Missouri when his children were small. David, born on the home farm, was married in 1850 to Sarah S. Gray, daughter of an early resident, John Gray. She died in 1854, and the two children born to them died in infancy. He formed a second union in 1856 with Nancy Jane Edwards, who was born in Belmont County and is a daughter of Louis Edwards, whose father, Ignatius Edwards, came to this county from Virginia. By his second marriage David Thorburn had the following children: Lizzie Helen; Alice Arabella; Martha Alameda, wife of John S. Beatty, of Pease township, residing on the old Finney farm; Ada Harper, John S., and an infant, who are deceased; Lula Jane, wife of Frank Permar, residing near Steubenville; Katie M., Margaret W., and Charles David. Alexander, who served in the 98th Reg., Ohio, Vol. Inf., died soon after the conclusion of the Civil War. Helen, who is the widow of J. F. Godfrey, resides in Illinois. Mrs. Bethia Jeffers, a widow, resides with her family at Mount Pleasant, Ohio. Mrs. Jeanette Giddings resides in Adams County, Illinois. Alexander Thorburn was married a second time, in 1850, to Caroline Godfrey, and they
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had one son, John Godfrey, who is now deceased.
David Thorburn owns about 102 acres and has finely improved the farm, which he devotes to general farming. During the past two years he has engaged in the dairy business, wholesaling his milk at the farm. Mr. Thorburn has witnessed a wonderful development in the towns of Belmont County. He remembers Martin's Ferry when there were but three business men in town, namely: Amos Jones, dry goods merchant; Miller, the grocer; and Beasle, the tavern keeper. He helped haul the stone used in the foundation for the barn built upon his place when he was 17 years old. Politically, he is a Republican, having voted for Hale, Free-Soil candidate, and John C. Freemont, at one time being the only Republican in the district. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.
JOHN A. HAZEN, a prosperous farmer of Union township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, February 3, 1830, and is a son of Hon. George W. and Nancy (Bowman) Hazen, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively.
Judge Hazen was about three years of age when taken by his parents to live in Pennsylvania. Both his parents lived beyond the age of 70 years. He was educated for the legal profession and attained high rank among the lawyers of his section. He and his family came to Ohio in 1833, and he lived in southeast Ohio during the remainder of his life, dying in 1861 at the age of 66 years. He served as judge in Belmont County for a period of seven years, and was a most worthy man, who enjoyed the acquaintance of many throughout the county. Although reared in the Episcopal Church, his parents having belonged to the Church of England, he later joined the Presbyterian
Church, of which he was a devout member. In politics he was conservative, but held strenuously to his views. Although he had much political influence and was the ruling spirit in politics in the county, the only office ever accepted was that of judge, declining to run for a senatorship. He owned a farm of 270 acres, most of which still remains in the possession of his family. He was a Mason, and Hazen Lodge, of Morristown, was named in his honor. He married Nancy Bowman, a daughter of John and Catherine (Snively) Bowman, relatives of the Bowmans and Hoggs of Brownsville, Pennsylvania. She died in 1888, at the advanced age of 86 years. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church and was an active church worker. Four children were born to them, as follows: David H., at one time partner of Governor Shannon, of St. Clairsville, was an attorney-at-law,—he moved to Pittsburg and then to Kansas, where he died; Dr. Charles A. died at the age of 61 years in Kansas City, where he had practiced for some years; Catherine resides with the subject of this sketch; and John A.
John A. Hazen was educated in the common schools of this county and at an early age engaged in farming, at which he has since continued. He follows diversified farming and possesses 160 acres, all of which is underlaid with coal, presumably four veins. He stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens and has many warm personal friends.
Mr. Hazen was united in marriage December 24, 1863, to Ellen McKelvey, who was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, May 14, 1842, and was a daughter of William and Mary (Laughland) McKelvey, both now deceased. She was a Presbyterian and was a zealous church worker. Her death occurred October 14, 1894, at the age of 52 years, being survived by her husband and two children, namely: Florence C., an artist, who married Dr. C. U. Patterson, a of Uhrichsville. by whom she has two children, Myra and Hazen; and William C., who is a machinist of Uhrichsville.