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JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO- 215 STEUBENVILLE TOWNSHIP. George W. Adams, an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Steubenville township, now retired, was born October 17, 1807, in the township where he now resides. His father, John Adams, was born in Fayette county, Penn., in 1778. In youth the latter received a good education in English and German, and he was regarded as an intelligent and well-read man. He began farming in the vicinity of what is now known as Hunter's Mill, and after remaining there a few years, he removed to Steubenville township, Jefferson county. Here he continued in the vocation he had chosen, clearing the farm which he took in a natural state, and making it a valuable property. By his first marriage, to Mary Watts, he had one child, Mary, but this lady dying in 1795, he was again married, in 1800, to Mary Ann Hamilton, by whom he had eight children: Catherine, Margaret W., Elizabeth, George W., John H., Rhoda, Susanna and Marianne. George W. Adams has since boyhood been engaged in farming, and has devoted his attention to that pursuit, paying little attention to politics, and the only public office he has held is that of supervisor for two terms. In politics he is a republican, and his religious affiliation is with the First Methodist church of Steubenville. His honorable career during the many years he has lived in the township has made him a host of friends, and the fruits of his industry enable him to pass his later years in comfortable retirement from active life. He was married August 11, 1840, to Susanna, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Burns) Burns, the latter of whom was born in Ireland and came to the United States at the age of eight years. She had twelve children, eleven of whom 216 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. she reared to maturity. Mr. Burns was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods at Wheeling until 1828, when he embarked in farming near Zanesville, Ohio, where he died in 1847. Mr. Adams and wife have had nine children, Oscar F., deceased; James M., Amanda M., George A., Ann E.; William H., deceased; Mary E., deceased; John L. and Charles W. The eldest son died from a wound received at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, during the war of the rebellion. Charles E. Barr, of Mingo Junction, prominent in the hardware trade of that place, was born December 4, 1847. His grandparents, James and Sarah Barr, were natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated at an early day to Cincinnati. Their son, Edwin A. Barr, was born August 12, 1822, in Harrison county, W. Va., where he received his early education. Learning the trade of tinner, he opened a hardware store at Sisterville, W. Va., in 1851, where he now resides. At the outbreak of the rebellion he enlisted in Company C, Seventh West Virginia infantry, receiving a commission from Governor Pierpont. He was promoted captain of his company, and served in this capacity until the expiration of his term. At the close of the war he returned to Sistersville, and resumed his business. His first wife, Louisa, mother of the subject of this mention, was the daughter of William Swan. She died August 6, 1864. By this marriage there were born five children, of whom four are living. The father was married a second time to Eliza, daughter of Clayton and Nancy (Smith) Kerns, who survives. Charles E. Barr was reared in Tyler county, W. Va., and there learned the trade of his father, which he has always followed. In January, 1886, he came to Ohio, and made his home at Mingo Junction, and embarked in the business he is now successfully prosecuting. May 14, 1871, he was married to Emma Walton, daughter of George and Frances (Bishop) Walton, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Connecticut. To this union these children have been born: Edwin A., George R., Charles A. E., Francis E. and Lizzie L. George died January 8, 1879. Mr. Barr is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and of the I. 0. 0. F. He has always been active in public affairs, and while a citizen of West Virginia, served as mayor of Middlebourne, and four years in the council of that place. Franklin S. Buchanan, a popular citizen of Mingo, has been associated with the boot and shoe trade there since 1884. He was born July 16, 1844, the son of Samuel and Mary (Coyer) Buchanan. His father, a native of England, came to America as a British soldier in the war of 1812, and after peace was declared, being stationed in Canada, he left the army and became a citizen of the United States. He made his home at Brattleboro, Vt., where he followed the trade of shoemaker. In 1839 he was married to Mary Coyer, a native of Can ada, and they had nine children, of whom the subject of this mention is the only survivor. In 1853 the parents removed to Chicago, where they both died of the cholera. Franklin S. received his early education in Illinois, and there engaged in farming, at which he was occupied until 1861, when he enlisted in the Twenty-Third regiment Illinois infantry, known as Mulligan's brigade, with which he served JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 217 four years. His service was gallant and meritorious, and he served in twenty-four battles and was wounded three times. At the close of the war he came to Steubenville, and began work in the iron works, where he was engaged until 1884. He then came to Mingo and embarked in his present business. During his residence he has made many friends and js highly esteemed. In politics he is a republican, and active in his party. He is a member of the Protestant Methodist church, and of the orders of Red Men, Druids, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. On January 26, 1868, Mr. Buchanan was married to Louisa, daughter of James and Lydia McPherson, and they have had seven children, Charles H., James H., William S., Edward, Earl B., Ada M., and Anna, of whom the two daughters are deceased. John R. Cariens, a prominent farmer of Steubenville township, Jefferson county, was born June 13, 1841, in Brooke county, W. Va. His father, Michael L. Cariens, was a native of Maryland, as were his parents, John and Mary Cariens, but his family removing to West Virginia, he was there reared and educated. 'He was engaged in farming until his death in 1844. About the year 1838, he was married to Sarah Snyder, daughter of David and Catherine Snyder, by whom he had two sons and three daughters, three of whom are living. John R. Cariens, son of the above, was reared in Brooke county, and was employed on the farm until the outbreak of the rebellion, when he enlisted in Company K, Twelfth West Virginia regiment. He served gallantly three years, participating in the battles of Cedar Creek, Piedmont, Snecker s Ferry, Lynchburgh, and several other important engagements. Returning home at the close of the war, he resumed farming, in which he has since been successfully engaged. He removed to Steubenville township about 1874, and here has engaged in gardening in addition to agriculture. On March 7, 1871, he was married to Jennie, daughter of Edward and Rebecca Hays. Her father, a cigar maker by trade, and a worthy man, died about 1867; Mrs. Cariens died June 14, 1887. Mr. Cariens is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he is one of the elders. In this vicinity, where much of his life has been spent, he is highly esteemed by all. Archibald Carson, a highly respected citizen of Mingo Junction, was born May 18, 1824, in Washington county, Penn., where his parents were among the early settlers. His father, James Carson, was born in Pennsylvania and reared in Washington county, where he engaged in farming, which was his occupation through life. His mother was Mary, daughter of Thomas and Agnes Stewart. She came to Pennsylvania when quite young, with her parents, who settled on what was known as Braddock's property. Her father was a native of Ireland, and a brick mason by trade, which he followed for several years at New York, then joining the police force of that city, of which he was a member for eighteen years. At the end of that time he moved to Pennsylvania, where he farmed until his death in 1834 or 1835. James Carson died about the year 1840. Soon afterward his 218 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. son, Archibald, came to Jefferson county, and engaged in farming, which he was occupied in for a considerable period. He then opened a hotel which he conducted for about fifteen years, subsequently embarking in the grocery and bakery business, in which he is now engaged. He is valued as a citizen, and has served the community two terms as school director. Though taking no active part in politics he is a staunch democrat. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the Masonic order. December 30, 1852, he was married to Eliza, daughter of James E. and Mary E. Dunn. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, when young, was brought by his parents to Steubenville, where he lived until about twenty-five years of age, when he removed to West Liberty, Va., and soon afterward to Washington, La. He lived there four years, then four at Farragut, Miss., and then returned to Jefferson county, where he died, January 31, 1883. He was married January 28, 1830, to Mary Murray, of Mississippi, by whom he had eleven children, of whom three sons and three daughters are living. Mr. Carson and wife have five children: James M., Cyrus A., Winfield S., Mary L., Edward S., two of whom are deceased. Winfield S. Carson, one of the enterprising young men of Toronto, was born in 1861, the son of Archibald Carson, whose sketch appears above. He was reared and educated in this county and received his training in the trade of a baker at East Liverpool, Ohio. He was employed in various places until 1883, when he embarked in business at Wellsville, where he remained four years. In 1887 he came to Toronto, and opened a bakery, which he still conducts. He was married in 1880 to Hattie, daughter of Andrew Watson, of Wellsville, Ohio, and they have one child, Edgar P., who was born in 1886. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. William Dean, born in England in 1825, died at Mingo Junction, November 5, 1888, was associated in a prominent way with the development of the iron industry in the valley of Upper Ohio. Coming to this country in 1829, with his parents, who first settled at Philadelphia, and thence moved to Valley Forge in 1836, he found employment at the latter place, first as an employe in a cotton factory. In 1838 the family moved to Phcenixville, where the father was employed by the Phoenix Iron company as mill mason, and the son found employment with him. In 1846 Mr. Dean was married to Isabella C. Griffin, of New York city, and four years later they moved to Pittsburgh, and from there in 1851 came to Wheeling. Mr. Dean worked at the Belmont mill as a brick mason, and then in 1852 joined with others in the firm of Bailey, Woodward & Co., and built the La Belle mill at Wheeling. There he worked in brick masonry until 1859, when he became associated in the firm of Spaulding, Woodward & Co., in the ownership of the Jefferson mill at Steubenville, and in the same year he assumed the management of the La Belle mill. This position he held until 1869, when in conjunction with Andrew Glass and others, he organized the Mingo Iron company, and built the Mingo Iron JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 219 works. He was elected vice president and manager of the company and acted as such until 1875. Meanwhile, in 1874, he built a residence at Mingo Junction, and made his home there from 1874 until his death. During the iron panic of 1877, the iron company at Mingo failed, and subsequently on account of his losses and impaired health, Mr. Dean retired from business, though he continued to manifest a lively interest in the development of town and works. Mr. Dean was in disposition retiring and cautious, was careful in thought and speech, and in the treatment of men under his command avoided harsh language, insisting that good men, whom he was particular to select, required no abusive urging to action. By those who knew him best he was highly esteemed and respected. His family, consisting of a widow, three sons and one daugheer, survive him, and reside at Mingo Junction. George A. Dean, a citizen of Mingo, prominently connected with the iron industry of the Upper Ohio valley, was born at Wheeling, July 12, 1852, a son of William Dean, a notice of whom appears in these pages. After receiving his education, which was completed at the university at Morgantown, W. Va., he found employment in a nail factory, in which he was occupied for about one year. He then took the position as time clerk for two years. Coming to Mingo in March, 1871, he wooked for six months upon the construction of the furnaces of the iron works, at the end of that time taking charge of the men so engaged, a position he held until the furnaces were completed and in operation in December, 187 1. After work in the office of the company as a clerk for about a year, he was elected to the position of secretary of the Mingo Iron company, a position he filled until 1878. In 1880 he was chosen secretary of the Junction Iron company, which controlled the property of the Mingo company, and acted in that capacity, until in 1883 he was given charge of the blast furnace as manager. In February, 1883, he was chosen secretary and superintendent of the Junction Iron company, whose extensive plant comprises two blast furnaces, a plate mill and nail factory, and which owns a half-interest in the steel plant. Mr. Dean is a stockholder and director of this company, and in the various capacities in which he has been engaged, has contributed materially, to its success and the rapid building up of its immense business. When he came to Mingo, eighteen years ago, there were but three houses on the site of the town. Mr. Dean is also active in social, religious and political matters, being a member of the Presbyterian church, the Masonic order, and of the republican party. He was married August 22, 1872, to Miss R. B. Frazier, of Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, and they have had one child, Albert S., born in March , 1876. Frederick Farmer, a prosperous resident of Steubenville township, was born in Ohio county, W. Va., August 12, 1843, son of Daniel and Lilly A. (Russell) Farmer. His grandfather was Frederick Farmer, a native of Maryland, and a saddler by trade, who followed that occupation for several years and then engaged in merchandise, and afterward in agriculture, which was his occupation at the time of his death, about the year 1844. Daniel Farmer received his early edu- 220 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. cation at Wheeling, and then taking up the trade of a machinist, removed in 1857 to Mingo, having become a resident of Ohio in the previous year. He engaged in farming and followed that until he died, October 0, 1868. He was married about 1837 to Lilly A. Russell, daughter of John and Barbara Russell, natives of Ireland, who came to America about 1792, and settled in Pennsylvania, where Mr. Russell was engaged in milling. He died about the year 1847. He had our sons and one daughter, of whom three sons survive. Frederick - Farmer, coming to this county at the age of thirteen years, was reared in agricultural pursuits, in which he is still engaged. In this calling his industry and good management have met with deserved success. On November 12, 1865, he was married to Annis C. Scott, who was born April 12, 1845, daughter of William and Annis (Scott) Scott. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio about 1834, and was married July 2, 1836, to the lady above named, who was a native of Steubenville township. He was a miller by trade, was afterward in merchandise, and died June 24, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Farmer have had eight children: Mary A., Lilly A., Daniel, May A., William S., Effie J., Ada L., Walter F., of whom the last died October 31, 1884. Mrs. Farmer died June 19, 1884. Mr. Farmer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Mingo Junction, and of the Good Templars. Waid Fithen, a well-known citizen of Mingo Junction, is a son of William Fithen, a native of Philadelphia, who came to Jefferson county at an early day, and made his home on Salt run. He was a son of Waid Fithen, a native Pennsylvanian. William Fithen was by trade a stone mason and brick layer, and followed those callings all his life. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Belle, had fourteen children, eight boys and six girls, all of whom are living but the oldest son, who died in Iowa in 1865. The father died in 1854, and the mother in 1871. Waid Fithen, the subject of this sketch, at fifteen years of age, engaged in the river traffic, running between Pittsburgh and New Orleans, and remained in that business for fifteen years, after which he made his residence in Jefferson county, until the beginning of the rebellion. In that struggle he was honorably engaged, serving three years and six months as a member of Company G, Thirtieth Ohio regiment. He participated in the battles of Bull Run, South Mountain, Maryland, the siege of Vicksburg, and several other important engagements, and was wounded at South Mountain. He returned to his Jefferson county home at the close of the war, and first found employment calking boats, but three years later engaged in carpentering, at which he is still occupied. Nineteen years ago he came to Mingo Junction and entered the employment of the Furnace company, for which he has been at work the greater part of the time since. He is a member of the G. A. R. He was married in 1866 to Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Bell. - - John C. Graham, an enterprising business man of Mingo Junction, was born April 14, 1854, the son of Robert and Lydia A. Graham
JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 221 the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Jefferson county, Ohio. Robert Graham, born about the year 1800, engaged in farming in early life, and subsequently took charge of a tavern. He was engaged in that business in Pennsylvania several years, and continued in it for eight years at Mt. Pleasant, and four years in Smithfield, after removing to this county. After that period, however, he again turned his attention to farming at which he was engaged until his death, September 29, 1868. About the year 1830 he was married to Theresa Ralston, by whom he had six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom four daughters survive. Their mother died about ten years after her marriage, and in about 1848 Mr. Graham was married to Lydia A., daughter of Levi and Rachel Scott, both of Quaker descent. By this marriage he had six sons and three daughters, seven of whom survive. John C. Graham was reared in Wells township, upon a farm. At twenty-one years of age he went to Shelby county, Ill., and engaged in general merchandise, and conducted this business profitably for five years. He then returned to his old home county, and embarked in the grocery business at Mingo Junction, and is meeting with deserved success. On December 25, 1877, he was married to Josephine Chalfant, who was born June 24, 1856, daughter of William and Sarah Chalfant, both natives of this county. Her father was reared near Mingo Junction, and followed the stone mason's trade until the beginning of the civil war, when he enlisted in the Union army with his two sons, and served gallantly in some of the most important engagements. Mr. and Mrs. Graham have three children: Wiley R., Myrtle M. and Lizzie B. Mr. Graham at present holds the office of postmaster at Mingo Junction, a trust he discharges to the satisfaction of the community. Bernard Hereran, a highly respected citizen of Steubenville township, was born February 5, 1824, in Jefferson county. He is a son of Charles Hereran, who was born in the county of Donegal, Ireland, and emigrating in an early day, settled in Jefferson county, where he became engaged at first as a clerk in Lankton's grocery store. Several years later he began farming, which he followed until his death, which occurred November 14, 1862. His wife was Hannah Brady, a native of Philadelphia, of German descent, and they had two sons and two daughters, of whom but one, the subject of this mention, survives. The mother died December 26, 1860. Bernard Hereran received his early education at Wellsburgh, in the common schools, and then took a course in the academy, after which he engaged in teaching. In this profession he met with great success, and beginning in the old Franklin school-house in 1849, continued in the profession thirty years, a period during which he accomplished great good to the community, and earned the gratitude of all who were acquainted with his zealous and conscientious efforts. In 1880 he taught school in Brooke county, but of late years he has principally given his attention to fruit growing and the dairy business. Mr. Hereran is also deeply interested in religious matters, and in 1843 became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Wellsburgh, of which he was a class leader and
222 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. exhorter. He was the founder of the church at Mingo and Empire, first holding meetings in his school-house, and then engaging and bearing the expenses of a preacher until a society could be organized. He was active in promoting the incorporation of Mingo, and has held the office of town treasurer for two years. Mr. Hereran was married three times, first to Lottie Richardson, of Brooke county, W. Va., who died April 4, 1866; then to Mrs. Drusilla Rickey, of Jefferson county Ohio, who died July 6, 1873; then on March 30, 1876, to Mary Jones, of Lordstown, Ohio, whose parents, Samuel and Susannah (Earnest) Jones, were natives of Pennsylvania. She was a teacher also, having received her education at Eden seminary, Lordstown Ohio. Benjamin Kneff, an old resident and a native of Steubenville township, was born August 8, 1821. He is a son of Benjamin, Sr., a native of Pennsylvania, who engaged in distilling in his native state, under James Buchanan, Sr. After being in that business there several years he moved to Steubenville in 1800, and settled pear what is now known as Mingo Junction, where he again engaged in distilling, and also. cleared a large farm. Subsequently he devoted himself entirely to farming, at which he was engaged the remainder of his days. He died about 1868. He was married to Mary Anderson, by whom he had seven sons and three daughters, five of whom are living. Benjamin Kneff, the subject of this mention, has from his boyhood been engaged in farming, and to this pursuit his industry and perseverance have won for him notable success. He has filled no official positions except that of supervisor, but all his relations to the public have been creditable and honorable. He is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Mingo, and in politics is a democrat. March 25, 1852, he was married to Mary Ann, daughter of George and Margaret Hill. They were both natives of Pennsylvania but came to this county with their parents in 1808. The father was a prosperous farmer, and died in March, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Kneff have six children, Mary E., William M., Adda M., Catherine A., Jennie E. and Georgia M. Andrew P. Leonard, a leading grocer of Mingo Junction, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., October 6, 1857. He is a son of John Leonard, who was by occupation a boiler maker in an iron mill. He was married about 1852, to Elizabeth Hughes, mother of the subject of this mention, by whom he had twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom four of each are living. The family removed to Steubenville about 1860, and the father began work at the Jefferson Iron works, where he was engaged until his decease, in 1884. Andrew P. Leonard was reared at Steubenville, and was first employed in the iron works, where he continued until 1885, when he removed to Mingo Junction, and bought the stock of goods formerly owned by Ross Nicholson, grocer, and embarked in that business, in which he has met with notable success, and has an extensive and reliable patronage. September 27, 1888, he was married to Alice, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Vaughn) McBride. Mrs. Leonard's father, a native of JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 223 Pennsylvania, came to Ohio about 1837, having been married in the previous year. He resided at Wellsville about twenty years, and then moved to Jefferson county, where he still resides. He is by occupation a farmer. He has had four daughters and one son, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. Leonard is a worthy citizen and has many friends. He is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. John H. Lockhart, a highly respected citizen of Mingo Junction, was born March 8, 1822, in Chester county, Penn., son of Andrew and Mary Ann (Patten) Lockhart, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father received his early education in Chester county, Penn., and then began teaching, becoming one of the first teachers of English in Berks county. He followed that profession until his death, 1n 1841. About 1822 he was married to the daughter of William and Peggy Patten, natives of Scotland, who emigrated to America, and settled in Lancaster county, Penn., and there engaged in farming. By this marriage Andrew Lockhart had six children, five sons and one daughter, two of whom are living. John H. Lockhart, one of the survivors, was reared in Pennsylvania, where he learned the trade of coach maker, at which he was engaged in that state about seven years. Then coming to Jefferson county, he found employment in constructing coal shafts, making the first one sunk in Steubenville. In this business he has since been engaged. Mr. Lockhart, though not a member of any religious denomination, is a regular attendant at the Methodist Episcopal church. He was once a member of the Mechanic's association. In politics he is a republican. He has held the office of justice of the peace at Mingo Junction for some time, and discharged the duties of that office to the satisfaction of all. Mr. Lockhart was married June 8, 1841, to Ruffina Buser, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Huser) Buser, of Swiss and French nativity respectively. Her father was engaged in farming in Pennsylvania from the time of his immigration until his death in 1879. Mr. Lockhart has had nine children: Mary A., George H., John P., James R., Isabella J., Harry L., Otto E., George L. and William S., of whom three are deceased. William C. Loyd, a well-known business man, of Mingo Junction, was born January 29, 1844, son of John and Myra (Gould) Loyd, both natives of Jefferson county, of German and Welsh descent, respectively. The grandfather of William C. was John Loyd, Sr., who came to Jefferson county about 18, and settled in Cross Creek township, where he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred about 1858. John Loyd, Jr., was reared in Steubenville township, and has devoted his life to agriculture. In 1841 he was married to Myra J., daughter of William and Mary (Ray) Gould, of Ohio. Mr. Gould was a ship builder by trade, but after coming to Ohio he engaged in farming, to which he gave his attention from that date, about 1812, until his death in 1861. By his first wife, who died in 1864, he had twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, ten of whom are living. In 1866, he wedded Jane Scott, daughter of John and Nancy Scott. William C. received his education in Jefferson county, and then 224 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. engaged in farming, at which he was occupied until about twenty-five years of age, when he embarked in mercantile pursuits, to which he has had notable success. He was married August 9, 1879, to Mary E., daughter of Benjamin Kneff, a notice of whom appears elsewhere in these pages. By this marriage have been born three children, Stella, Myra J., and Bertha. Mr. Loyd is a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is active as a democrat, and takes considerable interest in public affairs. He was selected by the people as the first mayor of Mingo Junction. Serving with credit he was re-elected, but was compelled to resign by the increasing demands of his business. Robert C. McGough, a leading merchant of Mingo Junction, was born January 9, 1858. His grandparents, Robert and Mary McGough, were natives of Ireland and were brought to this country by their parents when quite young. Growing up in Washington county, Penn., they were married in 18J9, and to their union were born five sons and three daughters. All but three of their children are still living. William, one of their sons, was reared and educated in his native county of Washington, and then engaged in the flour and feed trade at Birmingham, but after seven years, went upon a farm and followed agriculture until his death, which occurred July 3, 1886. He came to Ohio about 1853, and settled in Knox township, Jefferson county, where he was married to Sarah Stewart, also a native of Washington county, Penn., and daughter of William Stewart. Five children, two sons and three daughters, were born to them, all of whom are living. Robert C. McGough, one of these children, after receiving his early education, engaged in farming and followed that until 1887, when he embarked in merchandise at Mingo, an occupation in which his integrity and good business qualities are meeting with deserved success. He was married December 31, 1885, to Georgia, daughter of Benjamin Kneff, elsewhere mentioned, and they have two children: Arthur W. and Frank B. Mr. McGough is a member of the American Mechanics, and in politics he is a democrat. Waltman W. Morgan, M. D., one of the reputable physicians and surgeons of Jefferson county, has established a good practice at Mingo Junction, where he made his residence in 1884. Dr. Morgan is of Welsh descent, paternally, his grandfather, Andrew Morgan, having been born in Wales. The latter came to America in 1801 and located at York, Penn., where he was engaged in farming for a considerable period. He was married in Pennsylvania to a Miss White, by whom be had four children, two of whom are living. He died in 1868' and his wife in 1873. Thomas, son of the above, and father of Dr. Morgan, was reared in Washington county, Penn., and learned the trade of bricklayer. Afterward removing to Wheeling, he became one of the prominent contractors of that city, and continued in business until 1837, when he was injured by a fall from a building and thereafter led a retired life until his death, January 8, 1884. He was widely known as a successful contractor, having done work in many parts of the United States. His wife, to whom he was married in JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 225 1835, was Matilda Eccles, daughter of David Eccles, a native of Ireland, and she bore him ten children, seven sons and three daughters, seven of whom are living. She is still living. Dr. Morgan received his early education in Sherrard, W. Va., and then went to Mt. Union college, where he pursued a three-years' course. At the close of that period he took up the study of medicine • and followed a course of reading for six years at Wheeling. After this he attended the medical department of the university of Michigan two years, and completed his collegiate studies in the college of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, where he was graduated in March, 1883. He began the practice, at Wheeling, in partnership with Dr. Leonard Eskey, but removed to Mingo Junction a year later. Dr. Morgan was married April 21, 1884, to Anna McWilliams, daughter of John H. and Sarah McWilliams, of Morristown, Ohio, and they have two children, Paul D. and Gertrude W. The doctor is a member of the Presbyterian church, and of the orders of Knights of Pythias and Junior Order of American Mechanics. Susanna H. Peeler, an estimable lady, who is one of the oldest residents in Steubenville township, was born September 29, 1815, the daughter of John and Mary Ann Adams, both natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was of German, and her mother of English, descent. They were among the early settlers of Steubenville township, and clearing a farm, lived upon it until their decease. Their daughter, Susanna, was born and reared in this township, and had her home with her parents until 1844, when she was married to George A. Peeler. He was a son of Jacob and Barbara (Bishler) Peeler, natives of Germany. Jacob was born at Darmstadt, January 26, 1783, and in 1801 was married, by which union he had four children: Catherine, Margaret,. Anna M. and George A. He emigrated to America about 1833, and settled with his family at Chambersburg, Penn., whence, after a residence of eight years, he removed to Jefferson county, Ohio. Here he died March 7, 1862. George A., after coming to America, engaged in butchering, which he followed for two years, then taking up farming, at which he was occupied until his death, March 9, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Peeler had the following children: Homer, Margaretta, Lucinda (now deceased) , Elizabeth C. and Adam. Mr. Peeler was an estimable gentleman, in whose death the community suffered a severe loss. He was a member and one of the leading elders of the Presbyterian church, and also had a membership in the Masonic order. Nottingham Risdon, a prosperous coal miner and farmer of Steubenville township, was born September 3, 1830, in this township. His father, Solomon Risdon, for many years an esteemed resident of Steubenville, was born in New York, and was the son of Nathaniel and Alice Risdon, both natives of Vermont. Solomon Risdon came to Ohio in 1818, and settled at Steubenville, remained there until his his death, which occurred February 1, 1883, excepting two years which he spent in Pennsylvania. In about the year 1820 he was married to Elizabeth Messic, by whom he had four sons and two daughters, three 226 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. of whom survive. Mrs. Risdon passed away December 31, 1872. The subject of this notice was reared in the township of Steubenville, and at sixteen years of age embarked in coal mining, a business which he has prosecuted with satisfactory results until the present time, also managing a farm. Mr. Risdon was married October 26, 1865, to Susan, daughter of Charles and Nancy Furguson, who were natives of Ohio. To this union have been born three children: Bettie, Blanche and David. Mrs. Risdon died October 4, 1878. Mr. Risdon is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Mingo, and is counted as one of the worthy and valuable people of the township. Jeremiah S. Roach, formerly a well-known and highly respected citizen of Jefferson county, was born April 6, 1789, and died January 26, 1857. He was a son of William Roach, who was born in Ireland, about 1751, son of William Roach, who passed his life in that country. The junior William came to America in colonial days, with his brother John, and settled in Kentucky, where they remained until the war of the revolution broke out when they both enlisted in the continental army, and remained together until the battle of Bunker Hill, when they were separated, and John was never afterward heard from by his brother. William served in the army until peace was obtained, and then came to Ohio, and located near what is now Toronto. A few years later he moved to section 6 on Yellow creek, where he remained seventeen years, then changing his residence to the site of Mitchell's salt works, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was married while in Kentucky to Mary Clark, by whom he had seven sons and three daughters, all of whom are deceased. His wife died July 31, 1833. Their son, Jeremiah, received his early education at home, with such limited advantages as were available in those days on the frontier, and in his youth enlisted in the war of 1812, in which he served six months. Returning then to his home on Yellow creek, he engaged in farming, which he followed during the rest of his life. Being one of the early residents, he was widely acquainted, and was everywhere held in high regard. His wife, Sarah, to whom he was married September 6, 1832, was a daughter of Aaron and Sallie (Williamson) Pugh, natives of West Virginia, who settled in Ohio county, and passed their later years there. She died April 0, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Roach had eight children, William P., Elizabeth L., Jane, Moses, Martha M., Sidney, John J. and Mary A., of whom Moses, Jane and John are deceased. Elizabeth L. was married November 21, 1866, to William T. Devor, a native of West Virginia, and now one of the leading citizens of Mingo. They have two sons, Andrew G. and William L. David Simpson, one of the leading merchants of Mingo Junction, was born March 6, 1843, son of William and Mary (Moffett) Simpson. His grandparents, John and Eliza Simpson, were natives of Ireland, where, in county Down, William Simpson was born and reared. There, also, having reached manhood, he entered the butcher business, which he followed until his death, which occurred in October, 1873. He was married in 1823, in county Antrim, to Mary Moffett, a JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 227 native of that county, and to them were born fourteen children, three girls and eleven boys, of whom there are living six, three of these being residents of this country. The mother died in August, 1873. David Simpson was reared in Antrim county, Ireland, and was en- gaged in business there with his father until 1860, when he came to America, and settled at Steubenville in 1862. He became associated with the iron industry there, and remained seven years, after which he removed to Martin's Ferry, and was superintendent of the blast furnace there until three years later, when he came to Mingo Junction. He was engaged in iron working here for six years, and then embarked in mercantile pursuits, to which he has since given his attention with much success. He was married February 8, 1866, to Annie, daughter of James and Eliza Collins. Her parents were natives of Ireland, and emigrated to Canada in 1847, and thence to Steubenville. The father died in Pennsylvania in 1870, and the mother at Mingo Junction in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are both members of the Presbyterian church of Mingo Junction, and have been for twelve years. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P., and in politics is a republican, and is influential in the councils of that party. He was mayor of Mingo, holding that position with honor for four years, and in 1887 he was elected one of the commissioners of Jefferson county, a position he is still occupying. James E. Steuart, a worthy citizen of Mingo Junction, was born September 21, 1854, at Washington, D. C. He is the grandson of James and Simington Steuart, of Scotch-English ancestry, who emigrated to America and settled at Baltimore previous to the revolution. In that struggle he served gallantly in the Continental army until the close of the war. Subsequently he engaged in the commission business at Baltimore, and becoming a prominent and distinguished citizen, filled the office of mayor. He died about 1846. His son, James E. Steuart, was born in Baltimore in 1811. He became associated with the fire department of that city, of which he was the chief for several years. He served as a soldier in the Mexican war, and took a conspicuous part at the battle of Monterey. About the year 1833 he was married to Sarah Meeteer, of Quaker parentage, a native of Maryland, and by this marriage had three sons and three daughters, of whom the only survivor is James E. Steuart, the subject of this mention. The latter was well educated at the Moravian college in Pennsylvania, and afterward at Claymont, Del., after which he engaged on a merchant ship running between Baltimore, South America, and France, and was at sea four years, during which time he held the office of second mate of the vessel upon which he sailed. He then spent four or five years traveling in the western and southwestern states, returning east finally and settling at Pittsburgh, where he found employment in the iron works, and with this industry he has ever since been connected. In October, 1878, he was married to Cordelia P. Aldridge, daughter of Thomas and Esther Aldridge, natives of England who emigrated to Pennsylvania in about 1829, and thence to Jefferson county about 1859. Mr. Steuart is a member of the Epis- 228 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. copalian church, and in politics is a democrat. His enterprise and intelligent interest in the welfare of the town led to his election as mayor, an office he holds at present. John C. Thomas, a worthy citizen of Mingo, was born December 25, 1847 in South Wales. His grandfather, Edward Thomas, Sr., a native of South Wales, was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1857. His son, Edward, Jr., was married about 1843, to Ann Evans, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Evans. Her father was killed in a railroad accident about 1869, but the mother, who was born about 1796, is still living. Edward and Ann Thomas had five children, three boys and two girls, four of whom are living. The father met his death March , 1852, in company with twenty-six others, in a coal mine in the county of Caermarthen, Wales. Two of the children came to America, a daughter who lives in Dakota, and John C., the subject of this mention. The latter, after receiving his education in the old country, found employment in the mines, and was so occupied for several years, subsequently being engaged' in silver works, where he had the position of smelter. In 1870 he came to America, and made his home in Jefferson county. In 1874 he went to Wales, but in the following year returned to his American home. He came to Mingo in 1882, and began work in the iron works, as a heater, and is still so engaged. In 1876, Mr. Thomas was married to Mary, daughter of Benjamin and Ruth Thomas, of South Wales, and to this union have been born ten children: Edward F., Benjamin, Llewellyn, Isaac, Eliza J., Ruth, Anna Belle, Arthur G., and two who died in infancy. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Masonic order, being a Knight Templar, and also was a member of the I. 0. 0. F. of South Wales. He is a valuable citizen and is highly spoken of by his many acquaintances. Robert H. Turner, a prominent citizen of Mingo Junction, was born April 24, 1845, in New York city. When fourteen years of age he removed to Portage county, Ohio, and engaged in farm work, but after eight years of that employment went to Alliance and learned telegraphy. Two years later he spent a year at Kensington, Ohio, and he was then made agent at Portland, of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh railroad. In October, 1871, he moved to Mingo Junction and took charge of the railway business here, and held the position of agent until 1884. Since then he has been extensively engaged in contracting and building and conducts a popular grocery house. He is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics and the Red Men. In politics he has taken an active part, has served several times on the republi- - can central committee and is regarded as one of the leading men of his party in the county. During the administration of President Grant he was appointed postmaster. In municipal affairs he has been enterprising and aggressive, aiding much in the building up of the town. As the first clerk of the townrand as councilman (term expires April, 1891), and school director, he has rendered the community valuable service. Mr. Turner's parents were Robert and Catherine (Crevline) Turner, natives of New Jersey, whose residence at New JEFFERSON COUNTY, OHIO - 229 York began soon after the war of the revolution. The father was a tanner by trade. He died in 1846 and his widow in 1848. On November 24, 1868, Robert H. Turner was married to Mary J., daughter of Henry and Mary Breen, natives of Ireland, who came to America about 1850. Settling at Pittsburgh, the father engaged as engineer in the iron foundry of Mitchell, Stevenson & Co., and five years later moved to Columbiana county, Ohio, where he was a farmer until his removal to Mingo Junction. Mr. Turner and wife have three children, Mamie E., Harry E. and George H. Rev. William F. Weir, minister of the Presbyterian church at Mingo Junction, is a native of Carroll county, Ohio, where his family were early settlers. His grandfather, Thomas Weir, a native of Washington county, Penn., where he had been engaged in teaching for several years, removed to Carroll county, with his wife, Mary Denison, to whom he had been married in 1832, and settled upon a farm. This he cleared and tilled until his death in 1863. He and his wife, who died October 28, 1889, had nine children, five sons and four daughters, two of the latter of whom are deceased. Andrew D., on of the above, was born in Washington county, Penn., January 21, 1834. Coming to Carroll county with his parents, he was there reared as a farmer, which pursuit he followed until 1884, when he engaged in harness making at Mechanicstown, Ohio. He was married in 1859, to Emily, daughter of Jonas and Mary Figley. Her father was a farmer, also engaged to some extent as a blacksmith, but since 1884 he has retired from active employment, and is living at Marysville. Andrew Weir and wife had six children, two who died in infancy, Thomas C., William F., Calvin R., Lulu M. William F., the subject of this mention, was born December 28, 1862. He received his early education in Carroll county, and then engaged in school teaching for three years, after which he entered Washington and Jefferson college, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1882. He was graduated June 23, 1886, and then entered the Western Theological seminary at Allegheny, having determined to devote his talents to the cause of the church. He remained there one year, and during the following summer acted as supply at Bergholtz, Jefferson county. In the fall of 1887, he began a course of study at the Union Theological seminary at New York, and while there engaged in city mission work under Rev. A. F. Schauffler, D. D. He then spent four month in Minnesota in the home mission work, and in the fall of 1888, again entered the Western Theological seminary, completing his course of study May 7, 1889. During the same period he supplied the churches at Mingo Junction, and Brilliant. He was ordained and installed as pastor at Mingo Junction, May 14, 1889. His earnestness and devotion to his sacred cause are destined to result in the success of his life's work. |