350 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Charles Klein, a grocer of Wheeling, who has been quite successful in business, was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 7, 1849, the son of Christian and Barbara Klein. His father is deceased, having died in Germany in 1858, but the mother is still 'a resident of that country. Mr. Klein was reared and educated in his native land and instructed in the trade of carpentry, which he followed in Germany from his fourteenth to his twentieth year. In 1869, he embarked at Havre de Gras, and on the second day of May, reached New York, whence he came directly to Wheeling. He subsequently resided at Sharon, Penn., from March, 1870, to July of that year, when he went to Pittsburgh. Returning from the latter city in March, 1871, he has since that time made his home at Wheeling. During the first three years of his abode in the United States, he followed his trade, but at the end of that time he embarked in the grocery business; stilt following his trade two years, and then giving his entire attention to business. In this he has been notably prosperous, and now occupies a two-story brick business building which he erected on the corner of Eighth and Market streets, in 1887. He is regarded as an enterprising business man and worthy citizen. May 1, 1872, Mr. Klein was married to Barbara Bentz, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, January 3, 1847. She came to this country as did her husband, in May, 1869. They have eight children: Edward, Francis; Charles, deceased; George, Eleanor; Mary, deceased; Frank and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Klein are members of the Catholic church. In 1885, Mr. Klein visited his native country and renewed his acquaintance with the friends and scenes of childhood. Bernhard Klieves, of Wheeling, is well known as one of the men who has taken an active and prominent part in the advancement of the city. He was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, March 2, 1836, one of eleven children of Philip Klieves and wife. The father was a cabinet-maker and carpenter by trade. The mother died in 1839, and a year later three of the children came to the United. States. In 1852 two others came, and in 1858 the father and five children, including Bernhard, removed to the United States, coming directly to Wheeling. Here his two brothers were then engaged in contracting, and he found employment with them until about 1862, when he went to Preston county, W. Va. He remained at the latter place about two years, and upon his return to Wheeling formed a partnership with William and Theodore Klieves, his brothers, and engaged in the planing-mill business, they founding the Central planing-mills, with the firm name of Klieves, Kraft & Co. In 1877 William Klieves retired from the business, and it was carried on by the three remaining partners until 1880, when E. W. Wells was admitted as a partner. The firm name remains as at first, Klieves, Kraft & Co. This is one of the leading establishments in the department of manufacture, and the firm does also an extensive business in contracting and building, and is widely known as one of the most pros- perous and enterprising firms of the city. The outside business of the firm and the buying of materials is under the charge of the sub- OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 351 ject of this mention. Mr. Klieves has also devoted much time to other enterprises calculated to advance the interests of the city. He is a director of the Dollar Savings bank, of Virginia, a stockholder in the German bank, a director of the Elson Glass works, of Martin's Ferry, and a stockholder in the Wheeling and Belmont Bridge company. His career, the importance of which may be inferred from these brief statements of facts, was begun without capital and assistance from others, and his success has been achieved by his own efforts and talent for affairs. Mr. Klieves was married in 1864 to Melosena Kenamond, a native of Hanover, Germany, who came to the United States in 1852. They have two sons, Frank and Archie. Klieves, Kraft & Co., proprietors of the Central Planing-mills, is one of the most enterprising firms of the city, and has been in successful existence for about a quarter of a century. The works cover an area of about 25ox 160 feet, and an extensive lumber business is done. The firm also stands at the head of the contracting and building business of Wheeling; and Washington hall, the Reilly block, among many other business buildings, and such residences as those of A. W. Kelly, G. E. Stifel, Dr. Hazlett, A. W. Paull and other elegant structures, testify to the efficiency of the firm in that particular. The firm is composed of Theodore Klieves, Bernhard Klieves, C. C. Kraft and E. W. Wells. Theodore C. Klieves one of the above named firm, was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, November 16, 1827. When in his nineteenth year he decided to seek his fortune in the new world, and on June 22, 1846, he and a sister, reached Wheeling, having come here directly from their native land. Subsequently his father and the remainder of the family, except the mother, who died in Germany, came to the United States, stopped for a time at Wheeling, afterward went to Washington, Penn., where he resided with his daughter until his death. Before leaving the old country, Theodore Klieves learned the trade of carpentry and cabinet-making, and upon his arrival at Wheeling he found employment with John Kraft and his cousin William Klieves, who were then in partnership. About the year 1855 he began business for himself and carried on carpentry, contracting and building until 1868 independently, at the latter date becoming a member of the firm of Klieves, Kraft & Co. as above stated, and he has since been connected with this firm. Mr. Klieves is a public-spirited and valuable citizen of Wheeling, and possesses the esteem of the community. He is a stockholder in various enterprises outside of the well-known firm with which he is connected, among which may be mentioned the German bank, the German insurance company of Wheeling, and the Elson Glass works, of Martin's Ferry. He was married in 1854, to Emma Koch, who is a native of Hanover, but came to America with her parents when only one year of age. They have four children. Charles C. Kraft, of the above named firm, was born in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, May 3o, 1826. In 1834 his father, George F. Kraft, came to the United States with his family, and 352 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. landing at Baltimore came directly to Wheeling. A year later, however, he removed to Ohio, and settled on a farm in the western part of Hardin county, which was his place of residence until his death. in 1858, in his eightieth year. When he went to provide a home in Ohio, he left his wife at Wheeling until the house was prepared for the family, but it was destined that she should never join him, and she died at Wheeling in 1836. To those parents four sons and two daughters were born, but two of whom are now living, Charles C., and Mrs. Caroline Schrader, of Hardin county, Ohio. Mr. Charles C. Kraft remained on the Ohio farm until 1840, and then returned to Wheeling. Thereafter attending school for a time he began apprenticeship at the trade of cabinet-making, with Jeremiah. Clemens, one of the pioneers at Wheeling in that branch of industry. Mr. Kraft worked at his trade until 1864, when he formed a partnership with Bernhard Klieves, the two opening a shop of their own. In 1868 a partnership was formed in which William Klieves and Theodore Klieves were additional members, and this firm engaged in the planing-mill business, under the firm title above referred to. In 1877 William Klieves retired and three years later E. W. Wells entered the firm. Mr. Kraft has had in Wheeling an honorable and successful career, which, beginning in adversity, has, thanks to his perseverance and industry, been crowned with success financially, and the esteem of his fellow citizens. When he came to Wheeling in 1840 he trudged the distance of 200 miles on foot, his possessions in a bundle on his back. Now, in addition to the interest above named, he is a stockholder in various enterprises, among which are the German bank, the Dollar Savings bank, the Wheeling & Belmont Bridge company, and the Elson Glass works, of Martin's Ferry. Mr. Kraft was married in 1849 to Caroline Smith, of Wheeling, and they have had four sons and four daughters, of whom survive the daughters and one son. Charles Addison Klieves, an enterprising young business man of Wheeling, is a native of that city, born June 5, 1864. He is the son of William H. Klieves, a well-known contractor, since retired, of the city. When twelve years old, Mr. Klieves accompanied his parents to Tiltonville, Ohio, and at the age of sixteen years he took a position as book-keeper for the Ohio & Pennsylvania Coal company, at Yorkville, Ohio, and was engaged in that capacity for a year and a half. Returning to Wheeling at eighteen years old he entered the employment of John H. Diehl, a retail grocer, whom, on March 17, 1887, he succeeded in the proprietorship of the business. He has since devoted himself energetically to this branch of trade, and is gaining a conspicuous place among the retailers of the city. Socially Mr. Klieves is quite popular, and he is an active member of the National Union and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Jacob Korn, a well-known business man of Wheeling, who has in a comparatively short period attained notable success, was born at Petersbachel, in the Rhine province of Bavaria, February 14, 1854. He is the son of Frank and Katharine (Schahl) Korn, who have OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 353 since 1883 been citizens of the United States and esteemed residents of Wheeling. Mr. Korn was reared in his native land, and on November 4, 1877, was married to Eva Screiber, who was born at Fischbach, by Dahn, in the native province of her husband, January 2, 1854. Her parents, John and Eva (Keif) Schreiber, both died in Germany, the mother June 22, 1873, and the father August 4, 1880. In 1881 Mr. and Mrs. Korn came to America, reaching New York July 3o, and on the 3d day of August they reached Wheeling, their future home. Mr. Korn was employed for five years in a rolling mill, and by economy gathered together enough capital, some $2oo200o engage in the grocery and butcher business at No. 332 Main street. His good business qualities won success from the start, and in 1888 he purchased a lot at 315 Main street, and there erected a two-story brick business house in 1889, at a cost of 4,$$4,500, wh has since occupied. Mr. Korn is a member of the Grocers' Protective association, and in business circles occupies a creditable position. He and wife are members of the Catholic church. They have one child, Valentine. Charles Kraus. a well-known citizen of Wheeling, is prominently connected with the wholesale trade of the city, being the senior member of the firm of Kraus & Co., wholesale liquor dealers, and also a member of the firm of Kraus Bros: & Baer, leading wholesale and retail clothiers. Mr. Kraus was born in Bavaria, February 18, 1840. He came to the United States and made his home at Wheeling in 1859. Six years later he embarked in the clothing trade on Water street, whence, three years later, he removed his store to Main street. To this business, in 1872, his brother Samuel was admitted, and in 1881 Mr. Kraus retired from active participation in the clothing business, though he still retains his interest in the establishment. On making this retirement, as stated, he engaged in the wholesale liquor trade, purchasing the establishment of H. Schmulbach & Co. During the following year, 1882, he gave his attention wholly to the liqliquorade, Leo Baer having become a member of the house of Kraus Bros. & Bifaaeris partner in the establishment of the firm of Kraus & Co., was Frederick Hanke, who is still a member of the firm. Mr. Kraus is a member of the Jewish congregation, and in politics is a democrat. He was married in 1865 to Fannie Buckman, of Baltimore, Md., and to whom four children have been born, three of whom survive. Philip Kuntz, superintendent of the Boggs Run Mining company, of Wheeling, W. Va., was born in Bavaria, Germany, September 3, 1848. He spent his early life working in different places, until his twenty-first year, when he entered the Bavarian army, and served through the Franco-Prussian war, having the good fortune to come through the war without having been wounded or taken prisoner. At the close of the war he was given a furlough which he improved by coming to America, landing in New York city September 14, 1871, and two days later reaching Wheeling. On the 18th of the same month he was married to Maggie Niebergall, who was also born in Bavaria in the same place as her husband, and came to the United 23-A. 354 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. States in the same vessel. Upon coming to Wheeling Mr. Kuntz went to work for the Boggs Run Mining company, with which company he has since continued. He exhibited such ability and integrity that in 1876 he was made manager, a position he filled most acceptaably until 188o, when he was promoted to the responsible position of superintendendent, which he has since held. Since 1881 Mr.. Kuntz has been a stockholder in the company. Mr. Kuntz is a member of St. Paul's Presbyterian church, and Humboldt lodge, K. of P., and of Concord lodge, I. 0. 0. F. .His first wife died June 26, 1885, leaving three children out of the six that had been born to them. The second marriage took place in 1887, to Charlotte, sister of his first wife. Mr. Kuntz has been very successful since his immigration to this country, and besides his business interest has a large residence near the works, he erected this home in 1886. In politics Mr. Kuntz, is a republican, and he is one of the best known men in his locality, having made a name for business enterprise and integrity. D. C. Kurner, a prominent employing painter of Wheeling, was born in that city, July 1o, 1859, the son of David T. and Susannah (Stroebel) Kurner. The father was born in Germany, and the mother in America, of German descent. The former was a baker by trade. He resided in Wheeling for many years, and at the tune of his death, in December, 1888, he had been for several, years occupied as a paperhanger. His family included sixteen children, ten of whom survive: Veronica, wife of Philip Knabe; D. Conrad, William, George, Harry, Charles, Joseph, David. Archibald, and Nellie. The mother was a daughter of Conrad Stroebel, a native of Germany, who was one of the pioneers of Wheeling; and was for some time a prominent wholesale liquor dealer. The subject of this mention was reared in this city, and received his education in the public schools, after which he served an apprenticeship of five years as a painter and grainer. On January 1, 1885, he opened an establishment in this line on his own account at his present location, at 1727 Market street. He gives employment to fifteen or twenty men, carries a large stock of paints, oil and glass, and has built up a large and profitable trade. Mr. Kurner is influential and takes an interest in public affairs. He is at present a member of the city council,. He was married in 1885, to Barbara, daughter of John and Coridas Ebbert, of Wheeling, and they have two children: Raymond and Carrie. Carl L. Kurtz, wholesale and retail druggist, of Wheeling, W. Va., is a native of that city, born December 24, 1862. He is a son of Henry and Augusta (Birckenhauser) Kurtz, who were born in Germany, but came to Wheeling during the early days of its settlement. The father was well known and respected as a citizen. He kept a. hotel on the south side, at the site of the present Reimer hotel. The father died in 1865, leaving six children: Edward; Mollie, wife of Henry Wurtz; Lina, wife of Joseph Breining; Adolph C.; Carl B. and Henry. Carl Kurtz was reared and educated in the city, and began his business life as an apprentice at the drug business, when twelve years of age. He held the position .of clerk up to the year OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 355 1886, when he embarked in the wholesale and retail trade on his own account, having thoroughly mastered the business. Since 1879, also, he has been engaged in the manufacture of Brentlinger's sarsaparilla, one of the old and valuable remidies of the country. He is a member of the West Virginia Pharmaceutical association, and has achieved a creditable place among the responsible druggists of the city. Mr. Kurtz was married November 8, 1887, to Hattie B., daughter of Bradford Seaman, of Wheeling. R. W. Kyle, of the well-known plumbing firm of Kyle & Zeigler, doing business at No. 3326 Jacobs street, Wheeling, was born in the latter city, September 16, 186o, the son of Robert and Mary Ann, (Downey) Kyle. Both the parents, who are now deceased, were natives of Ireland, and immigrated to the United States, residing first at Philadelphia and then at Pittsburgh, before coming to Wheeling, where the remainder of .their lives were passed. R. W. Kyle was reared in his native city and educated in the public schools and at Frasher's Business college. His first occupation at the outset of his business career, was as a glass worker, but he subsequently learned the trade of plumbing and steam pipe fitting. In 1879, he went west and spent three years in Colorado, in the mining regions, prospecting to some extent, and while there he succeeded in locating, with others, what promised to be valuable silver and lead mines, in which he is still interested. Returning to Wheeling in 1882, he resumed work as a plumber, and in April, 1888, he formed a partnership with Fred E. Zeigler, and opened a new establishment, which has met with the substantial approval of the public. Mr. Kyle is a valued citizen. He is a communicant of the Episcopal church. Daniel Lamb, the oldest and one of the most eminent members of the Wheeling bar, was born in Connellsville, Penn., January 22nd, 1 81o. In the month of April, 1823, his parents left Connellsville and took up their residence in Wheeling, W. Va., and he accompanied them to this city. Having acquired a good scholastic training Mr. Lamb chose the law as his vocation in life. He was admitted to practice in 1837, and soon took a leading position by virtue of his energy and ability. In 1848 he was made the cashier of the old Northwestern bank, and occupied this responsible position until the institution was disorganized and merged into another concern in 1863. After severing his connection with the bank, Mr. Lamb resumed his chosen profession and has since continued to practice. With advancing years he has gradually relinquished his large practice until at the present writing he is mostly engaged in giving other and younger lawyers the benefit of his extended' reading and long experience. His marriage to Maria M. Clark, daughter of John Clark, at that time a prominent farmer of Belmont county, Ohio, was solemnized in 1837. Mr. Lamb has one son and three daughters living. The son is the cashier of the Bank of Wheeling, and is one of the ablest financiers in the Ohio valley. Daniel Lamb was a member of the Virginia constitutional convention in 1861, and took a firm and loyal stand for the preservance of the Union. He is a republican and his safe counsels 356 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. have the greatest weight with those in authority. Mr. Lamb is a member of the Society of Friends. A man of high attainments, modest to the last degree, and withal, of the strictest integrity. John Lantry, born in Kings county, Ireland, about the year 1828, died at Wheeling, April 17, 1882, should be mentioned among the prominent and worthy people of his day. He was reared in his native county, and then coming to America, settled at Wheeling, where he subsequently engaged in the manufacture of lime, which he carried on successfully until about one year before his death, when he opened a general store at No. 4421 Jacob street. He was married at Wheeling, January 9, 1853, to Merica A. White, a native of England, who after the death of her husband carried on his mercantile business until she died, December 9, 1885. Both were devout members of the Catholic church. To their union eight children were born: Mary .E., Delia A., Kate, William J., Nellie C., Mina J., James F., and John, all of whom are living except Kate and John. Since the death of the mother the business established by their father has been carried on quite successfully, by William J. and James F. Lantry, who do business under the style of Lantry Bros. Both are enterprising and energetic, and their establishment is well patronized. They are members of the Catholic church, and James F. is a member of the Knights of St. George. John A. Lash, a leading jeweler and a representative of one of the pioneer families of the upper Ohio valley, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1841, and is the son of Abraham Lash, also a native of that county, born in 1798, one of the first white children born in the territory now included in that county. Abraham was the son of Jacob Lash, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the first settlers of this section of the country, having crossed the mountains at an early date, at a time when there were nothing but Indian trails over the mountains and country. He was a contemporary of the Zanes, Mitchells, Caldwells and others of the notable pioneers of the valley, and settled on a farm in Belmont county in 1797, where he resided during the remainder of his life. Abraham Lash, by his wife Nancy Powell, of Welsh descent, had twelve children who grew to maturity. He died at the old Lash homestead in 1869, his wife having passed away in 1847. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. John A. Lash, one of the ten surviving children of Abraham Lash, remained on his father's farm until eleven years old, when he came to Wheeling with the intention of learning the jewelry trade. In 1866 he engaged in business on his own account, opening a jewelry store near the Grant House on Main street. Beginning on a modest scale, he continued to widen his business from year to year, and in 1879 opened his present establishment on the corner of Main and Eleventh streets, which is one of the most popular jewelry houses in the city. Mr. Lash is a member of the Knights of Honor. In 1865 he was married to Julia U. Dungan, of Colerain, Ohio, a granddaughter of Josiah Fox, an English Quaker, who was the first secretary of the navy under Presidents Washington and Adams. He OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 357 was the architect builder of the famous old war ship "Constitution." In later life he retired to a large farm in Belmont county. Mr. and Mrs. Lash have had four children, four of whom' are living. Franz Laupp, one of Wheeling's well-known citizens, and one of the leading florists of the vicinity, was born in Hoboken, N. J., June 30, 1855. He is the sOn of Herman and Caroline (Conradt) Laupp, both natives of Germany, the father having been born at Tubingen, Wurtemberg, May 6, 1821, and the mother at Breitenbach, Hessen, June 9, 1823. Herman Laupp was educated at the university. of Tubingen, and adopted the profession of an architect, engaging in that profession in connection with contracting. In 1848 he came to the United States and located in eastern New York, where he was married. Subsequently, in 1852, he removed to Hoboken, N. J., following his profession in both places. April, 1866, he came to Wheeling, where he carried on his business until stricken by lightning, August 12, of the same year. He was a member of St. John's German Independent Protestant church, and was a man of more than ordinary ability and education. His widow and one son survive. The subject of this sketch came to Wheeling when eleven years of age. He was educated in the public schools of the city, and then took a course in the Wheeling Commercial college. After leaving school he entered the employ of his uncle, Theodore Schreiber, a large grape grower and florist, and traveled for him until 1873, when he took a trip to Europe where he spent a year in Germany acquiring a thorough knowledge of the florist business. Subsequently he spent some time at different periods in New York city, gaining proficiency in horticultural matters and posting himself upon the latest improvements in his line of business. Upon the death of Mr. Schreiber, March 4, i888, Mr. Laupp succeeded to the business and has since conducted it in a most successful manner. His places of business are at No. 173 North Front street, and the other at the corner of North York and New Jersey streets, Island. He makes a specialty of cut flowers, and has the largest trade in the florist's line in the city. Mr. Laupp is a prominent young German citizen, having justly attained to his present prosperity through energy and integrity. He is thoroughly competent in his chosen trade and has the confidence of all. He is a member of St. John's Independent Protestant church. Mr. Laupp was married April 19, 1883, to Louisa Weimer, of Wheeling, two children have been born to them: Caroline and Herman. Joseph Lawson, superintendent and secretary and treasurer of the Wheeling & Belmont Bridge company, was born in the north of Ireland, January 3, 184o. While he was yet an infant, his parents, Robert and Sarah (Gallaher) Lawson, removed with their children to Canada. They resided there for several years, and in 185o came to Wheeling, and resided here until 1861, when they removed to Jefferson county, Ohio. The father was a farmer by occupation and a worthy citizen. He died in 1881 in his seventy-second year. His widow, who resides at Toronto, Ohio, is now seventy-one years of age. Seven children of the ten born to these parents are living, 358 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Joseph. Lawson being the oldest. In 185o he came to Wheeling with his parents, and upon their removal to Jefferson county, he remained in Wheeling, which has ever since been his home. Learning the carpenter's trade he worked at the same for several years, and from 1862 to 1865 he was in the service of the United States government, having charge of the carpentry and lumber department at Wheeling. In 1865 Mr. Lawson was offered the superintendency of the Wheeling & Belmont Bridge company, and this position, which he then accepted, he has ever since occupied with distinction and honor. In 1872 the company began a reconstruction of the wire suspension bridge, intending to make a radical change in its plan, according to the most approved engineering methods. This was the third reconstruction since the destruction of the bridge, May 17, 1854, and it was effected without any interference with travel or business on the bridge, in a manner highly creditable to the management of the superintendent, Mr. Lawson. Mr. Lawson is a member of Virginius lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., and of the Encampment and Patriarch Militant orders. in 1864 Mr. Lawson was married to Sallie E., daughter of John Brice, a member of sane of the pioneer families of Belmont county, Ohio, and to their union six children have been born, all of whom are living. George W. Lemmon is one of the principal street-paving contractors of Wheeling. He is a son of Robert and Sarah (Watkins) Lemmon, both natives of Ohio. George W. Lemmon was born April 7, 1851, at Bridgeport, Ohio. In his boyhood he attended the Wheeling city schools. His first work in life was a farm hand, but he was capable of more responsible work, and in a short time pushed out after something more congenial to him.. Learning the brick-laying, and brick-paving and brick-making trades, he worked at this until 1881, when he entered into the street-paving contracting business. Mr. Lemmon has had some very large and important contracts, among them may be mentioned those of Federal street, in Allegheny, Penn., also at Cleveland, Ohio; Massillon, Ohio, and Memphis, Tenn.•, he has also done a large portion of the street-paving in Wheeling, which is so justly noted for its finely paved streets. By industry, honesty and economy, he has gained quite a competency. In .1873, he married Hattie M. Wilkins. Three children were born to them, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. Lemmon died in 1876. Two years later he ,was again married, Miss P. C. Denniston becoming his wife. They have had six children, only four of them still living. Mrs. Lemmon is a communicant of the Presbyterian church; Mr. Lemmon is a communicant of the Episcopalian church. Mr. Lemmon is a liberal democrat, and a member of the following orders: Excelsior lodge, No. 4o, I. 0. 0. F. also Abrams Encampment, and the Brick-layers' union. George F., Lemmon is a shrewd, conservative, self-made man, and an honor to any community. Conrad Leonhart, a prominent contractor of Wheeling, was born in Bavaria, March 4, 1835, and four years later was brought by his parents, Louis and Catherine (Grosscloss) Leonhart, to America. They OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 359 settled at Wheeling, where the father, who was a miner by occupation, worked in the employ of a firm for some time and subsequently opperated on his account, mining and floating coal to Cincinnati, Louisville, and New Orleans. He died June 3o, 1853. Three of his children grew to maturity: Conrad; Kate, wife of Fred Tiers; and Lillie. Conrad began to earn his own subsistence at the age of fourteen years, being thrown on his own resources at that time, and passed through a varied career until the war broke out and offered him an opportunity for advancement. He obtained a position in post quartermaster's department of the United States army, and was master of transportation of the third division of the Second army corps until 1862, when he was promoted to general superintendent of the department, with headquarters at Harper's Ferry, and he held this position until 1865. Since the close of the war he has been engaged in business as a general contractor. In January, 1870, he was elected street commissioner of Wheeling, a position he held to the general satisfaction for seven years in succession. He is well-known as one of the leading contractors and enterprising citizens of Wheeling. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Leonhart has been married twice, first to Lydia, daughter of Francis Romy, July 7, 1864, by which marriage he has two children living, Harry L. and Louis T. His present wife is Nancy, daughter of Andrey Snyder, of this city. Hermann Lingen, an enterprising and well-known merchant tailor of Wheeling, was born in Germany, September 17, 1827. His trade he learned at Paris, whither he went in 1840. While there in 1848 he took part in the revolution against Louis Phillippi, which resulted in the election of Louis Napoleon as president. In March, of the year of the latter's election, Mr. Lingen went back to Germany, to assist in the revolution of 1849. Warrants were issued for the arrest of eleven of the revolutionists of his district, but he and five others escaped arrest. Subsequently, however, he returned and stood trial, and was liberated. On account of a speech he made to the jury a new warrant was issued for him in 1852, but he received warning of the same and fled to England, and thence came to the United States in the same year. Meanwhile, on January 7, 185o, he had been married in Prussia, to Anna Catharina Herkenrath, who accompanied him in his departure from his native land. They landed in New York in March, 1852, and remained there until 1865, when he made a visit to Germany, returning to this country in October. About two weeks after reaching New York he was called to Wheeling as cutter for Stein & Co., tailors and clothiers, and after he had been with them a year and a half he opened an establishment of his own. In 1878 he invented and patented a measuring jacket, and in order to devote himself to the manufacture and sale of this he sold out his business in 1881. Not succeeding in his plans, however, he took a position with T. C. Moffett & Co., as cutter, for two years. He then patented an improvement on his jacket. Returning to business in 1885, he has since carried on one of the leading merchant tailoring establishments. 360 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Mr. Lingen is a member of Bates lodge, F. & A. M., and in religion is a member of the Catholic church. Charles H. Loeffler, a well-known and influential citizen of Wheeling, was born in Clausthal, Hanover, Germany, April 15, 1840, the son of Henry and Henrietta J. (Scherfig) Loefler. With these parents and their six other children: Augusta, Sophia, Johanna, Wilhelmina, Ernest, and William, he started for America in the spring of 1854, and all arrived save Augusta, who died on the way. She had been married, but her husband, Carl Backer, was accidentally killed eleven weeks after their marriage. Their child, Carl, was brought to this country by the grandparents. Cincinnati was the destination of the family, but the mother taking sick all stopped at Wheeling, which became their permanent home, until after the death of the parents, which occurred, that of the father, August 11,1879, and of the mother, August 17, 186o. Of the children, Sophia married Leopold Renner, now deceased, and lives in Cincinnati; Johanna was married to Charles Wessel, of Pittsburgh, Penn., Wilhelmina was married to Charles Weiss, of Columbus, Ohio; Ernest served in the Union army, was married in Cincinnati, settled in the Mocking valley, where his wife died, and.. now resides in Athens county, Ohio; William was married in Ohio and now resides at Barnesville, that state. The grandson, Carl, was adopted by Louis Seabright, of Wheeling, now deceased, and is now known as Carl Seabright. Charles H. Loeffler, the subject of this sketch, was first employed at Wheeling, in a pork and beef packing establishment, conducted at the place now occupied by the Central Glass works, and he then worked at the trade of a butcher, with Louis Seabright until the fall of 1858, then a short time with John Boeshar. Going to St. Louis by the rivers, he was there eight months until recalled by the intelligence of the serious illness of his mother. He was subsequently employed at his trade, by Louis Sea-bright, Casper Zoeckler, and Louis Orth, until 1862, when on March 31, he was married to Catherine Prager. This lady was a native of Germany, the daughter of Louis and Anna Barbara Bayha Prager, the former of whom died when she was but six years old. A year later, she accompanied her mother to America, and they settled at Wheeling, where Mrs. Prager died August 22, 1877. Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Loeffler opened a meat market on his own account, and he has since been engaged in this business, ranking as one of the leading meat dealers of the city. He is a member of the St. John's German Protestant church, to which his wife also adheres, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Red Men, the Odd Fellows, subordinate lodge and encampment, and in politics is a republican. He served upon the city council in 1883, by appointment, filling an unexpired term. He and wife have had eleven children: Louisa, Charles, deceased; Henry and Amelia, twins; Anna Tillie, John; George, deceased; William, Albert and Nellie, deceased. Michael Loftus, of Wheeling, as general manager of the Wheeling Electric and Citizen's street railways, has contributed in a consider- OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 361 able measure to the success of well arranged and efficient system of city transportation which Wheeling enjoys. Mr. Loftus was born at Cumberland, Md., September 29, 1839, and is the son of John and Rose (McNally) Loftus, who came to America in 1835, and settled at Cumberland. They were worthy and good people and members of the Catholic church. The mother died at Fairmount, W. Va., in January, 1849, and the father at Weston, in April, 1874. Michael Loftus spent his boyhood at Cumberland, and in 185o came to Wheeling, where he became a student in the old St. Vincent's college, under Bishop Whalen, and remained there until 1854. He then found occupation in the construction of the Hempfield railroad, and in 1856 became an employe of the Western Stage company as a driver between Burlington and Fairfield, Iowa. He held this position until May, 1859, when he returned to Wheeling, and secured employment as a driver and conductor for Shallcross & Terry, transfer agents, with whom he remained until July, 1867. At the latter date he accepted the position of assistant superintendent of the Citizens' Street Railway company, and in the September following was appointed general superintendent. In February, 1880, he left this position to become the proprietor of a livery stable on the corner of Market and Nineteenth streets, which he conducted until 1883, assuming again at that time the general superintendency of the Citizens' railway, which he still holds. After the consolidation of that company with the Electric company, he became general manager of both lines. He is a stockholder in the Citizens' company, and also in the Belmont mill, and is an active and energetic citizen. Mr. Loftus was married January 24, 1865, to Julia McGlaughlin, of Bellaire, and they have had eight children, seven of whom are living. Their names are: John B., assistant superintendent under his father; William, deceased; Margaret, Joseph, Michael J., Rose, Mary and Julia. Mr. Loftus and family are members of the congregation of the Cathedral. One of the prominent early manufacturers of cigars at Wheeling, was George Loos, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to the United States in 1859, with his wife and children. Landing at Baltimore, they proceeded at once to Wheeling, and here the father engaged in his trade, which he followed until it was interrupted by the civil war. In September, 1861, he went gallantly to the front in behalf of his adopted country, as a member of the Sixth West Virginia regiment, and served with honor three years and four months. Returning to Wheeling, he again engaged in the cigar business, in which he continued until his death in January, 1884, in his sixty-sixth year. His widow and five children survive him. His son, Hugo L. Loos, who continues in the same business as his father, is one of the well-known and popular citizens of Wheeling. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, June 10, 1848, and accompanied his parents when they came to this country. After learning the trade with his father he opened an establishment of his own in 1869, on Twelfth street, for the manufacture of cigars. In 1886 he and his brother George engaged also in the manufacture of cigars and smoking to- 362 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. bacco. The house of H. L. Loos & Bro. is now established at 1220 Market street, and does an extensive wholesale and retail business in all grades of cigars and tobacco. A considerable number of skilled workmen are employed in the manufacture. Mr. H. L. Loos is a director of the chamber of commerce of Wheeling, and a director of the West Virginia Tobacco company. For a number of years he has been connected with the building and loan business and is a director of the System Citizens' associations. He takes an active part in public affairs and in 1888 was selected by the republican party as its candidate to the legislature. He is prominent in that party and for several years has occupied the position of chairman of the city executive committee. He is a member of the St. John's Lutheran church, and is a member of the Bates lodge, F. & A. M. of which. he is past master. Mr. Loos was married in 1873 to Matilda, daughter of Philip Troll, of Wheeling, by whom he has had six children, three of whom are living. Rev. John L. Lucas, an esteemed citizen of Wheeling, and a minister of the Church of God, is a son of Eli Lucas, formerly a worthy citizen of Belmont county, Ohio. The latter was born in Virginia, but removed to Belmont county, where he was married to Martha A. Barker, a resident of that county, by whom he had eight sons and five daughters, ten of whom survive. The father died in 1866; the mother still resides in Belmont county. The subject of this mention, the third of the children named, was born in Belmont county, March 1836, and in his native county was reared assisting his father, from an erly age,, in shoemaking, the, occupation of the latter. At fifteen years of age he accompanied an uncle to Brown county, Ind., where he remained five years, being occupied during that period in carpentry. He next made his home with an uncle in Marshall county, W. Va., for a short time, and then returning to . Belmont county, worked at his trade until 1859, when on February 24, he was married to Chloe M. Lucas, daughter of James Lucas, of Marshall county. He then engaged in farming until early in 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, First West Virginia cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war. He was a brave and efficient soldier, participating in the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, Brandy Station, Winchester, Fairfax Court House, Moorefield, Sniggar's Gap, Fisher's Hill, Sewall Mountain, and other engagements of less importance. He was once captured but escaped on the second night of his imprisonment. After the war Mr. Lucas resided in Marshall county, and in 1867 .he entered the ministry of the Church of God, to which his efforts have since been devoted with both zeal and success. He now has charge of a circuit including Gravel Street, Antioch, Blainville and East Richland, but his residence remains in Wheeling, whither he removed in 1879. He is also the proprietor of a grocery at No. 83 Thirty-third street, which is conducted by his family during his absence. Mr. Lucas is a member of the G. A. R., and in politics is a republican. By his marriage above mentioned he has had ten children: Doctor F., Elias (deceased), Isabella V., Melinda and OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 363 Clarinda, twins, Alice V., Jeremiah C., John W., Amanda J. (deceased), and James B. James Luke was one of the pioneers in the building of the city of Wheeling, both in a general sense, and in the special manner in which by reason of his occupation he was called on to contribute to the improvement of the town. He was a native of the north of Ireland, born in 1790. Coming to America in about 1820, he located at Wheeling, where he resided until his death in 1852. He was one of the first contractors and builders, and was successful in his enterprises. He was twice married, and had one daughter by the first marriage, and seven children by the last marriage. Of his children three sons and a daughter are living. Robert Luke, son of the above, is well known as the proprietor of the leading livery establishment of Wheeling. He was born November 20, 1831, was reared in Wheeling and was educated in the private schools of the city. He first gave his attention to the carpenter's trade, which he learned with his father, and worked at that until the fall of 1.852, when he engaged in the livery business. He is the oldest livery man in the ,city. Beginning on a small scale he has continually added to his business and his facilities until his establishment is now an unusually fine and well-appointed one. After his first embarking in the business. he retired from it one year, and was otherwise engaged until the spring of 1863, part of which time he spent in Minneapolis, Minn. Since 1863 he has been continuously engaged in the business. Mr. Luke was married on the 8th of September, 1863, to Agnes, daughter of F. B. Hornbrook, and to them four sons have been born. Charles Lukens, one of the oldest in the grocery trade at Wheeling, is a native of Reading, Berks county, Penn. His father, Joshua Lukens, who was born at Philadelphia in 1805, the son of Nathan Lukens, who was married to Mary, daughter of John Bickle. She was born at Reading, Penn., in 1808. To this union nine children were born, three of whom served in the armies of the Union. John B. Lukens served as captain of Company K, Fifteenth West Virginia infantry; Abram B. Lukens served three years in Battery D, First West Virginia light artillery, and Joshua B., a member of Company A, First Virginia infantry, was killed at the battle of Snicer's Ford, in July, 1864. Charles Lukens, the subject of this sketch, the third of the children mentioned, was born December 2, 1834. Three years later the family removed to Weeeling, and in 1851 the parents made their residence on the Island, where the father died May 2, 1881, and the mother May 10, 1871. Mr. Lukens engaged in the grocery business in Wheeling as long ago as 186o, and with the exception of five years spent in. Washington county, Ohio, from 1863 to 1868, has continued in that branch of trade in the city, meeting with good success, and gaining an honorable rank in the community. While in Washington county he held for three years the office of postmaster at Wade post-office. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the I. 0. 0. F., the Senior Order of American Mechanics, Garden Spot council, No. 339, National Union, and is prominent in the Grocers' Protective associa- 364 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. tion of the city. He was married in September, 1861, to Margaret V. Bedilion, third daughter of. Abram Bedilion, formerly of Wheeling. She died in March, 1868, leaving three children, William J., Mary M., and Charles B. January 31, 1871, he was united to Anna E., daughter of Calvin Kasson, of Belmont county, Ohio, and they have one child, Anna H. W. J. Lukens, a popular young business man of Wheeling, is prominent in the jewelry trade, conducting an establishment at 1053 Main street. He was born at Wheeling May 19, 1862, the son of Charles Lukens, who was born at Reading, Penn., December 2, 1834. The parents of the latter removed to Wheeling when Charles was-a small boy, and the grandfather of the subject of this mention, Joshua Lukens, was for a number of years in business at Wheeling as a dealer in confectionery and mineral water, and was one- of the well-known early residents. Charles Lukens was engaged in the grocery business on the Island during the war, but in 1863 removed to Washington county, Ohio, where he was engaged in general merchandise until 1868. In the latter year he returned to Wheeling, and resumed the grocery business on the Island, which he has since continued. His wife was Margaret Bedilion, daughter of Abraham Bedilion, one of the early settlers of Pleasant valley, where he was engaged in agriculture and the manufacture of flour. Later in life he removed to Dallas, Marshall county, where he was engaged in farming during the remainder of his days. Mrs. Lukens died May 15, 1868, leaving three children, all of whom survive. W. J. Lukens received his education in the schools of Wheeling, and then in 1877 began an apprentice at the jewelry trade with John A. Lash, with whom he remained seven years. In 1885 he opened up a jewelry store of his own at 1029 Main street, beginning on a limited scale, but meeting with success has rapidly built up his business to rank with the leading establishments of the city. In April, 1887, he removed to his present place of business, where he carries a full line of watches, diamonds, plate and other goods pertaining to the trade. He is also sole agent for Wheeling of Edison 's phonographs and graphophones. Mr. Lukens is a director of the Y. M. C. A., and is a member of Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal church. Sebastain Lutz, a pioneer of Wheeling (now dead), was a native of Germany, having been born in that country in 1818. His schooling was obtained in Germany, and he also learned the butcher's trade there, which he followed in the mother country until the year 1845, at which time he emigrated to the United States and located at Wheeling; where he followed his trade for some time. For many years preceding his death he was the proprietor of the Old Home hotel, and was engaged in the hotel business at the time of his death in 1867. He had four children, all of whom are living. Of the three sons, William J. and John J. are now engaged in operating one of the largest steam laundries in the upper Ohio valley, having established this business in 1884. John J. was born in 1859. He was reared and educated in Wheeling. After completing his education he served a OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 365 four years' apprenticeship as a carpenter, and was employed in this trade for about ten years. In 1884 he and his brother founded the Home Steam Laundry. They employ a large force in their extensive business, and are among the most enterprising young business men of Wheeling. John Lutz was married in 1881 to Emma D. Franzheim, of Wheeling. Harry J. and Earl W. are the children that have been born to them. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz are members of the German Catholic church. Mr. Lutz's political belief is founded on the principles of the democratic party. James McCahon, manager of the furnace department of the Top mill, is one of the well-known citizens of Wheeling, and is prominent in various fields of activity. He was born in the north of Ireland, January 7, 1839, and in his native country received a common school education, after which for five years he was apprenticed to a dealer in groceries. In 1858 he was married to Ann J. Gilmour, and soon afterward he and wife crossed the ocean, and made their home near Philadelphia, where Mr. McCahon round employment as an iron worker. In 186o he removed to. Ohio and for ten years he was in the employment of the Cleveland Rolling Mill Co., holding, during four years of that period, the position of manager of the blast furnace. In 1872 he removed to Martin's Ferry, and until the fall of 1878 took charge of the Benwood furnace. Returning to Cleveland at the end of the period named, he resumed the management of the Cleveland rolling mill, and remained there until April, 1881, when he came to Wheeling to take charge of the Wheeling Iron and Nail company's furnace. In this capacity he has since been engaged, displaying notable ability in the management of the interests intrusted to him. Mr. McCahon is a stockholder in the mill with which he is engaged, also in the Benwood Iron works, and has made various other judicious and profitable investments. In public affairs he has not taken an active part, though deeply interested in political matters, and a staunch republican and a friend of protection to American industry. As a Mason he is quite prominent, being grand lecturer for the state of West Virginia for the Royal Arch chapter of that jurisdiction. His membership is in Nelson lodge, No. 3o, of which he is past master; Wheeling Union chapter, No. 1, past high priest; Wheeling commandery, No. 1, K. T. of which he is P. E. C., and Albert Pike consistory, Washington, D. C. A. A. S. R. He is also a member of Alpha lodge, K. of H. Mr.. C., and wife have had a large family of children, four of whom are now living: Anna; Mary, wife of John H. Garrison; James A. and John A. W. W. McConnell, of Wheeling, proprietor of the largest slack cooperage manufactory in West Virginia, was born at that city, September 14, 1844. He is the son of a prominent early citizen of Wheeling, Richard McConnell, who was born at Wellsburg, in 1815, the son of Richard McConnell, a native of Ireland, who was one of the pioneers of the valley. The junior Richard McConnell came to Wheeling when about fifteen years of age, and carried on the coopering business for a considerable period. He afterward resided three 366 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. years at Martinsville, and in 1860 removed to Indiana, whence after three years he returned to Wheeling, where he was in business as a cooper until his death, in 1887. His wife, Elizabeth Holmes, was born in eastern Virginia, and died in 1869. Of the eleven children born to them, four survive. W. W. McConnell learned the business with his father, and in 1863 he opened a shop on Market street, which in 1866, he turned over to his father. He then opened a new shop on Zane street, and conducted it until 1870, when he -embarked in the retail grocery trade in East Wheeling. Returning to his former business four years later, he became a partner with his father in the manufacture of packages for the glass houses, the first enterprise of the kind in the city. Not long afterward the partnership was dissolved, but in 1880, Mr. McConnell purchased his father's business, which has since increased year by year, until he- now has the largest slack cooperage establishment in the state. The large works at the corner of Thirty-fifth and McColloch streets were erected in 1886, and an addition in 1889, and in the fall of 1888, he added the coal business to his other enterprise. Twenty-five to forty men are employed in the works. Mr. McConnell is a stockholder in the Hobbs Glass works. His religious and fraternal memberships are with the Zane Street Methodist church, the I. O. O. F., and the A. O. U. W. In 1869 he was married to Margaret, daughter of John Kinghorn, of Wheeling, and she died in 1876, her four children having also died. In 1879 he was married to Mary E., daughter of Benjamin Dillon. She died in 1881, leaving one daughter, and he was united in 1883, to West Virginia Dillon, by whom he has two children living. Samuel McClellan, prominent among the early residents and business men of Wheeling, was born in Connecticut in 1795, the son of a physician. He came to Wheeling soon after attaining his majority, and established himself in the mercantile and manufacturing business. His close application to business soon laid the foundation for his prosperity, and at the same time seriously impaired his health so much so that he was for a time compelled to quit business and spend a time in travel. In 1837 he again embarked in business, opening a large boot and shoe house, which soon became the leading house of the kind in this section. He was a man of precise habits, of the strictest integrity and honesty. He particularly esteemed punctuality as a prime virtue of business life, and careful himself in this respect, expected it in others. In social life he was popular, and in church affairs he was active as a member of the First Presbyterian church. This worthy pioneer in business died at Wheeling, in November, 1860. He was thrice married, first to Miss Griswold, of Connecticut, second to Louisa Reid, of Wheeling, and third to Mrs. Shipman, whose maiden name was Edgerton, of Marietta, Ohio. Samuel McClellan, Jr., son of the above, and his successor in business, shared with the other children, his father's generosity in the matter of education, and was a graduate of Williams' college, Massachusetts, during the presidency of the famous Dr. Mark Hopkins. He graduated with second honors, his competitor being Prof. Whit- OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 367 ney, subsequently of Yale college. Samuel McClellan, Jr., was mayor of Wheeling for two terms. He died in the latter part of the year 1875. Josiah G. McClellan, another son, was graduated at Williams college with first honors, and after many years' practice as a member of the St. Louis bar, is now retired from active life. Charles H., another son, is a graduate of Princeton college and the Princeton Theological seminary, and is now a clergyman at Lakewood, N. J. His wife is a daughter of the late Rev.. Dr. Henry B. Smith, of Union Theological seminary, New York city. Harry W. McLure, one of the proprietors of the McLure House, the leading hotel of West Virginia, was born about three miles from Wheeling, in Pleasant Valley, December 9,1855. He is a son of Capt. John McLure, one of Wheeling's most prominent citizens. Mr. Mc-Lure was reared in Wheeling, and attended the common schools of the city, after completing which he entered the State university of West Virginia and pursued his studies at that institution about four years. On his return to Wheeling he became connected with the Peabody Insurance company, with which he remained about three years, then taking a position in the office of the Pittsburgh, Wheeling & Kentucky railroad company. He was in the service of that corporation three years and then engaged in the retail hat business in the McLure block. This business he subsequently sold, and he then spent several months at St. Paul, Minn. In f886 he formed a partnership with Grant, Scott & Co., and the firm thus formed leased the McLure House for the term of six years. Mr. Grant soon retired and was followed by Mr. Scott, and Mr. Frank H. Stamm then became a member of the firm. Mr. McLure is also a stockholder in the Wheeling Ice & Storage company, and is one of the enterprising young men of the city. He was married November 9,1881, to Miss Addie Ferrel, of Wheeling, and to their union one daughter has been born, Sarah. Among the most prominent families of Wheeling is the McLure family. John McLure, Sr., came to Wheeling from Washington county, Penn., of which state he was a native, in 1806, and purchased considerable property, and also engaged in the mercantile business. He became the president of the Old North Western bank, of Virginia, the first bank to be organized in Wheeling. He was also extensively engaged in manufacturing, and was a whig member of the Virginia legislature. The McLure House, the most prominent hotel in the state, was erected by him. In his day, John McLure, was one of the leading citizens of Wheeling, his death occurred in 1874, in his ninety-first year. Abdel McLure, father of the above, was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Wheeling in 1806. His children were: Andrew, John, Robert and James, Anna (Carr), Jane and Mary (Wilson), all deceased. Andrew McLure was a contractor and merchant, he died in 1840, having reached his eighty-first year. John McLure, Jr., the principal of this •biography, was born in Butler county, Penn., January 22, 1816, the son of Andrew, above mentioned, Mr. McLure came to Wheeling when but four months old, and has since made his 368 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. residence here, and has always cast his influence on the side of morality and improvement. When sixteen years of age he began an apprenticeship at engine building, and was thus engaged during the years of 1833-34-35. After completing his apprenticeship he became an engineer on the Ohio river, and soon began to acquire an interest in river navigation. In 1840 Mr. McLure became captain of a boat, and continued in this capacity until the close of the war. He has built between eighteen and twenty boats which have plied at different times on the river. After leaving the river Capt. McLure turned his attention to real estate, and in 1873, became the owner of the McLure House, and also owns considerable property on Market street and in various portions of the city, and is largely interested in different enterprises in the Ohio valley and at Taylor, Texas. In 1841, .Elizabeth Campbell, of Wheeling, became' is wife. This estimable woman passed to her reward in 1881, leaving eight children to mourn their irreparable loss. The children are: Thomas, of Taylor, Texas; Harry W., proprietor of he McLure House; McBurnie, assistant secretary of the Fire & Marine Insurance company.; John, Jr., living with his parents; Pintie J., wife of. Curran Mendal, of Texas; Juliet, and Bettie, of Wheeling. Capt. McLure married for his second wife Eliza .Jane Cecil. Mrs. McLure was. born in Wheeling, in 1833. The family are members of the Episcopal church, and is recognized as one of the oldest and best families in 'the state. Capt. McLure is a republican. John H. McClure, D. D. S., a leading surgeon dentist of Wheeling, was born in that city May 26, 1863, the son of Rev. James T. and Helen W. (Wall) McClure. His parents are natives of Pennsylvania, but have resided at Wheeling since 185o, at which date the father, who is a minister of the United Presbyterian church, became minister of that denomination at Wheeling, a charge which he has ever since held. Dr. McClure was reared in his native city and there received his general education. Selecting dentistry as his profession he entered the office of Dr. S. B. McCormick in 1881 as a student, and in 1885 matriculated at the Pennsylvania college of dental surgery, where he was graduated in 1887, with the degree of D. D. S. In the spring of the latter year he opened an office in Wheeling, and he has since succeeded in acquiring a good practice. He is a member of the Ohio Valley Dental association. Socially Dr. McClure is one of the popular and prominent young men of the city. Rev. James Thomas McClure, D. D., an able divine who has for forty years held the pastorate of the United Presbyterian church of Wheeling, was born near Pittsburgh, July 19, 1822. His parents, Daniel and Hannah (McFarlane) McClure, were both natives of Allegheny county, Penn., the former being a son of William and Elizabeth (Holliday) McClure, and the wife, a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Lewis) McFarlane. Both of the grandfathers were born in Ireland, of Scotch-Irish families. Daniel and Hannah McClure were married in their native county August 11, 1808, and six children were born to them, of whom the only survivor is the subject of this sketch. OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 369 The father died June 6, 1823, and the mother March 24, 1846. James Thomas McClure gained the rudiments of his education in a district school; and then at the age of fifteen years, began teaching in similar schools, and for five years, when not employed on the farm of his parents, was busied in the school room. In the spring of 1845 he entered the senior class of the Pittsburgh college, and being graduated in July, 1846, he soon afterward entered the Theological seminary of the Associated Reformed (now the United Presbyterian) church at Allegheny City, and attended three sessions. He was licensed to preach about April I, 1849, and during that year traveled four months as a missionary in western Pennsylvania, and attended one session of the Theological seminary at Due West, S. C., the following winter. While there, he was called by the Associated Reformed church of Wheeling, and this call he accepted April 16, 185o, and was installed May 28th following. He first occupied the pulpit of the congregation as pastor, to which he has since ministered, on the second Sunday of March, 185o, and the subsequent period of his pastorate, which has been longer than that of any other minister in Wheeling, has been one characterized by kind relations and hearty co-operation on the part of minister and congregation. The church has notably prospered and its pulpit has been one of the most influential in the city. During this period, Dr. McClure has taken into the church nearly i,000 people, and has married 309 couples. Being equipped with a good classical education at the beginning of his ministry. Dr. McClure has been a close student and has made himself familiar with literary and scientific advancement. The important questions of the day have called forth from him valuable contributions to literature, articles for the press, and a well-known volume, entitled "Science and the Bible." For more than thirty years also, he has served as director of the Theological seminary of Allegheny City. The degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by Westminster college, of Pennsylvania. Dr. McClure was married March 28, 185o, to Helen Wall, of Pittsburgh, daughter of William and Lucy Wall, natives of England. They have had eight children, of whom the following survive: Helen Wall; James Hunter, wholesale grocer; Lucy, wife of W. J. W. Cowden; Robert Bruce, clerk in the Exchange bank; Zoe, and John H. McClure, D. D. S. W. O. McCluskey, the leading wholesale oyster merchant of Wheeling, is one of the enterprising young business men of the upper Ohio region. He was born at Wheeling, March 21, 1855, a son of James and Letitia (Reid) McCluskey. The former was a native of Ireland, of Scotch parentage, and the latter was born in Ireland also. The family came to the United States during the twenties, and at first resided for a few years in New Jersey, removing from there to Bridgeport, Ohio, and thence in 1828, to Wheeling, where the elder McCluskey entered the wholesale grocery house of Knox & McKee. He was so engaged for a few years, but was afterward in the employ of Paxton, Donlon & Oglebay and their successors. After a residence in Wheeling of fifty years he died in 1878, having witnessed the 24—A. 370 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. growth of the city from its humble beginning. His widow is still a resident of the city in which she and her husband were pioneers, and has attained the age of seventy-seven years. Dr. John McCluskey, a pioneer Presbyterian minister, was a brother of James McCluskey, and to that church the latter and his wife were also prominent adherents. Of the five children of these parents, three are living. Their son, W. 0. McCluskey, was brought up in this city, was educated in the public schools, and afterward in 1869 took a course in the commercial college of Prof. Duff, at Pittsburgh. In 187o, at the early age of fifteen years, he began his business career by engaging in the grocery and produce business at North Wheeling. After three years in.that business, he was in the employ of his brother John, who was engaged in the oyster business. A year later he established his present business in the McLure House block, where he is still doing a prosperous business, handling oysters exclusively during the season for that delicacy, and during the summer months doing a fruit and berry commission business, and in both lines controlling the bulk of the trade of the city. Mr. McCluskey is a member of Welcome lodge, No. 6, A. 0. U. W. He was married in 1874, to Ella B., daughter of Hans W. and Elizabeth (Zane) Phillips. To this union two sons have been born, M. J. McFadden, who occupies a high rank among the young business men of Wheeling, was born in Armstrong county, Penn., February 10, 1860. When twelve years of age, his parents removed to Pittsburgh, and he, accompanying them, was soon initiated to his career as a business man, as clerk in a gentleman's furnishing store. Beginning that employment in 1876 he was so engaged until 1883 at Pittsburgh, and in the latter year removed to Wheeling and opened a furnishing store. He added hats and caps to his stock in March, 1889, and is now the proprietor of the largest establishment of the kind in the city, occupying two store rooms at 132o and 1322 Market street. His business capacity and unfailing enterprise have given him an enviable place among the active young men of the city. He was married,October 31, 1883, to Stella Brennan, of Youngstown, Ohio, and they have two children. Harlan P. McGregor, one of the leading business men of Wheeling, manager of the wholesale and retail glass and china-ware house of Barnes & McGregor, was born in Ritchie county, W. Va., then. Wood county, Va., January 17, 1.845. He is a son of William Mc-Gregor, a prominent early settler and land holder. in West Virginia. The latter was born at Philadelphia, in 1818, the soh of John McGregor, a.native of the north of Scotland, and a descendant of Rob -Roy. John McGregor was married in Scotland. He was a prominent Mason in Scotland and Knight Templar. William McGregor left his home at Philadelphia in 1838 or about that year, and removed to what was then Wood county, Va., and purchased 4,000 acres of good farming land at 17 cents per acre, the tract being a part of the Washington survey. An old tax receipt given by the sheriff of Wood county, now in the possession of H. P. McGregor, accounts OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 371 for taxes on a few articles of personal property at $1.48, and on the entire tract of 4,000 acres of land at the total sum of 4o cents. Now, the portion of the land on which William McGregor resides has a selling price of $100 per acre. The senior McGregor was married to Elizabeth Hall, a lady of Virginia birth and English descent, and she is also living. Their son, H. P. McGregor, passed his early days on the farm, and received a common school education, which was supplemented with a course at the Baltimore commercial college during the war period. Toward the close of that struggle, in 1864, he served a few months in the West Virginia militia, and when the war was over, he opened a general store at Cairo, W. Va., which he conducted until 187o, when he was elected clerk of the board of supervisors of Ritchie county. In the spring of 1872 he removed from Cario to Wheeling, and took a position as traveling salesman for the wholesale queensware house of Barnes & Walton. This place he held for eleven years, and meanwhile the firm was changed from Barnes & Walton to Thomas Walton & Co., the associate of Mr. Walton being the subject of this sketch. Mr. McGregor was also the partner in the firm of James F. Barnes & Co., which succeeded the firm just named in 1877, and on February 29, 1889, the firm of Barnes & McGregor succeeded to the business. Mr. Barnes had died in 1888, and the estate of that gentleman and Mr. McGregor had conducted the business, with Mr. McGregor in charge, until the formation of the new firm. Mr. McGregor is also a stockholder in the Peabody and Fire & Marine Insurance companies. He has also taken a worthy and prominent part in public affairs. He was elected to the first branch of the city council in 1884 from the Seventh ward, and in 1886 was elected a member of the board of commissioners of Ohio county, from the Madison district, and re-elected in 1888. He was one of the organizers of the Union building and loan association in April, 1889, and is secretary of the same. He was made a Master Mason in Mt. Olivet lodge, No. 3, of Parkersburg, in 1886, and is now a member of Ohio lodge, No. 1, of Wheeling consistory, No. 1, S. R. M., and has been secretary of the same since its organization in 1886. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. McGregor was married in December, 1872, to Lucy Boggs, a daughter of James Baggs, deceased, who was for many years superintendent of the water works of Wheeling. John McKee, an old and estimable citizen of Wheeling, was born in Townland of Glastry, county Down, Ireland, July 28, 1824. He is the son of Hugh McKee, who died July 15, 1829. His mother's maiden name was Mary McCormick. Their four children were Samuel, David A., John and William H. Samuel, the eldest, a jeweler by trade, came to America in 185o and settled in New York, where he died. David A. emigrated in the spring of the same year, settled first at Steubenville, Ohio, then resided at Wheeling for some time, and is now engaged in the grocery business at AEtnaville, Ohio. William H., the youngest, went to sea in 1847, under Capt. Herron, and was not heard of. until long afterward when it was discovered that after sur- 372 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. viving an attack of fever at Quebec, he made a trip to Montreal, and returning to the former place, was caught between two vessels and killed. John McKee, the subject of this mention, in his youth worked at clock making and gunsmith work with his brother Samuel, and in March, 185o, was married to Margaret Kerr, in his native land. In the fall of the same year he and wife, her brother and his mother and brother Samuel came to America, and he settled at Pittsburgh, where he remained sixteen years, being employed during most of that time, with James McCuly & Co., wholesale grocers and flour dealers. Coming to Wheeling in 1866, he embarked in the grocery business at once, and has since that date occupied a creditable position among the enterprising business men of the city. He first succeeded Daniel Tharp in business at No. 113 Clay, now 63-65 Eighteenth street, and in March, 1873, he removed. to 59 Clay, now 5o and 52 Eighteenth, where he bought the old Baptist church and fitted it up as a store and dwelling at a total cost of $6,296.78. By his marriage above mentioned, Mr. McKee had nine children:' William A. (deceased), Maggie (deceased), David John, head book-keeper for the Wheeling Pottery Co.; James K. (deceased), Samuel K., general secretary of the Y. M. C. A., at East Saginaw, Mich.; James B., was traveling salesman for Simon Baer's Sons for several years, and on March 1, 189o, bought the wholesale and retail cigar parlors 1209 Market street, opposite McLure House, where he is doing business on a large scale in his line of goods; Andrew K., in the produce house of Isham & Bigby, Philadelphia; William C., a student in the Y. M. C. A. training school at Springfield, Mass. The mother of these died February 20, 1872, and on June 3, 1875, he was married to Mrs. Rachel (McNabb) Shaw, by whom he has one child, Earl R.. M. Mr. McKee is a member of the board of deacons of the Second Prqbyterian church, and in politics is a republican. James B. McKee, the proprietor of the largest and finest retail cigar business in Wheeling, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., November 25, 1863. He is the son of John McKee, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. McKee was educated at the Wheeling public schools and at Frazier's Business college. After leaving school he was employed as a clerk in his father's grocery store for several years, after which he clerked for his brother in his extensive grocery establishment on Wheeling Island. When the Wheeling Bakery company was formed, Mr. McKee accepted the position of bookkeeper for that concern, and remained with them in this capacity for some time, afterward representing them as a traveling salesman. In July, 1883, he took a position in the wholesale grocery house of Simon Baer's Sons, and traveled for them until the 1st of March, 189o. At this time Mr. McKee bought the business then conducted by Emanuel Levi. Since his purchase of this business he has enlarged the trade to a considerable extent, and beside the retail department now does an extensive wholesale and jobbing business in cigars. He is recognized as one of the thoroughly reliable, enterprising young business men of Wheeling, and it is safe to predict for him a bright and suc- OHIO COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA - 373 cessful business career. Mr. McKee is an earnest member of the Second Presbyterian church, of Wheeling, and also a member of the Order of American Mechanics, and of the Travelers' Protective association. Samuel B. McKee, a leading retail grocer of Wheeling, is a native of that city, born January 25, 1858, the son of David A. and Mary (Nicholson) McKee, of AEtnaville, Ohio. He has passed his life at this city, where he received his education, and early in youth began a business career as a clerk in a grocery store, adopting at the outset that branch of business in which he has achieved an honorable and noteworthy success, though still one of the young men of the city. Mr. McKee began in business for himself in 1884, succeeding his father as proprietor of the store at No. 2227, Market street. Since then he has continued at the same place, which is the favorite with a large number of customers. Mr. McKee was married April 10, 1884, to Mary J., daughter of Alexander Cunningham, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, and they have two children, Sarah Blair and David A. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church. R. O. McMaster, M. D., has been engaged in the practice of medicine in Wheeling since 1883, and has had notable success, especially in those specialties of the profession to which he has devoted his energies. He is a son of Robert McMaster, who was born near Gettysburg, Penn., August 1o, 1793, the son of a native of the north of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish family. Robert McMaster was married March 8, 1813, to Sarah Meek, and in 1817, they removed to Belmont county, Ohio, and settled upon a farm. He was prominent among the early settlers, and was an associate judge of his county for a number of years. By the marriage mentioned he had several children, three sons and two daughters of whom survive. His first wife died February 25, 185o, and on April 12, 1851, he was married to Mary A. Rankin, who was born at Harper's Ferry, Va., August 11, 1811. The father died May 3o, 1874, and his widow passed away April 28, 1887, leaving one son, the subject of this mention. The latter was born January 5, 1852, and passed his boyhood on the farm in Belmont county. He studied in the common schools and then graduated from the high school of Newark in 1869. Subsequently he turned his attention to medicine and studied during two years that he was engaged in teaching school. After reading one year with Dr. William Piper, at Glencoe, Ohio, he entered Starling Medical college, at Columbus, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1875. He began the practice of this profession in association with Dr. Piper, but after one year settled at New Athens, Ohio, where he was engaged in the practice five years. He then took special courses of study at New York during a year and a half, and in December, 1883, made his home at Wheeling. In 1885 he established a hospital for the treatment of his patients. He is a member of the County Medical society, and he and wife are members of the First Presbyterian church. Dr. McMaster was married September 5, 1876, to Ella, daughter of Thomas Ault, of Bellaire, and they have two children: Mamie and Thomas Austin. 374 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Hon. Frank P. McNeil, one of the leading younger members of the bar of Wheeling, was born at Cumberland, Md., March 26, 1854. He is the son of John W. and Caroline M. (Bell) McNeil, the former of whom was born at Baltimore in 1808, and the latter at Cumberland, Md., in 1818. They removed to Wheeling in 1854, and resided here during the remainder of their lives, both passing away in 1876. Five children were born to them, of whom three survive, Mrs. E. A. Adams, Mrs. L. B. Nobie, and the subject of this mention. Frank P. McNeil being brought by his parents to Wheeling soon after his birth, was reared here, and received his early education in the schools of the city. He also attended a classical school in the city, and subsequently pursued a collegiate course at Bethany college, where he was graduated in 1874. He early manifested an inclination for the legal profession, and as soon as he had completed his college course he took up the study of law. In 1876 he was admitted to the bar, and he at once entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he attained a creditable position among the younger attorneys at Wheeling. In 1881 he accepted the nomination of the democratic party for the office of representative in the general assembly of West Virginia, and was elected, and served in the sessions of 1881 with credit to himself and constituents. Gov. Matthews appointed him a member of his staff, with the rank of colonel. Having always taken an active interest in the cause of education, and being a friend of the public school system, Mr. McNeil was honored in 1887 by appointment as a member of the board of regents of the State- Normal school, from the First congressional district, a position he holds at the present time. Mr. McNell was married in 188o, to Mary R., daughter of Samuel H. Greer, deceased, of Wheeling, and to their union, one son, Allyn, has been born. Lucian Mahone is a well-known contractor of Wheeling, W. Va. His parents both came of old Virginia stock, W. H. and Mary (Lipscomb) Mahone. Their fathers came . to Virginia, in Washington's time, and their son, Lucian, was born in Williamsburgh, James City county, Va., on the 13th day of August, 1835. His early education was derived from the schools of his native city. In the year 1855 he went to Racine, Wis., where he assisted in establishing a sash and door factory, operating a lumber yard at the same time. Remaining there but two years he removed to Wheeling W. Va., where he has since resided. Here he held the position of foreman in the planing-mill owned by Armstrong, Coen & Co., until 1885. Since that time Mr. Mahone has been in the contracting business, having built up a very lucrative business by means of energy, and uprightness in his dealings with all men. On September 17, 1868, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Rebecca Corbitt, a daughter of Robert S. and Mary (Parker) Corbitt, of Waverly, W. Va. Three boys and three girls are the fruit of this union: Albert S., Laura, Robert C. Lucian B., Mary C., and Emma C., all of whom are living. Both C., and Mrs. Mahone are active, consistent members of the Presbyterian church. The republican party numbers Mr. Mahone among its staunchest upholders.