466 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Volunteers, and was detailed for duty with the department of field hospitals at White House, Virginia. In June, 1864, these hospitals were removed to City Point, Virginia, and the Doctor was there on duty until December 22, 1864. Then he was placed in charge of the cavalry corps hospital, principally to accomplish its reorganization. In the following January, he was placed in charge of the depot field hospital, of the 6th Army Corps, and held that position until the surrender of General Lee, when all the hospitals at that place were broken up. On May 26, 1865, having continued on duty until the last moment, Dr. Ely transferred all the remaining hospital inmates aboard the hospital steamer "Connecticut," in charge of Surgeon of U. S. Volunteers, J. B. Hood, for transportation to Washington. Although much suffering was endured by various patients, none can ever realize the unselfish devotion displayed by Dr. Ely, or the efforts he put forth at all times in their behalf. His valuable services were appreciated, however, by the government. On August 12. 1865, he was placed in charge of the City General Hospital at Indianapolis, and was finally mustered out of service on October 16, 1865.
After these years of faithful service, under the hardest possible conditions, Dr. Ely returned to his home, and on November 7, 1865, located in Barnesville, where he has ever since resided. In 1868, he received an appointment as United States examining surgeon for pensions, a position he held under the administration of President Cleveland.
In 1854, Dr. Ely was married to Emily E. Hogue, a daughter of Samuel Hogue. Three children were born to this union, the only survivor being Ernest S., who is a graduate of the Cincinnati School of Pharmacy, and is engaged in the drug business as a partner in the firm of Ely & Wilson in Barnesville. As noted in the opening of this article, Dr. Ely has been a very important factor in the development of the various commercial and financial enterprises of this city, and has become one of the most substantial citizens of Barnesville. His friends are met, and old battles talked over, in G. A. R. Post, No. 220, of which Dr. Ely is a valued member. He also enjoys fraternal relations with the Masonic order.
JAMES WOODS, a well-known and successful business man of Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, is identified with many of the leading enterprises in this locality. While his office is located in Bridgeport, his home is situated on the Cadiz Pike and is one of the new and elegant residences along this highway.
James Woods was born at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, some 53 years ago, a son of John Woods, who was for many years prominently identified with the progress and development of Belmont County. John Woods was also born at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, in 1816, and was a son of William Woods, a native of Ireland. Grandfather William Woods married Elizabeth Harness, who was a daughter of a wealthy planter of Virginia. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio. His son John came to Belmont County March 26, 1863, and located in Pease township on a farm which was secured from Gen. Robert E. Lee, and it was land given by the government to the famous Harry Lee for services rendered in the Revolutionary War. John Woods accumulated both land and property, became a sound financier and was one of the directors of the First National Bank of Bridgeport, severing his connection of 25 years shortly before his death. He died August 7, 1897. He was widely known, as he engaged in a number of business enterprises and accumulated the most of his large means by industry and keen business judgment. In his earlier years he dealt in cattle and drove them himself from one county to another; he was long a large wool buyer and handled sheep extensively for this purpose. For a number of years he was closely connected with Mr. Hogg, a wealthy business man of Mount Pleasant. He settled up his own
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Church. Her death took place November 9, 1898. She had five children, all living at the present time, T. Bradley being the eldest.
T. B. Smith received his education in the public schools of Wheeling, and in the schools of Jefferson County. At the close of school days he took up the occupation of a merchant miller, and establishing a business at Elm Grove, carried on the same for four years with much success. In 1866 he left Elm Grove and entered into partnership with his father, in the same business, at Bridgeport, Ohio, the firm name being Smith & Son. This continued until the death of the elder Mr. Smith, in 1883, when the buisness was carried on by our subject until 1898, at that date the milling business was discontinued, and no other business was established until 1902. In March, 1902, the W. B. Hall Furniture Company commenced business, the partners being W. B. Hall, Madison Aldredge and T. B. Smith, our subject. Their furniture room is very large and is one of the finest in the county. The company carries a heavy stock, and are enjoying the best trade of the city. In addition to their furniture department they have an undertaking department, which is also one of the best in the city, and their stock includes a fine line of wall paper.
October 8, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in matrimony with Nannie A. Lash, a daughter of Abram and Nannie (Powell) Lash, people who were well known throughout the county. Mrs. Smith is a native of Belmont County and she and her husband have two children, Fred L. and Mary Eloise. Fred L. is an electrician in charge of the electrical work in the plant of the American Tin Plate Company at Martin's Ferry. He was united in marriage with Minnie Morgan, a native of Bridgeport, Ohio, and they have one child, Morgan B.
Mary Eloise is now doing excellent service as saleslady in the employ of the W. B. Hall Furniture Company; she has the advantage of a very good education, and has a knowledge of bookkeeping, typewriting and stenography, being a graduate of the Bridgeport High School, class of 1901. estate and adjusted his affairs two years prior to his death. His widow still resides on the large farm which he occupied on the Cadiz Pike. The children of John Woods were four in number, namely, James, of this sketch; John and William A., both residents of Pease township, and Mrs. Anna S. Litten, of Colerain. Mr. Woods was prominent in the Democratic party, also in the Masonic fraternity, and exerted a wide influence in both bodies.
James Woods was married in 1900 to Jetta Hayes, and they reside in the beautiful home recently completed. Mr. Woods is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Bridgeport, and through his energy, capital and influence contributes materially to the development and prosperity of Bridgeport and vicinity.
T. BRADLEY SMITH, prominently known in Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, as a member of the W. B. Hall Furniture Company, is also serving his county in the office of county commissioner, having been elected in 1896 by the Republican party.
Our subject is a native of Jefferson County, West Virginia, born September 18, 1840. He is a son of Frederick C. and Mary E. (Sharff ) Smith, natives of the states of Virginia and Maryland respectively. Frederick C. Smith was a merchant miller by trade and was known throughout the county as one of its most enterprising business men. In 1857, he removed from his home in the Valley of Virginia, and resided in Wheeling until 1862, but at that date removed to Belmont County, Ohio, and here lived many years, doing the farmers in this district great service by trading with them and furnishing them a home market for their grain. He served in some of the minor offices to the satisfaction of his party, and in his religious convictions was an attendant of the M. E. Church. He died April 12, 1883, at the age of sixty-nine years and nine months.
Our subject's mother, who was Mary E. Sharff before marriage, lived to the age of 83 years. She was a member of the M. E.
468 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Mr. Smith has done his best to serve the Republican party since the election of Mr. Lincoln in 1861. For several years he served as school director, and is now doing excellent service as county commissioner of Belmont County. He and his worthy wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Smith is considered one of his county's most substantial citizens and has unquestionably good business qualifications.
MORDECAI NELSON, a well-known railroad man and an esteemed citizen of Bellaire, Ohio, was born in Pultney township, one mile west of this city, in 1842. He is a son of Joseph and Theresa (Wheatley) Nelson, the former of whom was of Irish birth and parentage.
Joseph Nelson, the father of Mordecai, came to the United States when but a small boy, with his parents, who located at West Liberty, Ohio County, (West) Virginia, and when he had reached maturity he removed to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1811, just following his marriage, and located on the farm where his son, our subject, was born. Here he carried on farming all his life, dying in 1851, aged 61 years, his widow surviving until 1876, dying when over 75 years. Seven children were born to Joseph and Theresa Nelson, three of whom, including our subject, are living, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Hopkins, who remains on the home farm; and Joseph C., who is timekeeper for the National Cash Register Company, at Dayton, Ohio, where he has a family. The members of the family who have passed away are: Mrs. E. R. Gill; Mrs. George Mertz; John, who died 14 years ago; Robert, who died in 1884; and Isaac, who died in Nebraska in 1892,his two sons still reside in Nebraska.
Until the age of 21 years our subject remained at home, occupied with agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in the public schools. About two months after reaching his majority, he entered the employ of the C. & P. Railroad as fireman, between Bellaire and Pittsburg, and five years later, in 1868, he was promoted to the position of engineer, and has served as such continuously ever since. He is fortunate in having a short and pleasant run, between Bellaire and Martin's Ferry, as this enables him to enjoy home life, which, in his case, is appreciated, as he is devoted to his home and family. Since 1878 this home has been located at No. 3632 Guernsey street, Mr. Nelson having purchased it at that time.
In 1870 Mr. Nelson married Annie E., a daughter of Thomas Anderson, of Ohio County, West Virginia, and three children were born to them, namely: Edna May, who died at the age of 16 years; Alice Lulu, and William E. In politics Mr. Nelson has always been a Republican, his father having been an old line Whig. Our subject is serving his fifth term of three years each as a member of the city water board of Bellaire. Since 1865 he has been a Mason, and belongs to Bellaire Lodge, No. 267, and Bellaire Chapter. In 1870, at Allegheny, he joined the order of B. of L. E., and belongs to Wellsville Division, No. 170.
As citizen and business man, as well as an attendant of the services of the Christian Church. of which his family are members, Mr. Nelson has so lived as to gain the regard of his fellow citizens, and he is able to number among his warm personal friends a large proportion of the leading men of Bellaire and vicinity.
HUGH M. MERRITT, who laid out the town of Merritt, in Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of Pultney township, which is still his home, having been born July 19, 1842, within two miles of his present residence. He is a son of Robert and Eveline (Milligan) Merritt and grandson of William and Mary (Long) Merritt.
William Merritt was born in 1780 and followed farming as his vocation through life. He purchased the farm upon which the Suburban Brick Works are located, near Bel-
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laire, and lived there until his death, which took place in his 55th year, January 12, 1835. December 18, 1806, he was united in marriage with Mary Long, who was born September 7, 1783, and died February 21, 1840, in her 57th year.
The paternal grandparents of our subject had seven children, namely: Mary, Robert, Harriet, James L., Sarah Ann, Elizabeth L., and Benjamin A. Mary was born December 1, 1807, and lived to the advanced age of 80 years. She married George Milligan on the 18th day of November, 1824. They moved into West Virginia, locating for a time near Triadelphia, and they reared a large family. In later years they moved to a farm near Mt. Vernon, where both spent their last years. Harriet was born January 16, 1812, and died at the early age of three years. James L. was born June 17, 1814, and died June 15, 1815. Sarah Ann was born January 20, 1818, and her death took place April 23, 1879. She married John W. ' Milligan and they resided some years in Harrison County, but subsequently returned and purchased the old homestead, known as the George Robinson farm, which was their home until death. Elizabeth L. was born April 20, 1821. Benjamin A. was born September 2, 1825, and came to his death by drowning in McMechen's Creek, May 23, 1850. He married Mary Thomas.
Robert Merritt, the father of our subject. was born March 6, 1809, and died July 26, 1884. On the 18th day of October, 1831, he was joined in marriage with Eveline Milligan; she was born February 19, 1812, and died January 11, 1901. About 1847 Robert Merritt moved with his family to the farm just east of subject's present home, and the same is now owned by Charles Rosser. There the father engaged in farming and reared a large family. The children were as follows: Mary A., Eliza Ruth, James L., Hannah J., William W., Hugh M., Sarah E., Josiah, Benjamin A., and Robert Mitchell.
Mary A. is the widow of Samuel Alexander, who died about 1883. During his lifethey lived at the Robert Alexander homestead, which is still the home of the widow. Eliza Ruth married Alfred Stroman. They lived in Southern Illinois until the death of her husband. Mrs. Stroman has returned to her old home, but now resides on the Hutchison place in Pultney township, near St. Clairsville. James L., who was a minister of the Presbyterian faith for many years, died in 1883, leaving a widow, who resides in California.
Hannah J. is the wife of James W. Mellott, of Richland township, near Glencoe. William W. died in 1862, during the Civil War, at Tuscumbia, Alabama, at the early age of 22 years. Sarah E. died in 1864, aged 20 years. Josiah died in 1890, aged 40 years. He was twice married, and left a widow, who resides in Atlantic, Iowa. His death took place near Griswold. Iowa. Benjamin A., who lived in Nebraska and was a candidate for Representative at the time of his death, was killed in Cass County, Iowa, in 1894. Robert Mitchell is single. and resides in California.
Hugh M. Merritt, from his fifth year, was reared on the old homestead, of which he now owns a part. For several years he lived in the old log house, which was over a century old. His farm consisted of 77 acres of land adjacent to the town of Merritt, which he laid out. He has added many improvements to his place, now having a nice residence and a fine set of farm buildings. He has devoted his life exclusively to his farming interests. He has been twice married. His first marriage took place March 24, 1869, with Sarah V. Payne. She was a native of Frederick County, Virginia, and a daughter of Joseph E, and Sarah A. C. Payne. She died January 7, 1873, leaving three children: Anna Roberta, Joseph William, and Sarah E. V.
Anna Roberta was born April 29, 1870. She married William Crim, of Frederick County, Virginia, and they have two children, Lois and Hugh M. Joseph William was born July 26, 1871, and resides near
470 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
our subject. He married Carrie Dunlap and they have reared four children. The eldest two, George William and Charles Robert, are twins, and the others are Joseph P. and Helen. Sarah E. V. was born December 13, 1872. She is the wife of Charles Ridgeway, of Berkeley County, Virginia, and they have three children.
April 29, 1875, Mr. Merritt was joined in marriage with Rachel A. Fisher,. daughter of Louis and Hannah Fisher, of Smith township. This marriage is without issue, and the present Mrs. Merritt was born May 3, 1845. Politically our subject is firm in his allegiance to the Democratic party.
The family attend the First Presbyterian Church of Bellaire.
WILLIAM LIPPHARDT. Among the successful and rapidly expanding business concerns of Bellaire, Ohio, is that known as the Enterprise Enamel Company, which, since its organization in October, 1897, has grown into one of the leading industrial plants of Belmont County. The officers, directors and stockholders are, in the main, responsible and prominent citizens of Bellaire and vicinity.
The first meeting of the board of directors of the new enterprise convened on December 13, 1897, with William Lipphardt as president; Carl L. Dorer, vice-president; James F. DuBois, secretary and treasurer, the other members being F. H. Eick, J. A. Green, Theodore Neff, and Theodore Rossbach. Since that first meeting some re-organization has taken place, and the present officers are as follows: William Lipphardt, of Martin's Ferry, president; Thomas L. Strong, vice-president and general manager; R. C. Faris, secretary and treasurer. The board of directors is composed of the following leading citizens and capitalists: William Lipphardt, Thomas L. Strong, Theodore Neff, C. L. Dorer, J. A. Green, William A. Howell, and John R. Gow.
In February, 1899, new buildings were erected to permit of the use of modern machinery, and now some two acres of land are included in the plant. The imposing main building, three stories in height, with dimensions of 60 by 120 feet, contains the offices, the packing department and store rooms. The furnace room, where the burning and baking is done, is a one-story building, with dimensions of 120 by 78 feet, while the drying and shipping rooms require another one-story building, of 120 by loo feet. The building of another large structure, in which will be installed machinery for pressing iron into shape, shows that this enterprise is living up to its name, its business continually expanding until almost every part of the country is demanding the products of the Bellaire plant. The location of the Enterprise Enamel Company works is on Union street, between 17th and 18th, a situation which affords the best of railroad facilities, the Baltimore & Ohio road being on one side and the C. & P. on the other. The necessary number of employees reaches 220. The distributing point for the completed work of the Enterprise company is Chicago, the trade being handled through jobbers.
That this business should have reached such large proportions in comparatively so short a time, must, in a great measure, be attributed to the business energy of its officers, who have all contributed to the success of this industry, which shows every indication of continued prosperity.
W. C. BERGUNDTHAL, a citizen of Bellaire and ex-treasurer of Belmont County, Ohio, was born in 1851 in Monroe County, near the Belmont County line.
W. C. Bergundthal was reared in Belmont County, and for many years prior to 1897 was connected with the Lantern Globe Company of Bellaire, Ohio. In the fall of 1897, he was elected county treasurer on the Republican
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ticket, and in 1899 was re-elected, his term expiring in 1901.
Mr. Bergundthal was united in marriage with Cora V. Dorsey of Powhatan, Ohio, January 20, 1881, and they have two children : Wilma, born in 1886; and John, born in 1891. Fraternally, our subject is a member of Moriah Lodge No. 105, F. & A. M.; Bellaire Chapter No. 107, R. A. M. ; Hope Commandery No 26, K. T.; Ohio Consistory S. P. R. S. of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Syrian Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cincinnati. Mr. Bergundthal is the present cashier of the German Savings Bank of Martin's Ferry, which institution was incorporated under the laws of Ohio in the spring of 1902.
HON. JOHN SALISBURY COCHRAN, Probate judge for Belmont County, secretary of the Board of Trade of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, a lawyer of prominence and a highly esteemed citizen, is a worthy representative of a family of unusual prominence in the military life of the country, for generations.
Robert Cochran, the grandfather of Judge Cochran, was a direct descendant of Sir Archibald Cochran, the ninth Earl of Dundonald, England, and a son of William Cochran, who was a pioneer settler in Virginia, east of the present city of Wheeling. In company with William Boggs, William Cochran was sent from Fort Van Meter as a scout to ascertain the results of the battle of Fort Henry, and in this adventure was killed and scalped by the Indians, east of Wheeling. William Cochran also was associated with the noted scout and Indian fighter, Louis Wetzel, and accompanied him in many of his famous expeditions.
Robert Cochran was a contemporary of Elizabeth Zane, the noted heroine whose tale has been told in song and story, who carried the powder at the battle of Fort Henry when it was attacked by the combined forces of English and Indians, September 13 and 14, 1782. It will be remembered that this was the last battle of the War of the Revolution and was fought after peace was declared, no electric messages then flashing the news of peace almost as soon as it was declared, as would be the case in modern warfare. At this time Robert Cochran was 20 years of age and Elizabeth Zane was 16. Although history does not reveal the existence of any romantic attachment between the brave girl and our subject's ancestor, it is known that they were friends and companions, the family farms adjoining on the hillside back of Martin's Ferry. On the Zane farm, Elizabeth died in 1828, while Robert Cochran lived to within three months of 100 years, his tomb being the oldest one in the old Weeks Cemetery. He was a large landowner, his possessions extending from Bridgeport to Glen's Run, the same being now divided into many good farm homes. His wife was Rebecca Pierce, who was a relative, a cousin in fact, of President Franklin K. Pierce. Her death, at the age of 59 years, was caused by an injury to her throat, accidentally inflicted by the horns of a cow.
Judge Cochran was born in Colerain township, Belmont County, Ohio, September 9, 1841, being a son of Robert and Susanna (Davis) Cochran, both natives of Ohio, the former born in 1813 and the latter in 1814. Robert Cochran, like his father, was a large landowner and was a successful stockraiser. During the Civil War he saw six of his brave sons serving at one time in the Union Army, all of them being under 21 years of age, except the eldest, who had cast his maiden vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Through devotion to a son, Mr. Cochran lost his own life. One son was lying dangerously sick within the Confederate lines and the father hastened to endeavor to secure his release, and contracted typhoid fever, from which he died, in 1863, the sick son recovering and arriving safely at home. The mother survived until 1893, dying at about the age of 80 years. Both parents were devoted in their attachment to the Methodist Church and their home was open to every minister of their religious faith. They were what this modern age, in its desire to express its highest type of Christian living, denominates, sometimes, as "real" people, and exerted
474 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
an influence which is still felt by those who came within their acquaintance. A family of 13 children was born to them, two of these dying in infancy. The names of the 11 that grew to maturity are as follows : Robert H.; Lucelia ; John S., subject of this sketch ; Wilson and Watson, twins ; Crowner C.; Anna B.; Cordelia ; Fenimore P.; Alfaretta B.; and Sumner F. Robert H., who was judge of the County Court of Ohio County, West Virginia, and one of the prominent men of the State, was born June 25, 1836, and died in Toledo, Ohio, February 22, 1895, aged 59 years. He was a member of General Negley's staff and was provost marshal of that division. He participated in the battle of Stone River and other engagements. After the war, he was at different times supreme dictator of the Knights of Honor, a member of the executive board of the Army of the Cumberland, and made the first annual address of the meeting of the society of the Army of the Cumberland, at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He projected and constructed the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, also the Wheeling Terminal Railway, and he built the bridge spanning the Ohio River at Martin's Ferry. At different times he was president of both of these roads. Lucelia, who married John Brown, was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, and died in 1864, aged 58 years. Both Wilson and Watson belonged to the 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., both enlisted twice, both were sick and were discharged, and on recovery both re-enlisted. Wilson removed to Creighton, Cass County, Missouri, where he is a justice of the peace and mayor of the town, while Watson resides in Severance, Doniphan County, Kansas, a successful builder and contractor. Crowner C. enlisted in the Union Army, in 1862 and served through the war as a private, and now resides in Bridgeport, where he is paving contractor. Anna B. married Robert Woods and died when about 40 years of age. Cordelia married Dr. John Major, who is deceased, and she resides in Severance, Kansas. Fenimore P. ran away from home when a little over 13 years of age, enlisted as a drummer boy, was promoted to be orderly at
General Wood's headquarters and served until after the close of the war. He now resides at Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, and has been prosecuting attorney of the county for a number of years. Alfaretta B. married William Strain, superintendent of the schools of Brooke County, West Virginia, and is deceased. Sumner F. resides in Martin's Ferry, an employee of the Laughlin Tin Mill.
Our subject had completed his course of study. in the Martin's Ferry High School, when the great wave of enthusiasm passed through the loyal North at the call of the President for troops to subdue the rebellion. On July 16, 1861, he enrolled his name as a soldier in Company K, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. The death of his father recalled him home after a service of a little less than one year, during which period he saw no small amount of active service. For a long time he was occupied in settling up the estate and in arranging his late father's affairs and then engaged in teaching while he pursued his law studies under ex-Supreme Court Judge Kennon, Sr., of St. Clairsville. In December, 1863, he was admitted to the bar and began practice at once in St. Clairsville, one year later removing to Sedalia, Missouri, where he became prosecuting attorney of Pettis County and was subsequently elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas. After four years in Missouri, Judge Cochran returned east and entered into a law practice with his brother Robert H., at Wheeling, West Virginia, the partnership of Cochran & Cochran existing until 1880, when Robert H. Cochran was elected president of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, his removal to Toledo following. Our subject remained in Martin's Ferry as the attorney for that road and later for the Wheeling Terminal Railway, but in 1882 he bought a farm on the hill overlooking Martin's Ferry, near the old ancestral home and removed thereto, although he still continued his practice in Wheeling. Judge Cochran has a large clientage in Martin's Ferry an( the eastern counties of the State, his reputation as a fair and impartial adviser in complicate( questions of law, as well as his knowledge and
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experience of almost every form of litigation, having gained him increasing practice as the years have gone by. At the recent election, occurring November 4, 1902, Judge Cochran was elected Probate judge for Belmont County by a majority of 1,829 votes, leading all candidates on the Republican ticket, whether national, State or county.
On March 22, 1867, judge Cochran was married to Martha A. Weldin, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, a daughter of Jacob and Alice Weldin, both of whom are deceased. One son was born to this union, Arthur Weldin, who died in infancy. Both Judge Cochran and his wife are valued members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is an ardent member of the Republican party, while fraternally he is associated with the Knights of the Maccabees.
DEWITT DANFORD, senior member of the law firm of Danford & Danford, of Bellaire, Ohio, is not only a representative member of his profession, but he is also a leading citizen, whose usefulness in civic affairs was shown by his election to the position of president of the City Council, and his selection as city solicitor, for three succeeding terms. Mr. Danford is a Buckeye, born in Washington township, Belmont County in 1843.
His grandfather, William Danford, came to Belmont County, with two brothers, in 1799, and he made the first permanent settlement on Captina Creek, the farm now being occupied by John Danford. William Danford died in Sandusky when his son Samuel was but a youth.
Samuel Danford, the father of our subject, was born in Belmont County in 1804, and died in 1899. By occupation he was a farmer, but during the War of the Rebellion he was a mustering officer in Belmont County, his father having been in the War of 1812, with the rank of lieutenant. The family through three generations have displayed a loyal spirit and have served faithfully and well. The mother of our subject was a daughter of John Mechem, and crossed the Alleghany Mountains with her parents when she was but two years old. She was born in 1800 and died in 1891. Three sons and three daughters were reared by Samuel Danford and wife, one son, our subject, and two daughters still surviving. Lorenzo Danford, lately deceased, a very prominent citizen of Ohio, was elected a member of Congress in 1894, prior to which year having been a law partner with his brother Dewitt. Another brother, John, gave up his life at Stone River, during the Civil War.
In June, 1861, Mr. Danford, of this sketch, entered into the service of his country, enlisting in Company E, 2nd Virginia Regiment, afterwards "mounted infantry," and remained in the service for three years, being mustered out as a member of the 5th West Virginia Cavalry. His regiment participated in many engagements and skirmishes, a part of the time in an independent brigade, and during the winter of 1863-64 it was under the command of General Averill during his raid across the mountains. The last fight in which our subject took part was at Floyd Mountain, under General Crook.
Upon his return home, Mr. Danford entered upon the study of the law at St. Clairsville, and he was admitted to the bar of Belmont County in 1866, locating for a time at Bellaire. In 1867 he took a trip to the West, visiting Gentry County, Missouri, where he taught school for a few months and then entered the offices of the county clerk and collector, remaining so connected for seven years. When Mr. Danford resumed his residence in Bellaire he began a law practice in partnership with J. F. Anderson, which existed until 1884, but the failing health of both himself and wife made removal to a farm a matter of importance. Three years later he came back, invigorated and in 1887 formed a law partnership with his brother, Lorenzo Danford, which con-
476 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
tinued until the latter was elected to Congress, as noted previously.
In 1874 Mr. Danford married Laura Cook, a daughter of Dr. John Cook. She was born in 1841 at Richmond, Jefferson County, Ohio, but the family removed to St. Clairsville some years prior to her marriage. Her death occurred in 1897, at the age of 56 years. The one son of this marriage was born at Bellaire in 1875, and is the junior partner in the firm of Danford & Danford. There are few young men in this city who have so quickly come to the front in public life as has Cook Danford. He read law for two years with his father, and then spent two years at the Ohio State University in the Law School, and in 1896 was admitted to the Ohio bar. He is serving his second term as city solicitor. By marriage he is connected with the family of John Timberlake, prominent in Washington township, and has one daughter, Laura Elizabeth.
In politics our subject is an active Republican, and has efficiently served in many local offices. For a considerable period he was a member of the City Council, and a portion of the time its president, and as city solicitor he gave satisfaction during three terms. Mr. Danford is a Methodist in religious belief. His acquaintance is large in Bellaire, and the firm of Danford & Danford has the confidence of the public in no small degree.
HUGH M. PICKENS, who is extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits in his native township, was born September 25, 1833, in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, in his father's cabin in the northern part of the township. He is a son of John Clark and Martha (McConahey) Pickens, and grandson of William and Agnes (Alexander) Pickens.
William Pickens, grandfather of our subject, was born September 15, 1762, in Scotland, and with two of his brothers came to this country, locating in Maryland. He cameto Belmont County, Ohio, early in the nineteenth century and secured land in the northern part of Pease township from Robert and Elizabeth Woods. It was a tract of 220 acres extending to the Jefferson County dine and located in section 33, township 4, range 2. The deed to this property bears date of October 21, 1821, and has since been in possession of the Pickens family. In 1822 William Pickens built a house which is still standing and is used now by S. A. C. Pickens. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, also a millwright, and made doors, mouldings, etc. He built and conducted the first sawmill on Deep Run. Later he moved to Mount Pleasant, where he became a large property holder, and there he lived until his death, April 24, 1841. William Pickens was first married to Agnes Alexander, who was born in Scotland in 1762, came to America in 1771, and died April 4, 1817. He formed a second union with Margaret DeMent, who was born August 3, 1779. By his first wife he had the following children: Margaret, born March 5, 1790; Thomas, born February 26, 1792; James, born June 13, 1794; Ellen, born October 20, 1796; William, born April 10, 1799; Janet, born November 14, 1801; Nancy A., born February 3, 1804; John Clark, born August 15, 1806, and Alexander, born August 31, 1811.
John Clark Pickens was born in Pease township and reared on the home farm. He purchased the farm now owned by his son, S. A. C. Pickens, from the other heirs, and died in the residence where he had lived from the time he was 17 years of age. He was married February 9, 1831, to Martha McConahey, who was born April 12, 1807, at Warrenton, Ohio, and died March 23, 1881. Their children were as follows: William, Hugh M., Margaret E., James Calvin, Thomas M., Agnes Eliza, Martha J., and Samuel A. C. William, who was born March 7, 1832, and died in 1884. married a daughter of Dr: Caldwell, who survives him. They had the following children: Rev. John. who is a Presbyterian minister;
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Hugh, who lives with his mother; Harry, who is married and lives at Adena, Ohio; Herbert, who is a druggist of Pittsburg; Paul, who is in the hardware and general agency business at Colerain; Mrs. Maude (Dungan), who lives on a farm near Newcastle, Pennsylvania; Ora (Edwards), deceased; Bessie, who is at home, and Blanche. Walter and Sadie, who died young. James Calvin was born April 22, 1838, and died October 3, 1839. Margaret E., born June 9, 1836, died March 1, 1847. Thomas M., born February 20, 1840, died September 20, 1849. Agnes Eliza, born April 23, 1843, widow of Rev. Dr. Alexander, who died in Virginia, resides in Wheeling. Martha J., who was born February 9, 1845, died October 28, 1876.
Samuel A. C. Pickens was born in 1848 and has resided on the old home farm all his life. He owns a tract of 181 acres, and since his father's death in 1887 has built a fine new ten-room house. He was married in 1873 to Mary J. Finney, a daughter of Robert J. Finney, and granddaughter of Joseph and Mary (Mitchell) Finney. Joseph Finney came to Ohio from Pennsylvania early in the nineteenth century. He and his wife were parents of the following children: Robert J., John M., who resides on the old home place; James C., deceased; Jane, who resides with John; Elizabeth, wife of George Parks, living in Iowa; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of William Darrah, and Margaret A., whose death occurred recently. Robert J. Finney was born near Martin's Ferry, October 9, 1823. He married Rebecca Gow, a daughter of William Gow, whose family came from Ireland, and she died December 25, 1896, at the age of 69 years. They had twelve children, Margaret A., wife of Frank Jordan, living near Bridgeport; Mary j., born in 1853, wife of Samuel A. C. Pickens; Louise, wife of I. N. Talbot of Martin's Ferry; Janette C., who is at home; William J., who married Emma West and lives in Pease township; Joseph A., who married Eva Shears and lives in Pease township; Laura R., wife of Dr. Burdette of Burgetstown, Pennsylvania; one who died in infancy; Robert L., who married Jane McCune and resides in Pease township; Val I., wife of W. Taylor of Pease township, and John C., who is single and lives at home. Samuel A. C. Pickens and wife have five children, as follows: Elmer E., Mattie I., Robert C., Ada R. and Mary E.
Hugh M. Pickens was reared on the farm now owned by S. A. C. Pickens and lived there until his marriage in 1857. He started for himself and lived on a farm near the old home place for some years, then was located on a farm near Mount Pleasant for a period of eleven years. Disposing of that place, he moved to Scotch Ridge, in Pease township, where he continued until 1882, when he purchased and located upon his present home farm on the Burlington Pike, about four miles northwest of Martin's Ferry. He is a very prosperous farmer and one of the respected citizens of his section.
December 24, 1857, Hugh M. Pickens was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Margaret M. Jamison, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio, December 25, 1841, and is a daughter of Alexander and Mary Jamison, both of whom are deceased. Thirteen children have blessed this union: Martha Ada, born August 25, 1859, died September 8, 1864; James Alexander, born March 2, 1861, died September 19, 1863; Mary Margaret, born September 29, 1862, died September 6, 186a; John Ross, born July 21, 1865, resides in Denver, Colorado; William Clark, a twin brother of John Ross, is employed in the large department store of Stone & Thomas at Wheeling; Barclay Jamison, born June 18, 1867, is employed at the Hub clothing store at Wheeling; Samuel McConahey. born April 4, 1869, died July 29, 1870; Athelbert Hugh, born February 7, 1871, married Nevada Darrah and resides with our subject; a son, born February 17, 1875, died on October 5 of that year; a daughter, also born February 17, 1875, died on June 20, 1875; Martha Jane, born August 4, 1876, married
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William Irwin and resides at Steubenville, Ohio, they have a son, Hugh P.; Agnes Jamison, born March 16, 1873, is the wife of Walker McConnell, a farmer near Steubenville,—they have one child, Mary T., born in September, 1902; Lizzie Lawton, born May 26, 1880, is the only child at home with our subject and his wife. Seven of the children, with their families, are members of the Presbyterian Church, which the Pickens family has always favored.
DR. P. E. HEPLER, prominent as a physician and surgeon in Bridgeport, Ohio, as a man of discreet judgment, skilled in the profession he has chosen for his life-work, is an essential citizen of Bridgeport. He is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth (Money) Hepler, both natives of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and descended from old and well-known families of that State.
Mr. Hepler, father of our subject, is now a retired farmer, residing at Fairmount City, Pennsylvania, and reached his seventy-eighth milestone on May 20, 1902. His marriage with Elizabeth Money resulted in three children, Dr. A. J., Margaret, and Dr. P. E., our subject. For years, the parents were prominent, working members of the German Reform Church. A. J. Hepler is now a leading physician and surgeon in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and is examining physician on the United States pension board, and also occupies the position of president of one of the banks of the city. His enterprise and activity in business affairs are a credit to his ability and spirit as a citizen. Margaret Hepler married Gabriel Stallman, a resident of Limestone, Pennsylvania, who is extensively engaged as a farmer. The mother of these children is still living and was 67 years old, June 18, 1902.
Like his parents, our subject is a native of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and was born May 10, 1872. His educational advantages were many, he being a student at the Clarion State Normal School at first, subsequently taking a course at the Western University of
Pennsylvania, and afterward attending a university in Tennessee, and graduating in a class of twenty-two members in 1895.
Dr. Hepler, then a full-fledged physician and surgeon, chose Fairmount, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, as his first field of labor and enjoyed a good practice until his removal from there to Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1895, where he has since been most successful, and the general practice which he has built up in this city should be a credit and honor to the ability and purpose of any physician.
Our subject is still enjoying a life of single blessedness. In fraternal circles he affiliates with a large number of organizations, and is also examiner for some of them, among them the A. O. U. W., the Patriotic Order of Sons of America, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and both Junior and Senior orders of the United American Mechanics. In religious belief he is a member of the German Reform Church.
The Doctor stands high both as a citizen and as a practitioner. He is a gentleman of courteous, refined bearing, the picture of health and strength, is well read in his profession and the literature of the day, and takes great interest in what is daily taking place.
ALLEN BAILEY, a progressive farmer and dairyman, of Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, is also one of the county's most substantial and reliable citizens, highly esteemed for his integrity wherever known.
The birth of Allen Bailey took place on June I I, 1859, in Goshen township, Belmont County, one of the seven children born to Jesse and Asenath (Patterson) Bailey, three of whom still survive. Our subject was reared and educated in Goshen township and still owns a valuable farm of too acres in that township. Since 1889 he has resided in Warren township and here owns a farm of 150 acres, devoting much attention to dairying interests, in connection with extensive farming.
The marriage of Mr. Bailey took place in 1880, to Eva L. Patterson, a daughter of
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David Patterson, a carpenter by trade, and a member of one of the highly respected county families. The children born to this marriage are: Ethel E., Clifford J., Ernest D., Edna A., Mary A., Dorothy and George Wilson. Our subject and family are all members of the Society of Friends. For several years Mr. Bailey has served on the School Board, and belongs to the Grange, taking a deep interest in the movement. His political opinions make his vote an independent one, bound by no party tie. His Warren township farm is the one formerly owned by Hon. William Bundy, and is known to be one of the most valuable in this part of the county. Mr. Bailey, as previously mentioned, is a man who is held in the highest esteem, and has a wide circle of friends.
E. E. McCOMBS, attorney-at-law and notary public at Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, is president of the German Savings Bank Company and president of the School Board. His parents were Hiram M. and Sarah M. (Kemple) McCombs, natives of West Virginia, and our subject was born August 23, 1860, in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Hiram M. McCombs followed agricultural pursuits in West Virginia until 1877 and then located near Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio, where he lived until 1880, when he moved to Martin's Ferry and was interested in the grain and feed business until he went on the farm previous to being again engaged in the grain and feed business with his son. Mr. McCombs never held office. but was often of service in helping his friends to office. He and his wife were active members of the Presbyterian Church in West Virginia, before coming to Ohio, and he served quite a while as deacon. His death took place January 2, 1894, but his widow still survives, a much respected resident of Martin's Ferry, where she makes her home with her son, the subject of this sketch. She was the mother of five children, as follows : Charles W.; Ida Bell, who died in
1881; E. E.; Etta A., wife of G .G. Sedgwick, postmaster of Martin's Ferry; and Bessie A., who died at the early age of five years in 1882, a few months after the death of Ida Bell.
The common schools of West Virginia and Ohio furnished our subject with the education he possessed prior to his locating in Martin's Ferry, where he was graduated from the High School in the class of 1883. Shortly after this, he accepted a position as bookkeeper and teller in the Exchange Bank, now known as the People's Savings Bank, and there remained for about two and a half years, at which time he decided to study law. Securing a certificate, he taught school for one year and read law, and finally enrolled himself among the students in the law school at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1887. He was graduated in the class of 1890, and was admitted to the bar May 29, 1890. He immediately opened an office in Martin's Ferry, and has met with success in building up a good practice. He has been identified with quite a number of important cases so far in his career, but prefers office rather than court practice. He was early admitted to practice in the State and Federal courts. He has identified himself with many of the leading interests of the city, and is held in the highest regard.
January 15, 1891, Mr. McCombs was united in marriage with Cassie B. Chandler, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of the late Joseph S. and Therza H. (Hogg) Chandler. Her father was for many years a prominent citizen of Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and was a weaver by trade. Mr. and Mrs. McCombs have two children, Frank H. and Ralph E. In religion they are Presbyterians.
Mr. McCombs has never cared for office and the one he now holds as president of the School Board is the only one he has ever accepted. He has now served three years as a member and two years as president. For three years prior to becoming a member of the board, he held the office of president of the City Board of School Examiners, but when he accepted the former he resigned the latter office. In fraternal circles he is a Mason. being past worshipful master of the blue lodge, past high priest of Bel-
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mont Chapter, and a member of the council, commandery and shrine. In politics he is a Republican of decided opinions. He is classed among the county's most worthy citizens.
JOHN H. McGRAW, associated with J. W. Jones, under the firm name of Jones & McGraw, is a representative citizen of Bellaire, Ohio, in every respect. The firm do a most flourishing business and have the most extensive contracts in the city, in the building line, and are well known throughout this section of Ohio. Mr. McGraw is a son of James and Sarah (McCracken) McGraw, his birth occurring in the vicinity of High Ridge Church.
James McGraw was a native of Ireland, and was born in 1848 in County Antrim. He was also a contractor and builder by trade, and an excellent workman. He was united in matrimony with Sarah McCracken, who was also born in Ireland and left her native country at the age of six years. Mr. McGraw was located at first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but later removed to Belmont County, where he remained until his death in April, 1893, at the age of 79 years. His wife departed this life some years before, in June, 1880, and left a number of children to mourn her loss. Their union resulted in eight children, of whom the following are yet living: William, who is a farmer and justice of the peace in Colerain township; Robert, of Coffey County, Kansas; Margaret (Egan), living in Moundsville, West Virginia; Sarah, who is the wife of A. J. Keyser, residing near Flushing, Belmont County; and John H. The father of these children was a thorough Democrat and esteemed as a dutiful and useful citizen.
John H. McGraw spent his boyhood days on the home place in Colerain township, residing there until he became 20 years of age, when he chose contracting for his business through life and immediately started to work with an uncle, William McGraw. Forthe past 13 years he has met with unbounded good fortune in his business life, and the firm of which he is a member have charge of probably 90 per cent. of the building done in Bellaire, this speaking volumes for their promptness, splendid work, and strict attention to business. They employ about 20 men regularly and by kind, but firm, dealings with the workmen Mr. McGraw not only obtains the best results in the work but continues in their good will and respect. The numerous large contracts which he undertakes are filled to the letter, and thus he has the best wishes and commendation of all citizens. All his life has been spent in Belmont County, and the past 23 years he has lived in Bellaire.
Mr. McGraw was united in marriage bonds with Emma Nelson, who was born in Belmont County, and they have a family of five children, as follows: William and Robert, attending school, and John, Anna, and Herbert, who are still at home, the family residence being located at No. 4324 Noble street. The preference in religious matters is given to the United Presbyterian Church, of which our subject is now serving as trustee. Politically he is nearly always a supporter of the Democratic party, but votes for the man he considers the best for the place. In fraternal circles he belongs to Black Prince Lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
FRED NEININGER, mayor of the city of Bridgeport, has led a wonderfully active life in business affairs all over his township and county. He is engaged in the butcher business in Bridgeport, being the oldest in that business in town, and is a stockholder in the Hide & Tallow Association, and in the Union Opera House of Bridgeport, Ohio.
Our subject is a son of John and Lucia (Gans) Neininger, and was born June 15, 1857, claiming Wheeling, West Virginia, as his birthplace. His father and mother were natives of Germany and emigrated to the United
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States and conducted a hotel at Wheeling. In 1865 John settled in Bridgeport, and started in business as a grocer and later embarked in the wholesale liquor business in which he continued until his death at the age of forty-five years, in 1871. His wife has now reached the age of sixty-nine years and is still numbered among the inhabitants of Bridgeport. She and her husband had five children, our subject being the second. They are : Emma, now the wife of Elias Williams, of Wellsville, Ohio; Fred (subject) ; Bertha, now Mrs. Fred Delman of Bridgeport ; Joseph, working in the mills at Columbus, Ohio; and Louis, who died at the early age of twenty years.
Fred Neininger received his education in the schools of Bridgeport, and at the close of those delightful days learned the trade of a butcher, and worked as a journeyman for thirteen years. He then embarked in the butcher business in Bridgeport and was for six years president of the Wheeling Butchers' Protective Association. He is a charter member of the Hide & Tallow Association, and interested in many other business enterprises.
September 5, 1878, our subject was united in marriage with Louisa Cedars, a native of Germany, and they have five children ; viz., Lucia, a bookkeeper and typewriter ; Eva, a member of the class of 1902 of the Bridgeport High School ; Fred, Dora M., and Ada. The entire family are members of the English Lutheran Church, and attend services regularly.
Mr. Neininger is a Democrat in politics and takes a lively interest in township and county affairs. In 1892 he was elected councilman, and his service in this line was so satisfactory that in 1894 he was re-elected. In 1896 he was elected to the position of treasurer, and served with credit until 1898, when he became a candidate for mayor of Bridgeport and was elected, serving until the close of the nineteenth century, and was re-elected to start the new century. While fulfilling his duties as treasurer he ran for county commissioner on the Democratic ticket, and ran 1028 votes ahead of the ticket. All the Republicans elected had a majority of 1600 with the exception of the opponent of our subject who had only 412 majority and this alone speaks well for our subject's popularity not only with the Democrats, but likewise with the Republicans.
In fraternal circles Mr. Neininger is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also affiliates with the Elks. He is a progressive and up-to-date man and evidently believes firmly in twentieth century progress.
ELLIS P. LEE, editor and publisher of the Barnesville Enterprise, which is one of the leading local papers of Eastern Ohio, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1842, and is a son of James and Lydia Lee, of Berks County.
Mr. Lee was born in the same house (which is still standing) in which Daniel Boone was born, and by intermarriage of his ancestors with the Boone family is distantly related to the noted Kentucky hunter. He can also trace his ancestors back more than fifteen hundred years. by the marriage of his great-grandfather to the daughter of Edward and Eleanor Foulke, descendants of the royal families of England and Wales. The genealogical tables of the Foulke family show different lines of descent from about 300 A. D., through Edward I., William the Conqueror, and the various kings of Great Britain, down to the time the Foulkes came to this country in 1698 and settled at Gwynedd, Pennsylvania.
In 1861 Mr. Lee graduated with honor from Westtown Boarding School, the well-known school of the Society of Friends, near Westchester, Pennsylvania, and then engaged in teaching school in his native county, later following this profession in Columbiana County, Ohio. Mr. Lee subsequently took a commercial course and graduated from Crittenden's Commercial College, in Philadelphia ; in 1867 he moved to Barnesville where he entered the First National Bank as its bookkeeper, and was later placed in the responsible position of cashier. His faithful and efficient service in this capacity continued through nine years, and
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upon resigning this position he engaged, for a short time, in the nursery business.
It was in 1878 that Mr. Lee first became connected with the Barnesville Enterprise, entering as its foreman and local editor, and it was soon realized by himself and friends that this congenial work promised great success. In October, 1888, Mr. Lee and wife purchased the property and good will, and under their management the paper has gained in popularity until at present it is a welcome visitor in almost every home in the city. Mr. Lee has shown excellent business ability and is a writer of force and character; he is able to present the local news in most pleasing form, and vigorously champions all progressive and laudable enterprises. In his work he is ably assisted by the talented lady who is his wife.
In 1869 Mr. Lee was united in marriage with Octa M. Dove, who is a daughter of John and Maria Dove, both of whom are natives of Maryland, and were among the early settlers in Barnesville. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lee, namely : Laura D., who died in 1883, and Charles E., who resides with his parents. Both our subject and wife are active members of the Methodist Church and are prominent in the social life of the city. For a number of years Mr. Lee has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M., and Barnesville Chapter, No. 69, R. A. M.
CARLOS A. SMITH, proprietor of the United States Steam Laundry, which is the finest establishment of its kind in Bellaire, Ohio, has had 20 years' experience in the laundry business. He spent 12 years in the service of the Bellaire Steam Laundry, on Guernsey street, which was then owned by his father, George C. Smith, who taught him all the details of the business. Our subject first started into business for himself on the east side of the park, but afterward secured a lot on the corner of Noble street and Central avenue, and constructed his presentplant in 1893. The building is strictly a modern one, constructed of brick and measures about 42 feet by 60 feet. It is a one-story building and is equipped with the latest and most improved machinery. In the rear part of the building are the engine and boiler, the former being of 10 H. P. and the latter 20 H. P. These furnish the power which operates all the machinery. Mr. Smith personally superintends all work, and having such facilities for turning out good work, he naturally secures the "lion's share" of the business. In addition, he has a fine suburban trade, embracing New Concord, Cameron, Barnesville, and other surrounding towns. He employs from 17 to 20 workmen and guarantees satisfaction to his customers.
Mr. Smith was born at Mount Zion, Belmont County, Ohio, in October, 1861. His father, George C. Smith, was an early resident of Belmont County, and was a blacksmith by trade, but the latter years of his life were spent in the laundry business, ownand operating, as he did, the Bellaire Steam Laundry. He died in September, 1901, aged 68 years. Our subject's mother is also a native of Belmont County, having been born near Jacobsburg. Her maiden name was Nancy Snively, and at this writing she resides in Bellaire. Besides our subject, she has two other sons and four daughters, as follows: F. B. of Cleveland; E. R.; Mrs. Alice Groves of Pennsylvania; Mrs. James Johnson, whose husband was formerly city marshal of Bellaire; Meda, and Margaret.
Mr. Smith has a fine modern residence at No. 3354 Guernsey street, which he purchased some time ago and remodeled. His marriage with Kate Schick, of Belmont County, resulted in the birth of three children, viz.: Beulah, Lily, and Carlos A., Jr. In his political preferment our subject is a Democrat, and socially is a Mason, and a member of Black Prince Lodge, Knights of Pythias; D. O. K. K.; B. P. O. E., and Royal Arcanum. The family attend services at the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they are members. Mr. Smith is uniformly
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popular in his community, and his straight-forward business methods have brought success which he deserves. Having discharged his duties in a manner above criticism, he has acquired the approval not only of patrons, but of all who are in any way connected with his establishment. He is a member of the national, Ohio State and local laundrymen associations.
HON. CHARLES J. HOWARD, one of the leading attorneys of Belmont County, Ohio, who has ably represented the county in the State Legislature for two terms, and is now serving the city of Barnesville as attorney, is one of the brilliant young men of this locality who give promise of sustaining the proud reputation which Ohio now holds in the Sisterhood of States.
Hon. Charles J. Howard was born in Barnesville, on March 26, 1862, a son of Albertus and Mary L. (Fry) Howard, who had a family of three children born to them. Albertus Howard was the youngest of a family of seven children and was a native of Maryland. His father moved to Belmont County and died when his son was about four years of age, leaving him ample means which he used, later in life, in extensive tobacco operations, continuing the shipping of tobacco ever since.
Mr. Howard of this biography was afforded excellent educational advantages, his completion of the common and high school course, in Barnesville, being followed by his attendance at the Ohio State University. Selecting the law as a profession, he began his reading with Collins & Smith, and in 1883 entered the Cincinnati Law School, where he graduated in the same year and located in his native city. His ability soon brought him into prominence, and in 1895 he was elected to the State Legislature, and in 1897 approval of his course was shown by a re-election. His record while in the House is one reflecting credit upon himself and his constituency. He has ably served the city as attorney for several terms andhis prospects are bright for higher political honors. His interest in educational matters caused him to give them time and attention on the School Board, and all matters of public moment promising to benefit this IocaIity are sure of his interest. Mr. Howard is both a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, in his fraternal connection, while in religious matters, he belongs to the Presbyterian denomination and is superintendent of the Sunday-school at the present time.
JOHN R. GOW, the efficient postmaster of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, is now serving his second term in that office, and is well known throughout the city as a business man and enterprising citizen. Mr. Gow's parents have both been dead some years, and he has practically spent his life in Belmont County.
The early boyhood days of Mr. Gow were passed upon a farm near Martin's Ferry, Ohio, and it was in that city that he filled his first position as a boy in the newspaper business. He was just 16 years of age when he was engaged in the office of the "Ohio Valley News," and this position he held with good results for a number of years, but in 1875-76 he removed to Bellaire, where, associated with others, he conducted the "Bellaire Leader" for four years, making it a bright, newsy sheet, reading matter well selected, editorials good, and local news admirably presented, Following this, he was elected city clerk and held the office 16 years, until he received the appointment of postmaster from President McKinley. He took charge of his duties at the Post Office in April, 1898, and was re-appointed in April, 1902, by President Roosevelt, to the satisfaction of the people of his community.
Our subject has one son, Robert C., who was educated at Bellaire and also spent two years at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. He is now 21 years of age and is employed by the Bellaire Bottle Company. Mr. Gow is identified with many business enterprises
486 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
of Bellaire, among which are the following: He is a director of the First National Bank of . Bellaire, of the Enterprise Enamel Company, and of the Bellaire Bottle Works. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith, having been reared as such.
Socially Mr. Gow affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, having passed through all the chairs of the blue lodge and chapter of Bellaire, and of Hope Commandery, K. T., at St. Clairsville.
WILLIAM SIDDALL, the well-known master mechanic at the Bellaire Works of the National Steel Company, came to this city in February, 1899, from Duquesne, Pennsylvania, to accept this responsible position, and has charge of all the mechanical part of this large plant.
By birth Mr. Siddall is an Englishman, born in 1867 in Birmingham, the great industrial center, where his father was a skilled machinist and where he served the rigorous apprenticeship demanded in his native country. Seeing wider opportunities in America for skilled labor, Mr. Siddall at the age of 21 years, in 1888, crossed the Atlantic and located first at Cleveland. There and in other localities Mr. Siddall has continued in his line of work. For a time he was located at Columbus, Ohio, and there entered the State University, where he took a special course in mechanical engineering. After completing the same he accepted the position of chief engineer of the Duquesne Mills, from which he was promoted to that of assistant master mechanic, which he resigned in order to accept the still more desirable one which he so ably fills at the present time.
In 1899 Mr. Siddall was united in marriage with a daughter of the well-known contractor, J. W. Jones, of Bellaire, and they have one daughter, Ella. His fine home was completed in the spring of 1902 and is located at No. 4145 Harrison street, and is a model of convenience and the first of its style of architecture in the city.
Politically, Mr. Siddall is identified with the Republican party, while fraternally be belongs to a number of organizations, notably the Knights of Pythias of Cleveland, and since 1891 Newburg Masonic Lodge of Cleveland, Baker Chapter of Cleveland, and Scioto Consistory of Columbus. Mrs. Siddall is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a lady of social culture. Mr. Siddall stands high in his profession and commands both the esteem and confidence of his employers as well as of the employees.
WILLIAM A. WOODS, a prominent farmer and dairyman of Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, is not only one of its most substantial citizens, but also one of its most reliable and respected men. He is a native of Pease township, and was born in 1861, a son of John Woods, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of James Woods.
Mr. Woods grew to manhood, attending the district schools and assisting in the farm work and also helping in busy times in the neighborhood. One year after marriage he worked for his father and then operated one of the latter's farms, according to arrangement, working on shares. Mr. Woods prospered in this way during 13 years and then bought his present fine farm which comprises 130 acres, which is reputed to be the best producing farm of the township. It was formerly known as the Cochran farm. Mr. Woods has placed very fine improvements here and has erected a handsome residence of ten rooms and a substantial and commodious barn. For the past three years he has added dairying to his other interests, his place being known as the Upland Dairy, and its products are sold in Bridgeport and Martin's Ferry. Mr. Woods is a practical farmer and believes in handling only good stock, keeping Jersey, Durham and Holstein cattle. His large home farm is devoted to general farming and dairying interests, and he owns another farm, con-
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sisting of 82 acres, on Scotch Ridge, which he leases.
The marriage of Mr. Woods was to Lou Devault, a daughter of William Devault, an early settler of the county, and they have had ten children born to them—Harry and John, who died young; Myrtle, Robert Lee, Jesse, Blanche, Addie, Grace, Ellis and Erma. In politics Mr. Woods has been a life-long Democrat. His religious views are liberal, but he is ever ready to give his support to all educational and moral enterprises.
JOHN M. HENDERSON, a hardware merchant of Martin's Ferry, and one of the most industrious business men of the city, owns the finest hardware store in the county, and has numerous other business enterprises that occupy all his attention, among them his interest in the coal lands so abundant throughout the States of Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Mr. Henderson is a son of Hugh and Margaret (Cowen) Henderson, natives of the Keystone State, and is himself a native of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, where he was born February 13, 1863. Hugh Henderson was a stationary engineer by vocation, and followed that occupation throughout most of his lifetime. Previous to taking this up, however, he was a miller and owned a mill in Pennsylvania for many years until after the Civil War, when in 1869 he removed to Ohio and settled on a farm three miles from Martin's Ferry. This farm has recently been sold to the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad Company, who will open up the coal fields it contains. Hugh Henderson is now a retired business man and resides at the old Henderson homestead in Martin's Ferry, situated at the head of Walnut street. He has reached the advanced age of 76 years. For three score years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, has held all the offices accorded to laymen, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school, etc. His wife died at the age of 66 years, May 6, 1898, having been a lifelong member of the same Methodist Episcopal Church. She was one of the most devoted of church workers, always painstaking and thorough in all she did, and her deeds and efforts to help others will furnish pleasant, endearing memories to the many, who remember her still, for long years to come. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson were the parents of six children, our subject being the fifth child. The others are as follows : Jennie (Mrs. William P. Green), who resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Homer W., who was first a commercial traveler for the Standard Oil Company until 1887, when he started the hotel business in Pittsburg, which he still carries on with good success; J. B., who is engaged in the coke and coal business at Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, having enjoyed a very successful career; Emma, who is a resident of the home place with her father, is a very active church worker and possesses many of the qualities and noble traits of character which characterized the efficient services of her mother; and Hugh K., who lives in Pittsburg, where for 14 years he was in the coal business with Joseph Walton, and where he still is identified with the Pittsburg coal combine.
John M. Henderson, our subject, received training in the way of education in the commercial department of Frasher's College at Wheeling, West Virginia. He served an apprenticeship at the Martin's Ferry Stove Works, and was later a member of the Joseph Bell Stove Company, of Wheeling. He remained at that place until the foundry was moved to Muncie, Indiana, in 1890 and then he found employment in Martin's Ferry, in the establishment of the hardware business which he still conducts. His rooms are large and well supplied with a full line of jobbers' and builders' supplies, shelf hardware, brick, tile, etc.. in fact everything that should be handled by a hardware merchant. The large patronage which he has and the satisfactory manner in which he conducts the business speak for his knowledge of the principles that are best employed, and for his honesty and accommodation as well. The building which he occupies could not have a better location,
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as it is on a corner in the business center of the city.
On October 22, 1892, Mr. Henderson was united in marriage with Ida M. Cope of Smithfield, Ohio, the only child of William and Mary A. Cope, who are members of the Society of Friends, residing at Smithfield. To the union of our subject and his wife have been born four children, but one of whom is now living. The record follows : William H. and Lewis, who died in infancy; Joseph Charles, whose death took place in 1900, at the age of four years; and Lewis B., now three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson are devoted to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which the former has been trustee for over 20 years.
The business life of Mr. Henderson has many different enterprises to claim his attention, among which are the following. He is now the president of the First National Bank at Dillonvale, Ohio, which was established in February, 1901. He is also connected with other banking houses all along the Ohio Valley. He has coal stock, and an interest in the mines throughout the surrounding country ; in the last three years he has disposed of 80,000 acres of coal land in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In Belmont County he has bought in fee over 5,000 acres of coal lands and disposed of over 18,000 acres.
In politics Mr. Henderson is a member of the Republican party, and was elected in 1890 to the City Council of Martin's Ferry, serving as a member two terms and as president of the same for two terms. He is always active in politics and as a business man is classed among the leaders in the Upper Ohio Valley. No matter how great the rush in business life, he has time for church, town or county whenever they desire his service or help.
WILLIAM WESLEY WOODS, who has engaged successfully in various lines of business, is at the present time engaged in bottling and marketing the famous Woods' Lithia Water. He was born, reared and has always lived in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Martha (Coss) Woods.
James Woods was born December 18, 1818, and died October 25, 1898. He was a son of William and Elizabeth (Harness) Woods. William Woods, grandfather of our subject, was the first white child born back of Pittsburg, on what is called Woods' Run, and died in the sixty-eighth year of his age in 1847. He was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and for some years of his life engaged in the butchering business. He and his bride, who was the daughter of a wealthy Virginia planter, ran away to be married. She died in 1889 at the age of ninety-three years while living at the home of her son, John. Both are buried in the cemetery at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio. They had eight children, three of whom, two sons named William and a daughter, died in childhood. Those who grew to maturity were: John, a record of whose life appears in the sketch of James Woods; James; George, who was born in 1820 and died in 1900; Robert, who resides in Pease township, and in September, 1902, celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday, and Elizabeth, widow of Daniel Gill, who resides at Gillespie, Ohio.
James Woods was united in marriage with Martha Coss, who was born in May, 1816, and died March 23, 1898. She was a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (McConnell) Coss, her mother being a sister of Francis McConnell, a prominent man of this section. Daniel Coss served in the War of 1812 and the war with Mexico, and was cook for the famous General Harrison. He conducted a store at Bridgeport and during the prevalence of cholera ministered to and helped bury many of the victims. During that time he remained away from his family so as not to expose them, and neither he nor they contracted the dread disease. He was one of the founders of Methodism in Belmont County. In 1866 he and seven brothers held a reunion, the youngest being seventy-three years old and the others past eighty-four years. Their picture was taken,
/p>
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and the one in possession of our subject is very highly prized by him. Of these brothers, Jacob, lived to reach the age of 103 years, dying at Chillicothe; and Adam for some years conducted a livery at Martin's Ferry.
James and Martha (Coss) Woods reared seven children, as follows: John, who was born at Mt. Pleasant and died at the age of two years; Elizabeth, wife of James McBride of Piper City, Illinois; Eleanor, of Martin's Ferry, widow of George Hobensack; Eliza Bell, who died in July, 1888, was the wife of Richard Veasy of Martin's Ferry; James Ross, who resides at Bridgeport, married Mary McKeever; George, who died aged two years, and William Wesley, our subject.
William Wesley Woods has engaged in many lines of business, and although he has owned the home farm the past few years, has never engaged in farming. He promoted a most successful oil company, realizing a handsome amount in dividends, then purchased the home farm of 113 acres, on which he has lived since 1897. The old home was the voting precinct during the time of Andrew Jackson, and some of the ballots have since been .found. Mr. Woods has erected a comfortable home. He has been engaged for some five years in bottling and shipping the famous Woods' Lithia Water, obtained from an unfailing spring on the farm. It is particularly a cure for kidney troubles, and the number of cures effected have been numerous. Of too cases of Bright's disease where the water was freely used by the patients, but one was lost. The water is placed in one-gallon bottles manufactured at Bellaire, and from too to 500 per day are shipped to different parts of the country, some going as far as Minnesota and Oklahoma. Mr. Woods devotes his entire attention to this business, leasing his farm to others.
William W. Woods was united in marriage with Margaret Isola Stewart, who was born in Jefferson County and is a daughter of James and Rebecca (Heller) Stewart. She came with her parents when a child to Martin's Ferry, where her father conducted a feed store until his death. Her mother still resides there. She is one of eight children, as follows: George, an attorney of Detroit, who held a responsible government position under President Cleveland; Kate, wife of Samuel Heaton, a blacksmith of Martin's Ferry; John, of Cameron, West Virginia; Thomas S., a carpenter of Pittsburg; Frank, of Pittsburg; Margaret Isola; Ella, wife of R. H. McKee, teller of the Bank of the Ohio Valley at Wheeling, and Carrie, who is single and at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Woods have six children, as follows: James Russell, born December 6, 1881; Martha Jane, born August 11, 1885; Katie Belle, born April 23, 1888; Margaret Isola, born March 21, 1891; William McKinley, born September 25, 1893, and Paul Edwin, born November 20, 1899. Politically, Mr. Woods is a Republican. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. of Bridgeport. Religiously he is a member of the M. E. Church, attending Lancaster Chapel, which is located on the farm, the site of which was donated by James Woods.
GEORGE KERN, who has been secretary of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company of Bellaire, Ohio, for the past three years, was born in the Rhine section of Germany, in 1837. In 1853, when still a lad, he immigrated to America, intent upon making a career for himself. A short time was spent in Baltimore, Maryland, and then the young man made his way to Wheeling, (West) Virginia, and two years later located in Benwood, where he followed the trade of baker until he came to Bellaire, in 1856, engaging in the same business until 1885.
Mr. Kern then embarked in a confectionery business and continued in the same until he accepted his present responsible position as secretary of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company. The marriage of Mr. Kern was to Cath-
494 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
erine Roder, who was born in Hesse, Germany. and a family of 12 children was born to them, eight of these survive and all live in Bellaire, with the exception of one who resides at Richmond. Virginia. The handsome family residence is located on Belmont street in South Bellaire, where the family is much esteemed and has a wide circle of friends. In politics Mr. Kern is a Democrat and has voted that ticket since 1859. For 20 years he served his township as trustee and has been a member of the City Council of Bellaire for to years. Mr. Kern is a man of social instincts and belongs to many fraternal orders, including the Odd Fellows. For many years he has been a leading member of the German Reformed Church.
JOHN H. HOPKINS, assistant secretary of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1867, a son of James P. and Isabel (Nelson) Hopkins, the former of whom died in 1881. The family moved to Belmont County and to Bellaire in 1882. His mother was born 70 years ago in Belmont County and our subject has five brothers and two sisters, namely: Nettie; N. S., a farmer and also a stock dealer; Rev. J. A., pastor of a Christian Church in Maryland; R. L., a farmer of Belmont County; Mrs. Mary Giffin, living near Bellaire; George E., in the insurance business at Bellaire; and Bert W., now clerk of Pultney township.
Mr. Hopkins took a course at Wheeling Business College after attending the Bellaire High School, and since 1887 has followed bookkeeping, being for a time with the United States Glass Company at Pittsburg. Since June, 1898, he has been connected with his present company and he is also secretary of the Bellaire Water Works, the business of the two concerns being conducted in the same office. Mr. Hopkins was married to Edna C. Blackburn, a daughter of M. L. Blackburn, and has one son, Francis Perry. His pleasant home is situated at Rose Hill, and both he and wife belong to the Christian Church. His fraternal connection is with Black Prince Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
The Belmont Savings & Loan Company wasincorporated March 5, 1885, the incorporators being: James B. Darrah, deceased; William J. McClain; John W. Coulson; Patrick Whealan; David H. Darrah; John E. Robinson; and James F. Anderson, and these formed the hoard of directors. The present officers are : J. F. Anderson, president; John H. McGraw, vice-president; George Kern, secretary; James T. Kelley, treasurer ; and John H. Hopkins, assistant secretary, the board of directors being formed by the above with David Walker and Charles A. Grella. The business is carried on in Bellaire at No. 3252 Union street.
E. G. KRAUTER, a well-known farmer of Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Southern Germany in 1856, and resided there until he reached the age of eighteen years. He then came on a visit to his uncle, William Burkle, who at that time was a butcher of Bridgeport, Ohio. Mr. Krauter engaged in the grocery business successfully at Martin's Ferry for a period of eight years, then sold out to Louis Scheehle. He has since given his attention to farming.
Mr. Krauter is residing on the old Van Pelt farm, which he purchased in 1887 from Hiram McCombs, the grantee of Margaret Blocher, who had purchased the property at the division of the Van Pelt estate. Jacob Van Pelt had located on the place as early as I 1825, and the family owned a large tract of land in Pease township. He built the brick part of the house now occupied by our subject in 1850, to which the latter added and remodeled, making a very attractive home. The Van Pelts, who were very prominent in this county, have all passed away. Oliver Van Pelt, the last of the name in this county, was born in 1831 and died August 15, 1902, having always lived in Pease township. Of the old homestead Mr. Krauter has 66 acres, and during the past fourteen years has been engaged in the dairy business, wholesaling to a milkman at Martin's Ferry. His farm is well stocked and he makes a specialty of Jersey and Holstein cattle. He also pur-
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chased the James Wiley home of 150 acres in 1897. The Wiley farm he leases on shares. He grows fruit extensively and devotes the upper part of his farm to raising grain and stock.
Mr. Krauter was united in marriage with a daughter of Christ Hoffman of Ohio County, West Virginia, he being a retired butcher residing in Fulton. To this union were born two daughters, Carrie and Minnie. aged 20 and 16 years, respectively. In politics our subject has always been a Republican. He has been a member of the board of education for the past twelve years, and for ten years has been commissioner of the Martin's Ferry & Colerain Pike. Fraternally he is a member of the National Union. Religiously he is a German Lutheran, but his family is Presbyterian.
THEODORE NEFF, one of the best known citizens and business men of Belmont County, Ohio, maintains an office at No. 3184 Union street, Bellaire, and conducts the largest fire, life, accident, tornado and windstorm insurance business in the county. He is a native of this county, having been born in York township, October 15, 1851, and is a son of George and Martha (Williams) Neff.
The Neff or Neife family originally came from Switzerland, locating in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Conrad Neff, grandfather of our subject, a native of Maryland, with two brothers, John and George, started overland for Missouri in 1797. Upon arriving at Wheeling, (West) Virginia, the wife of Conrad Neff was taken sick and died. John Neff proceeded to Missouri, but George remained with Conrad. With their families they crossed the river and located a few miles from Bridgeport in Belmont County, where they entered land. The numerous representatives of the Neff family, so widely known in Belmont County, are all descended from these hardy pioneers. By his first wife Conrad Neff had two Children. He formed a second union in 1802 or 1803 with Elizabeth Feeley, by whom he had ten children, among them being the father of our subject. Of the twelve children of whom he was father, all lived to reach the age of seventy years, and one of them, Benjamin, is now residing in Pultney township, being past eighty years of age.
George Neff was born three miles east of St. Clairsville in 1809, and died December 18, 1884. He followed the occupation of farming, and during most of his life resided near Captina Creek. He married Martha Williams, who was born in 1811 in one of the first houses built in Bridgeport, and died in September, 1878. She was a daughter of Ezra Williams, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to this country at an early day.
Theodore Neff's boyhood days were spent in York township, where he lived until he passed the age of 35 years. In 1901 he purchased his present home farm, a part of the Jacob Rodefer farm, on the hill overlooking many miles of the Ohio Valley and the cities of Wheeling and Bellaire. Here he will soon have laid out and suitably set with trees a park to be known as Neff's Grandview Park, which will be a valuable addition to the city of Bellaire. A means of transportation will be provided to convey people up and down the bluff, and the view being one of unsurpassed beauty, it will be a very popular place. Mr. Neff owns five farms in Belmont County, and for many years has engaged in growing vegetables and raising thoroughbred stock and fowls of all kinds. He is a Democrat in politics, but has accepted of no offices except assessor of York township, in which capacity he served two terms. He and his son, Edney, are members of Ionic Lodge, No. 438, F. & A. M. On his farm is located an abundance of splendid molding sand, for the removal and exportation of which the Belmont Sand Company was organized. The pits contain sands of every grade. for heavy and light molding, building, and for plastering and bricklaying. The company controls the large pits on
496 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Mr. Neff's farm and others in the county, and supply sand for the local market and for many large corporations in other parts of the country, including the Pennsylvania Railroad. At the present time about 100 tons per day are taken from the pits and loaded upon cars. In the near future up-to-date machinery, probably electrical, will be installed to reduce to a minimum the expense of loading and digging. Ochre is also found conveniently and will later be developed. Mr. Neff has been the prime mover in various business enterprises, notable among which is the Enterprise Enamel Company, of which he purchased the first shares of stock.
Five different business concerns have their office and headquarters at No. 3184 Union street, the office of Mr. Neff. Following is a brief sketch of each:
The Belmont Electric Light & Power Company was organized in 1899 by Theodore Neff, J. B. Watt, John T. Flynn, J. A. Green and Thomas E. Shelly. J. A. Green is president; H. A. Neff, secretary and manager, and five of the organizers are directors. The plant is located on Monroe street, between 35th and 36th streets, and supplies light and power for the city.
The Neff Real Estate & Investment Company was organized and chartered under the laws of Ohio in the spring of 1902 by Theodore Neff, John W. Neff, Harry A. Neff, Thomas B. McKelvey and J. O. McKelvey, these men constituting the board of directors. The officers are: T. B. McKelvey, president; Harry A. Neff, secretary, and E. D. Neff, treasurer. An extensive business has been done toward improving the city and suburbs, especially at Shadyside, where free excursions are run by the company and many lots have been sold for residence and speculative purposes. The prospects of the suburb for a home site are bright.
The Enterprise Telephone Company has over sixty 'phones in use, besides centrals, accommodating a large number of farms and business houses. The suburban line operates
through St. Joe, McClainsville, Neff's siding, Bald Knob, etc., with central at Valonia and branches to Dillie's Bottom, and central at Key, with branches among farmers. It has central exchange with the National and Ohio Valley companies at Bellaire. Robert McKelvey is president; William Unterzuber, vice-president; Franklin Neff, secretary, and J. O. McKelvey, treasurer. Among the directors are William Ramsey, Samuel White, John W. Neff, Alexander Neff and Dr. Korell of Key.
The Eastern Ohio Milling Company was recently incorporated for the purpose of milling, dealing in feed and the wholesale grocery business. The officers are: George O. Robinson, president; Morris Elikan, vice-president, and J. P. Clutter, secretary and treasurer. The office will be at the old Ault Mill, which will be remodeled and equipped. The directors of the company incude Alexander Neff and H. A. Neff.
December 4, 1878, Theodore Neff was united in marriage with Nancy J. McKelvey of Mead township, and they have three children, namely, Edney D., aged 22 years, who has for the past five years engaged in the insurance business with his father; Jacob H., who is 18 years old and lives at home, and Carrie L., aged 16 years. Religiously the family attends the U. P. Church.
JULIUS H. HAYS, superintendent of the carpenter and construction gang at the Bellaire plant of the National Steel Company for the past twelve years, is one of the oldest employees of the plant, his term of service ranking second. Mr. Hays is highly esteemed by his employers for his efficiency and long years of faithful attachment to their interests.
Julius H. Hays was born in 1852 in Germany, and alone and dependent upon his own resources he came to America at the age of 15 years. In Germany his father operated a large wind-power flouring mill,
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but the youth believed he could better his condition in a new country. A sister, Mulder, resides in Texas. Being willing, energetic and pleasant in manner, he soon secured employment in New York as clerk in a store at $8 a month and continued there for two years, and then went to Wheeling, West Virginia. There he learned the carpenter trade with William Bitmeyer, and followed the same in Wheeling, later being one of the builders of the Aetna Standard Mill. In 1884 he came to Bellaire and began work as a journeyman carpenter with his present employers, and by careful and thorough work gained his promotion in 1890 to the position of superintendent of all of the carpentering and construction of the heavy rigging of the steel works with a force of from 40 to 50 men under his charge. During his seventeen years' connection with this plant Mr. Hays has seen many changes. When he came here in 1884 three carpenters only were required where now fourteen, with helpers, are needed, and the mules which used to pull the cars have been replaced by twelve locomotives. The single blast furnace, where 60 tons of pig-iron was a large day's work, has been superseded by furnaces with a capacity of 350 tons.
Mr. Hays has a beautiful home at No. 4754 Jefferson street, containing eight apartments and surrounded by a fine lawn. The house was erected by him in 1888. He has a most interesting family, which is well and favorably known in the city. His marriage was to Carrie Backer, daughter of Peter Backer, who came to Wheeling 52 years ago from Germany and was engaged for 28 years at the La Belle coal mine. Mr. Backer at the age of 81 years is still vigorous and but lately returned from an enjoyable visit to his native land. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hays were: Anna, at home; Alberta, the wife of Augustus Stellars, of the Novelty Stamping Company; John, a clerk and assistant mechanical engineer at the steel works ; Nellie, a stenographer in the office of the steel works, and George, receiving clerk at the National steel works.
In political sentiment Mr. Hays is an ardent Republican, and he is fraternally connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In his religious views he is very liberal, seeing good in every denomination, but his family attend the Episcopal Church, and this he liberally assists. From the position of a poor German lad without friends, Mr. Hays has made his own way in the world and now possesses ample means, many friends and is well deserving the high esteem in which he is held by those who know him best.
COL. JAMES F. CHARLESWORTH, who has attained a high degree of success as an attorney-at-law of St. Clairsville, Ohio, was born in that city, November 25, 1826, and is a son of Richard and Jane (Porter) Charlesworth. His father was one of the early business men of St. Clairsville, having come to Belmont County from Baltimore, Maryland, in 1820.
James F. Charlesworth was educated at Granville College, where he completed the course in 1844, and then engaged in business with his father. At the outbreak of the war with Mexico, he and his younger brother, Richard W., left home and enlisted in Company H. First Regiment Mounted Rifles, now the 3rd U. S. Cavalry. They saw active service in Mexico under Gen. Winfield Scott, and Colonel Charlesworth was wounded at Contreras. The colonel of his regiment performed the functions of mayor of the City of Mexico after the entrance of the United States troops, and the regiment was detailed for police duty for a period of nine months, quitting the city after the declaration of peace. Shortly after the war, Mr. Charlesworth returned to St. Clairsville, and entered upon the study of law under the supervision of General Weir. After his admission to the bar, in 1851, he successfully engaged in practice until 1854, when he
500 - CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
was elected to the office of auditor of Belmont County, and served as such for a term of two years. In 1857, he became proprietor and editor of the Independent Republican, a paper which. he published until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he felt that duty to his country called him to the field. He raised the first three years' company entered on the records of the adjutant general, and of this was commissioned captain, July 12, 1861. His previous military service made him of exceptional value to the country at this time. He was active in the field, and in the fall of 1861 received a slight wound at Alleghany Summit, Virginia. His ability as a soldier and leader attracted the attention of his superior officers, and he was rewarded by promotion as major of his regiment, May 16, 1862. On June 8th, of the same year, he was severely wounded at the battle of Cross Keys, a minnie ball entering the abdomen, and coming out about two inches from the spinal column. On July 30, 1862, he was promoted to be lieutenant-colonel, and on May 18, 1863, resigned because of physical disability, further service being impossible. His resignation received the following indorsement from Brig.-Gen. N. C. McLean, at the headquarters of the First Division, 11th Army Corps, at Brooks Station, May 13, 1863: "Approved and respectfully forwarded to Lieut-Col. Charlesworth ; I approve as I personally know him to be disabled by an honorable wound." Colonel Charlesworth still possesses the ball which passed through his body, and was found where he fell. He also has in his possession the vest then worn by him, showing the direction the ball took. These relics he treasures as mementoes of honorable service.
Upon his return home Colonel Charlesworth entered upon his duties as clerk of Belmont County, to which office he had been elected while in the service. In 1864, he served as colonel of the 1st Regiment, Belmont County Militia. On the expiration of his term as clerk, he was appointed master commissioner of the Court of Common Pleas, and served in that capacity for nine years. During thetroubles incident to the construction of the Central Ohio Railroad, now the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, he was appointed and commissioned a captain, to organize the celebrated Washington Guards, which were on duty about four years. He also rendered valuable service to St. Clairsville during the county seat contest with Bellaire, and he and his associates succeeded in having the Legislature make appropriations for the present magnificent county building. He is a Democrat, in politics, and has been an enthusiastic worker for party success. He was a delegate to the convention which nominated James E. Campbell for governor; he has served as vice-president of the Democratic State Central Committee, and as trustee of the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors' Home. His fraternal associations are with Lodge No. 16, F. & A. M.; Chapter No. 17, R. A. M.; and Hope Commandery. No. 26, K. T. He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was formerly commander of the Belmont County Battalion.
Colonel Charlesworth was married July 4. 1855, to Laura A. Tallman, a daughter of William Tallman, deceased.
J. R. ANDERSON, superintendent of the public schools of Belmont County, Ohio, a man of scholarly attainments and personal popularity, is an Ohio product, born at Bellaire in 1863, a son of Isaac C. and Mahala J. (Lashley) Anderson, the latter of whom belongs to an old county family which located southeast of the city of Bellaire as early as 1830.
The Andersons were natives of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and there Isaac C. Anderson was born 76 years ago. A notable occasion was the celebration of the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac C. Anderson, which took place at the family residence, No. 612 Vine street, Bellaire. in October. 1901. Mr. Anderson is a veteran of the Civil War, and he and his estimable wife are the
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central figures in a large family of children, namely: William, who is engaged in business in connection with the Bellaire Foundry & Machine Company; Mrs. P. R. Myers, who resides at Quincy, Illinois; Mrs. N. J. McDonald, who resides in Bellaire; Newton, who is also connected with the Bellaire Foundry; J. Albert, who resides at South Bend, Indiana; J. R., who is the subject of this review; Mrs. Maria J. Simpson, who lives in Bellaire; Mrs. O. C. Henry, who is a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Charles, who is associated with the subject of this sketch in the ownership of the Bellaire Foundry & Machine Company plant.
The primary education of Superintendent Anderson was obtained in the public schools of Bellaire, and his degree of M. A. was secured after doing collegiate work at Bethany, West Virginia. Mr. Anderson's services were immediately secured in the public schools of his native city, and for one year he was principal of the Second Ward school and for ten years was assistant principal of the Central building, in 1898 becoming superintendent, filling the position with the same efficiency which has marked his whole professional career, bringing the schools to a high standard.
The Bellaire Foundry & Machine Company, with which enterprise our subject is financially connected, was established in 1895 by Charles and J. R. Anderson and Clarence Simpson, the last named withdrawing after three years. The business is now the property of the Anderson brothers and is located at the corner of 33rd and Hamilton streets, where a large business is done, requiring the aid of a number of skilled foundrymen and machinists. It is one of the successful industries of Bellaire.
The marriage of Prof. J. R. Anderson was to a daughter of John Wood, who came some thirty years ago to Bellaire. and for thirty years has been one of the leading contracting carpenters in this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Wood reside at Shadyside. The seven children born to our subject and wife were asfollows: Edward, Clarence, Walter, Robert, Bertie, Ethel and. Raymond. Our subject was reared to believe implicitly in the principles of the Republican party, of which his father has been an adherent from its organization, and is active in its interests. Fraternally he is associated with the Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., of Bellaire, the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. The Christian Church has long been the religious body with which both the Anderson and Wood families have been identified, and our subject is one of its deacons and liberal supporters. His standing as teacher and citizen is unquestioned, and his personal attributes have brought to him a wide circle of friends.
ROBERT McDONALD, a competent foreman to the superintendent of the converting and blooming mill of the National Steel Works at Bellaire, Ohio, is a veteran in the steel business, having done his first work in that line in 1875. At that time he entered the Edgar Thompson Steel Works, a part of the Carnegie plant, and has labored faithfully in developing the steel industry ever since. He spent nine years in the Duquesne mill, resigning his situation there to accept his present position at Bellaire, where he located in April, 1898. From loo to 200 men are employed in the departments under his charge, and as Mr. McDonald has worked his way through all the lower and intermediate departments, he is well fitted to fulfill the duties devolved upon him.
Our subject is a native of Pennsylvania and has one brother, J. H. McDonald, who is superintendent of the department at the steel works of which the subject of this sketch is foreman. The residence of Mr. McDonald is at No. 4269 Noble street. Three years ago he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who was a Kentucky lady. Five children blessed their union. The eldest daughter, Bertha, who is eighteen years old, manages the home for her father and looks after
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the younger children, Clifford, Flora and Esther, whose ages are, respectively, thirteen, eleven and eight years. Foster, the eldest son, who is twenty years old, is employed at the steel works.
Mr. McDonald is a faithful adherent to the Republican party, and uses both his vote and his influence to advance its interests. In fraternal organizations he is allied with the Masons, being a member of both blue lodge and the chapter of Bellaire. In his religious opinions he favors the Presbyterian Church, but his children prefer to attend the United Presbyterian.
R. SMILEY NELSON, proprietor of the United States Dairy, conducts the leading business in that line in Bellaire, Ohio. He was born in Pultney township in 1856, is a son of Matthew G. and Mary Ann (Keyser) Nelson, and grandson of Robert and Mary (McGregor) Nelson.
Robert Nelson was a native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and located in Belmont County in 1812, purchasing at that time a 160-acre farm in section 25, Pultney township. He cleared this farm and upon it followed agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, March 5, 1857. He was 69 years and six months old at the time of his death. His wife survived him for many years, and only two of her children lived to witness her death, which occurred November 21, 1881, she being in her 86th year. Eight children were born to her and her husband, namely, John, Robert, Elizabeth, Matthew G.. Thomas, Alexander, Benjamin Franklin and Margaret.
John Nelson was born in 1819, and died in 1902 in Illinois. Robert resides on the old home farm in Pultney township. He was born October 8, 1822, and married in 1849 Emeline Cummings, a daughter of Joseph and Anne (Prescott) Cummings. His wife was a native of Kennebec County, Maine, born in 1825. They have five children, as follows: Helen, wife of Warren Holgate, a ranchmanof Manhattan, Montana; Annie; Edwin, a merchant in the State of Maine; Frank, who resides in Pultney township, and Margaret, wife of Rev. Ashbel Lane of Fremont, Ohio.
Elizabeth Nelson was born in 1825 and died soon after her marriage with Edward Gill.
Thomas Nelson was born in 1829 and died in 1859.
Alexander Nelson was born in March, 1831, and during his active life was a physician and surgeon at Martin's Ferry. He died in 1874.
Benjamin Franklin Nelson was born in 1835 and followed mercantile life in Bellaire until cut off by death in 1864.
Margaret Nelson was born in 1837. She married John Hinkel and passed to her final rest in 1867.
Matthew G. Nelson, the father of our subject, was born January 28, 1827, in Pultney township. He followed farming and died in 1871, but two months before his 45th birthday. His widow is still living, being now 79 years old. She resides with our subject. Five children were born to her and her husband. Of these. two, Ella and William, died young. One daughter, Lizzie, resides in Pultney township with our subject while Frank K., our subject's only brother has a family and resides on Wheeling Island being an employee of the Aetna Standard Mill.
We now take up the life or our subject, R Smiley Nelson. He was reared on his father' farm in Pultney township, and during hi youth he attended Rock Hill School. H followed in the footsteps of the grandfather and father and confined himself to agricultural pursuits until about eight years ago. At that time he believed he saw a good business opening, and his effort during the intervening years have proved the correctness o. his judgment.
He established the United States Dairy Bellaire and does a thriving business in that prosperous city. He runs two wagons, which cover regular routes daily, and about100 gal
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Ions of milk and cream are required to supply regular customers. Mr. Nelson keeps 40 good milch cows, many of them thoroughbreds—Jersey, Holstein and Durham breeds. The constant attention of four men is required to handle the business, which is conducted on a well-paying basis.
Mr. Nelson has a finely improved farm. His residence is large and comfortable, while many other convenient buildings are found on his place.
His marriage with Cordelia H. Robinson resulted in the birth of three daughters and one son. The latter, John G., drives one of his father's milk wagons. The other children. Gara, Estella and Rachel, are also at home. Politically, Mr. Nelson is a stanch Republican. He is public spirited and charitable. He is a member of Rock Hill Presbyterian Church.
ROGER ASHTON, a prominent citizen of Martin's Ferry, councilman from the First Ward, superintendent of local mines, and a stockholder in the German Bank, was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales. September 11, 1845.
The parents of Mr. Ashton were John and Mary (Clayton) Ashton, who lived in Wales all of their lives. John Ashton was a wool carder by trade and followed the occupation through life. He lived to be over 82 years of age, surviving his wife many years, her death occurring at the age of 65 years. Both parents were members of the Calvinistic Methodist Church. They were the parents of ten children, the five survivors being the following : John, who is a merchant in Wales; Richard, who is a miner in Wales ; Thomas, who resides in Hocking Valley, Perry County, Ohio; William, who resides at Little Falls, New York; the fifth being Roger, of this biography. The members of the family who have passed away are : Edward, who died at the age of 23 ; Elizabeth, who lived to the age of 60; Benjamin, who died when 23 ; David, who died at the age of 30: and Mary Ann, who died when nine years of age, all passing away in Wales except David, who died in Alabama.
Mr. Ashton had absolutely no early educational advantages, his first opportunity for attending school presenting itself when he was 23 years of age. At that time he was even ignorant of the letters of the alphabet, but he made excellent use of his six months at school, made such rapid progress, especially in mathematics, that his knowledge surpassed that of his teacher. After this period of schooling was passed he began business as a coal weigher, following that occupation for the succeeding nine years, at which time he came to the United States. Mr. Ashton began his business career in this country as a miner, digging coal in the very mines which are now being operated under his superintendence. They are located within the corporate limits of Martin's Ferry, and are owned by the American Sheet Steel Company. It is a testimonial to the ability and efficiency of Mr. Ashton that he has risen from one of the most subordinate positions to his present one of responsibility, and has so satisfactorily filled the same for the past fifteen years. The high esteem in which he is held by the company is well deserved and very gratifying.
The first marriage of Mr. Ashton was in his native land to Margaret Evans, who died March 19, 1891, at the age of 42 years. A family of 12 children was born to this union, all of whom died in infancy with the exception of David R., who is a tin worker, unmarried, and a resident of Martin's Ferry. The second marriage of Mr. Ashton was on August 3, 1891, to Margaret Meredith, a native of Wales, who came to America in 1889, a daughter of Gwenllyn Meredith. The children born to this union were as follows : Roger; Edith, who died at the age of seven months ; Mary ; John, who died at the age of one year; and Margaret. Mr. Ashton has accumulated ample means, and owns three houses and one valuable lot within the corporate limits. He has taken an active part in the political life of the community and his election as councilman on April 7, 1902, was not only a triumph for
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the Republican ticket, but also a testimonial to his personal popularity as his majority was nine over three to one against his opponent. Fraternally Mr. Ashton belongs to the Elks.
A review of the career of Mr. Ashton gives an excellent illustration of the success which awaits those who come to America resolved to live a life of industry, to become integral parts of this great Nation and become its useful citizens. At the same time it may be noted that Mr. Ashton is a worthy representative of a country whose sturdy sons have contributed, in no small degree, to the prosperity of many sections of their adopted land.
A. O. MELLOTT, ex-mayor of Bellaire and senior member of the firm of Mellott & Son, undertakers and furniture dealers, owns the finest establishment of its kind in Bellaire and for many years has been one of the most successful merchants of that place. About 30 years ago he purchased the store of the Marietta Chair Company, which at that time was entirely new, having just been rebuilt after a destructive fire. Mr. Mellott restocked the building and added the undertaking department.
The building in which his business is conducted is located on the corner of 33rd and Belmont streets, is 40 by 120 feet and is two stories high. The undertaking parlors are located on the second floor and first-class work in this line is guaranteed by Mr. Mellott, who is an expert embalmer. The furniture department contains a complete variety of up-to-date furniture at moderate prices, and the quality of goods is not surpassed anywhere in the city.
Mr. Mellott was born in Richland township, near Glencoe, in September, 1830. His father, William Mellott, was a native of Eastern Pennsylvania, and the year 1800 marks the date of his birth. About 1804 he was brought to Belmont County, Ohio, by his father, John Mellott,, who located the first year on a tract now known as the Dixon farm. Later, he removed to the farm near Glencoe, which he purchased, and which is still in the possession of the family, being, at the present time, owned by James Mellott, a brother to our subject. The grandfather and father both followed farming as an avocation, and the former died in Monroe County when about 72 years of age. The latter died in 1885 at the great age of four score years and five. Both were stanch Democrats in politics.
The mother of our subject was, before marriage, a Miss Ault, and was also a native of the Keystone State. She is also deceased. Her father, Frederick Ault, moved to Belmont County between 1820 and 1825, and two brothers, Frederick and George, reside near Belmont. Mr. Mellott has four brothers and one sister, as follows: Frederick, a farmer in Monroe County, Ohio; Isaac, a farmer of Mead township, Belmont County, Ohio; Sarah, who married a Mr. Manchester, a farmer and railroad man of Mead township; David, a farmer of York township; and James, who resides on the home farm near Glencoe.
The subject of this biography was educated in the schools of Richland township and in the Barnesville Academy, and for the following 18 years he engaged in teaching school; then he followed agricultural pursuits for about five years. In 1867 he removed to Bellaire. and his interests have been identified with that city ever since. He operated a general merchandise store on Union street and carried on a successful business there for three years. Disposing of his business at a fair profit, he embarked in the manufacturing business with the Bellaire Stamping Company, being one of the organizers of the same, also serving as director. Then followed a prosperous period, during which he served as mayor and as justice of the peace, previous to engaging in the vast business enterprise which still claims his attention.
Mr. Mellott was joined in marriage with Phoebe Jane Myers, a daughter of Dixon
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Myers, a distinguished citizen of Mead township, and she was a descendant of one of the oldest families of Belmont County. Mrs. Mellott was born in 1837 and passed to her final rest in February, 1897. Three children were born to our subject and wife. William D., the eldest son, is the junior member of the firm of Mellott & Son, having been admitted into the business in 1884. Alice, the only daughter, married Aaron Smalley, of Indianapolis, Indiana. James F., the youngest son of our subject, is an expert accountant and bookkeeper and for the past 14 years has served as bookkeeper of the First National Bank of Bellaire. He is married and resides in that city. The family favor the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In all respects Mr. Mellott is a useful and influential member of society. Although a business man, he is well informed on all topics of general interest. As a friend he is highly valued, for he is ever ready with counsel, help and encouragement. His success has come from steady purpose and constant industry, and he justly merits the position of true worth and esteem which he has attained. He has a fine residence on the corner of Harrison and 32nd streets.
Mr. Mellott was one of the incorporators of the First National Bank of Bellaire, Ohio, and has been a director in that institution since its organization.
CLARENCE E. BAUER, a director of the Novelty Stamping Company and for the past eight years superintendent of the stamping department of this successful plant, has been a resident of Bellaire since 1873, in which city he was educated.
The birth of Mr. Bauer occurred in 1862 in Virginia, and during his early youth with his parents he resided at different towns in the Ohio Valley. His family and kindred are not very numerous, but he has two brothers and one sister residing at Bellaire. Since 1874 he has been interested in the stamping business, having at that date entered the employ of the old Bellaire Stamping Works, to which the Novelty plant succeeded. The stamping department, which is immediately under his supervision, is one of the most important in the business, and forty men and a large amount of valuable machinery is in his charge, it being his business to see that they work in unison, with the greatest amount of accuracy and perfection, and with the least amount of expense. To successfully do this requires a man of certain talents, and these Mr. Bauer possesses.
The family resides at No. 3628 Harrison street. His political affiliation is with the Republican party, although merely as a supporter, not as an office seeker. He is justly regarded as one of the enterprising business men of the city, and the plant with which he is associated is widely known for its excellent products.
ROBERT L. HENDERSON, a photographer by profession, is said to be the best artist in Bellaire, Ohio. Mr. Henderson was born in 1869 in the city which is still his home, and he is a son of Robert and Hester J. (Sellers) Henderson. His father was a saddler by trade prior to his removal from Richmond, Virginia. After locating in Ohio, however, he followed railroad life, being employed in the transportation department of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Bellaire. He died in 1895, at the early age of 42 years.
The mother of our subject is still living, being at the present time a resident of Clarksburg, West Virginia. She was born in Wheeling, now West Virginia, and, is a daughter of V. P. Sellers. Her father removed from West Virginia to Bellaire, Ohio. where he conducted a jewelry store.
Mr. Henderson is the eldest of a family of five children; the others are: Perry, of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Pearl (Ash) ; Edward, a theatrical man, who makes his home in Wheeling when not on the road; and
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Cora, who is still at home. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Bellaire and in his youth learned the photographer's trade with Mr. Sellers, an uncle, who now conducts a portable gallery. He began business on his own behalf in 1896 and has been very successful. His gallery is located at No. 3161 Union street, just north of the Globe Hotel, where he is pleased to see all patrons. His photographs show the touch of an artist and give excellent satisfaction.
Emma Coffman, of Bellaire, became the wife of our subject, and they have two children, Paul and Mildred. Mrs. Henderson's home was formerly in Centreville, Ohio, and the family have a pleasant cottage on Gravel Hill. In politics our subject is outspoken and true in his allegiance to the Republican party, and in fraternal circles he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the K. O. T. M. The family embrace the religion of the Christian Church and have a large number of friends. Mr. Henderson, wide awake to the interests of his community, is an upright, consistent and reliable citizen.
JAMES M. WEEKS, president of the C. L. Dorer Foundry Company, located on Water street, north of 26th, is also manager of the National Glass Works, located on 21st and Union streets, the latter being owned by T. A. Rodefer.
The birth of Mr. Weeks took place in 1866, in Ohio County, West Virginia, and he was brought to Belmont County, Ohio, in youth, by his parents, William and Arminta (Higgs) Weeks, the former of whom is a miller by trade and has followed that business for many years. William Weeks was born 65 years ago in the Shenandoah Valley and married in Virginia, rearing a family of four sons and three daughters: James M., our subject; Harry C., a glass-worker at Bellaire; Lilly (Mrs. Patterson), of Baker City, Oregon; Nora (Mrs. Long), of McMechen, West Virginia; Bert and Bruce, twins, miller and glass-worker, at Bellaire; and Jessie (Mrs. Dunfee), of Bellaire.
James M. Weeks, of this sketch, was reared near Bellaire and had but limited school advantages, it being necessary for him to leave school early in order to become an earning factor in the family. He first learned the glass business, working his way through all the various departments and becoming thoroughly acquainted with every detail. Since February 1, 1893, he has been connected with the National Glass Works, and for the past three years has had entire charge of the manfacturing part of the plant, employing 15o men and boys. They turn out lamp chimneys, lantern globes, vault_ lights, sky lights and prismatic window lights, the out-put being in demand all over the country. The C. L. Dorer Foundry Company was established and incorporated in the winter of 1900-01, by J. M. Weeks, C. L. Dorer, Henry Vaupel, Sebastian Wimmer, and Clarence Simpson, the last named having charge of the business as general manager. The other officers are: C. L. Dorer, secretary and treasurer; S. Wimmer, vice-president, and our subject, president. This new and prosperous enterprise has enjoyed encouraging patronage and employs some 12 skilled mechanics, and prospects are that the number will soon be increased, as large contracts have been secured. The business is that of a general line of foundry work, a specialty being made of glass-mold castings. In addition to the great business interests which he has shown such ability to manage, Mr. Weeks is largely interested in Western lands. including mining property.
The marriage of our subject was to Della Lafferty, a native of Belmont County, and the pleasant family residence is at No. 2009 Belmont street. In politics Mr. Weeks favors the Prohibition party, while in religious connection he belongs to the South Bellaire Methodist Church. In our subject we find a typical representative of a selfmade man, and he possesses the poise, the
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clear-headed shrewdness of one who has had to battle for his rights, and the confidence of one who has been successful. He has shown his ability in directing business affairs and in managing large forces of men, and takes a leading position in the business world of Bellaire. He is much assisted by his happy faculty of making friends and is regarded with esteem by those who know him either publicly or socially.
LOUIS LINCOLN SCHEEHLE, clerk of the courts of Belmont County, and an esteemed and well-known citizen of Martin's Ferry, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, June 26, 1864, being a son of Philip G. and Elizabeth (Hardman) Scheehle, both of whom were born in Germany.
Philip G. Scheehle came to the United States. He was a contractor and builder of note; the Moundsville Penitentiary, the Wheeling Post Office, and many other imposing buildings stand to testify to his constructive ability. In Martin's Ferry he erected the Buckeye glass house and at Morgantown, West Virginia, he built the main college structure. Mr. Scheehle was well and favorably known through