Belmont County, Ohio - Chapter 29: Wayne Township. |, 1903 (part 10 of 15)

William A. Merritt is one of the bestknown and most highly respected citizens of Wheeling township, not only on=account of . his, excelleneer 22% farmer, but also for those qualities which go to make a reliable and stable man, one of energy, honesty, integrity and good-fellowship. His home is one of the best improved in the township, and he is justly proud of his fine buildings and highgrade stock. In politics he is a Republican. differing from his father, and has held many of the county offices, has been school director for nine years and is clerk of the board; he was also his party's candidate for director of the County Infirmary, and was elected November 4, 1902, with 1,700 ma- Jority. :

On March 18, 1891, Mr. Merritt was united in marriage with Sarah Jane Bentley, daughter of Solomon and Eleanor Bentley, of Richland township, and the children born to this union are: Tamzen C., born September 18, 1892; Anna E., born May 15, 1804; James B., born October 26, 1898; and William L., born. January 31, 1900. Both Mr. and Mrs. Merritt belong to the Presbyterian Church. His land is very valuable, being underlaid with several veins of coal, while the third oil well of this section is located here, the derrick for its operation being in course of construction. .

ALEXANDER Y. HENDERSON, a progressive farmer of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born on his present farm July 18, 1844, and is a son of Alexander and grandson of Andrew Henderson.

Andrew Henderson was born in Pennsylvania and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was father of the following children: Alexander, father of our subject; Andrew, who lived at Cambridge; William, who lived and died in the West; James, a United Presbyterian minister, who died in Iowa, where his family still reside; Matthew, born in 1807, lived in Wheeling township, - he married Miranda A. berriav -who was born in New York City in 1811, and they had 11 children; John, who lived in Belmont County, died at St. Clairsville in 1897; Martha. who married John Carnahan, died in Athens, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of William McFarland, died

Alexander Henderson was born in Washintgon County, Pennsylvania, in 1797, and Was a young man when he came with his father to Ohio about 1815. He settled and' cleared the land which became known as the old family homestead, it at one time comprising more than 300 acres. He was father of the following children: Andrew, born in Belmont County, in 1824, moved to Missouri after the war, in which he and ' two sons, Samuel and William, fought. He later went west, and at the time of his death in 1899 was living in Boonville, Missouri. William, born in 1828, lived in Colerain township until his death, and his family still reside there. James, born in 1832, was captain of Company G, 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Int, and was wounded at Snicker's Gap July 18, 1864. He died in Colerain township in 1873. Alexander Y. is the subject of this biography. Mary Jane, born in 1826, married Samuel Sloan, by whofn she had II children. Martha, born in 1830, married William Kerr, who died in 1890, leaving four children. Elizabeth, who lives in Kansas, is the widow of John Baker, who died in 1901. Hannah Ann, wife of James Coulter, lives near Harrisville, in Harrison County, Ohio.

Alexander Y. Henderson attended the common schools of his community, and was but 20 years of age when he enlisted in Company G, r7oth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He participated in the engagements at Snicker's Gap and Winchester, and was with Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. He has always followed farming as an occupation, and just after his marriage settled on the farm to the south of his present location. His house was destroyed by fire in 1868, and was replaced by a handsome new brick home at a cost of $3.200. He moved to his present farm in 1900 and erected a new house and barn. He has 40 acres of the old homestead, and follows general farming and stock raising. He raises nothing but registered stock, and makes a specialty of Chester White hogs and Scotch Collie dogs. He is a fine penman, and in 1900 was called upon to take the census of the township. He has been notary public since 1896, school director seven or eight years, and has held other township "offices. He is a Republican, and has been central committeeman for a period of 12 years.

Our subject was married October 25, 1866, to Rachel A. Coulter, who was born January 8, 1844, and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann Coulter. Her father was born in Maryland in 1816 and died January 8, 1901; her mother was born in Belmont County in 1815 and died in 1890. Ten children were born to this union: Charles L., September 13, 1867, a veterinary surgeon of Flushing; Alfred H., born March 6, 1869, agent and telegraph operator at Fairpoint, married Laura Berry, of Bridgeport; Frank Wilmer, born December 23, 1870, who is cashier of the First National Bank of Bridgeport, married Carrie Branum; Alonzo Ross, born December rz, 1872, is in the employ of the Crescent Coal Company, - he was married March 30, 1893, to Nona Edwards, and has three children; Elma Novelta, born January 24, 1875, married William F. Lemmon and lives in Harrison County, Ohio; Luman C., born February 7, 1877, 1s telegraph operator on the Lake Erie Railroad, near Canton, Ohio; Oralena T., born January 13, 1879, is at home; Marion F., born October 17, 1882; Anna Angelica, born December 29, 1885; and Alexander Y., Jr. Religiously, the family belongs to the U. P. Church.

CHARLES E. POTTS, night superintendent of the Aetna Standard Mill, at No. 706 West Washington street, Martin's Ferry, is a man who, as his position indicates, carries the respect and esteem of his employers and is numbered among the representative citizens of his county. He is a son of Nathan H. and Anna D. Potts and was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 7, 1867. |

Nathan H. Potts followed farming pursuits until the war broke out between the North and South, and he enlisted in the army in April, 1861, during the first call of President Lincoln for 75,000 volunteers. He was wounded in the left limb at Salem, May 3, 1863, and returned to his home, where he took a position as chief of telegraph operators in Philadelphia. During the remainder of his life he held this position, and January 19, 1884, he departed this life, aged 44 years, four months and 20 days. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the latters death took place September 30, 1874, at the age of 24 years. They had.only two children, Charles, our

Our subject was reared by his grandparents and sent to school in Philadelphia, after which he learned the trade of a tanner and currier for four years, and went to Martin's Ferry in 1886. He found employment in the Aetna Standard Mill where he has ever since been engaged, and he has held his present position for nearly five years.

March 12, 1894, he was united in marriage with Olive Carpenter, a daughter of Eugene and Oella (Farmer) Carpenter, and a native of Martin's Ferry. The Farmers and Carpenters were old families, well known in Belmont County, who were born, reared and died with the interests of its cities and towns at heart. Mrs. Potts is one of a family of ten children - Leona V., who died when 19 years of age; Olive, our subject's wife; Ethel M.. who died March 6, 1889, aged 14 years; Claud E., a cooper in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania; Pearl who died at the age of six weeks; Pearl the second, now Mrs. Larry Broderick, residing in Coraopolis also; Myrtle, a resident of Springdale, Pennsylvania; Isaac C., numbered among the residents of Coraopolis, where he is following the trade of a cooper; Grover C., likewise a

Matthew Clark Mitchell

Mr. and Mrs. Potts have three children, viz., Wilfred Eugene, Elton Gifford and Thelma Leota. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father of Mrs. Potts died March 16, IQOI, aged 51 years, and his wife died October 9, 1894. They left an example and record as most excellent people, leading devout and worthy lives, which afford a pleasing memory to a large circle of acquaintances.

MATTHEW CLARK MITCHELL, of Martin's Ferry, whose death occurred in January, I900, was born on Scotch Ridge, Belmont County, Ohio, July 22, 1840. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Porter Mitchell, and was one of a family of five children.

Mr. Mitchell took a prominent part in politics, and his advice was much sought in party councils. He filled many offices with credit. From 1865 to 1870, inclusive, he was chief clerk in the Patent Office at Washington, D. C. He was mayor of Martin's Ferry from 1882 to 1885, and from 1888 to 1889. He was justice of the peace for two terms. Following the election of President Harrison, Mr. Mitchell was made postmaster of Martin's Ferry, continuing in office during the whole administration. At the time of Mr. Mitchell's death, he was chairman of the county board of deputy state supervisors of election, and had been - elected land appraiser for the city. In Mr. Mitchell's death, the people at large suffered a loss only second to that sustained by his family. Upon many occasions his sound judgment and keen insight were of incalculable value to the public. Endowed with grateful, genial manners, he made many warm friends, who greatly regretted his untimely demise.

In 1877 Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage with Mary E. Kennon, a member of a prominent family of St. Clairsville. Ohio. Four daughters, - Ellen, Mary, Sarah B. and Ruth, - and his widow survived him. Ellen gradu- the class of 1898 and also from King's School of Oratory, at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In June, 1901, she was married to Paul Bogle, son of the well-known divine of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. S. J. Bogle, D. D. Mary graduated from the Martin's Ferry High School in the class of 1900. Sarah B. graduated from the Martin's Ferry High School in.

the class of 1902. all of these talented young ladies graduated from their home school, their father having faith in its scholarship and an assured feeling that it was the best in the State. Ruth, who is the youngest of the family, is a student in the High School and will graduate in the class of 1906. The mother of this family, as noted, is a woman of great executive ability and under all circumstances has proved herself equal to the demands made upon her. The home is one of education and refinement and its members are prominent in the social life of the city.

Wilson S. Kennen, attorney-at-law, was born May 15, 1826, at St. Clairsville, a son of William Kennon. He was educated in his native town and at Bethany College, read law with his father, was admitted to the bar and practiced law until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1861 he was made the Union candidate and was elected to the Legislature. In 1862 he was appointed by Governor Todd, Secretary of State. In 1863, Secretary of War Stanton appointed him paymaster in the army, in which capacity he served four years: Upon his resignation being accepted, he removed to Cincinnati and there entered upon the practice of law with Judge Okey and Milton Saylor. Mr. Kennon remained in that city until 1871, returning then to his native place on account of his father's illness. He was elected and served from 1874 to 1878 as prosecuting attorney. His death occurred in June, 1897.

Ellis E. Kennon, the second son of Hon. William Kennon, was born in St. Clairsville, in April. 1830. He received a liberal education at Bethany College, Virginia, studied law with his father and completed his course with Hon.

Hugh J. Jewett and was admitted to the bar in n In November, 1855, he married Eleanor M. Sutton and his one daughter is Mrs. Matthew Clark Mitchell, of Martin' S Ferry. During the Civil War, he was made adjutant of the 98th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and at the battle of Perryville, where he was performing the duties of acting adjutant general, he distinguished himself as a true and courageous soldier. The death of Ellis E. Kennon occurred in June, 1878, while he was yet in the prime of life. His reputation was that of one of the leading lawyers at the bar of Belmont County.

JAMES TAYLOR, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a representative of two old and highly regarded families of both Pennsylvania and Ohio. He is a son of William and Margaret (Gillespie) Taylor; formerly of Pennsylvania, later of Guernsey County, Ohio.

The Taylors came originally from Ireland, the great-grandfather of James Taylor of this sketch having been born in that land and later becoming the founder of the family in Washington County, near Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. The Gillespies zlso came from Ireland, Grandfather James Gillespie either having been born in that land or upon the ocean during the voyage to the United States. The Taylor family settled in Knox County, Ohio, at a later date, and there the children of Grandfather John Taylor were born, removal being made to Belmont County i in I824.

Grandfather John Taylor married Mary McNaught prior to leaving Pennsylvania, and in 1824 they came to Wheeling township and in 1825 settled upon the farm which our subject now owns. This farm was entered by William McWilliams under a patent deed and was sold later to John Taylor, by whom it was cleared with the assistance of his sons. At the time of location, the country was still unsettled, wild animals still being seen in the forests and equally dangerous savages still menacing life and property. Those were days in which men went prepared to meet a foe in every stranger. A little incident, which remained fest in the mind of Grandfather Taylor through life, exemplifies this in a marked degree. He was a man of powerful physique, and was always alert and watchful for attacks from Indians, which were still frequent. One day he sat in his house cobbling a pair of shoes, in which business he was using a sharp leather knife, when a rap at his cabin door was heard and when, with knife in hand, he unfastened the latch he was confronted with a rifle in the hands of an individual dressed in coon skins. Taken completely by surprise, when the stranger lunged at him Mr. Taylor sprang upon the supposed Indian and slashed his coat from one side to the other, barely escaping making a serious wound. However, no copper-skin appeared under the clothing, and he was horrified to find that he had almost killed a cousin, Thomas Raiffe, who had played a rather dangerous practical joke. He lived to see the savages disappear from his lands and to see a part of the wonderful development of this garden spot of Belmont County. John Taylor was born October 1, 1783, and died in 1861. His children were these: Thomas, born April 21, 1807; Elizabeth, born January 20, 1809; John, born October 5, 1810, died March 30, 1896; Margaret, born January 26, 1813; Nathaniel, born December 15, 1814, died September 3, 1889; William, born August 1, 1817; Henry, born April 5, 1822, and Sarah Jane, born October 7, 1825. William Taylor, the father of our subject, was a man of high moral character and was well educated for his time and locality? On March 11, 1840, he married Margaret Gillespie, and they had three children born to them, namely, John, who died at the age of six years; James, the subject of this review, and Henry, born May 16, 1845. Both he and wife were members of the Associate Reform Church in which he was an elder, as his father had been before him, later becom- ing attached to the United Brethren religious body. The farm of 160 acres which had been the property ot John Taylor is now owned by Henry and James Taylor. The father and his two sons lived on and operated the old farm of nearly 300 acres, Henry remaining at home aíter marriage. William Taylor died August 28, 1893, his wife dying many years previously, on February 18, 1882.

gan County, Ohio. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are: Emmet A., born August 24, 1863, was married May 14, 1899, to Nellie Coleman, and resides near his father, engaged in farming; William, vember 23, 1879, who resides at home. Mr. Taylor's farm is located in the coal and oil belt and is regarded as one of the most desirable in Wheeling township. He engages in farming and stock raising and has been very successful in both lines. The family is one which has commanded respect and esteem for many years, and Wheeling township has no more useful citizen than James Taylor.

ber 29, 1863, and is a son of Chattam B. and Margaret Jane (Kinney) Wright, both natives of Goshen township, where they now reside on a farm of 80 acres.

George H., who resides on a farm in Goshen township; Charles B., whose name heads this sketch; Fred I., a farmer of Goshen town- _ ship; Abbie, wife of Samuel Boroff, of St. Clairsville; and Alice J., wife of William F. Bentley, a farmer of Goshen township.

Charles B. Wright was educated in the common schools of Goshen township, and assisted in the work on the farm until he attained his majority, when he was married and began life for himself. He engaged in the huckstering business and conducted a store in his township, also in Wheeling, West Virginia. He served as township trustee for a period of three years, but refused to run for another term. He removed to Morristown in 1894, and here conducted a store very successfully until 1897, when he established his present hotel business. He has attained great popularity with the traveling public, his table being supplied with the best the market affords. Mr. Wright looks carefully to the comfort of his guests and sees that they receive the best of service, and his untiring efforts have been crowned with success.

On October 15, 1885, Mr. Wright was joined in marriage with Carrie Dermott, who was born December 7, 1866, in Belmont County, and is a daughter of William and Sarah (Kinney) Dermott. Her father was a native of Ireland, coming therefrom with his parents when a small boy. He was a son on a farm in Belmont County. William Dermott resides on a farm south of Belmont, Belmont County, Ohio. He is a member of the Masonic order. His wife's maiden name was Sarah Kinney and she first married Cyrus Ewers, by whom she had four children: Mary, wife of Jonah Gildon, of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania; Henry Clay, who is in the hardware business in Bagley, Iowa; Cyrus D., who is a partner of his the home of his father, married Alta Russell and has one son, Sewell; died at the age of 22. Mr. Dermott was a soldier in the Civil War and served in the 98th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., until the close of the war. He accompanied General Sherman in his famous march to the sea and was at the siege of Atlanta.

Mr. and Mrs. Wright have five children: Clyde, Mabel, Hazel, Harry, and George. Our subject is a Republican in politics. Fraternally he is a member of Hazen Lodge, F. & A. M, No. 251, also a member of the Knights of Pythias. >

D. T. PHILLIPS, M. D., physician and surgeon, and mayor of the town of Morristown, Ohio, has had a uniformly successful career both in his profession and as a political leader. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, on March 31, 1868, a son of Elijah and Delilah (Keadle) Phillips, both of whom are natives of the same county.

The family is of Welsh origin, Evan Phillips, the grandfather of Dr. Phillips, being born in Maryland of Welsh parents. Elijah Phillips was born in 1828 and has followed an agricultural life in Belmont County until the present date, and has been identified with township affairs, serving as trustee and for the two past consecutive terms as township land appraiser. The mother of Dr. Phillips was born in 1836 and married in 1854. With her husband, she is active and valued in the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Phillips is one oí a family of 13 children born to his parents, the eighth in order of birth, the others being the following: James L., a cabinetmaker, carpenter and contractor at Beallsville, Ohio; John M., a farmer of this county, died in January, 1892, about 34 years of age; Melissa E., solicitor for the Singer Sewing Machine Company in Clevethe | of our subject; Herman, who resides at | land, Ohio; William D., formerly in the express business, now in the postal service, since 1892 on the route between Cleveland and Indianapolis; Minnie, the wife of William Deaver, residents on a part of the home farm; Elijah B., chief of police at *Plattsmouth, State of Nebraska; Martha J., deceased; Rodney A., a professional musician and stage performer; Almeda E., the wife of Giffen Null, a farmer in this county;Walter S., a contracting plumber, was smothered in a trench he was inspecting, at Carroll, Iowa; and Addie L. and Jennie Florence, both at home, highly educated young ladies, quite capable as teachers. The whole family is musical, and while only one brother has turned his talent into a business, when all are at home an orchestra is formed which could command a high price from an opera or concert manager. All have been thoroughly educated and represent one of the most intellectual as well as physically perfect families in the community. The five surviving brothers have the unique distinction of being of the same height, over six feet, and are equally proportioned, and all are men of dignified bearing and affable manner.

Dr. Phillips was fortunate in his birth and environments, coming into a family where culture, education and refinement occupied proper positions in the scheme of life. After completing his common school course, he was given advantages in the Beallsville Normal school, and then took up the profession of teaching, and succeeded so well that if he had not been still more strongly influenced in the direction of medicine, he would doubtless have become one of the State's leading educators. For 52 months he continued a teacher, in the meantime reading medicine under Dr. G. W. Steward, of Jerusalem, Ohio, and so thoroughly prepared himself in the details that his graduation from Starling Medical College, of Columbus, followed in 1897. Dr. Phillips graduated at the head of his class and was awarded the gold medal for excellent scholarship. On account of this brilliancy, - he was in demand as hospital interne, but refused several very flattering offers in order to locate at Morristown and enter upon regular practice. Since April, 1897, he has been a successful practitioner in this town, being especially skilled in surgery. He is a member of the American Medical Association, is examiner for the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, and is lodge physician for both the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. The most cordial relations exist between him and brother practitioners, and he is a valued member of fraternal and social organizations.

Dr. Phillips acts politically with the Democratic party in State and national affairs, but independently in local matters. In 1899 he was appointed mayor of Morristown to fill the unexpired term of Hon. A. M. Majors, and so well were municipal affairs managed and adjusted by him that at the election in the spring of 1902 he was the testify to his efficiency and to enjoy a clean, conservative and effective administration. Dr. Phillips is yet a young man and his past and present popularity point to still higher honors, both in professional and political lite. Dr. Phillips is a member of Hazen Lodge, No. 251, F. & A. M., and Chapter No. 69, R. A. M., of Barnesville, Ohio.

GEORGE CROZIER. Among the wellknown and highly respected farmer citizens of Mead township, George Crozier is prominent, as one who has acquired a competency through his own industry, and who has identifed himself with the measures which have tended to the prosperity and advancement of the interests of this community. Mr. Crozier owns and resides upon the farm on which he was born, February 7, 1830, a son of James and Christina ( Armstrong) Crozier, the latter of whom died when he was but a child of six years.

Ireland, and accompanied his father to America at the age of 16 years. They loacted first in Carroll County, Ohio, later came to Belmont, and, in 1825, James Crozier married Christina Armstrong. The farm, which Grandfather George Crozier bought in Mead township, descended to his son, James, and later to our subject, who bought the interests of the other heirs, becoming thus heavily in debt before he was 21 years of age. ; In 1851 our subject was married to Margaret Boyd, daughter of William Boyd, of Richland township, and a large and most estimable family has been born to them, as follows: James, who is unmarried, is engaged in a mining business in Colorada; Jemima Jane, who married Thomas J. Watt, a farmer of Smith township, has two children, William and Martha; William Boyd, who was drowned at the age of 22 years, at Cedar Creek, Illinois; Robert L., who has recently married, resides in California, having engaged in mining in the Cripple Creek district in Colorado; Emma Catherine, who is the wife of Aibert McKelvey; A. M. F., who is a practicing physician in Hocking County, in the mining district, graduated from the medical department of the State University at Columbus, six years ago; Margaret Ann, who is the wife of Perry B. Myers of Pultney township, has one son, George; Joseph Presley, who married Jennie Eddington, of Bellville, Ohio, resides on the home farm, and has two sons, George Eddington and Stanley; Nenna B., who married Samuel Kirkland, resides near her father; Mary Luella, who married Ellis Myers, resides in York township; Samuel Bruce, who is a dental student at Columbus; and a daughter, who died in infancy. : When the call came in 1864 for 100-day recruits to repel the invaders from the State, Mr. Crozier was one to respond, although he left a wife and six little children to do so. He was a member of Company C, 170th Reg., Ohio National Guard, the regiment being in the rst Brigade, 1st Division, 8th Army Corps. Soon after enlistment he was made sergeant of his company. His duty was mainly confined to

Ford, on July 24, 1864, when his regiment lost 135 men. ber, 1864, and resumed his ordinary occupations. When Mr. Crozier started out in life he owned, or rather was in debt for, 118 acres, which has been increased to 325 acres, all his own property. In the autumn of 1901 he retired from its active management. At this golden wedding, all of the children being present, except one. It is the pleasant custom of this united family to have an annual reunion on the home farm, north of Businessburg. He belongs to the United Presbyterian Church of Belmont. In political belief he is a stanch Republican, and was a member of the Farmers' Alliance. Few men in Mead township are more highly regarded or considered more thoroughly representative.

N. J. HATCHER, one of the substantial and representative farmers and popular citizens of Belmont County, residing on his farm in section 2, Union township, near Loydsville, was born August 3, 1828, in Union township, a son of Elijah and Jane (Craig) Hatcher, both of whom were natives of Loudoun County.

Eljah Hatcher, the father, was born August 15, 1796, in Loudoun County, Virginia, a son of Quaker parents, Noah and Rachel (Beans) Hatcher, the former of whom died of old age in Virginia, the latter, coming to Ohio at an early day, died at the age of 86 years. Of the children of Noah and Rachel Hatcher, Edward died in Virginia. John, the youngest, lived for many years near Portland, Oregon, having been a pilot and teamster for General Fremont, and a noted trader with the Indians. The others were Elijah and Mary, the former of whom was the father of the subject of this biography.

a woman of noble character, devoted to her home and church. She passed away on January 16, 1889, at the age of 82 years and five months. In 1827 Elijah Hatcher and wife

Belmont County, and held many of the township offices. Although a birthright member of the Society of Friends, prior to decease he united with the Methodist Church, of which his wife was so consistent a member. These most estimable people had a family of seven children, namely: N. J., of this sketch; Rebecca, who resides near the toll.gate, on the National Road, in this county; Rachel, who married Joseph Pancoast, is deceased, as is also her husband; Eliza, who married James B. Hogue, the first white child born in Grundy County, Ilinois, is deceased; Sarah, who married Leander Moore, resides in Lucas County, Iowa; John,' who also is a resident of Iowa; and Cecilia, who married Charles Pickering, of Richland township, Belmont County.

N. J. Hatcher obtained his education in the country schools and in the advanced school at Loydsville, and grew to manhood as his father's assistant on the farm. At the.age of 21 he began operating for himself, and for many years has taken a prominent position among the leading agriculturists and large land owners of the county. Mr. Hatcher owns very valuable land, the Pittsburg vein underlying all of it, while its fertility makes it desirable for farming purposes. He owns 218 acres in section 2 and a farm of 77 acres in Richland township, ad-

On May 7, 1856, Mr. Hatcher was marriedto Mary E. Gregg, a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio with her parents when two years of age. She was the eldest of the family of eight children born to her parents, township, this county; Frances and Henrietta, unmarried, who live in Barnesville; William, deceased, who lived | in lowa; and Victoria, who is Mrs. Thomas Rogers, of Barnesville. Mrs.

Hatcher died May 1, 1891, a consistent member of the Methodist Church, a woman of lovely life and character, possessing a disposition of cheerfulness, disposed to contribute to the happiness of all about her, valued in her church and beloved in her family. Her five children were the following: -Rosa M., still at home; Amy J., the wife of J. W. Wilkinson, county commissioner, more cery business at Allegheny Citv, married Orpha Sidebottom and has two children, Emmett and Ellen; Grace, who is Mrs. Robert Hood, resides at Cambridge, Ohio, and has one child, Mary; and Ida M., who is at home.

Mr. Hatcher has long been well known as a capitalist, and has been a director in the Second National Bank of St. Clairsville; has been a capable member of the School Board for years, and has acceptably filled other local positions.

farmer of Belmont County, Ohio, who owns and operates one of the large and productive farms in Colerain township, near St. Clairsville, was born not far from Martin's Ferry, | in this county, on Glenn's Run, a son of Sam- |

William A. Giffen, all of this land probably being underlaid with rich coal veins. Samuel resided at Glenn's Run for 13 years, but in 1861 located on this property, where he immediately began improvements, erecting a comfortable residence and building a commodious barn. He was a straightforward, public-spirited citizen, actively in sympathy with the Republican party, and prominent in the religious and educational advancement of the county. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church and reared his family in that faith. Samuel Giffen was born June 6, 1810, and died October 5, 1884, his wife being some years younger, born on November 1, 1823, and died on January 27, 1898, very generally regretted on account of her active interest in church work and her kindness to neighbors and devotion to family and friends. She belonged to one of the old and honorable families of the county,- Robert and Sarah (Taggart) Kerr being her parents, the former of whom came to America from Scotland, and the latter, born in 1802, from Ireland.

On the paternal side, Grandfather John Giffen, with his wife, Elizabeth (Morrison) . Giffen, with his ten children also, came to Belmont County in 1825, from Ohio County, (West) Virginia. These children were: Mary,

Mrs. David Coats, born July 17, 1799; Robert, born November 28, 1801, was county recorder of Belmont County, and died unmarried; William, born March 2r, 1804, married, first, a Miss Graham, and, second, Mary Morrison; John, born February 28, 1806; Toseph, born March r, 1808; Samuel, born June 6, 1810; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Denham, was born April 2, 1813, and is the

8, 1815, was Mrs. James Frazier; Morrison, born September 227 1817; and "Sarah Af born February 5, 1820, married William Grimes, and both have long since passed away. The maternal family was also large and became well known through the county, the eldest of the family being the mother the others as follows:

James Kerr, born in 1824, resides at Martin's Ferry; Catherine married John Porterfield, and both are deceased; Sarah J. married Samuel Thompson and resides in St. Clairsville; Robert, deceased, was a farmer in this county; Isaac and Peter, twins, are both deceased; Peter (2) studied for the ministry, but enlisted in the army in the Civil War, and died while on a furlough from disease contracted in the service; Louisa died at the age of five years; and Mary, born July 17, 18445. died... Decembert.o, 1298.) Thus passed away members of two prominent families of the county, but they left behind them records of worthy lives and representatives who inherited their most admirable ` traits of character.

A family of 12 children was born to Samuel and Margaret Giffen, namely: John, Sarah E., Robert K., Isaac, James P., William A., Morrison E., Samuel R., Mary L., Laura, James, and Margaret B. John Giffen is a distinguished clergyman of the United Presbyterian Church. He graduated at Westminster College in 1871, and at Allegheny Seminary in 1875, and immediately accepted work in the missionary field in Egypt, and has been located at various points, during the greater part of the time being assistant at the church in Cairo. There he has been instructor in Associate College and Cairo Theological Seminary, and is a man of great learning. His first marriage was to Mary Galoway, of Due West, South Carolina, who died in October, 1881. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Newlin, in 1883. Sarah E. married William Hinkle, a farmer and fruit grower, and they live near Cameron, West Virginia. Robert K. is a traveling salesman. He first married Emma Brown, and later her sister Ella, and resides in Wheeling. Isaac married Margaret Paxton, now deceased, and resides on a farm near Martin's Ferry. Jane C. died at the age of 20 months. Morrison E. graduated from Muskingum College in the class of 1886, and from Allegheny Seminary in the spring of 1889, and in the fall of the latter year went as a missionary to Egypt, where he has since been occupied, having charge of the distribution of books and village work as minister and missionary. He married Miss Franc Martin in 1886. Samuel R., born in 1860, was a farmer, and died February 2, 1000," James' Pos a =" graduateimat Muskingum College of 1891, and of Xenia: Theological Seminary of 1894, and is a minister of the United Presbyterian Church, located at Edgerton, Kansas. He married Libbia Sleeth. All of the daughters were also given collegiate advantages.

William A. Giffen is a graduate of Muskingum College, and has been identified with agricultural interests during the greater part of his life. After the death of his father, he attended to the settling of the estate, and has charge of the home farm, consisting of about 300 acres, the greater part of which is still undivided. His personal estate comprises 200 acres or more, all of which is very valuable, both for farming purposes and also for its coal deposits.

Mr. Giffen, is an active Republican and a substantial and representative citizen. Like his: father, he has ever been held in high esteem in: Colerain township.

JOHN W. WILKINSON, very favorably known through Belmont County, on account of efficient service as county commissioner and as a useful and representative citizen, resides upon his valuable farm, comprising 170 acres in section 3, Union township, was born in Smith township, near Lewis' Mills, on July 24, 1854, a son of William and Mary Ann (Leckletter) Wilkinson, both of whom were natives of Ohio.

William Wilkinson also followed farming as his chief occupation through life, owning large tracts of valuable land, and for six years was county commissioner. His death took place in May, 1878, at the age of 65 years. As a man of business and integrity he probably stood second to none in the county, and both he and wife were as highly respected as they were widely known. The latter died at the age of 61 years, a devoted member oí the Christian Church. These parents had a family of 11 children born to them, as follows: Milo, who served three years in the Civil War, a member of the 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., re-enlisted, was wounded, and died in the hospital; Sadie, who first married Solomon Spencer, and, second, Dr. McMaster, is now a widow and resides in Smith township; Clark, a soldier, who served in the Civil War in the 98th Reg, Ohio Vol. Inf., was wounded at Perryville, Kentucky, later became editor of the "Belmont Chronicle," resides in Spokane, Washington, actively engaged in literary work, a man of unusual mentality; Isaac, who owns a fine estate of over 800 acres in Mitchell County, Kansas; Carrie, who married A. P. White, resides on a farm near the old homestead; Alice, who married Alfred H. Mitchell, a prominent attorney of St. Clairsville, and more extended mention of him may be found on another page; Emily, who died at the age of 16 years; John W., who is our subject; Frank, who resides in Kansas, was the founder of a glass works in Indiana, and was treasurer of the company; Julia, who was a bright and promising student at the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, died of quick consumption; and Elizabeth, who married James Hinney, is also deceased.

John W. Wilkinson was given educational advantages both in the local schools and at college, later entering upon an agricultural life which he has followed ever since with great success. His farm is well located, his buildings combine comfort, beauty and utility, and all of his surroundings display the | air of prosperity which proclaims the careful manager and excellent farmer. In 1896 he was elected county commissioner, on the same ticket which carried the names of the lamented President McKinley

On May 19, 1881, our subject was married to Jennie A. Hatcher, a native of Warren township, Belmont County, and a daughter of James and Amy Hatcher, of this township. The four children born to this union were: Fred C., a student of Lebanon, Ohio, is a teacher in Belmont County; Walter, educated at Morristown; James died at the age of ten months; and Clark died at the age of five months. The religious association of the family is with thé Methodist Church, in which Mr. Wilkinson is a trustee, and all are most highly esteemed members of society.

GEORGE W. REECE, who is engaged in a real estate and loan business at Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, is one of the active and enterprising citizens to which this section owes much of its recent wonderful growth.

The birth of Mr. Reece took place on July 27, 1847, a son of George W. and Sarah (Hill) Reece, the latter of whom was the thirteenth child born to Thomas and Sarah Hill, her advent into the world being in mid-ocean, on a sailing vessel, between England and account of adverse winds. George W. Reece, the father of our subject, was a blacksmith by trade and was employed at the Barnes Glass Works at what was then known as "Ritchietown," but which is now included in the cor- . porate limits of Wheeling. Later he located at the point now known as Benwood and there started into business for himself. He was known over a wide extent of country as an expert in his trade, and owners of horses would come long distances in order that he should shoe their valuable animals. Mr. Reece was also known for his genial manner and his place of business was a favorite resort for the better class, who there discussed matters of general interest while they were confident that he was doing work in his line in the most skilled manner. After Mr. Reece gave up his business at this place and went to Wheeling, his many friends were distressed to learn that he there succumbed to the cholera, in 1849. His was one of the most virulent cases, being fatal in a few hours. This was remarkable, as he was a man of such strength and agility, that he could run and jump over a horse or seat himself so nimbly beside a rider that he would not be noticed for some time. He was regarded as the leader of athletic sports in his locality, which were then of the most innocent nature, consisting principally of tests of skill for the enjoyment of others, no speculation being attached to the contests. Although he was not a church member, he was a man who lived an exemplary life. He accompanied his wife to the Methodist Church, with which she was connected. His wife died of cholera two days prior to his death.

Our subject was not much over two years of age when his father died and he was the youngest member of a family of five children, named as follows: John E. , Eliza J., Mary F., an infant, deceased, and George W. John E, who resides at Lazearville, "West Virginia, where he is postmaster, served three years as a drummer in the 1st Reg. Virginia Vol. Inf., was captured at Moorefield, Virginia, kept in Libby Prison over go days and then returned home; Eliza J., who is the widow of Mitchell Reagan, is a trained nurse; Mary F., who died at the age of 43 years, was the wife of Rev. F. Byrnes, of the Disciples' Church.

George W. Reece acquired his education in the schools in his neighborhood and worked around the coal mines in West Virginia until 1882 and then worked in a grocery which was known as the 'Drovers' Home," located. at North Benwood. He later became interested in it. In the flood of February, 8, 1884, all he had accumulated was swept away, and he then came to Martin's Ferry. For a few years he worked at the carpenter trade, then embarked in the confectionery business and in 1892 became interested in real estate and loans, a business he has followed ever since. For over a year he dealt exclusively in Ohio and West Virginia coal and timber lands. He is now the president and director of the Uneeda Tool & Machine Works, of Martin's Ferry, and has done much in the interest of this and other city industries.

The marriage of Mr. Reece took place on October 24, 1872, to Grizzela J. Riggle, a native of West Virginia, a daughter of Amos Riggle. Both of her parents are deceased. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Reece are: Jacob, who resides at Zanesville, Ohio; Elizabeth (Mrs. Rev. Ravenscroft), who resides in Missouri; David, who resides in Colorado; Lavina, who is Mrs. Harry Patterson, of Mc- Mechen, West Virginia; Emma (Mrs. Dalby Marple), who died in 1900; Florence (Mrs. Charles Kirby), who died about 1890; and Margaret (Mrs. James Thomas), who resides in Wheeling. Mrs. Reece is a very useful member of the Presbyterian Church, belongs to the religious order of that body known as the King's Daughters, is a member of the Home Missionary Society and is active in the ladies" social and church organizations in the city. Mr. Reece is an elder in the Presbyterian Church and 2 liberal supporter of its benevolent and missionary enterprises. His fraternal connection is with the American Order of United Workmen, in which he has passed all the chairs. He takes no active interest in politics, bevond voting the Republican ticket, but in all other matters pertaining to civic life he is interested and ever ready with his efforts.

EDWARD M. SIMPSON. Among the prominent and influential citizens of Coleram township, Belmont County, Ohio, there is none who stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens than the gentleman whose name appears above. He is a native of Ohio, havine been born in Canton, November 24, 1840, and is a son of Francis and Isabella (Laird) Simpson.

1800. After the death of his father and the remarriage of his mother, Francis was bound out to John Dillon, a Quaker of Zanesville, Ohio, when he was but seven years old. There he learned the iron trade, and when 21 years of age was offered $1,000 a year to manage the work, a position which he accepted. He was manager of the Dillon Iron Foundry for years, and then with his brotherin-law, James Hazlett, bought the works at Sandyville, Ohio, which they con- . ducted for some years. He moved to Belmont County in 1841, and lived near Morristown until his death in 1876, at the age of 76 years. Religiously, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. For a period of 20 years he satisfactorily discharged the three times married, his first union being with Isabella Laird, by whom he had four children, namely: Mary, widow of John Smurr, residing in Topeka, Kansas; William, a resident of Cambridge, Ohio; Edward M., subject of this sketch; and Isabella, wife of Eugene Dillon. After the death of his first wife at the age of 35 years, Mr. Simpson formed a second union with Margaret Gordon, now deceased, by whom he had a son, Robert. He formed a third matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Duncan, and she died without issue.

Edward M. Simpson attended the common schools, and as a boy assisted his father on the farm. He began farming for himself at the age of 21 years, and has always continued at that vocation. He came to Colerain township in 1870, purchasing one quarter section of land in section 26, all of which is underlaid with coal. He has sold some acres of this. one vein of the coal recently selling for $s8 an acre. He is an energetic and enterprising man, deeply interested in the welfare of his township and county, and has friends bevond number who admire him for his sterling worth and high character.

Daniel and Hannah Harris, both of whom are deceased. She has two younger sisters: Frances, widow of John Crymble, of Pasco: and Ella, deceased, who was wife of Louis Neiswanger. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have five children, as follows: Fanny, wife of John Crawford, of Pasco, by whom she has seven children, as follows, - Karl, Gertrude, Harriet, Ray, Eugene, Frances, and Waneta; Adda, wife of Dr. O. M. Keesor, of Beallsville, Monroe County, has two children, Ward and Catherine; Emma, wife of U. F. Duff, residing in Deming, New Mexico, has two children, Lorella and Dorothy; Robert M., a farmer of Colerain township, resides at home, - he has 18 acres of land, containing some 2,000 fruit trees, mostly plums, pears and cherries; and Lizzie, wife of Ross Hawthorne, of Harrisville, has one son, Ralph. Religiously, Mrs. Simpson is a member of the M. P. Church. He is not interested greatly in politics and votes the Union Reform ticket.

SYLVANUS C. DYSART, a Civil War veteran and retired agriculturist, now residing with his tenant, Wayne A. Wharton and family, on the Dysart homestead in Wheeling township, is a man of considerable means, has traveled extensively and is well informed on all general subjects. He was born on the farm on which he now resides April 23, 1832, and is the son of John and Maria Cook (Grimes) Dysart.

William Dysart, grandfather of Sylvanus C., born in Ireland, came to this country in 1802, and after a short residence in Pennsylvania moved to Ohio, where, purchasing land of the government, he made a permanent home for himself. A man of great energy and power, he cleared the new land and made it in time a valuable piece of property. To Mr. Dvsart and wife were born four children - John, who is mentioned below: William, born in 1805, married Lucinda Hena native of this county and a daughter of | derson, and they had eight children, two boys and six girls, - he owned for some time a farm near Fairpoint, later one of 200 acres in Champaign County, where he died; Boyd, born in 1807, who lived in Morristown and of Lucinda Henderson, and they had three sons, - Mrs. Dysart married for her second husband James Twinem; Jane, born in 1809, died in 1855, married John Neal of Guernsey County, Ohio, and they had nine children, four boys and five girls. Mr. Dysart taught school before coming to this country.

John Dysart, father of Sylvanus, was born while the parents were on board ship coming from Ireland to America in 1802. He made his home for the most part in Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio. After the death of his parents he purchased his brothers" interests in the family homestead and there lived and carried on farming for the rest of his life. In 1841 he put up a new barn, which is still intact, and in 1853 he erected the house in which Sylvanus now resides. He died August 20, 1890, and his wife October 31, 1894. Both are interred in the cemetery at St. Clairsville. About 1830 he married Maria Cook Grimes, daughter of William Grimes, who was born in Pennsylvania, settled in Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, about 1775, and there spent the rest of his life. His house and its contents were destroved by fire in 1844 and his wife suffered severe burns, from the effects of which she died. To Mr. and Mrs. Dysart were born six children - Sylvanus C., who is mentioned below; William, born in 1834, died December 10, 1895; Thomas, born in 1836, became a United Presbyterian minister and officiated for some time in Mansfield, Ohio, where he died in 1882; Boyd W., born in 1839, now resides in Greene County, Missouri; John B., born in 1841, met his death from the effects of a wound received in the Civil War; Mary Jane, born in 1853, married Renoldo Runyan of Jefferson County, Ohio, and died in 1888.

Upon reaching manhood he assisted in the management of the home farm for a number of years. Here he remained until the Civil War broke out, and then in the spring of 1864 enlisted in the 17oth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and going to the front put in 100 days of hard service, and was in five different battles, including Winchester, Snicker's Gap and Cedar Creek. Returning by the way of Pittsburg, he was there elaborately entertained, soon after which he received his discharge at Columbus. After the war he remained with his parents on the home farm until their death. Then, in January, 1895, he purchased the place of his brother, J. B. Dysart, who administered the estate. He has since let the farm, Wayne A. Wharton being the present tenant, and has spent considerable time in the West, returning occasionally to look after his property.

Mr. Dysart has never married, a fact which he now somewhat regrets. He has spent much of his time in travel, taking in the World's Fair in 1893, going on an excursion trip in 1882 and 1883, and at different times visiting Canada and its points of interest, including Niagara Falls and Toronto. He belongs to the United Presbyterian Church of Harrisville, Ohio, and is a consistent member. In politics he is an ardent Republican.

THOMAS J. McKELVEY, a prominent and successful farmer and a highly esteemed and representative citizen of Belmont County, is located on a fine farm in section 27, Mead township. He was born in Richland township on October 1, 1847, a son of Joseph and Ann Jane (Boyd) McKelvey, the latter of whom was born 73 years ago in Belmont County, and is now a resident of Cambridge, Guernsey County. Her father was William Boyd, who came as a pioneer to the county and who settled and cleared up a farm near Franklin station, where he resided until his death some 12 years ago in advanced age.

1821 and died in this county in February, 1891. When but a lad of 17 years in 1838 he came to the United States, locating in Richland township, Belmont County, on land near our subject's present home, and there he lived until within two years of his death, this occurring in Bellaire, where he lived retired. A Republican from principle, he always vigorously supported the party. His brothers were: James, who removed from Belmont to Monroe County and died there; Robert, who resided on Pipe Creek, near Businessburg, has a son, Thomas, who lives near Belmont; Thomas, for whom our subject was named, never married, but accumulated a large amount of land in Mead township and was a wealthy man at time of death; David was drowned in the Ohio River in young manhood; George, who removed to Monroe County, his son George C. being the present Democratic candidate for sheriff of Belmont County; Samuel; Joseph; and Weir, who resided in both Belmont and Monroe counties, finally settling at Bellaire, where he died and where his sons are prominent citizens.

A family of nine children were born to Joseph and Ann Jane McKelvey, as follows: Thomas J., the eldest; Margaret Ánn married Ross Hutchison and died in Kansas; Lizzie married A. D. King and resides near Glencoe; William resides in Smith township, near Glencoe; Mary Bell married Clarence W. Neff and they.reside near Neff's siding; Sarah Jane, who married James Johnson, and lives in Arkansas; Mattie married Joseph Duncan, a business man of Cleveland, Ohio: Robert- was accidentally killed while following his busines as mine inspector in Colorado, leaving his widow, a daughter of Isaiah Neff; and Eva, who died voung.

Mr. McKelvey of this record was reared in Richland township, where he was educated and lived until his marriage, when he removed to Mead and purchased his present fine farm, located but a short distance north of Kev station. Here he has a farm of 100 acres of the best kind of land. well adapted to general farming and stock raising, and here Mr. McKelvey has just completed a handsome new residence, fitted with every comfort for modern living. In 1876 he married Ada L., a daughter of Peter Neff, and the two children born to this union are Clarence Neff, a druggist engaged with Charles Arnold in Bellaire, who was but recently married to Maggie Knox, of this county; and Roberta. May, a young lady at home. The religious membership of the family is in the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. McKelvey is an active Republican. He was formerly connected with the Farmers' Alliance movement. Asa first-class citizen, awake to the requirements of modern times, he is held in general esteem, and is respected and beloved in his locality as a good neighbor and exemplary member of society.

DR. J. N. McMASTER. A prominent member of an old Belmont County family is found in Dr. J. N. McMaster, who, since the fall of 1871, has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Centreville, Ohio. . where he is also a leading and representative citizen.

Dr. McMaster was born December 30, 1844, on his father's farm in Mead township, being a son of Samuel and Sarah Ann (Gregory) MeMaster, and a grandson of Robert McMaster, a pioneer from Pennsylvania, in 1817. The father was born in 1813, and the mother in 1817; the former still survives, but the latter passed away in Igor.

Our subject was reared on his father's estate and secured his education in the local schools, deciding early in lite upon his intended career. The outbreak of the Civil War changed, for a time, the current of his life, as on October 7, 1862, he enlisted for service, entering the oth Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., participating in the campaign through the South under Generals Burnsides, Rauseau and the gallent Kilpatrick, who was his last commander. His term of service ended July 16, 1865. Returning home, he began the study of medicine in earnest, teaching school in order to pro- vide the means, attending one term at West Alexander Academy during this time and in the winter of 1868-69 took his first lectures at Starling Medical College. The winter of 1869- 70 was spent at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he graduated in March, 1870. His first practice was in association with Dr. William Piper for 18 months, but in October, 1871, he located at Centreville, and this village has been his home during all the succeeding busy years. At different times during this period, he has admitted partners, at one time Dr. G. L. Ramsey, and at another the late Dr. Wilkinson, as the demands upon his strength and time have been too onerous. Dr. McMaster built his comfortable home in 1876 and has his office located in the same building.

On November 27, 1871, our subject was united in marriage with Susan E. Neff, daughter of Henry and Matilda A. (Hall) Neff, the latter of whom died at the age of 49 years, in 1865, and the former of whom resides, aged 92 years, near Glencoe, where Mrs. McMaster was born July 18, 1846. She is one of seven children born to her parents, namely: George Hall, born September 10, 1845, died at the age of nine days; Susan Elizabeth, Mrs. Mc- Master ; Dorcas Ann, born May 2, 1848, the wife of John A. Thompson, of St. Clairsville; Jane L., born March 17, 1850, became Mrs. Helpbringer, and died recently near Glencoe; Vachel Singleton, born August 14, 1852, died at the age of three years; Margaret M. C., born May 9, 1855, married Rev. T. H. Armstrong ; and Henry Allen, born July 21, 1859, who resides on his farm in Smith township. Mrs. McMaster is a cultivated lady and was educated at Steubenville. Three children were born to the Doctor and his wife, namely: Elva Leonora, born April 24, 1873, married Rev. A. A. Brown, a Methodist minister of Beverly, Ohio, and they have three children, Chase Mc- Master, Edna Elizabeth and Stowell Nelson. Rev. William Henry McMaster was born September 17, 1875, and is one of the most brilliant young men this locality has ever produced. On July 27, 1899, he graduated at

Mount Union, and graduated also at Drew University, where he took the fellowship prize of $230 in gold, which was to be used for higher education. On June 24, 1902, he graduated at the University of New York, having spent two years in teaching at Drew Theological School, and was ordained a deacon, September 17, 1899, at the Eastern Ohio Conference and preached his first sermon on his 18th birthday. For the past eight years he has been in the ministry and is now stationed at Elmhurst, New York. The youngest son, Samuel Emerson McMaster, was born September 22, I881, taught school one year, graduated at Lebanon College in 1900, spent 1901 at the Ohio State University, and is now attending the Ohio Medical College at Columbus.

The religious connection of the whole family is with the Methodist Church. Dr. Mc- Master has served six terms as notary public, being first appointed by Governor Hoadly. He is a member of Hess Post, G. A. R., No. 595, at Armstrong's Mills, and was one of the charter members of Weyer Lodge, F. & A. M., at Centreville, serving for 10 years as its secretary. He belongs also to the Belmont County Medical Society and keeps abreast of the times in his profession. Dr. McMaster is the accredited examiner for these insurance companies: The Mutual Benefit, of New Jersey; the Home, of New York; the Michigan Mutual, of Detroit; the New York Life; and the Prudential.

WILLIAM HARRISON WARREN, a prominent farmer of Mead township, Belmont County, and a worthy representative of old pioneer families of the county which have been conspicuous through generations both in agricultural and military life, was born in his present home in Mead township in 1840, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Hardesty) Warren.

On the maternal side of the family, Mr. Warren comes of Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, Obadiah Hardesty, serving in the Continental Army. Mrs. Warren was born in Glencoe, Richland township, Belmont County, where her father located on a farm soon after the close of the Revolutionary -War, and died in 1877, aged about 77 years. On the paternal side the early ancestors belonged to the State of Maryland, and there Daniel Warren was born in 1790, a son of Haddick Warren, who first located at Middletown, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and írom there came to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1804, all of the following children having been born prior to this time - Daniel, John, Caleb, James, William, Polly, Catherine and Sarah. Haddick Warren was one of the first settlers to locate in the eastern part of Belmont County, buying a farm near Neff's siding, where he spent the remainder of his life and where his tomb may be found. He also was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

It is a subject of comment that when the country needed help in the various struggles from which has come American independence, the Warren family always had a loval member to offer service. of 1812 Daniel Warren participated with gallantry. After his marriage he came to Mead township and located on a farm in section 30, the same property now owned by his son, our subject. He engaged in agricultural pursuits through the whole of his life, and a family of r4 children were born to them in the old home on the farm. Nancy, the eldest, was born February 21, 1817, and died in the old home at the age of 55 years; John, born October 4. 1818, died unmarried in St. Joseph, Missouri, aged about 33 years; Eliza, born April 4, 1820, married James

17, 1821, died at Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio, aged 21 years; Morgan, born Novem- Der MESES T moved to Iowa and was drowned in the Ottawa River in 1876, - he had been a soldier in the Civil War in the 29th Reg., Iowa Vol.

Charity, born October 14, 1825, died at the age of nine years; Susan, born February 10, 1829, married William Graham, and both died at their home at Captina Creek, residing in Belmont County, one in. West Virginia and one in Nebraska; Sarah, the twin sister of Susan, married William Wiley, and at death left a son and daughter, residents of Jackson County, Indiana; Haddick L., born January 17, 1831, resides at Alma, resides at Ella, Marshall County, West Virginia; Rhoda, born October 20, 1834, married Prince Green, and resides in Spraytown, Jackson County, Indiana; Ebenezer, born July 4, 1838, died unmarried in 1871.

1840. He was reared to farm work, and the principal business interests of his life have been centered in agricultural developments. His fine farm of 2184 acres is well cultivated and finelv improved, and he has here engaged in general farming, combined with dairying, his general prosperity being the result of excellent management and the intellivent use of modern methods and improved machinerv.

On April 16, 1866, Mr. Warren married Harriet Eliza Berry, who was born September 30. 1845, in Mead township, a daughter ot William C. and Mary (Haughtengohow) Berrv, the former of whom was born at Wellsburg. Virginia, now West Virginia, and died in 1870, aged 68 years. He was a son

1869, aged 27 years; Harriet E., the wife of Mr. Warren; Augusta J. is the widow of James White of Moundsville; William J., a resident of Mead township; John W., a resident of Moundsville, married Lizzie Lash, and James Albert, a resident of Moundsville, married Lizzie Schrimp.

To Mr. and Mrs. Warren has been born a family of eight children, namely, - William S., born April 2, 1867, is a physician in practice at Businessburg, Ohio, graduating from Bryant Stratton's. Business College and Starling Medical College. He married Anna C. Boyd, and their four children are: Mary Elizabeth, aged seven years; Dulcie E., aged five years; Harriet - Isabel, aged two years and William Boyd, an infant, deceased. Myrta I., born March 20, 1869, married George H. Ramsey of Mead township, and they have five children - Forrest, born in 1891; Clarence E., born in 1893; Harriet Mildred, born June 6, 1896; Harry Warren, born February 15, 1898, and Loring Fulton, born September 3, 1901. Carrie B., born March 3, 1871, married William A. Craig, and they reside in Businessburg, their children being Loring Day, born August 5, 1894, Harriet Eliza, Bernau 20 rS07/w alld E einians born May 2, 1899, deceased. Daniel H., born July 5, 1873, is a graduate of the Western Pennsylvania University and for the past year has been practicing his profession

1902, he married Ada L. Neff, of Neff's siding. The youngest son, Harrison Edwin, was born November 1, 1882, and remains at home assisting his father.

During the stormy period of the Civil War Mr. Warren, true to family tradition, offered his services in defense of his country, belonging during nine months at the close of the war to Company I, sth Ohio Vol. Cav., under the brave Kilpatrick, and escaped any serious injury. In political sentiment he has always adhered to the Republican party, supporting its candidates and promoting its influence In fraternal connection he is associated with the Masonic body, belonging to Weyer Lodge, No. 541, of Centreville, Ohio, as are also his sons, and he also belongs to Spangler Post, G. A. R., of Bellaire. The religious connection of family is.with the Methodist Church at Pleasant Hill.

JOHN M. WILKINS, who is numbered among the influential farmers of Belmont County, Ohio, is a general farmer, owning about 149 acres of cultivated land in Richland township. He was born on the home place in 1846 and resides there today.

Mr. Wilkins is a son of Robert and Margaret (Murray) Wilkins, both natives of Richland township, and now deceased. Robert Wilkins became an agriculturist and also raised stock to some extent, becoming quite successful in his occupation. He married Margaret Murray, whose father was bridge contractor on the old National Road. She died in 1893, when 76 years of age, leaving as mourners her husband and several children. She was the mother of six children, namely: Augusta, Lydia, James, John M., Robert and Ellen; but Robert, James and Augusta are now passed away. Lydia and our subject are still single and live on the home place. Ella is the widow of Dr. George Close and now makes her home with our subject also, the farm being near St. Clairsville, on the north.

Our subject's parents were devoted in their membership in the M. E. Church, and reared their children in this faith also. In politics Mr. Wilkins was a Republican and an earnest worker for party welfare. Socially he was a member of St. Clairsville Lodge of the I. O. O. F. At his death in June, 1899, he was 81 years old, and in losing him, the county lost one of its truest and best citizens.

John M. Wilkins fully understands the management of his acres, and his home surroundings show that he is both prosperous and progressive. He is liberal in both rehgious and political views and takes much interest in the work of either class. Asa well-meaning citizen he has the honor and respect of all his fellow men.

CAPT. ALBERT W. LEE, postmaster at Uniontown, Belmont County, and one of the county's representative citizens, is a native of the Buckeye State, born on February 1, 1840, in New Athens, Harrison County. He is a son of William Lee, a grandson of James Lee, Jr., and a great-grandson of James and Isabella (Bascowan) Lee, the latter a daughter of Lord Bascowan, of the north of Ireland.

James Lee, Sr. was evidently a man of wealth and social prominence, indicated by his being received as a son-in-law by a member of the Irish nobility, but, bevond the fact of the alliance, little is known of his movements except of his unfortunate start for America. The family records show that in 1785, James and 33 cousins, embarked on a vessel named "Ihe Faithful Steward," which so far falsified its cognomen as to go to pieces on the shores of Delaware Bay, on its passage from London to Philadelphia, and all the trusting passengers were drowned except James Lee, Jr., his brother's wife, and four cousins, who finally reached land on pieces of wreckage, the ship being scuttled by sailors, as:there was a heavy insurance on the ship and cargo.

James Lee, Jr., the grandfather of Captain Lee, was born January 14, 1759, in County. Donegal, Ireland, and on March 13, 1792, married Elizabeth Rankin, who was of Scotch- Irish origin, and a native of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Lee settled in Chartier's Valley, three miles northeast of Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania, near the station which now bears the appropriate name of Meadowlands, there rearing his family and living until the time of his death, December Z1 1843, in his 85th year. His son Tames inherited his farm. The children of James and Elizabeth Lee were nine in number, namely: Thomas, William, Elizabeth, Hugh, Mary, George, Rachel, Samuel and James. Of these - Thomas came to Ohio at an early day, settled near Cadiz, became a man of affairs, and was made judge of the County Court. He owned a large farm northeast of Cadiz and at first conducted a tannery, but later engaged exclusively in farming. He reared a family of three boys and five girls, two of the former becoming ministers. His death occurred in 1855. Elizabeth married a Mr. Buchanan and removed to Illinois, where she reared a family and died some years ago. Hugh married and moved to Oregon, in 1853, settled in the Willamette Valley, where he died in 1884. Mary became Mrs. Heuston and lived and died in Illinois. George married, located in Pomeroy, Ohio, in the jewelry business, and died there. Rachel married Rev. David Thompson and with her husband started west as a missionary, dying at Fort Laramie, on the way to Oregon, in 1853. Samuel married Mary Russell of Washington County and lived and died in Con-

Other members of the Lee family were three brothers of great-grandfather James, one of whom settled in Carroll County, Ohio; another, Hugh, settled near Cross Creek, Pennsylvania; and a third, James, who settled near Hickory, "in Washington County, Pennsylvania. A distinguished member of another branch of the famil y of Captain Lee was Gen. Robert E. Lee, who was a descendant of a family of Lees that came from the north of England and settled in Virginia, having gone there about the same time our subject's ancestry went from England to Ireland, thence to America.

William Lee, the father of Captain Lee, was born December 25, 1798, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and lived there, until 20 years of age, learned the tailor's trade, and then went to St. Louis, Missouri,:soon after locating at Cadiz, Ohio, where he married Maria Pritchard, daughter of Jesse Pritchard, on March 22, 1824, and worked for a short time at his trade, but later engaged in a mercantile business in Cadiz and New Athens until 1854, when he sold his store and moved to a farm. He remained on this farm, near Loydsville until 1875, when he removed to St. Clairsville and resided in that place until his death on January 8, 1886. Mr. Lee was a man of limited education, but was industrious and energetic and was successful in business. A family of six sons and four daughters was born to William and Maria Lee, as follows: James, born February 27, 1825, never married, lived in New Athens, but died in August, 1899, at the home of his brother, Albert W.; John P., born June 10, 1827, died of scarlet fever on January 19, 1831; Mary, born August 15, 1829, died February 7, 1831, of scarlet fever ; Sarah I., born January 7, 1832, died January 2B 1841, of fever; John. R., born September 14, 1834, died February I5, 1841, of fever; Jesse, born April 26, 1837, died February 28, 1856, being drowned in Duck Creek, Washington County, Ohio; Albert W., of this biography'; Elizabeth M., born December 18, 1842,

| and died in 1900, married Samuel Hilles, who | at different times was sheriff oí Belmont County and member of the Legislature, - their children consisted of two boys and three girls, one of the former being superintendent of the Juvenile School on the Hudson (New York); Emma N., born September 16, 1845, married Henry N. Moore, of Red Oak, Iowa, where she still resides, having two children living, three being dead; and William Howard, born September 20, 1848, who has been twice married, his first wife being Clara Vickers; he lives near Tacoma, State of Washington, and has six children.

Albert W. Lee, the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated primarily in the common schools in his native county and then attended Franklin College, leaving his studies in order to enlist, as a private, for service in the Civil - War, under Capt. Peter Tallman, in Company + K, 17th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for three months and was in the West Virginia campaign during this term. He re-enlisted in Company E, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf, for three years, under Capt. Frank Askew, again entering as a private, and saw service in the Army of the Cumberland, under General Buell in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, taking sick at luka and Florence and, after one year of service, was discharged at Nashville. On recovering from the fever which had prostrated him and shortened his second term of service, our subject raised a company of his own, through Wheeling and Union townships, which was accepted and mustered into the service as Company E, 17oth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., of which Mr. Lee was elected captain.

In the meantime, after his discharge at Nashville, Captain Lee attended Duff's Business College, at Pittsburg, and graduated in March, 1864, taking his company after this to W ashington, D. C. The company was assigned to the Valley of Virginia in the summer of 1864, and took part in several battles and skirmishes. Captain Lee's company was engaged in skirmishes with General Earlv's men at Harper's Ferry, July 6, 1864, and also at Snicker's Gap, in July, 1864, at Winchester, in July, 1864, where General Mulligan was killed and where our subject barely escaped capture, and in all these engagements bore off honors for gallant conduct. After a service of about two years, the company was mustered out, in September, 1864.

dusky, and took charge of a military store for his cousin, Fulton Moffett, who had the appointment from the government as storekeeper tor the military post located there; several thousand Confederate prisoners were confined there, the greater number of these being |

William Lee, who resided near Uniontown, a second cousin oí Captain Lee's father. With his wite he settled on a farm two miles north of Uniontown and there engaged in farming cialty of sheep, and figuratively changing his sword into a ploughshare. In January, 1898, Captain Lee bought two stores in Uniontown and also purchased the Dunbar corner-lot the business until 1901, when he sold it to his son Charles P. Lee, who later sold to Everett C. Taylor, who conducts the business, though the property still belongs to Charles P. Lee:

The children born to Captain and Mrs. Lee numbered four, namely: Marie, Charles P. and Robert Vance. William D. Lee was born April 3, 1867, and married lin College, and died February 18, 1897. Charles P. Lee was born April 8, 1871, married Birdie Taylor and they have one little daughter of four years, named Martha, and reside at Bannock. Robert Vance Lee was born January 2, 1875, and married Lucy Perry, a daughter of O. H. Perry, of Cadiz, Ohio, a descendant of Commodore Perry. Mr. Lee resides in Meadville, Pennsylvania, a jeweler by trade, and his one child, Mary Enita, was born in February, 1891, in Durango, Colorado.

Although a Republican in his political sympathy, a son of a father who was an Abolitionist or Free-Soiler, Captain Lee has not taken of late years a very deep interest in public matters, aside from local affairs. He has faithfully served his locality in a number of offices, has been justice of the peace and has been frequeutly urged to accept political positions, but since 1892 has never consented to become a candidate. Since May 19, 1898, he has been postmaster at Uniontown, appointed through Charles Emory Smith under the administration of the late President McKinley, and has made one of the best officials the people of this section have ever had. Since taking charge, the office has been raised to a money order office and business has increased five per cent. For many years he has shown his interest in educational matters by serving on the School In religious life, Captain Lee has always been identified with the Presbyterian Church, was reared in its teachings, his father being one of the elders, and nearly all of his family are still in active membership in the Bannock Presbyterian Church, although our subject has practically, in late years, withdrawn on account of difference of opinion. He has been superintendent of this Sundayschool and taught the Young Ladies' Bible Class for a long period and has taken an active interest in the Young People's meetings. His present attitude 1s that of a firm believer in miles of Uniontown. Annie Marie Lee was born August 11, 1869, was educated at Franknot feel that he can hold with some of the beliefs which have crept into the church. Few men know the Bible more thoroughly or follow

SAMUEL McMASTER. Very many of the leading old families of Belmont County were founded in this locality by sturdy pioneers from Pennsylvania, who came hither in the early days of its settlement to secure homes for their large number of children, and such was the case with the McMaster family, so well and favorably known.

Robert McMaster was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and married Sarah Meeks, who was born across the line, in Washington County, in the same State, and with their children, in 1817, they migrated to Belmont County, Ohio, where Robert purchased a tract of 80 acres from Frazier Taylor, in Mead township, near Jacobsburg. It was probably somewhat improved at the time, as it had been originally the property of the well-known Thomas Miles. Later, Robert McMaster secured 70 acres in Smith township, near Jacobsburg, and here both he and wife died, the latter in February, 1850, at the age of 52 years, and the former in 1874, at the age of 84 years. They had a family of five sons and four daughters born to them, all of whom grew to maturity and some of whom have shown a remarkable longevity, as is notable in the case of the subject of this sketch, Samuel McMaster, the eldest of the family, who was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on December 6, 1813. The others were as follows; Frances, now Mrs. Weyer, of Powhatan, Belmont County, was born in 1815, also in Pennsylvania; Nancy was born in 1817 and has been deceased many years; Andrew, born in 1818, has also been deceased for a long period; Dr. William was born in 1820, and for some 20 years practiced medicine and conducted a drug store at Bellaire, where he died; George was born in 1822, learned the trade of saddler at St.

Clairsville, and practiced the same at Bellaire and Wheeling, where he died; Margaret was born in 1824, married Harvey Porterfield, and died in 1852, of cholera, at Bellaire; Mary Ann was born in 1826, married, first, Thomas Fulton, second, William Allen, and, third, William Hoskinson, and resides, a widow, with her daughter at Moundsville; and Henry, born in 1829, who follows a tailoring business at Bellaire.

Our venerable subject has been an active man through many years of his life, engaged in coopering, cobbling, but mainly in farming, and owned the farm where A. W. Mc- Master now resides. The old home in which he and wife went to housekeeping, in 1835, was destroyed by fire, in 1900, together with contents greatly valued by the family. Mr. McMaster was married November 5, 1835, at Jacobsburg, to Sarah Ann Gregory, who was born near St. Clairsville in 1817, - and died January 24, 1901, after a happy married life of 65 years. The children of this union were: Robert Clark, born September 8, 1836, married Angeline Simpson on January. 27, 1859, and died March 24, 1859; William W., born March 22, 1838, married' Isabel: McNiece and they live near Glencoe on a farm, with children, - Lizzie, Sadie, Margaret, Annie, Carrie, and Susan, Bertie May being deceased; John W., born July 16, 1841, married Margaret Porterfield and resides in Kansas, their children being Ella, Addie, Emma, Samuel, Minnie, James, and Alice; Dr. James N., born December 30, 1844; Thomas J., born November 13, 1846; Samuel A., born May 12, 1851, died November. 17, 1852; Alexander W. was born September 30, 1853; and Sarah E., born October 19, 1860, married September 8, 1881, Atwell D. Creamer, born in Mead township May 9, 1861, and they reside on a farm in Smith township, near Jacobsburg, and have children, - Everett, Ernest N., Ila Gail, Susan, and Ethel. In politics Mr. McMaster has always supported the Democratic party and has been called upon to fill many of the township offices, having been supervisor and township clerk, and tor 27 years justice of the peace, administering this office continuously for 21 years. His Masonic connection dates back to 1843, when he was received into Moriah Lodge, now of Powhatan, but then of Jacobsburg, and he was a charter member of Weyer Lodge at Centreville, in Smith township. Mr. McMaster has never attached himself to any religious body, although his attendance has always been upon Presbyterian services, with his wife. He has contributed to the building of both Presbyterian and Methodist churches, and has always supported reformatory and moral laws.

Samuel Mead, the grandfather of Edward L., was born July 3, 1779, and was a son of Benjamin and Hannah Mead. In his early years, he was a school teacher. For many years he resided at Olivett, near which he owned a large tract of land, a portion of which is still owned by one of his grandsons. He married Hannah Whittaker, who died at the old home near Olivett. He died December 29, 1861, aged 83 years, five months and 26 days. Samuel Mead and wite were the parents of nine children, as follows: 1808, married Asa Hoge, and died but recently; Benjamin L., born March 25, 1811, was a tanner by trade and lived at Quaker City, Guernsey County, for many years, moved then to Minneapolis, and there owns property and born April 22, 1817; Amanda Jane, born May 27, 1819, married Jeptha Cowgill, resided in Iowa and died about five years ago at Colorado Springs at the home of a daughter; Louisa Maria, born November 2, 1820, married Dr. Clark Schooley of Mount Pleasant, and died several years ago; Lamina Letitia, born August 9, 1823, is the widow of Edward Loyd, and resides at Columbus, Ohio; and Milo Milton, born February 25, 1827, a physician in Minneapolis, who was a surgeon in the army during the Civil War.

Enfield Samuel Mead, the father of the subject of this biography, spent his boyhood near Olivett and obtained the best schooling afforded at the time in the locality. December 7, 1848, he married Lucy Dearborn, who was born November 18, 1824, in Morgan County, a daughter of Nathan and Lucy Dearborn, one of the pioneer families, and she survived until January 9, 1901. In 1861 they settled on the farm now owned by Edward L. and resided there for 38 years. Mr. Mead was a fine representative of the farming community, a man of industry, high principles and strict integrity. He was a Republican in his political attachment and served with credit as trustee of his township. The eight children born to him and wife were: Corwin D., born November 13, 1849, resides at Pierre, South Dakota, - he married Ida Wicks, of Granville, and has three daughters; Clarkson O., born June 23, 1851, is a farmer near Champion, Nebraska, and married first Mary Martin, who died March 23, 1880, and married second a Miss Pine of Iowa; Anson G., born August 22, 1853, who is an attorney at Beloit, Kansas, married Phoebe Elma Lee, who lived near Somerton; Ida S., born September 25, 1855, married Thomas T. Colpitts, a stone | contractor of Toledo, Ohio; Annie E., born October 19, 1857, married H. C. Ewers, a hardware merchant of Bagley, Iowa, and died at Minneapolis, February 3, 1885; Edward L., of this sketch; Virginia L., born April 9, 1862, married W. K. Burns, a farmer residing near Bagley, Iowa; and Amanda B., born October 21, 1864, who married her brother-in-law, H. ' C. Ewers, at Bagley, Iowa.

years of age. It contains 16077 acres, located in section 21, and he has followed general farming all his life, taking a just pride in his fertile acres and sleek, well-conditioned stock and catile His methods have insured him a good measure of success and Mr. Mead has been able to establish himself among the most substantial men of the township. His tastes have been entirely in the direction of agriculture, although his two brothers, Corwin and A. G., are equally devoted to the law, the former having been Probate judge in South Dakota and the latter a member of the Kansas State Senate. A quieter life has satisfieed our subject and he is well and widely known as a thoroughly representative farmer and a most highly esteemed citizen.

In 1888 Mr. Mead was married to Emma S. McEndree, who was born on an adjoining farm, January 15, 1867, and is a daughter of H. F. and Frances J. (Talbert) McEndree, the former of whom was born October 14, 1843, in Belmont County, being a son of H. F. and Sophia McEndree. He grew to manhood in his native county, preparing for the active duties of life, but the whole current was changed for years, by the outbreak oí the Civil War. With loyalty and enthusiasm, he enrolled his name as one of his country's defenders, in Company I, 69th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., on February 3, 1862, for a service of three years or through the war. On February 18, 1864, he was honorably discharged, at Chattanooga, Tennessee, by reason of re-enlistment as a veteran volunteer. Mr. McEndree gave his service until the close of the struggle, and after participating in some of the most serious engagements of the war was finally discharged on July 14, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. Among the battles which can never be forgotten by the people of the United States on account of their fearful havoc and carnage, were those of Murfresboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Jonesboro, and also the great march of Sherman to the sea, and in all these Mr. McEndree took the part of a brave and valiant soldier. Upon his return, he married, on March 8, 1866, Frances J. Talbert, a daughter of William and Emily Talbert, of Morristown, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Talbert have resided in Belmont County many years, where a family of six children was born to them, namely: Emma, who became Mrs. Mead, in 1888; Clarkson, who in 1892 married Clara A. Palmer, resides in Speidel; Charles, who in 1896 married Ida Burns, resides in Belmont; Albert, who is engaged with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; and Jessie Beatrice, who is at home with her parents. Mr. McEndree is a member of Hilles Post, G. A. R., No. 220, of Barnesville. Both he and wife are consistent and worthy members of the Baptist Church at Bethesda.

A family of two children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mead, viz.: Enfield S., born August 29, 1891, and George A., born February 8, 1902. In politics Mr. Mead stands on the Republican platform and actively supports the principles of that party. With his estimable

WILLIAM RAMSEY, one of the prominent and substantial farmers of Mead township, Belmont County, Ohio, belongs to an old-established family of State and county, whose members are known through their several communities as leading and representative citizens. The birth of Wil-: lam Ramsey took place December 24, 1844, in Washington township, Belmont County, and his parents were Allen and Mary (Thornborough) Ramsey, the latter of whom was born in England about 1816, a. daughter of William and Matilda (Lazenby) Thornborough. The Thorn- . borough family came to America and settled in Belmont County about 1818, entered . land in Washington township, and resided there the balance of their lives, Mr. Thornborough dying about 1845, his widow surviving until 1882.

mont County was Thomas Ramsey, a native ot County Tyrone, Ireland, who immigrated to Washington County, Pennsylvania, about 1790, at the age of 18 years, married there a member oí the Falconer family, and moved with his children to Smith township, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1818, and there lived for the rest of his life, leaving these sons: David, John, Samuel, Abram, Allen, and Aaron F.

Allen Ramsey, the fifth son of Thomas Ramsey, was born May 28, 1811, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was brought by -his father to Belmont County in 1818. His marriage to Mary Thornborough took place in Washington township, Belmont County, where he resided a number of years, his last days, however, being spent in Mead township, where he died July 19, 1887. His venerable widow stil! survives, at the age of 86 years, a resident of Key station, Mead township. The children of Allen Ramsey and wife were: Elizabeth, who married William Thompson, resides in Mead township and has a large family; Thomas H., who is a farmer near our subject; Louisa, who died young; Nancy Jane, who is Mrs. Devol, resides in York township; William, who is the subject of this biography; George, who was a resident of - Mead township, died at the age of 19 years; Eleanor, who died at the age of 18 years; Matilda A., who married David Little, resides at Glencoe; Louisa, who married John Harvey, resides at Bellaire; and John A., who is a farmer and also a merchant residing at Key station.

William Ramsey was mainly reared in Mead township, where his schooling was obtained, and he remained on the home farm until he was 26 years old. After marriage he located in the southwestern part of Mead township, purchasing the Taylor, farm, and has devoted his attention to general farming and the raising of standard sheep and cattle.

On September s, 1870, Mr. Ramsey was married to Amanda Helpbringer, who was born in Smith township in 1850, and a family of nine children has been born to them: Dr. George L., a prominent physician of Powhatan Point; Lura V., who died September 1, 1898, aged 23 years; Clara, who died at the age of three years; William John, born in 1878, resides at home; Arthur Allen, who died at the age of three years; Mary F., who married John W. Muster, resides with her father, her two children being Lura Beatrice and Eugene Ralph; Ellis E., born March 29, 1886, and Newell M., aged r2 years, and Eva A., aged IO years, are at home. All of these children have been given excellent educational advantages and have been well fitted for the responsibilities of life,

Mr. Ramsey is a Republican in his political adherence, and has capably and frequently served in many of the township offices, at present being a member of the School Board. The family belong to the Methodist Church at Jacobsburg, a pleasant town reached by a short drive. Mr. Ramsey lives near enough to thus enjoy both town and country benefits. In addition to being a man of known integrity, Mr. Ramsey also has the reputation of being a most genial and hospitable host. Although now one of the substantial men of the township, he began far down the ladder, his success being almost entirely due to his own efforts.

ERORI W iON BS SM suocesstul farmer and intelligent 'and esteemed citizen of Flushing township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Kirkwood township, in the same county, July 1, 1855, a son of Samuel and Charlotte (Douglass) Groves, the latter a daughter of Hugh Douglass, of the same township. The Groves family is an old and respected' one, noted fer its devotion to the Methodist Church, and for its adherence to the principles of Democracy. The Douglasses originated in Scotland, immigrated to Maryland, where. Hugh Douglass was born.

Samuel Groves, the father of our 'subject, was born in-Kirkwood township, Belmont County, in 1825, and died August 26, 1900, aged 65 years, six months and 14 days. In 1854 he married Charlotte Douglass, and they had born to them a family of six children, namely: . Elliott W.; Iona I., who married A. Ferguson Hunter, lives near Barnesville; Cyrus died when but 10 years of age; Savina, Eliza, and Ida. Samuel Groves followed farming all his life, residing on a farm adjoining the farm where he was born. He was a man of exemplary character,. devoted to his home and family, and highly respected in his neighborhood. He. was of Holland descent on the paternal side and German on the maternal, and inherited admirable traits from both parents. ` Elliott W. Groves acquired a good common school education, which wide reading and much travel has ripened into a vast fund of useful knowledge. On September 11, 1879, he married Laura Howell, a daughter of Hiram, a granddaughter of John, and a great- granddaughter of Benjamin Howell. Mr. and Mrs. Groves reside on the Howell homestead, her mother still surviving, an honored member of the family. They have one son, Murry, who was born September 1886.