Belmont County, Ohio - Chapter 29: Wayne Township. |, 1903 (part 11 of 15)

se Groves has taken an active and interested part in political matters, although he has never consented to accept political favors. During the continuance of the Greenback party he supported it, but now votes independently, favoring the principles of the - Populists and believing i in the free coinage of silver. He is connected with the order of Odd Fellows, and was an honorary member of the Order of United American Mechanics for a season. It is his desire to locate in business in the neighborhood of Pueblo, Colorado, in the near future, his health not being robust enough for an agricultural life. In person Mr. Groves impresses one pleasantly, his erect figure and fine countenance being notable, while intelligence 1s denoted by his clear eye and careful, well-modulated voice. His interests are centered in the welfare of his family, and believes the Great West, through which he has extensively traveled, is the place for the young men of the future to find their opportunities.

THOMAS J. McMASTER, a well-known farmer and prominent and representative citizen of Belmont County, as well as a member of one of its oldest families, was born November 13, 1846, in Mead township,

The boyhood of Mr. McMaster was spent in Mead township, where he attended school and remained until the age of 24 years, serving in the meantime, during the Civil War, in Battery A, 1st West Virginia Light Artillery, from 1864 until the close of hostilities. In 1870 he removed to Monroe County, buying a farm near Newcastle, in Green township, and remained engaged there until the fall of 1900, when he returned to Belmont County and purchased his present fine land in the southwestern part of Mead township, from the Dollar Savings Bank Company of St. Clairsville. This was originally a. part of the old T. H. Ramsey estate. Mr. McMaster owns 190 acres, which is well adapted to farming, and which he has placed in the finest possible condition.

In 1868 Mr. McMaster was married to Maggie Griffith, born in 1846, a daughter of William and Christina (Gray) Griffith, who came from Pennsylvania to Belmont County 55 years ago and located in Smith township, near Jacobsburg. A family of eight children has been born to our subject and his wife, as follows: Robert A., who died in 1900, at the age of 30 years; William S. is a farmer near Jacobsburg, married Miss McKelvey; James A. resides in Mead township; 'Mary is the wife of George Taylor and they reside at Banksville, near Pittsburg; and Charles A., Alice R., Homer Eugene, and Maud, at home.

Politically Mr. McMaster has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has been one of the solid, reliable men who are always called upon in a community to accept public trusts, and has served two terms of six years as justice of the peace and three terms as trustee of Monroe County. In fraternal life he has always been prominent, belonging to Monroe Lodge, No. 180, F. & A. M., of Woodsfield, and the I. ©. O. F. lodge at the same place. Mrs. Mc- Master is a member of the Presbyterian Church and Mr. McMaster inclines in the same direction, liberally giving support. He belongs to the G. A. R. Mr. McMaster is held in very high esteem in his neighborhood and is justly regarded one of the representative citizens. His home is one of the most attractive in Mead township, and his hospitality is extended to a wide circle of friends.

CHALKLEY DAWSON, president of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, at Bellaire, Ohio, is one of the prominent and highly esteemed residents of the city. Almost his whole life has been spent in his native State. His business interests are centered in the city of Bellaire and vicinity.

Mr. Dawson was born in Barnesville, Belmont County, February 2, 1836, where he received his primary education, finishing at the Friends' School at West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania, as he came of Friend parentage, and was reared in the simple faith from which he has never altogether separated himself.

ing this time, in 1859, he married Martha Garretson. In 1863 he moved to Iowa and remained there until 1868, engaged in farming and surveying, but returned then to Barnesville, his wife having died in the previous year. Mr. Dawson soon made his ability as an engineer so apparent that he was made engineer and superintendent of the turnpike roads, and continued in this capacity for seven years. In 1875 he sunk the coal shaft at the Barnesvillle coal works, but this did not prove a success and resulted in considerable personal loss. In 1878 he was elected county surveyor, on the fusion ticket, although politically he has always been a stanch Republican. His father was a Free- Soiler, and our subject was active in the Fremont campaign, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Dawson has been a resident of Bellaire since 1882; prior to that time he lived in St. Clairsville. In 1886 he erected his beautiful home at No. 4337 Jefferson street.

The second marriage of Mr. Dawson was to Anna Branson, who died in 1877, leaving one child, who is now deceased. The present Mrs. Dawson was formerly Margaret T. Happer, of Barnesville. Since its organization, Mr. Dawson has been the able president of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, of Bellaire, one of the sound, conservative financial institutions of Eastern Ohio. Mr. Dawson is a man of social instincts and his fraternal relations include membership in the Masonic order, being a member of Bellaire Lodge, F. & A. M.; Bellaire Chapter, R. A. M.; Bellaire Council: Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T., of St. Clairsville; Ohio Consistory of Scottish Rites, of Columbus; and Osiris Temple, of the Mystic Shrine, of Wheeling, West Virginia.

For the past 15 years our subject has given the most of his energies to mine engineering, being an expert in the profession, thoroughly technical in his knowledge and perfectly practical in his methods. However, this profession shows but one side of Mr. Dawson's character, for he is also a man of affairs, a politician of fixed conviction, a financier of ability and a genial, hospitable member of social life.

Kirkwood township, Belmont County, as one of its leading farmers and stock raisers, has the distinction of having been born upon the memorable day in 1861 when the Stars and Stripes were fired upon as they floated over Fort Sumter.

The parents of Mr. Collins were John A. and Janetta (Bartow) Collins, both of whom were natives of Ohio. John A. Collins was one of the early victims of the Civil War. In 1861, at the call of his country, he left his farm, his wife and his two little ones and offered his services as a loyal, patriotic citizen, enlisting as a private in Company F, 25th Ohio Vol. Inf., served through 10 months, during which time he took part in several battles, and then was discharged on account of disability, exposure during an attack of measles producing serious results. Mr. Collins lived but a short time after his return home, dying in February, 1862, at the age of 3: years, as truly a sacrifice on the altar of his country as if his end had come at the cannon's mouth. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Collins were: Demetrius, who died when four years of age; a babe, who died in infancy; Austin A., a resident of Flushing township, unmarried; and A. _W., of this sketch. The second marriage of Mrs. Collins was to John R. Wilson, a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, who died March 19, 1884, at the age of 84 years. Mrs. Wilson resides at Holloway, Ohio, a most highly esteemed member of the Methodist Church.

A W. Collins obtained his education in the common schools and Denison University, at Granville, Ohio, where he remained through his sophomore year. Prior to his entrance at college, Mr. Collins was licensed to preach by the Stillwater Baptist Church, in which church he has held membership for 22 years. After returning from the university, Mr. Collins followed a very busy life for-three years, working on the railroad and at farming, gaining the esteem and respect of all who knew him, and at the same

On May 28, 1891, Mr. Collins was united in marriage with Laura D. Groves, a native of this county and a daughter of William J. and Mary R. (Ridgeway) (Sheppard) Groves, the former of whom died August 20, 1902, at the age of 79 years. Mrs. Collins was born August 13, 1868, and has been a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, and is active in missionary and benevolent work. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Collins are: Myra B., Ross M., Margaret L., and Henry S.

In politics Mr. Collins is a Republican, and still holds membership with his college fraternity, Sigma Chi. Both he and wife are active and enthusiastic workers in missionary fields, and not only read the best of literature, but encourage others to do the same.

J. M. HENSLEY, M. D., a leading and successful physician of Bellaire, Ohio, with convenient offices on Union street in this city, is also an esteemed and public spirited citizen. .He was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, in 1857, and is a son of Rev. James L. Hensley, M. D., who is now a resident of Marion, Ohio.

Rev. James L. Hensley, M. D., who is widely known as a popular minister in the United Brethren Church, is also noted as a physician of skill and learning, as a lawyer of ability and force, and, in addition, a statesman whose wise legislation has given him prominence. At the age of 70 years he is still at home in either profession. His birth took place in 1832, in Rockingham County, Virginia, and his early educational opportunities were limited. Reading and study later in life simply developed inherent facul- * ties, making of him the brilliant man he has long been. In October, 1856, he engaged in the ministry of the United Brethren Church, and has never severed these relations. During the Civil War he was made commissary-general on the staff of General Boyer, serving in the 96th Regiment, West Virginia Militia. His collegiate and medical course was pursued at the Eclectic Medical Institute, at Cincinnati, Ohio, írom which he graduated February 17, 1865. He was admitted to practice as an attorney before the pension and treasury departments of the United States, and in 1876 he was elected by the Republicans of Mason County, West Virginia, to the State Legislature, by a majority of 335 votes, serving through two terms. In 1877 was elected by the Republican voters to the 72nd General Assembly, by the Marion- Morrow district, over Judge Asa A. Gardiner, by a plurality of 648 votes. He belongs to the Northern Ohio, the Ohio State, and the American Medical associations. In addition to our subject, Rev. Mr. Hensley has these children: Dr. G. B., who was at one time located in Bellaire, but is now practicing at Chester, Meigs County, Ohio; David M., who is a jeweler and optician at Decatur, Indiana; Mrs. Mary J. Wetzell, who resides at Middleport, Meigs County; and Elizabeth F., the wife of George W. Smith, who is engaged in the steel works at Martin's Ferry, Ohio.

Dr. J. M. Hensley, the immediate subject of this sketch, was primarily educated in West Virginia, later entering Carleton College, at Syracuse, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1876. His medical reading occupied three years, including a course at Starling Medical College, at Columbus, and in 1882 he began his practice in his native State for ro years. He then graduated at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati in 1892, and took up practice in that school in Meigs County, Ohio. In 1897 he came union are as follows: Susan E.; Michael Le married, has one child and resides at West Wheeling; Mary F., at home; Essie M., now Mrs. Davis resides at Bellaire; and Alfred and Cora Ellen, who are both at home. Dr. Hensley entertains cordial relations with the Harrison County Medical Association, the West Virginia State Eclectic Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. He bears fraternal relations to the Odd Fellow order in West Virginia, the Knights of Pythias of Meigs County, the F. & A. M. of Bellaire, aad the Tribe of Ben Hur of Bellaire, being examining physician for this order.

OLIVER S. NEGUS, a prominent farmer residing two miles northwest of Colerain, in Colerain township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, October 30, 1847, and is a son of Caleb B. and Eliza J. (Branson) Negus.

Caleb B. Negus was born in Pennsylvania, December 5, 1819, and came to Ohio, where he successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, becoming widely known over Jefferson and Belmont counties. He was an enthusiastic Abolitionist and earnestly advocated the cause. His death occurred December 13, 1853. He was married March 9, 1843, to Eliza J. Branson, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, December 1, 1812, and they had five children, as follows: Rachel E., who died at the age of 35 years; Amasa L., who also died at the age of 35; Oliver S.; Anna B., who died at the age of 22, and Plummer B., who died at the age of five years. After the death of her husband Mrs. Negus formed a second union with_Jonathan Ohio, and after their marriage they lived in Colerain township, this county. Mrs. Fawcett, who lived for some years at the home of our subect, died at Martin's Ferry while on a visit 1880.

Friends' Boarding School at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and after his school days were over took to farming, an occupation he has followed throughout life. He has one of the , most beautiful homes on the Cadiz Pike, two miles northwest of Colerain, being located on the old Archie Majors estate. He owns 94 acres, all of which is underlaid with coal. He also engages in dairving to some extent. He was at one time trustee of Colerain township and was commissioner of the Colerain & Martin's Ferry Pike from its inception until he resigned. He is one of the reliable and substantial citizens of the county, and is everywhere held in the highest esteem. November 1, 1876, Mr. Negus was united in marriage with Deborah Steer, who comes of one of the most respected furrilies of this section. She is a daughter of Israel and Rebecca (Bracken) Steer, granddaughter of James and Ruth (Wilson) Steer, and-greatgranddaughter of James and Abigail (Edgerton) Steer. James, the great-grandfather, came from Virginia in 1812 with his mont County, Ohio, where he died in 1819. James Steer, grandfather of Mrs. Negus, accompanied his father to Ohio in 1812 and located in section 12, range 3. He was married in 1819 and lived on his home farm until his death, in 1874, at the advanced age of 93 years. He was one of the early type of pioneers who settled in the then new State and suffered untold hardships and deprivations in converting a wilderness into.improved farming land. He and his wife were parents of seven children, as follows: Israel; Abigail. who died at the age of 75 vears, was the wife of Jonathan Scofield; Martha, wife of Jehu Bailey, died at the age of 70 years; Rachel, wife of Joseph P. Lupton, is deceased: Tames, of Barnesville, Ohio; Nathan, of Colerain, and Joseph, who died at the age of three at present owns 150 acres, which is underlaid with coal. October 31, 1844, he was united in marriage with Rebecca Bracken, who was born in Ohio, April 10, 1825, and died September 3, 1901. To them were born seven children, as follows: Lindley B., who married Hannah Penrose, resides in Colerain township; Deborah, wife of our subject; Elisha, who married Ellen Gilbert, is a prosperous farmer; Phoebe died at the age of 47 years; Sina, wife of James Walton, of, Warren township; Wilson J., who resides on the old home farm in Colerain township, and Sarah, who was a teacher for several years in the seminary of the church. Mr. Steer is a broad-minded and liberal thinking man and is wide awake to the interests of the community.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Negus, namely: Anna B.; Albert, a graduate of Wheeling Business College; Mary R., a graduate of the Friends" Boarding School at Barnesville; Laura E., Sarah D. and Wilson A. The parents and children are all membets of Short Creek Monthly Meeting, of which their parents were also members. |

JACOB PARKINSON is one of the prominent farmer-citizens of Richland township, and owns and operates a fine farm of 204 acres, located within a few miles of St. Clairsville, Belmont County. He was born October 5, 1854, in the township which is still his home.

William Parkinson, the father of Jacob, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1827, came to Belmont County in 1851 and died here in 1899. He was a farmer through life in Richland township and was prominent in Democratic political circles. He held the position of Infirmary director during a number of terms and his wise -administration of affairs resulted in more comforts for the inmates and less needless expenditure to the county. The mother of Mr. Parkinson was Mary Lynn, a daughter of James and Isabel

. (Sheppard) Lynn, and was born in Union township, and still survives, at the age of 72 years, a resident of Richland township. The four children born to our subject's parents were: Jacob; James L., a resident of Richland township; Mary Bell, the wife of Frank S. Waddell, of Richland township; and Daniel K., who is farming on the old homestead.

Jacob Parkinson grew up on his father's farm and obtained his education in the common schools. In 1883 he married Sarah Brown, a daughter of James and Mary Brown, who was born in Cincinnati, in 1861, and was a teacher in Logan County. The five children born to this union were: Jessie Lynn, born in 1884; Louie May, born in 1886; William B., born in 1889; Mary Isabel, born in 1896, deceased; and Frank H., born in 1901. The religious connection of Mr. Parkinson and family is with the Methodist Church. His large farm is devoted both to farming and stock raising and is most pleasantly situated, within seven miles of St. Clairsville. In politics, our subject affiliates with the Democratic party. He is known to be an upright, honest man, a fine farmer, good neighbor and devoted to the welfare of his home and family, and is a worthy representative of the best citizenship of his township.

ROBERT McKELVEY, a substantial farmer of Mead township, Belmont County, Ohio, and also a leading business citizen of Bellaire, was born in Mead township. in 1845, being a son of Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey. The family is of Irish extraction; the grandfather, Robert McKelvey. died in Ireland, leaving a widow. They resided near Omah, County Tyrone. The maiden name of the grandmother was Boyd. After the death of her husband, she came to America with one of her sons, Thomas McKelvev, who later made his home in Richland and Mead townships, Belmont Countv, and died, unmarried, in the latter township at the home of his brother Joseph. The grandmother of our subject died when the latter was about 12 years old and was interred in the United Presbyterian Church Cemetery at Belmont. The sons of Robert McKelvey were: James, who died in Monroe County, although formerly a resident of Belmont; Thomas; Robert; Samuel; George; Joseph and Weir. David Creamer, the maternal grandfather, was a very early settler in Belmont County, driving across the mountains from Maryland and locating in Mead township, where his children were born.

Robert McKelvey was well educated, supplementing what he learned in the local schools with what could be gained through attendance at college at Athens, and also received instruction at a select school at the Bethel Church. For a period of 52 months prior to his marriage, he engaged in teaching and then located on his present farm, in 1873. This property was purchased by Thomas McKelvey from a Mr. Welsh, during the Civil War. In 1873 our subject married Mary J. Neff, daughter of Conrad Neff; she was born in 1856, in York township, this county. The four children of this union are: Icy Della, who is the wife of Dr. J. C. Archer, of Neff's siding, Pultney township; Hova Emerson, who will complete his course in dentistry, at Columbus, Ohio, in March, 1903; Lawrence Earl, who is the very capable manager of his father's farm; and Samuel Neff, who has become an expert electrician, and has done much work on telephone lines.

Mr. McKelvey has not been so engrossed in agricultural pursuits as to put aside business opportunities of considerable magnitude, and is verv well known for his capacity in many lines of activity. He is president of the Enterprise Telephone Company, a director in the People's Telephone Company and director in the Dollar Savings Bank of Bellaire, looking at all times carefully after the interests of these concerns. His prominence in politics has made him a successful candidate for many local offices: for nine vears he has served as justice of the peace, he has been assessor and land appraiser, and was holding the responsible position of township treasurer, at the time he cast his first vote, for a Democratic administration. His fine farm of 210 acres reflects credit upon its excellent management while 1ts substantial and comfortable buildings make an ideal home. Formerly he was connected with the Farmers' Alliance movement. With his wife and family, he attends the United Presbyterian Church, and few men in Mead town- . ship stand higher in public esteem.

JAMES EDGERTON, one of the most successful fruit growers and largest shippers, in Belmont County, Ohio, is also one of the most prominent and esteemed citizens of Warren township. Our subject was born in this county, in 1828, one of a family of 13 children born to Joseph and Charity (Doudna) Edgerton, both of whom were natives oí North Carolina. :

Joseph Edgerton was born in :1797, in Wayne County, North Carolina, and remained there until 1804, when he came with his parents to Ohio, settling on Captina Creek. There his father erected a flouring mill and operated the same until his death. Joseph Edgerton died in Iowa, in 1865. The mother of our subject was a daughter of John and Miriam Doudna, natives of North Carolina, who' settled in Ohio, about 1804. She passed out of life in Belmont County, in 1855. Both parents were consistent and worthy members of the Society of Friends, and were well known and most highly respected throughout the county.

James Edgerton was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education in the subscription schools until the age of 17, when he was placed in the excellent school conducted by Friends, located at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, where he completed his education. In 1852 he purchased a farm located about two miles from the city of Barnesville, which was devoted to the nursery business, and in 1879 purchased his present farm, consisting of 28 acres, and here he has brought to perfection many varieties of fruit, making a specialty of raspberries and strawberries. He is one of the largest shippers in this locality, to Philadelphia, Chicago and other points. He shipped the first bushel of . strawberries ever shipped from Belmont County to Chicago, establishing a market for the fruit in that city. His methods have been investigated by other growers and in many cases have been adopted. There are few facts about the growing of fruit in this section that remain secrets to Mr. Edgerton, and he is justly considered an authority.

Mr. Edgerton was the first person who bred Jersey cattle west of the Alleghany Mountains and brought his first Jersey cattle to Belmont County from Rhode Island in 1867. He still owns some fine milch cows of that breed.

In 1852 Mr. Edgerton was married to Mary Ann Williams, a daughter of William C. and Rebecca Williams, the former of whom was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in 1810, and settled in Belmont County in 1819, and lived here until his death in 1879. The death of his wife occurred in 1874, her birth having been in 1814. The ten children born to our subject and wife were named as follows: William D., Rebecca, Joseph S., Thomas D., Caroline, Mary J.,,Sarah T., Walter J., James W. and Anna E. Rebecca died October 23, 1891. Thomas D. was drowned in 1885. James W. married Edith Conrow, daughter of Thomas Conrow, of Flushing, Ohio, and she died November 4, 1898, leaving a babe of five months. Rebecca also left one child at death. Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton have 12 grandchildren, in whom they take much comfort.

JOSEPH A. ORR, a well-known agriculturist of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, lives on his farm of 100 acres four miles south of St. Clairsville. His birth occurred in 1851, and he is a native of the farm which he now calls his own.

The Orr family is of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject's grandfather, Charles Orr, was a native of Pennsylvania and was a soldier of the Revolution. His father, William Orr, emigrated to the United States from Scotland.

July 22, 1796, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and followed farming as a vocation. His residence in Belmont County dated irom 1830 when he came here and settled on the farm now owned by our subject in Richland township. He was a wheelwright by business, making Belmont County the center of his operations for a number of years previous to engaging in farming. At the time of his death, in September, 1887, he had accumulated a representative citizen of the county. He was a Democrat until 1856, and then became a Republican, being at all times strongly in favor of abolition of slavery. He was married May 19, 1835, to Jane Stitt, who was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, May 8, 1806, being a daughter of John and Mary (Chambers) Stitt. John Stitt was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1778, and came to the Northwest Territory in 1708. He was a son of John and Jane (McElroy) Stitt, both natives of Ireland. He was married March 2, 1805. to Mary Chambers, and came with his family to Belmont County, March r7, 1818, where he lived until his death, April 14, 1863. Mary (Chambers) Stitt was born in Ireland in 1780, and with her parents, Alexander and Rachel (Mays) Chambers, came to this country in 1708, settling in Jefferson County, Ohio. Both Mr. and Mrs. Orr were United Presbyterians in religious faith and were members of the United Church at St. Clairsville during their lifetime. James Orr's death took place September 22, 1887, but his widow survived. him until December 11, 1896. The names of their seven | children are as follows: Mary A., John, Eliza J., all deceased; and William S., Rachel C.. James N.. and Joseph. Civil War as a member of Company F, 15th Reg.. Ohio Vol. Inf., and died July 2, ey) Gordon, the former of whom was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church and lived in Virginia, and they have a family of five children, namely: Harry G., Charles W., deceased; Frank L., Mary E., and Thomas T. James N. Orr is a carpenter by trade and a good workman. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and lives in New Philadelphia. 4 Ta

Joseph A. and his brother, William S., who live together, are Republicans in their political views. Mr. Orr has a well-tilled farm and thoroughly understands farming in all its details. In religion he is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. With the other members of the family, he attends services at St. Clairsville regularly

W. G. SIMPSON, assistant cashier of the Farmers & Merchant's Bank of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, is a gentleman of ability and has many excellent qualifications which make his services of great value to the company by which he is employed. He is

William «Simpson was a native of Pultney township and died in 1863, when our subject was still quite small. He followed steamboating for some time and subsequently became a tiller of the soil, being especially successtul in the latter pursuit. He shipped boats of produce down the Ohio and Missiswhere they His father was

William Simpson married a Miss Burns, whose demise occurred in 1879. They reared a fanily of 12 children, of whom W. G. is the youngest. One son. W. B., manages the home farm in Mead township; one lives and one daughter makes her home in St. Clairsville. Ohio, while another lives in Missouri. These children are all that survive of the once large family. Mr. Simpson was an early Republican, being originally a mem-

Our subject is a native of Belmont County and was reared on the farm, remaining there until he attained the age of 17 years, at which time he entered Galey's Seminary at Lexington, Ohio, and completed the course there. He embarked in the coal business on his own interests after this and opened the Glenn mine in Belmont County, which he conducted with the best results for 12 or I5 years. He disposed of it to the combine just previous to taking his present position in the bank as assistant cashier. is prompt and active in performing his duties and has the entire confidence of his employers in the various business duties which claim his attention.

Miss Mary M. McMannis, of Belmont County, became the wife of our subject-and they have now two children, namely: Earl E. and Pearl L., and reside in their comfortable, convenient home at No. 3564 Belmont street. In religious opinions they are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Bellaire.

Politically, Mr. Simpson is always a Republican. He affiliates with Wier Lodge at Demos in fraternal circles, and is also a member of the A. F. & A. M. and Hope Commandery, No. 26, of St. Clairsville, Ohio. To various enterprises of the city he gives his attention. Having the welfare of Bellaire at heart, he also has the respect of her citizens and his fellow men.

SILAS BAILEY, one of the large farmers and successful stock raisers of Belmont County, Ohio, belongs to one of the old-settled families of the county, one whose members have been among the prominent citizens for many years.

Silas Bailey was born in 1839 in Warren township, Belmont County, a son of Jesse, who was born in 1814 in Warren township and died in 1808, aged 84 years. He was a son of Jesse Bailey, who came as a pioneer and his son Jesse followed farming. The mother of our subject was Asenath Patterson, born in 1818 in Warren township, a daughter of Silas and Rachel (Starbuck) Patterson, who had migrated to Belmont County at an early day from Loudoun County, Virginia, and settled in Goshen township. The names of the brothers and sisters of the father were: Edmund, Uriah, Mary and Matilda, and on the maternal side they were: George, Nathan and Elizabeth, the last named dying at the age of 87 years in 1901. Silas is the eldest of his parents' children, the others being: John, deceased; L. P.; Sarah Elizabeth, who died in young womanhood; Allen; Jane, who died young, and an infant de-

At the age of 12 years Mr. Bailey left Warren township and ever since has lived in Goshen township, securing his education in the public schools. When he reached maturity he located on a farm near his present home and fo? 15 years was very actively and successfully engaged in the buying, selling and raising of stock, handling a very large amount annually. His well-improved farm of 240 acres is located three and one-half miles southeast of Barnesville, and he devotes it principally to stock and he has much more than a local reputation for fine specimens. y

Mr. Bailey is a stanch Republican and has been quite prominent in the political movements of his party in Belmont County, and has been the efficient holder of a number of the responsible offices. In 1890 he was made land appraiser, and in January, 1891, he was elected county. commissioner, receiving 2,750 majority in the election, the largest ever received by any candidate. He held the office for six years and nine months, until September 20, 1898, giving his undivided attention to it during this time.

George E. Smith

of the early settlers. The children born to this union were: Sarah Olive married William Boyd, a farmer in Warren township; Cora married F. D. Howell, of Barnesville, mail agent between Wheeling and Chicago, and they have two children, Doris and Raymond: Lemuel L., a resident of Warren township, married: Barbara Emerson and they have children, - Willard and James; Delbert assists his father and resides at home; Ross resides on the old homestead of Jesse Bailey, in Goshen township, married Hattie Bingham, and they have children, - Helen and Mildred; Campsie has been a teacher for the past five years and is now teaching in Barnesvile, Ohio; Nora has been a teacher for the past three years; Dallas S, who is a student in telegraphy at Oberlin College; and Agnes and Franklin, who are deceased.

Mr. Bailey is liberal in his religious views, but was reared a Friend. He is a man of most genial presence, frank and hospitable, enjoys public esteem.

GEORGE E. SMITH, located in section 5, Kirkwood township, Belmont County, is a prominent farmer and an extensive dealer in hard lumber. He was born in this county April 25, 1845, and is a son of Nathan S. and Sarah (Taylor) Smith, and grandson of Charles Smith.

Nathan S. Smith was born in Harrison County, Ohio, January 22, 1807, and died March 3, 1867. He married Sarah Taylor, a daughter of Noble and Elizabeth (Lockwood) Taylor* She was born July 19, 1813, and died April 22, 1857. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To them were born the following children: Charles T., a

Grande Railroad until his death, which resulted from an accident in 1883. Noble, the second son, died in infancy. Oliver P., who was born November r5, 1842, served in the 98th Ohio Regiment from August, 1862, until the close of the war. He was graduated from Rush Medical College, practiced for several years in Charleston, Kansas, then at. Fall River, Kansas, where he died June 13, 1880. Elizabeth E., widow of John Buchanan, resides - in this county. George E. is the subject of this biography. William C., born March 9, 1848, died in 1882. Laura J. is the wife of Calvin S. Travis, and resides in New Martinsville, West Virginia. Isaac H., born July 22, 1854, resides in this county. Nathan L. resides in Boise City, Idaho.

George E. Smith received his education in the common schools and as a boy assisted in the work about the farm. He entered business for himself when about 16 years old as a farmer and !umberman and has since continued. He deals heavily in hard lumber, exporting extensively. He buys wherever he can and ships mainly to Glasgow, Scotland, and to Hamburg, Germany. He finds it a very profitable business as well as a pleasant one, as it acquamts him with prominent business men of this and foreign countries. He also engages in general farming and stock raising, and has a farm of 300 acres, all improved and: underlaid with coal. He is located along Scott's Run, which stream gets its name from a Mr. Scott who was murdered by the Indians on the quarter section ou which our subject's house is now located, near the present residence of Oscar White.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage March 24, 1867, to Sarah E. Perkins, a native of this county. Her father, Rev. Jonathan Perkins, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in this county, and was a son of Samuel Perkins, who served as a private in the War of 1812. Samuel Perkins was a son of Thomas Perkins. who entered the land in section r7, on which his great-great-grandson, Samuel W., is now located, the latter also possessing the patent for the land signed by Thomas Jef- the union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, namely: | Letha L., who graduated from Winfield (Kan- | ) ; 1 | this resulting in the purchase of a farm on sas) College in 1893 in the class with E. O. Creighton, who afterward became her husband, - they live in Roswell, New Mexico, where Mr. Creighton is superintendent of schools; Charles S., of Bridgeport, married Mary B. Kirk and has three children, - Floyd, Leslie and Reba; Philetus M., who graduated from Franklin College, and is a member of the of George C. Douglas, a farmer at Otto, Oklahoma; George T., a student at the Ohio State University; Laura. E.;. > Olney; Esther Mi Ada D.; and one deceased. Religiously they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which our subject is trustee. He is a Republican in politics.

ALFRED E. MASSIE, a well-known citizen of York township, Belmont County, has been for some time one of the township's most successful farmers and has taken an active interest in its development and good government. ES

Mr. Massie was born in 1854, in York township, being a son of Harrison and Rebecca (Carle) Massie the latter of whom died "March, 1889, at the age of 72 years. Harrison Massie was born in Virginia, in 1810, and crossed the mountains into Ohio, in company with his father, "Bud" Massie, who located in I815 on a branch of Little McMechen's Creek, in Belmont County. Harrison Massie explored much of the country during his earlier years and at one time lived in Missouri, where he lost his wife and three children. When he later settled in Belmont County, he engaged in teaching school and continued in the profession for 17 consecutive years, serving also as a justice of the peace and taking a prominent part in political life. For several years he engaged in a mercantile business in Dover, or Captina, and later moved to Powhatan, con-

Pleasant Ridge, which is now owned by Mrs. Belle Massie, the widow of Franklin Massie. There Harrison Massie erected a $2,500 house, which was later destroyed by fire, but which was rebuilt in 1866. There Mr. Massie passed his last days, dying in July, 1889. He was a man of many virtues, entirely selí-made, and one who looked carefully aíter the welfare of his family and educated his children, his sons all becoming teachers for a short period. Mr. Massie was thrice married, the mother of our subject being his last wife and the mother of these children: William A., of Oregon; George A., of Washington; Alfred E., of York township; Harrison O.; Franklin D., deceased, his three children being, - Zella, Edith and Hudson, the death of the latter being in 1891; and Mary L., the wife of Aaron F. Ramsey, of York township.

As stated, Alfred E. Massie obtained an excellent education and is one of the most intelligent and well-informed men of York township, one in whom his fellow citizens have placed implicit confidence on many occasions, making him for many years a school director and one of the township trustees. Until 1890 he resided at the home farm and then purchased his present estate, which he operates in connection with an adjoining farm which he rents. His methods are practical and have given him very satisfactory returns for his industry, his. home farm near Captina as well as his rented land showing the results of careful rotation of crops and extensive fertilizing.

In 1880 Mr. Massie was married to Alice M. Owens, daughter of John G. Owens, who came to this county soon after the close of the Civil War. Mrs. Massie was born in 1861, kindred comprise three half-brothers, one sister and three brothers. Of these, two brothers and two half-brothers are also residents of Belmont County. An interesting family of six children, three sons and three daughters, has life, and who bear these names: Edward O., born in November, 1880; Olive L, born in 1882; Cleveland E., born in 1883; Leila V., born in 1886; Cyril, born in 1890; and Beryl, born in 1898. In political sentiment, Mr. Massie is a Democrat and he is well known in the councils of his party in his locality. Both he and his estimable wite are consistent members of the Methodist Church, for the past 15 - years being members of the congregation of Amity Church.

ELDRIDGE D. SCATTERDAY, a wellknown resident and farmer near Kelsey station, in Smith township, Belmont County, was born January 1, 1830, in Richland township. near St. Clairsville, and is a son of Euclid and Deborah (Pond) Scatterday.

John Scatterday, grandtather of our subject, was born in 1766 and came to St. Clairsville about 1803. He was justice of the peace for a period of 24 years, and resided on his tarm during the summer months and at St. Clairsville in the winter. He also served in the State Legislature of Ohio. He was a great student of history and was a broad and liberal minded man. His death occurred on his farm near St. Clairsville, December 4, 1844. In 1794 he was married to Rebecca Ewers, who was born in 1766 and died in 1842. She was ot Welsh descent, and the Scatterdays are of English-German descent.

County, Virginia, in 1795, and came to Belmont County with his parents. He located in Smith township about 1840, purchasing the farm of 150 acres, of which 25 acres are now owned by his son, E. E. Scatterday, and the remainder by our subject. He was originally a Whig in politics and later supported the Democratic ticket. He served for many years as justice of the peace in Smith township. died July 31, 1871. His wife, who was born in 1805, died at the age of 82 years. To them were born the following children: Adeline, who died at the age of 30 years; Eldridge D. ; Elizabeth A., widow of James Gladden, resides in Smith township; Rebecca, deceased; Mary, wife of Francis McMillen; John L., who resides on a farm in Illinois; Henry H;, who is a farmer and manuíacturer of soft drinks, resides in Illinois; George R., who resides at Wheeling, West Virginia; Alonzo P., a farmer residing in Ohio.

Eldridge D. Scatterday has resided at his present home since he was IO years of age. He received a good common school education and has always followed the vocation of farming. He purchased the interests of the other heirs to the home farm, and his mother resided with him for a period of 18 years. He has engaged in general farming, but in earlier years was extensively engaged in sheep raising.

Mr. Scatterday was united in marriage with Elizabeth Phillips, a daughter of William Phillips, and granddaughter of Jacob Ault, one of the pioneers of Belmont County. She was born in Richland township January 1, 1834, and it is a remarkable fact that she and her husband were both born on New Year's Day. To this union were born nine children: Catherine E: is the wife of Thomas McGaughy of Smith township. David M., who resides on 4 farm adjoining that of his father, is one of the township trustees. He is in partnership with his brother, Euclid E., under the firm name of E. E. D. M. Scatterday; and for the past 15 years they have engaged in the implement and plumbing business, also doing well drilling. David M. first married Margaret Stonebraker, who died leaving a daughter, Zillah, who married Andrew Ault of Smith township, by whom she has one child, Meek Gladden, our subject's only greatgrandchild. David M. formed a second union with Artie Timberlake, and they have two sons, Lyle Eldridge and Chester. Euclid E., a member of the firm of E. E. & D. M. Scatterday, resides near his father in a new home which he recently built. He married Melissa Brown, and has three children: Elva Adelia, and Russell B. and Lettie Irene (twins). Wil-

E cal College of Columbus, Ohio. He married Lelia Worley of Columbus. Albert W., a well-known merchant of Centreville, married Olive Fitch, and has five sons: Leland, Harry, Herbert, Carl and Chase. Henry Lincoln, who resides on the farm of Mrs. James Gladden and operates it for her, married Annie Barrett, a daughter of William Barrett, and sister of Rev. William Barrett, and they have two children: Mabel and Mary. Emmett A., who resides near his father and conducts the latter's farm, married Lorena Wilson and has two children: Verna F. and Harold W. Mary, wife of Crawford Neff, resides in Smith township and has two children: Ernest Emerson and Newell Leslie. Clinton McLain, the youngest of the family, is now attending the dental department of Ohio State University. In politics-our subject is a Republican. Fraternally he is, as is his son, Euclid E., a memebr of Weyer Lodge chairs but master, and was first made a Mason in Moriah Lodge, No. 105, under Dr. John A. Weyer as master. Religiously, he is a member of Concord Presbyterian Church near Centreville.

he has been settled since February 11, 1879. Mr. Schnegg is a native of Ohio, born in Switzer township, Monroe County, very near the Belmont County line and within a few miles of his present comíortable home, on March 15, 1830, being a son of Bernhart Christian Schnegg, who brought his family from Bern, Switzerland, in 1828, and located in Monroe County, Ohio. The parents of Mr. Schnegg resided in that locality through life, rearing a large family, and there the father died in 1881. ber of the family to be born in America, a

In 1832 Mr. Schnegg located on a farm just south of his present one, and remained there until 1879, when he bought his present home farm, where he has resided ever since. This property was secured from Robert Gates and it formerly belonged to Henry Gates, this family being one of the pioneer settlers on the rich lands skirting Cat's Creek. In addition to this farm of 160 acres, Mr. Schnegg owns 109 acres in a farm directly south. He is a practical, well-informed agriculturist, and the fine state of cultivation shown by his land gives evidence of his close attention and thorough understanding of modern methods and the use of modern machinery. His buildings are attractive and substantial, and a coal shaft, sunk on the farm and actively operated by his son John Schnegg, demonstrates a fine vein of "black diamonds" underneath the fertile soil.

The marriage of Mr. Schnegg took place in Monroe County, to Mary Ann Zwigart, who was born in York township, Belmont County, in January, 1832, of Swiss parentage. Since. their marriage, their home has been continuously in Belmont County. They have become the parents of 11 children, namely: Christian J., who resides on a farm just south of his parents' home, is married and has a family; Elizabeth, who married John Koher, also resides near her father; Caroline, who married Charles Rock, lives in Washington township; John, who resides at home, has charge of the coal bank; Mary, deceased, married Wood Ruble; William, who resides at home; Charlotte, who married A. G. Boner, who is a prominent citizen and large land owner near Captina, Belmont County; Mrs. Amelia Steiner, who resides near her parents; Lewis Wesley, who is a farmer in Mead township; and Katie and Louella, both of whom died young.

William H. White

skillful carpenter and understood the cabinetmaking trade sufficiently to. construct the tables, chairs and other ordinary pieces of furniture for himself and family. In politics, he has been a lifelong Democrat. All the family belong to St. John's Evangelical Church, located in Switzer township, Monroe County, the present able pastor being Rev. Charles G. Kittlehut. The church edifice was probably erected 75 years ago. A disastrous fire destroyed the old parsonage some years since, entailing the loss of all the old records. Mr. Schnegg was very liberal in his assistance toward the erection of a new building. He is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of his neighborhood.

WILLIAM H. WHITE. In noting the representative men of Belmont County, Will- iam H. White must take a prominent position, not only as an honored survivor of the great Civil War, but as the oldest continuous resident and the first mayor of the town of Belmont, Ohio, in whose growth and development he has been an important factor.

Mr. White was born in Belmont County, Ohio, September 6, 1841, and is a son of Benjamin and Margaret E. (Phipps) White, the tormer of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Early in the "thirties," Benjamin White came to Belmont County from Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, and engaged in a tanning business in which he was later associated with his sons. For 65 years he followed this occupation, which at that time - was a very necessary and common one, and, although he amassed no great fortune, he lived in comfort and reared a large family. He was born April 6, 1806, and died May ro, I894. Mr. White was thrice married, the first time to Rebecca Sidwell, who died in 1837. The second marriage was to Margaret E. Phipps, who died at the age of 45 years, on Christmas Day, 1865. His third marriage was to the Widow Stonebraker. The mother of our subject, whose memory inspires many tender reminiscences, was a model woman in

Our subject is one of a family of nine children, which are herewith mentioned in order of birth: Albert P., William H., Mary P., Rosabella, Ann Eliza, Lydia A., Regina, Alice, and Seward. The survivors are: Albert P., who is a resident of Lamira, Ohio, and was formerly principal of the Bellaire public schools; William H., who is the subject of this sketch; Lydia A. (Mrs. Simon Garber), who resides in Los Angeles, California; Regina (Mrs. Christian W. Tillett), who resides in Barnesville; and Seward, who is a merchant at Los Angeles, California. The record of those deceased is as follows: Mary P., born April 3, 1843, died December 22, 1851; Rosabella, born in April, 1845, married William Heskett, and died November 23, 1880; Ann Eliza, born April 17, 1846, died September 20, 1848; and Alice, born April 17, 1856, died February 26, 1861. The children of the first marriage of our subject's father were: John S., who resides in Brighton, Iowa; Jacob M., who was born January 13, 1830, and died in 1859; and Rebecca, who was born September 30, 1837, married Isaac, Drummond and resides in Kansas. ;

Our subject received a good common-school education and was becoming of great assistance to his father in the tanning business when the outbreak of the Civil War gave a new trend to his life, turning the tanyard boy into a manly defender of his country's honor and bringing in its train experiences which have influenced his whole later life. On June s, 1861, he enlisted at St. Clairsville in Company Ar 25th Reg, Ohio: VoL Int, under. Capt' James F. Charlesworth, and has the decided honor of being in the first company enlisted for three years in Belmont County. The first battle in which the young soldier took part was in 1861 at Cheat Mountain, where the Union forces were victorious. Then at Greenbrier River, Camp Baldwin, and then McDowell, our subject kept learning the great game of war, and later, when General Milroy joined

Shenandoah Valley. On June 8, 1862, he took part in the battle of Cross Keys, where Colonel Charlesworth was wounded, and then with the command crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains and took part in the battle of Cedar Mountain,

Jackson. The next battle was the Second Bull Run, under General Pope, and immediately after, Mr. White was taken sick and was sent to the Manion House hospital, where he was kept until the spring of 1863. Rejoining his command at Aqua Creek Landing, he was in time to take part in the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2-3, 1863, followed by the slaughter at Gettysburg, and in the 11 days' engagement in the vicinity our subject receivéd a wound in the knee. He was taken prisoner and placed in what was called a hospital, but received no surgical attention and after the battle was over was retaken by the Union forces. As a sample of some of the experiences gone through with by that band which each year is "growing a little grayer, a little slower, a little fewer," it is meet that the younger generation should read and remember such incidents as the following: Mr. White relates that while he was lying in agony in the hospital, with his leg swollen to twice its size, a Federal surgeon came to him and, after probing the wound, said: "No remedy but to have the limb amputated," and the reply given by our subject was worthy that of a hero, - "If it must be done, you can't get the knife into it too soon for me." The surgeon replied to this: "I am worn out, have had no time for either dinner or supper and have had no rest all day and am going to find a farm house and try to sleep, and will return in the morning and make the amputation." The agony of mind and body of our subject can scarcely be imagined, although an amputation, especially at an army hospital in those days before the successful use of anaesthetics and prior to the discoveries of than to endure the pain which then distracted him. The morning came, but it brought no surgeon, and consequently Mr. White still has the use of his two limbs, quite recovered. The father of our subject came to the hospital to take him home, but could only succeed in trans- vania, no permit being given to take him farther. Here our subject was placed in the Cotton Factory hospital and remained there until October, 1863, when the order was given to transfer all Ohio patients to Columbus and in the hospital there he was kept until December, when a surgical examination placed him in the invalid corps and he was sent to Indianapolis, where he was employed in guard duty over prisoners until June, 1864, when, at the close of his three years, he was honorably discharged.

Upon his return from the army, Mr. White again worked at the tanning business and in 1866 engaged in a livery business at Belmont. Following this, he was employed in various enterprises, did mason work and plastering for some years,and in 1888 resumed tanning, adding a harness and saddle department to his other lines. Selling out in 1895, Mr. White then bought property in Belmont and remodeled it, making a town hall, which he later sold to the Odd Fellows, and since that time has been ` most successful in his handling of property. He is a man of excellent business ability, quick to seize opportunities and possesses an energy and industry, which has brought its reward in the accumulation of a large amount of real estate of great value. His home farm cónsists of six acres, which makes 22 town lots, with one acre of ground surrounding his comfortable and homelike residence, which has one of the most beautiful locations in Belmont, on a bluff overlooking the town, and the house is surrounded with choice and well-selected shade and fruit trees, truly a home which combines all that 1s best in both town and country.

Mr. White was married January 2, 1868, to Laura J. Widdoes, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of Isaac and Louisa Widdoes, the former of whom was born in Penn- sylvania and the latter in Flushing, Ohio. The father of Mrs. White came to Ohio in the "forties," a shoemaker by trade, but later became a seaman. The mother of Mrs. White died September 20, 1858, aged 31 years. She - was a daughter of John and Hannah Fisher, of Loudoun County, Virginia. Mrs. White is one oí two children born to her parents, her sister being Mrs. Elizabeth Justice, wife of James Justice, of New Athens, Ohio. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. White were named as follows: Clayton L., Anna L., Lizzie J., Dora M., and Walter G. Clayton L. White is a barber in Belmont and is well and tavorably known. He married Ora Myers and they have one son, William L. Beal, born on May 14, 1902, the same day that the Beal law was adopted, making Belmont a prohibition name. Ánna L. married L. R. Carmen, a merchant of Belmont, and they have two children, - Enoch W. and an infant daughter. Lizzie J. married John B. Colley and they reside at Coshocton, Ohio, where Mr. Colley owns a cigar store. Dora M. married Samuel Riemenschneider, of Bethesda, Ohio, and they have one daughter, - Bernice. Walter G. White, who is employed on the railroad, married Ollie Surprize of this county, and they have one child, Vivian. Both our subject and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mrs. White is a lady of most engaging personality and much esteemed by all who know her. Mr. White was made the first mayor of Belmont and has never ceased his public-spirited endeavors, and has favored and fostered all her worthy enterprises.

DR. C. C. WHITSITT, a prominent physician and surgeon of Hendrysburg, Belmont County, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, February 19, 1860, and is a son of DE. JE. "and Clara B. (Martin). Whitsitt, both natives of Pennsylvania.

University, and began practice in 1852. He became a partner of Dr. John Keys at Bellsville, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Dr. Keys served as surgeon in the army, leaving the practice at home in charge of Dr. Whitsitt. The latter practiced from 1852 until 1880, since which time he has lived in retirement at Bethany, West Virginia. He practiced there some years and was examiner for numerous insurance companies. He recruited a company for service during the Civil War in Ballsville, and has been a trustee of Bethany College for a number of years. He is a member and trustee in the Christian Church. He was always a member of the Republican party aíter its organization. He married Clara B. Martin, who was born June 1, 1836, and is a daughter of John and Jane (Vail) Martin. She is also a devout member and a very active worker of the Christian Church. Seven children blessed this union: Emma J., who died in December, 1894, aged 42 years, was the wife of M. M. Cochran, of Pennsylvania; C. C., subject of this sketch; Anna, who died at the age of three years ; Ollie, who died at the age of three years; Kitty, who died at the age of 10 years; Ralph, who died at the age of two years; and John W., who resides-in Bethany, West Virginia, a member of the class of 1903 in the Pittsburg Medical College.

Dr. C. C. Whitsitt received his literary edu- - cation at Bethany College and then entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati in 1879, graduating therefrom with the class of 1882. He began practice at once and was in partnership with his father for two years. He practiced at Bethany until 1884, then removed to Hendrysburg, Ohio, where he has since continued with the exception of two years spent in New Philadelphia. He is a general, practitioner and examiner for numerous insurance companies. He is a man of sterling qualities, a close student and is abreast of the times in every branch of medical science. He has the esteem of the community, and has been a medical examiner for the U. S. pension board.

Laughlin. The latter was born August 27, 1832, and died September 27, 1892; Mrs. McLaughlin now resides in Hendrysburg, and has been mother of the following children: William, who died at the age of three years; John, who died at the age of one year; Louisa, wife of Stanton White, lives in Hendrysburg ; James A. resides in Wheeling; Clement L. resides in Oklahoma Territory; Albert G., who resides in Bridgeport, Ohio; Everett, who lives in Hendrysburg ; and Lena L., wife of our subject. Dr. Whitsitt is a member of Kirkwood Lodge, No. 446, F. & A. M.

double occupation of farming and milling, in which he has met with profit and prosperity. He was born October 10, 1845, in Monroe County, Ohio, and is a son of Charles W. and Lydia A. (Gregg) Lewis. Charles W. Lewis was born in the Keystone State August 13, 1818, and was a son of Isaac roe County, Ohio. During his youthful days he wagoned over the mountains, and was a resident of his native county until 1844; in that year he removed to Monroe County, Ohio, and thence to Belmont County in 1850, where he purchased his farm in Goshen, Smith and Richland townships, and resided upon it until his death. He owns 75 acres in both Goshen and Smith townships and 57 acres in Richland township, all of which he improved to the best of his ability. On February 14, 1840, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage at Plainfield Friends" Meeting with Lydia A. Gregg, who was born in Belmont County in August, 1819, and their union was blessed with eight children, six of whom are living at the present time. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were members of the Society of Friends. Mr. Lewis was school director for a number of years, but declined any other office. His death took place November 27, 1888; his wife's demise occurred a few years later. Both were people of iniegrity and industry, widely known and wellto-do, and at their deaths they left very few, if any, who entertained anything but the best of feeling toward them.

Our subjects brothers and sisters are as follows: John G. and Mary, both of whom died when but two years of age; Isaac W., who is a merchant of Logan County, Ohio, born June 20, 1841, married Ella Stewart and has three children, - Frank, Roy and May; John Ira is the subject of this sketch and his record appears below ; William H., born December 24, 1851, is a resident of Philadelphia, where he bas been engaged in business as a wool commission merchant for 25 years; Mary A. marred David Cratty, a glass manufacturer of Findlay, Ohio, and has a daughter, Nellie,

1857, married Frank B. Wilkinson, who resides in Logansport, Indiana, and has two children, Charles W. and Grace A.; and Charles Sherman, born August 12, 1864, who marred Miss M. Wengt, has one son, C. W., born in 1899, and resides in Findlay, Ohio, where he 1s engaged in the glass business. John Ira Lewis received his education in the common schools of Belmont County and worked on the farm until he was 16 years of age. At this time the Civil War commenced to threaten the Union, and in May, 1862, he enlisted in the three-months' service as a mem-

AAA A su m AAA ber of Company A, 8sth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., | been sold, so: it is devoted to general farmand was sent to guard Rebel prisoners at Camp ing. The mill is one of the latest and most im- Chase, where he remained until the expiration | proved model roller mills, is 8o by 9o feet and of his term of service. While he was serving | four stories high. Mr. Lewis buys and grinds as a guard during this three-months' service, a | the grain and feed and his mill is as neat and call was made for volunteers from the ranks to | clean as any place of its kind in the county. go to Kentucky to take care of John Morgan | The capacity is about 60 barrels in 24 hours, and his marauding band. Mr. Lewis, with a | and most of the flour is shipped to the East. number of his comrades, responded. At an- March 3, 1870, Mr. Lewis was united in other time a call was made for volunteers to marriage with Mary J. Parks, a daughter of go to Covington, Kentucky, to hold the place | William and Maria (Campbell) Parks, and against Gen. Kirby Smith. Mr. Lewis again | a great-granddaughter of John Nichol, whose responded, and after his duty was over there | history is giver in another part of this work. and he returned to Camp Chase, he found that | The union has been blessed with eight children, the other members of the company had been | three dying in infancy. The others are: Harry mustered out quite a while before and had gone | W., born April 3, 1871, who runs the farm home. He also returned home, after serving | with his father; Della M., born September 30, 15 days over his term of enlistment. This did | 1874, now Mrs. George K. Phillips, who has not finish his war experience, however, for in | two children, Nellie M. and William; and February, 1864, he re-enlisted as a member of | Charles W., born February I9, I880; Anna Company D, 43d Reg., Ohio Vol. In£, and con- | B., born October 23, 1881, and William tinued in the service until the close of the con- | Parks, born August 13, 1885, who are living flict. His first battle was experienced May | at home. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are members 13 to I5, 1864, in the conflict before Resaca, | of the Presbyterian Church. In fraternal cir- Georgia, the starting of the Atlanta campaign. | cles the husband is a member of the Grand He also participated in all of the battles of the | Army of the Republic. In politics he takes an campaign until the surrender of Atlanta, and | active interest, and is now trustee of his townthen marched with General Sherman to the | ship, to which office he was elected two years sea, then through the Carolinas on to Peters- | ago by his party. All the citizens of Lamira burg, thence to Richmond and to Washington | have the highest opinion and friendship for Mr. City, where in the grand review that followed | Lewis and his worthy wife. he spent the happiest days of his life. From Washington he proceeded to Louisville, Ken- M. SHEETS, one of the hustling business tucky, where he was on guard duty for a time | men of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, and afterward was ordered to Columbus, Ohio, | Ohio, is in the coal business and has the best and was mustered out of service on July 17th, | and most complete equipment in the county just in time to return to his home by July 19th, | for a merchant mine. He owns about 150 where his parents, his paternal grandmother | acres of coal land that reaches back into the and his maternal grandparents were all waiting | neighboring hills, and near his home place he to welcome him. has opened up a mine within the city limits,

Mr. Lewis began life as a farmer in the | and in the near future expects to operate it on summer and a teacher in the winter months, | a lease. and he continued agricultural pursuits from | Our subject was born in Meigs County, i870 until November, 1900, the latter year | Ohio, June 22, 1839, and attended West Libbeing the date of his purchase of the Belmont | erty Academy of West Virginia to secure his Roller Mills, which he has since operated in | education. Following the completion of his connection with the farm work. The farm | studies there he embarked in the mercantile consists of 150 acres, from which the coal has ' business in his own interest and for some plete, is built in close proximity to the mine in the side of a hill. It is circular in shape, having a diameter of sixty feet, rounded out and leveled and walled with stone. In the circle are the buildings, scales, etc, and everything needed in the work. The working | | With the Woodses, the Martins, and the Millers miners, and they supply all local demands for |

Mary Newland, a 'daughter of John K. Newland of Martin's Ferry, became the wife of our subject November 18, 1869, and further mention of her is made in the biography of Mayor Isaac Newland, given in another part of this volume. They, and later their two daughters, were all married in the same room of the old Newland homestead, this having become the property of Mrs. Sheets upon the division of her father's estate. To

For the past twenty-five years Mr. and Mrs. Sheets have lived upon their old homestead, formerly the property of Mrs. Sheets' father. It was built by Noah Zane in 1844, who owned by many who in years past called it "Noah's Ark." This.title was given for two reasons; first, because it was built by Noah, and second, because, although it does not stand upon places, it was a place of rendezvous for people of Wheeling and other near-by cities, who wanted a few days rest, or a country outing, with a general good time, spent in games or dancing. |

But these days are now past and the old homesteads are inhabited by different people who in many respects have other manners and customs; however, Mr. and Mrs. Sheets prefer to keep up the long established customs of Kentucky and Virginia, whose hospitality, entertainment, and courtesy reign supreme, and in this respect they.have surely succeeded for the latch string is always out.

DR. WILLIAM N. ROGERS enjoys a lucrative practice in his chosen profession, in the city of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio. His success is due to his own qualifications and determination. His birth occurred at Con-

1871. He did not reside in that place many years, but removed to Media, Delaware County, Pa., and remained there until 1900. William N. Rogers became a student of the common schools of Media, Pennsylvania, and

1889, standing well to the front in his class. His best efforts were spent in learning the printer's trade for the next few years, and he worked at this until September, of the year 1894, economising in every way as he had determined to become a physician and surgeon. He accordingly became enrolled among the

Richard Shepherd

However, the Spanish-American War then occupied the attention of many of the best citizens and the month following his graduation in 1898 he entered the 1st U. S. Volunteer Engineers and served in the Porto Rican campaign till late in the fall, when he again returned to his profession. From July, 1899, until February r, 1900, he was employed as junior surgeon of the visiting staff of the outpatient department of Hahnemann Hospital, receiving a very fine surgical training in this way after which he removed to Bellaire, Ohio, and has both office and residence located at No. 1923 Belmont street. He has met with most pleasing success since his residence there, has identifed himself with the interests of township and county and now numbers his friends by the score. He is examiner for the Western & Southern Life Insurance Company of this district, is secretary of the Ohio Valley Homeopathic Medical Society, and is vicepresident of the West Virginia State Homeopathic Medical Society.

tive citizens of Belmont County, was born on the fine farm which he now owns and operates, in I840. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (Lazenby) Shepherd, natives of England, who came to America in 1820, coming directly to tered 80 acres of government land in Washington township, and lived upon his farm until his death in 1850, at the age of 32 years. Mrs. Mary (Lazenby) Shepherd passed away in 1863, at the age of 68 vears, while our subject was serving in the army.

The 13 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Shepherd were as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. Dayton), who resides in Wetzel County, West Virginia; Edward, who died at the age of 48 years; John, who died about 1870, aged 47 years, having resided on the home farm and having for some 20 years conducted a grocery boat on the Ohio River; William, who removed to Brown County, Indiana, prior to. the Civil War, - he served in the 23th Indiana Regiment and was wounded and died in that State; Mary Ann (Mrs. Dawson), who died in 1900, in Beallsville, Monroe County, her husband having died in the army; Jacob, who resides on a farm in Jackson County, - West Virginia, near Ravenswood; Thomas, who served in Company D, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in the Civil War, and lives in Brown- County, Indiana; Isaac, who died in 1898 in Belmont County ; Isaiah, who died in the Civil War, having been a member of Company D, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.; Nancy (Mrs. Mc- Avoy), who removed to Iowa and later to Nebraska; Clarissa (Mrs. Thomas Harlan), who resides in Wetzel County, West Virginia; Richard; and George, who died at the age of 15 years.

Richard. Shepherd was reared on the old farm which he first left to shoulder a musket in the Civil War, enlisting December 17, 1861, in Company D, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and gallantly did his duty in the ranks, participating in all the most serious battles, but escaped injury and was discharged in With the exception of four years during which time he leased his farm and resided at Beallsville, this old homstead has been his residence all his life. The property is his own and comprisés 235 acres of some of the best land in Washington township. Mr. Shepherd has it under a fine state of improvement, and in July, 1895, built a fine home in the attractive locality of Armstrong's Mills.

In February, 1867, Mr. Shepherd married Martha Jane Sherwood, who was born near Centreville in Smith township, a daughter of the late George Sherwood, who came at an In political sen- timent, Mr. Shepherd is a stanch Republican. He belongs to Hess Post, G. A. R., No. 595, and | | has been an official in the Odd Fellows' lodge. Both he and wife are consistent members "of | the Armstrong's Mills Methodist Church. He | is a man of property and prominence, worthily represents a well-known family, and is a first- | class citizen in every respect.

TYSON C. ROWLES, well known as one | of the successful farmers and leading citizens of Somerset township, Belmont County, was born in 1832, in Colerain township, and has been a resident of the former township since 1882.

The father of our subject was Azariah Rowles, who was born in 1796, in Maryland, and died in Belmont County, in 1846. In 1822 he came to Belmont County and settled in Colerain township, and his death occurred in Smith township. By trade he was a cooper, but he engaged also in farming. He was drafted into the service during the War of 1812 and was a soldier for a time at Baltimore. In politics he was a Whig. Mr. Rowles was reared a Friend, but he lost his birthright by marrying outside the Society without making proper acknowledgment. The mother of our subject was Sarah Hendrickson, who was born in New Jersey, and who died at the age of 61 years, in 1868. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Church and a woman of most admirable qualities. A family of eight children ` was born to Azariah and Sarah (Hendrickson) Rowles, as follows: Hezekiah, who lives in Knox County, Illinois; Mary, who died young; Elizabeth, who is the widow of William Workman; Thomas J., deceased, who was a soldier during the Civil War, from Belmont County; Nathan H., of Bellaire, who was an officer, with rank of captain, in the 170th Reg., Ohio National Guard, during the Civil War; Tyson C., of this sketch; Elihu B., who was a member of the 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., during the Civil War and lost his life for his country, in the battle of Altoona, in Sherman's campaign, in 1864; and Nancy E., who is the widow of Elmer Clifford, of Wheeling.

Tyson C. Rowles was educated in the Pat; lic schools and for a considerable period, i young manhood, was engaged in teaching in Belmont County, teaching for six years in Barnesville. He afterwards engaged in the tanning business at Barnesville, conducting this industry for 10 years. In 1882 he removed to Somerset township and located in section I9, where he most successfully operates a farm of 160 acres. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Rowles has most efficiently filled the offices of trustee and land appraiser and enjoys the reputation of being one of the township's most upright officials.

In 1861 Mr. Rowles was married to Eliza B. Mackall, who was born in Barnesville in 1837, and is a daughter of Benjamin and Mary Mackall. She is a lady of Christian virtues and a most consistent member of the Methodist Church. Fraternally, Mr. Rowles is a Mason, belonging to the local lodge. As a citizen and as a neighbor, he is held in high esteem in Somerset township.

M. E. MOORE is one of the best known farmers and most highly esteemed citizens of Wayne township, Belmont County, whose long and honorable record during the Civil War also entitles him to the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens.

Mr. Moore was born March 1, 1841, in Washington township, on a farm in the vicinity of his present home, and he is a son of Michael end Priscilla (Deaver) Moore.

Michael Moore was born on Captina Creek, in Washington township, and died at the age of.32 years, March 17, 1841, when our subject was an infant of two weeks. He was a son of Jacob Moore, who came to Ohio from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, the fam- 'ly having been founded there by Michael Moore, an early emigrant from Germany. The latter was one of the earliest pioneers in Belmont County, where he died at the age of 106 years. Jacob Moore, the grandfather of our subject, owned several farms in Washington and Wayne townships, and was the father of these children: John, Henry, Amster, Alfred, Michael, Rachel and Abigail.

The mother of our subject was born in Maryland, of an old and much respected family. She contracted a second marriage, with Eli Mantle, and died some 20 years ago. The ship. His six children were: Rev. Melancthon, who is the pastor of the Christian Church at Garnett, Kansas; Amanda J., who is Mrs. Thornberry, of wife of J. J. Phillips, of Washington township; Rev. Luther, who is pastor of the Third Christian Church at Akron, Ohio; Vietta, who is deceased; and Edison L., who lives at Akron, ander C. Mantle, of Washington township. Reared on the farm and educated in the public schools, Mr. Moore grew to young manhood, a representative young farmer. The outbreak of the Civil War completely changed the | current of his life, turning it from the peace- | | ent home farm, comprising 231 acres, a part of saw much hard service and participated in some of the most terrible battles of the war, Mr. Moore miraculously escaped serious injury. He was a member of the famous Averill's cavalry, in West Virginia and was captured by the enemy, spending four months as a prisoner, after the battle of Piedmont. He was left at campaign until the surrender of Atlanta, and Stanton Hospital and, being detailed there as nurse, took such excellent care of 13 wounded Union prisoners, that all but one regained health. Five days were spent in a hospital, from an attack of measles, and that about covered actual illness. In the fall of 1865, he was sent with his veteran regiment to Kansas and Colorado against the Indians, and was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, May 22, 1866, was discharged at Wheeling and arrived home, in Belmont County, June 1, 1866, after a wearisome but honorable service of four years, 11 months and 22 days. He was in Washington City in 1865 and was one of Gen. O. O. Howard's body guard during the trial of the Lincoln conspirators. He participated in the grand review in 1865, and boasts of again marching down Pennsylvania avenue in 1902 at the G. A. R. National Encampment.

ing that of commander of G. A. R., Danford Post, No. 525, of Beallsville, Ohio. He was most highly honored on July 1, 1889, by being commissioned lieutenant-colonel by Commander Samuel H. Hurst, of the Department of

After his return from the army, Mr. Moore soon married and purchased the old Phillip King farm, on Piney Creek, making the same his home until 1891, when he bought his preswhich, 40 acres each, was settled by Samuel and Israel Moore. This is one of the well developed farms of the locality and has been recent completion of a handsome, modern residence.

Centenniad History

Hiram J., who served in the Civil War, a member of the 27th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., married Ellen J. Mantle, the halí-sister of our subject, and they reside at San Diego, California; Thomas, who served in the Civil War also in an Ohio regiment, married Marsha Barkus and is in the mining business at Boulder, Colorado; Nancy Ellen married A. M. Caldwell and lives at New Martinsville, West Virginia; Cynthia married T. H. Blenus, a native of Nova Scotia, and they reside at Jacksonville, Florida; and another brother, E. O., has been lost in the West since 1880. `

22, 1867, who is a teacher of 14 years' experience in Belmont County, a graduate of the Valparaiso Business College and the Elliott School of Shorthand and Typewriting, at Wheeling, and resides with his parents; Hiram C., born September 24, 1868, who died November 25, 1891; Walton E., born March 6, 1874, who is his fathers capable assistant at home; and Adam V., born December 2, 1882, who died November 26, 1890.

. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore are valued members of the Belmont Ridge Christian Church. No one 1s ever left in doubt as to Mr. Moore's polities, and he is justly proud of the fact that he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln and has consistently supported the same party ever since. An honest, upright, straightforward man, M. E. Moore enjoys public esteem for his present position as neighbor and citizen, and for his past record as a brave, faithful and gallant soldier.

M. L. BLACKBURN, president of the Novelty Stamping Company, of Bellaire, Ohio, is a native of this State, born in Belmont County, and for the past 34 years has practically been a resident of Bellaire, though the greater part of his active life has been prominently identified with the industrial develop- | management.

ment of Eastern Ohio. From 1876 to 1892 he was interested in the glass business. Since 1892 he has held the position of president of the Novelty company, for which his years of business experience have eminently qualified him.

The Novelty Stamping Company was established in the summer of 1892, for the manufacture of stamped ware, from sheet metals, the product including all culinary household utensils. The officers of this company are men whose names carry with them reliability, viz.: M. E. Blackburn, president; A. Klotz,

This business was incorporated in the fall of 1892 and began operating in February, 1893, at 34th and Monroe streets. The building was erected by the company on the site of the Belmont Glass Works plant, which had been torn down, and covers an area of about half a block. About 250 employees are kept in the various departments, under a capable foreman.

JOSEPH O. McKELVEY, a well-known farmer and prominent business man, residing im Mead township, Belmont County, was born February 11, 1854, in this township, being a son of Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) Mc- Kelvey, extended mentioned of whom will be found in another part of this volume.

Mr. McKelvey grew up on the farm, obtaining a good common-school education, and remained at home until 1885, when he purchased his present farm in section 14, near Vallonia, in Mead township, this fine property being locally known as the old Beach farm. It was purchased from Samuel Day and contains 157 acres, which has undergone wonderful improvements under the practical and energetic methods of Mr. McKelvey. The buildings are of a very substantial character, the residence being large and convenient and all the surroundings testifying to thrift and excellent Mr. McKelvey is a first-class farmer, understanding all agricultural subjects very thoroughly, and belongs to a family which has made Mead township noted for its fine farms.

In 1885 Mr. McKelvey was married to Ida B. King, who was born in 1861 in Richland township, being a daughter of the late James King, and a family of five children has been born to this union, namely: James Curtis, aged 16 years; George Embra, aged 14; Lucille, aged 12; Florence B., aged 10; and Morris K., a little lad of two years. The religious membership of the family is with the Bethel Presbyterian Church.

In addition to his farming interests, Mr. McKelvey has been largely engaged in coal optioning, and during the past two years has optioned 16,000 acres, in Mead, Smith and Washington townships. He has been a lifelong Democrat and has been township treasurer and township trustee, being eminently qualifed to hold public office. Formerly he was a member of the Order of United American Mechanics. His time is absorbed in his different lines of activity and he is regarded as one of the very active and successful business men of his section of Belmont County.

SAMUEL CARPENTER, ESQ. a wellknown farmer residing in the southwest part of | York township, Belmont County, was born in | | I70th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in 1864, in the | 100-day service. He married Catherine Koher,

Robert Carpenter, grandfather of our sub- | ject, was one of the pioneers of this section of | the country and experienced all the hardships | of the early days and the excitement of life | Mary, Edward, Jacob, Lottie, Warner W., Aramong hostile Indians. At one time when he was riding a pony, bringing in the stock to the fort, he was waylaid bv two Indians, whose purpose was to steal some horses. They shot voung Carpenter through the arm, breaking it near the shoulder. which broke away. The pony did not again return to the fort until about a year later. The Indians ordered Mr. Carpenter to catch the

| made a dash for liberty. He was made a prisoner and held captive for some time, but finally made his escape by taking off his moccasins and running for his life.

Robert Carpenter, father of our subject, came to Belmont County in 1832 from Noble County, Ohio, locating on the farm now occupied by his son*Robert. He took up considerable land and at one time owned about 650 acres in Belmont County, and some 500 acres . in Indiana. He was largely engaged in sheep raising, and was a very prosperous man. He lived to reach the age of almost 80 years, dying in 1879. His wife, Sevilla Gates, was born in 1800 on Cat's Run in York township, and died in December, 1898. The folowing children were born to Robert and Sevilla (Gates) Carpenter: Elizabeth, born January 29, 1823; Sevilla, October 24, 1824; Hannah, August 30, 1826; Maria, March 5, 1829; George, January 23, 1831; David, May 11, 1833; Robert (1), April 29, 1835; Albert, October 3, 1837; Robert (2), June. 3, 1840; Mary A, May . 15, 1843; and Samuel, October 8, 1846. Robert Carpenter, the ninth child, and older brother of our subject, enlisted in Company F, 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., serving in the 14th Army Corps with Sherman at Perryville, Tucker's Ford, and Winchester. After serving eight months in that regiment, he re-enlisted in Company C, minta, Amos, Ross, and Chalmer F., who died at the age of five months. Robert Carpenter has been a member of Armstrong Post No. 595, G. A. R., for more than 20 years, and belongs to the Grand View Christian Church.

Samuel Carpenter was reared in York township and all his lite has resided near his present home, to which he moved in 1892. He owns 240 acres and follows general farming.

raising. February 24, 1872, he married Jemima Pugh, who died in 1884, leaving four children : residing on a part of her father's farm; Alice M., wife of Wesley Durrigg, of Washington deceased, namely: Ardella M.; and Irena. Our subject was again married in 1886 to Mary C. Hall, a daughter of Job Hall of Washington township, and they have three children: Stella G. ; Omar R.; and ocrat, and has served as justice of the peace and as land appraiser. member of the Farmers' Alliance. Religiously, he and his family are members of the Church of Christ. i

WINFIELD S. MECHEM, ex-county commissioner, who served Belmont County in this capacity for a period of seven years, and one of the best farmers and reliable business men of Washington township, was born in 1847 on the fine farm which he now owns near Alledonia, being a son of Lewis and Bathsheba (Danford) Mechem, the latter of whom was born at Ten Mile, Greene County, Pennsylvania, in I808 and died in 189o.

Colerain township, later removing to Barnesville and then to Malaga, Monroe County, in 1812. With the assistance of his brother and a hired assistant, he cut a path through the dense woods between Barnesville and Monroe County. In 1816 the family returned to Belmont County and settled in Washington township on Captina Creek. Grandfather Mechem followed a mercantile business during the greater part of his life. He was born about 1770 and died in 1858. His wife, formerly a Miss Evans, born in 1776, died in 1874, in her 99th year at the home of Samuel Danford.

In 1830 Lewis Mechem purchased 160 acres of the land which now constitutes our subject's home, 80 acres each of the tract having been entered by Isaac Moore and a Mr. Brownfield,

Jackson. Lewis Mechem was a stanch Whig and later a Republican, and an influential and representative man of his time and locality. He was an active member and an elder in the Belmont Ridge Christian Church, the first services of which were held in his home in 1856. He was one of 13 children, the others being Mary, John, Rachel, Jane, Ellen, Edward and Edwin, twins, Della Jane, Jesse, Naomi, Sarah and Nancy, and of these Edward resides in Iowa and Naomi in Indiana. Lewis Mechem and his wife had 10 children, as follows: William, deceased; Sinie, deceased; Huldah (Mrs. Wright), of Kansas; John G., of Wright County, lowa; Nancy E. (Mrs. Moore), of Belmont County; Amanda (Mrs. Stewart) died in Oregon; L. C., an attorney at Centerville, lowa; Sarah J. (Mrs. Boyer), of Missouri; Winfield S., of this sketch; and Louisa j. (Mrs. McFarland), of Belmont County.

Our subject was reared and educated in Belmont County and while still a young man completed his reading of law and was admitted to the bar in 1876. He then went as far west as Des Moines, lowa, to grow up with the country in his profession, but failing health compelled him, nine months later, to return and seek exercise again in an agricultural life. This is a very valuable property and, aside from public duties, Mr. Mechem operates his farm successfully and during the past couple of years has also optioned some 2,200 acres of coal land. In 1890 he was elected county commissioner and, after serving seven years, is now giving his attention to farming.

Mr. Mechem married Elvira Thornberry, the daughter of Lewis Thornberry, a native of Pennsylvania, but an old resident here, where she was born and the children of this union are:

Henry M. Rothermund

1s at home. Mr. Mechem is a Republican, and in 1880 he served as land appraiser. The relig- 10us connection of the family is with the Belmont Ridge Christian Church.

ty, Ohio, December 17, 1857, being a son of Augustus and Hannah (Specht) Rothermund. Augustus Rothermund, the father of our subject,was born in Germany and there learned the building trade. In 1852 he came to America, and joined his brother, Frederick, who was already located at Wheeling, (West) Virginia. There he followed his trade and did much of his building and contracting in Bridgeport and Martin's Ferry. His work was of a character that advertised him and he became well known through the county. His death occurred at the age of 69 years, his wife having passed away previously in her 48th year. Both parents of our subject were consistent and worthy members of the German Lutheran Church. A family of nine children was born to them, as follows: William, who died when 40 years of age; Henry M.; Charles, who is a partner with Henry M., and resides in Martin's Ferry; Lewis, deceased, lived but 26 years, but was a prominent man in Martin's Ferry, being a leading grocer, and president of the City Council-at the time of his death; Hannah (Mrs. Moore) lives in Martin's Ferry; August (1), deceased; August, who does the plastering for his brothers' contract buildings; Caroline, who is deceased; and Louisa, who died at the age of six years from lockjaw. Our subject obtained his education in the public schools at Martin's Ferry, beginning at the age of 16 years to learn his trade with his father, working thus until 23 years old, and then started independently in the same business. Mr. Rothermund has a skill in his work not possessed by all contractors and builders. He gained the full confidence of the people of Martin's Ferry and Bridgeport. He has done much of the work in both cities and has plastered as many as 78 buildings in one year. There is that 1f he thinks he cannot finish work in the specified time he will not undertake the job, and in this way the public has grown to trust his word and to secure his services if possible. He carries all the best trade in his locality, and takes a just pride in its completeness. Mr. Rothermund is one of the directors in the German Savings Bank and owns much property of a valuable nature through the city, having at least six acres divided into building lots. Although he is no politician, he votes with the Democratic party, but refuses all tenders of office. .