Somerset Township (part 10 of 15)

Robert Jefferson Alexander was an able attorney and practiced all his life in Belmont County, serving through two terms as county prosecuting attorney, and was the first judge of the Court of Common Pleas under the new Constitution of 1851, his term covering five years of service. His interest was pronounced in the fostering of public educational enterprises, and he favored legislation for the advancement of agricultural opportunities. Mr. Alexander was born on October 6, 1806, and through a period of 57 years was one of the most useful citizens of Belmont County. The children born to this first marriage were as follows: Theresa, who is Mrs. K. S. Boreman, of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Ross. J.. who 1s the subject of this sketch. Robert J., who is a resident of the State of Washington, and William W., who resides at Akron, Ohio. The mother of these children died in I844 at the age of 33 years. The second marriage of Mr. Alexander was to a sister of his first wife, Rachel R., who was the widow of Wiliam H. Tallman, the one daughter born to this union being Mary Ann, the wife of James Murray, of Wheeling, West Virginia.

in Belmont County on Christmas Day, 1834. He was reared in a home of refinement and intelligence and was offered excellent educational advantages. From Linsly Institute in Wheeling he went to Franklin College, Ohio, and later graduated with the highest honors in the class of 1834 from Washington and Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania. Under his eminent father he studied law and was admitted to practice in December, 1856, locating in St. Clairsville. For a period of I8 years Mr. Alexander carried on a large and absorbing practice in that place, removing in 1872 to Bridgeport, only to change the location, not the nature or volume, of his business. Many honors have been shown our subject by appreciative fellow citizens. For 12 years he was master commissioner of the county and for two terms he was the municipal head of the city of St. Clairsville. He has served as a member of the Bridgeport Council a number of times, has been a member of and president of the Bridgeport School Board for many years, and has been identified with all public enterprises of lasting value. During two years he was an efficient member of the Ohio Legislature, rendering his party yeoman service during the administration of President Cleveland. He also served in the far West as a member of the Puyallup Indian Commission of the State of Washington, in _ all of these varied responsible offices upholding the dignity of the position and conscientiously performing the many duties.

On July 14, 1858, Mr. Alexander was united in marriage with Margaretta Askew, a native of St. Clairsville and a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (McElroy) Askew, the latter of whom was a daughter of John Mc- Elroy, who was a captain in the War of 1812. A family of four children were born to our subject and wife, as follows: Marian, who married William Alexander, resides in Kansas City, Kansas, and they have two children, Askew and Ross J.; Lillian, who married Frank Sigel, resides at Kansas City, Missouri, and has two daughters, Margaret and lein, a prominent attorney of Bridgeport, and their children are Margaret, George and Dorothy; and St. Clair, of Kansas City, Missouri. Both our subject and wife are leading members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a well-known member of the Masonic, order and has held the highest positions in lodge, chapter and commandery, and has been a delegate many times to all the grand bodies in the State. From his youth he has been interested in politics, and is an ardent advocate of unadulterated Jeffersonian Democracy.

WILLIAM H. McCARTNEY, who during life was one of the substantial and highly esteemed citizens of Belmont County, was born at Linton Mills, Coshocton County, Ohio, June 28, 1840, a son of David and Elizabeth (Heslop) McCartney, the former of whom was born in 1816. On March 21, 1837, he married Elizabeth Heslop, and they reared a family of four children. David McCartney was an extensive farmer and also engaged in the banking business at Fort Howard, Wisconsin. He died at Thomasville, Georgia.

For a number of years William H. Mc- Cartney was associated with his father in business and became well and favorably known. He was married to Martha Hunt, who was born November 30, 1842, a daughter of Philip Hunt, of Maryland, who was a well-known stockman and extensive farmer. The union resulted in the birth of the following children: Nellie, who married Dr. J. W. Wellons, one of the rising young physicians of Barnesville, a son of the distinguished Dr. G. S. Wellons; and Jesse T., who was born May 10, 1873, and who is attending the Ohio Medical College. He will graduate in 1903. He resides with his mother on the old homestead, located within a quarter of a mile of the city of Barnesville. This estate comprises 47 acres of well-improved land, while the stately brick vicinity. Jesse T. McCartney, like his father, is identified with the Republican party, and is one of the popular young men of this locality. The family is one held in high esteem throughout Warren township. William H. McCartney was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died September 29, 1901. Mrs. McCartney is a member of the M. E. Church of Barnesville, Ohio.

JOHN WATSON, a representative farmer and eminent citizen of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, where so many years of his life have been spent upon a farm, has followed agricultural pursuits to very good advantage, having accumulated quite a competency, and is highly respected in his community for his many excellent qualities. Mr. Watson was born January Ig, 1829, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on a farm near Canonsburg. He now owns 315 acres, which includes one-fourth of the old Hammond farm, which was acquired as a legacy to his by our subject, and also the farm upon which our subject resides, which was purchased by him some time since. The handsome residence and other substantial improvements were all made by Mr. Watson, who carries on general farming in the most approved manner, but makes a specialty of raising fine sheep; in fact, a great deal of his money has been made on sheep alone, but he also raises a limited number of horses, cattle, hogs, etc.

Thomas Watson, the father of our subject, was a blacksmith by trade, and at one time resided in Canonsburg. He subsequently removed to the farm near that place, where our subject was born, and there continued in the blacksmith business for several years. He married Jane, the eldest daughter of William Hays, who lived at Plum Run, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and who reared a family of seven children.

deceased except three sisters, who reside at Canonsburg, and one brother, James F., is a resident of Indiana. James, the eldest son, died at the early age of nine years, and Rachel at ten years. William died in Belmont County in 1889, and Nancy passed to her rest the same year, while Catherine died as recently as IQOI.

December 18, 1867, Mr. Watson was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth Hammond, the ceremony which bound them for life taking place at St. Clairsville, Ohio. The first two years of their married life were spent by the young people in Pennsylvania, after which they removed to the farm formerly owned by subject's father-in-law and which was originally the property of Robert Hammond, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Wat- _ son. This grandfather was a member of the Seceders' Church, which afterward was absorbed by the United Presbyterian. He died in 1845, and' his homestead passed to his youngest son, James Hammond, the father of Mrs. Watson, and was later purchased by our subject.

The elder Hammonds were of Irish descent and were natives of Washington County, Pennsylvania. James Hammond followed farming during all his active years. After passing his 6oth milestone he left the farm, which was the birthplace of Mrs. Watson, and removed to St. Clairsville, where the closing years of his life were spent. He attained the age of 72 years and left quite a comfortable estate to his family. He pos-^ sessed but a common-school education, but close application to business brought its wellearned freedom from toil during his last years. Both he and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church. He was twice married. By his first union, with Jane Caldwell, three children were born, two of whom still survive, Mrs. Watson being the eldest of the family. She has one sister, residing in Waterloo, Iowa. By his union with

Mrs. Watson was born in 1841. Her maternal grandfather, John Caldwell, emigrated to this. country from Ireland. He died in Pittsburg from a malignant fever, and two or three of his sisters succumbed to the malady also. The father of Mrs. Watson was brought to Ohio by his parents at the age of three years. His parents located at that time on the old Hammond farm, which the elder Hammond cleared from the woods. The mother of Mrs. Watson was a native of Ireland and accompanied her parents to this country when seven years old. She was born in 1812 and died in 1850. She was reared principally in Pennsylvania and came to Belmont County when a young woman. Her husband was born May 13, 1808, and survived her many years, 1880 marking the date of his death.

Four children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Watson, as follows: James Hays, born February 5, 1870; William W., born August 6, 1871; Ella Jane, born September 9, 1873. and J. Walter, born November 12, 1878. James H. married Amanda Watson on the igth day of March, daughter of Andrew Watson of Guernsey County. born in February, 1897; John Melvin, born in 1898; William G., born in January, 1900, and twins, born in November, 1901, their names being Winfield Hays and Mary Helen.

William W. is still unmarried and remains at home on the farm. He was liberally educated at Franklin College at New Athens, Ohio. Ella Jane, the eldest daughter, was educated at the same institution. January 3, 1900, she married Jay B. Patton, and resides in Harrison County, Ohio.

ers and sister, was sent to Franklin College. from which he graduated. For the past two years he has attended the United Presbyterian Seminarv at Alleshenv, Pennsylvania, where he is taking a theological course. He |

Mr. Watson is a man of broad, liberal ideas. He has spent a great deal of money in rearing his family, and his children are all the recipients of a liberal education. Two of his sons, James and William W., have chosen the vocation of their father and will be farmers. In politics our subject was a faithful adherent of the Republican party up to 1884. He was present at a political meeting in Pittsburg in 1856, and during the same year cast his vote for Fremont. During the campaign of 1884 he worked hard-for Blaine, but the latter's attitude on the prohibition question in Maine soured him on Blaine and the Republican party also. Since then Mr. Watson has used his vote and influence with the Prohibitionists. However, he has never been a politician, but has done his duty as a citizen, having served on the election board, as supervisor and in various other capacities.

lifelong member of the United Presbyterian Church. He has been an elder of the same since 1871, and has served upon several occasions as a delegate to the General Assem- at Allegheny in May, 1902. Both he and his wife can remember attending church in the early days, listening to a sermon in the forenoon, and after a luncheon another sermon of more than the average length was delivered in the afternoon. Mr. Watson has

JOHN DuBOIS, a noted lumber dealer and manufacturer of Bellaire, Ohio, is indigenous to Belmont County, his birth having taken place June 4, 1838, in Colerain township. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Douglas) Du Bois, both natives of County Antrim, Ireland, where their marriage vows were exchanged. Five children were born to them before they left their native land. After emigration they settled in Belmont County, Ohio and in time four more children were born to them. The father was a blacksmith by trade and followed that occupation for some years with such success that he purchased a farm in Colerain township and engaged in argicultural pursuits. Success crowned his efforts and he acquired a large amount of land. He died in 1880, having previously lost his companion and helpmeet in 1857.

Mr. DuBois has one brother living, Maj. Joseph M. DuBois, of Dallas, Texas, who served during the Civil War in the 15th Ohio Regiment and rendered valuable services to our country. The subject of this "narrative remained at home upon his father's farm until he attained the age of 35 years, and he still owns and manages the homestead farm in Colerain township. He located in Bellaire in 1876, succeeding in the lumber business his brother, Alexander, whose demise took place about that time. Mr. DuBois has followed that line of work constantly ever since. In 1880 he built a planing mill on Central avenue and Harrison street. This mill has been operated for nearly a quarter of a cen- 'tury under the firm name of DuBois & Mc- Coy, and turns out a large amount of work. Mr. DuBois has been twice married. In early manhood he married Margaret Frazier, who died in October, 1888, leaving seven sons, as follows: James F., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; John A.; Samuel L., a minister of the United Presbyterian Church; Joseph M., ex-city treasurer and at present bookkeeper at the mill; David Douglas, a law student at Columbus; Charles McConkey, who died at the early ace of four years, and Lawrence Lorain, who is also employed at the mill.

Some time after the decease of his first wife our subject married the present Mrs. DuBois, whose maiden name was Sarah Atkinson: she was reared near Wheeling, West Virginia. The family prefer the religion of the United Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. DuBois is an ardent Republican, and although not a politician, he has been honored with the confidence of the people in his community and has served his party faithfully. From 1892 to 1894 he served as mayor of Bellaire, and his administration of city affairs during his term was commendable. As a business man he is straightforward and upright in his dealings, and he has few equals in the lumber business. Years of constant toil have brought to him a well-deserved reward, and he has long since reached an enviable position financially. He has a beautiful home which he built some time ago at No. 4211 Noble street. His office is located on Central avenue.

THOMAS D. FRITTER, a well-known and prosperous farmer of Belmont County, located in section 17, Union township, near Lafferty, was born in Belmont County on

Ann (Perkins) Fritter, both of whom were natives of Belmont County, the former a son of Moses and Sarah Fritter, of Stafford County. Humphrey Fritter was born in 1808 and died in 1866, aged 58 years. He owned a fine farm of 50 acres in Goshen township and there reared his family, became a prominent citizen, and served for a long period as one of the school directors. His wife was a daughter of Stephen and Catherine Perkins, natives of Frederick County, Virginia, making her home in section 17, Union township, until her death, September 4, 1902. Seven children were born to our subject's parents, he being the second in order of birth, the others being as follows: Sarah C., who married J. W. Hartsock, of Warren County, Ohio; Cilicia A., who married A.B. Phillips, lives in Meade County, South Dakota; Stephen W., who resides in Flushing township, is a farmer; Francis, who is a farmer and resides in this county, adjoining our subject; Martha, who

Thomas D. Fritter, of this biography, attended school in Belmont County, and later spent some time at study in Franklin College. He has devoted his life to farming, owning nine acres of land individually and 150 acres in conjunction with his mother's estate, all of it being very valuable on account of its being underlaid with coal. This has not yet been developed, but the land is very fertile, and under Mr. Fritter's excellent management yields generously. He is no politician, but a man of extensive reading, owning and enjoying a large and wellselected library and keeping in touch with the literature of the day. He is a member of the Masonic order and has filled all of the offices of Flushing Lodge, No. 298, of Flushing, Ohio, temporarily. Several years since he accepted the office of land appraiser, but cares little for political honors or public place. He deservedly stands well as a substantial and worthy citizen of Union township.

DAVID B. LONG, widely known in Belmont County as a veteran of the late Civil War, raises choice fruits and garden truck, etc., on his well tilled farm, about one and a half miles west of Bellaire. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Kilgore) Long, grandson of Jacob Long and was born on the present site of the city of Bellaire, January 22, 1829.

Jacob Long was a substantial Pennsylvania Dutchman, and was a native of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. His business career was a success in every way; he hauled salt, when that commodity was worth $3 per bushel, and followed wagoning across the mountains to a great extent.

John Long, our subject's father, was born and reared in Mead township, Belmont County, and became one of the residents of Pultney township previous to the birth of our sub- | ject. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Kilgore, and they had a family of 11 children, whose names will be given later. Mr. Long died when 73 years of age in 1878, leaving his farm and its interests to the care of his widow and her children. Mrs. Long survived until 1884, when she too passed away, at the age of 84 years.

Our subject's brothers and sisters are as follows : Jacob, who is a dairyman, living south of Bellaire; William, residing in Pultney township, as does also his brother Alexander; Nancy Jane and Sybil, residents of Belmont County, one of whom resides at Cambridge; John, whose demise took place in the spring of 1902; Joseph, who died in the army; and three sisters, Martha, Mackey and Margaret, who are deceased.

The intellectual training of David B. Long was derived from the common schools of Pultney township, and his first active employment was tound on the farm, where he worked until the beginning of the Civil War. At that time, he, together with all his brothers except Jacob, enlisted to serve his country, becoming a member of Company H, 61st Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and served as orderly sergeant of the company. He participated in many battles of importance and served, altogether, three years and two months, being mustered out of service in the spring of 1865. On August 20, 1864, while im line of battle under General Hooker at Peach Tree Creek, he was wounded, the ball striking his right shoulder and causing the amputation of his arm, on which account he has received a liberal pension for many years. He was also in the battle of Gettysburg with the -11th and 12th Army Corps, which were later sent to the Southwest and consolidated to form the 20th Army Corps.

At the close of the war, Mr. Long returned home and entered into the stock business - feeding, buving and selling with great profit. He spent 18 years in this manner on his farm, three miles west of Bellaire, and finally decided to journev west to Kansas. He chose his location in Labette County and spent two vears, 1884-86, there, but the crops were not what he had expected and he was troubled with the ague, all of which led to his removal to his native place. Arriving once more at the scenes of his boyhood years, he built his present home, about IO years ago, and has met with unqualifed success in business affairs since.

Mr. Long was married to Cynthia A. Shahan, in July, 1849. She was born and reared near Shadyside, Belmont County. Six sons and four daughters have been born to this union, namely : Harmon, John, James, Samuel, Edwin, George, Sarah Jane, Isabelle, Alice and Cynthia G. The last three are still residents of Belmont County. Sarah Jane lives in the State of Washington. George 1s a carpenter and also conducts a store near Warwick. Edwin and Samuel are farmers and fruit growers in Michigan. Samuel is a minister of the Gospel. James farms in Belmont County, and Harmon follows agricultural pursuits in Champaign County, Ohio. The family are Methodists in their religious convictions, the father having joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1849. In political affairs he is a true Republican and has served as township trustee, besides holding various other offices. He was formerly a member of the G. A. R. In all affairs which he undertakes he possesses the unbounded confidence and well wishes of his fellow citizens, and he has always been a credit to his community.

tive farmer and popular citizen of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born on the fine farm which he now owns and operates, on April 23, 1857, a son of James F. Merritt, who died when William A. was but two years of age.

Daniel Merritt, the great-grandíather of our subject, entered 640 acres of land from the government in 1805, and our subject has in his possession the patent deed for the same, bearing the signatures of President Jefferson and Secretary of State James Madison. Daniel Merritt served as an officer through the Revolutionary War, and left his sword and belt to his descendants. These were in the possession of our subject's father, but after his death, on March 18, 1859, were partially destroyed by fire. The sword with its silver mountings was turned into a corncutter and into silver rings, both now lost. Daniel Merritt was born August I5, 1750, and died on this farm after living upon it some 20 years; his brother, who was a surveyor, platted it. He reared a family of six children, three sons and three daughters, by his wife, Nancy Merritt, who was born February 2, 1762. These children were: Polly, Betsey, Plesy, John, William, and Josiah.

John Merritt; son of Daniel and grandfather of our subject, was born May 7, 1797, married Sarah Ferguson and died on this farm on January 11, 1841. Their children were the following: James F., born February 18, 1820; Daniel, born November 27, 1821; Anna, born March 4, 1824; Nancy, born May 21, 1826; and Josiah, born August 31, 1828. John's wife, Sarah, died October 7, 1834, and he married Margaret Armstrong October 15, 1835, and these children were born: Sarah, born July 18, 1836; Mary Jane, born March 18, 1840; and John.

James Merritt, the father of our subject, married Christina Lodge on May 14, 1846, and the children born to this union were: Tamzen, born May 9, 1847, married Byron Hoge, of Wheeling township, and died October 15, 1889, leaving three sons, James B., Arthur W., and Frank G., all of whom are in business in Cleveland; Sarah C., born August I5, I850, resides with our subject, William A., of this sketch.

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-