Somerset Township (part 13 of 15)

Thomas W. Branson was reared and educated mainly in Flushing township. When grown to manhood he followed the fortunes of a stationary engineer until 1886. He then engaged in the hardware business in Barnesville, which occupied his attention until 1896. May 1, 1895, he was appointed superintendent and manager of the Belmont County Children's Home, and by his adaptability and fitness for the place he has been retained ever since. This institution is supported by the county, and is one of the best managed "concerns of its kind in the State. An extensive history of the Home appears in a different part of this volume.

About 32 children are inmates at the present time and are under the direct supervision of our subject, whose personal attention is given to even the small details connected with the care and comfort of those in his charge. Being of a kind and cheerful disposition, he has not only made a good guardian for the otherwise homeless waifs, but is also their faithful friend, while at the same time he curtails all unnecessary expense, practicing economy in every possible way. The trustees of the institution should consider themselves fortunate in securing the services of a man who is naturally so well qualified and adapted to fill the place, and his retention from year to year attests their entire satisfaction and appreciation of his efforts.

On the first day of June, 1882, Mr. Branson married Rebecca Patton, an accomplished daughter of Dr. Patton, who for many years was a leading physician and surgeon of New Athens, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Branson have reared one son, Ernest P., who was born June 14, 1883. The family are faithful attendants of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, our subject affiliates with the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a stanch Republican, but has never sought office, being obliged to give his time to the wants and care of the inmates of the Home. He is a man of sterling integrity and good principles, and has attained success by his own endeavors.

OLIVER C. PARKER, one of the wellknown and substantial men of Belmont County, Ohio, has for many years been identified with farming and stock interests, and now finds a pleasant home, retired from activity, in the prosperous city of Martin's Ferry.

The birth of Mr. Parker occurred on March 24, 1829, in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, a son 'of Joseph and Mary (Judkins) Parker, both of whom were born in Northampton County, North Carolina, where they were married.

The Parker family is of Welsh origin, and Grandfather Jacob Parker was an example of the best type of that thrifty and energetic people. In 1805 the parents of our subject left their North Carolina farm, with ox-cart and household belongings, and became pioneers in Ohio. For a time they lingered in Jefferson County, but later located in Belmont County, where Joseph Parker rented land for 14 years and then bought roo acres. Our subject now owns all but 14 acres of the original farm. From the Giffen estate Oliver C. Parker purchased 2315 acres, making in all a total of 1092 acres, underlaid with the Pittsburg or No. 8 vein of coal, which is sold. Joseph Parker was born in 1778 and died in April, 1855, having always been numbered among the useful citizens of the county. The mother of our subject was born in 1787 and died in April, 1871. She was a daughter of James and Martha (Stanton) Judkins, through her mother being related to the great Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton. She was a most estimable woman, and she professed the simple Friend faith. She lived a life of meekness and kindness, her gentle touch and sympathizing presence often bringing comfort in the neighboring pioneer homes. Joseph Parker was also a Friend, of the orthodox faith, but as he had been reared in a State where he saw the effects of slavery, he was of a more aggressive spirit, and went great lengths to assist the work of the "Underground Railroad." His abolition ideas had much to do with his settlement in Ohio.

Oliver C. Parker was the ninth member of the family of ten children born to his parents, the names being: Abigail, born in 1803, married Joshua Steele, and she died in 1855, aged about52 years; Jacob, who was a skilled machinist, a builder of threshers, in his day, died on August 21, 1849. aged 43 years; James, who was born in 1809, married Harriet Beck, who died with cholera in 1833 on the farm in Pease township; Dr. William, who was born in 1812, practiced many years in Columbiana County, Ohio, and died at the age of 68 years; Dr. Isaac, who was born in 1815, practiced\in Morgan Countv, Ohio, and died in 1893; Stanton J., who was born in 1818, followed farming and died in 1889; Dr. Joseph, who was born in

August 20, 1849, - he lived 100 miles from his brother Jacob and died one day earlier. The parents and relatives were starting to attend the funeral of Anderson, when they were prostrated still further by the news of the death of Jacob. Anderson was a teacher, had about finished his law course, came home from St. Clairsville, was taken ill with dysentery and died. The tenth member of the family was Martha A., who married Dr. William Van Pelt, and died in 1854, ten months after marriage, at the age of 21 years. Thus our subject is the only survivor.

Oliver C. Parker received only the educational training obtainable in the district schools in his vicinity. He was reared on the farm and assisted his father, and, as the youngest son, remained with his parents and gave them filial care until they passed out of life. His early interests were centered in agriculture and he has always followed it, succeeding in his farming and also in his breeding and selling of good stock.

Mr. Parker was married in 1864 to Martha Van Pelt, who was an invalid for 12 years, and died January 3, 1877, having been a patient sufferer. She was a daughter of Jacob and Jane. (Wiley) Van Pelt, of Belmont County. The second marriage of Mr. Parker was on: October" 25, 1870, to Mary Kathleen West, a daughter of and the only surviving member of the family of Dr. Simon Brown and Mary Zane (Martin) West. The one child ot this union is Simon West, who is a druggist, having studied pharmacy since his r5th year, and is now attending the College of Pharmacy at Scio, Harrison County, Ohio. Mr. Parker is a man of earnest, thoughtful character. Mrs. Parker is a granddaughter of Ebenezer Martin, who was the founder of Martin's Ferry. Her father, Dr. West, was a practitioner in Pease township for 30 years, a man of skill and reputation. He graduated in 1836 from the Cincinnati Medical College, which has graduated five physicians of the name.

dates of the Republican party. first vote was cast for John P. Hale, the Free- Soil candidate in 1852, since the formation of the Republican party he has been a:strong supporter of its principles. He has never missed a vote for a presidential candidate since 1856. He served four years as trustee of Pease township.

JOHN R, WILSON, a respected resident of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, where he is engaged in the laundry business, was born in Ontario, Canada, March 12, 1864, and is a son of James and Jessie (Lithgo) Wilson, both natives of Scotland.

James Wilson moved from Scotland to Canada with his wife in the early "forties," and there engaged in architecture until 1858, when he moved to Rennsylvania. There he was an early oil operator and producer at a time when the oil was hauled in wagons to the refinery, tanks then being not in use. He continued as a producer until his death by paralysis April 10, 1880, at the age of fifty-two years. He was a very successful and highly esteemed business man. His wife died December 17, 1881, at the age of fifty-two years. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wilson was possessed of a fine education and was especially proficient in mathematics. He was a genial, courteous, temperate and industrious man, as highly respected as he was widely known. He and his wife had eight children, as follows: David, who died in infancy; Thomas, a resident of ' Michigan; James T., of Martin's Ferry; who died August 5, 1902; William L., of Hollsopple, Pennsylvania; R. K., of Wilson's Laundry, at Bridgeport; John R., subject of this sketch; P. A., a thorough mechanic and marine engineer, located at Erie, Pennsylvania; and Jessie, who died June 19, 1898, at the age of twenty-five, was wife of A. R. Cochran of Martin's Ferry.

His first business undertaking was in the laun- This he established in March of 1890, and it has proved an excellent business venture. He is

October 2, 1890, John R. Wilson was united in marriage with Ella C. Ryan of Dayton, Ohio, a daughter oi William and Catherine Ryan, natives of Ireland. Her father died December 26, 1880, and her mother December

Catholic Church. To them were born six children, namely: Mary, wife of Michael Ryan; Katie, deceased, who was wife of Edward Partridge, for many years clerk of courts in Cincinnati, Ohio; Margaret, a resident of Dayton, Ohio; Hannah, who also resides at Dayton; Ella C., wife of our subject; and William, who died at the age of three years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born four children, as follows: William L.; James C.; John R., Jr.; and Robert E. Religiously, they are members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject is a member of the Ohio City Lodge, No. 486, F. & A. M.; Belmont City Podge m NO. 221, La Che ICT OMG. CHE Lodge, No. 54, K. of P.; and Bellaire Lodge NO Faro be PSONE:

ALEXANDER W. McMASTER, a prominent and representative farmer of Belmont County, owning a fine, well cultivated farm in Mead township, is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families of this locality. He was born in 1853 in Mead township, a son of Samuel and Sarah A. (Gregory). McMaster.

Judge Robert McMaster, the grandfather of Alexander, came from Washington County, Pennsylvania, to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1817, accompanied by two children, Samuel and Fanny, the latter the widow of J. A. Weyer, of Powhatan. Grandfather Mc-

Master located in the section north of our subject's present fine farm, buying land in small tracts until he was owner of many acres. At the time of his settlement in Mead township this part of the county was almost uninhabited, the Taylor and Miles families being about the only residents.

"Uncle" Tommy Miles is still recalled as one of the first residents of this section. Ere long, however, other settlers came and the cares and responsibilities of the community increased along with progress and improvement, and as a man of judgment and force of character, Robert McMaster was called upon to assume prominent positions, serving eihiciently as coroner, justice of the peace and as Common Pleas judge. He was a man em'nently fitted for public life, and this section is indebted to him for much of its early development. His first wife died about 1850, and in 1851 he married Adeline Rankin, and the one son of this union is Dr. R. O. Mc- Master of the McMaster Hospital of Wheeling. Mrs. McMaster spent the last 15 years oí her life after the death of her husband with Mrs. Dr. Piper. Judge McMaster died in 1874, aged 83 years. The children of his first marriage were: George, William, Andrew, Henrv, Samuel, Fanny, Amanda, Margaret and Nancy.

Samuel McMaster was reared on his father's farm and remained there until sometime later than 1830, when he moved upon the farm occupied by his son, in section 3I, range 3, - a tract of 152 acres. Here Mr. Mc- Master resided until the fall of 1900, when he removed to the home of a daughter, Mrs. A. D. Creamer, living near Jacobsburg. The mother of our subject was born in March, 1817, on the Duncan farm, near St. Clairsville, and removed in the "thirties" to Smith township, near Jacobsburg. She was a daughter of Patrick and Ella (Dowler) Gregory, natives of Ireland, who died at Jacobsburg and both were interred in that vicinity. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory were: Thomas, Wesley, Pauline,

The marriage of the parents of our subject took place in 1834, and they had a family of seven sons and one daughter born to them, namely: Robert, who died in 1859, aged 22 years; William W., who resides on a farm near Glencoe, Richland township; John W., emigrated to Kansas in 1883 and lives near Wichita, in Sedgwick County, having lived on a part of the Miles land in this county, - he married Margaret Porterfeld in 1864 and has five daughters and two sons; Dr. J. N., who is a resident of Centrevile, Belmont County; Thomas J., who is a farmer in section. 31, in Mead township; Albert, who died at the age of two years; Alexander, who is the subject of this record; and Emma S., who married A. D. Creamer and lives in Smith township.

Alexander McMaster was reared on the home farm and educated in the district schools of Mead township. It has been his pleasant lot to remain through life in this most desirable part of Mead township, having always been the home farmer. In 1901 he erected his present handsome residence of eight rooms, which 1s one of the most complete and convenient houses in his locality. Mr. McMaster has given his attention to general farming and stock raising, mainly standard breeds of cattle and sheep, and has been very successtul in both lines.

On April, 1877, Mr. McMaster was united in marriage with Melissa Taylor, who was born in October, 1853, and was reared in the same neighborhood as our subject, a daughter of Frazier and Lucy (Remley) Taylor, the latter being a venerated member of her son-in-law's household. The children born to our subject and wife consisted of three sons and three daughters, namely, Flora E., Ross A., Samuel, Ida, Roberta and Delbert.

In politics Mr. McMaster has always been identified with the Democratic party and exerts a wide influence in its ranks in his section. For 27 years his father admirably filled

105, but later became a charter member of Weyer Lodge of Centreville, joined the organization in 1844, he is probably the oldest Mason in the county.

Centreville, Ohio, and St. Clairsville Chapter, No. 17, R. A. M. Mr. McMaster with his family attends the Methodist Church at Jacobsburg and is a liberal contributor to its support. better known or more generally esteemed.

and successful business men of Key, Belmont County, Ohio, who is engaged in farming and stock dealing and also handling the leading makes of farm machinery, was born in 1860, in Mead township, being a son of Allen and Mary (Thornborough) Ramsey. Our subject's mother was born in England, but was brought to Ohio when but 18 months old by her father, William Thornborough, who entered land on what is known as the Ramsey Ridge, and which is now the property of Abram Ramsey. Extended mention of Allen Ramsey and other member of the family will be found on other pages of this work.

John A. Ramsey was reared on "n home farm and remained there, assisting in the work and attending school, until he reached manhood. A trip through the great West about this time was a most excellent method of education; during his 18 months of absence, he visited almost all of the Western States and Territories, spent six months at Portland, Oregon, and saw many phases of life and living which, perhaps, made him all the more satisfied with the advantages and opportunities offered in Belmont County. Mr. Ramsey is a large land owner, among his possessions being township, and four children have been born to this union, namely: Bertha, born April 27, 1895, died April29,' 1895; Gladys, born July 4, 1896; Lena Valletta, born July 31, 1898; and Carrie Wanita, born January 12, 1900. Mrs. Ramsey belongs to a promi- Her father, Adam De- Long, was born in Belmont County, June 14, 1827, and died December 26, 1899, being a son of Jonathan DeLong, a native of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. In young manhood Adam DeLong moved to Washington County, Ohio, and during his 10 years of residence there married Mary Ann Flowers, who is a beloved member of Mr. Ramsey's household. After leaving his farm in Washington Mr. DeLong lived for a time in Businessburg, removing to Belmont town some seven years prior to his death. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. DeLong were: Tirzah, who died October 26, 1861, aged nine years; John T., who is a farmer near Danbury, Nebraska, married Annie McHenry of Illinois, and four of their six children survive; Harriet S., who is the widow of William Irwin, who died in 1902, resides at Shadyside, with two: sons and three daughters; Samuel M., who married Levada Keyser, lives near Anvil, Ohio; Alvaretta, who married James Hart, resides at Belmont and has four sons; Ida M., who married O, S. Hall, died one year later, in 1892; Robert H.; Minnie A., who became Mrs. Ramsey, was born May 19, 1870; and William A., who resides at Belmont, engaged as a salesman, - he married Dora Gregg and has two sons. As this family was one of the early ones of the county, more extended mention is interesting.

township. His children were: Rachel, born July 17, 1816, married Robert Watt, and both died at their home near Jacobsburg; Andrew, born October 13, 1817, married Catherine

Jacob, born July 1, 1819, moved to Washington County, and there married a Miss Hoover and still survives; John, born July 2, 1821, married a Miss Hoover, and died in Washington County; Samuel, born October 21, 1823, married Margaret Scott and they live in Indiana; Catherine, born May 1, 1825, married | a Mr. Wiley and they live in Washington County; Adam, born June 14, 1827; Sabina, named for her mother, born October 1, 1830, married William Kirkpatrick and they live in Washington County; Jonathan C., born April 7, 1833, died in Washington County; and Martin Luther, born August 4, 1836, married Christiana Trimble and they reside near Lewis' Mills, in Belmont County.

Mr. Ramsey is identified with the Republican party. Formerly he was connected with the Farmers' Alliance movement and has always been deeply interested in agricultural advancement. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Church at Jacobsburg. As an upright and honorable citizen, Mr. Ramsey enjoys the esteem of his fellow citizens.

MOSES PERKINS, a prominent farmer, stock raiser and dealer, residing in section II, Kirkwood township, Belmont County, was born on the farm now owned by his nephew, Samuel W. Perkins, December 6, 1829. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hart) Perkins.

prised his home farm have since been in possession of the Perkins family. He held no offices and was a good farmer, giving that work his entire attention. He served as a private during the War of 1812, and made an honorable record as a soldier. He died at the age of 73 years, and was survived six years by his wife, who died at the age of 8o years. He and his wife were both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To their union were born the following children: Nelson, who farmed in this county until his death at the age of 60 years; Rebecca, the wife of Reuben Mitcalf, died at the age of 75 years; Maria, who died at the age of 20 years ; Cassander, who died at the age of 25 years; Jonathan, a record ot whose life appears in the biography of Samuel W. Perkins; William, a farmer of this county, who died at the age of 60 years; Delilah, who died at the age of 27, was the wife of Fielder Perkins; Letha, who died at the age of 16 years; and Moses, the only surviving member of the family. Four of the girls died of scarlet fever within four months.

Moses Perkins was educated in the common schools of his community, and as a boy assisted in the work upon the farm. He has disposed of 60 acres of the original tract held by him, but retains some roo acres, which are planted to wheat and corn for the most part. The land is well improved and is underlaid with coal which has never been leased or sold. He is one of the reliable citizens of his town-

Mr. Perkins was joined in marriage November 11, 1853, with Rebecca J. Murphy, a native of this county and a daughter of L. D. and Elizabeth Murphy, the father a native of Ohio and the mother, of Maryland. She is one of nine children, the others being: Delilah,

Weeden, who was killed as a soldier in the Union Army; Brice M., a farmer, living in Wisconsin; Sarah J., wife of David Majors, of Kirkwood township; A. C., deceased; Asbury, a farmer of Kirkwood township; Hamilton, a farmer of Kirkwood township; James A., deceased ; and L. D., deceased, who was a farmer in Belmont County and later in Wisconsin.

Elizabeth, wife of Wilson farmer of the county, has four children living, - Weldie, Campsie, Frederick, and Eva B.; Mary F., wife of O. B. Groves, a contract plasterer of Barnesville, has six children, - Forest and Belle, deceased, Gertrude, Everett,

Colbert Sheppard, and both are deceased, leaving one child, Mary Ethel, who married Oliver M. Smith, September 6, 1902. Mrs. Perkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN CARLILE, a dealer in Jumber and builders' supplies in St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio, and also a general farmer, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, January 3, 1846. He is a son of James and Elizabeth ( Davidson) Carlile.

James Carlile, an aged citizen of St. Clairsville, was born in Ireland, where for many years he was a miller. His mill, which was located on a high hill, was run by wind, and he ground corn, wheat, and rye. He came to America in 1853. During the voyage, which lasted seven weeks and three days, a most terrible storm was encountered, which continued for 12 hours. Mr. Carlile landed in New York, where he remained for a brief period, and then went to Wheeling, West Virginia. After a short time, he located in St. Clairsville. There he followed various lines of business, such as teaming, and hauling dry goods and lumber from Wheeling to St. Clairsville, before the time of railroads. He then settled on 13 acres of land near St. Clairsville, where he farmed and reared his family. He married Elizabeth Davidson, and they had two children, - John, and Annie, who died in her 26th year. James Carlile is now 92 years old, and is a well-known figure in St. Clairsville.

trade of blacksmithing under Samuel J. Ellefritz, and followed that line of work for three years. Later, he worked as a blacksmith for Busby & Little, carriage manufacturers, of Wheeling, West Virginia. He then did blacksmithing in St. Clairsville, under the firm name of Martin & Carlile. This partnership lasted for two years, when Mr. Carlile bought Mr. Martin's interest, and was engaged in the carriage and general blacksmithing business, alone, for 15 years. In 1881, he entered the lumber business, having the only lumber yard in St. Clairsville, and in this he is very successful. In addition to the lumber business, he owns a farm in Richland township, and carries on farming. Mr. Carlile is an excellent business man, is conscientious and energetic, and his success has been due entirely to his own diligence and perseverance.

The subject of this sketch was united in marriage March 7, 1880, to Eugenie Johnston, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of B. R. and Margaret (Buffington) Johnston. Mr. Carlile and his wife have five children, namely :' Walter D., a clerk for the Scott Lumber Company, at Martin's Ferry, Ohio; Annie E., a bookkeeper in her father's office; Mary M., who is at home; James R., who assists his father in the lumber business; and Gertrude, who is in school.

Mr. Carlile and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Masonic blue lodge in St. Clairsville. In every way, he is a good and enterprising citizen, and worthy of the respect in which he is held.

A. W. WILCOX, justice of the peace at Bethesda, Goshen township, Belmont County, also carries on general farming, leading the life of a most intelligent and active citizen. He was born February 12, 1854, and his parents were Isaac and Parthena (Fletcher) Wilcox, natives of Belmont County.

a teacher in country schools. During the last years he taught, as well as afterward, he held the office of township clerk, after which he entered the mercantile business at Ozark, Monroe County, Ohio. In 1887 he removed to Goshen township, where he purchased a farm, and has been a farmer ever since.

September 30, 1885, he was united in marriage with Frances A. Patterson, a daughter ot William and Harriet Patterson, both of whom are deceased. They were blessed with one child, Hazel D., and in her their hopes are centered.

Politically our subject is a thorough believer in the principles set forth by the Republican party. - Mr. Wilcox is a liberal patron and believer of the Chautauqua Assembly, which is located in Goshen township, this county. Fraternally, he is a member of Belmont Lodge, No. 277,1. O. O. F., of Belmont, Ohio.

JOHN LARUE HENDERSON and ROBERT PATTERSON HENDERSON, prominent farmers of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, are sons of Matthew Henderson, and grandsons of Andrew Henderson.

Matthew Henderson was united in marriage with Miranda Perrian, who was born in New York City and whose ancestors at an early day moved from Holland to France and at a later day became established in America. One, Jacob Perrian, was surveyor tor William Penn and entered some land, where the city of Philadelphia now stands, and, it is said, leased it for 99 years. Peter Perrian, father of Mrs. Henderson, moved to Ohio in 1821 and in 1822 established an old wheat mill in Belmont County. Hesubsequently moved to Harrisville, and then to Monroe County. He died at the age of 85 years, and his wife died four years later at the age of 85 years. They had seven children, all of whom are now deceased. Matthew Henderson and Miranda Perrian were married on Wheeling Creek in Belmont County in 1831, latter, March 1, 1887. To them were born the following children: William P., deceased; John Larue; Wilson; Leander, deceased; Edward, deceased; Matthew C., who was never married and lives in Colerain township; Peter P., deceased; Andrew J.; Alexander, deceased; Mary P., deceased; Miranda, deceased, and Robert Patterson.

John Larue Henderson was born in Wheeling township, two miles below ` his present - farm, August 6, 1833. He took to farming at an early day and has since continued in that occupation with unvarying success. He has 122 acres of land and follows general farming and stock raising. He enlisted in 1864 in the IOO-day service, participating in several hard fought battles. He has never married. In politics he has always been a stalwart Republican. Religiously, he was baptized in the old Seceders' Presbyterian Church.

Robert Patterson Henderson was born where his residence now stands in Wheeling township, June 8, 1855, and has followed farming all his life, remaining at home until after his marriage. He moved to Oregon, where he lived some 14 months, then moved to Oklahoma Territory, where he was the first man that ever sowed wheat in Pottawatomie County, hauling the seed a distance of 72 miles with ox-teams. In 1891 he was married to Mary C. Dietrich, a daughter of Philip Dietrich of West Wheeling. er parents are of German descent, and she is one of 12 children, all of whom are now living but John. To this union was born one child, Mabel Esther, born May 4, 1892, in Linn County, Oregon.

W. W. GIFFEN, one of the most successful farmers of Mead township, Belmont County, owns and occupies a fine farm in the vicinity of Businessburg, the location of his spacious brick residence being on a high hill and commanding an extended view over miles of country.

County, although the former was born in Scotland in 1819, and the latter, in Pennsylvania, in 1828. Both parents are beloved and honored members of their son's household.

John Giffen was a son of William and Isabel (Reed) Giffen, who emigrated from Scotland to America, in 1820, settling first in Pennsylvania, but in the following spring pushing on into Belmont County, Ohio, where they located on McMechen's Creek. Later they removed to Pleasant Hill. In the spring of 1846 their son, John Giffen, removed to Monroe County, and remained there until 1866, when he returned to Belmont County and purchased the farm where he resides with his son. This was known as the William Warren farm, and the large and substantial residence was erected by William Warren. Here John Giffen most successfully pursued an agricultural life, accumulated a competency and for a number of years has lived a retired life. During many years he was prominently identified with public affairs in the township, most efficiently filled many of the local offices, and on many occasions served as trustee. He is known as a man of the highest integrity and one whose word needs no legal measure to make it binding. A family of 10 children was born to John and Nancy (Adams) Giffen, their names being as follows: Isabel, the wife of David Johnson, a farmer living near St. Clairsville; W. W., of this sketch, who is unmarried; James A., a resident of Licking County, Ohio, who married Jane Cooke, and has these children, - - Lawrence, Otto, Wilma, Clara, Annie, Sarah and Jennie; John, A., of Licking County, who is unmarried; Sarah J., who died some years ago; Orleana. who resides at home; Letitia, who married Joseph Main, of Delaware County, Ohio, and has one child,-Nancy Lavella: Matthew, who 1s unmarried, is a resident of Morrow County; Archie, who is a resident of Delaware County, married Martha Main, and has "three children, - Lloyd, Alta and Alma (twins); and Elizabeth, who died in 1882.

has given much attention to the breeding of high grade stock, thoroughbred cattle and sheep, his healthy flocks oí National Delaine sheep and herds of sleek Durham cattle testifying to his gratifying success. In politics, Mr. Giffen is identified with the Democratic party. The family belongs to the United Presbyterian Church and attend services at Pleasant Hill This family is very well known through Belmont County, where they have attained prominence in agricultural circles and are socially representative. The beautiful old home is often the scene of family reunions, the aged parents being the center of the group, happy in the knowledge that their children have grown to be not only a credit to them, but also to the county.

GEQRGE K. PHILLIPS, postmaster at Glencoe, Richland township, Belmont County, and chief clerk of the Belmont Coal Company at this point, and well known through his participation in other business enterprises, was

Ralph W. Phillips was born in 1834, in Goshen township and is a representative farmer of Belmont County. For 20 years he was a successful teacher and for 11 years has been township trustee. His wife was born in 1836, in Ireland. At the age of ten years she came to America with her parents, Thomas and Margaret Dermott, who now reside in Goshen township. The children born to our subject's parents were: William, who died at the age of three years; Jennie, who married Edward C. Michael, United State Express agent, at Bellaire, and they have two children; Lawrence, who operates a well drill, resides at Belmont, - he married Rachel Eckles and they have four children; and George K.

George K. Phillips obtained his education in the public schools at Belmont. and was 16 years old when he taught his first term of school, at Wood Grove, Union township, and continued to teach at the one place for three successive years. For a period he successfully operated a farm in Belmont County and then became the owner and operator of the Belmont Roller Mills, remaining with this plant for four years. In February, 1902, he was made chief clerk of the Belmont.Coal Company, and for 18 months previous to this date he was head shipping clerk of the Bellaire Bottle Company. He was appointed postmaster of Glencoe in 1902. In politics he 1s an active Republican and takes much interest in the success of the candidates and measures of this party.

In 1894, Mr. Phillips was married to Della M. Lewis, who was born in Goshen township, & daughter of John I. and Mary J. Lewis, and two children hàve been born to this union, viz.: Nellie M., born in 1896, and William, in 1899. Mr. Phillips is an enterprising and successful business man, who is awake to the demands of the times, and through stability of character enjoys the confidence of his employers as well as the public.

GEORGE A. KORNER. Among the successful and busy men of York township, is George A. Korner, a well-known farmer and dairyman, and also a business man who for some years has been identified with the coal interests of both Belmont and Monroe counties.

York township, Belmont County, in 1853. He is a son of Henry and Doris (Dempewolf) Korner, the latter of whom was born in Germany and died in Ohio, in 1895, aged 82 years. |

Henry Korner, the father, was born in I810, in Germany and about the time of his majority came to the United States, finding his first employment in the lumber regions of the State of New York. His adopted country was at | that time having some differences with France, | and the voung man enlisted in the United States | Navy, as a member of a band, and on the his- | pean ports during his four years of service, After all this travel, Mr. Korner selected Belmont County, Ohio, as his choice of residence, and at Steinersville, York township, he engaged in a mercantile business for several years. He then purchased the farm near the town, now owned by our subject, and engaged in farming until 1881, when his death occurred. Mr. Korner married Doris Dempewolf and they reared a family of seven children, as follows: Theodore, who is a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia; Gustavus, who resides at Bradford, Pennsylvania; Louisa (Mrs. Aggers), who resides in Seattle, Washington; Lewis, who is a resident of Prairie Depot, Ohio; George A.; Albert, a resident of Columbus, who was formerly a teacher in Belmont County; and Dr. Alexander, who practices his profession at Woodsfield, Ohio.

Mr. Korner has engaged in extensive farming operations and has been also interested in modern dairying. In addition he has given much attention to the optioning of coal lands, both in Belmont and Monroe counties, and is well known through the locality as a keen, successful man of business enterprise. In the fall of 1901 he built his handsome residence in Steinersville, which, in modern equipment, comfort and convenience, is not equaled in York township. He has introduced a complete system of. waterworks, finding his supply in a spring on an adjacent hill, this being the first private plant in the township.

On February 22, 1888, Mr. Korner was united in marriage with Clara Stackhouse, a daughter of Joshua Stackhouse, an old pioneer of the county, and to this union have been born two children, - Doris, aged 12 years, and Waldo, aged 10 years, both of whom are bright pupils at school. Mr. Korner has always been identified with the Democratic party, although no seeker for office, his varied business interests fully occupving the time not filled with personal and social activities. He is very well known in his locality and enjoys a full measure of the esteem ot his fellow citizens, and is reckoned among the solid men of a family of 15 children born to his father, Samuel Stonebraker, who was twice married. Ephraim died on the farm where his widow resides with her son and family, near Key station, in March, 1865, aged 35 years. The mother of our subject was born August 12, 1833, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Barnett) Granfell, the former being of English descent and the latter of Seotch-Irish. William Granfell was born September 27, 1791, and died in 1837; his wife, born June 4, 1805, died April 13, 1866. Their children were: Martha E. James, Thomas, Miles, Preston, Mary, who died young, and Margaret, who married James Gladdin of Smith township and is also deceased. Mrs. Stonebraker is a niece of one who was so well known and highly regarded in this section that he was universally called Tommy Miles, a very early pioneer. He never married, and at death willed his section of land to relatives.

Our subject was educated in the district schools and has spent his whole life on his farm, which contains 80 acres of well tilled and productive land, where he has successfully carried on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Stonebraker erected here a very comfortable house in 1884 and replaced the old one, which serves well as a stable. although under its old roof three generations of the family found shelter for many years. Mr. Stonebraker has leased the old farm and is preparing to remove to Key in order to give his children better educational advantages and to retire from enforced activity.

station. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Stonebraker are Earl B. born December 8, 1882, who is a graduate of the Wheeling Business College and is now a solicitor has been a lifelong Democrat, and he has most acceptably served for six years as township trustee and is serving his third term as justice of the peace, his excellent judgment and high standing in the community making him a very popular officia In religious views the family is in accord with the Presbyterian Church and attend services at the Concord Church.

GEORGE FLOTO, who conducts a meat market on 7th street, Martin's Ferry, and who is one of the excellent citizens of the place, was born in this city on May 5, 1866, a son of Henry and Margaret (Proler) Floto.

Henry Floto, the father, was born in Germany and came to America prior to his marriage. leaving his parents and several of his family in the old country. Several brothers live in Steubenville, Ohio. Mr. Floto followed the trade of baker through his active life, and is a well-known and respected citizen of the county, of ample means and is identified with a number of the financial enterprises of Martins Ferry. He has been president of the board of directors of the old Buckeye glass house, and the People's Savings Bank and of other institutions. His life has been passsed here until within the last few years. He retired from active business although he is but 66 vears of age, his wife being some six years his junior. Both are members of the German Lutheran Church. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Floto were the following: George, of this sketch; Ada, who assists her brothers in the bakery; Frank, who conducts the bakery busines in Martin's Ferry; Henry, who is engaged in the meat business with his brother George; Christopher, who is engaged in the bakery; Emma and William, who reside at home. Two children are deceased.

failed him. Since changing his line of work he has regained his health and now has a very prosperous trade. He has been in the meat business for several years and thoroughly- understands the wants of the public. He is a stockholder in the Germania Half-Dollar Savings Bank of Wheeling, and his industry and provident husbanding of his means augur a life of ease in his old age.

On April 12, 1894, Mr. Floto was married to Elizabeth H. Seabright, daughter of Charles and Louisa Seabright, and two children have been born to this union, a bright little son and daughter, Philip H. and Ruth L. Our subject and wite belong to the German Lutheran Church. He is íraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias and also belongs to the Uniform Rank. He takes only a passing interest in politics, but is fully awake to all that will benefit or advance the interests of his community, in this way proving himself a most useful citizen.

ton County, Pennsylvania, where he married a Miss Falconer and in 1818 removed to Belmont County, Ohio, as one of the first settlers of Smith township. He left a family of six sons and one daughter, namely: David, John, Samuel, Abram, Allen, Aaron F., and Nellie.

Allen Ramsey, the grandfather of Dr. Ramsey, was born May 28, 1811, and married Mary Thornborough, in Washington township, Belmont County. The Thornborough family originated in England, the grandmother being a daughter of William and Matilda (Lazenby) Thornborough, who came to America and settled in Belmont County about 1818 and followed an agricultural life in Washington township until death. Mrs. Allen Ramsey died December 1, 1902, at the age of 86 years.

There were six children in the family of William and Amanda (Helpbringer) Ramsey, that grew to maturity, namely: William J., Elis C., Newell M., Mary T., who married John W. Muster; Eva L., and George Lawrence.

Dr. Ramsey obtained his primary education in the common schools in the vicinity of his birthplace, and as early as the age of I4 years decided upon his life work, thereafter directing his study and reading to that end. When prepared tor college, he entered the Ohio Medical University at Columbus, Ohio, graduating with much credit, ou April 5, 1898. His first location for practice was at Batesville, Noble County, where he remained until the spring of 1901, when he settled at Powhatan Point, purchasing there his fine property on the turnpike, and owns one of the handsomest homes in this select neighborhood.

On March 20, 1900, Dr. Ramsey was married to Luella V. Wilson, a young lady of Charleston, West Virginia, and one child, Newell Wilson, was born to this union, in this county. Dr. Ramsey's fraternal connection is with the Knights of Pythias, of Batesville, and he also belongs to the Belmont County Medical Association. Like all his family, the Doctor is a strong supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and continues attached to the Methodist Church, in which he was carefully reared by an excellent mother. Dr. Ramsey sustains the most cordial relations with bis brother practitioners, and his ability and skill have been very generally recognized by the community.

is well known as the postmaster and popular general merchant of Businessburg, in Mead township, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Jefferson County, December 4, 1820.

The parents of Mr. Duvall were Dennis and Mahala (Fowler) Duvall, the former of whom died in Jefferson County and the latter in Mead township at the age of 77 years. Our subject is the only" member of his parents' family surviving, and although the winters of 82 years have somewhat whitened his locks, his physical and mental activity place his years not beyond 50.: With the vigor of middle life he manages the details of a large business and makes in person his purchases in Wheeling when necessary to supplement his stock. His capacity is such that he may

Mr. Duvall was reared in Jefferson County, where he remained until 1851, coming then to Pipe Creek, Belmont County, where he was engaged for some years in both farming and merchandising. In the stormy days of the Civil War his loyalty induced him to so arrange his business that he could enlist in the service of his country, entering in 1862 Company F, 52nd Ohio Vol. Inf, in which service-he continued two years and eleven months, or until the close of the war. His regiment was included in the 14th Army Corps, 2nd Brigade and 32nd Division, under grim old General Sherman, with whom he marched to the sea. Although not seriously wounded, Mr. Duvall had some very close calls, one of these being at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. Every day of his service but one, Mr. Duvall carried his load of equipment.

Aíter his return from the army our subject opened up a general store at Businessburg, and this has mainly claimed his attention ever since. This store building was erected by Mr. Warren, who was one of the early pioneers of this locality. For the past 25 years the post office has been under Mr. Duvall's charge, its management giving general satisfaction. In politics our subject is a stanch Republican and is proud of his State and his party. In his earlier years he was in sympathy with the Know-Nothing party. He has not been a seeker for office; served during a short period as justice of the peace, and declined the position of township assessor even when elected. Mr. Duvall never married, but in the community in which he has lived so long 1s surrounded by warm personal friends. He attends the Bethel Presbyterian Church.

JOHN WORKMAN, a prominent and substantial farmer of Smith township, Belmont County, is a worthy representative of an old family of the county. He was born in Smith township in 1827, being a son of William and Isabel (Eckels) Workman, the former of whom was born in Maryland, and died in Ohio in 1865, aged 78 years. The latter was born in Belmont County, Ohio, and died here in 1885, at the age of 80 years.

William Workman accompanied his parents to Belmont County from Maryland, at an early day, and through a long life became well known in business and politics and accumulated an ample fortune. In his earlier years he engaged in milling and in wagon-making, but the latter part of his life was passed in farming. Mr. Workman bore his part in the War of 1812 and for many years was a justice of the peace. In politics a Democrat, he was the choice of his party for county commissioner at various times. and creditably served for five terms as a member of the Ohio Legislature. He was one of the substantial men of his county and left a fine farm of 240 acres of valuable land to his family. A family of 11 children was born to - William and Isabel Workman, namely : Charles C., Mary A., William, Robert E., Sarah T4 Amos, John, David, Isabel, Robinson, and Keziah.

John Workman, the seventh member of the above family, was reared like other boys of his day, with much work and a little schooling, and grew to manhood quite capable of managing a farm of his own and of taking his place as one of the responsible citizens of his county. In 1849 he married Elizabeth J. Lash, who was a daughter of Isaac and Ann (Ogleby) Lash, and was born in Belmont County in 1828. A family of 11 children was born to this union, as follows: William L., one deceased, Harvey C., Joseph, one deceased, Sarah J., John W., Mary A., Ida and two deceased.

Mr. Workman owns a fine farm of 103 acres, located one mile west of the hamlet of Whitney, and successfully carries on general farming and stock raising to a moderate extent. A man of reliability and integrity, he has taken a leading place in township movements, and has served most capably as justice of the peace, township trustee and as school director. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. The religious membership of the family is with the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN YOUNG, a well-known and successful fruit grower of Pease township; Belmont County, is a native of Germany, a country which has given Ohio many of her most valued citizens.

Mr. Young was born in 1831, and he is a son of Jacob Young, who was also a native of Bavaria, Germany, and who brought his familv to the United States in the fall of 1836. The vovage was made in a sailing vessel and 40 days were passed on the Atlantic Ocean.

out of the Civil War, when he became a member of the 77th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and participated in the siege of Vicksburg. He died several years ago, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject was a daughter of Frederick Kerner, who died at the home of Mr. Young, at the age of 89 years. Mrs. Jacob Young died June 13, 1885, at the age of 8o years.

John Young was the only child born to his parents and was given excellent educational advantages in the German schools, but had little opportunity to learn the English language. While still a lad, he earned 1274 cents a day, hoeing corn for Governor Sharnick, who resided south of Wheeling on Carval's Run. About 1849 he entered the Top Mill at Wheeling and was one of the workmen there employed in making the wire which was used to build the old suspension bridge across the Ohio, from Wheeling to the Island. At the opening of the La Belle Mill he secured work there and remained until 1859, removing then to Pease township, Belmont County. In 1863 he was able to purchase his present home farm of about 60 acres, and since that time has made many substantial improvements on the place, erecting fine buildings and turning his land into a fruit farm. Here Mr. Young can show some of the finest grapes grown in this part of the State, his vineyard covering two and one-half acres, and its productiveness enabling him to sell more than ro tons of fruit a season. Other specialties are strawberries and raspberries. His careful culture and thorough knowledge of varieties and soils make these fruits very profitable.

On February 22, 1852, Mr. Young married Margaret Méal, a native of Strasburg, Alsace, France, who died some years since, leaving the following children: Lizzie, who is the wife of Frederick Adolphs, resides on the Cadiz Pike; Albert, who married Margaret. a daughter of and is employed in the Aetna-Standard Mill; Lena, who married Charles Adolphs, resides at Bridgeport; and Catherine, who married George Meister. who is the leader of the famous Meister Band, of Bridgeport. The sec-

Mr. Young has been a faithful and enthusiastic Republican since he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont, in Ritchie township, Wheeling, at a time when it was a dangerous policy to speak in favor of the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Young was one of the eight men who were brave enough to vote as they deemed right. He is a man of admirable judgment and strict integrity, and has capably filled the position of supervisor of his township for about ro years. His religious membership is in the German Lutheran Church. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows, of Bridgeport. :

MILES HART, one of the well-known and popular citizens of Smith township, who for 28 consecutive years followed teaching in Belmont County, comes of an old agricultural family, which originated in the person of his grandfather, Miles Hart, in Greene County, Pennsylvania.

Our subject was born January 24, 1844, in Smith township, and is a son of Silas and Sarah (Twinem) Hart, the latter of whom was born in 1816, in the State of New York, a daughter of Leonard and Mary Twinem, who came from Ireland to Belmont County about 1817. Mrs. Hart died at the old home just north of Centreville. Silas Hart was born in 1817, in Smith township, and was a son of Miles Hart, who came to Belmont County in 1815 and stopped first in Mead township at Dillie's Bottom and then settled permanently on section 28, in Smith township, where he died in 1852. Silas Hart died in the spring of 1894, at the home of his son Miles. Our subject is one of a family of seven children born to his parents, three of whom besides himself survive, namely: Catherine (Mrs. Barrett), of Texas; Leonard, a resident of Goshen township; and S. W., of

Miles Hart was reared on the farm and attended the country schools and also went to a select school. In 1866 he began to teach the winter sessions of school in his neighborhood, learning in the meantime the carpenter trade and spending the summer vacations on the farm, continuing thus until 1894, when he gave up the profession to devote himself entirely to the operation of his farm. Mr. Hart purchased this valuable and attractive home in 1872 and has 82% acres of land most admirably fitted for farming and stock raising.

In 1878 Mr. Hart was married to Mary C. Stonebraker, who was born in Smith township in 1860, being one of five children born to Jeremiah and Mary (Glover) Stonebraker, the three survivors being: James W., of Smith township; Eliza J. (Mrs. McCann), of Richland township; and Mrs. Hart. Those deceased were: John T. and Margaret, the wife of D. M. Scatterday. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hart, one of whom died in infancy. Of the two young ladies, Sarah is the successful teacher of a school near Martin's Ferry and Blanche is still a student.

Mr. Hart has taken an active interest in politics in his locality, voting the Republican ticket, and has been called upon to serve in many offices, his intelligence, education and excellent judgment making him eminently desirable as a township or county official. By appointment he served one year as township clerk and was elected and re-elected, serving with the greatest efficiency. In the latter "seventies" he served for two years as assessor. The religious connection of the family is with the Concord Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Hart is the clerk of the congregation. :

Mr. Hart's long associations as an educator make him a very well-known resident of Smith township, and few citizens are so highly regarded by all classes of people As a teacher he was brought into such close relations that his interest in many of his neigh-

. bors began in childhood and a mutual regard has ever since been maintained. He has a wide circle of attached friends. He was elected a member of the Board of Education, and served with credit for a term of three years.

JOHN W. DELANEY, a prominent farmer and successtul stock raiser of Smith township, Belmont County, and one of its leading and representative citizens, was born in this township, December 24, 1840. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Montgomery) DeLaney, the former of whom was born in the State of Maryland, coming to Belmont County while the National Road was being built, making his way from Baltimore afoot. He was fatherless and dependent upon his own resources, his father having met death on the Potomac River. Prior to coming to Ohio, John DeLaney had served as a soldier from Maryland against the British, in the War of 1812, and was wounded.

When John DeLaney first came to Belmont County, he was engaged as a tobacco packer with the father of Col. J. F. Charlesworth. Several years later he bought a farm near Ferris Mills, which he improved, and then removed to the farm now owned and occupied by his son, J. W., of this sketch. Here he died, September 13, 1864, aged 75 years. The mother of our subject, Elizabeth (Montgomery) DeLaney, passed away March 30, 1878, having lived 84 years. Both parents were regarded highly in their locality. Their three children' were: Hannah, who became Mrs. Lash, and both she and husband are deceased; Sarah J., who became Mrs. Robson, and she is also deceased ; and J. W., the youngest.

Mr. DeLaney is one of the large land owners of Smith township. Here he was born, reared and educated and here his useful life has been passed, mainly in agricultural pursuits, great attention having been given to stock raising. Mr. DeLaney probably owns the finest herd of thoroughbred Spanish Merino sheep in Belmont County and justly takes pride in them.

He is considered an authority in stock matters, notably so in sheep, and he has done much to raise the general standard in Belmont County. The fine farm where he now resides and upon which he built his elegant home, in the summer of 1878, comprises 160 acres and formerly belonged to his father. In addition, Mr. De Laney owns IIO acres in the northwest quarter of section 16, and a valuable tract of 80 acres in section 24. This is all valuable, cultivated land and some of the choicest in the township.

In 1878 Mr. DeLaney was united in marrage with Mary E. Workman, who was born in Knox County, and the five children born to this union are: Jerusha Jane; Martha Florilla, the wife of Harry Scott, of Warnock; A. N.; der Vos df. Sand Susan To

As one of the representative members of the Republican party in Smith township, Mr. De Laney has been called upon to accept a number of local offices and has performed the duties of the sanie with credit to himself and his locality. For a long period he has been a leading member of the Concord Presbyterian Church. He is one of the intelligent, upright, public-spirited citizens of his township, one always found in the front rank in progressive movements, and one whose advice may always be relied upon in agricultural affairs.

JOHN L. CUNARD, a worthy representative of one of the old families of Belmont County, Ohio, and a prominent farmer of Union township, owning two fine farms of 93 and 50 acres, in section II, and another large cultivated tract of 130 acres, in section IO, was born in Union township, November 15, 1074.

Smith Cunard, the father of John L.. was born November 15, 1839, in Union township, and died January Io, 1902,in the same township, in which he passed his whole life, a farmer by vocation, and a large land owner, possessing 520 acres in the township. He was interested

He was a man of estimable character, highly regarded in his community and was very frequently called upon to settle estates and hold township offices, being one of the truly reliable, solid citizens to whom a community looks for assistance in times of adversity or anxiety. At the age of 22 years he married Christina Gosset, daughter of William and Elizabeth

Marion Lee Cunard, the grandfather of John L., came to Ohio from Loudoun County, Virginia, about 1836 and settled first in Richland township, Belmont County, where he remained until 1846 ,and then removed to section 4, when he lived for 12 years, removing

to section 5, where he purchased 160 acres of land and lived upon it until his death, which occurred in 1868, at the age of 52 years. His parents were Edward and Adah (Thatcher) Cunard, both of whom died in Loudoun County where Edward Cunard was a slaveholder, - his widow eventually freed her slaves. Edward Cunard died a young man, but his widow survived him, living to be 80 years old. The children of Edward Cunard were: Marion L., Steven I 5- Luther 'C.,. Sarah" Ann (Mrs Thomas Stone), Nancy C. (Mrs. Smith Marks), Mary P., unmarried, and Maria (Mrs. Craven Copeland), all of whom are deceased. Marion Lee Cunard married Permelia Nichols, who was born December 7, 1817, and died March 18, 1844. She had nine brothers and sisters, as follows: Maria (Mrs.

_ James Gardner), deceased; Nancy (Mrs. William Norris) ; Jonah, who first married Nancy Hoge and second, Jerusha France; Balaam, who married Abigail Hatcher; Sarah (Mrs. Caldwell Dunn) ; Samuel, who married Sarah

Daniel, who married Adaline Brock, and resides near Mount Hope school house. Other members of our subject's family are. John, an uncle, residing 1n Wheeling township, Belmont

John L. Cunard was one of a family of five children born to his parents, three of whom died in early life. He was the fourth in order of birth, his surviving sister being Elizabeth Piersel, the wife of William Piersel, of Union This sister has one child, Mary Christina. Mr. Cunard and his sister have a claim of 150 acres of land in Union township, which is in the possesion of Sadie Rankin, who has a life claim on it, she having been a member of the family since her seventh year.

Mr. Cunard was educated in the common schools of his township, and has followed farming and stock raising all his life, making a specialty of grain crops. On November 15, 1899, he married Ella Ida Walker, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of William and Matilda Walker of this county. Mrs. Cunard was the seventh in a family of nine children born'to her parents, the others being as follows: George, a resident of Bridgeport; Margaret (Mrs. William Taylor), a resident of this county; Nancy, deceased; Orville, at home; Amy; James; Frank; and Clyde and Nellie, twins. One son, Walker Smith, was born to our subject and wife, on August 25, 1901. Mrs. Cunard is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church and is much valued socially. Mr. Cunard belongs to no secret societies, and votes with the Republican party, although in no sense a politician. He is one of the best known and most highly respected young farmers of the county and bids fair to become one of its most prominent farmers.

T. C. AYERS. The legal profession in St. Clairsville, Ohio, is well represented by men who have won reputation throughout Belmont County, and among these is T. C. Ayers, whose field of practice covers the county, State and United States courts. Mr. Ayers was born in Noble years his junior. Both are most highly respected members of the Methodist Church. They became the parents of 14 children, namely: Margaret F. (Morris); Mary E. (Bigley); Emma A. (Groves); Anna M. (Henderson); T. C.; Adda E. (Howell); Tabitha J. (Barber); William F.; E. E., a minister, who married Eleanor Elder; Minnie C., who is at home; Harriet K. (Shepherd); John H., marriage with Mary E. Gibson, who was born in Noble County, Ohio, and is a daughter of the late LeRoy Gibson, and a relative of General Gibson. Her mother was Margaret Berry, a prominent member of Belmont Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M., in which he is past master. He is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, and was one of the organizers, on November 9, 1897, of the lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he has since been clerk. This lodge was the first one of that order in this Congressional district. As an orator, Mr. Ayers has always been in great demand during political campaigns, as his logical reasoning and fluency of speech impress his points as conclusively on an audience of voters as on a jury. Mr. Ayers is held in high esteem in St. Clairsville, his record having shown him to be wise in counsel, generous and fair in spirit, a scrupulous official, and honorable and agreeable in all the relations of life.

ISAAC H. PITTMAN, a well-known citizen of Pilcher, Wayne township, Belmont County, and the efficient and popular postmaster, was born April 17, 1870, in Monroe County, Ohio, being a son of David B. and Rachel Jane (Ady) Pittman.

The Pittman family is of French origin, but the grandfather of our subject, Theodore Pittman, was a-native of Ohio, born near Beallsville, in Monroe County. His son, David B., was born in Monroe County in 1846, but came to Belmont County in 1881, locating first on Piney Creek, near Beallsville, removing to his present fine farm in section 30, near Pilcher, in 1883. For several years he has served as supervisor. His wife, Rachel Jane Ady, was born in 1850, near Cameron, Monroe County, a daughter of Joshua and Catherine (Hurd) Ady. Our subject is the eldest of the seven children born to his parents, the others being: Theodore A., a farmer ot Monroe County, who married Ella Hudson and has two children, -

Catherine, who married Ezra Kirkbride, a farmer near Pilcher, and has two children, - Rose and Vernon; Charles, who is engaged in the huckster business and resides at Pilcher; and Stephen L. and Marion S., who are both at home.

Mr. Pittman was educated both in Monroe and Belmont counties and took a supplementary course in a normal school. For nine years he engaged-in farming in Wayne township, but in 1899 turned his attention in a different direction, embarking in a mercantile business at Pilcher. Since its opening, his business has been greatly enlarged and now Mr. Pittman carries a stock that is valued at $2,000, conducting a general store and supplying a large territory. Since September, 1901, he has also been the postmaster and has become one of the most prominent men of the village, owning his own comfortable and attractive home, his store and other property.

In 1891 Mr. Pittman was married to Flora Sutton, who was born in Wayne township, near Hunter, a daughter of Joseph and Phrelove (Stidd) Sutton, both families being among the early settlers. Mrs. Pittman has one sister, Mrs. Ernest Moore, of Wayne township. Mr. and Mrs. Pittman have one bright little son of IO years, Bracy S., who 1s an apt student at school and already a help in the business.

In politics Mr. Pittman 1s stanch in his Republicanism and is highly valued by his party. His fraternal connection is with the lodge of Knights of Pythias, of Jerusalem, Monroe County. Both he and his estimable wife belong to and liberally assist in supporting the Christian Church.

SAMUEL GILLASPIE, a well-known agriculturist residing in York township, Belmont County, Ohio, resides on the old home farm where he was born.and has always lived. The date of his birth 1s 1842, and he is a son of David Gillaspie and grandson of David Gillaspie.

David Gillaspie, grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and at the age of 16 years was in the block-house at Wheeling, (West) Virginia. He was a potter by trade and for some years worked about Wheeling. Upon coming to York township, he located upon the farm now owned and occupied bv our subject, which has been in possession of the Gillaspie family for more than go years. He took up section 27 in partnership with the Moore family and lived upon this farm until his death in 1857. He married Hannah Stuckey, by whom

David, Nancy, Lydia, Barbara and Elizabeth. David Gillaspie, father of our subject, was born in York township in 1812 and resided here all his life, dying in 1887. He was a Democrat in politics and served as township trustee many years. He married Matilda Gates, who now resides at Beallsville, Ohio, at the advanced age of 84 years. To them were born three children: Samuel; Philena, of Beallsville, widow of Thomas Wilson; and Nancy (Brock), who lives in Monroe County. Mrs. Gillaspies father was Daniel Gates.

Samuel Gillaspie was reared in his native county and in 1862 enlisted in Company F, 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in the 14th Army Corps, under General Sherman, accompanying that great general in his march through the Southern States to the Atlantic Coast. Upon the close of the war he returned home and has since engaged in farming. He helped to build the present house on the farm, as well as the barn and other outbuildings,-and at the present time owns 72 acres of well improved land.

Mr. Gillaspie was joined in marriage to Melinda Hurley, who was born in Washington township, Belmont County, in 1847, and is a daughter of Nehemiah and Elizabeth (Willis) Hurley, being one of eight children that grew to mature years: Washington, Charlotte, Franklin, James, Nehemiah, Cyrus, who died in Andersonville Prison, Sarah E., and Me linda. Those who died before reaching maturity were Adeline, Eveline Sarah E., and an infant. To our subject and his wife were born the following children: Annie married Louis Schafer and has three children living, Leroy, Myrtle, Goldie, and one deceased, Bernice Marie; Zepheniah married Mary Boner and has a daughter, Hazel; Effie married George Kreichbaum, of York township, and has a son, Clarence; Elizabeth (Perin) has two sons living, Floyd and Ralph, and one de- ceased, John N.; Winona, wife of Albert Newhart, has a son, Newell; Myrtle, Hattie, and Sherman. Three children - Maud, Lena. and an infant - are deceased. In politics Mr. Gillaspie is independent. Socially he is a member of G. A. R. Post, No. 595, at Armstrong's Mills. Religiousiy he is a member of the Christian Church.

Ithamer P. Gillaspie, a cousin of our subject, residing in section 28, York township, was born December 2, 1848, and is a son of John and Margaret (Cree) Gillaspie, his mother, who is 76 years of age, residing with him. His father was born in 1803 and died in 1879. Ithamer is one of Io children: Melissa D., widow of David Carpenter, residing in Mead township: Nancy Jane, deceased, who was the wife of William Richmond; Wellington, of Wirt County, West Virginia; Margaret Elizabeth, deceased, wife of Abram Ramsay; David C., of Emporia, Kansas; John J.; Hannah; Mary E.; Ithamer P., and George W., of Glencoe. Ithamer P. Gillaspie married Sarah Janet Giffen, who was born in York township in 1850 and is a daughter of John G. and Sarah Giffen, and they have four sons and one daughter, as follows: Martha J. (Fish), of Bellaire, Ohio, who has two children, Neva and Eula; Everett E., of West Virginia; George W., of West Virginia; Cleveland G., and Clarence A. The Gillaspie family is one of the oldest and best known in York township.

PETER NEFF, a representative of one of Belmont County's oldest and most prominent families, is engaged in farming in Pültney township near the farm on which he was born, August 28, 1822.

Peter Neff is a son of George and Margaret (Felm) Neff, who came to Pultney township from near Baltimore, Maryland, as early as the spring of 1806. George Neff owned a farm, but followed blacksmithing, being one of the first to follow that trade in the county. They were parents of the following children :

Jacob Neff, who was born December 18, 1806, was married.to Mary Owen, June 17, 1830. He lived and died in Richland township. Andrew, born November 24, 1808, was married to Jane Alexander, April r, 1845, Henry, born July 30, 1811, is the oldest of the family now living. He was married to Matilda A. Hall on October 15, 1844. Mary, born July 30, 1813, is now deceased. George, born February 20, 1815, was married March 6, 1849, to Sarah Bucher, who died in June, 1900. He resides on his farm near Neff's siding. For a period of 60 years he conducted the sawmill now operated by his son, Franklin, it having been built in 1832. He has six children, as follows: John B., who is vice-president and general manager of a large fruit exchange in California; Enoch, who is a physician of St. Joseph, Missouri; George, who died at the age of two years; Margaret E., who died in 1882, at the age of 26 years; manages his father's farm, is interested in coal and manufacturing enterprises and is secretary and treasurer of the Standard Stone & Brick Company, - he. was- married in 1891 to Mary E. Hall, a daughter of William Hall of Pultnev township; and Mary S., who married James S. Culverhouse of Cadiz. Hannah, the sixth child of George and Margaret (Helm) Neff, was born August 1, 1817, and was mar- - ried October 15, 1840, to James T. Scott. Jóhn, deceased, was born January 19, 1820. Elizabeth, who was born August 29, 1825, married Enoch D. Crawford, October 21, 1852.

Peter Neff is living on a farm which formed a part of the old homestead, and his fine brick residence 1s but a short distance from the place where he was born, although a new house stands on the old site. He follows general farming and has a great deal of pasture land, raising thoroughbred stock.

Ada. Clarence W. was born December 25, 1853, and actively manages our subject's farm 01 320 acres." Ele married Mary Bell McKelvey, October 20, 1876, and has two children: Alva Meades and Ada Luella. Ada, who was born March 23, 1857, was married October 25, 1876, to Thomas McKelvey, who resides near Bethel station, by whom she has two children; Clarence, who 1s with the Charles Arnold drug company of Bellaire, and May, who is at home. In politics, Mr. Neff is a Democrat. He is a member of the Coal Brook Presbyterian Church. His son Clarence W. and the latter's wife belong to the Belmont United Presbyterian Church.

DR. ISAAC G. COPE, whose death occurred August 31, 1898, practiced his profession in Belmont County for nearly 40 years, being located in Colerain township. Early in his career he gained an enviable reputation as a physician, which increased as the years went by. He was loved by his many patients for

Dr. Cope was born in Colerain township February 12, 1840, and was a son of Dr. Caleb Cope, whom the older generation remember as one of the pioneer physicians of Belmont County.

Dr. Caleb Cope was for many years the leading physician in Colerain township, and was noted not only for his great skill in his profession, but also for his public spirit and loyalty to his country. He sent four of his sons to serve in the Civil War and contributed most liberally to its continuance After a period of illness, he died October 6, 1875, aged about 65 years, sincerely lamented by a large family and by patients distributed all over the township and vicinity. Dr. Caleb Cope's first marriage was to Mildred Fowler, and six sons were born to this union, namely. Dr. Isaac G.; Alexis and Herman, twins; John W.; James H.; and Orlando. Alexis enlisted at the beginning of the .Civil War, as a private, for three months, and then became a veteran in the 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., coming out of the service with a captain's commission. For a number of years he has been the superintendent of the State University of Ohio, at Columbus. Herman died at the age of six years. John W. served in the Civil War as a member of the 98th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He was married at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and died in that city in 1882, at the age of 39 years. James H. resides in Colerain township. Orlando is the superintendent of the Belmont County Infirmary. The mother of these sons died in 1849, and in 1850 Dr. Cope married Julia A. French, and the four children born to this union are the following: Dr. Charles S., who resides in Michigan; Dr. William H., who resides in California; Frederick, who lives near Martin's Ferry ; and Mary, who has her home with her brother, William H., in California. For some years she was a successful teacher in the county. The second Mrs. Cope died in 1873. Both she and her husband belonged to the Society of Friends.

Dr. Isaac G. Cope was educated in the common schools of Farmington, Colerain township. He read medicine with his father and was engaged in practice when President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 troops to quell the rebellion. He enlisted as a private, but on account of his medical knowledge was soon made hospital steward, and later was commissioned surgeon, in 1864. He served about three years and then resigned in order to return home and take up his father's practice, the latter being in failing health. Until his death, he was in constant practice and became still more eminent than his father. He was a valued member of the G. A .R. and was also connected with the Masonic societies of St. Clairsville.

On May a 1865, Dr. Isaac G. Cope was united in marriage with Elizabeth C. Dungan, a native of Belmont County and a daughter of B. Ellis and Sarah (Fox) Dungan. Mr. Dungan, who was a prosperous farmer, died March 14, 1883, at the age of 75 years; his wife died April 25, 1889, in her 81st year. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dungan were estimable members of the Society of Friends. They had a family of eight children, as follows: Josiah, who was a clerk in a grocery, died in 1861, at the age of 25 years; Charles is a farmer of this county; William is farming on the old Dungan homestead; Thomas C., who is an attorney and real-estate dealer, lives in Missouri; Mary Anna married Edgar A. Berry, who is farming in Colerain township; Elizabeth C., the wife of our subject; Julia, who married John Lash, a jeweler in Wheeling, resides in a pleasant home on Wheeling Island; Sarah C., who married John Wiley, resides on a farm in Colerain township.

A family of II children was born to Dr. Isaac G. Cope and his wife, the record being as follows : mont County, married Anna Hughes and they have three children, - Harold D., Esther L. and Bertha; Dr. Ellis C.; Mary Anna; Sarah M. married Edwin Steer and has two children, - Ralph C. and Frank; Elizabeth ¡C.; Alice M., who is taking a trained nurse's course in the Allegheny General Hospital; Mabel I.; Edith S. married Hollarn J. Cope and is a teacher in the San Jose (California) public schools, - they have on child, Robert; Julia L.; and Isaac G. and Lucille, both students at school.

Dr. ELLis C. COPE second son of Dr. Isaac G. Cope, was born November 26, 1869, in Colerain township. Inheriting instincts, and spurred on by the eminent examples of his father and grandfather, he decided early in life to adopt the medical profession, and directed his studies to that end. His preparatory reading was pursued under his father and he graduated in 1893, at the Ohio Medical University, at Columbus. After a year of practice as a phystcian and surgeon in the Protestant Hospital, at Columbus, he began work in this county, locating at Barton. He has been made surgeon at this point for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and for several of the standard insurance companies.

County, being a daughter of Joseph and Anna Pratt. Mr. Pratt died at the age of 43 years, but Mrs. Pratt still survives and resides near Barton. Dr. Cope stands well both socially and professionally, being a member of the county, State and national medical societies, and being also identified with the leading organizations of a social nature in his community.

JOHN F. SHRY. A thorough business man, well-qualified farmer and prominent county official is found in John F. Shry, of sections 30 and 36, Wayne township, Belmont County. He was born in 1862, in Somerset township, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Baker) Shry.

Henry Shry was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, and came to Belmont County a fatherless boy. He found a pleasant home with Henry Gregg of Goshen township, with whom he remained until he began his own life as a farmer, becoming the owner of property in Goshen, Somerset and Warren townships. In politics he was always identified with the Democratic party. His death took place on November 30, 1900. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth Baker, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio, and who died when John F., who was the youngest of ten children, was four years of age, the others being: Milton H., who was a member of the 6oth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., died in the army during the Civil War; George also served in the army and died later in Belmont County, leaving a widow and family in Barnesville; Thomas Irvin resides in Kirkwood township, this county; Winfield S. lives in Wayne township; Sarah Elizabeth is the wife of Jonathan Mercer of Warren township; Mary Eliza is the wife of Jonathan Briggs of Salem, Ohio; Ruth Ella is the wife of J. J. Sears of Piedmont, Ohio, formerly treasurer of Harrison County; William H., a horse dealer in California; and Martha Jane, the wife of George

When John F. Shry was Io years old, the | family moved into Warren township and two | vears later into Goshen township, and in both | t In 1890 | he purchased from Mr. Copeland his present | fine farm of 95 acres, and located on the place, making the greater part of the improvements that now add so much to the value of the property. Until within the past three or four years Mr. Shry has followed an agricultural life. He has of late been much interested in coal optioning and oil leasing, also giving some attention to politics. Like his father, he is a stanch Democrat, and is serving as township trustee, belonging also to the Board of.

In 1889 Mr. Shry was married to Mary Ellen Day, who was born in Somerset township, and is a daughter of the late George Day, who died December 2,1000, having served four years during the:Civil War, a member of the 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Two daughters have been born to this union, namely: Bertha Mabel and Laura E., both little maidens at school. Mr. and Mrs. Shry attend services in the Methodist Church. He is a public-spirited, wide-awake citizen, fully equal to the demands of the day, and holds a high place in the regard of the residents of Wayne township.

JAMES RALEY, deceased, one of the hardy pioneers who performed his part in converting Belmont County from an unbroken wilderness into a country of rich farms, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1756. When a young man, he went to Frederick County, Virginia, where he married Rachel Steer, a daughter of James and Abigail Steer of the same place. After five children had been born to them, they removed to what was then the Northwest Territory, purchasing from the government a farm in the northern part of Pease township, Belmont County, choosing a spot on a sunny hillside near a never- failing spring of water. Here James |

Raley followed blacksmithing and with the help of his family soon cut off enough of the timber to till the soil and raise crops, and in a few years had a plentiful supply of the comforts of life. Their sugar was made from the maple trees, their clothing from the flax they raised, and the wool from their sheep. The forests had to be cleared away before crops could be raised, but in common. with other pioneers they toiled bravely on and soon were rewarded by a good living. Both James and Rachel Raley lived to an advanced age in the full possession oí their faculties, and were buried in a near-by Friends' burying ground, where rest the remains of all their children except one. The farm remained in the family for 86 years and is now in possession of Edgar Berry. They were through life consistent and valued members of the Society of Friends. Of their children, who were 10 in number, several died before reaching maturity. Among those who grew to manhood and womanhood were: Asa; Hannah, who married John Howard, by whom she had 10 children, of which number, one is now living, their descendants mostly being located in Iowa; Ann, who married Thomas Hirst, and is survived by a son who lives in Whittier, California, her descendants mostly being located in California and Arizona; Joseph, who married Sally Fowler, but died without issue; and Rachel, the youngest daughter, who married Daniel Atkinson, and left three children, - Mary, who married Evan Beitler of Cowles, Nebraska; Ruth, wife of John Thomas Packer, of Marietta, lowa, and William, who married Catherme Williams and lives near Pleasant Grove, Ohio.

Asa Raley was born in 1797 and grew to be one of the substantial men of Pease township, Belmont County. In 1826, he married Asenath Hirst 2 daughter of David Hirst. The latter, SOn BE John and Mary Hirst, was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, i 1761, and in STOO TOU OP RU Te with Ann Smith, a daughter of Thomas and Rachel Smith. In 1815 they removed to Ohio, living two years at Mount Pleasant, Jefferson

County, nine years at Colerain, Belmont County, and the rest of their lives at Flushing, Belmont County. They reared a large family of children, the descendants of whom are settled in the West with the exception of a tew who remain in Belmont County. These children were: Thomas, John, Israel, Asenath, Rachel, Mary, Smith and Hannah. Smith Hirst, the last survivor of the family, died at Colerain in 1898, aged nearly 9o years, leaving no family. They were consistent and useful members of the orthodox branch of the Society of Friends, and firm in their adherence to the doctrines held by them as a society.

To Asa and Asenath (Hirst) Raley were born the following offspring: David H., who lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.; Dr. J. Newton, who lives in Reading, Lyon County, Kansas; Mary H., wife of Edward Stratton of Salem, Ohio; Martha R., married to Joseph Russell, afterward to Gibson Binns (both now deceased), of Colerain, Ohio; Rachel R., wife of Jacob Maule of Colerain, Ohio; and Elizabeth and Melissa A., who are unmarried.

D. H. DARRAH, owner and proprietor of "Darrah's Pharmacy," a flourishing business establishment at No. 3175 Union street, Bellaire, Ohio, has worked in various capacities, but for the past 20 years has been chiefly engaged in the drug business. Mr. Darrah was born in 1856 and was reared at St. Clairsville, Ohio. He is a son of John and Martha (Harris) Darrah and grandson of William and Letetia (McFarland) Darrah. His mother was a daughter of David and Mary (Arrick) Harris and granddaughter of Enoch and Laney (Dew) Harris. His grandmother, Mary (Arrick) Harris, was a daughter of John and Susanna (Price) Arrick.

William Darrah, our subject's paternal grandfather, emigrated from Ireland and located at St. Clairsville, Belmont County, where he was engaged in mercantile business until his death. His wife, Letetia McFarland, was a native of Scotland. j

John Darrah, father of D. H. Darrah, followed farming for some time prior to his death, but had investments in various public enterprises. Previous to, and during the Civil War, he bought and shipped stock to Chicago. He died soon after the close of that conflict. His wife's father, David Harris, served nine consecutive years as Probate judge of Belmont County.

miles west of Bridgeport on the National Pike, and also had the benefits of an academic course in Franklin College at New Athens, Ohio. In 1874, he located in Bellaire and clerked several months in the First National Bank. He then entered the drug store of Husbands & Inskeep as an apprentice to learn the drug business. He afterward worked in a similar capacity with J. & M. N. Mercer, druggists, with whom he remained two years. A little latter he purchased an interest in the Bellaire Democrat and in partnership with John R. Gow tried journalism for about six months. In the latter "seventies" he purchased a drug store in South Bellaire and has been engaged mainly in that line of work ever since.

In 1896 he.erected his present store building of modern design, which is built of brick and is two stories high. The lot upon which the structure stands is 120 by 24 feet, and the building itself is 84 by 24 feet. It has a steel ceiling and is conveniently arranged, being well stocked with drugs and the usual line of accessories found in any first-class drug store. The place also contains a fine soda fountain and everything is well arranged and neatly kept. Mr. Darrah is a registered pharmacist and fills prescriptions in a careful manner. In addition to this, he handles the finest line of pure drugs in the city and has put upon the market several preparations of his own composition. Conspictous among the latter are "Darrah's Headache Powders" and "Darrah's Pleasant Worm Syrup."

living, a daughter, Katie, and one deceased, Pearl, who died aged 12 years. In politics, Mr. Darrah is a Republican. He has served two terms as township clerk. At one time he was a candidate on the Republican ticket for county auditor. The county was then heavily Democratic, but notwithstanding this fact he was defeated by only two votes. He filled the office for 10 months, however, being appointed to fill a vacancy by the county commisioners. Mr. Darrah was appointed postmaster of Bellaire in 1888, during Harrison's administration and served four years.

In Masonic circles, our subject is a member of both the blue lodge, in which he served as master, and the chapter at Bellaire and of Hope Commandery No. 26 of St. Clairsville, of which he is senior warden." Aside from . his business, he is interested in various enterprises. He is upright and honorable in all dealings and enjoys a good patronage. The family favor the Presbyterian Church and stand well in social circles. Mr. Darrah is a charter member of the Dollar Savings Bank of Bellaire, and has served as a director of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company.

JOHN CALDWELL, one of the substantial, representative -and public-spirited citizens of Wheeling township, Belmont County, Ohio, who resides upon his fine farm comprising 168 acres of land situated in the coal and oil belt, was born May 18, 1843, in Wheeling township, at the home of his grandfather, John Bell.

The family is of Irish origin, the grandfather of our subject, also named John Caldwell, being a native of County Antrim, Ireland. He came to America with his family, when his son William was about five years of age. In Ireland he married Mary Black of his own county and they had three children born in the old country, - William, Jane and John Patrick, - while Elizabeth was born near Philadelphia, where they landed. The family started west at a later date, and at Pittsburg the father, with others, took a fever and died, leaving the widow in the strange land with four children to rear. She located in Washington County, Pennsylvania, about five miles west of Washington and bravely took up her burden, following weaving in order to bring her little ones bread. She educated them as well as she could, and kept them together, and in every way was a woman of character well worthy to be remembered by her descendants. -

William Caldwell, the father of our subject was born in Ireland, February 14, 1814, and crossed the ocean with his parents in 1819. He lived with his mother near Little Washington until they removed to Ohio about 1830, when they located on a little farm near Fairpoint in Wheeling township, moving in 1836 to a farm which is now the site of Bannock, which he in association with his uncle, Patrick Black, bought equally, - William buying the west half, about 75 acres. June 2, 1842, Mr. Caldwell married Mary Jane Bell, daughter of John and Margaret (Dunn) Bell, of this county and of Scotch descent, tracing an ancestry to: Robert Bruce of Bannockburn. After their marriage, William and his wife went to housekeeping on the farm, occupying the old log house then standing, the, uncle building a new brick residence on his portion of the land, where he with two brothers lived out their lives. William also built a new residence and both of these still stand, some additions having been made to them. There were born to William and Mary Jane (Bell) Caldwell a family of 13children, namely: John our subject; Margaret Dunn, who was born in 1844, and died in 1852; William Taggart, who was born July 10, 1846, married Mary E. Price, has nine children, and lives in Wheeling township; Patrick Black, who was born May 12, 1848, married Nancy Armstrong, has five children, and lives in Richland township, near Bannock; Elizabeth Jane, who was born July 26, 1850, married John Clark, has four children and lives in Union township; Robert Bruce, who was born April 26, 18z2, married Margaret Snedeker of this county, has two children and lives in Richland town- ship, near East Richland; Mary, who was born January 27, 1855, died of diphtheria, in 1863; Annie Bell, who was born June 27, 1856, married Fred M. Daniel, has seven . children, and resides in Richland township, near Bannock and St. Clairsville; an infant, born in 1857, deceased; George Alex., who was born July 13, 1858, lives single on the home farm at Bannock; James Hammond, who was born May 18, 1860, died of diphtheria in 1863; Martha Ellen, who was born January 23, 1862, died of diphtheria in 1863; and Sarah Agnes, born March 4, 1864, who lives on the home farm.

Our subject remained at home until 1872 when, on January 24th, he married Euphemia Elizabeth Hays, a daughter of Henderson Hays, of. Wheeling township, near Uniontown. After marriage, he moved to his present farm where he has continued to make improvements, erected all the buildings except the barn and has engaged in extensive farming. Mr. Caldwell's land is very valuable, lying as it does, in the coal and oil belt of the State. Since the death of Mrs. Caldwell, in 1894, various members of his family have resided with him. In religious belief, our subject is a Presbyterian, and like his father, active in the work of the church, also like the latter being identified with the Democratic party. For many years he has been township trustee and school director, and in 1890 and again in 1900, he served as land appraiser. Mr. Caldwell is much esteemed in his locality as an upright man, and one who through his public-spirit has assisted in the growth and development of his township.

JOHN J. KOEHNLINE, deceased, was for many years a prominent man of Bridgeport, Ohio, and during his long and useful life stood among the foremost and most enterprising citizens of Belmont County. He was an in Fulton, (West) Virginia, March 28, 1840, being the second child and eldest son of John M. and Elizabeth (Klem) Koehnline.