Somerset Township (part 15 of 15)

Charles Fulton was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, came to the United States in 1837 and died in Mead township, Belmont County, October 25, 1901, at the age of 88 years. By trade he was a shoemaker and worker in leather and prior to locating in the United States was connected with the military service in Canada and employed in the manufacture of leather stocks or collars used to keep the British soldier's head erect. After coming to Ohio, he engaged in farming in Mead township, took part in Democratic politics and was appointed justice of the peace. For 4o years he was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church. His wife was also of Irish birth and ancestry, born in County Derry and married there, and died and bas always devoted his attention to the pursuits of agriculture. His line has been general farming and moderate stock raising, and he has been eminently successful, ranking with the most progressive and practical farmers of his locality. In improvements and modern methods, Mr. Fulton keeps abreast of the times and assists materially in making Smith township a * leading agricultural one of the county.

been born to them, namely: Margaret W., a teacher in Barnesville; Charles B., deceased; John T., engaged in the Harrison County oil fields; Effe J.; Catherine, a teacher in Barnesville; William S., a physician in Wheeling; Sarah A., of Philadelphia; and Mary. Mr. Fulton and famliy belong to the United Presbyterian Church in which he is a trustee. is one of the substantial citizens of Smith township, and belongs to a family well known and thoroughly esteemed.

AUGUST KRAATZ, now living in retirement at No. 816 Broadway, Martin's Ferry, is one of the thrifty German citizens who have helped to build up the industries of the city. For over a quarter of a century he was engaged as a skilled blacksmith and has amassed considerable wealth. He is now a large stockholder in the People's Bank and the Belmont Brewery and is a director in the latter. He is also an inventor of considerable note.

Mr. Kraatz was born in Mechlenburg, Germany, November 16, 1845, and when quite young lost his father. He was, however, given careful training by his mother, a most excel-

In the excellent schools of his native country Mr. Kraatz procured a good, thorough education. Having a decided liking for mechanics, at an early age he entered a blacksmith shop and learned the trade, becoming in the course Well equipped for life, at the age of 21 he determined to come to the United States. Soon aíter landing he proceeded to Wheeling, where he remained for eight years. He found no difficulty in secur- followed his trade for some of the time at the old Washington Mill and later in connection with the iron works. Coming to Martin's Ferry at the end of this period, he engaged himself as a blacksmith in the Aetna Standard Mill, where he remained until February, 1902, a period of 26 years. That his work has been in every respect satisfactory and first-class goes without saying. During this period he invented the long squaring shear-knives, an excellent article, which has been on the market for the last 17 years.: It has had a large sale. A steady, hard Worker all his life, Mr. Kraatz has made considerable money, which he has invested to much advantage in brewery stock and in the People's Bank. Owing to his business ability, he has been made a director of the Belmont Brewery.

While residing in Wheeling, in 1869, Mr. Kraatz married Eliza Bieberson, who was born in Hanover, Germany, March 16, 1845. She is one of three children. Her brother, Henry Bieberson, 1s now president of the Belmont Brewery. Her sister, Wilhelmina, married August Rolf and-resides on Market street, in Wheeling. Mr. and Mrs. Kraatz have had nine children: Matilda married William H. Helfenbine, and resides at Martin's Ferry; Emma, wife of Edwin Oppelt, of East Liverpool, Ohio, has a son, Oscar; Clara, who has never married, lives at home; Charles, who married Enola Rohrich, is assistant engineer at the Belmont Brewery in Martin's Ferry; Fredericka lives at home; Harry 1s in the grocery business with his brother-in-law in East

Liverpool; George, who works in the Aetna Standard Mill; Eliza, who died February to, 1803, at the age of 10; Gertrude, who died December 26, 1901, at the age of 14 years and three months.

Mr. Kraatz is a man whose word carries weight in his community. As a Republican he exerts a large influence in local poiltics. Fraternally he belongs to the B. P. O. E. Both he and his wife are prominent members of the German Lutheran Church. In ig901 Mr. Kraatz made a trip to Germany, paying a visit to his aged mother, and in October, 1902, he took an extended trip throughout the Southwestern States, visiting Texas principally, and had a most enjoyable time.

DAVID P. McKELVEY. . The well cultivated and finely improved farm of David F. McKelvey, located in section 32, Mead township, not only reflects great credit upon its owner, but also demonstrates the great agricultural possibilities of this part of Belmont County. Mr. McKelvey is one of the prominent citizens of Mead township, possessing honorable ancestry, wealth and social position, and is also a representative man in political life. David F. McKelvey was born September 23, 1844, in Mead township, Belmont County, on a farm in the vicinity of his present property, the same now being operated by his youngest brother, Samuel P. McKelvey. His

(Creamer) McKelvey, the latter of whom was also born in this county, a daughter of David Creamer, one of the early settlers of Belmont County and one of the very few permitted to see both the dawn and the close of a century. His daughter, Mrs. McKelvey, died July 11, 1885.

Samuel McKelvey was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and after a voyage of six weeks on the Atlantic Ocean reached Belmont County in I840, where he purchased a farm in Mead township. from Zachariah Hayes, its original owner, and here Mr. McKelvey died in 1888, when over 8o years of age, having survived all his brothers, viz.: James, David, George, Joseph, Thomas and Weir. They had a sister, Elizabeth, who married a Mr. McCaffrey. The five sons and four daughters of Samuel Mc- Kelvey and wife were: David F., of this biography; Robert, Thomas B. and Joseph O., of Mead township; Emma and Narcissa, living on the home farm; Mary E., the wife of Johu W. Neff, and Nancy Jane, the wife of Theodore Neff, of Bellaire; and Samuel P., born in 1864, who 1s the capable operator of the home farm, an estate comprising 188 acres, lying in sections 31, 36 and 25. It has been greatly improved under Mr. McKelvey's management.

Reared on the farm, David F. McKelvey has always been deeply interested in agricultural pursuits and has spent the greater part of his life in Mead township. He received a fair education and during his earlier years taught the country schools, but after marriage began his business career as a farmer. For several years he farmed at Wegee, but for the past 20 years has been established on his present farm, a valuable tract of 140 acres, which he has successfully devoted to general farming and stock raising. This land was originally the property of "Tommy" Miles, then the Porterfields, later the McMasters and then was purchased by Mr. McKelvey. l

March 24, 1881, Mr. McKelvey was married to Ida J. Alexander, who was born in Pultney township, in 1856, and is a daughter of Samuel Alexander, a pioneer. The two daughters born to this union are Mary and Lucy, both of whom belong to the home circle. In politics Mr. McKelvey has been more than usually prominent and was but lately sent as a delegate to the Democratic Congressional Convention held at Martin's Ferry. For the past five vears he has served as township treasurer and is at present one of the school directors. During its existence, he belonged to the Farmers' Alliance. His religious connection is with the United Presbyterian Church. As a commentary upon the great strides made in the county, Mr. McKelvey shows a well-preserved hoghouse on his farm, the same having served

Andrew Burkhart, the grandfather, came to this country from Switzerland in 1820, and entered land in York township, Belmont County, Ohio, where he followed the business of a | He built a log house on his | horticulturist. claim, which stood until destroyed by fire in 1897. He and his wife had six children, as follows: John; Catherine (Syllis), who died at Martin's Ferry; Annie (Muster) ; Frederick, who was unmarried and died in 1897; Andrew; and Mary, wife of Jacob Kocher of York township. |

Andrew Burkhart, father of our subject, was born in Switzerland, in 1808, and at 12 years of age came to Belmont County, Ohio, with lus father. He was married here in 1840, and later with his wife removed to Monroe County, Ohio, where both died. He died April 25, 1893, at the age of 85 years, and she died in March, 1894, aged 74 years. His wife was a daughter of Nicholas Frankhouser, a pioneer erland. To this union were born the following children: Arnold W.; Rosanna (Sweigard), a widow residing in Monroe County; Caroline, who resides in Monroe County; Jacob, of Monroe County ; Lena, wife of Frank Cain of Parkersburg, West Virginia; Mary, wife of Clarence Carpenter of Iowa; Louisa, wife of Henry Kraft of Monroe County; and Samuel, Lizzie and another daughter who died of diphtheria at an early age.

Reg., Ohio National Guard, and was wounded at Snicker's Gap, Virginia, in 1864. He remained at home until after his marriage, and then resided on Carpenter's Ridge where Sam- bought a part of the old Chandler tract, also known as the William Graham farm, and on this he has since resided. He has 160 acres under a high state of cultivation and devotes Honest and straightforward in all his transactions, he has gained the lasting confidence and respect of his fellow citizens, who are pleased to call him a friend.

Robert Carpenter, whose wife died December 8, 1898, at the age of 98 years. They have nine children, as follows: Sevilla (Wild), of York township; Lucy (Vandine), who lives at home; Emma H. (Moore), of Bellaire; Jemima (Hendershot); Margaret (Vandine), who lives near her parents; Theodore F.; has ever been Sick enough to require the aid of a physician or the use of medicine, which is truly a remarkable record. Although his family has always been Democratic, Mr. Burkhart - | is a stalwart Republican, and at one time was

(Pfeffer) Disque. The father is in his 86th year and is one of the oldest residents of the village. With Mrs. Louis Boger, Mrs. John A. Weyer, Mrs. Richard Dorsey, and Mrs. James Workman, he shares the honor of having lived in Powhatam for more than half a century.

Henry Disque was born in Bavaria, Germany, and upon coming to this country spent nine years in the State of New York. He then lived one year in Monroe County, Ohio, spent the winter of 1848 at. Wheeling, and in 1849 moved to Powhatan, where he has since resided. For a period of more than 60 years he followed his trade as a shoemaker. He married Mary Pfeffer, who was also born in Bavaria, Germany, and died at Powhatan in ISgI. Six children were born to them, as follows: Henry, who is in the drug business at Pittsburg; Fred, who is a member of the firm of J. J. Porter & Company, of Pittsburg; George A., a jeweler at Erie, Pennsylvania; Mary (Fuchs), deceased; B. F., subject of this biography, and Mrs. Callie May, who resides at New Matamoras, Washington County, Ohio. The two eldest were born in New York,

B. F. Disque early in life worked at the trade of a shoemaker for a few years, then entered the mercantile business at Powhatan as a clerk in 1881. In 1884 he formed a partnershin with William Hornbrook, which continued 12 years, and since that time he has conducted the store alone. During the entire time he has been located in his present building, the dimensions of which are 70 by 21 feet. A very complete line oí general merchandise is carried. To the rear oí the building is a warehouse, in which surplus stock is stored. Across the street from this building is a large storeroom, in which a very complete line of furniture is carried. The trade extends over a large area, surrounding Powhatan and into West Virginia, and necessitates the employment of two or three clerks all the time.

Mr. Disque was first married to Maggie Bean, who died November 19, 1897, leaving two children, Clifford and Eva. He formed a second matrimonial alliance with Mary Hornbrook, a daughter of J. P. Hornbrook, who owns considerable real estate at Powhatan, although he is not a resident. Mr. Disque built a fine home on Front street, 1n which he lived with his family until he sold it recently to Dr. J. A. Berry.

cal affairs. He served three terms as township clerk, two terms as township treasurer, and officiated in other minor capacities, such as director of the School Board and councilman. He is an elder and member of the board of trustees of the Presbyterian Church, of which his father is also a member. His fellow elder in the church is Philip Frankhouser, and in addition to himself the board of trustees includes John Fuchs, Philip Frankhouser, Charles Greene and Samuel Fielding. Our subject is one of the substantial men of the community and has a host of friends wherever he is known. .

GEORGE WASHINGTON HENDERSHOT, one of the oldest and most prominent | farmers of Washington township, Belmont County, was born in this township along Pea Vine Creek, in 1818.

He is a son of Michael and Mary. (Space) Hendershot, who emigrated from New Jersey February 15, 1815, locating along Captina Creek. They both died on the home farm when 86 years of age. The mother of our subject was the second wife of Michael Hen- : dershot, and to them were born the following children: John, born in 1807, who died in 1833; Isaac, born in 1809, who died in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1867; Henry, born February 26, 18911, who died in Washington township in 1883; George Washington, subject of this biography; Mary Ann, born in 1813, who died at the age of 21 years; Sarah Maria, born in 1820, who married Henry Lomar September 9, 1843, and lived in Beallsville, Monroe County, Ohio, where she died; and Michael, born in 1823, who died at Columbus and was buried in York township. By his first wife Michael Hendershot had two children, Daniel, who died in 1883, and Angeline, wite of Adolph Harmon, born in 1304, and died ir Nebraska about 1893.

an early day and actively managed it until a | family of seven children. few years ago, when it was given into the care | of his sons, each of whom receives his share |

September 30, 1843, Mr. Hendershot married Sevilla Carpenter, who was born in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1824, and is a daughter of Robert Carpenter, who moved to York township, Belmont County. when she was eight years of age. Twelve children were born to them: The eldest died in infancv; Penelope, wife of William Pfeffenbach, resides at Bellaire; Michael Taylor, who lives on the home . farm, married Margaret Linden and has five children; Robert C., also residing on the home farm, married Lovina Taylor; deceased, and later Margaret Brvson; Henry S., residing on his father's farm, married Elizabeth Bryson; Sevilla Tane, wife of Tohn Graham, resides on her father's farm on Pea Vine Creek; Mary, wife of Christopher Schnegg, lives in York township: Alice, who died at Wheeling, was the wife of David Honey: Margaret, who married Ross Carle, resides on Pea Vine Creek; George Grant, who resides with his father, married Sarah Diantha Hess; Nancy Ellen, married George Carle and resides near Bellaire, Pultnev township; and Anna Laura died : at the age of three years. Although Mr. Hendershot's evesight has failed rapidlv in recent vears, he retains all his old-time sagacitv 1n business affairs, and gives counsel to his sons. He is most highlv esteemed and has friends of long standing in the county. He has always been a Republican since the organization of the partv. He was reared a Presbyterian, but is inclined to be liberal in his views.

HIRAM D. TIMMONS*, superintendent and manager of the Barnesville Gas & Electric Light Company, is an expert electrician and rlumber, having attained success by adroit endeavor. close application and bv vears of constant practice of his vocation. He was born in Cadiz. Harrison County, Ohio, and is past the meridian of life. He is a son of Eli and

Eli Timmons was one of the pioneer settlers of Harrison County, Ohio. In early manhood he learned the trade of a carriage maker, which he followed with success up to the time of his death on the 30th of December, 1877. Eli Timmons was born March 16, 1819, and his wife was many years his junior, her birth having occurred September 25, 1830. She is also deceased.

Hiram. D. Timmons accompanied his parents to Barnesville when a mere boy. He became apprenticed and learned the plumbing and heating trade under Healy Brothers. He completed his trade in 1879, having mastered all the details of the business. Some time afterward Mr. Timmons accepted a position as traveling representative of Gordan, Stroebel & La Rue, a large Philadelphia firm. He traveled throughout the South for this establishment tor a period of three years, and during that machinery, doing all the hydraulic work and steam piping himself. In 1889, he severed his connection with tha house and accepted his present lucrative position.

The city of Barnesville was first relieved from darkness December 25, 1874, by the introduction of gas. A company had been previously organized on September rsth, of the same year, and a plant was built a short distance north of the Hilles flouring mill; this plant was erected by B. Van Steinberger of . New York City, who was the chief instigator, at the cost of $24,000, and the late Hon. Samuel Hilles was the first superintendent. The city was lighted in this manner until March rs, 1890, when an ordinance was passed by the City Council, whereby it provided for the lighting of the city by electricity. A franchise was granted to the Fort Wayne Electric Lighting Company, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who furnished incandescent lights to the city for a period of ten vears.

of $30,000 and the name of the company was changed to the Barnesvile Gas & Electric Light Company. The present officers are: J. W. Bradfeld, president; J. M. Lewis, vicepresident; and F. Hunt, secretary ; with Hiram D. Timmons, superintendent and manager. As before mentioned, the latter became connected with the company in 1889 and has the exclusive control of this large plant. He is a thorcugh electrician and employs four assistants. Under his careful and capable management the plant has given thorough satisfaction. His kind and amiable disposition, coupled with his shrewd business methods, has made hosts of friends for him while working in this capacity.

In fraternal circles he is a member of the Odd Fellows, and in politics he supports the Republican party. His influence is extensive and powerful and he has done much in securing public improvements as well as stimulating private enterprises. The success of the plant with which he is connected is largely due to his unremitting efforts and the manner in which he has surmounted all obstacles and risen to his present place of authority and responsibility from apprenticeship shows his aggressive and energetic nature.

HAMILTON G. WOODS,* a shearman in the Laughlin Sheet Mill at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, is serving his second term as councilman from the Sd Ward, is on the finance committee, the ordinance committee, police, sewer, street and waterworks committees, and ter of Reuben and Loretta Gosney. Her father died at the age of 60 years during the Civil War, and her mother died in 1849. Mrs. Woods was one of a family of 11 children, of whom the four surviving are: Mary J., who married William McKee, who was killed at the battle of Cedar Creek, October r9, 1864; Nancy, our subject's mother; James, a resident of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Davis, residing in Martin's Ferry. The names of the deceased children are as follows: Elizabeth, whose death took place when she was just 18 years old; Hamilton, who died at the advanced age of 70 years; John and John Reuben, who died in boyhood; Andrew, whose death occurred at the age of 55 years, served in the Civil War as a private; Albert, who died when two years old; and Thomas, who is presumed to be living, but who went west and has not been heard from for I2 years.

Our subject's father and mother had two children, John M., who works at the mill in Bridgeport, Ohio; and our subject, Hamilton G. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and John Woods always took part as an officer. He and Governor Atchison were well known to each other, were warm friends, and worked together in the temperance movement in West Virginia.

Hamilton G. Woods was educated in the public schools of Wheeling, after which he, like his father, worked at boiling in the Top Mill and followed that occupation until the organization of the Standard Mill at Bridgeport, Ohio. He helped to start this mill and was given a position as shearer in it, remaining with the company for I9 years, until October, 1901. He left the Standard Mill only to take his position in the Laughlin Mill as shearer.

They were member of the Methodist Episcopal | Church, and at her death that church lost one | of its most enthusiastic workers, as well as an | excellent singer, for Mrs. Howell always sang | in the choir. She became a member in early | girlhood and found many little ways of mak- | ing herself useful and serviceable. Mrs. Woods is a native of Ohio and has been the mother of nine children, whose names are as follows:

Frank H., who works in the Laughlin Sheet Mill and does most efficient service for one of | his years; Beulah H.; Richard C. and Kath- | leen L., twins; Hulda B., Lillie H., Donald S., Gilbert H., and Elizabeth M., born June 5, 1900, and died September 14th of the same year. The father and mother of these children | are members of the Methodist Episcopal | Church and rear their children in that faith also. Mrs. Woods is president of the mercy and help department of the church work and certainly does her part. In politics Mr. Woods | is a Republican of strong convictions, and as a | member of the Council has been of great ser- | vice to the city. He is also a strong believer in the temperance question, - he acts, lives, and believes in temperance at all times; since he, | himself, has never drank an intoxicant in his life, he has never been able to see the need for others to do so, and has taken a firm, deter- | mined stand on this question. He and his fam- | ilv live 1n their pleasant, beautiful home at No. 623 West Washington street.

E. N. BOGGS*, a representative citizen of Barton, Ohio, who is extensively engaged in mining and mercantile business, was born in Colerain township in 1859. He is a son of Francis and Elizabeth (Berry) Boggs. His | mother was a daughter of Jacob Berry, who settled in Colerain township about 1802, commg from Hagerstown, Maryland, with his parents when about three years of age.

David Boggs, the paternal grandfather of our subject, came from Maryland to Belmont | County in the early part of the 19th century. | He settled upon a farm about six miles from | Bridgeport, in Colerain township, remaining ' here the balance of his life. He accumulated a good property and was a very prominent man of his day. He opened up the first coal bank in Belmont County, it being located on Flat Run. It was not only the first bank opened, but also the first opened for commercial purposes and was known as a "peddler's bank." Belmont County ranks fourth among the counties of the State in the production of coal. David Boggs married Mary Waddle, of Ohio County (West) Virginia, who was born in Triadelphia. The following children were born to them: David; Marjorie, deceased, who married J. W. Collins, of Newark, Ohio; William W., who died in California; Francis; and James, of Belmont County.

In connection with his farming interests, he also operated a coal bank, which netted him good profit. He was known for his strict integrity and square dealings. He voted the Democratic ticket, but never aspired to office. However, upon several occasions he was called upon to fill township offices.

To him and his wife the following children were born: Ella, who married J. W. Bean, of Bridgeport, Ohio; Catherine, who married M. D. Goldman, of Topeka, Kansas; Ona M,, who married E. T. Russell, an elder of the Seventh Day Adventists, with headquarters at Lincoln, Nebraska; F. W., who is assisting his brother in the mercantile business; Jacob W., who was killed in a railroad wreck in 1891;

E. N. Boggs received a liberal amount of schooling in the district schools of Colerain township, after which he took a business course in Wheeling, West Virginia. Later he attend- - ed the normal university at Lebanon, Ohio, and has claimed the major portion of his attention since that time. He has been eminently successful. He employs on an average 150 men. During the summer months he ships the product of his mine to Northern transportation companies, and during the winter the coal is used for fuel on trunk line railroads. In 1892 Mr. Boggs opened a general store at Barton, in which he keeps a full stock ot choice family groceries, boots, shoes, clothing, patent medicines, etc. His store is a modern two-story structure and is first-class in all its appointments.

Mr. Boggs was married in 1892 to Jemima Hall, daughter of Henry and Hannah Hall, respected citizens of Colerain township. The tamily consists of four children: Paul; Marjorie; Mildred, and Elizabeth. Boggs is a member oí Belmont Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.; Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T., of St. Clairsville, and also is a member of te i. or E.

widely known in agricultural, political and social life, is Hon. Harvey Danford, who, during 1877, 1878 and 1879, ably represented Belmont County in the State Legislature. Mr. Danford is a man of intellectüal strength, extensive travel, wide reading, social acquaintance an large means. He was born February 16, 1822, in Washington township, Belmont County, on a farm located some two and one-half miles above Armstrong's Mills. He was reared in Washington township, but has resided in Wayne township for the past 49 years. In early youth he had no better advantages than the ordinary farmer boy, his education being entirely secured in the public schools of his day. When he reached maturity he purchased a part of school section 16, in Washington township, which he sold in 1849, removing then to Iowa. However he did not locate there, but soon after returned to Belmont County, and about 1855 he purchased his present fine farm in section 4, Wayne township, making subsequent purchases until his landed possessions in this county now aggregate 613 acres.

Mr. Dantord has long been a factor in the politics of Belmont County. His present political attitude is as an independent voter, although various currents have led him into supporting late Republican candidates. In his earlier years he was a Whig, admiring Henry Clay and his principles." His vote was cast for both Lincoln and Grant, also for Horace Greeley. Always independent in his view of matters, Mr. Danford has been especially free irom any charge of "machine-made politics" and has voted as his conscience and judgment decided as certain 1ssues were presented to the people. No more able man was found by the Democrats in 1877 to send as a Representative to the Legislature, and he defended the principles of that party until the election of President . Cleveland. He is not in favor of free trade. Some six or eight years Mr. Danford served most acceptably as township treasurer, but 1s now free from official duties.

In 1850 Mr. Danford married Eliza Jane Perkins, a daughter of Elijah Perkins, who was brought from near Waynesburg, Virginia, to Belmont County in infancy and after a long life here died in 1895, when more than roo years of age. Mrs. Danford was born in 1829 and her four brothers are: Elihu, Jonas. Reuben and William, the two named last residing near Bethesda. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Danford were: V. A., who resides upon a part of the home farm, as does Charles; Victoria, deceased, was the wife of A. C. Mantell - her daughter, Mrs. E. P. Ward, also occupies a part of the farm; and Rev. M. V. The

Lexington, and was ordained a minister in Belmont Ridge Christian Church, and for the past two years has been an instructor at the Christian College at Albany, Missouri, but has lately located at Shadyside as bookkeeper for T. A. Rodefer. Mr. Dantord has four granddaughters and is rearing the youngest. The family is one of close attachment and for 40 years has been connected with the Christian Church.

and esteemed by the citizens of Bellaire, Ohio, as one of the best physicians of the city, whose future is full of promise. He was born in Glencoe, Belmont County, in 1872, and is a son of Dr. William Piper and grandson of John Piper, who came from Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and followed farming as a business, his later years being spent on his home place in Mead township, to which he removed a short time before his death. *

Dr. William Piper, the father, spent his younger days upon his father's farm and after securing his education taught school for.a few years until he determined on the medical progiven at Starling Medical College and became & physician in 1857, his first field of practice being at Jacobsburg, Ohio, where he had good success. He practiced later at Newark, Ohio, and at Glencoe, this county, and at last settled county, and during his 45 years of work has gained the reputation he bears as an expert in his profession, skilled and persevering, and as a man of generous but firm disposition. He has reached the age of 70 years, his birth having taken place in May, 1832, near St. Clairsville, Ohio, and although he has always taken an interest in public affairs he has given his time exclusively to his profession. He was trustee of the Children's Home and surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. for several years, The only sister of our subject is the wife of Rev. A. Johnson, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Newark, Ohio.

Dr. William O. S. Piper followed the example of his father and also taught school in his early years, attending medical lectures at Baltimore. His graduation from the University of Baltimore occurred in 1893, and for the past

Fraternally our subject is a Mason, being a member of the blue lodge and chapter of Bellaire and also of Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T., of St. Clairsville, Ohio. Socially he is member of the Belmont County Medical Society and of the Ohio State Medical Society, and is valued for his willing service in both. He now has a regular practice which is daily increasing and by careful study and untiring diligence he keeps abreast of the times, and is well

James W. Clipp, father of our subject, was engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life, dying in 1892, at the age of 79 years. He was a Whig before the Civil War and was a strong supporter of the cause of the Union, but since the war was independent in political affairs. His wife, Elizabeth Ann, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and died in 1896, at the age of 70 years. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Five children were born to their union, as follows: John R.; Charles W.; Louis A.; Margaret V., wife of George Huffmaster; and Thomas P.

Louis A. Clipp was reared in his native county and lived.there until 1875, when he removed to Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio. He later located in Wheeling township, He again returned to Richland township, where he engaged in

In 1876 Mr. Clipp was united in marriage with Mary Ann Jackson, who was born in Wheeling township in 1849 and is a daughter of Willam and Annie Jackson. Six children resulted from this union, as follows: Wilbert L.; Annie Viola, a stenographer and bookkeeper at Bellaire; James Blaine, who is with the Belmont Telephone Company; Jessie Edith; Philip R.; and Lizzie Loraine. Fraternally, Mr. Clipp is a Mason, and in politics is a Republican. Methodist Episcopal Church.

Wilbert L: Clipp, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Clipp, was graduated from Delaware College in 1895. On May 22, 1899, he entered the service of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, being given charge of the car service department at Bellaire, Ohio. On October 1, 1900, he was promoted to be assistant chief clerk to Superintendent of Terminals J. M. Barrett of the Baltimore & Ohio, with headquarters at Wheeling, West Virginia, which position he held until October 14, 1901, on which date he was transferred to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, as stenographer to Car Distributor F. B. Lockhart. On March r, 1902, he succeeded Mr. Lockhart as car distributor with headquarters at Pittsburg, having control of the entire Pittsburg division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, in which position he has continued.