Wayne Township (part 11 of 16)

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

On May 7, 1856, Mr. Hatcher was married to Mary E. Gregg, a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio with her parents when two years of age. She was the eldest of the family of eight children born to her parents, Henclley and Amy Gregg, the others being:

Joshua, who is a farmer .in Pottawattamie County, Iowa; Samuel, deceased, who lived in Warren County, Iowa; Hendley, who resides on the home place, in Goshen township, this county; Frances and Henrietta, unmarried, who live in Barnesville; William, deceased, who lived in Iowa; and Victoria, who is Mrs. Thomas Rogers, of Barnesville. IMrs. Hatcher died May i, 1891, a consistent member of the Methodist Church, a woman of lovely life and character, possessing a disposition of cheerfulness, disposed to contribute to the happiness of all about her, valued in her church and beloved in her family. Her five children were the following; Rosa M., still at home; Amy J., the wife of J. W. Wilkinson, county commissioner, more extended mention of whom will be found elsewhere; John William, born June 7, 1861, died June 7, 1863, at the age of two years; Elijah Clyde, who is in the wholesale grocery business at Allegheny City, married Orpha Sidebottom and has two children,, Emmett and Ellen; Grace, who is Mrs. Robert Hood, resides at Cambridge, Ohio, and has one child, Mary; and Ida J\L, who is at home.

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

WILLIAM A. GIEFEN, a prominent farmer of Belmont County, Ohio, who owns and operates one of the large and productive farms in Colerain township, near St. Clairsville, was born not far from Martin's Eerry, in this county, on Glenn's Run, a son of Samuel and Margaret (Kerr) Giffen, the former of whom was a native of Ohio County, West Virginia, and the latter of Belmont County.

William A. Giffen, all of this land probably being underlaid with rich coal veins. Samuel resided at Glenn's Run for 15 years, but in 1861 located on this property, where he immediately began improvements, erecting a comfortable residence and building a commodious barn. He was a straightforward, public-spirited citizen, actively in sympathy with the Republican party, and prominent I in the religious and educational advancement of the county. He was an elder in I the United Presbyterian Church and reared I his family in that faith. Samuel Giffen was born June 6, 1810, and died October 5, 1884, his wife being some years younger, born on November i, 1823, and died on January 27, 1898, very generally regretted on account of her active interest in church work and her kindness to neighbors and devotion to family and friends. She belonged to one of the old and honorable families of the^ county, Robert and Sarah (Taggart) Kerr being her parents, the former of whom came to America from Scotland, and the latter, born in 1802, from Ireland.

On the paternal side. Grandfather John Giffen, with his wife, Elizabeth (Morrison) Giffen, with his ten children also, came to Belmont County in 1825, from Ohio County, (West) Virginia. These children were: Mary, Mrs. David Coats, born July 17, 1799; Robert, born November 28, 1801, was county recorder of Belmont County, and died unmarried; William, born Alarch 21, 1804, married, first, a Miss Graham, and, second, IMary Morrison; John, born Eebruary 28, 1806; Joseph, born March i, 1808; Samuel, born June 6, 1810; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Denham, was born April 2, 1813, and is the last survivor of the family; Jane, born May 8, 1815, was Mrs. James Erazier; IMorrison, born September 22, 1817; and Sarah A., born February 5. 1820, married William

Grimes, and both have long since passed away. The maternal family was also large and became well known through the county, the eldest of the family being the mother of our subject; the others as follows:

James Kerr, born in 1824, resides at Martin's Ferry; Catherine married John Porterfield, and botli are deceased; Sarah J. married Samuel Thompson and resides in St. Clairsville; Robert, deceased, was a farmer in this county; Isaac and Peter, twins, are both deceased; Peter (2) studied for the ministry, but enlisted in the army in the Civil War, and died while on a furloug'h from disease contracted in the service; Louisa died at the age of five years; and Mary, born July 17, 1844, died Uecember 9, 1898. Thus passed away members of two prominent families of the county, but they left behind them records of worthy lives and representatives who inherited their most admirable traits of character.

A family of J2 children was born to Samuel and Margaret Giffen, namely; John, Sarah E., Robert K., Isaac, James P., William A., Morrison E., Samuel R., Mary L., Laura, James, and Margaret B. John Giffen is a distinguished clergyman of the United Presbyterian Church. He graduated at Westminster College in 1871, and at Allegheny Seminary in 1875, immediately accepted work in the missionary field in Egypt, and has been located at various points, during the greater part of the time being assistant at the church in Cairo. There he has been instructor in Associate College and Cairo Theological Seminary, and is a man of great learning. His first marriage was to Mary Galoway, of Due West, South Carolina, who died in October, 1881. His second marriage was to Elizabeth Newlin, in 1883. Sarah E. married William Hinkle, a farmer and fruit grower, and they live near Cameron, West Virginia. Robert K. is a traveling salesman. He first married Emma Brown, and later her sister Ella, and resides in Wheeling. Isaac' married Margaret Paxton, now deceased, and resides on a farm near Martin's Ferry. Jane C. died at the age of 20 months. Morrison E. graduated from Muskingum College in the class of 1886, and from Allegheny Seminary in the spring of 1889, and in the fall of the latter year went as a missionary to Egypt, where he has since been occupied, - having charge of the distribution of books and village work as minister and missionary. He married Miss Franc Martin in 1886. Samuel R., born in i860, was a farmer, and died February 2, 1900. James P. is a graduate of Muskingum College of 1891, and of Xenia Theological Seminary of 1894, and is a minister of the United Presbyterian Church, located at Edgerton, Kansas. He married Libbia Sleeth. All of the daughters were also given collegiate advantages.

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

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

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

William Wilkinson also followed farming as his chief occupation through life, owning large tracts of valuable land, and for six years was county commissioner. His death took place in May, 1878, at the age of 65 years. As a man of business and integrity he probably stood second to none in the county, and both he and wife were as highly respected as they were widely known. The latter died at the age of 61 years, a devoted member of the Christian Church. These parents had a family of 1 1 children born to them, as follows: Milo, who served three years in the Civil War, a member of the 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., re-enlisted, was wounded, and died in the hospital; Sadie, who first married Solomon Spencer, and, second. Dr. McMaster, is now a widow and resides in Smith township; Clark, a soldier, who served in the Civil War in the 98th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., was wounded at Perryville, Kentucky, later became editor of the "Belmont Chronicle," resides in Spokane, Washington, actively engaged in literary work, a man of unusual mentality; Isaac, who owns a fine estate of over 800 acres in Mitchell County, Kansas; Carrie, who married A. P. White, resides on a farm near the old homestead; Alice, who married Alfred H. Mitchell, a prominent attorney of St. Clairsville, and more extended mention of him may be found on another page; Emily, who died at the age of 16 years; John W., who is our subject; Frank, who resides in Kansas, was the founder of a glass works in Indiana, and was treasurer of the company; Julia, who was a bright and promising student at the Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, died of quick consumption; and Elizabeth, who married James Hinney, is also deceased.

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

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

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

The birth of Mr. Reece took place on July 27, 1847, a son of George W. and Sarah (Hill) Reece, the latter of whom was the thirteenth child horn to Thomas and Sarah Hill, her advent into the world being in mid-ocean, on a sailing vessel, between England and America, this vessel being 90 days overdue on account of adverse winds. George W. Reece, the father of our subject, was a blacksmith by trade and was emplo)^ed at the Barnes Glass Works at what was then known as "Ritchietown," but which is now included in the corporate limits of Wheeling. Later he located at the point now known as Benwood and there started into business for himself. He was known over a wide extent of country as an expert in his trade, and owners of horses would come long distances in order that he should shoe their valuable animals. Mr. Reece was also known for his genial manner and his place of business was a favorite resort for the better class, who there discussed matters of general interest while they were confident that he was doing work in his line in the most skilled manner. After Mr. Reece gave up his business at this place and went to Wheeling, his many friends were distressed to learn that he there snccnmbed to the cholera, in 1849. His w'as one of the most virulent cases, being fatal in a few hours. This was remarkable, as he was a man of such strength and agility, that he could run and jump over a horse or seat himself so nimbly beside a rider that he would not be noticed for some time. He was regarded as the leader of athletic sports in his locality, which were then of the most innocent nature, consisting princi])ally of tests of skill for the enjoyment of others, no speculation being attached to the contests. Although he was not a church member, he was a man who lived an exemplary life. He accompanied his wife to the Methodist Church, with which she was connected. His wife died of cholera two days prior to his death.

Our subject was not much over two years of age when his father died and he was the youngest member of a family of five children, named as follows : John E., Eliza J., Mary F., an infant, deceased, and George W. John E., who resides at Lazearville, West Virginia, where he is postmaster, served three years as a drummer in the ist Reg. Virginia Vol. Inf., was captured at Moorefield, Virginia, kept in Libby Prison over 90 days and then returned home; Eliza J., who is the widow of Mitchell Reagan, is a trained nurse; Mary F., who died at the age of 43 years, was the wdfe of Rev. F. Byrnes, of the Disciples' Church.

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

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

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

1800. After the death of his father and the remarriage of his mother, Francis was bound out to John Dillon, a Quaker of Zanesville, Ohio, when he was but seven years old. There he learned the iron trade, and when 21 years of age was offered $1,000 a year to manage the work, a position which he accepted. He was manager of the Dillon Iron Foundry for years, and then with his brotherin-law, James Hazlett, bought the iron works at Sandyville, Ohio, which they conducted for some years. He moved to Belmont County in 1841, and lived near Morristown until his death in 1876, at the age of 76 years. Religiously, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. For a period of 20 years he satisfactorily discharged the duties of clerk of Union township. He was three times married, his first union being with Isabella Laird, by whom he had four children, namely: Mary, widow of John

Smurr, residing in Topeka, Kansas; William, a resident of Cambridge, Ohio; Edward M.. subject of this sketch; and Isabella, wife of Eugene Dillon. After the death of his first wife at the age of 35 years, Mr. Simpson formed a second union with Margaret Gordon, now deceased, by whom he had a son, Robert. He formed a third matrimonial alliance with Elizabeth Duncan, and she died without issue.

Edward M. Simpson attended the common schools, and as a boy assisted his father on the farm. He began farming for himself at the age of 21 years, and has always continued at that vocation. He came to Colerain township in 1870, purchasing one quarter section of land in section 26, all of which is underlaid with coal. He has sold some acres of this, one vein of the coal recently selling for $?8 an acre. He is an energetic and enterprising man, deeply interested in the welfare of his township and county, and has friends beyond number who admire him for his sterling worth and high character.

Daniel and Hannah Harris, both of whom are deceased. She has two younger sisters: Erances, widow of John Crymble, of Pasco: and Ella, deceased, who was wife of Louis Neiswanger. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have five children, as follows: Eanny, wife of

John Crawford, of Pasco, by whom sffe has seven children, as follows, - Karl, Gertrude, Harriet, Ray, Eugene, Erances, and Waneta; Adda, wife of Dr. O. M. Keesor, of Beallsville, Monroe County, has two children. Ward and Catherine; Emma, wife of U. E. Duff, residing in Deming, New Mexico, has two children, Lorella and Dorothy; Robert M., a farmer of Colerain township, resides at home, - he has 18 acres of land, containing some 2,000 fruit trees, mostly plums, pears and cherries; and Lizzie, wife of Ross Hawthorne, of Harrisville, has one son, Ralph. Religiously, Mrs. Simpson is a member of the M. P. Church. He is not interested greatly in politics and votes the Union Reform ticket.

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

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

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

Upon reaching manhood he assisted in the management of the home farm for a number of years. Here he remained until the Civil War broke out, and then in the spring of 1864 enlisted in the 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and going to the front put in 100 days of hard service, and was in five different battles, including Winchester, Snicker's Gap and Cedar Creek. Returning by the way of Pittsburg, he was there elaborately entertained, soon after which he received his discharge at Columbus. After the war he remained with his parents on the home farm until their death. Then, in January, 1895, he purchased the place of his brother, J. B. Dysart, who administered the estate. He has since let the farm, Wayne A. Wharton being the present tenant, and has spent considerable time in the West, returning occasionally to look after his property.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr." McMaster was born December 30, 1844, on his father's farm in Mead township, being a son of Samuel and Sarah Ann (Gregory) McMaster, and a grandson of Robert McMaster, a pioneer from Pennsylvania, in 1817. The father was born in 1813, and the mother in 1817; the former still survives, but the latter passed away in 1901.

Our subject was reared on his father's estate and secured his education in the local schools, deciding early in life upon his intended career. The outbreak of the Civil War changed, for a time, the current of his life, as on October 7, 1862, he enlisted for service, entering the 9th Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., participating in the campaign through the South under Generals Burnsides, Rauseau and the gallent Kilpatrick, who was his last commander. His term of service ended July 16, 1865. Returning home, he began the study of medicine in earnest, teaching school in order to pro-

\ i(le the means, attending one term at West Alexander Academy during this time and in the winter of 1868-69 took his first lectures at Starling INledical College. The winter of 1869- 70 was spent at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, Avhere he graduated in Alarch, 1870. His first practice was in association with Dr. William Piper for 18 months, but in October, 1871, he located at Centreville, and this village has been his home during all the succeeding busy years. At dilfierent times during this ]ieriod, he has admitted partners, at one time Dr. G. L. Ramsey, and at another the late Dr. Wilkinson, as the demands upon his strength and time have been too onerous. Dr. McMaster built bis comfortable home in 1876 and has his office located in the same building.

On November 27, 1871, our subject was united in marriage with Susan E. Neff, daughter of Henry and Matilda A. (Hall) Neff, the latter of whom died at the age of 49 years, in 1865, and the former of whom resides, aged 92 years, near Glencoe, where Mrs. McMaster was born July i8, 1846. She is one of seven children born to her parents, namely : George Hall, born September 10, 1845, the age of nine days; Susan Elizabeth, Mrs. Mc- Master ;Dorcas Ann, bornMay 2, 1848, the wife of John A. Thompson, of St. Clairsville; Jane L., born March 17, 18.S0, became Mrs. Helpbringer, and died recently near Glencoe; Vachel Singleton, born August 14, 1832, died at the age of three years; Margaret M. G., born May 9, 1855, married Rev. T. H. Armstrong; and Henry Allen, born July 21, 1859, who resides on his -farm in Smith township. Mrs. iMcMaster is a cultivated lady and was educated at Steubenville. Three children were born to the Doctor and his wife, namely : Elva Leonora, born April 24, 1873, married Rev. A. A. Browm, a Methodist minister of Beverly, Ohio, and they have three children, Chase Mc- Master, Edna Elizabeth and Stowell Nelson. Rev. William Henry McMaster was born September 17, 1873, and is one of the most brilliant young men this locality has ever produced. On July 27, 1899, he graduated at

Mount Union, and graduated also at Drew University, where he took the fellowship prize of $230 in gold, which was to be used for higher education. On June 24, 1902, he graduated at the ETniversity of New York, having spent two 3^ears in teaching at Drew Theological School, and was ordained a deacon, September 17, 1899, at the Eastern Ohio Conference and preached his first sermon on his i8th birthday. Eor the past eight years he has been in the ministry and is now stationed at Elmhurst, New York. The youngest son, Samuel Emerson McMaster, was born September 22, 1881, taught school one year, graduated at Lebanon College in 1900, spent 1901 at the Ohio State University, and is now attending the Ohio Medical College at Columbus.

The religious connection of the whole family is with the Methodist Church. Dr. Mc- Master has served six terms as notary public, being first appointed by Governor Hoadly. He is a member of Hess Post, G. A. R., No. 393, at Armstrong's Mills, and was one of the charter members of Weyer Lodge, E. & A. M., at Centreville, serving for 10 years as its secretary. He belongs also to the Belmont County Medical Society and keeps abreast of the times in his profession. Dr. McMaster is the accredited examiner for these insurance companies : The Mutual Benefit, of New Jersey; the Home, of New York; the Michigan Mutual, of Detroit; the New York Life; and the Prudential.

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

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

It is a subject of comment that when the country needed help in the various struggles from which has come American independence, the Warren family always had a loyal member to offer service. Thus in the War of 1812 Daniel MCrren participated with gallantry. After his marriage he came to Mead township and located on a farm in section 30, the same property now owned by his son, our subject. He engaged in agricultural pursuits through the whole of his life, attaining very substantial results. His political views made him in early life an old line Whig, and an active supporter of the Republican party after its formation.

On December 21, 1815, Daniel Warren and Sarah Hardesty were united in marriage, and a family of 14 children were born to them in the old home on the farm. Nancy, the eldest, was born February 21, 1817, and died in the old home at the age of 55 }^ears; John, born October 4. 1818, died unmarried in St. Joseph. Missouri, aged about 33 years; Eliza, born April 4, 1820, married James

Shipman, and they moved first to Kansas, then to Illinois and later to IMissouri, Avhere she died about 1897, their three children also being deceased; Noah V., born November moved to Iowa and was drowned in the Ottawa River in 1876, - he had been a soldier in the Civil War in the 29th Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf., and left a large family, five sons residing in Kansas; I\Iary Ann, born November 4, 1823, died in 1877, the wife of Joseph Carle; Charity, born October 14, 1825, died at the age of nine years; Susan, born February 10, 1829, married William Graham, and both died at their home at Captina Creek, one of their daughters and two of the sons residing in Belmont County, one in West Virginia and one in Nebraska; Sarah, the twin sister of Susan, married William Wiley, and at death left a son and daughter, residents of Jackson County, Indiana; Haddick L., born January 17, 1831, resides at Alma, Ross County, Ohio, was a brave soldier in the Civil War from IMeigs County, and married Elizabeth IMoore; Rebecca, born April 21, 1833, is the widow of James AVhley, and resides at Ella, Marshall County, West Virginia; Rhoda, born October 20, 1834. married Prince Green, and resides in Spraytown, Jackson County, Indiana; Ebenezer, born July 4. 1838, died unmarried in 1871.

The youngest member of this family was the subject of this record, William Harrison Wrren, who was born on December 16, 1840. He was reared to farm work, and the principal business interests of his life have been centered in agricultural developments. His fine farm of 218J acres is well cultivated and finelv improved, and he has here engasred in general farming, combined with dairying, his general prosperity being the result of excellent management and the intellisrent use of modern methods and improved machinery.

On April 16, 1866, j\Ir. Warren married Harriet Eliza Berry, who was born September 30, 1843. in Mead township, a daughter of William C. and Mary fHaughtengohow) Berrv, the former of whom was born at Wellsburg, Virginia, now West Virginia, and died in 1879, aged 68 years. He was a son of Jolin and Mary Ann (Clark) Berry, an old Virginia family of i)rominence. The mother was also l)orn at Wellsburg and died in 1862, aged 51 years. Mrs. WTrren is one of a family of ten children l)orn to her parents, these l)cing: James, deceased; Jacob, a resident of klead township; Clark died at the age of six months; klary Ann married Ira Kidder, lived at Moundsville, West Virginia, and died in 1898; Rachel Ellen died nnmarried in J869, aged 27 years; Harriet E., the wife of kfr. Warren; Augusta J. is the widow of James White of Moundsville; William J., a resident of Mead township; John W., a resident of iMoundsville, married Lizzie Lash, and James Albert, a resident of Moundsville, married Lizzie Schrimp.

To Mr. and Mrs. Warren has been born a family of eight children, namely, - William S., born April 2, 1867, is a physician in practice at Businessburg, Ohio, graduating from Bryant & Stratton's Business College and Starling Medical College. He married Anna C. Boyd, and their four children are: Mary Elizabeth, aged seven years; Dulcie E., aged five years; Harriet Isabel, aged of Mead township, and they have five children - Forrest, born in 1891; Clarence E., born in 1893; Harriet Mildred, born June b, 1896; Harry Warren, born February 15, 1898, and Loring Fulton, born September 3, 1901. Carrie B., born March 3, 1871, married William A. Craig, and they reside in Businessburg, their children being Loring Day, born August 5, 1894, Harriet Eliza, born July 29, 1897, and an infant,

H., born July 5, 1873. a graduate of the Western Pennsylvania University and for the past year has been practicing his profession of dentistry at Allegheny City. He is also a graduate in pharmacy, graduating from Scio College July 26. 1900. Otta L., born October 6, 1875, married George McCommon, a professor in a school at Windsor, Ashtabula County, Ohio. V. Josephine, born July 14, 1877, is a young lady at home. Charles Foster, born October 10, 1879, is a teacher at Neff's siding. On April 18, 1902, he married Ada L. Neff, of Neff's siding. The youngest son, Harrison Edwin, was born November i, 1882, and remains at home assisting his father.

During the stormy period offfhe Civil War Mr. Warren, true to family tradition, offered his services in defense of his country, belonging during nine months at the close of the war to Company I, 5th Ohio Vol. Cav., under the brave Kilpatrick, and escaped any serious injury. In political sentiment he has always adhered to the Republican party, supporting its candidates and promoting its influence. In fraternal connection he is associated with the Masonic body, belonging to Weyer Lodge, No. 541, of Centreville, Ohio, as are also his sons, and he also belongs to Spangler Post, G. A. R., of Bellaire. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church at Pleasant Hill.

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

Air. Wilkins is a son of Robert and Margaret (Murray) Wilkins, both natives of Richland township, and now deceased. Robert Wilkins l)ecame an agriculturist and also raised stock to some extent, becoming quite successful in his occupation. He married Margaret Murray, whose father was bridge contractor on the old National Road. She died in 1893, when 76 years of age, leaving as mourners her husband and several children. She was the mother of six children.

Capt. Albert W. Lee

Robert and Ellen; but Robert, James and Augusta are now passed away. Lydia and our subject are still single and live on the home place. Ella is the widow of Dr. George Close and now makes her home with our subject also, the farm being near St. Clairsville, on the north.

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

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

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

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

James Lee, Jr., the grandfather of Captain Lee, was born January 14, 1759, in County Donegal, Ireland, and on March 15, 1792, married Elizabeth Rankin, who was of Scotch- Irish origin, and a native of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Eee settled in Chartier's Valley, three miles northeast of Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania, near the station which now bears the appropriate name of jMeadowlands, there rearing his family and living until the time of his death, December 21, 1843, 8511"^ year. His son James inherited

William, Elizabeth, Hugh, Mary, George, Rachel, Samuel and James. Of these, - Thomas came to Ohio at an early day, settled near Cadiz, became a man of affairs, and was made judge of the County Court. He owned a large farm northeast of Cadiz and at first conducted a tannery, but later engaged exclusively in farming. He reared a family of three boys and five girls, two of the former becoming ministers. His death occurred in 1855. Elizabeth married a IMr. Buchanan and removed to Illinois, where she reared a family and died some years ago. Hugh married and moved to Oregon, in 1853, settled in the Willamette Valley, where he died in 1884. Mary became Mrs. Heuston and lived and died in Illinois. George married, located in Pomeroy, Ohio, in the jewelry business, and died there. Rachel married Rev. David Thompson and with her husband started west as a missionar\% dying at Fort Earamie, on the way to Oregon, in 1853. Samuel married Mary Russell of Wshington County and lived and died in Concord, Muskingaun County, Ohio : they had one

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

William Lee, the father of Captain Lee, was horn December 25, 1798, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and lived there until 20 years of age, learned the tailor's trade, and then went to St. Louis, Missouri, soon after locating at Cadiz, Ohio, where he married Maria Pritchard, daughter of Jesse Pritchard, on March 22, 1824, and worked for a short lime at his trade, but later engaged in a mercantile business in Cadiz and New Athens until 1854, when he sold his store and moved to a farm. He remained on this farm, near Lo3'dsville until 1875, when he removed to St. Clairsville and resided in that place until his death on January 8, 1886. Mr. Lee was a man of limited education, but was industrious and energetic and was successful in business. -\ family of six sons and four daughters was l)orn to William and Maria Lee, as follows : James, horn Eebruary 27, 1825, never married, lived in New Athens, but died in August, 1899, at the home of his brother, Albert W. ; John P., born June 10, 1827, died of scarlet fever on January 19, 1831 ; Mary, born August 15, 1829, died Eebruary 7, 1831, of scarlet fever; Sarah I., born January 7, 1832, died January 25, 1841, of fever; John R., born September 14, 1834, died February 15, 1841, of fever; Jesse, born April 26, 1837, died February 28, 1856, being drowned in Duck Creek, Washington County, Ohio: Albert W., of this biograph)^; Elizabeth M., born December 18, 1842, and died in 1900, married Samuel Hilles, who at different times was sheriff of Belmont County and member of the Legislature, - their children consisted of two boys and three girls, one of the former being superintendent of the Juvenile School on the Hudson (New York) ; Emma N., born September 16, 1845, married Henry N. Moore, of Red Oak, Iowa, where she still resides, having two children living, three l)eing dead ; and William Howard, born September 20, 1848, who has iDeen twice married, his first wife being Clara Vickers; he lives near Tacoma, State of Washington, and has six children.

Albert W. Lee, the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated primarily in the common schools in his native county and then attended Franklin College, leaving his studies in order to enlist, as a private, for service in the Civil War, under Capt. Peter Tallman, in Company K, 17th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for three months and was in the West Virginia campaign during this term. He re-enlisted in Company E, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for three years, under Capt. Frank Askew, again entering as a private, and saw service in the Army of the Cumberland, under General Buell, in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, taking sick at luka and Florence and, after one year of service, was discharged at Nashville. On recovering from the fever which had prostrated him and shortened his second term of service, our subject raised a company of his own, through Wheeling and Union townships, which was accepted and mustered into the service as Company E, 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., of which Mr. Lee was elected captain.

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

After the close of his service, Captain Lee went to Johnson's Island, in the bay, at Sandusky, and took charge of a military store for his cousin, Fulton Moffett, who had the appointment from the government as storekeeper for the military post located there; several thousand Confederate prisoners were confined there, the greater number of these being commissioned officers of the Confederate Army. Captain Lee remained there until May, 1865, and then came to his father's farm at Loydsville, soon after being appointed assistant revenue collector for the eight western townships of Belmont County, filling the position until November 23, 1865. This was the date of his marriage to Sarah Lee, daughter of William Lee, who resided near Uniontown, a second cousin of Captain Lee's father. With his wife he settled on a farm two miles north of Uniontown and there engaged in farming and extensive stock raising, making a specialty of sheep, and figuratively changing his sword into a ploughshare. In January, 1898, Captain Lee bought two stores in Uniontown and also purchased the Dunbar corner-lot property, consolidating the stores, and operated the business until 1901, when he sold it to his son Charles P. Lee, who later sold to Everett

D. Lee was born April 3, 1867, and married Bessie Dunbar, their two children, Marjory and Frances, being born respectively in 1898 and 1900. Mr. Lee was thoroughly educated at Franklin College, at New Athens, and now resides on a farm within one and one-half miles of Uniontown. Annie Marie Lee was born August ii, 1869, was educated at Franklin College, and died February 18, 1897. Charles P. Lee was born April 8, 1871, married Birdie Taylor and they have one little daughter of four years, named Martha, and reside at Bannock. Robert Vance Lee was born January 2, 1875, married Lucy

Perry, a daughter of O. H. Perry, of Cadiz, Ohio, a descendant of Commodore Perry. Mr. Lee resides in Meadville, Pennsylvania, a jeweler by trade, and his one child, Mary Enita, was born in Eebruary, 1891, in Durango, Colorado.

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

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

Robert IMcMaster was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania, and married Sarah Meeks, who was born across the line, in Washington County, in the same State, and with their children, in 1817, they migrated to Belmont County, Ohio, where Robert purchased a tract of 80 acres from Frazier * Taylor, in Mead township, near Jacobsburg. it was probably somewhat improved at the time, as it had been originally the property of the well-known Thomas Miles. Later, Robert McMaster secured 70 acres in Smith township, near Jacobsburg, and here both he and wife died, the latter in February, 1850, at the age of 52 years, and the former in 1874, at the age of 84 years. They had a family of five sons and four daughters born to them, all of whom grew to maturity and some of wdiom have shown a remarkable longevity, as is notable in the case of the sul)ject of this sketch, Samuel McMaster, the eldest of the family, who was born in Wshington County, PennsyRania, on December f), 1813. The others were as follows; Frances, now Mrs. Weyer, of Powhatan, Belmont County, Avas born in 181S, also in Pennsylvania; Nancy was born in 1817 and has been deceased many years; Andrew, born in 1818, has also been deceased for a long period; Dr. William was born in 1820, and for some 20 *years practiced medicine and conducted a drug store at Bellaire, where he died; George was born in 1822, learned the trade of saddler at St.

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

Our venerable subject has been an active man through many years of his life, engaged in coopering, cobbling, but mainly in farming, and owned the farm where A.-W. Mc- Master now resides. The old home in which he and wife went to housekeeping, in 1835, was destroyed by fire, in 1900, together with contents greatly valued by the family. Mr. Mcjvlaster was married November 5, 1835, Jacobsburg, to Sarah Ann Gregory, wdio was born near St. Clairsville in 1817, and died January 24, 1901, after a happy married life of 65 years. The children of this union were: Robert Clark, born September 8, 1836, married Angeline Simpson on January 27, 1859, and died March 24, 1859; William W., born March 22, 1838, married Isabel McNiece and they live near Glencoe on a farm, with children, - Lizzie, Sadie, Margaret, Annie, Carrie, and Susan, Bertie May being deceased; John W., born July 16, 1841, married Margaret Porterfield and resides in Kansas, their children being Ella. Addie, Emma. Samuel, Minnie, James, and Alice; Dr. James N., born December 30, 1844; Thomas J., born November 13, 1846; Samuel A., born May 12, 1851, died November 17, 1852; Alexander W. was born September 30, 1853; and Sarah E., born October 19, i860, married September 8, 1881, Atwell D. Creamer, born in Mead township May 9, 1861, and they reside on a farm in Smith township, near Jacobsburg, and have children, - Everett, Ernest N., Ila Gail, Susan, and Ethel. In politics Mr. McMaster has ahvays supported the Democratic party and has been called upon to fill many of the township offices, having been supervisor and township clerk, and for 27 years justice of the peace, administering this office continuously for 21 years. His Masonic connection dates back to 1843, when he was received into Moriah Lodge, now of Powhatan, but then of Jacobsburg, and he was a charter member of Weyer Lodge at Centreville, in Smith township. Mr. IMclMaster has never attached himself to any religious body, although his attendance has always been upon Presbyterian services, with his wife. He has contributed to the building of both Presbyterian and Methodist churches, and has always supported reformatory and moral laws.

EDWARD L. MEAD, a highly respected resident of Goshen township, where he is engaged in farming, was born in Goshen township, Belmont County, in 1859, ^

Samuel Mead, the grandfather of Edward L., was born July 3, 1779, and was a son of Benjamin and Hannah Mead. In his early years, he was a school teacher. Eor many years he resided at Olivett, near which he owned a large tract of land, a portion of which is still owned by one of his grandsons. He married Hannah Whittaker, who died at the old home near Olivett. He died December 29, 1861, aged 83 years, five months and 26 days. Samuel Mead and wife were the parents of nine children, as follows: Asenath, born January il,

1808, married Asa Hoge, and died but recently; Benjamin L., born March 25, 1811, was a tanner by trade and lived at Quaker City, Guernsey Count}3 for many years, moved then to Minneapolis, and there owns property and now lives in California ; Phineas, born November 9, 1812, resides at Olivett, on a part of the old homestead, and died some 18 years ago; Clementine, born June 24, 1814, died in the winter of 1901-02, in Morgan County, leaving her husband, William Spencer ; Enfield Samuel, born April 22, 1817; Amanda Jane, born May 27, 1819, married Jeptha Cowgill, resided in Iowa andxlied about five years ago at Colorado Springs at the home of a daughter; Louisa Maria, born November 2, 1820, married Dr. Clark Schooley of Mount Pleasant, and died several years ago; Lamina Letitia, born August 9, 1823, is the widow of Edward Loyd, and resides at Columbus, Ohio ; and hlilo Milton, born Eebruary 25, 1827, a physician in Minneapolis, who was a surgeon in the army during the Civil War.

Enfield Samuel JMead, the father of the subject of this biography, spent his boyhood near Olivett and obtained the best schooling afforded at the time in the locality. December 7, 1848, he married Lucy Dearborn, who was born November 18, 1824, in jMorgan County, a daughter of Nathan and Lucy Dearborn, one of the pioneer families, and she survived until January 9, 1901. In 1861 they settled on the farm now owned by Edward L. and resided there for 38 years, hir. hlead was a fine representative of the farming community, a man of industry, high principles and strict integrity. He was a Republican in his political attachment and served with credit as trustee of his township. The eight children born to him and wife were : Corwin D., born November 13, 1849, resides at Pierre, South Dakota, - he married Ida Whcks, of Granville, and has three daughters; Clarkson O., born June 23, 1851, is a farmer near Champion, Nebraska, - and married first Mary hlartin, who died March 23, 1880, and married second a hliss Pine of Iowa ; Anson G., born August 22, 1853, who is an attorney at Beloit, Kansas, married Phoebe Elma Lee, who lived near Somerton; Ida S., born September 25, 1855, married Thomas T. Colpitts, a stone contractor of Toledo, Ohio ; Annie E., born October 19, 1857, married H. C. Ewers, a hardware merchant of Bagley, Iowa, and died at Minneapolis, Eebruary 3, 1885 ; Edward L., of this sketch; Virginia L., born April 9, 1862, married Vh K. Burns, a farmer residing near Bagley, Iowa; and Amanda B., born October 21, 1864, who married her brother-in-law, H. C. Ewers, at Bagley, Iowa.

The pleasant old home in Goshen township is donhly dear to our subject on account of having been his home ever since he was four years of age. It contains i6o^ acres, located in section 21, and he has followed general farming all his life, taking a just pride in his fertile acres and sleek, well-conditioned stock and cattle. His methods have insured him a good measure of success and jMr. Mead has been able to establish himself among the most substantial men of the township. His tastes have been entirely in the direction of agriculture, although his two brothers, Corwin and A. G., are equally devoted to the law, the former having been l'rol)ate judge in South Dakota and the latter a member of the Kansas State Senate. /V quieter life has satisfieed our subject and he is well and widely known as a thoroughly representative farmer and a most highly esteemed citizen.

In 1888 Mr. Mead was married to Emma S. McEndree, who was born on an adjoining farm, January 15, 1867, and is a daughter of H. E. and Erances J. (Talbei't) McEndree, the former of whom was born October 14, 1843, in Belmont County, being a son of H. E. and Sophia McEndree. He grew to manhood in his native county, preparing for the active duties of life, hut the whole current was changed for years, hy the outbreak of the Civil War. With loyalty and enthusiasm, he enrolled his name as one of his country's defenders, in Company I, 69th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., on February 3, 1862, for a service of three years or through the war. On February 18, 1864, he was honorably discharged, at Chattanooga, Tennessee, by reason of re-enlistment as a veteran volunteer. Mr. McEndree gave his service until the close of the struggle, and after participating in some of the most serious engagements of the war was finally discharged on July 14, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky. Among the battles which can never be forgotten by the people of the United States on account of their fearful havoc and carnage, were those of Murfresboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Jonesboro, and also the great march of Sherman to the sea, and in all these Mr. McEndree took the part of a brave and valiant soldier. Upon his return, he married, on March 8, 1866, Frances J. Talbert, a daughter of William and Emily Talbert, of Morristown, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Talbert have resided in Belmont County many years, where a family of six children was born to them, namely : Emma, who became

Mrs. Mead, in 1888; Clarkson, who in 1892 married Clara A. Palmer, resides in Speidel; Charles, who in 1896 married Ida Burns, resides in Belmont; Albert, who is engaged with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; and Jessie Beatrice, who is at home with her parents. Mr. McEndree is a member of Hides Post, G. A. R., No. 220, of Barnesville. Both he and wife are consistent and worthy members of the Baptist Church at Bethesda.

A family of two children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mead, viz. : Enfield S., born August 29, 1891, and George A., born February 8, ] 902. In politics Mr. Mead stands on the Republican platform and actively supports the principles of that party. With his estimable wife, he belongs to Ebenezer Baptist Church.

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

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

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

William Ramsey was mainly reared in Mead township, where his schooling was obtained, and he remained on the home farm until he was 26 years old. After marriage he located in the southwestern part of Mead township, purchasing the Taylor, farm, and has devoted his attention to general farming and the raising of standard sheep and cattle. His herd of Shorthorn cattle ranks with the best in the State. Mr. Ramsey operates 266 acres and has what may well be termed a

On September 5, 1870, Mr. Ramsey was married to Amanda Helpbringer, who was born in Smith township in 1850, and a family of nine children has been born to them: Dr. George L., a prominent physician of Powhatan Point; Lura V., who died September I, 1898, aged 23 years; Glara, who died at the age of three years; William John, born in 1878, resides at home; Arthur Allen, who died at the age of three years; Mary L., who married John W. Muster, resides with her father, her two children being Lura Beatrice and Eugene Ralph; Ellis E., born March 29, 1886, and Newell M., aged 12 years, and Eva A., aged 10 years, are at home. All of these children have been given excellent educational advantages and have been well fitted for the responsibilities of life.

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

ELLIOTT W. GROVES, a successful farmer and intelligent and esteemed citizen of Elushing township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Kirkwood township, in the same county, July i, 1855, a son of Samuel and Charlotte (Douglass) Groves, the latter a daughter of Hugh Douglass, of the same township. The Groves family is an old and respected one, noted for its devotion to the Methodist Church, and for its adherence to the principles of Democracy. The Doug'lasses originated in Scotland, immigrated to Maryland, where Hugh Douglass was born.

Samuel Groves, the father of our subject, was born in Kirkwood township, Belmont County, in 1825, and died August 26, 1900, aged 65 years, six months and 14 days. In 1854 he married Charlotte Douglass, and they had born to them a family of six children, namely: Elliott W. ; Iona I., who married A. Ferguson Hunter, lives near Barnesville; Cyrus died when but 10 years of age; Savina, Eliza, and Ida. Samuel Groves followed farming all his life, residing on a farm adjoining the farm where he was born. He was a man of exemplary character, devoted to his home and family, and highly respected in his neighborhood. He was of Holland descent on the paternal side and German on the maternal, and inherited admirable traits from both parents.

Elliott W. Groves acquired a good common school education, which wide reading and much travel has ripened into a vast fund of useful knowledge. On September ii, 1879, he married Laura Howell, a daughter of Hiram, a granddaughter of John, and a great-granddaughter of Benjamin Howell, kir. and Mrs. Groves reside on the Howell homestead, her mother still surviving, an honored member of the family. They have one son, Murry, who was born September 20, 1886.

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

THOMAS J. McMASTER, a well-known farmer and prominent and representative citizen of Belmont County, as well as a member of one of its oldest families, was born November 13, 1846, in Mead township, a son of Samuel and Sarah Ann (Gregory) McMaster, the former of whom still survives at the age of 89 years, coming from a sturdy stock noted for its longevity.

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

In 1868 Mr . McMaster was married to Maggie Griffith, born in 1846, a daughter of William and Christina (Gray) Griffith, who came from Pennsylvania to Belmont County 55 years ago and located in Smith township, near Jacobsburg. A family of eight children has been born to our subject and his wife.

Chalkley Dawson

as follows: Robert A., who died in 1900, at the age of 30 years; William S. is a farmer near Jacobsburg, married Miss McKelvey; James A. resides in Mead township; Mary is the wife of George Taylor and they reside at Banksville, near Pittsburg; and Charles A., Alice R., Homer Eugene, and Maud, at home.

Politically Mr. McMaster has always been identified with the Democratic party. He has been one of the solid, reliable men who are always called upon in a community to accept public trusts, and has served two terms of six years as justice of the peace and three terms as trustee of Monroe County. In fraternal life he has always been prominent, belonging to Monroe Lodge, No. 189, F. & A. M., of Woodsfield, and the I. O. O. F. lodge at the same place. Mrs. Mc- Master is a member of the Presbyterian Church and Mr. McMaster inclines in the same direction, liberally giving support. He belongs to the G. A. R. Mr. McMaster is held in very high esteem in his neighborhood and is justly regarded one of the representative citizens. His home is one of the most attractive in Mead township, and his hospitality is extended to a wide circle of friends.

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

Mr. Dawson was born in Barnesville, Belmont County, February 2, 1836, where he received his primary education, finishing at the Friends' School at West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania, as he came of Friend parentage, and was reared in the simple faith from which he has never altogether separated himself. After leaving school he passed several years as a farmer during the summers and as a teacher during the winters, and during this time, in 1859, he married Martha Garretson. In 1863 he moved to Iowa and remained there until 1868, engaged in farming and surveying, but returned then to Barnesville, his wife having died in the previous year. Mr. Dawson soon made his ability as an engineer so apparent that he was made engineer and superintendent of the turnpike roads, and continued in this capacity for seven years. In 1875 he sunk the coal shaft at the Barnesvillle coal works, but this did not prove a success and resulted in considerable personal loss. In 1878 he was elected county surveyor, on the fusion ticket, although politically he has always been a stanch Republican. His father was a Free- Soiler, and our subject was active in the Fremont campaign, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Dawson has been a resident of Bellaire since 1882; prior to that time he lived in St. Clairsville. In 1886 he erected his beautiful home at No. 4337 Jefferson street.

The second marriage of Mr. Dawson was to Anna Branson, who died in i8/7> leaving one child, who is now deceased. The present Mrs. Dawson was formerly Margaret T. Happer, of Barnesville. Since its organization, Mr. Dawson has been the able president of the Farmers' & hlerchants' Bank, of Bellaire, one of the sound, conservative financial institutions of Eastern Ohio. Mr. Dawson is a man of social instincts and his fraternal relations include membership in the klasonic order, being a member of Bellaire Lodge. F. & A. M. ; Bellaire Chapter, R. A. M. ; Bellaire Council ; Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T., of St. Clairsville; Ohio Consistory of Scottish Rites, of Columbus; and Osiris Temple, of the Mystic Shrine, of Wheeling, West Virginia.

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

A. W. COLLINS, who is known through Kirkwood township, Belmont County, as one of its leading farmers and stock raisers, has the distinction of having been born upon the memorable day in i86i when the Stars and Stripes were fired upon as they floated over Fort Sumter.

The parents of Mr. Collins were John A. and Janetta (Bartow) Collins, both of whom were natives of Ohio. John A. Collins was one of the early victims of the Civil War. In 1861, at the call of his country, he left his farm, his wife and his two little ones and offered his services as a loyal, patriotic citizen, enlisting as a private in C.ompany F, 25th Ohio Vol. Inf., served through 10 months, during which time he took part in several battles, and then was discharged on account of disability, exposure during an attack of measles producing serious results, klr. Collins lived but a short time after his return home, dying in February, 1862, at the age of 31 years, as truly a sacrifice on the altar of his country as if his end had come at the cannon's mouth. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Collins were: Demetrius, who died when four years of age; a babe, who died in infancy; Austin A., a resident of Flushing township, unmarried; and A. W., of this sketch. The second marriage of Mrs. Collins was to John R. Wilson, a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, who died March 19, 1884, at the age of 84 years. Mrs. Wilson resides at Holloway, Ohio, a most highly esteemed member of the Methodist Church.

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. J. M. Hensley, the immediate subject of this sketch, was primarily educated in West Virginia, later entering Carleton College, at Syracuse, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1876. His medical reading occupied three years, including a course at Starling Medical College, at Columbus, and in 1882 he began his practice in his native State for 10 years. He then graduated at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati in 1892, and took up practice in that school in Meigs County, Ohio. In 1897 he came to Belmont County and resided in Martin's Ferry during the two following years, and then moved to Bellaire, where his time has been fully occupied ever since.

union are as follows: Susan E. ; Michael L., married, has one child and resides at West Wheeling; Mary F., at home; Essie M., now Mrs. Davis, resides at Bellaire; and Alfred and Cora Ellen, who are both at home. Dr. Hensley entertains cordial relations with the Harrison County Medical Association, the West Virginia State Eclectic Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Association, and the American IMedical Association. He bears fraternal relations to the Odd Fellow order in West Virginia, the Knights of Pythias of Meigs County, the F. & A. M. of Bellaire, and the Tribe of Ben Hur of Bellaire, being examining physician for this order.

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

Caleb B. Negus was born in Pennsylvania, December 5, 1819, and came to Ohio, where he successfully engaged in agricultural piirsuits, becoming widely known over Jefferson and Belmont counties. He was an enthusiastic Abolitionist and earnestly advocated the cause. His death occurred December 13, 1853. He was married March 9, 1843, to Eliza J. Branson, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, December i, 1812, and they had five children, as follows: Rachel E., who died at the age of 35 years; Amasa L., who also died at the age of 35; Oliver S. ; Anna B., who died at the age of 22, and Plummer B., who died at the age of five years. After the death of her husband Mrs. Negus formed a second union with Jonathan Fawcett of Columbiana County, Ohio, and after their marriage they lived in Colerain township, this county. Mrs. Fawcett, who lived for some years at the home of our subject, died at Martin's Ferry while on a visit August 10, 1889.

Friends' Boarding School at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and after his school days were over took to farming, an occupation he has followed throughout life. He has one of the most beautiful homes on the Cadiz Pike, two miles northwest of Colerain, being located on the old Archie Majors estate. He owns 94 acres, all of which is underlaid with coal. He also engages in dairying to some extent. He was at one time trustee of Colerain township and was commissioner of the Colerain & Martin's Ferry Pike from its inception until he resigned. He is one of the reliable and substantial citizens of the county, and is everywhere held in the highest esteem.

Novembei i, 1876, Mr. Negus was united in marriage with Deborah Steer, who comes of one of the most respected fanulies of this section. She is a daughter of Israel and Rebecca (Bracken) Steer, granddaughter of James and Ruth (Wilson) Steer, and greatgranddaughter of James and Abigail (Edgerton) Steer. James, the great-grandfather, came from Virginia in 1812 with his family and located in Colerain township, Belmont County, Ohio, where he died in 1819. James Steer, grandfather of Mrs. Negus, accompanied his father to Ohio in 1812 and located in section 12, range 3. He was married in 1819 and lived on his home farm until his death, in 1874, at the advanced age of 93 years. He was one of the early type of pioneers who settled in the then new State and suffered untold hardships and deprivations in converting a wilderness into improved farming land. He and his wife were parents of seven children, as follows: Israel; Abigail, who died at the age of 73 years, was the wife of Jonathan Scofield: Martha, wife of Jehu Bailey, died at the age of 70 years; Rachel, wife of Joseph P. Lupton, is deceased; James, of Barnesville, Ohio; Nathan, of Colerain, and Joseph, who died at the age of three years. Israel Steer was educated in the common school and at Mount Pleasant Friends' Boarding School, and has been a farmer all his life. He has been an extensive land owner at different times, and at present owns 150 acres, which is underlaid with coal. October 31, 1844, he was united in marriage with Rebecca Bracken, who was born in Ohio, April 10, 1825, and died September 3, 1901. To them were born seven children, as follows; Lindley B., who married Hannah Penrose, resides in Colerain township; Deborah, wife of our subject; Elisha, who married Ellen Gilbert, is a prosperous farmer; Phoebe died at the age of 47 years; Sina, wife of James Walton, of Warren township; Wilson J., who resides on the old home farm in Colerain township, and Sarah, who was a teacher for several years in the seminary of the church. Mr. Steer is a broad-minded and liberal thinking man and is wide awake to the interests of the community.

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

JACOB PARKINSON is one of the prominent farmer-citizens of Richland township, and owns and operates a fine farm of 204 acres, located within a few miles of St. Clairsville, Belmont County. He was born October 5! 1834, in the township which is still his home.

William Parkinson, the father of Jacob, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1827, came to Belmont County in 1831 and died here in 1899. He was a farmer through life in Richland township and was prominent in Democratic political circles. He held the position of Infirmary director during a number of terms and his wise administration of affairs resulted in more comforts for the inmates and less needless expenditure to the county. The mother of Mr. Parkinson was Mary I.ynn, a daughter of James and Isabel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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