Wayne Township (part 13 of 16)

Mr. Timberlake married Orpha Adaline Lindsey, who was born in Washington township, Belmont County, October 13. 1848, and was a daughter of George Lindsey, one of the early settlers of this locality. She was the youngest of a large family, and died January i, 1902. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Timberlake were: Florence, the wife of U. G. Conoway of Washington township; Charles E., a graduate of Scio College, an able attorney, now practicing law at Bellaire with the firm of Danford & Danford: Mary O., the wife of Everett E. AWrkman, a mail carrier at Bellaire : Nannie, the wife of City Attorney Cook Danford, of Bellaire; and H. Estella, who resides with her father. IMr. Timberlake 1 and daughter spend a part of the year at the farm at Cralj Apple, and the remainder in Bellaire. In political adherence, Mr. Timberlake has never wavered since casting his vote for President Lincoln, and has served in a nnmher of township offices with the greatest efficiency. Pie was a charter member of Pless Post, G. A. R., at Armstrong's Mills, of which he is still a member. Mr. Timherlake is well known and as highly esteemed, his reputation being that of a reliable man and representative citizen. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which denomination his wife was also a member.

WILLI.VM McNICHOLS, a substantial farmer and most highly esteemed resident of (icshen township, Belmont County, owning one of the most desirable farms of this locality, was horn October 23, 1835, Goshen township.

Joseph klc Nichols, his father, was one of the l)est known and most respected citizens of the township. He died in 1892 at the age of 84 years. For 27 years he had followed the trade of gunsmith, on his farm, south of Belmont, in addition to operating a large property. He was a man well known for his integrity and for his stanch adherence to the Republican party. His first marriage was to Charity Newsom, a daughter of Jordan Newsom, a staid and most respected Friend, rvho left his home in North Carolina and entered land in Ohio, wishing to live and rear his family in a Free State. His wife belonged to the old Morris family of South Carolina. Mr. Newsom was one of the first settlers in the township and built the brick house Avhich our subject now occupies, but he \vas killed prior to its completion. Our subject bought the farm in 1864, and has resided here since the spring of 1865. Although the old mansion was erected over 80 years ago, it is fairly well preserved, and an observant eye can see the print of the trowel on the mortar at the present time. It evidently was no contract work. Our subject's mother died 42 years ago, and his step-mother resides at Bethesda. A family of four children was reared to maturity, and five others died young, - Isaac, Joseph H., Asa and two daughters. Those who' were reared were: William, Mary, Thomas C., and Sarah Mary was born in 1838 and married Elmore Phillips. They lived on her father's farm for some years, later moved to the farm of Mr. Phillips' father, and later bought a farm at Mount Olivet, where Mrs. Phillips died 34 years ago. Mr. Phillips moved to Harrison County, Ohio, where he now lives. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are as follows : Josephine, who married Oscar Hibbs, who has been in business at Piedmont for some years; Alonzo C., a resident of Northern Ohio: Ida B. and Jessie E., all having been wards of their uncle, William. Thomas C. McNichols resides at Bethesda, owns a farm south of Belmont, one in Indiana, and is a surveyor and an unusually fine mathematician. Sarah never married and resides most comfortably at Bethesda.

Mr. McNichols was rearecl on the farm and was educated in the common schpols. At the age of 22 he was united in marriage to Nancy J. Russell, a daughter of Samuel Russell ; she was born and reared in this vicinity, a member of one of the oldest families. She lived to the age of 62 years, dying June 19, 1902, a most estimable, Christian wife and mother. The nine living children of our subject are: Stephen, who is a traveling salesman, married Laura White, has one son, Myron, and resides at Morristown ; Emma, who married John Murphy, a merchant at Bethesda, and has these children, - Viola, Oscar, Dorothy and Orville: Viola, who married Lincoln H. Thrall, who is in the cigar business at Bethesda, and they have two children, - Gail and Faye; Frank, who is in business with Mr. Thrall, married Hattie Patterson and they have three children, - Artie, Gertrude and Myrtle ; Charles, who is a farmer, unmarried ; and Ross, Mary Alice, Joseph and Ella, who are at home. William died at the age of 21 years. The children are attendants at the Baptist Church. Mr. McNichols has always been generous in his support of all moral movements and religious bodies, but he has never formally connected himself with any, leaning perhaps to the simplicity of belief of his Quakeress mother. Since 1867 he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the local lodge at Barnesville. In politics he has been a lifelong Republican, although he has never consented to act in any official position.

Mr. McNichols owns 180^ acres of land in Goshen township, situated in sections 32 and 26, which he has devoted to general farming. Formerly he dealt in stock, probably for 27 years, during 13 of which he was in partnership with Silas Bailey. On the death of his father, much care and responsibility devolved upon him and for quite a period he was engaged in the settling of the estate. Mr. Mc- Nichols stands before his fellow citizens as a man of upright character and peaceable and useful life, and is held in universal esteem.

THE HEATHERINGTON EAMILY has been prominently identified with the coal interests of Belmont County, especially in the vicinity of Bellaire, for a number of years, and it is conspicuous not only for wealth and business activity, but also for its public spirit, civic usefulness and social position.

Jacob Heatherington, a most highly esteemed citizen of this city, and the father of Winfield Scott Heatherington, was born in 1814, in England, and came to America at the age of 14 years with his parents and four brothers, the latter locating in various parts of the country. Mr. Heatherington had no educational advantages in his youth. He followed the occupation of "trapper" in the mines near his home in the north of England prior to coming to the United States. His father located at West Wheeling, Ohio, and there conducted a small coal mine, the same now operated by the Brooks Coal Company. Jacob Heatherington came to Bellaire while still young, and soon after became the owner of a lot of eight acres of land, and on that tract the most of his children were born. His first residence, where three of the children were born, survived the flood of 1832, and the second building stood through the flood of 1852, which demolished so much river property.

In these early days, Mr. Heatherington was closely associated with Captain Eink, and at various times purchased small tracts of land in the valley from Eink, which yearly increased in value and are now largely built upon, comprising a very important part of the city of Bellaire.

The foundation of Mr. Heatherington's large fortune was laid in working in the coal mines, and in this connection, notice must be made of an humble member of the family known as "Jack." Inseparably connected with Mr. Heatherington's early and arduous labors was the little black mule called "Jack." As he grew old and died, worn out through 44 years of useful service, the "side-partner," as his affectionate and appreciative master denominated him, was given burial in a quiet and shady corner of the estate, while the members of the family grieved as at the loss of a friend. In recognition of a companion who never failed him in days of adversity, Mr. Heatherington, in erecting his palatial mansion in this city, ordered that a graven image of "Jack" should adorn the keystone over its front door.

Jacob Heatherington first labored in the coal mine which opens near the present residence of Carl L. Dorer, on McMechen's Creek, and later opened a mine just below his residence. A few years after he opened what is known as Belmont No. i, and which is now operated by Albert Heatherington, the son of the former owner. His next enterprise was the opening up of Belmont No. 2, the "River" mine, and this was operated by the family until 1899, when it was sold to the Empire Coal Company, which works it under the same name. It is a most valuable property, and had been operated for 20 years by Winfield Scott Heatherington and Miss Lyde Heatherington, daughter of the late Alexander Heatherington and niece of Jacob Heatherington. At the close of the Civil War, Mr. Heatherington made a trip to his native land and upon his return brought with him a prominent English architect, who planned and l)uilt the stately home in South Bellaire, at a cost of $30,000. This home is about the most elaborate residence in the city. The bricks used in its construction were burned upon the estate. This architect while in Ohio was engaged to erect other buildings, the capitol at Wheeling being an example of his architecture. The children of Jacob Heatherington were the following;' Melinda, John, Alexander, Hamden, Martha, Winfield Scott, Wilbur, Oella, who died in 1894; Albert; and Perky, who died at the age of five years. Of these, Melinda died young. John served three years in the Civil War. He married Amanda Waggoner and their one child, Elmer Ellsworth, is deceased. Alexander died in 1891, aged about 54 years. He married Elizabeth Jones, a native of Belmont County, who resides at Bellaire. Four of their children died young, and the four surviving ones are : Lyde, who capably carries on her father's business, in association with her uncle, our subject; Flora, who married James F. DuBois, a prominent citizen of Bellaire; Jacob, who is a clerk in Bellaire; and Edwin, who is still in school. Hamden is a veteran of the Civil War, having served four years, and was mustered out as captain; in 1889, he removed to Noble County, Ohio, where he is engaged in farming. He married Elizabeth Penn, a native of Belmont County, and their one son and three daughters are the following: Jacob, who is married and has two children, lives at Newport News, Virginia, where he is a ship carpenter, in the employ of the government ; Olie, who is married, lives at Point Pleasant, West Virginia; Mabel, also married, lives in Indiana; and Nellie, who is a young lady at home. Martha resides at Bellaire. Wilbur, who was born in 1849, about 1879, leaving his widow and two children, - Serena and Oella. Albert, who is marired and resides at Bellaire, has two sons, William and Jacob, the latter of whom manages the mine known as Belmont No. i. In politics this family has been united in its allegiance to the Republican party. With the exception of John, aU. of the sons and father have been identified with either the Masonic or Odd Fellow fraternities. The Christian Church in this section was largely built by Jacob Heatherington, and the family membership has been with that religious body through many years.

Jacob Heatherington's wife was a most estimable woman and a devout member of the Christian Church. Her demise was sadly mourned. She died in 1896, aged about 80 years.

Winfield Scott Heatherington was born near the residence of his father, in South Bellaire, in 1847. Tkt that time his father owned 52 acres of the valuable land along the river, about one-half of which has been sold to the railroads and for choice residence sites. Mr. Heatherington has operated what is known as the "River" mine, as noted above, his duties being the superintendence of the outside work, while his niece manages the office. Three fine residences are in course of construction, several iDlocks north of the family home. They are being built by our subject, his brother, John, and Lyde, his niece. Winfield Scott Heatherington married a daughter of Rudolph Archer, deceased, and to this union were born four sons and two daughters, namely : Howard, who was formerly a miner, but now a glass worker, married Eva Harper, has one child, Eugene, and resides in the First Ward; Orlando, who is also a glass worker, married Miss Rufer and has two sons, - Raymond and Newell; Maud, who married John Rankin, bookkeeper for the Delaplain Dry Goods Company of Wheeling, resides on Wheeling Island, and is the mother of two sons, - Chauncey A. and Ralph H. ; Albert, who conducts a large gentlemen's furnishing business in Bellaire, a member of the firm of Heatherington & Archer, married Mary Buchanan, and they have one dauhgter, Mildred; Winfield Scott, Jr., who is the master of a vessel and pilot, secured his license on the day he reached his majority, being the youngest pilot then in government waters, married Anna Schramm, and they have one daughter, Grace ; and Martha, the youngest, who resides at home.

has long been familiar in many circles, most notably in a musical organization, known as the Heatherington Band. It was organized over 6o years ago by William and Jacob Heatherington, the latter being at that time the drummer. Winfield Scott Heatherington was elected to that rank while still too small to carry his drum, and later conducted the band for some 30 years, being an expert baritone player. His eldest son is also skilled on the same instrument. He resigned this duty to his son in 1887. The band consists of 24 pieces and it is well known all over the county.

JOSEPH T. HANES, prominently identified with the insurance and real estate interests of Belmont County, Ohio, is one of the leading business men of Martin's Eerry and an honored survivor of the Civil War. Mr. Hanes was born at Martin's Eerry, July 7, 1839, is a son of James and Rebecca (Hadsell) Hanes, both of whom were natives of Ohio.

James Hanes was a brick and stone contractor and was born in 1802. He was reared on a pioneer farm in Belmont County, was married in 1824, and then settled at Burlington, which is the oldest town in this county. The house is still standing, which was the family home until 1835, which time he built the first dwelling house in Martin's Ferry. His house and an old warehouse composed Martin's Ferry at that time. Joseph McCleary built the chimney of the house. He later became an attorney and practiced law in Martin's Ferry until his death. This house, a two-story brick, is still standing on the corner of 3rd and Clay streets, in a good state of preservation. James Hanes was a man of ability and rare judgment. He held many public offices and was universally respected. He traveled all over the county in the interests of Dodge's patent grate, and became well known in every neighborhood. In 1846 he commenced a marble business, continuing in that until his death. Many of his monuments may be noted in the cemeteries through Belmont and adjacent counties. Mr. Hanes was always enthusiastic over the possibilities of Martin's Ferry as a manufacturing center, and its later development has justified his claims, although he was not permitted to see more than the awakening of its commercial activity. His death took place on Christmas Day, 1862, at the time when his son, our subject, was marching to the battle of Stone River, which was fought on January 2, 1863. His widow survived until July 13, 1889, dying at the age of 87 years. She had been a life-long member of the Methodist Church, was a real "mother in Israel," and as she lived immediatly across the street from the church building, many of the class meetings and social organizations were held in her house. There the itinerant preacher always found a warm welcome. She was a woman of much fortitude, of most lovely, motherly, Christian character. She and her husband are recalled as most worthy types of the Ohio pioneers, whose sober lives did much to encourage temperance and morality during the early days. Their memories will long be cherished.

Joseph T. Hanes was the sixth member of a family of eight children born to his parents, the others being as follows: Lucinda R., born in 1827, married William Edgington and lives at Martin's Ferry; Josephine married Daniel Long, and died in 1898, at the age of 68, a worthy member of the Methodist Church ; Martha has always remained in the old home, performing household duties, writing during the war the welcome letters, and living the sweet, quiet existence of a pious and worthy woman; Elizabeth married Wesley A. Jones, who died, a soldier, in the hospital at Evansville, Indiana - her daughter, Estella, is the widow of Ephraim Hanes; Minerva is the widow of Alexander Rose and resides at Fairmont, West Virginia; Anna E., who married R. C. Melson. lives in the old home; James C. is a stove molder in a foundry at Mansfield, Ohio.

locality, which was the old log house on Locust street, between 2nd and 3rd, now made use of by a foundry for the storage of flasks. In 1854 the first union school in this part of the State was built, containing eight rooms, located on the site where the stately Central School building now stands. The latter is the third school building erected on the same spot. At the time of the building of the union school, our subject was ready for high school, and he continued at his books until 1857, during the winters ; his summers during these latter }-ears were employed with his father in the marble shop. He continued to work at marble cutting until 1862, when he went to Pittsluirg and there enlisted in a regiment of heavy artillery, but the regiment proved already complete, so he returned home and on September ii, 1862, enlisted in Company G, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., nnd soon his regiment was hurried to the front. His first battle was at Stone River, and on the first day the regiment was surprised while at breakfast, and although the soldiers of the command fought bravely, some were captured, several were killed and the artillery was captured, our subject being one of the prisoners taken. He was sent to Libby Prison at Richmond, where he was kept two months and was then exchanged and joined his regiment at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He escaped none of tbc horrors which prevailed at the infamous Richmond prison, but congratulated himself that it lasted but two long months. From April until June 15th, the regiment remained near Murfreesboro, and then started out on the Tullahoma campaign. Three days after General Rosecrans succeeded in outflanking General Bragg, and during the summer campaign of 1863, Chattanooga was taken and the Lbiion forces remained there encamped until September. The liattle of Chickamauga took place on September 19th, and after fighting through that terrible Friday, Saturday and Sunday, our subject was again taken prisoner. The facts were these : Darkness fell that Sunday night while fighting was still going on, and the hospitals were being filled with the wounded and dying. General Rosecrans and his stafi came by and told the soldiers of the 15th Ohio Regiment that they were within the Union lines and to remain there and care for the wounded. No duty of this kind would have ever been disregarded by a man of our subject's character, and it was through his devotion that he was captured. He gave special attention to a mortally wounded captain and carried water to him, a quarter of a mile, at intervals throughout the night. In the morning he found himself a captive. He was sent to Richmond again, from there to Danville, and from April 19th to November 20th, a period of seven fearful months, he was kept at the Andersonville pen. Here, Mr. Hanes certifies, they usually had one meal a day, consisting of cake made from cornmeal, baked on a board before the fire, with a bit of bacon prepared the same way. The food and prevailing conditions gave our subject a case of scurvy. His teeth became loose, his gums black and his limbs would not support his body. He was carried on a board to the hospital, and during his five weeks there was fed on rice. He had by this time given up all hope of return and really wanted to die and be out of his misery, and probably would have succumbed had it not been for the encouragement and help rendered him by two comrades from Wheeling, whose names he gives with affection, William Phillips and Oliver Stringer. At last came the day of his exchange and he was carried out of the prison on a board, sent to Savannah and there was fed and clothed. From there he was transferred to Annapolis, where he was given more clothes and what he longed for, a bath. Just before the holidays he neared home, still walking with a cane, gaunt and weak, but grateful for his recovery and conscious of a faithful performance of duty. Just after the death of his father his mother felt the need of her son to such an extent that she asked of Cyrus Mendenhall, a friend, to apply to his friend. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, for a discharge of our subject, and the letter received is here copied:

Cyrus Mendenhall, Sir : I have the honor to inform you that the discharge of Joseph T. Hanes, Co. G, 15th Reg., O. V. I., has been ordered by this department.

The colonel of our subject's regiment received a copy of the above at the time the battle of Chickamauga was pending, and this short detention of the order brought upon Mr. Hanes his terrible prison experience, its starvation, hardship and impaired health, while his father's business had necessarily suffered such neglect that the settling of his estate entailed months of extra labor. As soon as possible, in the spring of 1865, our subject began the settlement of the estate, and, as his recovery progressed, continued the business, being active in it until 1879. He still owns it, although the greater part of his attention is now eiven to his large real estate and insurance interests.

The marriage of Mr. Hanes took place on February ii, 1869, to Hannah M. Clyker, a native of Wheeling, and a daughter of Ambert and Hannah Clyker, both of whom are deceased. The three children born to this marriage are : James W., deceased; Gertrude C., who married Ellis D. Lash and resides at Martin's Ferry, having a family of two children, Julia M. and Joseph H.; and Lyman S., who married Bessie Douglas, and is engaged with his father in business. Both our subject and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. His fraternal connections are numerous and of a pleasant nature, being a member of the blue lodge, F. & A. M. ; the G. A. R. Post, of which he has been post commander; I. O. O. F. ; and K. of P. In all of these organizations he has been active and has represented them in their higher councils. In politics he is a Republican of the most vigorous type. In 1888, with Judge Robert H. Cochran and Col. George P. Bissell, he started into the enterprise of building up the Wheeling Terminal Railway, being the purchasing agent for right of waj'- through Martin's Ferry, bringing the work to a successful termination and paying out over $100,000. They organized a company for the Ohio side tunnel, of which our subject is secretary and a director. It has been absorbed in what is now known as the Wheeling Terminal Company, a strong financial corporation.

J. A. GREEN, one of the foremost business men of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, gives the greater part of his attention to his grocery store, where he handles fresh meat, flour, etc., and a full line of both fancy and staple groceries. The parents of our subject were Samuel and Elizabeth (Cannon) Green, and he is a grandson of "Little" Henry Green, who is well remembered as one of the earliest residents of Belmont county.

Samuel Green and his estimable wife were born and reared near Captina Creek, and died when our subject was still a small child, his birth having taken place in klonroe County in 1857. During his boyhood he had only the common schools from which to gain his knowledge of books and what he has acquired beyond the short period of instruction there, he has gained through his own efforts and he may be called a self-made man. He resided with friends at Lewis' Mills. Ohio, after his parents' death, spending three years in this manner, and in 1872 went to Bellaire, where his home has been ever since.

The first employment J. A. Green found upon locating in Bellaire was that of clerk in the grocery store of I. L. Fawcett, who is still in business in the cit}-' and is known as one of the oldest grocers in Bellaire. Becoming familiar with the business and store while he was employed as clerk there, IMr. Green soon decided to embark in business for himself and in 1885 he opened his own place of business to the public at Nos. 2111-13 Belmont street, and has continued to prosper to the present day. He has remodeled his store, making it double, so the dimensions are now 40 by 65 feet ; it has a steel ceiling, is provided with both electric lights and fans, and under the supervision of our subject is a model of neatness everywhere, with the wares arranged most advantageously. Four people are employed to conduct affairs cjuickly and smoothly and Mr. Green is active manager, spending most of his time there, although interested in many other business enterprises.

Mr. Green was united in marriage with Susan Wilson, who is a daughter of N. R. Wilson, residing near Belmont. They have five children; namely, William H., James Earl,- Bertha, Cora Nell, and Flora May, and live comfortably in their residence at No. 2105 Belmont street, which is very conveniently situated in regard to the store. The family attended divine services at the M. E. .Church.

In politics Mr. Green is a Republican, voting the straight ticket at elections. He is a director of the Enterprise Enamel Company, director and president of the Belmont Electric Light & Power Company, and a stockholder in the new Imperial Glass Company. By his energ}^ careful attention to small details and his uniform courtesy, he has placed himself upon a popular basis with the purchasing community, which has led to his success in business.

JOHN F. CROSSLAND, member of the firm of J. F. Crossland & Company, dealers in pure drugs, medicines, stationery, wall paper, toilet articles, fancy goods and sundries, at St. Clairsville, Ohio, is one of the enterprising business men of this city.

The birth of Mr. Crossland took place in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on January 3, 1862, and he is the only surviving child of George W. and Mary Crossland, the latter of whom died in 1863 when but 21 years of age. George W. Crossland has been an agriculturist all his life, formerly in Pennsylvania and later near Belmont, in this county, to which he came in 1868 and where he still owns valuable farming lands. His home is now in St. Clairsville, and in March, 1902, he passed his 8ofh birthday. He has held many offices of responsibility, and is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church. His second marriage was to Mary Carter, and the two surviving children of this union are James D., who is a druggist and resides in St. Clairsville, and Nettie, who is the wife of Clark Daniels, also a resident of this city.

John F. Crossland of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Belmont and acquired his pharmaceutical education in the very practical way of handling and dispensingdrugs while he studied their properties, and to such good effect that he passed the rather severe examination of the State Board of Pharmacy in the class of 1884, holding a certificate to that effect. After his school days he entered the store of J. McCaffrey in Belmont and later was for five years in a clerical position with J. B. Hoge at St. Clairsville, and during this time mastered the mysteries of pills and potions. In 1885 he opened a drug store in St. Clairsville with an entirely new and most attractive stock, and his business has been a prosperous one from the start. In 1892 the original firm was dissolved and a new store secured, the firm name of J. F. Crossland & Company being continued, but this store was destroyed by fire, January 26, 1899. Three days later business was resumed and the building of the present commodious structure was commenced. The store room occupied by this drug firm is 18 by 72 feet in dimensions, with a basement where facilities are found for storage, and modern methods are made use of to expedite business and exhibit stock. The latter is of so varied a nature and of so large an amount that the business done is almost that of a department store, having nearly doubled in quantity from that done prior to the fire. A business that amounts to from $10,000 to $12,000 annually in a city the size of St. Clairsville must be regarded as flourishing and its prospects encouraging.

J. Melvin Richards

Mr. Crossland was married on June 27, 1888, to Minnie Harrison, of Bethesda, Belmont County, a daughter of William H. and Mary Harrison, of that place. The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Crossland are the following: Clare L.; Marguerite and Marie, twins, and John F., Jr., who died in 1902, aged II months. Both our subject and wife belong to the Methodist Church, in which Mr. Crossland is a steward. The only secret organization with which he has ever connected himself is the Modern W oodmen of America. His business success must be credited in a great measure to his untiring efforts to please the public, this being as laudable in business as in private life.

J. MELVIN RICHARDS, secretary and superintendent of the Epworth Park Chatauqua Assembly, at Bethesda, Ohio, is a leading and representative citizen of Belmont County. Mr. Richards was born in Wheeling (West) Virginia, October 7, 1834, and is a son of James and Mary (Hurford) Richards, the former of whom was a native of Newton, Massachusetts, and the latter of Pennsylvania.

James Richards located in Wheeling in 1821, in his 15th year, at a time when the greater number of the houses were of log construction and there were neither railroad nor steamboat transportation facilities. By trade he was a machinist and was also a natural mechanic, filling many important positions in the growing town. Few men took a more active interest in the fostering of the Methodist Church, and he was the organizer of at least three churches of that denomination in the vicinity of Wheeling, and was one of the leading members of the First Methodist Church of the city, which was then located on the site of the present 4th street edifice. Believing that every member should have a working place in the church, he did much missionary work, his efforts always being to extend the influences of religion and education. His death occurred at Wheeling, in 1854, at the age of 48 years. His widow survived him a great many years, passing away in May, 1902, the last survivor of the old First hlethodist Church congregation. Her 90 years had silvered her hair and left many traces of advanced age, but they had not quenched her interest in the church which had been to her such a living interest in its struggling days. But a short time prior to her death, she sent to the authorities the church data, including names of ministers and congregation, and conditions of that early time, and received from the official board a letter thanking her for her valuable additions to the church history. She was widely known as "Aunt Polly Richards," and was one of the most valued workers as long as physical strength was given her. Her house was always open to the itinerant preachers of those pioneer days, and multitudes shared the hospitality of her home and enjoyed the fruits of her Christian influence. She was converted in )^outh and filled more than a half century with her best Christian influences. It seemed as if she had a peculiar fftness for all lines of church work on account of a sympathetic nature and a loving heart. In a deepl}' religious and happy home seven children were born, the subject of this sketch being the eldest.

J. Melvin Richards obtained an excellent education in the public schools of Wheeling, and later entered into an establishment to learn the trade of plumbing, gas fitting, steam fitting and brass work, and later became foreman and superintendent of the shops of Dillon, Thompson & Company, remaining with them until his enlistment for service in the Civil War.

The record of our subject during the continuance of the war, from 1862 until he was honorably mustered out on June 27, 1865, deserves even more extended mention than can be made in the limits of a sketch of the present description. As an authentic account of one of the most gallant survivors of the War of the Rebellion, we take the liberty of herein inscribing the same from the records of Bat-

"J- Melvin Richards helped to organize, and enlisted as a private in. Battery D (Carlin's Battery), ist West Virginia Light Artillery, August 19, 1862. Mustered as senior 2nd lieutenant, August 20. Promoted ist lieutenant, March 26, 1864. Served in R. R. District, Department of tlie Ohio, with Gen. R. H. Milroy. In Middle Department, and Department of Upper Potomac; in 8th Army Corps; in Department of West Virginia; and in Reserve Artillery Department, to June, 1865.

"Service - Expedition on Cheat and Alleghany Mountain to Crab Bottom and Monterey; march to Beverly and Webster on special expedition; on duty at New Creek; expedition to Petersburg, Winchester and Strasbilrg, Virginia ; battle of Winchester and Carter's Woods; special duty at Wheeling and New Creek and Hancock, Maryland ; Gen. Sigel's expedition in the Shenandoah Valley and the battle of New Market; Hunter's expedition to Lynchburg; skirmish at Harrisonburg, Virginia; battle of Piedmont, Virginia; destruction of military stores at Staunton, Virginia; destruction of Military Institute at Lexington, Virginia; skirmishes at Otter Creek, Diamond Hill, Liberty, Buckhannon; battle of Lynchburg, Virginia ; operations in vicinity of Bufort's Gap and Mason's Creek, and on detached duty, by section and battery, a tvarious stages of the war, and at various times and places as the exigencies of the service demanded.

" Made prisoner of war June 21, 1864; imprisoned at Lynchburg, Virginia ; Macon, Georgia ; Charleston, South Carolina ( under fire) ; Columbia, South Carolina ; Charlotte and Goldsborough, North Carolina; and, after nearly nine months' imprisonment was paroled at Wilmington, North Carolina, March, 1865. Honorably mustered out June 27, 1865."

This is a record of which our subject, family, friends and fellow-citizens may be justly proud. It is however a difficult matter to associate the present dignified, genial and active church worker with the gallant, dashing officer, except that in both cases may be recognized those attributes which belong to true nol)ility of character, - self-possession, energy, poise and perseverance in the battle for the right.

After the close of the war, our subject was one of those remarkable men which our country has not ceased to honor, who quietly returned to peaceful avocations and took up the lines temporarily laid down. With the same firm he resumed his work in plumbing and gas and steam fitting, becoming a member of the firm of Dillon, Thompson & Company ; but he soon found that his long service, with its im]n'isonment, had made inroads upon his health, and with reluctance on both sides he severed the connections of years. For several succeeding years he was employed in the general delivery department of the Wheeling Post Office, later embarking in an agency business, in which he remained until t888, when he first became interested in the work at Bethesda, Ohio. Although he came here first for a period of rest, he soon after became identified with the work of the Epworth Park Assembly, resulting in his engagement as superintendent, a position he has acceptably filled for the past T2 years. The beautiful grounds of the Chautauqua Assembly, with the attractive improvements, have during this time been under his care and management, and as a practical workman, he has planned and executed with an eye to the most efficiency and with the greatest economy, and the result is one of the mose delightful retreats in Belmont County.

The marriage of Mr. Richards took place in August, 1863, to Emeline White, of Marshall County, West Virginia. She was a woman of Christian virtue, devoted to the Methodist Church. Pier death occurred in 1879, at the age of 45 years. The second marriage of our subject was in 1893, to Sarah Eliza Baron, of Bellaire, Ohio, a most estimable, educated, cultured lady, who is an able assistant to her husband in every department of church work and the promotion of the intellectual and social life of the Epworth Park Assembly. Mr. Richards is gifted with a very fine voice and for a score I of years was connected with the Methodist

Church choir in Wheeling. The two children horn to our subject were Olive W. and Wilma B., the former of whom passed away in her 2 1 St year and the latter at the age of seven years. Fraternally, Mr. Richards is an advanced Odd Fellow, being a past grand in that order, and he is also a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Fie had been a life-long Republican until the campaign of 1884, since which date he has voted with the Prohibition party. He has been one of the greatest factors in Bethesda's prosperity and his enthusiastic spirit, which communicates itself to others, shows he is just as much in his right place now as he was in front of the enemy's guns in the "sixties."

J. W. PIPER, M. D., a physician of eminence in Belmont County, and one of the leading and representative citizens of Bethesda, was born in Belmont County, September 29, 1841, being a son of John and Abigail (Linder) Piper, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and tbe latter in Belmont County.

The Piper family has combined German and Scotch ancestry and has been noted for its virility, longevity, and devotion to the tenets of the Methodist Church. John Piper, the father of Dr. Piper, was born May 23, 1805, and died December 24, 1863, and his wife was born December 13, 1810 and died in September, 1892. They were both devoted in their attachment to the Methodist Church and carefully reared their large family to obey its teachings. Mr. Piper came to Ohio a young man and through a long and exemplary life followed agricultural pursuits. They reared to maturity a family of 12 children, consisting of seven sons and five daughters. The names of these children were as follows : Zenas, who resides in Warnock, Ohio, and follows a meat business ; Dr. William, who practices his profession at Bellaire; Martha, who was born August 20, 1833, died September 28, 1861 : Lucinda, who married Samuel McKeen, and died ih

1890; Marshall, who conducts a boarding house in Bellaire; Elizabeth, who married Thomas C. Stephenson, was born November 10, 1837, and died September 13, 1884, having been a widow since the Civil War; Leah, who was born May i, 1840, and died June 13, 1869; J. W., who is the subject of this sketch; Wilson S., who is in the express business, and resides in Bellaire; Nathaniel, who resides on a farm near Demos, Ohio; IMary A., who married David Campbell, and resides in Kansas; and Joseph, born Lebruary 20, 1850, who was killed by lightning June 20, 1871.

The early education of Dr. Piper was accjuired in the public schools and his medical inclinations were encouraged by his elder brother, William, with whom he began his study, continuing from the age of 18 to 21 years. On At:gust 28, 1862, the young medical student put aside his books and ambitions for a future career, and enlisted as a private soldier in Company L, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. At his first battle, that of Stone River, on Wednesday, December 31, 1862, he was * taken prisoner and sent first to Chattanooga, then to Atlanta, later to Montgomery, Alabama, and thence to Richmond, where he was confined for five days in Libby Prison, which the Doctor says were just four and one-half days too many for the times and accommodations. Being paroled, he returned home and about three months later was exchanged and immediately returned to his regiment, which was then at Tullahoma, Tennessee. He was then overtaken by a sickness which confined him to a hospital for five months and when he had sufficiently recovered he was transferred to the invalid corps (Veteran Reserve Corps) at Louisville, Kentucky, and remained with that from December, 1863, to September, 1865, when his term of three years expired. As the war was then closing, our subject felt at liberty to look to his personal interests and began a practice of medicine in Bethesda, in which he has ever since continued. Later he graduated from the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinj nati, in the class of 1872. His continuous practice covers some 37 years and during this time his medical and surgical skill has been shown on many occasions. He has been examining surgeon for many insurance companies, is a member of the Ohio Medical Society, has long been regarded as one of the leading men in his profession in this locality, and for many years he has served on the School Board and has advocated all worthy enterprises in his community.

Dr. Piper was married March 3, 1866, to Emma Vanfossen, a native of Goshen township, Belmont County, a daughter of George Vanfossen, who is an esteemed member of the Christian Church, in Bethesda. Mrs. Vanfossen died at the age of 57 years, having been a lifelong member of the Baptist Church. The children born to Dr. and Mrs. Piper are the following: Lewis U., a resident of Bethesda, married Laura B. Brown, and has three children, - AVillard, Grace and Meta ; Ada M., who married H. F. Holden of Bethesda, has two children ; Josephine L., who married Dr. E. W. Turner, resides in Laurelville, Hocking County, Ohio ; and Laura B. and Pearl A., who are still at home. Dr. Piper is a man of character, strong in his beliefs and principles, and is district steward in the Methodist Church, of which his family, even to the grandchildren, are members. His political affiliation is with the Republican party.

JAMES \N . MARTIN, county commissioner of Belmont County and one of the county's most substantial and representative citizens, descends from an old and honorable Ohio family. His birtli took place on November 2. 1856, on his father's farm in Goshen township, this county, lieing a son of Amos G. and Mary A. (White) Martin.

The Martins were established in Belmont County hy Isaac Martin, who came from his native Pennsylvania at an early day, and with other meml)ers of the Society of Friends settled on Bend Fork. Later he sold his property there and removed to Stumptown, where he followed farming, and died at Hocking,

Washington County, Ohio, about 50 years ago. His wife was Martha Wilson, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and her death took place at Hocking. They reared seven children, viz. : Martha, Rebecca, Sarah, Thomas,

Amos G. Martin was born in Belmont County and in early years followed the trade of cooper, but after his marriage and location in Goshen township he engaged in farming. Fie was an intelligent and reliable man who was frec^uently called upon to serve in township offices, supported the Republican party in politics, and his death at the age of 55 years, on January 5, 1875, removed from the locality one of the best citizens. The mother of our subject was Mary A. White, who was born in 1824, in Belmont County, and died in January, 1862. She was a daughter of James and Mary White, the former of Avhom was an early pioneer of the county and became one of its prominent and successful men. The old White mansion home, now about 100 years old, still stands, and is located about one-quarter mile from Mr. Martin's present home, the farm belonging to him, as do also the homesteads of his parents and grandparents. Mr. Mdiite was a success both in farming and in horse breeding and for years was a leading citizen. A family of five children was born to the parents of our subject, namely : Martha A. married S. S. Lingo, a farmer, and they moved to Southern Iowa, where she died, leaving four children, - Walter, Ernest, Mabel and Otis; Mary E. in 1876 married C. O. Mead and they moved to Iowa, where she died in March, 1880, - Mr. Mead now resides in Nebraska; Laura E. died in this county on February 7, 1887, unmarried; James W. ; A.

Belmont County has been the chosen home of James W. Martin, all his early associations being connected with Goshen township. After completing the common school course he went to Wheeling, where he took a course at the Wheeling Business College, graduating in March, 1880. Owning so large an acreage of land, his farming and stock raising has been on a rather extensive scale; in former years he gave much attention to sheep raising. In Goshen township his farm contains 225 acres and he also owns 40 acres adjoining the town of Bethesda where he has already laid out one addition and sold lots, this beautiful little town attracting buyers of homes from all over the State.

Although a good farmer and a fine man of business, Mr. Martin is probably better known in the county on account of his prominence in politics. In the spring of 1880 he was elected a justice of the peace, when but 22 years of age, and he was, no doubt, the youngest in the State, and he served with great acceptability for three terms, or nine years, and has served ever since that time, continuously, as notary public. For some years he was the popular postmaster, and his late election as county commissioner not only testifies to the valuation in which he is held by his party, but also is a matter of congratulation to his many friends who know his eminent fitness for public life. From 1880 to 1883, with Joseph G. Bolon, he was engaged in a mercantile business at Hunter, and during this time was the Republican appointee to the office of postmaster.

On November 8, 1884, Mr. Martin was married to Roxy L. Langle, who was born November 14, 1858, in Belmont County, and is a daughter of Abraham and Sidney A. (Wilson) Langle, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and the latter in Ohio. Mr. Langle died in 1891, aged about 90 years; his widow still survives and lives in Goshen township at the age of 68 years. Mrs. Martin was the third member of her parents' family, the others being as follows: Isaac H., who is a farmer in Arkansas, married Lizzie Gooderich and they have four children, - Grover, AVilliam, Mace and Clara ; Theodore F., who married Mary Grooms, died in 1902, his wife being also deceased, their son, Howard, living with his grandfather Grooms;

Mr. and Mrs. Martin lost an unnamed infant, their three surviving children being: Nellie L., born September 12, 1884; Corwin A., born March 12, 1889; and Hillis Ernest, born April 19, 1902. Warren J., born September 12, 1900, died June 20, 1901. Mrs. Martin and her daughter both belong to the Baptist Church.

WILLIAM STANTON, one of Belmont County's enterprising citizens, is a representative of a family which can trace an ancestry as far back in the past as 1600, but is a man who requires no such lineage to assure him the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens in and around the pleasant village of Tacoma. As postmaster, farmer and man of large business interests, he receives consideration, while his estimable character as a private citizen brings him the confidence and friendship of those with whom he comes into contact.

Henry Stanton, the paternal grandfather of William, was born in North Carolina, and in youth accompanied his mother to Ohio, passing the remainder of his life here. His son Joseph Stanton, the father of William, was born near Mount Pleasant, Ohio, in 1812, and died in 1859. He married Mary, a daughter of S. and Elizabeth Hodgin, natives of Georgia and residents of Belmont County, Ohio. Their children were the following: William, of this

William Stanton was born September 15, 1839, iiiAVarren township and was reared on his father's farm and was educated at the Friends' Boarding School, at Mount Pleasant. In 1864 he was united in marriage with Jane S. Davis, daughter of Francis and Mary Davis, both natives of Ohio. The ten children of this union were named as follows: Eva T.. Mary D., deceased; Joseph E. ; Francis AAh, deceased; John L., deceased; Elwood D. ; Anna C. ; Edna M. and Ellen D., twins; AAhlliam Macy.

In 1867, together with W. K. Tipton, our subject settled two miles east of Barnesville, on the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and in 1871 engaged in the nursery business, occupying 25 acres- of land, erecting here a greenhouse 22 l)y 40 feet in dimensions, and an additional 67 acres which was partially set out in orchard. This land is situated in the northwest corner of section 4. This business continued from 1871 until 1873, when our subject bought Mr. d'ipton's interest and has since then operated the nursery and greenhouse alone. His careful attention and wise and judicious experimenting and cultivation have resulted in a prosperity which has made him one of the leading fruit growers of the county. In 1894 Mr. Stanton was one of the organizers of a company which erected a creamery on a tract of his land, on section 10, a two-story frame house, with a modern dairy attached. Since that time Mr. Stanton has gradually bought all the stock of the company with the exception of one-seventh, and is practically its sole owner. It was through the influence of Mr. Stanton that a post office was established at this point in February, 1887, bv President Cleveland, and on March 15th following our subject took charge.

IMr. Stanton is one of the leading citizens in his locality. With his family he attends the Friends' Meeting, to which religious body his family has long belonged. He has never had any political aspirations, preferring a life devoted to congenial business enterprises.

ELISHA A. IMOBERLY, whose fine farm and comfortable home attracts general attention and favorable comment from the traveler through Smith township, Belmont County, is one of the practical and successful farmers and stock raisers of his locality. The farm is one which has been in the possession of the Moherly famly for several generations, the grandparents of Elisha A. settling in Smith township when it was an almost unbroken wilderness. They were real pioneers, coming to Ohio from Virginia, sturdy and stout of heart. It is related of the brave grandmother that she, with two little children, remained alone in the wilderness while her husband cultivated the field of corn for their sustenance, many miles away.- These courageous ancestors have long since passed away, together with their children, but their grandchildren enjoy the results of their energy.

Elisha A. Moberly was born in 1841 and was reared in Smith township. He is a son of Reason and Julia Ann (Arvin) Moberly, the former of whom was born in Virginia, in 18 1 1 and was brought a child of two years to Belmont County by his parents, John and Lucy Moberly. John Moberly located first in 1813 in Pultney Bottom, near Bellaire, moved then to Licking County, but soon returned to Belmont County, settling first in Richland township, but in 1816 entering a farm of 80 acres in Smith township, in section 19. His brother Thomas also took up 80 acres and our subject now owns 120 acres of the 160-acre tract.

Rebecca, Catherine, the wife of Cornelius Barkis; Joshua, John and Lucinda. In 1839 he was united in marriage with Julia Ann Arvin, who was born in 1814, a daughter of Elisha Arvin, and came with her mother and half-brother to Belmont County in 1826. The other members of her family have all passed away and her death took place in 1875 within two weeks of that of her husband. They left a family of five children, as follows : John

W., who is a carpenter in Harvey County, Kansas ; Elisha A. ; Henrietta, who lives on the home place in Smith township; Henry, who lived on a part of the old farm, died in 1901 ; and Lucy, who resides on the old farm. Joshua H. died in infancy.

Mr. Moberly has resided on the old farm practically all his life, engaged in general farming and stock raising, and owns 210 acres. One valuable farm, located east of the one he occupies, is owned by him in partnership with his sisters. He has taken an interested part in township politics, voting the Republican ticket. In 1865 he married Eliza Jane McGaughy, born in 1838 in Smith township, the eldest of five children of Cyrus McGaughy, the others being: William, who died in infancy; Sarah,

Mrs. Daniel Myers, living near Kelsey station; Thomas, residing at the old farm, and Mary Sabina, deceased, who was the wife of William Clifford. The one child born our subject and wife is Thomas H., born in 1868, who married Elizabeth J. Warnock, daughter of Lawson Warnock of Smith township, - they reside in the old home. The religious connection of the family is with the Concord Presbyterian Church. They are people of substance and prominence in Smith township.

MORGAN PUGH, a member of one of the most prominent old families of Washington township, Belmont County, was born on his present farm, June 3, 1832, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Pittman) Pugh, and a grandson of Jesse Pugh.

Jesse Pugh was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, whence he came, about 1800, to Belmont County, Ohio. He cleared a large tract of land at the mouth of Pea Vine Creek, and founded a family which later became so numerous in the vicinity that it gave the name to Pugh Ridge. Here Jesse Pugh died, having reared these children ; John, Morgan, David, Samuel, Elizabeth and Sarah, all of whom have passed out of life.

Samuel Pugh, the fourth son of Jesse, was born July 3, 1804, in York township, Belmont County, and died during the Civil War. His wife, Sarah (Pittman) Pugh, was born May 3, 1811, and died March 21, 1875. She Avas a daughter of Jacob Pittman and was born in Monroe County, Ohio. They were parents of the following children : Edwin, Edward, Morgan, Melinda, Gordon, Samuel, Rebecca Jane, Sarah Ann, Helen, Clarissa, Louisa, Elizabeth, Matilda, Thomas J. and Lovina E. Edwin, who was born October 8, 1830, resides in Missouri. Edward, the twin of Edwin, died October 3, 1838. Melinda, who is deceased, was born October 7, 1833. Gordon, who was born Eebruary 15, 1835, resides in Beallsville, Monroe County, and still owns land on Pugh Ridge in Washington township, this county. Samuel, who was born July 27, 1837, resides in Iowa. .Rebecca Jane, Avho was born Eebruary 9, 1839, died in 1900, in Virginia. Sarah Ann, who was born November 3, 1840, married J. S. Davis, and they reside in the vicinity of the old home. Llelen, who was born January 28, 1842, married John E. McWilliams, and resides in West Virginia. Clarissa, who was born September 8, 1843, October 13,

1844. Louisa, who Avas born May 8, 1845, died May 7, 1846. Elizabeth, Avho Avas born January 27, 1847, married Jason D. Hendershot of Washington tOAvnship. Matilda, who Avas born January 9, 1849, died March 8, 1851. Thomas J., Avho Avas born in 1852, resides on the home farm in Washington toAvnship. He married Susan Ruble, avIio Avas born May 21, 1858, and is- a daughter of Daniel Ruble, a pioneer of York tOAvnship, and they have these children, - Mary Blanche, Ira Ross, Zella, Leah Alice and Carrie Bell. Lovina E., AA'ho Avas born Eebruary 8, 1855, is the Avife of Abraham Workman, and resides in West Virginia. Samuel Pugh made his home on Pugh Ridge and at the time of his death OAvned 600 acres of land, Avhich became the property of his children.

Morgan Pugh Avas reared and obtained his education in Washington tOAvnship. This fertile part of Belmont Count}^ has ahvays been his home and here he oaviis a quarter section of Avell-improA^ed land, deA^oting his energies to general farming and stock raising. Being a man of practical ideas and excellent business capacity, he has prospered and is justl}^ regarded as being one of the solid men of the tOAvnship.

In 1857 our subject Avas united in marriage Avith Hannah Noffsinger, a daughter of John Noff singer, of Belmont County, and they had one son, Cadmus, Avho died in infancy. In politics, Mr. Pugh is a Democrat, and has served as school director very acceptably. Fraternally, he belongs to the lodge of Odd Fellows, formerly of Armstrong's Mills. Religiously, he favors the Christian Church.

THOMAS W. BRANSON, superintendent and manager of the Belmont County Children's Flome, which is located near Barnesville, Ohio, is conceded to be the most thorough and competent manager that institution has ever had. Mr. Branson was born October 29, 1854, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, and he is a son of Aaron and Frances (Crawford) Branson, whose family consisted of six children. Our subject's fatherwasborn in Flushing township, Belmont County, Ohio, April 4, 1811, and he was a son of Jacob Branson, Sr. Aaron Branson during his active life was largely engaged in the manufacture of implements. He died in 1876, and was survived by his widow until March 25, 1887. She was a daughter of Richard and Priscilla Crawford.

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

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

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

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

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

The Parker family is of Welsh origin, and Grandfather Jacob Parker was an example of the best type of that thrifty and energetic people. In 1805 the parents of our subject left their North Carolina farm, with ox-cart and household belongings, and became pioneers in Ohio. For a time they lingered in Jefferson County, but later located in Belmont County, where Joseph Parker rented land for 14 years and then bought 100 acres. Our subject now owns all but 14 acres of the original farm. From the Giffen estate Oliver C. Parker purchased 23 J4 acres, making in all a total of 109J4 acres, underlaid with the Pittsburg or No. 8 vein of coal, which is sold. Joseph Parker was born in 1778 and died in April, 1855, having always been numbered among the useful citizens of the county. The mother of our subject was born in 1787 and died in April, 1871. She was a daughter of James and IMartha (Stanton) Judkins, through her mother being related to the great Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton. She was a most estimable woman, and she professed the simple Friend faith. She lived a life of meekness and kindness, her gentle touch and sympathizing presence often bringing comfort in the neighboring pioneer homes. Joseph Parker was also a Friend, of the orthodox faith, but as he had been reared in a State where he saw the effects of slavery, he was of a more aggressive spirit, and went great lengths to assist the work of the "Underground Railroad." His abolition ideas had much to do with his settlement in Ohio.

Oliver C. Parker was the ninth member of the family of ten children born to his parents, the names being: Abigail, born in 1803, married Joshua Steele, and she died in 1855, aged about52 years ; Jacob, who was a skilled machinist, a builder of threshers, in his day, died on August 21, 1849. aged 43 years;

James, who was born in 1809, married Harriet Beck, who died with cholera in 1833 on the farm in Pease township ; Dr. William, who was born in 1812, practiced many years in Columbiana County, Ohio, and died at the age of 68 years; Dr. Isaac, who was born in 1815, practiced in Morgan County, Ohio, and died m 1893; Stanton J., who was born in 1818, followed farming and died in 1889; Dr. Joseph, who was born in 1821, practiced in Washington County, Ohio, and died in 1885; Anderson, J., who was born in 1824, died on

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

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

Mr. Parker was married in 1864 to Martha Van Pelt, who was an invalid for 12 years, and died January 3, 1877, having been a patient sufferer. She was a daughter of Jacob and Jane (Wiley) Van Pelt, of Belmont County. The second marriage of Mr. Parker was on October 29, 1879, to iMary Kathleen West, a daughter of and the only surviving member of the family of Dr. Simon Brown and Mary Zaire (Martin) West. The one child of this union is Simon West, who is a druggist, having studied pharmacy since his 15th year, and is now attending the College of Pharmacy at Scio, Harrison County, Ohio. Mr. Parker is a man of earnest, thoughtful character. Mrs. Parker is a granddaughter of Ebenezer Martin, who was the founder of Martin's Eerry. Her father. Dr. West, was a practitioner in Pease township for 50 years, a man of skill and reputation. He graduated in 1836 from the Cincinnati Medical College, which has graduated five physicians of the name.

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

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

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

His first business undertaking was in the laundry at Martin's Ferry, which he owns. This he established in March of 1890, and it has proved an excellent business venture. He is numbered among the substantial and worthy men of the town, and takes part in such enterprises as to him seems for the best interests of the community.

October 2, 1890, John R. Wilson was united in marriage with Ella C. Ryan of Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of William and Catherine Ryan, natives of Ireland. Her father died December 26, 1880, and her mother December 25, 1899. Both were members of the Roman Catholic Church. To them were born six children, namely ; Mary, wife of Michael Ryan; Katie, deceased, who was wife of Edward Partridge, for many years clerk of courts in Cincinnati, Ohio ; Margaret, a resident of Dayton, Ohio; Hannah, who also resides at Dayton; Ella C., wife of our subject; and William, who died at the age of three years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born four children, as follows; William L. ; James C. ; John R., Jr.; and Robert E. Religiously, they are members of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject is a member of the Ohio City Lodge, No. 486, F. & A. M. ; Belmont City Lodge, No. 221, I. O. O. F. ; Ohio City Lodge, No. 54, K. of P. ; and Bellaire Lodge No. 419, B. P. O. E.

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

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

Master located in the section north of our subject's present fine farm, buying land in small tracts until he was owner of many acres. At the time of his settlement in Mead township this part of the county was almost uninhabited, the Taylor and Miles families being about the only residents. "Uncle" Tommy Miles is still recalled as one of the first residents of 'this section. Ere long, however, other settlers came and the cares and responsibilities of the community increased along with progress and improvement, and as a man of judgment and force of character, Robert McMaster was called upon to assume prominent positions, serving efticiently as coroner, justice of the peace and as Common Pleas judge. He was a man emhiently fitted for public life, and this section is indebted to him for much of its early development. His first wife died about 1850, and in 1851 he married Adeline Rankin, and the one son of this union is Dr. R. O. Mc- Master of the McMaster Hospital of Wheeling. Mrs. McMaster spent the last 15 years of her life after the death of her husband with IMrs. Dr. Piper. Judge McMaster died in 1874, aged 83 years. The children of his first marriage were; George, William, Andrew, Henry, Samuel, Fanny, Amanda, Margaret and Nancy.

Samuel McMaster was reared on his father's farm and remained there until sometime later than 1830, when he moved upon the farm occupied by his son, in section 31, range 3, - a tract of 152 acres. Here Mr. Mc- Master resided until the fall of 1900, when he removed to the home of a daughter, Mrs. A. D. Creamer, living near Jacobsburg. The mother of our subject was born in March, 1817, on the Duncan farm, near St. Clairsville, and removed in the "thirties" to Smith township, near Jacobsburg. She was a daughter of Patrick and Ella (Dowler) Gregory, natives of Ireland, who died at Jacobsburg and both were interred in that vicinity. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gregory were: Thomas, Wesley, Pauline,

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

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

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

In politics Mr. McMaster has always been identified with the Democratic party and exerts a wide influence in its ranks in his section. For 27 years his father admirably filled the office of justice of the peace and is a man of the utmost reliability and the highest citizenship. Following his father's lead, our subject early became connected with the Masonic body. Samuel McMaster was originally a member of Moriah Lodge, No. 105, but later became a charter member of Weyer Lodge of Centreville, and as he joined the organization in 1844, he is probably the oldest Mason in the county. Our subject belongs to Weyer Lodge, No. 541, of Centreville, Ohio, and St. Clairsville Chapter, No. 17. R. A. M. Mr. McMaster with his family attends the Methodist Church at Jacobsl)urg and is a liberal contributor to its su])port. Few families in the township are better known or more generally esteemed.

JOHN A. RAMSEY, one of the prominent and successful business men of Key, Belmont County, Ohio, who is engaged in farming and stock dealing and also handling the leading makes of farm machinery, was born in i860, in Mead township, being a son of Allen and Mary (Thornborough ) Ramsey. Our subject's mother was born in England, but was brought to Ohio when but 18 months old by her father, William Thornhorough, who entered land on what is known as the Ramsey Ridge, and which is now the property of Abram Ramsey. Extended mention of Allen Ramsey and other member of the family wdll lie found on other pages of this work.

John A. Ramsey was reared on the home farm and remained there, assisting in the work and attending school, until he reached manhood. A trip through the great West about this time was a most excellent method of education; during his 18 months of absence, he visited almost all of the Western States and Territories, .spent six months at Portland, Oregon, and saw many phases of life and living which, perhaps, made him all the more satisfied with the advantages and opportunities offered in Belmont County. Mr. Ramsey is a large land owner, among his possessions being a valuable farm of 200 acres in the vicinity of Key, and his elegant residence in this town. For the past two years he has been handling machinery and is extensively engaged in dealing in stock.

In 1891 Mr. Ramsey was married to Minnie A. DeLong, who was born in 1870, in Mead township, and four children have been born to this union, namely : Bertha, born April born July 4, 1896; Lena Valletta, born July 31, 1898; and Carrie Wanita, born January 12, 1900. Mrs. Ramsey belongs to a prominent county family. Her father, Adam De- Long, was born in Belmont County, June 14, 1827, and died December 26, 1899, being a son of Jonathan DeLong, a native of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. In young manhood Adam DeLong moved to Washington County, Ohio, and during his 10 years of residence there married Mary Ann Flowers, who is a beloved member of Mr. Ramsey's household. After leaving his farm in Washington County, Mr. DeLong lived for a time in Businessburg, removing to Belmont town some seven years prior to his death. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. DeLong were : Tirzah, who died October 26, 1861, aged nine years; John T., who is a farmer near Danbury, Nebraska, married Annie McHenry of Illinois, and four of their six children survive ; Harriet S., who is the widow of William Irwin, who died in 1902, resides at Shadyside, with two sons and three daughters; Samuel M., who married Levada Keyser, lives near Anvil, Ohio; Alvaretta, who married James Hart, resides at Belmont and has four sons; Ida M., who married O. S. Hall, died one year later, in 1892 ; Robert H. ; Minnie A., who became Mrs. Ramsey, was born May 19, 1870; and William A., who resides at Belmont, engaged as a salesman, - he married Dora Gregg and has two sons. As this family was one of the early ones of the county, more extended mention is interesting.

July 17, 1816, married Robert Watt, and both died at their home near Jacobsburg; Andrew, born October 15, 1817, married Catherine Phillips and they died near Businessburg ; Jacob, born July i, 1819, moved to Washington County, and there married a Miss Hoover and still survives; John, born July 2, 1821, married a Miss Hoover, and died in Washington County; Samuel, born October 21, 1823, married Margaret Scott and they live in Indiana; Catherine, born May i, 1825, married a Mr. Wiley and they live in Washington County; Adam, born June 14, 1827; Sabina, named for her mother, born October i, 1830, married William Kirkpatrick and they live in Washington County; Jonathan C., born April 7, 1833, died in Washington County; and Martin Luther, born August 4, 1836, married Christiana Trimble and they reside near Lewis' Mills, in Belmont County.

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

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

His parents were both natives of Maryland. His father, Samuel, came to Kirkwood township as early as 1802, when the forest had scarcely been touched by the hand of man. He built a shed in which to live until the completion of his house, and the 160 acres which com- prised his home farm have since been in possession of the Perkins family. He held no offices and was a good farmer, giving that work his entire attention. He served as a private during the War of 1812, and made an honorable record as a soldier. He died at the age of 73 years, and was survived six years by his wife, who died at the age of 80 years. He and his wife were both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To their union were born the following children: Nelson, who farmed in this county until his death at the age of 60 years ; Rebecca, the wife of Reuben Mitcalf, died at the age of 75 years; Maria, who died at the age of 20 years; Cassander,who died at the age of 25 years ; Jonathan, a record of whose life appears in the biography of Samuel W. Perkins; William, a farmer of this county, who died at the age of 60 years ; Delilah, who died at the age of 27, was the wife of Fielder Perkins; Letha, who died at the age of 16 years; and Moses, the only surviving member of the family. Four of the girls died of scarlet fever within four months.

Moses Perkins was educated in the common schools of his community, and as a boy assisted in the work upon the farm. He has disposed of 60 acres of the original tract held by him, but retains some 100 acres, which are planted to wheat and corn for the most part. The land is well improved and is underlaid with coal which has never been leased or sold. He is one of the reliable citizens of his township, and wherever known is held in the highest esteem.

Mr. Perkins was joined in marriage November II, 1853, with Rebecca J. Murphy, a native of this county and a daughter of L. D. and Elizabeth Murphy, the father a native of Ohio and the mother, of Maryland. She is one of nine children, the others being : Delilah, who resides in Wisconsin, is widow of George Weeden, who was killed as a soldier in the Union Army : Brice M., a farmer, living in Wisconsin; Sarah J., wife of David Majors, of Kirkwood township: A. C., deceased; Asbury, a farmer of Kirkwood township ; Hamilton, a farmer of Kirkwood township; James A., de-

Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have three children : Elizabeth, wife of Wilson McWilliams, a farmer of the county, has four children livmg, - Weldie, Campsie, Frederick, and Eva B. ; Mary F., wife of O. B. Groves, a contract plasterer of Barnesville, has six children, - Imrest and Belle, deceased, Gertrude, Everett, Moses and Willard ; and Rosa I., who married Colbert Sheppard, and both are deceased, leaving one child, Mary Ethel, who married Oliver M. Smith, September 6, 1902. Mrs. Perkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew Henderson was united in marriage with Miranda Perrian, who was born in New York City and whose ancestors at an early day moved from Holland to Prance and at a later day became established in America. One, Jacob Perrian, was surveyor for William Penn and entered some land, Avhere the city of Philadelphia now stands, and, it is said, leased it for 99 years. Peter Perrian, father of Mrs. Henderson, moved to Ohio in 1821 and in 1822 established an old wheat mill in Belmont County. He subsequently moved to Harrisville, and then to Monroe County. He died at the age of 85 years, and his wife died four years later at the age of 85 years. They had seven children, all of whom are now deceased. Matthew Henderson and Miranda Perrian were married on Wheeling Creek in Belmont County in 1831, and there passed the remainder of their lives, the former dying in September, 1862, and the

John Larue; Wilson; Leander, deceased; Edward, deceased; Matthew C., who was never married and lives' in Colerain township; Peter P., deceased; Andrew J. ; Alexander, deceased; Mary P., deceased; Miranda, deceased, and Robert Patterson.

John Larue Henderson was born in Wheeling township, two miles below his present farm, August 6, 1833. He took to farming at an early day and has since continued in that occupation with unvarying success. He has 122 acres of land and follows general farming and stock raising. He enlisted in 1864 in the 1 00-day service, participating in several hard fought battles. He has never married. In politics he has always been a stalwart Republican. Religiously, he was baptized in the old Seceders' Presbyterian Church.

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

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

(Adams) (iiffen, who were married in Belmont County, although the former was born in Scotland in I1S19, and the latter, in Pennsylvania, in 1828. Both i)arents are helaved and honored mcmhers of their son's household.

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

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

GEORGE K. PHILLIPS, postmaster at Glencoe, Richland township, Belmont County, and chief clerk of the Belmont Coal Company at this point, and well known through his participation in other business enterprises, was born in Goshen township, near Belmont, in 1870, being a son of Ralph W. and Margaret (Dermott) Phillips.

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

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

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

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