Wayne Township (part 3 of 16)

Thomas and William Calvin Gillespie were both reared in Belmont County, and in the common schools of their neighborhood procured their education. Here by strict attention to business they became well grounded in the rudiments, and William, upon leaving school, was enabled to follow teaching. He was very successful in his professional work, and filled positions in Wheeling and Richland townships for a period of 12 years. Later the two brothers turned their attention to agriculture, carrying on the farm which they now possess and which was at one time owned by their grandfather immediately after his arrival from Pennsylvania. Here they have erected new buildings, and from time to time made other marked improvements. Besides this homestead, they own another large farm in the township where they now reside. Together the places embrace 312 acres, largely under cuttivation, which the brothers are enabled to work to good advantage, engaging extensively in genei'al farming. They make h specialty of Shorthorn cattle, Jerseys, Red and Poland-China hogs, and Blacktop, Delaine, or Pennsylvania sheep. Raising sheep they have found especially profitable, and they now own about 400.

Thomas Gillespie has never married, but resides with his brother. March 7, 1891, William Calvin married Lizzie Williams. They have, however, no children. The two brothers have exhibited to a remarkable degree shrewd business management and much practical ability in their farming, and- have amassed considerable property. They are well known throughout the county and are highly esteemed. In national affairs they vote the Democratic ticket; in State politics they are liberal. The early Gillespies were Swedenborgians; the present generation are old school Presbyterians.

ROBERT EMMET GIFFEN, who is now serving his second term as trustee of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, is industriously following the pursuits of agriculture on his farm two and a half miles northeast of St. Clairsville, where he operates a dairy in addition to the general work of his vocation. Our subject is a son of Morrison and Margaret (Taggart) Giffen, and his birth occurred in 1847 Richland township, Belmont County.

Morrison Giffen chose general farming for his life occupation, and was successful and prosperous in his career, continuing as a farmer until the termination of his life in 1885. He was a native of Ohio County, (West) Virginia, and was born in the year 1817. He remained in Ohio County until 1825, the date of his removal to Belmont County Ohio, where he took up his residence in Colerain township, and there spent many years of his life. In 1843 place there, however, and became one of the residents of Richland township, where he spent the closing years of his life. Politically he was a member of the Democratic party, and took a decided interest in all local affairs. Both he and his beloved wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and were held in high esteem by all who knew them. Mrs. Giffen was Margaret Taggart before her marriage and was a daughter of James and Catherine (Stitt) Taggart. She was born in 1815, a native of Richland township, and her demise occurred in 1901. The children of this union Avere six in number and the names are as follows: Mary K.,

Elizabeth J., Robert E., our subject; James T., Sarah S., and John K. The eldest child, Mary K., became the wife of William N, Stillwell, but died in 1879. Elizabeth J. departed this life in 1874. James T. makes his home in Richland township. Sarah lives with our subject. John K. became a missionary, was sent first to Egypt in 1881, and in 1901 to the Soudan, where he is still working in the interests of the ETnited Presbyterian Church.

The marriage of Robert E. Giffen took place in 1873, when he was united with Anna M. Bentley, a daughter of Solomon and Ellen (Thompson) Bentley, who was born in 1851, and was also a native of Richland township. Nine children have been born to this union.

In political affairs Mr. Giffen is a Prohibitionist, but has served the Democratic party well as township trustee; he has also l^een school director for some time, and gave evidence of sagacity and discretion in the fulfillment of his duties in that office. The farm which he possesses and manages with such good results consists of 153 acres of fine land; his specialty is the dairy, and with his fine Jersey cows he is enabled to make a large amount of butter, which he furnishes for the Wheeling market. His life is exceedingly busy, all his time being taken in attending to his duties as farmer.

JAMES THOMAS KNOX, a wealthy land owner of Richland ' township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a man of firm character, has always shown an interest in township and county affairs, and is now serving in the office of tOAvnship trustee. He is a native of the farm adjoining his own, and was born in 1862, a son of William and Mary (King) Knox, the latter of Irish descent.

William Knox was an active citizen in his day and claimed Wheeling, West Virginia, as his native city. His arrival in Belmont County took place in the year 1862 and he immecliately located in Richland township, purchased a farm there and followed agricultural pursuits the remainder of his days with marked success. He chose Mary King, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Blackwood) King, for his companion in life, and their union was blessed with ii children, whose names will be given later. In politics Mr. Knox was a sincere Republican, and in his religious convictions he was a member of the ETnited Presbyterian Church, as was also his wife. Both lived to advanced ages,

Our subject's brothers and sisters are as follows; Rev. A. K. Knox, who is a minister of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Vernon, 16 wa; Jemima, the wife of Robert Alexander, of Quincy, Belmont County, Ohio; Lizzie (i), now deceased; John, Maggie, and Carrie, who live on the home place; Mary, who married Frank Myers and resides in Smith township; Calvin and Jennie, who are both deceased; and Lizzie, the widow of James A. Greenlees, living on the old Knox homestead.

Our suljject was reared on the farm and obtained his education in the common schools. He chose farming as his vocation, naturally, and at the present time he is the owner of 145 acres of land on the home place and 18 acres adjoining it, all of which he keeps in hrst-rate order and in a state of high cultivation. Lie chose for his wife Anna May McMaster, and they were married in 1890. Mrs. Knox is a daughter of William and Isal)el McMaster and was born in 1867, a native of I^ichland township. Their union has been blessed with one child, Carl, who was born in 1892. The family live on the farm about four miles south of St. Clairsville, and are very comfortably situated. In religious belief they are members of the Lbiited Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Knox has always been a Republican, and upon the death of John Stewart, who was then township trustee, he was elected to fill the vacancy, serving with such satisfaction to all that he was re-elected for a full term in the spring of 1902. Besides this he has been school director for some time, and gives his support willingly to all enterprises w'hich have for their aim the welfare of his township or county. As a citizen of worth and value he receives the reward due him, through the respect and consideration of those in his community.

JAMES O. DIXON, who owns a small farm of 22 acres in Richland township, two miles southeast of St. Clairsville, has been living at his present abode since 1885 and is a man of ability, well-read and well-educated. His birth occurred in 1848 in Monroe County, and he is a son of Alexander and Rachel (McKelvey) Dixon, who now reside on the farm with him and his family.

Alexander Dixon was born in 1824, and led a useful career as a farmer for many years previous to making his home with our subject. His wife was a daughter of James and Nancy McKelvey, and was born in Wheeling township in 1822. They had six children, whose names are as follows: James O.; Jennie, who married Reuben Garber and lives in Martin's Ferry; Robert S., deceased; David A., living in Byesville, Guernsey County; Sarah A., also deceased; and William R., who was killed on the railroad in 1895. Mr. and Mrs Dixon are members of the Presbyterian Church, and our subject and his family also worship there. In fraternal circles Mr. Dixon is a member of the I. O. O. F. organization, and in politics he is a Democrat and votes a straight ticket.

James O. Dixon removed to Belmont County in 1865, and for a time was located near Belmont, but later changed his residence to the farm where he resides at present. Fie obtained a good education in his youth, became a teacher, and for 30 consecutive years taught school before engaging in farming. He is also interested in life insurance at this writing, and, altogether, is a very busy man.

In 1879 our subject was united in marriage with Monica King, a daughter of James and Margaret King, who was born near Glencoe, Richland township, in 1845. Their union was prolific of two children, Howard K., born in 1880, and Earl H., born in 1883, the former a teacher, and the latter, local editor on the "Martin's Ferry- Times." In April, 1899, our subject was

Rev. Louis W. Suedmeyer

Fraternally Mr. Dixon affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of the St. Clairsville lodge. In politics he is an earnest Democrat in his views, and in 1880 was candidate for recorder. Mr. Dixon is a shrewd, capable business man.

REV. LOUIS W. SUEDMEYER, beloved pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, is a young man with every prospect of a bright and joyful future before him. He is a son of Louis W. and Christina (Hahne) Suedmeyer, the former a native of Missouri, while the latter claims Prussia as her native place. Our subject is also a native of Missouri, having been born in Eranklin County, 'October 26, 1875.

Louis W. Suedmeyer, father of our subject, was very favorably regarded by the citizens of his community, but died at the early age of 22 years, leaving his wife and our subject to mourn his loss. The former is now the wife of Charles Kruse, and they have six children. Mr. Suedmeyer followed the occupation of farming, raising grain for the most part, and served his township as trustee for some time. He and his wife were both faithful members of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. His wife is now living at Senate Grove in Missouri, having reached her 50th mile-stone May 23, 1902.

The primary education of our subject was secured in the public schools of his native place, and was followed by instruction at the proseminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Elmhurst, Illinois. He was graduated from that school in 1898, and next became a student at the seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at St. Louis, Missouri, and was graduated Avith the class of 1900, which was the jubilee class of the institution.

Mr. Suedmeyer's first charge was Bridge port, and there he has been faithfully performing his duty, both as a minister of the Gospel and also as a teacher. May 19, 1901, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Angela Hotz, born in Brighton, Illinois, a daughter of the late Rev. J. J. Hotz Rev. Mr. Hotz died at the age of 64 years, his death taking place April 17, 1898. Eor 34 years he was a minister of the same church as that to which our subject has given his support, and his many acts of kindness have not been forgotten by his people. His wife is still living, an honored resident of New Haven, Missouri.

The citizens of Bridgeport have a very kindly regard for Mr. Suedmeyer and welcome him most heartily to their homes Wherever known he has an excellent reputation for energy, uprightness and zeal in his good work, and his scholarly bearing and learning fit him for the place he now occupies in the lives and hearts of his people.

THOMAS L. LODGE, for many years engaged in farming, is now a member of the firm of Lodge & Hayes, merchants at Bannock, Belmont County, and is also serving his fifth year as postmaster at that place, having been commissioned to that office under the first McKinley* administration. He is a son of Thomas and Rebecca J. (Smith) Lodge, and was born in Wheeling township in 1864.

Thomas Lodge was an influential man during his active years, and is now living on the old homestead in Wheeling township. He was born in 1823, a native of Loudoun County*, Virginia, and his vocation was that of a farmer. He was united in marriage with Rebecca J. Smith, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Smith; She was born in Richland township in 1830, and is still enjoying life at the old homestead. These parents had seven children.

Centennial History

namely: Joseph, living in Harrison County, Ohio; Nancy E., who married William G. Mayes, the partner of our subject in his store at Bannock; Emmet, deceased; Mary A.; William S., living at home; Thomas L. ; Alice L. The first marriage of Thomas Lodge was contracted with Nancy Ellen Merritt, and they had three children: Sarah E., deceased; John M., of Wheeling township; and Abner, also deceased. Our subject's father and mother were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Lodge was a firm Republican. He served two terms as Infirmary director with credit, and his ability won the commendation of all.

Thomas L. Lodge followed farming for a number of years after attaining manhood's years, but for the past 12 years has been identified with mercantile life at Bannock, in partnership with his brother-in-law, William G. Hayes. He has a large patronage, which speaks well for the business and those who conduct it, and their stock is complete and is of the best of its kind obtainable. The proprietors are among the foremost citizens of Bannock, and have a reputation for strict integrity and fair dealing. Mr. Lodge finds various duties as ])OStmaster to occupy his attention, but he is genial and accommodating and gives satisfaction to all concerned.

In i8go Mr. Lodge was united in matrimony with Etta E. Wiley, a daughter of Wfilliam and Esther Wiley, born in Richland township in 1868. Their family consists of five children, whose names are as follows: Cleon, Eldred W., Kenneth Leroy, Wilma Tuicille, and Esther Estella. Cleon, was born July 2, 1892, but is now deceased; Eldred W.- was born December 29, 1897; Kenneth Leroy and Wilma Lucille are twins and their birth occurred May 16, 1899; Esther Estella's birth occurred January 2, 1902. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church and are active workers in church affairs. In politics Mr. Lodge is a Republican and works for the good of his chosen party.

JAMES T. GIEEEN, one of the progressive farmers of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, is much interested in his profession and keeps his home place in order with care and exactness which characterizes all his actions. He is a son of Morrison and Margaret (Taggart) Giffen, and was born on his farm in 1849.

Our subject's father first saw the light of day in Ohio County, (West) Virginia, in 1817, and for many years he continued to reside there, busily employed as an agriculturist. In the year 1825 he removed, however, to Colerain township, Belmont County, where he spent a number of years and lived peacefully until 1843, when he went to Richland township. The latter place continued to be his home until 1885, when he was taken away by death. He chose for the companion of his life Margaret Taggart, a daughter of James and Catherine (Stitt) Taggart, and their marriage was duly solemnized. Mrs. Giffen was born in 1815 in Richland township, and died in 1901. She was the mother of six children, two of whom are now deceased, and the names are as follows: Mary K.: Elizabeth J., whose death occurred in 1873; Robert Emmet; James T., our worthy subject; Sarah S., and John K., who is a missionary and was sent to Egypt in 1881, and to the Soudan in 1901, the latter place being his residence at the present time, where he works in the interest of the United Presbyterian Church. Mary K. married William N. Stillwell and her death took place in 1879. Robert Emmet is a farmer living two and a half miles northeast of St. Clairsville, where he owns 153 acres of land. He was united in marriage with Anna M. Bentley in 1878, and they have nine children, namely: John M., Bruce B.,

In 1879 the ceremony was performed which made Mr. Giffen and Ella Reid man and wife. Mrs. Giffen is the daughter of Edward and Mary Reid, and was born in August, 1856, on Wheeling Island, near Wheeling. This union was blessed with four children, who are as follows: Morrison R., deceased; Mary E., Jean M., and Jeannette L. Mary E.was born December, 1884, and graduated with the class of 1901 at St. Clairsville High School. She is now living at home. Jean M. and Jeannette L. are twins and were born April, 1891. The family are members and workers in the United Presbyterian Church, and their home surroundings are of a most pleasant nature.

Politically our subject belongs to the Democratic party, but does not hold office. He spends the greater part of his time on his farm, which consists of 116 acres and is located two miles north of St. Clairsville.

WILLIAM D. PORTEREIELD, a wellknown educator of Belmont County, Ohio, was born on the farm on which he now resides, about four miles south of St. Clairsville, in 1861. He is a son of Andrew and grandson of James Porterfield. The grandfather, with his brother, John, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania at an early day, first settling in Jefferson County. He then came to Richland township and established the old family homestead.

Andrew Porterfield was also born on the old homestead in Richland township in 1819, and was a farmer and stock raiser by occupation. He was reared in the old Seceders' Church, and atfer the war united with the Presbyterian Church, of which he was for many years a trustee at Warnock. He was a member of St. Clairsville Lodge of Masons, and in politics was a Republican. He was one of the primitive Abolitionists, and his opinions on the slavery question determined his secession from the church. He died in 1884. He married Elizabeth Adeline Glasgow, who was born in Richland township in 1837, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Blocher) Glasgow. Her father was born in Ireland and came to Belmont County about 1825, teaching school during a greater part of his life. Her mother was of Dutch stock, her parents being Marylanders. The mother of our subject was reared to the klethodist faith, but after marriage attended the Presbyterian Church with her husband. Two children were born to them: William D., and Mary E., wife of

William D. Porterfield attended the public schools of Richland township and the St. Clairsville High School. In August, 1882, he matriculated at Ohio Normal University at Ada, graduating with the degree of B. S. in 1885. He then taught school for six years at his home school, three years in the village of Glencoe, and was township superintendent for three years. He was the first township superintendent and introduced the plan of township organization and supervision of schools. He accepted the chairs of English and History in Eranklin College in the fall of 1895, and filled the position acceptably for six years. Inducements were offered him to remain, but he had determined to withdraw. During the winters of 1901-02-03 he taught in the schools of St. Clairsville.

In 1886 Mr. Porterfield was united in marriage with Myrtle E. Bear, who was born near Davton, Ohio, in 1866, and is a daughter of Henry and Ellen Bear. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and the father was a farmer by occupation. They are parents of two children, as follows: Clarence V., born in 1888: and Henry A., born in 1891. Religiously. Mr. and Mrs. Porterfield are members of the Presbvterian Church at Warnock. He is a Republican in politics.

JOHN W. RILEY, a member of the firm of S. D. &; J. W. Riley, extensive fruit growers, packers and shippers, resides on his farm i just out of St. Clairsville, in Richland township. He was born in this township in 1864, and is a son of Richard L. and Mary (Keyser) Riley. His grandfather, Richard Riley, was a bound apprentice in his early days, and running away from his master, located in Wheeling when that city was known as Fort Henry. He later came to Belmont County, Oliio, and settled in IMead township, where he died July 21, 1863, at the age of eighty-seven years.

Richard L- Riley, father of our subject, was born in Mead township in 1821, and died in 1883. He was a farmer and fruit grower, and was a very successful business man. Religiously, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a Democrat in politics. He married Mary Keyser, who was born near Quincy. Belmont County, in 1823, and died in 1889. She, too, was a member of the Presbyterian Church. She was an invalid at the time of the great cyclone of 1887, and with her two sons was in its midst. Our subject was struck by a falling evergreen tree and his ankle fractured, incapacitating him from any work for a period of six months. Six children were born to Richard L. Riley, and his wife, namely: Isaac M., deceased; Samuel D., who is in the fruit business with John W. ; Richard J., superfintendent of the Niehart gold and silver mine at Niehart, Montana: Elizabeth J., who married William L. Callin, of Wheeling, West Virginia: Nancy K., who is housekeeper for her brothers; and John W.

John W. Riley is a member of the firm of S. D. & J. W. Riley, fruit growers, and lives on a farm of 40 acres adjoining the west corporation line of St. Clairsville. This property is devoted mainly to the growth of a variety of fruit. He and his brothers and sisters own an undivided interest in the estate of his father, and also own a farm of no acres four and one-half miles east of St.

Clairsville. They have a very successful l)usiness, both being men of good ability, and are reckoned among the substantial citizens of the community.

John W. Riley is a member of St. Clairs- \ ille Lodge, No. 698, K. of P., and is county deputy of the order. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religious views is a Presbyterian.

FRANK O. BOWLES, a well-known merchant of Richland township, was born in Smith township, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1856, and is a son of George and Eliza Jane (Snyder) Bowles.

George Bowles was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1819, and was a carpenter and cabinetmaker by trade, following that occupation throughout his entire life. Religiously, he was a member of the M. E. Church. In politics he was a Republican. During the Civil War he enlisted, in the spring of 1862, at St. Clairsville in the 126th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and during most of his service was a hospital nurse. He was mustered out in 1865, He died in 1884 and was buried at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, in Smith township. He married Eliza Jane Snyder, whose parents were natives of Maryland, where her father followed farming. She is now living with her son, G. H. Bowles, in Fairview, at the advanced age of seventyeight years. She is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Bowles had the following children: Edna, deceased; Herschell, deceased; Ella, deceased; George Hogan, a merchant at Fairview, Guernsey County, and Frank O.

Frank O. Bowles is a merchant and has a very successful business. He carries a large stock of drugs and groceries, and is a manufacturer of cigars. In 1879 he was united in marriage with Annie S. Hutchison, who was born in Loydsville, Richland township, in 1863, and is a daughter of John and Amanda fPowell) Hutchison. They have five children, namely: George O., who was born in i88i, and is now a school teacher; | Claire C., born in 1883, is in the store with his father; Lela M., born in 1890; Edna F., born in 1892; and Charles, born in 1894. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as are their children. Fraternally, he is a member of Hazen Lodge, F. & A. ]\L, of hlorristown. He is a Republican in politics.

JAMES H. MEEK, M. D., a practicing physician of Belmont County, Ohio, who has won the confidence and esteem of the citizens of Glencoe, both personally and professionally, was born in Richland township, this county, in 1862, a son of George and Elizabeth (Ault) Meek, both residents of Richland township.

George Meek, the father of Dr. Meek, has been a most highly esteemed citizen of this township through more than 75 years. He has been an agriculturist all through his active life, but now lives retired, enjoying the ease won by his early industry. The mother of our subject was born in Smith township, about 1820, a daughter of Christopher Ault. Both she and husband are consistent members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Meek has been a life-long Democrat. They are the parents of ten children, namely: Wilmot C., deceased:

Homer H., employed in a store in Trinidad, Colorado; Arlena, the Avife of Edward Welsh, of IMissouri; George C., an undertaker. in Pennsylvania: James H., of this sketch; Anna B., the wife of John P. Hess, of Minnesota; Edward D. and Ella M.. at home; and Theresa and Elizabeth, deceased.

Dr. Meek acquired his primary education at the Oak Ridge district school, and began his medical study under Dr. J. A. Clark, of Glencoe. In 1895 he entered the Ohio j Medical College, from which he graduated j on April 5, 1898. His first location and | practice were at Smithfield. in Jefferson I County, Ohio, where he remained for eight .

months and then came to Glencoe, where he has been established ever since, building up a permanent and satisfactory practice. He is a member of the Belmont County IMedical xA.ssociation, and also belongs to the IMasonic fraternity.

On August 29, 1900, Dr. Meek was married to Lizzie J. Thompson, a daughter of Thomas and Jemima Thompson, who was born in 1870, in Pease township, Belmont County. They had one bright little son, James C., Avho was born on November 5, 1901, but whom they lost on June 7, 1902. Both the Doctor and wife are members of the Methodist Church, and are prominent in social circles.

PETER W. HELPBRINGER, a prosperous farmer and also proprietor of the Helpbringer IMills of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Goshen township in 1846, and is a son of John and Tamzin (Wolf) Helpbringer.

John Helpbringer was born in Frederick County, Virginia, in 1809, and died in 1887. He came to Ohio, first locating in Guernsey County, and subsequently in Goshen township, Belmont County, in 1840. He then moved to Smith township, where he lived almost 40 years. He then lived with his son, Peter W., for three years, after which he made his home at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ramsey, in Mead township, until his death. He was a farmer, and also operated the Helpbringer flour and saw mills for a period of twenty-fiA^e years. He was a Republican in politics, and in religious attachment was a member of the M. E. Church. He Avas united in marriage Avith Tamzin Wolf, a slaughter of Peter and Clarissa Wolf. She Avas born in Frederick County, Virginia, in 1809. and died in 1888. Religiously, she Avas a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To this union Avere born seA^en children: William, Avho liA^es in

Rebecca Ann, wife of Sterling Douglas, residing near Kelsey station. Smith township; John, deceased; Clara Virginia, wife of William E. Devoe, of Smith township; Peter \N.\ and Sarah A., wife of William Ramsay, of Mead township.

Peter \Y. Pfelpbringer is also a miller hy trade and succeeded his father, upon the latter's retirement, as proprietor of the 1 lelphringer mills. lie is also engaged in farming near Glencoe, his home farm consisting of 230 acres of valuable land, and he also owns 80 acres in W^ayne township. His beautiful residence sits on an ele- j vation and commands an excellent view of the surrounding country. He is a man of high principles, a good, loyal citizen, and commands the respect and highest esteem of his fellow men.

united in the bonds of matrimony with Jane Louisa Neff, a daughter of Henry and Matilda Neff, who was born in Smith township in 1850. They are parents of five children, as follows: Henry N., who died in

July, t88i; Adelbert S. ; Clara May; Ralph j E., who died January 26, 1901 ; and James N. { Mrs Helpbringer died February 7, 1901. Re- i ligiously, our subject is a member of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican in politics.

W^TLTTAM BOYD, a well-known farmer of Richland township. Belmont County, | Ohio, who owns one of the most valuable estates in his locality, was born on the same, | in 1842. PTis parents were William and Margaret (McFarland) Boyd, both of whom were born in County Tyrone, Ireland, the former in 1800 and the latter in i8oi. klrs. Boyd accompanied her parents to America when she was \2 years old, and died in 1884.

Mulliam Boyd, Sr., came to the United States in 1823 and located for two years at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he followed j his trade- of weaving. In 1826 he came to j Belmont County to establish himself upon a I farm, selecting the tract which adjoins his son William's property. Flere he reared his large family and engaged in agricultural pursuits through the balance of his active life, dying in 1891. Both he and his wife belonged to the United Presbyterian faith. Their children were as follows: James, deceased; Ann J., the widow of Joseph Mc- Kelvey, lives in Guernsey County; Margaret; Andrew McFarland, a resident of Bellaire; Isabella, deceased, the wife of Thomas Johnson, of Richland township; Katherine; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Thomas Hutchinson; Samuel, deceased; and William, the youngest of nine children.

Mr. Boyd attended the district schools in his locality, and has devoted his life to agriculture. His fine farm comprises 170 acres and is located eight miles south of St. Clairsville, is well improved and well cultivated. In August, 1862, Mr. Boyd enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company B, 126th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under command of Capt. William B. Kirk, and continued in the ranks until overtaken by sickness, in 1863, which caused his honorable discharge at Alexandria, Virginia.

In 1874 Mr. Boyd was married to Emily Brannen, who was born in Mead township in 1853, a daughter of Joseph and Harriet ' (Shahan) Brannen, and they have a family of five chidren, namely: Joseph B., born in

1876; Hattie H., born in i888; Pearl, born in 1890; James E., born in 1892; and Emma M., born in 1896. In political sentiment Mr. Boyd is an active Republican, while in religious association he belongs to the United Presbyterian Church.

JAMES BATTELLE McMILLEN, M. D., a successful young physician of Somerton, Ohio, is rapidly coming to the front in his profession. He was born at Bethesda, Ohio, in 1872, and is a son of Francis and Mary (Scatterday) McMillen.

Rev. Joseph M. Wehrle

Pennsylvania in the person of James, AifcMillen, the grandfather, who was an early pioneer, settling at hrst in Pultney, but lateV in Richland township. In that township the Doctor's parents still live, his father a well preserved man of 77 years, who is a representative farmer of that locality. He supports the Republican party in politics, and he has long been a leading member of the Methodist Church. His wife was a daughter of Euclid and Deborah Scatterday, and was born in Belmont County. She is a valued member of the Methodist Church, and bears well her 70 years. A family of six children was born to these parents, namely, Sansom E., deceased: Euclid S., a manufacturer, at Bethesda; James B., of this sketch: Elizabeth A., and Homer R., at home.

Dr. McMillen attended the Richland township schools and the St. Clairsville High School and then engaged in teaching for a period of five years, in the meantime preparing for medical college. In 1897 he entered Starling Aledical College, at Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with credit in April, 1901. He first entered into a partnership with Dr. J. W. Piper at Bethesda, and later came to Somerton, where he has practiced with success ever since. Dr. McAIillen is well equipped for his profession, pays close attention to it and has gained the confidence of the community.

On June 25, 1902, Dr. McMillen was united in marriage with Alice B. Lentz, who was born in Richland township in 1875, a daughter of Simon and Annie Lentz. Both the Doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist .Church. He is connected with the local orders of Knights of Pythias and Odd Eellows. In politics he is a stanch Republican.

REV. JOSEPH M. AVEHRLE, pastor of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, at Bellaire, Ohio, a scholarly man of quiet tastes and useful life, is a well-beloved resident of

The birth of Lather AA'Thrle took place at Newark, Licking County, Ohio, in 1865. He is a son of Col. Joseph Christian AA'ehrle, who died in 1890, aged 54 years, having been a loyal soldier and a prominent manufacturer of Ohio.

Col. Joseph Christian Wehrle was a native of Prussia, Germany, and came to America a poor boy of 13 years, accompanying his father, who followed the trade of nailsmith and blacksmith. During his youth it was Joseph's duty to peddle the nails which his father made by the old hand process, and this precluded any great amount of schooling. Later he learned the trade of molder, became successful in business and thoroughly identified himself with the interests of his adopted land. At the outbreak of the Civil AAMr he raised a company in Licking County at his own expense, entered the service as its captain (the company being assigned to the 76th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.), received just promotion and served as one of General Sherman's colonels. In Eebruary, 1865, Colonel AA^ehrle married a daughter of IMichael Morath, who at that time was a wealthy brewer, owning the largest brewery in the State of Ohio, or between Pittsburg and St. Louis.

After marriage Colonel AA^ehrle entered the wholesale liquor business, hut later purchased a foundry at Newark, and entered into a partnership with John Moser. Beginning in a small way, they gradually enlarged the business, and needing more land, secured a tract of three or four acres upon Avhich they erected an immense plant and engaged extensively in the manufacture of stoveS and ranges. Later Colonel AA^ehrle purchased Mr. Moser's interest, and the business is now carried on by his two sons, AAhlliam and Augustine. This plant is reputed to have the largest tonnage of any foundry in the countr^^ and employs about 1,000 men. The two sisters of Lather AAAhrle are Mary, a resi-

Centennial History Of- Belmont County

Father W'ehrle was not designed for the ])i'iesthood l)y his father, whose large business interests offered an inviting field for the youth's commercial and wordly advancement. Mis inclinations, however, were toward a religious life from early boyhood, and the unusual development of his mental faculties marked him for a life which the rush and clangor of business would not satisfy. His elementary education was acquired in the parochial schools at Newark, Ohio, and in j8/9 he entered St. Vincent's College at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, graduating there in the commercial department in i88i, being one of 1 1 graduates in a class of 26, the high standard of scholarly excellence demanded by the course not l)eing reached by the others. At this time one of his professors was the present noted Bishop Leo Haid, of North Carolina. It was at his father's request, who desired him to prepare for West Point, that he then entered the classical course at St. \dncent, and although he could not sympathize with his father in the latter's desire for him to adopt a military career, he so applied liimself that he completed the thorough and comprehensive course of five years in three, graduating also at the head of his class in 1884, carrying off the highest honors. One of his well-known classmates was Father Hugh Ewing of Columbus, Ohio. Selecting the seminary, he there completed a course in ])hiloso])hy in 1886, obtaining the degree of -\. B. TIaving finally secured his father's consent. Father Wehrle took up the study of theology in preparation for the priesthood, and two years later' graduated with the degree of M. A., but on account of his age was obliged to defer his ordination several months, this ceremony being performed August 15, 1889, at Newark, Ohio, by Bishop Watterson. He was at once placed in charge of a parish in Scioto County and located at Wheelersburg, where he remained until 1895. The succeeding year was spent in travel abroad, through Germany, France,

Switzerland, Italy, Egypt and Palestine, returning in January, 1896. He was immediately placed in charge of St. John's Parish, at Bellaire, Ohio, which contained at that time 300 families. Since the labors of Father Wehrle began there has been a constant increase, until now the parish has more than 600 families, with a flourishing parochial school.

Few men in business life have attained to more prominence from humble beginnings than did the late Col. Joseph Christian Wehrle, who with ability made a career for himself which reflected credit upon himself, his family and his adopted State. He was an earnest and active member of the Republican party, and his chosen friends were such men as the late ex-President Hayes, Governor Foster and Chief Justice Woods, and was so highly regarded by the lamented President Garfield as to have been tendered by him the position of United States Minister to Germany.

THOMxA,S P. HARRIS, a well known and popular educator of Belmont Gounty, Ohio, is a native son of the State, born in Cadiz in 1845, ^ son of Harmon and Mary G. (Woodrow) Harris.

The Harris family is of Maryland origin, in which State Harmon Harris was born in .1805. In 1836 he moved to Ohio and located in Harrison County, where he followed his trade of shoemaking and became a respected and esteemed citizen. In his political sympathy he was a Republican. For many years prior to his death, in t88i, he was a very active worker in the Methodist Church. His wife, Mary G. Woodrow, was born in 1806, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and died in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1883. She was a woman of high character and a consistent member of the Methodist Church. A family of T2 children was born to these parents, evenly divided as to sons and daughters, as follows: Mary, John, Harmon, Isaac, Sarah, Margaret, William,

Mr. Harris secured an excellent education and he has engaged in teaching all his life, attaining considerable prominence in the profession. He is a graduate of Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio, in the class of 1862. In 1876 he located in Belmont County, and has been a valued teacher in Somerton ever since, a man of progressive ideas, scholarly attainments and most pleasing and urbane manner. Under his care the schools of Somerton have prospered and rank with any in the county under the same conditions. In March, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War in the Signal Corps and served until December, 1864, when he was mustered out of the service. This was one of the very loyal families, three of his brothers also serving in the army - William in the 69th Reg., Ohio V^ol. Inf., Isaac in the nth Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., and Harmon in the 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.

In 1866 Mr. Harris was married to Caroline Butler, who was born in Belmont County in 1848. Four children have been born to this union, namely, Grace, deceased: Essie, the wife of John W. Hobbs of Chicago Heights, Illinois; Martha and Earl. The religious connection of the family has always been with the Methodist Church.

Mr. Harris, in addition to his educational duties, serves as a pension attorney, and is a notary public. He is a man who stands high in public esteem and is one of Somerton's most worthy citizens. He has long been connected with the fraternal order of Knights of Pythias and has held the honorable position of post commander in the Grand Army post at Somerton.

FRANK R. SKINNER, a well-known and successful farmer of Somerset township. Belmont County, was born in this county and locality in 1847, 3- son of Kinsman and Isabel (Eowler) Skinner.

Kinsman Skinner was born in 1813 in Calvert County, Maryland, and died in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1889. In 1835 came here and located in the vicinity of Barnesville, engaging in farming. Air. Skinner was identified with the Democratic party. He was a member of the Methodist Church. His wife, Isabel Fowler, was born in 1814 in Calvert County, Maryland, and died in 1883, beloved in her family and valued in the Alethodist Church. The eight children of this marriage were: Alary Ellen, who resides in Somerton; Elizabeth, who married Richard Skinner; James W., deceased, who was a member of Company C, 60th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in the Civil War; John T., who resides in Somerset township, who was also a member of the same company and regiment; Frank R., of this sketch; Jane, who married Harry Thomas, resides near Lexington, Kentucky; Alinerva, who resides at Somerton, and Hattie, who is the wife of John Hoge, of Barnesville.

The fine farm of Air. Skinner is located on section ii, in Somerset township, and comprises 71 acres of most excellent land, under a fine state of cultivation and well improved. Air. Skinner has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and has been more than usually successful.

On November 30, 1869, Air. Skinner was united in marriage with Hannah Finch, who was born in 1846 in Somerset township, a daughter of William Finch. A family of eight children was born to this union, as follows: Jessie, who married Charles Shaffer, resides in Somerset; Gussie, who married Clyde Buley, cashier in the Belmont Bank, resides in Somerton: Emma, who is a popular teacher: Alabel. who married James

Bromhall, resides in Somerset township; Blanche, who married Dayton Hagan, resides in this township; Clara, who married John Starl)uck, also resides in Somerset townshi]'); Guv P.. who is employed in a wholesale establishment in Columbus, Ohio, and James, who still assists his father.

cratic party. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church, to the support of which Mr. Skinner is a liberal contributor.

JOSEPH K. SHOT WELL, a prosperous merchant and well-known citizen of Somerton, P>elmont County, Ohio, belongs to one of the old established families of Warren township, where he was born in 1835.

'I'homas Shotwell, the father of Joseph K., was Imrn in I/q6 in Creene County, Penns}'lvania, and died in Ohio, September 20, 1878. In 1810 he came to Belmont County with his parents, Titus and Deborah Shotwell, who located in Warren township. They were quiet, industrious people, members of the Society of Eriends, and became prosperous in their new home. Thomas was reared in the Ouaker faith, but lost his birthright membership by marrying out of the Society without permission. Thomas combined farming with shoemaking, and became one of the substantial citizens of Warren township. He belonged to the most aggressive wing of the Abolition party, and did all in his power for the suppression of slavery. He was a most worthy man and died with the respect of the citizens of Somerton, where he had long resided.

The mother of our subject was Eleanor, Brown, daughter of James and Ann Brown, and she rvas born in i/95 in Payette County, Pennsylvania, and died in Ohio in 1873. She was reared in the Presbyterian faith. Mr. and Mrs. Shotwell were the parents of ten children, as follows; Mary Ann, rvho is the widow of Edward S. Barnes, resides in Pitts- Inirg; Susan, who is deceased; Jane, who is also deceased, was the wife of Joshua Barnes of IHrnesville; Eliza E., who is the widow of James Eorvler of Barnesville, Ohio, and now resides in ,St. Clairsville, Ohio; Sarah and Wblliam B., both of whom are deceased; Marian B., who is deceased, was the wdfe of John C. Bolon; Margaret A. and Isaac, both of

Joseph K. Shotwell grew to manhood in Warren township and learned the shoemaking trade under his father, following the same for seven years. In 1865 he embarked in the mercantile business and has practically conducted the same in Somerton ever since. In 1881 he formed a partnership with the late Senator Solomon Hogue, which continued until 1896, since which time he has very successfully carried on the business alone.

In 1868 Mr. Shotwell was married to Arminda Leslie, daughter of Johnson Leslie, her death occurring in the following year. The second marriage of Mr. Shotwell was to Sarah J. Claudy, who was a daughter of Robert and Hannah Claudy; she was born in Temperanceville, Somerset township, in 1841, and died in 1894, leaving two daughters. These are Julia B., who married Dr. W. S. Burcher, and they live in Demos, Belmont County, Ohio, and Mary C., who is her father's capable housekeeper.

Mr. Shotwell, like his respected father, is thoroughly identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he belongs to Somerton Lodge, No. 618, Knights of Pythias.

JOHN A. NEFF, Sr., a prominent farmer and large land holder of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, is well and favorably known as a business man and estimable citizen. The birth of Mr. Neff took place in 1823 in the home in which he now lives, situated four miles southwest of St. Clairsville.

Henry Neff, the father of John A., was born in Allegany County, Maryland, and (.lied in Ohio in 1830 at the age of 51 years. In 18 to he came to Belmont County and located on this farm which his son now owns, - the weH half of section 13, comprising 321 acres. Henry Neff w^as of German descent. He dis])layed his loyalty to his country during the War of 1812, serving during its continuance and being with Hull at the time of his surrender. After the closing of this incident in the country's history, he returned to his farm and resumed agricultural pursuits. He belonged to the Lutheran Churcli, as did his ancestors. In public affairs he took some interest; was a Democrat m politics, and served as constable. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth Blocher, who was born in Cumberland, Maryland, and died in 1879 at the age of 80 years. She also was of German descent, and a consistent and worthy member of the Lutheran Church. These parents had three children, namely. George, John A. and Sarah Jane, - our subject being the only survivor.

Jonn A. Neff worked in youth on his father's farm and attended the country schools and later learned the brickmaking trade. He has put up a number of kilns in the comity and has made the bricks used by his neighbors in building, and also for school houses m tiie vicinity. For many years he has conlined his energies to the operation aiid management of his large estate. In 1851 lie married Elizabeth Giffen, who was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1830, a daughter of Alexander and Mary Giffen, and they liad a family of seven children born to them, the survivors being: Harriet E., who married J. N. Frazier and lives at Martin's Ferry; Albert, who married Martha Girard, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Girard, has five children. Pearl O., Harry A., Dale E., Myrtle E. and John W., and is a blacksmith by trade, engaged also in farming on a place adjoining the homestead, and Emmet M., who resides on the homestead. Mr. Neff and family belong to the Methodist Church. He has been somewhat prominent in township affairs, has very acceptably filled the office of township trustee, and is identified wfith the Democratic party.

Mr. Neff has been identified wfith the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1844. He has served in the capacity of steward, class leader and superintendent of Sunday-school. When Rev. Mr. Foutz was assigned to the Morristown charge he was unable, on account I of failing health, to maintain the attendance of the once-filled church of Morristown. The members gradually drifted into other churches, and in a short time it was evident that some one w'ould have to exert an influence to keep the church together. Mr. Neff, being a class leader, took the matter in hand, held meetings in the Warnock school house, and finally when the latter privilege was denied, those members who had followed his leadership determined to build a church. The present Methodist Episcopal Church building of Warnock was the final result.

JAMES S. WILSON, postmaster of Somerton, BelmontCounty, Ohio, is a well-known and highly respected citizen. He was born in Somerton in 1867, a son of Thomas and Ellen (Strahl) Wilson, the former of whom w^as born in 1829 in Harrison County, Ohio, and now^ finds a pleasant and congenial home W'ith his son.

Thomas Wilson is an honored survivor of the Civil War. In 1846 he came to Belmont County and answ^ered the first call for troops in 1861, enlisting in the 62nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. and faithfully served his country during the progress of the Civil War. He \vas wounded both on face and hands and for gallantry was promoted to the rank of captain. It is a matter of note that his wounds show that his face was to the foe. He has been honored by the local Grand Army post by being made commander. He has held a number of the township offices in the gift of the Republican party and is a highly estimated citizen. His wife, Ellen Strahl, was born in Belmont County, a daughter of Mahlon Strahl, and she died in 1886 at the age of 56 years. Their children were: John W., deceased; Mary, deceased; Jennie; Casper L., with the Pennsylvania Railroad in Bellaire; Dora, the wife of Dr. C. H. Wittenbrook of Woodsfield; Harry E., in business at jMinneapolis, Minn., and James S., of Somerton.

Mr. Wilson, althoug-h still a young man, has become [)rolicient in a number of lines of business. rVfter completing his common school education he learned the stone-mason trade in Somerton, and then spent four years in the creamery business. Following this he accejited a clerkship with the linn of Flogue & Shotwell, and during the hve years of his continuance there learned the principles of storekeeping, which he now puts into pi'actice to some extent, conducting a general store in Somerton. Fie has always ardently supported the Republican party and received the appointment as postmaster of Somerton on August lo, 1897, and was reappointed in January, 1902. Flis service has given the greatest satisfaction to the patrons of the office and he is a much esteemed citizen.

In 1889 Mr. Wilson was married to Belle Pearson, who w'as born in Bellsville, Monroe County, in 1868, a daughter of William and Mary (Jackson) Pearson, also a sister of Flon. A. J. Pearson, of AVoodsfield, Ohio. A daughter was born to this union in 1890, named Nora B. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, like their parents, enjoy membership in the Methodist Church. Mr. Wilson is fraternally connected with the local lodge of Knights of Pythias.

NATFIAN CATER, one of the prominent and successful farmers of Somerset township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of this township, where he w'as born in 1850, a son of John and Sarah (Smith) Cater.

The original home of the Cater family was in Maryland, and there John Cater was born in 1808. He died in 1864 at the age of 56 years. He came to Belmont County when a lad with his parents, his father taking up at that time the 80-acre farm on wdiich Joseph N. Cater now^ resides. John Cater became a prominent and substantial farmer, w^as trustee of the towmship and a strong Whig in his political sympathy. His marriage was to Sarah Smith, who was a native of Pennsylvania and wdio died in 1878 at the age of 70 years. Her parents also moved to Belmont County when she was a child, and she grew to womanhood and married in Belmont County. Our subject's parents were both consistent members of the Methodist Church, and in that faith they reared their nine children, these being; William T., deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Melissa, the wife of William H. Hobbs; John W. and Eliza, deceased; Charles W., deceased, was a member of the 60th Ohio Vol. Inf., and died at Camp Chase of an attack of measles in 1864; Frances E., the wife of O. P. Barnes, of Somerset township; Nathan, of this sketch, and Joseph N.

Mr. Cater owns a fine farm of 135 acres located in section 18, in Somerset township, which he has operated with great success, carrying on a general line of farming and some stock raising. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party, while he is active both in the Masonic fraternity and in the Knights of Pythias.

In 1879 ^1'- Cater was united in marriage with Annette Bishop, who was born in 1850 and is also a native of Ohio. They have one son, Charles W. Both our subject and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Church. They belong to the best class of the citizens of Somerset township and are known for their kind hospitality and sterling qualities.

FRANK S. FdASON, justice of the peace at Bellaire, Ohio, is a man of upright character, and his worth is greatly appreciated by the citizens in his community. Fie is a truehearted, conscientious gentleman, with a good, clean record, and has proved to be an honorable and efficient judge. Flis birth occurred in 1849 near Coal Run, Washington County, Ohio, and there he spent his youthfid days and obtained his scholastic training.

Mr. Mason was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Irena Davis, who is a descendant of one of the oldest families of Washington County. They have a family of four children and reside in their pretty mod- era residence at No. 2629 Belmont street. Onr subject was but a boy when the Civil War broke out, but he nevertheless served eighteen months during the later years as a member of Company F, 63rd O. V. I. He was engaged in various occupations while living in Washington County, among them agricultural pursuits, but in 1881 he removed with his wife and family to Belmont County and chose Bellaire for his permanent home. His first occupation at that city was in coal mining, and this he continued until May, 1887, and at that date embarked in business for himself, setting up a grocery store in the First Ward on Belmont street. His store was well managed and nicely arranged, and he remained in the business until 1891, the year in which he was elected to his present office, justice of the peace.

As a justice he served with such satisfaction to all that he has been re-elected consecutively three times and is now serving his fourth term in that office. Mr. klason has gained an enviable reputation as a pension and claim attorney, and has adjusted several thousand claims since taking up this line of work, in which he has met with more than ordinary success. Fraternally he is a valued member of the G. A. R., Knights of Pythias, Elks, American Mechanics, Turners and the Masonic order.

CARL L. DORER, secretary and treasurer of the C. L. Dorer Eoundry Company, of Bellaire, Ohio, who for many years had charge of the mold-designing department at the Rodefer Glass Works, was born in January, 1854, at Triberg, Baden, Germany, being a son of the late Dr. E. S. Dorer, for many years a prominent physician. Both parents of our subject were also born in Germany, and both are deceased. A brother, William Dorer, the well-known jeweler at Bellaire, learned his trade in Dorchester, England, and opened up his business in Bellaire in 1890.

an excellent mathematical training, and then performed his citizen duty to his country by entering the army at the age of 20 years, serving until he was 23. Erom his youth he had followed the glass business, becoming an expert designer and mold-maker. Securing a furlough of two years from the army, he decided to visit America, and in 1882 came to this country, locating at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he engaged at his craft with Washington Beck for nine months. He then came to Bellaire and was employed by the Rodefer Brothers, and soon after was placed in charge of the mold shops. Later, in association with capitalists of Bellaire, he organized the C. L. Dorer Eoundry Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. He is also the originator of the Enterprise Enamel Company, which was first conducted under the firm name of Dorer & Rossbach for about 18 months, a stock company later being formed in which Mr. Dorer is interested. Other important organizations with which Mr. Dorer is connected are numerous. He is also president of the Octo Gold Company, chartered under the laws of West Virginia, owning and developing a fine prospective mine near Baker City, Oregon, of which company Charles Taney is secretary and treasurer, and J. M. WTeks and T. S. Riley are directors. Mr. Dorer, after a recent visit to and examination of this property, returned filled with enthusiasm for undoubted success in the near future.

Mr. Dorer married Julia Hess, born in Bellaire, Ohio, in i860, being a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Hess, of Bellaire, who are among the pioneers of the city. Eive children have been born to this union, namely: Vera, Carl, Richard, IMollie and Walter. Probably there is no home in the Eastern Ohio Valley more desirable in every way than that occupied by Mr. Dorer and family. It bears the name of Triberg, in honor of Mr. Dorer's birthplace, and is located on the crest of a commanding hill, overlooking the city, outside its corporate limits. Leading to it are steps from the turnpike road, and also a driveway which gracefully winds to the top. One room is the original log cabin, erected on the spot by "Uncle" Jacob Heatherington and Captain Fink in 1846. This building has been covered with the usual building material and added to until there are eight rooms, only the unusually thick walls giving an idea of the inner lining of logs. The surrounding grounds contain about seven acres, and at considerable expense have been finely graded and set out in orchard and vineyard, containing all the ordinary horticultural specimens of the locality. A system of waterworks is supplied from an unfailing spring of pure water above, having a fall of 65 feet, while natural gas piping supplies fuel and light. This is an ideal home, and none in this vicinity can compare with Triberg Orchard.

In political sentiment Mr. Dorer favors the Repulfiican party, while his social connections are with Bellaire Lodge, F. & A. M.; Black Prince Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and the Turners. Mr. Dorer is regarded as one of the representative men of Bellaire, and his support is sought in almost all public and many private enterprises, the good judgment he has shown and the success which he has attained in his own affairs justly inspiring his fellow-citizens with confidence. His genial, pleasant nature has surrounded him with a wide circle of personal friends.

R. L. BOWMAN, cashier of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank of Bellaire, Ohio, a man of marked liberality and public spirit and a prominent and useful resident of Powhatan Point, is a native of the great State of Kentucky, born at the city of Lexington, in Fayette County, in 1863.

The parents of Mr. Bowman were Henry Clay and Lizzie (Reed) Bowman; the former, at the age of 80 years, is still a resident of Kentucky. Avhere the latter died in the summer of 1901, aged 64 years. The Bowman family was originally of Virginia and belonged to the early pioneers in Kentucky, where the grandfather of our subject was born and where he died in 1878 at the age of 96 years. By a former marriage Henry C. Bowman had four children, and seven were born to his second union; the names of the eleven children are as follows: Anna

Belle, who resides at home in Lexington with her sisters, Lou and Sallie, and brothers, Henry Clay, Jr., and William R. ; Robert Lee of this sketch is the sixth member; Bush Hatfield, a resident of Perry, Oklahoma; Florence Stockwell; Andrew Reed, of Lexington; Catherine B. (Mrs. Banks), of Columbus, Georgia, and John B., also of Lexington.

R. L. Bowman is the only member of his family residing in Ohio. He was reared and educated in one of the select homes and excelRnt schools of Lexington, but since the age of 1 5 years has depended upon his own efforts. Mr. Bowman is a young man of superior mental ec[uipment, 'and from being a successful teacher he became instructor in bookkeeping and penmanship at the University of Kentucky. Later he investigated business opportunities in the State of Texas, going there in 1884, and for 10 succeeding years was mainly engaged in the banking Imsiness both at San Antonio and Eagle Pass, filling a position as cashier at the latter place. In 1894 with his wife he came north and located in the pleasant neighborhood of Powhatan Point, where he engaged in farming and cattle raising, accepting his present responsible position in December, 1901.

In 1886 Mr. Bowman married Vene D. Dorsey, a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Potts) Dorsey, the latter of whom was born in 1832 in West Wheeling, Belmont County, but was reared and married in Marshall County, West Virginia, near Moundsville. Michael Dorsey was one of the best known and most active business men in his section of Belmont County, and was born November 17, 1806, at Martin's Ferry, and died October 25, 1897. His parents came from near Baltimore, Maryland, to Belmont County about 1801. Michael engaged extensively in farming and stock raising, also in milling, and at one time owned about 800 acres of land. Since the Civil War he resided at Powhatan Point, and he built the Dover mill on Captina Creek and held the position of postmaster under President Jackson, whose political views he zealously supported through life. Michael Dorsey's children were: Florence, deceased; Cora, the wife of W. C. Bergundthal of Martin's Ferry; Brady, of Dawson City, Alaska, and Vene D. (Mrs. Bowman).

Mr. Bowman has served in a number of offices in the gift of the Democratic party, and he is president of the School Board of Powhatan. Both he and wife are leading members of the Methodist Church and are also prominent socially.

JOFfN T. SKINNER, one of the substantial farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Somerset township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of this township, born here in 1845, is a son of Kinsman Skinner, one of the old residents.

Mr. Skinner was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the common schools of his locality. In all public movements and important matters in Somerset township he has taken an active and prominent part, devoting his life mainly, however, to agricultural interests. On February 27, 1864, Mr. Skinner offered his services in the Civil War, entering Company C, 60th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., at Somerton, and took part in the battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, receiving a gunshot wound at the latter engagement. He was permitted, however, to take part in the grand review at Washington and was mustered out of the service in that city on July 27, 1865. His was a loyal family, his older brother. James Skinner, also serving in the same company, participating in the same serious battles, and died some years after his return home.

After the close of the war Mr. Skinner resumed farming and has met with good success in the raising of sheep and other stock. His farm is well adapted to the production of hue crops and comprises 130 acres in section 15. Mr. Skinner also acts as agent for the Bradley Fertilizer Company, and is a director in the Belmont Insurance Association, having headquarters in Barnesville. This company is one of especial interest to farmers, as it insures farm property and stock.

On November 18, 1869, Mr. Skinner was married to Mary J. Wharton, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah A. (Cater) Wharton. Mrs. Skinner was born September 5, 1842, in Somerset township. She is a most estimable lady and a consistent member of the Methodist Church. The six children born to this union are: Luna, Mella, Violet, the widow of Camm Thomas of Somerton; Herman, a teacher; Lola and Mary.

In politics Mr. Skinner is identified with the Democratic party, and he has faithfully served in a number of the township offices, being trustee, treasurer and assessor, and a member of the Board of Education. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and has been post commander of the G.A.R.

JOHN H. SAMPSON, a well-known and highly esteemed farmer and merchant of Atlas, Somerset township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in 1854 in (West) Virginia, his ancestors having long been prominent in that State.

The father of our subject, George Sampson, was born in Marshall County, West Virginia, and died in Monroe County in April, 1902, at the age of 77 years. In 1862 he came to Barnesville, but a year later removed to Monroe County and there engaged in farming. In his early political life he was identified with the Democratic party, but later affiliated with the Republicans. He married Marjorie Thomas, who was born in Monroe County, Ohio, and who died in 1894 at the age of 72 years. She was a valued member of the Methodist Church. A family of seven children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Sampson, as follows: Rachel, deceased; Ellen, the wife of Joseph Hickenbottom; Elizabeth, the wife of Hugh Williams of Wood County, West Virginia; John H., of this sketch; Susan, the wife of Milton Adams, of Denver, Colorado; Marjorie, the wife of James Sullivan of Belmont County, and Eliza, the wife of George Catcher of Monroe County.

John H. Sampson was reared on a farm and obtained an excellent common school education. Since 1893 he has been engaged in the mercantile business at Atlas and also engages in farming. He is well known as a man of reliability and substance and is active in all movements which promise to be of benefit to his community.

In 1876 he was married to Julia Wells, who was l)orn in Monroe County in 1858, a daughter of Apollo and Sarah Wells. Three children have been born to this union, namely, William F., of Atlas: Ella, the wife of Ray Carter, of Belmont County, and Clyde, who is with his father in the store. Mr. Sampson is an active member of the Republican party. The family belong to the Christian Church.

MILES T. CARNES, the popular grocer and jobber in fruits and vegetables, conducts a store in Bellaire at No. 427 37th street, at the corner of Jefferson street. He \vas born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in September, 1859, and is a son of Jacob and Mary E. (Tiernan) Carnes.

Jacob Carnes was a boy when he moved to Columbiana County with his parents, locating near Wellsville. He followed farming many years, but after his removal to Bridgeport engaged in the grocery business until 1879 or 1880, when he was succeeded in the business by his son. He now resides near Alliance, Ohio. He married Mary E. Tiernan, who was born at Carrollton, Ohio, and died in 1895. To them were born four children, as follows: Miles T., Frank F., who lives near Alliance, Ohio; Mrs. S. P. Wells, who lives near Alliance and with whom her father makes his home, and Mrs. A. C. Branum, of Kirkwood.

Miles T. Carnes was five years old when his parents moved to Wheeling Island, where the soldiers were then camped out, and then went with them to Bridgeport, and from the time he was 1 1 years of age assisted his father in the grocery store, finally succeeding him in 1879 or 1880. He established himself in business in Bellaire in 1886, and in spite of adversity through fires and lack of capital, he has attained a high degree of success. He branched out in the produce business soon after locating here, oftentimes walking to Wheeling to order goods for early sale in Bellaire. For many years during the season from May ist to September 1st of each year he has made trips up the river every Monday and Thursday for produce and has done an extensive business. He does not depend upon the local supply, but buys from Wheeling, Marietta, Pittsburg and Cleveland, and has the reputation of having the first and last goods in season. He has a complete line of staple, but particularly of fancy, groceries, carrying nothing but the finest. He is a man of untiring energy and enterprise, and his fellow citizens value him and his efforts at their true worth.

Mr. Carnes was united in marriage with Amelia Oberman of Wheeling and they have eight children, the four oldest having been born at Bridgeport and the others at Bellaire. They are as follows: Margie, who has conducted the store largely during the absence of her father for the last five years; Mary, who graduated in 1899, was a cadet during 1901 and is now a teacher in the city schools ; J. Will, who was born July 22, 1883, is clerk for the Cleveland & Pittsburg R. R. in the freight office and is making marked advancement; Regina, who is attending school and also assists in the work at the store; Elizabeth, Ross, Roy, deceased, and

Ralph, also deceased. Mr. Carnes is a Republican in politics and has served as councilman from the Fourth Ward. Fraternally he is a member of Black Prince Lodge, K. of P.; is charter member and was trustee of the Lhiiform Rank, K. of P., and a member of the K. O. T. M. of Bridgeport. His wife and children are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has served as trustee and treasurer.

ROBERT W. FARIS, chief clerk at the Bellaire plant of the National Steel Company, was born at Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1859, a son of Joseph A. and Mary E. (Pratt) Paris, who are residents of Wheeling Island, their pleasant home beng located at No. 44 Kentucky street. Joseph Paris was born and reared in Belmont County and has reached the age of 70 years. His wife was born in Wheeling 65 years ago. Mr. Paris followed the trade of marble cutting in his younger years at Wheeling, and served through the war with a fine record as a member of the 1st West Virginia Infantry, but since the close of the Civil War has been employed in portrait painting, being a talented artist. Occasionally he also does a little work at his trade, although feeble health precludes any steady employment.

Robert W. Paris of this sketch is one of the famiy of ten children born to his parents, six of whom still survive, namelv, Joseph A., Jr., who is engaged with the West Virginia Printing Company; Frank M., who is employed in the National Exchange Bank of Wheeling; Ered E., who is a member of the architectural firm of Giesey & Paris, with offices in the Masonic Temple, Wheeling; Thomas H., who is employed in the office of the City Water Board at Wheeling, and Marv E., who resides at home.

Our subject was educated in the Belmont County schools, and his first active work was with the Wheeling Hinge Company, later entering the old Star Foundry, belonging to Mr. Fisher, and there learned the machinist's trade. In 1884 he came to Bellaire and for nine years was employed in the freight office of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company with J. A. Greenfield. Following this service he entered the office of the National Steel Company, and his efficiency moved him from one position to another until he was made chief clerk.

The marriage of Mr. Paris was to Maggie M. Minamyer, a native of Belmont County and a sister to Rev. Albert B. Minamyer, a clergyman of the Presbyterian Church. A family of four sons and two daughters has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Paris, viz., Robert B., Morgan M., Charles N., Frank C., Mary Elizabeth and Mildred L. The family home is located at No. 3245 Washington street, Bellaire, where Mr. Earis takes his greatest comfort and welcomes his friends. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. The religious association of the family is with the Presbyterian Church.

ELISHA B. STEER, a well-known representative farmer of Belmont County, Ohio, residing on his fine farm of 94 acres, located on section 7, range 3, Colerain township, was born on a farm which adjoins his own on the south on June 2, 1850. His parents were Israel and Rebecca (Bracken) Steer, more extended mention of whom will be found in another part of this volume.

Our subject was educated in the local public schools and at IMount Pleasant. Ohio, assisting his father in the latter's farming operations much of the time. When about 25 years of age he began, his own agricultural career and has been very successful, raising the usual products of this locality, making wheat a specialty. In growing this grain Mr. Steer has demonstrated that proper knowledge of soil, seed and fertilizer has much to do with its yield in Ohio, his own being very satisfactory. He has raised over 50 bushels of wheat to the acre, and as this is an unusual yield for Behr.ont County, much credit must

On i\Iay 22, 1876, Mr. Steer was married to Ellen C. Gilbert, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of George and Hannah (Cope) Gilbert, both of whom are deceased, the former dying in 1872. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Steer, as follows; Louisa, wife of Wallis J. Bundy; Alfred G., a graduate of Westtown Friends' Boarding School, who has been for four years with a Philadelphia firm engaged in the sale of dairy machinery; Wilmer L, a graduate of Bliss Business College in 1902, is employed as head bookkeeper for the Belmont Telephone Company of Bridgeport, Ohio, and Alice R. and Florence PL, at home. Mr. Steer has been a prominent factor in educational advancement in his township, serving as school director and promoting educational enterprises to the best of his ability. His interesting family is one to do credit to the county and all are most highly esteemed and all are birthright members of the Society of Friends, of which Mr. Steer is a recognized minister.

Mr. Steer is not only one of the best farmers of Belmont County, but he is highly respected in business and social relationships, lanking with the leading and reliable men of this section.

JOHN R. ROBINSON, who was for many years prominently identified with the steel and iron interests of Wheeling, West Virginia, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1829, and is a son of Henry Robinson.

Henry Robinson was born in England and came to this country as a young man. He was a physician and surgeon by profession and during his lifetime traveled extensively in this country. His wife was born by the River Tweed in Scotland and came to this country during her girlhood.

Pittsburg, where he met the young lady who was to be his wife in after years. He returned to New York and remained until he was nineteen years of age, when he again located in Pittsburg, being married the year following to Sarah Jane Oxley, who was of English-Irish parentage, but born in Scotland. He entered the rolling mill in that city and later continued in that work in Wheeling. He was engaged in the Belmont Mill, then with Norton, Bailey & Company, and later with Bailey, Woodward & Company. He made the first heat of iron ever made in the LaBelle Mills in that city, and later was twice made manager of the plant. He went to Harrisburg, Pa., and managed the Chesapeake Iron Works during 1870 and 1871, then returned to the LaBelle as manager. He bought a farm in Pultney township, Belmont County, Ohio, upon which he located with his family. He continued in the steel business until 1891, since which time he has been retired and has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Cordelia Nelson, of Pultney township.

Mr. Robinson and his wife became parents of ten children, as follows; Janet, George O., Edgar Sutton, Elmer, Irving, Winfield Scott, A'Villiam Wright, Clarence, Cordelia A. and Sadie. Janet married and moved to Mississippi, where she died. George O. was formerly superintendent of tlie Bellaire Brick Works. Edgar Sutton, a Presbyterian minister at Oxford, Ohio, has been in the ministry since 25 years of age, receiving his education at Washington-Jefferson College; he married a daughter of Captain Smith of klead township and has four children, Dora, who is in an educational institution in North Carolina, Alice, who is an artist, Edna and Andrew. Elmer, who was a druggist at Bellaire, married a daughter of Captain Smith; both he and his wife are dead, and their two children, John and Eleanor, reside with their grandfather, Capt. Andrew Smith. Irving died at the age of eight months. Winfield Scott, deceased, was a dentist and practiced for a time at

Edgar A. Berry

Bridgeport, Ohio, and later at Trinidad, Colorado, then returned home and died about 1885. William Wright, secretary of the Elwood Glass Company of Indiana, married a Miss Adams of Belmont County, and they have one child. Clarence is a brick contractor of Bellaire, Ohio. Cordelia A., wife of R. Smiley Nelson, a dairyman of Pultney township, has four children, John Gordon, Sarah G., Estella May and Rachel Elizabeth. Sadie is the wife of Johir Euthey, a dairyman of Mead township, - they have five children, John, Robert, Hannah, Sarah and James. In politics our subject has always been a Republican, casting his finst vote for John C. Eremont. Fraternally he was at one time a member of the I. O. O. F. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

EDGAR A. BERRY, a prominent farmer of Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born on a part of the farm which he now owns and occupies in 1844, and is a representative of one of the old and most respected families of this part of the State.

Thomas Berry, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Belmont County about 1802-03 and located on a portion of what now constitutes one of the largest, as well as one of the most valuable grain, stock and fruit farms of the county. This land in the early days of settlement belonged to Thomas Berry, Horton Howard, Abigail Cope, and Stafford Melton. The children of Thomas Berry were: Cyrus,

Samuel, Jesse, Reece, Jordan, Hannah, Asenath and Eliza. Cyrus lived on a farm in Morgan County for many years. Jordan lived and died on the home farm. The former has been dead for 50 years, and the latter since 1863. In i866 Jesse went to the West.

Reece Beri'y, the father of our subject, was born on his father's farm in 1817. and always resided at the old home, and at the time of his brother Jordan's death purchased the latter's portion of the estate. Reece Berry was a farmer and was also a professional thresher, having one of the best outfits in his locality. His death occurred in 1891, after a useful life in which he had served his township as trustee, and identified himself with the Republican party. His wife, who before marriage was Julia Anna Jobe, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, near Trenton, and also resided at Farmington, in Belmont County. She died in 1894, in her 71st year, most sincerely mourned by friends and neighbors. The three children born to this marriage were: Edgar A., Rachel R., who resides at Colerain, and owns one of the fine farms of Pease township, and Laura B., who is the wife of Theodore Clark, residing in Colerain, and also owning a valuable farm in that township.

Edgar A. Berry was reared and educated in Pease township and has been connected with agricultural pursuits all his life. He owns some 320 acres of land, divided into several farms, 170 being in the home tract, 90 acres in one farm and 60 acres in another, all of them being improved with substantial buildings, fruitful orchards and attractive surroundings. These farms are rented to responsible parties, although Mr. Berry attends to the management of the home place. In 1876 he erected a handsome dwelling house which he remodeled in 1890, making of it a lo-room house, and fitted it in a most comfortable and convenient manner.

In 1876 Mr. Berry was married to Mary A. Dunsran, who was born and reared near Colerain. She was a daughter of B. Elhs and Sarah (Fox) Dungan, both deceased, members of old established families in the county. The four children of this union are: Mamie. Eugene E., Blanche and Ethel. Mr. Berry actively supports the Republican party, and from 1880 to 1888 was its choice for township trustee. His interests in agricultural matters made him a member of the Grange, but he belongs to no other organization. The religious membership of the family is in the Society of Friends. They belong to the most highly esteemed residents of the township.

ami few men are more thoroughly respected or relied upon than Edgar A. Berry. His pleasant home, situated on a bluff overlooking Colerain and a wide extent of country, is not only admired by the family friends for its beautiful location, but also for the kind hospitality and genuine courtesy dispensed under its roof.

J. W. JONES, senior member of the prominent general contracting firm of Jones & McGraw, of Bellaire, Ohio, and one of the leading and representative residents of the city, was born in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, wdiere he was reared to agricultural pursuits and acquired a good common-school education. Coming to Bellaire to select an avocation, he chose that of carriage-making, which he followed for some three years, later entering the planing mill of Carroll & Armstrong. This mill was subsef|uently burned and was replaced by the present mill of DuBois & McCoy. Our sul.)ject worked for a few months in Wheeling for the firm of Armstrong & Cohen, and then entered the firm of DuBois & McCoy in Bellaire and continued there until 1885.

In the latter year Mr. Jones took a trip to the West, making it both a business and social journey, and looked over the country at and in the vicinity of Leavenworth, Kansas, and Platte City, Missouri, but found no attractions in the way of business opportunities to excel those offered by Bellaire, Ohio. Returning to this city, he entered into contracting about 1888 and formed a partnership with J. H. McCraw, the firm being exclusively building contractors, and for the past few years has done more work in that line than all others combined. They constantly employ from 16 to 30 men and on large contracts many more, some of their work being the most extensive and substantial ever done in this citv. Among the handsome and statelv residences which this firm has erected in Bellaire mav be noted those of James T. Kelley, J. C. Tallman, William Siddall and

Harry McDonald. In the building of the Eifth Ward Hose House, the Carroll Building and the remodeling of the Buckeye Building, their work deserved and received universal commendation. This firm erected with very noticeable and creditable celerity the building known as the Columbia Theater, upon which work was commenced December I, and was opened for business early in March, notwithstanding inclement weather during the greater part of the time. The contractors employed in this work as many as 60 men at one time, and its completeness and appearance has done much to still further emphasize their just claim as leading contractors. Another of the attractive examples of the work of the firm is the modern and comfortable residence of Mr. Jones, located at No. 3752 Tallman avenue, in which he has established his business office also.

The marriage of Mr. Jones was to a daughter of ex-Mayor Strahl of Bellaire, and the three children born to this union were Edith, Nellie and Erank. The eldest daughter married William Siddall, who is master mechanic at the steel works; they have one daughter, Ella, and reside on Harrison street in Bellaire. In politics Mr. Jones is identified with the Republican party, and he is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias, Arlington Division, No. 92, Uniform Rank. In religious views he is attached to the Methodist Church. Mr. Jones is widely known in Bellaire, it having been his home since 1873, is held in high esteem as an upright, public spirited man and a leading representative of one of the most important lines of industry in the city.

W. S. BARTON, a very prominent and most highly esteemed citizen of Colerain township, located on section 4, was born on the old Barton homestead in Belmont County on November T2, 1842, a son of Judge Jesse and Catherine (Mulvaney) Barton.

Judge Jesse Barton, for many years an honored magistrate in Belmont County, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on the site which is now occupied by the city of Chester, on Christmas Day, 1804, and came to Belmont County in 1814. He became prominent both in agricultural and political life, and under the old law served as judge from 1844 to 1852, and also served a term of three years as county commissioner. He was the active Democratic leader in Colerain township, and was known all over the county and through the State. His death occurred on August 3, 1887, and his burial was conducted by the Belmont Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he had long been a valued member. His remains lie in the old family cemetery on his farm. He was also active in religious matters, was one of the organizers of the Presbyterian Church at Farmington, and for many years was one of the elders of that body. In 1827 he married Catherine Mulvaney, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1804, and died in February, 1846, aged about 42 years. A family of 12 children were born to Judge Barton and wife, as follows: Abner, John P., James, Abram, Robert, William J., W. S., Nathaniel, Andrew P., Elizabeth, Sarah and Mary. Abner Barton was born January 5, 1828, and died at Gold Valley, Butte County, California, on June 14, 1894, aged 64 years. He was a member of Governor Shannon's party that sailed around Cape Horn in 1848-49 and arrived in San Francisco when but a few houses marked what now is a great and flourishing city. He engaged in mining and ranching. John P. Barton died March 20, 1890, in his 6ist year. James Barton resides in Nebraska. Abram Barton was killed near Harrisville, Ohio, being thrown against a tree by an unmanageable horse. He was a successful teacher. Robert Barton resides on the old homestead. He is a jeweler by trade and was associated with Mr. Bishop, in Wheeling, for a number of years, but has been on the farm for the past 25 years, and with him resides his brother, William. Nathaniel Barton died in

1847, ^ child of four years, and Andrew P. died in 1846, at the age of three months. Elizabeth Hannah was born January 24, 1836, and died September 2, 1888. She married J. W. Moore and left two sons, Jesse and Robert W., the former of whom is a conductor on the Pan Handle road and the latter occupies a similar position on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. She had many friends who deeply mourned her death, an amiable spirit and kind, Christian disposition making her a universal favorite. In her relgious life she became attached to the Congregational Church. Sarah is the widow of Eli Seibert and resides at Harrisville, Ohio, Catherine Mary died December 7, 1870, aged 31 years.

Our subject was educated primarily at the home public schools and completed his education in Philadelphia, after which he joined the geological survey, connected with General McGee, chief government officer, who was establishing the boundaries now accepted as those of the State of Colorado, which occupied three years. He then went to Arkansas and l)ecame connected with the Iron Mountain, Little Rock & Fort Smith Railroad, and was employed as assistant division engineer in the construction of those roads. He operated the first train ever run along the Arkansas Valley. Five adventurous and useful years were passed by Mr. Barton in that locality. About 1873 turned to Belmont County and soon became interested in farming, and has followed agricultural pursuits ever since. He has become one of the prominent, worthy and substantial farmers of the county. With his brothers he owns the land on which the town of Barton stands, which now possesses in the neighborhood of 2,000 residents, is a most excellent coal mining point, the mines being operated by different companies of Pittsburg. The town was named in memory of our sulp'ect's father, by C., L. & W. Railwav Companv, when it was first built.

vor of his party. However, although he may have many political antagonists, there are none to assail his personal character, for few citizens are more generally esteemed.

The hrst marriage of Mr. Barton was to Rebecca J. I-lawthorn, a daughter of David and Margaret (Majors) Hawthorn, on October 15, 1874, and to this union was born one daughter, Mabel H., who is a nurse in the Wheeling Hospital. Her mother died December 21, 1876, at the early age of 24 years. Since her 15th year she had been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and was noted for her modesty and her amia!)le, unselFish disposition. The second marriage of Mr. Barton took place March 6, 1884, to Jennie Cope, a lady of culture and pleasing presence, and a favorite among a large circle of acc[uaintances. She was born in Ohio, a daughter of George and Sallie (Massey) Cope, the former of whom died in 1875, at the age of 55 years, and the latter in 1846, at the age of 48 years. The father belonged to the Hicksite Friends, and the mother to the Presbyterian Church. The}' reared a family of seven children, as follows: Alexis, who resides in East Liverpool, Ohio; Charles, who resides in Sacramento, California; Mrs. Barton, the wife of the subject of this sketch; Albert, who resides near Sacramento; Oliver, who lives in San Francisco; Belle, who married Samuel P. Vickars, of Colerain; and Carrie, who is Mrs. Morris P. Vickars, of the same locality. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Barton were the following: Robert C., Flora Blanche, Jessie

M., Beatrice, and Charles H. Robert C. Barton was born on New Year's Dav, 1886. Flora Blanche was born March 20, 1887, and died November 23, 1891, of membranous croup, her death casting a deep shadow over the lives of those who survived. Jessie M. was born August to, 1888, Beatrice on August T3, 1893, and Charles H. on January 9, T896.

family and its welfare, but also in the neighborhood, and seem to feel a kindly interest in all with whom they are thrown. For years their hospitable home has been a favorite rendezvous for the young people, and here Mr. and Mrs. Barton are as young as the rest, their sympathy with youth and enjoyment of the innocent pleasures making them not only delightful hosts, but also exerting a refining influence upon all. Esteem does not properly represent the feeling entertained for these good people in their neighborhood, for it is a combination of affection and reverence.

The Barton family is of old and honorable ancestry. Its founder, Thomas Barton, came to America from the north of Ireland as early as the beginning of the i8th century. His life had been a seafaring one, commanding his own ship, but he left the water and settled on a farm in the vicinity of Chester, Pennsylvania. Thomas and wife, Sarah, were interred in the Barton Cemetery in Chester. This Thomas Barton was our subject's great-great-great-grandfather. His son, Edward Barton, was born in 1729 and died in 1806. He married Mary Archer, a native of Sweden, and they are both buried at Chester. James Barton owned a tract comprising 700 acres of land in the vicinity of the town of Chester. Of his son, Janies Barton (2), but little is known, except that he had a son, Abner, who became our subject's grandfather. Abner Barton came to Belmont County, Ohio, in the early part of the 19th century, and his farm was the one which required the first deed recorded in Belmont County, and the record may still be read, on page i, volume A, its location being described as a part of section 24 and a part of section 19, in Colerain township, Belmont County. Abner Barton died December 26, 1827, at the age of 70 years. His wife, Sarah Pyle, survived until April 27, 1863, lacking but a few days of completing a century of life.

ALEXANDER NEEE, who has extensive business interests in Pultney township, Belmont County, Ohio, is also largely engaged in agricultural pursuits, being located on a fine farm near Neff's siding and post office. Lie is a native of this township, the date of his birth being Eebruary ii, 1848, and is a son of Andrew and Jane (Alexander) Neff.