BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

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ALLEN BAILEY,  a progressive farmer and dairyman, of Warren township, Belmont Co., Ohio, is also one of the county's most substantial and reliable citizens, highly esteemed for his integrity wherever known.      The birth of Allen Bailey took place on June 11, 1859, in Goshen township, Belmont Co. one of the seven children born to Jesse and Asenath (Patterson) Bailey, three of whom still survive.  Our subject was reared and educated in Goshen township and still owns a valuable farm of 100 acres in that township.  Since 1889 he has resided in Warren township and here owns a farm of 150 acres, devoting much attention to dairying interests, in connection with extensive farming.      The marriage of Mr. Bailey took place in 1880, to Eva L. Patterson, a daughter of David Patterson, a carpenter by trade, and a member of one of the highly respected county families.  The children born to this marriage are: Ethel E., Clifford J., Ernest D., Edna A., Mary A., Dorothy and George Wilson.  Our subject and family are all members of the Society of Friends.  For several years Mr. Bailey has served on the School Board, and belongs to the Grange, taking a deep interest in the movement.  His political opinions make his vote an independent one, bound by no party tie.  His Warren township farm is the one formerly owned by Hon. William Bundy, and is known to be one of the most valuable in this part of the county.  Mr. Bailey, as previously mentioned, is a man who is held in the highest esteem, and ahs a wide circle of friends. ~ Page 478 - History of Belmont Co., Ohio - Publ. 1903

LINDLEY P. BAILEY.  The dairy interests are important ones in Belmont County, Ohio, where natural conditions are so favorable to success, and intelligent operators engage in the industry.  Dairies and creameries are found in every township, but very few of them reach the high standard demanded by the critical and fastidious public.  The Belmont Stock Farm Dairy fulfills every condition and is owned and operated by Lindley P. Bailey, a prominent dairyman, who is also well known as a breeder of fine, Jersey cattle, and who is the able president of the Ohio Dairymen's Association.      The birth of Mr. Bailey occurred on March 8, 1850, in Goshen township, Belmont County, one of seven children born to Jesse and Asenath (Patterson) Bailey, three of whom survive.  Jesse Bailey was also born in Belmont County, a son of Jesse, who was a native of North Carolina.  The Bailey family has been noted for its agricultural success and its members have belonged to Belmont County's best class of citizens.  Jesse Bailey spent his whole class of citizens.  Jesse Bailey spent his whole life as a farmer and reaped ample results from his excellent methods and intelligent management.  In the country schools of his locality, Mr. Bailey was given his elementary education, which was supplemented by attendance at the Friends' Boarding School, at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio.  After seven years devoted to teaching, during which time he gave much intelligent attention to agricultural matters.  Mr. Bailey decided to follow the family vocation and become a farmer.  After making a successful trial on rented land, he went into debt for a tract of 66 acres of good land, gave it close attention, put into practice modern methods, and prospered from the very first, gradually adding to his possessions until he now owns 240 acres of choice Belmont County land, with excellent improvements and fine, modern buildings.      In 1881 Mr. Bailey made his first experiment with Jersey cattle, trading a threshing machine for his first herd, and has succeeded far beyond the average, although he has met with some reverses, as is the case in almost every kind of business, in 1885, losing about $3,000 in shipping.  In 1888 he erected his present creamery, at a cost of $1,00, and this establishment has gained a wide reputation for the quality of its products, manufactured under the careful eye of its owner, with the assistance of one expert and four helpers.  Between 60 and 70 head of cows contribute the milk supply.  Believing in the advantages that supply.  Believing in the advantages that accrue from concentration of effort, Mr. Bailey has devoted most of his energies, in the past 20 years, to the development and improvement of Jersey cattle and to securing excellence in dairy products, and it is his opinion that the future of satisfactory dairying lies entirely in intelligent education in this line.  He would have this improvement begin in the stable and continue until the finished product is served to the public, and believes that then and only then, will the public know the perfection which may be attained.  Most necessary adjuncts are cleanliness, intelligence and honesty, in combination with the modern machinery which must be in use wherever quality is a necessity to success.  In his own establishment, Mr. Bailey has spared no expense, has placed expensive machines with skilled labor, and the patrons of the Belmont Stock Farm Dairy may feel assured that its milk has been Pasteurized and rendered wholly healthful and o the finest flavor.  Mr. Bailey obtains a large supply of his milk from his own carefully tended herd and those of his neighbors who comply with the sanitary requirements demanded, and care and feed their cows as science has determined will produce healthful milk.  The large product of this creamery, during the winter season, all goes to the McJunkin Straight Dairy Co., of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, who are extensive retailers, supplying the leading families of that city.      Mr. Bailey has been so prominently identified with the dairy interests of Ohio, that scarcely any leading organization or journal has failed to give him credit.  Prior to becoming president of the Ohio Dairymen's Association, he served as secretary and treasurer for a long period, and in 1898 was made special dairy inspector of the State under J. E. Blackburn and Governor Bushnell.  In 1893 he was a director in the American Jersey Cattle Club, few men in the county or State having a more complete and exhaustive knowledge of Jersey cattle.  In 1896 Mr. Bailey held his last annual sale of Jersey cattle, this being the ninth occasion.  The Belmont Stock Farm is located one and one-half miles from Barnesville on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and these sales were always largely attended, dealers realizing that here could be obtained superior cattle, and having every assurance that only honest methods would be employed in their disposal.  It has been our subject's aim to produce a dairy animal, which, by proper and careful attention, will produce the greatest yield of milk and butter, while adding nothing to its expense.  This is practical.      In July, 1871, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage with Elizabeth Stanton, daughter of Joseph Stanton, of Belmont County, and six children were born to this union, namely:  Edwin M., Oscar J., Anna M., Alva C., Clara and Jesse S.  Edwin M. married Lillian Doudna, a daughter of J. W. Doudna, and operates a modern creamery at Pittsburg.  Oscar J. married Mary A. Bracken, daughter of Lindley Bracken, of Belmont County, and conducts a creamery business in Wheeling, West Virginia.  Anna M. married Clarence Patton, of Iowa.  Alva C. married Laura Steer, a daughter of Nathan Steer and in association with his father conducts a dairy business at Spencer.  Although Mr. Bailey did nothing to influence his sons in their choice of career, when the choice was made, he assisted them in thoroughly perfecting themselves in the details of the business, sending two of them to the dairy school conducted at Madison, Wisconsin, and the third to a similar school in Ohio.  The family belongs to the Society of Friends, and all its members are thoroughly respected members of the community.  In political association, Mr. Bailey is a Republican, but has neer consented to accept any office except that of school director, although particularly well fitted to discharge the duties of almost any office.  His large business enterprises and his absorption in his business, whereby he has attained such success, have precluded activity in other lines. ~ Page 586 - History of Belmont Co., Ohio - Publ. 1903

SILAS BAILEY, one of the large farmers and successful stock raisers of Belmont County, Ohio, belongs to one of the old-settled families of the county, one whose members have been among the prominent citizens for many years.       Silas Bailey was born in 1839 in Warren township, Belmont County, a son of Jesse, who was born in 1814 in Warren township and died in 1898, aged 84 years.  He was a son of Jesse Bailey, who came as a pioneer from North Carolina and located in Warren township, taking up land on which both he and his son Jesse followed farming.  The mother of our subject was Asenath Patterson, born in 1818 in Warren township, a daughter of Silas and Rachel (Starbuck) Patterson, who had migrated to Belmont County at an early day form Loudoun County, Virginia, and settled in Goshen township.  The names of the brothers and sisters of the father were:  Edmund, Uriah, Mary and Matilda, and on the maternal side they were:  George, Nathan and Elizabeth, the last named dying at the age of 87 years in 1901.  Silas is the eldest of his parents' children, the others being: John, deceased; L. P.; Sarah Elizabeth, who died in young womanhood; Allen; Jane, who died young and an infant, deceased.      At the age of 12 years Mr. Bailey left Warren township, securing his education in the public schools.  When he reached maturity he located on a farm near his present home and for 15 years was very actively and successfully engaged in the buying, selling and raising of stock, handling a very large amount annually.  His well-improved farm of 240 acres is located three and one-half miles southeast of Barnesville, and he devotes it principally to stock and he has much more than a local reputation for fine speciments.      Mr. Bailey is a stanch Republican and has been quite prominent in the political movements of his party in Belmont County, and has been the efficient holder of a number of the responsible offices.  In 1890 he was made land appraiser, and in January, 1891, he was elected county commissioner, receiving 2,750 majority in the election, the largest ever received by any candidate.  He held the office for six years and nine months, until September 20, 1898, giving his undivided attention to it during this time.      In 1863 Mr. Bailey was married to Ann Elizabeth Bolon, born in 1843 in Belmont County, a daughter of Stephen G. Bolon, one of the early settlers.  The children born to this union were: Sarah Olive married William Boyd, a farmer in Warren township; Cora married F. D. Howell, of Barnesville, mail agent between Wheeling and Chicago, and they have two children, Doris and Raymond; Lemuel L., a resident of Warren township, married Barbara Emerson and they have children, - Willard and James; Delbert assists his father and resides at home; Ross resides on the old homestead of Jesse Bailey, in Goshen township, married Hattie Bingham, and they have children, - Helen and Mildred; Campsie has been a teacher for the past five years, and is now teaching in Barnesville, Ohio; Nora has been a teacher for the past three years; Dallas S., who is a student in telegraphy at Oberlin College; and Agnes and Franklin, who are deceased.      Mr. Bailey is liberal in his religious views, but was reared a Friend.  He is a man of most genial presence, frank and hospitable and enjoys public esteem ~ Page 702 - History of Belmont Co., Ohio - Publ. 1903

WILLIAM H. BARLOW, proprietor of the Barnesville Cigar Company, is one of the leading business men of Barnesville, Ohio, having been identified with a number of its industries, and an important factor in the development of the city's resources. He is a son of Amos and Martha (Hunt) Barlow. Amos Barlow is one of the old, representative, business men of Barnesville, who is spending his declining years in comfortable retirement.      William H. Barlow acquired a good, common-school education, and at the age of 25 years embarked in the box manufacturing business, in which he continued until 1898. At that time he engaged in the cigar business, but retained his interest in the box concern until 1902, when he disposed of it to his brother-in-law, Mr. Wise. That business is now conducted under the firm style of Wise & Dewees.      The Barnesville Cigar Company is the largest institution of its kind in the city, and one of the largest in the county. Mr. Barlow carries a stock worth $10,000, and manufactures high grade stogies, mould, hand made, long filler, Havana seed and Little Dutch cigars, pouch goods and private brands. In connection with the manufacturing plant, Mr. Barlow has a retail store. He conducts the business on lines which have gained both the custom of the public and the confidence of the trade. In 1902 he opened up a first-class fancy grocery, in partnership with N. W. Bastain. This enterprise also promises to be a success, under the able management of Mr. Barlow.      On December 23, 1898, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Bertha Moore, the accomplished daughter of Samuel Moore, of Barnesville, and one bright, little son, Arthur, has been born to their union. Mr. Barlow and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Church, and are prominent in social circles. Politically, the former affiliates with the Republican party, while his fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows, of Barnesville, and the Elks, Lodge No. 28, of Wheeling.

JAMES MITCHELL BLACKFORD, M. D.  Among the prominent men of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, who stand high in professional and social life, is Dr. James Mitchell Blackford, who was born in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio, on Jan. 24, 1837, a son of Joseph and Isabella (Latimer) Blackford.      Joseph Blackford was a son of Robert Blackford who served as a soldier in the War of 1812 and whose wife was given a pension after his death, in 1832, in this county, of Asiatic cholera.  Joseph Blackford settled on his farm which he purchased in 132, and lived there until his death, which occurred in Feb. 29, 1880, when over 82 years of age, his birth having taken place in Ohio County, (West) Virginia, in 1797.  He was a leading man in his township and most prominent in the Presbyterian Church, a charter member of the church in Martin's Ferry, having previously been an elder in the church at Mount Pleasant in Jefferson County.  For 35 years he was an elder in the Martin's Ferry church and one of its most substantial members and strong supporters.  Mr. Blackford was for many years a stanch Democrat, but his attitude in regard to temperance laws made him an early member of the Prohibition party.  His farming was carried on in the days when the rule of the neighborhood in which he lived, was to supply his assistants during the heavy summer work with intoxicants; he, however, after noting the effect would not observe the custom and took a firm stand against it.  In this he was seconded by his friend and neighbor, Joshua Steele, a worthy Quaker, and they were the first men to succeed in having their harvesting done without the dispensation of whisky.  It was probably due to the high personal character of these two men that so little trouble arose when they thus dared custom and public opinion, but they succeeded by their firmness in checking a growing evil, and finally turning the tide in favor of temperance.  A brother of Joseph Blackford, Robert by name, located on a farm in Pease township in 1841, and lived a quiet, unassuming life, was known as an excellent blacksmith and exemplary citizen.  He died in 1891, at the age of 79 years.  His son Josiah, fell into the hands of the enemy at the battle of Chickamauga and his fate was never learned.      The mother of our subject was a daughter of William Latimer and was born in 1805, the youngest of a family of eight children, all of whom have passed away.  In 1800 William Latimer came with John Wiley, from Pennsylvania, and settled on adjoining sections of land in Belmont County on what is now known as the Colerain Pike.  One son of Mr. Latimer named William was killed in the War of 1812.  Mrs. Blackford died at the age of 66 years.  She was long a member of the Presbyterian Church.  A family of six sons was born to Joseph Blackford and wife, namely:  William H., deceased, who farmed the old homestead, died Sept. 14, 1902, aged 75; Rev. Alexander Latimer, D. D., who for 30 years was a missionary in Brazil, died during a visit to the United States in 1890 of yellow fever at Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 62 years; Rev. Robert Allen, who was a minister for 13 years at Clarksburg, West Virginia, and died in 1896; Rev. John H., a Presbyterian minister for many years, and has been stationed since 1897, at Slatelick, Pennsylvania; Dr. James Mitchell, who is the subject of this biography; and Joseph Anderson who died at the age of eight years.  All of these sons that grew to maturity have become prominent in professional life, testifying in the strongest degree the tendency given by early moral surroundings.      Dr. Blackford acquired his literary education at Miller Academy, and later pursued a higher course at Vermilion Institute.  His preceptor in medicine was that eminent physician.  Dr. John Campbell, of Uniontown, Ohio, of whom Dr. John Cook, formerly of Bridgeport, was also a pupil.  Dr. Blackford still further pursued his studies at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, and completed his course at Starling Medical College, at Columbus, in 1865.  He began practice at Morristown, Ohio, removing in 1873 to Martin's Ferry, thus being the second oldest practitioner in this city, being preceded by Dr. Williams.  Dr. Blackford has always held a large practice, his learning and skill making him prominent through the county and a very valued member of the Belmont County Medical Society, of which he has served as president.  He is a ready writer as well as deep thinker and his contributions to medical journals have been regarded as worthy of extended notice and discussion.  He has been the medical examiner for insurance companies and has been health officer a number of times.  No more judicious selection could be made on the School Bard than Dr. Blackford, as his interests have always been engaged in the cause of education, and he has served for six years.  While Dr. Blackford is a close student and careful observer in his own profession, and an interested promoter of civic progress, he takes no active part in politics, being only concerned that the most capable men be elected.      On Jan. 16, 1866, Dr. Blackford was married to Catherine Reid, who was born in Ireland, coming to the United States at the age of ten years.  She is one of ten living children and the eldest born to her parents.      The four children born to Dr. and Mrs. Blackford were:  Robert A., Mary R., Joseph E. and John Latimer, the last named dying at the age of five years.  Robert A. graduated from Washington and Jefferson College, in 1889 and from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in the class of 1899, also from Washington College in 1899, then taught two years in the grammar schools of Martin's Ferry and for three years was principal of the High School, served for two years as physician of an insane asylum, at Warren, Pennsylvania, and one year at the hospital at Pottstown, in the same State, and is now permanently located in practice with our subject.  Joseph E. has been for the past 10 years the Martin's Ferry correspondent of the Wheeling News; he married Anna Bell Hobbs and their two children were named Edward, who died at the age of five years, and Kathryne.  Mr. Blackford is regarded as a rising man in the newspaper profession.      Dr. Blackford is an elder in the United Presbyterian Church and his two eldest children are also members.  The family is one of the most highly regarded in the social circles of Martin's Ferry and its head enjoys universal esteem.

JACOB BONEYSTEELE, proprietor of the only artificial ice factory in Bellaire, Ohio, has a plant of some magnitude on the corner of 23rd and Union streets, which has a capacity of 35 tons daily.  Mr. Boneysteele first engaged in the manufacture of ice in 1885, when he entered into a partnership for that purpose with William Bridenstein.  The latter retired from business in 1891 and our subject then became sole proprietor.  He erected the present plant, which was increased to its present capacity in 1901, and employs 13 regular men, running three delivery wagons.  His office is No. 209 23rd street, and he does a large amount of business.      Mr. Boneysteele was born near Pittsburg in 1852, and previous to engaging in the manufacture of ice learned the glass-blower's trade, and followed that line of work for a number of years with the National Glass Company of Bellaire.  He also served several years as manager for that company.  His marriage with Katie Baggs, who is a native of the Mountain State but who has lived in Belmont County since 1872, took place at Bridgeport, and they have four children, namely, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jacob and Park.  The family residence is situated at No. 215 23rd street.  The religious views of the family are varied:  our subject favors the German Lutheran Church; his wife, the Methodist Episcopal; his eldest daughter, the Episcopal; and the other three children, the Presbyterian.      Politically, Mr. Boneysteele is a Republican, and has served six years as a member of the City Council from the First Ward.  Socially, he is allied with the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and Wheeling Lodge No. 424, Knights of Honor.  He has been decidedly successful in his business ventures and now possesses considerable real estate in Bellaire.  In addition, he has invested largely in various public enterprises, among them the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, in which he is a stockholder.  He was a stockholder in the Star Glass Company, and was a stockholder in the Ohio Valley Glass Company, of Bridgeport, Ohio, of which he was manager, this firm manufactures bottles and fruit jars.  He is a stockholder in the Enameled Steel Tile Company, of Bellaire, Ohio.

NATHAN M. BOSWELL, of the well-known marble and granite firm of Colpitts & Boswell, in the thriving city of Barnesville, Ohio, has been connected with this industry for years. Its junior member has done his share in establishing its present high reputation. The firm does a larger business than any other of its kind in the Ohio Valley.      Mr. Boswell was born June 9, 1864, and comes of one of the pioneer families of Barnesville, where he has spent the greater part of his life. His father, William Boswell, born April 16, 1819, saw the place grow from a wilderness to a prosperous and flourishing village. He was reared in Belmont County, where upon reaching manhood he engaged in agriculture. He continued thus throughout his active career. He was an honest and hard working man, and won the respect and confidence of all who knew him. He made his home in the county until he died, in December, 1891. During his early manhood he married Hannah Briggs, and they had five children. Mrs. Boswell survived her husband two years, dying in 1893.      Nathan M. Boswell received the ordinary rearing of a farm boy, attended the district schools for a few months each year, and put in his spare time in hard manual labor. Upon reaching manhood he became interested in the marble and granite industry conducted by Colpitts Brothers, and established as early as 1875. August 12, 1887, he purchased a half interest in the business, and has since worked strenuously for its success. The firm attends not only to the cutting and preparing of marble and granite monuments, but also to the making of statuary, and in both lines has established an enviable reputation in point of excellence. It has always been noted for square dealing and honesty, and is held in the highest estimation wherever it is known.      In June, 1894, Mr. Boswell married Delia Burson, daughter of James Burson, a prominent agriculturist, and they have had two children, Leah L. and William. The family occupy a high position socially, and belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Boswell has always evinced a keen interest in public affairs, and as a Republican is influential in politics.

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 seventy-eight 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 (Powell) Hutchison. They have five children, namely: George O., who was born in 1881, and is now a school teacher; Claire C, horn in 1883, is in the store with his father; Lela M., born in 1890; Edna F., horn 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. M., of Morris-town. He is a Republican in politics.

WILLIAM 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. His parents were William and Margaret (McFarland) Boyd, both of whom were born in County Tyrone. Ireland, the former in 1800 and the latter in 1801 Mrs. Boyd accompanied her parents to America when she was 12 years old. and died in 1884.      William Boyd. Sr., came to the United States in 1823 and located for two years at Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade of weaving. In 1826 he came to Belmont County to establish himself upon a farm, selecting the tract which adjoins his son William's property. Here 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 McKelvey, 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 children, namely: Joseph B., born in 1876; Hattie H., born in 1888; 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.

JOHN BRADFIELD was, for a long period, a resident of Barnesville, Ohio, and was ever in the foreground of its business life. In the matter of public improvements, he probably left a greater impress upon the city than any other person who has ever made it his home.      The birth of John Bradfield occurred in Yorkshire, England, in 1813, and in 1827 he accompanied his parents, John and Isabella Bradfield, to the United States. The little family remained for a short time in Baltimore, Maryland, but it was the father's intention to engage in farming, and with this object in view a suitable location was found in Belmont County, Ohio, within four miles of the growing town of Barnesville. Although he was ambitious to learn, he enjoyed few early advantages. His superior mental acquirements, so noticeable in after years, were gained through much reading and association with the world. Until 1838, he remained on the farm and then first engaged in the buying and shipping of tobacco. His initial ventures proved profitable, and with continued success he remained in the business for the three succeeding years. Then, with his ambition stimulated by enlarged opportunities, he conceived and carried out the idea of buying out the large firm of James Barnes & Sons, general merchants, and thus entered upon a business career in Barnesville, which resulted in the legitimate accumulation of a large fortune. From time to time his sons were admitted to partnership, and the business was still further expanded, until the name of Bradfield became one of the leading ones in the tobacco trade throughout the State, and far beyond. After an honorable business career of more than 50 years, Mr. Bradfield retired from active labors in 1889, resigning his large interests to his capable sons, who have followed his business methods, as they have been the fortunate inheritors of much of his sagacity.      John Bradfield, during his busiest years, however, was constantly keeping in mind the development of Barnesville, and, as he was gifted with that foresight which enabled him to comprehend its needs fully, devoted himself, with his wealth and influence, in a public-spirited manner, to meet them. The First National Bank will long be a monument to his public interest and business enterprise. From the time of its organization, in 1864, until 1875, he was its president, and retired then on account of the pressure of other enterprises. This bank, in connection with the mercantile firm of which he was the head, built one of the finest business blocks to be found in any city of equal size in the State, and this will stand as another monument to his public spirit. Both gas and electric lighting received his attention, and with his influential backing became accomplished facts in Barnesville, contributing to its general prosperity. For many years he was the president of the gas company, retaining that office until his decease, at which time the company was under contract to furnish electric light for the city.      Mr. Bradfield was a man of business and not a politician, declining the flattering offers made to him, although few men were better equipped to hold positions of public responsibility. Mr. Bradfield lived an active life that brought him prominence, but it was in the line of business. He was ever a generous contributor to the various educational and charitable enterprises of Barnesville, and so employed his wealth that his name is recalled by his fellow citizens with feelings of the deepest esteem and veneration. In 1843, Mr. Bradfield was united in marriage with Eliza Anna Shannon, who was a daughter of Thomas Shannon, and a niece of ex-Governor Shannon. To this union were born nine children, six of whom are prominent in the highest social circles of this city; Thomas and John W. Bradfield, widely-known merchants; G. E. Bradfield, cashier of the First National Bank; Charles Bradfield, a bookkeeper in the same institution; Mrs. Otho P. Norris, wife of the cashier of the People's National Bank; and Mrs. A. Rogers, wife of a prominent lumber dealer. All of these are most highly respected residents of Barnesville. The mother of this family passed away in 1889.      Although so much of his time was necessarily devoted to his great business, Mr Bradfield never forgot the needs of the Presbyterian Church, of which both he and wife were devoted members. From its first beginnings, he was one of its supporters and was always ready with time, influence and means, to promote its good work. In the death of Mr. Bradfield, on October 10, 1893, the city of Barnesville parted with one of its most substantial, useful and prominent citizens.

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