BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

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CARTER BROTHERS is a leading firm of Bellaire, Ohio, in the wholesale and retail line, dealing in grain, hay, feed and seeds, and having commodious quarters at No, 3454 Belmont street.  The firm is composed of Robert J. and William H. Carter, who are equally active in the management of the business, which was established in July, 1892.  They are practically the only seed dealers in the county, and carry a complete assortment.  Their attitude to the trade is cordial and friendly, while they maintain excellent relations with the public generally, their methods as well as the quality of their goods having gained them this satisfactory standing.      In 1900 they erected the present large building, which covers a lot 33 by 120 feet and is three-stories in height.  Two hands are employed and a number of teams are needed for delivering and hauling.  The business has made a very prosperous advance during the years since it was started, and is the largest as well as the most reliable in this locality      William H. Carter was born in 1853, in Wheeling, (West) Virginia, a son of John Carter, who, with his wife, came from County Meath, Ireland, about 1850, locating first at Wheeling.  Robert J. Carter was born in 1864 at Bellaire, where his father, John Carter, was an early brick manufacturer, his plant occupying the present site of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railway depot.  the one living daughter born to Mr. Carter is Mrs. Annie Carrick, the widow of M. J. Carrick, - she resides in Bellaire.      The Carter brothers first engaged in the manufacture of brick, with their father, after they had finished the common school course, and later established and conducted for five years, from 1887 to 1892, the Carter Dairy, disposing of the same upon entering into their present enterprise.  Both are yet unmarried and reside in pleasant apartments on the upper floors of their building.  In politics they are Democrats, but pay much more attention to the proper and successful conduct of their business than they do to political activity.  They were reared in the Roman Catholic Church and are regular in their attendance upon its services.  Both are solid, sensible, reliable businessmen, whose success means just so much more prosperity to their city, as they are interested in all that assists in its growth and development. (Page 462)

ISAAC N. CECIL, president of the City Council of Martin's Ferry and a substantial, prominent and representative citizen, was born in Marshall County, West Virginia, July 15, 1867. The parents of Mr. Cecil were Morrison and Mary (Wade) Cecil, the former of whom was born October 10, 1820, in Marshall County, and the latter in Wheeling. (West) Virginia. The occupation of Morrison Cecil was farming, and in 1884 he located in Martin's Ferry and for two years cultivated a part of the J. W. Seward farm. During the period of the Civil War he only participated in the struggle as a civilian. His religious interest was in the Methodist Church, which he liberally supported until his death, which occurred February 21, 1888. His wife survives him, aged about 61 years, and is a valued member of the Methodist Church and a respected and esteemed resident of Martin's Ferry. The first marriage of Morrison Cecil was with Jane Manning, and 13 children were born to this union, six of whom still survive. Nine children were born to the second marriage of Mr. Cecil, the names of those who survived infancy being as follows: Henry T., who is a resident of Martin's Ferry, employed in the sheet mill; James A., who is also employed in the sheet mill; Isaac N., of this sketch; Cora, who died at the age of 14 years; R. M., who is employed in the sheet mill; Rebecca (Mrs. Fred Eberling), of Martin's Ferry; Jeanette, who resides at home, and Hester, who died at the age of 19 months.      Isaac N. Cecil acquired his education in the country schools, and through boyhood assisted on the farm. His independent career began with a clerkship in a store at Marion, West Virginia, where he remained for three years. In 1886 he moved to Martin's Ferry, where he entered the rolling mill connected with the American Sheet Steel Company's Aetna plant, finishing his trade as sheet roller in 1892, since which time he has followed it.      Ever since attaining his majority, Mr. Cecil has been actively interested in politics and has been prominently identified with the Republican party. In 1899 he was elected to the City Council, was re-elected in 1901, and the value of his services was recognized by his election as president of the Council in 1902. Mr. Cecil is an influential member of the various committees and displays commendable zeal in pushing those enterprises which he feels confident will benefit the community.      On December 22, 1889. Mr. Cecil was united in marriage with Mary Davis, a native of Monmouthshire. England, born July 22, 1870, who came with her parents to America when  11 years of age. She was a daughter of Alfred and Charlotte Davis, the former of whom died January 15, 1901, at the age of 63 years. Alfred Davis was a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Davis is an honored resident of Aetnaville, and a devoted member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Mrs. Cecil was one of a family of eight children, their names being as follows: Bessie, who married William Davis, died at the age of 32 years; William and Alfred, both employees of the rolling mill, reside at Martin's Ferry; Mary became Mrs. Cecil; Alberta married David Lewis, an employee in the rolling mill; Anna, who married Albert Haines, resides at Homestead, Pennsylvania; Lillie married W. A. Clark, a mill employee, and Augustus, who also is employed in the rolling mill in Martin's Ferry. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cecil, four of whom survive, namely: Clyde M., Alma B., Isaac N., Jr., and Alfred D.   Little Anna H., born Sept. 10, 1896, died June 26, 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Cecil are members of the Methodist Church.      Fraternally, Mr. Cecil belongs to the Uniform Rank, K. of P.; to the I. O. O. F., and also to the Vigilant Hose Company, extended mention of which organization will be found on another page. Mr. Cecil has in many ways proved himself a useful citizen of Martin's Ferry. He belongs to the optimistic school and is confident that a great future awaits the city. If such be the case, Mr. Cecil will be no small factor in its accomplishment.

WILLIAM O. CHAPPELL, one of the younger members of the Belmont County bar, was born in Boston, Belmont County, Ohio, December 8, 1873.  He was one in a family of four children of Joseph and Melissa A. (John) Chappel.      Joseph W. Chappel is one of the substantial citizens of Barnesville, where he was long engaged as a merchant and insurance agent.  He was born in 1849, and is still a resident of Barnesville, where he and wife are much esteemed.      William O. Chappell attended the public schools, and subsequently pursued a course in the Batesville (Ohio) Normal School.  At the age of 18 years he began to put his education to practical use by engaging in teaching, which he continued for two years.  Subsequently he went into the insurance business and began the study of law, under the careful tutelage of Attorney George A. Colpitts, of Barnesville.  He was admitted to the bar of Belmont County, October 14, 1899, and was admitted to practice in the United States courts on October 12, 1900.  He immediately entered into practice in Barnesville, in partnership with George A. Colpitts.      On December 22, 1894, Mr. Chappell was united in marriage with Carrie B. Dement, a daughter of Josiah Dement.  Two children have been born to their union, namely: Eva H. and Clifford L.   The religious connection of the family is with the Christian Church, in which they are prominent and useful.  Mr. Chappell is an active Republican in politics, and his present prominence promises more for the future, as Ohio has long supplied some of the best political material the party has had.  Fraternally, he is connected with the Knights of Pythias.  He is an earnest, able and industrious lawyer, and is thoroughly devoted to his profession.  He justly receives a large patronage, and enjoys a wide circle of warm friends. (Page 535)

LOUIS A. CLIPP, a prosperous farmer and progressive citizen of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Jefferson County, (West) Virginia, in 1847, and is a son of James W. and Elizabeth Ann Clipp.      James W. Clipp, father of our subject, was engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life, dying in 1892, at the age of 79 years.  He was a Whig before the Civil War and was a strong supporter of the cause of the Union, but since the war was independent in political affairs.  His wife, Elizabeth Ann, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and died in 1896, at the age of 70 years.  Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Five children were born to their union, as follows:  John R.; Charles W.; Louis A.; Margaret V., wife of George Huffmaster; and Thomas P.      Louis A. Clipp was reared in his native county and lived there until 1875, when he removed to Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio.  He later located in Wheeling township, where he resided 12 years.  He again returned to Richland township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits and now resides on his farm of 80 acres two miles north of St. Clairsville.  He has always been deeply interested in all that pertains to the welfare and development of his township and county, and is president of the Cadiz & St. Clairsville Pike Company, He is also agent for the Champion Machine Company in his district.      In 1876 Mr. Clipp was united in marriage with Mary Ann Jackson, who was born in Wheeling township in 1849 and is a daughter of William and Annie Jackson.  Six children resulted from this union, as follows:  Wilbert L.; Annie Viola, a stenographer and bookkeeper at Bellaire; James Blaine, who is with the Belmont Telephone Company; Jessie Edith; Philip R.; and Lizzie Loraine.  Fraternally, Mr. Clipp is a Mason, and in politics is a Republican.  He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.      Wilbert L. Clipp, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Clipp, was graduated from Delaware College in 1895.  On May 22, 1899, he entered the service of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, being given charge of the car service department at Bellaire, Ohio.  On October 1, 1900, he was promoted to be assistant chief clerk to Superintendent of Terminals J. M. Barrett of the Baltimore & Ohio, with headquarters at Wheeling, West Virginia, which position he held until October 14, 1901, on which date he was transferred to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, as stenographer to Car Distributor F. B. Lockhart.  On March 1, 1902, he succeeded Mr. Lockhart as car distributor with headquarters at Pittsburg division of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, in which position he has continued. (Page 828)

JUDGE JAMES H. COLLINS, whose name is indissolubly connected with the triumphs of the Belmont County bar, was born in the State of Maryland, but was practically reared in Barnesville.  After a happy childhood on his father's farm near Henrysburg, he attended school and in early manhood began to fit himself for the law.  His reading was conducted under Hon. John Davenport, and resulted in his admission to practice in 1862.  Barnesville being selected by him as his field of action.  In 1867 he was appointed attorney for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company and in 1879 was appointed general counsel of all lines of the Baltimore & Ohio, east of the Ohio River, and since that time his major interests have been centered in it.  Since 1881 he has been located in Columbus, where he is an authority in his chosen profession.  The first marriage of Judge Collins was to Rachel Judkins, and two children were born to this union.  Essie B. being the only survivor.  The second marriage of Judge Collins was to Harriet F. Davenport in 1873.  Both Judge and Mrs. Collins belong to the Methodist Church.  Their winter residence is in Columbus, but they spend their summers at a beautiful home located one mile west of Barnesville. (Page 554)

GEORGE A. COLPITTS. a leading attorney of Barnesville, Ohio, and one of its esteemed and representative citizens, was born in Washington, D. C, in 1859, and was one of a family of eight children of Thomas and Mary A. (Thornburn) Colpitts.      Thomas Colpitts was born in England, and there learned the trade of stone carver. He also had the superintendence of extensive building operations, which he continued later in the United States, where he settled in 1857. Until 1859 he resided in Washington, D. C, and then moved to Barnesville, Ohio, where he resided until his death, in 1880. His widow survived him until 1896.      George A. Colpitts entered upon the study of law under the able instructions of W. R. Talbot, and in 1890 was admitted to the bar of Belmont County. He formed a partnership with Mr. Talbot, which continued for four years. During 1898, 1899 and 1900 Mr. Colpitts served the public in the capacity of city solicitor, having been elected by the Republican party, of which he is an active member. His fraternal associations are with the K. of P., the B. P. O. E. and the Masons.      With his two younger sisters Mr. Colpitts occupies a cozy and comfortable residence in Barnesville, where all are most highly esteemed. As a rising man the subject of this sketch is well known, and his interest is pronounced in regard to the promotion of enterprises which promise to benefit the city. He is well qualified as a lawyer and has a large and constantly increasing patronage. (Page 376)

JOHN COLPITTS, senior member of the firm of Colpitts & Boswell, stonecutters and marble and granite goods manufacturers, of Barnesville, Ohio, has by his energy, faithful work and square dealing, assisted in building up one of the largest and most successful industries of this kind in the Ohio Valley The statuary and monuments sent out from the establishment cannot be surpassed for excellence of workmanship, and have won for the firm a reputation far and near. Mr. Colpitts' early start in this line has undoubtedly helped him greatly in making a success of his business. Born in England in 1851, a son of Thomas and Mary A. (Thornburn) Colpitts, he comes of a family of stonecutters. Thomas Colpitts was especially proficient in this trade, having followed it almost continuously throughout his mature life. Born in England, he there received careful rearing somewhat beyond the ordinary. Early displaying artistic and mechanical ability, he was placed in a marble-cutter's shop and there learned the trade which he afterward made his life work. Upon reaching manhood he opened a shop of his own and carried on a successful business in his own country for some time. In 1856, however . desiring to better his fortunes, he came to the United States, and after a short residence in the East made his way to Ohio and located at Barnesville in 1850. Here he opened a shop and engaged in the tombstone business.  Being an excellent workman, he established a large trade, which he here continued for the rest of his life. He died in 1880. During his early manhood he married Mary A. Thornburn, and they had eight children. Mrs. Colpitts died in 1894.      John Colpitts was but five years old when his parents came to this country and eight years of age when they settled in Barnesville, and he is largely a product of this thriving city. Here he received his early mental training, and in his father's shop, which he entered in his youth, his preparation for the work which he has since so ably and continuously performed. In 1875 the industry with which he is connected was established and as it was in his line upon starting in life for himself, he purchased an interest in the business. The composition of the firm has since changed somewhat, and in 1887 Mr. Colpitts took in as a partner Nathan M. Boswell, with whom he has since continued in partnership. The business is a large one and consists mainly of the manufacture of marble and granite monuments and fine statuary. Most exquisite work is turned out.      In 1888 Mr. Colpitts married Mary M. Bundy, daughter of Nathan Bundy, and they have had one child, Clifford B. The family are all active in religious circles and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Colpitts is a man whose word carries much weight in his community, and as a Democrat he is especially influential in local politics. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. (Page 372)

THE CUNNINGHAM FAMILY.  One of the pioneers of Belmont county was John Cunningham, who was born of Scotch-Irish parentage, in March, 1771, in Berkeley County, Virginia.  He, with his brother Hugh, were members of the militia sent out under General Lee to quell the "Whiskey Insurrection" in Pennsylvania.  Both of these brothers were among the first persons who ever drove wagons over the Alleghany Mountains.  Mr. Cunningham and his wife, Hannah (Robinson) Cunningham, came to Belmont County in 1805 and settled near Bellaire on what is now known as the Rhodes farm.  He built of logs the present house occupying the knoll opposite to the Klee farm.  This house was subsequently weatherboarded and it is still in a good state of preservation after the lapse of almost a century.  Mr. Cunningham and his wife were ardent advocates of temperance.  Indeed, so strong were Mr. Cunningham's temperance principles that he has been called the "father of temperance" in the community.  Mrs. Cunningham was much interested in foreign mission work, then in its infancy.  Her prayers for the cause were answered by the calling of two granddaughters, Mrs. Margaret Capp and Mrs. C. W. Mateer, and a great-granddaughter, Mrs. Margaret Wells, to the mission work in China.      Mr. Cunningham was ordained as one of the two first elders of the Rock Hill Presbyterian Church, and near this church he lies in his last sleep.  Mrs. Cunningham died in 1859, being the last of the original members of Rock Hill Church.  Their family consisted of six sons and six daughters, and there were 53 grandsons and 17 granddaughters.      The sons were:  Israel, James, Hugh, John, Samuel and George.  The daughters were:  Abigail, who married John Mooney; Hannah, who married Robert Brown, Sarah, who married William Rankin; Rebecca, who married John Faris; Julia, who married George Milligan, and Agnes, who died in early girlhood.  Of the sons, two were life-long residents of Belmont County.  These were George, who married Mary Harris, and Samuel, who married Eliza Work, daughter of Andrew and Anne (Anderson) Work, of the vicinity of St. Clairesville.  The living children of George Cunningham are Mrs. Leroy Wise of Washington, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Reece Thomas, Mrs. Alva Wise and Miss Hannah Cunningham's living children are Mrs. Jesse Bonnar, of Moundsville. West Virginia; Miss Alice Cunningham, principal of Bellaire High School, and William Cunningham of Toledo, Ohio.  The descendants of the remaining sons and of the daughters of John and Hannah Cunningham live in Delaware and Champaign counties, Ohio, and in Ohio County, West Virginia. (Page 815)

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