BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

MOSES W. EDGAR, a veteran in the lumber business, to which his whole life has practically been devoted, is a highly esteemed citizen of Barnesville, Ohio. His interests have been identified with Warren township since January 31, 1867, when he became connected with the Watt Brothers, who are well known as manufacturers on a large scale, and whose business was then in its infancy. Mr. Edgar took charge of their sawmill before they moved to their present quarters, and is still engaged in the same connection. He enjoys the reputation of being the oldest lumberman in the section, and as the purchasing agent of Watt Brothers is very valuable to the concern, being considered an expert on lumber questions.      Mr. Edgar, like his father, is a native of Greene County, Pennsylvania, where he was born June 20, 1838. His father, Moses Edgar, was a millwright by trade, and during his early manhood followed that occupation diligently and successfully in his native State. He afterward moved to Monroe County, Ohio, where he followed the same vocation for a time, but subsequently engaged extensively in agricultural pursuits. He and his wife had seven children. Both parents have been deceased many years, the beloved mother having passed away in 1870.      Moses W. Edgar, the subject of this narrative, while a small child was brought to Monroe County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. His youth was spent upon his father's farm, and he attended the public schools of that county, where he obtained the rudiments of an education that has proved of great value to him. He has been twice married. His first union was contracted with Catherine Clegg, a daughter of Richard Clegg, a substantial citizen of Monroe County. Their union resulted in one child, Hester J., who is now the wife of J. Craft. On June 5, 1860, Mr. Edgar was called upon to bear the loss of his beloved companion.      In 1862 the subject of this sketch enlisted in the Union Army as a member of Company C, 116th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Col. J. Washburn and Capt. J. Mann. He participated in about 18 battles and numerous hot skirmishes, and received an honorable discharge in the summer of 1864. having served throughout with an unblemished record. After the war Mr. Edgar returned to Barnesville and again engaged in the lumber business. In addition to his duties as purchasing agent for the large manufacturing concern with which he is connected, he owns a portable engine and sawmill and covers large contracts each season. In 1867 he married Sarah M. Watt, a daughter of the late Joseph Watt, and their union was blessed with six children, of whom two, Leona M. and William O., are deceased. Those living are Joseph E., Clara R., Ina M. and John Watt. Joseph E. is a member of the I. O. O. F. organization. He married Emma Wright. Clara R. married J. R. Shry, one of Barnesville's most enterprising and up-to-date merchant tailors. Her brother, John W., is also identified with the same line of business in Cambridge, Ohio. He affiliates with the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Ina M., the remaining sister, is the wife of J. R. Fitten, of Bellaire, Ohio.      Mr. Edgar is one of the most public spirited and substantial citizens of Barnesville. The Edgar family are well known throughout Belmont County and occupy a coveted position in social circles. They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Edgar has served as 3 class leader for several years. In politics he is a pronounced Republican, and at all times uses his influence for the success of his party. Mr. Edgar has led a busy and useful life and is rightly considered one of the mainstays of Barnesville.

LAWSON E. EMERSON, a lawyer by profession and a prominent resident of St. Clairsville, Ohio, is clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio.  He was born in Goshen township, Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1863, and is a son of William and Jane (Wright) Emerson.      William Emerson was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1819.  Coming to America, in 1837, he remained here two years, and then went back to Ireland, to settle up the estate of his father.  Upon his return to America, he was accompanied by his brother, John.  He located in Belmont County, Ohio, and for three years was employed by Ira Lewis at an annual salary of $85.  He subsequently bought a farm in Goshen township, and was engaged in farming and stock raising all his life.  His death occurred Jan. 8, 1900.  His first wife, was Jane Danforth, a daughter of Ambro Danforth of Washington township,  Belmont County.  She died at an early age, leaving three children - Maria (Wright); Mercy L. Turner); and Thomas W., who is an attorney at Ouray, Colorado.  Mr. Emerson married, second, Jane Wright, a daughter of Edward Wright, of Goshen township, and they have four children, namely Mary; John, who died at the age of three years; Lawson E.; and Charles E., superintendent of the Denver (Colorado) Street Railway Company.  William Emerson was originally a Whig, in politics, and later a Republican.      Lawson E. Emerson received his mental training in the Bethesda public schools and the Barnesville High School, after which he took a teacher's course at Valparaiso, Indiana.  At the age of 18 years, he began teaching, and continued thus for seven years, in Warren and Goshen townships.  He then began to read law at St. Clairsville, first, with his brother, Thomas W. Emerson, and later with Capt. L. DAnford.  Subsequently, he completed a two-years' course in the Cincinnati Law School, and was graduated June 4, 1889.  His brother moved to Colorado in June of that year, and the subject of this sketch settled up his business.  In January, 1890, he was appointed deputy county clerk under H. M. Davis, and served as such through two terms.  In 1895, he was nominated by acclamation for the office of county clerk, and elected by a majority of 1,100 votes.  He was re-elected in 1898, his majority being increased to 1,814 votes.  He was solicited by prominent attorneys to run for a third term, but refused, and became a candidate for clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio.  He was nominated on the first ballot from among 10 candidates, was elected, and assumed the duties of his office, in Columbus, on January 1, 1902.  Mr. Emerson  is a man of sterling worth and the strictest is a man of sterling worth and the strictest integrity, and stands very high, wherever known.      Lawson E. Emerson was married, in 1892, to Laura Ferren, a daughter of James Ferren, of St. Clairsville, and they have two sons - Wayne Kennon, who was born in 1893; and William Glen born in 1895.  Fraternally, Mr. Emersonis a member of Lodge No. 109, K. of P.; Blue Lodge No. 16, F. & A. M.; Chapter No. 54, R. M. A.; Commandery No. 26, K. T. and Columbus Lodge, A. A. O. N. M. S.  He is a charter member of Lodge No. 419, B. P. O. E.

NOTES:

 

CLICK HERE to RETURN to BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO	CLICK HERE to RETURN to OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS
This Webpage has been created by Sharon Wick exclusively for Ohio Genealogy Express  ©2008 Submitters retain all copyrights