BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

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J. W. GARBER, secretary and treasurer of the Enameled Steel Tile Company, of Bellaire, Ohio, has long been known in Belmont County for his efficient service in connection with railroad work. He was born and reared at Cambridge, Ohio, and his first work was done in the transportation and traffic departments of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In 1886 he moved to Bellaire and accepted the position of night clerk, his close attention to business and his reliability promoting him rapidly through all the desks to that of chief clerk, cashier and agent.      In 1899 Mr. Garber was called to Martin's Ferry with the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railway, and he built up business at that point in the same capable manner that had made his work so satisfactory previously. When this road was consolidated with the Baltimore & Ohio our subject was proffered a responsible position at Uniontown. Pennsylvania, on the main line, but he declined and severed his relations on account of his pleasant home and many friends being in Bellaire. The enterprise with which  Mr. Garber is so prominently associated is a comparatively new one in Bellaire, organized in June, 1902, by J. W. Garber, James F. DuBois, William H. Landkrohn, W. S. Heatherington and James F. Anderson, incorporators. The officers of the company are men of standing and worth in the community, namely: James F. DuBois. president: E. J. A. Drennen, of Martin's Ferry, vice-president: J. W. Garber. secretary and treasurer; William H. Landkrohn, manager of the factory and the practical man of the plant. This business will be conducted for the manufacture of enameled steel tile, to take the place of the ordinary clay tile now in general use, and the number of beautiful designs thus made possible is almost unlimited. This is to be used for ceilings, wainscoting, hearths, mantels, etc. The ceiling tile will be manufactured 16 inches square and the manner of fastening together has been patented, and a wide business held is open in this line alone. It is claimed for this tile that it is non-crazing, fully as serviceable as the old tile and accepts a much more beautiful finish. The substantial building located between 27th and 28th and Water streets, known as the "old tobacco warehouse," has been purchased by the company and fitted with appropriate machinery, and work will probably be commenced in the fall of 1902. Many orders have already been received for their product. Mr. Garber was one of the promoters of this company, and the enterprise bids fair to become one of Bellaire's successful industries.

HON. ISAAC H. GASTON, ex-judge of the Probate Court of Belmont County, Ohio, is not only a distinguished member of the bar, but also a leading and public-spirited citizen of St. Clairsville, Ohio, where his home is the center of a pleasant social and professional circle. The Gaston family is a long established one in Belmont County, where it located as early as 1800. Dr. Alexander Gaston, the great-grandfather of Judge Gaston, and a native of Pennsylvania, came at that time to a farm situated in the vicinity of St. Clairsville, and died in 1825 at Morristown, Ohio. His son, Dr. Ephraim Gaston, was for the 40 years succeeding 1828 one of the most distinguished physicians of Belmont County. The parents of Judge Gaston were Samuel W. and Margaret F. (Hazlett) Gaston. Samuel W. Gaston was born in Morristown, in 1831. At an early age he engaged in teaching and also in the study of the law. In 1855 he located in St. Clairsville for practice. In 1856, he was elected clerk of the county courts, became well known in political life, and died in 1862. He married Margaret F. Hazlett, of Morristown, in 1857.      The birth of Judge Isaac H. Gaston took place July 6, 1858, in St. Clairsville. He attended the schools of Morristown, entered Washington and Jefferson College in 1876, and was graduated in the class of 1879. Soon afterward he began to study in the law office of the late Hon. L. Danford, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. His ability and thorough and complete knowledge of law made his election as judge of the Probate Court, in 1884, a very satisfactory selection to all parties, and his administration of the office was such as to insure a re-election in 1887. Since his retirement from the bench. Judge Gaston has given his attention to the practice of his profession in St. Clairsville and the vicinity, where he is widely and favorably known. The Judge is in active affiliation with the Republican party, of which he is considered a useful and influential member. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Masonic order, having been made a Mason in Tonic Lodge, No. 438, F. & A. M. He is also a member of St. Clairsville Chapter, No. T7, R. A. M.; Belmont Council, No. 54, R. & S. M.; Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T.; Syrian Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S.; and Ohio Consistory, S. P. R. S.

JAMES T. GIFFEN, 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 I 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., Elizabeth E., Sarah S., Margaret T., James K., Grace, Emma, and Maud.  Sarah S. makes her home with Robert E. Our subject's father and mother were United Presbyterians in their religious worship. and in this faith the family was reared.      In politics Mr. Giffen was a Democrat of firm opinions.      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 IT6 acres and is located two miles north of St. Clairsville.

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 in 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 he left his 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 were 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 United 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, namely: John M., Bruce B., Elizabeth E., Sarah S., Margaret T., James K., Grace, Emma, and Maud. The family are devoted in their religious duties to the United Presbyterian Church.      In political affairs Mr. Giffen is a Prohibitionist, but has served the Democratic party well as township trustee; he has also been 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.

GEORGE GILLESPIE, a well-known citizen of York township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of this township, the date of his birth being 1841.  He is a son of Jacob and Mary E. (Pyles) Gillespie, and grandson of David Gillespie.      David Gillespie was born in America, but was of Irish parentage.  He was at the Wheeling block-house, contemporary with the Zane family.  Upon coming to York township, Belmont County, Ohio, he took up land from the government at Dover, now owned and occupied by Samuel Gillaspie.  His death occurred before the breaking out of the Civil War.  His children were John, Jacob, Davis, Nancy, Lydia, Barbara, and Elizabeth all of whom are now deceased.      Jacob Gillespie was born in York township in 1806 and died in 1895.  He resided in York township all his life, a part of the time being located in the northern part of the township.  He married Mary E. Pyles, who was born in York township and died about 1847.  To them were born the following children:  Mary Elizabeth, wife of James Giffen, living at Glencoe; Robert G. who resides at Waverly, Coffey County, Kansas; Ebenezer, who served in Company F, 52nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., was killed in the battle of Chickamauga; Lydia, deceased, was the wife of Alexander Graham, of Washington township; George, Subject of this sketch; Sarah, wife of Noah B. Carlle, resides near St. Clairsville, in Richland township, and Maria Louise, who died about 1847.      George Gillespie was reared at the home of his grandparents in York township, until he was 12 years of age, since which time he has lived in York township.  He came to his present home about 1891, it being the old James A. Giffen farm in section 22, consisting of 172 acres.  He is engaged in general farming and has a well improved farm.  He is a man of high character, deeply interested in all relating to the general welfare of the township and county, and stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.       Mr. Gillespie was united in marriage with Mary E. Giffen, who was born in York township, and is a daughter of John G. Given, and to them were born nine children, as follows: Alice, who lives at home; Sarah Ellen, wife of Joseph Penn, of Belmont, Belmont County; Lena B., wife of Charles E. Ruble residing in Bellaire, Ohio; Albert A., of Moundsville, West Virginia; Lawrence, a machinist by trade, located in California; Edison, who is also located in California; Vernon B., who lives at home; Frank E., who is also at home, and Mary J.  Politically Mr. Gillespie is independent, and is at present a trustee of York township, to which office he was elected in the spring of 1901 on the Democratic ticket.  In religious views he is a member of the Christian Church.

THOMAS and WILLIAM CALVIN GILLESPIE, two of the most enterprising and wealthy agriculturists of Belmont County, now residing on a large and attractive farm in Wheeling township, are there by intelligence and skillful management carrying on a most successful industry. Making a specialty of raising sheep and thoroughbred cattle, they have in these lines met with the most gratifying results. Both were born on the farm next to the one on which they now reside, Thomas, November 25, 1847, and William Calvin, February 13, 1852. They are of Scotch-Irish descent and the sons of Robert and Eleanor (Barnes) Gillespie.      Thomas Gillespie, grandfather of William, was born in the north of Ireland in June. 1781. At an early date he came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. Later, however, he came to Ohio, and purchasing a 90-acre farm in Wheeling township, remained there for the rest of his life. He died September 20, 1849. In 1803, while living in Pennsylvania, he married Jane Love, and they had eight children.—George, who lived near Woodsfield, in Monroe County, Ohio, and died there in 1880, married Louisa Henderson and they had nine children, six sons and three daughters. Belle, who died in 1887, married Thomas McFarland, a resident of Monroe County, Ohio, and they had seven children. Maria married James Ensley, who resides near Keene, in Coshocton County, Ohio, and they had six children. She died in 1890. Peggy (Margaret) married Thomas Culbertson, and resided in Guernsey County, near Washington, Ohio. They had three children. She is now deceased. John lived in Shepherdstown and died there in 1892. Jane, deceased, resided near Caldwell, in Noble County, Ohio, and was the wife of James Amos; they had four children. Louisa married William Barr and lived near Bellefontaine, in Logan County. Thomas married Belle Haverfield and resided in Jacobsburg; Belmont County, where he died in 1895. They had four children.      Robert Gillespie, father of William Calvin, was born on the Belmont County homestead in January, 1821. Following in the footsteps of his father, upon reaching manhood; he made farming the business of his life, carrying on the industry in Belmont County. He married Eleanor Barnes, daughter of Peter Barnes, of Maryland. To Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie were born have children. Of these. Joseph, born May 12, 1859, died of diphtheria, then an epidemic in the county. November 12, 1861. at the age of 12 years. John L., born November 25, 1854, a farmer and stock raiser near Harrisville, Ohio. He married Louisa Green of Shepherdstown. daughter of John Green, and they have five children. Nancy J., born August 17, 1855, married George Lyle, a farmer and stock raiser of Harrison County, Ohio, residing near New Athens. They have six children.      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 cultivation, which the brothers are enabled to work to good advantage, engaging extensively in general farming. They make & 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.

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