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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
ISAAC R. LANE, who represents the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company's interests in Barnesville, Ohio, is one of the city's representative men. He was born October 20, 1842, and is a son of Harrison and Rebecca (Cox) Lane. His great-grandfather was Thomas Lane, who died December 10, 1819, at the advanced age of 107 years, and his grandfather, Richard Lane, died in the same year, at the age of 42 years. His father was born in Maryland, July 14, 1812, and died October 1, 1875. In 1833, he was a citizen of Belmont County. On December 25, 1834, he married Rebecca Cox, the daughter of a widow, whose husband died in 1833. After the death of Mr. Cox. his widow with her son and four daughters moved to Barnesville and their first night spent in Warren township was one of misfortune. They stopped over night with Thomas Tannyhill, in a house west of the city, and there the son, Isaac, fell down stairs and was instantly killed.
     The primary education of Mr. Lane was obtained in a little, old, brick school house in Barnesville. At the age of 16 years he entered the printing office of the "Barnesville Intelligencer," as a compositor, under George B. McClellan, who was a son-in-law of the late Jesse Judkins. On August 5, 1862, the young printer enlisted as a private in Company H, 94th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and saw hard service until the close of the war. At that time this regiment, which was a part of Gen. George H. Thomas' famous 14th Army Corps, was actively engaged in the Tennessee campaign, and participated in the battle of Chickamauga, together with the hardships at Chattanooga, where the brave soldiers stood fast until the Bragg siege was raised by the successful battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. The gallant 94th took part in Hooker's battle above the clouds, and left many of its brave men on the held. Mr. Lane also participated, in the summer of 1864, in the capture of Atlanta, and marched under Sherman to the sea. Resting for a short time at Savannah, the regiment's active work was resumed, and the march was continued through the swamps of the Carolinas, in constant rain; but, nevertheless, it safely reached Washington and took a conspicuous and deserved part in the final grand review. It was mustered out June 5, 1865, although out of the 1,000 brave men who had loyally marched away but three years before, only 238 men, battered and travel-worn, but honored, remained to tell of the horrors of war, and to congratulate each other on a safe return.
     Since the close of the war, Mr. Lane has been chiefly engaged in the railroad service, and has held many positions of responsibility. For a time, he was in a railroad office at Bellaire; he was chief bookkeeper of a wholesale house; he was for a time in Columbus: and for several years he was secretary and treasurer of one of the large iron companies of Portsmouth, Ohio. Since 1878 he has been the trusted agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company at Barnesville. and is held in the highest esteem by the officials of that great line.
     On February 18, 1868, Mr. Lane was united in marriage with Mary A. Warfield, a daughter of the prominent citizen and noted surgeon. Dr. J. W. Warfield, who won distinction as surgeon of the 77th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and was also made brigade and division surgeon. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lane, namely: Rufus H., Fred W., Jessie, and Isaac. Rufus H. entered the United States Naval Academy, in 1887, and graduated from that institution in the fall of 1881. lie served through the Spanish-American War on Admiral Sampson's flagship, the "New York," and after the war was promoted to be a captain. He is now serving on the U. S. battleship "Kentucky," in Chinese and Japanese waters. Fred W. completed a course at the university at Wooster, Ohio, and graduated from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, in 1893. lie is now one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Cambridge, Ohio. Jessie and Isaac have passed through the city schools.  The family is connected with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Lane has been a lifelong Republican in politics and is actively interested in the success of that party. He has taken part in many public enterprises and has served in many civic positions. For three years he was a trustee of the Belmont County Children's Home; for two years a member of the Barnesville City Council, and for six years the very useful president of the Board of Education. He was honored with an election as commander of G. A. R. Post No. 220, and was a delegate from Ohio to the national encampment held in 1886, in San Francisco.
     Mr. Lane fulfills the ideal of a first-class citizen. In his business he is honorable and upright, in public life he is conscientious and painstaking, and in social life he takes a prominent position on account of his genial disposition and pleasing personality. The family is held in the highest esteem in Barnesville.
JOHN MILTON LEWIS. Among the leading citizens of Belmont County, Ohio. John Milton Lewis occupies a prominent position. As president of the First National Bank of Barnesville; as the founder, secretary and general manager of the Barnesville Window Glass Factory; as one of the promoters of many of the public-spirited enterprises of the city, and as an influential and social figure, Mr. Lewis has been conspicuously identified with the progress and development of Barnesville for the past 30 years.
     Mr. Lewis comes of Welsh ancestry. His family record reaches far back into the past. From a history of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, compiled by George Smith, we learn:
     "Henry Lewis emigrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from Wales in 1682, bringing with him his father, Evan Lewis, supposed to have been born in 1622, and his son, Henry Lewis. Henry (1) was known as the friend and correspondent of William Penn. He was foreman of the first grand jury that ever sat in Philadelphia."
     Henry Lewis (1) settled on a tract of 600 acres of land in the northeast part of Haverford township, Delaware County, about six miles from what was then Philadelphia. This property has long since passed out of the hands of the family. It was once owned by the grandfather of Gen. George B. McClellan, and in 1878 by a Philadelphia merchant by the name of Ashurst.
     Henry Lewis (1) died in 1688. His three children were: Henry (2), Samuel and Elizabeth. Henry Lewis (2) married a daughter of Joseph Hays in 1693, and their five children were: Isaac, John, Elizabeth, Samuel and Jacob. John Lewis, son of Henry (2), married Catharine Roberts, daughter of Abel and Mary Roberts, at Radnor Monthly Meeting, near Philadelphia. Their seven children were as follows: Abel, Mary, Samuel, Rachael, John, Evan and Elizabeth. Samuel Lewis of this family married Catharine Hoag and died in 1810. They had eight children, namely: Henry, Samuel, Jacob. John, Isaac, Jehu, Elizabeth and Beulah.
     Jacob Lewis, the third son of Samuel and Catharine (Hoag) Lewis, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1760, and died October 8, 1829, at his home at Lewis' Mills, Belmont County, Ohio. Mary Lewis, wife of Jacob Lewis, was a daughter of Joshua Bundy and was born near New Bern, North Carolina, April 10, 1777, and died November 7, 1859. They had a family of seven children, namely: Hannah, Rachael, Ira, Abel, Reece, and two children, Evan and Mary, who died in infancy.
     Abel Lewis, son of Jacob and Mary Lewis, and Lucinda M. Gregg, daughter of. Stephen and Asenath Gregg, were married by Friends' ceremony in Plainfield Meeting House early in 1835. To them were born four children, namely: John Milton, Reece G., Stephen Albert and Juliet C., all of whom were born on a farm near Lewis' Mills, where all grew to maturity except Stephen Albert, who died December 20, 1861.
     Abel Lewis was born in Mount Pleasant township, Jefferson County, Ohio, June 2, 1810, and died while on a visit at the home of his daughter, Juliet C. Dove, in West Liberty, Iowa, on December 21, 1866. His remains were brought to his home at Barnesville, Ohio, and interred in the Southern Cemetery.
     Lucinda M. Lewis, the mother of our subject, was born May 17, 1807, and died December 22, 1861, two days after the death of her son, Stephen Albert, and both lie buried at Plainfield, Ohio.
     A second marriage of Abel Lewis took place on August 26, 1863, at Flushing, Ohio, by Friends' ceremony, to Hannah W. Hirst, who died October 22, 1886.
     Rebecca B. Holloway, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Holloway, of Flushing, Ohio, was united in marriage to John Milton Lewis November 16, 1858.
     Three children were born to this union: Alice Holloway, Estella Z. and Mary Sharp, all born in Belmont, Ohio, where our subject and his wife located after marriage, he engaging in the dry goods business.
      From 1865 to 1871 Mr. Lewis was engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Philadelphia, and from 1871 to 1881 was in the same business in Barnesville, Ohio. In 1883 he, with others, organized the Barnesville Window Glass Company, with which he has been since connected in the capacity of secretary and general manager.
     Mary Sharp Lewis, daughter of John Milton and Rebecca B. Lewis, was married to Robert Ross Watt, June 11, 1891. They have since lived in Barnesville and he, at present, is president of the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company.
THOMAS L. LEWIS, national vice-president of the United Mine Workers of America, is a man of powerful and original individuality, and in the labor circles in the country is known as one of the best organizers. He was born at Locust Gap, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1865, a son of Thomas and Mary J. (Jones) Lewis, both of whom were born in Wales.
     The paternal grandparents of Mr. Lewis were Thomas and Margaret Lewis, natives of Wales, who reared a family of nine children, two of these still surviving. The grandmother died in Wales, and the grandfather at the age of 71 years married a second time and immigrated to America.
     Thomas John Lewis, his son and the father of our subject, was born in South Wales, May 15, 1834, and died February 7, 1883. Until he was 18 years of age he followed farming, and then became a miner, continuing in that occupation through life. In his native country, on February 13, 1860, he married Mary J. Jones, and in 1864 they immigrated to America, locating first at Locust Gap, Pennsylvania, where they lived two years, and then moved to the coal regions of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. In 1879 Mr. Lewis moved to Perry County, Ohio, and died at Shawnee, in the Hocking Valley coal district, at the age of 49 years, leaving his widow with 10 children, eight sons and two daughters, all of whom are still living. Mr. Lewis was a member of the Methodist Church and a man of industrious life and exemplary habits.
     On October 7, 1889, the family removed to Martin's Ferry. With the assistance of her two eldest sons, Mrs. Lewis had undertaken the task of rearing this large family to honorable and respected maturity, and nobly did she accomplish it. It would be a pleasant task for the biographer to place before the readers of this volume a record of the achievements of this most estimable woman. She has been permitted to see the reward of her sacrifices and self-denials in the establishment of this family of fatherless children in respected and, in some cases, in prominent positions in life. Her 14 children bore these names: William T., Margaret, Thomas L., Ann, Lewis C, John H., Margaret, Llewelyn (1), Llewelyn (2), David, Isaac, Mary J., Stephen and Elias. Of these, Margaret died an infant in Wales; Llewelyn (1), Daniel and Mary J. also died in infancy.
     William T. Lewis, the eldest son of the family, who is now a successful attorney in Columbus. Ohio, for many years was very prominently connected with labor movements not only in Ohio and Pennsylvania, but through many of the other States. His ability brought him to the front in the earlier organizations, and during the period when he occupied the position of general master workman of District No. 135, Knights of Labor, he was chiefly instrumental in combining and bringing about the consolidation of mine-working societies into the union which is known to the world as the National Progressive Union of Mine Workers. He was selected as national secretary. On account of his peculiar fitness, he was selected to make a tour of this country in the interests of the miners, serving thus for six months. He then resigned in order to become a member of a commission formed to represent the miners' interests at the Paris Exposition. This was known as "The Scripps-McCrea League Expedition," and was composed of 40 representatives of American labor organizations, its object being to study, investigate and compare the conditions of laboring classes in England, France, Germany and Belgium, with those of the United States. This commission was productive of satisfactory results. After his return in 1888, Mr. Lewis was admitted to the bar, having previously been thoroughly prepared. In 1892 he was appointed by Gov. William McKinley, labor commissioner in Ohio, and served in that capacity for four years, organizing labor forces later, in the interests of the Republican party, in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, a part of Wisconsin and a portion of Kentucky. In the same year that Mr. McKinley was defeated for Congress, Mr. Lewis suffered the same fate in the Thirteenth Congressional District.
     Ann, the eldest living daughter of the mother of our subject, married Thomas W. Ashton and resides in Athens County, Ohio. Lewis C, John H., Isaac and Stephen are mill workers at Martin's Ferry.  Llewelyn is vice-president of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel & Tin-Plate Workers, of the 2nd District, and resides in Martin's Ferry. Margaret is Mrs. Thomas Johns, of Martin's Ferry. Elias, the youngest of the family, is a music teacher in Martin's Ferry.
     In the lad of tender years, who earned his daily pittance in the mine and acquired his education at night, were to be found those attributes which have elevated Thomas L. Lewis to his present influential position. The steady application, the plodding industry, the assumption of responsibility,—all contributed to the formation of a self-reliant character. Seven fruitful months were passed at the Lebanon (Ohio) Normal University, but with that exception, Mr. Lewis had but the opportunities for educational advancement offered by the night schools. He continued to work in the mines until 1897, when he was elected secretary of the Ohio miners' organization. He filled that position until January, 1900. At that time he was elected to his present position as vice-president of the United Mine Workers of America. During 1896-97 he served as president of the Ohio Federation of Labor, which organization was composed of the various trades unions in Ohio. When the family removed to Martin's Ferry from Perry County, Mr. Lewis moved to Bridgeport. He has taken a deep interest in various enterprises of his city, and was elected to fill an unexpired term on the School Board, and later became a member of the City Council.
     In his connection with labor troubles, Mr. Lewis has always favored intelligent reasoning between employers and employees, advocating strikes only as a last resort, advancing many sensible arguments in favor of his position, declaring that after a strike is organized both factions are more arbitrary, and it is then harder to come to terms of agreement, and that a compact finally reached under such conditions lacks permanence. In his efforts with the workers he has always exerted his best endeavors to avoid strikes, for so frequently they do not reach the trouble and are sure to beget hard feeling. In his responsible position Mr. Lewis is called upon to display qualities which but few men possess,—an organizing faculty combined with a calm judgment and wise discrimination which enables him to not only readily come to the root of a matter, but to be able to convince others. His personal magnetism is such that a leader of men requires. He enjoys the confidence not only of employees, but also the respect and esteem of those who employ.
     On December 28, 1892, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Sarah Jenkins, a native of Wales, who came to America when a child with her parents, William and Mary Jenkins, the former of whom followed the trade of molder in Wales, but became interested in mining in America. Some 10 years were passed in Maryland, but in 1882 Mr. Jenkins removed with his family to Bridgeport, Ohio, and there both he and his wife died. Their family numbered nine children, as follows: Esau, Sarah, Hannah, William, David, Edith, Victoria, Mollie and a child, the eldest of the family, who died in Wales at the age of six years. Esau is an expert mill worker employed at Martin's Ferry and David resides with him and works in the mill, as does William also. Hannah died in Maryland at the age of two years. Edith and Victoria reside at Plymouth, Pennsylvania, with an uncle, Rev. Jacob Davis, a Baptist minister. Since the death of her parents, Mollie resides with her sister, Mrs. Lewis.   Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have a lovely home in Bridgeport, its chief and most valued adornments being two beautiful daughters, Mary E. and Margaret E.   Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Baptist Church.
     Mr. Lewis' fraternal connections are with Lodge No. 181, F. & A. M., of Bridgeport; the Foresters of America; the Knights of Pythias, Ohio City Lodge, No. 54; the Knights of the Golden Eagle; the Maccabees, and the Elks. In politics Mr. Lewis is a Republican. His life interest, however, is centered in his great work. Few men have known more of the inside life of a miner than he. Born and bred one, he knows their needs, their trials, their limitations and their just rights. His influence among them is far reaching, and it is reasonable to suppose that he cherishes the hope that the day is not far distant when the troubles between mine workers and mine employers will be things of the past.
LICHTIG, LEVI, proprietor of the large department store located at Nos. 3000-3016 Union Street, Bellaire, Ohio, is most successful merchant, excellent citizen and self made man.  Through his own able efforts he has built up a large and prosperous business, become the owner of much valuable property, and is financially interested in a number of the prominent commercial enterprises of this city.
     The birth of Mr. Lichtig was in Austria in 1862, where he resided and acquired his education until 1882, when he came to America.  Locating in the city of New York, he employed his first year in selecting a permanent location in which to open up a small business and selected Bellaire as the scene of his operations.  At No. 3016 Union street he first engaged as a merchant in a popular selection of articles which he could sell for five or ten cents.  His pleasant manners, excellent stock and fair and honorable dealing soon brought him custom, and as it gradually increased he purchased the building and added to his goods until he now owns the block inclusive between Nos.  3016 and 3000,  with about 110 feet of frontage on Union street.  His great department store includes these departments:  Shoes, clothing, gents' furnishings, dry goods, notions, hardware, tinware, jewelry, optical goods, etc., and in connection conducts the only loan office in the city, this being a great accommodation to many persons.  Quite recently he has added to his holdings in the city the Eberly property on Belmont street and there conducts a furniture business. Although Mr. Lichtig personally superintends his large enterprises, he employs a number of skilled and accommodating helpers, his business on Union street requiring eight salespeople.
     Mr. Lichtig is a man of keen business judgment and is a wise adviser to many who wish to invest money, his own success demonstrating his business shrewdness and capacity.  He is interested in the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank, and also the Mason Heater Company and Driggs Baking Company, both of Bellaire, and is a stockholder in the Rich Enamel Company of Cleveland, Ohio.  His marriage was to Rosie Rich of Zanesville, Ohio, and his residence is on the upper floor of his great store building.  In political sentiment Mr. Lichtig is an active Republican, and he is fraternally connected with the Bellaire Lodge, No. 378, of Odd Fellows.  He belongs to the Hebrew Congregation.  In business circles in Bellaire our subject has a high standing as an upright man, and few citizens are more generous in their contributions to worthy charities.
Page 468
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, namely: Joseph, living in Harrison County, Ohio; Nancy E., who married William G. Hayes, 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 Aimer, also deceased. Our subject's father and mother were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Lodge was a firm Republican. lie 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 u 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 postmaster to occupy his attention, but he is genial and accommodating and gives satisfaction to all concerned.
     In 1890 Mr. Lodge was united in matrimony with Etta E. Wiley, a daughter of William 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 Lucille, 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.

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