|
OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS
|
Welcome to
Belmont County
OHIO
|
BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)
WILLIAM MANN has for nearly 23 years been
prominently identified with the business interests of Martin's Ferry,
as the proprietor of one of the largest foundries in his vicinity. He
gives employment to some 25 experienced workmen, and in this way alone
has been of great service to his community. He inherited from good
Scotch ancestors those qualities that help win success for a man at
every step in life. Born at Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland, October
28, 1845, lie is a son of James and Elizabeth (Walker) Mann.
James Mann was born in the shire of Fife, Scotland.
In early life he settled in Coatbridge. where he secured a position
with the Summerlee Iron Company, his work being that of contractor in
the blacksmith and carpentry department. Eminently successful in Ibis
line, he remained with the firm for 25 years. In 1870 he and his
family came to the United States. For some years he followed farming
here, meeting with, very good results. Later he settled in Little
Falls, Minnesota, where he spent his last days, dying there at the
advanced age of 86 years. He married Elizabeth Walker,
who was born in the shire of Fife, Scotland. She lived to the age of
76 and died in 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Mann were born six
children, five of whom are now living. Mr. Mann was a
person of great integrity and won the respect of all who knew him.
Both he and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian Church.
William Mann received his education under
an instructor in his own home in Scotland, after the completion of
which he served an apprenticeship of five years as a patternmaker in
the Summerlee Iron Works. At the end of this period, being well
qualified for any position in his line, he accepted a place in the
Atlas Foundry and Machine Shops. So acceptably did he fill this
position that in the course of six months he was made foreman. He
continued as such for six years, acquiring a knowledge of business and
an experience in dealing with men that was of inestimable value to him
in after years. In 1870 he came to the United States, and soon after
landing proceeded to Chicago, where he accepted a position with D.
M. Ford & Company. Later he worked with Dixon, Marshall
& Company of Pittsburg for three years. It was in 1874 that he settled
in Martin's Ferry, where he soon engaged himself as a pattern-maker
for Culberton, Willey & Company, who established the
foundry and machine shop in 1872. With this company he remained some
six years, commanding the salary of a skilled workman. At the end of
this period, in 1870. though possessed of but little means, he
determined to go into business by himself, and leased the iron works,
where he had recently been an employee. Conducting the business with
care and skill, he was soon enabled to purchase the property, and he
is now its sole owner. In his foundry and machine shops he is doing a
good business—in fact, the largest of any similar concern in his
vicinity. He is fully prepared, with all necessary facilities and
appliances, for the manufacture of light and heavy castings of every
description, and makes a specialty of roling mill, steel plant and
blast furnace work. The machinery is run by a 40-horse power steam
engine. The iron castings that are made at Mr. Mann's
foundry are unsurpassed anywhere in the country, while the prices are
quite moderate. The trade extends throughout the Middle, Western and
Southern States.
Mr. Mann married Janet
McGilvray, who has proved a most estimable wife. Both he and
she are active and substantial members of the Presbyterian Church. He
is also active socially and musically, and exerts a good influence in
his community.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
AMOS McBRIDE, who comes from one of the
most worthy families of Belmont County, Ohio, is the leading
blacksmith and wagonmaker of St. Clairsville, Ohio. Tie was born in
Belmont County March 10, 1855, and is a son of Jonathan and Mary
(Harrison) McBride.
Jonathan McBride was born in Baltimore.
Maryland, and came to Belmont County at an early day. He was a
blacksmith and did all kinds of repairing. His death occurred in 1859,
at the age of 49 years, 11 months and 10 days. He married Mary
Harrison, who was born in England in 1811, and died in 1879.
She came to this country with her parents in 1827. Her marriage with
Mr. McBride resulted in eight children, namely:
William H., who lives on a farm near St. Clairsville; Sirena,
the wife of Franklin Ayers; Elizabeth, the wife
of Henry Piper, a glazier and paper-hanger; Robert H.,
a farmer, of McPherson County, Kansas; Daniel H., who is in the
implement business in St. Clairsville; Benjamin S., who is
engaged in the grocery business; Mary Ann, deceased; and
Amos, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. McBride was a very
religious woman, and for many years was an active worker in the
Presbyterian Church, as there was no Episcopal Church in the community
when she settled there.
Amos McBride attended the public schools of
Belmont County, and learned the trade of a blacksmith and wagon-maker
under his brother, Robert, and also under John
Carlile. He began business for himself in 1876, doing general
blacksmithing and wagon work. He often sends specimens of his work as
far as Pittsburg and Wheeling, and has an extensive trade in the
last-named city. He employs 20 men throughout the year, and his
business is undoubtedly the largest of its kind in Belmont County.
Mr. McBride is a very influential man, is possessed of
unusually good business ability, and is ranked among the foremost
citizens of the county.
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage,
October 4. 1893, with Josie A. Humphrey, a native of St.
Clairsville, and a daughter of Alexander Humphrey. Her father
was a fanner in Belmont County for many years. Mrs.
McBride's brother, Benjamin C. Humphrey, lives in St.
Clairsville, as well as her sisters, Martha and Maggie.
Mr. McBride and his wife have two children, namely:
Mary Gray and Benjamin A.
Mr. and Mrs. McBride are members of the
Presbyterian Church. Mr. McBride is a Mason, and a member of
the blue lodge, in which he has held office. Mr. McBride has
been twice a member of the City Council; being opposed to saloons, he
was elected on the local option issue. He stands very high in the
community, and is admired for his steadfastness of purpose and
excellent principles.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
JAMES F. McGILL, a prominent and
successful citizen of Barnesville, Ohio, conducts a large blacksmith
shop in this city, and also deals extensively in buggies, wagons and
improved machinery of various kinds, being himself a practical
machinist.
Mr. McGill was born Sept. 9, 1859, on his
father's farm in Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio. He is a
son of John and Mary (Moore) McGill. John McGill
was born in Belmont County, July 26, 1816, and died Feb. 14, 1896.
His widow till survives. He was one of the leading farmers of
Warren township, and the family has been held in high esteem there for
a long period.
James F. McGill obtained an excellent common
school education in Warren township, and at the age of 21 years began
to learn the blacksmith's trade. In 1880, he began farming and
combined the two lines of business until 1898, when he took trip to
the far West. He located in Oregon, where he worked at his trade
until he came back to his native county, and settled in Barnesville,
on Sept. 15, 1901. Since that time he has prospered in his
business enterprises in this county, and at his shop and ware-rooms
carries a stock of goods valued at $2,500.
Mr. McGill was married March 20, 1883, to Ida
M. Outland, a daughter of one of Barnesville's representative
citizens. For children were born to this union, namely:
Outland T., who died in infancy; Iva P.; Howard C,
and Clinton S. Mr. McGill is a member of the Knights of
Pythias, in which he is active. He us regarded as one of the
progressive young business men of the city, and is considered an
excellent mechanic and a trustworthy and honorable citizen.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
MATTHEW McDERMOTT, who is part owner
and general manager of the McDermott Tool Works of Martin's
Ferry, Ohio, is a practical machinist as well as a very successful man
of business. Mr. McDermott was born in Ireland, March 2,
1849, and in August of the same year was taken to Canada by his
parents, who located at Brantford, Ontario, 75 miles from Buffalo, New
York.
From his earliest childhood our subject has been
interested in machinery. His father, Peter McDermott,
was a wheelwright by trade, and Matthew has doubtless inherited
much of his father's skill. One brother of our subject is a miner in
Australia, and another, Patrick, is a molder employed in
Canada. In 1866 the family moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, and there our
subject went to work in the locomotive shops, although previous to
this he had been employed in Canada on the Grand Trunk Railway. Since
he was 18 years old he has resided in the United States, and for the
past 35 years has followed the forging business, a portion of the time
being also interested in the oil business. In 1890, associating
himself with his brother-in-law, E. H. McDermott, of McKean
County, Pennsylvania, the present works were established for the
manufacture of oil-drilling tools and forgings of every description,
and for the making of dies for enamel work, etc., their output
covering everything in their line. E. H. McDermott is no blood
relative of our subject, although bearing the same family name. The
building occupied was originally intended for the construction of
threshing machines, but the whole property is now equally owned by the
two McDermotts. It is located in very favorable quarters, with
excellent railroad facilities, on First street, opposite the ferry
landing, and it requires some 30 workmen, one-half of these being
skilled forgers and machinists.
Our subject was married in Pennsylvania to Charlotte
Saulsgiver, a lady of German descent. The seven children born
to this union were as follows: Peter, who is the bookkeeper for
the firm; Edward, who is engaged in the shops of the
McDermott Tool Works; Henry, Emmett, Gerald,
Reginald and Winnifred, the one daughter of the family.
The beautiful family home is situated at Tiltonville, a suburb of
Martin's Ferry. The religious connection of the family is with the
Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. McDermott belongs to the Catholic Mutual
Benefit Association. He is known as a man of integrity and
reliability, and his business success may be in a great measure
attributed to these qualities. Since he has become manager of the
works the trade has increased in a wonderful degree, making almost
immediate enlargement a necessity. He is self-made and offers an
example of what may be accomplished by the persistent effort of an
industrious, self-respecting and energetic man.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
HON, A. T. McKELVEY, a distinguished
citizen of Belmont County, was born March 23, 1844, in the city of
Belfast, Ireland.
Mr. McKelvey was brought by his parents
to America when but five years of age and located in Wheeling, (West)
Virginia, where he grew up to manhood.
Mr. McKelvey obtained a common school
education, but withdrew from school at 15 years of age to enter the
Western Union telegraph office, where he served as "messenger boy,"
while studying telegraphy. When but 20 years of age, he was advanced
to the responsible position of manager of the Wheeling office.
Wheeling was at that time the headquarters of the Army of West
Virginia and all the important dispatches that were exchanged between
the headquarters of the army in the field and the commanding general
at Washington passed through his hands. Wherefore his duties were not
only arduous and exacting, but, in relation to the government, of a
highly confidential character.
Mr. McKelvey's health was greatly
impaired by the close confinement and long hours of service which the
stress of war entailed, and in 1890 he was obliged to resign his
office and seek a restoration of health. To that end he purchased the
fruit farm upon which he now resides.
Since 1875 Mr. McKelvey has been
prominently identified with the agricultural interests of the county.
For a number of years he has been identified with the Belmont County
Agricultural Society, serving that organization as superintendent of
the horticultural department for four years and president of the
society for two years.
He was one of the charter members of the Belmont
County Farmers' Club and has served that organization both as
president and secretary. He was employed for many winters as a State
speaker at "Farmers' Institutes" and has been a regular contributor to
the agricultural press.
Mr. McKelvey was chosen to represent
Belmont County in the General Assembly of Ohio in 1887, and upon the
expiration of his first term was re-elected for a second term.
In 1891 he was appointed by Governor Campbell
a delegate to represent Ohio in the Western States Commercial College
that convened in Kansas City April 15th.
He is also a member of the United States Military
Telegraph Corps, having served the government in the capacity of
military telegraph operator during the Civil War.
In church matters he has been an active worker in the
Methodist Episcopal Church since 1870, having served in the capacity
of Sunday school superintendent for 26 consecutive years.
Mr. McKelvey was married April
29, 1869, to Julia S. Irwin, of Wheeling, West Virginia, and
the fruits of this marriage were five sons, the eldest of whom—William
Thomson—has but recently passed away. The surviving children
are Robert Irwin, Charles Leavitt,
Clarence Burt and James Thoburn. Mrs. McKelvey
is a lineal descendant of Jonathan Zane, one of the
heroic defenders of Fort Henry.
~ Page 324 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
DAVID F. MCKELVEY. The
well-cultivated and finely improved farm of David F. McKelvey,
located in section 32, Mead township, not only reflects great credit
upon its owner, but also demonstrates the great agricultural
possibilities of this part of Belmont County. Mr. McKElveyis
one of the prominent citizens of Mead township, possessing honorable
ancestry, wealth and social position, and is also a representative
man in political life. David F. McKelvey was born Sept.
23, 1844, in Mead township, Belmont County, on a farm in the
vicinity of his present property, the same now being operated by his
youngest brother, Samuel P. McKelvey. His parents were
the late Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey, the latter of
whom was also born in this county, a daughter of David Creamer,
one of the early settlers of Belmont County and one of the very few
permitted to see both the dawn and the close of a century. His
daughter, Mrs. McKelvey, died July 11, 1885.
Samuel McKelvey was born in County Tyrone,
Ireland, and after a voyage of six weeks on the Atlantic Ocean
reached Belmont County in 1840, where he purchased a farm in Mead
township, from Zachariah Hayes, its original owner, and here
Mr. McKelvey died in 1888, when over 80 years of age, having
survived all his brothers, viz.: James, David, George, Joseph,
Thomas and Weir. They had a sister, Elizabeth,
who married a Mr. McCaffrey. The five sons and four
daughters of Samuel McKelvey and wife were: David F.,
of this biography; Robert, Thomas B. and Joseph O., of
Mead township; Emma and Narcissa, living on the home
farm; Mary E., the wife of John W. Neff, of Bellaire;
and Samuel P., born in 1864, who is the capable operator of
the home farm, an estate comprising 188 acres, lying in sections 31,
36 and 25. It has been greatly improved under Mr. McKelvey's
management.
Reared on the farm, David F. McKelvey has always
been deeply interested in agricultural pursuits and has spent the
greater part of his life in Mead township. He received a fair
education and during his earlier years taught the country schools,
but after marriage began his business career as a farmer. For
several years he farmed at Wegee, but for the past 20 years has been
established on his present farm, a valuable tract of 140 acres,
which he has successfully devoted to general farming and stock
raising. This land was originally the property of "Tommy"
Miles, then the Porterfields, later the McMasters
and then was purchased by McKelvey.
Mar. 24, 1881, Mr. McKelvey was
married to Ida J. Alexander, who was born in Pultney
township, in 1856, and is a daughter of Samuel Alexander, a
pioneer. The two daughters born to this union are
Mary and Lucy, both of whom belong to the home circle.
In politics Mr. McKelvey has been more than usually prominent
and was but lately sent as a delegate to the Democratic
Congressional Convention held at Martin's Ferry. For the past
five years he has served as township treasurer and is at present one
of the school directors. During its existence, he belonged to
the Farmers' Alliance. His religious connection is with the
United Presbyterian Church. As a commentary upon the great
strides made in the county, Mr. McKelvey shows a
well-preserved hoghouse on his farm, the same having served as his
earliest school house. With pride he can also point out the
neat and attractive buildings now serving as educational edifices.
~ Page
821 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois -
1903 |
GEORGE C. MCKELVEY,
the well-known dairymen at Bellaire, Ohio, is also a farmer of
recognized ability, residing at the present time on his place,
formerly known as the Jeffers farm, four miles west of
Bellaire.
Our subject was born in Mead township, Belmont County,
in 1870, and is a son of George and Mahala (Stonebreaker)
McKelvey. His mother was also a native of Belmont County
and descended from one of the early families of this section.
His demise took place in 1889. Our subject's father was a
native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and in company with several
brothers, all young men, immigrated to America. He commenced
life in the United States as a day laborer on the National Pike, the
great gateway between the East and the West, and to whose existence
is due the early development of the State of Ohio.
Some time later, in partnership with a brother
George McKelvey, purchased a farm in Mead township. In
1876 he removed with his family to Monroe County, Ohio, where he
purchased two farms, and spent the remainder of his life in that
vicinity. He died in 1891 at the age of 81 years. He and
his wife had 12 children. Several members of this family are
now deceased. Mrs. Lizzie Clegg, the twin sister of our
subject, resides in Monroe County, and two other sisters, Mrs.
Mary Walton and Mrs. Isabella Sykes, are residents of the
same county. Two other sisters, Mrs. Emily Holmes and Mrs.
Nancy Iams, lives in West Virginia. One sister resides
near Sistersville and one other in Richie County, West Virginia.
George C. McKelvey, from his sixth to his
twentieth birthday, lived in Monroe County, where he was educated.
He had exceptional advantages in that line, and was the recipient of
a normal school education. After leaving school he taught four
years, having received his first certificate when but 16 years old.
He has been twice married. His first union was contracted with
Miss Nettie McMahon, of Monroe County, who died in 1889,
leaving one child, Forrest. The present, Mrs.
McKelvey was prior to her marriage with our subject, the widow
of K. F. Jeffers. To the second marriage have been born
two children, Earl and Lucille.
About four years ago Mr. McKelvey opened a
dairy business in Bellaire, and has been very successful in this
business. He has a large patronage, and quality rather than
quantity is his prime consideration. He also carries on
general farming and stock raising. His farm is well improved,
having a comfortable residence and many other substantial buildings.
Socially, our subject is a member of Ionic Lodge, F. & A. M., and
also Bellaire Chapter R. A. M. He is a member of Mt. Zion M.
E. Church. In politics he has always been a stanch Democrat,
and was his party's selection as a candidate for sheriff of Belmont
County, and in a county which usually goes Republican by 2,000 votes
he was defeated by only 615 votes. He is well fitted for any
position to which he aspires.
~
Page 432 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
JOSEPH O. MCKELVEY, a
well-known farmer and prominent business man, residing in Mead
township, Belmont County, was born Feb. 11, 1854, in this township,
being a son of Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey,
extended mentioned of whom will be found in another part of this
volume.
Mr. McKelvey grew up on the farm, obtaining a
good common-school education, and remained at home until 1885, when
he purchased his present farm in section 14, near Vallonia, in Mead
township, this fine property being locally known as the old Beach
farm. It was purchased from Samuel Day and contains
157 acres, which has undergone wonderful improvements under the
practical and energetic methods of Mr. McKelvey. The
buildings are of a very substantial character, the residence being
large and convenient and all the surroundings testifying to thrift
and excellent management. Mr. McKelvey is a first-class
farmer, understanding all agricultural subjects very thoroughly, and
belongs to a family which has made Mead township noted for its fine
farms.
In 1885 Mr. McKelvey was married to Ida B.
King, who was born in 1861 in Richland township, being a
daughter of the late James King, and a family of five children has
been born to this union, namely: James Curtis, aged 16 years;
George Embra, aged 14; Lucille, aged 12; Florence B.,
aged 10; and Morris K., a little lad of two years. The
religious membership of the family is with the Bethel Presbyterian
Church.
In addition to his farming interest, Mr. McKelvey
has been largely engaged in coal optioning, and during the past two
years has optioned 16,000 acres in Mead, Smith and Washington
township. He has been a lifelong Democrat and has been
township treasurer and township trustee, being eminently qualified
to hold public office. Formerly he was a member of the Order
of United American Mechanics. His time is absorbed in his
different lines of activity and he is regarded as one of the very
active and successful business men of his section of Belmont County.
~
Page 722 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
ROBERT MCKELVEY, a
substantial farmer of Mead township, Belmont County, Ohio, and also
a leading business citizen of Bellaire, was born in Mead township,
in 1845, being a son of Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey.
The family is of Irish extraction; the grandfather, Robert
McKelvey, died in Ireland, leaving a widow. They resided
near Omah, County Tyrone. The maiden name of the grandmother
was Boyd. After the death of her husband, she came to
America with one of her sons, Thomas McKelvey, who later made
his home in Richland and Mead townships, Belmont County, and died,
unmarried, in the latter township at the home of his brother
Joseph. The grandmother of our subject died when the
latter was about 12 years old and was interred in the United
Presbyterian Church Cemetery at Belmont. The sons of Robert
McKelvey were: James, who died in Monroe County, although
formerly a resident of Belmont; Thomas; Robert; Samuel; George;
Joseph and Weir. David Creamer, the maternal
grandfather, was a very early settler in Belmont County, driving
across the mountains from Maryland and locating in Mead township,
where his children were born.
Robert McKelvey was well educated, supplementing
what he learned in the local schools with what could be gained
through attendance at college at Athens, and also received
instruction at a select school at the Bethel Church. For a
period of 52 months prior to his marriage, he engaged in teaching
and then located on his present farm, in 1873. This property
was purchased by Thomas McKelvey from a Mr. Welsh,
during the Civil War. In 1873 our subject married Mary J.
Neff, daughter of Conrad Neff; she was born in 1856, in
York township, this county. The four children of this union
are: Icy Della, who is the wife of Dr. J. C. Archer,
of Neff's siding, Pultney township. Hova Emerson, who
will complete his course in dentistry, at Columbus, Ohio, in March,
1903; Lawrence Earl, who is a very capable manager of his
father's farm; and Samuel Neff, who has become an expert
electrician, and has done much work on telephone lines.
Mr. McKelvey has not been so
engrossed in agricultural pursuits as to put aside business
opportunities of considerable magnitude, and is very well known for
his capacity in many lines of activity. He is president of the
Enterprise Telephone Company, a director in the People's Telephone
Company and director in the Dollar Savings Bank of Bellaire, looking
in the Dollar Savings Bank of Bellaire, looking at all times
carefully after the interests of these concerns. His
prominence in politics has made him a successful candidate for many
local offices; for nine years he has served as justice of the peace,
he has been assessor and land appraiser, and was holding the
responsible position of township treasurer, at the time he case his
first vote, for a Democratic administration. His fine farm of
210 acres reflects credit upon its excellent management while its
substantial and comfortable buildings make an ideal home.
Formerly he was connected with the Farmers' Alliance movement.
With his wife and family, he attends the United Presbyterian Church,
and few men in Mead township stand higher in public esteem.
~ Page
699 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois -
1903 |
THOMAS J. MCKELVEY, a prominent
and successful farmer and a highly esteemed and representative
citizen of Belmont County, is located on a fine farm in section 27,
Mead township. He was born in Richland township on Oct. 1,
1847, a son of Joseph and Ann Jane (Boyd) McKelvey, the
latter of whom was born 73 years ago in Belmont County, and is now a
resident of Cambridge, Guernsey County. Her father was
William Boyd, who came as a pioneer to the county and who
settled and cleared up a farm near Franklin station, where he
resided until his death some years ago in advanced age.
Joseph McKelvey was born in Ireland in 1821 and
died in this county in February, 1891. When but a lad of 17
years in 1838 he came to the United States, locating in Richland
township, Belmont County, on land near our subject's present home,
and there he lived until within two years of his death, this
occurring in Bellaire, where he lived retired. A Republican
from principle, he always vigorously supported the party. His
brothers were: James, who removed from Belmont to Monroe
County, and died there; Robert, who resided in Pipe Creek,
near Businessburg, has a son, Thomas, who lives near Belmont;
Thomas, for whom our subject was named, never married, but
accumulated a large amount of land in Mead township and was a
wealthy man at time of death; David was drowned in the Ohio
River in young manhood; George who removed to Monroe County,
his son George C. being the present Democratic candidate for
sheriff of Belmont County; Samuel, Joseph; and Weir,
who resided in both Belmont and Monroe counties, finally settling at
Bellaire, where he died and where his sons are prominent citizens.
A family of nine children were born to Joseph and
Ann Jane McKelvey, as follows: Thomas J., the
eldest; Margaret Ann married Ross Hutchison and
died in Kansas; Lizzie married A. D. King and resides
near Glencoe; William resides in Smith township, near Glenco;
Mary Bell married Clarence W. Neff and they reside near
Neff's siding; Sarah Jane who married James Johnson,
and lives in Arkansas; Mattie married Joseph Duncan,
a business man of Cleveland, Ohio; Robert was accidentally
killed while following his business as mine inspector in Colorado,
leaving his widow, a daughter of Isaiah Neff; and Eva,
who died young.
Mr. McKelvey of this record was reared in
Richland Township, where he was educated and lived until his
marriage, when he removed to Mead and purchased his present fine
farm, located but a short distance north if Jet station. Here
he has a farm of 100 acres of the best kind of land, well adapted to
general farming and stock raising, and here Mr. Kelsey has
just completed a handsome new residence, fitted with every comfort
for modern living. In 1876 he married Ada L., a
daughter of Peter Neff, and the two children born to this
union are Clarence Neff, a druggist engaged with Charles
Arnold in Bellaire, who was but recently married to Maggie
Knox, of this county; and Roberta May, a young lady at
home. The religious membership of the family is in the United
Presbyterian Church. Mr. McKelsey is an active
Republican. He was formerly connected with the Farmers'
Alliance movement. As a first-class citizen, awake to the
requirements of modern times, he is held in general esteem, and is
respected and beloved in his locality as a good neighbor and
exemplary member of society.
~
Page 672 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
ALEXANDER W. MCMASTER, a
prominent and representative farmer of Belmont County, owning a
fine, well cultivated farm in Mead township, is a worthy
representative of one of the oldest families of this locality.
He was born in 1853 in Mead township, a son of Samuel and Sarah
A. (Gregory) McMaster.
Judge Robert McMaster, the grandfather of
Alexander, came from Washington County, Pennsylvania, to
Belmont County, Ohio, in 1817, accompanied by two children,
Samuel and Fanny, the latter the widow of J. A. Weyer,
of Powhatan. Grandfather McMaster located in the
section north of our subject's present fine farm, buying land in
small tracts until he was owner of many acres. At the time of
his settlement in Mead township this part of the county was almost
uninhabited, the Taylor and Miles families being about
the only residents. "Uncle" Tommy Miles is still
recalled as one of the first residents of this section. Ere
long, however, other settlers came and the cares and
responsibilities of the community increased along with progress and
improvement, and as a man of judgment and force of character,
Robert McMaster was called upon to assume prominent positions,
serving efficiently as coroner, justice of the peace and as Common
Pleas judge. He was a man eminently fitted for public life and
this section is indebted to him for much of its early development.
His first wife died about 1850, and in 1851 he married Adeline
Rankin, and the one son of this union is Dr. R. O. McMaster
of the McMaster spent the last 15 years of her life after the
death of her husband with Mrs. Dr. Piper. Judge McMaster
died in 1874, aged 83 years. The children of his first
marriage were: George, William, Andrew, Henry, Samuel, Fanny,
Amanda, Margaret and Nancy.
Samuel McMaster was reared on his father's farm and
remained there until sometime later than 1830, when he moved upon
the farm occupied by his son, in section 31, range 3, - a tract of
152 acres. Here Mr. McMaster resided until the fall of
1900, when he removed to the home of a daughter, Mrs. A. D.
Creamer, living near Jacobsburg. The mother of our subject
was born in March, 1817, on the Duncan farm, near St.
Clairsville, and removed in the "thirties" to Smith township, near
Jacobsburg. She was a daughter of Patrick and Ella (Dowler)
Gregory, natives of Ireland, who died at Jacobsburg and both
were interred in that vicinity. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Gregory were: Thomas, Wesley, Pauline, Jimmy, Martha,
Ella, Betsey, Sarah A. and Hannah. Mrs. McMaster
died in January, 1901.
The marriage of the parents of our subject took place
in 1834, and they had a family of seven sons and one daughter born
to them namely: Robert, who died in 1859, aged 22
years; William W., who resides on a farm near Glencoe,
Richland township; John W., emigrated to Kansas in 1883 and
lives near Wichita, in Sedgwick County, having lived on a part of
the Miles land in this county, - he married Margaret
Porterfield in 1864 and has five daughters and two sons: Dr.
J. N., who is a resident of Centreville, Belmont County;
Thomas J., who is a farmer in section 31, in Mead township;
Albert, who died at the age of two years; Alexander, who
is the subject of this record; and Emma S., who married A.
D. Creamer and lives in Smith township.
Alexander McMaster was reared on the home farm
and educated in the district schools of Mead township. It has
been his pleasant lot to remain through life in this most desirable
part of Mead township, having always been the home farmer. In
1901 he erected his present handsome residence of eight rooms, which
is one of hte most complete and convenient houses in his locality.
Mr. McMaster has given his attention to general farming and
stock raising, mainly standard breeds of cattle and sheep, and has
been very successful in both lines.
On April, 1877, Mr. McMaster was united in
marriage with Melissa Taylor, who was born in October, 1853,
and was reared in the same neighborhood as our subject, as daughter
of Frazier and Lucy (Remley) Taylor the latter being a
venerated member of her son-in-law's household. The children
born to our subject and wife consisted of three sons and three
daughters, namely, Flora E., Ross A., Samuel, Ida, Roberta
and Delbert.
In politics MR. McMaster has always been
identified with the Democratic party and exerts a wide influence in
its ranks in his section. For 27 years his father admirably
filled the office of justice of the peace and is a man of the utmost
reliability and the highest citizenship. Following his
father's lead, our subject early became connected with the Masonic
body, Samuel McMaster was originally a member of Moriah
Lodge, No. 105, but later became a charter member of Weyer Lodge of
Centreville, and as he joined the organization in 1844, he is
probably the oldest Mason in the county. Our subject belongs
to Weyer Lodge, No. 541, of Centreville, Ohio, and St. Clairsville
Chapter, No. 17, R. A. M. Mr. McMaster with his family
attends the Methodist Church at Jacobsburg and is a liberal
contributor to its support. Few families in the township are
better know or more generally esteemed.
~
Page 754 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
DR. J. N. MCMASTER. A
prominent member of an old Belmont County family is found in Dr.
J. N. McMaster, who, since the fall of 1871, has been engaged in
the practice of medicine and surgery at Centreville, Ohio, where he
is also a leading and representative citizen.
Dr. McMaster was born Dec. 30, 1844, on his
father's farm in Mead township, being a son of Samuel and Sarah
Ann (Gregory) McMaster, and a grandson of Robert McMaster,
a pioneer from Pennsylvania, in 1817. The father was born in
1813, and the mother in 1817; the former still survives, but the
latter passed away in 1901.
Our subject was reared on his father's estate and
secured his education in the local schools, deciding early in life
upon his intended career. The outbreak of the Civil War
changed, for a time, the current of his life, as on Oct. 7, 1862, he
enlisted for service, entering the 9th Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav.,
participating in the campaign through the South under Generals
Burnsides, Rauseau and the gallant Kilpatrick, who
was his last commander. His term of service ended July 16,
1865. Returning home, he began the study of medicine in
earnest, teaching school in order to provide the means, attending
one term at West Alexander Academy during this time and in the
winter of 1868-69 took his first lectures at Starling Medical
College. The winter of 1869-70 was spent at the Ohio Medical
College at Cincinnati, where he graduated in March, 1870. His
first practice was in association with Dr. William Piper for
18 months, but in October, 1871, he located at Centreville, and this
village ahs been his home during all the succeeding busy years.
At different times during this period, he has admitted partners, at
one time Dr. G. L. Ramsey, and at another time the late
Dr. Wilkinson, as the demands upon his strength and time have
been two onerous. Dr. McMaster built his comfortable
home in 1876 and has his office located in the same building.
On Nov. 27, 1871, our subject was united in marriage
with Susan E. Neff, daughter of Henry and Matilda A.
(Hall) Neff, the latter of whom died at the age of 49 years, in
1865, and the former of whom resides, aged 92 years, near Glencoe,
where Mrs. McMaster was born July 18, 1846. She is one
of seven children born to her parents, namely: George Hall,
born Sept. 10, 18455, died at the age of nine days; Susan
Elizabeth, Mrs. McMaster; Dorcas Ann, born May 2, 1848,
the wife of John A. Thompson, of St. Clairsville; Jane L.,
born Mar. 17, 1850, became Mrs. Helpbringer, and died
recently near Glencoe; Vachel Singleton, born Aug. 14, 1852,
died at the age of three years; Margaret M. C., born May 9,
1855, married Rev. T. H. Armstrong; and Henry Allen,
born July 21, 1859, who resides on his farm in Smith township.
Mrs. McMaster is a cultivated lady and was educated at
Steubenville. Three children were born to the Doctor and his
wife, namely: Elva Leonora, born Apr. 24, 1873, married
Rev. A. Brown, a Methodist minister of Beverly, Ohio, and they
have three children, Chase McMaster, Edna Elizabeth and
Stowell Nelson. Rev. William Henry McMaster was born Sept.
17, 1875, and is one of the most brilliant young men this locality
has ever produced. On July 27, 1899, he graduated at Mount
Union, and graduated also at Drew University, where he took the
fellowship prize of $250 in gold, which was to be sued for higher
education. On June 24, 1902, he graduated at the University of
New York, having spent two years in teaching at Drew Theological
School, and was ordained a deacon, Sept. 17, 1899, at the Eastern
Ohio Conference and preached his first sermon on his 18th birthday.
For the past eight years he has been in the ministry and is now
stationed at Elmhurst, New York. The youngest son, Samuel
Emerson McMaster, was born Sept. 22, 1881, taught
school one year, graduated at Lebanon College in 1900, spent 1901 at
the Ohio State University, and is now attending the Ohio Medical
College at Columbus.
The religious connection of the whole family is with
the Methodist Church. Dr. McMaster has served six terms
as notary public, being first appointed by Governor Hoadly.
He is a member of Hess Post, G. A. R., Nov. 595, at Armstrong's
Mills and was one of the charter members of Weyer Lode, F. & A. M.,
at Centreville, serving for 10 years as its secretary. He
belongs also to the Belmont County Medical Society and keeps abreast
of the times in his profession. Dr. McMaster is the
accredited examiner for these insurance companies; The Mutual
Benefit, of New Jersey; the Home, of New York; the Michigan Mutual,
of Detroit; the New York Life; and the Prudential.
~ Page 675 -
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois -
1903 ( Portrait available) |
SAMUEL MCMASTER.
Very many of the leading old families of Belmont County were founded
in this locality by sturdy pioneers from Pennsylvania, who came
hither in the early days of its settlement to secure homes for their
large number of children, and such was the case with the McMaster
family, so well and favorably known.
Robert McMaster was born in Adams County,
Pennsylvania, and married Sarah Meeks, who was born across
the line, in Washington County, in the same State, and with their
children, in 1817, they migrated to Belmont County, Ohio, where
Robert purchased a tract of 80 acres from Frazier Taylor,
in Mead township, near Jacobsburg. It was probably somewhat
improved at the time, as it had been originally the property of the
well-known Thomas Miles. Later, Robert McMaster
secured 70 acres in Smith township, near Jacobsburg, and here both
he and wife died, the latter in February, 1850, at the age of 52
years, and the former in 1874, at the age of 84 years. They
had a family of five sons and four daughters born to them, all of
whom have shown a remarkable longevity, as is notable in the case of
the subject of this sketch, Samuel McMaster, the eldest of
the family, who was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on Dec.
6, 1813. The others were as follows; Frances, now
Mrs. Weyer, of Powhatan, Belmont County, was born in 1815, also
in Pennsylvania; Nancy was born in 1817 and has been deceased
many years; Andrew, born in 1818, has also been deceased for
a long period; Dr. William was born in 1820, and for some 20
years practiced medicine and conducted a drug store at Bellaire,
where he died; George was born in 1822, learned the trade of
saddler at St. Clairsville, and practiced the same at Bellaire and
Wheeling, where he died; Margaret was born in 1824, married
Harvey Porterfield, and died in 1852, of cholera, at Bellaire;
Mary Ann was born in 1826, married first, Thomas
Fulton, second, William Allen, and, third, William
Hoskinson, and resides, a widow, with her daughter at
Moundsville; and Henry, born in 1829, who follows a tailoring
business at Bellaire.
Our venerable subject has been an active man through
many years of his life, engaged in coopering, cobbling, but mainly
in farming, and owned the farm where A. W. McMaster now
resides. The old home in which he and wife went to
housekeeping, in 1835, was destroyed by fire, in 1900, together with
contents greatly valued by the family. Mr. McMaster was
married Nov. 5, 1835, at Jacobsburg, to Sarah Ann Gregory,
who was born near St. Clairsville in 1817, and died Jan. 24, 1901,
after a happy married life of 65 years. The children of this
union were: Robert Clark, born Sept. 8, 1836, married
Angeline Simpson on Jan. 27, 1859, and died Mar. 24, 1859;
William W., born Mar. 22, 1838, married Isabel McNiece
and they live near Glencoe on a farm, with children - Lizzie,
Sadie, Margaret, Annie, Carrie, and Susan, Burtie May
being deceased; John W., born July 16, 1841, married
Margaret Porterfield and resides in Kansas, their children being
Ella, Addie, Emma, Samuel, Minnie, James and Alice;
Dr. James N., born Dec. 30, 1844; Thomas J., born Nov.
13, 1846; Samuel A., born May 12, 1851, died Nov. 17, 1852;
Alexander W. was born Sept. 30, 1853; and Sarah E.,
born Oct. 19, 1860, married Sept. 8, 1881. Atwell D.
Creamer, born in Mead township May 9, 1861, and they reside on a
farm in Smith township, near Jacobsburg, and have children -
Everett, Ernest N., Ila Gail, Susan and Ethel. In
politics Mr. McMaster has always supported the Democratic
party and has been called upon to fill many of the township offices,
having been supervisor and township clerk, and for 27 years justice
of the peace, administering this office continuously for 21 years.
His Masonic connection dates back to 1843, when he was received into
Moriah Lodge, now of Powhatan, but then of Jacobsburg, and he was a
charter member of Weyer Lodge at Centreville, in Smith township.
Mr. McMaster has never attached himself to any religious
body, although his attendance has always been upon Presbyterian
services, with his wife. He has contributed to the building of
both Presbyterian and Methodist churches, and has always supported
reformatory and moral laws.
~ Page
684 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois -
1903 |
THOMAS J. MCMASTER,
a well-known farmer and prominent and representative citizen of
Belmont County, as well as a member of one of its oldest families,
was born Nov. 13, 1846, in Mead township, a son of Samuel and
Sarah Ann (Gregory) McMaster, the former of whom still survives
at the age of 89 years, coming from a sturdy stock noted for its
longevity.
The boyhood of Mr. McMaster was spent in Mead
township, where he attended school and remained until the age of 24
years, serving in the meantime, during the Civil War, in Battery A,
1st West Virginia Light Artillery, from 1864 until the close of
hostilities. In 1870 he removed to Monroe County, buying a
farm near Newcastle, in Green township, and remained engaged there
until the fall of 1900, when he returned to Belmont County and
purchased his present fine land in the southwestern part of Mead
township, from the Dollar Savings Bank Company of St. Clairsville.
This was originally a part of the old T. H. Ramsey estate.
Mr. McMaster was 190 acres, which is well adapted to farming,
and which he has placed in the finest possible condition.
In 1868 Mr. McMaster was married to Maggie
Griffith, born in 1846, a daughter of William and Christina
(Gray) Griffith, who came from Pennsylvania to Belmont County 55
years ago and located in Smith township, near Jacobsburg. A
family of eight children has been born to our subject and his wife,
as follows: Robert a., who died in 1900, at the age of 30
years; William S. is a farmer near Jacobsburg, married
Miss McKelvey; James A. resides in Mead township; Mary
is the wife of George Taylor and they reside at
Banksville, near Pittsburg; and Charles A., Alice R.,
Homer Eugene, and Maud, at home.
Politically Mr. McMaster has always been
identified with the Democratic party. He has been one of the
solid, reliable men who are always called upon in a community to
accept public trusts, and has served two terms of six years as
justice of the peace and three terms as trustee of Monroe County.
In fraternal life he has always been prominent, belonging to Monroe
Lodge, No. 189, F. & A. M., of Woodsfield, and the I. O. O. F. lodge
at the same place. Mrs. McMaster is a member of the
Presbyterian Church and Mr. McMaster inclines in the same
direction, liberally giving support. He belongs to the G. A.
R. Mr. McMaster is held in very high esteem in his
neighborhood and is justly regarded one of the representative
citizens. His home is one of the most attractive in Mead
township, and his hospitality is extended to a wide circle of
friends.
~
Page 690 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
DR. WILLIAM MCMASTERS
was a native of Belmont County. After completing his
medical studies, he practiced for a time in Centreville, Ohio.
He subsequently removed to Bellaire, purchased a drug store, and
continued in that business the rest of his years. He was an
honest man.
~
Page 149 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
JAMES BATTELLE McMILLEN, M. D., a
successful young physician of Somerton, Ohio, is rapidly coming to the
front in his profession. He was born at Bethesda, Ohio, in 1872, and
is a son of Francis and Mary (Scatterday) McMillen.
The McMillen family came originally from Pennsylvania in the
person of James McMillan, the grandfather, who was an
early pioneer, settling at first in Pultney, but later in Richland
township. In that township the Doctor's parents still live, his father
a well preserved man of 77 years, who is a representative farmer of
that locality. He supports the Republican party in politics, and he
has long been a leading member of the Methodist Church. His wife was a
daughter of Euclid and Deborah Scatterday,
and was born in Belmont County. She is a valued member of the
Methodist Church, and bears well her 70 years. A family of six
children was born to these parents, namely, Sansom E.,
deceased; Euclid S., a manufacturer, at Bethesda; James B.,
of this sketch; Elizabeth A., and Homer R., at
home.
Dr. McMillen attended the Richland
township schools and the St. Clairsville High School and then engaged
in teaching for a period of five years, in the meantime preparing for
medical college. In 1897 he entered Starling Medical College, at
Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with credit in April, 1901. He first
entered into a partnership with Dr. J. W. Piper at Bethesda,
and later came to Somerton, where he has practiced with success ever
since. Dr. McMillen is well equipped for his profession,
pays close attention to it and has gained the confidence of the
community.
On June 25, 1902, Dr. McMillen was united
in marriage with Alice B. Lentz, who was born in Richland
township in 1875, a daughter of Simon and Annie Lentz. Both the
Doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. He is
connected with the local orders of Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows.
In politics he is a stanch Republican.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
WILLIAM McNICHOLS, a
substantial farmer and most highly esteemed resident of Goshen
township, Belmont Co., owning one of the most desirable farms of
this locality, was born October 23, 1835, in Goshen township.
Joseph
McNichols, his father, was one the best known and most
respected citizens of the township. He died in 1892 at the age
of 84 years. For 27 years he had followed the trade of gunsmith,
on his farm, south of Belmont, in addition to operating a large
property. He was a man well know for his integrity and for his
stanch adherence to the Republican party. His first marriage was
to Charity Newsom, a daughter of Jordan Newsom,
a staid and most respected Friend, who left his home in North
Carolina and entered land in Ohio, wishing to live and rear his
family in a Free State. His wife belonged to the old Morris
family of South Carolina. Mr. Newsom was one of the first
settlers in the township and built the brick house, which our
subject now occupies, but he was killed prior to its completion.
Our subject bought the farm in 1864, and has resided here since
the spring of 1865. Although the old mansion was erected over 80
years ago, it is fairly well preserved, and an observant eye can
see the print of the trowel on the mortar at the present time.
It evidently was no contract work. Our subject's mother died 42
years ago, and his step-mother resides at Bethesda. A family of
four children was reared to maturity, and five others died
young, - Isaac, Joseph H., Asa and two daughters.
Those who were reared were: William, Mary, Thomas C., and
Sarah A. Mary was born in 1838 and married Elmore
Phillips. They live on her father's farm for some years,
later moved to the farm of Mr. Phillips' father, and
later bought a farm at Mount Olivet, where Mrs.
Phillips died 34 years ago. Mr. Phillips moved
to Harrison Co., Ohio, where he now lives.
The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are as follows:
Josephine, who married Oscar Hibbs, who has been
in business at Piedmont for some years; Alonzo C., a
resident of Northern Ohio; Ida B. and Jessie E.,
all having been wards of their uncle, William. Thomas
C. McNichols resides at Bethesda, owns a farm south of
Belmont, one in Indiana, and is a surveyor and an unusually fine
mathematician. Sarah never married and resides most comfortably
at Bethesda.
Mr.
McNichols was reared on the farm and was educated in the
common schools. At the age of 22 he was united in marriage to
Nancy J. Russell, a daughter of Samuel Russell;
she was born and reared in this vicinity, a member of one of the
oldest families. She lived to the age of 62 years, dying June
19, 1902, a most estimable, Christian wife and mother. The nine
living children of our subject are: Stephen, who is a
traveling salesman, married Laura White, has one
son, Myron, and resides at Morristown; Emma, who married
John Murphy, a merchant at Bethesda, and has these
children, - Viola, Oscar, Dorothy and Orville; Viola,
who married Lincoln H. Thrall, who is in the cigar
business at Bethesda, and they have two children, - Gail
and Faye; Frank, who is in business with Mr.
Thrall, married Hattie Patterson and they
have three children, - Artie, Gertrude and
Myrtle; Charles, who is a farmer, Unmarried; and
Ross, Mary Alice, Joseph and Ella, who are at home.
William died at the age of 21 years. The children are attendants
at the Baptist Church. Mr. McNichols has always been
generous in his support of all moral movements and religious
bodies, but he has never formally connected himself with any,
leaning perhaps to the simplicity of belief of his Quakeress
mother. Since 1867 he has been connected with the Masonic
fraternity, belonging to the local lodge at Barnesville.
In politics he has been a life-long Republican, although he has
never consented to act in any official position.
Mr. McNichols owns 180½ acres of land in Goshen
township, situated in sections 32 and 26, which he has devoted
to general farming. Formerly he dealt in stock, probably
for 27 years, during 13 of which he was in partnership with
Silas Bailey. On the death of his father, much
care and responsibility devolved upon him and for quite a period
he was engaged in the settling of the estate. Mr.
McNichols stands before his fellow citizens as a man of
upright character and peaceable and useful life, and is held in
universal esteem.
~Page 732 - Centennial History of Belmont
County, Ohio and Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903
|
JAMES H. MEEK, M. D., a practicing
physician of Belmont County, Ohio, who has won the confidence and
esteem of the citizens of Glencoe. both personally and professionally,
was born in Richland township, this county, in 1862, a son of
George and Elizabeth (Ault) Meek, both residents of Richland
township.
George Meek, the father of Dr.
Meek, has been a most highly esteemed citizen of this township
through more than 75 years. He has been an agriculturist all through
his active life, but now lives retired, enjoying the ease won by his
early industry. The mother of our subject was born in Smith township,
about 1820, a daughter of Christopher Ault. Both she and
husband are consistent members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Meek
has been a life-long Democrat. They are the parents of ten
children, namely: Wilmot C., deceased; Homer H.,
employed in a store in Trinidad, Colorado; Arlena, the wife of
Edward Welsh, of Missouri; George C., an undertaker, in
Pennsylvania; James H., of this sketch; Anna B., the
wife of John P. Hess, of Minnesota; Edward D. and
Ella M., at home; and Theresa and Elizabeth,
deceased.
Dr. Meek acquired his primary education
at the Oak Ridge district school, and began his medical study under
Dr. J. A. Clark, of Glencoe. In T895 he entered the Ohio Medical
College, from which he graduated on April 5. 1898. His first location
and practice were at Smithfield, in Jefferson County, Ohio, where he
remained for eight months and then came to Glencoe, where he has been
established ever since, building up a permanent and satisfactory
practice. He is a member of the Belmont County Medical Association,
and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity.
On August 29, 1900, Dr. Meek was married
to Lizzie J. Thompson, a daughter of Thomas and
Jemima Thompson, who was born in 1870, in Pease township.
Belmont County. They had one bright little son, James C., who
was born on November 5, 1901, but whom they lost on June 7, 1902. Both
the Doctor and wife are members of the Methodist Church, and are
prominent in social circles.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
HUGH M. MERRITT, who
laid out the town of Merritt, in Belmont County, Ohio, is a native
of Pultney township, which is still his home, having been born July
19, 1842, within two miles of his present residence. He is a
son of Robert and Eveline (Milligan) Merritt and grandson of
William and Mary (Long) Merritt.
William Merritt was born in 1780 and followed
farming as his vocation through life. He purchased the farm
upon which the Suburban Brick Works are located, near Bellaire, and
lived there until his death, which took place in his 55th year, Jan.
12, 1835. Dec. 18, 1806, he was united in marriage with
Mary Long, who was born Sept. 7, 1783, and died Feb. 21, 1840,
in her 57th year.
The paternal grandparents of our subject had seven
children, namely: Mary, Robert, Harriet, James L., Sarah Ann,
Elizabeth L., and Benjamin A. Mary was born Dec. 1,
1807, and lived to the advanced age of 80 years. She married
George Milligan on the 18th day of Nov, 1824. They
moved into West Virginia, locating for a time near Triadelphia and
they reared a large family. In later years they moved to a
farm near Mt. Vernon, where both spent their last years.
Harriet was born Jan. 16, 1812, and died at the early age of
three years. James L. was born June 17, 1814, and died
June 15, 1815. Sarah Ann was born Jan. 20, 1818, and
her death took place Apr. 23, 1879. She married John W.
Milligan and they resided some years in Harrison County, but
subsequently returned and purchased the old homestead, known as the
George Robinson farm, which was their home until death.
Elizabeth L. was born Apr. 20, 1821. Benjamin A.
was born Sept. 2, 1825, and came to his death by drowning in
McMechen's Creek, May 23, 1850. He married Mary Thomas.
Robert Merritt, the father of our subject, was born
Mar. 6, 1809, and died July 26, 1884. On the 18th day of Oct.,
1831, he was joined in marriage with Eveline Milligan; she
was born Feb. 19, 1812, and died Jan. 11, 1901. About 1847
Robert Merritt moved with his family to the farm just east of
subject's present home, and the same is now owned by Charles
Rosser. There the father engaged in farming and reared
a large family. The children were as follows: Mary
A., Eliza Ruth, James L., Hannah J., William W., Hugh M., Sarah E.,
Josiah, Benjamin A. and Robert Mitchell.
Mary A. is the widow of Samuel Alexander,
who died about 1883. During his life they lived at the
Robert Alexander homestead, which is still the home of the
widow. Eliza Ruth married Alfred Stroman.
They lived in Southern Illinois until the death of her husband.
Mrs. Stroman has returned to her old home, but now resides on
the Hutchison place in Pultney township, near St.
Clairsville. James L., who was a minister of the
Presbyterian faith for many years, died in 1883, leaving a widow,
who resides in California.
Hannah J. is the wife of James W. Mellott,
of Richland township, near Glencoe. William W., died in
1862 during the Civil War, at Tuscumbia, Alabama, at the early age
of 22 years. Sarah E. died in 1864, aged 20 years.
Josiah died in 1890, aged 40 years. He was twice
married, and left a widow, who resides in Atlantic, Iowa. His
death took place near Griswold, Iowa. Benjamin A., who
lived in Nebraska and was a candidate for Representative at the time
of his death, was killed in Cass County, Iowa, in 1894.
Robert Mitchell is single and resides in California.
Hugh M. Merritt, from his fifth year, was reared
on the old homestead, of which he now owns a part. For several
years he lived in the old log house, which was over a century old.
His farm consisted of 77 acres of land adjacent to the town of
Merritt, which he laid out. He has added many improvements to
his place, now having a nice residence and a fine set of farm
buildings. He has devoted his life exclusively to his farming
interests. He has been twice married. His first marriage
took place Mar. 24, 1869, with Sarah V. Payne. She was
a native of Frederick County, Virginia, and a daughter of Joseph
E. and Sarah A. C. Payne. She died Jan. 7, 1873, leaving
three children: Anna Roberta, Joseph William, and Sarah E.
V.
Anna Roberta was born Apr. 29, 1870. She
married William Crim, of Frederick County, Virginia, and they
have two children, Lois and Hugh M. Joseph
William was born July 26, 1871, and resides near our subject.
He married Carrie Dunlap and they have reared four children.
The eldest two, George William and Charles Robert, are
twins, and the others are Joseph P. and Helen. Sarah
E. V. was born Dec. 13, 1872. She was the wife of
Charles Ridgeway, of Berkeley County, Virginia, and they have
three children.
April 29, 1875, Mr. Merritt was joined in
marriage with Rachel A. Fisher, daughter of Louis and
Hannah Fisher, of Smith township. This marriage is without
issue, and the present Mrs. Merritt was born May 3, 1845.
Politically our subject is firm in his allegiance to the Democratic
party. The family attend the First Presbyterian Church of
Bellaire.
~ Page 468 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois -
1903 |
| WILLIAM
A. MERRITT, NOTE: This not
on the page listed in the index of the book. I will add it
later when and if I find it. ~ Sharon W. ~ Page 550 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois -
1903 |
JOHN MINTIER, of Wheeling township,
Belmont County, is one of those enterprising men who have devoted
their energies to the development of the agricultural resources of
this section. For fully 40 years he has worked on his present
attractive farm, each year making new improvements and introducing
some progressive measure in his farming, so that his place is now one
of the best paying pieces of property in the vicinity.
Mr. Mintier was born near the Pine Fork
Church, in Jefferson County, Ohio, June 13, 1827, and when quite young
moved with his parents to Hammondsville. There in the public schools
he procured his education, developing habits of industry and
self-reliance, which have followed him through life. After leaving
school there, he entered upon the active duties of life, remaining in
the place until he was 26 years old. He then moved to Guernsey County,
where for two years he continued his labors. Believing he might better
his fortunes by making a decided change, he next moved to the State of
Iowa, where he remained for five years, earning for himself and family
a comfortable living, and laying by a little something for a rainy
day. In 1862, however, he returned to Ohio, and here in Wheeling
township, Belmont County, invested his savings in a farm which he
considered a place worth having. Setting to work on it with energy and
determination, he soon found he had not overestimated its value, as
the land proved to be productive and the crops all that he could
desire. He has from year to year opened new sections of it, and, as
has been said, greatly improved it in many respects. He keeps himself
well informed upon the latest methods of agriculture, and is
considered one of the most progressive and at the same time practical
farmers in the county. The farm embraces 102½
acres and is well stocked.
September 15, 1853, Mr. Mintier
married Mary J. Henderson, one of 14 children born to Mr.
and Mrs. Andrew Henderson, of Belmont County.
Mrs. Mintier is a cultivated woman, who received a good
common school education, and before her marriage taught school for a
couple of terms. By this union they have had seven children, one of
whom, an infant daughter, died when only three days old. Robert H.,
born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1856, married Agnes
Anderson, and, about 22 years ago, went to Los Angeles,
California, where he has since been engaged as a contractor and
carpenter. He has one child. Martha, born in 1857, was
married in 1880 to William Stiles. She died in Guernsey
County, Ohio, in 1889. John, born in 1859, now a resident of
Shepherdstown and engaged in the management of the home farm, married
Lizzie Flowers and has one child. Park Nichol,
born in 1861. now a resident of Bloomfield station, married Ella
Hervey, and they have three children. Mary Elizabeth,
born in 1865, who never married, is now deceased. William
Alexander, born in 1869, graduated from Franklin College in 1895,
and from the U. P. Theological Seminary, at Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
in 1898, and officiated as pastor of a church in Cochranton, Crawford
County, Pennsylvania, until 1902, and is now living near Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania. He married Pearl McCune, and they have had
two children. Mr. Mintier and his wife are members of
the United Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
ALFRED H. MITCHELL, senior member of
the legal firm of A. H. & W. Mitchell, of St. Clairsville,
Ohio, is one of the city's leading citizens and representative
attorneys.
The birth of Mr. Mitchell took place in
Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, May 31, 1849, and he is a son
of David and Anna (Hatcher) Mitchell, who settled in Belmont
County in 1830.
Nathaniel Mitchell, his
great-grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and for
three years belonged to that cordon of officers who formed the body
guard of General Washington. Nathaniel's son,
James, was a farmer in Pennsylvania, in Washington County, where his
son, David Mitchell, was born in 1805. In 1830 David
Mitchell settled in Richland township, Belmont County, where he
engaged in farming, and where his death occurred in 1892. He married
Anna Hatcher, who lived to the age of 72 years. They had
a family of seven children, as follows: Elizabeth, Johnston,
Jesse P., Joshua, Alfred H., Wilson, and Emmett D.
Elizabeth is the wife of T. W. Bentley, of Loydsville,
Ohio. Johnston was killed in the battle of Jonesboro, Georgia,
September 1, 1864. Jesse P. resides in Columbus, Ohio.
Joshua died at an early age. Wilson, who was born in 1851,
taught school for eight years, studied law, was admitted to the bar in
1877, and is the junior member of the legal firm mentioned above. He
practiced until 1899, and was then made cashier of the Dollar Savings
Bank, in which capacity he still serves. He married Ella
Hewetson, and they have two sons, Alfred H., Jr., and
David W. Emmett D. is a resident of Kinsley. Kansas.
Alfred H. Mitchell received an excellent common
school education, and grew to manhood with those attributes which have
developed an admirable type of man. For four years after completing
his studies he taught school and at the same time studied his law
books, under the supervision of Capt. Lorenzo Danford
and E. E. Kennon, of St. Clairsville, with such effect that he
was admitted to the Belmont County bar in September, 1871, and since
that time has enjoyed a lucrative practice in St. Clairsville. Mr.
Mitchell was married September 23, 1875, to Mary A.
Wilkinson, a daughter of William Wilkinson, of Smith
township, Belmont County, and they have one son,—Herbert W.
Mr. Mitchell has been recognized as one of the leading members of
his profession, and served the county as prosecuting attorney from
1880 to 1885. His business enterprise has been shown in a number of
instances, notably in assisting to found the Dollar Savings Bank. of
St. Clairsville, which was organized in 1895. His political opinions
are in accord with the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a Mason.
Mr. Mitchell belongs to a high type of citizenship, and is
thoroughly representative of the best element of the community. He is
a man of honor and integrity, and one who serves the town and county
to the best of his ability.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
|
|
ROBERT C. MONTGOMERY.
Among the leading business men of Martin's Ferry is Robert C.
Montgomery, who conducts a first class grocery, located at No.
729 Broadway. Mr. Montgomery was born in Marshall
County, West Virginia, Jan. 90, 1869, being a son of Joseph B.
and Elizabeth A. (Caswell) Montgomery. The former was born
in West Virginia, while the latter was a native of Massachusetts.
The grandparents of Mr. Montgomery were
William and Elizabeth (Blakemore) Montgomery, both of whom were
born in West Virginia, when the State was still a part of the Old
Dominion. William Montgomery was a cooper by trade, and
in his shop is four sons learned the business. His children
were as follows: George, Joseph B., James, William, Emma,
Elizabeth, Amanda, Mary, Oella and Henrietta. George
served three years in the Civil War, participated in many battles,
was once severely wounded in the shoulder. George lives
ion Wheeling Island. James died at the age of 24 years.
William resides at Martin's Ferry and is employed at the tin
mill. Emma J. is the widow of John Hawn and
resides in Wheeling. Elizabeth is the widow of
Josiah Caswell who was the brother of Robert C. Montgomery's
mother. Amanda married Albert Ferguson, and
both are deceased. Mary married Harry Jump, who
is engaged in the dry goods business at Martin's Ferry.
Oella married Charles Well and resides on the Island.
Henrietta died at the age of six years. William
Montgomery, who was one of the early settlers in West Virginia,
and was born near Shepherdstown, in 1815, and was a farmer by
occupation. In 1858 he married Elizabeth Blakemore, who
died in 1888.
Joseph B. Montgomery, the father of our subject,
was born in Benwood, Marshall County. (West) Virginia, in
1844. In his early years he followed a coopering business,
machinery which at present does all that line of work not having
been invented. He was so occupied until his enlistment, in
1864, in the 5th Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., for service in the Civil War.
Mr. Montgomery took part in the Atlanta campaign under
Sherman, went with the army to the sea and participated in the
review at Washington, where he was discharged in October, 1865,
having served almost two years. Upon his return to his home,
he resumed his trade, at which he he worked until his marriage, in
1868. He then purchased a farm in Marshall County and followed
the life of an agriculturist for 15 years. In 1884 he removed
to Martin's Ferry and erected the first business house in that part
of the city known as "The Orchard," this building being the one now
occupied by his son. Mr. Montgomery thoroughly
identified himself with that part of the city. In 1887 he was
elected a member of the School Board and during one term was its
president. In 1888 he was elected a member of the City council
from the Third Ward and served in that body for three terms, during
two of which he was its president.
On May 7, 1868, Mr. Montgomery was married to
Margaret Elizabeth Caswell, who was born Mar. 7, 1849, in
Massachusetts, a daughter of Robert and Roanna Caswell, both
natives of the same State, who migrated to (West) Virginia in 1852.
Mr. Caswell was born May 12, 1818, and his wife May 23,
1818, and the former died in 1854, at the age of 36, and the latter
June 25, 1871, at the age of 53 years. Mr. Montgomery
was the youngest of three children, and is the only survivor.
She had two brothers. Josiah, who followed his father's
trade of nailer, lived to be 33 years of age. On Jan. 1, 1864,
he froze his feet so seriously that he suffered through the
remainder of his life from this injury. He married the sister
of J. B. Montgomery. The second brother, Elijah,
was also a nailer by trade. He married Anna Trainer,
daughter of Rev. Thomas Harvey Trainer, of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Wheeling. Mrs. Montgomery was long
a consistent member of this religious body in this locality and is
now connected with the Emory Methodist Church at Pittsburg, of which
city she is a resident. J. B. Montgomery was trustee
and a member of the board of stewards of the Methodist Church at
Martin's Ferry and gave freely of his time and money to further its
interests. He was of a sunny nature, very genial and
companionable, true to every trust and a most loyal and patriotic
citizen. His loyalty was tested at a time and in a State which
gave meaning to the word patriotism. Mr. Montgomery
died Oct. 16, 1899.
Robert C. Montgomery was educated in
the schools of Marshall County and later took a business course in
Frasher's Business College, at Wheeling. Upon completing his
school days, April 1, 1884, he entered his father's grocery store at
Martin's Ferry, and was taken into partnership in 1895, the firm
style becoming J. B. Montgomery & Son. His
father retired from the business in 1899, since which time the
business has been conducted under the name of R. C. Montgomery.
Mr. Montgomery is the older of two children, his brother
Howard D. being a successful attorney in Pittsburg. Mr.
Montgomery, through his long experience, has become thoroughly
posted on the grocery trade and conducts a first -class store,
dealing largely in fresh fruits and vegetables as well as choice
canned goods. His stock is displayed in a very attractive
manner, his business receives his individual attention, and he
counts among his patrons the most exacting trade of this city.
On Mar. 27, 1895, Mr. Montgomery was united in
marriage with Rose B. Maxwell, a native of West Virginia, who
is a daughter of John D. Maxwell and a member of the
following family: Maggie, who is Mrs. Ross Lake;
Alexander O., James P., George D. and Edward, all
residing on the Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery a
family of three children has been born, namely: Elizabeth L.,
Joseph B. and Robert M. The religious connection of
the family is with the Methodist Church. Mr. Montgomery
is valued in various business activities of the city and has just
been elected a trustee of the Electric Light Company. In
fraternal association, he belongs to the K. of P., Uniform Bank, and
is captain of Ohio City Company, No. 48, and has passed through all
the chairs in the order; he also belongs to the Maccabees. In
political sentiment he is an ardent Republican and has served as
delegate to county conventions. He is a charter member of the
Vigilant Hose Company.
~ Page 729 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois -
1903 |
FRANCIS MOORE is a well-known and highly
respected citizen of Barnesville, Ohio, who conducts a first-class
blacksmith shop in this city. He was born in Barnesville. August 7,
1856, and is a son of William R. and Mary E. (Hall) Moore.
William R. Moore, who died on March 3, 1875,
belonged to that body of excellent mechanics which in the early days
of the city did so much for its permanent development.
The names of John Francis, Robert
Crozier, William Kline, Joseph Capstack,
John McDonnell, J. P. Cox, James Sproat, George Hall,
John Seals and William R. Moore, recall to the older
citizens men of energy and brawn, who were not only good mechanics and
blacksmiths, but were also among the best and most reliable citizens.
In 1857 William R. Moore erected a hominy mill in Barnesville
on the corner of South and Chestnut streets. For many years he
operated this very successfully, and it was followed in 1854 by a
sawmill, which he located on South Chestnut street, and which, after
years of successful operation, was bought by Hilles Brothers.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Moore was one of
the loyal men who responded to the call for volunteers. He enlisted in
Company C, 9th Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., and served faithfully until 1865.
His marriage to Mary E. Hall was blessed with the following
children: Owen, who gave his young life to his country at the
battle of Stone River; John W., Lurestine P., George and
Francis.
Francis Moore was reared and schooled at
Barnesville, but in early manhood started out for himself, turning his
steps to the great Northwest. There he learned the blacksmith trade
and was thus employed at Minneapolis, Minnesota. He followed the same
occupation in the regular army, with which he was connected for two
years, and during that time, under command of General Miles,
participated in several engagements with the Indians. In 1881 he
returned to his old Ohio home and opened up his present quarters,
where he has been very successfully employed ever since. Mr.
Moore is an expert horseshoer and is known for his special work in
the shoeing of race-track horses. His establishment is the leading one
in Barnesville.
Mr. Moore was first joined in marriage in
1875 with Annie B. Hummer. His second marriage occurred in
1884, when he wedded Annie B. Kircher, who died, leaving one
daughter, Etta K. Mr. Moore formed a third union with
Cora B. Rimer in 1893, which has resulted in no children.
In politics Mr. Moore is identified with
the Democratic party, while his fraternal connection is with the Odd
Fellows. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore are
highly respected by all who know them, and they have a wide circle of
friends.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
THOMAS G. MOORE, postmaster of
Barnesville. Ohio, is one of the best known and most highly esteemed
citizens of the place, his long term of mail service having made him
familiar to the community, while it has served to thoroughly educate
him in every detail of the work. For many years Mr. Moore's
chief interest has centered in the perfection of the postal system
under his care.
The birth of Mr. Moore occurred in Warren
township, Belmont County, and he is a son of Thomas G. and Mary
(Staggs) Moore. The father was born in Kirkwood, Ohio, October 9,
1824. There he engaged in farming until his death. July 31, 1801. The
mother survived until November 13, 1898.
The subject of this sketch attended the public schools
and prepared himself for a business career by taking a thorough
commercial course. While still a youth he was employed in the mail
service on the Vandalia Railroad and continued thus for 18 months,
when he resigned to accept a clerical position in a drug store in
Barnesville, where he remained for three and a half years.
About this time Mr. Moore was appointed
assistant postmaster at Barnesville. and continued in that capacity
for 11 years. On May 4, 1900. he succeeded Postmaster Hillis,
and has proven one of the most acceptable officials this city has ever
had. He introduced rural mail delivery and has four employees under
his supervision. Mr. Moore gives his whole time and attention
to his office. His system has met with the approval of the citizens,
and they esteem an official so careful and conscientious, rely upon
his accuracy and enjoy the promptness with which the business is
carried on.
Mr. Moore married Eva M. Marks,
who is a daughter of Samuel Marks and a native of Ohio. The two
children born to this union are Carrie M. and Ralph M. Mr.
Moore is a member of the Odd Fellows. He is a stanch supporter of
the Republican party.
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative
Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
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 |
|