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OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS
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Welcome to
Belmont County
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BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)
WILLIAM HARRISON WARREN, a
prominent farmer of Mead township, Belmont County, and a worthy
representative of old pioneer families of the county which have been
conspicuous through generations both in agricultural and military
life, was born in his present home in Mead township in 1840, a son
of Daniel and Sarah (Hardesty) Warren.
On the maternal side of the family,
Mr. Warren comes of Revolutionary stock, his grandfather,
Obadiah Hardesty, serving in the Continental Army. Mrs.
Warren born in Glencoe, Richland township, Belmont County, where
her father located on a farm soon after the close of the
Revolutionary War, and died in 1877, aged about 77 years. On
the paternal side the early ancestors belonged to the State of
Maryland, and there Daniel Warren was born in 1790, a son of
Haddick Warren who first located at Middletown, Washington
County, Pennsylvania, and from there came to Belmont County, Ohio,
in 1804, all of the following children having been born prior to
this time - Daniel, John, Caleb, James, William, Polly, Catherine
and Sarah. Haddick Warren was one of the first settlers
to locate in the eastern part of Belmont County, buying a farm near
Neff's siding, where he spent the remainder of his life and
where his tomb may be found. He also was a soldier in the
Revolutionary War.
It is a subject of comment that when the country needed
help in the various struggles from which has come American
independence, the Warren family always had a loyal member to
offer service. Thus in the War of 1812 Daniel Warren
participated with gallantry. After his marriage he came to
Mead township and located on a farm in section 30, the same property
now owned by his son, our subject. He engaged in agricultural
pursuits through the whole of his life, attaining very substantial
results. His political views made him in early life an old
line Whig, and an active supporter of the Republican party after its
formation.
On Dec. 21, 1815, Daniel Warren and Sarah
Hardesty were united in marriage, and a family of 14 children
were born to them in the old home on the farm. Nancy,
the eldest, was born Feb. 21, 1817, and died in the old home at the
age of 55 years; John, born Oct. 4, 1818, died unmarried in
St. Joseph, Missouri, aged about 33 years; Eliza, born Apr.
4, 1820, married James Shipman, and they moved first to
Kansas, then to Illinois and later to Missouri, where she died about
1897, their three children also being deceased; Noah V., born
Nov. 17, 1821, died at Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio, aged 21 years;
Morgan, born Nov. 4, 1823, married Jane Thornberry,
moved to Iowa and was drowned in the Ottawa River in 1876, - he had
been a soldier in the Civil War in the 298th Reg., Iowa Vol. Inf.,
and left a large family, five sons residing in Kansas; Mary Ann
born Nov. 4, 1823, died in 1877, the wife of Joseph Carle;
Charity, born Oct. 14, 1825, died at the age of
nine years; Susan born Feb. 10, 1829, married William
Graham, and both died at their home in Captina Creek, one of
their daughters and two of the sons residing in Belmont County, one
in West Virginia and one in Nebraska; Sarah, the twin sister
of Susan, married William Wiley, and at death left a
son and daughter, residents of Jackson County, Indiana; Haddick
L., born Jan. 17, 1831, resides at Alma, Ross County, Ohio, was
a brave soldier in the Civil War from Meigs County, and
married Elizabeth Moore; Rebecca, born April 21, 1833, is the
widow of James Wiley, and resides at Ella, Marshall County,
West Virginia; Rhoda, born Oct. 20 1834, married Prince
Green, and resides in Spraytown, Jackson County, Indiana;
Ebenezer, born July 4, 1838, died unmarried in 1871.
The youngest member of this family was the subject of
this record. William Harrison Warren, who was born on
Dec. 16, 1840. He was reared to farm work, and the principal
business interests of his life have been centered in agricultural
developments. His fine farm of 218½
acres is well cultivated and finely improved, and he has here
engaged in general farming, combined with dairying, his general
prosperity being the result of excellent management and the
intelligent use of modern methods and improved machinery.
On Apr. 16, 1866, Mr. Warren married Harriet
Eliza Berry, who was born Sept. 30, 1815, in Mead township, a
daughter of William C. and Mary (Haughtengohow) Berry, the
former of whom was born at Wellsburg, Virginia, now West Virginia,
and died in 1879, aged 68 years. He was a son of John and
Mary Ann (Clark) Berry, an old Virginia family of
prominence. The mother was also born at Wellsburg and died in
1862, aged 51 years. Mrs. Warren is one of a family of
ten children born to her parents, these being: James,
deceased; Jacob, a resident of Mead township; Clark,
died at the age of six months; Mary Ann married Ira Kidder,
lived at Moundsville, West Virginia, and died in 1898; Rachel
Ellen died unmarried in 1869, aged 27 years; Harriet E.,
the wife of Mr. Warren; Augusta J. is the widow of
James White of Moundsville; William J., a resident of
Mead township; John W., a resident of Moundsville, married
Lizzie Lash, and James Albert, a resident of Moundsville,
married Lizzie Schrimp.
To Mr. and Mrs. Warren has been
born a family of eight children, namely - William S., born
Apr. 2, 1867, is a physician in practice at Businessburg, Ohio,
graduating from Bryant & Stratton's Business College and
Starling Medical College. He married Anna C. Boyd,
and their four children are: Mary Elizabeth, aged seven
years; Dulcie E., aged five years; Harriet Isabel,
aged two years, and William Boyd, an infant, deceased.
Myrta I., born Mar. 29, 1869, married George H. Ramsey of
Mead township, and they have five children - Forrest, born in
1891; Clarence E., born in 1893; Harriet Mildred, born
June 6, 1896; Harry Warren, born Feb. 15, 1898, and Loring
Fulton, born Sept. 3, 1901. Carrie B., born Mar. 3,
1871, married William A. Craig, and they reside in
Businessburg, their children being Loring Day, born Aug. 5,
1894, Harriet Eliza, born July 29, 1897, and i\an infant,
born May 2, 1899, deceased. Daniel H., born July 5,
1873, is a graduate of the Western Pennsylvania University and for
the past year has been practicing his profession of dentistry at
Allegheny City. He is also a graduate in pharmacy, graduating
from Scio College July 26, 1900. Otta L. born Oct. 6,
1875, married George McCommon, a professor in a school at
Windsor, Ashtabula County, Ohio. V. Josephine, born
July 14, 1877, is a young lady at home. Charles Foster,
born Oct. 10, 1879, is a teacher at Neff's siding. On
Apr. 18, 1902, he married Ada L. Neff, of Neff's
siding. The youngest son, Harrison Edwin, was born Nov.
1, 1882, and remains at home assisting his father.
During the stormy period of the Civil
War Mr. Warren, true to family tradition, offered his
services in defense of his country, belonging during nine months at
the close of the war to Company I, 5th Ohio Vol. Cav., under the
brave Kilpatrick, and escaped any serious injury. In
political sentiment he has always adhered to the Republican party,
supporting its candidates and promoting its influence. In
fraternal connection he is associated with the Masonic body, belong
to Weyer Lodge, No. 541, of Centreville, Ohio, as are also his sons,
and he also belongs to Spangler Post, G. A. R., of Bellaire.
The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church
at Pleasant Hill.
~ Page 674 - Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 |
JAMES H. WATT.
It is possible for the careful student of political economy and
human achievement to select in every community individuals who have
risen above their fellows, not on account of environment, but rather
in spite of it. Such was the case with the late James H. Watt.
The indomitable spirit which conquered early disadvantages was the
motive power which made of him the manufacturing magnate he finally
became, and charged the obscure little village foundry into one of the
great centers of activity in its line, with its products welcomed in
every part of the civilized globe.
The birth of James H. Watt took place at
Batesville, Noble County, Ohio, August 11, 1839. He grew to
manhood in Noble and Monroe counties. Malaga being the scene of
his most anxious efforts to fit himself for the vocation of teacher.
In 1862, after teaching in the county schools, he accompanied his
brother, Stewart, to Barnesville, Belmont County, and during
the 39 years vouchsafed him of life thereafter he was identified with
affairs in Barnesville and vicinity, which in many cases materially
affected the character and fortunes of some of her greatest
enterprises.
In the year 1862, in association with his respected
father, the late Joseph Watt, our subject started in a small
way in a foundry business, in a small building located in Barnesville,
on Church street. The business so modestly started grew in
strength and importance, and in 1865 the style was given to the public
as the firm of J. H. Watt & Brother, John W. Watt having become
a member. In 1867, this firm name was changed to J. H. Watt &
Brothers, Stewart Watt then entering the firm. The business
was inaugurated for the manufacture of stoves and castings, and the
output continued thus for a period of 18 years. In 1880 a patent
secured by James H. and Stewart Watt on a self-oiling mining
car wheel (with 13 other patents) caused additional business and
change in manufacture, resulting in 1882 in the formation of the Watt
Mining Car Wheel Company, of which James H. Watt was made the
president. The influx of outside trade, which the adoption of
the above-named patent brought to the company, necessitated the
enlargement of the buildings, and in 1890 and 1891 new buildings were
erected, covering all the available space on the old site; as
increased facilities were needed, a large tract of land was secured in
the northeast part of the city, where a huge structure of stone, brick
and steel represents the manufacturing plant of the company, which in
1862 could easily be accommodated in one dingy room. That this
wonderful growth and development can be attributed to the master mind
of James H. Watt, his brothers, the present owners and
managers, are the first to declare. He was the oldest of a
family of gifted business men and his energy and business faculty,
combined with a sureness of judgment and tenacity of purpose, guided
the great enterprise through the shoals of its earlier existence into
the calm waters of success. AT his death the business was
reorganized with the election of the following officers: R.
Ross Watt, president and general manager; John W. Watt,
vice president and treasurer; P. H. Laughlin, secretary, and
Stewart Watt, superintendent. This company, which stands as
a monument to the ability of the late James H. Watt, is the
largest industry of its kind in the United States, and its products
are in demand all over the world.
On December 30, 1875, James H. Watt was united
in marriage with Elizabeth Adams, and this union was
blessed with four children—Anna M., Mary, Clyde A. and H. Huston—who,
with his widow, still survive. The death of Mr. Watt
took place May 2, 1902, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The obsequies
were conducted according to the beautiful ritual of the Masonic
fraternity, with which he had been connected for 34 years, and a
touching testimonial to his place in the estimation of his employees
and the public was given by the presence of the latter in great
numbers, and also of the teachers and pupils of the High School, all
anxious to show their grief for one whose efforts had so long been
directed to the betterment of industrial conditions and educational
advancement. Mr. Watt was also a Knight of Pythias,
being a charter member of Warren Lodge and one of its interested
promoters. Although his name had never been placed upon the
rolls of the Presbyterian Church, his life was connected with that
religious body by services in many positions and constant attendance.
His advocacy was sincere and his support to be relied upon for every
measure of religion, education or worthy enterprise which came to his
notice, and his private benefactions exceeded his public ones.
Although absorbed in the business which his great plant
brought to him constantly, Mr. Watt was also interested
in other enterprises which caused growth in his city. During the
greater part of the time of its existence he was an active member of
the Warren Gas & Oil Company, and served as its president for several
years preceding the sale of its lands to the Union Gas Company. He
aided in various ways in the development of the oil fields in this
region and was interested in valuable holdings in the new field south
of Barnesville. He was one of the organizers of the Barnesville Glass
Company, of which he was a director for a number of years. He was also
president of the Green-mount Cemetery Association for many years; this
office he was holding at the time of his death. He served as the first
president of the Barnesville Canning Company and was one of the chief
investors in the establishing of the People's National Bank of
Barnesville. Mr. Watt never sought public office, but
served several terms in the City Council, his sound judgment and
practical wisdom making him a valuable member of that body. He
assisted greatly in organizing the Belmont-Monroe Reunion Association,
was its first president, and much of its success was due to his
efforts. The employees of the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company testify to
his personal interest in them and their affairs, and acknowledge that
mainly through his encouragement many of them own their own homes and
are accumulating means. One trait of Mr. Watt still deserves
mention in this all too brief memorial, and that was his memory of
past favors and of the friends of his earlier years. No change in
fortune or accession of riches changed a nature which was manly and
true to the core. |
JOHN W. WATT, vice-president and treasurer
of the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company, of Barnesville, Ohio, a position
of prominence and responsibility, was born in Louisville, Ohio, in
December, 1843. Until the age of 13 years he resided with his parents
in Harrietsville, at which time the family located at Malaga, Ohio,
where the greater part of his education was secured. In 1864 he
located in Barnesville, and engaged in teaming for a year in this
city, entering the army for service in the Civil War in the spring of
1865. He enlisted in Company D, 185th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served
until the latter part of September of the same year. After his
honorable discharge, he returned to Barnesville.
In 1862 his father, the late Joseph Watt, with
our subject's brother, the late James H. Watt, had started a
foundry business, and after our subject's return from the army he also
became a partner; in 1867 another brother, the well-known Stewart
Watt, who is now the efficient general superintendent of the
company, entered the firm, which then became J. H. Watt & Brothers.
For 18 years this foundry engaged in the manufacture of stoves and
castings, but in 1880 James H. and Stewart Watt
introduced their patent self-oiling mining car wheel, which proved so
great a success that two years later the company was formed which has
since enlarged and expanded until its goods are of world-wide use.
Upon the death of James H. Watt, in 1902, the Watt Mining Car
Wheel Company was reorganized, with officers as follows: R. Ross
Watt, president and general manager; John W. Watt,
vice-president and treasurer; P. H. Laughlin. secretary; and
Stewart Watt, superintendent. The above officers represent the
largest manufacturing plant of its kind in the United States, one
whose high standard of goods and business methods have invaded every
country. From time to time the buildings have been enlarged to
accommodate the growing demands, and now occupy a large space in one
section of the city.
The first marriage of Mr. Watt took place in
December, 1871, to Euretta Stewart, who died in July, 1880,
leaving two children, Alma and Charles. The second
marriage was celebrated in July, 1883, to Belle M. Blakemore,
daughter of James Blakemore, one of Belmont County's
leading citizens. Two children wore born to this union, the one
surviving being Earl B. Mrs. Watt is
a valued member of the Methodist Church. Our subject's fraternal
association is with the Knights of Pythias, and he is politically
identified with the Republican party. The family moves in the best
social life of the city, and Mr. Watt is regarded as one
of its representative and useful men. |
JOSEPH WATT, who for a number of years
was a leading manufacturer and prominent business man of Barnesville,
Belmont County, Ohio, was born December 25, 1809, and died January 29,
1879. He was reared and schooled in Belmont County, and after 1862 his
business interests were centered here.
In association with his son, the late James H. Watt,
Joseph Watt entered upon a foundry business, on a small
scale, which in later years developed into the great industry known
all over the world as the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company. In 1868, a
foundry was started at the southeast corner of South street and
Broadway, Barnesville. in what was then known as the old hominy mill,
the property of W. R. Moore. The proprietors of the
concern were McKewen & Crozier. The plant was later
transferred to a building situated on lot 86. After several changes,
this plant was purchased by Allen Alexander, who
operated it for a short time, and then sold it to J. H. Watt &
Brothers. The Watt foundry was situated on the site of the
present Eli Moore Opera House. As trade increased, it was
enlarged, and after the company began the manufacture of a patent,
self-oiling car wheel, larger accommodations became necessary.
Accordingly, in 1890 and 1891, arose the great steel, stone and brick
structure now known as the plant of the Watt Mining Car Wheel
Company, that being the corporate title of the company. This plant
employs 130 men, locally, and 20 others are constantly engaged on the
outside, in the preparation of lumber. It is an establishment of great
importance, not only to Belmont County, but also to the State, its
products being in active demand all over the industrial world.
Joseph Watt married Maria Slack, and eight
children were born to their union, namely: Mrs. M. W. Edgar;
James H., deceased; John W.; Stewart R.; R. Ross;
Rose; Jennie; and Mrs. B. F. Stewart, who passed from this
life in May, 1899. The three surviving sons of this family are,
practically, the owners of the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company.
Mr. Watt's death was generally lamented, as he was held in high
esteem in his community. He was known as an honorable business man and
an upright and exemplary citizen, while his personal loss was deeply
mourned by many devoted relatives and friends. |
STEWART WATT, general superintendent and
one of the members of the firm comprising the Watt Mining Car Wheel
Company, of Barnesville, Ohio, an inventor of ability and a successful
man of business, is also a leading citizen in the public, religious
and social life of the city of his choice, in which he owns one of the
most beautiful, as well as hospitable, homes.
The birth of Mr. Watt took place in
Harrietsville, Ohio, June 21, 1846, and he was reared and educated
both in Noble and Monroe counties. Until he was 17 years old he
remained at home, engaged in farm work, but in the spring of 1863 he
came to Barnesville, where his father, the late Joseph Watt,
and his brother, the late James H. Watt, were engaged in a
foundry business, and entered as an employee, in 1867 becoming a
partner, when the firm name became J. H. Watt & Brothers. A
practical mechanic and a young man of inventive genius, his activity
was constantly in the line of improvement, and in the invention of the
self-oiling mining car wheel he not only gained reputation for himself
and brother, James H. Watt, with whom he was associated,
but also gave an impetus to the foundry business, which later was
developed into the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company; he was then made
superintendent of the works. James H. and Stewart
Watt secured the first patent on November 2, 1880, and our subject
immediately went upon the road, intro-during the car wheel into many
States, with unexpected and flattering success. Upton his return he
took charge of the shops of the foundry, and in his capable, efficient
manner has regulated a business of enormous volume, which now has
penetrated into almost every part of the globe and is a part of the
invasion which foreign lands have begun to fear from American captains
of industry and their products. Mr. Watt with his able
brother, the late James H. Watt, was the patentee of 14
patents which are made use of in the construction of the car wheels in
this foundry, some of which patents cover the English field.
In 1868 Mr. Watt was united in marriage
with Anna M. Bundy, daughter of Ezekiel Bundy, one of
the highly respected citizens of Warren township, and six children
were born to this union, namely: Forrest H., who is employed as
a manager in the foundry; Daisy B., who married W. K.
Pendleton, a noted minister of the Christian Church; William E.
and Walter G., both of whom are in school; an infant that died
a babe; and Olga M., whose death occurred on November 9,
1895, a beautiful young woman of 22 years, whose decease cast a shadow
over the city's social circles. She was a graduate of the High School
and was gifted in many ways, being particularly accomplished in the
art of china painting, many exquisite samples of her work being
treasured by relatives and friends. The religious connection of Mr.
Watt and family is with the Presbyterian Church. He is advanced
in Masonry and is a charter member of Warren Lodge, Knights of
Pythias.
Mr. Watt has been too deeply absorbed in
business to find time to accept offices of great responsibility,
although his prominence in the Republican party and his eminent
fitness are generally recognized, but he has served in the City
Council for more than 10 years, during this time advocating
strenuously the paving of the streets, he being the first member of
the Council to present this subject before that body. He is the owner
of considerable real estate in the city, and with his brother,
James H., erected 20 houses; he has done much for the permanent
improvement of Barnesville. At the death of James H. Watt our
subject was made president of the Belmont-Monroe Reunion Association. |
REV. JOSEPH M. WEHRLE,
pastor of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, at Bellaire, Ohio, a
scholarly man of quiet tastes and useful life, is a well-beloved
resident of this city, esteemed in the highest degree, both in his
parish and among the fellow-citizens.
The birth of Father Wehrle took place at Newark,
Licking County, Ohio, in 1865. He is a son of Col. Joseph
Christian Wehrle, who died in 1890, aged 54 years, having been a
loyal soldier and a prominent manufacturer of Ohio.
Col. Joseph Christian Wehrle was a native of
Prussia, Germany, and came to America a poor boy of 13 years,
accompanying his father, who followed the trade of nailsmith and
blacksmith. During his youth it was Joseph's duty to
peddle the nails which his father made by the old hand process, and
this precluded any great amount of schooling. Later he learned
the trade of molder, became successful in the business and thoroughly
identified himself with the interests of his adopted land. At
the outbreak of the Civil War he raised a company in Licking County at
his own expense, entered the service as its captain (the company being
assigned to the 76th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.), received just promotion
and served as one of General Sherman's colonels. In
February, 1865, Colonel Wehrle married a daughter of Michael
Morath, who at that time was a wealthy brewer, owning the largest
brewery in the State of Ohio, or between Pittsburg and St. Louis.
After marriage Colonel Wehrle entered the
wholesale liquor business, but later purchased a foundry at Newark,
and entered into a partnership with John Moser. Beginning
in a small way, they gradually enlarged the business, and needing more
land, secured a tract of three or four acres upon which they erected
an immense plant and engaged extensively in the manufacture of stoves
and ranges. Later Colonel Wehrle purchased Mr. Moser's
interest, in the business is now carried on by his two sons,
William and Augustine. This plant is reputed to have
the largest tonnage of any foundry in the country, and employs about
1,000 men. The two sisters of Father Wehrle are Mary,
a resident of Columbus, and Cecelia, who lives at home.
Father Wehrle was not designed for the
priesthood by his father, whose large business interests offered an
inviting field for the youth's commercial and wordly advancement.
His inclinations, however, were toward a religious life from early
boyhood, and the unusual development of his mental faculties marked
him for a life which the rush and clangor of business would not
satisfy. His elementary education was acquired in the parochial
schools at Newark, Ohio, and in 1879 he entered St. Vincent's College
at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, graduating there in the commercial
department in 1881, being one of 11 graduates in a class of 26, the
high standard of scholarly excellence demanded by the course not being
reached by the others. At this time one of his professors was
the present noted Bishop Leo Haid, of North Carolina. It
was at his father's request, who desired him to prepare for West
Point, that he then entered the classical course at St. Vincent, and
although he could not sympathize with his father in the latter's
desire for him to adopt a military career, he so applied himself that
he completed the thorough and comprehensive course of five years in
three, graduating also at the head of his class in 1884, caring off
the highest honors. One of his well-known classmates was
Father Hugh Ewing of Columbus, Ohio. Selecting the seminary,
he there completed a course in philosophy in 1886, obtaining the
degree of A. B. Having finally secured his father's consent,
Father Wehrle took up the study of theology in preparation for the
priesthood, and two years later graduated with the degree of M. A.,
but on account of his age was obliged to defer his ordination several
months, this ceremony being performed August 15, 1889, at Newark,
Ohio, by Bishop Watterson. He was at once placed
in charge of a parish in Scioto County and located at Wheelersburg,
where he remained until 1895. The succeeding year was spent in
travel abroad, through Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Egypt and
Palestine, returning in January, 1896. He was immediately placed
in charge of St. John's Parish, at Bellaire, Ohio, which contained at
that time 300 families. Since the labors of Father Wehrle
began there has been a constant increase, until now the parish has
more than 600 families, with a flourishing parochial school.
Few men in business life have attained to more
prominence from humble beginnings than did the late Col. Joseph
Christian Wehrle, who with ability made a career for himself which
reflected credit upon himself, his family and his adopted State.
He was an earnest and his adopted State. He was an earnest and
active member of the Republican party, and his chosen friends were
such men as the late ex-President Hayes, Governor Foster
and Chief Justice Woods, and was so highly regarded by the
lamented President Garfield as to have been tendered by him the
position of United States Minister to Germany. |
JOHN F. WHEATLEY has been a
general merchant for the past 25 years at Atlas, Belmont County,
Ohio, and is the very popular postmaster. He is a native of
Ohio, born in 1850, in Somerset township, Belmont County.
Levi Wheatley, the father of John F., was
born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and after a busy and
useful life of 70 years died in Belmont County Sept. 3, 1875.
For many years he taught school and later managed a farm in Somerset
township. In his early life he was a Whig in politics and
later was actively identified with the Republican party. Both
he and wife were consistent members of the Methodist Church.
The mother of our subject was Lydia Heck, who was born in
Monroe County, Ohio, and died in 1858, at the age of 35 years.
The four children born to the parents of John F. Wheatley
were as follows: Mary S., who married John F.
Wheaton, of West Virginia; William deceased; John F.,
of this sketch; and Frederick D., deceased.
Mr. Wheatley obtained an excellent education
under the supervision of his father, and followed the trade of
shoemaker for some years. Later he embarked in a mercantile
business at Atlas and has also engaged in the manufacture of cigars.
For 25 years he has kept the leading general store in the village,
and has a trade which extends over a wide territory. Mr.
Wheatley is well known as an active member of the Republican
party and he has very capably served in a number of the township
offices, has been judge of election and trustee and for a long
period, a notary public. He is a man of social instincts, and
was for many years a member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows and a
charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, NO. 331.
In 1872 Mr. Wheatley married Margaret A.
Finley, who was born in Somerset township in 1852, a daughter of
Jacob and Esther Finley, and a family of five children was
born to this union, viz.: Charles D., employed in the steel
works; Jacob W., a justice of the peace; William C., a
cigar manufacturer, at Atlas; Lucy A., who married Phineas
McKendree, of Speidel, Ohio; and George, deceased.
Mrs. Wheatley is a most esteemed member of the Christian
Church. In all the relations of life, Mr. Wheatley has
shown himself a man of excellent judgment and a high standard of
honor, and he is very highly regarded through Somerset township for
his many sterling qualities. |
JOSEPH G. WILSON, M. D. Among the
physicians and surgeons who so ably sustain the professional character
of Belmont County, Ohio, is Dr. Joseph G. Wilson, who gave
efficient medical service during the Spanish-American War. Since the
war he has been residing at Colerain, where he is actively engaged in
the practice of his profession.
The birth of Dr. Wilson took place June
23, 1874, in Guernsey County, Ohio. He is a son of Benjamin
and Mary Wilson, the former of whom was born in
Guernsey, and the latter in Columbiana County, Ohio. In 1875 Benjamin
Wilson located in Belmont County, and now resides in Flushing, where
he manages a dairy farm and supplies his locality with choice dairy
products. He is about 52 years of age and his wife is slightly
younger. They are members of the Society of Friends, and are most
highly esteemed residents of their community. The four children
comprising their family are the following: Joseph G., the
subject of this biography; Mabel, who married Albertus
Hoyle, an electrician, resides in Philadelphia, their three
children being William, Benjamin and Eleanor; George J.,
who is connected with the Provident Life & Trust Company, of
Philadelphia, married Sarah Hoffman, and their one child is
George Hoffman; and John F., who is attending college.
Dr. Joseph G. Wilson was reared on
the home farm and received his primary education in the Friends'
Private School, at Flushing, and at the Friends' Boarding School at
Barnesville, Ohio, after which he entered Westtown Boarding School, of
Pennsylvania. He graduated from Westtown in 1894. In the same year he
entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, from
which he was graduated in 1898. Six months were spent as resident
physician in St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, in Philadelphia.
After this and during the war with Spain, he entered the army, where
he was made Acting Assistant Surgeon. After serving at the 2nd
Division Hospital at Camp Meade, he was transferred to Puerto Rico,
with the Fifth Reg., Penn. Vol. Inf., and remained with that regiment
until it returned to the United States. He was then transferred to the
United States General Hospital located at Ponce, Puerto Rico, and from
there was assigned to duty with the 7th Light Art., U. S. Army. He
served with this command as Post Surgeon for nine months, being
stationed at first at Ponce and later at San Juan. In June, 1899,
Dr. Wilson resigned and returned to the United States, in
order to engage in private practice.
On July 26, 1900, Dr. Wilson was united
in marriage with Carmen Yriarte y Koppisch, at San Juan, Puerto
Rico. Mrs. Wilson is a daughter of Rafael and
Hortensia Yriarte, the former of whom is a member of The
J. T. Silva Banking & Commercial Company of Paris, and San Juan
and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. One little daughter, Martha,
has been born to this union. |
L. F. WILSON, who is widely known
through Barnesville and Belmont County as a successful florist, has
been located in this city since 1864. He is a native of Ohio, was born
in Freeport, Harrison County, on January 29, 1858, and is one of a
family of six children of William C, and Esther (Faucett)
Wilson.
William C. Wilson was also born in Ohio, and was
a resident of Freeport for many years. He moved to Barnesville about
1864. He was one of the charter members of the First National Bank,
and served as its first cashier. At one time he was also an extensive
merchant in this city, and also while a resident of Freeport, Ohio. He
was a highly regarded member of the Society of Friends at Barnesville.
In 1852 he married Esther Faucett, a native of
Columbiana County, Ohio, and a descendant of one of the prominent
families of Salem. Mrs. Wilson died in 1886. His
lamented death occurred in April, 1867. His marriage resulted in the
following children: Charles, Frank D., L. F., Edward, Mary
Jane, and one that died in infancy.
The early mental training of L. F. Wilson was
acquired in the common schools of his native place and Barnesville.
His interests have always centered in his present delightful business,
in which he embarked on his own account in 1887. From small beginnings
he has built it up until his trade extends over a wide area, and his
name in connection with his products is known very familiarly
throughout Belmont County. With Mr. Wilson his business is an
absorbing one, and in its pursuance he has devoted little time to
outside matters. His present residence and greenhouses cover a space
of four and a half acres, while his collection of rare and valuable
plants in two of the rooms is valued at $2,000. His florist
business includes all branches of the work, and he continually
supplies the greater part of the critical flower buyers in
Barnesville. A visit to his beautiful houses is a treat to lovers of
flowers, and a pleasure to those who are even indifferent.
On October 19, 1887, Mr. Wilson was
married to Flora M. Fowler, who is a daughter of James
Fowler, a representative citizen of Barnesville. This union has
resulted in three children,—Mary E., William F. and Anna G.
Mr. Wilson affiliates with the Republican party, although not in
the attitude of an office-seeker, and his fraternal association is
with Warren Lodge, No. 76, Knights of Pythias. He is financially
interested in the Home Building & Loan Association, and assists in
every way in the development of Barnesville as an educational and
business center, and as a city where the highest type of home life is
possible. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Methodist
Church. She and her husband are held in high esteem. They number many
warm friends in this city, and I enjoy the opportunity to tender them
a gracious hospitality. |
| |
HON. PAUL B. WORTHINGTON. One of
the leading merchants and most prominent citizens of Barnesville,
Ohio, is Paul B. Worthington, member of the General Assembly,
who is also the owner of much valuable city property.
Mr. Worthington was born in Jefferson
County, Ohio, December 2, 1862. He is a son of Dr. William
M. and Eliza (Lynn) Worthington, and one of a family of
three children born to them. Dr. William M. Worthington
was reared in Ohio and became a prominent citizen of Jefferson County
in both professional and public life. During 1858-59 he served in the
Ohio Legislature. He was identified with the Republican party. His
death occurred in 1864. His widow resides with her son, the subject of
this sketch.
Mr. Worthington supplemented a good
common-school education by a practical course in the Columbus Business
College, from which he graduated in 1883. Immediately afterward he
became interested with his brother in the hardware business in Holmes
County. In 1885 he located in Barnesville and was employed as a
salesman until 1889, when he embarked in the general
merchant-tailoring business. Mr. Worthington enjoyed
success from the start, and in 1895 erected his present fine quarters,
known as the Worthington Block. Mr. Worthington's
business has expanded with the spirit of the times, and he carries a
complete stock of clothing, shoes and gent's furnishings, besides
devoting a large portion of his store to the business of merchant
tailoring. He has the most extensive business of the kind in the city.
In politics Mr. Worthington has always
been active in the Republican party, and his worth was recognized by
his election to the City Council for six years. He was elected to the
Legislature in 1901 by a majority of 1,661 votes over his Democratic
competitor, C. C. Cutshaw. Since taking his seat he has
displayed a degree of good judgment often lacking in older
legislators, and will fulfill the pledges made to his constituents. He
will work hard for his section, keeping in view in the future, as he
has in the past, the best interests of every part of the State.
On October 2, 1894, Mr. Worthington was married
to Myra Kemp, the accomplished daughter of Dr. G. H. Kemp,
one of the oldest physicians of the vicinity, and a member of one of
the most highly honored families of Barnesville. Two children have
been born to this union, namely, Helen Lynn and
Katherine Kemp. Mrs. Worthington is a devoted member of
the Christian Church. Mr. Worthington was reared in the
Methodist Episcopal Church. He is fraternally associated with the
Masons and Knights of Pythias. The subject of this sketch is generally
regarded as one of the most enterprising young men of this city, and
enjoys a deserved popularity. |
NOTES:
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