Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 43

Author: McKelvey, A. T., 1844- ed
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

fice until his decease, at which time the com- pany was under contract to furnish electric light for the city.

Mr. Bradfield was a man of business and not a politician, declining the flattering of- fers made to him, although few men were better equipped to hold positions of public re- sponsibility. Mr. Bradfield lived an active life that brought him prominence, but it was in the line of business. He was ever a gen- erous contributor to the various educational and charitable enterprises of Barnesville, and so employed his wealth that his name is re- called by his fellow citizens with feelings of the deepest esteem and veneration.

In 1843, Mr. Bradfield was united in mar- riage with Eliza Anna Shannon, who was a daughter of Thomas Shannon, and a niece of ex-Governor Shannon. To this union were born nine children, six of whom are promi- nent in the highest social circles of this city; Thomas and John W. Bradfield, widely- known merchants; G. E. Bradfield, cashier of the First National Bank; Charles Bradfield, a bookkeeper in the same institution; Mrs. Otho P. Norris, wife of the cashier of the People's National Bank; and Mrs. A. Rogers, wife of a prominent lumber dealer. All of these are most highly respected residents of Barnesville. The mother of this family passed away in 1889.

Although so much of his time was neces- sarily devoted to his great business, Mr. Bradfield never forgot the needs of the Presbyterian Church, of which both he and wife were devoted members. From its first beginnings, he was one of its supporters and was always ready with time, influence and means, to promote its good work. In the death of Mr. Bradfield, on October 10, 1893, the city of Barnesville parted with one of its most substantial, useful and prominent citi- zens.

IION. 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 schoo! education, but withdrew from school at 15 years of age to enter the Western Union telegraph office, where he served as "mes- senger 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 headquar- ters of the army in the field and the com- manding 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 con- fidential character.

Mr. MeKelvey's health was greatly im- paired by the close confinement and long hours of service which the stress of war en- tailed, 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. MeKelvey has been promi- nently identified with the agricultural in- terests of the county. For a number of years he has been identified with the Belmont County Agricultural Society, serving that or- ganization as superintendent of the horti- cultural department for four years and presi- dent of the society for two years.

lle 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' In- stitutes" and has been a regular contributor to the agricultural press.

Mr. MeKelvey 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.

WILLIA . . BARLOW.

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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 tele- graph 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 con- secutive years.

Mr. McKelvey was married April 29, 1869, to Julia S. Irwin, of Wheeling, West Vir- ginia, 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 descend- ant of Jonathan Zane, one of the heroic de- fenders of Fort Henry.

WILLIAM H. BARLOW, proprietor of the Barnesville Cigar Company, is one of the lead- ing business men of Barnesville, Ohio, having been identified with a mimber of its industries, and an important factor in the development of the city's resources. He is a son of Amos and Martha ( Hunt ) Barlow. Amos Barlow is one of the old, representative, business men of Barnesville, who is spending his declining years in comfortable retirement.

William H. Barlow acquired a good, com- mon-school education, and at the age of 25 years embarked in the box manufacturing busi- ness, in which he continmed until 1898. At that time he engaged in the cigar business, but retained his interest in the box concern until 1902, when he disposed of it to his brother-in- law. Mr. Wise. That business is now con- ducted under the firm style of Wise & Dewees.

The Barnesville Cigar Company is the larg- est institution of its kind in the city, and one of the largest in the county. Mr. Barlow car-

ries a stock worth $10,000, and manufactures high grade stogies, mould, hand made, long filler, Havana seed and Little Dutch cigars, pouch goods and private brands. In connec- tion with the manufacturing plant, Mr. Barlow has a retail store. He conducts the business on lines which have gained both the custom of the public and the confidence of the trade. In 1902 he opened up a first-class fancy gro- cery, in partnership with N. W. Bastain. This enterprise also promises to be a success, under the able management of Mr. Barlow.

On December 23, 1898, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Bertha Moore, the acomplished daughter of Samuel Moore, of Barnesville, and one bright, little son, Arthur, has been born to their union. Mr. Barlow and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Church, and are prominent in social circles. Politically, the former affiliates with the Republican party, while his fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows, of Barnesville, and the Elks, Lodge No. 28, of Wheeling.

JAMES F. ANDERSON, an attorney of Bellaire, Ohio, has, since 1871, been the pub- lisher and editor of the "Independent," the oldest surviving newspaper in the city. He was born in Pultney township, Belmont County, and has always resided in the town- ship and Bellaire.

In the Civil War he served as sergeant of Company 1, 170th Reg .. Ohio Vol. Inf. In 1870 he was admitted to the Ohio bar. For the past 30 years he has taken an active part in politics, being a Republican. He has been a member of the county and city boards of school examiners.

In 1871 Mr. Anderson took charge of the "Independent," and has, except for an inter- val of about two years, conducted it since that time. He is interested in a number of the business enterprises of his locality, has been president of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company since its organization, and is presi- dent of the Board of Trade of Bellaire.

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

OTHO P. NORRIS, cashier of the Peo- ple's National Bank of Barnesville, Ohio, has been connected with that institution since its organization in 1883, and during his long term of service he has made a record that has been unusually satisfactory to his direc- tors. Mr. Norris was born on the 8th of March, 1859, in Belmont County, Ohio, and is one of a family of six children born to Dr. Otho Norris and his wife, Rachel (Barlow) Norris, both of whom are deceased.

Dr. Otho Norris was one of Belmont County's most promising physicians. His useful career was terminated by his death in 1859, and many of the older resi- dents of the county recall to mind his use- ful deeds and lofty character.

Otho P. Norris spent his boyhood's days chiefly in Morristown, where he received his primary education. This was supplemented by a thorough course in Muskingum College, from which he was graduated in 1881. The following year was spent in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1882 he located in Barnesville, engag- ing at that time in the real estate and insur- ance business in the office of his brother, Perry E. Norris.

In 1883 he entered the People's National Bank as teller, and has been with that suc- cessful institution ever since, being elected cashier of the bank in 1895. It is pertinent in this connection to notice that more than a half million dollars have been added to the resources of the bank since he assumed the cashiership seven years ago, the addition being due largely to his energy, thorough equipment and experience.

November 16, 1887, our subject was united in marriage to Kate Shannon Bradfield, the accomplished daughter of the late John Bradfield, formerly one of Barnesville's most illustrions citizens, and whose biography ap- pears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Norris have one daughter, Anna B.

In fraternal circles our subject is identified with the Knights of Pythias, and in local educational affairs he has given freely of his services, having been closely identified with

the management of the public schools for many years. In politics he is a Republican, but he has never sought publicity in an offi- cial capacity.

CHARLES P. DOBBINS, a well-known wool and fur dealer of Barnesville, Ohio, has, for over 30 years, prominently identified himself with the business interests of the town. His present business undertaking, which he has conducted for several years, is the largest of its kind in Belmont County, and his successful management of its affairs has won him the confidence of the people far and near. Ile is a stockholder in the First National Bank, and has long served as a member of the board of directors of that in- stitution. Ile is a product of healthy coun- try life and a practical business atmosphere, and was born on a farm in Belmont County, Ohio, August 1, 1850, being a son of James and Lydia (Nichols) ( Hatcher) Dobbins.

James Dobbins was a native of New Jer- sey, and was a well-known figure in Barnes- ville for many years. In early lite, he learned the cooper's trade, which, together with ag- ricultural occupations, he followed through- out his active life. Upon coming to Ohio, James Dobbins settled near Morristown, where he engaged in coopering and also in farming. After remaining there for some years, he settled in Warren township, near Barnesville, upon a farm, which he operated in connection with the coopering business, and achieved a fair amount of success. He later located near Somerton, Ohio, following the same occupations there. About 1842, he removed to Barnesville, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying May 30, 1883, at the advanced age of 86 years. In early man- hood, he married Mrs. Lydia (Nichols) Hatcher, by whom he reared three children, as follows: Annie M., James A .. and Charles P. Mrs. Dobbins' life came to a close Feb- ruary 27, 1802, at the age of 76 years.

Charles P. Dobbins was mainly reared in

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Barnesville, Ohio, and in the town's public schools secured the educational training and developed the habits of industry which have so materially assisted him in his business life. At the early age of 10 years, he began work in a wool factory, where he remained for six year, in this period acquiring a good knowl- edge of the wool industry. Later, he went into a cooper shop, and learned the business with the intention of making it his life's work, but soon after he had established him- self in a knowledge of the craft, new machin- ery was introduced into cooper shops that rendered his knowledge of the trade of little use to him. With this obstacle confronting him, he decided to turn his attention to the fur and wool business, in which he had pre- viously acquired considerable knowledge. Accordingly, he opened an establishment for this industry in Barnesville, and had no dif- ficulty in working up a good trade. From time to time he has enlarged his business, buying up large quantities of wool and pelts, which he shipped to the various markets, and, as stated before, he now operates one of the largest concerns of the kind in Bel- mont County. The success that has come to him is certainly well merited.

Mr. Dobbins married Amanda M. Blake- more, and this union has been blessed by two children-Laura M., who resides at home, and Willard B., who passed from this life De- cember 29, 1900. Mr. Dobbins has always evinced a keen interest in public affairs. Though but 16 years of age when the Civil War broke out, he secured his father's per- mission to become a soldier, and enlisted in Company D, 185th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served with distinction under Captain Ro- decker, in the Army of Kentucky, with Gen- eral Thomas. He received his honorable dis- charge in 1865. He has served six years as a member of the City Council and two terms as a member of the Board of Education, of which he is now serving as president. He is a stanch supporter of Republican principles and is quite influential in the ranks of that party. His wife and family are members of

the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Barnes- ville. Fraternally, he is a valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

WILLIAM WATERS HANLON, presi- dent and manager of the Hanlon-Sharps Company, one of the large and prosperous enterprises which have had their origin and development in Belmont County, is a lead- ing citizen and a representative of Barnes- ville's best commercial and social life. The birth of Mr. Hanlon occurred at Malaga, Monroe County, Ohio, March 9, 1855, and he is one of two sons born to T. T. and Agnes (Waters) Hanlon, the latter being a daugh- ter of George Waters, a native of Loudoun County, Virginia. Her death occurred in 1858, when William W. was about three years old, and his brother, Oliver O., was about 12 days old.

T. T. Hanlon was born December 17, 1828, in Jefferson County, Ohio, the eldest child of William and Elizabeth ( Duval) Han- lon, the former of whom was born in Orange County, New York, and the latter in Wells- burg, West Virginia. William Hanlon was a shoemaker by trade, but later engaged in farming and teaching school. T. T. Hanlon learned the merchant-tailoring business and first located in Behnont County in 1849 and has been identified with Barnesville since the fall of 1862. In 1860 Mr. Hanlon contracted a second marriage with Elizabeth Hyde, of Boston, this county, and one daughter, Agnes Amelia-now Mrs. Walter Murray- was born to this union. Until 1874 Mr. Hanlon engaged in the mercantile business in Barnesville and later became interested in the paper jobbing trade, still later adding a printing house, the firm name of the busi- ness at its birth being T. T. Hanlon & Sons. In 1882 the firm established the "Barnesville Republican," with W. W. Hanlon as editor, and conducted it in connection with their general paper business. Abont 1885 the firm name underwent a change to that of

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

Hanlon Brothers & Company, which name held until a few years later, when William W. and Oliver O. Hanlon purchased all other interests and the firm then assumed the style of Hanlon Brothers' Paper Company.

When our subject, William W. Hanlon, was about six years of age, his parents lo- cated in Barnesville, and it was in this city that he received the larger portion of his education, although no small credit must be given to the printing business with which he soon became associated, and pursued stud- iously in various parts of the country for that ready and facile use of the English language which distinguished him in his newspaper work - many people claiming that the "Barnesville Republican," under his tireless leadership, was the best country weekly in the State. Mr. Hanlon has possessed a won- derful constitution; was ever hungry for work, claiming that it was better to "wear out than rust out," and that, be it work or play, it should be done "like thunder." Ile lias always been a friend and patron of out- door games-the good ones. He has also been a strong advocate for municipal growth, and Barnesville never had a better friend.

The firm of Hanlon Brothers' Paper Com- pany was changed to that of Hanlon Broth- ers' Paper & Manufacturing Company in 1899, when W. E. Sharps, of Independence, West Virginia, bought a third interest in the business. The business prospered-"Genius is nine-tenths work." In May, 1902, the business was incorporated-with William W. Ilanlon as president, W. E. Sharps as secre- tary and Oliver O. Hanlon as treasurer-as a stock company, with a capital of $100,000, and with a paid-up stock of $60,000. In the summer and fall of 1902, to meet the de- mands of their rapidly increasing trade, the company was obliged to enlarge the plant, and built one of the most complete estab- lishiments in the State of Ohio, equipped with all modern appliances`and high-priced machinery for the expeditious and economi- cal manufacture of envelopes, sheet and roll

wrapping paper, paper sacks, calendars, office supplies, weatherproof signs, and advertis- ing novelties. They also do special design- ing and engraving in certain departments. Their plant is one of the "busy marts" of the town, their "sign" the handsomest in the county, and their goods go all over the United States.

William W. Hanlon was married on Sep- tember 12, 1879, to Anna M. Sullivan, daughter of Rev. J. C. Sullivan, and they are the parents of three grown sons: Frank F., Lieuy L. and Ralph R .- all of whom are con- nected with the above business, each holding a responsible position and "filling".it. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church. Mr. Hanlon is one of the "four fathers" of the Belmont-Monroe Reunion Society, has been actively identified with secret orders, is widely known as an ag- gressive Republican, and is a member of Wheeling Lodge, No. 28, B. P. O. E.

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 com- munity. He inherited from good Scotch an- cestors those qualities that help win success for a man at every step in life. Born at Coat- bridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland, October 28, 1845, he 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 Coat- bridge, where he secured a position with the Summerlee Tron Company, his work being that of contractor in the blacksmith and car- pentry department. Eminently successful in this line, he remained with the firm for 25 years. In 1870 he and his family came to the United States. For some years he fol lowed farming here, meeting with very good

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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 per- son of great integrity and won the respect of all who knew him. Both he and his wife be- longed to the Presbyterian Church.

William Mann received his education under an instructor in his own home in Scot- land, after the completion of which he served an apprenticeship of five years as a pattern- maker 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 set- tled in Martin's Ferry, where he soon en- gaged himself as a pattern-maker for Cul- berton, 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 work- man. At the end of this period, in 1879, though possessed of but little means, he- de- termined 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. Ile is fully prepared, with all necessary facili-

ties and appliances, for the manufacture of light and heavy castings of every descrip- tion, and makes a specialty of roling mill, steel plant and blast furnace work. The ma- chinery is run by a 40-horse power steam engine. The iron castings that are made at Mr. Mann's foundry are unsurpassed any- where in the country, while the prices are quite moderate. The trade extends through- out 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.

THOMAS L. STRONG, vice-president and general manager of the Enterprise Enamel Company, of Bellaire, Ohio, is one of the enterprising and public-spirited young business men of this city. Mr. Strong was born at Frankfort, Kansas, although his par- ents, James II. and Jane ( Bradford) Strong, were natives of Ohio.

William Strong, the grandfather of Thomas L., was well known in his day as a reliable cooper, his kegs being the first ones made use of by the Laughlin Nail Works, or the old Top Mill at Wheeling. Mr. Strong was then in partnership with Elijah Woods, and they made the kegs at Martin's Ferry and sent them across the river in skiffs. William Strong conducted the first coopering establishment in this lo- cality. James II. Strong, his son, was born at Martin's Ferry and now resides at Bel- laire. Hle lost his wife some years since. In 1856, with his family, he moved to Kansas and there engaged in coopering and farming until his return to Belmont County in 1873.

Thomas 1 .. Strong spent a three-year ap- prenticeship to the glass business, learning the trade thoroughly, and for to years was foreman in the engraving room of the Bel-

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laire Goblet Company. His business ability was thus demonstrated and his appointment as general manager of the great and increas- ing Enterprise interests has proven very judicious. The Enterprise enameling plant was started in Bellaire and was operated in a small way by Theodore Rossbach and Carl L. Dorer, on the site of the present Enterprise plant, on Union street, between 17th and 18th streets. Through the active efforts of James F. Du Bois, William Lipphardt and others were interested, and the business has been reorganized and placed on a sound basis and has increased to gigantic propor. tions. The first meeting of the board of di rectors was held December 13, 1897, the members being: William Lipphardt, presi- dent; F. H. Eick, vice-president; James F. Du Bois, secretary and treasurer; Carl L. Dorer, vice-president; J. A. Green, Theodore Neff and Theodore Rossbach. In February, 1899, the works were temporarily shut down, buit were soon reopened with Thomas L. Strong as general manager, and his influence was immediately felt in the impetus given to the business. The stockholders are almost ex- clusively citizens of Bellaire and vicinity and represent a large amount of capital. The present officers are: William Lipphardt, president ; Thomas L. Strong, vice-president and general manager, and R. C. Faris, secre- tary and treasurer. The board of directors is composed of such responsible citizens as: William Lipphardt, Thomas L. Strong, Theodore Neff (the first stockholder), C. L. Dorer, J. A. Green, William J. Howell and John R. Gow. The buildings have been erected since February, 1899, and now cover an area of two acres, the main building con- taining the offices, packing and store rooms. This building is three stories in height and its dimensions are 60 by 120 feet. The great furnace room, where the burning and baking is done, is of one story and is 120 by 78 feet in dimensions, and the one-story drying and shipping room is 120 by 100 feet in dimen- sions. In addition a new building was erected in 1902-a machinery department

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 43

Author: McKelvey, A. T., 1844- ed Publication date: 1903 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: McKelvey, A. T., 1844- ed
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490