Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 49

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

USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 49

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GEORGE A. COLPITTS, a leading at- torney of Barnesville, Ohio, and one of its esteemed and representative citizens, was

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born in Washington, D. C., in 1859, and was one of a family of eight children of Thomas and Mary A. (Thornburn) Colpitts.

Thomas Colpitts was born in England, and there learned the trade of stone carver. Hle also had the superintendence of extensive building operations, which he continued later in the United States, where he settled in 1857. Until 1859 he resided in Washington, D. C., and then moved to Barnesville, Ohio, where he resided until his death, in 1880. His widow survived him until 1896.

George A. Colpitts entered upon the study of law under the able instructions of W. R. Talbot, and in 1890 was admitted to the bar of Belmont County. He formed a partner- ship with Mr. Talbot, which continued for four years. During 1808, 1899 and 1900 Mr. Colpitts served the public in the capacity of city solicitor, having been elected by the Re- publican party, of which he is an active mem- ber. ITis fraternal associations are with the K. of P., the B. P. O. E. and the Masons.

With his two younger sisters Mr. Colpitts occupies a cozy and comfortable residence in Barnesville, where all are most highly esteemed. As a rising man the subject of this sketch is well known, and his interest is pronounced in regard to the promotion of enterprises which promise to benefit the city. ITe is well qualified as a lawyer and has a large and constantly increasing patronage.

CHARLES M. ROBITZER, the junior member of the firm of Williams & Robitzer, flour, feed, meal and grain millers, of Barnes- ville, Ohio, is one of the progressive, ener- getic and successful young business men of this city. The birth of Mr. Robitzer oc- curred January 5, 1875, in Kentucky. He is a son of Frederick and Louisa D. H. (Hlinkey) Robitzer. Our subject's mother died the same year that he was born.

Frederick Robitzer was born in Germany and came when a young man in the early "fifties" to the United States, where he fol- lowed the trade of a painter. Landing in

New York, he went from there to Cincinnati and thence to Kentucky, and moved after the death of his wife to Terre Hante, In- diana, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Robitzer had a family of eight children, five of whom survive.

Charles M. Robitzer was the youngest of his parents' family, and never knew a moth- er's tender care. His mental training was obtained in the common schools. He early developed business instincts, and in his en- deavor to became a wage carner and to assist his father, learned the barber's trade. As he grew to manhood, however, his inclinations led him to become a millwright, and when the occasion presented itself he became deep- ly interested in the milling business.

In 1881 the firm of Carter, Beardmore & Wiesiner built a large flouring mill on lots 63 and 64 in Barnesville, which it operated for several years. Subsequently, the mill be- came the property of John Wiesiner, who . disposed of it to Mr. Bonnell. On February 14, 1804, Mr. Bonnell lost the mill by fire. and afterward partially replaced it. W. H. Bentley and E. E. Mckeever completed the work. The death of the latter in 1897 and of the former in 1898 placed the property in the hands of their respective widows, by whom it was leased for a short time to R. G. Hogne. On February 2.4, 1900. this prop- erty, known as the City Mill, was purchased by the young firm of Williams & Robitzer. Since that time the business has prospered and has continually advanced in importance. Much rebuilding and remodeling was neces- sary in order to place the plant in first-class condition, and new machinery was installed at a cost of $2,000. The entire plant has a valuation of from $12,000 to $15,000, and it has a capacity of 75 barrels per day. All modern methods of milling are in use, and the product is held to be entirely satisfactory by the citizens of Barnesville and the farm- ers in the vicinity. The business methods of the firm are also of an honest and fair char- acter, and personally its members are men of integrity.

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On June 3. 1902, Mr. Robitzer was united in marriage with Pearl 1. Dye, the accom- plished daughter of Thompson W. Dye, who is a well known mechanic. The subject of this sketch and his wife are valned members of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally Mr. Robitzer is a Mason. Politically he acts with the Republican party.

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 carc.

The birth of Mr. Moore occurred in War- ren township, Belmont County, and he is a son of Thomas G. and Mary (Staggs) Moore. The father was born in Kirkwood, Ohio, Oc- tober 9, 1824. There he engaged in farming until his death, July 31, 1891. 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 com- mercial 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 posi- tion 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 con- tinued in that capacity for 114 years. On Mav 4. 1900, he succeeded Postmaster Hillis, and has proven one of the most acceptable officials this city has ever had. He intro- duced rural mail delivery and has four em- ployees 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 ac- curacy 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.

J. W. GARBER, secretary and treasurer of the Enameled Steel Tile Company, of Bel- laire, Ohio, has long been known in Belmont County for his efficient service in connection with railroad work. He was born and reared at Cambridge, Ohio, and his first work was . done in the transportation and traffic depart- ments of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In 1886 he moved to Bellaire and accepted the position of night clerk, his close attention to business and his reliability promoting him rapidly through all the desks to that of chief clerk, cashier and agent.

In 1899 Mr. Garber was called to Martin's Ferry with the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheel- ing Railway, and he built up business at that point in the same capable manner that had made his work so satisfactory previously. When this road was consolidated with the Baltimore & Ohio our subject was proffered a responsible position at Uniontown, Penn- sylvania, on the main line, but he declined and severed his relations on account of his pleasant home and many friends being in Bel- laire. The enterprise with which Mr. Garber is so prominently associated is a comparative- ly new one in Bellaire, organized in June, 1902, by J. W. Garber, James F. DuBois, William HI. Landkrohn, W. S. Heatherington and James F. Anderson, incorporators. The officers of the company are men of standing and worth in the community, namely: James F. DuBois, president: E. J. A. Drennen, of Martin's Ferry, vice-president; J. W. Gar- ber, secretary and treasurer; William Il. Landkrohn, manager of the factory and the

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practical man of the plant. This business will be conducted for the manufacture of enameled steel tile, to take the place of the ordinary clay tile now in general use, and the number of beautiful designs thus made possible is almost unlimited. This is to be used for ceilings, wainscoting, hearths, man- tels, etc. The ceiling tile will be manufac- tured 16 inches square and the manner of fastening together has been patented, and a wide business field is open in this line alone. It is claimed for this tile that it is non-crazing, fully as serviceable as the old tile and accepts a much more beautiful finish. The substantial building located between 27th and 28th and Water streets, known as the "old tobacco warehouse," has been pur- chased by the company and fitted with ap- propriate machinery, and work will prob- ably be commenfeed in the fall of 1902. Many orders have already been received for their product. Mr. Garber was one of the pro- moters of this company, and the enterprise bids fair to become one of Bellaire's success- ful industries.

L. F. WILSON, who is widely known through Barnesville and Belmont County as a successful florist, has been located in this city since 1864. Ile is a native of Ohio, was born in Freeport, Harrison County, on Jan- uary 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. Ile was one of the charter members of the First National Bank, and served as its first cashier. At one time he was also an exten- sive 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 oue of the prominent families of Salem. Mrs. Wil-

son died in 1886. His lamented death oc- curred 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. Ilis interests have always centered in his present delight- ful business, in which he embarked on his own account in 1887. From small begin- nings he has built it up until his trade ex- tends over a wide area, and his name in con- nection with his products is known very familiarly throughout Belmont County. With Mr. Wilson his business is an absorb- ing 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 in- cludes all branches of the work, and he con- tinually 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 daugh- ter 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 Re- publican party, although not in the attitude of an office-seeker, and his fraternal associa- tion 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 m11mber many warm friends in this city, and enjoy the opportunity to tender them a gra- cious hospitality.

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY.

ROBERT J. POLLOCK, one of the old- est and most substantial citizens of Wheel- ing township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Short Creek township, Harrison County, on Christmas Day, 1824. His parents were John and Agnes ( Hays) Pollock, the former of whom was born either in Washington or Beaver County, Pennsylvania, in 1795, a son of Samnel Pollock, probably of Scotch- Irish ancestry.

John Pollock immigrated to Ohio in 1827- 28 and located in Union township, Belmont County, purchasing his land from James Marquis, who had made but little improve- ment upon it. Mr. Pollock was an energetic and industrious man, and in the course of time erected excellent buildings and cleared the land for cultivation. lle had married Agnes Hays in Pennsylvania, and they be- came the parents of 14 children, as follows: Samuel, William, James (Ist), Alexander, Robert J., Hannah J., Eleanor, John, James (2nd), Margaret, Mary, Calvin, Sarah R., and Agnes.

Robert J. Pollock has been a resident of Belmont County since he was four years old, and of Wheeling township since his 18th year, and has been identified with its growth and development, especially in agricultural lines. His education was obtained in the district schools of his locality and also at a select school at Loydsville. For a num- ber of years, in his early business life, he engaged in the manufacture of threshing machines, which were regarded as invalu- able at that time, although they were built without the present fanning attachment. This was in the early days of harvesting machinery. In 1850, one year after mar- riage, he began farming and stock-raising, and in both lines of agriculture has been eminently successful.

On December 5, 1849, Robert J. Pollock was married to Mary J. Rainey, daughter of William Rainey, of Wheeling township, who died on October 24, 1882, having been

the devoted mother of seven children, namely: William R., John, Emma, Thomas A., Mary, James, and Agnes. William R., who is a farmer of Wheeling township, liv- ing near Shepherdstown, married first Jennie R. Neal and has one child. Ilis second mar- riage was to Lizzie Watson. John is a prom- inent member of the bar of Belmont County, and resides in St. Clairsville, having one child. Emma married John L. Allen, has one child, and they reside near Crab Apple Church. Thomas A. married Belle Allen, and they reside near Fairpoint. Mary mar- ried James A. Ross, and they have three children and live near Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio. James married Mabel Hen- derson, daughter of T. J. Henderson, and they have four children. He owns a fine farm, but resides with his father, and is op- erating the latter's farm. Agnes is her father's housekeeper, leaving school at the death of her mother. Mr. Pollock has given his chil- dren excellent educational advantages and has reared them in a home of comfort and refinement, affording them literary and cul- tured surroundings. Few residences in the township more completely fill the idea of a comfortable home than that occupied by our subject. It is modern in all of its ap- pointments, and is surrounded with attrac- tive grounds and appointments which Mr. Pollock's ample means have provided. Of quiet, refined, intellectual tastes, he takes much enjoyment in his library and current literature, and. while never a politician, is an interested observer of public issues. . His first vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas for president, and later for John C. Fremont. and now gives his support to the Republican party. He has served as director of the County Infirmary, but has refused other of- fices, although so well qualified to hold them. A strain of Scotch blood not only is observable in his keen gray eyes and rug- ged physique, but also in his adherence to the faith of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was reared. He is an elder in the

JAMES H. WATT.

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church and a most liberal supporter of the church's benevolent and charitable enter- prises.

Although Mr. Pollock has passed his 75th birthday, it is only by the written record that it can be believed, his erect figure and alert movements, his interest and usefulness in his locality, his superior judgment in mat- ters of business, all giving him the appear- ance of a man of not more than 50 years. It has been more than once remarked that his personal appearance reminds many of Salmon P. Chase, that distinguished son of Ohio, while others see in his mild and gentle face a notable resemblance to no less a per- sonage than Horace Greeley. Few citizens of Belmont County more completely repre- sent its best element.

JAMES II. WATT. It is possible for the careful student of political economy and human achievement to select in every com- munity individuals who have risen above their fellows, not on account of environ- ment, but rather in spite of it. Such was the case with the late Jamies 11. Watt. The in- domitable spirit which conquered early dis- advantages was the motive power which made of him the manufacturing magnate he finally became, and changed the obscure lit- tle village foundry into one of the great cen- ters 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 country 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 enter- prises.

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 im- portance, and in 1865 the style was given to the public as the firm of J. H. Watt & Brother, Jolm W. Watt having become a member. In - 1867 this firm name was changed to J. H. Watt & Brothers, Stew- art Watt then entering the firm. The busi- ness was inaugurated for the manufacture of stoves and castings, and the output con- tinued thus for a period of 18 years. In 1880 a patent secured by James Hl. and Stew- art Watt on a self-oiling mining car wheel (with 13 other patents) caused additional business and change in manufacture, result- ing in 1882 in the formation of the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company, of which James H. Watt was made the presidem. The in- flux of outside trade, which the adoption of the above-named patent brought to the con- pany, necessitated the enlargement of the buildings, and in 1890 and 1891 new build- ings 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 rep- resents the manufacturing plant of the com- pany, which in 1862 could easily be accom- modated in one dingy room. That this won- derful growth and development can be at- tributed 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, com- bined with a sureness of judgment and ten- acity 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 elec- tion of the following officers: R. Ross Watt, president and general manager: John W. Watt, vice-president and treasurer; P.

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11. Laughlin, secretary, and Stewart Watt, superintendent. This company, which stands as a monument to the ability of the late James 11. 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 Hl. 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 liis employees and the public was given by the presence of the lat- ter 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 in- dustrial conditions and educational advance- ment. 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 con- stant attendance. His advocacy was sincere and his support to be relied upon for every measure of religion, education or worthy en- terprise which came to his notice, and his private benefactions exceeded his public ones.

Although absorbed in the business which his great plaut brought to him constantly, Ar. Watt was also interested in other enter- prises which caused growth in his city. Dur- ing the greater part of the time of its exist- ence he was an active member of the Warren Gas & Oil Company, and served as its presi- dent 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 inter-

ested in valuable holdings in the new field south of Barnesville. Ile 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 Barnes- ville. 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. Ile assisted greatly in organizing the Bel- mont-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 en- couragement 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 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 intro- ducing 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

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public schools he procured his education, de- veloping habits of industry and self-reliance, which have followed him through life. After leaving school there, he entered upon the ac- tive 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 hav- ing. 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 lie 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 con- sidered one of the most progressive and at the same time practical farmers in the county. The farm embraces 1023 acres and is well stocked.

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 49

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