USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 50
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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 cul- tivated woman, who received a good com- mon school education, and before her mar- riage 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, Cali- fornia, where he has since been engaged as a contractor and carpenter. He has one child. Martha, born in 1857, was mar- ried in 1880 to William Stiles. She died in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1889. John,
born in 1859, now a resident of Shep- hierdstown 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. Wil- liam 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 pas- tor 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.
THOMAS and WILLIAM CALVIN GILLESPIE, two of the most enterprising and wealthy agriculturists of Belmont County, now residing on a large and attrac- tive farm in Wheeling township, are there by intelligence and skillful management car- rying on a most successful industry. Mak- ing a specialty of raising sheep and thor- ouglibred cattle, they have in these lines met with the most gratifying results. Both were born on the farm next to the one on which they now reside, Thomas, November 25, 1847, and William Calvin, February 13. .1852. They are of Scotch-Irish descent and the sons of Robert and Eleanor (Barnes) Gillespie.
Thomas Gillespie, grandfather of William, was born in the north of Ireland in June. 1781. At an early date he came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. Later, how- ever, he came to Ohio, and purchasing a 90-acre farm in Wheeling township, re- mained there for the rest of his life. He died September 20, 1840. In 1803, while living in Pennsylvania, he married Jane Love, and they had eight children .- George,
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who lived near Woodsfield, in Monroe County, Ohio, and died there in 1880, mar- ried Louisa Henderson and they had nine chidren, six sons and three daughters. Belle, who died in 1887, married Thomas McFar- land, a resident of Monroe County, Ohio, and they had seven children. Maria married James Ensley, who resides near Keene, in Coshocton County, Ohio, and they had six children. She died in 1890. Peggy (Marga- ret) married Thomas Culbertson, and resided in Guernsey County, near Washington, Ohio. They had three children. She is now deceased. John lived in Shepherds- town and died there in 1892. Jane, de- ceased, resided near Caldwell, in Noble County, Ohio, and was the wife of James Amos; they had four children. Louisa mar- ried William Barr and lived near Bellefon- taine, in Logan County. Thomas married Belle Haverfield and resided in Jacobsburg, Belmont County, where he died in 1895. They had four children.
Robert Gillespie, father of William Calvin, was born on the Belmont County homestead in January, 1821. Following in the foot- steps of his father, upon reaching manhood he made farming the business of his life, carrying on the industry in Belmont County. Hle married Eleanor Barnes, daughter of Peter Barnes, of Maryland. To Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie were born five children. Of these, Joseph, born May 12, 1859, died of diphtheria, then an epidemic in the county, November 12, 1861, at the age of 12 years. John 1., born November 25, 1854, a farmer and stock raiser near Harrisville, Ohio. He married Louisa Green of Shepherdstown, daughter of John Green, and they have five children. Nancy J., born August 17, 1855, married George Lyle, a farmer and stock raiser of Harrison County, Ohio, residing near New Athens. They have six children.
Thomas and William Calvin Gillespie were both reared in Belmont County, and in the common schools of their neighborhood pro- cured their education. Here by strict at- tention to business they became well
grounded in the rudiments, and William, upon leaving school, was enabled to follow teaching. He was very successful in his pro- fessional work, and filled positions in Wheel- ing and Richland townships for a period of 12 years. Later the two brothers turned their attention to agriculture, carrying on the farm which they now possess and which was at one time owned by their grandfather im- mediately- after his arrival from Pennsyl- vania. Here they have erected new buildings, and from time to time made other marked improvements. Besides this homestead, they own another large farm in the town- ship where they now reside. Together the places embrace 312 acres, largely under cut- tivation, which the brothers are enabled to work to good advantage, engaging exten- sively in general farming. They make a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, Jerseys, Red and Poland-China hogs, and Blacktop, De- laine. or Pennsylvania sheep. Raising sheep they have found especially profitable, and they now own about 100.
Thomas Gillespie has never married, but resides with his brother. March 7, 1891. William Calvin married Lizzie Williams. They have, however, no children. The two brothers have exhibited to a remarkable de- gree shrewd business management and much practical ability in their farming, and have amassed considerable property. They are well known throughout the county and are higlily esteemed. In national affairs they vote the Democratic ticket; in State politics they are liberal. The early Gillespies were Swedenborgians; the present generation are old school Presbyterians.
ROBERT EMMET GIFFEN, who is now serving his second term as trustee of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, is industriously following the pursuits of ag riculture on his farm two and a half miles northeast of St. Clairsville, where he oper ates a dairy in addition to the general work
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of his vocation. Our subject is a son of Mor- rison and Margaret (Taggart) Giffen, and his birth occurred in 1847 in Richland town- ship, Belmont County.
Morrison Giffen chose general farming for his life occupation, and was successful and prosperous in his career, continuing as a farmer until the termination of his life in 1885. He was a native of Ohio County, (West) Virginia, and was born in the year 1817. He remained in Ohio County until 1825, the date of his removal to Belmont County Ohio, where he took up his resi- dence in Colerain township, and there spent many years of his life. In 1843 he left his place there, however, and became one of the residents of Richland township, where he spent the closing years of his life. Politically he was a member of the Democratic party, and took a decided interest in all local af- fairs. Both he and his beloved wife were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and were held in high esteem by all who knew them. Mrs. Giffen was Margaret Tag- gart, before her marriage and was a daughter of James and. Catherine (Stitt) Taggart. She was born in 1815, a native of Richland township, and her demise occurred in 1901. The children of this union were six in num- ber and the names are as follows: Mary K., Elizabeth J., Robert E., our subject; James T., Sarah S., and Jolin K. The eldest child, Mary K., became the wife of William N. Stillwell, but died in 1879. Elizabeth J. de- parted this life in 1874. James T. makes his home in Richland township. Sarah lives with our subject. John K. became a missionary, was sent first to Egypt in 1881, and in 1901 to the Soudan, where he is still working in the interests of the United Pres- byterian Church.
The marriage of Robert F. Giffen took place in 1873, when he was united with Anna 11. Bentley, a daughter of Solomon and Ellen (Thompson) Bentley, who was born in 1851, and was also a native of Richland township. Nine children have been born to this union,
namely: John M., Bruce B., Elizabeth E., Sarah S., Margaret T., James K., Grace, Emma, and Maud. The family are devoted in their religious duties to the United Pres- byterian Church.
In political affairs Mr. Giffen is a Pro- hibitionist, but has served the Democratic party well as township trustee; he has also been school director for some time, and gave evidence of sagacity and discretion in the fulfillment of his duties in that office. The farm which he possesses and manages with such good results consists of 153 acres of fine land; his specialty is the dairy, and with his fine Jersey cows he is enabled to make a large amount of butter, which he furnishes for the Wheeling market. Ilis life is exceed- ingly busy, all his time being taken in at- tending to his duties as farmer.
JAMES THOMAS KNOX, a wealthy land owner of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a man of firm character, has always shown an interest in township and county affairs, and is now serving in the office of township trustee. He is a native of the farm adjoining his own, and was born in 1862, a son of William and Mary (King) Knox, the latter of Irish descent.
William Knox was an active citizen in his day and claimed Wheeling, West Virginia, as his native city. His arrival in Belmont County took place in the year 1862 and he immediately located in Richland township. purchased a farm there and followed agri- cultural pursuits the remainder of his days with marked success. He chose Mary King, a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Black- wood) King, for his companion in life, and their imion was blessed with 11 children, whose names will be given later. In politics Mr. Knox was a sincere Republican, and in his religions convictions he was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, as was also his wife. Both lived to advanced ages,
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the death of the former taking place in the spring of 1902, at the age of 73. Mrs. Knox's demise occurred in 1898, at the age of 62 years.
Our subject's brothers and sisters are as follows: Rev. A. K. Knox, who is a min- ister of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Ver- non, Iowa; Jemima, the wife of Robert Alex- ander, of Quincy, Belmont County, Ohio; Lizzie (1), now deceased; John, Maggie, and Carrie, who live on the home place; Mary, who married Frank Myers and re- sides in Smith township; Calvin and Jennie, who are both deceased; and Lizzie, the widow of James A. Greenlees, living on the old Knox homestead.
Our subject was reared on the farm and obtained his education in the common schools. He chose farming as his vocation, naturally, and at the present time he is the owner of 145 acres of land on the home place and 18 acres adjoining it, all of which he keeps in first-rate order and in a state of high cultivation. He chose for his wife Anna May McMaster, and they were mar- ried in 1890. Mrs. Knox is a daughter of William and Isabel MeMaster and was born in 1867, a native of Richland township. Their union has been blessed with one child, Carl, who was born in 1892. The family live on the farm about four miles south of St. Clairsville, and are very comfortably situ- ated. In religious belief they are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Knox has always been a Republican, and upon the death of John Stewart, who was then township trustee, he was elected to fill the vacancy, serving with such satis- faction to all that he was re-elected for a full term in the spring of 1902. Besides this he has been school director for some time, and gives his support willingly to all enterprises which have for their aim the welfare of his township or county. As a citizen of worth and value he receives the reward due him, through the respect and consideration of those in his community.
JAMES O. DIXON, who owns a small farm of 22 acres in Richland town- ship, two miles southeast of St. Clairsville, has been living at his present abode since 1885 and is a man of ability, well-read and well-educated. His birth occurred in 18.18 in Monroe County, and he is a son of Alex- ander and Rachel (McKelvey) Dixon, who now reside on the farm with him and his family.
Alexander Dixon was born in 1824, and led a useful career as a farmer for many years previous to making his home with our sub- ject. His wife was a daughter of James and Nancy McKelvey, and was born in Wheeling township in 1822. They had six children, whose names are as follows: James O .; Jen- nie, who married Reuben Garber and lives in Martin's Ferry; Robert S., deceased; David A., living in Byesville, Guernsey County; Sarali A., also deceased; and Wil- liam R., who was killed on the railroad in 1895. Mr. and Mrs Dixon are members of the Presbyterian Church, and our subject and his family also worship there. In fra- ternal circles Mr. Dixon is a member of the I. O. O. F. organization, and in politics he is a Democrat and votes a straight ticket.
James O. Dixon removed to Belmont County in 1865, and for a time was located near Belmont, but later changed his resi- dence to the farm where he resides at pres- ent. Ile obtained a good education in his youth, became a teacher, and for 30 con- secutive years taught school before engag- ing in farming. He is also interested in life insurance at this writing, and, altogether, is a very busy man.
111 1879 our subject was united in mar- riage with Monica King, a daughter of James and Margaret King, who was born near Glencoe, Richland township, in 1845 Their union was prolific of two children, Howard K., born in 1880, and Earl H., born in 1883, the former a teacher, and the lat- ter, local editor on the "Martin's Ferry Times." In April, 1800. our subject was
REV. LOUIS W. SUEDMEYER.
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called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved companion and wife, her death taking place at that time.
Fraternally Mr. Dixon affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of the St. Clairsville lodge. In politics he is an earn- est Democrat in his views, and in 1880 was candidate for recorder. Mr. Dixon is a shrewd, capable business man.
REV. LOUIS W. SUEDMEYER, be- loved pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Luth- eran Church at Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, is a young man with every prospect of a bright and joyful future before him. He is a son of Louis W. and Christina (Hahne) Suedmeyer, the former a native of Missouri, while the latter claims Prussia as her native place. Our subject is also a native of Mis- souri, having been born in Franklin County, October 26, 1875.
Louis W. Suedmeyer, father of our sub- ject, was very favorably regarded by the citi- zens of his community, but died at the early age of 22 years, leaving his wife and our sub- ject to mourn his loss. The former is now the wife of Charles Kruse, and they have six children. Mr. Suedmeyer followed the occu- pation of farming, raising grain for the most part, and served his township as trustee for some time. He and his wife were both faith- ful members of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. His wife is now living at Senate Grove in Missouri, having reached her 50th mile-stone May 23, 1902.
The primary education of our subject was secured in the public schools of his native place, and was followed by instruction at the proseminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Elmhurst, Illinois. He was grad- uated from that school in 1898, and next be- came a student at the seminary of the Evan gelical Lutheran Church at St. Louis, Mis- souri, and was graduated with the class of 1000, which was the jubilee class of the insti- tution.
Mr. Suedmeyer's first charge was Bridge port, and there he has been faithfully per- forming his duty, both as a minister of the Gospel and also as a teacher. May 19, 1901, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Angela Hotz, born in Brighton, Illi- nois, a daughter of the late Rev. J. J. Hotz Rev. Mr. Hotz died at the age of 64 years, his death taking place April 17, 1898. For 34 years he was-a minister of the same church as that to which our subject has given his support, and his many acts of kindness have not been forgotten by his people. His wife is still living, an honored resident of New Haven, Missouri.
The citizens of Bridgeport have a very kindly regard for Mr. Snedmeyer and wel- come him most heartily to their homes Wherever known he has an excellent reputa- tion for energy, uprightness and zeal in his good work, and his scholarly bearing and learning fit him for the place he now occu- pies in the lives and hearts of his people.
THOMAS L. LODGE, for many years engaged in farming, is now a member of the firm of Lodge & Hayes, merchants at Ban- nock, Belmont County, and is also serving his fifth year as postmaster at that place, having been commissioned to that office under the first Mckinley administration. He is a son of Thomas and Rebecca J. (Smith) Lodge, and was born in Wheeling township in 1864.
Thomas Lodge was an influential man during his active years, and is now living on the old homestead in Wheeling town- ship. He was born in 1823, a native of Loudon County, Virginia, and his vo- cation was that of a farmer. He was united in marriage with Rebecca J. Smith, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Smith; She was born in Richland township in 1830, and is still enjoying life at the old home- stead. These parents had seven children,
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namely: Joseph, living in Harrison County, Ohio; Nancy E., who married William G. Hayes, the partner of our subject in his store at Bannock; Emmet, deceased; Mary A .; William S., living at home; Thomas L .; Alice L. The first marriage of Thomas Lodge was contracted with Nancy Ellen Merritt, and they had three children: Sarah E., deceased; John M., of Wheeling town- ship; and Abner, also deceased. Our sub- ject's father and mother were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Lodge was a firm Republican. He served two terms as Infirmary director with credit, and his ability won the commenda- tion of all.
Thomas L. Lodge followed farming for a number of years after attaining manhood's years, but for the past 12 years has been identified with mercantile life at Bannock, in partnership with his brother-in-law, Wil- liam G. Hayes. He has a large patronage, which speaks well for the business and those who conduct it, and their stock is complete and is of the best of its kind obtainable. The proprietors are among the foremost citizens of Bannock, and have a reputation for strict integrity and fair dealing. Mr. Lodge finds various duties as postmaster to occupy his attention, but he is genial and accommodat- ing and gives satisfaction to all concerned.
In 1890 Mr. Lodge was united in matri- mony with Etta E. Wiley, a daughter of William and Esther Wiley, born in Richland township in 1868. Their family consists of five children, whose names are as follows: Cleon, Eldred W., Kenneth Leroy, Wilma Lucille, and Esther Estella. Cleon was born July 2, 1892, but is now deceased; Eldred WV. was born December 29, 1807; Kenneth Leroy and Wilma Lucille are twins and their birth occurred May 16, 1899; Esther Es- tella's birth occurred January 2, 1902. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church and are active workers in church af- fairs. In politics Mr. Lodge is a Republican and works for the good of his chosen party.
JAMES T. GIFFEN, one of the progres- sive farmers of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, is much interested in his pro- fession and keeps his home place in or- der with care and exactness which charac- terizes all his actions. Hle is a son of Mor- rison and Margaret (Taggart) Giffen, and was born on his farm in 1849.
Our subject's father first saw the light of dayin Ohio County. (West) Virginia, in 1817, and for many years he continued to reside there, busily employed as an agriculturist. In the year 1825 he removed, however, to Colerain township, Belmont County, where he spent a number of years and lived peace- fully until 1843, when he went to Richland township. The latter place continued to be his home until 1885, when he was taken away by death. He chose for the com- panion of his life Margaret Taggart, a daughter of James and Catherine (Stitt) Taggart, and their marriage was duly sol- emnized. Mrs. Giffen was born in 1815 in Richland township, and died in Igor. She was the mother of six children, two of whom are now deceased, and the names are as fol- lows: Mary K .; Elizabeth J .. whose death occurred in 1873; Robert Emmet; James T., our worthy subject; Sarah S., and John K., who is a missionary and was sent to Egypt in 1881, and to the Soudan in 1901, the latter place being his residence at the pres- ent time, where he works in the interest of the United Presbyterian Church. Mary K. married William N. Stillwell and her death took place in 1879. Robert Emmet is a farmer living two and a half miles northeast of St. Clairsville, where he owns 153 acres of land. ITe was mited in marriage with Anna M. Bentley in 1878, and they have nine children, namely: John M., Bruce B., Filzabeth E .. Sarah S., Margaret T., James K., Grace, Emma, and Mand. Sarah S. makes her home with Robert F.
Our subject's father and mother were United Presbyterians in their religions wor- ship, and in this faith the family was reared.
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In politics Mr. Giffen was a Democrat of firm opinions.
In 1879 the ceremony was performed which made Mr. Giffen and Ella Reid man and wife. Mrs. Giffen is the daughter of Edward and Mary Reid, and was born in August, 1856, on Wheeling Island, near Wheeling. This union was blessed with four children, who are as follows: Morrison R., deceased; Mary E., Jean M., and Jean- nette L. Mary E. was born December, 188.4. and graduated with the class of 1901 at St. Clairsville High School. She is now living at home. Jean M. and Jeannette L. are twins and were born April, 1891. The fam- ily are members and workers in the United Presbyterian Church, and their home sur- roundings are of a most pleasant nature.
Politically our subject belongs to the Democratic party, but does not hold office. TIe spends the greater part of his time on his farm, which consists of 116 acres and is lo- cated two miles north of St. Clairsville.
WILLIAM D. PORTERFIELD, a well- known educator of Belmont County, Ohio, was born on the farm on which he now re- sides, about four miles south of St. Clairs- ville, in 1861. Ile is a son of Andrew and grandson of James Porterfield. The grand- father, with his brother, John, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania at an early day, first set- tling in Jefferson County. He then came to Richland township and established the old family homestead.
Andrew Porterfield was also born on the old homestead in Richland township in 1819, and was a farmer and stock raiser by occupation. He was reared in the old Se- ceders' Church, and atfer the war united with the Presbyterian Church, of which he was for many years a trustee at Warnock. lle was a member of St. Clairsville Lodge of Masons, and in politics was a Republican. Ile was one of the primitive Abolitionists,
and his opinions on the slavery question de- termined his secession from the church. He died in 1884. He married Elizabeth Adeline Glasgow, who was born in Richland town- ship in 1837, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Blocher) Glasgow. Her father was born in Ireland and came to Belmont County about 1825, teaching school during a greater part of his life. Her mother was of Dutch stock, her parents being Mary- landers. The mother of our subject was reared to the Methodist faith, but after mar- riage attended the Presbyterian Church with her husband. Two children were born to them: William D., and Mary E., wife of James B. Wilkinson, they residing on a por- tion of the homestead, which originally con- sisted of 170 acres.
William D. Porterfield attended the pub- lic schools of Richland township and the St. Clairsville High School. In August, 1882, he matriculated at Ohio Normal Uni- versity at Ada, graduating with the degree of B. S. in 1885. He then taught school for six years at his home school, three years in the village of Glencoe, and was township superintendent for three years. He was the first township superintendent and intro- duced the plan of township organization and supervision of schools. He accepted the chairs of English and History in Franklin College in the fall of 1895, and filled the po- sition acceptably for six years. Inducements were offered him to remain, but he had de- termined to withdraw. During the winters of 1001-02-03 he taught in the schools of St. Clairsville.
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