USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 51
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In 1886 Mr. Porterfield was united in mar- riage with Myrtle E. Bear, who was born near Dayton, Ohio, in 1866, and is a daugh- ter of Henry and Ellen Bear. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and the father was a farmer by occupation. They are parents of two children, as follows: Clar- ence V., born in 1888; and ITenry A., born in 1891. Religionsly, Mr. and Mrs. Porterfield are members of the Presbyterian Church at Warnock. ITe is a Republican in politics.
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JOHN W. RILEY, a member of the firm of S. D. & J. W. Riley, extensive fruit grow- ers, packers and shippers, resides on his farm just out of St. Clairsville, in Richland town- ship. He was born in this township in 1864, and is a son of Richard L. and Mary (Key- ser) Riley. His grandfather, Richard Riley, was a bound apprentice in his early days, and running away from his master, located in Wheeling when that city was known as Fort Henry. He later came to Belmont County, Ohio, and settled in Mead town- ship, where he died July 21, 1863, at the age of eighty-seven years.
Richard L. Riley, father of our subject, was born in Mead township in 1821, and died in 1883. He was a farmer and fruit grower, and was a very successful business man. Religiously, he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a Democrat in politics. He married Mary Keyser, who was born near Quincy, Belmont County, in 1823, and died in 1889. She, too, was a member of the Presbyterian Church. She was an invalid at the time of the great cy- clone of 1887, and with her two sons was in its midst. Our subject was struck by a falling evergreen tree and his ankle frac- tured, incapacitating him from any work for a period of six months. Six children were born to Richard L. Riley, and his wife, namely: Isaac M., deceased; Samuel D., who is in the fruit business with John W .; Richard J., superintendent of the Niehart gold and silver mine at Niehart, Montana: Elizabeth J., who married William L. Callin, of Wheeling, West Virginia; Nancy K., who s housekeeper for her brothers; and John W.
John W. Riley is a member of the firm of S. D. & J. W. Riley, fruit growers, and lives on a farm of 40 acres adjoining the west corporation line of St. Clairsville. This property is devoted mainly to the growth of a variety of fruit. Tle and his brothers and sisters own an undivided interest in the estate of his father, and also own a farm of 110 acres four and one-half miles east of St.
Clairsville. They have a very successful business, both being men of good ability, and are reckoned among the substantial citi- żens of the community.
John W. Riley is a member of St. Clairs- ville Lodge, No. 698, K. of P., and is county deputy of the order. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religious views is a Presby- terian.
FRANK O. BOWLES, a well-known merchant of Richland township, was born in Smith township, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1856, and is a son of George and Eliza Jane (Snyder) Bowles.
George Bowles was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1819, and was a carpenter and cabinetmaker by trade, following that occupation throughout his entire life. Re- ligiously, he was a member of the M. E. Church. In politics he was a Republican. During the Civil War he enlisted, in the spring of 1862, at St. Clairsville in the 126th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf .. and during most of his service was a hospital nurse. He was mus- tered out in 1865, Ile died in 1884 and. was buried at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, in Smith township. He married Eliza Jane Snyder, whose parents were natives of Mary- land, where her father followed farming. She is now living with her son, G. H. Bowles, in Fairview, at the advanced age of seventy- eight years. She is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Bowles had the fol- lowing children: Edna, deceased: Herschell, deceased; Ella, deceased: George Hogan, a merchant at Fairview, Guernsey County, and Frank O.
Frank O. Bowles is a merchant and has a very successful business. He carries a large stock of drugs and groceries, and is a mann- facturer of cigars. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Annie S. Hutchison, who was born in Boydsville, Richland township. in 1863, and is a daughter of John and Amanda (Powell) Hutchison. They have five children, namely: George O., who was
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born in 1881, and is now a school teacher; Claire C., born in 1883, is in the store with his father; Lela M., born in 1890; Edna F., born in 1892; and Charles, born in 1894. Our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as are their children. Fraternally, he is a member of Hazen Lodge, F. & A. M., of Morris- town. He is a Republican in politics.
JAMES H. MEEK, M. D., a practicing physician of Belmont County, Ohio, who has won the confidence and esteem of the citi- zens of Glencoe, both personally and profes- sionally, was born in Richland township, this county, in 1862, a son of George and Elizabeth (Ault) Meek, both residents of Richland township.
George Meek, the father of Dr. Meek, has been a most highly esteemed citizen of this township through more than 75 years. He has been an agriculturist all through his active life, but now lives retired, enjoying the ease won by his early industry. The mother of our subject was born in Smith township, abont 1820. a daughter of Chris- topher Ault. Both she and husband are consistent members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Meek has been a life-long Democrat. They are the parents of ten children, namely: Wilmot C., deceased; Homer H., employed in a store in Trinidad, Colorado; Arlena, the wife of Edward Welsh, of Missouri; George C., an under- taker, in Pennsylvania; James Il., of this sketch; Anna B., the wife of John P. Hess, of Minnesota; Edward D. and Ella M., at home; and Theresa and Elizabeth, deceased.
Dr. Meek acquired his primary education at the Oak Ridge district school, and be- gan his medical study under Dr. J. A. Clark, of Glencoe. In 1895 he entered the Ohio Medical College, from which he graduated on April 5. 1898. His first location and practice were at Smithfield, in Jefferson County, Ohio, where he remained for eight
months and then came to Glencoe, where he has been established ever since, building up a permanent and satisfactory practice. Ile is a member of the Belmont County Medical Association, and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity.
On August 29, 1900, Dr. Meek was mar- ried . to Lizzie J. Thompson, a daughter of Thomas and Jemima Thompson, who was born in 1870, in Pease township, Belmont County. They had one bright little son, James C., who was born on November 5. 1901, but whom they lost on June 7, 1902. Both the Doctor and wife are members of the Methodist Church, and are prominent in social circles.
PETER W. HELPBRINGER, a pros- perous farmer and also proprietor of the Helpbringer Mills of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Goshen township in 1846, and is a son of John and Tamzin (Wolf) Helpbringer.
John Helpbringer was born in Frederick County, Virginia, in 1809, and died in 1887. He came to Ohio, first locating in Guernsey County, and subsequently in Goshen town- ship, Belmont County, in 18410. He then moved to Smith township, where he lived almost 40 years. He then lived with his son, Peter W., for three years, after which he made his home at the home of his dangh- ter, Mrs. Ramsey, in Mead township, until his death. He was a farmer, and also op- erated the Helpbringer flour and saw mills for a period of twenty-five years. He was a Republican in politics, and in religious at- tachment was a member of the M. E. Church. He was united in marriage with Tamzin Wolf, a daughter of Peter and Clar- issa Wolf. She was born in Frederick County, Virginia, in 1800, and died in 1888 Religiously, she was a member of the Methi- odist Episcopal Church. To this union were born seven children: William, who lives in Missouri; Joshua Lupton, who died in 1870;
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Rebecca Ann, wife of Sterling Douglas, re- siding near Kelsey station, Smith town- ship; Jolin, deceased; Clara Virginia, wife of William E. Devoe, of Smith township; Peter W .; and Sarah A., wife of William Ramsay, of Mead township.
Peter W. Helpbringer is also a miller by trade and succeeded his father, upon the latter's retirement, as proprietor of the Helpbringer mills. He is also engaged in farming near Glencoe, his home farm con- sisting of 230 acres of valuable land, and he also owns 80 acres in Wayne town- ship. His beautiful residence sits on an ele- vation and commands an excellent view of the surrounding country. He is a man of high principles, a good, loyal citizen, and commands the respect and highest esteem of his fellow men.
April 22, 1880, Mr. Helpbringer was united in the bonds of matrimony with Jane Louisa Neff, a daughter of Henry and Ma- tilda Neff, who was born in Smith town- ship in 1850. They are parents of five chil- dren, as follows: Henry N., who died in July, 1881; Adelbert S .; Clara May; Ralph E., who died January 26, 1901 ; and James N. Mrs Helpbringer died February 7, 1901. Re- ligiously, our subject is a member of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican in politics.
WILLIAM BOYD, a well-known farmer of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, who owns one of the most valuable estates in his locality, was born on the same, in 18.42. ITis parents were William and Margaret (McFarland) Boyd, both of whom were born in County Tyrone, Ireland, the former in 1800 and the latter in 1801. Mrs. Boyd accompanied her parents to America when she was 12 years old, and died in 1884.
William Boyd, Sr., came to the United States in 1823 and located for two years at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade of weaving. In 1826 he came to Belmont County to establish himself upon a
farm, selecting the tract which adjoins his son William's property. Here he reared his large family and engaged in agricultural pursuits through the balance of his active life, dying in 1891. Both he and his wife belonged to the United Presbyterian faith. Their children were as follows: James, de- ceased; Ann J., the widow of Joseph Mc- Kelvey, lives in Guernsey County; Marga- ret; Andrew McFarland, a resident of Bel- laire; Isabella, deceased, the wife of Thomas Johnson, of Richland township; Katherine; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of Thomas Hutchinson; Samuel, deceased; and William, the youngest of nine children.
Mr. Boyd attended the district schools in his locality, and has devoted his life to agri- culture. Ilis fine farm comprises 170 acres and is located eight miles south of St. Clairs- ville, is well improved and well cultivated. In August, 1862, Mr. Boyd enlisted for serv- ice in the Civil War, entering Company B. 126th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under command of Capt. William B. Kirk, and continued in the ranks until overtaken by sickness, in 1863, which caused his honorable discharge at Alexandria, Virginia.
In 1874 Mr. Boyd was married to Emily Brannen, who was born in Mead township in 1853, a daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Shahan) Brannen, and they have a family of five chidren, namely: Joseph B., born in 1876; Hattie II., born in 1888; Pearl, born in 1890; James E., born in 1892; and Emma M., born in 1896. In political sentiment Mr. Boyd is an active Republican, while in religious association he belongs to the United Presbyterian Church.
JAMES BATTELLE McMILLEN, M. D., a successful young physician of Somer- ton, Ohio, is rapidly coming to the front in his profession. He was born at Bethesda, Ohio, in 1872, and is a son of Francis and Mary (Scatterday) McMillen.
The McMillen family came originally from
REV. JOSEPH M. WEHRLE.
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Pennsylvania in the person of James, McMil- len, the grandfather, who was an early pioneer, settling at first in Pultney, but later in Richland township. In that township the Doctor's parents still live, his father a well preserved man of 77 years, who is a repre- sentative farmer of that locality. Ile sup- ports the . Republican party in politics, and he has long been a leading member of the Methodist Church. llis wife was a daughter of Euclid and Deborah Scatterday, and was born in Belmont County. She is a valued member of the Methodist Church, and bears well her 70 years. A family of six children was born to these parents, namely, Sansom E., deceased; Euclid S., a mannfacturer, at Bethesda: James B., of this sketch; Eliza- beth A., and llomer R., at home.
Dr. McMillen attended the Richland town- ship schools and the St. Clairsville High School and then engaged in teaching for a period of five years, in the meantime prepar- ing for medical college. In 1897 he entered Starling Medical College, at, Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with credit in April, 1901. He first entered into a partnership with Dr. J. W. Piper at Bethesda, and later came to Somerton, where he has practiced with success ever since. Dr. Mc Millen is well equipped for his profession, pays close attention to it and has gained the confidence of the community.
On June 25, 1902, Dr. McMillen was united in marriage with Alice B. Lentz, who was born in Richland township in 1875, a daughter of Simon and Annie Lentz. Both the Doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Church. He is connected with the local orders of Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows. In politics he is a stanch Re- publican.
REV. JOSEPH M. WEHRLE, pastor of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, at Bel- laire, 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 his fellow-citi- zens.
The birth of Father Wehrle took place at Newark, Licking County, Ohio, in 1865. Ile 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 school- ing. Later he learned the trade of molder, - became successful in 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 pro- motion and served as one of General Sher- man'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 ex- tensively in the manufacture of stoves and ranges. Later Colonel Wehrle purchased Mr. Moser's interest, and 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 resi-
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dent of Columbus, and Cecelia, who lives at home.
Father Wehrle was not designed for the priesthood by his father, whose large busi- ness interests offered an inviting field for the youth's commercial and wordly advancement. Ilis inclinations, however, were toward a re- ligious life from early boyhood, and the un- usual development of his mental faculties marked him for a life which the rush and clangor of business would not satisfy. Ilis elementary education was acquired in the parochial schools at Newark, Ohio, and in 1879 he entered St. Vincent's College at La- trobe, Pennsylvania, graduating there in the commercial department in 1881, being one of ft 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 sympa- thize 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, carrying 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 de- gree of M. A., but on account of his age was obliged to defer his ordination several months, this ceremony being . performed August 15, 1880, 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 1805. The succeeding year was spent in travel abroad, through Germany, France,
Switzerland, Italy, Egypt and Palestine, re- turning in January, 1896. Ile was im- mediately placed in charge of St. John's Par- ish, at Bellaire, Ohio, which contained at that time 300 families. Since the labors of Father Wehrle began there has been a constant in- crease, 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 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 Ger- many.
THOMAS P. HARRIS, a well known and popular educator of Belmont County, Ohio, is a native son of the State, born in Cadiz in 1845, a son of Harmon and Mary G. (Wood- row) llarris.
The Harris family is of Maryland origin, in which State Harmon Harris was born in 1805. In 1836 he moved to Ohio and lo- cated in Harrison County, where he followed his trade of shoemaking and became a re- spected and esteemed citizen. In his politi- cal sympathy he was a Republican. For many years prior to his death, in 1881, he was a very active worker in the Methodist Church. ITis wife, Mary G. Woodrow, was born in 1806, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and died in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1883. She was a woman of high character and a consistent member of the Methodist Church. A family of 12 children was born to these parents, evenly divided as to sons and daughters, as follows: Mary, John, Har- mon, Isaac, Sarah, Margaret, William,
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Martha, Thomas, Isabel, Jemima and Sammel.
Mr. Harris secured an excellent education and he has engaged in teaching all his life, attaining considerable prominence in the profession. He is a graduate of Franklin Col- lege, New Athens, Ohio, in the class of 1862. In 1876 he located in Belmont County, and has been a valued teacher in Som- erton ever since, a man of progressive ideas, scholarly attainments and most pleas- ing and urbane manner. Under his care the schools of Somerton have prospered and rank with any in the county under the same conditions. In March, 1864, he enlisted for service in the Civil War in the Signal Corps and served until December, 1864, when he was mustered out of the service. This was one of the very loyal families, three of his brothers also serving in the army-William in the 69th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., Isaac in the fith Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., and Harmon in the 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf.
In 1866 Mr. Harris was married to Caro- line Butler, who was born in Belmont County in 1848. Four children have been born to this union, namely, Grace, deceased; Essic, the wife of John W. Hobbs of Chicago Heights, Ilinois; Martha and Earl. The re- ligious connection of the family has always been with the Methodist Church.
Mr. Harris, in addition to his educational duties, serves as a pension attorney, and is a notary public. Ile is a man who stands high in public esteem and is one of Somerton's most worthy citizens. He has long been connected with the fraternal order of Knights of Pythias and has held the honorable posi- tion of post commander in the Grand Army post at Somerton.
FRANK R. SKINNER, a well-known and successful farmer of Somerset township. Belmont County, was born in this county and locality in 1847. a son of Kinsman and Isabel (Fowler) Skinner.
Kinsman Skinner was born in 1813 in Cal-
vert County, Maryland, and died in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1889. In 1835 he came here and located in the vicinity of Barnes- ville, engaging in farming. Mr. Skinner was identified with the Democratic party. He was a member of the Methodist Church. His wife, Isabel Fowler, was born in 1814 in Cal- vert County, Maryland, and died in 1883, be- loved in her family and valued in the Metho- dist Church. The eight children of this mar- riage were: Mary Ellen, who resides in Som -. erton; Elizabeth, who married Richard Skin- ner; James W., deceased, who was a member of Company C, Goth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., in the Civil War; John T., who resides in Som- erset township, who was also a member of the same company and regiment; Frank R., of this sketch; Jane, who married Harry Thomas, resides near Lexington, Kentucky; Minerva, who resides at Somerton, and Hat- tie, who is the wife of John Hoge, of Barnes- ville.
The fine farm of Mr. Skinner is located on section 11, in Somerset township, and com- prises 71 acres of most excellent land, under a fine state of cultivation and well improved. Mr. Skinner has devoted his life to agricul- tural pursuits and has been more than usually successful.
On November 30, 1869, Mr. Skinner was united in marriage with Hannah Finch, who was born in 1846 in Somerset township, a daughter of William Finch. A family of eight children was born to this union, as fol- lows: Jessie, who married Charles Shaffer, resides in Somerset; Gussie, who married Clyde Buley, cashier in the Belmont Bank, resides in Somerton; Emma, who is a popu- lar teacher; Mabel, who married James Bromhall, resides in Somerset township; Blanche, who married Dayton Hagan, resides in this township; Clara, who married John Starbuck, also resides in Somerset township; Guy P., who is employed in a wholesale es- tablishment in Columbus, Ohio, and James, who still assists his father.
Like other members of the Skinner fam- ily, our subject is identified with the Demo-
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cratic party. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church, to the support of which Mr. Skinner is a liberal con- tributor.
JOSEPH K. SHOTWELL, a prosperous merchant and well-known citizen of Somer- ton, Belmont County, Ohio, belongs to one of the old established families of Warren township, where he was born in 1835.
Thomas Shotwell, the father of Joseph K., was born in 1796 in Greene County, Penn- sylvania, and died in Ohio, September 20, 1878. In 1810 he came to Belmont County with his parents, Titus and Deborah Shot- well, who located in Warren township. They were quiet, industrious people, members of the Society of Friends, and became prosper- ous in their new home. Thomas was reared in the Quaker faith, but lost his birthright membership by marrying out of the Society without permission. Thomas combined farm- ing with shoemaking, and became one of the substantial citizens of Warren township. He belonged to the most aggressive wing of the Abolition party, and did all in his power for the suppression of slavery. He was a most worthy man and died with the respect of the citizens of Somerton, where he had long re- sided.
The mother of our subject was Eleanor, Brown, daughter of James and Am Brown, and she was born in 1795 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and died in Ohio in 1873. She was reared in the Presbyterian faith. Mr. and Mrs. Shotwell were the parents of ten chil- dren, as follows: Mary Ann, who is the widow of Edward S. Barnes, resides in Pitts- burg: Susan, who is deceased; Jane, who is also deceased, was the wife of Joshua Barnes of Barnesville; Eliza E., who is the widow of James Fowler of Barnesville, Ohio, and now resides in St. Clairsville, Ohio; Sarah and William B., both of whom are deceased; Mar- ian B., who is deceased, was the wife of John C. Bolon; Margaret A. and Isaac, both of
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