USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 52
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whom are deceased, and Joseph K., who is the subject of this brief biography.
Joseph K. Shotwell grew to manhood in Warren township and learned the shoemak- ing trade under his father, following the same for seven years. In 1865 he embarked in the mercantile business and has practically conducted the same in Somerton ever since. In 1881 he formed a partnership with the late Senator Solomon Ilogue, which continued until 1896, since which time he has very suc- cessfully carried on the business alone.
In 1868 Mr. Shotwell was married to Ar- minda Leslie, daughter of Johnson Leslie, her death occurring in the following year. The second marriage. of Mr. Shotwell was to Sarah J. Claudy, who was a daughter of Rob. ert and Hannah Claudy: she was born in Temperanceville, Somerset township, in 1841, and died in 1894, leaving two daugh- ters. These are Julia B., who married Dr. W. S. Burcher, and they live in Demnos, Bel- mont County, Ohio, and Mary C., who is her father's capable housekeeper.
Mr. Shotwell, like his respected father, is thoroughly identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he belongs to Somerton Lodge, No. 618, Knights of Pythias.
JOHN A. NEFF, Sr., a prominent farmer and large land holder of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, is well and favorably known as a business man and estimable citi- zen. The birth of Mr. Neff took place in 1823 in the home in which he now lives, sit- nated four miles southwest of St. Clairsville.
Henry Neff, the father of John A., was born in Allegany County, Maryland, and died in Ohio in 1830 at the age of 51 years. In iSto he came to Belmont County and lo- cated on this farm which his son now owns, --- the west half of section 13, comprising jan acres. Henry Neff was of German de- scent. He displayed his loyalty to his coun- try during the War of 1812, serving during its continuance and being with Hull at the
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time of his surrender. After the closing of this incident in the country's history, he re- turned to his farm and resumed agricultural pursuits. He belonged to the Lutheran Church, as did his ancestors. In public affairs he took some interest; was a Democrat in politics, and served as constable. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth Blocher, who was born in Cumberland, Maryland, and died in 1879 at the age of So years. She also was of German descent, and a consistent and worthy member of the Lutheran Church. These parents had three children, namely. George, John A. and Sarah Jane,-our sub- ject being the only survivor.
Jonn A. Neff worked in youth on his father's farm and attended the country schools and later learned the brickmaking trade. He has put up a number of kilns in the county and has made the bricks used by his neighbors in building, and also for school houses in the vicinity. For many years he has confined his energies to the operation and management of his large estate. In 1851 he married Elizabeth Giffen, who was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1830, a daughter of Alexander and Mary Giffen, and they had a family of seven children born to them, the survivors being: Harriet E., who married J. N. Frazier and lives at Martin's Ferry; Albert, who married Martha Girard, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Girard, has five children, Pearl O., Harry A., Dale E., Myrtle E. and John W., and is a black- smith by trade, engaged also in farming on a place adjoining the homestead, and Emmet M., who resides on the homestead. Mr. Neff and family belong to the Methodist Church. He has been somewhat prominent in township affairs, has very acceptably filled the office of township trustee, and is identi- fied with the Democratic party.
Mr. Neff has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1844. He has served in the capacity of steward, class leader and superintendent of Sunday-school. When Rev. Mr. Foutz was assigned to the Morristowncharge he was unable, on account
of failing health, to maintain the attendance of the once-filled church of Morristown. The members gradually drifted into other churches, and in a short time it was evident that some one would have to exert an in- fluence to keep the church together. Mr. Neff, being a class leader, took the matter in hand, held meetings in the Warnock school house, and finally when the latter privilege was denied, those members who had followed his leadership determined to build a church. The present Methodist Episcopal Church building of Warnock was the final result.
JAMES S. WILSON, postmaster of Som- erton, Belmont County, Ohio, is a well-known and highly respected citizen. He was born in Somerton in 1867, a son of Thomas and Ellen (Strahl) Wilson, the former of whom was born in 1829 in Harrison County, Ohio, and now finds a pleasant and congenial home with his son.
Thomas Wilson is an honored survivor of the Civil War. In 1846 he came to Belmont County and answered the first call for troops in 1861, enlisting in the 62nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. and faithfully served his country during the progress of the Civil War. lle was wounded both on face and hands and for gallantry was promoted to the rank of captain. It is a mat- ter of note that his wounds show that his face was to the foe. He has been honored by the local Grand Army post by being made commander. lle has held a number of the township offices in the gift of the Republican party and is a highly estimated citizen. llis wife, Ellen Strahl, was born in Belmont County,a daughter of Mahlon Strahl, and she died in 1886 at the age of 56 years. Their children were: John W., deceased; Mary, deceased: Jennie; Casper 1., with the Pen- sylvania Railroad in Bellaire; Dora, the wife of Dr. C. IT. Wittenbrook of Woodsfield; Harry E., in business at Minneapolis, Minn., and James S., of Somerton.
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Mr. Wilson, although still a young man; has become proficient in a number of lines of business. After completing his common school education he learned the stone-mason trade in Somerton, and then spent four years in the creamery business. Following this he accepted a clerkship with the firm of Hogue & Shotwell, and during the five years of his continuance there learned the principles of storekeeping, which he now puts into prac- tice to some extent, conducting a general store in Somerton. He has always ardently supported the Republican party and received the appointment as postmaster of Somerton on August 10, 1897, and was reappointed in January, 1902. llis service has given the greatest satisfaction to the patrons of the office and he is a much esteemed citizen.
In 1889 Mr. Wilson was married to Belle Pearson, who was born in Bellsville, Monroe County, in 1868, a daughter of William and Mary (Jackson) Pearson, also a sister of IIon. A. J. Pearson, of Woodsfield, Ohio. A daughter was born to this union in 1890, named Nora B. Alr. and Mrs. Wilson, like their parents, enjoy membership in the Meth- odist Church. Mr. Wilson is fraternally con- nected with the local lodge of Knights of Pythias.
NATHAN CATER, one of the prominent and successful farmers of Somerset township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of this township, where he was born in 1850, a son of John and Sarah (Smith) Cater.
The original home of the Cater family was in Maryland, and there John Cater was born in 1808. He died in 1864 at the age of 56 years. He came to Belmont County when a lad with his parents, his father taking up at that time the 80-acre farm on which Jos- eph N. Cater now resides. John Cater be- came a prominent and substantial farmer, was trustee of the township and a strong Whig in his political sympathy. His mar- riage was to Sarah Smith, who was a native of Pennsylvania and who died in 1878 at the four children and reside in their pretty mod
age of 70 years. Her parents also moved to Belmont County when she was a child, and she grew to womanhood and married in Belmont County. Our subject's parents were both consistent members of the Metho- dist Church, and in that faith they reared their nine children, these being: William T., deceased; Elizabeth, deceased; Melissa, the wife of William H1. Hobbs; John W. and Eliza, deceased; Charles W., deceased, was a member of the Goth Ohio Vol. Inf., and died at Camp Chase of an attack of measles in 1864; Frances E., the wife of O. P. Barnes, of Somerset township; Nathan, of this sketch, and Joseph N.
Mr. Cater owns a fine farm of 135 acres lo- cated in section 18, in Somerset township, which he has operated with great success, carrying on a general line of farming and some stock raising. In politics he is identi- fied with the Democratic party, while he is active both in the Masonic fraternity and in the Knights of Pythias.
In 1879 Mr. Cater was united in marriage with Annette Bishop, who was born in 1850 and is also a native of Ohio. They have one son, Charles W. Both our subject and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Church. They belong to the best class of the citizens of Somerset township and are known for their kind hospitality and sterling quali- ties.
FRANK S. MASON, justice of the peace at Bellaire, Ohio, is a man of upright char- acter, and his worth is greatly appreciated by the citizens in his community. He is a true- hearted, conscientious gentleman, with a good, clean record, and has proved to be an honorable and efficient judge. His birth oc- curred in 18449 near Coal Run, Washington County, Ohio, and there he spent his youth- ful days and obtained his scholastic training. Mr. Mason was joined in the bonds of mat- rimony with Miss Irena Davis, who is a de scendant of one of the oldest families of Washington County. They have a family of
CARL L. DORER.
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ern residence at No. 2629 Behnont street. Our subject was but a boy when the Civil War broke out, but he nevertheless served eighteen months during the later years as a member of Company F, 63rd O. V. I. Ile was engaged in various occupations while living in Washington County, among them agricultural pursuits, but in 1881 he removed with his wife and family to Belmont County and chose Bellaire for his permanent home. llis first occupation at that city was in coal mining, and this he continued until May, 1887, and at that date embarked in business for himself, setting up a grocery store in the First Ward on Belmont street. His store was well managed and nicely arranged, and he remained in the business until 1891, the year in which he was elected to his present office, justice of the peace.
As a justice he served with such satisfac- tion to all that he has been re-elected con- secutively three times and is now serving his fourth term in that office. Mr. Mason has gained an enviable reputation as a pension and claim attorney, and has adjusted several thousand claims since taking up this line of work, in which he has met with more than ordinary success. Fraternally he is a valued member of the G. A. R., Knights of Pythias, Elks, American Mechanics, Turners and the Masonic order.
CARL L. DORER, secretary and treas- urer of the C. L. Dorer Foundry Company, of Bellaire, Ohio, who for many years had charge of the mold-designing department at the Rodefer Glass Works, was born in Jant- ary, 1854, at Triberg, Baden, Germany, being a son of the late Dr. F. S. Dorer, for many years a prominent physician. Both parents of our subject were also born in Germany, and both are deceased. A brother, William Dorer, the well-known jeweler at Bellaire, learned his trade in Dorchester, England, and opened up his business in Bellaire in 1890.
Our subject was reared in an excellent home, attended school at Triberg, secured
an excellent mathematical training, and then performed his citizen duty to his country by entering the army at the age of 20 years, serving until he was 23. From his youth he had followed the glass business, becoming an expert designer and mold-maker. Securing a furlough of two years from the army, he de- cided to visit America, and in 1882 came to this country, locating at Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, where he engaged at his craft with Washington Beck for nine months. He then came to Bellaire and was employed by the Rodefer Brothers, and soon after was placed in charge of the mold shops. Later, in asso- ciation with capitalists of Bellaire, he organ- ized the C. L. Dorer Foundry Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer. He is also the originator of the Enterprise Enamel Company, which was first conducted under the firm name of Dorer & Rossbach for about 18 months, a stock company later being formed in which Mr. Dorer is interested. Other important organizations with which Mr. Dorer is connected are numerous. He is also president of the Octo Gold Company, chartered under the laws of West Virginia, owning and developing a fine prospective mine near Baker City, Oregon, of which company Charles Taney is secretary and treasurer, and J. M. Weeks and T. S. Riley are directors. Mr. Dorer, after a recent visit to and examination of this property, returned filled with enthusiasm for undoubted success in the near future.
Mr. Dorer married Julia Hess, born in Bel- laire, Ohio, in 1860, being a daughter of Jacob and Catherine lless, of Bellaire, who are among the pioneers of the city. Five children have been born to this union, name- ly: Vera, Carl, Richard, Mollie and Walter. Probably there is no home in the Eastern Ohio Valley more desirable in every way than that occupied by Mr. Dorer and family. It bears the name of Triberg, in honor of Mr. Dorer's birthplace, and is located on the crest of a commanding hill, overlooking the city, outside its corporate limits. Leading to it are steps from the turnpike road, and also a
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driveway which gracefully winds to the top. One room is the original log cabin, erected on the spot by "Uncle" Jacob Ileatherington and Captain Fink in 1846. This building has been covered with the usual building ma- terial and added to until there are eight rooms, only the unusually thick walls giving an idea of the inner lining of logs. The sur- rounding grounds contain about seven acres, and at considerable expense have been finely graded and set out in orchard and vineyard, containing all the ordinary horticultural specimens of the locality. A system of water- works is supplied from an unfailing spring of pure water above, having a fall of 65 feet, while natural gas piping supplies fuel and light. This is an ideal home, and none in this vicinity can compare with Triberg Orchard.
In political sentiment Mr. Dorer favors the Republican party, while his social connec- tions are with Bellaire Lodge, F. & A. M .; Black Prince Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and the Turners. Mr. Dorer is regarded as one of the representative men of Bellaire, and his support is sought in almost all public and many private enterprises, the good judgment he has shown and the success which he has attained in his own affairs justly inspiring his fellow-citizens with confidence. His genial, pleasant nature has surrounded him with a wide circle of personal friends.
R. L. BOWMAN, cashier of the Farm- ers' & Merchants' Bank of Bellaire, Ohio, a man of marked liberality and public spirit and a prominent and useful resident of Pow- hatan Point, is a native of the great State of Kentucky, born at the city of Lexington, in Fayette County, in 1863.
The parents of Mr. Bowman were Henry Clay and Lizzie (Reed) Bowman; the for- mer, at the age of 80 years, is still a resident of Kentucky, where the latter died in the summer of 1001, aged 64 years. The Bow- man family was originally of Virginia and be-
longed to the early pioneers in Kentucky, where the grandfather of our subject was born and where he died in 1878 at the age of 96 years. By a former marriage Henry C. Bowman had four children, and seven were born to his second union; the names of the eleven children are as follows: Anna Belle, who resides at home in Lexing- ton with her sisters, Lou and Sallie, and brothers, Henry Clay, Jr., and William R .; Robert Lee of this sketch is the sixth mem- ber; Bush Hatfield, a resident of Perry, Okla- homa; Florence Stockwell; Andrew Reed, of Lexington; Catherine B. (Mrs. Banks), of Columbus, Georgia, and John B., also of Lexington.
R. L. Bowman is the only member of his family residing in Ohio. He was reared and educated in one of the select homes and ex- cellent schools of Lexington, but since the age of 15 years has depended upon his own efforts. Mr. Bowman is a young man of su- perior mental equipment, and from being a successful teacher he became instructor in bookkeeping and penmanship at the Uni- versity of Kentucky. Later he investigated business opportunities in the State of Texas, going there in 1884, and for 10 succeeding years was mainly engaged in the banking business both at San Antonio and Eagle Pass, filling a position as cashier at the latter place. In 1894 with his wife he came north and located in the pleasant neighborhood of Powhatan Point, where he engaged in farm- ing and cattle raising, accepting his present responsible position in December, 1901.
In 1886 Mr. Bowman married Vene D. Dorsey, a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Potts) Dorsey, the latter of whom was born in 1832 in West Wheeling, Belmont County, but was reared and married in Marshall County, West Virginia, near Moundsville. Michael Dorsey was one of the best known and most active business men in his section of Belmont County, and was born November 17, 1806, at Martin's Ferry, and died Octo- ber 25, 1807. His parents came from near Baltimore, Maryland, to Belmont County
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about 1801. Michael engaged extensively in farming and stock raising, also in milling, and at one time owned about Soo acres of land. Since the Civil War he resided at Powhatan Point, and he built the Dover mill on Captina Creek and held the position of postmaster under President Jackson, whose political views he zealously supported through life. Michael Dorsey's children were: Florence, deceased; Cora, the wife of W. C. Bergund- thal of Martin's Ferry; Brady, of Dawson City, Alaska, and Vene D. (Mrs. Bowman).
Mr. Bowman has served in a number of offices in the gift of the Democratic party, and he is president of the School Board of Powhatan. Both he and wife are leading members of the Methodist Church and are also prominent socially.
JOHN T. SKINNER, one of the substan- tial farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Somerset township, Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of this township, born here in 1845, and is a son of Kinsman Skinner, one of the old residents.
Mr. Skinner was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the com- mon schools of his locality. In all public movements and important matters in Somer- set township he has taken an active and prominent part, devoting his life mainly, however, to agricultural interests. On Feb- ruary 27, 1864, Mr. Skinner offered his ser- vices in the Civil War, entering Company C, Goth Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., at Somerton, and took part in the battles of the Wilder- ness and Spottsylvania, receiving a gun- shot wound at the latter engagement. He was permitted, however, to take part in the grand review at Washing- ton and was mustered ont of the ser- vice in that city on July 27, 1865. His was a loyal family, his older brother. James Skinner, also serving in the same com- pany, participating in the same serious bat- tles, and died some years after his return home.
After the close of the war Mr. Skinner re- sumed farming and has met with good suc- cess in the raising of sheep and other stock. llis farm is well adapted to the production of fine crops and comprises 130 acres in sec- tion 15. Mr. Skinner also acts as agent for the Bradley Fertilizer Company, and is a di- rector in the Belmont Insurance Association, having headquarters in Barnesville. This company is one of especial interest to farm- ers, as it insures farm property and stock.
On November 18, 1869, Mr. Skinner was married to Mary J. Wharton, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah A. (Cater) Wharton. Mrs. Skinner was born September 5, 1842, in Som- erset township. She is a most estimable lady and a consistent member of the Methodist Church. The six children born to this union are: Luna, Mella, Violet, the widow of Camm Thomas of Somerton; Herman, a teacher; Lola and Mary.
In politics Mr. Skinner is identified with the Democratic party, and he has faithfully served in a number of the township offices, being trustee, treasurer and assessor, and a member of the Board of Education. Fra- ternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and has been post commander of the G. A. R.
JOHN H. SAMPSON, a well-known and highly esteemed farmer and merchant of At- las, Somerset township, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in 1854 in (West) Virginia, his ancestors having long been prominent in that State.
The father of our subject, George Samp- son, was born in Marshall County, West Vir- ginia, and died in Monroe County in April, 1902, at the age of 77 years. In 1862 he came to Barnesville, but a year later removed to Monroe County and there engaged in farming. In his early political life he was identified with the Democratic party, but later affiliated with the Republicans. He married Marjorie Thomas, who was born in Monroe County, Ohio, and who died in 1894
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at the age of 72 years. She was a valued member of the Methodist Church. A fam- ily of seven children was born to Mr. and Mrs. Sampson, as follows: Rachel, deceased; Ellen, the wife of Joseph Hickenbottom; Elizabeth, the wife of Hugh Williams of Wood County, West Virginia; John H., of this sketch; Susan, the wife of Milton Adams, of Denver, Colorado; Marjorie, the wife of James Sullivan of Belmont County, and Eliza, the wife of George Gatcher of Monroe County.
John H. Sampson was reared on a farm and obtained an excellent common school education. Since 1893 he has been engaged in the mercantile business at Atlas and also engages in farming. He is well known as a man of reliability and substance and is active in all movements which promise to be of benefit to his community.
In 1876 he was married to Julia Wells, who was born in Monroe County in 1858, a daughter of Apollo and Sarah Wells. Three children have been born to this union, name- ly, William F., of Atlas; Ella, the wife of Ray Carter, of Belmont County, and Clyde, who is with his father in the store. Mr. Samp- son is an active member of the Republican party. The family belong to the Christian Church.
MILES T. CARNES, the popular grocer and jobber in fruits and vegetables, conducts a store in Bellaire at No. 427 37th street, at the corner of Jefferson street. He was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, in September. 1859, and is a son of Jacob and Mary F. (Tiernan) Carnes.
Jacob Carnes was a boy when he moved to Columbiana County with his parents, locat- ing near Wellsville. He followed farming many years, but after his removal to Bridge- port engaged in the grocery business until 1879 or 1880, when he was succeeded in the business by his son. He now resides near Al- liance, Ohio. He married Mary E. Tiernan, who was born at Carrollton, Ohio, and died
in 1895. To them were born four children, as follows: Miles T., Frank F., who lives near Alliance, Ohio; Mrs. S. P. Wells, who lives near Alliance and with whom her father makes his home, and Mrs. A. C. Branum, of Kirkwood.
Miles T. Carnes was five years old when his parents moved to Wheeling Island, where the soldiers were then camped out, and then went with them to Bridgeport, and from the time he was I1 years of age assisted his father in the grocery store, finally succeed- ing him in 1879 or 1880. He established himself in business in Bellaire in 1886, and in spite of adversity through fires and lack of capital, he has attained a high degree of success. He branched out in the produce business soon after locating here, oftentimes walking to Wheeling to order goods for early sale in Bellaire. For many years dur- ing the season from May Ist to September Ist of each year he has made trips up the river every Monday and Thursday for pro- duce and has done an extensive business. He does not depend upon the local supply, but buys from Wheeling, Marietta, Pittsburg and Cleveland, and has the reputation of having the first and last goods in season. He has a complete line of staple, but particularly of fancy, groceries, carrying nothing but the finest. lle is a man of untiring energy and enterprise, and his fellow citizens value him and his efforts at their true worth.
Mr. Carnes was united in marriage with Amelia Oberman of Wheeling and they have eight children, the four oldest having been born at Bridgeport and the others at Bel- laire. They are as follows: Margie, who has conducted the store largely during the ab- sence of her father for the last five years; Mary, who graduated in 1800, was a cadet during 19or and is now a teacher in the city schools; J. Will, who was born July 22, 1883, is clerk for the Cleveland & Pittsburg R. R. in the freight office and is making marked advancement; Regina, who is attending school and also assists in the work at the store; Elizabeth, Ross, Roy, deceased, and
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