Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 57

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

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stored and continued so until about two years since, when evidence of the progress of disease began to manifest itself. Of the true state of his case he was fully conscious, and expressed the conviction that if there should even be some mitigation of his disease, nothing permanent could be expected. He was (he said ) at all times liable to be injured sympa- thetically, and although a man of strong nerve, and mind above mediocrity, he was at times unwilling to examine the chest of a patient similarly affected, or to treat discases of the heart or chest, because of the injurious effect it had upon himself. But for the last four months of his life, there was a serious and rapid failure, resulting in that complication which terminated in death. But he died at his post, and in the service of his profession. The last time he left his room was on a visit or con- sultation, some eight of 10 miles distant, at the same time feeling it unsafe to travel alone, and unable to drive his own carriage. This was eight weeks previous to his death. And even when confined to his bed. and up to within a few days of his death, his quiet was disturbed, his train of thought turned aside from his own concerns, to see some one asking his medical opinions, willing to share his small amount of precious time yet to come, in mitigating the sufferings of others. Ile tolerated it until within a brief period of his dissolution. He was fully aware that "the end of earth" to him was near at hand. A medical friend, wishing to encourage him, said: "You may recover again a comfortable degree of health, and, by proper care, live to old age." He replied : "Although I have always admired your judg- ment, I am compelled to differ with you in the present case. I am satisfied I will not recover. If," said he, "it were the Almighty's will. I should like to live a while longer, that I might more fully serve my Creator than I have done." Although his disease was one always connected with despondeney and depression of spirits to a greater degree than almost any other, notwithstanding his sufferings were ex- treme, a degree of patience and quiet acquies. cence was evinced by him, not often seen. But

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he was an humble and consistent 'Christian. The truth of this was portrayed in his daily walk and conversation. Its doctrines were in- culcated in his family. Its spirit was evinced in the practice of his profession, at all times relying upon and invoking the blessing and guidance of that power which erreth not. His religious views were Calvinistic. In Scotland, he was a member of the Established Church; his connection in this country was first with the Associate Presbyterian Church under the ministry of Rev. Joseph Clokey. After the removal of Rev. Mr. Clokey from his pastoral charge, he connected himself with the Asso- ciate Reform Presbyterian Congregation of St. Clairsville, under the care of Rev. Alexan- der Young. He was a firm believer in the doc- trines of the Gospel as a revelation from God. Ile felt and took an active interest in the affairs of the congregation of which he was a mem- ber, and his prudence and zeal in reference to these interests will make his loss severely felt. llis natural diffidence made him more retiring in his religious observances than many Chris- tions would think justifiable. With his fam- ily alone he filled a Christian father's place, and as a physician felt that his success depended upon the direction and blessing of God. "Dif- fident as he was, I have," says Rev. Mr. Young, "known him, at the desire of his patients, con- duct prayer on their behalf. In his illness it was a pleasure to be reminded of the truths and hopes of the Gospel." His wife often read to him from the Scriptures, and friends and neighbors enjoyed the privilege of engaging in prayer with him and for him at his request. A mind as well informed, and a conscience as sensitive as his, could not look forward with- out realizing the importance of eternal things nor backward without much cause of regret: In Christ alone can the penitent one find peace. Mr. Young says: "Circumstances beyond my control deprived me of the privilege of seeing him during the last four days of his life. This I shall ever regret, esteeming and loving him as I did. I would have been profited by seeing the tokens of regard shown in the feelings of

those to whom he was a beloved physician. Men do not live usefully and remain unappre- ciated in this world. We may be misunder- stood, we may misunderstand others, but there is something in that well doing for Christ's sake, in what sphere soever it may be under- taken, so akin to the nature of God himself, and so in harmony with all his purposes of love, that his own arrangements hinder it from being lost." And though death may cause the good man to tremble, how striking the con- trast when compared with one whose course has been entirely on the other side. The motto of our friend was duty, his life was spent in its active and conscientious discharge. His hopes were founded upon a rock, against which the storms and trials of time may beat in vain. He is conscious that the shades of death are gath- ering round him, but the presence and the promises of Him in whom he has confided for- sake him not. Ile leaves the world, calm and serene as the approach of twilight on a sum- mer's eve.

While he of the opposite course can see but little in the review of life but selfishness, can find no balm along the path of his labors where- with to soothe the sorrows, or allay the fears of his dying hour. If he look forward, death inevitable meets his view, and as the ebbing pulse declares its near approach, hope that has been his support from the cradle until now quits the scene and leaves him to complete de- spair. Although in the discharge of duty from Christian motives, we toil hard and wait long, yet the reward will come, we will have tokens of it here, and if we die as friends of Christ, weeping friends as they stand round our grave feel that while the departed may inconceivable gain, the world and the church sustain a loss, and they cry : "Help, Lord, for the Godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men." And as the professional ex- cellence of the world is taken away, whether of ours or any other profession, may we, as a society, be led to seek that good part which shall never be taken from us.

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

LAWSON E. EMERSON, a lawyer by profession and a prominent resident of St. Clairsville, Ohio, is clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio. He was born in Goshen township, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1863, and is a son of William and Jane ( Wright ) Emerson.

William Emerson was born in County Ar- magh, Ireland, in 1819. Coming to America, in 1837, he remaind here two years, and then went back to Ireland, to settle up the estate of his father. Upon his return to America, he was accompanied by his brother, John. He located in Belmont County, Ohio, and for three years was employed by Ira Lewis, at an annual sal- ary of $85. He subsequently bought a farm in Goshen township, and was engaged in farm- ing and stock raising all his life. His death occurred January 8, 1900. His first wife was Jane Danforth, a daughter of Ambro Dan- forth, of Washington township, Belmont County. She died at an early age, leaving three children,-Maria ( Wright ) ; Mercy L. ( Turner ) ; and Thomas W., who is an attor- ney at Ouray, Colorado. Mr. Emerson mar- ried, secondly, Jane Wright, a daughter of Edward Wright, of Goshen township, and they have four children, namely : Mary ; John, who died at the age of three years; Lawson E. ; and Charles E., superintendent of the Denver (Colorado). Street Railway Company. Wil- liam Emerson was originally a Whig, in pol- itics, and later a Republican.

Lawson E. Emerson received his mental training in the Bethesda public schools and the Barnesville High School, after which he took a teacher's course at Valparaiso, Indiana. At the age of 18 years, he began teaching, and continued thus for seven years, in Warren and Goshen townships. He then began to read law at St. Clairsville, first, with his brother, Thomas W. Emerson, and later with Capt. L. Danferd. Subsequently, he completed a two- years' course in the Cincinnati Law School, and was graduated June 4, 1889. Ilis brother moved to Colorado in June of that year, and the subject of this sketch settled up his busi- ness. In January, 1890, he was appointed deputy county clerk under HI. M. Davis, and

served as such through two terms. In 1895, he was nominated by acclamation for the office of county clerk, and elected by a majority of 1,100 votes. He was re-elected in 1898, his majority being increased to 1,814 votes. He was solicited by prominent attorneys to run for a third term, but refused, and became a candidate for clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio. He was nominated on the first ballot from among to candidates, was elected, and assumed the duties of his office, in Columbus, on January 1, 1902. Mr. Emerson is a man of sterling worth and the strictest integrity, and stands very high, wherever known.

Lawson E. Emerson was married, in 1892, to Laura Ferren, a daughter of James Herren, of St. Clairsville, and they have two sons,- Wayne Kennon, who was born in 1893; and William Glen, born in 1895. Fraternally, Mr. Emerson is a member of Lodge No. 109, K. of P .; Blue Lodge No. 16, F. & A. M .; Chapter No. 54, R. A. M .; Commandery No. 26, K. T .; and Columbus Lodge, A. A. O. N. M. S. Ile is a charter member of Lodge No. 419, B. P. O. F.

JOHN K. MCFARLAND, who is efficiently serving as recorder of Belmont County, Ohio, is one of the most prominent and enterprising citizens of St. Clairsville. Hle was born in Union township, Belmont County, February 19, 1871, and is a son of William G. and Cyn- thia W. ( Kennon) McFarland.

William G. McFarland was born in Guern- sey County, Ohio, and in 1871, after marriage, moved to Union township, Belmont County. flere he followed farming until 1901, since which time he has lived in Warren township. lle married Cynthia W. Kennon, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of Abner Kennon. They had but one child, John K.

Jolin K. MeFarland received his mental training in the public schools, and lived on the farm until the fall of 1896. He then moved to St. Clairsville, to accept the appointment of deputy county recorder, under A. S. Taylor.

A. KLOTZ.

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Mr. Taylor died in office, and Mr. MeFarland was appointed by the county commissioners to fill the unexpired term. The satisfactory dis- charge of his duties resulted in his nomination by the Republican party, and his election to the office of county recorder, in 1900.

In 1895 Mr. MeFarland was united in mar- riage with Gertrude Taylor; they have had three children,-Mary, Kennon and Charles. Fraternally, the subject of this sketch is a Mason, and a member of Lodge No. 419, B. P. O. E.

A. KLOTZ. Among the prominent and rep- resentative citizens of Bellaire, Ohio, this well- known merchant and banker takes a leading position, identified as he is with many of the most important business enterprises, educa- tional projects and public-spirited movements of the city.

The birth of Mr. Klotz occurred in France Jime 13, 1846; he is a son of Moses Klotz, who was a butcher by trade, with whom our subject worked for some years after finishing school, so thoroughly learning the business that he was able to pursue it for himself in the city of Paris, where he continued until Feb- ruary, 1868. This has been one of the ele- ments of Mr. Klotz's success, to do thoroughly and well whatever came under his notice. After the death of the father in 1867, the fam- ily scattered. a number of them coming to America. There were 12 children in all, six of whom still survive, these being, exclusive of our subject : Mrs. Charles Mayer, of Cincinnati, whose husband was a partner with Mr. Klotz at Bellaire, from 1868 to 1885, but is now living retired; Mrs. A. L. Rice, whose husband was formerly in the wholesale millinery busi- ness at Wheeling, but is now engaged in the slate business at Slatington, Pennsylvania ; Flise, who resides with Mrs. Rice; Samuel, who was formerly engaged at Bellaire in the gents' furnishing business, in' 1884 went to Piscoe, Peru, where he is engaged in export- ing ; and one sister who still resides in France.

Some members of Mr. Klotz's family had

located in Wheeling, West Virginia, and hither our subject came in September, 1868, with no capital except ability, industry and good habits, and from such a foundation Mr. Klotz has built up his fortunes. Engaging with his brother-in-law in the gents furnishing business at Bellaire, Ohio, under the firm name of Mayer & Klotz, the young man soon demon- strated his business aeumen and in 1885 pur- chased Mr. Mayer's interest and ever since has been the largest dealer in his line in the city. In 1877 the business was moved to its present location at No. 3211 Union street, where three floors are utilized; the building contains the only passenger elevator in use in the city. Mr. Klotz has greatly enlarged the scope of his business, which now embraces a full line of dry goods, carpets, ready-made clothes, and gents' furnishing goods, requiring the assistance of to capable salesmen and much outside help. The equipments are all of a mod- ern character, the cash-carrier system is in use, and the business is carried on with dispatch and accuracy which is very gratifying to its many patrons.

Mr. Klotz has been identified with many of the leading business interests of the city, nota- bly the Dollar Savings Bank of which he is president, in which he has been interested from the start and served a number of years as its vice-president ; he is also vice-president of the Novelty Stamping Company, and has long been connected with the Enterprise Enamel Company, a very successful business venture.

The marriage of Mr. Klotz was to a daugh- ter of E. C. Morris, who is the retired pro- prietor of the Globe House, of Bellaire. One son, Charles L., was born to this union, who is a very able young business man; at the age of 17 years he was conducting a successful liv- ery business at Bellaire, and is now engaged in the grocery business at Altoona, Pennsylvania. Since 1870, Mr. Klotz has been a Mason, and belongs to lonic Lodge, F. & A. M., and Bel- laire Chapter, R. A. M. Ile has always shown a liberal public spirit, has participated in the public affairs of the community and has been liberal along both private and religious lines.

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On the Board of Trade he has been active for many years and for the past io years has served the city on the Board of Health. In his business career he has made many friends, but they are more than cqualed by those who es- teem him in private life.

JACOB RIETZ, a prominent merchant at the corner of 37th and Noble streets, is one of the oldest grocers who has carried on a continuous business in the city of Bellaire, having started here in 1878. During all this time his business dealings have been marked by the strictest honesty and highest integ- rity. In directing affairs of the city he has been honored with a place in the Council and in other ways favored by his fellow citizens. He was born in Germany in 1841 and is a son of Jacob Rietz, Sr.

The elder Mr. Rietz came to this country from Germany in 1846, and coming directly to Ohio, settled upon a farm in Washington County, near Lowell. For ten years he car- ried on a flourishing industry, deriving from his labors large profits. At the end of this time, possessed of considerable means, he went to Lowell and opened a sawmill, of which he also made a success. He died in 1894 at the age of 79 years. He had three children, two sons and one daughter.

Jacob Rietz, Jr., was about five years old when his parents came to this country, and received his education mainly in the com- mon schools of Washington County. In early life he entered his father's mill in Lowell and there worked for some time. With an eye to something better, however, in 1874 he came to Bellaire and secured a position in the B. & O. R. R. shops. Giving good satis- faction, he remained here for three years. Then, seeing a good opening for a grocery store in the growing community, and hav- ing laid aside a small sum of money, he se- cured a building and put in a moderate stock of goods. Wise management and good ser- vice enabled him to succeed, and he con-

tinued the business, increasing from time to time his stock of goods to keep apace with the growing demands of the community. In 1883 he erected the store where he has since carried on his trade. It is a large double building, and he uses the rear as a residence. He keeps in his store a complete line of staple and fancy groceries, and also handles pro- duce and general provisions. His trade is a large one and highly profitable.

Mr. Rietz married a Miss Schramm of Washington County, Ohio, who has two brothers now residing in Bellaire. To Mr. and Mrs. Rietz have been born three children. Albert, now in business with his father, is married and has one child. Lena mar- ried Charles Kaiser, of Bellaire, and they have four children. William has a posi- tion in the Dollar Savings Bank of Bellaire.

Mr. Rietz is especially influential in the public affairs of his city and has served the Fourth Ward for six years in the City Coun- cil. In politics he is usually a Democrat, but somewhat independent. Fraternally he affili- ates with the I. O. O. F. He belongs to the German Reform Church.

HARRY C. FUHR, the popular Fifth Ward councilman of Bellaire, and a man of attainments, is now filling the position of superintendent of the Bellaire Steel Works of the National Steel Company. Both by education and inherent ability he has been prepared for this work, as is shown by the perfect regularity and attention to details with which everything in his (the electrical) department is managed. With nothing but his own resources and a vast stock of energy to rely upon, he has attained his present posi- tion. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, he is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fuhr.

Charles Fuhr, now deceased, was a baker by trade and followed that occupation in Wheeling for many years. His wife is still living in that place.

Harry C. Fuhr was but three months okl

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when his father died, and was reared in Wheeling under the careful guidance of his mother. He secured his early education in the public schools of the Eighth Ward, from which he graduated. Later he took a course in electrical engineering at Scranton, Penn- sylvania, which he completed at the very early age of 17. After a short stay in his native city looking about for an opening, he secured a lucrative position with the General Electric Company, the headquarters of which are at Lynn, Massachusetts. Thorough knowledge of his work and strict at- tention to business secured him at once the confidence of his employers, and he remained with the company for three years, traveling through the East and putting in electric plants. The general satisfaction which he gave while with this firm and his experience with it enabled him to rise in his profession, and in 1895 he se- cured the superintendency of the electrical department of the Bellaire Steel Works of the National Steel Company. Here he has 18 men constantly under his charge. He is popular both with his employees and with the company. Under his supervision the first electric mining machine in Belmont County was placed in position.

After severing his connection with the General Electric Company at Lynn, Massa- chusetts, Mr. Fuhr returned to Wheeling, where he married a Miss Rigner of that place. They have had two children-Irvin HI. C., who is now seven years old, and Wayne Charles, now an infant. The family reside at 4482 Jefferson street, but Mr. Fuhr is about to erect a splendid new residence on Harrison street.

Mr. Fuhr is a well educated man, reads and writes German with accuracy and speaks it fluently. As a Republican he has been exceedingly active in politics both in Wheel- ing and Bellaire. In 1900 he was elected a member of the City Council from the Fifth Ward, and the efficient way in which he is performing his duties promise excellent chances for re-election. He is colonel of the

Eleventh Regiment, Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias. He is a member of Black Prince Lodge, No. 19, of Wheeling, and of the D. O. K. K. He has served four years in the West Virginia National Guards, and is a member of the A. O. U. W.

JOHN D. MAYS, treasurer of Belmont County and a prominent resident of St. Clairs- ville, Ohio, was born in Wheeling township, Belmont County, in 1857. He is a son of Hen- derson and Catherine ( Downing ) Ilays.

Henderson llays was born in Allegheny . County, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1821, and was the eldest son of William and Elizabeth ( Irwin ) Hays. By the death of his parents he was thrown upon his own resources at the early age of 12 years. He resided in his native county until a short time after his first mar- riage, when he moved to Wheeling township, and there following farming until his death. In 1842, he married Olivia Coulter, who died in 1852, having given birth to the following children: Enphemia E., who was born in 1845, and married John Caldwell in 1872; Cynthia A,, who was born in 1846, and was married in 1876, to John Gillespy ; and Mary T., who was born in 1848, and was married, in 1871, to R. E. Dool. Henderson Hays formed a second union in 1854, with Catherine Down- ing, a daughter of John and Eleanor ( Lee) Downing, both natives of Ohio. Five children were born to them, namely : William G., born in 1855. who resides at Bannock, Ohio; John D., the subject of this sketch; Irwin 1., born in 1858, who resides at Bannock, Ohio; Olivia E., who was born in 1862; and died in 1863: and Lena M., born in 1867, who was married, in 1880. to Rev. Thomas E. Holliday, both of whom are now missionaries in India. Mr. Hays died January 1, 1800, and Mrs. Hays, who was born March 21, 1827, now resides in 'St. Clairsville.

Joli D. Hays was reared and schooled in his native township, and followed farming until i80%. In that year, having been ap

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pointed deputy county treasurer, he necessarily moved to St. Clairsville, where he discharged the duties of that office for two successive terms. In 1901, before his term of office had expired, he was nominated by acclamation for county treasurer, and his election followed in November of that year. He is a man of recog- nized ability, and is held in high esteem.

Mr. Hays is a member of Flushing Lodge, F. & A. M .; Chapter, No. 54, R. A. M .; and Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T.

SEBASTIAN WIMMER, now residing at his pleasant home at the corner of 3Ist and Union streets, is one of the wealthy retired business men of Bellaire, having for many years conducted a sample room and cafe in the place, and later, in partnership with Con- rad Rumbach, engaged in the wholesale liquor business. Ile is now deriving a large income from his investments in various flourishing industries in the place, among them the Enterprise Enameling Works, the C. L. Dorer Foundry and the Belllaire Bot- tle Works.

Mr. Wimmer's success in life is entirely due to his own well directed efforts, coming as he does of poor parentage. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1857, and is the son of a common, hard-working miner. At the early age of fourteen, in 1871 young Sebas- tian came to this country and settled in Wheeling, West Virginia, where, prepara- tory to a life work he learned the cigar- makers trade. This line of work, however, he made but little use of, turning it to ac- count merely as a stepping-stone to some- thing better. By 1873 he had managed to get a little something ahead, and, coming to Bellaire, opened a sample room and cafe. After this he made money fast and continued the business for many years. In 1892 hc formed his partnership with Conrad Rum- bach and engaged in the> wholesale liquor business. So rapidly did he accumulate wealth in this industry that in 1901, though

not far advanced in years, he decided to dis- continue the business and lead a less strenu- ons life. As fast as he has been able to lay aside money he has always invested it where it would bring in large returns, and he now owns stock in three of the largest concerns in the city, which are mentioned above, and is a director of the C. L. Dorer Foundry Company.

Mr. Wimmer married Miss Madden, who was born in Bellaire, being a daughter of John Madden, a stone-mason and con- tractor, who has long resided in the place. Mr. and Mrs. Wimmer have three children, two daughters and a son, all of whom are living at home.

Mr. Wimmer has long been influential in local affairs, and has served for four years as a member of the City Council. In politics he is a Democrat, but takes issue against free silver. Fraternally he affiliates with the Turners and B. P. O. E., and in religious sentiment he is a Roman Catholic.

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 57

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