USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 59
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Hugh Giffin attended the district schools in his boyhood, and was carly taught the duties pertaining to life on a farm. Until 1877 he resided on High Ridge, but then purchased and located on his present farm, in section 31, Pultney township, a property which was formerly known as the James Tarbet farm. Here Mr. Giffin has success- fully carried on general farming and dairy- ing for 23 years, becoming in the meantime one of the most highly respected as well as most substantial men of his township. He was reared in the Democratic faith and is still identified with that party. . For genera- tions the Giffins have been pillars of Presby - terianism. and for the past 36 years our sub- ject has been a trustee of the Rock Hill
Presbyterian Church. Ilis grandfathers were the organizers and the first elders of the old High Ridge Church.
In 1858 Mr. Giffin was united in marriage with Isabelle McAllister, who was born in Pultney township and was a daughter of John and Elizabeth McAllister. This mar- riage has resulted in the birth of nine chil- dren, who, with their children, make up one of the happiest family circles in Pultney township. The youngest child has reached the age of 32 years, and the grandchildren number 28, and with Mr. and Mrs. Giffin as the center, make up one of the most vigor- ous and intelligent aggregations of kindred in this part of the county. Our subject and estimable wife had the pleasure of seeing them all gathered together around the home board on a recent occasion, when it was de- cided and later carried out to have the fam- ily group photographed at Bellaire.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Giffin are the following: Sarah A. married John Finney, son of James Finney, and they reside near St. Clairsville: John Wallace has a fine home near his parents and carries on a dairy business, and is the father of these children, Ella, Myrtle, Margaret, Laura, Josephine and Ernest; George D. resides at Fairmont, West Virginia, married Ida B. Blackburn and has four children, Isabel, Hugh, Louis and Elizabeth; Albert James resides near his father, married Mary B. Ilop- kins and has two children, Edna and Harold; Robert Milton also resides near his father, married Mary Jane Keys and has two chil- dren, Bessie and Edith; Ross L. resides in Steubenville, Ohio, married Maggie Kinney and they have four children, John, Howard, Catherine Isabelle and Margaret Edna; Fan- nie Luella married George Pierson, and they reside at the home and have three children, Mary Lucille, Herbert M. and R. Francis: Nannie Bell married Edgar E. Wise, of Pult- ney township, and they have two children. Luther A. and Elsie May, and Mary Olive married William Garner and they reside on the Frank Bell farm, near St. Clairsville.
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
FRY BROTHERS, the present proprie- tors of one of the foremost business houses in Bellaire, Ohio, are men of unusual busi- ness propensities. The firm is composed of William II. and James L. Fry and their busi- ness was established in 1894, since which time it has so largely increased as to make it necessary to have a different building, cansing the erection of the fine new struct- ure at the corner of 18th and Belmont streets. It is 37 feet by 64 feet and is three stories high, the first floor being devoted exclusively to the business, while the other floors are used for residence. Throughout the building may be found the latest modern improvements, such as electric lights, etc., and a Bell 'phone, No. 1,002. Their stock consists of all kinds of staple and fancy groceries, the best brands of flour, and pro- visions, country produce, hay, grain and mill feed, much of which is solicited by 'phone. They employ from four to five men to take care of their large trade, which extends not only throughont Bellaire, but through the suburbs and in many towns all over the county.
William II. Fry was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Isaac and Louisa Fry, residents of the, First Ward, Bellaire, who came to Belmont County in February, 1872. The father is now retired from active business life, but followed the coal mining business until about six years ago. William H. Fry received his education in the Bellaire schools, and when but 17 began his business career by clerking in a grocery store, being employed first by Samuel Moore and later by J. A. Green, with whom he remained five or six years. At that time he knew the busi- ness thoroughly and embarked in the same for himself, taking his brother, James L., in with him as a partner, and they have con- tinned since then, working their way to the position they now occupy.
William H. Fry chose Emma T .. Long for his wife. She was a native of Belmont County, and they have six children and re-
side on 18th street. The names of these children are as follows: Thelma, Gracie, Katie, Clyde, Orma, and Earl.
James L. Fry was united in matrimony with Emma Schramm, of Belmont County, and they have one son, Ray. In political opinions the brothers are strong adherents of the Republican party, and in fraternal circles they are members of the Knights of the Golden Eagle and the O. U. A. M., James 1 .. being a member of the Knights of Pythias also. They are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CARTER BROTHERS is a leading firm of Bellaire, Ohio, in the wholesale and retail line, dealing in grain, hay, feed and seeds, and having commodious quarters at No. 3454 Belmont street. The firm is com- posed of Robert J. and William H1. Carter, who are equally active in the management of the business, which was established in July, 1892. They are practically the only seed dealers in the county, and carry a com- plete assortment. Their attitude to the trade is cordial and friendly, while they main- tain excellent relations with the public gen- erally, their methods as well as the quality of their goods having gained them this satisfac- tory standing.
In 1900 they erected the present large building, which covers a lot 33 by 120 feet and is three stories in height. Two hands are employed and a number of teams are needed for delivering and hauling. The business has made a very prosperous advance during the years since it was started, and is the largest as well as the most reliable in this locality.
William Il. Carter was born in 1853, in Wheeling. (West) Virginia, a son of Jolin Carter, who, with his wife, came from County Meath, Ireland, about 1850, locat- ing first at Wheeling. Robert J. Carter was born in 1864 at Bellaire, where his father, John Carter, was an early brick mannfact-
JAMES SYKES ELY, M. D.
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urer, his plant occupying the present site of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Rail- way depot. The one living daughter born to Mr. Carter is Mrs. Annie Carrick, the widow of M. J. Carrick,-she resides in Bellaire.
The Carter brothers first engaged in the manufature of brick, with their father, after they had finished the common school course, and later established and conducted for five years, from 1887 to 1892, the Carter Dairy, disposing of the same upon entering into their present enterprise. Both are yet un- married and reside in pleasant apartments on the upper floors of their building. In politics they are Democrats, but pay much more attention to the proper and successful conduct of their business than they do to political activity. They were reared in the Roman Catholic Church and are regular in their attendance upon its services. Both are solid, sensible, reliable business men, whose success means just so much more prosperity to their city, as they are interested in all that assists in its growth and development.
JAMES SYKES ELY, M. D., is one of the most prominent physicians and citizens of Bel- mont County, Ohio. He is one of the organ- izers, and the present president, of the Barnes- ville People's National Bank. Ile is also one of the founders of the Barnesville Gas Com- pany, and the owner of valuable property interests. Dr. Ely was born August 22, 1832, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah ( Brown) Ely, of Harford County, Maryland.
In 1832, Jacob Ely removed his family to Morristown, Ohio. There he followed his trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker until 1838. At that date he removed to Loydsville and embarked there in a general mercantile business which he followed through the bal- ance of his life. Both parents were members of the Society of Friends.
Dr. Ely was educated principally in the local schools, attending a seminary for a short time,
and was but 17 years of age when he began the study of the profession in which he has become so prominent. Ilis first preceptor was Dr. C. Schooley, then of Loydsville, and later, of Mar- tin's Ferry, and he completed the entire course in three years under this skilled physician. Ile finished his medical studies too early, however, to permit of practicing, as the public would hardly place confidence in one so young. Until he was judged old enough, the talented young physician engaged in teaching, but in 1856 he located in the village of Somerton, Ohio. In 1862, he attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, and graduated in the following June. He was commissioned as assistant-surgeon of the 126th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., November 14, 1862. He joined the regi- ment at Cumberland, Maryland, and when the Federal forces were driven out of Martinsburg, he volunteered to remain and care for the sui- fering Union soldiers. Consequently, he fell into the hands of the enemy, from whom he received good treatment and was soon paroled. While at Martinsburg, two corps of General Lee's army passed through en route to Gettys- burg, and as a matter of curiosity he counted 256 pieces of artillery in their train. On their return through Martinsburg, he also noted that none of the artillery passed through. Ou February 8. 1864, Dr. Ely received a commis- sion as surgeon of the 126th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and on April 21, 186.1, he received a com- mission from the President as assistant sur- geon, United States Volunteers. The Wilder- ness campaign was, however, then imminent, and the Doctor withheld his acceptance and re- mained with his regiment. Later, he was assigned to the operating staff of his brigade, and here his work was incessant, and was of such a nature, that young physicians of today, with modern antisepties and discoveries at hand, are forced to look with profound admira- tion on the successful surgeons of the Civil War.
Upon the arrival of his regiment at Cold Ilarbor, Dr. Fly reported at the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, and was mus- tered in as assistant surgeon of United States
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
Volunteers, and was detailed for duty with the department of field hospitals at White House, Virginia. In June, 1864, these hospitals were removed to City Point, Virginia, and the Doc- tor was there on duty until December 22, 1864. Then he was placed in charge of the cavalry corps hospital, principally to accomplish its reorganization. In the following Jannary, he was placed in charge of the depot field hospital, of the 6th Army Corps, and held that position inntil the surrender of General Lee, when all the hospitals at that place were broken up. On May 26, 1865, having continued on duty until the last moment, Dr. Ely transferred all the remaining hospital inmates aboard the hospital steamer "Connecticut," in charge of Surgeon of U. S. Volunteers, J. B. Hood, for transpor- tation to Washington. Although much suffer- ing was endured by various patients, none can ever realize the unselfish devotion displayed by Dr. Ely, or the efforts he put forth at all times in their behalf. His valuable services were ap- preciated, however, by the government. On Angust 12, 1865. he was placed in charge of the City General Hospital at Indianapolis, and was finally mustered out of service on October 16, 1865.
After these years of faithful service, under the hardest possible conditions, Dr. Ely re- turned to his home, and on November 7, 1865, located in Barnesville, where he has ever since resided. In 1868, he received an appointment as United States examining surgeon for pen- sions, a position he held under the administra- tion of President Cleveland.
In 1854, Dr. Ely was married to Emily E. Hogue, a daughter of Sanmel Ilogue. Three children were born to this union, the only sur- vior being Ernest S., who is a graduate of the Cincinnati School of Pharmacy, and is engaged in the drug business as a partner in the firm of Ely & Wilson in Barnesville. As noted in the opening of this article, Dr. Ely has been a very important factor in the development of the various commercial and financial enter- prises of this city, and has become one of the most substantial citizens of Barnesville. Ilis friends are met, and oldl battles talked over,
in G. A. R. Post, No. 220, of which Dr. Ely is a valued member. Ile also enjoys fraternal relations with the Masonic order.
JAMES WOODS, a well-known and suc- cessful business man of Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, is identified with many of the leading enterprises in this locality. While his office is located in Bridgeport, his home is situated on the Cadiz Pike and is one of the new and elegant residences along this highway.
James Woods was born at Mount Pleas- ant, Ohio, some 53 years ago, a son of John Woods, who was for many years prominently identified with the progress and development of Belmont County. John Woods was also born at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, in 1816, and was a son of William Woods, a native of Ire- land. Grandfather William Woods married Elizabeth Ilarness, who was a daughter of a wealthy planter of Virginia. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in Mount Pleas- ant, Jefferson County, Ohio. His son John came to Belmont County March 26, 1863, and located in Pease township on a farm which was secured from Gen. Robert E. Lee, and it was land given by the government to the famous Harry Lee for services rendered in the Revolutionary War. John Woods ac- cumulated both land and property, became a sound financier and was one of the directors of the First National Bank of Bridgeport, severing his connection of 25 years shortly before his death. He died August 7, 1897. Ile was widely known, as he engaged in a number of business enterprises and accumu -: lated the most of his large means by indus- try and keen business judgment. In his earlier years he dealt in cattle and drove them himself from one county to another; he was long a large wool buyer and handled sheep extensively for this purpose. For a number of years he was closely connected with Mr. llogg, a wealthy business man of Mount Pleasant. He settled up his own
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estate and adjusted his affairs two years prior to his death. Ilis widow still resides on the large farm which he occupied on the Cadiz Pike. The children of Jolm Woods were four in number, namely, James, of this sketch; John and William A., both residents of Pease township, and Mrs. Anna S. Litten, of Colerain. Mr. Woods was prominent in the Democratic party, also in the Masonic fra- ternity, and exerted a wide influence in both bodies.
James Woods was married in 1900 to Jetta Ilayes, and they reside in the beautiful home recently completed. Mr. Woods is a stock- holder in the First National Bank of Bridge- port, and through his energy, capital and in- fluence contributes materially to the develop- ment and prosperity of Bridgeport and vicinity.
T. BRADLEY SMITH, prominently known in Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, as a member of the W. B. Hall Furniture Com- pany, is also serving his county in the office of county commissioner, having been elected in 1896 by the Republican party.
Our subject is a native of Jefferson County, West Virginia, born September 18, 1840. He is a son of Frederick C. and Mary E. ( Sharff) Smith, natives of the states of Virginia and Maryland respectively. Frederick C. Smith was a merchant miller by trade and was known throughout the county as one of its most en- terprising business men. In 1857, he removed from his home in the Valley of Virginia, and resided in Wheeling until 1862, but at that date removed to Belmont County, Ohio, and here lived many years, doing the farmers in this district great service by trading with them and furnishing them a home market for their grain. He served in some of the minor offices to the satisfaction of his party, and in his re- ligious convictions was an attendant of the M. E. Church. He died April 12, 1883, at the age of sixty-nine years and nine months.
Our subject's mother, who `was Mary E. . Sharff before marriage, lived to the age of 83 years. She was a member of the M. E.
Church. Her death took place November 9, 1898. She had five children, all living at the present time, T. Bradley being the eldest.
T. B. Smith received his education in the public schools of Wheeling, and in the schools of Jefferson County. At the close of school days he took up the occupation of a merchant miller, and establishing a business at Elm Grove, carried on the same for four years with much success. In- 1866 he left Elm Grove and entered into partnership with his father, in the same business, at Bridgeport, Ohio, the firm name being Smith & Son. This continued until the death of the elder Mr. Smith, in 1883, when the buisness was carried on by our sub- ject until 1898; at that date the milling busi- Dess was discontinued, and no other business was established until 1902. In March, 1902, the W. B. Ilall Furniture Company com- menced business, the partners being W. B. Hall, Madison Aldredge and T. B. Smith, our subject. Their furniture room is very large and is one of the finest in the county. The company carries a heavy stock, and are enjoy- ing the best trade of the city. In addition to their furniture department they have an under- taking department, which is also one of the best in the city, and their stock includes a fine line of wall paper.
October 8, 1867, Mr. Smith was united in matrimony with Nannie A. Lash, a daughter of Abram and Nannie ( Powell) Lash, people who were well known throughout the county. Mrs. Smith is a native of Belmont County and she and her husband have two children, Fred L. and Mary Eloise. Fred 1 .. is an electrician in charge of the electrical work in the plant of the American Tin Plate Company at Martin's Ferry. He was united in marriage with Minnie Morgan, a native of Bridgeport, Ohio, and they have one child, Morgan B.
Mary Eloise is now doing excellent service as saleslady in the employ of the W. B. Hall Furniture Company; she has the advantage of a very good education, and has a knowledge of bookkeeping, typewriting and stenography. being a graduate of the Bridgeport High School, class of 1901.
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Mr. Smith has done his best to serve the Republican party since the election of Mr. Lincoln in 1861. For several years he served as school director, and is now doing excellent service as county commissioner of Belmont County. He and his worthy wife are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Smith is considered one of his county's most substantial citizens and has unquestionably good business qualifi- cations.
MORDECAI NELSON, a well-known railroad man and an esteemed citizen of Bel- laire, Ohio, was born in Pultney township, one mile west of this city, in 1842. He is a son of Joseph and Theresa (Wheatley) Nelson, the former of whom was of Irish birth and parentage.
Joseph Nelson, the father of Mordecai, came to the United States when but a small boy, with his parents, who located at West Liberty, Ohio County, (West) Virginia, and when he had reached maturity he removed to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1811, just fol- lowing his marriage, and located on the farm where his son, our subject, was born. Here he carried on farming all his life, dying in 1851, aged 61 years, his widow surviving until 1876, dying when over 75 years. Seven children were born to Joseph and Theresa Nelson, three of whom, including our sub- ject, are living, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth Hopkins, who remains on the home farm; and Joseph C., who is time-keeper for the National Cash Register Company, at Day- ton, Ohio, where he has a family. The mem- bers of the family who have passed away are: Mrs. E. R. Gill; Mrs. George Mertz; John, who died 14 years ago; Robert, who died in 1884; and Isaac, who died in Nebraska in 1892,-his two sons still reside in Nebraska.
Until the age of 21 years our subject re- mained at home, occupied' with agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in the pub- lic schools. About two months after reach- ing his majority, he entered the employ of the C. & P. Railroad as fireman, between
Bellaire and Pittsburg, and five years later, in 1868, he was promoted to the position of engineer, and has served as such continu- ously ever since. Ile is fortunate in hav- ing a short and pleasant run, between Bel- laire and Martin's Ferry, as this enables him to enjoy home life, which, in his case, is ap- preciated, as he is devoted to his home and family. Since 1878 this home has been lo- cated at No. 3032 Guernsey street, Mr. Nel- son having purchased it at that time.
In 1870 Mr. Nelson married Annie E., a daughter of Thomas Anderson, of Ohio County, West Virginia, and three children were born to them, namely: Edna May, who died at the age of 16 years; Alice Lulu, and William E. In politics Mr. Nelson has always been a Republican, his father having been an old line Whig. Our subject is serving his fifth term of three years each as a member of the city water board of Bel- laire. Since 1865 he has been a Mason, and belongs to Bellaire Lodge, No. 267, and Bellaire Chapter. In 1870, at Allegheny, he joined the order of B. of L. E., and belongs to Wellsville Division, No. 170.
As citizen and business man, as well as an attendant of the services of the Christian Church, of which his family are members, Mr. Nelson has so lived as to gain the regard of his fellow citizens, and he is able to num- ber among his warm personal friends a large proportion of the leading men of Bellaire and vicinity.
HUGHI M. MERRITT, who laid out the town of Merritt, in Belmont County, Ohio, is a native of Pultney township, which is still his home, having been born July 19. 18442, within two miles of his present resi- dence. lle is a son of Robert and Eveline (Milligan) Merritt and grandson of William and Mary (Long) Merritt.
William Merritt was born in 1780 and fol- lowed farming as his vocation through life. lle purchased the farm upon which the Sub urban Brick Works are located, near Bel-
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laire, and lived there until his death, which took place in his 55th year, January 12, 1835. December 18, 1806, he was united in mar- riage with Mary Long, who was born Sep- tember 7, 1783, and died February 21, 1840, in her 57th year.
The paternal grandparents of our subject had seven children, namely: Mary, Robert, Harriet, James L., Sarah Ann, Elizabeth L., and Benjamin A. Mary was born December 1, 1807, and lived to the advanced age of 80 years. She married George Milligan on the 18th day of November, 1824. They moved into West Virginia, locating for a time near Triadelphia, and they reared a large family. In later years they moved to a farm near Mt. Vernon, where both spent their last years. Harriet was born January 16, 1812, and died at the carly age of three years. James L. was born June 17, 1814, and died June 15, 1815. Sarah Ann was born January 20, 1818, and her death took place April 23, 1879. She married John W. Milligan and they resided some years in Harrison County, but subsequently returned and purchased the old homestead, known as the George Robinson farm, which was their home until death. Elizabeth 1. was born April 20, 1821. Benjamin A. was born Sep- tember 2, 1825, and came to his death by drowning in MeMechen's Creek, May 23, 1850. Ile married Mary Thomas.
Robert Merritt, the father of our subject. was born March 6, 1809, and died July 26, 1884. On the 18th day of October, 1831, he was joined in marriage with Eveline Milli- gan; she was born February 19, 1812, and died January 11, 1901. About 1847 Robert Merritt moved with his family to the farm just east of subject's present home, and the same is now owned by Charles Rosser. There the father engaged in farming and reared a large family. The children were as follows: Mary A., Eliza Ruth, James L., Hannah J., William W., Hugh M., Sarah E .. Josiah, Benjamin A., and Robert Mitchell.
Mary A. is the widow of Samuel Alexan- der, who died abont 1883. During his life
they lived at the Robert Alexander home- stead, which is still the home of the widow. Eliza Ruth married Alfred Stroman. They lived in Southern Illinois until the death of her husband. Mrs. Stroman has returned to her old home, but now resides on the Hutchison place in Pultney township, near St. Clairsville. James L., who was a min- ister of the Presbyterian faith for many years, died in 1883, leaving a widow, who resides in California.
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