USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 61
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William Irwin and resides at Steubenville, Ohio,-they have a son, Hugh P .; Agnes Jamison, born March 16, 1873, is the wife of Walker McConnell, a farmer near Steuben- ville,-they have one child, Mary T., born in September, 1902; Lizzie Lawton, born May 26, 1880, is the only child at home with our subject and his wife. Seven of the chil- dren, with their families, are members of the Presbyterian Church, which the Pickens fam- ily has always favored.
DR. P. E. HEPLER, prominent as a physi- cian and surgeon in Bridgeport, Ohio, as a man of discreet judgment, skilled in the profession he has chosen for his life-work, is an essential citizen of Bridgeport. He is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth ( Money) Hepler, both natives of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and descended from old and well-known families of that State.
Mr. Ilepler, father of our subject, is now a retired farmer, residing at Fairmount City, Pennsylvania, and reached his seventy-eighth milestone on May 20, 1902. His marriage with Elizabeth Money resulted in three chil- dren, Dr. A. J., Margaret, and Dr. P. E., our subject. For years, the parents were promi- nent, working members of the German Reform Clmirch. A. J. Hepler is now a leading physi- cian and surgeon in New Bethlehem, Pennsyl- vania, and is examining physician on the United States pension board, and also occupies the position of president of one of the banks of the city. His enterprise and activity in business affairs are a credit to his ability and spirit as a citizen. Margaret Ilepler married Gabriel Stallman, a resident of Limestone, Pennsylva- nia, who is extensively engaged as a farmer. The mother of these children is still living and was 67 years old, June 18, 1902.
Like his parents, our subject is a native of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and was born May 10, 1872. His educational advantages were many, he being a student at the Clarion State Normal School at first, subsequently taking a course at the Western University of
Pennsylvania, and afterward attending a mi- versity in Tennessee, and graduating in a class of twenty-two members in 1895.
Dr. Hepler, then a full-fledged physician and surgeon, chose Fairmount, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, as his first field of labor and en- joved a good practice until his removal from there to Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio, in 1895, where he has since been most successful, and the general practice which he has built up in this city should be a credit and honor to the ability and purpose of any physician.
Our subject is still enjoying a life of single blessedness. In fraternal circles he affiliates with a large number of organizations, and is also examiner for some of them, among them the A. O. U. W., the Patriotic Order of Sons of America, Knights of the Golden Eagle, and both Junior and Senior orders of the United American Mechanics. In religious belief he is a member of the German Reform Church.
The Doctor stands high both as a citizen and as a practitioner. He is a gentleman of cour- teous, refined bearing, the picture of health and strength, is well read in his profession and the literature of the day, and takes great interest in what is daily taking place.
ALLEN BAILEY, a progressive farmer and dairyman, of Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, is also one of the county's most substantial and reliable citizens, highly es- teemed for his integrity wherever known.
The birth of Allen Bailey took place on June 11, 1859, in Goshen township, Belmont Coun- ty, one of the seven children born to Jesse and Asenath ( Patterson ) Bailey, three of whom still survive. Our subject was reared and educated in Goshen township and still owns a valuable farm of too acres in that township. Since 1880 he has resided in Warren township and here owns a farm of 150 acres, devoting much attention to dairying interests, in con- nection with extensive farming.
The marriage of Mr. Bailey took place in 1880. to Eva I .. Patterson, a daughter of
E. E. McCOMBS.
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David Patterson, a carpenter by trade, and a member of one of the highly respected county families. The children born to this marriage are: Ethel E., Clifford J., Ernest D., Edna A., Mary A., Dorothy and George Wilson. Our subject and family are all members of the Society of Friends. For several years Mr. Bailey has served on the School Board, and be- longs to the Grange, taking a deep interest in the movement. His political opinions make his vote an independent one, bound by no party tie. His Warren township farm is the one formerly owned by Hon. William Bundy, and is known to be one of the most valuable in this part of the county. Mr. Bailey, as previ- ously mentioned, is a man who is held in the highest esteem, and has a wide circle of friends.
E. E. McCOMBS, attorney-at-law and no- tary public at Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, is president of the German Savings Bank Company and president of the School Board. Ilis parents were Hiram M. and Sarah M. ( Kemple ) MeCombs, natives of West Vir- ginia, and our subject was born August 23, 1860, in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Hiram M. McCombs followed agricultural pursuits in West Virginia until 1877 and then located near Mount Pleasant, Jefferson Coun- ty, Ohio, where he lived until 1880, when he moved to Martin's Ferry and was interested in the grain and feed business until he went on the farm previous to being again engaged in the grain and feed busines with his son. Mr. McCombs never held office, but was often of service in helping his friends to office. He and his wife were active members of the Presby- terian Church in West Virginia, before com- ing to Ohio, and he served quite a while as deacon. His death took place January 2, 1894. but his widow still survives, a much respected resident of Martin's Ferry, where she makes her home with her son, the subject of this sketch. She was the mother of five children, as follows: Charles W .; Ida Bell, who died in
1881; E. E .; Etta A., wife of G .G. Sedgwick, postimaster of Martin's Ferry; and Bessie A., who died at the early age of five years in 1882, a few months after the death of Ida Bell.
The common schools of West Virginia and Ohio furnished our subject with the education he possessed prior to his locating in Martin's Ferry, where he was graduated from the High School in the class of 1883. Shortly after this, he accepted a position as bookkeeper and teller in the Exchange Bank, now known as the Peo- ple's Savings Bank, and there remained for about two and a half years, at which time he decided to study law. Securing a certificate, he taught school for one year and read law, and finally enrolled himself among the students in the law school at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1887. Hle was graduated in the class of 1890, and was admitted to the bar May 20, 1890. He immediately opened an office in Martin's Ferry, and has met with success in building up a good practice. Ile has been identified with quite a number of important cases so far in his career, but prefers office rather than court practice. He was early admitted to practice in the State and Federal courts. Ile has identified himself with many of the leading interests of the city, and is held in the highest regard.
January 15, 1891, Mr. MeCombs was united in marriage with Cassie B. Chandler, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of the late Joseph S. and Therza H. ( Hogy) Chandler. Her father was for many years a prominent citizen of Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and was a weaver by trade. Mr. and Mrs. McCombs have two children. Frank 11. and Ralph E. In religion they are Presbyterians.
Mr. MeCombs has never cared for office and the one he now holds as president of the School Board is the only one he has ever accepted. He has now served three years as a member and two years as president. For three years prior to becoming a member of the board. he held the office of president of the City Board of School Examiners, but when he accepted the former he resigned the latter office. In fraternal cir- cles he is a Mason, being past worshipful mas- ter of the blue lodge, past high priest of Bel-
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mont Chapter, and a member of the council, commandery and shrine. In politics he is a Republican of decided opinions. Ile is classed among the county's most worthy citizens.
JOHN H. McGRAW, associated with J. W. Jones, under the firm name of Jones & McGraw, is a representative citizen of Bel- laire, Ohio, in every respect. The firm do a most flourishing business and have the most extensive contracts in the city, in the build- ing line, and are well known throughout this section of Ohio. Mr. McGraw is a son of James and Sarah (MeCracken) McGraw, his birth occurring in the vicinity of High Ridge Church.
James McGraw was a native of Ireland, and was born in 1848 in County Antrim. He was also a contractor and builder by trade, and an excellent workman. He was united in matrimony with Sarah McCracken, who was also born in Ireland and left her native country at the age of six years. Mr. McGraw was located at first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but later removed to Belmont County, where he remained until his death in April, 1893, at the age of 79 years. His wife departed this life some years before, in June, 1880, and left a number of children to mourn her loss. Their union resulted in eight children, of whom the following are yet living: William, who is a farmer and justice of the peace in Colerain township; Robert, of Coffey County, Kansas; Marga- ret (Egan), living in Moundsville, West Vir- ginia: Sarah, who is the wife of A. J. Keyser, residing near Flushing, Belmont County; and John II. The father of these children was a thorough Democrat and es- feemed as a dutiful and useful citizen.
John H. McGraw spent his boyhood days on the home place in Colerain township, re- siding there until he became 20 years of age, when he chose contracting for his business through life and immediately started to work with an uncle, William McGraw. For
the past 13 years he has met with unbounded good fortune in his business life, and the firm of which he is a member have charge of probably go per cent. of the building done in Bellaire, this speaking volumes for their promptness, splendid work, and strict atten- tion to business. They employ about 20 men regularly and by kind, but firm, dealings with the workmen Mr. McGraw not only obtains the best results in the work but con- tinnes in their good will and respect. The numerous large contracts which he under- takes are filled to the letter, and thus he has the best wishes and commendation of all citizens. All his life has been spent in Belmont County, and the past 23 years he has lived in Bellaire.
Mr. McGraw was united in marriage bonds with Emma Nelson, who was born in Belmont County, and they have a family of five children, as follows: William and Robert, attending school, and John, Anna, and Herbert, who are still at home, the fam- ily residence being located at No. 4324 Noble street. The preference in religions matters is given to the United Presbyterian Church, of which our subject is now serving as trustee. Politically he is nearly always a supporter of the Democratic party, but votes for the man he considers the best for the place. In fraternal circles he belongs to Black Prince Lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
FRED NEININGER, mayor of the city of Bridgeport, has led a wonderfully active life in business affairs all over his township and county. Ile is engaged in the butcher business in Bridgeport, being the oldest in that business in town, and is a stockholder in the Hide & Tallow Association, and in the Union Opera House of Bridgeport, Ohio.
Our subject is a son of John and Lucia (Gaus) Neininger, and was born June 15. 1857, claiming Wheeling, West Virginia, as his birthplace. His father and mother were na- tives of Germany and emigrated to the United
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States and conducted a hotel at Wheeling. In 1865 John settled in Bridgeport, and started in business as a grocer and later embarked in the wholesale liquor business in which he con- tinued until his death at the age of forty-five years, in 1871. His wife has now reached the age of sixty-nine years and is still numbered among the inhabitants of Bridgeport. She and her husband had five children, our subject be- ing the second. They are: Emma, now the wife of Elias Williams, of Wellsville, Ohio; Fred (subject) ; Bertha, now Mrs. Fred Del- man of Bridgeport; Joseph, working in the mills at Columbus, Ohio; and Louis, who died at the early age of twenty years.
Fred Neininger received his education in the schools of Bridgeport, and at the close of those delightful days learned the trade of a butcher, and worked as a journeyman for thirteen years. He then embarked in the butch- er business in Bridgeport and was for six years president of the Wheeling Butchers' Protec- tive Association. He is a charter member of the Hide & Tallow Association, and interested in many other business enterprises.
September 5, 1878, our subject was united in marriage with Louisa Cedars, a native of Germany, and they have five children; viz., Lucia, a bookkeeper and typewriter: Eva, a member of the class of 1902 of the Bridgeport Iligh School: Fred, Dora M., and Ada. The entire family are members of the English Lutheran Church, and attend services regular- ly.
Mr. Neininger is a Democrat in politics and takes a lively interest in township and county affairs. In 1892 he was elected councilman, and his service in this line was so satisfactory that in 1894 he was re-elected. In 1896 he was elected to the position of treasurer, and served with credit until 1898, when he became a candi- date for mayor of Bridgeport and was elected, serving until the close of the nineteenth cen- tury, and was re-elected to start the new cen- tury. While fulfilling his duties as treasurer he ran for county commissioner on the Demo- cratic ticket, and ran 1028 votes ahead of the ticket. All the Republicans elected had a ma-
jority of 1600 with the exception of the op- ponent of our subject who had only 412 ma- jority and this alone speaks well for our sub- ject's popularity not only with the Democrats, but likewise with the Republicans.
In fraternal circles Mr. Neininger is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and also affiliates with the Elks. He is a progressive and up-to- date man and evidently believes firmly in twen- tieth century progress.
ELLIS P. LEE, editor and publisher of the Barnesville Enterprise, which is one of the leading local papers of Eastern Ohio, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1842, and is a son of James and Lydia Lee, of Berks County.
Mr. Lee was born in the same house ( which is still standing) in which Daniel Boone was born, and by intermarriage of his ancestors with the Boone family is distantly related to the noted Kentucky hunter. Ile can also trace his ancestors back more than fifteen hundred years, by the marriage of his great-grand- father to the daughter of Edward and Eleanor Foulke, descendants of the royal families of England and Wales. The genealogical tables of the Foulke family show different lines of descent from about 300 A. D., through Ed- ward 1., William the Conqueror, and the va- rious kings of Great Britain, down to the time the Foulkes came to this country in 1698 and settled at Gwynedd, Pennsylvania.
In 1861 Mr. Lee graduated with honor from Westtown Boarding School, the well-known school of the Society of Friends, near West- chester, Pennsylvania, and then engaged in teaching school in his native county, later fol- lowing this profession in Columbiana County, Ohio. Mr. Lee subsequently took a commer- cial course and graduated from Crittenden's Commercial College, in Philadelphia; in 1867 he moved to Barnesville where he entered the First National Bank as its bookkeeper, and was later placed in the responsible position of cashier. His faithful and efficient service in this capacity continued through nine years, and
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upon resigning this position he engaged, for a short time, in the nursery business.
It was in 1878 that Mr. Lee first became connected with the Barnesville Enterprise, en- tering as its foreman and local editor, and it was soon realized by himself and friends that this congenial work promised great success. In October, 1888, Mr. Lee and wife purchased the property and good will, and under their management the paper has gained in popularity until at present it is a welcome visitor in almost every home in the city. Mr. Lee has shown excellent business ability and is a writer of force and character; he is able to present the local news in most pleasing form, and vigor- ously champions all progressive and landable enterprises. In his work he is ably assisted by the talented lady who is his wife.
In 1866 Mr. Lee was united in marriage with Octa M. Dove, who is a daughter of John and Maria Dove, both of whom are natives of Maryland, and were among the early settlers in Barnesville. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lee, namely: Laura D., who died in 1883, and Charles E., who resides with his parents. Both our subject and wife are active members of the Methodist Church and are prominent in the social life of the city. For a number of years Mr. Lee has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to Friend- ship Lodge, No. 89. F. & A. M., and Barnes- ville Chapter, No. 69, R. A. M.
CARLOS A. SMITHI, proprietor of the United States Steam Laundry, which is the finest establishment of its kind in Bellaire, Ohio, has had 20 years' experience in the laundry business. ITe spent 12 years in the service of the Bellaire Steam Laundry, on Guernsey street, which was then owned by his father, George C. Smith, who taught him all the details of the business. Our subject first started into business for himself on the east side of the park, but afterward seenred a lot on the corner of Noble street and Cen- tral avenne, and constructed his present
plant in 1893., The building is strictly a modern one, constructed of brick and meas- ures about 42 feet by 60 feet. It is a one- story building and is equipped with the lat- est and most improved machinery. In the rear part of the building are the engine and boiler, the former being of io H. P. and the latter 20 If. P. These furnish the power which operates all the machinery. Mr. Smith personally superintends all work, and having such facilities for turning out good work, he naturally secures the "lion's share" of the business. In addition, he has a fine suburban trade, embracing New Concord, Cameron, Barnesville, and other surrounding towns. He employs from 17 to 20 workmen and guarantees satisfaction to his customers.
Mr. Smith was born at Mount Zion, Bel- mont County, Ohio, in October, 1861. His father, George C. Smith, was an early resi- dent of Belmont County, and was a black- smith by trade, but the latter years of his life were spent in the laundry business, own- and operating, as he did, the Bellaire Steam Laundry. He died in September, 1901, aged 68 years. Our subject's mother is also a native of Belmont County, having been born near Jacobsburg. Iler maiden, name was Nancy Snively, and at this writing she re- sides in Bellaire. Besides our subject, she has two other sons and four daughters, as follows: F. B. of Cleveland: E. R .; Mrs. Alice Groves of Pennsylvania; Mrs. James Johnson, whose husband was formerly city marshal of Bellaire: Meda; and Margaret.
Mr. Smith has a fine modern residence at No. 3354 Guernsey street, which he pur- chased some time ago and remodeled. llis marriage with Kate Schick, of Belmont County, resulted in the birth of three chil- dren, viz .: Beulah, Lily, and Carlos A., Jr. In his political preferment our subject is a Democrat, and socially is a Mason, and a member of Black Prince Lodge, Knights of Pythias: D. O. K. K .: B. P. O. E., and Roval Arcanum. The family attend services at the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which they are members. Mr. Smith is uniformly
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popular in his community, and his straight- forward business methods have brought suc- cess which he deserves. Having discharged his duties in a manner above criticism, he has acquired the approval not only of pa- trons, but of all who are in any way con- nected with his establishment. He is a member of the national, Ohio State and local laundrymen associations.
HON. CHARLES J. HOWARD, one of the leading attorneys of Belmont County, Ohio, who has ably represented the county in the State Legislature for two terms, and is now serving the city of Barnesville as attorney, is one of the brilliant young men of this locality who give promise of sustaining the proud repu- tation which Ohio now holds in the Sisterhood of States.
llon. Charles J. Howard was born in Barnesville, on March 26, 1862, a son of Al- bertus and Mary L. ( Fry ) Howard, who had a family of three children born to them. Al- bertus Howard was the youngest of a family of seven children and was a native of Mary- land. His father moved to Belmont County and died when his son was about four years of age, leaving him ample means which he used, later in life, in extensive tobacco opera- tions, continuing the shipping of tobacco ever since.
Mr. Howard of this biography was afforded excellent educational advantages, his comple- tion of the common and high school course, in Barnesville, being followed by his attend- ance at the Ohio State University. Selecting the law as a profession, he began his reading with Collins & Smith, and in 1883 entered the Cincinnati Law School, where he graduated in the same year and located in his native city. Ilis ability soon brought him into prominence, and in 1895 he was elected to the State Legis- lature, and in 1897 approval of his course was shown by a re-election. His record while in the House is one reflecting credit upon him- self and his constituency. He has ably served the city as attorney for several terms and
his prospects are bright for higher political honors. Ilis interest in educational matters caused him to give them time and atten- tion on the School Board, and all matters of public moment promising to benefit this locali- ty are sure of his interest. Mr. Howard is both a Mason and a Knight of Pythias, in his fraternal connection, while in religious mat- ters, he belongs to the Presbyterian denomina- tion and is superintendent of the Sunday- school at the present time.
JOIIN R. GOW, the efficient postmaster of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, is now serving his second term in that office, and is well known throughout the city as a busi- ness man and enterprising citizen. Mr. Gow's parents have both been dead some years, and he has practically spent his life in Belmont County.
The early boyhood days of Mr. Gow were passed upon a farm near Martin's Ferry, Ohio, and it was in that city that he filled his first position as a boy in the newspaper bnsi- ness. Ile was just 16 years of age when he was engaged in the office of the "Ohio Valley News," and this position he held with good results for a number of years, but in 1875-76 he removed to Bellaire, where, associated with others, he conducted the "Bellaire Leader" for four years, making it a bright. newsy sheet, reading matter well selected, editorials good, and local news admirably presented, Following this, he was elected city clerk and held the office 16 years, until he received the appointment of postmaster from President Mckinley. He took charge of his duties at the Post Office in April, 1898, and was re-appointed in April, 1902, by President Roosevelt, to the satisfaction of the people of his community.
Our subject has one son, Robert C., who was educated at Bellaire and also spent two years at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. lle is now 21 years of age and is employed by the Bellaire Bottle Company. Mr. Gow is identified with many business enterprises
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of Bellaire, among which are the following: He is a director of the First National Bank of Bellaire, of the Enterprise Enamel Com- pany, and of the Bellaire Bottle Works. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith, having been reared as such.
Socially Mr. Gow affiliates with the Ma- sonic fraternity, having passed through all the chairs of the blue lodge and chapter of Bellaire, and of Hope Conunandery, K. T., at St. Clairsville.
WILLIAM SIDDALL, the well-known master mechanic at the Bellaire Works of the National Steel Company, came to this city in February, 1899, from Duquesne, Penn- sylvania, to accept this responsible position, and has charge of all the mechanical part of this large plant.
By birth Mr. Siddall is an Englishman, born in 1867 in Birmingham, the great in- dustrial center, where his father was a skilled machinist and where he served the rigorous apprenticeship demanded in his native coun- try. Seeing wider opportunities in America for skilled labor, Mr. Siddall at the age of 21 years, in 1888, crossed the Atlantic and lo- cated first at Cleveland. There and in other localities Mr. Siddall has continued in his line of work. For a time he was located at Columbus, Ohio, and there entered the State University, where he took a special course in mechanical engineering. After completing the same he accepted the position of chief engineer of the Duquesne Mills, from which he was promoted to that of assistant master mechanic, which he resigned in order to ac- cept the still more desirable one which he so ably fills at the present time.
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