Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 64

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

USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 64

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In all respects Mr. Mellott is a useful and influential member of society. Although a business man, he is well informed on all top- ics of general interest. As a friend he is high- ly valued, for he is ever ready with counsel, help and encouragement. His success has come from steady purpose and constant in- dustry, and he justly merits the position of true worth and esteem which he has attained. lle has a fine residence on the corner of Harrison and 32nd streets.

Mr. Mellott was one of the incorporators of the First National Bank of Bellaire, Ohio, and has been a director in that institution since its organization.

CLARENCE E. BAUER, a director of the Novelty Stamping Company and for the past eight years superintendent of the stamp- ing department of this successful plant, has been a resident of Bellaire since 1873, in which city he was educated.

The birth of Mr. Bauer occurred in 1862 in Virginia, and during his early youth with his parents he resided at different towns in the Ohio Valley. His family and kindred are not very numerous, but he has two brothers and one sister residing at Bellaire. Since 1874 he has been interested 'in the stamping

business, having at that date entered the em- ploy of the old Bellaire Stamping Works, to which the Novelty plant succeeded. The stamping department, which is immediately under his supervision, is one of the most important in the business, and forty men and a large amount of valuable machinery is in his charge, it being his business to see that they work in- unison, with the greatest amount of accuracy and perfection, and with the least amount of expense. To success- fully do this requires a man of certain talents, and these Mr. Baner possesses.

The family resides at No. 3628 Harrison street. llis political affiliation is with the Republican party, although merely as a sup- porter, not as an office seeker. Ile is justly regarded as one of the enterprising business men of the city, and the plant with which he is associated is widely known for its excel- lent products.

ROBERT L. HENDERSON, a photog rapher by profession, is said to be the best artist in Bellaire, Ohio. Mr. Henderson was born in 1869 in the city which is still his home, and he is a son of Robert and Ilester J. (Sellers) Henderson. His father was a saddler by trade prior to his removal from Richmond, Virginia. After locating in Ohio, however, he followed railroad life, being em- ployed in the transportation department of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Bellaire. He died in 1865, at the early age of 12 years.

The mother of our subject is still living, being at the present time a resident of Clarksburg, West Virginia. She was born in Wheeling, now West Virginia, and is a daughter of V. P. Sellers. Her father re- moved from West Virginia to Bellaire, Ohio. where he conducted a jewelry store.

Mr. Henderson is the eldest of a family of five children; the others are: Perry, of Par- kersburg. West Virginia; Pearl (Ash): E.d ward, a theatrical man, who makes his home in Wheeling when not on the road; and

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

Cora, who is still at home. Our subject was educated in the public schools of Bellaire and in his youth learned the photographer's trade with Mr. Sellers, an uncle, who now conducts a portable gallery. He began busi- ness on his own behalf in 1896 and has been very successful. His gallery is located at No. 3161 Union street, just north of the Globe Hotel, where he is pleased to see all patrons. His photographs show the touch of an artist and give excellent satis- faction.

Emma Coffman, of Bellaire, became the wife of our subject, and they have two chil- dren, Paul and Mildred. Mrs. Henderson's home was formerly in Centreville, Ohio, and the family have a pleasant cottage on Gravel Hill. In politics our subject is outspoken and true in his allegiance to the Republican party, and in fraternal circles. he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the K. O. T. M. The family embrace the religion of the Christian Church and have a large num- ber of friends. Mr. Henderson, wide awake to the interests of his community, is an up- right, consistent and reliable citizen.

JAMES M. WEEKS, president of the C. L. Dorer Foundry Company, located on Water street, north of 26th, is also manager of the National Glass Works, located on 21st and Union streets, the latter being owned by T. A. Rodefer.

The birth of Mr. Weeks took place in 1866, in Ohio County, West Virginia, and he was brought to Belmont County, Ohio, in youth, by his parents, William and Arminta (Higgs) Weeks, the former of whom is a miller by trade and has followed that busi- ness for many years. William Weeks was born 65 years ago in the Shenandoah Valley and married in Virginia, rearing a family of four sons and three daughters: James M., our subject: Ilarry C., a glass-worker at Bellaire; Lilly (Mrs. Patterson), of Baker City, Oregon. Nora (Mrs. Long), of Mc.

Mechen, West Virginia; Bert and Bruce, twins, miller and glass-worker, at Bellaire; and Jessie ( Mrs. Dunfee), of Bellaire.

James M. Weeks, of this sketch, was reared near Bellaire and had but limited school ad- vantages, it being necessary for him to leave school early in order to become an earning factor in the family. He first learned the glass business, working his way through all the various departments and becoming thor- oughly acquainted with every detail. Since February 1, 1893. he has been connected with the National Glass Works, and for the past three years has had entire charge of the manfacturing part of the plant, employ- ing 150 men and boys. They turn out lamp chimneys, lantern globes, vault lights, sky lights and prismatic window lights, the out- put being in demand all over the country. The C. L. Dorer Foundry Company was established and incorporated in the winter of 1900-01, by J. M. Weeks. C. L. Dorer, Henry Vaupel, Sebastian Wimmer, and Clar- ence Simpson, the last named having charge of the business as general manager. The other officers are: C. L. Dorer, secretary and treasurer: S. Wimmer, vice-president, and our subject, president. This new and prosperous enterprise has enjoyed encourag ing patronage and employs some 12 skilled mechanics, and prospects are that the num- ber will soon be increased, as large contracts have been secured. The business is that of a general line of foundry work, a specialty being made of glass-mold castings. In ad- dition to the great business interests which he has shown such ability to manage, Mr. Weeks is largely interested in Western lands. inchiding mining property.

The marriage of our subject was to Della Lafferty, a native of Belmont County, and the pleasant family residence is at No. 2000 Belmont street. In politics Mr. Weeks fa- vors the Prohibition party, while in religious connection he belongs to the South Bellaire Methodist Church. In our subject we find

a typical representative of a self-made man, and he possesses the poise, the

LOUIS LINCOLN SCHEEHLE.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

clear-headed shrewdness of . one who has had to battle for his rights, and the confidence of one who has been successful. lle has shown his ability in directing busi- ness affairs and in managing large forces of men, and takes a leading position in the business world of Bellaire. He is much as- sisted by his happy faculty of making friends and is regarded with esteem by those who know him either publicly or socially.

LOUIS LINCOLN SCHEELILE, clerk of the courts of Belmont County, and an esteemed and well-known citizen of Martin's Ferry, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, June 26, 1864, being a son of Philip G. and Elizabeth ( Hardman) Scheelile, both of whom were born in Germany.

Philip G. Schechle came to the United States. lle was a contractor and builder of note; the Moundsville Penitentiary, the Wheeling Post Office, and many other imposing buildings stand to testify to his constructive ability. In Martin's Ferry he erected the Buckeye glass house and at Morgantown, West Virginia, he built the main college structure. Mr. Schechle was well and favorably known through several States as a contractor of reliability. lle was a man of ample means, of generous disposition and good citizenship. Ile belonged to the Lutheran Church. His death occurred at the age of 66 years. His wife died at the age of 64 years. They had a family of 12 children.

Louis Lincoln Schechle was the seventh mem- ber of his parents' family and the only one who resides in the State of Ohio. His education was secured in the schools of Wheeling and in Frasher's Business College in that city. After finishing his attendance at school, he accepted a clerkship in a Wheeling grocery store and continued in the service of one employer for seven years. At the age of 21 he located in Martin's Ferry and put into practice the knowl- edge which his seven years had brought him. Ile embarked in the grocery business and this he has continued at the same place ever since,

managing it with excellent ability, and fur- nishing to the people of Martin's Ferry a store second to none. Mr. Scheelile has been a very successful investor in real estate and owns much valuable property. llis attractive resi- dence on 5th street is one of the handsomest and most elegantly appointed in the city. It is his intention to still farther extend his busi- ness, which is now the largest in the county, by provkling still larger and more modern quarters and adding to his now extensive stock everything to be found in grocery establish- ments in any part of the world.

In almost all of the prominent business en- terprises of Martin's Ferry he has taken a leading part. For two terms he was a mem- ber of the board of the electric light plant. He now is president of the Retail Grocer's Association of Martin's Ferry, and his interest in educational matters has been shown by his serving two terms on the School Board, one term as its president. For many years he has been the treasurer of the German Lutheran Church. He is regarded as one of the city's most substantial and reliable men. His repu- tation as a capitalist is founded upon ample means and large real estate holdings. In 1901 he was elected clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, on the Republican ticket.

On September 14, 1890, Mr. Scheehle was married to Louisa J., daughter of the late Charles Seabright, and three children have been born to this union, namely: Elsie, Har- old G. and Edward R. The religious connec- tion of the family is with the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Schechle is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics of Mar- tin's Ferry.

THOMAS J. MEARS, formerly a promi- nent manufacturer of Martin's Ferry, now deceased, was born in Wellsville, Ohio, on August 9, 1848, being a son of Thomas and Jane (Callahan) Mears. His paternal grand- parents were Mark and Judith (Dunn) Mears,

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

while his maternal grandparents were Wil- liam and Catherine ( Crossen) Callahan.

Thomas Mears, the father of the late Thomas J., was born in Ireland and came to America in 1836, settling at Montreal, Can- ada. Two years later he came to the United States and followed his trade of road con- tracting. In 1839 he removed to Defiance, Ohio, and secured the contract for digging a part of the Maumee Canal, where he was en- gaged for two years. Ilis next work was at Wellsville, Ohio, where he graded two miles of the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad from that place to Yellow Creek, and also graded the road through Martin's Ferry. Another of his contracts was the turnpike road from Martin's Ferry to Mount Pleasant, Ohio. He died while engaged on the contract for rail- road construction through Martin's Ferry. His widow survived until April 11, 1902, dying when almost 84 years of age. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mears, viz., Thomas J., Catherine (Mrs. Charles Burns), of Bellaire, Ohio; Mary, who for the past 32 years has been one of the Sisters of the Visitation of Abingdon, Virginia, and Elizabeth, who resides at the old home in Martin's Ferry.

The late Thomas J. Mears was educated in Martin's Ferry and learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for some ten years. In 1873 he started a small factory in com- pany with William Houge, George Watson and John Bowen, but this enterprise was not successful. In the following January, under other conditions, he again embarked in busi- ness in association with D. Park, Jr., on the site of the present works. In 1878 the plant was destroyed by fire, but business had been so prosperous that the factory was im- mediately rebuilt. On the death of Mr. Park in 1881, Mr. Mears became the sole proprietor and so continued until his own demise, on December 26, 1897, aged 49 years, 4 months and 18 days. Ilis establish- ment was one of the most extensive plants for the manufacture of casks, barrels, kegs and boxes in the Upper Ohio Valley, and its

prosperous development was a most eloquent commentary upon the business ability of its founder. Mr. Mears had other important business interests. He was one of the or- ganizers of the Northwood Glass Works and a director of the same; a stockholder in the Crystal Glass Company of Bridgeport; also in the Junction Iron Works at Mingo Junc- tion, and the Elson Glass Works. In addi- tion he managed a factory at Bellaire in con- nection with a factory at Martin's Ferry and owned a general store in the latter city, lo- cated on Washington street. His invest- ments in Martin's Ferry were many and im- portant, and he was justly regarded as one of the notably successful men of the com- munity. In his death the city lost one of her most enterprising citizens, one who was ever on the alert to build up the city, espe- cially in the line of manufacturing. He was a stanch Democrat, but took no active part in politics, although he served in the City Council and as township clerk. He was a consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church at Wheeling.

On February 16, 1882, Mlr. Mears was mar- ried to Emma Watson, daughter of William S. and Delilah H. (Williams) Watson, the former of whom was a native of Pennsyl- vania. By trade William S. Watson was a nailer and made his home in Wheeling, (West) Virginia, prior to his marriage. About 1850 he moved to Martin's Ferry. having married in 1849, and lived there un- til his death, which took place in May, 1898, at the age of 75 years. The mother of Mrs. Mears was born in August, 1831, and died December 3, 1879. The paternal grand- parents of Mrs. Mears were Nathan and Lucy (Foraker) Watson, the former of whom lived into advanced age, the latter dying in early womanhood. William being the youngest child in their family. The ma- ternal grandparents were Thomas and Han- nah (Jolmson) Williams, the former of whom was for a long period a manufacturer of edged tools in Belmont County.

Mrs. Mears was one of a family of seven

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

children, as follows: John, who is a resi- dent of Bridgeport; William, who died in boyhood; Joshua, who resides in Martin's Ferry; Hannah, who died at the age of two years; Adelaide P., who married William Woods. a farmer of Belmont County; Emma, who became Mrs. Mears; and James, who died at the age of 10 years. Five children were born to Thomas J. and Emma (Wat son) Mears, as follows: Janie P., born De- cember 22, 1882, died August 6, 1896; Emma W., born October 9, 1884, died on New Year's Day, 1899; Inez A., Lucy B., and Thomas J. .

Mr. Mears was well known and universally respected, and his fellow citizens recall hin with words of praise. To those who were admitted to his friendship and private life, he was known as a man of high and worthy motives.

JAMES F. McGILL, a prominent and suc- cessful citizen of Barnesville, Ohio, conducts a large blacksmith shop in this city, and also deals extensively in buggies, wagons and im- proved machinery of various kinds, being him- self a practical machinist.

Mr. McGill was born September 9, 1859. on his father's farm in Warren township, Bel- mont County, Ohio. Ile is a son of John and Mary ( Moore ) McGill. John McGill was born in Belmont County, July 26, 1816, and died February 14, 1896. His widow still sur- vives. He was one of the leading farmers of Warren township, and the family has been held in high esteem there for a long period.

James F. McGill obtained an excellent com- mon school education in Warren township, and at the age of 21 years began to learn the black- smith's trade. In 1886, he began farming and combined the two lines of business until 1898, when he took a trip to the far West. He located in Oregon, where he worked at his trade until he came back to his native county, and settled in Barnesville, on September 15, 1901. Since that time he has prospered in his business enterprises in this city, and at his shop and

ware-rooms carries a stock of goods valued at $2,500.

Mr. McGill was married March 20, 1883, to Ida Ml. Outland, a daughter of one of Barnes- ville's representative citizens. Four children were born to this union, namely : Outland T., who died in infancy; Iva P .; Howard C. and Clinton S. Mr. McGill is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in which he is active. Ile is regarded as one of the progressive young business men of the city, and is considered an excellent mechanic and a trustworthy and honorable citizen.

JAMES A. JUDKINS, M. D. A leading citizen of Barnesville, Ohio, is found in Dr. James .A. Judkins, a prominent physician and surgeon, and a worthy representative of a name long respected in the commercial and social circles of this city.

The birth of Dr. Judkins occurred in 1842, in Barnesville, Ohio, and he was one of a family of three children born to Jesse and Eliza ( Bailey) Judkins. The father was born in North Carolina, in 1799, and accompanied his parents to Barnesville in 1808. His father was a physician, and a Friend in religious be- lief. The mother was a daughter of James and Jane Bailey, and was born in York County. Pennsylvania. In his early life, Jesse Judkins was engaged in farming, but later he became a merchant, and carried on an extensive busi- ness in Barnesville for many years.

Dr. Judkins attended the common schools of Barnesville, and began the study of medicine under the direction of his predecessor, Dr. E. Williams, in the same office he now occupies. lle graduated from the Ohio Medical College, of Cincinnati, in the class of 1866. He was in partnership with Dr. E. Williams, his precep- tor, until 1881, after which he remained alone until he associated with him his son, William 1 .. Judkins, who graduated in 1892, from Oberlin College. and later, entered the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, from the medical de- partment of which he graduated in the class of 1894. For many years the skill and ability of

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

the subject of this sketch have been generally recognized by the citizens of Barnesville and vicinity, and he has easily held the position of the leading practitioner.

On October 2, 1867, Dr. James A. Judkins was united in marriage with Marietta V. Lewis, and two children born to this union still survive, namely: Dr. William L. and Mary Edna. The family is identified with the Methodist Church, in which it has always been one of the most highly valued. Fraternally, the Doctor is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is a stanch Republi- can. He belongs to the Belmont County Medi- cal Society. Dr. Judkins, on account of his extensive experience, is often called into con- sultation with brother practitioners, with whom he enjoys the most cordial relations. He is highly esteemed in Barnesville and occupies an enviable position, socially and profession- ally. Since its organization, he has been one of the directors of the People's National Bank.

CHARLES W. RODEWIG, mayor of the city of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Bellaire in November, 1862, be- ing a son of Frederick and Margaret (Luck- hard) Rodewig, the latter of whom was born 63 years ago in Hesse, Germany, and is now a beloved and honored resident at the home of her son, H. P. Rodewig.

Frederick Rodewig, the father of Mayor Rodewig, was born near Hanover, Germany, where he learned the trade of willow worker, becoming a designer and maker of fancy chairs and other articles. At one time he exhibited some of his work at a fair in Wheeling. However, Mr. Rodewig was obliged to give up his employment on ac- count of impaired health, resulting from the sedentary occupation. In 1854 he located in Bellaire, and here engaged in a bakery business, which he successfully conducted until about 1887, when he retired from ac- tive business life. Mr. Rodewig became a prominent and influential man in Bellaire,

was made receiver for the old street car line, and was active in securing the present elec- tric service. He was one of the originators of the old line, and also of the gas plant, and later was a stockholder in the gas and electric light company. For nine years he was a member of the Board of Education and for four years was city treasurer, also serv- ing for seyeral years as councilman from the Third Ward. The handsome business block at No. 3137 Belmont street was erected by him. In politics he was a Democrat. Dur- ing the period that he was a member of the School Board, a number of the commodious school buildings which adorn the city were crected. A family of seven sons came to him and his wife, viz .: August, who is in the employ of the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railway Company, at Bridgeport; Fred, who is a clerk m his brother's furniture store; Charles W .; Henry P., who is a furni - ture merchant in Bellaire; John, who is a clerk in the above-named business; and Ed - ward and George, both connected with the glass works, the latter being a member of the Trade Assembly.

The present presiding city officer of Bel- laire, Charles W. Rodewig, the subject of this sketch, has been connected with the business life of this city since attaining his majority. Ile assisted his father in the bakery business until 1889, was an efficient member of the police force, engaged in the furniture business for some years, became prominent in Democratic politics, and in April, 1902, was elected mayor of the city. He has justi- fied the expectations of his friends in making a fine officer, and, judging the future by the past, Bellaire will have a clean, honest ad- ministration, in which its citizens can take pride.

The first marriage of Mayor Rodewig was to Lena Glaser, who at decease left one daughter. Clara M., a graduate of the Bel- laire schools, and although but 18 years of age, a cadet on the teacher's list. The second marriage of Mayor Rodewig was to Eliza- beth Ludwig, and they have two children,

THOMAS WISTAR SHREVE.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

namely: Blanche and Carl W. The family are German Lutherans. Socially our subject belongs to the Belmont Turnverein, the Knights of Pythias, and the B. P. O. E., and he also belongs to the Chemical Com- pany of the volunteer fire department.

THOMAS WISTAR SHREVE, a promi- nent attorney of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, and a representative of an old and scholarly family, was born in Roscoe, Coshocton County, Ohio, March 31, 1858, and is a son of Charles R. and Martha ( Brad- shaw ) Shreve, natives of Ohio and New York, respectively. All his ancestors, as far back as can be accurately traced, were very promi- nent inen in the communities in which they lived, and all had very eventful lives.

It is believed that all the Shreves in America are the descendants of one Thomas Sheriff. The first authentic evidence of his presence in the country is found at Plymouth, Massachu- setts, under date of December 7, 1641; he seems to have later moved to Rhode Island. lle became the owner of land at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, December 10, 1666. Those of his descendants who stayed in Rhode Island as late as 1737 retained the name "Sheriff," while his son Caleb, who married and went to New Jersey, adopted the form "Shreve." Both names have the same meaning and deri- vation. Shrievalty, (shrevalty, as it is some- times spelled) and sheriffalty are different spellings of the same word. Webster says that "shrieve" is a contraction of the Old English "shereve" or "shirereeve."

Caleb Shreve permanently located in New Jersey about 1680. Hle purchased land in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, to which he got title by virtue of a deed dated January 9, 1676-7. The original deed is in the possession of one of his descendants. On April 22, 1699, be purchased a farm in Burlington County, New Jersey, seven miles east of the present site of Mount Holly. This farm has ever since been owned by one of his descendants, a por-

tion of the house in which Caleb Shreve lived which was built of brick is still standing. He had seven children to each of whom at their marriage he gave a fine farm. Judging from the records of New Jersey, Caleb Shreve and his immediate descendants played a most prominent part in the carly history of the colony. Besides being prominent in civil life, the "Official Register of the Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War" shows that there were 12 Shreves, all of whom are believed to have been descendants of Caleb Shreve, in the Revolutionary Army. Among them were three colonels, one lieutenant- colonel, one captain and two lieutenants.

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 64

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