USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 66
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
en's superior ability was recognized by his elec- tion as a delegate to the Constitutional Conven- tion of 1873, by a majority of over 2,300 votes, in a county abont evenly divided politically. From its organization he was president of the First National Bank of St. Clairsville. In April, 1884, this distinguished man passed away to his eternal rest, his death causing a sorely felt vacancy in the county."
Judge Cowen was twice married, first to Frances Martin, who died in 1863, and second, to her sister, Anna E. Martin; they were daughters of Tazwell P. and Nancy E. Mar- tin. The death of the second Mrs. Cowen took place in March, 1901. The children born to Judge Cowen's first marriage were as follows : Pressley, deceased ; Walter S., a resident of St. Clairsville; Frank M., cashier of a bank at Flushing, Ohio; Duane, an insuranceagent at Bellaire; Martin, a resident of Bellaire; and Flora May, now Mrs. James Williams, resid- ing near East Richland, Ohio. The children of the second marriage were,-Warren W., the subject of this biography, and Eleanor, now Mrs. Miskimmins, of St. Clairsville.
The primary education of Warren W. Cowen was obtained in the public schools at St. Clairsville, and this was followed by a course at Washington and Jefferson College, in Pennsylvania. Under the discipline of the well-known firm of Nichols & Pollock, of St. Clairsville, he prepared for the bar, and was almitted to practice in 1895. For four years he served as deputy-sheriff, under Sheriff Darby, who is now warden of the Ohio State Penitentiary. Since the fall of 1899 Mr. Cowen has enjoyed a large practice, independ- ent of any partnership, and his ability has been recognized in many quarters.
On February 21, 1890, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Estella Kirk, a native of Belmont County, and a daughter of Cyrus and Catherine Kirk. Iler father died in 1892, and her mother is one of the esteemed and honored residents of Kirk- wood township. The three children born to this union are,-Elsie Armstrong ; Stella Bea- trice ; and Martin Lindsey. Mr. Cowen, with
his family, belongs to the Methodist Church, in which he is a member of the official body, and to which he contributes liberal support. Ile is recognized as one of the rising young attorneys of Belmont County, is energetic and enterprising, and takes a justifiable pride in the record of his eminent father and grand- father.
BENJAMIN S. McBRIDE, who formerly carried an extensive line of groceries in St. Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio, was born near that city, December 6, 1845, and is a son of Jonathan and Mary ( Harrison) McBride.
Jonathan McBride was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and during the years of his active business life followed blacksmithing. He was an expert mechanic, and i man of much ingenu- ity. In 1833 he married Mary Harrison, who was born in Lancastershire, England. He died in 1859, and his wife died March 9, 1879, aged 68 years. They reared the following children, namely : William 11., who lives on a farm in Belmont County ; Robert IL., who lives in Me- Pherson County, Kansas : Daniel H., who deals in hardware and farming implements in St. Clairsville; Benjamin S., the subject of this sketch; Amos, who is at the head of the Mc- Bride Carriage Company; Sirena, the wife of Franklin Ayers, of Washington County, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Piper, of Cleve- land, Ohio; and Mary Ann, who died in 1869, aged 19 years.
Benjamin S. McBride attended the public schools of Belmont County, and afterward worked on a farm for some time. On May 1, 1862, he enlisted in Company 11, 85th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., to do garrison duty. He was put into active service, followed Morgan into Kentucky, and was on duty until September of that year. After his return, Mr. . McBride learned the trade of a blacksmith with his brother, Robert, and worked at it for 25 years. Hle then sold ont to his brother, and in 1001 en- gaged in the grocery business, carrying a full line of fancy and staple groceries. His store is well patronized, and his customers receive
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DAVID K. ALLEN.
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prompt and courteous attention. Mr. McBride is a man of good business principles, and deals honestly and fairly with all.
On December 20, 1877, the subject of this sketch was married to Emma J. White, a native of St. Clairsville, and a daughter of Israel and Arminda White, of this city. They have five children, namely : Benjamin S., who is in the carriage business with his uncle, Amos McBride; Robert H., who clerks in his fath- er's store; Luella A .; Margaret D .; and Si- rena E.
Mrs. McBride is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. McBride has served as council- man, and has been a member of the School Board for four years. He is a Mason, and a member of the G. A. R., in which he is a char- ter member and quartermaster of Drummond Post, No. 203, of St. Clairsville.
DAVID K. ALLEN, a prominent business man of Martin's Ferry, was born in Bridge- port, Ohio, on the Kirkwood side, on June 5, 1844. His parents were David and Ann S. ( Kirkwood) Allen, the latter a member of an old and distinguished family of the State.
David Allen, the father of David K., was born in 1796 and died October 23, 1872. His life had been one of active endeavor in many lines. Ilis birthplace was in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and there he was educated and became cashier in a local bank. Later he be- came a partial owner and one of the directors of the first foundry erected at Wheeling, and after locating there engaged in the commis- sion mercantile business, which he also carried on at Bridgeport, Ohio. Hle commanded a company during the War of 1812 and was very prominent in political life. After serving through two terms as auditor of Belmont County. he was elected to the Senate from this county and subsequently was re-elected. Mr. Allen for some time was also engaged in an insurance business. He was acknowl- edged to be the best-informed man in the
county on current literature and through life exerted a wide influence. His wife was a daughter of Joseph Kirkwood, whose father commanded a Delaware regiment during the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Allen died on November 3, 1887, aged 77 years, her birth having been on February 28, 1812. The chil- dren born to David Allen and wife were the following: Sutia A. K., deceased, was the wife of Albert Rice; Mary B., deceased, was the wife of John F. Wetzel, a descendant of Lewis Wetzel, the famous Indian fighter; Robert K. resides at Dixmont, Pennsylvania, where he is assistant superintendent of a hos- pital; Margaret E. is Mrs. James M. Culbert- son and resides at Alliance, Ohio; James died at the age of six years; David K. of this sketch was the sixth child in order of birth; the next was an unnamed infant; Jonathan G. resides at Marshall, Texas; Joseph K. resides in Alliance, Ohio; James P. resides in Cum- berland, Maryland; and George G. resides at Boston, Massachusetts.
David K. Allen enjoyed educational advan- tages in the schools of Bridgeport and later took a course at Wheeling, West Virginia, under Professor Harding. He had scarcely completed his schooling when he enlisted for service in the Civil War, on August 15, 1862, entering Company F, 50th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and took part in his first battle on October 8, 1862, at Perryville, although he had been through several skirmishes prior to this. In the Army of the Ohio he participated in all the Atlanta campaign and was under those noted Ohio generals, Sherman and Scho- field. After the siege of Atlanta Mr. Al- len was a member of the 23rd Army Corps, which was sent by General Sherman to relieve General Corse at the dreadful battle of Altoona Pass. "Hold the fort for troops are coming" was Sherman's signal to Corse, but before General Sherman arrived General Corse had defeated the enemy and put them to flight. Mr. Allen's corps went with Sherman as far as Rome, Georgia, and then they were ordered back to Tennessee, via Chattanooga, Columbia, Spring Hill and, after the battle there on No-
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
vember 29th, reached Franklin on November 30, 1864.
At the battle which took place at Franklin, Mr. Allen was severely wounded, in the head, leg, and breast near the heart. These injuries not only closed his career as a soldier, but very nearly ended his life. For months he was para- lyzed and it was long a matter of doubt about his final recovery. He remained in the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, until December 8, 1864, and was then sent to the hospital at Madison, Indiana, where he received care until March, 1865, when he was sent to the Wheel- ing Hospital from which he was discharged on June 6, 1865, having faithfully served and suf- fered for his country. After the close of the war, Mr. Allen took a course under Professor Harding as noted.
Mr. Allen then learned telegraphing and served with the Western Union Telegraph Company until 1868 and then was manager of the Pacific & Atlantic at Bridgeport, having the telegraph office located in his grocery store, which business was carried on for about six years. He then opened up a coal business in Kirkwood where he is owner of considerable valuable property, comprising some 60 acres of land, both improved and vacant. In 1878 Mr. Allen located in Martin's Ferry and became iden- tified with coal mining. He owns some desir- able property which he has worked by others. He developed a fine vein of sand in this locality and for five years has worked it. Mr. Allen was one of the early developers of the mining industry in this section and has been more or less interested in coal since 1865.
Mr. Allen is deeply interested in G. A. R. movements. He has been four times elected commander of Thoburn Post, No. 72, of Mar- tin's Ferry and has high rank in all the soldier organizations in the county. Mr. Allen was the organizer in this section of the Sons of Vet- erans and the Union Veteran Legion and is now chairman of the soldiers' relief committee of the First and Second wards, having held this position for the past 16 years. Among his most cherished possessions is a commission as notary public from Comrade William Mc-
Kinley, who was Governor of Ohio when it was given. This he prizes both on account of old associations as a comrade and also on ac- count of the high esteem in which he always held the beloved chief magistrate as a man.
On March 11, 1873, Mr. Allen was married to Mary Florence Crosby, daughter of John and Eliza ( Andrews) Crosby, both deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allen belong to the Kirk- wood Presbyterian Church. He was a charter member of the Federation of Labor in Martin's Ferry and framed its constitution and by-laws, and is still in sympathy with the union. Mr. Allen's record as a soldier is one of which his friends are justly proud. As a civilian he is an upright, substantial and worthy business man. Martin's Ferry has many estimable citizens, but none are more deserving of public esteem and confidence than is David K. Allen.
FRED CANNON PEREGOY, M. D. One of the enterprising and successful young phy- sicians of Barnesville, Ohio, is Dr. Fred Can- non Peregoy, who was born in New Athens, Ohio, March 31, 1869, and is a son of Rev. William and Malinda E. ( Camion) Peregoy.
Rev. William Peregoy was born in Shep- herdstown, Ohio, where he resided up to the time he became a minister of the Methodist Church. He now a has a charge in Youngs- town, Ohio.
Dr. Peregoy attended the public schools and New Concord College, and on deciding to study medicine entered the office of Dr. A. H. Trueman, of Cumberland, Ohio. Later he took a complete reading course under Dr. N. Obetz, of Columbus, Ohio, prior to entering Starling Medical College in that city. He grad- uated from this institution on March 6. 1800, and in the fall of the same year located in Barnesville, where he has met with gratifying success. He is deeply interested in his pro- fession and keeps abreast of all the modern discoveries and inventions in medicine and surgery.
Dr. Peregoy was united in marriage with
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Anna L. Hance, a daughter of George Hance, of Barnesville. Both are active members of the Methodist Church, and are highly esteemed socially. The Doctor belongs to the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, and also has mem- bership with the Belmont County Medical So- ciety. His political affiliation is with the Re- publican party.
GRANVILLE S. WELLONS, M. D., is one of the oldest and certainly one of the most highly esteemed physicians and surgeons of Barnesville, Ohio, where for many years his name has been almost a household word, espe- cially with the older generation, to whom he has ministered for almost 44 years.
Dr. Wellons comes of old Virginia ancestry, and counts among his forefathers many of the distinguished men of that State. His birth occurred on September 22, 1834, in Somerton, Belmont County, Ohio, and he is a son of Asa and Asenath ( Davis) Wellons.
Moses Davis, the maternal grandfather of Dr. Wellons, was born in Virginia, and was one of the first settlers of the city of Barnes- ville, Ohio. This was when Warren township was still a wilderness, inhabited only by wild animals. He later moved to Somerton, Bel- mont County, where he remained the rest of his active life. The birth of the father of Asa Wellons occurred in 1802, and he lived until his 89th birthday. His wife was born in 1801, and lived to the age of 96 years. They had four children, two of whom died in infancy. In his early years Asa Wellons was engaged in wagon-making. He also owned a carding ma- chine, and carded wool for several years. Later he became a farmer, and was a prominent and respected citizen. He lived in Somerton up to 1865, and his death took place in Barnesville.
The educational advantages afforded Dr. Wellons in his youth were limited indeed, and all his school opportunities were those offered by the little log cabin in the woods. His parents taught him the value of industry, and when a mere boy he was placed at work to feed the carding machine, and was thus employed
until he was 16 years old. He then worked, for one year, on a farm one mile north of Barnesville, which was a welcome relief from the toil of the factory. In 1850 an epidemic of typhoid fever broke out in Somerton, and the subject of this sketch left his work in the country and offered his services to assist in car- ing for the sick. Later, he returned to the farm, as his father needed his assistance.
In 1852 Dr. Wellons assumed the respon- sibility of his own care and career. Although he had enjoyed such meager advantages, he was probably better equipped mentally than many of his companions, as he had taken ad- vantage of every spare moment to improve his mind, and was accepted as a teacher, in 1853. While teaching during the succeeding three years, the young man was still an ambi- tious student. Ile read medical works when- ever opportunity came, and saved his earnings, so that during the summers of 1854 and 1855 he was able to attend the Classic Institute, in Barnesville. His medical education was being pursued under the direction of Dr. Schooley, and he continued to teach until 1858. After completing the course of medical reading then prescribed, Dr. Wellons moved into Barnes- ville, in 1859, and was there married to Anna J. Griffin. Her death occurred in 1895. Four children were born to this union, of whom the sole survivor is Dr. James W. Wellons, who is well and favorably known to the public and the medical profession in this county. The second wife of Dr. Wellons was Sarah P. Mc- Keever, a daughter of John Mckeever. One daughter, May, was born to this union, who was one of the graduates from the Barnesville High School in the class of 1902. She is now attending Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
Prior to entering upon his practice, Dr. Wel- lons attended the lectures of the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, and graduated from this institution. In July, 1863. he was commis- sioned as surgeon, and on July 20th was assigned to the oist Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. He remained in the service until the regiment was mustered out, and recalls with melancholy
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
pleasure hiscomrades, Sheridan and Mckinley.
Immediately upon his return to Barnesville, Dr. Wellons resmed his practice, his army experience having more thoroughly fitted him for his chosen work. Since 1887, he has divided his attention between his practice and the management of one of the largest drug stores of the city, having intrusted much of the former kind of work to others. During the administrations of President Cleveland and President Tlarrison, Dr. Wellons was medical examiner for the government, and he is now surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. He has been prominent in public life and a member of the City Council. He is a man of large means and is generous in his charities. His drug stock is valued at some $4,000, while his farm of 821/2 acres, located a mile and a half from the city, is finely im- proved and is probably better equipped than any other of its size in the State. Dr. Wellons also owns a number of fine houses and lots in the city. Ilis present store was erected on a lot 181/2 feet front, by 165 feet depthi. This building was rebuilt after a disastrous fire, in 1895, at a cost of $6,000, and is one of the most modern establishments of its kind in the city. The Doctor occupies both stories in his business, and carries a complete line of drugs, physicians' supplies and surgical goods. Dr. Wellons is interested in the oil business, also, to the extent of enjoying an income from a fine, producing well on his farm.
In politics, Dr. Wellons has been a lifelong Republican, and has voted the ticket of that party for 47 years. Although his parents were Virginians, they did not approve of slavery, and Dr. Wellons grew up, imbibing Republican principles. Dr. Wellons has had such a wide acquaintance in this section, that he seems to be identified with almost everything pertaining to it for half a century. ITis influence has always been directed to the upbuilding of the business standards of Barnesville, and to the education of its people in the line of morality and temperance. While he is a member of no religions denomination, he is a liberal supporter of churches.
JAMES W. WELLONS, M. D., who is one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Barnesville, Ohio, honorably perpetuates a name and fame won by his esteemed father, Dr. Granville S. Wellons, who, for many years, was one of the ablest practitioners of Belmont County. The latter has resigned the major part of his practice to his son, and is engaged in the drug business in Barnesville. The mother of the subject of this sketch was also born in this locality, her name, Anna J. Griffin, recalling that of one of the old set- tlers of the vicinity. James W. is the only sur- vivor of three children born to his parents.
Dr. james W. Wellons was born in Barnes- ville, October 1, 1862, and attended the com- mon schools. His early inclination in the direc- tion of a medical career was fostered by his father, under whose wise direction he pursued his studies until he was ready to enter the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, from which his father had graduated. The son finished his course with great credit, on March 8, 1884, and then took a special course on diseases of the eye and throat. After receiving his diploma he returned to Barnesville and entered into a congenial partnership with his father, which continued until their business was interrupted by a great loss from fire. Since that time, the younger physician has attended to a large prac- tice alone, his patronage coming from all over the city, as well as his immediate vicinity.
In 1886, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage to Nora W. Hunt, of Barnesville, Ohio, a daughter of Francis and Hannah Hunt, prominent residents of Barnes- ville. One child was born to this mion,- Francis G., who died in infancy. Mrs. Wel- lons died in December, 1888.
On September 24, 1891, Dr. Wellons mar- ried Nellie E. McCartney, who is a daughter of William 11. McCartney, one of Belmont County's leading farmers. The two children born to this imion are nained Charles M. and Annie E. The family is identified with the Presbyterian Church, and is prominent in social life. Dr. Wellons belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 89. F. & A. M., and Barnesville Chapter,
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JACOB BONEYSTEELE.
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
No. 69, R. A. M. He is also a member of Warren Lodge, No. 76, Knights of Pythias. His political adherence is to the Republican party.
The worth of Dr. Wellons as a physician and surgeon of the utmost reliability has been frequently demonstrated by his selection for important professional positions. From 1884 to 1891, he was township physician, and dur- ing the years 1890 and 1891 he was physician and medical examiner for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. In 1896, he was again appointed township physician, and since 1901 has been physician at the Children's Home; he is also a member of the City Board of Health. His interest in educational matters has been displayed in many ways, and he is the present clerk of the Board of Education.
JACOB BONEYSTEELE, proprietor of the only artificial ice factory in Bellaire, Ohio, has a plant of some magnitude on the corner of 23rd and Union streets, which has a capacity of 35 tons daily. Mr. Boneysteele first en- gaged in the manufacture of ice in 1885, when he entered into a partnership for that purpose with William Bridenstein. The latter retired from business in 1891 and our subject then became sole proprietor. Ile erected the pres- ent plant, which was increased to its present capacity in 1901, and employs 13 regular men, running three delivery wagons. llis office is at No. 209 23rd street, and he does a large amount of business.
Mr. Boneysteele was born near Pittsburg in 1852, and previous to engaging in the manu- facture of ice learned the glass-blower's trade, and followed that line of work for a number of years with the National Glass Company of Bellaire. He also served several years as man- ager for that company. His marriage with Katie Baggs, who is a native of the Mountain State but who has lived in Belmont County since 1872, took place at Bridgeport, and they have four children, namely, Margaret, Eliza- beth, Jacob and Park. The family residence is
situated at No. 215 23rd street. The religious views of the family are varied: our subject favors the German Lutheran Church ; his wife, the Methodist Episcopal; his eldest daughter. the Episcopal; and the other three children, the Presbyterian.
Politically, Mr. Boneysteele is a Republican, and has served six years as a member of the City Council from the First Ward. Socially, he is allied with the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks, and Wheeling Lodge No. 424, Knights of Honor. lle has been decidedly successful in his busi- ness ventures and now possesses considerable real estate in Bellaire. In addition, he has invested largely in various public enterprises, among them the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, in which he is a stockholder. He was a stock- holder in the Star Glass Company, and was a stockholder in the Ohio Valley Glass Company, of Bridgeport, Ohio, of which he was manager, -- this firm manufactures bottles and fruit jars. He is a stockholder in the Enameled Steel Tile Company, of Bellaire, Ohio.
WILLIAM O. CHAPPELL, one of the younger members of the Belmont County bar, was born in Boston, Belmont County, Ohio, December 8, 1873. He was one in a family of four children of Joseph and Melissa A. (John) Chappell.
Joseph W. Chappell is one of the substan- tial citizens of Barnesville, where he was long engaged as a merchant and insurance agent. He was born in 1849, and is still a resident of Barnesville, where he and wife are much es- teemed.
William O. Chappell attended the public schools, and subsequently pursued a course in the Batesville (Ohio) Normal School. At the age of 18 years he began to put his education to practical use by engaging in teaching, which he continued for two years. Subsequently he went into the insurance business and began the study of law, under the careful tutelage of Attorney George A. Colpitts, of Barnesville.
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Ile was admitted to the bar of Belmont County October 14, 1899, and was admitted to practice in the United States courts on October 12, 1900. He immediately entered into practice in Barnesville, in partnership with George A. Colpitts.
On December 22, 1894, Mr. Chappell was united in marriage withe Carrie B. Dement, a daughter of Josiah Dement. Two children have been born to their union, namely: Eva 11. and Clifford L. The religious connection of the family is with the Christian Church, in which they are prominent and useful. Mr. Chappell is an active Republican in politics, and his present prominence promises more for the future, as Ohio has long supplied some of the best political material the party has had. Fraternally, he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He is an earnest, able and indus- trions lawyer, and is thoroughly devoted to his profession. He justly receives a large patron- age, and enjoys a wide circle of warm friends.
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