Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 67

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 67

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

WILLIAM SLOAN, an enterprising, congenial and most highly respected citizen of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, is a contractor and builder by trade and claims Pittsburg, Penn- sylvania, as his native city. He was born November 26, 1826, a son of John and Jane (Kissick) Sloan, both born in Ireland, where they were also reared and married October 8, 1825.

Jolm Sloan was born November 24, 1803, and his wife's birth took place November 19, 1804. Soon after they were married they immigrated to the United States, and Mr. Sloan found work in the boiler works in Pittsburg and continued in the place for four years, and at the end of that time removed to Harrison County, Ohio, bought a farm, then sold it and subsequently purchased property in the town of Moorefield, Harrison County, and spent the next five years there until his death occurred, September 19, 1878.

In politics Mr. Sloan was first a Whig and later a Republican, and served two years as

county auditor, but was then knocked out by the Know-Nothing party. At a later date he also served for many years as county com- missioner, and altogether he was considered one of the leading men of his county, a fine scholar and a true gentleman. Ile and his wife were active workers in the United Pres- byterian Church, of which he was an elder for fifty years or more. When the Civil War broke out he was one who believed in its vigorous prosecution, and his two sons were active participants during the years that it lasted. His wife died September 28, 184-1, and left him six children as a legacy. They are as follows: William, our subject; Nancy, who was born in 1829, married John Mar- shall, and died in 1898; Jane, the widow of William Buchanan, numbered among the in- habitants of Minnesota; Anna E., now Mrs. William Scott of Harrison County; Thomas, who resides in Minnesota, enlisted in Company C, 98th O. V. I., in 1862, and served under General Sherman in his march to the sei, -- Jefferson Davis of the Federal service was his corps com- mander, and he took part in all the battles of the command, having the good fortune never to be in the hospital; and Mary M., born in 18440, died in 1844.

Some years after the death of his first wife Mr. Sloan married a second time, this time choosing Eliza Wherry, by whom he had three children; Sarah ( Mrs. Newton Lance). whose husband died, but she married a sec- ond time; Levi W., residing on a farm in Harrison County; Mary E. (Mrs. John Clem- ens), residing in Harrison County on a farm. The mother of these children was also a mem- ber of the United Presbyterian Church and died when about 60 years of age.

William Sloan, our subject, received his education in the Harrison County common schools, and later when he had finished his education in these he went to Martin's Ferry in 1850, became a contractor and builder, built many of the fine, handsome houses seen throughout that city and the surrounding country, among them his own beautiful resi-

537

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

dence, and has ever since that date made his home in that city. He has always employed many men in his work, and in his work he does not take contracts for building any pub- lic buildings, but contents himself with doing good work on the dwelling houses. He has the reputation of being an excellent work- man, and with his wide experience in the business easily makes it profitable. His place of business is 801 South 4th street.

In March, 1864, our subject became a member of Company C, Ist West Vir- ginia Vol. Inf., and was in the Army of the Shenandoah, doing most of his shooting and marching in

that part of the country. Ile was a participant in the battle when "Sheridan was twenty miles away," and was personally acquainted with that great general. July 16, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Clarksburg, West Virginia, and returned to his home and resumed the business which he has ever since continued.

Mr. Sloan has been twice married. He was united in matrimony November 18, 1851, with Louanna C. Sigler, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Philip Sigler and his wife. This marriage was prolific of four children-Eliza- beth J., who was born July 10, 1852, and died October 3rd of the same year; Elliott W., born September 10, 1854, was united in mar- riage with Maggie Irwin, who died and left him one child, Cora M .; he died December 6, 1891, and his little daughter then made her home with our subject and has remained there ever since; Anna, the third child, died in infancy, and Cora B., born March 29, 1888, lives with our subject. Mrs. Sloan was born June 3, 1830, and her death occurred June 25, 1861. During her life she was an active worker in the United Presbyterian Church. March 3, 1863, our subject was married a second time, this time choosing Mrs. Mar- garet Smith, the widow of John Smith and a daughter of John Murphy of Pennsylvania. She died August 10, 1881. She was also a United Presbyterian in her religious belief. Our subject's daughter, Cora B., is also a

great worker and helper in the same church and is loved and respected by all for her many gentle and good qualities.

In politics Mr. Sloan is an ardent Repub- lican, and in fraternal circles is a member of the I. O. O. F. organization and has passed through all the chairs, being a past grand. Hle is also a member of the G. A. R. Post and past commander of that organization.

LEVI LICHTIG, proprietor of the large department store located at Nos. 3000-3016 Union street, Bellaire, Ohio, is a most suc- cessful merchant, excellent citizen and self- made man. Through his own able efforts he has built up a large and prosperous business, become the owner of much valuable prop- erty, and is financially interested in a number of the prominent commercial enterprises of this city.

The birth of Mr. Lichtig was in Austria in 1862, where he resided and acquired his edu- cation until 1882, when he came to America. Locating in the city of New York, he em- ployed his first year in selecting a permanent location in which to open up a small business and selected Bellaire as the scene of his oper- ations. At No. 3016 Union street he first engaged as a merchant in a popular selection of articles which he could sell for five or ten cents. His pleasant manners, excellent stock and fair and honorable dealing soon brought him custom, and as it gradually increased he purchased the building and added to his goods until he now owns the block inclusive between Nos. 3016 and 3000, with about 110 feet of frontage on Union street. Ilis great department store includes these depart- ments: Shoes, clothing, gents' furnishings, dry goods, notions, hardware, tinware, jew- elry, optical goods, etc., and in connection conducts the only loan office in the city, this being a great accommodation to many per- sons. Quite recently he has added to his holdings in the city the Eberly property on Belmont street and there conducts a furni-

538

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

ture business. Although Mr. Lichtig per- sonally superintends his large enterprises, he employs a number of skilled and accommo- dating helpers, his business on Union street requiring eight salespeople.

Mr. Lichtig is a man of keen business judg- ment and is a wise adviser to many who wish to invest money, his own success demon- strating his business shrewdness and capac- ity. lle is interested in the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank, and also the Mason Ileater Company and Driggs Baking Company, both of Bellaire, and is a stockholder in the Rich Enamel Company of Cleveland, Ohio. His marriage was to Rosie Rich of Zanesville, Ohio, and his residence is on the upper floor of his great store building. In political sen- timent Mr. Lichtig is an active Republican, and he is fraternally connected with the Bel. laire Lodge, No. 378, of Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Hebrew Congregation. In business circles in Bellaire our subject has a high standing as an upright man, and few citizens are more generous in their contri- butions to worthy charities.

J. E. SPRINGER, the superintendent of the Aetna Standard Mill at Martin's Ferry and Bridgeport, Ohio, is a gentleman deserv- ing of the recognition and esteem of all his fellow-men and an upright citizen of Bel- mont County. Ile is a son of Thomas and Celena (Bott) Springer, and was born Janu- ary 5, 1873, in Wheeling, West Virginia.

Thomas Springer was born in Washington County, Ohio, and early in life learned the trade of a wagonmaker and worked at this for some time. At this writing, however, he is a mill worker, which he began after leav- ing the occupation of his trade. He married Celena Bott, who is now deceased, her death having taken place December 20, 1886, at the age of 33 years. To this union were born' five children, as follows: Charles Henry, who died in childhood; J. E., our subject; George

WV., Harry and Thomas, the last three being mill workers in Martin's Ferry. Mr. and Mrs. Springer belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in that faith our sub- ject was reared. The father was united in marriage a second time in July, 1893, with Louisa Fowler, a daughter of David Fowler, and they have four children, namely, Madge L., Ralph W., Merle L. and Edith M., who died in infancy. Mr. Springer is still living at the age of fifty-one years.

Our subject graduated from the schools of Martin's Ferry in 1891, and worked a few months with his father in the mill. Subse- quently he became connected with the cleri- cal force in February, 1892, and at the pres- ent time is serving as superintendent. Hle commenced near the bottom of the ladder and has been advanced by good service from time to time until he attained his present position.

August 28, 1894, Mr. Springer was united in marriage with Milicent M. Fowler, a native of Marshall County, Iowa, and a daughter of David W. and Elizabeth (Hor- nish) Fowler, the former a native of Belmont County and the latter of Washington County, Pennsylvania. David W. Fowler was an agriculturist and served his country during the Civil War as a member of the 100- day service. In 1875 he returned to Belmont County, Ohio, and as long as he was able in- terested himself in farming. Ilis death oc- curred October 5, 1890, at the age of 61 years. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his beloved widow is still living at the age of 73 years. Our sub- jeet's wife was the ninth child in a family of ten children, and their names are as follows: Ella M., who followed teaching for many years; John W., who died in February, 1806; Joseph E., a mill worker in Martin's Ferry; Agnes J., now Mrs. George W. Thompson, residing at Martin's Ferry: Anna M. (Mrs. John R. Thompson): Lizzie A .: Lonisa. who married Thomas Springer and lives in Martin's Ferry; David IT., a blacksmith of that city also; our subject's wife, Milicent.

DR. DALE L. WALKER.

541

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

and Russell, who died when but three years of age.

Mr. Springer takes an interest in politics and votes the Republican ticket. His first national vote was cast for William McKinley. Hle was elected member of the School Board April 8, 1892, and has served conscientiously and well. In social circles he is a member of Ohio City Lodge, No. 486, F. & A. M .; is junior warden of the same, and is a mem- ber of Belmont Chapter. His residence is lo- cated at No. 512 Vine street, and there he and his wife enjoy a peaceful, comfortable ex- istence.

DR. DALE L. WALKER, of St. Clairs- ville, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in 1860, in the house in which he now lives. Ile is one of the most highly esteemed phy- sicians and citizens of St. Clairsville, and is a son of Dr. Joseph Walker, and grandson of James Walker.

James Walker was a native of Ireland, and was the first representative of the family to settle in this country. Dr. Joseph Walker was born in Wheeling township, Belmont County, in 1820, and was educated at Frank- lin College. Hle read medicine with Dr. Alexander, of St. Clairsville, and took lec- tures at the Ohio Medical College, in Cin- cinnati. He began the practice of medicine in St. Clairsville in 1843, and continued this until his death, which occurred in 1864. Hle was a prominent man, and his death was greatly mourned in the community. He married Margaret L. Jennings, who was born in 1826, and was a danghter of David Jen- nings. She died in 182, leaving the follow- ing children, namely: Alphonso, a drug- gist, of Chicago; Elma E., who lives in St. Clairsville, and Dale L., the subject of this sketch.

Dr. Dale I. Walker attended the common schools of St. Clairsville, and later was a pupil in the St. Clairsville High School. Ile began the study of medicine with Dr. J. C. Tallman and took a course of lectures at the

Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, where he gradnated with the class of 1885. Ile immediately began the practice of his chosen profession in St. Clairsville, where he has continued to reside, and is known as one of the finest physicians of the county. He has a large number of patients, who place the greatest confidence in his ability as a physician and surgeon, and his name is well known in medical circles.

Dr. Walker is a member of the Belmont County Medical Society. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

JONATHAN T. SCOFIELD. The real estate, loan and insurance business is one of 'great importance in a growing and prosper- ous city like Barnesville, and the satisfactory handling of it requires men of ability and experience. One of the old and reliable agents in this line is Jonathan T. Scofield. who has conducted an office in Barnesville since 1875.

Mr. Scofield was born February 6, 1820, in Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, and is one of the eight children of Issachar and Edith ( Marshall) Schofield. His father was born in Montgomery County, Mary- land, and spent his younger days on the

sea. Later he learned the milling business and also engaged in teaming. During the War of 1812, his teams were pressed into the service and employed hauling government records and books out of the United States capital, when Washington was threatened. In this war the British army encamped near his home, in that part of Maryland which became a part of the District of Columbia. His death occurred in 1834, and his widow survived him until 1852.

The birth-place of the subject of this sketch was within a mile and a half of his present home, on a farm, southeast of Barnesville, on which his father began farm- ing in 1815. There Jonathan grew to man- hood. Early in life, he spent five years in

542

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

Alexandria, Virginia, but with this excep- tion Ohio has been his home ever since, and Belmont County his location. In 1873 he moved from the farm into Barnesville, and established the business which he has since conducted.

In December, 1848, Mr. Scofield was mar- ried to Abigail Steer, a daughter of James Steer, of Colerain, formerly of Concord, Ohio. A family of five children was born to this union. A daughter married Perley Pickett, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The family is connected with the Society of Friends. In politics Mr. Scofield has always been a Republican, since the formation of the party; he was formerly a Whig. Many positions of responsibility have been urged for his acceptance, and he has served three years as county commissioner,-from 1859 to 1862. lle has been identified with many progressive and important movements in the county which have tended to the public benefit. Ilis straightforward business meth- ods have always won him the confidence of his fellow citizens, and his long business ca- reer has caused his name to be held in the highest esteem in Belmont County.

HENRY J. CECIL, a well-to-do sheet mill roller, of Martin's Ferry, residing at No. 714 Pearl street, is perhaps one of the most popu- lar men of his city. As a public spirited man he takes a keen interest in all local affairs and has made an excellent record among fra- ternities. He was born in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia, at the corner of roth and Market streets, December 31, 1864, and is the son of Robert M. and Mary V. (Wade) Cecil.

Robert M. Cecil was born in Virginia in 1820. After reaching manhood he followed farming in his native State with much suc- cess for a great many years, Late in life, in 1885, he came to Martin's Ferry, where he lived in retirement with his sons. He died in March, 1888, at the age of 67. During his

young manhood Mr. Cecil married Millie J. Manning, and after her death Mary V. Wade. The second Mrs. Cecil is now living in Mar- tin's Ferry. She is an honored and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By the first marriage there were seven chil- dren, most of whom are now living in Mar- shall County, West Virginia-George W., Henry M., Vine, Leah, John, Mary and Mil- lie. By the second marriage there were six children-Henry J., who is mentioned be- low; James, a sheet mill roller, of Martin's Ferry; Isaac N., who his a sketch elsewhere in this volume; Robert M., a sheet mill roller; Rebecca, who married Fred Ebber- ling, and Jeannette, who has never married. The last three reside in Martin's Ferry, the latter with her mother.

Henry J. Cecil procured his education in Rule Schule of West Virginia, exhibiting a decided tendency toward mathematics, at which he afterward became very expert. Ac- customed to farm work from his earliest years, as a young man he followed that oc- cupation for some time by himself. At the same time he materially increased his in- come by getting out timber for the Shriver Coal & Lumber Company. Deciding. how- ever, that he might better his chances in life by removing to a city, he finally moved to Martin's Ferry, where he soon secured a posi- tion as heater in the Standard Mill. Taking hold of his work with energy and ability, he made a thorough success of it and remained with that company until the autumn of 1901. Since then he has been engaged in the Laughlin Sheet Mill in this city. His work has always been thorough and profi- cient and commands for him a good salary.

January 13, 1889, Mr Cecil married Mary A. Davis, who was born in Martin's Ferry, daughter of W. and Martha Davis, who still reside at Martin's Ferry. Mr. and Mrs. Cecil have had three children -Mabel, who died at the age of one year; Windom D., and Henry J.

Mr. Cecil is a man who has always made the most of his opportunities, and has won

543

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

for himself a lasting reputation as an advo- cate of progress and advancement in our in- dustrial system. As a member of the A. A. L. S. & T. W. he is now serving his third term as deputy vice-president of the second district of the order. lle has attended four of its annual conventions-at Detroit, In- dianapolis, Milwaukee and Wheeling, re- spectively. As a man of intelligence and force he has served on six conference com- mittees, three of which have been with the American Sheet Steel Association and the other three with the United States Steel Corporation. In conventions he speaks with force and to the point, and his word carries weight. Other lodges with which he affiliates are the K. of P., the F. of A. and the P. H. C. His wife is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THOMAS L. WILLIAMS, councilman from the Fourth Ward of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, was elected to that position in April, 1902. He is an enterpris- ing young man. He is a tinworker by trade and is now engaged in the Laughlin Mill as roller. The parents of our subject were mar- ried in 1871 in England and left directly afterward for the United States. They landed in Richmond, Virginia, the birthplace of our subject, and lived there until Thomas L. had attained the age of 3 months, and then re- moved to Martin's Ferry, which has ever since been their home. The father learned the trade of a roller in England and immi- grated to this country with the view of work- ing in the mills here. He rolled the first iron ever rolled in the Ohio Valley Rolling Mill, which afterward became the Laughlin Mill. At the present time he is a sheet heater in the Aetna Standard Mill and is a prominent workman. He is now 51 years of age, and is trustee of the River View Cemetery, although he never has cared to accept offices. In fra- ternal circles he is a prominent Mason, being a member of the chapter. His wife is now 53 years of age, and they have had five children.

our subject being the eldest, whom they reared in the faith of the Methodist Episco- pal Church.

The children of our subject's parents were: Thomas L., our subject; Fred G., working in the mill; Lottie, who married George lleil, a butcher, of Martin's Ferry; Nettie, engaged in the millinery business and a mem- ber of the firm of Foreman & Williams of Martin's Ferry, and Harry, who still attends school.

Thomas L. Williams received a good edu- cation in the public schools of Martin's Fer- ry, where he has lived since September, 1873. At the close of his school days he was in the bicycle business and is the holder of several road records in Wheeling and Chi- cago and local century runs. He was also one of the first to introduce football in this vicinity, being manager and right tackle of the old Y. M. C. A. team, and also manager of the Vigilant Athletic Club, which organi- zation played some of the best teams in this district. After leaving the bicycle business lie was engaged in the men's furnishing busi- ness for a short time and in 1896 went into the American Tin Plate Company's employ and is now roller, rendering good, capable service.

October 16, 1895, our subject was united in marriage with Isabel Johnson, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Charles A. and Mary J. Johnson, the latter an honored resident of Martin's Ferry. Mr. Johnson, who died at the age of 47 years in 1878, served three years when the Civil War was in progress, enlisting at New Castle, Pennsylavnia. Mrs. Williams is one of nine children, and those besides herself are: Charles, of Elwood, In- diana; Mary K., now Mrs. P. J. Beck; John E .; George, who died when three months old; Harry S., Philip and Unity B. The most of these are residents of Martin's Ferry.

Our subject and his wife have one child, Doris Lottie. Mr. Williams' attention has varions enterprises to claim it since he is on a mimber of committees, such as street,

544

CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

waterworks, finance, fire department and city scales, and is chairman of several of them. He is a member of the Martin's Fer- ry Fire Department and is secretary of the Alert Hose Company, for further information of which see the sketch of Dr. Darrah, also in this volume. He is owner of the Ohio Val- ley Beagle Kennels, whose dogs are some of the finest in the country, last year winning the National Derby at Wakefield, New Jer- sey, besides numerous other firsts on the bench elsewhere. They are a source of profit to their owner.

In fraternal circles Mr. Williams is also prominent, affiliating with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, F. & A. M., and Belmont Chapter, R. A. M. He is a member of the Lewis Avon Lodge, No. 34, of the Amalga- mated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, is now serving his fifth term as financial secretary, and has represented the lodge at the last three conventions, one at Milwaukee in 1901, and one in Wheeling in 1902; also one at Pittsburg (a special) in 1902.

In politics Mr. Williams is a very active Republican and has been a delegate to sev- eral county conventions. Ile is a member of the famous Mark Hanna Club of Martin's Ferry and helped to organize it. Its reputa- tion was that of one of the best drilled clubs in the county. In every way our subject is whole-hearted, congenial and courteous, hos- pitable and gentlemanly in conduct, and most popular with his fellow citizens.

DAVID WALKER, real estate agent and collecting agent for the First National Bank of Bellaire, Ohio, may virtually be termed a self-made man, one who, from small beginnings, has risen to a place full of re- sponsibility and trust. Mr. Walker is a Scotchman by birth, that event having taken place January 22, 1865. in Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Ilis parents were Samuel and Amelia (Crowson) Walker, who located in Belmont County in 1882. The beloved mother died in 1899, aged 73 years, and she is still sur- vived by her husband, who has now passed his 79th year and resides with our subject in Bellaire.

Mr. Walker is one of a family of seven children, all being deceased with the excep- tion of four. Two brothers, Samuel and James, are employed at the Bellaire Steel Works and reside in that city. Our subject was the recipient of a common school edu- cation in his native country. After coming to the United States he took a thorough business course at Wheeling Business Col- lege, and for a period of two years thereafter he was engaged in work at the steel works in Bellaire. In November, 1883, he accepted a position as collecting agent of the First National Bank, and has worked in that ca- pacity through the intervening years up to the present time. Six months after engaging with the bank, he opened a real estate office and has handled large amounts of property. For many years he also handled fire insur- ance, but in 1901 he disposed of the latter, selling his interest in that line to Creamer & Neff.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 67

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