Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 68

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 68

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Mr. Walker has a convenient office di- rectly over the First National Bank. He has conducted his business on a paying basis and has accumulated quite a good deal of property. lle owns several houses in Bel- laire in addition to his present attractive residence, which he recently built on the corner of qj4th and Harrison streets.

Our subject has been twice married. His first marriage was contracted with Sarah Elizabeth Brown, of Belmont County. Three children blessed this union; two died in in- fancy. The remaining one, Laura, is attend ing school. October 1, 1800, the mother of these children left her earthly home for the life beyond the grave. Mr. Walker was sub sequently joined in marriage with Anna Elizabeth Conrad, and two children were born to them, David and Vera. Socially our

GEORGE O. ROBINSON.

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subject is identified with the Knights of Pythias and Knights of the Golden Eagle Himself and wife are also members of the Ladies' Temple of the Golden Eagle. In his religions views he is an active member of the Christian Church, of which he is dea- con at the present writing. Politieally, he is a stanch Republican. In the spring of 1902 he was elected a member of the School Board of Bellaire. Mr. Walker takes a fit- ting interest in Bellaire and vicinity and is a liberal contributor toward enterprises of worth and benefit to the city. He is a di- rector of the Belmont Savings & Loan Com. pany.

GEORGE O. ROBINSON, one of the most successful business men and manufacturers of Belmont County, has been a resident .of the county since 1864. He was born in Wheeling, (West) Virginia, in 1852, and is a son of John R. Robinson, who was for many years identified with the iron and steel interests of Wheeling.

George O. Robinson was practically reared in Belmont County, and his first business ex- perience was in market gardening on Mc- Mechen's Creek, following that occupation for a period of eight years. Ile then embarked in the ice business, to which he later added the coal and brick business, and in the latter branch he still continues. He is one of the large real estate owners of the county, being interested in various traets of land in Pultney township, much of it close to the city of Bellaire. All is arable land and most of it is under lease for coal and other purposes. Among his holdings are a half interest in 206 acres adjoining the city limits, 19 acres on McMeehen's Creek in the suburbs of Bellaire, and about 40 acres at Georgetown, a part of the old home farm, and a half interest in a too-acre tract, a part of which is in the city limits. Mr. Robinson's main attention is given to the brick business and his real estate interests. He is vice-presi- dent and general manager of the Standard Stone & Brick Company, which was started in

May, 1901, the plant being located at McClain- ville, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. It is a modern plant in all its appointments and gives employment to some 55 men, having a capacity of 50,000 bricks per day. It is under the superintendence of his son, John Howard Robinson. Alexander Neff is president of the company; George O. Robinson, vice-president and general manager; and Franklin Neff, sec- retary and treasurer. The plant is located about three miles west of Bellaire and during the first year of its existence turned out 6,000,000 bricks. They operate a sandstone quarry in connection, and a fine quality of building stone is furnished to the surrounding county. The office of the plant is located on 23rd street, between Belmont and Guernsey streets, in Bellaire.

Mr. Robinson is president of the Eastern Ohio Milling Company, and a director in the First National Bank of Bellaire, Ohio.

Mr. Robinson was united in marriage with Emma L. Thompson of Belmont County, and they have the following children: John How- ard, superintendent of the Standard Stone & Brick Company, who resides at Georgetown, where he has a small farin, -- he married Daisy Bohill, and they have two chilrren, Dorothy and Grace; Lulu and Mary, who are attending the seminary at Washington. Pennsylvania ; Grace, who is in school at Washington, Penn- sylvania ; Frank, who attends school; George, also attending school ; and Ada. Owing to bet- ter educational facilities at Washington, Penn- sylvania, Mr. Robinson moved his family to that city, although all his business interests are in Belmont County. In politics, he is a strong Republican. He is a Mason, and in religious belief is a Presbyterian.

SAMUEL B. PIPER, who is township clerk of Warren township. and ex-postmaster of the city of Barnesville. Ohio, is one of the prominent surviving soldiers of the Civil War, and a most highly respected citizen.

Mr. Piper was born June 14, 1837. in Barnesville, where his parents, John II. and

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Jane E. (Claudy ) Piper, resided and where they reared a family of five children. llis father was born in Georgetown, Delaware, where he was engaged in the transportation business. His death occurred in Barnesville, in 1876, and his wife survived him until 1885. Until he was 14 years of age, Samuel B. Piper attended the public schools, and at the age of 18 years began to learn the saddlery and har- ness business, at which he worked for two years. Then he entered the office of the Ohio Central Railroad, now a part of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railroad. There he was employed until 1860, and then went into the dry goods business.

On April 15, 1861, Mr. Piper enlisted at Columbus, Ohio, in Company A, for the three months service. Two months later he was mustered out, and on the same day,-June 13, 1861, he re-enlisted in the same company for three years. Mr. Piper faithfully performed the duties of a soldier. With great good for- tune he escaped danger and was honorably dis- charged March 28, 1865. Returning to Barnesville, he re-entered the dry goods busi- ness, and continued thus until January, 1867. Then he was elected sheriff of Belmont County on the Republican ticket. His duties in that capacity were also performed with complete- ness, and again he returned to mercantile pur- snits. In 1870 he sold his business and became a traveling representative of a wholesale hat and cap establishment of Philadelphia. One year later, he resigned this position, and returned to Barnesville.

In Mr. Piper, Postmaster Lewis found an excellent assistant at this time, and one year later the former was appointed postmaster by President Grant. For 12 years, he continued in this office in Barnesville, and resigned in October, 1886, in order to devote his time to fire and life insurance. In this line Mr. Piper has been engaged successfully ever since. On January 27, 1804, he was appointed township clerk and served thus until the following April. Ile was elected to the same office in 1894, and re-elected in 1896, 1898, 1900 and 1902. His management of the affairs of the office has

been so efficient that the public is loth to dis- pense with his valuable services.

Mr. Piper was married to Sarah E. Fra- sier, who was a daughter of J. W. Frasier, a prominent farmer of Belmont County. Three daughters were born of this imion, namely : Laura B., now Mrs. E. M. Hunt; Mary E .; and Bertha, now Mrs. E. O. Cox. All of the family belong to the Presbyterian Church, with the exception of Mary E., who is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Piper is a man of social instincts and belongs to Friendship Lodge, No. 89. F. & A. M .; Warren Lodge, No. 76, K. of P .; and Hilles Post, No. 220, G. A. R. Mr. Piper is widely known, and enjoys a full measure of public esteem. He is one of the representative citizens of Barnes- ville.

CHARLES J. LYNCHI, who has attained a high position among the citizens of Bel- laire, Ohio, by his practice of the legal pro- fession in that city, is a gentleman of schol- arly attainments, and has secured a large clientage. His office is located in the Buck . eye Building. He was born in Antioch, Monroe County, Ohio, in 1872, and is a son of E. L. and Elizabeth ( Read) Lynch, both descendants of old Ohio families, who are highly respected citizens of Woodsfield. Ohio.

E. T. Lynch is also a practitioner of law, and has made Monroe County the field of his labors for a large number of years. He is a native citizen of Monroe County and at one time served two terms as clerk of the courts. He and his wife located at Woods- field years ago, and for at least 20 years Mr. Lynch has been an attorney of law at that place, gaining the plaudits of all by his eloquence and comprehensiveness. In poli tics he was a firm Democrat. His family consisted of three sons and five daughters. the latter being still inmates of the home circle. Our subject's two brothers are in terested in the oil business quite extensively. Charles Lynch was reared and educated

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in Woodsfield, Ohio, and chose the profes- sion of law for his life work, following wisely in the footsteps of his father. He therefore read law in his father's office and was finally admitted to the bar in 1895, and immedi- ately entered upon his duties as an attorney. The past four years have been spent in Bel- mont County, the first two in Barnesville, and the past two in Bellaire. As a speaker he is argumentive and eloquent and enters upon a case with enthusiasm and energy, such as can only bear good results to the cause of his client. By his conscientiousness and good judgment he has won the approval of his fellow citizens, as well as their esteem.

Mr. Lynch was united in marriage with Gail V. Mckeever, of Barnesville, and they make their home at No. 4652 Jefferson street. In politics our subject gives his vote and influence to the Democratic party, and fraternally he is a member of the B. P. O. E., and of the Masonic Lodge at Woodsfield. Ohio.

WILLIAM 1. MILLIGAN of the well- known firm of J. 11. Milligan's Sons, now doing business at No. 3117 Union street, Bellaire, has one of the largest and most reliable shoe stores in this vicinity, and in 1902 was compelled to erect a splendid new brick buildingt in order to supply the demands of his stead- ily increasing custom. He makes no preten- sions to being self-made, his father having paved the way to the business he is now so ably continuing. Nevertheless, he has shown himself a man of enterprise and of much in- herent ability for managing and directing affairs.

Mr. Milligan was born in Belmont County and comes of one of the okl and influential families of the vicinity, his father, J. H. Mil- ligan, a well-known business man and promi. nent agriculturist, having been born in Bel- mont County about 1820. Here near Bel- laire, in Pultney township, upon reaching

manhood he settled upon a farm and engaged in agriculture. Like everything he under- took in life, he concentrated his entire ener- gies upon this work and made an unqualified success and continued in it until 1881. Pos- sessed of considerable means, in 1884 he moved to Bellaire, and in company with his son, J. L., opened a shoe store. By prudent management and courteous reception of cus- tomers he worked up a large trade and soon had the business on a very firm foundation. Retaining the confidence of the public, he continued the business until 1891, when he was succeeded in the partnership by his son, William L. With an eye to the future he has always managed to lay aside something for a rainy day. He is now comfortably fixed. Ilis farm in Pultney township he has never disposed of, and he still receives a large income from it. He is now living in re- tirement at his pleasant residence in Bel- laire. Mr. Milligan married Hannah J. Carson, from West Alexandria, Pennsyl- vania, and their children are: Clinton, who is connected with a window glass company at Danville, Illinois; Eunice, who is now at home; E. C., and William L. of Bellaire; and J. L., who died in 1896.

William 1. Milligan embarked upon his successful business career in 1893. succeed- ing, as has been said, his father. The firm name, however, was not changed, remaining as it had been, J. II. Milligan & Son. Hle took up the work as if acenstomed to it all his life, and very ably supplied his father's vacant place. For three years the business continued under the same firm name, then occurred the death of the senior member of the firm, J. L. Milligan, and a change oc- curred. Another brother, E. C., stepped into the vacant place and the firm name was changed to J. Il. Milligan's Sons. These two enterprising men have advanced their indus- try materially, have added a leather and find- ing department, and in other respects en- larged the business. The new building which they erected is a three-story modern brick structure and was built on the site of the

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old building. The upper floors will be rented as dwellings.

Socially, Mr. Milligan stands high in his community. Hle is a member of the F. & A. M. of Bellaire; Hope Commandery, No. 26, K. T., of St. Clairsville; Aladdin Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Columbus, and the B. P. O. E. of Bellaire. Ile usually votes the Democratic ticket, but is some- what independent in politics. In religious sentiment he is a Presbyterian.

JOHN METZGER, a well-known travel- ing salesman located at No. 28 South 2nd street, Martin's Ferry, an active member and ex-president of the City Council, was born in Martin's Ferry, April 17, 1874.

The parents of Mr. Metzger were George and Margaret (Jacob) Metzger, both of whom were natives of Germany, born near Strasburg, in Alsace. In 1872 they came to America and located at Martin's Ferry, where the father was employed at the glass works. His death occurred when he was about 50 years of age. AA qniet, industrious man, he only took a voting interest in poli- tics, identifying himself with the Republican party. Ile belonged to the German Luth- eran Church. His widow has reached the age of 68 years and is one of the most highly respected residents of the city. She has in- terested herself in active church work and is well known for her charity and Christian spirit. Five of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Metzger were born in Germany near Stras- burg, John, of this sketch, being the young- est and the only one born after the family reached America. The other members were: One daughter, who died young in Alsace: Mary, who married Fred Somers, had one son, Louis, and died at the age of 33 years; Eva, who married Baltzer Thiel, a millman, in Wheeling, has three children-John, Clara and Margaret; George, who died in Martin's Ferry in 1887 at the age of 20 years, and Michael, who married Martha Edwards, resides at Marietta, Ohio.

John Metzger obtained an excellent com- mon-school education in the schools of Mar- tin's Ferry and commenced his business life as a clerk in the grocery store of Lotz & Schechle in this city, with whom he continued for thirteen years, acquiring a thorough and practical knowledge and becoming well ac- quainted with the trade and the public. Two years since, when Mr. Metzger bought out the grocery business of Mrs. Thomas Mears, he found he had many friends, and his busi- ness in this line continued until June, 1902,

when he sold out on account of failing health and engaged with S. C. Bigler & Co., whole- sale produce merchants of Wheeling, West Virginia, and is meeting with much success.

Mr. Metzger was carefully reared in the German Lutheran Church, and is serving now as one of the trustees and for seven years has been the Sunday-school superin- tendent. A stanch Republican, he is serving his second term as councilman, having been president of the board during his first term, and is a member of the finance, street and sewer committees. In fraternal life he be- longs to the Foresters of America, and is a charter member in the order of the Shield of Honor. Mr. Metzger has shown great busi- ness ability and public spirit in the manage- ment of public affairs, and is justly regarded as one of the rising young men of the city

BLUM BROTHERS is one of the most progressive and enterprising business houses of Bellaire, Ohio. It is composed of llenry and Isaac Blum, proprietors of the mammoth store located on the corner of 33rd and Belmont streets, in this city. dealers in gents' furnishings, clothing, dry goods, carpets, ladies' underwear, etc., and a complete line of ladies' ready-made suits, many of which are imported. This great establishment has a frontage on Belmont street of 80 feet, and carries the largest and best selected stock in the city.

The enterprising members of the firm of Blum Brothers were born in Alsace, France.

BENJAMIN DAVENPORT.

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which country they left about 1870, Henry preceding Isaac, and becoming a clerk in the establishment of an uncle in Wheeling, West Virginia. Later when Isaac arrived he also entered his uncle's employ as bookkeeper. In 1875 Henry Blum embarked in business in Bellaire, and two years later his brother joined him and the present partnership was formed. Business began in a small way on Union street at the former home of the First National Bank, removal being made later to the Mrs. Hess building, opposite the Post Office, and it was not until 1884 that the present most desirable location was secured. In that year the energetic brothers opened a single store on the corner of 33rd and Bel- mont streets, the same now being the cloth- ing and gents' furnishing department. Busi- ness increased at such a rapid rate that three years later they purchased the adjoining store, which was formerly occupied by a tea company, and after remodeling this, making what is really a double store, they turned it into a vast dry-goods department. With 80 feet frontage and ioo feet depth and two floors, they have one of the most convenient stores to be found in the city. Five em- ployees are necessary in the gents' clothing department, one cashier only being necessary on account of the employment of the cash carrier system. In the dry-goods department six girls and five boys are required, while the personal attention of both partners is given at all times. They have so systematized their business that patrons are able to be served with no loss of time, while the quality of the goods, the taste employed in their selection and the utmost courtesy with which custom- ers are welcomed have brought to this firm a permanent and constantly increasing trade of a most satisfactory kind.

Both members of the firm of Blum Brothers are married and reside in adjoining homes on Belmont street. Socially they are members of the Knights of Pythias, both having formerly been Odd Fellows. Both are also members of the Jewish Reform Church, of which Henry Blum is treasurer and Isaac

Blum is reader. Henry is a trustee of the Jewish Orphans' Home at Cleveland, Ohio, and is interested in various manufacturing plants at Bellaire, one of these being the Novelty Stamping Company, and others the new Enameled Steel Tile Company and the Imperial Glass Works. The firm as indi- viduals have always contributed liberally to the various business and social enterprises which have been inaugurated for the city's benefit, and in every way are most highly esteemed and valued citizens.

BENJAMIN DAVENPORT, who for many years was one of the leading citizens of Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, and an important factor in the commercial growth of Barnesville, passed out of life, full of years and honors, April 19, 1885.

The birth of Mr. Davenport took place Feb- ruary 2, 1813, and he was one of a family of eiglit children born to Hon. John and Martha ( Colson) Davenport, who came from Virginia to Barnesville in 1818. The other members of the family were: Colson, who represented his constituents during two terms in the State Legislature; Eleanor; Mary A .; Rebecca C .; John A. and William, who died in infancy, the deaths of George Il. and Samuel occurring later in life.

In 1834 Benjamin Davenport was united in marriage with Anna M. Bradshaw, a daughter of Maj. William Bradshaw. She died in Au- gust, 1889, and the children of this union were as follows: Ellen M. : Adrianna, the wife of Col. W. C. Watson, of East Liverpool, Ohio; Betty 1 .. , wife of C. C. Minton. of Marion, Kansas: Harriet F., who is the wife of Indge James H. Collins, one of the most emi- nent jurists of the State of Ohio; John W., de- ceased ; and James, who is in business in Bal- timore, Maryland. After marriage Mr. Day- enport embarked in the mercantile business which occupied his energies almost through his life, being associated during the greater part of the time with his brother Colson, and

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William A. Talbott. The reliable and upright character of Mr. Davenport made him of great valuie in his township as justice of the peace for many years and during a part of his ca- reer he served as recorder and also as mayor. Ile took a personal pride in the religious de- velopment of the city, and with pleasure served for 30 years as superintendent of the Metho- (list Sabbath-school.

Although his family name was one held in respect in Belmont County, he did not need its luster to illumine his life, for its own acts tes- tified to its worth. Scrupulously honest, whole- souled, kind-hearted and charitable, he not only looked after the welfare of those depend- ent upon him, but he willingly shared with oth- ers who were unfortunate. Friends won were always friends. Belmont county never lost a more upright, useful or conscientious man than Benjamin Davenport, and the testimonials to his worth were general through the city in which his estimable life had exerted its benefi- cent influence.

JUDGE JAMES H. COLLINS, whose name is indissolubly connected with the tri- umphis of the Belmont County bar, was born in the State of Maryland, but was practically reared in Barnesville. After a happy child- hood on his father's farm near Henrysburg, he attended school and in early manhood began to fit himself for the law. His reading was conducted under Hon. John Davenport, and resulted in his admission to practice in 1862, Barnesville being selected by him as his field of action. In 1867 he was appointed at- torney for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company and in 1879 was appointed general counsel of all lines of the Baltimore & Ohio, east of the Ohio River, and since that time his major interests have been centered in it. Since 188t he has been located in Columbus, where he is an authority in his chosen profes- sion. The first marriage of Judge Collins was to Rachel Indkins, and two children were born to this union, Essie B., being the only sur- vivor. The second marriage of Judge Collins was to Harriet F. Davenport, in 1873. Both Judge and Mrs. Collins belong to the Metho-

dist Church. Their winter residence is in Co- lumbus, but they spend their summers at a beautiful home located one mile west of Barnes- ville.

G. W. MEDILL, a retired wholesale mer- chant of Bridgeport, Ohio, was attentive to bus- iness for many years in this city and has a repu- tation for only square and honest dealings with his many friends and acquaintances. He is a son of Joseph and Nancy ( Fleming) Medill, and was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Oc- _tober 26, 1841.

Joseph Medill lived in his native country, Ireland, until he attained the age of twenty-one years, when he crossed the ocean and landed in Philadelphia. There he resided until his removal to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where he first met Nancy Fleming, a native of that county, who afterward became his wife, and was the mother of our subject. Ile then traveled to Ohio, and at a sheriff's sale at Steubenville he purchased the farm that became the family homestead. Ile farmed very extensively and was especially de- voted to raising sheep for the wool. At one time he owned 1800 sheep and had possession of 1031 acres of land, own- ing more land than any other farmer in the county. At his death, when eighty-one years of age, Jefferson County, Ohio, lost one of her most proficient citizens and farmers. His be- loved wife departed this life when forty-five years of age and she and her husband were members of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. She was a noble, kind-hearted wom- an, devoted to her church, and loved to be of help and assistance to any one suffering or troubled. Mr. Medill was first a Whig and later, until his death, a Democrat, and while much interested in politics, he would never ac- cept the responsibilities of office.

Of the twelve children born to this estimable couple, four only are now living : William ( 2). now residing at Tiltonville, Ohio: Mar- garet, the wife of Adam McCune, of Kan- sas; G. W., subject of this personal history;

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and Nancy, now Mrs. Dr. Kelley of Steuben- ville, Ohio. The children now deceased were : Jolin, James, Thomas (1), Elizabeth, Joseph, Fleming, William ( 1), and Thomas ( 2).

Our subject derived his education from vari- ous schools and colleges attending first the normal school at Hopedale, Ohio, where he completed a course with honor, and subse- quently took a more thorough course in the Iron City Commercial College at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. When his school days were over, the work on the farm being quite heavy he assisted his father for nearly a year in these duties. Soon afterward he removed to Mar- tin's Ferry, where he embarked in the merchan- dise business under his own name, continuing until he sold out in January, 1868. On Febru- ary 28 of the same year he removed to Bridge- port, Belmont County, Ohio, and again entered business as a wholesale grocer, under the firm name of Watkins, Ferguson & Co. Four years later he bought the share of Mr. Watkins and the firm became Ferguson & Medill which con- tinued four years longer, when the business was sold out. For the year following our sub- ject kept books for J. S. Bates & Co., when Bates, Junkins and Alexander had interests in the business; our subject finally bought one- half interest and with Ross Junkins ran the business with success and profit until 1876, then concluded to buy the share of Mr. Junkins also, and conducted things by himself until 1880, then selling with profit. He enjoyed a vacation of a year, resting from the cares of business life and then once again started to work, this time in the capacity of clerk for Stone & Thomas of Wheeling, West Virginia. After three years of this work he left and opened up business in his own name as a retail grocer in Bridgeport, Ohio. For six years he met with the best of success, but his health broke down and he was compelled to sell the business to a Mr. Boston, and retire from ac- tive life.

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 68

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