USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 72
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
great with litigants, settling many difficulties without costs of trouble. [ James M. Smith was born in 1817 and died in 1873. lle was a Mason and loved the workings of that body. He is still recalled as one of the useful citizens, a good man, a kind neighbor \ind a firm friend. No less estimable a character was our sub- ject's worthy mother. She was some 18 months younger than her husband and filled every sit- uation in life with the affection, self-sacrifice and cheerfulness of a lovely, Christian nature. Her many acts of kindness afford pleasant memories to this day. She was the beloved mother of 12 children, the three survivors of this large family being: John F., who is the subject of this sketch, being the youngest of all; Thomas, who is a merchant, resides at Burlington, in Belmont County ; and Allen, who lived for a time in this county, later moved to Missouri, and is now a resident of Colorado. One other member of the family was our sub- ject's sister Amanda, who married Hezekiah Brown in Belmont County, but died a widow, in Tennessee, when nearly 70 years of age.
Our subject had poor school advantages, but both his father and mother were far above the average in intelligence and his home training was excellent. His early years were spent in farming and in driving a team, hauling produce through the town and country and hauling the materials for boat-building. The boating enterprise covered a period of 20 years and he was actively engaged in assisting his parent in this business, although his principal business from youth has been farming. Mr. Smith owns a farm of to acres which a geo- logie survey has demonstrated to be inder- laid with coal. In time this may prove a large fortime for our subject.
Although a zealous and influential Republi- can, Lieutenant Smith has never sought office. llis title was honorably obtained during the Civil War, when he belonged to Company G. 170th Regiment, Ohio National Guard, an or- ganization which did faithful garrison duty, and on July 4, 1864, was hastened to the front, being ordered from Washington City to llar- per's Ferry. During the succeeding four
HON. JAMES A. WHITE.
591
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
months, the regiment was continually engaged in skirmishing between Harper's Ferry and Cedar Creek. When the regiment was honor- ably discharged and its members mustered out, at Columbus, our subject had a good record, but had escaped either wound or imprisonment, although, as he humorously expresses it, he on one occasion did some "tall running" to escape.
Mr. Smith was married on January 3, 1861, to Theresa M. Miller, a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, and a daughter of David and Elizabeth ( Whitaker ) Miller, who were natives of termany. Our subject is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and is a man who stands well in his community. Ilis genial, pleasant manner makes him popular and among those who know him best, he is prized most highly as friend and comrade.
HON. JAMES A. WHITE, the popular and efficient mayor of the city of Barnesville, Ohio, is one of the leading and representative young men of the city, with whose civic affairs he has been identified since 1898.
Mayor James A. White is an Ohio product. lle was born in Muskingum County, October 13. 1872, and is one of a family of five children born to Alexander and Christina ( Hammond) White, both of whom were also natives of Ohio. Alexander White followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1890. His widow still survives him, and finds a congenial home with her son, James A.
A good, common-school education was af- forded James A. White in his boyhood, but his knowledge of the higher branches was ac- quired by his own efforts, in the evenings, after the finishing of his day's work in the planing mill, where he continued for 18 months. He attended Mount Union College for one year, and later matriculated in Muskingum College, from which he graduated with the class of 1898. For some time he was engaged in teach- ing, and followed this profession with much success. In 1891, he located in Barnesville, and three years afterward was chosen as a teacher in Warren township; he continued in
that capacity until 1897. In 1898, he was elected mayor of this city, on the Citizens' ticket, and so excellent was his municipal rule that in 1900 he was re-elected on the Republi- can ticket. This was certainly a personal tri- umph, and it was made more notable by a sec- ond re-election in 1902. At each election, he was also made a justice of the peace. His able administration has won him the confidence of all factions, and there are few men in public life who are so universally and justly popular.
Mr. White is a prominent citizen, outside of politics. Ilis interest in the growth and devel- opment of the city in every way is continued and earnest. He has served on the School Board, has been one of the county executive of- ficers, and has exerted his influence in favor of every laudable enterprise. Hle is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias, and also belongs to the Jr. O. U. A. M. For a number of years, he has been connected with the Methodist Church, and is active in assisting in its benevolent work. He has been a Sunday-chool teacher for several years, and is now serving as president of the Epworth League. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Conference held at Chi- cago, Illinois, in May, 1900, having been se- lected as one of six from the East Ohio Con- ference.
ROBERT GIFFIN, an esteemed resident of Bridgeport, Ohio, is a representative of one of the oldest and most favorably known families in Belmont County. For many years he has followed the trade of brick-laying and is gen- erally acknowledged to be the most reliable worker in that line to be found in the county. In addition to this it may be truthfully re- marked that Mr. Giffin has an honorable rec- ord as a soldier of the Civil War to which both he and his fellow-citizens may point with pride.
The birth of Robert Giffin occurred on July 0, 1836, in Belmont County, Ohio, a son of Robert and Sarah ( Hinkel) Giffin, both of whom were also natives of this county. The father of our subject was a carpenter and con-
592
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
tractor and erected many residences and a great number of the commodious and substan- tial barns which indicate so well, through the county, the substantial standing of the farmer. Ilis religion was that of the Presbyterian Church, belonging first to the Covenanters' and later to the United Presbyterian Church. He died in 1866. His widow survived to the age of 87 years. The Giffin fam- ily, as noted, is an old one in Belmont County, founded by George Giffin, our subject's grandfather. The father of George was one of the first settlers at Roney's Point, (West) Virginia, and there George married Mary Milligan, and they came to Belmont County in the latter part of the 18th century. The grandfather died about 1840. Both he and wife belonged to the old Covenanters' Church and he contributed the land on which to erect the High Ridge Church edifice, where is located High Ridge Cemetery. George Gif- fin was an extensive farmer and owned much land, giving a farm to each of his five boys and three girls, all of whom have passed off the stage of life.
Robert Giffin of this sketch is one of a fami- ly of 13 children born to his parents, all of whom are living in Belmont County with the exception of : Mary, who died at the age of 15 months; Daniel, who died unmarried in 1855, in Illinois; and Susan, Mrs. McFarland, who died in Oregon. A good, common-school education was afforded our subject and he grew to young manhood assisting his father on the farm, continuing to be thus employed until the day of his enlistment for service in the Civil War, September 17, 1861. On Oc- tober 14, 1861, he was mustered into Company A, 43rd Ohio Vol. Inf. as a private and his first meeting with the enemy was in General Pope's army, at the battle of New Madrid, Missouri, participating then in all the battles of his command,-Island No. 10, Fort Pillow, Corinth, both siege and battle, and, then tak- ing part in the marches and skirmishes of Sher- man's army after his re-enlistment, on Decen- ber 24, 1863, in the same company and regi- ment. Then came the battle of Atlanta, and
the siege of Atlanta, the latter being under- stood by those who endured it as a period of 120 days under fire. To fully understand, the younger generation must listen to the thrilling story as it is related by one of the surviving heroes, and sluggish indeed will burn the fires of patriotism if it does not thrill the heart and kindle anew the respect with which the Civil War veterans should be regarded. After the close of the Atlanta campaign came the march to the sea, thence into South Carolina, then to her northern sister and then came the happy day when Johnston surrendered to the gallant army of General Sherman. Mr. Giffin was per- mitted to also participate in the grand review at Washington City, an occasion which will never be forgotten by the brave soldier who was one of the honored ones of the occasion. On July 13, 1865, he was mustered out of the service at Louisville, Kentucky, having served three years and nine months. During this long period he was never wounded or taken prisoner and endured the exposure very well after the first year. At the siege of Corinthi on May 20. 1862, he was prostrated by a sunstroke which rendered him insensible until the following day, but this was his most serious accident.
After he had done his duty to his country. our subject quietly returned to his home and took up his trade, and has followed brick-lay- ing ever since. For some 25 years this has been his chief employment and during a great er part of the time he has been an employee of the Vetna-Standard Sheet Steel Works, this alone testifying to his skill, only workmen of high-grade being employed here. He is known for his reliability as well as his good work and commands the respect of all who know himn.
The marriage of Mr. Giffin was in April, 1861, to Florence L. MeConnaughy, a daugh- ter of John McConnaughy, a native of this county. Mrs. Giffin was one of a family of five children born to her parents, namely : Lu cinda, who died in girlhood: Elzan, who is Mrs. William Smith, of this town; Flor enve 1 ... who became Mrs. Giffin; Howell, who resides in Bridgeport; and Jane, who married C. W. Clogston, and died in In-
593
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
dian Territory, in 1901. The children born to our subject and wife were: John, who is a paper hanger and contractor, residing in Bridge- port, married Ella Tomlinson and has one child; Virginia Clara, who is Mrs. John Mc- Millen and who resides in Maynard, has three children by a former marriage; Maggie, who is Mrs. William Boyles and resides in Bridge- port, has two children-Harry and Robert; Van Roy, who married Bessie Higgs and has two children-Irene and Kenneth; and Ida, who is a graduate of Frasher's Business Col- lege, in Wheeling.
For several years our subject served as a member of the board of health and for two years he has been a trustee of the cemetery. In Masonic circles Mr. Giffin has long been known as an enthusiastic and useful member. his connection with the order covering a period of 35 years, during the most of this time he has been tyler of the lodge. He also belongs to Belmont Chapter, No. 140, and has been guard for a quarter of a century, and is one of the charter members of this chapter. He is also a charter member of Branum Post No. 221, G. A. R., is officer of the day and has filled al- most every official position in this post. Ile also belongs to the Senior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr. Giffin has many friends in Bridgeport and is known for his in- tegrity and estimable character. The religions connection of the family is with the Methodist Church.
JOHN S. HUTCHISON, a retired farmer of Belmont Count, Ohio, who resides at St. Clairsville, was born in Belmont County, August 25, 1825, and is a son of David and Jane ( Smith) Hutchison.
David Hutchison was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1762. His parents were Robert and Nancy Hutchison, natives of Ireland, who fled from their country on ac- count of religious persecution, and settled in Pennsylvania in 1740, where they remained through life. Our subject's grandmother, Nancy Hutchison, died in 1782. David ITutch-
ison's wife was born in Ireland. When she was 13 years old her parents embarked on a sailing vessel for the United States, but many misfortunes befell them. The vessel lost her bearings and was on the ocean for 13 weeks, during which time a great deal of suffering prevailed on account of the scarcity of drinking water. The only way this was procured was by taking advantage of the rainstorms, hold- ing a sheet by its four corners, and catching enough fresh water to turn into a vessel. In spite of this and many later hardships, this brave woman lived to the age of 74 years and reared a family of II children.
In 1803 David Hutchison journeyed to Ohio, passing through Wheeling on his way to Belmont County, and finding there but a few dwellings. Ile died in 1847, at the age of 85 years. He and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. The life histories of the 11 children left by this most worthy couple would, in many instances, read like romances. All of them became most ex- emplary men and women. In the order of their birth these children were as follows: Rebecca, Nancy, James, Robert, David, William, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, and John S. Rebecca became Mrs. Jasper Robson and died in the vicinity of St. Clairsville, December 23, 1892, aged 89 years, 4 months and 20 days. Nancy died unmarried, October 11, 1891, aged 86 years. James became an extensive farmer, having passed through the experiences of Ohio pioneer life. For many years he was a leading elder in the Presbyterian Church and a mem- ber of the session for 37 years. His death oc- curred September 13, 1898, when he was 91 years and 2 months old. Robert died July 6. 1846, at the age of 36 years, 3 months and 18 days. He had made his home in Missouri. While making a journey to the old homestead in Belmont County, he became so ill that he hardly reached there before the final collapse. David went to California in the late "forties." prior, however, to the finding of gold in 1849. lle married in Ohio, and had a family of five children, four of whom still survive. Since he went out prospecting with two companions
594
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
he has never been heard from, and his relatives suppose that he was killed by the Indians. William died in 1840, when 26 years and 21 days old. Jane married John C. Hutchison, and they lived at several different points in Ohio, and then moved to Kansas, where she died, April 27, 1856, at the age of 74 years. Her remains were brought to Plymouth, Ohio, for burial. Elizabeth married Samuel Hutch- ison and lives in Franklin County, Kansas. Mary married, first, John Bickham, and after his death a Mr. Stockdel, who is a farmer in Guernsey County. Joseph died December 11, 1896, unmarried, at the age of 73 years. He had always lived at the old home.
John S. Hutchison, the youngest member of the above family, obtained his mental training in the district schools, and from boyhood to manhood assisted his father on the farm. Pre- vious to the death of the latter, he rented land for cultivation, but at that time purchased the interests of the other heirs in the estate, and is now the owner of 279 acres of land. This is well improved and is of great value on account of being underlaid with coal deposits, the va- riety being known as the Pittsburg vein, No. S. This coal Mr. Hutchison sold for $40 per acre. He also owns a valuable stone quarry on this property. He now rents his farm.
In November, 1900, Mr. Hutchison moved to St. Clairsville, although he has by no means lost his interest in his fine land and stock. His farm has been an abundant producer of all kinds of grain, and there he has raised a great deal of fine stock, particularly Shropshire sheep, with which he has been very successful. For years he has ranked among the reliable, judi- cious and successful agriculturists of the county. He has been active in favoring those measures which his judgment convinced him would be of benefit to the locality, and served for a long period as president of the turnpike road, which at the time was one of the most important and useful enterprises of the county. llis interest in educational. matters has been shown by many years of service on the School Board.
On December 11, 1866, Mr. Hutchison was
married to Sarah J. Rose, who was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1838, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth ( Kelsey ) Rose, natives of Guernsey County. Four chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hutch- ison, namely : Elizabeth J .; Mary R. ( Mrs. E. S. Morgan), whose children are John, Adda, Lucille, and Russell; Emma II. ( Mrs. Dr. Thompson ), a resident of this county ; and Eva L., who resides at home. Mr. Hutchison and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and contribute liberally to its support. Mr. Hutchison belongs to no secret organiza- tions and cares not for political preferment. Indeed, he does not consider himself a poli- tician at all, but votes the Prohibition ticket from conscientious convictions. His greatest interest is in promoting the usefulness of the Presbyterian Church in St. Clairsville. Dur- ing the erection of its edifice he was a member of the building committee, and a generous donor to the cause. For a number of years he has been a most successful teacher in the Sabbath-school, and takes a genuine delight in the work. In every relation of life the sub- ject of this sketch stands for what is right, and few men can have higher praise.
HENRY W. DOUGLASS, who passed out of life in January, 1896, was for a number of years one of the most successful and highly esteemed farmer-citizens of Warren township. Belmont County, Ohio. A good neighbor and a husband and father devoted to the welfare . of his family, he left many to sorrow at his death, while his township lost, in him, one of its most honest and valned residents.
The birth of Mr. Douglass took place in Warren township, in 18.17, one of a family of 13 children born to George and Ellen ( Ni zum) Douglass. The father died in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1879. aged 84 years four months, and the mother died November 1. 1802, aged 88 years one month. Our late sub- ject followed an agricultural life, and at his death left for the use of his family a fine, well- improved farm consisting of 168 acres.
F. W. HIBBARD.
597
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
In March, 1874, Mr. Douglass was united in marriage with Sarah E. Reed, who was born in Somerset township, Belmont County, a daughter of William L. Reed. The four chil- dren born to this union were as follows : Harry C., born on April 29, 1875; Amy E., born on June 15, 1880; Emmor R., born June 24, 1882; and Grace M., born September 20, 1889. Har- ry C. and Emmor superintend the farm and are both well educated and intelligent young men. In July, 1896, Harry C. was united in marriage with Bertie E. Woodland, a daughter of John C. Woodland, one of Belmont County's pro- gressive citizens. One bright little daughter, Edith, has been born to this union. Harry C. Douglass, like his father, affiliates with the Democratic party. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church, in which the late Mr. Douglass was most highly valued. He was also connected with the Ma- sonic fraternity. The pleasant farmhouse is the home of the whole family, and also of Miss Maria C. Douglass, a sister of the late Henry W. Douglass. They are all well known in Warren township and enjoy universal esteem.
F. W. HIBBARD, who conducts the leading furniture and undertaking business in Barnes- ville, Ohio, is one of the city's most substantial men and prominent citizens. His family was established in the State in 1819, by his grand- father, Caleb Hibbard, who was born in Ches- ter County, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1781, and was a cabinetmaker and watchmaker by trade. Ile settled near West Chester, Ohio, and also purchased property in Barnesville, a por- tion of which is still in the possession of his grandson, F. W. Ilibbard.
The birth of Mr. Hibbard occurred in Barnesville, January 26, 1844, and he is a son of Hiram and Sarah ( Hamilton) Hibbard. lliram Hibbard was born in Ohio in 1821, and his mother, Matikdla ( Stowe) Hibbard, was a relative of two distinguished Americans, John Quincy Adams and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Hiram Hibbard spent six years at Cadiz, Ohio,
learning the cabinetmaker's trade, and in 1843 located in Barnesville, where he established a business which he later enlarged by the addi- tion of a furniture line. His death occurred April 5, 1868, at which time he held the office of township treasurer, a position of trust that he had filled for many years. Sarah ( Hamil- ton ) Hibbard passed away in March, 1888.
After graduating from the Hopedale school, in Harrison County, F. W. Hibbard took a preparatory course, in expectation of entering an Eastern college, but his plans miscarried, and he left school in 1865. At this time, he en- tered the freight department of the Central Ohio Division of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- road, at Bellaire, where he remained until Oc- tober, 1867. He then returned to Barnesville, and entered into a partnership with his father. For a short time after the latter's death, the business was still carried on under the firm name of Hibbard & Son, but in late years F. W. Hibbard's name only has been in use. His store is the largest and most complete in the city and his stock is valued at about $10,000. His business interests include many of the most important enterprises of Barnesville. He is a stockholder in the glass company, and also in the gas and oil company. Many public posi- tions have been offered for his acceptance, but he has refused all except a membership in the City Council.
In 1866, Mr. Ilibbard was married to Delia . Ogle, at Bellaire, Olio. Seven children have resulted from this union, as follows: Maude O. ( Mrs. Charles Heed) ; Claude S .. who was associated with his father in business, died January 26, 1902; Gail H. (Mrs. J. Harry Lewis) ; Blanche P. ( Mrs. George S. Bradfield ) ; Grace C. ( Mrs. Charles E. Lee), who died January 2, 1896; Fay F., who died January 2, 1896; and Madge D. ( Mrs. L. M. 11. Potter ). Mr. Hibbard is a prominent mem- ber of Barnesville Lodge, No. 185. 1. O. O. F .; Warren Lodge, No. 76, K. of P. ; and of Rob- ert Ililles Post, No. 220, G. A. R.,-having served in the Civil War in Company 11, 170th Reg., Ohio National Guard.
Mr. Hibbard is one of the liberal and public-
598
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,
spirited citizens of Barnesville, who in living up to the demands of the day takes a deep inter- est in institutions which will prove of benefit to the city. The foundation stone of his suc- cess in life has been business integrity, and thus he has won the esteem of all who know him.
JOHN W. FOWLER, one of the most suc- cessful grocers of Barnesville, Ohio, is a prod- uct of that hustling, thriving community. Born there in February, 1847, he has for the most part spent his life in the place, and dur- ing his mature years has been prominently identified with several of its leading industries. He is the son of James and Mary A. ( Ilol- land ) Fowler.
James Fowler was born in Maryland, and was one of those hard-working, courageous tillers of the soil who dared hardship and pri- vation, early pushed westward, and became possessors of the fertile districts of the Ohio Valley. Coming to this country in 1818, he immediately set out for this region, and after some prospecting located on a farm just north of Barnesville, in what is now Warren town- ship. Disdaining no labor, he did his share of the clearing and breaking of the new land, and in time possessed one of the most valu- able pieces of property in the vicinity. Being a man of great enterprise, and seeing a good opening for a stone mason in the place, he learned that trade and followed it with marked success for many years. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad tunnel in Barnesville is an evi- dence of his skillful workmanship. After tak- ing up the trade of a stone mason he made Barnesville his home for some time and be- came exceedingly popular and influential in the place. He died January 18, 1894, and his wife, Mary ( Holland ), passed away in 1848.
John W. Fowler obtained a thorough, prac- tical education in the well conducted and pro- gressive schools of Barnesville. As a special training for his life work he began to assist his father at an early age, and thus learned the trade of a stone mason, at which he became
very proficient. Upon reaching manhood, he followed this business in Barnesville, on his own account, for several years, and always se- cured plenty of work and made good wages. During a part of each year, however, he was engaged in the tobacco packing industry, at which he also made considerable money, but when the season was over he resumed his work at masonry. During the raging of the Civil War he gave up his business for a while, and in 1864, in response to the President's call for soldiers, enlisted in Company E, 194th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and under the provost marshal went to the front. He served with distinc- tion until he received his honorable discharge in November, 1865. After returning to Barnes- ville he resumed his business as a stone mason and tobacco packer, which he continued for many years. Strict attention to business and wise financial management enabled him, in the course of time, to lay by something substan- tial for the future. With this, in 1895, he opened, in Barnesville, a retail grocery store, and, taking in a son as partner, established the firm J. W. Fowler & Son. Being well known in the place, he had no difficulty in se- curing custom, and was soon conducting a large and flourishing business, His trade has steadily increased, and in tooo it became so large that he found it advisable to take in a second son as partner, and the firm has since been known as J. W. Fowler & Sons. It car- ries a complete line of the best grade of gro- ceries, and its stock of goods, which is larger than that of any similar establishment in Barnesville, is valued at $5,000. The busi- ness necessitates the use of three storage rooms and one wareroom, a substantial stone struc- ture, 10 by 20 feet in dimensions. The store itself is located in the center of the town, on West Main street. The firm is thoroughly reliable and has established for itself, far and near, a reputation for honesty and fair dealing.
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.