USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 73
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In November, 1872, Mr. Fowler married Emma Barnes, who belongs to one of the first families of Barnesville. She is the daughter of Caleb Barnes and a relative of James Barnes, from whom the place received its name.
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By this marriage there have been two sons, -- Ross B. and Chester J.
Mr. Fowler, though influential in his vicin- ity, has modestly refrained from pushing him- self forward, politically. As a Republican, however, his word carries weight in local af- fairs. . He stands high fraternally, as a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F., and acts as presiding officer in the Sharon, Ohio, Encampment.
J. F. MCCARTY, residing at No. 611 Broadway, Martin's Ferry, has in the last few years attained considerable prominence as an inventor. His articles, including a milk can, a fruit jar, and the Uneda punch have all been exceedingly practical, and have had a large sale. Mr. McCarty is undoubtedly talented, and as he is now scarcely past middle age, the public has reason to expect still greater works of him. He was born in Colerain town- ship, Belmont County, November 15, 1858, and is a son of Ezra and Emily ( Cope) McCarty.
John McCarty, grandfather of J. F., was a native of Scotland. At an early date he came to the United States, and in the course of time became one of the pioneers of the new State of Ohio. He married an English woman, and they both lived to an advanced age, he being over 90 at the time of his death. Both were widely known and highly respected through the State.
Ezra McCarty, father of J. F., resided in Belmont County for many years of his life. Learning the carpenter's trade at an early age, he afterward followed that occupation for many years. Making a thorough success of his work, he finally rose to the position of a contractor. Many of the buildings, inchiding honses and barns in Belmont County, are the results of his handiwork or supervision. He 'lived to the age of 74, dying in the spring of 1808. In carly manhood he married Emily Cope, daughter of George and Hannah Cope of Farmington, Colerain township. Mr. Cope was a teacher for some years. Later he was engaged in the grocery business. His wife was
a Quaker. Both lived to advanced age. Mrs. McCarty died in January, 1870, at the age of 45. To Mr. and Mrs. McCarty were born eight children ;-- George is a contractor in Martin's Ferry ; Charles, an architect in Wheel- ing; J. F. is mentioned below : Edward is a carpenter in Martin's Ferry; Lizzie, deceased, was married to Louis Keyser; Ada married Henry' White and resides on a farm in Cole- rain township; Harry died May 15, 1902, at the age of 34; and William is engaged in the mill business in Martin's Ferry.
J. F. McCarty moved with his parents to Martin's Ferry in 1867 when but nine years old. flere he grew to manhood, and in the public schools procured a thoroughly practical education. With a bent toward mechanics, upon starting out in life he decided to learn the blacksmith trade, and took his apprentice- ship with Samuel Heaton, who has the reputa- tion of being the best blacksmith in the State, and who is still carrying on a large business. Results proved that Mr. McCarty had chosen the work for which he was fitted, and he fol- lowed his trade from the time he was eighteen until 1897, in all about thirty-one years. Ilis work led to some practical experiments, and about the time he gave up blacksmithing he invented and secured a patent on a machine for separating tin plate. This proved successful and he sold his patent outright to the Aetna- Standard Company for a large sum. His next invention, a hot air heater, came a little too late to receive its merited deserts. But his milk can and his vacumm fruit jar have met with un- qualified success. The milk can is so adjusted as to prevent a chmurning process during travel. The fruit jar is constructed of rubber and glass, may be handled by a child without dan- ger of its breaking, and is one of the most ex- cellent articles for preserving fruit on the mar- ket. Among other recent inventions is a Uneda punch, which costs only about $15 and is guaranteed to do the work of a $95 punch. Mr. McCarty has already sold a great many of these, and they are everywhere giving excellent satisfaction.
January 4, 1880, Mr. McCarty married
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Sarah K. Lewis, who was born in Ohio, daugh- ter of James and Sarah ( Martin) Lewis. Mrs. Lewis is now living in Martin's Ferry, where she is highly respected and has many warm friends. Mr. Lewis was an engineer on the ferry boat for 14 years, and was well and fa- vorably known over the county. He died in his 59th year. Mr. and Mrs. McCarty have had two children,-Sarah Emily, born October 23, 1880, was a highly gifted girl, who completed hier course at the Martin's Ferry High School in 1897 and was intending to continue her studies during the ensuing year, but was strick- en with consumption and died September 17, 1897. Clara Belle graduated from the Martin's Ferry High School class of 1902.
Mr. McCarty occupies a leading place among the citizens of Martin's Ferry. He is a mem- ber of the K. of P. and Uniform Rank, K. of P., and as such has served as chairman of the executive board for some years. As a Republi- can he exerts a large influence in politics. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church.
The Martin family of which Mrs. McCarty is a member has its tragedy, connected with her maternal grandfather, James W. Martin. Ile was for some time a resident of Brooke County, ( West) Virginia ; later, he resided in Wheeling ; and in 1837 he moved to Martin's Ferry, where he erected what was for years the Martin family residence, a house which is still standing, on Fayette street. And it was here that all his children were born. Ile was a shoemaker by trade, and followed this occu- pation for many years in Martin's Ferry. As a man of influence and ability he also served as postmaster of the place for some time. Ile marrried Nancy Saunders, and they had eight children, of whom Sarah, the mother of Mrs. MeCarty, is the only one now living. It was in 1848 that the sad event referred to took place. Mr. Martin, in behalf of his wife, a helpless invalid, had started to see a physician in Wheeling and procure medicine. When sufficient time for his return had elapsed he failed to appear. Nine days passed, and still die absented himself, The family, by this time,
fully convinced that something very unusual had happened to him, institued a search. Kind neighbors did their best, but found no trace of him. On the tenth day the grief- stricken wife called her children to her bed- side and informed them that he was dead and that his body was in the river. She described minutely the exact spot where she believed he could be found. At her bidding kind friends
searched the place, and sure enough found his body. The medicine, which he had obtained, was still in his pocket. There was a dent in his skull, which might have caused instant death. Whether it was received before or after his plunge in the river will ever be a mystery. Mrs. Martin's strange and accurate knowledge of his whereabouts had been revealed to her in a dream. She was not of a superstitious family, and this is the only instance in her life of dreams having any special meaning.
SAMUEL FOWLER, whose prominence as a reliable contractor has been established, in Barnesville, Ohio, was born there July 12, 1865, one of six children of William IL. and Adeline ( Prior ) Fowler, four of whom still survive. William Fowler and his wife are residents of Barnesville, the former being one of the early settlers, and a contractor of note in this vicinity.
Samuel Fowler attended school in Barnes- ville and since the age of 24 years has been associated in the contracting business with his father. Ile has been very successful in his line on account of the excellent work he has turned out, and the activity with which he has completed very important contracts. His first large contract was one mile of brick paving, which showed accurate, careful work, and was perfectly satisfactory to the municipality. The ten miles of graveling which he put upon the pike roads not only added to the beauty of the environs of the city, but gained him the com- mendation of all who make use of these high- ways. Mr. Fowler employs a force of from 25 to 100 men. He has at present, in course of
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HEYWARD LONG.
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erection, a fine residence on West Main street, which will be completed in the fall of 1902, at a cost of about $3,000. It will be provided with all modern improvements, and will be handsome, convenient and comfortable.
In 1892 Mr. Fowler married Minnie Youse, a daughter of George Youse, who is well known in Guernsey County, where he is a popu- Har hotel-keeper. Two Ititle daughters were born to this union, namely : Helen and Louise. . Mr. Fowler is identified with the Republican party. Ilis fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias. He is regarded as one of the progressive business men of Barnesville, and also as a citizen of integrity and reliability.
HEYWARD LONG. It has been said by many in these later years that a young man without capital cannot make his start in life and rise to a position of affluence in a short time. In reading the life of Heyward Long, the gentleman whose name heads this writing, one may easily see that no greater fallacy exists, and that opportunities arrive each day for those who have the energy, economy and industry to make the most of them. Heyward Long is now one of the most prominent business men of Mar- tin's Ferry, where he carries on an extensive business as hardware merchant, at No. 412 Hanover street. He is a native of the city and was born March 24, 1871, a son of Con- rad and Kate (Clark) Long and a great- grandson of Elizabeth Zane, well known to the people of this part of the State as a girl of great daring and courage, who played her part in the history of the county. It was she who, during a fight with the Indians in defense of Fort Henry, volunteered to run to a near-by house before the deadly fire from the Indians and secure an apron full of powder. She performed the feat and re- turned in safety to the fort.
Conrad Long was born in Germany, at Strasburg. November 21, 1835. He was left an orphan early in life and received his
education in the German schools, under the care of an uncle. In 1856 he immigrated to the United States, and has since made Mar- tin's Ferry his home. While in his native country he learned the trade of a tinner, and for a year following his arrival in the United States he readily found work at his trade. However, he was not satisfied, and bought a hardware store, which he conducted prof- itably until 1897, and has since been in partnership with our subject in his store. Conrad Long was united in marriage with Kate Clark, a native of Martin's Ferry, who . bore him six children, our subject being the third. The others are: Capitola, now Mrs. Harry Eberling, of Bellaire: Charles B., en- gaged as a tinner in the American Sheet Steel Company's establishment at Martin's Ferry; Eloise, at home; Pattie, who married William Anderson, of Wheeling; and Eliza- beth. The father is now 69 years of age, and his wife is 67.
Heyward Long was educated in the High School of Martin's Ferry, and after school days were over he began his business career as a clerk in his father's store. Later he put in a year's time at bridge work, after which he started to work again as clerk, and in 1895 embarked in business for himself as a hardware merchant. The room he occu- pies is 85 feet long and 184 feet wide, with a basement under the entire building, while his wareroom is 20 by 100 feet and is well stocked. He handles farm implements, paints, cutlery, stoves, etc., and all the va- rious things found in a first-class hardware store of today. The store has electric lights and all the modern conveniences, and is very nicely located. The trade has gradually in- creased from the time the business was started. .
May 9, 1893, our subject was united in marriage with Rosa Gordon, a native of Greggs, West Virginia, and they have two children, Edna and Lillian. Mr. Long is chief of the fire department of Martin's Ferry, and a member of the "Racing Team." a description of which is found in the sketch
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of Dr. J. W. Darrah, elsewhere in this book. Mr. Long is fleet of foot, and therefore is a valued member of this team. Before his business affairs occupied all his time, he was given much to wrestling, that being a pas- time of his. He is a very good athlete and has given much attention to athletics. Hle was captain in 1894 of the "Vigilant Athletic Club," whose football team won every game participated in by them during that year and were considered the champions of the Upper Ohio Valley, from Pittsburg to Portsmouth.
In politics Mr. Long is an ardent Repub- lican. Fraternally he is a Mason, affiliating with the blue lodge, F. & A. M .; Belmont Chapter, No. 140, R. A. M .; Hope Com- mandery, No. 26, K. T .; and Osiris Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Wheeling. He is also a member of the Blair Lodge, B. P. O. E., No. 419, and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, of which he is a charter member and trustec.
JAMES C. GRAY, a prominent attorney and one of the active and successful business men of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, was born in Belmont County on June 20, 1851, a son of James W. and Alison (Thorburn) Gray, the former of whom was a native of Belmont County, and the latter of Scotland.
James W. Gray, the father of the subject of this biography, was one of the leading busi- ness men of the Eastern Ohio Valley. In 1865 he bought a one-half interest in the William Wiley foundry and machine works, and con- tinued to operate in that connection until he with others bought the other half interest and the firm continued until his retirement, in 1872, as the James W. Gray Company, Mr. Gray being almost sole owner. The castings made at this foundry gained favor over a wide territory, were used in Pittsburg, Wheeling and Cincinnati. During the Civil War they made shot, shells and cannon balls for the Union Army. It was one of the pioneer in-
dustries of the section and under the vigorous control of Mr. Gray proved a substantial finan- cial success.
For a mimber of years James W. Gray was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church. He was an Abolitionist in political sentiment and desired the prosecution of the war to its honorable end. His death occurred on June 23, 1887, in his 67th year. Ile was sincerely mourned for he was known to be an upright man and estimable citizen. . The mother of our subject was born July 21, 1824, a daughter of Alexander Thorburn, who came from Scotland in the early days of the century passed, and settled at Scotch Ridge. Belmont County, but after a number of years moved to near Quin- cy, Illinois, where he died. His wife passed away November 6, 1858, in this county. The children born to James W. Gray and his wife were four in number, viz .: John A., who is a professor in Muskingum College; James C., who is our subject; Ellen, who resides with her brother just mentioned; and Sarah, who has charge of the art department at Musking- um College.
The early education of James C. Gray was obtained in Martin's Ferry, and later he completed his education at Muskingum Col- lege, graduating with the degree of B. L. He followed this with a law course at Ann Ar- bor, Michigan, graduating there in the class of 1880. His practice was begun at Martin's Ferry where he has since continued. He has served the city in several responsible positions, although his inclinations are not in the direc- tion of political honor. His leading ambition is to rank well in his profession. For four years he served the city as solicitor, has been local attorney for several railroads. He created a favorable impression and a degree of prominence for himself in the famous case of the collision on the Ohio River between the "John Lomas" and the steamer "Scioto," on July 4, 1882. Hle was the senior counsel on the "Lomas" side. During the campaigns of 1896 and 1900 he was active in working for the Re- publican candidates in the national campaigns. While he seeks no office for himself. he is ever
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ready to help his friends and uphold the prin- ciples of his chosen party. Both of his par- ents were devoted members of the Presbyterian Church, and he has found his religious honic within that body for the past 18 years, and has been the director of the choir in the Mar- tin's Ferry church.
On December 5, 1883, Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Clara Bird, a native of Eas- ton, Pennsylvania, born June 20, 1861, a daughter of Joseph Bird, who was an English ironmaster that came to Belmont County in 1879. Mrs. Gray died on March 21, 1902, deeply lamented by all who knew her. She was devoted to the church, was a member of the Woman's Club at Wheeling, an exceeding- ly popular personage in social circles and a blessing to her home and family. The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gray were: Calvin Bird, taking an electrical course at the American Tin Plate company's Works; James Paul; and William Shakspeare, named for the immortal bard on account of a relationship existing through his maternal grandparents. Mr. Gray as noted above has made an enviable record as a lawyer and is equally fortunate in possessing the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens who recog- nize in him an honest, upright and public- spirited man.
FRANK M. MELTON, postmaster of Oli- vett, Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, is also a leading merchant, large landholder and prominent and representative citizen of the county. His birth occurred August 21, 1838, in Kirkwood township, Belmont County, one of a family of ten children born to Moses and Diana Melton.
The father of Frank M. Melton was born in North Carolina and the mother was a native of Delaware. In his earlier life the father was a prosperous farmer, but later became a school teacher, His death occurred in 1874, and that of his wife in 1863. In 1860 with his son, on subject, he engaged in the mercantile business, continuing until 1872.
Mr. Melton, of this sketch, received an ex- cellent education in Kirkwood township. In 1860, as noted above, he entered into part- nership with his father, in Warren township, in the mercantile business, at the present loca- tion, the firm style being Melton & Son, until he bought his father's interest in 1872. After this several changes took place in the firm name as Mr. Melton associated with him various per- sons, the name becoming Melton & Gibson, and when Charles Gibson withdrew, Melton & Knox, then Melton & Murphy, J. J. Murphy becom- ing a partner. This name continued until the firm sold the entire stock to J. Knox, who con- tinued the business until 1884, when the name was changed to J. J. Murphy & Co., and still later, Levi Hutton purchased the business, and in turn, sold it to F. Jones, who moved the stock to Henrysburg.
In 1892 of subject rebuilt his store and completely restocked it with a varied and well assorted lot of goods suited to the demands of his trade, which long experience had made him acquainted with. He carries a general line of dry goods, notions, groceries, a complete line of hardware, as well as shoes, hats and caps, all fresh, clean and of excellent quality. In every sense of the word, Mr. Melton is a suc- cessful merchant, catering to every taste and dealing justly with every customer. Mr. Mel- ton also owns a large amount of property in Belmont County, one farm comprising 100 acres of excellent land in Warren township. and another of 40 acres, in Kirkwood town- ship. With J. J. Murphy he is also interested in 25 acres located near Olivett and is also the owner of some improved lots. In addition, Mr. Melton is a large stockholder in the Barnes- ville Glass Company, and in many smaller en- terprises.
The marriage of Mr. Melton was to Mary D. Smith, a daughter of. John N. Smith, whose father was one of Noble County's presiding judges for a number of years. This marriage occurred on September 30, 1866, and three children were born to this umion, namely: Willard S., Clyde W., and Ada M. Clyde W. is associated with his father as clerk. Ada M.
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married A. M. Boyd, late a bookkeeper in St. Louis, Missouri, but now a clerk in our sub- ject's store.
For 15 years our subject's father was post- master at Henrysburg, and the former acted as deputy for a number of years. Since its first establishment, Mr. Melton has been the postmaster of the Olivett office. The name is a much respected as well as old one, in Belmont County. The grandfather of our subject lo- cated here in 1800 and his son drove the first stakes in the building of the town of Freeport, in Harrison County. Mr. Melton was travel- ing salesman for 20 years, representing the following firms at different times: Frank Davis & Co., of Barnesville, Ohio; J. M. Lewis of Barnesville, Ohio, and L. S. Delaplain of Wheeling, West Virginia. Previous to being engaged with these companies, he represented a wholesale tobacco factory.
DILLWYN C. BUNDY, secretary and treasurer of the Belmont Insurance Associa- tion, of Barnesville, Ohio, is one of Bel- mont County's representative, substantial and prominent citizens. Ile bears a name which is honored through the county for its estimable character and is notable as belonging to the pioneer days.
Dillwyn C. Bundy was born in Belmont County, March 29, 1861, a son of llon. Wil- liam and Asenath ( Doudna) Bundy, the for- mer of whom is one of the distinguished citi- zens of this county, now retired from the activi- ties of public life. He was one of a family of 12 children born to William and Sarah ( Overman) Bundy, eleven of whoin still survive. The father of Ilon. William Bundy was born in North Carolina. in 1780 and in 1866 came to Belmont County, Ohio, settling on a farm near Barnes- ville. In 1815 he located his permanent home in Warren township, on section 4, and re- mained there imtil his death, which occurred in June. 1828. His wife was also a North Caro- linian by birth. Both parents of Hon. William Bundy were consistent and leading members
of the Society of Friends. They named their children as follows: Mary, Ezekiel, Eli, Char- ity, John, Nathan, Sarah, William, Dempsey, Chalkley, and Elizabeth, ten of these being deceased.
Ilon. William Bundy was born in Warren township, Belmont County, in 1819, and grew to manhood accustomed to agricultural pur- suits. Flis education was acquired in the country schools. In 1843 he married Prudence Wood, and one child, Allen, was born to this union. Mrs. Bundy died about 18 months after marriage. Three years later, Mr. Bundy married Asenath Doudna, daughter of Joel Doudna, a native of North Carolina. Nine children were born to this union, as follows : Prudence, deceased; T. Clarkson; Joel P., de- ceased; Almeda, deceased; Evaline, deceased; Charles, deceased; Dillwyn, Rebecca II., and an infant which passed away in babyhood. Mrs. Bundy was a most estimable and dearly beloved Christian woman, and for 42 years was her husband's companion, her death oc- curring on September 20, 1889. Mr. Bundy followed a farming life, occupying an estate of 365 acres, but, like Cincinnatus of old, he was called from his plow to assume the duties of a statesman, his fellow-citizens electing him as a Representative to the General Assembly, in 1875. Although the district was Democratic, and Mr. Bundy was a Republican in politics, the personal esteem in which he was held re- sulted in his election. His deep interest in the growth and development of Belmont County has been constant, and although now advanced in years and out of the rapid tide, he notes all local improvements with pleasure and is gen- erous in his assistance of worthy enterprises.
Dillwyn C. Bundy was reared in Warren township, attended the common schools and there laid the foundation of an education which he later completed at the Friends' Boarding School at Barnesville, Ohio. At manhood he located on his present fine farm of 108 acres and is acknowledged to be one of the leading agriculturists of the county. Upon the organ- ization of the Belmont Insurance Association of Barnesville, in 1897, he became its secretary
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and treasurer. This company represents over $2,000,000 of property, and is conducted ex- clusively as an association for the insurance of farmi property. The amount of insurance now in force is $1, 150,000, and the list of policy holders in Belmont County reaches almost 900.
The marriage of Mr. Bundy was to Eliza- beth Steer, daughter of James and Mary (Green) Steer, prominent farming people of Belmont County, and a family of five children was born to this union, namely : Charles F., Amie, Walter A., deceased; Mary E., and Margaret A. This family and connections rep- resent many members of the Society of Friends in Belmont County, and is especially known for its public spirit and integrity of life and char- acter. Mr. Bundy is active in his adherence to the Republican party, and is widely known and universally respected.
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