Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 74

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 74

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GEORGE H. MUTH, a retired business man of Bellaire and a large property owner, has made his money almost entirely in the mercantile business of this city. For many years he kept a large butcher shop in the place, and afterward established the flourish- ing grocery store which his son is so ably conducting. lle was born in Wheeling. West Virginia, in 1837, and is the son of John and Katherine C. (Briel) Muth.

John Muth was born in Hesse Cassel, Ger- many. In 1832, after his marriage, he came to this country and settled at Fulton, near Wheeling, West Virginia. There he opened a butcher shop, which he conducted with success until 1848. Then moving to Bel- laire, he opened in the Second Ward, on the river bank, a large general store, one of the first to be established in the place. It sup- plied one of the evident needs of the city and was a success from the start. From year to year he enlarged his stock of goods to meet the increasing demands of a grow- ing population, and he continued in the in- dustry until 1863, when he retired. He died in 1866, at the age of 57. He was married in

Germany to Katherine C. Briel, who was born in Frankfort, Germany. She died in 1876, at the age of 66. To Mr. and Mrs. Muth were born three children: George H., who is mentioned below; Katherine, who married a Mr. Martin, of Muncie, Indiana; and Lizzie, who married a Mr. Thurber, and died some years ago in Bellaire.

George 11. Muth, at the early age of 18, embarked upon his business career as a butcher in Bellaire. Previous experience with his father had initiated him in the work, and he was enabled in a short time to put the industry upon a solid foundation. Mak- ing a good start, he had no difficulty in keep- ing the excellent reputation he soon won, and for 35 years he perseveringly contimied in this line. Then, in 1884. he erected at the corner of 33rd and Belmont streets a large and substantial grocery store. Here he put in an extensive stock of goods and began business. Well known as a reliable and accommodating merchant in the place, he at once secured a large patronage, and, meeting with no reverses, he continued to rum his store. until 1900, when he was suc- ceeded by his son John. The firm name now is "Muth Grocery Co." He has been very successful in his different ventures and he now owns, besides the store, a fine resi- dence and other valuable property.

Mr. Muth married a Miss Ambler, daugh- ter of Isaac Ambler, of Belmont County. and they have had eight children, three of whom are now living: Katie, who married Dr. Maser, of Parsons, Kansas; Etta, the wife of George Hill, of Bellaire; and John. who is now in charge of the grocery store. The other five died young.

Mr. Muth has long been considered one of the solid business men of the place. As a man keenly interested in the welfare of the city, he has belonged to the volunteer fire department for 28 years, and has served as chief for 13 years. In politics he affiliates with the Democrats; in religious sentiment he is a Lutheran. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

JAMES P. CROWL. There is probably not a more reliable employee in the Mann foun- dry, or one who has been in that establish- ment longer than the foreman, Mr. Crowl, who resides at No. 302 Third street, 'Martin's Ferry. For nearly fifty years he has been engaged in this manufactory, and his fidelity to his work has won for him the unbounded confidence of not only the proprietor but also of the workmen. Born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1834, he is a son of Finley and Elizabeth J. (Greer ) Crowl.

Finley Crowl was a man of great integrity and of much intellectual and physical strength. Upon reaching manhood he settled upon a farm in Pennsylvania, where he followed agricul- ture for the rest of his life. Not content with ordinary methods, he brought both science and skill to bear upon his work, and won for him- self an excellent reputation among agricultur- ists. He made a specialty of grain, and was thought to raise the best of any one in the county. " Having passed a long and useful life, he died at the advanced age of 86. During his young manhood he married Elizabeth J. Greer, a noble, refined woman, who proved a wonderful help and encouragement to him in all his undertakings in life. She died in 1849 at the age of 45 years, 11 months and 17 days. To Mr. and Mrs. Crowl were born nine chil- dren,-Alexander, a well-known farmer of Chester County, Pennsylvania ; Margaret E., who married E. Bye and resides on a farm in Chester County ; James P., who is mentioned below ; John, who died some time ago in Far- go, North Dakota; Amos, who is engaged in business in Dickinson, North Dakota; Eliza- beth, who married Ralph Greer and resides in Chester County, where he is engaged in the pot- tery business; Anna S., the wife of Town- send Pue, a farmer of Chester County, Pennsyl- vania; Mary J., who died at the age of five years ; and William, who keeps a hotel in Wil- mington, Delaware. Mr. Crowl was an in- fluential member of the Presbyterian Church.

James P. Crowl was reared in Pennsyl- vania, and in the common schools of his State procured his education. He was early trained

to farm work, and as a youth worked at this occupation until he was 18 years old. Ile then, in 1852, came to Martin's Ferry and secured a position in the foundry, in which he has since been engaged. At first he worked at molding, and, exercising both care and skill in his work, was soon promoted to a higher position. Since then he has been regularly advanced whenever opportunity occurred until eight years ago, he was made foreman. This position he has occupied ever since, exhibiting tact in the management of the men and an admirable comprehension of the work. He has under him about 25 men, the entire force in the foundry, and the work which he overlooks includes the making of all kinds of iron goods.

November 3, 1861, Mr. Crowl married Anna Lawrence, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio. By this marriage there have been five children,-Herbert Lawrence, who was born November 15, 1862, died April 10, 1878; William W., a glass decorator; Frank, born November 3, 1866, died November 23, 1882; Nellie, born May 15, 1868, died Decem- ber 26, 1868; and Alma Edna, who married John M. Turner and has one child, Will Law- rence.

Mr. Crowl is both popular and influential in his city. In politics he has always taken a large interest, and is an unwavering Repub- lican. Both he and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church and he is serving as deacon. In the 1. O. O. F. of which he is a member he occupies a high position, having passed all the chairs of that order.

John Lawrence, father of Mrs. Crowl, was born in Pennsylvania, in August, 1795. Har- ing procured a thorough education, and being a man of scholarly tastes, in the early period of his mature life he engaged in teaching and won for himself considerable distinction in the profession. Later he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some years, and finally he settled on a farm and engaged in agri- culture. He lived to the advanced age of 80. dying in April, 1876. During his early man- hood he married Elizabeth Kerr, who was born in Pennsylvania, and they had seven chil-

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dren,-Susan, who married Alexander G. Hol- liday, died in her 63rd year in Nebraska, where her husband also died. Margaret mar- ried C. H. Turner, who served in the Civil War for three years. Both she and her husband died in Illinois, she at the age of 68. William resides in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas. James and Lavina died young. Anna is men- tioned above. Elizabeth is now the widow of William H. Bendle, who served for three years in the Civil War. Mr. Lawrence and all his family joined the United Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder and liberal supporter.

ELLIS B.STEELE, a veteran of the Civil War, is a prosperous farmer residing on the old Steele homestead in Pease township, Belmont County, Ohio. He was born on this farm in 1828, as was his father, Joshua, who was born in 1804.

Benajah Steele, grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Jones County, North Caro- lina, and came of Quaker ancestry. His father was Peter Steele, who never left North Carolina. Benajah Steele assisted in the early survey of Ohio in 1799, and moved here in 1800, locating in section 1, town- ship 7, range 3. Ile died in 1854, at the age of 94 years, seven months and 26 days. He. was one of the "Minute Men" of the Revo- lutionary War, and was a stanch Whig. He married a daughter of Joshua Bundy, and she died November 18, 1834. To them were born the following children: Peter, Mary, Elijah, Ruth, Joshua, and Ellis, all of whom are now deceased.

Joshua Steele resided on the farm where he was born and followed farming through- out life. He was a stanch Whig and active on the line of the "Underground Railroad." lle married Abigail Parker, who was born in Northampton County, North Carolina, in 1803, and died in 1855. Seven children were born to them, as follows: Ellis B .; Mary, who died in infancy; Sarah, who re- sides with our subject; Wesley, who died

April 19, 1900; Joseph, who died in 1858; Jacob, who resides with our subject; and Addison, who resides near by. Addison Steele married a daughter of Robert Golf and has two children, Addison Winfield and Leah. Wesley Steele served in the Civil War in Company G, 170th Ohio Vol. Inf.,- the same company and regiment of which the subject of this sketch was a member. He married Caroline Cunningham, daughter of George Cunningham, in the fall of 1865, and lived near the old home. At his death he left his widow and one daughter, who maried llarry Brown, son of Albert Brown, of Upland, Ohio.

The Steeles were very active in operating the "Underground Railroad," and Ellis B. Steele probably ran the last train through his section of Belmont County, the route being in the southeastern part, from the river to Trenton or Emerson, in Jefferson County.

Ellis B. Steele has always followed black- smithing and farming, having learned his trade with John Theaker, on Short Creek. He built his first shop on the farm in 1852, and erected the present one in 1890, al- though he has engaged but little at his trade during the past 15 years. The present home was built in 1828, the year of his birth. There are 159 acres to the home place, and this is devoted to general farming and stock raising. Ile erected at Steele's Grove a hall for amusements and picnics. He has been active in Sabbath-school work, but at- tends church at different places, still favor- ing the Society of Friends. He served as trustee of Pease township two or three terms, and also as land appraiser. In poli- tics he is a stanch Republican. During the Civil War he served as corporal in Company G, 170th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., 19th Army Corps, in the 100-day service in 1864. He was not wounded, but suffered very severely from malarial fever that he contracted.

Fraternally, Mr. Steele has been a meni- ber of the Odd Fellows for 52 years, being the oldest continuous member of the Mount

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Pleasant Lodge, No. 63, which he joined in August, 1851. He joined the Masons in 1865, Mount Pleasant Lodge, but is now a member of the Martin's Ferry lodge. For 24 years he has belonged to the Patrons of Husbandry of Morning View. He is a mem- ber of J. T. Updegraff Post, G. A. R., of Mount Pleasant. Mr. Steele has never been married.

HION. JOHN W. LAUGHILIN, one of the most influential citizens and enterprising and successful farmers of Belmont County, Ohio, is now living a retired life at his beautiful coun- try home, about one and a half miles west of Barnesville. Mr. Laughlin is an Ohioan by birth, being a native of Washington, Guernsey County, and his birth dates back to March 15, 1837. He is a son of Thomas W. and Jane T. ( Robe) Laughlin, whose family consisted of five children.

Our subject was reared on a farm and re- ceived his early education in the common schools. He subsequently attended Miller Academy in his native county; at that time, this institution enjoyed quite a reputation for thoroughness. In 1858, Mr. Laughlin entered Jefferson College at Cannonsburg, Penn- sylvania, where he completed an extensive course, graduating from that institution in 1861.

The following year he took up the cause of the stars and stripes, and it was his pleasure to defend that emblem of union and strength for several years thereafter. January 20th of that year he enlisted as a private in Company B, Ist Reg., Ohio Vol. Cavalry. Ile rose rap- idly from the ranks and became successively second lieutenant, first lieutenant and then adjutant. For a brief period he served as cap- tain of Company K, and commanded two com- panies while acting as General Howard's es- cort. Ilis military record was most praise- worthy ; he served three years and nine months, and was honorably discharged from the serv- ice September 13, 1865, at Hilton Head, S. C.

Returning from the war covered with hon-

ors, his marriage with Maggie J. Cowden was chronicled in November of the same year. Mrs. Laughlin is a daughter of David and Margery Cowden and is one of a family of four chil- dren. She was born at the old Cowden home, near Quaker City, Ohio. Her parents were both natives of Ireland, and but one of their children survive, our subject's wife's brother, W. N. Cowden. The latter was at one time president of the Ohio State Board of Agricul- ture, and also served as secretary of the Ohio Wool Growers' Association. Mrs. Laughlin died December 11, 1893.

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Langhlin ; namely, Emma E., Thomas C., Da- vid A. and Albert W. (twins), Anna, James N., John C., Palmer H1., Lelia J., and Lester M. Of these, Anna and James N. are deceased. The eldest son, Thomas C., Ph. D., after pur- suing theological studies, became a minister of the Gospel. He is a graduate of Princeton University and Princeton Theological Semi -- nary and in addition studied at Harvard Uni- versity and two years in Berlin and Paris. Ile has recently been appointed professor in the Pacific Seminary at Berkeley, California. Pal- mer 11., another son, is secretary of the Watt Mining Car Wheel Company. Owing to his excellent business ability, in the spring of 1902, he was promoted and at that time became secretary of this large manufacturing estab- lishment.

While yet a resident of Guernsey County, Mr. Laughlin first became connected with the political history of that county. He was nomi- nated three times for Representative and sub- sequently had bestowed upon him the highest honor of his county. In the fall of 1873. he was elected State Senator on the Democratic ticket, and served his term to the entire satis- faction of his constituents. He has also served as trustee of the Children's Home, being ap- pointed by the county commissioners. Ilis ambition gratified, he voluntarily withdrew from the political field, and since that time his interests have been identified with an agricul- tural community. He owns a beautiful and well-improved farm, a short distance from

أبعاداً محملك 120

CALVIN POLLOCK.

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Barnesville, and of late years has not sought publicity of any kind. Although his residence is of modern make, his home life is simple and unostentatious. Ile carries on general farming and is quite an extensive stock raiser.

The career of John W. Laughlin is a notable one ; he has earned every honor bestowed upon him, by unremitting toil and painstaking effort. Hle ascribes most of the credit of his success to his sound fundamental schooling, and is con- tent to spend his closing years in comfort upon his farm, surrounded by his family and a mul- titude of friends and neighbors, who delight to do him honor. He is a valued member of Robert Ililles Post, No. 220, G. A. R., of Barnesville, of which he is a past commander. Ile holds a membership in the First Presby- terian Church, of which he has been an elder for several years.

CALVIN POLLOCK, one of the promi- nent and highly esteemed citizens of Bel- mont County, Ohio, residing in section 6, in Union township, near Lafferty, was born on the farm which he now owns and oper- ates, on January 21, 1838.

The parents of Alr. Pollock were John and Nancy ( Hays) Pollock, both of whom were born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, where they were married on May 20, 1817, and soon after started to found a home in the far West, which was then considered to include the State of Ohio. They lived for a few years in Harrison County, Ohio, and in 1820 came to Belmont County, where Mr. Pollock bought the present family estate from its owner, John Marcus. As one of the pioneers of the county he was well known, and for more than 40 years was called upon to fill various responsible public offices. His political principles made him a Whig in carly life, later à Republican, and he was one of the most interested promoters of the "Under- ground Railroad," his abolition views being well known in his locality. Hoth he and his wife were leading members of the United

Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder for many years. Mr. Pollock was a man of unusual intellect, and during the latter days of his life, when the dark cloud of the Civil War was hovering over the country, he supported the Union to the best of his ability, and kept well informed on all current matters of that momentous period. He did not live to see the opening of hos- tilities, but he predicted them and hoped for a vigorous policy on the part of the North. Ilis death took place February 26, 1861, his birth having been on March 6, 1795. Ilis widow was born on March 25, 1798, and she survived until October 7, 1879, her long life of 82 years having been given to good actions and kind deeds.

Calvin Pollock, of this sketch, was the 12th member of his parents' family of 14 children, the others being: Samuel, who was born January 11, 1818, was a farmer in Belmont County, where he died at the age of 64 years; William IL., who was born October 7, 1819, died at about the age of 65 years; James and Alexander both died in infancy; Robert J., who was born Decem- ber 24, 1824, is a resident of Wheeling town- ship; Hannah Jane, who was born November 21, 1826, married Dr. J. H. Crumbacker. and resides at Antrim, Ohio; Eleanor, who was born October 19, 1828, married James Lynn, of Washington County, Pennsylvania: Jolin, who was born October 8, 1830, died at the age of 33 years, from a wound re- ceived at the battle of Chickamauga; James. who was born August 8, 1832, died at the age of 18 years; Margaret, who was born April 8, 1834, married Alexander Cook, and resides in Cambridge, Ohio; Mary H., who was born May 5. 1836, married John Mc- Connell, and resides in Washington County, Pennsylvania; Sarah R., who is deceased, was born November 8, 18440, and married Mahlon Nichol; and Agnes, deceased, who was born March 8, 1842, and married Rev. J. A. Scroggs, of Washington County, Penn- sylvania.

Calvin Pollock was educated in the public

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schools in his locality, and assisted his father on the farm until 1863, when he took indi- vidual charge of the same, when his brother John entered the army. Mr. Pollock has spent his life developing and improving the property, it becoming his by purchase from the other heirs. The farm contains 160 acres and Mr. Pollock only cultivates for home consumption, raising grain, corn and hay. For the past 16 years he has been engaged quite extensively in the dairy business, and ships the milk product of 25 cows to Wheel- ing, West Virginia. The whole extent of the property is underlaid with coal, render- ing it one of the most valuable tracts of land in Union township.

On December 8, 1869, Mr. Pollock was married to Aggie J. Henry, a native of this county, a daughter of John and Ellen (Clark) Henry, the former of whom is a merchant in Fairview, Ohio. Mrs. Pollock is one of a family of four children, viz .: Alexander C., a resident of Allegheny; Mrs. Pollock; Mary D., deceased; and Maggie, deceased. Both Mr. and Mrs Pollock are members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which the former has been an elder for many years, and both have been teachers in the Sunday- school for over 30 years. Mr. Pollock has never been deeply interested in political prob- lems, but as a strict temperance man acts with the Prohibition party. He is as highly esteemed as any resident of Union township, in every relation of life, and the solid air of comfort which prevails about his home makes it a notable one. Here both he and his estimable wife delight to offer a generous hospitality to their many friends.

STEWART & WARD, wholesale grocers and millers, located at the corner of 28th and Water streets, is an old and reliable business firm of Bellaire, Belmont County, Ohio, which was established in 1879, 23 years ago. Until 1892 the business was milling, but in that year the firm embarked in the whole-

sale grocery line, and is the only jobbing house in Bellaire.

The mill was purchased from the firm of Bent & Dunlop, and has been remodeled and equipped with modern machinery until it is first-class and thoroughly up-to-date. The main brands of flour manufactured are the "Beauty," the "Daisy Roller" and the "Anchor." This house distributes several brands of Northwestern spring wheat flour to its trade. The business requires 15 em- ployees, including traveling men, who cover the regular Wheeling jobbing district, The mill is operated by steam power and railroad facilities are of the best. As the firm con- trols the jobbing trade in the county, it oc- cupies a leading and independent position. Its managers are men of ability and relia- bility and enjoy the confidence of the public to the fullest extent.

A. T. STEWART was born and reared in Jefferson County, Ohio, but has resided at Bellaire ever since the organization of the present business. Prior to that he had en- gaged in a mercantile line, and conducted a general store at Toronto, Ohio, several years. In young manhood he went to Vicks- burg, and spent two years there in a job- bing business just before locating in Bel- laire. Ilis residence is on Belmont street. Ilis family consists of three children, as fol- lows: A. Mack, who is storekeeper for the National Steel Company at Bellaire; and Roberta L. and William, who are at home. Mrs. Stewart is deceased. Mr. Stewart has at various times been interested in business enterprises in the city and has been a mem- ber of the Board of Education. His re- ligious connection is with the Presbyterian Church.

D. A. WARD has been a resident of Bel- laire since 1879, when he formed his part- nership with Mr. Stewart. He was born in 1850, near Steubenville, Ohio, and in 1876 went to Toronto, Ohio, and there engaged in a milling business, He was reared on a farm and was given a good common school

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education, which fitted him for a business career in which he has been so successful. lle married Ella M. Stewart, a sister of his partner, and his three children are: Frankie, bookkeeper for the firm; Amy and Donald. Mr. Ward built a handsome home in the Fourth Ward, and he is a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Bellaire. In politics he is a Republican, and, like his part- ner, is held in esteem for his upright busi- ness methods as well as his estimable per- sonal characteristics.

GEORGE COOKE, attorney-at-law, and ex-city solicitor of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, is a son of James and Jane ( Mc- Cracken) Cooke, natives of Harrison County, Ohio, and residents of New Athens, of the same county.

James Cooke has followed the occupation of a farmer all his life and is today numbered among the county's well-to-do, substantial cit- izens, who is known throughout the surround- ing county. He has been township trustee for some twelve of fourteen years, has always been alert in politics, and is a Democrat. He and his family prefer the doctrines of the Unit- ed Presbyterian Church, of which he is a prom- inent member and trustee also.

Our subject is the third in a family of five children: W. M., who is a carpenter and contractor at New Athens, Ohio; Agnes M., who is now Mrs. J. B. Patton, of New Athens; George, our subject; Margaret F., still living in the home circle; Rev. Robert Parks, a grad- uate of Franklin College, Ohio.

George Cooke was educated in the common schools, afterward taking a course in Franklin College, and completing it through the junior year. Hle read law with George Duncan after this and was finally admitted to the bar in 1894, and began practice in his own name. He has practiced in all the courts of the State and in the Supreme Court and is considered one of the rising young attorneys of the county. In 1899 lie was elected city solicitor of Martin's Ferry with a majority of three to one in a locality

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 74

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