USA > Ohio > Belmont County > Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 75
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pronounced Republican, and in the second election in 1900 lie carried all the wards of the city, with the exception of one. He has served in the office for three years, showing his fine of- ficial capacity. Ile has been deputy supervisor of elections in Belmont County for four years, and has also been a member of the Republican County Executive Committee, taking a lively interest in politics. .
April 30, 1902, Mr. Cooke was united in mar- riage with Lena F. Mckay, a native of Dela- ware, Ohio, and a daughter of John McKay, now deceased. They are members of the Unit- ed Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Cooke has been secretary of the congregation for years. In fraternal circles our subject is a member of the K. of P. and has passed through most of the chairs; a member of the Bellaire Lodge of Elks; and also of the A. O. U. W. fraterni- ty. Mr. Cooke is one of the stirring speakers on the Democratic side in county and national campaigns ; he is a faithful student, well read, and stands deservedly high in the estimation of all.
HON. JOHN W. KENNON. One of the well-known and honored names in Belmont County, Ohio, is that of Kennon, representing large landed interests as well as social and po- litical prominence. A most worthy and es- teemed member of this family is found in Hon. John W. Kennon, who resides upon a fine es- tate within one mile of the city of Barnesville.
The birth of Mr. Kennon occurred in Ire- land, in 1812, a year of historic interest in the annals of America, and was one of a family of seven children born to Newall and Jane ( Wil- son) Kennon, the latter. of whom died in her native Ireland, in 1819. In 1821, the father of our subject, with his seven motherless chil- dren, left his excellent farm in Ireland, where he had prospered as long as he had been cheered and supported by the presence of his devoted wife; emigrating to America, he made his first permanent settlement in Warren town- ship, Belmont County, Ohio, where he pur- chased 1,000 acres of land, paying for this
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large tract the sum of $10,000. In those carly days the land was yet covered with its virgin growth of timber. In order to have the land quickly cleared and put under cultivation, Mr. Kennon hired various parties to undertake this business, leasing to each for seven years, free of charge, the contract being that they were to clear 21 acres. A man of excellent business faculty, he lived to see many changes wrought by his plans. He died in 1863, at the advanced age of 91 years.
John W. Kennon grew to the age of eight years in his native county, Down, Ireland, at that age accompanying his father to America. His education was obtained in an old log school house near his home, in company with the children of other pioneer families, and he was reared to agricultural pursuits, for which he has never lost a taste. At the beginning of the Grange movement, he became interested and during his later legislative career fur- thered in every way in his power those laws tending to be of advantage to the farming com- munity. Successfully operating a large estate, he also became a leader in public matters and on more than one occasion, on account of the reliability of his character, was selected to serve as a United States juror, at Cincinnati. Dur- ing the winters of 1868 and 1869, he served as a Representative in the State Legislature, and he was appointed one of the committee to select the site of the State Reform School for Girls, the same being now a credit to White Sulphur Springs, Delaware County, Ohio.
On November 7, 1851, Mr. Kennon was united in marriage with Eliza DuBois, and ten children were born to this union, as follows: Jane W., Josephine, Mary E., J. Newall, Ag- nes. Thomas J., William II., Anna E., Robert R., and George W., the two last named being deceased. Mary E. married Daniel Crawford, who died in February, 188.1. Josephine mar- ried E. T. Parker, who died in February, 1896. Agnes married John C. Buchanan. Anna E. married Frank J. Beaston, a manufacturer of Philadelphia. Thomas J. married Clara M. Beaston of Philadelphia where they reside. William II. married Zetta Eccleston, and they
reside in Cleveland. J. Newall resides with his aged parents. In 1875, Mr. Kennon erected a handsome residence on his estate just one mile north of Barnesville. A discovery of oil was made on his farm, resulting in a productive well and the drilling of a second, this also promising to be satisfactory. Mr. Kennon and family belong to the Presbyterian Church. He is most highly regarded in this vicinity as i ot only one of the most substantial but also as one of the most upright and public-spirited citizens of Belmont County.
BENJAMIN F. MUMMA, one of Warren township's progressive farmers, belonging to one of the old and honored families of the State, was born in Kirkwood township, Bel- mont County, September 9, 1849, one of a family of seven children born to Daniel and Elizabeth ( Sheppard) Mimma, five of whom still survive.
Daniel Mumma was also a native of Kink- wood township, born there in 1817, one of 1 family of four children who were born on bi: father's farm. Through a long life filled with. meritorious deeds, he passed out of it in Sep- tember, 1899.
Benjamin F. Mumma attended the schools of Kirkwood township, and remained there until 1876, when he removed to Warren township where he purchased his present fine farm. This comprises too acres in section 12, in Warren township, which is now under the management of Joseph W. Murphy, our sub- jeet's very capable son-in-law, who was born November 15, 1868, in Kirkwood township, one of a family of ten children born to his par- ents, Lafayette and Tacy J. (Sudduth) Mur- phy.
Benjamin F. Mumma was married January 1. 1877. to Armintha Taylor, a daughter of Rev. Abijah Taylor, of Kirkwood township. Four children were born to this. marriage, Emsley, deceased : Hattie L., who married J. W. Murphy, on May 10, 1900; Charles R. and Linnic. The religious association of the family
J. HARRY McDONALD.
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is with the Methodist Church. In political sen- timent, Mr. Munma is most in sympathy with the Prohibition party. Much interested in agricultural development, he belongs to the Grange and furthers all movements looking to the protection as well as advancement of the farmers' interests. For three years he served as school director, his excellent judgment and deep and intelligent interest making him a valuable acquisition on the board. He lives retired from business activity, enjoying the fruits of his land, and the companionship and affection of his family.
J. HLARRY McDONALD, superintend- ent of the Bessemer department for the Na- tional Steel Company in their extensive plant at Bellaire, Ohio, is one of the best- known and most successful business men of the city. Hle efficiently fills a position of grave responsibility. Since the summer of 1884 he has been a resident of Bellaire, and closely identified with the great corporation noted above, although he had been con- nected with the steel business in Braddock, Pennsylvania, since 1876.
The birth of Mr. McDonald took place in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, one of a family of 15 children born to Patrick and Christiana McDonald, the former of whom came to Bellaire in 1888, in the steel in- dustry, but who now is a resident of Youngs- town, Ohio. Our subject's sisters reside near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, while the sur- viving sons are located as follows: Thomas, Joseph, Lewis and William are all connected with the steel business in Youngstown; Charles is connected with the iron business at Duquesne, Pennsylvania; Isaac is in the same business at Homestead; Samuel is con- nected with the Tennessee Coal & Iron Company in Alabama; Francis D. is con- nected with the Republic Steel & Tion Com- pany at Youngstown; and Robert, who lives in Bellaire, Ohio.
Our subject was educated in the common
schools of Allegheny County and began his work in the steel industry when about 20 years of age. His industrial schooling was of the most practical character, and its re- sults are seen in the present responsible po- sition filled with so much success. It has been by firm determination and constant, painstaking effort that our subject has grad- ually risen from his-first humble position to the present one.
The marriage of Mr. McDonald was to a daughter of Joseph Wood, who was a former resident of Bellaire, but now lives in Cam- bridge. Mrs. McDonald was reared and ed- ucated in Bellaire. The two children born to this union are J. Wood and Harry Eu- gene. The family home is located at No. 4139 Harrison street, in a handsome resi- dence erected in 1902 by Mr. McDonald. The fraternal connections of our subject are with Bellaire Lodge, No. 267, F. & A. M .; Chapter No. 107, R. A. M .; and Hope Com- mandery, No. 26, of St. Clairsville, Ohio. and Black Prince Lodge, No. 57, Knights of Pythias, of Bellaire, Ohio. Mr. McDonald is one of the trustees of the First Presby- terian Church of Bellaire. His political affiliation is with the Republican party.
By a former union Mr. McDonald has a daughter, Lulu M., who married Thomas McGowan, of Bellaire, Ohio.
THOMPSON M. WELLS. M. D., a prom- inent physician and surgeon who has resided in Bellaire, Ohio, since 1886, was born in 1853, on what is now the site of the Diamond Mill, at Bridgeport, and he was reared at Martin's Ferry.
The parents of Dr. Wells were Henry and Margaret ( McConahey ) Wells, the former of whom followed the trade of blacksmith until 1859, after which time he conducted a foundry at Martin's Ferry. He came to Belmont Con- ty in 1822, from Philadelphia, where he was born, and where his father also was a black- smith. The MeConahey family of which Dr.
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Wells' mother was a member was one of the pioneer ones of Belmont County. She died when our subject was small, and he, with his brothers, was reared by her sister, who was born in Belmont county in 1805. Her brother, Dr. James McConahey, was younger than she, and his son George conducts a country store on the Martin's Ferry & Mount Pleasant Pike. Dr. Wells' father died January 2, 1890, aged 75 years.
Dr. Wells was one of three sons who were so early bereft of their mother, namely: Dr. Levi C., HI. E. and our subject. Dr. Levi C. is a practicing physician at Cambridge, Ohio. H. E. was engaged in the drug business for many years with a Mr. Dent, at Bridgeport, Ohio, but on account of failing health he purchased a farm near by and died May 14, 1893, his wife having passed away the year previously.
Dr. Wells had many educational advantages. In the fall of 1860 he entered Franklin Col- lege and later attended medical lectures at Philadelphia, graduating from Hahnemann Medical College on March 10, 1875, at the age of 22 years. He began his practice, in the school of homeopathy, at Baresville, Monroe County, Ohio, in 1875 and continued there un- til his location in Bellaire in 1886. His home and office are located at No. 3467 Guernsey street, and he has enjoyed a large and lucra- tive practice.
The marriage of Dr. Wells was to a daugh- ter of R. B. Smith, of Mount Pleasant, Ohio, the latter being a boyish comrade of Dr. Wells' father. Four children were born to this mar- riage, namely : Ilelen, who died August 12, 1895, aged 19 years and six months; Mabel, now Mrs. Way, whose husband is a messenger on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- way, and a son of Dr. Way, of Woodsfield, Ohio; Malcolm M., who is a graduate of the Elliott school and the Bellaire High School, is well known in football circles, and although but 24 years old. is yardmaster of the tracks of the United States Steel Corporation's mill at Bellaire, and lives at home; and Palma, who is yet a student. For 22 years Dr. Wells has been a Mason and both he and his son
Malcolm belong to the Bellaire blue lodge and the chapter. ITis father was the first elder in the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church, away back in 1841-42, and the Doctor still adheres to the religions principles in which he was reared. He is a member of the Ohio Valley Homeopathic Medical Association. In person our subject is built in generous mold, weighing some 300 pounds. It has been said by some of his grateful patients, that a visit from the jovial, pleasant physician, with his vitality and good cheer, does more good than pills or potions. This may be one secret of the Doctor's unusual success and popularity ..
DAVID COSS, a well-known business man of Martin's Ferry, Belmont County, Ohio, has his place of business at No. 411 Walnut street, and deals extensively in paints, oils, varnishes, dye stuffs, etc. Ile also buys powder by the car load and sells dynamite in both large and small quantities. He is a native of Mar- tin's Ferry, was born January 7, 1859, and is a son of Harrison and Mary J. ( Linn) Coss.
Harrison Coss was very well known and es- teemed during his life, and followed the occu- pation of a brick-layer, taking contracts, etc., and doing work principally on dwellings. He was united in marriage with Mary J. Linn, who is still an honored resident of Martin's Ferry, her home for many years. She was born in 1830 and bore her husband eight chil- dren. Her husband was a through-and- through Republican and served as council- man for several years with much satisfaction to all. Hle departed this life November 6, 1900, on the day on which President McKin- ley and Vice-President Roosevelt were elected to office. Mrs. Coss has been a life-long mem- ber of the M. E. Church, and is a great worker in religious movements, The names of her children are as follows: William 11., Rena, David, our subject : Addison, Clara, Delora, Herman, and Frank, who like his father before him is a brick-layer by occupation and makes his home in Martin's Ferry. Herman is a
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blacksmith in the American Tin Plate Mill at Martin's Ferry; Delora married W. E. Thomas, a worker in the mill and lives in Zanesville, Ohio; William H. and Addison are employed as blacksmiths at the Laughlin Mill in Martin's Ferry,-the former has been twice married, having been united with Sallie Cham- bers, and later with Maggie Sweeney; the lat- ter married Mary Blakemore.
David Coss was educated in the schools of his native city and afterward found a posi- tion as clerk in a grocery store where he worked until he had mastered painting, the trade which he subsequently followed for twelve or fifteen years until 1893. At the end of that year he embarked in business as a paint and oil dealer, and by honesty and fair dealing has built up a first rate patronage and trade, and is ranked among the foremost business men of the city.
Mr. Coss has never married. He is a Re- publican of decided opinions as was his father, and takes much interest in politics. In fra- ternal circles he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and has passed through all the chairs ; and also affiliates with the Junior Order of United American Mechanics.
From 1896 until 1900, Mr. Coss served with credit as city treasurer. and has gained the confidence and trust of the public by his faith- fulness to duty and his prompt and active methods. He is a stockholder in the German Savings Bank.
GEORGE L. SPENCE, president of the Stanton Heater Company, director in the Peo- ple's Savings Bank, stockholder in the First Na- tional Bank of Bridgeport, director and vice- president of the Fidelity Savings & Loan Company and director in the Spence-Baggs Stove Company, of Martin's Ferry, is one of the leading business men of the Ohio Valley.
Mr. Spence is an Ohio product, born in Mar- tin's Ferry, on November 11, 1866, a son of Lavosier and Elizabeth (Dakan) Spence, the former of whom was born in Jefferson Comity and the latter in Belmont County, in the same
State. Lavosier Spence was born to parents who lived in an unassuming way, in a cabin on a rented farm in Mount Pleasant township, Jefferson County, on January 14, 1829, and like the majority of self-made men attained his present position as a capitalist, by climbing up a hill of toil. His educational advantages were meager indeed and he just simply went to work and kept at it through youth and manhood ; his struggles developed his character as well as his mental and physical being. From being a good carpenter he developed into an excellent machinist, and in 1857 he began the making of threshing machines in Martin's Ferry, and ten years later made engines, continuing the busi- ness until 1899. Mr. Spence was one of the original builders of the old Aetna and Standard iron and steel companies' works, and was a di- rector in both companies until they went into the combination in 1899. In 1873 he went into the manufacture of stoves, continuing alone until 1874, when he admitted several gentle- men into partnership, the firm name thus be- coming Spence, Baggs & Co., which oper- ated successfully until 1900 when the present firm of the Spence-Baggs Stove Co. was incorporated. This company is yearly expand- ing and growing more prosperous.
In 1890 the thresher and engine plants which our subject's father established were nierged into the Riverside Bridge Company, Mr. Spence still retaining an interest. He is also a director in the Stanton Heater Company, is president of the People's Savings Bank and vice-president of the First National Bank of Bridgeport, Ohio.
Mr. Spence is financially interested in other manufacturing enterprises in Martin's Ferry. For years he has been one of the most enter- prising men of the city, ready to promote its best interests. Mr. Spence owns one of the handsomest residences in Martin's Ferry, which is situated on a bluff commanding a fine view of the hills and the river. He delights in his home, in his family and friends and is proud and hopeful regarding the future of this city. ITe has been identified with minch of the im- provement in this section.
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On August 20, 1857, Mr. Spence was mar- ried to Elizabeth Dakan who came to Martin's Ferry in 1854. Two sons were born to this union, namely: John D. and George L. John D. Spence was born on November 3, 1862, and died August 6, 1895. Hle married Texa Ar- nett, who was a native of Wheeling, who died in 1889, at the age of 24 years, leaving two children, Elizabeth D. and Grover L.
George L Spence received many educational advantages. Finishing his primary education in the lower grades in Martin's Ferry, he en- tered the High School, graduating from that institution in 1886 and then entered the Ohio State University at Columbus. In 1887, when in the sophomore year, he left the college in order to enter into the thresher and engine manufacturing business in which he was made a partner in 1890, continuing as such until 1899 when he assisted in the incorporation of the Stanton Heater Company and raised the funds to put it on a safe basis. Like his fath- er, Mr. Spence has an unusual degree of busi- ness ability and is interested in many of the leading enterprises in this locality and is fore- most in all public movements tending to the prosperity and advancement of Martin's Ferry. He is interested and still a director in the Spence-Baggs Stove Company; he helped to organize the Belmont Brick Company and was a director in that company for some seven years; is a stockholder in the First National Bank in Bridgeport; and in 1887 was one of the organizers and has been a director and the vice-president of the Fidelity Savings & Loan Company since. Mr. Spence was one of the original organizers of the Y. M. C. A. and served for two years as its president.
On October 12, 1892, Mr. Spence was mar- ried to Flora A. McCord, a native of Martin's Ferry and a daughter of C. G. and Anna Mc- Cord, residents of the same city. For the past 20 years Mr. McCord has been in the brick business and is a member of the brick firm of McCord Brothers, of Martin's Ferry, Ohio. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Spence, Emma A. and Gertrude E. The religions connection of the family is with the
Baptist Church, in which body Mr. Spence has efficiently filled all the positions accorded to a layman. Ilis support is liberal and both he and his wife find inch enjoyment in further- ing its usefulness. Politics do not appeal to Mr. Spence, and he confines his activity to local affairs. Ile is justly ranked high in business circles and his integrity and justice in dealing with others is only equated by his display of engaging qualities in private life.
HON. WILLIAM F. SMITH, a citizen of St. Clairsville, Ohio, is judge of the Pro- bate Court of Belmont County, in which capacity he has served with honor and credit since 1896. He was born on a farm near Chester Hill, in Morgan County, Ohio, June 5. 1854, and is a son of David and Mary (Foulke) Smith, who were members of the Society of Friends and both natives of Ohio. llis mother died when he was four years old. Ilis father, now past 75 years of age, is liv- ing on the old home farm near Chester Hill.
Judge Smith attended boarding school at Westtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania, graduating from there in 1875. He later went to Haverford College in Pennsylvania, from which institution he graduated in the summer of 1877. Ile then went to McCon- nelsville, Ohio, and commenced the study of law in the office of Pond & Foulke, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1870. Ile tanght school for a number of years while acquiring his education.
Ile was married June 23, 1880, to Mary Blanche Pond, only daughter of his former preceptor, Col. Francis B. Pond, and Eliza A. (Corner) Pond. Colonel Pond was colonel of the 6end Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., in the War of the Rebellion, and was later Attorney General of the State of Ohio Judge Smith and his wife soon after their marriage located at Barnesville, Ohio, where he commenced the practice of law, and con- tinned there in successful practice until 1806. when he was elected to the office of Probate
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JOHN SCHICK.
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judge on the Republican ticket, since which time he has resided in St. Clairsville. Ile was re-elected by an increased majority in 1899. He has always taken an active in- terest in politics in support of the principles of the Republican party.
Judge Smith and his family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In secret orders he is an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias, and a Mason. Judge Smith and his wife are the parents of two children: Harold D., who is attending the public school in St. Clairsville, and Frances E., a daughter, who is now a junior in Lake Erie College at Painesville, Ohio.
JOHN SCHLICK, for many years a promi- nent coal operator, residing at Bellaire, Ohio, was born in Germany in 1845, and is a son of Martin Schick.
Martin Schick came to the United States in 1847, first locating in Baltimore for 12 years, then in Wheeling two years, when he came to Bellaire. He was for a number of years immigrant agent for the B. & O. R. R., having charge of immigrants for the West, directing them across the river and placing them on proper trains and routes for theif destinations. He conducted the Eagle ITouse for several years, and also owned a farm west of Bellaire, upon which the miners' shanties are now built. For two years hic followed the coal business. He died in 188r. He was a well-known man in this vicinity and on the railroad between Balti- more and Columbus. ITe and his wife had the following children: Mrs. Lena Miller; Mrs. Joseph Cleaver; John; Angust, who was in partnership with John for many years; Andrew; George; Fred; Mrs. Lonise Clouse; Anna Schempf, deceased; Mrs. C. A. Smith; and Frances, deceased. Those living are residents of Bellaire.
John Schick was two years old when his parents moved to this country, and received liis educational training in the Fifth Ward
School at Wheeling, and in a school in Bel- laire located where the C. & P. R. R. depot now stands. In 1858 he went to Richmond, Virginia, where he spent two years as ap- prentice at the tinners' trade, then returned home and entered the employ of George W. Johnson at Wheeling, and later of Thomas Medford at Bellaire. Be- cause he was under age, he ran away from home and enlisted in Company A, 43rd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., serving from January IT, 1862, until July 13, 1865, being in Sher- man's army. He was never sick a day, and, in fact, gained in health during his service. Returning to Bellaire, he resumed the tin- ning trade, which he followed until 1880, since which time he has engaged mainly in looking after his various properties. He owns three business buildings and eight resi- dences in Bellaire, besides having other busi- ness interests. He is a director and stock- holder of the Novelty Stamping Company, which he helped to promote and build; di- rector of the Farmer's & Merchant's Bank; stockholder in the Mason ITeater Company and the Imperial Glass Company. In 1877 he and his brother August formed a partner- ship in the coal business, and until recently operated the mine one mile and a half west of Bellaire, on the B. & O. R. R., from which mine coal has been furnished the railroad since before the Civil War. It is one of the oldest mines in the county and was formerly conducted by Jacob Heatherington and his brother. At the present time it is operated by John A., a son of our subject, and M. J .. a son of August Schick, who succeeded their fathers as partners. They employ about 85 men and produce from 5,000 to 8,000 bush- els daily. For the past 17 years our subject has resided at No. 3625 Guernsey street. where he has a fine home, which was built by Alexander DuBois and remodeled by himself.
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