Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 87

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 87

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Joseph B. Montgomery, the father of our subject, was born in Benwood, Marshall County, (West) Virginia, in 1844. In his early years he followed a coopering business, machinery which at present does all that line of work not having been invented. He was so occupied until his enlistment, in 1864, in the 5th Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav., for service in the Civil War. Mr. Montgomery took part in the Atlanta campaign under Sherman, went with the army to the sea and participated in the review at Washington, where he was dis- charged in October, 1865, having served al- most two years. Upon his return to his home, he resumed his trade, at which he worked un- til his marriage, in 1868. He then purchased a farm in Marshall County and followed the life of an agriculturist for 15 years. In 1884 he removed to Martin's Ferry and erected the first business house in that part of the city known as "The Orchard," this building be- ing the one now occupied by his son. Mr. Montgomery thoroughly identified himself with that part of the city. In 1887 he was elected a member of the School Board and during one term was its president. In 1888 he was elected a member of the City Council from the Third Ward and served in that body for three terms, during two of which he was its president.

On May 7, 1868, Mr. Montgomery was mar- ried to Margaret Elizabeth Caswell, who was born March 7, 1849, in Massachusetts, a daughter of Robert and Roanna Caswell, both natives of the same State, who migrated to (West) Virginia in 1852. Mr. Caswell was born May 12, 1818, and his wife May 23,

1818, and the former died in 1854, at the age of 36, and the latter June 25, 1871, at the age of 53 years. Mrs. Montgomery was the young- est of three children, and is the only survivor. She had two brothers. Josiah, who followed his father's trade of nailer, lived to be 33 years of age. On January 1, 1864, he froze his feet so seriously that he suffered throughi the remainder of his life from this injury. He married the sister of J. B. Montgomery. The second brother, Elijah, was also a nailer by trade. He married Anna Trainer, daughter of Rev. Thomas Harvey Trainer, of the Meth- dist Episcopal Church at Wheeling. Mrs. Montgomery was long a consistent member of this religious body in this locality and is now connected with the Emory Methodist Church at Pittsburg, of which city she is a resident. J. B. Montgomery was trustee and a member of the board of stewards of the Methodist Church at Martin's Ferry and gave freely of his time and money to further its interests. Ile was of a sunny nature, very genial and companionable, true to every trust and a most loyal and patriotic citizen. His loyalty was tested at a time and in a State which gave meaning to the word patriotism. Mr. Mont- gomery died October 16, 1899.

Robert C. Montgomery was educated in the schools of Marshall County and later took a business course in Frasher's Business College, at Wheeling. Upon completing his school days, April 1, 1884, he entered his father's grocery store at Martin's Ferry, and was taken into partnership in 1895, the firm style becom- ing J. B. Montgomery & Son. His father re- tired from the business in 1899, since which time the business has been conducted under the name of R. C. Montgomery. Mr. Mont- gomery is the older of two children, his brother Howard D. being a successful attorney in Pittsburg. Mr. Montgomery, through his long experience, has become thoroughly posted on the grocery trade and conducts a first-class store, dealing largely in fresh fruits and veg- etables as well as choice canned goods. llis stock is displayed in a very attractive manner, his business receives his individual attention,

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and he counts among his patrons the most ex- acting trade of the city.

On March 27, 1895, Mr. Montgomery was united in marriage with Rose B. Maxwell, a native of West Virginia, who is a daughter of John D. Maxwell and a member of the follow- ing family: Maggie, who is Mrs. Ross Lake; Alexander O., James P., George D. and Ed- ward, all residing on the Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery a family of three children has been born, namely : Elizabeth L., Joseph B. and Robert M. The religious connection of the family is with the Methodist Church. Mr. Montgomery is valued in various business ac- tivities of the city and has just been elected a trustee of the Electric Light Company. In fraternal association, he belongs to the K. of P., Uniform Rank, and is captain of Ohio City Company, No. 48, and has passed through all the chairs in the order; he also belongs to the Maccabees. In political sentiment he is an ardent Republican and has served as delegate to county conventions. He is a charter mem- ber of the Vigilant Hose Company.

JOHN E. TIMBERLAKE, a substantial farmer and well-known citizen of Belmont County, which has been his home for many years, was born in Morgan (now Noble) County, Ohio, in August, 1838, a son of Nel- son and Hannah ( Lyons) Timberlake, the latter of whom was of Pennsylvania birth and of Scotch-Irish ancestry.

Nelson Timberlake was born near St. Clairs- ville, being a son of William Timberlake, who was a teacher in the night schools of St. Clairs- ville, in the early days. The mother of Nelson Timberlake was, before marriage, Miss John- son, and a sister to the well-known Richard M. Johnson. In his earlier years Nelson Timber- lake worked in mills and followed a carpenter and wagon-making business, but later pur- chased a small farm and there died at the com- paratively early age of 42 years, when our sub- ject was eight years old, while his wife sur- vived many years, dying in 1884, at the age of

72 years. The children born to these parents were eight in number, two of whom died young. The others were as follows: Warren T., of Virginia; Amanda ( Mrs. Clethero), of Nebraska; Alice, a teacher in Iowa, married and later died there; Priscilla died in Noble County ; William H. died or was probably killed during the Civil War, having been ap- pointed provost marshal by Governor Fletcher just at the close of the war and was sent on the trail of the James boys and other desper- adoes; and John E.

John E. Timberlake attended school in Noble County and assisted the family in early man- hood, prior to entering the service of his coun- try. On June 24, 1861, he enlisted in Com- pany 11, 25th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served during the stormiest part of the Civil War, giving three years of his life to the cause and suffering for an entire year from a very serious wound in the arm, received at Chancellorsville. Upon his return, he entered Mount Union Col-

lege, where lie pursued his studies for a time, and then located in Washington township, Belmont County, in 1865, and engaged in farming, an occupation he has successfully pur- sued ever since. Mr. Timberlake is one of the really good farmers of this locality, prac- tical and progressive, and his fine farm of 140 acres, with its valuable improvements, testi- fies to his agricultural ability.

Mr. Timberlake married Orpha Adaline Lindsey, who was born in Washington town- ship, Belmont County, October 13, 1848, and was a daughter of George Lindsey, one of the early settlers of this locality. She was the youngest of a large family, and died January I, 1902. The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Timberlake were: Florence, the wife of U. G. Conoway of Washington township; Charles E., a graduate of Scio College, an able attor- ney, now practicing law at Bellaire with the firm of Danford & Danford; Mary O., the wife of Everett E. Workman, a mail carrier at Bellaire; Nannie, the wife of City Attorney Cook Danford, of Bellaire; and H. Estella, who resides with her father. Mr. Timberlake and daughter spend a part of the year at the

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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF BELMONT COUNTY,

farm at Crab Apple, and the remainder in Bellaire. In political adherence, Mr. Timber- lake has never wavered since casting his vote for President Lincoln, and has served in a number of township offices with the greatest efficiency. He was a charter member of Hess Post, G. A. R., at Armstrong's Mills, of which he is still a member. Mr. Timberlake is well known and as highly esteemed, his rep- utation being that of a reliable man and repre- sentative citizen. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which de- nomination his wife was also a member.

WILLIAM McNICHOLS, a substantial farmer and most highly esteemed resident of Goshen township, Belmont County, owning one of the most desirable farms of this locality, was born October 23, 1835, in Goshen town- ship.

Joseph McNichols, his father, was one of the best known and most respected citizens of the township. He died in 1892 at the age of 84 years. For 27 years he had followed the trade of gunsmith, on his farm, south of Belmont, in addition to operating a large property. He was a man well known for his integrity and for his stanch adherence to the Republican party. His first marriage was to Charity Newsom, a daughter of Jordan Newsom, a staid and most respected Friend, who left his home in North Carolina and entered land in Ohio, wishing to live and rear his family in a Free State. llis wife belonged to the old Morris family of South Carolina. Mr. Newsom was one of the first settlers in the township and built the brick house which our subject now occupies, but he was killed prior to its completion. Our sub- ject bought the farm in 1864, and has resided here since the spring of 1865. Although the old mansion was erected over 80 years ago, it is fairly well preserved, and an observant eye can see the print of the trowel on the mortar at the present time. It evidently was no con- tract work. Our subject's mother died 42 years ago, and his step-mother resides at Bethesda. A

family of four children was reared to maturity, and five others died young,-Isaac, Joseph H., Asa and two daughters. Those who were reared were: William, Mary, Thomas C., and Sarahı A. Mary was born in 1838 and mar- ried Elmore Phillips. They lived on her fa- ther's farm for some years, later moved to the farm of Mr. Phillips' father, and later bought a farm at Mount Olivet, where Mrs. Phil- lips died 34 years ago. Mr. Phillips moved to Harrison County, Ohio, where he now lives. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are as follows: Josephine, who married Oscar Hibbs, who has been in business at Piedmont for some years; Alonzo C., a resident of Northern Ohio; Ida B. and Jessie E., all having been wards of their uncle, William. Thomas C. McNichols resides at Bethesda, owns a farm south of Belmont, one in Indiana, and is a surveyor and an unusually fine mathematician. Sarah never married and resides most com- fortably at Bethesda.

Mr. McNichols was reared on the farm and was educated in the common schools. At the age of 22 he was imited in marriage to Nancy J. Russell, a daughter of Samuel Russell; she was born and reared in this vicinity, a member of one of the oldest families. She lived to the age of 62 years, dying June 19, 1902, a most estimable, Christian wife and mother. The nine living children of our subject are: Stephen, who is a traveling salesman, married Laura White, has one son, Myron, and resides at Mor- ristown; Emma, who married John Murphy, a merchant at Bethesda, and has these chil- dren,-Viola, Oscar, Dorothy and Orville: Viola, who married Lincoln H. Thrall, who is in the cigar business at Bethesda, and they have two children .- Gail and Faye; Frank, who is in business with Mr. Thrall, married Hattie Patterson and they have three children,- Artie, Gertrude and Myrtle; Charles, who is a farmer, imarried; and Ross, Mary Alice, Jo- seph and Ella, who are at home. William died at the age of 21 years. The children are attendants at the Baptist Church. Mr. Me Nichols has always been generous in his support of all moral movements and religions

JACOB HEATHERINGTON.

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bodies, but he has never formally connected himself with any, leaning perhaps to the sim- plicity of belief of his Quakeress mother. Since 1867 he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the local lodge at Barnesville. In politics he has been a life- long Republican, although he has never con- sented to act in any official position.

Mr. McNichols owns 1802 acres of land in Goshen township, situated in sections 32 and 26, which he has devoted to general farming. Formerly he dealt in stock, probably for 27 years, during 13 of which he was in partner- ship with Silas Bailey. On the death of his father, much care and responsibility devolved upon him and for quite a period he was en- gaged in the settling of the estate. Mr. Mc- Nichols stands before his fellow citizens as a man of upright character and peaceable and useful life, and is held in universal esteem.

THE HEATHERINGTON FAMILY has been prominently identified with the coal inter- ests of Belmont County, especially in the vi- cinity of Bellaire, for a number of years, and it is conspicuous not only for wealth and business activity, but also for its public spirit, civic use- fulness and social position.

Jacob Heatherington, a most highly esteemed citizen of this city, and the father of Winfield Scott Heatherington, was born in 1814, in England, and came to America at the age of 14 years with his parents and four brothers, the latter locating in various parts of the country. Mr. Heatherington had no educational ad- vantages in his youth. He followed the occu- pation of "trapper" in the mines near his home in the north of England prior to coming to the United States. His father located at West Wheeling, Ohio, and there conducted a small coal mine, the same now operated by the Brooks Coal Company. Jacob Heatherington came to Bellaire while still young, and soon after became the owner of a lot of eight acres of land, and on that tract the most of his chil- dren were born. ITis first residence, where

three of the children were born, survived the flood of 1832, and the second building stood through the flood of 1852, which demolished so much river property.

In these early days, Mr. Heatherington was closely associated with Captain Fink, and at various times purchased small tracts of land in the valley from Fink, which yearly increased in value and are now largely built upon, compris- ing a very important part of the city of Bellaire.

The foundation of Mr. Heatherington's large fortune was laid in working in the coal mines, and in this connection, notice must be made of an humble member of the family known as "Jack." Inseparably connected with Mr. Heatherington's early and arduous labors was the little black mule called "Jack." As he grew old and died, worn out through 44 years of useful service, the "side-partner," as his af- fectionate and appreciative master denominated him, was given burial in a quiet and shady cor- ner of the estate, while the members of the family grieved as at the loss of a friend. In recognition of a companion who never failed him in days of adversity, Mr. Heatherington, in erecting his palatial mansion in this city, or- dered that a graven image of "Jack" should adorn the keystone over its front door.

Jacob Heatherington first labored in the coal mine which opens near the present residence of Carl L. Dorer, on McMechen's Creek, and later opened a mine just below his residence. A few years after he opened what is known as Belmont No. I, and which is now operated by Albert Heatherington, the son of the former owner. His next enterprise was the opening up of Belmont No. 2, the "River" mine, and this was operated by the family until 1899, when it was sold to the Empire Coal Com- pany, which works it under the same name. It is a most valuable property, and had been operated for 20 years by Winfield Scott Heath- erington and Miss Lyde Heatherington, daugh- ter of the late Alexander Heatherington and niece of Jacob Heatherington. At the close of the Civil War, Mr. Heatherington made a trip to his native land and upon his return brought with him a prominent English architect, who

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planned and built the stately home in South Bellaire, at a cost of $30,000. This home is about the most elaborate residence in the city. The bricks used in its construction were burned upon the estate. This architect while in Ohio was engaged to erect other buildings, the capi- tol at Wheeling being an example of his archi- tecture. The children of Jacob Heatherington were the following: Melinda, John, Alexan- der, Hamden, Martha, Winfield Scott, Wil- bur, Oella, who died in 1894; Albert; and Perky, who died at the age of five years. Of these, Melinda died young. John served three years in the Civil War. He married Amanda Waggoner and their one child, Elmer Ells- worth, is deceased. Alexander died in 1891, aged about 54 years. He married Elizabeth Jones, a native of Belmont County, who re- sides at Bellaire. Four of their children died young, and the four surviving ones are: Lyde, who capably carries on her father's business, in association with her uncle, our subject ; Flora, who married James F. DuBois, a prominent citizen of Bellaire; Jacob, who is a clerk in Bel- laire; and Edwin, who is still in school. Ham- den is a veteran of the Civil War, having served four years, and was mustered out as captain; in 1889, he removed to Noble County, Ohio, where he is engaged in farming. He married Elizabeth Penn, a native of Belmont County, and their one son and three daughters are the following : Jacob, who is married and has two children, lives at Newport News, Vir- ginia, where he is a ship carpenter, in the em- ploy of the government; Olie, who is married, lives at Point Pleasant, West Virginia; Mabel, also married, lives in Indiana ; and Nellie, who is a young lady at home. Martha resides at Bellaire. Wilbur, who was born in 18449, died about 1879, leaving his widow and two chil- dren,-Serena and Oella. Albert, who is mar- ired and resides at Bellaire, has two sons, Will- iam and Jacob, the latter of whom manages the mine known as Belmont No. I. In politics this family has been united in its allegiance to the Republican party. With the exception of John, all of the sons and father have been identified with either the Masonic or Odd Fel-

low fraternities. The Christian Church in this section was largely built by Jacob Heathering- ton, and the family membership has been with that religious body through many years.

Jacob Heatherington's wife was a most esti- mable woman and a devout member of the Christian Church. Her demise was sadly mourned. She died in 1896, aged about So years.

Winfield Scott Heatherington was born near the residence of his father, in South Bellaire, in 1847. At that time his father owned 52 acres of the valuable land along the river, about one-half of which has been sold to the railroads and for choice residence sites. Mr. Heather- ington has operated what is known as the "River" mine, as noted above, his duties be- ing the superintendence of the outside work, while his niece manages the office. Three fine residences are in course of construction, several blocks north of the family home. They are be- ing built by our subject, his brother, John, and Lyde, his niece. Winfield Scott Heather- ington married a daughter of Rudolph Archer, deceased, and to this union were born four sons and two daughters, namely: Howard, who was formerly a miner, but now a glass worker, married Eva Harper, has one child, Eugene, and resides in the First Ward; Orlando, who is also a glass worker, married Miss Rufer and has two sons,-Raymond and Newell; Maud, who married John Rankin, bookkeeper for the Delaplain Dry Goods Company of Wheeling, resides on Wheeling Island, and is the mother of two sons,-Chauncey A. and Ralph H. ; Al- bert, who conducts a large gentlemen's furnish- ing business in Bellaire, a member of the firm of Heatherington & Archer, married Mary Buchanan, and they have one dauhgter, Mil- dred ; Winfield Scott, Jr., who is the master of a vessel and pilot, secured his license on the day he reached his majority, being the young- est pilot then in government waters, married Anna Schramm, and they have one daughter, Grace; and Martha, the youngest, who resides at home.

The Heatherington name has been perpet- uated in many ways in Belmont County, and

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has long been familiar in many circles, most notably in a musical organization, known as the Heatherington Band. It was organized over 60 years ago by William and Jacob Heath- erington, the latter being at that time the drummer. Winfield Scott Heatherington was elected to that rank while still too small to carry his drum, and later conducted the band for some 30 years, being an expert baritone player. His eldest son is also skilled on the same instrument. He resigned this duty to his son in 1887. The band consists of 24 pieces and it is well known all over the county.

JOSEPH T. HANES, prominently identi- fied with the insurance and real estate interests of Belmont County, Ohio, is one of the lead- ing business men of Martin's Ferry and an honored survivor of the Civil War. Mr. Hanes was born at Martin's Ferry, July 7, 1839, and is a son of James and Rebecca ( Had- sell) Hanes, both of whom were natives of Ohio.

James Hanes was a brick and stone contract- or and was born in 1802. He was reared on a pioneer farm in Belmont County, was mar- ried in 1824, and then settled at Burlington, which is the oldest town in this county. The house is still standing, which was the family home until 1835, at which time he built the first dwelling house in Martin's Ferry. His - house and an old warehouse composed Mar- tin's Ferry at that time. Joseph McCleary built the chimney of the house. He later be- came an attorney and practiced law in Martin's Ferry until his death. This house, a two-story brick, is still standing on the corner of 3rd and Clay streets, in a good state of preservation. James Hanes was a man of ability and rare judgment. He held many public offices and was universally respected. He traveled all over the county in the interests of Dodge's patent grate, and became well known in every neighborhood. In 1846 he commenced a mar- ble business, continuing in that until his death. Many of his monuments may be noted in the

cemeteries through Belmont and adjacent counties. Mr. Hanes was always enthusiastic over the possibilities of Martin's Ferry as a manufacturing center, and its later develop- ment has justified his claims, although he was not permitted to see more than the awakening of its commercial activity. His death took place on Christmas Day, 1862, at the time when his son, our subject, was marching to the battle of Stone River, which was fought on January 2, 1863. His widow survived until July 13, 1889, dying at the age of 87 years. She had been a life-long member of the Methodist Church, was a real "mother in Israel," and as she lived immediatly across the street from the church building, many of the class meetings and social organizations were held in her house. There the itinerant preacher always found a warm welcome. She was a woman of much fortitude, of most love- ly, motherly, Christian character. She and her husband are recalled as most worthy types of the Ohio pioneers, whose sober lives did much to encourage temperance and morality during the early days. Their memories will long be cherished.

Joseph T. Hanes was the sixth member of a family of eight children born to his parents, the others being as follows: Lucinda R., born in 1827, married William Edgington and lives at Martin's Ferry; Josephine married Daniel Long, and died in 1898, at the age of 68, a worthy member of the Methodist Church; Martha has always remained in the old home, performing household duties, writing during the war the welcome letters, and living the sweet, quiet existence of a pious and worthy woman; Elizabethi married Wesley A. Jones, who died, a soldier, in the hospital at Evans- ville, Indiana-her daughter, Estella, is the widow of Ephraim Hanes; Minerva is the widow of Alexander Rose and resides at Fair- mont, West Virginia; Anna E., who married R. C. Melson, lives in the old home ; James C. is a stove molder in a foundry at Mansfield, Ohio.

The early education of our subject was nec- essarily obtained in the school house of his

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locality, which was the old log house on Lo- cust street, between 2nd and 3rd, now made use of by a foundry for the storage of flasks. In 1854 the first union school in this part of the State was built, containing eight rooms, lo- cated on the site where the stately Central School building now stands. The latter is the third school building erected on the same spot. At the time of the building of the union school, our subject was ready for high school, and he continued at his books until 1857, during the winters; his summers during these latter years were employed with his father in the marble shop. He continued to work . at marble cutting until 1862, when he went to Pittsburg and there enlisted in a regiment of heavy artillery, but the regiment proved already complete, so lie re- turned home and on September 11, 1862, en- listed in Company G, 15th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and soon his regiment was hurried to the front. His first battle was at Stone River, and on the first day the regiment was surprised while at breakfast, and although the soldiers of the command fought bravely, some were captured, several were killed and the artillery was captured, our subject being one of the prisoners taken. lle was sent to Libby Prison at Ricluuond, where he was kept two months and was then exchanged and joined his regi- ment at Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He escaped none of the horrors which prevailed at the in- famous Richmond prison, but congratulated himself that it lasted but two long months. From April until June 15th, the regiment re- inained near Murfreesboro, and then started out on the Tullahoma campaign. Three days after General Rosecrans succeeded in ontflanking General Bragg, and during the summer cam- paign of 1863, Chattanooga was taken and the Union forces remained there encamped until September. The battle of Chickamauga took place on September 19th, and after fighting through that terrible Friday, Saturday and Sunday, our subject was again taken prisoner. The facts were these: Darkness fell that Sun- day night while fighting was still going on, and the hospitals were being filled with the

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Centennial history of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 87

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