History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 89

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728

USA > Ohio > Jefferson County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 89
USA > Ohio > Belmont County > History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley > Part 89

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Eleanor Brown, October 5, 1843. His business throughout life was farming, and he died August 15, 1854. This farm has been owned by the McMechan family since 1810. On it is supposed to be the highest hill in the county.

DR. JOSEPH M. MITCHELL, son of Henry Mitchell, was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, April 13, 1814, His father was born in the county Down, Ireland, in the year 1787; emigrated to America with the Patton family, with whom he was an appren- tice, in 1801; was a soldier in the war of 1812, served under Col- onel Paull, and was present at Hull's surrender at Detroit. Be- ing an alien, he ran a narrow escape of being hung. In 1838. he began a shoe store in St. Clairsville, and remained in the bus- inessas a dealer and manufacturer until 1855, and died in 1863. Our subject was educated at his native town, and after studying medicine with Dr. Thomas Carroll, attended lectures at the old Pennsylvania University at Philadelphia, in the winters of 1835 and 1836. In the spring 1836 he began the practice of his profession, and in 1839, he embarked in the drug business in St. Clairsville, which he followed for some three years. In May, 1841, he was united in marriage to Lydia Pickering, He served as county treasurer for two years, and acted as resident engineer for five years on the National pike. Removed to his present loca- tion, one mile south of St. Clairsville, in 1855.

HENRY MORGAN was born in Wheeling township, Belmont county, November 19, 1826. His father, Amos Morgan, who was a cabinet maker, emigrated to Wheeling township, Belmont county, from Maryland in 1810; married Catharine Gittinger, February 2, 1826, and for about eight years after his marriage he did an extensive business in cabinet work. He then began farming, but worked some at his trade, however, as long as he lived. In 1867 he removed to where Henry, our subject, now re- sides, about one mile south of St. Clairsville, where he died in 1872. Our subject was educated at Franklin College, Athens, Ohio. After he left college he taught school for three years, since which farming has been his avocation. He married Annie H. Hatcher, February 29, 1872.

JOHN BOYLES was born in Richland township, November 16, 1842. His business has always been that of a quiet farmer, and resides on the farm where his parents located in 1837. His father, Jacob Boyles, was a native of Washington county, Pa., and married Elizabeth Huston. John married Mary McFarland, May 3, 1878. His brother James served in the war of the re- bellion ; enlisted August 39, 1862, in company F, 50th regiment, O. V. I., and died at Lebanon, Ky., November 29, 1862, in the hospital.

JOHN KING SUTTON, son of Zachariah Sutton was born in Richland township, Belmont county, Ohio, November 23, 1823. His early life was spent on the farm; and when twenty years of age he began the carpenter trade. This he continued till 1860, Married Mary J. Wilson, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, February 4, 1864. In October, 1868, Mr. Sutton removed to his present lo- cation, where he has a fine tract of land under good cultivation, most of which is planted in orchards, small fruits, and also a. nursery of about an acre.

RICHARD SUTTON was born in Belmont county, April 14, 1826. His education was obtained at common schools, and when young taught for about two years. Farming has been his avocation throughout life. On the 6th of April, 1848, he married Nancy Harvey. Mr. Sutton removed to where he now resides in 1853, and with but few months exception has always lived in Richland township. His farm of 180 acres is situated on Little MeMa- hon's creek, and is underlaid with coal of a superior quality. Mr Sutton's father, Zachariah, was one of the early settlers of Belmont county.

ELIJAH MCFARLAND, son of William MeFarland, was born in Richland township, Belmont county, February 8, 1833. His business has always been that of farming. Married Jane Gable, September 18, 1856. Ilis grandfather, Wm. MeFarland, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, emigrated to Ohio and located on a quar- ter section, in section 33, Richland township, in about 1807. Ile had a family of five children ; two sons and three daughters. Our subject's father was born in Pennsylvania, and married Charity Sutton, by whom he had seven children, six sons and one daughter; five sons are living. His father died in Septem- ber, 1861. Mr. McFarland resides on a part of the old farm on which his grandfather located in 1807.

254

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

ALEXANDER C. DANFORBS, son of Michael and Mercy Danford, was born in Belmont eonnty. O., November 21. 1831. His edu- cation was obtained at the common schools, and he was reared a farmer. Married Nancy Frost October 2, 1852. and has four children. Mr. Danford was engaged in farming and speenlat- ing in stock until the year 1878, when he was appointed super- intendent of the Belmont County Infirmary, and took charge of the same April 1, of that year.

HENRY DANIEL was born in Union township, Belmont county. August 30, 1826. The names of his parents were Samuel and Sarah Daniel. His father was a native of London connty, Va., removed to Belmont county in 1815, and located in Union town- ship, where he resided for eighteen years, and then removed to where our subject now lives, in Richland township. He united with the Presbyterian church of St. Clairsville in 1835, and by his walk through life fitly exemplified its teachings. His death occurred March 9, 1875, at which time he was in the 95th year ot his age. Henry's education was obtained at common schools, and he was brought up on a farm. Has been twice married ; his first wife, was Phebe A. Pickering, to whom he was united March 5, 1849, and who died March 9, 1854. He then married her sister, Phebe A. Pickering, December 14, 1855. In 1855 he began merchandizing in East Richland, but continued it only a short time. Has been a general trader and speenlator in West- ern lands, &e.

WILLIAM CALDWELL was born in Ireland February 17, 1814. He was the second child of John Caldwell, and when four years of age his parents emigrated to America, crossed the mountains in wagons drawn by oxen, and when they reached Pittsburgh his father took sick and died, leaving his wife and four children to mourn his loss. His wife, in a short time, went to Washing- ton county, Pa., and lived in a cabin for seven years, when she moved to Belmont county, first settling on a farm of 60 acres in Wheeling township, and twelve years afterward bought 214 acres, where Mr. Caldwell now resides. Our subject was mar- ried to Mary Jane Bell, June 2, 1842. He was a director of the Belmont County Infirmary for nine years, He is now the owner of over eight hundred acres of land. His mother died May 10, 1872, at the advanced age of 91 years. Mr. Caldwell's brother was a Presbyterian minister, and died in January, 1872. His sister, Elizabeth, and himself are the only ones left of his mother's family.

DUNHAM M. BERRY was born in Richland township October 23, 1828. His grandfather, John Berry, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Belmont county in 1798, and located on the land now situated in Colerain and Richland townships, and erected his cabin. His nearest neighbor was a Mr. Croy, who lived about one mile distant, and had come one year before him. His wife's father, John Horn, was an officer in the war of the Rev- olution, and came to Belmont county at the same time. Four of his sons, Enoch, John. Samuel and Thomas, served in the war of 1812. Jacob Berry, father of our subject, was born Jan- nary 15, 1797 ; married Miss Jane Martin, a native of New Jer- sey, in about 1818, and died in 1877. Our subjeet married Miss Martha A. Norris September 9, 1852. He is a carpenter by trade, which he follows in connection with farming. His farm consists of 120 acres, and is situated one half mile from St. Clairsville, on the Cadiz pike, where he has lived since 1854.

JOEL ELLIOTT was born in Belmont county, February 14, 1811. He obtained a liberal education at the schools of those days, and when sixteen years of age was sent to St. Clairsville to learn the trade of a saddler under William Wilkins. He served an ap- prenticeship of four years and then came to Loydsville, where he pursued his trade until Angust, 1854. Mr. Elliott then em- barked in the grocery and hardware business, in which he still continues. In 1874 he began the sale of drugs in connection with hardware and groceries. He was appointed postmaster in 1832 and continued as such for three years, being the first of the town; was again appointed in 1840, serving five years, and again obtained the position in 1854, retaining it to the present day. Mr. Elliott has been married twice ; for his first wife he selected Lucinda Vanlaw in the year 1836, who died in 1864. He married for his second wife Julia A. Frasier, September 19, 1866.

ROBERT E. GIFFEN, son of Morrison and Margaret Giffen, was born in Richland township, March 29, 1847. Was well educated in the common schools and followed school teaching for a num- ber of years. On October 8, 1873, he was married to Miss An-

nie M. Bentley. After his marriage he came to his present loea- tion, a farm containing 120 acres. He follows farming and stock raising.

JAMES A. STEWART Was born February 13, 1842. Received his education at the common schools and at Hopedale. Was reared a farmer. On the 10th of February, 1870, he was married to Miss Kate Johnston, of St. Clairsville. Have four children : Margaret E., William B., John B. and Herbert R. Stewart. Re- sides on the farm with his parents.

JOHN E. STEWART was born in Richland township, Belmont county, January 12, 1834. Was educated In the common schools and attended the Franklin College. On September 24, 1860, he married Miss Mary J. Hinkle, of Richland township. On May 10, 1864, he enlisted as a private in the hundred day ser- vice and became a member of company E, of the 167th O. N. G. While on duty he was promoted to corporal. After his mar- riage he resided for awhile in Wheeling township and in 1871, he removed to his present location, situated three miles cast of St. Clairsville.

JOSEPn J. TAGGART, a son of Isaac Taggart, was born in Rich- land township, October 19, 1823. His grandfather was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America in about 1773, loeating in Chester county, Pa., and was a soldier in the revolution. In 1800, with a large family of children he settled in Jefferson county, Ohio, and after remaining a short time he moved to Belmont county. Isaac, the father of our subject was born in Chester county, Pa .; married Miss Margaret McCaughey, and he and his brother served in the war of 1812, in captain Campbell's company for six months. He died at the age of 89 years. Margaret T. Taggart, on aunt of our subject is living with him, and is the last one left of the old family. She is in her 87th year. Our subject received a common school education, and was reared a farmer. On January 6, 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Wells.

WILSON SHANNON TAGGART, a son of John Taggart, was born in Wayne township, Belmont county, November 8, 1848. He received his education at the St. Clairsville schools. He was brought up on a farm and makes farming his business. On Sep- tember 10, 1874, he was married to Miss Elthisa J. Berry. Shortly after his marriage he moved on a part of the old Tag- gart farm, where he remained for three years. He now resides with his father in Richland township.

LEWIS SUTTON, son of Jonathan Sutton, was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, March 31, 1793. In 1807, his parents mi- grated to Westmoreland county, Pa., where they remained two years and then came to Belmont county, locating on a farm of 135 acres, some two miles south of St. Clairsville. His father died on the farm where he had located, in the 80th year of his age, and his mother died in her 90th year, Our subjeet is by trade a wheel-wright. On April 1, 1817, he was married to Miss Eleanor G. Mc Williams, daughter of David McWilliams. In 1844 he moved to the farm on which he now resides, which con - tains 215 aeres, situated three miles east of St. Clairsville, on the national pike. For the last halt century he has followed farm- ing. His son David M. married Miss Mary McMechan, on De- cember 1, 1864. Our subject and family are members of the St. Clairsville Presbyterian church.

JOSEPH HARPER was born in county Down, Ireland, Decem- ber 14, 1800, and when 18 years of age, he, with his uncle and cousin, emigrated to America. For about one year he remained at Philadelphia. In the year 1824, he came to Belmont county on horseback, and located in Colerain township, where he re- mained for five years. From thence he removed to Mt. Pleas- ant, Jefferson county, remaining there some nine years, and from thence to Harrison county, where he lived for fifteen years. In 1869 he removed to the farm on which he now resides in Richland township, Belmont county. On June 16, 1825, he married Miss Nancy Major, who died April 16, 1861, and on December 18, 1863, he married Miss Clarinda A. Ricc. Has fol- lowed farming as his oocupation.

AMOS FAWCETT, son of Thomas Fawcett, was born October 29, 1826, in Richland township, on a part of the farm where he now resides, it being the land his grandfather located on in 1814. Our subject's father married Miss Rachel Vale, They inigrated from Frederick county, Va., and were the parents of nine children. Our subject received a common school education,

255

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

and was reared a farmer. On April 6, 1848, he married Miss Charity Sutton,

SAMUEL HARDESTY .- The grandfather of the subject of this sketch, Richard Hardesty, was a soldier of the Revolution, who came to the western country in the times of border warfare. Abont 1793 he removed to Wheeling for protection from the In- dians, but not long after settled in Richland township, Belmont county, on 157 acres, all in the woods, with no settlement nearer than St. Clairsville, and but few cabins there. He was the father of three sons, Robert, Samuel and "John, all of whom served in the war of 1812. On the 5th of January, 1809, Robert was married to Nancy McMillen. These were the parents of our subject, who was born on the 14th of September, 1810. He has resided his lifetime in Belmont county. His father died October 3, 1861, aged 80 years, and his mother died November 17, 1863, aged 73 years.

JOHN HARDESTY, son of Robert and Nancy Hardesty, was born January 26, 1820. He obtained a common school educa- tion, and was raised on a farm. On June 16, 1864, he was mar- ried to Miss Mary J. Coats, of Richland township. They are the parents of five children, Robert, Samuel, Ada, Luella, Wil- liam R. and John G. Hardesty. In 1869 he located on the farm on which he now resides, containing 140 acres, and situated in section 23. This farm was settled by John Hardesty, a brother to Richard Hardesty.

JOHN HARDESTY, SR., a son of Richard Hardesty, was born at Martin's Ferry in the year 1791, and is supposed to be the first white child born in Belmont county. He always lived in Rich- land township after he was four years of age. Was married to Miss Mary Bell, by whom he had seven children. He died in 1870, aged 79 years.

WINFIELD S. CLOSE, son of Josiah Close, was born in Rich- land township, Belmont county, December 11, 1852. He re- ceived his education at district schools and St. Clairsville. Re- mained with his parents on the farm till 21 years of age. On September 29, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie C. Hammond, who was born in Wheeling township, September 25, 1852. After his marriage he came to his present location, which is situated two miles southwest of St. Clairsville. His father settled on the farm in the spring of 1834. It contains 100 acres, all underlaid with coal. He follows farming and stock-raising.

SOLOMON BENTLEY, JR , is a son of Major Bentley, who was born in Berkeley county, Va., July 25, 1783. In an early day he moved to Wheeling, where he worked at blacksmithing. From thence he came to Belmont county, Ohio, locating in or near St. Clairsville, where he spent the remainder of his long and useful life,

In 1812, shortly after the surrender of Gen. Hull, he entered the army as captain in command of a company of volunteers. While in the service he was appointed major, and held a major's commission when he was honorably discharged. In 1822. and twice thereafter, he was elected sheriff, and once auditor of Bel- mont county. In 1833, and again in 1834, he was elected to represent Belmont county in the General Assembly of the state, and in 1846 he was appointed member of the State Board of Equalization by the General Assembly. In the performance of the duties of these responsible offices, military, ministerial and legislative, he so conducted himself as not to lessen, but to increase the respect and confidence which, by his previous industry, integrity and good sense, he had secured, and which he fully retained to the day of his death. He was three times married, and a few months before his death he followed to the grave the remains of his third and last wife. He left to survive him two sons and two daughters. He was a useful member of the Associate Reform Presbyterian Church. His death occurred May 7, 1865, in the 82d year of his age.

Our subject was born in St. Clairsville Feb. 7, 1826, and when four years of age his parents removed to where Mr. Bentley now resides. Ile was educated at common schools and at Loyds- ville, and tanght for one term. On February 12, 1850, he was married to Ellen Thompson. They are the parents of eleven children, nine of whom are living, five sons and four daughters. In 1870 he appraised the land of Richland township. He is secretary of the Flushing and Uniontown Macadamized Road Company, and a member of the U. P. Church.

THOMAS J. CLOSE, son of Josiah Close, was born in Richland township, February 4, 1848. Received his education in the common schools and New Market College, Was reared on the farm, and remained with his father till of age. On October 6, 1870, he was married to Miss Jennie A. Morrison of Richland township. He till resides on the old farm where his parents re- moved when he was quite small. It contains 100 acres, and is known as the old Cowgill farm. He is a breeder of short horn cattle and fine Marino sheep.

HUGH McMILLEN, son of James McMillen, was born in Pult- ney township, Belmont county, February 15, 1819. His father was a native of York county, Pennsylvania; was a soldier in the the war of 1812 ; was married to Miss Eleanor Curley, of York county, Pennsylvania, and died in 1855, aged 66 years. His widow still survives him in her 82d year, and has all her facul- ties well preserved. Our subject received a common school education, and learned the wagon-maker trade with his father. In the fall of 1827, his parents removed to the place where our subject now resides, one mile south of East Richland. On June 29, 1865, he married Miss Harriet Lewis, daughter of Ira Lewis. They are both members of the M. E. Church,

WILLIAM ESTEP, M. D., was born in Washington county. Pennsylvania, April 2, 1815, He came to Loydsville about the year 1840. He commenced the practice of medicine in New Athens, Ohio, where he remained two years. In the spring of 1850, he graduated at Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. Served two years, 1862-3, in the late rebellion, in the 126th regiment O. V. I. The balance of his time has been spent in his profession at Loydsville. Was married in the year 1835,

JOHN F. BALDWIN was born in Washington county, Pennsyl- vania, in the year 1830. In 1859, he removed to Harrison coun- ty, Ohio, and in 1872, he came to Loydsville, where he has ever since resided, He served in the late rebellion, enlisting August 15, 1862, in company C. 126th regiment O. V. I .; lost his left arm in the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, and was mustered out of service January 7, 1865, on account of dis- abilities. He is now engaged in keeping the hotel known as the Baldwin House, Loydsville.

JAMES A. RINKER, a son of Samuel Rinker. was born in Lou- don county, Va., May 4, 1820. When about five years of age his parents removed to Hampshire county, Va .. where they ro- mained eight years, and from thence to Belmont county, Ohio, and located on the farm where Dr. Mitchell now resides. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in the year 1854, aged 64 years. Our subject obtained a common school ed- ucation, and was reared a farmer. On the 1st of April, 1848, he married Miss Eliza J. Barnes. After his marriage he located on McMahon's creek, and also lived about four years in Wayne township. In 1855 he removed to St. Clairsville, where he was engaged in the mercantile business for fourteen years. From that he followed the business of propagating vines, &c., for two years, and then removed to his farm, situated one and a half miles southwest of St. Clairsville.

DAVID MCGREW, a son of James F. McGrew, was born in Cadiz, Ohio, December 26, 1825. He obtained a common school education, and learned the milling trade with his father, who bad been a soldier in the war of 1812. When six years of age his parents located on McMahon's creek, Belmont county. ro- maining for fifteen years, and thence went to Yellow creek, Jef- ferson county, where his father died in the year 1844. Our sub- ject married Miss Rebecca McMurry, July 3. 1850. At one time he owned the one-half interest in a mill two miles below Bel- laire, which was destroyed by fire. He then began milling on Captina creek, where he remained for eighteen months. He now resides at the old Stone mill, known as the Thomason mill, on Little McMahon creek, which he owns, and which was built by Thomas Thomason, in 1839. He follows farming, milling and sawing Inmber.

JOHN A. NEFF, son of Henry Neff, was born in Richland township Belmont county, Ohio, October 28, 1823. His father was a native of Allegheny county, Md., who about the year 1810 settled in Belmont county, and was a soldier in the war of 1812, being a prisoner in lull's surrender. In 1820 he married Miss Elizabeth Blocher, a native of the same state. They had three children, George, John A. and Sarah Jane, none of whom are liv- ing, except the subject of this sketch. In May, 1830, he died at

256

HISTORY OF BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES.

the age of fifty-one years. His wife is still living and in her 80th year. In the year of 1842, our subject went to Mt. Vernon, Ohio, to learn brick making with an uncle named Blocher. Af- ter working with him for one year he went to Maryland, where he worked two years, then returned to Belmont county and be- gan work at his trade in connection with farming. On March 21. 1851, he married Miss Elizabeth Giffen, of York township. Mr. N. resides.on the farm that his father located in 1820. Ît contains 320 acres, well watered, excellent timber and an abund- ance of coal.

JOHN W. NEFF, son of Andrew Neff, was born in Belmont county in 1846. He received a common school education, and has followed farming and stock raising as the business of his life. He owns 230 acres of excellent land in a high state of cultiva-' tion. The barn that Mr. Neff has recently built is one of the finest (if not the finest) in this section of the state. In'it are stock scales and every convenience for stock that can possibly be made. It was built at a cost of nearly three thousand dollars. Mr. Neff has just completed a fine dwelling-house, finished and supplied with the most modern improvements, and he now has, perhaps, the finest appointed farm property in the county. He married Mary E,, daughter of Samuel Mckelvey, of Belmont eoun ty, in 1873.

JOHN' STEPHENS, SR. was a native of Germany, born on the river Rhine, in the town of Alshine, in the year 1792. 'In 1833 he emigrated to America, locating in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he remained six months, and then came to Belmont coun- ty, settling about one mile east of St. Clairsville. After a short time he remove to the old farm on which he passed the remain- der of his days, situated a short distance east of East Richland, on the National pike. Mr. S. was a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte, and was at the famous battle of Waterloo. The first vineyard in the connty was planted by him in 1844. This vineyard contained three acres, and was situated on one of the highest points in the county, which now goes by the name of vineyard hill. A great quantity of wine has been manufactured from the products of its vines. In 1854, 2,300 gallons were made. Mr. S. was also a grain merchant at one time. On De- cember 10, 1817 he married Miss Wendalena Emmert. They were the parents of six children, all of whom are living. The old homestead is owned by his two danghters, Elizaand Robenia. Our subject departed this life in 1855, and his wife in the year 1876.

WILLIAM H. McBRIDE, a son of Jonathan McBride was born in St. Clairsville, May 11, 1834. His parents removed to Richland township when he was 11 years old. His education was obtained in the common schools, and he was reared a farmer. At the age of 21 he began school teaching, and followed the occupation for a number of years in connection with farming. September 20, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Kelly, and he has resided in Richland township ever since. For sev- eral years he was trustee of the township. At 22 years of age he was elected assessor, serving two terms, and was again. elected in the spring of 1879. He connected . himself with the Presbyterian Church of St. Clairsville, when 25, years of age, and has been an elder in said church for 16 years.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and incidentially historical collection pertaining to border warfare and the early settlement of the adjacent portion of the Ohio Valley, Part 89

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 728

Author: Caldwell, J. A. (John Alexander) 1n; Newton, J. H., ed; Ohio Genealogical Society. 1n
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Wheeling, W. Va. : Historical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 728