History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 152

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490

USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 152

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Dr. Cooke was united in marriage with Adelaide M. Cook, who comes of a West Vir- ginia family. Fraternally, he is a member of American Union Lodge, No. I. A. F. & A. M., of Marietta. He also belongs to the Washing- ton County Medical Society. Religiously, he was reared in the Episcopal faith.

OHN HUCK, a substantial farmer of Washington County, Ohio, who owns and operates a fine farm of 220 acres in Adams township, located within three miles of the village of Lowell. is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of his locality.

The birth of Mr. Huck occurred in Union ( now Adams ) township, Washington County, Ohio, on May 18, 1856. He is a son of The- odore and Bernhardina (Rauch) Huck, both natives of Baden Baden, Germany. Theodore Huck was born in 1822, and canie to the United States in 1846, locating first in Penn- sylvania. In February, 1856, he came to Washington County, Ohio, and settled in what was then known as Union township. He is still residing on his farm, now in Adams town- ship. He is a man of means and reliability, and has been township trustee. His political sympathy is with the Democratic party. The religions connection of the family is with the Catholic Church.

John Huck's mother, who was born April 23. 1830, passed from this life in December, 1897, at the age of 67 years. She was a good

Christian, and was devoted throughout her life to the welfare of her family. The chil- dren born to these parents were as follows : Mary, who lives at home; Elizabeth, the wife Henry Toma, of Watertown; Caroline, de- ceased; John; Philomena, the wife of John Fisher, of Adams township; Joseph, a resi- dent of Adams township; Christina, the wife of Landelin Strahler, of Watertown; and Andrew, of Adams township.

On October 29, 1885, John Huck was mar- ried to Justina Strahler, a daughter of Jo- seph and Katherine Strahler, who was born in Pennsylvania on May 10, 1864. They have had the following children: Emma; Mary; Loretta; Joseph; Clarence; Frank D., de- ceased : Raymond ; Eleanora; and Caroline.

Mr. Huck is an extensive farmer in Adams township and also owns and operates a saw- mill, and, in season, a thresher. He is a man of ability and business enterprise, and is just- ly regarded as one of the substantial citizens of the township, of which he is a very efficient trustee. He is identified with the Democratic party, and actively upholds its candidates and methods. He and his wife belong to the Catholic Church, and have carefully reared their children in its teachings.

O TIS A. TRUE, who is a successful farmer and an enterprising citizen of Salem township, Washington County, Ohio, was born in Urbana, Illinois, in 1870, and is a son of Wil- bur L. and Sarah (White) True.

Mr. True, although born out of the State, belongs to one of the old families of Washing- ton County, his great-grandfather. Ephraim True, having moved there from New Hamp- shire, in 1792, but four years after the coloni- zation of Washington County began. By trade he was a carpenter, and he found work in the growing village of Marietta. After his mar- riage he settled on the farm in Salem town- ship which is now owned and operated by Otis A. True. Here he died, and here his de-

SEYMOUR J. HATHAWAY.

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scendants have passed away. Wilbur L. True was born in this old home, and was a son of Moses and Mehitable True, who also passed their lives on this farm. Wilbur L. was a carpenter by trade, but carried on farming for some years. After the close of the Civil War, about 1869, he went to Champaign, Illinois, and there engaged in farming. Ile married Sarah White, who was a daughter of Joseph White, both natives of Pennsylvania. She died in Illinois, in 1872, at the early age of 26 years, leaving three children, namely: Al- fred J., who resides at Bonn, Ohio; Otis A., who is the subject of this record ; and Ada E., who is the widow of Joseph Williams, and re- sides in Kilmer, Ohio. After the death of his wife, Mr. True with his little children returned to Salem township, and there followed his trade until a short time prior to his death in 1894, at the age of 52 years. He enlisted in the Union army, in Company H, 92nd Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served about two years, be- ing discharged on account of disability. He was a member of the G. A. R., and a sup- porter of the Republican party. His wife was a member of the Methodist Church. For his second wife, he married Mary O. Warwick, and one child was born to their union, Russell H., who is in the U. S. Navy.

Otis A. True was reared and educated in Salem township, and after completing his ed- ucation, was engaged, for eight years, in teach- ing in the district schools, meeting with much Sticcess. After giving up his profession he took charge of the home farm, and has lived upon and successfully operated it ever since.

In 1896, Mr. True was united in marriage with Lottie J. Whetstone, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Whetstone, who was born in Sa- lem township, in 1875. Two children have been born to this union, namely: Orpha A. and Wilbur I. Mrs. True is a member of the Methodist Church, and is active in its various charitable and missionary enterprises. Mr. True is fraternally connected with Aurelius Masonic Lodge, and Elba Lodge, Knights of Pythias. He is also an officer in the National Guards. In 1898 he was second lieutenant

of Company D, 7th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf .. while in camp at Camp Alger, Virginia, and was af- terward promoted to be first lieutenant in the same company. Both he and his wife have a large social acquaintance, and are among the most highly esteemed residents of Salem township.

EYMOUR J. HATHAWAY, a promi- nent attorney-at-law of Marietta, and president of the Board of Trade, was born in Macedon, Wayne County, New York, and is a son of Luther and Clarissa Louise ( Ripley ) Hathaway.

Mr. Hathaway attended the public schools of Marietta, whither he moved a short time prior to the Civil War, and was graduated from Marietta College in 1869. He then en- tered upon the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1871, having been under the pre- ceptorship of M. D. Follett. Ile served as clerk of the Probate Court about two years, under Judge McCormick, and in 1874 served as city solicitor. He has been a trustee of the Washington County Children's Home since 1887, and took an active part in the organiza- tion of the Ohio Conference of Charities and Correction, of which he was president in 1894. In 1891 he was elected to represent the Third Ward of Marietta in the Council, and in 1896 was chosen president of that body. He is a firm friend of the working man, and has taken considerable interest in the movement in be- half of organized labor. As a councilman, he served six years, and in that time substantially all the streets of the city were paved and most of the sewers constructed. Mr. Hathaway. during the whole period, served as chairman of the paving committee. He is now serving his third term as president of the Board of Trade, an organization which has proved of great valute to the city. Ever since his admission to the bar, Mr. Hathaway has been engaged in the active practice of the law.

Seymour J. Hathaway was united in mar- riage with Mary C. Means, a daughter of Will- Liam Chase and Louise (Cummings ) Means, of

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

Portland, Maine, and they have two children, -- William Luther ; and Louise Claire, who graduated from Marietta College with the class of 1901. The subject of this sketch is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and council. Religiously. he and his family are Baptists. They reside at No. 319 Third street.

SA D. HALLETT, a well-known farmer and highly respected citizen of Salem township, Washington County, Ohio, and an honored sur- vivor of the Civil War, was born in this township in 1843. His parents were Zen- as and Maria ( Whetstone ) Hallett.

Zenas Hallett was born in Adams town- ship. Washington County, in 1820, and was a farmer by occupation. During the Civil War. when the loyal sons of the state were called upon to protect her property and people from the raider Morgan, Mr. Hallett was one of the first to leave his plow and go to assist. Re- turning then to his peaceful avocation, he con- tinued in active labor until near the close of his life, in 1891. He married Maria Whet- stone, who was born in 1819. in Guernsey County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Daniel and Mary Whetstone. She died in 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Hallett were consistent mem- bers of the Methodist Church, and were hon- ored and respected through life. They had three children, namely : Asa D. : Lucy J., de- ceased : and John C., of Pike County, Ohio.

Asa D. Hallett, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Salem town- ship, and attended the public school. He was a lad of but 18 years when he offered his ser- vices in defense of his country. In 1861 he enrolled his name in Company D, 42nd Reg., Ohio. Vol. Inf., under Captain Riggs, and re- mained in the service until September, 1804. when he was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. He participated in many of the important engagements of the war, and took part in the siege of Vicksburg, the battles of Chickasaw

Bluffs. Thompson's Hill, Black River Bridge, and Champion Hill, and the battle of Middle Creek, under Col. James AA. Garfield. He was 4th corporal, and his record shows the valor of a true soldier. Mr. Hallett is a member of Stanley Post, G. A. R., at Lower Salem.

After the close of the war, Mr. Hallett returned to Salem township and resumed farming. He now owns a very valuable and well-improved farm, located within three miles of Salem, comprising 52 acres of productive land. In 1870 Mr. Hallett was united in marriage with Mary E. Moreland, who was born in Wesley township, in 1852, and is a daughter of William and Winnifred Moreland. A family of ten children has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hallett, whose names are as follows : Clyde; Noma M., deceased; Claude: Winne- fred; Anna, who married Clarence Powell, in Coshocton county, Ohio ; Mary, deceased : \u- gustus K .; Corwin and Chester R., deceased ; and Goldie. Mrs. Hallett and the children are members of the Methodist Church, of which Mr. Hallett is a liberal supporter. He has long served as school director and takes an active interest in the progress and development of the township. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. Mr. Hallett is one of the leading and representative farmers of the township, and enjoys the esteem of his fel- low-citizens.

RS. LINNIE THORNBERRY, widow of the late Levi M. Thorn- berry, is the possessor of a farm of 200 acres, all excellent, well- improved land, and in a state of high cultivation. She is a daughter of Harvey and Mary ( Smith) Morris, the former, born September 9. 1815, and the latter, born Octo- ber 15, of the same year. They were mar- ried in Watertown township and Mrs. Thorn- berry was born there December 4, 1874.

The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Levi M. Thornberry on July 11. 1899. the ceremony being performed by "Squire" Kidd, of Marietta, Ohio. They had

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one child, Levi Gordon by name, whose birth took place April 14, 1900. Mr. Thornberry was a son of Jesse Thornberry, who was born February 3, 1853, and lived and died in Watertown township. For five years he served in the regular army faithfully and well, and participated in the Indian wars, being in General Terry's command during the Custer massacre.

Fraternally, Mr. Thornberry was a member of Barlow Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and when his death took place, May 27, 1902, that organization had charge of the funeral. In politics, his vote and influence were cast in fa- vor of the Republican party, and he was ac- counted a first-class citizen by all in the com- munity.

Mrs. Thornberry is a woman of good judg- ment and common sense, who thoroughly un- dertands her position as overseer of the farm work. She has many friends, and enjoys their highest respect and esteem.

AMES J. MCDERMOTT, deceased. was one of the prominent farmers of Watertown township, formerly known as Union township, until his death. which occurred in 1899, when he was fifty-one years of age.

Mr. MeDermott spent his entire life in his native place. He was a son of Philip Mc- Dermott, who was born in Ireland, came to the United States in 1837, and purchased the farm, later owned by his son, James J., in 1844. He was one of the first to settle in that township, in which but one or two families lived at that period.

In 1877 the ceremony was performed which made James McDermott and Margaret Crane husband and wife. Mrs. McDermott was a daughter of Martin and Mary Crane, and was born in 1852, in Fearing township. She was the mother of five children, as fol- lows: Frank, who makes his home in Mariet- ta. Ohio, and is an efficient bookkeeper, hold- ing a position with the American Bridge Co. ;

James, who lives at home; Mary. Philip: and Annie.

Mr. MeDermott was a faithful member of the Catholic Church. In politics he was a valued member of the Democratic party and served creditably as justice of the peace. The farm which he owned consisted of 160 acres, located six miles south of Lowell, and is chief- Iv under the control of James McDermott. who makes his home there.

ACOB BROOKER, deceased, who was formerly a prosperous tiller of the soil in Watertown township, Washington County, Ohio, was a man of integrity, and was well worthy of the consider- ation and respect of his fellowmen. He was born in the Keystone State, in 1821, and died in 1898. Hle was a resident of his native state until his removal to Michigan in the early "fifties" and in 1858, he moved to Washing- ton County, Ohio, purchased the farm now owned by his son, four miles from the city of Lowell, and lived comfortably there until his demise. He chose for his wife a lady whose name was Mary Ann Becher, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and whose par- ents were David and Ellen Becher. Iler birth occurred in 1835, and she still survives her husband and makes her home with her sons, on the old farm. She and her husband were devout members of the Catholic Church. They reared a family of eight chil- dren; namely, Lizzie, who is a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Daniel and Andrew, who make their home in Watertown ; John, also of Pittsburg : Martha, who was united in mat- rimony with Patrick Dyar, of Watertown township; Joseph, who is still at home; and David and Jacob, who own and operate the farm.

Mr. Brooker was always interested in po- litical affairs, following the lead of the Demo- cratic party, and served, with credit, as asses- sor and school director. After his death, the two youngest sons, Jacob and David Brooker,

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

purchased the shares of the other children in the hometsead, and have since controlled the 150 acres, showing in many ways their ability and knowledge in that direction. Jacob is married, having been united with Magdalena Singer, a daughter of Anthony Singer, and a native of Mckees Rocks, Pennsylvania. His two children are named Alice and Francis. The brothers are progressive in their methods, and keep the home place in the best condition possible, receiving the commendation and good wishes of all who know them.

RED S. McGEE, M. D., a prominent physician of Belpre, Ohio, and a rep- resentative of one of Washington County's most respected families, was born at Moss Run, Washington County, Ohio, October 8, 1869. He is a son of Samuel S. and Susan E. (Dye) McGee.

Samuel S. McGee was born in Noble County, Ohio, and obtained his mental train- ing in the common schools. For many years he was an extensive oil operator, and was af- terward engaged in mercantile pursuits, in which he accumulated considerable wealth. He was a very successful farmer, and now, in his declining years, is leading a retired life, in the full enjoyment of the fruits of his early toil. The only official position he ever accept- ed was that of commissioner of Washington County, in which capacity he served seven years. His wife departed this life February 26, 1894.

Dr. Fred S. McGee attended the common schools of his native county, and later was a pupil in Marietta Academy. He read medi- cine under the preceptorship of Dr. E. W. Hill, and later entered Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio. He was graduated from that institution with the class of 1891.

In August, 1894, Dr. McGee was united in marriage with Mary Stone, a daughter of A. D. Stone, one of the most prominent and wealthy residents of Belpre. Since his grad- uation he has isllowed his profession in Bel-

pre, and has established an enviable reputa- tion as a physician, and a remunerative prac- tice.

Dr. McGee and his wife are parents of two children,-Lawrence S. and M. Cornelia. The Doctor is a strong supporter of Republican principles. He is a member of Parkersburg Lodge, No. 198, B. P. O. E. ; Harmar Lodge, No. 390, F. & A. M. ; Belpre Lodge, No. 619, I. O. O. F .; of which he is past grand; the Knights of Pythias of Belpre, of which he is past chancellor, and the Sr. O. U. A. M., of which he is past counselor, and has also served as treasurer for the last five years. Dr. McGee is a member of the Wash- ington County Medical Society, and the Ohio State Medical Society. He is a public-spirited citizen, and evinces a deep interest in all that pertains to the good of the county.

HARLES F. SHANKLAND, a drill- er by trade, and an expert workmen, is an esteemed resident of Reno, Washington County, Ohio. He was born at Masterton, Ohio, in 1876, and is a son of James and Annie ( Bull) Shankland.

James Shankland is now sixty-four years of age, and is successfully conducting a gro- cery store in Marietta, Ohio. He was united in marriage with Annie Bull, a daughter of Rease Bull, a prominent farmer of Jackson County, West Virginia.

Five children resulted from this union, as follows: B. W., an oil pumper by trade ; Charles F., the subject of this writing ; James, a clerk in his father's store in Marietta; Lulu, a tailoress by occupation : and an infant, as yet unnamed.

Charles F. Shankland was united in mar- riage with Lulu Hyler, a daughter of James and Betsy ( Hook) Hyler, the former a promi- nent grocer at Reno, Marietta township. The latter was a daughter of Captain I. N. Hook, who for many years ran a boat on the Ohio River, but is now living a retired life. The

A. L. GRACEY.

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mother of Mrs. Shankland was reared at Hooksburg, Morgan County, Ohio.

One little daughter named Edith, now three years old, brightens the home of Mr. Shank- land and his worthy wife, and in her sweet life their fondest hopes are centered. In his political opinions Mr. Shankland is a decided Republican, and exerts all his influence for the success of that party. He has followed his present occupation for a period of eight years, and is considered an excellent workman.

L. GRACEY has been closely identi- fied with many of the most promi- nent business concerns in Marietta, and has done much to advance and develop the interests of the city. He is a native of Washington County, having been born 10 miles east of Marietta, and is a son of William Gracey.

William Gracey, his father, moved from Jefferson County to Washington County, Ohio, in 1840, and here resided until his death. His wife, Sarah Andrews, was born in Somersetshire, England, and came to this country when six years of age, her family locating in Belmont County, Ohio. There she was married, and then moved with her husband to Washington County. They reared four sons and three daughters, as follows: Joseph, who is engaged in mercantile pursuits at Qua- ley, Ohio; A. L., the subject of this biography : George W., a merchant at Gracey, Ohio; Will- iam, who died in July, 1901, was in the oil business; and Elizabeth ( Root), Martha ( Scott), and Jestina ( Moreland ), all of Gracey, Ohio.

A. L. Gracey was reared on the farm, and obtained his mental training in the public schools. He was then engaged in teaching for some 10 or 12 years, and came to Marietta in 1884. He next engaged in the oil business, and finally made his headquarters in Marietta. where he has his office at No. 302 Front street. in the building in which are located the offices of the Marietta Electric Company, of which he

was president until May, 1902, when the com- pany was merged into the Parkersburg, Mari- etta & Interurban Railway Company. The Marietta Electric Company was established in 1896 by Mr. Gracey, Nelson Moore and John Kaiser, the officers being .A. L. Gracey, presi- dent ; Nelson Moore, vice-president ; J. S. Il. Torner, secretary; W. II. H. Jett, general manager ; and I. O. Alcorn, electrician. These officials, with John Kaiser, John Simpson, E. Clark, Jr., and D. S. Doyle, were the directors. They succeeded the old horse-car company, which had about two miles of track. This they increased to nine miles, reaching prac- tically all the main portions of the city, before the company was merged into the Parkersburg, Marietta & Interurban Railway Company. The power house is located at Norwood. The main engine and dynamo room is go by 100 feet, the boiler room 55 by go feet, and the car barns are 55 by 155 feet, in dimensions; the barns have a capacity for 35 cars. All are brick buildings, with truss roofs. At the power house are employed two engineers, two fire- men, one helper, two night hostlers, and a first- class machinist. Connected with the plant is a fine machine shop, 26 by 40 feet, in dimen- sions, supplied with lathes, drill-presses and other machines necessary for repair work. Twenty-one men are employed regularly on the cars, besides six extras and a general book- keeper. The power is generated by three dy- namos-two 250-K. W. and one 100-K. I. The company also does commercial lighting, for which are required three dynamos,-one 360-K. W., one 150-K. W., and one 75-K. W. -each dynamo having a separate engine to run it, and the three engines having an aggregate strength of 1,500 horse power. The Marietta Electric Company was one of the main spokes in the wheel of progress of Marietta during its few years of operation.

Mr. Gracey is still a large oil producer. and, in addition, does an extensive real estate business in connection with the Union Invest- ment Company, of which he is president and treasurer. 1. O. Alcorn is secretary of this company, and its directors are as follows: A.

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L. Gracey, I. O. Alcorn, W. H. H. Jett, J. S. H. Torner, John Kaiser, William H. Ebinger, and Nelson Moore. Mr. Gracey is also a di- rector of the German National Bank. He is a director of the Acme Brick Company, of which W. H. H. Jett is general manager, the plant having been established in Norwood, in 1899, for the manufacture of ornamental, pressed and common bricks. The subject of this sketch is also a director of the Crystal Ice Company, and president of the Marietta Tele- phone Company, which was incorporated in 1900, with J. S. H. Torner as vice-president. and A. C. Davis as general manager. He is also a director and charter member of the Pi- oneer City Building & Loan Association.

OUIS E. MILLER. an influential farmer of Marietta township, Wash- ington County, Ohio, was born Feb- ruary 17, 1860, on the farm on which he now lives. His father, Robert T. Miller, was born in Fearing township, Wash- ington County, Ohio, June 18, 1810, and was a son of John Miller, a native of New York State, who settled at an early date in Fearing township. Jolın Miller moved to Marietta town" ship in 1826, with his family, and located on the farm now owned and occupied by his grandchildren. Robert T. Miller inherited a part of the old homestead and purchased the rights of the other heirs, and at the time of his death, left to his children 200 acres of rich land. He married Marietta Fuller, born in 1814, a native of Massachusetts, and a daugh- ter of Charles Fuller, who with his family, came to Fearing township, Washington Coun- ty, driving an ox team, when his daughter was about nine years old. Mr. and Mrs. Rob- ert T. Miller had nine children, of whom five are now living, namely : Charles ; Robert T., Jr. : Lucy E., wife of J. W. Thorniley : Mary A., wife of Dr. William Mitchell; and Louis E .. all of Marietta township.

Robert T. Miller died August 25. 1896. Mrs. Miller died September 26, 1886. She was a member of the Baptist Church.

Louis E. Miller was the youngest son of the Miller family. He received his primary education in Marietta township, and later at- tended Marietta College, for one year. He has always lived on the old homestead, and is now devoting his time and attention to agricultu- ral affairs.

He married Josephine Racer, a daughter of O. E. Racer, who was a son of Benjamin J. Racer, an old settler of Marietta township. E. O. Racer had two children,-Josephine, the wife of Louis E. Miller, and Valmar, who married Lucy Miller, a daughter of C. A. Mil- ler, and has an infant son,-Maurice.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 152

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1490

Author: Andrews, Martin Register, 1842-; Hathaway, Seymour J
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1490