History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 156

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 156

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Captain Bartlett was married January 20. 1866. to Vesta Wolcott, who was born in Wat ertown, Washington County, Ohio, in 1843. and is a daughter of Alanson and Caroline ( McClure ) Wolcott. Her father was also born in Watertown, in 1804. and died in 1873. He was a farmer by occupation. Politically he was originally a Whig, and became a Republi- can upon the organization of that party. Her mother was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, in 1813. and died in 1886. She was a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Wol- cott had thirteen children, namely: Oscar. deceased: Wallace. deceased, who was in the three-monthis service as a member of the 14th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf .: Lewis, who was a mem- ber of the 36th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and died of fever, three months after his enlistment :

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

Amanda: Salome: Vesta; Edwin: Rollin, who served first in the 4th Reg. Va. Cav., and later in the United States Army until the close of the war; Corwin; Helen; Mary: Katie; and Ida. Captain Bartlett and his wife have four chil- dren, namely: Minnie, wife of Edgar Grant Baldwin, a farmer near Swifts, Waterford township; Stanley Oscar, who lives in Water- ford township; Harvey L., overseer of the farm at the Children's Home, Marietta; and Katie, a graduate of Waterford Township High School, and now a teacher in the district schools of that township. Captain Bartlett is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and of Dick Cheatham Post, G. A. R., of Beverly. of which he was commander two years. He is in- dependent in politics and has served as justice of the peace of the township.

MIMOR BOWMAN, a leading citizen and representative business man of Chester Hill, Washington County, Ohio, is well known through the eastern part of the State, as the gen- eral superintendent for the Ohio Consolidated Oil Company, 3,600 acres of their land being located in this section, and in Marion and Windsor townships, in Morgan County.

The Bowman family is of English origin. Isaac Bowman, the grandfather of Emmor, was a son of Richard and Mary Bowman, and was born at Lake Place, Parish of Aske, West- moreland County, England, December 22, 1774, and was educated at Earlham College. It was here that he formed his life-long friend- ship with the noted Elihu Burritt, with whom he corresponded for many years. In college, both were interested together in astronomy and geography, subjects which always claimed Grandfather Isaac's attention. He was a man of great learning, and became closely associat- ed with many of the notable men of his time, Thomas Clarkson, the great philanthropist, he- ing counted among his friends. On November 26, 1807, Isaac Bowman located in Jefferson County, Ohio. Later, he removed to the

vicinity of Kendall, Jackson township, Stark County, where, after a pioneer life of hard work and sturdy endurance, he passed out of life, leaving to his family one of the most valu- able farms of that locality. Prior to coming to America he had been a cabinetmaker, but agriculture claimed his attention through all his later years. On November 26, 1807, Isaac Bowman was married to Ann Hobson, a daughter of Joseph and Ann Hobson, natives of England, but then residents of Jefferson

County, Ohio. She died September 25, 1823. At Bright Falls, England, in the Friends Meeting House, March 27, 1828, Isaac Bow- man married as his second wife, Elizabeth Greenwood, who died September 18, 1862, aged 85 years and three months. Mr. Bow- man died April 20, 1858, aged 83 years, three months and 28 days. Both were interred in the Friends' burying-ground at Kendall, Ohio. Isaac Bowman was the father of the following children: Mary; Joseph H .; Ann; Thomas; Richard and William. Mary was born Feb- ruary 14, 1809, and died March 10, 1810. Jospeh H. was born October 15, 1810, died May 22, 1877, and was buried at St. Paul, Minnesota, to which city he had moved from Cedar County, lowa; he left seven children. Ann was born March 25, 1812, and married Isaac H. Elliott, March 26, 1830. Mr. Elli- ott was born August 16, 1805, and died De- cember 28, 1829. They had the following children: Jane Amanda; Clarissa; James Bowman; and William Watson. Thomas was born August 4. 1813, and married Eliza- beth L. Lupton, daughter of Henry and Ach- sah Lupton, May 2, 1838, at the Friends' Meeting House at Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio. Mrs. Thomas Bowman was born October 24. 1814, died May 4, 1860, and was buried at Bartlett, Ohio. They had one child, who died at the age of nine years. Thomas married, secondly, Ann Test, daugh- ter of Samuel and Mary Test, at the Friends' Meeting House, on February 27. 1862. He died March 22, 1887, and was buried at Plym- outh, Ohio. Richard was born March 3, 1815; he lived at home, never married, and

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(lied January 18, 1856. William, who was born February 2, 1817, had the following chil- dren: Helen, born January 9. 1841: Emily Elizabeth, born December 27. 1843: William H., born August 27, 1845, who served in the Civil War from the first call to the end, and lives at Etna Green, Indiana ; Charles C., born in 1849, who served in the Civil War, and also lives at Etna Green, Indiana : James M .. who was born August 7, 1850. and died Sep- tember 27, 1862; Mary Alice, born July 2. 1853; Clara Ida, born April 30, 1856; and Florence Eva, born September 16, 1858; all of them survive.

James M. Bowman, the youngest son of Isaac Bowman, was born December 15. 1818. and on May 25. 1842, was married at the Friends' Meeting House at Cross Creek, Jef- ferson County, Ohio, to Elizabeth Baily, a daughter of Henry and Mary ( Folk ) Baily, of Somerton, Ohio. In 1843. they moved to Washington County, and located near Plym- ottth, where James M. Bowman bought 160 acres of land for which he paid $5 an acres. At the time of his death on July 14th, 1880, he owned 250 acres. Mr. Bowman was one of the road viewers who established the road from Hill's Landing to McConnelsville. James M. Bowman had few educational advantages. as he grew up in a pioneer locality, but he in- herited a good mind, and took every opportun- ity to improve it. His staid demeanor and ex- emplary life caused his appointment as one of the overseers of the Friends' Meeting, when only 25 years of age, which honor he held through life. He was one of the founders of the Friends' Boarding School. in Belmont County, and was always liberal in his bene- factions to it. A man of equable temper, one who commanded respect from every one with whom he came in contact, he was a peacemak- er in his neighborhood, and faithfully showed to the world the practical teachings of the reli- gion he professed. No office could tempt him. although he sometimes consented to accept some position which his judgment assured him would benefit his locality. The children Horn to James M. Bowman were as follows:

Phebe, who was born June 20. 1843, and died July 16, 1843: Isaac, who was born August 22, 1844, and died February 16, 1803 : Henry, born May 11, 1847 ; Emmor, the subject of this biography : and Thomas I.

On December 31, 1868, near Malta, Mor- gan County, Ohio, Henry, of the above family, married Rachel Crew, a daughter of Henry Crew. born October 21, 1845. They had the following children: Joseph, born in 1869; Elizabeth J., born in 1872; Edith Anna, born January 22, 1878: Martha C., who was born in November, 1879, and died April 9. 1881 ; and Howard. born October 10, 1885.

Emmor Bowman was born July 18, 1849, near Bartlett, Ohio, and remained at home till- til he was almost 30 years of age. For a per- iod of 10 years, he taught school throughout Morgan and Washington counties. For sev- en years, he operated a store at Potter's Mills, Pennsylvania, but after his marriage he spent one year at the home of his father-in-law, and then bought his present fine farm of 200 acres. This farm Mr. Bowman devoted principally to the raising of Merino sheep, in which he suc- ceeded very well, giving close and careful at- tention to the business. In time. he became an expert shearer himself his limit being 50 sheep a day. His wool always brought the highest market price. For many years Mr. Bowman continued in profitable sheep raising, his knowledge of which made him very valti- able in the offices of secretary, vice-president and president of the Wool Growers' Associa- tion, to which offices he was elected. For 15 years, he has been connected with the Eastern Chio Agriculutral Society, of Chester Ilill. His time has also been devoted to the raising of fine poultry and Poland-China hogs, and he served for years as vice-president of the Muskingum Valley Poultry Association, until that organization ceased to exist.

On March 10, 1879, Emmer Bowman was married to Elizabeth L. Van Law, who was born April 30 1851, and is a daughter of John and Hannah Van Law, of Chester Hill. Ohio. The paternal ancestors of Mrs. Em- mor Bowman were French, while her mater-

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

nal ancestry was German and English. Her great-grandfather Dennis, lived in Maryland, but was a great Abolitionist, and assisted many slaves to escape by the "Underground Rail- road." He spent one summer with the In- dians, and was always a sympathizer with the oppressed. Her grandfather, John Van Law, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, but at the time of his death, lived in Morgan Coun- ty. Her father was born in Flushing. Bel- mont County, and came at an early day to Washington County. The mother of Mrs. Bowman was Hannah Ann ( Lerke ) Van Law, and her grandmother was Elizabeth Dennis. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bowman were as follows: John V., born December 28. 1880, who is at home, unmarried ; James Ar- thur, who was born in October, 1882, and died September 28, 1808; William T., born February 10, 1885: Charles P., born February 20, 1888; and Harvey E., born August 12, 1892.

In politics, the subject of this sketch is a Republican, and in principle, a Prohibition- ist. Reared a Quaker, he is temperate in all things, and subscribes to the rules of the reli -. gious body - in which his parents were such shining examples. His attendance on meet- ing is regular, on Sundays and Thursdays, and no press of business or outside care is per- mitted to disturb these times of quiet reflec- tion. Mr. Bowman has given little attention to political matters, but has served for three terms as justice of the peace, having been nom- inated by acclamation.

Mr. Bowman was one of the incorporators of the First National Bank of Chester Hill, in 1900. He is its heaviest stockholder, and has served as director and vice-president. This bank has over $102,000 in deposits, with $94 .- ooo in loans, and is continually growing stronger. The town of Chester Hill has a population of about 800, and is very proud of this thriving financial institution.

Mr. Bowman has been interested in oil de- velopment ever since 1894, when he and Judge Chamberlain, of Marietta, took a number of leases for oil in Wesley township, in the name

of Emmor Bowman. Later, Mr. Bowman sold his interests and leases to Mr. Reader, and with his own sons, leased the Wagoner farm, witli four producing wells. In addition to these, Mr. Bowman owns five producing wells on the Elizabeth L. Bowman farm, and 31 on the Emmor Bowman farm, operated by Eachel, Ritchie & Company.

Mr. Bowman has a justifiable respect for his ancestors and treasures some interesting mementoes of them. One of these is a poem which was written and printed by Mrs. Bow- man's uncle, Jesse Van Law. entitled "Life was a Beautiful Poem," which is both poetic and lofty in sentiment. Another is the will of his grandmother, which was dated October 9, 1782, prior to her marriage with Henry Hob- son, in 1784. Still another is the will of his great-grandfather, Richard Bowman, dated March 8, 1777, in which he bequeaths to Thomas, £100; to Eleanor Nobel, £100; to Jo- seph, £30; to his grandson, Richard, £5; to his grandson, Joseph, £20; to his grandson, Isaac. £20, and to his daughters, Rachel and Sarah, each fio; his wife receiving the rest of the estate. Mr. Bowman also owns a field glass which was made in 1777, for his grand- father, Isaac Bowman, by Harris & Son, in London.

ILLIAM R. SHANER, who stands among the leading citizens of Washington County, has made a success of agricultural pusuits to some extent and is aow profitably employed in the nursery business. He has a farm of 105 acres of the most fertile and pro- ductive land. He is a son of Alfred W. and Rebecca J. (Squibb) Shaner, and his birth- place, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, is also the native county of his parents.

Alfred W. Shaner has reached the ad- vanced age of seventy-six years, and is at pres- | ent, residing near Bartlett, Washington Coun- ty. His entire life has been most diligently spent in the pursuance of his chosen occupa- tion, that of a saddler and harness maker. He

HON. CHARLES H. NIXON.

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led Rebecca J. Squibb to the hymeneal altar, and their union was blessed with three chil- dren, as follows: William R. ; Deborah, who became the worthy wife of Charles Johnson, of Wesley township, Washington County ; and Caleb S., also a resident of Wesley township. Mrs. Shaner is also living at this writing and she has reached her seventieth mile stone. Both she and her husband are still active and clear-minded. They have long been members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Shaner voted the Republican ticket all his life until 1896, when his vote was cast for Mr. Bryan. He enjoys the esteem and confidence of his community, and has always been an active, influential cit- izen.

William R. Shaner was born September 6. 1850, and lived with his father and mother in Westmoreland County until 1865, the date of their removal to Wesley township. Wash- ington County, Ohio. The mental training of Mr. Shaner was obtained from the common schools, but he applied himself industriously. and at the close of his school career, obtained a teacher's certificate and taught school in Wesley township for fifteen years. He met with unqualified success during that time. He left this occupation, however, to enter the nursery business. in 1870, and that, in con- nection with a small amount of farming, has been his chief occupation since. His farm is located about two and a half miles south of Bartlett, and the manner in which he handles his business and attends to the other work on the farm, speaks well for his knowledge and experience in this line.

In 1873, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Sarah J. Dickson, a daughter of Thomas and Eliza Dickson, who are well-known citizens. Mrs. Shaner was born in 1850 and is a native of Mercer County, Pennsylvania. She and her husband are com- fortably situated in their home on the farm. where everything is modern and convenient. Mr. Shaner has a weil-paying business, and is a man of excellent judgment and fine char- acteristics, to whom many give their patronage. Socially, he is a member of Cut-

ler Lodge, No. 784, 1. O. O. F .. For many years, he was faithful to the Republican party, until "Free Silver" became a party issue, when he supported Bryan.

ON. CHARLES H. NIXON, who has held the office of Probate judge since February 9. 1900, is a resident of Marietta, Washington County, Ohio, and is one of the influential citizens of the county. He was born in Washington Coun- ty, in 1870, and is a son of James Nixon.

James Nixon was also born in Washington County, Ohio, in October, 1839. He died here in 1888. He served in the army during the Civil War, losing a limb at the Battle of Stone River. From 1867 until 1882, he was re- corder of Washington County. Mr. Nixon has a sister -- Flora Malster-who lives in Water- ford township.

The subject of this sketch attended the. grammar schools of Marietta, and entered Marietta College in 1886. In 1889. he began his active career, and for some time read law. He was appointed deputy clerk in the Probate judge's office, in 1891 and in 1900, was made Probate judge. He fills this office with dignity and with credit to himself and the community. Judge Nixon is much interested in the ad- vancement of Washington County, and liber- ally lends his support to any enterprises which tend to promote it.

In politics the Judge is a Republican, and takes an active interest in the affairs of that party. Socially he is a member of the Masons and a member of the I. O. O. F. : and K. of P. He attends the Baptist Church.

AMTES M. BELL, who is superintend- ent of the Washington County In- firmary, was born in Salem township, Washington County, Ohio, in 1852, and is a son of James Bell, and grand- son of John Bell, both natives of Scotland.

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James Bell was but nine years old when his parents came to America and settled in Aurelius township. Washington County, Ohio. James Bell married Mary Carlon, a daughter of Thomas Carlon. She was born in 1825, and is now living in Marietta town- ship. After their marriage, they settled in Salem township. Later, they removed to Fearing township, and again to Marietta township, where James bought a farm, which is still owned by his wife. James Bell was born in 1808. and died in 1883. after a life spent in farming and other useful occupations. Politically, he was a Republican. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. They reared the following offspring : John, a resident of Marietta township; Ellen, deceased; A. Emma ( Brown ), deceased ; Mar- garet. the wife of Charles Miller, of Marietta township : James M., the subject of this sketch ; William, a resident of Westphalia, Kansas ; and Amos, deceased.

James M1. Bell spent his early days in Mar- ietta township, in which he also received his schooling. He has devoted much of his time to farming, and has been very successful in all his undertakings. In 1882, he was appointed superintendent of the county infirmary, and served until 1884. In 1888, he received the appointment again, and served until 1891. In 1809. he took the office for the third time, and filled it most acceptably. Much confidence is placed in his ability and trustworthiness, and he commands the respect of all who come in contact with him.

Mr. Bell was married in 1880 to Maggie Wagner, a daughter of Jacob Wagner, of Marietta township, Politically, he is a Re- publican.

HARLES A. MILLER, who resides near the Ohio River, at the mouth of the Little Muskingum River, in Marietta township, Washington County, Ohio, is extensively engaged in the manufacture of fruit baskets, crates, and' egg cases. He was born in Marietta town-

ship. July 16, 1842, and is a son of Robert T. and Marietta Miller.

The subject of this sketch was born on the farm now owned and occupied by L. E. Mil- ler, and attended the common schools of his district, and also the Marietta High School. which he entered in September, 1859. There he continued until the war excitement of 1861, when he enlisted in Company H, 7th Reg .. Ohio Vol. Cav., and was mustered into service September 2, 1862. His regiment became a part of the Army of the Cumberland, serving under Gen. Burnside in East Tennessee. He was with Sherman's army on its march to At- lanta, Georgia, and returned to Nashville with the command of General Thomas. He was in Gen. Wilson's cavalry corps during the raid through the Southern States, and was mus- tered out of service at Nashville, June 2, 1805. Since the War he has served in the Ohio Na- tional Guard, and was captain of Battery G, from 1884 to 1889. After the close of the war, Mr. Miller worked on the farm for two years, in the meantime teaching school dur- ing the winter months. In 1867, together with his brother John W., he purchased a lot at the mouth of the Little Muskingum River, and erected a sawmill. They were extensive- ly engaged in the lumber business under the firm name of Miller Brothers, until February, 1878, when the death of John W. Miller oc- curred. Charles A. Miller then purchased the interest of his deceased brother, and conducted the business until 1890, when he began the manufacture of baskets, crates, fruit packages and egg cases. He has since continued in this field of business, and finds sale for his product in the southern, central and eastern sections of Ohio and in West Virginia. His annual out- put is about one million berry baskets, eight thousand dozen fruit baskets, and fifty thous- and egg cases.

November 18, 1868, Mr. Miller married Margaret Bell, a daughter of Jaines Bell, of Marietta township, and they became the pa- rents of seven children, as follows: George M., who died June 3, 1893, at the age of twen- ty years ; Etta M., wife of Clayton B. Smith,

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of Marietta township, by whom she has four children,-Mildred Glen. and Clayton and Clara, twins; Emma D., wife of F. A. West, of Marietta township. by whom she has a daughter, Margaret; Clara, who married Dr. Eugene Hemmeger, of Adelphi, Ohio, and has two children .- Mary and Frances ; Lucy, who married V. E. Racer, of Marietta township. and has one child, Maurice: Olive, who mar- ried Zenas B. Hildreth of Marietta township; and Carlin Fuller, the youngest of the family, who is at home and attending school. Mr. Miller is a Republican, in politics, and was the candidate of his party for the state legislature, in 1883, going down to defeat with the rest of the ticket.

A NSEL W. MAGEE, a prominent farm- er in the vicinity of Reno, Washing- ton County, Ohio, ranks among the foremost and most enterprising farmers of Marietta township. Mr. Magee was born January 4, 1845. on the same farm which is now his home, and which has been the scenes of his labors for many years. He is the third son born to Abner and Eliza- betli (Riley) Magee, and is a grandson of Robert Magee.

Abner Magee was also a native of Marietta township, where he was born in 1822. The early part of his life was spent as pilot of a flatboat on the Ohio River. In 1875. he moved west. to Lancaster County, Nebraska, and followed farming until cut off by death, April 2, 1889.

Ansel W. Magee's mother was born in 1818, and died in 1895. They reared seven chil- dren, as follows: George, now a resident of Chicago: Hiram, a farmer of Lancaster Coun- ty, Nebraska; Ansel W., the subject of this biography; John, deceased; Anna, now Mrs. Lacy, of Lancaster County, Nebraska ; Cornel- ia. now Mrs. Fulton, of Nebraska : and Mar- tha. now Mrs. Forrest, of Lancaster County, Nebraska.

Ansel W. Magee received his mental train- ing in the public schools. In 1863. he enlisted

in Company L. ist Reg., Ohio Vol. Cav .. and served under General Thomas until the suc- cessful termination of the Civil War. He saw active service in the campaign from Chat- tanooga to Atlanta, and back to Nashville, and was mustered out September 15, 1865. He subsequently returned to his native place, and at once engaged in farming, which has occu- pied his attention ever since.

In 1809, MIr. Magee was joined in matri- mony with Emily Lackey, a daughter of Car- los Lackey, of Newport township. Washing- ton County, Ohio. One son, Charles E., blessed their union, and he is now successfully engaged in farming near the home place. His marriage with Ida Perkins, a daughter of F. T. Perkins, of Marietta township, has re- sulted in one child, Gladys May.

In politics, Mr. Magee is a stanch Republi- can, and served his party as township asses- sor in 1900. He is a valued member of G. A. R. Post, No. 178.

ISAIAH O. BARTLETT, a prominent farmer of Washington County, Ohio, located on a fine farm of 131 acres in Wesley township, is a descendant of one of the old and honorable families of New England. The name of Josiah Bart- lett appears as one of the signers of the Declar- ation of Independence.

The birth of Mr. Bartlett occurred in Morgan County, Ohio, on April 12, 1856, and he was brought to Washington County when his parents came here in 1858, and located in Wesley township. Asa Otis Bartlett, his fa- ther, was born in Chester Hill, Morgan Coun- ty, and died in 1864, at the age of 37 years. At the time of his death he was a member of Company D, 148th Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and was on board a United States transport ves- sel. Prior to the Civil War. he was both a farmer and merchant and taught several terms in the district school. In religious belief he was a Methodist. and belonged. fraternally, to Bartlett Masonie Lodge, No. 274. His wife

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

was Ellen, daughter of Josiah and Letitia At- kinson. She was born on June 16, 1822, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and died in 1892. She, also, was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. The four children born to Asa Otis Bartlett and his wife were as follows: Mary and Samuel A., deceased ; Isaiah O. ; and Daniel, of Beverly, Ohio.

The subject of this sketch obtained a good common-school education, and has followed farming through life. His large and valuable farm, within one mile of Bartlett, is one of the best in the locality. Here may be enjoyed the benefits of both urban and rural life. Mr. Bartlett is an excellent farmer, and has de- veloped his land and continually improved it. both in appearance and real value. In 1878 he was married to Adeline Edgerton, a daugh- ter of John and Margaret Edgerton, who was born in Morgan County, on February 29, 1860. The children born to this union were: Mary. deceased : Daisy and Gertrude, teachers; and Ethel and Ida, who are at home. Mr. Bart- lett has reared his family in the Methodist Church, where they are much esteemed and are active members. Fraternally, Mr. Bartlett is associated with the Bartlett lodge of Masons. and the Chester Hill lodge of Odd Fellows. In polities he chooses to be independent, and votes for the candidate who comes the nearest to his idea of fitness.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 156

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