History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 168

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 168

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).

Mr. Murdock purchased his present farm at two different times. llis first purchase consisted of 100 acres, which he bought of his James Wiley West, whose name opens these lines, married Annie Thorniley, a father-in-law, A. F. Breckenridge, in 1880. He paid $25.00 per acre for this, and erected daughter of Captain William Thorniley, and , all the fences, buildings, etc., himself. For

1136

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

eighteen winters he had a sawmill on the farm, and he paid for nearly all the improvements from the proceeds of the sheep which he raised. These sheep are thoroughbred Merino and have taken many prizes at the fairs given in the county, especially at the county fair, the Bever- ly fair and the Barlow fair. Some time after his first purchase of land. Mr. Murdock bought sixty acres more, making in all 160 acres, well adapted to the raising of stock, as well as general farming. In carpenter work on the buildings he had only the help of one man, and the material, such as stone and timber, he obtained from the farm. His farm is now one of the best kept in the county, and through all the years spent in building on and improv- ing it, no small credit should be given to the willing assistance of Mrs. Murdock, who helped in so many little ways to further the work.

Mr. Murdock is a member of the Repub- lican party, in which he has been quite service- able. For nine consecutive years, he was school director, and for ten years he served his township as land appraiser. He is a char- ter member of the Watertown Mutual Farm Insurance Company, and has been its agent since it was first organized. In religious be- lief he is a firm Methodist and holds to the old creed of the MI. E. Church. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order, affiliating with Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M., at Beverly. Great confidence is reposed in the subject of this sketch by the people of his acquaintance.

SMUND KOSSUTH HAMILTON. The subject of this personal history, one of the best-known men of Mari- etta, Washington County, Ohio, is a member of the firm of Hamilton & Heidrick, merchant tailors, of that city. This business is the largest of its kind in Marietta, and was established, in 1884, by O. K. Ham- ilton and A. R. Heidrick, the building being located on Front street. The partners do all

the cutting required by the amount of work they have, and employ from twelve to four- teen people for other work. They use two floors, and are strictly merchant tailors. The patronage of the firm speaks for the integrity and worth of its members, as well as their thorough-going business methods, for their custom is of the best, and there is plenty of it.

Osmund K. Hamilton is a Pennsylvanian by birth, and was born in 1853, at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. The following year his par- ents with their family removed to Marietta, Ohio, and there made their home. A brother, J. A. Hamilton, attorney-at-law, is represented by a sketch elsewhere in this book. Osmund K. Hamilton was the youngest in the family, and attended the public schools of Marietta for some years. He also took instruction in the private schools of Mr. and Miss Combs. At the early age of seventeen years he de- cided to become a tailor and for a while worked with Mr. Heidrick for C. C. Ketter, in the same establishment. Subsequently he learned cutting in New York City, previous to launching into business in 1884.

Mr. Hamilton was joined in marriage with Joan Cunningham, a daughter of Michael Cunningham, who was a veteran of the Civil War, and died in 1891, at the age of seventy years. His residence in Washington County dated back to its early history. He was sur- vived by his widow until 1894. when she, too, was laid to rest. Mrs. Hamilton has one sis- ter, Alice Cunningham, who now lives in Oregon. She taught school in Marietta, and graduated at the Cook County ( Illinois) Normal School, in 1897. One year was spent in teaching in Chicago, and this was followed by two years of experience as a teacher in the State Normal School, at Charleston, Illinois. She now travels through- out Oregon for a Seattle firm, selling educa- tional books and publications, especially to the Indian schools.

The subject of this sketch and his wife are active members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Of their family of four daughters,.

LEWIS W. SMITH.

1139

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Ruth, the eldest, is a graduate of the Marietta High School, and is attending College at Marietta ; Alice graduated from the parochial school in June, 1901: Marie graduated in June, 1902; and Margaret is still attending school at St. Mary's.

Mr. Hamilton is faithful to the principles of the Republican party. He is careful. con- scientious business man, and his present posi- tion is gratifying to himself and the many friends who have watched him in his progress.

FREDERIC SPEARY was born in Macksburg, Ohio, in 1873. of German-French extraction, his fa- ther, who was born in France, com- ing to this country in 1861, and serving in the 7th Virginia Regiment. U. S. A., during the Civil War.

Mr. Speary, in early years, assumed the responsibilities of life by entering into the business world, having in 1884 affiliated him- self with the Macksburg Pipe Line Company, now known as the Buckeye Pipe Line Com- pany. On April 5, 1890, the offices were moved to Marietta, Mr. Speary remaining with the company. In 1892 he was made oil buyer for the Joseph Seep Purchasing Agency, which agency has its headquarters at Oil City, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speary was married in 1899 to Nellie Best, who was born and reared in Marietta, being a daughter of G. C. Best, who was so well and favorably known. They now reside at No. 505 Washington street.

OHN NOBLE MACKEY, a prominent farmer of Marietta township, Wash- ington County, Ohio, was born in 1860 and is a son of James Mackey. James Mackey was born in Columbi- ana County, Ohio, in 1814, and purchased the homestead farm in 1847. He married Susan B. Corner, in 1851, and to them were born 63

seven children, five of whom are now living, as follows: Mrs. Luella Middleswart; Mrs. Susie Kerr: Mrs. Annie Efferson: Frank; and John Noble. James Mackey died in De- cember, 1900, after a life of usefulness and' uprightness.

John Noble Mackey, the subject of this bi- ography, was married to Fanny DeWitt, a daughter of Francis DeWitt. Francis De- Witt was born in 1824, and came to Washing- ton County, at the age of ten years. There he married Eliza Dornan, in 1857, and they were blessed with six children, as follows: Frank. of Marietta; Charles, of Colorado; Mamie, wife of J. P. Brown, of Caywood; Hattie B .; Anna; and Mrs. J. N. Mackey.

Mr. Mackey and his wife were married in 1888, and they have four children, namely : James Dean, who was born in 1889; Arthur, who was born in 1893; Carlton Louis, who was born in 1895 ; and Ruth, who was born in 1902.

Mr. Mackey is one of the leading citizens of Washington County ; he is influential in lo- cal affairs, and is a man of honor and integ- rty. He is well known in the county, and is deeply interested in its welfare.

RS. MAGDALENA SMITII, whose wide circle of acquaintances and friends testifies to her goodness and popularity, is a woman of kindly impulses and generous disposition. She is a native of Germany, where she lived un- til 1874, when she came to the United States. and soon afterward located at Marietta, Wash- ington County, Ohio.

While still living in that city she became acquainted with Lewis W. Smith, whom she married some time later. He was born in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, in 1849, and during his life was all that a good husband should be. For a con- siderable time he was the owner and manager of a planing mill in Marietta, which he sold to James Foreman and James Ilall, and purchased the farm on which Mrs. Smith now lives. In

I140

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1892, they settled on this farm, and here they reared three children; namely. Walter G., Charles F., and May M.

Mr. Smith departed to his final rest on April 23, 1901, and was mourned by the citi- zens of Warren township, as a good, useful citizen is always mourned. His portrait ac- companies this sketch. On the farm of Mrs. Smith are now several producing oil wells. It is located! about four miles out on the river road from Marietta, and is well cared for under the direction of Mrs. Smith, whose judgment and good common sense can always be counted upon.

OLONEL WILLIAM BION MA- SON, deceased, for many years a prominent and influential citizen of Marietta, Ohio, was born in Adams township. Washington County, Ohio, August 10. 1823, on land near Lowell, which he had inherited from his ancestors. He was a son of William Bond Mason, grandson of William Mason, and a descendant of Hugh Mason, who came to this country in 1634. from Ipswich, England, and settled in Water- town, Massachusetts.

William Mason, the grandfather, was one of the original 48 who came with Rufus R. Putnam from Massachusetts, and located in Washington County. He settled in Adams township, and was one of the earliest minis- ters of Rainbow Settlement. being a Baptist. He was a farmer, as was his son, William Bond Mason, who was a fine carpenter and cabinet-maker.

Colonel Mason was reared in Adams town- ship and attended college in Meadville, Penn- sylvania. He taught school for a number of years, beginning when he was 18 years old, and teaching one year near Keokuk, Iowa. He re- turned to Washington County, Ohio, shortly before his marriage in 1852, and in November, 1855, was elected county recorder. He was re- elected to that office in 1858, and served until Jime, 1862, when he resigned, leaving the office in charge of Manley Warren, his clerk. On July 27, 1861, he entered the militia, and

served as captain of Company D, Ist Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., Third Brigade, Seventh Divi- sion, until October 10, of the same year. He resigned and the day of his resignation he signed the muster roll as a private, and was or- dered to report at Columbus. Two days la- ter, he was mustered in as 2nd lieutenant, and on December 2, of the same year, was pro- moted to be captain, under Jesse Hildebrand, colonel of the ;7th Reg. Ohio Vol. Infantry. He was promoted to be major on August 26, 1862, and as such served until April 18, 1863, when he was promoted to be colonel of the 77th regiment. He served until December 31, 1864, and was mustered out at Little Rock, Arkansas. He returned home and one year later was elected county treasurer of Wash- ington County, assuming the duties of office in the spring of 1807. He served in this capacity one term, until the spring of 1869. He was appointed postmaster by President Grant, and served efficiently in that position from 1870 to 18-8. Then, for seven years, he was suc- cessfully engaged in the mercantile line, at No. 175 Front street. He was thus occupied at the time of his death, November II. 1885. He was a man of the highest character, and was everywhere held in the greatest esteem.

Colonel Mason was married May 25, 1852, to Lucetta B. Mason ( not a relative), who was born in Adams township, and was a daughter of William Mason. Two children blessed this union, Mary E. and William Bion. The sub- ject of this sketch was a member of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Grand Army of the Republic.

William Bion Mason, son of Colonel Ma- son, was born at Marietta, in 1857. and re- ceived his mental training in the public schools. He entered the postoffice as clerk under his father, at the age of sixteen years, and served with the latter during the last five years of his incumbency, as assistant postmaster. He af- terward served some time with S. L. Grosvenor and later in the Parkersburg postoffice. Later he was engaged in the mercantile line with his father, at No. 175 Front street, and continued the business three years after the father's death. Since 1889, he has been engaged in the rail-

1141

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

way mail service, over the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and now runs between Chicago and Wheeling. The Mason family has resided at the corner of Third and Sacra Via streets for the past thirty-five years, and the present house of brick veneer was completed by Mr. Mason in May, 1900. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Har- mar Blue Lodge, No. 390.

OHN H. BECKER, occupying the prominent position of president and | 631 Second street.

treasurer of the Becker Lumber & . Manufacturing Company, of Mariet- ta. Washington County, Ohio, is a man of great executive ability and is one of the most prominent citizens of Marietta.

Mr. Becker is a son of Jacob Becker, and claims Marietta as his birthplace. He chose Miss Wolfram for his life companion, and they have a family of four bright, intelligent children. The greater part of Mr. Becker's life has been spent in the endeavor to make his bus- iness a complete success.

The Becker Lumber K Manufacturing Company was first established in 1888. It was located on Front street and through the untiring efforts of Mr. Becker, its founder, became the largest plant by far in the city of Marietta. Throughout the entire history of the plant, Mr. Becker has been a potent factor, ever aiding in its development, ever willing to devote his talents and time to its advancement. In this he is aided by D. R. Roed. vice-presi- dent, and John Pfoff, secretary, most valuable assistants in the work. In 1901, the location of this plant was changed from Sacra Via and Front streets to Pike and Queen streets, and there the buildings, which have been quite re- cently completed, occupy between two and three acres of space. The main structure is of brick, 64 by 112 feet, in dimensions, and besides the basement, has three stories, cach being supplied with its share of machinery, etc. The other buildings, and there are many, are all equipped with the most modern machinery. The plant employs about forty-five people.

Hardwood lumber is mainly used, and a plan- ing mill turns out a vast amount of custom work. The power of the plant is supplied by a 100 horse power engine, and it manufactures lumber and finishing goods. Besides the local trade, a heavy business is carried on by supply- ing the contractors of surrounding towns.

Mr. Becker is much interested in his plant, and is regarded as one of Marietta's most use- ful and progressive citizens. In fraternal cir- cles, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is Exalted Ruler of the B. P. O. E. He and his family enjoy a beautiful home at No. In religious belief. they adhere to the doctrines of the German Lu- theran Church.

HE MARIETTA STEAM LAUN- DRY. of which C. H. Taylor and P. E. Clark are proprietors, is the largest place of its kind in the city of Mari- etta, Ohio. It was established in 1895, by the consolidation of the American Steam Laundry and the Marietta Laundry. The former was started in October, 1892, on Front street, by Mr. Taylor, and the latter, by Messrs. Clark & Cole. G. C. Mohler was identi- fied with the American Steam Laundry prior to 1895, and when the two concerns were merged, on April 27, of that year, he continued in the business with Messrs. Clark and Taylor, Mr. Cole withdrawing. Mr. Mohler withdrew in the spring of 1901. and its present owners have since conducted the business. They occupy two floors at No. 205 Second street, and em- ploy a force of twenty people. They not only control the local trade, but received patronage from towns as far distant as Belington, West Virginia, and the Maryland line. The plant is thoroughly equipped with modern machin- ery of the best type. To show the enterprise of its proprietors, it may be stated that they have placed in use a new collar and cuff machine at a cost of nearly St.ooo, which is equal to any in use and is the only one in this section of the country. It produces work equal to "new. The concern does work of every kind,

!142

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

making a specialty of collars, cuffs and shirts. and two wagons are constantly used in making the deliveries. The proprietors are men of rec- ognized ability, and are held in high esteem by the citizens of Marietta.

C. H. Taylor was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1864, and removed to Marietta in 1891. He married a daughter of S. W. Harvey, and re- sides at Fairview Heights with his wife and family of four children. He is a Republican in politics, and socially, belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity. Religiously he favors Chris- tian Science.

P. E. Clark was born at Beverly, Washing- ton County, Ohio. April 19, 1862, and has spent most of his life in Washington County. From 188; to 1804. he was mail clerk, running from Grafton, West Virginia, to Chicago, a distance of 560 miles. his home then being at Zanesville, Ohio. His first marriage was with a daughter of Captain R. N. Cole, of Marietta. She died leaving one child, Ruth. July 18, 1890, Mr. Clark formed a second union, wed- ding Mary McNamara, who is of Canadian parentage. In politics the subject of this sketch is a Democrat. . He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Elks.

h B. COEN, senior member of the firm of Coen & Wilson, lawyers and general practitioners of Marietta. Ohio, with offices in the St. Clair Building, was born in Noble County, Ohio, in 18;1. of English ancestry. He is the son of Jacob S. and Lydia C. Coen, grandson of Richard Coen, and great-grandson of Abra- ham Coen. who came to this country from England during the Revolutionary War. Mr. Coen spent his boyhood days on a farm in Noble County, his father being a farmer and stock dealer. When he was ten years of age. his father died, and he and his mother there- after continued to reside on the farm until 1800, when they removed to Mount Ephraim. a small town near their farm, where they lived until the former's removal to Marietta. . \t the age of 17 years, he became a member of the Christian Church, and after leaving school

traveled as a vocalist, having sung in religious work in more than thirty States. While trav- eling he began the study of law with L. A. Koons, of the Athens County Bar, and contin- ued his studies for more than four years, a large portion of which time was spent in the office of Mr. Koons. In 1898, he was admitted to the Bar in Ohio and since that time he has been admitted to practice in the United States Courts. He located in Marietta for the prac- tice of his profession shortly after his admis- sion to the Bar, and in the fall of 1900, formed a partnership with Mr. Frank Wilson, which still continues. Many lawyers are to be found among his ancestors. His great-grandfather was admitted at Westminster, and was for many years a successful practitioner of law in London. Mr. Coen was married in Omaha, Nebraska, to Anna E. Thompson. They have one daughter, Mildred L., and reside at No. 511 Warren street. Socially Mr. Coen is a member of Marietta Lodge, No. 477, B. P. O. E., and in politics he has always been ac- tively allied with the Democratic party.

RANK WILSON, junior partner of the firm of Coen & Wilson, lawyers and general practitioners, of Marietta, Ohio, with offices in the St. Clair Building, was born December 22, 1861. at Brownsville. Monroe County, Ohio, and is the son of Dr. Josiah and Ruth Wilson.

Until he was twenty-one years of age, he resided a part of the time on the farm, and part of the time in Brownsville. At an early age, he taught district schools in Monroe and Harrison counties, Ohio, and during the years 1892 and 1893 was principal of the public schools at Hannibal. In the meantime he was furthering his own education and in June, 1894, was graduated from Scio College. In 1895 lie came to Marietta, and read law under the preceptorship of A. D. Follett, of the firm of Nye & Follett. In the fall of 1895. he went to Mount Pleasant, Ohio, and taught during the three years following. in the high school at that place. He pursued his law course while there, under the preceptorship of Attorney E.

JOHN T. CLEARY,

1145

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

L. Finley, of the Jefferson County Bar, and during the winter of 1898 and 1899 was iden- tified with the schools of New Matamoras. He was enabled to enter the senior class of the law department of the Ohio State University, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1900. He was immediately thereafter admit- ted to practice, and in October, 1900, came to Marietta, and formed a partnership with Mr. Coen. He has been a success as a lawyer, and stands high at the bar of Washington County. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the M. E. Church.

OHN T. CLEARY. superintendent of the Constitution Stone Company, of Constitution, Ohio, and one of the prominent young business men of this locality, was born in Marietta, Ohio, on February 16, 1877, and is a son of Thomas and Catherine ( Conley) Cleary. Thomas Cleary is a native of County Clare, Ireland, and his wife was born in Ohio.

Thomas Cleary was born on December 20, 1848 in the village of Ennis, Ireland, and is a son of Thomas and Bridget ( Cunningham ) Cleary, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Thomas Cleary, father of Jolin T., was brought to America by his parents in 1850. They set- tled first at Whitehall, New York, where they remained one year, and then moved to the state of Maine, where Thomas first worked on the Boston & Maine Railroad. In 1853. he went to Pennsylvania. and thence to Washington County, Ohio, where the grandfather assisted in the first grading work on the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, between Marietta and Athens. Grandfather Cleary followed railroad work until about 1860, when he purchased a farm on which he spent the remainder of his days. He died in 1892. his wife having died about twelve years previously. Their children were as follows: Thomas: Michael; Cath- erine: James: John: Ellen: William: Mar- garet : Susan : Sarah ; Mary : and one who died in infancy.

Thomas Cleary, the eldest of this large fam- ily, attended school in Lancaster County, Penn- sylvania, and later, in Washington County, Ohio. His first work was done in the stone quarries, as a laborer, and he afterward learned the mason trade, in combination with stone cut- ting. and was employed as a foreman by the old M. & C. R. R. Company for a period of four years. Later, he was employed in the grindstone business, but did not become an in- dividual owner until 1899. He is now operat- ing a very successful business at Moore's Junc- tion, Ohio. On November 24. 1873. he mar- ried Catherine Conley, who was a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, and a family of nine children was born to them, namely : Thomas M. ; John T .: William J., Mabel A .: Mary J .: Ellen; Catherine : Edward; and Alice. All are living with the exception of Edward. Mr. Cleary supports the Democratic party. He has served as township trustee, and in the fall of 1901 was selected by his party as a candidate for County Commissioner. For a number of years he has served on the School Board and is a leading citizen of his locality. Fraternally, he is con- nected with the A. O. H .; K. of C .; and B. P. O. E. For four years, Thomas Cleary was a very efficient traveling salesman for the large wholesale grocery house of Bosworth, Wells & Company, of Marietta.

John T. Cleary attended the public schools of Constitution, Ohio, and his first work was done on a farm. Later. he entered the employ of the Constitution Stone Company, as a team- ster, and three years afterward. on account of his reliability and efficient discharge of his du- ties, he was appointed assistant superintendent. He remained in this capacity until 1897. when he was made general superintendent of this im- portant company. Although but 20 years of age, at that time, he had gained the confidence of the company to such an extent that he was placed in charge of the business of its three mills and five quarries, with at least 100 men under his supervision. This concern mann- factures grindstones, and ships extensively to all parts of the United States. It supplies all the first-class tool houses, making a specialty of what are known as saw grit. file stones, knife

1:46

HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

stones and heavy tool stones. The company has a large capital invested, and its officers are : M. J. O'Connor, of Hartford, Connecticut, president ; and Fergus C. O'Connor, secretary. The main office is located at Constitution, Ohio.

In political sentiment, Mr. Cleary is a Dem- ocrat. He belongs to the K. of C. and B. P. O. E. His career is a striking example of what may be accomplished by honesty, industry and energy.

HE OHIO DENTAL COMPANY, of which J. P. and T. A. Becker are pro- prietors, was established in Marietta, May 1, 1898, with office first in the First National Bank Building. The place of business was then changed to the Belle- vue Hotel, and is at the present time well lo- cated in the Dime Savings Society Building. Dr. J. P. Becker has the management of the enterprise, and to him is due much of its suc- cess.

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 Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 168

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