History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 174

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 174

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).

Victor Torner crossed the ocean from his home in Sweden in 1854, and landed safely in

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

New York harbor. From that place he jour- neyed west, and finally settled at Belpre, Ohio. Thence he moved to Cow Run and then to Newport, where he resided until his demise, December 20, 1891. His beloved wife had already laid down the burden of life, June 15. 1890. He was a Republican, of firm political opinions. His wife was a member of the Con- gregational Church, and was actively employed in church work. During his residence in Ohio Mr. Torner was mostly interested in the oil business.

The subject of this sketch was united in matrimony with Jennie A. Greene, a daughter of J. B. Greene; she was born September 7, 1863. Their union resulted in seven children, namely: J. V. H., born April 24, 1881 ; Flor- ence MI., whose birth took place May 10, 1886; Elsie L., the date of whose birth is March IO, 1889: Ruth C., born March 20, 1892; Law- rence G., born October 8, 1896; Norris G., born March 3. 1900; and W. Harley, born February 21, 1902.

Mr. Torner is a member of the Congrega- tional Church and his wife is a Baptist. Pre- vious to engaging in the flour mill business in Newport, Ohio, Mr. Torner was engaged in the oil business quite extensively. He still has six producing wells which occupy his at- tention, and his land consists of two farms- one containing 40 acres, and the other 34 acres-all cultivated in the best possible way. In politics he is a very earnest member of the Republican party and is active in public af- fairs. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of American Union Lodge, No. I. F. & A. M., of Marietta, Ohio; and the Knights Templar, of the same place.

ILLIAM P. MCKINNEY, for many years a prominent business man of Belpre, Ohio, is now living a re- tired life after years of the great- est activity. He comes of a promi- nent Pennsylvania family, and is one of nine children born to William and Mary W. ( Mil- ler ) McKminey.

His grandfather, William McKinney, was born in Pennsylvania and served throughout the Revolutionary War. His wife was Fran- ces Piatt, who saw General Washington and his command marching through Trenton, New Jersey. Many of the soldiers were without shoes, and these articles she supplied to some of them.

William Mckinney, father of William P., was born in Pennsylvania. He served through- out the War of 1812, and then followed mer- cantile pursuits during the remainder of his life. He lived to reach a ripe old age, his death occurring in 1888. He married Mary W. Mil- ler, a daughter of Robert Miller, an extensive farmer in Pennsylvania.

William P. MeKinney was born in Wood County, Virginia (now "West Virginia), De- cember 24. IS21, and was reared on a farm tintil he was nine years of age, a greater part of his schooling being obtained during that time. When quite a youth he began to as- sist his father in his store, the latter being quite an extensive merchant. After working thus for several years. he was placed in charge of his father's store in Harrisville, Virginia, where he continued until 1855. He then em- barked in a similar business for himself in Willow Island, West Virginia, and continued thus until he disposed of the store to engage in the oil business. As an oil producer he was eminently successful, and acquired considerable wealth. In 1865 he moved to Belpre and was engaged in the wharf-boat business for a pe- riod of fourteen years, his success being as great as that achieved in his former ventures. L'pon disposing of that business he retired from active affairs and has since spent his time in Belpre in the quiet enjoyment of home life. He owns his home in Washington Coun- ty, as well as property in the State of Florida, from which he derives a good revenue.

Mr. Mckinney was united in marriage June 24, 1849, with Indiana H. Jackson, a daughter of William L. Jackson, of Clarks- burg, Vrginia (now West Virginia), and a second cousin of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson. Three children were born to them, namely : Benjamin J. : Josephine M. ; and William, who

WM. V. TORNER.

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died at the age of four years. Mr. Mckinney and his family are devout member of the Pres- byterian Church. His wife was a Methodist. She died May 29, 1865, and in compliance with her request was buried in Parkersburg. West Virginia. Fraternally the subject of this sketch is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political views coincide with those of the Democratic party. He lives with his sister in a cozy residence on Main street, in Belpre, Ohio.

APT. JACKSON HARRISON, for many years one of the most prom- inent steamboat captains on the Ohio River, is now living a retired life at his home in Belpre, Ohio. He was born in Monroe County, Ohio. February 12, 1829, and is one of ten children born to Jesse and Phoebe ( Mozney ) Harrison. Captain Harrison is a grandson of Joseph Harrison, who was an extensive farmer.

Jesse Harrison was born in Norfolk. Vir- ginia, December 20. 1794, and ran away from home to enlist in the American army during the war with England in 1812. He served throughout the war, and then returned home and engaged in farming. He married Phoebe Mozney, who was born in January. 1800, and was a daughter of John Mozney, who was of French birth.

Cant. Jackson Harrison attended the old log-school in his vicinity, and three months each winter attended pay school. He was reared on his father's farm until he reached the age of seventeen years, but. being ambitious to earn his own livelihood, ran away from home. He secured employment as a deck hand on a steamboat on the Ohio River. but was destined to remain in that capacity but a short time. Ilis rise was rapid and he was promoted succes- sively to be watchman. second mate. first mate and captain. In 1833 he became captain of his first boat. the steamer Viroqua, plying between Clarington ard Wheeling West Virginia. He served as captain of various boats until 1884. the year of the flood, when he retired from ac-

tive business. He has lived in Belpre since 1867 and owns considerable valuable real es- tate in that city.

Captain Harrison was united in marriage with Louisa Shearer, a daughter of Joseph Shearer. of West Virginia. Eight children were born to them, of whom two survive,- Mary M., wife of E. W. Stone; and Dora, widow of George M. O'Neal ; Mr. O'Neal died in January, 1897. Mrs. O'Neal resides in Belpre with her only child, Carroll H. Mrs. Harrison has been a member of the Episco- pal Church for more than fifty years, and the Captain is a member of the same church. He cast his first vote for the Democratic ticket and has since voted that way. A brother of Captain Harrison, John W. Harrison, served in the Union army during the Civil War, and was killed in the Battle of Gettysburg. Cap- tain and Mrs. Harrison are spending their de- clining years in a beautiful residence in Belpre, where they are surrounded by many friends of long standing

OHN IL. BRECKENRIDGE, a promi- nent farmer of Palmer township, Washington County, Ohio, has spent his entire life in that calling. He is a son of Robert and Mary P. ( Mur- (lock) Breckenridge, and grandson of John and Margaret Breckenridge, and his maternal grandfather was Elias Murdock, a sturdy citi- zen. known to many in this neighborhood.

Mr. Breckenridge was born September 20, 186 !. in Palmer township. His early mental training was obtained in the public schools. and when his studies were over he applied hin- self to farming. He is now the possessor of 132 acres of valuable land and together with general farming. he raises stock advantageous- lv. His home place is very comfortable and attractive, the buildings being well improved and neat. while his house is furnished with modern conveniences.

On March 30, 1887. Mr. Breckenridge mar- ried . Agnes Cheadle, a daughter of Christopher Columbus Cheadle. She was born July 11, 186 ;. and is a woman of many amiable quali-

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ties. They were never blessed with any chil- dren. The religious sentiments of Mr. and Mrs. Breckenridge are broad and liberal, and their support is given to all denominations.

Politically Mr. Breckenridge is a Republi- can, and he has served in a number of township offices with satisfaction to all.

OHN DANA BROWNING, a success- ful liveryman of Belpre, Ohio, was born January 5, 1856, in Belpre, and is a son of Alexander H. and Augusta (Stone) Browning. His great-grand- father, William Browning, came from Massa- chusetts to Marietta in 1789, and later settled in Belpre, where he lived until his death, in 1823. He married Abigail Putnam, daughter of Gen. Rufus Putnam, and they were the parents of four children, of whom three grew to maturity, namely: William R., grandfa- ther of John Dana: George; and Samuel M. William R. Browning married Sophia Barker. of Washington County. Ohio. Unto this union the following children were born, namely : William : Joseph ; Abigail and Cynthia, both of whom died unmarried; Alexander H. : Sopha, who married Melvin H. Clark ; and R. P.

Mlesander H. Browning was born and reared in Belpre, where he carried on farming and merchandising for many years. He was the original owner of the land on which the village of Belpre is platted. He also operated a mil! for some time. He died in April, 1873. and his wife survived him until October, 1884.

John Dana Browning was reared on his father's farm and obtained the greater part of his mental training in the common schools of Belpre township. He also attended Oberlin College. In early days he assisted his father on the farm, and afterward engaged in busi- ness in Belpre. where he continued for five years. He disposed of his stock and again farmed for three years, at the same time hay- ing the contract for carrying the mail to and from the depot. He fulfilled this contract for a period of six and a half years, and upon its expiration in 1899 engaged in the livery and

feed stable business in Belpre. He has since continued in this line and enjoys a liberal pa- tronage.

January 31. 1884. Mr. Browning was united in marriage with Mary F. Ryan, a daughter of James Ryan, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, by whom he has four children, namely: Laura N .; Julia M .; Frank R. ; and Mary L. Religiously the family are Congrega- tionalists. The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor.

AMUEL E. WEAVER, superintend- ent of schools of Belpre, Ohio, was born on his father's farm near San- drville, Ohio, August 15, 1870, and was the only child born to John D. and Mary ( Cable ) Weaver.

His grandfather. Frank Weaver, was a farmer by occupation and lived at Sandyville, Ohio, where John D. Weaver, father of Sam- uc! E., was born. The latter is also an exten- sive farmer, and has always lived in the vi- cinity of his native town. He married Mary Cable, a daughter of Samuel Cable, the latter also being an agriculturist of some prominence.

Samuel F. Weaver was reared on his fa- ther's farm, and at an early day, attended the Eastern Ohio Normal School, at Pierce, Ohio. He completed a course of study at Mount Union College, and was finally graduated from the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, Ohio, in 1898, having completed three courses of study. His profession as an instructor then had its be- ginning at Belpre, where he is now serving as superintendent of schools. The choice of Mr. Weaver for this office proved a wise one, and inet with universal approval, and Professor Weaver enjoys the confidence and hearty sup- port of the public to a marked degree.

Mr. Weaver was united in marriage with Chloe Mckinney, a daughter of Washington McKinney. of Stark County, Ohio, and they have three children, as follows: Owen K .: Guy F .; and Mary. Religiously the subject

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MR. AND MRS. STEPHEN RAWSON.

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of this sketeh and his wife are devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics, and fraternally is affili- ated with the Jr. O. U. A. M. He has a very comfortable home on Main street, Belpre.

TEPHEN RAWSON. a successful farmer and esteemed citizen of Wash- ington County, who owns and oper- ates a large farm in Dunham town- ship, was born in Pleasants County. (West) Virginia. August 31. 1844, and is a son of Stephen and Elizabeth ( Guard) Raw- son, both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion.

Stephen Rawson, the father, was reared on a Virginia farm and resided in that State until 1864, when he moved to Ohio and pur- chased a farm of 160 acres, from Neil Mc- Taggart, who erected the residence upon it. It had originally been government land, and was formerly owned by Daniel Shaw and Doug- las Putnam. A family of 12 children was born to Stephen and Elzabeth ( Guard) Rawson, as follows: William: Louis, born July 26. 1829: Richard, born May 8, 1831 : John, born June 10, 1833: Sarah, born July 23, 1835 ; Samuel. born July 12, 1837 ; David, born September 1.1. 1839: Elizabeth and Ann, twins, born April 28. 1842: Stephen, born August 31, 1844. Eliza, born July 31, 1847; and Mary Cather- ine, born October 6, 1849. The father of this family was born July 24, 1805, and died March 2, 1872: his wife was born Ja mary 19, ISO5. and died July 1. 1884. They were attendants of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Raw- son favored the Democratic party.

Stephen Rawson, the subject of this bi- ography, attended the district schools of Vir- ginia, in the neighborhood of his father's farm, and assisted in the farm management, which he also continued after the settlement of the family in Ohio. His father's will gave him the farm he now owns, and his own energy and industry have enabled him to add 112 acres to the original 160. making one of the large and valuable properties for which Wash-

ington County is noted. In connection with his son-in-law, Bannie Spencer, he carries on a general line of farming here, in connection with stock raising, a specialty being made of breeding fine cattle. Mr. Rawson also oper- ates a feed mill which has a capacity of from 35 to 40 bushels an hour. This is well patron- ized by the neighboring farmers, to whom it is a great accommodation.

In 1867 Mr. Rawson was married to Mary S. Needham, a daughter of Jasper and Es- ther Marilla ( Sage) Needham, who are rest- dents of Ozark, Missouri, where Mr. Need- ham owns a farm of 160 acres. Mrs. Rawson was the eldest child in the following family born to her parents: Harlow E. : Marcus E. ; Louis M .; Susan R. and Sophrona, deceased ; Milton J .; John W .: Douglass A. ; Stephen E. : Susan R. : Lucinda M. : and one that died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Rawson have one daughter, Elizabeth G., who is the wife of Bannie Spencer, and has had four children. namely : Ida L. ; Harry E., deceased ; Homer E. and Bertha L. Mr. and Mrs. Rawson are highly esteemed in their locality for their hos- pitality and their many aets of neighborly kindness. Mr. Rawson is an upright, reliable citizen, who looks well after his home and fam- ily and takes an intelligent interest in the well- being of his section of the township.

RS. BETSEY J. THORNILEY, widow of the late Caleb S. Thorn- m iley, is living on her farm of IIO acres, which is one of the best in Washington County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Edward and Delilah ( Ryeson) Sheldon.

Edward Sheldon was born in one of the New England States, where he followed the trade of a carpenter and cabinet maker. He married Delilah Rycson in Vinton County, Ohio, and they reared seven children, as fol- lows: Thomas, a widower, who has seven children. Sarah, who married Henry Reckard, a farmer : Betsey J .. the subject of this sketch ; Hiram, a carpenter, living in Bradford. Penn-

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sylvania; Lucina and Laura, deceased; and Eliza, who lives in Marietta, and is the widow of J. H. Talbot.

Caleb S. Thorniley was born on the old Thorniley homestead, and his death, which was sincerely mourned in the community, oc- curred in January, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Thorn- iley were blessed with two children,-Ella, who married Charles Perkins, a farmer of Muskingum County, Ohio; and Bartlett S., who is living at Horton, West Virginia.

The Thorniley farm of 110 acres, owned by the subject hereof, contains several valuable oil wells, from which a good income is derived. Mrs. Thorniley has competent help to look af- ter the place, and may well be proud of her home and the appearance which it presents. She is well known in Marietta township, and is a woman of many admirable traits of character. She is a member of the Baptist Church.

BFL W. GLAZIER, one of Belpre's oldest and most highly respected cit- izens who is spending his declining years in retirement, was born No- vember 13, 1823, in Amesville, Ath- ens County, Ohio. He is a son of Lowring B. and Janette ( Henry) Glazier, and grandson of Abel Glazier.

Abel Glazier was a native of New York State, where he also followed farming. His son. Lowring B., was born in 1705. in Wash- ington County. New York, where he followed merchandising the better part of his life, and also farmed on a large scale for many years. He died July to, 1859. and his wife died No- vember 3. 1982. His wife, Janette Henry, was born in Pennsylvania August 15. 1795. and was a daughter of John Henry who was als> a farmer by occupation.

Abel W. Glazier attended the common schools of his native town, and was also a pupil in Amesville Seminary. After graduat- ing from the latter institution, he clerked in a store for several years, and then gave his at- tention to forming. He began the manufac- ture of pumps in 1876, which he continued in a highly successful manner in Belpre until

1892, when he decided to retire and enjoy the fruits of his early toil. He sold out his busi- ness and has since lived in happy retirement, although he has looked after his large farming interests. In the year 1898 he suffered an at- tack of paralysis, which has partially disabled him. He is a man of prominence throughout this section, and he is held in the highest es- teem by his fellow citizens.

Mr. Glazier was united in marriage with Mary W. Hyde, a daughter of William and Axie ( Wyatt ) Hyde. William Hyde was born in New York City, where he was a prosperous merchant. His wife, Axie Wyatt, was of old and aristocratic Pennsylvania stock. The sub- ject of this sketch and his wife were married October 30, 1851, and to them were born seven children, three of whom died in infancy. These living are as follows: Addie M .. wife of William Coe. of Belpre : Herbert H., of Bel- pre; Lulu M., wife of Dr. H. J. Steward, of Logan, Ohio. and Bertha B., wife of Dr. Charles B. Ballard, formerly of Belpre, and now of Marietta. Mr. and Mrs. Glazier are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Glazier has always voted the Republican ticket, and during 1886-1887, was a member of the State Senate from the Belpre district. He has also served on the school board, as land ap- praiser and as justice of the peace.

OHN G. STEPHENSON, for many years one of the leading agricultur- ists of Marietta township. Washing- ton County, Ohio, is now living in re- tirement at his home in Norwood. He was born on Sixth street in the city of Mari- etta January 23, 1826. and is a son of John Stephenson.

John Stephenson was born in Virginia, and was but six years of age when his father died. During the War of 1812. he was drafted into the army and in 1813 was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio. He walked from that city to Marietta, with which town he was so favor- ably impressed that he located there. He mar- ried Loaisa Gray, a native of Marietta, and a daughter of Robert Gray, and they were the

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parents of the following children: John G .; Charles; Isabella, widow of Benjamin Cogs- well, who died April 11, 1888; Russel J. ; Hen- ry. who is living in Kansas: Algernon, who lives in Marietta: Jewett, who lives in Kan- sas: and Anna, who died in Kansas about the year 1889.

John G. Stephenson was reared and schooled in the city of Marietta, after which he applied himself to farming. He met with great success at that occupation and became the owner of the entire section known as Nor- wood, which he finally disposed of for $25 .- 000. He then retired from active business and bought a farm for his son near Columbus, Ohio, for which he paid $20.000. He is a man of high character, of strong personality and pos- sesses many friends throughout this section of the county.

Mr. Stephenson was joined in marriage with Emeline M. Quinby, a daughter of Dr. Ephraim Quinby, whose parents were from England. Dr. Quinby was born and reared in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and moved to Marietta in 1823. He married Saralı ( White) Guit- tenu. of Fearing township, Washington Coun- ty, Ohio, and they had five children, as follows : Julia, who married George Hill, now deceased ; Emeline M., the wife of our subject : George, deceased : Teressa, who is living in Kansas ; and a child who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson have a son. William E., who lives on a farm near Columbus. He married Rosa Coil and they have two children: John, born Apri! 17. 1898: and Ernest. born November 17% 1000. Politically Mr. Stephenson is a Republican. He is a Methodist in religious belief.

ILLIAM J. WHARTON, senior partner of the firm of Wharton & Reed. wholesale and retail hard- ware merchants, of Belpre, Ohio. was born in Wood County, West Virginia, August 23, 1860, and is a son of Ab- ner and Caroline ( Cross) Wharton.

Abner Wharton was born in the State of Pennsylvania October 27. 1832, and when a

young man moved to Wood County, West Virginia, and was there extensively engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in January, 1897. He married Caroline Cross, who was born in West Virginia October 27, 1840. and died in the fall of 1852.

William J. Wharton, after completing the course of study prescribed in the common schools, attended the Southern Ohio State Normal School. After graduation he began his career as a teacher. continuing thus for a period of five years. He then entered the em- ploy of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Com- pany in the capacity of bill and rate clerk at Parkersburg, and remained with that company for several years. He then became identified with the Ohio River Railroad Company, in the auditor's office as revising rate clerk and con- tinued with that company eight years. In the meantime he became interested in mercantile pursuits. To do justice to the latter he re- signed his railroad position and with Mr. Reed purchased the present business, which they have since conducted most successfully. They own the building occupied by them, which con- sists of two stories and covers a lot 60 by 160 feet in dimensions. They are wholesale and retail dealers in general hardware, farm im- plements, fertilizers, vehicles, builders' supplies, guns, bicycles, cutlery, stoves and gas fixtures, and also manufacture tinware. They are agents for the Adriance Buckeye mowers, reapers and binders, and make a specialty of roofing and spouting. They are both enterpris- ing and progressive business men, and have in- creased their business many times over. They carry a stock valued at $8.000, and the amount of their annual transactions exceeds $15,000. Mr. Wharton is also engaged in the production of oil, and owns two farms of 200 acres each. each one containing a large well. He has been a resident of Belpre since 1887, and has been engaged in his present business four years.

Mr. Wharton was married July 5. 1888, to Jessie Henderson, who departed this life in 1895. leaving two children .- Lloyd and M. Gertrude. He formed a second union June 29, 1898, wedding Carrie R. Reed, a daughter of Dr. George W. Reed. an eminent physician of

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Belpre, and later of Columbus, Ohio, where his death occurred. The subject of this sketch is a member of the First Baptist Church, and his wife belongs to the Congregational Church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. of which he is past chancellor. In political views he is a Democrat. When Belpre was first incorporated lie was made city clerk, and has since served in that capacity.

m RS. LUCY M. COLE, a highly es- teemed resident of Marietta, is a direct descendant of one of the old and honored families of New Eng- land, which was connected with the early settlement of Dorchester, Massachu- setts, and of Windsor. Connecticut. Mrs. Cole was born in West Marietta October 13, 1854. and is a daughter of Levi and Abigail ( Kelly ) Barber. Levi Barber was of the seventh gen- cration in descent from the founder of the fam- ily in America.

The first generation of the Barber family in this country began with Thomas Barber, a native of Mildred Bridestrat, England, who, in March, 1635. at the age of 21 years, took passage from London in the good ship "Chris- tian," and finally landed on the shores of New England. After taking the oath of allegiance, he resided among the early settlers at Dorches- ter. Massachusetts, and later joined the settlers at Windsor, Connecticut. He participated in the Pequot War, under Stoughton and, doubt- less, was prominent in the affairs of the colony. He and his wife Jane, died in 1662. They had a family of six children.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 174

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