History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 179

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 179

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JEORGE DEXTER HARVEY, a well-known insurance agent of New Matamoras, Washington County, Ohio, was born at Flints Mill, in the same county, September II, 1859. He is a son of George W. and Mary E. ( Stout) Harvey, the former being a na- tive of Greene County, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Pleasants County, West Virginia.

George WV. Harvey went to Ohio in 1857

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and located at Flints Mill, where he followed general merchandizing until his death, which occurred in 1873. He was preceded to the grave by his wife, who died in 1872. They reared four children, all of whom are de- ceased, except the subject of this biography.

George Dexter Harvey was the recipient of a good mental training. He attended the Greene Street School in Marietta, Ohio, and subsequently took a supplementary course in Duff's Business College, in Pittsburg. He then returned to Washington County, engaged as clerk on a steamboat and followed that oc- cupation for a number of years. In 1894 Mr. Harvey embarked in the insurance business. He writes a large number of policies each year, dealing principally in fire insurance. He carries an agency for numerous eastern com- panies, and does quite an extensive business. Among the companies he represents are the Hartford, the Etna, the Glens Falls, the Co- lumbia, of Dayton, Ohio, and the Fire Asso- ciation, of Philadelphia.

In 1885 Mr. Harvey was united in mar- riage with Lida Blanche Talbot, a native of New Matamoras, and a daughter of C. W. and Nancy J. Talbot. Mrs. Harvey was born May 5, 1860. She and her husband are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have three children,-Nellie Grant. Nan- cy Talbot, and Mary West. Fraternally Mr. Harvey affiliates with the Knights of Pythias. He is a man of broad ideas, and is a public- spirited and worthy citizen.

OHN W. BERENTZ, cashier of the First National Bank of New Mata- moras, was born in Adams County. Ohio, January 17, 1871, and is a son of Christian W. and Rebecca ( Bar- rett ) Berentz.

Christian W. Berentz, who is one of the old and favorably known residents of Washington County, was born January 8, 1836, in Penn- sylvania. He led to the hymeneal altar Re- becca Barrett, a native of Monroe County. Ohio, and their union was blessed with ten children, as follows: Della; Eliza; George

V .; Eveline : Alice; John W .; Belle; Clara ; and Cora and Nora, twins.

John W. Berentz applied himself to his studies in the schools of Monroe and Grand- view townships, and thus received his early training in the paths of knowledge. The greater part of his youth was spent on a farm, and when his school days were past Mr. Berentz began life as a teacher and taught school very ably and successfully for the twelve years that followed. Half of that time was spent in the schools near New Matamoras. Since 1902 he has held his present position as cashier in the First National Bank, and has won the confidence) and approval of those around him.

In 1892 the subject of this sketch was united in matrimony with Lilly M. Springer, who was born in New Matamoras, September 19. 1891, and is a daughter of George Springer, of New Matamoras. They have two children,-George W. and Alma Beryl. The former was born February 19, 1893, and the latter October 14. 1899. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Berentz is a valued member of the Democratic party, to which he has been of service many times. He was clerk of his township for two terms, and village clerk two termis. His reputation as an honest, public- spirited citizen is untarnished, and he enjoys the good wishes of his fellow-citizens.

R. R. B. ROWLES, a rising young physician and surgeon of New Mata- moras, Washington County, Ohio, has a profitable practice extending far into the surrounding country, and makes a specialty of treating nose, throat, and chest diseases, having taken special courses on such ailments.

Dr. Rowles was born in Monroe County, Ohio. October 30, 1865, and is a son of Jacob and Eliza (Colvin) Rowles, and grandson of John and Mary Rowles.

Jacob Rowles was also an Ohioan by birth, and in 1841 accompanied his parents to Mon- roe County. His wife was born in that county

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on May 3, 1835. In 1894 he located in New Matamoras, where he is spending his declin- ing years. In politics he is a Democrat. He and his wife reared four children, viz : Ad- die, deceased; Charles; Benton, who is suc- cessfully engaged in teaching ; and R. B., the subject of this writing.

R. B. Rowles attended the public schools of both Monroe and Washington counties, and took a supplementary course at Ada, Hardin County, Ohio, where he received the degree of B. S. He then entered the Baltimore Medical College, from which he graduated in 1899. He took special courses in nose, throat and chest ailments and has met with unquali- fied success in the treatment of those dis- eases.

Dr. Rowles located in New Matamoras in 1899, soon after his graduation, and is looked upon as one of the most successful physicians in that locality. April 21, 1898, he was joined in matrimony with M. Marie Walter, and two children bless their home. These children are twins, and their names are Everett and Em- mett. Mrs. Rowles was born in Monroe County, Ohio, December 1, 1873, but was reared and educated principally in Washing- ton County. She is a daughter of Israel and Catherine Walter, of New Matamoras. She is a member of the M. E. Church.

Politically Dr. Rowles is allied with the Democratic party, and fraternally is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. He is a good and useful citizen of his community, and has hosts of friends, who predict a prosperous future for him.

UGUSTUS DANA STONE, de- ceased, was one of Belpre's oldest and most prominent citizens. He was born February 17, 1835, in Washington County, Ohio, and was a son of Col. John and Charlotte P. (Loring) Stone.

Col. John Stone was born June 23, 1795. and was a son of Capt. Jonathan Stone, who first came to Marietta in 1788. Capt. Jona- than Stone was born at Braintree, Massachu-

setts, in 1751, and was a tanner by occupa- tion. He enlisted in the Colonial army dur- ing the Revolutionary War, with the rank of orderly sergeant. He was commissioned captain in 1781, and served in that capacity. until the close of the war. He was appointed treasurer of Washington County in 1792. He died March 24, 1801. Colonel Stone lived upon the old homestead, now occupied by the widow of Augustus Dana Stone. The house is over a hundred years old, and originally stood near the river. Later it was moved to its present location with thirty-eight yoke of oxen, in four hours' time. In 1826 Mr. Stone was made colonel of militia, and was there- after known by the title of colonel. In 1819 he married Charlotte P. Loring, a daughter of Ezekiel Loring, who came to Ohio from Massachusetts, when she was seventeen years old.

Augustus Dana Stone received a good mental training in the log school houses of Belpre township, and thereafter took up farm- ing, which he followed throughout life. He enlisted in the 100-day service during the Civil War, and served in the 148th Reg., Ohio Vol. Infantry. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics was a strong Republican.

Mr. Stone was united in marriage with Rowena Nye Putnam, who was born in Belpre township November 5, 1834, and is a daugh- ter of William P. and Rowena N. Putnam. Her father was born April 2, 1792, and died May 31, 1871. His wife was born August 15, 1802, and died in September, 1885. They had eight children two of whom survive, namely: Mrs. Stone, and Mrs. Julia Wilcox, who resides in St. Louis. William P. Putnam was the founder of the Universalist Church in Belpre township, and was very active in church work. He was a good man, and was hield in the highest esteem by all who knew him.

Mrs. Rowena Nye Stone received her mental training in the common schools of. Belpre township. She is well-read, and is thoroughly posted on the history of the town- ship. She has always taken a deep interest in

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all that pertains to the welfare of the county, and now resides on the old homestead, which is located within the corporation limits of Belpre. Four children blessed her union with Mr. Stone, namely: Anselm Tupper; Grace. wife of P. W. Athey; Mary N., wife of Dr. F. S. McGee; and William N., who married Josephine Thompson, a member of a Pennsyl- vania family. Mrs. Stone is a member of the Universalist Church.

ETER HICKMAN, a retired farmer of Grandview township, Washington County, Ohio, is an upright, worthy gentleman, respected and honored by all. He was born December 28, 1830, in Monroe County, and is a son of William and Margaret (Green) Hickman, natives of the Keystone State. He is the only survivor of ten children born to his parents.

William Hickman was also a farmer, who went to Ohio about 1822, when still young, and located in Monroe County, where he lived all his life. In politics he was of the Democratic party.

Monroe County was the scene of Peter Hickman's boyhood experiences, and there also he received his mental training. When the Re- bellion spread confusion and gloom over the country, he enlisted, in 1862, in Company D. 1 16th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served through- out the war, taking part in many skirmishes and battles. He fought in the battle of Pied- mont and was wounded in the head by a minie ball ; he was also in Hunter's raid in the Shen- andoah Valley. He became sick at Staunton. and was sent to Gallipolis, where he remained in the hospital about a month, and then re- ported for duty at Harper's Ferry. He was sent to the Shenandoah Valley and there served tinder General Sheridan. AAfterward he was on duty near Richmond and along the James River. He was in the hospital at Point of Rocks for some time, and was discharged at Dennison, Ohio, thus ending his service in the army.

At the close of the war Mr. Hickman re-

turned to Monroe County and there lived un- til 1866, when he removed to Payton Island and farmed three years previous to his arrival in Grandview township, the place of his resi- dence for so many years. He bought his farms there in sections 31 and 35, where he remained five years. Following this, he lived in Lower Newport for fifteen years, and then returned to his old homestead, where he has been in re- tirement during the past five years.

In 1854 Mr. Hickman chose for his wife Eliza Jackson, and they had three children, William Edward: John Thomas; and Elida Belle, who was united in marriage with Mr. Newlen. Mr. Hickman is a member of the Christian Union Church, and is a Prohibition- ist in his political opinions.

C. THOMPSON, the genial pro- prietor of the Green Hotel at New Matamoras. Washington County, Ohio, has been located there only since 1900, but his place has become popular and enjoys a fair patronage. Mr. Thompson is a native of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, where he was born November : 8, 1861. He is a son of Captain John A. and' Nancy (Adams) Thompson.

Captain John A. Thompson was born in Tylersburg, Pennsylvania, in 1823. From 1865 to 1869 he followed a river life and sub- sequently engaged in the hotel business, which occupied his attention for a number of years. He was located three years at Foxburg, Penn- sylvania. after which he went to Clarion County, of the same state, and conducted a general store for a brief period. Selling out to advantage in 1873. he went to Butler Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, and again engaged in the hotel business. He remained there two years, and afterward followed similar work in Brad- ford, Pennsylvania, where he spent the closing years of his life, and died in 1878. He was a Republican in politics.

Captain Thompson's wife was also born in Pennsylvania, near Parker's Landing. Their children are as follows: James; Min-

MINNIE I

MAUD A.

ADDIE L. CHARLES THEODORE NIXON.

MRS. JOHANA B. NIXON.

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erva; Alfred: Cassius M. C .: O. C .; and Al- fred. Mr. Thompson was reared in the state of Pennsylvania and New York. He followed the oil business for many years, and located in New Matamoras in 1900, as previously mentioned. In 1885 he was united in mar- riage with Minnie Golden, a native of Roches- ter, New York, where her birth took place in 1864. Mrs. Thompson is a daughter of P. Golden, who is now a resident of Butler Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, where he follows the oil business. He and his wife reared six chil- dren, namely: Joseph; John: Walter; Min- nie: Anna ; and Agnes.

The subject of this sketch and his es- timable wife have seven children, namely : Anna: Mabel; Louis; Agnes; Mary; Edna ; and Helen. The family worship at the Cath- olic Church, of which Mrs. Thompson is a member. Mr. Thompson has liberal ideas on the subject of religion. In his political action he is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party.

HARLES THEODORE NIXON, who is a prosperous farmer, owns a farm of 140 acres, about three and a half miles southwest of Beverly. Washington County, Ohio, and is well known all over the county for his integ- rity and industry. He is a son of George H. and Adaline A. ( Smith) Nixon, and was born October 8. 1852. in Watertown township, Washington County.

George H. Nixon was born in Herkimer County, New York. April 7, 1828. He made his home in Watertown township, Washington County, in 1839, at which time his father, Otis Nixon, purchased the place now owned by his son, the subject of this sketch. George H. Nixon's demise took place in 1894. and was deply mourned by his fellow citizens, as during all his life he was highly respected in the community. He was a Democrat, in poli- tics. October 28, 1851. George H. Nixon married Adaline A. Smith, who was born Ait- gust 22, 1831, and is living in Washington

County, on the home place. She is a native of Fairfield township and was the mother of five children, namely: Charles T .; Mary E .. who was born December 27, 1854, and died May 31, 1862; Emma C., who was born July 20, 1858. and died June 21, 1862; George D., who was born June 15, 1860, and died June 19, 1862 ; and William W., who was born June 26, 1867, and now lives in Missouri.

July 4. 1872, Charles T. Nixon was united in marriage with Bernendina Bennink, a daugh- ter of John and Fredricke ( Darding) Ben- nink, and a native of Watertown township. where she was born in 1851. This union was blessed with two children,-Lawrence E., born November 30, 1874, who was killed September 1. 1884, when I0 years old, having been run over by horses: and Addie L., born July 8, 1879, who married Pearl Pickering, and lives in Watertown, Ohio.

John Bennink, Mrs. Charles T. Nixon's father, was a native of Zutphen, Holland, where, during his early years, he was a sea- than, and later, took up the occupation of an awning-maker. After coming to this coun- try, he farmed until his death, on June 14, 1875. at the age of 62 years. His wife, Fred- ricke Darding, before marriage, was a native of Durkheim. Bavaria, born in 1828, and is living in Louisville, Kentucky. She was the mother of 12 children, namely : Elizabeth, born May 1, 1849: Henry, born August 27. 1850; Bernendina, born January 22, 1852 ; Jo- hana, born September 14. 1853: John, born January 13, 1855: Mary, born June 11, 1856: Fredericke, born June 20, 1858; William, born November 3. 1860: Amelia, born August 16, 1863: Louisa, born January 5. 1865; Jacob, born July 11, 1869: and Wilhelmina, born De- cember 23. 1870.

Mrs. Nixon died July 19. 1881. She was a member of the Universalist Church, and was devoted to its work. On May 3, 1882, Mr. Nixon was united in marriage with her sister, Johana, and they have two children,-Min- nie J., born July 10, 1884, who married Floyd L. Waterman, and resides in Watertown; and Maud A., born October 18, 1887, who is still

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at home. During the Civil War, Mrs. Nix- on's father served as a telegraph repairer in the Union Army.

Mr. Nixon is a Democrat, in political af- fairs, and is now serving his second term as trustee of his township. Washington County would greatly miss him, since he is just the type of citizen that helps to elevate the stand- ard of any township or county.

A LBANESS SPENCER, a well-known and highly respected farmer of Washington County, residing upon a fine, highly-cultivated farm of 131 acres, in Dunham township, was born May 3, 1822, and is a son of Samuel P. and Catherine ( Profitt) Spencer . His fathi- er was a native of Virginia, and his mother, of East Tennessee.

Samuel P. Spencer was a son of James Spencer, who was also born in Virginia, and during the greater part of his life, was a con- tractor for public works. He built many of the canals, which in his day were used as the principal transportation routes. His useful life closed at the age of 43 years. His wife survived until 1880, and died when 84 years old. Three children born to Samuel and Catherine Spencer, namely: Albaness, Mary and Adelina.

Albaness Spencer had but the meager edu- cational advantages of those early days, his schooling being confined to the few winter months, when farm work was light. His tastes have always been in the line of farming. and to that he has devoted his attention, occa- sionally engaging in logging in the timber lands. The fine property owned by Mr. Spen- cer, which he has brought to such a state of productiveness, was purchased by himself. He is occupied in farming and stock raising.

In 1848, Mr. Spencer married Perlinia Dye, who was a daughter of Amos Dye, and' to this union has been born a family of nine children, namely: Amos. deceased; John R .; Thomas, deceased; Samuel; an infant, de- ceased; Bannie; Florence; Leota C. and Au-

gusta. Mr. Spencer has reared his family in the faith of the Congregational Church, of which he is a member and to which he liber- ally contributes. His life has been a com- paratively quiet one, filled with the duties of the hour; in its decline he finds himself sur- rounded with many friends.

Bannie Spencer, son of Albaness Spencer, is also a farmer and resides in Dunham town- ship. Since attending the district schools of Washington County he has devoted his whole attention to agricultural affairs. He owns one of the finest farms in Dunham township, the old Gregg place, consisting of 112 acres, which he purchased in 1898. This is valuable, pro- ductive land, and under Mr. Spencer's excel- Jent cultivation yields enormously.

In 1885, Mr. Spencer married Lizzie Raw- son, who was a daughter of Stephen Rawson, and four children resulted from this union, namely: Ida; Harry, deceased; Homer and Bertha. In political adherence, Mr. Spencer is a stanch Republican, and capably filled the position of township trustee for three years. Being a man well qualified for almost any of- fice in the gift of the party, he came near to be- ing made the candidate for sheriff of the coun- ty, being beaten at the convention by a small majority. Mr. Spencer belongs to a substan- tial and reliable family, all of whom have been respected in their various communities.

EORGE T. GALE, M. D., who com- mands an extensive practice in New- port and its vicinity, was born in that town, in Washington County, Ohio, December 22. 1852, and is a son of George Washington and Cathrine ( \'ells) Gale. His grandfather was George Gale, a sea captain by occupation.

George Washington Gale was born in Hampshire County, West Virginia, where he received his early educational training. He completed his education at Cumberland, Maryland, and prepared himself for the med- ical profession under the preceptorship of Pro- fessor N. R. Smith, of Baltimore. He began

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practice in 1821, and later located in Wood County, West Virginia, where he practiced until 1841, after which he was located at New- port, Washington County, until his death, in July, 1877. He married Cathrine Wells, who was from Tyler County, West Virginia, and was a daughter of Nicholas Wells, for many years a farmer of that county.

Dr. George T. Gale was a pupil in the public schools in early life, after which he attended Jefferson Medical College three years, graduating therefrom in 1874. In that year he began the practice of his profession in New- port. He took a post-graduate course in 1891. He is one of the leading physicians of New- port, and his patients include many who reside in other counties and cities. Dr. Gale is a mem- ber of the Washington County . Medical Soci- ety, the Ohio State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. The Doctor is a breeder of fine, thoroughbred horses and cattle, and has a very fine home place con- sisting of ten acres, located in the suburbs.

Dr. Gale married Myra H. Hays, a daugh- ter of Richard Hays, a farmer of Washing- ton County. To them were born three chil- dren, of whom two survive, namely: George H. and Larry H. Religiously Dr. Gale is of the Catholic faith, while Mrs. Gale adheres to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

R UFUS M. MANKINS, a substantial, retired farmer of Dunham town- ship and an esteemed citizen of the village of Belpre, was born in Dun- ham township, Washington County, Ohio, May 4, 1834. He is a son of John and Betsy (Ellenwood) Mankins, the former a native of Washington County, and the latter a native of Virginia.

John Mankins was a very successful farm- er of Dunham township and was considered in his day one of the substantial men of his town- ship. The excellent farm which is now the property of Esquire Phillips, in Dunham township, was a part of Mr. Mankins' es- tate. In politics he was an Old-Line Whig,

and welcomed the advent of the Republican party, to which he attached himself, although never a seeker for political honors. He was much respected and his death, in 1884, at the age of 65 years, was very generally mourned. His widow died in 1892, aged 76 years. Their children were five in number, as fol- lows: Rufus M .; Catherine L .; Caroline C .; Daniel E. ; and Mary.

Rufus M. Mankins obtained his mental training in the district schools of Dunham township, and employed himself in farm work until the outbreak of the Civil War. With other loyal young men of Washington County he offered his services in defense of his country, enlisting at Camp Chase, in Company B, 88th' Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under the command of Maj. John W. Schuyles and Capt. John C. Moon. During the greater portion of his three years of army service he was detailed for garrison duty, and was honorably dis- charged July 3, 1865.

Mr. Mankins then returned to peaceful pursuits, and continued to operate his large and valuable farm until 1892. This desirable property is located within three miles of a railroad, and being well watered, is well adapted to the raising of stock, in which Mr. Mankins has been extensively engaged, in connection with general farming, for many years. He became possessed of 90 acres of this farm prior to the war, and the other 94 acres he has added since then. In 1892 Mr. Mankins retired from active life and removed to a pleasant residence in Belpre, where, sur- rounded by comforts, he proposed to spend his declining years, leaving the management of his large farming interests to the younger mem- bers of the family.

In 1859 Mr. Mankins was married to Mary Brown. a daughter of John Brown, a native of Argyleshire, in the Highlands of Scotland. Mrs. Mankins was also born in Scotland, and belongs to a well-known family of this locality. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mankins, namely: Ella R., Norville W. and Anna B. Ella R. married Dillon Warfield, of Washington County, who operates the farm for his father-in-law. The children born to Mr.

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and Mrs. Warfield are,-Sidney; Charles ; Frank; Walker: Wilson: Mary; and John. Norville W. married Alice Grubbs, a native of Illinois, and they now reside on a farm seven miles from Kewanee, Illinois. Anna B. married David Abbott, who resides in Belpre, Ohio, and they have two children, Arthur and Harry.

Mr. Mankins is well and favorably known throughout the county. In politics, he is a Republican, and has very capably filled the of- fices of township trustee, supervisor and school director. His integrity is beyond question, and his personal attributes have won him many lifelong friends.

RANKLIN McGIRR, one of the most enterprising citizens of Little Hock- ing, Washington County, Ohio, is an extensive lumber dealer and manufac- turer of building material : he is also a land owner, and an agriculturist of no mean ability. Mr. McGirr is a native of Washington County, where he was born in 1854, and is a son of Jonah and Lucy S. ( Fairchild ) MeGirr, natives of Stark County, Ohio. The family is of Scotch lineage.

Jonah McGirr was a carpenter by trade, but during his active life he also farmed to a great extent. He has a fine farm, upon which he is now spending his declining years in peace and contentment. He and his worthy wife reared a family of four children, namely: Selden : Franklin : Emily : and Esther.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 179

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