History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 180

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 180

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).

Franklin McGirr attended the common schools of his native county and then worked upon the farm until 1876. At that period he went to Little Hocking, and in company with his brother engaged in the planing-mill busi- ness, which they conducted profitably and well until 1880. Then Mr. MeGirr sold his interest to his brother and purchased his present prop- erty and the manufacturing establishment founded in 1836 by William Bartlett and Hor- ace Curtis. In this line he has met with success. He handles all kinds of paints, oils, glass and builders' hardware, and he has erected many substantial residences throughout Washington

County, which testify to his ability and skill in that direction. In partnership with his wife, he owns one of the finest farms to be found in this section, consisting of 132 acres of land, and located on Big Hocking River, in Athens Coun- ty, Ohio. This he devotes to the raising of good stock. On a part of the farm there is a fine young orchard of 700 choice apple trees, which will some day bring him a handsome profit, and which are now a source of pride and gratification to him.

In 1875 Mr. McGirr was united in mar- riage with Mary J. Bean, a daughter of Amos Bean. of Athens County. They have had eight children, five of whom are still living, namely : Orland : Laura : Estella ; Grace ; and Arthur J. Mrs. McGirr is a member of the M. E. Church, and Mr. McGirr is a believer in the Quaker faith. In politics, he is of a liberal mind, and has served as school director for five years with good judgment. He is a public-spirited citizen, and stands high in the community.

G. EVANS, M. D. Among the many good, reliable citizens of Washington County the name of Dr. W. G. Evans is exceptionally well known. He is a resident of Little Hocking, and is one of the foremost practicing physicians of this section. His birthplace was Richardsville, Jefferson Count- ty, Pennsylvania, where he was born February 4, 1869. He is a son of Lewis and Julia ( Pres- ton ) Evans, both of whom were also natives of Pennsylvania.

Lewis Evans is still a resident of the Key- stone State, and has been a prominent and in- fluential citizen all his life. He is engaged in the occupation of farming and lumbering. He and his estimable wife had five children, as fol- lows: Luther E., a practicing physician, of Alton, Ohio: Harry L., a school teacher and law student, living at Braddock, Washington County, Pennsylvania : Charles, who is pur- suing a prosperous mercantile life in Pennsyl- vania : Elizabeth, the wife of Benjamin Snyder, a farmer and lumberman, of Hazen, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania ; and W. G.

HAMILTON P. SHEETS.

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W. G. Evans received his preliminary edu- cation in the common schools of his native county, and some time later attended the State Normal School at Edinboro, Erie County, Pennsylvania, for three years. He subse- quently entered the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, where he took a three years' course, and graduated with the degree of M. D. on April 14, 1898. He chose for his first field of practice, Jersey, Ohio, but soon afterward located at Little Hocking, Washing- ton County, where he has been so successful as to be content to remain. His practice is stead- ily increasing, and he has some of Washing- ton County's best citizens among his patients.

May 19, 1900, Martha Humphreys, a na- tive of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, became the Doctor's wife. They have one child, Mary Elizabeth, born June 23, 1902. In political opinions he is a firm Republican. Fraternally he belongs to Colville Lodge, No. 337. A. F. & A. M., and is also a member of the J. O. U. A. M. {

ILLIAM ANDREW, a prominent farmer of Washington County, re- siding ou a well cultivated farm in Dunham township, near Veto, was born in Palmer township, in the same county, on April 10, 1837. He is a son of William and Elizabeth ( Breckenridge) Andrew, both of whom were natives of the highlands of Scotland.

William Andrew, the elder, came to Amer- ica in 1836, and located in Washington County, Ohio, on a farm in Palmer township. Subse- quently he disposed of this farm, and pur- chased land in Dunham township. His death occurred in 1860, at the age of 67 years. He was a typical Scot, careful, industrious and provident. and accumulated a large property, which insured the comfort of his family. He had also the integrity and honesty of his coun- trymen, and no bond was needed in any busi- ness transaction when William Andrew had passed his word. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew were as follows: David; Charlotte, who married J. H. Shaw, of Pana,

Illinois: Elizabeth, deceased; Willian; Jane, widow of Peter Watterson; A. Thomas, de- ceased : Jeanette, who married J. H. Newell, and lives in Kansas; Margaret, who married Andrew Greenlees, and lives in Barlow town- ship; and Emma A. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew were members of the United Presbyterian Church. In his early life, Mr. Andrew voted with the Whig party, but at the date of his death. in 1896, he was supporting the Demo- cratic party.

William Andrew, the subject of this sketcli, enjoyed the educational privileges of the pub- lic schools of Washington County, and at an early age became familiar with the life of a farmer. He has successfully followed agri- cultural pursuits since his school days. In 1872, he purchased his father's estate, which consisted of 200 acres of very valuable land, and since then has raised wheat, corn, oats and vegetables. As a grower of fine cattle and stock, Mr. Andrew is known through the coun- ty. He has about 150 sheep, and many head of hogs, cattle and horses.

In 1867, Mr. Andrew married Jane Green- lees, of Watertown township, Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew attend the services of the Presbyterian Church, at Veto, and contribute to its support. Mr. Andrew takes an intelligent interest in politics, and votes with the Republican party. His stand- ing in his community is high, and he is re- garded as a good neighbor and an excellent citizen.

5 AMILTON P. SHEETS, of the firm of H. P. Sheets & Son, a prosperous general merchant in Lower Newport, Newport township, Ohio, is a son of Henry and Rebecca (Parr) Sheets. He was born in New Matamoras, Washington County, Ohio, June 13, 1847, and was the first child born there.

Henry Sheets was born December 8, 1807, in Washington County, Ohio. He laid out the town of New Matamoras, in 1847, and built the first store and flour mills there. His wife wa's Rebecca Parr, before her marriage, and

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was a native of Grandview township. Their offspring was as follows: John N., deceased ; Minerva : Jesse P .; Sylvester : Leander ; Will- iam H .; Alonzo; Rebecca, deceased; Ruth; Hamilton P., the subject of this personal his- tory ; M. Catharine: George W .; and Mary E. Henry Sheets is now deceased.

Hamilton P. Sheets received his mental training in the schools of his native place. He chose for his wife, Kate A. Wamsley, a daugh- ter of Judge Thomas O. Wamsley, of Edina, Missouri. She was born October 23. 1854. Her father was county judge of Knox County, Missouri, and a very prominent jurist of his day. It was while he was visiting in Knox County, that Mr. Sheets married his daughter. The nuptial ceremony was performed Febru- ary 16, 1875. They now have three children, -Grace E., born February 12, 1876; Henry Lee, born January 19, 1878; and Bertha F .. born January 23. 1885. The family attend divine worship at the Baptist Church.

Mr. Sheets has a fine farm of 125 acres, which he cultivated until 1898, but since that time he has been in the merchandise business with his son. Henry L., although meanwhile superintending his landed interests. Politi- cally, he may be relied upon to promote the success of the Democratic party. He has never had reason to regret his change of occu- pation, as a mercantile life offers many induce- ments to one who has energy, and is alert for the main opportunity.

ON. AUSTIN L. CURTIS, ex-mem- ber of the Ohio Legislature, has held all the township offices in Belpre township, and represented his dis- trict in 1865, 1866 and 1867 in the State Legislature ; he is now a prominent farm- er in Belpre township. His fine residence in the Newbury settlement is not only one of the most attractive in that section of Washington County but is the ancestral homestead of the Curtis family.

Mr. Curtis was born December 19, 1828. He is a son of Judge Walter and Almira

(Guthrie) Curtis, and grandson of Eleazer Curtis. The Curtis family are of English de- scent, and the grandfather of Austin L. accom- panied his parents from Connecticut in 1792. In 1828 he settled upon the property now owned by the subject of this sketch, and soon afterward built the substantial brick house upon his farm, the brick in which was mantt- factured from clay found upon the property. He owned at one time 400 acres of land, and carried on general farming and stock raising. He was one of the substantial men and pro- gressive farmers of his day.

Judge Walter Curtis was a native of War- ren, Litchfield County, Connecticut, where he was born September 20, 1787. He was a Whig, and held all the township offices, always taking a very prominent part in politics. He was a member of the state legislature in 1837. and was associate judge for a number of years. He and his wife were Universalists. They reared four children, as follows: Augustus Stephen : Caroline C .; Marion ; and Austin L.

Austin L. Curtis was reared to agricultor pursuits. He obtained, in Washington Coun- ty, Ohio, such meagre education as the district schools afforded, which was the only mental training the youth of those early days received. After reaching maturity he remained on the farm, and has made a specialty of general farming.

The subject of this sketch has been twice married. In 1854 he was joined in matrimony with M. Bethia Putnam, a daughter of Will- iam Pitt Putnam, of Belpre. This union re- sulted in the following children : Henrietta D., wife of A. J. Hitt, of Chicago, Illinois ; Laura G .; Herbert S .; Elizabeth P. ; and three others who are deceased. A. J. Hitt was for- merly general manager of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway, and is still a promi- nent official in connection with that road. Laura G. married George Preston, of Marietta. Herbert S. is a successful dentist of Parkers- burg, West Virginia. Elizabeth P. is unmar- ried.

In 1870 Mr. Curtis was called upon to sus- tain the loss of his beloved companion, and some years later contracted a second matri-

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monial alliance. This time Mrs. Mary A. (Pennybacker) Tompkins was the lady of his choice. The present Mrs. Curtis is a native of West Virginia, and one child blessed her union with Mr. Curtis. His name is Harry P., and he is still at home. By a former marriage, with Dr. J. C. Tompkins, Mrs. Curtis had one child, Anna L. Tompkins.

In religious belief, Mr. Curtis and his fam- ily are Universalists. In his political opinions, he is a stanch Republican, and has ever been. faithful to the interests of his party. During the Civil War he enlisted with the 100-day men, as a member of Company H. 148th Reg .. Ohio Vol. Inf. At the expiration of his term, September 4, 1864, he received an honorable discharge. In the campaign along the James River Mr. Curtis contracted malarial fever, and was many months in recovering. He is recognized as one of the representative citizens of Belpre township, and is exceedingly popular and influential throughout Washington County.

E ROY C. KERR, a stock buyer and shipper, and a prominent liveryman of Newport, Ohio, is one of a family of five children born to Samuel and Hannah ( Brown) Kerr. His father was a Pennsylvanian by birth and followed the life of a farmer, and was also engaged in the river work during his younger days. While farming he paid considerable attention to stock raising and shipping.

LeRoy C. Kerr was born in Newport town- ship, Washington County, Ohio. September 20. 1851, his mother dying when he was a mere lad. He received a common school education and was reared on his father's farm. where he obtained a considerable knowledge of stock dealing. When he grew to manhood he en- gaged in stock buying and shipping, and con- tinned in that business for a period of seven- teen years. In the spring of 1898 he estab- lished in Newport a fine livery, sale and feed stable, which he has since conducted. It has been a great success in every way, and he en- joys the patronage of the leading citizens of the community.

Mr. Kerr was united in marriage with Su- sie Mackey, a daughter of James Mackey, of Marietta township. one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of the county. This union was blessed with two children, namely: Car- rie H. and Katherine M. Mrs. Kerr and her children are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Mr. Kerr has always been a stanch Democrat in politics. He owns a fine residence in Newport, and he and his family enjoy the respect and friendship of the com- munity.

B. McGILL, a prominent farmer of Dunham township, and a lead- ing citizen of Washington County, was born upon his present farm, on March 22, 1844, and to the im- provement and development of this property, he has devoted a goodly portion of his active life.

Mr. McGill is a son of Neil and Isabel ( Patterson) MeGill. both of whom were born in the highlands of Scotland. For a number of years, Neil McGill followed the carpenter trade in the city of Glasgow. In 1832, he came with his family to America, and located in Washing- ton County, Ohio, where two years later lie purchased a farm of 60 acres. This, his in- (huistry and good management increased to 180 acres. His useful life ended in 1871, when he was 72 years of age. The children born to Neil McGill and his wife were as follows : John, born in Scotland; Sarah, and Hugh, Mary, and W. B., born in America. An in- fant child of the family died in Scotland. and another in America. These parents were pious and estimable members of the United Presby- terian Church, and brought their children up in that religious faith.

W. B. McGill, the subject of this biography, was reared on the farm which he has increased to 300 acres. He acquired a good common- school education in Dunham township. His early environment caused his selection of agri- cultural pursuits as an occupation, and through life he has used his efforts and influence not

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only to improve his own large property. but also to further the interests of the farmers in his locality. His connection with the Grange movement has been active, and when elected to positions of public trust, he has endeavored to secure legislation of advantage to the agri- cultural regions. In politics, Mr. McGill is a Republican, and as a man of worth and respon- sibility, he has been called upon, at various times to serve his township. He represented his district in the state legislature during the session of 1890-1897.

In 1875, Mr. McGill was united in marriage with Mary Drain, who was a daughter of Dan- iel Drain, a native of Washington County, Ohio, and two children were born to their union. namely: Frank C .; and Bonnie B., who is the wife of Rev. Samuel E. Foote, of Barlow township. Mr. McGill is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, of Veto, Ohio, in which he is one of the elders. He is interested in a number of enterprises in his community, and is one of the directors of the Washington County Mutual Insurance Com- pany, of Marietta. He is known as a thorough business man, and enjoys, in no small degree, the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.

R EV. EDWARD MORRIS, a minister of the Universalist faith, residing at Center Belpre. Washington County, Ohio, is district superintendent of the Universalist churches for the South- eastern Ohio district. Rev. Mr. Morris was born in Stockport, England, on January 24, 1837. He is a son of Jesse and Frances ( Cheetham ) Morris, both natives of England. Jesse Morris came to America in 1841, and set- tled in Columbus, Ohio, where he plied his trade of plasterer for many years. His death took place in the same city in 1884, when he was sixty-nine years old.

Edward Morris began to acquire an educa- tion by diligently attending the public schools of Columbus, Ohio. This was supplemented by a complete theological course at the St. Lawrence University. at Canton, New York,

which he attended for three years, graduating from the theological department of that insti- tution in 1804. His first charge in ministerial work was at Lansing, Michigan, where, how- ever, he remained but a short time. He then located at Mt. Pleasant, Henry County, Iowa, where lie labored earnestly for two years. But the western climate impaired his health, and on this account he returned to Washington Coun- ty, Ohio, where he regained his health.

After recuperating Rev. Mr. Morris preached at Mt. Gilead, Ohio, after which he again spent a brief period in Washington County. His next field of labor was at Kent, Portage County, Ohio, where he remained five years. The five years following were spent in the State of New Jersey, after which he la- bored four years at Chatham, Massachusetts, and three years at Weymouth, in the same State. In 1898 Rev. Mr. Morris returned to Washington County, which has been his home ever since.

Mr. Morris moved onto a farm in Wash- ington County belonging to the Loring es- tate. and in connection with his ministerial du- ties he is quite a prominent agriculturist of Belpre township. October 26, 1866, he was joined in matrimony with Delia MI. Loring, a daughter of Hon. Oliver Rice and Orinda ( Howe) Loring. Her father was associate Judge of Washington County for many years. Her paternal grandfather, Daniel Loring, was born in Sadbury, Massachusetts, and was one of the original settlers of Washington County, He settled at Center Belpre, opposite the fa- mous Blennerhasset Island. In company with other settlers of those early days, for the sake of safety, he lived in the farmer's castle, which was built for the purpose of protecting the white settlers. He accumulated 200 acres of valuable land along the Ohio River, which he bulwarked during the period of Indian activity.

Mrs. Morris is one of a family of nine chil- dren, five of whom died in infancy. Those who reached maturity are, besides the wife of Mr. Morris, Francis H .; Delia M .; Lethe S .; and Corwin H. The father of these children died November 23, 1873. By a previous mar- riage, contracted with Fanny Warren, three

ANDREW FLEMING BRECKENRIDGE.

MRS. ELIZABETH P. BRECKENRIDGE.

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children were born to him,-D. W. ; Luey R. : and Jesse D. The mother of Mrs. Morris sur- vived her husband many years, her death tak- ing place April 30. 1889. Both Mr. and Mrs. Morris are highly esteemed throughout Wash- ington County, and they are among the most prominent citizens of Belpre.

ALCOM SHAW, who is prominent- ly identified with the farming, mer- cantile and political interests of Washington County, was born in Dunham township, Washington County, Ohio, April 15, 1853. and is a son of Daniel and Catherine ( MeKay ) Shaw, both of whom were natives of Argyleshire, in the highlands of Scotland.

Daniel Shaw was born in 1798, and died in 1873, aged 75 years. In 1819, at the age of 21 years, he came to America and located in Washington County, Ohio, where he at one time owned 800 acres of land, and was one of the largest tax-payers in the county. He was a man of excellent reputation, became promi- nent in Democratic politics, and efficiently filled the office of township trustee for a consider- able period. He was also a leading member of the United Presbyterian Church, to which he was a liberal contributor. His generosity is remembered in connection with many benevo- lent enterprises. Daniel Shaw was twice mar- ried. His first wife, Mary Harvey, left, at death, two children,-Maria and Harvey. Mr.

Shaw, in course of time, married Catherine McKay, and the surviving children of this union are as follows : Daniel ; Neil: Alexan- der ; Malcom. Dougal; and Ella, Katherine, deceased, was the wife of James Fleming.

Malcom Shaw was reared on the farm, and continued to assist his father in agricultural pursuits until he was 25 years of age, in the meantime acquiring an excellent, common- school education. His tastes led him into mer- cantile pursuits, and at this time he established himself at Veto, Ohio, where he has success- fully operated a large store. Mr. Shaw car- ries a complete and varied stock of everything

i to meet the demands of the trade in his local- ity, including groceries, boots, shoes and gent's furnishings. Although his has been a pros- perous business from its inception, and one which has required close and careful manage- ment. MY. Shaw has found time to be active- ly interested in many other enterprises. In connection with H. B. Goddard, he is con- ducting an agricultural and carriage business, including robes and harness, and is handling in this vicinity the McCormick mowers, bind- ers and reapers. He also deals in the goods of the Cincinnati Buggy Company, and of the A. B. Piepho Company, of Melbourne, Ken- tucky, and holds the bulk of such business in Washington County. Mr. Shaw is also a heavy buyer of wool and farm produce. He liberally supports the United Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member, and is active in promoting the general prosperity of his com- munity. In the Democratic party he has long shown an active interest, and is the present efficient township treasurer.

In 1877 MIr. Shaw was married to Phoebe J. Agen, a native of Washington County, and one daughter was born to their union, Laura Mae, who married H. B. Goddard. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard have one son, who has been named Herbert Shaw.

NDREW FLEMING BRECKEN- RIDGE, one of the most highly es- teemed citizens of Palmer township, Washington County, Ohio, was born July 25. 1823. He is a son of John Breckenridge, a grandson of Andrew Brecken- ridge, and a great-grandson of John Brecken- ridge, all of whom have been men of sterling worth.

In the contention between Robert Bruce and John de Baliol for the throne of Scotland, many most worthy gentlemen were involved, causing losses of estates and changes of resi- dence. Among the refugees who fled from the successful aspirant and took refuge in the Highlands of Scotland, were the Brecken- ridges, who settled in Argyleshire. From this

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family came 'John Breckenridge. the great- grandfather of Andrew Fleming Breckenridge. His children were as follows: Hugh; John ; Andrew ; Isabel: William; Thomas; Peggy; Mary; and Jane. Four of this family came to Washington County, Ohio, of whom the names of two are unknown. The others were Isabel and Thomas. Isabel married John Clark and settled in Virginia. Thomas came to Belpre, Ohio, in 1831, with a large family. named as follows: Mary, who married Thomas McMillen, and settled in Iowa ; Sarah, who married George Turner, and resides in Barlow township. Washingotn County; Mar- garet, who married James Fleming, and also lives in Barlow township: John, who married Nancy Clark, of Virginia, and settled in Bel- pre : Thomas, who married Polly Brown, and located in Palmer township, where he was post- master for many years; and Samuel, who on March 26, 1851. married Sarah M. Dunlevy, and moved to Iowa in 1852, where she died November 9. 1807. No other records of the family of John Breckenridge ( I) have been discovered.

The children of Andrew Breckenridge, son of John (1), were as follows: Robert, born February 24. 1704; Isabel, born January 7. 1796; John and Hugh, born May 12, 1798; Edward, born January 25. 1803: William. born December 10, 1805: Elizabeth, born March 30. 1808: and Nancy, born Octo- ber 10, 1815. Of these. Robert married Catherine Harvey, April 25. 1818, and left Greenwich, England, on June 1, 1818, arriv- ing at Marietta, Ohio, October 4, 1818. He first located in Wesley township, Washington County, but in 1828 removed to Barlow town- ship, where he died October 2, 1871. His wife died in her 85th year.

John Breckenridge (2) married Agnes Fleming, and they had the following children : Andrew F .: John: Robert: Jane; Nancy: and Martha. The mother died July 7, 1838, aged 36 years: the father died October 23. 1882, aged 84 years, six months and II days. He was one of the leading members of the "Old School"' Presbyterian Church in Barlow.

Andrew F. Breckenridge has been engaged

through life in farming and stock raising, and still owns an estate of 226 acres in Palmer township. The subject of this sketch has been one of the most prominent men of his township, and has efficiently filled many of the township offices, his standing as a reliable and repre- sentative citizen making his selection appropri- ate. In politics, he is a Republican.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 180

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