History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 189

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 189

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R USSEL J. STEPHENSON, a pros- perous farmer of Marietta township, living about one mile from Marietta, Ohio, was born in 1835, and is a son of John Stephenson.

John Stephenson was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, and served in the War of 1812. He was a shoemaker, and also fol- lowed the tanning business. He would buy a large drove of hirses, and putting the shoes in bags, which he had manufactured, would drive to Eastern markets, where he would sell both horses and shoes before his return. He married Louisa Gray, a daughter of Robert Gray. of Rockingham County, Virginia, and they reared the following children: John G., a retired farmer ; Charles R., deceased ; Isa- bella, who married B. F. Cogswell, now de- ceased: Russel, the subject of this sketch; Henry, who now lives in Oklahoma: Alger- non, who is living on a farm in Marietta Coun- ty : Jewett, of Kansas ; and William and Annie, deceased.

The subject of this sketch enlisted with the 100-day men during the raid of Morgan, in

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

Ohio. He was schooled in Marietta, and is now living on his farm one mile from Marietta, his sister. Isabella, also making her home with him. Mr. Stephenson has a finely improved farm, on which is a handsome brick dwelling. He is considered one of the foremost farmers in Washington County. He is a well- informed man, and is thoroughly modern in his ideas of farming. Mr. Stephenson has a host of friends in the county and is highly re- spected by all who come in contact with his pleasing personality.

J. PEGG, who stands well toward the front as a prominent producer in the oil business, has been identified with that line of trade during the greater part of his life, but is also engaged in farming to some extent.

He is a son of Henry and Nancy ( Hall) Pegg, and was born June 7, 1851, in Newport township, Washington County,, Ohio. His father was born in 1801, and lived to a good, old age. He was prominent in his township as a farmer, and superintended the cultivation of 200 acres of land. He married Nancy Hall, and they reared a family consisting of eleven children, namely: Sarah E., deceased : Mar- garet : J. M .: Eliza : Henry L. : John ; Thomas; Carrie: Ebenezer: A. J .: and C. W. Henry Pegg was a Democrat, of fixed opinions. In religious matters, he and his wife were Metho- dists, and gave their support to the M. E. i Church. Ilis life was full of service to others. and in all things he was a model of integrity and truthfulness.

.A. J. Pegg was united in matrimony with Frances S. Lowther, a daughter of Cambyses and Sarah Lowther. Mrs. Pegg was born August 5. 1850, and was a faithful wife. She and her husband had six children, namely : Cyrus, whose birth took place March 4. 1876; Ella B .. born August 4. 1877; Martha, who was born April 27. 1879: Jennie, born January 15. 1881: Wylie M., born July 4, 1887: and Frances H .. born August 6, 1896. The fam- ily attend services at the United Brethren Church.

Mr. Pegg owns 68 acres of land, and 12 oil wells, all producing. He is a Democrat, in his politics, but has not held office. In fra- ternal circles he is a member of the I. O. O. F. organization, affiliating with Lodge No. 67. of Marietta, and Elk Eye Encampment, of the same place. He is conspicuous in the oil busi- ness in his part of the country, and has met with success in all he has undertaken.

M. THORNILEY. of the firm of Thorniley Bros., successful produce merchants of Marietta, Ohio, who was the first to engage in that busi- ness in Marietta, is also a farmer to some extent. He is a son of S. S. and Frances E. ( Middleswarts ) Thorniley, and is a native of Marietta, where he was born February 2, 1863.

S. S. Thorniley was born June 6, 1831, in Marietta township, and his occupation was that of a farmer and gardener. He and his wife reared a family of ten children, as follows: E. J .: Annie: J. M .: Cora. B. ; Harry : Jane: Elizabeth: Stephen ; Elmer ; and Emma. He was a Republican, in politics, and was active in public service. The mother of these chil- dren was born February 12, 1837.

J. M. Thorniley was united in matrimony with Columbia MeClaskey, born March 29, 1864. They have two children, -Margaret and Harold. Mr. Thorniley owns 150 acres of the best kind of land, fertile and productive. As between political parties, he chooses the Re- publican, using his influence in its favor when- ever it is needed.

The subject of this sketch is a thorough business man. He is a member of Marietta Council, U. C. T.

V. ALTVATER, a prominent florist of Newport. Ohio, who has an area of 10,000 feet under glass, has followed that line of work for about ten years, and has the repu- tation of having the choicest flowers and the

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best-kept greenhouses in his vicinity. He makes a specialty of growing carnations, and roses of many different varieties, and has made a success of growing cucumbers in the winter time, having received as high as $3.50 per dozen in the Pittsburg market. He also grows tomatoes, lettuce, radishes and cauliflowers un- der glass, and finds a ready sale for all he can raise. He also raises early plants, such as sweet potato, early and late cabbage, celery and tomato plants.

Mr. Altvater was born September 12, 1856, near Durkheim, Rheinfalz, Baden, Germany, and is a son of John Altvater. The latter, who was a blacksmith in Germany, and a farmer in this country, near Marietta, left Germany May 16, 1862, and reached New York July 18, 1863. He remained in that city until the fol- lowing February, and then came to Ohio, land- ing at Marietta, February 9, 1864, and set- tling on a farm near that town.

John Altvater's marriage to Katherine Stork took place while he was yet a resident of the Fatherland. Five children were born to them, namely : Lizzie, wife of John Mattern, of Marietta; Benjamin, who married Barbara Stork, and resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; W. V .; Philip, who married Amelia Spindler, and resides in Marietta; and John, who mar- ried Miss Healey, and located in Pittsburg. Mrs. John Altvater died at Marietta, Novem- ber 10, 1896, aged 71 years. John Altvater died at Marietta, October 11. 1897. aged 71 years. The family name is sometimes spelled Attwater.

W. V. Altvater was joined in marriage with Ida. Gibert, an accomplished daughter of Godfrey Gibert, and they have eight children, namely: Estella M .; Walter G .: Rose F .; Myrtle May: Gordon; Nora: Cornelia: and Julius. In his political opinions Mr. Altvater is a Democrat. He is a member of the Luth- eran Church. He owns valuable real estate in the town of Newport, and has been a resident of that place for 20 years, ten of which were spent at carpenter work. About ten years ago, he engaged in business as a florist and grower of early vegetable plants. He is a popular and deserving citizen, and enjoys a fair patronage.

A. HAMILTON. This gentleman has won distinction as a lawyer of mnich ability, and is a well-known res- ident of Marietta, where he has been engaged in practice for a number of years. He was born in Allegheny City, Penn- sylvania, in 1847, and is a son of Dr. David and Ruth ( Allen ) Hamilton.

Dr. David Hamilton was born in Pennsyl- vania, and his death occurred in 1872. He brought his family to Marietta, March 14, 1853, and there continued to reside until his death. His wife reached the age of eighty-

three years, May 14, 1902. Their children are. J. A., the subject of this biography ; O. K., of the firm of Hamilton & Heidrick; Al- bert G .; and Mrs. Robert Bruce, all of Mari- etta.

J. A. Hamilton was schooled in Marietta, and although very young, enlisted in the 2nd Ohio Hleavy Artillery, during the Civil War. He served on the army two years, after which he returned to Marietta, and in 1868 took up the study of law with Colonel Al- ban. He remained with that gentleman until his admission to the bar, in April, 1871, after, which he at once began practice in connection with Knowles & Alban, the firm name read- ing Knowles, Alban & Hamilton. This part- nership continued for several years. the office being located on Putnam street. Mr. Hamil- ton then formed a partnership with Judge L. W. Chamberlain, which lasted fourteen years, and business was carried on in the Mills Build- ing until 1890, when the partnership was dis- solved. Mr. Hamilton then became a member of the firm of Hamilton & Kraft, which contin- ued until February 8, 1899, when Mr. Kraft died. Mr. Hamilton has since continued in practice alone, and now has his office in the St. Clair Building, on Putnam street. He has been attorney for the German Savings Bank, and Building and Loan Association, for the past twelve years, and is one of the best-known lawyers in Marietta. He is an earnest and fluent speaker, and is possessed of a logical mind and a thorough knowledge of his pro- fession.

Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with

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Mary M. Martin, of Pittsburg, and they have two children, namely: Mrs. Charles A. Foehl. of Pittsburg; and John F., who is with the "Leader" Publishing Company. In politics, Mr. Hamilton is a Republican, and he has served one term as member of the Board of Education. He was formerly a member of the G. A. R. lodge. Mrs. Hamilton is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church.

W. RICHARDS, a well-known law- ver of Marietta, who is now serv- ing his third consecutive term as city solicitor, was born in Washington County, Ohio, May 11, 1856. He is a son of George W. and Elizabeth C. ( Hill) Richards, and a grandson of Luman Richards. Luman Richards, who was born in New York State, came to Washington County as a young man, and farmed in Barlow township.

George W. Richards was born in Wash- ington County, September 28, 1831, and was a carpenter by trade. He was serving his third consecutive term as infirmary director at the time of his death. December 1, 1890. He is well remembered in Marietta as a true friend to many, and a strong church man. He came to Marietta in 1849, and lived here until his death. On October 21, 1852, he married Eliz- abeth C. Hill, by whom he had three sons, namely: C. W., the subject of this biography : Oren B., who was in the hardware business at Cherryvale, Kansas; and Frank H., a life-in- surance agent, of St. Louis, Missouri. The mother of these children died February 26. 1870, aged about forty years. Mr. Richards then formed a second union, wedding Anna H. Barker, August 31, 1871. He was a faith- ful member of the Methe dist Episcopal Church for more than forty years.

C. W. Richards is the sole survivor of this family. His brother, Frank H., left St. Louis on the night of July 14, 1900, to make a visit in Marietta. Learning of the illness of Oren B. Richards, he left for Kansas on August 14, arriving at Cherryvale on August 16, the day on which his brother died. He remained at Cherryvale

to complete arrangements, and then returned to St. Louis. On October 8, of the same year, he was taken down with typhoid fever, and wrote to C. W. Richards telling him of his ill- ness. The latter started for St. Louis and re- mained with him until death occurred, on Oc- tober 16th, just two months after the death of his brother, and less than a year after the death of their father.

C. W. Richards was reared in Marietta, and attended the city schools: his education, however, has been mainly self-acquired. He was admitted to the bar in 1877 and has since practiced at Marietta with success. During the past thirteen years, his office has been at No. 116 Putnam street. He is a Republican, in politics, and was mayor of the city from 1882 to 1884; he also served in other munici- pal offices, and was justice of the peace. He was city solicitor from 1888 to 1890, and has served in that capacity since 1896. He is a lawyer of ability, and has ably discharged the duties of his office.

Mr. Richards was united in marriage, Jan- uary 28, 1884. to Kate Maxon, and they have one son, Alex. The family residence is at No. 532 Fifth street.

S. BATTIN, a rising young real estate dealer of Marietta, Wash- ington County, Ohio, whose office is located at No. 305 Second street, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1871, and as a young man took a course in practical farming under W. W. Fenn, at Tall- madge, but never followed that occupation.

During 1890, 1891 and 1892, he traveled from Parkersburg as a piano salesman for Hopkins & Amos, after which he went to Ath- ens County, where he engaged in the piano business for himself until 1896. He removed to Marietta, where he conducted a carriage business on Second street for one year. This he gave up, to enter the real estate business, and now handles property in the city and coun- ty, as well as in Lancaster, and other counties. C. E. Mason was at one time interested in the

BENJAMIN F. ARNOLD.

MRS. ANN P. ARNOLD.

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business for a short period. As an illustration of Mr. Battin's enterprising spirit, he is erect- ing the first two houses in the East Norwood Addition to Marietta, having sold one-fourth of the lots, or "7. the record next to this being 48 lots, which were sold by another real estate dealer, of Marietta.

Mr. Battin wedded Emma Raybould. daughter of Samuel Raybould, deceased, who was a resident and coal dealer of the Hocking Valley for a number of years. This union has been blessed with three sons, namely : Glenn R., deceased : Santiel R. : and Clyde R. !

Politically, Mr. Battin is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic order, Lodge No. 390 : and the B. P. O. E. His wife is a mem- ber of the Methodist Church. Mr. Battin is possessed of untiring zeal and energy, is pro- gressive and modern in his ideas, and deals fairly and squarely with all men. He gives his support liberally to any public enterprise. and is ranked among the leading men of Mari- etta.

ENJAMIN F. ARNOLD. The birth of this representative citizen who is so well and favorably known through- out Washington County occurred in Wesley township, March 27, 1825. when the great agricultural development of this part of the state was in its infancy. His parents were Levi B. and Sarah R. (Ingraham) Arnold. The former was born in 1801. in Wood County ( West) Vir- ginia and died in 1868, in Missouri, and the latter was born. in 1803. in Greenbrier Coun- ty, (West) Virginia, and died in Missouri. about 1870. at the age of 67 years. Mr. Ar- nold served as township trustee for many years, and was township clerk and a justice of the peace. By occupation he was a farmer.

Benjamin F. Arnold was the second mem- ber of a family of 11 children, the others being as follows : Richard; Adeline, who married Thomas Hodgin ; Thomas J. : Levina D .: Jo- anna: George: Joseph : Eliza J .; Alcinda; and Elizabeth. Many of these are located in

Washington County, and are numbered among its representative people.

In his youth Benjamin F. Arnold learned the tanning business and followed that line of industry near Plymouth, Ohio, for 25 years prior to the Civil War. In 1864, he enlisted in the 148th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. (Ohio Na- tional Guard), and served from May until September of that year, in Company D. Mr. Arnold and his son. Frank, jointly own a fine farm of 156 acres, which is situated within three and a half miles of Bartlett, and there they carry on general farming, both residing on the farm.

In 1847, Mr. Arnold was married to Ann MI. Palmer, who was born in March, 1827, in Palmer township, and a family of 12 chil- dren was born to their union, namely : Laura O .: Dana J .: Isaac F .: George F. : Lucy J. : Levi S .: Mary R .: Alfaretta and Anzonetta, twins : Hattie : Alpha : and Frank.

Actively promoting all enterprises of a pub- lic-spirited nature, Mr. Arnold has at various times consented to hold official positions in the township, at one time as trustee, and for a long period. as justice of the peace. He is identi- fied with the Republican party, in which he is held in high esteem, as also in his neighbor- hood.

A. PALMER, who has charge of the sales agency for the brick-manu- facturing institutions of Marietta, was born in Washington County, Ohio, and is a son of Thomas and Ellen ( Mc.Afee ) Palmer. Thomas Palmer is de- ceased, and his widow is now residing 011 the home farm at Stanleyville. The surviving members of his parents' family are as follows: G. A., who conducts the Pazi laundry, at Marietta: J. P .. who is the well- known harness manufacturer on Second street, Marietta: Jewett, a carpenter by trade, who resides on Sixth street, in Marietta ; William, who is a farmer, located near Reno, Washing- ton County ; Mrs. Ellen Chapman, who resides at No. 306 Front street, Marietta ; Mrs. R. T.

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Miller, who lives at Reno, Ohio: Mrs. Asil Mc- Gruder, who lives near Yankeeburg; and Al- zora, who lives on the farm with the mother.

Mr. Palmer passed much of his early life on the farm, and for three years previous to his present engagement, was connected with the affairs of the City Transfer Company, of which A. O. C. Ahrend is manager. Since February, 1901, Mr. Palmer has handled the business in this city of the following leading brick-manufacturing establishments : The Acme Brick Company: and the Thos. Cisler & Sons Company and the Sterling Pricl. Com- pany. Mr. Palmer's ability is shown in the prosperous conditions prevailing in all these companies. The office of Mr. Palmer, in the St. Clair building, in Marietta, is often the scene of large transactions. He has shown himself perfectly capable, and possesses the tact and judgment which retain custom after gaining it.

Mr. Palmer married a daugher of C. W. Athey, of Marietta and has a pleasant home and a wide circle of friends. His fraternal connection is with the Knights of Pythias. Although not a member, he attends the Congre- gational Church, and contributes liberally to the support of its many benevolent enterprises.

AMES FLETCHER REED, who is ac- tively engaged in stock raising and general farming at his home in the vicinity of Brown's Mill, Washing- ton County, Ohio, was born August 16, 1860, at Crooked Tree, Noble County, of the same state. He is a son of Wesley W. and Sarah Ann ( Henderson ) Reed and grandson of John Reed, of Belmont County, Ohio. The Reeds were small in stature. but were courageous. They came from the East and the father of John Reed was a Revolu- tionary soldier, and fought for our country's freedom. John Reed, the grandfather, was born in New Jersey in 1781, and died in 1852. His wife. Mary Reed, was born in Virginia in 1788, and died in Ohio, in 1857. They reared a family consisting of twelve children, viz :

John; James; Thomas: Moses; Amos; Will- iam ; Wesley W .; Jane: Mary ; Jemima; Eliz- abeth; and one whose name is unknown.

The Hendersons were of large size, and originally came from Virginia. William Hen- derson, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Reed, was born August 17. 1797, and passed to his final rest in 1880, having spent the greater part of his life at McConnelsville, Ohio. His wife was born in 1793, and her death took place in 1859. They also reared twelve children, namely : James; Nathaniel; John ; Thomas ; William : David : Mary Jane ; Lydia ; Emeline; Lorena: Sarah Ann; and Rebecca.

Wesley W. Reed was born November 9, 1824. In 1850, he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann Henderson, a daughter of William Henderson, of Morgan County, Ohio, where her birth took place. May 31, 1830. Though advanced in years, both parents are still living, and make their home at Beckett, in Morgan County. The following children were born to this estimable couple: William Find- ley: Mary ; Ellis M .: Jane: James Fletcher ; a pair of twins who died in infancy; Lorena; Sarah : Lydia ; and Wilbur.

William Findley Reed was born January 8. 1854. and was joined in marriage with Alice Cotton, a daughter of Rufus Cotton, of McConnelsville. They have two children : Bernard and Charles. Mary Reed was born December 4, 1854. She is unmarried, and for many years, served as a missionary at Partab- garh, India. Ellis M. Reed was born August 15. 1857. and in February, 1878, he married Maggie Ogan. They reside at Cloud, Mor- gan County, Ohio, and have seven children.

Jane Reed was born April 15. 1859. and has been twice married. Her first union was con- tracted in 1879, with Jerod Smith, who died in 1884. This union resulted in the birth of two children,-Lelia and Findley. Some time af- ter the death of Mr. Smith, his widow was united in marriage with Lafayette Carroll. They have three children,-Harold, Wesley, and Harley. Lorena Reed was born August 31. 1863, and in 1897, was united in marriage with Thomas E. Ferguson, of Brown's Mill. Sarah Reed was born August 18, 1866, is un-

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married, and resides with her aged parents at Beckett, Ohio. Lydia Reed was born in May, 1868, and her brief young life terminated in death, August 1, 1870, when she was but lit- tle more than two years old. Wilbur, the youngest child, was born January 10, 1870. His marriage with Annie Ackerson was sol- emnized in October, 1900, and they have one son, Russell.

James Fletcher Reed, the subject of this narrative, was joined in matrimony with Lucy Bell Breckenridge, November 14, 1889. They have two children,-Howard, who was born September 2, 1892, and Dudley Breckenridge. who was born April 16, 1900. Mrs. Reed is a daughter of Robert and Mary P. ( Mur- dock ) Breckenridge, and was born Novem- ber 16, 1868. Her father, Robert Brecken- ridge, was of Scotch parentage, and was born June 7, 1828, at Watertown, Wash- ington County, Ohio. His death took place October 22, 1887. October 25, 1849, he was united in marriage with Mary P. Murdock, who still survives him. She is a daughter of Elias and Malinda Murdock. and granddaugh- ter of Malinda Pewthers, whose father, James Pewthers, was a distinguished Virginian. Mrs. Breckenridge is one of eight children, as follows : Elizabeth ; James Monroe; Mary P .; George W .: Virginia A .; Jesse G. : Sarah Catherine; and Charles G.

Mrs. Reed is one of a family of seven chil- dren, viz: James Monroe; Nancy M .: John H. : Robert S. ; Joseph B. : Lucy Bell ; and Dud- ley S. James Monroe Breckenridge was born July 31, 1850, and died September 29. 1860. Nancy M. Breckenridge was born July 8, 1857, and died from diphtheria, on October 18,1850. John H. Breckenridge was born September 26, 1861, and when grown to manhood, married Agnes Cheedle.

Robert S. Breckenridge was born December 21, 1863. On September 10, 1885, he was united in marriage with Rosa Dearth, a daugh- ter of James W. and Susannah ( James) Dearth, of Macksburg, Ohio. This union re- sulted in three children, as follows: Lucile born at Beverly, Ohio, September 21, 1889; Robert Harold, born at Marietta, Ohio, Sep-

tember 25, 1891 ; and James P., born in Hunt- ington, West Virginia, April 20, 1899. In 1899, the family moved to Butler, Pennsyl- vania, where they still reside. Joseph B. Breckenridge was born August 5, 1866. On November 18, 1896, he was joined in marriage with Lizzie Dipple, a daughter of Henry Dip- ple, of Waterford. Two children blessed this union,-Leroy and Chester. The former was born January 24, 1898, and died Septem- ber 20, of the same year. The latter was born January 25, 1900. Dudley S. Breckenridge was born September 26, 1871, and on July 31, 1892, he was joined in marriage with Maggie Burris. They have no children.

Mr. Reed's farm consists of 130 acres, and it is known as the old Breckenridge homestead, Mrs. Robert Breckenridge, Mr. Reed's mo- ther-in-law, having lived upon the place for fifty-three years. Her children were all born there. Although the farm is well adapted to stock raising and general farming, it is not in- ferior to neighboring farms in the production of oil. Three wells are successfully operated on it ; they are good producers, and yield Mr. Reed a fair income. In politics, Mr. Reed voices the sentiments and principles of the Re- publican party, but does not aspire to office. He is a good and worthy citizen of his com- munity. The family unite in worshipping at the Methodist Episcopal Church.

B F. FOLGER, a well known farmer of New Matamoras, Washington County, Ohio, was born in Monroe County, Ohio, April 30, 1849, and is a son of Henry T. Folger.

Henry T. Folger was born in Ohio, in 1824, and followed farming throughout his entire life. He was a Democrat, in politics. In religious attachment, he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Margaret McKnight, who was born in Vir- ginia, and was one of a family of ten children, of whom three are now living, namely: J. Amanda. who married William Dye, now of West Virginia, by whom she has a son, Will-

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iam H. : B. F. Folger; and Otto M., who mar- ried Berta Hall.

B. F. Folger attended the public schools of Monroe county, and also the Monroe county normal school. He then taught school in Dis- trict No. 7, Monroe County, for sixteen years, and also in West Virginia, and in Washington County, Ohio, for a number of years. He en- gaged in the oil business in Monroe County in ISO0. He has nine oil wells on his farm in Monroe County, which are all productive. He has eighty-three acres of good farm land in Washington County, Ohio, just out of New Matamoras, on which he located October II. ! 1899. He is one of the progressive men of the community, in which he has a large circle of .

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 189

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