History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 202

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 202

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).

ILLIAM E. STEPHENS, a suc- cessful tiller of the soil, has one of the attractive farms in Barlow township, where he has 150 acres under fine cultivation, and devotes his attention to mixed farming. His resi- dence is surrounded by fruit and shade trees, and well-kept lawns, good, substantial barns and various farm buildings dot the place here and there, giving to the place an air of general prosperity.

Mr. Stephens is a native of Monroe Coun- ty. Ohio, where he was born in January, 1856. He is a son of Joseph and Rachael ( Mason) Stephens, who are highly respected citizens of Noble County, Ohio, the family home being but one mile from the Washington County line. The father is also a native of Monroe

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County, and his father was a Pennsylvanian by birth. The mother of William E. was born in Belmont County, Ohio.

William E. Stephens is the eldest of a fam- ily of eight children. The others are as ful- lows: Rufus P., of Salem township: John B., of Aurelius township: Joseph E., of Noble County, Ohio: Henry .A., of Salem township : Frank. of Noble County ; Amanda, wife of Mr. Pollard: Howiler, of Elba, Aurelius township : and Emma, wife of Morrill Holden, an oil prospector of Graysville, Monroe County, Ohio. It will be observed that five of the above are residents of Washington County. Frank resides with his parents, on the home farm.

Mr. Stephens remained at home until about the time of his majority. In December, 1876. he was united in marriage with Jane Morris. of Noble County. Two children were born to them-Joseph O. and Cora M. In 1883 their mother succumbed to a fatal disease. Mr. Stephens was subsequently joined in wedlock with his present wife, who was, before mar- riage. Hattie Ball, a daughter of Daniel Ball, of Noble County. This union resulted in four children,-Lawrence, Edith, Harry and Lo- ring, aged respectively, twelve years, ten years. eight years, and one year.

Mr. Stephens located in Washington Coun- ty in 1881, and was a resident of Salem town- ship until 1888. In the spring of that year. he purchased the James Fleming farm in Bar- low township, which is his present home. Most of the improvements have been added by him. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has served several successive years as president of the Board of Education. The family join in worshiping at the M. E. Church, of Barlow, of which Mrs. Stephens is an active member.

D R. C. T. RILEY, who is successfully en- gaged in the practice of medicine in New Matamoras. Washington Coun- ty, Ohio, enjoys the confidence of the public to an unlimited degree. and has a large and lucrative patronage. The Doctor

was born in Washington County March 21, 1848, and is a son of Rev. J. D. and Elizabeth ( Leachman ) Riley, Virginians by birth.

Rev. J. D. Riley was a minister of the Baptist faith for more than half a century. He was born in the State of Virginia ( now West Virginia ), in 1810, and passed to his final rest in 1892. During his early manhood he followed teaching. previous to studying for the ministry. His widow, a most worthy lady. survived him until the spring of 1902, when she died. They reared a large family, many of whom are deceased. Those living besides the Doctor are as follows: Carrie R., now Mrs. J. B. Beach ; John N. ; Theodore D. : Mag- gie, wife of Rev. Mr. Dana ; and George J.

Dr. C. T. Riley attended public school dur- ing his youth and afterward took a more con- plete course in Marietta Academy. He subse- quently followed teaching as a profession for a period of ten years, three of which were spent as instructor in the New Matamoras High School. In 1872 he commenced to read medi- cine with a view of making a physician of him- self. Some time later he entered the Pulte Homeopathic Medical College, of Cincinnati, and graduated in the class of 1881. Return- ing to Washington County he began the prac- tice of his profession at New Matamoras, which is still his home. From the start his success was pronounced, and his practice is now sec- ond to none in his locality.

October 12, 1871, Dr. Riley wedded Maria Dana, who was born in Newport, Ohio, and is a daughter of Charles Dana, a prosperous mer- chant of that place. Mrs. Riley was educated at Denison University, at Granville, Ohio, and is a lady of high social attainments, and a writer of no little note. Her mother's maiden name was Churchill. and she was a native of Massachusetts. She and her busband reared four children, of whom Mrs. Riley is the third. The others are: Watson, a minister : Fanny. wife of Dr. McElhinny ; and Dr. Williams, de- ceased.

Eight children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Riley, as follows: George W. ; Archie : Dana: Frank; Thomas C .; Bessie C. ; Jolin C .; and Carrie. The first four mentioned are de-

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ceased. George W., the oldest, was drowned in the Ohio River when II years old. Thomas C. is a graduate of Denison University, of Granville, Ohio, and is now a member of the class of 1904 in the Rochester (New York) Theological Seminary. Bessie C. is the wife of WV. P. Galbraith, living at Woodsfield, Ohio. John C. served in the war with Spain in the 7th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. Carrie is a senior in the Matamoras High School.

Dr. Riley is a pronounced advocate of the temperance cause and votes the Prohibition ticket. He and his wife are regular attendants of the Baptist Church, of which the Doctor is a deacon, and in which both are active workers. The Doctor is also superintendent of the Sun- day-school. Socially he is a valued member of the Court of Honor.

SAAC A. ORMISTON, one of the lead- ing agriculturists of Barlow township. Washington County, Ohio, was born in that township on September 1, 1837. A record of his ancestry is to be found in the sketch of his brother, Alexander Ormis- ton, which appears elsewhere in this work.

Isaac A. Ormiston remained at home until his marriage, when he was twenty-eight years of age. May 2, 1864. he entered the 100-day service in the Union army. He purchased his present farm from his father, and has since lived upon it. He sold a portion of the prop- erty to his son, Robert. retaining 1271/2 acres. which he leases for oil purposes. He has for years been a breeder of Devon cattle, Poland- China hogs and sheep. He is a man of con- siderable influence in the community and stands high in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

November 19, 1863. Mr. Ormiston was united in marriage with Isabella Breckenridge. who was born in Fairfield township April 7. 1846, and is a daughter of John and Margaret Breckenridge, early residents of Washington County, who came originally from the vicinity of Glasgow, Scotland. Her father died in 1867. and her mother on August 15, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Breckenridge had the following children ; Janett ; Jane; Andrew : Elizabeth ( Dinsmore),

of Iowa ; Hugh ; Margaret, deceased, who was the wife of Thomas Fleming; and Isabella, wife of Mr. Ormiston.

Mr. and Mrs. Ormiston became the parents of the following children: Margaret Janett, born November 6, 1867, who married Frank Allebaugh, and lives in Perry County, Ohio; Robert Milton, born September 10, 1870, who was married in August, 1901, to Mary Cook, of Virginia; John Breckenridge, born April 13, 1875. who has traveled considerably. spending two years in Oklahoma, and is now located in Perry County, Ohio: Laura Jane, born July 29, 1879, who lives at home; Charles Everett, born August 12, 1883, who is at home ; Hattie Mabel, born July 11. 1887; and Albert Wilmarth, born August 15, 1873, who died October 28. 1873. Two of the children, twins, died in infancy. Robert and Laura Or- miston were born mutes and for ten years pur- sted a course of study in Ohio State Deaf and Dumb Institute. Both are well educated and Laura has done some fine crayon art work and painting. Robert is successfully conducting the farm he purchased of his father. His wife is a mute and was educated in a Virginian in- stitution.

Isaac A. Ormiston is a Republican in poli- tics and served several terms on the School Board and County Fair Board. He is a mem- ber of Barlow Post. No. 434. G. A. R., in which he is junior vice. In September, 1864, he and his wife joined the Barlow Presbyte- rian Church. of which he has served as trus- tee for more than twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. Ormiston are both active church workers, the latter being president of the Ladies' Aid So- ciety.

DAM J. GLAUB, who since 1856 has been a resident of Washington Coun- ty. and is now one of the substantial and useful citizens of Adams town- ship, was born in Allegheny County. Pennsylvania, June 20, 1849.

Adam Glaub, his father, was born in Ba- varia, Germany, and came to the United States when 25 years of age. He located first in the

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State of Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, but a few years later moved to Washington County and settled on the farm in Adams township, which is now the property of his son, Adam J. His political leaning was toward the Demo- cratic party. His religious connection was with the Catholic Church. The mother of Adam J. Glaub was Katherine Lang, a daugh- ter of Emanuel Lang. She was born in Ba- varia, Germany. She was a consistent member of the Catholic Church, a kind neighbor and a devoted mother. Her death occurred on Aug- ust 12, 1892, at the age of 74 years. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Glaub, as follows : Margaret, deceased; Adam J. ; Emanuel, who lives in Zanesville, Ohio; Anna, who married Joseph Kern and lives in Water- town township: Mary, who married Landolin Offenburger and lives in Marietta; Jonathan, who irhrried Joseph Vondereau and is de- ceased ; and Louis, the youngest, who is a resi- dent of Zanesville.

Adam J. Glaub is well known in Adams township, where the principal part of his life has been spent. On account of his ability as a carpenter, he has been called to various sec- tions of this township, where his work may be seen. He owns a fine, well-cultivated farm, consisting of 103 acres, three miles southwest of Lowell. He is a man of enterprise and in- dustry and enjoys the respect of all who know him.

On April 27, 1876, Mr. Glaub was married to Mary A. Vondereau, a daughter of Aman- dus and Franziska ( Schaffer ) Vondereau, who was born in Pennsylvania November 7, 1856. They have had eight children, as follows: Ad- am E., born September 19, 1877; Joseph B., born March 23, 1880: Clara, born August 3. 1882; Leo, born March 19, 1885; Anna, born February 23. 1888; Romanus, born August 23, 1890; Mary. born February 17, 1893 ; and Oliva, born August 27, 1805. The children have all been reared in the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Glaub supports the Democratic party. He stands high in his neighborhood as a man of reliability and honesty, and counts ; many friends in Adams township.

J CLINTON CROOKS, a well-known citizen of Beverly township, Wash- ington County, Ohio, is engaged i' the life insurance business. He was born in Beverly in 1877. His parents are A. Judson and Maria ( Blackburn) Crooks. The former was born in Olive, Olive township, Noble County, Ohio, in 1850 and died in Aug- ast, 1893. He was a son of James and Patience Crooks, and followed the carpenter trade dur- ing the greater part of his active life. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was fraternally connected with the Beverly lodge of Odd Fellows. In politi- cal action he was a Democrat.

The mother of the subject hereof was a daughter of Thomas and Katherine Blackburn and was born in Morgan, Center township, in '853, and still resides near Beverly. She is a consistent member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church and is one of the most highly esteemed residents of her locality. Five chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. A. Judson Crooks, namely: Flora, deceased; Nellie, the wife of Frank Cochman, of Iowa: J. Clinton ; Edwin, of North Dakota: and Harry, who is at home.

The early life of J. Clinton Crooks was passed in the vicinity of Beverly and he ob- tained his mental training in the local schools, graduating with honors from the Waterford township high school in 1898. After leaving school he was engaged in teaching for three years in Waterford township, and for one year in Adams township. In 1900 he embarked in the life insurance business and his energy and ability have enabled him to make it very suc- cessful. He handles some of the best risks in this neighborhood. Mr. Crooks is one of the active members of the Methodist Church at Coal Run and in that connection is well known. Fraternally he is connected with the order of Odd Fellows, affiliating with the lodge at Bey- erly. His political sympathies are with the Democratic party. Mr. Crooks is a young man of sterling integrity, who has shown a marked aptness for business and has won the esteem of a wide cirlce of friends.

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HOMAS S. HADLEY, one of the pro- prietors of the Porterfield Milling Company, was born in Marietta. Washington County, Ohio, in 1856, and is a member of a family of four children born to John and Margaret ( Scott ) Hadley.

John Hadley was born in Scotland April 22, 1831. TIis parents had seven children, a number of whom came to this country and lo- cated in the vicinity of Marietta. John was reared in his native country and at an early age learned the trade of a miller. He worked at it in Scotland until about 1854, when he set sail for America, and landed in New York City. He then came to Marietta and operated the old Phoenix Mills there for several years. He was subsequently engaged in the milling business in Belpre and Newport, with marked success, until 1901. After spending nearly 53 years in the same line of business he disposed of his interests and is now living a retired life. He was married in the spring of 1853 to Mar- garet Scott, who was also born in Scotland, and is descended from Sir Walter Scott: John Hadley is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, having served in the 148th Reg .. Ohio Vol. Inf., during the Civil War. Politi- cally he is a Republican.

Thomas S. Hadley was quite a young lad when his parents moved to Belpre, where he received his mental training in the common schools. When he grew up he accompanied his parents to Newport, where he remained a short time. Seeing a good opportunity in his present line of business at Belpre, he returned and has since made his home here. He became head miller at the new Peerless Mill at Parkers- burg, West Virginia, and when it was incor- porated in 1902 as the New Peerless Mill Com- pany he was made its vice-president. He is president and part owner of the Porterfield Milling Company, whose plant is located in Porterfield, Ohio. It has a capacity of 50 barrels daily and is equipped with all modern improvements, including the Case machinery. The plant has a Baltimore & Ohio Southwes- tern Railroad spur running to the mill. Mr. Hadley is a progressive business man and takes

a deep interest in all that relates to the welfare of the community. He is also serving as treas- urer of Belpre village, which was incorporated in 1002.

Mr. Hadley was united in marriage with Lillie L. Bosworth, and they have one daugh- ter. Grace F. He is a Republican in politics, and fraternally is a member of Blennerhassett Lodge, No. 364. Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor commander. He and his family have a pleasant home on Blennerhassett avenue, in Belpre.

OHN W. FRYE, who owns a fine farm of 100 acres, located half a mile west of Lowell, in Adams township, Wash- ington County, Ohio, is one of the substantial citizens of his locality. The birth of Mr. Frye occurred in 1841 on the farm he now occupies, and his parents were Joseph and Lucy ( Coburn) Frye.

Joseph Frye was born in Waterford, Wat- erford township, in 1811. and died in Sep- tember, 1886. He was a son of Joseph Frye, who came to Washington County from Frye- burg, Maine, and was the first school teacher in Waterford township. The esteem in which he was held was shown by the naming of Fort Frye in his honor. Joseph Frye, Jr., followed an agricultural life, pursued the even tenor of his way, performed the duties of a good citizen and devoted husband and father, and passed away respected by all who knew him. In poli- tics he was a Democrat. He long held men- bership in the Christian Church. His wife was a daughter of Asa and Rhoda Coburn. She was born on the farm now owned by her son. in 1800, and is a beloved member of his fam- ily. The Coburn family originated in Massa- chusetts. The grandfather of Mrs. Frye, Ma- jor Asa Coburn, came to Marietta from that State. The three children born to Joseph and Lucy ( Coburn ) Frye were: John W. ; Sarah S., the wife of Oliver W. Kile, of Indianapolis : and Mary .1., deceased.

On August 19. 1863. John W. Frye was married to Malinda Mason, who was a daugh-

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ter of William and Nancy Mason, and was born in Adams township in 1840. They have had a family of four children, as follows: Henry C., who is deceased ; Harley E., who re- sides at home, but is connected with the Little Kanawha Railroad, as civil engineer; Joseph W .. who is a broker in Marietta, and married Nellie Sprague, a daughter of D. W. Sprague : and Nellie M., who lives with her parents. Mrs. Frye is a valued member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Frye is a member of Lowell Lodge, No. 436. A. F. & A. M., and the R. A. M., of Bev- erly. In politics he adheres to the Democratic party. As a farmer he is regarded as progres- sive and capable, and he is considered one of the useful and reliable citizens of Adams town- ship.

E LMER L. BROWN. the efficient post- master of Belpre and junior member of the firm of Brown Brothers, pro- prietors of a grocery and general store, is one of two children born to Charles A. and Martha J. ( Breckenridge ) Brown.

Charles A. Brown was born in the old jail at Marietta, his father at that time being sheriff of Washington County. He died in June. 1898, and his wife survives him. He married Martha J. Breckenridge and they had two chil- dren .- Elmer L. ; and Leon H., who was born March 5. 1859.

Elnier L. Brown was born in September, 1866, and received his mental training in the schools of his native county. Washington. where he completed a high school course. He then went West and remained for 10 years, being for a time assistant postmaster of Garden City, Kansas. He was also occupied with rail- road work in Topeka, Kansas, where he was in the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company for five years. 4

his return to Washington County he embarked in his present business in partnership with his brother. They are progressive business men. conduct a first class store in every respect and enjoy a generous patronage from the citizens of Belpre and vicinity. The subject of this

sketch was appointed postmaster of Belpre February 24. 1902, and in the discharge of his duties he has given universal satisfaction. He is possessed of excellent traits of character, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, re- gardless of party affiliation. He is a strong and enthusiastic Republican and takes an ac- tice part in party affairs. Ile was treasurer of the Republican Central Committee in 1897 and except in the year 1899 has acted as chair- man of the Republican County Central Com- mittee. He is also one of the supervisors of elections and is now serving his second term as such. He is one of the most prominent Re- publicans of the county and has at all times taken a deep interest in anything pertaining to the success of his party.

Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Addie Cady, of West Virginia. She is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church, of Parkersburg. West Virginia. Fraternally Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Leon H. Brown, a brother of the subject of this sketch, married Flora B. Bosworth, of Newport, Ohio. The subject of this sketch is a member of the K. of P. He belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He has been a member of the School Board since 1897.

EORGE FELTON, a prominent and influential farmer of Ludlow town- ship. Washington County, Ohio, was born November 4. 1848, on his pres- ent home farm and is a son of George Felton.

George Felton, the father of our subject. was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, in November, 1816. He came to this country and entered a tract of 80 acres of land. Forty acres of this he sold and then bought a farm of 58 acres in Grandview township, from Cole- man brothers. He settled on the farm now own- ed by his son, George, and died in Matamoras in 1817. He married Margaret Nine, who was born in Hessen-Darmstadt. Germany, and was a daughter of Jacob Nine. They reared the following children, namely: Conrad, who mar- ried E. Jane Koontz, deceased; afterward mar-

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HISTORY OF MARIETTA AND WASHINGTON COUNTY,

ried Flora Grim, and is now living in Tyler County, West Virginia; Jane, who married Charles Miller, deceased, and is now living in New Matamoras, Ohio; and George, the sub- ject of this sketch. In politics George Felton was a Democrat, and religiously he favored the Methodist Church.

The subject of this sketch was united in wedlock with Mary Semler, a daughter of Nicholas Semler, of Independence township, and they have reared eleven children, namely : Amelia, who was born October 22, 1871, and died in 1873: Mary Jane, born October 3. 1873; William F., born December 27, 1875; George, born October 18, 1878; John, born September 1. 1880; Wesley, born February 22, 1883: Nettie, horn October 20, 1885; Charles, born August 20, 1888; Oscar, born January 21, 1891; Minnie, born January 30, 1893; and Edward, born May 5, 1895.

Mr. Felton is engaged in general farming, in which he is very successful, being possessed of much energy and good judgment. He is a Democrat in politics. The family are Meth- odists. Mr. Felton is an active citizen and is greatly interested in the progress of Washing- ton County and cheerfully gives his support to any worthy enterprise.

ENRY WICKENS, an influential and successful farmer and oil producer of Washington County, Ohio, was born in Aurelius township, which is still his home, January 5. 1834. He is a son of George and Charlotte ( Rowland) Wick- ens, both natives of the Isle of Wight, England.

The paternal grandfather of Henry Wick- ens was George Wickens, who was a native of the Isle of Wight and spent the whole of his useful life upon that island, following agricul- tural pursuits.

William Rowland, the maternal grandfa- ther, was also a native of the same place, where he, too, carried on farming in his early man- hood. He was also a shipbuilder. In 1820 he came to the United States, settled in Aurelius township. Washington County, Ohio, and be-

came one of the pioneers of that township. His marriage with Nancy Beers resulted in the birth of six children, as follows : Harriet, who married William Way; Jane, who married John Hutchins ; William ; Charlotte, the moth- er of Henry Wickens; Mary A., who married Alfred Reigner ; and Edward. These children settled in various parts of Washington and Nu- ble counties and became useful citizens in their respective communities.

The parents of Henry Wickens came to America in 1832. They settled in Aurelius township, where they cleared. cultivated and improved land, which is now the pride of their descendants. Upon this land the closing years of their lives were spent. They reared a family of five children, namely: George: Betsey ; William R .: John and Henry. All are now deceased except Henry and William R. The latter is also an extensive farmer and oil pro- (lucer, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. The only sister, Betsey, married Allen Pierce.

Henry Wickens was reared in Aurelius township and ranks high among the best known farmers in Washington County. He is a pi- oneer in the oil business in that section known as the "Macksburg Field," where he owns and operates quite a number of good, producing wells.

April 27. 1855, Mr. Wickens was united in marriage with Elizabeth Roff, a daughter of Oliver and Betsey ( Stevington) Roff, who at that time were residents of Jackson township, Noble County, Ohio, and formerly lived in Leeds, England. Mr. and Mrs. Wickens have six children now living, namely: George O .; William H. ; Miles; Ida, wife of James Dar- rah ; Elmer ; and Dolly, wife of George Reed. Although at no time an active politician Mr. Wickens is a Republican and has served his township as trustee for several terms. He is, however, deeply interested in the cause of edu- cation and has served as a member of the school board for a period of twenty years. He ranks among the representative citizens of his township and is valued as a neighbor an I friend.

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J N. DENT, a prominent merchant of Wingett Run, Washington County, Ohio, was born December 22, 1860, and is a son of George E. Dent.

George E. Dent was born April 15. 1836, in Monroe County, Ohio, and with the exception of one year which he spent in Iowa. he was a farmer all of his active life. He married Rachael Hoskinson, who was born in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1838, and was a daughter of William Hoskinson, a farmer by occupation.

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History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 202

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