USA > Ohio > History of the Upper Ohio Valley, with family history and biographical sketches, a statement of its resources, industrial growth and commercial advantages, Vol. I > Part 27
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John M. Bell, a venerable and respected citizen of Wheeling, has passed his life in the region to which these volumes are devoted. Born in Jefferson county, Ohio, May 7, 1814, he was taken by his parents to Beaver county, Penn., when three years old, but returned to Jefferson county at the age of fourteen. He is the fourth of ten children born to Robert and Prudence (Donnell) Bell, the former of whom was a native of Ireland. Both parents are now deceased. When eighteen years old John M. Bell engaged in teaching, and followed that pro- fession in all twelve or fourteen years. He taught several terms in Ohio, a few of them at Steubenville, and then bought the Jefferson seminary, at Wellsburg, W. Va., of which he was principal and pro- prietor about five years. At the end of that time he engaged in mer- cantile pursuits, at Wellsburg first, and afterward at New Martins- ville, W. Va., remaining at the latter place sixteen years. In 1865 he removed to Moundsville, where he was engaged in business sixteen years, and during that period served on the city council, and during one term was mayor of the city. At his previous place of residence he held the office of justice of the peace several years. Mr. Bell removed to Wheeling in 1882, and since 1883, has been the proprietor
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of a first class bakery at No. 1114 Market street. Mr. Bell has been influential and highly esteemed in each of the communities in which he has lived. Though at an advanced age, he bears his years well, as longevity is the characteristic of his family, his grandmother hav- ing lived to be one hundred and five years old, and his maternal grandmother surviving to the age of one hundred and seven years. Mr. Bell was married December 3, 1835, to Agnes Melissa Walker, who was born in Greencastle, Penn., the daughter of James and Jane Walker. She died December 24, 1874, leaving one child. Septem- ber 14, 1875, he was married to Minnie C. Wallace, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Wallace, and by this marriage he had one child, Grace E. V., who was born September 3, 1880. Mrs. Bell is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, her husband of the Christian church, In politics Mr. Bell was a republican, voting for Henry Clay, and W. H. Harrison, and he has been a republican since the organization of that party.
Joseph A Bell, general manager of Logan's drug store at Wheel- ing, one of the most important business establishments of that city, is a native of Pulaski township, Lawrence county, Penn. He is one of the third generation of his family in this country. His paternal grand- father, Thomas Bell, a native of Ireland, was a pioneer of Columbiana county, Ohio. His son, Hugh, the father of the subject of this men- tion, married Ann J. McMillan, daughter of the Rev. Dr. McMillan, a gentleman of Scotch descent, who was one of the pioneers of the Western Reserve of Ohio, and was a clergyman of that section for many years, connected with the Presbyterian church, of which all his brothers were also clergymen. Joseph A. Bell was born February 14, 1845, and was reared in Mercer county, Penn., where he received an education in the common schools, until the age of fourteen years, when he was thrown on his own resources. He then became an apprentice at the trade of harness making, and in that became proficient by the time of the outbreak of the civil war. On May 26, 1862, he enlisted under the second three months' call, in Company B, of an Ohio regiment, and served out his time, receiving an honorable discharge. Four months later, May 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth regiment Ohio National Guard, for one hundred days' service, and was honorably discharged August 27, 1864. He then be- came a book-keeper for a house in Youngstown, Ohio, but soon after- ward came to Wheeling, where he was book-keeper for George W. Taylor until 1867. He then removed to St. Paul, Minn., and was there engaged in the dry goods business until 1869, when he returned to Wheeling, and became book-keeper for Logan, List & Co., and held that position through various changes of the firm until March 15, 1887, when he became a partner under the firm style of Logan & Co. Dr. Logan died in October 1, ISSS, and on the first of the following February the company was reorganized under the name of the Logan Drug company, of which Mr. Bell was chosen general manager. As a citizen he occupies a high place in the estimation of the community, and in business he is enterprising and successful. He is a member of
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the First Presbyterian church, of the Young Men's Christian associa- tion, and of the Grand Army, and in politics is a republican. He was married in April, 1867, to Clara, daughter of James Hassan, of Cecil county, Md., who died in 1869. In 1877 he wedded Emma Hassan, sister of his deceased wife.
Albert Beltz, a leading merchant taylor of Wheeling, is a native of Hesse, Germany, born April 26, 1851. In his native land he learned the trade of a tailor, and at that was there engaged until 1871, when he emigrated to the United States. He came directly to Wheeling, whither relatives had preceded him, and at that city he worked at his trade as a journeyman until 1880, when he formed a partnership with Christian Roepke, with whom he was associated in the proprie- torship of a tailoring establishment. for two years. At the end of that time he bought his partner's interest and has since then con- ducted the business alone. In 1886 he completed a handsome store and dwelling on Sixteenth street, and removed to the same, where he has since done business. In 1884 Mr. Beltz was married to Noth- bunga Spiegel, who was born in Hesse, Germany, and to their union six children have been born. He and wife are members of the St. Alphonsus Catholic church.
Alexander Beltz, an enterprising citizen of Wheeling, was born in Buchenberg, Hesse, Germany, April 25, 1861, the son of Andrew and Mary Beltz. He was reared and educated in his native land, where he remained until 1882, when he emigrated to America, and located at Wheeling, where he learned the trade of a cooper in the shop of his brother, who was in business. In the fall of 1887, he pur- chased his brother's interest in the business, and formed a partnership with J. H. Springer, forming the firm of Springer & Beltz, which did business for two years. On August 4, 1886, Mr. Beltz became the sole proprietor of the business, which he has since conducted with much success, doing all kinds of cooperage, and being the leading manufacturer of tight cooperage in the city. He is a worthy and highly respected citizen. Mr. Beltz was married January 20, 1884, to Mary, daughter of Albert and Magdalena (Vagel) Schlag, of this city, by whom he has two children living, Albert and Mary. He and wife are members of the Catholic church.
Beltz, Flading & Co., a well-known firm of Wheeling, is extensively engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds and other builders' supplies, as proprietors of the Excelsior planing mill, and also have a large trade in lumber. The factory is 70x120 feet in area, and in- cludes three floors and a basement. John Beltz, senior member of this firm, was born in Somerset county, Penn., August 4, 1837. His father, Peter Beltz, a native of the city of Fulda, Germany, came to United States in 1837, and while he and family were on the way from Baltimore to Wheeling, by the old National road, the subject of this men- tion was born. Peter Beltz was one of the pioneer German citizens of Wheeling, and for a number of years followed his occupation of blacksmithing; a good citizen, highly esteemed by the community. In 1848 he removed to a farm on Peter's run, near Triadelphia, where
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he followed his trade in connection with farming. He is still living, in his eighty-third year. John Beltz was reared in Wheeling, and re- ceived his education in the common schools. When about nineteen years of age he learned the trade of cabinet-making, at which he worked until the beginning of the late war, during which he was for a time in the quartermaster's service as a carpenter. After the war he became a member of the firm of Saulsbury, Flading & Co., pro- prietors of a planing mill. This firm continued for two years. About 1867, the firm of Beltz & Flading was established, which has since then been changed to Beltz, Flading & Co., the members being John Beltz, John Flading and M. F. Giesey. Mr. Beltz is prominent and public spirited as a citizen, and has served the city two terms of two years each, beginning in 1876, as councilman. He was married in 1878 to Regenia Granner. the step-daughter of Lawrence Harwell, and they have five children.
S. O. Burdats, a member of the Reymann Brewing company, of Wheeling, fills the position of general traveling agent for that corpo- ration, and is widely known throughout the region covered by these volumes. Mr. Burdats was born in central Hungary, in 1842. He re- moved to Vienna in youth, and found employment as a traveling agent and as a commercial clerk, and gained valuable experience. In 1863 he emigrated to New York, and after clerking for some time in a wholesale store, enlisted in 1864, in the First West Virginia cav- alry, Company A, with which he served until the close of the war. He then made his home at Wheeling, where he has since resided. He was engaged as a clerk in various establishments until 1876, when he accepted a clerkship with A. Reymann. Subsequently he was made collector and traveling agent, and in 1882, he was admitted with William H. Grimm, to the business. Since the latter date he has held the position above mentioned. Mr. Burdats is an estimable citi- zen, is a member of the A. O. U. W., and Sheridan post, G. A. R., and he and wife are members of the St. John's Lutheran church. He was married in 1864, to Elizabeth, daughter of Christian Glassner, of Wheeling, and they have had five children, of whom a son and a daughter survive.
J. E. Belleville, M. D., of Wheeling, occupies a place among the young physicians of that city which is creditable to his talents and education. He was born at Hartsville, Bucks county, Penn., in 1858, and was reared and educated in the Keystone state. After receiving the advantages of the common schools he entered Lafayette college, at Easton, in the fall of 1875, and was there graduated in the spring of 1879, with the degree of A. B. In 1881 he received the degree of A. M. from the same college. He then read medicine during one year with Dr. F. W. Boyer, at Pottsville. Penn., and subsequently entered Jefferson Medical college, at Philadelphia, at which he was graduated in 1882, after pursuing a two years' course. He then spent one year at the Boston University School of Medicine, as resident physician at the dispensary, taking the degree of M. D. Dr. Belle-
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ville came to Wheeling July 17, 1883, and began his practice here, which has been quite successful.
Charles H. Berry, born at Boston, Mass., March 4, 1827, died at Wheeling, February 4, 1889, was one of the prominent business men of the latter city. Of it he became a resident when a small boy, coming in company with his parents, John Berry, a native of Eng- land. and his wife, Alice M. Cook, of Boston, Mass. Throughout his business career, Mr. Berry was engaged as a rope merchant, and was successful in his enterprises. He was a member of the Knights of Honor, and was in politics a republican. He was twice married, first in October, 1856, to Grace McMechen, who died June 20, 1857, and second to Agnes McMechen, a sister of his first wife, on November 3, 1859. The latter survives. She and her sister were daughters of William McMechen, a native of Marshall county, born March 2, 1807, the son of Benjamin McMechen, a highly respected citizen of the early times, who lived just below Benwood, until his death, April 2, 1855. He was the son of William McMechen, a na- tive of Wilmington, Dela., who emigrated to Western Virginia in 1777. William McMechen, the father of Mrs. Berry, died Septem- ber 22, 1888. His wife, Mary Blake, born in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 3, 1812, and died at Wheeling, July 3, 1855, accompanied her par- ents, James and Grace Blake, to America, when she was five years old. By her marriage, Mrs. Agnes Berry has had four children: Charles Henry, Alice Virginia, Jesse Curtis and Frank McMechen Berry, of whom the third died in his eighteenth year. Alice Vir- ginia was married October 26, 1882, to William D. Cushing, an archi- tect by profession, who was born at Wheeling, in August, 1858, the son of Daniel Cushing, an old citizen who died in 1888. William D. was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the I. O. O. F., and the time of his death, which occurred March 26, 1885, was paymaster of the Belmont Iron works. He left two children, Mamie P., born November 27, 1883, and William C., born December 5, 1885.
Louis Bertschy, junior member of the firm of Frew & Bertschy, was born in Wheeling, March 25, 1857, the son of Michael Bertschy, a native of France, who was reared in France and came to the United States in 1854, locating at Wheeling, W. Va. Michael Bertschy's death oc- curred in April, 1889, he having reached the advanced age of eighty- seven years. His widow is Barbara (Schenk) Bertschy, who was born in Germany in 1823. She is now residing in Wheeling. The son attended the public schools of Wheeling. After leaving school he entered the furniture house of John Arbenz, in November, 1869. Re- maining with Mr. Arbenz until 1877, he then became connected with Hubbard & McBurnie, with whom he remained for two years, at the expiration of which time he returned to Mr. Arbenz. While with the latter, Mr. Bertschy saw that a demand existed for a skilled em- balmer, there being no one in the city competent to perform this dif- ficult task. . Determining to fit himself for this very important work, he went to Cincinnati in July, 1882, and took a thorough course of instruction in embalming, receiving a certificate for proficiency in the
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art. In 1885 the firm of Frew & Bertschy was formed, and this house has since carried on a very extensive business in furniture, carpets and undertaking. Mr. Bertschy is undoubtedly the most skillful em- balmer in the state. He is a member of the Zion Lutheran Benevo- lent society and also of Alpha lodge, K. of H. Miss Mary Williams, of Wheeling, became his wife in the year 1886, and one son has been born to them.
Henry Bieberson is one of the well-known citizens of Wheeling, and is a director in the German Insurance company, the West Vir- ginia Fair association and was one of the incorporators of Wheeling Park, and a stockholder in various other corporations, is prominently associated with enterprises of great importance and general interest. He is one of the trustees of the home for the aged, and one of the di- rectors of the Wheeling & Elm Grove railroad. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, born August 19, 1848. In 1865, accompanied by a sister and an aunt, he came to the United States, and settled at Bridgeport, whence about a year and a half later, he removed to Wheeling, which has since been his home. He engaged in various occupations until 1874, and then embarked in business as the propri- etor of a restaurant at No. 1429 South street, near the Baltimore & Ohio depot. As has been noted, Mr. Bieberson has invested largely in enterprises which tend to the advancement of the city, and in addition to those already named, various other corpora- tions, among them the Belmont, La Belle and Benwood Iron works, and the Central Glass company count Mr. Bieberson among their stockholders. He is also one of the proprietors and a director of the Nickle Plate Glass works of Fostoria, Ohio. For several years Mr. Bieberson has been a prominent member of the Liquor Dealers' & Brewers' Protective association, of which he has served as president and as secretary. He is a member of Germania lodge, No. 7, K. of P., of the various turner and singing societies, and of St. John's Reformed church. Mr. Bieberson was married in 1873, to Frederika Schumacher, of Wheeling, and they have two sons and three daughters.
Richard Black, of Wheeling, a member of the well-known firm of R. H. Black & Bro., marble and granite works, was born at Cannons- burgh, Washington county, Penn., December 15, 1846. He is a son William and Eleanor (Manifold) Black, worthy citizens of that place. Mr. Black was reared on a farm, receiving in his youth a common school education, and followed the occupation of farming until the year 1880. He then removed to Wheeling and embarked in his pres- ent business, in company with his brothers, R. H. Black & Co. The business has prospered under their management; they have a large and rapidly increasing custom, and occupy an honorable position among the business men of the city. Mr. Black was married in 1874, to Anna F., daughter of Robert White, of Cannonsburg, and to this union four children have been born: Nannie, William, Mary and Emma.
J. W. Blatchley, of Wheeling, well-known as a furniture dealer, and valued as a citizen, established himself in business in this city in
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1888, having had many years of previous experience elsewhere. Mr. Blatchley is a native of Greene county, Penn., born November II, 1846. After receiving his education in the schools of his native county, he left home at the age of twenty-one years, and went to Louisiana, Pike county, Mo., where he learned the trade of car- pentry, as well as attended high school and learned book-keeping. A year later he returned to Pennsylvania, and for seven years fol- lowed his trade, also engaging in contracting. He then learned the trade of cabinet-making at Waynesburgh, Penn., and subsequently engaged in the furniture business at that place. From Waynesburgh he went to Jefferson, Penn., in the spring of 1876, and after working at his trade for about a year and a half, purchased the furniture of his employer. Subsequently he removed to Cameron, W. Va., and re-entered the furniture business, at which he was engaged there suc- cessfully until his removal to Wheeling. At the latter city he suc- ceeded William Zink, purchasing the establishment of the latter, and has maintained a large trade in the goods usually found in a well- equipped furniture establishment, besides conducting an undertaking department, which is perfectly equipped. Mr. Blatchley was mar- ried in Greene county, January 1, 1869, to Barbara A. Zimmers, and twelve children have been born to them, of whom eleven survive. Mr. Blatchley is a member of Cameron lodge, I. O. O. F., and of council No. 1, Junior Order of American Mechanics, of Wheeling; also a member of the Shield of Honor.
Among the prominent young German citizens and business men of Wheeling, is J. A. Blum, a junior member of the firm of T. T. Hutti- son & Co., wholesale dealers in saddlery, hardware and and carriage trimmings, at No. 1425 Main and No. 1500 South street. Mr. Blum was born in Wheeling, January 20, 1861, and is the son of Adam Blum. Adam Blum was born in Germany in 1827, and his wife, who was Evaline Renner, was born in Maryland about 1833. In 1847 Adam Blum came to America on account of the German revolution, and came to Wheeling, where he has since resided. He has been in the hotel business during his residence in Wheeling, and is still engaged in that business on the corner of Main and Twenty-first streets. He and wife are members of St. Alphonsus Catholic church, and are among the well-known and highly respected German citizens of Wheeling. To their union seven children have been born, only three of whom survive: Christian, of the firm of Kenney & Blum, ale brewers of the city; J. A., and one sister, now Mrs. George P. Staurer; William J., another son who died on January 10, 1890, was one of the most popular young men of Wheeling, and was identified with the re- tail dry goods business, having for nine years been connected with the firm of G. E. Stifel & Co. J. A. Blum was reared in Wheeling, and attended the parish school of St. Alphonsus church, then entered the public school, and completed his education by taking a course in a commercial school. When but fourteen years of age he entered the establishment of which he is a member, and from that time has continued with the same house, working his way up from the position
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of errand boy to a member of the firm, having been admitted to a partnership January 1, 1888. Mr. Blum was married September 25, 1884, to Theressa, daughter of Casper Miller, deceased, an old and and leading citizen of the city. To them two children have been born: William L. and Lovetta E. Mr. and Mrs. Blum are both com- municants of St. Alphonsus Catholic church.
Edmund Bocking, a prominent druggist and pharmacist of Wheel- ing, has occupied his present location in that city since 1858, and is the oldest druggist of the state in years of experience. Mr. Bocking was born in Dusseldorf, Prussia, in 1833, the son of Adolph and Mary (Bruckner) Bocking, who emigrated to America in 1849, and settled at Phillipsburg, Beaver county, Penn., where they died. In 1850 Ed- mund Bocking found employment as a clerk in a drug store at Pitts- burgh, with the view of learning the business, and in 1851, he came to Wheeling, where in 1856, he opened a store of his own, with which he has since successfuly conducted. Few pharmacists are so thoroughly acquainted with the business in all its details, and few have so com- pletely won the confidence of the public. Mr. Bocking has always taken a great interest in the advancement of his vocation, was the projector and founder of the State Pharmaceutical association, and is an active member of the American association, and is the originator of the pharmacy law of West Virginia, of which but one druggist was acquainted until the act appeared in the public prints. Under that law he held the position of commissioner of pharmacy of West Vir- ginia for four years, and has held the office of commissioner for Ohio county for one term. Mr. Bocking is a member of the I. A. O. M. and Masonic fraternities; is popular in his social relations, and is gen- erally recognized as one of the prominent men of the city. In poli- tics he is a staunch republican. He was married in 1856, to Sarah, daughter of George W. Johnson, of Wheeling, and they have one son living, Edmund F.
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Aaron Bonnheim, rabbi of the Hebrew congre- gation at Wheeling, is a native of Prussia, born July 9, 1841. His early education was received in a college at Marburg, and he subse- quently for eight years, held the position of a government teacher. His youthful inclination was to the profession of medicine, but not being able to obtain such an education he turned to the clerical call- ing, in which his father was prominent as a rabbi, and while teaching pursued theological studies at Marburg. Emigrating to America, October 18, 1866, he landed at New York, October 31, and there gave private lessons for a few months, after which he removed to Balti- more and continued to teach until March, 1867. He was then called to Columbus, Ga., where he served as pastor of the Hebrew congre- gation B'nai Israel for three years, at first, and then after an interval of four years as pastor of the Hebrew Benevolent congregation at Atlanta, he was at Columbus, Ga., a second period of three years. He was by this time able to preach in English as well as German. In June, 1876, he obtained a leave of absence and visited his old home and his father, who has since died at the age of eighty-seven years.
15-A.
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He returned from Germany to Columbus, Ga., in September, 1876. In the following year he accepted a call to Columbus, Ohio, and he had labored there as a rabbi of the Hebrew congregation acceptably six years, when he determined to gratify his desire for the study of medicine, and consequently in the fall of 1879, entered the medical college of that city, at the same time discharging faithfully his minis- terial duties, where he was graduated in February, 1882. In April of the following year he was chosen superintendent of the Hebrew hos- pital and asylum at Baltimore, Md., a position he held for five years, discharging his duties as such and as a resident physician in so able a manner as to win for him on his resignation numerous testimonials to his high character and professional ability. His resignation oc- curred in January, 1888, and in the following April he accepted the call of the Hebrew congregation at Wheeling. Dr. Bonnheim was married December 25, 1871, to Pauline Hofmann, daughter of Rev. Dr. Hofmann, rabbi at Baltimore. They have had six children: Solomon, now deceased; Hannchen; Theodore, now deceased; Agnes, deceased; Gustchen, and Arthur. Dr. Bonnheim is quite popular and has invigorated new religious life in his congregation, and is a member of the B'nai B'rith, the Royal Arcanum, and the A. O. U. W.
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