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 76
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in all the campaigns of the Shenandoah valley, except while held by the enemy. He had the misfortune to be captured at Moorfield, W. Va., September 11, 1863, and was taken to Libby prison, and thence thirty-six hours later, to Belle Isle, where until March 7, 1864, he suffered great deprivations, his rations toward the last consist- ing of only a finger-length square of corn bread twice a day, and his bed being the sand, under poor tents, without covering, and no fuel. Be- ing paroled at Richmond, March 7, 1864, he was transported to An- napolis, then to Camp Chase, Ohio, and he then remained at home on furlough until June, 1864, when he was exchanged. He then joined his regiment in Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah valley, and fought till peace was established. In 1867 Mr. Crawford engaged in the grocery business with Barclay & Lloyd, as salesman, and also as deputy for Mr. Barclay, then sheriff, for four and a half years. He was subsequently employed at Pittsburgh with J. S. Dilworth & Co., wholesale grocers, and then with T. B. Litten, at Wellsburg. Pur- chasing the store of Mr. Litten, he continued the grocery business until 1876, since which time he has been engaged in woodworking in its various mechanical departments. His most famous work in this line was constructed while he was in business, and was an object of great attention during its exhibition at Wheeling, and afterward at the Centennial exposition of 1876. This is a Centennial bracket, composed of seventy-six varieties of wood native to West Virginia, joined in a mosaic thirty-five inches by five and a half feet in area. On this an elaborate design is worked out, including the American eagle, the flag, stars representing the thirteen original states, " Lib- erty," " Union," and "Independence," " In God We Trust," the open- ing sentence of the Declaration of Independence, followed by the names of the signers, each state being represented by a different wood, and after this " Philadelphia, July 4, 1776," "Constitution," names of the presidents from Washington to Grant, the figures " 100," "Esto Perpetua," closing with the name of the maker, " Geo. B. Crawford, Wellsburg, West Virginia, 1876." Surrounding all are stars for each state in 1876 and appropriate emblems for the territories. Mr. Crawford has been active in public affairs, and has rendered efficient service for several terms each as city clerk and councilman. In fraternal matters he has been equally active and has held promin- ent official positions in the Masonic order, the G. A. R. and the Union Veteran Legion. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Crawford was married February 13, 1889, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Reuben and Bethira Hale, of Holliday's Cove, Hancock county, W. Va. They have been blessed with one child, Maria Hale, born February 14, 1890.
Jacob E. Curtis, editor and publisher, in connection with his son, of the Pan-handle News, an influential newspaper of Wellsburg, W. Va., was born at Hagerstown, Md., October 29, 1824. He is the son of Josiah and Esther (Ernsberger) Curtis, the former of whom was a native of Maryland, of Welsh family, and the latter a native of Ger- many. Mr. Curtis was reared in West Liberty, and attended school at 39-A.
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the same place. Subsequently he went to Bethany and there first engaged in merchant tailoring and afterward in mercantile business, at which he continued about forty years. Becoming prominent in public affairs and particularly influential in the democratic party, he was elected sheriff of Brooke county in 1876, and this office he held four years, discharging its duties with fidelity to the interests of the public. During the ten succeeding years he conducted a store at Wellsburg. In September, 1889, he purchased the Pan-handle News, and since then he has been giving his attention to that journal and to the duties of deputy sheriff. Mr. Curtis is a member of the Masonic " fraternity, and has been a trustee of Bethany college for thirty years and more. He was married in 1849 to Melissa Kerr, an estimable lady, a devoted member of the Disciple church, who died August 15, 1862, aged thirty years. By this union he had five children: G. C., a merchant of Bethany; Dr. W. K., a prominent physician of Wellsburg; Sarah B., wife of David Hahn, a real estate dealer of Zanesville, Ohio; Ida M., wife of George A. DeLong, a hardware merchant of Lexing- ton, Ky., and Joseph L., who served as deputy sheriff for his father from 1876 to 1880, and was elected sheriff of Brooke county in 1888, taking position January 1, 1889. Mr. Curtis and children are members of the Disciple church. His present wife is S. B., daughter of Louis Kerr, of Brooke county.
J. G. W. Davies, of Wellsburg, a well-known contractor and builder, was born in Cardiganshire, South Wales, May 17, 1861, son of Evan and Hannah (Davies) Davies. His father, a weaver by occupation, is living in Wales, and was fifty-seven years old June 17, 1890, but the mother died September 14, 1889, aged fifty-eight years. Both were members of the established church of England. Of the eight chil- dren born to them the following survive: Mary, who is with her father; J. G. W., Evan T., Hannah J., David and Daniel. Mr. Davies received his education in his native country, and there learned the carpenter's trade, working two years at Liverpool, being employed upon some of the best houses then in construction there. On May 17, 1883, he embarked for America on the steamer "City of Berlin," and arrived at New York June 4. From there he came on to Wellsburg, and for the next four months worked as a journeyman carpenter. He then worked as an independent contractor, and his first house was that of John Holly, after which he erected dwellings for William McElroy, Anthony Brady, three houses for the Misses Hervey, and several others early in his business career. In 1885 he designed and built the Episcopal church. He enlarged his business in 1886 by the purchase of the lumber yards of George Crawford, Sr., and has since dealt in lumber and building materials. Among his more recent buildings are a fine house for Zadoc Fowler, of Collier's Station, his own com- fortable residence, the elegant brick house for Thomas Boyd, and the handsome Methodist church at Brilliant. Mr. Davies keeps con- stantly employed a large force of workmen. He is a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and in politics is a republican. He was married January 26, 1886, to Emma E.,
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daughter of David and Catherine Thomas, of Pentre Bach farm, St. Asaph, North Wales, at the home of her parents, whither he traveled for that purpose, and whence he returned to Wellsburg, April 14, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Davies have one child, David Evan. He and wife are members of the Episcopal church of Wellsburg.
John N. Devore, D. D. S., is one of the leading dentists of Bethany, W. Va. Dr. Devore was born March 26, 1848, on Wheeling creek, Ohio county, W. Va. His parents were John and Mary A. (Bright) Devore, who had but the one child, John N. John Devore, Sr., was born in Belmont county, Ohio, and his wife was also a native of that county. Until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion Dr. Devore lived upon the paternal farm; he enlisted in the Union service, Company A, Twelfth West Virginia infantry, August 7, 1862, and remained in the patriotic ranks until the close of the war, having been honorably discharged June 16, 1865. The more important bat- tles in which he engaged were those of Winchester, Hunter's Raid, O'Pecon, and he was also in the famous battle which Sheridan won by his gallant ride. Having been transferred to the army of the James, then in front of Richmond, the valliant young soldier took an active part in the advance on Hatcher's Run, which occurred from March 26th to April Ist, was also a participant in the charge on Fort Gregg. Afterward being present at Lee's surrender, going from here to Richmond, where he was discharged. Dr. Devore left the service holding the position of corporal. After his return home he was engaged in study for several years, and has now been practicing his profession for thirteen years, having met with much success. He was married in 1878, to Anna M. Belle, by whom he had three chil- dren, two of them now dead. His wife died in 1884, in March. His marriage to Agnes Gibson was solemnized September 22, 1885. Mrs. Devore is the daughter of Robert and Mayron Gibson. This second marriage has resulted in the birth of three children: May- ron G., Gibson McCook and Colley Emerson - all living. Dr. De- vore is a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his wife of the Disciples church. He is also a member of the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities, and a staunch republican.
John Dornan, of Wellsburg, manager of the Riverside Glass works, was born in county Down, Ireland, July 13, 1838. He is the son of William and Rose (Murray) Dornan, both natives of Ireland, where the father died June 16, 1846, at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving five children, four of whom are now living. The mother and her children came to America in 1852, and proceeded from New York to Boston, where they resided several years. She now resides at Ken- ton, Mass., at the age of seventy-five years. Mr. Dornan at the age of fifteen years obtained employment in a glass factory, and with the exception of three years in a cotton factory at Kenton, has since been engaged in glass manufacture. He resided at Wheeling from 1865 to 1879, and then coming to Wellsburg superintended the erection of the Riverside factory, of which he has since acted as manager. At this instituion natural gas was first used in the manufacture of fine table
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glass ware, and Mr. Dornan is therefore the pioneer in this notable utilization of the resources of nature. His executive talent and energy have been important factors in the success of the factory. He is active and public-spirited as a citizen, has served several terms on the city council, and is one of the trustees of the Brooke cemetery. Mr. Dornan was married July 8, 1860, to Susan, daughter of Dennis O'Hara, of county Down, Ireland, a lady with whom he was ac- quainted when both were school children in their native land. Both are members of the Catholic church. They have had fourteen child- ren: Jennie, Katie, Maggie, Mamie (deceased), Anna, Lizzie, Irene, Willie (deceased), Ellen (deceased), Dernie, Blanche (deceased), Clara, Richard (deceased), and Carl.
Prof. F. M. Dowling, teacher of Latin, rhetoric, philology, in the Bethany college, Brooke county, W. Va., was born in 1861, August 18th, and is the son of William and Mary (Chapman) Dowling. These are the parents of seven children, all of whom are living. They are: Rosa (Williamson), Hattie (Williamson), Flora (Camp), F. M., William E., Alla, Clarence. Prof. Dowling was reared as a farmer, and attended the common schools while working the farm; started to college at Bethany at the age of twenty, and graduated at the age of twenty-three, in the classical course. He also received the degree of A. B. After graduating, he went to Mt. Healthy, a suburb of Cin- cinnati, Ohio, and was pastor of the Disciples church of that place for one year. His health failing, he was compelled to quit the work of the ministry for several months, when he went to Hope Dale, Harrison county, Ohio, where he taught the classics in the Normal college and preached on Sundays. During these two years he was also engaged in holding protracted meetings in various parts of the state of Ohio. He became professor in Bethany college in the year 1887, and has been here ever since, preaching to congregations within reach of Bethany in the meantime. He was married to Bertha Paul, July 18, 1888. She is the daughter of Albert and Anna (Knox) Paul, and was born in 1867. By this union there was born one daughter, Harriet Cassell.
Henry Emig, merchant tailor, a worthy resident of Wellsburg, was born in Germany, on the left Rhine, December 25, 1837. At the age of thirteen years he began to learn his trade, and in 1864 immigrated to this country, arriving at New York, May 19, where he worked six months before coming to Wheeling, at which city he was engaged in business until April 1, 1867. Coming then to Wellsburg he has since then been a resident of this place, doing a general tailoring business, and holding rank as one of the most thorough masters of his trade. When he arrived in this country, his capital consisted of two silver dollars, but he is now prosperous; industry, enterprise and economy having sufficed to give him an assured position in life, and win for him the respect and esteem of his fellows. He has a comfortable home and has reared a family of ten children. He was married in 1866, to Mary, daughter or Peter and Christiana (Slater) Kolz, natives of the left Rhine country, who came to this country at the
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same time as did Mr. Emig. To this union have been born these children: Peter, a tailor at Fairmont; John, engaged with the Stand- ard Insurance company at Wheeling; Henry and Anna, who assist their father in business; Theresa, Lizzie, Emma, Joseph, Maggie (deceased), Frances S. Mrs. Emig, a devoted member of the Catholic church, died July 3, 1882, aged thirty-eight years. Mr. Emig is a member of the Catholic church, and in politics a democrat.
Mrs. Mary Elson first saw the light of day in the year 1816, at Hol- liday's Cove, W. Va. Until her marriage to Mr. Elson in 1840, she lived with her parents, Asa and Mary (Wills) Elson, natives of Mary- land. She obtained an average education, and by her association with her mother, was well fitted to enter upon the cares of a married life. After her marriage she went to live upon a farm owned by her hus- band, situated near Cross Creek. They resided there but one year when they removed to the farm now occupied by Mrs. Elson. Al- though now eighty-one years of age, Mrs. Elson presents a much younger appearance, and bids fair to outlive many a younger person. Mr. Elson was born in 1809, near the farm now owned by his widow. He was a son of Hanson and Mary Elson, who were born in West Virginia. Until thirty-one years old he lived with his parents, work- ing for his father and attending school. When he married the lady who now survives him, he started farming on his own account and met with gratifying success. Much of his life was spent on the Ohio river as a flat-boatman, in which pursuit he was also prosperous. After his removal to the present Elson property, he remained there until his death, which occurred in 1883, when he was at the age of seventy- five years. Mr. Elson was much interested in the schools, and also in the improvement of the roads. The following children are the issue of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Elson: Albert C., Asa O .; Rufus A., deceased; Richard H., John W., Alexander M., Harden W., Wilson R., and William, deceased; Laura A. and Mary M. The children have all been married, with the exception of Harden W., and occupy farms of their own. The mother is a member of the Baptist church, of which denomination she has been a communicant since her eighteenth year.
William M. Fowler first saw the light of day in 1828 at Fowler's Mill, a place situated on Cross creek. Until he reached the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Fowler lived with his father and mother, John and Sarah (McCleary) Fowler, upon their farm, attending the public schools, where he received a good education. In 1851 he struck out for himself, working at the carpenter's trade in the vicinity of his home. Continuing in this for one year, he then took charge of the mill known as Fowler's mill, which he operated very successfully for some three years. In the meantime, Mr. Fowler married Miss De- manse Wiggins. After his marriage he settled on the old homestead, and in 1856 he gave up the milling trade and entered the mercantile business, which he has since been engaged in, having met with most gratifying success. His wife dying in 1862, he was again married in 1867, this time to Miss Hannah Baxter, by whom he has had four
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children, two of whom are still living: Edward B., deceased; Camp- bell C., deceased; William B. and Ella D. By the first wife he had one child: John Hiram Vesey. Mr. Fowler carries on a large busi- ness, running it with discretion and fairness to all with whom he deals.
Prof. Frank P. Trench, teacher of vocal and instrumental music and harmony at Bethany college, was born February 14, 1858, in New York city, and lived in that city until he was about sixteen years of age. He began the study of music at the age of eight years, and at the age of eighteen, he accepted a position as organist in Cort- land, N. Y., where he remained about three years, resigning at the end of that time, and accepting a position in Watertown, N. Y. After remaining there about one year he entered the New England con- servatory of music, graduating in the class of 1883. Since then he served organist of St. John's, Albany, N. Y., for two years, and then went to Omaha, Neb., where he was pianist of the Mendelssohn club, also di- rector of music in the Baptist church. He next went to Rochester, N. Y., and did musical work, and came to Bethany as director of music at the beginning of the session of 1889. In the year 1887, June 19, he was joined in marriage to Nellie R. Greene, daughter of W. W. Greene and E. (Ingram) Greene.
G. W. Freshwater is the postmaster and prominent merchant of Collins, Brooke county, WV. Va. The year 1853 is the date of his birth, and Cross Creek township, Brooke county, W. Va., the place where he was born. The old home is still occupied by his father, J. R. Fresh- water. The mother's maiden name was Lydia Ridgeley, and, she, as well as her husband, are natives of West Virginia. Until he was twenty-three years old Mr. Freshwater remained at home attending school and helping his father. At the expiration of this time he left home and engaged in the mercantile trade at Collins, where he still resides. About 1882 'Mr. Freshwater was appointed postmaster by President Hayes, and has since held the office, with the exception of a short time that he was relieved during Cleveland's administration. In 1877 he took Miss Amy J. Swearingen to wife. She is a daughter of John C. and Ruth Sweeringen, both natives of this state. They are the parents of five children, all of them living,they are: Charles R., Earl G., Neva E., George W. and John R. Mr. Freshwater has been more than ordinarily successful in all of his enterprises, and is sur- rounded by a cultivated family and a large circle of friends. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. The cause of education and the public highway measures have no firmer friend than G. W. Freshwater. J. R. Freshwater, father of G. W., was born March 21, ISII, in Cross Creek township, Brooke county, W. Va., or what was then Virginia. His father and mother, Reuben and Nancy (Beall) Freshwater, were also natives of this state. Until his marriage to Lydia Ridgeley, a West Virginian, and a daughter of William and Jane Ridgeley, the the former was a native of Maryland, Mr. Freshwater remained with his father, assisting him, and acquiring an education. After his mar- riage, which took place in 1842, he purchased the farm on which he
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now resides, and which he has since operated with good success. His children are: John E., William, Sarah J., deceased; George W. and David F. Mr. Freshwater has, since his residence in Collins, been prominently identified with the school improvement and highways, having held several minor offices in both departments. He is pros- perous and contented, and although now at an advanced age, he is still active and efficient, giving promise of many years of life. Such men as this are the mainstay of a community.
John Gibson, one of the prosperous and enterprising merchants of Bethany, Brooke Co., W. Va., was born September 17, 1861, in the town where he now resides. His parents were Robert and Marian (Wilson) Gibson, both natives of Scotland. Coming to this country about the year 1845, they settled at Bethany. The father was a shep- herd in his native land, but after coming to the United States. he engaged in tilling the soil. He died in July, 1865, and the mother fol- lowed him March 10, 1890. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are dead, those living are: Agnes (Devore), Selina, Robert and John. John, the principal of this biography, attended the common schools until he reached the age of eighteen years, at which time he entered business with his brother as a clerk. After continuing in this capacity for about two years, Mr. Gibson purchased his brother's interest and has since operated the business. His mar- riage to Amanda Alvey took place June 19, 1883. She is the daughter of Basil and Elizabeth Alvey, and was born in November, 1860, in Taylorstown, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson's home has been bright- ened by the advent of four children, all of whom are living, they are: James, Bernie, Olive and Laura. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are con- sistent members of the Disciples church, of Bethany, and he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. His political faith is founded upon the principles of the republican party. Mr. Gibson is a worthy repre- sentative of an old and much esteemed family, and his success fully attests his business ability and standing. Mr. Gibson is still a young man and has a bright business career open before him.
Joseph C. Gist is an old resident of Buffalo township, Brooke county, W. Va. He was born in the year 1820, March 12, near Wellsburg, W. Va., the son of Cornelius Howard and Clara (Reinicker) Gist. The father and grandfather were both natives of Maryland, and the mother and her parents were Prussians by birth. Joseph was the youngest of ten children, three of whom are still living. Joseph at- tended the pioneer schools of that day, and afterward was a student in Allegheny college for three and a half years. Having graduated with the degree of A. M., he read law for two years. Abandoning his legal studies, Mr. Gist became a farmer, in which pursuit he has since been engaged. In 1861 he was elected to the senate of W. Va. After serving in this capacity with much credit to himself and with benefit to his constituents for four years he was sent to the state leg- islature, being a candidate on the republican ticket. August 22, 1849, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Colver. She was born in Greene county, Penn., near Jefferson, February 10, 1826, the daughter
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of Thomas and Rachel (Heaton) Colver. Six children have come to bless this union. Mr. and Mrs. Gist are communicants of the Metho- dist Episcopal church. The farm operated by Joseph Gist is one of the finest in Brooke county, and is stocked with thorough-bred Merino sheep and finely bred Short-horn cattle. He is an enterprising, pro- gressive farmer, a fine specimen of American citizen and agriculturist.
Jesse T. Hall, M. D., of Wellsburg, a leading physician and sur- geon, was born in Fayette county, Penn., October 27, 1845. He is a son of Joseph and Maria (Colvin) Hall, the former of whom is a na- tive of West Virginia and the latter of Virginia. His father, who was a teacher in the public schools in early life, subsequently a local min- ister and afterward a farmer, was a prominent man in his county and favorably regarded. He died in 1875, at the age of sixty-five years, and his wife, who was a life-long member of the church, and earnest in good works, passed away in January, 1887, at the age of sixty- seven. Of their eight children, the subject of this mention is the sec- ond born. Dr. Hall completed his literary education at Southwest Normal college, in Pennsylvania, and then in the pursuit of a profes- sional training, attended the Ohio Medical college, at Cincinnati, and Jefferson Medical college, at Philadelphia, and the Hahnemann Med- ical college, at Chicago. He had begun his practice, however, in 1876, and has ever since that date been actively engaged in his pro- fession with the exception of time devoted to attendance on lectures. The doctor's professional reputation is of a high order, and as a citi- zen he is progressive and enterprising; in all relations he enjoys the esteem of those with whom he is associated. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in politics is a republican, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Dr. Hall was married, March 23, 1871, to Mary E., daughter of Louis and Dorcas E. (Reeves) Smith, of Greenfield, Penn. Her father, who died January 14, 1873, aged fifty- seven years, was prominent in his community, held the office of jus- tice many years and faithfully discharged a remarkable number of trusts as guardian of orphan children, and was an elder in the Cum- berland Presbyterian church for thirty-one years. He served eighteen months as captain of Company I, Second West Virginia infantry, and while waiting at Catlett's Station for a train to Washington, intend- ing to take a sick furlough, he was captured by the confederates, and afterward confined at Libby several months, his health thereby being completely broken. His wife, a devoted Christian lady, died Janu- ary 13, 1875, aged fifty-one. Mrs. Hall is the second of their six chil- dren. The doctor and wife have one son, Clyde Smith Hall, who is now a student at the Metropolitan college of Chicago.
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