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 90

Author:
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Madison, Wis. : Brant & Fuller
Number of Pages: 842

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 90

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).

Few men can show a better record than Samuel M. Martin, one of the principal agriculturists in Marshall county. The date of his birth was 1840. Mr. Martin began the battle of life at the age of twenty- four, choosing the very useful vocation of farming, and he has evinced ample proof of his capabilities in that direction. When he took the farm he now operates there was but one small, dilapidated building on the whole place. A handsome home now adorns it, while the commodious barn is one of the finest in that vicinity. The very latest improved farm machinery, buildings, high grade sheep, cattle, horses, etc., mark it as among the very finest estates in the county in which it is situated. Mr. Martin took Miss Mary Allen to wife in 1865. She comes from one of the first families of the state, her father and mother, Thomas and Julia Hunt Allen, were old and prominent settlers, well and favorably known over the entire county. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were for many years exemplary members of the Baptist church, of which denomination Mr. Allen was an official for some time, and a deacon at the time of his death, which occurred in 1884. His wife had gone on before, having died in 1880. M. and Mrs. Martin are much respected and deservedly loved by their neighbors and all who know them, than which no greater praise can be given them. Politically, Mr. Martin's family espouses the principles of the democratic party.

Christopher C. Mathews, postmaster and merchant at Thompson, Marshall county, and one of the prominent citizens of the county,

Peter Siffen.

721

THE PAN-HANDLE.

was born November 15, 1843, at Moundsville, the son of James R. and Martha M. Mathews, nee Davis, both of whom are now living. He was reared on the farm, and at the age of eighteen he became a volunteer soldier in the army of the Union. As a private in Com- pany A, Twelfth regiment West Virginia infantry, he was mustered in August 9, 1862, and he was promoted corporal August 15, 1862, and sergeant April 12, 1864. He served nearly three years in his gallant regiment, participating in the following battles: Winchester, New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's Ferry, Kernstown, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Hatcher's Run, the capture of Fort Gregg and Appomattox. In these and minor engagements he was among the foremost of his command. Being discharged June 16, 1865, he was married on September 14th, to Esther J. Scott, of whose parents men- tion is elsewhere made. They made their home in Round Bottom, on the farm which he afterward purchased, and where they now have a pleasant home. In politics Mr. Mathews is a staunch republican. In 1881 he was appointed deputy by Sheriff Hicks, and he occupied the sheriff's residence at Moundsville during the four years following. He was a popular and efficient man in this position, and when in 1888, he was induced to become a candidate for nomination for the office of sheriff, he stood second in the race among the six leading men who contested for the honor. For years Mr. Mathews has served his community as a member of the board of education. Since youth he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is now class leader at McClean chapel. Socially, he is quite popular, and as a business man he is successful and influential. By the marriage above mentioned, Mr. Mathews has had three children: William B., . born August 27, 1866; John I., born January 3, 1869; Madge R., born July 8, 1874. John I. died November 9, 1886.

William B. Mathews, a son of the above, and one of the leading young men of Moundsville, was born in Marshall county, August 27, 1866. He began his education in the common schools and was sub- sequently a student in the Moundsville high school, where he was graduated in 1883. He then entered Waynesburg college, Penn., and became a graduate of that institution in 1886. He has taught school six terms, and he is of high repute in his profession, and popular in the community as a skilful and thorough teacher. For two years he has served on the board of examiners of Marshall county, and at present he is engaged in the study of law. Mr. Mathews is captain of Gen. B. F. Kelley camp, Sons of Veterans, is in politics a repub- lican, and is a member and steward of the Methodist Episcopal church of Thompson. In 1889 he received the appointment of notary public.

Benjamin F. Meighen, attorney at law, Moundsville, W. Va., was born near Jolleytown, a small village in Greene county, Penn., Octo- ber 31, 1847, and is the son of Thomas H. and Louisa (Morris) Meighen. His father was among the early abolitionists, an earnest supporter of the Union and a devoted friend of education. At the outbreak of the late war he enlisted as a private soldier in Company F,

46-A.

722

HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.

Seventh regiment, West Virginia volunteer infantry (the "bloody Seventh "), and served faithfully for nearly three years. Since the war he has been engaged in farming, and as a citizen is held in high esteem by the many that have known him in all the years of his somewhat protracted life. Benjamin F. Meighen attended the country schools during the winters and worked on the farm in the summers until he was eighteen years old. After a term at the South- western Normal college at New California, Penn., he came to West Virginia with two lady relatives, Minerva and Sallie Roseberry, ar- riving October 17, 1866, and near Cameron, W. Va., taught school during the following winter. He afterward taught at various places, alternating that with attending school during the summers. In the spring of 1868 he entered Waynesburgh college, Penn., where he at- tended during the summers (still teaching in winters) until he was graduated, September 3, 1873, with the degree of B. S. He then en- tered the law office of R. W. Downey at Waynesburgh, and on April 6, 1875, was admitted to the bar. In the summer of 1874 he taught a normal school at New Freeport, Penn., having in attendance under him many teachers from West Virginia and Pennsylvania. After his admission to the bar he went to Uniontown, W. Va., and taught a similar school. At this school a number of the best educa- tors of that section received instructions. He located at Mounds- ville, October 1, 1875, and entered upon the practice of law, forming - a partnership with Robert McConnell, which continued until Janu- ary 1, 1885. In 1884 he was elected prosecuting attorney for Marshall county, after one of the most vigorous campaigns ever known in the county, but one other candidate on his ticket who had opposition, be- ing elected. After holding the office four years he was re-elected by a majority increased from 407 to nearly 700, and for a term which will expire January 1, 1893. January 3, 1882, Mr. Meighen was mar- ried to Lydia F., daughter of Dr. George C. and Agnes Gans, of Moundsville. Her father was a leading physician of Moundsville for many years, and was surgeon of the Tenth regiment, West Virginia volunteer infantry, during the war. He died in the service. Her elder sister, Maria L. Gans, was postmistress at Moundsville eighteen years; her brother, Samuel C., is agent of the Ohio river railroad at this place, and has been for years; another brother, Henry C., fought throughout the entire war in Company I, Third regiment, West Vir- ginia volunteer infantry, afterward the Sixth regiment cavalry, and is now cashier of a bank at Owensboro, Ky .; a sister, Virginia D., is the wife of J. C. Wayman, of Chicago, and another sister, Mary E., is the wife of J. R. W. Morris, of South Dakota.

Thomas Hughes Meighen, the father of Benjamin F., was born in Greene county, Penn., March 5, 1821, and his father, William, was born in county Donegal, Ireland. The family first came to America in September, 1790, in the persons of James Meighen and wife, Susan Mccluskey and their children, Peter, John and William. Margaret, another daughter, married John Mulrine, and with Elsy, wife of Dennis Timony, came to America two years later. From Philadelphia they

723

THE PAN-HANDLE.

moved to Fayette county, Penn., and thence to Greene county, where they located permanently. William, the father of Thomas H., married Elizabeth Hughes in 1779, and reared a family of seven sons and four daughters. The Hughes family came also from Ireland, but were originally Welsh. In this country they are very numerous, and many of them have occupied prominent posi- tions in affairs of state, church and society. Thomas Hughes, the founder of the family in America, settled in Loudon county, Va., prior to 1739. He married his cousin, Bridget O'Neill, and reared three children, Pheline, John and Thomas. Pheline married Cintha Kaighn, and had six children, James, Thomas, Barnett, John, Elizabeth and Martha. James being the direct ancestor of the sub- ject now being treated, we pursue only the branch of the family springing from him. He was born in 1750, and in 1772 married Cas- sandra Dunn, of Scotch parentage, and had nine children, Thomas, Pheline, Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine, James, Sarah, Thomas and Martha. The first born, Thomas, died very young, which accounts for a second Thomas in the family. James was one of the first set- tlers of Greene county, Penn. He located near Carmichaelstown, that county, in 1771, coming thence from Loudon county, Va. He was accompanied by his brother, Thomas, his father, Pheline, and the families of Swan, King and Heller. He was a public-spirited man, prominent in local affairs, possessed of considerable wealth, and was the first commissioner of Greene county. He died at the home of his son-in-law, Jacob Burley, near Waynesburg, in 1807. His daughter, Elizabeth, as has been seen, married William Meighen, and bore eleven children, Susannah, John, James, Mary, Peter, Phelix, Dennis, Cas- sander, Thomas, Hughes and Catherine. The children of Thomas Meighen are: Mary, deceased; Dennis R., farmer in Greene county, Penn .; Benjamin F., lawyer; Sarah Catherine (Mrs. J. A. Connelly) ; Elizabeth (Mrs. John Earnest) ; Cassandra (Mrs. George Wiscaron) ; Mary Magdaline (Mrs. William Carney) ; Cassandra and Mary were twins; Susan and Seba, twins, both deceased; William M., attorney at law, Moundsvile, and Thomas H., a teacher in the public schools of Marshall county.

William M. Meighen, a prominent young attorney of Moundsville, was born April 23, 1860, the twelfth child of Thomas- H. and Louisa (Morris) Meighen, then residents of Greene county, Penn. Mr. Meighen remained at his home until fourteen years of age, when he started out for himself on a varied business and professional career. From the outset he had his ambition fixed upon the profession of the law, but by force of circumstances was engaged temporarily in many other occupations. Beginning the study early he was employed at the age of fourteen on a case before arbitrators. His first employ- ment, however, was as a clerk in his brother-in-law's store at Littleton, W. Va., and afterward he taught school several terms in Wetzel county, attending school himself at intervals as he earned the means, being entirely dependent on his own resources. In Marshall county he has worked in clearing the forests, tilling the soil, constructing railroads,

724

HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.

in iron mills, at teaching school, besides his efforts in journalism and in law. He came to Moundsville in 1885, and was soon afterward admitted to the bar, at which he has won a creditable position. He was also for two years the editor and proprietor of the Moundsville Sun, a weekly democratic paper, the subscription list of which he more than doubled during his management. In politics, Mr. Meighen is a democrat, and his powers as an enthuiastic and convincing orator were devoted to the interests of his party during the campaign of 1884, in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Mr. Meighen was married October 23, 1889, to Virginia, daughter of James and Mary (Caton) Laing, of Moundsville.

George W. Miller, an active young business man of Moundsville, was born in Marshall county, W. Va., November 26, 1855, the son of Samuel and Barbara (Snow) Miller, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The father is one of the substantial farmers of the county, having also been engaged in the nursery business several years. He served in the war of the rebellion four years as a private, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox. In his family have been ten children: Elizabeth, wife of John Hubbs; Michael; Lydia, wife of William Roberts; John, who served eleven months in the Union cav- alry, and died at Wheeling, at the age of eighteen; Mary, deceased wife of William Grandstaff; Ella, wife of Benjamin Coogle; Hannah, deceased; George W., Josephine, deceased; Lida, wife of Newton Gaston. George W. Miller at the age of twenty-one years embarked in the nursery business, and has since been engaged in that industry, with much success. In 1878 he was married to Mary, daughter of Nathan and Matilda Cox, of Monongalia county, W. Va. Her father, who died May 8, 1884, was a Union soldier for three years, and a prosperous farmer. His mother, Charlotte Francis, is living at the age of ninety-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had five child- ren: Charles H., William L., Elsie M., Mary B., deceased, and Sher- man. Mr. Miller is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

One of the most successful agriculturists of Marshall county is Robert Moore, who is a native of county Derry, Ireland. His par- ents were James and Jane (Dunn) Moore, who were much esteemed citizens of their parish, and exemplary members of the Presbyterian church. Their seven children were: James, Hugh, Sarah, Robert, Samuel, Joseph and one that died in infancy; James and Joseph are also deceased. Mr. Moore's grandfather, James Moore, married Miss McCrady; they lived in county Derry, Ireland, and were also con- sistent members of the Presbyterian denomination. Robert began active life at the age of eighteen years, at which time he came to this country and settled in Massachusetts, where he worked upon a farm for six months, then moved to Philadelphia and engaged in digging cellars and driving a cart, at which he worked one year. At the ex- piration of this time Mr. Moore came to Wheeling, W. Va., and worked in a foundry for some six or seven years. Moving to Mar- shall county, W. Va., he rented a farm and began his agricultural career. He started without money, and, indeed, owing for his pas-

725

THE PAN-HANDLE.

sage from Ireland to Boston but by the exercise of good judgment and economy he has come to be regarded as one of the best farmers in the county, and has acquired a handsome farming property. His marriage to Nancy Rankin took place in Wheeling, and it has been blessed by the birth of seven children, whose names are: Johnny, deceased at the age of eighteen months; James, Sarah, Robert, An- drew, Martha and Hugh Henry. These children live with their par- ents with the exception of Robert, who is a resident of Kansas City. Mrs. Moore died May 22, 1889. She was a life long member of the Presbyterian church. By her death the community lost a most esti- mable woman, her husband a loving wife and the children an affec- tionate, tender mother, than which no greater praise can be bestowed on any woman. Mr. Moore is living upon his farm surrounded by his refined and cultured family, enjoying the fruits of his well directed labors. Both he and his family are consistent communicants of the United Presbyterian church.

A. D. Pierce, an enterprising citizen of Marshall county, residing at Fort Ridge, near Moundsville, was born May 30, 1844, in the county in which he now resides. He is the son of William S. Pierce, a ven- erable old resident of the county, who was born in Ohio county, De- cember 29, 1817, the son of Arthur D. and Sarah (McCulloch) Pierce, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Delaware, who were married in Ohio county in ISOS, and had thirteen children. The father served in the war of 1812, removed to Marshall county in 1826, and died in March, 1868. William S., whose active years were successfully de- voted to agriculture, was married March 13, 1842, to Susan Bonar, and three children were born to them: Arthur D., Miles B. and Sarah E., wife of Samuel Dorsey. The eldest of these, the subject of this mention, was reared on the farm of his parents until a little past seventeen years of age, when, July 6, 1861, he was among the first who came to the rescue of the nation, by enlisting in Company I, Third West Virginia regiment. He served in the infantry until June, 1863, and subsequently until August 17, 1864, in the cavalry, being honor- ably discharged with the rank of sergeant at the latter date. He · participated in all the movements and engagements of his regiment, fully performing the part of a gallant soldier. Among the battles in which he participated may be mentioned: McDowell, Cross Keys, Rapidan, Second Bull Run, Rocky Gap. November 7, 1865, Mr. Pierce was married to Lizzie, daughter of John D.and Mary E. (Por- ter) Gibson, old and respected citizens. This union has resulted in two children: William K. and Mary S. Mr. Pierce has been engaged successfully in various enterprises, and as a farmer ranks among the foremost in the county. He is also interested in stock-raising, is a member of several breeding associations, and is associated in the ownership of some very valuable animals. He is financially one of the leading men of the county and is a director of the Marshall county bank. As president of the board of education he fills ably a distin- guished position in county affairs, and as a member of the I. O.O. F.,

726

HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.

and an official member of the Methodist Episcopal church, is active in benevolence and religious work.

John Pierce, a young and prosperous farmer of Marshall county, was born in 1851. His father and mother were George and Rebecca Pierce. The father died, and some years after Mrs. Pierce was again married, this time to Joseplr Parks. Joseph Logsdon, Mrs. Pierce's father, was born in 1796, and at the time of his death was the oldest man in the county. John Pierce was married February 18, 1873, to Miss Amelia C., daughter of Joshua and Mary J. (Price) Talbert, who were old and influential residents of Marshall county, both being consistent members of. the Methodist Episcopal church for many years. Their five children were: William, died in infancy; Alvida B., wife of David Briggs; Mrs. N. C. Chambers; Mrs. Mary E. Magers; and Amelia, who died when a child; and Laura B., who became the wife of Thomas Mahon. Mr. Pierce is a wide-awake farmer, keenly alive to all farming interests, and owns a farm in the highest state of cultivation, supplied with all labor-saving machinery obtainable, as well as with the finest breeds of live stock. He makes a specialty of Short-horn cattle, Poland and Chester White hogs, and Norman coach horses. His success with the latter stock has given him an en- viable reputation as a progresive, well posted stock-raiser. Mr. Pierce is a member of the Marshall County Horse Breeders' association. The republican party claims him as one of its closest adherents. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce's marriage has been blessed by the birth of five chil- dren: William E. died in infancy; Willis E., Charles E., Walter R., and Bessie J. They have none of them yet left their father's home. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are active members of the Christian church.

George W. Pipes, engaged in the jewelry business at Cameron, W. Va., is a native of Greene county, Penn., born April 17, 1853, the son of Washington and Cynthia A. (Clark) Pipes, both natives of Pennsylvania, who are mentioned more at length in another connec- tion. Mr. Pipes received his education in the common schools, also beginning at the age of eleven years to earn his own support. At the age of seventeen years he began clerking in the store of Prettyman & Phillips, at Cameron, and subsequently he was in the employment of Pipes & Rickey, druggists, then of A. Conley, and then of H. S. White, at Belton. Having served an apprenticeship at the jewelry trade for three years, he embarked in his present business at Cameron in 1877. He has met with gratifying success, and is now ranked with the enterprising and responsible citizens of the town. He is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, of the National Union, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Politically he is a repub- lican. Mr. Pipes was married December 28, 1880, to Mary A., daugh- ter of Dr. S. B. and Elizabeth Stidger, of Cameron. Both these par- ents, who were worthy and popular people, are deceased, the father having died December 31, 1884, at the age of fifty-three years, and the mother in 1881, aged about forty-eight years. Eight children were born to these parents, of whom Mrs. Pipes and three younger,

727

THE PAN-HANDLE.

William W., Leroy L. and Irene still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Pipes have two children: Charlie B. and Lizzie Belle.

T. C. Pipes, a prominent citizen of Cameron district, engaged in business as a real estate and insurance agent, and pension attorney, and holding the office of justice of the peace at Cameron, was born in Greene county, Penn., January 16, 1845, the son of George W. and Cynthia A. (Clark) Pipes, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father, a blacksmith by trade, removed with his family to Marshall county in 1864, and made his home at Cameron in 1865, where he died in August, 1876, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife died in March, 1874, at the age of sixty-two. Nine children were born to them, seven sons, who survive, and two daughters, who are deceased. Mr. Pipes began business for himself at the age of twenty-five years, as a black- smith, and followed that business with considerable success until 1883, when he became a justice of the peace for Cameron district. He is one of the influential people of Cameron, is a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the National Union, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Politically he is an earnest republican. Mr. Pipes was married in March, 1874, to Lucretia, daughter of Brice and Barbara A. Howard, pioneer residents of Marshall county, who still survive to connect the early days with the present. To Mr. and Mrs. Pipes three children have been born, one of whom, Herman, survives.

W. S. Powell, a highly successful teacher in the schools of Marshall county, was born in Virginia in 1848, the son of William O. and Mary (Job) Powell, the former of whom was a native of Virginia, and the latter of Maryland. The father, who was a well-known farmer, died in 1871, at the age of seventy years, and the mother died in 1856, at the age of fifty-two years. Both were members of the Methodist church, in which the father was a notable worker. The children born to these parents were ten in number, but only two survive: W. H. H., the oldest, lives at Vienna, Penn., and W. S., the subject of this men- tion. The latter was reared on the farm, and was engaged in its duties, subsequently in carpentry, in his early manhood, and was then on the plains of the west, engaged in various occupations during the summer and teaching in the winter. Since 1871, he has taught every winter, with but one exception, and the fact that he has taught four- teen years in one neighborhood speaks highly of his proficiency as an instructor and his sterling character as a man. On December 27, 1888, Mr. Powell was married to Winona M. Hull, of Marshall county. She is a member of the Presbyterian church.

John S. Redd is a son of Solomon and Mary (Scott) Redd. He was born in Washington county, Penn., October 13, 1836, and moved with his parents to his present home at Beeler Station, in 1852. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of James and Sarah Wellman, some time after. Mrs. Redd's grandfather was a valliant soldier in the Revolutionary war. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Redd has been made happy by the presence of six children: Melissa, died at the age of sixteen, leaving a large circle of friends to mourn the loss of one

728

HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.

so much beloved; Mary, the wife of Elex Cox; Iona and Leona, twins, now very interesting young ladies; Susannah and William B., both dying in childhood. Mr. Redd enlisted in Company C, Twelfth West Virginia infantry and served until his regiment was discharged in July, 1865. He bravely bore his part in the tedious battle of Lynch- burg, also the battle of New Market and many other minor engage- ments. He was severely wounded May 15, 1864, and is still carry- ing the ball in his leg. It can truly be said of him that, " A soldier's wounds are the proofs of his valor." At Winchester he was taken pris- oner and transported to that " den of horrors," Libby prison, from there he was removed to Belle Isle, where he remained for thirty days, five of which he spent without a morsel of food. Receiving his honorable discharge, he turned his sword into a ploughshare, and has since made as successful a farmer as he did a soldier. Mr. Redd is a loyal republican. The entire family are greatly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. They are all members of the Christian church.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 90

Author: Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Madison, Wis. : Brant & Fuller Number of Pages: 842

Author:
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Madison, Wis. : Brant & Fuller
Number of Pages: 842