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. II pt 2 > Part 12
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Jacob McMillan, a prosperous farmer of Colerain township, was
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born and raised on the farm where he now lives, son of Jacob and Sarah (Vale) McMillan. The father, born in York county, Penn., in 1796, died in 1884. He was a son of Thomas McMillan, and grandson of John McMillan, a native of Scotland. The mother, born in York county, Penn., in iSoo, daughter of Joshua Vale, a native of Wales. Our subject's parents had five children: Mahlon, deceased; Eli, died 1890; Sarah A., Elizabeth, Jacob and Ira V. Jacob was raised in Bel- mont county, receiving a common school education in the old log school-house. Ile and sisters own 101 acres of the old homestead farm, where his father settled and remained till his death. He and family were members of the Society of Friends.
Sarah A. McMillan, wife of Eli McMillan (deceased), who was one of the leading farmers of Colerain township, was born in Pennsylvania. October.29, 1827, died Junuary 5, 1890. He was a son of Jacob and Sarah (Vale) McMillan. He was raised until about twelve years of age in Pennsylvania, came to Ohio with his parents and settled in Colerain township, where he grew to manhood. He received a good common school education. In 1865 he married Sarah A., daughter of Abner and Mary ( Dillon) Stillwell. The father was born in Maryland, and came to Ohio in a very early day when St. Clairsville was yet in the forest. He first settled in St. Clairsville, and for several years followed teaming for a living. He began in life without anything, but by hard work and close economy, he accumulated considerable money, and at one time owned over 500 acres of land. He lived to be nearly ninety years of age, a respected and honored citizen. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. McMillan eight children were born: Sarah V., Mary L., Ira S., Isaac N., Albert E., Ina B., Edith O. and Ethel E., twins. The mother was born and raised in Belmont county. Jacob was a member of the Society of Friends and of the Masonic order. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Ile was an exceptional son. Ilis father bought a farm, and while the other members of the family left home he remained with his parents till he was forty years of age and paid out for the farm and placed all the improvements upon the same. After marriage he purchased sixty-two acres which he left to his family, also five-eighths interest in sixty-two acres more. They are living in a stone house that was built in 1824. His family is well respected by all.
David K. Naylor, a farmer of Colerain township, was born in Smith- field township, Jefferson county. May 28, ISIS, son of A. G. and Ruth (Hammond) Naylor. The father was born in Maryland, son of John Naylor, also of Maryland, and came to Ohio in 1812, and settled in Smithfield when it was in its infancy. He bought several farms and gave to all his sons. He was a slave holder in Maryland, but on com- ing to Ohio set them free. He had in his family nine children, five boys, our subject's father being the youngest. The mother was a daughter of George and Deborah (Hutton) Hammond, natives of Virginia, and was of Irish descent, and in ISI settled in Smithfield township, where he remained until death. The grandparents on both sides were very strict Quakers. Our subject was raised in Smithfield
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township, received a common school education, beginning in the old log school-house. Hle first began life by working in a stone quarry. He afterward traveled in the mercantile business for five years, and then established a store in York where he afterward lost all he had for- merly made. In 1852 he married Margaret Smith, daughter of Ephraim and Elizabeth (Parkinson) Smith. Of their six children, three are now living. Elizabeth, Ida M. and Harry A. The mother was born in Belmont county, where she lived till her death, Septem- ber 24. 1879. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is also a member of the same church. After he lost his property in York, he removed to Belmont county, and was then fifty dollars worse off than nothing, but by hard work and good management he has done well, and now owns ninety-two acres of good land, which is well improved, with good and substantial buildings. He served two years as justice of the peace and resigned his office. He is a thorough- going farmer and a worthy citizen.
Isaac Vickers, a citizen of Colerain township, was born in Chester, Penn., son of Jesse K. and Margaret (Penrose) Vickers. The father was born in Chester, Penn., son of Thomas Vickers, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and a son of Peter Vickers, a native of England. Our subject's father was born in 1795, died in ISS9, and all were mem- bers of the Society of Friends. The mother, born in Montgomery county, Penn., daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Roberts) Penrose. Our subject was raised in Pennsylvania till thirteen years of age, and came to Ohio with his father's family, crossing the mountains in wagons. He received a good common school education. In 1842 he married Rachel, daughter of Isaac and Deborah (Wisenan) James. To this union six children have been born, five living: Leander, Albert, Morris, Edwin, Samuel and Willis. Morris died when three years of age. The mother was born and raised in Belmont county. They are members of the Society of Friends. He is a man that be- gan life without, anything, but by hard work and good management he has done well, now owning 115 acres, besides a store house in Morn- ing View, where he does a general mercantile business. In 1856 he established his store and has done an honest and lucrative business since that time. In 1867 he was appointed postmaster at Morning View, a position he has held since that time, but when Cleveland was elected they tried hard to find some irregularity in the office, but failing he was allowed to retain the same.
Josiah Watson, one of the pioneers of Colerain township, was born in New Jersey, December 23, 1798, son of William and Sarah (Ackley) Watson. The father was a native of New Jersey, and was a militia- man during the Revolutionary war, belonging to what was known as the Jersey Blues. He was of English descent. Our subject came to Philadelphia when a boy about sixteen years of age, where he grew to manhood. lle received a limited education and was bound an ap- prentice to a tailor, where he served five years, and he then entered the post-office at Philadelphia, as letter carrier, where he remained twelve years, when he resigned his position and came to Ohio in 1837.
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and settled on the farm in Colerain township, which he had bought in 1835. This he cleared and converted into a beautiful farm. In 1833 he married Julia E., daughter of Edward Parker. Ile was a native of Pennsylvania, and for many years was engaged in the publishing business. Two children (twins), have blessed this union, only one living, Charles H., who has been connected with Weatherl & Bro., in the manufacture of white lead, where he has been engaged for over thirty years. Ile is a man that began in this world without anything, but by close economy he did well and at one time owned 106 14 acres of good land. He is now in the ninety-second year of his age and in good health.
Milton Yost, a prominent agriculturist of Colerain township, and a descendant of an old and influential family, was born and raised in Harrison county, Ohio, the son of John and Mary ( Wilson) Yost. The father was born near Winchester, W. Va .; his father, Michael Yost, was born November 3, 1766, died in January, 1865, was the son of John Yost, a native of Germany, who first settled in Chester county, Penn., from there going to Frederick county, Va., now W. Va. Mary ( Wil- son) Yost was born in New Jersey, the daughter of John and Sarah (Atkinson) Wilson. John Wilson was born in New Jersey, the son of Alexander and Nancy ( Kennard) Wilson. Alexander was an Irish- man by birth. To John and Sarah Wilson five children were born, named: Charles, George, William, Mary and Sarah. They all reared families. Charles had one child: William C. George was the father of four children: Charles, Sarah, George and Jane; Mary had four · children: Rachel Ann, John W., Lemuel A. and Milton; Sarah was the mother of three children: Emily, John W. and Catherine. Michael Yost was the father of the following named children: John, Elizabeth. Fannie, Elisha, Isaac, Hannah, Mary, Elias, Elijah, Sarah and Mar- garet. John Yost emigrated to Ohio, in May, 1806, and settled in Harrison county, where he remained until his death. He was promin- ently identified with the educational and general improvement move- ments of the county, having served for two terms as a county commissioner, and was a representative member of the whig party. When the family moved to Ohio they bought land which was at that time in its natural state. From this they made hine farms and became prominent in agricultural circles. Milton Yost received a common school education, and in October, 1874, was united in marriage to Ellen C. Hall, daughter of David and Amy (Smith) Hall. David was the son of Thomas and Mary (Patterson) Ilall. To Milton and Ellen Yost seven children have been born: Mary Rachel, Sarah Amy. Edith Lora, Myra Kate, Florence Wilson, Clara C. and Frederick Michael. Mr. Yost came to Belmont county in 1886, and located where he now lives. His farm, consisting of 106 acres of land, is one of the most improved farming properties in the county. It is finely stocked, and under the highest state of cultivation. Mr. Yost makes a specialty of the dairy business.
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nee 821.
FLUSHING TOWNSHIP."
A. William Beatty is the leading dealer in boots, shoes and gents' furnishing goods, of Flushing. Mr. Beatty is a son of William H. and Mary (Miller) Beatty, who are the parents of the following named children: Tecumseh S., a blacksmith by trade; A. William, Charles L., a professor in the New Orleans Commercial college; Dora, John O., Frank C. and Birdie. William H. Beatty came with his father's family to Ohio in 1835, his wife was a daughter of John and Mary Miller, Mary was born and raised in Harrison county, Ohio, while her parents were of German parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Beatty were members of the Presbyterian church of Stillwater, and Mr. Beatty was an elder in the same for many years, being one of the leading men in the church, but is now a member of the Nottingham Presbyterian church. Ilis wife dying August 22, 1879, in her thirty- fourth year, Mr. Beatty some time after took to himself in marriage, Margaret McCleary, by whom he has had one child: Fannie. Mr. Beatty was for several termstrustee of Flushing township. He enlisted in Com- pany H1, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, under Capt. Bell, and serving with the true purpose of a patriot he received his honorable discharge from service in June, 1865. He is a member of the Mitchell-Bethel post of the G. A. R. Ile has a farm of 120 acres in the highest state of cultivation, and is very successful in all his enter- prises. A. William Beatty spent his boyhood on his father's farm, ac- quiring a good education, having graduated from the Delaware Business college at Delaware, Ohio, he taught for some time in the public schools. Receiving a call from the New Orleans Business col- lege, he spent one year in that college as superintendent of the com- mercial and penmanship department, and assistant principal of the mathematical department. Retiring from the vocation of teacher, he returned home and engaged in the business in which he still continues, having met with the most gratifying success, being recognized as one of the leading business men of the county in his line. Mr. Beatty married Miss Laura Lafferty, July 11, 1SS9. She was a daughter of Joseph and Mary Lafferty. The former was an old settler of Harri- son county, he died March 29, 1886; the mother is still living. Mr. Beatty is a member of Morefield lodge of Knights of Pythias, also of the order of the Sons of Veterans, Camp No. 200.
Among the old and influential citizens of Flushing is Alfred Bethel, who is the son of James and Mary Bethel, both natives of Virginia. They came to Ohio in 1790, where James bought a land lease. They were among the first settlers and became well known throughout the community. They were both members of the Rock Hill Baptist church. The father died about 1850, and the mother followed him about the year 1857. Their children were: Sarah, deceased; Lucinda, Edward, deceased; Benjamin, deceased: Alfred; Abner, deceased; Elizabeth Ann, deceased; Mary; Eliza Jane, deceased; Francis M., deceased; and James S. Alfred Bethel was born in 1819, having been
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reared on his father's farm and receiving the best education that the schools of that day afforded. Ile was married when twenty-three years of age to Margaret McCall. Mr. and Mrs. McCall are the par- ents of eight children: John A., Mary E., deceased; James O. and Nancy, deceased; Jesse B., Thomas F., and a pair of twins that died in infancy. The four living children are all established in homes of their own and all have bright prospects in life. John A. answered his country's call enlisting in the Ninty-eighth Ohio infantry, and after- ward going to Louisville, Ky., where he entered the marines under Capt. Fisher, serving for thirty-one months with much courage and efficiency; he was honorably discharged at Vicksburg one year after the close of the war. Mr. Bethel has served his township as a trus- tee for several terms with great credit to himself and much benefit to the community. Although now in his seventieth year, yet he is well preserved and gives promise of living for years to come. Mrs. Bethel is also well along in years, being sixty-seven, but like her husband, she is still in the enjoyment of good health and bids fair to live for many years yet.
James Bethel, an extensive agriculturist of Flushing, is one of five living children who were born to William and Elizabeth Bethel. The children are: Susan, Jane, James, Sarah, now Mrs. Hall, and John A. William Bethel came from Stafford county, Va., in 1812; one of his brothers, Thomas, who fought in the war of 1812, settled with him in Belmont county. He worked hard all of his life, having cleared sev- eral farms, and died about 1865, after living a life of usefulness. James Bethel lived with his father until he was twenty-six years of age, being obliged to carry his part of the family burden. In 1846, he espoused Miss Caroline Bethel. He worked for others for three years before he bought a farm of his own, he then bought 18 acres of land. going into debt for the same. By hard work and the exercise of much energy, he has not only paid off the debt, but has added 166 acres to the original property, and has some money invested in other enterprises. He is a man who holds the confidence and esteem of his neighbors in an unusual degree. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bethel. Two sons reside in Flushing and are comfort- ably situated on their father's farm. Mrs. Bethel was a member of the Disciples church until her death, December 11, 1883. She was a woman of many fine qualities, and her death caused much sorrow in her large circle of friends and acquaintances.
David Branson is a son of Smith and Jane (Frame) Branson, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter a native of Maryland. They were married in Flushing, and always resided there. They had nine children; seven of them are now living: Lydia, wife of John Hoge, a resident of the state of lowa; David; Rachel, wife of Israel Sidwell, a citizen of this county; Asa, now living in lowa; Elizabeth. also a resident of Iowa; Mary Jane, wife of Nathan Steer, a resident of Belmout county; and Smith, a citizen of Flushing. David was brought up on his father's farm, and having received a common school education, he worked for his father upon his farm and in the
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grist-mill, situated on Wheeling creek, which was run by his father in connection with his farm. This mill was at first operated on rather a small scale, but as the needs of the community increased, the busi- ness of the mill increased also. David was of great service to his father, being able to do most that is required about a mill. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah B. Holloway, daughter of Jacob and Martha Holloway. The Holloway family was from Virginia; Martha, mother of Mrs. Branson, whose maiden name was Bye, was a native of Maryland; her family migrated to Ohio, and it was in that state that Mr. Holloway and Mrs. Warfield were married April 29, 1813. Mrs. Branson was one of six children: Daniel, born March 4, 1814, died April, 1873: Eliza, born May 5, 1816, died April 8, 1842; William, born December 23, ISIS, now a resident of Bridgeport. Ohio, and president of the bank of that place; Martha, born December 11, 1820, died in 1825; Jacob, born March 6, 1823; Mrs. Branson, born April 10, 1827; and there is also a half-brother, John, and two half-sisters, Mary and Maria Warfield. Mr. and Mrs. Branson have been made happy by the birth of six children: Martha B. Hobson, wife of Dr. J. A. Hobson, born August 24, 1851; Anna Eliza, born January 23. 1854. wife of Henry Hall; Mary Ellen, born August 14, 1856; Lizzie M., born January 14, 1859, wife of Nathan R. Smith; Emma J. Branson, born November 21, 1862; and Myra D., born March 3, 1869. Mr. Branson has served his township and county in various honorary positions, and is at present the president of the Flushing & Union- town Pike, being one of the original projectors of that road. He is also one of the organizers of the bank of Flushing, and at present a director. Mr. and Mrs. Branson are members of the Society of Friends, and the entire family have birthrights. Mr. Branson has 495 acres of land under the highest cultivation, and now, that he has retired from active life, he can live comfortably from the fruits of his energetic labors. lle is one of the most influential and one of the most highly respected of Belmont county's citizens.
Isaac Clevenger was born in Maryland, about the year 1791. mov- ing to Ohio with his father's family when a young man. In ISIS he was married to Rachel Howell, by whom he had the following child- ren: Thomas, Elizabeth, wife of George Latham; Catharine, deceased; James A., deceased, and Isaac M., deceased. Isaac was in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry serving with the true devotion of a patriot. In 1845 Mrs. Clevenger died, and some time after Mr. Clevenger espoused Miss Catharine Smith. Their one child is Galen S., who is a Baptist minister, now located in South Dakota. Thomas Clevenger, the subject of this sketch, was born in Belmont county, where he obtained a fair education, working on his father's farm during the summer, and attending school in the winter season. When twenty-eight years of age he was married to Miss Isabel Morrison, the ceremony taking place December 25, 1867. Mrs. Clevenger is a daughter of Joseph and Martha (Chambers) Mor- rison. The former was born in Ohio, about the year 1825, son of Al- exander Morrison, an American by birth, but of Scotch descent.
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Martha Chambers was born in Ohio, daughter of Alexander Cham- bers, but like her husband, she was of Scotch parentage. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clevenger: Ora \'., born October 11, 1868; Eva L., born October 30, 1872, and Wilfred M., born January 24. 1878. . Mr. and Mrs. Clevenger and their two daughters are members of the Nottingham Presbyterian church. Mr. Clevenger has IS acres of very fine farming land, situated on what is known as the "Trail Fork," in a very beautiful and fertile valley. He does a gen- eral farming business, and besides is a most successful stock-raiser, having some very fine breeds. The family has been prominently identified with the settlement and growth of Belmont county, and its different members are among the most prominent citizens of the county.
James B. Collins, a successful farmer and fine stock-raiser, is an only child of George P. and Minerva (Dunn) Collins. The father was born in Morefield, Harrison Co., Ohio, about the year 1833; hav- ing acquired a good education, he was married when twenty years of age. After his marriage he lived on a farm and operated a saw-mill in connection with his farming, continuing this for some time; he then moved with his family to Belmont county, locating at Belmont Ridge. In February, 1865, he offered his services to his country by enlisting in Company HI. One Hundred and Eighty-fifth regiment Ohio volun- teer infantry, under Capt. Bell; he served until the following Septem- ber, when he received his honorable discharge. Ile was one of four- teen children born to George and Eliza C. Collins. Ilis grandmother was born in 1803, and died March 23, 1890. Minerva (Dunn) Collins was a daughter of James and Harriet (Long) Dunn, of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Collins were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Collins is also a member of Post No. 15, G. A. R. He is a resident of Harrison county, where he is operating a farm with much success, although now well along in years. James H. Col- lins was born and raised on a farm in Belmont county. He obtained a common school education, and October 3, 1878, took unto himself in marriage Miss Jennie Price, a daughter of John and Agnes ( Bethel Price. John Price was born in Belmont county, and his wife, a daugh- ter of John Bethel, was a native of Harrison county. The union has been blessed by the birth of three children: an infant, born March 24. ISSo, died when but a few hours old; Lawrence W., born January 28, 1882, and an infant born January 24, 1Soo. Mr. Collins is a member of the Sons of Veterans. The farm and stock owned by Mr. Collins are unsurpassed in quality by anything of their kind in the county.
Frank M. Cowen is a son of one of the most distinguished lawyers who has ever practiced at the Belmont county bar. Judge D. D. T. Cowen, his father, was a son of Benjamin Sprague Cowen, a noted jurist and statesman, of the same county. Judge Cowen's father and mother were natives of Washington county. N. Y., whence they re- moved to Ohio in 1825, settling in Harrison county, where Judge Cowen was born January 20, 1826. A few years later his family re- moved to St. Clairsville, Ohio, where his early education was acquired
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in the public school and at Brooks institute, of that place, his father being one of the founders of the latter institution. His classical train- ing was received under the tutelage of Doctor MeBane, of Cadiz, Ohio; later he studied medicine and surgery with his uncle, Dr. Syl- vanus Wood, of Cadiz, and Dr. John Alexander, of St. Clairsville. He did not study medicine with the intention of practicing it, how- ever, but with the idea of gaining a broader and more comprehensive education, and as preparatory to the practice of law. His chosen pro- fession was the law, and under the wise guidance of his eminent father, and his father's partner, Ilugh J. Jewett, afterward president of the Erie railroad, he was fitted for the bar, being admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio, January 20, 1847. After his admis- sion to the legal ranks, Judge Cowen began to practice at St. Clairs- ville, and soon attained a high standing at the bar of Belmont county, which, since its organization, has been in high repute on account of the great number of exceptionably able men who have practiced there. Notable among which are such men as William Kennon, Sr .; William Kennon, Jr .; John M. Goodenow, Ex-Governor Wilson Shannon, W. B. Hubbard, Carlo C. Carrol, Benjamin S. Cowen, Hugh J. Jewett, and many others of marked ability. In time Judge Cowen came to be the recognized leader of this association of leaders, and practiced in all of the courts of that section and in the supreme court of Ohio. Soon after the commencement of hostilities between the North and South he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Fifty-second regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry, of which Daniel McCook was colonel. That officer being assigned to the command of a brigade, the command of the regiment devolved upon Colonel Cowen. He participated in all of the engagements in which his regi- ment was involved, until the sad news of his wife's failing health forced him to resign his commission and return to her to whom he owed his first allegiance. Tendering his resignation he was honorably discharged in February, 1863. On his return home he was made chairman of the military committee of Belmont county, of which Judge William Kennon, Judge Kelley and Benjamin S. Cowen were members. Mr. Cowen was the prosecuting attorney of Belmont county from 1852 to 1858, he also served as clerk and mayor of St. Clairsville, and was a member of the board of education and the board of school examiners from 1854 to 1862, at which time he re- signed to enter the army. Judge John Okey resigning as common pleas judge, Colonel Cowen was made his successor, serving the re- mainder of the term. Judge Cowen's superior abilities were recog- nized by his selection as a delegate to the constitutional convention of 1873, receiving a majority of 2,300 votes in a county about evenly divided politically. Judge Cowen was twice married, his first wife being Ilannah Frances Martin, and his second espousal being to Anna Martin, her sister. He was the father of twelve children. From its organization he was the president of the First National bank of St. Clairsville. April, 1884, this distinguished man passed away to his eternal rest. his death causing a sorely felt vacancy in the county.
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