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 14
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bus, Ohio; then was engaged in mercantile business at Rock Ilill two years. On October 28, 1869, he married Margaret Ayers, daughter of Philander C. Ayers, and since that time has resided at his present residence near Kennon, Ohio. Meredith D. Morris, only child of John A. Morris, was born near Rock Hill, Kennon postoffice, Ohio, June 15, 1871, began attending school at the age of eight years, and continued to attend the country school until fourteen years of age, when he began attending Flushing high school and continued two years, when he attended the Belmont county teachers' examination, and secured a certificate to teach. He shortly afterward began teach- ing at Egypt, Kirkwood township, Belmont county, Ohio, where he taught eight months, at the expiration of which time, being offered better wages by No. I school board of Flushing township, accepting this has continued up to the present time.
James Parks, one of Belmont county's substantial farmers, and a justice of the peace of Flushing township, is one of five children born to John B. and Annis (Gillaland) Parks. The children are: James, William G., deceased; Hiram N., a carpenter of Uricksville: Adam G., also a resident of Uricksville, where he is foreman of a tile factory; Sarah E., deceased. The father and mother were married in Lafay- ette county, Penn., about the year 1838. After marriage he worked at the carpenter's trade until 1845, when he moved with his family o Harrison county, Ohio, where he bought a farm. He lived there until 1860, when he removed to Belmont county, living there for five years; he then settled in Morefield village, where he remained until his death, December 30, 18;6. The mother still survives him, living with the children. Mr. and Mrs. Parks were members of the Baptist church, and brought their family up in that faith. Mr. Parks' father, James, was a native of Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio in 1Soo. He married Elizabeth Boyd, also a native of Pennsylvania. James Parks, the sub- ject of this sketch, was born January 3, 1840, working on his father's farm in the summer season; he attended the common schools during the winter months. January 23, 1862, he was united in marriage to Miss Phebe Alkire. A short time after his marriage he left his bride and gave his services to his country, then involved in the civil war. He enlisted for three years in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty- sixth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, fighting in their ranks until he was badly wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1863. He was honorably discharged from the hospital March 16, 1865. Returning from the war he entered the mercantile trade at Belmont Ridge. Continuing in this for some time he bought a farm and engaged in farming. James H., William H., Emma J., Sarah E., Mary P., Charles H. and Anna B., are the issue of his marriage. The mother died December 4, 18So, much beloved and mourned by all who knew her as a friend. For his second wife Mr. Parks chose Sarah Fisher, daughter of Samuel and Eve Fisher. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child. Olive R., born July 23, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Parks are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Parks has been a class-leader for fifteen years. He is also a mem-
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ber of G. A. R., post No. 315, and both he and his wife are very highly thought of in the community.
John W. Price is one of the leading agriculturists and citizens of Holloway, Ohio. Mr. Price was born in Belmont county, October 16, 1849, on his father's farm, and attended the common schools of his township during his early life. Reaching the years of manhood, he married Lucinda J. Brewer, October 25, 1876. Corella B., born June 2, 1880, is the fruit of this marriage. Mr. Price is a progressive, energetic farmer, and has met with very gratifying success. He and his wife are influential members of the Stillwater Presbyterian church. Mrs. Price is a daughter of Daniel Brewer, of Belmont county. She was born May 29, 1853. She is descended from an old and honorable family. Her paternal grandfather was Daniel Brewer, who was born in Pennsylvania, being of Dutch descent. The maternal grandfather was Peter Snedeker, who was also of Dutch descent. Mrs. Price's father died March 26, 1865. His wife still survives him, residing with a daughter in Belmont county.
Henry Stanton is a descendant of an illustrious family. The emi- nent lawyer, citizen and statesman, E. M. Stanton, secretary of war during the trying days of the war of the rebellion, was his cousin. Edmond and Sarah (Hoyle) Stanton were his parents. The former was a native of Belmont county, Ohio. Ilis great-grand- mother migrated from North Carolina with her family of five sons about the year 1804 or 1805, her wagon being the first to cross the Ohio river at Portland, above Wheeling, W. Va., and the first that came over that route to Mount Pleasant, Ohio. Henry Stanton's father, who was a farmer, was married about the year 1842, and was the father of six children, who were: Nathan, died in infancy; Re- becea, wife of Robert Smith, lived in Jefferson county; Tabitha, who is the wife of John F. Davis, now living in Philadelphia; Henry; Ben- jamin, who lives near Barnesville; and Daniel, also living in the vicin- ity of Barnesville. The father died in 1851, and the mother in 1884. Henry was reared by his stepfather, Ezekiel Bundy, on a farm, his father dying when he was but four years old. He received the aver- age education given in the common schools, and attended the Friends seminary at Mount Pleasant for two winters, afterward learning the machinist's trade, at which he worked for three or four years, at the expiration of which time he purchased an interest in the Davis Stan- ton Planing Mill Company, of Barnesville, being connected with this company for four years. He then went into the coal business in Barnesville, and in 1879 moved to Flushing, where he has since been engaged in the milling business with Charles Stratton. having by hon- esty and fair dealing built up a profitable business. March 8, 18;1, he married Miss Mary Bailey, daughter of Hezekiah Bailey, of Belmont county. One child, which died in infancy, is the result of this mar- riage. Mr. and Mrs. Stanton are members of the Wilberite branch of the Society of Friends.
Charles Stratton is a son of Benjamin D. and Ellen (Stanley) Strat- ton. The former was a native of Salem, Columbiana county, and the
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latter of the same place. B. D. Stratton was a cabinet-maker during the early part of his life, but afterward engaged in the milling busi- ness. The grandfather of Charles was a native of New Jersey. B. I). Stratton died in 1879; his widow survives him, living near Salem with one of her children. Seven children were born to these parents: Ruth Ann, wife of Joseph H. Branson, of Media, Penn .; Abigail, married Elisha Llewellyn; John F., who married Dorothy Hobson, died in 1878; Charles, Abram, married Ilannah D. Brantingham, lives in Media, Penn .; Mary Ellen and Sina. The latter is teaching school in Chester county, Penn. Charles obtained a good education in the public schools and at the Friends seminary in Chester county, Penn., attending the latter school during one winter. Having acquired a thorough knowledge of the milling trade, he started in the business for himself when twenty-five years of age. In connection with his brother, John F., and his brother-in-law, Joseph H. Branson, he built one of the best mills in the county. Since the death of his brother. Mr. Stratton has been associated in business with Henry Stanton, and has met with the most gratifying success. August 22, 1889, Mr. Strat- ton was united in marriage to Miss Mary French, of Salem, Ohio. She is a daughter of David and Eliza M. French. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stratton are members of the Society of Friends.
Isaac J. Walker, senior member of the firm of 1. J. Walker & Son. the leading furniture dealers and undertakers of Flushing, Ohio, is a son of Joel and Mary (Moris) Walker. The parents were married December 12, 1820, at Newton, Delaware county, Penn., and in 1841, came to Belmont county, Ohio. These parents had eight children, six boys and two girls. Isaac was born while the family lived in York county, Penn., in 1823. Living on his father's farm, he received a good common school education, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade, then served his time as an apprentice at wagon making under the instruction of Mr. Casley, of Pleasant Grove. After learning his trade, Mr. Walker came to Flushing, and at once went to work at his trade. May 5, 1851, about two years after his removal to Flushing, he was married to Miss Angeline Cannon, by whom he has had three children, they are: John C., born October 25, 1853, married Septem- ber 10, 1879, to Annie E. Bethel, now located in Kansas, is a graduate of the Scio college and a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church; Joel P., born September 7, 1857; Mary L., born September 1, 1863, married to Dr. J. E. Barricklow, September 10, 1SS3. Mr. Walker has always been one of the substantial, popular men of the town. After he gave up the wagon business, Mr. Walker engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, taking his son Joel into partnership with him. This firm came into existence in iSSo, and has since done the largest business in its line in that section of the county. The son is a practical embalmer, holding a certificate from Prof. John Sullivan, of Boston, Mass., whose lectures he attended in iSSS. The mother passed to her reward, May 2, 1888, leaving the great vacancy that the loss of a true mother and wife always occasions in a home. She was a most estimable woman, and was a devout member of the Methodist
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Episcopal church. Mr. Walker is a member of the Society of Friends. For four terms he has had the honor of filling the important office of town treasurer.
John V. Webster, M. D., is an eminent physician and surgeon of Belmont county. His preliminary education was derived from the old log school-house which stood near his father's house. He after- ward entered Hopedale college in Harrison county, and in 1870 graduated with honor from the Cincinnati College of Physicians and Surgeons. After graduation he came to Flushing and began the practice of his profession with his brother-in-law, Dr. Shooley. Dr. Webster's undoubted skill, and consequent success, has brought him a large and lucrative practice. He is at present the proprietor of a drug store in Flushing, which he runs in connection with his practice. In 1882 he was elected treasurer of Flushing township, being the can- didate of the democratic party, he was elected by a good majority in a strong republican district. Dr. Webster was born January 13, 1846, being the son of Naylor and Jemima Webster, both natives of Chester county, Penn., the father being of English descent, and the mother of Scotch-English descent. These parents had ten children, eight of whom are living: Abigail, Sarah, Hannah, John, Mary, Lydia, George, Isabella, living; Mary Ann and Samuel, deceased. The parents came to Ohio at an early date, about 1810 it is thought, although the exact date is not known. Dr. Webster was united in marriage to Miss Minnie B. Whitaker, daughter of Hiram and Alicenda Whitaker, who were natives of Virginia and Ohio, respect- ively, in 1865. Mrs. Webster was born in 1851. One child has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Webster: Ella T., born June 11, 1869. Both the doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Flushing. Mrs. Webster is one of the most efficient religious workers in the community, being very prominont in both church and Sunday-school work. Dr. Webster is also a member of lodge No. 291, K. of P., and of lodge 298 of the Masonic fraternity, being a past worshipful master of the same, and is a Knight Templar.
GOSHEN TOWNSHIP.
John W. Bently, a prosperous farmer of Union township. Belmont county, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of the valley. His grandfather was one of the early settlers in West Virginia. Ilis father, William, and mother, Martha Bently, were residents of Ohio county, W. Va., where John W. was born February 19, 1827, and when he was twelve years of age they removed to Belmont county, where William Bently purchased 185 acres of land. The father died in iSto, and the mother in 1884. They had five children who are living: Mary, wife of John G. McConnell, of Muskingum county; Solomon, who married Emily Smith, and now resides in Union township: Will- iam, who married Mary Evans, of Marshall county, W. Va., and lives near Barnesville; John W. and Thomas, who married Elizabeth Mitchell, of Richland township. John W. was reared as a farmer,
33-B.
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and is now the owner of the homestead. A part of the house he occu- pies was built in 1815, and is in a good state of preservation. He has been an industrious and hard working man, and has the esteem and good words of all. Ile was married in 1874 to Martha A. Gatts, of Moundsville, W. Va., who was born in 1837, of parents who were natives of Virginia. By this union he has two children, Cora M. and John H.
Robert W. Bone, ex-soldier of the republic, and a worthy citizen of Goshen township, Belmont county, is a son of Benjamin Bone, who was born in Hampshire county, England, in 1814. In 1830, the latter came to America, shipping at Portsmouth on a sailing vessel, and making a trip of six weeks to New York. From there he proceeded to Deersville, Harrison county, Ohio, and he subsequently learned the shoemaker's trade at Cadiz, where he lived four years. He then set- tled at Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson county, and became foreman of the shop of John Hog. There he was married, in 1837, to Leonora Evans, whose parents, of Welsh descent, came from Virginia, in 1814. Ben- jamin Bone finally went into business with Livermore & Spencer, and at the end of two years opened a shop of his own, in 1852, and man- aged the same until his death, December 1. 1877. There were eleven children in his family, all of whom are living; except Hannah, de- ceased, viz .: Sarah A., Josephine, Robert W., Pinkney, Benjamin F., Alfred E., Nora, Belle, William H., Mary. Robert W. learned the trade of his father, but at the breaking out of the rebellion he entered the Union service, first on the receiving ship " Clara Dolson," and after- ward was on the gun-boat " Tuscumbia," participating in the running of the batteries at Vicksburg, and battle of Grand Gulf. In January, 1864, he re-enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, one of the finest regiments the state sent out, and took part in the battles of Buzzard Roost, or Rocky Face Ridge, Re- saca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Atlanta, Eutaw Creek. He was then in the Hood campaign, at the battles of Columbia, five days' contin- val fighting, Franklin and Nashville, and then followed Hood to the Tennessee river, took a boat and came to Cincinnati, whence he went to Alexandria, and by ship to Fort Fisher, where he participated in the capture of Fort Anderson, after which he was in the battle of Old Town Creek, and at Wilmington, where his division captured an entire brigade of confederates. He then joined in the movement for the relief of Gen Cox, at Rinston, and then at Goldsborough united with Gen. Sherman, whence they proceeded to Raleigh, and from there the One Hundred and Fourth regiment moved to Greensborough, and was at Johnston's surrender. Ile was then transferred as mail messen- ger to the One Hundred and Eighty-third regiment. On July 17, 1865, he was mustered out at Salisbury, N. C., and discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, after which he returned to Mt. Pleasant and worked at his trade eleven months. In July, 1866, he enlisted in the regular army, and served twenty-five months. In 186; he had command of a squad of men who went to Texas and brought the remains of Gen. Griffin, and Lieut. Griffin, his son, and Col. Taylor, who died of yel-
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low fever, to New York. In August, 1868, he was discharged for disability, and came to Belmont county, where he has since re- sided. He was married, in 1871, to Iluldah Dunn, by whom he has five children: Mary L., Nettie M., Frank L., Harry L. and Clara. Mr. Bone is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of the Ma- sonic order, and of Robert Hilles, G. A. R., post No. 220, at Barnesville.
James A. Burson, a prominent farmer of Goshen township, Belmont county, was born in the same township August 9. 1844. He is the son of Cyrus Burson, who was born in Loudon county, Va., in ISIS. He came to this county in 1838 and located on section 16, where he lived seven years, then going to his native place, but in 1859, again making his residence in Belmont county. He was married to Ann C. Ecton, of Maryland, and they had eight children: John W., who mar- ried Nellie Davis, of Richmond, Va., and is a government clerk at Washington; Mary E., wife of John Dunn, of Warren county, Iowa; Hampton C., of Warren county, Iowa; Margaret T., widow of Sam- uel Wright, of lowa; Fannie, wife of Berry Hammontree, a railroad superintendent living at Des Moines, lowa; Howard, living with his parents. James A., the subject of this sketch, was married to Martha Jane Stewart, who was born August 4, 1843, daughter of William and Sarah (Evans) Stewart. In 1862 he enlisted in Capt. Charlesworth's company of the Twenty-fifth Ohio regiment, and seved three years. Ile was in the battles of Bull Pasture, Cross Keys, Rapidan River, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, etc. At Bull Run he was taken prisoner, and was confined two months in Libby prison and five and a half months at Belle Isle. At the latter prison he was lost to the search of his parents, but a brother. John. who was in the confed- erate army, found him in an almost naked condition, and assisted him to the Union lines. He was discharged at Hilton Heads in 1865. He was one of the last 500 men exchanged during the rebellion. Return- ing home he was engaged in farming, an occupation in which he has prospered, and now has a comfortable home. lle and wife are mem- bers of Christ's church, in which he is an elder. They have three children: Harry C .; Hattie S., wife of William McKelsey, and Frank H.
One of the prominent early settlers of Belmont county was Samuel Dunn, who was born February 15, 1805, in Maryland. After coming to Belmont county he took a contract on the construction of the Na- tional pike, and after the completion of his work contracted for the sup- ply of material for the repair of the road, and was overseer of a gang of men until 1850. He then settled in Goshen township, and purchased a farm of 108 acres two miles south of Belmont, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1857. He married Catherine Vail and they had seven children: Nancy, wife of John W. Fields, a large farmer of Logan county, Kas .; Mary, wife of Joseph Henderson, of West Virginia: Jemima, deceased; Samuel, deceased; Iluldah, wife of Robert W. Bone; Taylor, deceased; and Stephen. Stephen Dunn is now one of the prominent citizens of Goshen township. He was born in Union township, November 4, 1838, and was reared as a
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farmer, which is his present occupation. During the war he engaged in buying horses for the government, and afterward he was occupied for eighteen years in shipping stock and in the meat trade. Hle then bought his farm of forty-five acres and has added to it until he now has a well-improved property of 120 acres. He was married to Louisa Jane Hledges, who was born October 15, 1840, the daughter of Darius Hedges, and his wife, Harriet Casey. Mr. Dunn has seven children living: Charles, who married Estella Graham; Etta, wife of Jesse Ramsey: Harry, a jeweler of Wheeling; Archie, Alva, Daisy and Olive. Mrs. Dunn died March 16, ISS5. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been steward, class- leader and exhorter, and is now district class-leader, and has been an Odd Fellow since 1864, and has passed the chairs of Belmont lodge, No. 277.
Jeremiah Field, a venerable citizen of Belmont, Belmont county, Ohio, was born in Lancaster county, Penn., May 19, 1818. He is the son of Vincent Field, who was born in the same county, August 20, 1788, of Irish and German descent. Jeremiah Field was reared in Lan- caster county until he was eighteen years of age, and then in com- pany with his father, his mother having died several years previous, he came to Ohio in the fall of 1837. They came first to Belmont county, but subsequently removed to Guernsey county, where the father purchased a tract of 160 acres of wild land. After living there six years he sold that, and bought eighty acres partially improved in Belmont county. In later years he kept hotel in Belmont at about the time that the Baltimore & Ohio road was extended through the county. Two other children were born to Jeremiah Field's parents, a brother and sister, now deceased. He also has a half-brother, now a farmer and stock-raiser in Kansas. On February 2, 1841, Mr. Field was married to Mary Bush, of Harrison county, who was born December 11, 1818, and eight children were born to them, six of whom are living: Cassandra, Christina, Sarah E., Caroline .1., Isaiah A., William B., all of whom are residents of Belmont. Mr. Field's first occupation in youth was as an apprentice to a carpenter for three years, and he subsequently followed that trade six years, afterward engaging in farming until his health failed, since when he has led a retired life.
Joseph L. Heed, a native of Belmont county, born August 14. 1845, is now one of the successful farmers of that district, having his resi- dence in Goshen township. His grandfather, Jonathan Heed, of Eng- lish descent, emigrated to Belmont county from Pennsylvania in an early day. His son, Thornton, father of the subject of this mention. was a prominent farmer and stock dealer. lle married Mary Ann Irwin, of Monroe county, Ohio, who was of Irish descent, and they have had five children. One of these, Jonathan, was a volunteer in the Forty-third Ohio volunteers, and was taken sick at Pulaski, Tenn .. and there died. The father of these children died in 1856. Joseph L. Heed received a common school education in his youth, and was for a time engaged in teaching. His life occupation, however, has been
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farming, in which he has done well, having now a good farm of over eighty-two acres in good condition and a comfortable home. He is a worthy member of the Odd Fellows, and has passed the chairs in his lodge. He is, in politics, a republican, and he has held some of the township offices. Mr. Heed was married to Eliza Jane Porter- field, of Belmont county, whose parents still live in the county, and by this union he has five children: Dora M., Anna M., Charles C., Albert L., Royal. Mrs. Heed is a member of the Methodist Episco- pal church.
Nathan Humphrey, a highly esteemed citizen af Goshen township, Belmont county, was born in Union township, that county, April S, 1836. He is the son of William Humphrey, of English descent, and his wife, Eliza Jones, who died when her son Nathan was a small boy. The father is still living upon a farm near Barnesville. These parents had seven children: James of this county, Robert, Love, Eliza Jane, wife of Mr. Snellen, the last three residents of Iowa; John and Nathan. Nathan engaged in farming in his youth, and when the war broke out he became a volunteer in Company E, Ninety-eighth regiment of Ohio volunteers, under Capt. Cordner and Col. Webster. He was wounded at Perrysville, Ky., and after lying in the hospital five weeks, was honorably discharged in the fall of 1862. He lost his arm in his country's cause, and receives a pension of $45 per month. On his return home he engaged in farming and now owns a pleasant place of fifty-six acres, well improved, with a good residence. He and family are members of the Christian church, and he is in politics a strong republican. Mr. Ilumphrey was first married to Ruth Palmer, of Monroe county, Ohio, by whom he had four children: Chatwood, George, William and Herman. His present wife is Sarah Jane Jump. daughter of early settlers of the county, and by this marriage he has these children: Laura, Alice, Sarah E. and Nettie.
Thomas B. Jackson, a prominent citizen of Belmont, Belmont county, Ohio, and a gallant ex-soldier, was born at Centreville, Bel- mont county, August 9, 1836. Ile is the oldest son of John Jackson, who was born in Washington county, Penn., in iSoo, and brought by his parents to Ohio when eleven years of age. lle followed the trade of cabinet-maker at Centerville until his death, October 21, 18;6. By his wife, Rosanna Pierce, of Williamsport, Penn., he had five children: Thomas B., Malvina, Geraldine, Mary, Vashti and John McM. The mother died August 28, 1852. Thomas B. enlisted at the age of twenty-five years in Company F. Fifteenth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, October 25, 1861, under Capt. Amos Glover and Col. Moses R. Dickey, and served honorably four years and one month. He was with his regiment in twenty battles, and was under fire five times as often. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Stone River, where he was captured December 31. 1861, and confined in Libby prison twenty-one days. On being paroled and sent to Annapolis, he and John Piper and Lafayette Iless marched 200 miles over the mountains, took train and reached home in February, 1863, surprising those who had thought
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