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 17
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Charles A. H. Helling, of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, secretary of the Northwood Glass works of that city, was born in Derenthal, province of Brunswick, Germany, March 24, 1847. He is the son of Henry and Sophia Helling, who came to this country about 1849. They remained at Wheeling some two years, and then came to Martin's Ferry, their subsequent residence. Henry Helling was one of the leading men of his day, being for many years the leading coal dealer of Martin's Ferry, and interested in nearly all the enterprises of the place. He was a member of the Ohio City Nail mill company, now known as the Laughlin Nail mill company, the Buckeye Glass com- pany, the Martin's Ferry Stone company, and was one of the organiz- ers of the old Ohio City bank known as the Exchange bank at present, and of the Northwood Glass company. In other business channels he also acted as a public-spirited man, and was one of the organizers of the German Lutheran church. Ile died May 27, 1889, but his wife survives. They were the parents of five children, one of whom is deceased. The subject of this sketch after attend- ing the schools of Martin's Ferry in his youth, went into busi- ness with his father as book-keeper, 'a position he held until Janu- ary, ISSS, when he took the position of shipping clerk. In 1889 he was elected secretary of the company which he now efficiently serves. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran church. He was married December 10, 1872, to Kate Dorsch, of Martin's Ferry, who died in 1873, leaving one child, Charles G. In October, 1874, Mr. I Jelling was married to Annie Burk, daughter of Frederick Burk, born in the Province of Wurtemberg, Germany. They have three sons and three daughters, one son having died.
William E. Hervey, M. D., a successful physician and surgeon of Martin's Ferry, was born in Ohio county, W. Va., October 2, 1855. He is a grandson of William Hervey, one of the carly residents of the state of West Virginia, a farmer by occupation, and an influential citizen. Thomas H. Hervey, son of the latter, and the father of Dr. Hervey, was born in Ohio county. He followed farming and stock- raising and was a prosperous and worthy man. By his marriage in
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1851 to Rachel A. Maxwell, he had eight children, all of whom are living. Dr. Hervey was reared in Ohio county, and was educated at the West Liberty Normal school, the academy at Cannonsburgh, Penn., and at the Washington and Jefferson college, where he was gradu- ated. In 1879 he began the study of medicine under Dr. J. T. Carter, of Triadelphia, and in the following year he entered the medical col- lege of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1882. He opened an office at Martin's Ferry in the same year, and has since then been actively engaged in the practice. He is held in high regard as a physician and as a citizen. The doctor was married in October, 1886, to Jennie, daughter of John Armstrong, elswhere mentioned. They have one child, Margaret A. Dr. Hervey and wife are men- bers of the Presbyterian church.
James L. Higgins was born in Bridgeport, Ohio, April 20th, 1854, of Irish-American parentage; his father being a native of Ireland, and his mother a native of Ohio. Mr. Higgins's early life was passed in the public schools of Bridgeport. He filled various situations satis- factorily until the year ISSI, when an opportunity for entering the grocery trade offered itself, which he accepted. Having succeeded to the business of Joseph Waterman, he brought to it the energy and uprightness which had always characterized him, and which have made him the successful business man that he is. He has since added to his grocery business by establishing a line of transfer wagons, which are run in connection with the C. & P. railroad. Mr. Higgins is an acceptable member of the following secret orders: K. G. E., Washington castle No. 5, of Bridgeport; Behnont lodge, No. 109, K. of P .; and also the Knights of Labor and Knights of Maccabees. In politics he is a republican. In 1885 Mr. Higgins was married to Azelia Rosa, of Wheeling, a communicant of the Methodist Episco- pal church. Two sons, Arthur and Paul, have blessed their union.
One of the most skillful machinists of Bridgeport is Thomas Ilill. Mr. Hill is an Englishman by birth, having been born in that coun- try, July 6, 1840, in Dunstairs, Elton township, Lancashire. His par- ents were John and Rebecca Hill, also natives of England. John Hill was born in the year 1817, and his wife 1819. They reared a family of four sons and two daughters, one of the daughters is now deceased. Thomas Hill, the principal of this biography, lived in England until he had reached manhood. He learned the machinist's trade in his native land. May 24, 1861, he was united in marriage to Sarah A. Leach, daughter of James and Elizabeth Leach, both English born. Mr. and Mrs. Hill and one son emigrated to this country July 6, 1863. After their arrival, Mr. Ilill worked at his trade in Massachusetts for three years, then returned to England, but in one year came back to the United States and took up his residence in Bridgeport, Ohio. Until the spring of 1870 Mr. Hill was employed in the shops of Spence, Wiley & Gray, machinists of Martin's Fery. At this time he started the shop which he now occupies. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had five sons and six daughters, seven of these children are now living. Mr. Hill is a member of the Masonic order. Knights of Pythias, and Sons
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of St. George; he is also an active and influential communicant of the Presbyterian church, and is very prominent in Y. M. C. A. work. He is always ready to give of his means and time to any public improve- ment, or to aid the needy and afflicted.
Stephen Hipkins, Jr., proprietor of the Novelty Model works, of Martin's Ferry, was born in England, July, 1841. His father, who bore the same name, was a blacksmith by trade, and after coming to this country, followed his trade for a number of years, being for some time in the employment of the Ohio Central railroad, and afterward in business for himself. He resided successively at Philadelphia, Zanesville, Ohio, and Bellaire, living in the latter place from 1859 for fifteen years. Since then he has resided upon a farm. Ile was mar- ried in England to Eliza Brown, who survives, and they had ten chil- dren, seven of whom are living. The subject of this sketch was eight years old when he came to this country, and when about fourteen years old, became an apprentice in iron working with H. & P. Blandey, of Zanesville, and after removing to Bellaire, entered the employment of the Central Ohio railroad, and completed the trade of locomotive machinist. He served as a foreman with the company until 1861 or 1862, and then was engaged a year at Zanesville, after which he en- tered the service of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh road at the Wellsburg shops. Soon afterward he removed to Bellaire and established a shop, in connection with which he made glass moulds for the Belmont glass company, an occupation to which his attention was turned while working for some years with George Barnes, who was employed in that manner. After working at Wheeling for Hobbs, Brockunier & Co., he came to Martin's Ferry, to take charge of the mould depart- ment of the Buckeye Glass works. This position he resigned in 1884 and engaged in a limited way on his own account in the manufacture of glass moulds, with the assistance of his sons. By hard work and perseverance this business has grown to be the largest of the kind in the valley outside of Pittsburgh. The reputation of his goods is wide spread, and they have a ready sale. Ile is a public-spirited cit- izen, takes an active part in municipal affairs, having been a member of the city council, and now holding the office of president of the water works board, and in politics he is an earnest republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the Masonic, Knights of Honor, Odd Fellows, and G. A. R. fraternities, having been qualified for membership in the latter by service in Company I, One Hundred and Seventieth Ohio infantry. Mr. Hipkins was mar- ried in 1862 to Maggie H. Ileatherington, of Bellaire, and they have eight children: Bertie, George, Iloward, Emma, Jessie, Laura, and Frank and Flora, twins.
Robert T. Howell is the son of one of those old stalwarts whose footsteps can be traced upon the pages of pioneer history so long as men remain true to the past, and do not forget the teachings of their fathers. David E. llowell came to this country from Wales, at the time when the infant Republic was most in need of true sons. He settled in Bridgeport in its early days, where he engaged in the wagon
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and carriage business, afterward becoming a grocer. Ile served as justice of the peace of Pease township, for twenty-eight years, and was postmaster at Bridgeport for eight or nine years. He married Susan Marders, a native of Mississippi, by whom he had thirteen children. After a life of usefulness and probity, he died in the city of his adoption. having lived there for forty-five years. Mrs. Howell is still living. Robert Howell came into this world November 22, 1841. After receiving a practical education in the Bridgeport com- mon schools he became connected with his father in the hardware business, the name of the firm being D. E. Howell & Son. He con- tinued with his father for six years, when he sold his interest to him and went into the produce business, engaging in this for some fifteen years, after which he entered the insurance and real estate business, which he continues to the present time. In 1885 Mr. Howell was elected justice of the peace of Pease township, which position he still occupies. On May 7, 1867, he married Rebecca L. Worthington, a daughter of the Rev. N. C. Worthington, a Methodist minister of Bridgeport, at that time, now located in Muskingum county, Ohio. Five children have come to bless their lives, all of them living. W. W. holds a position with the Warfield Grocery company, of Quincy, 111 .; Charles W., Frank, Maggie and Susie still remain at home. Mr. Howell is a member of Bridgeport lodge, No. 181, F. & A. M .; Bel- mont chapter, No. 141, also of Bridgeport lodge, No. 109, K. of P. He served his country bravely during her struggle, as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Seventieth Ohio volunteer infantry Politically, he is a staunch republican. Mrs. Howell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a worthy companion of her husband's life.
Jolin C. Kehrer, of Martin's Ferry, was born in Wurtemburg, Ger- many, in 1831, the son of John Kehrer, who was a gardener and grape raiser, by occupation. He died in 1853, and his wife 1851. Mr. Kehrer received good educational advantages in Germany up to his four- teenth year, when he was apprenticed for three years, to a stone mason. Subsequently he followed his trade in that country two years, as a journeyman, and then, in 1849, came to the United States. On land- ing, he came directly to Wheeling, and followed his trade there until 1858. He then took a tour through the west, visiting all the large cities, and on his return, crossed to Martin's Ferry, and in partner- ship with others, purchased a tract of thirty-one acres, upon which he began the culture of grapes. As soon as the vineyard was producing, they provided a cellar, and under the firm name of Scheele & Kehrer, began the production of wine. This was the first wine cellar in the valley, and the qualities of the soil for wine production was not yet known. The experiment has, however, under the skillful manage- ment of Mr. Kehrer, proved to be an entire success, and the product of their vineyard finds a ready market in all the cities of the land. The firm now has about fifteen acres of land devoted to vineyard, and produces four to five thousand gallons of wine per year. Mr. Kehrer is recognized as one of the most competent wine producers of the val-
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ley, and as a citizen, he is highly esteemed. He is a member of the German Lutheran church, has been a Mason since 1856, and is a re- publican. He was married in 1851, to Matilda Cook, of Wheeling. and they have had six children: Jeannette, Albert, Matilda, Emma, Lizzie and Clara, the two latter being deceased.
Robert Kirkwood, the subject of the following sketch, was born near Newark, Del., in 1756. His ancestors were Scotch, but in the latter part of the seventeenth century a branch of the family removed to the north of Ireland. In this Scotch settlement, near Derry, about 1731, lived two brothers, William and Robert Kirkwood, both born in Ireland. These are the first names in the connection that have come down to us. William, some ten or twelve years the senior, died in Ireland, leaving a widow with two children. Robert, the younger brother, the father of our subject, when a very young man, concluded to emigrate to America. He set sail about 1732, with the widow and children of his brother William, and landed in Newcastle, Del., some time in the year. They soon made their way to a farm two miles northwest of Newark. Mr. Kirkwood, though in reduced circum- stances at the time of his arrival, by dint of industry and economy became in a few years the owner of this farm on which he had found his first American home. He married a Miss McDowell, a member of the Society of Friends. Their family contained an only son, and he was given his father's name - Robert. With a view to his prepa- ration for the Christian ministry he was given a classical training in the Newark academy, But the commencement of hostilities with Great Britain aroused the patriotism of the youthful student; he en- listed in the Delaware regiment commanded by Col. Hazlett, and was made a lieutenant at the early age of twenty. Kirkwood was with the army of Washington at New York, participated in the Long Island campaign, and was in the battles of Princeton, Trenton and Brandywine. After the death of Col. Hazlett, who fell at Princeton, he was appointed captain, an office in which he served until the close of the war. It has been asked why a soldier of Capt. Kirkwood's merit was never promoted to a higher rank. Suffice it to say that in the disastrous battle of Camden the Delaware regiment was reduced from eight to two companies, and required, therefore, no higher office than a captain. The soldiers who had been under Hazlett's command were taken to South Carolina by Gen. Gates in 1780. Capt. Kirkwood bore an honorable part in the battles of Camden, the Cowpens, Guil- ford, and others. "During all that southern campaign," it has been said, "he was the first in the British lines, and also in their works. Nine of the enemy's fortifications were successively taken, and in them our hero was always the first to place a foot. For his great services he repeatedly received thanks from Generals Greene, Morgan, and Smallwood. Ilis individual exertions obtained a pecu- liar renown for what remained of the Delaware regiment. At the close of the war, Capt. Kirkwood, through the influence of Washing- ton, was brevetted a major. He returned to his native state, and was received by his fellow-citizens with distinguished honors. His friends
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in Delaware numbered almost the entire population." Major Kirk- wood married a Miss England, and their residence was for some time at Cantwell's Bridge, now Odessa, Del. About 1788 or 'S9, he re- moved to Ohio, immediately west of Wheeling, Va. He was said to have been the first white man to fix his home in that section of what was then the northwestern territory. His house, built chiefly by his own hands, was a log cabin, covered with bark. Ile was exposed to the attacks of neighboring Indians, who, as he soon learned, were designing to make him a captive. On being informed of their inten- tions, he secured the assistance of a few soldiers from Wheeling. Armed with muskets, they awaited the attack, which was made near midnight. The Indians, finding the door barred, set fire to the bark roof. At Kirkwood's order the roof was knocked off with the butts of their muskets, the assailants, seen by the light of the burning roof, were fired upon and pursued. Several Indians were killed, the rest fled, and the major with his party escaped unhurt. During the first years of Washington's administration great depredations were com- mitted by the Indians in many parts of the northwest territory. To repel these savages and afford protection to settlers, an army was raised in 1791 and placed under the command of Gen. St. Clair. In the memorable defeat of that year (November 4). Kirkwood fell, mortally wounded. All we know of his last moments is stated by Col. Slough, a fellow officer, in a letter written thirty years after the event. He said: "Capt. Kirkwood had been sick for several days previous to the 4th of November, but was always ready for duty. At the dawn of day, that morning, after the ad- vanced guard was attacked and driven in, I saw him cheering his men, and by his example, inspiring confidence in all who saw him. When he received the wound, I cannot say. I was at a distance from him, and busily engaged in attending to my own duty. About 8 o'clock, I received a severe wound in my right arm, just above the elbow. As it bled very much, and our surgeon was in the rear, I was advised to go and have it dressed. On my way to re-join my company. I found my friend Kirkwood, lying against the root of a tree, shot through the abdomen, and in great pain. After calling to the surgeon, and commending him to his care, I saw no more of him until the retreat was ordered, I then ran to him, and proposed having him carried off. He said, " No, I am dying; save yourself, if you can, and leave me to my fate. I see the Indians coming, and God knows how they will treat me." Some weeks after the battle, the ground was visited by American soldiers, to make such disposition as was possible, of the killed, left on the field. The body of Maj. Kirkwood was recognized by a pair of Indian moccasins, known to have been in his possession. Many years afterward, as the present writer was informed by Hon. John M. Clayton, the people of Delaware would have given his remains an honorable burial in his native state, but their identification was no longer possible. Maj. Kirkwood left but two children, a son, Joseph R., and a daughter, Mary. The latter married Mr. Whitely, of Delaware. Her son, Robert Kirkwood Whitely, was educated at West Point, and be-
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came a captain in the United States army. The son, Joseph R. Kirk- wood, married Miss Gillespie, a descendant of Rev. George Gillespie. the first pastor of White Clay Creek, and head of Christiana churches near Newark, Del. They removed at an early day, to Bridge- port, Ohio. Their only son died in infancy, so that the name of Kirk- wood, in this branch of the family, is now extinct. The name in another branch is by no means rare. The numerous descendants of daughters, however, bearing the names of Alexander, Allen, Large and McConahey, are well-known and highly respected in the upper Ohio valley.
Kæhnline Bros. is one of the very best firms doing business in the vicinity of Bridgeport, The business was founded by John M. Kæhnline, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1816. Com- ing to America in 1838 he located at Bellaire, Ohio, where he carried on a coal and ice business for four years, shipping coal to the south- ern markets. Moving to Marshall county, W. Va., he remained there until 1863, at the expiration of which time he went to Bridge- port, Ohio, where he died in 18;5. While living at Bellaire he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Klemm, a native of Baden, Germany. They were the parents of six children, four of them surviving: Elizabeth, now the wife of N. Zimmer; Henry, William and John. William, the subject of this sketch, is the junior member of the firm of Kohnline Bros. He was born April 4, 1858, in Marshall county, W. Va. After obtaining a good education in the public schools of Bridgeport, he worked for his father in the coal and ice trade until the death of the latter. In 18;8 the firm of Kohnline Bros. was formed, and still exists, doing a very large coal and ice business at Bridgeport. November 17, 1889, he married Miss Rachel Fox, of the same city. Mr. Kæhnline is a prominent member of Belmont lodge, No. 109. K. of. P., of Bridgeport, and an acceptable member of the Lutheran church. Three different times this ener- getie, successful young business man has been honored by an election to the Bridgeport council, of which he is a member at the present time. A thorough republican in politics, yet he has always conducted himself with such uprightness and wisdom that those of all parties honor and respect him. John, the senior member of the firm, was born March 14, 1841. in Marshall county. W. Va. He was educated in Marshall county schools, and has done his share towards making the reputation of the firm what it is.
August F. Koehrsen, of Martin's Ferry, a prominent hardware dealer and roofer, was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, August 28, 1864, the son of Peter F. and Emma (Walters) Koehrsen. His father served seven years as an apprentice to the trade of cabinet- maker, which he followed in Denmark until 1865, when he came to the United States. He resided successively in New York, New Jer- sey, at Richmond, Va., and then came to Wheeling, where he resided until 18;1, when he made his home at Martin's Ferry, where he has since lived, being engaged with the Buckeye Glass company. By his marriage, which occurred in 1857, he had seven children, three of
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whom are living. Their mother died at Wheeling, February 6, 1871. The subject of this sketch at the age of sixteen began an apprentice- ship of two years with James Clayland, of Bridgeport, as a roofer, and then worked as a journeyman four years. In May, 1887, he estab- lished a small business at Bridgeport, borrowing the money with which to buy the necessary tools. Ile remained there until January, 1889. when he removed to Martin's Ferry, where his business has steadily prospered and increased until he now occupies the three floors of his business site. Mr. Koehrsen is one of the most successful young business men of the place, and has the good will of all. He was married December 24, 1884, to Mary E., daughter of William E. Freese, deceased, of Terre Haute, Ind., and they have had two chil- dren: Newton S. and Charles O., the latter having died in infancy. Mrs. Kochrsen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the order of the Golden Eagle.
Charles W. Kuckuck, a prominent merchant of Martin's Ferry, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, December 1. 1866. The subject of this sketch received his early education at Martin's Ferry, and subse- quently attended the business college at Wheeling. Before attending college he was engaged with the Buckeye & Union Glass Co., as shipping clerk, and after completing his education he engaged in the hat business, purchasing the busines then conducted by Mr. Swartz. This business he has since continued, and enlarged by the addition of clothing and furnishing goods, and his establishment is now conceded to be the leading clothing and hat establishment in the city. His enterprise and sagacity in trade have fairly earned for him a leading position among the business men of the place, and his public spirit has made him one of the town's valued citizens. In 1889 he, in company with Messrs. Ong and Swartz, began the erection of one of the largest business blocks in Martin's Ferry, a part of which is in use as an opera house. Mr. Kuckuck takes an active part in fraternity matters and is a member of the 1. O. O. F., the Knights of Pythias, the American Mechanics and Foresters.
John W. Lanc, a prominent business man of Martin's Ferry, was born near Williamstown, Wood county, W. Va., January 15, 1861. He is the grandson of Samuel Lane, who settled in Upshur county, W. Va., in an early day, and engaged in stock-raising, dying in 1886, and the son of Perry Lane, who was reared as a farmer at the home of his father, in Upshur county, and is engaged in that calling in Wood county, where he settled about 1856. The latter was married about 1860, to Susan Mail, and seven children were born to them, of whom one is deceased. John W. Lane was educated in the com- mon schools at his home, and at the commercial college at Parkers- burgh. At seventeen he became an apprentice of Cole Bros., plumb- ers, machinists and steam fitters, of Parkersburgh, and served four years. He then worked at his trade one year in the Baltimore & Ohio railroad shops at that place, after which he was engaged at Wheeling and Pittsburgh until 1867. In the latter year he established his present business at Martin's Ferry, starting in partnership with
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