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 18
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his brother, O. B. Lane, who remained a partner until July, 1889, since when the business has been entirely in the hands of the subject of this sketch. Ilis well-known skill and talent for business has led to the building up of a large and lucrative trade. Mr. Lane is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Knights of Pythias, and in politics is democratic. He was married in June, 1885, to Mary E. Murray, of Wheeling.
William B. Lewis, manager of the Laughlin Nail mill, of Martin's Ferry, was born at Wheeling, W. Va., August, 1842. His father, Thomas E. Lewis, a native of Monmouthshire, England, was a mill- wright by trade, and on coming to the United States in 1825, first settled in Baltimore, where he resided several years. Removing then to Wheeling, he erected the first two rolling mills at that place, the old Top mill, and the mill which stood where the Baltimore & Ohio passenger depot now is. In 1850 he took a contract for remov- ing a rolling mill from Cincinnati to St. Lous, but died in Cincinnati May 11, 1850. He was married in 1838 to Emily Tyson, a native of Fredericksburg, Va., daughter of James and Mary Tyson, a soldier of the war of 1812. She is still living with her son. The children born to this marriage were six in number, and three are now living. The subject of this sketch received his education in the night schools at Wheeling, and when only seven years old began work in the Top mill, where he continued until the mill was destroyed by fire in 1852. He found employment in various mills until he was twenty-one years old, when he went to Cincinnati, and until IS73 was manager of the Cincinnati Railway Iron works. At the time of the panic he went to San Francisco, where he was engaged in rail making two years. During that period he had partly contracted with the Chinese govern- ment for the running of a rolling mill in that country, but the death of his wife compelled him to give up the project. Returning to Moundsville in 1876 he remained there until 18,8, when he entered the employment of the Laughlin Nail company as a roller. In ISS4 he became a member of the joint, stock company which erected the rolling mills at Brilliant, and he was manager of the forge depart- ment of that establishment until January, 1889, when he accepted his present position with the Laughlin company. Mr. Lewis is one of the most skillful iron workers of the country, and as a manager he is very highly valued. In social and public affairs he takes an active part. Hle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the 1. O. O. F. and Knights of Honor and National Union fraternities, and has served the community three years as a member of the school board. Mr. Lewis was married in 1865 to Camilla Carpenter. of Wheeling, who died in 1878. By this union he had five children, Will- iam F., who represents his father's interests in a furniture store at East Liverpool; Laura C., deceased; Thomas E .; Emma, deceased; and John, deceased.
D. S. Loe, the well-known citizen and grocer of West Wheeling, Ohio, was born in Old Philadelphia, Penn., February 22, 1832. His parents were Robert and Catherine Loe, natives of Pennsylvania, who
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
came to Ohio in 1838, and settled on a farm owned by John Fink, where they resided for about two years, they then removed to Bellaire and remained there for a short time. Finally taking a farm on Gravel Hill the father and his six sons operated a farm there for several years. D. S. Loe was the recipient of an average common school ed- ucation, such as was obtainable to the young of those days. He went to the "Old Stone School house " just below the present city of West Wheeling, situated on Whiskey run. After leaving school Mr. Loe became a brick-layer, having acquired the trade from his elder brother. For several years the Loe brothers, six of them, followed the brick-layer's trade at Wheeling. W. Va. Mr. Loe worked in the Riverside mill for nine years after abandoning brick-laying, and dur- ing all these years he lost but twenty-four days from his work. In 1883 he embarked in the grocery business and has since continued in this business, having met with much success. He is classed among the enterprising citizens of the place, and can be relied upon to aid any movement promising benefit to the community. Mr. Loe and Miss Janes Boyles were joined in marriage in the year 1852 and their union has resulted in the birth of five sons and three daughters, one son and one daughter being deceased. Mr. Loe is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and his wife and sons are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Conrad Long, of Martin's Ferry, a successful business man, was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, in April, 1836. Before he was two years old, his father and mother died, and he was left in the care of other relatives. At fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to a tinner, with whom he worked until he was eighteen years old, when in the year 1854, he came to the United States, in the company of an uncle and aunt, who settled in Virginia. Ile came on to Wheel- ing, and entered the employment of George W. Johnson, with whom he remained two years. Ile then made his home at Martin's Ferry, in 1856, and for one year was in the employment of Mr. Dunlevy, whose business he subsequently purchased. He was one of the first tinners in Martin's Ferry, and laid the first tin roof in the town and in eastern Ohio. His services were consequently in great demand at various neighboring places, and he built up a large business in tinning, to which he gave his personal attention until 1884. His business grew rapidly from the start, and in 1859, he purchased a lot on Wash- ington street, and in ISSo erected a business block on Washington street on the site of his old shop. To this he added a large store- room in ISS ;. His hardware stock has been enlarged until he now has one of the leading establishments of the kind in the valley, and also carries a large line of agricultural implements. In 1884 his stock was considerably damaged by the flood, but he has since repaired his losses. Beginning as a poor orphan boy in a foreign land his career is one highly deserving of consideration. Mr. Long is a member of the 1. O. O. F., lodge and encampment, and in politics is a democrat. He was married in 1858, to Kate, daughter of Ebenezer Clark, and granddaughter of Elizabeth Zane. They have six children: Capitola
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BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
Charles, Howard, Louise, Mattie and Elizabeth Z. Mrs. Long is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Alexander Lyle was born in Mercer county, Penn., December 13, 1848, the son of Alexander and Janette ( McCarty) Lyle, natives of Scotland, who emigrated to the United States in the year 1847, and settled in Mercer county, Penn., where they lived for several years, subsequently moving to Ohio. Alexander, Sr., was a contractor on the C. & P. railroad. After the completion of the road, he was chosen foreman of the river division, a position he filled for many years. Finally, retiring from railroading, Mr. Lyle purchased a farm where he resided until his death, February 15, 1885. Alexander, Jr., attended the common schools of Belmont county until fifteen years of age, at which time he began working in the Belmont Rolling mills, and was occupied in this pursuit for twenty years. After leaving the mills he was employed in various capacities, but returned to his trade and worked in the mills at Brilliant, Ohio, for one year. Abandoning the iron mills once more, he established a grocery business October 12. 1887, purchasing the business from Parks Loe. January 1, 1873, he took Anna Retta Worls to be his wife. She is a daughter of Milton Worls. One son and one daughter have been born to them, named: Harry A. and Anna, respectively. Mr. Lyle is a Mason. Mr. Lyle has so conducted himself in his business and private life as to com- mand a large circle of warm friends, and to gain the respect of all. His business prosperity fully attests his ability and integrity.
William B. MeClure, M. D., a successful physician of Martin's Ferry. was born at Pittsburgh, July 4, 1848. He is the grandson of Judge McClure, one of the pioneer lawyers of Allegheny county, and judge of its court for a considerable time. This distinguished gentleman lived to be about one hundred years old, and was hale and hearty at that age. his death being caused by the breaking of a limb. Alexan- der P. McClure, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Pittsburgh, and was there educated. For a long time he was engaged in civil engineering, particularly underground surveying for drainage, but the later years of his life were spent at Mckeesport, where he was engaged in the mercantile business. He died in 18So. His wife was Margaret, daughter of William B. McClure, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and for many years clerk of the court of Allegheny county. He was a member of the board of commissioners which let the contract for the building of the second court house of that county, which was burned several years ago. Alexander McClure and wife had six child- ren, who are all living. Dr. McClure received his early education at McKeesport, graduating from the school there in 1868. He then studied medicine two years with Dr. Hall, of Pittsburgh, after which he practiced three years as a disciple of the old school of medicine. At the end of that time he began study under Dr. E. W. Dean, the leading homeopathist of Braddocksfield, and subsequently engaged in the practice of homeopathy in Allegheny county. In ISSo he en- tered the Pulte medical college, of Cincinnati, and graduated in 1882. After practicing a time in Allegheny county he came to Martin's
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Ferry in 1883, where he has since resided. He is one of the leading practitioners in his school of the profession, and has an extensive clientele. The doctor is active in social and public affairs, is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, and of the Knights of Pythias, the American Mechanics and the Maccabees fraternities, and in politics is a republican. Ile was married in 1875, to Rebecca M. Fleming, of Pittsburgh, and they have three children: Ray F., George C. and William A.
Dr. James McCum McConahey came to Bridgport. Ohio, about 1840, and was the first resident practitioner of Bridgeport. He came to Bridgeport immediately after having graduated from the old Miami medical college of physicians and surgeons. Ilis marriage to Cath. erine Steele Kirkwood, took place in May, 1845. The result of this marriage was five sons and one daughter; two of the sons, George G. and Robert Kirkwood, and the daughter, Mary M., survive. Mrs. McConahey was a daughter of Joseph Kirkwood, who was one of the pioneer characters of Kirkwood. His father was Col. Robert Kirk- wood, commander of the Delaware troops in the Revolutionary war. He was killed in action, at the battle in which St. Clair was defeated. While Dr. McConahey resided in Bridgeport he did more for the ad- vancement of the town, than almost any other man, and was repeatedly requested to accept some of the offices of prominence, local and state, but he preferred to follow his profession. His public spirit led him to assist in any legitimate enterprise for the good of the community, but his modesty kept him from accepting any other reward for his labors than the esteem and good-will of his neighbors. Dr. McConahcy was also very active in religious matters, and was one of the first to suggest the building of the Presbyterian church. and he magnani- mously mortgaged his own personal effects to secure money with which to aid in the erection of this edifice. His property was seized by the sheriff, to satisfy this mortgage, and he only recovered it by paying a large portion of the church debt. He was a sufferer from white swelling, from his boyhood, and while his own pain was great, he never was heard to complain, and was ever ready to alleviate the suf- ferings of others, to his own physical detriment. He was one of the founders of the Belmont County Medical society, and was the co- editor of its journal for several years. Ilis fame as a physician was not confined to the town in which he lived, his services being sought by the sick, all over the county and in the city of Wheeling. His death occurred June 9, 1870. aged sixty-one, and was a great calamity to the neighborhood. He left a host of friends and acquaintances. his funeral being one of the largest ever held in Bridgeport. His wife died May 30, 1887. George G. McConahey, a native of Kirkwood, Ohio, born January 6, 1848, was educated in the public schools and in the Linsley institute, of Wheeling, and was graduated from Washington and Jefferson college in 1869. After studying law for one year, cir- cumstances beyond his control compelled him to abandon this project and he has since been engaged in teaching. At present, Mr. McCon- ahey is teaching in sub-district No. 12, of Pease township, Belmont
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county, Ohio, near Martin's Ferry, this being his third year. Mar- garet E. Payne, daughter of Mahlon and Jane Payne, became his wife in 1882. Mrs. McConahey was born November 16, 1859. The result of this union is two daughters: Felicia, born August 9, 1886, and Lucia, now deceased, born July 12, 1883. Mr. McConahey is un- doubtedly a successful teacher, his record is unstained by any dis- honorable or mean act, either in private or public life.
A popular liveryman of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, is G. T. McCue, who is a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he was born Septem- ber 16, 1854, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Gardner) McCue. The father was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 24, 1824. and his wife, in Tuscarawas county, in April, 1824. Robert McCue's father was James McCue, an Irishman by birth, having immigrated to this country. He was a very prominent man in his day, having been the colonel of the muster of Jefferson county during the war of 1812, he was also at one time the wealthiest man in the county. His ultimate financial failure was caused by the dishonesty of his so-called friends. James McCue raised a family of ten sons and four daughters, five of the children are still living. Robert McCue now resides near Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, where he is engaged in the production of fine fruits and berries. His seven children are living. G. T. McCue, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the schools of his native town, and also at Rehobeth, Jefferson county. After leaving school Mr. MeCue worked for a man by the name of James Russell, remaining with him for seven years or more. August 2, 188o, he took Miss Samantha V. Carter to wife. She is a daughter of Nelson and Mary Carter, and was born June 9, 1855. After his marriage he engaged in farming in Jefferson county. March 8, 1886, Mr. McCne and his brother estab- lished a livery business in Martin's Ferry, which they conducted until March 10, 1890, at which time he purchased his brother's interest, and now operates the business himself. He is noted for his stylish driv- ing horses, and also for his fairness to all. Mr. and Mrs. McCue had one child, Jessie 11., born May 17, 1887. He is a prominent member of the 1. O. O. F. lodge of Martin's Ferry, and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are much respected by the community at large.
Daniel Z. McSwords, of Martin's Ferry, a well-known retired drug- gist, is a representative of one of the early families of this region. Ile is the grandson of Archibald McSwords, a native of north Ireland, who came to America during the Revolutionary war, with British troops, but as soon as possible, after landing, joined the continental army, and served in its ranks until independence was secured. Then coming west, he settled in Virginia and was engaged for several years, in the manufacture of iron at Mooresfield. Subsequently he came to Brooke county, W. Va., and engaged in farming and stock-raising until his latter years, which were spent with his son at Martin's Ferry. He died in 1855. While at Mooresfield, he was married to a Miss Moore, who died in 1815, the same year of the birth of their only son, Amon, the father of the subject of this sketch. Amon McSwords be-
35-B.
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
came in youth, a clerk in a dry goods store, at Wheeling, and several years later, went to Wellsburg, where he conducted a general store and acquired an interest in the glass works there. About 1850, here- moved to Bridgeport and engaged in merchandise there, and on Wheeling Island, and several years later, he embarked in the same business at Martin's Ferry, in company with Mr. Cable, in partner- ship with whom he also conducted a meat market and a slaughter- house. Before settling at Bridgeport he had also been engaged in trading on the river, between Wheeling and New Orleans. Being greatly interested in the culture of small fruits, he spent his declining years upon a farm near the Ferry, and was not engaged in business for some fifteen years, before his death, April 16, 1874. He was mar- ried in 1837, to Indiana, daughter of Daniel Zane, a relative of the celebrated Elizabeth Zane, and three children were born to them: Orville C., Alexis A. and Daniel Z. The subject of this sketch was born September 3. 1840. He was educated at Martin's Ferry, and at the West Liberty academy, and then, in 1847, engaged in the drug trade at Wheeling. Subsequently he removed to Martin's Ferry and conducted the same business here until February, 188S, since when he has been retired. His was one of the leading drug establishments of the place, and Mr. McSwords was decidedly successful in business. Ile is regarded as one of the leading influential men of the town, and is socially popular. Hle and wife are members of the Episcopal church, and he is a member of the Senior Order of American Me- chanics, the Maccabees and Foresters. Mr. McSwords was married in 1883, to Laura Bamhill, of Bellaire.
William Mann, of Martin's Ferry, a prominent manufacturer, was born at Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland, October 28, 1845. His parents, James L. and Elizabeth ( Walker) Mann, were both natives of the shire of Fife, Scotland, and the father was for over twenty-five years engaged with the Summerlea Iron company of Coatbridge, in the blacksmithing and carpentry department. Ile brought his family to the United States in 1876, and was occupied for a short time in farming, but at present resides at Little Falls. IHis wife died in ISS9. They had six children, five of whom are now living. The subject of this sketch received his education at his home in Scotland. He served an apprenticeship of five years in pattern making in the Summerlea Iron works, and then took a position in the Atlas foundry and machine shops, where, after six months' experience, he was promoted foreman, a position he held for three years, and until his immigration to Amer- ica. Soon after reaching this country, he became engaged with the firm of D. M. Ford & Co., of Chicago, and soon afterward removed to Pittsburgh, where, for three years, he held a position with Dixon, Marshall & Co. Coming to Martin's Ferry in about 1874, he entered the employment of Culperston, Wiley & Co., as pattern maker, and remained with that house until I8;9, when he leased the works, and embarked in business on his own account. Subsequently he became the sole owner of the works, now the largest foundry and machine shop in Martin's Ferry. Besides this important property, Mr. Mann
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is a stockholder in other larger manufactories, and is widely known as a successful and prosperous business man. I lis success in life is owing to his own industry and business skill, as he began in this country without capital. He is a public spirited citizen, and active in social enterprises. He and wife, whose maiden name was Janet McGilvray, are active members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a republican.
Ebenezer Martin, founder of Martin's Ferry, born November 9, 1791, on what is now the site of the Benwood blast furnace, died Janu- ary 15, 1876, was one of the most widely known pioneers of eastern Ohio. He was the son of Absalom Martin, a native of New Jersey. who assisted in the earliest government surveys of Ohio, and received therefor a grant of 640 acres near the site of Martin's Ferry, on the west side of the river. During the war of the revolution he had been a gallant soldier, and he held the rank of captain. He settled upon his grant in the latter part of the last century and died there in 1800. In 1789 he was married to Catherine, daughter of Ebenezer Zane, and they had two children, a daughter, who died young, and Ebenezer, the subject of this sketch. The spirit of the latter may be judged by the fact that he traveled on horseback from his Ohio home to Princeton. N. J., to obtain an education. On his return home he took charge of the farm and continued to manage it during the remainder of his life, and after his father's death also conducted the ferry which the elder Martin established over the Ohio river, and retained control of this until 1840, when he sold it to Hugh Nichols. In 1835 he layed out the town which was known until recent years as Martinsville, but now as Martin's Ferry. He devoted his life to the care of his prop- erty, and devoted considerable time to fruit raising, having one of the best orchards in the valley. To this, such was his charity and kind- ness, all poor people had free access. His faith in human nature was imposed upon by many dishonest rogues, and most of his property had passed out of his hands before his death. His good deeds were beyond number, and all mourned his death. His religious affiliation was with the Methodist church, to which he gave a lot when he platted the town, and in politics he was a whig and afterward a republican. Mr. Martin was first married in 1809, to Hannah MeLaughlin, a daughter of Elizabeth Zane, and by this union he had nine children. of whom one survives: Catherine E. In IS37, his first wife. having died, he married Minerva, daughter of Isaac Zane, and they had ten children: Isaac, Rebecca V., wife of Mr. Van Pelt, of Lansing, Mich .: Ebenezer, of Lake Ilarbor, Mich .; Edith M., deceased; Leonidas, of Lake Harbor, Mich .: AAntoinette, of the same place: Annie M., wife of William II. Wood; Lucian B., of Fostoria, Ohio, and two who died in infancy. Three of the sons by the first marriage were soldiers in the war of the rebellion. Absalom died in a hospital at St. Louis; John M., a transport pilot, and Ephraim, who died from disease con- tracted in the service. Ebenezer, Jr., also served in the First Virginia regiment.
John P. Maywood, manager of the Hotel Maywood, of Martin's Ferry,
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IHISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
was born in Philadelphia, May 30, 1832, the son of William and Dor- cas (Paul) Maywood, both natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, William Maywood, a native of county Tyrone, Ireland, came to Amer- ica previous to the revolution and settled at Philadelphia. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. William Maywood, born at Philadelphia about 1785, was a bricklayer by trade, and was extensively engaged in contracting in that and other cities. He also served in the war of 1812, and died while engaged in building at Pittsburgh, in 1832. Ilis wife died in 1839. Of their four children, three are now living. The subject of this sketch received his education at Philadelphia, and then served an apprenticeship of five years in carpentry, a trade which he followed until recent years. At the outbreak of the rebellion he was one of the first to enlist in Baker's regiment, which afterward became the Seventy-first Pennsylvania, and he served while with the army of the Potomac, in all its battles until the battle of Antietam, when he was wounded in the hip, and discharged from active service. Afterward re-enlisting as a carpenter he was promoted to overseer and aided in the construction of all the bridges between Nashville and Atlanta. Returning home after the close of the war he followed his trade until ISSS, when he took charge of the old Hanover hotel at Martin's Ferry, the name of which he changed to Hotel Maywood. This he has made an inviting and well-kept establishment. Mr. May- wood was married in 1862, to Caroline, daughter of Joseph Kim, a well known pioneer. She died in 1871, leaving three children: Joseph J., Jennie F. and Maggie P. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. In 1874 he married Rebecca Woler. his present wife. Mr. Maywood is a member of the Presbyterian church. and of the Masonic fraternity, and the democratic party.
Thomas J. Mears, of Martin's Ferry, a prominent manufacturer, was born at Wellsville, Ohio, August 9, 1848. His father, Thomas Mears, a native of Ireland, came to America in 1836, and settled at Montreal, Canada, which he left, however, two years later to come to the United States. His occupation at that time was road contracting. Going to Defiance in 1839, he secured the contract for digging a part of the Maumee canal, on which he was occupied two years. He then made his residence at Wellsville, and graded two miles of the Cleve- land & Pittsburgh railroad from that place to Yellow creek, also graded the road through Martin's Ferry. Another of his works was the pike road from Martin's Ferry to Mt. Pleasant. He died while working on the contract for railroad construction through Martin's Ferry. By his marriage to Jane Callahan, who survives, he had four children. The subject of this sketch, after receiving his education at Martin's Ferry, learned the cooper's trade, which he followed about ten years. In 1873 he started a small factory in company with Will- iam Houge, George Watson and John Bowen; but this enterprise was short lived. In the following January he again embarked in the busi- ness in company with D. Park, on the site of the works. In 1878 their works were destroyed by fire, but immediately rebuilt. On the death of Mr. Park in 1881, Mr. Mears became sole proprietor, at which he
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