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 20
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zens of his native town honored him for twenty years by making him a member of their school board, two years of which he was its presi- dent. Mr. Rhodes was one of the directors of the Tuscarawas Valley railroad from the beginning to its completion. On August 3, 1843, he took Caroline Townsend, of New Brighton, to wife. She also descended from one of the oldest and most prominent Quaker families of west- ern Pennsylvania. She was laid to rest September 17, 1888. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes, eight children have been born, seven of whom sur- vive. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Bridgeport, and no one excels him as a good and loyal citizen, and an earnest promoter of every good and moral movement for the improve- ment of his fellow-men.
Charles Seabright is one of the prominent contractors of Martin's Ferry. He handles some very large contracts, and is also a stock- holder in the Spence, Baggs Company's stove foundry. Mr. Sea- bright was born in Germany, December 25, 1825, and lived there until 1849, at which time he emigrated to the United States, and settled in the city of Wheeling, W. Va. There he followed the trade of a stone mason for two years, and in 1851 came to Martin's Ferry, and en- gaged in contracting. Mr. Seabright has been a contractor ever since. with the exception of a few months spent in the meat business. June 18, 1850, he espoused Louise Myer, also a native of Germany. Louis, Charles, William, Emma, Amenia, Louise and Lizzie are the children of this marriage. The mother died in ISS4, leaving a home bereft of a tender mother and a loving wife. Mr. Seabright is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and also of the K. of P. lodges of Martin's Ferry, and is a communicant of the Lutheran church. No man in the city is more ready to aid any deserving charitable or municipal enterprise than Charles Seabright. He is a public spirited. progressive business man and citizen.
Hiram W. Smith, vice president of the Commercial bank of Mar- tin's Ferry, was born in Washington county, Penn., March 23. 1821. He is the son of Henry and Barbara ( Everly) Smith, who had four children, of whom Hiram W. is the only survivor. The father was born in England, and came to the United States at an early day in the settlement of the Ohio valley, locating in Washington county, Penn., which was his home until death, which occurred in 1839, in his fifty- fourth year. He was in early life a school teacher, but became one of the pioneers of the coal business on the Monongahela river, con- tinuing in that trade during the remainder of his life. The subject of this sketch when but fifteen years of age, having received a slight education in the public schools, became engaged in the coal trade with his father and brothers. In 1838 he formed a partnership with his brothers, Jehu P. and Lewis E., under the title of Smith & Bros., and they continued in business until the death of Lewis in 1872, after which Mr. Smith and his surviving brother kept up the business until isto, when the latter died, and Mr. Smith disposed of their steamers and barges and leased their mines. During a good portion of the time while in the coal business, Mr. Smith acted as captain and pilot be-
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tween Pittsburgh and New Orleans, and gained an extensive knowl- edge of the lower river. Having been a director in the First National bank of Bridgeport, Ohio, from its organization, and acquired some knowledge of banking, in 1872, in company with James A. Gray, he established the Commercial bank of Martin's Ferry, of which he served fifteen years as cashier before being elected to his present posi- tion. In 1886 George II. Smith and James A. Dixon became partners, George H. Smith was chosen cashier, and Dixon, assistant cashier. Mr. Smith is one of the leaders in business of the town, popular with all, and prominent in the various avenues of social activity. For sev- eral years he has served as a member of the town council. He and wife are active members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Smith was married in 1844, to Martha, daughter of George Sharpless, who was one of the first settlers of Belmont county, and by this union had eight children, six of whom survive. This wife died in 1865, and in 1867 he was maried to Angeline Lash, and widow of Platoff MeNeely, by whom he has two children: Ernest J. and Howard F.
Thomas J. Smith, one of the leading business men of Pease town- ship, Belmont county, was born in that county in 1824, the son of Col. James M. Smith, one of the early settlers. Col. Smith was born in Loudon county, Va., in 1790, the son of Thomas Smith, of English descent, who served in the war of the revolution. Col. Smith was a farmer and a cooper by occupation. He served one year in the war of 1812, and then, in 1813, came to Belmont county, settling within a mile of Burlington, where he lived upon a farm until his death in 1873. He held the rank of colonel in the state militia of Ohio. Ile was married in 1809, to Mary Berry, who died in 1875, and by this union had eleven children, four of whom are now living. The subject of this mention was reared upon the farm of his parents, and became engaged as a farmer, raising with his brothers, large quantities of grain, which they disposed of by trading along the river. In 1854 he turned his attention to gardening, which he followed until 1879, when he purchased the stock of goods at Burlington, then owned by Good- hue Bros. This he added to, and has since conducted business on a larger scale than before known in the place, meeting with consider- able success, and acquiring a reputation as a skillful business man. Burlington is one of the oldest trading points on the river, a store having been established here over sixty years ago. In ISSi a post- office was established, known as Don, of which John J. Smith was postmaster until July, ISSS, since when the subject of this mention has held the office. Ile is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of the Masonic order, and of the democratic party. He was married May 23, 1854, to Lucinda Jump, a representative of one of the pioneer families, and they have had eight children: Mary E., John J., Emery L., deceased; Amanda J., deceased; Louisa, Kate E., Theresa 1 .. , deceased, and James W.
J. H. Tilton is a leading citizen of Pease township, Belmont county, Ohio. Mr. Tilton was born May 8, 1846, the son of Joel and Cynthia . \. (Ilartzell) Tilton. Joel Tilton was born March 10, 1813, in the
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state of Ohio, Jefferson county. Cynthia Ilartzell first saw the light in Somerset county, Penn., November 4, 18H. Joel Tilton's father was Joseph Tilton, who was born near the headwaters of the Buffalo, in the state of Pennsylvania. His wife, Mary, was also a native of the same place. Joseph came to Ohio with his parents in 1775, and settled in Warren township, Jefferson county, Ohio. Here he went to work in the woods, and by great toil and energy he acquired one of the finest farms in the county, consisting of 640 acres. He was ex- posed to all the hardships incidental to a pioneer life, often after laboring all day in clearing his land he would be obliged to keep watch at night for the approach of hostile Indians. The Yorkville coal works are now situated on this farm. Joseph and Mary Tilton were the parents of twelve children. The father died at the age of ninety- three years three months and eleven days. His first permanent resi- dence still stands as a monument to the enterprise of this man; it is over one hundred years old. Joel, the youngest child born to these parents, was raised in Jefferson county, and was educated in the old pioneer log school-house. His father deeded his brother and himself a part of the old homestead in Belmont county, the deed being dated December 10, 1838, the witnesses being Dr. S. B. West and John Zane. The instrument was drawn up by John Beazle. Ile was married to Cynthia A. Hartzell, December 21. 1834, and their marriage was blessed by the birth of five sons and two daughters, named: Noah J., born May 3, 1836; Mary McKin, now living in Kansas City, was born August 19, 1838; Indiana (Darrah) was born March 10, 1841. now a resident of Jefferson county; Joseph was born November 2, 1843, lives near Bethany, W. Va .; John II., born May 8, 1846; Fran- cis H., born November 28, 1848, lives near Tiltonsville; George W., born June 25, 1851, he lives on the farm formerly owned by J. West. The dividing line between Belmont and Jefferson counties runs through his house, so that he can vote in either county. Joel Tilton died February 3, 1873. His son, John H., was appointed administra- tor of the estate. The wives of Joel, Noah J., and John 11., reside on the Joel Tilton homestead, and the sons, John and Noah, operate the farm. They raise large crops of grain, and are prosperous and thorough agriculturists. The family stand very high in the community.
One of the early pioneers and physicians of Bridgeport, Ohio, is Dr. John M. Todd, who was born in Fayette county, Penn., Jan- uary 26, 1826, son of Samuel P. and Susan (Kerr) Todd, natives of New York and New Jersey, respectively. The father was one of the early physicians of Belmont county, Ohio, having practiced at St. Clairsville at a very early date. Samuel and Susan Todd had eight children born to them, all of whom are living, six boys and two girls. He died at Uniontown, Penn., May 30, 1846, at the age of forty-four years. Mrs. Todd died at Claysville, Penn., February 23, 1884, at the age of eighty-six years. The subject of this sketch re- ceived a common school education which he obtained in the public schools of Washington county, Penn. At the age of eighteen years
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
he began the study of medicine, but before he completed the study he entered the Mexican army under Capt. George W. McCook, of Steubenville, and shared the fortune of occupation under Gen. Taylor. After returning he continued his studies under the precep- torship of R. F. Biddle, of Monongahela City, until he received his finishing training in the Jefferson medical college, at Philadelphia. In 1852 he began the practice of medicine at Holliday's Cove, Han- cock county, W. Va., remaining here until 1855, when he moved to the county seat, remaining there for four years, when he left because of the want of educational advantages. He then moved to New Lisbon, Ohio, where he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he took the commission of surgeon in the field regiment, Sixty- fifth Ohio volunteers, serving until 1865. Having resigned on ac- count of a severe injury received at Atlanta, Ga., came to Bridgeport and engaged in his practice and also the drug business, he having continued the practice until the present time. Dr. Todd has been surgeon of C. & P. R. R., in which capacity he has served for twenty- three years. He was married April 17, 1855, to Mary E. Wilson, daughter of Alexander Wilson, of Monongahela City, Penn., a very prominent citizen of that city. They are the parents of two children. both daughters, Ida V., who married Frank P. Zimmer, of one of the prominent families of Wheeling. September 19, 1883, now residing at Omaha, Neb., and Eva May. The family are members of the Pres- byterian church. Dr. Todd is a member of the Branum post. No. 271, G. A. R. Dr. Todd has acted as postmaster of Bridgeport for eight years, beginning with Grant's last term. He is an active republican in politics.
G. W. Tweedy, one of the leading citizens of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Jefferson county, Ohio, February 2, 1842. His parents were William and Sarah ( Worreb Tweedy, both Ohioans. Mr. Tweedy received a common school education in the Jefferson county schools. August S. 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, and for nearly three years he endured all the hardships and dangers incident to a soldier's life. Ile was mustered out of service in June, 1865, and at once returned to his home, where he engaged in tilling the soil. Subsequently he embarked in the livery business at Mt. Pleasant, and continued in this until the spring of 1890. He then sold his business and came to Martin's Ferry. where he now operates a large livery and feed establishment on Wal- nut street, between Third and Fourth. He was married September 20, 1867, to Miss Hannah J. Ong, by whom he has had three sons and one daughter, they are: William A., Libbie M., George W. and an infant yet unnamed. Mrs. Tweedy is the daughter of Abram and Eliza- beth Ong, and was born September 27, 1847. Mr. Tweedy has met with fair success in his business, and is a man of strict integrity, and, although a shrewd business man, he is just to all.
The Hon. David Wagener, proprietor of the Buckeye Paper mills, was born in Franklin county, Penn., October 10, 1827. His parents were John and Elizabeth Wagener, both Pennsylvanians. David
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Wagener was reared in Pennsylvania, living there until he had reached the age of sixteen years. While still living .in Pennsylvania, Mr. Wagener learned the saddle and harness business. Coming to Ohio in 1843 he worked in the paper mills during the evenings and at the carpenter's trade in the day time. In the spring of 1844 he and his brother came to West Wheeling and built the paper mill now owned and operated by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Wagener figured very prominently in the politics of his state, having been elected to the Ohio state senate in 1877, taking his seat as senator in 1878. He served for two years, and after two years of retirement, he was elected a member of the house. His term of office expiring, Mr. Wagener retired from political life, and has since given his undivided attention to his business. He was a prominent stockholder in the Wheeling Street railways, and was one of the originators of the Wheeling Hinge factory. Miss Jane Clemens became his wife in 1848. She is a daughter of Mrs. Ann Clemens. Five children are the fruit of this union. Mr. Wagener is an influential member of the Presbyterian church, and one of the most progressive and broad- minded men in the community. His public and private career give evidence of great ability and of strict integrity. As a senator his vote and influence was invariably cast on the side of morality and public improvement. As a business man he is regarded with the ut- most confidence by all with whom he comes in contact. A fine specimen of a true American citizen and representative of the people.
Van Wagener, M. D., was born in North Wheeling, May 3, 1853. of American parentage, his father, David, being a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother, Jane Clemens, a native of Ohio. Both of the latter are still living. David Clemens was an early settler of West Wheel- ing, where he was engaged in the manufacture of wrapping paper. In his youth, Dr. Wagener attended the public schools, rounding up his preparatory education at the Lindsay Institute, afterward enter- ing the noted old college at Washington, Penn. After leaving college he went into his father's paper-mill as a paper maker, which he con- tinued for two years. As surely as water will find its level, so surely will the well balanced man find the position best suited for him to fill; the young man was eminently fitted for the profession of medicine, both on account of his education and natural abilities, so he left the mill to take up the study of medicine, which he began under Dr. W. S. Fischer, of Bridgeport, with whom he remained for three years. Having received a thorough preparation in his chosen profession, at the Ohio medical college, from which institution he graduated, the young medical student attended a course of lectures at Bellevue hos- pital, New York, in the years of 1876 and '77. Locating in the thriv- ing city of Bridgeport, Dr. Wagener at once began to build up the enviable reputation and practice which he now possesses in no small degree. He is at present the county physician, and also the assistant surgeon of the river division of the C. & P. railroad. He is an hon- ored member of the Belmont County Medical society, also of Belmont lodge, No. 109, K. of P., of Bridgeport, and of the Charles L. Plinny 36-B.
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
Lent, No. 140, Knights of the Maccabees. In 1879, Ada S. Harrah, daughter of Mrs. Lucinda V. Harrah, became his wife. Dr. Wagener is a useful, honored citizen of Bridgeport. The democratic party re- ceives his vote and influence.
Henry Warwood, of Martin's Ferry, was born in Staffordshire, Eng- land, February 23, 1823, the son of William Warwood, a skillful tool maker who was employed during his active life in the Brades Steel works, one of the oldest factories of the kind in England. He died in 1858. By his marriage to Sarah Harrison, whose death occurred in the same year as his own, he had nine children, of whom three are deceased. The subject of this sketch received a limited education during his childhood in England, going to night school while em- ployed in the factory where he began work at nine years of age. Coming to the United States in 1848, he remained at Pittsburgh some time in the employment of the Lippincotts, but was compelled by failing health to give up that situation. Then starting a small tool factory at Brown's Coal works, he worked there until 1854, when he came to Martin's Ferry, and started in the same business on a small scale, in the block where the postoffice is now situated, on the site now occupied by Thorngate's hardware store. He engaged in the manufacture of garden rakes and miners' tools, being among the first to manufacture rakes in this country. The excellence of his work soon gave him a widespread reputation, and his business increased until in 1868 he purchased property on First street and erected a large factory. He has for some time abandoned the . manufacture of garden rakes, and now produces miners' tools exclusively, and these are sold in every part of the United States where mining is carried on. His coal pick is regarded among miners as the standard of excellence. He is in all respects a self-made man, and his remarkable success is wholly due to his talent as a business man, skill as a workman, and the honesty of his goods. Ile and wife are members of the Presby- terian church, and in politics he is a republican. During the war he was actively engaged in recruiting men for the Union army. Mr. Warwood was married in 1849 to Mary Bradshaw, a descendant of John Bradshaw, a distinguished family of England, and they have four children: William, Sarah J., Maria and Emily 11.
Dr. Simon B. West, deceased, one of the pioneer physicians of Mar- tin's Ferry, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in 1812, the son of Henry West, one of the early settlers of that county. Dr. West spent his early years on the farm, and began the study of medicine, about IS33, with his brother, Dr. Henry West, then practicing at Bridgeport. Ile completed his professional studies at the Ohio medical college, at Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1836. Coming to Martin's Ferry in the same year, he began a practice which he continued in for exactly fifty years, then retiring, and devoting to rest his remaining years, which were terminated by death in 1885. Ile was one of the most eminent men in his profession in this region, and is also remem- bered as one of the most enterprising of the citizens of Martin's Ferry, ever ready to aid in enterprises for the advancement of the material
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and social interests of the place. He was one of the directors of the Ohio City Nail company, and interested in various other projects. Dr. West was married in July, 1838 to Mary Zane Martin, daughter of Ebenezer Martin, and she died in 1882. Of their eight children there is but one survivor, the wife of Oliver C. Parker.
Brady O. Williams, M. D., a leading physician of Martin's Ferry, is a native of West Virginia, born in Wetzel county, November 13, 1847. He is the son of Francis E. Williams, who was born in West Virginia, August 18, 1809, whose life was mainly devoted to farming, though in his earlier life he was occupied in selling produce on the river. This gentleman, a worthy and highly respected man, died May IS, 1889. By his marriage, in 1844, to Ann J. O'Neill, also a native of West Virginia, who died August 29, 1878, he had ten chil- dren, of whom five survive besides the subject of this sketch. Dr. Williams in his childhood attended the schools at his home, New Martinsville, and afterward studied at Mt. Union college, Ohio. He then spent three years as a school teacher, during the same time reading medicine with Dr. R. H. Cummins, of Wheeling. During the winters of 1871-2 and 1872-3, he attended medical lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where he was graduated in March, 1873. In May of the same year he opened an office at Mar- tin's Ferry, where he has since remained. In the years of practice since elapsed Dr. Williams has gained an honorable reputation as a skillful physician, abreast with all the advancement of his profession, and devoted to the interests of his patients. Ile has taken a due in- terest in social and municipal affairs, is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has served three years as a member of the school board. The doctor was married in ISSI to Mary, daughter of Mrs. Caroline V. Grove, of St. Clairsville, and they have three sons: Brady G., Phil F. and J. Forest.
Joel Wood, of Martin's Ferry, one who has by the promotion of various important enterprises, rendered this part of the Ohio valley great service, was born in Smithfield, Ohio, August 22, 1814. He is . the grandson of William Wood, a native of Pennsylvania, who was for some time a resident of Frederick county, Md., and settled in Jef- ferson county, Ohio, about 1810, becoming the first merchant of Smith- field. About 1815 he engaged in farming, and his death occurred June 3, 1844. This well-known and worthy pioneer was the father of eight children, all now deceased. His son, Joel. Sr., the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Maryland, and there received his education. He soon after removed to Ohio and engaged in business. He died in 1814. By his marriage in 1804. at New Market. Frederick Co., Md., to Elizabeth Poultney, who died February 8, 1844. he had five children, all of whom are deceased but the subject of this sketch. Both parents were members of the Society of Friends. Joel Wood. the subject of this sketch, spent his early years in Smithfield, Ohio, receiving such education as the various private schools afforded, there then being no public schools provided by law. During 1829 and 1830 he attended the boarding school of Joseph Gibbons at Mt. Pleasant,
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Ohio, and in 1831 and 1832, the school or college of John Gummerre, at Burlington, N. J. The years following, before locating in Martin's Ferry, were spent in teaching school and in merchandising in Balti- more, Md. On the 4th day of July, 1837, he came to Martin's Ferry and went into the mercantile business. On the 30th day of August, 1837, he was married to Elizabeth Carr McGrew, granddaughter of James Carr, first settler and proprietor of Smithfield, Ohio, in Friends meeting house at Smithfield, according to the customs of Orthodox Friends, of which society they were members. About the year 1843 he sold out his mercantile business and engaged extensively in the nursery and fruit growing business until 1852, when he became inter- ested in railroad enterprises, and was appointed right-of-way solicitor for the Cleveland & Pittsburgh railroad; remained with that road as their representative in Martin's Ferry, until 1871. In that year he associated with himself Joseph Bell and Chester Hubbard, of Wheel- ing, and several other gentlemen of Ohio, and organized the Wheel- ing & Lake Erie railroad company. Elected as its first president, he served in that capacity for five years, and afterward as a director for many years. He was the pioneer of this road, which is now building into Martin's Ferry, and it will be a monument to his forethought and enterprise. Mr. Wood has always been prominently identified with the material advancement of Martin's Ferry, being an early advocate of plank roads and turnpikes. He was also one of the incorporators and a director, continuously until 1890, of the Wheeling & Harrisburg railway, subsequently called the Wheeling Bridge & Terminal rail- way company. From early life he has taken a deep interest in the cause of public schools, and in the moral reforms of the day; espe- cially those of anti-slavery and temperance. Soon after coming to Martin's Ferry, he was made a member of the board of education and inaugurated the first steps which resulted in the establishment of the union, or free school system, in 1853, and which position he held for over thirty years. While yet a very young man his interest was deeply enlisted in freeing the slaves, and in 1837 he became a member of that hated organization, the abolitionists, and at once took an active. part in the work. He cast his first vote for James G. Birney. Was made one of the vice presidents of the Ohio Anti-Slavery society, and was sent as a delegate from Belmont county, Ohio, to the national convention held held in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1848, where was formed the Free Soil party, and Martin Van Buren nominated for president. Both before and after coming to Martin's Ferry, he was the agent of the "Underground Railroad," and helped many slaves to gain their freedom, oftentimes at great personal risk. In 1830 he become inter- ested in the temperance work; took an active part in the Washing- tonian movement, and has been ever since interested in all move- ments for the suppression of the liquor traffic. For the past ten years he has been identified with the prohibition party, and was a delegate to the national convention held at Indianapolis in May, 1888, which nominated Clinton B. Fisk for president. Five children were born to Mr. Wood: George R., Mary C., William H., Oliver Russell and
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