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 23
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William N. Gill, manager of the J. S. Gill's Sons Glass Pot factory. was born in Wheeling, W. Va., in 1851. He is the son of James S. Gill and Charlotta Gill. His father was an Englishman by birth, com- ing to this country in the forties, locating at Wheeling, where he re- mained until 1866, when he came to Bellaire, and in company with Henry Faupel, George Barnes, and others, organized a company for
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the manufacture of table ware, under the firm name of Barnes, Faupel & Co. This company was afterward merged into the Belmont Glass company, which he was a director of until iSS4, when he ser- ered his connection with that company and established the house of J. S. Gill Glass Pot company, which he successfully conducted until his death in April, 1889. He was married while living in Wheeling to the mother of the subject of this sketch, by whom he had six children. The mother and two children are dead, the former dying in 1888. William Gill received a fair education in the Wheeling schools, after which he learned the glass blower's trade. Ile came to Bellaire with his parents and worked here at his trade for some years, also work- ing at Martin's Ferry for some time. In October, iSS4, he accepted the position of general manager of the Belmont Glass company, and held that position until January, 1890, when he became connected with the pot works, being compelled to take the management of the same on account of the death of his father. He was married in 1873 to Alice Hammond, of Bellaire. Three children have come to brighten their home: Ohle E., Clara C. and Charles W. He has always taken an active interest in politics, being identified with the republican party. Mr. Gill is one of the most successful glass men in the Ohio valley, and is widely and well known throughout the community.
Isaac N. Grafton, the pioneer undertaker and furniture dealer of Bellaire, Ohio, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, in IS2 ;. He is the son of Jacob and Ellen (Peck) Grafton. The father was a Virginian, and his mother a native of Maryland. Jacob's father was Robert Grafton, also a Virginian. Robert came to Jefferson county in the early days of that county, being one of the pioneers. He was killed by lightning in 1829, leaving eight children, all of whom are now dead. Jacob was born about 1802. After obtaining the usual amount of education possible in those days he learned the blacksmith's trade, but never followed it to any extent. When a young man he moved to Island Creek township, Jefferson county, where he took a farm and gave his attention to tilling the soil. Remaining in Jefferson county for a few years he sold his property and went to Columbiania county. Here he lived for fifteen years, at the end of which period he returned to Ilancock county, W. Va., and later to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he died. He was married to Ellen Peck previous to his moving to Jefferson county. She bore him nine children. Mrs. Grafton passed away in 1851, in Virginia. Five of her children still survive her. Having obtained all the schooling possible. I. N. Grafton, the princi- pal of this biography, served an apprenticeship of four years in Fair- view, W. Va., under John J. Halstead. He followed his trade for some time, and in 1856 accepted a position with the C. & P. railroad company, in whose employ he remained for six years. He afterward worked at carpentry for several years, and in about 1865 started into the business which he still conducts, having met with the most grati- fying success. Rebecca J. Henery, of Jefferson county, became his wife in 184;, and four children were born to them: John B., Nancy . 1 .. William M. and an infant that died before it was christened. Mr.
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and Mrs. Grafton are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, he is also a member of the I. O. O. F., of the Masons, the Druids, Golden Eagle, Senior O. A. M., and several other orders. . Al- though he has not taken any active part in politics, yet he isa thorough republican. The children are all deceased. He has sold his furniture business, and now gives his time exclusively to undertaking, being himself a practical embalmer.
William Greenlee was born in April, 1827, on the farm now occi- pied by the surviving members of the family, was the son of James and Jane Greenlee, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio, about 1815, and settled on a part of the land now owned by the present Mrs. William Greenlee. They were members of Rock Hill Presbyterian church, and strong supporters of that organization, and in their death the community lost two of her best citizens. They were the parents of ten children, only one of whom is now living: Alexander, Ann, Jane, Margaret, Matthew, Sarah, James, William, Mary and Elizabeth. Matthew is still living with his family, who reside in Colerain township, Belmount county. William Greenlee's early life was spent at home on the farm, assisting his father in its management, and ac- quiring an education from the schools of the county. He was married in 1860, to Mary Johnson, a daughter of William and Jane (Camp- bell) Johnson, natives of Ireland, who came to America in 1839, and located on a farm in Richland township, in Belmont county, Ohio, and which is now occupied by a brother of Mrs. Greenlee, Thomas Johnson. They are the parents of six children, four of whom are still living: Anna Belle, October 20, 1861; Mary Lorena, July 23, 1863; James Alexander, May 7, 1866; John J. Lane, November 10, 1872; Thomas Ilomer, November 12, 1874; Matthew Henry, November 12, 1880. Anna Belle died at the age of two years, November 27, 1883. Mary Lorena died August 6, 1885, at the age of twenty-two. James Alexander still resides on the farm. He was married October, ISSo, to Miss Lizzie Knox, a daughter of William and Mary (King) Knox, natives of this county. John J. Lane Greenlee is attending college at Worcester, Ohio, where he has been for nearly two years. The two younger are still on the farm laying the foundation of their later life in educational and physical development. William Greenlee dicd in May, 1885. on the homestead farm, and in his death the wife lost a loving husband, the children a kind father, and the community one of her best citizens. They were both members and strong supporters of the Rock Hill Presbyterian church, and Mrs. Greenlee is still a strong supporter of their doctrines, but since the building of the Coalbrooke church have turned their support to that organization.
Jacob Heatherington, the pioneer coal dealer of Belmont county, was born in county Durham, England, March 7, 1814. He is the son of John and Rebecca (Deut) Heatherington, both natives of Eng- land. John was a miner in the English coal mines until his coming to the United States in 1820. He located in Patterson, Penn., enter- ing the employ of Buckley & Potts, for the purpose of exploring the country in the vicinity for a possible bed of coal which was thought
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to exist there. He located the first bed of coal in that country at Tomockway. Remaining in Pennsylvania until 1832, he then removed to West Wheeling, then known as Whiskey Run, where he remained until his death, some time about 1837 or 1838. He was aged forty- seven years at the time of his death. In 1830 he brought his family from England; the family consisted of five boys and four girls. The daughters are all dead, with the exception of one who resides in Cali- fornia. Four of the boys still survive their father. His wife followed him to the grave about 1850. Jacob Heatherington began to work in the coal banks of England when but seven years of age, continuing to be so employed until his coming to the United States, when he worked with his father until his death. When his father died Jacob and his brothers took charge of the coal bank at West Wheeling, re- maing in partnership for about one year. He then worked for five years for Capt. Fink mining coal, at the end of that period he had saved $500 which he immediately invested in land. In 1839 he came into possession of a mule which he named Jack. This mule and the land bought with his hard earned savings was his capital with which to start his coal mine. The assets proved of value for he has made a large fortune from that land, the mule which he kept until he was forty years old, probably earned his master as much money as any mule that has ever lived. It is not out of place to say that Jack re- ceived as decent a burial as his master could give him. Mr. Heather- ington was married May 8, 1835, to Eliza Armstrong, of West Wheeling. John, Alexander, Martha, Ilamilton, Wilbur, Ella, Albert, Perkin and Scott, are the children that have come to bless their home. John and Hamilton both served their country in the hour of her need, the lat- ter entered the service as a bugler and left it as a captain. Mr. and Mrs. Heatherington are active members of the Christian church. The subject of this sketch has always been a public spirited man, aiding every enterprise of public benefit with his money and influence. He is an ardent republican, although not a politician.
A leading business man of Bellaire, and one who was a pioncer of Belmont county, Ohio, is Charles Henry, a native of Bavaria, Ger- many, where he was born October 31, 1829. Ilis parents were Chris- topher and Katherine (Stuber) Henry, both natives of the same province in which their son was born. Christopher Ilenry was a mine overseer in the coal and quicksilver mines of Germany, which he fol- lowed until his demise in 1852. Of the five children born of this marriage all are now dead with the exception of Charles and one other son. Mrs. Henry died in 1833. Mr. Henry was a scholar in the schools of his native land during his younger days, and afterward worked in the mines, and there was occupied as a time-keeper on the government pikes. In 1852 he emigrated to the United States, remaining in New York city for a time, he then went to North Caro- lina, and was engaged there in the copper mines until 1854. In the latter year Mr. Henry came to Ohio, making the journey on foot over the mountains, having several companions on the trip. They often had to sleep at night in the woods with the trees for their only shelter,
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not finding any habitation to put up at night , and often could not be accommodated for love nor money. Arriving in Wheeling, W. Va., he remained there for sometime, then made his way to Pittsburgh. In 1854, having made but a short stay in the latter place, he moved to Bellaire, and entered the employ of a Mr. Ilorn, then engaged in the coal business. In 1860, Mr. Ilenry leased a tract of land of Col. Sullivan, and was engaged in the coal mining business for several years, having subsequently purchased the land. In 1887 he embarked in the wall- paper and stationery trade, also carrying a large stock of paints and oils, but he disposed of the latter part of his business sometime after. In 1856 he was married to Mary Bender, of Wheeling, and by her he had ten children: Theodore C., Charles F., Herman A., Otto C., Mary C., William F., Edmund C., Albert C., Catherine C. and Emilie S., all living but Albert and Emilie. Mr. and Mrs. Henry are communicants of the German Protestant church. He has been a member of the school board for over twelve years and re-elected for an- other term, and he was a member of the city council and was town- ship trustee. He has always been prominently identified with the republican party.
Frederick Iloffman, who was one of the pioneer business men of Bellaire, was born in Meltonsburg, Monroe county, Ohio, in the year 1848, January 24. Ile was the son of George and Margaret Iloffman, who were both of German birth. George Hoffman located in Mel- tonsburg in 1840, in which year he came from France. Moving to St. Paul, Minn., in 1861, Mr. Hoffman remained in that city until his death in 1877. He died at the age of eighty years, leaving children who now survive. His wife, and two children born to them, died be- fore the husband and father; the wife's demise occurred in 1860. George Hoffman was a farmer by occupation, and his life was such that his death was a calamity. Frederick Hoffman attended the schools in the cities of St. Paul and Wheeling, having begun his edu- cation in the schools of Monroe county, Ohio. Removing with his father to St. Paul, he remained there but a short time; returning east and settling at Wheeling, W. Va., he entered the employ of Johh Arbenz, as a clerk. Mr. Hoffman worked with him several years at Wheeling, at this time the firm established a branch house at Bellaire, and he was made manager of the same. In 18;2, forming, a partnership with Solomon Arbenz, they bought the business from John Arbenz, and conducted the business as a firm for about six years, at which time Mr. Hoffman purchased his partner's share in the busi- ness, which he operated until the time of his death, which happened October 26, 1883. In 187; he was married to Carrie Boeshor, a native of Wheeling. Alberta M., William G., Laura E., and Fred O. are the children of this union. After her husband's death, Mrs. Hoff- man conducted the business for six years, at the expiration of which time her brother Lewis purchased the half-interest in the business. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffinan were members of the German Reform church, and the former was also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and although not a politician, was a true republican. His death was a
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great loss, not only to his family, but also to the community, as he was ever a public spirited citizen.
Marion Huffman, a leading druggist and citizen, and one of the most prominent churchmen of Bellaire, is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, having been born near the city of Bellaire in 1855. He is the son of John B. and Mary (Cummings) Huffman, who were both born in Ohio. John was the offspring of Joseph Huffman, one of the first settlers of Belmont county. He was for many years engaged in op- erating a ferry between Pultney Bottom and a point on the Virginia side of the Ohio river. He was also a farmer, owning a farm above Bellaire on what was then called Whiskey Run. Joseph was a founder of the Methodist Episcopal church in Belmont county, in which church he was ordained a preacher. He was a member of the quarterly confer- ence that licensed Bishop Simpson to preach, and was ever a warm friend of that eminent clergyman and statesman. When nineteen years of age he was married to Sarah Brooks, and became the father of eleven children, all dead, with the exception of one daughter now living on a farm which he entered in Mead township. He was first cousin to Gen. Scott. John Huffman, his son, first saw the light of day Sep- tember, 3, 1813, in Belmont county, Ohio. Having acquired a good education he was engaged for several years in teaching school, after- ward giving his attention to farming. Like his father he was an ardent church worker, and was licensed a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church, and gained quite an extended reputation as an or- ator. Ilis last years were spent on a farm; his death occurred Octo- ber 11, 1866. April 11, 1837. he was married, his wife being a first cousin to the famous Gen. Custer. Seven children were born to this union, five of them living. The mother passed away April 23. ISS1. Marion Huffman's early training was derived from the Belmont county schools, and finished at Mount Union college. He was en- gaged in various occupations until 1879, at which time he established his present business. In 1882 he was married to Stella B. Langrehr, of Bellaire. Mrs. Huffman's grandfather was captured on the Ger- man coast and sold into slavery to the Brazilians, afterward becoming one of Dom Pedro's body-guard. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Huffman: Anson T. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman are active, influen- tial communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church. he being one of the organizers of that church in Bellaire. He is also a member of the Order of Druids, holding the office of district deputy, and is an ardent democrat. Mr. Huffman has made much of his life, having been suc- cessful both in his business and in his social relations to his fellow- men.
Joseph F. Hutchison was born in 1820, February 22, on the farm he now occupies and within a short distance of his present residence. His early life was spent at home on the farm, assisting his father in the management of the property and acquiring an education from the common schools. In after years, by dint of much study. he be- came more than an average scholar. Was married in September. 1848. to Miss Eliza J. Bell, a daughter of F. and Martha Stewart !
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
Bell. Mrs. Hutchison is a native of Ohio. Since his marriage he has always lived on the farm, and in connection with farming has ope- rated by lease his available coal lands. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchison are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living: James F., Susan E., Martha J., Fannie B., William R., Ella U., Jessie L., Joseph (deceased), and two others who died at birth. Mr. and Mrs. Hutch- ison are both strong supporters and workers in the United Presby- terian church which was in its infancy in the United States organized and made a success through the efforts of Mr. Hutchison's ancestors. Has been for two years a justice of the peace. Is a public spirited man and a valuable addition to any community. Mrs. Hutchison died July 21, 18So, and in her death one of the community's best citizens departed this life. She left a sorrowing family who were joined by the sympathetic neighbors in the testimonials of sorrow. The ances- try of the Hutchison family dates hundreds of years back in the old world (Scotland), and can be traced with accuracy back until the time of the persecution in the seventeenth century, in Scotland, at which time two Scotchmen by the name of Hutchison were driven from Scotland into Ireland. One, returning to Scotland to look after the in- terests and effects of the family, was taken sick and died, unmarried and without issue. The other married and settled in Ireland, and from him sprung the present generation. This man, the great-grand- father of the present generation, married in Ireland, and, with five sons and one danghter, came to America and settled near Oxford, Penn., then a village, now a city, in or near the year 1740. The grandfather of the present generation, Samuel Hutchison, was born about 1726 in Scotland, and came with his father to America, and lived and died on a farm adjoining his father's, but owned by himself. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and fought at Brandywine and Trenton, with much credit. Served the seven years and came home and spent the remainder of his life on his farm, when he died in or about 1813. Was the father of nine children, five boys and four girls, all of whom are now deceased. James Hutchison, the father of Joseph, was born March 13, 1770, and was the oldest of the family of Samuel Hutchison, the grandfather of Joseph. Early life was spent at home. Was married November 29, 1799, to Miss Susan Matt, who was born February 15, 1779, in Chester county, Penn. She was a daughter of John Matt, also a descendant of Scotland, but came from Ireland to America. James Hutchison came from Pennsylvania to Ohio after his marriage, in 1803, settling first near Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio, where he remained for nine years, when he removed to Belmont county, settling in April, 1812, on the property now occupied by his son Joseph. Here he remained, and lived and died, and raised a family of ten children, two of whom are still living: Samuel, John, James R., William, Eliza, Jane, Joseph, Susan (de- ceased), and two who died in infancy. Jane, now Mrs. Patterson, a widow of a Presbyterian minister, now resides in lowa. Mr. Hutchi- son was a man of upright, moral principles, who was a recognized leader of all matters of importance in his community, and in his death,
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May 17, 1855, the community lost one of her best citizens and one who was sincerely mourned by all who knew him. His wife died December 6, 1860, only surviving him five years. There were, in the very earliest day of which we have record, a large family of the name of Hutchison, but they were, during the persecution in Scotland, all exterminated, except the two mentioned.
George S. Jennings, a very prosperous grocer of Bellaire, Ohio, is an Englishman by birth, having been born in Staffordshire, in 1842. The parents, Charles and Hannah Jenhings, were born in England, and the father still resides in that country. Mrs. Jennings died in September, 1885. Charles Jennings is a retired builder and con- tractor, in which business he was engaged until about ten years ago, when he retired from active business, and is now spending his old age in the enjoyment of a considerable estate which was acquired during his younger days. Twelve children were the issue of the marriage of Charles and Hannah Jennings, and eleven of them still survive. George S. Jennings did not have the advantage of a very extensive education, being obliged to grapple with the affairs of this life when but ten years of age, at which time he went to work in a foundry, where he learned the moulder's trade. Subsequently Mr. Jennings was employed in an iron mill as a boiler, and was so occupied until his immigration to America in 1868. Coming directly to Wheeling, W. Va., he remained in that city four years, and then took up his abode in Bellaire, obtaining a situation in the Bellaire Nail works of that city. Mr. Jennings has devoted his energies to the grocery busi- ness since 1885, he having been interested in that business since 1878. Besides his extensive grocery business he holds stock in the Bellaire Nail works, Bellaire Union Window Glass company, the . Etna Glass works, and he was formerly a stockholder in the old Washington mill, of Wheeling. . In 1867 Mr. Jennings took Ellen Rawlings to wife. She was also of English parentage. Mrs. Jennings went to her rest in June, 1886, leaving seven children to mourn her loss. The children are: George W., deceased; Charles W., deceased; Eleanor A., de- ceased; Nellie II., deceased; Lizzie, Maud M. and Arthur W. living. Mrs. Jennings was a consistent member of the Church of England, of which denomination Mr. Jennings is also a communicant. Since com- ing to Bellaire Mr. Jennings has been quite active in politics, being a loyal democrat; he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. George S. Jenning's grocery house is one of the largest and best in Belmont county, and its owner is among the best known and most popular citizens of Bellaire.
William Johnson (an Irishman by birth) came to America from Scotland, and settled in Virginia, on Short creek, near Wheeling. where he died. He was married about 1795 to Martha Griffin, a na- tive of Scotland. By her he had two children: John and James, both deceased. After the father's death the mother married John Allen, a citizen of Ohio, with whom she lived until her death. In 1835. she deeded her sons her interest in the property now owned by her grand- son. James, who resides upon the farm with his family. John John-
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son, the son of William, was born in Virginia, in 1800. He lived there until his mother's marriage to Mr. Allen, and then removed to Ohio, taking possession of the farm now operated by his son. Having re- ceived a fair education in the common schools, he married Miss Jane Gordon, a native of Maryland, in 1821, by whom he had three chil- dren: Martha, now the wife of J. Y. Ashenhurst, of Belmont county; James, born in 1823, and William, born in 1825, was drowned in Wheel- ing creek in 1849 while bathing. His wife died in 1825, and two years later he married Miss Nancy Pattison, of West Virginia. She died in 1854. His third wife was Mrs. Nancy A. MeGaw, whom he married in 1859, and who now resides in Bellaire. Mr. Johnson was a man of much local prominence. He was a devoted member of the United Presbyterian church, and was a staunch democrat. His death oc- curred in 1874, and was a great calamity to the community at large. James Johnson, the present incumbent of the Johnson homestead, was born November 29, 1823. His early life was passed in the schools and on the farm. December 31, 1850, he was married to Miss Nancy Gor- don, daughter of James and Martha (Nichol) Gordon, natives of Maryland and Ireland, respectively. Since his marriage Mr. Johnson has operated the farm which has come down to him from the past generations of his family. Under his wise supervision the property has greatly increased in value. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of six children: William A., James G., Martha J., John A., A. Ross, Elmer Nichol (deceased). Mr. Johnson has secured to his children a liberal education. Both himself and wife are active and earnest com- municants of the United Presbyterian church, of High Ridge. Mr. Johnson is one of the substantial, progressive farmers of the com- munity, and is held in high esteem by all.
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