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 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
Edward Jones, superintendent of the blast furnace of the Bellaire Nail works, was born August 12, 1840, in England. When but one year old was removed with his parents, Edward and Mary (Wood) Jones to America, first locating at Mt. Savage, Allegheny county, Md., removing from there to Wheeling in 1848. While here Mr. Jones was engaged in acquiring an education. Mr. Jones, Sr., being a black- smith by trade, the son Edward learned that trade under him, and at the age of twenty started out for himself. At this age he left home and engaged in different occupations, and in 1865 Mr. Jones formed, with others, the company which built and operated the Bellaire Nail works. Mr. Jones has since that time been prominently identified with this corporation; was made one of the directors in 1874, and since that time has served in that capacity. In 1867 they built the nail factory, and in 1873 built the blast furnace which was started September 7. The steel works were built in 1883 and 1884, and started soon after completion. Mr. Jones has since 1867, been an industrious, hard-working citizen, and has always been prominently indentified with this company. The enterprise has been successful and fairly profitable, owing to the energy and perseverance of its managers. Mr. Jones was married November 10, 1862, to Miss Margaret Dins- more, a native of Maryland, daughter of Robert and Isabella (Mc-
589
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
Connel) Dinsmore, natives of Scotland and Ireland. They are the parents of the following children: Edward D., Herbert, Clarence, Clyde, Edith, Edna; and Ida and Mary deceased. Edward is mar- ried and works at the factory of his father. Mr. Jones has been prosperous and successful through life, and healthy, happy and contented, surrounded by his wife and family. lle is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Odd Fellows. He has been of rather more than average prominence in Masonic circles, having held offices of distinction in this order.
Rees Jones was born in Wales, in the year 1814; after obtaining a scant schooling in his native country, he learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1842 he came to the United States, and settled in New York state, but soon came to Pittsburgh, where he was a blacksmith in the employ of the Kensington Iron works until his death in 1852. He married Mary Gregg before coming to this country, and by her had seven children, the wife and three of the children still survive him. William D. Jones is a son of the above, his birth occurred in Herkimer county, N. Y., in 1843. Whatever schooling he had was obtained before he had left the years of boyhood, for when nine years old, he began to work in a rolling-mill in Pittsburgh. Remaining in the rolling-mill but a short time he then went into a glass factory, in which work he has since been engaged. Ilaving followed his trade in different cities, in the fall of 1880, Mr. Jones entered the employ of the Bellaire Goblet company, as a pressman. Subsequenty, in Jan- uary, 1884, he was tendered the position of general manager and superintendent of the Lantern Globe works, which he accepted. During the late war Mr. Jones rendered valiant service in Company F, Twelfth Pennsylvania regiment volunteer cavalry, enlisting June, 1861, and serving for three years. He was in the following engage- ments: Gettysburg, Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Charles City, Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, second battle of Bull Run. and was in the fight which the Union army won before Washington. In the second battle of Bull Run he was wounded in the right arm. Receiving an honor- able discharge from further service in June, 1864, he returned to his trade. In 1864, soon after his return from the war, Mr. Jones was married to Margera A. McAlespy, a Philadelphia lady. Six children have blessed this marriage, they are: Margera G., Francis B., Ella MI., Bertha, John F., and William L. Francis B., Ella and Bertha are deceased, as is also the mother who died in ISS5. Mr. Jones is a member of the G. A. R., and has always taken an active and promi- nent part in the republican party's proceedings in this county. He has proven himself to be a man of energy, integrity and ability, hav- ing operated the affairs of the company which he manages with much skill and shrewdness.
Harry M. Kelly, secretary of the Belmont Glass company, and the youngest and one of the most prominent glass men in the Ohio val- ley, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1864, the son of James 1. and Martha (Peairs) Kelly, who were both natives of that county. James was the son of Albert Kelly, a native of that part of Virginia
-
590
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
which is now the state of West Virginia. He came to Muskingum county at an early date, being one of the pioneers of that county. He was a farmer. James received but a limited educa- tion in the schools of his native county, and then followed in his father's footsteps as a tiller of the soil. Ile died in 1871. His widow and six of the nine children born to them still survive. Harry Kelly attended the common schools, afterward entering Muskingum college, he also took a commercial course in the Eastman Business college, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., after which he entered the employ of the Apple: ton Publishing company, of Cincinnati, with whom he remained but a short time. In 1884 he came to Bellaire, accepting the position of assistant book-keeper of the .Etna Glass company, but was soon com- pelled to relinquish this place on account of the strike of that year. After being forced from his position by the strike, Mr. Kelly con- nected himself with the B. & O. R. R. company, serving that com- pany as ticket agent, collector and freight clerk, for two years. In January, 1887, he was tendered the position of book-keeper for the company of which he is now the secretary. Mr. Kelly kept the books and also acted in the capacity of traveling salesman until August, 1889. when he was elected to fill the place vacated by W. F. Snively. The Belmont Glass company is one of the oldest glass works on the Ohio side of the river, having been organized in 1866, under the name of Barnes, Faupel & Co., and was not incorporated until two years later, when it became the Belmont Glass company. Mr. Kelly is a K. of P., and a loyal republican. Although a young man. he fills the responsi- ble office he holds with as much ability as any man in a similar posi- tion in the Ohio valley.
Carolu; C. Kelly, cashier of the Dollar Savings bank, of Bellaire. and also a prominent citizen of that city, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in the year 1842, the son of John and Rachel (Judkins) Kelly. The father was a Pennsylvanian, the mother a native of Ohio. His grandfather came to Ohio from North Carolina in 1805. His father was born in Chester county. Penn., in 1809, and was a blacksmith by trade. Hle removed to Belmont county, Ohio, in 1834, and located in Barnesville, where he resided until 1850, when he was elected treas- urer of the county, holding that office for four years, when he came to Bellaire, where, in company with Daniel Peck, J. Il. Heaton and C. C. Carroll, he purchased what was then known as the Rodefer farm. This land now comprises a large portion of the city of Bellaire, known as the Rodefer addition. This company of men had the con- trol of this tract until 1857, at which time they sold it. Mr. Kelly then embarked in the wholesale grocery trade, and carried on this business until his death in 1871. Eight children came to his marriage, four of them now living. The widow still survives at the age of seventy-six years. Ile was one of the principal developers of the city and was a large property holder. Carolus Kelly learned telegraphy after leav- ing school, and was in the employ of the C. & P. and B. & O. rail- roads for a number of years. In 1871. with several others, he organized the First National bank, of which he acted as book-keeper
591
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
for four years. In 1874 Mr. Kelly severed his connection with the bank and was engaged in the coal business for some time, after which he was connected with the First National bank of Bridgeport. Six years later he was prominently identified with the organization of the Union Glass company, and was made secretary of the company, having held his office with credit to himself and with benefit to its stockholders. After resigning his position with the latter concern Mr. Kelly was appointed cashier of the Dollar Savings bank, of Bel- laire, and has since been the cashier of the same.
Henry C. Kemple, a prominent citizen of Bellaire, and one of the most expert dentists in Belmont county, first saw the light of day in Wheeling, W. Va., November 11, 1844. He is the son of Charles and Eliza (Ilukill) Kemple, natives of the states of New Jersey and Penn- sylvania, respectively. Charles is the son of Jacob Kemple, who was born in New Jersey, and came to Virginia about 1820, locating at Wheeling, where he was a cooper. He died near Wheeling about 1867 or 1868. Five of the ten children born to him are still living. The wife died in 1840. Charles Kemple was born in the year 1811. Having received a limited education before coming from New Jersey, when still young he began to work with his father at coopering. Working at his trade until 1845, when he turned his attention to farming, and was engaged in this occupation at the time of his death. llis marriage to the mother of the subject of this biography took place in 1830, and nine children, six of whom are now living, was the result of this union. The mother is still living, having reached the advanced age of eighty years. Henry C. Kemple acquired his early education in the schools of Marshall county, W. Va., afterward finishing at the university at West Liberty. In 1858 he was apprenticed to Hout & Taylor, machin- ists, and was employed in this vocation when the war broke out. He enlisted in May, 1861, in the First Virginia regiment, Company 11. Remaining with this regiment during the ninety days they enlisted for. at the expiration of which time he re-enlisted for the remainder of the war in Company K, same regiment. Mr. Kemple was in ten im- portant battles during the war, including the battles of Winchester. Bull Run, Cedar Mountain, and was taken captive in one battle and was held a prisoner for five months, during which time he was con- fined in different rebel prisons, among them being the famous Ander- sonville. He was exchanged in November, 1864, and served his country until the close of the war. After the war he returned to Wheeling. and engaged in milling, but afterward took up the study of dentistry with Dr. J. M. Surgison, of Wheeling. In 1871 he entered the Phila- delphia medical college. Dr. Kemple first practiced at Clarington. Ohio, but in 1887 came to Bellaire. December 28, 1863. he married Lottie B. King, by whom he has had four children: Minnie A .. Fred C., Nellie and Rhea. He is a Mason, a member of the G. A. R., and Knights of Pythias, and is an active republican.
A well-known citizen and business man of Bellaire is George Kern, the son of Christian and Elizabeth Kern, natives of Germany, in
592
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
which country George Kern first saw the light in the year 1837. His father was a farmer, and George was occupied on the farm and in the schools of his native land until 1853, in which year he with his mother and three brothers immigrated to the United States in the search of a home in that favored land. Ile was one of six children, one of whom is now deceased, as is also the mother, who died in the year 1883. Christian Kern passed away in 1845, before the emigration of the family. The subject of this sketch first went to Baltimore, but remained there only a short time; he then moved to Wheeling, W. Va., and there worked at the trade of a baker until 1856, at the expiration of this time Mr. Kern changed his residence to Bellaire, and has since been a citizen of this city. In the course of a year after his removal to Bellaire he formed a partnership with J. Zilch, they carrying on a bakery business for two years. Purchasing his partner's interest in the bakery, Mr. Kern has since conducted it with much success. In the past five years he has given his attention to the insurance business to some extent. Ilis marriage to Catherine Ræder took place in 1859, and eleven children have come to bless their union, the childrens' names are: Lizzie, Annie, Peter, Andrew, Louisa, Catherine, Maggie, George W., William, Rosa and August. This large and interesting family are all living with the exception of two daughters, Annie and Catherine. Ile and wife are members of the German Reform church, and Mr. Kern is also a member of the orders of I. O. O. F., Red Men and Druids. He has served the people of Bellaire as a councilman for five years, and has been township trustee for eight years, having been elected to these offices on the democratic ticket. Since his coming to Bellaire Mr. Kern has not only accumulated a considerable property, but has also won an enviable name in business affairs.
Carl Eurnest Kurtz is a prominent physician and citizen of Bellaire. Dr. Kurtz is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, where he was born 1841, son of Jacob and Caroline Kurtz. Jacob was a farmer in Ger- many during his life, and died in 1842. He was the father of three children, two sons and a daughter. Dr. Kurtz was educated in his native land. finishing his schooling in a gymnasium of Wurtem- berg. In 1856 he began the study of medicine, and continued it until 1850, when the Italian war broke out, and he entered the German army as a surgeon's mate, serving for six years. In 1862 he was promoted to the position of assistant surgeon of a cavalry regi- ment, and passing the examination of the state board, he began the prac- tice of surgery in Wurtemberg, where he remained until 1865, when he was honorably discharged, and in the fall of that year he, in com- pany with his mother, brother and sister, came to this country. They first located in Newark, N. J. After having acquired a sufficient knowledge of the English language, Dr. Kurtz entered the university of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and was graduated therefrom in March, 1869, having completed his medical education. After his graduation he began to practice in Pittsburgh, but remained there but a short time, he then went to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he resided until
593
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
1870, at which time he came to Bellaire. His mother died in Wheel- ing in 1881. The sister who came over with him is now Mrs. Geisler, of Detroit, Mich. 1 lis brother went west shortly after landing in this country and entered the United States army, afterward settling in New Mexico, all trace of him has since been lost. Dr. Kurtz married Miss Mattie Eaton, in 1868. She was a resident of Harrison county, Ohio, living in the vicinity of Hopedale. Two children have been born to this union: Nannette M. and Daniel E. Dr. and Mrs. Kurtz are members of the Second Presbyterian church, of Bellaire. He isa Mason and also a member of the Belmont county and the Ohio State Medical and American Medical societies. He is a life member of the Alumni association of the university of Pennsylvania, has been sur- geon of the B. & O. railroad since 1872, and surgeon of the B., Z. & C. railroad since its inception. From 1879 to 18So he was surgeon of the Second regiment of National Guards of Ohio. Dr. Kurtz is a man of undoubted skill and ability, and has an enviable record as a physician and surgeon.
Charles J. La Roche is a prominent and successful young business man of Bellaire. He was born in Wheeling. W. Va., May 6, 1864. His parents were Anton and Barbara La Roche; the father was a native of Germany, and the mother of Ohio. Anton La Roche re- ceived his education in the old country, after which he engaged in the manufacture of willow ware, and followed this until the year 1852. when he came to this country and took up his abode in Baltimore, Md .. and established a factory there, he also conducting the business in the fatherland at the same time. While on a visit to Germany he was drafted in the army, and though he escaped his property was seized by the government. In 1855 he abandoned his business in the east and came to Wheeling and carried on a business there until about the year 1870, when he came to Bellaire and has since remained here, conducting his former business. In 1861 he espoused the mother of the principal of this sketch and by her had eleven children, only one of them now being alive. Charles La Roche derived his early educa- tion from the Bellaire schools. After leaving school he learned glass- engraving, and worked at this for some years. When quite young Mr. La Roche began the study of music and was leader of an orchestra when but eleven years old. He was a music teacher for several years and was very successful in his work. In 1885 with Mrs. M. J. Kelly he started a music store in Bellaire. They continued in partnership for about two years, he then purchased Mrs. Kelly's interest and has since conducted the business alone. Mr. La Roche is a member of th Catholic church, and although never having been prominently identi- fied with any political party he is a loyal democrat. Mr. La Roche is an enterprising young business man and has great ability for conducting a business of this nature on account of his marked musical talent.
Samuel H. McGregor was born December 2, 1843, in the house now occupied by himself and family. His early life was spent in acquiring an education from the common schools. His father dying in 1851,
38-B.
594
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
the farm was rented for a time until 1859, when Samuel took the en- tire charge of the place, and managed the property under the super- vision of his mother. In 1864 he took a trip to the west, visiting the friends in Illinois, and returning in about three months. During this time the farm was managed by Samuel and a brother, R. E., until about 1871 or '72, when the mother purchased the whole farm from the heirs. From 1871 or '72 until 1885, the farm was operated by the two brothers, when Samuel purchased the farm from the heirs, the mother having died in 1885. Since that time he has lived here on the homestead farm, and, with a sister, has managed the estate. Mr. McGregor has made a valuable addition of 183 acres to the home- stead farm, and now owns a very valuable property. Mr. McGregor has not been interested in politics, but has held some unimportant offices of trust in regard to educational matters and roads. Samuel has never married.
Alexander McGregor, father of the present resident on the home- stead, was born July 6, 1804, in Maryland, and was a son of James and Elizabeth (Gordon) McGregor, natives of Scotland, who emi- grated to America some time during revolutionary times. Alex- ander McGregor's early life was spent principally in acquiring an education from the limited resources at that time at command. But in late years in educating himself, and in the mathematical depart- ments, became very proficient. In about 1817, he, with his father's family, came to Ohio, and the father purchased the farm now occu- pied by his descendants, together with some additional property. Alexander was employed on the farm by his father, and on the death of his father, the property reverted to him, and here he lived until his death in August, 1851. He was married in 1837, to Miss Eliza Ilarris, a daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Gilb) Harris. Mr. Harris was a native of New Jersey. The Miss Eliza was born in Wheel- ing in 1818. He was the father of seven children, four of whom are still living: Reuben J., born February 27, 1840; Sarah E., born De- cember 30, 1841; Samuel H., born December 2, 1843; Robert E., born August 22, 1845; Joseph N., born February 18, 1847; Margaret A., born January 19, 1849; Alexander, born August 23, 1851. Reuben J. attended Washington college, and when near the time for his gradu- ation, left that institution, and taught school, and soon after the out- break of the war, enlisted August 13th in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio, under Capt. Kirk. Ile saw much sharp fighting and had many narrow escapes. Was employed as sergeant in signal corps under Mcclellan, at Antietam, afterward in Tennessee, under Burnsides and Foster. Returning, he went west, and was employed in many important railroad surveys. He remained in the west until his death at Manitowoc, Wis., in 1879, at which time he held the position of government inspector of improvement on lakes and rivers. Sarah Elizabeth was married in November, 1866. to Mr. An- drew Neff, a resident of Ohio, with whom she resided until his death in 1871. By him she is the mother of three children, all living: Mary, Nelson and Maggie. She now resides with, and keeps house for, her
*
595
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
brother. Robert lived on the homestead until his marriage, when he went to Minnesota, engaging in the hardware business in Windom, Minn. He was married in 1878, to Miss Mary B. Shields, a native of Ohio, by her he had one child, which is dead. Joseph Nelson left the farm at an early age, going to Bellaire, where he engaged in the business of drugs; left here about 1871, when he went to Windon, where he entered a drug firm as partner. At present he holds the position of cashier of the Windon National bank. Ile married in 1874, Mary Evans, a native of Wisconsin. By her he had four chil- dren, three of whom are still living: Reuben, Lizzie and Maggie. Margaret and Alexander McGregor died when still children. The grandfather and grandmother were the parents of nine children, all of whom are now deceased: Lucinda, born 1789; James, 1791; Mar- garet, 1794; Mary, 1796; Elizabeth, 1799; Jane, 1800: Alexander, 1804; Robert, 1806, and John, 1810. The family ancestry, as far back as can be traced, show them to be a race remarkable for sturdiness and industry.
William J. McClain, the leading contractor and builder, and a rep- resentative citizen of Bellaire, was born July 12, 1849, in county Tyrone, Ireland. Joseph and Jane (Ellison) McClain were his par- ents, they were natives of the same county, the father having been born in the year ISO1. After obtaining as much of an education as was possible he went to work as a stone-mason, afterward becoming a contractor, being engaged in this work until his demise in 1867. Joseph was the father of nine children, six sons and three daughters. Six of these children survive their parents, the mother having fol- lowed her husband to the grave in the year 1882, dying in her son's home at Bellaire. When fifteen years of age, up to which time he had been engaged in acquiring an education, William McClain began work with his father as a stone-mason, and was engaged in this pur- suit in Ireland until 1866, when he came to the United States, and located in Belmont county, first working for John Duboise. After remaining with Mr. Duboise for some time, Mr. McClain began con- tracting, his first contracts being in Bellaire. His success was not very flattering at the outset, as he was unable to collect the money for several different contracts which he had completed in a satisfactory manner. Through the kindness of Messrs Houge & Cowan, then engaged in banking in the city, Mr. McClain was enabled to continue in his business, they having loaned him the the sum of $300 without security. From this time he had a very prosperous season until 1873. when he invested all of his capital in the Pittsburgh, Wheeling & Kentucky railroad, and the property that had been accumulated dur- ing his residence in this country was all lost in this railroad. Continu- ing in his business, he in time regained his losses and in 1886 pur- chased a large tract or land near Bellaire, at is what is now known as McClainsville, were he opened a stone quarry. Mr. McClain soon after founded a town known as McClainsville. This quarry has proved a very wise investment, he having built some of the finest buildings in Bellaire and surrounding towns, and is also the builder of the Bel-
596
HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
mont county court house and jail, and the Orphans' Home, jail and sheriff's residence of Monroe county. Mr. McClain's reputation as a builder gained for him the building of the Broad Street Methodist Episcopal church of Columbus. In 1870 he took Sarah J. Braiden to wife, and by her has had eight children: James, William J., Samuel, Bessie, Lillie B., Sadie, Richard and Ora M., all living but James and Lillie. Mr. and Mrs. McClain are members of the First Presbyterian church, and the former is also a Mason, and a member of the I. O. O. F. His political faith is founded upon the principles of the republican party.
Robert Merritt was born in March, 1809, in Berkely county, Va. He came to this country with his parents when but eighteen months old. Was a son of William and Mary (Long) Merritt, natives of Vir- ginia, who came to Ohio in 1810, and settled near the farm now occu- pied by the son's widow, Mrs. Robert Merritt. Here they lived and died. William Merritt was a man much respected, and looked up to by his neighbors, and with his good wife, made excellent neighbors. He died in January, 1835, his wife following him some five or six years later, in February, 1840. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom have passed away: Mary, Robert, Harriet, James, Sarah Ann, Elizabeth, Benjamin Anderson. Robert came with his parents to Ohio, in ISIo, from Maryland, and with them, settled on the farm near the one now occupied by his widow. llis early life was spent at home on the farm and in acquiring an education from the common schools. He was married October IS, 1831, to Eve- line Milligan, a daughter of Hugh and Ruth (Brown) Milligan, both natives of Virginia, the daughter a native of West Virginia, born near Wheeling. Hugh Milligan came to West Virginia at the age of fifteen or sixteen, and located near Wheeling, where he spent the re- mainder of his life. He was married in IS11, to Miss Ruth Brown, a native of West Virginia, and by her had nine children, six of whom are still living: Sally .A., deceased; William, deceased; John, Josiah, Hannah; Peggy Jane, deceased; Mary, Eliza. Eveline married the sub- ject of thissketch, and with him, in 1831, removed to the farm of Mr. Mer- ritt's father, where they remained until 1843, when, having previously completed the present home, he, with his wife and family, removed to the place now occupied by his survivor. They are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living: Mary Ann, Eliza R .; James L., deceased; Anna Jane: William, deceased; Hugh Milligan; Sarah Eveline, deceased; Josiah, Benjamin Anderson. Robert Mitchell. Mr. Merritt has never paid much attention to political matters, though at all times a strong democrat. He was a member with his wife of the Rock Hill Presbyterian church, and a strong supporter and worker in that organization. In his death July 26, 1884, the wife lost a loving husband, the sons and daughters an indulgent father, and the community, one of her best citizens. His wife, Mrs. Robert Merritt, still survives him, and surrounded by her children and grandchildren, lives happily in the home of her husband. Of the children, all but one are married, Robert M., who, at present, resides
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.