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 25
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in California. Mrs. Merritt is the mother of seven children living. twenty-nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Eliza Stroman, wife of Alfred Stroman, deceased, lives with her on the homestead farm. Mrs. Stroman has had two children: Willie E., deceased; Anna E. Anna, who in 1888, married Frank O. Alexander, of Missouri, but a native of this state, now lives with her mother and grandmother, and is the mother of two children: John D. and Eveline M.
Samuel Moore, one of the leading merchants of Bellaire, was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1847. Ile is the son of William and Eliza (Downing) Moore. The parents both came from very old English families, their genealogy having been traced back for over 500 years. William Moore was the manager in charge of the Chance Bros'. Glass works for over thirty-four years, and was still holding that position at the time of his death on February 25, 18SI. He was the father of fourteen children, having been twice married. The mother of the subject of this sketch bore him seven children, all of them survive her, her death having occurred in 1851. Samuel Moore was educated in England, and served an apprenticeship of seven years as a glass-blower. He followed his trade in England until 1871, when he came to the United States, locating at Berkshire, Mass. After one year spent in the latter place Mr. Moore traveled for ten years as a salesman in the eastern states. In 18So he came to Bellaire, Ohio, and entered the employ of the Union Glass works. Having remained with the Union Glass company for two years, Mr. Moore, in 1883, organized the Crystal Glass works, being associated in this work with J. Adams, T. Hamilton and others. He was made the manager of the company at its inception, and was a director in the same for over five years, and although he is not connected in an official capacity with the company he still retains his stock. In 1881, he purchased the gro- cery which he now operates. When the Crystal Glass works were des- troyed by fire in 1884, Mr. Moore gave his entire attention to the grocery trade until 1887, when he became connected with the Enter- prise Glass company, in whose employ he still remains, his grocery business being managed by Mr. T. Cregg. He was married to Sarah Rudge, a native of England. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore: Ada M., Hannah, Maggie M., William Il. and Ella M., all are living. He and his wife are members of the First Pres- byterian church, of which he is a trustee. He was one of the organizers of the Buckeye Building and Loan association, of which he was an ap- praiser for some time, and is also a stockholder in the Bellaire Gas & Oil company, and has taken quite an active part in politics, being identi- fied with the republican party. Mr. Moore is a broad minded, progress- ive business man, and a good citizen, taking hold of anything which in his judgment will benefit the community at large.
Edmund G. Morgan was one of the most useful and enterprising citizens that Bellaire ever had. He was born in Winchester, Va., in 1823. His parents were both Virginians. After his father's death the family moved to Wheeling, W. Va. Remaining there but a few
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years he crossed the river and settled in St. Clairsville, Ohio, about the year 1834. Ilere he received his schooling and studied law, but pre- fering business, went into the drug trade, then into the dry goods business with his father-in-law, R. E. Carothers. Being satisfied that St. Clairsville was not as promising a location for business as some of its sister towns, he came to Bellaire in 1858, and established the first wholesale grocery in Bellaire. The next enterprise toward which he turned his attention, was the coal business. In connection with his father-in-law he purchased a tract of land adjoining the city and opened a coal bank. This business is still conducted by his son, George E. Morgan. Mr. Morgan immediately identified himself with every enterprise, which promised in any way to benefit the city in which he lived. He was largely interested in, and was president of, the Belmont Glass company and Goblet company. At the time of the organization of the B., L. & C. R. R., Mr. Morgan was one of the most active in securing its existence, and shortly after its completion, was elected president of the same, which office he held for several years. He was also one of the organizers of the Bellaire Street R. R. He was a member of the city council for several terms, also of the school board. He lived to do much good, and dying, left a name unbe- smirched by any mean actions. Not a church member, yet one of the most liberal contributors to churches and charitable institutions of Bellaire. Mr. Morgan was a Mason and a democrat. George E .. son of above, soon after his father's death, took charge of the coal business, and still owns it. Is a member of the Knights of Pythias. and is a democrat. He is one of Bellaire's leading citizens and an enterprising young man.
The most popular hotel man in Bellaire, Ohio, is Ezekiel C. Mor- ris. Mr. Morris was born in Marion county, W. Va., January 28, 1828. He is the son of Richard and Susannah (Stull) Morris, both natives of Virginia. Richard was the son of Zadoe Morris, a native of Dela- ware, who came to Virginia at an early date, locating near Cassville. Here he remained until his death, which occurred in his ninetieth year. about 1840. He was a farmer by occupation. Richard Morris was born in 1,84, in the state of Delaware, coming to Virginia with his parents. He obtained but a limited education, and gave his attention to farming, which he followed all his days, dying in 18;2. He was the father of twelve children, eleven of whom are still living. The mother died in 1859. Ezekiel was educated in Virginia, after leaving school he served an apprenticeship of four years as a tanner, under ex-Gov- ernor Pierpont. Until the year 1854 Mr. Morris was engaged in the tanner's trade, the last three years of his connection with it he was in business for himself. Hle sold his tan-yard and purchased the Mann- ington House, at Mannington, W. Va. He operated this hotel for about two years and a half, then went back to his old trade, taking charge of a tannery for a short time at Shinston, Harrison county. During the war he was proprietor of a hotel at Cameron, W. Va., and in 1864 came to Bellaire, purchasing what is now known as the Globe Hotel. Mr. Morris is a man eminently fitted for his
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business, being a born hotel-keeper, he has improved his house in Bel- laire until it is now considered one of the best hotels in eastern Ohio. In 1852 he married Caroline Bruneau, a native of Virginia. They have had two daughters: Alice L. and Mary O. Mr. and Mrs. Mor- ris always give of their means for the advancement of any and all de- serving charitable enterprises, and are among the most popular residents of Bellaire. Mr. Morris is an ardent republican, and was formerly a Whig. Ile is a member of the Masonic order.
One of Bellaire's best physicians and most successful citizens, is Robert W. Muhleman, M. D., who was born in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1853. His parents, Fred and Elizabeth (Zink) Muhleman, were both natives of Switzerland, from which country they emigrated to America about 1830, going direct to Monroe county, where the father engaged in farming, remaining in this business up to the time of his death in 1884. He was married in Monroe county, Ohio, in 1843. This marriage was blessed by the birth of eight children, all of whom survive the father. Mrs. Fred Muhleman still resides on the farm in Monroe county. Dr. Muhleman, the principal of this biography, re- ceived his preliminary education in the Monroe county schools, after- ward attending Baldwin university, at Berea, Ohio. After attending college, he returned to his home and taught school for a number of years, during the years of 1873-4 he was superintendent of public schools at Barnesville. Monroe Co., Ohio. In the vacations he had been applying himself to the study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. S. A. Muhleman, of Wheeling. In 18;6 he entered the Pulte Medical college, of Cincinnati, and was graduated therefrom in 1877. The same year he began the practice of medicine in Bellaire, and has remained there since, having acquired a very large practice. In 1879, Dr. Muhleman, in company with C. C. Cratty, C. C. Kelley, H. Roemer and several others, organized the Union Glass company; in iSS2, he, with D. J. Smith, S. R. Hamilton and John Shannafelt, organized the Crystal Window Glass company, of which he was made president, and he holds this position at present. He is also largely interested in the Bellaire Window Glass company, in which he holds the office of vice president. Dr. Muhleman invested very largely in Wichita, Kansas, property in the year IS;7, and in this enterprise has met with the suc- cess which follows business tact and thrift. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Bellaire, being one of its most efficient members. In politics, he is a loyal democrat.
Robert E. Neal is one of the pioneer characters of Bellaire. He is a native of Belmont county, having first seen the light of day at Union- town, Belmont county, Ohio, June 15, 1831. Mr. Neal's parents were George and Mary (Daves) Neal, both of Irish descent, and both born in Pennsylvania. George Neal was a cabinet-maker and gunsmith. Ile came to Ohio and located at Uniontown. Here he remained, working at his trade and bringing up his family of five children. until his demise. Itis wife also died, and the children are all dead. with the exception of Robert E. Neal, who is the principal of this biograph- ical sketch. Having obtained all the schooling possible. Mr. Neal
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
learned the trade of tailoring, but did not work at it many years. Ile next gave his attention to the livery business in Bellaire, where he went in 1854. Ile has since remained in this business. He was united in marriage, and the union was crowned by the birth of three children: Mary, Robert F. and William, all of them survive their mother, who has passed away. Mr. Neal married a second time. He is a Mason and an ardent democrat. Mr. Neal probably has as large a trade as any man in the county. He has gained the reputation of being a man square in his dealings with everybody, and of doing everything in his power to accommodate those who give him their patronage. At all times keenly alive to his business interests, yet never overstepping the strictest bounds of honesty. He is always ready to give of his means to any deserving cause, and has supported everything that would tend to benefit the community in which he lives.
Alexander Neff is one of the best known and most prosperous farmers and stock-raisers in Belmont county, Mr. Neff is the descend- ant of an old and influential family. His birth occurred in Pultney township, Belmont county, Ohio, February 11th, 1848. Like most farmer's sons, he was reared on the farm, attending school in the win- ter and working during the summer months. His schooling was ob- tained in the district school known as the " Bald Knob" school-house, and at the select school at Centreville, Ohio, taught by S. II. Wallace. Mr. Neff taught school for a short time when he was nineteen years of age. His marriage to Lizzie J. Wallace, of Utica, Licking Co., Ohio, was solemnized February 27th, 1884. Mrs. Neff was born in Knox county, near Hunt's Station, Ohio. Her parents came from Ire- land when very young, their parents settled in Knox county. Mr. Neff was real estate assessor in 18So, and made the decennial ap- praisment of lands in Pultney township. He has always been a demo- crat. Mr. Neff is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is clerk of the session of Coalbrook church, St. Clairsville presbytery. He has been engaged in farming and stock-raising all his life, and has made a marked success in this line, being recognized as one of the leading agriculturists of the township. Mr. Neff's parents were born in Pultney township, near Neff's Siding, on the B. & O. rail- road. The mother was born April 23d, 1814, and died April 20th, 1883. The father died October 29th, 1852. Their marriage took place April ist, 1845. Their parents came from the state of Maryland about 1801, or 1802, and settled at McMahon's Creek, in Belmont county, Ohio. They were of Scotch-Dutch-Irish descent. In religion they were Covenanters.
Andrew James Neff was born March 4, 1850, on the farm he now occupies, the son of Andrew and Jane (Alexander) Neff, natives of Ohio. His early life was spent on the farm and in acquiring an edu- cation at the common schools, he also spent one term at the select school at Bethel. His father dying in 1852, Mr. Neff and his two elder brothers, John W. and Alexander Neff, were left the entire charge of the farm and support of the family. In 1883 Andrew bought the homestead farm from the remaining heirs, and has since
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that time operated it for himself. He was married in 1883 to Mary .1. Brannen, daughter of Joseph and Ilarriet Brannen, residents of Ohio. They are the parents of two children, both living: Herbert B. and Hazel J. Hle never pays any attention to politics, more than to vote the democratic ticket. Both Mr. Neff and wife are members and strong supporters of the Bethel Presbyterian church.
Theodore Neff, a representative farmer of Pultney township, Bel- mont county, Ohio, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1857. Until twenty-eight years old he was engaged in assisting his father in farm- ing, and obtaining an education. In 1878 he married Miss Nancy J. McKelvey, a daughter of Samuel McKelvey, a resident of Meade township. At his father's death in 1SS3, the home farm was left to him. Two years later he bought another farm adjoining the home farm. In 1886 he again bought another farm in Pultney township, and removed to it, where he has since resided. He is now engaged in growing fine fruits and vegetables for the markets. Mr. and Mrs. Neff are the parents of the following named children: Edna D., Jacob Harris and Carrie L., all living. Mr. Neff has paid but little attention to politics beyond the affairs of the county and township. He was elected assessor of York township on the democratic ticket, and has always been identified with all enterprise relating to schools and public roads, and is now secretary of the Enterprise Farmers' Alliance in this county. Gerge Neff, father of the subject of this mention, was born in June, ISII, in Richland township. Belmont county, Ohio. He was a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Feeley) Neff, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. Conrad Neff was a carpenter by trade. After leaving Maryland he settled in Pennsylania, and was married. . After three years' married life his wife died, leaving two children, one boy and one girl, Henry and Hannah. Thence he moved to Ohio, where he married Miss Feeley. By his second wife he had eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, five of whom survive, they are: Susan, Conrad, William, Benjamin and Jacob. Those who are deceased are: Henry, George, Mary, Peter, Thomas, Ann and Hannah. \t Conrad Neff's demise the old homestead was left to his wife during her life. and on her death it was sold to the youngest son, Jacob, who still owns and resides on it. The proceeds were divided among the heirs. Besides the home property, Conrad left a large amount of land. During his lifetime he gave each son a farm, George's land being situated in York township. George Neff was married in isto. to Miss Martha Williams, daughter of Ezra Williams, a native of the county of Cork. Ireland. but a resident at the time of Belmont county, Ohio. Ezra Williams was married to Miss AArmelia Thompson, who was born in the first log cabin that was built where the city of Bridge- port now stands. Of the three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neff. Theodore is the only living representative. The children were: Sarah Elizabeth, Ezra and Theodore. George Neff and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died December 1 ;. 1883, and his wife passed away September 20. 18;8. The Neff family
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
have always been one of the most respected families in the county, always being industrious, economical men; none of the name were ever known to go to law with his fellow man.
The popular and successful manager and shipping clerk of the Bel- mont Glass company, of Bellaire, Ohio, is Alexander Ogle. Mr. Ogle has, by unflagging energy and devotion to his employer's inter- ests, worked his way from a general assistant around the company's works to his present responsible position. He was born in the city of Bellaire March 3. 1848, the son of Benjamin and Julia (McElycene) Ogle, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. Mr. Ogle re- ceived his schooling in the Bellaire city schools, afterward working upon the river for a short time. He was variously engaged until the secession of the southern states, at which time he became an assistant in one of the departments of the Union army, being with the Seventy- seventh Ohio regiment of volunteers. He served until the close of the war in this capacity, being too young to enlist as a regular soldier. Mr. Ogle was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and also at Pitts- burgh Landing, and participated in several other important engage- ments. After the war he returned to Bellaire, and when the erection of the works of the Belmont Glass company began he entered the employ of that company, and has remained with them up to this time. Catherine Lilly, of this city, became his wife in July, I870, and has borne him three children: Bertha M., Ora O. and Alexander F. Mrs. Ogle and her daughters are members of the Christian church, of which they are active communicants. Mr. Ogle is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He espouses the principles incorporated in the platform of the republican party, and has ever been an active and faithful follower of this organization. Mr. Ogle has gained many friends in his business and social career, and is held in the highest esteem by the people who know him best. A man of much force of character and of strict integrity.
Benjamin F. Ogle was born in February 28, 1822, in Mead town- ship, Belmont county, Ohio, and was a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Fletcher) Ogle, natives of Virginia and New Jersey, respectively. His early life was spent at home acquiring an education from the lim- ited resources at that time at command, and in assisting his foster parents on the farm. At about the age of fourteen, becoming tired of the quiet and disagreeable life led here, he ran away and from that time forth carved his way alone. From here he worked at different occupations until about 1836, when he engaged in boating on the Ohio, from the source to its mouth and on many of its tributaries. Here he worked at many different phases of steam-boat life until finally having by industry, patience and perseverance, acquired a knowledge of the channels of the stream over which he had been boating, he was employed as pilot on the Ohio, between Pittsburgh and Louisville, in 1839. Ilis life as pilot was begun in a very humble way, but by the industry and perseverance which have always marked his career he soon rose in his profession until in or about 1849, when he was con- sidered one of the best pilots on the Ohio, and from that time until
Doorman nau
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BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
the time of his retirement held many places of trust and great re- sponsibility. On the breaking out of the war Mr. Ogle was engaged on the steamer " Unis," between Pittsburgh and Louisville, under Capt. J. McClure, of Wheeling, but after the outbreak was, by reason of his knowledge of the river channels, made a government pilot, and while here in this position saw many important engagements and had many narrow escapes. He was engaged in piloting dispatch-boats, gun- boats, transports, etc., and necessarily saw much fighting. He was from the opening to the close of the war engaged in the government ser- vice, and some of the more important engagements in which he par- ticipated were, Fort Donnelson, Pittsburgh Landing, Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, and many smaller engagements. At the close of the war Mr. Ogle again returned to the service of the different steam companies operating on the Ohio. In ISS5, having been for many years in the boat service and having acquired a small competency, Mr. Ogle retired from active life and now resides in Bellaire, Ohio, with his wife and son. Mr. Ogle was married in May, IS45, to Miss ; Julia McElvaine, a daughter of James Mc Elvaine and Mary (Vinzandt! a descendant of Scotland, but a native and resident of Pennsylvania, and a farmer of Lawrence county. They are the parents of three daughters and two sons, all of whom are still living: Cordelia A .. now Mrs. Hibbard, of Barnesville: Alexander C., married and living in Bel- laire; Mary A., now Mrs. Mary Lille, of Bellaire; Ella V .. now Mrs. Shoemacher, of Massilon, Ohio; Theodore D., still un-married and resides at home with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Ogle are members of the Disciple church of Bellaire, and are strong workers for its inter- ests. Benjamin Ogle, Sr., was born in the east, and at the time of his death was engaged on the Ohio in flat-boating, and on one of these trips met his death. His death occurred some three or four months previous to the birth of his son, and after the birth of the son he, the son, was bound out to a farmer residing near them, and it is a praise- worthy thing to notice that Benjamin Ogle, Jr., has risen from what we term poverty and obscurity to a position of independence and re- spectability, solely through his own exertions. After the father's death the mother re-married, and thus severed her connection with the Ogle family. The ancestry of the family dates back many years, but owing to limited ways can not be accurately followed. The grand- father was the man who, with a relative, settled at Dillie's Bottom, in Mead township, and the present family are direct descendants of Gov. Ogle, who reigned over the extensive territory of Maryland, in 1735, and many years ago the family was one of the most prominent in America. Another was governor of Delaware in 1,50, both of whom secured their commissions from King George of England.
Christian L. Poorman was born at Mechanicsburg. Penn .. Octo- ber 28. 1825. His grandparents came from Switzerland. Ilis grand- father served in the Revolutionary war. His father, Christian Poor- man, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was wounded at the battle of Lundy's Lane. Hle removed with his parents in 1834. to Colum- biana county, Ohio, and afterward to Pittsburgh, Penn. He learned
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the carpenter's trade with his father, and worked at cabinet-making from 1845 to 1848, in Allegheny City. He came to Belmont county in 1850. He was educated at the public schools, and at night schools while working at the trade. He was elected justice of the peace in 1854, and auditor of Belmont county in 1858, and was re-elected in 1860. Hle recruited a company for the Forty-third Ohio volunteer infantry in 1861, and served as its captain until July, 1862, when he was detailed by Governor Todd to recruit for the Ninety-eighth Ohio volunteer infantry, and was appointed lieutenant colonel when organ- ized, and after the death of Col. George Webster, killed at Perrysville, in command of the brigade, was made colonel of the regiment which he had commanded in the battle of Perrysville, where every other field officer in the brigade, and thirty-eight soldiers of the regiment were killed, and 100 soldiers of the regiment were wounded. Served with the regiment until it was reduced to less than 200 men for duty. After returning to St. Clairsville he edited the Belmont Chronicle, which he had purchased in 1860, and having studied law, graduated at the Cincinnati law school, and was admitted to the practice of law in the supreme court of the state, and practiced with marked success for two years, but preferred newspaper work to the practice of the law. In ISto he removed to Bellaire, and organized the Bellaire Im- plement & Machine works, which, for want of sufficient capital, and because of the great depression in business after the panic of 1873. failed a few years later. In IS;S he commenced the publication of the Bellaire Tribune, as a weekly paper. He started the Evening Tri- bune in ISSo, as a daily, and enlarged both since, making the former a semi-weekly, both of which are running successfully. He was elected to the house of representatives of the general assembly of the state in 1885, and was re-elected in ISS7, serving the first time as chairman of the committee on privileges and elections, which investigated the Cincinnati election frauds, and in the second term as a leading mem- ber of the financial committee.
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