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 27
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George W. Walters, senior partner of the hardware firm of George Walters & Co., is a son of George and Isabella ( Little) Walters, the former one of the partners of the Wheeling Wagon & Carriage com- pany, and was born November 11, 1849. Until about the age of fif- teen he remained at home, acquiring an education, spending about three years at Harding's Business college. About the age of fifteen he entered on his mercantile life in Wheeling, first with Ott, Son & Co., as shipping clerk. then as book-keeper. and finally as traveling salesman. He remained with this firm until the latter part of 18;1, when he, with S. O. Cummins, formed the firm of Cummins & Walters, hardware dealers, in Bellaire, and with him he remained until January 1, 1883. He and his brother. Charles Walters, then formed the firm of George Walters & Co., hardware dealers, first lo-
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cating in the Gorby building, continuing here for three years, when they purchased a building of J. Il. Grafton, and after enlarging the same commenced business at that place, where they have since re- mained. He was married in 1874 to Miss Minnie Wilson, a daughter of Thomas Wilson, of Centreville, Ohio. By her he has one son, Charles W., born in 18;6. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity of Bellaire, and a member of the Knights of Honor. Both he and wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church, of Bel- laire, Ohio. He has paid some attention to home politics, serving the city as councilman. He was elected as trustee of the Bellaire water works in 1887, and his term expiring in 1890, he was re-elected for three more years. During all his service as chairman, Mr. Walters' man- agement has caused $5.000 debt to be paid. He is one of the direc- tors of the Enterprise Window Glass company and Bellaire Glass works, besides owning some real estate in different parts of the city. He has always been successful in all his dealings, and is one of the pushing, enterprising men who has helped make Bellaire what she is.
Levi Wells was a Pennsylvanian who came to Ohio in the year 1822, locating in the vicinity of Mt. Pleasant, on Short creck. Here he began working at his trade of a blacksmith, having learned his trade of his father. As far back as the family can be traced they are found to have been blacksmiths, this useful trade being handed down from father to son. Levi was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was severely wounded during one of its fierce conflicts. He remained at Mt. Pleasant until 1840, when he sold his business to his oldest son, and removed to the neighborhood of St. Clairsville, where he died in 1860. Of thirteen children, five of them still survive him. Henry Wells, his son, was born in 1814, and came with his father to Ohio. As soon as he was old enough he began working at his father's forge, following the trade until 1859. He purchased his father's business and con- ducted it for two years; he then removed to Bridgeport, Ohio, in 1857, operating a shop there until 1850, at the expiration of this period he entered the stove business at Martin's Ferry, which was conducted by his brothers. He took charge of these works until 1862, when he began filling government contracts for hay and grain, continuing in this until 1865. Moving back to Martin's Ferry he again assumed control of the stove works, keeping this position until 18;4. His death occurred January 4. 1SS9. Mr. Wells married Margaret McConahey in 1845. She bore him three children, dying in 1853, three weeks after the birth of her son, Thompson W. Wells, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Wells was an active worker in the Presbyterian church, having been one of the founders of the church of that denomination in Bridgeport, and was one of the first elders. Thompson W. Wells, M. D., was born in Bridgeport, Belmont Co., Ohio, Febru- ary 9, 1853. His education was obtained in the Martin's Ferry public schools and was finished in the Franklin college, in Harrison county, Ohio. AAfter leaving college Dr. Wells began to study medicine with Dr. R. F. Turner, of Wheeling, in 18;2, remaining with him one year. lle then entered a medical college of Philadelphia, Penn., and also
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studied at the same time with Dr. McFarland, of that city. He was graduated with honor March 10, 1875, and began the practice of his profession at Bearsville, Monroe Co., Ohio, where he remained for ten years. In 1886 Dr. Wells came to Bellaire, where he now resides and practices. Esebell Smith became his wife in 1874, and has borne him four children: Ellen E., Mabel T., Malcom M. and Palma, all living. Mrs. Wells is a native of Belmont county. Dr. Wells is a Mason, and, although he has never taken any active part in politics, he is a firm supporter of the republican party. Dr. Wells is consid- ered one of the first physicians in Belmont county, and has met with much success in his treatment of the physical ills of humanity.
Harry G. Wilson, the popular and efficient superintendent of the Bellaire Water works, and a prominent citizen, was born in 1849 in Belmont county, Ohio. His parents were John and Sarah (Pryor) Wilson, both of Maryland. John was the son of William Wilson, who came from England to this country at a very early date, locating near Baltimore, Md., and afterward coming to Belmont county, where he was engaged in farming until his death in 1855. John migrated to Ohio with his parents, and after obtaining some schooling he turned his attention to tilling the soil, and followed this occupation up to the time of his demise in 1854, meeting his death while returning home from the mill, by a tree falling upon him. The mother died in 1865, had eleven children, nine of them still surviving their parents. Four of the sons were soldiers in the Union army during the war of the rebellion, and they brought much credit to the family name, fighting valiantly and with distinction. Harry Wilson was educated in the Belmont county schools, and then worked in a photograph gallery for some time. Having acquired the mysteries of this art he went to Mis- souri, when but eighteen years of age, engaging in photography there. Returning to Belmont county, Mr. Wilson entered the employ of George D. Callan, as a clerk in his grocery store. He remained in the latter situation for two years, and he then became a clerk for A. Richard- son, and afterward worked for Long & Swayer as book-keeper. In 1873 he was elected secretary of the city water works, and still holds that position, also that of superintendent. Mr. Wilson married Mary J. Coulter, of Belmont county, in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are earnest members of the Presbyterian church. llis political faith is founded upon the principles of the democratic party. Although Superintend- ent Wilson came to Bellaire a poor, unknown lad, yet, by strict integ- rity and faithfulness to whatever has been intrusted to him, he has risen to be the incumbent of one of the most important and honorable offices in the gift of the city, and commands the respect and esteem of the community at large.
James Wilson, president of the Bellaire Nail company, and one of the most prominent and useful citizens of Bellaire, was born in Ire- land, county AAntrim, in 1820. He is the son of John and Jane Wil- son, the father was a farmer in Ireland, following this occupation until his death, which occurred in 1860. He was the father of ten children. seven of whom are still living, six of them in Ireland. James re-
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ceived only a limited education before coming to this country. He worked on a farm until his emigration to the United States in 1841. He came direct to Belmont county, Ohio, making his home with Alexander Branum, who resided near Bridgeport. During the seven years he remained with Mr. Branum he learned the carpenter's trade. He continued working at his trade for about twenty years, the greater portion of which time was spent in Wheeling, W. Va. Upon the out- break of the rebellion, Mr. Wilson enlisted in Company D), First Vir- ginia infantry, for three years, or until the war should close. He was soon made a first lieutenant and participated in the battles of Slaughter Mountain, the second battle of Bull Run, and several other important engagements. He remained with the regiment until 1863, when he resigned and returned home. After returning to Wheeling he entered the employ of Joseph Bell & Co., who were in the foundry business, he remained with them for four years, at the expiration of which time the Bellaire Nail company was organized, with the following officers: B. R. Cowan, president; D. J. Smith, secretary, and James Wilson, traveling agent. Mr. Wilson held this position until 1887, when he was elected to the office of president. The company when first started had but twenty-five machines. A blast furnace was added and in ISS4 a steel department was established, by the crection of a steel plant. It is now one of the largest industries in the Ohio valley, and its success is due in great part to the wise efforts of James Wil- son. Mr. Wilson changed his residence from Wheeling to Bellaire when he became connected with the nail company, and has since re- sided there. In 1847 he was married to Miss Thoburn, a resident of Belmont county. One child is the issue of this marriage, she is now the wife of Prof. Nelson, of Delaware, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wilson has always been prominently identified with politics, having been one of the organizers of the republican party in the state of West Vir- ginia. He was a delegate to the convention which nominated Abra- ham Lincoln for president of the United States.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
Dr. John Alexander, a veteran physician, who has practiced medi- cine at St. Clairsville during half a century, is still an active and hon- ored member of this professon. Ile was born near Belfast, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent. At the age of nineteen years he left his native land, and came to the United States, landing at Baltimore. Ile was first employed as a teacher in country schools, and then, in the course of extensive travels, came to St. Clairsville, where he be- came acquainted with Dr. Carroll, of that city. The doctor, noticing that the young man was very studious, loaned him his books, and finally directed his efforts to the study of medicine, in which the young stu- dent was soon deeply interested. This early love of books has never left him. for the veteran doctor has one of the finest libraries in the county, and his table is always amply supplied with the current medi-
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cal literature. In this way he remains abreast of his profession with all its wonderful advancement in his half-century of practice. Young Alexander studied his profession also in the Medical college of Ohio, teaching meanwhile at intervals, to obtain the needful means. In 1832 he embarked in the practice at Flushing, and in the autumn of 1839 he made his home at St. Clairsville. His practice in those days was of an arduous character, partaking much more of dangerous and devoted service, irrespective of remuneration, than is known in present times. His calls came from all parts of the wild and extensive coun- try, and to reach the suffering he was compelled to ford streams at day or night, travel unfrequented and dangerous roads, and often risk his life. By the falling of his horse and other causes, his legs and arms were broken on seven different occasions while he was making professional visits. His self treatment on one occasion of the kind illustrated his remarkable courage and skill as a surgeon. His frac- tured bones having been united improperly by the physician who had been called to his assistance, he requested the former to re-break the limb and perform the operation anew, and upon the refusal of that person, he called on his friends for the necessary appliances, and sit- ting up in bed, himself renewed the fracture, and set the limb in a way that insured proper recovery. Physically, his great exertions and many accidents have had their effect, but he is, nevertheless, still remark- ably active, and enjoying good health, finds himself able to do much business and answer the frequent demands upon his long experience and remarkable insight into the mysteries and ailments of the human frame. It is pleasant to note that the doctor's practice, besides being extensive, has also been lucrative, and that the gratitude of the people of the county has followed him through his entire ca- reer. For over thirty years he has been a member of the Presby- terian church. He was wedded in 1842 to Lucy, daughter of Gen. Hoey, of Washington county, Penn.
Conrad Ault, a venerable farmer of Richland township, is a native of Washington county, Penn. He was born April 10, 1809, the son of Frederick and Mary Ault, and when he had grown to the age of twelve years, he came with his parents to Richland township, where he grew to manhood on the farm. His education was received under the disadvantages of pioneer life, but naturally intelligent and active in mind as well as body, he had become well informed on a wide range of topics, and has served his district six years as school director. He is comfortably situated on a good farm of seventy-one acres. Mr. Ault was married, in 1837, to Jane Campbell, who was born in Penn- sylvania, in 18oo, and died in 1853. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Campbell. Seven children were born to this wife, three of whom are living: Eliza and Lucinda, twins, and Rebecca. In 1855 Mr. Ault was married to Louisa Kinney, the daughter of Marshall and Elsa Kinney. Three children were born to this union, Marion J., Neutellas and Joseph M. Mr. Ault and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Daniel Ault, of Richland township, well-known as one of the
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well-to-do farmers of Belmont county, was born in that town- ship April 10, 1820. He is the son of Philip Ault, a native of York county, Penn., who there married Elizabeth Lowe, of German de- scent, and in 1801, removed to Richland township. He settled upon a farm in Richland township, and there lived until his death. Daniel Ault was reared on the old homestead, and educated in the common schools. The schooling then received, however, he has supplemented by wide and varied reading, and he is now one of the well-informed men of the county. Beginning his career as a farmer without means he now has a well-improved farm of 160 acres, and a comfortable home. Among his neighbors he is influential and popular. For three years he has held the position of assessor of the township and as school director, he has served twenty years, and more. In 1844, Mr. Ault was married to Lucinda Wilkinson, daughter of William and Anna (Billingsley) Wilkinson, by whom he had three children: Eliza- beth A., Addie and William E. She died, and in 1854 he was mar- ried to her sister, Ruth, who was born in 1830. They have had ten children, nine of whom are living: Mary B., wife of Charles Winans, died in 1886; Philip, Emma, Ella, Flora, Jennie May, Amfro, Daniel B., Nina R. and Henry.
Joseph Ault, a well-known farmer of Richland township, is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Lowe) Ault, early settlers of the township. He was born in the house where he now lives in 1823. and here was reared and educated in the duties of the farm and in such educational ways as the old log school-house afforded. Though the schools of his day were primitive, he made such good use of them that he was the favorite of his school district in later years as director, and after he had served sixteen years, his neighbors elected his son, Henry H., to his place, and the latter is serving his third term. He began his career as a farmer with little, but is now comfortably situated, and he owns 133 acres of the old homestead. In politics Mr. Ault has always been a democrat. In 1851 he was married to Anna B. Wilkerson, a native of Belmont county, and a daughter of William Wilkerson. To this union five children have been born: Henry H., Louisa, Agnes, Mary and Joseph W. Mr. Ault and wife are members of the Presby- terian church.
John F. Baldwin, of Loydsville, who has his home upon his hand- some farm of fifty-eight acres at the south line of Loydsville, was born in Washington county, Penn., in 1830. When he was quite young his parents died, and his life in his childhood and youth was one of struggle and privation. In 1855, he was married to Mary Alli- son, by whom he had two children, of whom one, Andrew, is living. His second marriage occurred in 1868, to Margaret Eicher, who died in 1870, and in 18;2, he was united to Priscilla White, by whom he had one child: Mary E. In 1855, Mr. Ballwin removed to Ohio, and set tled in Harrison county. On August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Com- pany C, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth regiment Ohio infantry, under Col. R. M. Lyons, and served in his command in all its engage- ments until he received an honorable discharge, January 7, 1865. On
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May 6, 1864, during the second day's fight in the Widerness, he received a wound in his left arm, which caused its amputation, and for this injury he now receives a pension of $45 a month. His career has been an honorable one, and he has always met the call of duty. He and his wife are highly esteemed members of the Society of Friends, she belonging to the Hicksite branch, and he is a comrade of Drummond post, G. A. R., of St. Clairsville.
llenry Beam, a well-known and popular resident of Richland town- ship, was born in that township, February 10, 1818. He is the son of Benjamin and Margaret (Taylor) Beam, the former of whom emi- grated from Pennsylvania to Ohio with his parents at an early day in the settlement of the northwest territory. The father of Benjamin died on the way to this country. Benjamin was a prominent man, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Henry was born in a little log cabin on the farm which his brother, Washington, now occupies, and was reared there going to school in the log cabin devoted to that purpose. Growing up, he began an independent career without as- sistance, and by manly and industrious habits, has prospered, having now a farm of seventy-seven acres, well improved, and a comfortable home, which is still shared by his wife, who has been the partner of his life since 1854. Her maiden name was Mary J. Powell, and she was born in Belmont county, in 1830, the daughter of Levin and Mahala (Whaley) Powell. She is a devoted member of the Presby- terian church. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beam, but one of whom survives, John W., who was married in ISSo to Ella Bogg.
Washington Beam, of Richland township, who was born April 26, 1823, on the farm where he now lives, is one of the most industrious farmers of the county. He has a good farm of seventy-eight acres, which is well improved, and to the cultivation of his land and the du- ties of good citizenship he has devoted his life, never having traveled more than sixty miles from the land which was his birth place and the scene of his labors. His father, Benjamin Beam, a native of New Jer- sey, came to Ohio with his parents when quite young. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. He married Margaret Taylor, who be- came the mother of Washington Beam. In 1851 Mr. Beam was mar- ried to Amanda, daughter of John Barker, and by this union he had nine children, of whom six are living: Julia A., Margaret, Mary O., John H., Joseph and Minnie. Mrs. Beam's father was a son of John and Rachel (Jordon) Barker, and is of German descent. Her mother, Judith A., was a daughter of Joshua and Mary (Bell) Shurley, the former of whom was a son of Thomas Shurley, a native of Virginia. Judith A. Barker, who was reared in Kentucky, is still living, in her eighty-seventh year.
Solomon Bentley, a prominent citizen of Richland township, was born in St. Clairsville, in 1826. He is the son of Solomon Bentley, who was born in Jefferson county, Va., was a grandson of Solo- mon Bentley, the first of the three of that name, who was born in the Old Dominion, March 16, 1754, and died November 2,
.
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1838. He was the son of William and Margaret Bentley. The wife of the first Solomon was Rebecca Wood, daughter of Joseph and Catharine Wood, and the mother of the subject of this mention was Margaret Nichol, the daughter of John and Anna Nichol. The first Solomon Bentley was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his son, the father of the subject of this sketch, served in the war of 1812 with such gallantry that he was promoted major, a title by which he was afterward known. Maj. Bentley came to St. Clairsville in or about 1804, and established a blacksmith shop, which he continued until 1829, when he bought and removed to the farm his son now occupies. He was one of the most prominent public men of the county, a leader in the whig party, and was never unsuccessful in any candidacy for office except once, when the county was strongly demo- cratic and he made no contest. He served on the board of equaliza- tion, and held the offices of recorder, sheriff, two terms, auditor, treasurer, commissioner, and representative. He was born July 25, 1783, and died May 7, 1865. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm he now holds, and on February 12, 1850, was married to Ellen Thompson, who was born in 1826, the daughter of James and Margaret (Clark) Thompson. By this union he has had eleven children, nine of whom are living: Anna M., James T., Elizabeth E., Sarah J., Agnes B., David Ross, Samuel E., Solomon M. and Frank T. Mr. Bentley and wife are members of the United Presby- terian church, of which he is an elder. In 1870 he served as land appraiser. Mr. Bentley is a successful farmer and owns a fine farm of 163 acres.
Among the enterprising farmers of Richland township, Dunham M. Berry is highly deserving of mention. He is a native of Belmont county, born in 1828, the son of Jacob and Jane (Martin) Berry. Ilis father was born and reared in Maryland, and came to Ohio in 1798 with his parents, John and Elizabeth (Ham) Berry, the former of whom was born in England and came to the colonies before the revo- lution. Three of his sons, Daniel, John and Thomas, served among the continental troops. The subject of this mention was reared in Belmont county, and since his youth has given his attention to farm- ing. He is the owner of a fine farm of 120 acres one-half mile north- west of St. Clairsville, which is handsomely improved. In 1852, Mr. Berry was married to Martha A. Norris, who was born in Belmont county in 1832, the daughter of William and Ann (Smith) Norris. Of their twelve children, eleven are living: Anna, Alvin, Jacob and William, twins, Jane, Julia, Elizabeth, Lucy, Isaac, Thomas and Jesse.
Iliram Boroff, one of the leading business men of St. Clairsville. now retired, was born at that place in 1823. Ile is the son of Henry Boroff, a native of Hagerstown, Md. The latter was well educated in English and German, and then taught the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed for many years. Ile was married at Martin's Ferry, to Elizabeth McCarty, and in 1814 or 1815, they came to Ohio with their family, and settled at Warren, whence soon afterward, they removed to St. Clairsville. He was a partner of William Brow for a
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short time, in the blacksmith shop, but soon became sole proprietor. and continued so until 1849, when he turned over the shop to his son. Hiram, who like all his four sons, had been taught blacksmithing, and made good mechanics. The father then engaged in the grocery busi- ness during the remainder of his life. Hiram, above named, received his education in the common schools, and from study at home. At the age of fourteen years, he began work as a blacksmith, and at twenty-one years of age, became one of the proprietors of the busi- ness. He was so engaged until 1849, when he contemplated joining the gold seekers who were journeying to California, but was detained by his father turning over to him the whole business, as has been stated. He followed this business twelve years, until the sickness of his brother, who was conducting the grocery, turned his attention to that trade, a half-interest in which he purchased upon his brother's recovery. They did a flourishing business until 1883, when he sold out to his brother, and has since then engaged in no branch of busi- ness, but has had his time occupied by attending to his property in- terests. Mr. Boroff is an enterprising and valuable citizen, and has always worked for the welfare of the town. During the construction of the St. Clairsville & Northern railroad, he was one of the main supporters of the enterprise and gave liberally of time and means to its advancement. He also was indefatigable in his efforts for the cause of his town during the conflict between Bellaire and St. Clairs- ville, over the location of the county seat. He is one of the most notable land holders of the county, having 459 acres of valuable land. aside from his dwelling place. His success in life has been due to his own untiring industry and business capacity, and from the honor and credit of it, no one, such is his standing in the eyes of those who knew him, has any desire to detract.
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