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 30
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
clerk of the courts. He was a fine scholar and a matchless orator. He died at the early age of thirty-one, the most brilliant and promis- ing young man of his time. Mr. Gaston married Margaret F. Ilaz- lett, of Morristown, July 9, 1857, who has the satisfaction of seeing her only child leading a life of usefulness and honor. Mrs. Gaston resided at Morristown after the death of her husband, and Judge Gaston received his early education in the public schools of that town. He entered Washington-Jefferson college in 1876, and was graduated from that institution in 1879. Thence he entered the law office of Hon. L. Danford, and in 1884 was elected probate judge, and re- elected in 1887. When first elected he was the youngest man ever chosen to that office in this part of Ohio, but its duties were dis- charged with such dignity and ability that at his second election his majority was more than doubled. Judge Gaston is a stalwart repub- lican. He takes much interest in public affairs, and occupies an influ- ential position in the councils of his party.
Selden George, by birth one of the pioneers of Belmont county, and the son of early settlers, Traverse and Esther (Sinclair) George, was born February 14, 1819. He was one of two sons, and was reared on the farm, assisting his parents in the work of early days on the farm, and attending school somewhat in the pioneer log school-house. His life has been an industrious and useful one, working at home with his father until the latter's death December 6, 1859 the was born Feb- ruary 28, 1779). He now owns 100 acres of the old homstead and fifty-four acres adjoining, and is in prosperous and comfortable cir- cumstances. October 7, 1847, Mr. George was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Joshua and Susan ( Lucus) Pryor, and by this union were born two children, William L. and Susan E. The mother was born in Smith township, August 8, 1824, and died July 5, 1889. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. George has served on the school board about twenty-five years, and has nearly always held the position of clerk.
Seldon T. Haines, an energetic farmer of Richland township, was born in Columbiana county, April 12, 1845, the son of Joseph and Mary (George) Ilaines. His father was born in Ohio, and was the son of Nathaniel and Rachel Haines, both natives of New Jersey, who came to Ohio about 1802. Seldon T. accompanied his parents to Guernsey county, whither they removed when he was quite young, and they remained there until he was twelve years old, when they came to Bel- mont county, and settled where he now lives. Here the father died in his seventy-third year. Seldon T. was reared on the farm, and re- ceived a common school education. In his nineteenth year he answered the call of his country, and enlisted in December, 1863, in Company 11. Ninth Ohio cavalry, under Capt. Stough, and served with Gen. Kilpatrick's forces in the march through Georgia. Hisser- vice was a gallant one, and at the close of the war he was honorably discharged in August, 1865, at Lexington, N. C. He is now doing well as a farmer, owning over fifty acres of the homestead farm. In December, 1873, Mr. Haines was married to Isabella, daughter of
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William and Nancy (Cash) Satterthwaite, and by this union he has four children: Wallace E., Mary A., Laura B., and William S. Mrs. Haines was born in this county, July 1, 1846.
Robert Hall, a native of Hall's-turn, Ireland, born February 8, 1813, was married in this country to Ann McMullen, who was born in Armagh county, October 15, 1800. In 1841, they came to America with those of their children then born, poor in property, but endowed with energy and perseverance that made them successful in the new land they sought. They came on the good ship " Columbus," which landed at New York on Christmas eve, and came on to Belmont county, Ohio, where they made their home for four years, and where the remainder of their children were born. They then removed to Monroe county, Ohio, where they had been two or three years, when the father was killed by the explosion of a steamboat boiler. Ten or eleven years later, the mother and children removed to Wetzel county, W. Va., where they lived eleven years, coming then to the farm in Richland township, Belmont county, Ohio, where the mother died in 1886. The parents were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. To them were born five children, as follows: Joseph A., October 15, 1838; Robert S., February 11, 1840; Margaret A., April 8, 1841; William Q., June 3, 1842; John M., May 16, 1845. Margaret and John are deceased. Joseph A., the eldest child, was born in Ire- land and came to this country when three years of age. He was reared on the farm, and in early manhood, in the year 1862, answered the call of his country and enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio volunteers, and served with his company until the close of the war, being always on duty, except three months, when he was a prisoner of war in Libby prison, and two months while disabled by a wound. From this, he has always suffered since, but receives a pension of only $2 a month. Mr. Hall was married February 6, 1879, to Emily Denham, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Giffin) Denham. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.
Robert S., the second born of the children of Robert and AAnn Hall, was reared on the farm and has given his entire attention during his life to agriculture, and with some success. With his two brothers he owns 22034 acres of very valuable land in Richland township, and ranks among the most substantial and influential men of the county.
William Q. Hall, the youngest of three brothers, who own jointly a farm of 22034 acres in Richland township, spent his youth in Mon- roe county, whence, in 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, the same company in which his elder brother served. After serving with his company a year and seven months, he was put on detached duty, in the pioneer corps, and he served in that arm of the troops from April, 1864. until the close of the war. With the exception of three weeks in the hospital with measles, he was always at his post of duty, and conducted himself as becomes a brave citizen soldier. After the war he returned to West Virginia, and resumed farming. After coming to Richland township he was married in 1877, to Sarah A. Denham, who was born in this
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township in 1848, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Giffen) Den- ham. Mrs. Hall is a member of the United Presbyterian church. He is prominent as a landowner and as a good citizen.
Alexander C. Hammond, a progressive farmer of Richland town- ship, was born in the township of Wheeling, September 5, 1837. Ile is the son of Robert Hammond, who was born in Pennsylvania, the son of Robert and Jane (Castle) Hammond. The senior Robert Hammond was a native of county Down, Ireland, and was a member of the Seceder church, of Ireland. He came to America at an early day, and after residing in Pennsylvania several years, removed to Ohio, settling in Wheeling township. The maiden name of the mother of the subject was Hannah Clark. Mr. Hammond was reared on the farm in Wheeling township, and after attending the common schools spent one year at Athens college. In 1864 he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Seventieth Ohio infantry, under Capt. A. W. Lee, and after a service of 100 days, received an honorable discharge at Columbus in September, 1864. He enlisted as a private, but was soon promoted to first corporal. In 1870, Mr. Hammond was married to Maggie G. Thompson, who was born in 1842, and died in 1875. She was a daughter of Thomas B. and Eliza Thompson. To this union one son was born, Harry E. Beginning his career as a farmer with thirty acres, he now owns 100 acres of good land, well improved, with a two-story brick dwelling and other improvements.
The Hardesty family is one of the most notable among the pioneers of the valley of the upper Ohio. Their ancestors removed to this region, then the Indian frontier, soon after the war of the revolution. Richard Ilardesty and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Lamb. in about 1793, removed to Wheeling to obtain protection from the red men, and Richard had been a brave soldier in the war of the revolu- tion, and was, by his service, entitled to land in the northwest territory. In 1795 they crossed the river into Ohio at the site of Martin's Ferry, and having lost their horses to the Indian marauders near there, they made their way with ox team and sled, being compelled to cut their way much of the distance to a place known by the hunters as " Round Bottom," in what is now Richland township. There were no neigh- bors to their little home nearer than St. Clairsville, and but few cabins there. Richard lived there to the age of ninety-seven years. Ile had three sons, Robert, Samuel and John. The latter, who was born at Martin's Ferry, in 1791, is supposed to be the first white child born in Belmont county. All the sons served in the war of 1812, and dur- ing that period of conflict, Robert took part in the battle of Kirkwood Cabin. On January 5, 1809, Robert was married to Nancy McMillan. Their son, John Hardesty, one of the honored representatives of this pioneer family, was born in Richland township, January 26, 1820. Ile received a limited education in the log school-house of his day. On June 16, 1864, he was married to Mary J. Coats, a native of Belmont county, and daughter of David and Mary Coats. To this union five children have been born: Robert, Samuel, Ada Luella, William Ross
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and John G. Mr. Hardesty is one of the leading land owners of the county, having 225 acres of valuable land.
Alexander G. Hawthorn, a prominent business man and postmaster at Loydsville, was born in Jefferson county, in June, 1846, the son of William and Mary A. (Lemon) Hawthorn. The father was born and reared in Jefferson county, and lived there until 1852, when he removed with his family to Harrison county and settled on a farm, where he now resides. In the latter county the subject of this men- tion was reared from his sixth year. On December 17, 1863, he en- listed in Company B, Ninety-eighth Ohio infantry, and served with his company in all its engagements until he was wounded on August 7, 1864, before Atlanta. A piece of shell which weighed a little over three-quarters of an ounce entered his jaw, and was so imbedded that he carried it for seven years before it was removed. It almost en- tirely destroyed his hearing, but for this great injury he is allowed only the insignificant pension of $4 a month. Mr. Hawthorn was discharged at Columbus, in September, 1865, and on his return home engaged in farming in Jefferson county for two years, after which he embarked in general merchandise at Adena. After doing business there four years he removed to Loydsville, and opened a dry goods and general store, and has an extensive custom. He is one of the worthy citizens of the place, and his recent appointment as postmaster gave general satisfaction.
Peter W. Helpbringer, a well-known and successful farmer of Rich- land township, Belmont county, was born in 1846, the son of John and Tamazin (Wolf) Helpbringer. His grandfather, Frederick, the first of the family in America, came to America about the year ISoo, from Ger- many, his native land. He settled in Virginia and there raised a family, among whom was John, the father of the subject of this mention. John, in about 1830, removed to Ohio, and made his home in Guern- sey county, afterward, however, in 1846, removing to Smith township, Belmont county. He then settled on a farm, on which he remained until 1882, when he and wife made their home with their son, Peter W. He was a successful farmer, and also conducted a flouring- and saw- mill. He lived to the age of seventy-eight years. His wife was the daughter of Peter and Clarissa ( Ridgeway) Wolf, of Scotch-Irish de- scent. She and her husband were members of the Methodist Episco- pal church. Peter W. was reared on the farm, and has engaged much of his time in the mills of his father. He received his education in the common schools and at Duff's Commercial college, at Pittsburgh. In 1878 he bought of his father what was known as the Helpbringer mill, and after thoroughly refitting it continued to operate it. On April 22, ISSo, was married to Jane L., daughter of Henry and Ma- tilda (Hall) Neff. He and wife commenced house-keeping on the Helpbringer farm, and continued to operate the mill until the spring of 18S2, when he rented the mill to W. T. Minnameyer, and com- menced to erect the buildings on the farm, where he now resides, in Richland township, near Glencoe, on B. & O. R. R., finishing and oc- cupying them in October, 1883. In the years that have elapsed, how-
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ever, he has been prosperous in his undertakings, and now has 310 acres of valuable land, well improved, and has a comfortable and pleas- ant home, which has been blessed by the presence of five children, four of whom survive: Albert S., Clara M., Ralph E. and an infant son, James Nelson. Mrs. Helpbringer was born in 1850, in Smith township, and she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr. Helpbringer is a member.
John Henderson, one of the worthy pioneers of Belmont county, was born in Washington county, Penn., September 14, 1815. He is the son of Andrew Henderson, son of Martin Henderson. His father came to Ohio in 1815 and settled in Harrison county, but in the fol- lowing year made his home in Belmont county, buying a section of land in Wheeling township, from A. Patterson. This tract was in a very wild condition, with no improvements but a log cabin, and in re- claiming and improvement of this farm the senior Henderson, as well as his son, endured many hardships and saw many a day of untiring toil. Here John Henderson was raised, availing himself of such edu- cational advantages as were offered in those days. Growing up as a farmer, he passed through the days of the sickle and flail into the modern period of improved agricultural implements. Yet, after tak- ing up with the cradle he used it until he left the farm in 1879. In the latter year he removed to Wooster to educate his children, and four and a half years later came to St. Clairsville, which has since been his home. He still owns 103 acres of the old homestead farm, and has one of the handsomest residences in Steubenville, which is one of the attractions of the city. In 1847, Mr. Henderson was mar- ried to Mary J. Hammond, who died not many months later. In 1853 he was married to Mary A. Willis, who was born in Guernsey county in 1830, daughter of John and Jane ( McCannon) Wallace. By this union he has had eight children, six of whom are living: Samuel M., Ella J., Ulysses M., John W., Willis Il. and David E. Mr. Hender- son has given all his children a good education, three having at- tended the university at Wooster, and one being now at Athens college.
Joseph A. Henderson, a prominent young man of Belmont county, who received in November. 1889, the high compliment of an election as auditor of the county, in opposition to the usual political majority. is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of this region. His grandfather, Andrew Henderson, came to Belmont county before the admission of the state into the Union. He was the son of a native of Ireland. Andrew settled in Wheeling township, where his son John was born, in 1810. The latter married Margaret Shepherd, who is of a family prominent in early times, her great-uncle being a colonel in the war of 1812. To these parents Joseph A. Henderson was born September 15, 1858. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching in the common schools, and after following that vocation five years, he entered the Lebanon Normal college. He attended one term there and another at Hopedale, and then he took up the study of
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stenography. After this he resumed teaching, and achieving a repu- tation for thorough work, was in 1882, appointed school examiner for Belmont county. Ile served on the board of examiners four years, and in 1883 accepted the position of deputy auditor under Ross Bar- rett, which he held until his election as auditor. In 1887 he was ap- pointed court stenographer for the district of Belmont and Monroe counties, and has discharged the duties of that position in connection with the deputyship. His election in 1889 as auditor, by a majority of 171 on the democratic ticket in the face of an opposing majority of 356 on the general ticket, is a high compliment indeed. He was one of two county officers elected on his ticket. Mr. Henderson was married January 21, ISS5, to lona Metcalf, who was born in 1863, daughter of Oliver G. and Mary A. (Hamilton) Metcalf, and he has two children, William C. and Lawrence O. He and wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church, and he is affiliated with the Masonic order and Knights of Pythias.
A. H. Hewetson, M. D., one of the leading physicians of Belmont county, was born in that county October 5, 1837, the son of Joseph and Isabella (Hanna) Hewetson. His parents were both of Scotch birth, and were married in that country. The father was a graduate of both the art and medical departments of the university of Edinburgh, and after leaving college was for two years an assistant in the Dumfric- shire infirmary. He then began the practice of his profession at Wig- tonshire, but after a residence there of four years he and wife came to America. They settled two miles south of St. Clairsville, where the father intended to engage in farming exclusively, but he was soon called upon to practice his profession. Dr. A. H. Hewetson attended the common schools in childhood and youth, and then received his medical education at Miami college, at which he received his degree. In 1858 he began practicing at St. Clairsville, and, except four years at Allegheny City, has spent all the subsequent time at this place. He occupies a high rank both professionally and socially. On June 26, 1860, he was married to Mary Ross Templeton, of this county, and they have four children: Josephine, Ilalle Lincoln, William and Sarah E. The eldest son is a physician at Omaha, Neb .. and demon- strator of anatomy at the Omaha medical college.
Christopher Hinkle, well-known as one of the aged surviving pio- neers of Belmont county, was born in Jefferson county, but was brought by his parents within the limits of this county one month later. lle was born January 16, 1804. a son of Christopher and Sarah (Keyser) Hinkle. His father, a miller by trade, and a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 1802, a poor man. By industrious application to his trade he accumulated enough to buy fifty-four acres of land. in which "there was not a stick amiss," which he cleared into a farm, on which he reared a family of nine children. Six of these are now living. five of them being over eighty years old and one seventy-two. The father was a soldier of the war of IS12. Ile died at the age of eighty-four years and his wife at the age of seventy. Their son, whose name first appears above, was reared in the pioneer days of the county, receiv-
41-B.
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ing his education in the log school-house of winters, and working on the farm in summer. At nineteen years of age he began to serve an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, at which he worked as a jour- neyman for ten years. In 1829 he was married to Margaret, daughter of John and Martha (Giffin) Allen, both of Scotch descent. She was born in 1809, and is still living. Ile then began housekeeping on the farm of his wife's father, but two years later bought the wood-land tract which he has since made into his present farm, and there reared his family in a little log cabin. To pay for this land he sold 160 acres which he had bought before marriage, by working at his trade, and he continued to add to his new home until he accumulated 359 acres of fine land, which he now has well improved and supplied with good buildings. His life has been one of enduring industry, but though now in his eighty-sixth year, he is still in the healthful possession of strength and faculties to enjoy the fruits of his well-spent life. By his marriage he had nine children: Martha, deceased; John A., Sarah A., Isabel, William, James, Margaret, deceased; Andrew and Mary J. He and wife are venerable members of the United Presbyterian church.
W. D. Hoff, a well-known attorney of St. Clairsville, was born in Barbour county, W. Va., the son of Il. L. and Ann Hoff. He was reared in his native state, and came to Ohio in 1857, for the purpose of obtaining an education. He attended the MeNeely school at Hope- dale about two years, and the Eclectic institute at Hiram one year. In the spring of 1861 he returned to Virginia, and commenced the study of law. He took a part in the local work of organizing the re- stored and loyal government of Virginia, and in August, 1862, enlisted as a private in the Fifteenth Virginia regiment. He was during his term of service at one time a prisoner of war, and had the unpleasant distinction of being held in close confinement at Libby prison as a hostage. Mr. Hoff was mustered out as lieutenant in June. 1865. He resumed the study of law and was admitted to the bar in West Vir- ginia in the summer of 1866. In the following autumn he went to Stockton, Mo., and there engaged in the practice of law until ISSo. During his residence in Missouri, he met with success in his profes- sional career, and was honored with various positions of trust. Re- turning to Ohio in ISSo, he was a resident of Cadiz a short time, and then removed to St. Clairsville, where he has since made his home and has been engaged in the practice of law, becoming one of the in- fluential citizens of the county. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and of the G. A. R. Mr. Hoff was married, in iSto, to Mary, daughter of Isaac Lewis, a merchant of Georgetown, Ohio, and they have four children: Lewis, Eldridge G., Luella and Carl P. Mrs. Hoff is a member of the Society of Friends.
James Ilutchison, an old and highly regarded farmer of Richland township, is a son of David Hutchison, one of the earliest settlers. The latter was born in Chester county, Penn., and remained in that state until iSo3, when he came to Ohio and settled in the woods of Richland township, using the bed of his wagon as a shelter until he could erect a rude log hut. Previously he was at Wheeling when the
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only buildings there were the court-house and two dwelling-houses. He was a son of Robert and Nancy Hutchison, natives of Ireland, who left that country in the time of religious persecution, and coming to this country in 1740, settled in Pennsylvania, where the father re- sided until his death. David Hutchison, son of the above, married Jane Smith, who was born in Ireland, and came to this country at the age of thirteen years. They had eleven children, eight of whom are living: Rebecca, Nancy, James, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph and John. James Hutchison went through the early toil of the pioneer, and obtained his education in the old log school-house, by the light which straggled through its little windows of greased paper. But these surroundings, stern and unlovely as they were, developed sturdy and independent characters, and among the worthy men who remain to us from those days, none are more highly. esteemed than Mr. Hutchison. As a member of the Presbyterian church he is active in good works, and has been a member of the session for thirty-seven years, and in every way is a good and valuable citizen. His land possessions are extensive, including 325 acres, and his later years are passed in comfort.
John S. Hutchison, a successful farmer of Belmont county, is a son of David and Jane Hutchison, of whom mention is made in another connection. He was born in 1825 on the farm he at present owns, on which he was reared, and resided until the year ISSo, when he erected the handsome two-story residence of stone in which he now resides. He began his education in the rude school-house of pioneer days, but being a liberal patron of books and papers has be- come a well read and highly intelligent man. He began his career as a farmer as a renter, but after his father's death, bought out the other heirs to the homestead, and now owns 280 acres, of which iSo is the same that his father bought in ISo5, and lived on during the rest of his life. Mr. Ilutchison was married in 1866 to Sarah J. Rose, who was born in 1838, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Kel- sey) Rose, of Guernsey county. To this union have been born four daughters, Lizzie J., Mary R., Ella M. and Eva. Mr. Hutchison and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He was on the build- ing committee for the church in St. Clairsville, and donated liberally to that enterprise, besides giving liberally of his time. Mr. Hutchison has served as school director of his town about ten years.
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