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 33
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
George Fulton, two children; and John W., who is now attending the commercial college in Wheeling, W. Va.
John W. Neff, an enterprising farmer of Richland township, Bel- mont county, was born in that county, April 5, 1846, the son of Andrew and Jane Neff. Both parents were natives of Ohio, the mother hav- ing been born in Belmont county in 1814, the daughter of Robert Alexander. Mr. Neff was reared on the homestead farm, and re- ceived his education in the common schools. On March 12, 1873, he was married to Mary E., daughter of Samuel and Lucinda McKelvey (Creamer) McKelvey. She was born in 1847. To this union four children have been born: Lizzie Ella, Harry A., Andrew T. and Olive D. Mr. Neff is the owner of 290 acres of valuable land, which is among the best improved in the county. In connection with agri- cultural pursuits, Mr. Neff is extensively engaged in fruit culture, having recently planted upon his farm the finest varieties of fruits indigenous to this section of country. He also conducts a planing- mill and grist-mill, in the operation of which he has met with deserved success. As a citizen he is leading and influential. The residence and other buildings of Mr. Neff are widely known as among the finest and best appointed in this part of the state, and are a credit to the architectural progress of the county.
William Neff, a member of one of the pioneer families of Belmont county, was born April 1, 1821, on section 20 of Richland township. He is the son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Fuly) Neff, worthy citizens of an early day. He was reared on the farm which he now occupies, and received his schooling in the little log structure which sufficed in pioneer times, attending when there was not work at home to demand his time. He has devoted his life, since the days when he assisted in the toilsome clearing away of the forest, to the tillage of the soil he aided to redeem from a state of nature, and with such persistency has he labored that he has never gone out of his county except to Wheel- ing. His life has been one of industry, and the fruits of it he is now enjoying in a valuable farm and comfortable surroundings. On Octo- ber 3, 1850, Mr. Neff was married to Sarah Stewart, and they have had two children, of whom one, Mary Jane, survives. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is one of the trustees.
David Neiswanger was one of the pioneer farmers and famous hun- ters of deer and bear in Belmont county in the early years of the present century. He was born in Lancaster county, Penn., the son of Christian Neiswanger, a native of Germany, who emigrated in 1726, and built himself a log cabin in the woods, of what is now Lancaster county. David was a soldier in the war of 1812, and as a commissary, by appointment of his intimate friend, Brig .- Gen. Lewis Cass, fur- nished over $1,500 worth of provisions to the army, for which he never obtained any recompense. On May 26, 1789, he was married to Mary Harr, and in 1802, with his family, he came to Belmont county, where, after traveling a few months, he settled in Richland township, and
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bought eighty acres of wild land, which he cleared and lived upon until 1840. He was a prominent man, and served four or five terms as county commissioner. Ile was engaged in business as a butcher, to some extent, but his regular trade was weaving, which he followed in connection with farming. His eldest daughter, Elizabeth, learned the same trade, and at one time, in IS11, obtained silk worm eggs from New York, and grew cocoons and made thread from which she wove a silk dress, which is still in existence. When the family came to Ohio, the Indians were yet hostile, and troublesome, stealing horses and goods, and on one occasion, when he was out buying cattle, he was obliged to swim his horse across the Muskingum river in the floating ice, to escape the redskins. To David and Mary Neiswanger, children were born as follows: Elizabeth, April 13, 1793, died March 18, 1866; Christopher, July 3, 1792, died January 21, 1852; Mary, July 3, 1794, died August 21, 1833; David, October 20. 1795, died September 2, 1828; John, August 22, 1797, died August 25, 1873; Jacob, August 21, 1799, died May 22, 1852; Abraham, died in infancy: Christiana, July 21, 1802; Joseph, February 16, 1804, died January 31, 1838; Ann, Febru- ary 27, 1806, died October 7, 1876; Abram, March 15, 18os; Isaac, April 3, 1810; Samuel, November 12, 1812, died July 31. 1832. The oldest son was a soldier in the war of 1812. Major Isaac Neiswanger, now one of the prominent and substantial citizens of Richland town- ship, was reared in his county, and in early manhood gave his atten- tion to the study of law, which he pursued in the office of ex-Gov. Shannon, but at his father's decease, he abandoned the profession and took charge of his father's estate, which was of extensive proportions. In 1856, he was elected justice of the peace of Richland township, and he has served in that position almost continuously for thirty-six years. Maj. Neiswanger was the founder of the Belmont County Agricul- tural society, one of the oldest in the state, and he was made a corpo- rator by an act of the legislature, in 1846, of the State Board of Agri- culture, as which he served several years. He is now the only survivor of the corporators of that body. He also served as president of the Belmont County Agricultural society in 1853-4, 1859, 1872-3-4. In 1863, Maj. Neiswanger was appointed and served a term in the army of the Potomac, as superintendent of horse department. On January 11. 1845, he was married to Elizabeth S., who was born June 18, 1823. daughter of Parker and Rebecca (Wilson) Askew, the latter of whom came to Ohio in 1817, from Delaware, and was one of the carly tan- ners of the county. The following children have been born to this union: Mary E., November 5, 1845: Ida B., May o. IS4 ;: Charles S .. April 14. 1849; Annie C., December 21. 1851; Lewis C., January 2, 1855: Gertrude A., August 31, 1857: George M., March 15. 1860: Ed- mund L., April 18, 1864.
John W. Nichols, one of the prominent younger lawyers of St. Clairsville, and senator-elect from Belmont and Harrison counties. was born in Belmont county, in October, 1856. He is the son of A .- than B. and Sarah E. (Hoge) Nichols, both natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio with their family in 1839. His father came to Ohio
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
with his parents when he was thirteen years of age, and was reared in this county, receiving his education in the common schools and Brooks institute. In 1849 he went to California, during the gold ex- citement, making the trip overland with three yoke of oxen. He spent but one year there and then returned to Belmont county, where he was married. Settling on the farm which has since been his home, he has been engaged in agriculture, and has been highly prosperous, now owning over 1,000 acres of land. He is one of the most promi- nent and influential farmers of the county. Ilis son, John W. Nichols, the subject of this mention, received his early education in the schools of the county, and then spent two years at Hopedale college, and afterward two years at the Ohio state university at Columbus. On his return from the university he decided to study law, and entered the office of Judge Cowan for that purpose. Under the guidance of that learned attorney he advanced rapidly, and in ISS3 was admitted to the bar. In the following year he opened an office at St. Clairs- ville, and has since been actively engaged in the practice. He has also taken a deep interest in public affairs, and as a member of the republican party, is one of the foremost in the political fray. As the candidate of his party for the position of state senator for the counties of Belmont and Harrison, he was elected in November, 1889. Mr. Nichols was married in ISS4 to Lina H. Hoge, of Illinois, and by this union has three children: Charles and Wilbur K., and Fred II. He is a member of the Society of Friends and his wife of the Presby- terian church.
Thomas M. Nichol, a prominent citizen of Belmont county, is a descendant of Thomas and Isabelle (Cooke) Nichol, one of seven brothers, of county Derry, Ireland. Their son, John, who was raised at Nichol Hill, Ireland, came to the United States in 1789, first settled in Pennsylvania, and thence moved to Colerain township, Belmont county, in ISoo. Ile built the stone house on the National road four miles west of Bridgeport, which stands to this day. In Ireland he married Anna Woodburn, and on coming to this country their son William was thirteen weeks of age. The latter was reared in this country and was married to Hiatt Mitchell. Thomas M., the son of the latter, is the subject of this mention. He was born in this county in 1817, and was given a good education for his day, finishing in a select school, after which he taught two terms of school. Mr. Nichol has taken an active part in public affairs, and being an enterprising and popular citizen, has been honored by several public trusts. He has served as trustee of his township several terms, and as infirmary director several years. He was elected justice of the peace but re- signed this office. During two years, 1868 to isto, he served as rep- resentative of Belmont county to the state legislature, but losing his health while at the capital, refused to be a candidate for a second term. Ilis landed interests are extensive, comprising 6to acres of valuable land. In 1843 Mr. Nichol was married to Margaret Creamer. who was born in Belmont county, in 1821, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Barnett) Creamer, the former of whom was a native of
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BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
and social interests of the place. Ile was one of the directors of the Ohio City Nail company, and interested in various other projects. Dr. West was married in July, 1838 to Mary Zane Martin, daughter of Ebenezer Martin, and she died in 1882. Of their eight children there is but one survivor, the wife of Oliver C. Parker.
Brady O. Williams, M. D., a leading physician of Martin's Ferry, is a native of West Virginia, born in Wetzel county, November 13, 1847. He is the son of Francis E. Williams, who was born in West Virginia, August 18, 1809, whose life was mainly devoted to farming, though in his earlier life he was occupied in selling produce on the river. This gentleman, a worthy and highly respected man, died May 18, ISS9. By his marriage, in 1844, to Ann J. O'Neill, also a native of West Virginia, who died August 29, 1878, he had ten chil- dren, of whom five survive besides the subject of this sketch. Dr. Williams in his childhood attended the schools at his home, New Martinsville, and afterward studied at Mt. Union college, Ohio. He then spent three years as a school teacher, during the same time reading medicine with Dr. R. II. Cummins, of Wheeling. During the winters of 1871-2 and 1872-3, he attended medical lectures at the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where he was graduated in March, 1873. In May of the same year he opened an office at Mar- tin's Ferry, where he has since remained. In the years of practice since elapsed Dr. Williams has gained an honorable reputation as a skillful physician, abreast with all the advancement of his profession, and devoted to the interests of his patients. He has taken a due in- terest in social and municipal affairs, is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has served three years as a member of the school board. The doctor was married in ISSI to Mary, daughter of Mrs. Caroline V. Grove, of St. Clairsville, and they have three sons: Brady G., Phil F. and J. Forest.
Joel Wood, of Martin's Ferry, one who has by the promotion of various important enterprises, rendered this part of the Ohio valley great service, was born in Smithfield, Ohio, August 22, 1814. He is . the grandson of William Wood, a native of Pennsylvania, who was for some time a resident of Frederick county, Md., and settled in Jef- ferson county, Ohio, about iSto, becoming the first merchant of Smith- field. About 1815 he engaged in farming. and his death occurred June 3. 1844. This well-known and worthy pioneer was the father of eight children, all now deceased. His son, Joel, Sr., the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Maryland, and there received his education. He soon after removed to Ohio and engaged in business. He died in 1814. By his marriage in 1804, at New Market, Frederick Co., Md., to Elizabeth Poultney, who died February 8, 1844, he had five children, all of whom are deceased but the subject of this sketch. Both parents were members of the Society of Friends. Joel Wood. the subject of this sketch, spent his early years in Smithfield, Ohio, receiving such education as the various private schools afforded, there then being no public schools provided by law. During 1829 and 1830 he attended the boarding school of Joseph Gibbons at Mt. Pleasant,
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
struggle is now in the possession of his descendants. Jacob Parkinson was united in marriage to Mary Keller, and one of their sons, William Parkinson, is the subject of this sketch. The latter was reared and educated in Jefferson county, and has devoted his life with much suc- cess to the pursuits of agriculture. Ile is now the owner of 500 acres of valuable land which is well improved. Mr. Parkinson was married in 1852, to Mary Lynn, who was born in Belmont county in IS31, the daughter of James and Isabel Lynn. To this union have been born four children: Jacob, James L., Mary B. and Daniel K.
Isaac H. Patterson, deceased, of St. Clairsville, was one of the lead- ing druggists of eastern Ohio, and prominent in the community and county. He was a son of John Patterson, who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1771. Before the close of the century the latter was married to Grizella Hazlett, and they moved afterward to Washing- ton county, and thence in 1804, to St. Clairsville, where John Patter- son engaged in mercantile pursuits in partnership with Thomas McCall. He was very prominent in public affairs, was a member of the legislature as a representative in 1807, and as a senator from 1814 to 1818, and was a member of the lower house of congress in 1823-5, at the time when the election of president was thrown upon that body. He voted for Adams, and his brother, Thomas Patterson, in congress from his Pennsylvania district, voted for Jackson. Mr. Patterson was president of the Belmont bank of St. Clairsville, for nearly twenty years. He died in 1848, full of years and honors. His son, Isaac H., was born in St. Clairsville, June 20, 1821, on the same town lot which was the place of his decease, July 31, ISS7. After finishing his edu- cation at Franklin college he went to Philadelphia to learn the busi- ness of a pharmacist. In 1847 he returned to his native town, having thoroughly learned his trade, and had some experience of an educa- tional nature as an employe of the custom house. In 1850 he embarked in the drug trade at Wheeling, and during his residence there, which lasted seven years, also engaged in the manufacture of bottles with a partner, Mr. Quarrier. While at Wheeling he was married to Sarah W. Jacob, daughter of John Jacob, and by this union he had three children, Jolin, James and Anna. From 1857 until his decease Mr. Patterson resided at St. Clairsville, and gained a widespread reputa- tion as one of the most skillful and competent druggists of the state. He was called to various public positions, being for many years treasurer of the school funds of St. Clairsville, and for two years, 1861-3, treas- urer of Belmont county, also president of the St. Clairsville railroad. All trusts reposed in him were discharged with scrupulous fidelity, for he was a man of remarkable rectitude and manly honor. He took much interest in collecting and preserving the facts of early local his- tory, and the work of writers of this day are much aided by his re- corded recollections.
Calvin W. Patton, an energetic farmer of Richland township, who owns a farm of 160 acres in one of the handsomest locations in the county, was worn in Wheeling township, in 1847, the son of William and Anna (Clark) Patton. His father was born in Ireland in 1799,
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BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
and came to America with his parents when about three years of age. They settled at Wheeling, and remained there several years, going then to Belmont county, and making their home there the remainder of their days. The father, Samuel Patton, was a native of Ireland, and a member of the Seceder church. William Patton was one of the first abolitionists of Belmont county, and was so strong and con- sistent in his principles that he refused to become naturalized or vote until after slavery was abolished by the emancipation proclamation. Almost the first occupation of Calvin Patton was as a soldier. He enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Seventieth Ohio infan- try, in 1863, with three other brothers, and received an honorable dis- charge at Columbus, in October, 1863. December 28, 1876, he was married to Dora E. Troll, daughter of Conrad and Emma (Steen- rod) Troll. She was born in 1854. By this union he has one child, John T. Mr. Patton suffered a severe loss by the great tornado of April 15, 1887. His two-story brick dwelling was demolished, a new barn was torn down, and another large barn and several other build- ings were torn to pieces, and his orchard swept away. His wife and child in the house at the time escaped by going to the cellar, and five head of horses and a man in the barn also escaped injury in a very remarkable way. Ten young lambs in the pasture were taken up and never afterward heard of, and a large watering trough was carried over the town of St. Clairsville, and dropped two miles beyond.
Henry F. Pickering, a prominent farmer of Richland township, was born in Colerain township in 1827, son of Elijah and Rebecca S. Pick- ering. His father, who was a son of John and Mary (Carpenter) Pick- ering, was born in Virginia in ISO1, and came to Ohio with his parents n 1802. They settled in Colerain township, where Elijah was reared, iamid the hardships of pioneer life. Ile married Rebecca S. Fox. daughter of Josiah and Anna (Miller) Fox, the former a native of England, and the latter of Philadelphia. She was born in Virginia and afterward resided in Maryland. Iler father was one of the first draughtsmen in the military service of the colonies, and served through the Revolutionary war, and was appointed by Washington his first secretary in the navy. A plate which he brought from England. made in 1701, is still in the possession of his descendants. He was the first man to use coal in Wheeling for domestic purposes, and was a resident of that locality at the time of the great earthquake. He lived to be eighty-six years of age. Elijah Pickering was the father of seven children, five of whom are living: Henry F .; Anna M., now the wife of D. Pickering: Sarah F., wife of William H. Seamon. of Ohio; Josiah F .; John C .; and Francis D. and Alexander H., both de- ceased. Elijah Pickering hauled most of the material for the stone bridge over Wheeling creek at Kinzie Mills, and laid in Baltimore four days because he could not get out on account of the crowd of people who were in the city tosee Gen. Lafayette. Henry F. Pickering wasreared in this county, and received his education in the early log school-houses. In 1862 he was married to Hannah K. Cook, who was born March 11. 1832, in the state of Delaware, the daughter of Caleb and Hannah
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(Kemp) Cook. She was a true and faithful wife, and gave to him two children, of whom one, Laura C., was married to John Ely, of Harrison county, Ohio, and died on December 15, 1886. Joseph Il. survives. Iler husband gives the following account of the sick- ness and death of Mrs. Hannah K. Pickering: "Being of a quiet, unassuming disposition from a child, the impress of truth was early stamped upon her mind, and a desire begotten in her heart to make her peace with God, which I think I have no reason to doubt that she did, and which I have every assurance she fully enjoyed in her last days and hours of life. When she was first attacked with this dreaded disease, she seemed to manifest quite a desire that she might recover, or at least be spared the offensive and painful torture to which most victims of this disease are subjected, although there appeared to be a calm resignation to the Divine will, and a great degree of patience manifested through all these years of affliction. During the latter part of the second year of her treatment her sufferings were the most severe. She became so benumbed or paralyzed in her limbs and body that she was void of all natural feeling, and was entirely help- less for several weeks. All hope of her recovery at this time was despaired of by her friends and neighbors. It was a frequent remark of those who called to see her, that she was the embodiment of pa- tience. However, in this hour of extremity, she trusted not so much in medical skill as in the wisdom of God - having a firm reliance in the power of Ilim who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that wecan either think or ask. She raised her petition in behalf of her dear children -- that He would spare her to them a little longer. All glory be to God, who hears the humblest cry of the weakest child. He favored her petition and raised her up, and in the space of a few months she was so far recovered as to be able to resume her house- hold cares, and contribute to the comfort and care of her family. In the latter part of the eighth month, 1879, she was taken with a severe cough which preyed heavily upon her physical strength, and she began gradually declining from day to day; however, she still con- tinued to pursue her daily routine of duty and care for her family until about the middle of the twelfth month, from which time she was unable to perform any physical labor. It being my privilege to be with her during all her affliction and at her last earthly pilgrimage, she frequently spoke to me of the condition of her mind; of her resigna- tion to her heavenly Father's will; of the perfect repose, and sweet peace she enjoyed. Several days before her decease, she requested me to see that her burial clothes were in readiness. With calm com- posure she spoke of some articles of clothing that would be needed for the children, and told me to have them prepared this week -- seeming to realize the nearness of the close. She suffered no pain. though she had a very troublesome cough, and at times great diffi- culty of breathing. During the last few days she was unable to speak but a few words at a time. So calm and restful was her soul continu- ally that she could speak of death and give directions for interment without any apparent emotion. It was a source of much comfort to
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her to have the company and atttention of her brother-in-law, Dr. Garretson, of Salem, Ohio, who spent the last few days of her life with her. On the seventh day afternoon her brother and two sisters came, whom she was very glad to see, but was too weak to talk to them, saying maybe she would rally up a little so she could talk to them after a while. She seemed to grow weaker and weaker until about 10 o'clock seventh day night, when I came to her bed-side, took her by the hand and said: 'Mother, has it come to this, that we must part?' The grace of God was wonderfully manifested, as strength and voice returned, and she was enabled to answer in a clear, audible voice: 'Yes, Henry, it has come to that. The time has almost come when I will have to leave you all.' After talking to- gether for little time, answering some inquiries and giving some ad- vice, she said: 'I want thee to be a father to thy children; to give them good advice and consider well the counsel thee give them. Put thy trust in thy heavenly Father, and the same power that has sus- tained me will sustain and comfort thee through all the trials and cares of life.' On looking up to her children, who stood by the bed weeping, she said: 'Dear, dear children, don't weep for me. 1 am going to leave you, and I know you will miss me, but I am not afraid to die. I feel that I am going home, and I want you to be good chil- dren and prepare to meet me.' Then, addressing the children separ- ately, she gave them each a little good advice - saying of Joseph, he had always been a good bit of a mother-boy, 'I know he will miss his mother, but I want thee to be a good boy and get ready to meet me again.' Her brother coming to the bed-side, she looked up at him and said: 'Well, Enos, has thec anything to say to me?' lle answered he believed not, only he was sorry to see her suffering so. She replied: 'I am not suffering, and I cannot say that I have been sick. My disease has been very peculiar. I have just gradually weak- ened away. My strength is failing very fast, and I feel that my time has almost come.' Then after addressing some remarks to others, she said: 'I have such perfect peace of mind.' Her manner, her voice and expression confirmed the true fullness of the words she spoke. When she had concluded speaking, she said: . Now lay me back and let me rest.' After she had lain quiet for some time, she took me by the hand and bade me an affectionate farewell; then she kissed her two children and bade them farewell, and then extended her hand to all around her bed, saying to each one -' Farewell.' Mine eyes could not refrain from weeping, but my soul praised the Lord, and as I bowed down and bade her the last farewell on earth, I said. . By the grace of God I will meet thee in Heaven.' She re- tained consciousness to the last. She was a devoted member of the Society of Friends.'
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