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 39
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William T. McCreary is one of ten children that were born to Hugh and Rebecca McCreary. The children were: John, the eldest son, born July 20, 1825: George Irwin, born August 26, 1826; Huldah. deceased, born January 25, 1828; James, born July 11, 1830; Nelson, born January 8, 1832; Andrew, born July 26, 1833; Hugh, born Feb- ruary 3, 1835; Joseph, born March 26, 1837; William, born March 3. 1839: Rebecca Jane, born February 10, 1842. Hugh McCreary, the father of the subject of this sketch, was also one of ten children, and was born in Pennsylvania, September 19, 1So1. When quite a small boy his parents settled on a farm near Washington, Guernsey county. Ohio, where Hugh raised his family and lived until his death, which occurred January 16, 1873. Rebecca McCreary, the mother of Will- iam, and a daughter of George and Elizabeth Irwin, was born in iso3. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio at a very early day and settled near Washington, Guernsey Co., Ohio. Mrs. McCreary is still living with one of her sons in Guernsey county. She is in her eighty-seventh year, and remarkably active for one of her years, having ridden from Morristown to Washington, a distance of twenty-one miles, when eighty-six years of age. The subject of this mention, William T. McCreary, was born March 3, 1839, on the farm
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which his father entered, near Washington, Guernsey county. His education, which is very practical, was obtained in the common schools of his neighborhood. At the age of twenty-three and about the height of the gold excitement, he, with a company of friends, embarked for San Francisco, going from New York by water. From thence the party went up the Columbia river to work, and after spending eight years in which he was moderately successful in a financial way, in prospecting, mining, packing and ranching, and one summer in the mines, he joined a company of seventy-six and started for Idaho. At that time the country was very wild and new, and after three years' experience in fighting Indians, he returned to the scenes of his child- hood. Finding his father in declining health, he and one of his brothers took the management of the old farm. In connection with this successful management, Mr. McCreary bought timber for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. This, he continued to do for eight or ten years, when he bought a merchants' flouring-mill at Byesville, Guernsey county, which under his excellent management has become one of the finest merchants' flouring-mills on the old state road. Mr. MeCreary was united in marriage to Miss Elenor McKelvey, Decem- ber 9, 18;4. Five children were the result of this union, viz .: Zelena May, Robert B. and Hugh B., twins, Charles D., who died at the age of one year, and a baby which died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. McCreary are Presbyterians in their belief, Mr. McCreary being an elder in that church. The people of his township have evinced their confidence in his sterling qualities by electing him trustee, six years in succession. He is democratic in his views.
J. O. McKelvey is a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Belmont county, Ohio. Mr. McKelvey was born in Mead township, Belmont Co., Ohio, February 11, 1854. His parents were Samuel and Lucinda (Creamer) McKelvey. The former was born in Tyrone county, Ire- land, March 18, 1809, and in 1841 emigrated to this country, settling in Belmont county, Ohio, where he was of great service in building the old national pike road, built by the government. Lucinda Creamer became his wife in 1842. By her he had five sons and four daughters, all of whom survive. The mother was born in 1830, and died July 11, 1885. J. O. McKelvey attended the public schools of his district, and March 10, 1886, was married to Miss Ida B. King. She is a daughter of James and Margaret King, and was born Septem- ber 13, 1860. Having received a good education she taught for ten successive terms in Belmont county, and is a lady of much culture and refinement. This marriage has been blessed by the birth of two sons: James C., born January 1, 188;, and George E., born November 13. 1888. Mr. McKelvey took possession of his farm March 6, 188 ;. and now has as fine a property as there is in the county, having 157 acres of rich farming land, which is finely situated and worked in the latest and most approved way. His specialty is fine stock, his cattle and sheep are not surpassed in the state, and it is but justice to say that he has the finest breed of sheep in the county. This farm was stocked at a great expense and everything about the property evi-
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dences the skill and progressiveness of its owner. In ISSS he was elected to fill the responsible position of township treasurer, having been true to his trust he has been kept in office ever since. He has also served as a school director of his district, and is a man much re- spected and beloved by his large circle of friends.
Rev. William G. Major was one of ten children born to John and Sarah Major. His father, John Major, was born in Maryland, and came with his parents to Kirkwood township about ISIo. Here he lived until his death, which occurred about 1854, the exact date is not known. Mr. and Mrs. Major were members of the Methodist Episco- pal church, and highly respected by all who knew them. Mr. Will- iam Major, the subject of this mention, was born in 1829 in Kikwood township and spent his boyhood days on the farm. About the time he was nineteen years of age, he united with the Methodist Episcopal church and was made class-leader, which office he discharged faith- fully for about twenty years, when he was licensed to exhort before that church. Through the influence of some persons his license was taken from him and he was notified by the conference that there was a charge against him. As he was prevented from being present by sickness, the case was tried in his absence and decided against him. After persistent effort to re-open the case where he would have an op- portunity to defend himself against what he claims was a false charge he was refused. He and his friends used every effert to have the decision reversed, but the conference did not reconsider the matter. Mr. Major then left the Methodist Episcopal church and went to the Methodist Protestant, where he was taken in as an ordained minister. Mr. Major and his brother-in-law held a meeting in Hendrysburg and gathered together fifty-two charter members, and built a beauti- ful little church, which gave him license to preach and be a member of what is known as the Belmont circuit. Mr. Major was married January 22, 1852, to Martha Sheppard, and to them have been born nine children, viz .: Thomas W., Arminda E., Adaline L .; Alice O .; Sarah, deceased; Albert E .; Silas, deceased; Etta, May W. and Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Major have a very interesting family and enjoy the pleasure of having a large circle of friends. Mr. Major has a finely cultivated farm of 226 acres, on the old state road, and makes a busi- ness of general farming.
Samuel Pollock was born January 11, ISIS. He was one of the lead- ing citizens of Morristown, Belmont county, Ohio, and his death, which occurred March 29, 1882, not only caused a mournful vacancy in his family, but was also a calamity to the community in which he lived. His widow and the following named children survive him: James W., Margaret G., Mary E., John C., a prominent lawyer of Windfield, Kan., Nancy, Joseph S., and William Il. Mr. Pollock was a devout member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder. His marriage to Jane Scott took place October 21. 1851. Mrs. Scott, who still resides in Morristown, is the daughter of James and Mary Scott. The father was born at sea, while the family were voyaging to America. On this voyage, his only brother died. Mr.
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Scott followed the life of a sailor for three years, and then settled in Chester county, Penn., where he was married. After his marriage, he moved to Ohio. Six of the twelve children born to him are still living: James Scott's father, although born in Scotland, was a soldier in the Irish rebellion, and in an engagement with Queen's Light Horse cavalry, was taken prisoner, and kept in confinement for some time. After his release, he came to America and settled in Philadel- phia, and was there married to Miss M. Whistler. After living in Pennsylvania for about fifteen years, he came to Belmont county, Ohio, where he died in 1857. Ilis wife was a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Manhattan Island. She died at an advanced age. Her death occurred August 22, 1861.
Ambrose Steger, the prominent merchant of Morristown, Belmont county, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 6, IS31, the son of Sylvester and Agnes Steger, who were the parents of six children: Michael, Bonapart, Andrew, Nicholas, Ambrose and Theresa. Mr. Steger and his brother Nicholas were the only ones of the family who came to America. Ambrose Steger emigrated to this country at the age of twenty-four, in 1855. He came direct to Wheeling, where he found his brother who had preceded him. For some time he worked at anything which was obtainable, and by dint of economy and hard work, managed to embark in the produce business, in which he continued until 1862, when he moved to Morristown, where he en- gaged in the mercantile business. His father died in 1842 and his mother, whose maiden name was Heitsman, died in 1853. When thirty-one years of age Mr. Steger was united in marriage to Susan- nah Schlientz, who was born in Belmont county, Ohio. Their ten children are: John M., Sylvester, Charlie, William, Harvey N., Lilly, May, Clarence A., Edgar N., Frank D). and Harry V., all living. John M. married Miss C. Hoover, by whom he has had one child: Lawrence H. John Steger is the proprietor of a large and flourish- ing cigar factory in Morristown, and the whole family fill positions of trust and esteem in the community. Mr. Ambrose Steger has met with much success in his business and is regarded as one of the sub- stantial, enterprising business men of the township.
WARREN TOWNSHIP.
John Albrecht, a member of the firm of Reed & Albrecht, tanners, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, where he was born September 23, 1851. Ilis father and mother, Balthaser and Elizabeth, emigrated to this country in 1852, settling at Marietta, Ohio, where the father went to farming. He died there in 1860. The mother was again married to Michael Wagner and still resides in Marietta. Twelve children were born of the first marriage, six of whom are living: Balthasar, John, Andrew, Henry, Martha, Mary, and our subject. By the second marriage she had one son, Lewis, who now lives in Pitts- burgh, Penn. John went to school at Marietta, and learned the trade of tanner in that place and in Pittsburgh. In isse he went to Barnes-
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ville, to become a partner in the firm of Reed & Albrecht, which he still continues. Elizabeth, daughter of John Bickert, became his wife in 1874. They are the parents of a fine family of five children: Katie, John, William, Edward and Charley. Mr. Albrecht is an active democrat, which party he now represents in the city council, and is also a member of the democratic central committee. He is a member of Warren lodge, No. 76, K. of P. His religious beliefs are founded upon the faith of the Roman Catholic church.
Valentine Ault is one of seven children which were born to George and Margaret Ault. The children were: Andrew; Mary Ann, wife of Davis Weir; Valentine; Margaret, deceased; Catherine, who lives in Virginia; Hannah, who is the wife of Louis Sumptor, at Warnock Station; and three children who died when quite young. George Ault, the father of our subject, was one of the old settlers of Belmont county, having settled near St. Clairsville about the year 1800. Mr. Ault was of Dutch descent. He died in 1875. Mrs. Ault, the wife of George, died in 1834, with the cholera. Mr. and Mrs. Ault were mem- bers of the Lutheran church. Mr. Valentine Ault, who is the subject of this sketch, was born July 29, 1818, near St. Clairsville. He spent most of his boyhood days on the farin of his father, but at the age of sixteen left home and learned the carpenter's trade with his brother- in-law. Ile followed this trade until he reached the age of twenty- five. By thrift and industry he had managed to accumulate a sum with which he rented a farm and then took a lease for five years. At the end of that time he rented a farm for two years, but remained but one year, when he removed to the farm of his father-in-law, and re- mained thirteen years, having bought the farm in the meantime. In 1864 he sold this farm and bought one near Barnesville, and it is here that he now resides, having by his own hard work made for him- self and children a nice home. Mr. Ault married Margaret Ault, and this union has been blessed by the followingchildren, viz .: Elizabeth Tir- zah, deceased; Joseph, who is in Washington; Anna, who is living at home; Marion, who keeps the farm in order; Arabella, deceased; Mary Etta, who is at home; Arlington, who has just returned from Washing- ton; a baby which died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Ault are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Barnesville, and have been since their marriage.
One of the most prominent, if not the most prominent, business man of Barnesville, Ohio, is John Bradfield, who was born in 1813, in the county of York, England. In ise; he, in company with his father and mother, Joseph and Isabella Bradfield, and his several brothers and sisters, came to America. The children were: Joseph, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary and John. The family came direct to Balti- more, and from there to Belmont county, Ohio, settling upon a farm about four miles north of Barnesville. His education, which was re- ceived in England, was limited, but being a lover of books, like many another self-made man. he has by improving his spare moments. in- formed himself upon all of the leading topics of the day. Mr. Brad- field remained on his father's farm until 1838, when he began to buy
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and ship leaf tobacco. Meeting with great success in this his first business experience, he remained in it for three years, at the expira- tion of which time he bought out the firm of James Barnes & Sons, gen- eral merchants. He has continued in this business until recently, running it in connection with the tobacco trade. From time to time, as his several sons have become of age, he has taken them into the firm. The privations of his youth have stood him in good stead, as from them he learned the lesson of economy, and self-reliance. In the spring of 1889, Mr. Bradfield retired from the general merchan- dise business, turning it over entirely to his sons, who have inherited their father's sagacity to a considerable degree. The firm, in con- nection with the First National bank, are building one of the finest business blocks of its size in the state, at a cost of $50.000. The First National bank is another monument to this honorable citizen's enter- prise and wisdom. He was its president from its inception, in 1864, until the year 1875, at which time he retired, his son Edward then taking the office of cashier. Besides having organized the bank, the Gas company of Barnesville, owes its beginning to him. He has been the president of the latter organization for some eight or ten years. The company has lately contracted to take and control the electric light plant. Mr. Bradfield is pre-eminently a public-spirited man, one who has always favored and aided any and all legitimate enter- prises that would tend toward building up the town, and bettering the condition of its citizens. With his large fortune, and many per- sonal attainments, it is no wonder that political offices have been ten- dered him; the senatorial prize has been cast in his way, but he has steadfastly refused to connect himself in any way with politics. In 1843 he married Anna L. Shannon, daughter of Thomas Shannon, a brother of Ex-Governor Shannon. Four boys and two girls have blessed this marriage. They are: Thomas, Edward, John W., Anna, Charles and Kate. Mrs. Bradfield was born and raised in Barnes- ville. In 1889 Mrs. Bradfield passed away to reap the reward of a devoted wife, and a wise, affectionate mother. Mr. Bradfield was one of the principal organizers of the Presbyterian church at Barnes- ville, of which both he and his wife were charter members. The town of Barnesville perhaps owes more of its prosperily to John Bradfield than to any other one man.
Hon. William Bundy, one of Warren township's early settlers and a man of considerable influence, was one of eleven children, viz .: Mary, deceased; Ezekiel, deceased; Eli, deceased; Charity, deceased; John, living in Barnesville; Nathan, deceased; Sarah, deceased; William, our subject: Dempsey, deceased; C., deceased, and Elizabeth, born to William and Sarah Bundy. William Bundy, the father of our subject, was born in 17So in North Carolina, and came to Belmont county about 1807, and settled on the farm near Barnesville now oc- cupied by William Bundy. William Bundy, Jr., remained here until his death in 1828. His wife, Sarah (Overman) Bundy, was also a native of North Carolina. The Bundys are of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Bundy were members of the Society of Friends, and have
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BELMONT COUNTY, OIIIO.
been by birthright as far back as can be remembered. Mr. Bundy, our subject, was born near where he now lives in 1819, and spent his boyhood days on the farm. He received his education in the schools of his neighborhood. At the age of twenty-four he married Miss Prudence Word, by whom he had one child, Allen, who died when about twenty-two years of age. Mrs. Bundy lived but about eigh- teen months after her marriage. In three years he was again united in marriage to Miss Asenath Doudna, a daughter of Joel Doudna, who was a native of North Carolina. By this union nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bundy, viz .: Prudence, deceased; T. Clarkson; Almedia, deceased; Evaline, deceased; Charles, deceased; Dillwyn, Rebecca H., and one child that died in infancy. The family are all members of the Society of Friends. In 1875 Mr. Bundy was elected representa- tive by the republicans. Although the county was democratic, he served them so well that all parties were satisfied. On September 22, 1889, he suffered a great affliction in the death of his devoted wife, his companion of forty-two years. Mr. Bundy lives on his pleasant farm of 365 acres of well-cultivated land. He is liked by all his neighbors, and is well spoken of by all who know him.
James Edgerton is one of thirteen children, ten of whom lived to reach manhood and womanhood, the following of whom are still living, namely: Eunice T., wife of John Thomasson; James; Joseph, a resi- dent of Iowa; Nathan, who lives near the city of Philadelphia; Mary, wife of Allen T. Lee, of California; Jesse, a resident of Columbiana county, Ohio; Walter, who lives in Harrison county, Ohio, and Rachel, wife of Charles Cope, of Columbiana county. The above are chil- dren of Joseph and Charity Edgerton, the former born in Wayne county in 1797, and came to Ohio about 1804 with his parents, settling near Captina creek, where he erected a flouring-mill in an early day. Joseph Edgerton remained in Belmont county until the spring of 1865, at which time his death occurred. Charity Edgerton was the daughter of John and Miriam Doudna, who moved to Ohio from North Carolina about the year 1804. Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton were members of the Society of Friends, and are remembered as very sub- stantial people in the community where they resided. Mrs. Edgerton died in Belmont county in 1854. James Edgerton was born in Bel- mont county, Ohio, in 1828, and received his carly educational train- ing in such schools as the county at that time afforded. Hle subse- quently attended a boarding school at Mt. Pleasant, conducted by the Friends, where he obtained a practical knowledge of the higher branches of learning. When twenty-four years of age he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Williams, daughter of William and Re- becca Williams. Mr. Williams was a native of Bucks county, Penn .. born in 1810. He came to Belmont county, Ohio, in 1819, and died here in the year 1879. Mrs. Williams was born in 1814, and departed this life in 1874. To James and Mary Edgerton have been born ten children, namely: William D., Rebecca, Joseph S., Thomas D. (who was drowned in 1885), Caroline, Mary J., Sarah T., Walter J., James W. and Anna E. Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton and all of their chil-
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dren are members of the Society of Friends, and as such are highly esteemed in the community where they reside. Mr. Edgerton lives within two miles of the city of Barnesville, where he is extensively engaged in fruit culture, making a specialty of raspberries and straw- berries, large quatities of which he ships every year to Chicago, Phil- adelphia and other points.
Dr. James Sykes Ely is one of the leading physicians of Belmont county, Ohio. He first saw the light of day August 22, 1832, near Dar- lington, Hartford county, Md. He is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Brown) Ely, who are members of the Society of Friends. Ilis pa- ternal ancestors came from England to America, in the year of the foundation of the city of Philadelphia, under the auspices of that famous Quaker, William Penn. The father was a native of Maryland, but in 1832 moved to Ohio. He was a cabinet-maker and carpenter by trade, and worked at his trade for several years after he came to Morristown, where he had located. In about 1838, he removed to Loydsville, where he entered the general merchandise trade, in which he remained the rest of his life. Dr. Ely's early education was meager, a short time spent in the common school, and a still shorter period in a seminary, was all the schooling he was able to obtain. After he reached the age of twelve, his studies were pursued with great ardor and perseverance at home, without the aid of a preceptor. At the age of seventeen years, he began the study of medicine under the supervision of Dr. C. Schooley, then at Loydsville, afterward at Martin's Ferry, Ohio. At the end of three years he had finished the standard course, as it was then termed. Deterred by his extreme youth from entering at once on the practice of his chosen profession. he went to teaching temporarily. In 1856, he located at Somerton, Ohio, and in 1862 attended a course of lectures at the medical college of Ohio, graduating in the following June. Upon a call being made for surgeons to serve in the Union army he at- tended the examinations held at Columbus, and was commissioned November IS, 1862, an assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth regiment of Ohio volunteers. Joining the regi- ment at Cumberland, Md., on November 14, 1862, when the forces were driven out of Martinsburg, Va., he volunteered to remain to care for the wounded Union soldiers, and consequently fell into the hands of the enemy, by whom he was paroled and kindly treated. While at Martinsburg, two corps of Lee's army passed through en route to Gettysburg, and he there counted 256 pieces of artillery in their train. On their return he had the pleasure of hearing the enemy curse Gen. Lee for their defeat. Following the fortunes of his regiment, he re- ceived a commission as surgeon February 8, 1804. In the ensuing March he passed the examination of the United States Board of Ex- aminers. The examination was extremely rigid, consuming a week's time. As a result of this he was commissioned assistant surgeon of the United States volunteers by the president. April 21, 1864. The Wilderness campaign being at hand, he withheld his acceptance of the commission and remained with his regiment. Subsequently he was
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BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
assigned to the operating staff of his brigade, and there found inces- sant and exhaustive work. Upon the arrival of the army at Cold Har- bor, he reported to the headquarters of the army of the Potomac, was mustered in as assistant surgeon of the United States volunteers, and was detailed for duty with the department of field hospitals of White- house, Va. In the latter part of June, 1864, these hospitals were re- moved to City Point, Va. Dr. Ely was there on duty for a time with the Sixth Army Corps hospital, and also with the Fifth Army Corps hospital. December 22, 1864, he was placed in charge of the Cavalry Corps hospital, principally to accomplish its re-organization. Early in January he was placed in charge of the Depot Field hospital of the Sixth army corps, and retained that position until Lee's surrender. at which time all the hospitals at that place were broken up. On May 26, 1865, having remained until the last moment, he transferred all the remaining hospital inmates aboard the hospital steamer " Con- necticut," in charge of J. B. Hood, surgeon of United States volun- teers, for transit to Washington. . August 12, 1865, he was ordered to take charge of the City General hospital at Indianapolis, Ind., where he was eventually mustered out, October 16, 1865. Ile then returned to his-home, and November ;, 1865, removed to Barnesville, Ohio, where he now resides. After returning home he received a brevet promotion from the United States. In 1868 he was appointed United States ex- amining surgeon for pensions, a position he held until the inaugu- ration of President Cleveland. He refused the importunities of his friends of both parties to make the application for continuance in this position. Originally, he was a member of the free soil party, but since the advent of the republican party he has been one of its warmest supporters. In 1854, he married Emily E. Hogue, daughter of Samuel Hogue, originally of Loudon county, Va., but resided near Loydsville. Ohio. Her mother's maiden name was Mary Holmes, also of Loudon county, Va. Three boys have come of this union: Ernest S., the only liv- ing one, is a graduate of the Cincinnati school of pharmacy. January IS, ISSS, Miss Lucretia M. Wood, of, near Winchester, Va., became his wife, Laura V. is their child. When Dr. Ely first came to Barnesville, he was in very moderate circumstances, but by close application he has built up a large business. He was one of the organizers of the Peoples' National Bank, and was made president of the same, he still occupies this position. He has been in the drug business ever since his location here. He is also one of the founders of the Gas company. and was its secretary and treasurer. The doctor has the entire conti- dence of his fellow-townsmen, and has always been one of Barnes- ville's representative men. He is a Mason, and also a member of the G. A. R., Ililles post, No. 220.
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