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 44
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
was born January 21, 1769. Ilis father died soon after his son's birth, and his widow then married John Riddle, of Reading, Penn. Riddle was a tory, and not being able to bear the pressure which was brought to bear on him by his neighbors, he went to Canada. Joseph, one of the sons of James, was the father of Dr. J. S. Boone. Dr. Boone was educated in the schools of Greensboro and Comickle, Penn., and at the age of eighteen, began the study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Pricket, with whom he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion, when he entered Company C. First West Virginia cavalry, and for nearly four years he followed their fortunes with great valor, serving under the " Fighting" Generals Kilpatrick and Custer. He was mustered out of the service as a sergeant. After the war he commenced to practice medicine, reading and practicing until I871, at which time he entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Sur- gery, graduating from the same in 1872. He then began practicing at Shiloh, Tyler county, W. Va., remaining there until September 1, 1877, when he removed to Powhatan, Ohio, where he has resided and continued in his profession, having built up a fine practice and a reputation second to none for skill and integrity. The doctor is a member of the State Medical society of West Virginia, of the Bel- mont County Medical society of Ohio, of the I. O. O. F. and of the Masonic order, and is on the roster of the G. A. R., Powhatan post. February 14, 1866, he was married to Miss Anna A. O'llaro. She was born in Weston, W. Va., August 12, 1842. and died at Spencer, April 25, 1867. He was again married. this time to Mary E. Galoway, of Tyler county, W. Va .; the ceremony was performed August 14, 1869. Mrs. Boone was born December 11, 1841. This union has been blessed by the birth of one son, Edgar L., born June ;, 1870. He is now reading medicine and gives a promise of becoming a worthy suc- cessor of his father. Dr. and Mrs. Boone are active members of the Presbyterian church, of Powhatan, and are held in high esteem by all who know them.
G. M. Fowles, principal of the Powhatan public schools, is a son of Richard and Sarah (Shipley) Fowles. His father is an Englishman by birth, having come to the United States in IS58. His mother was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn. Professor Fowles is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Allegheny county, May 7, 1868. His father and mother, who were married in 1861, were the parents of four daughters and two sons, Mrs. Fowles is the only one in the family who is deceased. G. M. Fowles received his early education in the common schools of Allegheny county, when thirteen years of age he attended a Normal school taught by Miss Hannah Paterson, for three summer terms, he then remained out of school until iS8 ;. January Ist of that year he entered the State Normal school at Cali- fornia, Penn., from which he graduated with honor June 14, ISSS. In the fall of the same year he was elected the principal of the Powhatan schools, meeting with much success during his first term; he was chosen to succeed himself in ISSo, and he is still engaged in this important work, having made for himself, though yet young, a very enviable
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BELMONT COUNTY, OIIIO.
reputation as an educator. Professor Fowles is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
James A. Giffen is an extensive agriculturist and sheep raiser. His birth occurred September 27, 1850, in Salem township, Monroe Co., Ohio. llis parents are John and Nancy (Adams) Giffen, who are very estimable people. Until fifteen years old James attended the public schools of Monroe county. Moving to Belmont county he finished his schooling there, and when eighteen years old went to work for his uncle, continuing with him for ten years. During this time he saved considerable money, and at the death of his uncle he came into possession of the farm, containing 172 acres, and has since added to his property until he now owns and operates 302 acres of the most highly cultivated land in the township. While he has had great success in farming his specialty is the breeding of fine sheep, which have become famous, and are a source of a large revenue to their owner. Mr. Giffen married Miss Jennie Cooke, Novem- ber 11, 1880. She is the daughter of John and Eliza (Johnson) Cooke, and was born September 26, 1858. This marriage has been crowned by the birth of five children: Lawrence C., born October 10; 1881; Otto A., born February 10, 1883; Wilma L., born April 21, 1885; Clara 1 .. , born July 5, 188;, and Jennie A., born January 23, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Giffen are acceptable members of the United Presbyterian church, and are always identified with any movement calculated to advance the interests of their community.
Charles M. Green is one of the leading teachers of York township. He was born January 12, 1845, in the town where he still lives. His parents were from New York state; they were Samuel and Mary (Jones) Green. The father was born in 1806, and died in IS;1; Mary, his wife, was born in 1810, and died in 1861. Samuel came to Ohio in 1824, and his wife about four years later; they were married in 1825. and reared a family of eight children. Samuel Green was a farmer and produce boat trader, while his father was a stock dealer, sending a great deal of stock to the Baltimore markets. Professor Green was educated in the common schools of York township, and also at the Waynesburgh college, in Green county, Penn., and at Hopedale college, in Harrison county, Ohio. He spent several terms in col- lege, and commenced teaching at the age of twenty-seven, and has taught continuously ever since, most of this time being spent in the schools of York township. August 21, 1885, Miss Louisa Bandi be- came his wife. She is a daughter of Nicholas and Barbara Bandi, and was born in 1853. Two children are the happy result of this marriage: Alice Roberta, born May 30, 1886; and Howard Stanley. born April 18. 1889. Professor Green is at present clerk of the board of education, and also township clerk, a position which he held for two years. He is recognized as a leading educator of Belmont county. Mrs. Green is a member of the German lutheran church, while her husband isa communicant of the Presbyterian denomination.
Robert Johnson, Jr., is a prosperous farmer of York township. Bel- mont Co., Ohio. He is a native of Ireland, in which country he was
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
born, January 14, 1835. in the county Antrim. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth Johnson, who emigrated to this country in 1849, settl- ing on McMahan creek; they remained there until I851, when he purchased the farm where his son, Robert, Jr., now lives. The father was born in 1789, and the mother, who was Elizabeth McFadden, September 29, ISoi; they were married in October, 1821. Their chil- dren are: Sarah, born July 21, 1822; John, born October 29, 1824; Thomas, born September 15, 1826; James, born November 20, 1828, died December 12, 1886; Eliza J., born July 14, 1831, died Septem- ber 26, 1865; Robert, Jr., born January 14, 1835; Nancy, born April 21, IS38; William, born January 25, 1841, died June 4, ISSI, and David, born January 7. 1843. The father died July 23, 1851, but his wife still survives in good health at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. The subject of this biography received his education in Ireland, and when he came to the United States, went to work for a Mr. George Neff, and worked for him until 1851, when he removed to the farm where he now lives. His father died in the same year, and the sons remained on the farm until they married. They then left, purchasing property of their own, leaving Robert in charge of the homestead. He was married to Miss Sarah C. Hamilton, January 12, IS71. She is a daughter of William and Elizabeth Hamilton, both natives of Ireland. Sarah C., was born in Ireland, January 21, 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of three sons and four daughters: Robert K., born October 27, 1871; William H., born August 28, 1873; John Mc., born June 19, 1875; Mary E., born February 13, 1877; Lo- renia J., born February 21, ISSo; Leanna A., born December 10, 1882, and Sarah 1., born January 20, ISSS. Mr. Johnson is a most success- ful farmer, having wonderful abilities in this direction; he has also turned his attention to wool culture very extensively, and has devel- oped a very desirable business in this line. Both he and his wife are leading members of the United Presbyterian church.
Volney Nickolaus is one of the leading business men of Powhatan, Ohio. His birth occurred in Philadelphia, Penn., December 11, IS48. He is a son of Frederick and Rachel (Pfefer) Nickolaus, who were both natives of Germany, having immigrated to this country at an early date. They first settled in Philadelphia, where they remained for a short time, afterward removing to Monroe county, Ohio, where they still reside. Eight children were born to them, seven of whom are still living. Volney, the fourth son, was educated in the common schools of Monroe county, and began an apprenticeship of three years in 1866, with Michael Stein a carriage builder. After his time had been served Mr. Nickolaus remained with Mr. Stein a short time as a workman, then went to Bellaire, Ohio, where he worked for Abraham Marsh, afterward returning to Mr. Stein, he stayed with him for one year, then lived at his home for a year, and in October, 1873, he finally settled in Powhatan Point. In the course of one year Mr. Nickolaus bought Mr. Fish out, and in a few years erected the large shop which he now operates. He manufactures all descriptions of vehicles, and has by energy and honesty built up a large and
751
BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
profitable business. He was married October 5, 1875, to Miss Mary Walter. Mrs. Nickolaus was born April 20, 1852. Two sons and two daughters have come to bless their home, one of the daughters is de- ceased: Emma, Walter and Willoughby are the surviving children. Mr. Nickolaus is at present the honored treasuer of York township, and he and his family are held in the highest regard by their fellow towns-people.
One of Belmont county's most favored sons is John G. Owens, of York township. Mr. Owens was born in Richland township, Belmont Co., Ohio, September 12, 1815. Ilis parents were Henry and Eliza- beth (Clark) Owens. The father was a native of Ireland, from which country he emigrated when but twelve years of age. Ile remained near Philadelphia, Penn., until after his marriage, when he came to Ohio and settled in Richland township. Mr. Owens lived on congress land for a few years, then entered the farm on which John Owens was born. John obtained his schooling in the old pioneer log school- houses, not having the advantages of the children who live in this day, still by perseverance and a love for knowledge, he acquired a good edu- cation. Growing to manhood he went to farming in Richland township, where he remained until about 1840. In 1838 Miss Elizabeth Loue- len, of Mead township, became his wife, and two years later Mr. Owens purchased a farm in Monroe county. Here he lived for twenty-one years, during which time his wife died. He then married Mrs. DeLong, daughter of William Philips. Soon after this they re- moved to York township, and on the 5th of November, ISS4, his sec- ond wife died. September 13, ISSS, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia R. Duvall, a daughter of Brice H., and Priscilla (Simpson) Duy- all. Mrs. Owens was born June 21, 1839. Mr. Owens has figured quite prominently in politics, having served as an assessor of Monroe county, was justice of the peace for nine years of the same county, and directly after his coming to York township he was elected land appraiser. Ile has served a number of terms as a trustee, and was elected a justice of the peace of York township, but on account of pressing private business resigned the honor, but in a short time was re-elected, and is now filling this important position. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and himself and wife are earnest communi- cants of the Methodist Episcopal church. A man ready at all times to give to the best of his energies to any public good. and one whose sterling integrity and uprightness are fully appreciated by all with whom he comes in contact.
The representative miller and merchant of Captina, Ohio, was born at Captina, February 16, 1852. His father and mother, I. J. and Mary J. (Bryson) Potts, were from prominent families. I. J. Potts was born in West Wheeling, while his wife first saw the light of day in York town- ship. They reared a family of three sons and one daughter, all of whom are living. E. R. Potts went to the York schools until he was sixteen years old, when he began to work in his father's mill, remain- ing with him in this capacity for five years, he then purchased the mill from his father, and has operated it up to this time with great success.
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
In 1888 he bought the mercantile business of E. B. Potts, and has car- ried this on in connection with his mill and farming interests. Ilis store is a model of its kind, everything can be found there that is usually kept in the first-class general stores. Mr. Potts has lived a life of usefulness and his energy and enterprise have left their mark on the community in which he lives. Miss Ella MeGrew, a lady of many accomplishments, and of great purity of character, became his wife September 17, 1882. Mrs. Potts is a daughter of Arch and Lydia McGrew, she was born August 15, 1859. The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Potts has been greatly brightened by the birth of three daugh- ters: Mary D., Neva, and Jean. The family move in the best circles of the county, and are highly respected and much beloved.
George E. Ramsay is a prominent agriculturist of Powhatan, Bel- mont Co., Ohio. He is a son of Aaron and Nancy Ramsay (of whom mention is made elsewhere). Mr. Ramsay first saw the light of day November 12, 1861. His early boyhood was spent in the public schools of Powhatan, later he attended the St. Francis college in Cambria county, Penn. Here he remained one year. Returning from college his father gave him a tract of land situated near the old homestead; here he has put his best energies and experience, and the result is a great credit to his abilities. Ilis particular attention is paid to the cultivation of wheat, of which he raises large crops. His mar- riage to Miss Lizzie Sanford was solemnized September 17, 1884. Mrs. Ramsay was born September 17, 1863, and is the daughter of David Sanford. One daughter has been born into their happy home: Edna Browning, whose birth occurred February 3, 188 ;. Mr. Ram- say is a Mason, and both he and wife are active communicants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
1. W. Ramsay is a leading citizen of York township, and is a man yet in the prime of life, having been born August 11, 1847. He is a son of Aaron and Nancy Ramsay, and comes from a very old and prominent family. His schooling was received in the schools of York township, and having been reared on his father's farm, and having a natural taste for tilling the soil, he chose farming for his life work. He took Miss Sarah Riley to wife July 4, 1876. Mrs. Ramsay is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Ramsay) Riley. William Riley was born September 20, 1825, and his wife was born February 1, 1839. They were married October 10, 1857. Sarah, the wife of the subject of this sketch, was born into this world October 17, 1858. Three sons and four daughters are the issue of this union, they are: Nancy E., born August 22, 1877, died September 4, 1877; Mary L., born July 1, 1878; Amy S., born April 23, ISSo, died October 1, ISSo; Ida O., born March 14, 1882; Isaac Aaron, born March 15, 1884; William H., born February 14, 1886, and Randall Rupert, born December 12, 1887. Mr. Ramsay is a practical agriculturist, and has met with the most pleasing success; he also raises the finest grade of horses, cattle and sheep. Ilis farm is one of the best properties in the county, and he is known for miles around as a truc American farmer. He and his wife are both influential members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
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BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO.
and are always ready to give their aid to any legitimate enterprise which will in any way enhance the wellfare of their fellowmen.
W. A. Ramsay was born March 14, 1859. Ile is a son of Aaron F. and Nancy (Thornbrook) Ramsay. The former was born in Wash- ington county, Penn., March 27, 1813, the latter in Belmont county, Ohio, September 12, 1820. Aaron came with his father, Thomas, to Belmont county in 1818, being among the pioneer settlers. Thomas Ramsay was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to Washington county, Penn., at the age of eighteen years, remaining there until he moved to Ohio. Aaron F. Ramsay was married in 1844. Four sons and four daughters were born of this union. The entire family is living with the exception of one daughter. Mr. Ramsay lived near Jacobs- burgh until 1857, when he moved to a farm in the vicinity of Powhat- an. In 1866 he again moved, this time to Powhatan, where he has since resided. W. A. Ramsay was educated in the Powhatan schools, and in the monastery at Loretto, Penn. Upon his return from school he went to work on his father's farm, and has since continued with gratifying success in this business. He is one of the progressive, active young farmers of the county, and his future promises to be a very bright one. August 4, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Emily Campbell, a daughter of William and Josephine Campbell. Emily was born July 9, 1864. One son is the result of this marriage, Ben A., born May 21, 1881. Mr. Ramsay is a member of the I.O.O. F., lodge of Powhatan. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay are active and intlu- ential members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
John Ramser, proprietor of the United States distillery, No. 1, Eighteenth district of Ohio, situated at Powhatan, Ohio, is a native of Switzerland, in which country he was born May 18, 1825, emi- grating to this country June 17, 1847. He first located in Allegheny City, where he worked as a laborer and carpenter until 1854, when he moved to Powhatan, where he built himself- a house and engaged in the carpentry trade; he afterward sold his house and removed to California in 1858, taking his wife and two children with him; they went by way of Panama to San Fransisco. When he landed in San Fransisco he found that his entire outfit had been stolen; he at once went to work for a Jew, manufacturing safes. He then resumed his old trade, working at it until he had accumulated sufficient money to buy another outfit for himself and family, when they started for the mines. On this journey they encountered many obstacles, the severe snow storms hindered them much and caused the blindness of one of his children for several months. Finally they reached the mines at Forest City, and Mr. Ramser had only worked for a few days when the entire town was burned down. From here he went to the mines on Rock creek, where he worked in the mines for two years, at the expiration of which time he removed to Sacramento with the purpose of going into the huckstering business. He crossed the mountains forty times, encountering all the perils and hardships of a frontier life. After some time spent in this way, he moved onto a ranch and burned charcoal for a living. While here his wife died. Soon after
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he started back over the plains with his five motherless little children. The return trip took over four long months of weary travel. Reach- ing Powhatan he built a distillery on Cat's Run in 1867, and operated the same until ISSo, when he removed to Powhatan, where he estab- lished the large distillery now owned and operated by himself. By his first wife Mr. Ramser had eleven children, six of whom are living. By his second wife, who was Miss Lena Berger, he has had eleven children, six of them being dead. Mr. Ramser is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Masonic order of Powhatan, Maria lodge, No. 105, having completed the degrees of the latter May, 1868. A man of various experiences, yet one who has made a success of his life, and who is respected by his neighbors.
One of the most prominent physicians, and a very distinguished citizen of Powhatan, Ohio, is Dr. E. N. Riggs, who was born in Wash- ington county, Penn., September 22, 1846. His parents were Edward and Hester (Newmeyer) Riggs, the former was born in 1802, and the latter in 1809. They raised a family of ten children, nine of whom still survive them. When but nine years old Dr. Riggs commenced attending the South Western Normal school of Pennsylvania, and continued there until seventeen years of age, at which time he began to read medicine with his brother. Dr. D. W. Riggs, and A. O. Hun- ter, M. D. He afterward entered entered Bellevue Medical college in New York, remaining there for one year, he then attended the Cin- cinnati Medical college, where he graduated with honor in 1872. After his graduation Dr. Riggs returned to Pennsylvania, and began the practice of his profession with his brother in Allegheny City. Here he remained for seven years meeting with much success. In 18;6. he removed to Powhatan Point, and has since built up a very lucrative practice. While in Allegheny he was a member of the board of health. and four years was a director of the poor, and previous to his removal to Powhatan, was elected a member of the city council. April 9. 1873. Miss Luella Abrams, daughter of Capt. W. J. and Mary Abrams, became his wife. She was born October 13. 1850. They are the par- ents of one son: William E., born June 4. 1876. For four years Dr. Riggs had the honor of being a member of the board of pension ex- aminers at Bellaire, Ohio, and for four years was township treasurer. a member of the board of school truscees of Powhatan, and is also one of the directors of the Ohio Valley railway company, he is also a member of the Masonic lodge, of the A. O. U. W., having been a member of Grand lodge at the session of 1876. Dr. and Mrs. Riggs are both very earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church. the former being the superintendent of the Sunday-school of that church.
Philip Wurster is the leading merchant tailor of Powhatan. Mr. Wurster is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, where he was born March 31. 1846. His parents were Charles Friederich and Barbara (Frey) Wurster. They reared a family of five children. The father was born in 1802 and died in 1856. After the father's death in Ger- many the family began to move to this country. The subject's oldest
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brother came to Wheeling when Philip was six years old. He a few years later was followed by his sister Agatha. Philip came with his mother and one sister, arriving in America in May, 1866. Immedi- ately he made his way to Wheeling. W. Va., and engaged in the mer- chant tailoring business there for three years, after which he moved to Powhatan, and has since resided there with the exception of six months spent in Kanawa county, W. Va. He was married May 11, 1869, to Miss Rosa Lude. She was born July 3, 1854. a daughter of Michael and Sarah (Elder) Lude. The former was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Wurster have had two sons, Charles Philip, born October 31, 1871, and George Ludwig Lewis, born April 3, 1880. Mr. Wurster is a member and past grand mas- ter of the I. O. O. F., and also is an earnest member of the Presby- terian church.
1
CHAPTER V.
BY COL. C. L. POORMAN.
CITIES AND TOWNS -- THEIR GROWTH AND ORGANIZATION -BELLAIRE - ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- BRIDGEPORT - BARNESVILLE -MARTIN'S FERRY MORRISTOWN- FLUSHING-BELMONT -- HENDRYSBURG -- OTHER TOWNS AND VILLAGES, ETC.
HE early towns in Belmont county, with the exception of Pultney, the original county town, and Bridgeport, were all away from the Ohio river and along the ridges or high lands in the several townships. These towns were laid out in the following order: Pultney and Nowelstown, now St. Clairsville, in ISoo; Morristown in 1802: Bridgeport and Uniontown in 1806; Belmont and Barnesville in ISOS; Flush- ing in 1813; Farmington and Jacobsburgh in 1815; Somerton in ISIS; Centerville and Hendrysburg in IS28; Pleasant Grove in 1830; Sewellsville, Loydsville and Steinersville in IS31. Later organ- izations were Bellaire, Boston and New Castle in 1834: Martin's Ferry in 1835; Temperanceville in 1837; West Wheeling in 1838; Rockhill in 1844; Ilunter in ISAS; Powhatan in 1849; Warnock in 1854: Fairmont and Glencoe in 1855; Stewartsville in IS68; Maynard in IS;4: Etnaville (usually regarded as part of Bridgeport) and George- town were platted later. Those since 1849 have been along the lines of railroad.
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HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY.
Bellaire is the largest town or city in Belmont county. The greater part of the city is upon a high bottom above the reach of all past floods in the river and at the mouth of McMahan creek, one of the larger streams of the county. The commercial advantages of its lo- cation have been recognized by all railroad constructors that have built railroads in or through the county, and all thus far built termin- ate in Bellaire.
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