USA > West Virginia > Preston County > A History of Preston County, West Virginia, V. 2 > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
Earl M. Lantz, one of the youngest cashiers of any bank in the state of West Virginia, took charge of the financial department of the Kingwood National Bank in 1903. He was at that time only twenty-three years old, but since his connection it has prospered and become one of the leading institutions of its kind in the county. As the bank started under adverse conditions, its rapid growth and phe- nominal success can only be accounted for in its management, of which Mr. Lantz, as its cashier and member of the Board of Directors, is one of its important offcials.
1
Earl M. Lantz was born in Aurora, Preston County, February 21, 1880. His education was obtained in the public schools of Aurora, after which he became clerk for Shafer, Brown & Company two and
F
JOHN A. LAANTZ
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
EARL M. LANTZ.
THE NEW CIK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LEIDY LILDEN FOUND IN
735
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
a half years at Kingwood. Later he became clerk for C. W. Mayer Son & Company, at Terra Alta, and after three years of experience there he went to Salem as clerk in the Salem Bank, now the First National Bank of Salem. In December, 1903, he came to Kingwood to accept a position as cashier in the Kingwood National Bank.
The corner stone of the Kingwood National Bank was founded on the needs of a financial institution that would be of mutual benefit to the people of Preston County; and in the selection of a clean, capable, conscientious, cashier, Mr. Lantz the compaanionable and popular young business man, was chosen for that responsible position. It was a selection of a man, who would be in accord with the management and with the interests of the people as well. Instituted on these lines of mutual benefit, the officials very soon gained the confidence of the public generally, who have since witnessed the surplus and undi- vided profits of the bank pass its original capitalization in less than ten years from its organization, which is a creditable record; certainly one to be very proud of.
In July, 1911, Mr. Lantz purchased the beautiful and historic old homestead erected by the Honorable James C. McGrew, one of the leading factors in the formation of the State of West Virginia in the perilous times of our Rebellion.
The Lantz family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Lantz is a member of the Masonic fraternity of high degree, and was Mayor at one time of Kingwood.
It is not known when Henry Lantz, the ancestor of this family, came from Germany to this country. His three sons, were Henry, John and Jacob. The daughters were Susannah, who married David Stemple; Catherine, Eva, Betsey and Lydia. The children of John were Luther, John A., George L., W. S., Frank, Charles Henry, now dead, Oliver Lewis, Camden, proprietor of a hotel in Terra Alta, An- geretta, Hattie P., and Elizabeth.
John A. Lantz, hotel proprietor, took up his residence at Aurora in 1870. In 1886, he erected his present large and commodious hotel building there, which has become a famous country resort, and is well patronized by the more wealthy people of our larger cities, during the hot summer months of every year. He is a very genial landlord, and very extensively known by tourists of the country in general.
736
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
EZRA BENTON HAUGER.
The Hauger family are of German descent. From the time of William Hauger, who came to Preston County, from Somerset a little subsequent to 1832, and settled on the James Kelly farm a little north of Lexox, they have been known as thrifty farmers, and as a very honest and industrious class of people. Their connections are mainly in Portland.
Francis Hauger, son of William, died about 1840. He was quite a business man not only in agricultural pursuits, but he was a black- smith and wagon maker, besides owning and operating a grist mill on. Muddy Creek, and was a Notary Public, for many years. He married Julia Cuppett, who lived to an advanced age, dying only a few years ago. He died at the early age of about fifty-two.
Their children were John A., William, and Luther, all dead. The daughters were Lydia, Alice and Clara, all living.
John A. Hauger was born September 1I, 1844. He followed farming, and was a carpenter, also, by trade. In 1861, he enlisted in the 14th West Virginia Cavalry, and served with that regiment until the close of the war in 1865.
After the war, he married Mrs. Abraham Smith, widow or Irving Smith. She is still living on the Hauger farm one mile west of Terra Alta, to which they moved in 1884. He died in 1904. Their children are Ezra Benton, born December 8, 1868; (2) Charles, born October I, 1870, now conductor on the B. & O. Railroad. He lives at Cumberland, Md. (3) Victor E., born October 6, 1874. He lives ten miles west of Terra Alta, and is a farmer. (4) Floyd, born July 22, 1887, and Ward, born August 16, 1891, are at home.
Ezra Benton Hauger, formerly a well known school teacher in Preston County, now a favorably known merchant of Terra Alta, and candidate for the office of County Assessor, was reared on the old Hauger homestead on Muddy Creek, spending his summer months working on the farm and going to the district school in the winter time. He prepared himself for teaching and followed that profession for ten years. Finally he came to Terra Alta and began the mercantile business. He entered into a partnership with William Bishop under the firm name of Hauger & Bishop, but after a year or so sold all interests in that concern. He bought the Albright homestead April 1, 1899, and moved to Cranesville on the farm where his wife was born and reared. Her name was Georgiana Albright. She was a daughter of Edmund
E. B. HAUGER.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX ILDEN!COULD INN
737
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
and Nancy Jane Albright, both members of old Albright families. Their marriage took place on the 5th of July, 1896. Miss Al- bright was a pupil of Mr. Hauger, afterwards one of the successful teachers of Preston County herself, having obtained a good Normal training for her profession both in Oakland, Md., and in Florida, but she only taught three years before she was married. They are the parents of two children: Eva Gertrude, born February 22, 1901 ; and Fannie Beatrice, born June 4, 1903.
After a stay of three years, the farm was rented and a return was made to Terra Alta, since which time a business in general merchandis- ing has been somewhat extensively carried on. First was a clerkship for Henry Glover, whom Mr. Hauger succeeded as Postmaster of the city under the Roosevelt administration, and which office he held for six years in all. Then the store and property next door was pur- chased from the Terra Alta Candy Store Company, which he still owns and operates on a somewhat extensive basis. To this was added, at one time, the Terra Alta Bottling Company's business, but finding a profitable sale of that property he disposed of all interests in that concern in 1910, and now confines his attention solely to the Ice Cream trade, wholesale and retail, and to the store. Mrs. Hauger is an able assistant in the work. She is a thorough trained business woman, and helps with the management of the store. They are both educated people, gentle and kind in their manner, quiet and unassuming in their behavior, and so courteous to everybody, no one can help liking them. Their success in business, as owners of large landed estates and other interests, is largely due to the popularity of both Mr. and Mrs. Hauger. In church work, as well as in business, Mrs. Hauger has taken her place by her husband's side, ever willing to give her ability and strength for the benefit of others. Mr. Hauger has con- tributed his time and influence liberally in this direction. He was Superintendent of the Sabbath School for four years; was chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Church; and they are both active in every good cause. Mr. Hauger is also a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge, is a Woodman, and a Knight of Pythias.
738
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
WILLIE MILES WELTON.
There were four brothers of the Welton family, who came to this county before the War of the Revolution. They settled on the South Branch of the Potomac, and became participants in several engagements with the Indians. On page 77 of the History of the Valley of Vir- ginia, by Samuel Kercheval, published in 1850, is an account of an Indian massacre given by Job and Aaron Welton of Petersburg, Vir- ginia, which says: About the year, 1756, a party of nine whites left the fort opposite the present village of Petersburg to assist Mr. Job Welton to cut his father's meadow and hunt his cattle. They took their rifles with them, as was invariably the practice, and after collect- ing the cattle turned in and cut a portion of the meadow. As night approached a proposition was made by Mr. Welton to return to the fort, but after some consultation it was agreed on to repair to the shelter of a large elm tree in the meadow where they had been mowing and where they concealed themslves in a winnow of the grass, and where they soon fell into a sound sleep, from which they were some- time afterwards roused by the crack of a rifle. Mr. Welton was lying with his brother Jonathan under the same blanket, and the latter was shot through the heart. The party sprung to their feet and attempted to escape. In his alarm, Mr. Welton forgot his rifle and fled in company with a Mr. Delay. They proceeded about 200 yards pursued by an Indian, when Mr. Delay wheeled and discharged his rifle, which brought his pursuer down. At the same instant that Delay wheeled the Indian threw his tomahawk, which sank into the back of Mr. Welton severing two ribs. He fell to the ground supposing himself mortally wounded by a rifle ball, while Delay, pursued by another Indian, was taken prisoner and killed. When Mr. Welton recovered he reached the fort, where he lay three months before the wound healed. This fort was on the farm of John W. Welton, near Petersburg. The next day after this a party left the fort and pursued the Indians to Dunkard Bottom, where Dr. Turnley says the Indians took Delay, and when surprised by the appearance of his captors, shot him.
The subject of this sketch is descended from Wright Welton, who wa's from Patterson Creek, Mineral county, West Virginia, the father of Isaac, who died in Preston, near Bretz, March 4, 1909. Isaac Welton was born in Hampshire county, West Virginia, near Burlington, July 26, 1838. On May 3, 1867, he married Mattie W. Miles, daughter of
WILLIE MILES WELTON
THE NEW MOIK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUND. MON-
739
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
David Miles, a prominent citizen of the county living near Reedsville. Mrs. Welton was a graduate of the Morgantown University; was a school teacher and of recognized social standing among Preston county people. In the name of the ladies of Reedsville, she delivered a touch- ing and appropriate address, beautiful and patriotic, to the Valley Rangers of Preston county at the time of the leaving of Captain Isaac Kirk's company for the seat of war, and to whom she delivered the flag. She died May 20, 1877. The only child of this union was Willie Miles Welton, born in Hampshire county, near Burlington, July 23, 1868.
The second marriage of Isaac Welton was to Mary Reger, of Upshir county, West Virginia, on April 9, 1878. One son, Frederick Reger, was the fruit of this union. Nannie K. Welton, born May 16, 1872, and now the wife of Edward Brown, was an adopted daughter by Mrs. Mary Welton who was born and raised near Buckhannon, West Vir- ginia, and is still living.
Mr. W. M. Welton married Elizabeth Demarest, daughter of John and Elizabeth Davis, November 24, 1909, the nuptial feast occurring at Piedmont, West Virginia. Their only child, Martha Elizabeth, a remarkably bright little girl, first saw the light of day November 5, 1910. The mother was born
May 2, 1885. The homestead farm was first occupied by Mr. Isaac Welton, who bought it of Isaac Knowlton. It is situated near Bretz and consists of 200 acres and over. It is well adapted to fruit and stock raising, and is well kept up for those purposes. Mr. Welton is a Republican, but not a politician. He is past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, a member of the Methodist Church at Reedsville, and is a director of the bank in that place also.
ENGLEHART WOOLEN MILL COMPANY.
From the time Jacob Guseman settled on Muddy Creek and began operations there, this part of Preston county has been noted for more than an unusual amount of activity in business enterprises. The factory there' now for the manufacture of woolen fabrics, with J. M. Englehart superintendent, has a yearly output of 120,000 pounds of finished goods with a value of $70,000.00 to $75,000.00. The company operates two sets of woolen cards, 960 woolen spindles, and 12 broad looms. It was incorporated in September, 1904, James B. Kelley, president; William
740
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
H. Glover, vice-president; J. M. Englehart, secretary and treasurer. They employ about forty men, mostly skilled labor.
The Englehart factory received its start from John Englehart, who was a skilled manufacturer in woolen goods in Pennsylvania for many years before coming to Preston county in 1888. His father, Michael Englehart, was born in Germany, in the town of Byron, in 1810. He was carefully educated but reared in straitened circumstances, it becoming necessary for him after landing in Baltimore to do the work of a common laborer, on the canal then being dug from Cumberland to Baltimore. He subsequently settled in Alleghany county, Maryland, where he died in 1887. His wife was Margueritta Feigh, a Hessian, born in 1823, near Hesse, Darmstadt. Their son, William, an extensive and very successful farmer and stock raiser, died nine years ago at the age of sixty-one. All the other children, with the exception of John, died in infancy.
John Englehart was born May 2, 1852. He was raised on the farm, but circumstances were such that not a very extensive school educa- tion, even in the country, could be given him. At fifteen years of age, he began the trade of a woolen manufacturer, and worked at the busi- ness in Pennsylvania twenty-one years. With a family of eight children and a salary of $1.30 a day, Mr. Englehart managed to get along, until an inheritance of $300.00 induced him to come here. At that time John D. Rigg, son of John W., was running a little mill on Muddy Creek in a small way, which Mr. Englehart bought, and operated with the assist- ance of a couple of hands in addition to the help the sons themselves gave, for about eight months each year. He attempted the manufac- ture of only a few flannels and ladies' skirt patterns, enough only to supply the wants of the local trade. He continued on this line for eighteen years, but having necessities of a financial nature for the run- ning of the business beyond his ability to meet, a relief was sought in the incorporation of a stock company, capitalized at $30,000.00. At that time he was elected vice-president and one of the directors of the com- pany, and his son, J. M., made manager, a position he has held ever since with marked abilities.
On August 11, 1874, Mr. Englehart married Anna Sease, a native of Pennsylvania, and to this union were born nine sons and one daughter: (1) Jesse Michael Englehart, the secretary and treasurer of the company, was born May 28, 1875. Other births are, (2) William Milton, November 17, 1877; (3) Edward Thomas, June 13, 1879; (4)
J. M. ENGLEHART
TUDLIC LIBPARY
ASTOR, LEIDY TILDEN FUJI.D ITING
THE I PULL!
A
.. I.TIONS
ELIAS SCOTT FELTON
741
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
Samuel Keller, November 4, 1880; (5) George Albert, March 29, 1882; (6) John Russell, November 15, 1883; (7) Franklyn Scott, February 23, 1885; (8) Elmer Eagle, December 10, 1886; (9) Elda May, April 10, 1894; (10) Lester Nedro, September 6, 1897.
Mr. J. M. Englehart, the general superintendent of the factory, has been the company's efficient official ever since its organization. His wife, Miss Sadie Graham, was a daughter of Eben Graham, a descendant of Stearling Graham, one of the oldest families in Preston county. To this union have been born four daughters and one son: Elsie Floret, January 31, 1898; Georgia Elizabeth Buhl, October 19, 1891 ; Jessie Hollis, December 21, 1901 ; Hazel Margarite, November 1, 1903; Oscar Dale, May 17, 1905.
ELIAS SCOTT FELTON.
The Feltons emigrated from England, and in 1732 settled in Massa- chusetts. In 1798, John Felton, a son of Benjamin, settled in what was called Ryan's Glades, Maryland. From there he moved to Cheat River, above Rowlesburg, and later settled in what is now known as the Whetsell settlement. He was a man of public affairs, was Justice of the Peace for several years, and Sheriff of the County one term. His children were: Henry, who married a Wotring; Daniel, who married a England and settled in Barbour county ; Caleb, who married a Digman ; Samuel, who married a Meighen and settled in Greene county, Pennsyl- vania ; John, who married a Wotring and settled in Warren county, Iowa; Benjamin, who married a Miles; and Joshua, who died when a young man. The daughters were: Prudence, who married Abraham Wotring; Elizabeth, who married a Whetsell; Sarah, who married a Jordan ; Joanna, who married a Bayles ; Mary, who died young. From thence sprang the Feltons that are now settled in Preston county, except those who have emigrated elsewhere.
Elias S. Felton is a grandson of Henry, whose wife was a Wotring. The Feltons were of English descent. William Felton, son of Henry, born January 13, 1834, married Catherine Meighen of Greene County, Pennsylvania, on June 22, 1852. She was born December 13, 1831. Her parents were from the county of Donegal, Ireland. The chil- dren born of this union were as follows: Elias Scott, born June 5, 1853: Cassin Passey Ellen, March 25, 1855: Sarah Jane, May Ir.
742
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
1857; Anna C., September 12, 1874. Elias S., Cassie "Passey" E., and Anna C., are the only children now living. Their father, William Felton, was a farmer and road builder, a man well and favorably known by Prestonians generally.
Elias Scott Felton, the subject of this sketch, has made a success of life, as a school teacher, as a farmer, and as a public official in various capacities. He was educated in the country schools, and then taught six terms of school. During all this time he was identified with agricultural pursuits, his vision of life being broadened as he grew older by experiences, until his horizon broadened and he was called into a higher and more responsible field of activities. As a Justice of the Peace for eight years, not a few questions for adjudica- tion came before him, which still further fitted him for service as a member of the Legislature for the years 1911 to 1913. Self-made educationally as well as otherwise, and well read on all live issues and questions of the day, the work of Mr. Felton's life has become visibly materialized in his home surroundings, which can be noted by the casual observer, even, as in all cases where right thinking adds some- thing in the way of appearances, as well as of sobriety, respectability and honesty to a right kind of living.
April 18, 1878, Mr. Felton was married to Almeda Bucklew. Their children are as follows: Eliza Agnes, was born June 1I, 1881 ; John Worley, February 8, 1883; Patrick Henry, April 1, 1885; Carrie Esther, February 2, 1887; Daniel Hughes, March 2, 1890; Gay Frank, July 7, 1892; Lottie Margaret, February 25, 1896; Lucy Sylvania, December 17, 1898. John Worley, Carrie Esther, Eliza Agnes and Gay Frank were educated in the common schools, and the three first named have taught several terms of school. Frank, who took a business course in Clarksburg, West Virginia, has taught one term of school, and is now employed in the express office at the M. & K. Junction.
Mr. Felton belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 107: Kingwood; also Preston's Pride of the Rebekah King- wood Lodge. Socially speaking, Mr. Felton is very companionable, is easy of approach, and is a very popular citizen of Preston county.
J. J. KELLEY
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
743
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
JEFFERSON JACKSON KELLEY.
The proprietor of the Meadow Brook Farm has been a farmer and a man of public affairs all his life. His father, Zar Hagans Kelley, born June 19, 1819, was a farmer also, who achieved some considerable degree of success as an agriculturist, and a reputation besides as a Justice of the Peace. He died in 1889. Mr. Jefferson Jackson Kelley was born June 9, 1863. He was reared on the farm, and still follows farming, having a liking for pursuits in rural life, notwithstanding, his attainments are such he could have succeeded in the professions, especially that of an instructor in the higher branches of learning. He was educated in the common schools, and then completed a Commercial Course at Lexington, Kentucky, graduating from that college on June 5. 1885. Following natural inclinations, Mr. Kelley began teaching school when seventeen years old, and has taught in all twenty-one years. He was a merchant at Zar, this county, six years, and was field agent for the North Preston Coal Company three years. In the mean- time, he was a member of the School Book Board twelve years, and has been a Notary Public since 1889, an office which he has held acceptably to the general public for twenty-four years. Fraternally, Mr. Kelley is a member of the Odd Fellows; Encampment of same; and is a Knight of the Golden Eagles. He is a Democrat.
Zar Hagans Kelley, fathher of J. J. Kelley, married Sarah Anne Herring; born November 26, 1820. Their children were: Joseph Newton, born in 1849; George Allen, 1851; William Brandon, 1852; John Quitman, 1854; Mary Jane, 1856; Samuel Franklin, 1865. The mother is still living.
On December 9. 1902, Mr. Kelley was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Smith at her home. She was born March 11, 1877. Her father, William Henry Smith, born, 1843, was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion. His wife was Susan Rebecca Freeland, born in 1840.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Kelley are as follows : Rebecca Mae, born in 1903; Zar William, 1904; Sarah Hazel, 1906; Lucie Eleanor. 1909 : Ivie Jane, 1911.
744
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
JEREMIAH THOMAS.
In Colonial times, three brothers from England bearing the name of Thomas came from Wales and took up their abode in the United States, and one of them was at Yorktown, under the command of General Washington when Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the American forces. Their names were Alexander, who settled in Pennsylvania; William, who went West, and Lewis, who settled in the Southern part of Ohio. Of these brothers it is supposed that General Thomas of Civil War fame, descended from Lewis. From Alexander, who located on a large farm in Lancaster county, near Philadelphia, descended the Thomases of Preston county. He was a large and suc- cessful farmer, but lost all he had by selling his farm for Continental money, which proved valueless. His son Michael settled in Conemaugh Township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He was the father of seven sons and three daughters. The sons were Jacob M., Michael M., Joseph M., Daniel M., John M., and Christian M., the letter "M" being taken in each case in honor of their father's name. The names of the daughters were Magdalena, Anna and Barbara. The seven sons settled in West Virginia, Pennsylvania. Ohio and other western states.
Jacob M., born March 15, 1795, lived in Preston county and died there November 21, 1881. He had four sons: John J., Levi, Jacob, Andrew and daughters, Barbara, Magdalena, Mary, Anna, Sallie, and Catherine, ten children in all. The homestead was four miles east of Brandonville, and still in possession of the family.
His wife, Mary Fike, whom he married August 8, 1816, died April 27, 1840.
Jacob M. Thomas was an evangelist, and preached the gospel without price or compensation. He was in love with ministerial work; could preach in German and English, and would be gone on missionary tours throughout the states sometime's for three and four months. He traveled on horseback, held meetings at the homes, sometimes in barns, and often times preached in Court Houses at the invitation of the Judges, who frequently turned their halls of justice into meeting houses for his accommodation. He was a large man, somewhat of muscular build, was capable of great endurance, and when about sixty years old retired from the more active duties of a farm life and devoted all of his time and attention thereafter to Gospel work. That he might not be at the expense of others of the church, he reserved a competence out of
REV. JEREMIAH THOMAS.
THE ILV PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
745
PRESTON COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA
his own life's earnings, including a horse. His children were John J., who married Lydia Maust, about 1840, and to whom were born four sons and three daughters. Levi married Eva Myers, and had two sons and four daughters. Jacob married Nancy Lambert, and had five sons and five daughters. Andrew, born May 4, 1836, died February 2, 1907, married twice. His first wife was Barbara Boger, born May 3, 1840, died February 22, 1879. She was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Boger. They lived on the home place and took care of the father. Afterwards the home place was divided between the two sons, Noalı and Scott. To Andrew and his wife were born one daughter and three sons. Elizabeth, the daughter, married Ervin Wilson, to whom was born four daughters; Etta, Delila, Stella, Cora and one son Victor.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.