Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 252
Richland Twp. Bios

J. W. PHILLIPS, son of William PHILLIPS, one of the pioneers of Belmont, was born in this county in the year 1836. Being raised on a farm, he has followed that occupation during life. He was born on the property which he now owns, in Smith township, on the line of the Bellaire and Southwestern railway, near Jacobsburg. The farm consists of 195 acres, is an elevated and beautiful location, and is in a good state of cultivation with excellent improvements. Mr. Phillips was married to Margaret A., a daughter of Simon WHITE, of Belmont county, in the year 1860.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 398
Smith Twp. Bios

A. G. McCOLLOUGH, M. D., son of Alexander McCollough, was born November 3, 1824, at New Athens, Harrison county, Ohio, and moved to Beallsville, Monroe county, Ohio, in 1850, where he studied medicine under his brother, J. G. McCollough. He practiced medicine at Newcastle, Ohio, three years, and in 1859 moved to Somerton, Belmont county, where there were already four physicians, and commenced the practice of medicine. Success attended his efforts and to-day he has a well established practice, sharing the honors equally with Dr. SCHOOLEY, the only other physician at present in the place. Dr. McCollough was married December 7, 1868, to Evaline TOMLINSON, daughter of Thomas TOMLINSON, of Cadiz Junction, Ohio. Has three children: T. T. McCollough, born February 10, 1851, now postmaster at Somerton, Ohio. Louie J., now Mrs. MILLER, of Newark, Ohio, and Lena McCollough.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 408
Somerset Twp. Bios

ERASTUS MOORE, Farmer. Born in Belmont county, October 25, 1833. He followed carpentering until he arrived at the age of twenty-five, when he turned his attention to farming. In 1858 he married Miss Nancy MECHEN, who bore him seven children - four sons and three daughters, six of whom are living. He and his family are members of the Christian church of which he is an elder. His great grandfather was a native of Germany, and migrated to Belmont county where he died at the age of 106.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 412
Wayne Twp. Bios

HON. JAMES ALEXANDER, --- The following was written by the Hon. Benjamin RUGGLES, who served eighteen years in the United States Senate, and printed in the "Times."

The Hon. James Alexander, Jun., was born in the state of Pennsylvania, and at an early age removed with his father, James Alexander, who was one of the first associate judges of Belmont county, and settled in the county of Belmont, then the Northwest Territory, now state of Ohio, in the year 1799, being among the first emigrants to the county. The first years of his life were engaged in active industry in clearing away the forest, and in the severe labors of the field, encountering all the difficulties, hardships and privations, incodent to the settlement of a new country. New Orleans being then the only market for the production of the soil, he was frequently engaged in transporting the productions of his own labor, and that of his neighbors to that market for sale. Such an enterprise at that period was both hazardous and laborious. It required four or five months to make a trip. There being no steamboat navigation on the river, the produce was floated down by the current, and the hands were compelled to return home on foot, through a wilderness country inhabited principally by savages. After acquiring a handsome property n this persevering and perilous manner, he established himself in the mercantile business in St, Clairsville, where by great industry and close attention to business, he added greatly to his wealth. After which he purchased property in Wheeling, which has since been their home. He made a tour of Illinois to take care of, and improve his extensive landed property, and making preparations to return home when he was suddenly attacked with a billious fever, which, in a few days, terminated his life. Nature had been liberal to the judge in bestowing on him talents of the first order, which were cultivated as well as the limited means of the country would furnish. He possessed a warm heart and strong social feelings, his conversational powers were great, varied, humorous and instructive. No man was more respected for his integrity of character, and scrupulous honesty in all the business transactions of life. Decision of mind, perseverance and firmness of purpose, were leading traits of his character. By the aid of all these high qualities, he was enabled to acquire a large property, and at the same time to secure the affection and confidence of the people among whom he lived. While residing in Ohio, his fellow-citizens often called upon him to fill various and important offices of trust and honor. He represented the county of Belmont in the Legislature of the state; was appointed associate judge in the court of Common Pleas, and represented the district in which he lived in the Congress of the United States. The duties of all these offices were discharged with honor to himself, usefulness to the country, and to the satisfaction of his constituents.

The deceased left a large number of relatives and friends to mourn his sudden death. His loss, to an amiable and devoted wife and three affectionate children, could never be repaired. A numerous family connection, as well as a large circle of acquaintances, mingled their grief with the mourners, and sympathized with then in their deep affliction and bereavement.

Of the children spoken of, Thomas M. Alexander, the oldest, died in Wheeling September 10, 1854. The papers of the day spoke of him as "a young man of the highest intellectual endowments, magnaminous, honorable and generous to a fault. He possessed a towering genius and talent, and, with an amiability of disposition. Arrogance and haughtiness were passions that he was an entire stranger to. He had the intellectual power to conquer, but in his magnaminous intercourse with his fellow, he would prefer to be wounded than to wound. A man of finest feelings, a rich imagination, and descriptive powers of the highest order.

The other son, James M. Alexander, filled many positions of trust. At the time of his death he was President of the Board of Commissioners of Ohio county, Virginia, and in the resolutions of respect by them they said: "One of our most Prominent citizens, an always kind, courteous and considerate gentleman, has gone to rest. he left no enemy."

The only surviving member of the family is Mrs. L. Alex. THOMPSON, who now resides in St. Clairsville, Ohio

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 239
St. Clairsville Bios

JOHN LIPPENCOTT was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., September 3, 1801. In 1815, his parents migrated to Belmont county. They came down the Ohio river on a flatboat and landed on Wheeling Island, where they camped out two days and nights before a team could be procured to carry them to Morristown. On the 21st day of April, that year, they reached their destination and settled on the lot where William HANDY now lives, where his father engaged in the hotel business and continued until 1827, when our subject succeeded him. On the 11th of September, 1823, he was married to Miss Charity GASTON, who was born near St. Clairsville, July 27, 1803. She was a daughter of Dr. Alexander GASTON, who migrated from Brooke county, Va., in 1800, and settled near the village. Dr. GASTON was accompanied by two mwn, who helped him cut the timber and build a cabin on his land. They camped out two weeks under the cover of their wagons, and were often awakened from their slumbers by the howling of the wolves which infested the forests. His family consisted of a wife and three children. For several years after their settlement they went all the way to Washington, Pa., to purchase their groceries. At the time Dr. GASTON's mother settled in Washington, the place contained but four houses. He followed blacksmithing for a couple of years. Read medicine and began the practice of the same in 1809. In 1811, he removed to Morristown, where he died in 1825. He had an extensive practice, which took in Woodsfield, Middletown and Freeport. The subject of this sketch has seen the following distinguished gentlemen: James MONROE, in 1819; General JACKSON, in 1824; met Henry CLAY frequently; Daniel WEBSTER and his son breakfasted at his house in 1830; saw ALMONTE and SANTA ANNA, the Mexican statesmen and generals, in 1853, as they were carried prisoners from their homes to Washington City.

He and his wife have been members of the Presbyterian church for over fifty years. He has served as elder for twenty years. He has entertained at his hotel persons who traveled on horseback all the way from New Orleans.

In early days there were no banks west, and merchants would travel in companies of eighteen and twenty persons together, carrying leather bags containing about $2,000 in Spanish eagles. This aged and much respected couple are living near the spot where they spent their childhood days.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 373
Union Twp. Bios

LEROY W. WELSH, --- The following article is clipped from the Belmont Chronicle, of August 28, 1879: "The tidings of the death of Mr. Leroy W. Welsh were received with feelings of sincere regret by many friends of the family, and others who, from incidental acquaintance with Mr. Welsh, had learned to judge of his worth. Leroy W. Welsh, son of the late Hon. Isaac Welsh, was born in Beallsville, Monroe county, Ohio, in March, 1844. His parents moved to Washington township, Belmont county, in 1854. The subject, after receiving a common school education, entered college at Delaware, Ohio, where he completed the six years' course, and graduated in the summer of 1869. The next year he spent at home, in the study of law, after which he entered the Cincinnati Law School, where he completed the prescribed course, and graduated in the summer of 1871. He entered the office of Treasurer of the State of Ohio, at the beginning of the following year, as the chief assistant of his father, Hon. Isaac Welsh, who had been elected State Treasurer at the preceding October election. He continued in this position till the latter part of the year 1875, when he was appointed Treasurer by Gov. ALLEN, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of his father. At the close of this term he returned home, where he remained until last spring, when he opened an office for the practice of law in Columbus, Ohio. In this occupation he remained until compelled by his last illness to return home, where he remained until the time of his death, which occurred on Wednesday morning, 20th inst.

Mr. Welsh was a young man of fine intellect and broad culture. Combined with these, his excellent social qualities made him one of our best and most esteemed citizens. With an unusually large store of knowledge, gathered by his own experience and observation, he was just prepared to enter a career of great usefulness. Though many will regret his loss, only those who were intimately acquainted with him, and have felt the influence of his genial nature, and known the extent of his acquirements and the wide reach of his thought, can fully appreciate the extent of the loss our community has suffered in his death. T. W. E.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 415
Washington Twp. Bios

WILLIAM GREEN, a son of William and Mary Green, nee BROADWOOD, was a native of the county of Northumberland, England, and was born at Peckriding, near Allendale, on the 11th of December, 1790. His mother died December 22, 1799, and his father in August, 1817; both were interred in the Friends' burial ground, near Allendale, England. William Green, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was married to Rachel HOYLE, daughter of John and Sarah HOYLE, on the 30th of May, 1831. Rachel was born November 4, 1799, at Roundhay, in the county of York, England. Her mother, whose family name was PICKERING, departed this life in the year 1802, and was buried at Leeds, county of York, England. Her father died in 1826, and his remains rest at Smithfield, Jefferson county, Ohio. The names and births of the children of William and Rachel Green are as here recorded: Hannah was born at Richmond, Jefferson county, Ohio, February 17, 1822; Joseph, December 20, 1824; Sarah, February 19, 1826; Mary was born at Barnesville, Ohio, March 24, 1832; John, April 26, 1834; Rebecca, April 7, 1836; Lydia, August 6, 1838; Benjamin, May 8, 1841; Josiah, April 5, 1844. Those living are Hannah, Joseph, Sarah, Mary, Rebecca and Lydia. Rachel Green is still living and is in the eightieth year of her age. She resides with her son-in-law, James STEER. She retains all her faculties, except that of hearing, which has gradually become impaired. She has received second sight, and can read the finest print and the most difficult handwriting as readily as when young without the aid of spectacles.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 353
Warren Twp. Bios

FREDERICK DISQUE was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the south side of the river Rhine, March 5, 1784. He was reared on a farm, and in early life followed milling. Mr. Disque married Mary Catherine NICKLOUS in the fall of 1806. They became the parents of six children, five sons and one daughter.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 420
York Twp. Bios

HENRY DISQUE, the fifth son of Frederick Disque, was born January 2, 1817. He obtained a common school education, and at the age of fifteen years began to learn the trade of a shoemaker. He left his home and friends in the old world, July 4, 1837, to seek his fortune in the new one. He landed at New York, September 1st, and pursued his trade as a journeyman in that city till July, 1846. He married Anna Mary PFEFFER, of New York, May 3, 1841, by whom he is the father of eight children; six are yet living, four sons and two daughters. When Mr. Disque left New York in 1846, he came to Monroe county, Ohio, and located on a small farm, but he very soon learned that farming was not his fort. About this time, the town of Powhatan was laid out, and he bought a lot. On this he reared a brick dwelling, in which he still resides, and pursues his former occupation. Mr. Disque was postmaster from 1851 till 1861, has also been treasurer of York township for six years. Mr. Disque's father and daughter came to Powhatan in 1851, his wife having died a short time before. He died at the advanced age of 84 years.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 420
York Twp. Bios

ISAAC R. LANE - His great-grandfather, Thomas LANE, died December 10, 1819, in his one hundred and seventh year. His grandfather, Richard LANE, died in the same year, about forty-two years of age. His father, Harrison LANE, born July 14, 1812, deceased October 1, 1875, was a native of Maryland. He migrated to Belmont county in the fall of 1833, and like most of the pioneers, possessed no capital but a strong pair of hands and an earnest purpose. He was married on the 25th of September, 1834, to Miss Rebecca COX, then in her seventeenth year. Her mother's family consisted of one son and four daughters, her father having died in January, 1833. The family removed to Barnesville in the spring of 1834 and stopped for the first night in an unfinished brick house west of town, then occupied by Thomas TANEYHILL, lately removed to give place to a new one. Isaac, the only son, for whom our subject was named, arising in the night, accidentally fell down stairs and was killed. Mrs. COX with four daughters were left to fight the battle of life in the then almost wilderness.

Isaac R. Lane was born October 20, 1842, in the little frame near the west end of Main street. He first went to school in the little old brick which was situated near the site now occupied by the union school house. At the age of sixteen, he entered the office of the Intelligencer to learn the printer's trade. There worked in the office at this time Samuel CRAFT, John Q. JUDKINS and George WILLIAMS.

He entered the army as private in company H, 94th Ohio Infantry, August 5, 1862, and was in active service until the close of the war. The regiment was almost immediately put into the field, and within one month one-third of the 94th were prisoners in the hands of General SCOTT's Confederate cavalry. They, including, Mr. Lane, were paroled near Lexington, Kentucky, were exchanged and started for the front at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Christmas morning, 1862. The regiment was part of General THOMAS' famous "14th army corps" and were in Rosecrans' Tennessee campaign and Chickamauga battle, September 19 and 20, 1863. Afterward they were nearly starved at Chattanooga, until BRAGG's siege was raised. The "94th" took part on HOOKER's "Battle above the Clouds," "Mission Ridge" and during the summer of 1864, was under SHERMAN in the siege and capture of Atlanta, after which they joined in his famous "march to the sea." In the early part of 1865, the "94th" campaigned through the Carolinas, arriving finally at Washington in time for the "grand review." Our subject was mustered out of service June 5, 1865, having served two years and ten months.

He was married February 18, 1868, to Miss Mary A. WARFIELD, daughter of Dr. J. W. WARFIELD, who was well known in this section of Ohio as a leading surgeon and citizen. Since the war our subject has been a railroad clerk at Bellaire, book-keeper in a wholesale house at Columbus, secretary and treasurer of a large iron company at Portsmouth, Ohio, and now the agent of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company at Barnesville.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 326
Barnesville Bios

WILLIAM DUNBAR was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 19, 1810. Emigrated to Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1828. Went into partnership with James McCARTNEY at Uniontown, Belmont county, Ohio, bought wheat at forty cents per bushel, ground the same and hauled it to the Ohio river and loaded it on flat boats. Offered the cargo at $2.50 per barrel - boat thrown in -- but failing to find a purchaser, ran it to New Orleans, being twenty-eight days on the downward trip, found a ready market and cleared $2,800.00 by the operation. Returned to Uniontown and went into the dry goods business in 1841, also packed about 150,000 pounds of pork annually. In 1847 bought out Mr. McCARTNEY, and has since conducted the business on his own account. Married Samantha A. NORRIS in December, 1843, and had by her eight children, John, Elizabeth, Margaret, Wiliam, Harriet, Annie, Dill M. and Lulu Dunbar. Two of whom - William and Harriet --- are now dead. Mr. Dunbar was appointed postmaster under President Taylor, and retained the appointment seven years. In politics Mr. Dunbar is a Republican, and in religion a United Presbyterian. He has 476 acres of land and keeps 300 head of sheep.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 384
Wheeling Twp. Bios

SAMUEL GIFFIN was born on the 6th of June, 1810. His father, John Giffin, was a native of County Down, Ireland, where he was born in 1772. He emigrated to America and settled on Short creek, in Belmont county, at an early day. He proceeded to clear up and improve his land, and did much to advance the country from its wild state and establish the new society upon a sound and moral basis. After the consummation of a great work begun in hardship, he died, mourned by many friends, a sincere Christian and an honest man. Samuel, our subject, has lived and grown up with the community of which he is an important member. He was married to Miss Margaret KERR in 1845. She is an estimable lady, of the most exalted Christian character. They have had twelve children, of whom eleven are now living. John, their oldest son, was licensed to preach the Gospel and is now located in the distant country of Egypt. Mr. and Mrs. Giffin are both members of the United Presbyterian church, having connected themselves with that church many years ago. Mr. Giffin is now in his 70th year, and can look back to a life work well and conscientiously done. Being a man of strong convictions and high personal worth, none in his community have done more, by example and effort, to advance moral and religious principles, and none have a higher place in the esteem of the people.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 388
Colerain Twp. Bios

ISAAC KIRK - Born February 20, 1795, in Chester county, Pa. In 1796, his father moved to Fayette county, Pa., and in 1812, to lands near Flushing, Belmont county, Ohio, entered by Henry CARVER, in 1810. He married Mary CROZIER October 11, 1821. Children born: Kersey, April 26, 1826; Jephtha, September 14, 1828; Lamira, April 14, 1832. His wife having died he lives with his son Kersey, who married Mary E. PICKERING, February 4, 1856, by whom he had four children, viz: Howard T., Linna, Sherman and Jesse M.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 379
Flushing Twp. Bios

M. M. KNIGHT, D. S., son of Thomas and Nancy KNIGHT, of Greene county, Pa., was born in 1847. He studied dentistry in Cameron, W. Va., with Dr. S. D. WOODS, and attended White's Dental College in Philadelphia, where he was taken sick a short time before he graduated. He commenced to practice in Greene county, Pa., and after remaining a year there, went to Quaker City, where he continued for about six years. From thence he came to Bellaire, where he is now engaged in his profession. In 1874, he was married to Emma, daughter of Jesse LINGO, of Quaker City, Ohio.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 273
Bellaire Bios

JAMES MELLOR, SR., was born in Lancashire, England, in 1796, and was educated as a florist, which business he followed all his life. In the fall of 1826, he migrated to America, stopping at Philadelphia one month, for the purpose of visiting the botanical gardens, preparatory to engaging tin the floral business. He came to Ohio the same year, locating in Belmont county. In 1839, he removed to Virginia, where he remained five years, at the expiration of which he returned to Ohio. In 1825 he married Miss Hannah KERSHAW. Their union resulted in seven children, of whom are living, John R., Elizabeth A., James, Joseph T. and Mary M. In the fall of 1858, our subject died, his widow still survives him, in her 78th year.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 252
Richland Twp. Bios

JONATHAN PERKINS, a son of Samuel PERKINS, deceased, was born in Kirkwood township, Belmont county, Ohio, June 15, 1820. His education was acquired by what could be obtained in the cabin school houses of his minority days and close application to his books at home. He married Rebecca MAJOR, February 8, 1846. They settled on a farm owned by his father, remained six years, and in 1852 purchased and moved on the farm, where they are now living. They reared a family of five children, two sons and three daughters. Mr. Perkins connected himself with the M. E. Church in 1843; was ordained deacon; a local preacher in 1864, and since then has been engaged in ministry a part of his time. He served as justice of the peace from 1859 to 1871.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 366
Kirkwood Twp. Bios

JOHN Z. McFARLAND was born in Richland township, Belmont county, in 1838; received his education in the common schools, and worked on a farm until the age of twenty-two years, at which time he engaged in teaching school. After four years experience in this profession his health failed him, and he then purchased a farm in Monroe county, where he engaged in farming and stock dealing for a number of years. He sold his property there and purchased a place at Neff's Siding, on the B. & O. Railroad, and engaged in the grocery business, where he still remains. In 1867 he married Miss Maria B., daughter of James GORDON, of Belmont county.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 282
Pultney Twp. Bios

THOMAS McNICE was born in Ireland, July 11, 1829, and received a common English education. In the year 1849, he migrated to America, landing in Philadelphia. He came to Martinsville, Belmont county, where he learned stone cutting and bricklaying; then hired to Captain CRAWFORD to learn the milling business. In the year 1854, he married Miss Annabella WHITE, who was born in 1829. Their union resulted in six children, three sons and three daughters; four are living. In the year 1863 he enlisted in battery "D.," First West Virginia Light Artillery, under Captain John CARLIN. He served eighteen months, during which time he was in several active engagements. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1865. In 1878, he purchased the mill known as the Businessburg mill located on Pipe creek, Mead township, which he is still engaged in operating. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of Martinsville.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 392
Mead Twp. Bios

CLick here to return to biography index.