Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 405
Goshen Twp. Bios

LAVOSIER SPENCE - Among those who stand conspicuous in the development of the resources of Martin's Ferry, none better deserve mention than Lavosier Spence, proprietor of the Ohio Valley Agricultural Works. He was born in an unassuming cabin in Mt. Pleasant township, Jefferson county, Ohio, in the year 1829. Like all self-made men he enjoyed to a great degree the blessings of poverty. His father lived upon a rented farm, and his limited means did not permit him to give our subject a very thorough education, nor start him in business with a cash capital. But the slight aid that was received from the district schools, and whatever of ability he possessed, obtained strength by improved opportunity. The youth of that period acknowledged obligation to parents in their labor till majority, therefore Mr. Spence remained with his father on the farm, aiding him as best he could, until he attained the age of twenty-one years. He then entered the carpenter shop of Thomas LUPTON, near Mt. Pleasant, to learn the trade. In 1854 he came to Martin's Ferry an inexperienced young man, with no money, but desirous of adding to his meager store of knowledge in the mechanical sciences. He entered the shop of RICE and SWARTZ, manufacturers of threshing machines, and after working about six months as a day laborer, he took a contract to build machines for them at an agreed price for each. After completing this job he made a similar contract with HOBENSACK and TAYLOR, who were engaged in the same business. After finishing these he found himself the possessor of a cash capital of $1,500. With this he embarked in the business of building machines for himself; renting a small room from B. HOYLE and doing the work himself with assistance sometimes, of one hand. He conducted his business on a safe and economical basis and soon earned a reputation for doing first-class work, which he retains to the present day throughout the entire west and southwest. Within two years he purchased a one-half interest in his present establishment, and his course has ever since been onward and upward. Mr. Spence is also a leading partner in the Buckeye Foundry, run by SPENCE, BAGGS & Co., a short distance from his machine shops, where they make castings of all kinds, including stoves of excellent styles for both cooking and heating. Aside from his manufacturing interests, at his stately new residence on the hill side, he has a most prolific vineyard, and he has cultivated and enriched some thirty-six acres of land till it produces like a garden. His vineyard has yielded as many as twenty-three tons of the choicest grapes in one season, which he ships in large quantities, though using considerable in the manufacture of wine. On the 20th day of August, 1857, Mr. Spence was married to Elizabeth DAKAN, daughter of John DAKAN, who was one of the early pioneers of Belmont county that braved the storms, hardships and privations endured by men of his time.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 302
Pease Twp. Bios

CALVIN POLLOCK was born in Belmont county, January 21, 1838. On December 8, 1869, he was married to Miss Aggie J. HENRY. He located on the old farm of his father, and has remained there ever since. He has followed farming from a child up. He is one of the elders in the Presbyterian church, of which he and his wife are members. His farming has been profitable.

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

CALDWELL DUNN - Mr. D. was born on the 12th of April, 1817, in Belmont county; was reared a farmer and is now living on the old homestead upon which his father first settled in 1802. He formed the acquaintance of Miss Sarah NICHOLS, an estimable young lady, and in 1844 he was united to her by marriage. Their union has resulted in eleven children - nine of whom are still living. He is a successful and well-to-do farmer.

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

JOHN LYNN was born in Belmont county in 1819. He settled in Union township in 1831, on sections 15, 20 and 21. On the 6th of June, 1867, he married Miss Martha MILNER. His family consisted of eight children - two boys and six girls, four of whom are still living. In 1873 he was called to mourn the loss of his companion, who was a kind and affectionate wife and mother. He has followed farming, in which business he has been very successful.

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

JOSEPH McCALL was born on the 12th of September, 1806, on section twenty-four. He was reared a farmer, and has followed the plow ever since. In 1846 he was married to Miss Naveni BEVAN. He is the father of two sons - Joseph and Thomas.

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

M. S.WHITE is a native of Virginia. In 1805 he migrated to Belmont county with his parents. After he grew to manhood, he settled in Union township, on section thirty, and engaged in tilling the ground. In 1826, he married Miss Eliza CLANAHAN, which union resulted in nine children - five of whom are still living. In 1854 he lost his wife by death, and in 1856 he married Miss Rebecca YONALY, and by her he had five children - two boys and three girls. He has always been a successful farmer.

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

SAMUEL POLLOCK - Our subject's birth occurred in Washington county, Pa., on the 11th day of January, 1818; came with his parents to Belmont county in 1831. He remained with his father until he was thirty-three years of age. Married Miss Jane SCOTT in 1851, and then located on section sixteen, on the land known as the WINDER farm, where he still remains. He follows farming and stock raising. He fills the office of elder in the Presbyterian Church, of which he and his wife are members. They have a family of six children living. Mrs. P. is in her fifty-eighth year.

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

WASHINGTON HOGUE was born in Loudon county, Virginia, December, 1813. In 1828 he migrated to Belmont county, and located on section eight in Union township. He was married to Miss Phoebe GREGG, in 1836. Their family consists of four children - three sons and one daughter.

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

ROBERT PLUMMER, Jr., is a son of Robert and Rachel Plummer and a grandson of Abraham and Sarah Plummer, whose children's names are as here given: Samuel, born June 12, 1763; John, July 6, 1765; Robert, Sr., August 7, 1771. Robert Plummer, Sr., married Rachel TALBOTT, October 3, 1793, and became the parent of five children, as follows: Elizabeth, born January 1, 1795; John, October 11, 1796; Abram, November 3, 1799; Mary, February 1, 1809; Robert Plummer Jr., the subject of this sketch, born February 25, 1813. Robert Plummer, Sr., departed this life in July, 1814. His widow married for a second husband, Caleb ENGLE, February 28, 1816. She died April, 1856. In connection with the history of the Plummer family we here give a record of John TALBOTT's family, who was a father-in-law of Robert Plummer, Sr. John Talbott was born November 20, 1735; married Mary JOHNS, January 22, 1760; she was born December 9, 1740. They were the parents of thirteen children: Benjamin, born May 11, 1762; Joseph, June 26, 1764; John, July 3, 1766; Elizabeth, September 29, 1767; Susannah, July 15, 1768; Ann, May 8, 1771; Samuel, December 18, 1774; Rachel, November 21, 1775; Peggy, November 9, 1776; Kinsey, June 21, 1778; Mary, January 5, 1780; Deborah, April 9, 1782; Rebeccah, January 1, 1784. All of them came from Maryland and located in Belmont and Jefferson counties about the same time, except John, Samuel and Peggy. The latter, however, came at a later date. Robert Plummer, Jr., whose name heads this sketch, was born on the farm on which he now resides, which was entered by his grandfather in 1801, who received the patent for the same in 1802. The following is a extract from the patent: "Memoir of Robert Plummer's estate: Top lot of land, situate in section No. 10, township 8, range 6, of the survey known as the Northwest Territory. Granted by Thomas Jefferson, President, and James Madison, Secretary of State, by letters patent to Abraham Plummer in the year 1802. "

Abraham Plummer and his son, Robert, Sr., came from Maryland to Warren township, Belmont county, at the time above mentioned, and located on the farm described. This was the fourth family in the township, and the first family of Quakers. They hired a wagon and teamster to bring them out to the wilderness. One can hardly imagine the difficultly in traveling in those days, but in order that the reader may have some conception of the progress made, we will simply state that they were three days in traveling from Morristown to where they finally halted for their future home, a distance of some six miles. This was rather late in the spring of the year, and here they were in the midst of an unbroken forest without even a cabin, and where no sound could be heard, save that of the wild beast and birds, with which their new habitation abounded. But they realized that there was no time for delay, and immediately began the erection of a small cabin. This was made of logs or poles, cut and put up by Abraham Plummer and his son Robert, whilst Robert's wife did the chinking with moss. The roof was made of hickory bark, the first layer being placed with the sap side up, and the second placed so as to break the joints of the first, with the bark side up. This, when exposed to the sun, became so shriveled and drawn together, that rain could scarcely penetrate it. The ground was the floor; a quilt served as a door, and greased paper was used instead of glass for the window. Here they remained until fall, when they had erected a more suitable cabin for passing the long dreary winter. A small patch of land was cleared and planted in corn the first summer. They had to go to St. Clairsville for flour. John GREER was their nearest neighbor, he bring one mile distant. But how great a change has seventy-eight years wrought. The old log cabin has long since returned to dust, and in its stead is seen the stately mansion. The dense forest, which for so many centuries had clothed the hills and valleys with the impenetrable shade of its foliage, has gradually yielded to the untiring stroke of the sturdy woodman; and as a recompense thereof, we now behold the same hills and valleys transformed into beautiful fields and gardens, yielding beautifully to the labor of the husbandman. Instead of the straggling trail and pack-horse, we have the macadamized pike, the railroad, and the iron horse, rushing by with almost lightning speed. On this old farm the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, and has lived upon it his while life. His education was obtained at the common schools. He was married to Jane BAILY, September 28, 1834. They are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are yet living. Their names and births are as follows: Mary, born December 11, 1837; Abram, October 20, 1839; Rachel, January 11, 1842; Joseph, February 16, 1844; Micajah, May 18, 1846; Hannah, July 13, 1848; Elizabeth, September 17, 1850; Lydia (deceased), April 17, 1853; John, April 24, 1856. His children are all married but the youngest: Abram, Micajah and Hannah are in Kansas; Hannah married William HOYLE. The remaining ones are residing in Belmont county. All who know Robt. Plummer recognize in him a public spirited citizen, a sincere friend, a devoted husband, and true Christian. He is a devout and prominent member of the Friends' Stillwater church, and by his life fitly exemplifies its teachings.

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

MAJOR THOMAS THOMPSON, the oldest citizen now living in St. Clairsville, was born April 8, 1800, fourteen miles east of Wheeling, and was brought to this village, when it was in the woods, by his parents, in May of the same year. His father, John Thompson, was a native of Armagh county, Ireland; married Miss Sarah TALBOTT, of parish of Langhall in 1789; migrated to the United States in 1790, and landed at New Castle, Delaware, with only a few cents, expending all of that for a small morsel of food. He found a cabin wherein to lodge his family whilst he could look around for employment, but met few to sympathize with him. One day, when out in search of work, he came to where two roads forked, and he was undecided which one to take. As he paused for a moment soliloquizing: "If I had money I would go this road, for it seems the most traveled," when he happened to glance down to the ground. To his utter surprise and astonishment he discovered some money lying at his feet - less than a dollar in change. He traveled that road a short distance, and obtained work for all that winter. He always afterward befriended those of his native country, as he saw how they were looked down upon, and sent many a poor, destitute Irishman on his way rejoicing. He came to Chartier creek, near Cannonsburg, Pa., after several years residence at New Castle, and thence to St. Clairsville, where he became one of the first merchants, and grew to be quite wealthy. Here he lived until his death, in 1852, his wife having died in 1839. They reared a family of twelve children - three sons and one daughter still living. Thomas was the fifth child. He was educated in St. Clairsville, and at the age of seventeen assisted his father in the mercantile business. In 1829 he was married to Miss Mary SMITH, daughter of Steele SMITH of St. Clairsville, an old innkeeper who migrated to the village in 1812, and kept tavern until 1856, when he died. Our subject reared a family of nine children. In 1839 he was called to mourn the loss of his wife. In 1840 he retired from the store and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was married again, in 1841, to Miss Eliza Jane CLOSE, who resided about a mile north of town. This union resulted in three children - one boy and two girls. He built a grist and saw mill on "Jug run," which he operated until it was burned down in 1841, having used it but a few months; loss $11,000, - supposed to have been the mark of incendiarism. He then purchased the property in which he is still living. In 1849 his hearing began to fail. Having injured his right eye in 1841, the sight left it in 1862. About this time the other optic became affected and the sight grew very dim. his lasted for twelve years, when a total loss of sight took place. In 1878 he had his right eye operated upon, which enables him to discern objects more clearly. John WESLEY, the founder of the Methodist church, preached twice in his grandfather's barn, in Ireland. The Major, now almost eighty years old, still retains a good memory, and loves to talk of the early events of the town and county. With the exception of the partial loss of sight and hearing, he is blessed with a certain degree of health, and promises to enjoy years of life.

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

ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG, a son of Thomas Armstrong, was born in Belmont county, in March, 1813. His parents migrated from Pennsylvania, and settled on Captina creek, in 1811. At an early age Alexander commenced learning the tanner's trade with his father. In 1833 his father opened out the mercantile business and Alexander began to clerk for him. In 1839 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth WELSH, who was born in Belmont county, in 1819. The same year his father took him as an equal partner in the store. He received the appointment of postmaster under the administration of President Tyler, in 1841. In 1843 his brother James received the other half interest in the store. In 1844 our subject purchased the grist mill owned by his father. In 1847 he and his brother disposed of their dry goods and discontinued that business. He subsequently opened out a new store, taking into partnership a Mr. MILLER. In 1849 his brother purchased Miller's interest. This firm continued until the year 1854, when the goods were sold and the store room leased to a William WOODBURN. He continued a couple of years , grew dissatisfied and removed the stock elsewhere. In about 1858, our subject again started in the mercantile business in his old room, in partnership with E. E. BRYSON. Six years later his partner retired and he has been conducting the business ever since. He has also been operating a woolen factory which he erected in 1846. He was clerk in the State Treasurer's office whilst in the hands of Mr. Isaac WELSH, in 1871. He is the father of eight children. Mr. A. is a prominent member of the M. E. church. Mr. Armstrong has been an active and successful business man and has accumulated a valuable property - owning one thousand acres of land in addition to his mills and stores. Armstrong's mills have become widely known, and the place is one of the principal stations on the line of the Bellaire & Southwestern railway, of which company Mr. Armstrong has been vice-president. He was one of the active men in carrying forward that enterprise.

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

REV. A. G. ROBB, son of John Robb of Powhattan, Belmont county, Ohio, was born January 10, 1848. Commenced teaching school in 1864, and taught until 1872. Attended Gallia Academy in 1869, and was licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church, January 6, 1871. Was married September 1, 1870, to Mary McGAUGHEY, daughter of James McGAUGHEY, of Belmont county, Ohio. Has two children, Luella C. and Dora R. Robb. Mr. Robb is at present preaching on the Somerton circuit of the M. E. Church.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 409
Somerset Twp. Bios

ROBERT WARNOCK, the youngest son of John Warnock, deceased, was born in Smith township, Belmont county, in 1820. He was reared a farmer. His education was obtained in the common schools of those days. In 1847 he married Nancy McNIECE, daughter of James McNIECE. They settled on his father's farm, where they are now living. The house in which they are living was built of brick by his father in 1831. The have a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters. He follows farming as his vocation.

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

SOLOMON HOGUE, son of Samuel Hogue, of Loudon county, Virginia, was born February 28, 1821. In 1828 his father came to Ohio and located in Union township, Belmont county. Solomon remained at home till the age of nineteen, when he engaged as clerk in his brother's store at Lamp's Mill, in Goshen township. Here he remained until 1844, when he removed to Hocking county, Ohio, and engaged in merchandizing in company with John MEADE. Returned to Lamp's Mills in 1845 to settle up his brother's business, and the same fall bought an interest in the store of William Hogue, in Somerton, and continued in partnership until 1853, when he purchased his brother's interest. Mr. Hogue was married June 7, 1847, to Cornelia H. KOONTZ, daughter of Hon. John KOONTZ, of Somerton, Ohio, by whom he had two children, who died in their infancy. His wife died in August, 1850, and on January 20, 1852, he married Orilla E. KOONTZ, sister of his first wife. To them were born six children, three of whom are now living, viz: Honoria Z., married to Charles KNOLL, of Salem, Ohio; Martha R. K. and Emma H. While continuing in business at Somerton, Mr. Hogue was also engaged in the dry goods and grocery business at Barnesville, in 1862; wholesale groceries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1863-4; and general merchandizing at Fairview, Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1865. In 1867 Mr. Hogue was nominated for the Legislature on the Republican ticket, but was beaten by his Democratic opponent. In 1879 he was again nominated for the same office, but was beaten by eight votes. He was elected county commissioner in 1874, and served three years with ability and integrity in that capacity. Mr. Hogue is still engaged in the general merchandise, tobacco and wool trade in Somerton, and does a business of forty or fifty thousand dollars annually.

Submitted by: Bonnie Burkhardt
From "History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, OH" by Caldwell, pub. 1880
page 409
Somerset Twp. Bios

WILLIAM WARNOCK, SEN, a son of the John Warnock, deceased, was born in Ohio county, West Va., near Wheeling, in 1801. In 1804 he was brought to Belmont county, Ohio, by his father, as above mentioned. Received a common school education. In 1813 or 14 he commenced work in his father's fulling mill and woolen factory, working under instructions until in 1817. Then he took charge of the factory, operating it successfully until in 1832. At this time he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he continued until 1834, when he sold his stock of goods and purchased the mill property and farm at Warnock station, where he is now living, operating the grist mill and farming. In 1828 he married Jane POLKIN. They reared a family of ten children: three sons and seven daughters; two sons and three daughters are living. His wife died in 1871. he married Nancy DUNN, March 24th, 1874.

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

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