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Belmont County, Ohio
History & Genealogy

BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)

Source: 
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio
and Representative Citizens.
Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois -
1903
 

GEN. THOMAS THOMPSON ECKERT.    One of the most honored and distinguished men in mechanical and professional life that the country has produced is Gen. Thomas Thompson Eckert, the late president and general manager of the largest telegraph system in the world.
     General Eckert was born in a humble home on the lot in St. Clairsville now occupied by George Gepson's residence and store.  His parents named him after one of Belmont County's honored citizens - Maj. Thomas Thompson  Removing from St. Clairsville when a boy he learned the art of telegraphy when it was in its infancy and was connected with the telegraph service for upwards of half a century.
     Of this distinguished man the New York Sun said before his death:
     "General Eckert is one of the men whose age has not become a burden.  It is now 77 years since he was born in St. Clairsville, Ohio.  Only when he sites among his old friends and pulls out the threads of his varied career does it occur to those who listen that General Eckert has passed the time allotted by a sacred writer.  His appearance does not indicate his age.  Those little things which so often betray men who are trying to dodge the Time-keeper are not in evidence in his manner.  Those who know him best and who have known him long, do not recall that he ever showed any signs of pre-senility.
     "The physical and mental equipment of General Eckert has aided him in appearing as he is.  His temperament was always alert.  He was an athlete in his prime.  He is a physical giant in his retirement.  Obstacles with him have been stepping-stones to higher things.  In some way, notwithstanding his share of the concerns of life, he has determinedly lived on the sunny side of the street.
     "When he succeeded Dr. Norvin Green as president of the Western Union, General Eckert had already accomplished the labor of the average man of business.  He took up the executive direction and management of the corporation, the business of which required application, precision and judgment.  No one who knew him thought that he was to be a figurehead.  The day after his election as president of the company, in 1893, he was at his desk at 9 o'clock, and it is the recollection of the office force that he stayed until after 6 o'clock p.m., that he did not go to luncheon, and that the day was one of the busiest in the building.  It was not a case of new broom.  From that day until his retirement it has been the same story when General Eckert was in the city.
     "In the summer his home was at Long Branch, but he did not go to the Highlands station until the last boat in the afternoon.  He was always one of the early arrivals in the city the next day.  When the season was over and he returned to his home in Fifth avenue, he was more methodical.  He frequently reached his desk before the office boy was ready for him.  There is served every day in the Western Union building, in the room of the directory, what is known as the free lunch.  It is free only to the directors, of course.  It is not an elaborate spread.  General Eckert often went to this quick repast when he was rushed, and it is said that it was at these noonings that he and Russell Sage formed the strong personal liking that is maintained by them.
     " 'Don't eat so fast, Sage,' General Eckert used to say at his feast.  'You'll die of dyspepsia before your time.'
     "On one occasion Mr. Sage replied:  'If you don't quit wearing such fine clothes, you'll be a bankrupt.'
     "This sally at General Eckert's dress had for its foundation the fact that the former president of the Western Union is correct in his raiment.  He has always been so.  He said one day to a friend:  'I believe in good dressing, clear through.  I wear the best I can buy of everything.  My suspenders constitute my hobby.  If I was dressed like a prince and realized that my suspenders were not of the finest texture, I should feel uneasy.  A man should never sit down to dinner if he can get to his room in time, unless he has fully changed his attire for the day - everything.
     "His suspenders hobby is said to have started the story that he wears solid gold buckles on the, and gold chains for fastenings.  This, however, is denied by one who is in close touch with him.
     "If General Eckert's hobby is correct dress, his pleasure is fine horses.  There is no time in his life when he will not stop to talk horse, or look at one if it is near by, or buy one if its pedigree is made attractive.  He owns 12 blooded animals; some of these he has never seen; they are in Kentucky in good hands.  One of the stories told of the owner is that he writes personal letters to those in care of his pets, making inquiries of them and offering suggestions.  A few of his horses are kept in this city, or at a convenient distance.  He is a good whip, and the cares of the day are considerably lightened if he can end them by a drive.  The invited guest must understand horseology if he expects to be invited again.  General Eckert’s horses never appear on the turf.  He is not a
sport.
     “Good clothes, fine horses and a chat with a veteran of the army round up a good time for General Eckert.  He is interesting in his recollections.  His ideal is Lincoln.  When the name of the first martyred President is mentioned, General Eckert’s eyes glisten and his voice softens.  It was Lincoln who sent him to the campaign on the Peninsula, as superintendent of the military telegraph system of the Army of the Potomac.  He was attached to McClellan’s headquarters.
     “In New York General Eckert is an active member of the Riding Club, where he is a commanding figure in the saddle.  He is also a member of the Union League, the Atlantic Yacht and other New York clubs, and a member of the Geographical Society and of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  He is a club man to this extent—that he loves to be the center of a group of ‘old cronies’ who delight in the talks of other days.  The story that General Eckert is oftenest asked to repeat is that of his capture in North Carolina in 1861.  His adherence to the Union did not suit the ‘Tar-heels.’  He was convicted of disloyalty to the Confederate cause and sentenced to death ignominiously on the scaffold.  He barely escaped and made his way north.
     "General Eckert's history, varied and interesting as it is, containing lessons as it does, must of necessity be abstracted.  He learned telegraphy in 1848.  In 1849, when he was postmaster at Wooster, Ohio, he opened the first postal telegraphy service in this country.  He was afterward made superintendent of the Union lines being extended from Pittsburg via the Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad.  He resigned in 1859 and went to North Carolina as superintendent of a gold-mining company.  Col. Thomas A. Smith, Assistant Secretary of War, called him to Washington in 1861 and placed him in charge of the military telegraph.  He had the title of captain and A. Q. M.  He was recalled from McClellan's army to establish military headquarters in the War Department buildings.  In 1865 Lincoln sent him to meet the leaders of the Confederacy at City Point.  He cleared the B. & O. road when Sheridan was ordered to Winchester, and he was present when Sheridan reached his destination and made his first mount for that famous engagement.  In 1864 he was brevet lieutenant-colonel and soon after brevet brigadier-general.  In 1865 he was Assistant Secretary of War.  A year later he resigned to become general superintendent of the Eastern Division of the Western Union lines.  He was 'Jay Gould's man' and as such became president of the Atlantic & Pacific Telegraph Company.  In 1879 he organized the American Union Telegraph Company, which was the only great competitor that the Western Union ever knew."
Source:  Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 93
MOSES W. EDGAR, a veteran in the lumber business, to which his whole life has practically been devoted, is a highly esteemed citizen of Barnesville, Ohio. His interests have been identified with Warren township since January 31, 1867, when he became connected with the Watt Brothers, who are well known as manufacturers on a large scale, and whose business was then in its infancy. Mr. Edgar took charge of their sawmill before they moved to their present quarters, and is still engaged in the same connection. He enjoys the reputation of being the oldest lumberman in the section, and as the purchasing agent of Watt Brothers is very valuable to the concern, being considered an expert on lumber questions.
     Mr. Edgar, like his father, is a native of Greene County, Pennsylvania, where he was born June 20, 1838. His father, Moses Edgar, was a millwright by trade, and during his early manhood followed that occupation diligently and successfully in his native State. He afterward moved to Monroe County, Ohio, where he followed the same vocation for a time, but subsequently engaged extensively in agricultural pursuits. He and his wife had seven children. Both parents have been deceased many years, the beloved mother having passed away in 1870.
     Moses W. Edgar, the subject of this narrative, while a small child was brought to Monroe County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. His youth was spent upon his father's farm, and he attended the public schools of that county, where he obtained the rudiments of an education that has proved of great value to him. He has been twice married. His first union was contracted with Catherine Clegg, a daughter of Richard Clegg, a substantial citizen of Monroe County. Their union resulted in one child, Hester J., who is now the wife of J. Craft. On June 5, 1860, Mr. Edgar was called upon to bear the loss of his beloved companion.
     In 1862 the subject of this sketch enlisted in the Union Army as a member of Company C, 116th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., under Col. J. Washburn and Capt. J. Mann. He participated in about 18 battles and numerous hot skirmishes, and received an honorable discharge in the summer of 1864. having served throughout with an unblemished record. After the war Mr. Edgar returned to Barnesville and again engaged in the lumber business. In addition to his duties as purchasing agent for the large manufacturing concern with which he is connected, he owns a portable engine and sawmill and covers large contracts each season. In 1867 he married Sarah M. Watt, a daughter of the late Joseph Watt, and their union was blessed with six children, of whom two, Leona M. and William O., are deceased. Those living are Joseph E., Clara R., Ina M. and John Watt. Joseph E. is a member of the I. O. O. F. organization. He married Emma Wright. Clara R. married J. R. Shry, one of Barnesville's most enterprising and up-to-date merchant tailors. Her brother, John W., is also identified with the same line of business in Cambridge, Ohio. He affiliates with the Knights of the Golden Eagle. Ina M., the remaining sister, is the wife of J. R. Fitten, of Bellaire, Ohio.
     Mr. Edgar is one of the most public spirited and substantial citizens of Barnesville. The Edgar family are well known throughout Belmont County and occupy a coveted position in social circles. They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Edgar has served as 3 class leader for several years. In politics he is a pronounced Republican, and at all times uses his influence for the success of his party. Mr. Edgar has led a busy and useful life and is rightly considered one of the mainstays of Barnesville.
Source:  Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 363
JAMES EDGERTON, one of  the most successful fruit growers and largest shippers, in Belmont County, Ohio, is also one of the most prominent and esteemed citizens of Warren township.  Our subject was born in this county, in 1828, one of a family of 13 children born to Joseph and Charity (Doudna) Edgerton, both of whom were natives of North Carolina.
     Joseph Edgerton was born in 1797, in Wayne County, North Carolina, and remained there until 1804, when he came with his parents to Ohio, settling on Captina Creek.  There his father erected a flouring mill and operated the same until his death.  Joseph Edgerton died in Iowa, in 1865.  The mother of our subject was a daughter of John and Miriam Doudna, natives of North Carolina, who settled in Ohio, about 1804.  She passed out of life in Belmont County, in 1855.  Both parents were consistent and worthy members of the Society of Friends, and were well known and most highly respected throughout the county.
     James Edgerton was reared on his father's farm and acquired his education in the subscription schools until the age of 17, when he was placed in the excellent school conducted by Friends, located at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, where he completed his education.  In 1852 he purchased a farm located about two miles from the city of Barnesville, which was devoted to the nursery business, and in 1879 purchased his present farm, consisting of 28 acres, and here he has brought to perfection many varieties of fruit, making a specialty of raspberries and strawberries.  He is one of the largest shippers in this locality, to Philadelphia, Chicago and other points.  He shipped the first bushel of
strawberries ever shipped from Belmont County to Chicago, establishing a market for the fruit in that city.  His methods have been investigated by other growers and in many cases have been adopted.  There are few facts about the growing of fruit in this section that remain secrets to Mr. Edgerton, and he is justly considered an authority.
     Mr. Edgerton was the first person who bred Jersey cattle west of the Alleghany Mountains and brought his first Jersey cattle to Belmont County from Rhode Island in 1867.  He still owns some fine milch cows of that breed.
     In 1852 Mr. Edgerton was married to Mary Ann Williams, a daughter of William C. and Rebecca Williams, the former of whom was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in 1810, and settled in Belmont County in 1819, and lived here until his death in 1879.  The death of his wife occurred in 1874, her birth having been in 1814.  The ten children born to our subject and wife were named as follows: William D., Rebecca, Joseph S., Thomas D., Caroline, Mary J., Sarah T., Walter J., James W. and Anna E.  Rebecca died Oct. 23, 1891.  Thomas D. was drowned in 1885.  James W. married Edith Conrow, daughter of Thomas Conrow, of Flushing, Ohio, and she died Nov. 4. 1898, leaving a babe of five months.  Rebecca also left one child at death.  Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton have 12 grandchildren, in whom they take much comfort.
Source:  Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 700
  JAMES SYKES ELY, M. D., is one of the most prominent physicians and citizens of Belmont County, Ohio.  He is one of the organizers, and the present president, of the Barnesville People's National Bank.  He is also one of the founders of the Barnesville Gas Company, and the owner of valuable property interests.  Dr. Ely was born Aug. 22, 1832, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Brown) Ely, of Harford County, Maryland.
     In 1832, Jacob Ely removed his family to Morristown, Ohio.  There he followed his trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker until 1838.  At that date he removed to Loydsville and embarked there in a general mercantile business which he followed through the balance of his life.  Both parents were members of the Society of Friends.
     Dr. Ely was educated principally in the local schools, attending a seminary for a short time, and was but 17 years of age when he began the study of the profession in which he has become so prominent.  His first preceptor was Dr. C. Schooley, then of Loydsville, and later, of Martin's Ferry, and he completed the entire course in three years under this skilled physician.  He finished his medical studies too early, however, to permit of practicing, as the public would hardly place confidence in one so young.  Until he was judged old enough, the talented young physician engaged in teaching, but in 1856 he located in the village of Somerton, Ohio.  In 1862, he attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, and graduated in the following June.  He was commissioned as assistant-surgeon of the 126th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., Nov. 14, 1862.  He joined the regiment at Cumberland, Maryland, and when the federal forces were driven out of Martinsburg, he volunteered to remain and care for the suffering Union soldiers.  Consequently, he fell into the hands of the enemy, from whom he received good treatment and was soon paroled.  While at Martinsburg, two corps of General Lee's army passed through en route to Gettysburg, and as a matter of curiosity he counted 256 pieces of artillery in their train.  On their return through Martinsburg, he also noted that none of the artillery passed through.  On Feb. 8, 1864, Dr. Elly received a commission as surgeon of the 126h Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., and on Apr. 21, 1864, he received a commission from the Present as assistant surgeon, United States Volunteers.  The Wilderness campaign was, however, then imminent, and the Doctor withheld his acceptance and remained with his regiment.  Later, he was assigned to the operating staff of his brigade, and here his work was incessant, and was of such a nature, that young physicians of today, with modern antiseptics and discoveries at hand, are forced to look with profound admiration on the successful surgeons of the Civil War.
     Upon the arrival of his regiment at Cold Harbor, Dr. Ely reported at the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, and was mustered in as assistant surgeon of United States Volunteers, and was detailed for duty with the department of field hospitals at White House, Virginia.  In June, 1864, these hospitals were removed to City Point, Virginia, and the Doctor was there on duty until Dec. 22, 1864.  Then he was placed in charge of the cavalry corps hospital, principally to accomplish its reorganization.  In the following January, he was placed in charge of the depot field hospital, of the 6th Army Corps, and held that position until the surrender of General Lee, when all the hospitals at that place were broken up.  On May 26, 1865, having continued on duty until the last moment, Dr. Ely transferred all the remaining hospital inmates aboard the hospital steamer "Connecticut," in charge of Surgeon of U. S. Volunteers.  J. B. Hood, for transportation to Washington.  Although much suffering was endured by various patients, none can ever realized the unselfish devotion displayed by Dr. Ely, or the efforts he put forth at all ties in their behalf.  His valuable services were appreciated, however, by the government.  On Aug. 12, 1865, he was placed in charge of the City General Hospital at Indianapolis, and was finally mustered out of service on Oct. 16, 1865.
     After these years of faithful service, under the hardest possible conditions.  Dr. Ely returned to his home, and on Nov. 7, 1865, located in Barnesville, where he has ever since resided.  In 1868, he received an appointment as United States examining surgeon for pensions, a position he held under the administration of President Cleveland.
     In 1854, Dr. Ely was married to Emily E. Hogue, a daughter of Samuel Hogue.  Three children were born to this union, the only survivor being Ernest S., who is a graduate of Cincinnati School of Pharmacy, and is engaged in the drug business as a partner in the firm of Ely & Wilson in Barnesville.  As noted in the opening of this article, Dr. Ely has been a very important factor in the development of the various commercial and financial enterprises of this city, and has become one of the most substantial citizens of Barnesville.  His friends are met, and old battles talked over, in G. A. R. Post, No. 220, of which Dr. Ely is a valued member.  He also enjoys fraternal relations with the Masonic order.
Source:  Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 465
LAWSON E. EMERSON, a lawyer by profession and a prominent resident of St. Clairsville, Ohio, is clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio.  He was born in Goshen township, Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1863, and is a son of William and Jane (Wright) Emerson.
     William Emerson
was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1819.  Coming to America, in 1837, he remained here two years, and then went back to Ireland, to settle up the estate of his father.  Upon his return to America, he was accompanied by his brother, John.  He located in Belmont County, Ohio, and for three years was employed by Ira Lewis at an annual salary of $85.  He subsequently bought a farm in Goshen township, and was engaged in farming and stock raising all his life.  His death occurred Jan. 8, 1900.  His first wife, was Jane Danforth, a daughter of Ambro Danforth of Washington township,  Belmont County.  She died at an early age, leaving three children - Maria (Wright); Mercy L. Turner); and Thomas W., who is an attorney at Ouray, Colorado.  Mr. Emerson married, second, Jane Wright, a daughter of Edward Wright, of Goshen township, and they have four children, namely Mary; John, who died at the age of three years; Lawson E.; and Charles E., superintendent of the Denver (Colorado) Street Railway Company.  William Emerson was originally a Whig, in politics, and later a Republican.
     Lawson E. Emerson received his mental training in the Bethesda public schools and the Barnesville High School, after which he took a teacher's course at Valparaiso, Indiana.  At the age of 18 years, he began teaching, and continued thus for seven years, in Warren and Goshen townships.  He then began to read law at St. Clairsville, first, with his brother, Thomas W. Emerson, and later with Capt. L. DAnford.  Subsequently, he completed a two-years' course in the Cincinnati Law School, and was graduated June 4, 1889.  His brother moved to Colorado in June of that year, and the subject of this sketch settled up his business.  In January, 1890, he was appointed deputy county clerk under H. M. Davis, and served as such through two terms.  In 1895, he was nominated by acclamation for the office of county clerk, and elected by a majority of 1,100 votes.  He was re-elected in 1898, his majority being increased to 1,814 votes.  He was solicited by prominent attorneys to run for a third term, but refused, and became a candidate for clerk of the Supreme Court of Ohio.  He was nominated on the first ballot from among 10 candidates, was elected, and assumed the duties of his office, in Columbus, on January 1, 1902.  Mr. Emerson  is a man of sterling worth and the strictest is a man of sterling worth and the strictest integrity, and stands very high, wherever known.
     Lawson E. Emerson was married, in 1892, to Laura Ferren, a daughter of James Ferren, of St. Clairsville, and they have two sons - Wayne Kennon, who was born in 1893; and William Glen born in 1895.  Fraternally, Mr. Emersonis a member of Lodge No. 109, K. of P.; Blue Lodge No. 16, F. & A. M.; Chapter No. 54, R. M. A.; Commandery No. 26, K. T. and Columbus Lodge, A. A. O. N. M. S.  He is a charter member of Lodge No. 419, B. P. O. E.
DR. WILLIAM ESTEP  See Chapter XIII
ource:  Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 146

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