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BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)
Source:
Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio
and Representative Citizens.
Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago,
Illinois -
1903
|
A
NOTABLE CHARACTER. We have elsewhere alluded to the fact
that Martin's Ferry was the birthplace of America's greatest living
novelist, William Dean Howells.
Perhaps it will be a surprise to many to know that in a
humble farm home, adjoining the city, there was born of "canny"
Scotch-Irish parents a lad named W. J. RAINEY,
who possessed in remarkable degree the keenness and foresight of a
trader.
When still in his "teens" he became noted as a
purchaser of live stock, and could guess with the accuracy of a long
experienced dealer the weight of all live stock. A few years
thereafter, he added wheat and wool to the farm products he handled
and with added gains.
When the Cleveland & Pittsburg stock dropped to 10 and
15 cents per share, he purchased largely and held the stock in
confidence until it advanced to 86 when he sold.
He had now accumulated considerable wealth and when his
father gave him the coal underlying his farm, of which he had come
into possession after a long legal contest, MR. RAINEY
associated with him a company of capitalists, to operate the mines
upon an extensive scale.
In the prosecution of this enterprise he became a
millionaire. A few years ago when this humble farmer's lad died,
he had accumulated a fortune of $25,000,000.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 203 |
|
SAMUEL RAMSAY, one of the largest
land owners and substantial citizens of York township, Belmont County,
Ohio, was born April 11, 1842, and is a son of Abraham and Sarah
(Maloney) Ramsay.
Abraham Ramsay was born in 1807 and was a son of
Thomas Ramsay, a native of Ireland, whose people were wealthy
linen manufacturers there. Thomas Ramsay came to America
about 1795 and married a Miss Falconer in Pennsylvania.
He accumulated considerable property in Washington County,
Pennsylvania, but through injudiciously going security lost quite
heavily. He came to Belmont County about 1812, locating in the
woods in the southeastern part of the county, on Moore's Run.
He worked some on the National Road. He and his wife were
parents of 10 children, as follows: Samuel, Allen, David,
Aaron, John, Margaret, Nancy, Jennie and Elizabeth.
Abraham Ramsay resided near and at Jacobsburg until
his death in 1886, at which time he owned about 1,000 acres of land,
mainly in Smith township. He married Sarah Maloney, who
was born in Pennsylvania, and married in Belmont County, where she
died about 1888. To this union were born the following children:
Thomas, deceased; David, deceased; John, who
resides near our subject, but in Washington township; Abraham,
who also lives in Washington township; Samuel; Nancy (Taylor),
of Smith township; Elizabeth (Riley), of Mead township;
Aaron, of Smith township, and Allen, deceased. Two
children died in infancy.
Samuel Ramsay resided in Washington township
until he was 10 years of age, removing then with his parents to
Smith township. He purchased his present home farm in York
township about 1878, and was married in Guernsey County. He and
his wife began housekeeping on this farm and except two or three years
spent in Smith township have since made it their home. The farm,
which was covered with stone, timber and underbrush, ahs been greatly
improved and is now very valuable farming land. Mr. Ramsay
manages the work on the farm and is an extensive sheep man, as was his
father. He owns 375 acres in York township, besides two farms,
containing 243 acres, in Washington and Mead townships.
Samuel Ramsay was joined in marriage with
Susanna Mendenhall, a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Mendenhall,
a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Mendenhall, both of whom
reside near Salesville, Guernsey County, Ohio. Mrs. Ramsay
was
born in Noble County, Ohio, April 10, 1852, and as a result of her
union with our subject has had the following children: Thomas
Abraham, of Washington township, who married Cora Kittlewell
and has three sons: Samuel Oliver, living in Mead township,
married a Miss Fraley; Annie A. (Trigg), whose husband
is a blacksmith at Jacobsburg; Delphi Odessa (Devaul), whose
husband is a farmer and sawmill man of Smith township; Lela L.,
who is single and lives at home; Carrie Golda, who is also
single; Edna Loretta, who attends school at Jacobsburg;
Lewis, who is at home and assists his father; Sarah Rebecca,
who is deceased, and Emma Ethel and Joseph, who died in
infancy. Politically, Mr. Ramsay cast his first vote for
Abraham Lincoln for President, and has voted the Republican
ticket ever since. In religious attachment, he and his family
are Methodists and attend church at Jacobsburg.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 816 |
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GEORGE LAWRENCE RAMSEY, M. D., is
a leading physician of York township, Belmont County, Ohio, and a
prominent representative of one of the old and honored pioneer
families of the county. Dr. Ramsey was born in Mead
township in 1872, being the eldest of the nine children born to his
parents William and Amanda (Helpbringer) Ramsey, most highly
esteemed residents of Mead township.
The early ancestral history of the Ramsey family
reaches back to Ireland, in which land the great-grandfather of Dr.
Ramsey was born in 1772. In 1790 he immigrated to Washington
County, Pennsylvania, where he married a Miss Falconer and in
1818 removed to Belmont County, Ohio, as one of the first settlers of
Smith township. He left a family of six sons and one daughter,
namely: David, John Samuel, Abram, Allen, Aaron F., and
Nellie.
Allen Ramsey, the grandfather of Dr. Ramsey,
was born May 28, 1811, and married Mary Thornborough, in
Washington Township, Belmont County. The Thornborough
family originated in England, the grandmother being a daughter of
William and Matilda (Lazenby) Thornborough, who came to America
and settled in Belmont County about 1818 and followed an agricultural
life in Washington township until death. Mrs. Allen Ramsey
died December 1, 1902, at the age of 86 years.
There were six children in the family of William and
Amanda (Helpbringer) Ramsey, that grew to maturity, namely:
William J., Ellis C., Newell M., Mary T., who married John W.
Muster; Eva L., and George Lawrence.
Dr. Ramsey obtained his primary education in the
common schools in the vicinity of his birthplace, and as early as the
age of 14 years decided upon his life work, thereafter directing his
study and reading to that end. When prepared for college, he
entered the Ohio Medical University at Columbus, Ohio, graduating with
much credit, on April 5, 1898. His first location for practice
was at Batesville, Noble County, where he remained until the spring of
1901, when he settled at Powhatan Point, purchasing there his fine
property on the turnpike, and owns one of the handsomest homes in this
select neighborhood.
On March 20, 1900, Dr. Ramsey was married to
Luella V. Wilson, a young lady of Charleston, West Virginia, and
one child, Newell Wilson, was born to this union, in this
county. Dr. Ramsey's fraternal connection is with the
Knights of Pythias, of Batesville, and he also belongs to the Belmont
County Medical Association. Like all his family, the Doctor is a
strong supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and
continues attached to the Methodist Church, in which he was carefully
reared by an excellent mother. Dr. Ramsey sustains the
most cordial relations with his brother practitioners, and his ability
and skill have been very generally recognized by the community.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 767 |
| |
JOHN A. RAMSEY, one of the prominent
and successful business men of Key, Belmont County, Ohio, who is
engaged in farming and stock dealing and also handling the leading
makes of farm machinery, was born in 1860, in Mead township, being a
son of Allen and Mary (Thornborough) Ramsey. Our
subject's mother was born in England, but was brought to Ohio when but
18 months old by her father, William Thornborough, who entered
land on what is known as the Ramsey Ridge, and which is now the
property of Abram Ramsey. Extended mention of Allen
Ramsey and other member of the family will be found on other pages
of this work.
John A. Ramsey was reared on the home farm and
remained there, assisting in the work and attending school, until he
reached manhood. A trip through the great West about this time
was a most excellent method of education; during his 18 months of
absence, he visited almost all of the western States and Territories,
spent six months at Portland, Oregon, and saw many phases of life and
living which, perhaps, made him all the more satisfied with the
advantages and opportunities offered in Belmont County. Mr.
Ramsey is a large land over, among his possessions being a
valuable farm of 200 acres in the vicinity of Key, and his elegant
residence in this town. For the past two years he has been
handling machinery and is extensively engaged in dealing in stock.
In 1891 Mr. Ramsey was married to Minnie A.
DeLong, who was born in 1870, in Mead township, and four children
have been born to this union, namely: Bertha, born April 27,
1895, died April 29, 1895; Gladys, born July 4, 1896; Lena
Valletta, born July 31, 1898; and Carrie Wanita, born
January 12, 1900. Mrs. Ramsey belongs to a prominent
county family. Her father, Adam DeLong, was born in
Belmont County, June 14, 1827, and died December 26, 1899, being a son
of Jonathan DeLong, a native of Pennsylvania, of German
ancestry. in young manhood, Adam DeLong moved to
Washington County, Ohio, and during his 10 years of residence there
married Mary Ann Flowers, who is a beloved member of Mr.
Ramsey's household. After leaving his farm in Washington
County, Mr. DeLong lived for a time in Business, removing to
Belmont town some seven years prior to his death. The children
born to Mr. and Mrs. DeLong were: Tirzah, who died
October 26, 1861, aged nine years; John T., who is a farmer
near Danbury, Nebraska, married Annie McHenry of Illinois, and
four of their six children survive; Harriet S., who is the
window of William Irwin, who died in 1902, resides at
Shadyside, with two sons and three daughters: Samuel M.,
who married Levada Keyser, lives near Anvil, Ohio; Alvaretta,
who married James Hart, resides at Belmont and has four sons;
Ida M., who married O. S. Hall, died one year later, in
1892; Robert H.; Minnie A., who became Mrs. Ramsey,
was born May 19, 1870; and William A., who resides at Belmont,
engaged as a salesman - he married Dora Gregg and has two sons.
As this family was one of the early ones of the county, more extended
mention is interesting.
Jonathan DeLong was born April 25, 1796, in
Pennsylvania, and was the first of the family to locate in Belmont
County, about 1812. He died February 5, 1868, owning at one time
320 acres of timber land in Mead township. His children were:
Rachel, born July 17, 1816, married Robert Watt, and both
died at their home near Jacobsburg; Andrew, born October 15,
1817, married Catherine Phillips, and they died near
Businessburg; Jacob, born July 1, 1819, moved to Washington
County, and there married a Miss Hoover and still survives;
John, born July 2, 1821, married a Miss Hoover, and died in
Washington County; Samuel, born October 21, 1823, married
Margaret Scott and they live in Indiana; Catherine, born
May 1, 1825, married a Mr. Wiley and they live in Washington
County; Adam, born June 14, 1827; Sabina, named for her
mother, born October 1, 1830, married William Kirkpatrick
and they live in Washington County; Jonathan C., born April 7,
1833, died in Washington County; and Martin Luther, born August
4, 1836, married Christiana Trimble and they reside near
Lewis' Mills, in Belmont County.
Mr. Ramsey is identified with the Republican party.
Formerly he was connected with the Farmers' Alliance
movement and has always been deeply interested in agricultural
advancement. With his family, he belongs to the Methodist Church
at Jacobsburg. As an upright and honorable citizen, Mr.
Ramsey enjoys the esteem of his fellow citizens.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 756 |
|
WILLIAM RAMSEY, one of the
prominent and substantial farmers of Mead township, Belmont County,
Ohio, belongs to an old-established family of State and county, whose
members are known through their several communities as leading and
representative citizens. The birth of William Ramsey took
place December 24, 1844, in Washington township, Belmont County, and
his parents were Allen and Mary (Thornborough) Ramsey, the
latter of whom was born in England about 1816, a daughter of
William and Matilda ( Lazenby) Thornborough. The
Thornborough family came to America and settled in Belmont County
about 1818, entered land in Washington township, and resided there the
balance of their lives, Mr. Thornborough dying about 1845, his
widow surviving until 1882.
The founder of the Ramsey family in Belmont
County was Thomas Ramsey, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland,
who immigrated to Washington County, Pennsylvania, about 1790, at the
age of 18 years, married there a member of the Falconer family,
and moved with his children to Smith township, Belmont County, Ohio,
in 1818, and there lived for the rest of his life, leaving these sons:
David, John, Samuel, Abram, Allen, and Aaron F.
Allen Ramsey, the fifth son of Thomas Ramsey,
was born May 28, 1811, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was
brought by his father to Belmont County in 1818. His married to
Mary Thornborough took place in Washington township, Belmont
County, where he resided a number of years, his last days, however,
being spent in Mead township, where he died July 19, 1887. His
venerable widow still survives, at the age of 86 years, a resident of
Key station, Mead township. The children of Allen Ramsey
and wife were: Elizabeth, who married William Thompson,
resides in Mead township and has a large family; Thomas H., who
is a farmer near our subject; Louisa, who died young; Nancy
Jane, who is Mrs. Devol, who is the subject of this
biography; George, who was a resident of Mead township, died at
the age of 19 years; Eleanor, who died at the age of 18
years; Matilda A., who married David Little, resides at
Glencoe; Louisa, who married John Harvey, resides at
Bellaire; and John A., who is a farmer and also a merchant
residing at Key station.
William Ramsey was mainly reared in Mead
township, where his schooling was obtained, and he remained on the
home farm until he was 26 years old. After marriage he located
in the southwestern part of Mead township, purchasing the Taylor
farm, and has devoted his attention to general farming and the
raising of standard sheep and cattle. His herd of Shorthorn
cattle ranks with the best in the state. Mr. Ramsey
operates 266 acres and has what may well be termed a model farm.
In 1892 he erected his handsome residence, and all of the surroundings
have an air of thrift and prosperity.
On September 5, 1870, Mr. Ramsey was married to
Amanda Helpbringer, who was born in Smith township in 1850, and
a family of nine children has been born to them; Dr. George L.,
a prominent physician of Powhatan Point; Lura V., who died
September 1, 1898, aged 23 years; Clara, who died at the age of
three years; William John, born in 1878, resides at home;
Arthur Allen, who died at the age of three years; Mary F.,
who married John W. Muster, resides with her father, her two
children being Lura Beatrice and Eugene Ralph; Ellis
E., born March 29, 1886, and Newell M., aged 12 years, and
Eva A., aged 10 years, are at home. All of these children
have been given excellent educational advantages and have been well
fitted for the responsibilities of life.
Mr. Ramsey is a Republican in his political
adherence, and has capably and frequently served in many of the
township offices, at present being a member of the School Board.
The family belong to the Methodist Church at Jacobsburg, a pleasant
town reached by a short drive. Mr. Ramsey lives near
enough to thus enjoy both town and country benefits. In addition
to being a man of known integrity. Mr. Ramsey also
has the reputation of being a most genial and hospital host.
Although now one of the substantial men of the township, he began far
down the ladder, his success being almost entirely due to his own
efforts.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 688 |
|
JOHN K. REED, an extensive farmer in
Warren township, Belmont County, Ohio, and one of the substantial,
prominent and representative citizens of the county, was born in Warren
township, June 27, 1827, a son of James P. and Sarah (Kent) Reed.
The father of our subject, James P. Reed, was a son of John Reed, one
of a family of eight children. John Reed, with his family, migrated to
Belmont County, Ohio, from Loudoun County, Virginia, in 1802, settling
so far in the timber that he was obliged to cut a road from
Barnesville to his farm, four miles west of that settlement. He
cleared up a farm of 133 acres in Warren township, and upon that tract
James P. Reed was reared from the age of one year. He lived until
1886, aged 84 years, a man respected by his neighbors and much beloved
by his family. The Reeds were indeed pioneers. coming to Warren
township while it was nothing but a wilderness, with scarcely any sign
of civilization in the way of highways, schools or churches. The
mother of our subject also was a daughter of a pioneer William
Kent,
formerly of Wills Creek, Noble County, Ohio, where he was a large and
successful farmer.
John K. Reed grew up on his father's farm and attended the district
schools. From assisting his father he gradually began to accumulate
land of his own to cultivate, and the large farm he now owns is one of
the very best in Warren township. It contains 108 acres of
well-improved land, partly located in sections 25 and 26, his
comfortable residence being in the former. An air of thrift pervades
the place and gives testimony to the excellent methods pursued by
the owner of these fertile acres and attractive buildings.
The first marriage of Mr. Reed was to Martha Price, a daughter of
Nelson Price, in February, 1850, and three children were born to this
union, the one survivor being Mrs. Dora J. Blakemore, whose husband is
one of the progressive business men of Barnesville. The second
marriage of Mr. Reed took place April 11, 1896, to Anna Griffen, the
accomplished daughter of Douglas Griffen. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reed are
consistent members of the Methodist Church, and like his father, he
is identified with the Democratic party. Mr. Reed is justly regarded
as one of the county's most substantial citizens, and has been one of
the directors of the People's National Bank of Barnesville ever since
its organization. His character is one of integrity, and in all
enterprises looking to the growth and development of Belmont County he
has taken a deep interest.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 367 |
|
WILLIAM F. RICHMOND, who is
successfully engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business
in Barnesville, Ohio, was born on June 9, 1867, in Zanesville, Ohio,
and is one of a family of 13 children born to his parents, Matthias
and Anna (Taylor) Richmond. Matthias Richmond was a glass
worker in Zanesville, and continued in that line as long as he lived.
William F. Richmond received an excellent
common-school education in Zanesville, where he was engaged in
business. Later he moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and on
September 3, 1901, located in Barnesville. Mr. Richmond
handles a great deal of valuable property in both city and country;
buys, sells and exchanged, makes loans, and also represents many of
the leading insurance companies. His honorable methods, as well
as his close and careful attention to business, have gained him the
confidence of the public, and he bids fair to become one of the
leading men in his line in his part of the county.
In 1890 Mr. Richmond married Minnie A.
Hammond, a daughter of Adam Hammond, both of whom are
natives of Ohio. Two children have been born to this union -
Loren and Elson. Mr. Richmond is a member of
the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, and is popular in both orders.
He and wife are leading and valued members of the Methodist Church,
and their active interest is shown in the benevolent and charitable
work of that denomination.
Among the insurance companies which are represented by
Mr. Richmond are those covering life, fire, accident, plat
glass, boilers and live stock. He also acts for the Fidelity
Bond Company. His pleasant and courteous manner makes many
friends while his expeditious and efficient mode of conducting his
transactions has given him a high business standing in the city and
vicinity.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 360 |
|
JACOB RIDER of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, his
antecedents, descendants and a short sketch of his life. George
Rider, his great-grandfather, was born on the Rhine in Germany
and died at the age of 106 years. Our subject's grandfather, John
Rider, was born in Germany. He came to the colony of the infant United
States before the Revolutionary War and settled on the Eastern Shore
of Maryland. He removed to Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, where
he wooed and married Margaret Engle. From
Northumberland County they removed by wagon to Red Stone, now
Brownsville, Pennsylvania, on the Monongahela River. Here they sold
their horses and wagons and purchased a flatboat, on which they stored
their goods and started to float down the Monongahela to the Ohio. The
first stop they made was at Steubenville, where they remained a short
time, while the husband went out through the country to select a home.
Not being satisfied. they continued their way as far as Wheeling
Creek, where they sold the boat and shipped their goods back to
Steubenville, securing land near where the town of Richmond, Jefferson
County, now stands. They remained there several years, then removed to
Athens County, Ohio, where they both died, the husband at 97 years and
the wife at 96 years of age.
George Rider, the father of the subject of our sketch,
was the third son of John and Margaret (Engle) Rider. He
was born October 6, 1793, in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and
was 13 years of age when his parents settled in Jefferson County,
Ohio. He became an expert blacksmith and made edged tools of all
kinds. At the age of 21 he married Catherine Culp, whose
age was 20 years. Miss Culp was born July 19,
1794, in Preston County, (West) Virginia, and they began married life
near Richmond, Jefferson County, Ohio. Mr. Rider served
in the War of 1812 under General Harrison. He died in
Jewett, Ohio, in his 87th year, and his wife died in her 86th year in
Jefferson, Ohio. This couple were parents of 10 children, as follows:
John, born March 13, 1815, who moved to California in 1852 and
died in Sacramento in 1901; Jacob, the subject of this sketch, who was
born July 25, 1816, in New Richmond, Jefferson County, Ohio, and was
the first male child born in the village; Sarah, born November
25, 1819, died September 10, 1858; Margaret, born July 30,
1822. died January 16, 1901; David, born December 19, 1824, who
is now a retired merchant at Jefferson, Harrison County, Ohio;
Emanuel, born March 16, 1827, who is now a retired farmer living
at Des Moines, Iowa; Thomas, born October 8, 1829, who is a
farmer near Cadiz, Ohio; George, born November 24, 1832, who is
now living in De Witt, Iowa; Andrew, born February 10, 1837,
who is manager of the Ohio Cultivator Works at Bellevue, Ohio; and
Lewis, born November 14, 1839, who is now living in Kirkville,
Missouri.—one of his daughters is the wife of Dr. Still, a son
of Dr. Still, the father of osteopathy.
Baltzer Culp, the maternal grandfather of
Jacob Rider, was born in Germany and came to the United
States before the Revolutionary War, during which struggle he served
for several months as teamster under General Washington. He died in
Jefferson County, Ohio, at the age of 93 years.
Jacob Rider began his apprenticeship at carpenter work
when a lad of 15 and followed the trade in Steubenville and Wellsville
until he moved to Martinsville (now known as Martin's Ferry), on
Saturday, July 29, 1836, having come from Steubenville on the steamer
"Post Boy." It was a boat about 20 feet wide, 60 feet long and one
deck high. It was a side-wheeler and was at that time considered a
very nice passenger boat. Martinsville was then a village consisting
of First and Second streets, from Washington street to Walnut street.
Thirty-six families constituted the population. He first began working
for William J. Lewis, making furniture and coffins. He
next worked for John Harris at the furniture business.
Jacob Rider and Lois E. Dunn were
married September 7, 1837, and began housekeeping in a small frame
house which stood on the west side of Second street, a short distance
below where the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad passenger station now
stands and across the street from the residence of Joseph L.
Stephens, at present occupied by Samuel Heaton as a
blacksmith shop. His home adjoined the residence of W. C. Howells,
the birth place of the famous author, William Dean Howells. The
Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad Company purchased all the property on
the west side of Second street from Locust street to Walnut street,
and the buildings above mentioned were removed. Mr.
Rider then purchased the property on which he now resides at the
corner of Third and Locust streets. He built a workshop on part of the
lot and followed his trade. making patterns, furniture and coffins
until the beginning of the War of the Rebellion, when he removed with
his family to Wheeling. There he engaged in the foundry
business, and in 1862 made the pattern for the famous Burnside Heating
Stove, which is now used in every State in the Union. Near the close
of the war he returned to Martin's Ferry, and in 1866 located at New
Martinsville, West Virginia, where he engaged in the manufacture of
shingles. He later returned to his old home in Martin's Ferry, where
he has since resided. Mr. Rider with his wife in 1836 united with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has since been a faithful
member. He has been trustee of the church for more than 40 years and
now enjoys the honor of being the only honorary member of the board
the church ever created in Martin's Ferry. He has always been strictly
temperate in his habits and is now enjoying the fruits of a perfect
and clean life.
Lois E. (Dunn) Rider, the wife of Jacob Rider,
was the daughter of Robert and Sarah Dunn, who came from
Stamford, Connecticut, during the Revolutionary War and settled in
Hancock County, (West) Virginia. Her father died at the age of 37
years and her mother at the age of 73 years. Mrs. Rider
was born November 18, 1817, in Hancock County, Virginia, and died in
Martin's Ferry, Ohio, December 14, 1896. She was the first child in
her neighborhood to yield to the temptation of eating a tomato, then
known as the "Jerusalem apple," and considered to be poisonous. Her
parents were so badly frightened they sent for a physician, fearing
she would die. The result of her experience soon spread abroad and
others became bold enough to risk their lives in the same way.
Tomatoes soon became one of the standard vegetables. Mrs.
Rider was a woman of sterling qualities. She united with the
Methodist Episcopal Church at an early age and was a very pious
Christian woman. She was a great sufferer during the last 20 years of
her life, and the last 15 years was a helpless paralytic, but bore her
trouble with Christian fortitude. Mr. and Mrs. Rider were
parents of five children, all living, as follows: John Stephen,
born May 21, 1840, who is now engaged in the real estate business in
Sterling, Rice County, Kansas; George Edwin, born
December 14, 1847, who is. engaged in the foundry business at Kansas
City, Missouri; Rev. William Harper, born
February 3, 1853, who is pastor of a Methodist Episcopal Church at
Minneapolis. Minnesota; Sarah K., born July 11, 1855, who is
the wife of Rev. C. B. Henthorne, presiding elder
of the West Philadelphia District of the East Ohio Conference, and
Eugene Henry, born November 18, 1858, who is secretary and
treasurer of the Stanton Heater Company of Martin's
Ferry, Ohio. Jacob and Lois E. (Dunn) Rider were grandparents
of 19 children and great-grandparents of eight children.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 355 |
|
JOHN W. RILEY, a member of the firm of
S. D. & J. W. Riley, extensive fruit growers, packers and
shippers, resides on his farm just out of St. Clairsville, in Richland
township. He was born in this township in 1864, and is a son of
Richard L. and Mary (Keyser) Riley. His grandfather. Richard
Riley, was a bound apprentice in his early days, and running
away from his master, located in Wheeling when that city was known as
Fort Henry. He later came to Belmont County, Ohio, and settled in Mead
township, where he died July 21, 1863, at the age of eighty-seven
years.
Richard L. Riley, father of our subject, was
born in Mead township in 1821, and died in 1883. He was a farmer and
fruit grower, and was a very successful business man. Religiously, he
was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a Democrat in
politics. He married Mary Keyser, who was born near
Quincy, Belmont County, in 1823, and died in 1889. She. too, was a
member of the Presbyterian Church. She was an invalid at the time of
the great cyclone of 1887, and with her two sons was in its midst. Our
subject was struck by a falling evergreen tree and his ankle
fractured. incapacitating him from any work for a period of six
months. Six children were born to Richard L. Riley. and his
wife, namely: Isaac M., deceased: Samuel D., who is in
the fruit business with John W.; Richard J., superintendent of
the Niehart gold and silver mine at Niehart. Montana;
Elizabeth J.. who married William L. Callin, of Wheeling.
West Virginia: Nancy K, who is housekeeper for her brothers;
and John W.
John W. Riley is a member of the firm of S.
D. & J. W. Riley, fruit growers, and lives on a farm of 40 acres
adjoining the west corporation line of St. Clairsville. This property
is devoted mainly to the growth of a variety of fruit. He and his
brothers and sisters own an undivided interest in the estate of his
father, and also own a farm of 110 acres four and one-half miles east
of St. Clairsville. They have a very successful business, both being
men of good ability, and are reckoned among the substantial citizens
of the community.
John W. Riley is a member of St. Clairsville
Lodge. No. 698, K. of P. and is county deputy of the order. He is a
Democrat in politics, and in religious views is a Presbyterian.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 394 |
George O. Robinson |
GEORGE O. ROBINSON, one of the
most successful business men and manufacturers of Belmont County,
has been a resident of the county since 1864. He was born in
Wheeling, (West) Virginia, in 1852, and is a son of John R.
Robinson, who was for many years identified with the iron and
steel interests of Wheeling.
George O. Robinson was practically reared in
Belmont County, and his first business experience was in market
gardening on McMechen's Creek, following that occupation for a
period of eight years. He then embarked in the ice business,
to which he later added the coal and brick business, and in the
latter branch he still continues. He is one of the large real
estate owners of the county, being interested in various tracts of
land in Pultney township, much of it close to the city of Bellaire.
All is arable land and most of it is under lease for coal and other
purposes. Among his holdings are a half interest in 206 acres
adjoining the city limits, 19 acres on McMechen's Creek in the
suburbs of Bellaire, and about 40 acres at Georgetown, a part of the
old home farm, and a half interest in a 100-acre tract, a part of
which is in the city limits. Mr. Robinson's main
attention is given to the brick business and his real estate
interests. He is vice-president and general manager of the
Standard Stone & Brick Company, which was started in May, 1901, the
plant being located at McClainville. on the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad. It is a modern plant in all its appointments and
gives employment to some 55 men, having a capacity of 50,000 bricks
per day. It is under the superintendence of his son, John
Howard Robinson. Alexander Neff is
president of the company; George O. Robinson, vice-president
and general manager; and Franklin Neff, secretary and
treasurer. The plant is located about three miles west of
Bellaire and during the first year of its existence turned out
6,000,000 bricks. They operate a sandstone quarry in
connection, and a fine quality of building stone is furnished to the
surrounding county. The office of the plant is located on 23rd
street. between Belmont and Guernsey streets. in Bellaire.
Mr. Robinson is president of the Eastern
Ohio Milling Company. and a director in the First National Bank of
Bellaire, Ohio.
Mr. Robinson was united in marriage with
Emma L. Thompson of Belmont County, and they have the
following children: John Howard, superintendent of the
Standard Stone & Brick Company, who resides at Georgetown, where he
has a small farm,——he married Daisy Bohill. and they have two
children, Dorothy and Grace; Lulu and Mary,
who are attending the seminary at Washington, Pennsylvania; Grace,
who is in school at Washington. Pennsylvania; Frank,
who attends school; George, also attending school; and Ada.
Owing to better educational facilities at Washington, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Robinson moved his family to that city, although
all his business interests are in Belmont County. In politics,
he is a strong Republican, belief is a Presbyterian.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 547 |
|
JOHN R. ROBINSON,
who was for many years prominently identified with the steel and
iron interests of Wheeling, West Virginia, was born in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, Oct. 21, 1829, and is a son of Henry Robinson.
Henry Robinson was born in England and came to
this country as a young man. He was a physician and surgeon by
profession and during his lifetime traveled extensively in this
country. His wife was born by the River Tweed in Scotland and
came to this country during her girlhood.
John R. Robinson was reared mainly in New York
City, and when a boy came to Pittsburg, where he met the young lady
who was to be his wife in after years. He returned to New York
and remained until he was nineteen years of age, when he again
located in Pittsburg, being married the year following to Sarah
Jane Oxley, who was of English-Irish parentage, but born in
Scotland. He entered the rolling mill in that city and later
continued in that work in Wheeling. He was engaged in the
Belmont Mill, then with Norton, Bailey & Company, and
later with Bailey, Woodward & Company. He made the
first heat of iron ever made in the Labelle Mills in that city, and
later was twice made manager of the plant. He went to
Harrisburg, Pa., and managed the Chesapeake Iron Works during 1870
and 1871, then returned to the LaBelle as manager. He bought a
farm in Pultney township, Belmont County, Ohio, upon which he
located with his family. He continued in the steel business
until 1891, since which time he has been retired and has made his
home with his daughter, Mrs. Cordelia Nelson, of Pultney
township.
Mr. Robinson and his wife became parents of ten
children, as follows: Janet, George O., Edgar Sutton,
Elmer, Irving, Winfield Scott, William Wright, Clarence, Cordelia A.
and Sadie. Janet married and moved to Mississippi,
where she died. George O. was formerly superintendent
of the Bellaire Brick Works. Edgar Sutton, a
Presbyterian minister at Oxford, Ohio, has been in the ministry
since 25 years of age, receiving his education at
Washington-Jefferson College; he married a daughter of Captain
Smith of Mead township and has four children, Dora, who
is in an educational institution in North Carolina. Alice,
who is an artist. Edna and Andrew. Elmer,
who was a druggist at Bellaire, married a daughter of Captain
Smith; both he and his wife are dead, and their two children,
John and Eleanor, reside with their grandfather, Capt.
Andrew Smith. Irving died at the age of eight months.
Winfield Scott, deceased, was a dentist and practiced for a
time at Bridgeport, Ohio, and later at Trinidad, Colorado, then
returned home and died about 1885. William Wright,
secretary of the Elwood Glass Company of Indiana, married a Miss
Adams of Belmont County, and they have one child.
Clarence is a brick contractor of Bellaire, Ohio.
Cordelia A., wife of R. Smiley Nelson, a dairyman of
Pultney township, has four children, John Gordon, Sarah G.,
Estella May and Rachel Elizabeth. Sadie is the wife
of John Futhey, a dairyman of Mead township - they have five
children, John, Robert, Hannah, Sarah and James.
In politics our subject has always been a Republican, casting his
first vote for John C. Fremont. Fraternally he was at
one time a member of the I. O. O. F. He and his family are
members of the Presbyterian.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 412 |
|
CHARLES M. ROBITZER, the junior member
of the firm of Williams & Robitzer, flour, feed, meal
and grain millers, of Barnesville, Ohio, is one of the progressive,
energetic and successful young business men of this city. The birth of
Mr. Robitzer occurred January 5, 1875, in Kentucky. He is a son
of Frederick and Louisa D. H. (Hinkey) Robitzer. Our
subject's mother died the same year that he was born.
Frederick Robitzer was born in Germany and came
when a young man in the early "fifties" to the United States, where he
followed the trade of a painter. Landing in New York, he went from
there to Cincinnati and thence to Kentucky, and moved after the death
of his wife to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he now resides. Mr. and
Mrs. Robitzer had a family of eight children, five of whom
survive.
Charles M. Robitzer was the youngest of his parents' family,
and never knew a mother's tender care. His mental training was
obtained in the common schools. He early developed business instincts,
and in his endeavor to became a wage earner and to assist his father,
learned the barber's trade. As he grew to manhood, however, his
inclinations led him to become a millwright, and when the occasion
presented itself he became deeply interested in the milling business.
In 1881 the firm of Carter, Beardmore &
Wiesiner built a large flouring mill on lots 63 and 64 in
Barnesville, which it operated for several years. Subsequently, the
mill became the property of John Wiesiner, who disposed
of it to Mr. Bonnell. On February 14, 1894, Mr. Bonnell
lost the mill by fire. and afterward partially replaced it. W. H.
Bentley and E. E. McKeever completed the work.
The death of the latter in 1897 and of the former in 1898 placed the
property in the hands of their respective widows, by whom it was
leased for a short time to R. G. Hogue. On February 24, 1900,
this property, known as the City Mill, was purchased by the young firm
of Williams & Robitzer. Since that time the business has
prospered and has continually advanced in importance. Much rebuilding
and remodeling was necessary in order to place the plant in
first-class condition, and new machinery was installed at a cost of
$2,000. The entire plant has a valuation of from $12,000 to $15,000,
and it has a capacity of 75 barrels per day. All modern methods of
milling are in use, and the product is held to be entirely
satisfactory by the citizens of Barnesville and the farmers in the
vicinity. The business methods of the firm are also of an honest and
fair character, and personally its members are men of integrity.
On June 3, 1902, Mr. Robitzer was united in marriage
with Pearl I. Dye. the accomplished daughter of Thompson W.
Dye, who is a well known mechanic. The subject of this sketch and
his wife are valued members of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally
Mr. Robitzer is a Mason. Politically he acts with the Republican
party.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 377 |
|
THOMAS S. ROSENGRANT, M. D. The
medical profession is worthily represented in Barnesville, Ohio, by
men of ability, great skill and trained experience, and prominent
among these is Dr. Thomas S. Rosengrant, who was born in Oxford
township, Guernsey County, Ohio, and was one of a family of seven
children of George L. and Deborah (Wilkins) Rosengrant. The
former was born and reared in Guernsey County, Ohio, where he became
an extensive farmer and where he still resides. The mother of Dr.
Rosengrant died in 1881.
The early life of the Doctor was spent on his father's
farm, where he was born January 25, 1857. Here, among rural
surroundings, he attained manhood and acquired a good common-school
education. This was supplemented by a course in Scio College, from
which institution he graduated with great credit. His reading of
medicine was followed under the direction of Dr. James E. Taylor,
of Richmond. Indiana, preparatory to his entrance into Starling
Medical College at Columbus. Ohio, from which he graduated in 1883.
Dr. Rosengrant then took a postgraduate course in medicine
and surgery at the Chicago Medical College and at the
Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pie acquired
experience by attending the hospitals of these cities, and, when
prepared to begin his life work, settled in Barnesville. Ohio, July 9,
1900. Although his residence has been but a short one in this city, it
has been one of encouragement and success, his capacity having been
recognized both by the public and his brother practitioners.
Dr. Rosengrant married Ada E. Jones, a
daughter of William Jones, of Belmont County. The Doctor is a
member of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows, and is highly
valued in his association with the Ohio State Medical Association and
the American Medical Association. His political connection is with the
Republican party, and he is actively interested in the success of its
measures and the spread of its principles. With his wife he belongs to
the Methodist Church, to which he liberally contributes. His offices
are located in the Bradfield Block in Barnesville, one of the most
convenient and appropriate situations for a rising young physician.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 376 |
|
HENRY M. ROTHERMUND,
a well-known contractor and builder of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, is
located at No. 239 6th street, was born at Wornock's station,
Belmont County, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1857, being a son of Augustus and
Hannah (Specht) Rothermund.
Augustus Rothermund, the father of our subject was
born in Germany and there learned the building trade. In 1852
he came to America, and joined his brother, Frederick, who
was already located at Wheeling, (West) Virginia. There he
followed his trade and did much of his building and contracting in
Bridgeport and Martin's Ferry. His work was of a character
that advertised him and he became well known through the county.
His death occurred at the age of 69 years, his wife having passed
away previously in her 48th year. Both parents of our subject
were consistent and worthy members of the German Lutheran Church.
A family of nine children was born to them, as follows:
William, who died when 40 years of age; Henry M., Charles,
who is a partner with Henry M., and resides in Martin's
Ferry; "Lewis, deceased, lived but 26 years, but was a
prominent man in Martin's Ferry, being a leading grocer, and
president of the City Council at the time of his death; Hannah
(Mrs. Moore) lives in Martin's Ferry; August (1), deceased;
August, who does the plastering for his brothers' contract
buildings; Caroline, who is deceased; and Louisa, who
died at the age of six years from lockjaw.
Our subject obtained his education in the public
schools at Martin's Ferry, beginning at the age of 16 years to learn
his trade with his father, working thus until 23 years old, and then
started independently in the same business. Mr. Rothermund
has a skill in his work not possessed by all contractors and
builders. He acts so honestly with the public that he has
gained the full confidence of the people of Martin's Ferry of
Bridgeport. He has done much of the work in both cities and
has plastered as many as 78 buildings in one year. There is
one peculiarity about our subject, and that is that if he thinks he
cannot finish work in the specified time he will not undertake the
job, and in this way the public has grown to trust his word and to
secure his services if possible. He carries all the best trade
in his locality, and takes a just pride in its completeness.
Mr. Rothermund is one of the directors in the German Savings
Banka and owns much property of a valuable nature through the city,
having at least six acres divided into building lots. Although
he is no politician, he votes with the Democratic party, but refuses
all tenders of office.
Mr. Rothermund was married July 17, 1882, to
Minnie Seabright, a native of this county and a daughter of
Charles and Louisa Seabright, both deceased. The three
children born to this union are: Pearl Elizabeth, Lewis Carl
and Elwood William. The religious connection of the
family is with the German Lutheran Church. Our subject is a
very enterprising and public-spirited man and is very highly
regarded in Martin's Ferry, for his integrity of character and good
citizenship.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio
and Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. - Chicago,
Illinois - 1903 - Page 727 |
|
CONRAD RUMBACH has for the past 30 years
been a business man of Bellaire, and has also exerted no small
influence in the conduct of its public affairs, serving for some time
as president of the City Council. About a year ago he severed his
connection with the large wholesale wine house with which he had for
some time been connected, and is now living practically retired.
Mr. Rumbach was born in Switzerland and
there resided until he was 16 years of age. Preparatory to a business
in life he learned during this period the printer's and typesetter's
trade, which, by the way, he had but little occasion for use in later
years. Upon leaving his native land he came directly to this country
and located at Weston, Lewis County, West Virginia. After a short
residence there, however, he secured a lucrative position with the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company and moved to Grafton, in the same
State. Though succeeding in his work, he decided after some time to
engage in business by himself, and opened a hotel and barroom in
Grafton. He continued in this line for some years. Finally, disposing
of this business, in 1872 he moved to Bellaire, Ohio, and there about
a year later opened a billiard room and cafe. A knowledge of men and
shrewd financial management enabled him to make this new enterprise a
success in every way, and for 19 years he continued it. Then, in 1892,
in company with S. Wimmer, he purchased the large
building at No. 3219 Union street and engaged in the wholesale wine
and liquor business. This enterprise was the largest and most
profitable one he ever undertook, but in spite of this fact in June,
1901, he discontinued it, and retired from active participation in
business. He has invested in real estate, which he rents to good
advantage to various concerns, and is interested in other enterprises.
Some years ago Mr. Rumbach married
Mercy Ryfe, of Switzerland. She died in 1901, and he has
since married Mrs. Kittie Maul, a widow, who has one son—John
B. Maul, now a clerk in the employ of the Cleveland & Pittsburg
Railroad Company. The family reside at No. 222 33rd street.
As a man of marked business ability and decision of character, Mr.
Rumbach has won the confidence of all who know him. He is also
popular with his fellow citizens, and has served the Third Ward in the
City Council for four years, being made president of that body in
1901. Fraternally he belongs to the K. of P., the B. P. O. E. and the
Turners. and has been a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. for
the past 22 years.
Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio and
Representative Citizens. Publ. Biographical Publishing Co. -
Chicago, Illinois - 1903 - Page 354 |
NOTES: |
