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BIOGRAPHIES
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)
HISTORY OF
BELMONT and JEFFERSON COUNTIES,
OHIO,
AND
INCIDENTALLY HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
PERTAINING TO
BORDER WARFARE AND THE EARLY SETTLEMENT
of the
ADJACENT PORTION OF THE OHIO VALLEY,
By J. A. Caldwell
with Illustrations
Assistant, G. G. Nichols
Managing Editor, J. H. Newton
(Assistant, A. G. Sprankle.
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WHEELING, W. VA.
PUBLISHED BY THE HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY
1880
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1880 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX >
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BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES >
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Barnesville -
EDWARD T. PARKER,
son of Thomas C. and Lydia J. Parker, was born Sept. 4, 1844,
in Barnesville, where he obtained a common school education.
He followed farming till twenty-two years of age, when he began the
manufacture of cement, packing of tobacca, general dealer in grain
and seeds, white lime, white sand, plaster of paris, stonewhere and
fertilizes. In 1871, T. C. Parker & Sons built the
warehouse, 40x150 feet, at the B. & O. R. R. station at Barnesville,
which is owned at present by our subject and his father.
On the 29th of April, 1873, he married Josephine Kennon,
daughter of Hon. John W. Kennon, of Warren township. He
is the father of three children: William K., Blanche T.
and Harry W. Residence on North Chestnut street,
Barnesville.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, Publ.
at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company - 1880 -
Pg. 334 |
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Bellaire -
G. W. PARKER, born in Bucks county, Pa., in
1817. Received a common school education. Worked on a
farm till sixteen years of age. Engaged in the pump-making
business for eleven years in Westerfield & Co.'s ship yard.
Followed the same business in other cities until 1863. In
1867, he came to Bellaire and engaged in pattern making for ten
years. Keeps a general grocery, produce and provision store on
Belmont street. Married Annie Edwards.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 279 |
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Barnesville -
JAMES SHANNON PARKER
was born in Warren township, Belmont county, Ohio, Oct. 7,
1853; lived on a farm till fifteen years of age, when he began
teaching school and taught for three years. In 1871 he removed
to Fort Smith. Arkansas, where his brother lives, and was
crier in the United States court there for four months. His
brother Isaac C. is United States Judge of the Western
District of that state. From thence he removed to St. Louis,
where he remained some two years and became collector for the
Missouri & Pacific Railroad, and then returned to Belmont county,
Ohio. Married Lydia A. Barnes Dec. 24, 1877, y whom he
is the father of one son, Frederick W. He started a
grocery and provision store on Main Central, Barnesville, in 1877.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 334 |
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Warren Twp.
-
THOMAS C. PARKER, son of Jesse and Anna Parker, was
born at Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio, Aug. 31, 1812.
His father was a son of Jacob and Rhoda Parker. They
were natives of North Carolina, and were members of the Friends'
church. In about 1806 they emigrated to Warren township,
Belmont county, on account of the existence of slavery in their
native state. Jacob Parker entered the tract of land
where Mr. Parker now resides. After a few years they
removed to Jefferson county and located at Mt. Pleasant where our
subject was born, but the exact year is not known. His father
had six children; the three eldest are yet living, Mathida,
Thomas and John C. The latter resides on the old
Parker farm. Our subject obtained a common school
education when at home; but at the age of eighteen he went to
Wheeling to learn the trade of a bricklayer with Jacob Amick,
for him he served three years, working at the grade in the summer,
and attending school in the winter. He was educating himself
either for the practice of medicine or of law; however, both were
finally abandoned, he having become engaged in trade, and finding it
more remunerative. He did an extensive business at contracting
and building in Wheeling till 1842, when he gave it up to his two
brothers, who had learned their trades with him. In the
meantime he was engaged in speculating and trading on the Ohio and
Mississippi rivers. In 1842 he removed to Barnesville, Ohio.
He was united in marriage to Lydia J. Thornbaugh, of
Barnesville, in 1841. They are the parents of three children,
viz: Elizabeth, Edward and Joel; all are living.
After his arrival in Barnesville he engaged in farming, dealing in
live stock and packing pork. At this date he resided a short
distance east of town. In connection with the foregoing he
began the culture and packing of tobacco, which he has carried on
extensively ever since. In 1846 his wife departed this life,
and for a second he chose Sarah Green, February, 1848.
They have five children three of whom yet survive. William,
the eldest, who resides in Illinois, Jesse and Thomas C.,
Jr., who are at home. In 1870 he erected one of the finest
residences in Belmont county, about one-half mile west of
Barnesville. Mr. Parker owns 480 acres of land, all of
which is underlaid with coal of a superior quality. In 1858 he
began the manufacture of Hydraulic cement. This business has
been conducted by Mr. Parker most of the time since.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 359 |
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St. Clairsville Twp. -
COL. GEORGE PAULL - Migrated from Uniontown,
Pa. Admitted to practice in the Belmont county courts in 1806.
He was a Colonel out in the war of '12, and was in the engagement
which took place at Moravian village, on the Thames, October 5,
1813. He represented this county in the legislature along with
Wm. Dunn, from 1817 to 1819. He was the father of
Rev. Alfred, and Judge James Paull, of Wheeling. He
owned and resided in the house now occupied by General Weir,
where he died.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 229 |
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St. Clairsville Twp. -
HON. DANIEL PECK - Emigrated to St.
Clairsville about 1824. He commenced practicing at the bar
upon his settlement and continued until 1862, when he removed to
Wheeling, West Virginia, where he still follows his profession.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 230 |
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St. Clairsville Twp. -
MILLER PENNINGTON began practicing law at the
Belmont county bar in 1841. He was a talented young man, full
of pluck and energy, and was successful as a practitioner.
Served the county one year in the Legislature in 1847. Had a
bright future, but died young.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 230 |
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Barnesville -
ISAAC PERRYSource: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 335 |
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Barnesville -
S. B. PIPER
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 33332 |
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Barnesville -
WILLIAM PIPER
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 332 |
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Barnesville -
DR. AARON PLUMLEY was born in Philadelphia,
Pa., Aug. 24, 1818. He is a son of William Plumley, who
emigrated to Mt. Pleasant township, Jefferson county, O., in the
spring of 1819; then removed to Wayne township, Belmont county, O.,
and from thence to Somerset township in 1834, where he practiced
medicine for many years, and passed the remainder of his life, dying
in 1862 at the age of eighty-four years. In his religious
belief he was a Friend or "Quaker." His wife departed this
life in 1870 in the eighty-third year of her age. They were
the parents of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters.
Our subject is the sixth son, and was reared a farmer. He
obtained an academical education, and began the practice of medicine
in 1844, which he continued till 1851, when he attended Starling
Medical College at Columbus, O., of which he is a graduate.
After this he again resumed his practice, and continued the same for
sixteen years. On the 25th of September, 1845, he married
Rebecca Tribby, of Washington county, Ohio. Her death
occurred Sept. 27, 1851. He chose for a second wife
Elizabeth A. Devitt, of Morgan county, O., Aug. 6, 1853, who
died Sept. 2, 1859. He then married Elizabeth V. Cox,
of Greene county, O., June 24, 1862. On Nov. 1, 1865, Dr.
Plumley removed to Barnesville, O., and embarked in the drug
trade, which he still continues on Main street.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 327 |
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Warren Twp. -
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.,
Aug. 7, 1771. Robert Plummer, Sr., married Rachel
Talbott, Oct. 3, 1793, and became the parent of five children,
as follows: Elizabeth, born Jan. 1, 1795; John,
Oct. 11, 1796; Abram, Nov. 3, 1799; Mary, Feb. 1,
1809; Robert Plummer, Jr., the subject of this sketch, born
Feb. 25, 1813. Robert Plummer, Sr., departed this life
in July 1814. His widow married for a second husband, Caleb
Engle, Feb. 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 Nov. 20, 1735; married Mary Johns, Jan. 22, 1760; she
was born Dec. 9, 1740. They were the parents of thirteen
children: Benjamin, born May 11, 1762; Joseph,
June 26, 1764; John, July 3, 1766; Elizabeth, Sept.
29, 1767; Susanah, July 15, 1768, Ann, May 8, 1771;
Samuel, Dec. 18, 1774; Rachel, Nov. 21, 1775; Peggy,
Nov. 9, 1776; Kinsey, June 21, 1778, Mary, Jan. 5,
1780; Deborah, Apr. 9, 1782; Rebeccah, Jan. 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 an 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 difficulty 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 o 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 and 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 being 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 whole life. His education
was obtained at the common schools. He was married to Jane
Baily, Sept. 28, 1834. They are the parents of nine
children, eight of whom are yet living. Their names and births
are as follows: Mary, born Dec. 11, 1837; Abram, Oct.
20, 1839; Rachel, Jan. 11,1842; Joseph, Feb. 16, 1844;
Micajah, May 18, 1846; Hannah, July 13, 1848;
Elizabeth, Sept. 17, 1850; Lydia (deceased) Apr. 17,
1853; John, Apr. 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 a true Christian.
He is a devout and prominent member of the Friends’ Stillwater
church, and by his life fitly exemplifies, its teachings.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg.353 |
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Island
Creek Twp. -
GEORGE C. PORTER was born in Salem township, Oct. 11, 1838.
He was a son of James Porter. He received a common
school education, and was reared a farmer. Began the trade of
a millwright and followed that until the opening of the rebellion,
when he enlisted as a private, and was promoted until he reached the
rank of captain of company D, 98th O. V. I. At the close of
the war he was honorably discharged. Upon his return home he
engaged in carpentering, which occupation he still follows: On
the 26th of September, 1865, he was married to Elizabeth S. McCoy,
by whom he has three children.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 592 |
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Island Creek
Twp. -
JAMES PORTER, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Porter,
was born in Steubenville, Feb. 22, 1809. Charles, his
father, was a native of Ireland, and was brought to America by his
parents about the beginning of the Revolutionary war, and lived in
York county, Pa., for a number of years. He married
Elizabeth Maholm, and reared seven children, but two of whom are
living - Carolina Norman and James. In 1804 he
migrated to Steubenville, where he engaged in the hotel business for
a great many years. He died in 1853, at the age of
seventy-six. His wife, after surviving him some four yeras,
died in her seventy-seventh year. Our subject learned the
hatter's trade in early life, and followed that vocation for a time.
In 1834 he married Mariah C. Carroll, by whom he reared a
family of twelve children - George C., James, William C. and
Joseph, served in the late rebellion. The same year of
his marriage he removed to Salem township, where he resided until
1862, and from thence he went to Island Creek. In May, 1871,
he came to his present location. He has always lived in
Jefferson county, where he was born, and grew to manhood.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 592 |
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Cross Creek Twp. -
JOSEPH PORTER was born in Cross Creek township in 1830, and
is the son of John Porter, one of the early settlers here.
He was brought up on the farm, and received a fair education.
During the late war he enlisted and served his country for some
time. On his return home he engaged in farming, which
occupation he is still engaged in. HE is an energetic farmer,
and has a good improved farm.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 599 |
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Cross
Creek Twp. -
NATHANIEL PORTER - The subject of this sketch was born in
Cross Creek township in 1827. His father was John Porter
and a soldier in the war of 1812. Nathaniel was
brought up a farmer, which occupation he is now engaged in. He
learned the carpenter trade, but did not follow it to any extent.
He married, in 1857, Sarah Ekey, daughter of Samuel Ekey.
She died and he afterwards married Mrs. Margaret McFarlin.
During Morgan's raid through this section, Mr. Porter
was taken prisoner by Morgan, but was released without injury
after one day's captivity.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 600 |
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Smith
Twp. -
JOHN PORTERFIELD, a native of Ireland, was born in the County
of Donegal in 1783. He migrated to America in 1801, locating
in Lancaster county, Pa., where he married Margaret Robb in
1808. In 1809, he with his wife and one child, migrated to
Jefferson county, Ohio; in 1811, they moved to Belmont county, Ohio,
locating in Richland township; in 1818, they moved on land in
section 32, Smith township, which is now owned by his son Joseph,
where they spent the remainder of their days. He died, Apr.
24, 1871; his wife died Dec. 23, 1871, aged 81 years. Their
union resulted in sixteen children, one of whom died at the age of
five years. The other fifteen, viz.: Elizabeth, Susan,
Matthew, James and John (twins,) William, Emily, Mary,
Monica, Andrew, Jane, Nathan, Alexancer, Sarah and Joseph,
grew to be men and women, and were all married before the death of
their parents.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 400 |
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Smith
Twp. -
WILLIAM PORTERFIELD, the fourth son of John Porterfield,
was born in Belmont county, Ohio, Dec. 28, 1815. He married
Susan Pryor, daughter of John Pryor, deceased, in 1841.
They settled in Goshen township and remained a few years. In
1857, he purchased the farm in Smith township where they are now
living. Their union resulted in six children, three sons and
three daughters; all are living.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, Publ.
at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company - 1880 -
Pg. 400 |
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Barnesville -
JOSEPH PRICE
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 328 |
| |
Barnesville -
ROBERT PRICE
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 328 |
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Smith Twp.
-
JOSHUA PRIOR, SR., a son of John Pryor, deceased, was
born in Greene county, Pa., Jan. 13, 1797. He was brought to
Belmont county, Ohio, in 1801, by his father, who entered land and
settled on Captina, where he remained until in 1811, and then
entered the farm now owned by his grandson, Joshua Pryor, Jr.,
located in section 35, Smith township, living there until his death.
Our subject was brought up a farmer, and on the 6th of July, 1816,
married Susannah Lucas, daughter of Samuel Lucas, who
was born May 13, 1798. After a few years he purchased his
father's farm, where they passed the remainder of their days.
Their union resulted in ten children, viz.: Margaret,
Levinia, Susannah, Elizabeth, Lucas A., Joshua, Sarah, Eliza Ann,
Louisa and Seley J. All are living except Lucas A.
who died Mar. 29, 1879. Eight of the others are living in
Belmont county and one in Greene county, Pa. Our subject died
Feb. 12, 1863; his wife died Mar. 21, 1869.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 400 |
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Smith Twp.
-
JOSHUA PRYOR, JR., second son of Joshua Pryor, Sr.,
was born in Belmont county, Ohio, on the farm where he is now
living, Dec. 25, 1828. He was reared a farmer and has followed
that as his vocation. At present he owns two farms in Smith
township and is one among the leading farmers in the township.
June 27, 1865, he married Esther J. Hutchison, daughter of
os. Hutchison, born in 1842. They settled on the farm
where they are now living, it being entered by his grandfather
Pryor in 1811, after whose death it was purchased by Joshua
Pryor, Sr. and at his death by Joshua Pryor, Jr., his
son, who owns it at present.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Wheeling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 400 |
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RICHARD PURVIANCE
- The subject of this sketch was born in Smithfield, on the same
farm where he now resides, June 15, 1832. He is the son of
Richard and Deborah Purrviance. Richard Purviance was a
native of Fayette county, Pa., being born there in 1785. His
wife, who was Deborah Clapp, was a native of the state of New
York, where she was born July 15, 1799. Their marriage took
place Apr. 20, 1819. They reared a family of five children,
three of whom are now living, Alfred J. Joseph W. and
Richard. The farm that Richard now resides on is
the old Purviance homestead. His father inherited this
farm from James Purviance, Sr., grandfather of our subject
and cleared every foot of it himself. Richard Purviance
was married to Miss Ellen Hunter, Mar. 3, 1863. She was
a native of Virginia, and daughter of Nathaniel Hunter
Their family consists of one child only.
Source: History of Belmont and Jefferson Counties, Ohio,
Publ. at Whelling, W. Va., by the Historical Publishing Company -
1880 - Pg. 557 |
NOTES: |
