History of Wheeling City and Ohio Co. WV - Biographries-3



GEORGE W. LUTZ, president of the Trimble & Lutz Company, wholesale and 
retail dealers in plumber's, gas and steam fitting goods, at Wheeling, 
West Virginia, is a native of this city and was born in 1855. He is a son 
of Sebastian Lutz, who settled in Wheeling in 1842, where he established 
the Home Hotel, which he conducted up to the time of his death, in 1867, 
at the age of fifty-one years. A sister of George W. Lutz is the wife of 
George Hook, who is secretary of the West Virginia Exposition and State 
Fair Association, and president of the Germania Half Dollar Savings Bank. 
Two brothers of Mr. Lutz, William J. and John J., are proprietors of the 
Home Steam Laundry. 

George W. Lutz became a member of the Trimble & Lutz firm in 1871. The 
original firm was Trimble & Hornbrook, who formed a partnership in 1864, 
and conducted the business in the block adjoining the present place. When 
Mr. Lutz entered the business in 1871 Mr. Hornbrook retired. Mr. Trimble 
died in 1893, and two years later the firm was incorporated as the Trimble 
& Lutz Company. Mr. Lutz was made president of the company and Harry A. 
Ebbert was made treasurer and secretary. 

The building in which Trimble & Hornbrook began business was only 16 feet 
square, and the present business is done in a three-story building, 44 x 
121 feet in dimensions. There are about 40 employees, of whom three-
fourths are skilled workmen. The firm's traveling representatives cover 
West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Besides the supplies for plumbing 
and steam fitting, the firm also has supplies for mills, factories and 
engine-builders. In the natural gas line they keep all kinds of natural 
gas supplies and gas engines. They handle the Domestic gas engine for 
residence use in pumping water. This can also be run, if desired, by 
gasoline. A full line of gas and electric chandeliers are also kept on 
hand. Mr. Lutz takes great pride and interest in the business, and each 
day finds him looking after its interests with as much vim as when he 
first began the undertaking. He has more than ordinary business ability, 
is a man of sound judgment and deals in an open, upright manner with all 
his fellow men. 

Mr. Lutz is a director in the Wheeling Board of Trade and has been a 
member of the Carroll Club since its organization. He is interested in 
many other organizations in Wheeling. He and his wife live at No. 82 South 
Front street. 



JOSEPH C. BRADY, who is notable among the younger citizens of Wheeling and 
now secretary and manager of the Wheeling Hinge Company, was born in 
Wheeling September 23, 1851. He is a son of Sobieski and Mary E. S. 
(Caldwell) Brady. 

Joseph Brady, the great-grandfather of Joseph C., served in the 
Revolutionary War, and his family lived in Pennsylvania. General Hugh 
Brady and Samuel Brady, brothers of Joseph, also served in the 
Revolutionary War. John Halstead, the great-grandfather on the maternal 
side, was living in Quebec when that city was evacuated, and also served 
in the Revolutionary War. He moved to New Jersey, where he lived until his 
death. His daughter,--Eliza Jane,--married Alexander Caldwell, who was 
judge of the United States Circuit Court for the District of West 
Virginia, and they were the grandparents of the subject of this sketch. 

Sobieski Brady, the father of Joseph C., was formerly a prominent citizen 
of Wheeling. He was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1816, and was a son 
of the once popular Presbyterian divine, Rev. Joseph Brady, who died when 
Sobieski Brady was but a youth. Although but sixteen years of age he 
became teller in the Carlisle Bank, which position he acceptably filled 
until 1835, when he accepted the position of corresponding clerk in the 
Farmers and Mechanics Bank of Philadelphia. Although he was very young he 
displayed such ability in financial matters that when only twenty-one 
years of age he was sent by the Farmers and Mechanics Bank to Wheeling to 
become cashier of the Merchants and Mechanics Bank of this city, which 
position he successfully filled until the Merchants and Mechanics Bank was 
succeeded by the Merchants National Bank, of which he was also cashier for 
some years. On January 31, 1875, he was called by Governor Jacob to the 
position of state treasurer as successor to John S. Burdett, and held that 
position until he was appointed by Governor Matthew secretary of state, in 
March, 1877. He served with honor for one term, after which he resided in 
Wheeling until his death, in September, 1888. Mr. Brady served as city 
councilman and as mayor of Wheeling continuously for more than a quarter 
of a century. January 31, 1850, he was presented by the council with a 
massive silver pitcher, appropriately inscribed, as a testimony of the 
consideration in which his valuable services were held. Mr. Brady was 
married, in August, 1836, to Mary E. S. Caldwell, a daughter of Hon. 
Alexander Caldwell. They had 15 children, of whom Joseph C. was the 
eighth. 

Joseph C. Brady received his education in Wheeling and at private schools 
in Virginia, after the completion of which he was employed as bookkeeper 
for a hardware house in Cincinnati, where he remained three years. He then 
returned to Wheeling and was bookkeeper in the National Bank of West 
Virginia at Wheeling. He was subsequently connected with the wholesale 
grocery house of Joseph Speidel & Company, a position he relinquished to 
become manager of the Evening Standard. He became secretary of the 
Wheeling Hinge Company in 1880, and since 1884 has held the managership 
also. His business career has been a successful one, and his efforts have 
been well rewarded. He occupies a prominent place among the leading 
business men of Wheeling, and takes an active part in all undertakings 
which tend toward the development of that city. 

Mr. Brady married Anna Hubbard October 5, 1876. She is a daughter of Hon. 
Chester D. and Sarah (Pallister) Hubbard, of Wheeling. Mr. Hubbard was 
born in Hamden, Connecticut, November 25, 1814, and was one of Wheeling's 
foremost citizens, having been a member of the Virginia constitutional 
convention, a member of Congress, and having held many other important 
positions of trust. Mrs. Hubbard was born in England in 1820 and came to 
this country with her parents in 1823. She was married to Mr. Hubbard 
September 29, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Brady have three living children,--Alice, 
who was graduated from Old Wheaton Seminary, near Boston, Massachusetts, 
in 1900; Hester, who is attending the Cambridge school at Cambridge, 
Massachusetts; and Margery, who is attending school and living with her 
parents at Pleasant Valley. 

Mr. Brady has been prominent in city politics, and in 1894-95 was a member 
of the legislature for a term of two years. He is a stanch Republican. Mr. 
Brady is a vestryman of St. Matthew's Protestant Episcopal church. 



CHARLES H. HENNING, clerk of the Circuit and Criminal courts, whose 
portrait, executed from a recent photograph, is herewith shown, is one of 
the well-known citizens in Wheeling, Ohio county, West Virginia. He was 
born in Wheeling in 1873, and is a son of Henry Henning. 

Henry Henning settled in Wheeling in 1868, coming from Hesse Darmstadt, 
Germany. He is now engaged with John S. Nayler & Company at Wheeling. He 
married a Miss Grimm, a native of Wheeling, and their children are as 
follows: Charles H., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Edward Bachman, of 
Wheeling; Mrs. Elbut, of Boston; and Edward, who is at home. 

Charles H. Henning, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in 
Wheeling, where he attended the public schools. he began his business 
career as a messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company. He then 
engaged as a clerk in Bachman's store. He also worked for this company as 
a traveling salesman. He was elected clerk of the first branch of the city 
council in 1895, and served about two years, when he was elected to his 
present position. A. J. Wilson is his assistant. Mr. Henning's duties are 
to make a record of all civil and criminal court proceedings. This 
position he fills to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. 

On April 3, 1895, Mr. Henning married Sophia Weidenbusch, and they have 
one daughter, Margaret. Their home is at No. 105 Fourteenth street. Mrs. 
Henning is a daughter of August Wiedebusch. Politically, Mr. Henning is a 
strong Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of the K. of P.; B.P.O.E.; 
Jr. O.U.A.M.; and A.O.U.W. In religious views he is a Lutheran. 



JOSEPH SPEIDEL, who has been a resident of the city of Wheeling for the 
past fifty years, is president of the Joseph Speidel Grocery Company, a 
firm enjoying a prestige second to none this section of the United States. 
He established this great business concern January 1, 1863, and it was 
incorporated January 1, 1892, with the following officers: Joseph Speidel, 
president; Archie T. Hupp, vice-president; Allen Brock, secretary and 
treasurer; and Hal Speidel, assistant secretary. The main office of the 
company is at Wheeling, but it conducts a branch house at Grafton, West 
Virginia. The building occupied by the plant was erected on Main street, 
near Fourteenth street, in the wholesale district of the city, in 1884, 
and is five stories high, with a floor space of 60,000 square feet. The 
front part of the lower floor is utilized for office purposes, and the 
rooms are well appointed for the handling of an immense business. The 
branch house of the company, located at Grafton, contains a floor space of 
40,000 square feet, making a total of 100,000 square feet of floor space 
in its two establishments. It employs about 100 people, and the country 
covered by the traveling representatives includes Ohio, West Virginia, 
Pennsylvania, and Maryland. 

Mr. Speidel was born at Wellsburg, West Virginia, in 1843, and is a son of 
Benedict Speidel, who was well known in the early days as a grocer of 
Wheeling, and died in 1875, at the age of sixty-one years. He married, at 
New Lisbon, Miss Fisher, who came to this country from Germany in 1831, 
and became a resident of Wheeling. They reared several children, but 
Joseph Speidel is the only one actively engaged in business in Wheeling at 
the present time. 

Joseph Speidel came to Wheeling with his parents in 1850, and in 1855 his 
business career began as a clerk in his father's retail store in this 
city. He began wholesaling in 1863, the firm being Speidel & Inderrieden, 
and has built up his present business, serving actively as manager until 
recent years, when he gradually allowed the more onerous duties to fall 
upon younger shoulders. His life work is represented in the magnificent 
business which his untiring energy has so largely built up. He is a 
director and stockholder in the Dollar Savings Bank, and is interested in 
various other important business enterprises. 

Mr. Speidel was united in marriage, at Wheeling, with Lydia H. Wheat, a 
member of a prominent family of Wheeling, and they have four children, 
namely; Hal, who is assistant secretary of the Joseph Speidel Grocery 
Company; Joseph, Jr., manager of its Grafton branch; Jesse W., a salesman 
in the Wheeling house of the company; and Eliza, who is at home. Mr. 
Speidel has a fine home at No. 1308 Chapline street, Wheeling. 
Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and has served sixteen years as 
county commissioner. He is a faithful member of St. Matthews Protestant 
Episcopal church, of which he is a vestryman. 



DR. J. M. FAWCETT, a specialist on diseases of the eyes, ear, nose and 
throat, with office and residence at No. 1307 Chapline street, is one of 
the finest physicians in the state of West Virginia. 

Dr. Fawcett is a graduate from the Pulte Medical College, of Cincinnati, 
in 1889, and during 1893 and 1894 was in New York City, where he took a 
course in the New York Ophthalmic Hospital College, where he received the 
special degree of Eye and Ear Surgeon. He also took a course at the New 
York Post-Graduate College and Hospital. In 1899 Dr. Fawcett went abroad, 
taking a post-graduate course at the University of Vienna, on diseases of 
the eye, ear and throat. Dr. Fawcett has always been a deep student, and 
greatly interested in any new discovery in the science of medicine. 

Dr. Fawcett first practiced for five years at East Palestine, Ohio. He 
located in Wheeling in 1894, which place has been his home since that 
time. He has a large and lucrative practice, and stands foremost among the 
physicians of Wheeling. he is at present eye, ear and throat specialist to 
the Mount De Chantal Convent. 

Dr. Fawcett was married in Ohio. He has two children,--Raphael and Ivan. 
In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of many of the state and 
national medical societies. 



W. H. EXLEY, a prominent resident of Wheeling and a member of the board of 
education, is president of Exley, Watkins & Company, extensive 
manufactures of and wholesale dealers in preserves, jellies, catsup, 
mustard and sauces. Mr. Exley was born at Wheeling, Ohio county, West 
Virginia, in 1867, and is a son of W. H. Exley, Sr. 

W. H. Exley, Sr., was also born in Wheeling, and for some years was 
associated with his father, also names W. H. Exley, in contracting, house 
building, etc. In this line of business he continued until 1878. He then 
retired from active work, and devoted the latter years of his life to 
travel. He died on October 8, 1900. 

W. H. Exley, Jr., was the only child born to his parents, and at an early 
age attended the public schools. He subsequently entered Eastman's 
Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and completed the course of 
study in 1884. Immediately thereafter he returned to Wheeling and entered 
the employ of Mr. Hunter, in the line of business in which he is now 
engaged. In 1896, with three other employees of this firm, namely, C. H. 
Watkins, Jr., W. B. McGavin and John M. Vollinger, he established his 
present business, now conducted at Nos. 86-88 Nineteenth street. The 
building first used stood across the creek, and was destroyed by fire 
September 15, 1898, after which the present plant was erected, which is 
practically fireproof. The main building has about 30,000 square feet of 
floor space, and the other building about 20,000 square feet. The 
copartnership of the four men continued until May 18, 1899, when Exley, 
Watkins & Company was incorporated, with the following officers: W. H. 
Exley, president; W. B. Mcgavin, vice-president; C. H. Watkins, Jr., 
secretary; and John M. Vollinger, treasurer. These four officers, with C. 
H. Watkins, Sr., compose the board of directors. They employ on an average 
60 girls and 25 men, but through the busy season can easily use double 
that number. The trade of the company extends from California to Maine, 
and one or two men are constantly on the road, one of them always being a 
member of the firm. The business is conducted through brokers and by mail 
orders and is exclusively wholesale. The plant is complete in all its 
details, modernly equipped and run by steam. The vegetables, such as 
tomatoes, etc., are contracted for with neighboring farmers, and mustard 
seed is bought in car lots along the California coast. The necessary 
vinegar is brought in tank cars from the West. In the rear of this 
extensive plant is a regular depot, with a dside track sufficent in length 
for four cars. There has been a wonderful growth in the business 
transacted by this company,--a fact due solely to judicious management and 
practical methods of doing business. 

Mr. Exley was united in marriage with Lizzie Lindsay, of Steubenville, 
Ohio, and they have two children: Charlotte C. and Howard L. They reside 
at No. 40 Thirteenth street, where Mr. Exley owns a comfortable home. In 
politics he is a Republican, and in November, 1900, was elected a member 
of the city board of education from the third ward or Clay district. 
Fraternally he is a member of Nelson Lodge, No. 30, A.F. & A.M.; Wheeling 
Union Chapter, No. 1, R.A.M.; Wheeling Commandery, No. 1, K. T., and is 
a thirty-second-degree Mason. He also belongs to the Royal Arcanum. 
Religiously, he is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church. 



JOHN M. BROWN. While this gentleman is practically retired from an active 
business career, he is greatly interested in many business enterprises in 
the city of Wheeling, West Virginia. He was born in Wheeling in 1838, and 
with the exception of twenty-five years spent on a farm about four miles 
from Wheeling has always made this city his home. James Brown, his father, 
was born in the North of Ireland, near Belfast, and came to the United 
States in 1833. He engaged in the retail grocery business on Center street 
in Wheeling, and continued thus until 1850, when he moved to his farm on 
Caldwell's run, on the Wheeling and Fairmont pike. There he made his home 
until his death, February 14, 1876, at the age of seventy-two years. He 
married Rachel McMechen, at St. Clairsville, Ohio. She is deceased, and 
John M., the subject of this sketch, is the only living representative of 
the family in the United States. 

In 1876, John M. Brown moved to Wheeling, where he has since resided. 
Owing to the condition of his health, he has not engaged in active 
business, but has been identified with many important interests in 
Wheeling. He is a director of the National Exchange Bank of Wheeling, and 
was one of the three originators of the Dollar Savings Bank, the others 
being B. B. Dovener and Joseph F. Paull. Mr. Brown was also president of 
the Peabody Insurance Company during a part of its existence. He always 
lends his assistance when any public enterprise is undertaken, and is one 
of the most progressive citizens of Wheeling. 

John M. Brown married Emma H. Hill, of Marshall county, West Virginia. He 
resides on Front street, on the Island, which has been his home since 
1876. In politics Mr. Brown has always been a Republican. His first vote 
was cast for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has never sought or held 
political office. The subject of this sketch was baptized in the United 
Presbyterian church, of which he is a prominent member. He has also been 
connected for many years with the Young Men's Christian Association, of 
which he is one of the directors, and was also its treasurer for four 
years. 



HERMAN B. GRIMM, who is secretary of the Reymann Brewing Company, of 
Wheeling, West Virginia, is one of the well-known business men of the 
city. He was born in Saxony, Germany, July 23, 1853, and is a son of 
Charles W. Grimm. 

Charles W. Grimm was a dry goods merchant of Zeulenreda, Germany, and his 
death occurred in Wheeling, West Virginia, in the sixty-third year of his 
age. His widow died in 1895, at the age of seventy-four years. Herman B. 
was their only child. 

Herman B. Grimm was reared and educated in Germany, where he received a 
thorough mental training in schools and from private tutors. After leaving 
school he entered his father's establishment, but subsequently was 
employed in the office of the recorder of deeds, as an accountant and 
deputy. He held that position, on which he had a life tenure, about three 
years, at the end of which period he resigned it to come to America. His 
parent's set sail for the United States in 1880, and Herman accompanied 
them. They came at once to Wheeling, and in April, 1881, Mr. Grimm entered 
the office of the Reymann Brewing Company as clerk. In January, 1882, he 
was given charge of the books, and from that position, in 1883, he was 
promoted to be secretary of the company. This position he has since filled 
with notable ability, and he has become well known among the foremost 
business men of Wheeling. Mr. Grimm was also secretary of the opera house 
orchestra for a number of years. 

The subject of this sketch was married, in 1896, to Anna M. Hess, of 
Wheeling, West Virginia, and to their union one child, Carl H., was born. 



CHARLES WILLIAM BRANDON ALLISON, deceased, was born at Middletown, Dauphin 
county, Pennsylvania, on December 12, 1820, and died at Wheeling, West 
Virginia, on December 5, 1876. He was a son of Maj. William Allison (an 
officer in the War of 1812) and his wife Julia (Brandon) Allison, who was 
a daughter of Charles and Mary Brandon. 

His father died when he was five years old, and, in 1831, he went with his 
mother to live at the home of her sister, on a farm in Wayne county, Ohio. 
As a youth he learned the tinner's trade, and while working at that trade 
in Wooster, Ohio, he studied law at night and was admitted to the bar in 
December, 1841. Immediately thereafter he opened an office in Marysville, 
Ohio, where he practiced his profession for nine years. During that time 
he first had as his partner Hon. Augustus Hall (afterward a member of 
Congress from Iowa and chief justice of Nebraska) and later Otway Curry. 
In January, 1851, he removed to Bellefontaine, and formed a partnership 
with Congressman Benjamin Stanton under the firm name of Stanton & 
Allison, and that firm continued until the death of Mr. Stanton in 1872. 
In May, 1862, Mr. Allison was commissioned colonel of the 85th Reg., Ohio 
Vol. Inf., having previously been captain of Company E, of the 86th 
Regiment. His regiment was assigned to guard duty at Camp Chase, near 
Columbus, Ohio, where there was a prison in which many captured 
Confederates were confined. In October, 1862, he was appointed commander 
of the rendezvous for drafted men at Camp Denison, where he remained until 
that service was closed, on January 1, 1863. He was a member of the Ohio 
legislature in 1864, and was chairman of the committee on military 
affairs, and a member of the judiciary committee. 

In 1866 Mr. Allison, with Mr. Stanton, opened an office in Wheeling, West 
Virginia, and they removed their families here on April 1, 1867. 
Thereafter until the death of Mr. Stanton the firm of Stanton & Allison 
had, perhaps, a larger practice than any other law firm in the state of 
West Virginia, as their names appear as counsel in more reported cases 
before the supreme court of this state than those of any of their 
contemporaries. After the death of Mr. Stanton, Mr. Allison continued the 
large practice established by the firm, until his own death, which 
occurred on December 5, 1876. 

Mr. Allison was a self-made man. When, at twenty-one years of age, he 
began practicing his profession at Marysville, Ohio, among strangers, he 
had only $25 that he had borrowed, and one law book. He had a 
discriminating and investigating mind, and was conscientious, painstaking 
and indefatigable in his work, so that he ranked high as a lawyer. He took 
an active interest in public affairs, and served several terms in the 
council of the city of Wheeling. In politics he was first a Whig, and 
afterward a Republican. 

Mr. Allison married, first (on November 5, 1844), Sophronia Lee, a 
daughter of Dr. Elisha S. and Elizabeth Lee, of Marysville. She was born 
in Knox county, Ohio, October 24, 1825, and died August 26, 1848. He 
married, second (on May 21, 1851), Mary Stanton, a daughter of Hon. 
Benjamin and Nancy (Davis) Stanton. Mr. Allison was born at Mount leasant, 
Ohio, on December 27, 1830, and died at Wheeling on October 13, 1899. Mr. 
Allison left surviving him, besides his wife, a daughter by his first 
marriage, Julia, wife of Maj. O. J. Hopkins, of Toledo, and two children 
by his second marriage, viz.: Kate and Benjamin Stanton, both of whom 
reside in Wheeling,--the latter being a member of the law firm of Erskine 
& Allison. 



GEORGE R. E. GILCHRIST, a prominent attorney-at-law of Wheeling, West 
Virginia, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1857, and is 
a son of James and Mary Robinson (Eichbaum) Gilchrist. 

James Gilchrist was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1829, and was reared 
there until he was nine years of age, when he accompanied a bachelor 
uncle, Daniel, to Wheeling, where he has practically made his home since. 
He attended the schools of Wheeling, then learned the trade of a 
tobacconist, becoming a journeyman worker at the age of sixteen years. He 
continued at his trade until he was eighteen years old and then was sent 
to school by his guardian, as he was seven years of age when his father 
died. He attended Samuel Boyd's school at Wheeling, and then studied 
languages at Willsville for a time. He taught school in Southern Ohio for 
a while, in the meantime studying surveying. He returned to Wheeling in 
1853, and was elected city surveyor, in which capacity he served two 
terms, June 14, 1855, he married Miss Eichbaum, who was born in 1835, in 
Fallston, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He and his wife went to Fort Dodge, 
Iowa, and he was engaged in surveying during 1855 and 1856. He was next 
employed in the United States Land Office under William H. Merritt, and 
served with him and his successor from 1857 to 1859. In the latter year he 
moved to Missouri, where he was located in Madison and Wayne counties 
about a year. In August, 1860, he returned to Wheeling and surveyed until 
the fall of 1861. He then entered the military storehouse under Thomas 
Hornbrook, and retained that position until the storehouse was closed in 
1862, when the government took charge of it and appointed Captain Downing 
superintendent. James Gilchrist then took charge of the custom house books 
as deputy under Mr. Hornbrook, and after the resignation of the latter, in 
April, 1866, served under his successor, Col. Thomas O'Brien. James 
Gilchrist served under the latter gentleman during his incumbency of that 
office after which he was deputy for William R. Holliday for eight years, 
until 1876. In 1877 he was appointed surveyor of customs, serving from 
April, 1877, until April, 1878, when his appointment was confirmed. He 
held that office until July, 1882. He then went back to surveying and also 
began the abstracting of titles to real estate in Ohio county. James 
Gilchrist and wife had three children: George R. E., born January 8, 1857; 
Adelaide Kirk, who was born in September, 1859, and died in 1899; and 
James Henry, who was born in 1866, and died in 1891. The last named had 
attended the University of Virginia two years. 

George R. E. Gilchrist received his primary education at Wheeling, and 
when seventeen years of age went to school one year at Nashotah, 
Wisconsin. He then went to Wooster, Ohio, and graduated from the 
university located in that town. He then read law with Mr. Peck at 
Wheeling for some months, after which he studied law at the University of 
Virginia. He was admitted to the bar of Ohio county in 1881, and has since 
practiced at Wheeling. 

Mr. Gilchrist married Jennie E. Murphy in 1883, and they have three 
children,--Ethel, Mabel and Virginia. In politics, he has always been a 
Republican. In religious views he is an Episcopalian. 



WILLIAM T. OTTO, who has been engaged in his present line of business 
since entering upon a business career, is superintendent of the North 
Wheeling Glass Company. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1850, 
and is a son of F. W. and Mary (Hamm) Otto, natives of Germany. 

F. W. Otto came to Wheeling as a boy and was an iron worker by trade. He 
was a strong Democrat in political attachments. His brother, George Otto, 
has for many years occupied a responsible position in the engineering 
department of the Top Mill. Mr. Otto died about 1891 and his widow is 
still living at the age of seventy-seven years. Mrs. Otto's father, 
Thomas Hamm, came to Balitmore about 1830, and three years later removed 
with his family to Wheeling, West Virginia. His sons, William, Thomas and 
Jacob, all of whom are deceased, started to work as boys in a glass plant 
and followed the trade during their lives. A sister of Mrs. Otto, Mrs. 
Catherine Sweitzer, died a short time ago at the advanced age of of eighty-
two years. The subject of this sketch had one brother, who is now 
deceased, but he still has sisters residing in this city. 

William T. Otto was reared and schooled in Wheeling, and before he had 
reached the age of twelve years he began to learn the trade of glass 
blowing, which he has followed throughout his entire life. He assisted in 
the organization of the North Wheeling Glass Company in 1878, and has 
since served in the capacity of its superintendent. He is possessed of 
excellent business qualifications, and has been very successful in his 
position. 

Mr. Otto was united in marriage with Margaret Donovan, who was born and 
reared in Wheeling and is a daughter of Timothy and Catherine Donovan. Six 
sons have blessed their union, as follows: Harry, deceased; George W.; F. 
W.; Richard D.; Jacob H.; and Archie T. George W., who is a dentist of 
Wheeling, attended Western Reserve College, of Cleveland, and was 
graduated from Western University, of Pennsylvania, in 1898; he married 
Daisy Flanagan, and has one daughter, Margaret Helen. F. W., who is living 
at home, is a glass blower in the employ of the North Wheeling Glass 
Company. Richard D. is in the office of the North Wheeling Glass Company. 
Jacob H. is attending Washington and Jefferson College. Archie T. is 
attending Linsly Institute, of which his four brothers are graduates. Mr. 
Otto is a Republican, in politics, and in the early "eighties" served as a 
member of the board of public works of Wheeling. He has been a member of 
the city council from the first ward since 1890, with the exception of the 
years 1898 and 1899. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias 
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was reared in the German 
Evangelical Lutheran church and adheres to that faith. 



C. C. KRAFT is treasurer of the Klieves-Kraft Company, which operates a 
large planing mill, and is extensively engaged in contracting and 
building. It is the oldest concern of the kind in the city, having been 
established in 1868. 

C. C. Kraft was born in 1826 in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, and is a 
son of George Frederick Kraft, who brought his family to America in 1834. 
The latter was a farmer by occupation, and after one year in Wheeling 
removed to the western part of Ohio, where he died in 1854. 

C. C. Kraft remained on the farm about five years, then returned to 
Wheeling in 1840, and attended school for a time. He then served an 
apprenticeship to the trade of a cabinetmaker with Jeremiah Clemens, a 
pioneer of this city. After serving out four years of apprenticeship he 
worked for Mr. Clemens two years, but on account of indoor work being 
injurious to his health he took up carpentering, and still later 
contracting. He first became associated with Mr. Klieves about 1865, and 
in 1868 they established the Klieves-Kraft Company, erecting a small plant 
as a supplement to their contracting business, at their present location 
on Eoff street, between Twenty-second and Twenty-third streets. At first 
they employed eight men, and now 33 men, although the number would be four 
times as great were it not for the introduction of labor-saving machines 
and general improvements. The dimensions of the plant are 100 by 100 feet, 
and it is equipped with all modern improvements and facilities for 
carrying on the work. In 1891 the company was incorporated as the Klieves-
Kraft Company, with the following officers: Bernard Klieves, president; C. 
C. Kraft, treasurer; and F. B. Klieves, secretary. The business is 
actively managed by the president and treasurer, and is the oldest concern 
of the kind in the city. 

Mr. Kraft was united in marriage with Caroline Smith, and they have spent 
more than fifty-one happy years of married life together. There is but 
three months' difference in their ages. She was born in Saxony, Germany, 
and came to this country with her parents at the age of eight years. Four 
sons and four daughters where born to them,--three of the sons being dead. 
The living children are: S. H., who is with the Palace Furniture Company; 
Gertrude; Ellen; Julia; and May. The family residence is on the Island, 
where it has been for the past twenty-three years. Politically Mr. Kraft's 
last vote as a Democrat was for James Buchanan. His next vote was cast for 
Abraham Lincoln, and he has since been a Republican, but by choice he has 
refrained from official life. Although he did not serve in the army, he 
was with the militia organizations that helped to chase Morgan about Ohio. 
Fraternally, he is a member of Virginus Lodge, No. 2, I.O.O.F., the oldest 
in the state. He is interested in the German Bank of Wheeling and the 
Dollar Savings Bank. Religiously, he favors the Luthern Evangelical 
church. 



HON. GEORGE E. BOYD, who is very well known in legal circles in West 
Virginia, has been a resident of Wheeling since 1850. He was born in 
Cumberland, Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1840. 

The father of the subject of this sketch was born in November, 1812. He 
removed from Ohio to Wheeling in 1850, where he was engaged in the 
wholesale dry goods business with Mr. Ott. After Mr. Ott's death he 
carried on the business alone until 1858, when he went to Philadelphia, 
where he engaged in the banking business. He remained in Philadelphia 
until 1867, when he moved Chase City, Mecklenberg county, Virginia. He is 
now eighty-nine years old, and is conducting a farm near Chase City. His 
wife has been dead for three years. They enjoyed sixty-four years of 
married life. One daughter is living with Mr. Boyd, and the rest of his 
children are living in New York City and in New Jersey. One son, John W. 
Boyd, deceased, was for many years engaged in the wholesale grocery 
business in Wheeling, and George E., the subject of this sketch, has 
always lived in this city since he first came here. 

George E. Boyd received his primary education in Wheeling, and in 1858, at 
the age of eighteen years, was graduated from Washington and Jefferson 
College. He then attended the Cincinnati Law School, and graduated from 
that institution in 1860. He was admitted to the bar of Ohio county in 
December, 1861. Judge Boyd at once took up the general practice of law. 
His father-in-law, Hon. Alfred Caldwell, was appointed consul at Honolulu, 
and until 1867 Judge Boyd carried on the business under the name of 
Caldwell & Boyd. In 1867 Judge Boyd went to New Martinsville, Wetzel 
county, West Virginia, where he remained five years. During 1871-72 he 
acted as prosecuting attorney for that county. In 1872 he returned to 
Wheeling and practiced here until 1876, when he was elected to the bench 
as judge of the County Court. He served in this office until 1881, when he 
was chosen judge of the Circuit Court, and served in this capacity until 
January 1, 1889. During this time Judge Boyd turned over some of his legal 
business to Hon. Joseph F. Paull. Since 1889 Judge Boyd has followed the 
general practice of law. He has always had a large and lucrative practice, 
and has met with great success in his chosen profession. He is well known 
in Wheeling and in this section of West Virginia, having won the 
confidence and esteem of all who have come in contact with him. 

Judge Boyd married a daughter of Hon. Alfred Caldwell. He has a son,--G. 
E., who was graduated from the law department of the University of West 
Virginia in 1886, after which he attended the law school of the University 
of Virginia. Judge Boyd's son, Alfred C., deceased, was a newspaper man. 
His daughter, Beulah, is the wife of Charles M. Ritchie, of Fairmont, West 
Virginia. 



FIDELIUS RIESTER, who is secretary of the German Fire Insurance Company of 
Wheeling, which is by far the leading company of its kind in West 
Virginia, has been a resident of Wheeling for a number of years. He was 
born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and in 1869 came to the United States. He 
located at Zanesville, Ohio, where he remained for two years, and in 1871 
settled in Wheeling. For three years he was in the employ of P. Welty & 
Company, wholesale liquor dealers, as traveling salesman. 

Mr. Riester became secretary of the German Fire Company of Wheeling in 
1874, and has held that position ever since, with the exception of three 
years,--from 1884 until 1887. This company was organized May 15, 1867, by 
a company of 145 German citizens of Wheeling, who from their number chose 
officers and directors who attended to the business of the organization. 
All records have been kept in the German language from the outset. The 
first officers were: President, John Oesterling, deceased, who was also 
president of the Central Glass Company; vice-president, August Wiedebusch; 
secretary, Joseph Seybold, who is also deceased, and who was cashier of 
the Bank of Wheeling; and treasurer, Anton Reymann. The first directors 
were John Oesterling, August Wiedebusch, Anton Reymann, John Pfarr, John 
Roemer, B. Kammer, Philip Schnehle, William Klieves and Christian Hess. 
The present board of directors consists of William F. Stifel, Henry 
Bieberson, Augustus Pollack, Frederick Schenk, H. F. Behrens and F. 
Riester. 

The headquarters of this company were originally at the office of Mr. 
Seybold, who was at that time sheriff of Ohio county. One year later the 
company removed to the Beck Block, on Market street, and in 1878 to its 
present location at No. 29 Fourteenth street, where it occupies two large 
rooms. William G. E. Goering is assistant secretary and S. W. Rice is 
special agent, while Christian Vieweg, Jr., is city agent. The company 
started with a paid-up capital stock of $10,000; it now has a paid-up 
capital of $100,000, besides a surplus, over all liabilities, of $140,000. 
The stock has been paying dividends regularly since 1876. The company 
operates in West Virginia, Ohio and Illinois, having local agents in those 
states, who are supervised by the special agents. 

Mr. Riester married a daughter of Sebastian Welty. Mr. Riester is a 
Democrat. He is a member of the Arion Association, of which he was once of 
the founders. He is a member of St. Alphonsus' German Catholic church. He 
is an honest, upright citizen, and is highly esteemed by all as a man 
worthy of the confidence reposed in him. 



W. E. STONE, a prominent business man of the city, is at the head of the 
finest equipped department store in Wheeling, that of Stone & Thomas. The 
store faces on Main street and is an iron-frame building with stone front, 
and is magnificently stocked throughout its six stories. 

The firm of Stone & Thomas was established in October, 1847, by E. J. 
Stone and J. C. Thomas, both of whom are now deceased. It was originally a 
dry goods store, but within the past ten years the management has made 
many important changes by adopting the best points of the leading stores 
of the East, converting it into a department store. The growth of business 
during the past few years has been phenomenal. The first location of the 
business was on the west side of Main street, but in the early "fifties" 
was removed to No. 1030 Main street. The present members of the firm, W. E 
Stone, E. L. Stone and W. E. Rownd, are a younger generation of the 
families which founded it, Mr. Stone being the active manager. 

From 130 to 150 people are employed throughout the year, but during the 
busy season this number is increased to about 200. The general arrangement 
of the store, its furnishings and stock, present a very attractive 
appearance. There is a balcony overlooking the first floor, and it is here 
Mr. Stone's office is located, but the major portion of this balcony is 
fitted up as a reception room for customers and visitors, being supplied 
with magazines and other literature, and also stationery. It is a very 
pleasant feature of this establishment, and has met with the hearty 
approval of the public. A splendid view is here obtained of the first 
floor. The south aisle of this floor shows a stock of dress goods, silks, 
dress trimmings and patterns; the south center aisle, jewelry, linings, 
ribbons, handkerchiefs and ladies neckwear; the center aisle, hosiery and 
ladies' underwear; and the aisles tributary to these show a fine stock in 
gentlemen's furnishing goods, was goods, linens, sheetings, laces, 
pocketbooks, stationery, toilet articles, small notions, blankets and 
flannels. The second floor, containing the ladies' ready-made suit 
department, is finely furnished, the floor being covered with Wilton rugs. 
On this floor are carried a line of ladies' suits, wraps, muslin 
underwear, wrappers and ready-to-wear garments, also furnishings for 
misses and children. The millinery department is 24 feet wide, running the 
entire length of the building, and no expense has been spared to make it 
the finest in the city. The third floor is the clothing department for 
boys and men, also the wall paper, drapery and fancy furniture 
departments. The fourth floor is used for the sale of carpets, window-
shades, linoleums, mattings and oil-cloths. The fifth floor is a duplicate 
storage room, in which a surplus is carried for each of the other 
departments. The basement is also an interesting part of this store, it 
being the house-furnishing department. They carry a complete and beautiful 
line of china, both foreign and domestic; also the newly-copyrighted 
books, which they receive as soon as placed upon the market, and countless 
other articles. In the basement is located an electric plant, put in at a 
cost of over $10,000, which is in charge of an engineer and his assistant. 
The power is supplied by two 80-horse-power engines, lighting and heating 
the building and supplying power to operate the two elevators. It also co-
operates with the Lampson cash carrier system, with which the store is 
equipped. The outside of the building is supplied with beautifully 
arranged incandescent globes, making a pretty effect at night. Each 
department of this store is independent, and nothing which will add to the 
convenience of the patrons has been overlooked. 



WILLIAM H. HEARNE, an attorney-at-law of Wheeling, whose practice is 
mainly in corporation law, has offices at No. 1318 Market street. He was 
born at Cambridge, Maryland, June 16, 1852, and is a son of William L. 
Hearne, who died February 13, 1895. 

William L. Hearne was born in Sussex county, Delaware, and came to 
Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1867. During his business life he was largely 
interested in the iron industry, particularly in the Riverside Iron Works, 
in which he was the largest individual stockholder at the time of his 
death. He was a director and the general manager of this company until his 
retirement from active business in 1880, when he was succeeded in both 
capacities by his son, Frank J., who continued thus until the 
consolidation of that plant with the United States Steel Corporation. 
Frank J. Hearne is now first vice-president of the National Tube Company 
and is located at Pittsburg. William H. Hearne the subject of this sketch, 
was attorney for the Riverside Iron Works from 1875 to the time of the 
consolidation, and is now local attorney for the National Tube Company. 
Four sons of William L. Hearne are still living, namely: Frank J., above 
mentioned; William H.; David Garth, who is interested in mining in 
Kentucky; and Julius G., who is interested in copper mining in Arizona. 

William H. Hearne was five years of age when the family moved to Missouri. 
In 1861 they moved to Brooklyn, New York, where they remained until the 
close of the war. They then returned to Hannibal, Missouri, and eighteen 
months later, in 1867, came to Wheeling, West Virginia. William H. Hearne 
received his early schooling at Big Creek, Missouri, and Washington, D. 
C., and later attended Washington and Jefferson College four years, 
graduating in 1874. He returned to Wheeling and read law with Hon. Daniel 
Lamb for one year, after which he entered the law department of the 
University of Virginia. In July, 1876, he was united in marriage with 
Annie M. Stockton. In the same year he was also admitted to the bar, and 
has enjoyed a large practice, although he has made a specialty of 
corporation law. He was one of the founders of the South Side Bank of 
Wheeling, in 1890, in connection with R. M. Gilleland. He has been 
attorney for the bank and he and his brother, Frank J., have been 
directors from its inception. He is a trustee of Linsly Institute, and 
president of the board of trustees of the Hearne Tabernacle, which was 
erected in 1893 on South street, between Main and Market streets, by his 
father, as a place of worship for the poor. It has been maintained by 
members of the Hearne fmaily since its completion. 

Mr. Hearne's union with Annie M. Stockton resulted in the birth of four 
children, two of whom are living, namely: Augusta N. and Thomas McKennan, 
both of whom are at home. Those deceased are Margaret and Laura. In 
politics Mr. Hearne is a stanch Republican. In 1889 he declined the 
nomination for judge of the Circuit Court, and has since refused many 
proffered nominations for various official positions. 



GEORGE E. STIFEL. This gentleman is a member of the well-known dry goods 
firm of George E. Stifel & Company, dealers in foreign and domestic dry 
goods, wraps and notions, etc., at Nos. 1154-56-58-60 Main street, 
Wheeling, West Virginia. Mr. Stifel was born in Wheeling, May 5, 1849, and 
is a son of J. L. Stifel, who was a prominent resident and manufacturer of 
Wheeling. J. L. Stifel manufactured calico prints, a business which is now 
carried on by his son, William F. Stifel. 

At the age of fourteen years George E. Stifel entered the employ of Stone 
& Thomas and remained with them five years. He then entered the employ of 
Henry Brues, and remained in that gentleman's employ for ten years. Mr. 
Brues was one of the early dry goods men of Wheeling. In 1878 Mr. Stifel, 
in partnership with F. C. H. Schwertfeger, engaged in the general dry 
goods business on Main street, near Tenth street, in a building which is 
now occupied by Friend & Son's furniture store. In 1890 the store was 
moved to its present location, the main building then being erected by the 
company. In 1896 they erected the building adjoining it. This has a stone 
frontage of 92 feet, facing Main street, and is five stories high. George 
E. Stifel & Company have also leased the building just north of the one 
occupied by them. 

Over 100 people are employed by George E. Stifel & Company. An immense 
stock is carried, the first floor being devoted to the sale of silks, 
dress goods, notions, was goods, linens and flannels; the second floor to 
cloaks, suits and ladies' and gentlemen's underwear; the third floor to 
curtains, draperies, upholstery, rugs, etc.; and the fourth and fifth 
floors are devoted to the reserve and duplicate stock; while the basement 
is used for toilet and boiler rooms and storage for domestic goods. The 
building is 135 feet in depth, and is heated with steam and lighted with 
electric lights, including the mammoth show windows. These windows are 
always artistically decorated, and present at night a most beautiful and 
attractive appearance, illumination the street for some distance. This 
store is very largely patronized, having the exclusive trade of Wheeling. 
It is the largest dry goods store in Wheeling, and thus has established a 
wide reputation. 

Mr. Stifel married Emma Beck, a daughter of Peter Paul Beck, a pioneer of 
Wheeling, and formerly in the brewery business. Mr. and Mrs. Stifel have 
two daughters,--Nellie and Alberta. They have lived at No. 807 Main street 
for the past fifteen years. Mr. Stifel is independent in politics. He is a 
member of the Lutheran church. 



ALEXANDER MITCHELL is the treasurer of the Mutual Savings Bank, and is 
widely known in the business circles of Wheeling. This organization has 
been long established, its main object being to benefit the poorer class 
of citizens and the children, and in this it has been successful. Deposits 
of 10 cents or more are taken at this bank, and only the safest 
investments are made,--the profits going to the depositors, as there are 
no stockholders. The bank was incorporated March 4, 1887, by Dr. George 
Baird, Charles H. Collier, George R. Hannan, Howard Hazlett, Dr. Charles 
H. Logan, Alexander Moffat, Thomas O'Brien, Hullihen Quarrier, Edward 
Robertson, Wiliam B. Simpson, Frank Stanton, Alexander Updegraff and 
William G. Wilkinson. The original officers were: Howard Hazlett, 
president; W. B. Simpson and Edward Roberson, vice-presidents; W. G. 
Wilinson, secretary; and Alexander Mitchell, treasurer. The bank was 
organized under a law passed by the legislature of West Virginia, February 
21, 1887, and is the only purely savings bank in the state. It was 
reorganized June 21, 1899, by fifteen trustees selected by the judges of 
the Circuit Court of Ohio county, in accordance with the provisions of an 
act of the legislature requiring the selection of that number of trustees. 
Their names are as follows: W. H. Anderson, Alfred Caldwell, P. F. 
Farrell, Charles W. Franzheim, Howard Hazlett, George G. McKown, Alexander 
Mitchell, D. L. Ratcliff, Henry W. Redman, Edward Rogers, Henry Serig, 
Alexander Updegraff, Charles H. Watkins, Sr., N. E. Whitaker and W. G. 
Wilinson. The officers elected at that time were: Howard Hazlett, 
president; D. L. Ratcliff, vice-president; Alexander Mitchell, treasurer; 
W. G. Wilkinson, secretary; Baird Mitchell, assistant treasurer; and 
Caldwell & Caldwell, solicitors. These officials have since served with 
the exception of W. G. Wilkinson, secretary, who died in August, 1900,--
his office still remaining vacant. The bank was originally located at No. 
41 Twelfth street, for one year, and then for ten years at No. 1521 Market 
street, where a building had been leased and fitted up for the business. 
The Peabody Building was purchase by the bank in January, 1900, and the 
present banking rooms on the first floor were fitted up and have been 
occupied since June, 1901. This building was erected by the Peabody 
Insurance Company in 1893, has a frontage of 50 feet, is five stories 
high, and is constructed of brick, with a stone front. It is one of the 
finest office buildings of the city. The Mutual Savins Bank, under capable 
management, has grown into one of the most stable banking institutions of 
the state. Since February, 1901, the date of its establishment, the 
Wheeling Clearing House has made its daily exchanges and settlements with 
the Mutual Savings Bank, Mr. Mitchell having been elected manager of that 
institution. 

Mr. Mitchell was born in Ohio county, West Virginia, in 1847, and is a son 
of Zachariah Mitchell. The latter was born in Ohio county, and for many 
years was a prominent citizen. Alexander Mitchell, father of Zachariah, 
was born in Virginia, came to the region of Wheeling, in the days of 
Indian warfare, and settled upon land six miles northeast of the site of 
Wheeling. As an Indian scout in the government employ, he rendered 
invaluable service. He was a great lover of horses and had the reputation 
of owning the fastest horses in the country. He married Martha Kelly, and 
to them the following children were born: Samuel; Isaac, who was at one 
time sheriff under the old Virginia law, and held the office in Ohio 
county for eighteen successive years; Alexander; Zachariah; Nancy; and 
James. Zachariah Mitchell was at one time deputy sheriff, and was engaged 
in various lines of business in this county. He married Ann Baird, a 
daughter of George Baird, and a sister of Dr. George Baird. She died in 
1853, and Mr. Mitchell passed away in 1881. 

Alexander Mitchell was reared in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and in 
1867 came to Wheeling and began the study of medicine. Later he entered 
the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. He then became a 
bookkeeper in the National Bank of West Virginia at Wheeling, and later 
was with the People's Bank of Wheeling until 1887, when the Mutual Savings 
Bank was established and he became its treasurer. He has a thorough 
understanding of the banking business in all its details, and is one of 
the reliable and substantial business men of Wheeling. 

Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage with Delia H. Harbour, a daughter of 
Joseph C. Harbour, and they have two daughters and two sons. Baird 
Mitchell, on son, is assistant treasurer of the Mutual Savings Bank, and 
is a young man of recognized ability for business. The family residence is 
at No. 151 South Broadway, on the Island. In politics Mr. Mitchell is a 
Republican, and takes a deep interest in both national and local affairs. 
Mrs. Mitchell is a member of the First Presbyterian church. 



FRANK T. HARE. This gentleman is a member of the firm known as William 
Hare's Sons, dealers in plumbing and gas fitting appliances, at No. 33 
Twelfth street, in Wheeling, West Virginia. 

This business was established by William Hare at a time when Wheeling was 
but one-third of its present size. William Hare was born in Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania, in July, 1829, and there he learned his trade, that of 
plumbing. He worked at this trade three years in Pittsburg, and in 1853 
settled in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he established a place of 
business at No. 1142 Main street, which is now known as the Hornbrook 
Block. Mr. Hare employed but one man to assist him, whereas a dozen men 
are now steadily employed in the same business. In 1865 the business was 
removed to its present location on what was then known as Monroe street. 
The building then occupied has since been torn down and replaced by a new 
one, which Mr. Hare erected in 1871. It is four stories big, and its 
dimensions are 66 by 24 feet. The business was conducted alone by Mr. Hare 
until 1881, when he took his son into partnership, and the firm was known 
as William Hare & son until 1901. Then Mr. Hare retired from active 
business life, and his sons, Frank T. and William H., now carry on the 
business. 

William Hare married Jane L. Taylor, whose people were early citizens of 
Virginia, whence they later moved to Pennsylvania, and in 1830 to 
Wheeling. Mrs. Hare was born in Wheeling, and is a daughter of Alexander 
Taylor, who was foreman in Hubbar's sash factory. Eight children were born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Hare, of whom seven are living, and their names are as 
follows: Frank T., the subject of this sketch; William H.; Sarah E. and 
Mary E., both of whom are at home; Andrew S., who is treasurer of the 
Natural Gas Company of West Virginia; Martha Jane, who is at home; and 
Anna B., who married C. H. Wheeler, Jr., of Wheeling. 

Frank T. Hare, whose name heads this personal biography, was united in 
marriage with Elizabeth Scheehel, a daughter of Philip Scheehle, who was a 
well-known stone contractor of Wheeling. Philip Scheehle contracted and 
built the postoffice building at Wheeling, which is a fair example of the 
general excellence of his work. The Hare family are interested in several 
different enterprises in Wheeling, and its male representatives rank among 
the foremost business men of that city. 

Mr. Hare and his wife have five children, namely: Edgar S.; Francis A.; 
Mary E.; Jane T.; and John P. They reside at No. 106 South York street. 
Religiously, they are members of the Second United Presbyterian church. 
Fraternally, both Mr. Hare and his brother are members of A.O.U.W. Their 
father belonged to the I.O.O.F. for many years. 



CHRISTIAN STEINMETZ, who for a number of years has owned and operated one 
of the largest box factories in the state of West Virginia, is also 
extensively interested in various banking institutions and iron and glass 
industries in Wheeling, of which city he has been a resident since 1868. 
His portrait, executed from a recent photograph, is presented on a 
foregoing page. 

Mr. Steinmetz is a native of Germany, and first saw the light of day at 
Oestrich, on the Rhine, in 1843. In 1866, he came to the United States, 
and soon made his way from New York to friends in Pittsburg. He had 
previously learned box-making and bookbinding in his native country, and 
found employment at similar work in Pittsburg for a couple of years, in 
the employ of Charles F. Beck. Through correspondence, a more lucrative 
situation was at length obtained with the Wheeling Hinge Company, for 
which concern he continued to work in the manufacture of boxes until 1870. 

Mr. Steinmetz then decided to embark in business for himself, and with 
that intent and purpose rented a shop where the German Fire Insurance 
Company was formerly located. This company had moved its office upstairs 
on Fourteenth street, which is its present quarters. Having secured rooms, 
Mr. Steinmetz began the manufacture of boxes. He later removed to a better 
location in the old Union Hall on Main street. His business increased 
rapidly and he now has a factory of his own at No. 1221 Main street, which 
was purchased by him in 1887. this factory is 99 feet deep by 22 feet 
wide, and contains three stories and a good attic; the entire building is 
utilized by Mr. Steinmetz. The first floor contains the construction and 
shipping departments, while the upper floors are used as manufacturing 
rooms. Two 15-horse power steam engines furnish power for the plant, and 
about 30 people find employment there. A great variety of paper boxes are 
made, in addition to which wooden cigar boxes are also manufactured, and 
all are properly labeled. The daily shipments average about 6,000 boxes, 
in addition to the home trade, the product of the factory being sold 
within a radius of 75 miles. 

Mr. Steinmetz has a fine residence at No. 2134 Chapline street. He has 
been twice married. In 1870, he was joined in marriage with Amelia Walder, 
a native of Germany, and a sister of the late Frank Walder, who was 
formerly proprietor of the Two Mile House, on the National Road, where the 
Vance Memorial Chapel now stands. Two children blessed this union,--Agnes, 
who is deceased, and George. The latter grew to manhood and is employed in 
his father's factory. He married Agnes Lowry; they have one child, 
Bernadina, and reside at No. 2343 Eoff street. 

In 1876 Mr. Steinmetz was deprived of his first wife by death. In April, 
1877, he contracted a second marriage, this time, with Bernadina Shafer, 
his present wife, who was also a native of Germany. Three children were 
born of this union,--Sophia, Clemens and Lawrence. 

Socially, our subject is a member of the Arion Association and German 
pioneer Society, and of the A.O.U.W. He also belongs to St. George's 
Branch, No. 30, a Catholic order, and the family are regular attendants of 
the St. Alphonsus German Catholic church. Mr. Steinmetz is virtually a 
self-made man, having commenced with a very small beginning and gradually 
built up a large and lucrative business, which now stands second to none 
of its kind in the state. 



SEATON ALEXANDER, of the firm of Alexander & Company, the largest retail 
shoe dealers in Wheeling, West Virginia, has been a resident of the city 
since 1881. He was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and is a son of 
Thomas B. Alexander, who is deceased. Mrs. Thomas B. Alexander, who came 
from an old Virginia family, still resides at Clarksburg. 

Seaton Alexander started in the shoe business at the age of fourteen 
years, and had seven years experience in that business before he located 
in Wheeling. After settling in Wheeling he worked for the J. H. Locke Shoe 
Company for a period of eight years, and in November, 1889, engaged in 
business for himself, under the firm name of Alexander & Company, being 
associated with the Vance Shoe Company until 1899. At that time he took 
George J. Mathison into partnership, and they are now doing business at 
No. 1049 Main street. 

Mr. Alexander's store is purely retail, and is the largest store of the 
kind in Wheeling. He carries an immense stock, which occupies the space of 
two floors. Ten people are employed regularly to assist him, and on 
Saturdays and during the busiest seasons five or six extra hands are 
engaged. This firm also owns and operates the Walkover Shoe Company at No. 
1351 Market street, which is in charge of Hugh Hood. Mr. Alexander is a 
progressive man in every way, and his success has been due entirely to his 
own efforts. 

Mr. Alexander was wedded to Flora Kaiser, a daughter of Frederick Kaiser, 
who was a pioneer of Wheeling. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have two children,--
Bernard and Mary. Their home is at No. 824 Main street. Politically, Mr. 
Alexander is a Democrat. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of 
Columbus, Ancient Order of United Workmen and Knights of St. George. He is 
a prominent member of the Carroll Club of Wheeling. In religious belief he 
is a Catholic. 



HENRY W. REDMAN, of the firm of Redman & Company, proprietors of large 
machine shops in Wheeling, West Virginia, is regarded as one of the most 
prominent business men of this vicinity, which has been his home since 
1840. Mr. Redman was born in England, April 18, 1830, and is a son of John 
and Mary (Exley) Redman, both of English nativity. 

Mr. Redman's parents came to this country while he was young, and settled 
in Wheeling, where the father found employments as a teamster. Later he 
did gardening for prominent and well-to-do citizens of this city. His 
death took place in September, 1862, at the age of sixty-seven years. 
Fifteen years later he was followed to the grave by his widow, whose birth 
occurred about the year 1800. This worthy couple reared the following 
children,eight in all: Thomas, deceased; Henry W.; Eliza, deceased, who 
married James R. Cockran; Subina, wife of George Hibbard, of Wheeling; 
Bathia, the wife of H. D. Delaney, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, who died 
October 29, 1901; and Elizabeth Ann and Mary Jane, deceased. 

Henry W. Redman was principally reared and educated in Wheeling, where he 
attended private institutions of learning. After leaving school he entered 
the machine shop of Arthur Philips and served a full aprenticeship, 
completely mastering the machinist's trade in all its details. He remained 
in the employ of Mr. Philips for a period of twenty-one years. He 
subsequently spent a brief period in Pittsburg, but returned to Wheeling 
and embarked in the machine business for himself. About thirty-five years 
ago, in company with Edward Martin, the foundation of the present business 
was begun. They rented a small repair shop on Market street, between 
Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets, and did general repair work. The 
business increased and some time afterward the old shop of Miller Morehead 
was rented. This plant was fitted out with machinery. A little later the 
Fisher foundry was rented, new machinery purchased, and the company did 
work at that stand several years. The business was then moved to the 
Bodley Building, which was a wagon shop, etc., and was conducted there 
about fourteen years. 

The firm of Redman & Company was organized in the early "seventies" by 
Henry W. Redman, Edward Martin and G. G. McKown. About twenty years ago 
William J. Hamilton was admitted into the business. Later Mr. Hamilton 
sold his interest to Albert Redman and Isaac Frey. The latter sold to 
William Hobbs, so the present members of the firm are Henry W. Redman, 
Albert Redman, his brother, G. G. McKown and William Hobbs. These 
gentlemen are all expert machinists, and several of them are actively 
engaged in other enterprises several additional men are also employed. 

August 25, 1890, the firm signed indentures, and commenced erecting the 
present building, which is 100 feet front by 135 feet depth, including the 
blacksmith department. The front part of the building has two stories and 
is well equipped with machinery for repairs, and for the manufacture of 
engines. The firm have manufactured engines quite extensively. 

The subject of this sketch married Nancy C. Haymaker, who was born at 
Winchester, Virginia, June 18, 1833. Six children have blessed this union, 
as follows: Mary Jane, who married James Robbins, a resident of Martin's 
Ferry, Ohio, who is employed as a heater in the steel works; John B., who 
was a successful plumber of Clarksburg and died November 2, 1901; Henry 
Thomas, also a plumber at Martin's Ferry, Ohio; Harriet Ellen, the wife of 
Charles Morris, a glass-blower of Wheeling; Bathia Chambers, who resides 
at home; and Charles Howard, also of Martin's Ferry, Ohio, who is employed 
in the Laughlin Tin Mill as a machinist. The family residence is at No. 
118 Fifteenth street. Mr. Redman is a member of the North Street M. E. 
church. 

Henry W. Redman was reared a Democrat, but his last Democratic vote was 
for Buchanan. He next voted for Lincoln and has since voted the Republican 
ticket. Fraternally he is a member of Wheeling Lodge, No. 9, I.O.O.F., 
which he joined fifty-one years ago; he has filled all the chairs. His son 
Henry is a Knight Templar, and also belongs to the I.O.O.F., and to the K. 
of P., of Martin's Ferry, Ohio. 



T. T. HUTCHISSON, who has been located in Wheeling, West Virginia, since 
1847, is a jobber in saddles, carriage hardware and general blacksmith 
supplies, and carries on his business under the firm name of T. T. 
Hutchisson & Company. He was born in East Berlin, Adams county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1827, and is a son of Robert M. Hutchisson. 

Robert M. Hutchisson was born in New Jersey, but reared in Philadelphia. 
Some of his ancestors participated in the Revolutionary War. Robert M. 
Hutchisson served an apprenticeship to the trade of a harness and saddle 
maker at Philadelphia and worked as a journeyman for a time. He finally 
located at East Berlin, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in business 
during his active life. He died at London, Ohio, at the home of his 
daughter, when eighty-five years of age. His wife was Lydia Blintzinger, 
who died when the subject of this sketch was fifteen years of age. She was 
born in Pennsylvania, and her union with Mr. Hutchisson resulted in the 
birth of the following children: Mark M., who resides at Shrewsbury, York 
county, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Theresa Retzell, of London, Ohio; Mary Ann, 
deceased, who married Samuel Minter, who is also deceased; and T. T. Mary 
Ann (Minter) had two daughter,--one resides in Kansas, who recently 
visited the subject hereof, and Mrs. Flora Clover, of Lancaster, Ohio, 
whose son, Prof. Mortimer Clover, fills the chair of chemistry at the 
University of Michigan. 

As a boy T. T. Hutchisson worked with his father at East Berlin, and upon 
coming to Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1847, served an apprenticeship under 
John Knote, who had learned the trade under Robert M. Hutchisson. He 
remained with Mr. Knote and during the Civil War had entire charge of the 
business, as the latter then went South. He had previously acquired an 
interest in the business, and upon the termination of the war became an 
equal partner, the firm name being Knote & Hutchisson. Thus it continued 
until the early "seventies," when Mr. Knote retired and his partner 
purchased the former's interest. Mr. Hutchisson conducted the business for 
a few years alone, when he took into partnership two of his former 
employees, Jacob Reitz and J. A. Blum, and the firm has since been known 
as T. T. Hutchisson & Company. Mr. Reitz retired from the firm in 1899. In 
1889 he moved to the vicinity of Sixteenth street on Main street, although 
he had previously purchased the property where the establishment is now 
situated. There was a lease on the property, and upon its expiration Mr. 
Hutchisson remodeled the building and moved into it in 1891 or 1892. His 
building and the one adjacent collapsed and the present substantial five-
story building was erected; its dimensions are 137 by 23 feet. He has a 
very extensive business, and occupies all of the five floors. He employs 
seven men, and three men cover the usual job in district in the vicinity 
of Wheeling. Mr. Hutchisson is a man of excellent business qualifications, 
and to his careful management is due the great success of the company. 

Mr. Hutchisson was united in marriage with Mary Hervey, a daughter of 
William Hervey. She died, leaving one daughter, Mrs. Sarah Smith, of 
Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. He formed a second matrimonial alliance, and his 
second wife is also deceased. His residence is at the corner of Twenty-
first and Market streets. He has served in the capacity of county 
commissioner and member of the board of education. For many years Mr. 
Hutchisson has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He 
is a Presbyterian. 



ALBERT J. FRICK, a resident of Wheeling, West Virginia, for the past seven 
years, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is manager of the Crystal 
Manufactured Ice Company, a new corporation formed by J. C. McKinley, 
William Phillips, Dr. N. A. Henning, E. L. Caldwell and A. J. Frick. 

Mr. Frick was connected with the West Virginia Coal & Ice Company, which 
was first established about 1883 by Robert Teasdale and George Crumbacker, 
under the firm name of Crumbacker & Teasdale. They handled ice and coal. 
At that time there was no manufactured ice consumed or handled at 
Wheeling. Lake ice was shipped from Sandusky, Ohio, and sold readily at 
from 40 cents to 60 cents per cwt. Business has been conducted, as at 
present, at the corner of Sixteenth and Chapline streets. About 1890 the 
firm of Crumbacker & Teasdale was dissolved, Mr. Teasdale purchasing the 
entire business, which he conducted as Robert Teasdale for one or two 
years. Then the est Virginia Coal & Ice Company was formed, with Mr. 
Teasdale as president, Wilson Allen, manager, and S. N. Hirst as secretary 
and treasurer; this continued until Mr. Hirst's death, in June, 1895. Mr. 
Allen retired from business and Mr. Frick became a partner, and later 
William Teasdale took an interest. After the death of William Teasdale, in 
January, 1899, Mr. Frick and Robert Teasdale conducted the business until 
May, 1901, when Mr. Teasdale assumed the entire business of the West 
Virginia Coal & Ice Company. Mr. Frick then assisted in organizing the 
Crystal Manufactured Ice Company, but continued with Mr. Teasdale until 
September, 1901. 

The Crystal Manufactured Ice Company has a capital of $25,000, and is a 
successor to A. M. Hamilton, previously located at No. 1144 Market street; 
they purchased Mr. Hamilton's business and good will. Their present office 
is at Twenty-seventh and Main streets. They have a branch office and ample 
stables, etc., at the corner of Twenty-ninth and Woods streets. The 
company have a contract with the Schmuhlbach Brewing Company for ice 
supply from their plant for five years, and if the business so demands at 
the end of that time, the company will probably erect a plant of their 
own. The indications are for an immense business, which will be the 
largest in the city. The coal department will be looked after by Mr. 
McKinley, while Mr. Frick will care for the ice department. Twelve horses 
are now in use, with five large ice wagons and six coal wagons. 

Mr. Frick was born at Pittsburg, and received his mental training in the 
public schools of his native city. His father and mother were New York and 
Pennsylvania people, respectively. Mr. Frick married Sadie Cole, a 
daughter of Samuel Cole, city weighmaster, and an old resident of 
Wheeling. Mr. Cole was formerly interested in the old paper mills at 
Fulton. 

Mr. Frick is permanently located in the second ward, in Wheeling. Socially 
he is a member of the I.O.O.F.; Jr. O.U.A.M.; and Tribe of Ben Hur. In 
politics he advocates the principles of the Republican party. He was 
trained during his early life in the Lutheran-Evangelical church, but 
since attaining his manhood has allied himself with the Zane Street M. E. 
church. 



WILLIAM C. MEYER, attorney-at-law and member of the well-known law firm of 
Meyer & Nesbitt, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was the first Republican 
prosecuting attorney ever elected in Ohio county, and filled that office 
in an eminently satisfactory manner for a four-years term. Mr. Meyer was 
born in Ohio county, West Virginia, June 23, 1865, and is a son of William 
P. and Louisa (Helmbright) Meyer, highly respected citizens of Wheeling. 

William P. Meyer was born in Brunswick, Germany, May 27, 1836, and is a 
son of Henry and Caroline Meyer, both of whom are deceased. His father 
died at sea while on his way to America to see his children. His mother 
died in Germany, aged about sixty-five years. William P. Meyer is one of a 
family of 11 children, six of whom are deceased. Those living besides 
himself are: Lewis, Charles, Henrietta and Hannah. Lewis is a resident of 
Lockport, New York, and Charles lives at Bridgeport, Ohio. Henrietta is 
the wife of Louis Ambrecht, and Hannah is Mrs. B. Shott, both residents of 
Wheeling. 

William P. Meyer came to the United States in 1852, landing at Baltimore, 
Maryland. He proceeded to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and a little later to 
Wheeling, which has been his home ever since. Soon after his arrival in 
this city he commenced work with Louis Seabright, a butcher, for whom he 
worked eleven years, severing his connection with that gentleman only to 
enter into the same business for himself. With the exception of three 
years he continued to follow that occupation up to January 1, 1902, at 
which time he retired from active business. His residence is at No. 3735 
Jacob street. He is an ardent Republican in politics, is largely 
interested in municipal affairs, and has served as councilman for eight 
years. Both he and his wife are members of St. Paul's German Independent 
Evangelical Protestant church and Mr. Meyer was president of the church 
organization for several years. On March 31, 1861, he was joined in 
marriage with Louisa Helmbright, a native of Germany, and a daughter of 
Frederick and Caroline Helmbright, who came to the United States in June, 
1858. 

Mr. Helmbright and family proceeded to Wheeling, West Virginia. He was a 
puddler by trade and worked in Bell's foundry, after locating in Wheeling, 
where he was employed in the top bar mill for many years. His death took 
place April 12, 1886, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. His 
widow survived until May 14, 1898, when she too passed away, having almost 
reached the age of eighty-seven years. William C. Meyer's mother is also 
one of a family of 11 children, four of whom died in the old country in 
early childhood. The others are: Henry, who died January 25, 1901, aged 
sixty-one years; Louisa, the mother of the subject of this sketch; Julia, 
now Mrs. Henry Kalbitzer, a resident of Wheeling; Hannah, who was born 
January 25, 1843, married Charles Pfaffenbach, and died August 24, 1883; 
Augusta, now Mrs. Solomon Arbenz; Lewis, a prominent cigar-maker of 
Wheeling; and Charles, who resides on Market street of the same city. 

William C. Meyer is an only son, and is one of a family of three children. 
His sisters, Emma and Louisa Jane, reside at home; the latter is a 
graduate of the Wheeling public schools and of Bethany College,--she is 
now a teacher of Latin and history in the Wheeling High School. 

William C. Meyer had superior educational advantages; he attended the 
public schools of Wheeling until he attained the age of sixteen years. 
This was supplemented by a thorough course in the Wheeling Business 
College, from which he was graduated in 1882. From 1882 to 1888, he 
clerked for the Peabody Insurance Company, of Wheeling, and was promoted 
to be assistant secretary of that company. 

By this time he had fully decided to fit himself for the profession of law 
as his life work, and resigned his position with the insurance company to 
enter West Virginia University, at Morgantown, from which he was graduated 
in 1893, with the degree of A. B. He then attended the Yale University Law 
School, at New Haven, Connecticut, from which he was graduated in 1895. 

Mr. Meyer then returned to Wheeling, passed his examinations and was 
admitted to the bar of Ohio county, September 8, 1895. He began the 
practice of his profession, and continued alone for, perhaps, a year and a 
half. In the early part of 1897 the present partnership of Meyer & Nesbitt 
was formed. 

On November 6, 1896, Mr. Meyer was elected prosecuting attorney of Ohio 
county, and served until the expiration of his term, January 1, 1901, when 
he was succeeded by his law partner. Since that time Mr. Meyer has 
attended mainly to the civil business, and enjoys a splendid practice in 
Wheeling and its vicinity. The offices of Meyer & Nesbitt are located in 
the Public Building. 

December 22, 1898, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage with Margaret Morris 
Donley, of Morgantown, West Virginia, and their residence is at No. 37 
Fifteenth street. Socially, Mr. Meyer is very popular and affiliates with 
several fraternal societies, among them the Mason and the Elks. He is also 
a member of the Phi Kappa Psi college fraternity, and is a charter member 
of West Virginia Alpha Chapter. Both he and Mrs. Meyer are members of the 
First Presbyterian church, of Wheeling, and enjoy a high standing, 
socially and otherwise. 



ALLEN BROCK, an honored and highly respected citizen of Wheeling, Ohio 
county, West Virginia, and one of its most successful business men, was 
born in Monroe county, Ohio, December 5, 1854. The first fifteen years of 
his life were spent in Monroe county, where he received his mental 
instruction, and he afterward taught school for two years in Monroe and 
Belmont counties. 

Mr. Brock then gauged tanks for the Union Tank Line Company for some time, 
and in the spring of 1875 came to Wheeling, where he entered the employ of 
the Kraft Brothers' notion house as clerk, and retained that position 
until he was appointed assistant postmaster under Robert Simpson, in 
March, 1885. 

After four years Mr. Brock again entered the employ of the Kraft Brothers' 
notion house and remained there until 1892, when the Joseph Speidel 
Grocery Company was formed and Mr. Brock became a stockholder, and was 
made secretary and treasurer, and still gives his entire attention to the 
welfare of his business. 

Mr. Brock is also a director in the Bank of Wheeling, was for many years a 
member of the city council, and is one of the greatest promoters of the 
North Glade Club, of which he is president. He is a member of Nelson 
Lodge, No. 30, A.F. & A.M.; Wheeling Union Chapter, No. 1, R.A.M.; 
Wheeling Commandery, No. 1, K. T.; Osiris Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; Scottish 
Rites, and B.P.O.E. Mr. Brock was married to Mrs. Emma Brown, who died 
November 19, 1900. At present he has apartments in the Reilly building. 
Religiously, he is a member and vestryman of St. Matthew's Protestant 
Episcopal church. 

The Joseph Speidel Grocery Company is the largest wholesale grocery in 
West Virginia and has the most perfect facilities for handling an immense 
business. On the first floor of the store are kept all heavy goods, such 
as barrels, flour in sacks, etc. The firm has a cold storage room which 
has an ice machine run by a 10-horse power gas engine, the same engine 
also running the dynamo which furnishes electric lights for the building. 
Prompt railroad connection is supplied by a switch track in the rear of 
the building. The plant employs 54 hands, all of whom are kept constantly 
busy. Mr. Brock has been a stockholder in the company for a number of 
years, and is considered by all a man of great industry and wise judgment. 



W. B. IRVINE, a most successful young business man of Wheeling, Ohio 
county, West Virginia, is a self-made man, who began at the foot of the 
ladder and has risen rapidly to the top. At the present time he is cashier 
of the Bank of Wheeling. 

The Bank of Wheeling, which was established in 1853, has conducted a 
general banking business, and is considered one of the strongest financial 
institutions in the city. In 1880 D. C. List was president, with Gibson 
Lamb, cashier, and Joseph Seybold, assistant cashier. In 1890 the bank was 
incorporated, Mr. List continuing as president, and Mr. Lamb as cashier. A 
short time later the present large and commodious bank building at No. 
1229 Main street was erected. Mr. List soon retired and Mr. Forbes became 
president; he also retired, and Mr. Lamb succeeded him, filling that 
position until his death about three years ago. Joseph Seybold was the 
next president, and served until his death, in 1900. At that time the 
office of active president was discontinued, and Mr. Forbes was elected 
honorary president, with J. A. Jefferson as cashier and active manager, 
and Charles Lamb as assistant cashier. 

Some time later Mr. Jefferson retired on account of ill health and was 
succeeded, June 10, 1901, by W. B. Irvine, the subject of this sketch. 
Subsequently Mr. Forbes tendered his resignation as honorary president and 
as a director, and A. J. Clarke was elected. The present directors are,--
A. J. Clarke, J. F. Paull, Henry Bieberson, Allen Brock, Charles Schmidt, 
C. H. Simpson and James Cummins, with Dr. A. F. Hustead, assistant 
cashier, and W. W. Gilchrist, bookkeeper. 

W. B. Irvine came to Wheeling as a boy, and was reared here. He has been 
in the banking business since he was fifteen years of age, his first 
position being that of messenger boy for the Bank of the Ohio Valley, 
which position he filled for two years. Following this, he served as 
corresponding clerk for five years in the National Exchange Bank of 
Wheeling, next as discount clerk and later as individual bookkeeper. 
Subsequently he was promoted to be general bookkeeper, and finally to be 
assistant cashier, which position he retained until he became cashier of 
the Bank of Wheeling. Socially, he is a Knight Templar, affiliating with 
Cyrene Commandery, No. 7. Mr. Irvine is highly esteemed by all, and enjoys 
the confidence of the public. 



GEORGE RENTSCH, of the firm of George M. Snook & Company, a prosperous 
business house of Wheeling, West Virginia, has been connected with that 
firm since its inception in 1884, and devotes his time exclusively to the 
business. This company is engaged in the retail dry goods business; 
besides George Rentsch, George M. Snook, Albert L. Wilkie, Louis Rentsch, 
Thomas Carnahan, Jr., H. Day Hewey, and R. Truxell are interested in it. 

Mr. Rentsch was born in Wheeling, on the Island, in 1856. His father is a 
carpenter and resides in Center Wheeling. George Rentsch was reared in his 
native city, where he attended public school until he was eleven years 
old. He worked as errand boy for several years afterward, first, with 
Fisher & Seaman, and later, with A. D. Seaman. He subsequently worked five 
years with C. T. Brues, and in 1878 accepted a position as bookkeeper in 
the mercantile house of George E. Stifel & Company. He remained in their 
employ until 1884, when the present company was formed, with which his 
interests are still identified. Previous to the formation of this company, 
Mr. Rentsch and also Mr. Snook owned stock for some time in, and were 
members of, the firm of George E. Stifel & Company. 

Mr. Rentsch has a comfortable home at Pleasant Valley, where he has 
resided for the past ten years. His marriage with Lydia Anna Ritter, a 
native of Wheeling, was productive of the following offspring: Edward 
Charles, Minnie Lydia, Catherine Amelia, George Daniel, Marion Ritter and 
Julia Elizabeth. The family attend divine services at the Methodist 
church. In his political preference, Mr. Rentsch is a Republican, but does 
not allow politics to interfere with business. He is one of the early 
residents in his vicinity, and is esteemed by all who know him. 



ROBERT TEASDALE. The large volume of business accomplished by the West 
Virginia Coal & Ice Company evidences the far sighted enterprise of the 
manager and proprietor, Robert Teasdale. A resident of Wheeling since 
1881, he was born in Stafford county, Virginia, June 4, 1845, and is a son 
of Sydney Teasdale, a man of unquestioned honor and commanding influence 
in the localities where he lived. 

A native of New Jersey, Sydney Teasdale was born in 1816, and removed to 
Virginia in 1830. He was reared to an appreciation of the dignity and 
usefulness of an agricultural life, and spent his days in tilling the 
soil. In 1863 he settled in Maryland, where he continued to farm and raise 
stock, and where his death occurred in 1893. An uncompromising 
Abolitionist, he was actively interested in political undertakings, and 
among other offices of trust acceptably filled by him during his life in 
Virginia and Maryland, was that of justice of the peace, which he held for 
several years. Of a devout nature, he worked and sympathized particularly 
with the Baptist denomination, and was instrumental in securing the 
erection of three Baptist churches. He was twice married; his second wife 
was formerly Susan Patton, who was born in Strafford county, Virginia, 
about 1820, and died in Maryland in 1885. Of this union there were the 
following children: Robert, of the West Virginia Coal & Ice Company; 
Charles W., a Baptist clergyman residing near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 
Monroe Oliver, deceased; Simeon Garrett, a merchant, living near Batavia, 
Ohio; Loretta (McChesney), living in the District of Columbia; John, also 
a Baptist minister; and Wesley Lloyd, a ranchman of Texas, who died in 
1900. From the first marriage of Mr. Teasdale there were three children, 
namely: Lemuel, engaged in the grist mill business at Cincinnati, Ohio; 
William Henry, who died at Washington, Pennsylvania; and Cooley Austin 
resides with his brother, Robert. 

The mental training of Robert Teasdale was obtained in the public schools 
principally in the vicinity of Washington, D.C., and into an otherwise 
uneventful youth came the opportunity to serve his country during the 
Civil War. In 1863 he enlisted in Company C, 100th Reg. Vol. Inf., in the 
Third Brigade, First Division, Ninth Army Corps, in which he served until 
the mustering out of the regiment July 26, 1865, at Harrisburg, 
Pennsylvania. The general vicissitudes of war were not experienced to an 
intense degree, for Mr. Teasdale was neither wounded, captured, nor laid 
up in the hospitals. With the return of peace and consequent business 
activity, he for a time engaged in farming with his father in Maryland, 
and moved to Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1867. The following year he 
became interested in the coal business, and has since sought no other 
field of activity. In Washington a large retail and wholesale trade 
rewarded his untiring energy, and upon disposing of his interests there, 
and moving to Wheeling in 1881, his previous good fortune did not desert 
him. Some time afterward he was for three years in partnership with George 
Crumbacker, but in the latter "eighties" he again conducted business on 
his own responsibility, on the corner of Sixteenth and Chapline streets, 
in the buildings erected by himself and former partner. 

Mr. Teasdale has conducted his business since 1894 as the West Virginia 
Coal & Ice Company, and is now the sole owner of the large concern. He is 
able to furnish both lake and manufactured ice, and he carries principally 
Monongah coal. Six wagons are required for the delivery of these 
commodities, and goods are shipped and received in carload lots. While 
living at Washington, Pennsylvania, Mr. Teasdale married Mary E. Paul, who 
was born and reared in Washington, and died January 16, 1897, aged forty-
seven years. Mrs. Teasdale left three children, namely: Mrs. Martha 
Leffler, of Wheeling; Edward, who married Lula McLaughlin, and is employed 
by the Wheeling Ice & Storage Company; and William, who died in 
Washington, D.C., in 1900. The Teasdale residence, at the corner of 
Fourteenth and Jacob streets is not now occupied by the owner thereof, who 
since the breaking up of his family, prefers to room and board. 
Politically Mr. Teasdale is a stanch Republican, and is socially 
affiliated with the Shield of Honor, the Tribe of Ben Hur, of which he is 
treasurer, and the Grand Army of the Republic, J. W. Holiday Post, No. 12. 
He is a member of, and generous contributor toward, the Baptist church. 
Mr. Teasdale embodies a high quality of citizenship, and any worthy effort 
in behalf of the general improvement of Wheeling may be sure of his hearty 
co-operation and support. 



THOMAS B. SWEENEY, general manager for the Equitable Life Assurance 
Society of the United States, is a resident of Wheeling, Ohio county, West 
Virginia, where he was born and reared. He is a son of John F. Sweeney, 
and a grandson of Thomas Sweeney. 

Thomas Sweeney came from Pittsburg to Wheeling in his youth, early in the 
nineteenth century. He was a native of New York, where he was born in 
1807. He was an active business man during his life, was president of the 
Exchange Bank of Wheeling, and of two or three glass companies, and was 
also engaged in the iron business. He lived to the good old age of eighty-
four years, and died in 1891. 

John F. Sweeney was born in Wheeling, and was at one time engaged in the 
pottery business. He subsequently entered the life insurance business, and 
was the first representative for West Virginia of the Equitable Life 
Assurance Society of the United States. He married Lulu Belle, a native of 
Washington, Pennsylvania, who is at present a resident of Highland Park, 
where she has recently erected a new home. Three sons and four daughters 
were born to this union, namely: Thomas B.; John E. B., manager of the 
Pool Clock Company at No. 1121 Main street, Wheeling, West Virginia; 
Julian McF., special agent of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the 
United States at Wheeling; Florence; Louise; Grace; and Patti Mai. John F. 
Sweeney died in 1895. 

Thomas B. Sweeney received his early education at Wheeling, graduated at 
Linsly Institute, and afterward from Washington and Jefferson College, 
Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1895. In 1885 he succeeded his father as 
manager of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, 
which position he has retained ever since. The company has branch agencies 
at different points of importance, has established local agencies in the 
main towns in the state, and is one of the strongest companies in the 
world. Mr. Sweeney has charge of the agencies in Ohio and West Virginia. 



FRANK F. THOMPSON, superintendent of the city gas works and electric light 
plant of Wheeling, Ohio county, West Virginia, is a son of John F. and 
Mary (Falloure) Thompson. 

John F. Thompson was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and 
learned the trade of plumbing in Pittsburg. He became a bell finisher and 
brass worker and came to Wheeling in 1852, where he was engaged in 
plumbing, being associated with the firm of Dillon, Thompson & Hughes. 
Later Mr. Dillon retired from the firm, which then consisted of Thompson & 
Hibbard, who erected the building now occupied by Mr. Hibbard. Mr. 
Thompson was an active partner in this business until 1889, when he also 
retired from the firm and engaged in the grocery business, and continued 
in it until he attained the age of sixty-two years, in 1892. 

John F. Thompson was united in marriage with Mary Falloure, a native of 
Wheeling, where she was reared and educated. Her parents were early 
residents of the city during the cholera times. Four children were born to 
this union,--two girls and two boys. Mrs. Thompson died in 1897. 

Frank F. Thompson was born in Wheeling, received his mental training in 
the common schools of this city, and afterward learned the trade of 
plumbing and steam and gas fitting. For some time he worked for Thompson & 
Hibbard, and subsequently for B. E. Adams, William Hare & Son and Robert 
W. Kyle, until he was elected superintendent of the city gas works and 
electric light plant. The electric light plant was built by the city. The 
city gas works were incorporated at first, but passed into the hands of 
the city after some time, when the two were consolidated to form the 
present plant. Mr. Dillon was the first superintendent. Mr. Darrah, the 
second, and Mr. Thompson has the honor of being the third and present 
superintendent, since his election on November 1, 1895. 

Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Annie Cappenger, of Wheeling. He 
and his wife reside in a comfortable home on Fifteenth street in the third 
ward. Fraternally, he is a member of Nelson Lodge, No. 30, A.F. & A.M.; 
Ohio Valley Lodge, No. 31, K. of P., of which he is past commander; and 
the I.O.O.F. Mr. Thompson is an industrious citizen, and is highly 
esteemed by all his friends. 



M. M. JONES, treasurer and secretary of the Hicks & Hoge Dry Goods 
Company, of Wheeling, West Virginia, whose portrait appears on the 
opposite page, is one of the prominent young business men of the city. He 
was born in Wheeling in 1873, and is a son of J. H. and Margaret (Marsh) 
Jones. 

J. H. Jones is a well known hardware merchant of Wheeling, and conducts 
his business at No. 42 Twelfth street. He married Margaret Marsh, who 
comes from one of the oldest families in Wheeling. Their children are as 
follows: M. M.; Harry; Charles W; and Lousette, who is attending college 
at Columbus, Ohio. 

M. M. Jones attended the public schools of Wheeling, and at the age of 
twenty years became a clerk in a dry goods store. He continued at this 
until the organization and incorporation of the Hicks & Hoge Dry Goods 
Company, of which he is now secretary and treasurer. 

The Hicks & Hoge Dry Goods Company was founded by John E. Boyd, who came 
from Ohio, and established the wholesale dry goods company conducted by 
himself. In 1857 Mr. Boyd sold out to the firm of John Norton, Simpson & 
Company. Mr. Norton acted as bookkeeper of the new firm, and Mr. Simpson, 
as traveling salesman. The business was carried on at Nos. 14 and 16 
Monroe street, which is now Twelfth street. This firm continued until 
1861, when Mr. Norton sold out to Mr. Wilson, and went to Baltimore. The 
firm conducted business as Simpson & Wilson, until Mr. Wilson's death in 
1870. Mr. Lucius Hoge then became a partner, and the firm was Simpson & 
Hoge until 1890, when Mr. Simpson sold his interest to Mr. Hoge. Mr. Hoge 
carried on the business as W. B. Hoge until 1897, when Mr. Hicks was 
admitted to the firm. The business from that time to the present date has 
been known as the Hicks & Hoge Dry Goods Company. Fourteen people are 
employed in the store, and Mrs. Jones has charge of the office and clerks. 
He is a man of good business ability, conscientious and painstaking in all 
his acts, and his success in his chosen vocation has been very gratifying. 
Mr. Jones was married, November 19, 1901, to Georgianna Kunkle, of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of Mrs. Mary A. Kunkle, of that city. 

Socially Mr. Jones is a member of Nelson Lodge, No. 30, A.F. & A.M.; 
Wheeling Union Chapter, No. 1, R.A.M.; and Cyrene Commandery, No. 7, K. 
T.; and Osiris Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. He is a member of the Mystic Circle, 
and of the B.P.O.E. Religiously, he is a member of the Thomson M. E. 
church.