History of Wheeling City and Ohio Co. WV - Biographries-10



PETER ZIMMER, a retail liquor dealer, conducts a store at No. 2324 Eoff 
street, in Wheeling West Virginia, and has been in the business for a long 
time. He was born near the River Rhine in Germany, June 9, 1829, and is a 
son of Peter and Margaretta Zimmer, deceased, who lived all their lives in 
the old country, where the father was an industrious farmer. 

Peter Zimmer attended school in his native country, and came to the United 
States in 1849, crossing the ocean on a sailing vessel, in fifty-six days 
and landing at New York. From New York he went to Wheeling, consuming 
fourteen days in making the journey. His first work was excavating, and he 
was employed by a Mr. Hornbrook, working on an ice cellar. He afterward 
worked in a sawmill, and then followed whatever employment he could find 
until 1853, when he was united in marriage with Philipena Behl, who was a 
native of Baltimore, Maryland. He purchased a brewery in 1854, which was 
located in the eighth ward, and which he removed to a hill in the sixth 
ward. He followed brewing for twenty years, and then sold the business; 
the place is now owned by Mr. Balzer. Mr. Zimmer subsequently became a 
messenger clerk in the German Bank of Wheeling, and retained that position 
nineteen years and a half, giving great satisfaction. After leaving the 
bank he bought the store he now owns, on Eoff street and has conducted it 
with remarkable success ever since. 

Mr. and Mrs. Zimmer have had 11 children, as follows: Anna; Albert; 
George; Harry; Katherine; Louis; Willie; Adolph; Peter; Edward; and an 
infant who died unnamed. In 1860 the children contracted the most 
malignant form of diphtheria, and the parents lost five of them within 
thirty days. Five are still living, and are doing well. Harry, who is 
assistant engineer in the Wheeling Ice & Storage company, married Eva 
Williams, and they have four children, namely: Alma, Edward, Marie and 
Katherine. George, who is a cigar manufacturer of Wheeling, married Lizzie 
Beck. Anna, the eldest, is now Mrs. George Klinger, and has one child,-
Albert. Mr.Klinger is a tinner in Wheeling. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmer are among 
the reliable and respected pioneer settlers of Wheeling, and are both 
members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, in which Mr. Zimmer holds the 
office of trustee. 

The subject of this sketch has ever been an industrious, worthy and busy 
man. He has seen the ups and downs of Wheeling life for over fifty years, 
and has seen the city grow from an ordinary country town to the beautiful, 
stirring and thriving Wheeling of today. Few men of the city take more 
pride in her growth and material progress than does Mr. Zimmer. He started 
out with but little of this world's goods, but by industry, economy and 
good management he has secured a competency for old age. 

Louis A. Senne, who is now occupying the position of clerk in the store of 
Albert Stolze & Company, of Wheeling, is a native of the city and was born 
March 26, 1872. He was united in marriage with Katherine Zimmer, a 
daughter of Peter Zimmer, the subject of the preceding sketch. Mr. Senne 
is a thoroughly upright gentleman, who is among the best of Wheeling's 
citizens, and has characteristics which will insure success in whatever he 
attempts. 

Albert Zimmer is a clerk in one of Wheeling's business houses, and now 
makes his home with his father, Peter Zimmer. In 1891 he was united in 
marriage with Louise Zulauf, the ceremony taking place in September. She 
was taken ill and died in July, 1892, but her parents are still living in 
Wheeling. Mr. Zimmer, like his father is an industrious man, attentive to 
business, and well liked by all who know him. 



DAVID BELL, an old and highly respected resident of Wheeling, whose 
portrait is presented on the opposite page, is a member of the firm of 
Joseph Bell & Company, which deals in stoves. This is one of the reliable 
old business houses of the city, and has an established trade. Mr. Bell 
was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, March 31, 1818, and is a son of 
Thomas Bell. 

Thomas Bell was born in England and came to the United States when a young 
man. He was a seaman for many years, and after locating at Wheeling at an 
early day was engaged in boat building until his death, in 1833. He 
married, in England, Miss M. Godfrey, a native of that country, and they 
had two sons,--Joseph, a prominent business man, of Wheeling, and David. 

David Bell had limited educational advantages, having attended school only 
up to his twelfth year. He worked for Mr. Sweeney in the glass 
manufacturing business for a period of twenty years, and in 1862 enlisted 
in the 11th Reg., W.Va. Vol. Inf., of which he was a commissioned 
officer. He saw hard service throughout the war, and established a good 
record as a soldier. After the close of the war, he returned to Wheeling, 
and under the firm name of Joseph Bell & Company engaged in the stove 
business, which he has continued up to the present time. he is possessed 
of unusual business ability, and the same sagacity and keenness 
characterize his transactions, as in his younger days. He is well known to 
the residents of Wheeling, and enjoys the universal good-will of his 
fellow men. He is one of the oldest native born inhabitants of Ohio 
county. 

In 1844, Mr. Bell was joined in wedlock with Mary Mosslander, who was born 
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1821, and is now living. They reared 
four children, as follows: Joseph G.; Mary M.; Susan W.; and George T. 
Politically Mr. Bell is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He is 
a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 3, I.O.O.F., and is the oldest member of 
that order in West Virginia, having been an Odd Fellow for more than sixty-
two years. 



CAPT. ED. MUHLEMAN, a prominent citizen and business man of Wheeling, was 
born in Monroe county, Ohio, April 6, 1844, and is a son of Frederick 
Muhleman. 

Frederick Muhleman was born in Switzerland, and when he came to this 
country located in Monroe county, Ohio, where he lived upon one farm fifty-
one years. He died in March, 1884, at the age of seventy-two years. He 
was a pioneer flatboat man, gathering his crops in the fall and 
flatboating them to New Orleans. He succeeded fairly well, some trips 
being good ones, while others were losing ventures. He gave that line of 
business up in 1842. His wife died in February, 1898, at the age of 
seventy-seven years. She was a lifelong member of the M. E. church, and a 
very devout woman. Her home was the transient quarters for the Methodist 
circuit riders, and she will long be remembered for her many motherly 
admonitions and acts of kindness. Though dead, her good example and devout 
Christian character are a legacy to those still on the stage of action. 
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Muhleman, as follows: Ed.; R. W., 
a physician of Bellaire, Ohio; C. D., of Parkersburg; Henry, auditor of 
Monroe county, Ohio, for many years, who finally located at Bridgeport as 
a bookkeeper in the glass works, and died there in 1897, at the age of 
forty-three years; Mary, wife of W. B. O'Neal, of Marietta, Ohio; 
Caroline, wife of A. W. Boegtly, of Gas City, Indiana; Sarah, who was a 
teacher for some years, and who became the companion of her mother prior 
to the latter's death, and now resides at Hannibad, Ohio; and Emma, widow 
of Prof. C. F. Paulus, who was the leading professor in Baldwin 
University, having charge of the German department and some branches in 
the English department, -Mrs. Paulus now resides in Chicago, Illinois. 

Ed Muhleman attended, Baldwin University from 1859 to 1862, and on July 
26, of the latter year enlisted in Company E., 116th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., 
as a private, and served in the Shenandoah Valley, under Generals Milroy, 
Schenck, Sigel, Hunter and Sheridan. He was made 1st sergeant, then 2nd 
lieutenant, and at the same time was acting adjutant. From 1864 until the 
close of the war he was detailed as an acting signal officer in the signal 
service. He participated in the principal battles in the Shenandoah 
Valley, and was never wounded or taken prisoner. After the war he engaged 
in steamboating on the Ohio, between Wheeling, Cincinnati, St. Louis and 
New Orleans, and followed that from 1870 to 1881. He was clerk on the 
steamers "Major Anderson", and the "Andes." Also the "New Andes." From 
1881 to 1883 he managed the Crystal Glass Works at Martin's Ferry. From 
1889 to 1901 he managed the Crystal Glass Works at Bridgeport, Ohio, and 
at the present time is organizing a new company to build and operate, at 
Bellaire, the largest glass works in this section. He has a thorough 
understanding of the business, and his success in the new venture is 
assured. 

In 1886 Mr. Muhleman was united in marriage with Juliet McLure, a daughter 
of the late Captain John and Elizabeth McLure. They have one daughter, 
Helen. Mr. Muhleman takes much interest in politics, and generally votes 
the Republican ticket. He is one of the prominent business men of 
Wheeling, and a most worthy citizen. 



DR. S. H. KELLEY, for many years the leading practitioner of medicine in 
West Liberty, Ohio county, West Virginia, is now retired from active 
practice. He has many friends of long standing here, and enjoys the 
unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens. 

Dr. Kelley is a son of Samuel Kelley, who was born in New Hampshire, a 
brother of Gen. B. F. Kelley, and came to this county at an early day. 

He was a merchant in Wheeling until his death, in 1828. 

Dr. S. H. Kelley was born at West Liberty in 1827, and first attended the 
public schools, and afterward West Alexander Academy. He began the study 
of medicine under the preceptorship of Drs. Smith and White, of Wellsburg. 
He entered Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, from which 
institution he was graduated with the class of 1851. In 1867 he located in 
practice at West Liberty. Although there were five physicians already 
established in that town, he soon took rank as the leader, and continued 
to have a large and profitable practice until his retirement; he is 
frequently called into consultation by other physicians. 

Dr. Kelley has been so engrossed with the duties and responsibilities of 
his profession that he has never married. He has led a life of great 
usefulness, and enjoys the good will of every one. In politics he is 
inclined to be independent. 



LORAIN FORTNEY, who was prepared for the legal profession and was admitted 
to the bar in November, 1896, is professor of languages at the West 
Liberty State Normal School, in which capacity he has been notably 
successful. He was born in Reedsville, West Virginia, in 1869, and is a 
son of George Fortney, and grandson of Hunter Fortney, who was a pioneer 
farmer in the state and died at the advanced age of eighty-one years. 

George Fortney was born in Newburg, West Virginia, and is a successful 
farmer. He married Melissa J. Wilson, a daughter of Eugenius Wilson, who 
is now retired. Mr. Wilson was born in 1821, and at an early age learned 
the trade of a cabinetmaker and carpenter. He also owned a flouring mill 
and was a man of great business ability. 

Lorain Fortney displayed a degree of ability at an early age which 
precluded the idea of spending his life on a farm. Being a student by 
nature, he soon mastered all that was to be learned in the district 
school, and in 1889 attended the Fairmont State Normal School. He then 
entered the West Virginia University at Morgantown, and in 1896 was 
graduated with the degree of L. L. B. he was admitted to the bar at 
Kingwood, West Virginia, in November, 1896. He also received the degree of 
A. B. from West Virginia University, in 1900. In the meantime he was 
engaged in teaching school. He was principal of schools at Independence, 
West Virginia, for three years, and then served as principal at Newburg, 
his old home, for two years. He afterward taught at the Concord State 
Normal School at Athens, West Virginia. He was called from there to West 
Liberty State Normal School in September, 1900, where he occupies the 
chair of languages, and teaches Latin, German and French. He pursued 
postgraduate studies in the West Virginia University during the summer 
quarter of 1900. He is a man of fine educational attainments and takes a 
very high rank as an instructor. 

Mr. Fortney was joined in marriage with Mamie Seduick, of West Monterey, 
Pennsylvania, December 23, 1897. She is a daughter of H. J. and Mary 
(Keefer) Seduick, and a granddaughter of William T. and Elizabeth 
(Fletcher) Seduick, and also of Samuel F. and Mary (Binker) Keefer. All of 
the grandparents are deceased. H. J. Seduick was born in Butler county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1856. He is a successful oil producer, and is prominent 
in Republican politics in that section. Mrs. Fortney has one sister, Mrs. 
D. A. Woods, of Leechburg, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Fortney was born March 1, 
1876, at West Monterey, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Fortney have two 
children,--Helen, born May 14, 1900; and Mary, born June 20, 1901. 

The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics; he was elected 
superintendent of schools in his native county in 1893, and served one 
term. He was appointed a member of the county board for the examination of 
teachers, and served from 1895 to 1897. Fraternally, he is a member of 
Fair Play Lodge, No. 26, I.O.O.F., of Independence, West Virginia, having 
belonged to it for ten years. He is a member of Aurora Lodge, No. 43, A.F. 
& A.M. of Newburg; Chapter No. 26, R.A.M., of Athens; Commandery No. 11, 
K. T., of Grafton; Lodge No. 5, K. of P., of Newburg; and has passed 
through the chairs in the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias lodges. His 
wife is a member of Eastern Star Lodge at Athens, West Virginia. She is 
entitled to membership in the society of Daughters of the American 
Revolution. Although not a college graduate, she attended Oakdale Academy, 
in Pennsylvania, and Salem College and West Virginia University. Mr. and 
Mrs. Fortney are members of the M. E. church. They now live in West 
Liberty, West Virginia.



JAMES GILCHRIST, an honored and esteemed citizen of Elm Grove, has 
followed various occupations during his life of seventy-two years. The 
most important among them, however, was that of surveyor and abstractor of 
both the city of Wheeling and Ohio county. 

He is a son of James Gilchrist, a native of Scotland, who came to the 
United States in 1818 and died in 1836, in the forty-third year of his 
age. His son, James, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1829. In 1839, when 
ten years of age, James Gilchrist accompanied his uncle to Wheeling, to 
facilitate his educational advantages. He took a course at the Wheeling 
Institute, and also attended the Lancasterian Academy of the same city. 

Mr. Gilchrist then taught school for one term, which he did not like, and 
in its stead engaged himself in a tobacco factory, where he continued to 
work until he attained his eighteenth year. This life did not agree with 
one of his constitution, and with his health completely shattered he 
returned to his mother, who lived on a farm, where he was promptly dieted 
on milk. This plan, materially aided by the pure, fresh air of the 
country, counteracted the sad havoc wrought by overwork, and in a year's 
time he had regained his usual health. 

In 1851 he again engaged in teaching a district school, and continued thus 
for several terms. In 1853 he moved to Wheeling, adopted the profession of 
a surveyor, and became proficient in a very short time. 

The following year he was elected city surveyor of Wheeling, and filled 
that position so creditably that his re-election followed in 1855, as a 
matter of course. Mr. Gilchrist, however, had more flattering prospects, 
and refused to serve, preferring to go west to Fort Dodge, Iowa. He served 
one year as surveyor in that locality, and later followed similar work at 
Homer, in the same state. In the spring of 1857 he returned to Fort Dodge 
and for a few months surveyed lands for entry. In the fall of the same 
year he accepted a position in the government land office, under W. H. 
Merritt, with whom he continued until the latter's removal from office. 
Then John M. Stockdale succeeded to the office, and Mr Gilchrist remained 
with him until 1859. 

He then went into Missouri and took up a government claim, which he 
improved in various ways. Shortly after the Civil War broke out both the 
Union and Confederate armies camped upon his land and destroyed all his 
improvements, which had cost so much money and labor. Feeling himself a 
ruined man, he returned to Wheeling with the intention of working again at 
his old trade. About the time of his arrival here a military custom house 
and store were established in the city, and he was tendered a position 
clerk. He retained that position under several chiefs, among them Messrs. 
Hornbrook, O'Brien and Holliday, and in 1877 was himself appointed chief, 
and served as such until 1883. Mr. Gilchrist then turned his attention to 
surveying and abstracting. He made a most complete abstract of all the 
lots in the city of Wheeling, and also of land in the surrounding country, 
and it was through the purchase of these records that the Wheeling Tile & 
Trust Company secured the nucleus of its abstracts. 

June 14, 1855, Mr. Gilchrist was joined in marriage with Mary R. Eichbaum, 
and their union was blessed with three children, namely: George R. E., 
Adelaide K. and James H. Adelaide K. was born September 13, 1859, in 
Wheeling. Early in life she showed a marked genius in art, and no expense 
was spared in developing this talent; she was instructed by the best 
masters to be found in St. Louis and New York. Just as her education was 
nearing its completion and her prospects seemed brightest, she was 
stricken with disease, to which she succumbed September 19, 1899. This 
caused profound sorrow in the homestead. James H. was born in 1866, and 
was completing his education in the University of Virginia,--having almost 
finished the course,--when he fell a victim to typhoid fever and died in 
1891. 

George R. E. Gilchrist, the eldest son and only surviving child, was born 
January 8, 1857. After graduating at Wooster, Ohio, he took a law course 
at the University of Virginia, and is now a successful attorney-at-law in 
Wheeling. He succeeded his father as examiner of records for Ohio county, 
and in him many hopes are centered. The family unite in worshipping at the 
Protestant Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Gilchrist was an 
old-line Whig prior to 1860, when he became a member of the Republican 
party, to which he still adheres. 



CHARLES H. CRUMBACKER, a highly respected citizen of Valley Grove, Ohio 
county, West Virginia, was born in Wheeling in 1833, and is a son of 
Charles H. Crumbacker, Sr., a grandson of Jonas Crumbacker and great-
grandson of Peter Crumbacker. 

Peter Crumbacker was a pioneer settler of Pennsylvania, and lost his life 
while crossing a stream on one of the primitive foot-bridges of those 
days. Jonas Crumbacker, his son, was a physician and druggist, and lived 
to the age of seventy-two years. 

Charles H. Crumbacker, Sr., father of the subject hereof, was born in 
Maryland, where he became a druggist. He removed to Wheeling, and for a 
number of years was one of the prominent druggists of the city. His 
children were: Charles H.; Daniel, who is in the rolling mill at Wheeling; 
George, who is a contractor of Wheeling; Matilda D.; Eliza Ann; and John 
H. 

Charles H. Crumbacker, the subject of this sketch, married Amanda 
Virginius Wims, a daughter of Henry and Ann Wims. Henry Wims died in 1886, 
at an advanced age, having lived a useful life. His widow was ninety years 
old at the time of her death, in 1891. Three children were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Crumbacker, namely: Charles Lee, forty-one years old, who is living 
at home and attending to the farm; George F., aged thirty-eight years, who 
is in Maryland, working on a telephone line; and William A., twenty-one 
years old who is a barber by trade, and still lives at home. 

Mr. Crumbacker has many warm friends in Valley Grove, and in Ohio county, 
where he is universally esteemed for his many admirable traits of 
character. 



ALOSIOUS HERMAN WEISS is well known as a public spirited citizen of 
Triadelphia, Ohio county, West Virginia, and is a traveling merchant, 
dealing in produce, such as butter, eggs, etc., which he purchases from 
the farmers in his vicinity, and sells in the market at nearby cities. Mr. 
Weiss is a son of John Weiss, who was also a merchant, and he was born in 
Triadelphia, Ohio county, in 1862. His mental training was limited, as he 
attended the schools of his native place only until he was old enough to 
be a help to his father: then he sold goods to customers in Wheeling until 
1890, when he started into business for himself. From the start he has met 
with great success, and while continuing the business he has built for 
himself one of the nicest little cottages in Triadelphia, and resides in 
it with his family, in the center of town. 

He chose for his wife Anna Robrecht, a daughter of Charles and Louisa 
(Rust) Robrecht, both natives of Germany, who came here late in the 
"fifties." Mr Robrecht made a success of farming and gardening, and is 
still living, at the age of seventy-two years. The subject of this sketch 
and his wife were married in 1889. Five children have brightened their 
home, as follows: Angela, born July 28, 1890; Charles, born April 30, 
1892; John, born February 16, 1894; Elwood, who was born July 21, 1896, 
and died April 15, 1898; and Lewis, who was born September 3, 1898. 

In politics Mr. Weiss is a Republican, and served as a member of the town 
council for four terms. His family favor the Catholic church. He is an 
honest, law-abiding citizen, who will always be found on the side of truth 
and sound morality. 



CHARLES F. MILLER is the enterprising proprietor of a flourishing hotel at 
Point Mills, where he is widely known to the traveling public as a genial 
and accommodating host and as a gentleman of sterling qualities. 

He was born at Fulton, Ohio county, West Virginia, December 23, 1866, and 
is a son of J. F. and Hannah Miller. The former was born in Germany, and 
came to this country when but a child, accompanied by his parents. Most of 
his life has been spent in farming, but he returned to Wheeling and is 
living there now at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Hannah Miller 
was also a native of Germany, and when quite young came to the United 
States; she is now sixty-four years old. Charles F. Miller received his 
mental training in the common schools of Wheeling. At the early age of 
fifteen years he left his home, went to Kentucky, and worked for two years 
in the transfer business. 

Subsequently he returned to Martin's Ferry, Ohio, and there accepted a 
position in the large iron factory to anneal sheet iron; for one year he 
remained there and then he became a guard in the workhouse, and later a 
guard in the West Virginia State Penitentiary, where he stayed two years. 
He next served as jailer of Ohio county for two years. In January, 1900, 
he went to Point Mills, and has since kept the hotel which he is now 
conducting. 

Mr. Miller chose for his wife Emma Strabe, a daughter of Charles Strabe, a 
native of Germany, who came to the United States early in life and died at 
the age of forty-seven years. Her mother is still living. Two children 
brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Miller, namely: Walter C., born December 
10, 1893, and Charles F., born November 25, 1896. The family favor the 
German Evangelical Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Miller is a 
Republican. His influence is cast on the side of high moral principles and 
strict integrity, and he has the utmost respect for true Christianity, 
which impels a man to recognize his brother in all relations of life. He 
enjoys the esteem, confidence and ctionaffe of a wide circle of friends, 
who delight to do him honor. 



GEORGE JACOB HARTLIEB, a farmer of Ohio county, three miles from 
Triadelphia, West Virginia, who is held in high esteem wherever he is 
known, and who is a fair example of the kind of men who have built up this 
part of the Mountain state, was brought into the world in 1860. He was 
born in Ohio county, and is a son of Jeremiah Hartlieb, a native of 
Germany. 

When a young man Jeremiah Hartlieb immigrated to the United States and 
soon found himself without any money in the city of Philadelphia. He 
obtained work to earn enough to pay his fare to Wheeling, where he desired 
to make his home, and on his arrival in Wheeling worked in the gas works 
most diligently and faithfully for four years, saved his hard-earned 
wages, and then moved to Benwood, where he was employed for a year or more 
and soon was able to buy him a team of horses, a wagon, etc. His next move 
was to rent a farm on shares, and during the winter months he followed 
teaming, continuing in this way for two years, when he removed to Peter's 
Run, and purchased a 93-acre farm, three miles from the National Road. The 
farm was in an unimproved condition, and Mr. Hartlieb was kept busy the 
remainder of his life cultivating it properly, building a house and paying 
the balance due. Some twenty years ago he built an addition on his first 
house, making it two stories in heighth, with 11 rooms. It stands today as 
the finest and largest farm house in the surrounding country. Mr. Hartlieb 
died in 1894, at the age of seventy-five years and made a success of his 
life in every sense of the word. 

George Jacob Hartlieb, subject of this sketch, has resided on the farm all 
his life, assisted his father in making improvements, and on succeeding to 
it after his father's death purchased the interest of the other heirs. He 
now owns the old home, and may justly be proud of his inheritance. The 
farm consists of a number of hills, and on the highest of these hills is 
the large farm house, which he has recently had nicely painted. There one 
may look over the valley below to the hills beyond, viewing an ever 
changing scene, never tiring of the beauty which meets the eye. The yard 
is tastefully fenced with a beautiful green hedge, containing upwards of 
225 arbor-vitae shrubs. Since he has had possession of the farm, Mr. 
Hartlieb has made many improvements, such as planting an orchard of 100 
pear trees, 50 apple trees, 75 peach trees, a number of cherry trees, 75 
quince trees, 30 plum trees; in connection with this orchard, he has set 
out a vineyard of 600 grape vines, of the best variety. On top of the 
hill, near the house is a large spring which never fails; this he has 
enclosed and surrounded by a spring house, in which is kept the milk and 
butter. 

December 10, 1885, our subject was united in marriage with Katherine 
Larseh, a daughter of Simon Larseh, who immigrated to this country from 
Germany at the age of fifty-two years, and followed the trade of a 
gardener. He died December 29, 1899, at the age of seventy-one years, ten 
months, and fifteen days. His wife, Elizabeth Larseh, died in 1901 at the 
age of seventy-two years. Four children brightened the home of our subject 
and his wife: Catherine, aged fourteen; Louis, now twelve years old; 
Flora, aged ten years; and George, who is eight. They are all at home and 
attend school regularly. The family are devoted members of the German 
Evangelical Lutheran church. 

In politics, Mr. Hartlieb is an ardent Democrat; he has served for three 
terms as school director, and is now road surveyor, which position he has 
held satisfactorily for the past six years. Mr. Hartlieb has always been a 
man of sound judgment and good understanding, and has exerted a marked 
influence is his section. He has become a prosperous citizen as a natural 
result of his thrift and industry. Along social and political lines he is 
very energetic, and is a man whose ideas and opinions are sought for as 
having real weight. 



AUGUST PESTENGER, one of Elm Grove's most honored and prosperous citizens, 
has worked his way gradually to the top of the ladder, and is truly a self-
made man. He is a son of Christian and Theresa Pestenger, and was born in 
Germany in 1840. His father was a prosperous merchant, who died at the age 
of sixty-nine years, in 1883. His mother is also deceased. 

August Pestenger came to this country with his parents, in 1879; he 
located in Wheeling, West Virginia, and a little later in life became a 
miner, and worked underground for many years. His hard earned wages he 
saved until 1885, when he purchased a house and lot in Elm Grove. This 
house was fitted up as a boarding house and refreshments were provided for 
weary travelers who happened to pass along the National Road. This under-
taking proved a great success, and he remained in it until he had acquired 
a competence on which to live the remainder of his life as a retired 
citizen. 

In May, 1901, he gave his son control of the business, although he still 
retained the realty, and purchased some lots in Elm Grove, where he 
erected a two-story dwelling, supplied with all modern conveniences,--a 
beautiful house,--and retired to spend the rest of his days in peace. He 
has been twice married; his first marriage was with Anna Baar, who bore 
him three children,--Anna, Mary, and Joseph, all of whom are deceased, as 
is also the mother. In 1867, Mr. Pestenger married again; this time, he 
was united with Paulina Godar, who bore him 11 children, as follows: Max; 
Mary; Paul; Alfred; Anna; Hedwig; Anna; Agnes; August; Alfred and Celia. 
All are deceased with the exception of one son and one daughter. Alfred, 
the son, succeeded his father in hotel business, and his daughter Celia 
brightens her father's home. The family were reared in the Catholic faith. 

In politics, Mr. Pestenger is a Democrat of decided opinions. He has been 
a member of the German Pioneer Society for the past twelve years. His life 
has been one of active service, and he deserves the rest he has earned. 



MRS. MARGARET MURRIN, widow of Thomas Murrin, was born in Steubenville, 
Ohio, June 3, 1843, and is a daughter of Casper and Anna M. (Birthheimer) 
Youngman. 

Casper Youngman was born in Germany in 1812, and died July 13, 1881, at 
the age of sixty-eight years. He followed farming throughout his entire 
life. Religiously, he was a member of the German Evangelical Lutheran 
church. He married Anna M. Birthheimer, who was born in Germany, and died 
March 7, 1888, at the age of seventy-six years. They had three children, 
as follows: William, a gardener at Elm Grove; Margaret, the subject of 
this biography; and Philip, who is a heater at the Riverside Plate Mill, 
Wheeling. 

Margaret Youngman was joined in marriage, December 31, 1862, with Thomas 
Murrin, who was born in 1839, in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and was a 
son of John and Lydia Murrin, the former a native of Ireland, and the 
latter of England. Both his parents are deceased. His mother having died 
in 1885. Thomas Murrin was eight years of age when brought to Wheeling by 
his parents. He attended public school at Wheeling, after which he worked 
in the Top Mills. He continued there about eight years, after which he 
went to work in the Benwood Iron Works, where he remained for several 
years. He then engaged at the Dewey Mill, located in Wheeling, between 
Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth streets, as a boiler, and several years 
later was made manager of that department of the mill, which was 
subsequently removed to Benwood and known as the Riverside Plate Mill. He 
served as manager of the plate mill for more than thirty years, and upon 
his death, March 17, 1901, was succeeded by his son, William C. He was a 
member of the Third Presbyterian church and at the time of his death was a 
member of the board of trustees. Fraternally he was a member of the 
Ancient Order of United workmen. He was a Republican in politics. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Murrin became the parents of nine children, as 
follows: Lydia A., born June 30, 1865, who married Frank H. Krebs, a 
liveryman of Wheeling; William C., born April 22, 1867, who occupies the 
position at the Riverside Plate Mill so long held by his father, and who 
married Annie C. Umpleby, born in Garrison county, Ohio, September 10, 
1868, and a daughter of James M. and Margaret Umpleby; Jessie L., born 
September 4, 1869, who married Albert C. Krebs, an employee in the 
Riverside Mills; James P., born September 8, 1871, who married Estella 
Voitle, a daughter of Fred and Elizabeth Voitle, and works at the 
Riverside Mills; Thomas H., born January 23, 1874, who works at the 
Riverside Mills; Delbert O., born January 27, 1876, who also works there; 
Edward, born February 15, 1878, who died in 1879. Harry E., born June 3, 
1880, who works at the Riverside mills; and Elmer E., born May 28, 1885, 
who is attending school. The family are members of the Third Presbyterian 
church. Mrs. Murrin's residence in Wheeling extends over a period of many 
years, and in this time she has formed many intimate and lasting 
friendships. Thomas Murrin was a man of high principles and excellent 
traits of character, and was loved and respected by all with whom he was 
acquainted. A portrait of Mr. Murrin accompanies this sketch. 



E. G. CRAFT, for many years engaged in the cooper's trade in Triadelphia, 
Ohio county, West Virginia, has made a success in that line, and is held 
in high esteem by all in his community. He is a son of George and 
Elizabeth (Kignons) Craft, and was born at Triadelphia, September 27, 
1835. 

George Craft was a native of Brooke county, Virginia (now West Virginia), 
and was engaged in making jars, in connection with the cooper's trade, 
which was his sole occupation during his life of sixty-three years. 
Michael Craft, father of George, was the first tax collector of Ohio 
county, in the latter years of the eighteenth century. George Craft was 
united in marriage with Elizabeth Kignons, a daughter of John Kignons, who 
was a successful farmer on the farm his great-grandfather purchased in 
1735. This great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and 
members of the family also served in the war of 1812, and were buried in 
the cemetery of the Stone Presbyterian church used during the last 
century. E. G. Craft was the fifth child in the large family born to 
George and Elizabeth Craft. Among them were: John, Michael, George and 
Cordelia, who died in early childhood; and Rachael and Elizabeth, who died 
recently,--the former, in 1894, the latter, in 1898. Those still living 
besides E. G. are,--Samuel, now eighty-three years of age; Harrison, who 
is still engaged in the coopering trade at the age of sixty-seven years; 
and two sister, Mary Jane and Hannah, both of whom are married and live in 
Ohio. 

At the age of fourteen years, E. G. Craft left home to work on a farm for 
Mr. Carter, where he remained for the next seven years. When twenty-one 
years old, he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed in connection 
with the carpenter business for twenty-five years, and was very 
successful. He built a shop in Triadelphia, and in 1889 enlarged it, and 
added an engine, and machinery for the manufacture of barrel hoops and 
nail-keg staves. He has the credit of making the first nail-keg used in 
the oldest nail factory in Ohio county, fifty-one years ago. 

Mr. Craft was united in marriage with Mary Branstroop, daughter of William 
Branstroop, a native of Germany and a contractor of note. To them were 
born a number of children, among whom are,--George, who died at the early 
age of four years; Virginia, who died aged two years; Frank, who is a 
resident of Wheeling; John, a carpenter by trade; Narcissus G., who is a 
painter; Albert, who is still at home; Mary, who is married and resides in 
Wheeling, West Virginia; Elizabeth; Minnetta; Charles; and Clinton, 
residents of Triadelphia. 

The subject of this sketch and his worthy wife have been active members of 
the M. E. church for more than a quarter of a century. 



JOHN DOLAN, a prominent and representative citizen of Roney's Point, West 
Virginia, is proprietor of the Stone Hotel at that place, and enjoys 
success in his chosen occupation. He is a native of Ireland, and was born 
June 25, 1846. 

When but eight years of age, Mr. Dolan immigrated to the United States and 
came directly to Wheeling. He found employment in the rolling mills and 
continued his work there until he was appointed city sergeant, in Benwood 
for a year. After leaving his position as city sergeant, he spent one year 
in the saloon business in that city, and again removed to Wheeling, where 
he did a successful business in the same line at No. 3710 Jacob street. In 
1891, he purchased the Stone Hotel at Roney's Point, which he has since 
conducted with the best results. 

John Dolan married Mary Burr, a daughter of Jacob Burr, who was a 
shoemaker by trade, and died in 1900, at the age of seventy-five years. 
The marriage took place in 1868, and was blessed with a number of 
children, eight of whom are now living, namely: John; Michael; Maggie; 
Barney; James; Lucella; Geneva and William. John was born January 27, 
1871, and is at work on a stock farm. Michael, born March 22, 1873, is a 
teamster at Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Maggie, born in 1875, is the wife 
of Frank Helfenbine. Barney, born in 1877, is a teamster for a Wheeling 
bakery, and is married. James, born in 1880, is helping his father at 
home. Lucella, born four years later, and is also at home. Geneva is 
eleven years old, and William, nine years, and both are attending school. 
The family are devout members of the Catholic church. 

The subject of this sketch belongs to the Democratic party. He is a good 
business man, accommodating in disposition, and is liked and respected by 
all who know him. 



JOHN YEASTED, who is practically retired from business activities and 
resides at Elm Grove, was elected on the People's ticket in January, 1900, 
a member of the town council and was chairman of the committees on streets 
and alleys, and petitions. He was born in Germany, September 19, 1851, and 
is a son of Peter Yeasted. 

Peter Yeasted was born in Germany, and came to this country in 1853, and 
followed the occupation of farmer. Careful and saving in habits, he 
finally purchased a farm which he owned until the day of his death, at 
seventy-two years. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Schonedice. 
Besides John, they had another son, Adam. 

John Yeasted was two years of age, when in 1853 he was brought to this 
country by his parents. His early mental training was obtained in the 
common schools, and at the age of seventeen years he began working out by 
the day, which he continued until his marriage, in 1873. He then worked 
the old home farm, and after his father's death purchased the outstanding 
interests of the heirs. He now owns the old place and resided upon it 
until 1898, when he purchased land in Elm Grove, and built a handsome 10-
room residence. His home is modern in all its details, and is equipped 
with all modern conveniences. He has also built other houses in Elm Grove, 
which he rents. He is a man of high standing in his home town, and enjoys 
the esteem and respect of all. 

April 17, 1873, Mr. Yeasted was joined in matrimony with Lourena Jane 
Betzer, who was born January 5, 1853, and is a daughter of Andrew and 
Eliza (Edwards) Betzer. Her father was born in Germany, and early in life 
came to this country and became a successful farmer. Her mother was of 
English descent; both are deceased. Fraternally Mr. Yeasted is a member of 
Mystic Lodge, No. 24, K. of P., having joined it in 1884. Religiously he 
and his wife are members of the Stone Presbyterian church. 



JOHN A. BARR, a worthy citizen and resident farmer of Triadelphia, Ohio 
county, West Virginia, was born in Marshall county, Virginia, March 31, 
1843, and is a direct descendant of General Barr of the Revolutionary 
fame, who distinguished himself by his bravery and was promoted under the 
illustrious Washington. Alexander Barr, the father of John A., was born in 
Pennsylvania in 1806, and was a blacksmith by trade. His death took place 
October 19, 1865. 

John A. Barr attended the public schools, and upon leaving school still 
remained at home with his parents, and began to learn the butcher's trade. 
August 14, 1862, he enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company F, 
50th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., and served until the successful termination of 
that bitter conflict. He was in camp at Fort Denison, Cincinnati, and his 
regiment was first ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, to oppose General 
Bragg's forces. They met in a hard fight, at Perryville, and Mr. Barr was 
wounded by the bursting of a shell, which caused him, ever afterward, to 
use his left eye for sighting his gun. They then followed General Morgan's 
forces through Kentucky to the Ohio River, where they were ordered to 
guard the railroad tracks, and continued thus for about two months. Then 
they were ordered to Nashville, Tennessee, where they did foraging for the 
whole army. In the dead of winter, they were ordered across the Cumberland 
Mountains, and on New Year's Eve ate their supper, which consisted of 
hardtack, on the top of the mountains. All the troops had some portion of 
their bodies frozen during this trip, so intense was the cold, Mr. Barr 
had his feet frozen. It was early spring before they reached Knoxville, 
and they were again put to guarding railroads, and remained on this duty 
until ordered to join the 23rd Army Corps. Then they followed General 
Hood's forces for 40 miles, and fought every day. At Franklin, they had a 
hard battle, and the Union forces killed and wounded 4,500 of Hood's men 
in thirty minutes; the Union loss was also heavy, and every officer in our 
subject's company down to the 7th corporal was wounded. In this battle 
Hood got the best of the Union army and drove them back of the old 
breastworks at Nashville. The Union army, however, soon received 
reinforcements, regained what they had lost, and followed Hood in his 
retreat 18 miles to Franklin. Mr. Barr was also in the Atlanta campaign. 
His regiment was ordered to Paducah, Tennessee, and from there back to 
Fort Denison, Cincinnati, where it was mustered out, in May, 1865. 

In 1866, Mr. Barr was joined in marriage with Mary Baird, a daughter of 
Thomas and Sarah (Ewing) Baird, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Mr. 
and Mrs. Barr have no children. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Barr 
purchased 20 acres of land in the vicinity of Triadelphia, and this has 
been his home ever since. He is a Republican in his political belief. 



JAMES BAIRD, after many years of activity in the business world, is now 
living a retired life at Elm Grove, Ohio county, West Virginia. He was 
successfully engaged in the meat business in the city of Wheeling for 
thirty-one years, and during that time laid by a handsome competency, 
which will enable him to spend the remainder of his life in the quiet and 
peace of retirement. He was born in Ohio county, West Virginia, on a farm 
near Elm Grove and is a son of James Baird. 

James Baird, Sr., was born in Ohio county, and died at the early age of 
thirty years. His father, Thomas, was a farmer by occupation, and died at 
an advanced age. James Baird, Sr., was united in marriage with Eliza 
Garrison, who died at the age of sixty-four years. 

James Baird, the subject of this sketch, received but a limited schooling, 
and at an early age left the farm to earn his now living. He developed 
studious habits and early began to save his earnings while on the farm. He 
accumulated sufficient money by the time he became of age to start a meat 
business in Wheeling, which he carried on successfully for thirty-one 
years. After this long and successful career, he sold out his business 
with the intention of retiring from active life, and moved to Elm Grove, 
where he purchased a residence. He has also purchased other property in 
the town which he rents. In 1899, he was elected to the town council, and 
placed on the committees of finance and streets and alleys. He was re-
elected in 1900, and is serving on the committee on finance. He was also 
nominated, on the Democratic ticket for legislature, but went down to 
defeat with the remainder of the ticket. He has been very active in 
politics for a number of years, and has always been and enthusiastic 
supporter of the Democratic party. Several years ago, he purchased a farm 
of 150 acres, which proved to have underlying veins of coal. He has since 
sold the rights to the coal but retains the farming rights to all but 60 
acres of it. He has served two years as county commissioner. 

Mr. Baird was married December 25, 1870, to Annie Kimmins, a daughter of 
Thomas and Jane (Stuart) Kimmins. Her father, who was born in 
Pennsylvania, was a tanner by trade, and died at the early age of thirty 
years. Her mother is still living at the advanced age of eighty-three 
years. Mr. and Mrs. Baird are the parents of four children: Hallie, born 
January 19, 1871; Carrie, who was born February 29, 1872 and died in 
November, 1900; Edwin, born June 29, 1874; and Annie May, who was born in 
October, 1876, and died in April, 1898. The family attends the Stone 
Presbyterian church of Elm Grove, of which Mr. and Mrs. Baird have been 
active members for more than thirty years. He was elected to represent the 
church in the general assembly at Philadelphia, in May, 1901. Fraternally 
he is a member of Mystic Lodge, No., 24, K. of P., of which he has been an 
active member for a quarter of a century, having served in all of its 
chairs. He has represented this order in the general assembly upon two 
different occasions. He joined Triadelphia Lodge, No. 65, I.O.O.F., in 
1896. 



G. F. HARTLIEB, who for many years was proprietor of the old stone road-
house located at Elm Grove, on the National Road, is now living in 
retirement. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and is a son of Jeremiah 
Hartlieb. Mr. Hartlieb was four years of age when his parents moved to 
this country, coming over in a sailing ship in fifty-seven days. He 
distinctly remembers in regard to this voyage that the captain took a 
great interest in him, showing him over the ship and explaining things. 
These circumstances were indelibly impressed upon his young mind. They 
landed in Philadelphia, remained there nine months, and then moved to 
Wheeling, where the father became foreman in the gas works. Tiring of city 
life, Jeremiah Hartlieb rented a farm in the country, near Benwood, on 
which he remained one year; he then moved to Peter's Run, where he rented 
a farm for years. He next purchased a 93-acre farm and lived upon it until 
his death, in 1894, at the age of seventy-five years. 

G. F. Hartlieb attended the public schools, and remained with his father 
until he was twenty-three years of age. He then worked as a gardner one 
summer and the following year rented a farm for two years. He then 
purchased that farm and resided upon it for nine years. He sold out and 
purchased the stone road-house at Elm Grove, an historic old place which 
was built in 1818, at the time the National Road was constructed through 
this valley. It has been kept as a hotel from that time to the present, 
and is in an excellent state of repair. Mr. Hartlieb, after making the 
purchase, conducted the place for a period of seventeen years in a highly 
successful manner. He then concluded to retire from active business, and 
rented the establishment in April, 1901. He moved into a 10-room house 
situated on three acres of land, which he had previously purchased for 
that purpose, making a comfortable home in which he and his wife can spend 
the remainder of their days in quiet enjoyment. 

Mr. Hartlieb was united in marriage October 26, 1871, to Rosa Schrader, a 
daughter of Nicholas Schrader, who was a farmer by occupation, and they 
became the parents of seven children, as follows: Mary R., born November 
9, 1873; Elizabeth, born February 23, 1878; Rosa, born November 26, 1880; 
Emma, born March 11, 1882; Frederick W., born September 26, 1883; Nellie 
M., born May 20, 1885; and Nicholas J., born November 4, 1886. The family 
attend the Presbyterian church. Fraternally Mr. Hartlieb is a member of 
Humboldt Lodge, No. 2, Knights of Pythias, and of the German Pioneer 
Society of Wheeling. 



J. L. KIMMINS, who is extensively engaged in the manufacture of carriages 
and wagons, founded his present establishment in Elm Grove in 1878, and is 
one of the most prominent men of the town. He was born in Dallas, Marshall 
county, West Virginia, and is a son of Andrew H. Kimmins. Andrew H. 
Kimmins was a very successful farmer and stockman, who died at the age of 
seventy-four years. His father was born in Scotland and was engaged in 
farming throughout his life, dying at the age of seventy-five years. Mrs. 
Mary (Chambers) Kimmins, mother of J. L. Kimmins, died at the age of 
eighty-three years. J. L. Kimmins obtained his education in the public 
schools and in Waynesburg College, in which he completed a course of two 
years. He then moved to Wheeling and conducted an auction store for one 
year. Not finding this congenial to his tastes, he sold out and stayed on 
a farm for six months, after which he started a wagon shop at Dallas. 
There he gained the experience which has been the foundation of his 
present success. In 1878, he began the manufacture of carriages and wagons 
at Elm Grove, and did general blacksmithing. During the first year he 
manufactured but 10 vehicles, but during the following six years his 
business was wonderfully increased. Then, because of failing health, he 
sold out to J. M. McCurdy, who continued the business for thirteen years. 
He went to California for his health, remained out of business for three 
years, and then conducted a general merchandise store at Elm Grove. He 
made a success of his store, but his health again failed him and he was 
obliged to sell out. He then became traveling representative for the 
Wheeling Corrugating Company, his territory expanding over a large part of 
the United States. Upon recovering his health he left the road, at the 
solicitation of his family, and purchased the establishment he had 
previously sold to Mr. McCurdy. The plant was not in the best of 
condition, and he immediately tore down the old shop, and erected a two-
story building, which when completed, had 7500 feet of floor-space. Two 
years later the great increase in business compelled him to build an 
addition, increasing the floor space by 3,000 square feet. During the past 
year he has had more than 100 jobs, some of them the finest the county 
produced. In addition to the carriage and wagon factory and general 
supplies, he carries a line of lumber and is engaged in plumbing, and gas 
and steam fitting. He has a well established trade, and enjoys the respect 
and high esteem of every one with whom he comes in contact, both in 
business and the private walks of life. 

Mr. Kimmins was united in marriage to Eliza Kerston, a daughter of Henry 
Kerston, and they became the parents of the following children: Harry; 
Sarah; Mary; Andrew; Helen; and Olive, who died in childhood. He has just 
completed a modern 10-room home, a model of convenience and good 
arrangement, and in this he expects to spend the remainder of his life. He 
is a member of Mystic Lodge, No. 24, K. of P., and was reared in the 
Presbyterian faith. 



JOHN DUNCAN, grandfather of J. C was born in Ohio, of Scotch ancestry, and 
was one of the noted Presbyterians of his day; he lived to reach the 
advanced age of ninety years. Robert Duncan, father of J. C., was born at 
Fairview, Ohio, and learned the trade of a tailor, which he followed until 
his death, at the early age of thirty years. 

J. C. Duncan attended the subscription schools, and only ones then in the 
neighborhood, and was nine years of age when his father died, and he was 
obliged to partially support himself. He remained with his mother, and at 
the age of nineteen years took charge of the old farm and his mother's 
interests, there being three sisters to rear and educate. In 1883, he 
moved to Elm Grove, Ohio County, West Virginia, and conducted a general 
store in a most successful manner for three years. He then conceived the 
idea of going into the well-drilling and pump business, which he did under 
the firm name of Woods, Duncan & Atkinson, which partnership existed for 
four years. He then purchased the interest of his partners and has since 
conducted the business alone. He is a man of sterling worth and integrity, 
and is held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens. 

In 1872, Mr. Duncan was united in marriage with Ellen J. Kimmins, a 
daughter of William and Jane (Little) Kimmins. Her father was a farmer by 
occupation and lived to reach the age of seventy years. Her grandfather, 
Samuel Kimmins, was born in Ohio, was a successful farmer, and died at the 
age of eighty-five years. Mrs. Jane (Little) Kimmins, mother of Mrs. 
Duncan, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died at the age of seventy 
years. Three children blessed this union: Wilbert L., born in 1873, is a 
painter by trade, and has been town recorder for four years; Elbridge Roy, 
born February 25, 1890; and Lurline B., born December 27, 1891. 
Fraternally, the subject of this sketch is a member of Mystic Lodge, No. 
24, K. of P., and in religious attachment, he is a member of the Stone 
Presbyterian Church. 



ALBERT EIKEY, engineer of the Elm Grove Coal Company, located at Elm 
Grove, Ohio County, West Virginia, possesses natural mechanical ability 
and has filled his present post of duty for the past two years. He was 
born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1874. 

His father, Charles Eikey, was a puddler by trade, and is still an active 
man. He served four years in the army during the Civil War, as a member of 
an Ohio regiment, and participated in many battles. Few of the regiment 
who originally enlisted are now left; many were wounded or taken 
prisoners, many died in battle or during the conflict, and others have 
passed away since it's close. Albert Eikey's paternal grandfather served 
in the same war and is still living, having reached the age of eighty-five 
years. He is supported by a pension from the government, which he richly 
deserves. He was a native of Germany, but in early manhood sought and 
found a permanent home in America. 

Albert Eikey obtained a limited mental training in the public schools, 
which he attended until he was fourteen years old, when he became self 
supporting. He did odd jobs at anything he could obtain, but the bent of 
his mind was for machinery and later he found employment with the Wheeling 
Street Railway Company, applying himself so closely to the running of the 
plant that he was finally employed as night fireman, which position he 
held for five years. Subsequently he accepted an offer from the Wheeling & 
Elm Grove Water Works to assist in running the engine. 

Two years ago Mr. Eikey accepted his present position as engineer for the 
Elm Grove Coal Company. The company mines about 600 tons of coal daily, 
and employs 125 men. Mr. Eikey has exclusive control of it's big hoisting 
engine that brings the coal from the mine, 90 feet deep, to the surface; 
he also has charge of the stationary engine, which supplies air to the men 
at work in the mine. The large engine is a 60-horsepower engine. The 
latter is a 10-horsepower engine, which runs two pumps, with a cylinder to 
each pump, throws a four inch stream of water night and day, and pumps the 
accumulated waters out of the mine. 



JAMES HENRY EMBLEN, a real estate dealer of prominence in Wheeling, West 
Virginia, whose portrait is presented herewith, has followed that line of 
business since 1886, and has an office at No. 824 Market Street. He was 
born in the city of Wheeling January 27, 1847, and is a son of James 
Emblen, a wagon maker by trade, who was born in 1816 and died in 1889. 

The subject of this biography was educated in the public schools of his 
native city and subsequently served as army cook and ambulance driver in 
the Army of the Potomac, being afterward appointed dispatch carrier for 
the Cumberland Department at Nashville, Tennessee, also acting in the 
capacity of sutler in the United States Army. After leaving the army 
service he went to Mexico where he had an experience rarely equaled and 
full of excitement and peril. May 18, 1866, with 25 other Americans, he 
was taken prisoner by the Mexicans as land trespassers, being confined for 
two months at Tehuilotepec; later they were all released on parole at 
Tuxtepec. In company with an Alabama man, Mr. Emblen obtained work some 
distance from the latter place, working two or three weeks for a Creole 
for 18 cents per day. They tired of this, however, and went back to 
Tuxtepec, where they fell in with some 10 other Americans and Mr. Emblen 
obtained work at a cotton-gin at 25 cents per day. They all planned to 
make their escape from the country by going down the river by night. 
Preparations for the journey were made, Mr. Emblen expending all his money 
for bread. When the time for starting arrived, all but three of the party 
deserted, stealing the bread and taking it with them. Undaunted and 
without food, the remaining three, our subject being one, stole a canoe 
and started on their journey down the river. The stream was rapid and rain 
fell for two hours, but by daylight they had covered a distance of 60 
miles. Reaching an island, they landed and followed an Indian trail. An 
old Indian woman gave them something to eat and a mat on which to sleep. 
The following evening they took a fresh start down the river and pulled at 
the paddles steadily all night and the following morning. Reaching a 
banana patch they pulled ashore only to find the place occupied by 
soldiers, deserters from Maximilian's army. Mr. Emblen and his companions 
had no alternative but to surrender and trust to luck. The general gave 
them both money and horses to continue their journey around Tlacotalpan to 
Alvarado, where they remained ten days, going later to the city of Vera 
Cruz. At the last named place, Mr. Emblen called upon the American consul, 
who promised him a situation as a reporter, but failing to receive that 
appointment, he shipped as a stowaway on the same vessel that Maximilian's 
wife sailed on. It was a big French steamer, with France as it's 
destination. For this offense he was again arrested in Havana and 
continued in Morro Castle, after which the American consul secured his 
release. A sister to General Beauregard gave him shelter and some cloths 
and assisted him to obtain passage back to Baltimore, Maryland. Arriving 
at that place he sold a pair of trousers and with the money purchased a 
ticket for New York. A little later he was again southward bound, working 
as a roustabout on a vessel to Savannah, Georgia, but subsequently 
returned to New York City. Twelve days later he sailed for Aspinwall (now 
Colon), Central America, doubling back to New York. Mr. Emblen left New 
York again with California as his destination. He worked twelve months on 
a farm in that state and seven months in the mines of Nevada, and then, 
having apparently "sowed his wild oats," returned to Wheeling in 1868. He 
followed various occupations for a number of years, such as shoemaker, 
carpenter and wagon-maker, and finally in 1886 embarked in the real estate 
business, which has claimed his attention ever since. 

May 25, 1871, Mr Emblen's marriage with Sarah E. Nichols was consummated. 
She is a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth M. (Robinson) Nichols, and 
her birth occurred December 19, 1852. Mr and Mrs Emblen have five 
children: George D., born June 28, 1872; Albert N., who was born March 19, 
1875; Lillian E., born March 5, 1880; Robert C., born July 13, 1881; and 
Rosella M., born January 5, 1886. The family are members of St. Matthew's 
Protestant Episcopal Church. Mr. Emblen is a Republican. 



PHILIP MAURER, joint proprietor of one of the finest restaurants and 
saloons in the city of Wheeling, West Virginia, is a self-made man of the 
truest type. He was born in West Virginia, July 6, 1867, and is a son of 
Henry and Margaret Maurer, both natives of Germany who immigrated to this 
country in the late "forties". Ten children were born of this union, only 
six of whom are living at the present time. Philip is the youngest and 
only living son, and resides with his mother, his father having died in 
January, 1884. Mr. Maurer was elected in 1899, a member of the second 
branch of the city council to fill the unexpired term of Walter T. Worls, 
and served with so much satisfaction to his people that he was re-elected 
for a full term in 1900. He has served on the following committees,--
finance, railroad claims, remostrances, petitions, and wharfs. 

The early years of Mr. Maurer's life were spent at public school, until he 
attained the age of thirteen years, when he found employment in a barber 
shop, and continued there for two and a half years, until he had learned 
the trade. At the early age of sixteen years, he started a shop of his 
own, which proved to be very successful: conducted it for eight years and 
then sold the business. 

During these years he had joined a building and loan association and had 
taken eight shares, which matured about the time he sold out. The proceeds 
of these, together with the accumulations from the sale of his barber 
shop, gave him a nice sum of money. In 1890, with this money he entered 
into a copartnership with K. Bader, and started one of the finest 
restaurants and saloons in the city, on Market Street. They have continued 
in this business very successfully up to the present time. 

Mr. Maurer was formerly a member of Black Prince Lodge. No. 19. K. Of P., 
and at present belongs to the Berwin-Verein of this city. 



OTTO HESS, who is now in retirement after many successful years spent in 
the butcher business, resides in a beautiful home on the National Road, a 
half mile east of Elm Grove. He was born in Germany April 11, 1834, in the 
old family home in which his ancestors have been born during nearly four 
hundred years. The old home was built by a nobleman in 1535; soon after 
it's completion, he became impoverished and sold it to an ancestor of Mr. 
Hess. It is still owned by the family and near it stands the tannery which 
has been operated by them for many years. 

Mr. Hess is a son of George and Elizabeth (Steller) Hess, natives of 
Germany. The father was a tanner by trade and came to this country with 
his son Otto, with whom he lived until his death. He was born in 1782, and 
he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary just previous 
to his death in 1863. His wife was born in 1792 and also died at the home 
of Otto Hess in 1875. They were the parents of 18 children. 

Otto Hess attended a private school near his old home in Grumberg, 
Germany, until 1847 when he came to this country, landing in New York 
City. There he remained a few days and then moved to Wheeling, West 
Virginia where he learned the trade of a butcher. He followed his trade in 
the employ of others for five years, and in 1852 established a butcher 
shop of his own at the corner of Market and Eleventh Streets, Wheeling, 
the first one in that locality. After remaining there two years he 
followed the same line of business in Fulton two years. He then moved to 
Manchester where he followed the butcher business twenty years, retiring 
in 1880. He sold out to his son George W., who conducted it with much 
success up to the day of his death, which was caused by the accidental 
discharge of a gun. His second son, Herman, then took charge of the shop 
in partnership with Charles B. Lemmon,--the firm name becoming Hess, 
Lemmon & Company. They still conduct it and have a large and well 
established business. In 1880, when Mr. Hess sold out, he purchased the 
Otterson property. He resided in his beautiful home there for twelve 
years, and then sold the premises for park purposes. He purchased his 
present property on the National Road, a half mile from Elm Grove, known 
as the Greer property, and has resided there with his family since. 

January 1, 1857, Mr. Hess was joined in marriage with Margaret Weisgerber, 
and four sons were born to bless this union: George W., born March 10, 
1858; Herman, born April 15, 1860; Lewis, born April 11, 1862; and Otto, 
born February 11, 1864. The mother died July 10, 1865. The father took for 
his second wife Rachel Boger, of Belmont County, Ohio, by whom he had four 
daughters as follows: Emma E., who was born December 11, 1868, and died at 
the age of twelve years; Margaret D., who was born November 7, 1870, and 
died at the age of eight years; Annie E., born January 13, 1872; and Mamie 
C., who was born April 5, 1874 and died seven days after birth. Annie E., 
the only daughter now living, was united in marriage August 8, 1900 with 
Max L. Hess, the florist. Mr. Hess belongs to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church, 
and has been an active and faithful member for more than fifty years. He 
belongs to the German Pioneer Society of Wheeling, which has been in 
existence for twenty years. He is a man of many excellent traits of 
character and has numerous warm friends throughout the county. 



HON. THAYER MELVIN, has always always belonged to the "Panhandle." He was 
born and reared in the village of Fairview in that portion of Brooke 
county, Virginia, which in 1847 became Hancock. His parents wre James and 
Philenia (Thayer) Melvin, the former a Pennsylvanian, of North of Ireland 
stock, and the latter a New Englander, whose people came to Virginia while 
she was young. 

Judge Melvin was the oldest of five children, and received a fair English 
education in the common and high schools of the vicinity. At the age of 
seventeen years, he began the study of law in Fairview, then the county-
seat, and later, in Lisbon, Ohio. He was licensed and admitted to practice 
in 1853, at the early age of eighteen years. He began his legal career in 
his native place, and in 1855, while still in his minority, was elected 
prosecuting attorney of the county. He was elected for full terms in 1856 
and 1860, although from 1857 to 1860 he resided in Wheeling, where he was 
associated with Joseph H. Pendleton, a distinguished lawyer of his day. 
Shortly after the breaking out of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company F, 
1st Reg., W.Va. Vol. Inf., and served for several months as orderly 
sergeant and then as 1st lieutenant. He left his company to accept a 
federal commission as assistant adjutant general of volunteers, filling 
that position until late in 1865. He was then honorably discharged from 
the army, with brevets for meritorious services in the line of duty. 
Locating in Wellsburg in 1866, he was in that year again elected 
prosecuting attorney of Hancock county, and was elected by the republican 
party attorney general of the state. He was again elected two years 
thereafter, to the latter office, and resigned in June, 1869, to accept a 
commission as judge of the First Judicial District. A vacancy had resulted 
from the death of Judge E. H. Caldwell, and the attorneys of the circuit 
had signified to the Governor their desire for his appointment. Before 
this, he had taken up his residence in Wheeling, and under an appointment 
from the Governor had assisted in completing the codification of the laws 
of the state. Subsequently, in 1872, he was elected judge of the same 
district for the full term of eight years. In 1880, he was elected one of 
the two judges to which the circuit had become entitled, Judge George E. 
Boyd being the other successful candidate. Resigning in November of the 
following year, he resumed practice in Wheeling. He became a member of the 
following firms in their order,--Ewing, Melvin & Riley; Ewing, Melvin & 
Ewing, and Melvin & Ewing. In September, 1899, immediately after the death 
of Judge Joseph R. Paull, Judge Melvin was appointed to his old position 
of judge,--again at the instance of the attorneys of the different 
counties,--to fill the vacancy thus occasioned. In the succeeding year, an 
election being in order, he was nominated by both of the prominent 
political parties, and was continued in office by the people, without 
opposition oe dissent. He is still performing judicial duties, and 
gratefully acknowledges the flattering and unanticipated compliments 
bestowed by his brethren of the bar and by the people. 

Politically, Judge Melvin was, at the beginning, a follower of Henry Clay, 
but since the war he has acted with the Republican party, at least on 
national questions. He is not recognized as a partisan, however, and has 
never figured in the political arena, having always preferred to devote 
himself exclusively to the profession of his choice. 



SAMUEL McCLELLAN, JR., deceased, who is well remembered by the older 
citizens of Wheeling as mayor of the city in 1869 and 1870, was a 
prominent man of his day. He was born at Wheeling March 2, 1826, and died 
December 28, 1875. 

Samuel McCellan, Sr., his father, was born in Connecticut in 1795, and 
died at Wheeling in 1860. He moved to Massachusetts early in life, and 
thence to Wheeling, in 1817, where he was in the wholesale trade until 
1853, when he retired from active business life. He was thrice married, 
having by his first wife, on son, Josiah G., who was a prominent attorney 
near Chicago at the time of his death. By his second union he had three 
children, namely; Mrs. George Adams, Samuel, Jr., and Louise. By his third 
marriage, he had two children, namely: Mrs. J. N. Vance, of Wheeling; and 
Rev. Dr. Charles H., of Lakewood, New Jersey. 

Samuel McClellan Jr., was prepared for entry to Williams College by Hon. 
E.W.B. Canning, who was then teaching in Wheeling, from which institution 
he was graduated with second honors, having completed for first honors 
with the well-known W. I. Whitney, of Yale University. His half-brother, 
Josiah G., later took first honors in graduating from Williams College. 
Samuel McClellan Jr., returned to Wheeling after leaving college, and 
entered the wholesale house of his father. He continued the business after 
his father's retirement in 1853, until 1871, when he too retired after 
many years of continued success. In 1869 he was chosen mayor of Wheeling 
on a non-partisan or citizen's ticket, and was re-elected in 1870. While 
serving in this capacity, he had the honor of receiving General Grant, and 
made an address of welcome to that gentleman, in behalf of the citizens of 
Wheeling. He died December 24, 1875, having spent his latter years in 
extensive foreign travel, visiting China and Japan, from which countries 
he wrote descriptive letters to the "Intelligencer," under the nomant 
plume of "Tourist." In 1869, an honorary degree of A.M was conferred upon 
him by his alma mater, of which institution he was always a liberal 
supporter. He was for many years a member of the Presbyterian Church, and 
ever had the reputation of a genial, public spirited and generous citizen. 
He was never married. 



C. J. HUNTER, purchasing agent of the Wheeling Steel & Iron Company, of 
Wheeling, West Virginia, has filled that position since February 1, 1900, 
when he succeeded Alexander Updegraff, who served a short time. Prior to 
that C. C. Woods, now of West Alexander, Pennsylvania, filled the position 
of assistant secretary and treasurer, and also acted as purchasing agent. 
Mr. Hunter attends to the purchasing of all machinery and supplies for the 
company, with the exception of ore and coke. He has been identified with 
the business for eleven years, or since he entered the employ of the 
Benwood Iron Works, in 1890, as a member of the office force. The Benwood 
Iron Works was at a later date consolidated with the Wheeling Steel & Iron 
Company. 

Mr. Hunter is a son of Noah Z and Elizabeth (Berger) Hunter, and is a 
great-grandson of William Shepherd, who came to what is now Wheeling about 
1770, and was one of the earliest pioneer settlers of this section. His 
brother, Col. Robert Shepherd, served on General Washington's staff, and 
this makes C. J. Hunter eligible to the society of Sons of the American 
Revolution. Mr. Hunter's great-grandmother was scalped by the Indians 
several miles south of Wheeling. 

Noah Z. Hunter was born July 26, 1832, and was a very prominent business 
man. He was a brick contractor, and furnished the brick for the state 
house at Charleston, West Virginia; he also built the county infirmary at 
Athens, Ohio. Mr. Hunter was united in marriage with Elizabeth Berger, a 
daughter of the late Jacob Berger. Mr. Berger was born in Switzerland, and 
came to this country when quite young. He proceeded to Wheeling after his 
arrival, and started a tannery on the Island. Some time afterward he took 
Mr. Hoffmann into partnership, under the firm name of Berger and Hoffmann. 
The present firm of John G. Hoffmann & Sons Company, which has continued 
in the business, has now a most extensive plant. C. J. Hunter is one of 
several children, all of whom make their home at Wheeling. Mrs. Hunter is 
still a resident of Wheeling, on the Island. 

Mr. Hunter married Katherine Kuhn, who was a daughter of N. Kuhn, a 
prominent man and an ice dealer of Bridgeport, Ohio. One daughter, 
Katherine Gilmore, blessed this union. 

In politics, the subject of this sketch is a Republican, and is decided in 
his opinions. In fraternal circles he is member of Wheeling Lodge, No. 23, 
A.O.U.W., and has filled all but the highest chairs. Mr. Hunter is a 
highly respected citizen in his sphere of acquaintance and activity. 



JAMES M. DILLON, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of 
Wheeling, West Virginia, is an octogenarian, and has passed seventy-two 
years of his useful life in the "Nail City," and served the city 
efficiently as superintendent of the gas works for a period of sixteen 
years. 

Mr. Dillon was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1819, and is a son of 
Samuel Dillon, who was a member of a prominent Virginia family. Samuel 
Dillon was born in Culpeper County in the Old Dominion State, in 1776. In 
1804 he came to Wheeling, and four years later moved into Ohio and 
followed carpenter work and cabinet-making. He returned to Wheeling about 
1828 and followed carpenter work until 1858, the year in which his death 
occurred. He was always a strong Whig. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Vashti Borton, was a native of New Jersey. She was born in 1793 and lived 
to attain the great age of ninety-one years, passing to her final rest in 
1884. Her marriage was consummated in Oxford township, Guernsey County, 
Ohio, and she and her husband reared nine children, namely; George, 
Rachel; Agnes; William; James M.; Josiah; Benjamin; Alfred and Ezar. James 
M and his brother, Josiah, are the only surviving members of the family. 
The latter resides in a small town near Pittsburgh. 

James M. Dillon was the recipient of but a meager education, and while 
still young found work in a cotton factory; later in life he was 
apprenticed in a brass foundry in Wheeling, whither his parents had moved, 
and he completely mastered the brass worker's trade, and followed that 
occupation for more than thirty years, in all, as a general metal worker. 
In connection with this, in 1837, he began to learn the blacksmith's 
trade, which he also mastered, and thus became doubly proficient as a 
mechanic. 

In 1877, when the city of Wheeling secured control of the gas works, Mr. 
Dillon was appointed superintendent of the works, and retained that 
important position for sixteen years. During that time, he was 
instrumental in building up the plant to such an extent, that the Wheeling 
works were conceded to be among the finest of the kind in America. In 
1888, Mr. Dillon retired from active pursuits, and has since lived a 
quiet, secluded life. 

Mr. Dillon has been twice married, and has been a widower for the past ten 
years. His first union was with Lucy Cunningham of Washington County, 
Pennsylvania. Her death took place in 1854, and she left four children, as 
follows: Mrs. Emma Trimble, who resides with Mr. Dillon; Mrs. Rachel 
Ratcliffe, also fo Wheeling; Edward, who is connected with the Wheeling 
Candy Company; and William, an engineer of St. Louis, Missouri. 

Second union of Mr. Dillon was contracted with Ellen St. Clair, of St. 
Clairsville, Ohio. Seven children were born of this marriage, viz: Kate; 
Thomas; Chester; Jessie; Harry; Abbie; and James. The last three are 
deceased. Socially Mr. Dillon has been allied with the Sons of Temperance 
since 1840; he has been a "teetotaler" all his life, and is proud of it. 
In the early days of his residence in Wheeling, he attended the little old 
M.E. Church, 46 by 25 feet, in dimensions, which will be remembered by 
other pioneer residents, but in February, 1839, he united with the Fourth 
Street M. E. Church, of which he is still an active member. In politics, 
he was first a Whig, and later became a Republican. Mr. Dillon has always 
evinced a deep interest in Wheeling, and has noted with pride it's growth 
and development. As an upright and good citizen, he is receiving his just 
reward in the appreciation of his many excellent qualities by his 
neighbors and friends. 



HON. JAMES PAULL is remembered by the older residents of Wheeling and of 
the state of West Virginia as a prominent attorney, a member of the 
legislature, and at the time of his death, May 11, 1875, in his fifty- 
seventh year, as a judge of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. 
In this last capacity he had served since 1872. At his death, about six 
years remained to complete his term of office. Judge Paull was born in 
Belmont County, Ohio, and was a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Paull. During 
the Judge's boyhood his father moved to Wheeling with his family. His 
three sons, John, Alfred, and James, spent the greater part of their lives 
in this city. John studied medicine, but died in young manhood. Alfred 
studied theology and was for many years pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian 
Church in Wheeling. About 1863 he removed to Philadelphia, where he died 
in 1873. James, the subject of this sketch, chose the legal profession. 
His academical education was obtained at an institution located at 
Crosscreek Village, Pennsylvania. In 1835 he graduated from Washington 
College in Pennsylvania and subsequently studied law in the office of 
Zachariah Jacob, of Wheeling. He completed his professional studieds by 
attending the law department of the West Virginia University. During the 
remainder of his life, with the exception of a short time during which he 
had charge of Linsly Institute, he devoted himself to his profession. He 
represented Ohio County in the legislature with signal ability, and in 
every relation, whether in public or in private life, he bore himself with 
honor. Upon the adoption of the new constitution of West Virginia, in 
August, 1872, he was elected one of the four judges of the Supreme Court 
of Appeals of West Virginia, and was serving the third year of his eight 
year term at the time of this death. His nomination was entirely 
unsolicited by him, and he was elected by a great majority. At his death 
resolutions of respect were framed and adopted by the members of the Ohio 
County bar, who attended his funeral in a body. 

Judge Paull first married Jane A. Fry, a daughter of Judge Fry, formerly 
of Wheeling. She died, leaving three sons. In March, 1861, he married 
Eliza J. Ott, a daughter of Samuel Ott of Wheeling. Three sons and two 
daughters blessed this union. Judge Paull was extremely opposed to 
ostentation in anything, and his life was characteristic of his nature, 
one of simplicity and kindness. He was a devoted father and husband. As a 
young man, he united with the First Presbyterian Church, to the support of 
which he was ever a liberal contributor. He was a ruling elder in this 
church for eighteen years. 

Alfred Paull, a son of Judge Paull, was born October 15, 1854, in 
Wheeling, and was educated mainly at Washington and Jefferson College, of 
Pennsylvania. At the close of his sophomore year, in 1873, he entered the 
manufacturing business in Wheeling. In this and in other kinds of business 
he continued until he engaged in his present line, that of general 
insurance. Mr. Paull is manager for a number of companies for the state of 
West Virginia, and has from 75 to 100 agents who report to him. All 
adjustments are made and all losses are paid from his office. Mr. Paull 
devotes his entire time to his business. His office has been, for the past 
five years, at No. 1120 Market Street, where a force of clerks is kept 
busy. 

Alfred Paull married Lee Singleton, of Wheeling, a daughter of Capt. 
Thomas Singleton. Her mother was a descendant of Samuel Irwin, the Irwins 
being an early family of Ohio County. Mr. and Mrs. Paull have two sons and 
two daughters, as follows: Mary Irwin, who married Arthur Greer Hubbard, 
secretary of the Wheeling Mold & Foundry Company; Lyde; Alfred Singleton, 
who is attending Princeton College; and Lee, who is twelve years old. Mr. 
Paull owns a beautiful home at No. 729 Main Street. He served for four 
years in the first branch of the city council, and was a member of the 
board of education. He is past grand commander of the Knights Templar of 
West Virginia. On July 20, 1901, he received the commission of aide-de-
camp, with the rank of colonel, on the staff of Governor White. 

Mr. Paull is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, in which he is an 
elder. He has been one of the directors of the Young Men's Christian 
Association since it's organization. He is director and chairman of the 
executive committee of the City Hospital, with which he has been 
associated since it's organization. He is also a member of the board of 
trade. 



DR. R. O. McMASTER, whose portrait is herewith shown, one of the most 
prominent physicians and surgeons of Wheeling, West Virginia, is the 
proprietor of the McMaster Hospital at No. 1108 Chapline Street, which he 
founded in 1886. It is an institution well known throughout this and 
adjoining states for it's excellent facilities and the superiority of it's 
medical attendants. Dr. McMaster was born near Jacobsburg, Belmont County, 
Ohio, and is a son of Robert McMaster. Robert McMaster, who is deceased, 
was a farmer by occupation, although in early life he occupied the circuit 
court bench for some years. 

R. O. McMaster was primarily educated in Belmont County, Ohio, and then 
attended Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, from which he was 
graduated in 1875. He subsequently took a course in post-graduate work in 
Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City, and a three months' 
course in the Polyclinic Hospital in New York City. He first practiced in 
New Athens, Ohio, for five or six years, and located at Wheeling in the 
fall of 1883. He established a high-class practice, and in 1886 began 
keeping patients, which marked the inception of the McMaster Hospital. So 
successful was he that in 1892 he remodeled the building and added to it, 
so that it has about 30 rooms and 20 patients can now be accommodated at 
one time. It is a private hospital, and excludes those having acute or 
infectious diseases. The Doctor has made a specialty of diseases of women, 
and in this city is a pioneer in abdominal work, having operated 
successfully on 107 patients in 1900. It was the first private institution 
of this character established in the state, and it draws a high class of 
patients from all over West Virginia, and also from Western Pennsylvania 
and Eastern Ohio. All rooms have a foul-air duct, while fresh air is 
admitted so as to come in contact with radiators, thus avoiding cool 
draughts. All rooms are well lighted and kept scrupulously clean and the 
place is the model of convenience. It possesses one of the finest 
operating rooms in the state, which is perfectly lighted from the sides 
and top and supplied with the latest improvements for sterilization. All 
clothing and the gloves worn by the physicians are sterilized before 
using, as well as the surgical instruments. A separate room, or closet 
with glass shelves, is provided for the many surgical instruments used, 
and the supplies of batting and bandages are kept in sealed packages. The 
water is boiled before using in operations. Pus, formerly considered 
unavoidable, is eliminated by this process of sterilization in handling 
patients. Dr. McMaster is largely engaged in practice in diseases of the 
throat and nose, and although this is not a specialty he has considerable 
work along this line. His attention is mainly given to specialties, 
notwithstanding he has quite an extensive general practice. He is a 
student of his profession, which he has thoroughly mastered, and has 
written several articles for different medical journals. He also invented 
a much needed surgical instrument, which is now largely in use. 

Dr. McMaster was united in marriage with Ella M. Ault, a daughter of 
Thomas Ault, of Ohio, and their residence, which adjoins the hospital, is 
very cozy and convenient home. They have two children: Mrs. Frank 
Armstrong of Buffalo; and Thomas Austin, who is in the office of the 
National Steel Company, of Bellaire, Ohio. The Doctor is a member of the 
Ohio County Medical Society. He is a Mason, Knight of Templar and Shriner. 
Religiously he is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. 



W. A. WILSON, senior member of the prominent firm of W. A. Wilson & Sons, 
the largest dealers in painters' and builders' supplies in the state of 
West Virginia, is one of those business men who have so largely aided in 
bringing Wheeling and her interests to the front. He was born in Wheeling 
in 1842, and is a son of William Penn Wilson. 

William Penn Wilson was born in Delaware in 1800, and was of English 
descent, his family being Quakers. He came to Wheeling in 1822, and 
followed carpentering here until 1848. He then engaged in steamboat 
building in partnership with Mr. Dunlevy, under the firm name of Wilson & 
Dunlevy. At their shipyards were built nearly all of the Union Line boats, 
which early plied the Ohio River. Wheeling having become the leading city 
in the country in the manufacture of cut nails, the firm of Wilson & 
Dunlevy branched out into the manufacture of nail kegs, in the "sixties." 
This quickly developed into an extensive business, as there was an 
enormous demand for kegs, and the firm was almost without competition. In 
July, 1873, Mr. Wilson died, and his partner died in January 1874. At this 
critical time W.A. Wilson and H. H. Dunlevy succeeded their fathers and 
carried on the nail keg business under the same firm name. The plant was 
located between Fifth and Sixth Streets, on the river bank, where they 
continued in this business until 1888, when for various reasons the demand 
fell off. They then manufactured boxes for packing until 1890, when they 
sold out to the Pennsylvania & Kentucky Railroad Company, and the site of 
their plant is now used as railroad yards. William Penn Wilson was a 
stanch Democrat, and served most satisfactorily as councilman and county 
commissioner. He was married at Wheeling to a daughter of George Pannell. 
She was a sister of the late A. J. Pannell, who was a well known resident 
of Wheeling. She was born in Wheeling in 1803, and died just twenty four 
hours after her husband's demise in July, 1873. They had five sons and one 
daughter, and of this offspring, W.A., the subject of this sketch, is the 
only one living. 

W. A. Wilson entered the lumber and planing mill business in 1866, under 
the firm name of Hanes & Willson, in North Wheeling, the concern having 
been established in 1849, by the firm of Hanes & Bean, who started in a 
small way, and employed only a few men. At the present time over 60 men 
are employed, and they manufacture house finishing material and all kinds 
of planing mill work. They take and execute contracts for the building of 
houses, subletting the excavating and stone work. The plant is well 
equipped with modern machinery and a fine grade of work is produced. It is 
located at Nos. 432 to 438 Main Street and the mill nearly covers the 
lots, the dimensions of which are 100 by 200 feet. In connection with the 
mill is conducted a lumber yard covering 190 by 300 feet, where lumber of 
all kinds is handled. In 1875, as a branch of the planing mill business, a 
retail paint supply store was established by Hanes 7 Wilson at No. 1228 
Market Street. It was later moved to No. 1215 Main Street, and more 
recently to property purchased by Mr. Wilson at Nos. 1409-1411 Main 
Street. The present building, 44 by 133 feet in dimensions, consists of 
three stories and a basement, and on these premises is carried on the most 
extensive business in paints, glass and builders' supplies in the state of 
West Virginia. The building has been used as a warehouse by the firm since 
1895. In 1984 W. P. Wilson was admitted to the firm, and the name was 
changed to W. A. Wilson & Son. In 1900 A. A. Wilson was admitted, and firm 
name became W. A. Wilson & Sons. Traveling representatives are employed, 
who cover Ohio, Pennsylvania, a part of Maryland, Virginia, and West 
Virginia. This, as well as the planing mill, has prospered from the first, 
and both have increased to 30 times their original capacity. The painters' 
and builders' supply business and the business of the planing mill amount 
to several hundred thousand dollars a year. The maxim of the firm has 
been, "Immense business with small profits." Each business is separate 
from the other, and has separate office forces. The firm is interested in 
a 30-tank factory, established in 1898, which manufactures window glass at 
Lancaster, Ohio, and as a result, W. A. Wilson & Sons are manufacturers as 
well as dealers. Mr. Wilson is a director in the Commercial Bank of 
Wheeling, and a member of the board of trade. 

W. A. Wilson was joined in matrimony with Texana Arndt, a native of 
Wheeling and a daughter of Jacob Arndt, deceased, who was a pioneer 
business man of the city. Besides the two sons before mentioned, Mr. & 
Mrs. Wilson have a daughter, Flora Campbell. The Wilson family reside at 
No. 500 Main Street, where Mr. Wilson erected a home some years ago. He 
also has a fine summer home in Elm Grove. His son, W. P. Wilson, is 
married and resides at Cecil's Grove, five miles east of Wheeling. 
Politically, the subject of this sketch has always been a Democrat, and 
has acceptably served several terms in the city council, and on the board 
of education. Fraternally, he is a member of Nelson Lodge, No. 30, A.F. & 
A.M.; Cyrene Commandery, No. 7, K. T.; Osiris Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; 
McDaniel Lodge of Perfection, No. 1, A. & A. S. Rite; and the A.O.U.W. 
Religiously, he is active member of the North Street M. E. Church. 



CHARLES F. BRANDFASS, a well known business man of Wheeling, West 
Virginia, is president and general manager of the Brandfass Tobacco 
Company, which occupies a three-story building at No. 1316 Water Street. 
He has been a resident of this city since 1863, and is a man who has 
achieved success in business, wholly through his own efforts. 

Mr Brandfass was born in Europe in 1851, and was but a child when his 
father died. In 1860 his mother moved to Wheeling, Ohio County, West 
Virginia, where two of his brothers also live at the present time, namely: 
Henry, a carpenter; and William, an engineer. A third brother, August, was 
a farmer and is now living in retirement at Brilliant, Ohio. Charles F. 
Brandfass worked as a farm hand until 1863, in Ohio County, and also in 
Jefferson County, Ohio, and afterward served as bell boy at the McLure 
House, for a year. He then returned to the country for a short time, and 
later commenced to learn the trade of a cigar maker. He spent seven years 
on the cigar bench, a part of the time being spent in the employ of Mr. 
Seamon. In 1874, he entered the cigar manufacturing business as a member 
of the firm of Muhn & Brandfass, at the corner of Main and Fourteenth 
Streets. This partnership was dissolved in 1897, a nephew succeeding 
Charles F. As member of the firm. Mr. Brandfass then organized the 
Brandfass Tobacco Company, which deals exclusively in leaf tobacco. The 
company was at once incorporated as a stock company with Charles F. 
Brandfass as president and general manager, and Ed Muhn as secretary. They 
do a packing and jobbing business, buying mainly from the growers of 
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, Ohio and Kentucky, for the 
cigar trade. They are also distributors for Cuban and Sumatra tobacco, 
which they buy of importers. The traveling representatives of the firm 
cover the usual jobbing territory of Wheeling wholesale houses, including 
Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and a part of Maryland. Under the 
efficient management of Mr. Brandfass, the business of the firm has 
flourished and is one of the leaders in this line. He is also a director 
of the Wheeling Title & Trust Company and the West Virginia Tobacco 
Company. 

Mr. Brandfass was united in marriage with Mary Wiedebusch, and has eight 
children, as follows: Lottie; Sophia; Carrie; Minnie; Alma; Adelia; Marie; 
and Carl. They reside at No. 108 1/2 Fourteenth Street, where he owns a 
very comfortable home. From 1870 to 1887, he was actively interested in 
music, and was instrumental in organizing the Opera House Orchestra, of 
which he was manager for three years. He is a member of the Arion 
Association, and has been a member of the Turner Gymnastic Association 
since he was twenty-one years of age. He was elected one of three members 
of the water board in 1900-1901, the other members being Messrs Butts and 
Lindsay. He is a Democrat and served in the council one term in the 
"eighties." Fraternally, he is a member of Ohio Valley Lodge, No. 31, K. 
of P., and has been for five years. He has been a member of the Ancient 
Order United Workmen for nine years, served through the chairs of the 
subordinate lodge, and was then elected grand receiver of the Grand Lodge. 
During the past three years, he has been a member of the finance committee 
of the Grand Lodge. He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows.