History of Wheeling City and Ohio Co. WV - Biographries-12



J. W. BELTZ, president of the J. W. Beltz & Sons Company, which operates 
four large lumber yards in Wheeling, and also a large manufacturing plant 
at the corner of Nineteenth and Eoff Streets, has been engaged in his 
business since 1867. They manufacture sash, doors, frames and general 
house finishing material, and have an extensive business patronage. 

Mr. Beltz was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in 1837, and is a son 
of Peter Beltz. The latter, who was a native of Hessen, Germany, came to 
this country in 1837. He lived in various places in the United States and 
died at his home in Triadelphia in 1890, aged eighty-four years. His wife 
is also deceased. J. W. Beltz has two brothers in Ohio County, Adam, who 
lives near the old homestead on Peter's run; and August, who conducts a 
carriage shop on Market Street in Wheeling. 

J. W. Beltz learned the trade of a cabinet maker with Jerry Clemens and R. 
T. Friend. During the war he was in the quartermaster's department as a 
carpenter, and was located one year at Nashville. In 1867 the business of 
which he is now the head was established by him in connection with Joseph 
Salisbury and John Flading, as a planing mill. It was located on what is 
now the site of Benjamin Fisher's stove foundry, or the Wheeling Warehouse 
and Storage Company, and employed about six men. The firm continued until 
1873, when Mr. Salisbury retired, and the firm name became Beltz & 
Flading. The concern was continued as a planing mill until 1885, when the 
present site was chosen and buildings were erected. The plant occupies two 
and a half lots, and has a lumber yard adjoining. The company also owns 
three other lumber yards in the city, and does an immense business in this 
branch of their work. In addition to these, the company rents another 
lumber yard from a railroad company, and handles lumber of every grade and 
kind. The firm was incorporated as the J. W. Beltz & Sons Company in 1884, 
with J. W. Beltz as president, and John C. Paul, secretary and treasurer. 
J. W. Beltz, Jr., Henry Beltz and Edward Beltz, sons of the subject 
hereof, are also connected with the business. Mr. Beltz has been a 
resident of Wheeling since 1838, and is well and favorably known 
throughout this vicinity. 

John C. Paul, secretary and treasurer of the company, was born in Wheeling 
in 1866, and the first two or three years of his business career were 
spent with the dry goods firm of Brues & Coffer. He then attended business 
college in Wheeling, after which he was employed in the machine shops of 
A. J. Sweeney & Son. He then worked for Wilson & Chapman one year, and 
later in the Wilson & Dunlevy planing mill. When the J. W. Beltz & Sons 
Company was incorporated, in 1884, he was made secretary and treasurer, 
and since 1891 has held a clerical position with the concern. He married 
Miss Henderson, and has a daughter Isabella. He resides in Center 
Wheeling, is a member of the Y.M.C.A., and attends the Second United 
Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Beltz was united in marriage with Virginia Grammar, who was also 
reared in Wheeling. Besides the three sons previously mentioned they have 
a daughter, Anna. Mr. Beltz resides in the fifth ward, has served two 
terms in the second branch of the city council, and is a member of the 
board of trade. Fraternally he is a member of Arion Association and St. 
Alphonsus Society, and of the Carroll Club. Religiously he is member of 
the Catholic Church. His portrait accompanies this sketch. 



SOLOMON KRAUS. During the forty-two years of his experience in the liquor 
business, Mr. Kraus has become expert in every department of an important 
industry, and has been the genial medium of exchange for enormous 
quantities of high grade beverages. Catering exclusively to a wholesale 
trade extending over a large section of the country, he was for thirty-
eight years a traveler in the interests of his firm, and thus became 
familiar with Ohio, Maryland, a portion of Pennsylvania, and the whole of 
West Virginia. The fact that he has emerged unscathed from 15 different 
railway disasters would argue a particular fitness for his work, from 
which he could illy be spared. A typical German-American, he was born in 
Bavaria, Germany, where in his youth he learned the trade of butchering, 
an occupation he never followed after coming to America, in 1854. The 
family was first represented in Wheeling by Samuel Kraus, a brother of 
Soloman, who so thoroughly appreciated the superior advantages to be found 
in West Virginia that he induced his brothers, Soloman and Charles, to 
share his prospective good fortune. With a capital consisting of well 
trained Teutonic brain power, reliability and determination, Solomon Kraus 
began his business career in America by peddling dry goods and notions in 
the vicinity of Wheeling. In 1859, he entered the employ of S. S. Bloch, 
on old Monroe Street, with whom he remained until 1861. For the following 
four years, he was identified with the liquor interests of George W. 
Franzheim, and from 1865 to 1876 was in the employ of Henry Schmulbach. 
From 1876 to 1881 he was in partnership with the latter, whose interest he 
purchased at the end of that period, and with his brother started the firm 
of C. Kraus & Company, of which his brother was manager until his death, 
in 1893. Then Solomon Kraus assumed the management of the business, which, 
with Fred H. Hankee and Edward S. Hirsch, is being carried on under the 
firm name of Kraus & Company. This is the oldest, as well as one of the 
most extensive, liquor enterprises in Wheeling, and it's headquarters are 
at No. 1133 Market Street, in the building erected for the purpose by Mr. 
Franzheim, three floors of which are devoted to storage and general 
business. The stock handled includes the finest products from the world's 
most famous vintages of foreign and domestic wines, in their rarest 
quality. It contains also Pennsylvania rye and Kentucky sour mash 
whiskies, and such leading brands as the private stock Kraus' Golden 
Pheasant, Ohio Valley, Ivanhoe, and Mountain State whiskies. The vault of 
the concern has a capacity of 80,000 gallons, and is one of the largest, 
and by far the finest in this county. 

Of the family from Bavaria that arrived in America in the "fifties" with 
justifiable hopes of future success, none remains but Solomon Kraus. 
Samuel Kraus, who died in 1894, infused into his life much of worthwhile 
accomplishment, and it must be recorded to his everlasting credit that he 
was a patriot according to the best interpretation of that term. From 1848 
to 1852, he did creditable service in the United States Marine Corps, and 
as worthily served his country during the Mexican War. On the outbreak of 
the armed strife between the Union and the Confederacy, as Captain of 
Company B, 7th Reg. W.Va. Vol. Inf., he became an active force in the Army 
of the Potomac, and his death, many years afterward, was directly 
traceable to wounds received at the battle of Antietam. He was a man of 
wide understanding and an intimate knowledge of men and affairs, gained 
largely from extensive travel while in the naval service. His wife, 
formerly Rebecca Weinrich, still retains her husband's interest in the 
liquor business. She is the mother of the following children: Clara (Mrs. 
Solomon I. Schwarz, of Cleveland); Nettie; Rose; Estella (Mrs. Edward S. 
Hirsch of Wheeling); and Blanche. Nettie, Rose and Blanche are living at 
home. 

Like his brother Samuel, Solomon Kraus married into the Weinrich family, 
Caroline Weinrich, now Mrs. Kraus, having been born in America, and reared 
by S. S. Bloch. Mr. and Mrs. Kraus have had the following children, all of 
whom are natives of Wheeling: Rachel, who is now Mrs. Sonneborn, of 
Wheeling; Sevilla, who is the wife of Mr. Sulzbacher, of Steubenville, 
Ohio; Emma, who lives with her father, and is the wife of Mr. A. Marcus, a 
traveling salesman for a factory at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania; Nellie, who 
is living at home; Burine, who is engaged in the mercantile business at 
Pittsburg; and Nathan, who is employed by his father as a clerk. During 
the Civil War Mr. Kraus was a member of the Wheeling Militia. Fraternally 
he is affiliated with the Masons, being a member of Wheeling Lodge, No. 5, 
and is a member of the Arion Association. To an enviable degree he has the 
esteem and good will of the business and social element of Wheeling, and 
his support of all movements which tend to increase the pretige of the 
municipality bespeaks an intelligent appreciation of his duties as a 
citizen. 



CHARLES P. HAMILTON, a prominent architect and builder of Wheeling, West 
Virginia, has followed that line of work in many states of the Union, and 
is unexcelled in his professional capacity. He was born at Wellsburg, 
Virginia, June 15, 1849, and is a son of S. C. A. Hamilton, concerning 
whom mention may be found in the biographical sketch of N. C. Hamilton, on 
another page of this volume. 

Mr. Hamilton attended the public schools of Wheeling, and in 1869 took a 
mathematical course of study in Bethany College. He also studied 
architecture with Messrs. Frank Coen and Charles C. Kemple of Wheeling. He 
continued with these gentlemen three years, and then went to Philadelphia, 
and later to Baltimore, where he remained about six months, a part of the 
time under the instruction of Robert Riddle, at that time, 1872, one of 
the best mechanics in the United States. He returned to Wheeling, opened 
an office on Market Street, near Twentieth Street, and engaged in 
architectural work and general contracting until 1876, when he moved to 
California and Oregon, where he followed the same line of business until 
1879. In that year he returned to Wheeling, where he continued his 
business successfully until 1885. He then located successively in Toledo, 
Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan, where he was employed in erecting buildings 
for the manufacture of glass, in what was then known as the new "glass 
belt." He continued thus until 1890, since which time his attention has 
been devoted to contracting and building and general architectural work at 
Wheeling. He has met with much success in his profession, and has built 
some of the largest glass-plants in the country, among them the Libby 
Glass Works in Toledo; the Crystal Glass Works in Bridgeport; the Over 
Glass Works in Muncie, Indiana; the Fostoria Glass Works of Fostoria 
(since removed to Moundsville); the North Wheeling Glass Works; the 
Riverside Glass Works of Wellsburg, and many others. He made drawings for 
the City Bank building of Wheeling; Baer's Warehouse; Greer & Laing's 
Store; and Johnson's store on Main Street. He enjoys a fair share of 
public patronage, and is highly respected by all with whom he comes in 
contact. 

In 1870, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Maria Baer, a daughter 
of Alexander C. Baer, who died in California about 1851. Her mother was 
Elizabeth Crouse, who was born in Washington County, Ohio, of German 
parentage, and whose great-grandmother was Eve Schley. Mrs. Hamilton is a 
granddaughter of Maj. Philip Baer, a pioneer resident of Wheeling, and a 
second cousin of Rear-Admiral W. S. Schley. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton became 
the parents of seven children, of whom five are now living, as follows: 
Charles C., an architect, of New York City, who is establishing an 
excellent reputation in his profession; Elizabeth, wife of John H. 
Rosenberg; Patience Elliott, wife of Wallace Smith of Wheeling; George 
Edward; and Allen Walker. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are faithful member of the 
Christian Church. Mr. Hamilton served for eight months during the Civil 
War as ambulance driver for Colonel Boyden, who had charge of the hospital 
corps under General Sheridan. In politics, he is an unswerving supporter 
of the Republican party. He is a member of Nelson Lodge, No. 30, A. F. & 
A. M. 



S. M. NOYES, a rising young attorney-at-law of Wheeling, West Virginia, a 
recent portrait of whom is herewith shown, has been associated with the 
law firm of Howard & Handlan since 1897, and is regarded as one of the 
most successful young lawyers of Ohio County. He has been identified with 
many prominent cases since his admission to the bar. Besides being good in 
chancery suits, he makes a fine counsellor in criminal cases, which many 
lawyers refuse to touch. In addition, Mr. Noyes is an excellent 
corporation lawyer, and his law partner, Mr. Howard, is professionally 
connected with the Fairmont & Clarksburg Electric Railroad. The law office 
of these gentlemen is located in the new building of the Natural Gas 
Company of West Virginia, at No. 1226 Chapline Street. 

Mr. Noyes was born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1872, where he was 
also reared and principally educated. His father was a successful merchant 
of that vicinity. After leaving school at Charleston, Mr. Noyes attended 
the University of Virginia, at Charlottesville, and was graduated from the 
law department of that institution in 1897. Later he passed his 
examination at Morgantown, being one of the initial candidates to be 
examined under the new law of West Virginia. He was admitted to the bar of 
Ohio County in August, 1897, and the following month began practice in 
Wheeling, as above mentioned. 

Previous to entering upon the study of law Mr. Noyes was a civil engineer 
of some prominence, and served for nine years as city engineer of 
Charleston. He learned this profession by being mainly associated with W. 
A. Hogue, who had previously filled the same position for a period of 
fifteen years. Mr. Noyes was instrumental in founding the Aetna 
Construction Company, of which he is the present secretary and treasurer, 
and also the attorney. This company was organized by Wheeling capital, and 
carries on a business the magnitude of which is unquestioned. Besides a 
general manager, the company employs three superintendents, various clerks 
and 150 workmen. It has a $200,000 contract for the erection of dam No. 4 
across the Ohio River, 18 miles south of Pittsburg. 

Mr. Noyes is also interested in many other enterprises in Wheeling, where 
he is a social favorite. He is unmarried, and in his religious views 
favors the First Presbyterian Church, which the family attend. For the 
past three years, as professor of the legal department of the Wheeling 
Business College, he has delivered on lecture each week. Since reaching 
the age of fourteen years he has made his own way in the world, and by his 
individual efforts alone has made himself what he is today, an honor to 
his profession. His success is well deserved. 



J. A. MILLER, ex-mayor of Wheeling, is prominently identified with the 
business and financial affairs of the city. He was born near Martinsburg, 
Virginia, December 9, 1844, and is a son of John F. Miller. 

John F. Miller was born in Pennsylvania in 1812, his father being a 
Pennsylvania German who was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. John F. 
Miller removed to Virginia and there married Rosanna Ellenberger, a 
daughter of J. A. Ellenberger of that state. He followed the vocation of a 
teacher until his death in 1852. The mother removed to Wheeling in 1863 
and resided here until her death in 1874. They were parents of three 
children: J. A., subject of this sketch; John M., of Springfield, Ohio; 
and Anna Bell, who died July 1, 1880. 

J. A. Miller attended school at Martinsburg, and at the age of fifteen 
years began clerking there. He later came to Wheeling and obtained a 
clerkship in a retail grocery, then went on the road as traveling salesman 
for the wholesale house of James L. Hawley. In 1868, he embarked in 
business for himself, handling groceries and confectionery goods. He 
continued in this line until 1883, when he retired to go into the 
wholesale boot and shoe business with Mr. G. E. Boyd, the firm of Boyd, 
Miller & Company succeeding the firm of Boyd & Company and continuing 
until the retirement of Mr. Miller in 1885. The latter has taken an active 
interest in municipal affairs and since 1878 has been a member of the 
board of education. In 1883-1884, he served as mayor of Wheeling and gave 
the city a first-class business administration; during the great flood of 
1884, the mayor rendered conspicuous service. He was chief marshal of the 
great Democratic demonstrations in the Tilden campaign, and each 
succeeding presidential campaign until 1896. He organized the Wheeling 
Democratic Club, and has served as president since it's inception. He was 
grand marshal of the Columbian parade and celebration in 1892, there being 
over six thousand people in the line of march. He was appointed a regent 
of the State Reform School in 1895 by Governor McCorkle, and was president 
of the board of directors of the West Virginia Penitentiary from 1890 to 
1894, during the administration of Governor Fleming. He is president of 
the Masonic Temple Association and has been largely instrumental in it's 
success. He is prominently interested in various enterprises, being 
president of the West Virginia Printing Company, and cashier and director 
of the Bank of the Ohio Valley, and is extensively interested in real 
estate. He was one of the purchasers of the Moundsville, Benwood & 
Wheeling Electric Railroad in 1897 from the receiver of the United States 
Court, and was president of the reorganized company until it became a part 
of the Wheeling Traction Company in 1900. He was one of the promoters and 
president of the Wellsburg & Wheeling Electric Railway Company. 

February 25, 1900, Mr. Miller married Ida M. Deiters, a native of 
Wheeling, by whom one child, Anna Isabel, was born December 1, 1900. 
Fraternally, Mr. Miller is a member of Wheeling Lodge, No. 5, A. F. & A. 
M.; Cyrene Commandery, No. 7, K. T.; Consistory of West Virginia, No. 1, 
A. & A. S. Rite; and Mecca Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., of New York; he was grand 
commander of West Virginia Knights Templar in 1888-1889. He is a member 
of Wheeling Lodge, No. 9, I.O.O.F.; he was grand master of the Grand Lodge 
and grand patriarch of the State Grand Encampment, I.O.O.F., of West 
Virginia in 1877. He was aide-de-camp with the rank of colonel of Gov. J. 
B. Jackson's staff from 1881 to 1885. 



FRANK W. BOWERS, a prosperous business man of Wheeling, West Virginia, is 
secretary of the Wheeling Steel & Iron Company, a position he has held 
since April, 1899. He was born in Wheeling, August 21, 1854, and is a son 
of George Bowers. 

George Bowers was born in Germany and came to the United States in his 
youth, locating in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Shortly afterward he removed 
to Wheeling, Virginia. He was engaged in the meat business, but is now 
living in retired life in Wheeling. He formed a matrimonial alliance in 
Wheeling with Catherine Walters, by whom he had the following children: 
Eliza, deceased; George, deceased; Matilda; Frank W.; Emma; Charles A., 
cashier of the South Side Bank of Wheeling; and William E. 

Frank W. Bowers attended the Ritchie School, of Wheeling, and also the 
Fifth Ward School, and then entered Wheeling Business College from which 
he was graduated in 1872. Shortly thereafter, he went to Baltimore, 
Maryland, where he became connected with a wholesale produce and meat 
concern. He returned to Wheeling in 1874 and was engaged with the Wheeling 
Butchers' Association, as secretary until 1881. He then served as city 
clerk until 1889, and from that date until 1894 was in the United States 
internal revenue department, his duties as special agent taking him to New 
York and all New England states, and to Washington, Chicago, Kentucky, and 
North Carolina. From 1894 until 1899, he was secretary of the Caldwell-
Peterson Manufacturing Company of Wheeling, and in the latter year 
accepted his present position as secretary of the Wheeling Steel & Iron 
Company. He is a man of recognized ability, and is held in the highest 
esteem by his business associates. 

October 18, 1877, Mr. Bowers was united in marriage with Margaret B. 
Williams, who was born in Wheeling, February 7, 1855, and is a daughter of 
Frederick and Jane B. Williams. They have three children, George, who is 
with the Wheeling Pottery Company; Ella M.; and C. Albert. Politically, 
Mr. Bowers is a Republican, and is president of the board of education. 
Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Honor. In religious attachment, 
he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 



ALFRED B. CARTER, who has been identified with the steel and iron 
interests of Wheeling and it's vicinity for many years, was general 
superintendent of the National Steel Company for the Wheeling district 
until October 1, 1901, when he resigned, although he is still a director 
of the company. He is one of the active and enterprising spirits of the 
city and will soon launch out in some other business venture. He was born 
in Fairfax County, Virginia, January 16, 1854, and is a son of George 
Hatley and Emma B. (Steenrod) Carter. 

John Carter, the first of the Carter family to come to this country, 
located in Lancaster County, Virginia, in 1649, as the agent of Lord 
Fairfax. George Hatley Carter, the father of Alfred B., was born in 
Virginia, and became a member of the legal profession. He practiced in 
Wheeling when a young man and then in Palmyra, Missouri, but, on account 
of failing health, returned to Fairfax County, Virginia, and died there. 
He was united in marriage with Emma B. Steenrod, who was born in Ohio 
County, Virginia, a daughter of Daniel Steenrod. Her grandfather, 
Cornelius Steenrod, was a captain in the Colonial Army and served 
throughout the Revolutionary War, thus making Alfred B. Carter and his 
children, sons or daughters of the American Revolution. Daniel Steenrod 
was born in New York State, but was prominently identified with the early 
development of Wheeling. He engaged in farming on a large scale, was a 
very extensive land owner, and attained a high degree of success in every 
way. He died at the age of eighty years. He was prominent in the Baptist 
Church, and in the old Stone Presbyterian Church, at Elm Grove. He married 
Anne Gater, a daughter of one of the earliest settlers in Ohio County, and 
they became the parents of six children, one of whom, Lewis, was a member 
of Congress from this district in ante-bellum days. 

Mrs. Carter, the mother of Alfred B. Carter, resides in Wheeling at the 
advanced age of eighty-one years, and is one of the oldest native 
inhabitants of Ohio County. The subject of this sketch is one of a family 
of seven surviving children, the other being as follows: Landon E., who 
resides in Virginia; Mary L.; Sallie B.; Anne C.; Emma H.; and Edmonia R., 
wife of James R. McCourtney, for many years a resident of Wheeling, but 
now of Washington City. 

Alfred B. Carter was educated in Wheeling at Linsly Institute and St. 
Vincent's Catholic College. After leaving school his connection with the 
iron and steel business began and has since continued. He became junior 
clerk in the office of the Bellaire Nail Works. He subsequently served in 
various positions until, in 1887, he was elected secretary and treasurer 
of the Bellaire Steel Company. In 1899 he was elected president of the 
company and still holds that office. This company was sold to the National 
Steel Company, but the officers of the old concern retained their 
positions. When the National Steel Company took charge Mr. Carter was 
asked to assume the management of the Mingo Junction works of that company 
also, and was made district manager at that time, early in 1899. Later his 
office was changed to that of general superintendent of the National Steel 
Company in the Wheeling district. He has been a director for many years in 
the Bellaire Steel Company, and when the National Steel Company was 
organized was elected a director in that company. He has since been re-
elected, and is a member of the board of directors in each company at the 
present time. 

Mr. Carter was united in marriage, November 2, 1887, with Gertrude E. 
Caldwell, who was born in Philadelphia and reared and married in Wheeling. 
She is a daughter of Hon. A. Bolton Caldwell, who was the first attorney 
general of West Virginia. The latter was a son of Joseph Caldwell, whose 
estate and residence were where the lower part of Wheeling is, to a large 
extent, now built. He was for many years president of the Merchants and 
Mechanics Bank of Wheeling, and was on of the substantial early residents 
of the city. Joseph Caldwell was a son of James Caldwell, who settled in 
Wheeling in 1772, and was one of the first judges of Ohio County. The 
mother of Mrs. Carter is Matilda (Newman) Caldwell, a native of Louisiana, 
and now a resident of Wheeling. 

Alfred B. Carter and his wife have two children, Gertrude I. and Alfred B. 
Religiously, they are attendants of St. Matthew's Protestant Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Carter is one of the most active and enterprising citizens of 
Wheeling. He has been identified with many enterprises calculated to 
benefit and improve the city, and his energy and business sagacity are 
well known in several states. He is a member of the board of trade of 
Wheeling. 



JOHN WRIGHT, who is retired from active business, still retains his 
interest in the LaBelle Iron Works, and is a well-known citizen of 
Wheeling. Mr. Wright was born at Pittsburg in 1824, and is a son of Thomas 
Wright, with whom he worked as engineer in Shoenberger's Mill at Pittsburg 
until 1849, when he came to Wheeling, where he have since been located. He 
was engineer at the starting of the Belmont Mill, and continued thus until 
1852, when, in the fall of the year, he took charge of the engines of the 
LaBelle Iron Works. He remained with this concern until 1876, since which 
time he has lived practically in retirement, retaining, however, his iron 
and steel interests. 

John Wright was united in marriage, in the spring of 1852, with Eleanor 
Madden, who was born and reared in Wheeling. They became the parents of 
seven children, namely: Mrs. Anna Hugus; Elizabeth, who is at home; Ella, 
wife of Cecil Robinson; William, deceased; John E., president of the 
LaBelle Iron Works; Maggie (Taylor), who resides at Wheeling; and Carrie 
May, who was recently married to Thomas Stewart, and also resides in 
Wheeling. John Wright has always been a Republican. Mrs. Wright belongs to 
the First United Presbyterian Church. A portrait of the subject of this 
sketch, executed from a photograph taken in January, 1902, is shown on a 
preceding page. 



HON. MICHAEL J. O'KANE, a retired merchant, living at No. 1112 Chapline 
Street, has long been one of the substantial business men of Wheeling, and 
served one term of four years as postmaster of the city. He was born in 
County Londonderry, Ireland, August 20, 1829, and is a son of James and 
Bridget (Hagan) O'Kane. 

James O'Kane came to the United States in 1834, and located in the city of 
Philadelphia. He then sent for his family, which came to this country in 
1839. He lived in that city until his death, on February 17, 1850, at the 
age of fifty-eight years. His wife died on October 1, 1849, at the age of 
fifty-six years. They were members of the Catholic Church. They became 
parents of 10 children, of whom but two, Michael J. and James, are now 
living. James O'Kane, Jr., resides in Philadelphia and works in the United 
States Mint. He was a 1st Lieutenant during the Civil War, and was taken 
prisoner at Winchester and confined in Libby Prison eight months. He was 
imprisoned there when others made their escape through the tunnel. He is 
now about sixty-eight years of age. 

Michael J. O'Kane attended the public schools of Philadelphia, and there 
learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed in that city until 1860, 
when he came to Wheeling. He followed his trade here until 1864, when he 
opened up a shop of his own. He was in business alone for four years, and 
established a fine reputation for workmanship, and soon had command of a 
well-paying patronage. In 1868 he entered into partnership with James 
Devine, and year by year their trade steadily grew, necessitating several 
removals to larger quarters. The firm of O'Kane & Devine had a flourishing 
business from its inception until it's dissolution in 1887, when Mr. 
O'Kane took sole charge of affairs. He opened a large and commodious place 
at No. 1113 Main Street, doing a wholesale and retail business. He gives 
special attention to custom work and has the largest establishment of the 
kind in the city. He was honest and upright in all his dealings, and was 
held in the highest esteem by his fellow citizens. He continued to conduct 
this establishment until April, 1901, since which time he has lived a 
retired life. He has given much of his attention to public affairs, and 
was connected with several charitable institutions, and a director of the 
City Hospital. He was elected two terms from the second ward of Wheeling 
to the city council, a fact which attests his popularity, as he was the 
first Democrat to be elected from that ward in twenty years. He also 
served in the legislature during the term of 1892-1893. He was appointed 
postmaster of Wheeling and served throughout President Cleveland's second 
administration. 

December 3, 1853, Mr. O'Kane was married in Philadelphia, to Honora Welch, 
a native of Ireland, who came to this country in 1850, her parents having 
died in Ireland. They have the following offspring; Mary, who has had many 
years experience as a saleslady; Robert E., a Catholic priest, with parish 
at Parkersburg, West Virginia; Hannah, wife of Joseph McGugan, a traveling 
salesman, by whom she has two children, Robert and Joseph; James, who is a 
clerk; Margaret A., who is in charge of the registered letter and money 
order department of the Wheeling Post Office; and John E. John E. O'Kane 
graduated from Fordham College and the dental department of the University 
of Pennsylvania, and has practiced in Wheeling a number of years; he is a 
skilled workman, his work being up-to-date in every respect. He is a 
member of the State Dental Association. Our subject is a Democrat in 
politics, and takes an active interest in the political affairs of county 
and state, and has been a delegate to several state conventions. 



HON. ALEXANDER R. CAMPBELL, a gentleman who has for years been prominent 
in the business and political affairs of Wheeling, is [missing word] 
deputy internal revenue collector, with office in the Government Building. 
He was born at Burlington, Iowa, August 29, 1848, and is a son of John R. 
and Margaret (Cassady) Campbell. 

John R. Campbell was born in Wheeling in 1813, and was one of the pioneers 
of the state. He was a merchant by occupation and as well and favorably 
known over the state. He died in 1864, aged about fifty-one years. He was 
reared in the faith of the United Presbyterian church. Although a public 
spirited citizen, he took little interest in politics. He married Margaret 
Cassady, who was born in Winchester, Virginia, in 1826, and was of Scotch-
Irish descent, as was also her husband. She died in 1875, aged about fifty 
years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, one of the 
original promoters of the Children's Home, and a great worker in church 
affairs and in all organizations the object of which was the betterment of 
mankind. Five children were born of this union namely: Mary C., widow of 
M. A. Chandler, who was well and favorably known in Wheeling, where he was 
cashier in a bank, and who now resides in Cleveland, Ohio; Alexander R., 
the subject of this biographical record; Amelia S., wife of D. C. Huffman, 
who is cashier of the People's National Bank, of Morgantown, West 
Virginia; Thomas D., who resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is traveling 
passenger agent for the Wisconsin Central Railway Company; and John R., 
who resides in Chicago and is freight agent for one of the trunk lines. 

Alexander R. Campbell obtained his mental instruction in the common and 
high schools of Wheeling. He was between fifteen and sixteen years old 
when his father died, and was called upon at that early age to support the 
family, which he did in a most creditable manner, living with his mother 
until her death. His first work was as clerk in the wholesale drug house 
of McCabe, Kraft & Company, with which he remained until 1871, rendering 
excellent service for seven years. Upon the day on which he left the old 
firm he entered the employ of Laughlin Brothers & Company, and in 1873 
became a member of the firm, and continued as such until 1883. During his 
entire business career up to this time, extending over a period of twenty 
years, he did not miss a single day's work. In that year he moved to 
Ravenswood, West Virginia, and assumed charge of a drug store which he 
owned there, but he disposed of the business soon after, as he did not 
like it. He accepted the position of general agent for West Virginia, of 
the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, with 
headquarters in Wheeling and Ravenswood. While in Ravenswood he became 
interested in politics, and was elected chairman of the Republican 
executive committee of Jackson County, and at the next general election, 
in 1888, was made the candidate of the Republican party for State Senator 
and was elected. He served in the memorable campaign that took place 
between Governors Gough and Fleming. He returned to Wheeling in 1889, and 
in 1892 was nominated for the House of Delegates and elected. In 1896 he 
was one of the clerks of the State Senate. In 1895 he was elected to the 
city council of Wheeling, and did his utmost to advance the general 
welfare of the community. Since 1892 there has not been a campaign in West 
Virginia that he has not taken an active part in, speaking through West 
Virginia and Ohio under direction of the national and state committees. In 
July, 1897, he was tendered and accepted his present position, and was 
again appointed upon the reelection of President McKinley. He has filled 
the position in a most capable manner and to the entire satisfaction of 
all concerned. He was a stockholder in, and director of, the bank at 
Ravenswood, and was secretary of the board of directors while residing in 
that town. 

Mr. Campbell was united in marriage, December 20, 1876, with Mary H. 
Rearick, a lady of culture and pleasing presence. She is a daughter of 
John Rearick, who was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, where his business 
career was spent as a merchant. Five children were born to bless this 
union: Clinton R., individual bookkeeper in the Dollar Savings Bank of 
Wheeling; Alexander R., Jr., who is a traveling salesman for the wholesale 
grocery establishment of Neill Elingham, of Wheeling; Chandler, who was 
appointed by President McKinley to a 2nd lieutenancy through Senator N. B. 
Scott, of West Virginia, and who is an apt scholar, and stood second best 
in a class of 12 in passing his examination for that grade; Harold W., who 
is in school at Morgantown, West Virginia, and is preparing for the legal 
profession; and Juliet, who is a student in Wilson College at 
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In 1900 Chandler was commissioned as second 
lieutenant in the Marine Corps of the United States. He was one of the two 
officers who had charge of the White House while President McKinley's body 
lay in state. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have a great and pardonable pride in 
their family. The four sons have now reached mature years, and until the 
youngest son had reached his majority the father and four sons had never 
smoked or used tobacco or intoxicants of any kind, a record of which they 
may well feel proud. Mrs. Campbell is a member of the First Presbyterian 
Church. 



GEORGE L. ZOECKLER. Stall No. 21, of the Second Ward Market, at Fulton, 
has been longer occupied than any in the town. It may also be said that 
there is no busier center of activities, for the enterprising proprietor 
understands the advertising value of business integrity, and likewise 
provides meats and provisions of such excellent quality as to find ready 
market among the best livers of the vicinity. Much of the success of Mr. 
Zoeckler may be attributed to those reliable traits of character handed 
down from an industrious German ancestry, although he is a native of 
Wheeling, where he was born in 1858. 

His father, also named George, was born in Grumberg, Hessan-Darmstadt, 
Germany, and came to America with his parents in 1850 when eighteen years 
of age. George Zoeckler readily adapted himself to American conditions, 
and became widely known in Wheeling and Fulton. He was the originator of 
the business now conducted by his son, and during his entire active life 
was engaged in the meat business. At his shop near Fulton he carried on a 
satisfactory trade, and also became interested in politics; he was one of 
the bulwarks of the Republican party in his section. He possessed shrewd 
ability in various directions, and his life, terminated November 17, 1891, 
at the age of fifty-eight years, might well have extended it's usefulness 
for yet another score. Mrs. Zoeckler, who was formerly Catherine Grimmel, 
was also born in Hessen-Darmstadt, came to America in 1852, and is at 
present sixty-six years of age. Aside from her son, George L., her 
daughter, Minnie (Mrs. John Roth), also lives in Fulton, the latter being 
the wife of one of the Roth brothers, engaged in the feed business. 

In 1889 George L. Zoeckler succeeded to his father's business, which he at 
once proceeded to enlarge and conduct according to the most modern and 
approved methods. At present he is able to employ five assistants, and 
aside from a large wholesale business runs two wagons to Wheeling and 
vicinity twice a week, to supply his patrons in the city. The butchering 
is done at his own slaughter houses and he packs some meat, having two 
large ice houses. The capacity of the establishment varies according to 
the weather and time of the year. 

The Zoeckler home in Fulton is a fine and hospitable place. It is presided 
over by Mrs. Zoeckler, formerly Emma Ebeling, who was born in December, 
1857, and is a daughter of August Ebeling, one of the early residents of 
Ohio County. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Zoeckler, as 
follows: Oscar, who is twenty years of age, and assists his father in his 
business; John, who is eighteen years old, and also works with his father; 
Eddie, who is ten years of age, and George Jr., who is eight years old, 
both of whom are attending school; Clyde Ebeling and Harry, who died at an 
early age; and Katie, who died of diphtheria when ten years of age. 
Politically Mr. Zoeckler is a Republican, and cast his first presidential 
vote for Garfield. On several occasions his fellow townsmen have 
demonstrated their confidence by electing him to positions of trust, and 
he has been a member of the city council for Fulton a number of times. His 
father was at first a Democrat, but later gave his allegiance to the 
Republican party. An interesting item in connection with this early 
pioneer is the fact that he bought the first $500 bond at Wheeling during 
the progress of the Civil War. The entire Zoeckler family are members of 
St. John's German Independent Protestant Church. A portrait of George L. 
Zoeckler is shown on a preceding page in proximity to this. 



THOMAS ALLEN, who is proprietor of the Allen Hotel, in Wheeling, West 
Virginia, was born in that city, November 14, 1862, and is a son of Edward 
Allen. 

Edward Allen was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1839, and at the age of 
thirteen years came to the United States. He first located in New Orleans, 
and later moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, where he now lives in 
retirement. After locating in Wheeling, Mr. Allen worked as puddler in the 
iron business. He was employed at the Riverside Iron Works for seventeen 
years. In 1861 he married Mary McNamara, who was born in Ireland in 1844. 
They are the parents of the following children, namely: Thomas, the 
subject of this biography; Maggie; Mary; Sadie; Nora; Stella; and Wilmer. 

Thomas Allen was educated in the Catholic school of the eighth ward in 
Wheeling. His first work was as helper in a brickyard, where he was 
employed for two years. The following seven years were spent at the 
Benwood Iron Works. He was employed at the Riverside Iron Works for eight 
and a half years, eventually holding one of the most important positions 
with that company. In 1892, thinking that he could better his financial 
condition, he opened up a liquor store, and followed that line of business 
until 1896, when he engaged in the hotel business. His hotel is located on 
the southwest corner of Forty-eighth and Jacob Streets in Wheeling, and is 
well patronized. Mr. Allen is a genial man, hospitable and kind, and is 
well known in Wheeling and in Benwood, where he lived for a number of 
years. 

In 1889 Mr. Allen married Hannah Hoffman, who was born in Jackson, 
Michigan, January 26, 1867. Her parents were Louis and Jemima (Douglass) 
Hoffman, natives of Germany and Philadelphia respectively. They were the 
parents of 11 children; both parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Allen had 
the following children: Edward, deceased; Thomas William, born September 
25, 1892; and Charles N., born September 5, 1894. 

Politically, Mr. Allen is a Democrat. Socially, he is a member of the 
Ancient Order of Hibernians and St. John's Knights of Fidelity. He belongs 
to the Carroll Club of Wheeling. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the 
Catholic Church. 



WILLIAM D. McCOY, bookkeeper for John S. Naylor & Company, of Wheeling, 
West Virginia, is fully qualified for the position he holds and has been 
with the firm for twenty years. He was born in Harrisville, Harrison 
County, Ohio, June 14, 1853, and is a son of Dr. Edmund Halley and 
Elizabeth (Davis) McCoy. Dr. Edmund Halley McCoy was quite an eminent 
physician and surgeon, with a good practice, first in Ohio and later, from 
1858 until shortly before his death, in Wheeling. He is a native of 
Hagerstown, Maryland, but was well and favorable known throughout Ohio 
County. He married Elizabeth Davis, who was a native of Mount Pleasant, 
Ohio, and they had five children, three of whom are living, William D., 
our subject, being the youngest. The others are: Charles L., resident of 
Oakland, California, who is secretary of two mining companies in San 
Francisco; and Hortense B., now the wife of Dr. T. O. Edwards, a resident 
of Hartford, Connecticut. The latter was a partner in business with Dr. 
McCoy for some years previous to Dr. McCoy's demise, but is now in the 
insurance business. During the latter days of his life Dr. McCoy was a 
member of the Roman Catholic Church. He was always a Republican, but was 
not especially prominent in politics. He died at the age of sixty-seven 
years, his widow surviving him six years and dying at the advanced age of 
seventy-six years. She believed in the Presbyterian faith and was always 
devoted to that church during her life. 

The primary education of our subject was obtained in the public schools in 
Wheeling, after which he took the position of clerk in his father's drug 
store. Later he became entry clerk for Wheat, Isett & Naylor, after which 
he entered the Exchange Bank of Wheeling as clerk, and remained for two 
and a half years, when he became bookkeeper for Jacob Berger, a leather 
dealer, in which position he remained two years. At still another time he 
was bookkeeper for Vance, Hughes & Company for a year previous to entering 
upon his present duties. November 21, 1876, Mr. McCoy was united in 
marriage with Margaret Gilchrist, who was born in Wheeling, June 16, 1856, 
a daughter of John P. and Helen C. (Eoff) Gilchrist. Her father is still 
living, numbered among the honored residents of Wheeling; her mother, who 
is a daughter of Dr. John Eoff, after whom Eoff Street was named, died in 
1897. Our subject and his wife have two children: Helen Elizabeth and 
Bertha W. The former is the wife of Thomas J. Banner, to whom she was 
married June 15, 1898, and they have one child. Bertha W., is a graduate 
of the Wheeling High School, a member of the class of 1899. 

In religious belief, the family are members of St. Luke's Protestant 
Episcopal Church, where Mrs. McCoy is choir mother. Mr. McCoy has sung in 
several choirs in the city, and was director in St. Luke's choir for 
several years. He has always acted with the Republican party in state and 
national elections. 

In fraternal circles he is a member of the A.O.U.W. Lodge and of the Royal 
Tribe of Joseph. He is very fond of music, and has been connected with 
orchestras and other musical societies, playing violin and violoncello. 
His daughters are also musically inclined. He and his wife, the latter a 
lady of culture and refinement, as is shown by her home surroundings, have 
many friends, which fact speaks eloquently as to their numerous genial 
qualities. As a citizen, business man and friend, our subject stands 
deservedly high. The family residence is at No. 56 North Front Street, on 
the Island, where he has a most comfortable home. 



HON. ABRAM McCOLLOCH, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits near 
Clinton, West Virginia, comes from one of the most prominent of the early 
families of Ohio County. He was born in 1844 on the old homestead 
established by his grandfather in the eighteenth century, which has 
continued in the family down to the present time, now being owned by our 
subject's brother and sister. He is a son of Samuel McColloch, who was 
also born on the old homestead in 1802. He was a farmer and for many years 
a justice of the peace. 

Abram McColloch, grandfather of our subject, came to Ohio County, 
Virginia, with three brothers in the latter half of the eighteenth 
century. They were typical representatives of the sturdy pioneers of that 
day. They were foremost in the many engagements with the Indians of that 
period, and Abram was slightly wounded upon one occasion while trying to 
effect his escape on horse. His oldest brother, Samuel, was major of the 
forces and at one time was surrounded by the Indians on Wheeling Hill 
above the spot where Fort Henry was located; escape seemed impossible, but 
he succeeded in forcing his horse over the almost precipitous hill to 
Wheeling Creek, and thence made his escape to the fort, sorely 
disappointing the Indians, who wished his scalp for the deeds he had 
previously done. This daring act is often related at the present time by 
the residents of the county, and the spot of "McColloch's Leap" is pointed 
to with pride. Shortly afterward he was killed by the Indians and his 
brother John superseded him as major and was also known as a fearless 
fighter. Another brother, George, was more given to peace and followed 
farming all his life. 

Samuel McColloch, father of our subject, and his wife had the following 
children: Mary L., wife of Samuel Sprigg Jacob, a farmer living in Ohio 
County; Rebecca B., who married L. D. Wilson, M.D., of Wheeling; Tabitha, 
wife of H. H. Dils, Jr., of Parkersburg; Samuel Wilbur, a farmer who died 
in 1888; Millard F., and his sister Catherine, who own the old homestead, 
both of them being unmarried; Margaret, who married William Baird; Jessie, 
who died at the age of fifteen years; Simon L., an inventor, who died in 
April 1900; and Alexander, who is a successful farmer. 

Abram McColloch, whose name heads this sketch, attended the common schools 
and completed his education in the academy at Morgantown, West Virginia. 
He has always devoted his efforts to farming, and has met with the success 
that well directed industry merits. He lives on a beautiful farm near 
Clinton, in Ohio County. 

In 1870 Mr. McColloch was joined in marriage with Drusilla R. Jacob, a 
daughter of John J. and Mahala W. (Ridgley) Jacob, her father being a 
prosperous farmer. This union was prolific of the following offspring: 
Sally M., born June 1, 1872, a graduate in 1891 of the West Liberty State 
Normal School, married H. F. B. McLain, who is identified with the 
Mountain State Electrical Company at Wheeling, and they have two children, 
Henry and Adele; J. C., born June 29, 1875, who was educated at the West 
Liberty State Normal School and remains with his father as a farmer; and 
Jessie D., born in 1882, also educated at the West Liberty State Normal 
School, who lives at home. Mr. McColloch has been an active member of the 
M. E. Church for forty two years, and for many years has been steward and 
trustee. He is a Republican in politics and has held numerous offices. He 
was appointed a member of the executive board of the West Liberty State 
Normal School; is a member of the State Legislature, to which body he was 
elected in 1900; and is president of the state board of agriculture. 
Fraternally, he is a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 26, A.F. & A.M., and at 
the present time is district deputy grand master of the First Masonic 
District. 



H. W. THURBER, wholesale and retail confectioner in Wheeling, West 
Virginia, is one of the city's foremost business men, and conducts a 
profitable business at No. 60 Twelfth Street. He is a son of D. A. and 
Maggie (Wallace) Thurber, and was born in Marshall County, West Virginia, 
September 16, 1867. 

D. A. Thurber, a native of Ohio, born in 1846, was reared in West 
Virginia, and has lived all his life at Wheeling and Moundsville. He was 
for a time engaged in business as a commission merchant in Wheeling, but 
after some years discontinued this, and is now baggage master for the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, located in Wheeling. Mr. Thurber was united 
in marriage with Maggie Wallace, a native of West Virginia, who is 
deceased. They reared the following children: H. W.; Charles, deceased; A. 
D., a resident of Wheeling; Mrs. May Tinkley, who lives in Wellsville, 
Ohio; F. M., who is employed as assistant baggage master on the 
Pennsylvania Railroad; and Blanche, the wife of J. Glass. 

H. W. Thurber was reared in Wheeling, attended the first ward schools, and 
later took a business course at Frasher's Business College. Having 
completed his education, he worked for six years under Gottlieb Bayha, and 
learned the baker's trade. In 1893, he embarked in his present business on 
Market Street, and in 1897 changed his location to No. 60 Twelfth Street, 
where he has remained ever since. The factory owned by him is located at 
No. 1709 Eoff Street, and he has 10 employees all the time. He has one of 
the largest confectionery establishments in the city of Wheeling, and 
always has a good, stirring trade. 

Mr. Thurber was united in marriage with Eva Florence, who was born in 
1872, a daughter of Brown and Rachel Florence. They have reared two 
children, Florence and Wallace. The family attend divine service at the M. 
E. Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Thurber are active members. In politics, 
the subject of this sketch is a Republican of unwavering opinions. 
Fraternally he is a member of the K. of P., and the Jr. O.U.A.M. He has 
Wheeling's welfare among his first desires, and carries himself among the 
first business men of the city, ever respected for his superior abilities 
and good judgment. 



GEORGE ADAMS, who is prominently identified with various business 
enterprises of Wheeling, has been a resident of this city since 1852, and 
now makes his home at Pleasant Valley, a suburb of Wheeling. He was born 
in Baltimore, Maryland, September 13, 1834, and is a son of Philip Adams. 

The Adams family originally came from England and located in Maryland 
about 1695. Philip Adams died about 1846, and his widow is now living, in 
her ninety-fourth year, at St. Clairsville, Ohio, whither she moved with 
the family at the outbreak of the Civil War. They became parents of nine 
children, two of whom died in infancy. One son, James P., resides in 
Wheeling, and is secretary of the Franklin Insurance Company of Wheeling. 

George Adams was reared in Baltimore, and at an early age entered the 
employ of a large commission grain and produce house, with which he 
remained until 1857. It was while on a trip to Wheeling with a member of 
the firm, in 1852, that he decided to locate here permanently. He embarked 
in the wholesale grocery and commission business on Main Street in 1857. 
In 1864 he organized the First National Bank of Wheeling and became 
cashier and manager, George K. Wheat being president. The original 
directors were: Jacob S. Rhodes, John L. Hobbs, Chester D. Knox and John 
F. McDermott, all deceased; George Edwards, now of Marshall County, West 
Virginia; Jacob Hornbrook, John K. Botsford and George W. Franzheim, the 
last three named deceased; and George K. Wheat. Mr. Adams continued with 
the bank until 1874, when he resigned, although he still retained his 
interest in it. The institution was afterward changed to a state bank, the 
name becoming, as at present, the Bank of the Ohio Valley. About 1878, at 
the urgent request of interested parties, Mr. Adams again resumed the 
management, and continued in charge of it until the early part of 1880, 
when he resigned to travel with his son, Samuel Philip, who died in 
November 1882, at the age of twenty-four years. Although owning interests 
in various enterprises, he has not since actively engaged in business of 
any kind. He was interested in the Riverside and Aetna Iron Companies, 
which are now a part of the United States Steel Corporation. He was 
president of the Wheeling Library Association, and treasurer of the 
Soldiers' Aid Society. He was president of the Buckeye Glass Company, a 
director in the Franklin Insurance Company of Wheeling, and a member of 
the board of trade. 

Mr. Adams was united in marriage, September 15, 1857, with Mary E. 
McClellan, a daughter of Samuel McClellan, an old merchant of Wheeling. 
She died in 1870, having given birth to three children; Samuel Philip, 
deceased, one who died in infancy; and Elizabeth, who first married Philip 
Taylor Allen, deceased, and is now the wife of Charles Russell Caldwell, 
of Staunton, Virginia. Mr. Adams was married March 24, 1874, to Jane W. 
McClellan, a sister of his first wife. In politics he is a Republican. He 
is at present serving as mayor of Pleasant Valley, a beautiful suburb of 
Wheeling. He attends the Vance Memorial Chapel (Presbyterian), at 
Woodsdale. He was one of the original directors of Greenwood Cemetery, 
organized in 1865. His present fine home in Pleasant Valley was completed 
in May, 1895, and is equipped with all the modern conveniences. He served 
in the state militia during the Civil War, and in September, 1862, was 
commissioned a captain by Governor F. H. Pierpont, who was the chief 
executive of the Restored Government of Virginia. In November, 1864, he 
was commissioned colonel by Governor Boreman, the first governor of West 
Virginia. He is a man of excellent character and pleasing personality, and 
has many friends in this section of the state. His portrait accompanies 
this sketch, being presented on a preceding page. 



WILLIAM L. BAIKER, the successful manager and part proprietor of the Troy 
Laundry of Wheeling, is a native son of the city, which has profited by 
his well directed efforts, and was born January 19, 1869. 

His father, Lorentz Baiker, was born in Germany, September 24, 1844, and 
upon arriving in the United States, in 1858, located in Wheeling, which 
has since been his home. In his early days the elder Baiker learned to be 
a barber and followed that occupation for several years after coming to 
America; but in 1882 he engaged in the laundry business, and is now a 
partner of this son. May 22, 1868, he married Caroline Whitzel, a native 
of Wheeling, and a daughter of William Whitzel. To Lawrence and his wife 
were born four children, namely: William L.; Joseph; Anna; and Agnes; and 
of these, Anna is deceased. 

The youth of William L. Baiker was not unlike that of the average boy, and 
his education was acquired in the public schools, supplemented by 
additional training at St. Joseph's Academy, from which he was graduated 
in 1882. As one would naturally suppose, his first effort at earning a 
livelihood was in connection with his father's business, and his extensive 
knowledge of the various departments of laundering was gained while 
working from the bottom round of the ladder to the top. It is needless to 
say that since becoming a partner, in May, 1901, he as instituted 
improvements in accord with the best possible work, and has in 
contemplation facilities for accommodating a constantly increasing trade. 
He is the oldest practical laundryman in Wheeling, and is also one of the 
most affable, obliging and reliable. 

The marriage of Mr. Baiker and Anna Dittman occurred in Wheeling July 30, 
1891, and two bright and interesting children are the result of this 
union, Mabel and Lawrence. Mr. Baiker is a member of the Catholic Church, 
and is fraternally associated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He 
is respected by all who know him, and is one of the enterprising and 
progressive business men of Wheeling. 



A. RIDGLEY JACOB. That every profession in life is brilliant or otherwise, 
according to the man, must be admitted by every one familiar with the life 
work of the gentleman named above. A consensus of opinion would pronounce 
farming and stock raising a field of labor, to which great honors and 
brilliancy are foreign, but the life and success of Mr. Jacob would 
disprove the truth of the assertion. As a farmer his success can not be 
doubted after viewing his farm in its highly cultivated state, and 
improved with neat and substantial buildings, and as a grower of wool 
sheep he has attained the highest degree of success, receiving awards at 
various fairs and expositions over competitors form all over the world. 
Mr. Jacob was born in Ohio county July 4, 1840, on the farm on which he 
now lives, and is a son of John J. and Mahala W. (Ridgley) Jacob. 

Zachariah Jacob, or subject's great-grandfather, was probably of Jewish 
descent. He was born in England and came to America some time between 1740 
and 1760, location at Annapolis, Maryland. He and his wife, Susannah, 
reared the following children: Samuel Ezekiel; William; Susannah: John J; 
and Gabriel. 

Gabriel Jacob, Grandfather of our subject, who was born July 1, 1759, and 
died March 20, 1822, married Ruth Hurst, of Washington County, Maryland, 
and they had the following children: John J.; Joseph; Zachariah and Susan 
(twins); Ezekiel; and Samuel. 

John J. Jacob was born December 26, 1790 and died October 15, 1848. He 
married Elizbeth Mitchell, a daughter of Alexander Mitchell, a well-to-do 
farmer. After her death in 1832, he married Mahala W. Ridgley, and they 
had the following children: Samuel Sprigg, whose sketch appears on another 
page of this work; A. Ridgley; John J.; and Drusilla R., who married Abram 
McColloch. 

A. Ridgley Jacob secured his elementary knowledge in a subscription 
school, and after the removal of his mother to wheeling, attended Linsly 
Institute. He was then a student at West Liberty Academy, which 
subsequently was changed to a state normal school. After graduation at 
Duff's Commercial College, Pittsburg, in 1862, he returned to the farm, 
where he has since lived. He built himself a beautiful two-story home of 
10 rooms, which is equipped with most of the modern conveniences afforded 
to the city houses, such as gas for fuel and lighting. In addition to 
following general farming, he has devoted much attention to raising a fine 
grade of stock, making a specialty of fine wool sheep, in which line his 
success has been unusual and phenomenal. He received the prize diploma and 
medal at the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago; also the first award at 
the American Wool and Cotton Reporter Exposition in Boston, in which he 
competed with the world's product in wool. When the Paris Exposition was 
announced, our government selected his clp as on out of a few to make and 
exhibit of this country's wool, which the government sent to Paris as an 
exhibit of the wool grown in America. In competition with the products of 
all nations, it was awarded the gold medal, an emblem his prizes most 
highly. He owns 330 acres of land which has been in the family for more 
than one hundred years, and in that time, by judicious management, has 
been kept under a hight state of cultivation, always producing more than 
the average crop. In addition to the house above mentioned, he has built 
barns and out-houses sufficient to care for his stock and crops, and grows 
a fine selection of early garden vegetables and fine fruits. 

December 22, 1868, Mr. Jacob married Margaret E Hammond, a daughter of 
George Hammond, and they have five children: Annie M.; Wilma H.; Hallie 
H.; Margureite; and Guy R.; all of them receiving a normal school 
education. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for more than 
thirty years. He is a Democrat and was appointed a member of the executive 
committee of the West Liberty State Normal School, serving some sixteen 
years. His is president of the Panhandle Farmers Mutual Insurance Company 
of West Virginia, which under his administration has been very successful. 
He has also bee trustee of his school district for thirty years. 



LOUIS P. FROBE, a well-known wholesale and retail liquor dealer of 
Wheeling, West Virginia, was born in this city, August 16, 1863, and is a 
son of the late George A. Frobe. 

George A. Frobe, who was born in Germany, upon coming to the United States 
settled in Wheeling, West Virginia, and resided here until his death. He 
was a carriage maker by trade, but was engaged in different lines of 
business. He married, while in Germany, Maria Anna Hess, a native of that 
country. They were parent of the following children, namely, Mrs. J. E. 
Keim; Louis P.; Amelia; Henry, deceased; and George, who died September 4, 
1882. 

Louis P. Frobe attended the public schools of Wheeling, and after 
completing his studies learned the trade of cooper, which he followed for 
two years. He then worked in the harness business for John H. Hall, 
remaining in that gentleman's employ for five years. About the time Mr. 
Frobe left the harness business, his brother George, who was engaged in 
the liquor business, died. At his death George A. Frobe, his father, took 
charge of the business of his son George. May 1, 1889, he took his son, 
Louis P., into the firm under the name of George A. Frobe & Son. At the 
elder Mr. Frobe's death, which occurred August 29, 1891, Louis P took 
charge of the entire business, buying out his mother's interest and 
becoming sole proprietor May 1, 1892. 

Louis P. Frobe was united in marriage, April 1, 1891, with Ida L. Walton, 
who is a native of Ohio. Mrs. Frobe is an active member of the English 
Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Frobe is well known in Wheeling as one of 
the successful businessmen of the city. 



S. L. S. SPRAGG, M.D. The subject of our sketch, whose portrait 
accompanies this article, was born at Spraggs, Greene County Pennsylvania, 
and August 29 1852. Hi is a son of Caleb A. and Sarah (Johnson) Spragg, 
both natives of Pennsylvania. 

His father, a prosperous farmer of Greene County, Pennsylvanian, was born 
December 18, 1828. His mother was also a native of Greene County, 
Pennsylvania. She was born 1830, and died at the family home, December 24, 
1882. 

Dr Spragg's Great-grandfather, Caleb Spraagg, was the original settler on 
what is now known as Robberts' Run, Greene County, and Pennsylvania. This 
was in the year 1768. His grandfather, David Spragg, was the fifth of a 
family of 12 children; all save on who lived to extreme old age. 

His grandmother, on his mother's side, died June 14, 1901, aged ninety- 
four years; she was a second cousin of the famous Indian fighter, Lewis 
Wetzel. The Doctor has one sister, Clara N., and two brothers, Francis M. 
and William Elzy, living; and one brother David G., Deceased. 

From early boyhood until he was seventeen years of age the Doctor attended 
district schools, going to school in the winter season and worked on the 
farm during the summer vacation. His leisure moments were always devoted 
to study. 

In his eighteenth year he passed successfully the teacher's examination, 
both in his owoun county and in Mongongalia county, West Virginia. He 
taught school the ensuing winter, and also the three winters following. 

In the spring of 1871 he entered Monongahela College, Jefferson, 
Pennsylvania, where he acquitted himself with great satisfaction, both to 
his friends and to his instructors. 

He began the study of medicine in the fall of 1875, and graduated from 
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in march, 1879. 

In April of the same year, he entered upon the practice of his chose 
profession at Spraggs, Pennsylvania, the village in which he was born, and 
which was named for his great-grandfather, Caleb. 

After practicing successfully at spraggs four years, he removed to 
Alliance, Ohio where he soon secured a large and profitable clientele. 

In 1888, he located permanently in Wheeling, West Virginia, his office and 
residence being at No. 832 Main Street. 

Dr. Spragg's career in Wheeling has been remarkably successful, both as a 
physician and as a surgeon. 

From 1890 to 1892, he was city health officer, filling the position with 
great credit to himself and with entire satisfaction to his constituency. 

He is a present examiner for a number of insurance companies and 
beneficent orders. 

He is a member of many fraternal organizations, among which are: Welcome 
Lodge, No 6, A.O.U.W.; Royal Tribe of Joseph; Black Prince Lodge, No. 19 K 
of P.; and Uniform Rank, Coeur de Leon Company, No 1, K. of P. Of the 
former two, he is the local examiner. He is, also, surgeon on the 
colonel's staff, 1st Regiment, West Virginia Uniform Rank, K. of P. 

The Doctor was united in marriage to Martha E. White, Daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Sanders) White, March 24, 1883. His wife was born in St. Cloud, 
West Virginia, May 11, 1857. 

Leon W., their only child, was born September 24, 1885. He is at present, 
a student at Linsly Institute, Wheeling, and West Virgina. 

The Doctor is a consistent Christian, both he and his family being 
communicants of Fourth Street M. E. Church, of this city. 

In politics he is a democrat of the old school, and a believer in 
principles of the party as expounded by such statesmen as Tilden, Bayard 
and Hendricks. 

He has been, and is today, interested largely in coal and oil 
speculations. His transactions are pre-eminently honest and 
straightforward, almost invariably remunerative, and always satisfactory 
to those with whom he is associated in his dealings. 

As a Christian gentleman, as a safe and conscientious businessman, and as 
a skillful and scientific physician and surgeon, Dr. Spragg hold an 
enviable rank in this, the city and state of his adoption. 



J. F. SHIRK. The drug and general merchandise store owned and managed by 
Mr. Shirk at Edgington, has a large and exclusive patronage. The genial 
and popular proprietor was born in Allegheny City, Allegheny County, 
Pennsylvania, March 10, 1854, and is a son of Morgan M. Shirk, who was 
born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. 

Morgan M. Shirk was a master workman and was successful as a steamboat 
maker and coppersmith during the many years of his life in Pittsburgh. He 
married Nancy McGraw, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and they had five 
children, namely: Martha A., who married J. B. Hammer, of Pittsburgh; 
Milton B., who is deceased; James A., who is engaged in farming; and J. F 
Both of our subject's parents are deceased. 

The youth of Mr. Shirk was passed in Allegheny County, and in attendance 
at the public schools. When seventeen years of age, he came to Wheeling, 
and found ready employment as a clerk in a drug store. After gaining a 
fair knowledge of the business, he embarked in an independent venture on 
the old post office corner, and continued this until he disposed of his 
interest, in 1886. He then took up residence n Edington and Continued in 
business with the same success as formerly. The present store was 
established in 1894, and under the admirable business tactics of the owner 
has proved not only a personal credit, but also a distinct acquisition to 
the mercantile necessities. 

In 1881, Mr. Shirk married Sarah Porter, who was born at Pleasant Valley, 
December 20, 1856. Six bright and interesting children are the result of 
this union, namely: Clare E., graduated of the high school in the class of 
1891; Earl M., who is a prospective graduate of high school in the class 
of 1903; Walter A.; Martha A.; Maye Belle; and Sarah E. Mr. Shirk is, 
above all else, the friend of education, and appreciates its value in 
connection with business and social endeavors. He has been valued and 
helpful member of the board of school commissioners of Triadelphia 
district for a second term. He is Republican in politics, and fraternally, 
is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Mystic Lodge, and No. 24, of 
Elm Grove. Mr. and Mrs. Shirk are devoted members of the Presbyterian 
Church. Mr. Shirk has the entire confidence of the business community, and 
is accounted one of the substantial and thoroughly reliable men of 
Wheeling and its vicinity. 



WILLIAM F. GRAEBE. The remarkable extent to which the wisely conservative 
and reliable characteristics of the German born are capable of the 
retention, and assimilation with the progressive yet unfamiliar conditions 
of an alien country, finds forcible illustration in the career of William 
F Graebe, for many years on of the bulwarks of Wheeling, and by occupation 
a solicitor for the Standard Fire Insurance company of Wheeling. A native 
of Hessian, Germany, Mr. Graebe passed his boyhood days among the 
surroundings which had witnessed the laudable undertakings of his 
ancestors, and his preliminary education was acquired at the little 
village schoolhouse. As became a youth of the Fatherland, he was reared to 
habits of thrift and industry, and when the problem of self-support 
presented itself at an early day, he courageously applied himself to such 
tasks as brought in their train to the desired remuneration. To satisfy an 
ambition destined to stagnate in the somewhat worn and less prolific 
opportunities of Europe; he cares to America in 1857, and arrived in 
Wheeling on July 3rd of the same year. The following day furnished an 
insight as to the methods pursued while demonstrating patriotism in honor 
the Declaration of Independence. and no more emphatic initiative could 
have compelled attention and assured recollection on the part of a boy 
whose underlying principle was an ardent love for this native land. In the 
midst of those noise and general jollification, there was born in the 
emigrant heart an allegiance to his adopted land which has survived to 
strife and smoke of battle, the keen competition in marts of trade, and in 
the innumerable demands upon the ability and integrity of those who call 
themselves American citizens. 

Confident that there would always be a demand for the followers of an 
indispensable trade, Mr. Graebe learned to be a shoemaker, and while thus 
employed the years slipped by until the breaking of the Civil War when, 
although not naturalized, he responded to Abraham Lincoln's call for 75,
000 men. May 10, 1861, he enlisted for three years in Company C, 2nd Reg., 
VA. Vol. Inf., which was later merged into the 5th Reg., W. VA Vol. Cav. 
He was mustered in June 1, 1861 and served in the 1st Brigade, Department 
of the Ohio, during July and August; in Reynolds' Division, Department of 
West Virginia, until January, 1862; in Milroy's Brigade, 3d Division, 1st 
Corps, Army of West Virginia, up to September, 1862; in Moore's Brigade, 
Cox Division, until February, 1863; in the 4th Separate Brigade, 2d 
Division, 8th Army Corps, up to June, 1863: in Averill's Brigade until 
December of the same year: in the 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, Department of 
West Virginia, up to February, 1864; and in the 3d Brigade, Calvary 
Division, until May 1864. His first operations where Cheat Mountain Pass, 
Cheat Mountain Summit, and Point Mountain Turnpike from September 12 to 
the 17th; The regiment was engaged at Laurel Fork Creek on August 20 and 
in December was sent to Huntersville. It was in action at Allegheny 
Summit, on December 13, 1861 and on duty on Cheat Mountain Summit from 
December, 1861 to April, 1862: and in action at McDowell (Bull Pasture 
Mountain), May 8; Cross Keys, June 8; Port Republic, June 9 near Cedar 
Mountain, August 10; Freeman's Upper Ford, August 22; Sulphur Springs, 
August 24 and 25; Gainesville, August 28; Groventon, August 29; Bull Run, 
August 30; on duty at Beverly, West Virginia, from October, 1862 to March 
1863; in action at Beverly, April 24; in Averilla's raid in West Virginia, 
August 25 to 30; White Sulphur Springs, August 26; Rocky Gap August 27; 
Cheat River, September 25; in the Droop Mountain Raid, November 1 to 10; 
at Miller Point, November 5; Droop Mountain, November 6; in the Salem 
raid, December 8 to 21; and at Covington, December 20. The regiment was 
changed to the 5th Reg. W.VA. Vol. Cav. on January 6, 1864; it was on duty 
at Martinsburg until April 1864, and in the battle of Floyd Mountain, on 
May 9. Mr. Graebe was honorably discharged form the service of his country 
on June 14, 1864. 

Amid the more peaceful surrounding of Wheeling Mr. Garebe retained to the 
pursuit of his trade, and continued to supply the best possible footgear 
for the residents of his town until 1884. With the hope of larger returns 
and brighter prospects, he embarked in the fire insurance business, and 
his continued success is proof of the wisdom of this departure. April 5, 
1866, he married Amelia Finsel, a native of Wheeling, and from their union 
four children have resulted, namely; George; Howard; Nettie; and Cecil. 
Mr. Graebe is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic, and is 
prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a past officer, and 
the Improved Order of Red Men, of which he has been past great sachem 
several years. In all his avenue of activity Mr. Graebe has shown common 
sense and those sterling traits which have ever been regarded as the 
foundation of success, and there can be no more fitting tribute to his 
character than the esteem and good will accorded him by all his 
acquaintances. 



A. F. FAULKNER, one of the many well-known residents of Wheeling, West 
Virginia, is an expert accountant, and has lived in the city for the past 
seven years. He lived in England until he was twenty-three years of age 
and was born in that country, about 70 miles form London, April 27, 1860. 
Hi is a son of John T. and Elizabeth Margaret (Tomalin) Faulkner, of 
Northampton shire, England, both now deceased. 

John T. Faulkner was born June 1, 1820, and followed agricultural pursuits 
all his life. He was married to Elizabeth M. Tomalin in the year 1845. 
Their oldest son, John Joseph Faulkner, is an able and very prominent 
lawyer of Northampton, England, and received the degree of LL.D. form 
London University in 1874. 

A. F. Faulkner, after leaving school, was clerk in a lawyer's office at 
Thrapston, England, for seven years, after which he came to the United 
States, and landed at New York. Leaving New York, he located in Ohio, and 
about six years afterward in Chicago, where he remained about three years. 
He then removed to Alliance, Ohio in 1891, where he was employed by the 
Solid Steel Company as a special accountant for three years. In October 
1894, he moved to Wheeling, where he has lived ever since. 

Mr. Faulkner was married in September 1894 at Canton, Ohio to Mary M. 
Wells, a daughter of the late D. W. Well of Columbiana County, Ohio, who 
was born in July 1879. They have one child, Sheldon Wells, born in August 
1896. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner are me members of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Faulkner is an American citizen, and in politics is a 
Democrat. As and expert accountant he stands high in the profession, and 
has a good practice. 



WILLIAM W. DUMAS, who is successfully engaged in the livery business at 
Wheeling, West Virginia, is a man of recognized business talents, and 
enjoys a good standing among the businessmen of the city where he is 
socially a person of importance. 

Mr. Dumas was born in Wheeling January 18, 1875. He is a son of John and 
Catherine (Glass) Dumas. The former, although a native of Italy is of 
French Extraction, and the latter was born at Wellsburg, West Virginia. 
John Dumas came to the United States and located in New Orleans, in 1860. 
He enlisted in the 10th Regiment Louisiana Cavalry, and severed until the 
battle of Gettysburg, where he was taken prisoner. He was later released 
on parole, at Martinsburg, West Virginia, and was employed by the 
government in buying grain at Wheeling, until 1865: he was also engaged in 
the grocery business. He was placed in charge if a government wagon train, 
with which he went to Kansas City in 1865, and was, discharged from future 
service, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 

Returning to Wheeling, the elder Mr. Dummas engaged in the livery business 
in this city in 1884, and thus continued until his retirement, in 1895; 
shortly afterward he moved to Detroit, Michigan, where he lived a retired 
life until 1901, when he retained pass the remainder of his years in 
Wheeling. At one time, he was steward of Bethany and West Liberty 
Colleges. 

Henry Glass, the maternal grandfather of William W. Dumas, was a prominent 
contractor of his day, who made the brick with which he built Bethany 
College, and other noted Buildings. 

William W. Dumnas is on of a family of five children, four of whom are 
still living. He has three sisters, all residents of Wheeling, namely: 
Mary, wife of Eugene Bonini; Agnes, wife of John Hardy, a Plaster; and 
Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Martin, shipping clerk in the plant of the 
Wheeling Pottery Company. 

William W. Dumas attended the public schools of Wheeling, and later was a 
pupil in the Cathedral High School; he was afterward associated with his 
father in the livery business until 1895, when he accompanied his parents 
to Michigan. While there he held an important position with the Detroit 
Gas Works, having charge of several departments. In January 1901, he 
returned to Wheeling and embarked in business for himself purchasing at 
that time the S. D Hughes livery business, of which he is present 
proprietor. He has two livery stables, on at No. 1430 Market Street and 
the other at No. 44 Fourteenth Street. 

In June 1899, Mr. Dumas was united in marriage with Matilda Koehler, a 
daughter of Fred and Caroline Koehler, respected citizens of Wheeling, 
where Mrs. Dumas was born January 20,1880. She is a member of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church. They have on child Mildred Louisa Marie, born 
April 1900. Mr. Dumas belongs to the A.O.U.W. and Macabees, is independent 
in politics, and is a member of the Catholic Church. The subject of this 
sketch is a man of intelligence, and takes a keen interest in local and 
general matters. His portrait accompanies the sketch. 



MARTIN J. BARTHOLOMEW, one of the progressive young businessmen of 
Wheeling, West Virginia, conducts a grocery and meat market at No. 448 
Main Street. He was born in Wheeling, February 26, 1879 and is a son of 
William and Andree (Linderlef) Bartholomew, the former, a native of 
Germany, and the later of Denmark, and both now deceased. 

William Bartholomew came to the United States when young man, and during 
the Civil War fought form the cause of the Union. After receiving and 
honorable discharge from the army he settled in Wheeling, where he worked 
in the Top Mill until his death. 

Martin J. Bartholomew attended the German and public schools of Wheeling, 
West Virginia, and later engaged as a clerk in a grocery store. May 15 
1900, he embarked in the grocery business at his present location on Main 
Street, and is meeting with success. He carries a complete line of staple 
and fancy groceries and provisions, and in connection with the above 
business has opened a meat market, which is receiving a most liberal 
patronage. Mr. Bartholomew is deserving of the success, which has crowned 
his efforts, and the people of Wheeling are not slow in manifesting their 
appreciation of this energetic and progressive young businessman. 

Religiously, Mr. Bartholomew is a member of the Lutheran Church. 
Fraternally, he belongs to Ohio Valley Lodge No. 31, K. of P., and in 
political view, he is independent. 



HENRY L. ROTH, prominent merchant of Fulton, Ohio County, West Virginia, 
is the proprietor of a feed and grain store. He was born in Fulton, 
February 9, 1861, and is a son of Lewis Roth. 

Lewis Roth was born in Germany in 1826 and died January 19, 1883. He came 
to the United States when young man, and located in Wheeling. He was 
united in marriage with Elizabeth Fulmar, a daughter of Frederick Fulmar, 
who was a native of Germany, and they had nine children. Those living are 
as follows: Henry L; John who is in business with the subject of this 
sketch; William; Frederick; Benjamin; and Frances, wife of W. M. Clemans, 
of Wheeling. Lewis Roth was a tanner by trade, and had a tannery in 
Fulton. 

Henry L. Roth attended the public schools of Fulton and then worked for 
this father in the tannery. He took charge of it upon the latters's death 
in 1883, and conducted the business until 1891. He subsequently embarked 
in the grain and feed business, and has since conducted a concern of that 
kind in Fulton. He has resided there all of his live with exception of 
three years spent in Ohio and at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a man of 
good business qualifications, and strands high among his fellow citizens. 

November 1, 1889 Mr. Roth was joined in matrimony with Minnie Ebling, who 
was born in Wheeling in 1866, and they have two children living, Harold 
and Clarence. One child Alma, died aged eight months. Mr. Roth is a sturdy 
supporter of Democratic principles, and has served as Mayor of Fulton and 
also as member of the council. Fraternally, he belongs to the Shield of 
Honor. 



C. B. COLBORN. It is generally conceded that the standard of excellence in 
any community is but a reflection of the character and attainments of its 
representative citizens, and it is therefore true that the career of C. B. 
Colborn, general manager of the Brown Coal & Coke Company, is expressive 
of the highest moral, material and intellectual development of Wheeling. A 
native of Sommerset County, Pennsylvania, he was born December 4, 1874, 
and is a son of Andrew J. and Susan Colborn. 

No more typically high minded, gifted, substantial American Citizen ever 
made his home in a town and dominated its interest with the optimism of 
his heart, the clearness of his thought, and the whole-souled generosity 
of his judgment, than did Andrew J. Colborn, of Somerset, Somerset County, 
Pennsylvania. A native of the state of William Penn, he became on of the 
pioneer settlers of Somerset, and came and went under the lime light of 
publicity as a lawyer of more than ordinary erudition, a politician who 
never sacrificed the interests of others for personal gain, and as a 
friend who never allowed a shadow to rest upon his reputation as one of 
nature's noblemen. Much of his most conspicuous service was in the 
interests of the Republican Party in which he entertained a profound 
faith. Election time found him in the field armed with the convincing 
argument of the enthusiastic politician, and he became known far and wide 
as "Old Bald Eagle", on account of his ability as a stump speaker. He was 
elected to many positions of trust, was in the State Senate form a term, 
and in the Lower House for eight terms during the latter service he was 
chairman of the ways and means committee for three terms. He studied the 
principals of law under the able leadership of Hon. Jerry Black, and was a 
law partner of F. M. Kimball for twenty years. He organized the first 
Pennsylvania troops during the war, and was appointed brigade inspector by 
Governor Curtin, with the rank of major. Fraternally he exercised a great 
influence in his neighborhood. He was on of the original members of the 
Knights Templar in the town, and a charter member of the Masonic blue 
lodge at Somerset. His death, August 6, 1901 at the age of seventy-nine 
years, removed one of the vital and resourceful elements of Somerset, and 
left a vacancy hitherto filled by a potent and penetration personality. He 
was the life of his home and the neighborhood-one in whom there was no 
faltering or uncertainty or turning from the accustomed strength of his 
ways, and like the song rather than the accompaniment, he was sadly missed 
from the haunts with which he had became familiar. A Baptist in early 
life, he in later years found greeted consolation in the fold of the 
Christian church, with which he and his wife were identified for fifty-six 
years. and it was in his home rather than in public resort, that the 
innate nobility of the man was most conspicuous. Side by side, in an ideal 
communion of which may dream buy few realize, this couple formed a 
composite whole, the harmony of which was never disturbed by storms from 
without or within. Mrs. Colborn is remembered as a benediction as a woman 
in who were combined rare traits of mind and heart. She too lived beyond 
the biblical allotment, and at the time of her death September 14, 1895 
was seventy years and three months old. On April 14, of the same year the 
parents had celebrated their golden wedding, and at the time there was 
present all the town to them joy, besides 150 guest from Philadelphia, 
Washington and New York. Many valuable gift of gold attested the 
appreciation and love fostered through long years of amicable association. 
At the time of the funeral of the mother, her six stalwart sons acted as 
pall-bears and the father was buried according to the impressive and 
beautiful rite of the Knights Templar. 

The two daughters and six sons who were permitted to dwell during their 
youth in the ideal atmosphere of their parents' home, there to receive 
that inspiration to well-doing which in each individual case has been 
prolific of a fine and honorable career, are all living at the present 
time. They are H. J., who is now Mrs. H. J. Miller, of Somerset; C. B.; L. 
C., who is an attorney at Somerset; F. K. is a bookkeeper for the United 
Sates Leather Company at Bayard, West Virginia; Eleanor, who is the wife 
of Frank C. Bell, a banker and hardware merchant, and also interested in 
the Savage Fire-Brick Company; H. B., who is a merchant and director of 
the Second National Bank at Frostburg, Maryland; A. J., a graduate of 
Bethany College, class of 1882, and has practiced law in Scranton, 
Pennsylvanian since 1884; and Robert G. Robert G Colborn is now a resident 
of Scranton and has a fine record as solder. During the Spanish-American 
War he enlisted with the United States Regulars, went to Puerto Rico, and 
served throughout the entire war. Upon retaining with his regiment he was 
stationed at Governor's Island for six weeks, and was then ordered to 
China, later to Manila, and still later to Samoa, where he participated in 
the last great fight. For extreme bravery and long meritorious service, he 
was rewarded by appointment to the position of quartermaster. 

C. B. Colborn was educated in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and graduated from 
the high school and the Millersville State Normal School. In 1862, he 
enlisted in company E, 133rd Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and was with army of the 
Potomac. He participated in the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg, 
and during the latter engagement received a flesh wound in each leg, which 
resulted in his being laid up in the hospital from December 1862, to April 
1863. Upon recovering, he rejoined his regiment and remained with it until 
the close of the war, as a private and non-commissioned officer. With the 
return of peace he retained to Somerset and took an additional educational 
course, after which he became interested in the coal business, and since 
1867 has been actively engaged in the coke and coal business. Fro some 
years he lived in Virginia, and came to Wheeling in 1895, after developing 
a number of mines for the Elkins-Davis Coal & Coke Company. He has been 
greatly interested in promotion the cause of education in the places where 
he lived. He was on the board of education for twelve years in Virginia, 
for fourteen years in Pennsylvania, and was in the city council in Davis a 
Baird, West Virginia. For several terms. He is a stanch upholder of the 
Republican principles and measures, and has been delegate to all state 
conventions. Fraternally he is associated with the Somerset Lodge, No. 
358, A.F. & A.M., and with the J. W. Holliday Post, No. 12, and Grand Army 
of the Republic. November 29, 1870, Mr. Colborn married Margaret H. 
Parson, a native of Somerset, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of James and 
Caroline Parson, the former of who died at the age of eighty-six years, 
ant the latter is still a resident of Somerset. The Parson family have 
long been resident of Pennsylvania, and are among the highly respected 
members of the community. To Mr. and Mrs. Colborn have been born nine 
children, as follows: Susan C., now Mrs. E. B. Roddy, who lives at 
Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and has three children-Carl, Edward and Robert; 
L. C., who died in 1891, at the age of twenty years; George K., who is a 
mine superintendent at Beech Bottom, West Virginia, married Miss S. C. 
High and has one child - Pearl; C. B. Jr., who is a resident of 
Pittsburgh, married Miss P. C. Garrett, and has two children Hazel and 
Margaret; Nellie C.: Charlotte L.; Caroline P., who is attending school; 
and Mary and Frank, twins, who are also attending school. Mr. Colborn is 
like his father a devoted member of the Christian church, having been 
admitted to the church February 14, 1862 while home on furlough during the 
Civil War. He is generous contributor towards maintenance of his church, 
and is standing in the community is enviable one and host of friends 
attest to his excellent personal characteristics. 



SAMUEL SPRIGG JACOB, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Ohio 
county West Virginia, has always been a resident of this county. His was 
born on a farm June 23, 1838, and is the oldest son of John J. and Mahala 
W. (Ridgley) Jacob. 

Zachariah Jacob, great-grandfather of our subject, was born in England and 
come to America prior to 1760. He was probably of Jewish parentage. He 
located at Annapolis, Maryland. He and wife Susannah reared the following 
children: Samuel Ezekiel; William: Susannah; John J.; and Gabriel. 

Gaberiel Jacob, grandfather of our subject, was born July 1, 1759 and died 
March 20, 1822; married Ruth Hurst, of Washington county, Maryland, and 
they had the following children: John J.; Joseph; Zachariah and Susan 
(twins); Ezekiel; and Samuel. 

John J. Jacob's, oldest son of Gabriel and Ruth (Hurst) Jacob, was born 
December 25, 1790 and died October 15, 1848. He first married Elizabeth 
Mitchell, a daughter of Alexander Mitchell, who was a prosperous farmer. 
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob became parents of the following children: Gabrel; 
Alexander M.; Anne Susan; Ruth and Sarah. For his second wife he married 
Mahala W. Ridgley and had the following children: Samuel Sprigg, subject 
of this sketch; A Ridgley; John J. and Drusilla R., who married Abram Mc 
Colloch, brother of Mrs. S. S. Jacob. 

Samuel S. Jacob attended a subscription school in the country, as it was 
before the days of public schools. After the death of his father in 1848, 
he removed to Wheeling with his mother and there attended Linsly Institute 
for three years, after which he took a course of two years (1854-55, 1855-
56) in Morgantown Academy. He persuaded his mother in 1857 or 1858 to 
return to the country, where he has since are engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. 

In 1868, Mr. Jacob was joined in marriage with Mary L. McColloch, a 
daughter of Samuel McCulloch, and the following children blessed their 
union: Clarence; Samuel S., Jr.; Mary Lillian; Frank H.; Mahala R.; and 
John J. The members of Mr. Jacob's family are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, except the subject of this sketch, and his youngest son, 
John J. He is a Democrat in politics. 



JOSEPH ELWOOD ROBINSON, general agent for West Virginian and Eastern Ohio 
of the Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Detroit, Michigan, was 
born in the Quaker Village of Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio. 

His father was a member of the Society of Friends, and with his parents 
emigrated from England to America in 1820, and settled in Wilmington, 
Delaware. As a civil engineer, his father was engaged in building of the 
famous Delaware Breakwater. His ancestors belonged to the English 
nobility, but on account of their religious conviction renounced the title 
and became members of the Society of Friends (Quakers). 

The mother of Mr. Robinson was born in the Ligonier valley, Westmoreland 
County, Pennsylvania. Her parents left Ireland during the trouble of 1798, 
and were among the first pioneers of Western Pennsylvania, and from their 
families have descended some of the most prominent person in the Ohio 
Valley, particularly in Cincinnati and in the state of Indiana. 

In 1866 Mr. Robinson's family removed to Sistersville, West Virginia, and 
ten years later he removed to Wheeling, where he resides at his pleasant 
home at No 114 South Penn Street (Island). 

J. E. Robinson engaged in the insurance business in 1885, with the 
Michigan Mutual Life Insurance Company, and has been in its continuous 
employ ever since, and has built up a large and prosperous business for 
the company. His office rooms are at No. 1205 Market Street, McLain Block. 

Mr. Robinson is a prominent member of the Masonic order and is affiliated 
with Ohio Lodge, No. 1, A.F. & A.M.; Wheeling Union Chapter, No. 1, R. A. 
M.; Cyrene Commandery, No. 7, K. T.; Osiris Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; and West 
Virginia Consistory, No 1, A. & A. S. Rite. He is also a member of Black 
Prince Lodge, No. 19, K. of P.; and Lodge, No. 28, B.P.O.E.. He and his 
family are members of the Second Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Robinson bears the reputation of being just and upright citizen and 
enjoys the confidence o his company and host of policy holders and 
friends, and is most successful businessman.