History of Wheeling City and Ohio Co. WV - Biographries-13



JOHN T. RANKIN, the efficient chief bookkeeper for the Delaplain Dry Goods 
Company, a corporation doing business at Nos. 1305-1307 Main Street, 
Wheeling West Virginia, has held his position since 1891. He was born in 
Belmont County, Ohio, July 1868, and is a son of David and Mary (Mercer) 
Rankin, natives of Ohio. 

David Rankin resides in Wheeling, is a manufacturer's agent, and has the 
distinction of being the patentee of the Buckeye Lantern, so famous in its 
day - the first double-globe lantern ever made. He and his worthy wife 
were the parents of six children, four of whom still survive. The Family 
is attendants of the Presbyterian Church. 

John T. Rankin attended the public schools of Bellaire, Ohio, and 
graduated form the Wheeling Business College, after which he became a 
clerk in the first National Bank of Bellaire, where he continued some 
time. He was then employed in the office of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh 
Railway in Bellaire, and remained there for several years, after which he 
worked for the wholesale drug firm of J. C. Dent & Company at Bridgeport, 
Ohio. He continued there several years, previous to accepting his present 
position of trust, in 1891. 

In 1894 on Thanksgiving Day, Mr. Rankin was united in marriage with Maud 
Melnot Hetherington, a daughter of W. S. and Mary Hetherington, who are 
natives and pioneer settlers of Belmont County, Ohio, and are still 
numbered among its most worth residents. Mr. Rankin and his wife have two 
children, namely: Chauncey A. and Ralph H. In politics, Mr. Rankin is and 
ardent Republican. His is a reliable and widely trusted gentleman, and his 
success is due to his own capabilities and business integrity. 



GUSTAVE H. MEDICK, the well-known proprietor of the meat market and 
grocery store at No. 1512 Market Street, Wheeling, West Virginia, was born 
in this city February 4, 1858. His is a son of John M and Henrietta 
(Linsner) Medick, who were natives of Germany, John M. Medick was a 
butcher by trade, and after coming to the United States settled in 
Pittsburgh, where he followed that occupation for some time. In 1856, he 
removed to Wheeling, where he opened a butcher shop in partnership with 
Frederick Schenk. In 1860 he started for himself and continued in the 
business until 1884, when he died, aged fifty-one years. His widow is 
living with her son, Gustave H., and is now sixty-seven years old. She is 
well known by many of the settlers of Wheeling, and is a woman of many 
noble qualities. Nine children were born to her, names as follows: Gustave 
H.; John C.; William; Amelia; Charles; Edward, and Henry all deceased; 
George, a grocer and butcher, who is living in Wheeling; and one who died 
in infancy. 

Gustave H. Medick, the subject of this sketch, received his mental 
training in Wheeling, and when a very young boy learned the trade, which 
his father had followed all his life. In 1879, he went to Leadvill, 
Colorado, where he engaged in the meat business until 1881, and was very 
successful. In 1881, Mr. Medick returned to Wheeling, where he was in the 
meat business until 1893. In the spring of 1893, he started the grocery 
and meat market, which he now conducts, and his efforts have been well 
rewarded. His store is neat and attractive, and his patronage is one of 
the largest in the city. Mr. Medick is a careful manager, a conscientious 
and hard worker, and is much deserving of success. 

Mr. Medic was married in 1881, to Amelia Stamm, who is a native of 
Wheeling, and a daughter of William and Dorothy (Hook) Stamm. Three 
children resulted form this union, namely; Frank T., who is working in a 
pottery; Edith L., and Oscar. Mrs. Medick died April 23, 1895, at the age 
of thirty-six years. Mr. Medick's present wife was Georgie H. Meyer, who 
he married January 28, 1897. Mr. Medick was the organizer of the Wheeling 
Retail Butcher Protective Association, of which he served on term as 
secretary and three terms, as president. He was the president of the 
National Butchers Association of the United States, for two terms and 
during that time was on several committees that made it necessary for him 
to vista. Texas, Nebraska, Montana and Kansas. 

The subject of this sketch is a Republican in politics and has served as a 
member of the city council, and of the schooled board. He belongs to the 
Knights of Pythias, in which he is assistant brigadier general of the 
state of West Virginia. He is also a member of the National Union, and is 
a past officer in that organization. Mr. Medick is an honorable, upright 
man, and is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. 



JOHN W. KINDELBERGER, a gentleman of prominence in political circles, has 
been called upon to fill numerous offices of public trust, and upon each 
occasion has distinguished himself by the able manner in which he has 
discharged his duties. Mr. Kindelberger was born February 19, 1866 and is 
a son of Jacob Kindelberger. He was educated in the public schools and in 
a business college and during the past twelve years has taken an active 
part in the affairs of the Republican Party, as a member of the Republican 
county executive committee. He has been a member of the Republican city 
committee several years, and was secretary of county committee ten years; 
he was also chairman of the city committee four years. In 1893, He was 
elected city receiver and was re-elected in 1895, his efficiency in that 
capacity attracting much attention. He was appointed chief deputy sheriff 
by Sheriff H. C. Richard's in January 1897, and filled that office until 
October 15, 1898 when he resigned to enter business. He served as a member 
of the city council of Wheeling from the second ward, from January 1899 
until January 1901. 

Mr. Kindelberger was united in marriage August 28, 1889 with Delia Donovan 
and they are the parent of three children. The subject of this sketch is a 
man of high character and leasing personality. He enjoys the universal 
repeat of the citizens of Wheeling, to, which he is well known. 



DAVID C. KURNER, a business man of high standing among his fellow citizens 
of Wheeling, West Virginia, does all kinds of painting, frescoing, sign 
work, graining and ornamental work, glazing, kalsomining, hardwood 
finishing and paper hanging, and keeps a full stock of painters materials 
at his shop, which is located at Nos. 1725-1727 Market Street. Mr. Kurner 
was born in Wheeling, July 10, 1859, and is a son of John D. and Susannah 
(Strobel) Kurner. 

John D. Kurner was born in 1828, in Wurtemburg, Germany, and came to the 
United States when but a small boy. He proceeded to Wheeling, Virginia, 
where he was a baker for some years, but later followed the trade of a 
paperhanger. He married Susannah Strobel, born in Wheeling in 1838, who is 
still a resident of the city, lining on Fourteenth Street. Sixteen 
children were born to this union, of whom the following are living: 
Veronica; David C.: William; Harry J.; Joseph; John David, Jr.; George E.; 
Nellie; and Archie. Veronica is now the wife of Philip Knave, a tacker by 
occupation, who resides in Wheeling. William and Harry J. follow the 
painter's trade and are also located in Wheeling. Joseph is a musician, of 
Wheeling, and John David, Jr., is a painter of the same city. George E. is 
and electrician. Nellie married George Schlagle, a broker in New Mexico. 
Archie is a painter, living in Wheeling. 

In 1886, David C. Kurner was united in wedlock with Barbara Ebbert, who 
was born in Wheeling in 1863, they have eight children namely: John 
Raymond; Carrie; David C., Jr.; Robert J.; Estella; Clemens; Martha; and 
Paul Joseph. The family are devoted to the Catholic Church. Politically, 
Mr. Kurner is a Democrat and in social circles, a member of the Arion 
Association the Carroll Club and the Turnverein. He was elected a member 
of the city council for one term. Mr. Kurner is considered a successful 
man in his business, and his friends unite in giving him their esteem and 
respect. 



PATRICK J. GILLIGAN, the stone work of many of the most pretentious 
architectural accomplishments in Wheeling is directly traceable to the 
skill and intelligent understanding of Patrick J. Gilligan, on of the most 
successful stone contractors and builders in this part of the state. His 
birth, which occurred in County Sligo, Ireland, March 17, 1848, chanced 
upon the day held in greatest veneration by all Irish hearts, which is 
devoted to a recapitulation of the numerous virtues to which the admirable 
St. Patrick was heir. It was not surprising therefore that Thomas and 
Sarah (White) Gilligan availed, themselves of this happy augury, and named 
their son after the patron Gaelic saint. 

Thomas Gilligan, who was a merchant during his active life in Ireland, 
lived and died in his native land, but two of his children, William and 
Margaret, came to America in the early "sixties" and were followed by 
their mother and the rest of the family in 1869. James, Thomas and Patrick 
J. took up their residence in Wheeling, and here their mother died at the 
age of seventy-six years. 

Having learned the trade of a stone-mason in his native land, Patrick J. 
Gilligan thought to apply it for a livelihood in America, but upon 
arriving in Wheeling there seemed noting to do in his line, so he engaged 
at the Norway Iron Works from June until April. Following this he was 
employed in cutting and laying stone for what is now the Baltimore & Ohio 
Railroad bridge, at Bellaire, Ohio and later worked in Wheeling for 
several contracting parties. Until the dissolution of the firm of Seabrook 
and McGannon, he remained the firm's Foreman of masonry, and had charge of 
the construction of bridges and culverts between Short Creek and Wheeling. 
Going to Pittsburgh, he worked a few months for contractors, eventually 
engaging as Foreman of masonry on the Pittsburgh water works. He then 
undertook the improvements on Brownsville Avenue, Pittsburgh. After a 
short time, Mr. Gilligan worked for prominent contractors of Wheeling. He 
was then employed on the Cleveland, Lorain & Wheeling Railway bridges, and 
in 1878 took a contract for work two and a half miles North of St. 
Clairsville, Ohio. This task accomplished, he worked at building a stone 
cutting for eight months at Kirkwood, Ohio, since which time he has 
contracted and built in Wheeling. At the present time he is engaged upon 
the construction of two of the largest block in the city, those of the 
News Publishing Company and the Locke Shoe Company. While making a 
specialty of stone construction, he has by no means confined himself to 
this branch of work, For St. Joseph's Academy, the old Grant House, Henry 
K. List's Bank, Mrs. Hazlett's building and many others equally important, 
were reared form the foundation up by Mr. Gilligan. He built the stonework 
of the Eighth Ward Schoolhouse and has the contract for the annex of the 
same. Now in the process of construction. In all his work Mr. Gilligan 
evinces a conscientious regard for the best interest of those who place 
their confidence in his ability and integrity, with the result that his 
reputation is far reaching and of a most enviable nature. His work is not 
only substantial and consistent, but also developed with reference to 
artistic and generally pleasing effects. 

In 1878, Mr. Gilligan married Catherine Reilly, a native of West Virginia 
and a daughter of Peter and Margaret Reilly. From this union nine children 
have resulted: Thomas P., who assist his father in the building business; 
Margaret F., who is assistant bookkeeper and stenographer for the Hicks & 
Hoge Dry Goods Company. Charles P., who is also in business with his 
father; Mary S., who is attending school; John J.; Catherine V. H.; Sarah 
M., who died at the age of three and a half years old; and William, who 
died at the age of seven months. Mr. Gilligan is a stanch upholder of the 
Republican principles, and with his family is a member of the Catholic 
Church. His portrait appears on the preceding page in connection with this 
brief sketch of his life. 



SAMUEL NESBITT, JR, a leading loan and real estate dealer of Wheeling, 
WEST Virginia, was born in this city December 7, 1860, a son of Samuel and 
Eliza (McCleary) Nesbitt. 

Samuel Nesbitt, the father of the subject of this biography, ws born May 
26, 1826, in Ireland, where he lived for a number of years. He followed 
the career of a blacksmith during his active business live, and is now 
living a retired life in Wheeling, which city has been his home ever since 
coming to this country, in 1848. He married Eliza McCleary, who was also 
born in Ireland; she came to the United States in 1848, and was married in 
1851. Eleven children resulted from this union, namely: Mary, born July 4, 
1853, is the wife of Robert Henderson, of Wheeling; Catherine, deceased, 
born December 7, 1854; John, born July 23, 1856 who is an artisan and live 
in Allegheny, Pennsylvania; Thomas W., born in 1858, died in childhood; 
the fifth child, born in 1859, died in infancy, Samuel; Robert, deceased, 
born in January, 1862; James, deceased, born in 1864; Thomas, born in 1866 
who lives in Wheeling; William, born in 1868 lives in Allegheny; and 
Charles, born in 1870, who is a blacksmith and succeeded his father in the 
business at the old stand on Sixteenth Street, between Market and Main 
Streets. 

Samuel Nesbitt, Jr., attended the public Schools of Wheeling, and later 
attended the Cincinnati Law School, form which he was graduated. For the 
past thirteen years has been extensively engaged in the real estate and 
loan business, in which he has been very successful. He is a man of good 
boniness ability, keen perception and good judgment, and his success has 
been of his own making. His office is located at No. 1735 Market Street. 

Mr. Nesbitt was united in marriage with Virginia McGill, June 9, 1892. She 
was born in Wheeling, October 8, 1867, and is a daughter of Leander and 
Hester J. (Richey) McGill. Leander McGill was a native of Ohio, and his 
wife was a native of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt have one child, 
Samuel, who was born March 20, 1893. Mr. Nesbitt resides in a very 
comfortable home at No. 2107 Chapline Street. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Second United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Nesbitt is and Odd 
Fellow and a member of the A.O.U.W. Politically, he a Republican. He is 
highly respected in Wheeling, where he is well known and has many friends. 



THOMAS BAIRD McLAIN, who has been prominently identified with the business 
interest of Wheeling since 1858, is now a dealer in dental and surgical 
supplies, having fine quarter in the City Bank Building. He was born at 
Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, and is son of John Germmell McLain Sr., who 
was born in 1795, followed the printing and publishing business throughout 
his entire life upon locating in Wheeling 1844, he took up the publication 
of the Wheeling Argus, one of the first newspapers of the city. He 
continued with this paper until his death in 1849, at the age of fifty-
four years. He was an active supporter of the Democratic Party. The 
subject of our sketch has in his possession three bound volumes of the 
Warren New Letter and Trumbull County Republican a weekly newspaper 
running from August 1831, to August 1836, and which, notwithstanding its 
name, was a stanch Jackson Democratic paper. John Gemmell McLain and 
Thomas Jefferson McLain, his younger brother published it at Warren, 
Trumbull County, and Ohio. These volumes were exhibited at a recent loan 
exhibition in Wheeling. In 1827, John Gamely McLain married Eliza Ellen or 
Baird, of Cleveland, Ohio. She was born May 1799, and died in 1866 in 
Wheeling at her residence on Haden Street, (now Thirteenth). They reared 
five sons and two daughters: Lazarus Baird, who was bon in 1828 and died 
in 1859-at the time of his death being local editor of one of the leading 
Wheeling papers; Henry Baird; John Gemmell, Jr.; Robert Baird; Thomas 
Baird; Mary A.; and Annie E. All the children were born in Trumbull 
County, Ohio, and all but two are now deceased, those living being John 
Gemmell, Jr., and Thomas Baird. 

All of the McLain brothers, except Thomas Baird, served apprenticeships at 
the printing trade in the establishment of their father, later working as 
journeymen in different printing offices of the city. In 1856, one of the 
brothers, Robert Baird, learned the drug business, and f1858 "set up" a 
small store in Ritchie town (now in the eight ward) in a one-story frame 
building belonging to the late Dr. R. W. Hazlett, at what is now the 
corner of Thirty-eight and Jacob Streets, the subject of our sketch being 
employed as clerk and errand boy. About 1860 the brothers established a 
penny post office in their drug store, which proved to be quite 
remunerative to them and a great accommodation to the townspeople who took 
advantage of it. It was a forerunner of the postal substation idea. People 
who wanted their mail brought down form the city signed an order to the 
postmaster to have their mail put into the penny post box, and every 
morning it was carried down to the drug store, distributed into the proper 
boxes, and delivered when called for at a charge of a penny for each 
letter or paper. During this time, the younger brother boarded and lodged 
at the family residence on North Main Street, between what are now Eighth 
and Ninth Streets, and walked to and form the little drug store stopping 
on the way at the post office for the penny post mail. In addition to 
their first establishment, they operated a number of other stores, all 
under the firm name of McLain Brothers. 

In 1880 the health of the elder brother, Henry Baird, failed, and he 
retired from the firm, purchasing a section of about 600 acres of timber 
land on the Big Kanawha River about four miles below the town of Buffalo, 
Putnam County, West Virginia. In 1885, Robert Baird also retired form and 
active part in the business on account of the continued illness of the 
elder brother, who being unmarried, made his home with the younger brother 
at the letters country place near Elm Grove. Both are now deceased, Robert 
Baird in February 1889 and Henry Baird in September 1889 

In 1890 John Gemmmel McLain, Sr., retired from the firm and purchased the 
right to manufacture and sell in the United States the celebrated Todd's 
Pills. He has since continued in this business and has an extensive trade, 
maintaining a laboratory at this home and office at the corner of Twelfth 
and Eoff Streets. He does and exclusively wholesales business and sells in 
all parts of the United States. He purchased the right of manufacture of 
Laughlin Brothers, who it is reputed had paid $50,000 for the same 
privilege. 

In 1893 Thomas Baird McLain, under the advice of this physician, disposed 
of the drug business. Associating with him his son, James Latane McLain, 
he formed the new firm of the McLain Dental and Surgical Depot, in a small 
room on the second floor of the McLain Block, corner of Market and Twelfth 
Streets. In that time, short in comparison with their old business, since 
this enterprise was established, it has proved itself to be one long 
needed in this vicinity, and now ranks as one of the best in the country. 
In its various departments can be found a large and complete stock of the 
articles mentioned below, all of the latest and most improved instruments 
and appliances being placed in stock as soon as possible after they are 
put on the market by their manufacturers. 

In the dental department is kept a large and varied stock of artificial 
teeth, instruments, furniture and all other necessary articles pertaining 
to the practice of dentistry. In the surgical department their stock 
consists of a complete assortment of instruments, furniture and physicians 
supplies too numerous to mention. An extensive line of sick room and 
hospital supplies in carried, such as hot water bottles, ice bags, air 
pillows, air cushions, bed pans, fountain syringes, in numerous styles, at 
moderate prices, and Arnold's Sterilizers and food warmers. They also make 
a specialty of renting rolling chairs, invalid beds, air mattresses, chair 
commodes and surgical operating tables. 

A specialty of the firm is truss fitting, to which the subject of this 
sketch gives his personal attention, having had over twenty-five year's 
experience. They possess quite an advantage over ordinary dealers, on 
account of the situation of their establishment, and of their having a 
nice, light private room for fitting trusses and appliances. Their stock 
of this line of articles is very large and complete, consisting of 
Seeley's hard rubber, leather-covered steel spring and the New York 
elastic web trusses, elastic surgical hosiery, abdominal supporters and 
bandages, and shoulder and body braes. They also supply appliances for 
deformities of the body, artificial eyes, limbs, arms and hands, and, 
being agents for the best manufacturers, they can guarantee satisfaction. 
Very few people realize how many persons there are who could be made to 
enjoy life through the use of instruments to aid the hearing, and have but 
a faint idea of the number of articles that the McLain Dental & Surgical 
Depot carries in stock for that purpose, such as mohair conversation 
tubes, London hearing horns, hard rubber audiphone fans, black metal ear 
trumpets and invisible ear drums. 

A general invitation is extended to inspect this establishment, which to 
say to least is quite interesting. They occupy nearly all of the fifth 
floor of the City Bank Building, at 1300 Market Street. 



WILLIAM CARNEY, one of the most prominent contractors in Wheeling, West 
Virginia, where for many years he has been engaged in grading and paving 
streets, building street car lines, etc., has by his constant industry and 
careful management amassed quite a fortune which is invested principally 
in city real estate. 

Mr. Carney was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, on Ash Wednesday, in March 
1827. His parents were William and Rosanna (Crossbow) Carney. Will Carney, 
Sr., came to this country in 1856, bringing his wife with him. He was a 
man of great power, and had a robust constitution. He was a shoemaker by 
trade, and lived but six months after coming to America, dying at the age 
of sixty-five years. His marriage with Rosanna Croslow resulted in six 
children, all of who are deceased except William and his brother, John, 
who resides on Caldwell's Run, and is contractor. William Carney's mother 
was a resident of Wheeling until her death, at the age of eighty years, 
which occurred in 1876. The family were devout members of the Catholic 
Church. 

William Carney, the subject of this biography, was schooled in County 
Tyrone, Ireland. Since his boyhood days, he has been a contractor, and has 
worked at the business ever since he came to Wheeling, in 1856. His firm 
does more work for form 15 to 25 teams, and from 80 to 100 men, for weeks, 
and at such times his pay-roll amounts to form $500 to $700 per week. Mr. 
Carney laid the Elm Grove car line, which runs form Wheeling to the Park, 
and has been employed to make the excavations for nearly all the great 
buildings in Wheeling. His word is a good as his bond, and what he says he 
will do is considered as good as done according to the contract. He owns 
10 houses in the city without encumbrance, and has all the work he can do. 

Mr. Carney was united in marriage with Bridget Carney in February 1859. 
Mrs. Carney was not a relative of her husband. She is a very industrious 
wife, kind and thoughtful, and is a good manager. Mr. and Mrs. Carney have 
eight children, as follows: William; Peter; James; Katie; Jane; Rosanna; 
Ella and Charles. William, like his father, is a hard worker and good 
manager, and is engaged in handling gangs for his father. Peter, who is 
employed in a Wheeling foundry, married Anna Brahler, and has six 
children, namely: Frank, Mary, Kate, Henry, Eddie and Johnnie. James is 
also engaged in bossing and contracting for his father, at Martin's Ferry, 
Ohio. He married Winifred Glenn, who died July 13, 1898, at the age of 
thirty-two years. She was a good woman and greatly beloved by all who knew 
her. Her three children, William, Regina and Etta Vicentia, are now 
staying with William Carney, where the find a good home. Katie is doing 
service at home and Jane and Rosanna are also at home. Ella is attending 
school and securing an education. Charles is employed at the LaBelle Iron 
Works, in the tin mill, as shipping and weighting clerk. Mr. Carney is a 
member of the Catholic Church. He has no time for politics and takes very 
little interest in party matters. Mr. Carney has done well for himself and 
his children. He has given them all good education, and takes care that 
they are comfortably situated in life. A portrait of Mr. Carney 
accompanies this sketch. 



MICHAEL STEIN, Mayor of Fulton, Ohio County, West Virginia, to which 
office he was elected in 1900, is one of the oldest residents of the town, 
in the growth and development of which he has been a leading factor. He is 
a man of influence in the community, and has been an enthusiastic 
supporter of all measures and enterprises tending to improve the condition 
of Fulton. He was born in Hessen, Germany, in 1833, and is a son of Jacob 
and Catherine (Emul) Stein. 

Jacob Stein, a wagon maker by trade, died in Germany in 1848, and his 
widow survived him but six years. They were parents of seven children, of 
whom three are now living, namely: William, aged eighty-eight years, who 
came to America in 1844, and now resides in Lexington, Mississippi; a 
daughter who lives in Germany at the age of eighty-two years and Michael. 

Michael Stein at and early age learned the trade of wagon maker form his 
father, and in 1850 came to America. He stopped briefly at Baltimore and 
Pittsburgh, and then located at Somerton, Belmont County, Ohio, where he 
worked one year at wagon making for Lewis Jordan. He moved to Bridgeton, 
where he worked on the old plank road to Harrisville, and then moved to 
Wheeling, in 1852, at time when what is now east Wheeling was but a 
cornfield. He learned the trade of a butcher in the employ of John 
Sickler, who had engaged in that business at Fulton for several years, and 
in 1858 went into that business at Fulton for himself. About two years 
later, he engaged in wagon making, having bought out the business of Henry 
Kiel. In this line of work he continued until 1884, with the exception of 
the time he served in the state militia. In 1877, he built a shop at the 
intersection of Fulton Street and the National Road, which, in 1884, was 
turned over to his sons, Henry and Charles. The firm name became Stein 
Brothers & McClusky, and the business was conducted by them until 1892, 
when it was disposed of. The shop is owned by Mr. Stein and his son, 
Henry, and is rented to David Nesbitt at the present time. In 1884, he 
rented a building at Fulton and conducted a saloon, from which he 
subsequently removed to his present large building, which he purchased off 
John Cunning. He kept a saloon until 1898, since which time he has 
successfully conducted a fruit store. He is a good business manager, and 
has made a success of whatever he has undertaken. He is a Democrat in 
politics. He was elected the First Mayor of Fulton, when the town was 
incorporated 1879, and served one term. He has also served in the council 
a number of terms, and for eight years was one of the commissioners of 
Ohio County. 

He was a member of the school board for seventeen years, and it was 
largely through his efforts that the excellent school building was secured 
for Fulton. The town has six hundred inhabitants, and the principal 
industry is the F. Schenk & Sons Company packing house. In 1879 Mr. Stein 
secured the purchase of a fire engine, and has done much to place the 
efficient fire department on its present footing. Cisterns were built at 
covenant places but since a pressure of from 100 to 110 pounds has be 
supplied by the Wheeling Water Works, these have been displaced by 
hydrants, and adequate protection from fire is offered. 

In 1858, Mr. Stein was united in matrimony with Eleanor Crider, who was 
born in Germany in 1834, and 10 children were the result of their union, 
namely: Henry; Mary; John L.; Lizzie; Conrad; Charles; Minnie; Richard A.; 
William C.; and Gussie. Henry is a member of the firm of Miller & Stein, 
which purchased the business of W. T. Burt & Company, the oldest firm in 
Wheeling engaged in that line. They are wholesale dealers in blacksmith 
and wagon supplies, and occupy four floors at No.1313 Main Street. The 
firm in on of the three largest in Wheeling, engaged in this business. 
Henry married Mary C. Hoffmann, a daughter of Frank P. and Barbara 
Hoffmann. She died in 1897, at the age of thirty-eight years, leaving two 
children, Eleanor B., aged eight years, and Frank H., aged six years. He 
formed a second union, wedding Jennie C. Hoffmann, and resided at Fulton. 
Mary became Mrs. Miller, of Fulton and John L. is a blacksmith at Martin's 
Ferry, Ohio; Lizzies is the wife of William Happy, of Fulton, Conrad lives 
at home. Charles follows the wagon making trade at Wheeling. Minnie 
married Mr. Hostcraft, of Mink Richard A., a clerk in the establishment of 
Miller & Stein, married Mary Yacke, and lives at home. William C. is 
married and lives with his parents, Gussie is also living at home. 
Fraternally, Mr. Stein is a member of Logan Tribe, No. 1, I.O.R.M., and 
has been connected with the order since 1860, serving in many of its local 
and state offices, and as representative to national conventions. He has 
also filled high office in the Knight of Pythias, and is supreme deputy 
commander of West Virginia. Religiously, he has always adhered to the 
faith of the Lutheran Church. 



JOSEPH WEISSHAAR, an esteemed citizen of Elm Grove, Ohio County West 
Virginia, has a military experience and record which is equaled or 
excelled by few. He was born February 17, 1826, in France and is son of 
Edward Weisshaar, also of France, who died at the advanced age of seventy-
five years. 

Our subject's schooling was limited; when he became of age, he entered the 
French army, was sent to Africa where he remained three years fighting the 
natives, and was then ordered to Italy to drive out Garibaldi from Rome. 
In the hard fighting that followed he was wounded by the bursting shell 
which killed five of his companion and broke his skull. He was taken from 
the field as a dead man but escaped being buried, as he recovered 
consciousness just before his body was to have been consigned to the 
grave. He was then taken to the hospital and afterward sent home on a six-
month furlough, at the end of which time, the wound not having healed, he 
asked for and extension of the furlough for another six months. However, 
on account of the scarcity of soldiers, the authorities would not grant 
the request, and Mr. Weisshaar concluded to go to a country where there 
was no fighting. 

In 1849, after three years of active service in the French Army, Mr. 
Weisshaar came to the United States, and when he arrived worked for a time 
on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. He then determined to go to Kansas and 
engage in agricultural pursuits, which he did until 1861, when President 
Lincoln sent out his first call for 75,000 troops. Among the first to 
enlist was Mr. Weisshaar, and was sent to Kansas City, Kansas, where he 
served during his first term of enlistment, fighting the bushwhackers in 
the surrounding country. After his first term had expired, he re-enlisted, 
becoming a member of Company K, 13 Reg., Kans. Vol. Inf., and served until 
the termination of the war. He fought the Rebels throughout Kansas, 
Missouri, Arkansas and Texas, being almost constantly on the march 
throughout these states. The fighting became a kind of guerrilla warfare, 
following such organizations as Quantrell's band, the members of which 
were dead shots and would never take a prisoner; there marauding parties 
were called "Kansas Jayhawkers." The members of Mr. Weisshaar's company 
soon adopted the same guerrilla tactics, and would shoot on sight such men 
as the Younger brothers and the James boys, who belonged to such bands. 
Mr. Weisshaar was in the engagement at Van Buren. There the rebels had 
their headquarters, and the Union general commanding, Gen. James G. Blunt, 
burned everything found there, including nine steamboats, loaded with all 
kinds of provisions. As a Confederate forces of 50,000 men were advancing, 
the Union forces, numbering only 15,000, had to leave, and they left 
without waiting much upon the manner of their going, traveling by any road 
they could, and going with as much speed as possible. They had no time to 
take provisions with them and soon the men were suffering form hunger, and 
when they came to deserted Reel camp they almost fought among themselves 
to see who would be the first to gather up the bits of broken crackers 
left on the ground. In their hurried march, they came to some old rail 
corn-cribs with nothing in them; the cribs were soon torn down, and then a 
struggle ensued to see who would secure the most rotten grains of corn 
found among the debris. They finally became so weak that they could not 
march. It was seven days before the provision wagons reached them, and 
they were indeed a welcome sight to the famished and worn-out boys in 
blue. Mr. Wesshaar was a participant in the battle of Pea Ridge, in which 
the detachment of which he was a member was surrounded by the Rebels and 
would have been captured, had not General Hering, commanding Pennsylvania 
troops, who was also in the fight, sent them reinforcements. The subject 
of this ketch also fought at Prairie Grove, Up the White River, and in 
another hard engagement at Springfield. In 1864 he was taken sick with 
yellow fever and was sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he remained 
until he received his Honorable discharge in 1865, after which he returned 
to his home. 

Mr. Weisshaar has been twice married. He first married Margaret Grout in 
1852, who bore him eight children, all of whom reached maturity, married 
and are enjoying life, comfortably situated. She died in 1890. Two years 
later, our subject married Elmira Ripley, born in Noble County, Ohio, in 
1832. She is a daughter of Hiram Ripley, who died at the advanced age of 
eighty-four years. The ancestors of the Ripley's were English who came to 
this country as early as the seventeenth century and fought in both the 
Revolution and the War of 1812. Mrs. Weisshaar, who is now seventy years 
of age, war reared a Methodist, and was a member of that church form many 
years. Later, she joined the Spiritualist church. 



ALEXANDER GLASS. This gentleman has been secretary of the Wheeling 
Corrugating Company since the date of its organization. He was born in 
Wheeling, and is a son of Andrew and Harriet Glass, who moved from 
Pittsburg to Wheeling in 1850. Andrew Glass was a stockholder in the 
LaBelle Iron Company, and also organized, and was president of, the Mingo 
Junction Iron Company at the time of his death, which occurred in 1872. 
Andrew Glass and his wife reared five children, namely: Mrs. G. R. C. 
Allen; Mrs. Kate G. Handlan; Mrs. J. K. List, of Wheeling; W. W., of 
Chicago; and Alexander, the subject of this sketch. 

Alexander Glass was reared and schooled in Wheeling, and has been engaged 
in the iron business all of his active business life. The Corrugating 
Company has a force of from 500 to 600 employees. Mr. Glass is also vice-
president of the Wheeling Can Company, which was recently organized. He is 
a man of executive ability, and is progressive in his methods. 

The subject of this sketch married a daughter of Hon. N. E. Whitaker, and 
they have two children,--Margaret and Eleanor. Mr. and Mrs. Glass live at 
No. 936 Main street. In politics, Mr. Glass is a Republican. In religious 
views, the family are Episcopalians. 



PROF. F. H. CRAGO, a gentleman of prominence in the educational circles of 
Wheeling, is principal of the Ritchie School in the eighth ward. He was 
born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Thomas and Cassandra 
(Hughes) Crago. 

Thomas Crago was a farmer and lived and died on his farm near Carmichaels, 
Pennsylvania. He died in 1882 at the age of eighty-one years. He married 
Cassandra Hughes, a niece of Hon. Thomas Hughes of Wheeling. She died in 
1891, at the age of eighty-nine. Both were members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. Thomas Crago held a number of minor political 
offices, and as well known in his section of the state. F. H. Crago was 
one of a family of seven children, the others being as follows: John N., a 
carriage maker by trade, who is serving as postmaster of Carmichaels, 
Pennsylvania; Mary, wife of Abram Hewitt, who died in 1894, at the age of 
sixty years; Margaret, wife of James Kerr, who lives at Garard's Fort, 
Pennsylvania; Thomas J., who served through the Civil War, was a teacher 
by profession, and died about 1895, at the age of fifty-three years; and 
Smith and William H., both of whom died in infancy. 

Prof. F. H. Crago was reared on a farm; he attended school during the 
winter months and worked on the farm during the summer until he was 
nineteen years of age. He then began teaching school during the winter, 
and attended school at Greene Academy, and Waynesburg College, of which he 
is a graduate. He was teaching the union school at Beallsville, 
Pennsylvania, when the Civil War broke out, and on September 6, 1862, he 
enlisted as a private in Company C, Ringgold Battalion of Cavalry, which 
afterwards became the 22nd Reg. Pa. Vol. Cav., and upon the organization 
of his company, he was elected 2nd Lieutenant. In the spring of 1864, he 
was promoted to be 1st Lieutenant, and May 24, 1865, was mustered out of 
the service as such, although he had had charge of the company about two-
thirds of the time, the Army of West Virginia, under General Sheridan. He 
participated in 14 battles and skirmishes, and made an honorable record in 
the service. 

Upon the close of the war, he took charge of Greene Academy at 
Carmichaels, and continued thus for three years, in a most capable manner. 
He then followed merchandising for two years, and served as school 
director at the same time. In 1870, he came to West Virginia and took 
charge of West Liberty State Normal School, which opened with 33 pupils. 
Here his great executive ability was much in evidence, and when he gave up 
the school in 1873, there was an enrollment of 110 pupils--10 having 
graduated in 1872, and 20 in 1873. He became superintendent of the 
Moundsville schools in the fall of 1873, and so continued until November 
1880, since which time he has been principal in the schools of Wheeling. 
For three years he was in the sixth ward, and since that time has been in 
the eighth ward. He has charge of the Ritchie School, with 23 assistants, 
two substitutes, and one German teacher. He was nominated in 1876, on the 
Republican ticket, for state superintendent of schools, and in those 
counties where he and his ability were known he ran ahead of the ticket. 
He began teaching at the age of nineteen years, on a salary of $18 per 
month, and has been an instructor almost continuously since then. He was 
receiving $40 per month when the war broke out; after it's close he began 
at $60 per month, and has had a satisfactory income ever since. He is a 
model educator, and as time goes by his usefulness increases. His methods 
of instruction are modern and he has the hearty cooperation of teachers, 
and of the citizens of the ward. 

On September 27, 1860, Professor Crago was joined in marriage with Mary F. 
Bumgarner, who was born in Pennsylvania and was daughter of the late David 
Bumbarner, of Millsboro, Pennsylvania. They became the parents of six 
children, as follows: Maggie, a fine scholar and a model music teacher, 
who died April 25, 1884, at the age of twenty three years; Annie C., who 
died October 3, 1882, when between nineteen and twenty years of age, 
having just entered upon a career as an instructor; John G., who died June 
23, 1884, at the age of nineteen years and six months; Jesse H., a 
traveling salesman residing in Wheeling, who married Mella Hackadorn, at 
Galion, Ohio, a fine vocalist; Charles G., who is on the staff of the 
Great Falls Tribune in Montana; and Frank D., whose wife died in 1901. 
Three of the above named died of typhoid fever within a period of eighteen 
months. John G. was a fine scholar, and a young man of much promise. He 
had learned the trade of a printer, has labored diligently, and prepared 
himself for a career of great usefulness. He was stricken with typhoid 
fever, and the best of medical attention was without avail. He died, 
greatly lamented by all who enjoyed his acquaintance. Mrs. Crago died at 
West Liberty in 1870, at the age of twenty-eight years. She was a member 
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Professor Crago was again married, 
on September 2, 1873, to Mary E. Carman, a native of Belmont County, Ohio, 
and a daughter of William and Eliza Carman. She graduated from the West 
Liberty State Normal School in the class of 1873. She taught school 
successfully several years before graduation and for one year after her 
marriage, was assistant principal of the Moundsville graded school. They 
had four children; William E., who died at the age of one year; LeRoy, a 
graduate of the public schools of Wheeling, and chief clerk in the LaBelle 
Iron Works; Eva Laura, a graduate of the Richie School, and the Wheeling 
High School, who is now a junior in the West Virginia University and a 
young lady of splendid scholarship; and Homer C., a senior at Linsley 
Institute, who is lienutenant and adjutant of the battalion, and 
salutatorian of the class of 1902. Religiously, Professor Crago is a 
member of the Wesley M. E. church, of which he is a trustee and steward. 
For twenty-five years he has served as superintendent of different Sunday 
schools, and has been of great service to the churches as well as to the 
schools. Fraternally, he is a member of Ohio Lodge, No., A.F. & A.M.; past 
commander of J. W. Holiday Post, No. 12, G.A.R., and also past department 
commander of West Virginia, with the brevet of major-general in the grand 
army. He is secretary off Philo Council, National Union Insurance Company, 
in the national body of which he was senator for nine years. His portrait 
accompanies this sketch, being presented on a preceding page. 



MRS. MARGARET A. (WHITNAH) VAN METER, a highly respected resident of West 
Liberty, Ohio County, West Virginia, was born near Martinsburg, West 
Virginia, and is a daughter of John G. Whitnah. The latter was born near 
Martinsburg in 1787, and became a soldier in the War of 1812, after which 
he engaged in farming until his death, in 1854, at the age of sixty-seven 
years. His father, Henry Whitnah, was a soldier of the Revolution and a 
pioneer of New Jersey. He also followed farming and lived to reach the 
advanced age of ninety-two years, a man who enjoyed the respect and 
highest esteem of every one with whom he was acquainted. 

Margaret A. Whitnah was joined in marriage in March, 1845, with Vincent H. 
Van Meter, who was born on the old Van Meter homestead in Ohio County, in 
1817. He was the son of Joseph and Margaret Van Meter, and grandson of 
Abraham and Elizabeth (Burns) Van Meter. Elizabeth Burns was born in 
Scotland, where she belonged to a prominent family of that name, and came 
to America at an early day. Abraham Van Meter was born in Virginia, and 
fought in the Revolutionary War. Joseph Van Meter was born in Berkeley 
County, Virginia, and moved to the farm now owned by our subject in 1809. 
Vincent H. Van Meter, who had two brothers, Joseph and Robert, always 
lived on the old farm and in the house built by his father. The house is 
located on a rise of ground and commands an excellent view of the 
surrounding country. He engaged in agricultural pursuits, and made a 
specialty of raising fine horses and sheep. He also bought and sold cattle 
extensively. He was a man of estimable character and commanded the respect 
and admiration of his fellow men. He died April 24, 1901. Mrs. Van Meter 
resides on the old farm and has many intimate friends in her section of 
the county, in which she has lived for so many years. A pleasing feature 
of this old estate is an excellent orchard, which was planted more than a 
century ago, and still bears abundantly, many of the trees being from 18 
inches to two feet in diameter. 

Jan Gysbesten Van Meter, who founded the Van Metre (or Van Meter) family 
in this country, emigrated to New York in 1663 from Bommel, a city of 
Holland. Governor Gooch of Virginia gave a grant of 40,000 acres of land 
to two of his descendants, Jan (or John) Van Metre and Abraham Van Metre. 
Their descendants settled in Ohio County, West Virginia, and in Kentucky 
and Ohio. Of those settling in Ohio County, Joseph Van Metre, a great-
uncle of Vincent H., built Fort Van Metre. John Van Metre, his brother, 
took up the land where West Liberty now stands, and left a man in charge 
by the name of Black, who built the place known as Black's Cabin. Abraham 
Van Metre afterward owned the land where West Liberty is, and sold two 
acres to Ohio County for $20. Joseph Van Metre, father of Vincent H., had 
five brothers: Abisha, Josiah, Asahel, Abraham and Isaac, and three 
sisters: Ruth, Naomi and Elizabeth. Joseph Van Metre was killed or drowned 
in the Ohio River, when on his way to the Ohio side of the river to hunt; 
his gun was found in the river forty years later. 



WILLIAM WHITE, a prosperous carpenter of Valley Grove, Ohio County, West 
Virginia, was born June 13, 1851, is a son of Madison White and grandson 
of James White. The latter, who was born in Scotland, of Scotch-Irish 
parentage, came to this country in the eighteenth century, and became an 
extensive land owner and farmer. He was eighty years old at the time of 
his death. Madison White, father of the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Ohio County, near Roney's Point. He resided on a farm near Bethany, 
Brooke County, West Virginia, at his death, which occurred from typhoid 
fever at the age of thirty-five years. He chose for his wife Margaret Jane 
Howard, and to them were born four children, as follows: William; Mary 
Jane, widow of George Murphy, residing in Independence, Washington County, 
Pennsylvania; James M.; and Martha, widow of G.F. Wharton, residing in 
Columbus, Ohio. 

William White followed the occupation which his ancestors chose, that of a 
farmer, but in later years he has followed the trade of carpenter. He has 
always been very successful, and is prominent among the leading residents 
of Ohio County. He was married in 1877 to Agnes Miller, a daughter of 
George W. Miller, who is a farmer of Washington County, Ohio. Our subject 
and his wife have been blessed with six children, namely: George C., who 
was born May 18, 1878, and is baggage master for the Baltimore & Ohio 
Railroad Company, served one year in the Spanish-American War as a member 
of Company G, 4th Regiment Immunes; Charles M., who was born June 22, 
1880, is now at work on the telephone line; Ira M., born January 31, 1883; 
Laura B., born April 3, 1885, who is clerking in a general store at Valley 
Grove; William H., born April 18, 1890, and died September 1, 1890; and 
Letha M., born October 16, 1891, who is living at home. 

James M. White, the brother of our subject, was born March 27, 1855, and 
for the past seventeen years has been conducting a portable sawmill at 
Valley Grove. In 1880 he married Maggie Raines, a daughter of Robert 
Raines. Five children were born to James M. White and his wife: Nina, born 
November 24, 1881, married William P. Collett, a carpenter residing in 
Valley Grove, who is at present employed on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad; 
James G. Blaine, born May 10, 1884; Maggie, born September 8, 1887; 
Bertha, born November 22, 1889; and Joseph Lehrman, born November 28, 
1891. James M. White is a Republican. 

Religiously, he is a Methodist. He is a member of Lodge No. 966, I.O.O.F., 
of West Alexander, Pennsylvania, having passed through the various chairs 
and having represented the local lodge at the Grand Lodge held at 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1892. 

William White, subject of this sketch, is a Republican in politics. He is 
a believer in the Methodist faith. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge N. 
966, I.O.O.F., of West Alexander, having joined that organization eighteen 
years ago, and has passed through all the chairs. He has also belonged to 
Encampment No. 293, at Claysville, Pennsylvania, for the past six years. 



R. HUBBARD BOWMAN. The business of general merchandising in a community 
like Valley Grove, Ohio County, Virginia, is always of considerable 
importance. The man who has the faculty of carrying on such a business and 
making it a success, becomes an important factor in the general prosperity 
of the community. This is well exemplified by the career of Mr. Bowman, 
who conducts a well-stocked general mercantile establishment. He was born 
in Ohio County, West Virginia, in 1870, and is a son of Alfred and 
Margaret J. (Parsons) Bowman. 

Alfred Bowman was born in Ohio County, in 1826, and was farmer by 
occupation. He married a daughter of Jehu Parsons, also a farmer, who was 
born in 1814 in Marshall County, Virginia (now West Virginia). The latter 
died at the age of seventy-three years. 

R. Hubbard Bowman gained his early education in the district schools, and 
at the early age of sixteen years was put to work on a farm. He remained 
at that occupation until twenty-four years old, and in 1890 purchased a 
building which he greatly improved and furnished with a stock of general 
merchandise. He has been doing a prosperous business ever since, and his 
trade is daily increasing. During President McKinley's first 
administration, he was appointed postmaster of Valley Grove in June, 1897, 
and was continued during that president's second administration. 

Mr. Bowman chose for his life companion, Lulu Wayt, who was born September 
29, 1877, and is a daughter of R.B.and Mary (Caldwell) Wayt. Her father 
was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is still living, but her mother 
died in August, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman were married on February 20, 
1895, and have no children. Religiously, they belong to the Presbyterian 
church. In politics, our subject is a decided Republican. 



WILLIAM AUGUST STOETZER, a well-known contractor of Wheeling, West 
Virginia, was born in Ohio County, West Virginia, in 1859, and is a son of 
F. W. Stoetzer. 

F. W. Stroetzer was born in Saxony, a province of Germany, and there 
learned the trade of a plaster. He came to the United States and settled 
in Wheeling, in 1845, where he lived until 1895, when his death occurred, 
at the age of sixty-seven years. His widow still resides in Wheeling. They 
had five boys and two girls, all but one of whom are now living in 
Wheeling. The sons are all engaged in the same line of business and two of 
them are contracting. One son is located in Wellsburg. 

William August Stoetzer, the subject of this sketch, learned his trade 
from his father, and worked with him until he had reached the age of 
twenty-three years. He then removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained 
for a year and a half, after which he spent six months in Wheeling, and 
then two years at Wellsburg. He followed contracting in these different 
cities, and this has been his occupation ever since he began work for 
himself. He returned to Wheeling in 1885, and this has been his home ever 
since. He employs from six to 14 men to assist him in his business, and 
does much work in the neighboring towns. He is a painstaking, 
conscientious workman, and his knowledge of his trade is thorough. Mr. 
Stoetzer owns five or six houses in Wheeling, and also has a summer home 
at Glendale, which he has rented since 1893. He built an addition to his 
house at No. 2111 Eoff Street, and it is one of the many attractive homes 
in Wheeling. 

In 1882 Mr. Stoetzer was married to Mary Fulton, and to them were born 
five children, namely: Charles, deceased; Cora; Earl; Edna; and William 
August Jr. Mr. Stoetzer is a Democrat in politics. He was elected a member 
of the board of education in 1900, and will represent Centre District for 
a term of six years. Fraternally, he is a member of Nelson Lodge, No. 30, 
A.F.& A.M.; Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Knights of Pythias; 
Ancient Order of United Workmen; National Union; Royal Tribe of St. 
Joseph; and Empire Knights of Relief, the latter being a society organized 
at Wheeling. Religiously, he is a member of the Lutheran church. His 
children attend the Presbyterian Sunday-school. A portrait of Mr. Stoetzer 
accompanies this sketch. 



HARRY L. McKOWN enjoys an excellent trade as a practical plumber and gas 
fitter at No. 1608 Market Street, and has been in business for himself 
since 1893. He was born April 1, 1866, and is a son of George G. and 
Florence (Hallett) McKown, of Ohio County, West Virginia. 

George G. McKown has been a busy man all his life; he started out as a 
blacksmith, and has been identified with that trade since. He resides at 
No. 940 McCulloch Street. His first appearance in Wheeling was in 1867, 
and he is now well and favorably known over the county. 

He married Florence Hallett, who died in 1893, at the age of fifty-nine 
years. She was a lifelong member of the M. E. Church, and her life was 
actuated by purity of motive and nobility of purpose, causing her always 
to be known and honored as a devout Christian. She and her husband had a 
number of children, four of whom are living at this writing, namely: Mrs. 
F. T. Bessie, now a resident of Chicago, Illinois; Charles R., of 
Wheeling, who resides at No. 134 Sixteenth Street, and is a plumber by 
trade; Harry L, and George T., who is employed by his brother, H.L. in the 
plumbing business, and resides at No. 2309 Main Street. One daughter, 
Kate, married David Foster, and died at the age of twenty-two years. 
George G. McKown was also a member of the Zane Street M. E. Church, and 
served as one of its officers for some time. He was and is a director in 
the Mutual Savings Bank, and for several years was a member of the city 
council. He is still very active, although sixty-six years of age. His 
father lived to be eighty-seven years old, and served honorably in the 
Civil War, which he himself also took part in, serving in the Union Army. 

Harry L. McKown went for instruction to the Fourth Ward School, after 
which he took a business course at Frasher's Business College. His school 
days over, he worked for two and a half years on sheet iron in the 
Whitaker Rolling Mill. He learned the plumber's trade under the 
instruction of William Hare & Son, and began business under the firm name 
of Adams & McKown, in which he continued for about six years, when he sold 
his interest, started the new concern of H. L. McKown, and has done work 
ever since 1893, under that name. 

January 17, 1893, he was united in marriage with Vietta Tracy, a daughter 
of William B. and Elizabeth Tracy, residents of Wheeling, where Mrs. 
McKown was born. They have two children,--Elizabeth F. and Allen G. Mr. 
and Mrs. McKown are members of the First Presbyterian Church. 

In politics Mr. McKown is a good Republican; he was candidate for 
councilman in the fourth ward, and received the largest number of votes 
among the Republican candidates, but failed to overcome the Democratic 
majority at the polls, as it was a Democratic ward. He thinks that one of 
the pleasant reminiscences of his life will ever be, that he attended the 
Pan-American Exposition, and heard the lamented President McKinley make 
the famous address which proved to be his last public utterance. Mr. 
McKown is one of Wheeling's public spirited men, and believes in taking 
part in all such enterprises that he thinks promise to promote the welfare 
of the people. 



JAMES McADAMS COLLINS, who is a dealer in paints, oils, glass, brushes, 
turpentine, enamels and stains, has a place of business at No. 1613 Market 
Street, Wheeling, West Virginia, and was born in this city, February 15, 
1878. He is a son of Elvin W. and Alice Virginia (McAdams) Collins, both 
of whom were natives of Wheeling. Elvin W. Collins was also engaged in the 
same business which his son carries on, and was in partnership with his 
father-in-law, James McAdams, for over twenty years. He was born October 
6, 1857, and died June 29, 1901; he was generally and favorably known in 
the city and country. His wife was Alice Virginia McAdams, who was born in 
Wheeling in November, 1857, and was a daughter of James McAdams. James 
McAdams was born in 1827, in Belfast, Ireland, and came to America in 
1849. He located in Wheeling, where he reared a family of 15 children, 11 
of whom are deceased. The living are Alice Virginia; Margaret Ellis 
(Giesey); Jane D. (McCrum); and Anna E. (Bennett). It was James McAdams 
who first established the business which Mr. Collins now controls. He is 
still living and has reached the age of seventy-four years. Mr. Collins' 
father and mother were members of the First United Presbyterian Church. 

Mr. Collins was the only child of his parent. He received his primary 
education in the public schools, and graduated in a class of 33, 1895, 
carrying off second honors. Some time later, he entered Washington and 
Jefferson College, at Washington, Pennsylvania. He left the college in his 
junior year, and entered Cornell University in the fall of 1898. He was 
again compelled to leave on account of sickness during the same year, and 
never completed his course. He traveled in the South seven months for his 
health, and afterward succeeded to his present business on March 5, 1900. 

Mr. Collins was married on August 30, 1901, to Nellie E. Schmidt, daughter 
of Charles C. and Minnie E. Schmidt, the former a native of Baltimore, 
Maryland, and the latter, of Wheeling, West Virginia. Mrs. Collins is also 
a native of Wheeling, and she and Mr. Collins belong to the First United 
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Collins takes very little interest in politics, 
although he votes the Republican ticket. 

Fraternally, Mr. Collins is a member of Lodge No. 28, B.P.O.E., of 
Wheeling. While attending college, he was member of Beta Theta Pi and 
Theta Nu Epsilon fraternities, and in his junior year was president of the 
former. He is a stockholder in the Quarter Dollar Savings Bank, and also 
in the Neuralgyline Patent Medicine Company, of Wheeling. 

Mr. Collins is one of the rising young business men of the city, is 
genial, popular, and scholarly, and very popular among his associates. He 
does a splendid business and takes extensive contracts. 



JOHN CROCKARD. One of the most competent authorities on shipping and 
general maritime concerns in West Virginia is John Crockard, of the firm 
of Crockard & Booth, general steamboat agents and wharfboat proprietors at 
Wheeling. Of sturdy Scotch ancestry, Mr. Crockard was born in Edinburgh, 
Scotland, July 15, 1847, his parents, Hugh and Mary (Hunter) Crockard, 
being also natives of Scotland. 

Hugh Crockard was a teamster by occupation, and upon coming to America in 
1848 located in Wheeling. This city continued to be his home until his 
death, January 20, 1895, at the age of eighty-four years. He was a man of 
exceptionally upright character, and whether as regards his association 
with his family, the church, or the community, his was invariably 
recognized as a helpful and progressive influence. 

He was far removed in his life and calculations, from any insincerity or 
unworthiness. His wife, who still lives in Wheeling and has attained to 
four-score years, is the mother of eight children, five of whom are now 
living, namely: Hugh Jr., who has been with the Riverside Nail Works for 
thirty-five years; John, of the firm of Crockard & Booth; William, who has 
been a trusted employee of the Riverside Nail Works for thirty years, and 
is now foreman of their furnace in Steubenville, Ohio; Rebecca, who is 
living with her mother; and Mary, who is the wife of George Bidgood, an 
employee of the Riverside Nail Works. 

After his father's removal to Wheeling, Mr. Crockard attended the public 
schools, and his first effort at an independent livelihood was as an 
employee of Booth, Battelle & Company, in which capacity he scarcely 
foretold his present position as successor to that once commercially 
strong and prosperous firm. While passing from the position of collector 
through the different stages of the wharf business, he witnessed the 
departure from their accustomed places of all the members of the firm, and 
in 1884, after the death of Capt. Charles H. Booth, he assumed control of 
the business in partnership with the son of the Captain. The firm of 
Crockard & Booth have charge of all wharf undertakings, and of the landing 
of the 18 streamers that make trips to Wheeling during the season of 
navigation. Nor are Mr. Crockard's activities confined to wharf interests, 
for he has availed himself of various opportunities for increasing his 
financial resources, being one of six who own and operate a mining mill at 
Joplin, Missouri. Another responsibility results from his position as vice-
president of the Digby Mill & Mining Company. 

On September 23, 1881, Mr. Crockard was united in marriage with Mary 
Gardner, daughter of John Gardner and his wife, Elizabeth. Mr. Gardner 
died in 1884; Mrs. Gardner at present resides in Wheeling. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Crockard have been born four children, viz: Estella M.; Bessie E.; Cecil 
H.; and William M. L. The children are all at home. Socially and 
commercially, Mr. Crockard is highly regarded in the city which has so 
materially profited by his admirable citizenship. He is member and trustee 
of the United Presbyterian Church, and fraternally, is associated with the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Empire Knights of Relief. 
Politically, he adheres to the principles of the Democratic Party. 



HENRY F. B. McLAIN, treasurer of the Mountain State Electrical Company, a 
company indispensable to the city of Wheeling, has held his present 
position since September, 1900. He was born in Wheeling, November 26, 
1869, and is a son of Robert Baird and L.A. (Fisher) McLain, the former of 
whom was a native of Warren County, Ohio, and the latter, of New York 
City. Robert Baird McLain was a druggist living in Wheeling, and was well 
and favorably known. The mother resides in Wheeling at the present time. 
She and her husband were members of the Reformed Episcopal Church. They 
had three children, namely: Louise E., now Mrs. C. C. Woods, living at Elm 
Grove; Henry F. B.; and Robert B., a druggist, residing in Elm Grove. 

Mr. McLain received his early mental training in Wheeling, and 
supplemented that with a course at Ithaca, New York. On returning to 
Wheeling, he was given charge of the McLain Block, which he retained until 
he accepted his present position in 1900. The Mountain State Electrical 
Company was organized in September, 1900, with officers as follows: 
President, Frank B. Hall; vice-president, F. B. Jones; secretary, John F. 
Frasher; and treasurer, Henry F.B. McLain. The firm supplies all kinds of 
electrical appliances, does contracting and armature winding, and 
furnishes general electrical supplies. It does an excellent business, and 
has all the work it can manage; it is well located for such work, and is a 
credit to the city. 

In 1897, Mr. McLain was united in marriage with Sarah McCollach, a native 
of Ohio County, West Virginia, and a daughter of Abram McColloch, of Ohio 
County, a sketch of whose life appears on another page of this work. Mrs. 
McLain is the eldest of three children, the others being J.C., a farmer of 
Ohio County, and Jessie D., who is doing good service at home. Mr. and 
Mrs. McLain are both church members, he preferring the Stone Presbyterian 
Church, and she, the M.E. Church of Short Creek. 

In fraternal circles the subject of this sketch is a thirty-second-degree 
Mason, being a member of blue lodge, chapter, commandery, consistory, and 
shrine. He is a valued citizen, is engaged in a useful and growing 
business, and deserves well of the people of Wheeling and Ohio County. His 
portrait accompanies the foregoing sketch of his life. 



CHARLES FISHER, on of the wealthiest agriculturist in Ohio County, West 
Virginia, has made himself what he is by his marked industry and activity. 
He was born nearly 16 miles form Brunswick, Germany, January 22, 1833, and 
his parents, August and Wilhelmina (Jacob) Fisher, where likewise natives 
of Germany. 

August Fisher followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. He married 
Wilhelmina Jacob, and this worthy couple reared eight children. Charles 
and three of his brothers came to the United States some years ago, and he 
is now the only survivor. 

Mr. Fisher located in Wheeling when he was fifteen years old, soon after 
his arrival in this country. He worked in the mills, previous to learning 
the butcher's business under George Bowers, with whom he stayed five 
years. He then entered the dairy business, and bought his present farm, on 
which he now has a creamery, costing $650, which can make 100 lbs. of 
butter per day. He keeps 40 head of fine cows for dairy purposes, and has 
a commodious barn 100 feet long and 46 feet wide. The farm house is a two-
story building, containing eight rooms, and is furnished with all modern 
conveniences. 

Charles Fisher has been twice married, his first marriage having taken 
place in 1854, when he was united with Margaret Spaar, who was a native of 
Germany, and was reared in Wheeling. They had the following children: 
Elizabeth, deceased; Catherine; Charles; Maggie; Tina; John; Mollie; Dora; 
and Tillie, Some time after the death of his first wife, Mr. Fisher 
contracted a second matrimonial alliance, this time with Louisa Frick, 
also a native of Germany. Their marriage occurred in 1885, and to them 
were born three children: Hattie, deceased; Edna; and Louis. The family 
attend services at the German Lutherian Church, of which the parents are 
members. 

In politics Mr. Fisher is an ardent Democrat, and does much to forward the 
interests of his favorite party. He is now a large land owner, possessing 
200 acres of good land in Ohio County, besides 100 acres of desirable land 
in Marshall County. He has always made it his interest to improve his 
property in all ways possible, and although starting out without a dollar 
to his name, he has finally reached a position of prominence, and is today 
as prosperous as any farmer in the county. 



JOSEPH W. FERREL. Since August, 1870, Mr. Ferrel has been identified with 
the rising fortunes of Wheeling, and as a pioneer merchant, and as at 
present an agent for numerous tailoring establishments, has indelibly 
impressed his worth and strong personality upon the growth of the town. On 
the old homestead farm in the center of Ohio County, West Virginia, at the 
Head Spring on Peter's Run, he was born May 14, 1826. He is a son of Moses 
Ferrel, and a grandson of Joseph Ferrel. 

Moses Ferrel, who was born on the Ohio County farm mentioned above, in 
1784, was a man of many gifts, and was successful as a farmer, carpenter 
and school teacher. He married Mary Wallace, who was born in Ohio County, 
West Virginia, in 1786, and whose brother, Charles, assisted by Mr. 
Spalding, paved the National Road from West Alexander to Columbus. Four 
children were born to receive the affectionate and capable training of 
Moses Ferrel and his wife. Of these, John and Jane are deceased, and 
Margaret became the wife of Mr. Young, of West Liberty. 

Joseph W. Ferrel lived and worked and studied on the ancestral homestead 
in Ohio County until he was eighteen years of age, having, in 1836, began 
to attend school in West Alexander. His first attempt to earn a living was 
as a clerk in West Liberty, a position he filled for one year. In 1852 he 
married Sarah E. Forney, who was born in Ohio County, Virginia, a daughter 
of Dr. Forney. For nineteen years Mr. Ferrel conducted a hotel and grocery 
business in West Liberty, and he also had a store at Bellaire and one in 
Indiana County, Pennsylvania. 

After coming to Wheeling, in 1870, he was engaged in the insurance 
business for a year and a half, and then he purchased the Iron Hall, and 
started in the dry goods business, which proved a remarkable success. For 
one year alone his sales amounted to $130,000. This store was disposed of 
in 1873, since which time Mr. Ferrel has been in the merchant tailoring 
business. His experience in one line for more than twenty years justifies 
the assertion that he has no superiors among those similarly engaged. He 
is the agent for 14 different establishments, all of which are leaders in 
the tailoring business. His place of business, at the corner of Twenty-
first and Main Streets, is well adapted to the purpose for which it is 
intended, and a large volume of trade is carried on. 

Mr. Ferrel and his wife have had one child, Addie L., who married H. W. 
McLure, and has two children, -Sarah E. and Harry. Mr. Ferrel is a 
Democrat, and a Mason. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is 
one of the best known of the business men of Wheeling, and is possessed of 
characteristics which bind to him unchanging friendships and win universal 
regard. 



CHARLES HOFMANN, a retired butcher, and for years a prominent citizen of 
Wheeling, West Virginia, moved, in September, 1901, into his present 
handsome and commodious residence, which is located about a quarter of a 
mile from the bridge across Wheeling Creek, one mile from Elm Grove. 

Mr. Hofmann was born in Germany, in 1840, and his early mental training 
was limited to the private schools, which he attended up to the age of 
seventeen years. Shortly afterward, he left his native country and came to 
the United States, landing at Baltimore, Maryland, but proceeding 
immediately to Wheeling, where he had relatives. He entered the butcher 
shop of his uncle. Christian Hofmann, for whom he worked eight years, or 
until 1865, when he concluded to go into business for himself. He went to 
Fulton, and started a butcher shop which he conducted successfully for 
about twenty years. In 1894 he sold out to his sons, Louis and George, who 
continue in the business their father built up and have a fine shop at No. 
2344 Chapline Street, under the firm name of Hofmann Brothers. Upon his 
retirement from the meat business, Mr. Hofmann moved into Wheeling, where 
he continued to reside until the summer of 1901, when he purchased his 
present residence, which he has since occupied. 

In 1865, his marriage with Annie Scheutzner was contracted, and 10 
children were born to them, three of whom are boys, and seven are girls. 
The family are active members of the Lutheran Church. 

In his political views, Mr. Hofmann is an ardent Democrat. In 1864, he 
joined the Masonic fraternity, and has been a member of Lodge No. 5, A.F.& 
A.M., ever since. He also affiliates with the A.O.U.W. 



WILLIAM C. FLORENCE, a merchant of Wheeling at 4 Kentucky Street, and 
switchman for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, was born in Wheeling, 
June 17, 1872, and is a son of Samuel J. Florence, and a grandson of 
Samuel Florence, who lived in the South and at one time owned 45 slaves. 

Samuel J. Florence was born in West Virginia, February 27, 1824; he came 
to Wheeling in 1837, when thirteen years of age, and worked in the paper 
mill at Fulton until the beginning of his service in the Civil War. In 
1863, he enlisted in Company K, 6th Reg., Va. Vol. Inf., and served until 
the close of the war. With the restoration of peace, he returned to 
Wheeling and engaged in the grocery business,--a most disastrous venture,--
for, during the strike of 1866, he lost $20,000. He remained in the 
grocery business for about twenty years, however, after which he became a 
huckster. The latter part of his long and industrious life was spent in 
comparative retirement from business cares, and he died August 7, 1901. He 
was a Republican in politics, and was an Odd Fellow for forty-five years. 
In 1851, he married Martha Rayl, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1832, and 
died January 2, 1889. To this couple were born the following children: 
Sarah, deceased; Mary; Bella; Edward L., deceased; Fannie; George W., 
Samuel, and David, deceased; Jessie; Robert, deceased; and William C. 

William C. Florence attended the public schools, and was a pupil in 
Frasher's Business College. Until his twenty-first year, he worked for his 
father, and was then employed in the Riverside Iron Works for six months. 
Eventually he learned the bricklayer's trade, an occupation which he 
followed for a year and a half. For the following nine years his 
industrious bent found a field of activity in the stamp works, and in May, 
1901, he accepted his present position as a switchman for the Baltimore & 
Ohio Railroad Company. 

July 24, 1895, Mr. Florence married Sarah Riser, who was born in 
Woodsfield, Ohio, January 28, 1873. Three children resulted from this 
union, namely; Charles, Dewey, and Eugene. Mr. Florence is a Republican, 
in national politics. With his wife, he is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He is respected by all who know him, and his 
conscientious regard for truth and honesty, as well as for the best 
interests of those by whom he is surrounded, has drawn to him many 
friends. 



DR. A. F. RUBLE, a gentleman of sterling worth, whose career has been 
marked by the greatest energy and thrift, has been located in Elm Grove 
for a very short time, but has already established a rapidly growing 
practice, his skill and kindness in the treatment of their ills having 
gained him new friends, daily, among his patients. 

Dr. Ruble's father, Rev. Jacob Ruble, was born in Fayette County, 
Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the 59th Reg. Pa. Vol. Inf., when the Civil 
War broke out, and served until the end of that conflict. After returning 
from the war, he entered the Presbyterian College at Waynesburg, 
Pennsylvania, and there pursued his studies until he graduated. He then 
took a course in the Western Theological Seminary in Washington County, 
Pennsylvania, and graduated therefrom with high honors. Since then he has 
been pastor of three of the leading Presbyterian Churches of small towns 
in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Ruble was born in Smithfield, Pennsylvania, March 4, 1868. He attended 
public school until he was seventeen years of age, and afterward was a 
pupil in Smith's Academy, at Smithfield. For some time he taught school, 
and subsequently entered Franklin College, Ohio, where he took a four-year 
course and graduated with high honors, receiving the degree of B.S. He 
then decided to make medicine his profession and commenced studying in the 
medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. This he 
attended two sessions, and then took a course of two years in the Eclectic 
Medical Institute, of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated with the class 
of 1894. 

Illinois became the field of his labors, and there he practiced for two 
years; at the end of that time he removed to Inverness, Ohio, where he 
practiced for the five years preceding his removal to Elm Grove, where he 
intends to remain permanently. 

Molly B. Douglass, a daughter of Alexander M. and Jane W. (Campbell) 
Douglass, became the wife of Dr. Ruble March 6, 1895. Her father was a 
prosperous farmer, who was born on the homestead of his father and lived 
on that property for three-fourths of a century. This farm of 100 acres 
was situated in the Sand Hill district of Marshall County, West Virginia, 
about five miles distance from Elm Grove. 

William Douglass, grandfather of Mrs. Ruble, died at the advanced age of 
ninety years. Dr. and Mrs. Ruble had one daughter, Eva Jane, who was born 
February 5, 1899, and died in 1900. 

Dr. Ruble thoroughly understands his profession, and is highly respected 
by the people of his community. Since coming to Elm Grove, in May, 1901, 
his practice has steadily increased, and extends far into the surrounding 
country. 



PROF. A. S. BELL, who fills the chair of mathematics in the West Liberty 
State Normal School, has had a wide experience as a teacher, and has made 
a success of his vocation. He was born in West Liberty, Ohio County, West 
Virginia, in 1865, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Basman) Bell. 

Samuel Bell was born in Ohio County, Virginia, in 1827; he was a merchant 
of prominence in earlier days, but finally retired to a small grocery 
business in West Liberty, to pass the remainder of his life in usefulness. 
His father was a farmer and pioneer of this county. 

The subject of this sketch attended the common schools and then entered 
the West Liberty Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1880. He 
then attended a state normal school in Pennsylvania one year, and 
afterward returned to his native county, where he entered an institute in 
Wheeling. He taught school for three years, and was then elected county 
engineer, by the Republican party, and served four years. He next worked 
as a civil engineer in this county, until called to fill the unexpired 
term of the professor of mathematics in Linsly Institute, of Wheeling, an 
institution endowed by Noah Linsly, which has an enrollment of 150 pupils. 
He then returned to his work as civil engineer. In the meantime he was a 
student in Mount Union College two terms, and was graduated there. In 
1889, he took his degree from Bethlehem College, having taught school 
during these terms, to defray his expenses. March 4, 1890, he accepted a 
position as chief clerk to the state superintendent of schools, at 
Charleston, on relinquishing which he assumed his present position. 

Professor Bell was married on November 28, 1894, to Rose E. Berkett. Her 
father, Robert Berkett, was born in Scotland and moved to England on the 
day of Queen Victoria's coronation. He remained there a short time and 
then came to the United States. He was taken with the gold fever in 1849, 
and crossed the plains to the gold fields. He worked very hard and by 
close attention to business secured a competency and came back to this 
state to enjoy it. He bought and improved land, and lived upon it until 
his death in July, 1892. He married Nancy Brown, who was of Scotch 
descent, was born in 1825, and died in January, 1886. Prof. and Mrs. Bell 
have three children, namely: Romaine Edna, born September 9, 1895; Richard 
B., who was born February 5, 1898, and died March 21, 1899; and Arthur 
Sheridan, born May 28, 1900. In 1895, Professor Bell purchased a tract of 
30 acres of land in the beautiful valley adjoining West Liberty, and 
erected a fine two-story house, consisting of nine rooms. It is equipped 
with all modern conveniences, including baths, hot and cold water, and gas 
for fuel and light. He utilizes a never-failing spring to supply every 
room in the house with water, and on a hill he also built a cistern, which 
is piped to the bath-room and kitchen. As a location for the home, this 
place is unexcelled. It is so situated that a view may be had of all roads 
leading to West Liberty. In politics, Mr. Bell is a Republican. 
Fraternally, he is a member of Welcome Lodge, No. 6, A.O.U.W., of West 
Liberty. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



JACOB LASCH, a well-to-do farmer in Ohio County, West Virginia, owns a 
farm of 40 acres about three and a half miles north of Wheeling, and is 
considered a representative citizen. He is a son of Jacob and Katrine 
Lasch, natives of Germany, and his birth took place in 1857, in Bellaire, 
Ohio. 

Jacob Lasch, Sr., came to the United States in 1855, and led an active 
life as a gardener for many years. His death occurred March 2, 1901. He 
and his wife had five children, of whom the following are living: Conrad; 
John; Peter and Jacob. Peter is in partnership with Jacob, and they carry 
on an extensive business as market gardeners, selling most of their 
products in Wheeling. Mrs. Jacob Lasch, Sr., died in January, 1899, at the 
advanced age of eighty-two years. 

Mr. Lasch went to Richland district, forty years ago, and has been 
profitably engaged with his business ever since. He has never married, but 
keeps bachelor's hall with his brother, Peter. They are both active 
members of the German Lutheran Church, and in politics are firm 
Republicans, doing all they can for the welfare of the party. 

Jacob Lasch is known for his excellent character, and for his square 
dealing in all business transactions. His excellent judgment and sound 
common sense have made him prominent in the community in which he resides. 



CHARLES H. GEIGER, a prominent druggist of Wheeling, is a genial and 
popular young man, descended from a well known and respected family of 
Urbana, Ohio, where he was born December 25, 1872. He is a son of George 
H. and Sarah (Taylor) Geiger, natives of Ohio, and a grandson of the late 
Judge Geiger, of Urbana. 

George H. Geiger, who was born in 1849, was a skillful physician of 
Dayton, Ohio. He married Sarah Taylor, who was born in Champaign County, 
Ohio, the same year as her husband. They reared five children, namely: 
Frank L.; George P.; Grace R.; Helen; and Charles H. Frank L. lives in 
Boston, and is a mechanic. George P. is also a mechanic and is employed by 
the National Cash Register Company at Dayton, Ohio. Grace R. and Helen 
reside at Dayton. 

Charles H. Geiger attended public schools at Dayton to obtain his mental 
training, after which he passed an examination before the Ohio State Board 
of Pharmacy, on May 29, 1888, and the West Virginia State Board of 
Pharmacy, January 24, 1894. He has made Wheeling his home since April, 
1892. He found his first position in the drug store of R. H. List, where 
he remained for eight years. He withdrew from this connection only to 
embark in business of the same kind for himself, December 1, 1898. He has 
a well stocked store at No. 1034 Main Street, and is prudent and competent 
in the management of his business affairs. 

Mr. Geiger was united in marriage with Amanda Wenzel, August 30, 1899. She 
is a daughter of George and Amanda Wenzel, and was born in 1873. One child 
brightens their home, Charles G., who was born May 31, 1901. They are 
regular attendants of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mrs. Geiger is a 
member. In his political opinions Mr. Geiger is a Republican, and 
fraternally, he affiliates with the K. of P., Black Prince Lodge No. 19, 
and the Masonic order. 



WILLIAM HUBBARD, a member of the prosperous firm of W. L. Saylor & 
Company, of Wheeling, West Virginia, is well known as a man of business 
ability with a great amount of enterprising activity, that has materially 
helped in the growth of is business. 

An Ohioan by birth, Mr. Hubbard was reared on a farm in his native county 
of Monroe, and several of his brothers and sisters are still living on the 
old home place. He attended the district school when a lad, and received 
such instruction as is usually meted out at such schools, sometimes, but 
not very often, thorough. When grown to manhood, Mr. Hubbard entered a 
general merchandise store at Wittens, Ohio, and was engaged in the retail 
business until the fall of 1895, when he came to Wheeling. In August of 
the following year, he became associated with the firm of Saylor & 
Maxwell, who were succeeded several years later by W. L. Saylor & Company. 
Hubbard is still a member of the firm, and is keenly alive to it's 
interests. 

Miss Hissom, of Monroe County, Ohio, became the wife of Mr. Hubbard and 
their family consists of two sons, Stanley and Ebenezer. They attend the 
Thomson M. E. Church. Mr. Hubbard having been reared within the folds of 
Methodism. Politically, he is loyal to the principles of Democracy, and 
has a good standing socially, being a member of the Knights of Pythias, of 
Sardis, Ohio. Mr. Hubbard is popular and his success is richly deserved. 
Since locating in Wheeling, his whole time and attention have been given 
to his business, and the success of the firm is attributed, in a measure, 
to his untiring efforts. 



SAM D. HUGHES. Conspicuous among the many worthy citizens of Ohio County, 
West Virginia, stands the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He has 
been a resident of the county since 1875, when he settled in Richland 
District, and owns a farm of 130 acres, which he cultivates extensively, 
in the line of market gardening. Mr. Hughes is a son of Nathan and 
Elizabeth (Young) Hughes, and, like his father, was native of Greene 
County, Pennsylvania, where his birth took place in 1847. 

Nathan Hughes was a carpenter by trade, and was also engaged in 
agricultural pursuits for some time. He married Elizabeth Young, who was 
born in 1818, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and is still living with 
the subject hereof. Both are members of the Baptist Church, and the 
father, in politics, was a member of the Democratic party. They had a 
number of children, as follows: Thomas; Nancy; Silas; Sam D.; Martha; 
Sarah D.; Mary E.; Annie; and Charlotte. Four of this family are still 
living. Annie is married and lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mary E. is the 
wife of Milton Graham, of Wheeling. Silas resides in Marshall County. The 
father of this family died in 1884, at the age of seventy years. 

In 1868, Sam E. Hughes was united in marriage with Amanda C. Fish, who was 
born in 1845, a daughter of Isaac Fish. They have had five children, 
namely: Montgomery (his twin brother Charles is deceased); Della M.; 
William F.; and Sam. D., Jr. 

Mr. Hughes has been a gardener most of his life, but in a short time 
previous to entering that business he was identified with a livery, 
boarding and sale stable at No. 1430 Market Street, in Wheeling, which he 
conducted for some time. His influence is great in his community, and he 
is well known in his district and county. At present, he is a director in 
the Quarter Dollar Savings Bank. In politics, he is a Democrat of decided 
opinions. Fraternally, he affiliates with the Old Fellows. Sober and 
industrious in his busy life, he is numbered among the county's most 
reliable citizens. 



DR. WILLIAM S. BEBOUT, a prominent member of the medical profession, 
located at Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia, has been engaged in 
practice here since 1890. He was born in Athens County, Ohio, May 15, 
1852, and is a son of Stewart Bebout. 

Stewart Bebout was born in Ohio in 1822, and died January 8, 1901, at 
Wheeling. He was a blacksmith and carriage-maker by trade. He married 
Minerva Watters, who was born in Meigs County, Ohio, in 1825, and died in 
Washington County, Ohio, in 1896. They had eight children, namely: Eliza 
J., who was the wife of Levi Stump, and died in 1898, at the age of fifty-
three years; John, deceased, who was born in 1848; Rexarilla, who was born 
in 1850, and married Sylvester Phillips, a farmer in Illinois; one who 
died in infancy; William S.; Isabel, deceased, who was born in 1855; 
Preston, deceased, who was born in 1857; and Ulysses, born in 1859, who is 
a farmer in Washington County, Ohio. 

William S. Bebout attended Beverly College, at Beverly, Ohio, where he 
took a classical course of study. He then taught school for a period of 
seven years, after which he entered a medical college in 1877, and 
received his diploma as physician and surgeon in 1880. He took a special 
course in skin diseases and affections of the heart and lungs, and also a 
special course in electricity. His first practice was at the town of 
Caldwell, Noble County, Ohio, in the fall of 1880, and he continued there 
for about ten years. In 1890, he removed to Wheeling, West Virginia, where 
he has since successfully practiced his profession, his office and 
residence being at No. 120 Sixteenth Street. He is member of the Ohio 
County Medical Society. 

Dr. Bebout married Matilda A. Keever, September 18, 1877. She was born 
September 18, 1856, and is a daughter of W. S. and Sarah (Hall) Keever. 
Her father was born in Ohio, in 1837, and was a farmer by occupation. Her 
mother was born in Ohio in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Keever had five children, 
namely; Marietta; Matilda A.; Wheeler; Eva, wife of Henry Beech, of 
Zanesville, Ohio; and Raymond. The Doctor and his wife have three 
children, namely; William Rupert; who was born February 17, 1879, and 
entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, at 
Philadelphia, October 1, 1901; Guy B., born October 20, 1880, who is 
taking a course in civil engineering in Ohio University; and Ada, born May 
15, 1882, who lives at home. Dr. Bebout and his family are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, the former is a member of the Knights of 
Pythias and the Tribe of Ben Hur. 



DR. H. T. FORD, who is a prominent physician of Wheeling, West Virginia, 
and a member of the board of trustees of the City Gas Works, has been a 
resident of West Virginia since 1869. Dr. Ford is a native of Woodville, 
Ohio, and obtained his primary education in that state. He also prepared 
for the profession of medicine there. Dr. Ford practiced for a number of 
years at Benwood, West Virginia. Later he settled in Wheeling, where he 
has a general practice, besides giving much of his time to other business 
interests. 

Dr. Ford has been a member of the board of trustees of the City Gas Works 
since 1895. Associated with him, are E. Buckman and J. Pollock, who 
conduct the city gas and electric light plants, located on Nineteenth 
Street. Frank F. Thompson is superintendent of the gas works, and Clarence 
Underwood is superintendent of the electric light plant. The board meets 
semi-monthly, the present secretary being William M. Schenk. Godfrey 
Schul, recently deceased, was for many years secretary of the board. 

Dr. Ford was married to Miss Sinclair, of Ohio. One of her brothers now 
lives at Benwood. Three children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Ford, namely: 
Clyde S.; Nils O.; and Alta M. Clyde S. Ford graduated from Linsly 
Institute in Wheeling, after which he attended Washington and Jefferson 
College, from which he was graduated, and later, was a student in Delaware 
University. He practiced medicine for three years with his father, and 
then removed for a short time to an office on the corner of Twenty-third 
and Chapline Streets. During the war with Spain, he went to Cuba, and at 
present is a regular army surgeon in the Philippines. Dr. Clyde S. Ford is 
also a graduate of the Columbia Medical College, of New York City, and was 
for two years surgeon-in-chief at Emergency Hospital in that city. Nils O. 
Ford, the younger son, graduated from Washington and Jefferson College and 
also from the Ohio State University, where he completed a course of civil 
and mining engineering in June, 1901. He is prepared for ore and metal 
assaying and for surveying, and is also a constructing engineer. Alta M., 
the only daughter of Dr. Ford, married Rev. Dr. King, who is pastor of the 
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Wilmington, Deleware. 

Dr. H. T. Ford and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The subject of this sketch is one of the most highly respected 
physicians and citizens of Wheeling, where he has a host of friends. 



SAMUEL VOLTZ, an old and highly respected citizen of Wheeling, West 
Virginia, is a plasterer by trade. He was born in Wheeling May 17, 1836, 
and is a son of Nicholas and Theresa (Renner) Voltz. 

Nicholas Voltz was a German by nativity, and was born at Baden-Baden, and 
served as a soldier under Napoleon. After some time he came to the United 
States and proceeded from Pittsburg to Wheeling, where he kept two hotels, 
one at Second Ward Market Street, and on in Centre Wheeling, on Main 
street, between Twenty-first and Twenty-second streets. He was united in 
marriage with Mrs. Theresa Renner, a widow, who had four children, namely: 
Theresa, Clotilda, and Anthony, who are deceased; and Cecilia, widow of 
Dr. Thomas Brues, who belonged to one of the oldest and most esteemed 
families of Wheeling. Nicholas Voltz and his wife have three children, 
namely: John, deceased; Samuel; and Mary, who married Martin Shipley. Mr. 
Voltz died in Centre Wheeling, in April, 1852, aged about fifty-two years. 
In political opinions, he was an active Democrat, and was always known as 
a dutiful citizen. His wife died in 1863, while her son, Samuel, was 
serving in the army. 

Mr. Voltz obtained his early mental training in the public schools of 
Wheeling, and took a course, some time later, at Scott's Academy. With 
great zeal he then applied himself to learn the plastering trade under 
George Forester, and has followed that trade during the greater part of 
his life-time. When the Civil War broke out, in 1861, Mr. Voltz 
immediately enlisted from Wheeling in Company G, 27th Virginia Regiment, 
which was in "Stonewall" Jackson brigade. He served the four years of the 
war, and took part in many of the most noted battles, such as that of 
Winchester, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, and many others. He was thoroughly 
aroused in behalf of his cause, and fought with unfailing courage and good 
cheer, serving most of the time under Capt. Daniel Shriver. In 1865, he 
returned to Wheeling, resumed his trade, and pursued that occupation until 
the administration of President Garfield, when he was appointed by Gov. J. 
B. Jackson, of West Virginia, as janitor of the State House, at Wheeling. 
In this situation he remained four years, and again resumed his trade, but 
was selected as watchman for the West Virginia China Company, with which 
he remained until November, 1897, a period of ten years. He was then ill 
for some time, and has not been in such active service since. 

Mr. Voltz married Veronica Carney, who was born at Cumberland, Maryland. 
They have three children living, and have lost two, as follows: John C., 
deceased; Mary Theresa, living in Philadelphia; Susan L., of Camden, New 
Jersey; one who died in infancy; and Joseph, aged nineteen years, who is 
at home, and is a member of the West Virginia National Guard. The family 
attend divine services at the Catholic church. In politics, Mr. Voltz is 
an earnest, straightforward Democrat. He has led a long and active life, 
and has reason to be proud of it, as have also his children, by whom he is 
cherished and loved in his happy home. 



SAMUEL W. HARPER, who has been since 1889 at the head of the wholesale hat 
and cap firm, doing business under the style of Harper & Brother, is one 
of the progressive business men of Wheeling. This is one of the oldest 
business houses in Wheeling, having been established by S. D. Harper, in 
1828, and having since continued in the family. 

S. D. Harper, grandfather of Samuel W., came to Wheeling from Alexandria, 
Virginia, and in 1828 established a retail hat and cap store which he 
conducted alone until 1850, in politics, he has always been a Democrat. 
Founded the title of S. D. Harper. His sons, Samuel and H. M. Harper, 
respectively uncle and father of Samuel W., were taken into partnership, 
and the firm name was changed to Harper & Sons. As such it continued until 
after the death of S. D. Harper, about 1860, when it became Harper & 
Brother. For twenty-five years it was a retail business, but gradually 
developed into the wholesale and jobbing line, and at present does an 
exclusively wholesale business. For many years it was conducted at the 
corner of Eleventh and Main Streets, but in 1875 it was removed to it's 
present location in the List Block. It occupies four floors of a building, 
135 by 22 feet in dimensions, and is under the management of Samuel W. 
Harper, although still conducted under the name of Harper & Brother. The 
concern does an immense wholesale business, having traveling 
representatives in the field usually covered by Wheeling jobbers. It is 
exclusively a hat and cap business, although S. D. Harper dealt quite 
extensively in furs. About 10 to 12 men are employed in the establishment 
the year through. 

Samuel W. Harper was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, as were also his 
father and uncle. His father, H. M. Harper, married Miss Williams, whose 
father was a prominent educator, and the first superintendent of schools 
in Wheeling. Mrs. Harper now resides at Pleasant Valley with Samuel W. and 
his sister, Henrietta A. 

Samuel W. Harper attended Linsly Institute, under Professor Birch, and 
began active business in 1889, as manager and proprietor of the 
establishment of Harper & Brother, in which capacity he has displayed 
great business ability, the volume of business having greatly increased 
under his capable management. Internally, he is a Mason. In religious 
attachment, he is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which his 
father was a trustee for over thirty years.