Connecting Family Dots

Biography

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Adams, David S. : DAVID S. ADAMS, one of the prominent citizens of Colerain township, was born in Washington county, Penn., January 2, 1820, son of Dr. David and
Eliza (Stewart) Adams. The father was born in Pennsylvania, where he educated himself in the practice of medicine, and was a successful practitioner for several years. He remained in Pennsylvania till his death. The mother was born and reared in Pennsylvania and was of a very noted family. Our subject grew to manhood in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in 1838. He received a good common school education. In 1841 he married Margarita C. McNeely, daughter of William and Eliza McNeely. He was for a number of years cashier of the old St. Clairsville bank, and served two terms as auditor of Belmont county. To this union six children were born, all living: William, Charles, Mary, wife of L. Danford, Stewart, Ella Lee and Thomas. The mother was born and raised in St. Clairsville. This wife died while he was in the late war, and in 1866 he married Mrs. Isabella Robson, wife of John Robson (deceased). They have two children, Mark A. and Anna. The mother was born in Ohio, W. Va., and came to Ohio when three years of age. In June, 1863, he went out as a lieutenant, and on January 24, 1865, he resigned his position and was discharged on account of disabilities. He was under Col. Wallace, Fifteenth Ohio regiment. He also had two sons in the war, William, who enlisted in 1861, Company E, Fifteenth regiment, under Capt. Danford, and Charles D., enlisted in 1862, and was in the navy in what they called Mississippi flotilla. Mr. Adams has always taken an active part in politics, and was one of the organizers of the know-nothing party of Belmont county. He was at the head of the movement in St. Clairsville, from which point the whole county was organized. Along in the '50's he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the clerk's office of Belmont county caused by the death of William R. Carroll, and after serving out that time he was nominated by the republican party, and was elected over J. R. Mitchell by a handsome majority, and served out his second term with credit to himself. He was the first wool buyer who bought and shipped wool in Belmont county. "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

BEATTY, A. WILLIAM : A. WILLIAM BEATTY is the leading dealer in boots, shoes and gents' furnishing goods, of Flushing. Mr. Beatty is a son of William H. and Mary (Miller) Beatty, who are the parents of the following named children: Tecumseh S., a black***** by trade; A. William, Charles L., a professor in the New Orleans Commercial college; Dora, John O., Frank C. and Birdie. William H. Beatty came with his father's family to Ohio in 1835, his wife was a daughter of John and Mary Miller, Mary was born and raised in Harrison county, Ohio, while her parents were of German parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Beatty were members of the Presbyterian church of Stillwater, and Mr. Beatty was an elder in the same for many years, being one of the leading men in the church, but is now a member of the Nottingham Presbyterian church. His wife dying August 22, 1879, in her thirty-fourth year, Mr. Beatty some time after took to himself in marriage, Margaret McCleary, by whom he has had one child: Fannie. Mr. Beatty was for several terms trustee of Flushing township. He enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Bell, and serving with the true purpose of a patriot he received his honorable discharge from service in June, 1865. He is a member of the Mitchell-Bethel post of the G. A. R. He has a farm of 120 acres in the highest state of cultivation, and is very successful in all his enterprises. A. William Beatty spent his boyhood on his father's farm, acquiring a good education, having graduated from the Delaware Business college at Delaware, Ohio, he taught for some time in the public schools. Receiving a call from the New Orleans Business college, he spent one year in that college as superintendent of the commercial and penmanship department, and assistant principal of the mathematical
department. Retiring from the vocation of teacher, he returned home and engaged in the business in which he still continues, having met with the most gratifying success, being recognized as one of the leading business men of the county in his line. Mr. Beatty married Miss Laura Lafferty, July 11, 1889. She was a daughter of Joseph and Mary Lafferty. The former was an old settler of Harrison county, he died March 29, 1886; the mother is still living. Mr. Beatty is a member of Moorefield lodge of Knights of Pythias, also of the order of the Sons of Veterans, Camp No. 290. "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

BEEGHLEY, Peter : Peter Beeghley, an old and highly respected resident of Beachdale, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was there born March 3, 1824, son of Jacob K. and Catherine (Blucher) Beeghley. His grandfather, Joseph Beeghley, was a son of Michael Beeghley, who came to this country from Germany in company with his five brothers, Joseph, Jacob, John, Abraham, and Michael. Jacob K. Beeghley (father) was born near Beachdale in 1796, on his father's farm, which he subsequently purchased. Jacob was always a tiller of the soil, and meet with good success in this line. In politics he was a Whig, and served as county supervisor. He had some skill in medicine and practiced considerably among his neighbors. In religious faith he was a member of the German Baptist church. He was married three times: First, in 1820, to Catherine Blucher, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and received her education in the public schools. She, also, was a devout member of the German Baptist church. Of this union five children were born, three boys and two girls, among them being Peter, of whom later. After the death of his first wife, which occurred in 1829, Jacob K. Beeghley married Nancy Bolen, who bore him two boys, and who died in 1843. He then married Polly Schrock, of Somerset county, and of this union there were no children. Mr. Beeghley died in 1856, at the age of sixty years. At an early age young Peter Beeghley was called upon to assist with the farm work, and received such schooling as the common schools of that day afforded. When he was twenty-three years of age he bought the home farm from his father, and has since engaged in the cultivation and improvement of same. He has devoted his attention largely to the raising of a good grade of livestock, horses, cows and sheep, in which he has met with the most gratifying success. He is a very progressive and intelligent farmer, being prompt to adopt all modern farm machinery as soon as placed on the market, and was among the first men in the county to use a mower drawn by horses. Mr. Beeghley takes great pride in the farm that his grandfather and father in turn owned, and even now, at the advanced age of eighty-two, may be seen daily doing his share in the farm work. He is in excellent health and remarkably well preserved for a man of his years. In political relations he has always been an ardent Republican, and has served his township as school director. He aided substantially in building the branch railroad from Garrett to Berlin, and is a stockholder in one of the Berlin banks. He is a member of the German Baptist church and a deacon in same.
Peter Beeghley married, March 12, 1848, Pheobe Alice Cober, born July 30, 1826, a daughter of John and Rose A. (Putnam) Cober, the former a farmer of this county, a preacher in the German Baptist church and a physician. He had a good local reputation and practice, being especially successful in the treatment of cancer and fevers. Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Beeghley commenced life on the old farm, where they still reside, although the old home has been torn down and a commodious modern dwelling erected in its place. The following children have been born to them: William, a merchant of Great Falls, Montana, who has been twice married and is the father of two children; John, also twice married, and father of six children; he resides near Somerset, and is a farmer by occupation; Silas, a farmer of Thayer county, Nebraska, and a widower; Ira, merchant and postmaster of Beachdale; he married Cora Brant, and they have three children; he resides on the old farm near his father, with whom he is in partnership; Rosa Ann, Isaiah and Ezra, all of whom died in infancy."
History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania" Bedford County by E. Howard Blackburn; Somerset County by William H. Welfley; v.3, Pub. The Lewis Publishing Company, New York/Chicago 1906, pg. 401-3

BETHEL, ALFRED : ALFRED BETHEL - Among the old and influential citizens of Flushing is Alfred Bethel, who is the son of James and Mary Bethel, both natives of Virginia. They came to Ohio in 1790, where James bought a land lease. They were among the first settlers and became well known throughout the community. They were both members of the Rock Hill Baptist church. The father died about 1850, and the mother followed him about the year 1857. Their children were: Sarah, deceased; Lucinda, Edward, deceased; Benjamin, deceased; Alfred; Abner, deceased; Elizabeth Ann, deceased; Mary; Eliza Jane, deceased; Francis M., deceased; and James S. Alfred Bethel was born in 1819, having been reared on his father's farm and receiving the best education that the schools of that day afforded. He was married when twenty-three years of age to Margaret McCall. Mr. and Mrs. McCall are the parents of eight children: John A., Mary E., deceased; James O. and Nancy, deceased; Jesse B., Thomas F., and a pair of twins that died in infancy. The four living children are all established in homes of their own and all have bright prospects in life. John A. answered his country's call enlisting in the Ninety-eighth Ohio Infantry, and afterward going to Louisville, Ky., where he entered the marines under Capt. Fisher, serving for thirty-one months with much courage and efficiency; he was honorably discharged at Vicksburg one year after the close of the war. Mr. Bethel has served his township as a trustee for several terms with great credit to himself and much benefit to the community. Although now in his seventieth year, yet he is well preserved and gives promise of living for years to come. Mrs. Bethel is also well along in years, being sixty-seven, but like her husband, she is still in the enjoyment of good health and bids fair to live for many years yet. "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

BETHEL, JAMES : JAMES BETHEL, an extensive agriculturist of Flushing, is one of five living children who were born to William and Elizabeth Bethel. The children are: Susan, Jane, James, Sarah, now Mrs. Hall, and John A. William Bethel came from Stafford county, Va., in 1812; one of his brothers, Thomas, who fought in the war of 1812, settled with him in Belmont county. He worked hard all of his life, having cleared several farms, and died about 1865, after living a life of usefulness. James Bethel lived with his father until he was twenty-six years of age, being obliged to carry his part of the family burden. In 1846, he espoused Miss Caroline Bethel. He worked for others for three years before he bought a farm of his own, he then bought 118 acres of land, going into debt for the same. By hard work and the exercise of much energy, he has not only paid off the debt, but has added 166 acres to the original property, and has some money invested in other enterprises. He is a man who holds the confidence and esteem of his neighbors in an unusual degree. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bethel. Two sons reside in Flushing and are comfortably situated on their father's farm. Mrs. Bethel was a member of the Disciples church until her death, December 11, 1883. She was a woman of many fine qualities, and her death caused much sorrow in her large circle of friends and acquaintances. "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Bohandy, Albert: Albert Bohandy was a long-time respected and admired member of the Barnesville business community, operating Bohandy's Restaurant and Confectionary on West Main Street for many years-his success, through both good and lean years, serving as a shining example of a personal ethic that was based on honesty, fairness and hard work. Albert Bohandy was born in Durbal, Syria on July 16, 1876. His birthplace was a small mountain village 28 miles north of Damascus, Syria, the country's capital and one of the oldest cities in the world. The inhabitants were mostly farmers and sheepherders and very poor. He learned the values of hard work, honesty and thriftiness at an early age. The country was under French rule at the time. Schooling was not available. He never had the opportunity to learn to read or write the Arabic language. In his youth he had heard many stories of a land many thousands of miles away whose people were free and had the opportunity to go to school and to own their own business. With his uncanny ability to save money he was able to buy a ticket to go to America, for he decided that emigrating to this far away land meant a happier and more fruitful, meaningful life for himself. He knew he could work had and save enough money that would permit him to send for his cousin Amone Bohandy, whom he had chosen to be his wife, Albert had boundless faith that together they could own their own business and raise a family in their new homeland. After all, America was the land of the free and the land of opportunity, The burning desire, the determination, all the faith -all these were in their hearts and minds. The great adventure would soon begin for Haidar Bohandy from Durbal, Syria. At the age of 27. He had been able to save enough money to pay his fare by boat to the U.S. and fifty dollars extra to start a new life there. In 1903, a dollar bought a lot more than it does today. One today cannot believe the difference in the buying powers of money between 1903 and today. A month after leaving Beirut he landed in New York City. He was afraid of what may lay ahead, but anxious and hopeful that he would find a place in which to settle, start to work and be able to bring Amone to his side. He was not able to read or write English. On board ship he befriended and elderly couple going to see their son living in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Since he did not know the language or any family in the states, they asked him to go with them to Pennsylvania. He accepted and a lifetime friendship evolved. Haidar really did not enjoy living in a city. He was accustomed to farm life atmosphere. He stayed with his new friends until the end of 1904. He was able to learn enough broken phrases and words to understand many different kinds of transactions which would enable him to learn the principals of buying and selling. He found work there and saved every penny he made that was left after paying a small amount for room and board. He discussed often the possibility of traveling westward in hopes of finding a farm like area where he would like to start his own life. The family agreed to take a week in the spring and go westward in hopes of finding his garden of Eden. They went from Pennsylvania into Southeastern Ohio where they entered Belmont County. Still traveling westward through the area to Barnesville, Ohio, Haidar Bohandy found the spot of spots. This community and area reminded him of his birthplace. He had made arrangements with a brother and a cousin to come to the area he had selected in which to live. Shortly after getting settled, he wrote to them to start the journey across the ocean. Within three months they arrived and with the help and advice of local businessman decided they wanted to open a restaurant and confectionary. One of the local ladies they employed taught them how to make ice cream and candy. They learned quickly and developed this into and art which brought praise from the entire community. He changed his name to Albert Bohandy, very soon Bohandy's homemade candy and ice cream were household words. They became very successful in both the restaurant and confectionary business. They made money and they saved money. The public was amazed at their success in their uncanny ability to expand the variety and quality in their products. Each piece of candy was hand-dipped, absolutely delicious. The ice cream was so tasty and refreshing that before long 250 to 300 gallons a week were sold.

BRANSON, DAVID : DAVID BRANSON is a son of ***** and Jane (Frame) Branson, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter a native of Maryland. They were married in Flushing, and always resided there. They had nine children; seven of them are now living: Lydia, wife of John Hoge, a resident of the state of Iowa; David; Rachel, wife of Israel Sidwell, a citizen of this county; Asa, now living in Iowa; Elizabeth, also a resident of Iowa; Mary Jane, wife of Nathan Steer, a resident of Belmont county; and *****, a citizen of Flushing. David was brought up on his father's farm, and having received a common school education, he worked for his father upon his farm and in the grist-mill, situated on Wheeling creek, which was run by his father in connection with his farm. This mill was at first operated on rather a small scale, but as the needs of the community increased, the business of the mill increased also. David was of great service to his father, being able to do most that is required about a mill. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah B. Holloway, daughter of Jacob and Martha Holloway. The Holloway family was from Virginia; Martha, mother of Mrs. Branson, whose maiden name was Bye, was a native of Maryland; her family migrated to Ohio, and it was in that state that Mr. Holloway and Mrs. Warfield were married April 29, 1813. Mrs. Branson was one of six children: Daniel, born March 4, 1814, died April, 1873; Eliza, born May 5, 1816, died April 8, 1842; William, born December 23, 1818, now a resident of Bridgeport, Ohio, and president of the bank of that place; Martha, born December 11, 1820, died in 1825; Jacob, born March 6, 1823; Mrs. Branson, born April 10, 1827; and there is also a half-brother, John, and two half-sisters, Mary and Maria Warfield. Mr. and Mrs. Branson have been made happy by the birth of six children: Martha B. Hobson, wife of Dr. J. A. Hobson, born August 24, 18.51; Anna Eliza, born January 23, 1854, wife of Henry Hall; Mary Ellen, born August 14, 1856; Lizzie M., born January 14, 1859, wife of Nathan R. *****; Emma J. Branson, born November 21, 1862; and Myra D., born March 3, 1869. Mr. Branson has served his township and county in various honorary positions, and is at present the president of the Flushing & Uniontown Pike, being one of the original projectors of that road. He is also one of the organizers of the bank of Flushing, and at present a director. Mr. and Mrs. Branson are members of the Society of Friends, and the entire family have birthrights. Mr. Branson has 495 acres of land under the highest cultivation, and now, that he has retired from active life, he can live comfortably from the fruits of his energetic labors. He is one of the most influential and one of the most highly respected of Belmont county's citizens. History of the Upper Ohio Valley Vol. II, 1890.

Caine, Alexander Clinton: Alexander Clinton Caine was born in Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, December 9 1849. He received his education in the common schools of his native village. During the first year of the rebellion he volunteered in the Thirty-first Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in September, 1862, he re-enlisted in the Ninetieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country with that regiment until June, 1864. At the close of the war he engaged in commercial pursuits until January 1886, when he was appointed by General Axline a clerk in the office of the adjutant general of Ohio, where he remained until January, 1888. Mr. Caine was then appointed by Hon. E. W. Poe land clerk in the office of the auditor of state, which position he retained until January, 1892, when he was elected chief clerk of the Ohio state senate. He was re-elected without opposition for the Seventy-first general assembly, and again chosen chief clerk of the senate for the Seventy-second general assembly, beginning January, 1896. Mr. Caine has always been an active republican, and he has served as a member of the state central and state executive committees. He was married June 25, 1890, to Miss Julia *****night, of Cleveland, Ohio. They have a son, Louis *****night Caine. Mr. Caine is a Mason, Knight Templar, Shriner, and a Knight of Pythias." "Representative Men of Ohio, 1896-97", James Mercer, C.N. Vallandigham, authors; published 1896.

CARRELL, William H. : William H. Carrell, a representative citizen of Somerset, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, was born September 15, 1836, in Bedford township, Bedford county, a son of George and Catherine (Sipes) Carrell. His grandfather, Anthony Carrell, was a native of Ireland, emigrated from his native land, settling in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, in young manhood. George Carrell (father) was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, a carpenter by trade, and a Republican in politics.
William H. Carrell received a good common school education, and after leaving school learned the carpenter's trade and later the machinist's trade. He then associated himself with Hiram Baker in the conduct of a sand mill, in which he was engaged for twenty years, with the exception of the time he served in the army. In 1861, when the great war of the rebellion was in progress and the call for loyal men was urgent, Mr. Carrell enlisted in Company A, Fifty-fourth Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, for three years. After his term of service expired he re-enlisted in the same company for three years, serving until the cessation of hostilities. He received his discharge June 17, 1865.
William H. Carrell was united in marriage July 4, 1867, to Lucy Petrican, daughter of Thomas and Martha (Park) Petrican, and of this union, one child, Harry S., was born. His first wife died in 1868, and Mr. Carrell married for his second wife Minerva J. Baker, daughter of Hiram and Louisa (Hoover) Baker. Hiram Baker was a contractor by trade, and in 1898 engaged in mercantile pursuits in Somerset, continuing in this line until his death, January 28, 1903, since which event Mrs. Carrell has engaged in the conduct of the store, having changed the name to the South Side Grocery company. One child was born of the second marriage, Lucy, October 6, 1889." History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania" Bedford County by E. Howard Blackburn; Somerset County by William H. Welfley; v.3, Pub. The Lewis Publishing Company, New York/Chicago 1906, pg. 176

CASEBEER, Alexander : Alexander Casebeer, of Somerset, Pennsylvania, descended through the following ancestry:
(I) Solomon Casebeer, the grandfather of Alexander Casebeer, was a native of Germany. He emigrated to our shore, settling in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, near the close of 1700. There is no other record in possession of his descendants, hence his occupations, general achievements, religion and education can only be conjectured at. It is only known that he died when a young man. He married Elizabeth Emmert, who was of German descent, her people being among the early settlers of Somerset county prior to 1800. Solomon Cassebeer and wife had seven children, four daughters and three sons. The sons were Isaac, Solomon and Joseph. The names of the daughters were: Hannah, who married John Mellinger and moved to Wooster, Ohio, about 1830; she was the mother of nineteen children. Elizabeth married Michael Melllinger, moved to the same place in Ohio and was the mother of two daughters. Sarah married Jacob Sarver and resided at Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.
a, where he conducted the old stone hotel until his death. She was the mother of four children, two sons and two daughters. One son and one daughter reside in Westmoreland county. Mary married George Hartman, a German, and resided in Somerset county until 1863, when they emigrated to Michigan. They had three children, two sons and one daughter, one son died in the Union army during the civil war. The daughter still resides in Michigan, the wife of a farmer living in Tuscola county, her father and mother having died about 1902. The son with his family live in West Elizabeth, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania.
(II) Solomon Casebeer, son of Solomon Casebeer (I), the American ancestor, was a stone and brick mason and removed from Somerset county to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, with his family early in 1840. There he formed partnership with a man named Coulter, and they became heavy contractors and builders. He married Sarah Baker, a descendant of George Peters Baker, on the river Rhine, Germany. He was very wealthy. He had four sons and one daughter, who emigrated to this country about 1752. One son died soon after arriving here. The family were highly educated. The surviving brothers were surgeons and performed much government work. They possessed large estates in many sections of the United States. Prior to 1800 they were officers in the army, one, colonel Henry Baker, became a merchant and had ship at sea, also owned much land near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1801. Before his death his lands were leased for ninety-nine years, and the business portion of !
the city today is located on this tract. By will his estate fell to his brothers, Jacob and Peter, and the sister Elizabeth. They resided in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Somerset county, where Jacob was killed by the Indians about 1816. Peter emigrated to Ohio. Colonel Henry died single. Jacob Baker was Alexander Casebeer's great-grandfather on the maternal side. Mrs. Sarah (Baker) Casebeer died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, before the death of her husband, leaving three children, two of whom soon followed her, Alexander being the only remaining child, and his father died when he was about nine years. of age.
(III) Alexander Casebeer, son of Solomon and Sarah (Baker) Casebeer, was born June 11, 1830, in Stoystown, Somerset county, Pennsylvania. His education was necessarily very limited, as his parents both died when he was but a mere lad, and he was thus compelled to make his own way through an untried world; unaided by the council of a father and the love and care of a mother. When but ten years of age he went to live with a farmer in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, where he remained until eighteen years of age, then returned to friends in Somerset county. In the spring of 1850 he went to Michigan, where he found employment in the big woods at lumbering for five years and more. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of government land and cleared up a good farm and made many improvements thereon. He next embarked in the grocery business, but within one year sadness came to his new-made home by the death of his wife. He then sold out and spent the following winter.
r in Canada, that being the winter of 1887-88. In the spring of 1888 he returned to Michigan, spent the summer and the fall there and then returned to his native county - Somerset." ..."Mr. Casebeer has been a Republican ever since that party had an organization, with the single exception of Mr. Cleveland's first term. Aside from local offices, such as school and township offices, he never has aspired to public positions. He has been township clerk, and for four years a notary public. In the agricultural societies he has held positions befitting his qualifications. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-third Michigan Regiment, for three years, during the great Civil war, but declined each and ever [y] offer of promotion, preferring rather that such promotions should go to his comrade friends. About 1856 Mr. Casebeer united with the Methodist Episcopal church and was for a number of years class leader, steward and Sunday school superintendent. He also held an exhorter's license for several years and became leader of a "praying band," which proved a successful feature of Christian work. For a number of years he was a member of the Knight.
its of Honor, in which order he was treasurer. He is also a member of the Knights of Maccabees, and being one of the deputy supreme commanders, planted the order in Somerset county. He has held the office of record keeper for several years in succession.
Mr. Casebeer married (first) August 26, 1856, Elizabeth Woodward, in Denmark township, Tuscola county, Michigan. She was well educated and by occupation a dressmaker and milliner. She was an English lady and had done much work in her line for the nobility. Her father was James Woodward, a hotelkeeper at Long Sutton Bridge, England, he owning the property in his own right. Mrs. Elizabeth Casebeer died in the autumn of 1876. In the fall of 1889 Mr. Casebeer married (second) Ida Fisher, of Somerset, Somerset county, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Samuel Fisher and wife. Her father was a soldier in the Union cause in the Civil war days, in one of the Pennsylvania regiments. He was a native of Somerset county, his ancestry being among the earliest settlers and of German descent. His education was limited. Politically he was a Democrat. By Mr. Casebeer's first marriage were born to him: 1. James, born April 22, 1858, in Denmark township, Tuscola county, Michigan.
n. He obtained a common school education; married Eve David Mersdal, of Indian Fields township, Tuscola county, Michigan. He is now a farmer of the same location. 2. Eliza, born in the same place as her brother, August 22, 1861, married Charles Mercill, a farmer in Tuscola county, Michigan. 3. George A., born in the same place as those named above, May 18, 1865; for several years followed school teaching, but is now a farmer. He married a Miss Patterson, of Michigan. By his second wife, Mr. Casebeer is the father of four children: 4. Perry M., born December 18, 1891. 5. Charles Harrison, born November 18, 1896. 6. Jennie, born November 18, 1900, all in school. 7. Theodore Roosevelt, born November 8, 1903.
In reviewing the career of Mr. Casebeer, the reader must have already observed it to have been indeed a checkered one, even from his earliest boyhood days. He relates how, at the death of his father, an uncle virtually robbed him of two thousand dollars, which then would have been a fortune to him. Again soon after his first marriage, he entrusted a minister of the Gospel to cash a $666 draft, the same person being a postmaster, and for failing to account for this sum paid the penalty in the penitentiary for a term of fifteen years, reduced to eleven years; but even this did not repay Mr. Casebeer. During the man's eventful life, he has traveled much and ever been a keen observer. With graphic description he now relates the wonderful changes wrought out since 1850 in methods of travel and machinery employed to relieve burdens from mankind. He states that in 1850, so slow did the trains move, in passing an apple orchard he saw luscious fruit, and he left the cars and produced a quantity of apples, overtook his train, and that without great exertion. He further relates of his travel by steamboat, canal boats and other early-day means of locomotion, all of which can scarce be comprehended by the present fast-living, swiftly-transported generations. On the farm he has worked with sickle and cradle and lived to see and employ the self-binder and all the kindred machinery., He easily discusses how such an army of rich men have grown up, and now sees where in years gone by he had golden opportunities that slipped by unheeded, all for a lack of real confidence in his own judgment. Yet with all the adverse winds, life's journey to him has not been fraught with shipwreck. He has lived a conscientious life, has reared sons and daughters to honor his good name and he abides in the county of his nativity, with friends, on every hand, who only wish him many years of happiness this side of the dark river." History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania" Bedford County by E. Howard Blackburn; Somerset County by William H. Welfley; v.3, Pub. The Lewis Publishing Company, New York/Chicago 1906, pg. 171-175

CLEVENGER, ISAAC : ISAAC CLEVENGER was born in Maryland, about the year 1791, moving to Ohio with his father's family when a young man. In 1818 he was married to Rachel
Howell, by whom he had the following children: Thomas, Elizabeth, wife of George Latham; Catharine, deceased; James A., deceased, and Isaac M., deceased. Isaac was in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry serving with the true devotion of a patriot. In 1845 Mrs. Clevenger died, and some time after Mr. Clevenger espoused Miss Catharine *****. Their one child is Galen S., who is a Baptist minister, now located in South Dakota. Thomas Clevenger, the subject of this sketch, was born in Belmont county, where he obtained a fair education, working on his father's farm during the summer, and attending school in the winter season. When twenty-eight years of age he was married to Miss Isabel Morrison, the ceremony taking place December 25, 1867. Mrs. Clevenger is a daughter of Joseph and Martha (Chambers) Morrison. The former was born in Ohio, about the year 1825, son of Alexander Morrison, an American by birth, but of Scotch descent. Martha Chambers was born in Ohio, daughter of Alexander Chambers, but like her husband, she was of Scotch parentage. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clevenger: Ora V., born October 11, 1868; Eva L., born October 30, 1872, and Wilfred M., born January 24, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Clevenger and their two daughters are members of the Nottingham Presbyterian church. Mr. Clevenger has 178 acres of very fine farming land, situated on what is known
as the "Trail Fork, in a very beautiful and fertile valley. He does a general farming business, and besides is a most successful stock-raiser, having some very fine breeds. The family has been prominently Identified with the settlement and growth of Belmont county, and its different members are among the most prominent citizens of the county. "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

COLLINS, JAMES B. : JAMES B. COLLINS, a successful farmer and fine stock-raiser, is an only child of George P. and Minerva (Dunn) Collins. The father was born in Morefield, Harrison Co., Ohio, about the year 1833; having acquired a good education, he was married when twenty years of age. After his marriage he lived on a farm and operated a saw-mill in connection with his farming, continuing this for some time; he then moved with his family to Belmont county, locating at Belmont Ridge. In February, 1865, he offered his services to his country by enlisting in Company H, One Hundred and Eighty-fifth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, under Capt. Bell; he served until the following September, when he received his honorable discharge. He was one of fourteen children born to George and Eliza C. Collins. His grandmother was born in 1803, and died March 23, 1890. Minerva (Dunn) Collins was a daughter of James and Harriet (Long) Dunn, of Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Collins were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Collins is also a member of Post No. 15, G. A. R. He is a resident of Harrison county, where he is operating a farm with much success, although now well along in years. James H. Collins was born and raised on a farm in Belmont county. He obtained a common school education, and October 3, 1878, took unto himself in marriage Miss Jennie Price, a daughter of John and Agnes (Bethel) Price. John Price was born in Belmont county, and his wife, a daughter of John Bethel, was a native of Harrison county. The union has been blessed by the birth of three children: an infant, born March 24, 1880, died when but a few hours old; Lawrence W., born January 28, 1882, and an infant born January 24, 1890. Mr. Collins is a member of the Sons of Veterans. The farm and stock owned by Mr. Collins are unsurpassed in quality by anything of their kind in the county. "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Cope, Dr. Isaac G. : DR. ISAAC G. COPE, a leading practitioner of Colerain township, was born and raised in Farmington, where he now lives. He was a son of Caleb and Mildred Cope. The Cope family has been connected with the history of Colerain township since the year 1804, at which time George Cope removed to Concord settlement from Frederick county, Va. A member of the Society of Friends and opposed to the institution of slavery, he sought a home in young and free Ohio. He was married in 1790, to Abigail Steer. They had nine children, three of whom were residents of this township, viz.: Joshua, George and Caleb H. Joshua Cope owned a mill near the source of Glenn's run. It was the first and only mill in Concord settlement. His residence was noted for being one of the southern termini of the Under Ground railroad; and in spite of the danger attendant upon such a course, he helped many a forlorn and destitute fugitive on the way to liberty. George Cope, about the year 1829, started a store in the town of Farmington, which was for many years the only store in the place. He was an active member of the Society of Friends, and especially noted for his adherence to principle and unbending rectitude. Caleb H. Cope was born near the town of Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson Co., Ohio, in which town he pursued the study of medicine and commenced practice. In 1834, he removed to the town of Farmington and continued the practice of his profession. He was for more than thirty years the only physician in the township. The doctor was a man of fine natural ability, and although in youth deprived of all advantages of education, except those generally afforded by early settlers, he by his own efforts acquired a good education, and always took an active interest in the educational advancement of the country. Our subject was raised in Colerain township and studied medicine with his father and attended medical college at Nashville, Tenn., and located at his old home where he began the practice of his chosen profession, and has now a large business, and is regarded as a very successful physician. In 1865, he married Elizabeth Dungan, and to this union were born three sons: Herman, Ellis, Isaac G., and seven daughters. Ellis is now studying medicine with his father. The doctor was raised in the Society of Friends, and besides being one of the
leading doctors of the county, he is also one of the leading citizens. History of the Upper Ohio Valley Vol. II, 1890.

Cowen, David : DAVID COWAN, a farmer of Colerain township, was born in Pennsylvania, 1847, and removed to Wood county, W. Va., when six years of age, with his
parents, where he remained till 1865, when the family removed to Ohio, settling in Belmont county. He was a son of Robert and Margaret (Bowels) Cowan. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania. Robert Cowan's father was an early settler of Pennsylvania, where he remained till his death. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and when he crossed the mountains he carried all his possessions in a red cotton handkerchief. He settled in a new country, but by hard work and close economy he made a great deal of money and died quite wealthy. He lived to the good old age of eighty-nine years. Our subject's father died when he was only three years of age. He received a good common school education through his own exertions. At the age of thirteen years he began life for himself. In 1872 he was married to Aggie R. DuBois, who died in 1870, and to this union was born one child, John A. In 1882 he married Catherine Warner. Their marriage has been blessed with four children: Jesse, Albertha, Carrie and Blanche. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In 1882 he was elected trustee of Colerain township, and has served in all seven years, and acquitted himself with credit to himself and constituents. He began in life without anything but now owns seventy acres where he lives, and a two-thirds interest in 129 acres with his brother. He is one of the leading citizens of the township and is well respected. "History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

COWEN, FRANK M. : FRANK M. COWEN is a son of one of the most distinguished lawyers who has ever practiced at the Belmont county bar. Judge D. D. T. Cowen, his father, was a son of Benjamin Sprague Cowen, a noted jurist and statesman, of the same county. Judge Cowen's father and mother were natives of Washington county, N. Y., whence they removed to Ohio in 1825, settling in Harrison county, where Judge Cowen was born January 20, 1826. A few years later his family removed to St. Clairsville, Ohio, where his early education was
acquired in the public school and at Brooks institute, of that place, his father being one of the founders of the latter institution. His classical training was received under the tutelage of Doctor McBane, of Cadiz, Ohio; later he studied medicine and surgery with his uncle, Dr. Sylvanus Wood, of Cadiz, and Dr. John Alexander, of St. Clairsville. He did not study medicine with the intention of practicing it, however, but with the idea of gaining a broader and more comprehensive education, and as preparatory to the practice of law. His chosen profession was the law, and under the wise guidance of his eminent father, and his father's partner, Hugh J. Jewett, afterward president of the Erie railroad, he was fitted for the bar, being admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio, January 20, 1847. After his admission to the legal ranks, Judge Cowen began to practice at St. Clairsville, and soon attained a high standing at the bar of Belmont county, which, since its organization, has been in high repute on account of the great number of exceptionably able men who have practiced there. Notable among which are such men as William Kennon, Sr.; William Kennon, Jr.; John M. Goode now, Ex-Governor Wilson Shannon, W. B. Hubbard, Carlo C. Carrol, Benjamin S. Cowen, Hugh J. Jewett, and many others of marked ability. In time Judge Cowen came to be the recognized leader of this association of leaders, and practiced in all of the courts of that section and in the supreme court of Ohio. Soon after the commencement of hostilities between the North and South he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Fifty-second regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry, of which Daniel McCook was colonel. That officer being assigned to the command of a brigade, the command of the regiment devolved upon Colonel Cowen. He participated in all of the engagements in which his regiment was involved, until the sad news of his wife's failing health forced him to resign his commission and return to her to whom he owed his first allegiance. Tendering his resignation he was honorably discharged in February, 1863. On his return home he was made chairman of the military committee of Belmont county, of which Judge William Kennon, Judge Kelley and Benjamin S. Cowen were members. Mr. Cowen was the prosecuting attorney of Belmont county from 1852 to 1858, he also served as clerk and mayor of St. Clairsville, and was a member of the board of education and the board of school examiners from 1854 to 1862, at which time he resigned to enter the army. Judge John Okey resigning as common pleas judge, Colonel Cowen was made his successor, serving the remainder of the term. Judge Cowen's superior abilities were recognized by his selection as a delegate to the constitutional convention of 1873, receiving a majority of 2,300 votes in a county about evenly divided politically. Judge Cowen was twice married, his first wife being Hannah Frances Martin, and his second espousal being to Anna Martin, her sister. He was the father of twelve children. From its organization he was the president of the First National bank of St. Clairsville. April, 1884, this distinguished man passed away to his eternal rest, his death causing a sorely felt vacancy in the county. Frank M. Cowen was born February 4, 1855, in Belmont county, and his boyhood days were passed in St.Clairsville, where he attended the common schools until he was fourteen years of age, at which time he went to live with an uncle, Gen. B. R. Cowen, of Cincinnati, Ohio. That gentleman receiving the appointment of assistant secretary of the interior, Mr. Cowen was given a first-class clerkship in the, Pension bureau, at Washington city, which office he filled acceptably until he resigned for the purpose of attending college. He entered the Ohio Wesleyan university at Delaware, Ohio. After leaving college, Mr. Cowen returned to St.Clairsville, and on the completion of the study of law, and his admission to the bar, entered into a partnership with his father. He remained there until the opening of the Flushing bank in 1884; he then removed to Flushing with his family, haying accepted the position of cashier of that institution. He was united in marriage to Miss Kate Meyer, daughter of Henry and Katherine Meyer. Their marriage has been crowned by the birth of one child, a bright little girl, who was born May 30, 1881.
Mr. and Mrs. Cowen are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Flushing. Mr. Cowen is a member of the town council, president of the Gallagher tool manufacturing company, and secretary of the Building and Loan association of Flushing, and in those as well as in his position of cashier of the bank, he holds the confidence and esteem of the community at large, being a financier of much ability. This building and loan association, organized by the efforts of Mr. Cowen and other gentlemen in the spring of '88, by limiting its dividends to a low rate, and by a system of rebating excessive earnings to its borrowers originated by Mr. Cowen, certainly is one of the most liberal and equitable institutions of that character in the state, and its beneficial results are already felt and appreciated in that community. While living at St. Clairsville, he was town clerk and secretary of their building association, and he was also honored by his associates with the position of captain of the St. Clairsville Light Guards, which company in a competitive drill at Marietta, in the summer 1878, received the second prize for proficiency in drill; their captain afterward received a letter from the late lamented General Cooke, of the United States army, a judge at that drill, congratulating him and his command for their admirable discipline and exhibition, and speaking in high terms of the Ohio National Guard in general. History of the Upper Ohio Valley Vol. II, 1890.

DAHL, Daniel : Daniel Dahl, of Meyersdale, was born June 9, 1858, in Germany, where he received his education. In 1871 he was brought by his parents to the United States, They settled in Somerset county, where for a time Daniel worked on the home farm. He then entered the mines and was identified with the coal industry until May, 1904, when he opened a bakery, which he has since successfully conducted. He is a Democrat and a member of the Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Dahl married, October, 1882, Katie, daughter of Martin Rohman, of Cumberland, Maryland, and their children are: William born September 1883; John, February 16, 1885; Ida, October 11, 1886, married June 17, 1905, Frederick Raymon, of Meyersdale; Charles, September 24, 1888; Casper, September 27, 1890; Alfred, August 2, 1892; and Clarence, July 9, 1894."History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania" Bedford County by E. Howard Blackburn; Somerset County by William H. Welfley; v.3, Pub. The Lewis Publishing Company, New York/Chicago 1906, pg. 220

Devore, William : WILLIAM DEVORE is descended from a gallant Holland pioneer, by name Andrew Devore, who was born in 1736, and was one of the Hessian soldiers captured at Trenton by Gen. Washington, and though but a boy in years, the lad was roused with indignation against the tyranny of the Hessian prince, who had sold his countrymen to serve the English. When an opportunity was offered for him to return to the British army, he flatly refused, and enlisted with the colonial cause.

In the summer of 1782 he located on a farm in Nottingham township, Washington county, Penn., part of which is yet owned by his descendants. Here, amidst the scenes of pioneer life, his children were born as follows: Adam, Henry, William, Samuel, James, Andrew (deceased in infancy), Polly and Betsey, none of whom are now living. Mr. Devore became a wealthy farmer, and his industry was evinced by the crooked finger on the hand thus maimed through hard work. He gave 133 acres of land to each of his children, and died on the old place. Politically, he was a member of the Democratic party.

William Devore, the third son of Andrew, was born and reared on the homestead in Nottingham township, this county, and attended the log schoolhouse of the period. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and followed that vocation in connection with farming all his life. In 1821 he was united in marriage with Mary Martin, a native of New Jersey, and she bore him children as follows: Lydia, Andrew (living in North Strabane township), David (a resident of Monongahela City), Phoebe (wife of James Kelsey, Washington, Penn.), Jackson (a resident of Iowa), Mary (a resident of Missouri), Sarah (Mrs. Fox, of Butler county, Penn.), William and Margaret. The mother was a member of the Methodist, the father of the Baptist Church. He voted with the Democratic party.

William Devore, son of William and Mary (Martin) Devore, was born January 19, 1836, in Fallowfield township, Washington county, Penn., on Maple creek. When about five years of age he came to the home place in Nottingham township, this county, where his youth was passed. On March 6, 1862, he married Sarah Ann, daughter of James Fox, and they continued to reside on the home farm until 1867, in the spring of which year he bought a small farm in Fallowfield township, to which they removed in the autumn. They resided there several years and then bought 135 1/2 acres in Carroll township, where they are yet living. He worked six months at $8.00 per month, and from that pittance saved $42.00. He was afterward employed at $9.00 per month, then cropped on shares, afterward worked at 50 cents per day for eleven months, saving from these wages $270. He and his brother then worked four months to perfect a sawmill, and on the first investment cleared $106, on the next $200, and then $1,850 In 1873 he owed $5,000, which has been paid with 10 per cent interest. He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, and owns some property in Monongahela City. Politically he is a Democrat. The children of this family are Mary Elizabeth, wife of S. Worman; James, interested in the sawmills at Monongahela City; Arabella and Henry C., living with their parents. Pg 991 Beers, J. H. & Co., Commemorative Bio. Record, Washington Co., PA (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed Feb 1997 by Marsha Richins of Columbia, MO.

GAMBERT, John M. : John M. Gambert, of Berlin, is a grandson of John Gumbert, a native of Germany, who emigrated to the United States, accompanied by his family and his brother Jacob. They landed in New York, July 31, 1836, and finally settled in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where Jacob remained, but John Gumbert, at the end of nine years, removed to Carroll county, Ohio.
Peter Gumbert, son of John Gumbert, was born in 1827 in Germany and was eighteen when the family moved to Ohio. For many years he farmed with his father on shares and then bought a farm, the purchase resulting in a change of the orthography of the family name. On receiving a deed for the land he took it to the court house for the purpose of having it recorded, but the recorder of deeds refused to enter it under the German spelling, and declared that it must be Anglicized and spelled Gambert. Peter objected, but the recorder insisted, and the deed was so recorded. The change was legalized by three judges sitting as a court, and ever after that branch of the family were Gamberts. After buying the farm Mr. Gambert engaged in stock dealing and raising. He was a large stock drover, driving his flocks each year over the mountains from Ohio to Philadelphia and New Jersey. This business he carried on for ten years, becoming very prosperous. He then abandoned this line of i!
industry and settled down to general farming, wool growing and stock raising, following these callings during the remainder of his life. He became a very prominent man in his neighborhood, and in his later years settled many estates and filled offices of honor and trust. He was a Republican and a member of the Lutheran church.
Mr. Gambert married Margaret Abrams, of Carroll county, Ohio, and their children were: George A., deceased; Catharine, widow of Eli Roudebush, living in Carroll county, has four children, Laura, Edgar, Margaret and Eva, all living in Ohio; John M., see forward; Emma, wife of Isaac Eulman, living on the homestead in Carroll county. Mrs. Gambert died in 1897 at the age of seventy, and the death of Mr. Gambert occurred in 1902.
John M. Gambert, son of Peter and Margaret (Abrams) Gambert, was born January 12, 1853, in Ohio, and received his education in the public schools. He worked on the farm with his father until of age, when he became a partner in the farming and stock droving business. For eleven years he carried on the lumber and hay business for himself, and for two years dealt in hay only, buying, baling and shipping. In 1886 he came to Somerset county and bought a tract of two hundred and eighty acres in Jenner township, which he has since sold. A little later he purchased his present farm, near Pine Hill, where he has since resided. This property consists of two hundred and fifteen acres, with good and substantial improvements. There is a sugar camp of five hundred vessels and there are also valuable orchards of apples and peaches. The place is well stocked and the land is under laid by coal. In addition to his farming operations, Mr. Gambert does a large stock business, buying, feeding and selling cattle and sheep, and also deals in horses. Over and above his farm he owns other real estate, including a farm of one hundred acres in Carroll county, Ohio, fifty-two acres near the Fritz church, forty-five acres near Wills church, one-half interest in thirty acres, and one hundred acres of timber land in Gilmore county, West Virginia.
He assisted in the formation of the First National Bank of Berlin and has ever since been one of the directors. He is also interested financially in the "Berlin Gleaner," the Meyersdale Fair and Stock Association, the Economy Telephone Company of Meyersdale and the First National Bank of Carrollton, Ohio. He is a member of the Lutheran church of Pine Hill, which he has served as trustee for many years. He belonged to the committee appointed to superintend the building of the church recently erected, and was active in raising funds for that purpose.
Mr. Gambert married, October, 1887, in Ohio, Ellen Coleman, of Pennsylvania, born in 1855, and a member of the Lutheran church. They have no children. Mrs. Gambert is a daughter of William and Matilda Coleman, the former a farmer of Brothers Valley township. Mr. Coleman died in 1885, aged sixty years, and his widow, who is now seventy years old and in good health, makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Gambert." History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania" Bedford County by E. Howard Blackburn; Somerset County by William H. Welfley; v.3, Pub. The Lewis Publishing Company, New York/Chicago 1906, pg. 426/7

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