OHIO STATEWIDE FILES - HISTORY: Chapter 16(3) [HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY Chicago, 1884) *************************************************************************** OHGENWEB NOTICE: All distribution rights to this electronic data are reserved by the submitter. Reproduction or re-presentation of copyrighted material will require the permission of the copyright owner. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. *************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Kay L. Mason keziah63@yahoo.com September 17, 2001 *************************************************************************** "Chas. R. Maddock", a member of the firm of Enoch J. Salt & Co., is a native of Portsmouth, and was formerly a member of the firm of Maddock Bros., of this city. He was from childhood been engaged in the business of manufacturing, and is at present the Superintendent of the Portsmouth Woolen Mills, and a more proficient man could not be found for this responsible position. He is perfectly at home with machinery, his knowledge of it rendering his service invaluable for the position he occupies. He was married in 1879 to Lizzie B. Salt, of Covington, Ky., daughter of Enoch Salt, Sr., of that city. Two children are the fruit of the union – Enoch and Charles. He has been the chorister of the Methodist church choir for years, and still occupies that position. His authority on all points pertaining to machinery is always considered reliable. He is universally known and respected in this city; is of a kind disposition, and makes friends wherever he goes. A more energetic, industrious, frugal man can not be found than Chas. B. Maddock. "August Maier" was born in Germany in 1849. He came to America in 1868, landing in Philadelphia Nov. 16, where he spent two years. In 1870 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and worked in a brewery eight years. He is now one of the proprietors of the Portsmouth brewery and holds the position of foreman. "Royal Sanford Maklun" (deceased) was born in 1827, in Salem, Mass., and at the age of seventeen came to Portsmouth and worked in Mr. Mitchell's livery stable for $12 per month, and in a few years became a partner in the business. In 1852 he married Mary Jane, daughter of John L. Boyd, a native of Ireland. Three children were born to them – William B., in Chicago; Lucy A. and Mary W., at home. A short time after his marriage Mr. Maklun became owner of the stable, which he carried on till his death, which occurred July 25, 1870. He was an Odd Fellow and Knight Templar Mason. "H. C. Martin", wholesale and retail grocer, 99 West Front street, was born in Portsmouth, Feb. 14, 1851, a son of W. P. Martin. His father was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1816, and with his brother ran a boat store on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers till 1848, keeping their boat at Grand Gulf, Miss., most of the time. They were chums and partners of Amos and Joseph Shinkle, of Cincinnati, but in 1848, when Mr. Martin came to Portsmouth, the partnership was dissolved, the Shinkles remaining in Cincinnati. In 1856 Mr. Martin built the brick building on the corner of Front and Court streets and opened a grocery store, carrying on the business thirty-five years. In 1881 he removed to Proctorsville, Lawrence Co., Ohio, where he is engaged in merchandising, residing on a farm near the town. H. C. Martin was for nine years an engineer on the river; then worked in Green's chair factory six months; the next four years was with George Davis, and then went into his father's store, remaining with him four years, and then succeeding him in business. He was married May 3, 1871, to Lide Thompson, a native of Kentucky. They have three sons – Perley, William and Taylor. Mr. Martin is a member of the Independent Order of Mechanics. "H. Marting & Son", merchants, corner of Seventh and Chillicothe streets, Portsmouth, have a pleasant store, 20 x 70 feet, the lower floor devoted to dry-goods, boots, shoes, notions, cloaks, shawls, etc; the upper floor to oil-cloths, curtains, blankets and furnishing goods. The business was established in 1873 by Marting & Herms, but in 1878 Mr. Herms withdrew and the present firm was established. Mr. Marting, the senior member, was born in Hanover, Prussia, in 1817, and came to the United States in 1847, locating in Scioto County, Ohio. He worked at the Jackson Furnace eleven years and then bought a farm near the old Bennett Mill. He lived there eleven years and then went to Gebhardt's Station and bought a farm and store, and was also the station agent. Four years later he came to Portsmouth and was engaged in the grocery business until, in company with Mr. Herms, he established his present business. He was married in 1840 to Mary Knauper, a native of Germany. Nine children were born to him, but six now living – Catharine, wife of F. C. Hermes; Frederic William, a farmer of Southern Indiana; Eliza, wife of Louis Voelker; Henry A., a merchant of Ironton; John C., a minister of German Methodist Church; Frank L., in business with his father. Louise and William died in infancy; George died in 1877, aged seventeen years and nine months. Mrs. Marting died in 1877, aged fifty-eight years. Mr. Marting and family are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church. "David Massa", a son of Barnhard Massa, was born in Rokenhausenreihn, Bavaria, Germany, Oct. 16, 1827. He learned the trade of painter and glazier in his native country. In October, 1854, he came to the United States, locating in Piketon, Ohio, where he remained nine months; thence to Chillicothe, and six months later to Portsmouth. He was married in March, 1858, in Portsmouth, to Louisa Emerich, a native of Piketon, born in November, 1838. They have two sons – Jacob and John. Four children died in early childhood. Mr. Massa is a member of the German Presbyterian church and the German Mutual Benefit Society. "John Maule", grocer, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Aug. 31, 1833. His father, Volentine Maule, died in Germany, and in 1844 his mother came to America. Three brothers had come here several years previous. They located in Chillicothe, Ohio. Mr. Maule came to Portsmouth in 1858. Prior to that he had been in the clothing business four years but sold out, and the purchaser becoming involved never paid him for the stock. He borrowed $5.00 to pay his way to Portsmouth, and opened a grocery store on credit. He has been successful and is now one of the prominent business men of the place. He owns his store and residence and other town property. In November, 1882, he opened a store in Wellston, but on account of the illness of his family remained only ten weeks. He was married Sept. 25, 1855, to Ottillia Wharschko, a native of Bavaria, Germany, but reared in Portsmouth. They have five children – Emma, Anna, Sadie, Carrie and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Maule are members of the German Methodist church. "James McCann" was born Jan. 25, 1832, in Ireland, a son of James McCann, a merchant tailor, who died in Ireland in 1847. In 1848 James came with his mother to America. They landed at New Orleans, and lived in Cincinnati from 1850 till 1856, when they came to Portsmouth, where Mr. McCann has since resided, and has been in the constant employ of the Portsmouth Gas Company as Superintendent of the works. He was married in 1857 to Susan Doherty, a native of Ireland. They have three sons – Joseph, a plumber in Columbus; Cornelius, assistant bookkeeper for the Bromwell Wire Manufacturing Co., at Cincinnati, and James, studying for the Catholic priesthood. Mr. McCann and family are members of the Catholic Church. "W. C. McColm" was born at West Union, Adams Co., Ohio, Feb. 4, 1833, and came to Portsmouth in March, 1840. From 1850 till 1870 he was engaged principally as forwarding and commission merchant and steamboat agent. In January, 1870, he opened the union ticket office, No. 4, Riggs House Block, representing the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, the Cincinnati, Portsmouth, Big Sandy & Pomeroy Packet Company, and the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad and its connections. His son William O. is in company with him, the firm name being W. S. McColm & Son. They also represent the New York Underwriters, The Niagara, The City of London, The Union of San Francisco, The Northern Assurance Company of England – all five insurance companies; the Mutual Benefit, of Newark, N. J.; the Railway Passenger Accident – live insurance companies; and the marine – Thames & Mersey, of Manchester, England. In connection with these, Mr. McColm is Secretary and Director of the most substantial and successful building and loan associations yet organized in Portsmouth, The Mutual Benefit Building and Loan Company, organized Feb. 1, 1883. He was married Dec. 1, 1853, to Eliza Jane Orm, a native of Scioto County, Ohio. They have had five children – Harry C., Alice C., now Mrs. E. N. Maxwell; Lucy M., died, aged two years; William O., a partner, and Albert T., an assistant in his father's office. "James S. McDowell", merchant, was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, July 21, 1826, and attended the public schools of his native city, after which he attended the college at Augusta, Ky., and completed his education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He enlisted during the late Rebellion at Camp Butler, Ill., in the Fifth Illinois Cavalry, Company E, and was on detached duty at Camp Butler, Ill., and Ironton, Mo.; and shortly after the battle of Shiloh, was ordered to Mound City, Ill., as State Agent of aid societies. He was married near Lancaster, Ohio, in 1851, to Mary W. Smith, who is deceased. He was again married, in 1865, to Julia S. Shurtz, near Sandoval, Ill. Mr. McDowell's children are – William H., Mary Jefferson, Clara Kate, Josie M., James Edmond, and Julia Bessie. He was in business with C. P. Chandler, of Portsmouth, in 1851 and 1852, and in 1853 removed to Illinois. He was clerk in shipping houses at Chicago, after which he built a store-room at Plano, Ill., and engaged in merchandising. He then engaged in school-teaching and merchandising in Tolone, Ill., for a time. He was then in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company for seven years. He is at present residing in Portsmouth, on Gay street. He was School Director of Champaign County, Ill.; and was nominated for Coroner of Marion, Ill., on the Republican ticket, but lacked twelve votes of an election. He was also Secretary of the Odd Fellows Society and also belongs to the Temperance Society. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he affiliated with the Whigs till the organization of the Republican party. His father, John McDowell, was born at Winchester, Va., Sept. 24, 1798, and was married in Ross County, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1821, to Mary Whiting Jefferson, who is still living. Shortly after his marriage he came to Portsmouth, where he resided till his death, which occurred March 20, 1876. He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and organized the first Sabbath-school in this city. "A. McFarland", proprietor of the Portsmouth "Tribune", entered the office of the "Ohio State Journal" in 1840, at the age of seventeen years. He remained in the office as an apprentice till he obtained his majority, after which he continued as a compositor till 1846, when he purchased a half interest in the "Herald" at Circleville, Ohio. He was married in Circleville, and subsequently became owner of the paper, which he published till the spring of 1853, when he sold out. He moved to Portsmouth, Oct. 20, 1853, where he bought this present paper, and has since then made his home in Portsmouth. His experience as printer, publisher and editor covers a term of thirty-seven years. "John Jefferson McFarlin", Mayor of Portsmouth, was born in Lancaster, Ohio, Dec. 22, 1825, a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Edemare) McFarlin, his father a native of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and his mother a native of Rome, Italy. In early life he learned the trade of a blacksmith, serving an apprenticeship of four years. In January, 1847, he came to Portsmouth, and worked six months for J. J. L. Ward. He then opened a shop of his own, and carried on the business till April, 1883, when he retired, turning his shop over to his son. In 1851 he was appointed Chief Engineer of the Portsmouth Fire Department, and held the position ten years. In 1864 he was elected a member of the Board of Education, retaining his membership nine years, serving as President of the Board. In 1877 he was elected to the same office for a term of two years, and served as President one year. In April, 1883, he was elected Mayor of Portsmouth for a term of two years. Aug. 20, 1848, he married Fanny Stanton, of Lancaster, Ohio. They have had fourteen children (five pairs of twins), Henry and Frank (twins), John and Fannie (twins), Mary and Benjamin. The deceased died in infancy with the exception of Charles, who died in 1868, aged fifteen years. Mr. McFarlin is a member of Scioto Lodge, No. 31, and Orient Encampment, No. 28, I. O. O. F., and has been a Representative to the Grand Encampment of Ohio. "D. Mercer", of the firm of D. Mercer & Co., is a native of Pennsylvania, and when a young man came to Ohio, locating at Mercertown, Belmont County. He then removed to Noble County, and in 1853 to Morgan County. In 1859 he removed to Meigs County, remaining there till 1882, when he came to Portsmouth. He is by trade a saddle and harness maker. He was married in Mercertown to Margaret Gourley, who died at the age of fifty-eight years. They had a family of five children – Thomas William, a photographer of Racine, Meigs Co., Ohio; Rachel Ann, died in 1872, aged thirty-four; John Irvin; Frances Isabel, wife of Richard Weldon, of Racine, and Olive H. Mr. Mercer is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His son, J. I., was born in Noble County, Ohio, Nov. 10, 1848. When seventeen years of age he enlisted in Company H, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry. In March, 1862, he re-enlisted in the Fourth Virginia Infantry, and commissioned Hospital Steward, and served till May, 1865. After his return home he worked four years for A. W. Seibolm, a druggist of Pomeroy. In 1869 he came to Portsmouth, and worked for Enos Reed four years, for J. F. Davis two years, and traveled for Wm. N. Merrill, of Cincinnati, one year. In 1876 he opened a store on the corner of Ninth and Chillicothe streets. He carried on the business alone for two years, when his father took an interest in it, changing the firm name to D. Mercer & Co. They keep a full line of drugs, oils, paints, glass and fine toilet articles. Mr. Mercer was married Aug. 16, 1868, to Maggie E. Decker, of Middleport, Ohio. They have one child – Ida. Mr. Mercer is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity, and the Grand Army of the Republic. "Meyer & Kelley", boots shoes and hats, Chillicothe street, between Fifth and Sixth streets, Portsmouth, keeps a full assortment of every variety and style in their line. Their salesroom is 24 x 60 feet, and a room of the same size on the second floor is filled with duplicate goods. The business was established in 1879 by William S. Meyer. Subsequently his father-in-law, P. H. Kelley, became associated with him in business, but is at present represented by his son. Mr. Meyer was born in Portsmouth in 1858. From 1869 till 1875 he attended Notre Dame University, Indiana, graduating in the commercial department. The next four years were spent in Virginia City, Nev., with an uncle, in the boot and shoe business. He then returned to Portsmouth and established his present place of business. In September, 1880, he married Ella Kelley, of Portsmouth. "Miller & Herman", wholesale dealers in foreign and domestic liquors, wines and cigars, Market street, between Second and Third streets. J. T. Miller, the senior member, was born in Dietschwieler, Rhine, Bavaria, Germany, July 29, 1833, and came to the United States May 16, 1852. He was in Cincinnati four months, and then went to Catlettsburg, Ky., and remained a year. He has been identified with the liquor business of Portsmouth since 1857. He had a wholesale house on the east side of Market street for fifteen years. In 1876 he purchased the "Correspondent", and published the paper for five years, when he sold out to George Feuchtinger. He formed his present partnership Jan. 1, 1883. He was married April 25, 1859, to Lizzie M. Smith, of Piketon. They have eight children – Lucy K., John T., Lizzie M., Mary, Birdie, Charles, Laura and William. Mr. Miller has been a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity since 1855. He was a member of the Town Council fourteen years, and was President of that body three years. He carries on his farm in connection with his other business. The junior member of the firm, Mr. Herman, was born in Germany, April 16, 1846, and came to the United States in 1853, locating at Allegheny City, Pa.; from there went to Greenup, Ky., and in 1854 came to Portsmouth. He was engaged with Cutler & Brown for four years, and then was with P. J. Pursell & Co., wholesale and retail queen's ware, two years. In 1868 he, in company with Charles Wertz, opened a saloon and billiard hall. He sold out to Wertz in 1871 and opened the Opera House Billiard Hall. He went to the old country in 1873, and upon his return sold his billiard hall and opened another on Chillicothe street, and in January, 1883, formed his partnership with Mr. Miller. He was married in 1871 to Lizzie Leffler. They have three children – Magdalena, Frank Carl and Carrie Esther. Two children – Annie O. R., and Philip E. – are deceased. Mr. Herman is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge and Encampment. "Millhuff & Gage", grocers, corner of Second and Jefferson streets, Portsmouth, have a full line of fancy and staple groceries, and deliver goods to all parts of the city. The business was established in 1871 by J. M. Millhuff, and in 1873 William Gage became associated with him. They are also dealers in river and railroad coal. Mr. Millhuff was born in Sciotoville, Ohio, May 17, 1847. He early learned the stove-molder's trade, working at it till 1871. He was teamster of a foraging train in the late war of the Rebellion six months. Dec. 23, 1868, he married Luella Gage, daughter of Andrew C. Gage. They have two sons – Charles and James M., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Millhuff and their eldest son are members of the Baptist Church. His father, Henry Millhuff, is a resident of Coalton, Jackson County. The family consists of twelve children, all living but two – Jacob was a member of Company A, Second Virginia Cavalry, and died in March, 1863, at Point Pleasant, Va.; the second child died in infancy; Frank, James M., Henry, Isham, Simmins, Thomas, Daniel, Narcissus, Mary and Ella. William Gage was born in Portsmouth, Feb. 20, 1853, a son of Andrew C. Gage, who also came from New York to Portsmouth in 1842, and is now seventy-seven years of age. He is by trade a boat-builder. He has two children – Luella, wife of J. M. Millhuff, and William. The latter spent his boyhood days with his father, and when sixteen years of age began learning the stone-cutter's trade, working at it four years. He then became associated in the grocery business with Mr. Millhuff. He was married in 1875 to Caroline, daughter of Andrew Angele. They have one child – They have one child – Lula. "Cornelius Molster", chief engineer of the city water-works, was born in Portsmouth, June 12, 1841. His father, Martin Molster, died Nov. 26, 1879, the day following his golden wedding, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Molster, when fifteen years of age, began to learn the trade of an engineer. He first worked eighteen months in Maddock's machine and woolen shops; then was engineer at J. W. Perdum's planing-mill six years, and was then engineer on the river steamers ten years. He was on the Convoy, Liberty, No. 3, Golden Era, Revenue, Robert Morse, D. M. Sechler and Clermont, Gypsey Argosy and Kenton. He was afterward for eleven years in charge of the city fire engine; since Sept. 1, 1880, has held his present position. He was married Feb. 2, 1865, to Maggie Neill, a native of Portsmouth. They have had three children – Lucy, died Nov. 27, 1882, aged seventeen years; Harry, aged twelve, and Edward, aged ten. Mr. Molster is a strictly temperate man, has never drank a glass of intoxicating liquor, and is a man who commands the respect of all who know him. "Captain E. B. Moore" was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1823, a son of Levi Moore. When twenty-one years of age he went to New Orleans for the purpose of learning to be a pilot on the Mississippi River. In 1848 he began to pilot on the Yazoo River, and afterward was on the Mississippi from New Orleans to St. Louis. In 1854 he took charge of a boat for R. C. Young, which was burned the following year at the wharf, catching fire from another boat. He then piloted for Captain Young till 1857, when he and a son of Captain Young took charge of the Champion, Mr. Moore being its Captain till 1861, when on account of the war they were obliged to put up at St. Louis, the river being blocked at Cairo. They sold the boat in 1862 just previous to Halleck's moving his troops around Ft. Henry. In 1863 he and his brother William bought a half interest in the foundry and boiler-yard, now the Portsmouth Foundry and Machine Works. In 1864 they bought a fourth interest in the packet Bostonia, and in 1866 bought an additional eighth interest. In 1873 they purchased the other half interest of the foundry and machine works. The same years the Cincinnati, Portsmouth, Big Sandy & Pomeroy Packet Company was formed, Mr. Moore and his brother combining their interest in the boat with others. Since 1866 Mr. Moore has been Captain of the Bostonia. The Packet Company now have six boats – Bostonia, Fleetwood, Telegraph, Bonanza, Morning Mail, and steamer Ohio. Captain Moore was married in Yazoo City, in 1859, to Maria Pratt, a native of Washington County, N. Y. She died in 1865, leaving two daughters. In 1873 he married Mary E. Switzer, of Dayton, Ohio. They have two sons and two daughters. "John Neill", proprietor and operator of the Neill Stove Foundry, corner of Seventh and Market streets, was born June 2, 1824, in the north of Ireland, of Scotch parents. He came to the United States in 1839, and learned the stove-molder's trade in Wheeling, W. Va., where he remained five years, when he went to Zanesville, Ohio, where he worked at his trade two years. He came to Portsmouth in 1853, and engaged in the foundry business with H. Eberhardt, with whom he remained till 1868, when he bought out Harris and & Terry and ran the foundry for two years. In 1870 he built his present foundry, which gives employment to twenty-five or thirty hands. He manufactures cook stoves principally, but also makes many heaters, their capacity being about twenty-five stoves per day. They are doing business chiefly on contract, selling all over the country. He was married in 1845 to Elizabeth Richardson, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio. They have five children – Anna; John, clerk on the steamer Bonanza; George, clerking in his father's stove store; Edward, helping his father in the foundry, and Lizzie R. "George Ott Newman", attorney at law, was born in Staunton, Va., Nov. 9, 1836, the eldest of six children of William and Catherine (Ott) Newman. In 1839 his parents came to Portsmouth. His father was a prominent contractor and builder, and many of the best buildings in Portsmouth and vicinity were erected by him. He died July 23, 1874. In 1853 Mr. Newman entered the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and graduated in 1858. He soon after went into the law office of Moore & Johnson, and studied with them two years. He was admitted to the bar by the District Court at Mt. Gilead in the fall of 1860. In April, 1861, he enlisted for three months in Company G, First Ohio Infantry, going out as Orderly Sergeant, and also acted as Second Lieutenant. At the expiration of his term of service he returned home, and in August, 1861, was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and served two years. In 1870 he became associated with Moore & Johnson, changing the name of Moore, Johnson & Newman. Since the death of Hon. George Johnson, in 1873, the firm has been Moore & Newman. Sept. 12, 1866, Mr. Newman married Clay B, daughter of Hon. O. F. Moore. They have four children – William Oscar, Kate Johnson, Fannie Caldwell and Charles Russell. "Thomas B. Nichols", of the firm of Nichols & Welch, carriage manufacturers, was born in Cincinnatir, Ohio, March 15, 1852. His boyhood days were spent in his native city. When fourteen years of age he began to learn the painter's trade, and worked at it in Cincinnati till 1875, when he removed to Portsmouth and worked in the foundry of John Dice three years. In 1878 he formed a partnership with George P. Welch, and established their present business, at that time located on Front street. In 1882 they bought the property where they are now located, on Third street, between Court and Washington streets. The building is two-stories high, 40 x 105 feet in size. They manufacture all kinds of carriages, buggies, phaetons, etc. Their double-scroll side buggy spring is one of the most durable, strong and elastic springs made. They have a blacksmith and wood shop in separate buildings. They employ from fifteen to eighteen hands, use the best material, and warrant all their work. Mr. Nichols was married in 1877 to Maria Ripley, of Portsmouth. They have two children – Thomas and William. Mr. Nichols is a member of the I. O. O. F. and I. O. M. fraternities. "Rev. Aloyse Nonnen", Pastor of the Church of the Annunciation, Portsmouth, Ohio, was born in Alsace, Germany, Dec. 25, 1834, a son of John Nonnen, a farmer by vocation, who died Nov. 25, 1865, aged sixty-seven years. When twelve years of age Father Nonnen commenced to study for the priesthood and spent twelve years in Strasburg. In 1859 he was ordained priest, and in 1866 came to the United States. He went to Indianapolis, Ind., and had charge of a church there till April 25, 1871, when he came to Portsmouth to take charge of his present parish. "William Norris" was born in Rochester, N. Y., in 1833, a son of Ambrose Norris. In 1847 he came to Ohio and located in Waverly, working on the canal and keeping a restaurant. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company G, Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, and served four years and six months. He participated in 133 engagements and numerous skirmishes. June 29, 1865, he was promoted to Sergeant. At Kennesaw Mountain his life was saved by a memorandum book and Testament he had in a side-pocket. His day-book was pierced by a piece of rock dislodged by a cannon shot. He would not go to the hospital though urged by his surgeon to do so, and never lost a day till just before the battle of Nashville; a cold settled on his lungs, from the effects of which he has never recovered. After the war he went to Terre Haute, Ind., and remained four years. He then returned to Waverly and worked on the canal till 1875, and the next three years kept a restaurant. In 1878 he came to Portsmouth and purchased his present place of business. He keeps a general stock of groceries, provisions, queen's-ware, boots and shoes, etc., and supplies both the retail and wholesale trade. In 1880 he purchased the frame stable adjoining. He was married in Terre Haute to Charlotte E. Kelshimer. They have one daughter – Emma May. "G. S. Oldfield", grocer, corner of Seventh and Chillicothe streets, is a native of Portsmouth. His father, William Oldfield, came from the State of New York to Portsmouth in the year 1814, where he died in the year 1861, aged seventy years. He was a miller and farmer, and the later years in his life were spent in the grocery business. He was at one time an Associate Judge, also a member of the Ohio Legislature, and was a consistent member of All-Saints' Episcopal Church from its organization. G. S. Oldfield lived on the farm till about sixteen years of age, and in 1850 went to California, where he remained five years in the gold mines. In 1855 he returned to Portsmouth and has ever since been engaged in the grocery business. He was married Nov. 15, 1864, to Eliza J. Baker, a native of England. They have four children – William S., Frank C., Robert B. and Edward, died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Oldfield are members of All-Saints' Episcopal Church. He is a Master Mason and a member of Aurora Lodge, No. 48. "John Padan" was born in Ireland, May 10, 1823, a son of Henry Padan, a farmer of first country. He learned the shoemaker's trade, which he worked at in connection with farming seven years in Ireland. He was married May 24, 1849, and the same year came to the United States, landing in New York, Aug. 9. Sept. 17 he came to Portsmouth and has since made this his home. He is the father of the Padan Brothers, proprietors of the Portsmouth Shoe Factory. He started his sons in business and made their credit good by his own risks. He is one of the oldest residents of Portsmouth and has always been prominently identified with all her interests. His family consists of five sons and one daughter, and is one of which any man might be proud. He holds the confidence and respect of a large circle of acquaintances. "T. M. Patterson", proprietor of the blank-book manufactory and bindery, 112 West Second street, Portsmouth, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, Dec. 13, 1826, a son of James Patterson, who died in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1852. When twenty-one years of age he went to Cleveland and was employed as foreman in the book-bindery of Sanford & Hayward till October, 1850, when he came to Portsmouth and was employed by Stevenson & Co., booksellers and binders. In 1855 he bought a half interest in the store. In 1866 he became sole proprietor of the bindery. He has all the necessary machinery of a first-class establishment, consisting of a ruling machine, thirty-six-inch paper cutter, paging and numbering machine, Hitchcock's shears and backing machine, two standing and two lying presses, perforator, etc. He has a large city and country trade. In December, 1852, Mr. Patterson married Caroline, daughter of John Clugston, of Portsmouth. She died in 1865, aged thirty-three years, leaving two sons – James and Charles R. In December, 1866, he married Lydia R., daughter of W. H. H. Taylor. They have four children – Maggie Belle, Thomas M., Walter K. and Nettie C. A daughter, Lucy, died at the age of three and a half years; a son, Louis D., at the age of eleven, and Emma, aged seven. "William S. Patten", contractor and builder and proprietor of the Portsmouth Planing Mill, was born in Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, March 10, 1833, a son of Richard Patten. His father died in Gallipolis in 1860 and his mother still resides in Harmar, aged seventy five years. William S. began to work at the carpenter's trade when eighteen years of age and served an apprenticeship of three years. He then went to Ashland, Ky., and two years later, in 1855, came to Portsmouth. Since 1859 he has been contracting and building, and for twenty-three years has been in the planing-mill. In his mill he employs several hands dressing all the lumber he uses and also doing custom work. He enlisted in 1862 in Company F, Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and served thirteen months, being discharged on account of disability. He was married in 1857 to Eliza Cox, of Ashland, Ky. They have one child, Maud, aged thirteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Patten are members of the Sixth-Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic. "Joseph Scott Peebles" was born at Chillicothe, Ross Co., Ohio, June 19, 1817. His father, John Peebles, was born near Shippensburg, Pa., Nov. 21, 1769, and was married Nov. 17, 1795, to Margaret Rodgers, also a native of Shippensburg, born May 13, 1777. They both died at Hanging Rock, Lawrence Co., Ohio, and are buried in Green Lawn Cemetery, Portsmouth. The former died Oct. 22, 1846, and the latter, Aug. 28, 1847. They moved to Ohio in 1858, coming down the Ohio River on a flat-boat, stopping at Portsmouth; from there to Alexandria and Chillicothe, where they remained till April, 1819, when they returned to Portsmouth, coming down the Scioto River in a flat-boat. They had a family of nine children – William, died July 24, 1829, aged thirty-three years; Rachel Rodgers, a resident of Portsmouth, died Aug. 26, 1883, aged eighty-five years; Elizabeth, died April 15, 1876, aged seventy-five years; Fanny Denny, died in Pennsylvania, Nov. 11, 1804, aged sixteen months; Jane Findley, died Nov. 1, 1875, aged sixty-nine years; Richard Rodgers, of Hempstead, Texas, aged seventy-three years; Margaret Rodgers, died Sept. 27, 1822, aged eleven years; John Geddes, of Portsmouth, aged seventy years, and Joseph Scott, the subject of this sketch. He was two years of age when his parents removed to Portsmouth. His father was a cabinetmaker, carrying on that business in connection with the hotel and commission house, and also manufactured wrought nails, which were then sold at from 40 to 60 cents per pound. Joseph attended school till fifteen years of age, finishing at the old seminary that stood on the corner of Market and Fourth streets, Davis and Archibald being the teachers. After leaving school he spent a few months with his brother John, who was a bookkeeper and financial manager at Lemuel Moss's flour and stone mill at the Three Locks, and a few months with G. J. Leet, agent for the Troy & Erie Canal boats. He was then a year or two with William Hall, of Portsmouth, where he learned the dry-goods business. He next went with his brother-in-law, Robert Wood, who was in the supply business, on the corner of Front and Madison streets (the Lodwick corner), and afterward on the corner of Jefferson and Front streets. In 1836 Mr. Wood removed to Wheelersburg, and changed his business to dry goods and groceries. In 1836 Mr. Peebles went to Hanging Rock to take charge of the store owned by his brother-in-law, Robert Hamilton, which was connected with Pine Grove Furnace. This position gave him an opportunity to become acquainted with the leading iron men of that day, as Hanging Rock was the headquarters for the men in that business, and his brother-in-law was the peer of them all. All important iron and political meetings were held at Hanging Rock. During the years 1842, 1843, 1844, after Mr. Hamilton had become exclusive owner of Pine Grove Furnace, he associated with him John Ellison, the manager of the furnace, James A. Richie, his bookkeeper, and Joseph Scott Peebles, under the firm name Hamilton & Co. In 1844 Messrs. Ellison, M. R. Tewksbury and Richie purchased Jackson Furnace, Ohio, and Mr. Peebles, in company with Robert Wood and Thomas Martin, built the Hanging Rock Foundry, and carried on business under the firm name of Peebles, Wood & Co. This proved a very successful venture, and the business was but recently purchased by a Cincinnati firm, who have made extensive improvements. In October, 1850, John F. Steele, the junior partner and bookkeeper of Hamilton, Peebles & Co., died, and Joseph was solicited to accept the position thus made vacant, with the promise of an interest at some future day. In 1854 the new firm was formed, consisting of Robert Hamilton, John G. Peebles, Samuel Coles and Joseph Scott Peebles, the name being Hamilton, Peebles & Coles. Sept. 11, 1856, Mr. Hamilton died, and the business was carried on eight years longer under the same name, and in 1864 was sold to Messrs. Kyle & Co. April 30, 1864, Mr. Peebles removed to Portsmouth, and with his brother John G. and others bought the Ashland coal and railroad property, with large quantities of iron and coal, and opened the coal banks at Coalton, and built a stored coal furnace at Ashland. A year later, his health becoming impaired, he sold his property to his brother John G., and traveled a year through the Eastern and Southern States. In June, 1866, he returned to Ohio, and went to Lebanon, where he put two sons of his brother, Richard R., and his own son in the Normal School. While there he purchased the Corwin property, remaining there till June, 1869, when he purchased his present residence, 49 Wesley avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. Sept. 28, 1874, he went with his son William, who had been appointed Vice-Consul by Hon. James C. Scott, United States Consul to the Hawaiian Islands, and Dec. 1, 1875, returned to San Francisco and took a steamer for Japan, traveling through the countries of the Eastern continent, and returned to America Oct. 28, 1876. Since his return he visited all parts of his own country, and has been in 36 of the States, composing the most of the United States. Mr. Peebles is now a stockholder in the Portsmouth Steel and Iron Works, Ironton, Ohio, and the Peebles, Foulds & Co. flour mills, Cincinnati, Ohio. He was married April 8, 1851, to Nancy Findley Lodwick, daughter of Colonel John Lodwick, who was born in Winchester, Va., in 1767, and was married in June, 1790, to Elizabeth Cooley, who died in June, 1800, leaving four children – Sarah, William, Ludlow and James, all now deceased. July 18, 1802, Colonel Lodwick married Hannah Findley, who died July 6, 1827, leaving ten children – Kennedy, Lysle, Joseph Findley, Michael, Preston, John Newton, Jane Elizabeth, Martha Scott, Milton Williamson and Nancy Findley; Kennedy, Joseph, Michael, Milton and Nancy are deceased. In October, 1828, Colonel Lodwick married Eliza B. Elliott, who died in 1851. He died March 4, 1861, having lived to see his children all married and in comfortable circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Peebles were the youngest members of their respective families. They had but one child – William, now in partnership with his father. Mrs. Peebles died Oct. 23, 1881, aged sixty-one years. March 18, 1860, Mr. Peebles united with the First Presbyterian Church at Hanging Rock. His wife was a member of another church, but transferred her membership to the church of her husband's choice. Politically he in early life joined the Know-Nothings, but took no more than one degree. His first vote was for Wilson Shannon, Democratic Governor in 1838. For Presidents he voted for Van Buren, Polk, Cass, Pierce, Buchanan. In 1860 he changed his politics, and has since voted for the Republican candidates, and the second Tuesday in October voted for Joseph B. Foraker, and the First and Second Amendment. About the year 1871 or 1872, in consequence of a gentleman living in the city of Cincinnati bearing the name of Joseph S. Peebles, their correspondence got considerably mixed up, and Mr. Peebles changed the style of his signature to J. Scott, which has been a successful change, at least to him. "C. K. Pfeiffer" was born in Germany in 1833, a son of Conrad Pfeiffer, a miller and farmer, who died at the age of eight-seven, leaving a valuable estate. He came to the United States in 1852, locating in New York, but soon after came to Portsmouth and engaged in the cabinet business, having learned the trade in Germany. April 1, 1882, he became established in his present place of business, No. 11 East Market street, Portsmouth, Ohio. The business occupies three floors. The first floor is the sale and show-room, and contains all kinds of furniture; the second floor is devoted to upholstered goods of every variety, and the third floor to wardrobes, extension-tables, mattresses, undertakers' supplies, etc. Although one of the more recently established houses in the city, it is doing a good business, and the stock cannot be excelled in Portsmouth. Mr. Pfeiffer was married in 1855 to Mary Legler, who was born Nov. 22, 1839. Her parents were natives of Germany and came to America in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Pfeiffer have three children – Charles and George, in the store with their father, and Mary Ann. A son, Frank, died at the age of seven years, and Willie died, aged eighteen days. "H. Prescott", a son of Joseph J. Prescott, was born in Bath, Grafton Co., N. H., in 1840. When twenty-three years of age he came West and located at Keystone Furnace, Jackson Co., Ohio, where he kept books about nine years; he then removed to Portsmouth and was employed ten years as bookkeeper for the Portsmouth Foundry and Machine Works. In January, 1882, he, with M. R. Tewksbury and Joseph Hornung, established the Standard Wheelbarrow Works, located on Front street, between Madison and Jefferson streets. They occupy four rooms, each 20 x 60 feet, and besides manufacturing wheelbarrows have machinery for making all kinds of hoops. They have the capacity for making ten dozen wheelbarrow a day and, when all their machinery is in use, employ thirty men. Their sales are in job lots, shipping principally West and South. Mr. Prescott was married in 1868 to Mary S. Tewksbury, of Bath, N. H. "J. W. Purdum" was born in Montgomery County, Md., April 15, 1815, and moved with his parents in the fall of 1817 to Ohio. He was reared in Ross County and learned the carpenter and joiner's trade in Chillicothe, and came to Portsmouth June 11, 1835, and at once commenced to work at his trade. In 1842 he began contracting and followed that business till 1881, when he was obliged to retire on account of ill health. He has built some of the finest houses in Portsmouth, including residences, churches and business blocks. He was married Oct. 8, 1838, to Eliza Ratcliff, a native of England. She died March 20, 1854, leaving three children – Harriet Ellen, John Walter and Anna Eliza. April 10, 1855, Mr. Purdum married Sarah Pursell, a native of England, and a sister of James Pursell, a merchant of Portsmouth. They one son, J. P. Purdum, the present City Solicitor. Mr. and Mrs. Purdum are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth. "Charles Rauch" was born in Strausburg, Germany, Dec. 29, 1829, and came to the United States with his father, Abraham Rauch, in 1852. They located in Pittsburg, Pa., and afterward in Lawrence County, Ohio, where the father is still living, aged eighty-six years. The mother died in 1872, aged seventy-two years. They had a family of three children – Caroline, wife of Charles Stempfer; Charles and Margaret, wife of Lawrence Shmitt. Charles Rauch came to Junior Furnace in 1853, and in 1854 to Portsmouth, where he has since resided, carrying on a meat market. He is the third oldest market man in Portsmouth. He was married in September, 1853, to Martha Elizabeth Brawdau. They have had seven children – Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Zattman; Charles; Louisa, died in 1872, aged fourteen; Anna, wife of Jacob Rinert; Emma Mary, died in infancy; William and Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Rauch are members of the Lutheran church. "H. L. Reagan", proprietor of St. Nicholas Hotel, Front street, was born in Derry County, Ireland, in 1835. He came to America in 1855, locating in Richmond, Va., where he put up Henry Clay's statue, President Monroe's tomb, the new theater, Trinity Church, besides many other buildings. About 1866 he went to Stanton, Va., where he owns some property. He also owns a large farm near Lexington, Rockbridge Co., Va., and has made that his place of residence. In 1869 he left Stanton for Kentucky, and was contractor on the Chesapeake & Ohio, Cincinnati Southern, Eastern Kentucky and Scioto Valley railroads. He has just completed a contract on the Cincinnati & Eastern Railroad. He bought the St. Nicholas Hotel in 1879, which contains fifty rooms. The terms are $2.00 a day, and $1.00 per day for railroad and river men. Mr. Reagan was married in 1866 to Mary Ann Sanford, a native of Virginia. Their children are – Mollie, Jane, Elizabeth, Susan, Hugh and Rose. _"Wesley Reddish", County Recorder of Scioto County, Ohio, was born in Madison, Va., Oct. 30, 1835, a son of John J. and Mary (Wilson) Reddish. When he was a year old his parents removed to Fayette County, Ohio. When he was nine years of age his father died. He lived with his mother till manhood, and on leaving home was employed in the store of Wilson & Durnell, at East Monroe, and afterward by their successor, Louis Harris, several months. In 1858 he became established in business himself, carrying on a mercantile business till 1860. In 1862 he commenced to learn telegraphy, and at intervals till 1864 he was employed by the M. & C. R. R. In 1864 he was employed at station agent at Leesburg, remaining there till the fall of 1868, when he went West, returning in the spring of 1869. He was then appointed station agent at Mineral City, and the following December transferred to Zaleski. In August, 1872, he was transferred to Scott's Landing, and Jan. 1, 1873, to Sciotoville. In December, 1882, he resigned to accept the position of County Recorder. In 1868 he served as Treasurer of Porter Township. Mr. Reddish is a member of the Orient Lodge, No. 337, Wheelersburg, and Orient Encampment, No. 26, Portsmouth, I. O. O. F. "Michael Redenger" was born in Germany, Feb. 2, 1826, and in 1840 came to the United States with his aunt, Eva Redenger, and located in Bedford County, Pa., where he remained four years. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and spent several years in different places, working at his trade. In 1851 he came to Portsmouth and worked two years and a half at his trade. In 1853 he opened a saloon, and is the only man in Portsmouth who has been in business there for thirty years. He built the Eurapia Hotel, on Second street, in 1871, and runs a hotel and restaurant, having a fine bar. It is a three- story building, 64 x 41 ½ feet. Mr. Redenger was married Aug. 1, 1882, to Eliza Samories, a native of Portsmouth. "Harry A. Reed", proprietor of the Reed Sign Works, was born April 30, 1859. His natural talent as a letter artist was early developed, and in 1878 he opened his place of business, 90 West Second street, Portsmouth. He is a complete master of the art, and a visit to his office will convince one of his artistic skill. He makes a specialty of lettering on glass, and has already a large trade with manufacturers and wholesale dealers in fancy and ornamental framed glass advertising cards. Mr. Reed was married May 17, 1882, to May Wilson, of Portsmouth. They have one child – Earl C. "Captain W. W. Reilly", son on Christopher and Margaret (Young) Reilly, was born in Philadelphia, Aug. 5, 1825. In 1839 he came to Portsmouth and remained until 1842, working in the first book store for Eli Glover, and the first wholesale dry-goods house for Stuart Jones & Co. In 1842 he went to Pittsburg; from thence to Philadelphia, remaining until 1846. From 1846 till 1848 he was in Mexico in the New Jersey Battalion. In 1849 he returned to Pittsburg and married Anna Margaret Young in 1850. He went to Cincinnati in 1851, and twelve months later to Dayton, remaining until 1853, engaged in the grocery business with Samuel B. Brown, McGhee and Harshman. He then returned to Cincinnati, and with others published the first Ohio State Business Directory, under the firm name of W. W. Reilly & Co., and in the spring of 1853 went East to solicit advertisements and subscriptions for the work. He then returned to Dayton, and was with L. F. Claffin & Co. until March, 1854, when he went to Chillicothe, Ohio, and assisted the Rev. H. H. Johnson to open a book store. Six weeks later he returned to Dayton with More, Clarke & Co. in the book business, where he remained until 1857, when he came to Portsmouth and opened the Valley Book Store as an agent for E. A. & T. T. More, and in 1859 bought the stock. In July, 1861, he raised Company A, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry. Sept. 1 he joined Rosecrans, and was with him at Carnifax Ferry and through the campaign until they went into winter quarters at Fayetteville, W. Va. In December, his health failing, he offered his resignation, taking effect in April, 1862, when he again resumed business in Portsmouth. In May, 1864, he was ordered out by General Brough as Captain of Company G, One Hundred and Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in command of post at Guyandotte, W. Va., with companies C and G of his regiment, until September, 1864. The regiment mustered out, he resumed his business, in which he remained until 1878. In November, 1878, he formed a partnership with his son-in-law, H. C. Murfin, in his old business, under the name of W. W. Reilly & Co., which continued until May, 1882, when Mr. Murfin retired. He still continues the business under the same name. He is a member of the Masonic, Knights Templar and Odd Fellows fraternities, and at present is Commander of Baily Post, No. 164, G. A. R. "Ignatius Reitz" was born in Germany, Feb. 4, 1845. His father, John Reitz, was born in 1812, and in 1847 came with his family to the United States. He was by trade a stone mason. He built the stone saw-mill of Portsmouth in 1865, but only ran it a year, when he died, at the age of fifty-three years. His widow is still living, aged seventy-two years. Ignatius Reitz was married in 1874 to Mary Balmert, of Portsmouth. They have four children – Albert J., Elnora, Simon P. and Mary Amelia. "James Richardson" was born in Ireland in 1825, and came to the United States in 1847, locating in Troy, N. Y. In 1853 he came to Portsmouth, and from that time till 1875 was engaged in the grocery business on Chillicothe street. In 1875 he built the building now occupied by Brushart & Co. He now owns three stores in Portsmouth, and two fine farms adjoining the city. Since going out of business he has turned his attention to farming. He has been twice elected Director of the county infirmary. He was married in Ireland in 1847 to Margaret Simmons, who died in 1860, leaving one child – Belle. The latter died in 1863, aged eighteen years. In 1864 Mr. Richardson married Mary Jane Ormsby. They have five children – James, Anna, Florence, William and Alfred. Mr. Richardson is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of A. F. & A. M. "John Richardson" was born in Ireland in 1847, and came to America in the winter of 1863. He worked in a brush factory nearly a year at Lansingburg, on the Hudson River, and in 1865 came to Portsmouth, where he has been in the grocery business most of the time since coming here, with several parties. He is at present not engaged in any special business, but is speculating in grain, etc. He was married in Portsmouth in June, 1869, to Phylura Orm, a native of Scioto County, and a daughter of John Orm. They have two children – Robert Orm and Essie. Robert Richardson, father of our subject, is still living in Ireland, in the house where he was born about fifty-five years ago, and is a farmer by occupation. "Isaac Richman" was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1834, a son of Nathan Richman, a farmer by occupation. When fifteen years of age he came to America, and the first two years worked in a store in New York. He then went to Cumberland County, Pa., and worked in a woolen mill as an apprentice two years, and then worked two years for wages. He then went to Adams County, Pa., and worked as a journeyman and traveling salesman about four years, when he was taken into the firm as junior partner, and commenced business for himself in Virginia. When the war broke out he was taken prisoner by the rebels, but in less then twenty-four hours escaped and went to Maryland and joined Company C, First Maryland Cavalry. He rose from private to First Lieutenant. At Manassas Gap, in 1863, he was wounded and lay in the hospital three months, and was afterward sent to Baltimore. He did not fully recover for three years, although he engaged in business. He was first employed as salesman at Wilmington, Del. In 1866 he removed to Portsmouth but remained only six months, when he went to Green Bay, Wis., and remained ten months. In 1876 he returned to Portsmouth, and has since been engaged in the clothing and merchant tailoring business at 127 Front street. For the past three and a half years he has been a member of the City Council. He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Mechanics' orders. Although the war swept from him his first accumulations he is one of the most prosperous business men in Portsmouth. "Edwin Sanders Ricketts, M. D.", was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, May 18, 1853, a son of Dr. G. R. and Rachel (McLaughlin) Ricketts, now of Proctorville, Ohio. He entered the State Normal School in West Virginia, in 1868 graduating in 1871. He then engaged in the drug business with his father until 1874, in the meantime studying medicine under his father's preceptorship. He graduated from the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, in March, 1877, and immediately located in Portsmouth, and began the practice of his profession. From 1879 to 1881 he was Secretary of the Scioto County Medical Society, now the Hempstead Memorial Academy of Medicine, and in April, 1883, was elected Vice-President. He is also a member of the Ohio State Medical Society and of the American Medical Society. In the fall of 1877 he became a member of the Ohio Valley Medical Association. In 1882 he was elected a member of the Board of Health, of Portsmouth, for a term of three years. Oct. 31, 1877, he married Romaine McCormick, of Gallipolis, Ohio. They are both members of the Bigelow Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Ricketts is a member of the I. O. M., of Portsmouth. He belongs to a family of doctors – his father, a brother, and several ancestors belonging to the medical fraternity. "Captain W. P. Ripley" was born near Madison, Ind., Feb. 20,1824, a son of William P. Ripley, who moved with his family to Portsmouth in 1833, where he died in 1845. Captain Ripley commenced life by selling fruit, etc., at the wharfs, when boats landed. He then worked on the canal about four years, and when thirteen years of age was engaged as cabin-boy on the river. He worked in that capacity two years, and then was in a grocery and saloon with his brother-in-law, William Sickles, about nine years. He was subsequently employed on the river boats till 1860, when he bought an interest in a steamboat. In 1861 he was Captain of the Moses McClellan. In 1865 he went into the wholesale liquor business, but in 1870 sold out and returned to the river. He built the Jim Fisk, Jr., in 1870, but sold it the next year. He afterward bought an interest in the Kanawha Belle, and in 1873 was Captain of the Fannie Dugan. He then had an interest in the Mountain Belle and was Captain six months. He owned a tugboat that was commanded by his brother. He sold this boat but afterward bought it again at a United States Marshal's sale, and of it made the Iron Duke, which he soon sold. Since then he has been dealing in real estate. In 1857 he was Captain of the Reliance, and in 1858 of the Swallow. Captain Ripley has been an energetic business man, one who makes a success of his undertakings. "H. Roettcher" was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1841, and in 1856 came to the United States, landing the 17th of May. He located in Cincinnati, and worked in a bakery till Jan. 1, 1882, when he came to Portsmouth and formed a partnership with H. R. Maier, in the brewery. "Philip Ruhlman" was born in 1852, a son of Frederic Ruhlman. In 1853 his father formed the transfer company, dealing also in coal, coke, etc., and since a child Philip has been at work with him. He owns eight teams and carts, and two floats, their place of business being at the lower landing. For the past three years he has furnished the coal for the Burgess Steel and Iron Works. He transfers and furnishes about 500,000 bushels of coal yearly. Mr. Ruhlman was married in 1875 in Amelia Getz, of Delaware, Ohio. They have three children – Ida E. E., born October, 1876; Charles Robert, born May 30, 1879, and Frederic August, Feb. 22, 1882. Mr. Ruhlman is a member of the Odd Fellow's Lodge, No. 52, and the Delaware Encampment, No. 53. "Dan. J. Ryan", attorney at law, was born in Cincinnati, Jan. 1, 1855, the eldest of three children, and only living child of John and Nora (Ryan) Ryan. When seven years of age his parents came to Portsmouth, where his father died ten years later. He received his education in the public schools, graduating from the Portsmouth High School in the class of 1875. While in school he commenced the study of law under Hon. J. W. Bannon. He studied with him until February, 1877, he was elected City Solicitor of Portsmouth, and re-elected in 1879. In June, 1883, he was nominated, without opposition, in the Republican convention of Scioto County, to the Lower House in the State Legislature. At the election in October, 1883, he was elected, and is now a member of the House of Representatives from Scioto County. "Enoch J. Salt", of the firm of Enoch J. Salt & Co., proprietors of the woolen mill, was born in Covington, Ky., April 9, 1857. His father, Enoch Salt, Sr., is a member of the same firm, and for thirty years previous to the establishment of the present business was associated with C. S. Rankin & Co.'s iron works, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Enoch J. Salt is a musician of acknowledged talent, and the composer of many beautiful and popular pieces of music. He is the organist of the Sixth Street Methodist Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, Ohio, and, though but a young man, is highly esteemed, both in business and social circles. His high cultivation in music makes him reliable authority for all musical inquiries, and he stands foremost as one of the finest and most expert organists in the country. He achieved a notable reputation in his playing on the great organ at the Philadelphia Centennial, 1876, and his rendering of the "Star Spangled Banner," on the occasion of the visit of ex-President Grant, gained for him a national reputation. He is a comparative stranger to the business he is engaged it, but by his exceptional abilities handles it with natural ease. He was married June 16, 1880, to Ella Green, of Portsmouth, Ohio, daughter of Chas. S. Green, a former iron merchant of this city. Two children were born to them – Clifford and Nellie. Mr. Salt has written many beautiful pieces of poetry, and some of his verses, dedicated to the member of deceased friends, have received marked attention from the press, and were highly complimented. He stands high in business and social circles, with a character unblemished, while his reputation for integrity is beyond reproach. He is a universal favorite with the citizens of the city, and all who come in contact with him are favorable impressed by his kind, genial disposition. "George P. Schirrmann" was born Nov. 20, 1834, in Bavaria, Germany, and came to America in 1854, locating first at St. Louis, where he served his apprenticeship at the carriage making trade. In August, 1860, he came to Portsmouth, where he has since resided. He worked for Metzzer & Kricker, carriage manufacturers, eighteen months, after which he worked at sign-painting some time in connection with other work. In 1864 he built the shop where he is at present located, and carried on the carriage manufacturing business, but also at present running a repair shop. He also has a livery stable, consisting of about six horses and a dozen rigs. He lost about $4,000 by fire June 23, 1883, which consumed his building, tools, oils, paints, etc. He was married in the spring of 1862 to Augusta Kaufman, of Portsmouth. They have nine children – Kate, Emma, Lina, Charles, Alfred, Hattie, George, Harry and Theobald. Mr. Schirrmann was a prominent member of the Mannaerchor Club of seventy members, which flourished in Portsmouth a few years ago. "Fred Schmitt" was born in Germany in 1836, and came with his father, John A. Schmitt, to America in 1847. He was first engaged in making cigars, which occupation he followed till 1861, when he enlisted in the Regimental Band, Twenty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and served eighteen months, having participated in the battles of Carnifax Ferry, Princeton, South Mountain and Antietam, besides a number of skirmishes. After his return home he engaged in the hardware business till 1873, when he opened his grocery store, where he is still doing a fine trade on Gallia street. He was married in 1864 to Mary, daughter of John Buchert, of Piketon. Of their nine children six are living – John, Lizzie, Daniel, Emma, Fred and Phillipena. Mary, Minnie and Rosa died in infancy. Mr. Schmitt belongs to the lodge and encampment I. O. O. F., and it a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His father, after coming to America, lived two years in Pike County, after which he resided in Portsmouth ten years. He then returned to Pike County, where he died in 1874, at the age of seventy-two years. The mother is still living in Pike County, aged eighty years. "John Schwartz" was born June 7, 1850, in Chillicothe, Ohio, a son of Frederick and Wilhemina (Wilke) Schwartz. His father was born in Germany in 1807, and his mother in 1805. His parents were married in Germany and came to the United States in 1834. The first two years they lived in Cleveland, Ohio, and then moved to Chillicothe, where his father died in 1880. Mrs. Schwartz and her daughter then came to Portsmouth, where she died in December, 1882. Of a family of eight children four died in infancy and four are still living – Sophia, now Mrs. John Wilhelm; Henry D., a carpenter of Chillicothe; Frank, foreman of the street car stables at Columbus, and Joseph. The latter came to Portsmouth when fifteen years of age, and clerked nine years for John Wilhelm. He was then in a grocery store six years; and worked at the painter's trade two years, after which he opened a billiard hall on Chillicothe street. He was married in 1873 to Clara Hoss. They have five children – Otto, Katie, Maggie, Carl and Frederick. Mr. Schwartz is a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity. "Fernando Cortes Searl", attorney at law, Portsmouth, Ohio, was born in Vernon Township, Scioto Co., Ohio, July 18, 1825, a son of Nathaniel and Rebecca (White) Searl, natives of Middletown, Rutland Co., Vt. His father was born Feb. 1, 1788, and his mother Jan. 16,1789. His parents were married May 26, 1806, in Steuben County, N. Y., where their parents had removed in their childhood. In 1813 they came to Ohio, locating in Portsmouth, but in 1815 removed to the French Grant, and in 1817 to Vernon Township, where his father died in 1855. His mother died in Webster in 1864. There was a family of seven children – Rev. Miranda Searl, of Webster; W. C., deceased; Mrs. Julia Ann Smith, deceased; Mrs. Melissa Katen, deceased, Mrs. Louisa Dudley, of Missouri; Mrs. Diree J. Taylor, of Iowa, and the subject of our sketch. Fernando Cortes spent his early life on a farm on Pine Creek, near Howard Furnace. The educational advantages of that day were meager, but he determined to obtain an education, and by applying his spare moments to study and thought acquired more than an ordinary education. When sixteen years of age he began teaching, devoting six months of the year to the school- room, and six months to the farm, for five years. He then spent three years in farming, contracting and trading, and subsequently taught four years in Webster, with but short vacations, in the meantime taking up the study of law. In 1857 he went to Kansas, and, for the time being, cast his lot with the Free State pioneers in the contest as to the establishment of slavery in that territory, but finally returned to his old home at Webster, Ohio. In 1859 he removed to Portsmouth, and in 1860 was admitted to the bar; was shortly after elected Probate Judge of Scioto County. In 1871 he became associated in practice with J. J. Harper, but since the latter's election to the Common Pleas bench in 1874, he has practiced alone. He has a fine farm, and of late years has devoted considerable attention to farming and stock-raising. He was chairman of the Military Committee for the Scioto County and a recruiting agent during the war of the Rebellion, and enlisted over 600 soldiers. He took an active part in the organization of the National Guard, and was appointed Quartermaster, but as the recruits from Scioto and Meigs counties were consolidated, that position was given to W. H. Losley, of Pomeroy, and Mr. Searl was appointed First Lieutenant of Company F, One Hundred and Fortieth O. N. G. He was married March 22, 18--, to Julia A. Schoonover, who died Aug. 1, 1876, leaving four children – Minta, wife of Rev. J. A. Vananda, of California; Helen Searl, now in Iowa; O. A., of Porter Township, and Mollie, wife of Dr. Charles Mondy, of Washington Territory. Dec. 8, 1877, Mr. Searl married Callie Shoemaker. They have two children – Miranda Clinton and Bertha Dell. In 1841 Mr. Searl united with the United Brethren Church, but since leaving Vernon Township, in 1854, has not been a member of any church. Politically he was reared a Whig, and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its firm supporters. He is a prohibitionist whenever moral sentiment renders prohibition practicable, and is looking for the time when that question will govern politics. He was four times elected Justice of the Peace, and served one term as Deputy Sheriff, and three terms as Probate Judge of Scioto County. Mr. Searl is one of the enterprising citizens of the county, having all his life been identified with her interests. "Adam Seel" was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1844, a son of Michael Seel, a blacksmith by trade. When thirteen years of age he came to America, locating first in Hagerstown, Md., where he served an apprenticeship at the confectioner's trade. In 1864 he came to Portsmouth, and was employed by others four years, when he opened a store of his own on Sixth street. Two years later he bought a place on Second street, where he remained four years. He then bought his present place of business, between Chillicothe and Washington streets. He keeps a fine stock of candies, having a fresh supply every day. His bakery and ice cream parlors are the finest in the city, and he commands the trade of the first people of Portsmouth. He was married in 1866 to Eliza C. Luse, of Hagerstown, who died in 1877, leaving two children. In 1879 he married Harriet Wolf, of Portsmouth. They have one child. Mr. Seel is a member of the Masonic fraternity. "Captain Charles Seiffer" was born in the Kingdom of Wittenberg, Germany, July 27, 1827, and came to the United States in 1849, stopping a few months in New York, and the same year came to Portsmouth. He carried brick for masons, and soon after learned the bricklayer's trade. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry. He was appointed Second Lieutenant, and subsequently promoted to First Lieutenant. He served three and a half years; was taken prisoner at Vicksburg, but was soon exchanged. He was in the battles of Shiloh, Fort Gibson, Champion Hills, Vicksburg, and many others. After his return home he worked at his trade for Colonel Warner several years. In 1872 he opened the Harmonia Gardens, which he has fitted up in a very tasteful manner. He was married in 1849 to Louisa Sneff, of Germany. She died in the summer of 1882. Jan. 15, 1883, he married Maggie Ditman, also of Germany. Captain Seiffer is a member of the Harugari Society. "Daniel Shakespear" was born in Staffordshire, England, Jan. 7, 1842, and is a son of Joseph Shakespear, who is now living in Clifton, Va., at the age of seventy-six years. He came to America in 1868, landing in New York City, Jan. 30. He first went to Pittsburg, Pa., where he remained eight months, after which he lived four years in Harmer, Washington Co., Ohio. He then spent several months looking for work, when he came to Portsmouth, where he has since been employed in boiling iron in Burgess's steel works. He learned his trade in the old country, and boiled iron for six years before coming to America, and has always been engaged in that occupation. He was married in England in 1865 to Clara Holmes. They have had thirteen children, of whom nine are living – James, who was the only one born in England; William, Jane, Elizabeth, John, Charles, Clara, Joseph and Enoch. The deceased are Mary Jane, two sons named Daniel, and Sarah Ann. Mr. Shakespear is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. "James Skelton", United States Gauger, was born in Vernon Township, Scioto Co., Ohio, Dec. 30, 1836. His grandfather, Samuel Skelton, was born in Virginia in 1784, and in 1802 came to Ohio, locating in Scioto County. He died in 1858. His family consisted of seven children – Jeremiah, Silas, John, Rebecca, now Mrs. G. R. Porter, of Lawrence County; Barbara, widow of Joseph Lewis, of Kansas; Samuel (died 1850) and Isaac. John Skelton was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1810, and died Jan. 18, 1857. He had a family of nine children – James, subject of our sketch; Frances, wife of C. S. Wilson; Cynthia, wife of F. W. Gray, of Oregon; Sarah, wife of August Cook; Samuel, of Montana; Rebecca, wife of G. W. Kilgore; Luella, wife of Isaac Wiseman; Mary M., wife of Alex. Barley; William, of Illinois. James learned the blacksmith's trade, working at it two years. He then contracted and delivered stock for furnaces till the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-seventh Ohio Infantry, and served four years. He was mustered out Feb. 14, 1865. He enlisted as a private, but was promoted from time to time, finally refusing to be mustered in as Captain. He participated in many battles, among them New Madrid, Corinth, Holly Springs, Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain. At the latter place he lost his right leg, being shot below the knee. After his return home he engaged in merchandising at Powellsville and Wheelersburg. In the fall of 1868 he was elected Auditor of Scioto County; served four years and eight months, then went back to Powellsville and bought a farm. Two years later he removed to Portsmouth, and purchased the greater part of the street-railroad stock, becoming its president and manager. In 1878 he was elected County Commissioner, and served three years. In 1881 he was appointed United States Gauger. He was married in 1858 to Mary O. Remy. They have five children – B. C., W. W., C. F., James and Fannie. "Charles S. Smith", grocer, was born Nov. 1, 1816, near Portsmouth, Ohio, a son of John Smith, a native of Massachusetts. His father came to Scioto County in 1812, and built the first large brick house in Portsmouth, on the corner of Market and Front streets. He died in 1821, aged forty-two, and his wife died at that age of eighty-two years in 1877. They had three children – Charles S.; L. P. N., who died in Sciotoville in 1875, aged fifty-seven years, and Joseph W., in San Francisco, Cal. Our subject, when a young man, clerked in a store for six years. He spent about four years steamboating, etc., on the river, and in 1850 engaged in merchandising among the miners in California, where he remained three years. He then followed the milling business in Portsmouth eight or ten years, since which he has been principally engaged in the mercantile business. He was married in 1844 to Miss M. G. Lock, who died in 1849, leaving two children – Floyd L. and Addie M. He was again married Jan. 5, 1854, to Mrs. C. W. Ackerman. They have one daughter, who was married to H. H. French, in November, 1881. Mr. French is in partnership with Mr. Smith in the grocery business. "Floyd L. Smith", son of Charles S. Smith, was born in Portsmouth June 30, 1845. His mother died when he was about four years old, and his father soon after went to California, and he and his sister Ada were sent to his mother's relatives in New York State. After remaining there three years he returned to Portsmouth, and a few years later returned to New York, where he attended school three years. He then returned to Portsmouth where he completed his education at the Portsmouth High Schools. He then clerked for his father and was a partner with him in a flour mill till Aug. 11, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Eleventh Ohio Infantry, and served his country till June, 1864, when he was discharged. He then went into the Quartermaster's Department, where he remained till the war closed. In 1866 he and his father engaged in the manufacture of vinegar, in which they continued five years, and the following three years were engaged in manufacturing wrapping-paper. Since then he has been in the general insurance business, besides being an agent for the C. W. & B. R. R., and also secretary of two building associations. He organized the Southern Ohio Telephone Company, and was general manager of the company until July 1, 1883, when the property was sold to the Midland Company, of Chicago. He was married in 1867 to Cordelia A. Sickles. They have three sons – Charles, Harry S. and Floyd L., Jr. Mr. Smith has belonged to the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities for many years. "Daniel R Spry", druggist, corner of Second and Market streets, was born in New York, June 23, 1837, a son of Richard Spry. His father came to Portsmouth in 1846, and died in 1882, aged seventy-three years. He had a family of two sons and four daughters. Robert, a lawyer, died in Portsmouth in 1879. Daniel R. commenced clerking in 1852 for Shackleford & Crichton, and five years later bought Mr. Crichton's interest, changing the name of Shackleford & Spry. In 1863 he removed to his present store, and has since been carrying on the business alone. Mr. Spry is a single man, residing at home with his mother and sisters. "Michael Stanton", senior member of the firm of Stanton and Balmert, was born in Ireland in 1842, and came to the United States with his mother in 1848, his father having come the year previous. They located at Junior Furnace, Scioto Co., Ohio. He spent his earlier years digging ore and coal and running on the river boats five years. In 1870 he was associated in the wholesale liquor trade with G. W. Brown & Co., and the following year formed a partnership with M. J. Bagley, and eighteen months later the firm became Stanton Brothers, and in 1877 was changed to Stanton & Balmert, and established the present store, Nos. 161 and 163 West Front street. The sales amount to over $100,000 annually. Mr. Stanton is a stockholder in the Portsmouth Wagon Stock Company, and has been a member of the City Council since 1875. He was married Nov. 14, 1876, to Mary Livingston, a native of Pennsylvania. They have four children – John, William, Kate and Margaret. Mr. Stanton served a year in the Hancock's Veteran Corps in the Shenandoah Valley during the war of the Rebellion. "Frederick Alfred Stearns", grocer and saloon-keeper, Portsmouth, was born in Furth, Bavaria, May 20, 1845. He left Germany when eight years old for the United States, and when fourteen years of age began working for Mr. John Loomis, as second engineer at Bloom Furnace, with whom he continued till the war broke out. In 1862 he began to learn the barber's trade, at which he worked till 1864, when he went out in the one hundred days' service as musician in Company G. After the war he was Quartermaster of the Fifth Regiment Ohio National Guards for two years, when he was elected Major. In 1866 he worked at plumbing and gas-fitting a short time, after which he worked at his old trade till 1883, when he commenced his present business. He was married in Portsmouth, Sept. 12, 1869, to Anna M. Sanfferes, who was born of German parents, in Louisville, Ky., June 12, 1851. They have had seven children, five of whom are living – Nettie Alice, Flora May, Walter Clay, Floyd Elmer and Elberon Garfield. Mr. Stearns has served three years as Infirmary Director, two years on City Council, and is at present Notary Public. He is a Knight Templar, Mason, an Odd Fellow, and a Knight of Pythias, and is a member of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church. His father was a schoolmaster in Germany, and died while our subject was a child. His mother emigrated to America in March, 1854, and settled in Columbiana County. She was again married in 1856 to John George Miller and the same year came to this country, where they still reside. "Henry Stemshorn" was born Dec. 21, 1840, in Portsmouth, Ohio, and in 1862 engaged in the grocery business, which he has ever since followed. In October, 1881, he moved to his present store on Second street, between Jefferson and Madison, where he is doing a good business. He was married in 1862 to Mary Ann Englebrecht, who lived only thirteen months after marriage. They had one child – Charles Henry, who died in infancy. Mr. Stemshorn married Matilda Englebrecht, his deceased wife's sister, in July, 1864. They have had seven children, five now living – Amelia, Celia, Cordelia, Frank and William. Harry, the first child, died at the age of six weeks, and the sixth child, Harry, died when three years of age. Mr. Stemshorn is a member of the Harugari Society. His father, Frederick Stemshorn, was a native of Germany, and came to America in 1830 and located in Portsmouth, where he lived till his death, which occurred in 1850, at the age of forty-four years. He was married in Portsmouth, in 1838, to Magdalena Klaus, who came from Germany when fourteen years old. She died in September, 1860, aged forty-four years. They had a family of six children, three of whom are living – Henry, Frederick, and Mary, wife of John Lemberger, of Burlington, Iowa. Magdalena, Elizabeth, and an infant son are deceased. "Phineas Stone" was born Dec. 21, 1833, in Staffordshire, England, and came to the United States Dec. 18, 1853. He was married Dec. 24, 1856, to Sarah Evans, a native of Staffordshire, who came to the United States in 1844. They have eight children living and two deceased. Those living are – Annie, Jennie, Edwin Grant, Mamie, Lydia, George, William and Bertha. Frank died when one year and six months old, and Charles died at the age of three years and one month. Mr. Stone is by trade a boiler-maker, and makes the best boilers in the United States. He has worked at his trade in Portsmouth twenty-three years, and has made boilers for 220 steamboats and for all public buildings in Columbus. He has also made them for the Governor's houses in Washington; for Government gun- boats, etc. He is a member of the Royal Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Mount Vernon Chapter, Cavalry Commandery and Cincinnati Consistory, and Scottish Rites. He is also an Odd Fellow. His father, Phineas Stone, Sr., was also a fine mechanic. He was killed in 1825 by a stage being thrown over a precipice, near Birmingham, England. His wife died in 1881, in Staffordshire, aged eighty-four years. They had five children, of whom only two survive – Anna, who is married and residing in Staffordshire, and Phineas. "J. J. Sutton", manager and superintendent of Mussetter & Co.'s saw-mill, was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, in 1843. When nineteen years of age he enlisted in Company H, Second West Virginia Cavalry, and served three years. He participated in all the battles of the Shenandoah Valley under General Sheridan, and was present at the surrender of Lee and his army. He was married in 1866 to M. J. Westfall. They have two children. Mr. Sutton is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a man of literary taste, and his articles for the press have secured him many complimentary expressions from the citizens of