Wood County, West Virginia Biography of Lewis NATHAN ************************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: Material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor. Submitted by Pat C. Johns ************************************************************************** The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923. The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York. Volume II Pg. 477 LEWIS NATHAN. Parkersburg honors the name of Nathan because of his long association with the mercantile business and also because of the integrity and generosity that have been consistent facts in the character of the family. The late Lewis Nathan was one of the city's most successful merchants, and fully earned the fine esteem he enjoyed. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, son of Isaac Nathan, a native of England. When about twelve years of age Lewis Nathan went to Wheeling, West Virginia, and for several years was employed as a clerk in the clothing store of Stein Brothers, his relatives. In the early '50s Stein Brothers sent him to Parkersburg to establish a branch store. Parkersburg was then without a railroad, and this section of country was still part of old Virginia. After a year or so Lewis Nathan sold the business at Parkersburg and returned to Wheeling, later conducted a store at Washington, D.C., but in the early '60s returned to Parkersburg permanently. From that time forward he was in the retail clothing and shoe business until his retirement. He was a man of marked individuality in his personal characteristics, but these never detracted from his business integrity, his honesty and his influence as a good citizen. He possessed high ideals, and life meant more to him than an opportunity for material gain. Above all he appreciated his American citizenship and taught his children to honor and respect their birthright. In race he was a Jew, but was liberal and tolerant of other religions, was charitable and contributed without ostentation to many objects. He died November 1, 1914, preceded by his wife many years. Her maiden name was Frances Davis. Of their children, Ben, Samuel and Clara, the only one now living is Ben Nathan. Mr. Ben Nathan, a Parkersburg merchant, was born in that city August 13, 1866. As a boy he learned the trade of printer, but practically all his adult years have been devoted to merchandising. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the B'Nai B'Rith, and while generally registered as a democrat gives his support independently to men and measures. In March, 1902, he married Miss Julia Newberger. Their three children are Frances N., Carlyn and Ruth. Mrs. Nathan is a daughter of Samuel Newberger, a veteran Parkersburg citizen, whose career is sketched elsewhere.