The Virginia line of Rector's has quite a history. A group of 13 families were brought over by Governor Spottswood of Virginia from Nassau-Siegen, Germany to form the Germanna colony in Fauquier Co., Va. The original Rector was Hans Jacob Richter/Rector who married Elizabeth Fischbach. The had children: John, Henry, Harmon, Jacob.

Henry Rector was born about 1715 in Fauquier Co., Va. and died June 24, 1799, Fauquier Co. He married Nancy Ann Robinson, daughter of William & Catherine Taylor Robinson. Their children: Mary, John R., Catherine, Dianah, Agnes, Jacob, Hannah, Nancy Ann, Moses R., Elijah, Spencer, Winifred.\

Elijah Rector was born about 1763 Fauquier Co., Va. and died July 1828, St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., Oh. Married Margaret Ann Cochran, daughter of Nathaniel & Eleanor Gilmore Cochran on Dec. 25, 1794 Fauquier Co., Va. Children: John, Susan, William Henry, Catherine Ann.

Elijah moved his family to Ohio in 1809 where they stayed for 2 years in St. Clairsville. The village at that time only had 300 inhabitants. Elijah later bought 160 acres ten miles West of St. Clairsville where both he & his wife spent their lives. The land was poor and hilly and covered with timber and rocks.

Of these children, my line of descent is through Catherine Ann and Levi Salmans. Catherine Ann was born May 3 1810 St. Clairsville, Oh., died Aug 1 1880, Larned, Ks. Levi Reed Salmans was born Oct 3, 1809, Oh., died Apr. 10 1870 in Il.

William Henry Rector was a very interesting and adventurous character. He was born Dec. 4, 1806 Fauquier Co., Va., died Mar. 13, 1890, Sonoma Co., Ca. He married Ann Perkins, an orphan, Aug. 23, 1827 Fauquier Co., Va. She was born Feb. 1806 Del., and died Dec. 24, 1891, Ca.

William Henry continued working the family farm for awhile until he turned it over to his brother John. He moved to Elkhart, In. where he furniture. He became a merchant at Benton, In. until that venture fell apart.

William's sense of adventure took over and after hearing of lands to the West, he loaded his family onto a flat boat and in the flood waters in the spring of 1839, floated down a wide creek until he came to So. Bend, In. They then unloaded the boat, put everything, including the boat, on wagons and sent them to a lake which is the head waters of the Kankakee River. which runs westward more than 200 omiles until it runs in to the Illinois River, which in turn, empties into the Mississippi. At the lake, the boat with all their belongings was launched again.

The boat was sold and passage was bought on a steamer for St. Louis, Mo. At St. Louis, another steamer was taken up the Missouri River to Independence, Mo. where they settled for a time.

Wm. built a saw mill there, then traded his interest in the mill for 80 acres of land near Independence. He was in several other enterprises over the next few years, including building an engine for the mills at the Shawnee Indian Mission, Shawnee, Ks.

In the year of 1845, Wm. Henry sold his farm to go West. With a family of six children and his wife and another young man to help drive a wagon, they set off to catch up with a caravan that had earlier

(Source: Centennial History of Belmont County, Ohio, and representative citizens
Chicago :: Biographical Pub. Co.,, 1903, )

JOHN BRADFIELD was, for a long period, a resident of Barnesville, Ohio, and was ever in the foreground of its business life. In the matter of public improvements, he prolrably left a greater impress upon the city than any other person who has ever made it his home. The birth of John Bradfield occurred in Yorkshire, England, in 1813. and in 1827 he accompanied his parents. John and Isabella Bradfield. to the United States. The little family remained for a short time in Baltimore, Maryland, but it was the father's intention to engage in farming, and with this object in view a suitable location was found in Belmont County, Ohio, within four miles of the growing town of Barnesville. Although he was ambitious to learn, he enjoyed few early advantages. His superior mental acquirements, so noticeable in after years, were gained through much reading and association with the world. Until 1838. he remained on the farm and then first engaged in the buying and shipping of tobacco. His initial ventures proved profitable, and with continued success he remained in the business for the three succeeding years. Then, with his ambition stimulated by enlarged opportunities, he conceived and carried out the idea of buying out the large firm of James Barnes & Sons, general merchants, and thus entered upon a business career in Barnesville. which resulted in the legitimate accumulation of a large fortune. From time to time his sons were admitted to partnership, and the business was still further expanded, until
the name of Bradfield became one of the leading ones in the tobacco trade throughout the
State, and far beyond. After an honorable business career of more than 50 years, Mr.
Bradfield retired from active labors in 1889, resigning his large interests to his capable
sons, who have followed his business methods, as they have been the fortunate inheri-
tors of much of his sagacity.

John Bradfield. during his busiest years, however, was constantly keeping in mind the development of Barnesville, and. as he was gifted with that foresight which enabled him to comprehend its needs fully, devoted himself, with his wealth and influence, in a pubic-spirited manner, to meet them. The First National Bank will long be a monument to his public interest and business enterprise from the time of its organization, in 1864, until 1875. he was its president, and retired then on account of the pressure of other enterprises. This bank, in connection with the mercantile firm of which he was the head, built one of the finest business blocks to be found in any city of equal size in the State, and this will stand as another monument to his public spirit. Both gas and electric lighting received his attention, and with his influential backing became accomplished facts in Barnesville. contributing to its general prosperity. For many years he was the president of the gas company, retaining that office until his decease, at which time the company was under contract to furnish electric light for the city. Mr. Bradiield was a man of business and not a politician, declining the Haltering offers made to him, although few men were better equipped to hold positions of public responsibility. Mr. Bradfield lived an active life that brought him prominence, but it was in the line of business. He was ever a generous contributor to the various educational and charitable enterprises of Barnesville, and so employed his wealth thai his name is recalled by his fellow citizens with feelings of the deepest esteem and veneration. In 1843. Mr. Bradfield was united in marriage with Eliza Anna Shannon, who was a daughter of Thomas Shannon, and a niece of ex-Governor Shannon. To this union were born nine children, six of whom arc prominent in the highest social circles of this city; Thomas and John W. Bradfield, widely-known merchants; J. E. Bradfield. cashier of the First National Bank: Charles Bradfield, a bookkeeper in the same institution: Mrs.Otho P. Norris, wife of the cashier of the People's National Bank: and Mrs. A. Rogers, wife of a prominent lumber dealer. All of these are most highly respected residents of Barnesville. The mother of this family passed away in 1889. Although so much of his time was necessarily devoted to his great business, Mr
Bradfield never forgot the needs of the Presbyterian Church, of which both he and wife were devoted members. From its first beginnings, he was one of its supporters and was always ready with time, influence and means, to promote its good work. In the death of Mr. Bradfield. on October 10. 1893.
the city of Barnesville parted with one of its most substantial, useful and prominent citizens.

HON. A. T. McKELVEY. a distinguished citizen of Belmont County, was born March 23. 1844, in the city of Belfast, Ireland. Mr. McKelvey was brought by his parents to America when but five years of age and located in Wheeling, (West) Virginia, where he grew up to manhood. Mr. McKelvey obtained a common school education, but withdrew from school at 15 years of age to enter the Western Union telegraph office, where he served as "messenger boy," while studying telegraphy. When but jo years of age, he was advanced to the responsible position of manager of the Wheeling office. Wheeling was at that time the headquarters of I he Army of West Virginia and all the important dispatches that were exchanged between the headquarters of the army in the Held and the commanding general at Washington passed through his hands. Wherefore his duties were not only arduous and exacting, but, in relation to the government, of a highly confidential character. Mr. McKelvey's health was greatly impaired by the close confinement and long hours of service which the stress of war entailed, ami in 1890 he was obliged to resign ' his office and seek a restoration of health. To that end he purchased the fruit farm upon which he now resides. Since 1875 Mr. McKelvey has been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of the county. For a number of years he has been identified with the Belmont County Agricultural Society, serving that organization as superintendent of the horticultural department for four years and president of the society for two years. He was one of the charter members of the Belmont County Farmers' Club and has served that organization both as president and secretary. He was employed for many winters as a State speaker at "Farmers' Institutes" and has been a regular contributor to the agricultural press. Mr. McKelvey was chosen to represent Belmont County in the General Assembly of Ohio in 1887. and upon the expiration of his first term was re-elected for a second term. In 1891 he was appointed by Governor Campbell a delegate to represent Ohio in the Western States Commercial College that
convened in Kansas City April 15th. He is also a member of the United States Military Telegraph Corps, having served the government in the capacity of military telegraph operator during the Civil War.

In church matters he has been an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1870. having served in the capacity of Sunday school superintendent for 26 consecutive years.Mr. McKelvey was married April 29, 1869, to Julia S. Irwin, of Wheeling. West Virginia, and the fruits of this marriage were five sons, the eldest of whom—William Thomson—has but recently passed away. The surviving children are Robert Irwin, Charles Lcavitt. Clarence Hurt and James Thoburn. Mrs. McKelvey is a lineal descendant of Jonathan Zane, one of the heroic defenders of Fort Henry.

WILLIAM H. BARLOW, proprietor of the Barnesville Cigar Company, is one of the leading business men of Barnesville. Ohio, having been identified with a numlter nf its industries, and an important factor in the development of the city's resources. He is a son of Amos and Martha (Hunt) Barlow. Amos Barlow is one of the old. representative, business men of Barnesville. who is spending his declining years in comfortable retirement.
William H Barlow acquired a good, common-school education, and at the age of 25 years embarked in the box manufacturing business, in which he continued until 1898. At that time he engaged in the cigar business, but retained his interest in the box concern until 1902. when he disposed of it to his brother-in-law, Mr. Wise. That Inisiuess is now conducted under the firm style of Wise & Dewees. The Barnesville Cigar Company is the largest institution of its kind in the city and one of the largest in the county. Mr. Barlow carries a stock worth $10,000, and manufactures high grade stogies, mould, hand made, long filler. Havana seed and Little Dutch cigars, pouch goods and private brands. In connection with the manufacturing plant, Mr. Barlow has a retail store. He conducts the business on lines which have gained both the custom of the public ami the confidence of the trade. In 1902 he opened up a first-class fancy grocery, in partnership with N. W. Bastain. This enterprise also promises to be a success, under
the able management of Mr. Barlow.
On December 23,1898. the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Bertha Moore, the acomplishcd daughter of Samuel Moore, of Barnesville. and one bright, little son. Arthur, has been born to their union. Mr. Barlow and his wife are consistent memlwrs of the Methodist Church, and are prominent in social circles. Politically, the former affiliates with the Republican party, while his fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows, of Barnesville, and the Elks, Lodge No. 28, of Wheeling.

JAMES F. ANDERSON, an attorney of Bellaire. Ohio. has. since 1871. been the publisher amd editor «f the "Independent," the oldest surviving newspaper in the city. He was born in Pultney township. Belmont County, and has always resided in the township and Bellaire.
In the Civil War he served as sergeant of Company I. 170th Reg.. Ohio Vol. Inf. In 1870 he was admitted to the Ohio bar. For the past 30 years he has taken an active part in politics, being a Republican. He has been a member of the county and city boards of school examiners.
In 1871 Mr. Anderson took charge of the "Independent." and has. except for an interval of about two years, conducted it since that time. He is interested in a number of the business enterprises of his locality, has been president of the Belmont Savings & Loan Company since its organization, and is president of the Board of Trade of Bellaire.

OTHO P. NORRIS, cashier of the People's National Itank of Barnesville, Ohio, has
been connected with that institution since its organization in 1883, anil during his long
term of service he has made a record that has been unusually satisfactory to his directors. Mr. Norris was born on the 8th of March. 1859, in Belmont County, Ohio, and is one of a family of six children born to Dr. Otho Norris and his wife. Rachel (Barlow) Norris. both of whom are deceased.

Dr. Otho Norris was one of Belmont County's most promising physicians. His useful career was terminated by his death in 1859. and many of the older residents of the county recall to mind his useful deeds and lofty character. Otho P. Norris spent his boyhood's days chiefly in Morristown. where he received his primary education. This was supplemented by a thorough course in Muskingum College, from which he was graduated in 1881. The following year was spent in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1882 he located in Barnesville engaging at that time in the real estate and insurance business in the office of his brother Perry E. Norris.

In 1883 he entered the People's National Bank as teller, and has been with that successful institution ever since, being elected cashier of the bank in 1895. It is pertinent in this connection to notice that more than a half million dollars have been added to the resources of the bank since he assumed the cashiership seven years ago, the addition being due largely to his energy, thorough equipment and experience.

November 16, 1887 our subject was united in marriage to Kate Shannon Bradfield. the accomplished daughter of the late John Bradfield. formerly one of Barnesville's most illustrious citizens, amd whose biography appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Norris have one daughter. Anna B. In fraternal circles our subject is identified with the Knihhts of Pythias, and in local educational affairs he has given freely of his services, having been closely identified withthe management of the public schools for many years. In politics he is a Republican, but he has never sought publicity in an official capacity.

CHARLES P. DOBBINS, a well-known wool and fur dealer of Barnesville, Ohio has. for over 30 years, prominently identified himself with the business interests of the town. His present business undertaking, which he has conducted for several years, is the largest of its kind in Belmont County, and his successful management of its affairs has won htm the confidence of the people far and near. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank, and has long served as a member of the board of directors of that institution. He is a product of healthy country life and a practical business atmosphere, amd was horn on a farm in Belmont County, Ohio. August 1, 1850, being a son of James and Lydia (Nichols) (Hatcher) Dobbins. James Dobbins was a native of New Jersey, and was a well-known figure in Barnesville for many years.In early life, he learned the cooper's trade, which, together with agricultural occupations, he followed throughout his active life. Upon coming to Ohio, James Dobbins settled near Morristown, where he engaged in coopering and also in farming. After remaining there for some years, he settled in Warren township, near Barnesville. upon a farm, which he operated in connection with the coopering business, and achieved a fair amount of success. He later located near Somerton, Ohio, following the same occupations there. About 1842, he removed to Barnesville. where he spent the remainder of his life, dying May 30, 1883 at the advanced age of 86 years. In early manhood, he married Mrs.Lydia (Nichols) Hatcher, by whom he reared three children, as follows: Annie M.. James A., amd Charles P. Mrs. Dobbins life came to a close February 27, 1892 at the age of 76 years.
Charles P. Dobbins was mainlv reared in Barnesville. Ohio, and in the town's public schools secured the educational training and developed the habits of industry which have so materially assisted him in his business life. At the early age of 10 years, he began work in a wool factory, where he remained for six
year, in this period acquiring a gooil knowledge of the wool industry later, he went into a cooper shop, and learned the business with the intention of making it his life's work, but soon after he had established himself in a knowledge of the craft, new machinery was introduced into cooper shops that rendered his knowledge of the trade of little use to him. With this obstacle confronting him. he decided to turn his attention to the fur and wool business, in which he had previously acquired considerable knowledge.
Accordingly, he opened an establishment for this industry in Barnesville, and had no difficulty in working up a good trade. From time to time he has enlarged his business, buying up large quantities of wool and pelts, which he shipped to the various markets, and. as stated before, he now operates one of the largest concerns of the kind in Belmont County. The success that has come to him is certainly well merited.
Mr. Dobbins married Amanda M. Blakemore, and this union has been blessed by two children—Laura M.. who resides at home, and Willard B., who passed from this life December 29, 1900. . Mr. Dobbins has always evinced a keen interest in public affairs. Though but 16 years of age when the Civil War broke out, he secured his father's permission to become a soldier, and enlisted in Company D. 185th Reg.. Ohio Vol. Inf., and served with distinction under Captain Rodecker, in the Army of Kentucky, with General Thomas. He received his honorable discharge in i865. He has served six years as a member of the City Council and two terms as a member of the Board of Education, of which he is now serving as president. He is a stanch supporter of Republican principles and is quite influential in the ranks of that
party. His wife and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Barnesville. Fraternally, he is a valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.