BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.


Pages 569-570.

WILLIAM G. BARNARD is one of the representative citizens, and is
the leading coal dealer of Bellaire, Ohio. Mr. Barnard is a
descendant of an old and illustrious family, the family having
been very prominent in the early settlement of the United States,
and several of its members were noted soldiers during the stuggle
for independence, and also in the later wars that have occurred in
this country. It is an undisputed fact that this branch of the
family is in the direct line of the family which sprung from one
of the Pilgrims who came over in the Mayflower. Thomas Barnard
was born near Salisbury, England. His early life was passed in
England, and he was variously engaged until 1819, when he came
to the United States with the purpose of engaging in gardening,
he being an expert gardener. Going to Baltimore he remained there
but a short time on account of the un favorableness of the climate
to his project, whi'ch was to raise celery and cauliflower on
a large scale, and to raise these exclusively. About this time
there was being organized a colony to go to Indiana, and Thomas
Barnard was secured by the leaders of this scheme to accompany
them and become their nurseryman, and with this object in view
he came to Wheeling, W. Va., with his family, coming in advance
of the rest, he was expected to wait there for them. While in
Wheeling he got out of funds and was obliged to apply to Noah
Zane for assistance. The colony failing to put in their ap-
pearance he finally en~ered the employ of Noah lane, taking
charge of his farm on Wheeling Island. The farm was worked on
shares, and besides this the employe was to have ten acres of
land for his own, which he used as a garden. At this time
steamboat navigation was becoming a success on the Ohio river
and he furnished the boats with a large amount of produce.
Living upon the island until 1831, Thomas then removed to
St. Clairsville, and afterward took up his residence near
the Big Bridge, where he died February 16, 1854. William G.
Barnard came to America with his parents and secured a limited
education in Wheeling. When his father removed to St. Clairs-
ville, Mr. Barnard took charge of Mr. Zane's farm, which he
worked for about three years, at this time he was taken into
partnership with Mr. Zane. He held the property through the
changes which the land went through under four different owners.
In 1850 he came to Bellaire, and purchased a small farm and for
eighteen years operated the same. In 1868 he, with others, built
the Bellaire Nail mill, and was president of this company for
six years, and is still a director. In 1872 he went to Illinois
and was engaged in the coal business there, also being in-
terested in the railroad enterprises of that state, and at one
time Mr. Barnard had the control of the Tamroy & Chester
railroad. Although he is still interested in western property,
he makes his home in Bellaire. Mr. Barnard first gave his
attention to coal in 1832, at that time opening a bank at St.
Clairsville, but soon abandoned that mine. In 1848 he opened
his coal banks at Bellaire and these are still operated by
him. He paid the mortgage on the lower part of the city and
gave the city its successful start by his liberality and
enterprise. In March, 1837, Elizabeth S. Phippen, who was
also born in England, became his wife. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Barnard. are active and influential members of the Presby-
terian church of Bellaire. His political faith is founded
upon the principles of the republican party. Perhaps no other
one man has done more for the city of Bellaire than William G.
Barnard, always ready with his time, money and influence to
enhance its interests he is regarded as a true citizen, and
as one who is ever loyal to his friends and their interests.