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 619-620.

HIRAM BOROFF

Hiram Boroff, one of the leading business men of St. Clairsville, now retired,
was born at that place in 1823. He is the son of Henry Boroff, a native of
Hagerstown, Md. The latter was well educated in English and German, and then
taught the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed for many years. He was
married at Martin's Ferry, to Elizabeth McCarty, and in 1814 or 1815, they
came to Ohio with their family, and settled at Warren, whence soon afterward,
they removed to St. Clairsville. He was a partner of William Brow for a
short time, in the blacksmith shop, but soon became sole proprietor, and
continued so until 1849, when he turned over the shop to his son, Hiram,
who like all his four sons, had been taught blacksmithing, and made good
mechanics. The father then engaged in the grocery business during the
remainder of his life. Hiram, above named, received his education in the
common schools, and from study at home. At the age of fourteen years, he
began work as a blacksmith, and at twenty-one years of age, became one of
the proprietors of the business. He was so engaged until 1849, when he
contemplated joining the gold seekers who were journeying to California,
but was detained by his father turning over to him the whole business, as
has been stated. He followed this business twelve years, until the sickness
of his brother, who was conducting the grocery, turned his attention to that
trade, a half-interest in which he purchased upon his brother's recovery.
They did a flourishing business until 1883, when he sold out to his brother,
and has since then engaged in no branch of business, but has had his time
occupied by attending to his property interests. Mr. Boroff is an enter-
prising and valuable citizen, and has always worked for the welfare of the
town. During the construction of the St. Clairsville & Northern railroad,
he was one of the main supporters of the enterprise and gave liberally of
time and means to its advancement. He also was indefatigable in his
efforts for the cause of his town during the conflict between Bellaire
and St. Clairsville, over the location of the county seat. He is one of
the most notable landholders of the county having 4.59 acres of valuable
land, aside from his dwelling place. His success in life has been due to
his own untiring industry and business capacity, and from the honor and
credit of it, no one, such is his standing in the eyes of those who knew
him, has any desire to detract.