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 730-731.
 
WILLIAM ALTON, a well-known business man of Washington township, Belmont county, was
born in Fayette county, Penn., February 22, 1833. His parents were natives of the same
state, and were born about 1800. Mr. Alton was reared in Pennsylvania, and after ob-
taining his education he learned the trade of carpentry, to which he gave his entire
attention until February 1, 1889, when he purchased the stock of goods owned by J. W.
Bright, at Crab Apple station on the B., Z. & C. railroad, and here he is now engaged
in business conducting a general store, which has a considerable and profitable
patronage. He also holds the office of postmaster, and agent for the railroad company
at that place and agent for the Adams Express company. During the war of the rebellion
he did gallant service for his country, enlisting on August 1, 1862, in Company H,
Fifteenth West Virginia infantry, and serving until his discharge June 25, 1865. He
was married August 24, 1858, to Mary E. Rhodes, who was born September 9, 1833,
daughter of Harmon and Anna (Eller) Rhodes, natives of Frederick county, Md. By this
marriage he had five sons and one daughter, of whom survive: Harmon, George, Harry,
Albert, Howard and Effie. Mr. Alton and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.