Newton Gilchrist
Newton Gilchrist, a representative business man of Brilliant, O., a building contractor, carrying on this line in partnership with John Scamahorn, has been a resident of Jefferson County all his life, and was born at New Alexander, February 7, 1858. His parents were William and Ruth (Linton) Gilchrist.
William Gilchrist also was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, and during the larger part of his life followed farming. He died in Brilliant, in 1904, when aged eighty-one years. He married Ruth Linton, who was a native of Wells Township, Jefferson County, and she survived hiin for two years. They were the parents of twelve children, as follows: Josephine, who is the widow of William Cheffy; Thomas; John; Alexander; Margaret, who is the widow of Jerry Davis; Samuel, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Newton; George, who died aged twenty-eight years; Lucy, who is the wife of Jesse Phillips; and three that died young.
Newton Gilchrist grew up on the home farm and obtained his education in the district schools. When seventeen years old he came to Brilliant and worked for his brother who had charge of the coal banks and continued with him until 1891, when he was elected town marshal. Mr. Gilchrist served in this office for four years and then went into business for himself, entering into partnership with Robert Carpenter, and they conducted a grocery and meat market for three years and six months. In 1899, Mr. Gilchrist began contracting and for six years was associated with E. E. Martin in this business, in 1908 forming his present partnership, and they are also interested in real estate. Mr. Gilchrist has been a very active and valuable citizen. He served for seven years as mayor of the town, for many years was a member of the town council and at different times has exerted great influence when important local questions have engaged the attention of the public. He is a Democrat but officially knew neither party and retained the confidence and esteem of all his fellow citizens as long as he consented to hold office.
In September, 1881, Mr. Gilchrist was married to Miss Clara B. Fenwick, a daughter of Edward and Belle (Swiner) Fenwick, of Wellsburg, W. Va. They have four children: Elda, Bella, Stanton and Olive. The pleasant family home is situated on High Street, Brilliant. For thirty years Mr. Gilchrist has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
From 20th Century History of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Ohio, by Joseph B. Doyle. Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910