From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 446-447.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


CHARLES CECIL

Charles Cecil, who was born at Pittsburgh, was one of the prominent 
early merchants of Wheeling.  He came of one of the leading families 
of Pittsburgh, and he was married to a member of a well-known family 
at Wheeling, Naomi Eoff.  To this union four children were born, 
Charles B., deceased; Mary M., Alexander J. and Eliza J.  The father 
and mother are both deceased.  Alexander J. Cecil, now prominently 
identified with the manufacturing interests of Wheeling, as president 
of the Centre foundry, was born in that city, January 20, 1831.  His 
first business experience was as a clerk for three years in the store 
of Bass & Robinson, and at the expiration of that employment he 
formed a partnership with his brother, and they embarked in the boot 
and shoe trade, and continued in the same for eight years.  They 
then, in 1855, bought the foundry of J. & H. A. Baggs, which they 
operated for ten years under the business style of Cecil Brothers. 
The brother then retired, and Edwin Hobbs and J. R. McCourtney became 
the partners of Mr. Cecil, forming the firm of Cecil, Hobbs & Co., 
which continued the business for ten years longer.  In 1875, the 
Centre foundry company was incorporated, and Mr. Cecil retired from 
the enterprise, but only temporarily it proved, as in 1881 he again 
purchased an interest in the company, and re-organizing the same, was 
chosen president, a position he still holds.  These works occupy a 
building 60X120, of three stories, and employ thirty or more employes 
in the manufacture of machinery, particularly the Wheeling nail 
machines, of wide fame and popularity.  Their manufactures are of 
such extent that they are prepared to furnish the entire mechanical 
equipments of nail factories, rolling mills and potteries.  Mr. Cecil 
is interested in other enterprises, notably the Warwick China 
company.  He has taken an intelligent interest in municipal affairs, 
and has served on the city council one term.  Mr. Cecil married 
Cornelia, daughter of the late Morgan Nelson, and they have three 
children, of whom two are living.  One of these, Morgan N., is now 
secretary of the Warwick China company.     


(Linda Fluharty)