From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 252-253.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


JOHN GEORGE COLEMAN

John George Coleman, of Wheeling, was born in Hesse, Germany, 
December 12, 1833, the son of Valentine and Mary Ann (Krock) Coleman.  
The parents died in their native land, the father when the subject of 
this sketch was three years old, and the mother when he was aged 
fifteen.  Four childern were born to these parents:  William, Peter, 
John George and Benedict.  Peter is a resident of Germany, but the 
other three came to America, where the oldest and the youngest have 
since died.  John George Coleman received his education during his 
childhood days in Germany, and he then worked upon a farm until he 
was twenty years of age. At that time, in the year 1854, he embarked 
at Breman, in the middle of April, and in the latter part of June he 
reached Philadelphia, whence he came directly to Wheeling, where he 
has since resided.  He found temporary employment in a lumber yard, 
and then became engaged with the Belmont Iron works, leaving that 
establishment two months later to enter the employment of the 
Crescent Iron works, where he was occupied mainly for a period of 
eighteen years, being employed chiefly as a boiler.  In 1869 he 
purchased a lot on the corner of Eighteenth and Wood streets, and 
there erected a two story brick building, in which he started a 
grocery store, which he has since conducted at the same place with 
notable sccess, having at the present time a large and profitable 
trade.  Mr. Coleman was married December 9, 1855, to Eva Barbara 
Pappart, also a native of Hesse, daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Pappart, who passed their lives in Germany.  Mrs.  Coleman came to 
America on the same vessel that brought her husband, and they were 
married subsequently at Wheeling.  Five children have been born to 
them, Clara, Catherine (deceased), Barbara (deceased), Theresa 
(deceased), and John Joseph. The latter is now a leading druggist of 
Wheeling.  Mr. and Mrs. Coleman are members of St. Alphonsus Catholic 
church; he is a member and treasurer of St. Alphonsus society and a 
member of the German pioneer society.  Politically he is devoted to 
the interests of the democratic party.  He and wife are widely 
acquainted and highly esteemed by all. 


(Linda Fluharty)