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CHARLES GALLAGHER, formerly of Steubenville, O., was born on January 1, 1845. His parents were James and Rachel (Shaw) Gallagher. His father settled in this city in 1816, coming hither from Philadelphia. His ancestors on his mother's side were also early settlers in this region. Mr. Gallagher received his early education in the public school of Steubenville. Later he entered Kenyon College, at Gambier, O., a member of the class of '67. While there he took an interest in all college activities and was a member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity. It was with deep regret that he was forced to leave off with his college work owing to the serious injury of an eye which prevented the further continuance of his studies. Subsequently he entered the service of the Jefferson National Bank, which was afterward merged into the Steubenville National Bank. He made steady progress in the banking business until he reached the position of cashier, to which he was elected in September, 1873. This he held up to the time of his death, or for a period of a little over thirty-six years. The conservative policy of this leading bank during all that time was directed chiefly by him and to him its success was largely attributable. His grasp of financial subjects was broad and firm and he was no inconsiderable factor in conserving the stability of local business interests. Mr. Gallagher was a man of rare refinement and education. An extensive reader, and having a remarkable memory, he was well versed in general history and literature. He was especially familiar with the early history of the upper Ohio Valley and was the owner of many rare and valuable works relating to this region. A trustee of the Wells Historical Society, he took an active part in arranging for the centennial celebration held in Steubenville in 1897. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the Carnegie Library and also a member of the board of trustees of Gill Hospital. He served two terms in the city council as a representative of the Second Ward. He was vice-president of that body for one term, and was then elected president, in which capacity he served one term, proving a most capable officer. He declined an urgent invitation from his constituents to again represent them. Mr. Gallagher was an active member of the Protestant Episcopal Church during the last twenty-nine years of his life. At the early age of twenty-seven he was elected to the vestry of St. Paul's parish, and served continuously until 1896, during the latter years as senior warden. When in 1896 the parish of St. Stephens was founded, Mr. Gallagher cast in his lot with the new organization, and was its senior warden until the time of his death. To his loyalty, generosity and untiring efforts is due the perpetuation and preservation of the old mother church of the diocese, St. Jame's, Cross Creek, which was established more than one hundred years ago. When only seventeen years old, he enlisted, May 28, 1862, in Capt. Christopher Orth's company of the 84th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, accompanying his regiment to Cumberland, Md. Again, on May 2, 1864, he enlisted in Capt. Alexander Smith's company of the 157th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, thus twice offering his services as a volunteer in defense of the Union. He was a member of the Stanton Post G. A> R. On September 6, 1871, he was married to Joanna Daton, of this city. They had four children, Charles, James Daton, Ambrose Shaw and Lavini Daton. The second son, Dr. James Daton Gallagher died on April 1, 1901. Six months after this, on October 5, 1901, Charles Gallagher died suddenly. Mr. Gallagher was a man of strong personality and manly attributes. Firm in his adherence to duty as he saw it, he was also endowed with generous instincts which endeared him to his friends and fellow citizens.  Return to Family Tales
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