From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 396-397.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


THEODORE W. PHINNEY

Theodore W. Phinney, a well-known business man of Wheeling, who as 
secretary and treasurer of the Standard Axle Manufacturing company, 
is prominently associated with the manufacturing enterprises of the 
city, was born at Barnstable, Mass., in 1847.  He is the son of S. B. 
Phinney, a native of New England, who is now in his eighty-third 
year, a retired citizen of Barnstable.  He is a well-known man, 
through his connection with the editorial profession and politics, 
was proprietor of the  "Barnztable Patriot" from its foundation in 
1839, until about ten years ago, and among other honorable public 
positions has held that of collector of the port.  His son, Theodore, 
was reared at Barnstable, and given a liberal educaton.  When only 
sixteen years of age he associated himself with his father in the 
newspaper business, and so cntinued for five years. He then, in 1867, 
went to Chicago, and thence in January, 1870, came to Wheeling and 
engaged in the manufacture of tacks and nails, a business which 
occupied his attention for a number of years.  In 1887, he sold his 
interest in that business and organized the Standard Axle 
Manufacturing company, for the production of wagon, carriage and 
buggy axles, of an improved pattern.  Of this company he holds the 
position of secretary and treasurer, John H. Hobbs, is president and 
A. D. Howe, manager.  The factory is one of the successful 
institutions of the city.  Mr. Phinney is a Master Mason of Bates 
lodge.  He was married in 1873 to Helen Frances Hobbs, daughter of 
John H. Hobbs, of Wheeling, and they have one daughter, Mary H.      


(Linda Fluharty)