BENJAMIN COMLY - The subject of the sketch was born in Smithfield township, Jefferson County, Ohio, May, 9, 1827; was the son of David & Sarah Comly. His father was a native of Washington county, Pa. He was born 1798, and emigrated to Ohio in 1812, and settled on Big Short Creek, on the farm formerly owned by Jacob Holmes. Holmes got this farm for his services as a spy in the Revolutionary War, and on it was built the first Methodist Church in Ohio. Mr. Comley's father followed farming during his life, and died in 1866, aged sixty-eight years. Benjamin Conly was married to Miss Mary E. Hope, daughter of William S. Hope, in 1858. They have but two children, both daughters, Eva and Annie B. Mr. Comly now resides near Mount Pleasant, and owns the old Comly homestead, and is proud to be called a farmer. He has always been an active politician, taking a position in the front ranks in all political campaigns

History of Belmont & Jefferson Counties
author - Caldwell
page - 548