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A HISTORY
OF
PRESTON COUNTY
WEST VIRGINIA
BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT
SUPPLIED BY
J. R. COLE
KINGWOOD. W. VA.
TBB JOURNAL PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
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ASTOR LLNOX AND
TILDEN FECUNDATIONS
R 1918 L
O0iVWBIOBT» 1913
iv H. 8. wmnrsnx
An RIfhtt E«Mnr«d
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FOREWORD:
'The sketches of which this volume is com-
posed, and which constitute the Biographical
Department of the History of Preston county, have
with two exceptions been furnished by Mr.
J. R. Cole.
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CORRECTION.
The reader is to disregard any reference to
pages elsewhere which may appear in one or more
of these sketches.
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~THE NEW ^'.-rK I
PUBLIC L!Bl^^KY
ASTO
TILDEN
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THE BROWiN FlAMILY.
The Brown family was of Scotch ancestry* and when James First
ascended the Throne of Bngland, James Brown moved to Ireland to
take charge as steward of the esUtes of Lord Montgomery, who had
been given by the Crown large holdings of confiscated land in Ireland.
The oldest son of each generation served Lord Montgomery in this
capacity until about 1780, when James Brown, the father of William
G. Brown, St., and the grandfather of the subject of the sketch, espoused
the cause of Ireland and joined the Irish Secret Societies against
England. His activity brought upon htm the enmity of the English
government, and a hundred pounds were placed upon tiis head whether
captured dead or alive. For safety he fled to America in 1786, but
before teaving Ireland he married Rachel Hawthorne, who subsequently
joined him in Philadelphia. James Brown was later joined in this
country by two brothers, John, who settled at St. Johns, Newfoundland,
and Peter Brown, who settled near Eflicott City» Maryland, and two
nephews, who later settled in Monongalia and Preston Counties. Rachel
Hawthorne had three brothers residing in this country at that time,
one in Philadelphia; one near Morgantown, Virginia; the third was a
sea captain and commissioned as a privateer in the War of the Revolu-
tion. Robert Brown, the eldest son of James Brown, was born on the
ocean during his mother's voyage to Philadelphia. After a short visit in
Philadelphia, James Brown, and Rachel, his wife, and Robert, the little
9on, started westward, intending to locate somewhere in Ohio. Two
hbrses were procured and on them they started on their journey through
ahnost a trackless forest. The wife upon the 'horse she rode carried
all the household and kitchen utensils, including bed and Ibedding, and
her greatest treasure* a small spinning wheel, for she had worked at
the looms in Ireland and was an expert linen weaver. Upon the other
horse her husband rode, carrying the baby in a poke strung around his
neck, and in one hand his trusty rifle as a protection against the savages
and a means of procuring game along the way, and in the other, his
bridte rein. They followed the trail across the Susquehannah and up
the Juniata, which led to old Fort Duquesne. In those days there
were no bridges or ferries and all rivers encountered must be forded or
swum. In this way they proceeded, to a point 2$ or 30 miles east of
Port Pitt, where they were informed that the Indians had gathered in
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572 Preston County, West Vibqinia
force around the Fort and were very hostile, so they diverted their
course to the south by \vay of Old Fort Redstone near Uniontown,
and from tbefre to Morgantown. There the brother of Mrs. Brown,
James Hawthorne, dissuaded them of their purpose of going to Ohio
and told them of some good settlements across the mountains near
what is now Kingwood, where land could be had at a reasonable price.
In accordance with the advice of his brother-in-law, James Brown rode
over to the settlement at Kingwood and bought a piece of land, which
was located at and around the old Green Cabin, about one mile from
Kingwood* where Green had been killed the fall before by the Indians,
and witihout waiting further he moved into the Green Cabin and began
preparations for raising a crop the following spring. His wife the next
year superintended the clearing of a piece of ground for flax, Which
she prepared and spun into linen, and the following year her husband,
bearing on horseback tihe precious product of her loom, went to the
nearest market, which was at Hagefstown, Maryland, and disposed of
his merchandise and brought back salt and wrought nails. These
wrought nails were used in building a new cabin, wliere James Brown
and his wife subsequently lived and died. Here they raised a family
of seven children ; Robert, grandfather of Senator Dolliver, who lived
and died on the farm now owned by the Shaw boys near Kingwood;
Thomas, who lived on the old homestead ; John, who moved to Cincin-
nati at an early day; Joseph, who lived in the town of Kingwood;
William G., Sr., who likewise lived in Kingwood ; Jane» who married a
gentleman by the name of Bowen and moved to Wisconsin, and Anna,
who married Lucieh Hagans and moved to Chicago.
William G. Brown, Sr., was born in a cabin, which stood on the
site of the Parks home near the town of Kingwood, where the family
had come to spend the winter in order that the children might have the
advantages of schooling which the little hamlet of Kingwood then
afforded, and died and is buried within sight of tihe place of his birth.
His first wife was Julia Byrne, daughter of Samuel Byrne. He subse-
quently married Margaret Gay, of Morgantown. To this union was
born one child, William G. Brown, Jr.
William G. Brown, Jr., the subject of this sketch, was educated in
the common schools of West Virginia and in the University at Morgan-
town, from which school he graduated in 1877, receiving the degree of
A. B. He was admitted to the bar and engaged in the practice of law.
In 1883 he was married to Miss Jessie Thomas, of Tyrone, Pa,, who
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PRB8T0K County, West Viboinia 573
died in 1886. To this union was torn one child, Jessie Thomas Brown,
who at present is living with her iather. In 1902 he married Miss
Flora B. Martin, of Kingwood, who died in 1912. Besides his profes-
sional and banking interests, Mr. Brown has taken an active interest
in agriculture. He loves the farm and devotes much of his time to it.
He has studied improved mtfthods of farming and is not only successful
in the growing cA cereals but is an ardent advocate otf the improved
breeds of live stock. He is no idle agricultural theorist but practices^
what he preaches on his farm, H^ has always taken an active part
in both state and national politics, and in 1896 was nominated by his
party for Congress and made a k>sing iight in that memorable campaign
in which Wm. Jennings Bryan ran for President. He was elected to
the 62d Congress and re-elected to the 63d Congress. Among the
important laws passed by Congress with which he was closely identified
he points with pride to his connection with the new Banking and
Currency law and the recent law regulating the pensions of the soldiers
who fought in defen*se of the Union. He and his daughter, Miss Jessie,
are at the present time making their home in Washdng^on, where he is
attendance upon his official duties.
HON. WILUAM GUSTAVUS OONLEY, LL.B.
Abraham Lincoln once said: ''No men living are more worthy to
be trusted than those who toil up from poverty; none less inclined to
take or touch aught which they have not honestly earned." To this
class of honest toilers William G. Conley belongs. He worked on
the farm for several years, and later drove nvules on railroad construc-
tion work, dug coal, drew coke, worked in the stone quarries, on the
sawmills, and whatever honest labor he could find to do to help support
a widowed mother and his sisters and to obtain an education. Those
earlier years of Mr. Conley's life will ever stand as a -splendid monu-
ment to his memory.
William G. Conley is a granclson of Jkjhn Conley, an industrious
farmer who resided near Tunnelton and died there in the year 1852.
at the advanced age of over eighty years. He had a large family of
sons and daughters. One of these sons was Major William Conley, the
father of William G., a highly educated man in his day and a successful
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574 PBwrroN County, Wbbt Vmomu
educator. Major Conley's early life was q^nt on a farm and in tcfach-
ing school. He was principal of the Kingwood Academy for fourteen
years. He was also a contractor for a number of years and was one of
the builders of the Northwestern Turnpike and the Morgantown and
Kingwood Turnpike. To the older generation Major Conley was known
also as a man of considerable military ability and for some years was
in command of the militia of the county just before the war with the
South.
•Major Conlcy married Mary FreAum, who was born in Galway-
shire, Scotland, October 7, 1828. Through the Lairds, she was a
descendiant of the noted Scotchman, Archibald Douglasi, earl of Angus,
mentioned by Sir Wialter Scott in the poem entitled ''Masrmion." In
1837, she came witti her parents and other members dt the family to
America and first located at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but soon after-
wards came to Pxeston county where she resided until tier death in
March, 1897. Mary Freebum wtas the daughter of Robert and Mary
Laird Freeburn. Her sisters and brothers were WiHiam, Robert, Susan,
Jane and John, all bom in .Galwayshire, Scotland, except John, who
was bom in America. The children of Major William Conley and
Mary his wife, are Mary Ellen, John Allen, Edward Bunker, Ellen,
William G., the subject of this sketch, and Mattie.
William G. Conley was born near Kingwood, Preston county. West
Virginia, January 8, 1866. He attended the district schools, the summer
normals, and subsequently the West Virginia University, irom which
he graduated in June, 1893, with the degree of LL.B. His honorary
degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him by the NashvfiUe College of
Law in April, 1903. After performing manual labor as mentioned above,
he taught school five terms and was superintendent of schools of
Preston county one term, beginning July i, 1891. Upon graduation at
the West Virginia University he began the practice of the law at
Parsons, West Virginia, and was soon elected a member of the town
council and later mayor. His legal attainments were soon recognized
and he was nominated and elected prosecuting attorney of Tucker
county in 1896, without being a candidate, and was re-elected in 1900.
He moved to Kingwood in March, 1903, and served as councilman and
mayor of that town. On May 9, igcA, he was appointed Attorney
General of West Virginia without soliciution and the following July
was nominated by the State Republican Convention for both the short
and the long term, and at the general election that fait was elected by
the largest plurality of any candidate on the state ticket. His term
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PsBSTOK County, Wmt Viboiku 575
as Attorney General expired March 4, 1913, when he again resumed the
general practice of the law.
Attorney General Conley is considered one of the really strong
men of West Virginia. In the numerous important matters submitted
to and determined Iby him, and the many grave constitutional questions
rais^ in and out of court upon which he was called to pass, during
the live years he served as the Attorney General of the State, he
exercised a judgment seldom equaled and rarely excelled. His name
will be favorably linked for all time to come with the jurisprudence of
his state as the official reporter of the Supreme Court of Appeals, and
because of the number and importance of the litigation in the state
and federal courts in whiich he participated as counsel. A few of the
o(Hed cases follow: The State of Maryland v. the State of West
Virginia, the boundary dispute, in the Supreme Court of the United
States; the Commonwealth of Virginia v. the State of West Virginia,
the Virginia Debt Suit, in the Supreme Court of the United States;
the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company v. Conley, Attorney General
and others, the two cent rate case, in the state and federal courts; the
Coal & Coke Railway Company v. Conley & Avis, the two cent rate
case, in Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia; die Norfolk &
Western Railway Company v. Conley, Attorney General and others,
and the Virginian Railway Company v. Conley, Attorney General and
others, two cent rate cases, in the state courts; the King Land Cases,
attacking the constitutionality of our land tax system, in state courts
and the Supreme Court of the United States ; the National Bank Cases,
attacking the constitutionaKty of the law assessing national stock,
in the federal courts ; the numerous Tax Appeal Cases against the Board
of Public Works attacking the method of and the amount assessed
against the public service corporations.
General Conley was not a candidate for re-nomination, but in the
republican primary of June, 1912, he was nominated for Congress
in the Second District of West Virginia without opposition, and in
the general election that fall canne within fourteen votes of election,
notwithstanding the republican party was badly disorganized and his
democratic opponent was the most popular and one of the wealthiest
men in the district, and at the election preceding had been elected by a
plurality of four thousand, four hundred and ninety-two. General
Conley has always affiliated with the repuiblican party, is active in
suppoit of its princq>les and nominees, and contributes largely of his
time and means. He was twice a delegate to the National Convention
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576 PwttTOK CouKtY, Wmt Vimimu
of Rq>t)iblkan League Clubs, was assistant secretary of the Republican
National Convention that nominated William McKinley at St. Louis in
1896, was six years chainnan of the Republican Executive Committee
of Tucker county, and several years a member of the Congressional
Committee of the Second District and twice its secretary. At the
session of the legislature of 1913, in tlwf Republican caucus, he received
a large vote for United States Senator, without solicitation and without
being a candidate. His name has been favorably mentioned as a
candidate for the Republican nomination for governor of West Virginia.
On July 14, 1892, he married Miss Bertie Ison Martin, daughter of
Samuel M. and Harriet J. Martin, of Preston county. Her father was
a prominent farmer and a soldier in the Union Army. Mrs. Conley is
a descendent of the Morgians, the noted Indian fighters and Revolu-
tionary soldiers. The children bom to General and Mrs. Conley are as
follows: Lillian May, bom August 3, 1893; William G., bom July 8.
1895, deceased; Marian, born Decembcfr a6, 1896, deceased; Donald M.,
bom December 15, 1899; James S., bora June 12, 1905.
General Conley is a member of the Predbylterian Church at King-
wood ; Knight of Pythias ; I. O. O. F. ; Modern Woodnitfn of America ;
A. F. of A. M., Commandery and Shriners; The American Academy
of Political and Social Science, and the Southern Socidogical Congress.
JAMES S. LAKIN.
The subject of this sketch is the oldest son of Rev. Calvin H. and
Catherine Pitmey Lakin aUdwwas bora in Moundsville# W. Va., March
I, 1864. The other members of this family are Lessie (deceased),
Joseph William, Annie Belle, and Finney Lee.
Of thesef, Lessie married J. M. King, M.D., and at her death left two
children, Lessie and Jennings, who now live with their father in Buck-
hannon, W. Va.; Joseph William married Maude R. Rinard, and lives
in Huntington, W. Va.; Amtie Belle married Jacob Sheets, and lives
in Huntington, W. Va.; Finncfy Lee is unmarried, and lives at Terra
Alta. W. Va.
On November 14, 1889, James S. married Lura Olivia Lakin, daugh-
ter of George W. Lakin, of Columbus, Ohio. At the time of their
marriage they were not alvare that they were in any degrcfe related,
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JA'MES S. LAKIN.
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PHMffON OouNTY, Wbst VnUUMIA 577
but inveflftigiation later disclosed that they were descended from a
common ancestor scfveral generations removed.
Rev. Calvin H. Lakin, father of Jam«s S., was born June 29, 1836,
near Freeport, Harrison County, Ohio, and married Catherine Finney
of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, March 261 1863. He was an active
minister in the West Virginia and Iowa Conferences of the Methodist
Episcopal Church for almost fifty years, having been during that time
Presiding Elder of Oakland and Huntington Districts.
William Lakin, father of Calvin H., was born in Cumberland, Md.,
January 2, 1791, and nurried, first Sarah Chapman, second Lewessa
Packer, and died nc?ar Freeport, Ohio, March 7, 1855.
Thomas Lakin* father of William, was bom March 26, 1763, married
Priscilla Sullivan, Montgomery County, lijld., January 15, 1782, and
died February 23, 1834. Thomas, William and Lewessa Lakin and
others of their generation are buried on the Moses Wright Homestead
near Freeport, Ohio. Of Thomas Lakin, the '^History of the Old
Baltimore Conference from the Planting of Methodism in 1773 to the
EHvision of the Conference in iSsf\ says: "Thomas Lakin, a native of
Montgomery County, Md., united with the Methodists 1780. Soon
after he settled in Bedford County, Pa., one of iftit first Methodists.
He possessed talent above mediocrity and filled frequently the appoint-
ments of the itinerants. He ended his Kfe in Ohio, 1834, in his sventy-
first yean leaving the odor of a good name."
Benjamin Lakin, father of Thomas, was born December 21, 1748,
was married October 23, 1760 (1770?), to Refbecca Fee, and died April
6, 1776.
Abraham Lakin, lather of Benjamin, was bom October 16, 1713,
and died in 1796. He received title deeds for a tract of land in Frederick
County, Md., from King George of England, and willed it to his son
Abraham* Jr., who willed it to his son William, who willed it to his
youngest son Henry Deaver Lakin, Leander, Frederick County. Wm.
Gerry Lakin resided on tlvis homestead in 191 1.
Many members of the older generations of the family are buried
in the old graveyard at Leander, where many of tihe records and data
concerning the family are to be found.
Mrs. Lakins's brothers and sisters are as follows: Bdmund, who
married Clara Barnard of Y^estemport, Md., Herbeit H., who mar-
ried Annie Pheneger, and Florence, unmarried and living at her father's
home.
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57a PBBnOK OOXJVTY, WB8T YnMONU
George W. Laldn, father of Mrs. Lakin, was the son of Daniel
Laldn, Jr., son of Daniel Lakin, Sr., son of Abraham Lakin> Jr., son
of Abraham Lakin, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Lakin have three children, James Offntt, Marion
Elizabeth, and Florence Catherine.
Mr. Lakin obtained liis education in the common schools of West
Virginia, at Fairmont Normal (School, and at the Ohio Wesleyan
University, Delaware, Ohio, at which last place he first met the lady
who afterward became his wife.
In September, 1889, Mr. Lrakin and Mr. D. £. OffuU began the
mercantile business at Terra Alta» under the firm name of Offutt &
Lakin, Mr. Lakin having full chafge until 1909, since which time his
brother, F. L. Lakin, has been manager. The business was successful
from the start, and is now located in a substantial three story brick
building. From the strictly mercantikf business the firm branched out
into coa't, timber and other lines, and now owns large acreages of
timber lands in West Virginia, Virginia and Arkansas.
Mr. Lakin is also interested in banking, having heen president of
the First National Bank of Terra Alta, and director of the Terra Alta
Bank.
Political and public affairs have always been of great interest to
Mr. Latdn, and for many years he was a member of the Republican
Executive Committee of Preston County. In 1905 he was the Repub-
lican candidate for congress in the Second Congressional District of
West Virginia^ to succeed Hon. A. G. Dayton, but was defeated by a
small majority by Col. Thos. B. Davis, of Keyscr, brother of Hon.
Henry G. Davis.
He was appointed by Governor A. B. White a director of the West
Virginia Asylum at Huntington, and re-appointed to the same position
by Governor Wm. M. O. Dawson.
In 1909 Governor Wm. E. Glasscock appointed him a member of
the State Board of Control, which body elected him as its president, and
where he proved his ability as an orgianizer.
In the campaign of 1912 he served as Chairman of the Republican
State Executive Committee, the campaign resulting in the election of
the entire Republican state ticket.
In 1913 Governor H. D. Hatfield appointed him a member of the
new Public Service Commission, of which comnrission he was elected
Chairman. Inasmuch as it subsequently was held that he was ineligible
to this position because of a provision of the law governing the State
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MR. AND MRS. J. J. GUSEMAN
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PBttfiOK Ck>tTKTT, Wbst YlBeiNU 579
Board ol Control, he resigned, and was re*apppinted a member, and
re-elected president, of the latter body.
Kef is a 32* Mason, Knight Templar and Shriner ,and also belongs
to the Knights of Pythias.
All his life be has been a hard worker, and is an apostle of the
strenuous Ufe.
OOU)(N®L JOHN WESLEY GUSEfMiAlN.
The name Gnseman is associated with much that is pioneer in the
history of Preston county. Abraham Guseman, the original emigrant,
came from Germany to America a short time before the Revolutionary
War, and died here in iSai. He was born in 1753, learned the gun and
silversmith trade, and settled first at Old Baltimore. He enlisted as a
soldier from Frederick county, Maryland, was wounded by a bullet
shot in the leg during the first year of his service, and in the sixth
year of the war was wounde/l in the head by a stroke from a saber,
which incapacitated him for further duty in the field. He was then
put in the Armory at Harper's Perry, where he applied his trade as
a gunsmith until the close of the war.
From 1789 until 179B, Mr. Guseman lived in Martinaburg, Virginia,
and then moved to Monongalia county, Virginia, where he built a
mill on Decker's Creek, and where he was killed) by accident on the day
the mill was completed. Jacob J. Guseman, of Morgantown* has an
eight day clock that was made by his grandfather that is over one
hundred years old. It keeps tbe tyne of day, and the age of the month
as exactly as it did wben first made.
Abraham Guseman was married three times. His first wife only
lived nine days. The children by his second wife, Mrs. Catherine
Bernard, were: (i) Abraham, who settled in Taylor; (2) Joseph, who
settled in Harrison county ; (3) Isaac, a preacher who settled in Marion ;
(4) John and Sophia, who settled in Monongalia county; (5) Jacob,
who settled in Monongalia, now Preston. His third wife was Elizabeth
Ralphsnyxier, and by her he had nine children : Mary, who married
Jacob Newman; Catherine, who married Harmon Watts; Elizabeth,
who married James, Reed, from whom Reedsville was named; Sarah,
who married Joseph Meeks ; Ann, who nurrried a Mr. Patton ; Rebecca,
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5S0 Pbbwok CJounty, Wbst Vdmqnu
who married Sanmel Ryne ; William D., who married a Miss Drabelle
of Morgantown ; and Henry, now ninety^aeven years of age, living at
Washington, Iowa.
Jacob Guseman was born February 14, 1766, and died March 15,
1878. Wlien in his fourteenth year he came with his parents to Monon-
galia county, and soon after that went to sea and was gone three years.
He visited Liverpool and all the West India Islands. He settled first
at Albright, where he ran a carding mill, then located on Muddy Creek,
Pleasant township, Preston county, where he spent a very active and
useful life? until his death, which took place at the age of ninety-two
years, one month and one day.
Mr. Guseman was a very large man with a strong frame, and he
was a 'hard worker. !He owned and operated a large farm* ran a tan-
nery, a fulling mill, an oil mill, a grist mill, a saw mill, had a big store,
and as a merchant and manufacturer did a big business. When mer-
chandise was haulefd from Baltimore, his teams would be started off
and about one week afterwards he would mount a horse, overtake his
wagons on the way, and by the time they would reach their destina-
tion the stock of goods wouM be purchased and ready for their return.
In 181 3» Mr. Guseman married Miss Christina Susan Wolfe. She
was bom September 12, 1795, and died September 12, 1880. Their
children were (i) Mary G., bom Octiober 8, 1817, died March 16,
1909* aged 91 years; (2)Susan, bora October 7, 1819, died August 27,
1902; (3) Sophia G., born April i, 1882. died February 27, 1888; (4)
John A., see page 8; (5) Abraham, bora July 31, 1824, died June 6,
1825; (6) Isaac, bom May 16, 1806; (7) John W., bora June 25, 1828;
(8) Joseph, bora November 14, 1830; (9) John Abralham> who died
in infancy; (10) Jacob J., born August 8, 1835; (i^) Amos, bora
December 26, 1839.
Colonel John Wesley Guseman, now eighty-four years old, but
with the vigor of a man 'half that many years, is a Prestonian of the
old school, and an aristocrat of "ye olden times." His stately mansion
on the bnoad acres of rich glade lands around Reedsville is situated
well up on a plateau and is a sign post of peace and plenty, and of
sociability and hospitality. The house was built by the Colonel in
i6j^, one year after the farm iwas purchased. It was in the parlor room
of this house that the diarter members of the Morgantown and King-
wood Railroad Company first met for consultation about that great
enterprise ; and to Colonel Guseman, who made the first survey for the
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Pwammt Oommr, Wmi Vomiiu Ml
road and became one of tU chief promoters* ia due the thaaka of a
grateful pnUic for the auccess of that nndeftakinc at much as to any
other one man connected with it.
Colonel Guseman's early tife was a brny one. In the maUa» on the
farm and about the store, incessant activities were kept up and a sturdy
growth of characUr was evK^red, honesty and industry being die
proud atuinments of the Guseman family. In 1849, Mr. Guseman went
to Monongalia county to take charge of his grandfather's property, and
in 1873 he became the owner of the mills at DeUslow. For fifty^ve
jrears he has followed sunrejring, having done much work of that kind
in Preston, Monongalia, Taylor, Randolph and Barbour counties. He
seems to be a natural bom surveyor, with an ejre for original land-
maiics and a knowledge of variations not often equaled by men of that
profession.
Colonel Guseman was married Pd>ruary jB, 1850, to Elsnorah
Drabelle of Monongalia county. She was bom March 5, iSjyt and by
her he had three daughters, all living, and married as follows: Josephine,
wife of WiHiam A. Wolfe of Cuzzart ; Jennie, wife of Elijah Uvengood
of Morgan's Glade; and Prances B., wife of B. M. Watson, nesr Reeds-
ville. Mrs. Guseman, the Colonel's first wife, died Mardh », i9S7; then
he married Caroline Malinda Snyder, daughter of John E. Snyder. The
fikieth anniversary of the marriage of this notiMe couple was fittingly
observed on Tuesday, (March i J, 1907, at their home near Reedsville.
It was a pleasant and interesting occasion, with the presence of many
people, and many gifts were made to them. Among those present were
eight children, twenty^two grandchildren (there were thirty-four in all),
and two great-grandchildren, out of four in alt. Thirteen children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Guseman, of whom nine are living, six boys and two
girls, all married. There are four dead— Jacob, Ozola, May and James.
Of those living, Samuel R. Guseman of Bretz is the oldest; Christine,
wife of A. P. McMillen of Masontown, comes next ; then William A., of
Reedsville ; Blla, wife of Elmer A. Ashburn, near Reedsville ; Robert*
of Williamstown, Mo. ; Amos, of Reedsville ; (Mrs. Ida Smith of Reeds*
ville, Pryor, of Nbrth Dakota, and Stanley, of Reedsville.
Cotonel Guseman is an active Democrat and has been the nominee
of his party for the State Senate, House of Delegates, County Surveyor,
member of County Couit, and, in fact, almost every office in the county,
thne and agam* and always ran ahead of his ticket. He has always
been known for his work as a surveyor, and has done more of it than
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any man in the county. His title of (Colonel comes from his service in
the militia before the War of the Rebellion. iHe was commissioned a
lieutenant when but eighteen years of age by Governor Wise. He has
been known as a Mason since i95i. His charming helpmate is a
gracious jwoman of gemtle ways, and with her wise counsels in house-
hold affairs Eas done much for her husband, her family, and for those
about her. Both Mr. and Mrd. Guseman are crowned with silver hair,
but are still lovers at seventy-five and eighty-four. A reunion of the
family occurred on Thanksgiving Day^ 1910. Out of twelve ch9dren
livi|ig, eleven of the diildren, five boys and six girls, visited the old
homestead during the time of their fafther's sickness.
Jacob J. Guseman of Morgantown, bom August S, 1835, married^
Lravina Conner October J3, 1856. She died July 6, 1873. Their children
were John W., died August 10, 1903; Cyrus L.; Clara Phelicia, wife of
Ezra A. Feather, died March 27, 1696; Theodore J., who married
Catherine Feather; Mary Florence, wife of Willey M. Forman, died
May 2, 1907; James A., who married Marcella McVicker.
The present wife of Mr. Guseman, Eliza M. Arnold, was bom March
19, iS^a They were married June 4, 1874.
Mr. J. J. Guseman was S^geant of Comipany E. 6di W. Va., Vol.
Cavalry, 1861-1865. In Libby prison ninety-six days; Supervisor of
Roads seven years; Overseer of the Poor five years; President Board of
Education three years and Mayor of Kingwood 1898^, 1901.
HEN'RY AIM06 HARTLEY.
The Hartleys are of Quaker origin. They came from the Mother
Country, England, to America probably about itiSa or 1683. They
are English on the father^s side and Welsh-Irish on the motiier's.
Prior to 1702, Anthony, James, Edward and Henry Hartley, probably
brothers, came to this country. Edward and Henry, known to be
brothers, settled in Solebtrry township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania,
near Philadelphia. Edward had a deed of bind consisting of 300 acres
made to him. May ^, 1702, and on which he lived until he died in 174$.
The land was located near the line of Buckingham township, and less
than a mile from Bucldngham Meeting House, where the Friends of
both townships worshiped until 1810, when a meeting bouse was
erected.
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PETER M. HARTLEY
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MRS. PETER M. HARTLEY
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THE i.^','- -:. :(
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Pebbtdn CiouMTT, Wbbt VmcoHU 5M
Edward Hartley made his will June 13, I744> devismg his esUte
to his daughter Jenet Hughes, his son Thomas Hartley, his spn Roger^s
seven children, Thomas and John Hartley.
Thomas Hartley, son of Edward, born about 1700, died in 1787*
made application for membership in Buckinglham Meeting of the Society
of Friends, October i, 1724, and was admitted a couple of months later.
In February, 1725, or 1726, he declared his intention of marrjring, before
this meeting, Elizabeth Paxson, daughter of Jotm Paxson of Sole-
bury, and on March i, 1725, or 1726, they were granted permission
according to the good order maintained among Friends. On June 19,
1725, his father conveyed to him 100 acres of land, a part of tlie old
homestead, and to this he had at his d«ath added about 500 acres more
of land. His will, dated January 27, 1787, devised to bis sons, Anthony,
Benjamin and William, and daughter Letitia Rice and to son Joseph,
one hundred pounds.
The children of Thomas and Elizabeth (Paxson) Hartley^ married
March i, 1725 or 1726, were: (i) SaraAif born 172$; Mary, 1727, died
1746; Thomas, Jr., 1729, died 1746; Anthony, bom 1730, twice married;
William, 1732, married Katherine Fisher in 1757, died without issue in
1805. Elizabeth* bom in 1753, married in 1774, to John Fell ; Martha*
bora 1735, married Luke William; Anne, 1758, married James Hill;
Rachad, 1740, married Ephraim Smith; Joseph, October i6« 1742, mar*
ried May 27, 1765, (i) Sarah Richards, (2) November 8, 1767, Elizabeth
Wasson; Benjamin, bora 17415, married in 1760 (?) to Elizabeth Sin*
cook; Mahlon, bora in 1749, married 1773, Hannah Moon.
Joseph Hartle/s second wife, Elizabeth, married Noven^r 8^ 1767,
daughter of John and Ann Wasson, was bora October 12, 1747, and
died December 6, 1834. Their childrcfn were : (a) Benjamin, bom June
8, 1766; (b) Camelia* bora August ^, 1768, died June 2, 1838; (c)
Ulysses, «bora October 21, 1770, died August $, 1793; (d) Joseph, bom
February 10, 1773, died June fl8, 1868; (e) Polly, bora Septmber ai,
^775 J W Horatio Gates, bora December ^, 1777, died February i, 1851 ;
(g) Elisha* born July 28, 1781, died Fcbraary 12, 1785; (h) Edward,
bora October 19, 1783, died Febraary 27, 1863; (i> Elijah, bom August
I9t ^T^Sf died December 24, 1864; (j) Elizabeth, bora July 7, 1789, died
August 25, 1793; (^) Amos Garrett, born March :20, 1792, died August
2R, 1837. The house of John Hartley* now standing on Pricket, Marion
county, West Virginia, was built about 1760 or 1770.
Edward Hartley, the grandfather of the subject of this flketch above
mentioned, married Margaret MHler, December JO^ 1806, and moved to
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Wtit Virgiiiiat tettliag near Fairmont, this state. She was bom
OcuA>tT 3, 17W, and died May 5, 1843- I^rom a record left by Bdward
Hartley bimscflf we copy the following: 'Teter M. Hartley (his oldest
son) was bom January % tftio; Elisabeth, January a7» 1812; Charlotte,
May 13, 1813 ; Mary, March M, 1815 ; Calder, November 6, 1817 ; Joseph,
December 5, 1819; Emily, February «, 18^; Henry, May 29, 1825;
Nancy, January 23, i8j6 (18^?) ; Amos, May JO, 1829; Margaret, June
The grandfather, Edward Hartley, was called into the War of 1812,
but hired a substitute, and soon afterwards moved with his family to
Masontown, locating first in a little log house below where the bank
now stands. This land was deeded by Samuel Hanway to Joseph
Hartley, father of Edward, in 1805, deed acknowledged May t6th of
that year. The farm, consisting of 640 acres, preempted by John Pier-
pont and Samuel Hanway in 1788. Peter Hartley inherited part of
this land, erected his house on the lot now occupied by the residence
of Amos Hartley, which the latter built in 1880.
(He was an extensive farmer, a large stock raiser* a justice of the
peace for twenty jrears, county supervisor, and a member of the county
board also for a long time. 'He was chairman of the County Conven-
tion which declared, ''We are for the Union Unquestionably.''
Peter Hartley married Susan Swindler, January 8, 1835. ^« ^^^
in i^. 'He died "September aa, 1882. Her father and a little girl
erected a grist mill on Bull Run and operated it about twenty-five years.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hartley were as follows:
(t) Edgar M., bom February 28, 1836, died November 10, 191^. He
was a merchant in Masontown for about thirty years and left consider-
able property. He waa also a stock raiser and farmer. (2) Henry
Amos, bom December 3, 1837. (3) Katie* born April 24, 1840, married
Sanford Watson. (4) Joseph M., president of the First National Bank
fifteen years, now president of the Brownsville Woolen Mills, was bora
October ao, .1842. He is a merchant in Fairmont. ($) Samuel W.,
bom June St i845> <^^ & resident of Morgantown. He is a retired
fanher and interested in street railways. (6) S. Calvin Hartley was
born April 17, 1848, married Mary Elisabeth Smoot, June 6, 1878. They
bad four children: Charles H., Pearl S., Earl S.* and J. Ray. He lo-
tated in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, in 1873, ^^^ embariced in the mercan-
tile business ; was a member of the town council ; a member of the school
board twelve years; suparintendent of tfte M. E. Sunday school lor
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Pebbtdn Couktt, Wibt Vimimu its
twenty years; (firector of the Ctdzeiis' Natiofttl Bank; director of Ptttt-
bturgh & CotineUsviUe Railroad, Union Cemetery, and Cooperative
Motnal Fire Insurance Company. He was prominent in his chorcb, town
and community. (7) Luther E. Hartley, bom November 29, 185a He
was educated at the West Virginia University, spent several years in the
retail drygoods business in partnership with his brothers, and finally
drifted to New York where he engaged in manufacturing. He is at
present secretary of the Chemical Refining Company of New Yoric, but
spends much of his time at Wildwood, his country place in western
Massachusetts. In 1900, he married Blixabeth Pierce Towns, daughter
of the late Ora Pierce, first cousin to President Frankfin Pierce.
Homer P. Hartley was <>om November 3, 1853. He attended school
at the West Virginia University and Mount Union College. On Sep-
tember 5, i8Bk3, be was married to Lulu Collins, daughter of Johnson
Collins. Two children were born to them : Frank C, bom December
a, 1991, died June ao, 189a; Nelly Katherine, bora June 11, 1897. He
resides at Beaver, Pennsylvania, and is in the shoe business at Beaver
and Rochester. He is vice-president of the First National Bank of
Rochester and president and treasurer of the Rochester Realty
Company.
With the exception of his three years of military service in the
Civil War, Henry Amos Hartley has spent his whole life on the farm
where he was bom and now lives. He received a common school
education^ is a man of business, an agriculturist and raiser of fine stock.
He is known as a successful farmer and has been a member of the State
Board of Agriculture since the year 1904. During the war he was
commissary sergeant of the 14th W. Va. Inf.» and served in the 8th
Corps. His regiment took part in the Shenandoah campaign. He
served two terms in the l^slature. He was elected delegate in 1890
and again in 1893.
On November 16, 1865, Mr. Hartley was married to Martha Vander-
vort, daughter of William and Margaret (Jenkins) Vandervort of
Monongalia county, ^he died March 11, 1910. No issue.
JOHN E. HARTUBY.
John S. Hartley, a cousin of these brothers, is a son of Henry
Haftley, above mentioned, who died Febmary 6, 1898. His death took
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$86 PnsTON County, Wibt VnmHu
ptace very ttiddenly while at dmrch. He <wm a farmer and a fine stock
raiser, and a resident of the old Bdward Hartley homestead. The house
now occupied by the widow was bu9t in 1874. Mr. Henry Hartley was
a large, fine-looking gentleman in appearance, much like his brother,
Peter M. Hartley, whose engraving stands at the head of this chapter.
His wife was Miss Ann Bayles of Monongalia county. She was a
daughter of John and Ora Bayle»— 'he being of Welsh descent and
having lived nearly a hundred years before he died. Agnes Bayles was
bom April 5, 1837, and was married to Henry Hartley, March 30, i86a.
Two children were bom of this union: (i) Alice Bdl, bom Pebraary
6, 18^, died August 30, 18^. She had one child. Miss Myrtle Lemon,
t^ her buaJband Benjamin E. Lemon, bom August 31, 1889. John
Bdward Hartley, the second chiM, was bom March i, 1866. He owns
the original Hartley homestead and operates it as a stock fami. On
April 2, 1890, he married Ehrira Rio4>ey, daughter of Albert and Louisa
(Comwell) Robey, for history of which see pages 106, 479. Three
children were bora to this union, namdy: Plorence, bom June aa, 1894;
Laura, bom August $, 1896, and May, bom September 18, 1901.
The above picture, seven boys and one girl, children of Peter M. and
Susan Hartley, was taken September 3, 1909, at a family reunion at the
home of S. C. Hartley, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. Their positions are
according to age, from the oldest to the youngest. September $, 191 1,
a reunion was held at the home of H. A. Hartley, on the old home
farm, near Masontown, West Virginia. The average age at this time
was over 68 years. Two months after this the family record was
broken by the death of the oldest brother, E. M. Hartley. They have
all been successful in business, interested in farming* stock raising, mer-
chandising, banking and real estate.. They were born Methodists and
Republicans and adhered to both.
HON. NEIL J. FORTNEY.
The subject of our sketch, Hon. Neil J. Fortney, was bora near In-
dependence, Preston county, Novemlber 22, 1849. He was the youngest
son of ^e family of ten children of David H. and Angelina S. Fortney.
Mr. Fortney, who ranks among the leading lawyers of our
state, is of French descent on the pateraal side, and German on the
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JUDGE NEIL J. FORTXEY.
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PsmoN County, Wsst ViBcaitu 567
maternal side. His grandfather, Daniel Fortney, a native of France,
came to this country about the year 1760, and settled in Frederick
county, Maryland* and from there removed to Preston county about
the year 1796.
Mr. Fortney's early education was received at Independence,
Preston county, and he removed with his parents to Indianola, Iowa,
in 186s, at which place he attended the public schools for two years.
He then took a three-year course at Sin^son Centenary College of
that place.
Leaving Iowa in 1872, he spent some time in traveling over Western
and Northwestern states and territx>ries, engaged in school teaching
and other emplojrments, and among them, in order to develop a rugged
and necessary stock of muscle, spent some time on the ''river craft" of
the Missouri River.
It is plain to see that Mr. Portney is thoroughly familiar with life
in practically all its various conditions.
Finally his native state and county appealed to him, so in 1873 he
returned to Independence, near where he was born and had spent his
early youth, decided upon entering the practice of law, and during
his studies taught school and also clet4ced in stores. In 1877 he was
appointed deputy clerk of the county court of Preston, which place he
filled for two years; then in 1897, having passed examination before
the Supreme Court of Appeals of the state, he was admitted to the bar.
One year later he was elected prosecuting attorney of Preston
county, in which position he served well nigh continuously for twenty
years. By display of great ability and the exercise of the most careful
attention to the needs of the people of his county, coupled with absolute
fairness in the discharge of his duties, he became and continued to be
very popular as an officer, but voluntarily declined to oflFcr himself for
re-election, and since then has devoted all his ability and energy
exclusively to the practice of his profession.
Combining the alert and constructive quality of mind, peculiarly
belonging to the French, with the certain and compact reasoning of
the German, endows him with ready ability in digesting matters of
law and fact, and true discernment of equity. His possession of these
qualities, together with his untarnislied record for hone^y and fairness
in his long practice as an attorney was so well known among the repre-
sentative citizens of the Judicial Circuit now composed of Preston and
Taylor counties, that it resulted in securing him a most flattering
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ptarmlity for oommatson for the oftcc of J«dfe ci the dreait at the
RepttUtcan priaury electton which was held in the two couaties on
Juae 4, 191a* over two other very pc^ular competitors, one of them
being a resident of his own (Preston) county, and was elected by a
handsome majority, and at the regular election in the folbwing
November was elected Judge by the next largest nwijority obtained by
any of the Judges of the sUte.
Mr. Portney took up his resideace in Kiagwood in 1874, and on
June 3, 1879, was married to Alice Edna Godwin, daughter of Captain
Josepti M. Godwin of Kingwood, and they have one son, L. Vernon,
Uviag.
THOMAS FORTNBY.
Jotm Portney was bora ia 1789, He was the soa of Daaid, the
origiaal pioaeer of thai faaiily so well aad favorably kaown in Preston
county. (See skcftch of Judge Portney.) His wife, Keziah Portney, was
bom ia 1793. Their children were: Blisha, bora ia 1813; Naacy, bom
in 1815; Emily, bora in 1817; Buckaer* bora ia 1803; Charlotte, bom
ia 1830; Thoaias, bora ia 183s*
The sul^ect of this sketch was reared oa the farm and has been a
successful agriculturist all his life. He recdved a high school educa-
tion under Martin R. CyGorman, a college graduate educated for the
priesthood in the Roman Catholic Church, and under that careful train-
ing Mr. Portney becan»e both a successful teacher and superintendent
of schools himself. He .taught school twelve years, and in 1875 was
elected county superintendent oC schools. Subsequently he became
president of the Board of Education, and his work as an educator
survives.
Mr. Portney also filled other important oflfees in Preston county.
In i^, he was elected assessor of the West Side„ aad re-elected for
the aext term. He was seat to the State Legislature subsequently,
beiag elected a delegate ia 1885.
Mr. Portae/s record as a couaty aad state official is a very credit-
able oae, but he fiads life on the farm more congenial to him. He is
a great reader, a dose student, aad aaturally retired ia his habits.
In 1887, Mr. Fbrtney was married to Ghristianna, daughter of
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SUMMERS McCRUM
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William J. and Christianna Guseman Kelly, near Gladesville. (See
sketch of the Kelley and Guseman famiKes.) Her father was a farmer,
and his children were Jerome, Albert, Jacob, John, Katherine,
Christianna, Abraham, Elizabeth and Sarah. The children by this mar-
riage are Carrie Welton, born in 1887. She married Orvill Rechtine
and moved to Kentucky. R. Brook, bom in 1893, has remained at home
on the farm.
THE M<K3RUM FAMILY.
UNSAGB OP TBID MNsORUifS OF PRBOTON OQUNTT.
(The grandfather of Summers McCrum* Sr., came to Mifflintown,
Pa., from Ireland (Belfast) some time previous to the marriage of his
ton Robert (father to Summers, Sr.) to Anna Dailey, daughter of Jesse
Dailey, bom December 7, 1760, and his wife, Mary Turner, bom April
^» ^77S» ^id Jesse Dailey being a son of Hugh, bom 171 1, and Eleanor
O^rien Dailey, born 1724. They left Belfast also, probably in the
year i76o» thouj^ we have no means of knowing how long they re-
mained at the Isle of Wij^t, where Hugh Dailey died. Eleanor Dailey
came to Fairfax county, Va., where her youngest son, Jesse, must
have been bora shortly after her arrival, fihe had at least one other
child, John. They left Ireland on account of either political or religious
troubles, probably the latter, the family being Protestant. Jesse
Dailey, father of Anna Dailey McCrum, was a Revolutionary soldier.
The mother of Robert and grandmother of Summers MoCmm, Sr., was
a Miss Campbell of .Scotland, a descendant of the dan of that name.
There were three other sons besides Robert : William, who settled near
Lexington* Va., John, and Michael. One perhaps settled in Ohio, the
other in Pennsylvania. Robert lived and died at Beverly, Va., now
West Virginia. He was bom August 8, 1791, his wife, Anna, November
3, 1794. He married Anna Dailey at Leesburg, Va., March 14 or 15,
1816, and died at Beverly, Va., December 24, 1835. His wife married a
second time a Mr. Taggart, and died at Centreville, Tyler county, W.
Va., January 6, 1877, at the age of eighty-three. They had seven
diildren, as follows: (i) Comefia Ann, bom January 6, i9i7, married
Adam Trainor, removed to Louisiana, Missouri, and died there leaving
a family. (2) Miary Louisa, bom January as, 1819, married William
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Jenks, removed to Savannah, Ill.» and died leaving one child, Alonzo
Jenlcs. (3) Caroline Matilda Thayer, bom January 15, i8ai, and died
in infancy. (4) Robert James WilKam, bom March 21, 1823, married
Miss Lydia Wagner of West Union (now Aurora, W. Va.), removed
tx> Louisiana, Missouri, and died leaving a large family. (5)
Serena Hanks, born March i, 1805, married James Taggart,
who died in Tyler county, W. Va., 1862, leaving her with
several children. She died February 26, 1909; was married
to Mr. Taggart in 1844. (6) Summers West MtCrum, the
youngest son of Robert and Anna McCmm, a sketch of whose life
has already been given, as has also before been stated, was bom Jan-
uary 19, 1827, was married three times, and died Pcbraary 10, I90S> at
Aurora. (7) Adaline Ellen, last child of Robert and Anna McCrum*
was bom July 3, 1829, and died in infancy, at Beverly. The first wife
of Summers McCrum, Sr., was Bliza Nicklin, daughter of Dr. Samuel
Nicklin and Martha Thomas, and granddaughter of Dr. John
Nicklin and Elizabeth Hough, the latter being a lineal descendant of
John Clows, Richard Hough, Philip Taylor, Thomas Janney and
Valentine HoUingsworth, Quakers of Penn^ Colony. William Bile^
another Quaker in some way connected with the family* though I do
not think in the direct line of ancestry, was prominent in the colony as
officer and preacher among the first settlers, as he appears to have
taken up lands under Governor Andreas prior to Penn's grant. Valen-
tine HoUingsworth was bom about 1630 in Cheshire, England, and
married Catherine Cornish, daughter of Henry Comish, h^ sheriff
of London. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and with
his family came over with William Penn in 1682, and settled in Nev^
Castle county, now Delaware, and filled many prominent positions.
He was member of the Assembly in 1683, 1687, 1688, 169s and 1700;
also judge of the different courts, superintendent of the Newark
monthly meeftings from i685 to 1710, and they were generally held at
his house. He was buried near his residence, on the east side of the
Brandywine, in the Friends' burying ground, which he donated. The
coat of arms of the family are on the old hall and church of the ancient
home of the family in England.
Thomas Janney, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Worthington Janney,
was bom at Styall, parish of Wihnshire, McCheifield Hundred, county
Cheshire, England, in i^, baptised January ii* 1^34, and came to
America March ag, 1683, in "The Endeavor" of London. He was a
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minister in the Society of Friends and had suffered imprisonments and
fines in England on account of his belief. He was related by bk>od
and marriage to the leading families of Penn's Colony and was Penn's
intimate Iriend, as was shown by the letters written by Penn— many
of which have been published. In writing back to America to James
Harrison from Worminghurst, in 1664, the next day after his arrival,
Penn sends love to seven friends, including Thomas Janney and
William Yardley (Janne/s brother-inrlaw), mentioning Janney on one
or two other occasions — ^in one of which he says: ^^Much love to J. Sinr
cock, Thomas Janney, William Yardley, and thyself especially. Glad
that three such honest friends* whom I love in my heart, are in thai
station of service as yours, being the provincial judges. I know also
that you are men of good understanding and friends to me, and my
honest interest; but I could have wished you an easier and better
work.'' Thomas Janney died while on a visit to England, on the 12th
of March, 1696, and was buried on the isth in the Friends' burying
ground at Moberly, in Cheshire, England, where his parents, daughter
and other relatives had previously been buried. He had been a minister
forty-two years and was sixty-three at the time of his death. He was
married September 34, 1660. Philip Taylor was also a Friend and a
member of Penn's colony. He lived at Tacony, Philadelphia county,
but at bis death his children sold his land and most of them removed
to Bucks county. Pa.
John Clows of Gosworth, Cheshire* England, and Margery, his wife,
with their three children, Margery, Rebecca and WiHiam, and three
servants, came to America in ''The Endeavor" of London, July 29,
1683. They had been preceded by three of their children —John, Jr.,
Joseph and Sarah— ^ho came in "The Friends' Adventure," July 28,
16S2. He was a meniber of the Assembly, 16S3 and 1684. He died
July 4, 1687, ^^^ his wife Margery died February 2, 1698.
Richard Hough of McChesfield, Che^ire county, England, came to
Amercia in "The Endeavor" of London, July 29, 1683. He was a mem-
ber of Penn's colony and member of the Assembly, 1684, 1688, 1690, 1697
and 1700, and again elected in 1703 and 1704. He was a member of the
Provincial Council 1693 and 1700, took an active part in all public
affairs, and was one of Penn's closest friends. He was drowned in the
Ddaware River on his way to Philadelphia, March j6, 1705. When
Logan wrote the news of his death Penn wrote in .reply: ''London,
7 mo., 14, 1705. I lament the death of honest Richard Hough. Such
men must needs be wanted* where selfishness and forgetfulness of God's
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mercies so abound." The first nurriage on the records of Falls Meet*
ings is that of Richard Hough and Margtfry Clows.
Line of descent of Blisa Nicklin from the Qaukers of Penn's colony:
John Clows married Margery ; and, Margery Clows married
Richard Hough; (i) John Hough married Elisabeth Taylor; (a) John
Houg^ married Sarah Janney; (3) Jchn Houg^ married Lydia Hol-
lingsworth. Elizabeth Hough married Dr. John Nicklin.
Dr. Samuel Nicklin, bom August 12, 1799, died March i, 1870, mar-
ried Martha Thomas, who was bom April 8, 1799, and died at the home
of her daughter, at Aurora, West Virginia, July 10, iSBa.
Eliza Nicklin* daughter of Dr. Samuel NicUin and Martha Thomas,
his wife, married Summers MdCram, Sr., May 15, 1851, in Tyler county,
Virginia, died at Aurora, August 14, iMi. 9he was the mother of
Page R., Lloyd L. and Alvin A. McCmm, and also of Mrs. Lillie M.
Trotter of Washington, D. C.
The second wife of Summers McCmm, St.* was Hattie T. Moore,
bora in Portland, Maine. Her father was a sea captain and was
drowned while on a voyage, while she was an infant, the youngest of
three children. On the death of her mother, soon after her father's
death, she was adopted by a family by the name of Hale, of Massa-
chusetts. Her first husband was a Mr. Barker, who was taken ill and
died in hospital during the Civil War, soon after their marriage.
She afterward married Mr. Hartnell of Colebrook, N. H., and after his
death married (Summers McCmm, Sr. She died August a6, 1893, after
long suffering* having becfn a helpless invalid for several years. She
left no children.
The third wife of Summers McCrum, Sr., was Mary Dailey (Brown)
McCrum, his cousin, and a descendant, like himself, from Hugh and
Eleanor Dailey of Belfast, Ireland. She was a daughter of Hugh Datley
(son of Jesse Dailey of Leesburg, Va.) and his wife Edith Butcher
Dailey, and through her mother was a lineal descendant of John Hart,
the Signer of the Declaration of Independence, having had six other
ancestors who assisted in estalblishing American Independence: (i)
Edward Hart, son of John the Signer ; {2) Moses Stout, Edward's father-
in-law, both of New Jersey ; and (3) Jesse Dailey, (4) John Humphreys,
(5) Thomas Drake, and (6) Samuel Butcher of Va., and beside this
the fathers of John Hart and Samuel Butcher fought in the Colonial
wars, both being officers. Her first husband was Bernard L. Brown
of Beverly, Randolph county, whd came to Beverly in the early forties
of the 19th century. His ancestors came to Virginia as early as i(Sai,
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A. BLDSS McCRUM
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a<:tor. Lrro\
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and heU important officts in the colony. They came from England*
Wales and France. The Brown family removed from Hanover county,
Virginia to Atbemarle county as early as 1747, and entered lands on
which a good many of their descendants stltl live. Bernard L. Brown
and his wife Mary Dailey Brown were the parents of Mrs. Page R.
McCrum» also Mrs. Archibidd Earl of Port Worth, Texas; Mrs. S. N.
Bosworth of Beverly, West Virginia; Charles Bernard Brown of Clin-
ton, Iowa; Mrs. E. A. Williamson, Cordova» Illinois, as well as Oscar
L. Brawn, Clarence Hugh Dailey Brown and Mrs. Alice Porter, the
last three being dead. Bernard L. Brown died at Beverly, February
10, 1868, at the age of fifty-two; she May 18, 1907, at the age of eighty-
two— two years after Mr. McCrum's death.
Since writing the above I have chanced to find in the family Bible,
where Mr. McCrum has himself written, dates as tallows :
''Moved from Beverly, Randolph county, to Cheat River (near Holly
Meadows— near Parsons, W. Va.) in 1838 or 1839. Moved from Cheat
River, Randolph county, Va.> to West Union, Doddridge county, Va.,
May, 1845; f^om there to Centreville, Tyler county, October, 1845, ^^^
I came to German Settlement, Va., now Aurora, Preston county, W.
Va., in June, 1846."
HON. A. BUSS M<<3RTJIM.
Arlini^on Bliss McCrum, son of Lloyd Logan and Emma ShaflFer
McCrum (see pages iioi HH, 112, 503, 506 and 509 for the history of
the Shafer family) is the junior partner of the well-known law firm
of Crogan ft M<K^rum, Kingwood, West Virginia. He is a graduate
of the common schools of Preston county, of the graded Khools and
Central Hig^ School of Washington, D. C, and of the West Virginia
University at Morgantown, from which last named institution he took
the degrees of A. B. and LL. B. in the year 1901. After graduation
from the University, Mr. McCrum took up his future abode in King-
wood, becoming associated with Mr. P. J. Crogan in the practice of law
from 1901 to 191 1. In 191a, a partnership was formed under the firm
name of Crogan & McCrum, a name already very generally known
by the bar and business fraternity of West Virginia.
Akbough a young man, Mr. McCrum was pat in nomination by the
Republican party of Preston county and elected a member of the House
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of Ddegates. where he served two terms in the State XregtsUtitre, from
1906 to 1910. During his incund>ency he was successively chairman
of the Committee on Railroads and on Taxation and Finance. In 191a
Mr. MvCmm was elected to the State Senate from the Fourteenth Dis-
trict, which office he at this time holds. He was on the Judiciary Cooh
nrittee as well as other imporunt committees.
Mr. McCrum is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of
Pythias, Elks* Modem Woodmen, and member of the Phi Kappa Sigma
college fraternity. He was twice Master of Preston Lodge, No. go,
A. F. ft A. M., and once Chancellor Commander of Brown Lodge, No.
3B, K. of P. Mr. McCrum is one of the directors of the Bank of King-
wood, also The People's National Bank, of Rowlesburg, W. Va. The
record made by Mr. McCrum is a brilliant one 90 far, and not yet fairly
begun.
HON. SAMUEL BEAUREGARD MDNTPGOMERY.
Samuel Beauregard Montgomery, noted for his brilliant record as a
legislator and political economist, was bom on May 15, i^, in the
Digman homestead, Laurel Creek, Baibour county, West Virginia.
He was a son of Adam and Susan Digman Montgomery, being the
descendant of a family which for four generations has lived amongst
the hills of West Virginia. Their earliest known ancestor was one
Roger de Montgomerie* a Norman, who came over to England with
WiHiam the Conqueror, and settled in Ireland where he was given a
large grant of land by the king and made an esquire.
'Roger's descendants longed for the freedom of the New World,
and in 1729 there landed at the port of Philadelphia two brothers, one
of whom settled in Baltimore and from whom sprang the West Vir-
ginia branch of the family.
In 1861, when the war broke out and the call for volunteers went
ringing over the country, the Montgomery family eagerly responded
and Company H, 7th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, was formed,
with John Montgomery its captain, and his kinsmen, Adam, Samuel
and Aafeury— the latter also an officer— as members. With their regi-
ment they saw service in many engagements, in addition to the battles
of Antietam, Predericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the
Battle of the Wilderness. That r^fiment* fomous as **Tiit Fighting
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SAMUEL B. MOXTGOMERY.
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Sevettth/' returned home depleted of many brave men, among whot^
was Asbury Montgomery, who fell at the battle of AntieUm, and wher
Adam Montgomery was desperately wounded, and by reason of which
he received^ an honorable discharge, having been slightly wounded in
two other engagements.
Previous to the war^ Adam Montgomery was a man of perfect
healdi» ^Hed in the games and pastimes of that day, but in conse-
quence of his service for his country he became a great sufferer, having^
hemorrhages of the lungs which f endered him gradually unfit for any
active employment. He died on if ay 15, 1889, in his forty*fourth year.
While unable to bequeath worldly wealth to hts children he yet left
them a more precious and lasting heritage— the wealth of an honorable
name, integrity of purpose, lofty ideals and high principles.
On December 11, 1863* Mr. Montgomery married Susan Digman^
descended also from sturdy mountain stocl&— a woman of sweet and'
gentle disposition but strong character, a tfitting helpmate for a man
who is still remenrf>ered by the older inhabitants of Preston and Bar-
bour counties as one having a personality of great charm, deepened and
softened by years of suffering.
Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery were, after their marriage, first members
of thtf Dunkard Church, and later at Newburg they became members
of the Methpdist ProtteUnt Church.
They had eleven children: John, Sarah, Sophronia, Nancy, Mary,
Samuel, Berta, William, and thre^.who died in infancy. t
Samuel* the sixth child, whose life very fully exemplifies a strenuous
career had the good fortune, perhaps, to be bom in humble surround-
ings, malcing necessary a hard struggle for the maintenance of a mere
phjrsical existence. It might not have been so easy for htm to have
attained the enviable position he now holds as a rising West Virginian
and he may not have been so well equipped to fight the battles of the
weak and ffail or had so practical an understanding of the daily grind
of the wagtf earner had his early life been one of plenty instead of
poverty.
At the age of eight years he sold papers before school, and after
school ran errands and did other odd jobs. At thirteen years of age
his father died and then life began in earnest, for school had to be
given up and every day devoted toward the support of his mother and
the sms^er members of the family.
It was during this period that he was first em|»loyed on publi<9
works, as coke drawer with his elder brother in the yards of the New-
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burg Orrel Coal ft Coke Oompanyt and again as ookt drawer, day
laborer on the tipple» bo89 of a gang of Italians and mule driver with
the Monongah Coal ft Coke Company, which was afterwards merged
into the Fairmont Coal Company, and now the Consolidated Coal
Company.
Here it was that Mr. Montgomery received his first instruction in
the hardships of the miners for whom his after life was spent in an
effort to better their conditions, and at this time he joined his fimt
labor union, The United Mine Woikers of America, in 1895.
In 1896 the young man was employed by the Baltimore and Ohio
Railnoad Company as a brakesman on the Parkersburg Branth, and
later on the Cumberland Division, but a long and severe attack of
typhoid-pneumania deprived him of his position, and the next step was
an attendant at the Second Hospital for the Insane at Spencer. Pro-
motion followed until he became night watchman at that institution.
When Mr. Montgomery was not yet of age, in 1896, he made his
first speech in favor of William McKinley for President. This speech
was made in the historic town of Evansville, and so well did he succeed
that he became in demand as a campaign speaker in that section of the
county.
In 189B he was delegate to the Roane County Republican Conven-
tion, and supported the candidacy of Governor John We^ey Atkinson
for the United States Senate, and in the fall he campaigned over the
county in behalf of General Romeo H. Freer and the Republican ticket.
Returning to Preston county in 1899, he located at Tunnelton, and
in 1900 was elected a delegate to the Republican State Convention.
That fall he campaigned in Lewis, Taylor and other counties, and in
the election was made justice of the peace for Kingwood district. In
1902 he was elected Mayor of Tunnelton and again served in that
capacity in the years 1903 and 1908. In 1905-6 he served on the Town
Council. In 1903, having been appointed postmaster by President
Roosevelt, he resigned as justice.
In 1904, Mr. Montgomery was a candidate for the nomination as
State Senator in the Fourteenth District, comprising the counties of
Preston, Tucker, Mineral, Grant and Hardy, and although opposed by
the cotmty, state and federal machine of his party, he was nominated and
elected by a large majority, running ahead of the Presidential ticket.
Mr. Montgomery also did his share of the work in the campaign of
I904» speaking in Tucker, Mineral, Grant and Preston counties, and
campaigned in Monongalia and other counties in 1906.
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In 190B, Senator Montgomery was again placed in nomination for
the Senate, but because of bis activities while in the Legislature^ when
he voted for the two-cent rate law» the eight-hour telegraphers' law,
and for the submission of the Prohibition amendment, and was a fear-
less exponent of all reform and labor measures, the railroad and cod
companies and other interests combined to drive him out of public life.
That year he was again a delegate to the Republican State Conventi<Hi
and helped to write the platform of his party.
The following December, Theodore Roosevelt appointed him a
Special Agent in the Department of Commerce and Labor. Later he
was promoted to Chief Special Agent, which position he held nntil
he resigned to take up the study of law and labor problems at the
West Virginia University.
In 1912 he was elected by acclamation a Delegate at Large to the
Republican National Convention at Chicago. As early as September,
1910, he declared in favor of the nomination of Theodore Roosevelt,
and steadfastly supported Col. Roosevelt in the Convention. The West
Virginia delegation selected him to represent the state on the platform
committee, and with Governor Arthur T. Hadley of Missouri, George
A. Knight of California, and William Draper Lewis of Pennsylvania,
he contested with the reactionaries in control of the committee, and
attempted to have adopted the progressive program that was later
written into the Progressive Party Platform.
On July 20, 1912, he was elected chairman of the Republican Execu-
tive Committee of Preston County. Announcing his unalterable pur-
pose to support Theodore Roosevelt for the Presidency, he turned the
conduct of the campaign over to the s^retary of the committee — an
adherent of Mr. Taft — and both by pen and voice vigorously cham-
pioned the cause of Col. Roosevdt.
As a legislator. Senator iMontgomery made a good record. Through
hip untiring efforts many laws were enacted which made his state richer
and the government better. The well known ''Mbntgomery Statutory
Attorney Bill,'* which directed the fees of fore^ corporations from
the Secretary of State to the State Treasury, saves not less than
^enty thousand dollars annually to the state. It was hard fougfaf
and was only made a law by the combined votes of the Republican and
Democratic insurgent members of the Senate.
He also fathered "the Corrupt Practices in Blections Act" and
fought it to victory over the protest of the "bosaes.'* He framed and
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succeeded in having a bill passed to prevent trespass by cutting
timb^ lands without the consent of the owners of the property. This
measure was opposed by railroad and other coiporations.
•He voted for the submission of the Prohibition Amendment and
introduced and battled through both branches of the legislature, backed
by the Protestant ministerial associations of the state, the bill known
as the ''(Sunday Closing Act/' being the most drastic anti-liquor law
that had ever passed the legislature up to that time.
He also voted for an amendment to the license law prohibiting the
shipment of liquor from wet counties into dry counties.
Senator Montgomery, called the "Silver-tongued Insurgent" because
of his ready command of English and ibrilliant diction, raised his voice
in earnest protest against the "Guard System" around which had grown
up the "coal police." He warned the senate at that time that a grave
error was being committed and that dire disaster would follow. Pour
years later his prediction proved to be a correct one for the 'System"
bad grown so vicious and un-American that the miners in despair
revolted with a consequent result of loss of life. 'Maitial law was
declared and it cost the state more than five thousand dollars in a
vain effort to restore peace.
Other bills which owe in great part their passage to the activity of
Senator Montgomery, are one against the sale of narcotic drugs; one
to raise the salary of school teachers ; and another inq)ortant measure to
prevent minors, male and female, under the age of fourteen years, work-
ing in factories and mines during the free school term.
He voted for a state-wide primary election law and was the only
R^ublican member of the Senate who voted for the Initiative, Refer-
endum, and Recall. In 1905 and again in 1907 he led the fig^t on the
floor of the senate to place a production tax on oil and gas, and was
one of two Republican members who appealed to the senate both in
1905 and 1907 to submit an amendment to the constitution granting to
women the right to vote.
He served on the following committees. Mines and Mining, and
Labor, and was called by the president to preside over the senate both
at the regular session of 1907 and at the extra session of 1908.
On October 10, 1912, he was elected permanent chairman of the
Citizens' Organization of West Virginia, a sociofegical survey, which
was organized in tbe Hall of the House of Delegates as a result of the
*coal miners' strike on Paint and Cabin Creeks.
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As thairman of the Citizens' Organization, Senator Montgomery
went before the people of the state in the fall election of 191a and
declared for the abolishment of the mine guard system; the abolishment
of child labor; a workmen's compensatbn law> legislation prohibiting
water power monopoly, state pensions for widowed mothers who are
destitute, initiative, referendum, and recall, the legal right of miners to
belong to a labor union. At the following session of the legislature the
odious mine guard system was abolished; a workmen's compensation
law was enacted. Proposed amendments to the constitution providing
for the establishment of the minimum wage, the initiative, referendum,
and recall, and state pensions for widowed mothers, were defeated on
close votes. The legal right of a miner to belong to a labor union was
recognized by the state government and a law greatly restricting the
granting of water power franchises was enacted.
Senator Montgomery has been active in fraternal circles. On
November 26, 1901, he joined the Order of the Knights of Pjrthias,
being a charter member of McKinley Lodge No. 135, Tunnelton. In
the following month he was made Outer Guard and continued to
advance until he reached the sunmiit of Pythian distinction when at
Elkins, on September 15, 1910, he was installed as Grand Chancellor.
His record as Executive was so brilliant that he was elected Grand
Keeper of Records and Seal at Wheeling, August 18, 191 1, which
position he now holds.
He is also an active member of Kingwood Lodge No. I07> L O.
O. F., a member of the Woodmen of the World, of Invincible Council
No. i47f Jr. O. U. A. M. of Tunnelton, and of Shiraz Temple No. 29,
D. O. K. K. of Charleston. He is also serving his third term as Vice-
President of the Laymen's Association of the West Virginia Conference
of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Oakland District ; is a member
of the Board of Stewards of the General Conference of West Virginia,
and among the Societies which claim him as a member are the American
Academy of Social and Political Science of Philadelphia; the Southern
Sociological Congress of Nashville; the National Conservation Con*
gress, the National Geographic Society, Washington, D. C; the Citi-
zens' Organization, the Progressive Club of Chicago, and the Beta
T^eta Pi Chapter, West Virginia University.
A man of magnetic personality, Mr. Montgomery commands the
immediate attention of those who first come into his presence, an4
nowhere is this so apparent as when he appears on the speakers' plat-
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form. He is noted throaghoat his state as a brilliant political and
frateraal speaker. A gifted orator, he has become a power upon the
platform, having a rare command of the English language and spealdng
with a diction as fluent as it is perfect in style.
'His address on "West Virginia and Its Future", delivered before the
We^t Virginia Editorial. Association^ and his discourse on the writ of
injunction and the right of free speech before the West Virginia Feder-
ation of Labor, aho his lecture on John Wesley, are among the ptiblic
utterances that have attracted wide and favorable comment.
On February 29, 1896, Senator Montgomery married Miss Grace
K. Orr, a daughter of Major and Mrs. U. N. Orr, of Kingwood. See
history of the Orr family. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery have two children,
William Newtcm, bom July 8, 1900, and Mary Susan, born November
10, 190a. Their firstborn, Orville Orr, died in infancy.
Mrs. Montgomery has proven herself a very efficient aid to her
husband. At the time of his resignation as postmaster at Tunnelton,
Mrs. Montgomery succeeded him in the office and most successfully
discharged the duties of that position. Since then she has assisted him
ably in the4>ffice of Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. Mt. Mont-
gomery speaks of her in one of his most eloquent passages as ''my
helpmate* the indulgent sovereign who finds much to commend and
shares in a work which has divided with her the allegiance of her
willing subject.''
JULIUS KEMBlvE MONROE.
The history of the Monroe family is distinctive. From the first'
nobleman of the Monroes, the record is replete with barons, and great
generals, of both Irish, Scotch and Engli^ history. The first of whom
mention has been made was Donald, son of Occaon Ro, a nobleman in
the County of Deny, Ireland, who went to Scotland with his forces to
the assistance of King Malcolm II. That was in a war waged against
the Dane^. In this contest Donald rendered great service to the Scottish
King, for which lands east of Dingwall were given to him, called Ferrin-
Donald— i. e. Donald's lands, and he was called Donald Bonro in respect
of his father's residence on the waters of Ro, Ireland. Afterwards by
the change of the letter "B'' into ''M", his descwdants were called
Monroe.** They also got other lands in Scotland, which they called
Powlis, from a place in Ireland called Lock Fowl.
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JULIUS KE'MBLE MONROE.
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From the above Donald* son of Occaon, wcfre descended a long
list of barons, of whom Sir George IX, baron, was slain at the battle of
Bannockbum, in 1314; Robert the XVIII, Baron, fought for Mary
Qaeen of Scots and died in 1588. Robert the XIX, was the first Protes*
tant of his family, and was called the Black Baron. During the i6ch
and 17th centuries, the Monroes of Great Britain were firm defenders
of the Protestant religion. Colonel 'William Monroe, of Lexington,
speaking of the bravery of the Monroes in the Revolutionary War,
said,, "No wonder, they have Irish, Scotch and Yankee blood in them/'
(iSee history of Dr. Doddridge as an appendix to the life of Colonel
Gardner* also Locke's History of the Monroe family, where it is stated
that one, William Monroe, is presumed to have been a member of that
Company who was taken prisoner in the battle of Worcester, England,
which was fought by King Charles, who commanded the Scots on the
side and by Cromwell on the other, in 165a.)
Tradition has it that "Peggy" Long came from (Scotland with a
Presbyterian minister to Virginia in 17 — . Soon after, or about that
time, — Monroe left Scotland, ostensibly for the purpose of
marrying "Peggy" Long, as there appeared to be some legal barrier
in Scotland. They were afterward married. This is supposed to be
the origin of the Monroe family in America.
The first authentic record is of George, John, James, MoUie, and
Alexander; George lived in Eastern Virginia; John, a Baptist preacher
and physician, lived on Big Capon, Virginia, and died there. Alexander
went to Kentucky, probably Hamilton County, James settled near
Slane's Cross Roads in Hampshire County, probably in 1780, and mar-
ried Malinda Suttle. The following children were bom: John, Alex-
ander, William, Robert, and Elizabeth. James Monroe died about 1820.
Robert, son of James and Malinda Suttle, bom April j6, 1796;
married Elizabeth Simpkins, daughter of Gossage and Eleanor Simpt
kins, March 20, 1817. The following children were bora :
Alexander, bom Decennber 39, 1817,
Eleanor, August 25, 1819, \
Augustine, October 9, i8ao,
Malinda, August 5, 1823,
James, May 25, 1825,
John Walker, June 6, 1826,
David Marion, AprH 7, 1830,
Sarah Ann, June 12, 1832,
Robert William, February 13, 1834.
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MS PwwTON County, Wwt VomMu
Robert William Monroe— youngest son of Robert and Elizabeth
Stmpkins Monroe— was bom near 'Plane's Cross Roads'' in Hampshire
County, Virginia, February 13, 1834; his mother died when he was
about four years old ; he came to Harrison County with his older brother
about 1850. He taught school in Harrison County until about the age
of twenty years* when he came to Independence, Preston County,—
taught school and practised land surveying. He was nurried to Caroline
Ny>rissa Fortncy, daughter of David and Angelina Fortney, April 23,
i860. ISi^t children were bom of tMs union, four of whom are now
living; viz: Mollie Shannon, wife of C. Jerome Menear; Julius Kemble;
Isa Waters ; and William Wright. While residing at Indq>endence he
studied law and was admitted to the Bar, March 3, 1873. He removed to
Kingwood in June, 1876, and engaged in the practise of law in Preston
and adjoining counties until his death, June 15, 1907.
The West Virginia Argus when speaking of Colonel Monroe at
the time of his death said: *^Oi Colonel Monroe it may be tmthfuUy
said that he was one of God's nobleman within the full meaning of
that term or expression. He was equipped with a splendid mental
capacity, and had a mind stored with an accumulation of all that belongs
to the highest education in the profession he adopted as his life's work.
He had a conmianding presence; was a strong and forceful debater,
always maintaining that courteous and gentle bearing which marks the
tme gentleman ; and he won the hearts of all with whom he came in
contact, both in business and on the social side of life.
"He never allowed himself to be govemed or swayed in the least
degree by anything other than that which appealed to the highest and
best conception of Justice and Bquity. His integrity was unassailable.
He was public spirited* and always active in the promotion of any and
all enterprises and movements calculated to produce the greatest
good to the community; and was always tmsted as among the wisest
and safest of counsellors in puUic affairs. A most generous and kindly
spirit pervaded and was a part of every act of his life, both public
and private.
''It has been said that no man was ever successful without making
more or less enemies in the struggle of life, but it is doubtful if any
man, within the knowledge of those who knew Colonel Monroe, ever
attained the prominence and was as widely known as he, who ever
passed to the ''great beyond** leavmg as few who bbre him ill-will as
he did.*'
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PBB8TON County, Wbst Yibchnia MS
Julius Kemble Monroe, subject of this sk<ftch, son of Robert William
and Caroline Norissa Monroe, was born near Evansville, in Preston
County, West Virginia, August nth, 1864. Removed to Independence,
Prestcm County, in 1870 or 1871. Residcrd there until June, 1876, when
he ranoved with family to Kingwood, where he has lived until the
present time.
Attended common schools until about sixteen years of age. Began
study and practice of land surveying about this time. Studied teleg-
raphy. Assisted in the organization of the Kingwood and Cranberry
Telegraph and Telephone Company in the early 8&$, which constructed
and operated a telegraph line between Kingwood and Cranberry Sum-
mit (now Terra Aha). Was operator in conjunction with John M.
Crane at the Kingwood office until about 1883, when he went to Oak-
land, Maryland, as private operator and clerk at the ''Glades Hotd."
In fall of 1884 was transferred to Altamont, Oarrett County, Maryland/i
as Baltimore & Ohio Railroad operator; and later, upon completion of
new_B. & O. station at Oakland, was transferred to that place as
operator and ticket agent. Resigned this position early in 1885 and
returned to Kingwood and resumed practice of land surveying and
engineering. In 1887 retraced and laid out center line of the Tunnelton,
Kingwood & F^irchance Railway, the narrow gauge railroad then being
constructed from Tunnelton to Kingwood (now West Virginia Northern
Railroad) ; and later, upon its conq)letion, was for a time agent and
operator for this railroad at Kingwood.
Was married to Jennie L., daughter of Daniel R. Jackson* Septem-
ber 15th, 1887, (Died 1892).
Resumed practice of land surveying and engineering and latef
c!erked in D. R. Jackson's general store until latter part of year 1888.
Served as Deputy under Daniel R. Jackson, Sheriff, during his term
1889-1892.
Was twice elected Grand Chief Templar of the State of West
Virginia I. O. G. T. Engaged in general hardware business in King-
wood for several years, first with W. H. Murdock under firm name of
W. H. Murdock & Company. Later with George A. Walls, under trade
name of Mionroe & Walls ; and with D. R. Jackson, as Monroe &
Jackson.
Married Minnie Chaloner, daughter of John T. and Minerva Jane
Neff, November 25th, 1893.
Was appointed ''Engineer on behalf of the Sute'' in the famous
boundary line dispute between Maryland and West Virginia. Made
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all the surveys and maps in connection with this controv«frsy for the
Sute ol Wsst Virginia, until the case was finally submitted to the
Supreme Court of the United Sutes. In 1910 the Court handed down
iu opinion in which it held that the ''dd Sute'' or ''Dealdns Line*' as
claimed by the State of West Virginia was the true l>oundary, and
appointed Julius K. Monroe, (West Virginia) M. iMcCulloh Brown*
(Maryland) and Samuel S. Gannett of the United ^States Geological
Survey, Commissioners to lay out upon the ground, and mark with
suiUble monuments, the '^d StaU" or ''Deakins Line/' This woric
was performed by the three Commissioners during the years 1910 and
191 1, and later the Supreme Court entered a final decree establishing
the line so laid out and nuiiced as the ^boundary between the States of
Maryland and West Virginia forever" — thus settling a controversy
which had existed for more than a century.
Served several terms as Councilman and Mayor of the Town of
Kingwood. Charter member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias
Lodges in Kingwood.
Was appointed by Governor Albert B. White, Engineer in charge of
the survejrs of Marion, Monongalia, and Wetzel Counties to determine
accurately their areas, with a view to creating^ a new County (Augusta)
out of a portion of each. This work was only partially completed on
account of failure to provide funds.
In 19G4, after making preliminary surveys and a report, was appointed
Chief Engineer of the Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad, and made
all the surveys and final location for extension of thirty miles from
Bretz to Rowlesburg. Let contracts and was in charge of its construc-
tion until completed in 1907, at a cost of three quarters of a million
dollars. Continued in active charge of engineering department of this
railroad until 191 1.
In fall of 191^ accepted (present) position with American Water
Wotks and Guarantee Company of Pittsburgs* Pennsylvania, later
Hydro-'^ectric Company of West Virginia, as Resident Engineer in
charge of "Big Sandy Development'' in Preston County, West Virginia.
PRAiNCIS HBERlMANS.
I reliably trace my ancestry back eight generations to Pocken Jansa,
who sailed from Reymen, in the Province of Drenthe, Holland, landing
in what is now New York City, April 15, 1660. His family consisted
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ASTOR, LI:^■o>.
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PBBn!ON COUKTT, WSBT ViMIKU 605
of a wife and seven chiidreni the oldest nineteen and the youngest a
nursing babe. After a time the family settled in Dutchess County, New
Yoric. The records of the Holland Society, of New York, from which
part of this family record was obtained, state that the children of the
Dutch ancestor* Focken Jansz, assumed the name "'Heermans,*' either
because it was the surname of a nuternal ancestor, or because it was
more easily spelled and pronounced than the original.
Jan (John) Pocken Heermans was the third child of Focken Jansz,
and the one through whom our branch of the afmily descended, so this
is our lineage from 1660:
First:
First: Focken Jansz.
Second: Jan (John) Focken Heermans.
Third: Andries Heermans.
Fourth: Jacob Heermans.
Fifth : John Heermans.
Sixth: Philip Heermans.
Seventh: John Heermans.
Eighth : Francis Heermans.
Second: The children of Jan (John) Heermans were seven: (i)
John; (2) Focken; (5) Hendrick; (4) Greitje; (5) Andries (third in our
line); (6) Phillipus; and (7) Pieter. Each child in its infancy was
baptized into the Dutch church. Jan (John) Heermans married a
second time, in 1693, Elizabeth Blanshan, daughter of Mathew Blanshan,
and widow of Peter Cornelius Low.
Third : Andries Heermans married Neeltje, daughter of Gerrit and
Clara Aartson. To them were bom fourteen children, the third of
whom, Jacob,was fourth in our line.
Flourth : Jacob 'Heermans* married at Kingston, New York, Jan-
uary 29, 1748, Catherine Vosburg; he was elected an elder of the Red
Hook, Dutchess County Church, April 22, 1769. Their children were
five: Cornelia, John, Jacob, Martin and Dorthea— the second one, John,
being fifth in our line.
Fifth: John Heermans married at New Hackensack, Dutchess
Decend>er 4, 1779, Catherine Griffin of Rombouts. Their children were
five: Maria, bom July 5, 1761; Philip (my grandfather), bom April 18,
1765; John, born January 28, 1768 (this John was captain of a company
that served in the War of i8ia) ; Henry, bom June 27, 1791 : and Clara,
no date of her birth ascertained. John Heermans, with his sons, Philip
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and Henry, removed from Dutchess county, New York, to Hyde Park,
Pennsylvania, now within the limits of the city of Scranton.
Sixth : Philip Heermans (my grandfathcfr) married June lo, 1808,
Mary Fellows, who came with her father's family from England soon
after the close of the Revolutionary War. Note: Up to this marriage
the line of descent had remained purely Dutch, but the children of this
union were Dutch-English.) They settled at Hyde Park, now Scranton,
Pennsylvania. To them ten children were born: (i> Sylvanus, bom
June 4, 1810; (2) Elizabeth, born May ai, i»i2; (3) John (my father),
born at Hyde Park, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1814; (4) Edmonds, bom
at Hyde Park, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1816; (5) Phebe, bora July 4,
1818, still living at her home in Chemung, New York, with her two
daughters, Josephine and Catherine; (6) Sarah, bora May 23, 1820; (7)
Philena, bora April 6, 1822; (8) Mary, bora March 20, 1824; (9)
Catherine, bora July 19, 1826, still living, at the home of her daughter,
Harricrt, in Norwalk, Califoraia ; (10) Philip, bora Pebraary 24, 1826.
BRIEF SKETCH OF JOHN HIEERMANS.
John Heermans, my father, was brought up in Hyde Park, Luzerae
county, Pennsylvania. He learaed the trade of blacksmith with his
older brother, Sylvanus, and followed it for a time, but books and edu-
cational work lured him from the anvil to the school room, so he became
a teacher in the public schools, where he successfully worked until his
marriage. In the the meantime, there came to Hyde Park, from Fair*
field county, Connecticut, the family of Henry Pepper, consisting of his
wife. Electa, two children, Mary and Wanzer; also the father and
modier of Electa Pepper, Gideon Wanzer and Susanna Wanzer. Mary
Pepper, black-eyed and handsome, was a pupil in the young man's
school, and soon became his sweetheart, and they were married Peb-
raary 19, 1834. Soon after the marriage he returned to the anvil and
for several years pursued profitably his trade as a blacksmith. In 1842,
he removed to Ottawa, Illinois, but because of sickness in the family,
tarried but a year, returaing East to Rush, Susquehanna county Pennsyl-
vania, where he engaged in the mercantile and lumber manufacturing
business. On the 8th of June, 1847, Mary, the wife of his youth, died.
He settled his business affairs at Rush, and in 184B went with his
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brother, Sylvanus, to Preston county, Virginia (now West Virginia) ;
later he returned to Abington, Pennsylvania, and married Nancy Travis,
whose parents were friends and neighbors of the Heermans family.
In 1S49, ^^* ^^^h hi^ family, removed to Pellowsville, Virginia, the lo-
cation sdected on his former visit in 1848. There he engaged in busi-
ness as a country merchant until 1862, when he went to Bath, New
York, as a confidential clerk and business manager for his uncle, Joseph
Fellows, and when the latter removed to Corning, a few years later,
he continued in his employ and removed there with his family. The
following is part of a sketch which appeared in the "Corning Journal,''
dated January 26, 1882: .^
'^Mr. John Heermans died at his residence in Corning, on Monday,
January 23, 1882. The fact of his alarming illness was not known
generally until Monday morning, and the announcement that he could
not survive the day produced a painful shock in this city. He was
one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Coming and had
been seventeen years a resident. He was conspicuous for his zeal, liber-
ality and services as an advocate of ten^rance. He made a strong
and persistent effort to secure a temperance Board of Excise, and when
it was defeated he was not disc9uraged, but sought to correct public
sentiment by all fair and practical means. He believed in legal enact-
ments to prohibit the manufacture and sale of alcoholic liquors. He
was a zealous and consistent member of the Republican party, seek-
ipg no personal advantage for himself or friends. 'He did much as a
regular or an occasional writer on political topics. When the War be-
gan he was in West Virginia, and he volunteered to edit a weekly news-
paper to stem the tide of secession ; he went to Wheeling, and for some
time edited a daily newspaper, making earnest efforts on behalf of the
Union. Even in the loyal states there were many who denied
the constitutional right to suppress the Rebellion by force of arms.
A $200 prize essay was called for to demonstrate this power of the
Government, and eminent men at Washington were the committee. Mr.
Heermans wrote an essay which was awarded the prize. After his
removal to Corning he frequently contributed poHtkal articles to the
•Kloming Journal" and the "Elmira Advertiser." He also wrote for
this paper a series of articles for the benefit of young men; these were
later published in a book, under the title, ''Nuggets of Cold." One of
the most powerful articles in favor of a protective Uriff that we ever
read was the one that he published in the *'New York Tribune " Horace
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Grceky never wrote a more concise, comprehensive and conclusive argu-
ment in favor of protecting American industry.
"In October, 1868, he was appointed by his uncle, Joseph Fellows,
trustee of his large estate, which position be held until the esUte was
successfully administered according to the terms of the deed of trust.
''He has closed a busy life of great and varied responsibilities. He
was a Christian, whose life exemplified the teachings of the Master, in
that he loved his fellow men ; was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. In his family he was kind, gentle, and yet firm, and bis
children are greatly indebted to him for their self-reliance, and whatever
success they have attained.''
This family record would be incomplete without a reference to my
maternal ancestry. My mother, Mary Pepper, was a lineal descendant
of Robert Pepper, who settled in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1643; she
was bom in New Paiifield, Connecticut, as were her mothen Electa
Wanxer, and her grandparents, Gideon Wanzer and Susanna (Darrow)
Wanzer. It is certain that at least four generations preceding them
were also natives of Connecticut. A letter written by JMr. E. A. Jones
(whose wife was a Pepper) of Hartford to my brother, George Heer-
mai\s, dated July 30, 1897, sajrs: "There is one thing of which I am
proud, and that is, the Pepper family can say they are true Americans,
as their £rst ancestor of whom they have knowledge, Robert Pepper,
came here in 1643, whence we know not." Prom Robert Pepper to the
birth of John Pepper, in 1699, we are unable to trace accurately our
'lineage, because of the destruction by fire of the records in the public
offices in New Fairfield and Sherman. That this record may be abso-
lutely correct, we begin with :
1. John Pepper, bom in Killing^y, Connecticut, in 1699.
2. Stephen Pepper, bom in Fairfield county, in 1726.
3. Dan Pepper, bom in Paiffield county, in 1761.
4. Henry P^per (my grandfather), born in New Fairfield, Con-
necticut, January 11, 1792.
5. Mary Pqxper (my mother), bom January 23, 1816.
To John Heermans and his wife, Mary (Pepper) Heermans, were
born five children :
I. Francis, bom at Hyde Park, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1836.
J. George, born at Hyde Park, May 29, 1838.
3. Philip Henry, bom at Hyde Park, May 7, iS4a
4. Mary filecu, bom at OtUwa, Illinois, February i, 1843.
5. Florilla, born at Rush, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1847.
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Ftmnos County, Wnr Viuaifu 609
To John Heermans and his second wife, Nancy (Travis) Heermans,
were born five children :
1. Alice Bell Virginia, bom in Fellowsville, West Virginia, June
18, 1850.
2. Harry Clay, bom in Fdlowsville, June 3, 185a.
3. Clinton, born in Fellowsville, July 10, 1855.
4. Leonora C.^ born in Corning, New York, November 18, 1870.
5. John, Jr., bom in Coming, June 6, 1873.
I was eleven years of age when my mother died, but pleasant
memories cluster about the home where her tender administrations and
motherly devotion to her children in affectionate co-operation with
the father, inspired a mutual love that continued with us in later years.
The second mother, though young when she came into the family,
had Icfamed the art of good housekeeping, and proved herself to be a
good homemaker. We older children (the boys) soon went from the
home, one by one, to take upon ourselves, in the business world, such
duties and obligations as, when faithfully performed, promote character-
building and good citizenship. We always met a cordial welcome on
our frequent visits to the home. The family, except myself, removed
to Bath, New York, in 1862. As I am the only member of the Heer-
mans family in Preston county now living, and have resided continuously
therein for more than sixty-three years, I have written the following
brief sketch concerning myself, simply a record of facts connected with
my life as a plain, unassuming citizen; and if my conduct and reason-
able success in life should seem to have been in any measure meritorious,
I share the credit with those who have lovingly presided in my home
and whose companionship has proved a constant inspiration to high
ideals. To have lived and mingled with the good people of Preston in
a business and social way for all these years has been a constant source
of pleasure, for which I have endeavored to show my appreciation.
I was bom at Hyde Park, Luzeme county, Pennsylvania, March
24, 1836; came to Preston county, Virginia, in April, 1849, worked on
a farm near BrandonviUe for a year, and then went with my father's
family to Greigsville, then the largest town in the county, but which
rapidly declined to a mere hamlet on the completion of the railway
tunnel through the hill. In the spring of 1851, the family removed to
Fellowsville, removing the store there also, of which my father had
charge. There he continued the business, in which I assisted in such
part as would fall to the boy's lot to perform. On the aoth of October
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610 Pbhtqn Oouktt, Wmt YmmHik
of that year I entered the employ of Mr. James C. McGrew, at King-
wood, as second clerk in his store and "boy of all work,"* remaining
until 1854. I consider these three years of service to have b«en of
great value to me, not in money return, for the wages were very low, but
in the training and experience received at the hands of so thorough,
methodical and strictly honest business man as was Mr. McGrew. I owe
much to his good wife, whose kind, motherly treatment towards me,
and the purity of her Christian life, inspired me to do my best. In
1854, I went to Pellowsville to take charge of a store at an increased
salary, whereby, in the practice of economy, I was able to save a por-
tion of my earnings. In 1858, I purchased the business from my em-
ployer (Joseph Fellows), paying down what had been saved during four
years of service, and gave my notes payable in annual instalments with
interest, for the balance. To a young man with but a few hundred
dollars saved, this debt ($7,000) seemed enormous, but I had faith
in myself, a willingness to work, a determination to succeed. The
business prospered, and shortly before the maturity of the last instal-
ment, payment was made and I found myself the owner of a profitable
business.
On the 20th of August, 1857, I was married to Mary Jackson, a
daughter of Samuel Jackson. Her mother died while Mary was yet
an infant ; she was taken by the Honorable William G. Brown and his
wife and reared by them. For nearly ten years she was the l^;ht of
the home; an industrious and frugal housekeeper, and a loving help-
mate. Her marriage was on the 20th anniversary of her birth; she
died on the ist day of January, 1867, leaving a daughter, Mary, two
years of age. She spoke often in affectionate and appreciative terms
of her benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Brown.
In 1862, I sold my store in Fellowsville to the Bishop Brothers
(James R. and C. McC.) ; and the same year was appointed deputy
collector for Preston county to collect the United Sutes internal
revenue. In April, 1863, I made a tour of collecting, returning to my
home in Fellowsville with over three thousand dollars of Uncle Sam*s
cash, Saturday evening. On Sunday evening, about eight o'clock, a
regiment of General Jones' Confederate cavalry made its appearance
on the streets of the village, to. the consternation of the citizens. The
Colonel having seen at Aurora one of the collector's notices to tax-
payers, immediately made inquiry for me, presuming that I might have
on hand a goodly sum of United Sutes treasury funds that he, the
Colonel, would like to transfer to the Confederate treasury. Our loyal
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citizens had been on the alert for a month, expecting a raid from the
Confederates into our section, so I discovered their presence soon
enough to escape before the Colonel made his call at my house. I
placed the cash in a belt about me and quietly went out of the back
door, climbed the hill towards the west and made my way towards
Newburg, stopping at the home of Eugenus Wolfe, a mile away. He
and I spent a portion of the night in notifying the neighbors to hide
their horses from the raiders. Thdr depredations in the village were
confined to the pillaging of Job Jaco's store and the writer's dwelling;
from the former they took goods to the value of several hundred dollars.
Smarting under the failure to secure the United States funds in the
collector's custody, they were not slow in transferring from his home
everything they could get away with — all things eatable, wearable, in-
cluding wife's wardrobe, blankets, quilts, jewelry, not forgetting a good
horse from the pasture. But the tax money was saved, and within a
few days was placed in Uncle Sam's treasury.
In the meantime, I became a candidate for the office of sheriff, and
at the election on the fourth Thursday in May, 1863, was elected by a
large majority over my competitor, Joseph Brown. The affairs of the
office were conducted carefully, promptly and successfully, so that at
the end of a four years' term there was but little unfinished business
remaining. On the 20th of Jun, 1863 (the birthday of the new State
of West Virginia), I removed to Kingwood, where has been my home
since. In 1866, was elected to the State Legislature, re-elected in 1867
and 1868 — three terms— the term then being only for one year. During
my third term I was chairman of the Committee on Taxation and
Finance, and was also a member of the special committee which pre-
pared the Code of 1869, sitting at Wheeling during the summer of that
year.
On the 3rd of September, 1868, I was married to Sarah Martha*
MoGrcw, the only daughter of Honorable James C. McGrew and Persis
Hagans McGrew, of Kingwood. Together we have journeyed thus far
along the way, cheerfully and with mutual forbearance and helpfulness,
lovingly striving for success in all that pertains to Christian living and
nobility of character. To my motherless Mary she was a good and
true mother, during her girlhood, and to this day there continue be-
tween them the kindest and most effectionate relations.
In 1869, I went into the National Bank of Kingwood as assistant
cashier, and on the resignation as cashier of Mr. McGrew, who entered
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upon his duties as a member of Congress from this district, I was ap-
pointed cashier by the board of directors, which position I continued
to fill until 1893, when impaired health warned me to give up the work
that had been so pleasant and congenial, and, I believe, also acceptable
to the shareholders and patrons of the bank. In January, 1902, I was
appointed to the ofiice of national bank examiner ; six months thereafter
was detailed by the Comptroller of the Currency for special work, and
was commissioned receiver for the First National Bank of Belmont,
Ohio, which had failed. At the end of a year and a half the work of
the receivership was completed and the creditors of the failed bank
received more than 90 per cent of their claims. The Comptroller com-
mended the receiver for his successful work in winding up the bank*l5
affairs, and especially for the low rate of expense incurred in accom-
plishing the work. The cost of the receivership was but a fraction of
I per cent over one-half the average cost of receiverships thus far re-
ported to the Comptroller's o%ce. I was much pleased that the Comp-
troller voluntarily added to the regular salary a special increase in con-
sideration for the faithful work performed.
Increasing years and impaired health warned me of the danger of
continuing to hold a public office requiring so great mental and physical
labor, so at the close of this receivership I resigned my commission,
since wliich my years have been spent in the quiet of home and social
life, giving attention to my personal affairs and enjoying the partial
rest that should come at the end of fifty-five years of active, hustling,
business life.
CmLDRBN AM) ORANDOHILDRBrN OP FRANCIS HMmmAffB.
Of first marriage: Juliet, died March 7, i860, aged eight months;
John, died August 16, 1866, aged four months; Mary (usually called
Minnie), born in Kingwood, January 13, 1865. She attended the public
schools of Kingwood, attaining a standing which admitted her to the
State Normal ^School of Maryland, in Baltimore, from which she gradu-
ated. She is glad to express in affectionate terms appreciation of the
good woman whom she loves as a mother, and who has been to her
from her infancy z\l that a devoted mother could be. On the 6th of
April, 1887, she was married to William Ware Wright, who was born
in Preston county, April 5, 1861. He was early inclined towards the
mercantile business, and as a boy, engaged himself to a reputable mer-
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PUDBTON COUKTY, WB8T VomNU 613
cbant whom he faithfuUy served until the way apen«d up for him to
engagcf in btisiness on his own account, first in Kingwood; the busi-
ness prospered and he sou^^ht a wider field, so in partnership with J.
M. Hartley, he took charj^e of a store which they established in Cadix,
Ohio. He soon purchased the interest of his partner and ior more than
twenty years he successfully conducted a constantly growing business
until i9io» when he sold his business to a joint stock company, in which
he still holds a block of the stock. Later he sold hit home in Cadiz,
Ohio, and removed to Cleveland. He there joined with other prominent
business men in the organization of a joint stock comipany, which took
over a large department store on Euclid Avenue. Mr. Wright is vice-*
president of the company, and one of the active managers of thtf
business.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wright two sons were bom: Francis Ware, bom
March 19, 1891, and William Heermans, born July 18, 190a Francis
attended the pUbUc schools of Cadiz, was graduated from the High
School, entefred the Ohio State University in 190B, from which he was
graduated in June, 191 2. William is in the public school. He seems
inclined towards the business in which his father has been successful.
Of the second marriage two children were bora: Edward McGrew
was bora March 19, 1870, at Kingwood ; he attended the public schools,
in which he made fair progress. At the age of sixteen he entered Ohio
Wesleyan University, remaining one year. He manifested a fondness
for newspaper work, in which he became proficient, and for more than
twraty years he workcrd on prominent newspapers, first as a reporter
and news-gatherer, and later as editorial writer.
On the i^h of September, 1891, he was married to Florence Ann
Elliott, a daughter of Mr. Isaac Elliott, a most estimable young woman.
They are now farmers, making their home on a 70-acre farm near Reeds-
ville, in Preston county. They (lave no children.
Persis Hagans, the baby of the family, was born at Kingwood, Fd>-
ruary 28, 1873. 'She attended the home public schools until 1887, then
entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, remaining there two and a half
years; then studied two years in the Woman's College, Baltimore,
graduating in the art course in 1893. After a year as teacher in the
Art departmemt of the Wesleyan Institute, Staunton, Virginia, she
studied in the Chicago Art Institute one year, then for two years was
in charge of the Art department of the West Virginia Conference Semi-
nary. Her school life as student and teacher did not detract from her
interest in acquiring a thorough knowledge of housekeeping and home-
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614 Pbbston Countt, West VisGnm.
making, in wliich she became efficient. On the 5th of October, 1898,
she was married to James Russell Trotter, who was then serving a
four-year term as State Superintendent of Schools. A faithful student
in the public schools, industriously at work during vacations/ his serv-
ices were soon in demand as a teacher — ^his first certificate was number
one. In 1887, he entered the West Virginia University, from which he
graduated in 1891 with the degree of A. B. He taught in the West
Virginia Conference (Seminary; was principal of the North Western
Academy at Clarksburg for two years; from 1894 to 1896, he was a
student at Harvard University, receiving the degree of A. B. in i89S>
and of A. M. in 1896. In 1901, he entered the Law department of the
West Virginia University and was graduated in 1902 with the degree
of L.L. B. and Ph. D. He was a member of the Board of Regents of
the University from 1901 to 1908, serving as president for several years;
was appointed in 1906, by Governor Dawson, member of a commission
to revise the school laws of the state. He has been Professor of Law
in the West Virginia University since 1908.
Three children have been born to them: Martha Elizabeth, bom
February 19, 1901; James Francis, born August 11, 1902; John Heer-
mans, bom February 17, 1904.
My brothers and sisters still Hving are :
George Heermans, Rochester, New York.
Alice Bell, married to Lovasso Field ; their home is in Rochester,
New York.
Harry Clay Heermans, Olympia, WadiingtoiL
Clinton W. Heermans, Coming, New York.
Leonora, married to Dr. Harrison H. Boswell, Buffalo, New York.
John Heermans, Jr., Olympia, Washington.
My home has been in Morgan town since October, 191 1. In my
seventeenth year I began my religious Ufe and became a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, to which I am greatly indebted for past,
present, and future helpfulness in the Christian pathway.
JAMES W. FLYNiN.
The Flynns arc of Irish descent. James W. Flynn is a grandson
of James Flynn, who came with his family from Fauquier county,
Virginia, and settled on a farm in Preston county, that was later
developed into a part of the plant of the Austen Coal Company. See
pages 44 and 185, 186.
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J. W. FLYNN
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TH
IBRARYl
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Prbston Ck)UNTY, West Virginia 615
James Flynn, 6r., was bora in 1810, and died in 1858. Hif son
Benjamin W. Flynn, the father of the subject of this sketch, was bom
near Warrenton, Fauquier county, Virginia, and his mother at Win-
chester, Frederick county, Virginia, and both came with their parents
to Preston county in 1848. Her name before marriage was Lydia
Bunculler. Their son, James W. Flynn, of whom we now q>eak, was
bom in Lyon District, Preston county, March 13, 1861. He was educated
in the public schools of the county, and in Fraser's Business College of
Wheeling, West Virginia.
In early life, Mr. Flynn was employed at the iron fumaces then
operating in the county, and later was manager of Irondale furnace in
Lyon district. In 1889, he moved to Kingwood and engaged in the
mercantile business with the late Charles M. Bishop, under the firm
name of Bishop & Flynn.
In 1886, Mr. Flynn was married to Annie V. Klauser, daughter of
Levi Klauser of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, who in the year of
1866^ had moved with his family from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to
Kingwood and established the Preston County Journal, at that time
the only newspaper in the county. The children born to this union were
two sons: Benjamin L. Flynn, now a Civil and ^fining engineer;
Charles W. Flynn, an Electrical Engineer, and a daughter, Nellie M.
Flynn, still in schod.
James W. Flynn was Mayor of Kingwood at one time, a Justice
of the Peace at another time and recently held a membership in the
West Virginia State Senate. During the last sixteen years he has
been Chairman of the Republican County Committee, having always
been a staunch Republican in politics. He is a member of Preston
Lodge No. 90, A. F. & A. M., and of the Presbjrterian church.
Mr. Flynn has been of eminent usefulness in his business relations
with the people of his native county. As one of the organisers of the
Kingwood National Bank ,he aided in founding an institution which
has kept financial interests of Preston county at home, whenever it
could be done by accommodating and extending favors to Prestonians
instead of parties abroad. The people have not been slow to appreciate
these favors and support the enteiprise, while tbe stockholders havCL
been much pleased to have the bank pass its capitalization in surplus
and undivided profits in less than ten years. Mr. Flynn was not only
one of the organizers of this bank, but he has been its Vice President
and a member of the Board of Directors, since its organization.
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616 Preston County, West Viboinu
THE SMOOT PAiMILY IN PRESTON CO.
The name of Smoot is truly American if length of year's residence
Americanizes a name as well at the man. One of the record books in
the Land office at Annapolis, Md. evidences the fact that William Smoot.
the progenitor of the &noot family in America, tranq>orted himself, his
wife, family and servants into the province of Maryland at his own
expense on or about April 6, 1646 and that in consideration thereof
certain lands lying on the Potomac fiver were conveyed to him by
indenture dated June 12, 1646, at St. Inegoes Fort, lliis William Smoot
was a prominent man in the business transactions of his time and
neighborhood. He was a native of England, having in i^ employed
men to work for him in Virginia while still living in England. He
traded largely in lands, cattle and tobacco. That he opposed England's
tyranny he exemplified in shipping his tobacco to other countries than
England and claimed for so doing his share of the ''Dutch Crestones*'
then in operation under Lord Baltimore. William «^oot owned vessels,
one of which he bougftit from Leonard Calvert. H<e wa-s one of Uie
appraisers of the Leonard Calvert estate, for which he received two
thousand pounds of tobacco from Margaret Brent, who purchased that
estate. There are records of many business transactions between Mrs.
Margaret Brent and William Smoot. That he was a man of influence
is verified by the court records — if he sued a man who failed to appear
in defense, William Smoot would be awarded so much for his trouble
in coming to court. If William Smoot was sued and acquitted he also,
was awarded ''tobacco and hogshead to hold it, for bis trouble in
comjng forty miles to court.*^ He also sat on the juries of that day.
In 1667 the court of Maryland decided that ''upon Smoot's Creek in
Charles County shallbe one of the places mentioned and appointed
for a town.**
The two sons of William Smoot, Richard and Thomas, each
married a sister of Lieutenant-Colonel WilHam Barton, as each in
his will referred to Lieutenant-Cok>nel William Barton as "brother-
in^taw.** Thosam Smoot in his will 1704 mentk>ns ''Barton'* as eldest
son. The name of ''Barton** was reUined by the line of Smoots who
early became residents of Preston county, and this affords evidence
of the connection of. the Preiton Comity families to those of early
colonial timts.
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Pbbston County, West VnteiNiA 617
Smoot I:
One John Smoot, wliose wife's name was Mary, tx>ttgbt land in
Hampshire County, Vircinia, in 1790. Of his family of twelve children,
'^Barton'' was the eldest, ''iScdomon, second son,'' ''J^unes^ deceased/'
'Children and wife of deceased James," also William Jacob, Joshua,
Joseph, Mary Comet, Susanna H^aize, Lucrecy, and two youngest
daughters. Charity and Priseilla, according to his will recorded in
Hampshire County, Va*, in 180S. Of the above family it is known
that James Smoot wa9 a member of the Hampshire County Militia in
1790, and that Barton Smoot was a miller at a merchant oiill in Fox's
Hollow — a mill built in 181S— and he being the fourth miller. The same
mill still in operation as late as 1897.
Smoot 11:
JOSHUA SMOOT, the son of John and Mary Smoot, married
Mary Haines, bom March, 1794, in Baltimore County, Md. They were
married previous to 1817, as in that year they executed a deed to prop-
erty in Hampshire Co., Va. The farm they owned and occupied as a
home was on the waters of the Great Cacapon river in Hampshire
county. They executed a deed for this in 1835 ^'^^^ ^^^Y ^^^ taken up
their residence in Preston County, Va.
THey first located south of Newburg near old "^Scotch Hill," but
shortly bought land on the present site of Newburg, and built the first
dwelling house there, which still remains in state of good preservation,
now owned by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. Joshua
Smoot was a member of the Baptist church and his body ties buried
in a cemetery of that denominatiou at ''Scotch Hiir above Newburg,
he having died in 1847. The children of Joshua and! Mary (Haines)
Smoot were: Samuel, Walker, Henry, William, Minor Barton, Sarah,
Eveline, James Reason, (further mention) Julia and Harriet.
Smoot ni:
JiAIMCS Ri£ASON SIMOOT, son of Joshua and Mary (Haines)
Smoot, was born in Hampshire County, 1834. He nurried (first)
March 5, 1854, in Preston County, Susan Howard (See Howard Sketch)
and their children were: Mary E., married S. C. Hartley. Ethel O.,
married James N. Berthy, Charles Howard, married Alice L. Paul, (See
Paul Sketch) and Hattie D., married C. F. Hammond.
In 1885 he married (second) Susan Powdl, daughter of John M.
Powell and Martha (Howard) fowell. To this umoa the following
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6is Pbbston Coumtt, Wbst Viroinu
children wcfre born: J. Ray, married Mollie Promhart, of Newbnrg,
1909; Grace, Clara, Calvin, Cora, Barl, Bdgar.
In a sketch printed in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer 1889, during
the life time of Mr. James R. Smoot, 'twai^ written that ''Perhaps the
most extensive lumber manufacturer as wdl as man of all business
in the vicinity of Newburg, Austen and Tunnelton, is Mr. James R.
Smoot of Newburg. He commenced the lumiber business in 1869 and
now owns and operates four mills, three of which are in Preston county
and one in Summers county, the capacity of these mills being 45
thousand feet of lumber per day, much of which is exported to Liver-
pool, England. Mr. &noot is a fair sample of what may be accom-
plished by a young man of energy without resources. By the death of
his father, Joshua Smoot, he was left an orphan at the age of thirteen
with the whole family to suM>ort
He applied himsdf early and late to anything he could get to do.
During the building of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad he worked
as a laborer on the cut just east of Newburg. He was so industrious
and frugal that at the age of 18 he was able to go into business on his
own account. He commenced business at Indq>endence remaining
there one year then removed to Newburg. His chief occupation has
been connected with the lumber business. He also has bc^n a large
dealer in rea lestate and now owns besides his private residence, the
extensive business block on Railroad street in which he conducts his
mercantile affairs, and about thirty other houses and lots in Newburg.
He also owns and operates the Independence Steam^RoUer Mills and
deals largely in flour and grain. He also deals considerably in cattle.
In addition to these possessions he owns several improved farms in
Preston County, and extensive timber rights in various parts of the
state. He has but recently purchased the Major McGrew farm of
200 acres in the vicinity of Kingwood which is said to be one of the
finest pieces of property of its kind in the county. He is also a stock-
holder in the Tunnelton, Kingwood and Pairchance Railroad, and
president of the Kingwood Cdfcc Co." Tlius wrote a neighbor of the
business ability of a "self-made man/' as 'twas said, but Mr. James R.
Smoot, aside from inheriting through the ^Smoots great business qualifi-
cations, ahfrays gave bis mother, 'Mary Haines Smoot, much credit for
his ability to manage and accumulate property, saying she had a rare
capacity for good management. She n»ade her home with her son,
James, after the death of her husband, Joshua Smoot, except for a short
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Pbbston County, West Virginia 619
time daring the life of her seconii busband, Zedeldab Waldo, when shtf
resided with him in Harrison county until his death ; then she returned
to again reside with said son James the remainder of her days, and died
at his home and is buried where he lies in the new cemetery at Newburg.
The neighbor who wrote white Mr. ^Smoot lived was thinking
financially and did not mention more than industrial facts, but Mr.
Smoot was a benefactor to his town. >He was sought far and near for
advice. People took to him their troubles and business affairs for him
to pass judgment upon. 'He was a peaceful and law-aibiding citizen,
never entering into law to test its merits. His religious training was
in the old school Baptist, but be attended with his family the Methodist
Protestant Church in Newburg, «which (>uilding lot was given to that
congregation by Mr. Smoot, while the building of the church was
largely assisted by his family. In politics be was a Reptrt>lican. He
bek>nged to no secret societies. ^He was always a friend to the aspiring
young and assisted many such to a foothold on life's business. He
organized the First National Bank of Newburg and from its organiza-
tion was the president to the close of his life. He was a liberal friend
of the schools, and when each of his children had completed the town
skrbool term he sent them away to higher educational institutions.
James Reason Smoot died in 1905, at his home in "Newburg, having
lived a life of deeds rather than words and leaving an enviable record
of many years of usefulness and bomnr.
Smoot IV:
CHARUES HOWARD SMOOT, representing the fourth generation
of authentically connected families of this name who have for more than
tn¥o centuries been identified with progress of Maryland and Virginia,
is the son of James Reason (see Smoot III.), and Susan (Howard) Smoot.
He was bom March 33, 1866, in Newburg, Preston county, West Vir-
ginia, being the only surviving son bom to this union (one brother,
John, having died in infancy). His preparatory education was received
in the pufclk schools of his native town, followed by three years in
school at Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan. Charles Howard Smoot
was a keen student but had time for the social organizations of school,
his interest centering in the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity as a member.
After securing an education he joined his father in the mercantile busi-
ness, where for nine years he was the junior member of the firm of
James R. Smoot & Son, at Newburg. In 1896 he located in Webster
county, West Virpnia, to engage in the lumber industry owned by
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610 Pkbston County, Wbop V»qinia
liis (father and hims€lf. Having for tbts purpose fone to virgui timber
landa^ Mr. Smoot, oor subject, was following in the footsteps ol his
ancestors as a pioneer; and for the convenience of the colony which he
founded a post office was established and named Prestonia, honoring
Preston county, from whence empfoyer and emplojFees eame-*-the latter
having been likewise engaged by Mr. J. R. Smoot on his mills in
Preston county. At this post cffiee Mr. C. H. Smoot was the post-
master. In 190Q, the ton of C. H. Smoot & Company, at Prestonia,
having manufactured the timber on more than two thousand acres into
lumber, moved their plant to Nicholas county, farther into the interior,
and again a colony was founded named Allingdale, a post office estab-
lished, and the duties of postmaster again thrust upon Mr. Smoot.
Mr. Soioot's plan icrf lumber manufacturing has been along Unes of
conservation, as he has with few exceptions, and always where practic-
a,bte, bought the land with his timber property and has cared for the
unmarketable small trees; also has developed farming and grazing
where the timber has been removed. In the year 1904, Mr. James
Reason Smoot, the senior member of C. H. Smoot & Company, with-
drew fnom the £rm and Charles Hchvard Smoot has since been sole
owner and manager of the firm C. H. Smoot ft Co., at AHingdale, where
be has a comfortable home property facing Gauley River at the mouth
of historic Stroud's Creslk.
Mr. Smoot is one of the charter members of the Lanes Bottom
Bank, at Lanes Bottom, Webster county, one mile north of Allingdale,
being its first vice-president and for several years past and at present,
the president of this thriving institution.
Politically, Mr. ftnoot is a RepuMican, and was once elected major
of Newburgbut did not qualify, |M-eferring to remain a private citizen—
always strongly upholding the government. He is an official member
of thnr Methodist Protestant Oiurcb at Newburg, and while living there
was twice a delegate to the general conference of that denomination.
Mr. Smoot is a Thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Knights
pf I^hias, the Independent Order of Odd Felkxws, and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of EHcs. He is quiet, unassunung and reserved
in his manner; relishes society in general, but chooses few close friends.
Mr. Smoot married, June i«, 1890, at the home of her parents in New-
buig, Alice L. Paul. (See Paul IV.) The children of this union being:
Raphael, bom March 22,1891 ; Charles Howard Paul, bom January 17,
i993f died, as did his elder biother, in infancy; Bithlah, bora January 7,
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JAMES R. SMOOT.
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TliE riW 'oUK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX
TILDfcIN hC;;i:DATIONS
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Phmion Oountt, West Vibginia 621
1901 ; Ralph Omar, born Pebpuaryi7, 1907. This daughter and son
attend the public schools of Patrmont. In 1907, Mr. Smoot purchased
in Fainnont, W. Va., on one of the best residence avenues, a dwelling
which is the winter home of htmaetf and family, while the Alling4ale
property is continued principally a« a summer home.
Alice L. Paul, wife of Charles Howard Smoot is the eldest child
of Jobii Emory and Bithiah (MdCool) Paul. (See Paul IV.) Her
birthplace, Newbury, Preston county. She comfileted the course of
study in the graded schooh of Newburg, also that of the Fairmont State
Normal School, graduating from the latter on her seventeenth birth-
day. For five consecutive years tberealter she tau^^t in the graded
schools of her home town, during whieh time she served one year on
the teachers' examining board of Preston county, in association with
the late W. B. Squires, then county superintendent of free schools, and
Professor Frank B. Trotter, now of the West Virginia University
faculty. She refused to ibe considered a candiduate for a second term.
This is the only instance of a woman's serving on the teachers' exanv
ining board of Preston county. In 1889 3he was appointed postmistress
at Newburg, th€n the largesit post office in Presiton county. Miss Paul's
(now Mrs. C. H. Smoot's) campaign for this office created unusual
interest. The tact with which she treated political oi^osition exhibited
qualifications generally admired and approved. She has letters of ap-
proval and appreciation from many who were in those days leading
poKttcians in both parties throughout the state.
June 12, 1890, Alice Paul became tfie wife of Charles Howard Smoot.
(See Smoot IV.) Mrs. Smoot is an active member of the Daughters
of the American Revolution, being the Regent of the chapter at
Plairmont. She is also a member of the Fairmont Woman's Club, and
of the First Presbyterian Church and its Missionary Society. Mrs.
Smoot has lollowed the religious faith of her maternal ancestry, who
were for four generations identified with the Scotch Presbyterian
Church. She luts made extensive research in original sources for data
concerning the Smoot and Paul families and has established much in-
formation concemmg these and allied families, among the latter being
the 'Howard, Haines and Thompson famiUes of the Smoot line, and
the Miller, Snider and Hunt families of the Paul line— 'Preston pioneer
families whose generations helped lay the foundation of this United
States government and have helped preserve it
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622 PEB8T0N County, Wbst Virqinu
Howard Liiwf I:
John Howard, the great-grandfather of Charles Howard Stnoot, was
bom in Kent county Delaivare, Deceoyber i, 1780, being a memft>er of
a large and influential family <rf that section. He married May 30,
1802, Martha McCracken, born March 15, 1777, of Scotch parentage.
According to the old fanuly Bible records now in possession of Cyrus
Howard of Seaman, Ohio, their children were: John, Jr, bom May
3, 1803; Cornelius, born Novemlber ttj, 1805; Wiltianv McCracken, bom
December 25, 1807; Thomas D., born November 13, 1809; Nicholas C,
bora Febmary 12, 1812; Martha C, bom February 7, 1814; Oiarles
A., bom March 27, 1816; Mary A., bom May 20, 1818. These inter-
married with the Thompson, Billingslea, Brewer, McGee and Wilkins
families and comprised a citizenship prdfitable and honorable to their
locality, that of soutbwestem Pennsylvania and northwestem Virginia.
John Howard and his wife, Martha McCracken, lived in Preston county
on their farm near Fellowsvillc, now owned by heirs of the late Guston
Wolf. He and his wife, his son, John, Jr., and his wife, are buried there,
near the waters of Yorks Run.
Howard II:
John Howard, Jr., son of John Howard and Martha
(McCracken) Howard, was a man of extensive influence in his com-
munity, holdii^ the office off justice of the peace. H« served as delegate
to the first and second conventions which met at Wheeling to form the
new state of West Virginia. It was Mr. Howard who named the town
of Independence, in Preston county, wher<f he lived and kept an inn,
which fact proclaims his well fumi^ed home, as a Virginia law pro-
hibited the entertainment of travelers unless prepared to furnish each
with a feather bed.
John Howard, Jr., married December 16, 1824, Elizabeth, born 1803,
daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Davis) Thompson (see Thompson)
of Carmidiael, Greene county, Pennsylvania. Their children were:
Martha, born 1826, married John Powell; William, bom Febmary 8,
1828, settled in Wdbster City, Iowa; Susanna, born Febmary 18, 1830,
married James Reason Smoot ; John W^ley, born September 29, 1832,
married (i) Miss Fortney, (2) Mrs. Lyons, (3) Mrs. Metzler-
Howard; Thomas Dow, bom December 7, 1834, married (i) Mollie
Hoult, (2) Mrs. Metzler (who afterwards became wife of John Wesley
Howard upon death of Thomas Dow Howard); Comdius Springer,
bom July 19, 1837, married Miss Sarah J. WoK , both living 1914 on their
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Pbbston County, West VnteiNiA 623
farm home between Independence and Newburg; Mary E., bom March
97, 1840, died 1850; Nicholas Clawson, bom November 21, 1841.
Several of these sons vftrt in the Union araiy of the Civil War, making
records as good soldiers ; afterward steadfast Christian citizens whose
children are nnmerous and widely distributed throughout the United
States.
THOMPSON LINJS.
Thompson I:
James and Sarah (Wood) Thompson came from Belair, Harford
county, Maryland, before 1790 to Monongalia county, Virginia. James
Thompson was a shoemaker by trade and a local preacher. He preached
to the Indians and was so friendly toward them that it was scarcely
necessary for him to go to the fort in tinkf of Indian raids, and when
be did go, it was by the advice of friendly Indians. This James
Thompson and his wife and some of his descendants are buried in the
O'Neal graveyard on the old Thompson farm on the west side off Monoc*
gahela River at Little Palls, Monongalia county. Within a few nods
of this graveyard was located a fort, unsed by the settlers in James
Thompson's time for protection from the Indians. This bistoric farm
has been continually owned by descendants of James Thompson until
May, 1910, wlren Mrs. iSamantha (Holland) Conway and husband sold
it and moved away. The children of James and Sarah (Wood) Thomp-
son were: James, Acquilla A., Jarrett, Amos C, Daniel, Prank, Eliza-
beth, Sarah, Anna, 'Nancy and John. Descendants of these live in
Morgantown and Clarksburg, while otbers are in Ohio, Illinois and
other states.
Thompson II:
Several descendants off James and Sarah (Wood) Thompson
achieved unusual prominence in their professions. Will S. Thompson,
the music composer, among the number; also John G. Thompson of
Columbus, <%io, an editor of a Democratic newspaper of much influ-
ence in his day. The late <3olonel Prank Thompson of Morgantown,
was a descendent of James and Garah (Wood) Thompson, as is also
Mts. Virginia S. Hodge, Euclid Airane, Cleveland, Ohio. There has
been a minister of the Gospel in each generation. The present gen-
eratfon being represented by Rev. George Pederer of the Methodist
Episcopal charge at South Morgantown, Marion county, W. Va. Services
have been continually held on the old James Thompson farm at Little
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624 Fwunos OouNTr, Wear VmmHU
Falls, Monongalia county, shtce the days of James Thompson. The
church building there now was built in recent years.
Amos G., son of James and Sarah (Wood) Thonq>son, was one of
the pioneers of Methodism in America. Being a preacher in the M. £.
Church 1786 to 1791, and one of the earliest district superintendents,
or officiating elders during 1791*^1792 while the territory of what is now
West Virginia was in the Baltimore Conference, and his travel in in-
terest of the church embraced Northwestern Virginia from the Bastern
boundary to the Ohio river and from Pitts!>urgh to "Little Levels/'
in Greenbrier county.
Daniel (brother of Amos G.), and son of James and iSarah (Wood)
Thompson, was great*grandfather of Charles Howard Smoot (See
Smoot IV). Daniel Thompson is buried in the Sanders graveyard
at ^Maidsville, Monongalia county, has gravestone stating his death
in iSio. His widow married a Mr. Batton.
Elizabeth, bom 1803, daughter of Daniel and iSusan (Davis) Thomp-
son married 1&4 John Howard, Jr. (See Howard, H).
Pour generations of the Paul family have resided in Preston
county, so tdiat now though none of them live within its boundary,
property that has been owned by the families of these generations
for more than a hundred years is still owned at Newburg by the
fourth generation, and a history of Preston county would not be
complete without mention of this, one of the pioneer families.
Paul I:
Nicholas Paul, the founder of this branch of the Paul family was
a native of Germany and came to Pennsylvania in 1754 when 21 years
of age. He served in the French and Indian and also in the Revolu-
tionary war, serving in Captain George Nolfs company, second
Battalion, Northampton County Mifitia, 1781. He was a resident of
Northampton county for several years after the Revolutionary War.
PaulH:
Jacob Paul, son of Nicholas and Barbara Paul was bom
in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1776, according to his
birth certificate, now in possession of his great-granddaughter, Mrs.
C. H. tSmoot (See Smoot IV). In the wordss of the certificate 'Tie
was bom qf Christian and honorable parents. His father was the
Honorsible Nicholas Paul and his mother Barbara, a bom Sax<m.'' That
Jacob Paul had pious instruction was evidenced by the records of
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PBS8TON County, West Viboiku 625
the Dryland Church wherein hcf is recorded as communing and being
confirmed when he was sixteen years old, by Reverend Joshua Jeager.
Jacob Paul was a soldier of the War of ifti2, being First Lieutenant
in Captain Leonard Cupp's (also known as Lieutenant Jacob Paul's)
company, irotn Monongalia county, Second Regiment, Virginia Militia.
His wife was Elizabeth, born August 31, 1784, daughter of Henry Miller
(see Miller) and Anna .Maria (Lcmerton) Miller.
iHer birth certificate, in possession of Mrs. Margaret (Paul) Smith,
a descendant, states that she was born at MicAIltster, in York county,
Pennsylvania. The children of Jacob Paul and Elizabeth (Miller)
Paul were Jacob, Joseph, Henry, John, George, Baitara and Washing-
ton Miller. Descendants of these live in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa,
Oklahcmia. Jacob Paul and his wife Elizabeth are buried in the
Poulson graveyard at York's Run, Preston county.
Washington Miller Paul, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Miller) Paul,
was bom January 27, 1893 at Crab Orchard, Preston county. His
parents had come from Pennsylvania about i/glB, and settled there.
Later they located near Evansville on the old Northwestern turnpike,
and owned land there.
Riul III:
Waflbington Miller Paul, married November 5, 1840, Jane Snider,
bom August 9, 1A15. Her parents were Henry Snider (See 'Snider) and
Mary Aytr$ Hunt, his wife. The parents of Mary Ayers Hunt were
James Hunt and his wife. Miss Jean Ayers, who married first an
Anderson then a Hunt. The Hunt children being James, Thomas,
M)iry> Jane and Sarah. The children of Washington Miller Paul and
his wife Jane (Snider) Paul, were Mary, who died in infancy, and
John Emory (See Paul IV.).
Wasliington Miller Paul was known as Captain Paul during and
after the Civil War, as he was commissioned by Governor Pierpont
as such. In times of peace Captain Paul followed his trade as mill-
wright— 4ie being an expert mechanic, built mills, bridges and fine
residences. At one time he was in the lumlber manufacturing business
with James Reason Smoot, at Newburg. He was exact and accurate in his
business methods, having inherited from his father Jacob Paul, that
bookkeeping accompanies all good business, as is evidenced by the
daHy account books of Jacob Paul which are in the hands of his
descendants. Captain Paul's home near tlie suburbs of Sewbnrg was a
model modem residence surrounded by garden, orchard and jrard, and
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626 Preston County, West Vibconu
hospitality within— dispensed by his wile, Jane, who detighted not
only in the neatness of lier yard and garden with beautiful flowers,
fruit and vegeUbles, but in sirillfulty preparing and serving the same.
She was noted as a good cook and homekeeper, and was a diligent
Bilble reader, being <rf the old school Baptist in belief. Died April 2,
1888. Captain Paul quit his trade about 1880 and entered into mer-
chandising in his store building buih for this purpose on Market
street in Newburg. About this time and for several years afterward
he was justice of the peace. The last few years of his Ufe were spent in
retirement fro mbusiness. He died February 27, 1899, having been
but slightly indisposed the day before. He is buried in the Odd
Fellows' cemetery at Newburg beside his wife whose burial there eleven
years before was the first in that burying ground, though grave-
stones there show earlier dates, through having been removed from
other burial places.
Paul IV:
John Emory Paul, son of Washington Miller Paul and Jane
OSnider) Paul was bom August 21, 1846 at Evansville, Preston
county, West Virginia. He received a good practical education in th^
scbools of his neighborhood, and in preference to a continued course
of study as offered him at the West Virginia University by his father,
he married. May 15, 1866, Miss Bithiah MoCool, daughter of Muir
and Margaret MdCool (See McCool). John Emory Paul b^;an his
business career as apprentice to his father in the carpenter^s trade,
which he mastered and practiced skillfully, not only in his home terri-
tory, as he was called to build in other localities. In 1880 he joined his
father in the merchandising firm oi Paul and Company, on Market
street in Newburg. During these years he was clerk of die town council
of Newburg and was once Mayor of that town. His ability as an
accountant engaged him as secretary to a coal company in Mounds-
ville. West Virginia, in 1891, and since then he has continued as account-
ant and secretary in coal propositions — ^notably with the Department
of Mines and Mining of the State of West Virginia, and as partner
and secretary of different mining insurance companies. For several
years Mr. and Mrs. Paul have lived in Charleston, where they are
both members of the Kanawha PreAyterian Church. Mr. Paul is a
Mason. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Emory Paul are Alice
L., wffe of Charles Howard Smoot, James W. (See Paul V.), Margaret
Jean married Dr. George Wetheral Smith of Wheeling, West Virginia
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Prbbton CtoUNTy, West Virginia 627
—he being descended on maternal side from the historic Barton
family of Maryland. Dr. Smith died in 1903, leaving his wife and ontf
son, George Wetheral, Jr., who now in his fourteenth year is a
Junior in the Fairmont high school. William Emory, the fourth and
)Foungest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. £. Paul, was bom August 12, 1887. He
attended the free schools in Nemburg, his native town, also in Mounds-
ville, Fairmont and Charleston, West Virginia. He attended the West
Virginia University for three years, and then associated himself with
his 4>rother-in-law, Mr. Charles Howard Smoot, at AUingdale, Nicholas
county, West Virginia, in the lumber and merchandising business.
He belongs to the Masonic lodge. In 1910 he married Miss Esther
McCue of Nicholas county. Mr. William E. Paul is a graduate of
Baltimore College of Dental Surgery — the class of 1914.
Paul V:
James W. Paul, the second child of John Emory and Bithiah
(McCool) Paul, attended the fmblic school of Newburg, his native
town and graduated with B. S. C. E. degree from the West Virginia
University, showing his determination to secure a neducation by prac-
ticing civil engineering at intervals during his term of studies in order
to be 'financially equipped. After graduation from West Virginia
University he took special course in Columbia ^College, New York
City, for two years. He then accepted position with the Monogah Coal
Company, at Monongah, West Virginia, and later as chemist for the
Davis Coal & Coke Company of Davis, West Virginia. Here he was
when the mining laws of West Virginia required a chie fmine inspector
over the several district inspectors, and Governor Atkinson appointed
James W. Paul in 1890, as chief to oversee the practice of the State
ndtting laws as applied to this growing industry of the iState. As
Chief of the Department of 'Mines of West Virginia, Mr. Paul proved
himself to be the ri^bt man in the right place — ^physically capable,
wdl educated, energetic and ambitious for the welfare of the 125
thousand people of West Virginia then depending upon the coal
industry for a livelihood, and zealous for the promotion <yf the develop-
ment of mining in the State.
Mr. Paul resided in Charleston during the twelve years that he
remained Chief Mine Inspector for West Virginia, and during that
time filled many posts of trust and honor, some of which were Vice-
President of the West Virginia Society of Civil Engineers; a director
of the West Virginia Historical and Antiquarian Society. He was
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623 . Preston CJounty, Wkbt Viminu
elected secretary o< the National Mining Institute of America, when
it convened at Indianapolis, Indiana.
During the Spanish-American War he offered his services, but when
his application for appointment was presented with others for the
Governor's signature the Governor said : ''We can not spare this man,
we need him in West Virginia."
The "Annual Report on Coal Mines in West Virginia, U- S. A.,'*
that Mr. Paul rendered each of the twelve years of his administration
constituted a valuable contribution to the State's industrial history. He
has occasionally contributed to the leading mining publications, notably
''Mines and Minerals," and the "Engineering and Mining Journal."
His scientific knowledge is in demand by engineering schools and
schools of mines abroad in the land. He lectures at the leading schools
of the United States-^Harvard, Yale and Columbia.
When that dreadful mine explosion occurred a tMonongah in the
Fairmont mining region, December 6, 1907, resulting in the loss of
361 lives and much valuable property, it was he, who through his
official capacity conducted the examination of .the exploded mine, for
the cause of explosion, accompanied by other men of experience among
whom were representatives of the Federal Government When this
investigation continued from day to day and Mr. Paul with untiring
faithfulness conducted the work of rescue and investigation, these Gov-
ernment officials were profuse in their praise of his methods and
knowledge, and told him that while West Virginia was fortunate in
having his services, the Federal Government had a larger field waiting
for the man who could attempt its requirements, and that in their
judgment he could — that they wanted him to be the head of the new
Federal mine-rescue work, which was about to (>e established with
headquarters at Pittsburgh..
This bureau was established in 1908. Mr. Paul resigned his post
as Chief Mine Inspector off West Virginia, to become the Chief of
Mine Rescue Work in the United ^States. He has at the inftance of
the Government traveled through all the states of the Union where
mines are operated, exchanging ideas, giving and receiving, for the
betterment of the conditions for the safe operation of mines, and how
to best rescue those unfortunates who happen to be in a mine at time
of expjlosions. He has also traveled abroad to all mining sections
of £urope to get practical and scientific knowledge to apply in
American mines.
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Pbebton Couktt^ West Viboinu 639
To the casual observer, Newburg, the birthplace of James W. Paul,
offered no encouragement to one who would anticipate a National
career — but that environment counted this time» and plus the inherited
determination to do best what lies nearest, fitted this man for the
only position of its kind in America, it must be admitted. And since
the citizens of any conununity are entitled to the credit for the civic
influence which has contributed to the making of an honorable calling
of a son pi their native heath, Newburg is doubly fortunate as being
the location of one of West Virginia's wealth producing mining
plants, and the birthplace of a boy who though never a mine laborer,
saw his life's work in the ''Black Diamond" industry as a scientist.
Mr. James W. Paul married in 1901, Miss Nell Wilson of Beaver,
Pa. Their children are James, Jr., and Margaret, both now attending
the graded schools of Pittsburgh, where Mr. and Mrs. James W.
Paul reside.
MILLBR UN£.
Henry Miller and Anna Maria Lemertrin, his wife, wj^re natives
of Yoric county, Pennsylvania before the Revolutionary War. During
the Revolutionary War he was a member of the Flying Camp,
enlisting at McAllister, York county. He was taken captive
at Fort Washington. The German Lutheran Church of McAlKster
contains the record of the baptism of his children as follows:
Susan, Sally, Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, Tcna, Lyddia, Katie,
and John Henry Miller, the only son. The latter was born February ai,
1809. In 1830 Henry Miller, Sr., was living in Petersburg, Somerset
county, Pennsylvania, and was one of the trustees of church there.
His daughters married respectively, into the Albright, Hartman, Paul,
Hatfield, Posten, Wolf, Bishop and Baibour families of York county,
Pennsylvania, and all afterward lived in Monongalia county, near or
at Crab Orchard settlement now Preston county, and were among
the substantial famalies of that neighborhood whose descendants today
are among the leading citizens of Preston county. Elizabeth, the
daughter of Henry Miller, was married to Jaccb Paul (See Paul II),
and they are ancestors of Mrs. Alice Paul Smoot of this sketch.
SNIDER LINE.
Among Preston county's earliest settlers a colony at Sand Ridge
was comPosed of earnest, industrious families, the Orrs, Pauls, Sniders,
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630 Prbbton County, Wbot Vumhnu
Hunts, Smoots all memibcrs of the Primitive Baptist Church. There they
had their meeting house and burial ground for several years. The
Sniders were German and had considerable land and owned
many of the acres that were iirst purchased for coal development
by the Newburg-Orvel Coal Company. These Sniders were Henry
Snider, Sr., and his wife, Mary (Browning) (Snider. They came fnom
Fauquier county, Virginia, about 1800. Their children were: Jesse,
married Lee Ann Hardix; John, married Nellie Corder; Henry, married
Mary Ayers Hunt, March i, 181 1; Cena, married Job McGill; Elizabeth,
lived 100 years, unmarried ; Prances, married James De Moss; Jane, mar-
ried James Bell ; Lucy, married William De Moss, January 16, 1801 ;
Polly (or Mary), married Benjanun Matthews; Nimrod, married Cath-
erine Hall in Fauquier county, Virginia, in 1796; Sarah, married Eli
Matthews; Caleb, died in youth; 'Harmon, died in youth. 'Henry Snider,
Sr., the father of this family, died 1805, and is buried in the Old Baptist
graveyard, on Scotch Hill.
Henry Snider, Jr., wliose wife was Mary Ayers Hunt, to whom he
was married in Monongalia county, Viriginia, March i, 181 1, by Joshua
Hickmian, lived near his father's settlement. The children to this union
were: Harmon, who married a Miss Diamond; Elizabeth, who nMirricd
Hiram Manear; James, who married a Miss Blackwood; Jackson, who
married Miss Christina Craig; Enos Browning, who married Lee Ann
Kittle; Mary, who married Daniel Fawcet; Ann, who married Joe
Smith; Jane, who married W. M. Paul (see Paul HL).
McCOOL LINE.
From Scotland came a family which after a few years* residence
intermarried with a Carman family. 'So quickly did American reudence
Americanize that all foreign customs were dropped and those of the new
home land adopted, thus honoring themselves and America.
Jame Paul of Scotland, and Bethiah (Henry) Paul, his wife, lived
in Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire, Scothtnd. 'He was a weaver, owning
many hand looms. This home consisted of the mother and father and
twelve children, the eldest of whom, Margaret, was married to Muir
McCool, 1843, in Scotland. They same to America in 1850, bringing
their two infant daughters, Bithiah and Margaret. They settled near
Prostbnrg, Maryland, and immediately Mr. McCool made application
for citizenship papers, which in due time were granted hun. Their son,
John Henry, was bom in 1855. Mr. McCool sailed around the Horn
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Preston County, West Vibqinu 631
to California and remained there in the goldfields for several years. He
returned home during the Civil War and bought a farm between New-
burg and Independence, where he spent the remainder of his days. He
and his wife Margaret are buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery at New-
burg. The ancestors of Muir and Margaret McCool were Covenanters
who had ''signed the covenant with their bloor." The father of Muir
McCool was Jonathan McCool^j^rho was a member of the Masonic
fraternity and was buried by that order in Ireland, being carried
''shoulder high." Mr. Muir McCool was a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He and bis wife were members of the Presby-
terian Church — she being a woman with a rare and brilliant mind, could
quote large portions of the Bible and sing the Psalms.
Of the children born to Muir and Margaret (Paul) MtCool, Bithiah
married Mr. John Emory Paul (see Paul IV), May 15, 1866. She is a
woman of strong character and kindly manner.
Margaret married Mr. John P. Kelly of Scotland, at Newburg, in
1^89. He died 1896.
Mts. Margaret (McCool) Kelly is popular in her home town of
Newburg, where by her fund of general knowledge and her affable
manner she is a leader among her associates.
Mr. John Henry McCool married in Newburg, Miss Mary Powell,
daughter of John and Martha (Howard) (see Howard II) Powell.
Their children are Howard and Martha.
FAIRFAX FAMILY OF VIRGINIA.
The Fairfaxes were stout and valiant Saxons, blond, fair-haired, blue-
eyed, stocky built people who settled in Yorkshire in the good old
fighting days of England. In the fifteenth century Sir Guy Fairfax
was Chief Justice of England. The first Lord Fairfax was knighted
for gallantry at the siege of Rouen. In his youth he had been a captain
of troopers in the Low Countries. He died in 1640, eighty years of
age. The old peer left many children, among them Ferdinando, the
second Lord Fairfax, who became Parliamentary leader in the Civil
War under King Charles and commanded the right of the line of battle
at Marston Moor. He married a daugfiter of Lord Sheffield. His 9on
Thomas, the third Lord Fairfax, became conunander-in-chief of the
army and defeated King Charles at Naseby. He was in 104 battles and
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632 Preston County^ West Vibqinia
was the greatest of all the Fairfaxes. Milton referred to htm in one of
his poems as ''Fairfax whose name in arms through Europe rings,
Ailing each mouth with envy or with praise." His wife was the daughter
of Lord Vere de Vere. His daughter married the profligate Duke of Buck-
ingham. This great soldier resigned command of the army rather than
invade Scotland. The fourth Lord Fairfax was Henry, a cousin, and the
fifth was his son Thomas ; the sixth was Thomas, Lord Fairfax, who came
to America. Through his nK>ther, who was a daughter of Lord Cul-
pepper, he inherited about one-fourth of Virginia. He came over to the
Virginia wilderness to see his estate and was so enraptured with the
beauty of the scenery and the fine hunting that he decided to locate
here and did, erecting a fine home called Greenway Court, about eight
miles from where Winchester, Virginia, now stands. He came over
in 1739 and died in 1782, in the 91st year of his age Probably forty
years before Lord Thomas Fairfax came to Virginia, another member
of the family, John Fairfax, came over and located in Charles county,
in the Province of Maryland. He married Catherine, daughter of Henry
Norris, and his only son, John, Jr., inherited the Norris homestead.
John Fairfax II married Mary Scott of Baltimore county. In 1720,
nine years before Baltimore was incorporated, Mary Scott Fairfax dis-
posed of her parental estate on Elk Ridge, now Baltimore. John Fair-
fax 11 died in 1735, and his only son, William, married first, Benedicta
Blanchard. They had two sons and three daughters. 'His first wife
dying, William Fairfax married Elizabeth, daughter of Peyton Buckner
of Virginia. By this union he had two sons and three daughters. In
1789, he disposed of his Maryland property and crossing the Potomac
located at Occoquan, Prince William county, Virginia, and died there
in 1793. John Fairfax, the third son of William Fairfax, and the first
by his second wife, was the first of this line to become a Virginian.
In 1783, just after resigning the command of the Revolutionary army,
General George Washington sent across to Maryland for young John
Fairfax and offered him the position of assistant to Lund Washington,
the General's nephew, in the management of his extensive properties,
consisting of 55,000 acres of land. As John Fairfax was born December
10, 1763, he was not yet twenty years of age when he accepted this
important position. Within two years Lund Washington resigned to
accept a public office, and John Fairfax succeeded him as superintendent
of Mt. Vernon and all General Washington's property. He held the
poffltion seven years, till 1790, when he resigned to take possession of
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THE KEW voRK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
A*?T07, LENOX
TILDI N 1 C'.T.D TIONS
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Pbbbton Ck)UNTY, West Viboinu 633
an extensive tract of land in the Monongalia Glades and located in
what is now Preston county, about one mile south of where Reedsville
now stands and near Arthurdale, where he erected what was considered
a fine house in that day and age, a large two-story log house with a big
porch in front and rear, and slave quarters built in a semicircle back
from the mansion house. He died December 95, 1843, ^^^ 1^^^ buried
in sight of the old home. He was married twice, first to Mary, daugh-
ter of ^amuel Byrne of Virginia. (She was bom in 1770, and married
John Fairfax in 1792, and died July 22, 1603, ^g^^ 33 years. To this
union was bom George William, in 1793. He died July 3, 1816, aged
23 years. William, the second son, was born July 31, 1795, and died
in Missouri: Buckner, the third son, was born March 22, 1796, and
died March 30, 1880, at Cranberry Summit, now Terra Alta. The
fourth son, John, Jr., was born January 6, 1800, and was of a roving
disposition and would not stay at home. He was killed in a steamboat
explosion on the Mississippi River. The only daughter by this marriage
was Mary Byrne, bom May 29, 1802. She married Aquila Martin and
died April 24, 18312, aged nearly 30 years. Isaac Parsons Martin of
Kingwood is a grandson of this marriage. After the death of his first
wife, John Fairfax married a widow, Nancy Loid Franklin, a daughter
of Francis Boucher Franklin of Charles county, Maryland. She was
bora Novemsber n, 1772, and died September 18, 1850, aged 77 years
10 months and 7 days. Her first husband was a cousin named Franklin,
and by him she had two daughters, Harriet and Julia. Harriet married
Colonel Thomas Haymond and lived and died in Marion county, near
Fairmont. Several children of this union attained prominence, among
them Alpheus Haymond, who served twelve years as Judge of the
Supreme Court of this state. Julia married Major William B. Zinn, one
of the most prominent men of Preston county. They had no children
and lived and died at what is now known as Brown's Mills, two miles
south of Reedsville. Colonel John Fairfax by his second marriage had
four children as follows: Francis Boucher Franklin (named for the
grandfather), bora January 17, 1807; Elizabeth Loid, bora January n,
1810; George Washington, bom December 5, 1812, and Chloe Ann, born
February 18, 1814, and died April 24, 181 5.
In 1794, Governor Brook of Virginia appointed John Fairfax a
justice of the peace and later he became presiding justice, the first for the
county. Three times he was elected to the House of Delegates of Vir-
ginia, and served as sfheriff of the county, and several years as colonel
of the 104th Regiment of Virginia troops. Throughout his manhood
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634 Pmston CJounty, W«8T Virginu
he served in positions of trust and responsibility with honor to himself
and credit to his country. Colonel Fairfax was a man of fine personal
appearance, over six feet in height, blue eyes, fair complexion and dark
hair. The original tract of land in Valley district which Colonel Fairfax
had acquired from Philip Doddridge not being considered enough for
his growing family, he came down to the Cheat River Valley and pur-
chased of James Morgan 400 acres of the finest land in the county for
the sum of $2,000. This was between 1810 and 1815. In 1B17 he
began the erection of a fine dressed stone residence, since known as
Fairfax Manor. The work was in charge of his sons Buckner and
•William, who Kved in a tog house at the foot of the hill east of the
stone house and afterwards used for darkey quarters. Before the house
was completed it was occupied by Buckner and William, and it was
many years before the work was finished. William K. Hall had the
contract for the carpenter work and Hezekiah Pell was an overseer
on the building. Both these men were prominent in the early history
of this section. Most of the rough work on Fairfax Manor was
handled by the slaves of Colonel Fairfax, as he had about thirty negroes.
This residence is probably the most historic in the county and was the
scene of many brilliant assemblages in ante-bellum days. At his death
Colonel Fairfax willed it to his daughter, Elizabeth, who lived there
until her d^ath, on February 2, 1882. She never married, and now lies
buried in the Kingwood cemetery. After her death without issue or
will, the prc^erty was sold and purchased by WilUam G. Brown of
Kingwood, member of Congress for the Second district. He added
to it and made extensive improvements to the place. Colonel Fairfax
moved to this property and <Ued there on Christmas nigfit, 1843. He
had retired as usual with his wife, and Hattie, a little three-year-old
granddaughter, was sleeping with them. This child was raised by her
grandmother, as her mother died when she was a little over a year old.
She was a daughter of F. B. F. Fairfax and mother of the writer of
this sketch. Colonel Fairfax had not been well for several days, but
iwas not considered dangerously ill. Along in the night his wife woke
•up the little girl and said, "Hattie, your grandpa is gone'"' The child
•felt over to him and said, 'IN0, he is not, grandma, he is here"" Like
a sage and philosopher, he had wrapped the drapery of his couch about
him and passed away peacefully and quietly in his sleep.
Of the children of Colonel Fairfax, Buckner acquired the most
prominence. He was bom in Valley district at the old home,
and named for his maternal grandfather's family. At twenty
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Preston County, West Vmomu 635
years of age he was appointed county surveyor and directed
to run the line between Monongalia and Preston counties.
March 30, 1826, he married Rebecca, daughter of James Parsons
of Romney, Hampshire county. He represented Preston county
in the Virginia Assembly in 1837-38 and in 1846-47 and in 1851. In
1849 ^^^ General Assembly of Virginia elected him General of the loth
Brigade, 3rd Division of the Virginia Militia. He was a justice of the
peace many years and member of the County Court. His children were :
James Baldwin; Mary Catherine (died when about grown); Susan
Louise, who married Colonel John Allen Fairfax Martin (her first
cousin, son of Aquila Martin and Mary Fairfax) on October 19, 1852.
She died on the birth of her first child, Isaac Parsons Martin of King-
wood. The fourth child of General Buckner Fairfax was Parthena
Gregg, who married a man named Smith. She lost him and several
children by him, and then married Charles W. Vickery. Both lie buried
in the Kingwood cemetery. Two children survive this marriage:
Florence, the wife of Felix Elliott, cashier of the Bank of Kingwood,
and Rupert, still single. The fifth child is Sarah Rebecca, unmarried
and living in Kingwood, and Ann Elizabeth, the wife of Dr. S. M. Scott
of Terra Alta, is the youngest.
Colonel John Martin, who married the second daughter of General
Fairfax, attained almost as much prominence sTs the General. He served
as Colonel of tlTe 148th Regiment of Virginia Militia; deputy sheriff
several times; member of the Legislature of Virginia in 1853 and 1855
and in 1881 ; president board of directors of the Asylum for Insane at
Weston. He died Januaiy 24, 1898, and lies buried in the Terra Alta
cemetery.
General Buckner Fairfax lived many years at the old Dunkard Bot-
tom farm on Cheat River, two miles east of Kingwood. In his later
years he moved to Terra Alta and died there March 30, 1880, and is
buried in the cemetery there.
Colonel John Fairfax's sons by his second wife, Franklin and George
Washington (named for the "Father of his Country"), both became
prominent and were commissioned colonels in the military service of
Virginia.
F. B. F. (grandfather of the writer) married Mary Elizabeth Garrett,
April 23, 1835. The latter was a daughter of John P. and Elizabeth
Garrett of Frederick, Maryland, who were married April 16, 1801. The
daughter was born March i, 1806, and was twin to Allen W. Garrett,
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636 Pmston OouNTy, West Ytboihia
who died February a3, 1835. The sister died November Jj, 1841, aged
34 years, 8 months and 29 days. Colonel F. B. F. Fairfax and Mary
Elizabeth Garrett were married by Bishop John Johns at Frederick,
Maryland. TV) this union was born a son, March 8, 1837, named John
Philpot. It was dead bom or only lived a short time. April 27, 1838,
twin daughters were bom, and named: Sarah Virginia, who died May
loth, aged 14 days, and Elizabeth Ann Loid, who grew up and was
married to Henry Marshall Grimes, September ae, 1859, by Rev. Spencer
King, and died Febmary », 1875, in her 37th year, leaving a family of
eight children. July 4, 1840, another daughter was bom to Colonel F.
B. F. Fairfax and named Harriet Virginia Caroline. She was married
to Charles Mercer Brown on Febmary 22, 1861. He died November
96, 1866, leaving two boys, Jefferson Slidell and Benjamin Loid. No-
vember 19, 1872, the widow married Charles R. Morgan of Marion
county and had oiie child by him. May Fairfax, now the wife of Charles
W. Wolfe of Kingwood. December 27, 1857, Mrs. Morgan died and
is buried in the Kingwood cemetery by the side of her aunt Elizabeth,
the daughter of Colonel John Fairfax by his second wife. Mary E. Gar-
rett Fairfax died November 29, 1841, aged 34 years, 8 months and
29 days.
On July 7, 1842, Franklin Fairfax was married to Emily Fortney
by Rev. Daniel Fortney. The second wife was bom November 26,
1617, and died July 22, 1903, in her 86th year. September 2, 1843, a
daughter was born to this union and nanted Frances Henrietta. She
died September 20th, aged 18 days. Olivia Elvira was born October
25, 1844, sind is single and living near Reedsville at the old home.
Marianna Josephine, bom Fdwruary 18, 1847, died July 5, 1851. Francis
Riobert Henson, bora December 22, 1846, died October 29, 1857. Julia
Vandelia, born April 28, 1851, and married to Clark J. Bayles, March
18, 1885, by the Rev. David Rogers, is living on the old homestead
near Reedsville. Rebecca Kate, born June 4, 1854, married Dr.
John D. Hall, October 18, 1876. They had one child, Walter EusUce,
who died in Kingwood, April 17, 1881, of scarlet fever, and is buried
in the Kingwood cemetery. They moved to Indiana, where the doctor
died, and the widow is living at the old homestead near Reedsville.
Helen Bell, born June 12, 1856, died of typhoid fever November 4, 1893.
Martha Louisa, bom May 27, 1859, married Joseph W. Bixler, now
living in Morgantown. Albert Sidney Johnstone (a girl), born June
5, 1862, married Lafayette Ralphsnyder and is living in Georgetown,
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Pbbston Countt, West Vibginia 637
Monongalia county. Franklin Fairfax died July 13, 1868, and is buried
in the Reedsville cemetery.
The youngest son of John Fairfax, born Decenober 5, i8ia, and
named after our first President, also attained distinction. He served
as colonel of the Virginia Militia about 1840, and in 1844 as sheriff of the
county. He resided in Morgantown for a time and served as deputy
sheriff of MonongaKa county under John T. Fleming about 1854. He
moved back to Preston county in 1&58 and built a fin« hom« on the
old original Fairfax plantation, where Arthurdale now stands. He was
married to Margaret Stewart Gay, April 29, 1846. (She was a daughter
of Robert Gay and was bom in Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1819, and
ijied FeA)ruary 13, 1859. She came across the ocean in 1831, when twelve
years of age, and lived in Mbrgantown with her uncle, Matthew Gay,
until her marriage, as her father went to Illinois and died there. Four
children were born to George Washington and Margaret Gay Fairfax,
as follows: James Mathew Gay, born July 10, 1847, i^ow living near
Reedsville; Emma R., born September 14, 1850, married Daniel G.
Watson and lived and died in Reed^nrille, leaving several children, now
grown ; Ann C, born July 8, 1853, ^^^ married to a man named Shields
and now Kving in Mendocino county, California; George Washington,
Jr., bom August 9, 1856, and died August 26th of same month. Colonel
G. W. Fairfax died suddenly October 25, 1885.
The Fairfax name has long been associated with the history and
development of Preston county, as one of the most prominent families
of the Commonwealth, but bids fair to become extinct and merged
into other family names. While the older generations nearly all had
large families, they were mostly girls who married and lost the name.
The few boys bom died in infancy or moved away or died without
issue, so that but one is left to perpetuate the name in this oounty,
Ralph, the only son living of Dr. J. M. G. Fairfax of near Reedsville,
who has but two children, a boy and a girl.
JOHNMIATHIEWS GAY FAIRiFAX.
Colonel John Fairfax of Fairfax county, whose daughter Anne mar-
ried Lawrence Washington, half-^brother of General George Washing-
ton, was the grandfather of John Mathews G. Fairfax, the subject of
this sketch. Colonel John Fairfax, for seven years superintendent at
'Mt. Vernon for General Washington, on the advice of his employer
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638 Pkbston Couktt, West Yibginu
purchased of Philip Doddridge soine choice lands in the Glades of
Valley, and in the following year, 1790, settled there.
John Mathews Gay Fairfax, son of George Washington Fairfax,
resides near Reedaville and is a successful agriculturist, tie was bom
July 10, 1847, and raised a farmer. His education was obtained in the
district school, in Morgantown, and in Baltimore, Maryland. When
twentynone years of age he took a course of training at the West Vir-
ginia University, and in 1865 supplemented that with a good knowledge
of bookkeeping in a business college at Baltimore, Md. In 1876 he
obtained the title of D. D. S. from a Dentat College in Philadelphia,
and practised dentistry about four years, but too long accustomed to
outdoor pursuits he became restive at one so sedentary, and went back
to farm life. March 17, 1876, he married Miss Sadie A. Reed of Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, since which time he has followed farming and
become a raiser of fine blooded stock. The farm is a very valuable one
consisting of about three hundred acres of land, and very productive.
The stock raised consists of the Durham shorthomed cattle, Shropshire
sheep, Berkshire swine, and chickens of the White Wyandotte breed.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fairfax are as follows: (i)
George William, born January j6, 1878, died July 3, 1893. He was
killed by being thrown from his vehicle against a post by a runaway
horse. It happened in his first year at college. {2) Ralph Bernard,
born September 33, 1881, married Nellie M. Dent of Morgantown,
August 29, 1902. They have two children: (a) Margaret Gay, born
January 23, 1903; (b) William Dent, born March 26, 1904.
Mr. Fairfax and family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Aside from his religk>us activities and a membership of twenty-five
years in the I. O. O. F. Lodge, Mr. Fairfax mainUins a quiet, secluded
Mfe, though a public spirited citizen of the county and state. He is an
educated man, a great reader, and in some respects a remarkable factor
in the general commonweaHh. He was bom a ventriloquist, and as a
good reader of character, could have succeeded in that line. He was
twice rescuscitated from drowning, and lives today with a broken neck,
apparently as hardy in body as he is strong in mind, which is by no
means of ordinary caliber.
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HOX. JAMBS H. CARROLL.
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Ti'.E r:EW YORK
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Pbbston County, Wbst Virginia 639
HON. JAIMBS HAIWTLEY C3AIRROLL.
Anthony CarroU, a sailor of the British Navy, patented land on
Deckers Creek in 1789, but is not known to have himself lived in
Preston. James, his only son, and grandfather of the subject of this
sketch, settled on a farm one mile north of Kingwood in 1790 or 92,
the date apparently being that of his marriage.
James H. Carroll was a son of Hon. William Carroll, who was a
member of the Virginia Legislature in 1894, 35, 56, 39 and 40. He was
bom in Preston county, September 2, 1820, and died at his residence
Thursday evening about 6 o'clock November 20, 1890. His funeral
was attended by a large crowd of friends and relatives. The Kingwood
Bar was present in a body as pall bearers.
Mr. Carroll received a good common school educs^tion, and in the fall
of 1841, he received an appointment from the Government at the Sac
and Pox Indian Agency and spent the winter in Iowa. He taught
school, was appointed postmaster in Kingwood in 1843, and in 1849
was appointed clerk in the post office at Wheeling under George W.
Clutter, post master. He was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of his
county in 18512, and was retained in that office until 1863, when he
resumed the practice of law. In 1846 he raised a company for the
Mexican War, but the State's quota was full and the Company's
service was not required. He studied law and was admitted to the
bar in 1845. In 1852, at an election in May, Gideon D. Camden was
elected Judge of this Circuit and lawyer Carroll Clerk of the Court,
beating John P. Byrne by one vote. He was re-elected in 1858. In
1870 Mr. Carroll embarked in the newspaper business and founded the
Preston County Herald. In 1877 Henry Clay Hyde having assumed
control changed it into the West Virginia Argus.
Mr. Carroll was married to Miss Josie McKee, daughter of Squire
McKee of BrandonviUe. She died June i8th, 1906, at the age of fifty.
Two children are the result of this union. The youngest, James William
Carroll, was bom August 8, 1883, at Kingwood and educated in the
public schools of his native town, and at the Franklin School, Washing-
ton, D. C. He now holds a position as clerk in the Document Office
in the House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. On June 7, 1904,
he enlisted in Company G, First Infantry of West Virginia, and hdd
the position of regimental buglar for six years, or until his last year
in the service of that regiment. He is a member of Brown's Lodge,
No. 32, K. of P., of Kingwood and of the Military Department,
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640 Prboton County, Wbot Vieoinu
Washington, D. C. His only sister, Mary McKee Carroll, bom May
28, 1881, at Kingwood, is now a resident of Washington, D. C, also.
She was educated at Kingwood public school, Miss Bristol's school and
Dupont Seminary.
HARDBN DUVAL CARROLL.
The Carroll family are of English descent, and were early settlers
in West Virginia. Anthony Carroll, bom about 1725, the pioneer of
the family in Morgantown, settled first at Annapolis, Maryland. He
was of the same family as Charles Carroll of Carrolhon, and lived in
the same town, but the relationship is not known. His emigration to
America took place after he had been released from military duties in
England, because of over age, and his coming here must have been
soon after the French and Indian War and not long before the War of
Independence. Nor could he have remained at Annapolis long, before
his removal to Morgantown, as the Indians were still molesting the
white settlers after his arrival in Monongalia county, on account of
their troubles with the Morgans. Because of those savage raids on the
whites, Mr. Carroll and others moved with their families into the fort
at Granville, and subsequently to Rock Forge, where he died in 1832,
at the advanced age of 107 years.
Anthony Carroll was a soldier in the British navy, and a weaver
by trade. He fcrflowed that pursuit while living in the fort at
Granville. Subsequently he purchased the Keras stone-house farm at
Rock Forge and moved on it. Later he bought a mill of one of the
Morgans at Uffington. He also built a mill at Ddlslow and operated
both mills and the farm for several years.
Anthony Carroll was a remarkable man. When 96 years old he
walked from Morgantown to Kingwood one day, and walked back a
few days later. He was married four times. His first wife was a
Miss Donaway, whom he married in England. Two children came
of this union, James and Blary. Mary, an ancestor of Hon. William
Gorden Worley, married William Gordon and moved to Ohio. His
second wife died not long after marriage, leaving no children. His
third wife was a Miss Rose Hall. By her he had one daughter, Mar-
garet, who married Godfrey Guseman of Morgantown. His fourth
wife was a Mrs. Walls. No issue from this marriage.
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H. D. CARROLL
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PUDiTON County, Wjdst Visgiku 641
James Carroll, the grandfather of Hon. James H. Carroll whose sketch
follows this one and great-grandfather of Hardin Duval Carroll of this
sketch, was bom at Annapolis, Maryland, May lo, 1771, but spent his
early life in the fort at Granville and on the farm at Rock Forge. In
1792, he married Sarah VanKirk, a young Scotch woman, and moved
into a cabin in the woods near Kingwood, on a 400 acre tract of land,
which had been patented by his father.
His children were: (i) Anthony, (2) William, father of Mrs. Peter
R. Smith and Honorable James H. Carroll of Kingwood. (3) Mary,
who married Solomon Hemdon, one time hotel proprietor of Kingwood.
(4) James, father of Alfred Carroll of Kingwood.
Anthony Carroll, 2nd, was born March 20, 1793, and was married
twice. His first wife was Sarah Minor, and by her he had one child,
James M. His second wife was Temperance Alley, who bore him
eight children: (i) Eugene, (2) Mary, who married Dr. William Hern-
don ; (3) Col. John S. P., who commanded the 14th Virginia Infantry ;
(4) Lucinda, (5) Katherine, who married Dr. J. C. Kemlble; (6)
Margaret, (7&8) two younger, who died in early life. He bought a
200 acre tract of land upon which there was a cabin and a clearing of
James Dent and lived there between the years 1829 and 1856. This
farm is about three miles northeast of Masontown, and belongs now to
H. D. Carroll.
James M. Carroll, bom October 29, 181 5, was one of the prominent
men of Preston county. He attended school several years in the
Kingwood Academy, when Nicholson was principal, and, subsequently,
attended the Academy at Morgantown. His earlier years were spent
with his grandfather, but, about 1830, he returned home and there
remained in active life until his death. He was public spirited and filled
several positions of honor and trust, was constable over 20 years ; first
lieutenant of the 148th Regiment of the Virginia Militia, commission
dating from May i, 1858; was a member of the Board of Education,
for which position he was well qualified by education and experience.
His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth, daughter of William and Miss Harriet
Reed Burke, bore him nine children. Their names are Sarah, Louise,
Mary, Martha, Catherine, Joanna, John, Paul and Hardin Duval, the
youngest, and now the only one living. Sarah is the mother of
Edward C. Everly, clerk of the county court; Louise married Oliver
Dunn of Morgantown. The others died young. He died January 27,
1906, in his ninety-4irst year.
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642 Preston County, Wsbt Vomhnu
Hardin Duval Carroll was born where he lives now, near Mason-
town, February i6, 1863. He received a good education, having taken
the degree of B. S. of Agriculture from the University of Morgan-
town, and a course in Veterinary Science. When seventeen years
old he began teaching and followed that profcfssion almost continuously
twenty-three years. His degree. Bachelor of Science, was obtained
in 1905. He superintended the schools at Masontown three years, and
as an agriculturalist hdd farmers' institutes and lectured. Beside
superintending the farm and veterinary practice, he is connected with
the Civil Service in the Post Office Department and finds time to write
for several agricultural papers and report to the U. S. Agricultural
Department.
On November 7, 1888, he married Elntfa, daughter of Joseph
and Eleanor Herring and sister to George A. Herring of Kingwood.
Their children: (a) Allen K., bom April 10, 1896, is now taking a
course in agriculture at Morgantown University ; (b) Paul, bom March
17. 1893; (c) Ruth, bom April 16, 1895; (<*) Myra, bom May 7, 1900;
(e) Helen, bom April 99, 1904.
The family are members of the Methodist Church.
ZAR BEERBOWER.
The subject of this sketch is a successful farmer living near Glade
Farms. He is a descendant of Philip Beerbower, who came with his
parents to this country from Germany, landing in the city of N«fw
York. (See sketch of the Beerbower family.) Philip Beerbower went
to York county, Pennsylvania, and in 180B, moved with his family to
the Glade Farms settlement, where he raised a family of five children.
Of these children, Philip, Jr., remained at home to care for his parents,
the others all going to Ohio, where many of their descendants still
live. After the death of his father, PhiHp moved to Pennsylvania, but
only staid there a short time. He returned to Preston county and
took up his final abode where Zar Beerbower now lives.
Only one of the brothcfrs who went to Ohio had found a wife in
Preston county. This was Jacob, who took away Elizabeth, daughter
of Jesse Spurgeon, Sr. His son, Dr. Jesse Beerbower, bora in Ohio,
September 18, 1829, was a graduate of Jefferson College and also of th<
Keokuk Medical College. There being an opening at Bruceton for a
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ZAR BEERBOWER
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PjB
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PRE8T0N County, West VncoKU 643-
phjrsiciaa, he located there in 1856. During the Civil War he was
assistant surgeon of the Third Maryland Infantry, and died at Mobile,
Alabama, whither he had gone for his health in 1865. Philip, Jr., was
bom in 1799, and died in 1873. His wife, Lydia Kelly, was one year
younger than hinrself, and survived him ten years. Their children
were fourteen. George S., the oldest of the family, was twice married,
first to Catherine, daughter of Archibald DeBerry. They had three
children: Allen, WilHam and Delia. He was next married to Sarah
Laub. They had seven children, three died in infancy, those living
are: Martha, Emma, Lloyd and Charles. Harry married Ann Mitchell.
They had four children. John died in infancy, the three living are
Silas, William and Zadie. Henry C. married Jane Mitchell. Ilieir
children are: Ella, Gertrude, Clara and Oval. Hannah became the
wife of Henry Beatty. They had one daughter, Ella. Phoebe mar-
ried Henry Sliger. Their only son is now dead. Martha married Thomas
Beatty. Elizabeth marfied Adam Sliger, and had three children:
Laura, Philip and Thomas. Nancy married James DeBerry. They
had two children, Alkn and Camden. Zar married, of whom mention
will again be ntade. James, the remaining brother, married Mary
Fearer. Their children were : Frank, dead ; Robert, Fred, Ross, dead ;
Jacoib B., died in 1907. He married Elizabeth Barnard and they are the
parents of William, who lives at Rockville, Pennsylvania, and Forest,
who lives in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The other of Philip's children
died while young. The surviving children of Philip are Zar, Harry,
Henry and Hannah.
Zar Beerbower, son of Philip and Lydia (Kelly) Beerbower, was
bom November 10, 1848. His wife Alice, daugfiter of Jesse and
Minerva (Robinson) Spurgeon, whom he married January 16, 1883, was
bom June 20, 1856. She is a granddaughter of Jesse and Catherine
(iSpahr) Spurgeon, who took up their re^dence at Glade Farms, in
the earlier history of Preston oounty. Their son, Jesse, was born there
on April i, 1827, and died there February 28, 1908. His wife was
bom November 14, 1832. They had three children, one dying in infancy.
Lucian Spurgeon married a Miss Kimble, and is now living in Union*
town, Pennsylvania. Mae lives at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, still single.
Four children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Zar Beerbower: Jesse,
bom January 16, 1884; Ernest, March 9, 1885; Augusta, August 16,
1887; Isa, Febmary 16, 1898. After marriage, Mr. Beei1>ower moved
to the farm he now owns and lives on, an4 bulk his present com*
modious residence in 1908. The farm consists of three hundred acres
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644 Preston County, West VnaiNU
of land, all tillable, and of the best quality. Mr. Beerbower also deals
in fertilizers and live stock. The family are in possession of com-
fortable incomes to live on, are quiet unostentatious people, are
Lutherans, but not in any other way affiliated with clubs or societies,
political or otherwise. Their daughter, Augusta, married William
Mitchell, July a, 1910. They have one child named Darrel.
MRS. MAiBEL RBSSEGO^R.
The Beerbower Family are numerous and prominent. They are of
German descent, and are of the blonde type a characteristic trait of
the more ancient Germans who lived in prehistoric times, found in
the barrow graves of Southern Europe, originally of the Rokitno bury-
ing grounds, where Albinism developed. The American family, liv-
ing in West Virginia and in Pennsylvania, are descendants of Fhilip
Beerbower, son of a German emigrant, who came from the city of
Rotterdam in 1732. Philip Beerbower, Jr., died at the Glade
Farms in 1871. His father had moved there from New York in 1808.
He married Lydia Kelley. She died in 1872. Georjge S., their oldest
son, lived near Glade Farms. He was a good farmer, and a well known
Christian gentleman. His wife was Catherine DeBerry, daughter of
Archibald and Mary (Hazlet) De Berry, whose history can be found
in another part of this work. Their chiMren were: William, a minister
in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was educated in Salem, Va.,
married Mary Marshall, of that place, in October of 1882, and by her
had one child, Clyde W. He was pastor of the Brandonville circuit
when he died in 18B5. (2) Allen, the second son, married Rachael
Chopson, and is the father of three boys : Paul and Ralph are both super-
intendents of coal and coking plants for the H. C. Frick Co. at Fair-
chance and Connelsville, Pa.; Bert, the youngest of the family, is at
home.
Lydia Beerbower was born August 28, 1856. In 1882, she married
Milton Robinson, an educated and practical farmer who had moved
from his farm near Glade Farms twenty-four years ago to Terra Alta,
where he died February 8, 1906. He was a devout Christian gentle-
man. Their children were: (i) Russell, who was killed on the rail-
road by accident when nineteen years old; (2) Mabel Blanche, bora
October 9, 1890, married to Mr. Oscar E. Ressegger, a graduate of the
commercial department of West Virginia Wesleyan Ootle^ at Buck-
hannon, and died on March 27, 191 2. The Resseggers are educated
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PBEVrON CiOUNTY, WbST ViROWU 645
people. 'Mrs. Rcrssegger graduated from the Terra Alta Hig^ School
when sixteen years of age, and would have graduated from her Alma
Mater in June, 1912, had she continued her stu<ties there three months
longer. Mr. Ressegger is at this time building a residence on his farm
near Prenchton.
Mrs. Rcfssegger's mother, Mrs. Robinson, married the second time.
Her husband is William Henry Ringer, a weU*tio-do farmer near Terra
Alta. He is the son of John Ringer, a veteran soldier of the late Civil
War and a farmer near Lenox. Mr. W. H. Ringer was bom in 1847.
He was formerly a devout member of the Lutheran Church, but now
worships with his family with the Methodist people.
QHARLBS W. BEERBOWER.
The history of the Beerbower family in America dates to the year
1752, so far as we have been able to trace the lineage.
iScfi>tember 26, 1753, a ship, ''William and Mary,'' set sail from
Rotterdam, Holland; master, John Moore.
It was one of a fleet conveying German and Dutch Hollanders to
the then new world, America.
On ship were two brothers Casper and Philip Bierbauer, with a
younger sister, who died on the voyage and was buried at sea.
Casper Bierbauer settled in York county, Pa./where he took out
naturalization papers in 1777.
Among his descendants are some very notable characters. Possibly
the best khown was the late Vincent Beerbower, member of the State
Legislature of Nebraska, and later Lieutenant Governor of Idaho.
The late Austin Bierbower, LL. D., lawyer, author and philosopher,
whose name you will find in "Who's Who in America," was also a
descendant of this brother.
Philip, Sr., settled on the Conewago Creek, York county. Pa., and
was the father of seven children: Philip, Jr., Peter, Frederick, John,
Jacob, Susan and Sarah. Of these only Philip, Jr., remained in Vir-
ginia, the others emigrating to Ohio, Indiana and other western states.
Philip, Jr., is the ancestor of all the families bearing the name
Beerbower in West Virginia and western Pennsylvania. He was bom
in 1799 and died Aipril 18, 1873.
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646 Pbbston County, West Viboinu
The Beerbower homestead at Glade Farms, West Virginia, was near
the site of old Fort Morris.
The subject of this sketch, Charles W. Beerbower, was bom June
29, 1672. His father, George Stough, the oldest of the family of
Philip, Jr., born November 22, 1820, died July 19, 1879, leaving a widow
and ^ve children : Martha, Mary, Charles W., Emina and Lloyd George.
It was largely due to the good management of the mother, and the
oldest sister, Martha, and some help from the late Rev. W. D. Beer-
bower, then a student at Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia, that the
family^ were kept together and that true home ^irit was developed
that ever afterwards was a characteristic of the children, and especially
of the subject of this sketch.
Charles W. left home at the age of nine years, and from that time
on was carving his own way in the world, spending his boyhood days
on Muddy Creek and then at Glade Farms until he was nineteen years
old, — 'Working on farms, and attending the public schools in the winter
time.
At the age of nineteen he left the familiar scenes of his boyhood
days, and the recollections of the stories told him of old Port Morris
and the settlement of his great-grandfather, and took up the life of a
colporteur and lecturer on "Pilgrim's Progress."
After spending one summer with the Bunyan's Pilgrim Band in the
famous Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, he returned to Preston and took
a term in the Terra Aha Summer Normal and secured a teacher's cer-
tificate, teaching his first term at the Falkenstine School, Grant district.
Following lecturing and colporteur work in the summer months and
teaching in the winter season gave him a varied experience.
In 1893 he was one of a party of four who were sent to the Co-
lumbian Exposition, Chicago, 111., by John C. Winston Co. of Phila-
delphia. After teaching a term in the public school at Bruceton, West
Virginia, he again joined the Pilgrim Band in Washington, D. C, and
traveled with Prof. McGrew until he organized "The Pilgrim
Travelers" at Boonesboro, Md., August ttj, 1895. He was lecturer,
Prof. Martell Morrison, vocalist, and W. H. Thornton, manager. In
this capacity he traveled all over southern Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Virginia and West Virginia, giving in all over 300 lectures. Attending
the seminary at Buckhannon, W. Va., in the spring term, 1899, and
teaching a term at Masontown, W. Va., he abandoned the lecture work
and entered the role of clerk in the mercantile firm of Lakin & Offut,
Rowlesburg, W. Va.
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DR. L. GEORGE BEERBOWER.
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'^■■p mlv ^:ota
FUB lie LIBRARY
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Preston CJounty, Wbst Vibginu 647
September 19, 1900, he married Delia S. Thomas, dattgffater of
William and Martha Thomas of BUiottsville, Pa., whose ancestors go
back to the Brandenburgs of Germany.
Locating at Terra Alta and teaching one term in the public schools
of Kingwood, he then accepted a position with the Union Supply Co.
as clerk, but was soon promoted to manager, and which position he
now holds at Monarch store, one of the best of the chain of 63 stores of
the Steel Corporation.
He is a member of the Leiseuring Presbjrterian church and of Gen.
Worth Lodge, I. O. O. F., Connellsville, Pa.
His family sonsists of his wife, Delia, and two daughters, Bvangeline
Lncile and Bleanor Beatrice.
He is interested in all matters pertaining to the betterment of the
laboring classes and is a firm believer in the abolition of the liquor
traffic as the greatest benefit that we can bestow upon the American
people to help them to a better plane of living.
He is now engaged with James Bierbower of Lampasas, Texas, in
compiling a book entitled "Tlie House of Bierbower,'' being a history
of all the different families bearing the name.
He conceived the idea of the Bierbower reunions, of which the first
was held at Glade Farms, August 24, 1912, and at which over 500
people were present.
LLOYD GEORGE BEBRBOWER.
In the northeast angle of Preston is a smooth expanse of farm land.
The landscape is attractive and interesting. Here was the site of old
Fort Morris, and here linger memories of the early days of settlement
as well as of the palmy era of the once famous National Road. To this
inviting neighborhood there came in the opening years of the last
century, Philip Beerbower, a farmer of York county, Pennsylvania. He
was a son of Philip Bierbauer, who, with a brother Casper, same from
Germany in 1752. Philip, Jr., spent the remaining years of his life in
his Preston home and is buried at Glade Farms. But all his children
save one listened to the ''call of the West" and removed to the still
more inviting soil of Ohio. A third Philip, after the death of his parent,
reconsidered his determination to join his brothers beyond the great
stream which the French explorers so aptly termed the ''Beautiful
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648 Pbwton C!ounty, Wbbt Vibginu
River." He lived and died on a farm which is only a half-hour's walk
from the early home. Prom his thirteen sons and daughters are derived
the Beerbower connection of this county.
George S., the oldest of the children of the third Philip, had for his
first wife Catharine DeBerry, and for his second, Saloma Laub. He
was born November 22, 18120, and died July 19, 1879. Catharine
DeBerry was born April 8, 1818, and died March 18, 1857. His children
were the following: (i) William D. Beerbower, bom November 9, 1852,
died July 7, 1884 (a Lutheran minister) ; («) Silas, dead ; (3) Allen
Beerbower, born April 3, 1853, married Rachel Chopson; (4) Lydia
Beerbower, born August 28, 1856, married Milton Robinson. George
Beerbower married Saloma Laub, who was born March 24, 1840, died
January 19, 1896— children : (i) Ida Bell, born June 3, 1862, died
Fd>ruary, 1872; (2) Martha J., born April 2, 1864, married J. Allen
Reckard; (3) Jonathan Camden, born July 4, 1865, dicxl August 7, 1877 ;
(4) Mary, born May 27, 1871, died December 6, 1887, buried near Brad-
dock, Pa., Grave 12, Range i. Division i; (5) Charles W., bom June
29, 1872, married Delia Thomas ; (6) Emma Alice, born March 3, 1874,
married T. L. Gribble; (7) Lloyd George, born June 2, 1877, married
Elizabeth Stafford.
The somewhat early death of the father left the household, and par-
ticularly its younger members, in circumstances far from easy. The
remarriage of the widow proved most sadly unfortunate. It is due
fundamentally to the care and training of a Christian mother that the
subject of our sketch has achieved his success in life. Much also is due
to an older sister, Mrs. Martha Reckard. She was untiring in her
efforts to help her mother and the younger children. Yet with no
home peculiarly their own, with no moneyed inheritance to look forward
to, with but meager school training in the early years of jrouth, but
with the commendable determination to "make good," the boys,
Charles W. and Lloyd G, proceeded to carve out a career for them-
selves. We mention the two brothers in the same connection, since
they are not far apart in age and were associated a long while in com-
mon activities. What is still more to the point, each has achieved a
very gratifying degree of success.
As we have just observed, the brothers did not appear in the world
with a spoon in the mouth that was either silver or gold. Yet they
were endowed with health and strength, with the willingness to work,
and with that power of steady application which is a characteristic of
the German strain. Their progress was sure, even if it did not come
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Prbston Ck)UNTY, West Viboinia 649
with that speed which ofttimes is so detrimental to personal character.
Lloyd George Beerbower was bom June 2, 1877, at which time his
parents were living in the adjoining county of Fayette, in Pennsylvania.
IWo years later they returned to Glade Farms, and their son has ever
since acknowledged Preston as his home. As soon as the boy attained
a size and strength that made him efficient on the farm, his time was
thus employed until he had reached the age of seventeen. During this
period of his life his educational advantages were simply those of the
average farm boy of the period.
A somewhat unique career now presented itself. The ^outh was
fortunate in coming under the notice of Professor N. N. McGrew of
Philadelphia, an experienced seller of books. His kindly and practical
interest was very helpful and important, and he readily prevailed upon
his new friend to join his "Pilgrim Band," composed of a few young
men. As colporteurs, and as sellers of that immortal allegory, the
"Pilg^m's Progress," the band traversed a considerable territory, cover-
ing counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, as well as West
Virginia. Prom the ev^r-shifting base of operations, the members of
the troup would take diverging paths in order to make a house-to-house
canvass of the surrounding neighborhood.
After being thus employ^ for some time, the young man became
associated with Charles W., his older brother. They now prosecuted
the same work as principals and not as employees. They traveled
mainly in a wagon specially arranged for their purpose. They gave
evening lectures on "Pilgrim's Progress," these lectures being illus-
trated by a stereoptioon. During the hours of daylight the neighbor-
hood was as before canvassed for sales of the book in a binding offered
at a very reasonable price.
Such a career is of priceless worth to an amfbitious young man. In
selling books, a vocation which the late Dwight L. Moody said would
prove the mettle of any person, the brothers achieved marked success.
Their work was an education at once practical and liberal. It lifted
them above the narrow sympathies of a home neighborhood and made
them acquainted with numerous towns, villages and school neighbor-
hoods, and with the denizens of the same. It turned the quondam plow-
boy^ iilto polished gentlemen. It opened an avenue by means of which
they found themselves. In short, it gave them an adaptability and
efficiency which could not have been secured had they remained all this
while close to the home of their childhood. Nor were the advantages
all on one side. By scattering literature of an unexceptionable sort, and
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650 Preston County, Wbst Virginia
by furnishing public entertaimnent» of an uplifting character, the
brothers rendered a service to the communities they visited.
At length they put an end to this migratory life. It is to their credit
that they determined to do so. As a very serviceable training, their
work had fulfilled its purpose. To have pursued it indefinitely would
not alone have perpetuated an unsettled career : it would insensibly have
drawn the young men into a rut and lured them into performing their
duties in a mechanical way.
Like his brother Charles, the junior partner now turned his atten-
tion to school work, teaching three successful winter terms in the rural
schools of Preston. While thus engaged he was a prominent and
useful member of the county institutes. To fit himself the better for
this new career, he availed himself of private instruction from that un-
usual and gifted character, the late Samuel T. Wiley. That teacher-
historian was a firm friend to the two brothers, and to him they feel
deeply indebted for his sage advice as well as his helpful tuition.
For two years more young Beerbower resumed traveling work, but
in a broader and more advantageous field. In the service of a Pennsyl-
vania company, whose line was the selling of views, he traveled not
only in the states with which he was already familiar, but also in Ohio,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Ken-
tucky, and the District of Columbia. As a consequence, his knowledge
of places and of people was much further extended, and he was enabled
to prepare for the permanent calling which he had by this time chosen.
He took up his studies in Cincinnati, graduating in June, 1905, with
the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. His travels in the South had
developed a purpose to locate at Galveston, Texas, for the active pursuit
of his profession. But the more tonic air of the Preston hills, and,
above all, the loyalty of the many friends who dwell among them,
caused this design to be reconsidered. During his summer vacations
they had put his dental services into request. So on the completion of
his course of study he at once located in Terra Alta, the energetic and
wide-awake metropolis of the county.
With regard to his practice alone, the success of Dr. Beerbower
was immediate, and it has been continuous. In connection with Prank
Zeller, he completed in 1910 the Beerbower-Zeller Building, on Wash-
ington Street. On the second floor is his suite of dental apartments.
These rooms are as well equipped as the up-to-date dental offices found
in the cities. Dr. Beerbower is a charter member of the West Virginia
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Prbston County, West Vuuunia 651
Dental Society, and since the organization of the same in 1906 he has
never missed any of its meetings. He has served on its most important
committees, and as its president in 1913. He is also secretary-treasurer
of the Board of Dental Examiners for West Virginia, having been ap-
pointed in July, 191 1, by Governor Glasscock.
The older Beerbowers were Lutherans, but since locating in Terra
Aka, the doctor has transferred his allegiance to the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He has long been active in church woric and is
regular in his attendance upon devotional as well as business meetings.
For several years he was superintendent of the Methodist Sunday
school at Terra Alta, and he continues to teach a class.
With respect to fraternal organizations, Dr. Beerbower is a mtrmber
of the Masonic order, and of the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of
the World, and the Modern Woodmen of America. Of the first-named
society he is a Past Master, and he holds the Royal Arch degree.
In matters of political opinion, the doctor's people have in the main
adhered to the Democratic creed. But he himself early gave his ad-
hesion to the Republican party, although he has never hesitated to
support the candidate of another ticket whenever he has deemed the in-
Icvests of true citizenship to require such action. Twice has Dr. Beer-
bower been called upon by his townsmen to serve as mayor of Terra
Alta, and he has served four years on the Board of Education for Port-
land district.
June 28, 1906, Lk)y>d George Beerbower was married to Miss Mary
Elizabeth Stafford, who had been educated at the Preparatory School
at Keyser, and who, like himself, had taught in the public schools. Mrs.
Beerbower is the youngest of the six children of William E. and Mary
(^lahan) Stafford. Both the Staff ords and the Shahans come of old
Monongalia and Preston families. The father-in-law was a Federal
soldier and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Doctor and
Mrs. Beerbower have been blessed with two children: Albert Stafford,
bom April 9, 1909, and Fred Vance, born July 30, 1912.
In personal contact. Dr. Beerbower is courteous, genial and ap-
proachable. These engaging qualities are link«fd with those of sincerity,
integrity and straightforwardness. It is a sterling character as well as
patient effort that has brought him the commendation and the patronage
of the people with whom he has cast his lot. The writer of this sketch
knew him quite intimately during a period of ten years, and therefore
speaks from personal observation.
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652 PRBSTON Ck>UNTT, WSBT VotOINU
ORLANDO C. CRANE.
Born July 4, 1874. Died November 12, 1910.
Gwift as an arrow came death to this young man, who had every
hope and natural expectation to round out his life work and live to a
mature age. His brief illness overcame him while at the helm of an
undertaking for his town and oommunity. He came home Thursday,
November 4, prostrated from overwork, seized with pneumonia in acute
form, and never again mingled with his fellows. His history is short,
but his years were crowded with undertakings great and small, earnest
endeavors, ambitions realized and unrealized, for from his boyhood he
labored zealously and incessantly to succeed.
Orlando C, Crane did succeed, although cut down at the age of 36
years. Somehow, since time immemorial, people like to enumerate the
achievements of ambitious men. State and nation extol their leaders.
Countries applaud th€ victorious generals. America, especially, is proud
of her successful sons. Yet, alas, human nature is prone to grant
grudgingly the full measure of credit and praise to the living. Now
that death has taken young Crane from among us, we are astonished
at the interesting and almost wonderful events of his short and stir-
ring life.
But he was not unappreciated. Terra Alta, his home town, looked
to him' and leaned upon him. Men twice his age counseled with him,
and his advice was given freely, fully and carefully. His community
is bowed with grief, and no greater tribute could be paid him than the
universal sorrow which has come to his own people who lived with him
day by day.
He was the second child of J. Elliott Crane and Elizabeth Engle
Crane, and was born at the old Crane farm near Muddy Creek Furnace,
Preston county. His parents are of good Preston county stock, and
his childhood days were those of the average farm boy, the home being
a comfortable one, without luxuries but surrounded by plenty. It was
a Godly home, it was a home where good, wholesome literature
abounded, and a home where the parents instilled into the minds of their
children the ambition to achieve something.
Think of this young man, at the age of 15, teaching school. He at-
tended the county and summer normal schools when most youngsters
were in the intermediate grade, and securing a No. 2 certificate taught
the Clifton Mills school at the age mentioned. But pedagogy was not
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ORLANDO C. CRAXE.
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THE NEW VuRK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR. LENOX
TILDLN tCLT.D .T!<>N":
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PsKrroN Ck>xjKTY, Wssr Vibginu 653
to be his lifework. Orlando Crane's entire temperamcmt was contrary
to the profession of teaching, for the limitations were too narrow. He
taught well, was in demand as a teacher, and he saved his money. But,
unknown to his fanrily, he had other ambitions, and on February i, 1894,
accepted the position of bookkeeper in the Terra Alta Bank, being 20
years of age. H<f was cashier of this solid banking institution when he
died, having been first chosen assistant cashier October 5, 1897, and
cashier but a few weeks later. These promotions same rapidly, and
upon their full uMfrit, from bookkeeper to cashier in three years, and
at the head of the same institution for 13 years. He devoted his time,
attention, thought and enthusiasm to the bank from the time he became
its bookkeeper until his death. He knew banking as few young men
do. He studied the question, read about modern methods, made the
acquaintance of bankers in the state and in the larger cities, and the
prosperity of the institution is due in a large measure to his tirekfss
energy, his acumen, and his affability in making and holding friends,
without sacrificing the strict rules of banking.
One might wonder why a young man of such ability and promise
was content to refmain in a small town, when the world holds out such
splendid inducements for progressive men. The answer to this is the
keynote of his life. He was offered, time and again, splendid positions
abroad, with banks, trust companies, with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
Company and other corporations. His home town was his special
delight. His patriotism for Terra Alta surpasses anything in his life ex-
cept his love of his home and his family. One can readily see that the
ordinary salary of a country banker', and the limitations of the plodder,
were not to suffice for young Crane, who taught school at 15 and became
cashier of a bank at 93.
Orlando C. Crane was ambitious to make money, and he did. Saving
hi5 salary, investing it car^ully until he had a fair capital to go on, he
began speculating in coal, timber and real estate. He was so shrewd
and successful that older men of means asked to join him. Mind you,
he did not neglect his bank work. That was his first ambition, and he
never lost interest in it. He employed' and paid out of his own pocket,
an assistant, so that during his absence his institution was treated fairly.
He climbed rapidly after that, and at the time of his death was a rich
man, perhaps as rich as any man of 60 years in the county.
On September 9, 1895, Mr. Crane married Miss MoUie C. Joyce,
of his home town, who for two years before and two afterward was a
most competent clerk in his bank. They were married in Grafton, by
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654 Pbboton County, West Viboikia
Rev. A. S. Baumgardner, a relative of his. Her parents were Edward
and BUen Joyce, the latter now living. She made her home with Mr.
and Mrs. Crane, and was particularly fond of hcfr son-in-law, who by his
courtesy, affection and good disposition became like a son to her. No
one, perhaps, more sincerely mourns his death than Mrs. Joyce. His
parents are also living in Terra Alta, the father, aged^ being too feeble
to attend the funeral. Their natural pride in this son has been a joy
and blessing in their advancing years, and his untimely death a blow
from which they are not likdy to recover.
To the widow who survives him, Mr. Crane always attributed a
large share of his success. She was a trained business woman, and
her advice and counsel were a j^eat aid to him. Having established a
home, Mr. Crane erected his altar there. He began hunib4y, but of his
earnings and prdfits a certain generous share was spent to enlarge his
house and grounds, to beautify within and without. No close friend
could help but admire the enthusiasm he had for his home, and which
he displayed to his intimates. Temperate in his habits, if he had any
dissipation it took the form of lavishly providing for his family, for his
house and grounds, yet always in good taste and always within his
resources. He was most hospitable, and a guest never left his home
without feeling that he would enjoy a return visit. His pride in these
things was almost boyishly enthusiastic, and, of course, highly com-
mendable. He would travel all night to get back to Terra Alta and
home, finding his own rooftree more enjoyable than the most luxurious
of hotels.
There are three children : Maxine, Ocelia Elizabeth and Charles Ed-
ward. How he did love these children and how he doted upon them.
Yet with all this love and all his means, he had mapped out a life of
usefulness for them, as well as plans for education, when they grew
older. The older children had some daily task to perform about the
house. He knew work, and he did not intend to spoil his children,
although able to provide them with luxuries which he never knew in
his childhood. Thus we have a very fair illustration of the practical
turn of the man in this attitude toward his children.
Two brothers and a sister also survive this young man — ^namely, W.
Reed Crane, a prominent druggist of Fairmont ; Clyde P. Crane, book-
keeper for the Miller-Clark Grain Co., Fairmont, and Ada Elkn Welch,
wife of Frank D. Welch of Terra Alta. The brothers, one older and
on<f younger, always sought the advice of Orlando in business ventures.
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PRB8T0N County, West Viroinu 655
and deq>ly mourn his death, for there has always been a deep family
aflFection among them.
Church affiliations and lodge memberships go with the biography
of a man, although counting for little compared to the actual deeds
in life. As a matter of record, Orlando C. Crane was a member of the
Evangelical church, and a trustee of the Terra Alta M. £. church. His
townsmen say that he was a regular contributor to ^ery church in
Terra Alta, and that counts for so much more, because his contribu-
tions were voluntary, of the heart, and an evidence of broad liberality
of view, not bound or limited by any isms or orthodoxy. He was a good
Mason, having taken 32 degrees, thus belonging to not only the Blue
Lodge but all the higher degrees up to the 33rd. His Masonry squared
every act of his life. He was also an honored member of the Modem
Woodmen, Woodmen of the World and Knights of Pythias orders.
Mr. Crane was director of his bank, of the Terra Alta Woolen Mills,
and the Bnglehart Woolen Mills, and held positions on the town oouncil,
local board of trade, and was otherwise recognized and honored at
home.
But what count these things? The cold history of a man's career
and his material success weigh lightly against deeds. Perhaps no young
man in this county ever climbed more rapidly. 'He was envied by many,
understood by but fcfw. Yet, as one person with one mind, speak his
townsmen of all sects, creeds and parties, and their testimony is that
Orlando C. Crane was an unselfish man, charitable, ambitious for his
town, a leader among men in all good movemients, and this is a volume
of praise out of many hearts.
Bach man has some absorbing passion — some for evil, some for
good. This passion dominates the life. Aside fiom the thought for
family and friends, even aside from the consideration of making a live-
lihood, one impulse is almost sure to be uppermost. Orlando Crane's
passion was for his home town. He took the lead for civic improve-
ments, every time. Men followed him, too, and while he had no ambi-
tion to be a leader, and no ambition for public honors, he stepped to
the front when necessary and battled valiantly until success or failure
followed — and it was almost always success. He wanted Terra Alta
to be a model town — a town with modern improvements, and he
believed in the present age and people doing things, and the future age,
which would also enjoy such benefits, to help pay the cost. O. C. Crane
wanted his town to be made the county seat purely because he sought
every advantage for his town that oould be obtained. Exposure, over-
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656 PBB8XON County, Wsbt VmaiNu
work and the unseen approach of a death-dealing disease, were results of
this ani>bition and endeavor, and he was honest about every move he
made in that direction, lie was agreeable, while fighting for this thing,
and held no malice whatever.
He was of unusually modest mien, rather retiring, and to fight caused
him more of an effort than most pe(H>le supposed. He preferred a quiet
life and his home, but for that absorbing passion of his to be doing
something for the town. He had few intimates, but those loved him
dearly. They believed in him, as he belienred in his cause and believed
in his town, and they would die for Crane, such was the affection and
faith of his few intimate friends. But the whole community, while at
tinves criticising him, usually came over to his side and allied them-
selves under his banner — ''the best things for the best town in the best
county in the best state of the best country," was his one civic motto.
This young man would have been excusable had he been vain, con-
sidering what he had made of himself through his own efforts. But
he was not vain, although commendably proud. If he indulged in one
little vanity, aside from his pride of home, it was of his wide acquaint-
ance with prominent men. Pew ever saw this side of him, and he rarely
indulged in it even to his closest friends. Orlando Crancf had the friend-
ship and confidence of more big men in the world of finance and in-
dustrial enterprises than any other man in the county, perhaps in the
state. Think of this country boy, with limited schooling, having the
car and approval of scores of men of big finance the country over — and
then you may conceive why he was proud of the fact — proud but never
boastful. Had he lived and kept his health he would have been a mil-
lionaire, and he would never have forgotten Terra Alta and Preston
county. He was a factor in the county— a real force for good, and there
is no one now ready to take his place. What he might have done for
this part of the county wfll never be known. He was taken in the very
infancy of his career.
The largest concourse of persons ever attending the funeral of a
young man in this county thronged the M. E. Church in Terra AlU,
Monday, November 14, to pay a tribute to Orlando C. Crane. From
II o'clock until 1 730 the body lay in state at thcf church, and men,
women and children wept at his bier. The Master of Terra Alta Blue
Lodge and a Knight Templar stood by the casket as the hundreds
passed in and out— silent sentinels to attest to his right living and to
guard a beloved brother while he slept. There has never been such a
profusion of floral offerings seen in this county as the beautiful end)lem8
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MR. AND MRS. GUSTAVUS J. CRESAP.
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ti;k
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LIBRARY
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PBnrroN Gountt^ Wbbt Yirginu 657
sent by sorrowing friends to this funeral. Besides numerous private
remembrances there were huge set pieces from Terra Alta Lodge M. W.
A.; Osiris Temple, of Wheeling; A. F. and A. M. of Terra Alta; Wood-
men of the World, Terra Alta; Mrs. W. H. Casteel, Washington; Mr.
and Mts. Clyde S. Holt, Fairmont; Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Crane, the
Terra Alta Bank; Joseph A. Pugh and W. A. Beavers, Grafton; J. W.
Whittaker, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Arthur Lough, Morgantown, and Mr. and
Mrs. N. S. Clary.
At I -.30 the funeral services began. Rev. S. P. Crummett, pastor
of the M. £. Church, was master of ceremonies, and spoke feelingly of
the deceased, having but a short personal acquaintance with him. Rev.
Bone, of the Terra Alta Presbyterian Church, paid a tribute to Mr.
Crane, showing his lack of bigotry and his helpfulness to all denomina-
tions and all causes. Rev. Harry C. Howard, of First M. £. Church,
Fairmont, delivered a touching address, referring to his personal friend-
ship for the dead man and beautifully exemplifying the the traits of
Mr. Crane. Hon. S. B. Montgomery of Tunnelton delivered a short
but eloquent address in behaK of the laity, bringing tears to the eyes
of the multitude as he touched the chords of their hearts, speaking of
the career of the young man, his friend, whose body lay before him.
It was one of the best funerafl orations ever listened to in this county.
The pall-bearers were: Charles Kelly, Frank Brenneman, John
White, C. A. Miller, William M. Bishop and Frank W. Gandy, all near
and dear friends and business associates of O. C. Crane. A select choir
led by Mrs. A. J. Blliott furnished the music, the hymns all being
favorite selections. Mrs. BHiott sang a Scottish song, "My Ain
Countrie," in her usual iippressive manner.
CRBSAP FAMILY.
Gustavus Jacob Cresap, a resident of Kingwood, and after the Civil
War a practicing lawyer in Preston county, is a great-grandson of
Daniel Cresap, the first of the name, so far as known, to land on
American soil. Daniel Cresap and his four sons — Robert, Daniel,
Thomas and Michael — came over in a ship from England with Lord
Baltimore, and preempted a thousand acres or more of land comprising
the site of Cresap, a village suburb of the city of Cumberland, Md.
Here a house was erected with chimneys made of brick brought from
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658 Peebton County, West Viminu
England, an orchard planted with apple trees brought from the home
land also, and a homestead established, where Bishop Asbury and
Whitcfield were wont to preach the Gospd of Good News to whoever
would give an ear to hear. It was a noted home in other respects as
well. In those days of travail with the Red men savage ruffianism had
to be met and repulsed in bloody warfare, and the sturdy, hardy sons of
Daniel Cresap. found themselves equal to emergeocies, becoming known
as Indian fighters. Michael Cresap is the man spoken of by Logan, the
Indian chief, in a speech, now said by Thomas Jefferson to be unsur-
passed by anything ever uttercfd by Demosthenes or Cicero. At one
time in those days of Indian warfare, when land was cheap and
weapons of defense expensive, the Cresaps bought a gun in trade for a
hundred-acre farm.
Robert Cresap, son of Daniel, was the father of Gustavus Cresap,
the prosecuting attorney of Preston county for 90 many years. He
was one of the younger brothers of the family, bom September ai, 1767.
Robert Cresap was too young to carry a musket, but he carried powder
for the tnoops in the War of the Revolution. Besides being men of
war, the Cresaps were all highly educated men, culture and scholarship
having been one of the characteristic qualifications of the family.
'May 9, 1795, Robert Cresap married Susannah Sweanger, born
August 4, 1773. The children born to this union were: Ruth, January
16, 1797; Harriet, April 24, 1798; Thomas S., June 16, 1799; John, De-
cember 26, 1800; iHannah, November 27, 1802; Daniel, Jtme 23, 1804;
Gustavus, January 9, 1806; Eusebia, December 27, 1807; Lenox, July
II, 1809; Susan A., August 9, 1811 ; James William, May 16, 1814.
Robert Cresap died September 4, 1827. His son, Gustavus, was
graduated from Frederick College, Maryhind, and then a course of
study in law was pursued. Being a fint scholar, especially in Latin, his
legal qualifications were successfully obtained. In 1829 he came to
Kingwood and began the practice of his profession and remained there
until removed by death. On February 3, 1831, he married Ruhama
Pindall, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Pindall of Morgantown. His
father-in-law was a large landowner and at one time possessed Crab
Orchard, 600 acres of which he gave to his daughters Ruhama and
Susan Pindall. He also owned the first hotel in Morgantown. When
he was young, Mr. Pindall carried salt and pewter dishes from Phila-
delphia to Morgantown on horses.
After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cresap took up their residence in the
new house now owned and occupied by his two children, Gustavus
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Preston C!ountt, West Visoinu 659
J. and Mary Baldwin Cresap, and where they died, the death of the
father occurring in May, 1884, and the mother, May 23, 1900. She was
bom Septemfber 8, 1808.
In 1832, Gustavud Cresap was elected prosecuting attorney of
Preston county, and he held that office until the year of the War, 1862.
After the war he ran for the same office in three counties — Preston,
Barbour, and Randolph, and elected in the two lasit named. He was
known as a forceful speaker, a great orator, and, most of all, an honest
and upright man. James McGrefw said Gustavus Cresap was the best
prosecuting attorney in the State of West Virginia. As a man, Mr.
Cresap stood high in the estimation of his fellow townsmen. As a
Mason, among the members of the Kingwood Lodge, which he honored,
none were honored more highly than he, and also as a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Church, to which he and his wife both belonged.
Mr. and Mrs. Cresap were both charitable and very good to the poor,
for their many deeds of charity and goodwill are still remembered.
Owing to Mr. Cresap's work and influence Preston county became a
temperance one, and it has remained so. Their children were: Susan
Louisa, born March 15, i83f3. She married R. E. Cowan, by whom she
had four children. Judge Cowan was a brilliant lawyer and Judge of the
Court of Equity two terms in Kansas City, Mo. lie is now dead. At
one time he held the office of Record of the Seal of the Knights of
PjTthias, the highest office in that fraternity in the world. His widow
resides in St. Louis, Mo. (2) Hannah Harriet, bom July 9, 1834,
died when four years of age. (3) Charles James Pindall, born August
17* 1836, studied law and practiced his profession in all the courts of
the state. He settled many large estates and became a large land^
owner himself. At one time he was a member of the State Legislature.
His wife was Miss Agnes Crawford of Rockbridge, Va. On the night
before he died, which was October 21, 1886, he said he was going home
at six in the morning, and at six next morning he died. (4) Maria
Elizabeth, married Israel Schaeffer. She was bom April 11, 1839, and
married in 1880; there were no children. (5) Robert Shelby was bom
March 5, 1841. He was killed in the Civil War at MoorefieM, December
4, 1862. (6) Josepiiine Harriet, was bom Febmary 21, 1844. Shtf
died when twelve years old. (7) Mary Baldwin was bom November
30, 1845. iShe promised both of her parents never to marry. (8)
Rachad Ruhamah, bom June 30, 1848, was married to O. G. Murdock,
a farmer. They resided in Kansas until his death in 1899, ^^ ^^^^
she retumed to Kingwood. No children. (9) Gustavus Jacob, bom
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660 Pkeston CJounty, West Vibginu
Septanber 13, 1850, n^vtr married. He and his sister took faithful
charge of the old folks until taken from them by death. Under his
father's tuition he studied law and practiced) with him as long as his
parent lived, and then coniined his time to looking after his interests of
his realty which have been considerable. He was made executor of the
parental estate and by his father's request rcfquired to give bond but
no security. He has been a useful citizen of the commonwealth in a
number of ways. In Odd Fellowship he stood high. He was Noble
Grand at one time, held the office of Past Grand and (filled offices
of subordinate lodges ten or twelve years. He was also one of the
chief officers of the encampment and represented the Grand Lodge of
the State twice. Both he and his sister are members of the Presbyterian
church. They reside at the old homestead and their lives are standing
monuments of peace and quietude and good will to all mien.
ROBERT BUCRNER BROWN.
Thomas Brown, above mentioned, was the ancestor of the subject
of this sketch, who was the son of Buckner B. and Jane Freeborn
Brown. Of these parents the father died June 28, 1877, forty-four years
of age, and the mother died in 1908, aged seventy-two years.
Robert Buckner Brown was bom near Reedsville, July 25, 1867.
He was raised on the fa^rm, and educated in the common schools. His
father dying when he was but nine years old, left the cares of the home
to him and his younger brother, Edwin S., after the older brothers and
sisters had married off and moved away. Of these, Anna was the
eldest, then came Thomas F., Charles M., Adaline, Ellen, Vii^l B.,
Alice (who died when four years old), Robert B., Edwin S. and Aura
(twins, bom July 16, 1869), and Maude, the youngest, bom April 2,
1875, now the wife of ex-Oovemor Dawson of Charleston, West
Virginia.
R. B. Brown is a contractor and builder. He was a carpenter on
bridges for the B. & O. Railroad Company when twenty years of age,
and continued with them about ten years. He was also in the employ
of the W. Va. N. R. R. Co., as master carpenter, three years; after
which he was contractor and builder of the M. E. Church and other
buildings from that time in Masontown and vicinity. He also built all
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ROBERT B. BROWN
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COL. JOHN A. F. MARTIN
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the bridges and trestU work bcftw^en ReedsviUe and Rowleaburg for
the M. & K. Railroad.
(Mr. Brown is a Republican. He was president of the Board of
Education of the Kingwood district; is now president of the Board of
Education in the Valley district, and was at one time a committeeman.
Mr. Brown's first wife, Maggie Brand, died May, ¥899. By her be
had two children: Maude L., born May 16, 1893, and Marion Ruth,
bom June 29, 1894. The former daughter resides with her aunt, Mrs.
W. M. O. I>ELwson, at Charleston, and the latter lives with Mrs. H. C.
Flythc, at Kingwood.
Mr. Brown was married to Miss Callie, daughter of Saoford Watson,
iSeptember 16, 1903. She was born September 16, 1871 ; no issue.
Mr. Blown is a mem1)er of the Knights of Pythias, and is much
interested in church work. He was originally a member of the M. P.
Church, but is now, and has been for years, an active member of the
M. £. Church. He was trustee, also superintendent, of Kingwood
Church for several 3^ears.
IMr. Brown's winter home is at St. Petersburg, Florida. He and
his family have been spending the winter there during the past four
years. His house was built in 1905, and remodeled in 191 1. He plants
his garden in the month of December, generally.
ISAAC PARSONS MARTIN.
Colonel Charles Mairtin, from Martinsburg, Maryland, was the first
settler in Preston by the name of 'Martin to come to this county. His
arrival in Monongalia was in 1769, and a few years later he built the
Stockade near the state line at Crooked Run.
Allen Martin, the immigrant predecessor of Isaac Parsons Martin,
came from Charles county, Maryland, to the Clades of Valley about
the same time the Fairfaxes did. He settled first near Morgantown.
In 1806-9 he was keeping a tavern on the John W. Guseman place. He
and Ms wife, Arlotta Maddox Martin, were buried at a place called
the Bend of the River, near Little Falls. Only his son Aquila seems
to have remained in Preston. The only son of Aquila was John A.
F. Martin, whose nK>ther was Mary Brown Fairfax. He was bom
April 22, 1822, and died January 24, 1898. He lived at Kingwood and
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662 Pbbston C!ountT| West VnteiNU
Terra Alta, and became one of the most prominen't citizens of the
county. At one tim« he was sheriff of the county and was a member
of the State Legislature, colonel of the 148th Rcgimcfnt, Militia, and
identified in a public-spirited way with a number of important enter-
prises. He accumulated considerable property, was a Bible scholar
and a well-informed man. His affability was one of the characteristics
of his nature, and that, with his great generosity and kindness of heart,
made him a very popular man, especially among the poor. His wife
was Susan Louisa Fairfax, daughter of Buckner Fairfax. The
listers of John A. F. Martin were: Alinda, born February
10, 1826; Sophia A., born August, 1828, and Emeline. His wife
was born November 17, 1833, married October 19, 1852, and died
August 25, 1854, fifteen diays after the birth of I. Parsons Martin, their
only child. Bereft of a mother's care the son was taken into the home
of Buckn«r Fairfax, and then, under the tutition of his grand-parents,
was educated in the common schools and given a start in life. His
earlier years were spent on a farm in Dunkard Bottom, and for a time
he was in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company.
July 21, 1881, Mr. Martin was married in Grafton, W. Va., at the
residence of Mr. V. T. Handley, to Miss Nannie Stanton of Jefferson
county, Ohio. She was the daughter of H. B. Stanton, born January
31I, 1820, in Warren county, Pennsylvania, and died July 28, 1864. He
was a boat builder and soldier in the Civil War. His wife was Miss
Mary A. Kimball, bom June 15, 1825.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Martin took up their re^dence
in Terra Alta, where Mr. Martin was occupied in the management of
the Martin farm for a period of four years, after which he removed to
the Fairfax homestead in Ehinkard Bottom. They lived here until
coming to Kingwood fourteen years ago, where the family now resides.
Mr. Martin has been one of the largest farmers and most extensive
landowner in Preston county. His possessions at this time amount to
nearly four thousand acres of land. Aside from speculations in real
estate and coal lands, Mr. Martin has erected a fine business block in
Kingwood and operates through his son, Earl Fairfax Martiin, quite
an extensive trade in the hardware business.
Kindness of heart, plainness in manner, and honesty and intent of
purpose are the chief characteristics of Mr. Martin, and there is prob-
ably no man in Preston county more respected than he is.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Martin are : Earl Fairfax, born August
25, 1882. On September i, 1909, he married Miss Jessie B. Huggins.
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They reside in Kingwood, where he is in charge of the hardware store
of that place. John Russell 'Martin, the second child, was bom October
24, 1890. He married Beatrice Jean Brown, May 10, 1910, and is con-
nected with the West Virginia-Maryland Gas Company at Rowlesburg, ,
W. Va. Two children: Jean Louisa, born September 11, 191 1, and
Frederick Fairfax, born October 12, 1913, ase the fruit of this union.
The Martin family are members of the Presbyterian Church. The
family is no less distinctive socially than in church. Their marital
relationship with the Fairfax family is known. I Parsons Martin has
in his possession a letter written by Gcforge Washington to Colonel
Fairfax, dated March, 1789. The missive, rather a long one, pertains
to Washington's estate at Mount Vernon, of which Colonel Fairfax
was superintendlent.
WINFIBUD SCOTT GARNiER.
Winfield Scott Garner of Tunnelton, the dean of Preston county
journalism and the first native of the county to occupy the editorial
tripod within her borders, was born in what is now Grant district, Jan-
uary 16, 1848. His primary instruction was recefived in the public
schools, and he later attended the Brandonville academy and the old
Kingwood academy. Bntering life with, a thirst for knowledge, but
surrounded by no fortuitous circumstances and compelled to rely on
his own unaided efforts in securing an education, he has remained a
close student of the world for sixty years — grathering facts at first hand
and thinking them out to their ultimate conclusions. With contemporary
history he has interwoven the past experience of mankind, as recorded
by the writers of ail ages, and sums up the result of his study by saying
the world is yet in the morning twilight of its civilization; that man-
kind is still half savage; that much of what men think they know is non-
existent, and much of what actually exists i» still unknown. He believes
that the institutions under which we live are man-made and can be un-
made or re-made whenever human intelligence reaches the high plane
necessary to re-create or improve them.
But while inclined to historic and philosophic studies, Mr. Gamer
has not been merely a dreamer. His life has rather been filled with
active, hard work. Immediately after leaving school at Kingwood he
entered the store of J. P. Jones & Co., at St. George, Tucker county,
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664 Pbbston County, West Virginu
where he became postmaster and remained until the fall of 1869. He
then purchased a third interest in 'The Journal" at Kingwood, and,
beginninif at the bottom, he thoroughly learned the printing business.
In 1871 he went to Grafton and bought a half-interest in the "Grafton
Sentinel," which he practically edited for three years, winning consider-
able reputation as a writer. When that paper was sold to Charles M.
Shinn of Fairmont, Mr. Garner started the "Grafton Times," and while
publishing that journal he issued the first daily paper ever printed in
Grafton. In 1877 he went to Chicago, where for five years he was con-
nected with the press of that city — one year with the Lakeside Publish-
ing Co., one year with Culver, Page, Hoyne & Co., and three years with
David C. Cook, the Sunday school and tempcrrance publisher. He was
also foreman for a time on the "Young Folks' Rural," and editor of
"The Mirror of Fashions." He likewise published several pamphlets in
his own name, including a volume of poems for Mrs. Sberlie Wood-
man, the speech delivered by Zach. Chandler in Chicago the night before
his sudden death, and several l€K:tures by Robert IngersoU.
Returning to West Virginia in 1882, Mr. Gamer purchased a small
interest in the mercantile firm of L. F. Miller & Co. at Hazelton, which
town he named, issued the "Hazelton Herald," and secured the
establishment of a post office at that place. He conducted the store one
year, and in 1883 engaged with Hon. W. M. O. Dawson and B. M.
Squires in the printing and publication of S. T. Wile/s History of
Monongalia County, part of which he also wrote. The following year
he read proof and superintended the printing of Hu Maxwell's History
of Tucker County.
In the fall of 18^ Mr. Garncfr was offered the position of managing
editor in the office of the Gresham Publishing Co., at Richmond, Indiana,
and for three years had charge of all the publications of that large firm.
Chief among these was a series of Historical and Biographical C3rclo-
pedias of the leading counties in New York and Pennsylvania. Samuel
T. Wiley, the well-known historian, did the historical woric on these
massive octavo volumes, while Mr. Garner edited them, wrote the bio-
graphical sketches which comprised nearly half of each book, and saw
them through the press and bindery. After his return to Preston he
projected a similar work for this county, but for lack of mieans was
compelled to abandon it.
■Early in 1886 he started a literary paper at Tunnelton, under the
name of '^Garner's Gleaner," which he conducted for five years, only
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PBnrroN CJounty, West Vibqinu 665
suspending it to accept the offer of the Gresham Co. Other papers with
which he has been connected as local editor or publisher were: "The
Preston County Herald," "The Preston Leader," "Clarksburg People's
Press," "The Grafton News," "The Terra Alta Republican," "MounUin
State Telephone" and "Webster Springs Republican." Akogether he
^ent over a quarter of a century as a country newspaper publisher, and
was a devotee of the "art preservative of arts" for forty years, but
retired permanently in 191 2. In 1903 he published an eighty-page book-
let entitled "Indusftrial and Commercial Growth of Tunnelton, W. Va.,'*
and the followinj^ year a small volume of his own poems under the title
of "Rustic Rhymes." He also wrote and printed for gratuitous distribu-
tion "The Press of Preston," a short history of the various early news-
paper enterprises in this county. Brief biographies of Mr. Garner have
already appeared in two works of national circulation, "Men of 1912,"
and "Poets of America," the latter accompanied by two selections from
his "Rustic Rhymes." In early life he taught several terms in the public
schools, spent one summer as a book canvasser, and one year as a fruit
tree agent.
Politically, Mr. Garner has always been somewhat independent,
earnestly cherishing the ideal of a pure democracy, but realizing that
its day has not yet dawned. While editor of "The Grafton Times" he
was a candidate for the legislature from Taylor county ; in 1910 for the
state senate from the Fourteenth district, and in I9i'2 for Congress
from the Second district, on the Socialist ticket. He is not a member
of any secret order. Believing devoutly in the brotherhood of man, no
smaller brotherhood has ever attracted him. When asked to define
his creed, he repHed: "I believe in an all-wise, all-powerful and just
God — and who by searching can find out anything more about Him?
So firm is my faith in His wisdom and justice that I am not worrying
about what He will do in this world or in any other world. I love
Jesus, the carpenter, and the great principles He taught, and believe
they will yet rule the whole earth, despite the misconception and mis-
representation from which they have suffered. Love, faith and knowl-
tigt is the greatest trinity on earth. I love love, have profound faith
in faith, but believe that knowledge is the power that propels the car
of human progress."
While in Chicago, May 24, 1881, Mr. Gamer was married to Miss
Mary E, Kay of Niles, Michigan. To them were bom five sons and
two daughters: Robert Kay, married Miss Mattie Brown, taught several
terms in the public schools, and for nearly six years has been mail
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666 Pkbston Countt, Wsot YmssHik
carrier on rural route No. 2 of Tunnelton, where he residefs; George
Gordon, married Miss Helen Spencer, and is now shipping clerk in a
glass factory at Wellsburg, W. Va. ; Edward Earnest ; Joseph Harold,
now of Reedsvillc ; Ralph Leslie, died at the age of three ; Grace, now
the wife of Victor Raymond HofFnvan of Tunndton; and Gertrude, at
home with her parents on Walnut Hill farm, near Tunnelton, where
the family has resided for more than thirty years.
TIHOMAS NATHIAN TAiNI^ER.
Nathan Tanner is known to the people of Union district as a suc-
cessful farmer, who died there in 1910, at the age of 81 years. His
father was an old'-timer who lived in the days of stage coach travel.
The old homestead is still in the family and is now owned by William
Meyers, Mr. Tanner's son-in-law. The farm is located at Salt Lick
Creek and had a growth of good timber which gave a profitable return
for years in the lumber trade.
Thomas Nathan Tanner was born on the old homestead on April
22, 1868. He was raised a farnter, and after becoming of age experi-
enced rather an eventful life. He did not obtain an extended school
education but had vigprous youth, plenty of health, and a desire to see
more of the world than lay in the hills of West Virginia. This desire
took him on an extended trip through different portions of the states
of Iowa and Nebraska, where he remained as a farm hand and drilling
wells. He remained away from home from 1890 to 1896. During these
six years much experience was obtained and on his return home he
was better fitted than before for the duties that afterward devolved
upon him. In 1896 an important event occurred. On November 4 of
that year he married Lizzie A. Darland, a daughter of James Darland,
a farmer of Spring Hill, Iowa. She was a most estimable lady, and
one whose whole life, after the nuptial feast, 'was one of almost constant
suffering. She suffered from a nervous rheumatic affliction that
baffled all medical skill. So helpless had she become not a hand or
foot could be moved without her husband's assistance, and his life, to
the day of her dq>arture, was given up to duties incident to her afflic-
tion. Several years were spent in travel. After about two years on
the old homestead in the lumber trade and three years after that in
Terra Alta, he sold out his business and went to Iowa, remaining one
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THOMAS N. TANNER
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JAMES TANNER.
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Preston County, West Virginia 667
year; he then w«fnt to Indian Territory, remaining two years. Here
relief was sought in several hospitals, but to no avail. On April 22,
1901, the home trip was begun. The invalid was placed on a cot and
carried in the baggage car, first to Quinema, Kansas, a distance of 256
miles, and remained three months in a sanitarium of anthropology. Still
finding no relief, the family, now consisting of father, mother and one
son, Gerald D. Tanner, then six yefars old, left the sanitarium and came
to Terra Alta.
In the spring of 1906 /Mr. Tanner took up his residence in Reedsville,
where he continued his lumber busiiKfss to the present time.
Careful and conservative, Mr. Tanner has made a success of the
lumber business, not by large ventures, but by utilizing ervery advantage
of the trade in an honest way. He never employed more than ten or
fifteen men at a time, and never took unnecessary risks.
In 1907, his wife, a long and patient suflFerer, departed from this
vale of tears, but leaving behind her many blessed remembrancers for
both father and son.
September 9, 1908, Mr. Tanner was married to Miss Gertrude
Frazicfr of Newlburg, Preston county. She was a daughter of William
Prazier, an engineer on the B. & O. Railroad.
Mr. Tanner is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Knights of Pythias.
He and his family worship with the Methodist Church, of which he
is a member.
JiAiMtES TANNiBR.
Among the successful farmers and lumbermen of Preston county
is James Tanner of Terra Alta. He was the son of Nathan and Alcinda
Tanner. (See sketch.) He was born November 26, 1872, at Salt Lick,
and has spent his whole life in Prefston county. Raised on a farm, and
having now two large ones, the products of his own savings, his success
as an agriculturist has become an established fact.
Mr. Tanner is a self-made man. After a few months' schooling
for a few winttfrs only, he began the lumber business in a small way.
His father had been a manufacturer of staves to some extent, and this
may have been a forerunner of his own business begun by him on
August 22, 1892, and which now amounts to a capacity for manufac-
turing 200,000 feeft of lumber per month. The first mill was only a
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668 PuBSTOK County, Wbst VraoiNu
twenty horsepower affair and was operated by himsdf and his brother,
William, for a couple of years. In 1904 he moved from Salt Lick to
Howesville, and remained ther€ four years, carrying on the business
somewhat more extensively. In 1906 he bought the valuable farm on
which he now lives, and since that time, in connection with the lumber
industry, has been farming somewhat extensively, dealing in blooded
stock wholly. He now owns another large farm near Terra Alta, both
places being admirably adapted for grazing purposes. His brother,
Walter, operated the home farm until 1898, when Mr. Tanner moved
on the place, and where he has since resided. In 1908, Mr. Tanner
operated a mill at Pleasantdale, then built and operated a more ex-
tensive mill at Trowbridge, where a very large and successful industry
was carried on to the present time. He also owns and operates plants
at Possum Hollow, where he has two mills also which have been in suc-
cessful operation since 191 2.
At the present time the Trowbridge interests are being moved to
Rodamer, where a more extensive outfit than any yet heretofore is being
erected. In this new venture arrangements are being made for the
manufacture of 200,000 feet of lumber monthly.
'Mr. Tanner has been an extensive dealer also in poles. For seven
years past he has bought and shipped poles to markets east and west
to the extent of 100,000 feet a month. He is also identified with two
extensive oil wells in Ohio which are very valuable property. As
a farmer, lumberman and oil man, Mr. Tanner has been very successful
in life.
Mr.^ Tanner was married to Nancy Everly on the 9th day of March,
1898. She is the daughter of Ehtvid and Mary Everly of Preston
county. Their children are: Hazel, born September i, 1900; Lester,
born November 16, 1903 ; Charlie, born January 16, 1905 ; Clifton, bom
November 14, 1910; Milton, bom March 5, 1912.
The family worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
C5HAllLiES SPINDUER.
One of the wide-awake, aggressive politicians among leading Re-
publicans of Preston county is Charles Spindler, who never asked for
an office for himself until 1908, when he decided he would enter the
race for sheriff. At that time there were five candidates for the Re-
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CHARLES SPINDLER.
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SANFORD L. COBUX.
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Preston County, West Viroinia 669
pablican nomioAtion, all good tAtn, and that made the race an exciting
one; but when the votes were counted Mr. Spindler was 250 notches
ahead of his nearest competitor and had more than twice as many votes
except one, while in the general election he ran about 200 votes ahead
of his ticket, having been electtfd by a handsome majority.
This young Prestonian was bom in Grant disitrict, April 29, 1869.
He is the grandson of Wyatt Spindler, who came to Grant from Somer-
set in 1849, ^^^ settled near Clifton Mills, on the Andrew Spindlcfr
farm. Jonathan, another son, settled at Brandonville. Andrew S. is the
father of Charles. He was born in Germany and followed farming. His
wife was Miss Nancy J. Haines of Somerset, Pennsylvania.
Charles Spindler was raised on a farm, but when nineteen 3rears
old learned the carpenter trade. Later he went into the undertaking
business at Terra Alta, where he served as mayor two years, and be-
cause of his popularity — ^always having been a kind-hearted man and
very considerate of othefrs — was elected to the best office in th ecounty.
January 11, 1899, Mr. Spindler was married to Nettie E. Metheny of
Lewis county, where she was bom April 5, 1878. They have three
childrcfn: Willie, Hobert and Ralph.
(Mr. ^indler is a recognized fraternity man, being a Mason, an Odd
Fdlow, a Knight of Pythits, W. O. W., and member of Rebekah Order.
He is a member of the M. E. Church.
SAINFORD LEB COBUN.
The Cobun family are of English descent and were among the iirst
to settle in Preston county. James Cobun, son of of Jonathan, settled
near Dorse/s Knob, building his cabin at a place a little south of Mason-
town, as early as 1770. In 1790 he patented one thousand acres in this
part of the county, and on these lands their descendants have lived to
this present time.
The Honorable Sanford Lee Cobun, president of the Bank of Mason-
town and member of the State Legislature, is a grandson of Isaac and
Sarah McMillen Cobun and a son of Benjamin Franklin Cobun, who
for a long time was one of the successful merchants of the town. Mr.
B. P. Cobun built two houses on the old homestead, one of which
about one-half mile east of the village he used for his residence, and is
where he died in April, 1898, at the age of sixty-one-and-a-half years.
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670 Preston County, West Virginia
He and his brothers, Isaac B., Simon, James, Lincoln and Meyer, were
men of influence in the community and left descendants worthy of the
name which they bear, some of them being merchants, others successful
farmers.
B. P. Cobun was married to Miss Margaret Jane Hartley about six
or seven years before the breaking out of the Civil War. She was the
youngest child of Edward Hartley. (See sketch of the Hartleys.) She
was bom at Masontown, June 29, 1832, and is still living. The children
born of this union wcfre : Albert M., who died of typhoid fever when
about twenty-five years of age, July, 1881. He was a school teacher
and a merchant. (2) Harriett, who married Samruel Field and moved
to Galesburg, Illinois, where he died. (3) Homer S., who is a farmer
and stock raiser near Reedsville. He married Attie Loar, daughter of
Richard Loar. (4) Sanford Lee, of whom mention will again be made.
(5) Elmer Ellsworth, a farmer and stock naiser, and the father of one
child, Helen Elizabeth. His wife, Aura, was a daughter of Buckner
and James Brown (for history of which see the sketch of the Brown
family.) (6) Louie, the wife of Allison Stuck, a farmer living near
Masontown. She is the mother of two children. (7) Florence, the wife
of Edward Wasson of Fairview, Illinois, and the mother of two children.
(8) Willie G., a mcfrchant of Reedsville. He married Clara Freeland.
They have one child. (9) Myra, married Sherman Snyder and resides at
Keyser, W. Va. They have one child. Mr. Snyder is a conductor on
the railroad. (10) Alice, the youngest child of B. F. and Margaret
Cobun, died at twenty years of age.
iSanford Lee Cobun was born September 11, i860. He received a
free and select school education, and spent the earlier years of his life
on the farm and in the store of B. F. Cobun & Son. On the death of
his older brother he left school and took his place behind the counter
in the store, where he continued for twent)r-nine years. Under his
management business grew steadily. He first built the company's
store. In the year 1907 he purchased the old hotel property, and in
191 1 he erected on its site a fine building. It is a three-story brick
structure, well adapted for both contmercial and hotel purposes. The
village post office occupies one room on the ground floor. There are
about thirty rooms in all.
Mr. Cobun was a charter member of the Bank of Masontown, organ-
ized in 1907, and during the following year was made its president,
which position he still holds. He was a member of the City Council
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MR. & MRS. JEREMIAH GUTHRIE
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of Masontown and its mayor until 1910, when he was elected a member
of the lower house of the State Legislature. He is also president of
the Board of Trade.
On September 17, 1885, Mr. Cobun was married to Mattie E. Loar,
daughter of Jonathan and Susan Loar of Reedsiville, and to this union
one daughter, Glenna Lucille, was born. On August i, 1897, ^^s wife
died, and on September 9, 1903, he was married to Rosa E. Roby,
daughter of Albert and Luara Louisa "Roby of Herring.
Mr. and Mrs. Cobun are members and warm supporters of the
Methodist Church.
GUTHRIE FAMILY.
The Guthries were from Tyrone county, Ireland. James Guthrie and
his four brothers came to this country about 1784, and settled first in
Cumberland county, Maryland. About 1792, James came to Preston
county and located on the farm now owned by his grandson, Jeremiah,
and died there in January, 1833. He was born in 1761. The names of
his brothers were : Truman, John, Robert and 'Stephen. His wife was
Mary Shelps, daughter of John, who was killed by the Indians in Ken-
tucky in 1806. She was born in 1764, and died in 1839. April i, 1796,
when the homestead was bought, the family moved into an old cabin
that stood on the place. In 1812, the stone house was built, and this
stood until 1887, when it was burned to the ground.
James Guthrie, the grawlfather, was a thrifty farmer, an honest
man, and a Christian gentleman. On his tombstone is a verse that well
depicts his character. Here lies
"The pioneer who crossed the sea
And carved a home for you and me.
To all who were in want or need,
Grandfather was a friend indeed."
The children born to this union were: (i) John, born August 31,
1792, married Elizabeth Bogcr, born May 31, 1799. She died February
15, 1875. He died December 10, 1870. (2) William, born April 10,
1794, married Rebecca Jeffers, born March 9, 1801, died April 15, 1869.
He died July 12, 1873. (3) George, born 1796, died 1832. (4) Isabell,
bom November 28, 1798, married Henry Sliger, and died April 12, 1870.
(5) Stephen, bom March 26, 1801, died November 28, 1888, married first.
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672 Preston County, West Virconia
Fanny Hazlet. Second wife was Barbara Dennis. She was bom May
25, 1800, and died April M, 1873. (6) Rachel, bom April 16, 1804,
married James G. Crawford, and died September 28, 1874. He was
bora June 25, 1815, and died Fcbmary 22, 1902. (7) James, bora Sep-
tember 7, 1806, married Barbara Boger, July 26, 1844, and died March
29, 1879. She was bom August 13, 1820, and died May 2, 1888. (8)
Absalom, bora about 1809, died in Ohio. He married Sotrah Armstrong.
(9) Jacob, bora in 1812, died at the age of nine years. (10) Alexander,
born May i, 1815, died June 2, 1877. He married, first wife, Mary
Jeffers, born July 11, 1819, died May 24, 1848. His second wife was
Anna Smith, bom April 30, 1818, died June 12, 1897.
These ten children became the ancestors of all the Guthries in West
Virginia, and their home, before owned by John Spurgeon, their birth-
place.
James Guthrie, the seventh child of James the pioneer, was the
father of Jeremiah Guthrie, the present well-known Commissioner of
Preston county. James* children were: Alcinda, born September 8,
1845. She married F. C. Barnes. Sarah Ann, born Febmary 21, 1847,
died January 30, 1880. Ephraim, born June 14, 1850, died October 20,
1854. Jeremiah, born September 10, 1852. Mary, born October 15,
1854, died December 23, 1872. Harrison, bora April 22, 1858, married
Lydia Fawcett. Lucretia, bom April 28, i860, died April 28, 1877.
Jeremiah Guthrie married Nancy A. Nicola, April 7, 1878. She was
born April 12, 1859, and is the daughter of Jacob B. Nicola, the founder
in reality of the town of Hazelton. (See sketch.) Their children were :
James, born February 2, 1879, married Cora B. Maust. He is a well-to-
do farmer near Brandonville. Tliey have two children, Glenn and Ruth.
(2) Susanna, born February 14, 1880. She married Marcellus Falkner;
no issue. (3) Hattie, born December 20, 1881, married Joseph Henry
Harshbarger. They have three children: Homer L., Emma and
Jeremiah. (4) Norton, bom April 13, 1884. (5) An infiant, born Jan-
uary 29, 1886. (6) Lloyd, born April 2, 1887. (7) Stella, bom May 8,
1889. (8) Troy, bom February 24, 1891. (9) Dellie, bom September
17, 1893. (10) Ray, born December 17, 1895. ((i) Dessie, bom April
6, 1899. (12) An infant, bom June 10, 1902.
Honesty, simplicity and Christian piety are characteristic traits of
the Guthrie family. Theeir avocation is farmings and in that they are
all successful. Jeremiah Guthrie has raised 60 bushels of oats on an
acre of his land, 32 bushels of wheat, and 100 bushels of corn. This
was on the old home place. He is well liked as a county commissioner.
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H. FOSTER HARTMAN.
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PEB8TON COUNTT, WEST ViKQINU 673
THE H»ARTMA'N FAMILY.
Michael Hartman came from Shenandoah county about 1805, and
settled on the Isaiah W. Hartman place near Lenox. John, one 9on»
built a 9aw mill on Lick Run. Michael wagoned on the National
Road, a number of years and was once absent a year with a large
load of merchandise, which he took to Tennessee before he returned.
He married Margaret Miller. Henry, their eldest son, died about
1875, about seventy-five years of age. He wagoned also. Henry's first
wife was Lovila Sypolt. She was the daughter of George Sypolt, who
lived on Beech Run.
Their children were Sarah Jane, now Mrs. Elijah Messenger of
Terra Alta ; Mrs. Henry Beatty, of the Whctsell neighborhood ; George
Washington, born at Crab Orchard, September i, 1842, a veteran of
the late war, serving in Company F, of the Sixth Virginia Infantry,
from August, 1861, to the 12th of June, 1865. In 1867, he married
Miss Susan Harriet Bonafield, daughter of Thornton and Sarah
Bonafield, a farmer near Tunnelton, and nK>ved there on the old
Bonafield homestead, which Mr. Hartman bought in 1869. In 1905,
they moved to Terra Alta. Their children are Edward Thornton,
who married Nira Watson of Kingwood. They live in Boston. (2)
Arnold Wesley, who married Ida Hanaway, and lives on the home
farm. (3) Mabel, who married Bert Gibson a lumberman of Mason-
town. (4) Lee Burt, a merchant of Tunnelton; (5) Alice Virginia,
who married Bruce Falkenstein ; (6) Henry Foster, candidate for sheriff ;
(7) and Lessie, the youngest child, now at home.
Henry Foster Hartman, Sheriff of Preston County, was born
December 25, 1880. His life until eighteen years of age was spent
on a farm in the Kingwood District, and his education obtained in
the Bonafidd school near Tunnelton. In 1898, he became a member
of the mercantile firm of George Hartman & Son, of Lenox, but two
years afterwards he went to Terra Alta, where he owned and oper-
ated a store. In 1905, he closied out and established the Terra Alta
Candy Company and did a profitable wholesale and retail trade in the
ice cream and candy business for four years. It was his honesty and
agreeable manners in his relationship to the people of Preston County
that has made a possibiKty of him for the office of Sheriff.
April 23, 190S, Mr. Hartman was married to Miss Belle Kelly.
She is the daughter of W. S. and Sarah (Feathers) Kelly of Lenox,
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674 Pbbston County, West Viboinu
and was born December 19, 1882. She is a descendant of John Kelly
of Revolutionary fame.
Three children were bom of this marriage. Ruby Beatrice, bom
November 215, 1903; Donald, the second child, and then Harold
Spencer.
Mr. and Mrs. Hartman are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and are well and favorably known in Terra Alta, and through-
out Prc?ston County.
FOREST WHvLIAlM WHITE.
Groceries and drygoods stores, hotels and livery stables are among
the indispensables of every place where trading is carried on. King-
wood is well supplied with these establishments, its livery stable
being one of the best in Preston County, and its owner a man well
adapted to its particular needs.
Forest W. White, proprietor of the King^ood stable, is a son of
John S. White, at one tinue an owner of this stand. The father was
a brother of George Washington White, of Pleasantdale (see sketch)
and it was on that old homestead farm he was born January 2,
1859. He married Miss Jennie B. White, a native of Oakland, Mary-
land. Their children were Elmer E., now owner and proprietor of a
large hotel at Logan, Logan County, West Virginia. His wife was
Miss Lummie Graham; Forest W. ; Ada B., born April 26, 1886; Mc-
Kinley, born June 2^, 1900.
Forest W. White was born March 28, 1884. His parents were in
poor circumstances, and shifted about as renters from place to place.
The birth of Forest was on the farm now owned by Benoni Jordan
near Kingwood. They lived four years in Bari>our County at one
time.
After a common school education was obtained, young Mr. White
began life for himself. He teamed seven or eight years, and in that
line of work first got his start. In 1906 he bought out all interests
in the Livery Stable, with lot-s covering nine tenths of an acre in all.
In 191 1, he built his commodious residence, two story and a basement,
and will in the near future erect another residence on the lot adjoining.
He owns a round dozen of teams, and twenty-five good rigs to meet
the demands of his traveling patrons whose number has increased
very largely quite lately.
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FORREST W. WHITE
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Fj2i:.Z LIBRARY
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Preston County, West Vdioinia 675
Mr. White was married August 13, 191 1, to Miss Addic B. Stone,
4jiughter of Charley Stone, whose sketch also appears in this work. One
child, Eugene Francis, born February 25, 1912, is the fruit of this
union. He died March 23, 1912,
Mr. White is a member of the I. O. O. F., but aside from this
order he belongs to no other fraternity.
DAVID JOSEPH GIBSON.
David Joseph Gibson, son of Joseph H. and Jane E. Gibson, was
born in Cumberland, Maryland, October 21, 1846. When a year old his
father removed to the Willett farm one mile east of Brandonville,
Preston County, Virginia now West Virginia, where he entered into
the mercantile business.
He received his education in the best select schools that pcrriod
afforded. One of his early recollections of school life was when he
attended a select school taught by Harriet E. Gans in the Quaker
Meeting House, which was located east of Brandonville about one
and a half miles.
In the interim his father removed to Brandonville, whcfre they in
1865 entered into the mercantile business in the Ridenour Hotel
property in which they continued until the year 1870, when he and
his father removed to what is now known as St. Joe, one half mile
above Albright, Preston County, where thcfy entered into co-partner-
ship with Jos. B. Cressler in the manufacture of lumber.
On the 28th day of October, 1869, he was married to Clara C.
Cressler of Shippensburg, Pa., to which union two children were born,
both of which died in infancy. In the year 1873 he was appointed
Deputy Sheriff by Elisha Thomas, then Sheriff for the east side,
which office he filled for four years. At the expiration of his term
of office (1877), he removed to Newburg, Preston County, where he
entered into the mercantile business with his brother-in-law, L. M.
Albright in which town he resided for 27 years. During this period
he filled the office of Deputy Sheriff for Lyon District under Elisha
Thomas' second term as Sheriff, with various city and district offices.
In jthe year 1905, he removed to Kingwood, West Virginia, erecting
a dwelling on Beverly Hill, where he now resides.
Politically, his antecedents were Republican, but for the past 25
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676 Pbeston County, West ViBaiKU
years he has affiliated with the Prohibition party, believing that the
greatest question before the American people is the abolition of
the legalized saloon. Was twice nominated as a candidate for Con-
gress for the Second Congressional District on the Prohibition ticket
and once an elector at large.
Religiously, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, filling
various offices therein. For twenty years in succession he filled the
office of Sunday School Superintend«mt in Newburg. In the year 1905
he was one of the promoters in the organization of the First National
Bank of Newburg at the organization of which he was elected a director
and its Vice-President, which position he still occupies.
He was made a Mason in Preston Lodge No. 14, in the year 1868. Is
also a member of Copestone Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Grafton,
West Virginia; DeMolay Commandery N. 12 Knights Templar of
Grafton, West Virginia, and Damon Lodge No. 5, Knights of Pythias,'
Newburg, West Virginia.
BERT THOMAS GIBSON.
The Gibson Brothers, well known lumbermen of Preston County,
are of Scotch-Irish descent.
Their great-great-grandfather, Thomas Gibson, was one of the first
settlers of the northern part of Preston county, and there opened up
a large farm. James Gibson, their grandfather, grew up in the county
and was here united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Cramer, a native of
Maryland and daughter of Peter Cramer, who nK)ved to this section
from near Frederick, Maryland. After his marriage, Mr. Gibson settled
near Tunnelton on a woodland farm whereon he built a substantial
log house, which was about 1840. His wife died in 1890. He lived to
be quite old. There were eight children born to this union, M. C.
Gibson, being the fourth child. He was raised on a farm, and in July,
1863, enlisted in Company "B" Fourth West Virginia Cavalry and
took part in a few minor engagenvents. In March, 1864, ^^ was
honorably discharged, after which he attended school in Millsbury Nor-
mal College. Then he taught school one year. From 1867 to 1868 he
lived in Henry county, Iowa. After his return to the State, he engaged
in the lumber business somewhat extensively. He was with C. A.
Craig of Irona, for twenty years. In 1875 be opened up a large store
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DAVID J. GIBSON.
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PUBLIC LIB'\\RY
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Pbbston County, Wubt Vibginu 677
in Ttinnelton, doing a merchandising business there until his death,
November 22, 1912.
In 1869, Mr. Gibson was married to Mary Anna Jackson, a native
of Ohio, but reared and educated in Indiana. She was a daughter of
Alexander Jackson, who settled in Henry county, Iowa, during the war.
Four children were bom of this union: Bert T. Gibson, now a pros-
peious farmer near Masontown; James C. Gibson of Masontown also,
and one of the most successful woodsman and practical lumberman in
West Virginia; Mrs. Bessie R. Hardesty, wife of Robt. R. Hardesty,
cashier of The American Bank of Waynesburg, Pa., and Joseph V.
Gibson, a rising young lawyer of Kingwood.
* Bert T. Gibson was bom Fcbraary 5 1871. He was educated in
the country schools and in the University of Morgantown, completing
in part the full course in that institution. Before and after his attend-
ance at that university, he taught school, since that time has been iden-
tified as an official in educational work, principally in the schools of
Masontown where his interests are centered at the present time. After
leaving college, he formed a partnership with John Gamer in the
lumber business at Irona, but two years afterwards they were burned
out. In 1900, he went to Tunnelton and for five years was with his
father in the merchandising business. He then came to Reedsville and
entered into a partnership with his brother, James C, who had started
the big lumber plant at Kanes Creek, and had already supplied the
M. & K. Railroad G)mpany with a large quantity of their building
material for the constmction of their road. Since that time, more than
twenty-five large woodland tracts have been cleared off by the Gibson
Brothers for tbe manufacture of lumber, they having done a large
business in other states as well as in West Virginia in the shipping
line. In 1912, Mr. Gibson withdrew his active connection with the
company as a manufacturer of lumber, bought a valuable farm near
Masontown and now resides on that, his intention being to follow
agricultural pursuits along scientific lines in the future. He also has
other valuable timber holdings.
On September 6, 1893, Mr. Gibson was married to Miss Mabd
Hartman, daughter of George W. Hartman, now of Terra Alta. To
this union was bom five children, as follows: Mabel, April 17, 1895;
Ruth, March 13, 1897; Ernest, November 16, 1902; Howard, June 6,
1904; Susan, June 18, 1909.
The family are Methodists. The Gibson brothers have been large
contributors to the buil^g of the place of worship, and very liberal
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078 PEB8TON CknjNTT^ WB8T ViBGINU
in their contrrbution^ to the cause the church represents. Both families
are active workers in the church. Mr. Bert T. Gibson has been superin-
tendent of the Sabbath school during the past ten years or more. This
is his favorite department in Christian woiic, and his devotion to the
cause has made the Masontown Sabbath school one of the leading
Sabbath schools in the country districts of the State. His tastes are
domestic and along religious lines, simplicity of manners and plain-
ness of life being characteristics of the Gibson families from the
pioneer of the line down. A call to public duty has always been made
to persons not caring for the honors and emoluments of office, and
Bert T. Gibson, on principle, has responded like other public spirited
men of his class. He was elected County Commissfener of Preston
county and made President of the County Court, and now holds that
position. He is administrator also of his father's estate.
JAMES C. GIBSON.
One of the economic provisions of the ages, was the creation of
various forces for the preservation of unity in nature. As different parts
of the human body have their special functions to perform in the preser-
vation of human life, so has every department of business activity by
individuals brought into an existence for that special purpose. For
that reason, the scientist ^ould be no more honored by his position
than the mechanic, whose lot sometimes may be cast in lowly places —
but in another case — when the top is reached both can share the
plaudits of men alike, because of the success nude in their respective
callings. Occasionally, one man among a thousand is gifted beyond the
ordinary, and the world inunediately takes notice, and the subject of
this sketch furnishes an example. Gifts and callings, however, have
amounted to nothing in many cases, simply because opportunities in
life have not been taken, when intended, and consequently lost The
life work of our subject, is worthy of note in that particular ; note
the facts:
James C. Gibson was bom near Tunnelton, April 17, 1879. (Sec
sketch of M. C. Gibson and the Gibson family.) His early life was
spent obtaining a common school education, and working on the farm.
His habits were studious, and his strenuous efforts to obtain an educa-
tion ruinous to his eyesight. While in his early teens, his esre-sigfat
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MILFORD C. GIBSON.
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Fusion County, Wsbt VmoiNU 679
became so impaired from close study that he was compelled to desist
from any farther attempt, although it was his heart's desire to go
through college and pursue some professional course in life. As it
was, he had to content himself simply with a commercial course, which
he obtained at Parkersburg, West Virginia, during the years of 1902
and 1903.
Whatever might have been the success of Mr. Gibson in a profes-
sional line of work can only be surmised. Circumstances, however,
drove him into another channel, and it is now known what his capacity
is as a business man. In this particular, his whole career has been
unique and decidedly out of the ordinary. When two years old, his
grandfather gave him one ewe sheep, and strange to say the first
steps of bis successful business life were taken at this time. Those
sheep were kept by that youngster, until he had a fiock of his own,
despite parental influences brought against him to dispose of his
possessions. It was here, James was found to have a will based on
judgments of his o^n, and which thereafter resulted in bringing him
into a commanding position as a factor in home economy, and which
has made him one of the successful men of Preston county.
When fourteen years old, he was running the farm, his father being
engaged during those years in the lumber business. When eighteen
years old, he engaged in the lumber business with father and brother.
Prom April 15, 1901, until the first of January, I904f he became
interested in the mercantile business with B. T. Gibson, under the name
of Gibson Brothers at TunneUon. He then sold and bought a small
tract of woodland— went to M asontown and manufactured lumber for
nearly two years on Bull Run. In 1905, he organized the Gibson
Lumber Company, and supplied the M. & K. Railroad Company with
lumber for the construction of their railroad from Reedsville to
Rowlesburg. In 1906, he purchased the interests of A. K. and L. M.
Jenkins, J. V. Gibson and L. W. Cobun, and for six years, thereafter,
he and bis brother Bert T. Gibson ran the business. In July, 191a,
H. T. Lincoln purchased Bert T. Gibson's interest in the business,
since whiich time these two men, probably as well fitted for their
respective departments in the work as can be found in the comity,
are in sole possession of the property. With an up-to-date equipment,
and a large acreage to draw from, Gibson Lumber Company giving
employment to from fifty to seventy-five men and outputtiog several
million feet annually promises to be a considerable factor in the
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680 Preston Gountt, West Vibqinu
mamifactttre of Preston county's justly celebrated hardwoods for sev-
eral years to come.
In 1910, Mr. James C. Gibson organized the Preston County
Lumber Company on a capital basis of $100,000, which is one of the im-
portant lumber projects in the State. The officers and members of this
company are as follows: James C. Gibson, president; Julius K. Monroe,
vice-president; E. M. Lantz, secretary and treasurer; W. H. Post, San-
ford Watson, J. R. McMillen, Bert T. Gibson, W. T. Downs, C. A.
Craig, R. W. Caddel and F. E. Parrack. The company owns about
4000 acres of most excellent timber lands on Sandy Creek and Cheat
River, which will give large assets to the company in the lumber market
for years to come.
On September 14, 1904, Mr. Gibson was married to Miss Lula
Watson, and to this union were bom Mary Catherine, October 17,
1906; Cramer, December 39, 1908; Virginia Bess, June 14, 191 1, and
James Clifford, April 3, 1913. The residence property was built at
Masontown in 1906.
Mr. Gibson is a member and an official of the Methodist Church
at Masontown ; is an active church worker, and supports that religious
organization handsomely.
THOMAS WATSON FAMILY.
In 1790, William Watson came from Eastern Virginia and settled
near what is now known as Masontown, Preston county, having
patented 300 acres of land. His wif^ was Elizabeth Patton. His
children were : John, David, Jacob, Nancy, Mary, Jane, and William.
William was a soldier in the War of i8ia.
Thomas Watson, a son of William, was bom May 7, 181 5, and lived
all his life on a portion of the 300 acres patented by his grandfather
William.
On Wednesdiay, November la, 1844, Thomas Watson and Sabtna
Anne Cobun were married by the Rev. I. Davis.
Sabina Anne Cobun was a daughter of Cobun and Anna
Young, who was a daughter of Isaac and Charity Young, and was bora
in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1791. She died at the home of
Thomas and Sabina Anne Watson, near Masontown, October 13, 1875,
at the age of 84 years.
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PsmON COUKTT, WB8T VlHOimA 681
Thomas Watson was justice of the peace in what is now Valley
district for several years. He and his wife were Presbyterians and were
among the original organizers of the Presbyterian Church in that
secti(Hi. Ministers came from Morgantown, Fairmont and Western
Pennsylvania about once a month to preach. The venerable Doctor
Fairchild, author of some religious works» often visited them when he
came there to preach.
Thomas Watson dded April 7, 1887, and his wife died August, 1900.
The children born to them were: Sylvanus, bom December 4, i845» died
June 24, 1846. John William, bom February 28, 1848. Granvil, bora
April J7, 1849. Almira Ann, born October 15, 1851. Charity Elizabeth,
bora July ao, 1853. John W. married Nancy Virginia Stuck, a daughter
of Mathias F. and Nancy Hays Stuck, at Terra AlU, May 6, 1872, by
Rev. D. W. Rogers. Mrs. John W. Watson died March 27, 191 1. The
children bora to them were: Nyra Estella, born July 18, 1^3. Clyde
Emil, bora November 16, 1879. Cecil Lenore, bora December 20, 1889.
Nyra E. was married' to Edward Thoraton Hartman, August, 1898, in
Kingwood, and resides in Boston, Massachusetts. They have one son,
Dallas Watson, bora February 7, 1901. Mrs. Hartman graduated at
the New England Conservatory of Music in the class of 1906. Clyde
Emil married Elizabeth Wisner, a daughter of the late J. Nelson Wisner
of Martinsburg, West Virginia. One son, John William, bora to them.
Clyde E. graduated from the West Virginia University and also came
from Johns Hopkins Medical College, and after his graduation accepted
a chair in the Medical Department of the West Virginia University.
Subsequently he resigned and is now in the practice of his profession
in Council, Idaho. Cecile Lenore was married to John Clyde Lewis,
September 19, 1907. Two children were bora to them: Jean Watson
Lewis, bom June 24, 1909; Thomas Watson, bora September 2, 1912.
Granvil Watson married Julia Ann Field, March 9, 1874. To them one
daughter was bora, Julia Anna, Febraary 22, 1875. His wife died Feb-
ruary 27, 187s, and he died March 20, 1877. The daughter married
and lives in Pittsburgh, Pa. Almira A. Watson was married to Claude
C. Wheeler, May 13, 1874, by the Rev. Dr. Flanagan. They reside in
Fairmont, West Virginia. Two children born to this unian : Cora M.,
bora May 19, 1875, and Harry, bora December 29, 1879. Charity Eliza-
beth was married to Homer C. Posten. To this union two children
were born: Effie M., bora September 20, 1881, and Lela Ruth, bora May
II, 1894. Effie M. was married to Ulysses W. Arnett, January 5, 191 3.
lliey all reside in Fairmont, West Virginia.
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682 PusTON County, West VnoiNiA
The children of Thomas and Sabina Watson received the principal
part of their education in the subscription schools, in the log school
bouses, and the books used were the United States Spelling Book, com-
monly known as "The Blue Back Speller/' the English Reader, Pike's
Arithmetic and the Western Calculator. After the free school system
was inaugurated better books came into use. John W. attended school
one term in Kingwood, in the Old Brick Academy, and one term in
Newburg. He was a student in the first Normal School in Fairmont,
West Virginia, held in the basement of the Methodist Protestant
Church. He taught four terms thereafter. In October, 1870, he en-
gaged with Jones & Glover in what is now known as Terra Alta, as
clerk and bookkeeper. He held the office of secreUry and president of
the Board of Education for Portland district. Was appointed post-
master in said town under Hon. David M. Key, Postmaster General,
and was reappointed under Hon. Prank Hatton. He resigned as post-
master in 1884 and accepted the position of manager of seven counties
in Virginia for the Singer Manufacturing Company, with headquarters
at Charlottesville. Resigned as manager in 1886, and engaged with Baer
Sons Grocery Company of Wheeling, West Virginia, and built up a
trade in his territory from $20,000.00 to $90,000.00 per year. While en-
gaged in that capacity he was elected clerk of the Circuit Court for
Preston county and took charge of the office November 23, 1888, and
has held same continuously to the present time. He is a candidate for
re-election, and if nominated and elected, and lives through the term,
will have held the office for over thirty-two years. When a boy, he,
with his brother, engaged to ''grub" the white thorn sprouts from a
large field for "Uncle" Samuel Graham during the long days between
com planting and harvest. The eight-hour system was not then "pat-
ented" and farm hands were expected to work all day; the work con-
tinued for six days, and the pay was twelve and one-half cents per day—
seventy-^ve cents for the week, and board. He was paid off in what was
then known as "Levys," The wearing apparel was principally made
at home from the raw material and woven into "Jeans" or "Linsey," and
the flax made into linens. The spinning of these products was done on
what was known as the "Big" wheel and the "Littie" wheel Later a
machine was biought into the neighborhood called "The Spinning
Ginny." The "flyers" were mounted on a little four-wheeled carriage
running on a track which would run back and forth at the will of the
spinner and would stretch out the "rolls" and twist it mto yam. All
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PSMTTON COUKTT, WeST VIBOINU 683
thc!se old things have passed away (with perhaps the exception of still
having to ''grub'' the white thorn sprouts) and we are living in a new
day; nearly everjrthing is done by machinery, and we are moving in a
more rapid way. Put ns back to the old way of doing things, and me-
thinks you would not hear any complaints of the ''High cost of living."
RAIWiLBY WATOON.
The Watson family is an old one. Those of Preston county are
descendants of William Watson, who came from eastern Virginia in
1790, and patented 300 acres at Masontown. Tradition states that the
cabin stood on the '^Hartley Green/' the name by which the village site
was known prior to 1856.
^'William Watson's son, William, was a soldier in the War of 1812.
He was father of the late Thomas Watson, for many years
Justice of the Peace and father of John W. Watson, Circuit Clerk at
this time. William Watson, Jr., had a son, Rawley, who was born
June 5th, 1809, on the old homestead, and died at the home of his son
James F. Watson, April 25, 1889. He married Miss Sarah Ann Whip
of Loudoun county, Virginia, who bore him nine children, who in order
of their ages are : Mrs. William F. Menear, of Kingwood ; Sanford, of
Valley District; George W., of Kingwood District; Daniel G., of
Reedsville, and Mack, of Masontown ; Edmund H., who lives in Barbour
county; Orval and Mason of Reedsville, and James Flanagan of the
V^ley.
Rawley Watson is spoken of as a good, kind-hearted, genial and
honest man, a good citizen, and was well and most favorably known.
He was a member of the Methodist Church. Although often asked to
take office he never would accept one. Sanford Watson, a man much
like his father, a genial, kind-hearted and honest man, was born on the
old homestead farm, April 26, 1841. He was raised a farmer, and
although a leading citizen and a very popular man, he would never
accept a public office, but confined his attention to farming and stock
raising of which he has made a success. He erected a large and com-
modious bam and other buildings, and deals somewhat extensively
in all kinds of blooded stock. His house was built in 1873.
At the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr. Watson responded to
the call of his country by enlisting in the Third West Virginia Infantry.
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6S4 PnnoN CkHJifTT, Wnr Vmmiu
His first service was in the engagement with the Confederates at
Philippi, West Virginia. His regiment was then mounted, and there-
after known as the Sixth West Virginia Cavalry. In all he served three
years, entering his regiment as Corporal of Company C, and mustered
out as Sergeant of the Company.
On November I4> 1867, Mr. Watson was united in marriage to Miss
Kate Hartley of Mksontown. The children of this union were: (i).
Lloyd Watson, who was bom January 25, 1868, is now employed by
the Government as a surveyor in Montana. (2) Callie, bom September
10, 1867, married to Robert B. Brown, a carpenter of Masontown. (3)
Walter B., a merchant in Masontown, born August, 1871. (4) Ernest,
bom May 31, 1876. He is a farmer and was married to Jessie Robey
and lives on the old homestead. Their children are Glenn and Catherine.
(S) Olive, bora October 14, 1878. She married Harry Poland, October
2, 1908, and is the mother of two children, Lois and Thurston. (6)
Lulu, bora December 30, 1880, was married to James C. Gibson, Sep-
tember 14, 1906. Mr. Gibson is a lumber merchant. Their child is
named Mary Cramer Virginia Gibson.
THE WILLIAM WATSON FAMILY.
William Scott Watson was born April nth, 1820, on what has
always been known as the old Watson farm, and on which he with
a large number of brothers and sisters were reared, (see names of
others elsewhere). He was a soldier of the late Civil War, a member
of Company K, Third Maryland Regiment. He enlisted in the spring
of 1863, and was mustered out on May 27, 1865. On December 12th,
1844, ^^ was united in marriage to Miss Julia McKinney. To this union
were bom two children, Edwin M. Watson, bom June 14th, 1846, and
Joseph S. Watson, born March 29th, 184B. Death visited this home
first on April 19th, 1849, taking the wife and mother of the above
named children. Mr. Watson remained a widower until 1853 when
on July 18, of that year he was again united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Huggins, youngest daughter of John and Mary Huggins. She
was born July, 1835, and died March 15, 1891. To this union nine
children were bom as follows: Terresa Ellen, bora May 7, 1854, mar-
ried to Thomas B. Riley of Tunnelton, W. Va.; William A. Watson,
bom February 4th, 1856, married to Nancy Jane Sinclair, daughter of
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DAVID E. WATSON.
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Robert and Jane Sinclair, of Sinclair, W. Va. Their children are Dr.
Elmer E. Watson, of Albright, W. Va., Ernest W. Watson, Ass't.
Cashier of the Tunnelton Bank, Tunnelton, W. Va., Alonzo Bedford,
who died at the age of three and one-half years. Sinclair
Watson died in infancy. Ila Grace, wife of Dr. W. W. Bucklew, of
Fellowsville, W. Va., and William J., associated with his father in the
mercantile business at Tunnelton, W. Va; Clarissa lone, born March
22nd, 1858, wife of George H. Rodeheaver, of near Lenox, W. Va. ; Mary
Anne, married (first husband), Daniel Miller (second husband), .
She was bom July 7, i860. Harriet Melissa, born July 30th, 1862, wife
of Ira Travis, of Buckhannon, W. Va. Julietta, born December i6th,
1865, died May 28th, 1872. Ulysses Grant, was born March 29, 1868,
married Priscilla Herring of near Herring, W. Va., and a half sister
of Geo. A. Herring, of Kingwood, W. Va. David E. Watson, born
September 27th, 1870, whose sketch appears elsewhere; James Schnoble,
bom July 2nd, 1872, died March 3rd, 1910, from injuries received from
being struck with a fast train and knocked from the Benwood bridge
near Wheeling, W. Va. He was hurled a distance of about fifty feet to
the ground, sustaining a fractured skull and internal injuries. He
was taken at once to the City Hospital at Wheeling, and all the medical
aid possible summoned, but his injuries were considered fatal from the
beginning and he died in a few days, being unconscious most all
of the time. He had been in the employ of the B. & O. R. R. Co.,
for a number of years and had worked himself up to a good position,
being foreman of a carpenter crew. While yet a very young man, he
had been given charge of some very difficult jobs in which he at all
times proved himself equal to the task. He was held in high esteem
not only by the officials of the Baltimore & Ohio Company, but b^
every man that worked under him, the latter coming in a body from
Wheeling to Masontown, to attend his funeral.
DAVID ELLSWORTH WATSON.
The subject of this sketch, merchant and former postmaster of
Tunnelton, W. Va., is a descendant of one of the oldest families of
Preston county. He was born September 27th, 1870, in a one room
old fashioned round log cabin on what has been generally known as
the old Barker farm, back on the hills of the old ''Winding Cheat,''
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6S6 PnKTTON County, West VmoNU
in Valley district. His parents moved from here when he was about
two years old, to a small farm near the North Union School house.
Here they lived in an up-to-date hewed log house, having one largt
room below and a half-story above. The only means of reaching what
was then called the loft was by climbing the old style straight ladder.
It was here that the large family of children slept on their beds of
straw.
Early in life the subject of this sketch had become ambitious for an
education and preparation for business; and many and fanciful were his
plans for a future life in the business world. But because of the fact
that his parents were very poor and by the time that the younger
children of the family had reached the age that they should have been
in school the father and mother were both failing in health with the
rapid advance of age, consequently he was deprived of at least a com-
mon school education.
But such misfortunes as those do not necessarily need to be an
absolute barrier in the way of any young man gaining success. So
very early in life we find this young man availing himself of every
opportunity of learning everything possible in regard to the mercantile
business, first by doing chores of whatever kind he could get to do for
the proprietor of the little country store near where his father then
lived, and where George A. Herring, now one of the leading merchants
pf Kingwood, W. Va., first permitted him to stand behind the counter
in his little store at Herring. Here he tore calico and weighed sugar,
and was a mighty proud lad indeed.
In the year 1888, he was employed as clerk by his brother, William
A. Watson, (now of Tunnelton,) but who then lived at and conducted
an extensive mercantile business at Fellowsville, W. Va. He remained
in the employ of his brother for five years, where with the help of him
and the actual experience that he got, he was able to procure a pretty
thorough knowledge of the mercantile business.
In the spring of 1894, he went to Imliana, where he worked on a
farm during that summer. In the fall of that same year he went to
Illinois, first working on a farm, later securing a clerkship in the store
of J. P. Wolford, of Galton, 111. He remained here and in possession of
this job until the spring of 1899, when he returned to his native Sute,
On September 27th, of that same 3rear he was united in marriage to
Mattie Frances Hanway, daughter of S. H. and Elizabeth (Poulson)
Hanway of near Evansville, W. Va. Immediately after their marriage
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PsMTTON County, West VmeiKiA 6S7
(omitting the honeymoon trip) they took up their residence in Tunnel-
ton« and as Mr. Watson now jokingly puts it» with two hundred dollars
bortpwed money and his newly wedded wife he made his first personal
business venture. Beginning as he did at that time without any
money of his own, and in the midst of strong opposition, it was necesn
sary for him to keep everlastingly at it, and by so doing he has made,
his mark in the business world, and while not yet having reached the
height of his ambition he certainly deserves great crcfdit for the advance-
ment he has made. However, he modestly admits that he should not
take upon himself all of the credit for their success for he attributes
a great deal of their success to the help rendered by his splendid wife,
who has not only been as energetic, but always as willing to make
personal sacrifice when necessary (and which has been quite often)
in order to help tide over a season of hard times or financial losses
that have come quite often during the fifteen years of their married
life. Aside from the two stores that he now owns in Tunnelton, Mr.
Watson has also accumulated considerable real estate in Tunnelton,
and elsewhere in the county, as well as being interested in several banks.
In 1910 Mr. Watson was appointed postmaster at Tunnelton, serv-
ing a term of four years. For a number of years he has been very
active in politics, but he has never asked for any political office at
the hands of the people, being satisfied to work for his friends without
any promise of recompense, and while he enjoys to the fullest extent
a hard political scrap he has always adhered to the rule that politics
should be kept as clean as your individual business, hence those to whom
he was opposed, as well as those for whom he might be working,
always knew just where he stood at all times.
It has been his one de«re, as regarding both business and politics,
to build for himself a character rather than a reputation.
DANIEL G. WATSON.
Daniel G. Watson, son of Rawley Watson, and president of the
Farmers and Merchants Bank, of Reedsville, was born June 12, 1847,
on the old home farm near Masontown. He was educated in the district
schools of his native town, also in Morgantown, Kingwood, and sub-
sequently Smithfield, Fayette county. Pa. When fourteen years of age
he left Masontown for Morgantown, then a noted seat of learning.
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688 Pbhtok Countt, Wsbt Vombmu
where he spent four yeirs io school and learning the trade of a cabinet
maker. When seventeen years of age, he taught school one term,
having just come from the old Academy of Kingwood in 1865, and in
1868, he left the Academy of Kingwood in 1865 and in 1868 he left the
Academy at Smithfield, Pa., well qualified for the work of a teacher.
He taught school thirteen years afterward. Mr. Watson tried hard to
enlist in the army at one time, but because of his youth the military
authorities refused his services without the consent of his parents,
which could not be obtained. As a teacher Mr. Watson made an excel-
lent record, and has subsequently been of great service to the cause of
education as a member of the board of education of Valley district for
many terms, being now a member— because of that long experience in
practical school work.
Mr. Watson was married May 24, 1877, to Emma Ray Fairfax,
a family distinguished in the two Virginias. During that same year
he began a business career as a merchant in Reedsville. A partnership
was formed yrith his brother, Mason Watson, under the firm name of
•Watson Brothers." That continued from 1877 to 1888, when Mr.
Watson retired, the store being continued by his brother until his
death a few years since.
•Before going out gf business Mr. Watson purchased what was
known as the James Reed farm, at Reedsville. The farm is a large
and valuable one, coming up into the corporate limits of the town.
In fact his residence, which at the time he purchased the site was a
woodland— stands upon one of the main streets of the town, the farm
lying to the north. From that time until the present Mr. Watson has
been actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, especially interested in
breeding and raising blooded stock. Pole-Angus cattle, Poland China
swine, brown Leghorn and Plymouth Rock chickens, are some of his
specialties.
The children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Watson are as follows: (i) an
infant, bom March 21, 1878, which did not live; (2) Forest G.; (3)
Otis I.; (4) Peari E.; (5) Rawley F.; (6) Margaret S.; (7) Nina, bora
May 4, 1892, who died at the age of 2 years.
Mrs. Watson died April 21, 1894, and Mr. Watson has never re-mar-
ried. He has devoted much of his thought to the education of his
children in the local schools, keeping the family together although
some of them were very young when his wife died. The old home is
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PSMTTON GOUNTT, WSBT ViBGIMU M9
8tiU maintained, and the children, now grown, continue to reside there
with their devoted father.
iMr. Watson is of a retiring disposition, and lives a quiet unostenta-
tious life. The Watson family is one of the oldest and best known in
that part of the county, and its members have always been held high in
the esteem of the people. Mr. Watson is a member of no secret
organization, and takes no active part in politics, although he is a
staunch republican and a warm supporter of every progressive move-
ment for the good of his town and native county. Besides his mem-
bership in the Board of Education, he was one of the promoters and
organizers of the Reedsville bank and is its first president. Mr. Watson
affiliates with the Presbyterian faith and has been a generous con-
tributor to church building and maintenance for years.
THORNTON TAYLOR.
Thornton Taylor was the eldest son of George W. Taylor, and was
bom on the old homestead farm on Bull Run October 13, 1851. He
was reared a farmer, and given an education in the common schools
such as was afforded in that day. He attended school in District No. i,
known .as the Friendship School. He remained at home until twenty-
five years of age, and virtually took charge of the farm when eleven
years old, his father having gone into the army, leaving the cares of
the family in his hands.
On March 23, 1876, he married Mary C. Zinn, daughter of W. A.
Zinn, generally written A. W. Zinn. In 1879, the young couple moved
to the farm where they live now, then a woodland, now a well-cleared
piece of land under the highest state of cultivation. The farm was
bought in 1874.
Mrs. Taylor^s mother was Anna Elizabeth Wright. Her parents
bcated at Harper's Ferry, and when she was about fifteen years of age
they moved to Preston county near Reedsville.
The sister to Mrs. Wright's mother died and was buried at sea
when the family were on their way to America. Mrs. Taylor's grand-
father, Samuel Zinn, died on the old homestead farm near Gladesville,
about 1857.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are as follows: (x) Dora Alice,
bom August 28, 1881; (a) Ici lona, bom April as, 1883; (3) Homer
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690 P1B8ION County^ Wsbt YnMONU
Milton, born February 8, 1886. Thcf children have recetv^ed all the
advantages incident to an enlightened community with good schools,
and their home is a bright and happy one.
The family is public spirited, are members and active workers in
the Presbyterian Church at Reedsville.
MILTON HAROLD TAYLOR.
The history of the Taylor family in Preston county is somewhat
legendary. No very definite account can be obtained of this lineage.
In descent, however, they are all of English origin.
George Washington, the father of M. Harold Taylor, was bom on a
farm about six miles northeast of Morgantown, two miles north of a
place on Deckers Creek called Dellslow. Twenty years afterward he
was married near Reedsville to Eliza Jane, oldest daughter of John
and Catherine (Robinson) Emerson. Mr. Emerson was of English
descent, and a well to do farmer. The Robinsons were of German
extraction. The grandparents of this couple were emigrants from
England and Germany, respectively. His mother, Eliza Jane Emerson,
was bom on Cheat River at what was then known as Jackson's Works,
about eight miles north of Morgantown. To this union nine children
were bom. Thomton, the eldest, was bom October 13, 1851 ; Marcellus,
1853; Albert, 1855; Clayton, 1857; Cyrena Jane and Ami— twins, in
1859; Mack, in 1862; Melvema, in 1866, and Milton Harold, October
7, 1869.
Milton Harold Taylor first saw the light of day in the old Taytor
homestead four miles east of Masontown. Here he grew up and received
practical instruction in the mdiments of a farmer's avocation, and
here too be became established on lines of rectitude and honesty in the
business and social world for the life to follow.
Not satisfied with the attainments of a common school education,
at the age of thirty-three, and after beooming the father of four children,
Mr. Taylor sacrificed business and other relations, for the time being,
and entered the University of West Virginia at Morgantown, and pur-
sued a course of study covering a period of three years, which very
much better equipped him for the duties and obligations of a leader
among the farmers, which he afterwards became.
In 1893, he located on a fifty-acre farm two miles southwest of
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M. HAROLD TAYLOR.
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Pbeston CiouNTY^ Wbst Vibconu 691
Masontown. In 1895, two years later, be purcbased another iarm, and
in 1901, moved to the Simon Martin farm, half a mile north of Mason-
town, but moved again in April, 1903, to a farm on the Ice's Ferry
and Tminelton Pike road half a mile south of Masontown, which he
had purcbased from Samuel B. Kirk. This farm was settled about 1776,
being one of the first in this part of the country.
Mr. Taylor had little time or inclination to seek political favors,
nevertheless, he has been called into public service to some extent. In
i9Q3» being a staunch Republican, he was made Notary Public, and in
1908, elected Justice of the Peace, and in 1912 was elected to the more
important position as a member of the Preston County Republican
Committee for a term of four years. A position at this time of vast
importance to the party.
Socially, Mr. Taylor stands high as a fraternity man. He is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has held officd
from Inner Guard to Noble Grand in Preston Lodge No. 143. He
was the youngest Past Grand representing a Subordinate Lodge at the
session of the Grand Lodge that met at the dedication of the Odd Fel-
low Temple at Morgantown in 1894. He also filled the highest office in
the Colfax Encampment, when representing the Masontown Encamp-
ment at Wheeling in 1909. He has been honored with high positions
in the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and as a Knight
of Pjrthias. He is also an active member of the Masonic fraternity at
Kingwood, which he joined in 1910, at Kingwood, West Virginia.
In 1898, Mr. Taylor became an active member of the Grange of
the Patrons of Husbandry, one of the most powerful agricultural
societies in existence. He represented Valley Grange No. 359, at a
special session called at Buffalo, West Virginia, in 1900 to consider tax
reforms in West Virginia, and was one of a committee of five to draft
resolutions and recommendations to be submitted to the legislature at
the next session. As one of the members of that committee, he enjojred
the confidence of such men as Prof. T. C. Atkinson, Dean of the College
of Agriculture, of the State University; Dr. James H. Stewart, Director
af Agricultural Experiment Station, and others, and many of their
recommendations became embodied in legislative enactments.
At the National Grange, Lansing, Michigan, held in 1902, Mr. Taylor
received the decoration of the degree of Ceres, or the Goddess of Grains,
called the Seventh Degree. He was steward of the West Virginia State
Grange four years, and served by appointment as its Deputy Master,
several years. He also organized many stAordinate Granges in different
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S92 Preston Couktt, Wwt Vibginu
parts of the SUtcf. In this work it occurred to Mr. Taylor, that
farm insurance property belonged to the Granges, and in materializing
that idea, helped to organize the Grange Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, and was the first secretary for several years, a company which
saved the farmers of West Virginia many thousands of dollars. He is
vice-president of the company at the present time.
Mr. Taylor is a member of the following associations in West
Virginia: State Poultry; State Live Stock; State Sheep Breeders' and
Wool Growers; State Horticultural; State Forestry, and the State
Dairy, and has held offices in nearly all of these associations. He has
also represented several of these associations as a public lecturer.
He was employed by the State Board of Agriculture to lecture before
the farmers' institutes of the State for several years, and in 191 1, by
appointment from Governor Glasscock, he represented, with others, the
State at a session of the Farmers' National Congress, held at Columbus,
Ohio, where he was chosen as one of the vice-presidents of the said
congress, and which position he now holds, as a representative of West
Virginia, and is at this time President of the West Virginia Branch
of the above congress.
Mr. Taylor was one of the organizers, also, of the Masontown Bank.
He is a member of the Masontown Board of Trade; a director of the
Masontown Telephone Company; and is with his family an active
member of the Oak Grove Presb3rterian Church.
January 25, 1893, Mr. Taylor was married to Anna Belle Martin.
She was a daughter of Simon R. and Sarah A., descendants of one of
the oldest settlers in Preston county. Mrs. Taylor was bom at Clifton
Mills, June, 1869.
Mr. Martin was a soldier in the Third Regiment of the State of
Maryland, and served in the Civil War three years. He was captured
by the Confederate forces at Harper's Ferry and made a prisoner of
war, at one time.
Children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Martin are as follows: Howard,
Mintie, Victoria, Anna Belle, Granville Ross, iSabina Jane, Otis Judson,
and Atlanta Laura.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are: Ferris Adair, bom
October 10, 1895; Lynn Arden, bom October i, 1896; James Otis,
bom March x, 1898; Mabel Ruth, bom April 96, 1902; John Martin.
Washington, bom July 14, 1905 ; Dorthea Alice, bom June 3, X9ti.
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PmroK CouNTT, Wht Ymaiiu 693
GILBERT CLINTON CUPPBTT.
The Cuppett family of Preston county are descended largely from
Jacob Cuppett, who died in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, near Johns-
town, Pennsylvania. His children were: Zalmon, Thomas, George,
Jefferson and Margaret. Jefferson Cuppett, bom March i8, 183a, mar-
ried Margaret Wolfe, September 17, 1857. She was bom December 30,
1836, died one year after her husband did, which was in 1895. His
death occurred in 1894. He was a farmer, and lived near Braceton
Mills. Their children were Virginia Ellen, bom July 22, 1858; Dora
Melissa, June 15, i860; Parson Brownlow, March 18, 1862; Commo-
dore Wellington, August 2, 1863; Benjamin Franklin, Febraary 2, 1866;
Zura Alice, January 27, 1868, she and Laura Belle being twins; Rufus,
March 8, 1870; Gilbert Clinton, February 7, 1872; Orvillc Dayton, July
II, 1874; Letitia Victoria, July 11, 1877; Wilbur Smith, August 21, 1881.
Gilbert C. Cuppett was reared on a farm, and worked his way up
to his present creditable position in life. He continued on the farm
until after his marriage, and then purchased the stock of goods
Charles Spindler had in the undertaking business, and from that time
has been the principal undertaker in this part of Preston county.
His wife. Miss Josephine Hyde Kimberly, daughter of William
and Blizabeth Harvey Kimberly, having been raised up in an undertak-
ing establishment as it were, has been of great service to him in that
business. She was born October 16, 1872, and was married to Mr.
Cuppett October 19, 1898. Her grandmother, on her mother's side,
was Debora Forman. Her grandfather, George Kimberly, was a
soldier in the Revolutionary War. He married Katie Tumbelson, and,
in 1787, settled in Maryland. Their children were: Hannah Stewart,
Rebecca Miles, Susan Kelly, Caroline, John J., William, Bayi^d P.,
and Puller.
William, the father of Mrs. Cuppett, married, first, Malinda Car-
roll, by whom he had six children, all dead now but two: Jane Eliza-
beth and Helen, both of whom are living at Beaver Falls. By his
second wife, Elizabeth Harvey, daughter of James and Deborah Harvey,
of Farmington, Pennsylvania, he had: (i) Warland, bom November 15,
i860; (2) Alva, who died in infancy; (3) Maude, bom July 10, 1879,
and (4) Josephine. Mrs. Kimberiy was a teacher and glove maker.
Mr. Harvey was a wool-carder and had a mill near Farmington, leamed
his trade a9 a carpenter and undertaker in Uniontown, and followed
that both before and after he came to Brandonville.
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694 PniiOK CouMTT, Wnr VrnmoA
On her mother's side Mrs. Cuppett is a descendant of Robert
Porman. Samuel Forman, bom in 1775, and Isaac Forman, bom March
II, 1774, erected the oldest house in the county now standing, one
mile east of Bruceton. (See Chorpenning Sketch.)
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Cuppett are: Darlton Alonzo, bom
October 2, 1899; Harrell Iden, bom September 13, 1905; Dorothy
Marguerite, bora October 14, 1908.
Mr. Cuppett is a member of the Odd Fellows of high degree, also a
member of the Woodmen of America. Mrs. Cuppett is also a member
of that same order, now having obtained the highest position given in
the Rebecca Lodge.
EDWARD ELLSWORTH CUPPETT.
The Cuppett family are of German descent. Many of them of Pres-
ton county are descendants of Jacob Cuppett, who died in Bedford
County, Pennsylvania. Edward Ellsworth Cuppett, son of Alpheus and
Elizabeth Ann Cuppett was bora at Glade Farms, Preston County,
on January 29, 1863. He received a common school education, was
reared on the farm and was always a farmer, as his father was before
him. He has always been a progressive citizen and a very public-
spirited one, but never a candidate for public office. Aside from one
year spent in the West and five years in Fayette County, Pennsylvania,
he has lived all his life in Preston, and it has been a strenuous one
both as a farmer and as a citizen of both county and State. As a
cfese reader and a careful observer, his opinions have obtained par-
ticularly as an enthusiastic defender of farmers' rights. As a student
of agricultural affairs, he first saw the need of insurance for farmers,
and he was the first in organizing ''The Farmers' Mutual Insurance
Company," of Preston County. For many years also he was president
of the Farmers' Local Organization of Grant District. This place of
trust he resigned in November. He still owns land, farms for a
living and has large interests in other real estate.
Mr. Cuppett has five brothers: M. H.; C. A.; A. R.; C. H.; and
D. E., all living. His sisters are Amanda, who died in infancy; Mary
C, wife of R. P. Augustine; Ella S., wife of C. H. Bird, and Silva,
who died at the age of twentyn^ne.
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E. E. CUPPETT
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JACOB P. BARNES.
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Pbbston CiouNTT, Wmt Yibqimu 695
Mr. Cuppett married Zadie Beerbower at Uniontown, Pennsylvania,
June 28, 1890. She is the daughter of Harry and Diana Beerbower, and
was bom at Glade Farms, May 2, 1868. She has two brotha-s, Silas
and William W. The children of Mr. and Mrs. E. £. Cuppett are
Nellie Mabel, born April 6, 1891. She is a teacher in the public schools.
Mary and Edith, twins, born September 13, 1892. Mary is a teacher in
the public schools also; and Fred Russell, who was born January 33,
1897.
Mr. Cuppett is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
is a charter member of Bruceton Lodge, I. O. O. F., and past master
of Pleasant^s Grange.
JACOB P. BARNES.
A great number of Preston county residents came from Payette
county, Pennsylvania. Among these was Jacob P. Barnes, a merchant
of Brandonville, who was bom July 21, 184^, two miles north of Somer-
field, in the farm house now owned and occupied by Mrs. Noah Lan*
caster and her heirs. His grandfather, Peter Bames, was bom in
Saxony, Germany, in 1772. He came to America with his parents in
1779. They located in the wilds of Pennsylvania, in what is now Bed-
ford county, where Peter grew up to manhood, then went to Somerset
county where he met and married Elizabeth Burger and settled there.
Elizabeth Burger was of an old, prominent family of German ancestry.
Her father, mother and brothers moved from Somerset county, Pennsyl-
vania, to Ohio, and settled in Holmes, Tuscarawas and Coshocton
counties, and were among the first settlers of that country. Here theii:
descendants have been holding annual reunions for many years that
are largely attended by relatives scattered over many states.
Eleven children were born to Peter and Elizabeth Barnes: Barbara^
Elizabeth, Peter, John, Jacob. David, Christopher, Mary, Catherinet
Diana and Sarah. Peter Barnes went to the state of Indiana and never
married. Daniel married and located near Brownsville, Pennsylvania.
Barbara married A. J. Stanton and settled in Pennsylvania. Sarah
married Allen Spear and settled in Pennsylvania also. Christopher
married and settled in Ohio. Diana remained single. Jacob went west
when the western country was first being settled and was never heard
from. Catherine remained unmarried.
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John Barnes, father of J. P. Barnes, was bom October i6, 1803, in
Berlin, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, When he was a boy there were
no free schools. They had what they called subscription schools, where
each pupil had to pay fifty or seventy^ve cents per month tuition, and,
because the country was sparsely settled, they had to go long distances
to schooL With so many disadvantages, John Barnes, nevertheless,
acquired a fair education for that day. By trade he was a carpenUr
and cabinetmaker.
On December 28, 1828, John Barnes married Nancy Ann Cook, a
daughter of Jacob Cook of Wellersbury, Pennsylvania, where he was
born August 19, 1803. Her father was of German and English extrac-
tion and one of the pioneers of that region, and a prominent business
man. He had two sons, Jacob and George, and one daughter, Nancy
Ann.
After marriage, John Barnes located in Fayette county, Pennsyl-
vania, where he lived, farming and plying his trade until the death of
his wife, February 9, 1889. Of this union eight children were bom:
(i) Angeline, October 25, 1829; (2) Cintha, May 311, 1832; (3) Anne,
May 16, 1834; (4) William Jasper, December 25, 1836; (5) John
Andrew, August 8, 1838; (6) Nancy Jane, April 29, 1840; (7) JaccA
Peter, June 21, 1842; (8) Mary Elizabeth, January 21, 1846. Cintha,
John, Andrew and Anne died in infancy. The father lived neariy
ninety-four years and was able to walk without the use of a cane until
his last illness and death, which occurred February 16, 1897. He was
a Democrat all of his life and voted at every Presidential election from
1624 to 1896. He and his wife were devoted= members of the M. B.
Church from their youngest days until their death.
Jacob Peter Bames, the seventh child of John Bames, was reared
on the farm and attended the country schools until he was eighteen
years old. By this time he had acquired sufficient education to teach,
but on account of his youthfulness he failed to acquire a school until
three years later, when he was employed by the school board of H. Clay
Township to teach the Flanigan School, near Confluence, Pennsylvania,
which he taught successfully. The better to fit himself for a teacher,
he attended the Normal School at Centerville, Pennsylvania. Later,
while visiting relatives in Ohio, he became interested in the superior
advantages offered there and entered the high school in Millersburg,
taking two ternrs. He taught two terms in that state, one in Coshocton
and the other in Parmerstown. He then retumed to Pennsylvania
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and Uttght his homcf school one term, then came to Preston county and
taught two terms. Here he met Sarah Ann Guthrie, a daughter of
James Guthrie, and married her August 27, 1868. She was born Febru-
ary 21, 1847. In 1869, he bought the Prospect Hill farm, where he
lived when a boy. Here he managed the farm, working on it during
the summer and teaching in the winter for eight consecutive years.
On January 30, 1880, his wife died, leaving him the care of six small
children, for whom he did the best he could until June 17, 1880, when
he married Amanda Jane Harshbarger, a school teacher, born June
9, i860. She was the daughter of David K. Harshbarger, who was
bom December 27, 1825, and came from Mt. iSolon in the Valley of
Virginia to Preston county, where he settled near Brandonville.
After farming Prospect Hill Farm for fifteen years, Mr. Barnes
sold it in the spring of 1884, ^nd bought the William Hagans farm
near Bruceton Mills, where he lived twelve years. He sold this farm
to B. F. Huggins, and in February, 1896, bought the Hagans property
in Brandonville, consisting of the stone dwelling and brick store
building, and later has purchased other land and property in con-
nection with this, where he still resides as a farmer and merchant. The
dwelling furnishes hotel accommodations.
Six children were born of Mr. Barnes' first marriage, and five of
his second marriage, namely: (i) Lillie Irene, bom June 5, 1869, mar-
ried Baltus DeWitt, a jeweler of Terra Alta. They had one child,
Lillian, now dead. The father is dead also. (2) Virginia Barbara,
bom February 12, 1871, married William A. Thomton, superintendent
of DuQuesne Steel Works, and resides at DuQuesne, Pennsylvania.
They have two children: Raymond and Helen. (3) James Quinter,
bom May 7, 1873, ^ jcfweler. He married Laura Cole, and resides
at DuQuesne also. (4) William Harrison, bora May 2, 1875. ^^ is a
cashier of a bank in Pittsburg, and is unmarried. (5) John Jacob,
bom October 22, 1877, married Mattie Mosser, is a merchant at Clifton
Mills and has two children, Ralph and Bdith. (6) Sarah Alice, bom
January 93, 1880, is a teacher, is unmarried and resides at Bruceton
MiUs.
Mr. Bames' children by his second marriage are as follows: (i)
Vida, born March tt;, 1881, married David Earl Cuppett, attorney at
law, and resides at Thomas, West Virginia. They have one child,
Reardon Stewart Cotton. (2) Nannie, bom December 15, 1882, mar-
ried Charles £. Bumer, mine superintendent, VanVoorhis, Pennsyl-
vania. They have one child, Grant Irwin. (3) Walter Scott, born
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June 4, 1886, unmarried. He resides at Braddock, Pennsylvania, and
is clerk there in the Braddock Steel Mills. (4) Russel Emerson, bom
March 15, 1891, unmaarried, and resides at home. (5) Leslie Virgil,
bom March 3, 1893, unmarried, and resides at home«
Mr. Barnes has taken great interest in the training and educating
his children. Nine of the older ones have been school teachers. Five
are graduates of the Califomia State Normal, Washington county,
Pennsylvania.
CHARLES ARNOLD CRAIG.
Charles Arnold Craig was bora December 15, 1865. He was
raised on the farm, and when twenty-one years old took a trip through
Illinois and Iowa, where he remained two years prospecting. After
this he railroaded two years, with headquarters at Newark, Ohio.
On his retum to West Virginia, he went into the saw mill business
near Irona, and eventually entered into a partnership in the manufactur-
ing of lumber with the late M..C. Gibson, and with whom he remained
eleven years, doing in the meantime an extensive business. In 1904,
this firm closed up their account since which time Mr. Craig has con-
fined himself to agricultural pufsuits, and to those of a man of busi-
ness affairs generally. He bought the farm where he now lives near
Irona of John H. Garner in 189^ and built his residence there in 1902.
This was the old Snyder farm bought by him of the Benjamin Miller
estate, February 28, 1843. It consists of 234 acres and is one of the
most valuable farms in the county. During the year 191 1, Mr. Craig
%old off this farm, feed, hay and grain totaling $860.71 and cattle
amounting tx> $531.00. He deals solely in breeded stock, short-
homed Durham cattle, PoUand China hogs, and sheep of the Shropshire
breed.
Aside from interests in farming, Mr. Craig owns and controls much
other kind of stock, consisting of shares in banks, of which the
National Banks of Kingwood and Masontown are among the number.
He is a director, and owns a large share in the Preston County Lum-
ber Company; was a manufacturer and dealer in lumber and mine
supplies; has considerable of an interest in the Wholesale Grocery
Company at Rowlesburg; in the Kingwood Stogie Factory; enjoys
al9o a considerable holding in the Hill Top Peach Orchard Company
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C. A. CRAIG
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rJZLlC LiLRAKY
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at Romney» West Virginia, and besides he is a real estate owner of
valuable property in Kingwood. Withal Mr. Craig may be considered
one of the most successful self-made men of Preston County.
On September 30, 1891, Mr. Craig was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Avice Martin, daughter of W. D. and Mary Elizabeth
Martin now living near Irona. The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Craig are as follows: (i) Charles W., bom September 24, 1892. He
graduated with honor, and was president of the Kingwood High
School in 191 1, also of Elliott Business College, and is now the
efficient bookkeeper and manager of the Gibson Company Store at
Kane's Creek. He was formerly clerk for the Kingwood Bank, and his
advancement to his present important official position, based solely
on merit, has been rather remarkable for so young a man. (2) Virgie E.,
bom September i, 1895, now in Parkcrsburg, West Virginia, studying
music; (3) Ella A., bom November 29, 1896; (4) Mabel G., born
December 14, 1899; (5) Lulu B., born September 21, 1902; (6)
Harold A., born August 8, 1906; (7) Bertus M., born April 12, 1908;
(8) and Juanita Louise, bom August 16, 1912.
Mr. Craig is a member in high standing in the Knights of Pythias.
Is a Past Chancellor and was elected as a representative to the Grand
Lodge. He is tmstee of the M. E. Church of which he and his
family are members also.
RICHARD EDWARD CRAIG.
The engineer of the Big Mallet No. 2417, has worked himself up
from a brakeman to his present position, which, like his Mastodonic
engine, is an important one.
Richard Edward Craig was born July 2, 1873, on a farm one and
a half miles west of Kingwood, and lived there tilling the soil and
going to the country scIkmdIs until eighteen years of age. In the
meantime, he drove The Compan/s team in the building of the West
Virginia Northem R. R., but at the age above mentioned he went
to Pittsburg and became a brakeman on the railroad. He went from
there to Cumberland, Maryland. After seven years' service as a brake-
man, he was made fireman, and on October 4, 1902, he came to
Rowlesburg, where on ^September 30, 1908, he was promoted to the
responsible position he now holds.
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July i6. 1895. Mr. Craig was married to Estella Maude Wotring.
daughter of William Wotring, Captain Company H. lath West Virginia
Infantry, now of Dayton, Ohio. Captain Wotring enlisted as a
private soldier at the beginning of the war, and was promoted from
time to time until he reached the Captaincy of his Company. He was
bom December 15, 1844, married May 17, 1868, to Mrs. Nancy C.
DeBloss Harvey, bom March 16, 1840. She died August 6, 1900.
Their children were, (i) Jerome H., bora September, 1869, died
of yellow fever in South America; Torbert W., bora May 28,
1871, died May 5, 1893; inarried Orretta Posten, daughter of
William L.» of Morris Bottom. (3) Roscoe C, bora September 28,
1873, and now living in Michigan. He married Jennie E. Emory,
September 24, 1873, ^^^ i^ow living in Michigan. He married Jennie £.
Emory, September 24, 1895. She was bora July 12, 1875. (4) Maude
Estella, the wife of Richard Edward Craig. Their children are
Albridge B., bom January 23, i89^;^chard I., bora January 5, 1898;
Mary C, August 25, 1899.
John Craig came from Ireland in boyhood. He lived first at Cranes-
ville, but in 1848 settled at Morgans Run. His youngest son, Charles
Craig, the well known auctioneer, married Miss E. C. Castle, January 9,
1862. She was bora September 18, 1840. He was a contractor and
a wagon master during the war. Their oldest son John W. Craig, bora
September 8, 1862, was in the railroading business twenty-five years.
(2) Jam^ L., born May 9, 1864, is a fine stock grower, and in charge
of the home place. (3) Charles A., bora December 15, 1865, is also a
fine stock grower, and owner of the old Snyder farm, west of King-
wood. (4) Mary A., born March 20, 1867, married to E. W. Thomas,
Pebraary 25, 1902, had two children. She died August 20, 1905, near
Howesville. She was a very large woman and weighed at one time
296 pounds. (5) Amanda E., born May 5, 1868, died March 17, 1873.
(6) Thomas D., bora March i, 1870, was a school teacher. He
married Cora M. Savage, daughter of H. G. Savage a well to do
farmer living near Kingwood. (7) Sarah P., bora Pebraary 18,
1872, married Mr. M. O. Wilson, July 2, 1894, and is living in Pitts-
bvixg' (8) Richard Edward, above mentioned. (9) Prancis M., bora
June 21, 1875, is a large contractor in the cement and concrete business
at Steubenville, Ohio, of which he is the first vice-president. The name
of the company is The VanMeter Company.. (10) Argansette, bora
September 5, 1^77, is at home in charge of her mother. (11) Bertha,
bora October 6, 1879, was married to E. W. Boljrard, August 2, 190a
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MARSHALL MORGAN.
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(la) Lottletf, born May 7, 1882, died Pcfcniary 17, 1883. (13) Nora E.,
born April 14, 1885, married to E. W. Fiser, June 4, 1904, lives at
Keyser, West Virginia.
Mr. Richard £. Craig purchased his beautiful home in Rowlesburg,
in 1907. He has an interesting little family, and has left them a
twenty^ve hundred dollar insurance legacy from a policy he holds
in the Baltimore & Ohio Relief Department, and $15,000 in the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
MARSHALL MORGAN.
This family is traceable to both Celtic and Welch origins— *See
sketches elsewhere— William Morgan, one of the pioneers of this
family in Preston County, settled on Dunkard bottom and became
the owner of a large tract of land there He married Margaret Funk,
Five sons and five daughters were bom to this union. His sons
were: (i) James, who moved to Missouri at the close of the Civil
War; (a) John, who moved to Texas; (3) William, now living in
Ohio; (4) George, the youngest son of the family, died at home.
The daughters were: (5) Malinda, now Mrs. John Hemdon; (6)
Hannah, who married Jesse Ashby; (7) Betsy, who married John
Lawer. They live in Maryland; Jemima, who married John Shaffer
and lives in Barbour Oounty, and Harriet, the wife of Joseph Hartley.
(9) David Morgan, son of William, bom November, 1822, mar-
ried Mary Albright, daughter of David and Susanna (Miller) Albright
She was bom October 15, 1834, and died July a8, 1868. See sketch
of Albright family.
Their children were: (i) Patrick M., bom January 16, 1874. He
lived in Missouri, then moved to Texas. He married End>e Mc-
Collum; (2) Margaret S., bom January 9, 1849; (3) Harriet A., bom
December 28, 1851; (4) Marshall, bora October i, 1852; (5) Joseph,
bora September 14, 1854.
David Morgan's second wife was named Mary A. Morgan. She
died January 25, 1873, ^^ ^^^ ^^ of thirty-six years. The children by
this marriage were: (i) an infant that died December 4, 1871; (2)
daughteri Mary A., who died March 24, 1873.
The third wife of David Morgan was Sarah N. Marsden. No
issue. David Morgan died June 24, 1896, at the age of seventy-five
ytars*
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702 Pbbston County^ West Virqinu
The present home of the Marsden family was the old homestead
where David Albright and subsequently where David Morgan, his son-
in-law» lived. A large tract of land belonged to the family, fifty acres
of which, now thcf farm of Marshall Morgan, being a part of the
original farm. The old mill just above the residence, and operated
until recently, was one of the historic landmarks of this part of
Preston county. It was erected by David Albright, and run by the
Albrights and Morgans seventy-five years in all. The brick house was
built in 1861.
Mr. Marshall Morgan lias^ been a life-long resident in the vicinity
of Albright, with the exception of two years spent in Missouri. He
was reared on the old homestead farm and attended school at
Albright. His education embraced the curriculum of the common
school branches. He has been a close student of the current cfvents
of the day, and is a well-informed man.
October 3, 1878, Mr. Morgan married Ruth E. Smith, and in 1879
he built his present residence. Mrs. Morgan was the daughter of Jacob
and Catherine Smith, and was bom September 2, 1852. Her mother
died August 31st, , aged seventy years, and was the mother
of five children, (i) Mrs. M. L. Crane, deceased; (2) Mrs. Joseph
Welch of Terra Alta; (3) Mrs. C. H. Trembly; (4) Mrs. M. Morgan;
(5) Mrs. C. W. Porman. The children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Morgan
are as follows: Bruce W., October 6, 1879; David S., November 9,
1880; Marshall Blaine, July 5, 1884; Carr E., August 12, 1888; Frank
Curtis, April 20, 1894, died September 2, 1895; William O., June i,
1899.
Mr. Bmce Morgan married Pearl, daughter of Charles Stone, on
, and has one child, Charles Marshall. David Scott,
married Isa Whetsell. She was the daughter of Buckner Whetsell.
They have one child, David Scott, Jr. Marshall Blaine married Anna,
daughter of James Menefee. They are the parents of three children:
James Marshall, John, Wesley and Geraldine.
RICHARD M. ARTHUR.
Among the prominent citizens and larger farmers of West Vir-
ginia is Richard M. Arthur, of Arthurdale, Reedsville, this county.
His spacious and palatial residence occupies a beautiful eminence,
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RICHARD ARTHUR.
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centrally located amidst his broad domain of nearly 1500 acres^ and
commands expansive and magnificent views for miles around. It is
an imposing building and suggests the ancestral halls of great landed
estates so popular in former times.
Richard M. Arthur is of Irish descent and is a son of John
Newton and Mary Arthur of County , near Dublin, Ireland.
Mr. J<rfin N. Arthur and his wife emigrated to America in ,
and settled at Mt. Savage, near Cumberland, Allegany county, Mary-
land. He was shortly after followed by his mother, his brothers,
James and Edward, also his sisters, Elizabeth and Mary, who after-
wards married, respectively, John Baker and James Burke, of Pitts-
burgh. Each of the sisters reared families, but his brother, James
(employed nearly his whole life in the American Iron and Steel Works,
Pittsburgh), remained a bachelor, while Edward joined the Union
forces in the Rebellion and his subsequent whereabouts was never
ascertained.
John Newton Arthur, Richard's father, was a cultured, educated
gentleman of exceptional ability and high character. On settling in
Mt. Savage, John N. Arthur took up railroading and was a passenger
conductor for several years on the railroad. Removing
to Pittsburgh in i860, and becoming a conspicuous figure in the con-
struction and early operation of the old Pitts and Connellsville division
of the B. & O. R. R., as General Dispatcher of the road (Correspond-
ing to Master of Transportation, in modem railroad terms), he served
a long career o! usefulness and honor. Under his tutelage several of the
highest railroad officials, since directing some of the greatest railroad
systems of the United States, received their first lessons. Among
these may be mentioned, J. O. Hughart, senior and junior, consecutive
Presidents of the Grand Rapids and allied systems, and J. B. Yohe,
the present General Manager of the P. & L. Erie or Pittsburgh Division
of the New York Central (Vanderbilt) Lines.
Mr. Arthur was six feet and one inch in stature, weighed over 200
pounds, was genial and courtly in manner and of distinguished per-
sonality. For these qualities and his thorough-going railroad capacity,
J. N. A., (as he was designated by railroad officialdom and the public
as well), was well known and respected by everybody throughout
the length of his division.
He died in 1883 at his home, 24th Street, South Side, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and was buried in the family plot. Mary Arthur, wife
of John N. Arthur, was a daughter of and ^McNuIty,
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and was from . She had two brothers and five sisters. Of
her brotherst who likewise came to Maryland, James was a railroad
conductor for many years and later went into the brewery bosiness
at Mount Savage. In he removed to Pittsburgh, where he
established a coal yard on the South Side. He later went with his
family to New Yofic City, and after a few years removed to Denver,
Colo., where he (and son, Thomas) became active and prominent in
business and political affairs, until his death in He left a
large family, who are widely scattered, some living in New York, St.
Louis, Denver and San Francisco. Thomas, the other brother, took
the gold fever and went to CaKfomia in . Returning he soon
after settled at Pittsburgh and later went to McKee^>ort, Pennsyl-
vania. Taking the gold fever again, he went to Alaska in i8- — , at the
age <A 63, but soon returned to McKeesport, where he still lives,
He has one daughter, Annie, living in Pittsburgh.
Mrs. John N. Arthur had five sisters: Bridget (Mrs. Gordon),
who died at McKeesport in , aged years; Anna (Mrs. Edw.
Donahue) of Frostburg, Md., still hale and hearty at the age of — years ;
Catherine (Mrs. Bulger) becoming a widow, she later married John
Bums, and Margaret (Mrs. Lanagan), both of Pittsburgh, now de-
ceased, and Lydia, unmarried, living at Pittsburgh. She was a
woman of gentleness, refinement and devotion to the duties and
responsibilities within, the scope of her family and religious circles.
She died in the Arthur homestead 1876, on the South Side, surrounded
by her entire family of nine sons and two daughters. The children
of this happy union all reached maturity before a single death among
them was recorded. Thos. F., was bom ; Edw. L., ; Jas.
F., ; Wm. A., ; John P., ; Margaret, Richard M.,
; Jos. H., ; with the exception of the three older brothers
of the family, all are alive today, and residing at Pittsburgh, except
John P.. living at Marion, Indiana; Jos. H., Manager Swisher
Theatre, Morgantown, West Virginia, and Richard M., the subject of
this sketch, was bom as stated, in Mt. Savage, Maryland in 1856, but
removed with his parents to Pittsburgh when only 3 years of age,
He attended the Humboldt school there until 17 years of age, when
he leamed iron moulding at Jones & Laughlins', which business he fol-
lowed several years.
He entered the hotel business in 1890, and erected an elegant
modem brick hotel in Pittsburgh, South Side. The hotel contains
50 rooms with every up-to-date appointment, including its own electric
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light plant, latest heating system, artesian well, etc. After lo years of
success, he removed to Roscoe, Washington County, Pa., where he
again erected a fine modem hotel and again met with success, due the
genial, obliging and attentive landlord. While here, through corre-
sponding with Hon. Wm. G. Brown, of Kingwood, he purchased the
old historic Colonel John Fairfax estate, of 640 acres, near Reedsville,
Valley District, this (Preston) county, West Virginia. To this he
has since added several farms, acquiring both surface and coal, until
his holdings now aggregate acres. He erected thereon a costly
mansion home of 2^ nooms, which, at an altitude of 1800 feet, overlooks
a large expanse of country noted for its richness and beauty. He soon
added a large stock farm with capacity for a hundred head of stock
and one hundred and thirty tons of hay. Other buildings, equipments
ind general improvements ragidly foltowed.
Mr. Arthur is a Wilful and enthusiastic agriculturist and his pasture
fields are filled with blooded stock of every kind : horses of the Bour-
bon Wilkes breed; Jersey cows for domestic use and mercantile pur-
poses; white chickens of choice Irish breeds, and game cocks from
Japan, worth $75.00 a pair are found in his bam yard.
In the year 191 1, Mr. Arthur raised on his farm 4JOO bushels of
buckwheat; 1950 bushels of oats; 2600 bushels of com; 1800 bushels
of potatoes and he stored away 120 barrels of cider in his cellars.
April 22, 1879, Mr. Arthur married Mary C. Schmitt, a charming and
accomplished daughter of Stephen and Gertmde Schmitt, of Pitts-
burgh. Her father came to this country from the French Alsace-
Lorraine (now belonging to Germany), and located in Evansville,
Indiana, where Mrs. Arthur was Ibom in i860. When three years of
age, the parents moved to Pittsburgh, where the father died in 1886.
Mr. Schmitt, a highly educated gentleman, a product of European
university training, was a musician and professional organist and
schoolmaster. His father and grandfather before him were likewise
schoolmasters in the old country. Mrs. Arthur's mother, Gertmde,
is still living and makes her home at Arthurdale, when not visiting
her other children in Pittsburgh.
Two children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur, Theodore J., the
first gift to the parents, was bora January 27, 1881. He was educated,
graduating at Califomia Normal College, Pennsylvania. He later
took a course at the State University of West Virginia, at Morgantown.
Dttring the past ten years he has been private secretary to E. M.
Grant, the well known capitalist of this State. He is also secretary
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of the Building and Loan Association of Morgantown; he is also
Exalted Ruler of B. P. O. E., of Morgantown, West Virginia, and
is identified with other important enterprises of that city. The
daughter, Gertrude, now the wife of Earl J. Dixon, Cashier of the
MasontowA Bank, was born in Pittsburgh, May 5, 1885. She was
educated at Seton Hill Academy, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and mar-
ried November 22, 191 1. Mr. Arthur is an energetic, public-spirited and
enterprising citizen and his advent into West Virginia and the
establishment of Arthurdale has had a salutary and inspiring effect
and influence for progress and general uplift in the community and
SUte.
CX>LONEL CARLETON CUSTER PIERCE.
The Pierce family are Irish in descent. Their paternal ancestor
was an Orangeman, and was exiled from his native land. He came to
America and settled in Delaware.
Colonel Carleton Custer Pierce was born in Rowlesburg October
19th, 1877. He is the son of John F. and Amanda E. Pierce, who at
this time reside in Rowlesburg, as well as two brothers. Prank R. Pierce
and John A. L. Pierce. A sister, Edna Pierce, died in infancy.
John F. Pierce was a son of Jefferson Pierce, who died April 23rd,
1863, while serving as a member of Company E, nth West Virginia
Volunteer Infantry. He was a grandson of Samuel Pierce, a Revolu-
tionary soldier, who at the close of that war came to Preston county
about 1782, from Delaware, leaving many descendants some of whom
remained in this and Monongalia Counties and some went to
Tennessee, to Wood County and elsewhere. John F. Pierce was bom
in Wood County, the home farm being some fifteen miles above
Parkersburg on the Little Kanawha River.
Jefferson Pierce, brother of Wesley Pierce, married Ellen Elizabeth
Custer, who was a sister of Emmanuel Custer, the father of the noted
cavalry leader and Indian fighter, Gen. George A. Custer. The children
of this marriage, in addition to John F., were Mary E., and James
L., the latter having been killed in a railway accident near Rockwood,
Pennsylvania, while serving as a railway mail clerk. John F. Pierce
came to Rowlesburg about 1872, and has resided there since that time.
His wife was Amanda E. Moore, a daughter of George D. Moore,
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CARLETOX CUSTER PIERCE.
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-LIBRARY
■ 10R. LENOX
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Pbwiom C!ountt, Wsst Vdmbnu 707
of near Newbarg. He has served as Mayor and member of the council
of Rowleabarg and for many years' as member of and president of the
Board of Education of Reno District, and it was largely through his*
careful and efficient management that the splendid new school building
has been built in Rowlesburg.
Cok>nel Pierce, the subject of this sketch, attended the public
schools at Rowlesburg, working on the saw mills and at such things
as came to hand until he began to teach school, his first being the
Goff Ridge School in Union District.
At the outbreak of the war with Spain, although just recovering
from a k>ng siege of typhoid fever, he enlisted in Company H, 2nd
West Virginia Volunteer Infantry and served during the war as pri-
vate, sergeant, first sergeant and First Lieutenant, being one of the
youngest officers of the last grade in the 2nd Army Corps.
Prior to the war he had been a student at Franklin College, Ohio,
and on being mustered out of the service went to Morgantown and
took the course in law at the State University. He was admitted to
the bar in 1901, and located in King wood the following year.
On November 28, 1902, he married Mary May Buckner, a daughter
of J^erson M. Buckner of Rowlesburg, and a great-granddaughter of
John Anthony Buckner, who settled in Wood County in the early
days, coming there from Prince William County, Virginia, where he
was bom in 1748. John Anthony Buckner was connected with the
Lees, Fairfaxes, Fitzhughs and other prominent families of Virginia,
his first wife having been a Fairfax, and was a descendant of John
Buckner, who came over from England and took up large grants of
land in Virginia in 1663. He was a leading citizen of Wood County
for over fifty years and was one of the jury summoned at the trial of
Aaron Burr for treason.
In 1904 Cotond Pierce was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Preston
County, which office he filled until December, 1907, wlien he resigned
to go to Charleston as Assistant Adjutant General.
While he was Prosecuting. Attorney the tax laws of the State were
revised and it was due to his careful and watchful work that the
coal lands in the hands of the big corporations were properly assessed,
thus saving to the tax-payers of the county many thousands of dollars
annually. He also stopped the shipment of "C. O. D.** liquor into
the county and in the prosecution of liquor sellers was vigorous and
relentless. While in charge of the Natbnal Guard he reofganised that
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70S PMnON OOUNTT, WS0T ViBOIMU
force in accordance with the regulations of the regular army and bnilt
it up to a higher state of efficiency than it had ever before enjoyed.
In 1910 Colonel Pierce returned to Kingwood where he has since
resided. He has two sons, Carleton Custer, Jr., and Oscar Buckner
Pietxre, the former eight, the latter five years of age.
He is largely interested in fruit growing and farming in the eastern
part of the State and to this gives a great part of his time.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is active in
the Sunday School, is a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, the U. S.
Infantry Association, the Masons, Odd Fellows, K. of P., and other
fraternal societies.
He is one of the Republican nominees for representative in the Hou^
of Delegates from Preston county.
WKETSELL FAMILY.
The Whetsells are of German origin, and in the German tongue
the name is spelled Wetzel. All German surnames have primarily
some distinctive meaning, and the name Wetzel was first applied to a
person who whetted or sharpened tools with a cutting edge. Previous
to the Revolution, the following Wetzels came to America from the river
Rhine: Hans Martin in 1731, Johan Jacob in 1737, Johan Werner in 1738,
Jacob in 1746, Hans Georg in 1750, and Johannis in 1754.
It was either the second or third of these who in 1740 settled in what
is now Rockingham county in the Valley of Virginia. Thence hts son
John, bom in Swifzerland in 1733, migrated about 1767 to Wheeling
Creek in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. This Captain John
was the father of the famous Lewis Wetzel, and his daughter Christina
married Jacob Wolfe, a pioneer of Preston. From one or more brothers
of the younger John are evidently derived the Whetsel connection of
Rockingham and Pendleton counties.
Another of the immigrant Wetzels is mentioned as living in
Frederick county, Maryland, in the middle of the same century, but just
which of the six it was we cannot tell, because all but one bore the
name John, or its equivalent. . Frederick was then the most western
county in Maryland. It is quite safe to assume that the first Whetsell
in Preston was jeither a son or grandson of this early settler In Maryland.
All the six immigrant Wetzels came from the same region, and that
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HORATIO S. WHETSELL
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Pbbston County, West Virginia 709
they were not distantly related is very probable. John Whetsell of
Preston married a Troxall, and it is significant that this name occurs
during the colonial pcfriod where both the Maryland and the Virginia
Wetzcls located.
John, the forefather of the Whetsells of Preston, came from
Hagerstown and purchased of the Butler brothers a portion of thw
patent amounting to ai6 acres. The present farm of Felix E. Jeffers
covers the principal portion of the Whetsell farm. It was a choice
selection and indicates an exefrcise of good judgment. The log house
of John Whetsell stood near the site of the Jeffers barn. Later, he
built a watermill on the stream bdow. The coming of the family was
before the close of the pioneer era in Preston history. It was a time
when no citizen was rich, and when toil and privations were? the order
of the day. Like many another settler, John Whetsell did not live on
Easy Street. The last years of the pioneer and his wife were spent in
Maryland with their son Michael. There they lived until a little after
the year 1840, being by that time of an advanced' age.
The wife of the pioneer was Mary Troxall. Their children were
eleven in number, and all but the three youngest appear to have been
bom prior to the arrival in Preston. George, the oldest, lived a single
life. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was wounded in battle
at Bladensburg. Elizabeth married Tevolt Shaffer, a son of Adam
Shaffer, who came to Brookside in 1793. Conrad married Lydia, a
daughter of Enoch Calvert, who lived on the William H. Whetsell farm.
He removed to Maryland. Peter, the fourth ol the family, was bom
December 26, 1796, and died February 26, 1875. He married Nancy
Moyer of Hagerstown, remained in the home neighborhood, and was
the progenitor of the larger share of those bom with the Whetsell name.
Sarah, who attained the age of 92 years, nifarried William Taylor,
a resident df the settlement, and thus became the ancestor of one of
the four Taylor families of the county. John, the sixth child, settled
in Indiana. Mary married' Jonathan Bucklew, a son of William Buck-
lew, who came to the Whetsell settlement in 1812. Catherine E,, the
fourth daughter, lived single. Abraham removed to Pennsylvania and
inarried there. Michael married Elizabeth, daughter of Joha Felton,
who became a member of the community in 1817. Margaret married
William Welch and accompanied him to Indiana.
While this leaves but two married sons, Peter and Michael, and
two married daughters, Mrs. Sarah Taylor and Mrs. Mary Bucklew,
who remained in the vicinity of the family homestead, the offspring
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of the two sons have impressed their name on the conmianity around
them and caused it to be universally known as the Whetsell Settle-
ment. It is also true that by intermarriage, the Whetsells are related
to nearly all the other families of the neighborhood, which is, by the
way, one of the fairest and most attractive portions of all Preston
county.
Until a recent date, this inviting comer has been a little difficult of
access from the other towns of the county, and for a long time its
postoffice privileges were inadequate. But happily these conditions
have of late been greatly improved.
Passing now to the families of Peter and Michael, we find that the
former had ten children: John M., who married Catherine Trembly;
Isaac C, who married Eleanor Felton; George W., who went away
in his youth; Michael, who never married; Buckner P., whose wives
were Charlotte Trembly, Naomi Trembly and Sarah Jcffers; Mary
E., who married Henry M. Felton; Samuel A., who married Louisa
Trembly; William H., whose wives have been Mary E. Freeland,
Melissa E. Bucklcfw and Martha A. Jeffers; Simon D., who married
Susan Windle; and Sarah C, who married Joseph H. Trembly. The
children of Michael were nine. Of these, Mary married Richard Dewitt ;
John O., married Drusilla Bucklew; Joanna lived single; Samuel H.
married Pauline Hemdon; Sarah M., married Felix E. Jeffers; George
H., is single; D. Isaiah married Elizabeth H. Felton; Adaline P.,
married Joseph Fraley, while Isaac J., married Jennie Calvert. It will
then be noticed that these nineteen grandchildren of John Whetsell
have lived and do live with scarcely an exception within the confines of
the Whetsell Settlement. Some of the great-grandchildren have over-
leaped these limits. The number of these is quite large and as some are
as yet too young to render a fuli account of themselves to the world,
we refrain •from pursuing further the genealogical record-
It will be observed that the Whetsells, originally a German family,
have intermarried with families of English origin, as in the case of the
Feltons, Jeffers, Taylors, and Herndons ; with Scotch families, as in the
case of the Bucklews and Calverts ; also with the French Trembleys and
Scotch-Irish Freelands. All this but exemplifies what is generally true
of Preston county, the Prestonian of the present day being usually a
result of the fusion of several different stocte into a new type, that of the
genuine American.
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ELIAS W. WHETSELL
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Pbeston CJounty, West Virginia 711
EUA»S W. W'HETSELL.
The subject of this sketch bdongs to one erf the oldest families
in Preston countty, for a full history of which see sketch by Oren
F. Morton.
Elias W. Whetsell is the grandson of Peter Whetsell, who was
the son of John, the pioneer. Isaac C. Whetsell, father of Elias, was
born in September, 1830, and died September 29, 1864. He settled on
the farm now owned by Elias, which he bought of Jonathan Bucklew
in 1856. It was then all woodland, th-cJ timber of whiich would at
tjiis present time be worth probably $50,000. Many were the weeks
of hard work spent in clearing off this land, but a fine grazing farm has
been made of it.
Isaac Whetsetl was one of the citizens of Preston county, who was
greatly beloved for the many good qualities of mind and hcfart he
possessed. H-e was a beautiful penman, and his fine penmanship, and
his beautiful character made for him a reputation of enviable; notoriety.
His work in the church brought him renown, he being a member of the
M. E. Church. He was a teach-er in the day school and in the Sunday
School both; and was eminently fitted for the work of imparting in-
struction to others. He was a teacher of the day school in the county
two or three y*ears, and a teacher of a Bible class about ten years.
He enlisted two or three times in the army, and was in the com-
missary department of Company "O", of the Sixth Virginia, when he
died.
Isaac Whetsell married Eleanor Felton, who was a daughter of
Henry and Katie (Wotring) Felton, the nuptial feast taking place in
January, 1859, on the old Felton farm. His wife, Eleanor, was bom
May 30, 1840, and died July 2, 1882. The young couple moved into an
old round log house standing on the place where all the family were
raised.
The children of this union were Elias, bom October 10, 1859; Nancy
E., January 5, 1861, and Isaac C, who was born February 2, 1865, and
never married. Nancy Married William Schaeffer, now of Kingwood.
Elias W. Whetsfdl, late candidate for County Assessor, received his
education in the common schools, and subsequently became one of the
ablest educators in Preston county. Like bis father before him, he
possessed natural talents as a teacher and his work of four years in
the schoolroom has matured to his credit. His knowledge of land
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712 Pebston County, West YmaiNiA
values, and his good judgment, which has come through years of hard
work and valuable experi-ence, brought him into favorable notice with
the voters of the county in his candidacy for the important office he
ran for, and was testified to in the excellent poll he got on election
day. As a farmer he has become one of the foremost in the county,
aad now owns valuable tracts consisting of some 642 acres in all.
August 17, 1882, Mr. Whetsell was married to Ida L. Miller, a
daughter of E. J. Miller of Terra Alta. (See sketch of the Miller family.)
She died October 10, 1912. The children born to this union are as
follows: Claude E., May 20, 1883; Grover C, August i, 1884, died
November 28, 1912; Elizabeth E., March 18, 1886; Carl S., August 31,
1887, died March 14, 1898; Ray E., March 7, 1889; Pearl, March 5,
1891, died March 13, 1891; Samud P., February 10, 1892, died April
21, 189s; Grace E., January 2, 1894; Joseph N., November 21, 1895;
Mary E., August 2rj, 1897; Isaac C, November 25, 1899; Vivian P.,
February 25, 1902; Custer L., February 26, 1904; an infant born and
died February 26, 1907.
Horatio S. Whetsell, of Kingwood, West Virginia, was born June
6, 1868, in Preston county. West Virginia. He obtained his primary
education in the public schools of his native county. Uater he took a
course in the State Normal at Fairmont, and taught ten terms of
school in Preston county. He was elected superintendent of schools
in his county, serving four years. Subsequently he engaged in the
newspaper business, purchasing the Preston County Journal, of which
he is still editor and publisher. In 1902 he was appointed postmaster
of Kingtwood, and served till 1914. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in Kingwood, and belongs to the Masonic and
Knights of Pythias fraternities. He was secretary of the Republican
executive committee for twelve years, he being a member of that polit-
ical party.
He married, June la, 1900, Mittie Viola, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John A. Lantz, of Aurora. The children born of this union arc:
Seymour Lantz, bom May 25, 1903, died April 18, 1904; John Richard,
born June 26, 1905; Virginia Elliott, bom September 5, 1907.
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MILLARD FILMORE CHORPEXNING
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Home of Millard Filmore Chorpenning.
First Newspaper in Treston County was Issued from this House.
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Preston County, West Vxroinu 713
MiuJAmy niMom ohorpenning.
The old Forman homestead now consasting of 170 acres is owned
by M. F. Chorpenning. The house was built by Isaac Forman in 1794,
and has always been occupied. It was built by compass, and stands
due Bast and West, and has had but little added since its erection
118 years ago. The north side has had only two roofs, but the south
has been favored with three coverings. Laps and oak shingles were
used, and are still in a good state of preservation. They were nailed
on with hand-made nails out of the very best of charcoal iron. The
house has six rooms, two down stairs, and four up. The frame part
is made of hewed logs, and saddle-backed so substantially the
structure still stands not yet one-half inch out of plumib, and it prob-
ably will stand yet another hundred years, if not removed for some
special purpose. The barn was built soon after the house was put up,
and the old orchard planted about that time also, is still bearing fruit,
and from the first has never ceased to bring forth its kind after its kind,
though its trees are now over one hundred years old. One old patriarch
standing in the midst of the orchard, has not only brought forth its
golden fruit from year to year from the time it first began to bear,
but its yield has been about fifty bushels annually.
The first newspaper in Preston county was issued from this house.
The paper was began by Frank Alter and Joseph Miller. It was called
into existence ^by the memorable presidential campaign of 1840. It
was called The Mt. Pleasant Democrat or The Preston Cdunty Demo-
crat. It was an ultra whig-journal, although from its name one would
suppose it was a Democratic paper. It supported the election of
General Harrison with great vehemence. There is no copy of the
paper now to be found.
The homestead never changed hands but once. F. M. Chorpenning
got it -from his father, Jonathan Chorpenning, who bought it oi John
C. Forman, son of Isaac Forman in 1850. It is probably one of the
nicest farms in Preston county. Scientific farming and thrifty husbandry
have preserved the fertility of its soil, and its capacity for yielding grain
seems to be not one whit lessened since it was first cleared off. It is
only seldom that such a clean, well kept, and well regulated farm like
this one is found anywhere.
Jonathan Chorpenning, son of Judge Henry Chorpenning, took pos-
session of this old Forman homestead on April i, 1850, and he lived there
until he died on March 6, 1874. He was the son of Henry and Mary
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714 Preston County, West Virginia
Shoaf Chorpenning, of Somefrset . county, Pennsylvania, Henry, the
father, was a highly educated gentleman, and Judge of the Court for
a number of years. His son, Jonathan, also had the advantages of a
fine education, and made good use of it as an agriculturist. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Hay, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Hay of Som-
erset, Pennsylvania. They reared a family of fourteen children, five
of whom dicfd in infancy, and nine of them grew up to manhood and
woQianhood, and five of whom only are now living. They are as
follows: Malinda, bom January 5, 1833, died in 1904; Pranldin, born
in 1835; Clarissa, who married Henry Brown, now dead; Elizabeth,
born in 1839. ^^^ married Cyrus Shader, and was drowned July 4,
1904. Henrietta, born in 1841, married William B. Marks. He was
a soldier in the late war, and is now living in Westmoreland county,
eightynfive years old. Hannah, born in 1843, died in 1909; Harrison,
horn in 1845, ^^^ livts in Payette county, Pennsylvania; Simon Michael,
born in 1847, now dead.
Millard Filmore Chorpenning, born one year after his father settled
here, has always lived on the old home place. Like his father before
him, he is an educated man and has turned it all to the account of an
agriculturalist. February 2, 1885, he was married to Nancy J. Waddell,
from which union were born seven boys and one girl. Alonzo J., the
eldest, was born June 24, 1885. He is married, and by his wife, Ettie
Kissenger, became the father of two children: Mary, now dead, aad
Arthur Blaine. They live at Green Ridge, Maryland. (2) Charles
W., bom in 1887. He died in infancy. (3) Walter Elmo, born in
1889. He is an electrician at Connellsville, Pennsylvania. (4) Lloyd
S., bom in 1891, is now completing a course of study in the Normal
College at Shepherdstown, West Virginia. He has taught school two
terms. (5) Homer O., born in 1893, is a teacher in Fayette county,
Pennsylvania. (6) Henry Ward, born in 1895, is a bricklayer in Con-
nellsville, Pennsplvania. (7) Creed McKinley, bom in 1897, is an
electrician at Connellsville, Pefnnsylvania. (8) Lucy A., bom March
30, 1900, now in school.
Mr. Chorpenning was road-supervisor several terms, but his atten-
tions are directed solely to farming and stock raising, at which he has
been eminently successful.
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HON. JOHN NELSON BAKER
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Pbbston County, West Viboinia 715
HON. JOHIN NBL90N BAKER.
Among mcfn of great usefulness and who stood ever ready to
extend help a-nd encouragement to others, and for every worthy enter-
prise in Preston county, was the well known and highly public
spirited citizen of the state, as well as our county, the Honorable John
Nelson Baker of Independence. He was born April 26, 1850, on a farm
near Marquess this county, was reared a farmer, taught school six
terms, elected a member of the Lcfgislature two terms, and before his
death became a great business man in that larger sense, which dis-
tinguishes enterprises of that higher ordcfr. He was a son of Jo«seph
,G., and Sarah A. Baker, and died Tuesday, March 16, 19091 At the
time of his decease, papers of both the state and county commented
at length on the moral and business qualities of Mr. Baker, voicing
the sentiments of the community in which he lived, and in terms of
the strongest kind. From all sources he is spoken of as one of the
best citizens of the county and state, and held during his lifetime
many positions of honor and trust.
Mr. Baker was educated in the common schools of the county, and
at West Virginia College at Flemington, and thereafter gave up farm-
ing, for a time, to become an educator. He was twice married. His
first wife, Ellen Waker, died April 21, 1^84. They were married
April 27, 1873. The children by this union were: (i) Guy W., born
February. 8, 1874. He married Margaret J. Mason, December 24, 1896.
Their children were Kate and Hugh. They live in Grafton. (2)
Ada Grace Baker, born October 10, 1876, married H. D. Forman, October
14, 1896. One child. Nelson, became the fruit of this union. They live
in Fairmont.
The second marriage of Mr. Baker occurred October 22, 1885, to
Miss Laura, daughter of John W. and Martha E. Graham. The
wedding ceremony took place at Grafton, West Virginia.
John Lewis was a native of Loudoun county, Virginia. He was
a blacksmith, and lived for a time at Memphis, Missouri, but came
back to Grafton where he died in 1904, at the age of seventy-five
years.
After marriage, the young couple took up their residence on the
farm now owned by Frank Bucklew, and lived there until 1901, when
they moved to Evansville, the place of his death, and where Mrs. Baker
still lives.
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716 Prbston County, West Viboinia
Mr. Baker owned a mill and store in Evansville, and operated
both from 1901 to 1906, when a flood on July 17th, that same year,
destroyed both. Three children were bom to this second onion,
;iamely, Ray B., who first saw the light of day on Jantary 7, 1889;
and Olive was born June la, 1902. A child who died in infancy, bom
Novemi>er 26, 1866, and died April 4, 1890.
Mr. John Nelson Baker distinguished his career in life, not only
as a member of the House of Delegates to which he was elected, first
in 169B, then again in 1900, and where he served with much credk
to him»elf and constituents in that position ; but as an agent for many
years of B. P. Young Company, who owned 20,000 acres of valuable
coal, mineral and timber lands in the state of West Virginia. These
lands were practically in one body, but extended over portions of
Preston, Tucker and Barbour counties. This syndicate, belonging in
England, put their possessions into the hands of Mr. Baker, who
being trusted absolutely as to their sale and disposition, sold every foot
of them. Of those splendid properties we have now the Austen Coal
& Coke Company, and many timber tracts that have been and are now
being cut.
Fraternally Mr. Baker was quite prominent in Masonic circles,
having received all the honors of the order as far as the Shriners'
degree. He was a member of the Aurora Lodge. No. 43, Newburgi
DeMolay Commandary No. 11, of Grafton, and Copestone, Chapter
No. 12; Royal Arch Masons, also of Grafton.
Two sisters and one brother survive Mr. Baker. They are Mrs.
Sarah Bonafield and Mrs. William Walter of Grafton, and Dr. N. H.
Baker of Gellette, Wyoming. The wife of M. M. JeflFreys, now dead,
was another sister.
M. H. PROUDPOOT, M. D.
This prominent and successful physician and surgeon has been
engaged in the practice of his profession for the past twenty-five years.
He was bom in Taylor county, Virginia, August 20, i860. His
father was also bom in that county, and there learned the carpenter
trade, subsequently settling in Grafton, where he was employed by
the B. & O. R. R., for thirty-seven years. He entered the employ
of the company as a carpenter, and in a few years was promoted to that
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M. H. PROUDFOOT. M. D.
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Pbbston County, West Virginia 717
of passenger car foreman until the year 1884, when he was transferred to
Baltimore, Maryland, where he was made general foreman of all pas-
senger car repairs at Camden station and Baileys. He resided in Bal-
timore until 1900, when he was retired and placed on the pension lisft
of the Baltimore & Ohio Relief Department. Mr. Proudfoot was mar-
ried in Taylor county to Miss Emily Freeman, who was born in Vir-
ginia, November 30, 1842. Her father, William Freeman, was one of the
pioneers of this state. She was a woman of great Christian character,
ever ready to help the needy. She was of poor health herself, and
died suddenly in Rowksfburg, West Virginia, May 23, 1911. Three
sons and one daughter were born to the above mentioned union. Dr.
M. H. Proudfoot, Rowlesburg, West Virginia; Mrs. R. F. Menefee,
Wellington, Kansas; G. F. Proudfoot, Franklin, Pennsylvania; E. J.
Proudfoot, 'Rowlesburg, West Virginia. Dr. Proudfoot received his
prinrary education in the public schools, and later, unaided by others,
took a commercial course. Still later he began the study of medicine
at Grafton, Wesrt Virginia, with Dr. Thomas Kennedy, one of the
celebrated physicians of northwestern Virginia, with whom he re-
mained until the death of the latter. After this he was with Dr.
Gn^nt, also of Grafton, until he began attending lectures at the Starling
Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, during the winter of 1880-81.
After taking his first course of lectures, in the following spring he
was appointed clerk on the railway route between Grafton and
Wheeling, and continued in that business for about one year, but at the
same time pursued the study of medicine. Later he returned to
Starling Medical College and graduated in the class of 1864, after
which he began practicing at Rowlesburg, where he remained until
the fall of 1886. From there he went to Kendall, Kansas, but after
several years returned to Rowlesburg, where he resumed the practice
of medicine, whiich he has continued successfully since that time. He
also engaged in the drug business for a number of years, and did a
good business until quite recently when he sold out his store and all
interests therein and confined himself strictly to his profession. Dr.
Proudfoot is a member of the County and State Medical Societies,
American Medical Association, Baltimore & Ohio Railway Surgeons'
Association. The doctor was appointed a memiber of the State Board
of Health in 1904, and served four years.
Dr. Proudfoot was married in Baltimore, Maryland, June 29, 1897,
to Miss Lida D. Sawtelle, a native of West Virginia, who was reared
and educaited in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her father, William Sawtelle,
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718 Prbston County, West Virginia
had been a resident of New Orleans many years, and is still living.
To Dr. and Mrs. Proudfioot was bom one child, Eva. She was born
in Colorado.
Dr. and Mrs. Proudfoot and their daughter are active members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Rowlesburg, and the former is
a member of the Terra Alta Ancient Free and Accepted Miasons,
The Chapter, a Knight Templar, he holding membership in Grafton,
is a member of Osiris Shrine of Wheeling, West Virginia. Dr.
Ppcwdfoot has been a resident of Rowlesburg for twenty years, and has
been one of the active and public spirited citizens and successful business
men of that city.
Dr. Proudfoot is well known to the profession over the entire
state as a successful physician, and he and his family are highly
respected. He is also surgeon for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad,
Morgantown and Kingwood Railroad and The Alpha Portland Cement
Company.
BALTIMORE & OH'IO RAILROAD.
A History of Preston County or of West Virginia to be complcfte
must give recognition to the railroad as a powerful agency in the
development and commercial expansion of the State and particularly the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which has been so intimately connected
with the growth of the county.
When the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad extended its tracks across
northern Virginia to Wheeling in 1852, that vast expanse of territory,
afterwards admitted to the Union as West Virginia, was for the most
part an unexplored and sparsely-settled region possessing few advantages
in a commercial way. The untold wealth of the State was undreamed
of in those times ; and it remained for the railroad, as the pioneer, to
blaze the way for the future prosperity of the State and Nation by pro-
viding a highway of commerce for the country's trade.
The completion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to Wheeling,
in 1852, establishing a connecting link between the waters of
the Chesapeake Bay and Ohio River (to be followed by boat
and rail connection with the Mississippi at St. Louis in 1874),
was an event which inaugurated perhaps the most important epoch
in the history of the world's commerce. It revolutionized the business
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PsMTON County, West Viboinia 719
of modern times by dcfmonstrating the practicability of a system of
rapid transportation which stimulated the commercial affairs of all
nations.
Since the eventful day, when the railroad stretched its lines of
commerce across the State, West Virginia and the B<altimore and Ohio
Railroad have been joined in a bond of commercial union, continually
strengthened through years of intelligent co-operation and have
shared the fortunes which have crowned the united efforts of com-
monwealth and transportation system for mtitual advancement.
'Before proceeding further, it would probably be propitious to
revert to the circumstances which brought about the determination
to project the railroad through the State. From Revolutionary days
until the middle of the nineteenth century, the commerce of the country
was carried on principally by the slow method of water transporta-
tion, and in sections removed from the natural routes recourse was
to turnpikes and pack trains. As a consequence business activity was
confined to seaport and river towns. Wheeling, by reason of its
geographical location, was the principal river town west of the Alle-
gh€nies at the time and was one of the leading centers of trade of the
vasft country now comprising the Central West.
Among the states and cities of the East the keenest rivalry existed
for conraiercial supremacy in western trade, particularly between New
York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Canals were built for extending
commerce. Maryland, in furthering its interests in the way of trade,
had built the Chesapeake and Ohio west to Cumebrland, but despite
this enterprising move it was realized in Maryland that her sister
states were encroaching upon the western business.
Baltimore was even at that early day the center of trade of Mary-
land, and commerce with Wheeling was conducted by means of long
trains of "Oonestoga" wagons which crossed the Allegheny Moun-
tains by turnpike. The tonnage hauled in this way was small and the
time consumed in the journey long. Rates for the service performed
were high.
Teamsters employed on the National Pike brought wonderful tales
to Baltimore of the Eldorado beyond the AUeghenies, as narrated by
drivers whom they met from western divisions of the pikes. In time
these stories reached the ears of the Baltimore business men and mer-
chants, sharpening their desire to solve the problems of commerce
in a way which would win back the trade rightfully belonging to
Maryland.
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710 Pbsston County, West Yiboinu
Experiments in hauling coal and stone from mines and quarries
haying been made in England, fEe indomitable Marylanders after in-
vestigating this method of transportation, decided to build a railway
line from Baltimore to Wheeling which would regain the lost trade.
This was the inception of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which, as
the name implies, was to connect the Maryland metropolis with the
western river. Strange to relate, however, not a single member of
the committee that made the announcement had ever crossed a moun-
tain range, consequently they knew little of the difficulties to be
encountered in the construction of a railroad in such a region.
On February 12, 1827, a meeting was held by a number of bankers
and business men at the residence of George Brown, a prominent
banker of BaltinK)re, to discuss plans for building the railroad ; and as a
resuH of the meeting a petition was sent to the Maryland legislature
for a charter for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, the capital
stock of which was fixed at $5,000,000. The charter was granted without
delay on February 27, and April 23 of the same year an organization
meeting was held which elected Philip E. Thomas president of the
Company, and a board of directors was also chosen.
The Virginia legislature confirmed the course of the Miaryland
assembly within a week after the action of the Maryland legislature in
granting the charter and granted the railroad company authority to lay
its tracks through what is now West Virginia. Plans for construction
were begun immediately and on July 4, 1828, Charles Carroll of Carroll-
ton, the last surviving sigjner of the Declaration of Independence, laid
the cornerstone.
The railroad was built to EUioott Mills, Md., in 1830, and the fol-
lowing year reached Frederick, Md.
Wben it had been demonstrated beyond peradventure of a doubt
that the railroad was practicable, opposition arose from those financially
interested in the canal. Securities of the water route began to
depreciate in value and litigation beset the railroad on all sides.
Injunctions were obtained against the railroad when it reached Point
of Rocks, because of alleged interference with traffic on the canal, the
contention being that looomootives would scare mules drawing the
packets. Complications involving priority of right of way also arose.
In this dispute the attorneys for the railroad were Roger Brooke Taney,
afterwards Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; Daniel Webster and
Reverdy Johnson.
The railroad was extended to Harper's Ferry, then in Virginia, by
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Preston County, West Virginu 721
January i, 1834. In 1837 the Virginia legislature subscribed $300,000
towards the expense of construction, an agreement having been
reached to build the line? through what is now West Virginia until
within a few miles of Cumberland. The railroad reached Cumberland,
172 miles west of Baltimore, in November, 1842. Construction was
then suspended until the fall of 1848, when Thomas Swann of BaHi-
more became president of the Company. Work was immediately re-
sumed on the road west of Cumberland and on June 5, 1851, the line
was opened to Piedmont.
Preston County was reached by the railroad early in 1852. Enter-
ing the County near Corinth, construction was pushed rapidly through
Terra Alta, Rowlesfburg, Tunnelton, Newburg and Hardman to
Grafton. President Swann then promised the investors that through
rail connections would be established by January i, 1853; and that no
time would be lost, gangs were started building the line from Wheeling
towards Fairmont to mefet the construction westward.
Progress on the line east from Wheeling was slow because of the
fact that materials had to be hauled through unbroken mountains.
The rails used on the road were rolled at Mt. Savage, Md., and wcfre
hauled overland to construction gangs on the west end. The track
forces met with their work at Roseby's Rock on December 24, 1852,
marking the completion of the road by driving a gold spike into the
ties. Roseby's Rock derived its name from- Roseby Carr, the man in
charge of the construction gangs, and at the banquet in Wheeling to
celebrate the completion of the road it was facetiously said thalt Carr
"had acted as the parson at the nuptials of the Ohio and Chesapeake
Bay and his men assisted at the courtship."
The first through trains from Baltimore to Wheeling left the
Maryland city on January 10, 1853, having on board President Swann
and the directors of the road; George Brown, first treasurer; Benjamin
•H. Latrobe, chief engineer who built the road ; his brother John H. B.
Latrobe, first general counsel ; Governor Lowe, of Maryland, Governor
Johnson of Virginia, a delegation of members of the legislatures of these
9t2rtes and prominent men of affairs in the east.
Passing through the hill country of Preston county, the distinguished
party arrived at Wheeling on January 12, 1853, where a gala celebration
that lasted several days was begun. As a fitting close of the festivities
a banquet was tendered to the visitors by their Wheeling hosts as a
testimonial of the friendly commercial relations which had been fos-
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722 PwssTON County, West Yibginu
tered by a union in their commercial relations between the Bast and
West
For northern Virginia the railroad m^ant the dawn of a new era
in business which, continuing to the present time, is responsible for
the position occupied by West Virginia among the leading industrial
states of the country. It placed the tefrritory in direct communication
with the markdts of the country, and the superior transportation
facilities encouraged the investment of capital in the development of
West Virginia industry. Before the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was
built, Wheeling and Parkersburg were the leading trade centers of the
West Virginia territory, enjoying the geographical advantage of prox-
imity to the Ohio River ; therefore inland districts eastward shared only
superfcially in the business of the difficulties of hauling across the
moumtains.
With the advent of the railroad new towns sprang up, settlers
following the railroad and locating in the sections then undeveloped.
Keyser, Piedmont, Terra Alta, Grafton, Clarksburg and Fairmont
took their places as business centers. When capital was forthcoming,
new lines of railroad were built to reach the coal ,oil and lunvber
regions of the Staite. Among these roads, many of which are now
embraced in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad System, were the
Northwestern Virginia Railroad, from Grafton through Clarksburg to
Parkersburg; the West Virginia and Pittsburgh Railroad, from Clarks*
burg to Richwood ; the Monongahela Railroad from Fairmont to Clarks-
burg; the Grafton and Belington Railroad, from Grafton to Belington;
the Point Pleasant, Buckhannon and Tygart's Valley Railroad, from
Buckhannon to Pickens ; the West Virginia Short Line Railroad, from
Clarksburg to New Martinsville; the Ohio River Railroad, from
Wheeling, through Parkersburg to Huntington, and the Huntingtoo
and Big Sandy Railroad, from Huntington to Kenova.
The original line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to WheeHng
was a single track road and its construction through the mountainous
country presented many engineering problems. The science of engineer-
ing was largely in the experimental state in those early days, so in
pushing the construction work across the mountains it became necessary
to follow the course of least resistance. The single track line when
built was wholly adequate to handle the business, but the growth of
commerce and industrial development of the State taxed the facilities
beyond capacity. Betterments were made when finances would per-
mit, tracks were added and larger terminals were provided, until a
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Preston County, West Virginia 723
larger percentage of the main line mileage within the staite was double
track.
Even thefee facilities became inadequate to handle the traffic orig-
inating in West VBrginia for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and there
was urgent need for increased facilities. On January 15, 1910, President
Daniel Willard assumed charge of thef road and before two weeks had
elapsed a committee of West Virginia citizens visited the chief
executive of the railroad to urge that additional facilities be providc?d.
The conference was held in Baltimore and Mr. Willard gave the ship-
pers assurance that their requefst would be complied with. He outlined
to them a program of improvements which would increase the hauling
capacity of the railroad by fifty per cent, including the construction
of a third track on the mountain slopes to prevent congestion and thcf
purchase of new cars and locomotives. The promises of President
Willard have been fulfilled and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad is
well equipped to handle with dispatch the traffic offered to its rails.
The transformation accomplished on the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad in so short a time was nothing less than marvelous and has
artJtracted widespread attention of the shipping public and railroad
world. The construction of the third track involved the relocation of
line, reduction of grades, elimination of tunnels, construction of sub-
stantial bridges capable of handling the heaviest of trains, the pur-
chase of locomotives of the most powerful type, freight cars of maxi
mum capacity and modern passenger equipment.
The betterment work as outlined by President Willard has in-
volved the expenditure of about $70,000,000.
A large share of the track improvement work has been made in
Preston County, though the reader will probably be interested in a brief
reference to the general program of improvements.
The improvements extend over the main line of the road in West
Virginia from the eastern extremity of the State to Grafton. A third
track has been built from Sir John's Run to Great Cacapon, a distance
of five miles, giving a continuous third track from Hedgesville to
Orleans Road, 34 miles ; and automatic block signals have been installed
to insure the safe handling of trains in this section where traffic is
especially dense. Over Sir John's Run and Great Cacapon River stone
arch bridges have replaced steel structures, the structure at Great
Cacapon providing for four tracks. The plan is to eventually close the
gaps and make a continuous third track from Cherry Run to Cumber-
land, a distance of 65 miles.
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724 Preston County, West Vibginu
West of CutiDberland the first extensive improvement work was
made between Bloomington and Bond, on the eastern slope of the
AUeghenies, whefre the first tunnel elimination was undertaken. The
tunnels provided insufficient clearance for the monster motive power
now in use in the mountain regions, and it was deemed most expedient
to eliminate them entirely by converting them into open cuts. Everett
tynnel 493 feet long, was eliminated and an open cut substituted.
Several mile^ west of Everett the third track between Swanton and
Altamont was extended for two and half miles to provide for train
movement on the mountain sl6pef. This work included the extension
of three structures over Crab Tree Creek and additional facilities at
l^^wanton and Strikers Station.
At Altamont, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad reaches its highest
altitude of 2,620 feet. After crossing the summit at Altamont, the
next improvement of importance was line revision and grade reduction
between Hutton and Oorinth, in Preston County, which made it potssible
to dispense with the use of helper locomotives. -Four or five miles
beyond, a third track was constructed from Terra Alta to Rinard, on
the Cranberry Grade. This work included the elimination of Rodktner
and McGuire tunnels, also laying three and a half miles of new track.
Eastbound freight trains now enter the third track at Rowlesburg and
continue up the Cranberry Grade to Rinard, a distance of fourteen and
a half mliles.
Seven miles west of Rowlesburg, at the top of the Cheat River
Grade, a new double-track tunnel was buih at Kingwood which pro-
vides three tracks through Kingwood Mountain. Since the road was
extended through what is now Preston County, early in 185^, there
has been a single-track tunnel through this mountain, but the single
line was found inadequate to handle the trains at that point. The new
double-track tunnel was opened through Kingwood Mountain on May
27, 1912, giving three tracks instead of one and practically marking
the completion of the improvement work between Cumberland and
Grafton. The new tunnel was built at a cost of approximately
$1,500^000. It is 4,211 feet long, 31 feet wide and 24 J4 fcelt high, the
side walls being lined with concrete and the roof lined with vitrified
brick. Incident to the construction of Kingwood tunnel, a reduction
was made in the grade between Blaser and West End.
Just west of Kingwood tunnel six miles of third track were con-
structed from West End to Hardman and Murray tunnel was
eliminated. Murray tunnel was 310 feet long and tpoo small to admit
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RAILROAD OFFICE IN BALTIMORE.
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Preston County, West Virginia 725
the Mallcft locomotives used in freight service in this section. The
completion of this work provides a third track from Grafton to King-
wood tunnel.
At Newburg, about halfway between Kingwood and Grafton, a
large gravity reservoir was built on Racoon Creek to supply water
of good quality to locomotives. The capacity of the reservoir is
22,500,000 gallons.
At Grafton a handsome passenger station was erected and mountains
were literally torn down to enable the construction of a large classifica-
tion freight yard at this point. This yard has a capacity of 400 cars
in eastbound section, the westbound having a capacity of 420 cars.
The yard also includes four engine tracks for ten engines each and
repair tracks which accommodate 90 cars.
Many other improvements of a general nature were made in West
Virginia, involving second track construction, additional passing sid-
ings, building new terminals to take care of both passenger and freight
pafronage.
The rolling stock purchased as a part of the betterment program
ranks the Baltimore and Ohio as one of the best-equipped trunk line
systems in America. There have been added 23,000 freight cars, of
which number 6,500 were gondolas, 6,020 hoppers, and 4,000 coke cars.
This brings the total freight car equipment up to about 95,000 cars.
Five hundred locomotives of the most powerful type have also been
purchased, 434 of these being of the Mikado and Consolidation types
for frcfiglit service. Twenty Mallet locomotives have also been added
to the equipment for service in the mountainous regions, most of the
Mallet engines being used in Preston county. There were also pur-
chased 144 steel passenger cars, including 95 coaches, 20 baggage cars,
4 dining cars, 15 postal cars and 5 parlor-cafe cam.
These betterments to track and equipment of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad have placed the road in a prominent position an[K>ng
the large railroad systems of the country. The promptness with which
the request of the West Virginia business men was acceded to is indi-
cative of the policy of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to endeavor to
kecfp abreast of the constantly expanding business which has nowhere
been more extensive and persistent than in the territory the road serves
an West Virginia.
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726 Preston County, West Virginia
MOROANTOWN & KINGWOOD RAILROAD.
Early in the spring of 1887, Colonel Felix Nemegyei, Mr. Straus,
Judge John N. Hagan, J. C. McGrew, George C. Sturgiss, J. W. Guse-
man and John T. McGraw met in the parlor of Colonel Guseman's
house, near Reedsville, to take steps towards the building of a railroad
throug4i Preston county. Not long after that, a meeting was again
held in Grafton, at which time letters of organization and incorporation
. were drawn up, with the general plan of a road outlined from Grafton
to the Pennsylvania line to be called the "West Virginia Railroad."
The route chosen ran through the districts of Lyon, Kingwood and
Valley, the richest coal fields in the county. This coal region was leased
by the company for the financial support of the undertaking. So far
everything worked favorably. The survey of the roadbed was made
by Colonel John W. Guseman, but when his work was completed
further work was stopped. Subsequently, the road was sold to Mr.
Robert Pitcairn of Pittsburgh, but he failed to fulfill his contract, and
another considerable time elapsed.
In 1900, the Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad, under the manage-
ment of Hon. George C. Sturpss and J. Ami 'Martin, was organized.
At this time the citizens of Morgan district, Monongalia county, voted
to subscribe $45,000 preferred stock, not without some opposition, how-
ever, for few people knew what this line would mean to Morgantown
and the beautiful Decker's Creek Valley at that time. Two years later,
Hon. Stephen B. Elkins purchased all interests, and immediately placed
a corps of expert men in charge. In 1905, Fortney & Zinn, contractors,
had the new depot at Reedsville ready for use. Three hundred coke
and coal cars were ordered, and from that time, under the survey and
management of Julius K. Monroe, chief engineer, the building of the
road went steadily forward until its completion at the M. & K. Junction,
its length being 47.9 miles. With the completion of the road and trains
running, the people of Preston county felt they were benefitted greatly,
an additional value having been added to the real estate of the county
over and above what could be measured by dollars and cents or by
what might be gained from a commercial point of view. By this outlet
into the world around them, a new hope inspired the people, new oppor-
tunities having opened up, and an increase of population having come
as a result.
The company has nearly fifty miles of main track, with five miles of
branch lines. They have three passenger znS eleven freight locomotives.
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I
Preston County, West Viroinu 727
There are 360 freight cars, and of this number 320 are steel, equipp^
with the latest appliances*. The steel cars have a capacity of 100,000
pounds, and those of wood 80,000. During the year 1912, over 1,000,000
tons of coal and coke were handled.
When this road was first built there was not an industry in Decker's
Creek Valley. -Now there are upwards of twenty industries, and all
of them doing a large business. These plants in the Morgantown
district bring the annual pay rolls and disbursements to more than
$3,500,000.
The Elkins Coal and Coke Company.
In the broad, fertile valley through which the Morgantown & King-
wood Railroad runs, and deep down in the bowels of the hills which
tower on either side, are millions of dollars worth of fuel : coal, oil and
gas. The valley is rich in limestone, cement rock, fire-clay and shales;
also a fine quality of glass^sand. The Blkins Ooal & Coke Company
controls 46,643 acres of coal lands, while other companies control some
15,000 acres. The coal in this section is of a superior quality for coke
manufacture and is extremely low in sulphur. This vein is easily acces-
sible for industries located along the road, at no point being more than
three miles from the main line. The most of the mines and coke ovens
ak>ng the M. & K. are owned by the Elkins Coal & Coke Company.
There are seven mines which are in operation : No. i located at Richard ;
No. 2 at Bretz; No. 3, Dellslow; No. 4, Kingfwood; No. 5, Sabraton;
No. 6, Masontown; 'No. 7, Burke. In addition to the Elkins Coal &
Coke Company, there are located on the road other mines operating
some 400 ovens.
Limestone.
The valley has a layer of limestone on an average of 80 to 100 feet
in thickness. This stone is shown by chemical tests as well adapted for
the manufacture of lime and cement. A cement plant is in operation
on the Morgantown & Kingwood road at Manheim, with a capacity of
1,500 barrels daily. . . ' — '
Glass Sand.
A very choice sand for the manufacture of tableware and prism
glass is found in the Decker's Creek Valley. Several of the Morgan-
town glass factories are using this sand. By a careful chemical test, it
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728 PwssTON County, West Visoikia
has been found to contain ggj/i per cent of pure silicia and a very slight
trace of iron oxide. It is alnrost snowy white in color, and is sharp
and clear cut in grain.
TIMBER.
Therd are several lumber companies operating large mills, with
millions of feet of timber lands yet uncut.
PARKS.
Oak Park.
For recreation and pleasure, the parks along the Morgantown &
Kingwood Railroad have com€ into popular use. They are not only
enjoyed by the people of Preston county but from other places in the
state also. Ample accommodations have been provided for the pleasure
seekers at these parks, and special provisions made for the public when
visiting theise resorts. Special attention is given to societies, lodges,
•Sabbath schools and family reunions.
Morris Park.
Morris Park is a regular stopping place for all passeng€fr trains dur-
ing the summer season. It is a charming spot on the Cheat River,
studded with shade trees and carpeted in g^een, and a delightful place
for parties tefnting out for a week or so. Camping parties, with their
own equipment, locate here frequently and live in the open, hunting and
boating, bathing and fishing, in the meantime. Cheat River itself is
a picturesque stream once visited by Washington. It is made glorious
by the wildness of its scenery and by its ever changfing hues when re-
flecting the variegated colors on its banks. Its scenes have been made
famous by Indian legend and romance.
The offices of the company are in the Post Office building at Morgan-
gantown. West Virginia, and here is a large force of clerks and stenog-
raphers constantly employed. The officers of the company are: Hon.
Davis Elkins, president; Stcfphen B. Elkins, vice-president; Richard
Elkins, secretary; Blaine Elkins, assistant to president; F. K. Bretz,
general manager; Charles Sutherland, general freight and passenger
agent; T. Frank Burk, auditor; W. K. Watson, car accountant; C. R.
Metzler, train master; C. W. Murphy, master carpenter; E. H. Win-
grove, supervisor; J. B. Highberger, storekeeper; J. K. Monroe, chief
engineer; D. G. Desmond, master mechanic; Fred Judy, road foreman
of engines.
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B. S. RANKIN, M. D.
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T!1K ILX'J YORK
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Pbbston County, West Vibginu 729
BAR'RIOK S. RANKIN, M. D.
Among those advocating progressive principles along all lines of
professional work, the same as political, is that of Dr. Rankin of Tun-
neltown, one of the well known physicians of Preston county. He is of
Scotch descent, and possesses the sturdy qualitiefs of that race. His
earliest ancestor in this country, so far as is known, was Joseph Rankin,
who came from Scotland in Colonial days and settled in New York.
He married Patience Warren, a sister of Joseph Warren of Bunker
Hill fame. They moved to Kenebec county, Maine, where John, their
son, was bom — the above-mentioned John being the great-great-grand-
father of the doctor. The great-grandfather was bom in the town of
Fairfield, Maine, then called Smithifield. He married a Mrs. Maine, a
widow, and by her had two children : John Warren Rankin, born June
4, 1794; and a daughter, who married a Mr. Furbush.
When seventeen yeans old, John Warren Rankin left Faii^eld and
went to New Brunswick. When twenty-three years old he married
Jane Tapley and moved to Aroostook county, Maine. A large family
of twelve children were bom to this union, as follows: Sherman, John,
May, Sarah, Jacob, George Franklin, Anna, Samuel T., Charles Henry,
Robert, Alexander, Hojrt. George F. died in Florida while in the Civil
War. He was in the ist Maine Cavalry. Charles H. was in the 7th
Maine Infantry, and was killed in the Battle of the Wilderness.
Samuel T. Rankin was born August 24, 1845, and died July i, 1910.
He married Amanada C. Irland of Calais, Maine, in December, 1866.
He was a lumberman. To this union were bom five children, namely:
Birchfield, born in Clearfield county. Pa., in 1870, died when three years
old. Barrick S., born in Clearfield county, Pa., on July 16, 1872. Maude,
bom October 25, 1877, in Clearfield county. Pa. ; now Mrs. Guinn Necly
of North Yakima, Washington. Claude Ray and Clare May (twins),
bom September 14, 1882, in Clearfield county. Pa. Clarge May married
G. B. Green of Greenbrier county, W. Va., and Claude Ray, who resides
in Knoxwood, Ala., married Miss Lillian Josephine Bird of Nashville
Dr. Rankin was educated in the public schools of Clearfield county,
Pa., where he lived until seventeen years of age, assisting his father in
the lumber business when not at school. During the years of 1888 and
1889 he attended the Normal School at Clearfield, Pa., and in the fall
of 1890 the fMnily moved to West Virginia, where he again assisted his
father as a lumberman at Richwood, until he took up the study of
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730 Pbbston County, West Viboinu
medicincf, since which time he has been devotedly attached to his pro-
fession. His studies in medicine were completed at the Baltimore
Medical College, where the degree of Doctor of Medicine was given
him May 21, 1907. His standing in the college fraternity was high,
as shown by his election as a delegate from the college department of
the Y.M.CA., of which he was president, to Nashville, Tenn., where
5,000 delegates were convened in 1906, in the interest of the missionary
crusade.
In October, 1907, Dr. Rankin, having been educationally equipped
for the duties of his profession, located at Tunnelton, Preston county,
W. Va., where he has since built up a large clientele in the general
practice of his profession.
Dr. Rankin is a genial, wholesoulful man, both in the sick room and
out of it. He possesses a charming personality, and believes in every-
body being happy and enjoying all the sunshine there is in life, and his
hearty manner diffuses good cheer wherever he goes.
Socially he is well liked, politically he is a pronounced progressive,
and believes that the salvation of this country is along those lines, and
that this nation is yet in its infancy as a power for good in the wcnrld
of nations.
Oa May 22, 1893, Dr. Rankin was married to Mabel Johnson,
daughter of John M. and Mary Ann (Taylor) Johnson of Athens, Ohio.
On May 9, 1894, their daughter Blanche was born.
She is a charming }roung lady now completing her education in the
New P^ampton Literary Institution, N. H. In 191 1 a more permanent
residence was taken up in their elegant new home which is equipped
with every modern convenience and the plan and architecture is an
index to the genius of its owner. Hospitality is extended to everybody
by both Dr. and Mrs. Rankin. Both of them are active members of the
Methodist Church.
Dr. Rankin is president of the Medical Society of Preston County;
president of the Board of Education of Kingwood District, and health
officer of the town in whkh he lives. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity of high degree, holds a membership in the McKinley Lodge,
No. 22, I.O.O.'F., of Richivood, W. Va., and also bek>ngs to the order
o! J.O.U.AJM.
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J. S. DUNN.
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THE NEW ^'or.K
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Pbbston County, West Virginia 731
JOHN ISAN'FORD DUNN.
The Dunn family is of Scotch Irish descent. It is an old family
in America, somewhat widely diflfused, and all of that hardy stock of
people so characteristic of the race in the times of the Stuart Kings.
It is not known when the great great grandfather of the Monongalia-
Preston branch of the family came to West Virginia, but the suppo-
sition is that when the county was first settled, Thomas Dunn, the
grandfather, was one of the pioneers. He married Temperance Pier-
pont, a woman of German descent, and by her became the father of
fifteen children. They both died at the age of 87, but the father died
ten years before the mother. They lived about three miles from Ice's
Ferry, on Cheat River, close to what is known as the Tyrone post-office
at this time. The names of the children were as follows: John, the
father of the subject of this sketch, was the oldest. (2) James, who
raised a family of 16 children and died just a few years ago; (3) Billy;
(4) Owen; (5) Thomas; (6) Larkin; (7) Zacquill; (8) Dorcas Reed;
(9) Mary Warman; (10) Sade McGraw; (11) Jane Murphy; (12)
Temperance Boord; (13) 'Martha Sheets, and two others who died in
infancy. Of the sons only Zacquill and Thomas, and of the daughters,
Temperance Boord and Martha Sheets are the only ones living at the
date of this sketch.
John Dunn, the father of John Sanford, was born April 17, 1814,
and died at Reedsville, February 2rj, 1906. He married Nancy A.
Reed, a daughter of William Reed. She was born September 23, 181 5,
and died at the age of TT years. Their children were: Ellen, bom
October 30, 1835, died October 16, 1839; Alcinda, born August 16, 1838,
died October V2, 1839; Oliver, bom June 24, 1844, died , 18—;
Brison, born April 16, 1846, died January 6, 1909; Lee Ann bom
March 2, 1849, still living at St. ClairsviUe, Ohio; Samantha Victoria,
bom May 30, 1853, still living at Reedsville, W. Va. ; Francis Asbury,
bom November 23, 1857, and John Sanford, our subject, born August
II, i860.
The old Dunn farm, was an old land grant near the famous
"Cheat View,*' overlooking Cheat River, and'lhere the homestead was
kept up until about seven years before the death of the father, when
he went to live near Reedsville, close to his youngest son, of whom we
write, and to be cared for by him. Like his father before him, and all
his brothers and descendants after him, John Dunn was noted for his
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732 Pbbston County, Wbst Vibginu
physical strength and great endurance. He was active up to his death
when nearly ninety-two years of age.
J. S. Dunn has seen about as much of this country from coast to coast
as any man in the State. His life has been a variable one, but along
lines of contact with business men from the time he was a boy. These
years of experience have given him acquired tastes, and such a com-'
prehensive insight into the affairs of a business life as to fully equip
him for the expensive undertakings in which he has engaged. His
training for a successful business career was begun before attaining to
manhood, and was based on untiring industry, coupled with a large
degree of native hard sense. H^ cleared and improved a little farm
adjoining the old homestead, and at the same time was extensively
engaged in timber business on Cheat River, buying, rafting and trans-
porting the same to Pittsburgh and the other markets on the Monon-
gahela. In this he was engaged for some fifteen years. He acquired
much skill as a pilot in navigating the turbulent Cheat with raited
logs, both for himself and others.
In 1888, Mr. Dunn bought the farm near Reedsville in Preston
County, where he now lives. The farm was then covered with a
dense g^rowth of fprest and thorn thickets, with no buildings or fencing.
He cleared <this land, erected buildings and improvements, and it is
now one of the most productive and desirable farms in the county, pro-
ducing unusual dividends for the acreage cultivated.
About twelve years of Mr. Dunn's life was spent largely as an
ag^t and canvasser; first in selling fruit trees before his removal
from the old homestead in Monongalia, as well as immediately after his
removal to where he now lives, and then taking orders for enlarged
pictures. He was engaged in this at the same time he was clearing
and improving his farm in in the intervals he was at home, and in this
way made the money to make the payments on the land, and caxry
forward the improvements.
At length came prospects of the building of a railroad and awak-
ening interest in the marketing of coal around Reedsville, when Mr.
Dunn became interested in the timber and coal business, and gradually
gave up canvassing on account of larger business affairs engrossing
his time and energies. He handled large acreages of coal, under option
as well as by purchase outright. For several years Mr. Dunn's time
has been largely taken up in the development and sale of town lots in
different parts of West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania, in which
business he has been markedly successful. He has, indeed, become
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Pbbston County, Wbst ViRaiNu 733
known as a specialist and cfxpcrt in all of the details of this branch
of the real estate business.
His business ability and knowledge of aflfairs in general naturally
brought him before the voters of his district, and in November, 1896,
he was elected Commissioner of the County Court from Valley District.
He served two years and was re-elected at the November election of
1900. Upon the organization of the Court at the January Term, 1901,
he was elected President of the County Court and served as such for
two years. He was a charter member of Freeport Lodge No. 186,
Knights of Pythias of the Grand Domain of West Virginia, and is a
Past Chancellor of that lodge.
<Mr. Dunn was married twice. His first wife was Callie A. Downey,
and they were married in 1879. Two children were born of this union,
Vester B. Dunn, the well known lawyer of Kingwood, and one
daughter, Dora Alice, who as born August 16, 1886 and died December
18, 1886. Mrs. Dunn was a daughter of Francis and Tillie (Blosser)
Downey, of Fallen Timbers, Pennsylvania. She died July 14, 1887.
Mn Dunn later married Miss Laura A. Downey, a sister of his first
wife, who is still living.
Vester B. Dunn was born May 21, 1880, and completed the law
oourse of the West Virginia University at Morgantown in the Spring
of 1906. In July, 1908, he began his professional career in Kingwood,
where he has been eminently successful from the start, having now
a clientele entirely satisfactory to one having practiced for but a short
time. He has been twice honored by the people of Kingwood by
election as Mayor in which office he served with satisfaction of the
citizens. In January, 1912, he was commissioned as Captain of the
First Infantry, West Virginia National Guard, assigned to command
Company G., of Kingwood, which commission he accepted from patriotic
motives, not wishing to see the local Company lost to the town. He
commanded his company on Cabin Creek in the great strike troubles
there of the Summer and Fall of 1912, and, although without previous
military experience, he won the respect of his men and left the company
of good shape when he resigned in the Spring of 191 3. On November
19, 1908, Vester B. Dunn was married to Miss Edna E. Waters of
Fairmont. One daughter, Leora Margaret Dunn, has been bom of
this union.
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734 Pbbston County, West Viboinia
EARL M. IvAlNTZ,
One hundred and ten years ago Henry Lantz, a thrifty German
from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, settled on the D. A. Dixon farm midway
between Rowlesburg and Aurora. He had nine sons and four daughters,
of whom John Lantz, hotel proprietor of the Mt. View House at Aurora,
is a grandson. His wife, Olive V. Shafer, was a daughter of James
H. Shafer, a very kind hearted and influential old gentleman, from whom
many good qualities of heart and mind were imparted to the sevem
children of his daughter's family. Of these children, Nora, a successful
school teacher in the Masontown schools, is the eldest. Mittie, the
wife of H. S. Whetsell, editor and proprietor of the Preston County
Journal, is the next. Lulu is the wife of Oscar C. Wilt, the well
known cashier of the Empire National Bank of Clarksburg, West
Virginia. Clarence C, is a manufacturer of chairs, and is engaged in
the lumber business in North Carolina. Earl M. Lantz, of
whom mention will again be made, is next. J. Scott Lantz,
cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank, Reedsville, was borri
September 19, 1883. He was educated in the Common fSchools and at
the Commercial Department of the State University of Morgantown.
In 1906, he was associated with the First National Bank, Salem, for
four years, was teller then in the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Mor-
gantown until he came to Reedsville and helped to organize the insti-
tution above named, having been the cashier since the month of No-
vember, 1911. September 19, 191 2, Mr. Lantz was married to Miss
Stella Twyford of West Union, West Virginia. She is a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Twyford of that place.
Earl M. Lantz, one of the youngest cashiers of any bank in the
state of West Virginia, took charge of the financial department of
the Kingwood National Bank in 1903. He was at that time only
twenty-three years old, but since his connection it has prospered and
become one of the leading institutions of its kind in the county. As
the bank started under adverse conditions, its rapid growth and phe-
nominal success can only be accounted for in its management, of
which Mr. Lantz, as its cashier and member of the Board of Directors,
is one of its important offcials.
Earl M. Lantz was born in Aurora, Preston County, February 21,
1880. His education was obtained in the public schools of Aurora,
after which he became clerk for Shafer, Brown & Company two and
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JOHN A. LAXTZ
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ro3JCLIBF;ARY
ASTOR, LENOX
TILDEN hOUNDATIONS
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EARL M. LANTZ.
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rLTi;;C LIBRARY
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Pbbston County, West Vibqiku 735
a half years at Kingwood. Later he became clerk for C. W. Mayer
Son & Company, at Terra Alta, and after three years of experience
there he went to Salem as clerk in the Salem Bank^ now the Frrsft
National Bank of Salem. In December, 1903, he came to Kingwood to
accept a position as cashier in the Kingwood National Bank.
The corner stone of the Kingwood National Bank was founded on
the needs of a financial institution that would be of mutual benefit to
the people of Preston County ; and in the selection of a clean, capable,
conscientious, cashier, Mr. Lantz the compaanionable and popular young
busincfss man, was chosen for that responsible position. It was a
selection of a man, who would be in accord with the management and
with the interests of the people as well. Instituted on these lines of
mutual benefit, the officials very soon gained the confidence of the
public generally, who have since witnessed the surplus and undi-
vided profits of the bank pass its original capitalization in less than ten
years from its organization, which is a creditable record; certainly
one to bcf very proud of.
In July, 191 1, Mr. Lantz purchased the beautiful and historic old
homestead erected by the Honorable James C. McGrew, one of the
leading factors in the formation of the State of West Virginia in the
perilous times of our Rebellion.
The Lantz family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Lantz
is a member of the Masonic fraternity of high degree, and was Mayor
at one time of Kingwood.
It is not known when Henry Lantz, the ancestor of this family,
came from Germany to this country. His three sons, were Henry,
John and Jacob. The daughters were Susannah, who married David
Stemple; Catherine, Eva, Betsey and Lydia. The children of John
were Luther, John A., George L., W. S., Frank, Charles Henry, now
dead, Oliver Lewis, Camden, proprietor of a hotel in Terra Alta, An-
geretta, Hattie P., and Elizabeth.
John A. Lantz, hotel proprietor, took up his residence at Aurora in
1870. In 1886, he erected his present large and commodious hotel
building there, which has become a famous country resort, and is
well patronized by the more wealthy people of our larger cities, during
the hot summer months of every year. He is a very genial landlord,
and very extensively known by tourists of the country in general.
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736 Preston County, West Virginia
EZRA BENTON HAUOER,
The Hauger family are of German descent. Fron* the time of
William Hauger, who came to Preston County, from Somerset a little
subsequent to 1832, and settled on the James Kelly farm a little north
of Lexox, they have been known as thrifty farmers, and as a very
honest and industrious class of people. Their connections are mainly
in Portland.
Francis Hauger, son of William, died about 1840. He was quite
a business man not only in agricultural pursuits, but he was a black-
smith and wagon maker, besides owning and operating a grist mill on-
Muddy ^Creek, and was a Notary Public, for many years. He married
Julia Cuppett, who lived to an advanced age, dying only a few years
ago. He died at the early age of about fifty-two.
Their children were John A., William, and Luther, all dead. The
daughters were Lydia, Alice and Clara, all living.
John A. Hauger was born September 11, 1844. He followed
farming, and was a carpenter, also, by trade. In 1861, he enlisted in the
14th West Virginia Cavalry, and served with that regiment until the
close of the war in 1865.
After the war, he married Mrs. Abraham Smith, widow or Irving
Smith. She is still living on the Hauger farm one mile west of Terra
Alta, to which they moved in 1884. He died in 1904. Their children
are Ezra Benton, born December 8, 1868; (2) Charles, bom October i,
1870, now conductor on the B. & O. Railroad. He lives at Cumberland,
Md. (3) Victor E., born October 6, 1874. He lives ten miles west
of Terra Alta, and is a farmer. (4) Floyd, born July 22, 1887, and
Ward, born August 16, 1891, are at home.
Ezra Benton Hauger, formerly a well known school teacher in
Preston County, noyr a favorably known merchant of Terra Alta, and
candidate for the office of County Assessor, was reared on the ort
Hauger homestead on Mliddy Creek, spending his summer months
working on the farm and going to the district school in the wfnter
time. He prepared himself for teaching and followed that profession
for ten years. Finally he came to Terra Alta and began the mercantile
business. He entered into a partnership with William Bishop under the
firm name of Hauger & Bishop, but after a year or so sold all interests in
that concern. He bought the Albright homestead April i, 1899, and
moved to Cranesville on the farm where his wife was born and reared.
Her name was Georgiana Albright. She was a daughter of Edmund
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E. B. HAUGER.
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THE ME\v YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
:ld. :>[ [ ;. j:.d ru n ■
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Pbbstom County, Wmt Ydkcomu 737
and Nancy Jane Albright, both members of old Albright families.
Their marriage took place on the sth of July, 1896. Miss Al-
bright was a pupil of Mr. Hauger, afterwards one of the successful
teachers of Preston County herself, having obtained a good Normal
training for her profession both in Oakland, Md., and in Florida, but
she only taught three years before she was married. They are the
parents of two children: Eva Gertrude, born February 2a, 1901; and
Fannie Beatrice, born June 4, 1903.
After a stay of three years, the farm was rented and a return was
made to Terra Alta, since which time a business in general merchandis-
ing has been somewhat extensively carried on. First was a clerkship
for Henry Glover, whom Mr. Hauger succeeded as Postmaster of
the city under the Roosevelt administration, and which office he held
for six years in all. Then the stor€ and property next door was pur-
chased from the Terra Alta Candy Store Company, which he still owns
and operates on a somewhat extensive basis. To this was added, at one
time, the Terra Alta Bottling Company's business, but finding a
profitable sale of that property he disposed of all interests in that
concern in 1910, and now confines his attention solely to the Ice
Cream trade, wholesale and retail, and to the store. Mrs. Hauger is
an able assistant in the work. She is a thorough trained business
woman, and helps with the management of the store. They arc both
educated people, gentle and kind in their manner, quiet and unassuming
in their behavior, and so courteous to everybody, no one can help liking
them. Their success in business, as owners of large landed estates
and other interests, is largely due to the popularity of both Mr. and
Mrs. Hauger. In church work, as well as in business, Mrs. Hauger
has taken her place by her husband's side, ever willing to give her
ability and strength for the benefit of othcfrs. Mr. Hauger has con-
tributed his time and influence liberally in this direction. He was
Superintendent of the Sabbath School for four years ; was chairman of
the Board of Trustees of the Church ; and they are botH active in every
good cause. Mr. Hauger is also a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge,
is a Woodman, and a Knight of Pythias.
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738 Prbston C30UNTT, Wmtt Vdiginia
WILLIE MILES WBLTX>N.
There were four brothers of the Welton family, who came to this
county beforcf the War of the Revolution. They settled on the South
Branch of the Potomac, and became participants in several engagements
with the Indians. On page yj of the History of the Valley of Vir-
ginia, by Samuel Kercheval, published in 1850, is an account of an
Indian massacre given by Job and Aaron Welton of Petersburg, Vir-
ginia, which says: About the year, 1756, a party of nine whites left
the fort opposite the present village of Petersburg to assist Mr. Job
Welton to cut his father's meadow and hunt his cattle. They took
their rifles with them, as was invariably the practice, and after collect-
ing the cattle turned in and cut a portion of the meadow. As night
approached a proposition was made by Mr. Welton to return to the
fort, but after some consultation it was agreed on to repair \o the
shelter of a large elm tree in the meadow where they had been mowing
and where they concealed themslves in a winnow of the grass, and
whcfre they soon fell into a sound sleep, from whiich they were some-
time afterwards roused by the crack of a rifle. Mr. Welton was Ijring
with his brother Jonathan under the same blanket, and the latter was
shot through the heart. The party sprung to their feet and attempted
to escape. In his alarm, Mr. Welton forgot his rifle and fled in company
with a Mr. Delay. They proceeded about 200 yards pursued by an
Indian, when Mr. Delay wheeled and discharged his rilfle, which brought
his pursucfr down. At the same instant that Delay wheeled the Indian
threw his tomahawk, which sank into the back of Mr. Welton severing
two ribs. He fell to the ground supposing himself mortally wounded
by a rifle ball, while Delay, pursued by another Indian, was taken
prisoner and killed. When Mr. Welton recovered he reached the foi:t,
where he lay three months before the wound healed. This fort was on
the farm of John W. Welton, near Petersburg. The next day after this
a party left the fort and pursued the Indians to Dunkard Bottom, where
Dr. Turnley says the Indians took Delay, and when surprised by the
appearance of his captors, shot him.
The subject of this sketch is descended from Wright Welton, who
was from Patterson Creek, Mineral county, West Virginia, the father
of Isaac, who died in Preston, near Bretz, March 4, ipoQ- Isaac Wdton
was bom in Hampshire county. West Virginia, near Burlington, July
7k, 1838. On May 3, 1867, he married Mattie W. Miles, daughter of
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WILLIE MILES WELTON
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L
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Pbbston Countt, Wist Vibqinu 739
David Miles, a prominent citizen of the county living near Recdsvillc.
Mrs. Welton was a graduate of the Morgantown University; was a
school teacher and of recognized social standing among Preston county
people. In the name of the ladies of Reedsville, she delivered a touch-
ing and appropriate address, beautiful and patriotic, to the Valley
Rangers of Preston county at the time of the leaving of Captain Isaac
Kirk's company -for the seat of war, and to whom she delivered the
flag. She died May 20, 1877. The only child of this union was Willie
Miles Wdton, born in Hampshire county, near Burlington, July 23, 1868.
The second marriage of Isaac Welton was to Mary Reger, of Upshir
county. West Virginia, on April 9, 1878. One son, Frederick Reger,
was the fruit of this union. rNannie K. Welton, born May 16, 1872,
and now the wife of Edward Brown, was an adopted daughter by Mrs.
Mary Welton who was born and raised near Buckhannon, West Vir-
ginia, and is still living.
Mr. W. M. Welton married Elizabeth Demarest, daughter
of John and Elizabeth Davis, November 24, 1909, the nuptial
feast occurring at Piedmont, West Virginia. Their only child,
Martha Elizabeth, a remarkably bright little girl, first saw
the light of day (November 5, 1910. The mother was bom
May 2, 1885. The homestead farm was first occupied by Mr.
Isaac Welton, who bought it of Isaac Knowlton. It is situated near
Bretz and consists of 200 acres and over. It is well adapted to fruit
and stock raising, and is well kept up for those purposes. Mr. Welton
is a Republican, but not a politician. He is past chancellor of the
Knights of Pythias, a member of the Methodist Church at Reedsville,
and is a director of the bank in that place also.
ENGLEHART WOOLEN MILL COMPANY.
From the time Jacob Guseman settled on Muddy Crcdc and began
operations there, this part of Preston county has been noted for more
than an unusual amount of activity in business enterprises. The factory
there now for the manufacture of woolen fabrics, with J. M. Englehart
superintendent, has a yearly output of 120,000 pounds of finished goods
with a value of $70,000.00 to $75,000.00. The company operates two
sets of woolen cards, 960 woolen spindles, and 12 broad looms. It was
incorporated in September, 1904, James B. Kelley, president; William
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740 Pbbion Comrr, Wnr YmssMA
H. Glover, vice-president; J. M. Englebart, secretary and treasurer.
They employ about forty men, mostly skilled labor.
The Englchart factory received its start from John Englehart, who
was a skilled manufacturer in woolen goods in Pennsylvania for many
years before coming to Preston county in 1888. His father, Michael
Englehart, was born in Germany, in the town of Byron, in 1810. He
was carefully educated but reared in straitened circumstances, it
becoming necessary for him after landing in Baltimore to do the work
of a common laborer, on the canal then being dug from Cumberland to
Baltimore. He subsequently settled in Alleghany county, Maryland,
where he died in 1887. His wife was Margueritta Feigh, a Hessian,
bom in 1823, near Hesse, Darmstadt. Their son, William, an extensive
and very successful farmer and stock raiser, died nine years ago at the
age of sixty-one. All the other children, with the exception of John,
died in infancy.
John Englehart was born May 2, 1852. He was raised on the farm,
but circumstances were such that not a very extensive school educa-
tion, even in the country, could be given him. At fifteen years of age,
he began the trade of a woolen manufacturer, and worked at the busi-
ness in Pennsylvania twenty-one years. With a family of eight children
and a salary of $1.30 a day, Mr. Englehart managed to get along, until
an inheritance of $300.00 induced him to come here. At that time John
D. Rigg, son of John W., was running a little mill on Muddy Creek in a
small way, which Mr. Englehart bought, and operated with the assist-
ance of a couple of hands in addition to the help the sons themselves
gave, for about eight months each year. He attempted the manufac-
ture of only a few ilannels and ladies' skirt patterns, enough only to
supply the wants of the local trade. He continued on this line for
eighteen years, but having necessities of a financial nature for the run-
ning of the business beyond his ability to meet, a relief was sought in
the incorporation of a stock company, capitalized at $30,000.00. At that
time he was elected vice-president and one of the directors of the com-
pany, and his son, J. M., made manager, a position he has held ever since
with marked abilities.
On August II, 1874, Mr. Englehart married Anna Sease, a native
of Pennsylvania, and to this union were bom nine sons and one
daughter: (i) Jesse Michael Englehart, the secretary and treasurer of
the company, was born May 28, 1875. Other births are, (2) William
Milton, November 17, 1877; (3) Edward Thomas, June 13, 1879; (4)
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J. M. EXGLEHART
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THE I . . :(
PUB...: ;;; :.ARY
A--,. \ I ' ::ox
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ELIAS SCOTT FELTOX
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PUBTOM County, Wsst Vibqinia 741
Samuel Keller, November 4, 1880; (5) George Albert, March 29, 1882;
(6) John Russell, November 15, 1883; (7) Frankly n Scott, February 23,
1885; (8) Elmer Eagle, December 10, 1886; (9) Elda May, April 10,
1894; (10) Lester Nedro, September 6, 1897.
Mr. J. M. Englehart, the general supefrintendent of the factory, has
been the company's efficient official ever since its organization. His
wife, Miss Sadie Graham, was a daughter of Eben Graham, a descendant
of Stearling Graham, one of the oldest families in Preston county. To
this union have been born four daughters and one son: Elsie Floret,
January 31, 1898; Georgia Elizabeth Bui hi, October 19, 1891 ; Jessie
Hollis, December 21, 1901; Hazel Margarite, November i, 1903; Oscar
Dale, May 17, 1905.
ELIAS SCOTT FELTON.
The Feltons emigrated from England, and in 1732 settled in Massa-
chusetts. In 1798, John Felton, a son of Benjamin, settled in what was
called Ryan's Glades, Maryland. From there he moved to Cheat River,
above Rowlesburg, and later settled in what is now known as the
Whetsell settlement. He was a man of public affairs, was Justice of
the Peace for several years, and Sheriff of the County one term. His
children were: Henry, who married a Wotring; Daniel, who married a
England and settled in Barbour county ; Caleb, who married a Digman ;
Samuel, who married a Meighen and settled in Greene county, Pennsyl-
vania; John, who married a Wotring and settled in Warren county,
Iowa; Benjamin, who married a Miles; and Joshua, who died when
a young man. The daughters were: Prudence, who married Abraham
Wotring; Elizabeth, who married a Whetsell; Sarah, who married a
Jordan ; Joanna, who married a Bayles ; Mary, who died young. From
thence sprang the Feltons that are now settled in Preston county, except
those who have emigrated elsewhere.
Elias S. Felton is a grandson of Henry, whose wife was a Wotring.
The Feltons were of English descent. William Felton, son of Henry,
bom January 13, 1834, married Catherine Meighen of Greene County,
Pennsylvania, on June 22, 1852. She was born December 13, 1831.
Her parents were from the county of Donegal, Ireland. The chil-
dren born of this union were as follows: Elias Scott, born June 5,
1853; Cassin Passey Ellen, March 25, 1855; Sarah Jane, May it,
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742 PBB8T0N OOUNTT, WWT VbGINU
1857; Anna C, September 12, 1874. Elias S., Cassie "Passey" E.,
and Anna C, arc the only children now living. Their father, William
Felton, was a farmer and road builder, a man well and favorably
known by Prestonians generally.
Elias Scott Fdton, the subject of this sketch, has made a success
of life, as a school teacher, as a farmer, and as a public official in
various capacities. He was educated in the country schools, and
then taught six terms of school. During all this time he was identifiefd
with agricultural pursuits, his vision of life being broadened as he
grew older by experiences, until his horizon broadened and he was
called into a higher and more responsible field of activities. As a
Justice of the Peace for eight years, not a few questions for adjudica-
tion came before him, which still further fitted him for service
as a member of the Legislature for the years 191 1 to 1913. Self-made
educationally as well as otherwise, and well read on all live issues and
questions of the day, the work of Mr. Felton's life has become visibly
materialized in his home surroundings, which can be noted by the
casual observer, even, as in all cases where right thinking adds some-
thing in the way of appearances, as well as of sobriety, respectability
and honesty to a right kind of living.
April 18, 1878, Mr. Felton was married to Almeda Bucklew.
Their children are as follows: Eliza Agnes, was born June 11, 1881 ;
John Worley, February 8, 1883; Patrick Henry, April i, 1885; Carrie
Esther, February 2, 1887; Daniel Hughes, March 2, 1890; Gay
Frank, July 7, 1892; Lottie Margaret, February 25, 1896; Lucy
Sylvania, December 17, 1898. John Worley, Carrie Esther, Eliza
Agnes and Gay Frank were educated in the common schools,
and the three first named have taught several terms of school.
Frank, who took a business course in Clarksburg, West Virginia, has
taught one term of school, and is now employed in the express office
at the M. & K. Junction.
Mr. Fdton belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
Lodge No. 107.. Kingwood; also Preston's Pride of the Rcbekah King-
wood Lodge. Socially speaking, Mr. Felton is very companionable, is
easy of approach, and is a very popular citizen of Preston county.
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J. J. KELLEY
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THE MEV/ VOHK
'IJD1.IC LIBRARY
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Pbbston County, West Virginu 743
JEFFERSON JACKSON KELLEY.
The proprietor of the Meadow Brook Farm has been a farmer and
a man of public affairs all his life. His father, Zar Hagans Kelley,
bom June 19, 1819, was a farmer also, who achieved some considerable
degree of success as an agriculturist, and a reputation besides as a
Justice of the Peace. He died in 1889. Mr. Jefferson Jackson Kelley
was bom June 9, 1863. He was reared on the farm, and still follows
farming, having a liking for pursuits in rural life, notwithstanding,
his attainments are such he could have succeeded in the professions,
especially that of an instructor in the higher branches of learning. He
was educated in the common schools, and then completed a Commercial
Course at Lexington, Kentucky, graduating from that college on June
5, 1885. Following natural inclinations, Mr. Kelley began teaching
school when seventeen years old, and has taught in all twenty-one
years. He was a merchant at Zar, this county, six years, and was field
agent for the North Preston Coal Company three years. In the mean-
time, he was a member of the School Book Board twelve years, and has
been a Notary Public since 1889, an office which he has held acceptably
to the general public for twenty-four years. Fraternally, Mr. Kelley is a
member of the Odd Fellows ; Encampment of same ; and is a Knight of
the Golden Eagles. He is a Democrat.
Zar Hagans Kelley, fathher of J. J. Kelley, married Sarah Anne
Herring; born November 26, 1820. Their children were: Joseph
Newton, born in 1849; George Allen, 1851; William Brandon, 1852;
John Quitman, 1854; Mary Jane, 1856; Samuel Franklin, 1865. The
mother is still living.
On December 9, 1902, Mr. Kelley was united in marriage to Mary
Ellen Smith at her home. She was bora March 11, 1877. Her father,
William Henry Smith, born, 1843, was a soldier in the War of the
Rebellion. His wife was Susan Rebecca Frceland, born in 1840.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Kelley are as follows:
Rebecca Mae, born in 1903; Zar William, 1904; Sarah Hazel, 1906;
Lucie Eleanor, 1909; Ivie Jane, 191 1.
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744 Peeston County, West Virginia
JEREMIAH THOMAS.
In Colonial times, three brothers from England bearing the name
of Thomas came from Wales and took up their abode in the United
States, and one of them was at Yorktown, under the command of
General Washington when Lord Cornwallis surrendered to the
American forces. Their names were Alexander, who settled in
Pennsylvania; William, who went West, and Lewis, who settled in
the Southern part of Ohio. Of these brothers it is supposed that General
Thomas of Civil War fame, descended from Lewis. From Alexander,
who located on a large farm in Lancaster county, near Philadelphia,
descended the Thomases of Preston county. He was a large and suc-
cessful farmer, but lost all he had by selling his farm for Continental
money, which proved valueless. His son Michael settled in Conemaugh
Township, Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He was the father of seven
sons and three daughters. The sons were Jacob M., Michael M.,
Joseph M., Daniel M., John M., and Christian M., the letter "M"
being taken in each case in honor of their father's name. The names
of the daughters were Magdalena, Anna and Barbara. The seven sons
settled in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and other western
states.
Jacob M., born March 15, 1795, lived in Preston county and died
there November 21, 1881. He had four sons: John J., Levi, Jacob,
Andrew and daughters, Barbara, Magdalena, Mary, Anna, Sallie, and
Catherine, ten children in all. The homestead was four miles cast of
Brandonville, and still in possession of the family.
His wife, Mary Fike, whom he married August 8, 1816, died April
27, 1840.
Jacob M. Thomas was an evangelist, and preached the gospel
without price or compensation. He was in love with ministerial work;
could preach in German and English, and would be gone on missionary
tours throughout the states sometimes for three and four months. He
traveled on horseback, held meetings at the homes, sometimes in bams,
and often times preached in Court Houses at the invitation of the
Judges, who frequently turned their halls of justice into meeting houses
for his accommodation. He was a large man, somewhat of muscular
build, was capable of great endurance, and when about sixty years old
retired from the more active duties of a farm life and devoted all of his
time and attention thereafter to Gospel work. That he might not be at
the expense of others of the church, he reserved a competence out of
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REV. JEREMIAH THOMAS.
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PjD.IC LIBPARY
A^TOR, Ltr.'OX
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Preston County, West Virginia 745
his own life's earnings, including a horse. His children were John J.,
who married Lydia Maust, about 1840, and to whom were born four
sons and three daughters. Levi married Eva Myers, and had two
sons and four daughters. Jacob married Nancy Lambert, and had five
sons and five daughters. Andrew, born May 4, 1836, died February 2,
1907, married twice. His first wife was Barbara Boger, born May 3,
1840, died February 22, 1879, She was the daughter of Samuel and
Elizabeth Boger. They lived on the home place and took care of the
father. Afterwards the home place was divided between the two sons,
Noah and Scott. To Andrew and his wife were bom one daughter
and three sons. Elizabeth, the daughter, married Ervin Wilson, to
whom was bom four daughters; Etta, Delila, Stella, Cora and one son
Victor.
Jeremiah Thomas, born June 20, 1862, attended the public schools
and the University of West Virginia until 1881. He then taught school
twenty-seven years ; and on and off for about twenty years he surveyed
lands in different counties of West Virginia, and other states; and also
followed in the footsteps of his grandfather's work taking charge of
the church organized by him. This has been since 1888. At the
present time he preaches in six different church houses in his congre-
gation, having a membership in toto of over three hundred. He is
also active in business, having been a charter member of the Bruce-
ton Bank, was made its vice-president when organized, and is now
also its president. In 1908, he became cashier and held that office until
January, 1913 when he was elected president. In 1908 he moved from
the farm to the village. He is also president of the Bruceton Milling
Company, which he also helped to organize, was also one of the charter
members of The Farmers' Union Association and Fire Insurance Com-
pany, an institute started in 1901, and holding insured in Preston
county, alone; five hundred policy holders carrying $600,000.00 insurance.
Mr. Thomas is also Secretary of this company.
May 25, 1882, Mr. Thomas was married to Susanna Seese, daughter
of John and Mary Ann Umbel Seese. She is a native of Fayette county,
Pennsylvania, and born December 19, 1861. Two sons and one daughter
are the fruit of this union. Walter H., born March 18, 1883, is the
cashier in the Bruceton Bank. He married Mary E. Collier, July 17,
1906. Their children are Lena I., born December 4, 1907; Beulah E.,
born December 13, 1908; Dwight, born July 4, 191 1.
Chester A. Thomas, born March 25, 1886, married Grace P. Wolfe,
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746 PBB8T0N CJOUNTY, WbST ViBOINIA
May 9, 1909. One child, Pauline, born July 30, 191 1, came of this
union. He is a farmer and a school teacher.
Ethel M. was bom May 15, 1897.
Noah Thomas, born September 13, 1864, married Lavina C. Barnes,
May 3, 1885. They have one child, dead, and live on part of the home
place. He is a director of the Bruceton Bank and president of the
Farmers' Union Association and Fire Insurance Company.
Andrew Thomas' second wife was Hester Wilson, married June,
1880. They had one child, Scott, who lives on one part of the home
place. He was born, February 12, 1881, and married Nora Glover,
January i, 1908. They have two children, Ersel and Glenn.
Ira Thomas was born, August 24, 1867. He was reared on a farm,
and has become one of the successful and scientific farmefrs of the
State. His farm, a very rich body of land, consisting of over 300 acres
lies in the valley bottom of Big Sandy Creek, mostly, and was formerly
the homestead property of John Forman. In 1900, Mr. Thomas bought
it of John H. Feather. In 1910, he erected his large barn, which for
arrangement and capacity is one of the best bank^barns in the county.
The farm is well adaptefd for grazing purposes, as well as for raising
crops, and stock of the blooded kind, only, is raised.
Mr. Thomas' first wife was Ella B. Barnes. She was born July 16,
1886, and died April 25, 1895. His second wife was Dora Fike, bom
October 2, 1876. She was the daughter of Samuel and Malinda Fike,
both parents dying when she was young. The children of this mar-
riage are Edna Grace, born May 14, 1898; Bertha Marie, born January
31, 1900; Ward Fike, born February 6, 1906. Mr. Thomas is one
of the charter members and organizers of both the Bmceton Milling
Company and the Bruceton Bank. He is a stock owner in the Engle-
hart Woolen Mill Company, and is a member in the Farmers' Union
Association and Fire Insurance Company, of Preston County.
LORELIvE VERNON REED.
The editor of the Preston Republican, Terra Alta, has become a
potent factor among politicians, and the reading public generally in this
part of West Virginia. His paper has more than, an ordinary circula-
tion, for a county publication; is clefan and well defined along lines
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LORELLE V. REED
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Preston County, West Viboinia 747
of political and public necessities ; and withal, it is a paper which bears
the impress of a well edited publication.
•Mr. Reed is of Scotch-Irish descent, and possesses the characteristic
traits of the more fortunate well-to-do people from whence he came.
He is the son of Orville S. and Belle (McMillen) Reed. His paternal
ancestors came from the north of Ireland, and the McMilkns from
Scotland. In 1683, the Reeds emigrated to Pennsylvania. The
McMillens became pioneers of Kentucky.
Lorelle Vernon Reed was bom May 25, 1868, at Lebanon,
Missouri, and was educated at the Christian College of that state.
When seventeen years old he went on the road as a traveling salesman.
For twelve years, or from 1887 to 1899, he followed this avocation, and
saw life in its many and varied aspects. In 1899, however, with
inclinations towards journalism, and well qualified to mould opinion,
he became proprietor and editor of the Preston Republican, and,
during the past thirteen years, his facile pen has been providing the
general public with the news of the day.
Mr. Reed is a Republican. From 1909 to 1912, he was Secretary
of the State Board of Control. He has filled the offices of Justice of
the Peace and Town Recorder. He is a member of the Presbyterian
church; is a fraternity man of high degree, being a Mason (Blue
Lodge and Chapter), and a Knight of Pythias. Educated and tactful,
social and very resourceful, the subject of this sketch impresses the
writer of this little memoir as one who possesses more than ordinary
abilities for making his way through this world.
Mr. Reed was married December 9, 1891 at Columibus, Ohio, to
Tessa Root, Three children: Virginia, Orville E., and Tessa A., were
bom to this union.
BENJAMIN F. COLE.
The Cole -family, like that of the Smith, is a numerous one. It
has its root in Welch history, where from the time of King Caractacus,
King Cole, branches have formed until the progeny has gfreatly in-
creased from the first century of that period in South Wales. During
the sixteenth century emigration commenced. Some went to Ireland
and some came to America and from these forbears separate lineages
of the family originated, and so numerous in English times, that
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748 Preston County, West Vikqinia
thirty different coats of arms have been resurrectefd by the antiquarian*
belonging to the tribe. First came emigrants to the Jamestown colony,
as early as 1609, and then from different ancefstral heads, other lineages
have been forming from that time to this. Settlements were made in
Boston as early as 1630. A John Cole became the head of the Cowles
in Connecticut, and in 1660 a John Cole landed in Rhode Island, from
whom a multitude of Coles in that state can be found now. In the
state of Michigan there are probably five thousawl Coles, having no
close kinship to those above mentioned.
Captain B. F. Cole is a descendant of the Delaware branch of the
Cole family. Henson Cole, his grandfather, was a native of that state,
but it is not known who was the first of his line to emigrate to this
country, nor where he landed in America. When he arrived Henson
Cole moved on a farm at Cassville near Morgantown, W. Va. His
family is an interesting one. Draper was the eldest, Joseph and
William caught the gold fever in 1849, went to California and came
back rich. During the Civil War they purchased large tracts of land
around Cassville and ended their days there. John H. was a trader in
horses and cattle, and Amasa, the father of B. F. Cole, was a farmer.
He was born in 1829, and is still living. His wife was a Miss Rachel
Morris, daughter of Ezekiel and Miss Hayhurst Morris, very influ-
ential and very highly cultured people. Both sides of that family
belonged to that highly polished citizenship of the old ^hool of Vir-
ginia aristocracy.
The children of Amasa and Rachel Morris Cole were thirteen in all.
Of this num'ber three died in infancy. Alice was s?calded to death.
Anna Maria married Louis Wildman; Joseph married Mattie Dusen-
berry; Henson, Hurley, Sarah, Dora, Carrie B., Ida B., and Nora B.,
are still living; Spencer A. died at the age of 41 years, aflter having
traveled the wide world almost all over. His history in particular is
•worthy of mention. He was the foreign representative of the Key^
stone Drilling Company at Beaver Falls, Pa., a company that drilled
wells in arid deserts as well as in other places in different parts of
the whole world.
Mr. Cole's first trip abroad for this concern was made to an oasis of
the great Sahara Desert in Africa. It was two hundred miles inland,
to which point of destination engines and machinery for drilling wells
♦had to Ije transported on backs of camels. Subsequently other trips
were made by 'him to South Africa and to the West Imdia' Islands.
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BENJAMIN F. COLE.
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THE r;i:v/ ^'or.K
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PunoN CiouNTT, Wmt Ymaank 749
On his second trip to Peru, South America, he was taken ill with the
smallpox, and had to ride on a mule to Lima, seventy miles distant,
to reach his hospital where he died February 12, 191 1.
» Captain Benjamin F. Cole was bom February 4, 1875. Like his
brother before mentioned, his chief characteristic is grit, and the record
he has left behind him is a good one. At ten years otf age he left home
going to Iowa four years. He worked on a ranch two years, then took
tip paperhanging. He then returned home and had a job with the
Standard Oil Company, where he remained eight years, and after that
he took a course in horology and optometry at a college in Philadelphia.
In 1901, he came to Kingwood and bought out the jewelry store of W. J.
Jenkins, which he still operates under the management of a competent
end idkillful superintendent. Having succeeded in business affairs and
proven himself worthy of the comfojence of the public, he has been
advanced to offices of trust in the intereslts otf the people as necessity-
required. He has been School Commissioner of Kingwood two terms,
and is still a member of that board, and is now also serving his second
term on the Town Council.
He has been Captain of the Ordinance Department six years,
having had a membership with the National Guards seven years.
Socially he is represented in various societies, being a Master Mason,
a member of the Knights of Pythias and is connected oitherwise. In
politics, he is a staunch Republican and has the courage of his con-
victions.
In 1905, Mr. Cole enlisted in Company G, King'wood National
Guards, and became "high" in that team. At the first shoot given at
Parkersburg he took a medal, and in all has now fiiteqn medals as
laurels to his marksmanship. That same year Captain Cole's Com-
pany went to Sea Girt, New Jersey, and took part in the national
matches there, and has been on the rifle team of the state every year
from that meeting to the present time. In 1907, he was commissioned
Captain and has been InstriTctor df the Range and in charge of the
State Farm ever since. As an instructor. Captain Cole has done much
to make his team the unerring marksmen that they are. The following,
letter speaks fior itself:
WIA'R DEPARTMENT
National Board for Promotion of Rifle Practice.
September 22, 191 3.
Qaptain B. F. Cole, Kingwood, West Virginia.
Dear Sir: — I take pleasure in enclosing herewith government
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750 Preston County, West Virginia
voucher for $51.67, as 7th prize, kn-eeling position, in the International
Match, No. 10, won by you at the late Camp Perry matches.
Yours very truly,
ALBERT S. JONKS,
First Lieut., and Financial Ofiicer Camp Perry Matches.
At these matches the best marksmen compefted and different
governments participated, but the United States carried off her share,
Captain Cole saving the honor on sevei'al occasions. He! held first
place in the Hale Match, 436 entries made, winning the cup and $30.00.
He won the beautiful silver plaque given by Austria also, and a number
of other prizes.
In February, 1896, Captain Cole was m'arried to Miss Nera Fox,
daughter of Andrew J. Fox of Indian Creek, West Virginia. Her
grandfather, Martin Fox, of Winchester, Virginia, was with Wash-
ington on his trip over the mountains to the battle of Fort Duquesne.
Mr. and Mrs. Cole are the parents of three children: Edna, bom
in March, 1897; Edith, February, 1899; Pearl in March, 1903.
JAMiES BENJAMIN BRADY.
The Brady family is a large one and considerably diflFused. They
are of Irish descent, the ancestors of whom came to America long
before Revolutionary times, and settled in and around what is now
the present site of Hancock, Washington County, Maryland, where
they are to be found in that locality at the present time in goodly
numbers.
I Henry Brady, the great-great-grandfather of J. Ben Brady, was bom
•in Ireland and came to this country when a young man probatly about
the year 1740, and settled in what is now Washington County, Mary-
land, near the present site of Old Fort Frederick, aboint fifteen miles
east of Hancock. He married a Scotch woman whose name is now
unknown.
His son, James Brady, the great-grandfather of the subject of this
sketch was born and lived all his life in that locality, his occupation
being that of a farmer and shoemaker. About the year 1782 he married
an English woman whose maiden name was Smith, and who Was a
relative of Captain John Smith di Virginia. She died in 1845 at the
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J. BEN HRADY.
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THE NlV/ '■■ol'K
^JELIC LIBRARY
A -TOR, LFNOX
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Preston County, West Virginia 751
age of ninety-three years. The children bom to this marriage consisted
of two daughters and four sons, namely*: Eleanor, Canolinef, Henry,
William, John and Edward.
William Brady, the grandfather of J. Ben Brady, died in Hancock,
Washington County, Maryland in 1865, at the age of fifty-eight years.
He was a farmer and miller, and for a time during the Civil War,
superintended a mill at Georgetown, D. C, which supplied grist to the
Government. He married Catherine Feidt, daughter of Hefnry Feidt,
from Bremen, Germany. She died in i860. The children born to this
union were as follows: George, who lived and died in Hancock,.
Joshua, who moved to Columbia, Missouri, and died there, William H.,
of whom mention will again be m.ade, John J., a resident of Baltimore,
Maryland; Emily, who married Isaiah Smith, now deceased, who lived
at Hancock; Rebecca, who married David A. Brady, a cousin, who was
a son of Edward Brady, son of Jam^s, now living at Annapolis Junc-
tion, Maryland jEllen, who -married Joseph F. Hixson, a farmer, living
near Hancock; Rose, Martha and Mary, each of whom died at an
early age.
William H.^Bra-dy, son of William Brady, was born in Hanicock on
the 5th day of November, 1846. He was a miller and farmer, and is
now residing at Berkeley Springs, Morgan County, West Virginia. As
a miller and farmer he was successful in securing a competency for
fhimself and family. On the 24th day of November, 1874, he married
Margaret Anna Belle Boyles, a daughter of James Boyles,
who was born in 1804 and died in 1876, and who lived on
the homestead farm which has belonged to the family for
the past three generations. James Boyles, who was the son
of Henry Boyles, was born in what is now Morgan County, West
•Virginia, The mother of Margaret Anna Belle Boyles was Margaret
Pritchard, who was born in 1817 and died in 1847. Her ancestors were
of an old Virginia s'tock from in and about Winchester, Virginia.
The children born to this union are James Benjamin, of whom men-
tion will again be made; Mary Edna, who married John Aimfield
•Proctor. She was born the 15th day of September, 1881, and died the
4th day of April, 191 2. No children were bom to this marriage.
Helen Francis is unmarried and living with her parents at Berkeley
Springs, West Virginia.
Because of the superior advantages in Berkeley Springs for the
education of his two daughters, who are both younger than the
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752 Preston County, West Virginia
subject of this sketch, William H. Brady moved from his farm to
^hat place in 1898. As an ardenjt supporter of schools, he has been a
member of the .board of education in his adopted town, and withal, is
a man of public spirit and action along all lines of public utilities.
James Benjamin Brady was born in Morgan County, West Virginia,
on the 1st day oi December, 1876. He was reared on a farm, and
when nineteen years of age, he graduated from, the Berkeley Springs
High School in the spring of 1895. Following this he taught public
sxrhool for two years, pne term of country school and one term as
first assistant of the Berkeley Springs High School. His educationaJ
career was afterwards completed at the WesJt Virginia University at
Morgantown, where he took a two years course in literary work, fol-
lowing with a two years couse in the study of law, graduating from
that department of the University in the spring of 1903.
During the following summer he located in Kingwood, Preston
County, West Virginia and engaged in the practice of his profession.
His professional career was begun in the office of Hon. William G.
Brown, now member of Congress. Then a partnership was formed
with Col, R. W. Monroe, but since the death of the latter, Mr. Brady
has been engaged in the practice of his profession allone. His lot
seems to have been well cast, for his practi*ce is a good one, his repu-
tation as a counsellor enviable, and his citizenship one of which the
•people are proud. He confines his attention closely to his profes-
.sional duties, and aside from being a member of the clounfcil of the
.Town of Kingwood, and Treasurer of the Republican Executive Com-
jmittee of Preston County, he holds no other office.
K On the 1st day of November, 1905, Mr. Brady was marrieki to
Mary Cornelia Godwin, daughter of Captain Joseph M. and Sarah E*
i(i9tone) Godwin of Kingwood. This family are members of one of the!
oldest in the county.
CHARLES NEWTON DROWN, M. D.
, Among the practitioners of medicine in Preston county in former
years. Dr. Asihford Brown, father of Dr. C. N. Brown, whose namd
.is still revered by many of the older inhabitants of the county, because
of his many good qualities both as a man and as a successful physician
is deserving of special mention.
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C. N. BROWN, M. D.
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THE KEW YORK
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Pbbston County, West Virginia 753
As a representative off that old family, Dr. C. N. Brown falls heir to
the high esteeni and the confidence of the public generally, who knew
something of the hardships of the pioneer physician's life, and of the
many interesting episodes in Dr. As-hford Brown's professional careefr.
The family are descended from Thomas Brown, who was born in*
Prince William county, Virginia, September 7, 1760, and who was a
soldier in George R. Daavidson's (Harrison Co.) Company in the
War of 1812. He died in Preston county, in 1844. His widow drew
a pension. In 1805, he removed with his family to what is known
as **The Glades" near Reedsville. He and Colonel John Fairfax with
their families, and a numter of slaves, were on their way to Lexing-
ton, Kentucky, but on account of the hostility of the Indians were
^compelled to abandon their trip. Hence their settlement in "The
iGlades."
I It was here Thomas Brown became? the owner of a tract of land,
XX)ntaining 578 acres, upon which he spent the; remainder of his days
'engaged in the arts of husbandry, and where he diefd at an advanced
age, in 1844. By his wife, Ann Ashe, he reared a large family of whom
Samuel Brown, the grandfather of Dr. Charles N., was the third son.
He was born in Prince William county, October 24, 1793, and was
but twelve years of age when his father came to the county of Preston.
•Reared upon a farm, his early training was along a line that led natur-
ally to the avocation of an agriculturist and stock raiser and dealer.
He first followed this business near Evansville, in Preston county, but,
in 1833, removed to Clinton Furnace in Monongalia county, where he
became the owner of a couple of farms, and accumulated a fair com-
petency prior to his d^ath, which occurred in 1859, hfeiving returned to
Preston county in 1841.
He was not a member of any church, although inclined to a support
;af the dogmas of Presbyterianism, and was a strictly moral man,
upright and honest in all his dealings with his fellow man. His
marital union whh Rarmelia Zinn, a lady of German origin, resulted
in the birth of eleven children, of whom Dr. Ashford was the oldest.
The others in order of age are: Lycurgus, deceased, who wasi a
isoldier for three years in defen-ce of the Union, during the Civil War;
Clarissa B., wife of George Steyer, of Oakland, Maryland; William
and Granville members of Co. E., 17th Regiment Infantry, the latter
the Licfutenant of the Company. The names of the others were Amelia,
Ruhama, Sarah Ann, Elizabeth, Loretta and Marcella J.
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754 Preston County, West Vibginu
Dr. Ashford Broiwm was reared upon the farm, and: received a good
English ^education in the subscription schools. He taught school for a
time, and at the age of twenty-two began the study of mdddcine in
the office of Dr. William J. Bland. After remaining two years under
his preceptorship, he entered the Starling Mefdical College, of Columbus,
Ohk), but was compelled on account of failing health to leave the
x:ollege. In 1848, he entered upon the practice of medicine, first locat-
ing near Gladesfville, where he continued very successfully until 1865,
having been very thoroughly prepared for his chosen profession.
From 1865 to 1878, he practiced at Independence, and then removed
to Webster where he still continued the practice of his profession until
his death, which occurred June 15, 1906.
Dr. Brown was a careful, painstaking physician, qualities which
combined with good judgment and a sympathetic nature built him
up an enviable practice. He never allowed the duties of his profession
'to narrow his field of action, but took an active interest in religious
land political matters also. He was a deacon in the Baptist church
.for twentynfive years, and active worker .for the cause of Republicanism.
• December 2, 1849, Dr. Brown married Sarah E., daughter of Wick
Johnson, a prominent merchant of Preston county. Twelve children
were born of this union, three dying when in infancy. Clarissa, Wil-
liam and Adaline died in childhood. Edna died young. Dexter B.
died in boyhood. Loverna Parmelia, who died in July, 1894, wtas the
wife of W. D. Prim. Parmelia E., died in childlhood. Charles N., the
'subject of this sketch and Frank C, agent for the United States
Express Company, the youngest of the family.
Dr. Charles Newton Brown was bom in Independence, Preston
county, January 16, 1867. He attended the public schools <rf his native
county, and supplemented them with a good preliminary education in
the Normal School at Fairmont and the University of West Virginia
at Morgantown. He then entered upon the study of medicine in the
office of his father at Webster. After having been carefully instructed
in the rudiments of medicine under his father, he took instruction also
under Dr. Lanham Brown, whose wise counsels fitted him still more
for a course of lectures in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Baltimore, where he attended during the sessions of 1891, 1892, 1893
and 1894. He completed the course at the University of Louisville, Ky.,
and then located at Webster, West Virginia, where he practiced his
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Prbston County, West Yibqinu 755
profession until 191 1, when he moved to Reedsville, where he is now
in pursuit of a large and lucrative practice.
Dr. Brown is a close student, and in love with his chosen profession.
In 1907, he supplemented all previous courses of study with a post-
graduate course at the Louisville Medical College. His success in the
treatment of some singular cases has enabled him to contribute articles
of value to the profession for publication in medical journals. And he
has -written several articles that have been read before the State Medical
Society, of which he is a member. He is a charter member of the Taylor
County Medical Society, and a member of the Harrison County Medical
Society and American Medical Association. Professionally, Dr. Brown
stands as high as he does socially, and in that particular no man and
his family in the county is more highly esteemed than they are.
Dr. Brown is also a musician. His natural taste for music led him
into the study of harmony under some of the best instructors in the
country, and he has written some pieces of singular worth and beauty.
His love for the medical profession and the high sense of duty he owes
to his clientele forbid much attention to music; otherwise, had he not
been a successful physician, he would have been a successful musician.
He plays the cornet well and taught and organized a band of music
which was named in his honor, **Brown's Concert Band."
On September 2, 1903, Dr. Brown was married to Miss Eva D.,
daughter ci William and Sadie (Limbers) Keane, of Grafton, West
Virginia, and to this union were born three children: William Byrne,
born August 2, 1904; Evelyn Charlene, born June 11, 1906; Charles
Samuel, bom June 18, 191 1.
There is a singular sweetness of character and kindliness of nature
permeating this home not found around every hearthstone. The mother
herself, a charming woman, is an educated lady, and superintendent of
the Presbyterian Sabbath School at Reedsville. In Christian work she
is best known to the general public. Both the parents are very sympa-
thetic and very charitable, give and spend freely, and in return seem
to receive as freely as they give, which proves the old Bible adage a
true one.
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756 Preston County, West Virginia
CHARLES EDWARD TREMBLY.
Th-e Trembly family were French Huguenots, living near Ro-
chelle, France, and during the persecutions emigrated to Scotland. That
was about 1725. About 1730 the ancestor of this family emigrated to
America and settled at Trembly's Point, near Elizabeth, New Jersey.
His house is still standing.
About 1774, Benjamin Trembly and his family, with the McGrews,^
moved toward the west, locating first at Cumberland, Maryland, where
the ancestors of the McGrew family died. Samuel Darby, another
Scotchman, came from the same place in New Jersey, but did not reach
Preston until the year of 1774. In 1786, Patrick, son of the original
McGrew before mentioned, moved with his wife and four children from
Cumberland and located on the Samuel McGrew place a mile south of
Brandonville. Samuel I>arby settled at the Miller place west of Clifton,
and Benjamin Trembly settled nearBruceton. This trio of hardy Scotch
settlers did much towards establishing a stable condition of affairs in the
new county, very soon after the Revolutionary War.
Benjamin Trembly was born April 13, 1763, and drowned at Ice's
Ferry in 1818, while on his way home from a fair at Morgantown. He
married Eunice Pennington, who belonged to one of the oldest and
most prominent families of New Jersey. Their children were: Josiah,
John, Mary, Sarah, James and Ephraim. John Trembly was bom
March 20, 1786, and died 1863. He married Sarah Darby in Bruceton,
and bought the farm near Albright in 1813. Their children were:
Eunice, wife of John Bishop; Samuel and Benjamin, who were born
October 16, 1816. Benjamin married Mary Hartman. Their children
were: George H., Joseph, Sarah (wife of Guy A. Bishop), Michael, John,
Samuel and Adam.
The father of Charles Edward was George H. Trembly, who was
bom near Albright, West Virginia, April 7, 1837, died 1899. His wife
was Eva Charity Smith, who was born near the same place February
3, 1849. They were married January 9, 1868. Their children were:
Frank H., bom August 3, 1869, in real estate business in Jacksonville,
Florida; Jay S., born July 30, 1871, plumber in Terra Alta; Charles E.,
April 14, 1873 ; Ella M., October 26, 1877, now Mrs. A. W. Hawley.
Charles Edward Trembly, the subject of this sketch, received a col-
legiate education and has become a prominent citizen in the social and
business fraternity of this part of the state of West Virginia. In 1894
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CHAS. E. TREMBLY
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Pbbston County, Wbot VmoiNiA 757
he graduated from the Fairmont Normal School; in 1897 he graduated
again from the Peabody Normal College, Nashville, Tennessee ; and in
1899 he took the degree of A.B. from the West Virginia University at
Morgantown, West Virginia. Thus thoroughly prepared for profes-
sional >work, he began teaching while going to college, and taught at
intervals. In 1898-99 he was assistant principal of the Davis Public and
High School, then acting principal of these same schools. In 1902 he
resigned to become assistant cashier of the Terra Aha Bank, a position
he held for eight years. On November 14, 1910, he was elected cashier.
'Mr. Trembly has been a member of the Town Council of Tern
Alta one term, and Recorder of the same two terms. During his official
career many improvements of a public nature were made, and it was
as much due to his advice and guiding influence as to that of any other
one of the City Fathers that the people are indebted for their wat.^r
works, gas lights, street pavements and other improvements which have
given Terra Alta its good name to-day. A9 a self-made man, Mr.
Trembly has been a progressive one necessarily and politically, one fit
to be trusted as a representative of the people.
Socially, Mr. Trembly is a member of several orders. He is a mem-
ber of, and past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias ; is a member of,
and past master of the Masons ; is a 32'' Mason and Knight Templar,
and is also an Odd Fellow. He is a member of, and elder of the Presby-
terian Church, and, although a young man yet, is a very substantial
citizen of Preston County.
GUY M. BONAFIELD.
The Bonafields of West Virginia came originally from Maryland.
Samuel, the ancestor, was born where the city of Washington now
stands. His son Samuel came to St. George, Tucker county, in
1837, and hw son T. J. located near the Tunnelton Camp
Ground. His grandson, Arnold Jacob Bonaifield, bom June 12, 1849,
became a very successful merchant, doing a business at one time in this
place of $100,000 annually. He was also a coal dealer and for many
years president of the bank. He was a very successful business man,
leaving a valuable estate of which Guy M. Bonafield, his son, is trustee.
Arnold J. Bonafield married Elizabeth Virginia Robinson, bom De-
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75S Pbbston County, Wbot VmaiNiA
cember 6, 185 1, in Fairmont, Marion county, W. Va. Her grandmother
•was a Pienpont. She married Reuben Baker. The Bakers moved to
Monongalia county from Philadelphia. Their children were: (i) Guy
Martin Bonafield, who -was bom March 18, 1874; (2) Hugh William,
bom January 19, 1S76; (3) Carl Thomton, February 28, 1878; (4) Henry
Arnold, A-pril 22, 1880; (5) Ethelynd Virginia, December i, 1882; (6)
Stewart Robinson, August 17, 1890.
Guy Martin Bonafield, the subject of this sketch, was educated in
the Fairmont Normal School and Wesleyan College at Buckhannon,
after which he became bookkeeper until his father's death, then trustee
of his father's estate since that time. He is also one of the trustees of
the M. E. Church at Tunnelton.
On June 26, 1898, Mr. Bonafield was married to Miss Alberta Charity
Bolyard, a Prestonian bom near Toinnelton. Her father, Henry Bol-
yard, was raised a farmer near Fellowsville and is a veteran of the
Civil War. He is a descendant of Henry, a brother of Stephen Bolyard,
who came from Pennsylvania about 1799, and lived first on the Ford
place at the mouth of WoHe Creek, and a few years later on the top
of Laurel Hill, south of the turnpike line and near the "Drovers Rest."
Henry Bolyard married Nancy Eve Sigley, of Harrison county, W. Va.
They had eight children: Emma C, Delbert M., Cora A., Minnie A.,
Alberta C, Lloyd W., John C, and Lessie M.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Guy M. Bonafield are: Daisy Louise,
bora April 4, 1899; Elizabeth Adelaide, January 8, 1902; Amold Jacob,
February 10, 1904; and James Henry Bonafield, who was bom Sep-
tember I, 191 1.
The family are members of the M. E. Church.
THE GARNER FAMILY.
The Garner family are of English descent. They are known in
Preston county as thrifty farmers and as an enterprising class of people.
Lewis Gamer, the first of the family, came from Loudoun to Ryans
Glade in Garrett some time prior to 1800. The widow took up her
residence in the Craborchard and married Amos Roberts, whose
daughter Frances married William, the only one of her sons to remain
in the county. He settled three miles northeast of Kingwood. Their
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S. H. GARNER.
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THE v-v:' '■-':'<
PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Preston County, West Virginia 759
children were: (i) Simon, who lived near Bruceton Mills. He married
Rebecca Smith and had two children, a boy and a girl. (2) William,
who married Nancy Ridenour and lived and died near Terra Alta. (3)
Alfred, who married Mary Smith, lived in Morgantown. (4) Samuel,
who lived on the place now occupied by his son, Thomas F. (5) Amos,
never married. (6) Hulda, married Amos Payne and moved to Iowa.
(7) Margery remained single. (8) Julia, married Daniel Feather, both
now dead.
Samuel Garner was born July 4, 1820, He was raised a farmer, and
died August 16, 1900. He was a large man, very stout, and was never
sick until taken with his fatal illness. He married Anna Rebecca
Ridenour, in 1841, and moved on a farm east of King wood, where he
remained two years, then moved to the place now occupied by his son,
Thomas. Here he built a cabin, where he lived until his death. In those
days hardships were many. When this young couple went to house-
keeping they had but one vessel for cooking, and that was a skillet,
which was used for the making of coffee. His wife was bom
February 11, 1822, and died April 19, 1896. Their oldest child was
William M., born August 17, 1842, died August 2, 1907. He was
a cooper by trade and manufactured staves for sugar and molasses bar-
rels to be shipped to Cuba. He was also a successful agriculturist, on
the homestead farm adjoining that of Elmer Garner, of whom mention
will be made. His wife was Margaret Jane Rodeheaver, born May 31,
1843. Their children were: (i) ; (2) Walter Bunker,
bom April 29, 1866; (3) Waitman T. W., of whom mention will again
be made; (4) Elmer Clay, born May 3, 1871 ; (5) Dora Belle, born June
3» 1873; (6-7) Mollie Grace and Minnie May, twins, born July 2, 1878;
(8) Samuel Haymon, to be mentioned later. Samuel's . daughter,
Margery, married Josiah Calvert. She born in 1845, and died in October,
191 1. They had seven children, and lived in the Wesley Chappel neigh-
borhood. (3) Susan, married Lewis H. Dodge. They had four children,
now all dead but John, who lives near Terra Alta. (4) Sa villa, deceased,
bom October 19, 1652, married George Nestor and lives at Amblersburg.
They have seven children. He is a farmer. (5) John H., is a baker.
He married Anna Gibson, and lives at Kingwood, no children. (6)
David, a cripple, was born May 9, 1856. (7) Joanna, born July 26, 1858,
married Wesley Messenger. He is a farmer, and to this union were
bom five children. (8) Julia Ellen, never married, was born
November 25, i860. (9) Thomas F., the youngest of the family, was
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760 Preston County, West Virginia
born November 26, 1864, and resides on the home place. He owns a
good grazing farm as well as a good corn and wheat producing land,
comprising 195 acres in all. He is a stock grower also, and speculates
considerably in sheep, which are bought and shipped to the Baltimore
market. In his younger days he attended school at Pleasant Dale.
Mr. Gamer's first wife was a Miss M. K. Field. She was the daughter
of Hiram and Margaret Field, who lived at Reedsville. They were mar-
ried April 22y 1888, and on January 31, 1890, she died, twenty years, three
months and five days old. One daughter, Jessie K., born October 15,
1889, married Sherman Brand (son of Frank Brand), October, 1907, and
lives near Herring, West Virginia. Mr. Garner's second wife, Dora L.
Kelly, is daughter of Elias and Elizabeth Kelly, of Terra Alta. They
were married August 28, 1895. Their children are: Darrel, bom De-
cember 13, 1896; Edith, bom on the 23rd of March, 1901, and Velma,
bom March 28, 1908. The new residence was built in 1905.
The family worships in the M. E. Church at Pleasant Dale. Mr.
Garner is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
WAITMAN T. WILLEY GARNER.
It was not an unusual thing, in those days of pioneer times, for
William M. Garner to walk to Terra Alta when in pursuit of some
object of work, worthy of that efJort. Likewise, his sons are all noted
for their perseverance as well as their honesty. Waitman T. Willey
Garner, bent on securing an education, obtained it when opportunity
presented itself. He then obtained a govemment position, which he
has now filled creditably to himself, as well as profitably, for several
years. He was born on the Dille farm, near Pleasant Dale, February 20,
1869. He attended school at Pleasant Dale first, then took a course
of training in the Kingwood Summer School, under the well known and
efficient instructor. Professor Rufus Holden. His work of two terms
here was supplemented by a three-term course at the Fairmont Normal
School, under Professor J. Walter Barnes. After which he taught
school, in all eight winters— six of them in Preston county and two of
them in Marion county.
On February 10, 1901, having passed the examinations requisite for
the work, Mr. Garner became employed by the government as mail
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PsxsTON County, Wbst Yibgimia 761
weigher between Wheeling and Baltimore on the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad. After filling this .position forty-nine days, he was promoted
to mailing clerk on the road from Fairmont to Richwood, a position
which he has held now without intermission for ten years. The distance
between the two points is 155 miles, and he is graded No. 3, the highest
given his class in the mailing service. As districting agent, Mr. Gamer
attends to all mails for West Virginia, and for twelve counties in
Pennsylvania besides.
December 4, 1898, Mr. Garner was married to Miss Isabel Ridenour,
daughter of Martin and Maria Reed Ridenour, old pioneers of Preston
county. Three children have come of this union, namely : Fay Blondell,
born January 2j, 1903; Ila Belle, born July 11, 1907, died — , ; Ruth
Hester, bom May 3, 1908.
In 1901, Mr. Garner bought a lot a No. 827 Coleman Avenue, where
he erected his present residence, a two-story house with a slate roof, now
a very valuable property.
Mr. Garner was a strong Prohibitionist and a member of the M. E.
Church, but belonged to no other organizations. He died May 29, 191 3.
Elmer C. Garner was born May 2, 1871. He was reared on the farm
and educated i^ the Pleasant Dale school. After arriving at the age
of maturity, he worked at the blacksmithing trade for the Ferguson Con-
struction Company long enough to master the business, and now does
all of his own repairing of machinery and making of new tools needed
on the farm. He also mastered the cooper trade while assisting his
father in the manufacture of staves for sugar and molasses barrels, a
business that proved profitable for several years.
On the last day of the month of the last month of the last year of the
last century, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Margaret Lydia Malissa,
daughter of Julius Marion and Margaret Jane (Jenkins) Light, who
lived on the old Jenkins farm where John Jenkins first settled and where
her father now resides on Cheat River. She was bom September 29,
1880. Their children are: (i) Gilbert Wayne, born 4th day of May,
1902, and died at Fairmont, June 23, 1903. (2) Thelma Elva Belle, born
March 20, 1905. (3) Virginia Lucille, born February 21, 1909. Mr.
Gamer has three sisters: (i) Ella, wife of William Kid well. They live
on the home place. (2) Georgia, who is single. (3) Martha, who mar-
ried Charles Galloway and lives on Laurel Run. Mr. Garner bought his
farm in 1900. It adjoins the homestead and consists of 81 acres of virgin
soil, and most excellent for growing crops and for grazing .purposes.
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762 Preston County, West Vibginia
He has two orchards on the place, ships good timber from, it for the
manufacturing of paper, and this has been a profitable business also.
Mr. Garner has cultivated the bee industry somewhat extensively. He
has also a barnyard full of leghorn chickens, which, in addition to the
good crops the farm produces annually, completes a homestead meeting
every need of a country life. (4) Dora Belle, next to Elmer C, was bom
June 3, 1873. She married Charles Victor Martin and lives at Fairmont.
He is a machinist. Their children are: Cecil, Grace, Elva, May and
Herman Martin. (5) Minnie May, who married F. W. Foster, of Peters-
boro, Ontario, Canada, June 29, 191 1; she and Mollie Grace, who mar-
ried S. H. Rodeheaver, August 22, 1898, are twins, bom July 2, 1878.
Mr. Foster is an engineer, skilled in iron construction work, and Mr.
Rodeheaver is the field agent for the "West Virginia Argus." Mrs.
Foster has no children, but Mrs. Rodeheaver is the mother of two,
Juanita Grace and Margaret Genevieve. (7) Samuel Haymond Gar-
ner, the well-known photographer, with a studio at Kingwood, was
born February 22, 1881. He was reared on the farm and educated at
the Pleasant Dale schools, and then worked for different persons, in
different kinds of business, until he began for himself. The science
of photography appealed to him, nor has he missed his calling in this
profession. With a natural taste for scenic beauty, Mr. Gamer first
worked for D. O. Martin, doing field work principally. Mr. Martin was
a graduate of the Illinois College of Photography at Effingham, and
an apt pupil, and Mr. Garner soon mastered all his preceptor could
teach him. He located in Kingwood, Nov. 22, 1904, having purchased the
gallery outfit complete of his predecessor, and then added to the original
purchase as needed. He now has as well an equipped studio as can be
found outside of the largest cities. His outdoor work is remarkable
for its freshness and vigor, while his portrait reproductions are unex-
celled. He has photographed for the History of Preston County, and
his work is equal to any found in any other work of its kind anywhere.
Some of the reproductions from Mr. Garner's photographs are views of
the Morgantown & Kingwood Railroad published in this history.
May 4, 1907, Mr. Garner was married to Miss Mollie Pearl Harvey,
daughter of George W. and Rosalie Ridenour Harvey, of Fellowsville.
Their children are George William, born November 16, 1908, and Earl
Harvey, born November 19, 1912.
The family worship with the M. E. Church at Kingwood. Mr. Gar-
ner is a member of the Knights of Pythias, also of the Modem Woodmen
of America.
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Pbeston County, West Yibginu 763
SANFORD C. McKINNEY.
Luke McKinney and his wife, Aylse (Spencer), settled on the
McKinney homestead, near Bretz, before the War of 1812. He was
bom March 4, 1782, and died July 2j, 1862. She was bom July ttj, 1792,
and died April 11, 1877. Their children were: John S., bom May 25,
181 1, died January i, 1890; Harrison, born January 2, 181 3, died Novem-
ber X, 1892; Michael, born April 10, 1816, died December 18, 1888;
Sarah (Menear), born May 6, 1818, died May 26, 1899; Arthur Wesley,
bora April 13, X820, died May 24, 1899; Julia Ann (Watson), bom May
13, 1822, died April 17, 1849; Rebecca (Flick), bom May 14, 1824, died
May 16, 1891; William H., bom March 22, 1826, and still living; Alex-
ander M., bora May 17, 1829, died February 4, 1892; Joseph Jackson,
bora January 13, 1832, and still living; Gabriel, who was born and died
February 6, 1834. Joseph Jackson McKinney married Caroline P. Zinn.
She was bora October x8, 1836, and died January i, 19x0. She was a
native Prestonian and a daughter of Henderson B. Zinn, of the Zinn
settlement. They first built a log house that stood on the same ground
as the present house, built by S. C. McKinney in 191 1. Later, in 1868,
they built a better log house near by, which is still standing. J. J.
McKinney was a member of Company B, X4th West Vii^inia
Volunteers, and served through the war. He participated in the battles
of Cloyd Mountain, Lynchburg, Carter's Farm, Kernstown, Berryville,
Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek, and quite a number of
minor battles and skirmishes. These battles were fought by the 6th,
8th and 19th Corps, under Major-General Philip H. Sheridan. At the
battle of Fisher's Hill the 6th and 19th were formed in front, the 8th by a
brisk flank movement was formed in the rear of Company B of the 14th
W. Va., which was deployed on the skirmish line, and was one of the
first to cross their earthworks, and just in time to see the grey coat-
tails standing behind like checker boards. At the battle of Cedar Creek,
the 8th and 19th boys formed in front of the 6th, somewhat farther to
the rear, the two in front were completely shut out, it was a complete
stampede, but the glorious old Sixth came up like a billow on the ocean
and checked them, and held them in check, until the 8th and 19th got
reformed, and little Phil on his coal black charger came dashing up, the
tide turned— the tide set in the other way. Only three officers of Co. B
reported for duty, all three corporals. He, being senior, took coomand
of Company B (13 men) and formed them in their proper places in the
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764 Pbiston CiouNTT, Wnr Yomiku
regiment; the regiment was tent to support a battery, and stayed to
the finish. He had the honor of commanding Company B (13 men)
in the last charge the regiment ever made, and the last stand made in
the valley by the Confederates. After the war he returned to the farm.
He also did carpenter work, building two or three schoolhouses. His
boys were also handy with tools. S. C. McKinney built the house his
father now lives in at Morgantown.
The children of J. J. McKinney and his wife were: Malissa Blvira,
now the wife of N. W. McMillen, a farmer near Masontown. She was
bom September 26, 1854; Albert Raymond, bom July 8, 1856, died
October 22, 1912, in Indiana; Frances Ellen (Spurgeon McGee), bom
June 26, 1858; S. C. McKinney, bom March 8, 1861; Annie May, bom
December 9, 1865 ; Julia Agnes, born August 30, 1867, died September
19, 1890; Claudius L.> bom September 15, 1869, is a successful contractor
in Morgantown; Harriet Welton (Bom), bom October 17, 1871 ; Arizona
Ray (Addison), bom July 6, 1874; Josq>h Webster, born and died May
7» 1876.
S. C. married Annie B. Rogers, February 24, 1895. She was bom
November 4, 1878, and is the daughter of William and Margaret Rogers,
of Pisgah, and a granddaughter of the late Perry J. Rogers, one of the
oldest settlers of that place. The children bom to this union were:
Otto F., bom December 29, 1895; Hugh G., bom January 16, X897;
Blanche Edna, bom September 2fjy 1900; Joseph H., bom October 2,
1902; Parley J., bom January 29, 1904; Albert L., bom Febmary 21,
1906; William H., bom June 17, 1909; Oma Evedelle, bom October
13, 1912.
The McKinneys have all been successful farmers. The orchard
planted by the late grandfather still bears something like 1,000 bushels
annually. This has resulted from spraying and paying scientific atten-
tion to the needs of the trees. This orchard has a tree which grows
apples without seeds, and was never known to bloom; also has trees
which grow aptples which are both sweet and sour, sweet on one side
and sour on the other, neither is it fruit by graft. S. C McKinney pays
particular attention also to stock raising. He deals in Hereford cattle,
the Berkshire and Pollen China hogs, and loves the Merino sheep and
good horses.
S. C. McKinney took an active interest in developing the home farm
from his boyhood, working most of his time for his parents until he was
near thirty years of age. He then bought a farm on the east side of Cheat,
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Pbbston County, West Vibginia 765
went to Oklahoma, participated in a land drawing and failed to draw a
clahn; came back to Illinois and bought eighty acres, rented it, came
home, sold out and moved to Morgantown and did carpenter work for
two years, then moved to Illinois, improved a farm there, got the chills,
sold out and came back, bought the old homestead, and expects to spend
the remainder of his life improving it.
LUTHER SHEETS.
Among the 2,300 volunteers from Preston county who went to war
with the South, the Sheets family deserve special notice. Probably no
county in any other state gave up as many of her sons of the preserva-
tion of the Union, in proportion to her population, than Preston county
did. No other family suffered much more by way of loss of limb and
life, than did the Sheets family. No charge at least can be brought
against them for not responding to the call of their country in time of
danger.
Jacob and Nancy Sheets lived in Monongalia county, and raised
a family of sons and daughters before the Civil War commenced. He
was bom at Rock Forge, and died in 1866, about sixty years old. His
wife died about 1867, fifty years of age. He was a stonecutter, and raised
his family at the old Henry Clay Furnace, where the boys were engaged
mostly in mining business. John was the oldest, and married twice.
He is now dead. George married in Kentucky, and was killed on the
railroad. Calvin lived at Morgantown. He was a member of the ist
W. Va. Cavalry and was killed in the war. He enlisted in 1861, and
lost his life in 1862. Samuel enlisted in 1861. He was also in the ist
W. Va. Cavalry, and served three years. Both he and his wife are now
dead. Jacob also enlisted in the same regiment and served three years
in the war. Alfred was killed at Fairmont, when fifteen years of age.
Ellen married Thomas Irving, and lives in Pennsylvania. Anna, a
widow, lives in that state also. Elizabeth married James Cans, and
resides in Marion county. Tilie is dead. She married a Mr. Thome.
Luther Sheets was born at the old Henry Clay Fumace on January
I, 1840. He was raised a farmer, and did mining until in 1859, when
he went to Tunnelton, where he hauled tan-bark and shipped timber
until the fight at McDowell, Virginia, stirred up his patriotism.
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766 Preston Ck)UNTY, West Virginia
and in June, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 3rd Virginia Infantry.
The regiment •first went to Wheeling, then to .Clarksburg, and from
that point scattered along the B. & O. Railroad to guard brieves for
three or four months. In 1863, when Jones made his raid through the
state, the regiment was changed to the 6th Cavalry. In the fight at
Rocky Gap, in Greenbrier county, an engagement that lasted a day and
a night, Mr. Sheets was hit in the leg, just above the knee joint, by a
ball from the enemy, whi-ch he carried sixteen years and two months
before amputation of the limb was made. The same ball tore oflF the
arm of his comrade standing by his side.
His first discharge from the army was in 1863, and he enlisted again.
This time, contrary to the oath of service, his regiment was held long
after the war had closed. In opposition to the wishes of the soldiers,
they were taken West for service on the plains; but when at Fort
Leavenworth, Kansas, the men demanded their pay, and a release from
the army, it was granted.
Upon returning home, Mr. Sheets came to Independence, where he
followed mining and other pursuits, and where he still resides. His leg
troubled him greatly, a running sore causing it to grow worse and worse
until relief came from amputation. In the meantime, however, he
worked steadily from the time he left the army until the loss of the limb
necessitated retirement from all manual labor.
On March i, 1863, Mr. Sheets was married to Harriet Kelly, daughter
of John Kelly, of Monongalia county. She died in 1898. From this
union were born : Willie, a miner, and now the father of several children.
He had the misfortune to break his leg while pursuing his avocation
in the mines. The other children were: Marshall, Thomas, also mine
workers ; Ira, who was killed in a railroad accident ; Albert and Charlie,
who died in infancy; Ida, who married William Shaefer; Ethie, who
married John Twiple, and lives in Fairmont ; Alice, who married Harry
Philip, and moved to Indiana.
On October 29, 1898, Mr. Sheets was married to Laura, daughter of
George and Drucilla (Boyd) Trowbridge. Her father was a farmer
on Cheat River, but died twenty-three years ago. Children of this second
marriage are : Hazel, born February 25, 1900 ; Guffie, April 9, 1902 ;
Clyde, June 28, 1904 ; Hugh, June 16, 1912.
The family worships in the Methodist Church.
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Pbbston CiouNTT, Wbst Vibginu 767
CARLUS EUGENE WILKINSON, M.D.
Among physicians of Preston county who have a large clientele and
a general country practice is Dr. Wilkinson, of Brandonville. Dr.
Wilkinson is a son of William and Elizabeth Wilkinson of Wayne, and
county of Wayne, West Virginia, where he was bom July i, 1877.
After a successful literary course had been taken in the Fairview
Academy of his native town, the young man turned his attention towards
the study of medicine, for which he had a natural inclination. In the
meantime, however, he clerked in a store for several years, and here,
probably, is where he became possessed with that faculty of making
himself so agreeable and popular with the people.
His degree of M.D. was taken from the University at Louisville,
Kentucky, the honor being conferred by the medical department of that
institution in the spring of 1904. In the fall of that same year he came
to Brandonville, but subsequently took a review course at the Medical
College of Chicago. And being thus equipped, he again commenced the
practice of his chosen profession, which has been growing until the
present time. The territory covered has become very large, extending
over this part of Preston county generally.
Dr. Wilkinson also owns and operates a valuable farm. This year
the com and smaller grains yielded large returns for him, showing that
scientific farming always produces the best results.
February 5, 1905, Dr. Wilkinson was married to Miss Lulu McGinnis,
of Columbus, Ohio. From this marriage came the birth of one son,
Renick Eugene, born May 12, 1907.
In 1909, Dr. Wilkinson bought the residence where he now lives, of
T. S. Cunningham. There he has a fine office and one of the best
apothecaries to be found in the state. Every medicine known to the
pharmaceutist needed for an extensive practice can be found on his
shelves, and, if not there, "The Want List" book he keeps will soon
call for it.
Dr. Wilkinson, ever on the alert for new remedies in the practice of
his profession, became a member of several societies. He is a member
of the American Medical Association, of the State Medical Association,
and of the County Medical Society. He is a member of the Knights of
Pythias, also of the American Woodmen. He and his family worship
with the Methodists of Brandonville.
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768 Pbbston County, West Yibgimia
FRANK WARREN GANDY.
Samuel Gandy came from New Jersey to Preston county about the
year 1790, and settled about one-half mile west of Gladesville. A hotel
was run by this pioneer during the War of 1812. His son Levi was a
local preacher, and also farmed extensively. His brother, Amos Gandy,
the grandfather of Captain Cornelius Gandy, settled on a farm about
one mile west from Independence. The homestead is known as the
Gandy farm. It was the home of Amos Gandy, Jr., who was the father
of Cornelius Gandy, the father of Frank W. Gandy, the subject of this
sketch. Captain Cornelius Gandy was a farmer and carpenter, and a
soldier in the Civil War. He is now living a retired life at Terra Alta.
The following are the names of his children. Those by his first wife,
Mary Jane McGee, are Lawrence S. Gandy, bom August 6, 1867, and
Frank W., born July 8, 1872. The second marriage of Cornelius Gandy
was to Louisa Evans. Their children are Mary A., born December
29, 1875, and Ivy V., born June 16, 1882.
Frank W. Gandy is one of the leading educators in the state of West
Virginia. He was reared on a farm near Independence, and after leav-
ing the common schools was further prepared for his life's work in
higher institutions of learning. First came his graduation from the
Fairmont State Normal School in 1894, and later he was a student at
the West Virginia University. In 1892 he began teaching school, and
followed the profession of a pedagogue seven years. In 1899, his ability
as a teacher having become established, he was elected county superin-
tendent of schools, and successfully filled that position for four years.
For eight years, beginning in 1902, he was principal of the Terra Alta
schools, and in 1910 he was appointed superintendent of the Portland
district schools, the superintendency of which he still holds. As an
educator, Mr. Gandy has earned an enviable reputation both as a teacher
and principal, and as superintendent of schools in Preston county.
July 8, 1896, Mr. Gandy was married at Masontown to Elizabeth
Catherine Cobun. She was the daughter of Isaac Boyd Cobun and Isa-
bella H. Flaherty, who died in 1894. Mr. Cobun died in 1901. He was
a soldier and a minister. He is a descendant of James Cobun, a son
of Jonathan, who settled in 1790 near Dorsey's Knob, a little south of
Morgantown.
The children of Isaac Boyd and Isabella H. Flaherty Cobun are:
Wilbur F., Bertie M., George M., Lincoln J., Leonidas W., Adah P.,
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Preston County, West VmoiNU 769
Elizabeth C, and Miles B. Helen Cobun Gandy, bom October 19, 1898,
the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Gandy, is now in school.
Mr. Gandy is a member of the Terra Alta Lodge No. 106, A. F. & A.
M.; Scott Chapter 33, R. A. M.; Alpine Lodge No. 5, K. of P., Terra
Alta; Fairplay Lodge No. 126, L O. O. F., Independence. He and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Terra Alta.
JOSEPH J. BRAILER.
The subject of this sketch was born in Keyser, Garrett county, Mary-
land, on May 6, 1874. His early life was spent with his parents, work-
ing on the farm, and at the weaver's trade, assisting his father. His
opportunities for gaining an education were limited to three terms of
school. In 1891 his parents moved to Howesville, W. Va., where the
father continued his trade as a weaver and also carried on farming.
Joseph assisted also in that work as well as in the shop. After his boy-
hood days were thus spent, Mr. Bailer started out in life working for
himself. He was first engaged on sawmills, then on railroads, and from
thence to coal mines, then back to the farm driving teams, and so forth,
and till the year 1901, when having secured means of his own, he bought
the farm on which he now resides, it being at that time a. piece of wood-
land. Since then the land has been mostly cleared and the buildings
now standing there erected, consisting of a dwellinghouse, a store, a
stable, and other out-dwellings. The store was built in 1908, and on
August 1st of that year Mr. Brailer began his career as a merchant. In
October, 1909, the store was rented and the personal property sold, and
Mr. Brailer then began work for the B. & O. Railroad in the boiler shop
in Cumberland, Md. He started at the carpenter trade. He returned
the same year to Howesville, W. Va., and began merchandising again
at the old stand, his sister, Mrs. Cecilia Clarke, a widow, returning with
him, and both are still living together.
Mr. Brailer opened up his store on November i, 191 1, and in August,
1912, built an addition, increasing it to twice its size, since which time
he has prospered as a merchant. He is still single. He was born and
reared a Catholic, and is a member of the K. of C. order and belongs to
the Grafton Council, No. 713. Politically, like his father before him,
he is a Democrat, but has never sought an office.
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770 Phbston County, West Viboinu
Mr. Brailer is a self-made man. He earned what he has by hard
labor, and his holdings now consist of other lots and property besides
where he lives, one house, a comfortable two-story dwelling, being in
Cumberland, Maryland. His success in life can be largely attributed
to habits of honesty, hard labor and sobriety. He is a son of Ambrose
and Elizabeth (Knecht) Brailer. His father was bom in Germany,
December i, 1825, and was the youngest son of Henry and Margaret
(Rosencrantz) Brailer. Ambrose came to America when sixteen years
did in company with his brother August and two sisters, Caroline and
Margaret. He was a weaver by trade, and for several years operated
the woolen factory at Mineral Springs, Maryland. He was married to
Elizabeth M. Knecht at Frostburg, Maryland, April 24, 1868, and to
this union were born the following children : (i) Catherine, who married
Michael Hartman. They live at Whitsette, Pennsylvania, and have
three daughters, Mary, Bridget and Annie; Mr. Hartman is foreman
of the Pittsburgh Coal Company. (2) Mary, who died when twenty
years old. (3) Alcinda, who died in infancy. (4) Joseph J. (5) Annie.
(6)Anselma, who married H. S. Calvert. He is a farmer, living near
Hopewell. Their children are Mary Agnes, Harry Joseph, Clarence
Edward and Helen Cecilia. (7) Helen Cecilia, married Edward Francis
Clark and lived in Cumberland, Maryland. He was a fireman on train
No. 55, on Third Division of the B. & O. Railroad, and was fatally in-
jured while on duty, Sunday, May 14, 191 1. He died May i6th, and
was buried in the Catholic Cemetery at Howesville.
Ambrose Brailer died at the age of 85 years and 43 days. Elizabeth,
his wife, died August 14, 1903. She was born April 8, 1844. Both
parents were buried in Howesville.
Ambrose Brailer's brother, August, married Cecelia Logston, an*
was also a farmer and weaver by trade. They lived near Mt. Savage,
Maryland, and they also raised a large family.
Elizabeth, wife of Ambrose Brailer, was a daughter of Lawrence
and Elizabeth (Drese) Knecht, who came from Germany, and wer^
married at Annapolis, Md. He lived to be 59 years old, and she 78.
They are both buried at Frostburg, Maryland. Their children were:
(i) Michael, of West Salisbury, Pennsylvania; (2) Adam, who is a
brother of the Redemptorist Order at the Sacred Heart Church, Balti-
more, Maryland; (3) Catherine, Elizabeth, and Matilda, who married
George Meyer and lived near Pittsburgh.
The Rosencrantz and Brailer and Knecht families came from Ger-
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Preston County, West Virginia 771
many. Their descendants are now many and well scattered throughout
the states of this country. The Brailers and Rosencrantzs were first
cousins. There are many Knechts living at Baltimore, Maryland., dis-
tant relatives of the Brailer family and of the late Lawrence Knecht.
EDWARD S. BROWN.
The sawmills of Edward S. Brown, two extensive plans for manu-
facturing lumber, are on an extensive tract of woodland, about seventeen
hundred acres in all, situated between Gladesville and Reedsville.
About forty men are given employment at these two mills, and about
2,000,000 feet of lumber are produced annually.
Mr. Brown is a son of Buckner and Jane Freebum Brown and was
bom July 16, 1869. His father was a justice of the peace for many
years and a soldier in the Civil War. He was raised a farmer. The
homestead was the old Fairfax place, where the subject of this sketch
spent the first twenty years of his life. In the spring of 1898 he bought
the Zinn property, where he lives now, a farm consisting of some two
hundred acres.
Mr. Brown was married November 13, 1895, to Miss Nannie Welton,
the daughter of Isaac Welton, and bought his residence property two
years afterward of George C. Sturgiss. In 1905 he first began operating
the store which is still run in connection with this lumber business.
The children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Brown are as follows: (i) Argyle,
born August 26, 1896; (2) Hoy, June 12, 1898; (3) Opal, April 24, 1900;
(4) Van, March 5, 1902; (5) Lillian, October 16, 1904; (6) Rex, No-
vember 18, 1906; (7) Alma, May 30, 1908; (8) Max, July 8, 1910.
Mr. Brown has been a very successful business man from the start
He began business for himself without a dollar when twenty years of
age, and besides his timber land he owns some 500 acres of cleared land
besides.
GEORGE WASHINGTON WHITE.
Preston county is noted for its good schools. We have spoken
several times of the teachers in this part of the state, and we want here
to notice the schoolroom work by George W. White, who has taught,
longer in this county than any other teacher coming under our observa-
tion. He was educated in the free schools, and in six terms of summer
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772 Pbbston CJountt, West Yxbconia
school, at Kingwood, taught by leading educators of the state. Follow-
ing this preparation for his chosen profession, he became an educator
himself, confining his attention to Preston county, solely, and is no^
teaching his twenty-fifth term, all on No. One certificates but the first,
which was a third grade. His father was a teacher in the county, and,
like the son, possessed ability as an instructor and disciplinarian.
Mr. White is a grandson of Robert White, whose father was bom
in Scotland. His grandmother was Eliza Pew Freeman, born May 23,
1791, and married October 21, 1809, to Robert White. Their son,
Francis Willis White, was born March 10, 1819. He died December
28, 1891. He married Sarah Feather, daughter of Adam Feather. She
was bom August 21, 1825, and died April 7, 1894. She was raised on the
farm where Rev. Joseph Feather now lives in the Crab Orchard. F. W.
White was raised on a farm near Kingwood. His children were:
Mary Eliza, Sabra Jane, Adam David, Susan Catherine, James Clark,
Jacob Francis, Margaret Ellen, John Solomon, Julia Anna Belle, George
Washington, Emma Alice and Joseph Feather White.
George Washington White was bom on the farm where he now
lives, September 22, 1864. He was raised a farmer, and teaching has
been his chosen profession. In political life he has been known as a
staunch Republican, but he never held any office. In church he has been
active as a worker, and an efficient class-leader and a Sabbath school
superintendent for several years. He and his family worship with the
Methodist and the United Brethren churches. His wife was Florence
May Fortney, whom he married March 31, 1895, at her father, Francis
Asbury Fortney's house on the farm where she was bom near Howes-
ville. (See sketch of Judge Fortney for full history of the family.)
Children bom to Mr. and Mrs. George F. White are as follows: (i)
Otis Oglevie, born August i, 1896, now holding an elementary diploma
given him in March, 191 2. (2) Edison Earl, bom February 12, 1898.
(3) Martha lola, born August 14, 1900. (4) infant, born and died De-
cember 8, 1902. (5) Gertrude Lenore, born November 6, 1904. (6)
Olivia Juanita, born September 16, 1906. (7) Cary Virginia, bom April
23, 1908. (8) , born April 19, 1910. (9) Doris Norma, bom
February 26, 191 2. This constitutes one of the happiest homes in
Preston county, on the M. & K. Railroad at Pleasantdale.
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PuESTON County, West Vieoinia 771
JAMES WILLIAM BROWN.
The Browns were early settlers in Preston county-
James Brown and his wife, Rachel Brown, grandparents of James
William Brown, were of Scotch-Irish descent, and came to this country
soon after the close of the Revolutionary War. They were sympathizers
with the American cause in the Revolution, and having failed to com-poss
the freedom of their native Ireland, sailed for Philadelphia in 1789, and
the next year settled on a tract of land a mile northeast of Kingwood.
Their first house was the cabin of the Green family, which had been
broken up only two years before by murder and captivity.
The five sons of James Brown were men of force and character.
Joseph, the third son, bom August 8, 1796, was Sheriff of Preston county
one term. January 22, 1829, he was married to Miss Mary M. Stone,
of Richmond, Virginia, and to this union four children were born, as
follows : Mrs. Anna M. Elliott, widow of the late Captain William Elliott,
of Terra Alta; Mrs. Juliet R. Smith, widow of James P. Smith, of John-
son City, Tennessee; Elisha M. H. Brown, who died in August, 1889,
and James William Brown.
March 30, 1854, James William Brown was married to Miss Martha
R. Brown, of Cincinnati, Ohio. She was born in Cincinnati, August 24,
1834, but married in Kingwood, to which |>lace her father, John Cannon
Brown, formerly a merchant of Cincinnati, had moved about 1850, and
where he died in April, 1852. His wife's maiden name was Miss Martha
Batchelder, of Cincinnati, where she died in the seventy-fourth year of
her age, July 20, 1848.
Four children were bom to John Cannon and Martha Brown, as
follows: Martha R., wife of James William Brown; Lieut. James W.,
who died in July, 1864, in defense of his country ; Juliet A., widow of
the late Dr. W. H. Ravenscroft, of Oakland, Maryland, and Sarah A.,
widow of Benjamin Forman, deceased, formerly of Terra Alta.
James William Brown was bom in Kingwood, West Virginia, July
24, 1830. During the earlier part of his life he attended the Kingwood
public schools, and later Washington College, Pennsylvania. In 1853
he was engaged in the mercantile business at Cranberry Summit, now
Terra Alta, and was also agent for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at
that place.
In politics Mr. Brown was a Democrat. He was deputy sheriff before
and during the first two years of the Rebellion, and Colonel of the State
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774 Pebston County, West Vibginu
Militia during the same time. In 1863 he moved to DesMoines, Iowa,
where he again engaged in the mercantile business under the firm name
of LeBosquet, Brown & Rude. In 1868 he returned to the state and
county of his birth, and in 1869 purchased the farm on which his aged
widow lives and where he lived until his death, May 18, 1902, aged 72
years.
Colonel Brown was one of the leading men of Preston county and
of the state of West Virginia. He was a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and
held many positions of trust.
By his wife, Martha R., James William Brown became the father
of nine children, five girls and four boys, as follows : Mrs. C. M. Fleek,
of Janesville, Wisconsin ; Mrs. John W. McDonald, of Tampico, Mexico ;
Mrs. C. F. Copeman, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Mrs. B. L. Brown
and Miss Emma V. Brown, of Kingwood; Albert A. Brown, and the
late John C. Brown, of Rowlesburg, and J. G. Brown and E. S. Brown,
who reside with their aged mother on the home place. They are suc-
cessful agriculturists and men of force and character. Joseph G. Brown
has been a journalist of large experience and is a brilliant writer, as well
as a successful farmer. John Cannon Brown, the third son, bom Feb-
ruary 6, 1869, was the trusted employee of the Mason Hardware Com-
pany, Mannington, West Virginia, for many years. In 1909 he took
charge of the Commercial Hotel at Rowlesburg, and by his genial dis-
position and generous hospitality built up a nice business and made
many friends who were deeply grieved to learn of his death, February
18, 1912. April 24, 1900, he was married to Miss May Spahr, of King-
wood, who survives him.
KARL WARD FEATHER.
The FeatJher family has befen a very prominent one in the Crab
Orchard from the first settlement of the county. John Feather, gfreat-
grandfather to Karl, married Mary Ervin, and lived on the farm now
owned and occupied by Clinton D. Feather, and died there March 25,
1870. The house now standing there was built by him over eighty years
ago. The farm is midway between Albrig»ht and Lenox, anconsists of
285 acres of the best farming land in this part of the state and has
been in the family from the time of its exemption. John Feather was
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Preston County, West VmaiNiA 775
Justice of the Peace in those earlier years of that first settlement, and
from reports must have (been a man of some business and political
capacity. His children were: Abraham, Isaac, Levi, Jacob, James C,
David O., Joseph, Marcellus, Harrison, John Quincy, Samuel, Equacious,
and others not named. His daughters were Lydia N., Catherine,
Rebecca, Rachael Virginia, and Louisa Jane. David O., born August
9, 1841, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was one time can-
didate for the sherifalty of the county. He married Amanda J. Albright,
January 15, 1869, and died March 16, 1906, aged 65 years. Their only
child was Clinton D., born April 8, 1870, and on March 13, 1892, married
Annie D. Murray Hayden, daughter of H. M. and Flora B. Hayden.
Two children: Karl Ward, born Marsh 18, 1893, ^^^ Helen Mable
Feirtier, born April 4, 1896, were the fruits of this union.
Karl W. Feather was born and reared on the homestead, and edu-
cated in the common schools of the county, graduating in 1910. He
is at present in the automobile business at Greensburg, Pennsylvania,
employed -by the Standard Automobile Connpany. He was a very suc-
cefssful teacher in Preston county four terms, before going out of the
state.
JE99E D. HBAT'H.
Richard Heath, of Washington, D. C, then of Illinois, was the an-
cestral head of the Heath family of Preston county. His son, Duke
Heath, who died albout twenty-tfive years ago, was the first to live in
Preston county. Hef came to the state of West Virginia from Illinois,
and ran a farm near Rowlesburg, and lived there until his death. His
wife was Mary Ford, daughter of William Ford, of Peters^burg, Vir-
ginia. They belonged to the aristocracy of the South, but were Union
patriots, and their son-in-law was a veteran of that civil strife.
Duke Heath died about 1890, aged 63 years. His wife died in 1901.
Their children were: (i) William, who married and moved to Illinois,
and died there in 1908; (2) John, who ran a hotel in Grafton, and died
theref in 1908; (3) Edward, the lum'berman, now with Mr. Hayes of
Rowlesburg; (4) Alice, also of Grafton; (5) Minnie, who has been dead
many years; (6) Lulu, who succeeded her mother as proprietress of a
hotel in Rowlesburg; (7) Jesse D., who is proprietor of a livery stable
in Rowlesburg. He was born December 11, 1856, and spent his early
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776 Pmbston County, West VmoiNU
life on a farm. When fourteen years old he came witlh his mother,
thtti a widow, to Rowlesburg, and here he attended the public schools
and assisted in hotel work. He always had a fondness for horses and
was a skilMul hand in handling them. About ten years ago he built
his livery stable-barn, and since that time he has done a good business
in catering to the traveling public, having a wdl-equipped stable for
that purpose. His wife was Louise Hardesty. Their children are:
(i) Walter, who married Martha Serena Seville, and is the father of
one child; (2) Charl<?s; (3) Hazel; (4) Harry; (5) Mabel; (6) Carl;
(7) Mearl.
Mr. Heath is a member of the M. E. Church and is also a Woodman.
THE JENKINS PAiMILY.
tSoon after the War of the Revolution, five brothers of the Jenkins
family arrived in New York on board ship, having been sold for
their passage across the sea — not an uncommon thing in their day to
enable the poor to reach the land of freedom and liberty on this side
of the water. Of those brothers, three of them weref never heard from
after their separation in New York. Thomas, the progenitor of the
Preston county family, settled at Harmony Grove Settlement, and was
there at the time of the War of 1812. He had a brother, John, Aut
farther than that nothing is known of him.
Thomas Jenkins married Hannah Sterling, and operated a powder
mill at one time at Hudson. He manufactured albout all the powder
used by the early settlers in this part of rfie state. His wife was one
of the attendants on the Corbly boys, who were wounded by the Indians,
and afterwards taken into the fort. Evan Jenkins, son of Thomas,
died September i, 1877, aged 88 years. He married Hannah, daughter
of David Graham, another very early settler in this part of Preston
county. David Graham died October 8, 1839, at the age of 76 years.
His wife, Hannah, died October 28, 1839, at the age of 72 years. Their
daughter, Hannah, married Evan Jenkins. She died June 12, 1866,
at the age of 71 years. Evan Jenkins' youngest son was
Jonathan. He married Mary Cramer, and died March 24, 1864, at the
age of 43. The other children were : Jehu, Peg^ King, Hersey King,
Amanda Bowermaster, John, and Louraine Rodaheaver.
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PuBSTON County, West Viboinia 777
Jebu Jenkins, son of Evan, was born March 15, 1829, and died July
26, 1905. He nuwried Ruffina Otto, who was born July 19, 1828, and
died February 25, 1883. Jehu Jenbins was a prominent man and did
much towards shaping the destiny and future welfare of Preston county
in his day. He was a successful farmer, and a justicef of the peace many
years — an office then almost as important as the County Court is now.
He was a self-educated man and a successful teacher also. As a man,
Mr. Jenkins is spoken of by every one who knew him in terms of highest
praise, and by not a few Prestonians in terms of endearment and
affection.
The children born of this union were: (i) Thomas Benton, bom
December 9, 1853; he married Nancy Spindler and lives at Rockville,
this county. (2) Mary Caroline, born November 21, 1858; she died
January 28, 1875. (3) Charles Franklin, born February 8, 1861 ; married
Mary Jane Livengood, December 31, 1884; she was the daughter of
Samuel L. and Mary (Herring), and was born December 23, 1660. (4)
George McClellen, born April 23, 1863; he married Sarah Kerns, and
lives at Ellensburg, Washington. (5) John Edwards, born November
8, 1865; he married Frances C. iSpiker, daughter of Robert R. and
Angeline (Umberson) Spiker of Morgan's Glade ; she was ibom October
8, 1874. The marriage occurred February 2, 1904. The children bom
to this union are as follows: Paul Evan, bora March 28, 1906; Mary
Evangeline, born July 31, 1907; Lulu Grace, born November 21, 1909;
Naomi Ruth, born May 19, 191 2. (6) William Howard, born Joily 18,
1867, unmarried. (7) Lulu M., who was daughter by Catherine Miller,
Mr. Jenkins' second wife. She was never married.
The sisters of Jehu were: Peggy, who married Alfred King, now
dead; Hessey, who married Albert King, who died in prison during
the Civil War (his widow is now living in Bruceton, at the age of
ninety-two years) ; Amanda, who married John Bowermaster; Louraine,
who married George Rodeheaver, and is now dead.
Charles F. Jenkins lives on the old Rodeheaver place, adjoining the
old homestead place, and took up his residence here soon aftcfr his mar-
riage. He owns 326 acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation
and as productive as any that can be found in the county. Last year
he raised 1,053 bushefls of com on io}i acres of ground. He also raised
400 .bushels of buckwheat, 920 bushels of oats, and about 50 tons of
hay. He is a successful farmer and stock raiser.
His children are as follows: (i) Dessie M., bom October 15, 1885;
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778 Preston County, West VmaiNiA
(2) Clarence W., born November 23, 1886; (3) Samuel C, bom August
19, 1889; (4) Frank G., born September 28, 1891 ; (5) Mary (6) Emma-
twins, born March 19, 1892, died April 20 and April 23, 1892; (7) Perry
Williams, born August 6, 1894; (8) Lillie G., born July 13, 1897; (9)
Cora M., born May 8, 1903.
The farm of John Edwards Jenkins is not quite so large as his
brother's, but the land is of the best quality. Both of the brothers are
scientific farmers and very prosperous business mefn. Neither of them
are office seekers, but John E. has been a memiber of the County Court
three terms. He received a good common school education, is a close
student of current events, and with a trained mind, has been a very suc-
cessful teacher. He has taught twenty-six terms of school. His work
as a teacher has been good. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which he has been an official for many years. He is
now and has been a class leader ten years, and has been Sabbath school
superintendent for about twenty years. Politically he is a Republican.
His party has frequently urged him to run for the Legislature, but with-
out gaining his assent.
The farms of Charles Franklin and John Edward Jenkins are a part
of the old Morgan Survey, — hence the name of Morgan's Glade. There
was a post office here for three-fourths of a century.
JOSEPH T. WELTNER.
One of the later, but not less prominent, farmers of Preston county,
is Joseph T. Weltner of Brandonville, who came with his family
to this place about twenty-four years ago. He is the son of George
and Mary (Conn) Weltner of Monongalia county, West Virginia, and
was born December 4, 1847. He was educated in the common schools,
reared on a farm about two and a half miles from Stewartstown,
and remained at home assisting his father until twenty-eight years of
age. The farm was operated by his father and uncle, Shelby Weltner,
and consisted, all told, of about three hundred acres. His father's
family consisted of four brothers and two sisters, namely: Joseph T.,
Lydia, Elzy, Mattie, John, Jacob and George W., the youngest, named
after his father. Of these children, John and Jacob are retired and live
in Morgantown. Lydia is dead. Elzy died about two years ago. Hattie
Delany lives at Smithfield, Pennsylvania.
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Preston County, West VmaiNiA 779
September 2, 1880, Mr. Weltner married Nancy M., daughter of
George D. and Minerva Heaton Moore of Fairchance, Pennsylvania.
She is a descendant of Benjamin Moore, who came to Burlington, New
Jersey, in colonial times. The fruits of this union were : George Clyde,
born April 24, 1882, and named after his two grandparents. The second
child was Edna Blanche, born October i, 1885. She is now in charge
of the central 'phone office at Brandonville. Then came Paul, the
youngest, born March 18, 1889. He is a student of the Physicians and
Surgeons Medical College, Baltimore, Maryland. He graduates in 191 5.
August 24, 191 2, George Clyde married Frances Laura, daughter of
Ross Alvo and Mable E. Orcutt. They have one son, George Carleton,
bom March 3, 1913. Edna Blanche married W. L. Nieman and has one
child, Donald Glenn. He was born May 18, 1908.
Mr. Waltner lived near Fairchance, Fayette county, Pennsylvania.
He followed farming, and sometimes worked at the carpenter trade.
After nine years' stay there, he came to Brandonville and settled on
the farm he now owns — a tract of land consisting of about 105 acres.
In 1905, he built his residence, and has added other improvements to
the homestead since that time. He is about to retire from the more
active pursuits of life. Mr. Weltner is a Democrat, but no ofiice seeker.
He is a trustee of the M. E. Church, and thefre being no Baptist church
in Brandonville, the church in which he was raised, he worships with
the Methodists. His wife was raised a Cumberland Presbyterian.
George Clyde Weltner was educated in the colleges at Buckhannon
and Shepherdstown of West Virginia. He followed surveying before
he went to college, and was a member of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
corps of surveyors for that company. He has recently been on the
Cheat River dams for the Pittsburgh Company. His wife's grandfather
was Edward Dean Orcutt, a native of the state of Maine. He moved
to Pennsylvania, where his son, Ross Alvo, was born in the county of
JeflFerson, that state, on May 11, 1859. In 1893, ^ moved to Oakland,
Maryland, theii to Preston county in 1903, and is now living in Pennsyl-
vania again. His mother was a Mrs. McCullough, a descendant of
Betsy Ross, who made the original American flag.
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780 Pbbston County, Wbst Yiboinia
CHARLES MOR'TIMER JACKSON.
Charles Mortimer Jackson, born April 21, 1878, at Kings-
wood, is a son of Daniel Robinson and Rachel Gayner Martin
Jackson, married March 22^ 1877. The children of these parents
are: C. M. Jackson; Hoy B., bom May 21, 1880; Daniel A.,
October 21, 1881 ; Mildred M., May 6,1888; Vernon F., September
21, 1890; Gertrude N., April 28, 1893; George D., April 29, 1895.
Mr. D. R. Jackson was sheriff of the county at one tin>e. Mr.
C. M. Jackson was recorder of Kingwood four years, and a councilman
one year. His business is that of tinner. He built his factory and shop
in 1903. He married Miss Virginia Dare Brand, September 29, 1909.
She was born April 17, 1876, at Reeds ville. West Virginia, and is the
daughter of William Harrison and Phoebe Jane (Gordon) Brand. Her
father was a member of Company A, ist West Virginia Cavalry, and
served from 1861 to 1865. Their children were : Floyd C. ; Cora L. Kis-
ner; Anna E. Montgomery; L. Maude Lewis; Hattie O. Morgan; Vir-
ginia D. Jackson, and Vennie D. Childs.
Mr. C. M. Jackson graduated from the Kingwood High School in
1895, and followed various occupations before he settled down to his
trade, that of a hardware merchant being one of them. He is a member
of the Knights of Pythias, also of the Grand Lodge.
HOY B. JACKSON.
Only about 90% of them succeed who venture into commercial busi-
ness, but Hoy B. Jackson, merchant' at Bretz, is doing a business there
amounting to $40,000 annually, and his trade is still growing. He is
the son of Daniel R. and Rachael (Martin) Jackson of Kingwood where
he was born May 21, 1880. (See sketch of the Martin family.) His
earlier life was spent in the schools of Kingwood, after which he learned
the carpenter trade. This avocation was followed three years, then
life and industrial insurance was taken up for the Empire Casualty
Company of Parkersburg, and for the American Insurance Company
of Philadelphia, but in 1906 he changed his business again, this time
taking a clerkship in a general store, where he is now, until 1909, when
he took its management, which is still under his direction. H€ was
appointed postmaster May i, 1906.
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Pbbston County, West Virginia 781
October 4, 1906, Mr. Jackson was married to Edna, daughter of
William L. Lenhart of Kingwood, and to this union were born three
children, one boy and two girls, namely : (i) James, born July 24, 1907;
(2) Lucilk, August 31, 1909; (3) Edna, October 12, 1912.
Mr. Jackson is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Modem
Woodmen. He is a member of the Elco Concert Band, and plays thef
cornet and saxaphone.
THE STBMPIvE PAiMILY.
In 1783, a grant from the government was made to Godfrey Stemple
of a tract of land of about 1,000 acres, near Aurora, the homestead being
where Lewis Stemple now lives. Henry Lee was Governor of the State
at that time, and the grant was No. 421. In 1784, Mr. Godfree Stemple,
as the name was spelled, settled here with his family from Frederick,
Maryland, then a wilderness full of wild beasts and heavy timber. His
three sons, David, Martin and John, aided in clearing the land and erect-
ing a house, the first dwelling place being nothing but a canvas tent,
and that was their habitation from the time of their arrival in the winter
month of I>ecember until the log structure was put up. John Stemple
married Sarah Boyles, and 4Jcd about 1830 or 1832. Their children
were: Margaret, Isaac, David, Susan, Christina, Sarah and Elizabeth.
David was born in 1808, and died June, 1898. He married Susanna
Lantz, November 17, 1835. She was born May 16, 181 1, and died April,
1903. They rebuilt the old house in 1868, now occupied by Roy Lantz,
who married the great-great-granddaughter of Godfrey Stemple.
The children of David and Susanna Stemple were as follows: (i)
Harriet, born in 1837, died in 1863. (2) John H., born in 1839, died in
December, 1904. In 1869 he married Rebecca Ann Shaffer, and they
had five children: (a) Horace L., who married Retta Wilt; they and
their three children, Freda, John and Edna, live on a farm which is a
part of the original tract ; (b) Ecjgar C, married Laura Hess ; they have
two children, Marion and Lewis, and live in Fairmont, West Virginia;
Mr. Stemple is a merchant ; (c) George R., married Cora Anderson, who
died in May, 1913; they have two children, Godfrey and Virginia; the
little boy thus far being the only child named after the founder of the
family : Dr. Stemple is educated for a physician, but because of ill health
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782 Pbbston County, Wbst Vduhmu
is now retired and is the very efficient postmaster of Aurora ; (d) Jesse
L., married Jeckie Mason, and their two children are Clinton and
Josephine; Mr. Stemple is a successful merchant in Aurora; (e) Ora
is the youngest child, and she and her mother live on th« farm on which
her father spent most of his life ; it was a part of the Stemple tract. (3)
Tenie was born in 1841. She is unmarried and lives with her brother,
Lewis. (4) Lewis S. Stemple was born March 6, 1844, and reared on
a farm. He was married December 25, 1878, to MoUie E. McCrum.
She was born January 20, 1852, died December 22, 1881. The children
born to this union were: (a) Daisy; (ab) Chester David, died June 2,
1884; Daisy is now the wife of W. R. Gorby of Oklahoma City; Mr.
Stemple's residence where he now resides is where h^ moved soon after
his marriage. (5) Eva Stemple was born in 1846. She was married^
to David Schrock, December 25, 1878, and lives on a farm near Eglon,
West Virginia. They had six children, on« dying in infancy; (b)
Ernest, married Mayme Legge; they have three children, Margaret^
Ernestine and Rosaline; Mr. Schrock has a farm south of Aurora; (c)
Maude, married to Ray Lantz, and now living in the house where her
mother was born; their children are Mabel and David; (d) Page, and
(e) Scott, are unmarried, and both are teachers; (f) George, married
Nellie Winters; they have one child, Virginia, and live on their farm
near Eglon. (6) Jacob Stemple was born in 1849. ^^ 1876, he married
Lydia Simon of Youngstown, Ohio. She died in 1891. To them was
born one child, Sylvia, now married to A. Camden Wilt, a carpenter of
Aurora. They have one child, Margaret. (7) David Conrad Stemple
was born July 9, 1851. On September 26, 1880, he was married to Ida
Trotter, born May 26, 1856, daughter of James and Elizabeth Stock
Trotter, who are the parents of four sons and two daughters: Milo H.
is identified with the Land Department at Washington, D. C. ; Charles
F. is chief clerk to the First Assistant Postmaster General; Frank B.,
the third son, is Dean of the Arts and Sciences and Professor of Latin
in the State University at Morgantown ; James R. is Professor of Law
m that same institution, and Miss Jessie Trotter, the youngest of the
family, formerly a teacher in the West Virginia Wesleyan College at
Buckhannon, is now one of the teachers in the Morgantown High
School. ^ ,' /-
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Stemple are as follows: —
(i) Forrest W.; (2) Rodney M.; (3) Grover Dayton; (4) Mary Eliza-
beth. Forrest W. took the degree of A. B. from the Morgantown State
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Pbbston County, West Virginia 783
University in 1908, and is now completing the course of Master of Arts
in the Agricultural College at Madison, Wisconsin. June 12, 1909,
he married Miss Grace Townsend, daughter of a minister of the M. E.
Church at Huntington, West Virginia. Rodney took the degree of B.S.,
from the University at Morgantown in 1910. He "became a traveling
salesman for Heinz Pickle Company for a time, and is now superin-
tendent of the ^oldwater Packing Company of Coldwatefr, Michigan.
June 19, 1913, he married Miss Florence Warden, of Bafcylon, New
York. Dayton died in childhood. Mary Elizabeth Stemple is complet-
ing a course in Domestic Science at the Carnegie Institute, Pittsburg.
The old Stemple homestead wJiere D. C. Stemple lives is a valuable
tract of land, consisting of 226 acres. He deals largely in cattle. Occa-
sionally Mr. Stemple is nominated for some public ofiice, but he cares
little for politics.
WILLIAM T. D. MARTIN.
A full history of the Martin family in Preston county can be found
in another part of this work. Philip, the grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was of German descent, and settled about two miles from
Kingwood, on a farm since owned by Judge Dille. Their children were
as follows: (i) John, who died about thirty-five years ago, about seventy
years of age, at Gladesville. (2) Jacob, of Bruceton Mills, long since
departed. (3) Susan, who married William Forman. (4) Margaret, who
married William Snyder. They lived on Muddy Creek, but subsequently
moved to Iowa. (5) Philip, the father of W. T. D. Martin. (6) Joseph,
; (7) David,
Philip Martin was born about four years before the War of 1812,
and remembered seeing some of the soldiers of that war. He was bom
near Pleasantdale, on a farm adjoining the old Garner homestead, and
raised a farmer. He attended faithfully to his duties as a voter, but
was no politician. He was a devoted member of the Methodist church
and an old-fashioned class leader of that society for eight or ten years.
He married when twenty-five years of age, his wife being Nancy,
daughter of Moses Beavers. The young couple took up their residence
on the James Miller farm above Rowlesburg. He was a successful
farmer, and later moved south of Kingwood, where he died in 1896,
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784 Preston County, West VmaiNU *
at the age of eighty-eight years, and was buried on the home place.
His wife died September 30, 1868, and was buried on the home place.
Their children were: (i)Mary Ann, who married Daniel Adams and
moved to Tucker county, where she died in 1865 ; (2) Susan, who mar-
ried George Adams, son of Daniel, and moved to Tucker county also;
(3) Samuel, who died at the age of sixty-five, at Kingwood, in 1899.
H^ was Colonel of the isth W. Va. Infantry, and was all through the
war. His wife was Harriet J. Synder. (4) W. T. D., of whom mention
will again be made. (5) . Philip B., died February 23, 1889, ^uid was
buried on the home farm. He married Retta Hammond, and to this
union four children were born, namely: (i) Bessie, who is now the wife
of George Barker, an engineer on the B. & O. Railroad, residing in
Keyser, West Virginia; (2) Purley Theodore, who is now living in
Ohio and is studying for the ministry ; (3) Ethel, who married Everett
Mathews, an operator for the B. & O. Railroad, residing in Cumber-
land, Maryland ; (4) Dora Malissa, who now lives in Keyser, West Vir-
ginia. (6) Nancy Catherine, wife of Rev. W. D. Herndon. They reside
in Buckhannon, West Virginia. Thier children are as follows : (a)
Morgan, who is a traveling salesman; (b) William Edward, a cashier
in the Bank of Buckhannon ; (c) Beulah, wife of Clarence Bryant, all
residents of Buckhannon, West Virginia. (7) Lydia E., wife of Henry
Harriman. To this union seven children were bom, as follows: (a)
Minnie May, who departed this life about twenty years ago; (b) Dora
Belle, wife of Robert Giaour, a farmer near Oakland, Maryland; (c)
twins, who died in infancy; (d) Philip Amos, a farmer who resides
near Herring, West Virginia; (e) Addie, who died in infancy; (f)
William Henry, a bookkeeper in Terra Alta Bank, West Virginia; (8)
Sarah V., wife of Samuel Evans, who resides in Howard City, Michigan ;
(9) Melissa M., wife of Henry Beckman, a farmer and stock dealer, who
resides on a farm six miles from Oakland; (10) John A., who died when
four years of age.
William T. D. Martin was born January 17, 1844, on the old home
place northwest of Kingwood. His educational opportunities were
limited to two or three months schooling in the winter time during his
earlier years only, but he has been a close student and has a remarkable
memory. When eighteen years of age he enlisted in the army, becoming
a member of the 6th W. Va. Infantry, and served to the end of the
war, most of his time guarding on the B. & O. Railroad. On Mr.
Martin's return home he married and lived first on a tract of land con-
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A lOR, lf:nox
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Preston C!ounty, West Virginia 785
sisting of two hundred acres, about six miles from his birthplace. He
stayed there from 1865 to 1888, then sold and removed to where he now
lives, about two miles from Irona. The farm consists of one hundred
and thirty acres of choice land, which he bought of Jamison Snyder,
n excellent orchard of six hundred trees is on the place. The farm
is adapted principally to the raising of produce. Mr. Martin deals to
some extent in cattle, always interested in the best grades of stock only.
On November 10, 1879, Mr. Martin was married to Mary E. Shahan,
who was a daughter of Abraham Shahan, and from this union were
bom the following children : (i) Lloyd W., born September 6, 1871. He
married Stella Conner and lives at Carnegie, Pennsylvania. They have
one child, Loicy. He is a railroad conductor. (2) Avis, born September
15, 1673, is the wif-e of C. A. Craig. (See history of Craig family.)
(3) J. Guy, born March 5, 1876. He was educated at the Fairmont
State Normal and taught school for several years. He is now at
Phoenix, Arizona, on a homestead. (4) Lulu A., born November 16,
1879, was educated at the Kingwood High School. She was a school
teacher also. She is the wife of Norman Cale, a farmer. No children.
(5) Sarah M., bom July 16, 1882, remains at home. (6) Harry J„
•bom July 9, 1886. Hhe was educated in the Fairmont State Normal, has
been teaching eight years, and is now carrying the mail on a rural route
from Tunnelton. Mr. Martin, following after his father, has always
been interested in politics, but is no office seeker. He is devoted to
church work and has been a clas sleader in the Methodist Society dur-
ing the past eight years, and six years at one time before that. The
Martins have all been good representatives of that old, industrious
pioneer class of open-hearted farmers whose latchstring always hung
out for the weary traveller and not infrequent passer-by to enter when-
ever hungry or in need of water to drink — a class of old-timers that
will some day be a thing only of the past, much to the disgrace of our
boasted civilization.
HERBERT THEODORE HAUGER.
Among the progressive young men of Preston county may be men-
tioned H. T. Hauger, deputy assessor and candidate for the county
superintendency of schools at the coming primary election.
Mr. Hauger was born January 22, 1881, and for a young man has
held many positions of honor and trust. His earlier years were spent
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786 Pkbston County, West Vibginu
on the farm, then the common school education received during that,
time was supplemented by a normal course of several terms, after which
he spent fifteen years in the school room as a teacher, all of which has
fitted him well and thoroughly for the work of a superintendent of
schools. A large experience has also been gained in other capacities.
He was recorder of the town of Terra Alta since 191 1. Has been mem-
ber of that council since 1913. Was assistant postmaster, 1903-04; was
secretary of Brandonville & Terra Alta Telephone Company six years ;
secretary and manager of Aurora, Oakland and Terra Alta Telephone
Company four years, and besides a mercantile experience of two years
in a store at Guscman, has had other experiences that ipeouliarly fit
him for an official in public life.
Mr. Hauger is a son of William Joseph Hauger and Teresa L.
Welch, and grandson of Francis Hauger, who located at Cuzzart about
the close of the Civil War on a farm now owned by George Rodeheaver.
Here a grist mill on Muddy Creek was set up and operated by him
and his children until quite recently. The father of our subject was
accustomed to haul the products of this mill to Brownsville, Pennsyl-
vania, a business followed for many years in addition to work on the
home farm. He died March 10, 1895, at the age of 48 years. By his
wife he became the father of (i) Marshall Walter, now a farmer on the
home farm. H-e married Maude Tumey and has six children. (2) Mary
Virginia, who married Harvey J. White. (3) Joseph Lloyd, who lives
at Gary, Indiana. (4) Andrew Jackson, who died young. (5) Gilbert
Clinton, who owns part of the home place. (6) Herbert Theodore, who
married Flora Maude Walls, December 24, 1906; one son, James
William, was bom to this union, May 6, 1910; Mrs. Hauger is a daughter
of J. H. and Phoebe King Walls, of Rockville. (8) Effie Estelle, who
married Elmer Miller and lives near Terra Alta. (9) . (10)
William Francis. (11) Sanford Earle. (12) Okey Ray. (13) Pearle,
who married John Wiles and lives at Glade Farms.
OMER Y. SHAW.
Benjamin Shaw, from Ireland, the first of whom anything can be
learned in this country, was made a sheriff in one of the East Virginia
counties by reason of his having been a justice of the peace longer than
any other in his county. He had children: Edgar, Celia and William
Shaw.
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Preston County, West Virginia 787
Samuel, the brother of Benjamin Shaw, settled near Little Sandy
Creek, on the Scott farm, where Marshall Wolfe now lives. He owned
about four hundred acres of land there. He married Elizabeth Miller
and kept a tavern there, where he died at the age of seventy years.
Their son, Alexander, became a very successful farmer before his death,
which occurred at the age of sixty-five years. He owned a large farm
near Kingwood. James, the father of Omer Y., and son of Samuel and
Elizabeth, was born July 7, 1811. He married Catherine Cook, Feb-
ruary 27, 1834. She was born April 16, 1812. Their children were:
(i) Samuel Harrison, bom November 27, 1834; (2) Sarah Ann, bom
March 16, 1836; (3) James Milton, born July 15, 1838, died October 15,
1841; (4) Ami Lucian, born July 30, 1840, died August 2^, 1847; (S)
Benjamin Franklin, born October 19, 1841 ; (6) Elizabeth Jane, born,
November 14, 1843; (7) Charles Griffin, bom February 20, 1845; (8)
Ashabel Skiles, born April 25, 1847; (9) Laodicia, bom October 6, 1849;
(10) Leroy, born November 9, 1857. The second wife of James Shaw
was Mary Ann Tuttle. She was the daughter of Eli and Sophia Crutch-
man Tuttle and was born September 7, 1838. The Crutchmans were
Somerset county Dutch people.
The children to this union were: (i) Cameron W., born August 7,
1865, died in 1888; (2) Omer Y., May 21, 1868; (3) Walter D., February
II, 1874, and Georgiana Shaw, bom October 3, 1879.
Omer Y. Shaw was reared a farmer and is a speculator as well as
an agriculturist. As a promoter he has been very enterprising and suc-
cessful. Until thirty-six years old he lived on the old homestead at
Rockville. Some four years ago he located where he now lives, but
his real estate holdings are at different places and consist of valuable
coal and timber lands. Like his father, he has been remarkably self-
reliant, and his returns based on good judgment have materialized
favorably as a general thing. His father drove a six-horse team on
the old National Pike at the age of sixteen years, making periodical
trips to Old Baltimore. Omer Y. Shaw exercises his genius rather
more than his physical strength in this money-making world of ours,
and not without success. Instead of investing his money in bank
stocks, insurance bonds, and like properties — unless rates paid are very
high — he capitalizes on his own account, and has been singularly suc-
cessful in that way.
Mr. Shaw was married to Dora, daughter of William M. and Hester
Jenkins Wolfe, on November 27, 1909. No issue. (See sketch of
Jenkins family.)
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7S8 Pebston County, Wbst Vibginu
W. G. LAVELLE, A. M., LL. B.
(This sketch contributed by W. Scott Gamer.)
William Griffith Lavelle, a graduate of Rock Hill College and
the law department of the West Virginia University, and now post-
master at Tunnelton, was serving with distinction as a justice of the
peace at Tunnelton when only twenty-seven years old. He is also one
of the most gifted and promising of the younger members of the bar
in Preston county. The only son of William J. and Susan A. (GriflBth)
Lavelle, he first saw the light of day at Tunnelton, August 15, 1883.
His early studies were conducted in the public schools of his native
village, and at the age of thirteen he entered Rock Hill College, ElUcott
City, Md., from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1904
with the degree of A. B. He then took two years of the three-year
course in the law department of the Georgetown University at Wash-
ington, D. C, and completed his law studies at the West Virginia Uni-
versity, Morgantown, W. Va., where in June, 1910, he received the
degree of LL. B. In the same year he received the degp-ee of A. M.
from his old alma mater, Rock Hill College, where he had the honor
of delivering the master's oration at the commencement exercises of
that year.
Returning to his native county immediately upon the completion
of his education, he was admitted to the bar upon the motion of the
Hon. William G. Brown, at Kingwood, in June, 1910, and at once located
in Tunnelton for the practice of law. From the first he was extremely
successful in all legal business committed to his care, and evinced a
wide and deep knowledge of the law. In April, 191 1, he was appointed
by the County Court as a justice of the peace for Kingwood district,
to fill the unexpired term of Joseph A. Miller, resigned.
During his administration of this office, which was a very trying one
on account of the large construction work of the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad Company, then under way at Tunn-elton, and the hundreds of
foreign workmen employed, he proved himself a fearless prosecutor
of all violators of the law. He never, however, permitted the processes
of his court to border on persecution. Indeed, his administration of
justice was so tempered with mercy and common sense that it won the
praise alike of the general public, the attorneys at the bar and the county
officials. The press of the county was also practically unanimous in
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Pbbstok County, West Viboinia 789
commending the manner in which he conducted the business of his
office, and his careful and accurate reports to the County Court.
William G. Lavelle is a Democrat by inheritance, an orator by
nature, and has a liberal endowment of that genuine wit so characteristic
of the Celtic race. Alike at Rock Hill College, Georgetown University
and the West Virginia University, he won first prizes in the oratorical
arena — ^receiving a gold medal at Rock Hill, where his subject was,
"Whither Are We Drifting?", and a cash prize of one hundred dollars
at Georgetown, where he flayed organized wealth in a masterful dis-
cussion of "Monopolies, Trusts and Combines"; and also a fifty dollar
cash prize at the West Virginia University, where he ably maintained
the affirmative in a debate on the "Popular Election of United States
Senators." In 1910 he spoke to the old soldiers at Tunnelton camp-
ground from the same platform with Attorney General Conley, and
received an ovation testifying to the superiority of his address. In the
Moorefield convention of the same year he had the honor of placing
the Honorable William G. Brown before that body as a candidate for
Congress, in what was acknowledged to be one of the most eloquent
speeches made in the convention. After Mr. Brown's nomination,
young Lavelle was in active charge of his headquarters for a time, and
conducted the publicity bureau throughout the successful campaign
that followed. He took an active part in the Democratic state conven-
tion of 191 2, at Huntington, where he served on the important com-
mittee of resolutions and platform, and by his persistent eloquence suc-
ceeded in placing a demand for a pure seed law in the party platform —
a measure which would be of untold benefit to the farmers of this state
if enacted into law. He was also largely instrumental in securing the
nomination of several candidates on the ticket, notably that of Ben. H.
Hiner as a candidate for congressman-at-large — sl gentleman who had
long been his personal friend.
On July 6, 191 2, Mr. Lavelle was made the candidate of the Demo-
cratic party of Preston county for the office of Prosecuting Attorney,
and with his habitual energy at once plunged into an active campaign.
Being unusually bright and intelligent, endowed by nature with a liberal
share of old-fashioned commonsense, and equipped with the best train-
ing that modem schools can give, he inaugurated a campaign that has
never perhaps been equalled by any Democratic candidate in old
Preston. He visited all parts of the county, making thirty-three set
speeches, and daily conversing with all sorts and conditions of the great
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790 Preston C!ounty, West Virginia
oommon people. While he could not be expected to overcome the great
Republican majority of 2,600, yet so effective was his whirlwind cam-
paign that this majority was reduced to 1,300— cut squarely in half —
and his reputation as a gifted orator was firmly established throughout
the county of his birth. It had already been established among school
men and political leaders in West Virginia. Not even his political foes
doubted his ability to successfully conduct the business of the Prosecut-
ing Attorney's office, and his friends ,who are legion, regretted their
inability to "give the young man a chance" to show the sterling qualities
that are in him by serving his own people in that important position.
His brilliant campaign, in the face of insurmountable obstacles, crowned
him with a reputation for ability and fearlessness that was in itself
a victory, and gave him a permanent place with the "unterrified"
workers of the world — the men who do things.
On March 30, 1913, Mr. I^avelle was called to Washington City,
where he remained until August i of that year, in the employ of the
United States Government. He then returned to his native state, and
on August 4, 191 3, took editorial charge of the "West Virginia Argus,"
at Kingwood — perhaps the best known and most widely circulated
Democratic journal in northern West Virginia. His assumption of the
editorial chair was hailed by a chorus of compliments from nearly the
entire press of the state, and not a few newspapers beyond her borders
joined in the grand acclaim. At the same time Mr. Lavelle opened a law
office on Price street, King^wood, in the Martin Building — one of the
finest equipped modern office buildings in the county.
In his religious affiliations Mr. Lavelle is a Catholic, and holds mem-
bership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Grafton Lodge
No. 308, and in the Knights of Columbus, Grafton Council N. 713. He
is also a member of the National Greek Letter Fraternity, Phi Sigma
Kappa, Delta Chapter, of the West Virginia University.
On the I2th of November, 1913, Mr. Lavelle rounded out his career
as a young man by taking to himself a better half, in the person of Miss
Jessie E. Stephens, a brilliant and accomplished young lady of Wash-
ington, D. C, at the Cathedral, in Baltimore, Md., the solemn ceremony
being performed by Rev. Father P. C. Gavin, Chancellor of the Balti-
more diocese.
On March 25, 1914, Mr. Lavelle's name was sent to the United States
Senate by President Wilson for confirmation as postmaster for the town
of his nativity. On the following day he was confirmed, and on April
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COL. WILLIAM J. LAVELLE.
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THE rE\" ^'^f J„
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Pbbston County, West Virginia 791
i5i I9I4> ^^ was duly installed, under his commission, as postmaster
at Tunnelton.
COLONEL WILLIAM J. LAVELLE.
(By W. Scott Garner.)
No history of Preston county would be complete without a biograph-
ical sketch of Colonel William John Lavelle, the grand old man of Tun-
nelton. For forty years his home has been in the town now known
^s the coal center, though much of the time away attending to his duties
as a trusted employee of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company.
Colonel Lavelle is a native of Marion county, this state, having been
born at Benton's Ferry, January 15, 1858. He is one of the three children
and the only son of Owen and Catharine (Monahan) Lavelle. Like
many of the successful men of this country, the Colonel
secured his education mainly in the university of observation, experi-
ence and hard knocks. This instruction, combined with personal appli-
cation and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, has g^ven him an intel-
lectual equipment that no university or college could supply. In fact,
so diversified is his acquaintance with the real thinkers and recognized
authorities in the realms of economics, sociology and philosophy, that
many of his most intimate friends will be surprised to learn that the
only actual instruction he ever received in the class-room was the rudi-
mentary knowledge gleaned in the free schools of his immediate neigh-
borhood.
While yet a mere lad, Colonel Lavelle became a mule driver in the
once famous Americon mines owned and operated by James Otis Wat-
son, of Fairmont, and later secured the -position as messenger boy in the
office of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company at Fairmont. While
engaged in this service he mastered the art of telegraphy, and after an
examination was sent to Tunnelton, April 15, 1876, at the age of
eighteen, to establish a telegraph office for the B. & O. Company at that
point. In this position he remained until 1885, when he was advanced
to the responsible position of train dispatcher, a place he held without
interruption for twenty-eight years. Considering the duration and res-
ponsibility of this work on a great trunk line, his record is possibly
unexcelled in the history of railroading. His first seivice as dispatcher
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792 Pbbston County, West Virginia
was at Grafton from 1885 to 1896, when he was transferred to Cumber-
land, Md., where he remained until 1899, and was again stationed at
Grafton until 1901, being then returned to Cumberland, where he re-
mained until 191 2. In that year the company moved the division head-
quarters to Keyser, W. Va., where the Colonel continued to serve as
dispatcher until promoted to be division examiner, April, 191 3, with
headquarters at Cumberland. He is one of the best-posted and clearest-
headed men in the railway service, and has been most relied on by the
chief officials in times of great difficulty and trouble.
On May 25, 1881, Colonel Lavelle was united in marriage to Miss
Susan Allie Griffith, a daughter of Hiram W. and Susan (Pierce)
Griffith, of Grafton. To them three children were bom: William
Griffith (see his sketch) ; Ada Louise, who is now a second year student
at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, in Baltimore, Md., where she is
cultivating her wonderful talent for music, both vocal and instrumental;
and one who died in infancy. The same year he was married Colonel
Lavelle purchased a lot on what is now Boswell street and erected a
house, which was destroyed by fire in June, 1905. In 1906 he built his
present handsome and well-appointed home. From the time he estab-
lished a home his family has been a fixture in Tunnelton and has served
as the pole-star of his existence, no matter where life's duties have
called him.
If Nature ever created a .politician, Colonel Lavelle is the man. He
can follow the winding path of the average politician as easily and as
surely as the American Indian can track his foe through the pathless
forest. From the taxpayer's point of view, probably no man understood
Governor Dawson's tax measures better than did Colonel Lavelle. As
a writer under the pseudonym of "Rambler," he slashed at the vitals
of that measure in a manner that made him greatly feared by his
political opponents, yet no one could take umbrage at the lamb-like atti-
tude of the pretended innocent and guilekss writer. Having served with
distinction as chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee of this
county, he was urged to accept the chairmanship of the State Comtnittee;
and again, in 1893, he was oflFered and urged to accept an appointment
as United States marshal for the district of West Virginia— places which
other men have tried to move Heaven and earth to obtain. The Colonel
actually laughed at both propositions, declaring that he was "not an
office-seeker— wanted nothing— would accept nothing— was in politics
only for the fun there was in it!" To the officials at Washington this
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WILLIAM G. LAVELLE
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Pbhion Oountt^ Wist Vibginu 793
presented an unique specimen of the "genus homo." It served, how-
ever to convince all parties of his political sincerity and greatly aug-
mented his ii^uence in state politics besides widely extending his
acquaintance with men of national reputation. However, in 1885, Gov-
ernor E. W. Wilson ajxpointed him, without knowledge on his part, a
member of the Governor's staff, with the rank of colonel. This is how
he acquired the popular rank of "Colonel," and is the only office eve|^
accepted or held by Mr. Lavelle. In 1908 he was urged to become a con-
didate for Governor of the State, and the mention of his name inspired
a hearty response from both the toilers, of whom he was one, and the
leaders of his party in many parts of the state. The boom aajsutned
such proportions that the Colonel thought it necessary to apply the
"extinguisher," and he therefore quietly eliminated himself. He has
always been a sufferer from the malady of modesty.
While yet a young man Colonel Lavelle recognized in the press one
of the greatest educational factors in America, and early began con-
tributing to the local newspapers. These letters at first consisted
mainly of news items an^d observations on local politics, but it was not
long until editors began to recognize the political insight displayed in
these articles and in some cases used them as editorials. This, of course,
pleased the author and encouraged him to broaden his field of endeavor
and widen his acquaintance with local, state and national politics.
Finally, when J. Ed. Kildow purchased the "West Virginia Argus" at
Kingwood, he made the Colonel political editor of that paper, and while
occupying that position Colonel Lavelle gave the "Argus" such prestige
as is seldom enjoyed by a county newspaper, making it in fact as well
as in name a state newspaper of the first class. When Kildow disposed
of the "Argus" Colonel Lavelle ostensibly severed his connection with
the paper, but for twenty years continued to contribute to its columns.
In the meantime he contributed largely to the state press on political
and general subjects, with a vigor which won him the reputation among
politicians and people as a writer of unusual skill and unquestioned
ability.
Colonel Lavelle is distinguished for his affability and kindly manner.
He is a perfect type of the true gentleman and extremely popular wher-
ever known. Yet deep down in his nature there is a tint of the Red
Indian. He never forgets a favor nor an injury. He is tolerant and
broad-minded, and would far sooner suffer an injury than inflict one.
While he has a fine sense of humor and a large share of the proverbial
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794 Pebston Gountt, Wbst Vouunu
Irish wit, he likewise possesses a keen appreciation of the pathos of life
and a quick sympathy with suflfering of every kind. But to see the
Colonel at his best you must see him in his home, in the bosom of his
devoted family, and this will complete the impression you have already
formed, that Colonel W. J. Lavelle is one of Nature's noblemen.
BROWN FAMILY.
This Brown family, with many representatives living in West Vir-
ginia at this time, is truly among the illustrious and first families of
Virginia, as the records show they were inhabitants of Virginia in the
early years of the seventeenth century, about 1632. Jefferson Slidell
Brown, a resident of Kingwood, West Virginia, is a lineal descendant
of William Brown, of Prince William county, Virginia, whose name
is mentioned in Hotten's "List of Pilgrims to America," under date of
February 16, 1632. The name of William Brown is mentioned also in
King James Fs time, in the second charter to the treasurer of the Vir-
Company, dated May 23, 1609. William Brown was a burgess for
Surrey county in the Virginia Assembly in 1660.
(I) The earliest ancestors of whom there is any definite informa-
tion was William Brown, who purchased lands of Leonard Barker, in
Stafford county, Virginia, deeds bearing date of April 12 and April 13,
1726. This was for a tract of land on Powell's Run, then Stafford, but
now Prince William county, Virginia. The deed of this tract of two
hundred and twelve and three-fourths acres was under date of December
29, 1732, to William Brown, Jr.
(II) William (2), son of William (i) Brown, was born between
1724 and 1729, died January, 1807. About the year 1756, or 1757, he
married Elizabeth Buckner. Among their children was Thomas. (See
forward.)
(III) Thomas, son of William (2) and Elizabeth (Buckner) Brown,
was born September 7, 1760, died in August, 1844, He was a soldier
in Captain John Britt's company, under Colonel William Lucas, of the
Virginia troops, and marched South, joining Colonel Greene s army in
South Carolina. He was twice on duty at the celebrated battle of the
Cowpens, South Carolina, January 17, 1781. On pages 85 and 86 of
"Safford's Records of the Revolutionary War," Captain William Brown,
of Colonel Charles Harrison's regiment of artillery, is mentioned on the
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Pbbston County, Wbst Virqinia 795
payroll, under date of December 26, 1780, at which time he called for the
ipay of his company, which then amounted to $15,100. It is supposed
that this William Brown was the father of Thomas Brown now under
consideration. In 1832 Thomas Brown received a pension, by act of
Congress, as evidenced by the records of the Pension Ofl&ce at Wash-
ington.
Thomas Brown married, October 20, 1785, Anna, daughter of George
and Mary (Byrne) Ash, and lived for a time near what is now
Rectortown, in Fauquier county, Virginia. April 2, 1803, an inventory
of his possessions was taken, which showed that he owned eight slaves
about sixteen years of age, four slaves about twelve years of age, and
four horses. The year before this inventory was taken, through Colonel
John Fairfax, he purchased five hundred and seventy-eight acres of land
of William McClery, of Morgantown. This land is situated nine miles
west of Kingwood, West Virginia, and is now known as the "Stone
House" property. In the spring of 1805 Thomas Brown moved to this
place, and the year afterwards his wife Anna died, on May 4, 1806.
Thomas Brown is described as a man rather small in stature, but of
extra sound body and healthy; very kind to his servants and negro
slaves, as well as to his dogs and horses. He disinherited his son, John
Buckner, because he whipped a slave against his orders. The negro
had run away, but had returned of his own accord. The children otf
Thomas and Anna (Ash) Brown were: Elizabeth, John Buckner (of
whom further), George, Lydia, Samuel Byrne, William, Mary Ann,
Thomas Francis (of whom further).
(IV) John Buckner, son of Thomas and Anna (Ash) Brown, was
bom January 28, 1788, in Prince William county, Virginia. In the spring
of 1805 he removed with his father's family to the "Stone House" prop-
erty, above mentioned. In 181 1 he journeyed westward to Wayne
county, Ohio, and in the fall of 181 3 removed with his family to that
state. He died at the town of Shreve, Wayne county, Ohio, Sq)tember
15, 1855. In 1810 he married Mary Morgan, who lived on the cast side
of Cheat River, near Kingwood. She was the daughter of Hugh
Morgan, a pioneer of Preston county, and was born May 12, 1790, died
July 12, 1850. She was the fourth child in a family of ten children.
(IV) Thomas Francis, son of Thomas and Ann (Ash) Brown, was
born May 4, 1801. died May 4, 1843, in Virginia. He was only four
years old when the family crossed the mountains from Prince William
county to Preston county, and five years old the day his mother died.
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796 Pbbston County, Wbst Vibqinu
His father gave him the best schooling the country then afforded and
during his youth sent him to some of the better school? in the eastern
part of Virginia. He became a quite noted teache/ in Monongalia and
Preston counties, and was long remembered because of his beautiful
penmanship and fine scholarship. Later he became deputy sheriff of
Preston county, and was noted for his readiness in preparing legal in-
struments. He married Elizabeth Zinn, who lived on the old Gandy
farm, near Oladesville. She was bom October 17, 1810, and died March
II, 1851, of consumption, as did her husband. Six children were bom
to them, who by the will of Thomas Brown, the grandfather, received
in 1884, half of the original "Stone House" estate. Thomas F. Brown,
it is said, was one of the most courteous, affable men of his day.
Children: (i) Adaline, bom June 9, 1831, and died June 13, 1868, at
Independence, Preston county. West Virginia; married William J.
Morgan. (2) Buckner, bom November 6, 1832, died June 24, 1877;
married December 29, 1853, Jane Freebum. (3) William T., bom
January 7, 1835; married (first), March 6, 1862, Sarah C. Hamilton, who
died June 29, 1875; married (second), November 20, 1877, Margaret C.
Swindler, now living in Grafton, West Virginia. (4) Charles Mercer,
of whom further. (5) Virgil S., born October 15,, 1838, died October
18, 1896; married, October 26, 1870, Sarah Jenkins, bom January 17,
1848. (6) Chloe N., bom August 5, 1849, died and was buried at Inde-
pendence, October, 1865, unmarried.
(V) Charles Mercer, fourth child of Thomas Francis and Elizabeth
(Zinn) Brown, was born January 29, 1837, d^^d November 26, 1868. He
became a bright and energetic lawyer and engaged in the active practice
of law at Harrisville, Ritchie county, West Virginia. His death was
caused by hemorrhage of the lungs, caused by contracting a severe cold.
Politically he voted the Democratic ticket, and in religious faith was
one of the Presbyterian deonmination. He married Harriet Virginia
Fairfax, of the well-known Virginia family. In their family the births
and marriages were on noted days of the year: His wife was bom July
4, 1840, daughter of Franklin B. F. Fairfax, and granddaughter of Colonel
John Fairfax, of Virginia, who came to Preston county from eastern
Virginia in 1790. Colonel John Fairfax had been the superintendent
of Washington's Mt. Vemon estates ; he represented Monongalia in the
House of Delegates, and in the year of Thomas Brown's arrival was
sheriff of the county. Besides being bom on Independence Day, Harriet
V. Fairfax was united in marriage with Charles N. Brown on Wash-
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PHEfiTTON County, West Virginia 797
ington's Birthday, February 22, 1861. His eldest child, Jefferson
Slidell, was bom November 28, 1861 ; her second child, Benjamin Loid,
March 17, 1863, which was St. Patrick's Day. By her second marriage
to Charles R. Morgan, of Marion county, in 1872, she had a daughter,
May Fairfax, her youngest child, born on May Day, 1874. She died
December 27, 1897.
(VI) Jefferson Slidell, son of Charles Mercer and Harriet Virginia
(Fairfax) Brown, was bom at the old Fairfax Manor House, erected
by his great-grandfather. Colonel John Fairfax, in 1818, situated two
miles west of Kingwood, West Virginia. He received his education,
beginning with the common schools, after which he taught school five
years in Preston county, after his graduation from the Cleveland Col-
lege, Ohio. He then served as clerk and secretary to the board of
directors of the State Institution for the Insane, at Weston, West Vir-
ginia. Having already determined upon becoming a lawyer, he re-
signed his position; but things frequently change one's plans for life,
and such was the case with Mr. Brown, who purchased the "Argus,"
at Kingwood, in 1889, and he has ever since been at its helm. He is a
brilliant, forceful writer, and his editorials are widely read and copied.
He also contributes for other publications. Politically he is a Democrat,
and his party, knowing his capability, has kept him constantly in their
service. He was chairman of the Democratic Committee sixteen years ;
He served on judicial. Senatorial, Congressional and State committees.
He was twice a candidate for state senator. In April, 1893, he was ap-
pointed postmaster of Kingwood and served over four years. In 1896 he
was a delegate for West Virginia to the National Convention at Chicago
for the nomination of William Jennings Bryan, and subsequently served
eight years as a member of the board of regents of the State School for
the Deaf and Blind, at Romney, West Virginia, He also served as presi-
dent of the State Editorial Association five terms, which was the longest
ever served by any one man. He positively declined another term. He
served as captain of Company G in the National Ouards, having had
many an exciting experience, and was called out on two occasions to
sup.press mob violence. On one occasion his company was ordered to
Charleston by the Ooveraor to guard a negro on trial for rape on a
white woman. The company succeeded in suppressing the violence of
a mob composed of five hundred men who attempted to storm the jail
one night and lynch the negro. Hard and unpleasant as was the task,
the Captain at once arrested the leaders of the mob, one by one, until
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79S Preston County, Wbot Vibginu
he had fourteen of them in jail, by which time the mob was quiteted
down, and all was done without the shedding of blood. The negro was
afterward tried by a fair and impartial jury, was sentenced to death
by the court and properly executed. Mr. Brown is socially connected
with about every order calculated to better the conditions of his fellow-
men. Among these may be mentioned the Masonic, Odd Fellows and
Knights of Pythias fraternities.
On October 15, 1902, Mr. Brown married Stella Maud, daughter of
Captain Job W. Parsons, who served in the Confederate army under
General Robert E. Lee. Children: Fairfax, born September 21, ipc^.
Hazel Ewing, bom June 25, 1905; Keith Parsons, bom January 19, 1907;
Leland Dickson, bom March 15, 1909; Lynden Bonn, bom June 2, 191 1.
THE WADDELL FAMILY.
The Waddell family, though small, desrves a creditable mention in
the history of the county in which one might almost say the family was
founded.
The head of this branch of an old Vii^nia family, Richard Bona-
parte Waddell, was bom in Frostburg, Maryland, September 14, 1837.
He was the son of John Matthew Waddell and Sophia Fogle Waddell,
who had emigrated to that place from Virginia a few years before. Ow-
ing to a family estrangement, John Waddell never returned to his birth-
place. As his interests broadened in his new home, he ceased all com-
munication with the remainder of the family, and consequently lost all
accurate record of the family history.
Almost the only communication the pioneers ever held with their
relatives in Virginia was when their son, who had been named Richard,
was five or six years old. At that time David Waddell sought out his
brother John and paid him a long visit. David Waddell was an ardent
admirer of Napoleon, and insisted upon inserting "Bonaparte" into his
young nephew's name. This in itself was sufficient to make any boy in
young Richard's place wish he had never seen his esteemed uncle.
When that uncle called him "Bony," the boy was surely excusable for
wishing he might never see Uncle David again.
When Richard Waddell was seven or eight years old, his parents
moved into what is now Preston county. They moved about consider-
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Preston County, West Virginia 799
ably, but finally settled near Brandonville. There John Waddell worked
at his trade, shoemaking, till his death. He was declared one of the most
skillful craftsmen of his day. Besides his trade, he could turn his hand
to any useful device emergency demanded.
For a number of years after the death of his father, Richard Waddell
made his home with the family of Mr. William Hagans. The rule of
this home was "early to bed and early to rise," a rule that was
very hampering to young Waddell's social tendencies. But he dutifully
marched off to bed at the appointed hour every night, and not until
several months had passed did Mr. Hagans learn that his ward was in
the habit of slipping away after the rest of the family had retired, and
circulating among his kindred spirits in the village.
For a while it puzzled Mr. Hagans to know hpw the boy got out of
the house, but rising earlier than usual one morning, he found a stout
pole leaning against the wall under the boy^s ber-room window. The
mystery was solved. But the next night when the young reveller re-
turned from his nocturnal wanderings, his improvised ladder was not
to be found. He spent the night — what little was left of it — in the hay
loft. The matter was never mentioned between them, but Mr. Waddell
never forgot the trick Mr. Hagans had played on him, and often told it
to his own children.
On April ii, 1858, Richard Waddell married Lucy Weyant, daughter
of John and Susan Fichtner Weyant. The Weyant family— unlike the
Waddell family— was reasonably large, consisting of: Katherine, who
married David Shaffer, and with him lived the greater part of their
lives in Preston county; Margaret, who died in early girlhood; Matilda,
who married Felty Shaffer and lived and died in Fayette county, Penn-
sylvania; Ellen, who married John Spindler and with him lived almost
all their lives in Preston county; twins, Elizabeth, who married Jeffer-
son Rhodes and lived in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and Philip
Henry, who died young; and Lucy Anne, who married as before stated
and spent her life near Brandonville. Although the five Weyant girls
each reared a good-sized family of energetic, industrious offspring, the
family name, so far as their branch of the family is concerned, became
extinct with the death of Philip Henry.
To Richard and Lucy Anne Weyant Waddell were bom seven
children, of whom three died in infancy. Those who survived are : Jennie,
Nancy J., Margaret Lynne and Charles Walter. Jennie became Mrs!
Marshal Benson. To them were born seven children, as follows:
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800 Pbibton OnjNTT, Wmt Vibcdnu
Charles Albert, Wilbur Harold, James Richard, Enroll Clyde, Bruce
Bmmens, Meta Adaline and Lucy £dna. Nan married M. F. Chorpen-
ning and became the mother of nine children, of whom the following
eight are living: Monroe Oscar, Olonzo Jay, Walter £lmo, Lloyd Sher-
man, Homer Irion, Henry Ward, Creed Mckinley and Lucy Ellen.
Margaret Lynne graduated from the Mount Carroll (Illinois) Semi-
nary (now the Frances Shimer School) and took her A. B. at the West
Virginia University. She has been one of the leading educators in this
section of the state for sixteen years, having taught in all grades from
the rural schools to the normal schools. For the last nine years she has
been engaged in normal school work— four years at Glenville as general
assistant, and five at Shepherd College in charge of the department of
English. For the past two years she has spent her summers in doing
graduate work in Columbia University,
Charles Walter took his A. B. at West Virginia University and
taught Greek and Latin in the Fairmont State Normal School. When
he took charge of this position he was the youngest instructor engaged
in normal school work in the state, being barely twenty. In 1907 he re-
ceived his M. D. from Howard Medical School. Soon after his gradua-
tion he began the practice of medicine in Fairmont. He married Myrtle
De Vene Shaw, a woman of remarkable musical ability. Dr. Waddell
has bought property in Fairmont and made an attractive home for his
wife and two little girls, Jean Shaw and Mary Anne. As a physician
he has been exceedingly popular and successful.
To return to the main subject of the sketch, Richard Waddell, and
follow his career, we find that for some time he served in the Union
army, and on April 19, 1862, has was given a commission as captain in
the One Hundred Fourth Regiment of the Tenth Brigade, third divi-
sion of the brigade militia, signed by Governor Pierpont. He was after-
ward appointed third sergeant of Company L, Sixth Regiment, West
Virginia Volunteer Cavalry. Another appointment was as quartermaster
sergeant of Company E, Sixth Regiment, West Virginia Volunteer
Cavalry, stationed at Fort Laramie, Nebraska. He was honorably dis-
charged there May 2, 1866. It was while convalsecing from a fever in
the army hospital at Fort Laramie that he formed a friendship with the
Indian, Chief Spotted Tail. One of Miss Lynne Waddell's most
cherished possessions is a small bead kinnikinic pouch given to Captain
Waddell by Chief Spotted Tail. Dr. Charies Waddell has a large Indian
pipe procured from the same source.
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PBWRm C!0UKTT, WMT VIBCDNU 801
Richard Waddell held various offices of trust in his county. As a
public official he was safe and conservative, and looked well to the in-
terests of his constituents. He was a kind and obliging neighbor, though
extremely fond of his joke now and then.
For years he delighted in playing harmless jokes on his neighbor, the
widow of one of his superior officers in the army. A favorite jest was
his request each spring for the privilege of tapping a row of unusually
fine sugar trees that stood in front of her house. The little woman
always emphatically refused. Great was her indignation one morning
— ^April first, it might be mentioned — when she darted out (she always
moved as if she had been shot out of a gun), armed with a broom to
sweep off every suggestion of dust on her sidewalk. For a moment she
gazed fairly spell-bound. Beach of her precious trees had two or three
spiles in it with crocks under them to catch the saccharine liquid. Her
anger knew no bounds and she began to jerk furiously at the Sfpiles.
She found them to be only elder stems tied to the trees with black'
thread. The crocks were mostly bottomless ones gathered from the
garbage heap. A cheerful "ha-ha" from across the fence readily in-
formed her to whom she was indebted for the joke.
When anyone got the better of him in a joke he was usually game,
no matter how much the joke hurt. Here is one instance, however,
when he lost his temper over the trick played. An old German walked
into the store one morning when Mr. Waddell was unusually busy.
Without waiting his turn, the old fellow held up a young chicken and
asked :
"Mr. Vaddell, vat you bay for sich ghicken like dot?'*
Mr. Waddell, annoyed at the unseemly haste of his Teutonic cus-
tomer, glanced up carelessly and said, indifferently, "Oh, about fifteen
cents."
"I take him/' said Mr. Dutchman. "I kotch him in your hen yart."
After diving into a veritable bottomless pit of a pocket, he tossed a
dime and a nickel on the counter and hobbled out. The fowl was one
of Mr. Waddell's carefully bred Plymouth Rocks, the eggs for which
had cost him a fancy price. When he realized the trick, he said a few
words not found in the International Dictionary, and it was not quite
safe for seveeral days to ask him the price of young chickens.
Richard Waddell was endowed with an intellect that would have
made it possible for him to attain almost any renown the most ambitious
could crave had his early education been systematic and complete. Un-
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802 Preston County, West Yibqinia
erring in his judgment, logical in his reasoning, and upright in his con-
duct, h-e made himself almost indispensable in his own community.
Even with his meager education **he could," as one of his neighbors
said, "fix up a deed or a will so safe and fast that all the lawyers in
Christendom couldn't budge it." Half the people in his neighborhood
went^o him for legal advice rather than to a lawyer.
His mechanical skill was little less marked than his judgment in
l^^l matters. This talent was no doubt transmitted to him from his^
father, John Waddell, whose mechanical bent has been mentioned.
Until within the last few years before his death, almost every piece of
machinery in the neighborhood was wheedled into obedience by Richard
Waddell's skillful touch. If he had been well paid for all the useful
service rendered he would have been wealthy, but he did his "thanky
jobs" freely and uncomplainingly.
He never approved of secret orders. For a while he took a great
interest in the G. A. R., but in later years he lived a very retired life.
"There'll be more than one miss *Uncle Dick/ " said a neighbor when
he learned of the death of Richard Waddell at his home in Brandonville,
early on Sunday morning, February 24, 1907. This brief encomium not
only voiced the sentiment of the community in which he lived, but of
all who knew him.
CHARLES CARROLL STONE.
The Stones of Preston county came from Hanover county, Vir^nia.
There were three brothers, all married when they came. Andrew C,
a soldier in the War of 1812, came soon after he left the army. He
settled in the vicinity of Reedsville, and died on a farm west of King-
wood. The farm is now known as the James A. Brown farm. John
R. and Clarbome W. Stone settled on Greens Run. John R. Stone was
the father of William, who lived on the west side of Kingwood. He
died in 1883 at sixty-five years of age :
Charles C. Stone owns and occupies the old Rodeheaver homestead.
He is the son of William J. and Louisa (Trowbridge) Stone, and
was bom December 15, 185 1. His whole life has been spent on a farm,
and in teaming. He owned and handled the team that brought the
Soldier's Monument from the depot to its place in the public square,
and all heavy work of that kind in and around Kingwood generally fell
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Preston County, West Vibginu 803
to him. Besides hauling a number of the heaviest monuments from
Tunnelton to the cemetery, it being before the railroad was built, he
also hauled the six-ton globe safe for the Kingwood Bank.
Mr. Stone was educated in the common schools of Kingwood and in
the Kingwood Academy. When thirty years of age, he married Miss
Amanda Bishop, of this county. She was a daughter of Adam Bishop.
When eleven years of age the mother, Mrs. Carroll Bishop, died,
after which her daughter lived with her grandfather, James Carroll, of
Kingwood. Mr. 'Carroll was proprietor of a hotel known as the Van-
kirk property. It stood where the Soldier's Monument now stands in
the Public Square. Mr. and Mrs. Stone, after their marriage, moved
to the farm they now own. They built the house in 1893, t^^ ^^"* ^^
1904, two substantial buildings which, with one hundred and twelve
acres of land on which they stand, makes a valuable homestead. It is
one of the oldest and most desirable farms in Preston county, very con-
veniently located near Kingwood, on the road to Albright.
The oldest child born to this union was Pearl, now the wife of Bruce
Morgan, of Kingwood. He is a farmer. Their eldest child was named
Charles Marshall, after his two grandparents. (2) Laura, married Ed-
ward Orr, a carpenter and contractor of Kingwood. They have four
children. (3) Alma, married Arch Schaeffer, assistant cashier of the
Kingwood National Bank. They have one child, Lillian. (4) Ned,
married Jennie Borgman, and is in the tinplate business at Motgantown.
(5) Merle, died when sixteen years of age. (6) Addie, the youngest
child, married Forest W. White, of Kingwood. He owns and runs a
livery stable.
Mr. Stone is a good farmer, keej>s some blooded stock, and knows
how to till his ground to the best advantage.
THE DILL FAMILY.
From a list of names recorded in the county of York, Pennsylvania,
it is evident that the Dills were in this country prior to the Revolution,
but the only reliable information we have of the Reedsville family is
that Michael Dill, an educated Getman scholar, came to America
from the fatherland and located in Buffalo, New York. He owned and
operated a distillery there during the War of 181 2, and kept his books
in both English and German, as occasion required. By his wife, Cath-
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804 Pbbston County, Wbst Ymsaok
erin«, he had three daughters, Polly, Susanna and Rosanna; and two
sons, Henry and David, all of whom were bom in Buffalo, then so small
a place that Mr. Dill sold one lot of five acres, now in the heart of the
city, for five ($5.00) dollars.
David, the youngest son, was bom in 1805, and when he was a lad
of eight or ten years of age, the Indians — ^incited by the British troops —
committed various depredations against the inhabitants of the young
settlement. Finally the Dill family were attacked, tiie inmates fleeing
from the house, while their home was being burned to the ground. In
the fl^ht, Mrs. Catherine Dill lost an eye, when seeking safety in the
bramble bushes, and one of the daughters came near being captured in
trying to save a loaf of bread. In order to secure provision against
want, the girl seized the bread but had to throw it over the fence, where
sinking into the deep snow, it was lost. For a time the family camped
at Black Rock, but later took up their march for Western Pennsylvania,
went part of the way by raft, and located at Killbuck, about fifteen miles
from where Pittsburgh now is. Here they set up housekeeping on a
seventy-acre farm, where Michael Dill passed away July 9, 1858,
about ninety-eight years of age. Catherine, his wife, died June 4, 1856,
in the eightieth year of her age.
David Hill was reared a farmer and followed the cooper trade. He
married Elizabeth Means, who died December 31, 1882, at the age of
eighty-two years and two months. By her he had seven children,
namely: (i) Henry, bom April 11, 1830; (2) Margaret, bora June 11,
1831; (3) Thomas, bom April 26, 1835; (4) John, bom July 4, 1837;
(5) Samuel A., bom November i, 1839; (6) Elizabeth, bom November
23, 1841 ; (7) David, bom January 25, 1847.
During the year of the great fost, in 1859, a visit to Virginia was
made, and the year following, David and Henry Dill, with their
children, moved to this state. David located on a farm now owned by
Mr. Hoffman, near Reedsville, and Henry settled in Wood county, on
the Kanawha, in the southern part of the state. Afterwards he went
to Dayton, Ohio, but finally took up a permanent residence in Texas,
where his two sons had gone before him.
David Hill and his sons, after their arrival at their new place of
abode, scored logs, and soon built themselves a cabin, part of which still
stands. Here the father lived until his death, farming and coopering
for a living until May 11, 1893, when he too passed to. the great beyond.
Of his children, Henry and David were blacksmiths. John, Henry and
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Pbbston County, West Virginia 805
Samuel became veteran soldiers in the late Civil War, Samuel serving
the longest, having enlisted in the 3rd W. Va. Infantry in 1861, and
afterwards in the 6th W. Va. Cavalry, where he remained until mus-
tered out in 1865. John enlisted Ajugust 15, 1862, in the 14th W. Va.,
and served until mustered out at the close of the war, in 1865. Both
John and Samuel had their hearing affected by the bursting of shells
overhead, the shock proving almost fatal, esi>ecially in the case of Samuel.
It was at the battle of Lynchburg that John Dill's hearing was im-
paired. Margaret and Elizabeth were their only sisters. Margaret
married George W. Hartzell ; both are now dead. Elizabeth first mar-
ried James Ashburn, then married William Kemer.
After his return from the army, John Dill began housekeeping
in a part of the old home, adding to the building in 1867, and thereafter
as necessities required. Before going into the. service he married Mary
•Menear, daughter of Lemuel B., March 17, 1862, and the births from
this union were as follows: George G., born August 3, 1863; Virginia,
May 4, 1865; Izah B., March 15, 1870; Harvey E., January 28, 1872;
Susan F., December 20, 1873; Lona Hannah, November 11, 1875;
Lemuel Forest, November 28, 1878. The mother was bom August 31,
1842, and departed this life June 4, 1904.
Samuel A. Dill lived on a portion of the home farm until 1908, when
he moved to his present residence in Reedsville, where he now lives a
quiet and retired life.
On March 5, 1868, he married Margaret, daughter of John an^
Mahala Menear, of Preston county, and from that marriage
came twelve children, as follows: (i) Oliver Alzo, bom Feb-
ruary 7, 1869. He married Hattie Reid. (2) Lura Ella, born
July 4, 1870. (3) Agnes Belle, born February 13, 1872, wife
of John Gross, a carpenter in Reedsville. They have three
children: George, Gertrude, and Virginia. They were married April
13, 1889. (4) Bertie May, bom September 12, 1873, married William
Wilson and reside in Morgantown. They had one child, Mary, bom
on St. Patrick's Day, 1912. She died September 27, 1912. (5) James
Fleming, born May 3, 1875. He married Mae Harr, a native of Marion
county. They have one daughter, Eleanor, now five years of age. Mr.
Dill is a farmer, but lives in Reedsville. (6) Grace Blanche, born
November 4, 1877. October 9, 1902, she married John T. Cleaver, a
carpenter of Reedsville. They have three children : Gerald, Ruth, and
Catherine. (7) David G., born May 8, 1879. He is a carpenter. He
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806 Pbebton County, West Vibginu
married Isa Dixon, October 17, 1906. (8) John William, born March
15, 1880. His wife was Miss Bertie Robinson. They have two children,
Robert and Lloyd. (9) Samuel R., born November i, 1887, is a farmer.
He married Agatha EHxon, December 27, 1908. They have two children,
Kenneth and Paul. (10) Eva Margaret, born May 4, 1890. (11) Curtis
Leonard, born December 15, 1891, is a bookkeeper for the Cascade Coal
Company. H-e married Jessie Lucille Pell. They have two children,
Frank and Margaret. (12) Percy George, born October 24, 1893; ^s in
the army at Fort Totten, New York.
The Dill brothers have taken but little interest in professional
politics. Samuel Dill was justice of the peace at one time, and served
one term as a member of the County Court. Both John and Samuel
begin to show their hardships in the war, but their lives are placid ones,
and having been well spent, nothing but sweet remembrances are left
behind them.
LEVI L. MILLER.
There are at least seven distinct connections of the Miller family
in Preston county. One of the ancestors of this family was Henry
Miller, an emigrant from Germany, who came to Berks county Pennsyl-
vania. His son, Joseph N. Miller, born in 1809, was brought by his
mother and aunt, after the death of the husband, to Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, about 1830. He came to Preston county. West Virginia,
where he died at 92 years of age. He located first at Hazelton, then
moved to Morgan's Glade, where he was a storekeeper, and postmaster,
and blacksmith. He was an educated man, and justice of the peace
many years. It was Joseph N. Miller who named the place Morgan's
Glade. His eight sons followed his example in taking up the blacksmith-
ing business, and th-ey were all proficient in their trade. Ami H. lives in
Eriel, Kansas, and is a man of wealth; Levi F., of whom mention will
be made again; William H., at Bruceton; Elisha J. has a shop at Terra
Alta ; Benjamin A. C, at Cranesville ; Hosea McC., at Buchtel, Athens
county, Ohio; Joseph I., deceased, was foreman of the blacksmith shops
for the B. & O. Railroad Company at Grafton, West Virginia, for many
years, and Jacob A., now of Terra Alta. He married Rebecca Jenkins
and is the father of Charles A. Miller, cashier of the First National
Bank, Terra Alta.
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Preston County, West Virginu 807
Joseph N. Miller's wife was Mary Meyers, from New England. She
died when 88 years of age, two years before her husband did.
Joseph N. Miller, born December 14, 1809, died February 6, 1902.
Mary A. Miller, born April 23, 1812, died October 2, 1900. They were
married about 1830. Children: Elisha James, bom May 28, 1832; William
Harrison, born June 8, 1834; Josiah Joseph, born April 27, 1836, died
September 9, 1892; Lucinda, bom September 22, 1837; Ami Hess, born
May 7, 1839; Hosea McCall, born February 19, 1841; Catharine Jane,
born January 24, 1843; Levi Fribley, born December 27, 1844; Jacob
Alter, born September 15, 1847; Martha Ellen, born May 15, 1849, died
January 15, 1867; Elizabeth Ann, born June 23, 1852, died October 20,
1863; Benjamin Albert C, born July 10, 1855; Emily Arminda, born
February 26, 1858, died JJanuary 2^^ 1896; Mary Ada Virginia, born
July 15, 1859.
Levi F. Miller's early life was spent at Morgans Glade attending
school and learning the trade of blacksmith. In 1861, when seventeen
years of age, he enlisted at his country's call in Company C, 3rd West
Virginia Cavalry. He served in the army four years. He enlisted Sep-
tember 14th, and was mustered out a corporal January 21, 1865, taking
part in about fifty-five engagements and coming out at the end of the
war without a wound, notwithstanding his participation in the battles
at Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Second Bull Run, and in the raid
through the Shenandoah Valley under Sheridan. He was once cap-
tured, but ran away after his surrender.
After Mr. Miller's return from the army he spent two years in the
oil regions of West Virginia, then he resumed his trade at Hazelton as
blacksmith. After sixteen years* stay there, during which time he was
justice of the peace, he removed to Morgans Glade and remained there
fourteen years blacksmithing, wagon making, and extending equity as
a justice of the peace. As a magistrate in the lower court, Mr. Miller
won the enviable reputation of not having had one of his cases, during
his sixteen years of experience on the bench, coming back by a reversed
decision from the Circuit Court above. After such and extended experi-
ence, Mr. Miller naturally sought relaxation from such a strenuous life,
and came to Terra Alta, where he still resides. That was in 1897. Since
coming here Mr. Miller has run a large collecting agency, and besides
has done a wholesale business for the J. I. Case Thrashing Machine
Company, having sold for them twenty engines during the last seven
years. Mr. Millef is also a notary public.
In 1868, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Persis A. Glover, daughter
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808 PHEfiTTON County, West Viboinia
of William Glover, of Preston county. Their children now living are:
(i) Charles E., who married Adaline Kelley. They live in Terra Alta.
(2) Ella, who married George F. Livengood. (3) Dora, now at Pied-
mont, West Virginia. (4) Homer D., who married Amy Kelley.
(5) Jesse C, who married Bessie Burk. (6) Gratis L., not married;
now in Canada.
Mrs. Miller is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Miller is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of the G.A.R.
Encam^pment. .
JACOB BEACHY.
The Beachy family are, and have been from time immemorial,
Amish. This is a branch of the Mennonites, in earlier days known as
the Waldenses, who were extirpated from England in the time of Henry
the Second. They were noted for the simplicity and purity of their
lives, and were driven from the island because of their faith in but two
of the sacraments, instead of holding to seven, as the reigning church
does.
There are three brothers of this family who emigrated from Switzer-
land to America, but it is not known where each of them went but Jonas,
the grandfather of the Beachys, who settled in Preston county. Jonas
Beachy located in Pennsylvania, near Meyersdale, and many of his
descendants are residing near that place now. He was born November
6, 1791. His wife, Sarah Gnegy, was born June 27, 1798, and died
November 22^ 1875. Their children were: (i) Benedict, born August
22, 1818; (2) Daniel, born April 20, 1820; (3) John, bom March 30, 1821,
died young; (4) Samuel, born November i, 1825, now living in Illinois;
(5) Susannah, born June 4, 1827; (6) Noah, bom December 2, 1828, died
young; (7) Lydia, bom May 25, 1830; (8) Catharine, bom September
23, 1831; (9) Elizabeth and Sarah (10) twins, born May 6, 1833. Sarah
only is living. (11) Marie, born June 14, 1837, ^^^^ young; (12)
Manassah, born June 14, 1837, died May 14, 1895. He was a bishop in
the church for many years. He was married twice. His first wife was
Barbara Swartzendruber, and his second wife was Elizabeth Hedding.
Daniel Beachy, the father of Jacob, was born on the old home place
in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and died in Aurora, on the 8th day
of January, 1897. His wife was Elizabeth Yoder before her marriage.
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Pebston County, Wbst Vibginia $09
and a daughter of Jacob and Gertrude (Blough) Yoder. The marriage
of this couple occurred October lo, 1847, ^^^^ Meyersdale, at the home
of the bride.
The children of Daniel and Elizabeth Beachy are as follows: (i)
Jonas, bom Jamuary 19, 1850, died February 5, 1899. He was unmarried.
(2) Mary, born March 19, 185 1. She was married to John Brennie, by
whom she had three children. Her second husband was Emanuel
Herschberger. No children by this marriage. (3) Jacob, bom October
16, 1852. (4) Sarah, born March 10, 1854, married December 8, 1878,
to Simon Lichty. They had nine children. (5) Lydia, bora Sq)tember
2, 1855, married to Simon Miller, December 19, 1882. They live on the
adjoining farm to the old homestead and have six children. (6) Leah,
bom April 21, 1858; not married. (7) Matilda, bom January 20, 1859,
married Joel Maust, and lives in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. They
have four children. (8 and 9) two deaths in infancy, a boy and a girl.
(10) Lena, born November 6, 1863; not married. (11) Elizabeth, bom.
January 13, 1865, died August 6, 1694. (12) Catherine, born January
7, 1869, married to Milton Herschberger, and lives in Somerset, Pennsyl-
vania also. (13) A boy, born in April and died September 7, 1871. (14)
Fannie, born April 8, 1873 ; not married.
The Beachys have all been farmers. Mr. Daniel Beachy came to
Preston with his family and settled near Aurora, in the spring of 1853.
Thjg farm was bought of Isaac Startzman, and is well adapted for graz-
ing purposes, the use to which it has been put for many years. In 1780
the present house was erected, and almost ever since that time a large
herd of cows has been kept for butter making. They have twenty-five
Guemsey cows at the present time, and make butter for one woman in
Washington, D. C, who has been buying their manufactured product
for many years. She gets from them a very choice article, and pays a
fancy price for it. She is a woman of business and makes cakes on a
large scale, which she sells principally to the wealthy of the city at a
remunerative price.
The Beachys remain in the faith of their fathers and hold strictly
to those simpler forms and rules of living. The perfection of Christian
character is one of the great objects of their lives. The grandfather
and father both were Menonite bishops, and their descendants to this
day are known for the purity of their lives, their honesty, and upright
character.
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810 Prbston County, West Vibginia
SILAS METHENY.
Nathan Metheny was the ancestor of the subject of this sketch. He
spent his life on a farm on Big Sandy, and was born September 14,
1787. His wife Mary was born December 22, 1781. The farm, about
25 oacres, was originally owned by Abraham Jenkins, and is still in the
family. Mr. Metheny was a squire for many years, an office held in
those earlier days by men well enough qualified to adjust matters of law
now occupying the attention of the lower county courts.
The children of this union were : Catherine, bom April 7, 1803 ; Peter,
January 8, 1805; Mary, December 28, 1806; Leah, February 29, 1809;
James, June 7, 181 1; Isaac, the father of Silas, November 3, 1817, died
September 30, 1893; Asa, April 18, 1820 (?) ; Huldah, March 10, 1823.
Isaac Metheny married Elizabeth Chidester. He was bom April 18,
1820 (?), and died January 29, 1891. Their children were : John, born
November 18, 1837. He was killed in the Seven Days Battle of the
Wilderness, May 6, 1864. Mary and Martha, twins, bom April 26, 1840.
Mary died May 14, 1843. William H., May 4, 1846. Silas, April 21,
1848. George, September^ 19, 1850. Harriet, July 29, 1856.
Silas Metheny married Mary A. King, daughter of Albert and Hester
King, on December 24, 1868. She was born November 29, 1847, ^^^
died April 11, 1905. Their children were: Albert F., bom March 3,
1870. He married Cora Michael, and is a farmer. (2) Ida was bora
September 15, 1871, and married Walter Cupp. He is an engineer on
the M. & K Railroad and lives in Morgantown. (3) Anna was born
April 25, 1873. She married Harvey Benson, a farmer, and lived near
Bruceton, and died December 9, 1907. (4) Isaiah was born October i,
1874. He married Miss Osa (?) Forman, and is a farmer. (5) Hester
Edith was born September 26, 1876. She married Amos Wolfe, a
farmer and a teacher. (6) Bessie M., was born January 23, 1880. She
married J. H. Garner, and is connected with a factory at McKeesport.
(7) Sallie G., bom October 28, 1884, died February 16, 1907. (9) Em-
mett M., born May 18, 1889, married Jennie Michael, and is the book-
keeper for the McKeesport factory.
Mr. Metheny was educated in the common schools and reared a
farmer. During the war he served in the 3rd iMd. Rgt., from March 3rd
to the close of the Rebellion. He was in the battle of Frederick and at
Monocay Junction,' but aside from these conflicts and several skirmishes,
was on duty principally guarding wagon trains. He was mustered out
at Baltimore in 1865.
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Pebston County, Wbbt ViBaiNiA 811
■»^ -—-• N' * ' >
Mr. Metheny also operated the. home farm and ran a saw and planing
mill. He moved to his present location in 1889, and is about to retire
from the active pursuits of his former career to a retired life. November
25, 1908, he married his present wife, Mary F. Spiker, daughter of Isaac
and Elizabeth Spiker, who live near Bruceton.
THE FREELAND FAMILY.
John Freeland came about 1804 from Pennsylvania, or from Balti-
more. He settled at Bob Town, on the Cheat. His wife, Mary McCax\ii,
was of Irish descent. Their children were: David, James, John, Ben-
jamin, Aaron, Isaac, William, Jacob, Hiram, George, Abraham, Rachael
and Elizabeth. David married a Miss Gibbs, and lived two miles east
of Terra" Alta, where the Sanitarium is now. He married the second
time, and by his wife. Miss Lucy Smith, had one son, a physician in the
city of New York. They lived on Nettle Ridge. David was a great
huntsman and was said to have killed six hundred deer. James settled
on Nettle Ridge also. He married Sarah Ridenour. John married
Sarah Lonacre. They lived in Indiana. Benjamin, the father of William
Baldwin, the veteran teacher, was born August 8, 1816. He located on
Nettle Ridge, adjoining his brother James. The old log house was
occupied for a dwelling until about the year 1876, when the original
part of the new house (and still occupied) was built. He died here
February 25, 1887. ^
On October i, 1840, Benjamin Freeland married Miss Naticy Mes-
senger, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Pike) Messenger. The Pikes
were of Revolutionary fame. Eleven children were bom of this union.
Those dead are: James, John A., Mary Elizabeth Whetsell, Mrs.
Lucinda Whitehair, Mrs. Louisa Hoff, Benjamin, Susanna, and David.
Mrs. Sarah J. Arnold is living near Terra Alta. Samuel and William
are still living also.
Benjamin Freeland was an industrious farmer. He was a Democrat
until war times and then became an ardent Republican. He and his
wife were members of the Baptist Church.
William Baldwin Freeland was born on the old homestead place,
where he now lives, December 24, i860. He supplemented his education
in the common district schools by a course in the Normal School at
T^ra Alta, under Professor A. W. Fike, completing that curriculum
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812 Pbbston Ck)UNTY^ West VnteiNiA
of work in school, in 1877 and 1878. After that he taught school twenty-
five years in Preston county. He taught the home school seven con-
secutive terms, and thirteen terms in all. Comment is unnecessary.
He also became a Professor in the Normal School, both in the home
school district and at Terra Alta. His first state certificate was obtained
August 5, 1889; it was for six years. By renewals it is still in vog^e,
not terminating until 1919. In 1902 the Republican party nominated
and elected Mr. Freeland a member of the Lower House of the State
Legislature, and in so doing honored one of the best friends the public
schools of West Virginia ever had. While serving in the legislative
body during the year 1903, and during the special session of 1904, and
again in 1905, legislation looking to the highest interests of the rural
schools was brought forth in bill form by him at that time and subse-
queently enacted into law. There were three measures in particular
that deserve special mention, and these were in addition to his ardent
support of the tax reform measures, which were finally adopted: (i)
Was the bill for the centralization and consolidation of the rural schools
of the state. (2) Fixing the minimum term of the school year at six
months, and taxing the state for the poorer schools. To this end a tax
assessment of $75,000 was set aside for the poorer schools for this pur-
pose. (3) A State School Board to be appointed and uniform text books
to be adopted.
April 13, 1881, Mr. Freeland was married to Miss Mary Martha
Albright, daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Engle) Albright, of Cranes-
ville. Their children are: Lulu Bucklew, bom March i, 1887; Mrs.
Jessie Pearl Fearer, born April 21, 1890; Russell Albright, bom
November 21, 1892; William Lynn, bom December 18, 1894; Margaret
Eleanor, bom April 7, 1898. The daughter, Jessie, has two children:
Beatiice and Russell Harold. She is the wife of Artie Fearer. They
live on a farm near Terra Alta.
Mr. Freeland is owner of the old homestead farm, a valuable piece
of land consisting of 320 acres. He is a raiser of blooded stock : Of
cattle the Red Polled and Polled Angus ; sheep of the Shropshire breed ;
the O. L. C hogs, and Plymouth Rock chickens. His farm is well
stocked and well cultivated.
Mr. and Mrs. Freeland are members of the 'Methodist Episcopal
Church.
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FtsffK^if County^ West Vibqinia s13
THADDEUS S. CUNNINGHAM.
The ravages of war caused by the late Rebellion have left many
scars not yet obliterated. One of the victims of that fratricidal strife,
Mr. T. S. Cunningham, a greatly respected Prestonian, was born in
Somerset county, October i6, 1842. He was one of a family of seven-
teen children, and the third son of Robert Cunningham by his first wife,
Sarah Pinkerton, a relative of the great detective of Civil Ware fame,
and a member of a family of twelve children, ten of them daughters.
The subject of this sketch was. raised on a farm and educated in the
district school. In 1859, during the year of the great July frost, the
parents moved to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and in 1862 the young
man, not yet of age, ran off to war. In August he enlisted in Company
H, 142nd Penna. Infantry, and that regiment participated in twenty-four
battles before the great conflict closed. Its first service was guarding
a fort near Washington, D. C., but orders being given, "On to Rich-
mond," the regiment moved forward, and the first engagement with
the enemy was in the battle of Fredericksburg, fought December 13,
1862. In that conflict Mr. Cunningham was wounded, taken to the
hospital, and discharged from the service March 6, 1863, minus his left
arm amputated at the shoulder joint. It is worthy of mention, prob-
ably, to say that Mr. Cunningham received a pension from the time of
his discharge, and that it was only $8.00 a month for several years, and
that he had to make application in person for that pittance at Pitts-
burgh. To get there he had to walk sixteen miles to reach the nearest
depot in order to get to the place of his destination.
Mr. Cunningham had two other brothers in the Civil War, and two
sons who participated in the Cuban conflict. Of the brothers, Frank
served in the ist West Virginia Cavalry and won a medal of honor for
capturing a rebel flag at the battle of Sailors Creek, April 6, 1864. James
served in the ist Ohio Cavalry. He was captured near the close of the
war, and died in Andersonville prison. Of the sons, Edward was an
orderly two years under Gen. Fred Grant in the Philippines, and A. D.
served eight months in the West Virginia Home Guards, but did not
get farther than Georgia.
In 1868 Mr. Cunningham was married to Eliza Jane Liston, daughter
of Everhart Liston, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania. From this union
came a family of seven children and nineteen grand-children, sixteen
of whom are now living. The eldest of this family is Katie, who married
T. M. King; (2) Belle, who married J. W. Wheeler; (3) Emma, who
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814 PUBSTON GOUNTT, WhT VomMU
married L. W. Conner; (4) Frank, who married Jessie McNair; (5)
Edward, who married Effie Yeast; (6) Albert, who married Lulu
Bowermaster, and (7) Emmett, the railroad engineer, who never
married.
In 1908 Mr. Cunningham bought his present residence in Kingwood.
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the G. A. R., and during the McKinley
administration was postmaster of Bruceton. He was also a member of
the Board of Education and trustee of the M. E. Church. Though a
poor man he has been a liberal supporter of the cause of Christ, having
given hundreds of dollars toward building the churches in the lower
end of the county. He calls his pension his blood money and wants
to use it in a good cause, and thinks Christian churches one of the best
ways to act as one of God's stewards. He never allowed a minister to
leave his work without receiving his full pay.
THE FORMAN FAMILY.
Among other Quakers who came to America with William Penn
were the Willetts and Formans. After a stay on the Brandywine fields
in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, a migration by some of the members of
the family was made to Monongalia county, where these names became
numerous. The Formans settled near Bruceton and Brandonville. A
little log church was erected for a place of worship, in size 18 by 28, but
was torn down in 1864, and now used by Jeremiah Guthrie as a stable.
William Forman, the progenitor of the American family, came with
William Penn in 1682, and settled in or near Philadelphia.
Robert Forman, a descendant of William, was bom July 7, 1736.
He was married to Mary Naylor in 1766. Their children were: John,
bom January 21, 1767; Elizabeth, February 12, 1769; Joseph, March 24,
1771; Richard, August 22, 1773; Rachael, June 8, 1777; Jane, July 9,
1779; Mary, July 29, 1780; Isaac, March 11, 1784, and Rebecca, birth not
given. These descendants of Robert Forman came to this country
about the year 1783. (See sketch of Chorpenning.)
Richard Forman, great grandfather of Charles W. Forman, married
Conner. His children were: (i) Sallie, who married a Walls.
She was grandmother of George A. Walls, of Kingwood. (2) Samuel.
(3) Jane, who married a Falkenstein. (4) John. (5) Mary B., who
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Pbbston County, West VmaiNiA 815
married a Jenkins. (6) Rachael. (7) Jonathan. (8) Grace, who mar-
ried a Funk. (9) a daughter by the name of Gaynor S., who married a
Mr. Romine. (10) Ethbell, who married a Falkenstein. (11) Anne,
who married a Martin. (12) Abner, who went West. This family
settled on the farm adjoining the old homestead.
Samuel Forman died August 6, 1851, at the age of 53 years. He
married Rachael Jeffers. She died February 26, 1875, at the age of 79
years. They lived on the old Forman homestead in Crab Orchard,
where Walter S. Forman is now. That farm was bought of his father-
in-law. It was a tract of 225 acres taken up from the government, and
has been in the family considerably over a hundred years. Mr.
Jeflfers died there in .
The children of this marriage were: (i) Jonathan, who married
Margerie Elliott; (2) Elizabeth, who married John Elsey, April 15,
1849 1 (3) Ruth, who married Samuel D. Crane, December 28, 1859 ; (4)
Calvin, who married Clarissa Ann Cress, June 12, 1856. He died
October i, 1889. (5) John, who married Louisa J. Feather, November
19, 1857. He was a soldier in the Civil War. (6) Jane, who married
Milton Harvey about 1862 ; (7) Marjorie, who died when fourteen years
old; (8) Mary M., who married James C. Sturgiss about i860; (9)
Benjamin, who married Sarah Brown, aunt to J. Slidell Brown, about
1864. He died in January, 1866.
Calvin Forman lived on the old homestead farm. Here Charles W.
Forman was born, September 2, 1857. On March 14 ,1882 he married
Mahala I. Smith, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Feather) Smith.
One son, Worley Klet, became the fruit of this union.
Soon after marriage, Mr. Forman took up his residence in Lenox, at
which time he formed a partnership with his father-in-law in the mer-
contile business. On May 16, 1900, he became the sole owner, and has
operated the store himself since that time. He has a prosperous busi-
ness, the country round Lenox being rich and patronage good. The
store building was erected in 1892. The farm is situated where
McClelland E. Jeflfers lives now.
Mr. Forman has been a member of the School Board for many years.
He is a close student of all good current literature and is well fitted for
the oflfice of a school commissioner, about the only oflfice he cares to
hold. He is a prominent member of the Baptist Church also.
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816 Fwmmm County, Wbst YmmnA
GEORGE A. WALLS.
Jain*es Walls came from Delaware about 1790, and settled on
what is now known as the Daniel Ryan farm, near Pisgah, the home-
stead adjoining the site of the village. Charles A. Walls, his son, mar-
ried Sallie Forman, and their children were : Jonathan, George W., Ami
F., Eli J., Verlinda, Mary Ann, and Jemima.
George A. Walls has been long and favorably known in Kingwood
as one of the leading merchants of this place. He was born March 23,
1862, on the old homestead at Pisgah, W. Va., and was the son of Ami
F. Walls and his wife Elizabeth (Adams) Walls. His father died in
1887, fifty-nine years old. His mother is still living at the age of
seventy-two years. Mr. Walls was nineteen years old when he came
to Kingwood and began life for himself. He had previously prepared
himself with a good education, such as our best country schools at that
time gave us, and then he entered the county clerk's ofl&ce as deputy
clerk. This was the time when J. Ami Martin was in office as its chief.
He served as deputy clerk from 1881 till in the fall of 1896, and then was
elected county clerk to succeed Mr. Martin, and reelected in the fall of
1902, serving until December 31, 1908. As a public official, Mr. Walls
served the people of Preston county twenty-seven years, and gained
for himself an enviable reputation while in the county clerk's office.
Before Mr. Walls retired from public life he became a silent member
of the firm of E. C. Eveily & Co. The com4)any carried on merchandis-
ing in the building erected by Mr. Walls in 1903. In 1909, Mr. Walls
purchased all interests in the business, since which time it has been
carried on under the name of "Walls-Shaffer Company."
June 23, 1888, Mr. Walls married Miss Cora Belle Snyder, sister to
wife of Ami Martin. She died June 19, 1889. One daughter, Cora Belle
Walls, was bom of this union, April 19, 1889. She was educated in the
Kingwood High School, Kingwood, W. Va., and the Kee Mar College,
Hagerstown, Md. On November 3, 1910, she married Forest M.
McDaniel, of Kingwood, West Virginia, who is now located at Clarks-
burg and is a civil and mining engineer for the Consolidation Coal Com-
pany of West Virginia.
May 24, 1893, Mr. Walls married Olive Electa Parks, daughter of
James W. Parks, cashier of the Kingwood Bank. Her twin brother died
at six years of age.
Mr. Walls has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
since January 18, 1882, and he has been the recording steward of his
church fifteen years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
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Pbhion Ck)UNTY, Wbst Vibgooa ^7
THE LISTON FAMILY.
Thomas Liston came from Delaware, apparently somewhat earlier
than 1800, and located in Pleasant, on the river hill behind Harmony
Grove. He seems to have died when his children were small. John,
said to have been a brother, settled in the same vicinity, but lived on
until about 1830. The connection has grown numerous and is scattered
over Pleasant, Grant, Valley and Kingwood.
Thomas Liston was father of Joseph, Eben, Blisha and Elizabeth.
Elisha was the grandfather of Wilbert Liston. His children were:
Lydia, Bettie, John T., iSavilla, Martha, Abraham and Clarke. Abraham
was one of the jurymen, October 11, 1869, for the trial of Elihu Gregg,
who was charged with the burning of the court house. Abraham Liston
was born in August, 1843. He was a farmer. His wife. Miss Adaline
Field, was bom in August, 1843. They were both natives of
Preston county, but married in Pennsylvania. Their children are Wil-
bert, born March 14, i860; Raymond D., May 7, 1862; Ida A., June i,
1864; Howard, October "20, 1867; Laura B., bom October 16, 1871 ; Julia
v., January i, 1874; Nellie and Garfield.
Wilbert Liston was bom March 14, i860, and raised on a farm about
three miles north of Albright. When about eighteen years old, he left
Preston for the plains of Oklahoma where he followed the life of a
herdsman. His experience as a "cow-boy" for a period of six years, if
all told in detail would make interesting reading. After those six years
of a romantic life in the West, he retumed East and for a time followed
railroading, the central offices being in Pittsburg. Two years subse-
quently he came back to Kingwood and followed various occu-
pations, but settled down finally to the carpenter trade, built the house
he lives in during the spring of 1904, and since that time has erected
many other residences. On October 20, 1892, Mr. Liston was married
at the old homestead of the bride's father to Miss Emma White, daugh-
ter of Francis Willis and Sarah White of Pleasantdale, Preston county,
whose children are : Mary E., Sabie J., Susan, Adam D., James C, Jacob
F., Margaret E., John S., Julia A., Joseph F., Emma A., who is the
wife of the subject of this sketch. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wil-
bert Liston are Nelson Hoke, bom October 11, 1893; Sarah, February
6, 1896; <George Harold, March 16, 1899; William Paul, November 16,
1900; Robert Merle, October 13, 1902; James Willis, January 6, 1906.
Nelson H. Liston is a printer.
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818 Preston County, West Yirginu
Mr. Liston was Town Sargeant of Kingwood two years, and served
three years in Company G. First Regiment of West Virginia. He is a
Knights of Pythias, Past Chancellor, and Past Grand, I. O. O. F., Mod-
ern Woodmen of America, and a member of the M. E. Church of King-
wood.
RICHARD LOAR.
Four brothers bearing the name of Loar came from Germany
to Preston county in the early days. George w^as their an-
cestor and grandfather of Richard Loar the subject of this sketch.
John Loar, father of Richard, owned a farm and kept the Half Way?
House between Masontown and Morgantown, when the latter place
was but a little village. He died about the year 1866 about 55 years of
of age. During his proprietorship of the tavern, he would keep som^
times twenty-five and thirty teams over night.
John Loar married Emeline Porter of Frostburg, Maryland. Her
mother was Irish and father Scotch. The marriage of this couple took
place about 1838. Their children were Richard, John Wesley, Sarah,
Mary, Jane, George, Samuel, Margaret, Elizabeth and Mattie.
Richard Loar was bom February 16, 1840. He staid on his fathei's
farm until grown up tilling the ground and attending school, such as it
was in his day. One winter he walked four miles to school at Reeds-
ville, the father of the present Attorney General of West Virginia, WiV-
Ham Conley, being his teacher. When twenty-five years of age, he
married Sarah Kirk about 1844. The couple moved on their farm four
miles from Reeds ville. This farm, which was the old Huddleson home,
he improved and it became one of the best homesteads in Preston
County; and here Mr. Loar lived until the death of his second wife in
191 1. His first wife was a twin to Samuel B. Kirk and daughter of
Colonel Isaiah Kirk, a man of fine appearance, having a good military
record during the Civil War, and possessing a marked individuality.
She died Their children were Anna, bom
and the mother of Earl Dixon, the Cashier of the Bank of Masontown,
and Athelene Loar, who married Homer Cobun and lives near Reeds-
viUe.
On the i8th of March, 1865, 'Mr. Loar married Cyrena Kelley, daugh-
ter of William J. Kelley and Susan (Guseman) Kelley both representa-
tives of old Prestonian families. No issue.
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Preston County, West Yirginu 819
Mrs. Cyrena Loar was a teacher in her Sabbath School fifty years.
Children of the third generation were in her class, and remember her
now as they would a saint. Mr. and 'Mrs. Loar were church workers
all their lives, and their beautiful home housed and sheltered the clergy
on missionary tours to their neighborhood in church work whenever
duty called them that way. Mr. Loar had always been a steward in the
church and a class teacher for years, and a Sabbath School Superinten-
dent a long time also. The work of this couple was always among the
children of their neighborhood, and their reward doth follow them.
EMANUEL DIXON.
The Dixon family are of English descent. The grandfather lived*
about fifteen miles from Hagerstown, Maryland. He was there during
the War of 1812, and died there about the year 1837, seventy-five years
old. William Dixon born in Hagerstown in 1809, died at Fort Freder-
ick, Maryland, in 1874. He married Ellen Kitzmiller: Eight children
were born to this union. Daniel, the oldest, was bom October 9, 1849,
at Fort Frederick. When twenty years of age he came to Gladesville.
The other children are, Kate, now dead; William, who lives in Taylor
county; Mildred F., now dead; Emanel, Susan, Nathaniel, the young-
est. Nathaniel lives in Gladesville.
Emanuel Dixon was bom in Washington county, Maryland, June 15,
1869. When a young man he came to Preston county and very success-
fully made his mark, both as a farmer and as a citizen. He owns two
farms near Arthurdale, and is a scientific agriculturist. He was a mem-
ber of the county court six years, four of which he served as president
of the board. During the past twenty years, he has been a teacher of
a Bible class in the Sunday School.
•Mr. Dixon was married April 30, 1884 to Miss Anna J., daughter of
Richard and Elizabeth Kirk Loar of Preston county. She was bom
April i6, 1866, and the children of this union are as follows: (i) Earl,
bom March 20, 1885; (2) Loar, March 10, 1887; (3) John W., Septem-
ber 5, 1888; (4) Ella, September 24, 1890; (5) James, January 7, 1893;
(6) Nora, July 2, 1895; (7) Charles E., July 6, 1897; (8) Richard How-
ard, June 9, 1899; (9) Fratik, May 12, 1901; (10) Harry A., March 5,
1903; (ii) Wesley Ford, November 24, 1904; (12) Theodore, November
17, 1907, and (13) Lucille, born August 2Ty 1909.
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820 Pbbston County, West VnunNiA
Earl Dixon, the oldest son, is cashier of the Masontown Bank. He
entered the mercantile business after completing his educational career,
and followed that pursuit for several years. He was in the employ of
S. L. Cobun in the Company's store for five years, and then ran a store
of his own at Reedsville for two years. He became Assistant Cashier
of the Masontown Bank in July 1903, and on November i, 1909, was
made Cashier. He holds other positions of prominence in Masontown,
also being identified officially with the Telephone Company, the Water
Works, and the Board of Trade. He was married to Gertrude Arthur
of Arthurdale on November i, 191 1. He is a member of the K. of P.
Lodge and of the Methodist Church.
Loar Dixon came to Masontown, after having obtained a common
school education, in 1905, at which time he entered the store operated
by S. L. Cobun, where he remained three years, and since that time he
has been in the em.ploy of the West Virginia Mercantile Company. He
is also a Knight of Pythias and has gone through all the chairs.
LEROY SHAW.
The former Sheriflf of Preston County, Leroy Shaw, a recent can-
didate for the Lower House of the State Legislature, is one of the best
known men in this part of the state. As a Republican he has served
his county to the satisfaction of his party, and enjoys the confidence of
the people whom he has from time to time, in diflferent capacities, politi-
cally, agriculturally and otherwise, represented.
His grandparents Samuel and Elizabeth (Webster) Shaw lived on
Sandy Creek, and there raised a family of twelve children. The father
died there when about sixty-eight years old.
Alexander, second child of Samuel and Elizabeth Shaw, married
Miss Sarah Money Smith, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsyl-
vania. He owned and operated a large stock farm near Kingwood and
died ahout 1867 or 68, at the age of fifty-five. He was one of the most
practical^ farmers in the county.
Their children were: Benjamin, Minerva, John Wesley, Alexander
W., William R., Elizabeth, Joseph M., Leroy, Sarah and George C.
Benjamin lost his life by an accident at seventy years of age. John
Wesley died young. Alexander W., is living in Oklahoma. William
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Preston County, Wbst VuteiNU 821
H., is a retired minister of the M. E. Church residing at Point Pleasant
W. Va. Elizabeth died. Sarah h^s her home in Atlanta, Georgia, and
George C, is in business at Grafton, W. Va.
Leroy Shaw was born near Kingwood, January 5, 1844. On July 4,
1861, he enlisted in the 7th West Virginia Infantry, was wounded at
the battle of Antietam in the hand, and being disabled for military duties
was discharged as Corporal. A few months afterwards he reenlisted in
Comjpany G, 6th West Virginia Cavalry as Sergeant and served through
the war. After the assassination of Lincoln, he served as Provost Guard
in the city of Washington, and then crossed the plains in pursuit of the
Indians. In 1865 he was stationed at Fort Casper, Dakota, and mustered
out at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in May, 1866.
Returning to Preston county Mr. Shaw kas married to Miss Nancy
Schaeflfer July 4, 1866. She was a daughter of Israel SchaefFer, one of
the pioneers of Preston county, and she is known as one of the most
efficient teachers of this part of the state. During the winter of 1912,
she suflfered greatly from a broken limb, caused by a fall on the icy
sidewalk, but most notable was her cheerful happy life without murmur
or complaint during the long months of her confinement in the County
hospital.
The first vote cast by Mr. Shaw was in 1864, for Abraham Lincoln.
Since that time he has held a number of local positions. He was Con-
stable five years; Census Enumerator in 1880; Deputy Assessor eight
years; Member of the County Court four years, and president of that
one year. In 1892, he was elected Sheriff of the County, and his special
fitness for that office was proven by a successful arrest of a band of
horse thieves noted for their daring and desperateness of character.
Word had come to Mr. Shaw that this gang of men were just leaving
Albrightsville. The outlaws consisted of George and William Smithley,
Harvey Archibald and one Peterson. The Sheriff and two of his depu-
ties met this gang of men just below Benoni Jordan's residence. They
were coming towards Kingwood. George Harvey and William Smith-
ly rode on one horse. At the command of the Sheriff to dismount and
give themselves up, George Smithly, who was riding in advance of the
others, fired at Mr. Shaw the bullet taking effect in his breast where it
still is in the right lining, having remained there during the past twenty
years. As soon as the flash from Smithly's gun was seen Mr. Shaw fired
a shot at him, and at the same time Smithly fired at Jackson, who in re-
turn fired two shots, killing Smithly's horse and causing the rider to
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822 Preston County, West Vibginia
fall violently to the ground. In the melee, only a few minutes having
transpired the four outlaws were dismounted, handcuffed, and after hav-
ing been made secure, were marched off to the King^ood jail. In the
meantime, Mr. Shaw fainting from weakness and loss of blood, was car-
ried to Mr. Jordan's house where Drs. Manown, Pri^tt and McMillan
soon after visited him, dressed his wounds and saved his life.
Mr. Shaw is a man of remarkable force of character. As a farmer, his
chosen avocation in life, he has gained an enviable notoriety as a success-
ful agriculturist. Probably no tiller of the soil in West Virginia has taken
more interest in scientific farming than Mr. Shaw. He likes skillful
farming, for the good it does. It has not been a mercenary following
with him, and his pen as well as his pocketbook has been put to use
when his neighbor as well as himself was to be benefitted. Naturally
enough, positions of honor and trust came upon him. He is well known
as an official at state and county fairs, as president of com shows,
director and manager of fruit growing societies, stock breeding asso-
ciations, and the work done by him in these several capacities will live
long after Mr. Shaw is dead and gone. As a writer, Mr. Shaw wields
a ready pen, as facile as it is easy and natural. As a citizen he is open
and above board, and as a public official his record corresponds with
his life, while the home of Mr. and Mrs. Shaw is a delightful one.
JOHN ORMOND WALLS.
The Walls family, of Grant district, are descendants from James
Walls, who settled in that part of the county before its separation from
Monongalia. He came from Delaware, and was buried on the farm. His
grandson, Solomon Walls, was born July i8, 1823. He lived on a part
of the old homestead, a farm of about 200 acres, now owned by his two
sons. He was a public-spirited citizen of the commonwealth, and a
patriot also. His name can be found in another part of this work as
one of the soldiers of the late Civil War, he having served nearly three
years in the 3rd Maryland Regiment, and as corporal of his company.
In the month of June, 1870, he married his second wife, the widow of
John A. Michael, whose maiden name was Nancy Ormond. Her mother
was a Hamilton, who came with her parents to this country from Ireland
when in her childhood. Her brother, John Ormond, who was a member
of the Board of Education for several years, lives near Pisgah, on a
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Pbbston CJounty, Wbst Virginia 821
farm. Her two children, by John Michaels, became lawyers, who
attained to some notoriety in the chosen profession. Walter H. Michael,
now dead, was a graduate of the West Virginia University, after which
he taught in the colleges in North Carolina for a while, then studied and
practiced law in Minnesota, and subsequently edited law books, first for
Edward Thompson, then for the American Law Book Company of New
York. His brother, James Clark Michael, was city attorney for eight
years at St. Paul, Minnesota. He is still living. The children by that
second marriage were: John Ormond, born March 21, 1871, and Orpheus
S., born July 18,. 1873. On his father's fiftieth birthday, February i,
1897, Solomon Walls died of pneumonia and was buried in Pleasant
Hill Cemetery.
The two sons were raised farmers. They were educated in the
common schools, and for six years owned and operated a store in
Pisgah. They improved the farm and added about 50 acres to it.
In the year 191 1 a steam well digger was bought, and during the
past two years about forty-five artesian wells have been dug, the firm
name being J. O. & O. S. Walls. Of these the shallowest was 27 feet,
and the deepest 160 feet. Farming and well digging were carried on
simultaneously.
J. O. Walls marr\fd Miss Edmina Maude King on March 25, 1911.
She is a granddaughter of Alpheus King, still living at the age of 91
years. Her father, James King, married Miss Cerilda Liston. They live
on a farm in Grant district.
The Walls are Democrats and members of the Lutheran and
Methodist churches.
BERNARD D. SPIKER.
Henry Spiker was an early settler who lived at Albright. His son
John, is one of the prominent men at this time of Bruceton Mills, and
his grandson, Bernard D. Spiker, is a merchant at Brandonville. His
stock of goods is of a general character, consisting of groceries, hard-
ware, furniture, clothing, and extensive enough to supply the demand
of a large country trade.
Mr. Spiker was born September 2, 1872, in the village of Albright,
but when quite young his father moved to Morgan's Glade. He stayed
until sixteen years of age, going to school and working on a farm. In
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824 Pbmton Ooxtntt, Wsst Vibginu
1888 another removal was made, the family going this time to a farm
in Pleasant district that was bought of C H. Hans. Before he was
quite seventeen years old, young Mr. Spiker found himself competent
to teach school and in charge of one in Pleasant district, and he con-
tinued teaching in Pleasant and Grant districts for twelve successive
years. In 1901 another venture was made in the business world, this
time being a trip to Pittsburgh, where he was employed by the West-
inghouse Electric Supply Company. He remained there four years and
then came back to Preston county and settled on a farm between Bruce-
ton and Brandonville. The raising of grain and the dealing in stock,
however, did not appeal strongly to his mind, and after a four ycarS
stay here he changed his occupation. In January, 191 1, he purchased
the store then owned by W. A. Nedrow, and from that time has been
doing a general merchandising business in and around Brandonville.
February i, 191 1, he was appointed postmaster of Brandonville, and he
still holds that position.
September 30, 1892, Mr. Spiker was married to Zona Metheny,
daughter of W. H. Metheny and Emma (King) Metheny, of Rockville.
Her father is one of the leading business men of the county, is a broad-
minded, public-spirited citizen of the. general commonwealth. Mrs.
Spiker is a woman possessed of charming manners, and, like her hus-
band, is very popular. Together they make a strong company in the
running of a general store and have a large patronage. Their children
are: Nellie, born September 3, 1895; Hazel, born September 30, 1897;
Thelma, born October 30, 1904; an infant that died in 1907; and Bemice,
who was bom June 25, 1909.
Mr. Spiker is a Republican. The family worship with the Methodists.
THE JORDAN FAMILY.
Benoni Jordan, of Kingwood, is a descendant of Irish parentage on
his father's side and is in maternal lineage with the Miller family. His
father, Christopher Jordan, came to Kingwood with his father from
Maryland and settled on the farm where his son was bom, March 21,
1829, and where he still lives. Christopher Jordan married Sarah,
daughter of John Miller and Catherine Neff, and built the house now
standing on the farm. 'He was an enterprising farmer and cattle drover.
On his last trip to Baltimore with a drove of hogs and cattle, which was
about 1830, he was waylaid, robbed and murdered, it is supposed, as he
never returned, nor was ever heard of again.
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Preston County, Wbst Viboinu 825
Abraham Miller, the father of John, came from the Shenandoah
Valley. He firrst camped on Cheat RiVer about two miles back from
the wooded entrance of Kingwood. That was about 1780. He pre-
empted a large tract of land, some 1,500 acres in all, and gave to each
of his three children 125 acres and retained 750 acres for himself. This
was in troublesome times with the Indians. Between the years of 1776
and 1788, when Green was killed and Morgan had been murdered by
the savages, life was uncertain. Awakened one night by a noise, an
Indian was seen to flit behind a tree, and Abraham then awakened his
liwo sons and crawled noiselessly to the river bank, only a few feet
away. Having reached a place of security, he remained in his hiding
place until morning, and then took his departure for the Shenandoah
Valley. The Indians prowled around until morning, and, not finding
anyone, left the premises. The killing of Green was the last outrage of
the kind perpetrated by the Indians in Preston county.
John Miller at that time was but a mere boy. When grown up he
came back and located on his tract of land, a part of which is now King-
wood. The children of John were : Henry, who settled about six milt»s
west of Kingwood ; David, who resided on the farm adjoining the home-
stead, and Benjamin. The daughters were: Mary, who married Thomas
McGee and lived where the county court house is now; Anna, who
married John Francisco and resided one-half mile west of Kingwood,
and Sarah, the wife of 'Christopher Jordan, the father of Benoni
The children of Christopher and Sarah Jordan were: John, Thomas
and James, who went to Indianapolis, Indiana, in their younger days,
and died there. Benoni, their fourth son, remained at home and cared
for his widowed mother. On the farm he now lives on he grew up,
identifying himself from early life with the interests of the homestead
and neighborhood. His education was commenced in an old log school-
house not two hundred yards from his mother's door, and in this rude
log structure school was kept on week days and preaching the Gospel
of Good News was often proclaimed there on Sundays. It was one of
the first schoolhouses in the county, if not the first, and rude though it
was, as much hard thinking was done there probably as in the academies
and colleges elsewhere. Here on a puncheon floor, on benches stretched
around the room, along walls chunked and daubed with stone and
mud to keep the cold wind out of the house, and before a fireplace that
would take in a twelve-foot log, some of the first pedagogues of West
Virginia thrashed not a few of the boys and girls through arithmetic,
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826 Preston County, West Vibqinia
geography and grammar, and who afterward became leading citizens
of the county. Here Gustavus Cresap, afterwards prosecuting attorney
for thirty years, wielded the birch, but was made to treat the school on
one fine Christmas morning or take a baptismal dip in the waters of the
creek below. Fogerson, probably the first teacher in Preston county,
taught here. After him came Nicholson, John Francisco, then Smith
Crane, county clerk afterwards, and all of whom became Mr. Jordan's
teachers. In due time the Kingwood Academy, with its more advanced
course of study, was established, and Mr. Jordan went there to school.
His education withal was sufficient to make him a close observer, and
a great reader, and with his good memory and clear mind, his education
has been made of use to himself and others as well.
Mr. Jordan was raised a Whig, but at the birth of the Republican
party cast his political interests with them. During the war he was the
only support of his widowed mother and had to remain at home, but he
did service as a militiaman equal to a veteran in the regular service
almost. His company at repeated times was called upon to drive the
rebels from the state and to guard the B. & O. Railroad from Terra Alta
to Grafton. On one of these occasions they captured seventy-five
prisoners.
'Mrs. Jordan was a daughter of Josiah and Joanna Sears, who lived
in Morgantown. Her given name was Mary Allen. On 'March i6, 191 1,
she died at the age of seventy-five years. Their children were : Minnie
Kildow, mother of four children ; (2) Anna Ulrich, who has one child.
Her husband is in the Government Printing Office at Washington. (3)
Sarah Gerkins, whose husband is a photographer at Cumberland, Mary-
land ; (4) and Alonzo Jordan, the only son, who lives on the home place,
and whose marriage to Miss Eunice Hogue, of Columbus, but recently
took place. The Jordan family have always worshipped as Presby-
terians. Mr. Jordan has also been a member of a number of other
organizations, among them the Know Nothing Party, Odd Fellows and
The Sons of Temperance.
The Jordan farm is a valuable tract of land consisting of 125 acres and
yields fruit and grain in abundance when the seasons are favorable. It
adjoins the old Miller homestead that in earlier times became the first
post office seat for this part of Preston county. It was a way station,
as it were, for mails on the way to Morgantown from farther cast.
David Miller, a post rider for the settlement, was attacked on one of his
trips over the mountains by a robber, and after that he would never
carry the mail again.
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Preston County, West Virginia 827
WIIvUAlM THOMAS WHITE.
The White family is a numerous one. Some are descendants of
Scotch parentage, some of English. The earliest history we can find of
William Thomas White, hardware merchant and postmaster of Terra
Aha, goes back to William White, of Oakland, Maryland, whose family
became somewhat prominent there early in the last century. Thornton
White, son of William, was born in Allegheny county (now Garrett
county), Maryland, at a point not far from what is now known as the
White, farm, at Hutton, on March 29, 1823. He remained there until
early manhood, and then he married Miss Catherine Stoyer and moved
to Gladesville, where he became well and favorably known. He was a
progressive citizen, honest and upright, and "his life," says one who
intimately knew him, "if studied from early manhood until the end,
would in its extreme simplicity and usefulness excite men to deeds of
kindness, and of duties to man rarely practiced in the present age of
civilization."
Mr. Thornton White was a merchant, a postmaster, and a farmer.
In 1 861 he became an employee of the B. & O. Railroad Company and
lived at Newburg until 1865, and then moved to Cranberry Summit,
now Terra Alta, where he became associated with J. R. Smoot in the
general merchandising business. In 1887, Mr. White, then living in
Terra Alta, retired from business until his death, which occurred July
23, 1902. His wife died November 8, 1854. Their marriage occurred
February 6, 1845. Their only child was a daughter, now the widow of
John Stuck, of Newburg. ♦
On February 7, 1856, Mr. White married Bersheba A. Davis,
daughter of Thomas Davis, a relative of Jefferson Davis, president of
the Southern Confederacy. Of this marriage five children were born,
namely : Lewis P., a banker ; William T., hardware merchant ; Mary C,
Loretta R., and Hattie J. White, a leading teacher in Preston county.
iMrs. White was a Christian woman and a devoted wife and mothet.
She had been a member of the Baptist Church for more than fifty years,
and beloved by every one. Her death, which occurred January 19, 1909,
was felt as a great loss to the community in which she lived.
William Thomas White, postmaster and merchant of Terra Alta,
was bom in Gladesville, W. Va., September 26, 1858. He was educated
in the public schools of his native town and began his career in life as
a clerk in a general store, since which time he has become identified
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S28 Preston County, Wbst Viboinia
as one of the leading citizens of his town and county. His father and
the late Hon. John P. Jones were close friends, and the two houses of
White and Jones were eventually bound more closely together by the
son, William T. White, marrying Miss Adaline Jones, after which the
firm of "Jo^cs & White" was formed and a business in general merchan-
dising commenced. In 1885 Mr. White purchased all interest in the
partnership, since which time he has done a large business himself, and
since the year 1900 conducted solely an exclusive hardware store. In
1910 he was appointed postmaster of Terra Alta. Mr. White was mar-
ried to Miss Adaline Jones. She was born at Ebansburg, Cambria
county, Pennsylvania, June 4, i860, and was the daughter of the late
Hon. John P. Jones, several times a menuber of the State Legislature
of both the Lower and Upper Houses of West Virginia. He was bom
in Aberaron, Wales, June 21, 1832, and died in Terra Alta, Septembci
26, 1900. His parents came to this country in 1837, first locating in
Pittsburgh. Afterwards they removed to Ebansburg, Pennsylvania,
where Mr. White was born. He was married at Ebansboirg, Pennsyl-
vania, April 17, 1865, to Hannah E. Rogers, a most estimable lady, and
to them were born the following children : Dr. Harriet B. Jones, a suc-
cessful physician of Wheeling; Scott T. Jones, cashier of the Garrett
National Bank at Oakland ; Adaline, wife of W. T. White ; Cora C, now
the wife of Mr. Charles A. Rinard, of Kentland, Indiana; and Mollie,
now deceased, who was the wife of James Anderson, of Parkersburg.
The mother of these children was called from life October 12, 1894.
The father was a thoroughly trained business man. He was engaged
in the lumber business in Philadelphia until 1863, when he came to
Terra Alta and did a large business here as a merchant from 1870 to
1880, when he retired. He was a man who was held in high esteem
politically as well as otherwise and held numerous ofiices. He repre-
sented Preston county in the State Legislature in 1870, and ag^in in
1872, and in 1876 he was elected to the State Senate and served in that
body with distinction four years. In 1887 he was again elected to the
Lower House of the State Legislature. Besides this he was honored
by his party as a delegate to the most important State Convention and
waa four years member of the County Board of Commissioners. He
was a member of the Presbyterian Church and virtually founded the
first one himself in Terra Alta, and shortly afterwards opened what
was practically the first Sunday school ever held in the town, and the
rule of his life was to attend all services regularly. For many years
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Preston County, West Vibqinia 829
Mr. Jones was agent h-ere for the American Bible Society, giving his time
and oftentimes his means to place Bibles in every home. In the death
of Mr. Jones, Terra Alta lost a great friend.
William T. White and his sons, as merchants in the hardware line
and managers of the city post oflfice, have maintained the high standard
of business life and social standing of both the paternal and maternal
sides of their ancestors. They are pains-taking, careful, honest and
accommodating. The children of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. White are as
follows: John Hugh White, born at Terra Alta, June 9, 1886; Herbert
Harold White, born December 15, 1888. He married Leola Warner.
One daughter, Eloise, was born to them, March, 1909. MoUie Eugenia
and Margaret Lovetta, born September 9, 1891. Margaret Lovetta died
August 28, 1892. Scott Lewis White, born July 31, 1893.
Mr. William T. White is a Past Master and a 3^nd degree Mason.
He is a Past Supreme Representative of the Knights of Pythias,
and treasurer of the Home Board. In matters financial, besides his large
interest in the business world, he is a director of the First National
Bank of Terra AHa and was one of its charter members. He has been
a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and one of its elders for
many years. He is a staunch Republican, a man of high ideals in life,
and a well and favorably known citizen of Preston county.
WILLIAM M. BISHOP.
Adam Bishop came from Moorefield to Kingiwood in 1843. He was
owner and proprietor of the Union Hotel. William M. Bishop, vice-
president of the Terra Alta National Bank, and one of the substantial
citizens of Preston county, was born in Fellowsville, January 11, 1870.
He was the son of Mack B. and Rachel Bishop, of that iplace.
When eighteen years of age, Mr. Bishop learned the telegraph busi-
ness and operated on the B. & O. line for eleven years. On April i,
1894, he was married to Ida E. Albright, daughter of Edmund and
Nancy Jane Albright, of Garrett county, Md. By this marriage three
children were bom : Tay, Marvin and Willie.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Bishop began the mercantile business,
and has continued in that line of trade to the present time and is now
one of the most successful and best known merchants in Preston county.
First he was with E. B. Hauger a year and a half, then with DeBerry
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830 Prbston CJounty, West Viboinia
and Bishop five years, and one year in Rowlesburg .by himseK, after
which he and D. W. Frazee established the **Terra Alta Bargain House."
That partnership was continued until June 19, 191 1, since which time
Mr. Bishop, having bought out all interests, has been conducting the
store himself but doing 'business under the old name.
'Mr. Bishqp is also the owner of several farms and deals somewhat
extensively in blooded stock, his preference, for a dairy he owns, being
in favor of the Holstein cattle. He is also interested in the Shetland
pony and keeps a number of them, finding the business interesting as
well as profitable. The first silo in this part of the county was built by
Mr. Bishop.
In 1908 Mr. Bishop began the lime business. He purchased a large
quarry near the town and opened it up under the name of the "Terra
Alta Lime Connpany." He sold a one-half interest in the stock, since
which time he has not been able to supply one-half of the demand,
owing to the good quality of the product produced, notwithstanding
from fifteen to twenty men are employed and the lime shipped whole-
sale throughout West Virginia and the neighboring states as fast as cars
can be furnished for its transportation.
'Mr. Bishop was also one of the original founders of the First Na-
tional Bank of Terra Alta and is now vice-president and one of its
directors. His success in life has been due to his close attention to
business, the rule being with him not to undertake more than he can
well attend to.
Mr. Bishop and his family are active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He belongs also to the Masonic fraternity and is a
member of the Knights of Pythias.
THOMAS M. BOONE.
The Boones were French H-uguenots. When driven out of France some
went to Scotland, some to England and some to Ireland. Daniel Boone,
the great pioneer, came of English stock. The great-great-grandfather
of the subject of this sketch went to Scotland. His name was James.
His son, George, came to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and lo-
cated there early in the eighteenth century. Descendants of the Irish
branch settled in Pittsburgh. They retained the old orthography, spell-
ing the name DeBoens.
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Preston County, West Virginia 831
George Boone, son of James, died in Holmes county, Ohio, in 1858,
about 84 years of age. During the last ten years of his life he was
totally blind. He married Elizabeth Hutchinson, whose mother was a
Marshall, a cousin to Daniel Boone's wife, who was a Marshall also.
Elizabeth died in 1836 or 1837. Her parents were old Scotch Cove-
nanters, the same as the Boones and the Hutchinsons.
Children of George and Elizabeth Boone were: (i) Margaret, who
married Mr. Pepard and moved to Loraine county, Ohio. (2) James,
the father of Thomas M. (3 and 4) Eliza and George, who were twins.
Eliza married a Mr. Ross and took up a residence in MillersUurg, Ohio.
George married Sarah Hailey. jShe lived and died in Holmes county,
Ohio. (5) William was active in the Underground Railway for run-
away slaves. He lived in Loraine county, Ohio. Slaves making their
escape on that line from Marietta to Canada would be brought by his
brother, James, in Holmes county, to his house, and from there he would
take them to safe quarters on the lake, to be deported by another party
to Canada. (6) Samuel and (7) Thomas moved to Washington county,
Iowa. (8) Maria, married Hugh Truesdale, a brother to Tamar Trues-
dale, the wife of James and mother of Thomas M. The Truesdales were
Scotch Covenanters. (9) Hutchinson is living near Vincennes, Indiana.
(10) Isabel, married Captain Hughes, who commanded a company in
an Iowa Regiment during the Civil War. (11) John Irwin was a
physician. He went to California in 1849 and practiced his profession
there.
The Boone and Truesdale families were very patriotic. There were
sixty of these two families in the Civil War of 1861-65.
James Boone was born in Beavers county, Pennsylvania, in 1802. In
1810 he moved to Holmes county, Ohio, where he lived until 1865, when
he moved to Johnston county, in Missouri, and in 1875 he moved to
ChaflFee county, Colorado, where he died in 1880. He was married to
Tamar Truesdale, of Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1825. Her people
moved to Ohio in 1811 and lived north of Fredericksburg, in Wayne
county. James and Tamer lived in Holmes county on a farm adjoining
the Vallandingham farm, where the noted C. L. 'was born and raised..
The county was full of sympathizers for the South, and many an inter-
esting story could be told of runaway slaves finding refuge in the attic
story of James Boone's house, where they were kept in hiding during
the day and then taken from there by night to his brother William's
house in Loraine county, and from there by night again they were taken
to some port on the lake between Toledo and Cleveland, where another
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832 PsEgTON County, Waar Vmomu
friend of the distressed would pat them on some boat for the opf>osite
shore. The children of James and Tamar (Truesdale) Boone were:
(i) James, who was in the late war and died in Leavenworth, Kansas.
He and his brother, George H., belonged to the ist Colorado and p^-
ticipated in those engagements which drove Price out of Missouri.
(2) Elizabeth married Thomas Cameron, of Holmes county, Ohio. (3)
William Ross was a member of the same regiment McKinley belonged
to, from Ohio. He died of typhoid fever in 1862. (4) Hugh Clarke was
a member of the i6th Ohio. He had both arms shattered by a shell at
Pittsburg Landing. (5) David C. and (6) Samuel belonged to the 102nd
Ohio. Samuel C. was a prisoner in Andersonvdlle, Libbey, and at
Cahaba, Alabama. He was killed January 22, 1875, ^^ Colorado. (7)
Nancy M., married Mayol, a Frenchman. He died, then she married
Samuel Hartsell. She died April 26, 191 1. (8) John S., (9) George H.,
and (10) Hugh C, are living in Colorado. (11) Maria, died in Colo-
rado. She married Moreland Gibson, and in 1871 moved to Missouri.
In 1876 they moved to Colorado. He died September i, 1876. She then
married Jess Davis, and died at Grand Junction in 1886. (12) Sarah
married Alexander Hogue, who died September 25, 1906. They lived
in Colorado. (13) John Seymour was in the Spanish War. He was
under General Chaffee and saw service also in Pekin, China. He is
now in the Soldiers' Home at Monte Christo.
Thomas M. Boone was bom in Holmes county, Ohio, went to Mis-
souri with his parents in 1865, and from there to Colorado. He was a
cowboy and herded cattle in Texas and Montana. On the 15th of
October, 1890, he married Elizabeth C. Hartsell. She was a daughter
of George W. Hirtsell, of this county, West Virginia. After living
three years in Colorado he went to Seattle, Washington, and lived
there from 1884 to 1889, and then he moved to Virginia. In 1891 he
moved to Kingwood, where he has been ever since. In the West he
was a practical miner and an assayist of some recognized ability. He
has been a stonemason since coming to this state. On January 7, 1892,
he became a member of the Methodist Church on probation, and in
July was taken into full membership, shortly after which he was made
a member of the Church Board, wKich position he has held ever since.
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PsnroN County, Wbst Virginia 833
J. E. MURDOCH.
Brevet Captain James Eyster Murdock was born in Kingwood, W.
Va., January i, 1842.
The father of the subject of this sketch, John Smart Murdock, was
bom in Monongalia county Va. (now West Virginia), January 14, 1809,
of Scotch-Irish descent. He learned the blacksmith trade at Morgan-
town, W. Va., under Shepard Dawson. He came to Kingwood, W. Vix.,
in 1827, working at his trade for a number of years. He married
Rebecca Minor, who was bom in Preston county, W. Va., and whose
parents were German. To this union there were bom eight boys and
three girls: Thomas I., William B., Israel B., Marcellus H., Godfrey
G., James E., Elisha iH., Charles E., Susan F., Mary A., and Jane E.
When the Civil War broke out and a call for troops was made, James E.
enlisted as a private, July 4, 1861, from Kingwood, Va. (now W. Va.).
in Company A, 7th Regiment Va. Volunteer Infantry (npw W. Va.),
He was promoted to brevet captain and rendered important service dur-
ing that trying time. He was iwounded four times : at Antietam, Fred-
ericksburg., Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor. For the wound received at
Fredericksburg he was treated in Mount Pleasant Hospital, Washing-
ton, D. C, two months. His battle list includes numerous hard-fought
fields: Romney, Bloomery, Front Royal, Port Republic, Malvem Hill,
Harrison's Landing, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chan-
cellorsville, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Robinson's River, Auburn,
Bristoe Station, Bull Run, Mine Run, Morton's Ford, Wildemess,
Spottsylvania, Petersburg, North Anna River, Totopotoing, Deep Bot-
tom, Hatcher's Run, Ream's Station, Bardstown, and Cold Harbor. He
was honorably discharged November 24, 1864, at Petersburg, Va. He
has held the office of adjutant, Kelly Post No. 11 1, G. A. R., for a num-
ber of years ; was elected township treasurer ; was appointed postmaster
under the first administration of President Cleveland; clerk of the
Board of Education of Kingwood, fifteen years. He joined the M. E.
Church at Kingwood, W. Va., February i, 1868, under the pastorate of
Coleman Wilson. He was secretary of the Sunday school for twenty-
five years, only missing two Sundays in that time. He was married by
Rev. "Moore McNeal, of the M. E. Church, to Martha Ann Basnett,
November i, 1870, who was born at Cassville, Monongalia county, W.
Va., January 14, 1845, ^tnd whose parents were of German descent. To
this union there were bom two boys and two girls: William Henry
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834 Preston County, West Vieginu
Murdock, born August 2, 1871 ; Julia Caywood Murdock, born October
2, 1875; Minnie Basnett Murdock, born December 5, 1878; James
Eyster Murdock, Jr., born October 17, 1874.
'He was a charter member Brown Lodge No. 32, K. of P.; was
mustered into the Independent Order of Red Men and the Order of
U. A. Mechanics. He was in the mercantile business and for a number
of years a clerk in a drygoods store, drug store, and hardware store.
THE BROWNING FAMILY.
Meshach Browning was one of the pioneer hunters in Preston
county. In 1859, the year of his death also, he published an "Auto-
biography," setting forth thrilling accounts of his life as a hunter. The
reliability of Mr. Browning's work is vouched for by such authorities
as Judge Thomas Perry of the Fourth Judicial District of Pennsylvania
and others who knew the correctness of many things that appear
strange, almost miraculous. His work is entitled, **Forty-Four Years in
the Life of a Hunter." During that time Mr. Browning killed nearly 2,000
deer, 500 bears, about 50 panthers, more than 1,000 rattlesnakes, and
scores of wolves and other beasts. Many of them were in Preston
county. He was not a very large man, but a powerful man physically
and an athlete of great note. On two occasions he entered the bears'
cave and fought with the bruins in their den.
Meshach Browning was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in
1871. He was the son of Joshua and Nancy, whose four children were:
Dorcas, Joshua, Jeremiah, and Meshach. In 1792 the family moved
into Monongalia county. When he was two weeks old, Meshach's
mother became a widow and the boy was raised by an uncle, James
Spurgeon. In time he married Mary McMuUen and settled in Sang
Run, Garrett county, Maryland. She was an excellent woman, and
died in 1839. James Browning, a son of Meshach and Mary, was born
June 21, 1814, on Sang Run. He was reared in Garrett county, Mary-
land, on a farm, and attended a subscription school. In May, 1836, he
was married to Ismena Barnard, and to them were born ten children:
Franklin, deceased; Notley B., of Terra Alta; Mary, now widow of
Smith Kelly; Rebecca, widow of J. H. Feather; Maria Susan, deceased;
Meshach, of Blaine, W. Va.; Susan, the second, wife of A. H.
Parsons, of Terra Alta ; Minnie C, wife of Dr. M. L. Fitchner, of Terra
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Preston County, West Virginia 835
Alta, W. Va. ; Isaac, of Preston; F-erdinand, of Thomas, W. Va.;
Louisa, wife of Charles Jackson, of Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. Adam H.
Parsons was one of the oldest and best known citizens of Preston
county. He was born in Tucker county in 1840. His second marriage
gave birth to four sons KDrra, Claude, Ernest and Harry, now all well-
to-do young men.
In 1865 Mr. James Brown came from Cranesville to Terra Alta
where he conducted a railroad boarding house for some six years, then
removed back to Cranesville. He died January 30, 1900.
JOHN A FEATHER.
The family of the Feathers have become very numerous and con-
siderably diffused. They are of German descent, from James Feather,
who come to America as a redemptioner about 1775. He served seven
years in the Continental army. In 1790 he came to Preston county
and settled on the Martin farm, north of Guseman, but afterwards
moved to the Jacob B. Feather place, near Lenox. His wife survived
him until i860. Their seven sons lived in the same neighborhood.
Joseph B., Charles E. and Dana S. are Methodist preachers. Joseph,
son of Jacob, father of John H. Feather, the well-known county super-
intendent of schools, was bom September 14, 1816. He lived at Crab
Orchard, then at Valley Point, and finally at Bruceton Mills, where
he died in 1894. -He married Lydia Hartman. She was bom May 20,
1819. Their children were: Mary Jane, Sarah, John H., Margaret,
Wesley and Michael, all of whom were reared at Crab Orchard.
John H. Feather, one of the most prominent men in the county,
was bom April 15, 1842. He was raised on the farm and received his
primary education in the district schools. He was a great student atid
a self-made man. He was an agriculturist, in an educated sense of that
term, as well as a practical farmer. At eighteen years of age he began
teaching school, and continued to teach for eight-een years. His last
school was in Bruceton. In the meantime he was a soldier in the War
of the Rebellion and was adjutant of David Gibson Post. He was then
elected county superintendent of schools and filled that office success-
fully for six years. He was many times a member and secretary of the
Board of Education. He was also a deputy sheriff one term. He was
justice of the peace of Grant district for a time and held other positions
of honor and trust in the county until his death, September 10, 1894.
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836 PbESTON CtoUNTT, WbOT VnKUNIA
August 25, 1867, John H. Feather was married to Rebecca Brown-
ing, daughter of James. She was bom December 21, 1843. Their
children were: (i) Venitia Blanche, bom August 25, 1869, married to
Rev. W. H. Berry, September 20, 1893, at Bmceton Mills. (2)
Isminnie Idesie, born June 19, 1876. She married Walton Davis, a
postal clerk on the B. & O. Railroad, July 29, 1903.
John H. Feather was a member of the Methodist E4>iscopal Church
thirty-five years. Rev. Mr. Berry was educated at Roanoke College
and took his theological course in the seminary at Gettysburg. He has
had charge of the Lutheran Church at Aurora for nine years.
HUBERT PE'NTONY.
The Pentony family are of Irish descent. Hubert Pentony, mer-
chant, of Tunnelton, son of Thomas and Matilda J. (Snyder) Pentony,
was born in Preston county, on a farm near Reedsville, March 28, 1875.
His maternal grandparents, John and Susan Snyder, lived on a farm
near Reedsville also. His father, Thomas, came to America from Ire-
land in 1855. He was twelve years old at that time, and seven weeks
on board a sailing ship while coming over. The ship wharfed in New
York, but the lad located first in Pennsylvania, then moved to Iowa,
but subsequently same to West Virginia. He ran a farm near Reeds-
ville, but was a successful miner and left his family a competency when
he died in 1896.
The children born to this union were three daughters and one son,
of whom two are now living and two are dead. The mother is also
living.
Hubert Pentony stayed on the farm until sixteen years of age, and
then he too went to work in the mines. In 1902 he engaged in the livery
business, but a year or so afterwards he sold oflF his horses and went
back to mining. In 1909 he formed a partnership with Mr. A. H. Hal-
britter, under the firm name of Halbritter & Pentony, for the purpose
of conducting a trade in the line of general merchandising in Tunnel-
ton. The ifirm erected their business block in 191 2. Their storerooms /
are filled with a large stock of goods and their trade is one of the |
largest of the kind in Preston county. #
April 27, 1902, Mr. Pentony married Irma Maude Ashby, daughter
of Frank F. and Elizabeth (May) Ashby, of Tunnelton. Her father
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Fwrnnonf Ocmnr, Wmt Yummu %$7
wu a veteran soldier of the Civil War» having been a member of the
6th West Virginia Cavahy.
Children born to Mr. and Mrs. Pentony are: Hilda Vivian,
October J0» 1902; Justice Millard^ October 18, 1904; Thelma Catherine,
May 26, 1908, and Thomas Dale, January 5, 1911.
Mr. Pentony has but little inclination for outside pleasures and
porsttits, neverthdess he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and
the Masonic fraternities.
ODOROE W. ASHBURN.
The Ashbum family, of Preston county, is of Scotch-Irish descent.
William, the grandfather, went from Greene county, Pennsylvania, to
Cook county, Illinois, when a little boy. His parents settled on the
Wabash Railroad, about twelve miles from Chicago, which place and
settlement became known as Ashbum. His children were Jessie, Wil-
liam, Joseph and Aaron, and all became educated people. William was
a teacher twenty-one years in Doddridge county. West Virginia. He
was also a member of the State Legislature at one time.
Aaron came to West Virginia in 1830 and settled on the Jacob
Moody farm, near Reedsville. This tract of land was taken up by Wil-
liam Menear from a patent in 1783, when John Page was governor. It
was a large tract, originally covering 2,000 acres. Menear sold his
portion to Moody for a cow and an old flintlock musket. This was the
Ashbum homestead, which for beauty of situation, fertility of soil and
picturesque beauty is hardly equaled in Preston county. Aaron Ash-
bum was a man of considerable force and character. He was bom
January i, 1807, and died November 24, 1861. It fell to his lot, as a
frontiersman, to bla^e the pioneer way through Preston county in
several particulars. He w^ a carpenter, as well as a farmer, and put
up the first frame house in the county. This was his own dwelling-
house, erected in 1841. The next year he built his frame bam.
In those days, when deer and other game were plenty, skill in marks-
manship was one of the considered excellencies of pioneer life, and it
is said of Aaron Ashbum that his rifle was the most unerring of any
that could be found in West Virginia. It was not difficult for him to
hit the center of the mark one hundred yards distant. Some of his
exploits in the chase equalled those of Meshach Browning, an account
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838 Preston County, West VmfflNU
of which may be found in another part of this work. Mr. Ashbum was
also a very successful crier at public sales. His services as an
auctioneer were in great demand. It was on a return trip from an
auction sale that he was killed by being thrown from his horse. The
horse was a vicious animal, and after throwing his lider bit oflF his
hand, and in this condition he was found, having bled to death.
Mr. Aaron Ashbum married Hannah Coleman. She was the daugh-
ter of Elijah Coleman, who lived on Carter's Run, near Winchester,
Virginia, and was born on Lincoln's birthday. Her marriage to Mr.
Ashbum took place before 1830. To them were bom four boys and
three girls, namely: (i) William, born in 1830, died in Parkersburg,
West Virginia, having been burned to death in a big mill. (2) Ephraim
distinguished himself as a veteran soldier in the late Civil War. After-
wards he became one of General Custer's staff officers on the Western
plains. His death took place at Fort Casper, December 6, 1866. While
in the South he was captured and sent to Andersonville prison, but in
the exchange of officers was released. He was orderly sergeant of his
company. (3) Enos, whose recent death, April 14, 1902, in R'eedsville,
is well remembered. He married Phoebe Parks and lived on the old
Ashbum homestead, where he raised three children. His wife died in
1903. He wa3 a very successful farmer and a philanthrc^ist. The lot
on which the present school building now stands was given by Enos
Ashbum to the village. (4) James, the next son, was also a soldier in
the late war with the South. He enlisted in the 14th West Virginia
Infantry in 1862; was wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek, in that
renowned raid of Sheridan, and died March 2, 1866. July 4, 1865, he
■married Elizabeth Dill. He died after an amputation of his leg. (5)
Louisiana, the oldest daughter of Aaron Ashbum, married George
Spurgeon, and lives in Dallas, Texas. (6) Elizabeth married Miles H.
Orr, and lives at Masontown. (7) Amanda married Simon Snyder.
They had three boys and five girls. She ds dead. He lives in Morgati-
town. (8) Catherine married Daniel Orr, and they have four children.
They live at Independence. (9) George Washington Ashbum, the
subject of this sketch, was bom August 28, 1851. His education was
obtained in the district school. He is a great reader, is a careful
observer, and is well informed and an intelligent citizen of the great
commomvealth. As an agriculturist, his attentions have been confined
to farming, which he has conducted on a scientific basis. As a breeder
of fine stock, the record made is an enviable one. Of cattle, the Angus
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Preston County, West Virginia 839
and Hereford blood .predominate ; hogs are of the PoUand China breed ;
chickens, Rhode Island Reds; sheep are Shropshire; while some of the
finest specimens of draught horses in the state are found in his stables.
Moody Bliss Auburn owns two heavy jet blacks, each weighing 1,700
pounds and over. They are very high spirited, once ugly, vicious, but
now docile as lambs. The writer saw Mr. Ashbum plowing com with-
out lines. The team is as responsive to the word of command as an
affectionate child is to its mother, proving that by patience and kind-
ness any horse can be brought under subjection by his master. Mr.
Ashburn has proven himself a master tamer of horses, equal to Rarey,
the great horse-tamer.
Mr. George W. Ashburn married Jane Jenkins in 1879. She was
born February 14, 1851. (See history of Jenkins family.) By this mar-
riage Mary Ellen, their first child, was born July 3, 1679. She married
Amos Guseman, of Reedsville. Their children are: Ruth, Freda and
Thelma. He is a carpenter. (2) Moody Bliss was bom February 2,
18— He married Gertrude Ellen Zinn. Their children are Edward
Warren, Mary Syrena and Frederick Loar. Being the only son. Moody
Bliss lives with his parents and is in charge of the farm. He and his
family are members of the Methodist Church and he is a member of
the Knights of Pythias also. (3) Lelia Dortha, married A. J.
Clarkson in 1906, and lives in Hardy county. South Dakota. They
have one child, Evan. Mr. Clarkson is a large landowner, a great sheep
raiser, and a wool grower, and nearly a millionaire, though but a few
years since he started in life with only $500. Recognized as a man of
considerable force and character, he has been made Commissioner of
his county. (4) Bessie Sybell, the next daughter, married S. B. Clark-
son, a cousin of A. J. Clarkson. He is a man also of considerable force
of character. They were married in 1906. He was a government clerk
at first, and afterwards helped to survey the Bellefouche Valley. They
have two children. Flossie Gertrude married George Stone in 1908.
They came from Colorado but recently and settled near Reedsville.
They have a beautiful home and two bright children, Kenneth and
Agnus Capitolina Jane. Their farm is near Reedsville, having been a
part of the old Menear tract, and was bought in 1902. The original
homestead of the Ashburns was erected in 1841. It was torn down in
1910. The present house was built in 1861. The farm is well adapted
for grazing, and dealing in stock is carried on somewhat extensively.
Mr. Ashburn and his son, Moody Bliss, have shipped eighteen droves
of cattle to Uniontown, Pennsylvania, alone.
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840 PntvoN ComrFT, Wnr Vimiiiu
J. wesijey feather.
The family of Feathers have become numerous and are considerably
diffused. They are of German descent, from James Feather, who came
to America as a redemptioner, about 1775. He served seven years in
the Continental army. In 1790 he came to Preston county and settled
on the Martin farm, north of Guseman, but afterwards moved to the
Joseph B. Feather place, near Lenox. His wife survived him until
i860. Their seven sons lived in the same neighborhood. Jacob located
at Crab Orchard. His children were: Adam, Ezekiel, James, John,
Christian, Joseph B., Charles F., and Dana S., the last three named
being Methodist preachers. Joseph, son of Jacob, was the father of
John H., the well known Superintendent of County Schools, and the
subject of this sketch. He was the youngest of the family, bom Sep-
tember 14, 1816, &nd died at Bruceton Mills in 1896, aged eighty years.
He married Lydia Hartman. She was bom May 20, 1819. Their
children were: Mary Jane, Sarah, John H., Margaret, Jacob W., and
Michael, all of whom were raised at Crab Orchard.
Jacob Wesley Feather was bom August 9, 1845. He was reared
on a farm, and on June 2, 1867, married Sarah Michael, daughter of
Philip and Sophia Michael, and then moved to Cranesville, where they
resided for a third of a century. In 1865 he became a member of
Company K, 17th West Virginia Infantry, and served to the end of the
war. In 1901 he moved to Mountain Lake Park, where a more retired
life was spent during the next five years, after which residence was
taken ^ip in Bruceton, where the present homestead of the family is.
Mr. Feather owns two farms near Braceton Mills, and he has made a
success in agricultural pursuits.
THE HISTORY OF THE ORR FAMILY.
(By U. N. Orr.)
My great-grandfather, John Orr, emigrated to America from the
north of Ireland about the year 1758, and settled in Baltimore county,
Maryland. He married a Miss Dale, a sister to Commodore Dale, a
naval officer of Revolutionary fame. He raised a family of six children,
two girls and four boys, as follows: John Dale, George, Peter and
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PmTON Cknjimr, Waar Yimimu 841
Jamtft, Elizabeth-nfia Mary. The dates of their respective births are
not known, except John Dale, who was bom in the year 1765.
In the year 1782, John Orr, with his family, emigrated from Balti-
more county to Payette county, Pennsylvania, near Uniontown, and
lived there until his death, the date of which is not known. John Dale
Orr married Elizabeth Johns, and lived about four yearn after marriaige
near Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Two children were bom to them,
James and Catherine; James died in infancy. In the spring of 1798
they moved to Sand Ridge, now known as Scotch Hill, and there built
a log cabin in the wilderness. They were encouraged in this move by
grandfather's sister, Mary, who had married a man by the name of
Davy and settled there before, on what is known as the Htmt farm.
At this place the remainder of the family were bom, as follows : John,
in 1798; Ruth, in 1801 ; Hiram, 1804; George, 1806; and James in 1813.
When John D. Orr raised his cabin, his sister, Mrs. Davy, fived
about a mile from his place, and at that time there were but three other
families or cabins within a radius of six or seven miles of his place. In
moving from Pennsylvania they brought all their possessions on what
was called a drag (two poles about ten feet long pinned together at one
end, and about four feet wide, like a pair of shafts to a buggy, and
strapped to the hames of the horse). They had two of them and two
horses. 'Grandmother rode one horse with a drag attached, and carried
Aunt Catharine in her arma, while grandfather brought up the rear with
the other horse and drag, driving two milch cows and one yearling. I
have often heard them speak of their move. After leaving the settle-
ment of Morgantown they passed only one cabin on the road. It was
west of where Gladesville now stands and was occupied by a man
named Smith. All the country surrounding their home was a vast
wilderness, inhabited only by wild beasts. 'For yeai-s after they had
made this cabin their home they had to pen their sheep and small cattle
near the cabin to protect them from the wolves and bears. It was not
necessary to raise hogs at that time, as deer and bear fumi^ed the
larder with meat. Sheep had to be raised and protected to provide the
winter clothing, while flax furnished the clothing for summer. Mills
to grind their grain for bread were not known in that settlement for
several years after they located there. They had to resort to the old-
fashioned grater or primitive hand mill to prepare the grain for food.
Stores were few and far between, the closest one being at Morgan-
town, about twenty-five miles distant, and there only a few articles
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842 Pbkston County, Wbot Viboinu
could be obtained. This made it necessary for the settlers to make a
trip to Winchester each fall. They made this trip on horseback, driving
two or three horses carrying pack saddles loaded with products of that
locality, such as flaxseed, ginseng and pelts of wild animals. This they
traded for salt, iron, powder, lead and leather, and occasionally, if their
products brought good prices, they would bring back with them one
pound of green coflFee, which was supposed to last the family for the
next year. These trips occupied about ten days. They had to take with
them their provisions and camp in the woods at night near a spring or
creek. It was customary for two or three of the neighbors to make
these trips together, not only for the company of each other, but for
the protection thus afforded.
Some six or seven years after they had settled in their lonely home
there was built a water mill about six or seven miles from them on
Sandy Creek, by a man named Marquess. This made it possible for
them to get their grinding done there, which relieved the grater and
hand mill and to a great extent lessened their labors. About this time
settlers began to come into that region and general improvements fol-
lowed the settlers. House raisings and log rollings were becoming a
common occurrence, the bear and the wolf had been killed or driven
away, so that domestic animals were now safe from their ravages. Th^
men now had more time to sow and rtajp, while their better halves would
spin and weave. Thus they lived in rpeace and contentment.
Thus John Dale Orr and his wife, Elizabeth Johns, lived there from
1796 until about 1835. By this time their children were all grown up
and married, and my father, Hiram Orr, had built a house close to the
old folks' cabin, and shortly after its completion they came to live with
him and continued to do until their death. John Dale Orr died in
April, 1840, and his wife, Elizabeth Jane Orr, died in October, 1853.
I was eight years old at the time of grandfather's death, and twenty-
one years old when grandmother died, and I lived with them until their
deaths. What I have here written I gathered from conversation with
them and by knowledge of these events as I recollect them.
John Dale Orr was six feet two inches in height, straight as an
arrow, fair complexion, blue eyes, sandy hair, and weighed from 160 to
170 pounds. In religion he was a Presbyterian, and in politics an old
Line Whig. He cast his last presidential vote in 1836 for General
William H. Harrison. He had a war record of which his children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren should all be proud. At the
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PsiSTON County, West Viboinu S43
age of sixteen he went into the Revolutionary army as a substitute for
his father, who was drafted from Baltimore county. He was in the
battle of Yorktown and saw the flag of Lord Cornwallis go down
and witnessed the surrender. After he moved with his father to Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, he volunteered to join the unfortunate expedi-
tion of William H. Crawford against the Indians in the state of Ohio,
and in battle was severely wounded. This expedition proved to be
very disastrous, as of the army of five hundred mustered in, only three
hundred and forty got back to the settlement. By all rights he should
have been a pensioner, and he made application for one, but because
of his being a substitute in the Revolutionary War his claim could not
be established, and the Crawford expedition to Ohio was not authorized
by the United States Government, it having been made up by citizens
of Pennsylvania for their own protection, and acts of this character
were not pensionable.
The brothers of James Dale Orr, James, George and Peter, married
early in life in Pennsylvania, all of them moved to Licking county, Ohio,
and there raised large families. There are quite a number of their
descendants still living there and some of their descendants in nearly
all of the western states. A number of them served as officers and
soldiers in the late Rebellion. Mary, as noted above, married a Mr.
Davy, and Elizabeth married John McClelland and lived and died in
Fayette county, Pennsylvania.
'Elizabeth Johns Orr was a small woman, about five feet two or three
inches high, weighed about no pounds, fair complexion, blue eyes and
black hair. I have heard her say that during the harvest time in her
young days she could take a sickle and keep up with grandfather
all day. Where she was raised in Pennsylvania there were quite a
number of her family living. I recollect of seeing one brother who
came to visit us a short time before her death. His name was Daniel
Johns. She had another brother named Ellis who moved to Hamilton
county, Ohio. My father went out to see him when a young man and
stayed with him about one year.
Children of John Dale and Elizabeth Johns Orr : Catharine was bom
near Uniontown, Pennsylvania, about 1797, and died about i860, in
Harrison county, West Virginia. She married Joshua Fortney. They
lived a short time after their marriage on Scotch Hill, on what is now
known as the Lamire place, afterwards moving to Harrison county, near
Shinnston, where they both died between the years of 1850 and i860.
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Pi—oh QoiiirTT, Wmt Vsmbu^
Hiey had bon to them the foUowmg cUldren: Jac<d>, Julia, Hiram.
N^orni, George, John and Seih. Jacob married a Miss Reeves. Julia
married Jcdm Dttncan. Hiram married a Miss Conaway, and Naomi
married Dr. Flowers. I do not know who George aad Setk married.
Jacob, JaUa and Naomi are now dead. John and Uiimd still live in
Harrison cotmty, while George and Sedi at test accoants were still liv-
ing in MissonrL
John Orr was bom on Scotch Hill, m 1798^ and died in 18B4, aged
eighty-six jrears. He married Stssan Mcnear. Abottt tiiat time they
boo^t a farm adjoining the old Orr farm, sear the Cross Roads at
Scotch HilL Thete all of their chiMren were bom, as follows: Emily,
who married James Shaw and moved to Kansas; Ellis, who died when
twenty*two ye&rs old ; Priscilla, who mar r kd A. P. Moon, is sow living
at Newburg, West Virginia, and is now eighty-two years oid; Lovina
died at the age of seventeen or eighteen; Ruth also died when a small
girl; Caroline married Thomas Shaw^ a brother to James Shaw, the
husband of Emily; Marshall, who went to Pikes Peak during the gold
craze of 1659 and i860, and died there, lies boried at the foot of the
mountains; Franklin died when a small boy; Harriet never married,
and now lives with her sister, Catharisie, at Reedsville, West Virginia;
Catherine married John Boljrard, and lives at Roedsvitte, West Viiginia;
Elizabeth married WtUiam Hddelburg, and lifcs in Halifax comity, Vir-
ginia ; Isaac died when about twenty-one or twent]^two years old.
John Orr in rel^on was a devout B^>tist, and was a deacon in that
church. In politics he was a Democrat until Virginia seceded from the
Union. At that time he left the Democratic party and becasie one of
the most radical Republicans of his day, and continimd in that faith
until his death. I have often heard him make this stateoient with great
feeling, ""That Jefferson Davis should have been hung."
Ruth Orr was bom in 1801, on Scotdi Hill, and lived there until
her doLth, in . She married William Menear, and they settled on
the old Menear farm, near Scotch HiU, and lived there the remniedcr
of their lives. They had bom the following children : Anrie, who married
David Duncan; Davdd B., who married a Miss Piggott, Rboda, married
Francis Warthen; James iP. married a Miss Nose; ComeUus, Chester
and John died when young men; Amie died when abeiit thifty-£ve
years old ; David and Rhoda lived their threescore and ten, and died
but recendy. It is my understanding that James P. is stUl living 1
where in PennsjFlvama.
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PBMCiw OwHTY, Why Vombiu a45
Ruth Orr's family were Methodists in religion, and her husband,
William Menear, in politics was an old Line Whig, but in his later life
was a Republican.
Hiram Orr was bom in 1804, on Scotch Hill, and died 1855. He
married Keziah Menear, a sister to Susan Menear, wife of John Orr.
By this marriage the following children were bom :
(i) Uriah N. married Annie A. Talbot; she died in 1854, leaving two
children, and in Jan., 1867, he married Mcdlie J. Sqiiires. (2) Martha J.
•married Andrew B. Menear, in 1859; she died in Kingwood, in 1864, leaT-
ifl^ two children. (3) Eugenus J. married a Miss Warthen, in 1855; he
died in 1866^ leaving five children. (4) Morgan D. married Belle
Henry; they live in Pairmont, West Virginia, where they rai^d a
family of three boys and two girls. (5) Miles H. married a Miss Ash-
bom; they live at Masontown, West Virginia, where they raised a
family of three girls i:ad one boy. (6) Keziah Orr married S. M.
Martin; they live at Reedsville, West Virginia, where they raised a
iamily of ten girls and boys. The wife died in March, i&io, and in 1848
Hiram again married, this time the widow of Holt, whose maiden
name was Hartley. By this marriage there were bom one girl, who
died in infancy, and Waitman L., who married Carrie A. Pfeil, and
lived in Baltimore until his death, which occurred in ipc^ leaving omi
adopted son, they having no children of their own.
George Orr was horn in 1806, on Scotch Hill, and dial in . In
religion be was a Baptist, and in politics a Republican. He married
Sarah Fortney, a cousin of Keziah and Susan Menear Orr. There iwere
bora to them the following children: (i and 2) Naomi and William,
who both died when quite young. (3) Elizabeth, who married Samuel
Armstrong. She and her husband are both dead. (4) Leah, who mar-
ried William H. Menear, is still living near Reedsville, her husband
having died four or £ve years ago. (5) James P., married a Miss
Springer; they moved to Illinois shortly after their marriage and resided
there a short time, then moved to Kansas, where he lived until his death
wMck occurred about two years ago. (6) Amie, married a Miss
MeKtsney ; they now Uve on a part of his fatlm-'s old home place, near
Irondale Furnace, now Victoria. (7) Clarissa, married a Mr. Cleaver,
and moved to Kentucky with him ; after living tiiere several years her
husband was drowned and she then moved back to Preston, where
she lived with her brother until she died. Some of her children are
now living in Valley District. (8) Rachael, married John A. Walls,
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846 PBS8T0N CiOUMTT, WKT YBfiONU
and now lives on the old Rogers farm, near Gladesville; her husband
died but recently. (9) Daniel, married a Miss Ashburn; four children
were bom to them; they now live on a portion of the old homestead
adjoining Amie's farm. (10) George, married a Miss Loar; they have
raised a family of ifive children; he lives on a farm adjoining Amie's
and Daniel's, which is also a part of their father's old home farm.
James Orr was bom in 1813, and died in 1890. He married Mar-
garet Fortney, who was a cousin to Susan Menear Orr and Keziah
Menear Orr. They lived several years on a farm near Independence,
now owned by a Mr. Newman. There were born to them four children,
as follows: Ashbel, Louise, John D. and Margaret. Ashbel was acci-
dentally killed at the age of sixteen years by the discharge of a gun
in the hands of a careless playmate.
Margaret Fortney Orr died in 1843, and in 1848 James Orr married
his second wife, Mary Roofs, and moved to Harrison county. By this
marriage there were four sons born, as follows: A. R., James, Thomas
and Franklin. In 1854 James Orr moved with his family to the state
of Illinois, where he lived until his death. Mary Roofs Orr died about
two years ago. Their children, Louisa, John D., Margaret and Thomas,
are all dead. A. R., James and Franklin all live in Illinois.
In his early life James Orr was a school teacher. He taught the
first school I ever attended. It was in the winter of 1838 and 1839.
This school was held in a log cabin near Independence, on what is now
known as the Sinclair farm. After teaching school a short time he was
ordained as a minister of the Baptist church, and continued to preach
for this church until old age retired him. In politics he was a Democrat.
The three sons of James Orr now living in Illinois arc Democrats,
but with the exception of them, all the other descendants of John Dale
Orr are Depublicans. All are loyal and strong supporters of the laws
that govern the country, and I have been unable to find any record
where any of them were ever arrested for a crime.
When the dark cloud of secession loomed up from the southern
horizon in the year 1861, and the Secessionists fired on Fort Sumpter,
John Dale Orr's descendants entered into the spirit of war that was then
created and gave their services to their country until the Secessionists
were conquered and the armies of the Rebellion laid down their arms.
When the Rebellion was declared, John Dale Orr had eleven grandsons
that were subject to military duty, and two — Jacob Fortney and David
B. Menear — were over the age limit. Of the eleven subject to military
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Pbbston County, Wbst Vibqinia 847
duty, ten of them enlisted, as follows: Morgan D. enlisted 1861, Com-
pany D, 3rd W. Va. Vol. Inf.; Uriah N. Orr enlisted 1861, Company I,
6th W. Va. Vol. Inf.; James P. Orr enlisted 1861, Company I, 6th W.
Va. Vol. Inf.; Hiram Fortney enlisted 1862, Company G, 12th W. Va.
Vol. Inf. ; John Fortney enlisted 1862, Company G., 12th W. Va. Vol.
Inf. ; George Fortney enlisted 1862, Company G, 12th W. Va. Vol. Inf. ;
James P. Menear enlisted 1862, Company H, i'2th W. Va. Vol. Inf.;
Miles H. Orr enlisted 1862, Company B, 14th W. Va. Vol. Inf. ; Amie
Orr enlisted in 1863, Company B, 4th W. Va. Cav.; James B. Orr en-
listed in an Illinois regiment. Eugenue J. Orr was the only one of the
grandsons that did not enlist in this war ; he was a captain of a military
company which was called out two or three times. They served in what
was called at that time the Bunker War. Bunker was a brigadier-
general and had under his command four regiments of the militia, two
regiments from Preston, and two from Monongalia counties.
Morgan D. Orr iwas the only one that was wounded. This hap$>ened in
the battle of Cross Keys, when he was shot in the leg. He still carries
this ball embedded between the bones in the calf of his leg. On account
of this wound he was discharged in 1863. U. N. Orr and James P. Orr
were discharged at Cumberland, Maryland, November 25, 1864, four
months after their enlistment time had expired. The remainder of the
grandsons that had enlisted during 1862 and 1863 were still in the war
at the finish. The Twelfth Regiment was in the army of the Potomac,
and the members of this regiment were present at the surrender of
General Lee.
George Fortney was a sergeant in his company at the time of its
formation, and was later promoted to the rank of 2nd lieutenant. U.
N. Orr was the first duty sergeant. Morgan D. Orr, Miles H. Orr, and
James P. Menear were corporals. All of these grandsons have honor-
able discharges. None of them were ever under arrest or courtmartialed
for disobedience of orders or neglect of their military duty, and none
of them have any hospital record.
THE LEE FAMILY.
Dudley Lee, tfhe frandfather of the het families now of Preston
County, was of English descent. He came to America in Colonial times
and was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. H^ was married twice.
His second wife was a widow, Mrs. Sarah White. She was a Graham.
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84S PmrtON Couimr, Wwr Yhmdiu
By htr he bad two sons and five daugtiters. Their fiime^ were Abrahafli,
Nicholas, Katie, Rebecca, Jttdith, Margaret and Sarah. At tbe tiflse
Nicholas I>e was born, October 15, 1803, I>ttdley lre«*s son Ibomtcui
Brooks bj bis former wife was a full grown inan and a soMHer in die
War of 1812. His father died soon after the was at Fort Pendleton,
Maryland. After the death of Dudley Lee, Niehcrfas his son eraie to
West Virginia and on September 30, 1838, married Prances daughter of
Caleb and Mildred King. She was bom March t, 18J0, in Bedford
County, Pennsylvania, and died in Kanawa County, Pennsylvania, May
19, 1847, St 1<he age of thirty-eight years. The children by this tM irh g t
were Christopher Columbus Lee, bom June 25, 1840 ; Margaret Cather-
ine July 12, 1842; Samuel B. September 10, 1846; and Mary Prances
deceased who was bom in 1846. C. C. Lee is a well to do farmer living
at Cranesville. His wife was a Miss Judith Titchcnell. They have
seven children : Margaret C. married W. H. Groves. He is also a far-
mer. They have seven children. Samuel B. married Martha Liston,
daughter of Elisha and Margaret Titchcnell, oft the 3rd of May 1868.
They lived first on Muddy Creek below Kingwood at the home place,
the father at that time being an engineer for the B. & O. R. R. Cdmipany.
He was killed on the road February 29, 1880. ^muel B. Lee moved to
Kansas and Kved near Oxford that state from 18-^ to 1881, when he
came to Terra Alta and went into the milling business as one of the
members of iSie firm of Jones, Preeland & Company. In 1900 he bought
a farm of 220 acres near Chdcland, Maryland, and staid tber« until his
wife died, and then bought his present residence in Terra Aha in 1907
and came here in 1909.
His children are (i) Emma Florence, bom November 29, 1869; (2)
Abraham Judson, born April 10, 1872, married Elizabetii Hertsog. He
is a mechanic and lives at Morristown, Pennsylvania. (3) Jennie S.
bom November 29, 1874, never married. (4) Mollie C. bom August 12,
1876. She married Walter A. Grim and lives at Washington, North
Carolina. (5) Frank Scott, bora October 3, X883 and died in IVrra Alta
December 9, 1902.
Mr. Samuel B. Lee has ofiiciated in the municipal affairs of Terra
Alta, from time to time, during his stay here, and has been an active
member also of the Methodist Epvsopal CbtmA.
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Oouimr, Wmt YiMoru 949
THE HARRINGTONS.
Wiltiam HarrioglKm, bom July », i9os» and liis wife Elizabeth King,
born March I2» iBo9» moyed from Monongalia Cbimty^ Virginia* now
West Virginia, to a fawn near Independence, Preston County^ Wert
Virginia, in the year of 1840. William and Elizabeth Harrington were
the parents of the following children : James, bom July 31, 1831 ; Mar-
garet, bom March 29, 1834; William John, bom Pebmary 22, 1836;
Jo8q)hus, bom December 23, 1837; Thomas, bora April 22, 1840; Francis
Marion, born August 15, 1842; Minerva, bom April 7, 1844; Curtis, bora
December 23, 1846; Naomi, bora May 24, 1849.
James, the oldest son of William and Elizabeth Harrington, married
Miss Sarah A., the youngest daughter of Mr. Jesse Snider about the
year 1852. Jesse Snider lived on a farm one mile north of Newburg and
adjoining the William Harrington farm. Jesse Snider was bora on
Three Fork in 1804, and with his wife's ancestors (the Gandys) were
among the oldest pioneers of Preston County, West Virginia. Mrs. James
Harrington was bora November 11, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. James Harring-
ton lived on a part of the Snider farm the remainder of their life. Mrs.
Harrington died July 27, 1906, and Mr. Harrington January 14, 1911,
both deaths being caused by infirmity and old age. To this union were
bora the following children: William Jesse, bora October 10, 1852,
married Miss Ella Crawford, and to this union were bora two children —
Claude B., who is an engineer on the 4th Division of the B. & O., and
Daisy Emery living in Chicago, Illinois. Claude B. married Miss Clay-
ton of Wheeling, and has two children, Madelene and Lorain. Daisy
Emery has one child, Pauline Emery. J. Franklin Harrington, second
son of James Harrington, was bora September 7, 1855, and was killed
at Defiance, Ohio, September 16, 1882, in a railroad wreck. Laura
Virginia, the oldest daughter, born November 13, 1857, married Mr. C.
M. HoUis of Terra Alta, West Virginia, June 23, 1887. Mr. Hollis
lives in Newburg, where he is the proprietor and owner of the New-
burg Meat Market. J. C. Harrington, third son of James Harrington,
born March 28, i860, married Miss Lucy M. Turaley of Newburg. Mr.
Harrington was formerly a butdier at Monongah, West Virg^ma, but
now resides on a farm one half mile north of Newburg. Charles A.,
fourth son of James Harrington, bora July 12, 1862, is still single and
resides on the old homestead, which is a portion of the old "'J^sse Snider
Farm." Clare, bora October 4, 1864, died August 3, 1871. Ida M.
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850 Pbbstok OnTNTY, Wbbt VmGmiA
born May 29, 1867, died Marcli 15, 1869. Wilber C, fifth son of James
Harrington, born March 3, 1871, married Miss Nancy Montgomery, and
was the father of two daughters, May and Laura, who live in Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania. Wilbur died in Los Angeles, California, June 6,
1907.
THE TURNLEYS.
In England the Turnley family dates back to a remote period. Prior
to 1550 the name is recorded as a family with a Coat of Arms in the
registrar's office, the Turn Cup Lily or Turnley. The Tumley Coat
of Arms consists of a green oak tree growing on a mound ; pendant of
left side a reddened shieM charged with a "pattee" cross.
Francis Turnley, the great-great-great- great- great grandfather of
the Tumleys now in Preston County, West Virginia, (and the only
Tumley in West Virginia) was born in England about 1620, was among
the reinforcements dispatched to the garrison in Ireland by Cromwell- .
He participated in the battle near Dublin in 1649, ^md was present at
the shameful butchery prepared by Cromwell at Drogheda. He re-
mained in service in Ireland till 1651, when he obtained his discharge.
He started to return to England, but stopped at Monmounth, Wales,
where he married and reared two sons, John and Francis. He died in
Monmouth in 1690. His two sons, John and Francis, after attaining
their majority emigrated to the American Colonies in 1692, and were
the first Tumleys in America. John settled in Botetourt County,
Virginia, and Francis in Spottsylvania County, Virginia, and he,
(Francis) is the progenitor of the Tumleys in Preston County, West
Virginia. Francis with his descendents continued to live in Spottsyl-
vania County, Virginia, where he was engaged in famring and the
lumber trade. Chir grandfather, John Tumley, born October 22,
1798, near Fredericksburg, married Miss Malinda Cowen of Spottsyl-
vauia County, Virginia, in 182 1, and moved to Chesterfield County,
Virginia, in or about 1840 ; he became interested in the lumber and coal
trade, and lived near the Midlothian Coal Mines in Virginia. He
spent the remainder of his life in that section, dying there in 1865.
John Tumley a cousin, nephew or a relative of some sort of the
above Tumleys was born in Spottsylvania County, Virginia, in 1754,
enlisted in the army at the age of twenty-one, and served until Febm-
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Preston County, West Virginia 851
ary, 1778, when he received his discharge — the following is a true copy:
"I do hereby certify that John Turnley, a soldier in the South Virginia
regiment, has faithfully served his time of enlistment and is hereby
disdharged. Given under my hand at Valley Forge Camp, February
I3» 1778."
"George Weedon, Brigadier General."
So we are all sons and daughters of the Revolution.
James Madison Turnley, (the father of Preston County Turnleys)
the eldest son and third child of John and Malinda Turnley was bom
near Fredericksburg Spottsylvania County, Virginia, September 14, 1833 ;
lived with his parents until he was 17 years of age, when he became a
stage driver from Richmond, Virginia, to the Hugenot Sjprings for
two years. Then became overseer of slaves on a large .plantation for
Mr. Hill Spheres for one year and for Dr. Philip Johnston for two years;
both in Chesterfield County, Virginia. At the age of twenty-three he
left Virginia, and came to Piedmont, Virginia, now West Virginia, and
was engaged by the B. & O. Railroad Company as brakeman between
Piedmont and Fetterman, at which he served seven months, and, at the
end of that time was promoted to condiictorship on same division. He
has in his possession now a silver medal given him by said Company for
faithful service during the month of May, 1857. In 1869, he quit the
railroad company and bought a farm one mile north of Newburg, Pres-
ton County, West Virginia. He moved from Piedmont, West Virginia
with his family to Newburg about i860, and was conductor on the
grade from Newburg to Cranberry, now Terra Alta, until 1869, when
he moved on the farm where he has since resided. James M. Turnley
married Miss Matilda B. Thorn from Thornton, West Virginia, October
16, 1856; to this union were born thirteen children as follows: Mary
Alice, born November 16, 1858, died December 24, 1859. Francis Calvert
born September 24, i860, lived at home with his parents on the farm
until September 3, 1881, when he was accidently run over by a locomo-
tive at Newburg and killed.
Robert Lee, the second son of James M. Turnley, was bom Novem-
ber 29, 1862; married Allie Faucett, Independence, May 10, 1885, was
employed by the B. & O. R. R. Company at Newburg; was the father
of two children, Francis, born September 7, 1886, now a B. & O.
Engineer, and Bertha May, born May 18, 1889, is married and living in
Los Angeles, California. Lee Turnley contracted a deep cold early in
January, 1890, which developed into typhoid, and died January 24, 1890.
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SSi PURON GOUMTT, WhV TiMIVU
Charles Turtdty, third son of James M. Tuntley, bom Mardi 3p^
1865 ; married ^Miss Sophronia MoQtgDmery of Newburg, December 24,
1884. Charted was employed at the Newbiirg Orral Coal & Coke Com*
pany, and was *killed in an explo^on January 21, i685, of which j8
others were victims, leaving one son Charles, age two months.
Ijuther Wright, fourth son of James M. Turnley, was4>om Fdwuary
16, 1867, married Miss Mary Phillips of Independence, May 10, 1896, is
the father of two girls. Lulu, bom June 16, 1898^ and Mildred, August
21, 1899. Luther is a vtry tmfl^t man having held several poettions of
trust in different parts of the 9tate, but is now residing at Independence
West Virginia.
Artrur Peabody, fiftii son of James Turnley, was bom December 29,
1868; married Miss Lizzie Shafferman of Newburg, West Virginia,
March 10, 1895, and is the father of one son, Richard, bom July 21, 1896.
Arthur U a conductor on die third division of the B. & O. He is a very
thoughtful and careful trainman, having been awarded a price for his
quick, active woric in stopping a passenger train on Tierra Alta grade
which was stopped in train length of itself and only one rails length of
the wreck, which was caused by the train on which he was employed
leaving the track and blocking both east and west bound trades for
quite a distance. Had not this passenger train (No. 7) been stopped
not only the k>8s of life but property would have been immense. Turn-
ley was the only one of his crew who realized that the passenger
was so near at hand.
Eunice and Lucy, second and third daughters of James M. Turnley,
were twins bom April 15, 1871. Eunice died in infancy. Lucy tai^[fat
in the puUic schools for several 3rears, then took a business course in
Wheeling, West Virginia, was a 8ten<^|rapher for the Austen Cbal &
Coke Company for one year, and stenographer and book-keeper for the
Orr Coal & Coke Company for more than two years. On January a/,
1908, ahe "was married to J. C Harrington, who for many years was the
proprietor of a meat market in Monongah, West Vii^nia, but now re-
sides on a farm a half mile north of N^ewburg.
Samuel Tilden, sixth son of James M. Turnley, was bore May 9,
1873, married Miss Agnes Smith July 21, 1899. Of this union one daM
was bom, Raphael Parmenas, April 14, 1900, being a name-sake of
Parmenas Taylor Tumky of Chicago, Illinois, and who has spent not
only years, but hundreds of dollars in writing a history of the Tundeys.
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PxBSTOM County, Wbst Viroooa 853
And to this grcutt author arc the Turnleys indebted for their history,
which was just completed in 1905. He died in 1910, age 91 years.
Thomas H. Turnley, seventh son of James H. Turnley bom Febru-
ary 29, 1876, is a mechanic by trade, and is employed by the Hamilton
Coal and Coke Company at Newburg, West Virginia. He married
Miss Minnie Squires August 20, 1901, and is the father of two children
Iren, bom July 21, 1902; Carl Byron, born July 16, 1904.
Lelia L., fourth daughter of James M. Turnley, is single and is her
father's housekeeper. Her mother died August 10, 1909, in Huffman's
Hospital in Keyser of hernia.
Agatha M., fifth daughter of James M., born October 21, 1883, died
of diphtheria January 22, 1888.
James Wade Hampton, youngest son of James M. Turnley, born
April 27, 1885, married Miss Fannie Sheets May 30, 1905, is employed
by the Hamilton Coal & Coke Company at Newburg, and is the father of
one child, Mabel, born January 2, 1907.
LUCIAN LONE PARKS.
Henry Lone Parks, a cabinet maker, came from Hardy to Kingwood
about 1832, where his sons Lucian Lone and James W. Parks were bora,
the birth of Lucian L. taking place November 15, 1850. (see sketch of
James W. Parks). Henry L. Parks was bom March 9, 181 1, and the birth
of his wife Elizabeth (Gamer) Parks, whom he married August 29, 1833,
occured March 11, 181 1, the husband being but two days older than the
wife. He died March ii> 1882, and she died July 31, 1854.
Lucian Lone Parks followed his father's occupation nearly forty
years. Before he was of age he drove the hearse, and superintended
funerals, having entered into the full possession oi his father's under-
taking business when about eighteen years old. He received a cdmmon
school ducation at Kingwood, but while a youth his father moved to
Reedsvilie where he continued as a cabinet maker, and fumiture dealer,
until his removal to Albright about 1907. During the time he was in
the cabinet and undertaking business, he would sometimes bury as many
as two hundred bodies yearly. Upon coming to Albright, he built a
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854 Pbkston County, West Virginia
store and some residences, since which time he has beefn in the general
merchandising and real estate business.
Mr. Parks was married to Sarah Cathefrine DeBerry June 20, 1871.
To this union were born six children. (i) James W., the eldest
child, born November 2, 1872, was married to Laura Swisher March
I, 1892. She was a daughter of Daniel Swisher a farmer of
Eglon. Mr. Parks is a farmer and a veternary surgeon. Their children
arc Lela Hope, Elmer C, Ray, Frank, Keith, Mabel, Kate Alma and
Lulu and Junior. (2) Emma D. Parks was bom November 8, 1873. She
was married April 14, 1891, to Joseph Strawser and lives at Eglon also.
Mr. Strawser is a farmer and Deputy Assessor. Their children are
Howard O., Myrle F., Ethel H., Frank and Lucian. (3) Ida M. Parks,
born Scfptember 4, 1875, <iicd March i, 1889. (4) Edgar H. Parks, born
September 26, 1885, married April i, 1905, to Bertha Sanders. He is a
railroad man. Their children are Ivy, William Henry, and Paiul. He
lives in Grafton. (5) Gertrude E. Parks, born Dcfcember 28, 1888, died
July 6, 1903. (6) William D. Parks, born July 14, 1892, is now teach-
ing school.
THE SCOTT FAMILY:
Archibald Scott came to this country in prc-Revolutionary times from
Scotland. He was a poor boy and worked first for Rumsey, father of
the steam boat inventor, and then marricfd his daughter. The Reverend
Archibald Scott was one of the trustees of Liberty Hall, which was the
predecessor of Washington College wh€fre young Scott took Ws Aca-
demic Course of two years. The name was afterwards changed to Wash-
ington-Lee University. General Lee was its President after the Civil
War, and died there in 1870. Their son William was a minister of the
gospel in the Presbyterian Church, for a period of thirty-five years, was
pastor at Moorefield and Petersburg, now West Virginia. He had three
sons, ministers in the Presbyterian Church, one of whom was Rev. John
A. Scott D. D., a noted divine, who was the father also of three mini-
sters of the gospel, and one son who is a physician. His son Stanhope
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Preston County, West Virginia 855
M. Scott, was born near Houston, Halifax County, Virginia, July 20,
1850. It was here wherre his father preached the gospel for twenty
years, and he in turn became educated for his own professional career
very thoroughly. His education was completed at the Washington-Lee
University, Lexington, Virginia, where he graduated under the Presi-
dency of General Lee in 1868. The degree of M. D. was obtained in
1871 at the University of Virginia.
Dr. Scott located in Cumberland, Maryland, immediately after his
graduation, but removed to Terra Alta in 1874, where he has become a
prominent figure in his profession, in the church as one of its ruling
elders and as one of the originators of the Masonic fraternity in this
place. Scott Chapter No. 33, was named in his honor.
In 1875, Dr. Scott married Anna Elizabeth Fairfax, daughter of
Buckner Fairfax, and by her has two chiMren living. The eldest son,
Buckner Fairfax Scott, born July 7, 1878, has already made a billiant
record for so young a man. After his graduation from the High School
of Terra Alta, he took his degree of A. B. from the University of West
Virginia in 1900, and entered the United States Military Academy where
he was in attendance in 1901 and '02. His course fwas completed at the
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he received the dcfgrce
of M. D. in 1906. The practice of medicine was begun in Terra Alta
immediately after his graduation, and with marked results both as to
his clientele and the favorable results of his large practice.
In March 1908, Dr. Scott was married to Elva C. Porter, daughter of
Mrs. Harriet Porter. Dr. Scott is a member of the County, State and
American Medical Socities. He is Medical Examiner of the U. S. Marine
Corps and surgeon for the B. & O. Railroad Company. He served two
terms on the Board of Education ; is a member of the Masonic fraternity
and a Knight Templar. During the war in Spain he served in Company
C of the 1st West Virginia Volunteer Infantry as its Second Lieutenant.
He is also Captain of Company M. ist Infantry W. V. N. G. which posi-
tion he has held for twelve years.
Stanhope McClelland Scott, Jr., P. D., proprietor of Terra Alta
Pharmacy, was born March 23, 1882. After graduation from the Terra
Alta High School, he took a three years course in chemistry at the West
Virginia University and subsequently graduated from the Philaddphia
College of Pharmacy, taking the degfree of P. D. from that institution
in the year 1903.
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856 Preston County, West Virginia
Business in Terra Alta was commefnced in 1904. At that time the
Drug Store belonging to H. J. Mathews was bought and an additional
stock of fine goods added. The business increased gradually until the
general trade in the drug line and the prescription department has in-
creased to proportions merited only by those who have thoroughly "pre-
pared themselves for professional work along such lines. He has one
of the best equipped chemical laboratories in the state. He also owns
a half interest in a drug store at Keyser, West Virginia; is a member
of the Board of Pharmacy of West Virginia, and Vice President of the
West Virginia State Pharmaceutical Association. Mr. Scott was mar-
ried to Miss Martha Glover on November 6, 1906. She is the daughter
of Henry and Mary (Denney) Glover of Terra Alta. They are the
parents of three children : Mary Elizabeth, James Karl and Dana Fairfax.
Mr. Scott is a member of the Masonic fraternity of high degree, and
other orders. He belongs to the Terra Alta Lodge 106; to the Scott
Chapter No. 33 ; is a member of the Mallory Commandery of Grafton,
West Virginia; is a member of the West Virginia Consistory No. i., in
the Valley of Wheeling, and of The Osiris Temple al»o of Wheeling,
West Virginia. Also in line with his ancestry, he is a Presyterian.
He is also a member of the Phi Kapp Sigma fraternity and belongs to
Alpha Gamma Chapter at Moi^ntown, W. Va. He is also a member
of Co. M., I St Infantry W. V. N. G., holding the position of First Lieu-
tenant for the past six years.
WILLIAM T. BURCH.
James Tidy Burch was the oldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Tidy) Burch. He was married in Frederick, Maryland, in 1805.
There were two other sons both physicians. They went West, raised
families and died there, one in Fredericktown, Ohio, the other in
St. Louis, Missouri. There were three daughters, who married, lived
and died in Maryland.
James T. Burch was bom in Frederick County, Maryland in 1806,
was married there in 1842, to Mary Wiles, a daughter of William and
Maria Hewett. He was a farmer, and engaged also in the lumber busi-
ness. In 1857, he sold out and moved to the lower end of Frederick
county near the Potomac River where he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, but in 1863 he sold out here and moved West locating this time on
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Pbxston County, Wbst Viboinu 857
a farm in Henry County, Indiana. This was an unhealthy country, and
his whole family took thef chills and fever, causing him to sell out and
move back to Frederick County where he came from, where he began
fanning ag^in, locating this time near Point of Rocks ak>ng the Potomac
River. In 1869, he sold out again and moved to Preston county. West
Virginia, where he bought 1127 acres of timber land. He put in a steam
saw-mill on Salt Lick Creek and again went into the lumber business.
In 1872, he sold out again and retired from business.
Mr. Burch was one of the progressive citizens of the county. He
saw much of life, one of the incidents being present when General Lay-
fayette visited Frederick County, Maryland. He died March 6, 1883.
Children bom to Mr. and Mrs. James T. Burch were ten in all, two
of iwhom died in infancy. Benjamin lived eight days, and Isabella only
one month and twenty-seven days. The eight children who came with
the family to Preston county in 1869 were as follows : William Thomas,
John Coleman, James Daniel, Thirza Ann Maria, Elizabeth Jane, Mary
Emily Catherine, Alice Cornelia and Charles Hewett Burch. Elizabeth
Jane, the first to leave home, married January 2, 1872, Charles H. Stunkle
and went with her husband to Point of Rocks, Maryland, where they
live on a farm. They have six children, Frederick, Emmons, Orra,
Bowers, Nellie and Edgar. (2) John C. Burch married Sarah E. Smith
on January 4, 1870, and lives in Washington, D. C. They have two
children, Amanda and Ida, who died in South America in 1908. (3)
Thirza A. M. Burch married Christian H. Nine, January 7, 1873. They
had two children, America MgAleer and Christian Henry. Mr. Nine
died June 6, 1887, and his widow married Robert Brown Frazier of
Pennsylvania. One child, Robert Burch, came of this union. They now
reside in Terra Alta. (4) James Daniel Burch was married October 12,
1871, to Clara H. Stuckle, sister to Charles H. Stuckle. They live in
Martinsburg, West Virginia. Mr. James D. Burch has been in the em-
ploy of the B. & O. Railroad Company for thirty-five years. Six child-
ren were born of this unior, namely : Albert, Florence, Ida, Eva, Fred-
erick and Henry, who was killed when a boy. (5) Mary E. C. Burch
married J. W. Menefee and lives at Albright. He is an engineer on
Eakles Mills, Maryland. Two children were born to this union, Ray,
who is now running a grist mill at Doubs, Maryland, and Flora L., who
married J. W. Mennefee and lives at Albright. He is an engineer on
the M. & K. Railroad and operator of a grist and planing mill. (6)
Alice C. S. Burch married Jacob Allen Smith ( a brother of her sister
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858 Preston County, West Vibgiku
Emma's husband), on January 22, 1884. There were born to this union
eight children: Mary May, Rosa P., John Thomas, deceased, Charles
Burch, Jam-es Allen, Nellie Jane, who died in infancy, Lovinia A., Eliza-
beth Alice. Charles and Jameg are telegraph operators on Third Division
of the B. & O. Railroad Comipany. (7) Charles Hewett Burch married
Sarah R. Miller March 24, 1887, and lived in Martinsburg until he was
killed May 20, 191 1. He was an engineer on the B. & O. Railroad and
was killed at 11 P. M. in terminal yards as Washington, D. C, while in
charge of the through mail train to Baltimore. Three children, Edna,
Glenn and Ethel Burch were born of this union. William Thomas
Burch was the oldest son, but never married. He remained at home
and kept the family together, after the death of his father, and farmed
the home place. He purchased the Thomas Nine property at Rodamer,
and went into the m-erchandizing business. After holding the post-
masters office at Rodamer seven years, he retired from the more active
pursuits of life, but still lives at Rodamer.
THE BISHOP FAMILY.
There are several distinct lines of the Bishop family in Preston
county. G. A. Bishop and his son Raymond C, are descended from
John and Susan Bishop, who came from Hagerstown, Maryland, and
settled on Dority Ridge. John died in 1823, about seventy years old.
There wer^ seven children in the family. Their names were: Rachel,
John, Joseph, Samuel, Susan and William. The homestead was on the
place where Frank Crane now lives. Rachael married John Beatty, and
lived near Kingwood. Henry married Elizabeth Miller, and lived in
Pleasant District. John married twice. His first wife was a Trembly,
and last wife a Miss Swisher. He died in Aurora. Joseph married Ann
Snyder, grand-mother of the hotel keeper at Albright. Samuel married
Lydia Albright and lived near Albright. Susan married a Henry Lantz,
and lived near Aurora. William died in 1892, seventy-two years old.
He was reared a farmer and in 1829, married Catherine Snyder, daughter
of Jacob, and sister to Joseph Bishop's wife. Their children were: (i)
G. A. Bishop, mentioned again. (2) Margaret Jane who married James
W. Cobun, now of Tama City. (3) John Wesley, dead. (4) Mollie H.,
living on home place. (5) Mattie, the wife of Rev. T R. Faulkner, a
retired minister, now living at Terra Alta.
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PUUTON CJOUNTY, WbST ViBOINIA 859
George A. Bishop was born Octol>er 23, 1830. He obtained a com-
mon school education, was reared a farmer, and when twenty-two years
old married Sarah Jane Trembly, daughter of Benjamin F. Trembly,
and then bought and built a residence 00 the farm where he now lives.
That was forty-three years ago. Children bom to this union were: (i)
Raymond C, born January 26, 1862, married May 23, 1881 to Laura A.
Seal, daughter of Henry Seal of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He
came to Preston county fifty-six years ago and settled in the Bishop
settlement. He is a resident of Harmony Grove settlement. Mary A.
(Will) Seal, died February 7, 1913.
Children to Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Bishop are as follows: (i)
Carl H., bom January 24, 1884. He is a prosperous blacksmith at Valley
Point. (2) Earl C, bom January 6, 1886, married Bertha Friend, Au-
gust 7, 1909. They have two children, Veletta and Edna. (3) 'Maude
M., bom November 19, 1888. She is a book-keeper in Connellsville, for
Chicago Beef Co. (4) Darius V., born July 25, 1890. He is a soldier,
and at this time is on guard duty. (5) Frank, born June 25, 1893. (6)
Mildred, born December 15, 1895, married Lloyd Tanner September 16,
191 1, and now living at Morgantown. (7) Harold, December 31, 1898;
(8) Jessie C, born November 8, 1904.
Rheua V. Bishop, child of Guy A. Bishop, was born in 1867. She mar-
ried Thos. L., son of John T. Briggs. They live at Terra Alta. Iva M.
Bishop born 1875, married C. W. Forman. Mr. G. A. and his son, Ray-
mond C. Bishop, are known as most excellent farmers. The yield of
grain on their well cultivated lands exceeds that of former years, and
of poor farming, at least two fold. Corn this year on G. A. Bishop's farm
reaches about 150 bushels to the acre, and oats, buckwheat, and other
grains in proportion. Mr. Raymond C. Bishop has probably the finest
orchard in Preston county.
LAKIN FISKE ROBERTS.
Professor Lakin Fiske Roberts, B. A., principal of the Terra Alta
Schools, is a descendent of the Ashbys and Morgans on his mother's
side,, who were two of the oldest families in Preston county. His father
the Reverend L. W. Roberts, now a retired minister of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, is living at Buckhannon, West Virginia, one of his
former stations, and is of Scotch Irish descent. He was in active work
as a minister and pastor in different parts of West Virginia thirty-three
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860 Pmmtok Oouktt, Wm VoMoru
years. His wife was Miss Harriet (Morgan) Ashby. She was a
daughter of Hannah Morgan and a descendent ol William Ashby, who
came from Frederick county, Maryland, about 1779 ^^^ settled in the
Glades east of Terra Aha.
The childrcfn of Reverend and Mrs. Roberts were Lakin Piske, Gert-
rude and Loella, all teachers holding high and responsible positions in
public school woiic. Miss Gertrude, a teacher of French and German
in the High School of Wheeling, West Virginia, is a graduate of
Alleglieny College, Pennsylvania. She also took the degree of A. B. in
1909 from the West Virginia University at Morgantown. Loella Roberts
is a graduate from the Fairmont Normal College in 1909, and is now
teaching in the primary departmcfnt of the Buckhannon Schools. Lakin
Fiske Roberts was bom in Brandonville on May 27, 1888. His father
at one time was Presiding Elder of the Oakland District, and being on
the circuit the family necessarily had to move from place to place in
requirement of Mr. Roberts' work, finally a stop being made at Buck-
hannon, where the son completed a three years course in the Seminary.
Afterwards he graduated from the Wheeling High School, then went
back to Buckhannon to the school there, which had changed ks name
name to that of the Wesleyan College. After another two years stay
here he went to Morgantown, where two years afterward in the spring
of 1909 he took the degree of A. B. from the State University of West
Virginia. In the fall of that same year he acceped a position as as-
sistant principal of the Terra Alta Schools, and tlie following year was
made principal where he has been since that time, accomplishing a very
successful work in the Superintendency, having about eleven teach^^
and about three hundred pupils under his charge.
Mr. Roberts is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
is a member of the Masonic Lodge, also of the Phi Kappa Sigma fra-
ternity. He is a man of modest mien, but is scholarly and self-reliant,
and well worthy of the praise that comes to him from his patrons for
the efficiency of his good work in the city schools.
THE COBUN FAMILY.
James Cobun was of English origin and probably of Virginia. He
was bom December 2, 1746, and came to the vicinity of Morgantown
before he was married — probably not far from the year 1770. In 1790,
he settled on the present site of Masontown, having patented a tract
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PUBBTON OOUNTT^ WK8T VnOINU 861
of a 1000 acres of glade land. His house stood in the eastern part of
the present town, and considerably to the rear of E. E. Cobun's resi-
dence. The fact that he possessed a number of slaves would imply that
the pioneer Cobun was a man of some means for the time in which he
lived. He was a classleader of the Methodist church and was remem-
bered by his granddaughter, Mrs. Hubble, as a pcfrson of excellent
Christian character. He died at Masontown, September 17, 1822, aged
almost 76 years.
His wife was Sabrah, a daughter of Arthur and Sabrah Trader. It
was during her girlhood that her parents came West in the same party
with James Cobun. She was of the brunette type, and was called the
"pretty squaw" by the Indians because of her handsome features and
her long and abundant black hair. Mrs. Cobun was bom, September
10, 1756, and died October i, 1843, 2it the advanced age of 87.
The parents of James Cobun were Jonathan and Catherine. There
is no record of the family name ever being spelled otherwise than it is
now, yet it used to be spelled and pronounced Coburn. Becaoise of their
tendency to emigrate, the Cobuns are not so numerous in our county as
formerly. The descendants bearing the family name are to be found
chiefly at Masontown and near Tunnelton.
The children of James and Sabrah Cobun were Catherine, Susannah,
James, Arthur, Isaac, John, Jacob, and Sarah. All but the last three were
born in Monongalia.
Jacob died of an accident in boyhood. Jonathan settled in Monon-
gala. Catherine, born March 3, 1773; married a McGee, who lived near
Independence. Susannah, bom September 23, 1776, married a Holt, an-
cestor to Judge John H. Holt of Grafton, and Sarah, bom June 3, 1794,
married William McMillen.
James, Arthur and Isaac remained in Valley district. Their birth
dates, res(pectively, iwere March 27, 1781, Nov. 30, 1783, and October
30, 1786, and their wives, likewise, were Nancy Fortney, Jane Patton,
and Prudence Davis. Isaac remained on a portion of the fatnily home-
stead, the farm of the late B. F. Cobun, while Susannah and her husband
suceeded to the original home. James and Arthur lived a little farther
southward, the former on the Simon D. Snider farm, and latter on the
Simon M. Snider place. Arthur died suddenly while in a field. Isaac
lived until June 24, 1867, bdng then in his 81 st year. Pradencc, his
wife, died January 19, 1873, aged 81.
John Cobun, born November 3, 1790, settled in Fayette county,
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862 Preston County, West Yiboinia
Pennylvania, and died there at an efarly age, leaving two daughters,
Charity and Sabina A. The former married James M. Cobun, a cousin,
and the latter married Thomas Watson.
The children of James Cobun, Jr., were Wesley, Satauel, Harvey,
Jane, Polly, and Susan. Wesley never married. Samuel married and
settled in Monongalia, and Harvey in Pennsylvania. Polly married
Shay of Reno. Both the other sisters wedded Holts, and they lived
in Pennsylvania.
The children of Arthur were: (i) James P., born January 6, 1807,
died October 2, 1880. He married Mary A. Menear and settled on
Pringle's Run. (2) Jonothan married an Evans and lived in Monongalia.
(3) Isaac W. married Catharine Menear. (4) John F. married Eliza
Greer of Harrison and settled in that county. (5) Robert, a preacher,
went to Kentucky. (6) John, a twin brother to Robert, lived in Penn-
sylvania. (7) Eugenus married Eliza Haywood and went to Harrison
county. (8) Isabel, born 1814, died single in 1899. (9) Alpheus and
(10) Mary left Preston county.
The children of James P. number the following: (i) Tabitha, wife of
Enos Wolfe. (2) Louisa R., wife of William Braham. (3) Eugenus C,
whose first wife was Frances Collins and whose second was Lulu .
(4) William A. (5) Marcllus J. H. (6) David S , who married (a) Re-
becca Miller and (b) Victoria Summers. (7) Mary E., wife of Ellis
Herndon. (8) Martha J., wife of Frederick Westerman. (9) Matthew E.
The children of Eugenus C. are Emma, Mollie, Carrie, Dell, Charles,
William, Walter and Earl.
The children of David S. are: (i) Minnie, wife of Lucian J. Conley.
(2) John D., who married and lives at Grafton. (3) Laura B., wife of
Edward Helms. (4) Martha A., wife of Charles Stevens of Fainnont
(5) David W., who married Melissa Bolyard. Also by second marriage:
Mary L., Ada J^ Desie E., CalHe L., Bruce T., Thomas M., Annie B.,
Carrie L.
The children of Isaac W., are: (i) Harrison, who went to South Da-
kota. (2) John. (3) David. (4) Robert, who married Laura Shaffer.
(5) Jacob, who married a Collins. (6) Deborah C, wife of Marshall
Duncan. (7) Jane, wife of George McMillen. (8) Albert N., who mar-
ried (a) Kate Shaffer and (b) — Zotz, and went to Ohio. (9) Martha,
wife of Silas S. Sterling. Albert N. had two daughters, Bessie and
Agnes M. The latter married Philip Beavers.
The children of Isaac were: (i) Gerry L. D., born March 26, 1813,
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Preston County, West Vieginu 863
who went to Pennsylvania. (2) James M., born January 14, 1815, died
in a Confederate prison. His first wife was Charity Cobun and his
second was Mary M. Hoibble. (3) George, born October 4, 1816, married
and lived in Pennsylvania. (4) Charity, born September 22, 1818, died
single September 17, 1871. (5) Sabina, bom December 10, 1820, married
Samuel Graham. (6) Jacob G., born January 14, 1823, was mortally
wounded at E>roop Mountain and died November 26, 1863. (7) Cathar-
ine, born August 7, 1829, married Clinton Jeffers. (8) Benjamin F.,
born September 1831, married Jane Hartley. (9) Isaac B., bom May
4, 1834, married Belle Flaherty.
The children of James M. are (i) Alcinda, wife of Abraham Elliot.
(2) Alcinus, and (3) Laveras.
Thech'ldren of Benjamin F. are: (i) Albert D. (2) Harriet L., wife
of Samuel Field. (3) Homer L., who married Attie Loar. (4) Sanford L ,
who married (a) Mattie Loar and (b) Rosa E. Roby. (5) Elmer E.,
who married Aura Brown. (6) William G., who married Clara Free-
land. (7) Florence B., wife of Rev. Edward Lawson. (8) Louie W.,
wife of J. Allison Stuck. (9) Myra, wife of Sherman Snider, and (10)
Allie, deceased.
Benjamin F. and Isaac B. Cobun were brothers. Isaac B., was the
father of Wilbur F., born November 5, i860. He married Emma Mc-
Cauley, and has four children, namely: Nina M., wife of George Fleming
of Chicago; Grace D. ; Dennis B., and Clyde. W. F. Cobun came to Fair-
mont in 1873. He is a plasterer. (2) Bertie May, bom March 4, 1864,
is the wife of Dr. U. W. Showalter of Clarksburg, West Virginia.
They have four children, Percy and Pearl, twins, Ulysses and Boyd W
Percy is a physician. (3) George M., bom January 26, 1866. He mar-
ried Bertie Orr, and lives in Morgantown. They have onef son, Miles
L. (4) Lincoln J., born in November, 1857. He was a lawyer in
Philippi, and is now deceased, departing from his wife December 9, 1893.
(5) Leonidas W. is a physician in Morgantown. He married Flora Wat-
ers, daughter of W. Waters of Independence. (6) Alvin C, died in in-
fancy. (7) Addie P., bom May 18, 1873, is teacher in Rowlesburg. (8) Liz-
zie Catherine, bom March 23, 1875, is the wife of F. W. Gandy of Terra
Alta. (9) Miles B., bom May 20, 1877, is a merchant of Fairmont, W.
Va. September 16, 1903, he married Minnie Horchler, daughter of Au-
gust Horchler of Newburg. They have two children, Eleanor P. and
Ag^es Belle.
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864 PBB8T0N County, West Virginia
SAMUEL NEDROW.
A goodly number of people now living in Preston county are
descendants of first families, who came from Somerset county, Pennsyl-
vania, in pioneer days. Among these were Peter Nedrow and his wife,
formerly a Miss Penroid, who visited their son, Jonathan, then living
in Preston county, when the father was seventy years of age, the
parents coming on foot, and, after a three-months* stay, walked back
home again. Peter Nedrow died there in the sixties, ninety years of
age. His son, Jonathan, with his wife, formerly Lydia Haines, moved
from Somerset county to Preston county in 1846, and located on a farm
of two or three hundred acres near Bruceton. His two brothers, John
and Jacob, moved West. Jonathan was killed when raising a house
for one of his neighbors, being at that time forty years of age. His
wife died in 1878, nearly sixty years old.
'Seven children were born to this union, as follows: (i) Samuel, bom
September 13, 1847. {2) Harriet, now dead. (3) John S., the well-
known physician, with residence and offices in Bruceton Mills. (4)
Peter V., born October 7, 1854. (5) Lizzie, who married Luther Selby,
and lives in Clarksburg. (6) Jonathan, who died in Somerset county,
Pennsylvania.
Samuel Nedrow, the eldest member of the family, is a resident of
Brandonville. He was raised a farmer, and having made that avocation
in life a study, has become a scientific one in fact as well as in name.
He has also had much to do in the coal lands for Elkins, owner of the
M. & K. roads. In 1885 he purchased of Junior Brown a farm of 205
acres, called the Jackson and Jeffers farm. He also bought a farm of
Ridenour^ and in 1910 came to Brandonville and located here on seven
lots, where he expects to spend the remainder of his days.
In 1863 Mr. Nedrow enlisted in the 3rd Md. Vol. Inf. and was
honorably discharged after the war was over. His service in the field
was mainly in discharge of guard duty, but he was also in some of the
engagements, notably at Monocacy Junction, Leesburg, and at Win-
chester. After his return from the war he did carpentering as well as
farming until fifteen years ago, having contracted and built in the
meantime a number of public and private dwellings in the county. At
one time also he was in the grocery business.
August I, 1870, he was married to Mary Ellen Lenhart, sister to
James A. Lenhart, merchant at Kingwood. She was born February 5,
1853. Their children are as follows: (i) Elma, bom June 12, 1871; (2)
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Preston County, West Vibqinia 865
Oliver Frankin, March i8, 1872; (3) Callie Ann, September 4, 1874,
died September 9, 1888; (4) Birdie Catherine, September 4, 1877; (5)
Mary Ettie, January 30, 1880; (6) William Arthur, March 21, 1882;
(7) Jennie Bell, July 7, 1883; (8) Ella Pearl, April 30, 1888; (9) John
Aaron, July 12, 1890; (10) James Samuel, December 26, 1892; (11)
Walter Herbert, July 16, 1895.
PETER V. NEDROW.
The old home where Peter V. Nedrow was born and raised was
about three miles west of Bruceton. (For history of the family see
sketch of Samuel Nedrow.) Peter was bom October 7, 1854, and
after the death of his father, in 1859, he lived with James Harvey about
six years, then with John Spurgeon until the age of manhood, when
he went home to take care of his mother, his oldest brother having gone
into the army.
Mr. Nedrow's first venture was a trip to Bureau county, in Illinois.
He stayed there two years, then returned to Bruceton and entered the
mill, and here he remained three years. His trade as a miller was com-
pleted in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and there is where he got his start
in life. He was next employed at $100 per month in Fayette and West-
moreland counties, Pennsylvania, and from there came to Somerfield
and bought a half interest in a mill owned and operated by Jacobs, and
here he remained eight years. This mill had a capacity of 50 barrels a
day, and they made a specialty of buckwheat flour. Besides dealing
extensively in the wholesale market, they also did a large custom busi-
ness, their annual product averaging about 12,000 bushels. Mr. Nedrow
then drifted into the saw mill business in Somerset county Pennsyl-
vania, but in 1909, on the i6th of April of that year, he purchased a
valuable farm of Frankhouser, near Brandonville, since which time his
attentions have been devoted to expert agricultural pursuits.
In April, 1890, Mr. Nedrow was married to Venie May Bird, daugh-
ter of Basil Bird, a well-known citizen of Somerset county, Pennsyl-
vania. After this marriage the couple moved to Somerfield, where they
built a residence and where they still live. Of this marriage two daugh-
ters were born to bless the union, the eldest being Eunice Catherine,
bom in 1891. She is now in the last year of her musical studies at the
College of Mount Pleasant Institute, Westmoreland county. The
youngest daughter is Mary Ethel, born October 22, 1896.
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866 Preston County, West Vibginu
THE CROGAN FAMILY.
James Crogan was born in the town of Croghan, county of Ros-
common, Province of Connaught, Ireland. In the year 1846 he came
to the United States in company with John and James Doyle. They
landed in New York, and from there journeyed to the state of Mary-
land. Four years later, 1850, James Crogan was married at Mount
Savage, Maryland, to Miss Rose Doyle, who came over from Ireland
in the year 1849. Miss Doyle was from the same part of Ireland as
Mr. Crogan, and a sister of John and James Doyle, who came over with
Mr. Crogan.
From Mount Savage, Maryland, Mr. and Mrs. Crogan moved to
Tunnel Hill, Preston county, Virginia, or what is now West Virginia.
Mr. Crogan followed public works from the time he landed in this
country, and at the time he moved to Tunnel Hill was in the employ-
ment of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, in which service he
worked until about the year 1854, when he purchased the farm that is
now known as the "Crogan Farm," one mile northeast of Newburg,
West Virginia. From this time on he followed farming until his
death, in the year 1856.
There were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Crogan four sons, namely : John
F. Crogan, a well-known farmer of Lyon District, Preston county. West
Virginia. James C. Crogan, who was a conductor on the Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad, and who was killed in the Grafton yards, December 22,
1902. Hubert A. Crogan, who when a young man went West. He first
went to Colorado, where he was a baggage master on one of the rail-
roads. Several years afterwards he went to Gainesville, Texas, where
he was employed as brakesman on one of the railroads of that county.
He was killed in a wreck in the year 1898. Patrick J. Crogan, who
was bom June 17, 1856, was educated in county schools and in a
private school conducted by Professor Painter, of Roanoke College,
Virginia, and then taught school for seven years. He was admitted to
the bar in 1881, having studied law with Judge Mason of Fairmont,
and he has been in continuous practice since that time in Preston
county. He is one of the directors of the Bank of Kingwood.
John F. Crogan, the oldest of the four boys, chose as his vocation
that of farming. He was married in 1875 ^^ ^^ss Fanny Wilson,
daughter of Eugenus Wilson, of near Tunnelton, West Virginia. He
resides on what is known as the "Old Cool Farm," two miles north-
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Preston County, West Viboinu 867
east of Newburg, West Virginia. He is one of the enterprising farmers
of Preston county, was elected County Commissioner from Lyon dis-
trict in 1904, and re-elected to the same office in 1906.
There were born unto Mr. and Mrs. John F. 'Crogan seven children,
six of whom are living, one dying in infancy. Those living are as fol-
lows: (i) Addie J., now the wife of Thomas E. Pyles, a well-known
farmer of Birds Creek, West Virginia. (2) Hubert G. Crogan, an
attorney-at-law of Kingwood, West Virginia. (2) Hubert G. Crogan, an
who went West in 1906, and at the present time has a position as
electrician with the Cananea Consolidated Copper, of Cananea,
Sonora, Mexico. (4) Bessie M., widow of Oliver M. Bell, deceased.
Mr. Bell, at the time of his death, was employed as railway mail clerk
on the Norfolk & Wesetern Railroad, and was killed in a wreck on that
road December 24, 1910. (5) Walter G. Crogan, an engineer on the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and who resides in Grafton, West Virginia.
(6) John D. Grogan, the youngest, who is at home with his parents.
Hubert G. Crogan, son of John F. and Fanny Crogan, was born
April 3, 1880, near Newburg, Preston county. West Virginia. He at-
tended the public schools in early life; graduated at the State Normal
School at West Liberty, West Virginia, in 1907; attended the West
Virginia University at Morgantown, West Virginia, and graduated in
law from that institution in 1910. In his early life he worked on his
father's farm. Taught in the public schools for five years, during which
time he attended the spring terms of the State Normal School at West
Liberty, West Virginia. Was principal of the Newburg public schools
in 1904 and 1905. He was admitted to the bar at the Circuit Court of
Preston county in 1910.
JACOB JACKSON MARTIN.
Daniel Martin, an old Revolutionary soldier, was born in Germany,
and with his wife, Elizabeth Wynne, settled first in New Jersey, but
came to Preston county from Pennsylvania soon after the first of the
eighteenth century. He was a nephew of Col. John Martin, in the War
of the Independence, and served seven years and six months in that
struggle. He went out as a hostler for the Colonel, but soon after car-
ried a musket in the ranks. He died when very old — some say it was
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868 PBunoN County, Wist VisffliniL
at the age of 102 years, and others at 105. Eliza-beth; his wife, died
with cancer in the breast about 1837. Their children were : Abigail,
who married George Sypolt ; Jacob, the father of Jacob Jackson ; John,
a stone mason, who married Sarah Sypolt ; Isaac, who married Susanna
Metheny, was a cripple and a sho^naker; Sarah, who married John
McNair, and lived where Stephen Martin does now.
Jacob Martin, who was a soldier in the War of 181 2, was born Feb-
ruary 6, 1793, i" Fayette county, Pennsylvania. He married Mary
Metheny, about February 7, 1816. She died March 16, 1887. By her
first husband, Peter Miller, she had two children, Susanna and John P.,
both now dead. The children by the second marriage weere: (i) James,
bom February 20, 1816. He was a Baptist clergyman and school
teacher. He married Minerva Rogers, and died June 14, 1896. (2)
Daniel T., born January 6, 1819, died June, 1887. He married first
Elizabeth Teets. His second wife was Mary M. Kirkpatrick. He was
a soldier in the Civil War. (3) Elizabeth, born April 9, 1821, died in
January, 1888. She married George Meyers, and is living near Martms-
ville, on the Ohio River. He was a soldier in the Civil War also. (4)
Lydia, born April 3, 1823, died March 12, 1893, in Iowa. She married
William Liston. Her death was caused by a prick from a barbed wire
fence. (5) Isaac W., bom July 28, 1825, died June, 1910, eighty-four
years old. He married Sarah Wilhelm and lived near Valley Point
(6) Moses R., bom May 6, 1827. He lived in the southern part of the
state. (7) Jane, bom August 24, 1830, died October 21, 1906. She mar-
ried first James Walls, who died in the army. Her second husband
was A. W. Devall. He was a soldier also. (6) Jacob Jackson, -men-
tioned again. (9) Benjamin F., bora March 23, 1835. He married
Catherine Lemasters, and moved to Arkansas. (10) Mary, bom Feb-
ruary 16, 1837. She is the wife of P. D. Kirkpatrick and lives in Ne-
braska. He died a soldier.
Jacob Martin, the father, was a soldier in the War of 181 2, and was
at Fort Meigs and Fort Erie. He died at the home of his son, the sub-
ject of this sketch. He was a farmer and a blacksmith.
JsKTob Jackson Martin, a land surveyor, of Preston county for about
twenty years, was bora November 16, 1832. He learned blacksmithing,
but farming has been his chief occupation, and he is still active though
eighty-one years old. He is well known generally throughout the
county, having held several positions of trust and responsibility. Dur-
i,ig the war he was constable for three years. He was a school teacher
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PBunoN OouMTT, Wmt YnMaiiu 869
in aU ten terms. His educational acquirements fitted him for a mem-
ber of the Board of Education, which position he held twenty years,
eight of which he was president of the board. He was justice of the
peace fourteen years, and refused to serve longer. In 1869 he joined
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and soon afterwards became a leader.
February 17, 1880, he was chosen exhorter, and served in that capacity
until 1903, when a runaway horse hitched to a hay rake crippled him
badly. The rake struck a stump and threw him hbout twelve steps, or
36 feet. The force with which he was thrown was so violent that his
shoulder blade and five ribs were broken, and he was crippled for life.
October 5, 1856, Mr. Martin was married to Sarah A. Martin, daugh-
ter of Jesse M&rtin, one of the original county surveyors of Preston
county. She was bom in 1840, and died May 11, 1896. The children
were: Mary E., bom November 22, 1857, married Joab C. Groves,
Decemiber 10, 1^4. They lived on a farm adjoining the home place.
He is a farmer and a carpenter. Troy D., bora September 30^
1859, married Magdaline Hennessy. They hstve three sons and live
near Hudson. Marshall J. Martin, bom April 2, 1859, was married to
Rachael C. Liston. To this union one daughter, Minnie, was bom.
May 22, 1884. They live adjoining the home place. Minnie married
Carl Messenger. The third child is Malettie O. Martin, bom November
12, 1871. She was married to J. W. Goflf, December 20, 1898. They
have four children: Cora Ethel, bom December 3, 1889; Carl D., bom
April 20, 1892; Jessie M., bom June 22, 1895; and Mabel, bom June
22, 1902.
Mr. Jacob 'Martin's second marriage was to Mrs. Hannah Groves,
whose maiden name was Sterling. She was bom November 26, 1833,
and married first to Jacob Groves in 1850. Five children were bora to
this union. They were: William W., Joab C, Catherine, Eva EUen,
and Jacob Anderson. There is no issue by the second marriage.
Mr. Martin bought the place where he now lives in 1874, of Hosea
Metheny.
ALCINXJS FINTON McMILLEN.
The McMillens, or McMillans, as it should be spelled to denote the
right descent from Scotch-Irish parentage, were among the early
pioneers of Preston county. Robert McMillen, a soldier of the Revolu-
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870 Preston County, West Virginia
tionary War, arrived about 1790, and patented 500 acres on the river
hill near Friendship schoolhouse, in Valley. His cabin stood near the
house of William H. Everly. A letter from Robert M. McMillen gives
full particulars. He says : "My father, Robert Asbury McMillen, was
born at Masontown, Preston county. West Virginia, October 24, 1824,
and died at same place October 24, 1874. He was married to Nancy
Hartley at Masontown, West Virginia, November 16, 1849. My mother
was born at Masontown, West Virginia, December 23, 1826, and died
at the same place, October 9, 1901. Their children, five boys and two
girls, were: Newton W. McMillen, born August 24, 1850; Alcinus F.,
born December 4, 1853; Edward W., bom November 20, 1856; John
L., bom August 25, 1859; Robert M., bom June 26, 1862; Charlotte
Jane, born July 6, 1864; and Emily Bell, bom February 16, 1870.
"My father and mother were consistent members of the Methodist
church. My father was a farmer, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His
grandfather, Robert McMillen, came with his father from Ireland to
this country when the former was but a child. They settled in West-
moreland county, Pennsylvania. This ancestor, Robert McMillen
(properly spelled McMillan), fought in the Revolutionary War. His
wife, after his death, received a pension for said services. He was one
of the first settlers in Preston county. He settled and lived and was
buried on what is known as the Everly farm, three and a half miles
northeast of Masontown, West Virginia.
"My mother's father was Edward Hartley, an Englishman. He was
for many years the miller at Masontown, West Virginia, and was
buried at that place.
"My grandfather, William McMillen, youngest son of Robert, mar-
ried Sarah Cobun, and settled on the McMillen farm, one mile north
, of Masontown, where he reared a family and died about fifty years
of age.''
Robert Asbury McMillen was reared and died on the above men-
tioned McMillen farm, now owned by N. W. and A. F. McMillen. H*
helped to found and foster the church and other substantial institutions
in the district and county.
Alcinus Finton McMillen was bom at Masontown, West Virginia,
December 3, 1853. His education was obtained in the free schools of
Masontown and was supplemented by a course of careful training in
the State Normal School of Fairmont. Thus equipped, and beginning
when twenty years old, Mr. McMillen taught twelve years in the publ5c
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Preston County, West Vibginu 871
schools, at Masontown, Reedsville, Kingwood, Rowlesburg, and other
places. At the age of thirty-two years he took up the occupation of
engineering and surveying. In this profession his work became some-
what extensive. He not only surveyed large blocks of coal and timber
lands in Preston and adjoining counties, but also made trips to Vir-
ginia, Tennessee and North Carolina to survey for parties in this county
who had timber lands in other states. In all he was a surveyor of lands
for Preston county sixteen years and was the first county road sur-
veyor, from 1909 to 191 1.
(March 22, 1887, Mr. McMillen was married to Christie Guseman,
of near Reedsville, West Virginia. She was bom April 29, 1859, near
Dellslow, in Mononfalia county. Her father, John W. Guseman, was
a descendant of Abraham Guseman, a German emigrant to Baltimore
in 1776. John W. Guseman was married to Miss Carrie Snider, daughter
of John Snider, of Monongalia comnty.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. McMillen are as follows :
Herbert, bom December 25, 1887; Mabel, October 16, 1889; Harry,
August 18, 1892; Frank Vincent, January 14, 1899.
Herbert is a graduate of West Liberty Normal School and is now
a student of West Virginia Univers'ty at Morgantown. Mabel is a
graduate of West Liberty Normal School also, and is now a teacher in
the Moundsville public schools. Harry is a student at Fairmont
Normal School, and Frank Vincent is in the public schools of Mason-
town.
Mr. McMillen and family are memhers of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of which he is and has been class leader for a number of years.
GEORGE WASHPNIGTON HARiVEY.
Everywhere honest and trustworthy officials loom up into history,
and the record made by these men saves politics from the bad name de-
signing politicians are giving it. It is with pleasure the people of Pres-
ton County refer to the public service of George Washington Harvey.
His public record is without a blotch, and his career as a man reflects
honor on his name. He was bom April 24, 1853, and raised a farmer.
He received a common school education and made grood use of it, during
the twelve years he served as Deputy Sheriff of Preston County. Mor-
ally, he bears a trustworthy name. He is a man much thought of because
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872 PsmoN OouMTT, Wnr VmaiNu *
of the integrity of his character, the kindliness of his nature, and the
many favors his position as a public servant afforded for helping others.
It is recorded of Mr. Harvey, that to save others from the rigors of the
law, he bore with them patiently until he saved them financially, a
trait of character which brought him many vdtes during the campaign
made by him in 191 2, when a candidate for Sheriff of Preston County.
As a member of the K. oi P. Lodge and as a* member of the M. E.
Church, he also staiids high.
Mr. Harvey's father, Jonathan Harvey, was bom November 9, 1830;
Annamelia (Paugh) Harvey, his wife, was bom March 4, 1831. They
were married March 10, 1849. To this union were bom six children, as
follows: — Sarah Ann, December 6, 1849, who died when about nine
months old; George Washington; Mary Martha, August 30, 1856; Hes-
ter Ann, June 4, 1857; Benjamin Franklin, May 23, i860; Lillie Maud,
March 11, 1863.
Jonathan Harvey was a farmer. He died February 20, 1863. Ben-
jamin Franklin died March 18, 1863. Jonathan was a son of William
and Elizabeth (Wilson) Harvey. His wife, Annamelia Paugh, was a
daughter of Philip Henry and Sarah (White) Paugh.
Mary Martha Harvey was married to Erasmus Ashby. Their chil-
dren are: Carmen, Ollie and Oren. Hester Ann Harvey married
Alpheus Simpson. Their children are Araem and Carmen.
•George Washington Harvey was married to Rosalie Ridenour, De-
cember 15, 1878. They had seventeen children: (i) Olam Love, bom
January 23, 1880 ; (2) Adus, deceased, bora March 16, 1881 ; (3) MoUte
Pearl, April 20, i8a2 ; (4) Earl Gay, December 22, 1883 ; (5) Olive Nena,
June 15, 1886; (6) Clida Maud, July 27, 1887; (7) Gussie Agnes, August
9, 1889; (8) Anna Evalina, January 19, 1891 ; (9) Olga Claudine, March
3, 1S92; (10) Lottie, August 13, 1893; (11) Franklin, August 4, 1895;
(12) George Dewey, July 15, 1898; (13) Willie, January 6, 1900; (14)
Wilma, January 6, 1900; (15) Sadie Madaline, June 18, 1901; (16) Nellie
May, March 23, 1903; (7) Juanita Ewanhill, September, 1904.
Deaths .—Clida Maude Harvey, died February 18, 1888, aged six
months and twenty-one days. Lottie died January 22, 1894, aged five
months and ten days. Franklin died, March 25, 1896, aged seven mondis
and twenty-one days.
Rosalie (Ridenour) Harvey was bora, Febraary 23, i860. She was
the daughter df Martin and Mariah (Reed) Ridenour. who were married
February 27, 1855. He was bora February 24, 1837, and she was bom
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1
PBB8T0N CiOUNTT, WS0T ViBGINU 873
August lo, 1839. Their children are John Wesley, born December 11,
185-5; Mary Martha, November 24, 1857; Rosalie, February 23, i860;
Sarah Elizabeth, August 24, 1862, died February, 1864; Laura Ann,
March 17, 1864; Silva May, August 25, 1866; Nine Christian, February
12, 1869; Isabella, April 20, 1871 ; Olive, June 23, 1873; Cora Virginia,
October 20, 1875; Thomas Martin, January 21, 1878; Minnia Adis, Oc-
tober 8, 1881, died December 6, 1906.
'Martin Ridenour was bom in Preston County a few miles froui
Kingwood, and his wife Mariah was bom near Fellowsville, where
they now live.
WILUAM WALTER HANEY.
Matthew Haney was bom in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
in 1824, and came to Preston county about 1844, as manager of the
Black Fumace, for William Hagans. Afterwards he 'became manager
of Muddy Creek Fumace for George Hartman, at Irondale, and Glades-
ville Fumaces for the Oliphant, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. His
wife was Eliza, daughter of Jacob Murray, formerly of Westmoreland
county, later of West Virginia. They were of German descent, but
called Pennsylvania Dutch. He died in 1880. Their children were:
Sarah C, now of Eldorado, Kansas. She was bom in 1848. Alfred T.,
of Woodlawn, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, born in 1850. W. W., of
Kingwood. Sanford, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and Virginia Frantz,
of Tunnelton. She was bom in 1863.
Mr. William Walter Haney was bom in Grant district, Preston
county, in 1854, and where he was educated in the public schools. His
mother died when he was but thirteen years of age, and from that time
he was thrown upon his own resources. He began railroading in 1877,
as a locomotive engineer, and has been filling that position during the
past thirty-five years. Always careful and ever watchful of those undef
his charge, he has, to the satisfaction of the people of Kingwood and
vicinity, been engineer on the Northern Railroad for many years. He
is identified socially with the people in the county as a consistent
•member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also
as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has
been a staunch Republican all his life, but no office seeker. His
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•74 Pbiston County, Wbot Vm^DnA
wife was Evaline Snyder, from Monongalia county, where she was bom
in 1856. She was a daughter of Caleb Snyder, a farmer, who wj^ bom
in 1823, and died in 1896. Her mother was Sarah Bunner, bora in 1825,
and died in i860. The names of her sisters: Catherine, Elizabeth,
Evaline and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Haney were married at Iron-
town, Taylor county, West Virginia, in 1879. Their children arc as
follows: Earl Browning, the popular tailor, of Kingwood; Elizabeth
Virginia and her sister, Mary Frances, nurses in the hospital at Union-
town, Pennsylvania; Bert Walter, a tailor also; George Allen and
Gilbert Edwin, who are in school.
Mr. Haney came to Kingwood in 1895 ^^^ ^^^ ^^^° ^^ engineer for
the Northera Railroad since that time. He bought a lot and built his
residence in 1905.
ROBERT S. HOLLIS.
Robert S. HoUis, a broad-minded, liberal Prestonian, was brought
to this country in his cradle about ten years before the Civil War. His
early life was one of struggle and bitter experience. He was the son
of James J. HoUis, a school teacher and jeweler, both the trade and the
profession being in that day not what it is now. Nevertheless, the
trade furnished some means of support in the summer time, and during
the winter teaching school became the avocation for a few months dur-
ing each year, and in this way the family eked out an existence.
Thomas HoUis, the grandfather, came from England during the
latter part of the last century and located at Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
where James J. was bom in 1802. Here the son was educated and
learned his trade, and then married. His first wife iwas a Miss Hamil-
ton, and by her he had two sons : George Washington and James. His
second wife was Elizabeth Paschall, and to this union five children
were born, namely: (i) Sarah Catherine, who married James Knotts;
(a) Mary Ellen, who married Leonard M. Deakins; (3) Emily Susan,
who married R. S. Davis ; (4) Isaac P., who married the widow Adams
and moved to Miami county, Ohio; (5) R. S., who was bora September
4, 1850, and brought to Preston when but three months old.
James J. HoUis, the father, was an industrious man, but never be*
came wealthy. Circumstances necessitated several removals in his life-
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Preston County, Wbst Virginia 873
time, he coming to Cheat Bridge, Preston county, from Springfield,
West Virginia, where Robert, the subject of this sketch, was bom.
He had moved first to Martinsburg, West Virginia, where he married
his second wife, then he went to Winchester, Virginia, from which place
he moved to Hampshire county before coming here.
R. S. HoUis lost his mother when but six years old, and for six years
thereafter his lot was a hard one. Finally his father took him West,
and what education he got he obtained from the public schools of
Darke county, Ohio. When twelve years of age he entered into the
employ of Brandon & English, large lumber and real estate dealers,
and in this connection a ray of sunshine entered into the toy's life
which brightened up the way for him during the rest of his days. He
became one of the most trusted employees of this firm, and his connec-
tion with them was a profitable one. When but fourteen years of age
he was put in charge of a corps of workers, and not infrequently he
would be given an oversight of forty or more men. From this time
forward everything changed for the better.
When but eighteen years old, in 1869, Mr. HoUis came to Rowles-
burg, where he was employed for a short time by the Rowlesburg
Lumber & Iron Company, but in the month of September of that same
year he began railroading, and for thirty-five years thereafter, with the
exception of three months, he continued in the employ of the Baltimore
& Ohio Railroad Company. First he was a brakesman, but after a
service in that capacity twenty-two months, he was made conductor,
and this position he held six years. From 1878 to 1880 he was a fire-
man, then for twenty-three years thereafter, or until 1903, he was an
engineer.
December 31, 1872, Mr. HoUis married Eunice M. Funk, daughter
of Jonathan and Eliza Funk, of Rowlesburg. From 1873 to 1879 ^^
lived at Newburg, then returned to Rowlesburg, where he has con-
tinued to reside ever since.
In 1901 Mr. Hollis purchased the store of T. W. Nine, merchant,
of Rowlesburg, and this was the beginning of his large mercantile in-
terests, begun two years before he quit railroading. April 30, 1908, the
original store was burned and the present large, commodious structure
was erected. From the beginning the business prospered, and much
realty from time to time was added to the estate. The good manage-
ment and prosperous success is largely due to Harry and Milton Hollis,
general managers of the store.
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876 Pbbston CiouNTT, Wnr Virginia
Four children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Hollis, namely;
(i) Carrie, wife of C Dawson, undertaker, who was bom November
25, 1873 1 (2) Harry R., born January 2, 1878, and general manager of
the store; (3) Elmer Eugene, deceased, bom July 30, 1882, died No-
vember 18, 1892; (4) Milton Ross, bora September 6, 1886.
In politics Mr. HolUs is a statmch Republican. In 1692 he ran for
sheriff of Preston county, but was defeated by thirteen votes. He is a
member of the Odd Fellows and a Past Grand. In 1896 and 1897 ^
represented the Solomon Grand Lodge of U. S. A.
The social and financial standing of Mr. HoUis is above par; com-
ment is unnecessary.
FLEMEN C. BARNBa
For the history of the pioneers of this family see the sketch of J.
P. Barnes. F. C. Barnes was bora in Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
March 9, 1883. When about six years old he was brought to Preston
county and lived two or three years with his aunt, Sarah A. Barnes,
and was then taken into the family of Samuel A. Boger, where he re-
mained until of age, receiving in the meantime a commcm school educa-
tion and the tdvantages of an excellent home.
Mr. Bames began teaching school when twenty-one years of age.
He was a successful teacher and taught eight successive winters. He
was reared a farmer, however, and his attentions were naturally
directed to that line of jwork and he is now known as one of the successful
farmers of the county. The farm on which he and his family reside
was bought of William Glover in 1880. It is a large farm, is very
fertile, and yields good crops annually. The new home was built in
1899,, and the barn a year later.
Mr. Bafties was married to Alcinda Guthrie, April 20, 1862. (See
history of the Guthrie family.) Their children are as fallows: (i)
Lovina C, bora March 23, 1863. She is the wife of 'Noah Thomas.
(■See sketch of Thomas family.) (2) Barbara Ella, who became the
wife of Ira Thomas. She was bora July 16, 1866. (3) James M., bom
February 9, 1869. He married Cora I. Ditmore, January 20, 1904.
They have three children: Evelyn V., bora December 16, 1904; Mildred
Grace, bora Novemtber 14, 1909; Mabel May, bora August 22, 1912. (4)
Harrison P., bora December 17, 1871. He married Jennie Meyers, June
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PURON CJOUNTT, WUT YlRGINU 677
17, 1900, and they live on the old Crawford farm. Their children are :
Hugh ^sell, bom October 5, 19..; Ethel L., bom July 2, 1904; Glenn
W., bora December 24, 1906; John W., bora January 13, 1908. (5) Rosa
May, bora September 2, 1877. She was a school teacher. On May
17, 1906, she married Samuel Guthrie, now a prosperous merchant at
Hazelton. No issue. (6) Dora, bora August 6, 1880. She has remained
at home. (7) Pearlie Grace, bora April 24, 1886. On June 30, 191 1,
she married Walter Frazec, a merchant of Terra Alta. They have one
child, James Blaine.
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I
878 PbBSTON CiOUMTT^ WB8T VmCONU
Addenda to Volume Two.
ECKERLIN.
By O. F. Morton.
It a4)ipears to have been Immanuel Eckerlin who was murdered oa
Dunkard Bottom about 1755.
GERMAN IMMIGRANTS.
With date of arrival at Philadelphia. Some of these may be
Stncestors to Preston families. P. stands for Palatinate province, on
the river Rhine, and W. for Wurtemburg. When two or more of the
same name are mentioned, they arrived in the same vessel. In the
case of such names as Cress, Dill, Miller, Smith, Wetzel, and Wolff,
there were arrivals in various years s^nd identification would be very
uncertain. The names in the list below are spelled as in the original
registry.
Albrecht, Jacob - 1732 - P.
Bauer, Joh. Martin - 1732 - P.
Boger, Mitrtin - 1731 - P.
Courpenning, Hendrick- 1751.
Eberli, Heinrich - 1727.
Ewig (Evick), Christian - 1737 - P.
Prankhauser, Johannes - 1728 - P.
Frantz, Michael - 1727.
Feder, Michael - 1 731 - P.
Fortney, David - 1739 - P. - Huguenot ancestry.
Gafbel, Johannes - 1754.
Heilman, Martin - 1732 - P.
Lambrecht, Antonius- 1751.
Lantz, Jacob - 1738 - P.
Laub, Georg-1739-P.
Lebegood, Jacob and Ulrich - 1732 - P.
Leininger, Johan Jacob - 1750.
Mast, Jacob - 1727.
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Pbbston CtouNTY, Wmt Virginia
Marsteller, Friederich - 1729 - P.
Mosser, Johan Adam - 1728 - P.
Minier, Christian and Hans Georg - 1732 - P.
Mineehr, Simon - 1737 - P.
Nicola, Ludwig - 1738 - P.
Ramsburger, Jacob - 1754 - W.
Regelman, Martin - 1741 - P.
Ringer, Johan Jacob - 1743.
Reittenaur, Johannes, Sr. and Jr. - 1739 - P.
Stempel, Jacob and Nicholas - 173^ - P.
Stembell, Johan Peter - 1737 - P-
Slabach, Johannes and Joh. Henry - 1732 - P.
Spiker, Ulrich - 1737 - P.
Siesler, John Peter and John Lenhart - 1741 - P.
Vogelgesang, Johan Nickell - 1750.
Weyl, Johan Jacob - 1736 - P.
Wotring, Abraham - 1732 - P.
Yeist, Philip - 1741 - P.
879
PRBSTONIANS OF 1785.
Taken from the original lists of residents having taxable personalty.
Names are spelled as found.
THOMAS BUTLER'S RETURN.
Butler, Thomas
Butler, Joseph
Chips, Thomas
Coonts, Jacob
Creacroft, Samuel
Cox, Philip
Cox, John
Daskins, Daniel
Dougherty, William
Dougherty, John
Drake, James
EUis,Phimp
Garvis, William
Garvis, Solomon
Grayham, John
Herrington, Abijah
Horton, Ezera
Jones, Bzekiel
Kirkpatrick, Andrew
Kirkpatrick, William
Lemons, George
Lewis, Henry
London, Bartholomew
Metheny, James
Moore, Enoch
Morgan, James
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830
Pmrom Gountt, Wnr YmeiNU
Morgan, Hugh
Morgan, William
Powell, Richard
Rameay, Andrew (2 tithablea)
Roberts, Amos
Simpson,Jeremiah - had one slave
under 16
Taylor, Wildey
Thompson, Garvis
Woolf , Jacob
THOMAS CHENEY'S RETURN.
Adams^ James
Askins, 'Edward
Bougher, John
Canoday, James
Cheney, Thomas
Connor, James
Connor, John, Jr.
Connor, John, Sr. - 3 tithables
Coosfaman, David
Crist, Lewis
Donaldson, Charles
Ellason, Samuel
Fraze, David
Hall, Henry
Hamey,John
Hoge, Zebulon
Horton, EUhu
Judey, Martin, Sr.
Judey, Martin
Judey, John
Kdley, John
Lane, Joseph
McCoUum, James - 2 tithables
McCoUum, Daniel
Morrice, John
Morrice, Richard L.
Parker, James
Robenet, Joseph
Robenet, John
Robenet, Samuel
Simms, John
Smiley, John
Soverans, Daniel
Soverans, Joseph
Spurgin, James, Jr.
Spurgin, Samuel
Spurgin, Samuel - 2 tithes
Spurgin, William - 2 tithes
Stuart, Joseph
Walleson, Richard
Ward, Peter
Welch, John
Wirl, Samuel
Wirl, Attewtl
Woods, Thomas
Worley, Anthony
DANIEL MdCOLLUM'S RETURN
Braden (Brandon), Alexander
Braden, Jonatiian
Clark, James
Criss, Lewis
Gibson, Thomas
Lain, Josq>h
Morriss, Morriss
Myers, Joseph - 2 tithables
Myers, Joseph, Jr.
Spurgin, James, Sr.
Spurgin, Jeremiah
Trader, Arthur
Warner, John - 2 tidiables, also one
slave
WhitlaU:h,John
Wilton, Richard
Wisely, John
Yeamal, Jesse
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^^
PURON OouNTT, Wi0T Ymmsok
SOME PRBSTONIANS OP 1803.
8S1
From the original personal property list, by Alexander Brandon.
His district covered all of Monongalia east of Cheat, and was more ex-
tensive than the East Side of Preston. A figure with hyphen following
a name indicates the number of tithables in the household, where the
number exceeds one.
Able, Martin
Adams^ Thomas
Anderson, Daniel
Archer, Aaron
Archer, David
Archer, John
Asbby Nathan
Askins, Reuben
Ayres, Benjamin
Bayles, David
Beaker, George
Beaker, Samuel
Benson, William
Bentley, William
Biggs, William - constable
Bingamon, Alexander
Bishop, Christian - 2
Bishop, John
Blatchley, Zopper
Boughroughs, James
Brandon, Jonathan
Brannan, John
Briggs, Elisha
Brite, John - 3
Brite, Carlisle
Brite, William
Bucklew, William
Butler, Thomas - 3, also i slave
Butler, Elijah
Cale, Henry
Carree, Christian
Carrico, John - 2
Carrico, Peter
Casey, Nicholas
Castile, Jeremiah
Chipps, John
Cfiisler, Jacob
Clark, James, Sr.
Clark, James, Jr.
Clark, Samuel
Clark, Absalom
Clutter, Samuel
Clyster, Christian
Collins, Francis
Collins, Jacob
Conn, James
Connor, Robert
Cook, Peter
Crane, Samuel 2
Cross, Benjamin
Cunningham, Arthur
Cupp, Leonard, Sr.
Cupp, Leonard, Jr.
Cnrry, John 2
Curry, Robert
Cushman, Isaac
!"^
Daifey, Owen - 2
Davit, Thomas
Deardurff, Samnel
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882
Preston Coimrr, Wbst VmeiinA
Dcbcrry, John
Glover, Amos
Dewcye, Samuel
Glover, Benjamin
Dcwitt, Peter
Goflf, James (i)
Domire, Rinefaart
Goff, James (2)
Donaldson, James - 2
Goff,John
Doran, Terah - 2
GoflF, widow
Doran, James
Goodwin, John
Douglass, Niel
Graham, David
Downey, John
Gribble,John - 2
Draper, Jacob
Grove, Nicholas
Dunwoody, James
Hamilton, James
Elliot, Abraham - 2
Hamilton, Rcbttt
Elsey, Nicholas
Harris, Abrahaim
England, William
Harris, Jonadian
Evans, John - nailer
Harris, WiUiam
Evans, Enoch
Hardesty,EKjah
Evans, Marget
Hamer, Phillip
Ervin, Isaac
Harrader, John - 2
Ervin, James
Harsh, Frederick
Everley, Peter - a
Hartley, James
Kckle,John
Hartman, John
'Haze, Henry
Fickle, Joseph
Hazlet,Samnd
Ployd, Michael
Hearst, widow
Foreman, Robert - 2
Heckart, Peter
Foreman, John
Hecks» Justus
Foreman, Sarnnd
Hendridtson, David
Foreman, Rkhard
Hendnckson, Sfanon
Foreman, Joseph
Hendiom, Henry
Foster, John
Hentiiom, John
Fowler, John
H{ghshoe,Henry-2
Foy, John
Highshoe, Jacob
Funkhonzer, Nicholas
Hoover, Henry
Hoover, John
Gadd, Elijah
Horton, Ezra
Gadd, Thomas
Huggins, James
Gibson, Thomas
' Jarret, Benjamin
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Preston County, West Vibginu
883
Jarret, William
JeflFeiys, Dennis
Jefferys, Benjamin - 2
Jenkins, Evan
Jenkins, John
Jenkins, Jonathan
Jenkins, Thomas, Sr.
Jenkins, Enoch
Jenkins, Bartholomew
Jenkins, Mary
Jenkins, Margaret
Johnston, William - 2
Jones, William
Joseph, Uriah
Kelly, John - 3
Kigar, Daniel
Kigar, George
King, Valentine - 3
King, James
Lapp, John
Level, Robert
Lewellen, John
Lewellen, Hannah
Lewellen, Doctor
Lewes, Henry - 2
Litchfield, John
Little, Wifliam
McEntosh, Alexander
Mc gill, Adam
Mc grew, Patrick
Mc grew, James
Mervin, Samuel
Metheny, Nathan - 2
Metheny, Joseph - 2
Metheny, Moses
Metheny, Ephraim
Metheny, John
Metheny, James
Metheny, Elias
Metheny, Reuben
Middleton, Benjamin
Mitchener, John
Miller, Henry
Mires, John
Montgomery, James
Moore, Archibald
Moore, James
Moore, Joseph
Morton, Samud - 2
Morton, Benjamin
Moyers, Anne
Neighbors, William - 2
Newhouse, William
Nine, Christian
Norris, Christian - 2
j
Martin, Daniel
Martin, Joseph - 2
Maseen, Williain - 2
Mason, William - 3
Masther, Stephen
McClane, John - 3
McCollum, Daniel
McDonald, John, Sr.
McDonald, John, Jr.
Osbom, 2
Otto, George J. - 2
Otto, Christopher
Parks, Thomaa
Pasnett, Joseph
Patterson, Samuel
Penrose, Jesse - 3
Penrose, Ahraha m
Points, John
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884
PiMnur CooMTT, Wnr VnoMU
Postle,Jifichael
Spurgen, James
Postle, Samuel - 2
Stafffford, James • ferryman
Potter, Russell - a
Stafford, John
Powel€riffitb
Starten, Andrew J.
Stemple, David
Ramsey, John
StemplcJohn
Reames, Tobias
Stemple, Martin
Rice, John, Jr.
Strahen, William
Rice, Shadrach
Summers, John
Ridenour, Jacob - 2
Sommerville, Alexander
Ridenour, Christian
Suyert, Adam
Rightmire, James
Synes, Henry
Rightmire,John
Rightmire, Robert
Tannehill,Ninian
Roberts, Ames
Tannehill,Samud
Rose, Charles* 3
Taylor, John
Rose, James
Teets, Henry
Royre, Aaron
Tetrick, JaoA
Ruble, Jacob
Titchenal, Stephen
Thompscm, Robert
Sayre, Joseph
Trader, Arthur
Sayrc, William
Trimley, Benjamin - 2
Scott, Andrew
Tumer, Zephaniah
Scott, John
Scott, l^omas
Wlaler, William, a
Scryer, Christian -2
Walls, Temperance
Sevier, Robert - 2
Warman, Joshua
Sevier, James
Warman, Thomas
Sevems, Joseph, Sr.
Warman, Catharine
Sevems, Josei^, Jr. - 2
Webster, James
Sevems, Daniel, Sr.
Welts, Michael * constable
Sevems, Daniel, Jr.
Wheeler, John
Sevems, Joseph of Daniel
Whiteham, Christian - 2
Sevems, John
White, George
Shaver, Adam
Wile, Henry
Smith, Prederiek
Wilhchn, Frederick
Smith, Jacob
WiUets^Jchn-a
Soulard,Oabriel
WiUets, Samuel
Spencer, Amos
Wilson, John
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Preston County, West Virginia 885
Winans, Andrew Woods, Robert - constable
Wolff, Jacob, Sr. Woods, Anthony
Wolff, George Woods, Benjamin
Wolff, Samuel Woodring, Daniel
Wolff, Adam Wooring, Abraham, Sr. - 3
Wolff, Augustine Wooring, Abraham Jr.
Wolff, John Wooring, Nicholas
Wood, Joseph Wooring, John
Wood, John Workman, Stephen
Woods, Andrew Workman, William
The population of the district was about 1,400. The tax book shows
21 slaves of 16 years of age or older, and 32 younger slaves. There
were 584 horses, including two studs. All the householders were as-
sessed at less than one dollar each, except the following:
Nicholas Casey $2.06 Joseph Severns $2.48
Frederick Harsh i.oo Daniel Severns
Bartholomew Jenkins 1.24 Catharine Warman 144
William Norris 2.28 John WiUets 1.20
John Ramsay 6.16
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Contents of Volume Two.
Addenda
Arthur, Richard M. -
Ashburn, George W.
Barnes, Jacob P. .
Barncfs, Flemen C.
Beachy, Jacob —
Beerbower, Zer
Beerbower, Charles W.
Beerbower, Lloyd G. —
Bishop, William M.
Bishop Family
Bonafield, Guy M.
Boone, Thomas N.
Brady, James Benjamin ..
Brailer. Joseph J.
Brown Family, James ~.~
Brown, Thomas
Brown, Robert P.
Brown, Charles Newton
Brown, Edward S.
Brown, James William _.
Browning Family
Burch, William T
PAGE
S7S
702
876
808
642
829
858
757
830
750
769
571
571
571
~ 752
771
773
834
836
Carroll, James H.
Carroll, Herndon Duval ^
Chorpenning, Millard P.
Cobun, Sanford L.
Cobun Family
Cole, Benjamin F. ^.
Conley, William G.
Craig, Charles A. ^
Craig, Richard E.
Crane, Orlando C. -
Cresap Family
639
640
713
669
860
.747
573
698
699
652
657
Crogan Family
Cunningham Thaddeus S-
Cuppett, Edward E.
Cuppett, Gilbert C.
Dill Family
Dixon, Emanuel
Fairfax Family
Fairfax, John M. G
Feather, J. Wesley ~.~.
Feathefr, Charles H. ™
Feather, John A.
Feather,Karl Ward .^
Flynn, James W. ^
Forman Family
Fortney, Thomas
Fortney, Neil J.
Freeland Family
Gandy, Frank Warren
Garner, W. Scott
Garner Family
Garner, Waitman T. W.
Gibson, David J.
Gibson, Bert T
Gibson, James C.
Guseman,John W.
Guseman, Jacob J.
Guthrie Family
Haney, William W.
Harrington Family
Hartley, Henry A. ^
Hartley, John E. _
Hartman Family
PAGE
866
813
694
693
803
819
631
637
840
774
614
814
588
586
811
786
663
758
760
675
676
678
579
580
671
873
849
582
58s
673
\
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Google
/
Harvey, George Washington
Hauger, Herbert Theodore-.
Hauger, Ezra B.
Heath, Jesse D.
Heermans, Francis
Hollis, Robert S.
PA0B
775
604
875
Jackson, Charles Mortimer... 760
Jackson, Hoy B. 780
Jenkins Family 776
Jordan Family 824
Lakin, James S. —
Lavelle, William J.
Lavelle, William G.
Lee Family
Liston Family
Loar, Richard
Martin, Jacob Jackson
Martin, Isaac P.
Martin, William T. D.
McCool Family
McCrum Family
McCrum, A. Bliss
McKinney, Sanford C
McMillen, Alcinus Fenton.«
Metheny, Silas
Miller, Levi L.
Monrotf, Julius K.
Montgomery, Samuel B. .
Morgan, Marshall
Murdock, James Eyster
Nedrow, Samuel
Nedrow, Peter V
Orr Family
Parks, Lucian Lone
Pentony, Herbert —
576
791
788
847
817
818
867
661
783
630
589
593
763
869
8ia
806
600
594
701
833
864
865
840
853
836
Pierce, Carleton C.
Reed, Lorelle Vernon
Ressegger, Mabel
Roberts, Lakin Fiske ~
Scott Family
Shaw Leroy -
Shaw,Omer Y
Sheets, Luther
Smoot Family
Snider Family
Spiker, Bernard D
Spindler, Charles
Stemple Family
Stone, Charles Carroll ...
Tanner, Thomas N.
Tanner, James
TaylOT, Milton H.
Taylor, Thornton
Thompson Family
Trembly, Charles Edward..-
Turnlefy Family
Waddell Family
Walls, George A.
Walls, John O.
Watson Family, William
Watson Family, Rawley ~.
Watson, Daniel G.
Watson, Thomas
Watson, David E.
Weltner, Joseph T.
Whetsell Family .
Whetsell, EHas W
White, William Thomas
White, George Washington^.
White, Forrest W
Wilkinson, Carlus Eugene
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PA0B
706
746
644
859
85s
850
786
616
629
823
668
781
802
666
667
690
689
623
756
850
798
816
822
684
683
687
680
685
778
708
.711
827
771
674
.767
.r>
X-
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