USA > West Virginia > Preston County > A History of Preston County, West Virginia, V. 2 > Part 5
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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. McGrew, 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 office 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's 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 office. 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 which 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.
CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF FRANCIS HEERMANS.
Of first marriage: Juliet, died March 7, 1860, 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 all 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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chant whom he faithfully served until the way opened up for him to engage in business on his own account, first in Kingwood; the busi- ness prospered and he sought a wider field, so in partnership with J. M. Hartley, he took charge of a store which they established in Cadiz, Ohio. He soon purchased the interest of his partner and for more than twenty years he successfully conducted a constantly growing business until 1910, when he sold his business to a joint stock company, in which he still holds a block of the stock. Later he sold his home in Cadiz, Ohio, and removed to Cleveland. He there joined with other prominent business men in the organization of a joint stock company, 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 the business.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wright two sons were born: Francis Ware, born March 19, 1891, and William Heermans, born July 18, 1900. Francis attended the public schools of Cadiz, was graduated from the High School, entered the Ohio State University in 1908, from which he was graduated in June, 1912. 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 born: Edward McGrew was born 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 twenty years he worked on prominent newspapers, first as a reporter and news-gatherer, and later as editorial writer.
On the 17th 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 have no children.
Persis Hagans, the baby of the family, was born at Kingwood, Feb- 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 1892. After a year as teacher in the Art department 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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making, in which 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 1895, 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, born February 19, 1901; James Francis, born August 11, 1902; John Heer- mans, born February 17, 1904.
My brothers and sisters still living are :
George Heermans, Rochester, New York.
Alice Bell, married to Lovasso Field; their home is in Rochester, New York.
Harry Clay Heermans, Olympia, Washington.
Clinton W. Heermans, Corning, New York.
Leonora, married to Dr. Harrison H. Boswell, Buffalo, New York. John Heermans, Jr., Olympia, Washington.
My home has been in Morgantown since October, 1911. In my seventeenth year I began my religious life 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. FLYNN.
The Flynns are 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.
J. W. FLYNN
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THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
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James Flynn, Sr., was born in 1810, and died in 1858. His son Benjamin W. Flynn, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born 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 speak, was born 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 furnaces 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 Mining engineer ; Charles W. Flynn, an Electrical Engineer, and a daughter, Nellie M. Flynn, still in school.
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 Presbyterian church.
Mr. Flynn has been of eminent usefulness in his business relations with the people of his native county. As one of the organizers 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 enterprise, while the stockholders have. 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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THE SMOOT FAMILY IN PRESTON CO.
The name of Smoot is truly American if length of year's residence Americanizes a name as well as the man. One of the record books in the Land office at Annapolis, Md. evidences the fact that William Smoot, the progenitor of the Smoot family in America, transported 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 river were conveyed to him by indenture dated June 12, 1646, at St. Inegoes Fort. This William Smoot was a prominent man in the business transactions of his time and neighborhood. He was a native of England, having in 1633 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 Smoot owned vessels, one of which he bought from Leonard Calvert. He was one of the 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 his trouble in coming 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 shall be 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 William Barton, as each in his will referred to Lieutenant-Colonel William Barton as "brother- in-law." Thosam Smoot in his will 1704 mentions "Barton" as eldest son. The name of "Barton" was retained by the line of Smoots who early became residents of Preston county, and this affords evidence of the connection of. the Preston County families to those of early colonial times.
Rhast Smoot.
ลข T FARY
ARTUR, LEMON
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Smoot I :
One John Smoot, whose wife's name was Mary, bought land in Hampshire County, Virginia, in 1790. Of his family of twelve children, "Barton" was the eldest, "Solomon, second son," "James, deceased." "Children and wife of deceased James," also William Jacob, Joshua, Joseph, Mary Cornet, Susanna Haize, Lucrecy, and two youngest daughters, Charity and Priscilla, according to his will recorded in Hampshire County, Va., in 1808. Of the above family it is known that James Smoot was a member of the Hampshire County Militia in 1790, and that Barton Smoot was a miller at a merchant mill in Fox's Hollow-a mill built in 1818-and he being the fourth miller. The same mill still in operation as late as 1897.
Smoot II :
JOSHUA SMOOT, the son of John and Mary-Smoot, married Mary Haines, born 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 after they had 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 lies buried in a cemetery of that denomination at "Scotch Hill" 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 III :
JAMES REASON SMOOT, son of Joshua and Mary (Haines) Smoot, was born in Hampshire County, 1834. He married (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 Powell, daughter of John M. Powell and Martha (Howard) Powell. To this union the following
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children were born: J. Ray, married Mollie Fromhart, of Newburg, 1909; Grace, Clara, Calvin, Cora, Earl, Edgar.
In a sketch printed in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer 1889, during the life time of Mr. James R. Smoot, 'twas written that "Perhaps the most extensive lumber manufacturer as well as man of all business in the vicinity of Newburg, Austen and Tunnelton, is Mr. James R. Smoot of Newburg. He commenced the lumber 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. Smoot 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 support.
He applied himself 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 Independence remaining there one year then removed to Newburg. His chief occupation has been connected with the lumber business. He also has been a large dealer in realestate 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-Roller 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 Fairchance Railroad, and president of the Kingwood Coke Co." Thus 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, always gave his mother, Mary Haines Smoot, much credit for his ability to manage and accumulate property, saying she had a rare capacity for good management. She made her home with her son, James, after the death of her husband, Joshua Smoot, except for a short
Alice Paul Smoot.
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time during the life of her second husband, Zedekiah Waldo, when she 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 while 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-abiding citizen, never entering into law to test its merits. His religious training was in the old school Baptist, but he attended with his family the Methodist Protestant Church in Newburg, which building lot was given to that congregation by Mr. Smoot, while the building of the church was largely assisted by his family. In politics he was a Republican. He belonged 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 school 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 honor.
Smoot IV :
CHARLES HOWARD SMOOT, representing the fourth generation of authentically connected families of this name who have for more than two centuries been identified with progress of Maryland and Virginia, is the son of James Reason (see Smoot III.), and Susan (Howard) Smoot. He was born March 23, 1866, in Newburg, Preston county, West Vir- ginia, being the only surviving son born to this union (one brother, John, having died in infancy). His preparatory education was received in the public 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 Virginia, to engage in the lumber industry owned by
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his father and himself. Having for this purpose gone to virgin timber lands, Mr. Smoot, our subject, was following in the footsteps of 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 employer and employees came-the latter having been likewise engaged by Mr. J. R. Smoot on his mills in Preston county. At this post office Mr. C. H. Smoot was the post- master. In 1900, the firm 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. Smoot's plan of lumber manufacturing has been along lines of conservation, as he has with few exceptions, and always where practic- a,ble, 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 from the firm and Charles Howard Smoot has since been sole owner and manager of the firm C. H. Smoot & Co., at Allingdale, where he has a comfortable home property facing Gauley River at the mouth of historic Stroud's Creek.
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. Smoot is a Republican, and was once elected mayor of Newburg but did not qualify, preferring to remain a private citizen- always strongly upholding the government. He is an official member of the Methodist Protestant Church 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 of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is quiet, unassuming and reserved in his manner ; relishes society in general, but chooses few close friends. Mr. Smoot married, June 12, 1890, at the home of her parents in New- burg, Alice L. Paul. (See Paul IV.) The children of this union being : Raphael, born March 22,1891 ; Charles Howard Paul, born January 17, 1893, died, as did his elder brother, in infancy ; Bithiah, born January 7,
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JAMES R. SMOOT.
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1901; Ralph Omar, born February17, 1907. This daughter and son attend the public schools of Fairmont. In 1907, Mr. Smoot purchased in Fairmont, W. Va., on one of the best residence avenues, a dwelling which is the winter home of himself and family, while the Allingdale property is continued principally as a summer home.
Alice L. Paul, wife of Charles Howard Smoot is the eldest child of John Emory and Bithiah (McCool) Paul. (See Paul IV.) Her birthplace, Newbury, Preston county. She completed the course of study in the graded schools of Newburg, also that of the Fairmont State Normal School, graduating from the latter on her seventeenth birth- day. For five consecutive years thereafter she taught in the graded schools of her home town, during which 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 be considered a candiduate for a second term. This is the only instance of a woman's serving on the teachers' exam- ining board of Preston county. In 1889 she was appointed postmistress at Newburg, then the largest post office in Preston county. Miss Paul's (now Mrs. C. H. Smoot's) campaign for this office created unusual interest. The tact with which she treated political opposition exhibited qualifications generally admired and approved. She has letters of ap- proval and appreciation from many who were in those days leading politicians in both parties throughout the state.
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