USA > West Virginia > Upshur County > The history of Upshur county, West Virginia, from its earliest exploration and settlement to the present time > Part 57
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February 1, 1900, he married Mattie Virginia Johnson, who was born Febru- ary 29, 1880, the daughter of Perry H. Johnson and Margaret E. Beverage and their children are : Clovy Blanche, Bunah Andra, Perry Forrest and Edra Lee.
Mr. Hardway was a son of James H. Hardway and Fanny F. Humphrey of Bath County, Va.
He has a good common school education and is a Civil Engineer and farms. He is a democrat in politics and a Missionary Baptist in religion.
He owns fifty acres of land near Holly Grove on the Little Kanawha River. He was left an orphan and was raised by Mrs. Eliza Hefner of Giady Fork.
PETER HARPER was born September 6, 1825, in Randolph County and married Wealthy Cidestei, September 9, 1845, she was born May 13, 1827. Mr. Ilarper moved to Straight Fork soon after his marrage and there ten children were born : Susan Virgi .2, Alcinda Jane, Wellington Lee, William Schuyler, Hazel Wesley, Jolın Waitman, Chester S.sk, Charles Presley, Peter Sheldon, Bernard Moore.
He owned one hundred acres of land on Straight Fork, on which he raised his large family and was a leader among his neighbors and loved by them all. He was a Methodist Protestant in religion. Besides farming he did stone masonry. After his death his son Bernard M. Harper came into possession of the homestead and is now taking care of his mother.
Bernard M. Harper was born May 11, 1872, and married Lillie Frances Brake, September 1, 1898, she was born February 11, 1873, and their child is Monter Arnold, born April 18, 1901.
Mrs. Harper was a daughter of Benjamin Brake and Martha Hull. Ben- jamin Brake was a son of Cyrus Brake.
WILLIAM SCHUYLER HARPER, was born November 3, 1852, the son
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of Peter Harper and Wealthy Chidester and on January 31, 1875, was married to Mary Mildren McCauley, who was born May 12, 1857, and their children are: Alva Otis, married Retta Jones; Orvil Roy, died March 4, 1900; Maurice Fred, a barber; William Weece, married Georgie K. Kincaid; Bessie May, died June 25, 1898; Nlelie J., teacher ; Leslie Hugh ; Aleta Grace ; Mary Lois.
Mrs. Harper was the daughter of Harvey McCauley and Sarah Blagg, natives of Highland County, who settled near Frenchton in 1830.
The subject of this sketch was a cripple caused by white swelling but was an energetic and hard working man. For a few years after his marriage he lived at Burnsville, Braxton County, whence he came to Centerville. He incurred the loss of a large flouring mill, of which he owned one half and from which financial loss he never fully recovered. He owned a farm near Centerville, was a Justice of the Peace two terms, was a shoemaker by trade, he belonged to the M. E. Church from his fourteenth year until his death in his forty-fifth year. Con- sumption was the dreadful disease, which carried him away.
His widow has raised their children and she now resides at Centerville.
GEORGE MINTER HARPER, son of Chesley S. Harper, born February 28, 1880, and was married December 16, 1902, to Ora Ella Powers, who was born January 19, 1885, the daughter of Lee Powers and the granddaughter of Benona Powers of Lewis County.
The subject of this sketch was raised at Rock Cave and took his education in the public schools of that village, on leaving school he began farming and lum- bering for a living, which occupation he still follows.
In politics he is a Republican.
WILLIAM BENSON HAWKINS, son of James M. and Catherine (Good- win) Hawkins, born November 9, 1844, in Marion County. And married Nancy Jane Watson.
Children : John Addison, Rachel Ann, Mary Catherine, George Washington, Cora Mariah, Arizona Virginia, Homer Gorden.
WARREN E. HAYNES, son of Sumner and Rachel Ann (Cochran). Haynes, born January 4, 1858. His father was one of the oldest and most public spirited men of Upshur County, having served his country in its early history in various official capacities with foresight and statesmanship.
Mr. Haynes was the oldest son of a family of eight, the other children of Sumner Haynes being, William, James T., Charles B., Mariah E., Robert E., John J. and Lillie.
He married Adeline Helmick, March 20, 1889, and to them were born Ed- ward Sumner, Minnie Elizabeth, William Mckinley, Olga May, Lillie Delia, John J. Everett and Robert Curtain and Harrison A.
Warren E. Haynes has held for twelve years the office of Constable of Banks District.
Sumner Hayes was the son of Daniel and Hannah (Weldon) Haynes of Massachusetts. Daniel was a soldier in the war of 1812 and Sumner, the son, was born near French Creek, in 1822, and lived in this section until his death in 1885.
MARCELLUS BENTON HAYMOND, the son of Wilson M. Haymond and Sarah McCartney, was born March 1, 1834. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Jane Moor, was born June 26, 1849, their marriage dates April 9, 1869. Children : Laura Frances, Luther Coleman, Rosa Ann, Allen Hill, Jewett Martin, Geunten Fleming, Alva Clayton, Birdie Aurillah.
Mr. Haymond is a farmer. A member of the M. P. Church, South, and a Democrat in politics.
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His mother's father was George Moor, who was a son of Preston Moor and the grandson of Hamilton, on his grandmother's side.
Preston Moor came from Scotland in 1812, was in the war that year and after the termination of the war, settled in this country.
On his mother's side, his grandfather was William Briteshaw and Elizabeth Campbell emigrants from Scotland in 1807. His other grandfather on his mother's side was Samuel Hogsett, who emigrated from Scotland to Virginia in 1808. His wife was Elizabeth Briteshaw and their child was Mary Frances Hogsett.
GRANVILLE JOHNSON HAYMOND of Banks District, Upshur County, West Virginia, son of Wilson M. and Sarah C. Hammond, was born in Lewis County, Va., in the year 1843. Moved with his father to what is now Upshur County, in 1846.
In the year 1858, he was married to Susan Frances Sargeant of Louisa County, Va., and their children are: Wilson E., John Morgan, Alpheus Forrest, Wade Hampton, Olive B., Gorden Lee (dead), Effa Gay, Herbert B., Eula B.
Susan Sargeant Haymond was a daughter of John and Susan Sargeant of Louisa County, Va.
Mr. Haymond cast his fortune with his state and enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861, in Company B, 25th Virginia Volunteer Infantry. Was in the fight at McDowell in the spring of 1862, was with Stonewall Jackson in his Valley Campaign, was slightly wounded at Winchester, shot through the body at the battle of Cross Kees and taken to the hospital at Charlottesville, was in the battle at Fredericksburg. Altogether he was in fifteen regular battles and many skirmishes.
Mr. Haymond is a Democrat in politics and a member of the M. E. Church, South. He owns a farm and is now living near the place his father settled in the year 1846.
JONATHAN HEFNER, a native of Highland County. Born February 21, 1814, died April 16, 1896. He was twice married, his first wife's maiden name was Margaret Jane Fletcher, born in 1818, died 1851, and their children were John F., Henry J., Elizabeth A., Peter S., Margaret and William T. His second, third and fourth children are dead. His second wife's maiden name was Angeline Jack, and their children were Melissa Alice and Charles L.
Charles L. married Lenora Wilson, the daughter of Charles Wilson, June 12, 1883. and to this union have been given three children, Thomas Judson, born April 17, 1885; Wilson Carlisle, born December 5, 1886, and Gladys Lenora, born December 21, 1894.
Mr. Hefner owns a valuable farm on Slab Camp, and is an enthusiastic live stockman.
NICHOLAS HAVENER.
Concerning the Havener family, almost our only reliable information is ob- tained from "Indentures," "Naturalization paper," wills, appraisements, etc., now in Major Jacob W. Heavner's posession. These have passed from one administrator to the next for five successive generations. From them it appears that Nicholas Havener with his wife, two sons, Jacob and Frederick, and two daughters, Catreen and one whose name is not given, emigrated from Germany to America some time previous to May 20, 1755, which is the date, so far as shown on which he made his first purchase of land, two tracts, each containing 300 acres, lying on the "Southernmost Branch of the South Branch of the Poto-
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mac River," for which "he in hand paid 100 & 7 pounds & 10 shillings." Nicholas Heayener's Naturalization paper, to which is still firmly attached the seal of "Our Sovereign Lord, King George the Third," dated May 18, 1761, bears also the signature of Fran. Farquier "His Majesties Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the .Col. and Dominion of Virginia." It is difficult to determine the exact orthography of the name, as even in the third generation the family seem to have written almost exclusively in German, however, on the first Indentures and Naturalization paper we find it Havener. From Nicholas Havener's will written during the year 1769 (fourteen years after his arrival in America), we perhaps gain a more correct estimate of his character than could otherwise have been obtained. First he was a God-fearing man, also a man of wealth devoted to the welfare of his family, which is especially conspicuous in his careful, specific, and generous provisions for the comfort of his "Beloved wife," whom he appoints Administratrix of his estate, in conjunction with their eldest son, Jacob.
There is in the writer's possession a paper of which the following is a true copy :
Pendleton County, to wit, this is to certify that Frederick Heavener served a term of Duty under me against the Insurgents in Pennsylvania as a good soldier and is hereby Discarged.
JAMES PATTERSON, Captain. Feb. 27, 1795.
JACOB HEAVNER.
Jacob Heavner, eldest son of Nicholas, married Mary Mallow, it is presumed she died soon after December 4, 1804, as that is the last date on which her name appears, attached to a "deed of gift of land," made with her husband to their oldest son Nicholas, which was one of the 300 acre tracts purchased by his grand- father, Nicholas, in 1755. Jacob and Mary Havener were the parents of many children. Nicholas, Adam, Henry Michael, Samuel Peter, Margaret and Mary, Jacob and John.
Of Jacob Havener our only record is derived from business transactions and his will dated Pendleton C., December 18, 1810, but even in these after the lapse of almost a century, we recognize a man of fine judgment, not only success- ful in worldly affairs, large hearted and magnanimous, but also a devout christian. As his father, so did he appoint his oldest son Nicholas his administrator.
NICHOLAS HAVENER.
After the settlement of his father Jacob Havener's estate in Pendleton County, Virginia, Nicholas Havener, in 1815, came to what is now Upshur County and purchased of George Jackson, 400 acres of land on Buckhannon River, lying partly in Harrison and partly in Randolph Counties, including former site of "Bush Fort," near which his residence was erected. Only a few traditions concerning he and his gentle wife have survived the years, which if only partially true, would suggest as one who knew him said, "That he was a jolly Dutchman whose laugh could be heard a quarter of a mile, whose hospitality was unbounded, and cellar always full of the finest peach and apple brandy." Another old and very close friend of his, some years ago in conversation with the writer on this subject, remarked that Nicholas never considered his whole duty to a guest per- formed unless on their departure he presented them with a souvenir of their visit,
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which in connection with the fine brandy may at least partially explain his exces- sive popularity. He and his wife, Mary Propps Heavner, reared a large family of daughters and two sons, Elias and Jacob. Nicholas Heavner died August 3, 1843, his wife, Mary Propps Heavner, died May 19, 1843.
ELIAS HEAVNER, Born April 9, 1805. Died October 10, 1884. And ELIZABETH HYRE HEAVNER, Born February 14, 1809. August 2, 1902.
Nicholas Heavner appointed his eldest son Elias his administrator, also to succeed him on the home farm, to which on October 4, 1829, the latter-a proud and happy groom, brought his bride, Elizabeth Hyre Heavner-and now it seems impossible that any person knowing both, could write of either, without including the other, so close was their union, so harmonious and devoted their lives, that in thought and spirit they were truly one. Mr. Heavner was a quiet, unobtrusive generous man, of great simplicity of spirit and Christian goodness. Early in life both he and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which for many years he was a class leader and also Trustee. They were both noted for their generous hospitality, and it was in their home the weary, wayworn itinerant ministers, of the early years, were always sure of finding a cordial welcome and a comfortable resting place. To them was born one daughter, Catherine, who married Mr. Daniel Carper, and now resides in Buckhannon, West Virginia. Also to their hearts and home came seven stalwart sons. Alas! that of these, five were taken from them just as they were reaching the full meridian of promising manhood. In the midst of those for whom their arduous labors were so freely given, beneath the shadow of trees they together planted, surrounded by those ver- dant meadows, in which for so many years they sowed and reaped, parents and children are together "Sleeping the ages away" in the cemetery which perpetu- ates their name.
L. A. E. R. H.
THADDEUS S. HEAVNER.
Thaddeus S. Heavner, second son of Elias and Elizabeth Hyre Heavner, was born October 20, 1832, in what is now known as Upshur County, W. Va. He was a man of more than ordinary natural endowments, active and successful in business, with a high sense of honor, which was conspicuous in all the relations of his life, and from his youth was a devout member of the M. E. Church. During the year 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Farnsworth, daughter of Nathaniel and Millie Farnsworth. At the time of his death, which occurred October 26, 1869, he was Sheriff of Upshur County, W. Va.' One only child, Lenora A. Heavner, survives both her parents.
JACOB W. HEAVNER.
Jacob W. Heavner, eldest son of Elias and Elizabeth Hyre Heavner, was born January 27, 1841. To him, as to so many other youths of his age and period, the Civil War came with its "bugle call to arms"" aroused a valor which knew no fear,
MAJ. J. W. HEAVNER.
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and a martial spirit both North and South which was indomitable. As soon as pos- sible after a tedious illness from typhoid fever, he offered his services to the Gov- ernment and was commissioned 2d Lieutenant. On the eve of departure for the front with his men, Gen. Jenkins, that ever omnipresent commander, who was always where he was least expected, and least desired, came with his "brave riders" "swooping" down on the government stores in Buckhannon.
Alas for the Lieutenant and his men, some were killed and some wounded, while the Lieutenant and others were left on parole. Before an exchange could be effected the Lieutenant, with his brother Clark W. Heavner, in passing along the highway was "Bushwacked," and both very dangerously wounded, the latter so seriously as to permanently preclude his admission to the army. The Lieutenant was more fortunate, when he had at least partially recovered, there came an ex- change of prisoners.
Again he was ready for service and was commissioned Ist Lieutenant, Com- pany M, 3d West Virginia Cavalry. On May 23, 1865, he was again promoted to Captain in same company and regiment, and for special gallantry brevetted Major.
The 3d West Virginia Cavalry, as many may recall was with Hunter in the famous Lynchburg raid, and with Custer and Sheridan in the Valley where they seemed ubiquitous, and also very conspicuously present at the surrender.
In 1869 Judge Irving appointed Major Heavner Sheriff of Upshur County, to fill an unexpired term, occassioned by the death of his brother T. S. Heavner. Twice afterwards he was elected Sheriff of Upshur County, was in 1884 delegate to National convention ; in 1888 alternate for State at large to National conven- tion ; again in 1892, on electoral ticket; 1900 alternate for Third Congressional District, West Virginia; 1900, member-at-large and president of the Board of Equalization in the State of West Virginia ; 1904 led the electoral ticket in, West Virginia, has served as vice-president of one, and director in two banks in Buck- hannor, has also served as director in two R. R.'s, has for thirty years been a most successful and progressive real estate agent, also one of the most active and ener- getic promoters in all the enterprises which have had for their object the pro- gress and development of Buckhannon, Upshur County, and its surroundings.
JEROME D. HECK, born in Marion County, Virginia, May 10, 1859, son of John A. Heck and Sarah A. Nicholas, and grandson of Adam Heck and Catherine Toothman. Adam Heck was a son of Johann Jost Heck, and a soldier in the war of 1812. Johann Jost Heck was a soldier in the American Revolution- ary Army and fought under General Washington and at the close of the wai moved with his wife Rachel to Maryland and finally settling in the valley of the Monongahela, where he raised his ten children. His eldest being Jacob, born in 1792, and also a soldier in the war of 1812. Johann Jost Heck was a son of Johann Jacob Heck and was born in Berks County, Pa., in 1754. Johann Jacob, was the son of Johann Jost, Sr., and Eva Mariah, his wife, emigrants from Germany to Pennsylvania in 1727. Johann Jacob was married to Judith, his wife, and they became the parents of Johann Jost, and the certificate of whose birth is still in the Heck family.
Sarah A. Nichols was the daughter of Henry Nichols and Nancy Clelland. Henry Nichols's father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and his name was Thomas.
John A. Heck, died in 1864, and the subject of this sketch lived with his mother, on a farm until manhood.
November 16, 1884, Jerome D., moved to Upshur County, that being the
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date of his marriage to Mary L. Hyre, the daughter of Jehu Hyre and Ruanna Smith, and the granddaughter of Peter Hyre, whose wife's maiden name was Pritt.
Ruanna Smith was a daughter of Peter Smith and Phoebe Thorn, both of the South Branch of the Potomac.
Children of J. E. Heck are : Matilda A., born July 23, 1885; John J., born December 28, 1886.
Mr. Heck is a farmer of Meade District, living near Ten Mile on the B. & O. Railroad.
CHARLES S. HEFNER, a farmer of Meade District. His home is on Slab Camp of French Creek. The date of his birth is fixed as January 15, 1858. His parents were Jonathan and Angeline (Jack) Hefner. His grandfather was Peter Hefner of Highland County, Va., one of the first settlers at Frenchton and the first blacksmith, also the first shoemaker and a member of the first Methodist Episcopal Church at that place. His mother was the daughter of Jacob and Hester (Siron) Jack, both of Highland County, Va. His only full sister is the wife of Absalom Lanham.
The subject of sketch owns the homestead and lives there. His wife's maiden name was Alice L., a daughter of Charles and Cordelia (Armstrong) Wilson and a granddaughter of Samuel Wilson and John Armstrong. On her mother's side she is related to the Hendersons of Upshur County. Children are: Thomas Judson, born April 17, 1885, graduate from the Business College of the West Virginia Wesleyan College, is now teller in the Peoples' Bank of West , Virginia ; Wilson Carlisle, born December 5, 1886, a graduate of the public school of Buckhannon, and now a clerk for C. I. Farnsworth; Gladys Lorena, born December 21, -, died in 1896.
JOHN ALBURT HELMICK, was born December 4, 1877, son of Perry Helmick.
Mr. Helmick was married to Cora Effie Golden, who was born December, 1873, daughter of Dennis Golden, son of Moses Golden and Emily (Fleming) Golden, on October 27, 1892. Mrs. Helmick's mother was the daughter of Rev. Samuel Wilson, of Frenchton, and was married the first time to a Mr. Fleming . Children : Elva May, Bela Guy, Anna Emily, Brennie Jasper, Mary Mona Alice, Dana Russell, born June 2, 1906, and died October 11, 1906.
Mr. Helmick resides near Centerville, on what is known as the Lloyd Curry farm. Is a lumberman and farmer. A Republican in Politics and a Methodist Episcopal in Religion.
REV. M. D. HELMICK, D. D., born in Harrison County, 1863, son of Rev. D. G. and Sarah E., was married in Monongalia County, to Abbie J., daughter of Fielding S. and Charlotte V. Dawson. Children : Sarah Olive and Charles Daniel.
After leaving the common schools he attended the Fairmont Normal, the State University, 1883-1887, and Adrian College, a church school, graduating from the last named institution in 1888, with the degree of A. B. In 1901 Adrian conferred the degree of D. D. upon him.
He entered the ministry of the Methodist Protestant Church in 1887, and since that time has served some of the most important churches of his denomi- nation in the state. He served two years as president of his conference, 1900- 1902, and has been elected three times a representative to the General Conference, 1896-1900-1904. Besides teaching in the common schools he was four years principal of the Glenville Normal School, 1892-1896. In 1894 was candidate for State Superintendent of Schools on the Democratic ticket. Has been stationed
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in Buckhannon for three years, during that time there has been a large increase of the membership and the congregation has built a beautiful parsonage, 1905, worth $5,000.
His grandfather, Rev. Daniel R., was a son of John Helmick, who married a daughter of Solomon Ryan, near Beverly, and his great, great, grandfather was Jacob Helmick, one of the early citizens of Randolph County.
His mother's maiden name was Stuten, and she came with her father to Upshur County from Rockbridge County about 1847.
CHARLES CARL HENDERSON, business man, born August 17, 1877, in Barbour County. His father, Jacob B. Henderson, was a private in Company K, 17th West Virginia Regiment Infantry Volunteers, under Captain Scott A. Harter, his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth J. Moss, the daughter of Alexander Moss. After the mustering out of his father in June, 1865, he moved to Upshur County. settling on Grass Run, where the subject of this sketch was raised on a fa : and educated in the rural schools. He completed his educa- tion by taking a business course at the West Va., Conference Seminary, which was only terminated by the fire which burned the principal building, taught seven terms of school in Washington District and in 1900 came to Buckhannon to clerk. After working for some time at the painting trade he found a job as clerk in the furniture store of Whitescarver Bros., for whom he worked until January I, 1907, when he resigned to accept a similar position at Clarksburg. He is now working for the South Western Splint Fuel Co., Crown Hill, Kanawha County.
REV. WILLIAM D. HERNDON, presiding elder of the Buckhannon Cir- cuit of the United Brethren in Christ Church, was born November 8, 1851, near Kingwood, Preston County, son of John and Malinda (Morgan) Herndon, who were born in 1812 and 1812 respectively and were natives of Preston County.
John Herndon's father was Solomon P. Herndon, who emigrated from Albemarle County, Va. His father was a captain in the war of 1812, and moved to Preston County soon after the war, locating at Kingwood. His home was used as the first court house of the County after its formation. Afterwards he used the same house as a hotel.
Malinda Morgan was a daughter of William and Margaret (Funk) Morgan. William Morgan was a son of William and Margaret (Grady) Morgan. He had four brothers: Levi, Patrick, David and Stephen. Patrick Morgan was killed at Dunkard Bottom, Preston County, by the Indians. They emigrated from Albermarle, County, Virginia to Preston County.
The subject of this sketch, July 4, 1871, married Nancy C. Martin, daughter of Phillip and Nancy (Beaver) Martin. Phillip Martin was a son of Phillip Martin, who came from Germany.
Children : William Morgan, James Edward and Buelah Netta.
Rev. Herndon has been Presiding Elder for the last ten years.
JAMES EDWARD HERNDON, cashier of the Buckhannon bank, was born August 30, 1874, in Preston County. His parents were Rev. W. D. Herndon and Nancy Martin, the daughter of Phillip Martin of Preston County. His father's father was John Herndon a native of Preston County. For fifteen years his parents lived in Preston County, where he attended public school pre- paratory to entrance in the Glenville State Normal. After studying some time here he selected the Mountain State Business College, at Parkersburg for the completion of his preparation for entering upon a business life. In 1899 he came with his parents to Buckhannon, where he has since been employed as a clerk in stores and as assistant cashier until his promotion January, 1907, to his
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