Person Page - 10

Father: George Hubbs
Mother: Sarah Ambler

Birth date: 24 March 1849
Birth place: Marshall County, (West) Virginia.^2,3

Nancy married John Washington Harris, son of Uriah Harris and Mary Ann Lydick, on 27 February 1873 at her father's home in Marshall County, West Virginia. John Alley certified that he united them in marriage.¹

At age 65, Nancy died from paraletic stroke on 1 January 1915 at Fork Ridge, Cameron District, Marshall County, West Virginia.⁴ She was interred in the Fork Ridge Universalist Church Cemetery, Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; her name appears on the gravestone as "Nancy B. Harris." The inscription reads, "John W. Harris ~ Nancy B. his wife ~ At Rest."⁵

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.⁶

Father: Uriah Harris
Mother: Mary Ann Lydick

Birth date: 14 December 1855
Birth place: Glen Easton, Marshall County, Virginia.^2,1

As of 1900, Alfred was a preacher at the West Virginia Hospital for the Insane, Weston, Lewis County, West Virginia.³

At age 52, Alfred died from dysentery on 14 May 1908 in Lewis County, West Virginia. Although the register doesn't give the actual place of death, it may have been at the West Virginia Hospital for the Insane where he worked/preached and presumably lived.^4,5 He was interred in the New Bethel Cemetery, Bowman Ridge, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia.⁶

Father: Uriah Harris
Mother: Mary Ann Lydick

Birth date: 26 February 1858
Birth place: (West) Virginia.^3,4

Known as Bessie based on the song written by her brother, Alfred, after her death at a young age² and as Barbary per the inscription on her gravestone.⁵

Handpainted portrait of Barbary. Date painted: probably around 1870. Location: unknown. Click on camera to view full (or larger) image than the one shown here, then use your browser's back button to return to this page.⁶

At age 13, Barbary died from fever on 21 December 1871 at Fork Ridge, Marshall County, West Virginia.⁷ She was interred in the Bethel Cemetery, Bowman Ridge, Marshall County, West Virginia; her name appears on the gravestone as "Barbary E. Harris."¹

Father: Uriah Harris
Mother: Mary Ann Lydick

Birth date: 2 April 1860 (calculated using the age shown on his gravestone).^1,2 It has also been reported that Daniel was born on 2 May 1860.³
Birth place: Virginia.²

At age 2, Daniel died Per his gravestone, his age was 2 years 0 months 10 days on 12 April 1862.¹ He was interred in the New Bethel Cemetery, Bowman Ridge, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; The inscription reads, "The gravestone indicates that Daniel was the son of Uriah & Mary Ann Harris."⁴

Father: Uriah Harris
Mother: Mary Ann Lydick

Birth date: 4 March 1862
Birth place: (West) Virginia.^1,2

Commonly known by his middle name, Perry.

Oliver married Margaret Jane Wayt, daughter of Benjamin F. Wayt and Maggie Wright, on 17 March 1883.³

At age 55, Oliver died on 30 September 1917 at St. Paul, Bee County, Texas. Only two of Mary Ann's children (Bessie & Daniel) were reported as deceased in the 1900 U.S. Census, so Perry was still living in 1900 ... but he died before the 1920 census. The date and place of death shown here are based on an account by one of his descendants which still needs to be confirmed.^4,5 He was interred in the Sinton Cemetery, Bee County, Texas.⁵

Father: Benjamin F. Wayt
Mother: Maggie Wright

Birth date: 15 September 1862
Birth place: Virginia.¹²

Commonly known by her middle name, Jane.³ Interestingly, her maiden name has been found with a multitude of spellings on the death certificates of her children: Wayt, Wait, Waites, Weights and Waytes.

Margaret married Oliver Perry Harris, son of Uriah Harris and Mary Ann Lydick, on 17 March 1883.²

At age 69, Jane died from apoplexy on 12 March 1932 in Bee County, Texas.¹ She was interred on 14 March 1932 in the Sinton Cemetery, Bee County, Texas.^1,4

Father: Uriah Harris
Mother: Mary Ann Lydick

Birth date: 28 September 1863.^1,3,4 It has also been reported that he was born a year later on 28 September 1864.^5,6,7,8
Birth place: West Virginia.^1,4

Commonly known by his middle name, Sheridan. The use of Sheridan U. Harris has been found, signifying just how well known he was by his middle name.

Two other spellings of his name that I have found are Sherwood⁹ and Sherrard.

Sheridan married Mary Elizabeth "Maida" Parks, daughter of Joseph Parks and Rebecca Logsdon, on 28 June 1891 at Limestone, Marshall County, West Virginia. Jacob Ruble, Minister of the Gospel, certified that he united them in marriage. Note that the groom's name is given as Sheridan Harris on the marriage record.⁶

Sheridan was a farmer per census records and his death certificate.²

Sheridan died at age 73 from apoplexy on 4 April 1937 at 111 Cedar Avenue, Moundsville, West Virginia, having had arterial hypertension for three years prior.^1,2 He was interred on 6 April 1937 in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; his name appears on the gravestone as "Sheridan U. Harris." Note that his middle name is listed first presumably because that was the name by which he was commonly known.^3,1

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.¹⁰

Father: Joseph Parks
Mother: Rebecca Logsdon

Birth date: about 15 November 1862 Death register gives her age at death as 71 years, 7 months, 15 days
Birth place: Pennsylvania.^1,2,3,4 It has also been reported that Mary was born in West Virginia.^5,3

Mary married Uriah Sheridan Harris, son of Uriah Harris and Mary Ann Lydick, on 28 June 1891 at Limestone, Marshall County, West Virginia. Jacob Ruble, Minister of the Gospel, certified that he united them in marriage. Note that the groom's name is given as Sheridan Harris on the marriage record.⁶

Mary died from coronary occlusion on 30 June 1934 in Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. At.⁴ She was interred in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; her name appears on the gravestone as "Mary E. Harris."¹

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.⁷

Father: Uriah Harris
Mother: Mary Ann Lydick

Birth date: 30 December 1868.² It has also been reported that George was born on 31 December 1866.³
Birth place: West Virginia.²

George married Ella Margaret Wilson, daughter of Josiah Wilson and Mary Bonar, on 9 October 1892 at Rosby's Rock, Marshall County, West Virginia. According to one of their grandsons, the wedding was at Ella's home. The minister's name appears to be S. F. (or T.) Carlton on the marriage license, but the grandson says it was Rev. S. P. Carlton who performed the ceremony. Attendees included the bride's parents, Mary and Josiah Wilson; the groom's parents, Mary Ann and Uriah Harris; and Eva Harris and Nancy Terrill.^1,4

I assume that George was living with his wife at 64 Alley 18, Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia, as of 5 June 1918. That was the address their son, Clarence, had given for Ella, designating her as his closest relative on his WWI draft registration card.⁵

On 15 October 1928 at age 59, George died at home (607 N. Front Street, Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia) from arteriosclerosis. A left cerebral hemorrhage contributed to his death.²

An obituary was published on 19 October 1928 Moundsville Echo.⁶ The following is a transcription of that obituary:


He was interred on 18 October 1928 in the Fork Ridge Universalist Church Cemetery, Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; his name appears on the gravestone as "George L. Harris."²

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.⁷

Father: Josiah Wilson
Mother: Mary Bonar

Birth date: 4 June 1869
Birth place: Marshall County, West Virginia.²

Ella married George Luther Harris, son of Uriah Harris and Mary Ann Lydick, on 9 October 1892 at Rosby's Rock, Marshall County, West Virginia. According to one of their grandsons, the wedding was at Ella's home. The minister's name appears to be S. F. (or T.) Carlton on the marriage license, but the grandson says it was Rev. S. P. Carlton who performed the ceremony. Attendees included the bride's parents, Mary and Josiah Wilson; the groom's parents, Mary Ann and Uriah Harris; and Eva Harris and Nancy Terrill.^1,3 As of 5 June 1918, Ella was living at 64 Alley 18, Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia, per her son's WWI draft registration card. Clarence had designated her as his closest relative.⁴

On 15 April 1955 at age 85, Ella died at home (607 N. Front Street, Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia.)² She was interred on 17 April 1955 in the Fork Ridge Universalist Church Cemetery, Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; her name appears on the gravestone as "Ella M. Harris."²

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.⁵

Father: Uriah Harris
Mother: Mary Ann Lydick

Birth date: 15 February 1871
Birth place: Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia.¹

Commonly known by the nickname Archie.¹

Archibald married Mayme Isabelle Ocker, daughter of William Ocker and Frederica Straub, on 18 March 1894 in Belmont County, Ohio.²

Archibald was a railroad conductor, employed by the B&O Railroad.

At age 35, Archie died on 6 March 1906 at Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia. The cause of death as described on his death certificate reads, "Accidentally killed by Engine of Passenger Train No. 106 of B&O Railroad while on duty as Conductor of Yard Engine No. 561." The accident happened at the corner of 33rd and McCulloch Streets.¹ He was interred on 9 March 1906 in the Greenwood Cemetery, 1526 National Road, Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia.¹

Father: William Ocker
Mother: Frederica Straub

Birth date: 29 July 1868
Birth place: Kentucky.¹

Mayme married Archibald Mitchell "Archie" Harris, son of Uriah Harris and Mary Ann Lydick, on 18 March 1894 in Belmont County, Ohio.²

At age 56, Mayme died on 24 February 1925 at Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia.¹ She was interred on 27 February 1925 in the Greenwood Cemetery, 1526 National Road, Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia.¹

Father: Samuel Harris
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Richmond

Birth date: 13 September 1870.^1,2 Interestingly, the family believed that his birth date was the 11th rather than the 13th as evidenced by two documents: (1) a handwritten family document given to me by my grandmother, Dessie (Aston) Harris, and (2) the death certificate for which the informant was Mrs. Leona Dobbs, Oscar's third daughter.³

Birth place: near Easton (now Glen Easton), Marshall County, West Virginia.²

He was commonly known as Bones ... I never knew the background behind that nickname until one of his great-granddaughters filled me in that it was due to his size and bone structure. Specifically:

Photograph of Oscar. Date taken: unknown. Location: exact location unknown, but probably in Marshall County, West Virginia. Click on camera to view full (or larger) image than the one shown here, then use your browser's back button to return to this page.⁵

Oscar married Mary Bane Cummins, daughter of Joseph W. Cummins and Mary (unknown), on 12 August 1893.⁶ He became a widower at age 45 when Mary died on 17 August 1916.^7,8

Prior to his death, Oscar lived at 21 Simpson Avenue, Moundsville, West Virginia.³

At age 88, Oscar died from pneumonia on 31 May 1959 at New Martinsville, Wetzel County, West Virginia. The death certificate states that he died in the Wetzel County Hospital, but I remember my mother, Alda Louise (Harris) Kuhn, saying that he was in a nursing home in New Martinsville when he reportedly fell down the steps and died. According to Mom, the family suspected that he had been pushed down the stairs ... but Mom didn't seem to know why the family believed that.^3,9 He was interred on 3 June 1959 in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; his name appears on the gravestone as "O. L. Harris."³

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.¹⁰

Father: Joseph W. Cummins
Mother: Mary (unknown)

Birth date: August 1868
Birth place: Ohio.^2,1,3

Mary married Oscar Leslie "Bones" Harris, son of Samuel Harris and Mary Elizabeth Richmond, on 12 August 1893.⁴ She died on 17 August 1916.^5,6 She was interred in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; her name appears on the gravestone as "Mary B. Harris." The inscription reads, "O. L. Harris and Mary B. his wife."⁵

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.⁷

Father: Samuel Harris
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Richmond

Birth date: 1873.¹ It has also been reported that William was born on 22 December 1871.²
Birth place: unknown.

William and Leota J. Howard obtained a marriage license on 1 June 1901 in Marshall County, West Virginia.³ As of that date, he was living at Beeler's Station, Marshall County, West Virginia.³ The couple's marriage took place on 2 June 1901 at Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. J. A. Canby (or Cauby) certified that he united them in marriage at his house.³

William died on 5 March 1925.⁴ He was interred in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; his name appears on the gravestone as "William O. Harris."¹

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.⁵

Father: James R. Howard
Mother: Alice V. Stewart

Birth date: 1879.² It has also been reported that Leota was born in November 1878.³
Birth place: unknown.

She must have been commonly known as Otie, for her name was recorded as "Otie J." for the birth of her first son.⁴

Leota and William Ollison "Will" Harris obtained a marriage license on 1 June 1901 in Marshall County, West Virginia.⁵ As of that date, she was living at Loudensville, West Virginia.⁵ The couple's marriage took place on 2 June 1901 at Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. J. A. Canby (or Cauby) certified that he united them in marriage at his house.⁵

Leota died in 1949.² She was interred in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; her name appears on the gravestone as "Leota J. Harris." The inscription reads, "William D. Harris and Leota J. his wife."²

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.⁶

Father: Samuel Harris
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Richmond

Birth date: 18 March 1874
Birth place: Marshall County, West Virginia.^1,2

Isaac married Mary Stewart, daughter of John C. Stewart and Ales Ann Boyles, on 31 May 1902 at Pleasant Valley, Marshall County, West Virginia. F. M. Cain, Pastor of the M. E. Church, certified that he united them in marriage at the parsonage.²

At age 83, Isaac died on 1 December 1957 in R.D. 1, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia. He died from a cerebral hemorrhage due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease (high blood pressure.)³ He was interred on 4 December 1957 in the Salem Church of Christ Cemetery, Bowman Ridge, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia. Isaac shares a gravestone with his wife; their names appear as "Mary Ellen and Isaac Elmer Harris." Additional inscriptions on each edge of the stone read, "Mother" and "Father."^3,4

Father: John C. Stewart.¹
Mother: Ales Ann Boyles.

Birth date: 29 May 1872
Birth place: Marshall County, West Virginia.^1,2 It has also been reported that Mary was born in 1875. based on age 27 at time of marriage.²

Mary married Isaac Elmer "Ike" Harris, son of Samuel Harris and Mary Elizabeth Richmond, on 31 May 1902 at Pleasant Valley, Marshall County, West Virginia. F. M. Cain, Pastor of the M. E. Church, certified that he united them in marriage at the parsonage.²

At age 78, Mary died from cardiac failure on 15 July 1950 in Meade District, Marshall County, West Virginia.¹ She was interred on 17 July 1950 in the Salem Church of Christ Cemetery, Bowman Ridge, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia. Mary Ellen shares a gravestone with her husband; their names appear as "Mary Ellen and Isaac Elmer Harris." Additional inscriptions on each edge of the stone read, "Mother" and "Father."^1,3

Photograph of. Click on camera to view full (or larger) image than the one shown here, then use your browser's back button to return to this page.

Father: Samuel Harris
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Richmond

Birth date: 19 September 1876
Birth place: Liberty District, Marshall County, West Virginia.^1,2

She was commonly known by the nickname, Ollie, which even appears on her marriage record and her gravestone.^3,4

I suspect that either her first name or middle name was Emma, as that is the name reported for her in the 1880 U.S. census, but I haven't seen it used anywhere else to make a final determination between Emma Olivia or Olivia Emma.⁵

Ollie and Charles Stewart obtained a marriage license on 12 June 1894 in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia.³ At that time, she was living at Wolf Run, Marshall County, West Virginia.³ They were married by C. W. Upton on 14 June 1894 Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. Although the marriage records state that Ollie's age was 18, she was actually a little over three months shy of turning 18.³

As of 31 March 1895 when their first child was born, Ollie and Charles lived at Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia.⁶ By the time their second child was born 2½ years later, the couple had moved to Poplar Springs, Marshall County, West Virginia.⁷

They were still living there when their third child was born 22 September 1899.⁸

Birth records for the last two children indicate one was born in Cameron District and the other at a rural route of Cameron. Poplar Springs was at the intersection of US Rt. 250 and WV Rt. 891, a distance less than four miles from the town of Cameron and located in Cameron District. My guess is that Charles and Ollie continued to live and raise their family at Poplar Springs for several years.

However, by 1 January 1920, Ollie and Charles lived with their family in Webster District, Marshall County, West Virginia. Webster and Cameron districts share a border, with Webster being north of Cameron District.⁹ By 1 April 1930, Ollie and Charles were living at 716 Second Street, Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, along with two of their children, Rhea and Charles Vincent.¹⁰ Ten years later when the next census was taken as of 1 April 1940, Ollie and Charles were empty nesters still living at that address.¹¹

Ollie died in 1941 per her gravestone; I have not yet seen a record of her death to provide the full date.^12,13 She was interred in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; her name appears on the gravestone as "Ollie Stewart."¹²

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.⁴

Father: Irwin Stewart.¹
Mother: Sarah Hunt.¹

Birth date: 4 May 1871
Birth place: Wolf Run, Marshall County, West Virginia.^1,2

Charles and Ollie Harris obtained a marriage license on 12 June 1894 in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia.³ At that time, he was living at Wolf Run, Marshall County, West Virginia.³ They were married by C. W. Upton on 14 June 1894 Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. Although the marriage records state that Ollie's age was 18, she was actually a little over three months shy of turning 18.³

As of 31 March 1895 when their first child was born, Charles and Ollie lived at Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia;⁴ Charles was a laborer.⁴ By the time their second child was born 2½ years later, the couple had moved to Poplar Springs, Marshall County, West Virginia,⁵ and Charles's occupation was farming.⁵

They were still living there when their third child was born 22 September 1899⁶ and Charles's occupation had returned to being a laborer.⁶

Birth records for the last two children indicate one was born in Cameron District and the other at a rural route of Cameron. Poplar Springs was at the intersection of US Rt. 250 and WV Rt. 891, a distance less than four miles from the town of Cameron and located in Cameron District. My guess is that Charles and Ollie continued to live and raise their family at Poplar Springs for several years.

However, by 1 January 1920, Charles and Ollie lived with their family in Webster District, Marshall County, West Virginia. Webster and Cameron districts share a border, with Webster being north of Cameron District.⁷ By 1 April 1930, Charles and Ollie were living at 716 Second Street, Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, along with two of their children, Rhea and Charles Vincent.⁸ Ten years later when the next census was taken as of 1 April 1940, Charles and Ollie were empty nesters still living at that address⁹ until Ollie's death in 1941 left Charles a widower.^10,11

On 31 July 1945 at age 74, Charles died at home (still at 716 Second Street in Moundsville) from a cerebral hemorrhage.¹ Charles's body was interred on 3 August 1945 in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; his name appears on the gravestone he shares with Ollie as "Charles Stewart."^1,10

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.¹²

Father: Samuel Harris
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Richmond

Birth date: 12 December 1878.^1,2 The official birth record for John indicates his birth date was the 11th of December vs. all the other records I have found that use the 12th. Knowing that even birth records can contain errors, I have decided to accept 12 December as the correct date since that is the date used by John and his family.³
Birth place: Liberty District, Marshall County, West Virginia.³

Commonly known by his initials, J. R.

John married Mary Eva Coutz, daughter of John V. Coutz and Elizabeth Anderson, on 24 August 1901 at Beeler's Station, Marshall County, West Virginia. Elder W. H. Devore certified that he united them in marriage.⁴

On 6 April 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and officially entered World War I. Every male living within the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 45 was required to register for the draft during one of three separate registration periods. The third registration was held on 12 September 1918 for men aged 18 to 21 and 31 to 45. John registered in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, and was described as follows: medium height, medium build, brown eyes and dark hair.¹ He was engaged in farming¹ and was living RFD #2, at Glen Easton, West Virginia.¹

In 1922, John, Mary Eva and their children, Lena and Ray, moved from Pleasant Valley to Fork Ridge. Three of their grandchildren (Glen, Paul and Mary Laverne) would eventually be born in this home (per Glen R. Harris.)

As of 1942, John and Mary Eva were still living on Fork Ridge (Route 2, Glen Easton).⁵ Their son, Ray, and his family were living there also - but had bought a 97 acre farm at Pleasant Valley to which they moved in 1943.

The U.S. officially entered World War II on 8 December 1941 following an attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. All men ages 18 to 64 and not already in the military were required to register for the draft during one of six registration periods. The Fourth Registration, often referred to as the "Old Man's Registration," was conducted on 27 April 1942 to register men who were between 45 and 64 years old. At age 63, John registered at Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, and was described as follows: 5' 7½" tall, 172 pounds, brown eyes, gray hair, ruddy complexion.⁵

John's occupation had continued to be farming, but by the time he registered for the WWII draft he was also "a minister of the Gospel.⁵". Some of the churches at which he preached include Beeler Station Christian Church and the Kausooth Church of Christ (Fish Creek), as well as the Green Valley Church of Christ (east of Cameron) and Loudenville Church of Christ (west of Cameron) which joined together in 1950 to form the Cameron Church of Christ. In 1993 and 1994, John was the first full-time preacher at the Salem Church of Christ (near Glen Easton.)⁶

At age 82, John died on 12 May 1961 at Glen Dale Hospital (now Reynolds Memorial Hospital), Glen Dale, Marshall County, West Virginia.^7,2 His body was interred on 15 May 1961 in the Salem Church of Christ Cemetery, Bowman Ridge, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia.^2,7

Father: John V. Coutz
Mother: Elizabeth Anderson

Birth date: 17 November 1878.² There is conflicting evidence to support two different years of birth, although the day and month agree in both scenarios:

(1) The year of 1878 is supported by Mary Eva's gravestone as well as her death information recorded on Ancestry.com;^3,4 both the month and year of Nov 1878 are supported by the 1900 federal census.⁵ However, the year would be substantiated much better if supported by birth info. In general, a source recorded closer to the time of an event is considered more accurate than one recorded years later.

(2) Per a handwritten note by Dessie (Aston) Harris that Mary Eva died on her 90th birthday, it is implied that she was born on 17 November 1877 rather than 1878.⁶ This date of birth is supported by the record of Mary Eva's marriage which shows her as being 23 when married on 24 August 1901.⁷ However, as previously noted, her obituary shows her year of birth as 1878 and even lists her age as 89. From that, it appears that Dessie's note must have been incorrect.

Bottom line is that while I have settled for 17 November 1878 as Mary Eva's birth date, I would like to find a birth record to confirm it as being the correct choice.

Birth place: Marshall County, West Virginia, (county and state are supported by her obituary; state is supported in five census years.)² It has also been reported that Mary Eva was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania; however, I believe this location was simply an error. Even though both of Mary's parents were born in Pennsylvania, her mother moved to West Virginia at a young age according to her own obituary, and all of Mary's siblings were born in West Virginia.⁷

It was interesting to me when I learned from Mary Eva's grandson that her middle name was pronounced with a short "e" (ĕva) vs. a long "e" (ēva).¹

Mary Eva married John R. Harris, son of Samuel Harris and Mary Elizabeth Richmond, on 24 August 1901 at Beeler's Station, Marshall County, West Virginia. Elder W. H. Devore certified that he united them in marriage.⁷

In 1922, John, Mary Eva and their children, Lena and Ray, moved from Pleasant Valley to Fork Ridge. Three of their grandchildren (Glen, Paul and Mary Laverne) would eventually be born in this home (per Glen R. Harris.)

As of 1942, John and Mary Eva were still living on Fork Ridge (Route 2, Glen Easton).⁸ Their son, Ray, and his family were living there also - but had bought a 97 acre farm at Pleasant Valley to which they moved in 1943.

Mary E. died on 17 November 1967 at Barnesville Hospital, Barnesville, Belmont County, Ohio.⁴ A memorial service was conducted on 20 November 1967 at Lutes Funeral Home, Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia.² Mary Eva's body was interred on 20 November 1967 in the Salem Church of Christ Cemetery, Bowman Ridge, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia.^3,2

Father: Samuel Harris
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Richmond

Birth date: 3 September 1881
Birth place: Marshall County, West Virginia.^1,2

Photograph of James. Date taken: unknown. Location: unknown. Click on camera to view full (or larger) image than the one shown here, then use your browser's back button to return to this page.³

James married Bessie Jane Pierce, daughter of John Pierce and Amelia C. Talbott, on 13 November 1915 at Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. W. E. Pierce certified that he united them in marriage.⁴

On 6 April 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and officially entered World War I. Every male living within the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 45 was required to register for the draft during one of three separate registration periods. The third registration was held on 12 September 1918 for men aged 18 to 21 and 31 to 45. At age 37, James registered in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, and was described as follows: medium height and build, brown eyes, dark brown hair.¹

As of 1918 when he registered for the draft, James was a self-employed farmer and was living at RFD #1, Moundsville, West Virginia.¹

The U.S. officially entered World War II on 8 December 1941 following an attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. All men between ages 18 and 65 and not already in the military were required to register for the draft during one of four registration periods. The Fourth Registration, often referred to as the "old man's registration," was conducted on 27 April 1942 to register men who were between 45 and 64 years old. At age 60, Jim registered at Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, and was described as follows: 5' 8" tall, 150 pounds, brown eyes, gray hair, light complexion²

As of 1942 when he registered for the draft, James was a farmer and was living at Glen Easton, West Virginia.² His draft card listed his sister-in-law, Dessie (Aston) Harris, as the person who would always know his address.²

At age 66, James died from pneumonia on 27 December 1947 at Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Glen Dale, Marshall County, West Virginia. He had been in the hospital for a month after an operation for a ruptured appendix, complicated by pneumonia and liver abcess.⁵

An obituary was published on 27 December 1947 per an unidentified newspaper clipping.⁶ The following is a transcription of that obituary:


James was reportedly buried in an unmarked grave on 29 December 1947 in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia. Jim was buried beside his wife, Bessie (Pierce) Harris per neice, Alda Louise (Harris) Kuhn.^5,7

Father: John Pierce
Mother: Amelia C. Talbott

Birth date: 20 November 1886
Birth place: Marshall County, West Virginia.²

Bessie married James Alfred "Jim" Harris, son of Samuel Harris and Mary Elizabeth Richmond, on 13 November 1915 at Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia. W. E. Pierce certified that he united them in marriage.³

At age 29, Bessie died on 27 October 1916 at Glen Dale Hospital (now Reynolds Memorial Hospital), Glen Dale, Marshall County, West Virginia.⁴

There are two entries on the same page of the death register that I believe are both for Bessie. As noted previously, the doctor reported the death of Bessie Pierce Harris on 27 October 1916 in the Glendale Hospital, with cause of death being "general pelvic periotintis" [sic]. Bessie's husband reported that she had died on the 17th of October from blood poison, and the column typically used for place of death shows Glen Easton rather than the hospital as reported by the doctor. Peritonitis is an inflammation/infection of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity; it seems likely that generalized pelvic peritonitis could have resulted when Bessie's son was born. Such an infection can get into the bloodstream where it spreads and would be the "blood poison" that Jim reported. The two causes of death would appear to be doctor-speak vs. layman's terms. Perhaps Glen Easton is listed in Jim's report because that is where they lived even though she actually died in the hospital at Glen Dale. Regardless of which day is correct, Bessie died less than a month after the birth of her son, Lawrence.^1,5 She was interred in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; her name appears on the gravestone as "Bessie Pierce Harris." The inscription reads, "wife of J.A. Harris."⁵

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.

Father: Samuel Harris
Mother: Mary Elizabeth Richmond

Birth date: 29 July 1886
Birth place: Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia.^1,2,3,4

Commonly known as Bessie or Bess; her nieces and nephews and their families called her Aunt Bess.⁵

As of 16 October 1918, Bess lived at Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia.⁴

Bess married Orrin Homer Stewart, son of Samuel McKinney Stewart and Martha Emmaline "Mattie" Jefferson, on 16 October 1918 at Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia. James B. Smith, a minister, certified that he united them in marriage.⁴ Bessie made the dress she wore and Homer gave her fox furs for a wedding present.⁶

At age 100, Bess died on 26 October 1986 at Shadyside Care Center, Shadyside, Belmont County, Ohio.^2,1,7

A memorial service for Bess was conducted on 28 October 1986 at Lutes Funeral Home, Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, with Rev. Kenneth Ullom officiating.^2,1 Following a graveside service by Rev. Kenneth Ullom, she was interred on 28 October 1986 in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; her name appears on the gravestone as "Bess (Harris) Stewart."^3,2,1

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.⁸

Father: Samuel McKinney Stewart
Mother: Martha Emmaline "Mattie" Jefferson

Birth date: 1878 (see detailed discussion below).^1,2,3,4
Birth place: Cameron District, Marshall County, West Virginia.^5,6,7

He was commonly known by his middle name, Homer.

Trying to determine Homer's birth date seemed easy when I first found two birth registers showing 28 June 1878 as his date of birth.^5,6 Then the alternates began appearing: 23 September 1878 on his WWI draft registration⁸ and 23 September 1879 on his death certificate (for which wife Bessie was the informant) and in his obituary. The death certificate shows his age at death as 58 years, 5 months, 23 days - the obituary agrees that he died at age 58.^9,10

Turning to U.S. census records, Homer first appears in the 1880 census, recorded as being 1 year old and born in September,¹¹ supporting a birth in September 1878. Sure enough, the 1900 census shows his birth date as September 1878 and his age as 21.³ The next three census years show the expected ages of 31 in 1910, 41 in 1920 and 51 in 1930 - all confirming a birth year of 1878, although the month could be either September or June with those ages.^12,13,4

It seems that 28 June 1878 recorded in the birth registers should be the correct date, and I am convinced that 1878 is the right year, but the month and day is a different matter. Considering that the family always used September beginning with that early 1880 census and that Homer and Bessie used September 23 in documents, I'm left wondering if the birth registers are in error. As for the use of 1879 on Homer's death certificate and in his obituary, it's quite believable that Bessie could have simply gotten the year wrong in her time of grief or that the funeral home made a mistake. After all, his gravestone does give his year of death as 1878.

At this point, I'm leaning toward a birth date of 23 September 1878 ... of course that's not to say my mind won't be changed in the future if I find more supporting documentation!

On 6 April 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and officially entered World War I. Every male living within the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 45 was required to register for the draft during one of three separate registration periods. The third registration was held on 12 September 1918 for men aged 18 to 21 and 31 to 45. At age 39, Homer registered in Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia, and was described as follows: medium height and build, blue eyes, brown hair.⁸ He was a farmer at that time and was living at R.D. 2, Glen Easton, West Virginia.⁸

Homer married Elizabeth Virginia "Bess" Harris, daughter of Samuel Harris and Mary Elizabeth Richmond, on 16 October 1918 at Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia. James B. Smith, a minister, certified that he united them in marriage.⁷ Bessie made the dress she wore and Homer gave her fox furs for a wedding present.¹⁴

Homer died from bronchial asthma (flu) on 16 March 1938 at Fork Ridge, Clay District, Marshall County, West Virginia. (R.D. 2, Glen Easton). Per his death certificate, he had been a farmer for 25 years until 13 days prior.^9,10

An obituary was published on 17 March 1938 in an unidentified newspaper, Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia.¹⁰ The following is a transcription of that obituary:


He was interred on 19 March 1938 in the Fork Ridge Christian Church Cemetery, 8681 Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia; his name appears on the gravestone as "Orrin Homer Stewart."^9,1

Click on camera icon(s) to view photo(s) of gravestone, then use your browser's back button to return here.¹⁵

Father: John Washington Harris
Mother: Nancy B. Hubbs

Birth date: 27 November 1875.²
Birth place: West Virginia.³

Sarah married Edgar Hartley on 1 November 1905 at Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia. A. J. Hiatt certified that he united them in marriage.⁴

At age 90, Sarah died from acute coronary occlusion on 29 December 1965 at Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Glen Dale, Marshall County, West Virginia.⁵ Interred on 2 January 1966 in the Highland Cemetery, Rt. 250, Cameron, Marshall County, West Virginia,⁵

Father: John Washington Harris
Mother: Nancy B. Hubbs

Birth date: September 1879.^1,2
Birth place: unknown.

Georgia married Frank Hartley on 4 November 1903 at Moundsville, Marshall County, West Virginia. William B. King certified that he united them in marriage.³

Georgia died in 1906.² Interred in the Fork Ridge Universalist Church Cemetery, Fork Ridge Road, Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia, her name appears on the gravestone as "Georgia H. wife of Frank Hartley," An additional inscription reads, "Gone but not forgotten." Georgia was buried next to her brothers, Alfred and Uriah; a stone with the name "Harris" marks the plot.²

Father: Uriah Sheridan Harris
Mother: Mary Elizabeth "Maida" Parks

Birth date: 17 October 1892
Birth place: Marshall County, West Virginia.¹

Another spelling of her first name is Iva.³ Commonly known by her middle name, Beatrice, and the shortened form, Bea.⁴

Ivy married Doliver Crow, son of Alexander "Alex" Crow and Susan J. Gray.⁵

Ivy was listed as the informant on the death certificate of Sheridan Harris, dated 4 April 1937.^6,5

Ivy died in 1977.⁷

Father: Uriah Sheridan Harris
Mother: Mary Elizabeth "Maida" Parks

Birth date: 18 March 1895
Birth place: Glen Easton, Marshall County, West Virginia.^1,2,3