Descendants of William Lowther Jackson

Descendants of William Lowther Jackson

Generation No. 1

 

1.William Lowther³ Jackson (George², John¹) was born 11 August 1798 in Clarksburg, Harrison County, (West) Virginia, and died 03 May 1836 in Clarksburg, Harrison County, (West) Virginia¹. He married Harriet Blackburn Wilson 14 September 1820 in Harrison County, (West) Virginia², daughter of Benjamin Wilson and Martha Davisson. She was born 22 February 1805 in (West) Virginia, and died 11 October 1889 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia³. Harriet remarried after William’s death to Thomas Stinchcomb. Burial: Aft. 11 October 1889, Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia.

 

In 1803 William’s parents moved from Clarksburg, West Virginia to Zanesville, Ohio, where in 1808 his father was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives and later to the Senate. His mother died on 22 March 1812 near Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio. Two years later his father married Mrs. Nancy Richardson on 6 November 1814.

 

William returned to Clarksburg, (West) Virginia and worked in various capacities for his brother John George. He served with the Virginia Troops in the War of 1812, enlisting in 1814, discharged in 1815. In 1820 he married Harriet B. Wilson, lived in Clarksburg, was a farmer and worked for his father-in-law in a clerk’s office. In 1830, at the birth of George, they were living in Ohio, but had returned to (West) Virginia by 1835 at the birth of Josephine.

 

Before his death William had fallen into financial demise and was in poor health. He died without a will and no settlement papers have been located. (refer to William L. Jackson to Jesse Jarvis, Deed of Trust, Harrison County, West Virginia Deed Book 22:213)

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The following deed confirms the children of William Lowther and Harriett B. Wilson Jackson and gives their residences:

 

“W. L. Jackson & others to Harriet B. Stinchcomb

Harrison County, West Virginia Deed Book 73:440

2 July 1887

 

This deed made the second day of July in the year one thousand and eight hundred and eighty seven by and between William L. Jackson and Sarah E. Jackson his wife of the City of Louisville Kentucky, William P. McKinney, B.J. McKinney and Florence B. McKinney his wife and Josephine McKinney (the said William P. McKinney being the husband and the said B.J. McKinney and Josephine McKinney being the children and heirs at law of Indiana McKinney late Indiana Jackson) Jacob B. Blair of the Territory of Wyoming, H.H. Moss and Hattie W. Moss his wife John T. Bell and Lizzie Bell his wife (the said Jacob B. Blair being the husband of Josephine Blair decd and the said Hattie W. Moss and Lizzie Bell being the children and heirs at law of Josephine Blair deceased late Josephine Jackson) and Okey Johnson Sarah E. his wife (the said Sarah E. Johnson being the widow and devisee of Benjamin W. Jackson deceased parts of the first part (the said W.L. Jackson, Hattie W. Moss, Lizzie Bell B.J. McKinney Josephine McKinney being heirs at law of William L Jackson the Elder deceased) and Harriet B. Stinchcomb formerly Harriet B. Jackson widow of William L. Jackson the Elder deceased party of the second part Witness that the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of five dollars to them on hand paid the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge hath granted bargained and sold and by these presents doth hereby grant bargain sell and convey into the said Harriet B. Stinchcomb all their right title and interest whether the same be at law or in equity in and to all that certain lot or piece of land with its appurtenances situate in the Town of Clarksburg in the County of Harrison and State of West Virginia and bounded on the north by Mechanic Street and on the West by a lot owned by Hortensia L. Beckman, on the South by Lee street and on the East by a lot the property of Anna Blackford containing one fourth of an acre more or less being the same lot or parcel of land devised to the said Harriet B. Stinchcomb by the last will and testament of George Jackson decd (who was one of the heirs at law of William L. Jackson the Elder deceased) which said will is recorded in Will Book 7 page 414 of the County of Wood State of West Virginia.

 

To have and to hold said lot or parcel of land hereby conveyed and every part and parcel thereof with all and singular the appurtenance thereto belonging unto the said Harriet B. Stinchcomb and unto her heirs and assigned forever.

 

In witness thereof the said parties of the first have hereto set their hand and affixed the seal the day and date first above written. Signed, sealed and witneseth by   —-

—- (names not transcribed)

Wm. L. Jackson, S.E. Jackson, H H Moss, Hattie W. Moss, Benjamin J. McKinney, Florence McKinney, W. T. McKinney, Josephine McKinney, Sarah E. Johnson, Okey Johnson, John T. Bell, Jacob Blair

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Notes for Harriet Blackburn Wilson:

 

In the 1850 census for Ritchie County, West Virginia, Thomas is age 42, a clerk and Harriet B. is age 41. There are Stinchcomb children: Virginia age 10, Sarah F. age 8, Thomas age 6. George Jackson was age 18 born in Ohio and Josephine Jackson was age 15 born in Ohio. Harriet was a widow in 1880.”

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Obit:

 

“Death of Mrs. Stinchcomb

She Dies at the Ripe Old Age of 84 Years

 

Mrs. Harriet B. Stinchcomb died at nine o’clock last night at her residence on Juliana street. She was eighty-four years of age and had been ill for a long time. Her death was not unexpected but it is none the less a cause of sorrow to her relatives and friends. Mrs. Stinchcomb was so well known and so highly esteemed by all that her death is indeed the removal of a landmark from this city.

 

Mrs. Stinchcomb was a lady of unusual intellectual vigor as well as physical vitality and preserved the powers of her mind up to within ten days of her death.

 

She had nine children, viz: Mrs. Criss, Mrs. McKinney, Mrs. Blair, Miss Lettie Stinchcomb, Judge Wm. L. Jackson, Ben. W. Jackson, John E. Jackson, Col. George Jackson and Thomas Stinchcomb; only two of them are living, however, viz; Miss Lettie Stinchcomb and Judge W. L. Jackson.

 

The funeral will occur tomorrow, Sunday afternoon, at 3:30 o’clock from Trinity Church. Her son, Judge W. L. Jackson, arrived from Louisville last night”. (The Daily State Journal, Parkersburg, WV, October 12, 1889.)

 

Children of William Jackson and Harriet Wilson are:

2                 i.    John E.⁴ Jackson He probably died in childhood. The only reference to him was in his mother’s obit in 1889.

+      3                ii.    Martha Elizabeth Jackson, born 1822 in probably Harrison County, (West) Virginia; died 05 November 1859 in Harrison County, (West) Virginia.

+      4               iii.    Indiana H. Jackson, born 25 August 1824; died 29 May 1885 in Belpre, Washington County, Ohio.

+      5               iv.    William Lowther Jackson, born 03 February 1825 in Clarksburg, Harrison County, (West) Virginia; died 26 March 1890 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

6                 v.   Benjamin Wilson Jackson, born 1827; died 22 January 1861 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. Burial: Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. He married Sarah Elizabeth Stephenson 10 January 1856 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia; born 18 March 1836 in Tyler County, (West) Virginia; died 25 October 1921 in New York City⁴.   After Benjamin’s death she married Okey Johnson. Burial: Mt. Olive Cemetery, Parkersburg, West Virginia.

 

After the death of his father Benjamin W. Jackson was bound to John Davis to learn the art of saddlers’ trade. (Harrison County Minute Book 1837-38, p.188)

 

Benjamin was a lawyer, passing the Virginia bar in 1848. He and his brother William Lowther Jackson formed a partnership in December 1848 – the firm of Jackson and Jackson. Benjamin maintained the office in West Union, while William kept his office in Harrisville, Ritchie County.

 

Benjamin died just prior to the onset of the Civil War. Like his brothers he was probably a southern sympathizer. We know his wife was. In the late fall of 1862 the Night Hawk Rangers of Confederate Unit Company F made a return visit to Parkersburg. There was a gala party at which the rangers were presented a flag stitched by Confederate ladies. Sallie Stephenson Jackson was one of the ladies who did the bulk of the stitching. The large silk flag with “Night Hawk Rangers” on one side and “Liberty or Death” on the other was carried throughout the war in all their skirmishes and battles. It was lost to the Union in 1864.

 

Sources: Hardway, Ronald V., On Our Own Soil, William Lowther Jackson and the Civil War in Wast Virginia’s Mountains, Quarrier Press, Charleston, WV, 2003, p. 19. He cites the Parkersburg Gazette and Courier, 10 Feb. 1849.

 

Matheny, H. E. Wood County, West Virginia in Civil War Times With An Account of the Guerrila Warfare in the Little Kanawha Valley, published by Joseph M. Sakach, Jr., 1987., p. 299.

Benjamin W. Jackson

Will

Wood County, West Virginia Will Bk 5:222

Written: 9 March 1858

Probated 8 February 1861

 

Know all men by these presents that I Benjamin W. Jackson of Parkersburg in the County of Wood and State of Virginia, being of sound mind and disposing memory do make and publish this my last will and testament.

 

1st I give and devise to my mother Harriet B. Stinchcomb wife of Thomas Stinchcomb, and late Harriet B. Jackson all of my undivided interest in and to two tracts of 1000 acres of Land on the North fork of Hughes River in the County of Ritchie, conveyed to me by Ephraim Bee & wife and known as the Mitchell and Hanes land, also that certain tract or parcel of Land in the County of Ritchie conveyed to me by Lewis A. Phelps (Trustee?} in a certain deed of Trust executed by Thomas Stinchcomb to him to secure Isaiah Wells; also all of my right interest and claim which I have or hereafter may have in and to the House and Lot in the Town of Clarksburg Va in which my grandmother Wilson resided at her death; and in and to a certain other house and Lot in the said town of Clarksburg, conveyed to Josiah D. Wilson Trustee for my said mother and her heirs.

 

2nd I give, bequeath and devise to my wife Sarah E. Jackson (late Stephenson) all the ballance and residue of my estate, real, personal or mixed, wherever situated after the payments of my debts and funeral expenses.

 

3rd I constitute and appoint my brother in law Kenner B. Stephenson the executor of this my last will and testament, In testimony whereof I having written this with my own proper hand, have hereunto set my hand and seal, and publish this to be my last will and testament this 9 day of March. 1858.

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Obit:

 

Mrs. Okey Johnson

Dies in New York, Sad News Received This Afternoon

 

A telegram was received today by local relatives containing the sad news of the death of Mrs. Sarah E. Johnson, which occurred about noon today at her home in New York where she had been residing for some years.

 

Mrs. Johnson was a member of one of the old and distinguished pioneer families of Wood county, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James M. Stephenson and widow of the late Judge Okey Johnson who for a number of years was a member of the Supreme Court of West Virginia. She was a woman of high ideals and possessed of those characteristics of the gentlewoman of the old school. The news of her death will be learned with regret by all the numerous relatives and friends in Parkersburg.

 

Mrs. Johnson, who was eighty-five years of age, is survived by Jas. S. Johnson and Mrs. Ballard of New York, with whom she made her home. Mrs. Chas. A. Wade of this city and Mrs. C. T. Gale of Zanesville and A. G. Stephenson of this city are the surviving sister and brother.

 

The remains will be brought to this city for interment the time for the services to be announced later. (Parkersburg Sentinel, October 25, 1921)

 

7               vi.    George Jackson, born 25 January 1833 in Ohio; died 27 May 1883 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia⁵. He was living with his mother and step-father, Thomas and Harriet Stinchcomb in Ritchie and was a clerk. In 1880 he was single, age 47, oil producer, living with his mother, then a widow age 75. Burial: Aft. 27 May 1883, Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia

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Colonel George Jackson

 

Colonel George Jackson entered the Military Academy at West Point as a cadet in 1852 and graduated in the class of 1856. He was commissioned Lieutenant of Dragoons and assigned to duty on our western frontier. His first military service was in an expedition against the Mormons. He was subsequently stationed at Fort Bridges and Laramie and other western military posts.

 

He was in active military service at Fort Laramie at the breaking out of war between the states. After his native state had passed the ordinance of secession, he resigned his commission in the U.S. Army and repaired to the capitol of his state. He at once reported to the president of the Confederacy and on his own application was assigned to duty in the Confederate service as Major of Cavalry reporting to General Garnatt at Laurel Hill, Western Virginia. He was conspicuous for his bravery and ability and continued with that branch of the army until he was assigned to the army operating in North Carolina. He was promoted to Colonel of a regiment under General Whiteing.

 

At the conclusion of the war he returned to civil life and located in Parkersburg where he became actively engaged in oil business and resided with his mother until his death which occurred May 27, 1883. (Southern Sympathizers, Wood County Confederate Soldiers, WV State Archives, p. 18.)

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George Jackson was appointed to West Point from Virginia. He attended West Point from 1851 to 1856 and graduated with a class ranking of 30th out of 49. He was promoted from cadet to Brevet Second Lieutenant of Dragoons upon his graduation, July 1, 1856. He served on the frontier at Fort Buchanan, New Mexico in 1857 and participated in the Utah Expedition. On February 2, 1857, he was made second lieutenant of the Second Dragoons. On April 25, 1861, he was promoted to first lieutenant. He served at Fort Laramie, Dakota from 1860 to 1861. He resigned his commission June 1, 1861. (Biographical Register of the Officers and Graduates of the U. S. Military Academy from 1802 to 1867, 1879, Vol. II, p. 436.)

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Obit:

 

Col. George Jackson

On Sunday last Col. Geo. Jackson, whose illness had been noted in the SENTINEL, passed quietly away to his long rest, at the residence of his mother, Mrs. Stinchcomb, on Juliana street. The amputation performed last week would have been of great benefit to the sufferer had it not been that blood poisoning had taken such a strong hold. This baffled the skill of the physician and the patient submitted to the inevitable. He remained perfectly conscious until late Saturday night when he became unconscious, and remained so until death. Col. Jackson was known throughout the state as a warm hearted genial man. His brother, W. L. Jackson, of Louisville was with him at his death, also a number of friends and relatives. The funeral took place from Trinity Episcopal Church on Tuesday and was very largely attended. The sympathy of the community is with the grief stricken relatives. (Buskirk, Cynthia, The Riverview/Riverside/Cook Cemetery, Wood County, (West) Virginia)

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Will of George Jackson

Wood County, West Virginia Will Bk7:414

Written 3 January 1870

Probated 30 May 1883

 

I George Jackson of the City of Parkersburg in the County of Wood, and State of West Virginia being of sound mind, and disposing memory do hereby make and ordain this my last will and Testament in manner and form following.

 

It is my will and desire that my executor hereinafter named, shall __ of my personal estate, or any friends I may have at the time of my decease ___my just debts and funeral expenses.

 

Secondly, I will and bequeath to my mother Harriet B. Stinchcomb, in the event she outlives me, all my estate, real, and personal or of what nature or kind soeverof which I may be seized at the time of my dicease, (sic) after the payment of my debts and funeral expenses, as mentioned above.

 

In the event I should survive my mother Harriet B. Stinchcomb, I will and bequeath all the property mentioned in the foregoing bequests to my half sister Lauretta Stinchcomb.

 

And Lastly, I hereby appoint H B Stephenson of the said City of Parkersburg, Executor of this my will and Testament hereby revoking all other or former wills by mw heretofore made. In testimony whereof I have herein to set my hand and seal this 3rd day of January in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy.

 

George Jackson

Witnesses were:

N P Chapin

Okey Johnson

N.W. Tucker

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Major George Jackson was a cousin of the fabled ‘Stonewall Jackson’ and the brother of Brig. Gen. William Lowther Jackson (31st Virginia Infantry). He was born in Clarksburg, VA, Jan. 25, 1833, and was appointed to the US Military Academy, Class of 1856. He graduated 30th in his class. He was Brevet 2nd Lieutenant of the 1st Dragoons. Promoted 2 Feb. 1857 to 2nd Lt. of the 2nd Dragoons then to 1st Lieut. of the 2nd Dragoons 25 April 1861. He served in the Mormon Expedition. Jackson resigned his commission on the 1st of June 1861 to join the Confederate Army. With experience in Cavalry (1st and 2nd Dragoons) he formed a highly reliable unit “Jackson’s Squadron Virginia Cavalry” first as “Captain of Cavalry” then “Major of Cavalry” and then Major of the 14th Virginia Cavalry regiment. Jackson served with Gen. Garnett as a Major in Western Virginia at Laurel Hill, then was stationed at Franklin, VA. He served with Gen. Whiting in North Carolina and was also on Genl. B. H. Robertson’s Staff. Post-war, he was a Parkersburg Mineral Oil businessman, dying there May 27, 1883. Col. John Brown Baldwin (to whom this report is written) served as commanding officer of the 52nd Virginia Infantry. He was born near Staunton, VA, Jan. 11, 1820. He attended the University of Virginia and became a Lawyer in Staunton. He served in the Virginia Legislature and Virginia Secession Convention. He appointed Colonel and Commanding Officer of the 52nd VA Infantry August 19, 1861. He served in the Confederate States Congress from 1862 to 1865. Report written entirely in his own hand 2p. quarto, Port Montery, September 15, 1861, addressed to Colonel John B. Baldwin, and reads: Sir: In reply to your communication of the 14th inst, I beg leave to report that the aggregate force of cavalry under my command at this post and on the road to Petersburg, including the sick and those absent is 190, as will more fully appear from my report forwarded to you yesterday. Of this number there are only 49 privates, 13 more commanding officers present for duty at this post. (minor cross-outs here makes the previous statistics difficult to read) Several others who would otherwise be fit for duty having been necessarily detailed to wait on the sick of my command. I have on the road to Petersburg about 31 cavalry who are under the command of Lt. McCoy. Whether they all escaped from the rout near Petersburg. I am unable to say with certainty, having received no officer report on this point from Lt. McCoy, thought I have heard that all of them got through safe. Lt. McCoy’s infantry force was reported by him to me to be 105. He expected to get 15 or 20 recruits, but he has not reported how many he has succeeded in getting together since the rout. Enclosed (not present) I send a list of all the prisoners here, whether in the guard house or in the jail at this place, together with the statements of most of them–especially those accused of disloyalty to the state–made voluntarily by each of them in the manner detailed in the paper contained in said list. The whole number of prisoners is28, of whom 25 were accused of disloyalty. One is a prisoner taken from one of the Ohio Regiments, and 2 are privates belonging to the 44th Regiment of VA Vols. confined under a charge of insubordination. I also enclose a report on the sick at this post made out by Dr. Youst, Asst. Surgeon in charge, from which it appears that the aggregate number of sick now here is 124. The communications and documents heretofore forwarded by me to you contain all the information that I have thus far been able to gather in regard to the other points attended to in our communication to me. Very respectfully, Your Obd’t. Servant Geo. Jackson Captain, Cavalry” Fine.

 

+      8              vii.    Josephine Jackson, born 1835; died 13 July 1856 in Ritchie County, (West) Virginia.

 

 

Generation No. 2

 

3.Martha Elizabeth⁴ Jackson (William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 1822 in probably Harrison County, (West) Virginia, and died 05 November 1859 in Harrison County, (West) Virginia. She married Robert Ferguson Criss 1838 in (West)Virginia. He was born about 1813, and died about 1861.

 

He is listed as a merchant, age 37, born Virginia in the 1850 Harrison County, West Virginia census. Martha E. is age 25, born in Virginia. In the 1860 Harrison County, West Virginia census, Robert and four children are enumerated in the household of Joseph G. Thompson.

 

Children of Martha Jackson and Robert Criss are:

9                 i.    Roslie E.⁵ Criss, born 13 October 1839 in Harrison County, (West) Virginia;⁶. She married James E. Smith 14 November 1861; born 02 June 1837 in Fauquier County, Virginia; ⁶.

At the time of their marriage he was Sheriff, residing at Harrisville, (West) Virginia.

+      10              ii.    Alice Criss, born about 1842 in Harrison County, (West) Virginia;

11             iii.    Mary S. Criss, born about 1844 in Harrison County, (West) Virginia; She married Samuel Selby 22 July 1862 in Harrison County, West Virginia^7,8; born about 1830 in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania; He was a resident of Marietta, Ohio at the time of their marriage.

+      12             iv.    Robert J. Criss, born about 1846 in Harrison County, (West) Virginia; died Bet. 03 – 11 April 1905.

+      13              v.    Benjamin J. Criss, born about 1852; died Bet. 1878 – 1880.

 

4.Indiana H.⁴ Jackson (William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 25 August 1824, and died 29 May 1885 in Belpre, Washington County, Ohio⁹. Burial: 30 June 1885, Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia.¹² She married William Piatt McKinney 14 June 1849 in Harrison County, West Virginia¹⁰, son of William McKinney and Mary Miller. He was born 24 December 1821 in Wood County, West Virginia¹¹, and died 17 September 1910. Burial: Aft. 17 September 1910, Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia

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Obit:

 

Laid to Rest

The funeral of the last Mrs. W. P. McKinney, of Belpre, O., took place from the family residence yesterday afternoon. The deceased was a daughter of Mrs. Stichcomb [sic], of this city and a sister of “Mudwall” Jackson, better known in these days as Judge W. L. Jackson, of Louisville, KY. She had been in ill health for several years, and had recently returned from a trip to Florida, where she spent several months in search of health, but without being benefited. She leaves a bereaved husband and a son to mourn her demise. A large number of mourning friends followed the remains to their lone home in Riverside Cemetery. (Obituary: 01 June 1885, Parkersburg, Wood County, (West) Virginia)^13,14

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Notes for William Piatt McKinney:

 

William was enumerated Belpre Township, Washington County, Ohio in 1880. He was age 59, a warfmaster [sic]. Living with him were wife Indiana, age 54 and daughter Josephine, age 22.He was age 89y8m23d at his death.

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Biography:

 

William P. McKinney

“William P. McKinney, for many years a prominent business man of Belpre, Ohio, is now living a retired life after years of the greatest activity. He comes of a prominent Pennsylvania family, and is one of nine children born to William and Mary W. (Miller) McKinney.

 

His grandfather, William McKinney, was born in Pennsylvania and served throughout the Revolutionary War. His wife was Frances Piatt, who saw General Washington and his command marching through Trenton, New Jersey. Many of the soldiers were without shoes and these articles she supplied to some of them.

 

William McKinney, father of William P., was born in Pennsylvania. He served throughout the War of 1812, and then followed mercantile pursuits during the remainder of his life. He married Mary W. Miller, a daughter of Robert Miller, an extensive farmer in Pennsylvania.

 

William P. McKinney was born in Wood County, Virginia (now West Virginia), December 24, 1821, and was reared on a farm until he was nine years of age, a greater part of his schooling being obtained during that time. When quite a youth he began to assist his father in his store, the latter being quite an extensive merchant. After working thus for several years, he was placed in charge of his father’s store in Harrisville, Virginia, where he continued until 1855. He then embarked in a similar business for himself in Willow Island, West Virginia, and continued thus until he disposed of the store to engage in the oil business. As an oil producer he was eminently successful, and acquired considerable wealth. In 1865 he moved to Belpre and was engaged in the wharf-boat business for a period of fourteen years, his success being as great as that achieved in his former ventures. Upon disposing of that business he retired from active affairs and has since spent his time in Belpre in the quiet enjoyment of home life. He owns his home in Washington County, as well as property in the State of Florida, from which he derives a good revenue.

 

Mr. McKinney was united in marriage June 24, 1849, with Indiana H. Jackson, a daughter of William L. Jackson of Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia), and a second cousin to Gen. Thomas J. Jackson. Three children were born to them, namely: Benjamin J.; Josephine M.; and William, who died at the age of four years. Mr. McKinney and his family are devout members of the Presbyterian Church. His wife was a Methodist. She died May 29, 1865, [1885] and in compliance with her request was buried in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Fraternally the subject of this sketch is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political views coincide with those of the Democrat party. He lives with his sister in a cozy residence on Main street, in Belpre, Ohio.” (History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio, p. 1194-1195.)

 

Children of Indiana Jackson and William McKinney are:

14               i.    William⁵ McKinney, died in Washington County, Ohio.

Died at age 4, probably in Washington County, Ohio.

+      15              ii.    Benjamin Jackson McKinney, born 24 March 1850 in Wood County, (West) Virginia; died 08 July 1934 in Washington County, Ohio.

16             iii.    Josephine McKinney, born 1857; died 1910 in Washington County, Ohio.Burial: 1910, Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. , Constable

 

5.William Lowther⁴ Jackson (William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 03 February 1825 in Clarksburg, Harrison County, (West) Virginia, and died 26 March 1890 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. Burial: 27 March 1890, Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.^15,16 He married Sarah Elizabeth Creel 19 December 1849. She was born 1837 in St. Mary’s, Pleasants County, (West) Virginia, and died 10 September 1913. Burial: 11 September 1913, Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. In 1850 William was age 25, lawyer, living in Ritchie County, West Virginia in the household of Amos Culp, Constable. Sarah was age 18. In the 1860 census the family was living in Parkersburg, Wood County, (West) Virginia. William was a judge, age 35 and Sarah was age 26. There were three children: Lucy B., age 9, Alexander H., age 7 and William L., age 5; also Violetta Davis, age 24, doing housework and Lucy A. Creel, age 22, born in Virginia.

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William Lowther Jackson, Jr. was a Brigadier General, CSA. Jackson was nicknamed “Mudwall” as well as was Gen. Alfred E. Jackson.

 

Image of gravestone of William Lowther Jackson, Jr.

 

Read article about Stonewall’s cousin, William Lowther “Mudwall” Jackson

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William Lowther Jackson, Jr.

 

William Lowther Jackson Jr., had a prominent and distinguished career in the ante-war period. He was the second Auditor of Virginia, twice elected to the House of Delegates, Lieutenant Governor for one term, Superintendent of the State Library Fund, and Judge of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. But, when Confederate Brigadier General William Lowther Jackson tried to return to Parkersburg at the end of the Civil War in 1865 he was not welcomed. Pro-union supporters were hostile towards him and because the political and social influence of his Jackson cousins had been greatly diminished by the war, life became unbearable. He found similar situations across the river in Marietta, Ohio and in St. Mary’s, where his wife’s family still resided. Soon he left his native state and settled in Louisville, Kentucky where he set up a law practice and was later a prominent Judge.

 

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William L. Jackson

 

The Louisville Commercial, the Republican Organ of Louisville published the following notice of Judge Wm. L. Jackson the day before his death.

 

There is great danger that within the next few days death will deprive Louisville of one of her ablest jurists and foremost citizen. The Hon. William L. Jackson, Judge of the Jefferson Circuit Court, is lying critically ill at his rooms in the Fifth avenue hotel, and the worst is feared by his family and friends.

 

Judge Jackson’s illness dates back to last fall. On November 12 he was taken with a severe congestive chill, which prostrated him for some little time, and from the effects of which he had never entirely recovered. During the Christmas holidays he paid a visit to his daughter in Chicago, at whose home he had been accustomed to spend all his holidays. The trip proved anything but beneficial to him, and he has been more or less a sick man ever since. A few weeks ago he took a severe cold. It reduced him very much in flesh and rendered him very weak. He lost fully thirty pounds in weight, but he bore up bravely and, though his friends advised him to take a vacation and a rest, he persisted in occupying his daily and accustomed place on the bench of the Circuit Court.

 

Last Friday he was so sick that even his powerful will could not keep him on his feet. He took to his bed that morning, and he has never risen from it. His symptoms then were vary alarming. Drs. Yandell and Palmer were summoned to attend him. Upon examination it was found that a kidney affection, [infection] which had troubled him for years had suddenly developed into an acute and dangerous form of Bright’s disease. He suffered from a series of violent chills. Yesterday morning he had one, and at 10 o’clock last night another. A very high fever has set in, his heart is very weak, and for a great portion of the time he has been delirious.

 

Last night, however, he was lucid, but very feeble. It was reported that he was not expected to live until morning, but, his physicians state that his case is not so serious as that. While it is not altogether hopeless, it is almost so. His wife and his two sons, Mr. William L. Jackson, Jr., and Mr. Alexander H. Jackson, are constantly at his bedside. Last night telegrams were sent to his daughter, Mrs. F. J. Halton [Holton], at Riverside, near Chicago, and to his half-sister, Mrs. Lettie Stinchcomb, at Parkersburg, W. Va. Both will come to Louisville at once.

 

His physicians will hold a consultation this morning, when the exact condition of the patient will be learned.

 

Judge Jackson’s age puts a serious phase [face] upon his illness. He was born in Parkersburg, in what was then Old Virginia, in 1825, and is sixty-five years old. He served all through the war in the Confederate army. He was at first an officer on the staff of Stonewall Jackson, who was his cousin on both sides of his family. He was afterwards made Brigadier General, and served in Lomax’s division under Gen. Jubal A. Early. In this rank he fought throughout the war, taking part in most of the great battles in which the army of Northern Virginia was engaged. He settled in Louisville in 1866 and practiced law with eminent success until 1872, when he was elected Judge of the Jefferson Circuit Court, which high position he has held continuously since February of that year.

 

A man more highly respected or more ably endowed never occupied the seat. He has been an ideal Judge-stern and impartial in enforcing the law, but with a kind heart beneath his severity, ever prompting him to be merciful. He is a man of great personal courage, and never shrunk from the performance of his duty, under the most trying circumstances. In private talks he is as genial and courteous as he is dignified. His face is a splendid Roman face, and is an index of a splendid Roman character. His friends could never do enough for him and his enemies pay tribute to his nobility and worth. (The Parkersburg Daily Sentinel, March 28, 1890)

***

Before Heaven’s Bar

Judge Jackson Answers the Summons of the Grand Judge of Life.

The End Comes In the Dead of Night After Long Hours of Stupor.

A Long and Honorable Career As Lawyer, Soldier, Statesman and Jurist.

His Brilliant Triumphs At the Bar and Upon the Bench Detailed By Major Kinney.

 

Sketch of His Life.

 

Judge William L. Jackson died at the Fifth-avenue Hotel at 3:30 o’clock this morning of acute Bright’s disease, after lying in a dying condition for over twelve hours. He was surrounded by his wife and all his family, and the end came quietly and painlessly, the eminent jurist passing away as if in sleep.

 

Last night at midnight, Judge Jackson was barely alive, and his pulsation was scarcely perceptible. He was visited at that hour by Dr. Palmer, who administered the strongest kind of stimulants in the hope of sustaining life until the arrival of Judge Jackson’s sister from Parkersburg, W. Va. On leaving the room Dr. Palmer said that the Judge might possibly live until morning, but the end might come at any moment.

 

Judge Jackson’s first serious illness dated from last November when he had a severe congestive chill from which he has never fully recovered. His decline was gradual ever since that time, and his great loss of flesh and haggard face had often been the topic of conversation among his friends. He fully realized his serious condition all along and was often heard to remark that he ought to be in bed. A few months ago his aged mother died at her home in Parkersburg, W. Va., which greatly grieved his sensitive nature. He went on to Parkersburg and remained at his mother’s bed-side until her death, and when he returned it was noticed that the lines of care were more plainly drawn in his face. The legislative investigation of his official character also added no little to the weight of disease that was steadily pulling him down.

 

Early yesterday morning he became unconscious and remained so since, except at irregular intervals. He could not recognize those about him. During the early part of yesterday morning he began to grow weaker. The rigors and excessive vomiting that visited him every few minutes wasted the patient away, leaving him with scarcely any strength.

 

About 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon he was seized with another and a serious chill. Drs. Palmer and Yandell were immediately summoned, and pronounced his condition very critical. At 4 o’clock they called again, and found him resting a little better, but knew this to be only temporary. His faithful wife and two sons were constantly at his bedside.

 

During his delirium yesterday Judge Jackson talked at random about legal matters, as if he were urging a most important case. He charged the jury, delivered addresses and opinions, spoke to imaginary prisoners or attorneys, and, in fact, his whole mind seemed to be centered upon his work.

 

No one was allowed to enter his room except his immediate family and the nurses.

 

All day and until late at night a stream of friends called at the hotel, left their cards, and expressed the deepest sympathy and hopes for the speedy recovery of the able man. The distinguished members of the bar made repeated visits to the hotel to ask about his condition. Prominent among them were Judges Toney, Hoke, Field Thompson, Maj. Kinney, Gen. Baker and others.

 

All the relatives were notified that the worst was feared and summoned to his bedside. Later in the evening Rev. Minnigerode, rector of Calvary church, called, by request of the family. Mr. Minnigerode read selections from the Scriptures and prayed at the bedside of the dying man. Although upon the very verge of eternity Judge Jackson feebly thanked the rector and murmured a few words in expression of his appreciation of the kindness.

 

At 12:30 this morning, his sister, Mrs. [Miss] Stinchcomb, of Parkersburg, W. Va., arrived. She was immediately ushered to his bedside, but he was too far gone to recognize her.

 

Judge Jackson’s Life.

 

Judge Jackson was born February 3, 1825, at Clarksburg, Va. In 1847 he received a license to practice law and followed his profession with great success. He served as Commonwealth’s Attorney in his district and was twice elected to the Virginia Legislature. He also served twice as Second Auditor, as Superintendent of the State Library Fund and as Lieutenant Governor. In 1860 he was elected Circuit Judge of the Nineteenth Judicial district of Virginia. In 1861, when he had been but once around his circuit, the war broke out. He entered the Confederate army as commander of the 31st Virginia Volunteers, with headquarters at Huntersville; in 1862 he became a member of the staff of his cousin, “Stonewall Jackson,” and was in the campaigns and battles around Richmond, Cedar Run, Second Manassas, Harper’s Ferry and Antietam. He recruited a brigade of cavalry in Northwest Virginia, within the war lines of Federals. He was made Brigadier General in command of this brigade, and served, with frequent mention for gallantry, in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. On May 3, 1865, he disbanded the last organized Confederate forces at Lexington, Va., after Lee’s surrender. In these times of doubt and distrust he retired to Mexico, but soon returned to the United States. Forbidden to practice law in his native state, West Virginia, he came to Louisville and located in January, 1866, with his wife and children. He opened a law office here and soon attained prominence. In 1872 he was appointed Judge of the Jefferson Circuit Court to which post of honor he has repeatedly been re-elected by immense majorities.

 

Judge Jackson was always noted for his fastidious dress, polished manners and dignified bearing. Upon the bench he was sternness personified, but in private life a most agreeable gentleman and of an exceedingly social nature. His form was tall and his features clean cut and remarkably handsome.

 

His Legal Career

 

An Intimate Friend Relates Some of Judge Jackson’s Triumphs at the Bar and Upon the Bench.

 

Maj. Wm. R. Kinney probably knows more about Judge Jackson than any other man in Louisville, the two having long been closely connected in the practice of their joint profession. In speaking of his dying friend Maj. Kinney said last evening.

 

“I became very intimate with him soon after his arrival in 1866. I had come to Louisville in 1864. We became warm friends, and soon were employed together in so many cases that it was thought by many that we were partners. This was a mistake, but whenever one of us was employed, when another lawyer was needed we always recommended the retaining of the other. We also met many times as opposing counsel, so I got to know him thoroughly.

 

“Gen. Jackson was not an eloquent speaker, but he was a very strong one. His strong point was his knowledge of the law and his application of the facts thereto. Col. Phil Lee used to say that if he was to be tried he had rather have Gen. Jackson write the instructions than any other man that lived.

 

“The first case in which I remember that we were employed together was to defend a man named Tutweiler for killing one Brady. It was a very important case, and nearly all the criminal lawyers at the bar were engaged in it on one side or the other. Gen. Jackson’s defense displayed the greatest ability, and we got our man off with only ten years. The next case of note in which we appeared was the defense of John Mendel, who had killed his father with an ax. Mendel has changed his name since then, but I recognized him as a recent prisoner in the City Court for beating his wife. To return to his original trial, however, Gen. Jackson made one of the most powerful speeches I ever heard in a trial. I remember once he turned to the prisoner and exclaimed in a most impressive manner: ‘You did not kill your father, John Mendel, did you?’ Mendel rose up at this and, with utmost apparent sincerity, declared: ‘No, Gen. Jackson, as God is my judge, I did not.’ The words had a powerful effect on the jury and materially aided in securing a favorable verdict.

 

“Gen. Jackson was also engaged with me in the defense of Jack Sheppard for the killing of a man named Collins on Broadway. In the celebrated case of Henry Kean, charged with murder, we prosecuted and twice secured his conviction and a death sentence, but ea1ch time the Court of Appeals sent him back for further trial. The third time he got a life sentence, and is in prison now. Another trial in which Gen. Jackson showed extraordinary power was one in which Martin Bijur prosecuted a man for burning a house on Center and Broadway. He was counsel in many others, and in all he acquitted himself with distinction.

 

“When he was appointed to succeed Judge Bruce his district then comprised Oldham, Spencer, Bullitt, Shelby and Jefferson counties. On that circuit he heard cases involving every variety of law, and no Judge ever made a better record. I do not recall one important civil case in which his decision was ever reversed. Seldom has he been overruled in criminal cases.

 

Many a time he has been selected by Governors to try cases outside of his circuit. He went to Owen county and presided in the last trial of Tom Buford, his rulings being remarkable for their fairness and ability. The most important decision he ever made was in the celebrated Smith Hawes case at Lexington. Hawes was a city official who had absconded with public funds and against whom there were pending indictments for grand larceny, embezzlement and other crimes. He had fled to Canada, but was extradited on the charge of grand larceny and brought back for trial. The charge could not be sustained, and an attempt was made to try him on another indictment. Judge Jackson brought in a long opinion on the matter which displayed the profoundest learning and most thorough acquaintance with treaties and the principles of international law. He took the stand that after the prisoner had been acquitted of the charge for which he had been excredited he must be permitted to take his refuge again before another trial. This point had been touched upon by the great Chief Justice Marshall but he did not handle it like Judge Jackson. His decision was immediately accepted as international law not only in this country, but also in Europe. It has given him the widest celebrity.

 

“Another occasion when his services were of the greatest value to the State was in the Breathitt county troubles. Gov. McCreary telegraphed me on December 27, 1877, to go up there and prosecute the outlaws who had killed County Judge Barnett and driven Circuit Judge Randal out of the courthouse. I accepted, and reached Jackson on New Year’s day. I got indictments at once against thirty-six conspirators and tried Jason Little before Judge Randal. Then the Judge was sworn off the bench, the game being to elect a special judge who would be favorable to the accused. I telegraphed the Governor, however, to send up a judge, expressing the hope that it would be either Judge Jackson or Judge De Haven, and he sent the former. He had scarcely arrived before he made his presence felt, and such was the dignity of his bearing that the most lawless were awed. From that time on we could have dispensed with the presence of the soldiers, and there was not the slightest trouble in the trial.

 

“It was the same way when Gov. Knott sent us to Letcher county. When Judge Jackson produced his commission in the court-house the room was filled with men smoking pipes and with their hats on. He directed the Sheriff to call them to order, and the latter asked the men to ‘please remove their hats and stop smoking.’ ‘No please about it,’ thundered the Judge with a commanding sweep of his arm. ‘This court is no place for smoking or wearing hats.’ His words were magical, and from that time on the best of order was preserved. Gov. Knott offered to furnish troops, but Judge Jackson declared he could go anywhere in the State and hold court, and he did so. Nobody offered to molest us in the slightest.

 

The strongest point about Judge Jackson was his absolute honesty, which made him unsuspicious of dishonor in others. His courage, both physical and moral, was sublime, and there was no responsibility that he would not assume when he felt it to be his duty. Nothing could make him waver, although he liked appreciation as much as any man. And I have heard him say that no man in whose innocence he believed had ever been sentenced in his court. It will be long before we shall look upon his like again.” (Unidentified Louisville, Kentucky newspaper dated 25 March 1890, submitted by John M. Jackson)

 

***

 

William Lowther Jackson

 

William Lowther Jackson, Sr. long the judge of Louisville circuit court, was born in Clarksburg, Virginia, February 3, 1825. Of a family long prominent in that state in the field, at the bar and on the bench, he early demonstrated his fitness to maintain his standard of manhood. He began the practice of law in 1847, met with fair success and was elected commonwealth’s attorney of the Clarksburg judicial district. On the expiration of his term in that office he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates and re-elected for a second term. He was then twice chosen second auditor and superintendent of the library fund, and in 1856 was elected Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia. In 1860 he was elected circuit judge of the nineteenth judicial district, but in 1861 he resigned the office to enter the Confederate army as colonel of the Thirty-first Virginia Infantry. After serving for a year in West Virginia he was transferred to the Army of Northern Virginia and became a member of the staff of his cousin, “Stonewall” Jackson, with whom he took part in many engagements. After the death of his distinguished chief he recruited a brigade of cavalry in that part of northwestern Virginia, and gallantly commanded the same in the campaigns of the Shenandoah Valley, Maryland and Pennsylvania. After the surrender of Lee and Johnson, he disbanded the last organized Confederate troops within the limits of Virginia, on the 3d of May, 1865, at Lexington, Virginia. Judge Jackson then went to Mexico; after his return to this country he located in Louisville, where he was accorded a prominent place at the bar. In 1872 he was appointed judge of the Louisville circuit court by Governor Leslie, was elected at the next regular election and by popular vote was continued in that office until his death in 1890. As a judge he was fearless, upright and impartial, qualities well tested when he was selected by Governor McCreary to act as special judge in the trial of some desperate cases at a period of excessive turbulence in one of the remote mountain counties, where the local judge could not hold court. His presence restored and the confidence of the community, and the proceedings of the court were conducted without hindrance. As a man Judge Jackson was much beloved by his friends, and his death was deplored by the whole community. (Levin, H., Lawyers and Lawmakers of Kentucky, 1897, Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago. Reprinted by Southern Historical Press, p. 255. )

 

***

 

Obit: Judge W. L. Jackson

 

Judge W. L. Jackson died at his home in Louisville on Tuesday of pneumonia. Judge Jackson had a host of friends in this his native state, who were surprised to learn of his sudden death.

 

Resin Davis Esq. brother of the Honorable John J. Davis has been appointed to fill the vacant judgeship of Louisville caused by the death of Honorable Wm. L. Jackson. Both Davis and Jackson were born in Clarksburg and both moved to Louisville where they resided for many years. (Weston Democrat, Lewis County, West Virginia, 29 March 1890)

 

***

 

Tribute to William Lowther Jackson

By Judge S. B. Torrey

At a meeting of the Bar, Louisville, Kentucky

 

Born as he was on the sacred soil of Virginia, that grand old mother of states and statesmen, he breathed in an inspiration amid her classic associations; on the soil of Virginia canopied with her covering skies as blue as ever charmed the gaze of the Manuan bard, with her imperial mountains and picturesque valleys fanned by as sweetly scented zephyrs as ever woke the melodies of Tasso’s lyre, there in Virginia, from his blue eyed infancy to his Jove-like manhood, he breathed the atmosphere of patriotism, integrity and honor. He was attached to his native state which in time of peace he served in the highest positions of trust and honor, and had defended in war with his sword. He was proud of her heroic history, and traditions, but when he gave his heart to this grand old Common Wealth (Kentucky) and put his hand upon her alter as the state of his adoption, from that hour he loved her with a devotion which never wavered nor cooled until death placed its icy hand upon his heart and bade it cease to beat. Then he bid adieu to this world, and his liberated and laurel crowned spirit took its flight to God.” (Southern Sympathizers, Wood County Confederate Soldiers-pages from an old manuscript, published by the West Augusta Historical and Genealogical Society, Parkersburg, West Virginia.)

 

***

On Our Own Soil

 

“The Jackson family, which controlled all of the important judicial and military offices in Wood County in 1861, divided along lines that paralleled the confusion and uncertainty felt by Wood Countians in general.” William Lowther Jackson’s role in the shaping of West Virginia before and during the Civil War has not been detailed here, as it is well documented in a new book, On Our Own Soil – William Lowther Jackson and the Civil War in West Virginia’s Mountains, by Ronald V. Hardway, Quarrier Press, Charleston, WV, 2003. The book’s back cover blurb provides a brief synopsis of Jackson’s career and poses an interesting question about his historical reputation:

 

Judge William Lowther Jackson of Parkersburg, was a brigadier general in the Confederate army, commanding the Nineteenth and twentieth Virginia cavalries. The most fascinating aspect of this Civil War hero is the almost complete erasure of his name from most historical annals. On Our Own Soil hopes to change that by taking an honest and unbiased look at the life, career and character of William Jackson.

 

Jackson led the first Confederate regiment in northwestern Virginia, defending the South’s western front with only a few companies of inexperienced volunteers. He later served on his well-known cousin Stonewall’s staff. During the last year of the war, Jackson’s troops bravely defended the Shenandoah Valley. Poor communication, miserable conditions and unending foot travel continually challenged Jackson, but he persevered throughout.

 

After the war, Jackson was run out of Parkersburg, and exiled to Kentucky. The little surviving history of his units labels them as misfits, outlaws and horse thieves. Yet when Civil War records are examined, Jackson’s units are found to have performed efficiently in every campaign in which they participated. Many Confederate leaders revered Jackson. The question is: Why did West Virginia reject William L. Jackson? A reading of On Our Own Soil will hopefully help elevate Jackson to his rightful place in history as a loyal public servant and judicious leader. (Hardway, Ronald V. On Our Own Soil, William Lowther Jackson and the Civil War in the West Virginia Mountains. Quarrier Press, Charleston, WV 2003, p. 31)

 

Children of William Jackson and Sarah Creel are:

+      17               i.    Lucy B.⁵ Jackson, born 18 November 1850 in Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia; died 16 August 1934 in Riverside, Cook County, Illinois.

18              ii.     Alexander Herbert Jackson¹⁶, born 18 August 1851 in Virginia; died 02 October 1932 in Riverside, Cook County, Illinois¹⁷. Burial: 05 October 1932, Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky

 

Obit: Alexander H. Jackson passed away at the home of his sister, Mrs. F. G. Holton, 3 Quincy road, Sunday evening, Oct. 2. He was the son of the late Judge William L. and Sarah Jackson of Louisville, KY. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. F. G. Holton, and niece, Miss Georgia Holton.

 

Private services were held at his home on Quincy Road Tuesday and burial was in Louisville, Ky., Wednesday

 

(Obituary: Riverside News, 06 October 1932, Riverside, Cook County, Illinois)

+      19             iii.    William Lowther Jackson, born 12 August 1854 in St. Marys, Pleasants County, (West) Virginia; died 29 December 1895 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

 

8.Josephine⁴ Jackson (William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 1835, and died 13 July 1856 in Ritchie County, (West) Virginia. Burial: I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Harrisville, Ritchie Co., WV. She married Jacob Beeson Blair 21 November 1850 in Ritchie County, (West) Virginia. He was born 11 April 1821 in Parkersburg, Wood County, (West) Virginia¹⁸, and died 12 February 1901 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah. Burial: Aft. 12 February 1901, Mount Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., UT.

 

Her tombstone in the old part of the Harrisville Cemetery reads: “In memory of Mrs. Josephine A. Blair, consort of Jacob B. Blair, and youngest daughter of the late Col. William L. Jackson, July 13, 1856, in the 22nd year of her age. By her side lies an infant son, Sterrett Blair, who departed this life, June 27, 1856, aged 9 months and twenty seven days.”

***

Jacob Beeson Blair

 

Jacob Beeson Blair was born at Parkersburg on April 11, 1821, and after the death of his parents, (David Blair of Pennsylvania, later Wood County and Elizabeth Beeson Blair) was bound to Josiah Shanklin, as an apprentice for the carpenter’s trade. But his inclinations did not run in this direction; and in 1842, entered the law office of General John Jay Jackson, as a student, and was admitted to the bar two years later; being licensed to practice law in both the inferior and the superior courts of the state. And it was this same year that he came to Harrisville.

 

In 1851, he was happily married to Miss Josephine Jackson, sister of William L. Jackson, who passed on in 1856, leaving two small daughters. Shortly after this blow, he removed to Parkersburg where he formed a law partnership with his brother-in-law, William L. Jackson. From here, 1862, he was elected to Congress to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of John S. Carlisle, of Virginia, who had been promoted to the United States Senate. In 1863, Jacob Beeson Blair was reelected to Congress and took an active interest in the formation of West Virginia. He served 1865, as a member of the Legislature of the new state of West Virginia and was Minister to Costa Rica, Central America 1868-1873; and in February 1876, he was appointed by the President as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the territory of Wyoming. He served as Prosecuting Attorney for two terms in the early days of Ritchie County, but Parkersburg holds his dust. Mrs. H. H. Moss of that city was one of his daughters and Mrs. Elizabeth Bell, of Dayton, Ohio was the other. (Lowther, Minnie Kendall, Ritchie County in History and Romance, published by Ritchie County Historical Society, Inc., 1990, p. 91,92. )

 

Children of Josephine Jackson and Jacob Blair are:

+      20               i.    Harriett Wilson⁵ Blair, born 1851 in Ritchie County, (West) Virginia; died 21 February 1935 in Baltimore, Baltimore (city), Maryland.

+      21              ii.    Elizabeth J. Blair, born about 1854;

22             iii.    Sterrett Blair¹⁹, born 30 August 1855; died 27 June 1856.

Burial: I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Harrisville, Ritchie County, West Virginia.

 

 

Generation No. 3

 

10.Alice⁵ Criss (Martha Elizabeth⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born about 1842 in Harrison County, (West) Virginia.

 

Child of Alice Criss is:

23               i.    Frederick⁶ Criss, born about 1869;

 

12.Robert J.⁵ Criss (Martha Elizabeth⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born about 1846 in Harrison County, (West) Virginia, and died Bet. 03 – 11 April 1905. He married (1) Bell D.. She was born November 1858. He married (2) Alice V. Pickerall 21 December 1872 in Harrison County, West Virginia²⁰, daughter of Russell Pickerall and Rebecca. She was born about 1851 in Ohio, and died before 1900.

 

In 1870 Robert, age 24, was a druggist enumerated in Harrison County, West Virginia in the household of Henry Martin. His family is enumerated in the 1880 Harrison County, West Virginia census. Robert wrote his will 3 April 1905 and it was probated 11 April 1905 in Harrison County, West Virginia. He devised to his son George Jackson Criss, his drug store situated on the north side of Pike Street in the City of Clarksburg.

 

Will: 03 April 1905, Harrison County, West Virginia; Will: probated April 11, 1905

 

Children of Robert Criss and Alice Pickerall are:

24               i.    George Jackson⁶ Criss, born January 1872 in West Virginia;

25              ii.    Ernest B. Criss, born September 1874 in West Virginia;   He married Lillie G. Jackson; born 1877;

Marriage Notes for Ernest Criss and Lillie Jackson:

This marriage in NOT confirmed. There is a marriage for an Ernest B. Criss to Lillie G. Jackson on 3 June 1896 in Marion County, West Virginia.

26             iii.    Robert A. Criss, born September 1876 in West Virginia;

27             iv.    Kilburne Criss, born 1878 in Harrison County, West Virginia; died 11 April 1879 in Harrison County, West Virginia.

 

13.Benjamin J.⁵ Criss (Martha Elizabeth⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born about 1852, and died Bet. 1878 – 1880. He married Margaret Adelia Kelley 26 May 1875 in Harrison County, West Virginia²¹, daughter of Samuel Kelley and Phoebe. She was born about 1860, and died 19 May 1881 in Harrison County, West Virginia.

 

Child of Benjamin Criss and Margaret Kelley is:

28               i.    Duncan⁶ Criss, born about 1878; died 14 July 1892 in Harrison County, West Virginia²².

 

15.Benjamin Jackson⁵ McKinney (Indiana H.⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 24 March 1850 in Wood County, (West) Virginia²³, and died 08 July 1934 in Washington County, Ohio. Burial: Aft. 08 July 1934, Oak Grove Cemetery, Washington County, Ohio. He married Florence Browning 03 October 1871 in Washington County, Ohio²⁴, daughter of A. Browning and Augusta S.. She was born 28 February 1852 in Washington County, Ohio, and died 1902 in Washington County, Ohio.

 

In 1880 Benjamin, age 29 was a barkeeper living in Washington County, Ohio, with Florence age 28 and the first five children. There was one servant, Carrie Seeman age 20, born in Germany. In 1910 he was living in Washington County, Ohio. With him were children Benjamin Jr., age 23, Francis age 21 and Harriett W. age 17, all born in Ohio.

***

Biography:

Benjamin J. McKinney

 

Benjamin J. McKinney, the present owner of the Times, and its editor as well, was born in Virginia in 1850, the son of William P. and Indiana (Jackson) McKinney, both of whom were Virginians by birth. The subject of our sketch spent his days in Virginia until the age of 15, when he came to Belpre, this county, where he completed the course offered by common schools. Later he enjoyed a course of business training at a prominent commercial college of Pittsburgh. With these qualifications, supported by an unusually bright mind, young McKinney entered the business world by securing a position as book-keeper in the Parkersburg National Bank, and he filled the place satisfactorily for a period of about six years. At the age of 26 Mr. McKinney was elected on the Democratic ticket, to the office of auditor of Washington County, and succeeded himself at the close of his first term by an increased majority – a fact which spoke well of his proficiency and satisfactory conduct of the office. After serving as auditor of Washington County two terms, Mr. McKinney was appointed chief clerk in the Auditor of State’s office at Columbus, and remained there for a period of four years. He returned to Marietta at the time he gave up the chief clerkship with the expectation of entering the work of newspaper-making, and overtures were made between himself and Mr. McMillen to such effect that August 1, 1890, saw Mr. McKinney the owner and editor of the Times. Into the Times, which had but a short time before being completely overhauled as to machinery and equipment, Mr. McKinney put his time and talents.   He is a writer of particular force, his editorial work showing a sarcastic quality that to the operator of a newspaper is a possession carrying no inconsiderable effect to the reader. In 1898, Mr. McKinney was a member of the Ohio Centennial Commission appointed by Bushnell, but later dissolved by act of Legislature.

 

The Times up to October 20, 1898, was a weekly, at which time it was issued as a daily and weekly. The daily is printed in the evening, and enjoys good support among the people, especially within the party.

 

In 1871, Mr. McKinney was married to Florence Browning, daughter of A. H. and Augusta S. Browning, of Belpre. Together they lived devotedly until the summer of 1902, when Mrs. McKinney died.

 

To Mr. and Mrs. McKinney was born an interesting family of eleven children.

 

(History of Marietta and Washington County, and Representative Citizens, p. 404/405)

 

Children of Benjamin McKinney and Florence Browning are:

29               i.    Helen⁶ McKinney, born 18 January 1872; died 1901.

30              ii.    Grace McKinney, born 14 November 1873; died 1882²⁵.

31             iii.    Stella McKinney²⁵, born 14 February 1875²⁵; died 1898²⁵.

32             iv.    Frank B. McKinney, born 04 November 1876²⁶; died 01 February 1968. He married Beulah M.^27,28; born about 1882 in Pennsylvania;

+      33              v.    Florence D. McKinney, born 11 April 1878 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio;

+      34             vi.    Mary McKinney, born 13 April 1880 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio; died 12 April 1957 in Mariemont, Hamilton County, Ohio.

+      35            vii.    William P. McKinney, born 24 April 1882 in Washington County, Ohio; died November 1964.

36           viii.    Louise McKinney, born 04 February 1884;

37             ix.    Benjamin Jackson McKinney, born 20 September 1886;

38              x.    Frances McKinney, born 17 September 1888;

39             xi.    Harriet Wilson McKinney, born 30 November 1892;   She married Dewey Alla Windsor 10 July 1914 in Washington County, Ohio; born 1892 in Washington County, Ohio;

 

17.Lucy B.⁵ Jackson (William Lowther⁴, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 18 November 1850 in Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia, and died 16 August 1934 in Riverside, Cook County, Illinois³⁰. Burial: 18 August 1934, Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. She married Frank G. Holton 18 April 1882 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. He was born in Wisconsin, and died Bef. 1910.

 

Lucy applied for a Civil War widow’s pension on 10 January 1916 for Frank’s Union service in Co. E, 38th Wisconsin Infantry. At induction he was a 1st lieutenant; at discharge: captain. In 1850 she was Lucy B., age 9 living with her parents in Parkersburg, West Virginia. In 1870 and 1871 Frank G. Holton was a salesman for the Excelsior Manufacturing Company in St. Louis living at 817 Locust Street. The company manufactured tinner’s stock, stoves, etc. “A 1903 directory lists Mrs. Frank Holton and Mr. Alexander Jackson as living at 100 Fairbanks Rd., [Riverside, Illinois]. The home at 100 Fairbanks Rd. is a Riverside landmark structure. The architect for this house was Calvert Vaux, a partner of Frederick Law Olmstead. 100 Fairbanks Rd. is the only Vaux house still existing in Riverside.” In 1910 Lucy is age 52, a widow living on Scottswood Road, Riverside Township, Cook County, Illinois. Living with her is her daughter, her mother and her brother. In 1920 Lucy J. Holton, age 62 was living in Riverside, Cook County, Illinois on Long Common Road. She was a widow. Her daughter Georgia was age 32, born in Chicago, Illinois; her father in Wisconsin and mother in Virginia. “A 1925 phonebook lists both Mrs. Holton and Mr. Jackson as living at 3 Quincy Road, Apt. 5. Apparently Mr. Jackson also conducted a gas fixtures business at 3 Quincy Rd. 3 Quincy Rd. is in the Malden block, one of the original business buildings in Riverside, which now houses the Riverside Bank.” In 1930 the family was living in Riverside, block 12 of Quincy Road. They were renting. Lucy declared her personal value as $50. She was 78, a widow, born in Virginia, as were her parents. Georgia was 35, single, a public school teacher. (Civil War Pensions Index, Ancestry.com & Faul, Susan, Letter to John M. Jackson, February 29, 1996)

***

Obit:

 

Mrs. Frank G. Holton, formerly Lucy Jackson, passed away at her residence, 3 Quincy Road, on Thursday, August 16, leaving an only daughter, Georgia Holton.

 

Services were read by Rev. C. E. Bigler of Western Springs at the residence at 4 o’clock Friday after which the remains were taken to Louisville, Kentucy [sic], where the burial was held Saturday with services by Canon Nelson of the Episcopal Cathedral in that city.

 

Mrs. Holton was born in Richmond, Virginia, the daughter of William L. and Sarah Jackson and passed most of her youth in this city and at her grandfather Alexander Criel’s plantation, St. Mary’s, in Western Virginia.

 

After the Civil War her father moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was Judge of the Circuit Court for twenty years, from which city she was married to Frank G. Holton and went to live in St. Louis, Missouri, later moving to Chicago and Riverside.

 

Mrs. Holton was always interested in the affairs of the day though confined to her home for many years. She had made many friends during her residence here who will miss her and her kindly interest in all they did. (Obituary:Riverside News, 23 August 1934, Riverside, Cook County, Illinois)

 

Child of Lucy Jackson and Frank Holton is:

40               i.    Georgia Jackson⁶ Holton, born 25 July 1890 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; died 23 August 1961.

 

She resided at 45 Forest Avenue, Riverside, Illinois; single; she was a public school teacher. Around 1960 Georgia Holton donated her grandfather’s Confederate uniform to the Museum of the Confederacy. Burial: 25 August 1961, Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky

 

19.William Lowther⁵ Jackson (William Lowther⁴, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 12 August 1854 in St. Mary’s, Pleasants County, (West) Virginia³¹, and died 29 December 1895 in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky. Burial: Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. He married Effie Brown about 1886 in Louisville, Clay County, Illinois. She died about September 1906. Burial: 03 September 1906, Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

***

William Lowther Jackson III

 

William Lowther Jackson, deceased, late judge of the criminal division of the Jefferson Circuit Court of Louisville, was born in St. Mary’s, (now West) Virginia, August 12, 1854, and died December 29, 1895. He was the youngest child of Judge William L. Jackson and Sarah (Creel) Jackson. He secured his education in the public schools of Louisville, graduating from the high school in June, 1875; was valedictorian of his class, and was one of the brightest and best informed young men who have been educated in that school. While engaged in his studies, he laid the foundation for the great popularity, which distinguished him in after years. He began the study of law in 1876, graduated from the Louisville Law School in 1887, and at once began the practice of his profession, in which he had a most successful career until May 19, 1890, when he was inducted into the office of judge of the old Jefferson Circuit Court, and in November, 1892, was elected judge of the criminal division of the Jefferson Circuit Court—which, under the new constitution, succeeded the old Jefferson Circuit Court—and this office he held until his death, which occurred at his home after a long and painful illness, December 29, 1895.

 

For three consecutive terms—1881 to 1886—he was a member of the house of representatives in the Kentucky legislature, and served with great distinction on the judiciary, the revenue and taxation, and other committees.

 

Returning from his duties in the legislature, he formed a partnership with Mr. Zack Phelps, and they were joined later by Mr. J. T. O’Neal, making one of the strongest legal firms in the city or state. Judge Jackson remained with these gentlemen until the death of his father, when he was appointed to succeed him on the bench. He accepted that office with reluctance and at a personal sacrifice, as he had a most valuable practice.

 

Few men have a greater faculty of making friends and keeping them than Judge Jackson had, and he had all of the requirements of the successful lawyer and politician, but he was eminently qualified by training, study and natural aptitude for the higher duties of the judge, and he filled that office with ability and with such fidelity that he was frequently in his place on the bench when his sufferings from a lurking disease were so great that his physicians were compelled to interfere with his strong will and order him to abandon his work for some months before his death. Even against the protests of his friends and physicians, he insisted on being carried to the court room in a chair, and he frequently performed his duty as judge while suffering excruciating pain.

 

He was a man of firm, honest purpose, and successfully carried out his plans and purposes, overcoming all difficulties until he was compelled to yield to the hand of death. His popularity was shown in his last illness by the vast numbers who offered him and his family the sincere sympathy and condolence of loving friends and associates.

 

He was an able lawyer, a wise statesman, and honest judge, an honored citizen, a dutiful son, a devoted husband and a loving father.

 

His father, Judge William L. Jackson, Sr., was a native of (now West) Virginia, in which state he was judge of the Nineteenth Judicial District; second auditor of the state, and lieutenant governor. He came to Louisville January 1, 1866, and was a successful practitioner at the bar until January, 1873, when he was appointed judge of the old Jefferson Circuit Court by Governor T. H. Leslie. He was elected to succeed himself, and was re-elected again and again, holding his office until his death in 1892 [1890]. His wife was a daughter of Alexander H. and Lucy (Neal) Creel. Her father was distinguished for his intellectual attainments. Her mother came from the Lewis family, and the Lewises and Neals owned what was called Washington’s Bottom, near Blennerhassett Island, and took an active part in Revolutionary annals. (Biographical Cyclopedia of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Chicago: John M. Gresham, 1896, p. 354-5.)

 

Children of William Jackson and Effie Brown are:

41               i.    Sarah Vaughan⁶ Jackson, born 17 June 1887; died December 1889. Burial: 05 December 1889, Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky

+      42              ii.    Frances Menge Jackson, born 18 March 1889; died 17 October 1913 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina.

43             iii.    Effie Brown Jackson³², born 06 April 1891 in Kentucky; died 18 February 1894 in Kentucky. Burial: Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky

 

20.Harriett Wilson⁵ Blair (Josephine⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 1851 in Ritchie County, (West) Virginia, and died 21 February 1935 in Baltimore, Baltimore (city), Maryland. Burial: Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. She married Hunter Holmes Moss 16 February 1871 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. He was born about 1844 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia, and died May 1913 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. Burial: May 1913, Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia.

***

Hattie B. Moss Taken By Death

 

Prominent Parkersburg Woman Died at Hospital in Baltimore Thursday

 

Mrs. Harriett Blair Moss, widow of Hunter Holmes Moss Sr. and one of Parkersburg’s most prominent women, died in a Baltimore, Md. Hospital Thursday night. Mrs. Moss had been spending the winter in Baltimore with her only daughter, Mrs. Charles B. Alexander, having in recent years alternated in spending her time in this city and in Baltimore.

 

Mrs. Moss, the former Harriett Wilson Blair, who were pioneer residents of this city. Her marriage in young womanhood to Hunter Holmes Moss united her with another of Wood county’s prominent and influential families that has long held an established place in the civic and social life of this city.

 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moss resided for some years at Eleventh and Ann streets and later a period of their life was spent in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Mr. Moss was cashier of a bank for some years. After their return to Parkersburg they erected a home at Thirteenth and Juliana streets where they lived for many years, Mr. Moss being cashier of the First National bank here until his death.

 

Mrs. Moss was the mother of two sons, who preceded her in death, and one daughter, Mrs. Charles Alexander, now of Baltimore. One son, Blair Moss, died some years ago, another son, Hunter Holmes Moss Jr., was Judge of the Circuit court of Wood and Wirt counties and later was elected to Congress from the Fourth Congressional district. His death occurred in Washington, D. C., during his term in office.

 

Mrs. Moss was a life-long member of Trinity Episcopal church and she held to the distinction of being the first president of the Woman’s Club of Parkersburg. She was a member of the James Wood chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a charter member of the Charity Whist club, an organization of philanthropically inclined Parkersburg women who render service to the Henry Logan Children’s Home.

 

In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. Moss is survived by six grandchildren, Holmes Alexander, Charles B. Alexander, Jr., William Alexander, Ambler Holmes Moss and Hunter Holmes Moss, all of Baltimore, Md., and Miss Ann Carey Moss of Parkersburg. Mrs. Hunter Holmes Moss of Parkersburg is a daughter-in-law.

 

Mrs. Moss’ body will arrive here Saturday morning and funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock from Trinity church in charge of the rector, Dr. Joseph M. Waterman. Interment will be made in the Riverview cemetery. (Parkersburg Sentinel, February 22, 1935)

***

Notes for Hunter Holmes Moss:

 

Hunter was a Union soldier during the Civil War with Co. D 14 WV Inf. – Induction pvt.; discharge adj. He applied for an invalid pension on 22 February 1907 (application #1359144; cert #1133781 West Virginia). His wife, Hattie W. Moss applied for a widow pension on 14 June1913 (application #1009757; certificate #462149 West Virginia).

***

Hunter Holmes Moss

 

Hunter Holmes Moss, aged 68 years, died at his home in Parkersburg, West Virginia, at noon Tuesday after an illness of several weeks. The funeral will be held from the Trinity Episcopal Church at 4 o’clock this (Thursday) afternoon. He is survived by the widow and two children, Hunter H. Moss, Jr., congressman from the Fourth Congressional District, and Mrs. Charles Alexander of Clarksburg, WV. (Mountaineer, 30 May 1913: rootsweb.com for more on Hunter refer to They Walked the Streets of Fame)

 

Children of Harriett Blair and Hunter Moss are:

44               i.    Josephine⁶ Moss, born about 1872; died 13 March 1885 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia.

Burial: Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia

+      45              ii.    Hunter H. Moss, born 26 May 1874; died 15 July 1916 in Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey.

+      46             iii.    Madge Sterrett Moss, born about 1879 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia; died in .

47             iv.    Blair Moss, born 1883; died 1899.

Burial: 1899, Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia.

 

21.Elizabeth J.⁵ Blair (Josephine⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹)³² was born about 1854. She married John T. Bell³² 18 June 1879 in Wood County, West Virginia. He was born about 1848 in Clarke County, Virginia.

 

In 1880, John T. Bell is listed as a bookkeeper, age 31, born in Virginia; his wife Lizzie was age 25. Living with him were his five sisters, Lidia age 37, Rebecca age 35, Lucy age 34, Ova age 29 and Lee M age 25, also daughter Mary, age 1, all born in Virginia as were their parents. In 1901 Lizzie was living in Dayton, Ohio.

 

Child of Elizabeth Blair and John Bell is:

48               i.    Mary⁶ Bell³², born about 1879 in Virginia^33,34;   .

 

 

Generation No. 4

 

33.Florence D.⁶ McKinney (Benjamin Jackson⁵, Indiana H.⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 11 April 1878 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio. She married Arthur Dillon Sloan 15 October 1901 in Washington County, Ohio³⁵. He was born 05 February 1877 in Archer’s Fork, Washington County, Ohio³⁶.

 

In 1920 he was living in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas and was manager of an oil company. Florence M. was age 42, born in Ohio, her father in West Virginia and her mother in Ohio. There were three sons, Jackson M., Herbert and Charles B. In 1930 Arthur and Florence were living in Houston, Harris County, Texas; he is listed as age 53, 24 when married, born in Ohio as were his parents. He was manager of the Pipeline Oil Company. She was age 52, age 23 when married, born in Ohio, her father in West Virginia and her mother in Ohio.

 

Children of Florence McKinney and Arthur Sloan are:

49               i.    Jackson McKinney⁷ Sloan, born 09 February 1903 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio^37,38; died 09 February 1969 in Harris County, Texas^39,40.

 

Residence: 1969, Houston, Harris County, Texas^41,42

50              ii.    Herbert Sloan, born about 1906;   He married Anna M..

In 1920 he was age 14. Believe him to be Clarence H. Sloan, who is age 24 in 1930, living in Houston, Harris County, Texas, with wife Anna M. age 20. He was born in Ohio as were his parents and was married at age 23. Anna was born in Texas as was her father and her mother in Indiana. She was age 19 at her marriage. He was an engineer in an oil refinery.

+      51             iii.    Charles B. Sloan, born about 1909;

 

34.Mary⁶ McKinney (Benjamin Jackson⁵, Indiana H.⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 13 April 1880 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio, and died 12 April 1957 in Mariemont, Hamilton County, Ohio. Burial: 15 April 1957, Oak Grove Cemetery, Marietta, Washington County, Ohio. She married Lewis Nye Harness 11 December 1904 in Washington County, Ohio. He was born 18 February 1881 in Marietta New Twp., Washington County, Ohio.

 

Children of Mary McKinney and Lewis Harness are:

52               i.    Harness⁷, born October 1905 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio; died October 1905 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio. Burial: 13 October 1905, Oak Grove Cemetery, Marietta, Washington County, Ohio.

53              ii.    Robert Browning Harness, born 15 May 1910 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio; died 1966. Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Marietta, Washington County, Ohio

54             iii.    Florence Louise Harness, born 22 January 1914 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio; died in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio.Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Marietta, Washington County, Ohio.

+      55             iv.    Edward Granville Harness, born 17 December 1918 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio; died 15 November 1984 in Naples, Collier County, Florida.

 

35.William P.⁶ McKinney (Benjamin Jackson⁵, Indiana H.⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 24 April 1882 in Washington County, Ohio, and died November 1964. He married Mabel C.. She was born about 1886 in West Virginia. In 1920 the family is living on Wooster Street in Marietta, Ohio. William is age 37, wife Mabel is age 34 born in West Virginia, her father in Ohio and her mother in West Virginia. Jane is 2 ½ born in Ohio and Ruth is 5 months (?) born in Ohio. William is manager of a newspaper.

 

Children of William McKinney and Mabel are:

56               i.    Ruth McKinney⁴², Jane⁷ McKinney⁴², born 1917.

57              ii.    born 1919.

 

42.Frances Menge⁶ Jackson (William Lowther⁵, William Lowther⁴, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 18 March 1889, and died 17 October 1913 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC. She married Robert Rice Reynolds. He was born 18 January 1884 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina, and died 13 February 1963 in Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina⁴³. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Asheville, Buncombe Co., NC.

***

 

Children of Frances Jackson and Robert Reynolds are:

58               i.    Frances Jackson⁷ Reynolds, born 24 November 1909 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; died 09 April 1995 in Firenze, Toscana, Italy. She married Grothan Oertling^44,45.

59              ii.    Robert Rice Reynolds, born 03 February 1913; died 17 October 1950. He married Mary Margaret McKeehan 04 April 1940; born 23 November 1912;

 

45.Hunter H.⁶ Moss (Harriett Wilson⁵ Blair, Josephine⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 26 May 1874, and died 15 July 1916 in Atlantic City, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Burial: I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. He married Anna Baker Ambler⁴⁵ 30 April 1902. She was born 15 December 1878 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia.

***

Hunter H. Moss Jr.

 

Moss, Hunter Holmes, Jr. a Representative from West Virginia; born in Parkersburg, Wood County, W.Va., May 26, 1874; attended the public schools; in early youth was employed in a bank; was graduated from the law department of West Virginia University at Morgantown in 1896; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Parkersburg, W.Va., in 1896; prosecuting attorney of Wood County, W.Va., 1900-1904; judge of the fourth circuit court of West Virginia 1904-1912; elected as a Republican to the Sixty-third and Sixty-fourth Congresses and served from March 4, 1913, until his death in Atlantic City, N.J., July 15, 1916; interment in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Parkersburg, W.Va. (Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1949, p. 1597)

***

Judge Moss to Practice Law in Washington

(Special to State Journal)

 

Washington, D. C., March 12. On motion of attorney Barry Mohun, Congressman Hunter H. Moss was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of District of Columbia, on Wednesday of this week, just before leaving for his home at Parkersburg, W. Va. Congressman Moss has been making a study of inter-state commerce law and the prevailing impression is that he intends to enter upon the practice of the law hers, with the probability of his having a good deal of business before the Inter-State Commerce Commission. He was admitted to practice before the U. S. Supreme Court some time ago. It is said that Judge Moss will spend most of the congressional recess in this city on legal business. (The State Journal, Parkersburg, West Virginia, March 12, 1915)

***

Death of Hunter Holmes Moss Jr.

Occurred Late Saturday Afternoon at Atlantic City

Was Surrounded by the Devoted Members of His Family

Remains Brought Here – Arriving on the Early Train Today

Funeral Services Will Be Held at Trinity Church This Afternoon

Passing of Brilliant Man Brought Sorrow to the Entire Community

 

The remains of Congressman Hunter Holmes Moss, Jr., whose death occurred late Saturday afternoon at Atlantic City, where he had been since early in June, arrived here on No. 1, over the B. & O. at 3:38 this morning, in a private car, and were accompanied by the members of his family and other relatives who had been at his bedside when the end came, and among whom were his wife, Mrs. Anna B. Moss; her mother, Mrs. B. M. Ambler, Mrs. Harriet Wilson Moss, Mrs. Charles B. Alexander, mother and sister; Mason G. Ambler, brother-in-law of the congressman, and Charles B. Alexander. Also among those accompanying the remains were the members of the committees from Congress named by Speaker Clark of the House and Vice-president Marshall of the Senate. The committee appointed by Speaker Clark to accompany the remains is composed of Congressmen Sutherland, Littlepage, Neely, Cooper and Bowers of West Virginia; Webb, North Carolina; Booher, Missouri; Chipperfield, Ohio; Park, Georgia; Mooney, Ohio.

 

The committee named by Vice-president Marshall is as follows: Senators Chilton and Goff, of West Virginia; Brown, of Florida; Oliver, of Pennsylvania; Hustings, of Wisconsin, and Sterling, of North Dakota.

 

The committee arrived here on the noon train today. Upon their arrival here the remains were removed to the home of his mother, Mrs. Hunter Holmes Moss, at the corner of Thirteenth and Ann street, where hundreds of the friends called today to extend sympathy and condolence to the bereaved family and relatives.

 

Funeral This Afternoon

 

The funeral services will be conducted this afternoon at 4:30 o’clock at Trinity Episcopal Church, of which Mr. Moss had been a member for a number of years. The interment will be in the Riverview cemetery.

 

The death of Congressman Moss occurred late Saturday afternoon at Atlantic City, where he had been since the first week in June, and the news was received her shortly afterward by the relatives. It was soon known on the streets and expressions of sincere regret over the death of this able and brilliant man were heard everywhere. It was known for some time that the end was near, and in a *** sure the family as well as the friends were prepared for the sad news of his passing.

 

Congressman Moss was stricken over a year ago with an incurable malady, the exact nature of which was not know at the time, though he was treated by specialists. During the winter he entered a hospital at Baltimore for an operation, and it was then that the true nature of the malady was discovered, and is said that it had developed to such an extent that permanent relief could not be obtained. This fact was made known to the relatives and later the patient knew that his days were numbered, yet he was serene and courageous, bearing his affliction with great fortitude and resignation, giving attention to his congressional duties and his law practice until his physical weakness became such that he was obliged to give up all his work and await the end, which he did unflinchingly.

 

Native of Parkersburg

 

Hunter Holmes Moss Jr., was a native of Parkersburg and was forty-two years of age. He was the son of Hunter Holmes Moss and Harriet Wilson Blair Moss, both members of pioneer families, who were prominent in the business, social and political affairs of this community and the state, members of the Moss family being connected with the various local banking institutions since early in the forties, the father of the deceased having been with the Parkersburg National Bank and with the First National for a number of years, his death occurring only three years ago. Mr. Moss was a graduate of the Parkersburg High school, and the oration he delivered at the commencement exercises, which were held in the Presbyterian church, which then stood on Juliana street near Sixth, was commented upon at the time and stamped him as an orator of ability even in those early years of his life, as he was always a close student and gave early evidence of his ability and ambition. Following this he took a course at the West Virginia University, where he graduated with high honors, having chosen law as his profession. He returned to this city and soon began active practice and was eminently successful. For a time he was a member of the firm of Van Winkle & Ambler, later he was associated with H. P. Camden, and of later years was the senior member of the firm of Moss, Marshall and Forrer.

 

Entered Political Arena

 

Entering the political arena in 1900, he secured the nomination on the Republican ticket for the prosecuting attorney. He made a most active canvass of the county and was elected and served the full term. He then became the candidate on the Republican ticket for Judge of the Circuit court of Wood and Wirt counties, in 1904, and again he conducted a very active campaign and was elected by a large majority and served a full term. He was recognized as one of the able circuit judges of the state and passed on many important cases. In 1912 he was the candidate for Congress in the old Fourth district and was again successful, serving the term and reelected in 1914 for the term which expires on March 4, 1917. He was the author of several bills during his congressional career and also debated many of the important questions in the lower house of Congress, where his ability was recognized. An ardent partisan, he stood high in the councils of his party. His death, coming in the full flush of manhood and the zenith of his career, is a matter of sincere regret. He had many warm friends in congressional circles and members of that body visited him frequently during his illness and brought words of cheer to their stricken colleague.

 

Mr. Moss is survived by his wife, who was Miss Anna Baker Ambler, daughter of Hon. And Mrs. B. Mason Ambler, of this city. Their marriage, which occurred on April 30, 1902, united two distinguished families. It was a pretty and brilliant social event. Congressman Moss was devoted to his family and their home was an ideally happy one. The surviving children are Anna Holmes, Hunter Holmes and Ann Cary Moss. He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Hunter Holmes Moss, and one sister, Mrs. Charles B. Alexander, of Clarksburg.

 

Members of the family and the relatives had been at the bedside of Mr. Moss at Atlantic City for some weeks, Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Ambler going there early in June. Mrs. Ambler remaining there with Mrs. Moss. Mr. Ambler returned here only a few days ago, while other members of the family were called to the bedside. It was know for some days that the end was near. Word had been sent here that hope had been abandoned and this was given to the public.

 

Mr. Moss was a member of the Episcopal church for a number of years, holding a membership in Trinity Church, this city, and was active in the affairs of the church during his residence here, and a constant attendant. He also was high in Masonry having taken the thirty-second degree. He held a membership in the American Bar Association, the Wood County Bar Association, the Country and Blennerhassett clubs of this city, the Chevy Chase Club of Washington, and in the Greek fraternity of the W. V. U. and Parkersburg Lodge No. 198. B.P.O.E.

 

The Funeral Services

 

The final details for the funeral services have been made. The services will be conducted at 4:30 o’clock this afternoon in Trinity Episcopal Church and will be conducted by Dr. S. Scollay Moore, the rector, and the interment will be in the Riverview cemetery. Many friends from other sections, in addition to the congressional committees, arrived today to attend the last rites and pay their last tribute of respect and esteem. There is a profusion of floral offerings, tokens from friends, here and everywhere.

 

The Pallbearers

 

The pallbearers for the funeral were selected today and will be as follows:

 

Active: Gov. A. B. White, Judge W. N. Miller, Judge W. E. McDougle, Judge T. A. Brown, Judge L. N. Tavenner, H. P. Camden, C. T. Hiteshew and James S. Wade.

 

The honorary pallbearers will be the members of the two committees of Congress and the remainder of the party which came from Washington on the noon train, and which is composed of the following: U. S. Senator Wm. E. Chilton, Congressmen Howard Sutherland, M. M. Neeley and George M. Bowers; Sergeant-at-Arms of the House, Kenneth Romney; L. C. Thornton, acting Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate; Jack Lewis, in charge for the Baltimore & Ohio; George W. Summers and Chas. Brooks Smith. It is probable Wm. C. Mooney, of Ohio, will arrive in time for the funeral. (The Parkersburg News, July 17, 1916)

 

Children of Hunter Moss and Anna Ambler are:

60               i.    Ambler Holmes⁷ Moss, born 21 August 1903^46,47; died June 1977^48,49. He married Dorothea Dandridge Williams 06 May 1932;

61              ii.    Hunter Holmes Moss, born about 1907; died 03 October 1948 in Baltimore, Baltimore (city), MD.

62             iii.    Ann Cary Moss, born about 1911; She married William Hoge Wood September 1936 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia;

 

Wedding in Parkersburg Of Interest

Anne Cary Moss Is Bride

of Dr. W.H. Wood, Jr. in Church Ceremony

 

Of interest throughout the state was the marriage of Miss Anne Cary Moss, of Parkersburg, daughter of Mrs. Hunter H. Moss and the late Judge Moss, who was congressional representative for the fourth district, to Dr. William Hoge Wood, Jr., of Charlottesville, Va., and Philadelphia, Pa., which took place Saturday afternoon at the Parkersburg Trinity Episcopal church.

 

Among the many out-of-town guests who attended the wedding of the prominent young couple were Mr. And Mrs. Charles E. Hamilton, Jr., of this city and Mr. And Mrs. Henry Matthews of Lewisburg.

 

The bride was given in marriage by her brother, Mr. Ambler Holmes Moss, of Baltimore, Md. She wore a gown of white satin, made with an heirloom bertha of Duchess point lace. Her veil was fashioned of tulle and a panel of lace which was worn by her maternal great grandmother, Mrs. Camillus Baker of Winchester, Va, when she was married 68? years ago. She carried a shower bouquet of white gardenias and lilies of the valley.

 

Mrs. Ambler Moss, of Baltimore was matron of honor and the only attendant. She wore flowered pink taffeta, and accessories of brown velvet. She carried an arm bouquet of pink asters and delphinium.

 

Mr. Hunter Holmes Moss, of Baltimore, brother of the bride, was best man. Ushers were Dr. William McGuire of New York city; Dr. Eugene Ferris, Cincinnati, O.; Mr. Kennedy Nichell, Evanston, Ill.; Mr. George Cook, Glen Ridge N.J.; Mr. William Fontaine Alexander II, and Mr. Charles B. Alexander, both of Baltimore and Mr. Joseph Handlen, of Parkersburg.

 

A reception was held after the ceremony at the home of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Hunter Moss, and her grandmother, Mrs. B.M. Ambler. Guests were limited to those from out-of-town and intimate friends of the bride and groom.

 

Dr. Wood and his bride left later in the day for a wedding trip and when they conclude this, they will go to Philadelphia to make their home in the Dennis apartments.

 

Mrs. Wood is one of the most prominent members of Parkersburg society. She attended Miss Kunsel private school in Parkersburg; Gunsion Hall, in Washington and Peabody Conservatory of Music, Baltimore. She is a brilliant vocalist and has taken part in many recitals in Parkersburg. She is a member of the Parkersburg Junior League, and was one of the delegates from that city to attend state Junior League convention held in Charleston a year ago. On both sides of the family, she is a descendant of distinguished persons. She is the maternal granddaughter of the late B.M. Ambler, prominent lawyer of Virginia and West Virginia.

 

Dr. Wood is the son of Mrs. William Hoge Wood, of Charlottesville. Many Charleston men knew him when he attended Episcopal high school, at Alexandria, Va., and at the University of Virginia, where he received his degree in medicine. He did intern work at the University of Pennsylvania hospital, in Philadelphia, and is now resident physician of pediatrics at that hospital. (The Charleston Daily Mai, September 1936)

 

46.Madge Sterrett⁶ Moss (Harriett Wilson⁵ Blair, Josephine⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born about 1879 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. She married Charles Butler Alexander 29 October 1902 in Wood County, West Virginia. He was born 13 November 1876 in Charles Town, Jefferson County, West Virginia.

 

She was a resident of Clarksburg, West Virginia in 1913 at the time of her father’s death. In 1930 the family was living in Election District 3, Baltimore, Maryland. Chas. B. was age 56, born in West Virginia as were his parents. He was the proprietor of an insurance company. Madge was age 54, born in West Virginia, sons: Holmes was age 24, teacher in a private school, Charles B. Jr. was age 22 and William was age 13. All three boys were born in West Virginia. Residing with them was Madge’s mother, Hattie Moss, age 73, born West Virginia, and nephew Ambler Moss, age 27, born in West Virginia. He was a lawyer. There were five black servants: Jefferson Smith, a butler, age 52, born in Virginia; Alvin Hanks, maid, age 20, born in North Carolina, Dora Johnson, maid, age 26, born in Maryland, Chas. Young, laborer, age 63, born in Maryland and Sarah Cole, cook, age 32, born in Maryland. One boarder, Isabel Coull, age 40, born in West Virginia.

 

Children of Madge Moss and Charles Alexander are:

+      63               i.    Holmes Moss⁷ Alexander, born 29 January 1906 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia; died 05 December 1985 in Towson, Baltimore County, Maryland.

64              ii.    Charles Butler Alexander, born 08 February 1908 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia;

65             iii.    Female Alexander, born 31 July 1910 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia;

66             iv.    William Fontane Alexander, born 01 June 1916 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia.

 

 

Generation No. 5

 

51.Charles B.⁷ Sloan (Florence D.⁶ McKinney, Benjamin Jackson⁵, Indiana H.⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born about 1909. He married Charlotte A. about 1927. She was born about 1910 in Illinois.

 

55.Edward Granville⁷ Harness (Mary⁶ McKinney, Benjamin Jackson⁵, Indiana H.⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 17 December 1918 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio^52,53, and died 15 November 1984 in Naples, Collier County, Florida^54,55. He married Mary McCrady Chaney 07 August 1943.

 

63.Holmes Moss⁷ Alexander (Madge Sterrett⁶ Moss, Harriett Wilson⁵ Blair, Josephine⁴ Jackson, William Lowther³, George², John¹) was born 29 January 1906 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia, and died 05 December 1985 in Towson, Baltimore County, Maryland⁵⁸. He married (1) Mary Barksdale 24 June 1933. She died in . He married (2) Rosalind Griswold Harris November 1978. She was born 28 August 1909⁵⁸, and died 02 August 2001^59,60. She was a school teacher.

 

His primary education was from Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland. He was an English major at Princeton University and received a B.A. in 1928 and then attended Trinity College at Cambridge University in England, 1928-29. When he returned from England, Holmes taught English and coached wrestling and polo at the private McDonogh school in McDonogh, Maryland for 1921-32. Here the Alexanders owned a farm for fifteen years. After he gave up farming he wrote about his experiences in an article titled “I Sold My Farm Hooray!”, featured in American Mercury, March 1955. He was elected to the Maryland General Assembly, House of Delegates in 1931, serving until 1935, after which he was a free-lance writer and biographer. He was a long-time political columnist for the McNaught Syndicate in New York City. He served two years, 1941-42, in the Maryland National Guard and in 1942 enlisted in the Army Air Forces as a first lieutenant. He achieved the rank of major and received the Army Air Medal for his service from 1942-45. He wrote about his wartime experiences in an article titled “Fishers of Men,” published in the Saturday Evening Post, January 13, 1945. He was the author of numerous novels, biographies, an autobiography and contributed to such periodicals as the Saturday Evening Post, Nations Business, Harpers, Colliers, and Country Life. There is a small collection of his papers and correspondences with our nations leaders on file at West Virginia University at Morgantown. One of his books was a biography of his famous distant cousin: The Hidden Years of Stonewall Jackson.

 

 

Endnotes

 

1. The Countryman, Clarksburg, (West) Virginia, His death was recorded in this newspaper. He died from a protracted illness. Article in vertical file, Waldomore Library, Clarksburg, WV.

2. Harrison County Marriages, Bk2:84 & Bk5:172.

3. The Daily State Journal, Parkersburg, West Virginia, obit: October 12, 1889.

4. The Parkersburg Sentinel, Obit: October 25, 1921.

5. “Southern Sympathizers, Wood County Confederate Soldiers”, West Virginia Archives, pages from an old manuscript, published by the West Augusta Historical and Genealogical Society, Parkersburg, West Virginia, p. 18.

7. Harrison County Marriages, Bk:25.

9. The Daily State Journal, Parkersburg, West Virginia, Obit: 1 June 1885.

10. Harrison County West Virginia Marriages, Bk4:5.

11. History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio and Representative Citizens.

12. Riverview Cemetery Reading.

13. Linda Brake Meyers, They Walked the Streets of Fame: The Parkersburg Jacksons, Clarksburg, WV: The Jackson Brigade, Inc., 2004, p. 6. 15. Cave Hill Cemetery Readings, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=8927.

17. Riverside News, Illinois, Obit: August 23, 1934.

18. Ritchie County in History and Romance, by Minnie Kendall Lowther, p. 91-92.

20. Harrison County Marriages, Bk5:69.

21. Harrison County West Virginia Marriages, Bk5:102.

22. Harrison County Death Record.

23. History of Marietta and Washington County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, 404-405.

24. Washington County Marriages by Wes Cockran, 1789-1918.

26. SSDI.

27. Linda Brake Meyers, They Walked the Streets of Fame: The Parkersburg Jacksons, Clarksburg, WV: The Jackson Brigade, Inc., 2004, p. 8.

29. SSDI.

30. Riverside News, Illinois, Obit: August 23, 1934.

31. Biographical Cyclopedia of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, 1896, p. 354-355.

33. Linda Brake Meyers, They Walked the Streets of Fame: The Parkersburg Jacksons, Clarksburg, WV: The Jackson Brigade, Inc., 2004, P. 39,

35. Washington County Ohio Marriage Records 1899-1903, Bk14:56.

36. Washington County Ohio Birth Records 1867-1887, Bk2:12.

37. Social Security Death Index.

39. Social Security Death Index.

41. Social Security Death Index.

43. American National Biography; Dictionary of American Biography, by Julian M. Pleasants,, The Life and times of Robert Rice Reynolds.

46. Social Security Death Index.

48. Social Security Death Index.

50. Social Security Death Index.

52. Social Security Death Index.

54. Social Security Death Index.

56. Social Security Death Index.

58. Social Security Death Index.

59. Social Security Death Index.

61. Social Security Death Index.

63. Social Security Death Index.

 

Submitted by Linda B. Meyers, January 2007

Page maintained by Dan Hyde, hyde at bucknell.edu Last update January 10, 2007