Hampshire County WV Genealogy

The Wilson Family of West Virginia

This brief history has been gleaned from old family records, correspondence with other members, and histories of Ritchie, Barbour, Harrison and Randolph Counties, West Virginia. The first known ancestor was David Wilson, who was born in Scotland about 1650; he had a son David, born about 1685, who was forced to flee from Scotland to Ireland owing to his being on the losing side in the Scotch Rebellion of 1715. His son William (b. Nov. 19, 1722; d. June 12, 1801) came to America about 1736; married Elizabeth Blackburn, also of Scotch-Irish descent, about 1746, and settled on Trout Run near Moorefield, Hardy County, W. Va. The Land Office at Richmond shows that he and his sons patented many tracts of land in what is now Hampshire, Hardy, and Grant Counties. Nothing further is known of him as to where he lived and died.

West Virginia Naturalization Records

Naturalization in the U.S. involved a two-step process: the Declaration of Intent (First Papers) and the Naturalization Record (Final Papers). Typically, First Papers were filed five years before Final Papers due to residency requirements. Before 1906, records were decentralized, but federal forms standardized the process. These naturalization records are accessible through Ancestry (paid) and Family Search (free), with various records spanning from 1814 to 1991, including numerous county-specific documents throughout West Virginia.

Slave Narrative of John W. Matheus

John W. Matheus, a 77-year-old ex-slave, recounts his early life under the ownership of Racer and Michael Blue in Jefferson County, Ohio. He shares memories of his mother, his experiences during the Civil War, and the challenges faced by African Americans post-emancipation, noting both the kindness and hostility in Ohio. Matheus reflects on moral lessons learned in childhood and his eventual departure from slavery. Later, he established a stable life in Steubenville, building a family and earning respect in the community through years of dedicated service.

Biography of William Edward Davis

William Edward Davis, born on July 14, 1875, in West Virginia, became the youngest state auditor in Kansas at the age of 35, elected in November 1910. Known for his efficient and economical administration, he significantly improved public expenditure scrutiny and resolved issues related to school land sales. Having moved to Kansas in 1896, he held various roles, including a traveling salesman and owner of the Globe-Republican newspaper. A member of the Elks and United Commercial Travelers, he married Ellen Mary Wiley in 1899 and has one son, William Edward Jr.