Albert G. Yoho and Sarah E. West and Their Children by Clayton W. Yoho
This page includes some interesting Yoho Stories and Events. Some menu items will take you to another page where you will need to click on chosen item again.
Please contact me if you would like to include any special items here.....
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Love In The Army: 1st Lt. Troy Thomas Yoho and 1st Lt. Kelsey Tardieau |
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A Yoho Goddard Connection: Kenneth Lee Yoho Goddard and Pansy Yoho Goddard Price |
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Albert G. Yoho and Sarah E. West and Their Children by Clayton W. Yoho |
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Visiting Grandparents (Timothy Yoho & Isabelle Gatts) by LeMoyne Coffield (Submitted by Richard L. Yoho) |
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Max Yoho: Author and Poet Submitted by wife Carol Yoho |
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Bad Boys: The Chicken Caper (Hugh Yoho) |
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Samual Goddard Regarding The Yoho Family ( Hugh Yoho) |
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Senator George Nicholas Yoho (Hugh Yoho) |
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Herbert Yoho: Sports Enthusiast, Public Official and More (Tim Yoho) |
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Henry Yoho's 2nd Application For Rev. War Pension (Hugh Yoho) |
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Peter Yoho Estate Settlement (Hugh Yoho) |
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First Yoho Family Reunion (Hugh Yoho) |
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Short History of Timothy Yoho Great Grandson of Peter (Tim Yoho) |
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History of Welcome Community in Marshall County WV (Tim Yoho) |
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Indian Trouble: Early Reminiscences of Baker and Yoho Families (Tim Yoho) |
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More About Henry Yoho (Valerie Kramer) |
THE FOLLOWING IS AN ARTICLE FROM A 1989 EDITION OF THE MARTINS FERRY, OH. TIMES LEADER NEWSPAPER
“SPECIAL INMATES” CLUCK ABOUT THEIR LUCK IN MONROE
BY BETTY J. POKAS
Not often do the occupants of a jail have something to crow about, but that's what some of the sojourners in the Monroe County Jail were doing this morning. The “Special Inmates” were among the more than 30 live chickens taken to the jail after the raid of an alleged cockfight near Clarington Saturday afternoon.
“We can hear them crowing every once in a while,” Monroe County Sheriff F.L. “Tinker” Sulsberger said. Sulsberger said authorities were told two of the fowls were worth $2,500 each. Some of the gamecocks were lodged in their individual carrying cases inside the jail while others were outside, according to the sheriff,
Hearings have been scheduled for the 35 persons charged in connection with the alleged cockfight. According to the sheriff, the hearings will be April 19 at 2 p.m. in Monroe County Court. Released on $1,000 bonds were Gary Yoho, a Clarington-area resident, arrested on a charge of having a cockfight at his home as well as possession and control of a gambling device (poker machine) and Roy Yoho, Proctor W.Va. , who was charged with supervision and control of gambling on the premises.
The other individuals apprehended in Saturday's incident were charged with engaging in a cockfight, Sulsberger said. All those arrested posted bonds Saturday. In addition to 35 adults, five children were at the scene, the sheriff said. The sheriff added there were more than 30 live chickens at the site as well as 15 dead ones whose heads had been cut off.
Several boxes of “steel spurs” also were taken as evidence. Sulsberger explained these spurs are hooked onto the roosters for a fight, and he described the spurs as “sharper than needles.” The sheriff said authorities had been told the spurs were worth $125 apiece. He added, “I'm sure they're expensive.
Apparently, Monroe County authorities “weren't counting their chickens before they were hatched” as the raid was conducted Saturday afternoon with help from several other law enforcement groups. Assisting were the Belmont County Sheriff's Department, Barnesville Police Department, Noble County Sheriff's Department, Woodsfield Police Department and a member of the Ohio State Patrol.
“We hit them pretty quick,” said Sulsberger. “Nobody got away from there. A tip about the alleged cockfight was received by the Sheriff's Department. Although Sulsberger said it was the first cockfight he had ever investigated in Monroe County , he said authorities had been told these type of fights “are all over the country.” “Everbody's got to stop them in their county,” Sulsberger added.
Although this is the first cockfight investigated in Monroe County , a raid of such a fight occurred in the Powhatan Point area when Kath Crumbley was sheriff in Belmont County . She was sheriff from 1976-81.
As to the clucking and crowing occupants at the jail, Sulsberger said they would be moved to an undisclosed location today. Even though the chickens won't be going “home to roost,” they probably won't “cry foul.”
The following brief history is the memories and relationships of myself, Samuel Goddard with the Yoho, Garner, Baker, Goddard, Fair, and many other families.
I was born January 13, 1830 on fish Creek three miles above its mouth in Marshall County , Virginia , now West Virginia . I wish to state that I was personally acquainted with Henry Yoho herein mentioned, as I boarded at his home three months while going to school when I was about ten years old.
The old gentleman would tell me Indian stories “till I was afraid to look out the window. One story in particular I wish to relate here.
When he was an especial associate of Louis Wetzel, Adam Poe, Simon Girty, and other Indian fighters, they had their headquarters at Fort Wheeling , where the city of Wheeling now stands. He and five other Indian scouts or hunters started from the fort one morning and rode down to Grave Creek, or Moundsville as it is now called, on a hunt for Indians. They hunted all day and on their return in the evening about three or four miles above Moundsville they were attacked by about a dozen Indians. The man what was riding in front was shot down, and Henry Yoho was next riding a black mare which was shot through the neck and fell with its rider and falling on his foot, held him fast “till the Indians got within ten steps of him, and the other four men having fled. All at once his horse rallied and sprang to her feet and saved her rider. As the mare rose several tomahawks flew past Yoho's head but he escaped unhurt.
The old gentleman told me many other Indian stories too numerous to mention.
Henry Yoho, my great grandfather on my mother's side, was born about 1765. He raised one son and six daughters, namely: George m. Jane Hortley, Polly m. Joshua Garner (he being my grandfather on my mother's side and of English descent), Rachel m. James Buchanan, Rebecca m. Nicholas Gatts, Nancy m. Frank Wykert, Margaret m. David Twibble.
Said Henry had a brother named Peter Yoho and the two brothers married sisters by the name of Baker. Henry Yoho m. Katherine Baker, Peter Yoho m. Margaret Baker.
In conclusion, I wish to say with reference to the Yoho family, that I have never heard in all my life – reading or otherwise – the name Yoho applied to anyone, except in the person of Henry and Peter Yoho. I think they were of Pennsylvania-German descent. They settled in an early day on the Ohio River on Fish Creek near the mouth, in Marshall County , Virginia , now West Virginia . And most of their posterity has stayed in the same county ever since. As a rule, the Yoho family was industrious, good people and were rather inclined to be non-migratory. From the facts that I have understood, there were seventy-two Yoho voters who voted in one precinct twelve miles square on the same day in the same county.
Respectfully submitted to Whom it may concern this 13th day of November, 1899
Samuel Goddard
Note: Samuel Goddard was one of eight children of Jared Nelson Goddard (?-?) and Martha Patty Garner (1806-?) Samuel died in 1901
FROM A 1963 WEST VIRGINIA NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
SENATOR YOHO TO BE 95 MONDAY
Ex. Senator George N. Yoho of North Avenue , Cameron, observes his 95 th birthday Monday. He was born February 18, 1868 in the Garner Settlement, Wetzel County , about one half mile from the Antioch Christian church. He is the son of the late Josua and Sarah Monroe Yoho. Mr. Yoho received his education in the public and summer normal schools, and was married to the late Ada L. Franklin on June 11, 1886.
During his busy lifetime, Mr. Yoho has engaged in a wide variety of activities. He joined the Christian church at the age of twenty and has taught Sunday school classes at the Cameron and Mt. Joy Christian churches for 67 years. He is a devoted bible student and, at the age of 83, he fulled the dream of his lifetime, when he made a trip to the Holy Land . Upon his return, he gave many interesting lectures concerning his trip.
Mr. Yoho has enjoyed quite a political career with the Democratic party. At the age of 26, he sought the nomination for sheriff of Wetzel County and, although he was defeated, he is thought to be the youngest man ever to run for that office. He served on the Cameron city council from 1921 to 1923. He served in the West Virginia state senate 1922 to 1926. After that he ran for Congress and was unsuccessful.
Senator Yoho began driving a car when he was 58 years old and has continued to drive until a few months ago. He is perhaps the oldest driver in West Virginia and one of the oldest in the nation. He has traveled extensively, having visited every county in the state and every state in the union except Hawaii and Alaska . He has also visited Mexico and Canada . Only last July, he drove alone, and made a trip to Ft. Pierce , Florida where he visited his grandson.
Mr. Yoho was at one time a road building contractor and has built roads in nine West Virginia counties. In addition to all his interests, he has been a farmer all his life and operated the Yoho dairy in Cameron for fourteen years, when he kept 60 cows, 10 horses and 800 sheep.
The aged statesman has a keen mind and is a most interesting conversationalist, and enjoys moderately good health. He makes his home with his nephew and wife, Mr. And Mrs. Jacob Yoho at Proctor, R.D. No.3.
Mr. Yoho has four children: O.J. and Guy of Cameron and Mrs. Ocie Mason of Moundsville. One son, Arthur, passed away in 1917. He has eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
From The Yoho Family 1992 Newsletter:
George Nicholas Yoho was born in wetzel County in Feb of 1869 and was the son of Joshua Yoho and Sarah Monroe Yoho. George was married in 1866 to Ida L. Franklin Yoho. According to the 1924 WV Blue Book, George Yoho was a WV state senator (Democrat) from 1923-26
According to Hugh L. Yoho:
There were 3 houses built in the shape of a "Y" for Yoho. The first was the home of William Jacob and Icie Yoho located near the crossroads of Rine's Ridge and Fairview Ridge. The 2nd house, the home of George was located near Cameron, WV. The 3rd house built in this shape was outside of Cameron, WV near Greenfield Ridge.
Owing to the remote residence of Henry Yoho in the hills of Fishing Creek, Mr. Singleton has not had an opportunity of examining him, and he having as much inconvenience to himself, traveled and this day appeared before me, and Mr. Singleton being at his residence in Winchester, I have examined Yoho and the following is the substance of his statement. I have not seen his original declaration, nor have I inquired of him what it contains. From a comparison of that and his present statement the truth may be ascertained.
The said Henry having been duly sworn, saith that he was born in Virginia about 18 miles from Winchester , but don't know in what year. He is now in 85 th year. His father's family moved to western Virginia when applicant was eleven years old and he has resided there ever since. That he commenced his service in the War of the Revolution as a private in the company commanded by Lieutenant Samuel Singler who was stationed on Whitley Creek, now county of Monongalia , at the house of a settler named Duncan .
The company was composed of eighteen persons some of who had been drafted, and others volunteered. Applicant was of the latter. After remaining a few days at Duncan 's the company was marched to Jarrett's Fort in Whitely and remained there one month doing duty. They were discharged and their place supplied by new recruits. The next year applicant volunteered under Captain Cross and was marched to Pittsburgh . While at that place intelligence was received of the massacre of Captain Foreman and the greater portion of his command at Grave Creed Narrows , ten miles below Wheeling . Thither Captain Cross took up his march and on his arrival buried twenty two of Captain Foreman's command and thereupon returned to Wheeling and there continued doing service one month when he was discharged having served in the tour four months.
The spring following, applicant inlisted under Lieutenant Singler for eight months, served two months, when he was permitted by Singler to join Captains Wetzel's company of spies and served there three months. The country they reconnoitered was between Whitely and the Ohio River, near Wheeling, thence to the mouth of Middle Island thence by way of Fish and Fishing Creeks to Whitely. The fall following, applicant again volunteered under Captain Cross and joined McIntosh and served in his campaign against the Indians. Fort McIntosh on the Ohio river at Big Beaver and Fort Lawrence on the Tuscara, were visited during this expedition. Applicant served four months on this trip and was discharged upon return of the army to Fort McIntosh .
Applicant next volunteered in the expedition led on foot by Captain Clark for New Orleans . The troops rendezvoused at Pittsburgh and were, for a short time, stationed at Minturis Island below Pittsburgh , thence they were ordered to Wheeling , and while at the latter place, applicant and twenty nine others were detached as a company under the command of a captain whose name is not recollected.
On arriving at Kinawa, Lewis Whetzel and applicant were sent out to spy the neighborhood. On their return to camp the next day, the whole command had left, Captain Clark, having in the meantime come on with his command. Applicant and Whetzel thereupon commenced their march up the Ohio , expecting to meet Captain Lougher, whose company consisted of sixty men, and to join them. A few days after, applicant and his companion were informed that Captain Lougher, having landed his boat at the call of a perfidious white man, a numerous force of Indians being in ambush rose upon the whites and massacred all of them excepting four privates whom they made prisoners of. Applicant and Whetzel then left the river and journied to Jarrett's Fort on Whitely. Applicant was about on this expedition two months.
Sworn to before me
Caldwell
Judge of the W.V. Virginia
Note: Henry Yoho (1752-1845) was one of ten children of Johannes and Susanna Joho. He received the pension following this application.
FROM WHEELING NEWS-REGISTER OCT 23, 1994
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Basketball Timer in the 1960's
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Moundsville resident Herb Yoho observed his 81st birthday Friday and since John Marshall High School had a home football game the same evening it was only appropriate the athletic department recogonize him for his contributions to both sports and academics.
Yoho had the distinction of never missing a Moundsville High School football game (home or away) for 37 years starting in 1929. He still attends home games regularly and occupies a front row seat in the reserved section on the home side.
Yoho was one of the individuals instrumental in raising funds to secure the bleachers at what is now Monarch Stadium. (He actually knocked on doors throughout Moundsville asking for contributions).
The old wooden bleachers at Trojan Field were condemned after the 1963 season and a $100,000 fund drive was undertaken to purchase steel bleechers. At the same time the bleachers were installed the playing surface was moved 20 yards north to enable the installation of a six lane running track.
Yoho was also president of the Moundsville Fieldhouse Association which spearheaded a drive raising funds to build the fieldhouse.
Yoho, is past president and treasurer of the Moundsville Boosters Club, a past president and treasurer of the Ohio-West Virginia All-Star Football committee and a past treasurer of the Northern Panhandle Boosters Club. He served for several years as a timekeeper for Moundsville High School basketball games.
Yoho was a member of the Marshall County Board of Education for 12 years (1958-70) and during that time the board decided to put before the voters a bond issue to construct John Marshall High School. (His name is on the corner stone of the school).
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Herbert was a Moundsville city councilman from 1952 to 1956 and ran for Marshall County Assessor. He was a member of the Little Prince Lodge No. 79, Knights of Pythias, where he served twice as chancellor commander, serving in 1941 as the youngest commander ever elected to this post. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Moundsville.
Herb is also remembered by many as a salesman for Garvin's Dairy (38 years).. He first delivered milk by horse and buggy in the 1930's and was known by all for his cheerful disposition early in the morning as he delivered door to door. In later years, he had a retail route and delivered milk to stores throughout Marshall and into Wetzel County. He rarely missed a days work due to illness and often worked everyday including all holidays. He was forced to retire at age 58 because of a "bad back" due to all the heavy lifting for those many years. I have always liked the newspaper article about him from the 1950's (at left).
He was born in Proctor WV on Oct 21, 1913 and is the son of the late Edgar and Bessie Luthy Yoho. He attended Welcome Grade School, Clarington High School and Moundsville High School.
Herbert Yoho was married to Helen Silver for 64 years. He died on Saturday Dec 12, 1998 in Wheeling Hospital not realizing the wish to see the turn of the new centrury. Herbert Yoho was my father.
Herb and Helen's children include: Philip Yoho (1934- ) who lives in Pittsburgh; Joanne Yoho Ray ( 1936-) living in Moundsville WV; Timothy Yoho (1941-) in Lock Haven PA, and Kate Yoho (1948-1991).
Additional Note: Hugh Yoho, long time Yoho researcher told me he played in the 1953 Ohio WV All Star Football game during the time my father was the President of the All Star Assocation. Hugh said WV beat Ohio 6 to 0 in that game.
Settlement of Estates – Ohio County
Peter Yoho Estate
Included: Vol. 3, pp. 273 - 278
Inventory of Peter Yoho personal property dated Oct. 21, 1823
Christian Gatts – Administrator
Appraisers: Reuben Roberts, James Nixon, David T. Burton
Account of Sales – Peter Yoho Estate dated Oct. 22, 1823
Editor (Tim Yoho): Note the spelling of some Yoho purchasers (Yohoe). Hugh Yoho said this is the original spelling from this account. He added that perhaps the Appraisers and or Administrator may have been into the hard cider.
ITEM |
PURCHASER |
Pr. Breachbands |
Henry Yoho |
| 1 Blind Bridle | Lewis Yoho |
1 collar hames |
Lewis Yoho |
Pr. Stretchers |
James Riggs |
| Grindstone | Benjamin Halman |
Barshear & Colter |
Henry Yoho |
Plough Share |
James Taylor |
2 Clevises |
Ebenezer Gorby |
1 Log Chain |
Peter Yohoe |
Pitch Fork |
Henry Yohoe |
Dung Fork |
Laz Rine |
Iron Wedge |
Christian Gatts |
Handsaw |
Henry Yohoe |
Hackle |
Ebenezer Gorby |
Draw Knife |
H. Yohoe |
| Sq. and Compass | Ebenezer Gorby |
| Augers | Robert Woods |
Chisels |
Ebenezer Gorby |
Hammers |
Samuel Yohoe |
Shoe Makers Tools |
Henry Yohoe |
Cow Bells |
Lewis Yohoe |
| Grubing Hoe | E. Gorby |
| Hilling Hoe | Isaaac Yohoe |
Scythe |
E. Gorby |
Old Irons |
Andrew Rager |
Saddle |
Isaac Yohoe |
Saddle Bags |
Samuel Yohoe |
Bridle & Martingale |
Wm. Yohoe |
Steelyards |
Christian Gatts |
| Barrell | C. Gats |
Kettle |
Jacob Yohoe |
Oven |
ElizabethYohoe |
| 1 Heap of Corn | Wm. Yohoe |
1 pr. Tooth drawers |
H. Hooe |
ITEM |
PURCHASER |
Shot Pouch |
Peter Yohoe |
Powder Horn |
Peter Yohoe |
| Chest | Benjamin Halman |
Silver Watch |
Wm. Yohoe |
Wooden Clock |
Saml Yohoe |
Brown Horse |
Lewis Yohoe |
Bay Mare |
Elizabeth Yohoe |
Bay Mare |
Wm. Hunter |
Bay Colt |
Jacob Yohoe |
Sorrell Colt |
John Baker |
Steer |
Joseph Wilson |
Cow |
Daniel Setler |
Cow |
Saml Yohoe |
Cow |
Saml Williamson |
Calf |
Daniel Setler |
Calf |
R. Roberts |
| 8 Shoats | R. C. Woods |
| Sow & 3 pigs | Saml Williamson |
| Sow & 3 pigs | Saml Williamson |
13 Geese |
Nick Wykard |
Wagon Whip |
JamesRiggs |
| 3 Sheep | Laz Rine |
Doubletree |
John Grigsby |
Tabl |
Benj Halman |
| 3 Chairs | Wm. Yohoe |
Bed |
James Taylor |
Wool Wheel |
Henry Yohoe |
Flax Wheel |
Andrew Rager |
Umbrella |
Ned Grigg |
6 Puter Plates |
H. Hooe |
| 6 Earthen Plates | Benj Halman |
Bucket |
Wm. Hunter |
Barrell |
R. Roberts |
Tub |
Ned Wykard |
Fire Iron |
C. Gats
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Rye Stack |
Wm. Yohoe |
2 hay Stacks |
Wm. Yohoe |
Final account of estate of Peter Yoho presented to court of January, 1825.
Included expenses involved in closing the estate and amounts distributed to beneficiaries.
Names of heirs participating;
Widow , John Yoho, Mary Gats, Samuel Yoho, Peter Yoho Jr, Lewis Yoho, Jacob Yoho, Isaac Yoho, Simon Archer, William Yoho
(FROM A SEPTEMBER 2, 1934 NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
YOHO FAMILY TO HOLD ITS ANNUAL REUNION
The first annual reunion of the Yoho family, one of Marshall County 's largest and best known clans, will be held at Paden Park , Paden City , tomorrow. Hundreds of members of the clan are expected to attend, including many from distant points.
Among the notables who are scheduled to speak are Governor H. G. Klump; Roberet G. Kelly, chairman of the state Democratic executive committee; Robert L. Ramsay and Carl G. Bachmann, Democratic and Republican nominees respectively for congress from this district.
Earl Francis Post No. 3, American Legion, will send its drum and bugle corps to the event, while the citizens band, of this city, will be on hand for a concert.
A basket dinner will be enjoyed at noon. The program will be more or less informal
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Digital Photo of 16 x 20 family portrait of Timothy Yoho (1834-1912) |
Timothy Yoho was the son of George Yoho (1806-1890) and the great grandson of Peter Yoho (1745-1823) .
Timothy was born in Wetzel Co. Va now WV in 1832. He was one of eight children of George Yoho (1806 -1890) and Rachel Garner (1808-1868). Timothy married Mary Jane Kelly (1836-1936). Mary was the daughter of Francis Kelly and Mary Frances Vandever. Most of the following account of my namesake Timothy came from my father Herbert E. Yoho, a grandson of Timothy.
Timothy married Jane Kelly on Sept 14 1856 in Marshall Co. Va (now WV). He was 22 and she 20. They went to housekeeping in a red log cabin at what was called Wells Bottom in Marshall Co. near the Wetzel Co. line.. It is not known if Timothy built this cabin (seen below in pictures from the 1940's) but in later years it was described as the oldest known building in the community. The cabin which no longer exists was originally located closer to the river but was later moved toward the hillside. In its new location it became the RED LOG CABIN SCHOOL in the 1870's. Miss Martha Nesbitt of Moundsville was one of the teachers who taught in this building. Martha later married Chas. P. Wells.
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When Timothy and Jane were first married, he had $40 and she had a cow. Before his death in 1912 he owned 1200 acres where the Dow Chemical Union Carbide plant is now located. He built four barns, one still remaining with his initials "TY" in colored slate on the roof.
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Timothy could neither read, nor write, but could sell cattle at 3 1/2 cents a pound and figure out the price in his head. His will, filed in the Marshall County Court House, is signed with an "X" .
Some people would say to him. "Why don't you spend some of your money Mr. Yoho?". He would reply, "I don't enjoy spending it. I enjoy making it."
If anyone wanted to talk with him, they would have to follow him in the field as he worked.
In his later years, he had a rope tied at the foot of his bed to pull himself out of bed in he morning.
Timothy and Jane had three sons: my great grandfather Eugene Cyrus (1860-1935), Friend Francis (1869-1936), and Jefferson (1874-1939). Their only daughter Virginia (1862-1878) died at age 16 from eating persimmons.
Mary Jane lived about ten years after the death of Timothy. My father remembers her smoking a corn cob pipe and having a corn cob on a stick to scratch her back. Both Timothy and Mary Jane are buried in the Northview Cemetery in New Martinsville, WV.
NOTE: The following history comes from a small booklet prepared and published December, 1939 by A.L. Booth of Proctor, W.V. The history of the Welcome Community should be of interest since many Yoho's lived in this community. I have included only part of the document in this account and added some of my own comments
Although some people still live in the location once known as Welcome, most of the land is owned and occupied by Dow Chemical Union Carbide. Since the article below was written in 1939, many of the places mentioned no longer exist.
LOCATION
Welcome Community is (was) located in Franklin District, Marshall County, WV, and includes the large bottom of land bordering the Ohio river, and reaching from the Wetzel County line on the the south to Sims Run on the north. The community and school both received their name from the first post office established in 1881, which was called Welcome. Before that time it was known as Wells Bottom and is called that by many people today.
Long before the coming of the first settler, and before the Colonies became independent of England, it was included in what was called Spottsylvania county which was formed in 1721. this county was divided in 1731 and from it Orange County was formed, which comprised the whole of the colony of western Virginia. Augusta County was formed from Orange in 1738 and was to embrace that part of Virginia west of the blue ridge. By act of legislature this was divided in Oct. 1776 and the territory lying to the north and west of Pennsylvania and Maryland was to be within the District of West Augusta. On and after November 8, 1776 it was changed to Ohio County and remained that until May 1, 1835 when it was called Marshall County.
INTRODUCTION
It was in the year 1663 that europeans first heard from the Indians, of the Ohio river, and the county bordering its banks. This information inspired the adventurous spirit of La Salle, the most noted French explorer of Canada, with a desire to see this river and country. With Indian guides he began his journey, and in Oct 1669 he descended the Ohio river as far as Louisville, Ky. He was the first white man to see this river ad the western part of Virginia, of which this Commnity is a part.
Not quite one hundred years lter, May 18, 1765 Col. Geo. Croghan, on his trip down the Ohio river, described this Bottom as appearing beautiful, wide, rich and well watered. From the diary kept by Col. Geo. Washington, dated Oct. 25, 1770 we read, "On the east side appears to be a large bottom of good land." These descriptions were given to the eastern colonists as well as to the Old World.
In order to secure control of this rich and beautiful country for England, the King encouraged settlers to move into this country and establish homes, by giving to them a certain number of acres of land. After the Colonies became independent of England, the Governor of Virginia continued to do the same, as this was considered part of Virginia at that time.
The Titles of these lands were known as Grants or Patents, and were commonly called Settlement Claims and Tomahawk Rights. Any one building a cabin, girdling a few trees, and planting a patch of corn, received a title to 400 acres of land. Many men who had roving spirits and were not afraid to work, took up several of these claims, and then sold them to persons who came into this country too late to secure prime lands. These claims were sold for a few dollars and some were traded for a rifle.
Three years after Washington made his journey down the Ohio river, James, son of William McMechen (founder of town of McMechen), descended the Ohio river in search of good land. Arriving at a point about 28 miles below Wheeling, he took up a claim on the east side of the river opposite the mouth of Sunfish Creek (Clarington, OH), in what is now Welcome Community. In 1785 he received from Patrick Henry, Governor of Virginia, a Grant for his claim, which reads as follows:
Patrick Henry Esq. Gov/r of Virginia, To all to whom these presents shall come-: Greetings know ye that by virtue of a certificate in right of settlement given by the Commissioners for adjusting the title to unpatented lands in the District Monongalia, Yohogania, and Ohio and in consideration of the amount composition of two pounds sterling paid by Jas. w. Machan into the treasury of this Commonwealth there is granted by the said Commonwealth unto the said James W. Machan a certain tract or parcel of land containing four hundred acres by survey bearing date the fifth day of March 1784 lying and being in the County of Ohio including his Settlement made in the year 1773 on the Ohio river and is bounded as follows:
Beginning at two Sugar trees on the bank of the river, corner to Proctor and with his line North 60 degrees East 208 poles to a black Oak, thence leaving Proctor line North 2 degrees West 211 poles to a Sugar tree on the bank of the river, thence down the river according to the several meanders thereof and binding therein 378 poles to the beginning with its appurtenances to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with its appurtenances to the said James W. Machan and his heirs forever. In witness whereof the said Patrick Henry Esq. Gov'r of the Commonwealth of Virginia here-unto set his hand and caused the lesser seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed at Richmond on the Twentieth day of March in the year of our Lord 1785 and the Commonwealth the ninth.
P. HENRY
This land Grant covers the farm formerly owned by Mr. Eugene Cyrus Yoho, and extended from a point close to Welcome School to a point near Sims Run.. Mrs Cyrus Yoho (Mary Hannah Rine) has the original Grant in her possession at this time (1930's).
My father, Herbert Yoho said this deed was taken by a non Yoho named family member before the will of Cyrus Yoho was duly processed by Edgar Yoho (Herbs father) who was executor of the Will. . No one in the direct Yoho line knows where this deed is today.
TRADITION
Tradition tells us that an old trail used by the Indians, and also by the white scouts, as a short cut from the Indian camps near woodsfield, Ohio to the settlements in the east, crossed the river at the mouth of Sunfish Creek (Clarington, Ohio), to the Virginia side, then across th bottom, and up the point to the top of ridge just back of Welcome school. There is a collection of rocks piled up in such a way as to look like benches, on the Mary L. Booth heirs' farm, along this trail. These have been called Indian Rocks and were said to have been used by them as a place to hold their councils. During an Indian uprising the white scouts would watch this trail for the approach of Indians and then notify the settlers of their coming. This trail was called Dickerson's Trail, and probably got its name from Kinsy Dickerson who owned part of the land it passed through, and who was also a scout and guide.
ENCOUNTER BETWEEN WHITES AND INDIANS
A battle between the Indians and a party of settlers from the settlement at Grave Creek took place on the Bottom, opposite Clarington, Ohio in the year 1777. The Indians had made a raid on the settlement and had stolen some horses and shot their cattle full of arrows. The settlers trailed them down the river and up Sunfish Creek and finally caught up with them. Finding them to be too many to attack they came back to the river. While there they decided to cross the river to the Virginia side and look for some Indians they thought were there. When two of their canoes wer close to shore, and ready to land, the Indians who were hidden on shore, fired their shots thick as hail upon them. The settlers all fell flat in their canoes except two who paddled and pushed back to the Ohio side under cover of rifles. They reached the Ohio side with no lives lost and exchanged many shots with the Indians. After talking things over among themselves they decided to give up the chase, and proceeded up the river to their homes.
EARLY SETTLERS
Some of the early settlers to the Welcome Community included:
ROADS
With the exception of a few narrow trails or paths, through the forest and which usually followed the banks of a stream, the Ohio River was the majestic Highway of the pioneers living here, until about 1820 when a river road was completed between Wheeling and Middle Island (St. Marys). The road was not much more than a wide path cut through the forest along the river bank, and in bad weather almost a continuous mud hole. This road was moved away from the river because of the flood of 1852.
After automobiles came into use, the narrow and crooked roads were widened and graveled in 1928. In 1932, a modern paved highway was built that follows the old country road in many places. My grandfather, Edgar Yoho helped build this road. Several of the old homes still face the river instead of the new road because they were built to face the first road through the community, which was built along the river bank.
POST OFFICE AND RAILROAD
The first post office to serve the community was in Clarington, Ohio. The railroad was completed in June, 1884 and the mail was transferred from the boats to the trains on July 1st of the same year. On Nov 11, 1884, the first Post Office in the community was established and called "Welcome". It was located in the reailroad depot with David H. Arrick as Post master.
COAL AND GAS
Prior to the middle of the 1800's wood was the primary fuel for those living in the community. In the middle part of the 1800's coal and oil began to be used in many of the homes of those who could affort to purchase this fuel. A thin vein of coal called surface coal crops out along the hill-side on most farms, and at one time this was the source of supply for the farmers. When the railroad was built, coal was shipped by rail and several of the neighbors would purchase a car load, and divide it among them.
My father, Herbert Yoho said his grandfather Cyrus Yoho would buy a load of coal from Fairmont in the Fall. Word would go out and peple from Birch and Rine's Ridge would come to get some. When the coal was weighed at the scale house some people would say, I'm short, I'll pay you later, but some never did.
KENT, WV
The thriving little village of Kent, WV, is located along State Route No.2 in the northern part of the community. It was named after Dr. Kent Hornbrook of New Martinsville. In 1924 a party of capitalists from New Martinsville formed the New Martinsville Land Company and purchased the Cyrus Yoho Farm. Part of the farm was surveyed into building lots, and in July of 1924 a lot sale was held. Several building lots were sold, and not long after the sale the first home was built by Mr. Cyrus Yoho.
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Cyrus Yoho Family shortly after house was built in the 1920's. Cyrus is on porch to left of wife Mary. My father Herbert Yoho is in next row second from right |
The house was still standing and in good condition in the 1970's |
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| Cyrus at his farm in Kent 1920's |
Cyrus Yoho had four children: My grandfather, Edgar Winfield Yoho ( 1883-1970), Clark, Elizabeth Jane, and Lucy.
Cyrus was very well known and had a generous behavior. He would loan money to just about anyone who would ask eventhough he was often not repaid. Toward the end of his life, he gave each of his four children $5,000 each, a considerable amount of money in those days. He was also generous with his farm produce "loaning" his hay and straw to those in need.
His funeral procession (in 1935) consisted of 125 cars which is remarkable considering that many people did not own automobiles at this time.
FINAL REMARKS
Few people remember the Welcome Community and the early settlers of the northern panhandle region of WV. Although their lives were no doubt difficult, the community spirt they must have enjoyed is also gone. I never grew tired of hearing the stories my father would tell about those earlier times.
Few Yoho researchers and fewer family members are aware that Richard Henthorn, a Yoho Kin has written a marvelous 503 page research book about the Yoho Family In America. Richard must have spent years amassing and entering the data that links several thousand Yoho names as well as a thousand or more related families. Unfortunately the book has never been published and only a few copies are out there. I have one directly from Richard and my cousin and fellow Yoho researcher Hugh Yoho in California has one. He recently told me a story how he came into possession of his copy which appears below.
Richard Henthorn has been ill for some time now and no longer answers his e-mail or as far as I know has updated his book. The names on the "Yoho List" appearing on the Yoho Page are from Richard's book. New names have been added in Red and have not been included in Richard's book. Although Richard has a GedCom version of this data, it has not been available to others. A project is now underway by myself and two other family researchers (Richard Yoho and Richard Ferris), to enter all the names in Richard's book in a GedCom program for easier reference and use by others.
Hugh Yoho and The Henthorn Book
Here is a little story as to how I came into possession of the Richard Henthorn book Yoho Family In America.
The time I first saw this book it was the only copy. I attended the 1995 Yoho reunion in New Martinsville, and low and behold, there was the Henthorn book that was going to be offered in a blind auction. I suppose about 25 people initially wrote down their names and an offered amount, each amount getting larger as the names were added. Eventually, there were only two of us left in the bidding war, I along with a fellow named George Yoho who lived back somewhere in Wetzel Co.
We finally introduced ourselves to one another, and he said he was extremely interested in owning the book because he was a Mormon. The bidding continued until he finally came over to me and conceded that I was
never going to let him out- bid me. He asked me if I would someday make a copy of that book and send it to him, and he would reimburse all costs. My next stop was to visit my Aunt Eleanor in Clarksburg, where I started feeling a little guilty about not letting George get the book. I then went to a little printing shop in Clarksburg and asked them to print and three hole punch all 500+ pages for me - without asking what it would cost me.
It turned out to be a two day job for them, and when I went to pick up the book, I nearly fainted when I saw the bill. It was much more than I had bid for the book in the first place, which was a sizeable amount. At any rate, I sent the copy to George and told him to think of it as a gift - no reimbursement necessary. He sent me a very gracious thank you note (probably thinking what a soft touch I was), and that is the story of the
Henthorn book. I have since made copies for others, including the Los Angeles Public Library and the Southern California Genealogical Society.
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