James Taggart Giffen (1849 - 1926)

Born 10 Sep 1849 in St Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio

Ancestors

Died 6 Aug 1926 at age 76 in St Clairsville, Belmont County, Ohio

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Biography

James Taggart was born in 1849, the son of Morrison Giffen and Margaret Taggart. He married Ella Virginia Reid in 1879.^[1] James passed away in 1926.^[2]

JAMES T. GIFFEN, one of the progressive farmers of Richland township, Belmont County, Ohio, is much interested in his profession and keeps his home place in order with care and exactness which characterizes all his actions. He is the son of Morrison and Margaret (Taggart) Giffen, and was born on his farm in 1849.

Our subject's father first saw the light of day in Ohio County, (West) Virginina, in 1817, and for many years he continued to reside there, busily employed as an agriculturist. In the year 1825, he removed, however, to Colerrain township, Belmont County, where he spent a number of years and lived peacefully until 1843, when he went ot Richland township. The latter place continued to be his home until 1885, when he was taken away by death. He chose for the companion of his life Margaret Taggart, a daughter of James and Catherine (Stitt) Taggart, and their marriage was duly solemnized. Mrs. Giffen was born in 1815 in Richland township, and died in 1901. She was the mother of six children, two of whom are now deceased, and their names are as follows: Mary K.; Elizabeth J., whose death occurred in 1873; Robert Emmet; James T., our worthy subject; Sarah S., and John K., who is a missionary and was sent to Egypt in 1881, and to the Soudan in 1901, the latter place being his residence at the present time, where he works in the interest of the United Presbyterian Church. Mary K. married WIlliam N. Stillwell and her death took place in 1879. Robert Emmet is a farmer living two and a half miles northeast of St. Clairsville, where he owns 153 acres of land. He was united in marriage with Anna M. Bentley in 1878, and they have nine children, namely: John M., Bruce B., Elizabeth E., Sarah S., Margaret T., James K., Grace, Emma, and Maud. Sarah S. makes her home with Robert E.

Our subject's father and mother were United Presbyterians in their religious worship, and in this faith the family was reared. In politics, Mr. Giffen was a Democrat of firm opinions.

In 1879 the ceremony was performed which made Mr. Giffen and Ella Reid man and wife. Mrs. Giffen is the daughter of Edward and Mary Reid, and was born in August, 1856, on Wheeling Island, near WHeeling. This union was blessed with four children, who are as follows: Morrison R., deceased; Mary E., Jean M., and Jeannette L. Mary E. was born December 1884, and graduated with the class of 1901 at St. Clairsville High School. She is now living at home. Jeam M. and Jeannette L. are twins and were born April 1891. The family are members and workers in the United Presbyterian Church, and their home surroundings are of a most pleasant nature.

Politically our subject belongs to the Democratic party, but does not hold office. He spends the greater part of his time on his farm, which consists of 116 acres and is located two miles north of St. Clairsville.^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ Ohio County Marriages
2. ↑ Find A Grave: Memorial #93192142
3. ↑ Centennial History of Belmont County and representative citizens, by T. A. McKelvey, 1903, pages 392-393.