James G. Keffer

James G. Keffer son of Henry and Delila Keffer was born June 6, 1857in Boone County, West Virginia. At the age of 16 he moved with his parents to Rush Run of Henry?s Fork where he remained with his parents working on their farm until he was 24 years of age, at which time, Aug. 18, 1881, he was united in marriage to Alice Clarkson.

They at once moved to Mudfork of Poca, purchased a farm, and brought up their children. After the death of his father, he with his family moved back to Rush Run into the old home to take care of his aged mother, after which he bought the most of the heir?s interest in the home farm and lived on the farm where he and his parents first located, when coming to Roane county, until his death came Nov. 3, 1929.

He was 72 years, 4 months, and 27 days old. To the above union were born 11 children; eight of which survive, as follows:

L.O. Keffer, Looneyville; Esta M. Smith, wife of Rev. I.N. Smith of Parkersburg; Ollie B Davis, Pigeon, Fannie Keffer, Vienna; Glennie Davis, Vienna; Marshall D. Keffer, Clover, W.Va.; Dewey Keffer, Clover.

The children who have preceded him to the great beyond are as follow:

Henry D. Keffer, who was killed during the late war in France; Earl Keffer and Othel Keffer.

He also leaves a twin brother, John Keffer of Holidays Cove, besides a host of relatives and friends.

In his demise, the community loses a good citizen; and tactful businessman.

The church loses one of its best members; the home loses a loving companion of 48 years, a father who was a real guide and stay.

He was converted and united with the Baptist church of Flat Fork about 44 years ago.

After moving into the community where his father?s church was, (The Methodist Episcopal church) he united with the Methodist church and remained a faithful member until death, attending church on the Sunday before he passed away.

Funeral services was conducted by Rev. D. H. Anderson, his pastor, assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Parsons and Webb.

(Submitted by Evelyn Bissell Starcher)