West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1898-09-22

Linn families with which our family
has frequently intermarried. should
say. however, from NV researches, that
'ho English stocl prsdominates.
In physical conformatio they are
OF medium sizs and average weight.
possess more than ordinarily strong
constitutions and powers OF physical
endurance, have COOL health as a rule
live long beyoud tho average period,
are OF fair complexion, with gray or
blue eyes DARK brown, sandy or
auburn hair and beard. and are noted
for their ouergy, industry aud pcrse-
voraucc.
They are uniformly honest and
upright in character, always sympa-
thetic and willing to lend n
helping hand TO those in poverty or
distress and have always been law
abiding citizens. In all my researches
/ have discovered no instance where
the name OF n member of our family
has appeared on the criminal records.
The majority are members OF some
church. but some are intolerant of
religious fanatics A majority OF the
Older living generation are Republicans
in politics while n considerable mum Der
of the younger mem bers are Demo-
Gratis, As rule thev are people OF
positive nature and strong convictions,
yet generous TO foe.-strong lovers
and strong haters Most are farmers
and laudholders, few. il any, arc rich.
most are in comfortable circumstances
and none so far as know. have ever
been paupers or puolic charg es on the
community.
The family has not been an educated
one, but Is noted for it's practical
common sense.
Like many individuals IL always
knows what to do but does not always
do IL
The older generations were of the
lnnd-holding. slave-owning, fox hunt
ing, horse-loving Virginia type. who
devoted more attention To their plan
tations than TO the education OF their
children, and the later generation is
constructed on somewhat the same
style OF architecture.
None, so far as am aware, have ever
become confirmed drunkards, but
nearly all of the older generations
took their toddy when they wanted It,.
also learn that somc OF the later
generation dnd the taste OF good
qualitity of brandy not unpleasant to
the palate.
Many of the older male members OF
the family are addicted to the use Of
Ia bacco, but the habit is less general
among the younger ones.
But little attention seems to have
been given ia some instances TO the
stock Of the families into which our
family has been intermarried.
In some instances, however both
sons and daug ghtcrs have married into
excellent families but in other cases
they have married into inferior fami-
lies-according 10 their environment.
IL remains TO be seen what effect these
mesalliances will have on the family
stock.
AS to hereditary disease or those 20
which the family is predisposed, we
are remarkably free from all except a
trace of consumption In one or two
branches which develops among the
last children OF family.
All should fortify themselves against
this and other diseases To which they
are predisposed by taking every pre-
caution TO ward them of.
Clothing. diet and habits should be
regulated accordingly. III one knows
the exact location of an enemy and Ia
familiar with his weapon and methods
OF warfare such an enemy can be more
easily defeated. AS TO the future of
the family am optimistic enough TO
believe that IL is just emerging from
the commonplace plane IL has hereto
fore occupied and is even now build.
ing for future usefulness and perhaps
distinction on the broad aud solid for.
nation so we'll laid by our sturdy an
cestors. The theory that a chjld's edu.
cation should be commenced with ite
great grandmother Ia by no mean. a
fallacy. Great men have had great
and good mothers. Blood and anoes-
try will tell. All live stock raisers
know this. yet the average parents
permit their children 90 mnrrv into
families tainted with physical, mental
or moral disease without protest or a
word Of warming.
Our family iD common with otbers
doubtless has its share Of frailties. inn
perfections and errors 20 which the
great human family is subject, and
there may not be much 70 be proud Of
IN the history Of the family but we
should be thankful that there is very
little 20 be ashamed Of The sins Of
the family are those of ommission
rather .hsn OF commission. Few
members Of our family have libraries
or provide their children with current
healthy reading matter. outside Of a
weekly newspaper When good litera.
ture Is SO cheap no excuse exists for
not furnishing "a carefully selected
iibray Of good books for the children
Of every family. II is almost as great
a wrong TO let child stnrve
intellectually as physically Educate
the children. Alexander Pope once
safd a'Tha ,ro4,.r et,,d. ~ t.s