Willam McVey is buried in Cherry Fork Cemetery, Cherry Fork, Adams Co., OH. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.

GEORGE MCVEY AND RUTH BICKETT, by Helen Means (Bickett) Fiegel.

I know very little about my grandfather, George McVey Bickett. His middle name (and my father's) gave me a problem in tracing family history. I thought I must have McVey ancestors, but his parents followed what I have since learned was a common practice -- naming children for in-laws who are in no way related by blood. George's middle name came from the married name of his great-aunt Peggy Irwin McVey, who must have been a beloved aunt. And the name came down another generation, to my father.

The Xenia Daily Gazette, Xenia, Greene Co., OH, Monday, December 10, 1883

DEATH OF MARGARET McVEY.

Died at the residence of Mr. James Williams in Jasper township, Oct. 26th 1883, Mrs. Margaret McVey, aged 85. Mrs. McVey's maiden name was Irwin, and she was born if intelligent and christian parents near Lexington, Ky. She very early became an orphan by the loss of both of her parents and for some years lived with an uncle by the name of James Lynn. In accordance with the times she lived her secular education was limited. She learned the arts of industry as practiced at that day, such as spinning, weaving. &c. In the year 1817 her sister Martha, having married Mr. George Junkin, she with the other members of the family, consisting of two older sisters and a younger brother, left Kentucky and removed to Greene Co., O. Soon after she made a public profession of religion and became a member of the Association congregation of Massie's Creek under the pastoral care of Rev. Robert Armstrong. At the organization of the congregation of Cesars Creek (now Jamestown) she became a member and continued with the exception of a few years she resided in Adams Co., till the day of her death. The writer of this memoir first became acquainted with Mrs. McVey (familiarly called aunt Peggy) about the beginning of the year 1841. At this time and several years previous she with two older sisters, Mrs. Crawford and Ann, occupied a part of the residence of their brother-in-law, Mr. Junkin. It was a privilege of the writer to be a member of this household for some two or three years. During his sojourn with these sisters he was presented with the truth and beauty of our holy religion as manifested in their every day christian life. It was also his privilege to witness the marriage of Miss Margaret, to Col. Wm. McVey of Adams' county, O., in January 1844, by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wilson. This marriage was most happy to all parties and was soon followed by the marriage of Mrs. Crawford to a Mr. Robinson of Union County. Mrs. McVey soon moved to the home of her husband, with whom she lived happily for twelve years. She is spoken of in her new home as being highly esteemed by a large circle of relatives and friends, and her memory is still fondly cherished by them. After the death of her husband she returned to the neighborhood of her old home and kept house with her sister Ann, 'till too infirm to attend to household duties. The last few years of her life she spent with Mrs. James Williams, her niece, by whom she was kindly cared for 'till the close, when with a short illness and little suffering she passed away. Her sight and hearing remained quite good for a person of her age, but for the last two years her memory failed so that she did not know her friends at times. Her funeral was attended by a large circle of neighbors and friends. The funeral exercises were conducted by Rev. W. A. Robb, her pastor, and Rev. Dr. Samuel Collins. Mrs. McVey's life was symmetrical, beautiful and pure. She was true to her convictions of faith and duty and upright and conscientious in al her relations in life. Quiet and unassuming in her manner, she had a force of character that commanded attention and respect. She lied a holy life and died a blessed death, for it is written, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

W. C.

Adam Reed Bickett and Mary Ann (Junkin) Bickett are buried in Glen Cemetery, City of Paxton, Patton Twp., Ford Co., IL. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.

Adam Reed Bickett (age 20) and Mary Ann Junkin Marriage Record.

The Paxton Record, Paxton, Ford Co., IL, Thursday, January 17, 1895

A MOTHER IN ISRAEL CALLED HOME.

DIED, in this city, Friday afternoon, January 11th, 1895, MARY ANN JUNKIN, wife of A. R. Bickett, aged 74 years, 10 months and 11 days. Mrs. Bickett was born in Greene county, Ohio, near Xenia. She was united in marriage in 1842 with A. R. Bickett and resided there  thirty years. In 1872 they removed to this county and lived on a farm four miles south three years before removing to town. For nearly twenty years they have resided in this city. To them  were born twelve children, Those here were Mrs. J. R. Wallace, of Mt. Auburn, Ia.; George Bickett, of Xenia, O.; Maggie Moses, of Jamestown, O.; Mrs. A. M. McQuiston, of Lebanon, Mo.; and Mrs.T. H. Trimble, J. H. Bickett and Mrs. W.. C. Colvin, of this city; also her sister, Mrs. Williams, of Jamestown, O., and her grand-daughter, Miss Stella Moses, who had lived with her since she was five years old and cared for her almost constantly during her long illness. Mrs. Bickett had been a member of the United Presbyterian church since 1838, when she united with the U. P. church at Jamestown, O., at the age of 18. She had lived a consistent Christian life. She had been ill eight years and during that time had endured great suffering. She died full of years yet rich in faith. The funeral services took pllace at the U. P. church Sabbath afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. A. S. Vincent, D. D., conducted the services and preached a scholarly sermon from the text, "And these all die in the faith." He was assisted by Revs. Moore and Collamore. The Young People's Society furnished the flowers at the funeral. The remains were buried in Glen cemetery, being laid to rest with appropriate exercises at the grave. The sympathies of a large circle of friends will be extended to the bereaved family.

Margaret Jane "Maggie" (Bickett) Moses Death Record.

The Chillicothe Gazette, Chillicothe, Ross Co., OH, Monday, February 26, 1912

Death of Mrs. Margaret J. Moses.

Mrs. Margaret J. Moses died at her home at 377 Vine street at 5 o'clock Sunday morning, of heart failure, following an illness of six months. The deceased was the widow of the late William Moses, and was born August 10, 1844. She was for many years a faithful member of the First Presbyterian church. and was in attendance at its services with almost unfailing regularity. She is survived by six daughters, Mrs. Archie Gordon and Mrs. John Barton, of Jamestown, Ohio; Mrs. Bruce Frey, of Chicago; Mrs. Charles Buck, of Cincinnati; Mrs. J. T. Rogers, of Covington, Ind., and Mrs. Hugh Kinneman, of near this city. Several sisters and brothers also survive her: Mrs. Emma McQuinston, of Fowler, Cal.; Mrs. J. R. Wallace, of Vinton, Iowa, and Mrs. W. C. Colvin, of Chicago; Robert Bickett, of College Corner, Ind., and George Bickett, of Xenia. The remains will be shipped to Jamestown, Ohio, at 8 o'clock Tuesday morning for interment there. Dr. W. M. Hindman will accompany the funeral party and conduct the funeral services at Jamestown.The friends in this city who  desire to view the remains may do so at the home this evening.

The Evening Courier and Reporter, Waterloo, IA, Wednesday, October 1, 1919

Death of Mrs. James Wallace.

Vinton, Ia., Oct. 1. - Mrs. James Wallace died at her home in this city on Sunday evening after an illness covering several months caused by heart trouble. Mrs. Wallace, whose maiden name was Alice Rebecca Bickett, was born in Ohio, Oct. 14, 1853. She moved to Cedar Rapids in 1875 and was married to Mr. Wallace Feb. 15, 1877, and moved immediately to the farm, northeast of town. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace continued to reside there until 1894, when they moved to Vinton. Mrs. Wallace had no children, but she proved a good mother to the children of Mr. Wallace's first wife. Short funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon in charge of Rev. R. C. Culley, and the body was taken to Paxton, Ill., in accordance of the wish of deceased made some time ago.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio, Chapman Bros., Chicago, Copyright 1890

JAMES M. BARBER. Among those who have passed away and who have left behind them a good record as men and citizens, may be properly mentioned Mr. BARBER. A man of unbounded energy and enterprise, he most assuredly left his footprints on the sands of time and presented an example of industry and perseverance worthy of emulation. Commencing with modest means, such was his diligence and his good judgment in the disbursement of his capital, that at his death he left a large estate including five hundred and twenty-one acres of land which was divided up among his children before the widow had been assigned her dowry of one hundred and nineteen acres, which with its buildings and other improvements constitutes one of the most desirable country homes in Greene County.

Mr. BARBER was born January 18, 1822, in Cedarville Township, and was a man of strong character, warm in his likes and dislikes, but of that temperament which drew toward him hosts of friends and which made him greatly beloved, especially by his near neighbors and his own family. He was formerly a Democrat in politics but during the latter part of his life was an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He was warmly interested in temperance movements and totally opposed to the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors. He kept himself thoroughly posted upon current events and loved to travel -- a pastime in which he was joined by his amiable wife who enjoyed this recreation as much as himself. Their last journey was to Jacksonville, Fla., where Mr. BARBER was attacked with cerebro hemorrhage, from which his death caused January 25, 1888. The bereaved wife returned home with the remains of her husband and they were laid to rest in Cedarville cemetery while over them has been erected the finest monument in this part of the country.

The marriage of James BARBER and Miss Mary L. BICKETT was celebrated at the bride's home, her father's farm, near Jasper, April 13, 1852, and not quite three years afterward, December 27, 1854, they removed to the home where Mrs. BARBER still lives. Mrs. BARBER was born May 6, 1833, in Jasper Township and is the daughter of John BICKETT, who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1818, settling in Xenia Township, this county. The paternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth BICKETT, were natives of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish descent, and settled in Pennsylvania in the year 1797. The early progenitors of the family were Protestants as their descendants have uniformly been. Grandfather BICKETT upon coming to America settled in Pennsylvania where he spent the remainder of his life. His wife subsequently joined her children in this county and died about 1839 or 1840 having attained to the advanced age of eighty years. The BICKETTS in coming to America were on the ocean twenty weeks.

John BICKETT was married in 1821 to Miss Peggy DEAN, daughter of Daniel DEAN, who removed to Ohio from Lexington, Ky., at a very early day. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth STEELE, also of Kentucky.

To Mr. and Mrs. BARBER there was born a family of twelve children, all of whom are living. John C. is a prosperous merchant of Cedarville; Robert Lee is married, has one child and is engaged in merchandising at South Salem, this State; he visited California during the gold excitement and is a very intelligent man, well informed upon all general subjects and especially the history of the great West. Charles M. is married and farming on a part of the old homestead, about one-half mile from his mother; he has two children -- Colin and Marie. Huldah J., a mute, married Charles H. RICE, afflicted in the same manner. They however, have a bright little boy, Jamie, who can do enough talking for the family and can converse with his parents by means of his fingers as readily as they. The little fellow has considerable knowledge of telegraphing and is more than ordinarily bright and promising. They live on a farm a short distance north of Cedarville. Alice is the wife of R. S. ANDERSON and the mother of the two bright children -- Ethel and Eula; they live on their own farm near Clifton, this county; Laura H. is the wife of D. S. COLLINS, and they also live on a farm near Clifton; Miss Effie makes her home with her brother in Cedarville; A. D. carries on the home farm for his mother in a highly creditable manner; Norah, Lea, Luna and Jessie complete the list. Mr. BARBER from his youth was a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church, to which Mrs. BARBER belongs as does also her whole family except one son.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Greene and Clark Counties, Ohio, Chapman Bros., Chicago, Copyright 1890

MATHEW A. BICKETT, one of the representative farmers of Xenia Township, owns and operates a fine farm lying some two and one-half miles from Xenia Court House. He is a native of Greene County, Ohio, where he was born January 19, 1831, in a house which is only about a quarter of a mile from his present home. His father, William R. BICKETT, was one of the pioneers of the county having made choice of it for a dwelling place in the year 1818, while it was yet a wilderness. The region which had recently been the home of the Indian, shortly began to wear the aspect of civilization, as the advent of the white man caused the original forest to disappear, and its place to be taken by fields of waving corn and golden grain. 

William BICKETT was a native of Coaquilla Valley, Pa., where he was born in the year 1796 or 1798, the date is uncertain, and which was his home until he arrived at the age of about twenty-one when he started for the “far West" in company with his mother, sister, and one brother. The party reached Greene County, in the year 1818, having made the trip with a six-horse team. The first winter was passed in the house of Robert HAMMELL, a brother-in-law of Mr. BICKETT. In the following spring he bought about one hundred and fifty acres of woodland upon which he and his John erected a log cabin that was the home of their mother for a number of years. As rapidly as possible they cleared and improved the farm, and provided for the wants of the mother and sister who were dependent upon their exertions. Deer, wild turkey and other game abounded, and they could always procure plenty for the table by simply using their trusty muskets.

In 1827 William R. BICKETT and Miss Isabella ALEXANDER were united in marriage, and took up their residence on the old home farm. The fruit of this union was six children, three boys, and three girls. The boys are all married and living within one-half mile of the old homestead. Mr. BICKETT died in 1865. Mrs. BICKETT survived him some twenty years, departing for the better land in April, 1885.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the commons schools, and assisted on the farm in the intervals. When school life was over, he continued to work on the home place until about the time of his father's death. May 30, 1865, our subject and Miss Caroline E. KENDALL were united in marriage. He then purchased his present place of one hundred and eighty-one acres of land, and began business for himself as a general farmer and stock-raiser. His stock consists for the most part of graded Short-horns in cattle, and a fine strain of hogs. Mr. BICKETT has no political aspirations, but exercises his rights as a citizen in favor of the Republican party. He is a highly esteemed member of the society, and a devoted adherent of the church of his fathers, the United Presbyterian, and is a regular attendant upon the services of that body in the town of Xenia.

Mrs. BICKETT was born in Greene County in 1838, about two miles from her present home, and is an intelligent and amiable lady well fitted to make a happy home for her husband and children. Mr. and Mrs. BICKETT are the parents of seven children whose names are: Clark K., Charles A.; William Albert; Annie M.; John W.; Elinor I.; and David Cameron, all at home, and all except the eldest attending school. Their parents are determined they shall have the best educational advantages that can be obtained, before permitting them to start out for themselves in the world.

Mr. BICKETT is a first-class practical farmer, and not only provides a comfortable and commodious home for his family, but also considers the wants of his stock. He has one of the finest barns in the township, it being 40x60 feet with shed and corn crib of 19 feet additional. Most of the shrubbery, and all the improvements upon the farm are the result of his own labor, and reflects great credit upon his ability and taste in the selection of the ornamental features of his beautiful home. He derives great enjoyment from the society of congenial friends, and is deservedly popular with all classes, but finds his great pleasure in the bosom of his affectionate and happy family.

The History of Benton County, Iowa, Containing A History of the County, its Cities, Towns, etc., Western Historical Company, Chicago, IL, 1878

WALLACE, JAMES R., Sec. 35; P. O. Vinton; owns 160 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre; born in Brooke Co., W. Va., in 1837; came to Iowa in 1859, and located in Vinton; removed to his present farm in 1868. Married Alice Bickett in 1877; she was born in Greene Co., Ohio; Mr. W. has two children by a former marriage - Ella. M. and John W. are members of the U. P. Church; Republican. Mr. W. enlisted in Co. G, 13th I. V. I., in 1861, and was discharged in 1864; was in all the battles that regiment participated in; the most prominent battles were Shiloh, Corinth, siege of Vicksburg and Atlanta.

Leigh Larson note: J. R. Wallace in 1870 was living in Cedar Twp., Benton Co., IA. Living with him were: Margaret Wallace (age 27) born in Pennsylvania; and Ella May Wallace (age 3) born in Iowa. Margaret StClair.

The Evening Courier and Reporter, Waterloo, IA, Saturday, May 28, 1921

James R. Wallace, Civil War Veteran, Is Dead at Vinton

Vinton, Ia., May 28. - James R. Wallace, veteran of Civil war, died at his home in this city. Mr. Wallace, who was born in West Virginia, Oct. 27, 1837, served thruout the war and took part in many of the principal engagements. His residence in Iowa dates from 1859, at which time he came to Vinton, but after a brief residence here he went to Mount Auburn where he farmed for many years, returning here 20 years ago. His marriage to Miss Margaret St. Clair took place Dec. 28, 1865. She died about 10 years later. Mr. Wallace married Miss Alice R. Bickett, who died Sept. 27, 1919. Two children born of the first marriage preceded the father. Surviving Mr. Wallace are a sister, Mrs. Belle St. Clair, Waterloo, the last of 11 brothers and sisters, two grandchildren, Mrs. Alta McCandless and Mrs. Joe Turner, both of this city.

James Ramsey Wallace Death Certificate.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Benton County, Iowa, Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887

HUGH ST. CLAIR. deceased, was born in Indiana County, Pa., June 5, 1808. He was the son of Hugh and Rebecca (Beatty) St. Clair. The family were from the North of Ireland, but of Scotch descent. His parents were both of Irish birth, and emigrated to America while yet young, settling in Pennsylvania.

Hugh was reared a farmer, and when twenty-one years of age was married to Miss Margaret Mack, born in Indiana County in January, 1811, and a daughter of Robert Mack. They became the parents of ten children, two of whom died in childhood and one at the age of fourteen, and the remaining seven grew to man and womanhood. They were as follows: William M., who married Mary E. Kirkpatrick, and now lives in Cedar Township; Robert, who married Margaret Alcorn, and lives in Kearney County, Neb.; Hugh, who married Kate Brownlee, and lives in Cedar Township; Margaret, who married James R. Wallace, and died in November, 1875, leaving two children; John M., who married Sarah White, and now lives in Cedar Township; Archibald, who married Belle Wallace, and lives in Mt. Auburn, and is a lumber and coal merchant; Rebecca, wife of L. M. Wallace, living in Cedar Township.

Mr. St. Clair moved to Iowa in the fall of 1856, wintered at Davenport, and in the spring of 1857 bought his land, on section 27, Cedar Township, where he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Nov. 19, 1877, at his home. His wife is still living on the old homestead.

In early life Mr. St. Clair was a Whig, but became a Republican on the organization of that party. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church. His wife, four sons and one daughter belong to the same church. The sons are all Republicans. William and Hugh were in the service — members of the 28th Iowa Infantry.

Mr. St. Clair was a robust man up to a short time before his death. He was a genial, kindhearted neighbor, and highly respected as a citizen.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Benton County, Iowa, Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887

James R. Wallace, son of Robert Wallace and Rebecca Ramsey, was born in Brooke County, Va., Oct. 27, 1837. Settled in Benton County, Iowa, in 1859. He was a member of the 13th Iowa Vols, for three years, and in every battle fought by the Regiment. He married Maggie St. Clair in 1865. She died in 1875. He married Alice R. Bickett in 1877. Is a retired farmer, and lives at Mt. Auburn, Iowa.

The Xenia Daily Gazette, Xenia, Greene Co., OH, Monday, December 10, 1883

DEATH OF MARGARET McVEY.

Died at the residence of Mr. James Williams in Jasper township, Oct. 26th 1883, Mrs. Margaret McVey, aged 85. Mrs. McVey's maiden name was Irwin, and she was born if intelligent and christian parents near Lexington, Ky. She very early became an orphan by the loss of both of her parents and for some years lived with an uncle by the name of James Lynn. In accordance with the times she lived her secular education was limited. She learned the arts of industry as practiced at that day, such as spinning, weaving. &c. In the year 1817 her sister Martha, having married Mr. George Junkin, she with the other members of the family, consisting of two older sisters and a younger brother, left Kentucky and removed to Greene Co., O. Soon after she made a public profession of religion and became a member of the Association congregation of Massie's Creek under the pastoral care of Rev. Robert Armstrong. At the organization of the congregation of Cesars Creek (now Jamestown) she became a member and continued with the exception of a few years she resided in Adams Co., till the day of her death. The writer of this memoir first became acquainted with Mrs. McVey (familiarly called aunt Peggy) about the beginning of the year 1841. At this time and several years previous she with two older sisters, Mrs. Crawford and Ann, occupied a part of the residence of their brother-in-law, Mr. Junkin. It was a privilege of the writer to be a member of this household for some two or three years. During his sojourn with these sisters he was presented with the truth and beauty of our holy religion as manifested in their every day christian life. It was also his privilege to witness the marriage of Miss Margaret, to Col. Wm. McVey of Adams' county, O., in January 1844, by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wilson. This marriage was most happy to all parties and was soon followed by the marriage of Mrs. Crawford to a Mr. Robinson of Union County. Mrs. McVey soon moved to the home of her husband, with whom she lived happily for twelve years. She is spoken of in her new home as being highly esteemed by a large circle of relatives and friends, and her memory is still fondly cherished by them. After the death of her husband she returned to the neighborhood of her old home and kept house with her sister Ann, 'till too infirm to attend to household duties. The last few years of her life she spent with Mrs. James Williams, her niece, by whom she was kindly cared for 'till the close, when with a short illness and little suffering she passed away. Her sight and hearing remained quite good for a person of her age, but for the last two years her memory failed so that she did not know her friends at times. Her funeral was attended by a large circle of neighbors and friends. The funeral exercises were conducted by Rev. W. A. Robb, her pastor, and Rev. Dr. Samuel Collins. Mrs. McVey's life was symmetrical, beautiful and pure. She was true to her convictions of faith and duty and upright and conscientious in al her relations in life. Quiet and unassuming in her manner, she had a force of character that commanded attention and respect. She lied a holy life and died a blessed death, for it is written, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

W. C.