Partial List of Grant Co.'s Oldest Citizens, Part 2
Alfred Witter, now residing in Marion with his son-in-law, Rev. A.
Greenman, was born in Washington, Massachusetts, August 10, 1800. From there his
father moved to the State of New York, where as soon as he was old enough he
was put to clerking in a general store. In 1827 he was married to Lucretia
Gillett, by whom he had twelve children, seven of whom with their mother are dead.
He became a Mason in 1824, and rose to the degree of Royal Arch. He joined
the Methodist Episcopal church in 1834, and a temperance society in 1830. In
politics he was first a Whig, then an Abolitionist, then a Freesoiler, then a
Republican and now a Prohibitionist. Has been a merchant, a manufacturer, and
for eighteen years prior to 1874 was chief clerk and auditor of the Pittsburg
and Connellsville railway. Has spent most of his life in New York, Ohio,
Pennsylvania and Indiana. Began to use tobacco at eighteen years of age, when he
did so to save his teeth. Used it until his teeth were gone, then quit,
because his hand trembled so he could not write. In a few days after quitting,
the trembling was gone. He believes any man can quit using tobacco or whiskey
if he wants to. He is now in his eighty-eighth year, in fair health, posse
ssing a good hope of heaven, and intends to live as long as he can see any one
alive. Says he likes this world very well, is in no hurry to leave it but ready
to go when the Lord calls.
Michael Doyle, of Van Buren township, was born in Philadelphia November
8, 1802. His father was a native of Ireland. His father was employed for
many years by Stephen Girard, the philanthropist, and Dr. Doyle distinctly
remembers that famous man. Mr. Doyle, while a lad, used to drive his father's and
their neighbors' cows to and from the "pasture," which is now Fairmount
Park,
where the Centennial was held. In 1814 the Doyles moved to Guernsey county,
O., where Michael married Miss Ellen Bucey. In 1838 the young couple moved to
Grant county and settled on the farm where he now resides. Mrs. Doyle died in
1878. Mr. Doyle is an ardent Democrat. He belongs to no church. He uses
liquor sparingly, but not tobacco.
To be continued.........
Sherry Jones Ryan
San Diego
bandbinns(a)aol.com