My Genealogy Hound

JAMES BEATTY BOGGS is an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Johnson County, his farm of one hundred and sixty acres being on section 16, township 45, range 28. At the time he purchased this land, in 1869, there was very little in the way of improvements on it, and there was but one tree on the place, this being a wild plum, which is yet standing in front of the house. Now, however, a fine grove surrounds the residence and other buildings. With characteristic energy, Mr. Boggs set to work to make a good farm, erecting a substantial house and barn, and as the years passed has placed many improvements on the homestead, which have added greatly to its desirability and beauty. He has never had cause to regret his settling in this locality, for he has steadily prospered and is now in possession of a secure competence.

Born November 28, 1831, in Harrison County, Ohio, our subject is a son of William and Martha (Beatty) Boggs, the former of whom was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1802, being a son of Rice Boggs. The latter was probably born in Delaware, where he was married, after which he emigrated to Ohio in very early days, dying on his home farm. In his early manhood William Boggs went to Harrison County, Ohio, where he married and settled down. He had learned the carpenter’s trade, but merchandising was more to his taste, and this business he followed as long as he was able. For a number of years he lived in New Athens, but in 1845 he took up his residence in Cadiz, Ohio.

The school days of James Boggs were passed in New Athens and Cadiz, and it was his privilege to attend Franklin College for a few terms. He remained at home until reaching his majority, when he clerked for his father. For thirteen years he continued in this occupation, after which he was taken into partnership, remaining a member of the firm three years. When he was quite young his mother died, he being the only child by the first union. After the death of his first wife the father re-married, and departed this life in Cadiz in 1883.

August 8, 1867, James Boggs and May E. Thomas, of Blairsville, Pa., were united in marriage. She was born in Pittsburg, October 1, 1842, and is a daughter of Rev. John E. and Roxana (Estep) Thomas. The father, who was a native of Wales, was about sixteen years of age when he came to the United States, and subsequently was a minister in the Baptist denomination. For a few years he lived in the Buckeye State, but was married in Pittsburg, and subsequently was pastor of a church in Allegheny City. Mrs. Boggs received a good education in the public schools of Pittsburg and attended Cannonsburg Seminary when about eighteen years of age, after which she followed teaching for a number of years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs have had four children, of whom the eldest, Albert, was born in Cadiz, and the others in this county. Albert, whose birth occurred October 16, 1868, is a railroad man; Harry Manson, born June 2, 1870, is a railroad-bridge builder; Mode Leslie, who was born March 21, 1874, and James B., August 26, 1882, are at home.

Originally a Whig, Mr. Boggs cast his first Presidential vote for Winfield Scott in 1852, supported Fillmore in 1856, in 1860 voted for Bell and Everett, and in 1868 for Horatio Seymour. Of late years he has been independent, using his right of franchise in favor of men whom he deems best qualified for official honors and responsibilities rather than for party machines. Mr. and Mrs. Boggs are identified with the Presbyterian Church.