The Hissem-Montague Family

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This is the story of the family of David's second son, Thomas, who followed him to Tyler county, Virginia.

Thomas Heysham, the son of David Heysham and Elizabeth Bush, was born on 28 March 1790, or in 1788 or 1789 per his mother, Elizabeth, in Lower Smithfield township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania. In a letter requesting that her deceased husband's pension be transferred to her, Elizabeth Bush Hissam noted that Thomas was her third child by David Heysham.

18 February 1848. "That she was married to the said David Heysham in the month of June in the year 1786 as she believes, but is not certain whether she was married in 1786 or 1787, but is positive that it was in the harvest time of one of those years, as her son Thomas Heysham, will be Fifty years old in next month and he is her third child by her said husband."

9 June 1855. "She is aware that the statement of Josiah Thomas and of her own conflicts as to the year of her marriage. He alledging it to have been a few years sooner than she believed and states it to have been Her reason for her belief, is, that had her third child Thomas Heysham, who died within the last year, been living, he would have been Sixty four years old last March, and from her recollection that she was about nineteen years of age when she was married."

In the 1790 census of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, Thomas' father, David Hysham, was listed. In his household was one male over 16 years old, David, 2 males under 16, Joab and probably Thomas, and 1 female, Thomas' mother, Elizabeth Bush.

In 1795 his father moved the family to Luzerne county, just west of Lower Smithfield. They resided there for 3 years before moving back to Northampton county.

In the 1800 census of Lower Smithfield township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania as David Hysham. In the household of Thomas' father were 3 sons, aged 0-10, probably Thomas, James, and Jesse, 1 son, aged 10-16, Joab, a wife, aged 26-45, Elizabeth, and 1 daughter, aged 0-10, Elizabeth.

Tax lists show that Thomas' father remained in Lower Smithfield until 1807. After this time David Hysham moved the family west to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania where Thomas' uncles, John and Thomas, had moved the decade prior. At between 15 and 17 years old, this would have been a great adventure for Thomas, but a great responsibility as well. He was now big enough and strong enough to take a man's role.

In the 1810 census of South Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Thomas' father, David Hissem was listed. In the household were two boys under 10, David Jr. and Levi, another two who were 10 to 15, James and Jesse, 1 boy 16 to 25, Thomas, and a man 45 and over, David, who would have been 48 years old. The women of the household included four girls under 10 and a woman 26 to 44, Thomas' mother, Elizabeth, who would have been about 43.

Thomas' father only remained in Westmoreland county for about 3 years, moving southwest to Tyler county, Virginia soon after the 1810 census. Thomas' uncle, also named Thomas, joined the move as well. They may have all used the river for their journey. The Youghiogeny river that flows through Westmoreland county feeds into the Monongahela, which forms the Ohio river upon meeting the Allegheny at Pittsburgh. The Ohio river takes the travelor directly past Tyler county. Thomas' brother Joab had remained in Pennsyvania.

Thomas' brothers, Joab, James and David Jr., all served in the War of 1812. Since Thomas was the second eldest son, I assume he served as well, but I have no records to substantiate that. Maybe Thomas' father required him to stay behind to help on the family farm. After all, having 3 of 6 sons in service was more than most families could boast of.

Thomas Hissam married Sarah in 1815 or 1819. She was born in 1797 in Virginia so I believe the marriage occurred in Virginia, vice in Pennsylvania, as some records claim.

In the 1820 census of Tyler county, Virginia there is no evidence of Thomas. He and his new wife may have been living with his father, David Hissem. In that household were one boy 10-16, David Jr., who was about 15, 1 man 26-45, either Thomas or James, and 1 man over 45 years old, David, who would have been 58 years old. Thomas' brother Jesse had a separate household. There were also two girls under 10, one girl 10-16 and one woman over 45, Elizabeth.

In the Tyler county Personal Property Tax List of 1825 were listed,

Hissam? Thomas (the 2nd)
Hissam John
Hewit Daniel
Hughes Jackson
Hanes Nathan
Hains Robert (Exempt)
Hissam David
Hissam Jesse
Hissam Levi
Howel Daniel
Hains William
Hains Benjamin
Hanes John
Hissam Thomas (the 3rd)

This list is only somewhat alphabetical. While they all start with "H," I believe the groupings connote households. That is, of tax-paying adults living in the same residence. This makes sense, and supports my ideas about relationships, in the case of David, Jesse, and Levi - a father and his two adult (unmarried?) sons - and for Thomas (the 3rd) if we assume he was "Thomas of David," an adult son living in his own home, and probably married. See also the two groupings of Hains in the same light.

In the same manner I consider Thomas (the 2nd) and John to be father and son. See the Thomas Hissam of Thomas page for their story.

In the 1830 census of Tyler county, Virginia as Thomas Hisam Jr. In his household are two boys under 5, Abner and Francis, 1 boy aged 5-10, David, one man 30-40 years old, which is Thomas, one girl under five, Elizabeth [?], 1 girl who was 10-15, ?, and one woman 30-40 years old, which would be his wife, Sarah. By the way, there is also a David, Thomas Senr. and Thomas of Thomas Hisam in the same census.

There are at this time a confusing array of Thomas Hisam's, Hissam's and Heysham's, both Senior and Junior, in the census for Tyler county, any one of which could be our man, so if someone wants to argue that the census above, or that immediatley below, is for another member of the family, I cannot put up much of a fight. However, once we get to the 1850 census things become easier, with exact ages and wives & children named, that clear things up marvelously.

In the 1840 census of Tyler county as Thomas Heysham Jr. While I can't be sure this is the right man, the age of the oldest man in the household fits only this Thomas (the other Thomas' are too young or too old). The household includes one boy aged 10-15, Francis, 2 boys 15 to 20, Abner and David, and one man who is 40 to 50, Thomas, who would have been 50 years old. Women in the house include 2 girls under 5, one 10 to 15, and a wife, 50 to 60 years old. But why is he called Jr?

In the 1850 census of Tyler county, unknown township, Thomas Heysham was listed as a 60 year old farmer, born in Pennsylavnia. His property was worth $2000. Living with him were his son, David, a 30 year old farmer, also born in Pennsylvania [?], Thomas' wife, Sarah, 53, of Virginia, as are all of the following, Francis, a 23 year old farmer, Rhody [Rhoda], 19, Emily, 14, and Ann, 12. Abner Heysham was his next neighbor. I think the fact that he named his eldest son David, after his father?, helps confirm his ancestry. See also the will of Thomas Hissem, below, in which he was called "Thomas Hissem of David."

According to the Tyler County Register of Deaths, Thomas Heysham died of the Flux (dysentery) on 28 September 1853, aged 63 years and 6 months. He was a farmer, born in Pennsylvania. His parents weren't named, but his wife was Sarah. It was his son, David Heysham, who provided the information of his death.

Thomas was buried at the Little Methodist Church, Little, Tyler county, West Virginia.

"THOMAS HEYSHAM
DIED
Sept 28, 1853
Aged 63 Year
6 Mos"

Note that Thomas' mother, Elizabeth outlived him by many years. Other members of the family buried in Little, for whom we have tombstones, are Thomas Hisam, Thomas Heysham's cousin, and wives, Jane M. Wallace Hissem, Sarah Ellen Eddy Hissam, and Sarah Jane Thorborn Hissem.

The following is the last will of Thomas Hissem, the son of David.

"I Thomas Hissem of David of Tyler county, Virginia being sick and feeble in body, but of sound mind and [garbled] memory - Knowing the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death, and desiring to make some disposition of the property with which God has blessed me, do make this my last Will and testament in manner following - That is to say -"

"1st. I desire that soon as is convenient after my decease a sufficient portion of my personal property be sold to defray my funeral expenses and to pay all my just debts."

"2ly. I wish and desire that my family remain together during the life time of my wife Sarah Hissem and that they hold all the remaining part of my personal property in common for the use and maintenance of my family in general and I especially enjoin it on my executors to furnish a competent support for my aged mother during her natural life."

"3ly. I give and bequeath to my son Abner Hissem one hundred acres of land on which he now lives which land I give to him his heirs and assigns forever."

"4ly. To my daughter Elizabeth Core I give two hundread dollars out of my property either real or personal to be paid after the death of her mother and as soon as a sale of the above named property (herein after provided for) can be made."

"5ly. It is my desire that at the death of my wife Sarah Hissem my property both real and personal be sold and the proceeds equally divided among my other heirs, to wit, David Hissem, Francis Hissem, Rhoda Hissem, Emily Hissem and Ann Hissem, or if they should prefer, they may divide all the property not otherwise bequeathed both real and personal equally between them. And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my son David Hissem [his eldest surviving son] and my friend Abner Martin my executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills or testaments by me heretofore made. In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand and seal this 14th day of September 1853."

Signed in presents of
us as the last will
and testament of Thomas
Hissem of David

Tom Sexsmith
Thomas J. Hisam
Abner Martin

Thomas Hissem of David his X mark

Tyler county court November Term 1853; This Last Will & Testament of Thomas Hissem of David was presented in court and proven by the oaths of Thomas J. Hisam & Abner Martin [garbled] being witnesses thereto and thereupon the said will was ordered to be recorded and for the Last Will & Testament of the said Thomas Hissem, of David, deed.

Teste D. Hickman Clerk

In the 1860 census of Russell's Mills, Tyler county, West Virginia, as Sarah Hisam, 63 [1797]. She was living with her eldest son, David, and daughters, Emily and Ann, as well as Elizabeth, 99, her mother-in-law. Sarah's son, Francis, was a near neighbor. While Elizabeth was shown as born in Pennsylvania, as expected, so was Sarah.

Sarah appears to have died before the 1870 census was taken.

Thomas and Sarah had the following children:
(23) Elizabeth Heysham (1816), died young
(23) John Heysham (1822), he had no heirs
(23) Elizabeth Heysham/Hissam (1823)
(23) David Heysham/Hisam (1824), he had no heirs
(23) Abner Heysham/Hissam (1825), he had no male heirs
(23) Francis A. Heysham/Hissam (1828)
(23) Rhoda Heysham (1830)
(23) Emily Heysham/Hisam (1837)
(23) Ann Heysham/Hissam (1838)

She died young. Another daughter was given her name.

John Heysham was born in March 1822 per his tombstone. He may be the eldest son of Thomas of David, and I put him here because of the use of the Heysham surname, which is most common in that line. The other of David's sons either resided on the Ohio side of the river, James & David Jr., or, in Jesse's case, had too crowded a birth order. Of David's brother, Thomas, his eldest son, Abner, stayed in Pennsylvania; the next, Thomas, already had a son named John born in 1804; Levi moved to Missouri; and the youngest, John, supposedly moved to Iowa, but left no children.

John Heysham died on 12 September 1853, predeceasing his father, Thomas, by just 16 days. John was buried in the Little United Methodist cemetery in Little, Tyler county, West Virginia. John's tombstone shows that he died on 12 September 1853 at the age of 31 years, 6 months, that is he was born in March 1822, just where there is room in the birth order. Note too that John Heysham was buried in the same graveyard as his supposed father, Thomas Heysham. John's burial is notated as 40311586 and Thomas' as 40311587; that is, there are next to each other. Thomas Hisam of Thomas was also buried there, as 40311588.

John was not listed in his father's will of 1853.

She was born in 1823 in Tyler county. Elizabeth Heysham married Alexander Core in 1839 in Tyler county, West Virginia. She would have been 16 years old. They had five children. Her father, Thomas Hissam of David, provided for her in his will, proved in November 1853,

"4ly. To my daughter Elizabeth Core I give two hundread dollars out of my property either real or personal to be paid after the death of her mother and as soon as a sale of the above named property (herein after provided for) can be made."

Named for his grandfather. He was born between 1820 and 1826 in Tyler county, West Virginia. In the 1850 census of Tyler county as David Heysham, a 30 year old farmer, born in Pennsylvania [sic], living at home with his father, Thomas. I'm fairly certain that Pennsylvania was an error. Note that his mother was born in Virginia.

In the 1860 census of Russell's Mills, Tyler county, West Virginia, as David Hisam, a 34 year old farmer, of Virginia. Living with him were two women listed as house servants, Emily Hisam, 24, and Ann Hisam, 22, who certainly look like his little sisters, and two women keeping house, Sarah Hisam, 63 [1797], his mother, and Elizabeth, 99 [1761], his grandmother. His brother, Francis Hisam, 32, was his next neighbor. While Elizabeth was shown as born in Pennsylvania, as expected, so was Sarah. Everyone else was born in Virginia. Note from Thomas' will above,

"I wish and desire that my family remain together during the life time of my wife Sarah Hissem . . . and I especially enjoin it on my executors to furnish a competent support for my aged mother during her natural life."

Marlene Batdorf found the following in the Tyler county, West Virginina marriage book.

Heysham, David, 36, a farmer, of Tyler, West Virginia, the son of Thomas and Sarah Heysham
married
Archer, Esther, 31, of Tyler county, West Virginia, the daughter of Jos [Joseph] and Sarah Archer
on 16 September 1860.

Heysham, David, a 40 year old widower, of Tyler county, West Virginia, a farmer, the son of Thomas and Sarah Heysham
married
Baker, Margaret J., 30, of Marshall county, West Virginina, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Baker
on 5 September 1864

I do not know when David died, but I haven't found him, nor Margaret, in the 1870 census or later.

Abner was born circa 1825 in Virginia.

Abner Heysham and William M. Swan signed the bond for the marriage of Abner and Jane M. Martin - both Abner and William were literate and signed their names. Abner Heysham married Jane M. Martin on 7 December 1848 in Tyler county. She was born on 6 June 1827 in Virginia, the daughter of Abner Martin and Helen Clark. Abner Martin was a friend of Thomas Heysham, and an executor of his will. Abner and Jane lived next to his father on 100 acres which was later given to Abner in his father's will. Just beyond lived his sister Elizabeth and her husband Alexander Core.

In the 1850 census for Tyler county Abner was the next neighbor of his father, Thomas. The census appears to show that he had a separate home on the same property as his father. He was listed as a 25 year old farmer. Living with him were Jane, 24, and Elizabeth, his 83 year old grandmother, of Pennsylvania. Note that in 1860 Abner's elder brother, David, was taking care of Elizabeth.

His father's will of 1853 granted him 100 acres of land.

"3ly. I give and bequeath to my son Abner Hissem one hundred acres of land on which he now lives which land I give to him his heirs and assigns forever."

In the 1860 census of Tyler county as Abner Hisam, a farmer aged 36 years, with his wife, Jane, 33. He had real property worth $1000 and personal property worth $445. He was the next neighbor of his cousin, Levi Hissem, Jesse's son, and of the Martin's, Jane's folks.

In the 1870 census of Union district, Tyler county as Abner Hissam, a 43 year old farmer, and Jane, 43. He had real estate worth $2,000 and personal property worth $600.

In the 1880 census of the Union district, Tyler county, we have Abner Hisam, a 54 year old farmer, and Jane, his wife, aged 53. He was listed as born in West Virginia, with folks born in Pennsylvania.

Jane died on 29 July 1893. From the Little Cemetery, Little, Tyler county, West Virginia:

"Hissem, Jane M. born June 6, 1827, died July 29, 1893 w/o A [Abner] Age 66y 1m 23d"

Abner next married Sarah Jane Thoburn on 11 March 1895. However, I don't see this in the West Virginia Vital Records. The Thoburns had been neighbors of Abner in the 1850 census. Sarah, the daughter of John Thoburn, was born on 12 February 1858 in Weeling, Ohio county, West Virginia - per the Register of Births (provide by Del Groves).

Abner died circa 1895 and was buried in the Union Church Cemetery [or the Little Cemetary], Little, Tyler county. Sarah had been buried in the same place.

Per one researcher they had a daughter, Emily.

She was born in about 1839 in Virginia. Why wasn't she listed in the 1850 census with her parents? She married Thomas H. Smith. He was born in about 1821, the son of William Smith and Susanah Gorrell. They had a large family. Emily died in about 1913 and was buried in the Beech Run Chapel cemetary, Wasp township, Pleasants county, West Virginina.

He was born on 9 May 1828 [or 1827 per his tombstone] in Pleasants county, West Virginia. In the 1850 census of Tyler county, unknown township, as Francis Heysham, a 23 year old farmer, living with his father, Thomas.

Francis Heysham married Rachel A. Gorrell [prounounced Gare-el] on 20 July 1856 in Tyler county, West Virginia. Francis signed the marriage bond, that is, he was literate. Rachel was born on 5 December 1838 [her tombstone shows 12 December 1836] in Tyler county. Her parents were John Birckhead Gorrell (1805-1880) and Elizabeth Archer (1806-1894). While the following census documents accurately track Francis's life, his age varies wildly. Perhaps he wasn't sure himself. Note also that Francis was the only one of his brothers to leave male heirs.

In the 1860 census of Russell's Mills, Tyler county, West Virginia as Francis Hisam, a 32 year old farm hand. He was a neighbor of his brother, David. His wife was Rachel, 22, and he had a son, John B. Hisam, who was 1 year old.

In the 1870 census of Middlebourne post office, Union township, Tyler county as Frank Hissem, a 37 year old. Living with him were his wife, Rachel, 30, and children, John, 11, Sarah, 10, Bryon, 8, and Joseph, 6, all of Virginia. John Gorrell, Rachel's father, was his next-door neighbor.

In the 1880 census for Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Francis Hissam, a 55 year old farmer. Both of his parents were born in West Virginia. Living with him were his wife, Rachel, 41, and children, John B., 21, who worked in a "B" Shop [blacksmith], Sarah E., 19, Byron A., 18, Joseph, 15, and Sanford G., 6. An Adele Robinson, 11, lived with him. She was listed as an "Ad[opted] Daughter." A John B. Gorrell, 74, who was Rachel's father, lived 'next-door.'

"Francis Hissam Died Feb 5, 1891 Aged 63 Yr 6 Mos 4 Ds," and was buried in the Archers Chael cemetery in Middlebourne, Tyler county, West Virginia.

In the 1900 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Racgek [sic] A. Hissem, a 63 year old widow [December 1836]. Living with her were her son, Joseph E., 36 [October 1863], and his wife, Jane. Rachel was listed as having 5 children, of whom 4 were still living.

Rachel died on 21 January 1910 and was buried in Archers Chapel cemetery in Tyler county, without Frances.

Francis and Rachel's children were:
(24) John B. Hissam (1859)
(24) Sarah E. Hissam (1860)
(24) Byron A. Hissam (1862)
(24) Joseph E. Hissam (1864)
(24) Sanford Gee Hissam (1874)

John B. Hissem, the son of Frances Hissam, a farmer, and his wife, Rachel Hissem, was born on 15 May 1859 in Tyler county, Virginia.

He was in the 1860 census as John B. Hisam, 1. In the 1870 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virgnia as John Hissem, 11. In the 1880 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virgnia as John B. Hissam, 21, still living at home with his father. Occupation: Works in B[lacksmith] shop.

John B. Hissem, 23, married Sarah Ellen Eddy, 23, on 16 May 1882 in Tyler county, West Virginia. Joseph M. Williamson officiated. William Eddy, probably Sarah's father, provided the information for the marriage license. Another record of their marriage indicates that they were both 22 years old. Note that John's niece, (25) Bertha F. Hissom (1887), also married an Eddey. Sarah was born on 5 September 1858. They subsequently moved across the Ohio river, to Monroe county, Ohio.

In the 1900 census of Washington township, Monroe county, Ohio as John B. Hissem, a 41 year old [May 1859] blacksmith, of West Virginia. Living with him were his wife Sarah [Carah in Ancestry.com] E., 41 [September 1859], and children, Bash B., a 17 year old [April 1883] domestic, Joscie D. [Gracie O. in Ancestry.com], 11 [February 1888], and Blanche A., 9 [October 1888].

Sarah died on 28 September 1901. Her tombstone, in the Little United Methodist cemetery, is annotated "w/o J.B." It's interesting that she was buried in Tyler county, vice Monroe county, in Ohio. This was perhaps because the rest of her family was buried there.

After Sarah's death, or perhaps before, J.B. Hissam, 43, moved back across the Ohio river to West Virginia and married [Margaret] Prudence Core, 36, both of Pursley, Tyler county, on 22 March 1903, in Tyler county. A.E. Barnes officiated. The marriage was held at the residence of Mrs. Amanda Core, Prudence's mother. Prudence Core was born in Monangahela county, West Virginia, on 15 August 1866, the daughter of Isaac Core and Amanda Moore.

In the 1910 cenus of Lincoln township, Tyler county, West Virginia as John B. Hissam, a 50 year old blacksmith. Living with him were his wife, Margaret P., 45, and daughters, Vernie R., 6, and Manda L., 3. This was John's second marriage and Margaret's first. They had been married for 6 years.

In the 1920 census of Lincoln township, Tyler county, West Virginia as J. B. Hissam, a 60 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Prudence, 54, and daughters, Rachel B., 15 [this must be the Vernie R., above - the name is actually Rachel Velida], and Mandalie, 13.

Prudence Hissam, a housewife, died of pulmonary tuberculosis on 2 June 1925, aged 58 years, 10 months, 17 days. Interestingly, it was Rachel Hissam that provided the information in the death certificate. This must have been Prudence's daugther, Rachel.

J.B. Hissam, 68, widower, of Wick, Tyler county, the son of Francis and Rachel Gorrell Hissam, then married Lottie Biddle, 62, widow, of Huntington, Cabell county, on 30 March 1929 in Sistersville, Tyler county. J. M. Rice officiated. She was born on 9 May 1860.

John B. Hissam, the son of Frank Hissam and Rachel Gorrell, a blacksmith, of Wick, West Virginia, died on 23 Augest 1935 at the age of 75 in Marrietta, West Virginia - this assumes a birth on 9 May 1860. John and Prudence were buried in the Pursley cemetary, Tyler county.

John and Sarah's children were,
(25) Bash B. Hissem (1883)
(25) Joscie D. Hissem (1888)
(25) Blanche A. Hissem (1888)

John and Prudence's children were,
(25) Rachel V. Hissam (1904)
(25) Mandy Lee Hissam (1906)

Basha B. Hissam, the daughter of John B. Hissam, a farmer, and his wife Sarah E., was born on 27 April 1883 in Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia. In the 1900 census of Washington township, Monroe county, Ohio as Bash B. Hissem, a 17 year old [April 1883] domestic, of West Virginia.

Basha first married Thomas William Fogle. He died in 1908. Before 1910 she married Floyd Nelson Hayes. Basha Bell Hayes died on 25 January 1949 and was buried in the Spring Grove cemetery in East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio.

Graceodery Hissam, the daughter of J.B. Hissam, a blacksmith of Shiloh, and Sarah E. Eddy, of Lickskillet [great name!], was born on 8 February 1888 in Lickskittle, Tyler county, West Virginia. In the 1900 census of Washington township, Monroe county, Ohio as Joscie D. [Gracie O. in Ancestry.com] Hissem, 11 [February 1888], of West Virginia.

Addie Hissam, the daughter of J.B. Hissam, a blacksmith of Shiloh, and Sarah Ellen Eddy, of Falls Mills, West Virginia, was born on 28 October 1889 in Wick, Tyler county, West Virginia. In the 1900 census of Washington township, Monroe county, Ohio as Blanche A. Hissem, 9 [October 1888], of West Virginia.

She was born on 13 March 1904. She may have originally been named Vernie R. [Rachel?] Hissam. I wonder if the census taker in 1930 misheard her middle initial as B when it should have been V? A descendent provided the following:

"I have been recently reading your book online about the Hissam Family. I wanted to give you a little insight into the Rachel (B.), actually V. for Velida, Hissam line. Rachel was my husband's Grandmother and mother of John E. He was an illegitimate son. The story goes that a farmhand of J.B.'s had his way with two of John's daughters. They both became pregnant, and when this became known, the farmhand was given the choice of which one to marry. He chose Grandma Rachel's sister, leaving John without a legitimate father. This farmhand's name was Delbert Weekley. I hope this doesn't get the family mad at me, but it is the story I was personally told by John, my father-in-law. He said the only time he remembers his father trying to see him was when he brought him a bicycle. J.B. would have none of it, and told him to take his bicycle and leave. Maybe a DNA test would be the only way to resolve the issue." - Robin Lee Wright Hissam

Rachel Hissam, 22, the daughter of J.B. and Prudence Hissam, of Wick, Tyler county, married Bernard [Elias] Wells, 19, a farmer, the son of P.S. and Clara Wells, of Meadville, Tyler county, on 8 May 1926, in Tyler county. M.T. Smith officiated. Bernard was born on 8 July 1907 in West Virginia, the son of Philip S. and Clara Wells. In the 1930 census the couple were living with his folks. Their first son, John, was 8 years old, implying a pre-marital birth [see above]. Their other children were listed with birth dates starting in a more reasonable 1926. She died on 1 October 1989 in New Middleton, Jefferson county, Ohio.

An illegitimate son, often called John Hissam, and according to a descendent, the son of Delbert Weekley. He was born on 24 February 1922. In the 1930 census as John Wells, though his birth was 4 years before the wedding of Rachel Hissam and Bernard Wells.

John married Betty Blanche Knox. Her tombstone: "Hissam, Betty nee Knox 31 August 1924-27 March 1981." John died on 3 February 2003 in Chester, Hancock county, West Virginia. His tombstone at the Locust Hill cemetery listed him as "Hissam, John E. Sr. 24 February 1922-03 February 2003."

They had five children,
(27) Clara [Hissam], she married Brady Clutter
(27) John E. [Hissam] Jr. (1945)
(27) Perry Alonzo [Hissam] (c1946)
(27) David Lee [Hissam] (c1950)
(27) Nancy [Hissam], she married Guy Lindensmith and had four children.

John was born on 3 September 1945. John Hissam Jr. married Ora Louise Ryan. She was born on 28 June 1946 in New Cumberland, West Virginia.

In the public records that list John E. Hissam, aged 84, living in Chester, West Virginia are also records of a John E. Hissam, aged 60, living in the same town, and at times the same address, 418 Chester Newell Road, B. Also listed simply as John Hissam Sr. and John Hissam Jr. in the Chester phone book.

I recently received an email from John's daughter, Betty.

"Hi Steve,

This is Betty Hissam. I am the daughter of John Edward Hissam Jr. We have a Hissam/Knox family reunion this Sunday at Chester, WV city park and me and my sister Karen Mcoy/Hissam were researching our family tree and found your website. It is amazing.

The following information should fill in some of your missing branches. My father is John Edward Hissam Jr. born in 1922 Febuary 4th. He is not the fire chief in Chester. He has been a saager maker since he was 17 yrs. old and has lived in Chester, WV. all his life. He married Ora Louise Ryan. They are both still living. His father was John Edward Hissam Sr. He married Betty Blanche Knox. They had 5 children. Clara Hissam, Perry Alonzo Hissam, John Edward Hissam Jr., David Hissam, and Nancy Hissam. We don't know who is the father of my grandfather [probably Delbert Weekley, see above]. However, are hoping to find out Sunday at our reunion. Clara Hissam married Brady Clutter. They had 3 children. Tammy, Amy, and Shelly Clutter. Perry married Nancy Sue Karcher. They had 4 children. Tonya, Randy, Idonna, and Crystal. Dave Hissam married Robin Wright. They had 3 children. (not sure of their names. They moved to Georgia.) Nancy married Guy Lindensmith. They had 4 children. Deborah, Pamela, Kimberly, and Guy. John Hissam (my father) married Ora Louise Ryan. They had 4 children. Sherry,Karen, Betty(myself), and Tina. Karen married Jerry McCoy. They had 2 children. Bishop, and Mariah. Tina, Sherry, and myself are not married. Tina has 2 children. Jeffery Hissam and Vanessa Hissam. I (Betty) have 3 children. Tori, Noah, and Charlotte Feicht. Their father is Joel Feicht. Thank you so much for all the research you did on our family. I enjoyed reading it and I am sure the rest of the family will also. After the reuinion I hope some more of the missing branches will be filled in and I will Email you again."

John died on 29 May 2014.

"John E. Hissam Jr. 68 passed away peacefully at his home in Chester on Thursday May 29, 2014 with his loving family at his side. A son of the late John E. Hissam Sr. and Betty Knox Hissam, he was born here on September 3, 1945. For 47 years John worked at New Castle Refractories in Newell, last working as a drawer. He attended the former Wells High in Newell. John's family was the most important thing in his life. His passion for the great outdoors was evident with the way he lived his life. John was adamant that his grandchildren followed in his footsteps learning how to hunt and fish. In addition, one of his greatest joys in life was being able to attend his grandchildren's sporting events. His brother, Perry Hissam and sister, Nancy Lindensmith preceded him in death. John's devoted wife of 48 years whom he married on January 17, 1966, Ora Ryan Hissam survives at home. He also leaves his children Sherry, Betty and Tina Hissam of Chester, Karen McCoy and husband Bear of Hookstown. His grandchildren include Jefferey and Vanessa Hissam, Tori, Noah, and Charlotte Feicht, and Bishop and Mariah McCoy. In addition he leaves his brother, Dave Hissam (Robin) of Chester, his sister Clara Clutter (Brady) of Wellsville, his sister in-law Sue Hissam of East Liverpool and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends."

The daughter of John Hissam Jr. She was born on 13 December 1968. She is not married.

The daughter of John Hissam Jr. She was born on 2 May 1970. She married Jerry McCoy and had two children.

The daughter of John Hissam Jr. She was born on 10 December 1972. She had three children, Tory Sue Hissam (1995), Noah and Charlotte. Their father was Joel Feicht. She is not married.

The daughter of John Hissam Jr. She was born on 19 April 1976. She had two children, Jeffrey Hissam, born in 1993, and Infant Hissam, born 1996. She is not married.

He was born on 27 November 1946 in West Virginia. He died in East Liverpool, Ohio at the age of 48. In the Locust Hill cemetery is a tombstone that reads, "Hissam, Perry Alonzo 27 November 1946-19 February 1995." His mother's maiden name was Knox. Alonzo married Nancy Sue Karcher. Alonzo had 12 years of schooling, was in automobile assembly, and was an Army veteran. They had four children,

Of West Virginia. He married Robin Wright and had three children. They moved to Georgia. From David's wife, Robin:

"Oh, by the way, we are the David Lee Hissam family, who moved to Georgia. Our three daughters are:
1. Darci Lee Hissam Francis, born June 7, 1979, married Jeffrey "Daniel" Francis. They have three children:
a. Emma Abigail Francis, December 30, 2006
b. Jeffrey "Tobin" Francis, March 16, 2009
c. Alise Marie Francis, June 9, 2011

2. Trisha Lee Hissam, born May 29, 1985

3. Kassi Lee Hissam, born October 16, 1987

My father and I have been doing our history for going on 20 years. He passed away in September 2008, and I am combining his research with my own. My hope is to one day put together a book as well. You have written quite an enjoyable read, along with the history of the times. My girls will truly enjoy reading this online. What a legacy! Thank you for all of your hard work.

Now I am looking for the right Mary Hissam who married one of my ancestors, from the Lamp(e) family. I am hoping that my husband and I do not share a common ancestry, at least until we get back to Noah! LOL But many families did come from "down river" to work in Chester, WV, at the Homer Laughlin China Company and other businesses.

- Robin Lee Wright Hissam"

Hi, I'm Kassi Lee (Hissam) Poole, daughter of David Hissam (the ones who moved to GA) and I was doing some research on my family when I came across your website. It is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for putting so much time into it. I just wanted to give you an update. I married Matthew Levi Poole on 10-31-10 and we now have a son, Malachi Nathaniel Poole born 11-11-11. Again thank you so much for all the information. I will now be able to tell my child a little bit more about where he came from. Kassi Poole

Mandy Lee Hissam, the daughter of J.B. and Prudence Hissam, was born on 22 May 1906 in Little, Tyler county, West Virginia. The physician was Victor Hugo Dye. She died in 1925, only 19 years old. This was the same time her mother, Prudence died. I don't, however, see anything on her death in the state vital records. She was buried in the Pursley cemetary, Tyler county. Her tombstone notes that she was the "d/o J.B. & Prudence."

She was born on 20 July 1860 in Tyler county. Sarah E. Hissam, 20, married George Eberly Williamson, 24, on 4 March 1881 in Tyler county, West Virginia. He was born on 15 September 1857. Sarah E. Williamson, the wife of G.E. Williamson and the daughter of F. and R. Hissem, died of consumption on 4 November 1887, or October per her tombstone, aged 27 years, 4 months, in Tyler county.

Byron A. Hissam, the son of Francis and Rachel Hissam of Middle Island Creek, was born on 2 March 1862 in Tyler county, West Virginia. In the 1870 census of Middlebourne post office, Union township, Tyler county as Bryon Hissem, 8. In the 1880 census for Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Byron A. Hissam, 18. A Farmer.

Byron A. Hissem, 19, married Paragade Carter, 19, of Pleasants county, on 9 November 1882 in Tyler county, West Virginia - per the marriage register. Parazade was her name per her marriage certificate. Francis Hissem provided the information in the marriage certificate.

In the 1900 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Byron A. Hissem, a 38 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Parigade A., 37 [December 1862], and children, Floyd A., 16 [August 1883], Orpheus L., 13 [December 1886], Rilla V., 11, [March 1889], and Carman D., a son, 5 [August 1894]. Next door was his mother, Rachel A. Hissem, and his young brother, Joseph E., with his wife, Jane. His wife's name gets regularly butchered. One version is Parizala.

Sometime between 1900 and 1910 all of his children moved to East Liverpool, Ohio. In the 1910 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Byron A. Hissam, a 48 year old farmer. Living with him was his wife, Gade, a 47 year old carpet weaver.

In the 1920 census of Union township as Byron A. Hissam, a 57 year old farmer. Living with him was his wife, Paradcarte [sic], 57.

In the 1930 census of Union township as Byron A. Hissam, a 68 year old farmer. Living with him was his wife, Partigade A., 67.

Byron Hissam, the husband of Parizade Hissam and son of Francis Hissam and Rachel Gorrell, died of chronic int. nephritis, on 28 August March 1936, aged 74 years, 5 months, 27 days, and was buried in the Friendly cemetery in Tyler county, West Virginia. Parigade [Parizade] Hissam died in 1939. They were buried next to each other in the Friendly cemetery in Tyler county, West Virginia. Note that in this same cemetary there are tombstones [though no photographs online at this time] for,

Clyde J. Hissom, 1913-1989, of the James R. Heysham line
Frances H. Hissom, 1913-1996, [a wife possibly of above?]
Larry Joe Hisam, 1951-1989, see Thomas Hissom Branch, and
Gayle Hisam, 1907-1983, annotation US Navy WWII.

Byron's children were,
(25) Floyd Albert Hissam (1883)
(25) Orpheus L. Hissam (1886)
(25) Rilla Vesta Hissam (1889)
(25) Carman D. Hissam (1894)

Floyd Hissem, the son of Byron A. Hissem, a farmer, and his wife, Parzadie Hissem, was born in Union county, West Virginia on 1 November 1883.

In the 1900 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Floyd A. Hissem, 16 [August 1883]. Next door was his grandmother, Rachael A. Hissem. I want to thank Jo Ann Hissam Wilson for providing and correcting much of the information below.

Floyd married Lela [Lelia] Firilla [Frila] Hart on 17 August 1907. I don't see this in the WV vital records. Did this marriage occur in Ohio? Lela was born on 1 November 1885, the daughter of Jonas Hart and Mary E. Smith.

In the 1910 census as Floyd Hissem, age 25, of 3-WD East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio. Living with him were his wife, Lela, 24 of West Virginia, and Twile B. [sic], 1, who was born in Ohio. Four non-relatives were living with them [boarders?].

Floyd registered for the draft on 12 September 1918 at the age of 35. He was a self-employed barber living in Chester, Hancock county, West Virginia. He had blue eyes and brown hair.

In the 1920 census of the Grant district, Hancock county, West Virginia as Floyd Hissam, a 35 year old barber with his own shop. Living with him are his wife, Lela, 35, Twila, 11, Donald, 9, Viva, 4, and Roberta, 2. They were all born in West Viriginia, except for Twila and Donald, who were born in Ohio. Note that Hancock county is just across the river from East Liverpool.

In the 1930 census of Chester, Grant district, Hancock county, West Virginina as Floyd Hissam, a 46 year old barber with his own shop. Living with him are his wife, Lela, 44, Twyla, 21, who was working in a department store, Donald, 19, who was a 'rougher' in a Tire Mill, Viva, 13, Roberta, 11, Alvera, 9, Floyd Jr., 5, and George C., 2.

Floyd A. Hissam died on 19 February 1949 of a coronary thrombosis, in Hancock county, West Virginia at the age of 65. He was buried in the Locust Hill cemetary of Chester, West Virginia. He was a barber. He was noted to be the son of Byron Hissam and Perzitta Wells. Donald Hissam, his son, was listed as the informant.

Lela died on 21 January 1980. She was buried at Locust Hill and her tombstone marked "Hissam, Lela F. 1885-1980." The 2002 Wyoming Obituaries lists Floyd Hissam.

Their children were,
(26) Twyla B. Hissam (1908)
(26) Donald Lester Hissam (1910)
(26) Viva Hissam (1916)
(26) Roberta Hissam (1918)
(26) Alvera Hissam (1921)
(26) Floyd "Stu" Hissam Jr. (1924)
(26) George Curtis Hissam (1928)

Or Twila. Her middle initial may be D. She was born on 10 August 1908 in Ohio. She married Clair Cramer Finley. He was born on 11 April 1898 and died in February 1958. Twyla H. Finley died on 14 February 1995 and was buried in the Locust Hill cemetery in Chester, Hancock county, West Virginia.

He was born in Ohio on 27 April 1910. At 19 he was a 'rougher' in a Tire Mill. A rougher operates a roughing machine [does that clarify things?]. He was a member of the Chester Volunteer Fire Department. He married Dorothy Mae Davis on 10 August 1935. She was born on 24 November 1913.

In 1931 fireman Donald Hissam was selected to attend a fire school at West Virginia Universtiy at Morgantown. In 1951 he became a superintendent of the Civil Defense program. He was the Superintendent of the Chester Water Works from at least 1950. An article about his son, Jerry, said, he was "superintendent of the waterworks plant and a volunteer fireman."

I recently received the photograph below from Donald's daughter, Jo Ann Hissam Wilson.

"I believe the small child is my father, Donald L. Hissam. The man holding him is possibly Floyd A. Hissam, his father. The lady with her hand on his shoulder is probably Lela Hart Hissam. Twila Hissam is the little girl. I have no idea who the others are." - Jo Wilson

Donald died in East Liverpool on 22 May 1975 and was buried in the Locust Hill cemetary. He was, however living in Chester, Hancock county, West Virginia at the time. Dorothy Mae died on 22 December 1984 and was buried at Locust Hill cemetery.

Donald's children were,
(27) Jo Ann Hissam (1936)
(27) Carol L. Hissam (1939)
(27) Donna Delores Hissam (1940)
(27) Gerald Keith Hissam (1944)
(27) Karen Lee Hissam (1945)
(27) Linda Kay Hissam (1946)
(27) John Floyd Hissam (1947)
(27) Robert Dean Hissam (1952)

She was born on 7 March 1936. She married Charles L. Wilson of Hammondsville on 17 September 1956. He was born on 23 July 1931. Their children were Michael Ray, Donald Samuel, Steven Charles, Clark Richard, and Carolyn Jo.

She was born on 20 May 1939. She married a Williams. Carol died on 17 July 2004. Her obituary:

"Carol L. (Hissam) Williams, 65, formerly of Alicia Arms Apt's, died Saturday, July 17, 2004 following a long illness. She was born in Chester on May 20, 1939, a daughter of the late Donald L. and Dorothy M. (Davis) Hissam. Mrs. Williams retired from the Hills Dept. Store in Aliquippa as a Dept. Head; was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Chester; and graduated from Chester High School in 1957. She was a very active member of the Chester American Legion Ladies Aux. Post 121, holding many offices over the years and was the Past President of the State Aux. in 1988. She also was a member of Chester VFW Ladies Aux. Post 6450 and East Liverpool Moose Lodge Ladies Auxiliary. Survivors include three brothers, Jerry Hissam of Hot Springs, Ark., John Hissam and wife Cheryl and Robert Hissam and wife Connie both of Chester; four sisters, Mrs. JoAnn Wilson and her husband A. Charles of Hammondsville, Ohio, Donna Lee of Chester, Mrs. Karen Plimpton and her husband James of New Manchester, W.Va. and Mrs. Linda Allen and her husband Daniel, Jr. of East Liverpool; and many nieces and nephews. The Rev. Debra Dague of the church will officiate a memorial service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 22, at the First United Methodist Church, 240 Carolina Ave., Chester, W.Va. Friends may visit one hour prior to service at church. Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to a favorite charity. The Arner Funeral Chapel is in charge of services."

Of Chester. She was born on 27 October 1940. She attended Chester High School from 1955 to 1959, graduating in that year. She married Ralph Edward Lee on 12 October 1964. He was born on 6 March 1940 and died on 20 May 1997. They had no children.

Of Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born in Chester, West Virginia on 29 April 1944. He graduated from Chester High School in 1962. He married Joan Mary Bonella Harvey, the daughter of Manuel and Jessie Bonnello. on 13 October 1974. She was born on 21 August 1940 and brought two step-children, Keith and Katherine, to the family. Jerry is apparently a horse racing Jockey agent, closely affiliated with a winning jockey, Calvin Borel. Note that Oaklawn Park is the local horse racing venue. The following is from an article sparked by the recent Triple Crown racing news.

"Jerry Hissam was born in Chester, W. Va., on Apil 29, 1944. His father was superintendent of the waterworks plant and a volunteer fireman, his mother was a housewife raising eight kids. A generally precocious youngster, Hissam was already running things at the tender age of 18, when he managed two bars near the old Waterford Park, now Mountaineer Park. He became good friends with a regular client, a jockey named Terry Lipham, and once Lipham brought him to the racetrack, he never left.

It started with a broken air conditioner. Hissam was working the track at age 19, hot walking and making his money in the valet parking and mutual departments. He moved up to supervisor of mutuals in a private turf club, where Mr. James F. Edwards had a suite. Mr. James F. Edwards owned the track.

"One day we had a malfunction of the air conditioner," Hissam recalls, "It was extremely hot and Mr. Edwards told me to go ahead and take my (uniform) coat off. I said, 'No, I'll be alright, boss.' The next day he came and asked me if wanted to be a racing official."

Young Hissam had no concept of what that profession entailed, but he was game. He showed up the next morning at 8 a.m. to meet with the racing secretary.

"Here son," said the secretary. "Get a pencil, an entry pad, and a condition book, and start taking entries over there at booth one."

"I'm sorry, sir," said the befuddled Hissam. "I do know what a pencil is, but I've never seen a condition book."

Six months later he was hustling entries for the West Virginia Derby.

Back in those days, jobs in the racing office didn't offer much room for advancement. The racing secretaries didn't move around that much and the stewards practically lived there forever. Jockey agents were always coming into the place, and before long Hissam decided to give that job a try. His first jock was a kid named Jimmy "Slashin'" Sluss, who rode at Toledo Raceway in the days of Kelso and Buckpasser and Damascus.

"I worked with him for a while and we kept moving around," Hissam says. "Then I had a kid named O.W. Guarst, but only for about two years. I started going to Hot Springs in 1968 and they told me, 'it's live or die here.' I said, 'Well, I might not live, but when I die I want to be buried here.'"

He picked up the book of Sam Maple, who tied Larry Snyder for the riding title at Oaklawn Park, went to Detriot and became the leading rider there, was leading rider at the Meadowlands in 1977 even though he'd never been in that part of the country in his life. They were together for six years, and when they parted ways Hissam took on David Whited, who became the leading rider at Churchill Downs in 1981.

He managed Whited's mounts, and took on a few other nondescript riders, for the next 10 years. Then, in the spring of 1991, he found the perfect fit.

It happened this way. Snyder's old agent, 'Windy' Smith, was very good friends with Hissam. He taught him a lot about the business, like that you should never handicap the races, because you'd be wrong nine times out of 10, and how you should always remain loyal to the trainers you were riding for. Things like that.

"Well, he called and said, 'Jerry, this kid is coming out of Louisiana and he just lost his agent down there; you ought to take his book, he's got a lot of talent,'" Hissam says. "So I said, 'All right, I'll wait for him to get here.' And I was sitting at the racetrack gate the next morning when he came."

Calvin Borel, then 24, rolled through the gates at Oaklawn Park with an agent already employed. But about halfway through the meet, after winning a small number of races, he returned to Hissam.

"You still interested in taking my book?" He asked.

Hissam was.

Fast forward through more than 4,000 winners, riding titles at tracks in Louisiana, Kentucky and Arkansas, grade 1 wins in the $1 million Super Derby, the Arkansas Derby, the Apple Blossom Handicap, and the Stephen Foster Handicap at odds of 92-1. In 2007, the duo took the Kentucky Derby aboard James Tafel's Street Sense for trainer Carl Nafzger. And this year, Borel became only the second rider in history to win the Kentucky Oaks (on Rachel Alexandra), the Kentucky Derby (on Mine That Bird) and the Preakness Stakes (on Rachel Alexandra again). Calvin aboard Mine That Bird, left.

"I never thought we'd reach the pinnacle we've reached," Hissam says. "Of course, you dream of things like this, but I've worked 40 years as an agent and to see something like this happen, we've been very blessed."

The down-to-earth Borel and his agent have formed a mutual admiration society, each claiming to have never spoken "two cross words" to the other. And while it's generally easy to find an enemy or two among the racetrack ranks, Hissam seems not to have acquired many in his tenure with the Cajun jockey.

"I hope that we've prided ourselves on class or on doing the right thing," Hissam says. "Hopefully we do the right thing and when it comes down to the decisions we've made up to this point, this moment, I know we can sleep at night."

This year, Hissam and his rider have been the center of a game of musical jockeys, as they took off their Kentucky Derby-winning mount to ride Rachel Alexandra to victory in the Preakness. Now it is uncertain as to whether Borel will ride Mine That Bird in the Belmont Stakes, since everyone is waiting for Rachel Alexandra's connections to announce whether the filly will also run. But Hissam says the situation is not as difficult as it has been made out to be. There was never any decision when it came to choosing between the two horses.

"It's something I can't get across to people," he says. "I've told them a hundred times, there was no decision involved. When (trainer) Chip Woolley called and asked me about riding Mine That Bird, I made the decision to ride but I told Chip up front right then, that if at any time this filly crossed their path, they would need a different jockey. I thought we were 100 percent safe anyway because at that time they weren't gonna run her against the boys, but people change their minds so I still mentioned it. And the Oaks comes, and she wins, and she's sold, and boom, here comes the Preakness, and it was a no-brainer. I was riding that filly as long as Mr. Jackson wanted us, we think she's the best horse in the country, boy or girl, and we're committed to ride her wherever she goes."

And Hissam says he has nothing but the utmost respect for the connections of their Derby mount.

"It's very complimentary of the Mine That Bird people, Chip and his owners, for being so patient to wait and see what the outcome is," he says. "We're so appreciative of their patience, they've been unbelievably gracious."

For now, Hissam will manage the media and drive his old 1994 Cadillac Sedan Seville around the backside at Churchill Downs, racking up the miles as he puts his down-to-earth rider on more horses. Trainers say his key to success is simple -- running his business with extreme loyalty to his clients, and managing the schedule of a very, very good rider.

"I think I've been dealing with Jerry ever since he's been in Kentucky," said Ian Wilkes, who assisted Nafzger in the training of Street Sense. "I've found him very easy to deal with, very loyal. It's a case of being loyal and having a good jock -- for any agent, that's half the battle."

3 April 2013:

"Jerry Hissam, the agent who represented jockey Calvin Borel through three Kentucky Derby wins and a Horse of the Year campaign with Rachel Alexandra, said on Wednesday that he has retired. Hissam, 68, has been battling an infection in his pancreas since January, and said he has lost 71 pounds.

"I'm improving, but I'm still stuck at home," he said Wednesday. "I'm retired."

Hissam said earlier this year that the infection is a complication from a gall bladder operation he had on Dec. 27. He also had heart bypass surgery in December. Hissam began the current Oaklawn meet representing Borel, but when he had to address the infection agent Doc Danner began filling in for Hissam.

Hissam said he was an agent for 42 years, with 22 of them spent with Borel, who reached the heights of racing with Kentucky Derby wins on Street Sense (2007), Mine That Bird (2009), and Super Saver (2010). Hissam also has represented Sam Maple, Larry Snyder, and David Whited.

Whited is now a trainer. It was aboard one of his charges that Borel won the 5,000th race of his career March 7 at Oaklawn. Borel estimates 4,000 of his wins came with Hissam.

"It was really special having his book," Hissam said of Borel. "Everybody has been wonderful."

Hissam is a West Virginia native who got his start in racing going to the track with his friend, Terry Lipham, a jockey who won the prestigious All American Futurity for Quarter Horses and successfully transitioned to Thoroughbreds, with Grade 1 winner Bates Motel among his more notable mounts.

Hissam said he will retire in Hot Springs, Ark., where he has had a home since 1974."

She was born on 10 October 1945. She married James Plimpton of New Manchester, West Virginia on 25 September 1964.

She was born on 19 October 1946. She married Daniel H. Allen Jr. of East Liverpool, Ohio on 9 October 1967. He was born on 12 June 1947.

Of Chester. He was born on 13 November 1947. He married Cheryl Frances Manypenny on 14 May 1977. She was born on 12 December 1951. The following is from an award he won.

Inductees to the Chester, W.V., Hall of Fame.
"John Floyd Hissam

Chester Fire Chief John Floyd Hissam was born in 1947 and attended school in Chester. After graduating from Oak Glen High School, Hissam joined the Marine Corps and served his country in Vietnam. Hissam was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Combat Medal, and two Presidential Unit certificates.

Hissam returned to Chester in 1970, when he joined the Chester Volunteer Fire Department. He was elected Lieutenant in 1974 and Captain one year later. Hissam became Assistant Chief in 1984 and was elected Fire Chief in 1991, a position he has held since.

Hissam is also active in the Chester VFW Post 6450 and the American Legion Post No. 121. He serves as president of the Civil Service Board.

Hissam is married to Cheryl Manypenny and they have two children." - from "The Review" of 23 June 2009.

He was born on 26 May 1972. He was Cheryl's son and John adopted him. The head coach of the Golden Bears, the Oak Glen, West Virginia high school boys basketball team. He was a process server with The Hancock County Sheriff's Department and is now a 1st Lt with the Chester Police Department. He is married to a Tiffany Swerengen, they have 2 childen, a girl Jadeyn and Jared a boy.

She was born on 23 January 1978.

Of Chester. He was born on 10 October 1952. He married Connie [Corrine?] Jean McGurren on 29 May 1976. She was born on 16 November 1954. Their children were,
(28) Michael Shawn Hissam (1973)

He was born on 9 January 1973. He was Connie's son by a previous marriage and subsequently adopted by Robert.

The daughter of Floyd A. and Lela Firilla (Hart) Hissam. She was born on 18 June 1916. She married a Johnston and resides in Oldsmar, Florida. She was 90 in June and was "holding up quite well." However, here's an exerpt from her obituary,

"Viva I. Johnston, 91, of Oldsmar, Fla., passed away peacefully, Nov. 26, 2007, at home, with her loving daughter, Judy Johnston, at her side.

She was born in Chester, to Floyd and Lela Hissam.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Oscar V. Johnston, and five brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her sister, Roberta Harris; two sisters-in-law, Jean Hissam and Kathleen Moore; and many nieces and nephews.

The daughter of Floyd A. and Lela Firilla (Hart) Hissam. She was born on 18 December 1918. She married Edward Harris of East Liverpool and today resides in Mount Dora, Florida. Ed died on 6 February 1988. I was recently informed that Roberta had passed away, on 30 March 2010.

Or Alveria. The daughter of Floyd A. and Lela Firilla (Hart) Hissam. She was born on 9 November 1920.

Known as Stu. The son of Floyd A. and Lela Firilla (Hart) Hissam. He was born on 6 July 1924 [1925 per the "History of the Rousch Family in America] in Chester, West Virginia. He was raised and educated at Chester. Floyd Hissam Jr. enlisted as a Private in the U.S. Army on 6 March 1943 at Fort Hayes, Columbus county, Ohio. He was a single man, with no dependents, and had four years of high school with an occupation of machinists helper. He served on the K-9 Dog Corps. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Robinson, Nebraska.

After the war Floyd married Norma Jean Ruffing on 4 February 1947 at Chester. Norma Jean, the daugher of Michael Joseph Ruffing, was born on 3 February 1929 in Sioux county, Nebraska.

Floyd and Jean continued to live in the East Liverpool/Chester area through at least 1951. In April & May of 1951 Floyd put several notices in the newspaper in an effort to recover his wife's wristwatch, lost on the Chester bus.

Jean was from Crawford, Nebraska and the couple moved back there after 1951. Floyd was the postmaster at Crawford and a horse wrangler and trail guide at Fort Robinson. He also was a part-time employee at Converse County Weed and Pest. He had been a member of the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department and the Lions Club, a Boy Scout leader, sports referee, church choir director and on the Crawford School Board.

He may have lived in Largo, Florida in 1994, or perhaps he was just visiting.

After 1994 he lived in Douglas, Wyoming at 429 South 5th street. His middle initial was shown as R. Could that be a mistranscription for Stewart? He died on 4 February 2002 at the age of 81 at Memorial hospital of Converse county, in Douglas, Wyoming. He was buried in the Douglas Park cemetary.

"Floyd Hissam was the son of Floyd and Lela Firila (Hart) Hissam. In March 1943, Mr. Hissam joined the Army and served as a member of the K-9 Corps, being stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Fort Benning, Ga.; and Fort Robinson, Neb. He married Jean Ruffing in Chester, W.V. and they would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary Feb. 5. He is survived by his wife Jean of Douglas; children Mike Hissam and wife Jewell of Douglas, Cathy and husband Perry Moody of Newark, Ohio; Cheri and husband Ron Grant of Chadron, Neb.; and Mark Hissam and wife Sandy of Alliance, Neb.; sisters Roberta Harris of Mount Dora, Fla.; and Viva Johnston of Oldsmar, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Don and George and sisters Twyla and Alvera. (Information was obtained from his obituary and cemetery records.)"

He had four children, Mark Hissam of Alliance, Mike Hissam of Douglas, Cathy Moody of Newark, Ohio, and Cheri Grant of Chadron; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He also was survived by two sisters, Roberta Harris of Mount Dora, Fla., and Viva Johnston of Oldsmar, Fla.

His children were,
(27) Michael F. Hissam (1947)
(27) Cathy Hissam (c1950)
(27) Cheri Hissam (c1950)
(27) Mark J. Hissam (1959)

The son of Floyd "Stu" Hissam. He was born on 1 October 1947. Of Douglas, Wyoming. He married Robyn L. She was born in 1968. Robyn Hissam attended Northwest College, in Powell, Wyoming from 1986-1988.

I also have a Floyd Hissam with a phone number in Douglas, Wyoming, but at a different address than Michael.

Of Powell, Wyoming. Jill attended Powell High School, in Powell, Wyoming from 1983-1987. Another Jill Hissam did so in 2003-2007. There may be a brother, Jack [no kidding]. She married a VanAntwerp. At right is Jewell, left, and Jill, right.

Or was this Michael's wife? Of Powell, Wyoming. Jean R. Hissam and Jewell Hissam were mentioned under "Accounts Payable" in the Converse county, Wyoming Board of Commissioners meeting minutes 0f 2 September 2008. Jewell Hissam is an EDSD Support Dispatcher & Purchasing Agent in Caspar, Wyoming. I believe these are federal jobs.

Kirk Hissam was a 2004 graduate of the Wyoming Library Leadership Institute. It provides an opportunity for librarians and others associated with libraries to learn about leadership potential. The Technology Services director of the Converse county, Wyoming library.

The daughter of Floyd "Stu" Hissam. Crawford High School, Crawford, Nebraska Alumni: Cathy Hissam 1965-1969. She married Perry Moody of Newark, Ohio.

The daughter of Floyd "Stu" Hissam. She married Ron Grant of Chadron, Nebraska.

The son of Floyd "Stu" Hissam; he appears to be called Stu as well. He was born on 1 January 1959. Of Alliance, Nebraska. He married Sandra K. Callan. She was born in 1952. Phonebook: Mark J. and Sandy Hissam, 672 W. 20th Street, Alliance, Nebraska.

I have a Stu Hissam in the Alliance, Nebraska phonebook as late as 2003, a year after Floyd S. Hissam died.

"Stu Hissam, Alliance [Nebraska] locomotive engineer, and his wife, Sandy [Callan?], had to think and act quickly Oct. 5 when they encountered a suddend car fire . . ." - from the "Powder River Reflection" magazine of the BNSF railroad of November 2008

"Host couples [for the wedding of Jami Lynn Brennemann, Parents of the couple are Sharon Brennemann of Alliance, Will Brennemann of Fairbanks, Alaska] were Mark and Sandy Hissam, Chris and Kim Abbott, uncles and aunts of the bride, and Mark and Peg Glover, uncle and aunt of the bridegroom. [so both Stu and Hank have wives named Sandy] The reception was at the Alliance Eagles Club. The cake was made by the bride's mother and served by Carri Redmond of Rapid City and Tiffani Hissam of Alliance, cousins of the bride."

I also show a Tiffani "Tip" Hissam of Alliance, Nebraska.

Of Chester. He was born on 09 April 1928 [1927?], the son of Floyd A. and Lela Firilla (Hart) Hissam. Of Chester. He attended the Chester High School and volunteered for the draft in January 1951. He was assigned to the 40th Infantry Division at Camp Cooke, California.

He returned home to marry Martha Kathleen Carman of Wellsburg on 21 May 1951. She was born on 5 April 1927, the daughter of Forrest Armstrong Carman and Martha English Cox. After the marriage he returned to schooling at Morgantown. As a PFC, he was awarded the combat infantryman's badge while fighting with the 40th Infantry Dvision on the central Korean front. He was in Korea from June 1951 to June 1952. He was discharged as a Corporal at the end of 1952.

He died of a gun shot wound on 17 January 1990 and was buried at the Locust Hill cemetary, Chester, Hancock county, West Virginia.

His children were,
(27) Candace Suzanne Hissam (1954), born on 6 November, 1954. She married M. Bradley Allen Glass
(27) Debra Kathleen Hissam (1957), bornon 17 June 1957. She married M. Robert Burks.

Orpheus was born on 21 December 1886 in Pleasant county, West Virginia, the son of Byron Hissam and Parizade Carter. In the 1900 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Orpheus L. Hissem, 13 [December 1886].

He married Bertha, the daughter of August William Unger and Matilda Marshall, on 23 December 1907. They were later divorced.

In the 1910 census of the 4th ward, East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio as Orpheus L. Hissam, a 23 year old pottery kiln "placer." Living with him were his wife, Bertha, 23, brother, Carman, a 15 year old pottery helper, and sister, Vesta, a 21 year old pottery finisher.

He registered for the draft on 5 June 1917 in Akron, Ohio at the age of 30. He was living at 44 Ames street, a married man and a salesman for the G. H. Hammond meat company [this was a Detroit meatpacker]. He was described as of medium height and stout build, with brown eyes and dark hair. He enlisted in the Army as Orpheus L. Hissam on 26 July 1918 in Columbiana county, Ohio at the age of 31 7/12 years. He was honorably discharged on 13 January 1919 as a Corporal. He would not have had time to be trained and shipped to the front by the time the war ended in November 1918.

In the 1920 census of Akron, Summit county, Ohio as Orphus Hissam, a 33 year old sales manager of a meat company. Living with him was his wife, Bertha, a 30 year old clerk at a dry goods store.

Orpheus and Bertha divorced sometime between 1920 and 1925. In the 1930 census of Summit county, Ohio, Bertha Hissam, a 43 year old buyer for a department store was living on her own as a lodger. Orpheus [in Ancestry.com as Arpatus [!] Hissam], a 43 year old clerk working in an insurance office, was in Akron living with his new wife, Lucy, 30. They had been married for 5 years, but had no children.

Orpheus died on 13 January 1973, at the age of 86, while living in Akron, Summit county, Ohio. Bertha had died the previous year, on 14 November 1972.

His son was,
(26) Orpheus William [Hissam] (1907)

Orphie William Hissam, the son of Orpha Hissem, of Sistersville, West Virginia, and Florence M. McCombs, of Steuvenville, Ohio, was born 04 June 1907 in Chester, Hancock county, West Virginia. This information comes from a Delayed Birth Certificate dated 22 April 1969 and signed by Orphie. Supporting evidence for his claim included an affadavit of a Jennie McVay and a baptismal certificate from the First Church of Christ, East Liverpool, Ohio. I suspect Orphie was illegitimate.

In the 1910 census of East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio as Orphie Hissam, a 2 year old, of Ohio. He was living with James McCombs, a 41 [1869] year old pottery presser, his grandfather. James' wife was Carrie and his eldest daughter, then at home, was Orphie's mother, Florence, 20.

In the 1920 census . . .

In the 1930 census of East Liverpool, Ohio as Orpha W. Hissam, a 22 year old packer at the tile works, of West Virginia [?]. His father was of West Virginia and his mother of Ohio. He was a lodger living with Mary R. Bovey. Orpha had married when he was 18, but Where was his wife?

I have a city directory for Ohio which lists Orphie W. Hissam with a wife, Josephine. However, the other Hissams in town were Mary L. and Robert, a pottery worker. This looks like another line of the family. In another directory he is named Orphie W. Hissom, with wife Josephine. Here he is associated with Howard E. Hissom. The latter was the son of Oscar Hissom, of the David Hissom of David family.

At the time of his death he was listed as married. Orphie W. Hissam died on 11 March 1971 in East Liverpool at the age of 63, pre-deceasing his father. "Hissom, Orphie W. 04 June 1907-11 March 1971 Spring Grove, of East Liverpool, Ohio, at the age of 63."

Also known as Vesta. Rilla Vesta Hissom, the daughter of Byron Hissom, a farmer, and his wife Parisade, was born on 23 March 1889 in Union district, Pleasants county, West Virginia. In the 1900 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Rilla V., 11, [March 1889]. In the 1910 census of the 4th ward, East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio as Vesta Hissam, a 21 year old pottery finisher, living with her older brother, Orpheus.

Also spelled Carmen or Carnon. He was born on 21 August 1894 in Shiloh, West Virginia. His death certificate, however, says Wellsville, Columbiana county, Ohio. The Carman's were a family in the area, perhaps explaining his peculiar name. In the 1900 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Carman D. Hissem, a son, 5 [August 1894]. In the 1910 census of the 4th ward, East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio as Carman Hissam, a 15 year old pottery helper, living with his older brother, Orpheus.

Carman D. Hissam, a 22 year old locomotive fireman of the Penna Co. of Wellsville, registered for the draft on 5 June 1917. He was a single man, born in Shiloh, West Virgnia on 21 August 1894 and was then residing at 1610 Nevada street, in Wellsville, Ohio. He described himself as of medium height and build, with brown hair and dark brown eyes. He listed no next of kin. He enlisted in the Army at Columbiana county, Ohio on 26 July 1918, as did his older brother, Orpheus. Ancestry.com lists him as Carnon D. Hissom. He doesn't appear to have gotten any further than the Depot Brigade and was honorably discharged on 1 January 1919 as a Corporal.

In the 1920 census of East Liverpool he may be Carl D. Hissom, a 26 year old city policeman, of West Virginia. Living with him was his wife, Francis, 26, and his mother-in-law, Mary Earley, a 56 year old widow. Francis was from Pennsylvania and her mother from Ireland. Their only child, Francis C. Hissam "s/o Carmen and Frances" was born on 11 September 1924 and died on 13 July 1925. He was buried in the St. Aloysius Catholic cemetary.

In the 1930 census . . .

"Frances J. Hissam nee Early w/o Carmen D." died on 27 November 1931 and was buried in the St. Aloysius Catholic cemetary. His second marriage was to Laura Coleman.

He registered for the draft again in 1942 as Carman D. Hissam, a 47 year old "operator of Yellow Cab." He lived at 429 Elm St., E. Liverpool, Ohio. He claimed at this time to have been born in Sistersville, West Virginia on 21 August 1894. His wife was now Laura.

Carmen D. Hissam, the son of Bryon Hissam of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Parisidia Carter of Portsmouth, Ohio, died of a coronary thrombosis on 21 September 1943, at the age of 49, in East Liverpool, Columbiana county, Ohio and was buried at the Locust Hill cemetary, in Chester, Hancok county, West Virginia. His occupation was shown as Proprietor of a Taxi Company. Carman had no children.

He was born on 20 October 1864 in Tyler county, West Virginia. A Farmer. In the 1870 census of Middlebourne post office, Union township, Tyler county as Joseph Hissem, 6, of Virginia. In the 1880 census for Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Joseph Hissam, 15.

Joseph Hissam, 27 [26 on the marriage certificate], married Jane Johnson, 26, on 5 April 1891 in Tyler county. The Reverend Joseph J. Vincent officiated.

In the 1900 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Joseph E. Hissem, a 36 year old farm laborer [Oct 1863], living at home with his mother, Rachel, a 63 year old widow, and his wife, Jane, 36 [Apr 1864]. They had been married for 9 years and had no children.

Jane Hissam died of heart failure on 23 April 1908 in Shiloh, Tyler county, West Virginia. J.E. Hissam provided the information of her death.

In the 1910 census for Union district, Tyler county, West Virginia as Joseph E. Hissam, a 47 year old widower. Living with him were his nieces, Adra D., 23, and Ade. D. [Adele Robinson?], 1. "Next door" was a Mrs. Sarah Hissam, a 51 year old widow.

In the 1920 census for Union district, Tyler county, West Virginia as Joe E. Hissam, a 56 year old farmer and widower, living alone.

Joseph E. Hissam, a farmer, 59 years, 9 months, 15 days, the son of Francis Hissam and Rachel Gorrell, died of tuberculosis on 15 August 1924 in Tyler county, West Virginia.

Sanford G. Hissam, the son of Francis Hissam, a farmer, and his wife Rachel, was born on 4 April 1875 in Tyler county, West Virginia. In Shiloh per his death certificate. Was G. for Gee or Gorrell, for his mother's family? Apparently also known as Francis, per his descendent, Emel "Bud" Hissam. In the 1880 census for Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Sanford G. Hissam, 6.

Santford Gee Hissam, 25, married Irene F. Evans, 22, on 11 June 1899 in Pleasant Ridge, Tyler county. Reverend T.H. Bunting officiated. Irene was born 4 December 1877. Did Santford change the spelling of his first name himself? And why? In a similiar fashion I think that Santford changed his middle name, which I'm convinced was initially Gorrell, to Gee.

In the 1900 census of Union township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Sanford G. Hissam, a 26 year old oil well engineer. Living with him was his wife, Irene F., 22. They had no children at this time. In the 1910 census of Lincoln township, Tyler county as Sanford G. Hissam, a 36 year old oil field pumper. Living with him were his wife, Irene, 32, and his son, Arlie E., 4. Irene died on 13 June 1919, rather horribly, as related below in the section about her son, Arlie. She was buried in Archers Chapel cemetary in Tyler county.

Sanford registered for the draft on 12 September 1918, at the age of 44, in Middlebourne, West Virginia. He was a pumper at the Reno Oil company. He was shown as of medium height and build, with brown eyes and black hair, born on 4 April 1873. He was living in Sistersville. He listed his wife, Irene F., as his nearest relative.

Irene F. Hissam, 42 years, 6 months, 9 days, died of an "acute burn" on 13 June 1919 in Tyler county, West Virginia.

In the 1920 census of Lincoln township as Fee S. Gee Hissam, a 45 year old widower and manager at the oil plant. Living with him were his son, Arlie, an 18 year old farm manager, daughter, Beryle R., 6, and a house keeper, Ella Alkine, 62.

S. Gee Hissam, a 47 year old pumper, the son of Frank Hissam and Rachel Gorrell, next married Lucinda Starkey, 37, the daughter of Benjamin Starkey and Jemima Richeson, in Tyler county. The Reverend G.L. Rhoades officiated. The wedding occurred at the home of Perley Nathan Hissam in Middlebourne. Note that (25) John Oliver Hissam (1881), the son of Elijah on the Thomas Hissom page, married Lucinda Belle Starkey - from "A Carpenter Genealogy" by Lyle Charles Sharp, a different lady.

In the 1930 census of Lincoln township as Sanford G. Hissam, a 56 year old poultry farmer. Living with him were his wife, Lou B., 45, and daughter, Doris, 7, and nephew, Ben Starchey, 15.

Sanford Gee Hissam, 79 years, 6 months, 4 days, the son of Francis Hissam and Rachel Gorrell, died of coronary thrombosis on 8 October 1953 in Sistersville, Tyler county, West Virginia. He was buried in Archers Chapel Cemetery in Middlebourne, West Virginia. His grand-daugther is Wanda Hissam of Tyler county. Her son, Jeff Koerber is also researching the family.

Sanford's children were,
(25) Arlie Emel Hissam (1901)
(25) Beryle Romaine Hissam (1913)
(25) Doris Doreen Hissam (1923)

Arlie Emel Hissam, the son and first child of Santford Gee Hissam, a 28 year old oilfield worker, of Shiloh, and Irene Francis Evans, a 23 year old housewife, of Middlebourne, was born on 15 January 1901 in Adonis, Tyler county, West Virginia. His name was apparently short for Arlington.

In the 1910 census of Lincoln township, Tyler county, West Virginia as Arlie E. Hissam, 4. In the 1920 census of Lincoln township as Arlie Hissam, an 18 year old farm manager. He was an oil field worker in the Sisterville, West Virginia area. According to Jeff Koerber, his grandson,

"My grandfather pumped wells in the 1930's, 40's and 50's retiring in the mid 60's. He purchased approx. 40 acres on Middle Island Creek in Little and started building cabins on the property in the 30's. He also built a country store and dance hall. After several successful cabins of his own design he started tearing down old hewed log cabins that were built around the 1790's to 1830's when the county was first settled. This was also the time that Thomas Heysham settled in Tyler county. It was a well known landmark in the area and attracted campers from as far away as Wheeling and Parkersburg WV."

"As for my grandfathers ancestry, we didn't know much because his usual reply was that he had no family. As to the reason we were always told that it was because many, including his father, Sanford Gee Hissam, held him responsible for his mother's early death. She died when she threw what she thought was water on a kitchen fire. It turned out to be coal oil catching her dress on fire. She actually drown[ed] when she jumped head first into the water barrel to extinguish the fire. As you can imagine it made him [Sanford] a bitter man. Because of this we didn't know that his great-grandfather was buried in the Little Cemetary adjacent to his property."

Arlie E. Hissam, 19, the son of S.G. Hissam and Irene Evans, married Gladys May Kelley, 19, the daughter of J.I. Kelley and Rhoda Meredith, on 24 July 1920 in Tyler county. Chas. A. Snider officiated. She was born in Tyler County, a daughter of the late John Ira and Rhoda Meredith Kelley.

In the 1930 census of Lincoln township as Arlie E. Hissam, a 29 year old roustabout at the gas company. Living with him were his wife, Gladys M., 29, and children, Kenneth H., 8, Bernard E., 4 1/12, Wanda I., 1 7/12, and his sister, Berle R., 17. Arlie and Gladys had been married for 10 years.

Jeff Koerber's brother, the great-grandson of Sanford Gee Hissam, now runs Hissam's Camp. His grandmother was Wanda Irene Hissam, who was born in 1928.

Arlie died on 19 September 1979 at the age of 77. Of Route 1, Sistersville, West Virginia.

"Arlie Hissam was one of the people who gave Tyler County its unique flavor. One of the best-known residents of the county, he will be missed by the fishermen and hunters who always made Hissam's a stop on the way to field or stream. I'll miss his salty comments on the national news of the day on my too infrequent fishing jaunts in the area." - from Adam Kelly in The Tyler Star News

Gladys died on 31 January 1984 at the age of 83. Her obituary:

"Leader" - February 4, 1984

GLADYS M. HISSAM
Died Jan 31, 1984

Gladys Mae Hissam, 83, of Rt. 1, Friendly, died Tuesday evening, Jan 31, at Sistersville General Hospital, Sistersville.

She was born in Tyler County, a daughter of the late John Ira and Rhoda Meredith Kelley. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and had owned and operated Hissam's Cabins for 50 years at Little West Virginia, Tyler County.

Survivors include her stepmother, Mary Haught Kelley of Sistersville; sons, Bernard Hissam of Parkersburg, Bill and Emil Hissam of Sistersville, Kenneth Hissam of Naples, Fla., Harold Hissam of Chagrin Falls, O., and Jim Hissam of Moundsville; one daughter, Mrs. Herman (Wanda) Koerber of Paden City; two brothers, Earl Kelley of Sistersville and Paul Kelley of Henderson; one sister, Nora Kelley of Sistersville; 28 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlie Hissam, in 1978.

Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Eckels Funeral Home in Sistersville. The Rev. Gail Smith officiated, and burial was in Paden Memorial Park, Paden City.

Son of Arlie. He was born on 6 April 1922. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township as Kenneth H. Hissam, 8. He married Elizabeth H., who was born in 1926. Of Naples, Florida. He and his wife, Elizabeth H., were living in Avon Park, Highlands county, Florida, aged 85 and 82.

Ken died on 1 May 2014.

"Kenneth H. Hissam, 92, died peacefully on May 1, 2014, surrounded by family.

Kenneth was born in Adonis, WV to Arlie and Gladys (Kelley) Hissam.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth (Betty) and his children, Michael (Mary) Hissam, Emel (Sharon) Hissam, Mary Hill, Virginia (Rick) Neet, the Honorable Christine and her husband, David Greider, M.D., and Kenneth (Jennifer) Hissam, along with his 13 grand children and six great- grandchildren.

Mr. Hissam was a proud World War II Navy veteran, a local golf champion, and an avid fisherman. He adored his family."

Kenneth and Elizabeth's children were,
(27) Michael Hissam (1949)
(27) Emel Bernard Hissam (1951)
(27) Mary Kay Hissam (1953)
(27) Virginia Ann Hissam (1954)
(27) Christine Hissam (1959)
(27) Kenneth "Kenny" Hissam (1965), of Benwood, West Virginia

Of El Paso, Texas. He is Director of Corporate Affairs for Delphi, an American car parts manufacturer, working in Juirez, Mexico.

I aslo have a Michael B. Hissam, of of Parkersburg, West Virginia. His Senior Honors Thesis in 2005 was "C. William O'Neill and the 1958 Right-to-Work Amendment." A criminal defense, energy and environment attorney, Charleston, West Virginia.
- J.D., 2008 with Highest Honors; Order of the Coif; Executive Editor, George Washington Law Review - George Washington University Law School
- B.A., 2005 with Honors and Distinction, magna cum laude; Phi Beta Kappa - Ohio State University

There is an Emel B. Hissam of Sarasota who was born in March 1951. I had thought this was (26) Emel B. Hissam's son, but his daughter, Ashley, says he was the son of Kenneth. Emel Jr. married Sharon R. (1952) and they had a daughter, Ashley L. (1980), and a son, William K. (1977).

Ashley wrote me on 27 January 2006.

Hello,
My name is Ashley Hissam and I have recently been searching the history of my family name, or original family name I should say. My father, Emel Bernard Hissam, has told me that our original name is Heysham and his great, great, great grandfather was David Heysham. I know he lived in Pennsylvania and ended up in Tyler County, West Virginia (where the Hissam name is well known).

I love your website and am extremely fascinated with my genealogy as well as getting all historical information. I was curious to know where and/or how the names split from Heysham to Hissam, Hissem and Hissom? I knew that Hissam was similar to an Ellis Island name, where David purchased property and the person writing the deed wrote Hissam instead of Heysham. Do you have additional or different information? Just to give you additional info- my grandfather (father's side) is Kenneth Hissam and his father was Arly Hissam. I hope this helps- thanks for your time.

Ashley Hissam

"Hey Steve: Glad to see my daughter (Ashley Hissam) has been in contact with you and I am glad to see she has a unique interest in her family tree. She wanted me to contact you. I am Emel Bernard Hissam and I have gone by the nickname of "Bud" since childhood. I have been married to Sharon Roberts Hissam since 1972 and we currently reside in Sarasota, Florida. Our children are William Keith Hissam (1977) and Ashley Lynn Hissam (1980). In your website on the descendants of Heysham, I am listed as the son of Emel Sr. (1930). Actually, I am the son of Kenneth Herman Hissam (1922) who is the oldest sibling of Emel Sr. I was named after Emel Sr. who at the time of my birth (1951) was serving his country in Korea, thus, my name. My father was Kenneth who was the oldest child of Arlie (1901) and Gladys (1900) Hissam. Arlie's father was Frances Gee Hissam (1874), his father was Francis Hissam, his father was Thomas Hissam and his father was David Hissam. Until reading your website, this is as far back as I had knowledge of my descendants. The children of Kenneth and Elizabeth Hissam (my mother and father) are: Michael Hissam (1949), Emel B. Hissam (1951), Mary Kay Hissam (1953), Virginia Ann (1954), Christine Hissam (1959) and Kenny Hissam (1965). I have copies of wills that were signed in 1853 by I believe a Thomas David Hissam. I believe this will is in your website. Our family gets a little confused with the large number of Thomas's and David's in our family tree. Having spent many summers at Arlington Log Cabins in Little, W.Va, I have been to the Methodist Church and have seen the Heysham tombstone. We were always told there were two brothers from Western Penn. who settled in Tyler, County, W.Va. sometime in the early 1800's. We were also told there were two different family trees in Tyler County originating from these two brothers. I think this is why there is so much confusion about descendants of these two brothers since down through generations, many of the names of the descendants were common to each tree. I will try to find a family tree constructed by my brother Michael which should take us back to the family of Arlie and Gladys and I will try to find the wills as I have mentioned above. Please let my know your line of descent so I can find it on the website. Thank you for your fine work so future generations will have the information necessary to answer questions they may have regarding their line of descent. I will keep in contact. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or Ashley."

Emel "Bud" Hissam and Sharon R. Hissam

Of Parkersburg and later of Vienna, Virginia. The son of Arlie, he was born on 18 November 1928 [1926?]. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township as Bernard E. Hissam, 4. He married Naomi S. Slider, the daughter of Harvey and Luna Buck Slider. Naomi was born in 1927.

Naomi died on 2 October 2005.

"Naomi S. Hissam, 78, of Vienna died Oct. 2, 2005,at Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital. She was born in Paden City, the daughter of the late Harvey and Luna Buck Slider. She had retired from the Bureau of Public Debt where she was an issue branch manager. She was a member of the St. Andrews United Methodist Church. She was a loving mother and was a life master at Bridge. She was a 1944 graduate of Sistersville High School, where she was the class valedictorian. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bernard E. Hissam of Vienna; her daughters, Nancy Cole and her husband, Gary, of Vienna, Va., Amy Crews of Charlotte, N.C., and Linda Farrenkopf and her husband, Martin, of Columbus, Ohio; her son, Mark Hissam and his wife, Julia, of Washington, W.Va.; and her grandchildren, Ben, Danny, Gretchen and Holt. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Leona Wells and Evelyn Hays; and three brothers, Ralph, Earl and Kenneth Slider."

Bernard E. Hissam died on 29 April 2013. His obituary:

"Bernard E. Hissam, 87, of Vienna, died April 29, 2013, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C.

He was born in Sistersville, the son of the late Arlie and Gladys Hissam. After his junior year at Sistersville High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre from 1944 to 1946. After the war, he completed high school and worked for Monongahela Power in various West Virginia towns for 42 years. He ended his career at Monongahela Power in Parkersburg as a Business Development Manager. He was a former President of the Parkersburg Chamber of Commerce and a longtime avid golf member of the Parkersburg Country Club.

He is survived by his son, Mark Hissam and his wife Julia of Medford, Ore.; his daughters, Nancy Cole and her husband Gary of Charlotte, N.C., Linda Farrenkopf and her husband Martin of Columbus, Ohio, and Amy Rivers and her husband Greg of Charlotte, N.C.; and his grandchildren, Ben, Danny, Gretchen and Holt. He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Kenneth, Emel, Hadge, Jim, Bill and Wanda. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Naomi."

Their children were,
(27) Nancy Hissam (c1950)
(27) Amy Hissam (c1950)
(27) Linda Hissam (c1950)
(27) Mark Hissam (1952)

She married Gary Cole of Vienna, Virginia.

She married a Crews of Charlotte, North Carolina.

She married Martin Farrenkopf, of Columbus, Ohio.

He was born in July 1952. He married Julia A., who was born in 1953. Of Parkersburg and, later, of Washington, Wood county, West Virginia. He may have lived for a time in Medford, Oregon.

Daughter of Arlie. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township as Wanda I. Hissam, 1 7/12. She married Herman Richard Koerber. Of Paden City, West Virginia. Jeff Koerber, her son, provided much of the material above.

Of Sistersville, West Virginia. Son of Arlie. Emel Bernard (or Burl), the son of Arlie and Gladys Hissam, was born on 15 August 1930 in Sistersville. Emel Burl Hissam, 23, married Esther Kathleen Billiter, 17, the daughter of Lloyd Edgar Billiter and Margaret Alice Hays, on 9 February 1954 in Wetzel county, West Virginia. Esther was born on 11 May 1936 in Paden City. He and Esther are still living, aged 77 and 71 respectively, but now in Indiantown, Martin county, Florida.

Harold Dean Hissam, the son of Arlie and Gladys Hissam, was born on 26 October 1932 in Sistersville, Virginia. Glenville State College class of '54. Harold, 21, married Margaret Lou Ashworth, 23, the daughter of Charles and Thelma Ashworth, on 10 August 1954 in Moundsville, West Virginia. She was born on 27 May 1931 in Moundsville, West Virginia. A trustee of the Ohio Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Harold D. "Hadge" Hissem's obituary,

". . . age 87 of Solon, (previously Bainbridge Township) Beloved husband of Margaret "Maggie" (nee Ashworth) for 66 years. Loving father of Jennifer (David) Jones, Timothy (Lucille) and the late Thomas (Mary Piepenbrink); dearest grandfather of Lauren (Tyler) King, Lydia Jones(fiance - Cody Walker), Phillip, Belle, Rhett and Mat Jones and Anna Jones; great grandfather of Clara; brother of Wanda Koerber, Emil, Jim and the following deceased, Kenneth, Bernard and Bill. Veteran, U.S. Army. All services and burial are private due to the Coronavirus. Hadge was an outstanding teacher, referee and community citizen much loved by his family, peers and community at large."

His children were,
(27) Jennifer Lee Hissam (1955)
(27) Timothy P. Hissam (1959)
(27) Thomas Edward Hissam (1961)

A note from David Jones, the husband of Jennifer Hissam (Jones), says,

"She married David Ernest Jones, an Australian, in Brisbane, Australia in 1991 and has since had two children, Lauren Emily Jones born 7/16/91 in Brisbane, Australia and Lydia Emery Jones born 11/29/1995 in Cleveland Ohio. The family currently lives in Bainbridge Township, Ohio."

"We live in Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 (in Geauga County). We live about 10 minutes from the former Seaworld . . . On my Mother's side she is Margaret Lou Ashworth born in Moundsville WV the Ashworth tree is done. Her mother was Thelma Johnson of Moundsville [?], WV and that tree is done as well. My brother lives in TX with his wife Lucille and son Phillip. My other brother lives in Wilmington NC with his wife Dit and girls Belle and Rhett. I know 1 big error on Ancestry.com shows my Dad's brother Bernard as deceased and he is not. Luckily none of my Dad's siblings have passed. Bernard lives in Parkersburg WV. His wife Naomi Slider did die a few years back. My husbands family all live in Australia and he knows that history."

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on 2 October 1959. He lived in Columbus, Ohio, then of Pflugerville, Texas. Timothy P. Hissam married Lucille Besana Relano on 23 February 2000 in Travis county, Texas. Lucille is from the Philippines. "My brother lives in TX, with his wife Lucille and son Phillip." - from Jennifer Hissam.
(28) Phillip Hissam (c2001), apparently an accomplished pianist [I wish I could say as much]

Of Wilmington, New Hanover county, North Carolina. He was born on 7 November 1961. He married Charlotte Eleanor James (1963) on 17 August 1991 in New Hanover county, North Carolina. "My other brother lives in Wilmington NC with his wife Dit and girls Belle and Rhett." - from Jennifer Hissam. Tom's obituary,

"Husband, Father, Son, Friend, Sailor, & Adventurer After a long battle fighting cancer, Thomas Edward Hissam of Dallas, Texas and Wilmington, N.C. passed away on October 22nd at the age of 57. His strong will carried him through his last months, just as it carried him around the world throughout his lifetime.

Thomas was born on November 17th, 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in Chagrin Falls, OH. He was the captain of his football team and a star wrestler at Kenston High School. He earned his Eagle Scout at the age of 16. Tom attended Davidson College where he was president of his fraternity and graduated with a BA in psychology.

At Davidson, he also played football and wrestled. Tom went on to attend the University of South Carolina earning a Master's in International Business at the esteemed Darla Moore School of Business. Thomas spent a large majority of his adult life in Wilmington, NC however that never stopped him from traveling to multiple continents.

Fluent in five languages, he lived and worked in Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Moscow, Provence, and Oslo. Tom was an accomplished offshore sailor, racer, and licensed captain who enjoyed spending time on the sea alongside his wife and fellow sailors. For anyone who knew him, he was happiest on the water - whether racing or cruising.

During his life, Tom sailed on the coasts of more than fifteen countries. One of his last adventures took him halfway across the Atlantic from South Africa to St. Helena (this, during a brief pause from chemotherapy.) Tom loved gardening and tended to use manual tools rather than power ones to create the beautiful spaces at his homes. Tom appreciated living life with others, hosting many dinners and parties with his wife, eating good food, and drinking even better wine. But no matter how busy he was, he put his family, who he loved deeply, first.

Tom was the owner of several Sam's Hot Dog Stands in Wilmington, NC, and Salem, VA. He started his business with no prior experience yet no concerns! He was involved in running his business up until just a few days before he passed, still exhibiting the fighter he was throughout his illness.

Tom is survived by his wife Mary Piepenbrink of Dallas, TX and Wilmington, NC; his daughters Belle of Boone, NC and Rhett of Raleigh NC; his parents Margaret and Harold Hissam of Solon, OH; his stepsons Chanse Harrison of Asheville, NC and Clark Harrison, of Wilmington, NC; his sister Jennifer Jones and his brother-in-law David Jones of Bainbridge OH; his brother Tim Hissam and his sister-in-law Lucille Hissam of Pflugerville, Texas.

Tom had two nieces and a nephew: Lauren Jones King, Lydia Jones, and Phillip Hissam, and scores of loving cousins, aunts and uncles. And finally, he leaves behind his beloved dog Henry, who was his constant companion and best buddy.

One of Tom's final feats was to swim in the Dallas Swim Across America event on September 14, 2019, raising awareness and funding for the fight against cancer."

The son of Arlie, he was born in Sistersville, West Virginia on 16 May 1940. Of Moundsville, West Virginia, Georgetown and Pearland, Texas. Jimmie K. Hissam, 23, the son of Arlie and Gladys M. Hissam, married Joyce Ann Starrett, 21, the daughter of Earl and Betty A. Starrett, on 7 December 1963 in Marion county, West Virginia. Joyce was born on 28 September 1942 in Mannington, West Virginia. I suspect the following is our man.

"Jimmie Hissam, '62. Shortly after entering Marietta College in the fall of 1958, Jimmie Hissam astounded the football world with an incredible rushing performance against Bethany College. Carrying the ball 22 times, he amassed an NCAA record-breaking 370 yards. He scored touchdowns on runs of 94, 54,49,43 and 8 yards, averaging 16 yards per carry. Ironically, this remarkable record was broken by teammate and charter MC Hall of Fame member Dallas Garber, who rushed for 373 yards in one game the following year. Jimmie was the first winner of the coveted "Dutch" White letter-sweater as the outstanding freshman football player.

He was a fixture on the football and baseball teams for all of his four years at Marietta, earning eight letters in the two sports. He was Ohio Athletic Conference honorable mention in football in 1958 and All-Conference shortstop in baseball in 1962. Jimmie is now a sales engineer for a machine tool company in Wheeling, W.Va." - from pioneers.marietta.edu

Bill, not William. Son of Arlie. He was born on 1 January 1945. Of Sistersville. He died on 3 December 2013 and was buried in the Paden Memorial Gardens of Paden City, West Virginia.. His obituary:

"Billy K. Hissam, 68, of Sistersville went home to be with his Lord on Dec. 3, 2013.

Bill was born Jan. 9, 1945, in Sistersville, the son of the late Arlie and Gladys Kelley Hissam.

Bill was a trustee and attended the Sistersville First United Methodist Church. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of Vietnam and in the Army National Guard. He was a member and trustee of the Sistersville Elks BPOE Lodge 333, Masonic Lodge 39, Tyler County Museum Board and Trustee, a 1962 graduate of Sistersville High School where he was secretary of his senior class. He was still active in class reunions. He is a 41-year retiree of PPG. He was a member of the VFW Post 6327. He loved attending all of his grandchildrens sporting events.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Lynn (Hissam) Hayes in 2011; brother and sister-in-law, Bernard and Naomi Hissam; and brother-in-law, Herman Koerber. He is survived by his loving and caring wife, Temara Herbold Hissam of 27 years; daughter, Jill (Jay) LeMasters, all of Sistersville; stepson, Ryan Gorby of Denver, Co.; son-in-law, Steve Hayes of Hastings, Minn.; six grandchildren, Haylea, Hunter, Jarett LeMasters, Yale Wetzel, Madelynn and Lily Hayes; brothers, Kenneth (Betty) Hissam of Naples, Fla., Wanda Koerber of Paden City, Hadge (Maggie) Hissam of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Jim (Joyce) Hissam of Georgetown, Texas, and Emel (Ester) Hissam of Indiantown, Fla.; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces and great-great-nephews and nieces.

His daughters are,
(27) Deborah Lynn Hissam
(27) Jill Hissam LeMasters

She predeceased her father, Billy.

Beryl Romayne Hissam, the daughter of S.G. and Rena Hissam, was born on 10 March 1913 in Cow House Run, Tyler county, West Virginia. In the 1930 census of Lincoln township as Berle R. Hissam, 17, living with her brother, Arlie. She married John Cecil Wilkinson on 21 June 1930. They had one daughter, Martha Irene Wilkinson, who was born on 10 September 1931. Martha married Don Keith King on November 1, 1952.

Beryle's husband, John, died on 22 December 1963. Beryle then married Robert Baker, of Sisterville, in 1969. Beryle died on 31 October 1984.

She was born in 1923, the daughter of Sanford Gee and his second wife, Lucinda Starkey. Doris married Franklin P. Clegg in 1941. They had no children, but adopted a son.

Rhody was born on 4 April 1830 in Tyler county, West Virginia.

"Thomas and Sarah Hissam were the parents of Rhoda Hissem, who was born in Tyler County, April 4, 1830. Her parents were among the early settlers in this county, and both and both lie buried at Boles Mills." - from www.e-familytree.net

Benjamin does not appear to have any relationship with Juliann Cornell, of Howard, New York, who married John "Hessum" Heysham. I don't know where Boles Mills is located.

She was born in 1837 (or 1836) in Virginia. In the 1860 census of Russell's Mills, Tyler county, West Virginia, Emily Hisam was a "house servant" of her brother, David.

She married Thomas E. Smith on 1 January 1863 in Tyler county. He was born on 4 July 1822 in Tyler county, West Virginia, the son of William Smith. They resided in Falls Mills, near Middle Island creek. This is close by the town of Little. In the 1880 census for Tyler County, West Virginia, Thomas was listed as a married farmer, age 59, born in West Virginia and whose parents were also born there. Emily was a wife, keeping house, aged 43, born in West Virginia, whose parents were born in Pennsylvania. Oddly, Thomas and Emily had a servant keeping house named Ann Hissam, aged 39 in 1880. This was probaly Emily's younger sister, below. Tom died on 11 November 1884 and was buried in Beech Run Cemetery, Pleasants County, West Virginia.

Emily died in 1913.

Ann Hissam, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hissam, was born in 1838 in Virginia. In the 1850 census of . . . In the 1860 census of Russell's Mills, Tyler county, West Virginia, as Ann Hisam, a 22 year old "house servant" of her brother, David. Her sister Emily also lived there as a house servant, with mother, Sarah, 63, and grandmother, Elizabeth, 99.

In the 1870 census of . . .

In the 1880 census of Union district, Tyler county, there is an Ann Hissam, 39 [born 1841], a servant in the home of Thomas Smith. This is probably the same woman. I do have an Ann Hissem, of Hissom, who married John B. McKinley on 9 Februay 1888 in Tyler, West Virginia, though I have no way of knowing if this was our Ann.

Steve Hissem
San Diego, California