From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 677-678.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


WILLIAM BRICELAND

William Briceland is the son of William and Johanna (Griffeth) 
Briceland, who resided in Ohio county, W.Va. For many years they were 
communicants of the Catholic church.  The father enlisted in Col. 
Thoburn's regiment at Wheeling, and was killed probably at the battle 
of the Wilderness.  Their three children were:  Matthias, William and 
John, of whom William is the only one living.  William Briceland, 
Sr., was born in Scotland and came to Benwood in 1838, his wife born 
in Neighne, county Tipperary, Ireland.  They crossed the ocean in the 
same vessel and first met on this voyage.  Some time after landing 
they were married. William Briceland, Jr., worked for six or seven 
years as a glass blower, but afterward learned the Puddler's trade, 
at which he worked for seven years.  Being a man of fine physique, he 
entered the athletic circles and for five years was one of the 
champion oarsmen of his time, having rowed against such men as 
Clater, Murry, Powel, Wisegaber and others.  Mr. Briceland seldom 
lost a contest and received large financial returns from his 
victories.  He was married in October, 1883, to Miss Kate Clark, by 
whom he has had three children:  the oldest, John, died in infancy; 
the two living are, William and Loretta.  The family are members of 
the Catholic church, and are held in high esteem by a large circle of 
acquaintances.  Mrs. Briceland is a daughter of Patrick and Bridget 
Clark, who were among the oldest settlers of Benwood, having come to 
this place when there was only one house other than their own.  They 
wer prominent members of the Catholic church.   

(Linda Fluharty)