Gail Yoho passed away in June 2007 after serving the Marshall County Historical Society faithfully in many capacities for several years. She chaired the genealogy and museum committees, served as editor of the society's newsletter, volunteered her typing skills in the publication of Descendants of Simon & Elizabeth Martin Dakan, and was the society's historian, preserving a written and pictorial history of society activities. She catalogued donors and donated items and also donated many artifacts to enrich the museum. As genealogy chair, Gail worked tirelessly to organize and enlarge the society's genealogy records and distributed information to people all over the country, assisting them with their research.

Joseph D. Parriott is a life-long resident of Marshall County, a U.S. Navy Veteran, a WVU engineering graduate and a long time member of the historical society. He has made extensive repairs to preserve two 150 year old farm homes and on two occasions he rescued roofless log homes in Marshall County and assured that they were rebuilt.

During the last six years he has researched, authored, and published three historical works, having a total of over 1000 pages. One book is a genealogical record of 1900 descendants of Christopher Parriott, a Revolutionary War Veteran. A second book outlines the 20th century history of Marshall County, of which Mr. Parriott has donated proceeds to the Historical Society for help in financing their projects. The third book is a tribute to 6400 Marshall County residents who were WWII Veterans. Thousands of hours were required to research and organize this book.

He and his wife, Nellie, are always helping people in need and supporting the Historical Society in their projects to preserve history. Wherever you see him, you can expect a big smile and a friendly handshake.

2005 History Heroes - Lonnie & Judy Kiger

Lonnie and Judy Kiger are active members in the Marshall County Historical Society and have served as officers. During his first term as president, Lonnie completed the task of establishing the MCHS Museum and upgraded the facility with a new restroom, sidewalks, steps, computer and security systems. He has designed brochures and advertising materials, and began publication of the society's newsletter. Kiger is also in charge of writing grants. His hard work led to the acquisition of the old schoolhouse at Pleasant Valley for renovation into a museum. Judy is in charge of the genealogy files and takes care of the annual picnic and Christmas party. She was also involved in creating a cookbook as a fund raiser for the society. Together, they designed a calendar of old Marshall County photos for the society.

Jim and June Campbell are two of the mainstay members of the Marshall County Historical Society (MCHS). As a team they worked on cleaning and arranging the Cockayne house for public presentation and they have helped work on the society's entry in the annual Christmas parade. In addition, June is co-editor of the newsletter and chairman of the cookbook committee. She organizes genealogy records at the museum and performs many other duties there. Jim is treasurer of the society and chairman of the building committee, performing maintenance, building displays and overseeing acquisition of new objects. He promotes membership, helps with the MCHS annual Trash and Treasures fundraising sale and is on call for tours.

2003 History Heroes - Bob & Eileen Harness
(Photo & bio provided by Gail Yoho.)

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Harness are nominated by the Marshall County Historical Society. Bob and Eileen Harness are active members of the Marshall County Historical Society. As a husband and wife team, they collect antique farm equipment, service station memorabilia, etc. Bob is a World War II veteran and gives of himself extensively to groups on Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, and other patriotic days as a speaker. Never forgetting his own patriotism he tells light Hearted stories to scout troops and 4-H clubs. Bob and Eileen have been one of the largest contributors to the Historical Museum, helped with fund raisers, participated in the Elizabethtown Festival, Marshall County Fair, Show and Sell Days, building Christmas floats, etc., always working to preserve history and culture, as well as making the Marshall County residents proud of their county. Bob and Eileen are restoring an old store moved from its location at Camp Washington, named for the encampment of George Washington and his troops, close to the Harness home. Last, but not least, Bob personally constructed and helped erect the flag pole at the museum so the society could proudly display "Old Glory" 24 hours a day.

James Schaffer was born in Marshall County and served in the U. S. Navy during WWII. He became an avid researcher of his family history after he graduated from Moundsville High School. He served four years as president of the Historical Society and has served on the Board of Directors. He was also instrumental in the purchase of the Society building. Jim and his wife, Florence, live in Moundsville.

Deemy Dick, of Moundsville, is a lifelong resident of West Virginia and a resident of Marshall County since 1957. She is a retired school teacher, has served 45 years as a member of the Salvation Army and received the Catherine Booth Award of Honor, State of WV Distinguished West Virginian, Bicentennial Salute Contribution Celebration 1776-1976. She authored Echoes From the WV Hills and Lessons of Life, is a member of the Girl Scouts, Rainbow Girls, Eastern Star, Marshall County Historical Society and Retired Teachers Association, and has a lifelong dedication to our state and community.

Evan M. Rogerson of Moundsville, who is known as "Mr. Marshall County," was a charter member of the reorganized Marshall County Historical Society, and served as its first president. He also has overseen the publication of History of Marshall County and was project coordinator for a professional survey of historical sites in Marshall County. Nominated by Marshall County Historical Society.

Source: History Day Program from the event held March 2, 2000 at the West Virginia State Theater, Cultural Center, Charleston.

1999 History Hero - Naomi Lowe Hupp

In 1999, Naomi Lowe Hupp was chosen the Marshall County History Hero. One of the most dedicated members of our organization, Naomi has been a school teacher, author, musician and researcher. She has served as Genealogy Committee Chairperson for over fourteen years and has been personally responsible for the creation of the history and genealogy room that our society has financially maintained at the Miracle Valley Public Library. 1976, she was co-editor of the Centennial book, History of Moundsville High School. Her book on schools and cemeteries is a valuable resource to historians and genealogists.

Naomi also conceived the idea of creating a Marshall County decorator coverlet which showcased many Marshall County historical sites. The coverlets were sold by the society, and Naomi was a member of the committee that so successfully managed the project.

A list of credits of the personal efforts Naomi has given to our community and society would be very long indeed.

1998 History Hero - Mary Ellen Beam

In 1998, Mary Ellen Beam was selected as the first History Hero for Marshall County. Every organization needs a mentor. This is how the Marshall County Historical Society views Mary Ellen Beam. Mary Ellen remembers when the 75-year-old building we purchased in 1995 for our museum and meeting place had been the Hughes Mission , and she encouraged us in the renovation work.

In 1987, through the efforts of Mary Ellen, "Kirkside" (Ferrell-Holt House) built in 1877 in Moundsville was placed on the National Historical Register.

At the age of 92 years young, Mary Ellen still writes a weekly column "Let's Take Time" for the Moundsville Daily Echo. In these articles, she champions the preservation of our history.