U.S. Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ -- USGenNet Inc. -- Please read the U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on the following page: --------------------------------------------------------------------- Spiker, Bernard D. (1872-1945) --------------------------------------------------------------------- A History of Preston County West Virginia Biographical Department, Supplied by J. R. Cole Kingwood, W. Va., The Journal Publishing Company, 1914 by H. S. Whetsell Pages 823-824, BERNARD D. SPIKER. Henry Spiker was an early settler who lived at Albright. His son John, is one of the prominent men at this time of Bruceton Mills, and his grandson, Bernard D. Spiker. is a merchant at Brandonville. His stock of goods is of a general character, consisting of groceries, hardware, furniture, clothing, and extensive enough to supply the demand of a large country trade. Mr. Spiker was born September 2, 1872, in the village of Albright, but when quite young his father moved to Morgan's Glade. He stayed until sixteen years of age, going to school and working on a farm. In 1888 another removal was made, the family going this time to a farm in Pleasant district that was bought of C. H. Hans. Before he was quite seventeen years old, young Mr. Spiker found himself competent to teach school and in charge of one in Pleasant district, and he continued teaching in Pleasant and Grant districts for twelve successive years. In 1901 another venture was made in the business world, this time being a trip to Pittsburgh, where he was employed by the Westinghouse Electric Supply Company. He remained there four years and then came back to Preston county and settled on a farm between Bruceton and Brandonville. The raising of grain and the dealing in stock, however, did not appeal strongly to his mind, and after a four years stay here he changed his occupation. In January, 1911, he purchased the store then owned by W. A. Nedrow, and from that time has been doing a general merchandising business in and around Brandonville. February 1, 1911, he was appointed postmaster of Brandonville, and he still holds that position. September 30, 1892, Mr. Spiker was married to Zona Metheny, daughter of W. H. Metheny and Emma (King) Metheny, of Rockville. Her father is one of the leading business men of the county, is a broad-minded, public-spirited citizen of the general commonwealth. Mrs. Spiker is a woman possessed of charming manners, and, like her husband, is very popular. Together they make a strong company in the running of a general store and have a large patronage. Their children are: Nellie, born September 3, 1895; Hazel, born September 30, 1897; Thelma, born October 30, 1904; an infant that died in 1907; and Bernice, who was born June 25, 1909. Mr. Spiker is a Republican. The family worship with the Methodists. --------------------------------------------------------------------- From Death Certificate, Preston County, WV #9425 FULL-NAME: Bernard D. Spiker BIRTH-DATE: September 2, 1869 BIRTH-PLACE: Preston Co., W.Va. DEATH-DATE: May 17, 1945 DEATH-PLACE: Morgantown, Monongalia County, WV MARITAL-STATUS: Married (Zona Metheney) OCCUPATION: Laborer FATHER: John Spiker (born in W.Va.) MOTHER: Lucinda Spindler (born in W.Va.) CAUSE-OF-DEATH: Pulmonary Edema / Rheumatic Heart Disease INFORMANT: E. G. Harned (of Brandonville, W.Va.) BURIAL: Fairview Cemetery --------------------------------------------------------------------- If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access other biographies for Preston County, WV by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/wv/preston/bios.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------