My Genealogy Hound

William J. Northcraft, one of Clark County’s most substantial citizens, is a native of Shenandoah County, Va., born in the year 1831, and is the son of William F. and Nancy H. Northcroft, both natives of Virginia. The father purchased 520 acres of land, which he broke and put in cultivation; 160 acres of his land were in Scotland County. He was very prosperous in early life, supporting a family of nine children. He and his sons experienced some exciting times in hunting deer, turkey, wolves, etc., in the early settlement of the State. In 1836 our subject came to Lewis County with his parents, and located near Tully. In 1837 he came to Clark County, and settled in the forks of the Wyaconda River. In 1856 our subject married Miss Eliza A. Smith, of Scotland County, and daughter of John M. T. and Alcinda Smith. She was born in Ohio, December 15, 1829, and by her marriage became the mother of six children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Mary A., Virginia L., Louis S. and Summerville A. Our subject joined the Confederate Army, but remained in service only a short time. He lost considerable property during the war, but, being a man of energy and perseverance, has accumulated considerable wealth since that event. He was elected judge of the county court, and honestly and faithfully discharged the duties of this office. He located on his present farm in 1867, and this contains 502 acres of good land. He is an uncompromising Democrat, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.