W. M. WARD, a practicing attorney at Greenfield, is a son of Jesse and Mary Ward, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Virginia. The father of W. M. was a farmer by occupation and was among the first settlers of Jersey County. W. M. was born Dec. 24, 1838, and attended the common schools until he was 18 years of age. He then took a trip to the Rocky mountains, where he spent eight years in various occupations. He was first engaged in mining, then was in the attorney-general's office, and was out on an expedition after the Red men and followed them into their mountain fastnesses, and had some practical experience in Indian fighting. During his stay in the west he had a varied and checkered experience. In the winter of 1867, he returned to Brighton, and soon after entered the office of Asa Potter and engaged in the study of law, in which he continued about three years. On July 26, 1870, he was united in marriage with Louisa Prosser. By this union they have had three children, of whom two are now living - Louisa M. and Jessie W. He left the office of Asa Potter in 1872, and went into the employ of the R. & R. I. R.R. Co., as a machinist, where he remained one year. He then moved his family to Greene county and engaged in the milling business, which he followed until 1875, at which time he sold out his interest and located at Greenfield. On May 10, 1875, he received an appointment as postmaster, and June 5, got his commission. In 1876, he received the appointment of notary public, was admitted to the bar in Jan., 1877, and has since been engaged in the practice of law.