BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.

Page 749.
 
JAMES A. GIFFEN is an extensive agriculturist and sheep raiser. His birth
occurred September 27, 1850, in Salem township, Monroe Co., Ohio. His parents
are John and Nancy (Adams) Giffen, who are very estimable people. Until fifteen
years old James attended he public schools of Monroe county. Moving to Belmont
county he finished his schooling there, and when eighteen years old went to work
for his uncle, continuing with him for ten years. During this time he saved
considerable money, and at the death of his uncle he came into possession of the
farm, containing 172 acres, and has since added to his property until he now
owns and operates 302 acres of the most highly cultivated land in the township.
While he has had great success in farming his specialty is the breeding of fine
sheep, which have become famous, and are a source of a large revenue to their
owner. Mr. Giffen married Miss Jennie Cooke, November 11, 1880. She is the
daughter of John and Eliza (Johnson) Cooke, and was born September 26, 1858.
This marriage has been crowned by the birth of five children: Lawrence C.,
born October 10, 1881; Otto A., born February 10, 1883; Wilma L., born April
21, 1885; Clara L., born July 5, 1887, and Jennie A., born January 23, 1890.
Mr. and Mrs. Giffen are acceptable members of the United Presbyterian church,
and are always identified with any movement calculated to advance the interests
of their community.