WILLIAM HARVEY BRAND Bio
Monongalia Co. WV


The History of West Virginia, Old and New 
Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc. 
Chicago and New York, Volume II 
pg. 154

WILLIAM HARVEY BRAND, president of the County Farm Bureau of Monongalia County and a 
former sheriff, has been closely and influentially identified with the agricultural 
and public interests of this section of West Virginia for many years. He was born in 
the county, represents one of its old and honored families, and his activities and 
services have made him a conspicuous figure.

His great-grandfather, John Brand, married Jane McCray, and of the eight children of 
their union one was James Brand, who was born October 5, 1788. He married Elizabeth 
Wade, and they became the parents of twelve children.

Edmond Warren Brand, father of William H. Brand, was born at Laurel Point, Grant 
District, Monongalia County, January 20, 1838. His business was farming, but he also 
participated in local politics, was deputy sheriff, justice of the peace, and for two 
terms a member of the County Board. He was affiliated with the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows and was a devout Baptist. He died December 25, 1899, and his wife, on 
September 2, 1910. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Shafer, daughter of Jacob Shafer, 
of Monongalia County. Their four children were Frank, now deceased; Anna B., wife of 
S. D. Furman; Ella M., who was married to James W. Scott; and William Harvey.

William Harvey Brand was born on his father's farm at Laurel Point in Grant District, 
October 23, 1867. His education was attained in the local schools and he had a good 
training in agricultural pursuits at home. In 1888, at the age of twenty-one, he became 
a salesman for farming implements, his territory being Monongalia County. In 1897 he 
was appointed deputy sheriff, filling that office one term. He was elected high 
sheriff in 1908, and spent one term in that office. Mr. Brand was also elected a 
member of the County Court for a term of six years, but after two years he resigned 
in order to give his full attention to his farming interests. A leader in agricultural 
matters, he was the general choice for the office of president when the County Farm 
Bureau was organized in 1916, and has since continued in this office for five years. 
He was for four years president of the School Board of Morgantown District. Mr. Brand 
in 1901 bought and moved to a farm in Union District, but he 
sold this property in 1911 and acquired his present fine farm in Morgantown District. 
He is a general farmer and livestock raiser, and thoroughly progressive in all his 
methods. He is also a director of the Farmers and Merchants Bank and the Bank of 
Morgantown. He and the family are members of the Baptist Church.

June 14, 1893, Mr. Brand married Inez Lough, daughter of Ellery J. Lough. They are 
the parents of four children: Everett W., born December 19, 1894, married Clara 
Wilbour; Dessie, born April 1, 1898, is the wife of Carl Kinnan; Archie Camden, 
born September 16, 1902, married Bessie Matson; and Willis Delmont, born 
January 22, 1904, the youngest, is attending Fork Union Military School in Virginia. 
He is quite an athlete being a regular player on the football, basketball and baseball 
teams.