Edward T. Ekey
Edward T. Ekey, one of Cross Creek Township's most substantial farmers, where he owns 272 acres of valuable land, was born in Cross Creek Township, Jefferson County, Ohio, February 22, 1830, and is a son of Andrew and Nancy (Howden) Ekey.
The parents of Mr. Ekey are long since deceased and their remains rest in the Ekey Cemetery, one-half mile from the old Ekey homestead. On both sides their parents came from Ireland, John and Nancy Ekey and Andrew and Margaret (Taylor) Howden all being natives of County Cavan. To Andrew and Nancy Ekey the following children were born: Andrew and David, both of whom are deceased; Edward T.; John H., who was accidentally killed on the railroad east of Fernwood, O., in 1907, (was a Methodist minister); James and Wesley, both of whom are deceased; Margaret Jane, who married James Robertson; Mary Ann, who married Benjamin Barkhurst; and Phoebe, who married Abraham Holmes.
Edward T. Ekey obtained his education in the neighborhood of his home and as soon as old enough began to assist his father on the farm. Later he engaged in railroad work for a year and also did some carpenter work, but his main occupation through life has been farming. His father willed him 124 acres of his present property and the remainder he purchased and at different times has made substantial improvements. His handsome brick residence he remodeled and rebuilt from a one-story structure and he has a commodious barn and all other necessary farm buildings.
In the fall of 1861, Mr. Ekey was married to Miss Serena Crawford, who died in March, 1905. She was a daughter of James and Anna (Taylor) Crawford, and she had brothers and sisters as follows: Abel J.; Edward T.; James H.; Carrie, wife of Henry Oliver Roberts; Harriet, wife of Frank Smith; and Emma, wife of Rev. W. Slease. Mr. and Mrs. Ekey have the following children: James; Anna, who is the wife of Edward McCullough; Harriet; J. Howard; Mary E. and Ida. Mr. Ekey and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics and has frequently been elected to township offices, serving three years on the school board, several terms as road supervisor and also as trustee.
From 20th Century History of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Ohio, by Joseph B. Doyle. Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910