William Howard McClintic

WILLIAM HOWARD MCCLINTIC, manager of the Virginia Store of Hot Springs, is one of the energetic business men of Bath County who are meeting the ever growing demand for first-class merchandise, and who in advancing their own interests are also developing the trade importance of their home city. He was born on Jackson River, where his family has been established since 1774, on November 14, 1872, and he is a son of Andrew Byrd and Mary (Wise) McClintic, grandson of William McClintic, and grand-grandson of William McClintic, who was elected sheriff of Bath County in 1836. He appointed his son William his deputy. William McClintic II was born in 1814, and died in 1887. He was a member of a commission of three surveyors appointed to survey the boundary line of Highland, Bath and Alleghany counties, Virginia. Like other members of his family, he took a prominent part in public affairs, and was successful as a stockman. Sixteen children were born to him and his wife, fourteen of whom reached maturity, two having died in infancy.

Andrew Byrd McClintic was born on Jackson River, May 12, 1842, and died June 26, 1887. When war was declared between the two sections of the country he volunteered for the Confederate service, and early was commissioned an officer, and was attached to the commissary department. A number of his brothers were on the battle line in the same service.

On July 25, 1865, Andrew Byrd McClintic married Mary Wise, who was born on Jackson River May 10, 1843, and died February 19, 1921. She was a daughter of Michael Wise, a native of Augusta County, Virginia, where his father had settled when coming to this country from Scotland. In young manhood Michael Wise came to Jackson River and settled in Highland County, near the Bath County line. Owning many slaves, lie used them in erecting the Stoney Run Presbyterian Church during the first years of the war. Mrs. McClintic inherited his homestead at his death, and in it William Howard McClintic was born. Her only brother, John, was killed near Richmond at the end of the war between the states, and they were the only children of their parents. Andrew B. McClintic, was a stockman, specializing on Shorthorn cattle. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian. A Mason, he was one of the early members of Monterey Lodge Number 110, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Six children were born to him and his wife, namely: John, who resides in Montana; Emma Trotter, who is the wife of W. P. Campbell, of Roanoke, Virginia; Charles, who is a merchant of Clarksburg, West Virginia; William Howard, whose name heads this review; Tobias, who is operating the old homestead; and Edwin, who is also operating the old homestead.

William Howard McClintic secured his preliminary education in the local schools, and then took two years at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute at Blacksburg, and received an agricultural diploma in 1893. During his second year in that institution he taught agriculture. Farming has always been his hobby, and he had charge of the Homestead Farms for nine years, leaving the farms to become room clerk of the Homestead Hotel, Hot Springs, and held that position for eight years, and then for nine years was chief clerk of the same hotel. In 1907 he opened his present store, and from the start has been successful in this business, and now has one of the best establishments of its kind in Bath County. For twenty years he has been a justice of the peace and a notary public.

In 1906, Mr. McClintic married Florence Pole, a daughter of Dr. Henry Pole. She was born September 6, 1871, and died December 11, 1921, leaving three children: Mary E., who is a student of Lewisburg Seminary, Florence Pole and William Howard, Jr. Mr. McClintic is a Presbyterian, and his wife was a member of the Episcopal Church. He has passed all of the chairs of the Knights of Pythias order, and is now district grand chancellor. By reason of his personal integrity, honorable methods and good judgment Mr. McClintic has not only gained a gratifying material success, but has also won the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens, and stands high in public regard.