On The Roushes...

Another source of information, "Biographical Sketches of Some of the Early Settlers of Meigs County" by an Old Pioneer, Jeremiah Ackley Wolfe, states that John Adam [Roush] lived near New Market, which is the county seat of Shenandoah County, Virginia. It mentions that his eight sons, Balser, Phillip, John, Jacob, Daniel, Henry, George and Jonas, emigrated to Mason County, West Virginia. It also says that the Roushes were known for their easy good nature, simplicity and honesty. It tells a story about a Roush family member that was being codded by a young man who had bragged to his companion that he would get the best of him. The story reads:

"One Conway and pal of his, seeing old Uncle Abe Roush coming up the road toward them, Conway said, "Now watch me cod the old man," and after cordially shaking hands with him and pretending to be so glad to have met him, expressing mock motive and surprise, "Don't you know me?" and winking to his chum. On taking another look, the old man said "Oh yes, I remember you. Your father was put in jail for stealing hogs," in a tone intended to be friendly but Conway couldn't appreciate his well meant reminiscence--neither could his pardner see where the cod came in. Nothing so completely baffles one who is full of tricks and deceit himself, as a straight forward simple integrity in another. 'Next to sincerity, remember still thou must resolve upon integrity.'"

It says on page 894 that the average Roush is too slow for this fast age--in business, he is good natured, yields to every request, can't for the life of him say "no", but is always ready to oblige a friend or sometimes even a stranger with money on usually his name. Repeated losses teach him nothing; he is likely as ever to do it again the first opportunity that presents itself. The Roushes take everything at face value and pride themselves on simple honesty.

The descendents of the Roushes need not be ashamed of the awkward manners, unpolished language or want of knowledge pertaining to trickery and deceit--it is hard to instill into honest minds the slow poison of worldly wisdom.

Thanks to Dottie Keegan for sharing her research.