JOHN R. KINCAID. The vocation of a farmer is one that calls for the exercise of good judgment based on a close observation of natural phenomena, while in its social aspects it develops the virtue of hospitality, charity and brotherly kindness in a degree scarcely equaled by any other calling. It is with pleasure therefore that the biographical writer records the principal facts in the lives of our agriculturists, even though they may have passed through no very exiting events in their earthly progress.
The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced is of Virginian birth and parentage, but was reared to man's estate in Ohio. His parents, James and Mary Jane (Gwin) Kincaid, began their wedded life in their native State and our subject, their second child, was born in what was then Bath County on the Greenbrier River, November 12, 1833. After the family removed to Gallia County, Ohio, he pursued the branches taught in the common schools and later spent two years in attendance at the Gallia Academy, thereby becoming well informed and preparing his mind to receive the education that is only to be obtained by contact with mankind and personal experience.
In 1857, while still a single man, Mr. Kincaid came to this county, where for six years he was included in the army of instructors of the young, and won an honored name as a teacher. He then turned his attention to farming, establishing a home in Ball Township where he carried on his avocation ten years. At the expiration of that time he removed to section 19, Cotton Hill Township, where he still lives. He owns a fine estate of three hundred and sixty acres of the fertile land that makes this county a chosen spot for the agriculturists, and has surrounded himself with many conveniences in the way of farm buildings, improved machines and the various adornments of a rural abode.
The attractive and hospitable dwelling that shelters Mr. Kincaid and his family is presided over by a refined, capable woman with whom he was united in marriage in Springfield on New Year's Day, 1863. She bore the maiden name of Mary J. Meredith, and is a daughter of Davis and Mary (Newcomer) Meredith, who are now residents of Ball Township. Mrs. Kincaid was born in this county December 3, 1842. Six children have come to bless the hearts of our subject and his companion, named respectively: Luther E., James W., Kate M., Fred C., Charles J. and Dora F. The first born is happily married to Metta E. Vigal and lives in this township.
Although the chief attention of Mr. Kincaid for years has been paid to his personal affairs and the enjoyment of domestic life, yet he has served his fellow men in the capacity of a school officer. In political belief he is in sympathy with the Republican party and he is always to be found depositing the ballot of the party on election day. Mrs. Kincaid belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church and is a valued member. She and her husband are classed among the best citizens of the section in which they live and are favorably known in their former home.