Fairmont High School - Maple Leaves Yearbook (Fairmont, WV)

Page 6 text:

MANSFIELD MATTHEW NEELY M. M. Neely was horn at Grove. Doddridge roiinty. West Virginia, on November it. 1S74. lie lived on a farm until lie reached the age of IS. mean while attending the district schools. In September. 1893. he entered Salem College. attending for four consecutive spring terms, teaching a school in Mineral county. West Vir- ginia. during the winters. In September. 1S97. lie entered West Virginia University as a freshman, where he pursued his studies until May. 1S9S. when at the first call for volun- teers he enlisted as a private in the Spanish American war. At the close of the war. he procured his discharge from the army, and returned to Morgantown, and again entered the University. January 1. 1899. There he remained until his graduation in June. 1902. when he received the degrees of A. H. and L. L. H. While at the University he took an active part in school affairs. During his Senior year he was president of his class. In 1902 he represented W. V. U. in the Dentral Ora- torical League at Uolumbus, Ohio. On September 1. he located in Fairmont for the practice of law. Since coming to Fairmont. Mr. Neely has taken a very prominent part in public affairs, and has done much for the good of the city. In the early part of April. 1903. he organ ized Company II. First Infantry. West Virginia National Guards, and was made first captain thereof. Since its or- ganization Company II has developed into one of the very best in the State. Much of the credit is due Mr. Neely for his tireless efforts in building up the company to its present excellence. In Decemlier, 1907. in recognition of his services, he was promoted to the rank of major, and still holds his commis- sion as such. In his respective dealings with the people. Mr. Neelx soon won their confidence and esteem. When, in the sj ring of 1908. the time again came for selecting a new can- didate for mayor, till eyes naturally turned to Mr. Neely. After much persuasion he at last consented to accept the nomination for mayor, in the election which followed his I »»| abil ity was proved, as he was elected mayor of Fairmont by a large majority—flu highest honor which the people could bestow upon him. In liis new office Mr. Neely sustained the confidence of the people in him. and that he made a good mayor goes with- out saying. He devoted himself continuously and unspar- ingly to the interests of tin city, and no one can say but that lie did his full and just duty to the | eople. On October 21st. 1903. Mr. Neely was united in marriage with Miss Alberta Clare Itamage. Soon after they took up their residence on Watson avenue, where they have lived ever since. In recognition of his public career, and of the interest which lie has always manifested in education, the Junior t lass, by a unanimous vote, selected him as their class spon- ser. and in his honor, the class is to lx known as the M. M. Neely ( lass. 1911

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 Perry C. McBee When school time again rolled around this rear, we upper chissiiieii entered school with not a few misgivings. For we were again to have a new principal. Mr. Ferry McKee. formerly principal of the Maunington public school had been called to till the position left vacant by Mr. Marsh We were a little doubtful about the new conditions we would have to meet, and what new customs would la established by our new principal. Hut our fears proved groundless, for. after once getting acquainted with Mr. McBee. we found him to Im a very pleasant and agreeable |ierson. Mr. McKee is fully competent to take charge of such a large and intlncn t in I school as the Fairmont High School, lie has lieen long and favorably known, and is held in the highest esteem In all the prominent educators of the State. Mr. McKee was born in Upper (Minton. Monongalia county. He is a grad uate of the West Virginia University, class of 18»». From ism; to IS!»» he was principal of the Terra Alta public schools. From there lie went to Mannington to accept flu principalship of the Mannington schools, where In remained until his coming here as principal of the High School. He comes to Fairmont with a record of many years of successful school work, having completed just prior to his coining here, his tenth year as principal of the Mannington public schools. The outlook for the future of the Fairmont High School is excellent, and under tin skillful direction of Mr. McKee it will, we Iio|m . continue to grow both in numlicrs ami in tine nee. until it will In second to none in tin State.