William F. Magers a well-known farmer of Wayman Ridge, near Moundsville, was born July 22, 1844, the son of John and Nancy J. (Leach) Majors, whose eight children were, Mary A., died in 1879; William F.; John P.; Ambrose; George E.; Joshua M., died in 1881, and Eliza J., and Lizzie, died in 1887. John was a son of Joseph Magers, who had by his first wife twenty children, and by his second wife one child. William F. Magers was called upon, at the age of thirteen, by the death of his father, to help provide for the family. Five years later he enlisted as private in Company A, Twelfth regiment West Virinia, and was chosen corporal. He served three years, until June 1865, and took part in the battles of Winchester, New Market, Piedmont, Lynchburg, Snicker's Ferry, Kernstown, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Berryville, Cedar Creek, Hatcher's Run, Fort Gregg and Appomattox, everywhere doing his duty as a faithful and fearless soldier. He also participated in Hunter's raid, and was present at Piedmont when his regiment captured the entire Forty-second Virginia regiment. Returning home he engaged in farming, a pursuit in which he has been quite successful. In 1867 he was married to Mary A., daughter of William and Sarah (Zink) Dunlap, and they have seven children, Ida B., deceased; John W., Miles B., deceased; Effie May; Sarah J.; Texanna, and William L. R. Mr. Magers and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has served as trustee, steward and leader. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F., the G.A.R., and in politics he is a republican.