Source: HISTORY OF THE PAN-HANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA 1879
Page 359

     AGNEW FAMILY: John came from Washington county PA to Brooke county about 1800, and settled in Wellsburg. Was a hatter by trade. He married a daughter of Major W McMahon, one of the first settlers of Brooke county, and reared a family of eight children, six of whom are still living. After working a few years at his trade, he went to farming and followed it until his death in 1837. His wife survived him about one year. He was reared in the Seceder Church, but when he came to Brooke county he joined the United Presbyterian Church, in which he continued till h is death.

     JAMES M. , son of John Agnew, was born July 16, 1810, in Brooke county, where he has always lived. Farmer by occupation, but in his younger days he run flat boats on the river., Made twenty-one trips to New Orleans. Has been married three times, and has reared a family of two sons. Has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for the last twenty years. Produces annually about 1500 pounds of wool.