Born in 1839 in Cabell County, John S. Witcher was clerk of the court, and in 1862 he began distinguished service with the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry and was appointed brevet brigadier general by the end of the war. He later served as a state delegate, secretary of state, and member of Congress, was appointed internal revenue collector, and later became paymaster of the Army. He died July 8, 1906, in Salt Lake City.