Notes for: Samuel Jackson "Jack" Squires

According to his obituary, Samuel Jackson Squires formerly operated a farm in Doddridge County, later working in the oil and gas fields. He also served as a car salesman, and for many years was well-known as an auctioneer. His obituary made no mention of his endeavor as a hotel manager, which is known only from the 1930 Census and the following front-page article in the "West Union Herald" of Thursday, Aug 9 1928:

COLUMBIA HOTEL UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
S. J. Squires, one of South West District's most energetic and successful young farmers, having leased the Columbia Hotel property, took charge last week.
Under the new management, a first class dining room has been opened up, and on last Sunday one of the finest chicken dinners obtainable anywhere in the state was served.
West Union has long needed a real hotel for the accommodation of the traveling public; and knowing Mr. & Mrs. Squires, as we have for some years, we predict this is a case of the right folks in the right place.

In the same issue of the newspaper was an advertisement placed by S. J. Squires for an auction of his farm animals, stating that the reason for the sale was that he had moved away from his farm. The advertisement was placed by "S. J. Squires, Owner, Columbia Hotel, West Union, W.Va."