James Alexander Widener is a descendent of a long line of Wideners who settled in Southwest Virginia in what is known as Widener's Valley. Alex as we know about him, first married Susan Isabelle Trent who passed away not long after the marriage. He then met and married Gertrude Ethaw McConnell who was born in Virginia and whose lineage came from western North Carolina. Along with three children, they moved to Columbus, Ohio and then to Jellico, Tennessee. This website is their story and the stories of their descendents. It is dedicated to the memory of all our family who once walked upon this earth but have since departed to bask in God's Glory.