Tags
Appalachia, Cabell County, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, Marshall College, Marshall University, photos, West Virginia
Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 18 June 1887.
Marshall College (1887)
31 Sunday Dec 2017
Posted in Huntington
Monthly Archives: December 2017
Whittling Tradition is Recalled (1916)
31 Sunday Dec 2017
Posted in Logan
From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, comes this story dated November 16, 1916 about whittling:
WHITTLING WOOD IS A LOST ART
Where are the whittlers of yesteryear–the jackknife experts who laboriously fashioned curious keepsakes out of soft wood, or who idly whittled sticks of toothpick dimensions as they sat and debated the problems of the nation in front of village stores? The old time Yankee was often ill at ease unless he had his knife in his hand with a block of wood on which to exercise it. He could not focus his mind on heavy questions–like the elections at the next town meeting–unless he was watching a shaving curl gracefully in the wake of his carefully sharpened knife blade.
Those who had abundant leisure often devoted themselves to elaborate carvings. Sailors were especially gifted in this way–deep sea sailors who occupied themselves on long voyages with miniature ships and other models. And while the back country Yankee was an inveterate whittler, he rarely tried to compete in artistic results with his sea faring brother of the coast.
But whittle, both as a habit and as an art, appears to have practically disappeared. The jackknife is no longer in evidence as it once was either in country towns or along the water front. The pace of life has quickened or else other interests have driven it out. And even the small boy, though he still cherishes his knife, does not number the expert use of it for carving among his ambitions.
In those days every boy who amounted to anything–one who was not a regular mollycoddle–possessed a jackknife, and knew how to use it. He demonstrated this not only by whittling out a hull, which, when supplied with masts and rigging, stood evenly on her keel, but which, when fitted with a suit of calls, rode safely every squall and boisterous sea and showed a clean pair of heels to the other little ships as they slipped across the duck pond.
This was not all the small boy with the handy pocketknife learned to make from inspecting what the sailors brought home. There were the wonderful chains, some square linked, others with double square links with wooden balls running freely within the length of the links, these having been carved out of the middle of the square of which each section of the chain was made.
It was a pretty proud boy who could show one of these chains with three or four links, the last one having a padlock swinging from it, for it gave him a certain high standing with the “fellers” not obtainable for any other reasons.
“I can recollect all the boys began chain carving with a piece of soft pine say an inch and one-half square. And when they had mastered the art they shifted to a hard pine stick, the successful manipulation of which showed the gift the boy had, for often it meant big blisters on the hands, so hard was the cutting.
“I have not seen a boy whittling on one of these chains or anything else in years. I think about the last whittling I saw them doing was in connection with peach stones, out of which they were making little baskets to be hung on the watch chain, and rings for the finger.
“There is another reason why the boy is not whittling as he formerly did. He had to make his kites, fashioning the backbone and making the bow with his knife. His mother furnished the paste by mixing flour and water. He covered the kite with a newspaper which had to be at least a month old before it was allowed to be taken from the closet–people held on to their newspapers in those days. Now he buys a gaudy kite for a few cents, or he don’t fly kites at all, which is more than likely, seeing that there is the attractive lure of the ball game and the ‘movies’.”
The Quality Shop in Logan, WV (1916)
31 Sunday Dec 2017
Logan (WV) Democrat, 14 December 1916
Harts Area Deed Index (1902-1910)
31 Sunday Dec 2017
Tags
Allen Robinson, Anthony Tomblin, Appalachia, Barbara Dempsey, Bertha Browning, Big Branch, Big Ugly Creek, Caleb Browning, Caroline Brumfield, Charles Adkins, Charley Brumfield, Charley Curry, Emarine Dempsey, Fourteen Mile Creek, genealogy, Gordon Fry, Grant Farley, Green Shoal Creek, Guyandotte River, Hamlin, Harts Creek, Harts Creek District, Hiram Lambert, history, Ike Fry Branch, Isaiah Adkins, Jacob Adkins, Jefferson Lucas, Jerry Lambert, John Clay Farley, Josephine Robinson, Julia Lambert, justice of the peace, Laurel Fork, Lincoln County, Little Harts Creek, Lydia Evaline Dingess, Mary Clark Burks, Minnie Lambert, notary public, Paris "Witch" Brumfield, Risba Lambert, River Road, Short Bend, Short Bend Branch, Vira Brumfield, Wade Lambert, Wash Dempsey, Wash Dempsey Jr., West Virginia
The following deed index is based on Deed Book 57 at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office in Hamlin, WV, and relates to residents of the Harts Creek community. These notes are meant to serve as a reference to Deed Book 57. Researchers who desire the most accurate version of this material are urged to consult the actual record book.
Charles and Caroline Brumfield to Paris and Vira Brumfield 70 acres Guyan River land for $750 references Little Harts Creek and River Road, left hand of Short Bend, coal bank, Ike Fry Branch 25 October 1910 p. 74-76
John C. Farley to Grant Farley 55 acres on Fourteen Mile Creek references Short Bend Branch of Fourteen 12 September 1902 Jefferson Lucas, NP p. 94-95
Mary Clark Burks, executrix to Gordon Fry 90 acres Big Ugly Creek references Laurel Fork of Big Ugly Paid $1 17 June 1908 p. 196-198
Lida Evaline Dingess to Charley Curry 45 acres Big Harts Creek references below Charley Curry house Paid $200 19 June 1908 Charles Adkins, JP p. 246-247
W.S. and Julia Lambert to Minnie Lambert 40 acres Greenshoal Creek references the garden 3 December 1910 Jerry Lambert, NP p. 335-336
Allen and Josephine Robinson to Hiram Lambert 30 acres Big Harts Creek references Anthony Tombourlin and Wash Dempsey 14 May 1907 Charles Adkins, JP p. 392-393
Wash and Emmarine Dempsey, Sr. and Barbary Dempsey to Risba Lambert 30 acres Big Harts Creek references Wash Dempsey, Jr., mouth of Big Branch, L.C. Browning Paid $200 25 February 1905 Charles Adkins, JP p. 394-395
L.C. Browning to Bertha Browning et al. 100 acres Big Harts Creek references Big Branch, Jacob Adkins, Isaiah Adkins 18 May 1908 p. 396-397
Note: I copied all of these deeds.
Richard Elkins Deed to James Toney (1853)
25 Monday Dec 2017
Posted in Big Harts Creek, Guyandotte River, Harts
Tags
Appalachia, genealogy, Guyandotte River, Harts, Harts Creek, Harvey Elkins, history, Jacob Stollings, James Toney, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Logan County, Richard Elkins, Spencer A. Mullins, Virginia, W.I. Campbell, West Virginia, William Straton
Deed Book C, page __, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Richard Elkins is recorded as the first permanent settler of Harts Creek, arriving in 1807 or 1815. He died in 1854. I descend through his son Harvey.
Deed Book C, page __, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. James Toney was the son of Poindexter and Jane (Lilly) Toney. I descend from three of his children.
Deed Book C, page __, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. This property is located in present-day Harts, Lincoln County, WV.
Coal Company Set to Build New Town in Logan County, WV (1927)
25 Monday Dec 2017
Posted in Coal
Tags
Appalachia, C&O Railroad, coal, Guyandotte River, Herald-Dispatch, history, Holden, Holden No. 22, Island Creek Coal Company, J.D. Francis, Logan County, Omar, Peytona Lumber Company, Tug Fork, West Virginia, Wiatt Smith, Y.M.C.A.
From a 1927 story printed in the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this interesting bit of history about Holden No. 22:
Island Creek Co. Plans Building of New Town
Contracts Will Be Let Within 30 Days For Houses, Highways and Also Tipple For Largest Mine In West Virginia, Says Vice President–May Spend $2,000,000.
Within the next year there will arise in one of the remote and hitherto inaccessible regions of Logan county, a new town. It will have a population approximating 2,000. It will have a Y.M.C.A., a community church, modern homes, paved streets, its own water system, electric lights–in fact, all of the modern conveniences. It will be connected by hard road with Logan, Holden and the great world beyond the mountains. At present, it has not even a name, writes Wiatt Smith for the Huntington Herald-Dispatch.
The new town is to arise at operation No. 22 of the Island Creek Coal Company.
Within the next 30 days, J.D. Francis, vice-president of the Island Creek Co., said Tuesday, contracts will be let for the erection of tipples, the building of houses, the paving of streets and the hard surfacing of seven miles of road which will connect the new community with Holden.
Operation No. 22 will represent when completed an additional investment on the part of Island Creek, ranging well beyond a million dollars, perhaps reaching two million, though Mr. Francis refused to hazard an estimate of definite figures.
For a number of months preparations for the opening of a new mine, which will be the largest in southern West Virginia, have been going forward. The two 400 foot shafts which will serve the mine are now nearly complete. The Chesapeake & Ohio is rapidly completing the four mile extension of the Pine creek branch which will provide an outlet for the coal produced. The Island Creek company is completing three miles of siding. Pete Minotti, the contractor, has finished grading the road from Holden to the mine.
By October, it is expected, the road will be surfaced, the town well under way and the great mine in operation. Output at the beginning will be small, as the number of workmen will be necessarily limited until the underground workings have been expanded by the removal of coal. The area to be worked is underlaid, experts say, with 50 or 60 million tons and the mining of the coal will, under normal conditions, require 50 years.
Work at the mine site in advance of the completion of the railroads has been made possible, Mr. Francis explained, by the use of the tram road of the Peytona Lumber company over which many thousands of tons of sand, gravel and supplies have been shipped. The completion of the railroad is awaited for the installation of the bulkier machinery and equipment.
The new rail extension will connect with the Chesapeake & Ohio’s Logan division main lines via Omar. The contact of the operative officials and the workers with the Island Creek center at Holden will be by means of the hard road, the construction of which, in itself represents something like an engineering adventure. For some three miles it follows the ridge that marks the crest of the watershed between the valleys of Guyandotte and Tug Rivers. Then it drops sharply to follow mountain side, hollow and creek valley to the mine operation.
Persons who have traveled the now graded road say that at points on the ridge it affords magnificent views which compare favorably with the most famous in the state. The road was graded and will be hard surfaced entirely at the expense of the coal company, which, in the preparations for its new development has followed the policy adopted many years ago when, upon the opening of its original operations, it established in Holden a mining community which was pointed out as a model throughout the United States.
Island Creek operation No. 22 will be the fifth shaft mine in West Virginia.
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 25 March 1927.
Enos “Jake” Adkins Deed to Henry Adkins (1854)
25 Monday Dec 2017
Posted in Atenville, Little Harts Creek
Tags
Appalachia, Elizabeth Adkins, Enos "Jake" Adkins, genealogy, Guyandotte River, Henry Adkins, history, Isaac Adkins, Isaiah Adkins, James Toney, justice of the peace, Letty Adkins, Lincoln County, Little Harts Creek, Logan County, Nancy Toney, Price Lucas, Spencer A. Mullins, Virginia, W.I. Campbell, West Virginia, William Straton
Deed Book C, page 376, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Elias “Jake” Adkins was the son of Elias and Susannah (Fry) Adkins. Letty Adkins was the daughter of James and Nancy (Gillispie) Toney. Henry Adkins was the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Adkins) Adkins. Jake and Henry were first cousins. I descend from Henry’s brother, Isaiah.
Deed Book C, page 377, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. This property is located in present-day Lincoln County, WV.
Herbert’s Greater Shows Carnival Visits Logan, WV (1917)
25 Monday Dec 2017
Posted in Logan
Tags
Appalachia, Aracoma, carnival, coyote, Fritz Gerber, Herbert's Greater Shows, history, Japanese Theatre, Joseph Herbert, K.F. Deskins, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, minstrels, Second Virginia Regiment, West Virginia
In May of 1917, Herbert’s Greater Shows carnival visited Logan, WV, and generated several items of news in the Logan Democrat:
GOOD CARNIVAL HERE
The Herbert’s Greater Shows that have been exhibiting here for two weeks are very good, in fact high class shows.
Mr. Joseph Herbert has a reputation all over the country, excelled by no other showman, for carrying clean and up to date amusements.
The Silodrome, the feature attraction is one of the most sensational exhibitions ever witnessed by anyone. The rider, Mr. Fritz Gerber, the man with an iron nerve, is always entirely at the mercy of chance, rides the perpendicular wall with great ease and with his noted smile he always puts great thrill into the hearts of all who pay the Silodrome a visit.
The minstrels, Japanese Theatre are very good. These shows especially are equal to any of the big ones. No gambling devices are operated.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 17 May 1917.
***
WANTED TO JOIN CARNIVAL
A young girl, about 15 years old, tried to hide from her father in a sewer near the power house Tuesday evening so as to run away with the carnival people. People living in the vicinity secured the help of some of those going to the circus and the young lady was induced to surrender to parental authority. When last seen, father and daughter were heading over the hill and from the faint echo of their words it was evident that the rod would not be spared when the woodshed was reached.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 17 May 1917.
***
WILD ANIMAL KILLED
Soldier Shoots Coyote that Escaped From Carnival Thursday Morning
The first coyote to fall a victim of the white man’s rifle in Logan since the days when the dusty Indian maid, Aracoma, romped the hills hereabouts fell last Thursday to the accurate aim of Private Miller of the Second Virginia regiment at the power house.
The coyote belonged to Herbert’s Greater Shows. The animal escaped from his keepers and fled toward Logan. At the Power house a large pig, belonging to K.F. Deskins, suddenly appeared in the path of the coyote. The coyote decided to forego the bright lights of Logan temporarily to feast on $15 a hundred pork and in a few minutes was feasting on the fat of the land.
The pig’s squeals attracted the attention of Private Miller, who wears a medal for sharpshooting. He fired twice at a range of 100 yards and both shots took effect. The coyote keeled over dead.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 24 May 1917.
Mash and Still Taken at Yantus, WV (1927)
24 Sunday Dec 2017
Posted in Big Harts Creek, Chapmanville, Huntington, Yantus
Tags
Appalachia, Bill Bird, Capital Theatre, Chafin Hotel, Chapmanville, genealogy, George Chafin, Harts Creek, history, Hugh Butcher, Huntington, Irvin Carter, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mack B. Lilly, Main Street, Maston White, moonshine, moonshining, Perry Butcher, Wade Rice, West Fork, West Virginia, Yantus
Logan (WV) Banner, 14 January 1927.
Huntington Advertiser (1886-1887)
24 Sunday Dec 2017
Posted in Huntington
Tags
Appalachia, Democratic Party, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, newspaper, West Virginia
Here’s a bit of history about the Huntington Advertiser newspaper of Huntington, WV:
Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 13 May 1886.
***
THE HUNTINGTON ADVERTISER is nineteen years old today and it signalizes the event by appearing in a new dress.
It is not yet two years since the present owner became connected with the paper yet we look back with pride and satisfaction upon what has been accomplished in twenty months, and are encouraged to press forward with increased confidence in the complete success of the undertaking.
THE ADVERTISER was surrounded with many adverse circumstances when we first undertook its publication. The country was suffering from a long season of business depression and there was a lack of interest and enthusiasm on the part of those to whom the paper most naturally looked for support; and yet, notwithstanding the difficulties with which the paper has had to contend, it has steadily grown in popular favor as is attested by the largely increased subscription list. The increase in our advertising patronage has kept pace with the increase of circulation, and the paper is now published altogether at home in order to accommodate its increasing advertising business.
We believe that the city of Huntington and the country tributary to it, in common with the whole State, is entering upon an era of great development and prosperity, and it shall be our aim to make THE ADVERTISER a fit exponent and representative of the new era of progress and material advancement. In the future as in the past we will strive to disseminate Democratic principles and labor to promote the unity and success of the party under whose banner we do battle. We return thanks to our friends and the public for the generous patronage heretofore extended to the ADVERTISER; and to our brethren of the press we feel especially grateful for the many kind notices received at their hands. We shall endeavor to make the paper as worthy of their favor and approbation in the future as in the past.
Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 30 April 1887.
Wade Lambert Deed to Minnie Lambert (1910)
24 Sunday Dec 2017
Posted in Green Shoal
Tags
Appalachia, genealogy, Green Shoal, Green Shoal Creek, history, Jerry Lambert, Julia Lambert, Lincoln County, Minnie Lambert, notary public, W.C. Holstein, Wade Lambert, West Virginia
Deed Book 57, page 335, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.
Deed Book 57, page 336, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.
Deed Book 57, page 336, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.
Movie Production in Logan County, WV (1916)
24 Sunday Dec 2017
Posted in Logan
Tags
Appalachia, Bennett Theatre, Colonial Theatre, history, J.T. Richardson, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, Mountaineer Films Corporation, movies, Omar, The Heritage of the Hills, The Story of Aracoma, Triangle Motion Picture Company, Vistagraph Company, West Virginia
From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, come these stories of movie productions centered on Logan County in 1916:
“ARACOMA” PLEASES CRITICAL CROWDS
The showing of the film version of “The Story of Aracoma,” as produced in this section with home talent by the Mountaineer Films Corporation, at the Bennett theatre yesterday afternoon and night, and at the Colonial theatre today, has created somewhat of a furor among local movie audiences and the general impression is that the big five reel production is a worthy first effort and it has aroused the greatest interest in the future productions of the film organization.
Most of those who attended the exhibitions of the picture yesterday went in a super-critical mood, ever ready, as is generally the case with so-called home talent productions, to pick flaws and ridicule. However, there were not only soon converted to the fact that there are great possibilities in the local talent, but that the picture they had come to pick apart was really deserving of praise instead, and as a general rule they came away with their slight criticisms buried deep in spontaneous enthusiasm over what they had witnessed. The picture is a splendid first effort, especially when the drawbacks and production troubles incident to a performance of other days and types, is considered, even with the big companies and professional people, and but for the hazy impression given off that the film was rather hurriedly prepared and hardly close enough attention was given to the dramatic possibilities of the story, the offering is a delightful one and will pleas any audience.
The scenery afforded by these West Virginia hills is beautifully depicted and bountifully bears out the oft-repeated contention that no place in the broad universe is better suited to moving picture plays so far as scenic effects are concerned than the hills and dales of our own Logan county.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 2 November 1916.
***
TRIANGLE PICTURES REPRESENTATIVE HERE
J.T. Richardson, who is connected with the producing end of the famous Triangle motion pictures, spent Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Logan city and county looking over the situation with the view of securing topical locations for the use of his company, and conferring with Messrs. Reid and Schuster of the Vistagraph Company producing staff concerning their six reel feature “The Heritage of the Hills,” which is now being filmed in local settings.
Mr. Richarsdon visited Omar and other points in the county and was much impressed with the scenery to be found in this section, but he expressed the doubt that it could be made available to any great extent at this time by the larger companies owing to its inaccessibility and the large transportation expense. He did, however, pronounce it ideal for a home company, and was enthusiastic over the prospects of Vistagraph’s first release.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 16 November 1916.
C&O Railroad Bridge at Island Creek in Logan, WV (1913)
22 Friday Dec 2017
Logan (WV) Banner, 9 May 1913.
Chapman Affair in Hamlin, WV (1887)
22 Friday Dec 2017
Posted in Culture of Honor, Hamlin
Tags
Andrew Chapman, Appalachia, C.C. Watts, C.W. Campbell, constable, crime, Dode Adkins, Elisha Chapman, Eustace Gibson, Frank Guthrie, genealogy, Gibson & Michie, Hamlin, history, Huntington Advertiser, Ira J. McGinnis, John Chapman, Perry Stevens, West Virginia, Wilson Branch
From the Huntington (WV) Advertiser come these stories about a Chapman fracas in Lincoln County, WV, in 1887:
Bloody Affray
One of the most desperate affrays that ever occurred in this State took place at Hamlin in the adjoining county of Lincoln, last week, between Elisha, Andrew and John Chapman, on one side, and Perry Stevens, Wilson Branch and Dode Adkins on the other. It was a family affair, all the parties being related by blood or connected by marriage. The trouble originated some weeks ago between Wilson Branch and Andrew Chapman, a woman being the cause. On the day of the trouble Branch swore out a warrant and had Andrew and Elisha Chapman arrested. The two men were brought to the Court House by a constable, and while under arrest and awaiting examination by the Justice, Dode Adkins began to abuse Andrew Chapman, which he resented, and the row began. Wilson Branch, seeing the two men about to fight, drew his revolver and began firing. Andrew Chapman was hit in the right breast and left hip and fell in the road. His brother, Elisha, dropped a moment later with a bullet in his groin. Branch then turned to shoot the remaining brother, but his pistol snapped and John sprang at him with a big knife and buried the weapon in his back. Dode Adkins then rushed at John, but was stopped by the deadly knife penetrating his right shoulder. Some fifteen shots were fired during the fracas, and when it was over four men lay on the ground desperately wounded and bleeding frightfully. Elisha Chapman and Dode Adkins are the most severely wounded, the former fatally it is thought, though he was doing well at last accounts.
Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 5 March 1887.
***
The indictment against Andrew, Elisha and John Chapman, and Paris Stevens, for the shooting affray which occurred in Lincoln County between the Chapmans and the Adkinses some months ago, was tried at the present term of the Circuit Court. Andrew Chapman was fined $25.00 and each of the others $5 and the cost. Wilson Branch engaged in the same difficulty and also under indictment came into court, confessed judgment and was fined. Gibson & Michie and C.W. Campbell defended the Chapmans, and Gen. C.C. Watts [defended] Wilson Branch. Judge Frank Guthrie presided during the entire term of the court, he and Judge McGinnis having exchanged circuits temporarily.
Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 25 June 1887.
Writers Can Read Open Mic Night at Empire Books in Huntington, WV (2017)
22 Friday Dec 2017
Posted in Huntington, Lincoln County Feud
Tags
Appalachia, author, authors, Blood in West Virginia, Boney Lucas, book, books, Brandon Kirk, Dave Lavender, Diana Pishner Walker, Eliot Parker, Empire Books, Herald-Dispatch, history, Hollywood Book Festival Honorable Mention, Huntington, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Feud, Marshall University, Paris Brumfield, Pelican Publishing Company, Readers' Favorite International Book Award, Silver Mom's Choice Award, Southern California Book Festival, West Virginia, Writers Can Read Open Mic NIght
Many thanks to Eliot Parker for inviting me to appear as a featured author and read from Blood in West Virginia: Brumfield v. McCoy at the Writers Can Read Open Mic Night at Empire Books in Huntington, WV. I dedicated my reading to the feudists and their descendants. Paris Brumfield and Boney Lucas descendants were among the listeners–thrilling! I met some really great folks and enjoyed the event. 18 December 2017.
As always, thanks to Dave Lavender for promoting the event in the Herald-Dispatch. http://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/empire-books-hosting-writers-can-read/article_02abde5d-bb75-55bb-8a0d-d9451c00b8e2.html
Christmas in Logan, WV (1916)
22 Friday Dec 2017
Tags
Appalachia, Christmas, coal, Guyan Drug Store, history, Holden, Logan, Logan County, Logan County Light & Power Company, Logan Democrat, New Year's Day, Santa Claus, U.S. Coal & Oil Company, West Virginia, World War I
From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, come these stories of Christmas in 1916:
Logan (WV) Democrat, 14 December 1916.
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE AND CEREMONIES ON SATURDAY NIGHT
On Saturday night, at 6:30 o’clock Logan will hold its first formal community celebration of Christmas through the medium of a community Christmas tree with the attendant distribution of substantial gifts to the elders, and toys and goodies to all the children, in keeping with the true spirit of the season.
The proposition has been launched and carried out by a number of prominent ladies of the city, whose efforts to make the event a huge success will undoubtedly be crowned with the deserved result. The plans are elaborate and extensive, and provide for the supplying of every needy and worthy family within reach of a good supply of necessaries, including groceries and clothing, and the presentation to each and every child in the city with candy and a toy. The household gifts will be distributed through the medium of tickets distributed by the ladies committee, which has been busily at work for the past week or ten days. The work is entirely non-denominational, and the event will take place rain or shine. If the weather is clear the tree will be placed on the courthouse lawn, and if inclement it will have a place on the courthouse porch.
It is understood that the Chamber of Commerce and other prominent civic and church organizations are lending their hearty approval and substantial support to the matter, and that sufficient funds have been obtained to meet the requirements, aided by the liberal donations of merchandise by the local merchants.
The household gifts will be distributed in baskets, while the children will receive theirs in tidy little bags, two hundred or more of which have been provided. Upwards of $200 has already been expended for supplies and necessities, and it is assured that there will be plenty to go round.
The tree will be brilliantly lighted and ornately decorated, the lighting effects being supplied by the Logan County Light & Power company. Arrangements are now underway to maintain the tree in all its splendor until New Year’s, and to have it lighted up every night during that period.
The committee in charge of the work is desirous that no one be alighted or overlooked, and to this end solicits the assistance of all in the community in seeking out families who are deserving of help at this time and reporting such cases to the Guyan Drug store as soon as possible so that ample provision may be made for all.
The basket offerings will consist of groceries, a good cut of meat and other table necessities, while shoes, clothing, hats, etc., will be given to those in need of such articles.
The presents for the little folks will be given to each and every child who presents himself or herself at that proper time.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 21 December 1916.
***
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT HOLDS SWAY IN LOGAN
The Christmas season is now virtually upon us; the season when it is customary for every one to be trembling with job, and minds to soar to greater heights; the season when the one thought, good will, is paramount in the minds of all; when trials and sorrows are cast to the four winds, and only the good deeds of life are given a place in human interest.
Grievances and differences are forgotten and nothing is remembered save that someone did you a good turn and made your life a little happier at least for a time. Or perhaps you think of the kind word or action that you had passed along to someone else less fortunate than yourself, and it is with pleasure that you recollect in joy that was manifested in the face of someone that you helped.
But a shudder comes when you think of the terrible havoc with which Europe has been fraught; where men have been taking and giving a life for a life; where the hearts of women have been torn asunder; where the cruel pangs of hunger have driven children to an early grave; where aged m others and fathers have been bereft of all comfort and dragged down to the nethermost depths of despair, where lands have been devastated, and cities have been robbed of all their beauty by the greedy mouths of the cannon.
And your thoughts turn to the thousands of mothers in that war stricken land; the mothers who were so happy before the terrible slaughter of men commenced; the mothers left alone pining for their loved ones; the mothers in the gray and dusk of the dawn where the shadows are turning into spectres, grim, wan, ghastly and fearful. And you think of them as the mothers of men; men who fought and died for freedom.
A feeling of sadness comes over you as you think of the joy that might have been theirs; of the gay and happy times that they too might have had at Christmas, all of which has been blasted by the terrible scourge of warfare. And perhaps you utter a prayer of thankfulness that you can enjoy to the full that Merry Christmas. But perhaps you may not pause to think that there are some near you who cannot join in that happiness that may be yours.
You forget about the little boys and girls whose parents are at war, not war against nations, but war against adversity and calamity. They are struggling against great odds, and reinforcements are required immediately to assist them to struggle in the heights, surmount the barriers and give to their children a Merry Christmas.
They have told their children tales of Santa Claus; of the many treasures stored away in his mansion in the skies; of his yearly visit to the children; of the many toys he brings them, and the joy that he unloads at every household, and they told these tales when the sun was shining down upon them in all its glory and brilliance; when all seemed bright and there was not thought of the coming winter, with its chilly blasts and the snowstorms was in their minds.
But winter has sent a warning and is stalking forth in all sternness. They do not feel sorry now that they told the children such tales, because they made the children happy, but they know now that a hard struggle is ahead of them and that the long looked for visit of Santa Claus may not materialize.
They cannot steel themselves to break the news to the children. They were sure that when Christmas came Santa Claus would not forget the little ones but that was before misfortune struck them, and they now bow their heads in sorrow.
These are the people that must be thought of during our Christmastide, and every effort made and plans turned to bring them a full measure of the gladness and cheer of the festive season. The community Christmas tree will be a wonderful blessing to the whole community, radiating wholeheartedly and generously upon all alike its spirit of good cheer. A little individual effort on the part of everyone will cap the climax of making this Christmas a memorable and happy one to all within reach.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 21 December 1916.
***
Community Tree Was Big Feature of Christmas
The community celebration held in this city on last Saturday night was one of the biggest events of a charitable nature Logan has ever seen, and the spirit of good cheer and the material benefits derive therefrom will have an uplifting influence upon the entire section for a long time to come.
The good influence exerted by the affair cannot be overestimated, and the results obtained were highly satisfactory to those in charge of the work. A large number of baskets of groceries were distributed, and shoes and clothing were given to all who could be found who were in need of such articles. The kiddies of the city were all provided for with candy, fruit and nuts, and on the whole the event was a notable one, and it is quite likely that it will become an annual fixture in the future years.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 28 December 1916.
***
Logan (WV) Democrat, 28 December 1916.
Cole’s Studio in Logan, WV (1913)
11 Monday Dec 2017
Posted in Logan
Tags
A.S. Sizemore, Appalachia, Cole's Studio, Draper Building, history, Kentucky, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, photography, The Cole Studio, West Virginia
Logan (WV) Banner, 28 February 1913.
Chapmanville News 05.20.1927
11 Monday Dec 2017
Posted in Big Creek, Chapmanville
Tags
Appalachia, Arnold Barker, B.H. Snidow, Bernice Ward, Beulah Ballard, Big Creek, Carlos Ferrell, Chapmanville, Dallas Toney, Ella Toney, Ernest Ward, Eva Barker, G.W. McCloud, genealogy, Gladys Lowe, Hazel Saunders, Henlawson, history, Inez Barker, Kyle Ballard, Lemar Collins, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lola Ferrell, Mabel Ferrell, Martha Dingess, Phico, Roanoke, Ruby Saunders, Virginia, Walter Ferrell, Ward Ferrell, West Virginia
An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on May 20, 1927:
Miss Inez Barker, president of the Young Peoples’ class of the Christian Sunday school, delightfully entertained the class at her home Saturday evening. Those present were: Lola Ferrell, Martha Dingess, Gladys Lowe, Bernice Ward, Beulah Ballard, Hazel Saunders, Ella Toney, Mabel Ferrell, Dr. Ferrell, Lemar Collins, Kyle Ballard, Burva Crace, Ernest Ward, Dallas Toney, Ward and Walter Ferrell, G.W. McCloud and Arnold Barker. All reported a wonderful time.
Rev. Screeds preached at the Christian church Sunday morning and Sunday evening.
Miss Ruby Saunders spent the week end at Big Creek.
Carlos Ferrell made a flying trip to Phico Sunday.
Miss Eva Barker of Henlawson was calling here Monday afternoon.
B.H. Snidow returned Monday after a business trip to Roanoke, Va.
Ward Brumfield, Notary Public (1923)
10 Sunday Dec 2017
Posted in Harts
Tags
Al Brumfield, Appalachia, E.J. Elkins, genealogy, Hamlin, Harts, history, Hollena Brumfield, Lincoln County, notary public, W.H. Triplett, Ward Brumfield, West Virginia
Record Oaths and Certificates Book 1, page 139, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. Ward Brumfield was the son of Al and Hollena (Dingess) Brumfield of Harts, WV.
Barrett’s Circus Visits Huntington, WV (1887)
10 Sunday Dec 2017
Posted in Huntington
Tags
Appalachia, Barrett's Circus, Cabell County, circus, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, West Virginia
From the Huntington Advertiser of Huntington, WV, comes these items dated May 7, 1887:
At the conclusion of Barrett’s circus performance Tuesday, the animals were fed with raw meat in the presence of the spectators. The smell of the meat roused the lion from a sweet slumber, and he pranced round in his cage and threshed the bars, with his tail in a very ferocious manner. The keeper threw him a piece of beef which he received with manifestations of savage delight. He placed it between his paws and attempted to tear it as he was accustomed to tear the carcass of the succulent nigger in his native jungle, but he did not know the characteristics of Huntington beef, and his greatest efforts were not able to make an impression on the piece between his paws. An expression of grief and sadness and surprise came into this eyes as he contemplated it for a moment and then retired to a corner of his cage with an air of deep humiliation. It was inexpressibly sad to see the King of Beasts abdicating his title in favor of a Huntington steer.
***
More than five thousand people sweltered under Barrett’s circus tents Tuesday afternoon looking at the “greatest show on earth,” the principal advertised feature of which was Jo-Jo, the alleged dog-faced Russian boy, who is making one of his final tours before returning to his mother country, whither he has been, it is said, peremptorily recalled by his imperial majesty. As Jo-Jo is not noticeably handsome as a man, and is a poor excuse for a dog, it is not readily conceivable what they want with him in Russia, unless the Czar wishes to hear the wind bow Aeolian melodies through his whiskers. The daring bareback rider was there in all his spangles and glory, and the sacred animals looked as old and rusty and smelled as badly as ever, while the fat man and woman, the midgets and general monstrosities were in their old accustomed place, baby mine. But the golden haired fairies in perilously short garments who floated in bewitching and bewildering loveliness and went through all the motions on the flying trapeze were the old-time attraction for saint and sinner.
Brandon Ray Kirk 