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Brandon Ray Kirk

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Brandon Ray Kirk

Monthly Archives: February 2018

Don Chafin to Watch Jack Dempsey Fight in New York City (1927)

28 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan, Sports

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Appalachia, boxer, boxing, Don Chafin, history, Jack Dempsey, Jack Sharkey, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, New York City, Ohio, Toledo, West Virginia

Don Chafin to Watch Fight in NY LB 07.19.1927.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 19 July 1927. For more information about this historic fight, follow this link: http://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Jack_Dempsey_vs._Jack_Sharkey

To watch the fight, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U55XvQy_eZY

Timber Companies Active in the Guyandotte Valley (1890s)

28 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Guyandotte River, Timber

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Appalachia, Burks and Prichard, C. Dingess & Company, Cole and Crane Company, Fridman Lumber Company, Guyan River Coal and Mercantile Company, Guyandotte Valley, history, Hugh Dingess & Company, Huntington Advertiser, Ironton Cross Tie Company, Little Kanawha Lumber Company, Logan County, Logan County Banner, Logan Timber Company, logging, McClintock & Son, Panther Lumber Company, Penn Lumber Company, R.H. Prichard, Ratliff and Shannon, Sliger Lumber Company, timbering, Wayne County, West Virginia, Wittenburg, Yellow Poplar Lumber Company

A partial list of timber companies active in the Guyandotte Valley of West Virginia during the 1890s, based on Logan County deeds, the Logan County Banner, and the Huntington Advertiser:

C. Crane & Company (1891, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1898, 1899, 1900)

C. Dingess & Company (1891, 1892, 1893, 1894)

Fridman Lumber Company (1899)

Guyan River Coal and Mercantile Company (1897)

Hugh Dingess & Company (1893)

Ironton Cross Tie Company (1897)

Little Kanawha Lumber Company (1891, 1892, 1893, 1895, 1898)

Logan Timber Company (1897)

McClintock & Son (1895)

Panther Lumber Company (1896)

Penn Lumber Company (1898)

R.H. Prichard or Burks and Prichard (1891)

Ratliff and Shannon of Wayne County (1890)

Sliger Lumber Company (1896)

Yellow Poplar Lumber Company (1893)

Wittenburg (1898)

Elkins Men Deed to Reese W. Elkins (1856)

25 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek

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Appalachia, Archibald Elkins, Darby K. Elkins, genealogy, Harts Creek, Hezekiah Adkins, history, justice of the peace, Logan County, Nancy Brothers, Peter Dingess, Pigeon Roost Branch, Reese W. Elkins, Richard Elkins, Virginia, W.I. Campbell, Wayne County, West Virginia, William Straton

Elkins Men to Reece W. Elkins Deed 1

Deed Book C, page _____, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. This property is located in present-day West Virginia.

Banco News 07.27.1926

25 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Banco, Big Creek, Chapmanville

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Appalachia, B.R. Lucas, Banco, Barboursville, Basil Duty, Big Creek, Chapmanville, Charleston, Clara Harmon, D.H. Harmon, E.C. Varney, Elm Street, Estep, Forrest Barker, Fred Lucas, Gardner Baisden, genealogy, H.F. Lucas, Hazel Sanders, history, Huntington, J.A. Stone, J.V. Lucas, J.W. Thomas, Jesse Justice, John Hager, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lynn Street, Mary Hager, Mary Thomas, R.S. Pardue, Ruby Sanders, Ted Hager, Trace Fork, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Banco on Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on July 27, 1926:

Roses are red, violets are blue,

Banco girls are always true.

Forrest Barker of Charleston and Miss Hazel Sanders of this place were joy riding last Sunday afternoon.

B.R. Lucas and son Fred motored to Chapmanville last Wednesday.

Jesse Justice has obtained a new job. Hope he’shaving much success.

Mrs. Mary Hager of Lynn street was the dinner guest of Mrs. D.H. Harmon last Sunday.

Miss Ruby Sanders of this place was visiting relatives in Huntington and Barboursville last week.

Miss Mary Thomas of Estep and Miss Lucas and little sister Jean of this place were the Sunday evening guests of Clara Harmon.

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hager of Big Creek were the guests of Mr. Hager’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hager at this place last Wednesday night.

J.H. Pardue of Huntington motored to Banco last Sunday evening.

Mrs. Maggie Adams of Big Creek was seen going through Banco one day last week in her new car.

Mrs. E.C. Varney and children of Elm street were calling on Mrs. J.A. Stone at this place last Wednesday afternoon.

Wonder if Gardner Baisden still helps the women saddle their horses? Always be good to Sarah, Gardner.

Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Pardue and children of Big Creek motored to the home of Mrs. Pardue’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.V. Lucas on Trace Fork last week.

H.F. Lucas was very busy last week. He sure believes in making hay while the sun shines.

Basil Duty sure does like to go to Big Creek to church. One girl at a time is enough for Basil.

J.W. Thomas and daughter Mary of Estep were the dinner guests here of Mr. Thomas’ sister, Mrs. D.H. Harmon, last Wednesday.

Daily happenings: Hub and his dinner pail; Basil and his mule; Fred and his Ford; Jesse and his peddling wagon.

Success to one and all.

Don Chafin’s Deputies (1913)

18 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek, Logan, Man

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Albert Gore, Alfred Cabell, Alvin Mounts, Appalachia, Beech, Billie Hatfield, Bruce McDonald, Clay Workman, deputy sheriff, Don Chafin, Eli Gore, Ethel, F.A. Sharp, genealogy, Harts Creek, history, Holden, J.E. Flynn, J.L. Butcher, jailer, Joe Blair, Joe Rodgers, John C. Gore, K.F. Mounts, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, Man, Mt. Gay, sheriff, T.O. Deaumer, W.F. Farley, West Virginia, Yuma, Zirkles Rapids

Chafin's Deputies LD 01.02.1913.JPG

Logan (WV) Democrat, 2 January 1913.

Banco News 07.20.1926

18 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Banco, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Chapmanville, Hamlin

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Amanda Justice, Annie Chapman, Appalachia, B.R. Lucas, Banco, Basil Duty, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Chapmanville, Clara Harmon, D.H. Harmon, Elm Street, Estep, Etta Thomas, F.D. Vance, Fred Lucas, Gardner Baisden, genealogy, H.F. Lucas, Hamlin, Hazel Thomas, history, J.A. Stone, J.A. Varney, J.B. Lucas, Jesse Harmon, Jesse Justice, John Vance, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lois Varney, Luther Bias, Mabel Varney, Marea Lucas, Nellie Varney, Nola Justice, Peach Creek, Pearl Hager, Pumpkin Center, Ruby Varney, singing schools, Spring Dale, Trace Fork, W.J. Vance, W.T. Stone, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Banco on Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on July 20, 1926:

Banco is getting to be a lively place. Traffic is getting to be so thick we will soon have to employ a traffic cop for every corner.

Jesse Harmon and W.J. Vance of Peach Creek and two girlfriends motored through Banco last Sunday afternoon.

B.R. Lucas and son Fred motored to Big Creek last Wednesday evening to attend a protracted meeting.

D.H. Harmon of this place was loading bank ties at Big Creek last week while his employees did the sawing at Spring Dale.

Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Stone and grandchildren of this place were weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Stone at Blair.

H.F. Lucas and sister Marea of Banco motored to Estep last Sunday evening after the singing teacher bade us all goodbye.

Jesse Justice has obtained a new job at Spring Dale.

Wonder why Basil Duty has the blues so bad these days? Don’t worry, Basil. Ruby and Fannie will soon return.

Miss Pearl Hager was the all night guest of Miss Clara Harmon last Sunday night.

Wonder why Gardner Baisden went to meet the down train last Monday?

Annie Chapman of Hamlin was a caller in Banco last Monday morning.

Mrs. Etta Thomas and daughter Hazel were business callers in Banco last Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Varney and daughters Nellie, Lois, Mabel and Ruby attended the last day of singing at this place last Sunday.

Mrs. J.B. Lucas was the dinner guest of her mother, Mrs. D.H. Harmon, last Monday.

Luther Bias of Chapmanville was seen going through Banco last Wednesday. Wonder if he called at Pumpkin Center?

Mr. and Mrs. John Vance and children motored to the mouth of Trace Fork to visit Mrs. Vance’s father, F.D. Vance, who has been ill for some time.

Mrs. D.H. Harmon entertained as her guest on last Wednesday evening Mrs. Amanda and Nola Justice and Miss Marea Lucas of Elm Street.

Buskirk Hotel Burns in Logan, WV (1913)

17 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan

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Appalachia, Aracoma Drug Company, Buskirk Hotel, history, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, West Virginia

Buskirk Hotel Burns LD 01.09.1913.JPG

Logan (WV) Democrat, 9 January 1913.

Killing of Burwell Chapman (1903)

17 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Chapmanville

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Appalachia, Burwell Chapman, Chapmanville District, crime, fishing, genealogy, history, Lloyd Ellis, Logan County, Maudie Mullins, S.B. Mullins, true crime, W.W. Perry, West Virginia

The following documents relating to the killing of Burwell Chapman in Chapmanville District are located in the Logan County Circuit Clerk’s Office in Logan, WV.

***

Logan, W.Va.

Sept. 14, 1903

Mr. S.B. Mullins,

Dear Friend:

I write this to inform you that I expect to have you and Maudie summoned to my trial pretty soon. The time has come that I must face bitter enemies and as you know they would be glad to see me hung whether I was guilty or not. I know and God knows I am not guilty of the charge which is alleged against me, though my life is at stake because they hate me so bad. You know that I stayed at your boat on the night the house was burned and you know that we talked about it the next morning and you said that you were glad that I did stay at your house that night. I am positive that I was not off your boat on the night the house was burned. I can’t swear positive that a fishing crew passed your boat on the night the house was burned but I was positive that I talked to you that night about going fishing.

Don’t you remember seeing that light at the head of the shoal above the boat the night the house was burned? I know that you can safely swear that I stayed at your boat anyhow till 11 o’clock that night. How would you like to be taken away from your family for something you did not do?

It is in your power to make me a free man and I know that you will do so. I want you to come up to see me just as soon as you get this letter. No matter what you are doing when you must drop it and come. I will pay you more for your time than you can get for working on the mill. I want you to go to work for me and help me to show up the truth in this matter. Justice is all on earth I ask.

Your Friend,

L.A. Ellis

***

STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA, LOGAN COUNTY.

The Grand Jurors of the State of West Virginia in and for the body of the County of Logan, upon their oaths present that Lloyd Ellis on the 14th day of May 1903, in the County aforesaid, willfully, maliciously, deliberately, feloniously, and unlawfully did slay, kill and murder one Burwell Chapman, against the peace and dignity of the State.Found at the October Term of said Court, 1903, upon the information of Lena Chapman sworn in open Court and sent before the Grand Jury to give evidence to that body.

***

We the Jury find the Defendant Not Guilty.

W.W. Perry

Robert A. “Bob” Lewis Grave (2018)

14 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Cemeteries, Timber, West Hamlin

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Appalachia, cemeteries, genealogy, history, Lewis Family Cemetery, Lincoln County, Robert Lewis, Tyler Creek, West Hamlin, West Virginia

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Robert “Bob” Lewis was a regional timber boss in the Guyandotte Valley. He’s buried at West Hamlin, Lincoln County, WV. 10 February 2018.

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Bob Lewis grave. 10 February 2018.

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Bob Lewis grave. 10 February 2018.

Clinton Crane (1917)

14 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan, Timber

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Appalachia, Christmas, Cincinnati, Clinton Crane, Cole and Crane Company, Fred Cole, genealogy, Guyandotte River, Guyandotte Valley, Henry D. Hatfield, Highland Avenue, history, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, logging, Ohio, optometry, photos, timber, timbering, W.H. Cole, West Virginia

The following news items relating to Clinton Crane (1844-1917) and Cole & Crane Co. were printed in the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, in 1917:

Clinton Crane 1

HONOR FOR LOGAN CITIZEN

C. Cole Appointed Member of State Board in Optometry

C. Cole of this city has been appointed by Governor Hatfield a member of the State Board of Examiners in Optometry, and the senate has confirmed the appointment.

It will be Mr. Cole’s duty to meet at the state capital with the other members of the board at regular intervals to prepare examinations and to examine applications who wish to practice optometry in this state, and to issue certificates to those who pass a satisfactory examination.

Mr. Cole has been practicing optometry for about sixteen years, and when the law requiring a certificate came into effect, he would have been exempt from taking the examination on account of his long practice, but preferred to take it.

In 1912 he passed a satisfactory examination and secured a life certificate, and since that time has been practicing in this profession and has taken an active part in the state optical work.

He has supervised the training and study of his two sons, W.H. and Fred Cole, who also hold certificates.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 1 March 1917.

***

CAPT. CRANE IS BETTER

Veteran Timberman and Lumber Manufacturer Will Get Out Again

Capt. Clinton Crane of Cincinnati, millionaire timber and lumber dealer and manufacturer, who has been very ill for several weeks at his home in the Ohio metropolis, and whose life was for a time despaired of, is now improving, according to advices received by friends and business acquaintances here.

The messages state that Capt. Crane will be able to get out again as soon as the weather improves.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 8 March 1917.

***

Work on remodeling the Cole residence on Highland avenue, which was damaged by fire before Christmas, is progressing rapidly. W.H. Cole, son of C. Cole, expects to build a house for himself later on the lot above his father’s.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 27 April 1917.

***

CLINTON CRANE DEAD

Well Known Lumber Magnate Passes Away At His Home In Cincinnati

The death of Clinton Crane, a well known lumber man, at his home in Cincinnati, last Friday, came as a shock to a number of people in Logan county who were well acquainted with him.

Mr. Crane had extensive holdings in West Virginia, being junior partner in the firm of Cole & Crane. He was 77 years old. He entered the West Virginia timber market about 1880, and came to own thousands of acres in the Guyandotte valley. His firm had booms at the mouth of the Guyandotte river and drifted millions of logs from the upper waters, rafting them to the booms and then towing them to Cincinnati. Lately, they have used trains mostly for this work.

Mr. Crane kept in close touch with his vast business interests. He also had large coal interests in the Guyan valley. He leaves a widow and two daughters. He was buried last Monday. His interests in Logan county were put in the hands of trustees before his death, so his passing will have no effect on the companies in which he held interest here.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 10 May 1917.

***

The late Clinton Crane, who died recently in Cincinnati, was among the first to recognize the vast resources of this part of West Virginia. He accumulated over a million dollars as a result. The same opportunities that were open to him are still open to others. The coal development of Logan county will produce many more millionaires within the lifetime of the present generation.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 17 May 1917.

Shelton Cemetery at West Hamlin, WV (2018)

12 Monday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Cemeteries, Civil War, West Hamlin

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8th Virginia Cavalry, Appalachia, Bettie Thompson, Brandon Kirk, cemeteries, civil war, Confederate Army, genealogy, Harvey May, history, Patton Thompson, Shelton Cemetery

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The road up from Tyler Creek. 10 February 2018.

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This cemetery contains over one hundred graves. 10 February 2018.

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Most graves are marked by beautiful headstones. 10 February 2018.

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My great-great-great-grandfather Patton Thompson (1824-1909) is buried here. His rock reads “P.T.” I didn’t find his grave, but I’ll be back! A few Thompson graves are located in this section. The headstone visible in this photo belongs to Patton’s great-granddaughter, Bettie Thompson (1913-1926). 10 February 2018.

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Harvey May, “An Old Rebel Soldier” from Company K of the 8th Virginia Cavalry. 10 February 2018.

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The road down to Tyler Creek. 10 February 2018.

Branchland Coal Company (1913)

12 Monday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal, Logan

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Appalachia, Branchland Coal Company, coal, Guyandotte Valley, Henry D. Hatfield, history, James R. Branch, Kitchen, Lincoln County, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, photos, West Virginia

From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, comes this letter from James R. Branch of the Branchland Coal Company, dated May 15, 1913:

Branchland 1

Kitchen, W.Va., May 9, 1913

Editor Logan Democrat,

Logan, W.Va.

Dear Sir:–

It may be of interest to you to know that the mines in the Guyan Valley operated by the Branchland Coal Co. adopted this month the nine hour day and two monthly pay-days suggested by Governor Hatfield.

These miners are probably the first in West Virginia to pay off on the double pay-day system, Saturday the tenth of May being the first day the men were paid off. I must say that it seems to make them happy and contented, and I am of the opinion that the changes will benefit the operator as well as the employee, for although men will have been scarce we are being flooded with them now. Miners live a hazardous life and are entitled to more consideration than they frequently receive. Our effort has always been to keep in touch with them and their complaints and troubles which are sometimes almost childish, but by sifting the real from the unreal and then acting justly the men are not hard to deal with, and they soon learn to trust those who treat them with consideration, justice and humanity.

West Virginia’s welfare and prosperity largely depend on her mines, and while I do not wish to pose as the preceptor of others, I sincerely believe that nearly all of our labor troubles could be adjusted by showing the miners as much liberality and kindness as possible.

Faithfully yours,

Jas. R. Branch, Pres.

 

Price Lucas Deed to Henry Adkins (1853)

08 Thursday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Guyandotte River, Little Harts Creek

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Amanda Lucas, Appalachia, Archibald Elkins, genealogy, Guyandotte River, Henry Adkins, history, James Ferrell, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Little Harts Creek, Logan County, Price Lucas, Spencer A. Mullins, Virginia, West Virginia

Price Lucas to Henry Adkins Deed 2

Deed Book C, page ___, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. This property is located in present-day Lincoln County, WV.

Price Lucas to Henry Adkins Deed 1.JPG

Deed Book C, page ___, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV.

Logan Train Station and C. & O. Railroad News (1917)

08 Thursday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal, Huntington, Logan

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Appalachia, C&O Railroad, coal, E.F. Parkins, H.A. Davin, H.C. Davis, history, Huntington, Logan, Logan Democrat, Logan District, Peach Creek, R.W. Mumfort, W.E. Webb, West Virginia

From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, comes this item of news about the C&O and a proposed new Logan train station, dated May 10, 1917:

C. & O. PLANS NEW STATION

Great Volume of Business in Logan Compels Road to Consider Step

The C. & O. has decided on building a new freight and passenger station in Logan, according to a widely circulated rumor in railroad circles. The step has been under consideration for some time and it is said that the need for a bigger terminal in Logan has become imperative since this division was detached from the Huntington division and created into a separate branch of the system.

It is impossible at this time to verify the report that the new station is assured but a couple of railroad men who are said to have the confidence of those “higher up” have declared that a new station at Logan has become an absolute necessity.

Along with this rumor is another to the effect that the rapid development of the Logan county coal fields and the ever increasing volume of coal produce here will soon result in the system being doubletracked from Logan to Huntington. This measure is said to have been decided upon as a measure of economy as the existing conditions do not permit the railroad to realize the full extent of its possibilities.

More Than Talk

These rumors which have gained circulation before have been vigorously revived in railroad circles and the increasing importance attached to the Logan division make it appear as if more than talk would eventuate.

The Logan division is well known among traffic men in this part of the country is the most productive of the entire C. & O. system. More business is done through the Logan freight office than in Cincinnati or any other large city which is touched by that railroad. Furthermore, the constantly increasing number of new coal operations in Logan county show that the possibilities of this field are as yet only in their infancy. In a few more years, traffic under a single track system would be entirely congested and a double track will be the only means of enabling the railroad to care for the business in this field.

The creation of Logan as a separate division emphasizes the necessity of a new station to care for the force of officials and clerks who are  brought to the city. At the present time, superintendent W.E. Webb and his staff are compelled to occupy offices at Peach Creek which they will use until an addition is built to the yard office, but this too will be only of a temporary nature. Larger quarters, such as afforded in the Huntington station, are needed by the division chief and his staff and are said to be contemplated in the plans under consideration for a new station at Logan.

Supt. Webb Arrives

Supt. Webb and his staff arrived in Logan last week and were busy seeking suitable accommodations the first few days. Supt. Webb is not new to this field as he was for many years chief clerk to the division superintendent at Huntington who formerly had charge of the Logan District. Mr. Webb is a comparatively young man and is looked upon as one of the most promising younger railroad executives in the country. As chief clerk he had the respect and confidence of both officials and clerks and doubtless will make an enviable reputation as chief of the newest division on the C. & O. system. He bears the reputation of never speaking without coming directly to the point and wasting no unnecessary words.

The other officials and clerical staff heads here now are: H.A. Davin, trainmaster; H.C. Davis, assistant trainmaster; R.W. Mumfort, chief engineer and E.F. Parkins, time keeper. A number of other clerks are expected in a few days.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 10 May 1917.

Beaver Pond and Barber Hollow Ridge (2017)

08 Thursday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Cemeteries, Fourteen, Gill, Ranger

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Appalachia, Barber Hollow, Beaver Pond, cemeteries, genealogy, history, Lincoln County, photos, West Virginia

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Beaver Pond Road, Lincoln County, WV. 4 November 2017.

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Compressor Station, Barber Hollow Ridge, Lincoln County, WV. 4 November 2017.

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Compressor Station, Barber Hollow Ridge, Lincoln County, WV. 4 November 2017.

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Barber Cemetery at Barber Hollow Ridge, Lincoln County, WV. 4 November 2018. Three graves are located here: a woman (center) and her two husbands (on each side).

Banco News 07.13.1926

08 Thursday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Banco, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Boone County, Chapmanville, Hamlin, Huntington, Logan, Timber

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Albert Estep, Appalachia, Banco, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, C.A. Justice, Chapmanville, Charleston, Charlie Stone, Cornell Chapman, Dr. J.T. Ferrell, Estep, Fourth of July, genealogy, H.F. Lucas, Hamlin, Hazel Saunders, history, Huntington, J.A. Pardue, J.A. Stone, J.B. Lucas, Jeanne Eleanor Lucas, John Vance, Joseph Varney, Limestone, Logan, Logan County, Luther Bias, Minta Jeffrey, Nellis, Polly Ellis, Ruby Saunders, Samuel Pardue, Sarah Ferrell, singing schools, Spring Dale, Sylvia Hinds, T.D. Butcher, Ted Hager, Thomas' Circle, timbering, W.M. Gullett, West Virginia, Wilkinson

An unknown correspondent from Banco on Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on July 13, 1926:

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Varney and children of Thomas Circle attended the singing school at Banco last Sunday conducted by Prof. Albert Estep of Limestone.

Mr. and Mrs. T.D. Butcher and children of Wilkinson motored through Banco Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hager of Banco left for their home in Big Creek Monday.

Charlie Stone of Blair was the all-night guest of his parents Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Stone at this place last Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. John Vance and children motored to Hamlin in their new Ford last Tuesday.

J.A. Pardue and sister-in-law, Miss Sylvia Hinds, of Huntington motored to Banco last Sunday were the all-day guest of Mr. Pardue’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Pardue.

Rev. Jeffrey of Chapmanville was visiting his mother, Mrs. Minta Jeffrey, near Banco last week.

Spring Dale is getting livelier every day. W.M. Gullett has purchased a new truck to haul lumber.

Misses Hazel and Ruby Saunders spent the Fourth in Logan.

Miss Ollie and Mattie Varney and Irene Lunsford were calling in our town one evening last week.

H.F. Lucas, mother, and little sister Jeanne Eleanor returned from Nellis, W.Va., Monday. Mrs. Lucas reports her brother, C.A. Justice, who recently removed from Charleston hospital where he was operated on for appendicitis, is getting along nicely.

Mrs. Polly Ellis of Big Creek and Miss Cornell Chapman of Estep and Dr. Ferrell of Chapmanville were out motoring last Wednesday.

Luther Bias of Chapmanville sure does think a lot of the girls as he had three in his little Ford last Monday evening. Be careful, Bias. Don’t get too many. Someone might get jealous.

Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Lucas spent the Fourth of July with Mr. Lucas’ aunt, Mrs. Sarah Ferrell at Chapmanville.

Coontown 400 Advertisements (1913)

06 Tuesday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Logan

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A Song by Two Girls, A Visit to a Couple of Girls, African-Americans, Appalachia, Coontown 400, Dance by Old Ham Bones, history, Holden, Holden Opera House, I Want to Buy a Dog, John Easley, Logan County, Logan Hippodrome, Miss Bessie and Her Sweetheart, Mr. Brown, West Virginia

Coontown 400 Advertisement LB 01.31.1913

Logan (WV) Banner, 31 January 1913.

Coontown 400 LB 02.21.1913

Logan (WV) Banner, 21 February 1913.

C. Russel Christian: The Mountain Bard (1886-1887)

05 Monday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington, Logan, Poetry, Wyoming County

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Brick Pomeroy, C. Russel Christian, Carl Christian, Epistle to Jefferson Davis, Epistle to Useless Gibson, General Johnston and the Dude, Grover Cleveland, history, Huntington Advertiser, Kirbyville, Life and Adventures of Sam Jones, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Marian Trent, Milton Star, Mountain Bard, Oceana, poems, poetry, The Rebel Holiday, West Virginia, writers, writing, Wyoming County

C. Russell Christian (c.1861-1889) was a well known regional poet born in Logan County, WV. A son of B. and E. (White) Christian, he married Marian Trent, fathered at least one son (Carl), and died of typhoid fever at Kirbyville in Wyoming County, WV. He is buried in Oceana, WV.

C. Russel Christian Poet LB 05.13.1927 4

C. Russel Christian, Logan (WV) Banner, 13 May 1927.

C. Russel Christian has written a card denying that he is the author of an ode to Grover Cleveland which graced the columns of the Milton Star recently. We have not read the ode, but have no doubt that it is much better than the Mountain Bard’s “Epistle to Jefferson Davis.” It could not be much worse.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 3 July 1886.

***

THE MOUNTAIN BARD ON THE WAR PATH.

The Mountain Bard has dedicated a poem to one of the editors of this paper and that unfortunate mortal confesses that he regards it as the most calamitous and disastrous thing that ever happened to him in the course of his existence. He does not pretend to understand such figures as “the angry bard for vengeance swarming far years,” and “spying a groveling farm along his path,” but supposes them to be esoteric. Here is the poem, in its naked sublimity, as it appeared in the Commercial last week:

THE CRITIC

WRITTEN FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF AND RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO EDITOR WIATT, OF THE HUNTINGTON (W.VA.) ADVERTISER, JULY, 1886.

BY C. RUSSEL CHRISTIAN

Author of “Epistle to Jeff Davis,” “Epistle to Useless Gibson,” “General Johnston and the Dude,” “The Rebel Holiday,” &c., &c.

When hungry critics quit their lawful prey,

And rise in arms where real Muses stray,

The faithless public greets with loud applause

The first attack–and then its aid withdraws!

Meanwhile, the Bard upon the scene appears–

The angry Bard, to vengeance swarm for years!

Along his path a groveling farm he spies,

And hurls the dart that rankles as it flies!

The stroke once o’er, the victor hides for shame,

And yields the vanquished half of all his fame.

So once a bull attacked a lightning train;

The world applauded, but applause was vain.

The cars, careering, darted o’er the line–

I’m glad Sir Bull was never bull of mine!

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 21 August 1886.

***

The many friends and admirers of C. Russel Christian will be pleased to learn that that brilliant poetic luminary will not go to North Dakota, as was recently reported, but will continue to lift the torch of poesy upon his native hills. Like the immortal Homer, the Mountain Bard is wandering from house to house–not the songs of love and war, but the praises of the “Life and Adventures of Sam Jones,” for which valuable and interesting book the bard is taking subscriptions. This work, which combines the spicy flavor of Brick Pomeroy’s Democrat with the dignity and humor of a patent medicine almanac, ought to be somewhere about the premises of every householder, and we hope that the bard will be abundantly successful in its distribution.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 2 April 1887

***

We publish on the fourth page of this impression a job lot of the “Mountain Bard’s” poetry. This does not necessarily imply that we think the Bard is improving. We publish his poetry as the evidence of a witness of doubtful veracity is given to a jury–for what it is worth.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 9 July 1887.

NOTE: To see Mr. Christian’s marriage record, follow this link: http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view2.aspx?FilmNumber=571278&ImageNumber=41

NOTE: To see Mr. Christian’s death record, follow this link: http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view2.aspx?FilmNumber=597573&ImageNumber=138

NOTE: To see Mr. Christian’s widow (a “washerwoman”) and son Carl in the 1900 Logan County (WV) Census, follow this link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-68V3-3TX?i=11&wc=9BWW-L2W%3A1032173901%2C1030658301%2C1033170701%3Fcc%3D1325221&cc=1325221

NOTE: For samples of Mr. Christian’s poety, follow this link: https://archive.org/details/mountainbardseri00chri

Logan County, WV, Jail (1879)

05 Monday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan

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Tags

Appalachia, crime, genealogy, history, jail, James R. Perry, John B. Laidley, Logan, Logan County, Ulysses Hinchman, West Virginia

IMG_3501.JPG

Law Orders Book B (1875-1883), page 333, 3 October 1879, Logan County Circuit Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV.

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Law Orders Book B (1875-1883), page 333, 3 October 1879, Logan County Circuit Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. 

Banco News 07.09.1926

05 Monday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Banco, Big Creek, Boone County, Chapmanville, Music

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Tags

Alice Justice, Appalachia, Banco, Basil Duty, Big Creek, Chapmanville, Charles Duty, Charleston, Clara Harmon, Crissie Simmons, Ed Stone Branch, Elm Street, Estep, Ethel Ferrell, genealogy, Glasgow, H.F. Lucas, history, Jeanne Lucas, John Hager, John Vance, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Manbar, Marea Lucas, music, Needmore, Nellis, Okey Justice, Robert Varney, Rosa Ellis, Spring Dale, Vickers Branch, W.H. Perry, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Banco on Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on July 9, 1926:

Here we come with a rush and a bound,

No better news from Banco can be found.

Everybody around Banco is lively. A large crowd attended the singing sat this place Sunday.

H.F. Lucas and mother and little sister Jeanne motored to Nellis, W.Va., last Saturday to visit Mrs. Lucas’ brother who is in the Charleston hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. Crissie Simmons and children of Glasgow are the guests of Mrs. Simmons’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Perry of Vicker’s Branch.

Mrs. Rosa Ellis of Needmore left for Logan Sunday where she spent the Fourth.

Mrs. Ethel Ferrell and daughter of Estep were visiting Mrs. Jno. Hager on Ed Stone Branch last Sunday.

Basil Duty spent Saturday and Sunday in Logan.

John Vance has purchased a new model Ford.

Mr. and Mrs. Okey Justice and little daughter Alice are visiting Mr. Justice’s parents on Elm street this week.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Varney and children of Manbar were calling on Mr. and Mrs. Charles Duty at Spring Dale Saturday and Sunday.

Wonder what has become of Mr. Bias of Chapmanville that we never see him anymore?

Miss Clara Harmon spent Sunday on Elm street with Miss Marea Lucas. They enjoyed the evening playing music.

Good luck to one and all.

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If you had lived in the Harts Creek community during the 1880s, to which faction of feudists might you have given your loyalty?

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Do you think Milt Haley and Green McCoy committed the ambush on Al and Hollene Brumfield in 1889?

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Who do you think organized the ambush of Al and Hollene Brumfield in 1889?

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OtterTales

Writings from my travels and experiences. High and fine literature is wine, and mine is only water; but everybody likes water. Mark Twain

Our Appalachia: A Blog Created by Students of Southern West Virginia CTC

This site is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and promotion of history and culture in Appalachia.

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Genealogy and History in North Carolina and Beyond

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