
Logan (WV) Banner, 14 August 1914.
30 Saturday Jun 2018
Posted Logan
inLogan (WV) Banner, 14 August 1914.
30 Saturday Jun 2018
Posted Banco, Big Creek, Chapmanville, Gill, Huntington, Logan
inTags
A.J. Thomas, Appalachia, Banco, Big Creek, C&O Hospital, C.C. Varney, Chapmanville, Edward Ferrell, Flora Lucas, genealogy, George Chafin, Gill, history, Huntington, J.B. Lucas, J.B. Thomas, Jack Hager, Logan, Logan County, Madeline Varney, Minta Jeffrey, Myrtie Lucas, Myrtle Lucas, Nell Marie Gill, Pearl Harmon, Ted Hager, West Virginia
An unknown correspondent from Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on February 7, 1928:
Mrs. Pearl Harmon has been in the C. & O. hospital at Huntington but is home again.
Little Nell Marie Gill has returned home again from a visit with her grandmother at Gill.
Mrs. Minta Jeffrey of Banco was a business caller here today.
Geo. Chafin and A.J. Thomas of Logan were Big Creek callers Thursday.
Mrs. C.C. Varney and daughter Madeline were calling on Mrs. Myrtie Lucas Thursday afternoon.
Mrs. Flora Lucas was the pleasant guest of Mrs. Myrtle Lucas one day last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hager and son Jack are visiting friends and relatives at Banco this week.
J.B. Lucas made a business trip to Chapmanville Saturday.
Edward Ferrell is store clerk in the Hunter store at present. Be careful, girls, and don’t stay too too long when shopping.
J.B. Thomas was a business caller in Logan this week.
29 Friday Jun 2018
Posted Big Harts Creek, Civil War, Whirlwind
inTags
Appalachia, Bulwark, civil war, Harts Creek, history, Logan County, photos, West Virginia, Whirlwind
Bulwark, located in the head of Harts Creek in Logan County, WV, is reportedly named in connection to a Civil War skirmish that occurred at the mouth of the fork. Bulwark means “fortification, stockade, or wall.” The name does not appear in deeds until after the Civil War. Whirlwind Post Office served this area from 1910 until the 1950s.
Old school at Bulwark, Logan County, WV. The original Bulwark School, established in 1880, was a one-room framed building. 7 April 2017.
Waterfall on Bulwark, Logan County, WV. 23 February 2018.
29 Friday Jun 2018
Posted Big Harts Creek, Queens Ridge, Whirlwind
inTags
Appalachia, Carl Adams, Charley Adams, genealogy, George McCloud, Harts Creek, history, Ireland Mullins, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mingo County, Peter Mullins, Queens Ridge, Robert Martin, Susan McCloud, Twelve Pole Creek, West Virginia, Whirlwind
An unknown correspondent from Whirlwind in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on February 3, 1928:
Carl Adams was visiting friends on Twelve Pole Friday.
Ireland Mullins was the all night guest at Mollie Robinson’s Friday.
Charley Adams is very ill at this writing.
We are glad that Carl Adams is improving.
George McCloud spent Friday night with his uncle R.L. Martin of Queens Ridge.
Susan McCloud was calling on friends at Peter Mullins’ Wednesday.
24 Sunday Jun 2018
Posted Big Ugly Creek
inTags
Appalachia, Big Ugly Creek, Edward Chapman, Elizabeth Spears, genealogy, history, Hugh Toney, Lincoln County, Logan County, Pigeon Roost Fork, Preston Spears, Virginia, W.I. Campbell, West Virginia, William Smith, William Straton, William T. Godby, Z.C. Dingess
Deed Book C, page ___, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Note: This property is located in present-day Lincoln County, WV.
24 Sunday Jun 2018
Posted Big Harts Creek, Culture of Honor
inTags
Andrew Howlett, Appalachia, Augustus Fowler, Ben Bartram, Bill Driver, Boone County, C.S. Wilson, Carroll County, constable, crime, Delbarton, Floyd Allen, Frank Adams, Frank Allen, genealogy, Harts Creek, Hillsville, history, Kirk, Leonard Conley, Lew Webb, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, McDowell County, Mingo County, moonshining, Moundsville, Nancy E. Ayres, Shanklin Creek, Sidna Allen, T.L. Massie, Virginia, W.M. Foster, W.M. Ray, Wallace Dillon, Welch, West Virginia, West Virginia State Penitentiary, Williamson, Wythe County
In 1912, Floyd Allen and other members of his family participated in a sensational gunfight during a trial at the Carroll County Courthouse in Hillsville, Carroll County, Virginia. The incident resulted in the death of Judge T.L. Massie, Prosecutor W.M. Foster, Sheriff L.F. Webb, juror Augustus Fowler, and witness Nancy E. Ayres, while seven others were wounded. In 1927, Frank Allen–a reputed relative of Carroll County Allens–was captured on Harts Creek in Logan County, WV.
Frank Allen Caught On Murder Charge
“Bad Frank” Allen was captured on Harts Creek last night and was lodged in jail here at 6 o’clock this morning. An hour or so later he was taken to Williamson to answer to a murder charge.
State police from Williamson, accompanied by Trooper Wilson and Constable Frank Adams, made the capture. They went to a house where he was known to be and called him to the door. As he appeared in view he was “covered” by high powered rifle and was commanded to drop a pistol he held in his hand. He refused to let go but one of the officers walked up to him and took possession.
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 11 November 1927.
“Bad” Frank Allen Moved to Welch Jail for Safe-Keeping
Charged With Murder, He Eluded Officers from October 1 Until Captured on Harts Creek Week Ago–Kinsmen of Allens of Carroll Court House Fame.
“Bad Frank” Allen, who was captured on Harts Creek a week ago last night, to answer to a murder charge in Mingo county, was subsequently moved from the Williamson jail to the Welch jail for safe-keeping. Boys with hard heads or big feet are in the habit of kicking holes in the Williamson bastile, but a ball bearing nutmeg grater will be presented to the first one who bumps his way to freedom through the thick walls of the McDowell prison.
Allen is accused of killing Wallace Dillon at a horsetrading carnival held near the Baptist Association meeting on Shanklin Creek October 1. Stories of the affray are conflicting. It is said Dillon and others had a whale of a fight, after there had been much imbibing of strong liquor. In the free-for-all Dillon was a star performer, upsetting friends and foes with little regard for consequences. Allen missed the “party,” but when he heard that Dillon had beat up the other participants in the affray, he is said to have construed it as a challenge. Saddling his horse he rode to the scene of the fight and presumably without any provocation fired at Dillon with fatal effect. He escaped after the shooting and officials of both Mingo and Logan county waged a strenuous man hunt in an effort to capture him.
The arrest was made at the home of Leonard Conley in a wild and isolated corner of Harts Creek. His captors were Deputy Sheriffs Bill Driver and Ben Bartram, of Williamson; State Police Wamsley and McClure, of Delbarton, and State Trooper C.S. Wilson, of the Logan detachment.
Conley, wanted on a liquor charge, was not at home, but the officers had a tip that “Bad Frank” was there. One yelled for him to come out and he appeared in the doorway, pistol in hand, and ready to “shoot it out,” until he saw several high-powered rifles leveled at him. Even then he ignored the command to drop his gun, but stood motionless as an officer approached him and took possession of the weapon, which proved to be of 45-calibre.
Allen told his captors that during the six weeks he was a fugitive he had slept in caves and barns and had nearly starved at times. It is thought he fared much better in the hospitable hills of Harts, altho he said that was the first night he had sought shelter in a human habitation.
Big Shoot Recalled
Allen hails from Wythe county, Virginia, and is said to be a kinsmen of the Allens who shot up the Hillsville court house on March 14, 1912. Two of the clan were executed for the crime and Sidney Allen was released from prison on a conditional pardon a year or more ago, the first fusillade in the court upon Judge T.L. Massie and Sheriff Lew F. Webb fell dead. Augustus Fowler, a juror was shot through the head and died two days later. Commonwealth’s Attorney Forst was also shot. Andrew Howlett, another juror, was shot through the _____st. Another juror and Clerk of the court Dextor Goad were wounded but recovered. Miss Elizabeth Ayres received a death wound. Sidna and Allen Floyd were wounded also.
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 18 November 1927.
Penitentiary Awaits “Bad” Frank Allen
“Bad” Frank Allen, whose recent capture under dramatic circumstances on Harts Creek, will be recalled by Banner readers, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the circuit court at Williamson this week. Sentence has not been pronounced but that offense is punishable by from one to five years in the penitentiary.
This desperado of a picturesque type killed Wallace Dillon at a horse-trading gathering near Kirk, on October 1. State’s evidence indicated he rode on the scene when the crowd was watching a fight between Dillon’s brother and another man and shot Dillon without any provocation. Allen testified he shot in self-defense, claiming there was no ill feeling between them and that they were unacquainted.
Allen is 28 and said to be related to the Allens of Hillsville court house fame.
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 16 December 1927.
“Bad” Frank Allen Escapes from Pen
“Bad” Frank Allen, said to be one of the Hillsville Allens and known in these parts, has escaped from the penitentiary and is at large. W.M. Ray, a Boone county man serving a two-year sentence for moonshining, escaped with him. They were missed at the prison mine Monday.
The usual reward of $50 has been offered for Allen’s recapture, but those familiar with his record are likely to believe the reward is too small to be tempting.
Allen entered the pen last December 26 to serve a term for shooting and killing Wallace Dillon at a horse-trading carnival near the Baptist Association meeting on Shanklin Creek, Mingo county, October 1. After that affray he escaped but late in November was captured at the isolated home of Leonard Conley on Harts Creek. State policemen armed with rifles and pistols surrounded the house and several were pointed at the front door when Conley, .45 pistol in hand, opened the door in response to a knock. He ignored commands to drop his gun but allowed an officer to seize it.
During the six weeks preceding his capture, Allen stayed in the wilds, subsisting on nuts and fruits largely, he told his captors, though he fared better after getting into the hospitable Harts Creek country.
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 24 April 1928.
22 Friday Jun 2018
Posted Coal, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Lincoln County Feud, Matewan
inTags
Appalachia, art, Blood in West Virginia, Bob Hatfield, Brandon Kirk, Buskirk and Hamilton, Devil Anse Hatfield, Green McCoy, Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival, history, Kentucky, Lincoln County Feud, Lisha Breeding, Louisa Mullins, Matewan, Matewan Depot, Mine Wars, Mingo County, Norfolk and Southern Railroad, Phyllis Kirk, Pike County, Randy Marcum, Sid Hatfield, Thacker, West Virginia, West Virginia Division of Culture and History
On June 15-16, 2018, the town of Matewan, WV, hosted the Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival. Matewan Depot hosted us for a book event. THANK YOU, Matewan Depot!
Matewan Depot is a must-see destination! NOTE: For more information about the town and depot, please follow this link: http://www.historicmatewan.com/
Here is a photo of our revamped Lincoln County Feud display at the Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival. Green McCoy, a Pike County (Ky.) McCoy, participated in the Lincoln feud; Bob Hatfield, son of Anse, married Louisa Mullins, a Lincoln feudist. 15 June 2018.
Green McCoy’s great-niece Lisha Breeding made my day when she visited the Lincoln County Feud exhibit. 16 June 2018. Photo by Mom.
We met nice people and sold copies of the book at the Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival. All proceeds were donated to the depot, which I greatly SUPPORT — it’s a significant asset that promotes regional history and tourism. 16 June 2018. Photo by Randy Marcum.
The Matewan Depot features a free museum. The museum offers historical items related to town history, the Hatfield-McCoy Feud, the Norfolk & Southern Railroad, and the Mine Wars. 15 June 2018.
Sid Hatfield gun with accompanying documentation. 15 June 2018.
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History showcased a Hatfield-McCoy exhibit at the Hatfield-McCoy Reunion Festival. 16 June 2018.
Some of the many artifacts located inside of the Matewan Depot. 16 June 2018.
The depot features a worthy selection of books and other items related to regional history and culture. This photo shows a sample of books: t-shirts, stickers, videos, art, and many other items can also be found here. If you visit, be sure to take a peak at my book, “Blood in West Virginia: Brumfield v. McCoy.” May 2018.
22 Friday Jun 2018
Posted African American History, Music
inTags
Appalachia, Brown's Hotel, Charles Kelley, history, Joe Glenn, L. Jean Bayes, Logan Banner, Logan County, Music Lovers Club, Republican Party, Stirrat, Stirrat Republican Colored Club, W.J. Glover, West Virginia
The following two items gleaned from the Logan Banner provide insight into African-American life in Logan County, WV, in 1926 and 1927.
CANDIDATES GIVE FLAG TO STIRRAT REPUBLICAN COLORED CLUB SATURDAY
A handsome American flag was presented Saturday night to the colored Republican club at Stirrat by Joe Glenn of the county assessor’s office in behalf of Republican candidates as an award for the precinct making the biggest Republican registration this year and for this club being the largest in point of numbers in the county. Charles Kelley is the president.
Six candidates were at the meeting and made brief talks. An enthusiastic meeting was held presaging a warm campaign when the battle of ballots opens for the November election.
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 7 September 1926
COLORED MUSICAL CLUB BEING ORGANIZED HERE
Announcement is made by W.J. Glover, president, and L. Jean Bayes, secretary, for the organization of the Music Lovers Club among colored citizens, formed at a meeting held in the reception room of Brown’s hotel. It is their purpose, they promise, to do some very constructive work in the county, “using as a method for success the reaching of the hearts of the people by having them respond to the musical concords of sounds.” All those approaching the object of the movement are invited by these officers of the club to meet this newly organized body at Brown’s hotel, Friday evening at 8 o’clock, to assist in creating a musical appreciation and community interest.
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 13 September 1927.
22 Friday Jun 2018
Posted Big Ugly Creek
inTags
Appalachia, Big Ugly Creek, board of education, Charles Adkins, clerk, genealogy, Harts Creek District, history, John E. Fry, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Nancy E. Fry, Robert Hager, Ross Fowler, Squire Toney, West Virginia
Deed Book __, page __, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.
Deed Book __, page __, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.
22 Friday Jun 2018
Posted Banco, Big Creek, Estep, Huntington, Logan
inTags
A.S. Harmon, Appalachia, Banco, Big Creek, Bruce Hunter, C.C. Varney, Chapmanville, Christmas, Clara Harmon, D.H. Harmon, E.S. Harmon, Estep, George Chafin, history, Huntington, J.B. Lucas, J.B. Toney, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Nell Mobley, R.C. Vickers, R.S. Pardue, Ted Hager, Thanksgiving, W.C. Lucas, West Virginia
An unknown correspondent from Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on December 6, 1927:
Everything is lively around Banco now days, with everyone looking forward to Christmas.
Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Lucas and Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Pardue were visiting homefolks at Banco Thanksgiving Day.
E.S. Harmon of Estep was a business caller here this week.
Mrs. J.B. Toney and Mrs. A.S. Harmon of Huntington were weekend visitors here.
We have a new shoe shop here. Now the boys can have their shoes mended without going far.
W.C. Lucas is on his job at the new gas station.
Bruce Hunter is going to put in a big store in the W.C. Lucas building in the east end of town.
George Chafin of Logan was here on business Tuesday.
D.H. Harmon of Banco was also a business caller here this week.
Mrs. C.C. Varney and Mrs. Ted Hager were calling on Mrs. J.B. Lucas, Wednesday.
Miss Clara Harmon of Banco was in Big Creek for a short time Sunday evening.
Mrs. Nell Mobley was calling on Mrs. R.S. Pardue one afternoon last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hager were visiting Mrs. Hager’s mother at Banco Sunday.
R.C. Vickers of Chapmanville was down to look after the Sunday School Sunday.
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