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Brandon Ray Kirk

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Brandon Ray Kirk

Monthly Archives: December 2018

State v. Ephraim Hatfield (1871-1872)

31 Monday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Timber

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Appalachia, crime, deputy sheriff, Devil Anse Hatfield, Ephraim Hatfield, genealogy, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, J.M. Jackson, James Allison, John Hatfield, Logan County, logging, Mingo County, sheriff, timber, timbering, Valentine Wall Hatfield, West Virginia

In 1871-1872, Ephraim Hatfield was accused of stealing “with force and arms” twenty saw logs valued at fifty dollars from James Allison in Logan County, WV. Most likely, the Ephraim Hatfield of this record is Ephraim “Big Eph” Hatfield (c.1811-c.1881), father to Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield. Other possibilities include Ephraim Hatfield (b. c.1851), son of John Hatfield, and Ephraim Hatfield (b. c.1856), son of Valentine “Wall” Hatfield.

56

Grand jury indictment for Ephraim Hatfield, who stood accused of stealing twenty “saw logs” from James Allison valued at fifty dollars on 10 April 1871. Logan County, WV. Page 1.

57

Page 1 (back). Note: This event is not related to the Hatfield-McCoy Feud.

64

Summons for Ephraim Hatfield to appear for the Fall Term of Court 1872 in Logan County, WV. Dated June 15, 1872. Page 1

65

M. Jackson served summons to Ephraim Hatfield on 20 July 1872. Page 1 (back)

Leet News 09.12.1924

31 Monday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Huntington, Leet, Toney

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Aggie Lucas, Appalachia, Big Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Earling, Ernest Lucas, genealogy, George Lucas, H.M. Gill, Herbert Feels, history, Huntington, Irvin Lucas, Jim Brumfield, Jim Gue, Joe Lewis, Leet, Lillie Lucas, Lincoln County, Logan Banner, Lorado, Lucas, Madison Creek, New York, Nora Lucas, Pearl Brumfield, Pleasant Valley, Sylvia Cyphers, teacher, Thelma Huffman, Toney, Vergie Brumfield, Wayne Brumfield, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Leet on Big Ugly Creek in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on September 12, 1924:

Dear old Banner, here we come with our bit of news.

L. Hoffman has just completed the new school house at the Pleasant valley, Leet, W.Va.

Mr. and Mrs. H.M. Gill spent a few days vacation on Madison Creek last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Gue made a business trip to Huntington last week.

Mrs. Joe Lewis and family of Lorado were visiting friends at this place last week.

Mr. Wayne Brumfield was calling on Miss Thelma Huffman Sunday.

Miss M. Lucas of Toney, W.Va., and Mr. Boyer of Big Creek were quietly married Wednesday. We wish them much happiness for a future life. They will spend their honeymoon in New York.

Miss Pearl Brumfield’s school is progressing nicely at Lucas, W.Va.

Miss Aggie Lucas, Miss Thelma and Rosa and a bunch of other girls were at a party Saturday night and reported a nice time.

Let’s not forget the 4th Sunday in this month the big meeting in the new school building here at Leet, W.Va.

Mr. Irwin and Ernest Lucas were the guests of Miss Thelma Huffman Friday and Saturday.

Miss Vergie Brumfield left Sunday evening for Earling, W.Va., where she will remain to teach school.

Miss Thelma Huffman entertained a bunch of girls and boys with piano and Victrola music Sunday.

Mr. Ernest Lucas was calling on Miss Sylvia Cyphers Sunday.

Miss Nora Lucas and George Lucas were out horse back riding Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Feels were down to visit home folks last week.

Miss Lillie Lucas was calling on homefolks Saturday and Sunday.

Mrs. L. Hoffman seems to be really busy now a days canning fruit.

NOTE: In the mid-1990s, I enjoyed several telephone calls and an exchange of letters with Vergie and Pearl Brumfield, who were daughters of my great-great-uncle Jim Brumfield.

Guyan Valley High School Students (c.1945)

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Ferrellsburg

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Appalachia, Ferrellsburg, Guyan Valley High School, history, Iona Mae Mullins, Lincoln County, photos, Pleasant View, West Virginia

IMG_0971.JPG

Guyan Valley High School students, c.1945. Fifth from left: Iona Mae Mullins of Ferrellsburg, Lincoln County, WV.

IMG_0970.JPG

Guyan Valley High School students, c.1945. Pleasant View, Lincoln County, WV.

Civil War Hanging in Logan County, WV (1937)

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Civil War, Man

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Appalachia, civil war, constable, crime, Eli Gore, Emmett Scaggs, Frank McKesson, genealogy, George Scaggs, Henry S. Walker, history, justice of the peace, lawyer, Logan Banner, Logan County, Man, Raleigh County, Stollings, Taplin Hollow, Virginia, West Virginia

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about a Civil War hanging in present-day Logan County, West Virginia.

Civil War Hanging in Logan 1862 LB 06.01.1937 1.JPG

Squire Sentenced Man To Be Hanged In This County

Constable George Scaggs Carried Out Edict Of Justice Of Peace John Perry Near Taplin In Logan County’s Only Legal Hanging

Nothing but the gnarled weather beaten stump of an old locust tree remains today to mark the scene of Logan county’s only legal hanging.

The stump is standing just below the highway at the mouth of Taplin hollow and is the only landmark which calls to mind the hanging of Henry S. Walker, convicted of murder by Squire John Perry of Man in the spring of 1862 and hanged the same day by Constable George Scaggs, uncle of Emmett Scaggs, prominent lawyer, and brother-in-law of Eli Gore, old resident of Stollings.

A story is told that Henry Walker came down Taplin Hollow late one night in the closing months of the civil war on a “scouting” tour. He entered the home of Uncle Frank McKesson and for no apparent reason seized a double bitted axe and chopped to lifeless, bleeding masses the bodies of Uncle Frank and his wife and then fled to Raleigh county.

One week later Constable George Scaggs arrested the man in the county where he was hiding and brought him before Justice of the Peace John Perry.

Squire John Perry had a fine eye for justice and he was meting it out under the Virginia law which allowed a justice of the peace to pass the death sentence.

George Scaggs was delegated as executioner and Walker was put on a wagon and brought to Taplin down the river road to the spot where he committed the crime.

Old-timers say that a crowd of men, women and children laughing and passing jokes on the show they were to see followed the wagon to the scene of the proposed hanging and watched tensely as a rope was thrown over the limb of the locust tree and the noose was placed snuggly around the neck of the murderer.

He was placed on the flour barrel, a couple of feet of the slack in the rope was taken up and tied securely to the trunk of the tree, and George Scaggs, without any preliminaries, kicked the flour barrel from under the man.

The man fell to within six inches of the ground and the awed onlookers gasped as they heard an audible crack which told them the murderer’s neck had snapped. He hung quivering at the end of the rope several minutes before the peace officer cut him down and placed him in the wagon to be taken to Man for burial.

The same crowd followed the wagon back to Man, but it was a crowd of sober individuals who had seen a human life pass into oblivion. There was no joking and even the children talked in muted undertones.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 01 June 1937.

Al Brumfield Deed to Louisa Wiley (1903)

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Fourteen, Lincoln County Feud, Wewanta

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Al Brumfield, Ann Brumfield, Appalachia, Bruner Hollow, Edward W. Clark, Fine Malinda Nester, Fourteen Mile Creek, genealogy, history, Hollena Brumfield, Jefferson Lucas, John S. Nester, Lewis Adkins, Lincoln County, Louisa Wiley, notary public, Paris Brumfield, Sulphur Spring Fork, West Virginia

Al Brumfield to Louisa Wiley 2

Deed Book 56, page 40, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. Al Brumfield was the son of Paris and Ann (Toney) Brumfield. Hollena Brumfield was the daughter of Henderson and Sallie (Adams) Dingess. Both were leading figures in the Lincoln County Feud.

Al Brumfield to Louisa Wiley 3

Deed Book 56, page 40, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. Louisa (Nester) Wiley was the daughter of John S. and Fine M. (Dalton) Nester. Her father was a first cousin to Al Brumfield.

Al Brumfield to Louisa Wiley 4

Deed Book 56, page 41, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. NOTE: Al Brumfield was literate; he signed this document with an “x” because he had gone blind by 1903.

Leet News 08.10.1923

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Ugly Creek, Cemeteries, Huntington, Leet, Logan

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Albert Dutch Lucas, Albert Gill, Alvis Walls, Appalachia, Big Ugly Creek, Burnie Lucas, Charley Lucas, cholera, genealogy, history, Huntington, Irvin Lucas Cemetery, John H. Brumfield, John Toney, Laura Lucas, Lawrence Toney, Leet, Lillie Huffman, Lincoln County, Linzie Huffman, Logan, Logan Banner, Lower Fork, Lundale, Rachel Brumfield, Susan Lucas, Susan Lucas Cemetery, Thelma Huffman, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Black Eyes” from Leet on Big Ugly Creek in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on August 10, 1923:

Mr. Linzia Huffman has returned to Logan to his same job.

Mrs. Lillie Huffman is on the sick list.

Lawrence Toney, son of John Toney, died Sunday evening at 5:30, July 28. Dear old Aunt Susie Lucas, age 80, died August 2, 9:30 A.M. The baby son of Dutch Lucas [Burnie Lucas] died August 3, 5:30 P.M. All died of cholera morbus. They were laid to rest in the Lucas cemetery. They will be missed by their many friends.

Miss Thelma Huffman has purchased a fine Victrola.

Thelma Huffman entertained a large number of friends Sunday with her music.

Mr. Albert Gill is putting up a nice dwelling house.

Miss Alvis Walls of Huntington is the guest of Laura Lucas this week.

Charley Lucas and daughter of Lundale have been visiting friends on Lower Fork.

There will be a big meeting at Leet in the grove on the 4th Sunday. There will be eighteen baptized. Everybody come.

NOTE: “Susie Lucas” was a daughter of John H. and Rachel (Haskins) Brumfield.

Cub Fork Coal Company at Yolyn, WV (1923)

23 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal

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Appalachia, coal, history, Logan Banner, Logan County, West Virginia, Yolyn

Cub Fork Coal Company at Yolyn Ad LB 06.08.1923.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 8 June 1923.

Lincoln County, WV: After Oil and Gas (1922)

23 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Hamlin

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Appalachia, board of education, Carroll High School, cattle, Columbus, dairy, Edna Hager, education, fruit, gas, Hamlin, history, Homer Stiles, Hugh Hainor, Ida Hager, Kenova, Lincoln County, Lincoln Republican, Ohio, oil, orchards, sheep, teachers, West Virginia

From the Lincoln Republican of Hamlin, WV, comes this submission by three Carroll High School students about what Lincoln County might do when oil and gas is exhausted in the future.

AFTER OIL AND GAS, THEN WHAT?

If oil and gas were to become exhausted in Lincoln county what suggestions have you along the line of agriculture for keeping up and increasing the wealth of the county and maintaining the population of Hamlin?

Three Carroll High School pupils in a recent examination in Agriculture gave the following answers:

If oil and gas were to become exhausted in Lincoln county, and it is supposed that it will, the people could make just as much money at other things if they would only think so. For instance, Lincoln county has been declared by the best educated men in the State to be the best fruit growing county in West Virginia. The people of Lincoln county can make as much money growing fruit as the people of Ohio, and many a farmer in Ohio has grown rich just by growing fruit. I do not mean out close to Columbus, but down near Kenova, in the hilly section. These hills of Lincoln county can be cleared and the men who are now making $2500 a year working in the oil and gas business can make that much and more growing fruit. Of course he has to go about it in the right manner. If they do it as it should be done they would be busy every day in the year.

Dairying is another thing that has been discussed by educated men for Lincoln county. They say now that we are getting the hard road we can take all our milk and butter to Huntington and receive good prices for it. Improved cattle can be turned out on these hills and if cared for in the proper way a man can make as much money working at it as he can working in the oil and gas business.

IDA HAGER.

If oil and gas were to become exhausted in Lincoln county, I think dairying would help increase the wealth of the county and also help maintain the population of Hamlin. Dairying would pay in this county because so many people do not own cows and would buy all their milk and butter from the dairy. The cows could be pastured in the summer, and this would cause the people to improve their farms; and again, we are getting the hard road, and the dairy products could very easily be taken to market, if the dairy man could not sell all his products at home.

Fruit raising would also help Lincoln county. These hill-sides could be converted into profitable and beautiful fruit farms. I don’t think another town in the U.S. of its size uses so much fruit as Hamlin, and all this fruit must be shipped in from other places when it could be raised very easily at home. The people would improve their farms, and the washed and gullied hills would be made of some use, whereas they are of none. The only thing needed to make both dairying and fruit raising profitable is some one to start and boost the business.

EDNA HAGER.

If oil and gas were to become exhausted in Lincoln county, I would suggest agriculture on a scientific basis to keep the population and increase the wealth. If I see right, Lincoln county has some of the best land for orchards in the eastern part of the United States. What cannot be used for orchards can be used for sheep. With the proper care, orchards of great value and producing ability can soon be started in Lincoln county. Most of the soil, or sub soil, is clay and usually is deep and well watered. The change in temperature is usually gradual and not much risk or danger would be run in loosing from frosts or freezing. Again, we can not find a better sheep raising county in the east than Lincoln county. Sheep would surely prosper in Lincoln county. The land is somewhat run down and this would soon build it back again and restore Lincoln county’s virgin soils. This is the only way I can possibly see to keep Lincoln on her feet.

HUGH HAINOR

Perhaps it is well that some people are thinking along this line. It might be dded also that one way of keeping up the population and welfare of the county is to build up at the County seat the best school possible. In doing this everyone can help. We should have a large number of county teachers in the High School for the spring months. Everyone should be interested in livening teachers up to this opportunity of better preparation. We shall be in the new building then and the new building is fine. It might be of interest to note in closing that the Board of Education and the faculty are considering the establishment of a Five Week’s Summer Training School for teachers, and are discussing the matter with State authorities and with the County Superintendent.

HOMER STILES,

Prin. Carroll High School

Source: Lincoln Republican (Hamlin, WV), 02 February 1922.

Mingo Oak near Holden, Logan County, WV

18 Tuesday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Holden, Timber

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Appalachia, history, Holden, Jill Baisden, Logan County, Lowe Mountain, Mingo County, Mingo Oak, photos, Rum Creek, timber, West Virginia

Big Tree at Lowe Mountain 1

This tree was an old landmark on near Holden in Logan County, WV. The owner of this photo thought this photograph was taken on Lowe Mountain in the head of Rum Creek, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of Jill (Mullins) Baisden.

For more information, go here: https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/1833

Big Creek News 04.17.1922

18 Tuesday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Atenville, Big Creek, Hamlin, Huntington

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Alvie Purkey, Appalachia, appendicitis, Atenville, B.D. Toney, Big Creek, David Crockett, Earl McComas, genealogy, Hamlin, history, Howard McComas, Huntington, James B. Toney, Lincoln County, Logan Banner, Logan County, pneumonia, Rachel Spry, West Virginia

An unnamed correspondent from Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on April 17, 1922:

Mr. B.D. Toney and J.B. Toney, of Big Creek, have been attending circuit court at Hamlin this week.

Baby Earl, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard McComas, has been very ill since last Saturday with broncho-pneumonia.

Alvie Purkey, who had been ill with appendicitis, died Wednesday, March 29. He was operated on at a local hospital at Huntington, after which pneumonia fever developed.

A banquet was given after the lodge meeting at the K. of P. hall Wednesday night.

Mrs. Rachel Spry, of Atenville, has been very ill with pneumonia fever, but is now very much improved.

Dr. D.P. Crockett, of Big Creek, was in Logan Thursday. Dr. Crockett has been ill for several days having had an appointment at the C&O hospital at Huntington for abscess of frontal sinus.

Charles Adkins Deed to Malinda Adkins (1898)

16 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek

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Appalachia, Charles Adkins, county clerk, genealogy, Harts Creek, Harts Creek District, history, Isaac Adkins, Isaac Fry, Isaiah Adkins, J.L. Hager, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Lower Big Branch, Lower Big Branch Mountain, Malinda Adkins, Mill Branch, Robert Hager, West Virginia

Charles Adkins to Malinda Adkins 1

Deed Book 55, page 52, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

Charles Adkins to Malinda Adkins 2

Deed Book 55, page 52, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

Charles Adkins to Malinda Adkins 3

Deed Book 55, page 53, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

Anderson Hatfield Statue (1922)

16 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Cemeteries, Culture of Honor, Hatfield-McCoy Feud

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Appalachia, Bob Hatfield, Cap Hatfield, Carrara, Devil Anse Hatfield, Elias Hatfield, Elizabeth Hatfield, Elliott Hatfield, F.C. McColm, genealogy, Hatfield Cemetery, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, Huntington, Island Creek, Italy, Joe Hatfield, Johnson Hatfield, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mary Hatfield, McColm Granite Company, Nancy Hatfield, R.E. Trevey, Rose Hatfield, Sarah Ann, Tennis Hatfield, Troy Hatfield, West Virginia, Willis Hatfield

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about the statue of Anderson Hatfield at the Hatfield Cemetery on Island Creek:

Anse Hatfield Statue LB 04.14.1922 1.JPG

Hatfield Statue is Shipped from Italy

A statue of “Devil Anse” Hatifeld, which has been recently completed by a world famous sculptor in Carrara, Italy from a model drawn by F.C. McColm, of Huntington, has been shipped to that city where it will be placed on display, before erection at the grave of Captain Hatfield, near his home on Main Island Creek, Logan county.

The statue shows the late “Devil Anse,” standing erect, typifying the stalwart, West Virginia mountaineer, in a characteristic pose, with slouch hat, loose long coat and baggy trousers.

The pedestal, which is being made by the McColm Granite Company, is thirteen feet high. There is no epitaph, merely the words, “Captain Anderson Hatfield, 1839-1891,” and “Levicy Chafin, his wife, 1842–.” The statue is being erected by his family. There is a space at the side of the monument for the thirteen children, who are: Johnson, William A., Robert L., Nancy, Elliott R., Mary, Elizabeth, Elias, Troy, Joseph D., Rose, Willis E., and Tennis S.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 17 March 1922. Note: The Banner printed an incorrect date for Anse Hatfield’s death year.

Anse Hatfield Statue LB 04.14.1922 5

Photo by R.E. Trevey.

***

Memorial Unveiled To “Devil Anse” Hatfield

Magnificent Statue Unveiled at the Family Burying Ground Last Sunday Before Friends.

ERECTED TO MEMORY OF STATE’S MOST NOTED MAN

Carved from Italian Granite by a Noted Sculptor in Carrara Arriving Here Last Week

The magnificent statue of Anderson Hatfield, better known throughout this section of the nation as “Devil Anse” Hatfield, was unveiled Sunday afternoon at the family burying ground near his old home on Upper Main Island Creek.

Preparations had been made for a large crowd and a free dinner had been prepared, but due to the condition of the roads and to the fact that showers fell in the afternoon hundreds of his friends were kept away. About 500 people braved the threatening clouds to attend and gazed upon a handsome marble figure standing 13 feet in height, typifying the deceased mountaineer in his daily walks of life.

The majestic statue is erected to the memory of one of the most noted characters that ever lived in West Virginia. It is erected to the memory of a life that was crowded with thrilling events, but in this body, that witnessed and participated in many historical events, there ran a strain of human kindness never exceeded.

In keeping with the well known hospitality of the Hatfields, his relatives had prepared a bountiful repast for all that visited their home Sunday and the food was all that could be desired. His children and grandchildren were there in large numbers and many of the friends of the family.

The statue stands in the family burying ground and the full life size figure stands majestically overlooking the hills and valleys were “Devil Anse” in his lifetime was wont to roam as lord and master of all he surveyed.

The statue is of Italian granite and was carved by a noted sculptor in Carrara and is set upon a granite pedestal. The shaft contains the name of the noted old leader, together with the dates of his birth and death, the name and date of birth of his wife. Space is left on other portions of the statue for the names of his thirteen children.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 14 April 1922.

IMG_0204

Anse and Levisa (Chafin) Hatfield graves at the Hatfield Cemetery in Sarah Ann, Logan County, WV. 12 May 2018.

Anse Hatfield and Jim Vance (1868)

16 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Timber

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Appalachia, county clerk, crime, deputy clerk, Devil Anse Hatfield, Farmer McCoy, genealogy, Harrison Blair, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Hiram H. Williamson, history, Jim Vance, John Buchanan, Logan County, Mingo County, sheriff, Thomas Buchanan, timber, timbering, West Virginia, William Straton

Anderson Hatfield and James Vance Document 1868 1

Hiram H. Williamson and William Straton, $1800 bond, 15 September 1868.

Anderson Hatfield and James Vance Document 1868 2

Hiram H. Williamson and William Straton, $1800 bond, 15 September 1868.

Anderson Hatfield and James Vance Document 1868 3

Summons for Jim Vance and Anse Hatfield, 15 September 1868.

Anderson Hatfield and James Vance Document 1868 4

Summons for Jim Vance and Anse Hatfield, 15 September 1868.

Anderson Hatfield and James Vance Document 1868 5

Hiram H. Williamson oath, 15 September 1868.

Anderson Hatfield and James Vance Document 1868 6

Order to seize property, 5 October 1868.

Anderson Hatfield and James Vance Document 1868 7

Order to seize property, 5 October 1868.

Anderson Hatfield indicted for retailing Nov 10 1868 LC LO BK A p. 38 1

Law Order Book A, page 38, 10 November 1868, Logan County Circuit Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. NOTE: This latter document relates to a charge against Hatfield for unlawful retailing of liquor and also against Farmer McCoy for lewdness.

Stone Branch News 08.31.1923

16 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington, Stone Branch

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Appalachia, genealogy, Hade Smith, Henlawson, history, Huntington, Lane School, Logan Banner, Logan County, Nannie Lilly, Nell McKenzie, Nell Stellner, Ona Spencer, Ote Belcher, Rosa Workman, Stone Branch, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Rose Bud” from Stone Branch in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on August 31, 1923:

The weather is very warm at this writing.

Mrs. N. Williamson is on the sick list at this writing.

Mrs. Hade Smith enjoyed herself car riding Sunday afternoon.

Little Ona Spencer is very sick at this writing.

We are glad to see our friends Mr. and Mrs. Murphy back home again.

The girls around Stone Branch seem to be enjoying themselves nowadays.

Miss Nell McKenzie and Miss Nell Stellner were taking in the lodge supper Friday night.

Miss Nannie Lilly was seen out walking with her best fellow Sunday evening.

Mrs. Compton and family paid Mrs. Bledsoe and also Mrs. Williamson a visit Monday evening.

Everybody is preparing themselves for the basket dinner at the Lane school house Sunday.

Miss Rosa Workman was calling on Miss Nannie Lilly last week.

Mrs. Marshall is preparing to go to Huntington to visit her parents.

Miss Nannie Lilly and Mr. Ote Belcher seem to be all smiles when Cecil isn’t around.

Mr. and Mrs. Ora Crumb, of Henlawson, were calling on Mr. and Mrs. Murphy Sunday.

Daily happenings: Robert and his bunch of sweetness, Wyla and his ranger, Celo and his best girl, Randolph and his mountain trail, Florence and her wrist watch, Nanna and Josie gathering grapes.

Andrew Elkins Deed to Rhoda Gartin (1899)

15 Saturday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Fourteen

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Andrew Elkins, Appalachia, Confederate Army, Dry Branch, Elizabeth Elkins, Fork Ridge, Fourteen, Fourteen Mile Creek, genealogy, history, Lick Fork, Lincoln County, postmaster, Rhoda Gartin, Robert A. Lewis, Thomas J. Adkins, West Virginia

Andrew Elkins to Rhoda Gartin 1

Deed Book 55, page 27, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. Andy Elkins, a Confederate veteran and postmaster at Fourteen, is my great-great-great-grandfather.

Andrew Elkins to Rhoda Gartin 3

Deed Book 55, page 27, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

Andrew Elkins to Rhoda Gartin 4

Deed Book 55, page 27, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

Big Creek News 02.17.1922

15 Saturday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Creek, Huntington, Stone Branch

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Appalachia, Big Creek, Charleston, coal, Daisy, Daisy Coal Company, David Crockett, Gordon Lilly, H.J. Markham, history, Huntington, James B. Toney, Logan Banner, Logan County, Peter M. Toney, pneumonia, Stone Branch, W.H. McKinney, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on February 17, 1922:

In the last few days Daisy Coal mines started up after being shut down for about four months.

Mr. West, mining engineer of Charleston, has been in Big Creek looking after business matters the last few days.

Mr. P.M. Toney, member of the County Court, has been to Charleston and other places pertaining to business matters for the last few days.

Mrs. J.B. Toney and family of Huntington have been visiting relatives in Big Creek for several days.

Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Markham have been visiting relatives here for the last few days.

There has been a lot of sickness here in the last two weeks and a number of cases of pneumonia.

Mr. and Mrs. W.H. McKinney, who have been visiting relatives, have gone to house keeping and decided to stay here. Mr. McKinney is employed as electrician for the Daisy Coal Co.

A new baby was born to Mr. and Mrs. Millard Sanders.

Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Stone of Peach Creek are visiting Mr. Stone’s mother at Big Creek.

A bad cough and cold is interfering with Uncle Gord Lilly’s matrimonial arrangements as announced by him. But Uncle Gord tells us that this matter will be attended to promptly.

Dr. Crockett has been away attending to business matters in Charleston.

A great protracted meeting has been going on at Stone Branch for the past two weeks. There were sixteen conversions. A number will be baptized Sunday.

Boardwalk and 700 Hill at Omar in Logan County, WV

15 Saturday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal

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700 Hill, Appalachia, coal, history, Logan County, Omar, photos, West Virginia

Boardwalk and 700 Hill 2.JPG

Boardwalk and 700 Hill, Logan County, WV. Photo credit unknown.

Democratic Party Intimidation in Logan County, WV (1924)

15 Saturday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal, Logan

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Anthony Mullins, Appalachia, Charley Harris, Democratic Party, Deputy Marshal, deputy sheriff, Don Chafin, Dow Chambers, First National Bank, George Loggins, history, Hugh Deskins, Ira P. Hager, Iva Harris, Jean Thompson, Joe Hatfield, Keenus Mounts, Logan, Logan County, Lorado, Mine Wars, Monaville, Mud Fork, Randolph Dial, Republican Party, Sam Logan, sheriff, Surrilda Mullins, Tennis Hatfield, United States Commissioner, West Virginia

Political history for Logan County, West Virginia, during the 1920s was particularly eventful; it included the latter years of Sheriff Don Chafin’s rule, the Mine Wars (“armed march”), Republican Party ascendancy, and the rise of Republican sheriffs Tennis and Joe Hatfield. What follows are selected primary source documents relating to this period:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA,

HUNTINGTON DIVISION

Before the undersigned authority, Ira P. Hager, a United States Commissioner in and for said District, personally appeared this day Sam Logan, who after being by me first duly sworn, says: That affiant was on the election ground at Mud Fork on election day November 4th, 1924, but did not see Don Chafin assault Hugh Deskins, Deputy Marshal, affiant being around on the other side of the school building; but affiant heard a commotion and heard the people say Don had hit some one, and saw the crowd gather around Hugh Deskins and Don, and I heard Don say, “If you don’t like that I will give you some more of it,” and followed him around and the Deputy Marshal was retreating from the said Don Chafin.

About a minute later the said Hugh Deskins deputized affiant as a Special Deputy Marshal to help keep order and handed affiant a pistol, and Don came up immediately and arrested affiant. He said, “Have you got a right to carry a gun?” I said, “Yes, I guess so,” and he said, “Show me your right,” and I said, “I was deputized by the Deputy Marshal,” and he reached and grabbed my gun from under my belt and said, “Come on and go to Logan,” and took me over to the automobile and told Randolph Dial, deputy sheriff to take me to jail. They locked me up in the Logan County jail and kept me from about 9:30 A.M. until about 7 or 8 o’clock next day. They kangarooed affiant while he was in jail and made affiant pay the prisoners $2.00 in money. Randolph Dial brought us out next morning and stayed with us on the corner at the First National Bank and said, “You fellows can go ahead now and we will notify you when we get ready for trial.” I heard Keenus Mounts cursing George Loggins on the election ground in the presence of a number of ladies.

Sam Logan (signature)

Taken, subscribed and sworn to before me this the 10th day of November, 1924.

Ira P. Hager

United States Commissioner as aforesaid.

***

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA,

HUNTINGTON DIVISION

Before the undersigned authority, Ira P. Hager, a United States Commissioner in and for said District, personally appeared this day Anthony Mullins and Surrilda Mullins, who after being by me first duly sworn, depose and say that they voted straight Republican tickets at the Mud Fork Precinct, in Logan County, November 4th, 1924, having voted open, on the table, in the presence of Walter Queen and the other election officers. That as affiant went out at the door of the election room after voting the said Walter Queen made insulting remarks to affiants indicating that affiants smelt bad to him. That after the fight affiant was deputized by the Marshal, but Jean Thompson told affiant not to take a tun.

Affiants further say that they saw Hugh Deskins, Deputy U.S. Marshal, standing on the ground and he was simply standing there, and had done nothing to any person, so far as affiants could see, or hear, when Don Chafin walked up and struck him on the head, or about the face. The Deputy Marshal backed away from the said Don Chafin, and the said Don Chafin followed him up, making some remarks to him, saying, “Have you got enough? If you haven’t, I will give you some more,” or words to that effect and called him a snurl. There were four in the room when we voted.

Anthony Mullins (signature)

Suralda Mullins (signature)

Taken, subscribed and sworn to before me this the 10th day of November, A.D., 1924.

Ira P. Hager

United States Commissioner as aforesaid.

***

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA,

HUNTINGTON DIVISION

Before the undersigned authority this day personally came Charley Harris and Ivie Harris, who after being by me first duly sworn, says:

That the said Charley Harris has been employed by the coal company at Yolyn. That affiants supported the Republican Ticket in the election. That prior to the election, Superintendent Butler came to affiant and told affiant that he wanted them to vote and support them. That affiant told them “he could not do that.” That affiants were “straight Republicans.” Dow Chambers came down today and said, “Say boy, how did you vote?” and I told him, “I voted Republican,” and he said, “You will have to move.” Two foreigners were standing by, and one of them was claiming that the other owed him two dollars for a board bill, and the said Dow Chambers hauled off and struck the other twice on the nose, and the blood squirted from his nose. I said, “Gee whiz.” He turned to me and said to me, “What have you to do with it?” and I said, “Nothing,” and he said, “You God Damned black son-of-a-bitch, I will kill you,” and he struck at me and came down off the store porch and went home. This happened about three o’clock today.

Mr. Butler, the superintendent, gave me my time today and said to me, “I am going to fire all who did not vote the Democratic ticket.” he told them to “settle with me” and that he would have to have the house.

Affiants are going to Monaville to try to get work, or may go to Lorado.

Down Chambers is supposed to be a thug or Deputy Sheriff. At any rate, he is a thug.

Ivie Harris (signature)

Charlie Harris (signature)

Taken, subscribed and sworn to before me this the 10th day of November, 1924.

Ira P. Hager

United States Commissioner as aforesaid.

Isaac Adkins Heirs Deed to Henry Adkins (1855)

12 Wednesday Dec 2018

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

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Tags

Appalachia, Charles Adkins, county clerk, Edmond Toney, Elizabeth Adkins, genealogy, Guyandotte River, Harts Creek, Henry Adkins, history, Isaac Adkins, Isaiah Adkins, Jane Toney, Lincoln County, Logan County, Lydia Eveline Mullins, Mary Jane Adkins, Parthena Adkins, Spencer A. Mullins, Virginia, W.I. Campbell, West Virginia, William Straton

Isaac Adkins Heirs to Henry Adkins Deed 1

Deed Book C, page 446, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Isaac and Elizabeth (Adkins) Adkins are my great-great-great-great-grandparents. I descend through their son, Isaiah.

Isaac Adkins Heirs to Henry Adkins Deed 2

Deed Book C, page 446, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. This land is located in present-day Harts, Lincoln County, WV.

Harrison Blair Was Early Sheriff in Logan County, WV (1937)

12 Wednesday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in American Revolutionary War, Battle of Blair Mountain, Logan, Williamson

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American Revolution, Anderson Blair, Anderson Dempsey, Appalachia, Battle of Blair Mountain, Blair Mountain, Chlorina Blair, civil war, Democratic Party, Edward Baisden, Frances Baisden, genealogy, genelaogy, Harrison Blair, history, Jean Schmidt Baisden, Joe Blair, John Blair, John McCoy, Joseph Baisden, Joseph Blair, Laurel Fork, Logan County, Lucinda Osborne, Mahulda Blair, Marquis de Lafayette, Mary Chafin, Mingo County, Moses Parsley, Polly Baisden, Powells Valley, Republican Party, Rhoda Blair, sheriff, Solomon Baisden, Susan Bennett, Thomas Copley, West Virginia, Williamson

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about Harrison Blair, an early sheriff in Logan County, WV:

Harrison Blair Was First Democrat Sheriff In Logan

Son of Namesake Of Town Of Blair Served Shortly After Civil War; Democrats Held Office Continuously Until 1924

Harrison Blair Appointed Sheriff 1.JPG

John Blair, namesake of the little mining town which nestles at the foot of Blair Mountain on the headwaters of Laurel Fork, was the father of Logan county’s first Democratic sheriff.

He was a native of Powells Valley in Virginia and first settled just above the present site of Williamson. He married Polly Baisden and later settled near his father-in-law, Jean Schmidt Baisden, at the Mouth of Laurel.

Blair died in 1860 after rearing a family of three sons and three daughters. His son, Harrison, was Logan county’s first Democratic sheriff after the Civil War.

Harrison was married twice. He first married a Miss Johnson and later a Miss Chafin. His brothers Anderson and Joe married McCoy sisters and made their home near their brother and father on Laurel Fork.

Jean Schmidt Baisden, father-in-law to John Blair, was one of the first settlers at the Mouth of Laurel. He came with Lafayette to America and served under him during the Revolution.

After the war he located at Richmond, Va., and then moved to Reeds Island, New York, where he married a Miss Burnham. At the beginning of the 19th century he moved to the mouth of Laurel and reared a family.

He had three sons and two daughters. His sons were Joseph, who married Lucinda Osborne; Solomon, who married Mary Chafin; and Edward, who married Susan Bennett.

His daughters were Polly, who married Harrison Blair; and Frances, who married Thomas Copley.

John Blair’s daughters were Mahulda, who married Anderson Dempsey; Chlorina, who married John McCoy; and Rhoda, who married Moses Parsley.

The Blairs and Baisdens are a well-known family on the Laurel Fork side of Blair Mountain, though few have crossed the divide and settled on the Guyan river watershed.

Early county history has it that the Blairs were active politically in the county following the Civil War, but no definite facts can be found of individuals holding any official position other than Harrison, who was the first of a long line of Democratic sheriffs, which ruled the county up until 1924, when the Republicans broke the power of Democrats and began their regime which ended in 1932.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 4 May 1937.

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