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Brandon Ray Kirk

Monthly Archives: March 2019

Peggy Price of Williamson, WV (1937)

31 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan, Music, Williamson, Women's History

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Appalachia, history, Liebenstraum, Logan Banner, Logan High School, Mingo County, Peggy Price, photos, West Virginia, Williamson

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Miss Peggy Price, Williamson dance pupil of Helen Cox Schrader, who appears in The Passing Show of 1937. The first night audience of the recital at the Logan high school auditorium Tuesday found Miss Price’s ballet number Liebestraum most pleasing. Logan (WV) Banner, 2 June 1937

Whirlwind News 01.19.1923

31 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek, Whirlwind

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Anna Brumfield, Appalachia, Belle Adams, Bob Dingess, Dave Dingess, fiddle, genealogy, Harts Creek, history, Hollena Dingess, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lula Whitt, Ora Tomblin, singing schools, Weltha Hensley, West Virginia, Whirlwind

A correspondent named “Little Ted” from Whirlwind at Harts Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 19, 1923:

Mr. Robert Dingess is conducting a good school on Pond.

Miss Hollena Dingess is enjoying school teaching now. Wonder why?

Suppose the Big 4 Taxi arrives now. Remember, they are acquainted with Harts Creek?

Miss Weltha Hensley made a flying trip to Whirlwind last Friday.

Mr. Robert Dingess calls on Miss Anna Brumfield now.

The singing school is progressing nicely at present.

Harts Creek has a number of mechanics and carpenters. They are completing a cornstalk fiddle at Dave Dingess’.

They are arranging for a millinery store on Trace.

Ora Tomblin was calling on his best friend Sunday.

They are arranging for a party at Mrs. Belle Adams’ school. The air will smell of pumpkin pie then.

Yes, Harts Creeker. “More pud.”

Lula Whitt is some little vamp of this place.

State v. Edgar Combs (1923): Statement of Sol Bloom, No. 7

31 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal, Logan

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Appalachia, history, Logan, Logan County, Lola Herald, merchant, Mine Wars, Sol Bloom, United Mine Workers of America, West Virginia

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Harts Creek News 01.26.1923

31 Sunday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek

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Alice Dingess, Appalachia, Charles Curry, Charley Mullins, genealogy, Harts Creek, history, James Baisden, Jerome Adams, Logan Banner, Logan County, Major Adams, Monaville, Roxie Mullins, singing schools, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Cinderella” from Harts Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 26, 1923:

We, the citizens of Harts Creek, certainly do enjoy reading the Banner.

Some Harts Creekers have been making some drawings representing the new model cars so that they will not embarrass us so.

Mr. Jerome Adams has left this city and gone to Monaville. Cheer up, girls. There’ll be more just as good looking maybe.

Come on and let’s give a ‘rah for Harts Creek. Let’s pledge to her anew for others it is white and crimson but for us it is old and true. Yea, Brack and Brue.

The singing school is progressing nicely with the following different parts: tenor, by principal Alice Dingess; soprano Charley Curry; bass and fido by Lucy, David, and Norma. Guess the alto is left off this half.

Wonder if James Baisden has ever repaired his old tire. Don’t guess he has, or he would not have bought that poodle dog. “Haint it the truth?”

Miss Roxie Mullins continues her daily trips to the store.

Mr. Charley Mullins does not enjoy himself since the black pudding is found by the yard. “Hot dog!”

Major Adams has purchased a wheelbarrow. Our town is improving every day.

The girls of other cities wear long dresses. Don’t get out of style, girls. Won’t ever do.

Peach Creek YMCA is Thriving (1928)

20 Wednesday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal

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Appalachia, C&O Railroad, coal, history, Logan Banner, Logan County, Peach Creek, photos, West Virginia

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Logan Banner, 6 March 1928

Whirlwind News 01.12.1923

20 Wednesday Mar 2019

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

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Amanda Mullins, Appalachia, Bluefield, Buck Fork, C.H. McCloud, Charlie Mullins, Cherry Tree, genealogy, Harts Creek, history, James Baisden, John Jackson, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, moonshining, Ohio, Randy Baisden, revenue agents, S.W. Dalton, Trace Fork, Troy Vance, Weltha Mullins, West Virginia, Whirlwind

A correspondent named “Blue Belle” from Whirlwind on Harts Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 12, 1923:

The roads are rocky but they won’t be rocky long.

Troy Vance has returned from Ohio. He reported a nice time.

The Revenue Officers sure are raiding Harts Creek.

C.H. McCloud said that he was going to run a baggage truck from Logan to Harts Creek. $2.50 will be the charge.

I saw Charlie Mullins going to Trace Fork Sunday. He said goodbye to the Buck Fork girls.

Wonder who it was that was visiting the widow last Saturday night?

Mr. Randy Baisden has forsaken the Whirlwind girls and has gone to Cherry Tree.

John Jackson and Weltha Mullins and Amanda Mullins were seen going through Mullins town some time ago. The girls sure were hanging to Johnnie.

James Baisden and S.W. Dalton have just returned from Bluefield and both reported a good time.

Guyandotte River Flood, Harts, WV (1963)

20 Wednesday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Guyandotte River, Harts

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Appalachia, Guyandotte River, Harts, history, Lincoln County, photos, West Virginia

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Guyandotte River flood at Harts, Lincoln County, WV. March 1963.

Harts Creek News 01.19.1923

20 Wednesday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek, Logan, Spottswood, Whirlwind

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Anna Adams, Appalachia, Buck Fork, Eula Adams, genealogy, Harts Creek, Harts Creek School, history, Howard Adams, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Nora Adams, Ora Mullins, Shirley Mullins, singing schools, Weltha Mullins, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Baby Doll” from Harts Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 19, 1923:

As we have begun writing, I suppose we had better not stop, so here goes.

Miss Ora Mullins is very ill at this writing.

Mrs. Baisden is also on sick list this week.

Singing school is still progressing nicely.

Harts has such a terrible rep. I’m sure some would reverse their opinion if they would just visit our singing school.

In my opinion, Harts Creek is as good or maybe better, than any place I know. Come on Harts Creeker, and help me cheer Harts.

Strawberry shortcake
Huckleberry pie,
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y,
Are we “It”?
I say yes.
–Citizens of Harts Creek school

Howard Adams, Eula Adams, Anna Adams, and Nora Adams all have gone back to Logan to attend school.

Mrs. Shirley Mullins is conducting a good school on Buck Fork. We really appreciate her work and wish to thank her.

How many know that there is to be a wedding in this hamlet soon? You don’t know? Well, how do you like the way you found out?

Miss Weltha Mullins has been visiting her parents of this place.

Some of the people in Logan seem to think that the people on Harts Creek never saw a car. Pahaw, fella. They make ‘em climb trees in our burg.

Ferrellsburg, WV (1921)

20 Wednesday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Ferrellsburg, Guyandotte River

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Appalachia, C&O Railroad, Crispin S. Stone, Ferrellsburg, Guyandotte River, Harts, history, Kirk Street, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Commission, Logan, Main Street, map, Railroad Avenue, River Avenue, West Virginia

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Today, the county road and Main Street are called Kirk Street. Railroad Avenue is Mullins Avenue. In the 1980s, the county road became Kirk Street, Main Street became River Avenue, and Railroad Avenue retained its original name. In the late 1990s, the Lincoln County Commission approved the names of several new streets in town. In the early 2000s, 911 disregarded history and our county commission and improperly renamed many of our streets–and required that we use HARTS as our town address. NOTE: The county road led to a ferry at the river.

Harts Creek News 01.05.1923

19 Tuesday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek, Dingess

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Anna Adams, Appalachia, Belle Dora Adams, Charles Curry, Charley Baisden, Charley Mullins, Christmas, Daniel McCloud, Dingess, Elbert Adams, genealogy, Harts Creek, history, Kate Baisden, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lower Trace School, Mattie Carter, Mosco Dingess, Nora Adams, Randy Baisden, Robert Martin, Roxie Mullins, Rum Creek, singing schools, Thelma Dingess, Thomas Baisden, Tilda Baisden, Trace Fork, truant officer, Washington, Weltha Hensley, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Baby Doll” from Harts Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 5, 1923:

(Received too late for publication last week.)

Christmas was certainly celebrated in true, old fashioned style here on Harts.

Messrs. Charles Curry and Daniel McCloud are teaching singing school at lower school house on Trace. They have all the voices but the alto, heigh ho.

There is a new arrival at Thomas Baisden’s. Oh no, we didn’t say who, so you need not get mad.

Mr. Charley Mullins was calling on Miss Roxie Mullins last Sunday, but oh gee, he had a black pudding on his nose.

Oh, I forgot. How many yards does it take to make a black pudding? “Haint it the truth.”

Miss Weltha Hensley cranked up her old Ford and went to Washington. Hope she doesn’t forget those—ah, you know what.

Messrs. Randy Baisden and Charley went to town just before Christmas. Wonder what for?

Mr. Elbert Adams was calling on Miss Tilda Baisden Christmas day.

Miss Mattie Carter has decided to be an old maid.

Miss Katie Baisden was calling on the Dingess home the other day.

Mr. Robert Martin, one of our teachers, is planning on attending summer school. We hope that many more will do likewise.

Mrs. Belle Dora Adams was seen going through town smoking her pipe but she did not have any thinking cap on.

Miss Thelma Dingess returned from Rum Creek to spend Christmas with her sister, Mrs. Adams.

The “scruant” officer visits Trace school so often that the teachers are kept busy watching for him.

Poor Anna is lonely since Frank is ill. Cheer up, Anna.

There has been an awful disaster around in Dingess town. Moscoe Dingess got his contract signed and then it was stolen. It was a blue paper, so watch for it. Oh, boy.

Misses Nora and Anna Adams are visiting friends on Hart. They appeared to be disappointed on Christmas day. Wonder why? Ask Everett and Bernie.

State v. Edgar Combs (1923): Statement of J.G. Hunter, No. 3

19 Tuesday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Battle of Blair Mountain, Coal, Logan

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Appalachia, Blair Mountain, druggist, Edgar Combs, genealogy, history, J.G. Hunter, Logan, Logan County, Lola Herald, Mine Wars, United Mine Workers of America, West Virginia

Document 3-1Document 3-2

Halcyon News 03.02.1923

18 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek, Cemeteries, Halcyon

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Albert Mullins, Albert Richards, Appalachia, Evelyn Workman, genealogy, Halcyon, Harts Creek, Hensley Cemetery, history, Ida McCloud, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mandy Mullins, Mattie Carter, Nora Brown, Pearl McCloud, Roxie Mullins, Tom Baisden, Vergie Mullins, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Smiles and Cheers” from Halcyon on Harts Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on March 2, 1923:

(Too late for publication last week.)

Sunday School here is progressing nicely.

Mattie Carter, Evelyn Workman, and Nora Brown were calling on Miss Mandy and Roxie Mullins Thursday.

Roxie Mullins was calling on Mrs. Vergie Mullins Monday evening.

Tom Baisden has started a big job. I think he calls it making sugar. Hustle in, boys, those who want a position.

Albert Richards and his intended were out for a stroll Sunday.

Albert Mullins’ big job is progressing nicely.

Everyone sure does miss Jerona.

Roxie Mullins and her new beau were out for a walk Saturday evening.

Roxie and Mandy Mullins, Ida and Pearl McCloud, Mattie Carter, and a number of others, attended a funeral Friday morning at the Hensley cemetery.

Good luck to the Banner.

Devil John Wright Saber (2018)

09 Saturday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Culture of Honor

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Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, crime, Devil John Wright, feuds, history, photos, Southwest Virginia Museum, Virginia

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Devil John Wright saber (1901), Southwest Virginia Museum, Big Stone Gap, VA. 26 August 2018

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Devil John Wright saber (1901), Southwest Virginia Museum, Big Stone Gap, VA. 26 August 2018

Logan in 1893 (1937)

09 Saturday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan

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Appalachia, Aracoma, G.W. Morgan, history, J.B. Buskirk, John A. Sheppard, Leander Cary, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, S.B. Robertson, Thomas C. Whited

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about Logan (then known as Aracoma) dated July 17, 1937:

Logan’s First Mayor Had Comparatively Few Worries

City “Clean-ups” Were Practically Unknown When J.B. Buskirk Served As Logan’s First Executive Back In 1893

Unlike the present-day affairs in the city of Logan with gambling, bootlegging, and all forms of vice causing the mayor, the police force, and the city council no little concern, the early residents of the city and their administrative bodies had little trouble in making and enforcing the laws.

Ordinances that would almost escape notice today, were they brought before the city legislative group, assumed the importance of grave administrative matters.

City “cleanups” were practically unknown, unless one could consider the annual spring drives against muddy thoroughfares and broken hitching posts as “clean ups.”

City legislators concerned themselves not at all with approving beer license ordinances, public health ordinances, and street marking programs. As to beer, the corner saloon was always handy and was somewhat a refuge from the law.

There was no such thing as “public” health, except in cases of epidemics when each citizen would pitch in and get everything as “clean as a hound’s tooth.”

Street marking in the early days could be construed only as the placing of a line of large rocks at regular intervals across strategic spots on the city’s one thoroughfare to enable pedestrians to cross from one side of the street to the other during the rainy season.

J.B. Buskirk, the first mayor of which there is record, elected with a city council to work with him, lived a life of ease compared with the administration of a present-day mayor.

Buskirk held sway in 1893 and, except for numerous resignations of public officials being continually tendered him, he had little cause to worry. Evidently the city fathers pined away in their chairs from boredom.

Record is made of the long-remembered council meeting of June 27, 1893, when Buskirk, with his council composed of Leander Cary, G.W. Morgan, John A. Sheppard, T.C. Whited, and S.B. Robertson met and passed the following ordinance:

“Be it ordained by the common council of the town of Aracoma: That any person found guilty of pitching horse shoes, rings or anything of like manner, or playing quoits, ball, marbles, or any similar game or games upon the streets or alleys of the town of Aracoma, shall be fined not less than one dollar nor more than five dollars at the discretion of the Mayor.”

The council did not indicate whether or not they considered these practices gambling.

Those were the days—from a mayor’s point of view.

NOTE: Aracoma was Logan’s official name in 1893.

Welcome to Hindman, KY (2019)

09 Saturday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Music

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Appalachia, Appalachian Artisan Center, Appalachian School of Luthiery, Carl D. Perkins, Centre College, Douglas Naselroad, Frankfort, Hindman, Hindman Historic District, history, Homer Ledford Award, J. Proctor Knott, Kentucky, Knott County, mandolin, Marion County, music, photos

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Welcome to Hindman, KY. The Appalachian Artisan Center Studio is to the right. 27 February 2019

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Hindman is the county seat for Knott County, KY. 27 February 2019

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Knott County Courthouse in Hindman, KY. 27 February 2019

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Carl D. Perkins statue at the Knott County Courthouse in Hindman, KY. 1 March 2019

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Old business section in Hindman, KY.  27 February 2019

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Inside of the Appalachian School of Luthiery in Hindman, KY. 27 February 2019

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Mandolins inside of the Appalachian School of Luthiery in Hindman, KY. 27 February 2019

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Instruments are made here inside of the Appalachian School of Luthiery in Hindman, KY. 27 February 2019

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Inside of the Appalachian School of Luthiery in Hindman, KY. Douglas Naselroad, recipient of the 2017 Homer Ledford Award, conceived of the idea for this school and related ventures. 27 February 2019

Ferrellsburg News 04.06.1923

09 Saturday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Chapmanville, Ferrellsburg, Huntington, Logan

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Appalachia, Belle Dingess, Chapmanville, Charles Curry, Cora Adkins, Cora Kelly, Dude Tomblin, Easter, Ferrellsburg, Ferrellsburg School, fox hunting, genealogy, Gracy Horns, history, Homer Tomblin, Hugh Farris, Huntington, John Dan, John Lucas, John Pitts, Lincoln County, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lula Tomblin, Martha Fowler, Martha Mullins, merchant, Piney Fork, Ross Fowler, Route 10, sawmilling, Stella Mullins, Walt Stowers, Wayne Brumfield, West Virginia, Wilburn

A correspondent named “Blue Eyes” from Ferrellsburg in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on April 6, 1923:

The hard road is being rapidly worked on here at this place. We hope Logan County will keep her part of this road worked to make a speedy finish.

Mr. J.W. Stowers is still at home; he doesn’t go out much. Sometimes he fox hunts with his hounds.

Hugh Farris, a merchant from Piney, is here looking after business interests.

Mr. John Lucas made a rushing trip to Chapmanville Tuesday.

Mr. Bartley returned from a home visit in Huntington Monday.

Miss Martha Fowler made a trip to Logan Monday looking after business matters.

Mrs. Belle Dingess is visiting her sister Miss Martha Fowler this week.

Rev. Charles Curry and other Baptist ministers preached at Ferrellsburg school house Easter Sunday.

A Holiness revival will begin here this week by Brother Wellman and wife. We are certainly proud to announce the meeting because the people in this section have got their eyes on this highway of holiness. We are expecting a large crowd and a good meeting.

Mrs. Cora Adkins has been very ill for the past few weeks, but is improving now.

Mrs. Stella Mullins is visiting her sister in Ferrellsburg, Mrs. M. Tomblin.

Mr. John Pitts was on his way to work Saturday night when he fell and shot himself and now is in the Logan hospital.

The beauty of this place left here yesterday—Miss Cora Kelly.

Mr. W.E. Fowler, a merchant of Ferrellsburg, has gone to saw milling.

Mrs. Martha Mullins isn’t very well pleased with this noisy place.

Miss Gracy Horns returned to Ferrellsburg yesterday after visiting her sister at Wilburn, W.Va.

Mr. W.C. Brumfield was calling on Miss Lula Tomblin Saturday and Sunday.

The girls in Ferrellsburg are very sad at this writing on account of bad weather and bad roads, and are hoping the hard roads will be completed in a short time so they can begin joy riding.

Mr. Homer Tomblin and friend John Dan are taking a vacation this week. They will begin work Monday.

Garrett, Floyd County, KY (2019)

04 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal

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Appalachia, Ballard, coal, Elkhorn Coal Company, Floyd County, Garrett, history, Kentucky, photos, Prestonsburg

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Located 13 miles south of Prestonsburg, Ballard Post Office was established here in 1910. 27 February 2019

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The Elkhorn Coal Company established a town on the site about 1914 and named it Garrett after John and Robert Garrett, two Baltimore bankers and coal company financiers.  27 February 2019

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Garrett, Floyd County, KY. c.1915 Photo credit unknown.

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Garrett, Floyd County, KY. 27 February 2019

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Garrett, Floyd County, KY. 27 February 2019

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Garrett, Floyd County, KY. 27 February 2019

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Garrett, Floyd County, KY. 27 February 2019

Paw Paw Incident: Ellison Mounts Deposition (1889)

04 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Culture of Honor, Hatfield-McCoy Feud

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Alex Messer, Appalachia, Bud McCoy, Cap Hatfield, Charley Carpenter, crime, Dan Whitt, Devil Anse Hatfield, Doc Mayhorn, Ellison Mounts, feuds, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, Jeff Whitt, Johnson Hatfield, Mose Christian, Pharmer McCoy, Pike County, Plyant Mayhorn, Sam Mayhorn, Tolbert McCoy, Tug Fork, Valentine Wall Hatfield, West Virginia

The killing of Tolbert, Pharmer, and Bud McCoy by a Hatfield-led gang on August 8, 1882 represented one of the most sensational events of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud. What follows is Ellison Mounts’ deposition regarding the affair:

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Ellison Mounts

I was present at the time the 3 McCoys were killed. They were killed on the Ky side of the river opposite a little drain, or maybe a little above it. Neither Plyant Mayhorn nor Dock Mayhorn were present at the time or place where the McCoy boys were killed.

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Ance, Cap, & Johnce Hatfield, Charley Carpenter, Dan Whitt, Mose Christian and Sam Mayhorn, Jeff Whitt, Alex Messer and myself were present when the killing was done. Jeff Whitt, Dan Whitt, Mose Christian and myself were not ___ present when the Guns were fired. we were 15 or so steps away. After we got across the river Ance called on Wall to Swear them to keep secret what had occurred that nights and Wall did so.

Re Ex

[I cropped the bottom of the page in my photo]

Hindman Settlement School (2019)

04 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Music

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Ali Hintz, author, authors, Brandon Kirk, culture, Hindman, Hindman Settlement School, history, James Still, Kentucky, Knott County, music, Sam Gleaves, Uncle Sol's Cabin, writers

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Welcome to Hindman Settlement School! Hindman, Knott County, KY. 1 March 2019 For more information about the school, visit here: https://www.hindmansettlement.org/

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Uncle Sol’s Cabin. Hindman, Knott County, KY. Inside I met Ali Hintz, Community Agriculture VISTA. 1 March 2019 For more about Ali, go here: https://growappalachia.berea.edu/author/alihintz/

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Uncle Sol’s Cabin. Hindman, Knott County, KY. 1 March 2019

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Inside of Uncle Sol’s Cabin. Hindman, KY. Thanks to Sam Gleaves, Traditional Arts Director, for a quick tour. 1 March 2019 For more about Sam, go here: http://www.samgleaves.com/

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Inside of Uncle Sol’s Cabin. Hindman, KY. 1 March 2019

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James Still grave at Hindman Settlement School in Hindman, KY. 1 March 2019 Photo by Sam Gleaves. For more about James Still, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Still

Old Hinchman Book at Pecks Mill in Logan County, WV (1936)

04 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Civil War, Pecks Mill

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129th Regiment Virginia Militia, 12th Regiment Virginia Militia, Abner Vance, Adam Browning, Appalachia, Barney Carter, Big Creek, Calvary Hatfield, Chapmanville District, Charles Staton, civil war, David Mullins, Eli Gore, Evans Ferrell, genealogy, George Avis, George Bryant, Gilbert Creek, Gordon Riffe, Granville Riffe, Green A. Clark, Guyandotte River, Hardy District, Harts Creek, Harvey Ellis, history, Huff's Creek, Jack Dempsey, James H. Hinchman, James J. Hinchman, John Chapman, John DeJournett, John Dempsey, John Hager, John Hatfield, John Starr, Joseph B. Browning, Joseph Hinchman, Logan Banner, Logan County, Louis White, Magnolia District, Martin Doss, Mingo County, Nathan Elkins, Pecks Mill, physician, Reece Browning, Triadelphia District, Ulysses Hinchman, Union District, Virginia, West Virginia, Wheeling, William Dempsey, William McDonald, William Stollings, Wyoming County

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history for Logan County printed on November 3, 1936:

Time-Dimmed Record of Early Logan County Families in 1852-1877 Period in Old Books Found at Pecks Mill

Thumbing the now-dimmed pages of a yellowed book which recently came to light in old Peck’s Mill, members of Logan county’s oldest families may read in a painstakingly-kept record of the years 1852 to 1877 how their forefathers were brought into the world, married, educated, governed.

The record is written in pen and ink with the quaint flourishes and old-fashioned double letters of the 1800s by James J. Hinchman, who was clerk of the 12th regiment of the Virginia militia from 1852 to 1858; and by one, Ulysses Hinchman, who was clerk of the 129th regiment from 1858 to the Civil War; and later pastor, doctor, and trader.

The first entry, dated Nov. 3, 1852, records the meeting “at the house of Wm. McDonald near the mouth of Huffs Creek” of the Twelfth regiment of the Virginia militia in the days when Logan county was the property of Virginia.

Among the officers present were Major John Hager and Capt. James J. Hinchman, who was also clerk.

Most of the records at the first, which deal entirely with the regiment, are devoted to the salaries paid for “drumming and fifing,” the fines of 50 cents each for failure to report at meetings, and the excuse of members from duty “because of physical infirmities.”

Among the interesting entries is one relating, it is believed, to an ancestor of ex-champion Jack Dempsey, which reads:

“William Dempsey for fifing one day in Capt. Miller’s company.”

Two dollars, according to numerous accounts, was the regular salary paid for a day of fifing or drumming. For three days training, officers received $10.

Among regiment members mentioned are Calvary Hatfield and Reece Browning, forefathers of the Hatfield and Browning families of today.

On Sept. 10, 1858, the record is transferred to that of the 129th and is kept by Ulysses Hinchman. His first entry tells of a meeting at which John De Journett was elected colonel; K. McComas, first major; Reece Browning, second major; and Ulysses Hinchman, clerk. Officers attending were Captains George Avis, James H. Hinchman, John Starr, John Hatfield, John Chapman, and Barnabus Carter; and Lieutenants Martin Doss, George Bryant, Granville Riffe, Louis White, Charles Staton and Green A. Clark.

Interesting in these pages are the forming of new companies in which the names of the creeks and localities are for the most part the same as today. Among the familiar names are Huffs, Gilbert, Harts and Big Creek, Guyandotte river, and Trace Fork.

There is no mention of the Civil War, but it is mutely attested to by two entries, the first, dated 1862 at the bottom of one page and the second dated 1866 at the top of the next, which read:

“Apr. 5, 1862—Abner Vance and Nathan Elkins received their claims.

1866—Rec’d of Eli Gore, county treasurer for my last year’s services, $50.

“Ulysses Hinchman, superintendent of schools.”

The next year, we are gratified to learn, his salary has increased to $300.
We learn that Logan, which then included Mingo and Wyoming counties, was at that time composed of five districts, Union, Triadelphia, Hardy, Chapmanville, and Magnolia; and that the county’s finances were all handled through Wheeling, then the only city of size in West Virginia.

The records contain long lists of certificates awarded to teachers for $1, among the recipients being John Dempsey, Eli Gore, Joseph Hinchman, Harvey Ellis and Evans Ferrell.

In the midst of the records of 1866 and ’67 we come upon the terse paragraph which informs that:

“The sheriff failed to settle for taxes of 1861.”

The board of education’s budget for 1869 was $2077.60 and was apportioned to these clerks of the various townships; Union, David Mullins; Triadelphia, Gordon Riffe; Magnolia, Joseph B. Browning; Hardy, Adam Browning; and Chapmanville, Wm. Stollings. Increased expenses that year made it necessary to levy a tax of “5 cents on $100.”

An enumeration of all children “between the ages of 6 and 21” in 1868 totaled 2139.

In 1871, our patient scribe becomes “Dr. U.S. Hinchman” and the record his personal account book. We learn much of the practices and hardships of the first country doctors and that his troubles in collecting the pitifully small fees of those days were as great as those of any “specialist” of today.

Dr. Hinchman had no set rates, but based on his charges upon the number of miles traveled (usually 50 cents per mile); the number of days and nights spent, and—quite evidently—the circumstances of his patient.

His customary charge for a delivery, if it chanced to come in the day time, appeared to be $5.50; but if the child arrived in the night and required many miles of travel it was a more expensive proposition—the fees sometimes reaching as high as $9.

The birth of one of these $9 babies is graphically recorded as follows:

“Labor two nights and days–$7

10 miles at 50 cents–$5

Administering–$1

Received $5.”

The doctor’s highest charge was one of $10 on a case which required three days and nights.

Interspersed freely with the accounts of births, and sicknesses are frequent entries of marriages at $2 each.

Toward the last of the book, in 1877, the author’s handwriting becomes more labored and the fine shadings and flourishing gradually disappear—evidence that his years of soldiering, school teaching, and doctoring were taking their toll.

At this time, too, he begins to record not only his receipts, but his expenditures and trades, and we read, not without envy, of purchases of “one bushel of sweet potatoes, 50 cents,” and “one and a half bushel of Irish potatoes, 75 cents.”

One of the last entries, dated Aug. 1877, tells of his receiving for his professional services a large amount of coffee which he traded for $5 cash, a suit, and a round of shoes,” the latter evidently referring to horseshoes.

As, regretfully, we close the book; we feel that we know that patient and prolific old settler of Logan County, Ulysses Hinchman—his honor as a soldier and officer, his strict accounting of himself as a public official, his hardships and struggles as a country doctor; and through all, his conscientious, faithful keeping of records. And we share, with his descendants, a great pride in him.

Somehow we know that when, with failing hand, he concluded his long accounts in another book; his record was clear and straight—his house was in order.

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Feud Poll 1

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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Feud Poll 2

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

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Feud Poll 3

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

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Ed Haley Poll 1

What do you think caused Ed Haley to lose his sight when he was three years old?

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