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Brandon Ray Kirk

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Brandon Ray Kirk

Monthly Archives: March 2020

Logan Court House, Floyd Addition (1885-1890)

29 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Guyandotte River, Logan

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Appalachia, Aracoma, C.R. Williams, Cecil L. Hudgins, Coal Street, Dingess Street, Elm Street, F.M. White, Floyd Addition, G.M. Dingess, G.W. Morgan, Guyandotte River, history, J.B. Buskirk, J.S. Aldridge, J.S. Miller, James A. Nighbert, John Chafin, Kell McNeely, L.H. Thompson, Logan, Logan County, Main Street, map, maps, Morgan Street, R.N. French, Stratton Street, Thomas Whited, W.A. Hale, West Virginia, White Street

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Plat Record Book 1, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Note: At the time of this survey and map, Logan Court House (or Logan) was named Aracoma.

African-American Items from Logan, WV (1920s)

29 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Holden, Man, World War I

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Accoville, African-Americans, Andrew Carnegie, Appalachia, Charleston, Cora, crime, Dearborn Independent, E.W. Ross, Eugene Carter, Guy W. Pennington, Harvey Bias, history, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lord Bryce, Lucas Wade, M.C. Gentry, Man, Omar, Peach Creek, Prohibition, R.R. Batty, slavery, West Virginia, White Child, World War I

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes these items relating to African-American life in Logan County during the 1920s:

“Jes’ Twelve O’Clock”

A hungry looking negro was observed sitting on a railroad track at Peach Creek yards when the noon whistle blew. He scratched his head and remarked, “Dar she blows. Dinner time for most folks, but jes’ twelve o’clock fo’ me.”

Logan (WV) Banner, 14 April 1922

***

War Story Uncovered

It was four shot years ago and the American doughboys were in the front line trenches facing Heinie. A company of colored troops were in the front trenches and among them were two colored boys from Logan whom we will call Sam and Rastus. They were backed up by 6,000 white troops and the order had been given to “go over the top” at a certain moment and the zero hour was fast approaching.

]Sam aquietly crept over to Rastus and said, “What do you ‘spose our folks would say about us if ‘de knowed where we was now?”

“Go away,” said Rastus. “If ‘de knowed where we wuz ‘de Logan Banner would be setting up headlines right now, saying, ‘Six thousan’ white boys done been trampled to death'”

Logan (WV) Banner, 27 October 1922

***

Negro Advancement

Though most northerners, including Negro leaders, often express disappointment with the progress the race is making, especially in the southern states, an impartial survey would doubtless inspire hope and pride rather than despair and humiliation.

In spite of deplorable lynchings and persistent unkindness toward him that must make the angel weep, the Negro is advancing. Future generations will be amazed at the rapidity with which he has overcome his handicaps. This view is set forth clearly, along with the facts that justify it, in the Dearborn Independent, which quotes a “Southern Planter” as follows:

Nearly nine million Negroes live south of Mason and Dixon’s line. With but few exceptions they are the progeny of grandparents who were born in slavery. The Negro emerged from the darkness of servitude without land, capital or credit. Within the sixty years that have followed emancipation he has come into possession of twenty-two million acres of land, an area greater than that of South Carolina. Negroes of the South are proprietors of business of every description. Approximately forty thousand enterprises, some of which are national in scope, are owned and operated by them. There are nearly seventy Negro banks, three Negro life insurance companies, real estate firms, hotels, factories, drug and department stores. Colored lawyers, doctors, dentists, undertakers and artisans of every degree of skill practice their profession and ply their trade in every part of the Negro’s native section. In sixty years the Southern Negro has acquired these for himself.

Negroes of the nation own one billion dollars’ worth of property and their holdings are increasing at the rate of fifty million dollars a year. Their most important investments and greatest enterprises are in the South, for that is the section they have known for generations, and the one in which, best authorities say, they will find their greatest success.

Were the Southerner not the friend of the Negro it would have been impossible for the Negro to have attained the degree of success with which he has been blessed. The late Andrew Carnegie and the late Lord Bryce agreed that the progress of the American Negro, after emancipation, was the most remarkable racial accomplishment in the history of the world. The Southerner claims his part of the glory for this achievement for he is the Negro’s teacher.

Logan (WV) Banner, 6 January 1928

***

Holden Wins Debate

Resolved “That the Negro has received more cruel treatment than the Indian in America,” was the interesting subject debated by Holden and Logan at Cora last Friday night, with a judges’ score of 5 to 6 points in favor of Holden. The Logan speakers were Rev. E.W. Ross, Rev. M.C. Gentry and Prof. Lucas Wade, while R.R. Batty, Eugene Carter and Guy W. Pennington represented Holden. A spicy program, arranged by the local P.T. Association at Cora, who sponsored the debate, was also a pleasing feature.

Logan (WV) Banner, 8 March 1929

***

Negro Prisoner Bears Odd Name

A colored man of very dark skin languishes in the county jail in default of bond for his appearance in federal court. Commissioner Hager bound him over to Charleston court April 16, after hearing evidence concerning a sale of whiskey. The arrest was made by Troopers Reed and Creasy of Man.

Now the interesting feature of this case is the prisoner’s name, which is none other than White Child. The surname as well as the first name must be the gift of the satirist, for this fellow, a resident of Accoville, has been under pretty close surveillance for a child.

The same troopers brought in Harvey Bias on a charge of possessing booze. He, too, was bound over to federal court and in default of bond went to jail.

Logan (WV) Banner, 12 April 1929

Devon, Mingo County, WV (2019)

22 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley

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Appalachia, Beech Creek, Big Sandy River, Devon, history, Kentucky, Mingo County, photos, Tug Fork, West Virginia

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Here’s a beautiful old landmark. Devon, Mingo County, WV. 12 July 2019

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This way to the Tug Fork. Devon, Mingo County, WV. 12 July 2019

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Mouth of Beech Creek in Devon, Mingo County, WV. 12 July 2019

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That’s Kentucky across the river! Devon, Mingo County, WV. 12 July 2019

Big Creek News 04.28.1922

22 Sunday Mar 2020

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

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Albert Messer, Appalachia, Big Creek, C&O Railroad, crime, Dr. Whitehall, Earl McComas, Ferrellsburg, Frank Stone, genealogy, H.B. McComas, Hamlin, history, Howard Fry, Huntington, Ike Dean, Indiana, Lewis Stowers, Logan Banner, Logan County, murder, Peter M. Toney, pneumonia, Sand Creek, South Bend, Stone Branch, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Phil” from Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following news, which the Logan Banner printed on April 28, 1922:

Earl McComas, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. McComas, died last week of pneumonia.

Dr. Whitehall who has been visiting friends and relatives in South Bend, Ind., for the past week or ten days has returned.

Mr. P.M. Toney has been attending business matters in Huntington for the past week.

Mr. Howard Fry of Sand Creek died last week of pneumonia and influenza.

Big Creek is coming to the front more every day. We note that the picture theatre is running three days a week instead of two.

Additional News:

Mrs. Lewis Stowers who has been in for some time died Monday night and was buried Tuesday evening.

Serious murder case at Ferrellsburg last Sunday evening; it is said that Albert Messer killed Ike Dean which was a very bloody and sad affair, which is said to be the result of an old grudge. Messer surrendered to authorities and was taken to Hamlin to jail Tuesday morning.

Mrs. Stone has been away visiting relatives in Huntington for the past week and taking a rest after a spell of sickness.

Frank Stone brakeman on the switch engine at Big Creek was hit by a switch lever, slightly injuring the left side of his face, and has been off from duty for the past ten days on that account. He returned to work on Tuesday.

There was a large freight wreck just below Stone Branch Monday at noon. 15 freight cars derailed and caused passenger trains to transfer Monday evening. The wreck was cleared after several hours work with the tool cars.

Logging and Rafting on Tug Fork

17 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Timber

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logging in Tug Valley copyright

Photo date and credit unknown.

Gatherings from Gilbert (1894)

17 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Gilbert, Timber

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Appalachia, crime, farming, genealogy, Gilbert Creek, H.E. Ellis, history, James E. McDonald, James Stimpson, Joseph Bragg, justice of the peace, Logan, Logan County, Logan County Banner, logging, M.A. Hatfield, merchant, Mingo County, timbering, West Virginia, William Johnson

From the Logan County Banner of Logan, WV, come these items about Gilbert in present-day Mingo County, WV, dated 1894:

On yesterday William Johnson lodged James Stimpson and Joseph Bragg in jail here. They were sent on for further trial by Justice M.A. Hatfield, on a charge of breaking into the store of H.E. Ellis, on Gilbert creek. The boys confessed to the offense.

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 24 May 1894

***

From Waco, written on July 7, 1894 from Gilbert:

EDITOR BANNER: Farmers are very busy with their crops. Corn is looking as well as could be expected. Oats in most cases are promising.

Two or three applications have been made for our school, but it is thought that Prof. James E. McDonald will teach it.

That log tide which failed to materialize makes it hard on taxpayers and merchants.

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 12 July 1894

J.E. Peck for Circuit Court Judge (1928)

17 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan

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Appalachia, genealogy, history, J.E. Peck, judge, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, photos, politics, West Virginia

J.E. Peck Photo LB 07.24.1928

Logan (WV) Banner, 24 July 1928

Guyan Valley High School Graduates (1932)

17 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Ferrellsburg, Gill, Harts, Midkiff, West Hamlin

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Appalachia, Brady, Branchland, Cecil Dean, Earl Brumfield, education, Emma Adkins, Ferrellsburg, Fred B. Lambert, Gill, Guyan Valley High School, Hallie Messinger, Harry Pinson, Harts, Hazel Adkins, history, Huntington, Juanita Cline, Lincoln County, Macil Covey, Marshall University, Midkiff, Morrow Library, Philip Adkins, Pleasant View, Reva Pierson, Roncie White, Samuel Adkins, West Virginia, Wilford Dingess

Fred B. Lambert, a prominent educator in the Guyandotte Valley, compiled this list of early Guyan Valley High School graduates. Guyan Valley High School was located in Pleasant View, Lincoln County, WV.

Picture 456A

GVHS students, 1928.

List of 1932 graduates

1. Earl Brumfield     Harts, WV

2. Samuel Adkins     Harts, WV

3. Roncie White     Gill, WV

4. Emma Adkins     Branchland, WV

5. Hazel Adkins     Branchland, WV

6. Philip Adkins     Harts, WV

7. Macil Covey     West Hamlin, WV

8. Juanita Cline     Bradyville, WV

9. Hallie Messinger     Branchland, WV

10. Reva Pierson     West Hamlin, WV

11. Wilford Dingess     Midkiff, WV

12. Harry Pinson     Midkiff, WV

13. Cecil Dean     Ferrellsburg, WV

Source: Fred B. Lambert Papers, Special Collections Department, James E. Morrow Library, Marshall University, Huntington, WV.

Rural Scene near Spurlockville, Lincoln County, WV

15 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Spurlockville

≈ 2 Comments

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Appalachia, genealogy, history, Lincoln County, photos, Spurlockville, West Virginia

Elbert on Horse 1 copyright

“Elbert on Horse,” exact location and date unknown. Part of the Adkins-Carper private collection.

Chapmanville News 05.05.1922

15 Sunday Mar 2020

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

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Alma Wagner, Anna Justice, Appalachia, Big Creek, Chapmanville, Cincinnati, Clee Conley, coal, Eustice Ward, genealogy, Hattie Clay, history, Hobert Spurlock, Huntington, Ida Butcher, Levy Hensley, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lola Ferrell, Maud Garrett, Mazie Bates, Morgan Garrett, Nettie Pauley, Oscar Langdon, Queeney Conley, Roy Hager, Ruby Wagner, Stone Branch, Wanda Ferrell, West Virginia, Wilbert Langdon

A correspondent named “Uncle Joe” from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following news, which the Logan Banner printed on May 5, 1922:

We are still having fair days and cool nights.

Miss Ruby Wagner has returned from the hospital at Huntington and is getting along nicely.

Mr. Oscar Langdon has left our town for Cincinnati.

Miss Alma Wagner looked lonesome Sunday. Where was L.T., Alma?

We wonder where they go when they take a ride here?

We saw two sweet gigglers out promenading all alone Sunday. Where were the boys?

Bug makes several trips to town during the day, but what does he care, for he gets his rides free.

Miss Eunice Ward and Mr. Hobert Spurlock were at the show Saturday night.

Miss Queeney Conley was shopping in town this week.

Some of the young folks were calling on Miss Clee Conley and thought they were on a merry go round.

Every person is always anxious to know who sends in the news. We wonder, who sent this?

Still more improvements and better wages at the mines here. You ought to make good money, boys.

When is Rev. Langdon going to preach for us again? It seems a long time between times.

Did we see Miss Maud Garrett and Mr. Wilbart Langdon out walking Sunday, or was it just imagination?

You’re not in style in our town unless you have a gray cap.

Mr. Roy Hager, of Big Creek, was calling on Miss Ida Butcher Sunday.

The handsomest man of Chapmanville has gone to work.

Mrs. Levy Hensley and daughter have returned to their home at Chapmanville after a short visit at Stone Branch.

Anna Justice, Hattie Clay and Mazie Bates were calling on Lola and Wanda Ferrell Sunday.

Mrs. Nettie Pauley was visiting relatives in this town Sunday.

Mr. Morgan Garrett has gone to work in Logan.

Appalachian Heritage Day 2019

13 Friday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan, Music

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Almost Heaven Dulcimer Club, Appalachian Heritage Day, bluegrass, Buddy Griffin, Cody Jordan, history, Jackie Whitley, Kim Johnson, Logan, music, West Virginia

On August 24, 2019, Appalachian Heritage Day occurred in Logan, WV. The event featured authors, musicians, speakers, all-day music performances by leading regional old-time musicians, old-time and bluegrass music workshops, a genealogy workshop, a writers’ workshop, and an old-time music concert. On August 28-29, 2020, Logan will host Appalachian Heritage Days at Chief Logan State Park Lodge and the Coalfield Jamboree.

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Kim Johnson led an old-time banjo workshop. 24 August 2019. Photo by Jackie Whitley

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Cody Jordan assisted Kim Johnson in the old-time banjo workshop. 24 August 2019. Photo by Jackie Whitley

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Almost Heaven Dulcimer Club! 24 August 2019. Photo by Jackie Whitley

Almost Heaven Dulcimer Club

Here’s the Almost Heaven Dulcimer Club on stage…they were wonderful! 24 August 2019

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Assisting Buddy Griffin in the bluegrass fiddle workshop! 24 August 2019. Photo by Jackie Whitley

Ku Klux Klan in Logan, WV (1922)

13 Friday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan

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Appalachia, Billy Sunday, Charleston, history, Island Creek, Ku Klux Klan, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mud Fork, West Virginia

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about the Ku Klux Klan in Logan County in 1922:

Has Logan An Organization of the Ku Klux Klan in her Midst?

Mysterious Fire Surrounded by Many Figures in Long Flowing Robes Observed

JUNCTION OF MUD FORK AND ISLAND CREEK ASSEMBLY SPOT

Ceremony Lasted Until Midnight, When Fiery Red Cross Was Raised and the Crowd Left

Has Logan a Ku Klux Klan?

Wednesday night a bright fire was observed on the mountain at the junction of Mud Fork and Island Creek, around which the figures of many beings were assembled. Many people that observed the fire made a closer inspection and they witnessed a secret meeting around a large, brightly burning fire, in which 60 or more figures dressed in long, flowing white robes participated. In the circle formed by these people could be observed the figure of the Chief, and the ceremony, while it could not be heard, was beautifully executed as each member arose and in a majestic manner saluted the Chief, and hastened to do his bidding.

The ceremony lasted until the hour of twelve when the fiery red cross was raised and the blazing emblem cast a ghostly shadow throughout the valley beneath. When the names from the flaming symbol had died away the clan evidently dispersed for the fire around which they had been assembled was ____ out and no further signs of the figures could be observed.

The Ku Klux Klan does not signify what the clansmen stood for during the reconstruction period. The Ku Klux Klan in this day assists in maintaining law and order, yet they still stand for supremacy of the white race. Unlawful acts and violence have no place within their councils, yet in their silent way they have a means whereby they are enabled to right wrongs and assist the authorities in maintaining the peace and dignity of the commonwealth. This invisible society is not to be feared by any that are law abiding citizens but to those who are inclined to do those things which are morally wrong yet probably within the law may sometime play host or hostess to a visit from these weird strangers.

Inquiry was made in the city as to whether or not there was a local branch of the Ku Klux Klan here. They are known to exist in many parts of the state and nation for the revival conducted at Charleston by Billy Sunday, which has just closed, was visited by members of the Klan there, who appeared in their weird attire. Of course no one here would speak authoritatively, but one prominent party of the town vouched for the information that they were here and in larger numbers than the public would suspect.

Strange and mysterious lights have been observed high on the peaks of the mountains about our city for some weeks. These lights have a habit of mysteriously appearing and suddenly disappearing. They occur at all hours of the night and in various places. Whether or not these strange lights have any connection with the meeting of Wednesday night is, of course, a matter of conjecture. However, those who observed the meeting of the Ku Klux Klan are inclined to believe all the lights signify individual members of the council which held forth Wednesday night.

Their future meetings will be observed with interest–if they can be discovered.

Logan (WV) Banner, 14 April 1922

***

Ku Klux Klan Has Been Organized Here

Organization Which Has Sprung Up So Quietly Within Our Midst Gives Promise of Being Strongest of Any Other Body in the County if Information Gained is True

Perhaps the readers of the Banner were a little doubtful of the authenticity of the statement made in these columns a few weeks ago relative to the presence in Logan county of the Ku Klux Klan. If any doubt existed then it is well to rid your mind of further doubt, for the Ku Klux Klan is here and the organization is not holding “marshmallow roasts” as was thought by a contemporary newspaper.

According to information which we feel is authentic, the second meeting of the Klan was held in this city Wednesday evening at which time the organization was perfected but only those on the inside are aware of the place of the meeting and just what occurred that evening. It is understood leaders were elected and members were made acquainted with the purposes and objects of the organization.

The movement for the organization in this country, while made secretly, spread like wildfire and applications for membership swamped those behind the movement and the Klan now numbers about 500 members, of which it is thought approximately 200 are to be found in the city while the remainder is scattered throughout the county and is composed of the most prominent business and professional men of the Guyan Valley.

The first meeting of the Klan was held a few weeks ago. Since that time the movement has grown with rapidity and it is understood several hundred applications for membership are now on file. New members are being carefully and systematically chosen and the Logan Klan will evidently take first rank with the numerous other Klans found throughout the state.

The Ku Klux Klan movement has met with the endorsement and approval of the most prominent men of the nation. The Rev. Billy Sunday, during his recent revival in Charleston, proudly announced he was a member and many of the Klans throughout the state number among their members, officials, professional men, and others whose moral character and community standing is above reproach.

The greatest secrecy attends all movements of the order and the identity of the members and the place of meeting of the Klan are secrets carefully guarded. secrecy is necessary in view of the old false prejudice against the order in the north, yet since the objects have become nationally known the order is experiencing its greatest growth in northern states. Membership is limited to native born Americans and initiation is open only to those who receive special invitation to join.

The Ku Klux Klan is described as an institution of picked men standing for “Chivalry, Humanity, Justice and Patriotism”; embodying in its genius and principles all that is chivalric in conduct, noble in sentiment, generous in manhood and patriotic in purpose; its peculiar objects being:

First: To protect the weak, the innocent, and the defenseless from the indignities, wrongs and outrages of the lawless, the violent and the brutal; to relieve the injured and oppressed; to succor the suffering and unfortunate, especially worthy widows and orphans.

Second: To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, and all laws passed in conformity thereto, and to protect the people thereof from all invasion of their rights thereunder from any source whatsoever.

Third: To aid and assist in the execution of all constitutional laws and to preserve the honor and dignity of the state by opposing tyranny, in any and every degree attempted from any and every source whatsoever, by a fearless and faithful administration of justice to promptly meet every behest of duty without fear and without reproach.

Logan (WV) Banner, 12 May 1922

Tom Dula: Ann Melton Grave (2020)

08 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Cemeteries, Tom Dula, Women's History

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Ann Melton, Appalachia, cemeteries, crime, Elkville, genealogy, history, James Melton, Laura Foster, Melton Cemetery, North Carolina, photos, Tom Dula, true crime, Wilkes County

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Ann Melton, a married woman, was involved in a love triangle with Tom Dula and her cousin, Laura Foster. Up this way to Melton Cemetery, Elkville, Wilkes County, NC. 7 January 2020

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Anne Melton was charged with the Laura Foster murder, but was cleared by Tom Dula’s note shortly before his execution. Melton Cemetery, Elkville, Wilkes County, NC. 7 January 2020

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Ann Melton died a few years after Tom Dula. A Foster descendant suggested that I not put flowers at Ann Melton’s grave, but I did anyway. 7 January 2020

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Sources disagree as to Ann Melton’s cause of death. Family members recently placed this headstone. 7 January 2020

Logan: A Poem (1923)

08 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal, Guyandotte River, Logan, Poetry

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Appalachia, Don Chafin, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan Wildcats, Mine Wars, New York City, O. Benton, poems, poetry, West Virginia, writers, writing

This poem was written by O. Benton and dedicated to Don Chafin, “a true son of Logan.” The poem relates to the Mine Wars, or as it was called by the Logan Banner, the “armed march.”

There’s a land of “Love thy brother”

By the sky-blue Guyandotte

Where the folks love one another,

And I know God loves the spot.

For he built those mighty mountains

And he touched their tops with blue,

From their sides gush crystal fountains,

Just to quench the thirst of you.

Oaks and poplars, pines and hemlocks,

On the mountainsides they grew.

There’ll be no coal beneath the mountains

For a million years or two.

In this glorious land of blessings

Long before the railroad came

Lived the honest, fighting people

Who have brought the country fame.

Now there’s mines beneath those mountains

And there’s towns most everywhere,

But with all the wealth and greatness

Freedom reigns and all is fair.

Some may say, “You think there’s freedom,”

But I’m saying what I know.

I have crossed the rushing rivers,

I have tramped the mountain snow.

I have sweated ‘neath those mountains

Where the motors screech and hum.

I have worked upon the tipple

Worked with pick and shovel some.

And I swear by all above me

That a man may have his say.

He may tell of any grievance

Unmolested, go his way.

For there is no lack of freedom

When the Court-House clock looks down

On the men who love their neighbors

In the busy coal-gorged town.

When the men from New York City

Told us that they were not free,

It was something quite unheard of,

Something free men cannot see.

If our misinformed brothers

Wish to DO, and not to mock,

Let them stay within the cities

Where there’s Hell in every block.

Let them stay away from Logan,

Where a man can be a man.

Take your creeds and go to New York

Where their brothers understand.

For the famous “Logan Wildcats”

And the lads who fought the Hun,

They are tired of soap-box teachings

And have said there shall be none.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 29 June 1923

Mrs. Evva L. Hatch (1929)

04 Wednesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Women's History

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African-Americans, Appalachia, Charleston, Evva L. Hatch, Garnet High School, Logan Banner, Logan County, McBeth School, Ohio University, teacher, University of Chicago, West Virginia, West Virginia State College, West Virginia State Teachers' Association

In April of 1929, the Logan Banner profiled numerous prominent African-American residents of Logan County, West Virginia.

Notable Blacks of Logan County LB 04.16.1929 18

Mrs. Evva L. Hatch

Teacher, McBeth School

Mrs. Hatch is a graduate of Garnet High School, Charleston, and West Virginia State College. She has done summer work at Ohio University and University of Chicago. Mrs. Hatch has taught for fourteen years in the state, twelve years of which have been spent in Logan county. She is a member of West Virginia State Teachers’ Association.

In her community and district and also through the county, Mrs. Hatch is regarded as one of the active and influential leaders in all of her activities that are promoted in interest of good citizenship. Her preparation and long service as a teacher makes her ability unquestioned. She is a leader in her field and all groups of citizens recognize her qualifications and hold her in high regard.

Levicy Hatfield Indictment (1882)

04 Wednesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Hatfield-McCoy Feud

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Ambrose Mullins, Appalachia, feud, feuds, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, Levisa Hatfield, Logan County, Mingo County, moonshine, moonshining, Vicy Hatfield, West Virginia

Vicy Hatfield 1882 1

Levisa “Vicy” Hatfield indictment for selling spirituous liquors based upon information by Ambrose Mullins, Logan County, WV, 1882.

Big Creek News 10.03.1924

04 Wednesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Creek

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Albert Estepp, Allie Chafins, Appalachia, Big Creek, Cecil Hager, Donnie Chafins, Dr. White Hill, genealogy, history, Jack Mullins, Lilly Estep, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lou Harmon, Lulia Mobley, Nannie Mobley, P.D. Bradberry, Star Theatre, Thomas Vance, Tilda Harmon, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following news, which the Logan Banner printed on October 3, 1924:

A little bit of news again from our little city. It makes the Banner more interesting when the Big Creek news are added to its columns.

Our news seems to be scarce in the Banner of late. We all suppose the news bee must have flown away. So there is a few more left any way that will help the dear old Banner put out the Big Creek news.

Everybody seems to be lonely these rainy Sundays. The taxis can’t run.

There was a large crowd attended the Star Theatre Saturday night.

Miss Lou Harmon is very ill at this writing.

Mrs. Allie Chafins and son, Donnie, were the all day guests of Miss Tilda Harmon Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Hager will be citizens of our little town Big Creek.

Remember well and don’t forget, the Logan Banner is the best yet.

So good luck to the dear old Banner.

Every day happenings: Florence and her red dress; Jake and his straw hat. Gracie going up to the store. Pearl going to the post office. Earl and his mud scraper.

We were sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Jack Mullins, brother of Mrs. P.D. Bradberry of this place.

Miss Lulia Mobley was visiting her mother, Mrs. Nannie Mobley, Thursday.

We all sympathized with Mr. and Mrs. Vance of the death of their son, Thomas Vance.

Mrs. Albert Estepp is very ill. We hope for a speedy recovery.

Dr. White Hill is quite busy, as there is lots of sickness around here.

Miss Lilly Estep is the guest of home folks.

Tom Dula: Dula Cemetery (2020)

03 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Cemeteries, Civil War, Tom Dula

≈ 1 Comment

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42nd North Carolina Regiment, Appalachia, Brandon Kirk, cemeteries, civil war, Confederate Army, Dula Cemetery, Elkville, history, Iredell County, Laura Foster, North Carolina, photos, Tom Dooley, Tom Dula, Whippoorwill Academy and Village, Wilkes County

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Looking for Tom Dula’s grave in Elkville, Wilkes County, NC. 7 January 2020

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Up this way to the Tom Dula grave! 7 January 2020

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The Dula family cemetery is located here, but only Tom Dula’s grave is marked by a headstone. 7 January 2020

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Tom Dula was a Confederate veteran. 7 January 2020

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Sadly, visitors have chipped away part of Tom Dula’s headstone. Note: His death date is erroneously recorded as 1866. 7 January 2020

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This was the highlight of my trip. Tom Dula’s original headstone is housed at nearby Whippoorwill Academy and Village. 7 January 2020

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Tom Dula’s correct year of death is noted on his footstone. 7 January 2020

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Here is a glimpse of the landscape near Tom Dula’s grave. 7 January 2020

Mingo Miners on Strike (1922)

03 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal, Williamson

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Appalachia, coal, David Fowler, history, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mingo County, United Mine Workers of America, West Virginia, Williamson

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of news relating to coal miners on strike in Mingo County, dated March 31, 1922:

Mine Workers Cut Mingo Miners’ Wage

Will Reduce Strike Benefits to $3 to Men in Mingo Field, According to Letter

WANT AND FAMINE SURE TO INCREASE RAPIDLY

Fight Has Been a Losing One for Many Weeks and as Big Strike Looms Further Aid is Gone

The miners who have been fighting and striking in Mingo county for recognition of the union have just received word that their schedule of relief had been cut to $3 a week which would show that their fight has been a losing one.

This long story of suffering, want and privation in Mingo county will now be added to with additional misery, for the coming strike cannot be reckoned in days. Surely we of Logan county should be glad of the fact that our miners are working with their employers and not against them, and the first man who would suggest the Mingo conditions as better than the ones we are now enjoying should be properly dealt with by his fellow workers who are sure of year around employment at good wages to the $3 a week or less that is given to the strikers in Mingo. Surely the union officials will realize some day the suffering their greed is causing and stop this movement toward anarchy.

The following is the letter sent to miners on strike in Mingo county:

Williamson, W.Va., Mar. 20, 1922

Dear Sir and Brother:–

As you well know the drain upon the International Treasury for sometime has been very great. Notwithstanding that we have continued to supply the miners of Mingo county with a very liberal amount of relief. The amount of relief issued in the Williamson field has been greater than that in any strike in the history of the organization. The miners have been working on slack time throughout the country and on March 31, 1922, the present working agreement will expire and the miners of Mingo county will be standing side by side with the other miners of the country. The other miners of the country have given you more consideration than they have given themselves and are still willing to give further consideration through the long duration of your strike.

It will require a considerable amount of money to carry on negotiations so that it will be necessary for us to reduce the relief at this time.

I am therefore advising you that beginning with the week of March 27th, the schedule of relief will be men $3, women $1, child 50 cents a week. I am not sure that I can continue to pay even this amount if the general suspense of mining should last any length of time. However the miners of this country will do the best they can and continue to send in the liberal relief amount as long as possible.

With every good wish, I am,

Very truly yours,

DAVID FOWLER

International representative and financial agent

United Mine Workers of America

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