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Brandon Ray Kirk

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Brandon Ray Kirk

Category Archives: African American History

Scott Hill Reflects on Life as a Slave, Part 2 (1940)

08 Thursday Dec 2022

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Barboursville, Civil War, Huntington, Kitchen, Music

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Amie Dickinson, Annie Morris, Appalachia, Barboursville, Charles Morris, Charley Stone, Dyke Garrett, fiddler, fiddling, Guyandotte, Hiram Hill, history, Huntington, Jim Dingess, Kitchen, Lorenzo Dow Hill, Martha, Mary Hill, music, Ohio, Peter Hill, preacher, Scott Hill, slavery, slaves, Springfield, West Virginia

The following article, written by Frank Ball, is taken from a Huntington-area newspaper clipping. This is Part 2 of the story.

A year after the trip back from Virginia, the slaves of Lorenzo Hill were surprised and not a little dazed when he tried to convey to them the fact that they were free. They didn’t want to leave Ole Boss. They had no place to go. So they lived on with him and worked for him as usual. Uncle Scott stayed with his former owner until he was 21. And the slaves who were sold en route to Virginia returned often to visit the Hill farm.

At the age of 21, Scott Hill left the valley and went to Springfield, O. There he met and married Annie Morris, who was born the slave property of Charles Morris of Martha, near Barboursville, May 5, 1862. She remembers nothing of slave days, but remembers that she, too, lived on at the home of her former owner with her father and mother until she was 18. She often went back to visit the Morris home after she left it. In case of sickness there her services were always desired. She and her husband are the parents of 13 children, seven of whom are dead. The Hill family moved to Barboursville in 1891.

The father and mother of Scott Hill were the parents of 14 children, nine boys and five girls. All the children lived to be grown. Three are yet living. In addition to Uncle Scott there is a son, Peter Hill, and a daughter, Mrs. Amie Dickinson, of Huntington.

Mr. Hill’s father died in Huntington in 1913, and his mother in Guyandotte in 1909. Uncle Scott has long since passed his days of usefulness as a workman. He sits patiently by the bedside of his invalid wife daily, musing on the past. Friends have lately installed a radio for the aged couple by which they may hear directly from the outside world.

In his younger days, Mr. Hill pushed a cart about town selling fish to the citizens. For many years he was a familiar figure as he wheeled about the village, and his “feesh, fresh feesh” became a by-word among the youngsters. In addition he was a great hog raiser, and he made arrangements for swill from many of his neighbors who were glad to accommodate him.

He remembers well the old days and the old citizens of the valley. He likes to recall the mountain dances at Old Boss’, or across the river at Charley Stone’s or Jim Dingess’. The fiddler who sawed incessantly in the corner while others tripped the light fantastic was a stripling named Dyke Garrett. And in those early days, “Uncle Dyke” was not exactly adverse to sampling Old Boss’ brandies.

“I remember, though, when he made th’ change,” recalled Uncle Scott, “an’ I’ve follered him through a long an’ useful life. Fine feller, Uncle Dyke.”

Scott Hill Reflects on Life as a Slave, Part 1 (1940)

03 Saturday Dec 2022

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Barboursville, Chapmanville, Civil War, Kitchen, Tazewell County

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Appalachia, Barboursville, civil war, Frank Ball, Guyandotte Valley, Hiram Hill, history, Kitchen, Logan County, Lorenzo Dow Hill, Mary Hill, Scott Hill, slavery, slaves, Tazewell County, Union Army, Virginia, West Virginia

The following article, written by Frank Ball, is taken from a Huntington-area newspaper clipping, the first part of which is missing.

…Americans are those who remember servitude as slaves. Barboursville has one citizen, Scott Hill, who remembers rendering such service. And little work he did as a slave, for he was but six years of age when the Civil War ended.

“Uncle Scott,” as he is familiarly known, was born the property of Lorenzo Hill, prominent orchardist and farmer of the Guyandotte valley.  Lorenzo Hill, owner of several slaves, lived on a large tract of land across the river from the little mining town of Kitchen in Logan county. Here Barboursville’s “Uncle Scott,” son of Hiram and Mary Hill, was born Feb. 5, 1859. (Slaves usually took the surname of their owners.)

Mr. Hill remembers well the excitement created by the Civil War, and the frantic movements attendant thereto. His owner was a blender of the best whiskies in the valley and his home was widely visited by soldiers and citizens alike who sipped the choice brandies and exchanged the news of the day.

Hysteria in border states ran high during the war, and it was thought best by some slaveholders to move their slaves farther south for safe keeping. It was rumored that Union soldiers were taking the slaves by force and freeing them. So Lorenzo Hill, whom Uncle Scott affectionately remembers as “Ole Boss,” started with his slaves on a long journey into Virginia.

Uncle Scott’s memory of this trip and stay in Virginia is rather painful. To begin with, it meant the sacrifice of “Old Baldy,” a steer of which the slave children were exceedingly fond, to furnish meat for the journey. En route, Uncle Scott’s uncle and three of his uncle’s children were sold. Tearfully, his mother parted from her brother and her nephews and niece as the trip to Virginia was resumed.

Ole Boss left his remaining slaves with a planter in Tazewell county, and returned to Logan. A year in Virginia found Scott’s father and mother greatly overworked, and they and their children greatly underfed.

This treatment was in direct contrast to that given to them by their owner, and the mother had the nerve to “strike.” She hired herself to a neighbor slaveholder that her children might be fed. And despite the frenzied objections of the planter with whom she was left, she won out in this extraordinary action.

In the fall of 1864, wartime hysteria had subsided somewhat and Lorenzo Hill returned to Virginia for his slaves. They were overjoyed at seeing him. They were sure they would be well fed and treated kindly. In return they would work hard for Ole Boss.

Note: Mr. Scott’s true name was William Henry “Scott” Hill. His mother Mary was the daughter of her master, Lorenzo Dow Hill, and a slave named Julia.

Matilda Wade (1929)

09 Thursday Sep 2021

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

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African-Americans, Cora, Cora School, Douglas High School, education, genealogy, history, Huntington, Logan County, West Virginia, West Virginia State College, West Virginia Teachers Association

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

Matilda Wade

Teacher, Cora School

Miss Wade is a graduate of Douglas High School, Huntington, and West Virginia State College; she has done summer work at the same institution. This is Miss Wade’s first term as a teacher, but her adeptness and aggressive methods have the knack and precision of those of longer experience. Miss Wade has a pleasing manner in her school work which brings willing and immediate reaction from her pupils. Her ideals in education are high. With her disposition to apply herself, and the active and energetic methods she employs, she is bound to reach a high place in her profession. Miss Wade is a member of the West Virginia Teachers’ Association. She possesses another splendid quality in her ability to make friends among the patrons of her community.

Ben Walker Deed to Hezekiah “Kiah” Adkins (1887)

15 Monday Feb 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Green Shoal, Guyandotte River, Lincoln County Feud

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Appalachia, Ben Walker, Burbus C. Toney, Cain Adkins, Canoe Tree Fork, Eliza Adkins, Ellen Ferguson, genealogy, George Dickinson, Green McCoy, Green Shoal Creek, Guyandotte River, Harts Creek District, Hezekiah Adkins, history, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Feud, timber, timbering, West Virginia

Ben Walker Deed to Hezekiah “Kiah” Adkins, 175 acres, Green Shoal Creek, 1887, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. Note: Cain Adkins, who notarized this deed, was a key figure in the Lincoln County Feud, which was underway in 1887. In October of 1889, Ben Walker buried Mr. Adkins’ son-in-law, Green McCoy. Note: Ellen Ferguson and George Dickinson were African-American residents of Harts Creek District.

L. Jean Bayes (1929)

16 Friday Oct 2020

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

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African-Americans, Appalachia, Aracoma High School, Cheyney, Cheyney Normal School, education, history, L. Jean Bayes, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Pennsylvania, teacher, teachers, West Virginia, West Virginia State College, Wilberforce University

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

Miss L. Jean Bayes

Elementary Department, Aracoma High School

Miss Bayes is a graduate of Wilberforce University and has done work at West Virginia State College and Cheyney Normal, Cheyney, Pa. She has taught for eleven years in West Virginia, seven of which have been engaged in Logan county. She is a member of the Teachers’ State and National Educational movements. She is very energetic in the promotion of civic, religious and the political welfare of her county and state. She tends her efforts zealously for the welfare and uplift of her people in a wide scope of interest. Social handicaps appeal strongly to her humanitarian impulses, and she is a veritable Good Samaritan in this sphere of necessity. Miss Bayes possibly has not a superior among the women of her race in the state as an organizer and effective public speaker. As a teacher she is effective. She knows her subject and her pupil and brings both together harmoniously and beneficially. In the community, Miss Bayes is always constructive and outstanding in whatever she undertakes and easily outdistances all competitors in her program. Her ____ is widespread, for she is possessed with a purpose and strength of character that makes her a natural leader among her people.

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

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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

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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

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.

Miss Ruby L. Hess (1929)

26 Wednesday Feb 2020

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

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African-Americans, education, history, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lorado, Nannie Burroughs School, Ruby L. Pless, teacher, West Virginia, West Virginia Parent-Teacher Association, 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 13

Miss Ruby L. Pless

Teacher, Nannie Burrough School, Lorado

Graduate West Virginia State College and did summer work at same institution. She has taught four years, two of which have been spent in her present position.

She is a member of the West Virginia State Teachers’ Association and of the State Parent-Teacher Association.

Miss Pless is a teacher of engaging personality. Studious and earnest in her work, and direct in her methods, for obtaining results, she is classed with the group of progressive teachers of the county and state. She is making a splendid record in her present position. Well placed in the affections of her pupils and patrons, Miss Pless’ thoroughness in her field of labor is destined to lead her far in advancement in the profession in which she is engaged.

Miss Rosalie Adams (1929)

09 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History

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Appalachia, Aracoma Junior High School, Douglas Junior High School, education, history, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Omar, photos, Rosalie Adams, teacher, West Virginia, West Virginia State College

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 11

Miss Rosalie Adams

Teacher, English Department, Douglas Jr. High School, Omar

Embracing the teaching of French, Sociology and History, Miss Adams is a graduate of West Virginia State College, A.B. degree, with honorary Cum Laude. She has done summer work at the same institution; member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and other social clubs. She has been in her present position one term, but is highly qualified for the grade of work in which she is engaged. When pursuing her studies Miss Adams was classed as one of the most brilliant students in the institution, and her graduation was most creditable in its distinctive marks. Miss Adams has aspirations to reach a higher degree of efficiency in her chosen profession, and contemplates pursuing studies for master’s degree in summer work in a credible institution. She is thorough and efficient in her work and takes high rating as a teacher.

Recollections of Laura Hinchman at Combs Addition, WV (1984), Part 1

24 Friday Jan 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Civil War, Coal, Guyandotte River, Huntington, Logan, Man, Timber, Women's History, Wyoming County

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African-Americans, Alfred Beckley, Anna Brooke Hinchman, Bruno, Buffalo City, civil war, Claypool, Clean Eagle Coal Company, coal, Combs Addition, Confederate Army, Cyclone, Cyclone Post Office, Davin, Elk Creek, Forkner, genealogy, Guyandotte River, history, Hollow A. Davin, Huntington, John L. Lewis, Lake Claypool, Laura Hinchman, Logan, Logan County, logging, Lorenzo Dow HInchman, Mallory, Man, Man High School, Morris Harvey College, Oceana, Paul Hinchman, Pete Toler, postmaster, rafting, Raleigh County, Rosa Hinchman, splash dams, timbering, Ulysses Hinchman, United Mine Workers of America, Vic McVey, Walter Hinchman, West Virginia, Woodrow Hinchman, Wyoming County

Laura C. Hinchman was born on March 22, 1919 to Walter and Anna Brooke (McVey) Hinchman at Mallory in Logan County, WV. She was an educator for over fifty years and was very active in civic affairs. For more information about her background, see her obituary at this location: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/140834185/laura-caryl-hinchman

The following interview of Ms. Hinchman was conducted on July 16, 1984. In this part of the interview, she discusses her ancestry, community history, timbering, and coal mining.

***

Miss Hinchman, how did your family first come to this area?

Well, when West Virginia was being settled, people who were willing to come here were given land grants by governors of Virginia over different periods of years. This property was given by the governor of the commonwealth of Virginia at that time, Governor Nicholson. It was given in 1815 to my great grandfather, Dr. Ulysses Hinchman, who was a member of the legislature. He had land holdings in Wyoming County, and he laid out the town of Oceana. He is recorded in a lot of the books of the history of Wyoming and Logan Counties. According to the West Virginia Blue Book, that is how Man got its name. At first it was called Buffalo City. Then they decided to change the name. They thought Hinchman was too long and there was already a place called Hinch, so they named it Man in honor of my great grandfather. Now, that’s according to the West Virginia Blue Book.

Do you remember what your grandparents were like?

Now, both my grandfather and grandmother Hinchman died before I was born, so I don’t remember either of them. At that time, this was all timber land. My grandfather Hinchman, whose name was Lorenzo Dow Hinchman, was a timberman. We have a lot of records here in the house where he kept books of how much he paid the men and how much he sold, and all that. After this was cleared, then, of course, it became farmland. Now, they had no way of getting the logs that were cut to a market. So down there just below Woodrow’s, and this happened several places, they built what was called splash dams. They made a dam and dammed the water up and filled it with logs. Then there would be a great big lot of excitement. Everybody would gather and they would tear the dam lose and let the logs float down to the Guyan River. There were men who went with them, I suppose on rafts, and rafted the logs together, and floated them down the Guyan River to the Guyandotte. Now, my mother’s father, who came from Raleigh County, was Uncle Vic McVey. Of course, I remember him well, he lived here with us until he died at the age of ninety-four. He was one of the men who followed floating those logs down the river, and then they would walk back from Huntington. They had places that they stayed on their way back. I don’t know how many days it took.

Now, my grandmother Hinchman was a Chambers, which is also one of the early settler families in this area. She was a schoolteacher. At that time, it was possible to teach school when you got through the eighth grade, you were given a certificate. All first teachers in the one room schools here were just graduates of the eight grade, because the high school at Man was not built until 1919 or 1920, and that’s all they had. Now some people taught after they finished the eighth grade, and then went on when it was possible. I have a cousin Lake Claypool–that’s another old family in this area for which Claypool is named–that she taught after she finished the eighth grade then she went on to Man and finished high school and then went to Morris Harvey. But all the older teachers were just eighth grade. There was a one room school down here at Claypool. There was a one room school up at Vance’s. There were several one room schools on Buffalo Creek. There was a one room school up–what’s that creek up Bruno called–Elk Creek. My grandmother was a teacher, but as I say, both died before I was ever born. Now then, this place was called Cyclone. This is where Cyclone was. My grandmother Hinchman kept the Cyclone Post Office here for forty years. After she passed away, my mother–she was a McVey–and she married my father, Walter Hinchman, in 1910, and came here. I had Aunt Rosa Hinchman, who had never married at that time, who helped her keep the post office. The mail was carried on horseback from Huntington and the West, came that way, and from Oceana, from that direction they carried it. The postmasters met here, and they ate dinner here every day. My mother–ever who all was here, and at that time, you never knew who might be there for dinner… But when this house was built, this part wasn’t part of it. The kitchen and the dining room were in separate buildings. Now, of course, in the south they had slaves and all, but I do recall their talking about on black man, by the name of Sam. I don’t remember much about him but that’s the only black person that they ever had here, you know, on the farm.

I do remember my granddad McVey quite well, and my great-grandfather came to Raleigh County with General Beckley and settled there. Then my mother’s grandfather was a Confederate soldier in the Civil War. His name was Zirkle, which is the German word for circle. He ran away from home during the Civil War and joined the Confederate Army. After the war he came here and settled. He also lived with us until he was in his nineties. But my mothers’ mother, my grandmother McVey, died when my mother was only, maybe two years old, so I never knew any of my real grandparents except, you know, my granddad McVey.

Were you born here, at this house?

I was born here on March 22, 1919. My father passed away in February of 1920 when I was eleven months old. There were three of us Hinchman children: Woodrow, Paul, and I was the youngest, of course. I don’t remember my father, but Woodrow does. Then my mother married Pete Toler when I was twenty-three months old, a year after my father died. I remember his as my real father because he reared me. He worked this farm and I remember the first time I called him Daddy, now I don’t know how old I was.

There was a mine at Davin that was first called Forkner, and it was changed to the name of Davin after Hollow A. Davin, a prominent man in Logan who probably owned the mine, and that started in 1923. Then the post office was taken up the creek and then we had a post office at Davin. Then my dad ran a coal cutting machine. Men took those jobs by contract and they were paid for the number of cars that they cut. They could work as many hours as they wanted. The men who loaded the coal–they may have loaded themselves, I don’t know–they loaded the coal into wooden cars. Now, in order to get credit of the coal car that they had loaded they had a–what was it called? Well, it was a little round piece of metal with a number on it that they hung on that coal car. The coal was hauled out of the mine by mule or ponies. There was a tipple and everything there at Davin. Then the Clean Eagle mine went in later, I don’t remember when, but my dad worked there, and he also worked at Mallory. But when we were children, we never saw our dad until the weekend because he went to work before daylight, before we ever thought of getting up and he never came in until after we had gone to bed. That sort of thing kept up with miners until John L. Lewis, you see, organized the union.

Stone Branch News 09.14.1923

23 Thursday Jan 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Stone Branch

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Appalachia, Bob Ferrell, Bonnie Covert, genealogy, history, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lorado, Malinda Workman, Nannie Lilly, Rosa Workman, Sadie Ferguson, Stone Branch, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Snow Ball” from Stone Branch in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following news, which the Logan Banner printed on September 14, 1923:

As Rosebud didn’t write last week, think I will try and write this week.

The weather is very unpleasant at this writing.

Mr. Bob Ferrell is seen out car riding occasionally.

We are sorry to say that our friend Malinda Workman is very ill at this writing.

Miss Bonnie Covert has been entertaining relatives the last few days.

Miss Rosa Workman and Miss Sadie Ferguson seem to enjoy carrying water.

Miss Nannie Lilly was seen reading a letter containing 13 pages Friday. I wonder if it wasn’t from Lorado? She said not.

Stirrat Colored News 01.05.1923

11 Wednesday Dec 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History

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African-Americans, Chauncey, G.J. Parks, history, Island Creek, Lewis Calvin, Logan Banner, Logan County, preacher, Stirrat

A correspondent named Lewis Calvin from Stirrat on Island Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following news, which the Logan Banner printed on January 5, 1923:

On last Sunday, the Sunday school lesson at the Mt. Olive Baptist church was efficiently taught by our visiting minister, Rev. G.J. Parks, of Chauncey.

Rev. Parks remained with us during the day and preached for us some wonderful sermons which were accepted by all of his hearers. We sure did enjoy having Rev. Parks with us and we extend to him an invitation to return and he will always find a warm welcome.

We always delight in having with us ministers who know how to preach the Gospel and Rev. Parks surely did know how to bring the message to us. His evening text was taken from the 3rd chapter of Job, and he discussed Job as a man of God.

The entire congregation was delighted with his manner of handling the subject and extends to him the glad hand to return and be with us again.

Lewis Calvin, Clerk

Civil War in the Kanawha Valley: Ruffner Memorial Park (2019)

29 Tuesday Oct 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, American Revolutionary War, Cemeteries, Civil War

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22nd Virginia Infantry, Appalachia, Charleston, Confederate Army, Daniel Ruffner, French and Indian War, gas, George S. Patton, George Washington, Henry D. Ruffner, history, Holly Mansion, John McCausland, Joseph Ruffner, Kanawha County, Kanawha Riflemen, Kanawha River, Kanawha Street, oil, Revolutionary War, Richard Laidley, salt, Thomas Bullitt, United Daughters of the Confederacy, West Virginia

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Terry Lowry is THE authority on the Civil War in the Kanawha Valley. Stop 2 on his tour: Ruffner Memorial Park in Charleston, WV. 29 September 2019. Here is a link to Terry’s latest book, The Battle of Charleston (2016): https://wvcivilwar.com/now-available-the-battle-of-charleston/

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Kanawha Riflemen: “Hometown Boys in Gray.” 29 September 2019

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Kanawha Riflemen Memorial at Ruffner Memorial Park. In 1831, Joseph Ruffner deeded this cemetery to the city. In 1920, the site became a city park. Some graves were relocated but many are still here with their headstones buried beneath the surface. The UDC memorial was placed in 1922. 29 September 2019

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Thomas Bullitt grave. Ruffner Memorial Park. In 1776, George Washington wrote of him: “Bullet (sic) is no favourite of mine, & therefore I shall say nothing more of him, than that his own opinion of himself always kept pace with what others pleas’d to think of him—if any thing, rather run a head of it.” 29 September 2019

Stone Branch Colored News 01.12.1923

14 Friday Jun 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Ashland, Stone Branch

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A.J. Dickerson, African-Americans, Appalachia, Ashland, Dan Claytor, Fannie Hill, genealogy, history, John Smith, Kentucky, Logan County, Lucy Woodie, Mary Johnson, Minnie Gayhart, Nathaniel Hogans, Samuel Thomas, Stone Branch, West Virginia, Will Woodie

A correspondent named “S.T.B.” from Stone Branch in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following “colored” news, which the Logan Banner printed on January 12, 1923:

Mrs. Lucy Woodie has been visiting home folks at Ashland and we are very glad to have her back again.

Rev. Dan Claytor preached for us Sunday night. It was a very small attendance. Dear people, why don’t you come to the church and hear the word of the Lord?

Mrs. Minnie Gayhart is very sick at this time. We hope to see her improving soon.

Hughie Smith was here Tuesday. Hurry up, Hughie. Things are looking very sad without you.

Mrs. Mary Johnson and Mrs. A.J. Dickerson were seen going to the store Monday.

Mrs. Fannie Hill is progressing nicely with her school.

Nathaniel Hogans is able to be at school again.

Stone Branch is getting more like a city every day.

Famous combinations: A.J. Dickerson and his wagon; Mr. Will Woodie and his slop bucket; Samuel Thomas and his oil can; John Smith and his baby; Mrs. Lucy Woodie and her traveling bag.

Stone Branch Colored News 07.28.1922

08 Saturday Jun 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Boone County, Huntington, Stone Branch

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A.J. Dickerson, African-Americans, Appalachia, Bessie Burney, Della Ferguson, Elizabeth Dickerson, genealogy, Genoa Page, Georgia Smith, Hazel Smith, history, Huntington, Kessler Hospital, Logan Banner, Lucy Woodie, Madison, Mary Coltrane, Mary Hudson, Mollie Claton, Mollie Clayton, Nathaniel Hogans, Stone Branch, Tom Smoot

A correspondent named “The Two Gypsies” from Stone Branch in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following “colored” news, which the Logan Banner printed on July 28, 1922:

The ladies helping hand club spent the day in prayer services led by Sister Mollie Claton. We had a good and successful service.

Mrs. Genoa Page has been on the sick list for a few days. She went to the Kessler hospital Monday but she is at home again.

Mrs. Hazel Smith and Miss Bessie Burney have returned home again.

Mrs. Lucy Woodie has been on the sick list for a few days.

Mrs. Mary Coltrane made a visit here last week.

Mrs. Tom Smoot of Madison was visiting church Sunday.

Mr. A.J. Dickerson went to Huntington last week to take Nathaniel Hogans to the hospital. He is home now and is somewhat improved.

Elizabeth Dickerson and Georgia Smith went to Sunday school Sunday. The Lesson was discussed by Bro. Craddock, the teacher.

Mrs. Mary Hudson is visiting Mrs. Mollie Clayton.

Mrs. Della Ferguson and daughters were seen at the carnival. We hope they had a nice time.

Trial of Don Chafin, the “Fighting Sheriff of Logan County” (1924)

05 Friday Apr 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Huntington, Logan

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A.S. Christian, Appalachia, Barnabus, Blue Goose, crime, deputy sheriff, Don Chafin, Elliott Northcott, Emmett Scaggs, F.C. Leftwich, Frank Lewis, George W. McClintic, H.S. Walker, history, Huntington, John Browning, John Chafin, John S. Marcum, John T. Gore, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mallory, Mine Wars, Prohibition, sheriff, Simp Thompson, Superintendent of Schools, Tennis Hatfield, Volstead Act, W.F. Farley, Walter Wright, West Virginia, William Avis, William Dingess

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about the trial of Sheriff Don Chafin, dated September 26, 1924:

Trial of Don Chafin Set For Monday, October 6

Logan’s Sheriff Will Answer to Charges of Alleged Violation of Volstead Act.

Trial of Don Chafin, fighting sheriff of Logan county and a figure of national prominence, indicted by the grand jury in federal court on two counts, one charging conspiracy to violate the Volstead act and the other engaging unlawfully in the retail liquor business, will come up before Judge George W. McClintic, in United States Court at Huntington Monday October 6.

The same day was fixed by the court for the trial of John T. Gore, a deputy sheriff, and H.S. Walker, who were indicted jointly for alleged conspiracy to secure the arrest and conviction of one Frank Lewis, a negro, on a pistol toting charge because he had been a witness against another negro charged with violating the prohibition law.

Sheriff Don Chafin and Gore were given their release under bond of $5,000 each, but the court declined to admit Walker to bail, and he was remanded to the county jail, and held without bail until Wednesday at which time he was released under [error here in layout] mitted to jail Friday afternoon, after bond of $5,000. The last named was arrested and committed to jail last Friday afternoon, after he was alleged to have administered a severe whipping to William Avis, a witness before the grand jury. The alleged assault was said to have occurred when Avis returned to Logan from Huntington Tuesday.

The court at the same time continued the cases of five other Logan county officials indicted along with Sheriff Chafin, Gore, and Walker to the March term in Huntington [error in layout] in each of these cases the defendant obtained release under $3,000. They were: Emmett Scaggs, now county superintendent of schools in Logan, and the democratic nominee for sheriff, indicted for alleged illicit possession of liquor; Simp Thompson, a deputy sheriff under Chafin, indicted on a charge of alleging that for a $200 consideration he released Walter Wright, in whose possession a still and quantity of moonshine had been found; John Chafin, a relative of the sheriff and a deputy under him, indicted on a charge of having had liquor at the polls at Mallory, Logan county during the conduct of a national election; William Dingess, a deputy sheriff, indicted on a charge of selling liquor; and John Browning, a deputy sheriff, indicted for alleged possession of whisky in the basement of the court house at Logan.

Indicted jointly with Dingess on a charge of selling moonshine was Garfield Maynard. He did not appear for arraignment with the rest of the accused and the court ordered a capias issued for him.

Appearing in court with the famed fighting sheriff of Logan and the rest of the indicted persons were Colonel John S. Marcum and Judge F.C. Leftwich, engaged as defense counsel for the entire group. The formalities were brief and required but a comparatively short time of transaction. After furnishing their bonds the accused, with their bondsmen, who included W.F. Farley and A.S. Christian, left the court chamber in a body, accompanied by their counsel.

The indictments against the Logan officials were returned by the federal grand jury Friday morning, coming as the outgrowth of an exhaustive investigation of affairs in Logan county which  the government, it was said, has been conducting here for the past six months or more. According to reports, as many as 20 agents of the department of justice were at work in Logan at one time.

Tennis Hatfield, Republican nominee for the office of sheriff of Logan county, who served a jail term of eleven months and paid a fine of $1,000 for violating the prohibition law, was understood to have been the principal witness against Sheriff Don Chafin before the grand jury.

According to statements emanating from the office of United States District Attorney Elliott Northcott, Hatfield offered testimony to the effect that Chafin was his partner in the ownership and promotion of the notorious speakeasy once conducted at Barnabus in Logan county. This establishment, known as the Blue Goose, flourished from 1914 to late in 1922, when federal men closed up the place.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 26 September 1924

Big Creek News 04.14.1922

06 Sunday Jan 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Big Creek, Coal, Hamlin, Logan

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Appalachia, Bedford Queen, Big Creek, Daisy Coal Mines, Earl McComas, genealogy, Gordon Lilly, Hamlin, history, Indiana, J.E. Whitehall, Lilly's Branch, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, moonshine, section foreman, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on April 14, 1922:

Big Creek News LB 04.14.1922 2.JPG

Little Earl McComas died yesterday (Tuesday) at 5 P.M. Burial was made the following day in the family burying ground.

Dr. J.E. Whitehall has been at this home in Indiana since last Thursday on a vacation. We are looking for him to return soon.

Mrs. Stone, our boarding house keeper, who has been ill is now improving and will soon be able to attend to her duties again.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Bedford Queen Tuesday night, a fine boy baby.

The Daisy Coal Mines have resumed operations and are running daily now since a temporary shutdown.

A little son of Mr. Bledsoe, the section foreman, is reported quite ill at this writing.

Mr. Gordon Lilly, one of the pioneer settlers on Lilly’s Branch, is reported out again after a severe illness. Uncle Gordon is one of the oldest citizens in this neighborhood and is past 84 years in age.

Mr. Burgess, of Logan, has moved into the house recently occupied by Dr. Chafin who has moved to Hamlin.

Quite a little excitement prevailed here last week when a colored man and his wife engaged in a free for all and the wife was assisted by a third party. The battle raged in earnest until the arrival of an officer who was required to shoot before the trio could be subdued. Moonshine was at the bottom of the trouble and they were hauled before Squire Lowe where they were each heavily fined.

Mrs. Laura Feary Griere (1929)

02 Wednesday Jan 2019

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

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Tags

African-Americans, Appalachia, Aracoma High School, Fisk University, genealogy, history, Laura Feary Griere, Logan Banner, Logan County, teacher, Urban League, West Virginia, West Virginia Physical Education Union

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 9.JPG

Mrs. Laura Feary Griere

Teacher, English Department, Aracoma High School

Graduate: Fisk University. She has three years’ teaching experience, spending two of them in her present position. Mrs. Griere is a member of the State and National Teachers’ Association; is also a member of West Virginia Physical Education Union for women. Mrs. Griere is an active, entertaining teacher, splendidly qualified for her work, and gives assistance to other activities in the community that concern the people’s welfare. She has also done much active service in Urban League work and is experienced in social activities. Mrs. Griere was a member of the Editorial Staff of her school journal while she attended school at Fisk.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 16 April 1929.

Aracoma High School in Logan, WV (1929)

09 Tuesday Oct 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Logan

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

African-Americans, Appalachia, Aracoma High School, Aracoma Junior High School, board of education, Coal Branch, education, history, L.E. Farnsworth, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Logan District, Republican Party, West Virginia

Aracoma High School LB 04.16.1929 1.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 16 April 1929.

THE COLORED ARACOMA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Now In Course of Erection, is the result of the vision and enterprise of the Logan District Board of Education to meet a need in the life of the colored citizens of this district, which need has been existing for a long period of years, and has equally as long been neglected.

The moving spirit, in the board of education, toward bringing this new school to a successful issue, is Dr. L.E. Farnsworth, and it is to him in particular that the colored citizens of this district owe a lasting debt of gratitude. Early and late, at times seasonable and times unseasonable Dr. Farnsworth worked in the Aracoma colored system, and that the shame against the intelligence and liberality of the white citizens of this district might be removed by in replacing the makeshift which existed with a decent colored school building.

The contribution of the space and picture of the proposed building, shown in this progress section devoted to colored citizens, is made by the Board of Education. This is a further evidence of their generous attitude toward our people, encouraging their efforts to improve themselves and advance their welfare. Such liberality merits our thanks and unstinted praise, and it is hereby extended generously and thankfully.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 16 April 1929

***

New School Building

Ground was broken last week in Coal Branch for the new Aracoma Junior high school. A large force of men with scrapers, picks and shovels are busy doing the excavating work, and delegations of patriot citizens of color are visiting the scene daily and watching the rapid progress that is being made on this long needed and prayed for school building. The site is ideal, with a large play ground and when completed and furnished, it will be one of the best in the state. The new Aracoma Junior high school building is the fulfillment of some of the pledges and campaign promises made by Republican candidates and party workers, to the colored voters during the last election. The bringing into existence of this long promised school will be a lasting credit to the members of the Logan district Board of Education and should also standout as another important reason why the Negro should vote the Republican ticket.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 19 April 1929

Powell Valley Male Academy at Speedwell, TN (2013)

07 Sunday Oct 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Civil War

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

African-Americans, Appalachia, Claiborne County, Confederate Army, Davis Creek, education, Felix Zollicoffer, George Shutter, history, photos, Powell Valley Male Academy, Sam Monday, slavery, Speedwell, Speedwell Academy, Tennessee

IMG_8024

Powell Valley Male (later Speedwell) Academy, built 1827, at Speedwell in Claiborne County, TN. During the Civil War, it served as headquarters for Confederate General Felix Zollicoffer. 30 May 2013.

IMG_8034

George Shutter, a German immigrant who settled locally from Pennsylvania about 1800, believed strongly in education. He supplied the money and slaves necessary to build the academy. 30 May 2013.

IMG_8028

Slaves supervised by Sam Monday made the bricks from nearby Davis Creek and erected the building. 30 May 2013.

IMG_8026

Once the building was completed, students relocated from an earlier log building. 30 May 2013.

IMG_8031

Students boarded with neighborhood residents or upstairs in the building. The professor lived upstairs. 30 May 2013.

IMG_8035

The Powell Valley Male Academy operated until sometime around 1900 when it was reorganized as Speedwell Academy and served both male and female students. 30 May 2013. For more history, follow this link: http://www.tngenweb.org/campbell/hist-bogan/speedwell.html

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