Old Records Found in Bank Vault (1936)

27 Thursday Sep 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Guyandotte River, Hamlin, Huntington, Logan

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Appalachia, Big Sandy River, Cabell County, Guyan Valley Bank, Guyandotte River, H.M. Booth, Hamlin, history, Huntington, James Barbour, Logan, Logan County, Mary Morris, Pennsylvania, Peter Dingess, Philadelphia, Richmond, Robert Brooke, Robert Morris, Robert Morris Grant, Russell County, Tug Fork, Virginia, West Virginia, William Crammond, Wythe County

Old Peter Dingess Deed LB 08.19.1936 7

320,000 Acres of Land Hereabouts Sold for Five Shillings According to Old Records Found in Old Vault

H.M. Booth, in cleaning out the vault of the old Guyan Valley Bank preparatory to moving his offices from Logan to Hamlin, uncovered a number of old documents that dated back to the time when “horse and buggy days” were a fact and not merely a political equation.

Many of these old papers, including deeds, receipts, account books and other papers of a semi-personal nature, are originals, while others are notarized copies of originals. They make interesting reading in these days of speed, radios, high prices and typewriters.

The old documents were all hand written, in clear, flowing script, the capital letters often decorated with fancy scrolls and shaded lines. Many of them were written with a quill pen.

Of particular interest is one deed, 12 ½ by 15 ½ inches, written on sheepskin. The ink has not faded, and although the skin is old and discolored, the deed is easily read. It was made in the days when Logan county was unheard of, and all this vicinity was part of Cabell county, Virginia. It seems strange, now, to think of a governor in Richmond, Virginia, parceling out land in Logan county.

The deed reads, in part: “James Barbour, Esq., Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia: To all whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Know ye, that by virtue of a Land office Treasury warrant, No. 6126, upon the 9^th day of Sept. 1780, there is granted by the said Commonwealth unto Peter Dingess, a certain Tract or Parcel of Land, containing one hundred and twelve acres, by survey, bearing date the 31^st day of March, 1813, situate in the County of Cabell, joining to his own deeded land, and bounded as followeth, to-wit:”

Then follows a detailed description of the boundaries of the land, in which prominent trees and landmarks play a common part. After the description of the land, which was written in pen and ink, came the regular printed form as follows:

“In witness whereof, the said James Barbour, Esq., Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, hath hereunto set his Hand, and caused the Seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed at Richmond, on the twenty-fifth day of October, in the Year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and fourteen, and of the Commonwealth the thirty-ninth.”

Down in the lower right hand corner of the paper can be plainly seen the signature of James Barbour, governor of Virginia at that time.

A notarized copy of another land deed was signed by Robert Brooke, Governor of Virginia in 1795, and was dated March 23 of that year. It deeded through the Land Office treasury warrants numbered from 472 to 530, inclusive, a parcel of land containing 480,000 acres, “by a survey made the 10^th of September, 1794.” The land was described as being in the county of Wythe, on the Tug and Guyandotte rivers. This grant of land was known as the “Robert Morris Grant.”

Evidently, from the records, Robert Morris became involved in difficulties, for after a considerable amount of legal red tape, all duly recorded, there is a document showing where “Robert Morris and Mary, his wife, of Philadelphia, sell to William Crammond of Philadelphia as well for and in consideration of the sum of five shillings lawful money of Pennsylvania to them well and truly paid do grant bargain and sell, alien and enteoff release and confirm to the purchased 320,000 acres of land in the counties of Wythe and Russell, lying on both sides of Sandy Creek.”

Among the records of accounts paid found by Mr. Booth were numerous fees paid out for “boating freight from Huntington.” Six dollars and fifty cents is entered “for a suit of clothes,” and another entry shows where four dollars and a half were paid for two pair of shoes.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 19 August 1936

Ranger News 01.13.1928

06 Monday Aug 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Hamlin, Ranger

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Appalachia, B.E. Smith, Barney Saunders, Cecil Estep, Cecil Kidwell, Christmas, Dova Adkins, Freeda Adkins, genealogy, Golden Saunders, Hamlin, history, Hubball, John Estep, L.C. Hatfield, Lincoln County, Logan Banner, Mary Estep, Olive Adkins, Opal Adkins, Peach Creek, Ranger, Rufus Hatfield, Stollings, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Ranger in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 13, 1928:

We have been neglectful in our writing, but our town is still on the map and our memory still lingers on the dear old Banner.

We are glad to say the cold spell has passed and the weather is more agreeable.

Cecil Estep of Peach Creek met with an accident Saturday morning, losing two fingers.

B.E. Smith of Peach Creek was calling on Miss Mary Estep Sunday.

Barney Saunders of Hubball was seen in our town Monday.

Golden Saunders was the pleasant guest of Miss Opal Adkins Wednesday evening.

John Estep was visiting his sister of Peach Creek this week.

L.C. Hatfield was a business visitor in Hamlin Monday.

Misses Freeda and Olive Adkins were seen in our town Saturday.

M. Frazier who visited homefolks at Stollings last weekend, returned to his work Monday.

Cecil Kidwell was seen in our little town Monday. Dorothy was smiling out loud.

Irma was looking for Paul Saturday evening. Irma, Golden hasn’t purchased his 1928 license is why he didn’t come.

Rufus Hatfield was calling on Miss Dova Adkins Sunday.

News is scarce this week but look out for Ranger next week.

Wedding bells were not heard this Christmas, but listen for them next Christmas. This is leap year, boys.

Best wishes to The Banner and its many readers.

Island Creek Roads (1927)

19 Thursday Apr 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Boone County, Gilbert, Hamlin, Huntington, Logan, Ranger, West Hamlin, Wharncliffe

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Appalachia, Beech Creek, Ben Creek, Bluefield, Bluestone River, Bob Browning, Boone County, Bramwell, Cabell County, Charleston, Coal Valley News, Commissioner of Agriculture, Crum, Davy, Devil Anse Hatfield, farming, Gilbert, Gilbert Creek, ginseng, Griffithsville, Guyandotte River, Hamlin, history, Horsepen Creek, Huntington, Iaeger, Island Creek, John W. Smith, Kanawha River, Lincoln County, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, M.L. Jones, Mate Creek, Pigeon Creek, Ranger, Route 10, Route 2, Route 3, Sarepta Workman, Tug Fork, Twelve Pole Creek, Wayne, Welch, West Hamlin, West Virginia, West Virginia by Rail and Trail, West Virginia Hills, Williamson

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about Route 3 dated October 14, 1927:

“Changes Can Be Noted” In Island Creek Hills

Madison Editor Waxes Interesting on Old Times and Primitive Conditions–Surfaced Highways Mark the Paths Through Woodland That Were Traveled a Generation Ago.

An article of special interest to Logan folk is here reproduced from the Coal Valley News (Madison) of which M.L. Jones is editor. In a reminiscent mood he tells of road conditions and other conditions that prevailed hereabouts a generation ago. Exceptions might be taken to one or two statements, but the whole article is interesting indeed and informative.

It is considered appropriate that West Virginians should sing the “West Virginia Hills,” and year after year the teachers in their institution disturb their neighbors with this song, while “Tears of regret will intrusively swell.” There is some romance and merit in the song; but it strikes us that it is about time for a revision of this line.

“But no changes can be noticed in the West Virginia Hills.”

To prove our point we quote from memory.

For some years after 1882, there lived in the extreme head of the left fork of Island Creek, or Main Island Creek, a man named Bob Browning. It was 18 miles from Logan. The house was a two-room log cabin, surrounded by palings; and the valley was so narrow that it was difficult to find enough level ground for a garden. Apple trees and peach trees were scattered over a few acres of cleared mountain side. The family subsisted by a little farming, a little hunting and much ginsenging.

This place was between two low mountain gaps. A dim road, usable for wagons in dry weather, led down the creek to Logan, and forked at Browning’s house. One fork led east over one gap to Horsepen and Gilbert of Guyan; the other went west over the other gap to Pigeon creek, and by more or less roundabout ways connected with Ben Creek, Beech Creek, Mate Creek and Pigeon Creek, all of Tug river. Hence, it was a possible road route.

The nearest house down Island creek and on Horsepen creek was two miles; and on Pigeon creek about three-fourths of a mile. A wagon, lightly loaded, passed here on the average six times a year. Horsemen may have averaged one a day, though often a whole week passed without a traveler. It was simply a log shack in the head of the hollow, four miles from a school, ten miles from a store, without anything “which exalts and embellishes civilized life,” and so very remote from the haunts of men that when “Devil” Anse Hatfield and his followers concluded to surrender Tug river to Frank Phillips and the McCoys, they picked their “last stand” on Island creek, four miles below the spot we have been talking about.

Now, in the close of 1927, can “changes be noticed?” We have not been there for over 30 years. But we recently received a present from John W. Smith, commissioner of agriculture , Charleston, W.Va., entitled “West Virginia by Rail and Trail,” containing 22 maps and 174 pictures reproduced from photographs of different parts of the state, and for which we sincerely thank whoever got our name on Mr. Smith’s mailing list.

From this book we learn that when we laboriously trudged through the Horsepen gap or the Pigeon gap, from 45 to 35 years ago, we failed to foresee that within on generation men would pick those two gaps, within less than a miles of each other, as a route for one of West Virginia’s leading roads; and not only for one, but for two, of West Virginia’s leading roads. As we will explain:

Route 3, connects Huntington, Wayne, Crum, Williamson, Gilbert, Iaeger, Davy, Welch, Bramwell, and Bluefield. From Huntington to Wayne and about 15 miles above Wayne, it is mostly on the waters of Twelve Pole creek. It then bears west to Tug river and follows it from Crum to Williamson, about 25 miles. It then bears east to Pigeon Creek, which it follows to the spot we are writing about, in the head of Island creek, some 20 miles. It then goes through the two gaps and down Horsepen creek to Gilbert, on Guyan; up Guyan and Little Huff’s creek, of Guyan, and across the mountain to Iaeger, on Tug river. It then follows up Tug, by Welch, to the head of Elkhorn and then on the waters of Bluestone to Bluefield.

In all, Route 3 is in seven counties, though less than a mile of it is in Logan county, in the head of Island creek. It is graded all the way about 60 percent of it is hard surfaced, including about 25 miles at and near the Bob Browning place. Thus Bob, if alive, can ride on a hard surfaced road from his old home almost to Williamson, one way, and to Gilbert on Guyan the other way; and he could continue south by graded road, until he strikes hard surface again. The last fifty miles next to Bluefield is all hard surfaced, also the lower 25 miles next to Huntington.

But this is not the only big state route hitting this “head of the hollow.”

Route 10 runs from Huntington to the very same spot, a distance of 100 miles, through Cabell, Lincoln and Logan, and is all on Guyan or its tributaries. It is paved, or hard surfaced, from Huntington to West Hamlin, on Guyan where the Hamlin-Griffithsville hard-surfaced road turns off. It is also marked paved for seven miles north of Logan and twelve miles up Island creek. This leaves six miles up by the “Devil” Anse Hatfield place to the Bob Browning place to pave, and it is marked, “paved road under construction.” The only drawback to No. 10 is that from West Hamlin to Ranger is a patch where the grading is not yet satisfactory. Doubtless, within three years both 3 and 10 will be hard surfaced all the way. Even now, from the Browning place, the people can take their choice between an evening’s entertainment in Logan or Williamson.

But that is not all yet. The chances are heavy that there will never be but one hard surfaced road from Logan to Williamson. There will always be a heavy travel from Charleston to Williamson. It will be by our No. 2 to Logan; by No. 10 to the Browning place; and by No. 3 to Williamson. Within a few months it will all be hard surfaced.

From all this we conclude.

First; that we let a good chance slip when we failed to buy a half acre of land where No. 10 joints No. 3 for a hotel and filling station. We could have multiplied our investment by one thousand. But so far as we could see that spot was fit only to hold and the rest of the Earth’s surface together, and to get away from as rapidly as possible.

Second; that “changes can be noticed in the West Virginia Hills.”

We might add that thousands can remember crossing the Kanawha at Charleston on the ferry, because there was no bridge; and few, if any, three-story homes. The writer hereof did his first plowing with a two-horse turning plow in the center of what is now Huntington. It was a cornfield then. It is a fashionable residence district now. He boarded at an isolated log house on a hill back of the Huntington bottom, where now are miles of mansions on paved streets. Even in and about Madison and all over Boone county, it is hard for people to visualize how things looked a short ten years ago. Mrs. Sarepta Workman, on her recent visit to her old…

Banco News 07.20.1926

18 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Banco, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Chapmanville, Hamlin

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Amanda Justice, Annie Chapman, Appalachia, B.R. Lucas, Banco, Basil Duty, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Chapmanville, Clara Harmon, D.H. Harmon, Elm Street, Estep, Etta Thomas, F.D. Vance, Fred Lucas, Gardner Baisden, genealogy, H.F. Lucas, Hamlin, Hazel Thomas, history, J.A. Stone, J.A. Varney, J.B. Lucas, Jesse Harmon, Jesse Justice, John Vance, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lois Varney, Luther Bias, Mabel Varney, Marea Lucas, Nellie Varney, Nola Justice, Peach Creek, Pearl Hager, Pumpkin Center, Ruby Varney, singing schools, Spring Dale, Trace Fork, W.J. Vance, W.T. Stone, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Banco on Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on July 20, 1926:

Banco is getting to be a lively place. Traffic is getting to be so thick we will soon have to employ a traffic cop for every corner.

Jesse Harmon and W.J. Vance of Peach Creek and two girlfriends motored through Banco last Sunday afternoon.

B.R. Lucas and son Fred motored to Big Creek last Wednesday evening to attend a protracted meeting.

D.H. Harmon of this place was loading bank ties at Big Creek last week while his employees did the sawing at Spring Dale.

Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Stone and grandchildren of this place were weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Stone at Blair.

H.F. Lucas and sister Marea of Banco motored to Estep last Sunday evening after the singing teacher bade us all goodbye.

Jesse Justice has obtained a new job at Spring Dale.

Wonder why Basil Duty has the blues so bad these days? Don’t worry, Basil. Ruby and Fannie will soon return.

Miss Pearl Hager was the all night guest of Miss Clara Harmon last Sunday night.

Wonder why Gardner Baisden went to meet the down train last Monday?

Annie Chapman of Hamlin was a caller in Banco last Monday morning.

Mrs. Etta Thomas and daughter Hazel were business callers in Banco last Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Varney and daughters Nellie, Lois, Mabel and Ruby attended the last day of singing at this place last Sunday.

Mrs. J.B. Lucas was the dinner guest of her mother, Mrs. D.H. Harmon, last Monday.

Luther Bias of Chapmanville was seen going through Banco last Wednesday. Wonder if he called at Pumpkin Center?

Mr. and Mrs. John Vance and children motored to the mouth of Trace Fork to visit Mrs. Vance’s father, F.D. Vance, who has been ill for some time.

Mrs. D.H. Harmon entertained as her guest on last Wednesday evening Mrs. Amanda and Nola Justice and Miss Marea Lucas of Elm Street.

Banco News 07.13.1926

08 Thursday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Banco, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Boone County, Chapmanville, Hamlin, Huntington, Logan, Timber

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Albert Estep, Appalachia, Banco, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, C.A. Justice, Chapmanville, Charleston, Charlie Stone, Cornell Chapman, Dr. J.T. Ferrell, Estep, Fourth of July, genealogy, H.F. Lucas, Hamlin, Hazel Saunders, history, Huntington, J.A. Pardue, J.A. Stone, J.B. Lucas, Jeanne Eleanor Lucas, John Vance, Joseph Varney, Limestone, Logan, Logan County, Luther Bias, Minta Jeffrey, Nellis, Polly Ellis, Ruby Saunders, Samuel Pardue, Sarah Ferrell, singing schools, Spring Dale, Sylvia Hinds, T.D. Butcher, Ted Hager, Thomas' Circle, timbering, W.M. Gullett, West Virginia, Wilkinson

An unknown correspondent from Banco on Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on July 13, 1926:

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Varney and children of Thomas Circle attended the singing school at Banco last Sunday conducted by Prof. Albert Estep of Limestone.

Mr. and Mrs. T.D. Butcher and children of Wilkinson motored through Banco Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hager of Banco left for their home in Big Creek Monday.

Charlie Stone of Blair was the all-night guest of his parents Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Stone at this place last Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. John Vance and children motored to Hamlin in their new Ford last Tuesday.

J.A. Pardue and sister-in-law, Miss Sylvia Hinds, of Huntington motored to Banco last Sunday were the all-day guest of Mr. Pardue’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Pardue.

Rev. Jeffrey of Chapmanville was visiting his mother, Mrs. Minta Jeffrey, near Banco last week.

Spring Dale is getting livelier every day. W.M. Gullett has purchased a new truck to haul lumber.

Misses Hazel and Ruby Saunders spent the Fourth in Logan.

Miss Ollie and Mattie Varney and Irene Lunsford were calling in our town one evening last week.

H.F. Lucas, mother, and little sister Jeanne Eleanor returned from Nellis, W.Va., Monday. Mrs. Lucas reports her brother, C.A. Justice, who recently removed from Charleston hospital where he was operated on for appendicitis, is getting along nicely.

Mrs. Polly Ellis of Big Creek and Miss Cornell Chapman of Estep and Dr. Ferrell of Chapmanville were out motoring last Wednesday.

Luther Bias of Chapmanville sure does think a lot of the girls as he had three in his little Ford last Monday evening. Be careful, Bias. Don’t get too many. Someone might get jealous.

Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Lucas spent the Fourth of July with Mr. Lucas’ aunt, Mrs. Sarah Ferrell at Chapmanville.

Banco News 06.18.1926

21 Sunday Jan 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Banco, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Chapmanville, Hamlin, Huntington

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Albert Estep, Appalachia, Banco, Banco School, Battle of Blair Mountain, Beatrice Lucas, Big Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Chapmanville, Clara Harmon, Clarence Ferrell, D.H. Harmon, Earl Justice, Ed Stone Branch, Elm Street, Etta Thomas, Fred Lowe, geneology, H.F. Lucas, Hassel Vance, Hattie Varney, Hazel Thomas, history, Huntington, J.A. Stone, J.A. Thomas, J.A. Varney, J.B. Lucas, J.W. Hager, Jesse Justice, Johnnie Ferrell, Kleenkoal, Limestone, Logan Banner, Logan County, Maria Lucas, Nellie Varney, Opal Workman, Pearl Hager, Peter Pinder, Polly Ellis, Pumpkin Center, R.L. Lucas, R.S. Pardue, Robert Chapman, singing schools, Taylor Stone, Ted Hager, Thomas' Circle, Virgil Thomas, West Virginia, Whitman

An unknown correspondent from Banco on Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on June 18, 1926:

A singing service was given at the Banco school house last Sunday by Prof. Albert Estep of Limestone. A very good crowd attended. All reported an enjoyable day.

Mr. R.L. Lucas and daughter Beatrice of Pumpkin Center attended singing at Banco last Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Ferrell and little son Johnnie returned to their home at Huntington last Sunday by motor after a few days visit with Mrs. Ferrell’s parents on Big Ugly.

Wonder why Jesse Justice was looking so downhearted last Sunday evening? She’s gone, Jess, but she’ll come back.

Misses Pearl Hager and Opal Workman were the evening guest of Miss Maria Lucas last Sunday.

Wonder whose girl Hassel Vance was flirting with last Sunday? Be careful Hassell. Seybert might get mad.

Peter Pinder was seen going through Banco last week enroute to Big Ugly.

J.A. Stone returned to his home at Banco last Sunday after a few days in Huntington.

Mrs. R.S. Pardue of Big Creek was a business caller at Banco last Tuesday evening.

Mrs. J.A. Thomas and son Virgil of Estep was the Sunday and Monday guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Stone, at this place.

Miss Clara Harmon of Banco was a shopper in Big Creek last Thursday.

Fred Lowe of Kleenkoal who has been ill for a few weeks has returned to his home on Ed Stone Branch near Banco.

Mrs. Robert Chapman of Estep was a business caller in Banco last Tuesday.

Mr. Earl Justice of Whitman attended the singing school at Banco last Sunday and was also the guest of homefolks on Elm street.

Mrs. Polly Ellis of Big Creek, formerly of Estep, is visiting with her brother D.H. Harmon at Banco this week.

Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hager of this place were calling in Big Creek last Sunday morning.

Mrs. Rosa Ellis of Needmore was the guest of Mrs. D.H. Harmon last Monday and Tuesday.

Frank Chapman returnred from Hamlin to his home in Estep via Banco last Monday. There must be some attractions up there, such as the beautiful milkmaids, etc.

Mr. H.F. Lucas made a flying trip to Chapmanville last Sunday evening. Wonder if he saw Tiny?

Mrs. D.H. Harmon and Mrs. J.W. Hager of this place were the guests of Mrs. J.A. Varney of Thomas Circle last Saturday and were served with a nice chicken dinner.

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Stone and children of Blair were the guests of Mr. Stone’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Stone, at this place last Sunday.

Mrs. Hattie Varney and daughter Nellie and Mrs. Etta Thomas and daughter Hazel, all of Thomas Circle, were callers in Banco last Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Lucas were calling on Mrs. D.H. Harmon last Saturday.

Good luck to The Banner.

Chapman Affair in Hamlin, WV (1887)

22 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Culture of Honor, Hamlin

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Andrew Chapman, Appalachia, C.C. Watts, C.W. Campbell, constable, crime, Dode Adkins, Elisha Chapman, Eustace Gibson, Frank Guthrie, genealogy, Gibson & Michie, Hamlin, history, Huntington Advertiser, Ira J. McGinnis, John Chapman, Perry Stevens, West Virginia, Wilson Branch

From the Huntington (WV) Advertiser come these stories about a Chapman fracas in Lincoln County, WV, in 1887:

Bloody Affray

One of the most desperate affrays that ever occurred in this State took place at Hamlin in the adjoining county of Lincoln, last week, between Elisha, Andrew and John Chapman, on one side, and Perry Stevens, Wilson Branch and Dode Adkins on the other. It was a family affair, all the parties being related by blood or connected by marriage. The trouble originated some weeks ago between Wilson Branch and Andrew Chapman, a woman being the cause. On the day of the trouble Branch swore out a warrant and had Andrew and Elisha Chapman arrested. The two men were brought to the Court House by a constable, and while under arrest and awaiting examination by the Justice, Dode Adkins began to abuse Andrew Chapman, which he resented, and the row began. Wilson Branch, seeing the two men about to fight, drew his revolver and began firing. Andrew Chapman was hit in the right breast and left hip and fell in the road. His brother, Elisha, dropped a moment later with a bullet in his groin. Branch then turned to shoot the remaining brother, but his pistol snapped and John sprang at him with a big knife and buried the weapon in his back. Dode Adkins then rushed at John, but was stopped by the deadly knife penetrating his right shoulder. Some fifteen shots were fired during the fracas, and when it was over four men lay on the ground desperately wounded and bleeding frightfully. Elisha Chapman and Dode Adkins are the most severely wounded, the former fatally it is thought, though he was doing well at last accounts.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 5 March 1887.

***

The indictment against Andrew, Elisha and John Chapman, and Paris Stevens, for the shooting affray which occurred in Lincoln County between the Chapmans and the Adkinses some months ago, was tried at the present term of the Circuit Court. Andrew Chapman was fined $25.00 and each of the others $5 and the cost. Wilson Branch engaged in the same difficulty and also under indictment came into court, confessed judgment and was fined. Gibson & Michie and C.W. Campbell defended the Chapmans, and Gen. C.C. Watts [defended] Wilson Branch. Judge Frank Guthrie presided during the entire term of the court, he and Judge McGinnis having exchanged circuits temporarily.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 25 June 1887.

Albert Adkins, Ferryman of Ferrellsburg, WV (1910)

23 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Ferrellsburg, Hamlin

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A.E. Wagner, Albert Adkins, Appalachia, Ben Walker, Benjamin Scragg, E.G. Pauley, Ferrellsburg, ferryman, genealogy, Hamlin, history, Jake Adkins, Lettie Adkins, Lincoln County, Matthew Farley, W.C. Holstein, West Virginia

General Bonds No. 1, page 20, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. Albert G. Adkins (1866-1952), son of Enos “Jake” and Lettie M. (Toney) Adkins, operated a ferry in Ferrellsburg, Lincoln County, WV.

General Bonds No. 1, page 20, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

General Bonds No. 1, page 20, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

Harts News 01.28.1927

23 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Hamlin, Harts, Huntington, Sand Creek, West Hamlin

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Andrew Adkins, Appalachia, board of education, Charleston, Cora Adkins, Dallas McComas, deputy sheriff, Ed Brumfield, Fed Adkins, genealogy, Harts, Harts Creek District, Hendricks Brumfield, Herb Adkins, history, Hollena Ferguson, Huntington, Jessie Brumfield, John Gartin, John McEldowney, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Logan Banner, Man, road supervisor, Sand Creek, Verna Johnson, West Hamlin, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Harts in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 28, 1927:

When you are lonely and sad,

Read The Banner it will make you glad.

Edward Brumfield is very much pleased since he has been appointed deputy sheriff at Harts.

Hendrix Brumfield is our road supervisor in Harts Creek now.

Justice of the Peace John Gartin was looking after important business in Harts Saturday.

Board of Education of Harts Creek district met at Harts Saturday to hire some more teachers to fill vacancies in the schools. A large crowd of people was present.

Fred Adkins went through Harts on a mule Saturday morning. Wonder what’s the matter?

Misses Jessie and Verna Brumfield spent Friday and Saturday shopping in Huntington.

Herbert Adkins was in Hamlin Monday on business.

John McEldowney of Charleston was the recent guest of Miss Hollena Ferguson at Harts Saturday.

Miss Cora Adkins was the guest of friends at Sand Creek Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Adkins of Man spent several days visiting friends at Harts.

Mrs. Dallas McComas spent Sunday with homefolks at West Hamlin.

Harts News 01.14.1927

22 Sunday Oct 2017

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

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Appalachia, Beatrice Adkins, Bessie Adkins, Big Creek, Bill Adkins, Bob Brumfield, Bob Dingess, Caroline Brumfield, Chapmanville, Coal Branch City, Cora Adkins, Dallas McComas, Dr. Ferrell, Fisher B. Adkins, genealogy, Hamlin, Harts, Hawkins Perry, Herbert Adkins, history, Hollena Ferguson, Huntington, Indiana, Jeff Mullins, Jessie Brumfield, Joe Brumfield, Lincoln County, Logan, Logan Banner, Minerva Brumfield, New Orleans, Tom Brumfield, Valparaiso, Verna Johnson, Ward Brumfield, West Fork, West Virginia, Whirlwind

An unknown correspondent from Harts in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 14, 1927:

After all the sadness and sorrow Harts has mingled back again.

Mrs. Ward Brumfield met the county court at Hamlin Monday to be appointed Ward Brumfield’s administrator.

Mrs. Charles Brumfield is looking after business matters in Logan this week.

Miss Cora Adkins spent Saturday in Huntington.

Herbert Adkins was a business caller in Huntington Monday.

Mrs. Hollena Ferguson spent several days in Logan visiting friends.

Hawkins Perry is our new operator here this week.

Mrs. Toney Johnson from New Orleans is here visiting her mother, Mrs. Chas. Brumfield.

Wonder why Dr. Ferrell of Chapmanville is so interested in Harts now?

Mr. and Mrs. Dallas McComas spent Saturday and Sunday in Huntington.

Mrs. Beatrice Adkins from West Fork was in Harts Saturday.

Miss Jessie Brumfield is progressing nicely with her school at Atenville now.

Bill Adkins will leave here soon for Valparaiso, Indiana where he will be engaged in school for some time.

Mrs. Jeff Mullins of Big Creek spent Saturday visiting relatives here.

Robert Dingess of Whirlwind was a business caller in this town Monday.

Robert and Joe Brumfield are looking after business matters in Logan this week.

Fisher B. Adkins was in Hamlin Monday looking after his contest which will come off the March term of court.

Mrs. Herbert Adkins has purchased a fine radio.

Tom Brumfield seems to be very much pleased these days. Wonder why? Guess the wedding bells will ring soon.

Bill Adkins from Coal Branch City was in town Monday.

Lincoln Court House (1911)

01 Tuesday Aug 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Hamlin

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Appalachia, Falls City Construction Company, Hamlin, history, Kentucky, Lincoln County, Lincoln Court House, Logan Democrat, Louisville, West Virginia

The Lincoln County Courthouse located in Hamlin, WV, burned in 1909. Most county records since 1867 were destroyed by fire. The following story provides some useful information on the reconstructed courthouse.

New Court House for Lincoln

After a year and a half of waiting Lincoln county is now assured of a new court house, which will be erected on the old site, which will be a credit to the county, and a lasting monument to those who were instruments in securing the erection.

The burning of the old court house marks the greatest epoch in the history of Lincoln county, and nothing but the undaunted courage of a people born and reared among the hills of Lincoln county, prevented a period of utter chaos.

A splendid temporary organization was effected, temporary quarters secured as a court house, and official quarters, until, but for the destruction of some records which can never be replaced, the average citizen hardly realizes that on the 19th day of November, 1909, Lincoln county suffered a loss, which ordinarily, would have retarded the growth and development of the county for a decade.

The contract is awarded to the Falls City Construction Company, of Louisville, Ky., one of the largest building concerns in the United States, at a cost of $71,000.00 and was secured by them by competitive bids, the next closest bid being $73,750.00.

Work will be started on the new building within the next 30 days, and by January 1, 1912, the County will have its new home completed.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 11 May 1911

Harts News 01.14.1927

21 Friday Jul 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Atenville, Big Creek, Chapmanville, Hamlin, Harts, Huntington, Logan, Whirlwind

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Appalachia, Beatrice Adkins, Big Creek, Bill Adkins, Bob Brumfield, Bob Dingess, Caroline Brumfield, Chapmanville, Charley Brumfield, Coal Branch City, Cora Adkins, Dallas McComas, Dr. Ferrell, Fisher B. Adkins, genealogy, Harts, Hawkins Perry, Herb Adkins, history, Hollena Ferguson, Huntington, Indiana, Jeff Mullins, Jessie Brumfield, Joe Brumfield, Lincoln County, Logan, Logan Banner, Minerva Brumfield, New Orleans, teacher, Tom Brumfield, Valparaiso, Verna Johnson, Ward Brumfield, West Fork, West Virginia, Whirlwind

An unknown correspondent from Harts in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 14, 1927:

After all the sadness and sorrow Harts has mingled back again.

Mrs. Ward Brumfield met the county court in Hamlin Monday to be appointed Ward Brumfield’s administrator.