Blood in West Virginia (2015)

04 Sunday Oct 2015

Posted by in Ed Haley, John Hartford, Lincoln County Feud

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The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, WV, and the Ashland (KY) Daily Independent have recently provided great coverage of the book and related research projects. Many thanks to these newspapers for supporting regional history. Here are the links to the stories:

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/author-to-sign-new-book-at-empire-on-saturday/article_dcf95a5c-13eb-5ecf-aeca-713a131626c5.html

http://www.dailyindependent.com/gallery/haley-grandson-talks-about-upcoming-release-of-rare-recordings/article_6fcc7b5e-5f49-11e5-b1a3-e79acc5be00b.html

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/skating-fiddles-and-more-highlight-poage-landing-days/article_10db3396-7b50-5c6c-90c4-913007417462.html

I am honored that some of my writing will appear in forthcoming issues of Goldenseal and The Kentucky Explorer, two of my absolute favorite magazines. The Winter issue of Goldenseal will feature a story about Ed Haley’s background on Harts Creek and his later visits to the community. A smaller story details John Hartford’s search for Ed Haley in the Harts Creek area. The December issue of The Kentucky Explorer will feature a story about Ed Haley’s friendship with Dr. H.H. Holbrook of Ashland and Greenup.

http://www.wvculture.org/goldenseal/

https://www.kentuckyexplorer.com/

Major William Straton

04 Sunday Oct 2015

Posted by in Civil War, Logan

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From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Major William Straton, who resided at Logan Court House in Logan County, West Virginia:

Was born in Logan county, W.Va., April 14, 1821. His wife, Mary A. Perry, was born in the same county June 1, 1831, and there they were united in marriage Sept. 13, 1849. Of the offspring of this marriage the following is the record: David, born Jan. 4, 1853, married, died May 15, 1890; Victoria, born Dec. 23, 1857, died April 23, 1858; Minnie, born June 12, 1859, married, died Sept. 17, 1886; Allen B., born June 7, 1855, married; Vicie, born Dec. 9, 1861, married; Mary B., born Mar. 20, 1864, married. The subject of this sketch was elected clerk of the county court in March, 1845, and was elected clerk of circuit court in Logan county in 1849, and served until 1852; was re-elected county and circuit clerk in 1852 and 1858, which office he retained until 1865. In the civil war he supported the Southern cause, in which he volunteered in 1861, and was commissioned major of the 34th Va. V.C.; In this regiment he served nobly until the close of the struggle. At the battle of Beech Creek, Logan county, W.Va., Aug. 7, 1862, he was severely wounded in the arm and breast; the last was almost a mortal wound, but recovering he again entered the Confederate army, and was one of its most gallant and efficient officers. When the war ended he came back to his family, and in his native county since has held many offices of trust and honor, esteemed and respected by all who have ever known him. His father, Joseph Straton, was born in Ireland March 4, 1794, emigrated to America in 1800, and died in Logan county, W.Va., Jan. 3, 1846; his wife, Polly Henderson, mother of Major William Straton, was born in Monroe county, Va., March 27, 1803, and died in Sequin, Guadalupe county, Texas, April 22, 1890. Major William Straton now practices law at Logan Court House, W.Va.; he was a member of the House of Delegates from 1871 to 1877.

Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 842.

Gore-Farley Family Cemetery (2011)

03 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by in Cemeteries, Halcyon

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The Gore-Farley Family Cemetery, which I visited on 25 July 2011, is located on Gore Road at Halcyon, an old community situated at West Fork of Harts Creek, Logan County, WV.

Row 1

Roberta Joyce Gore (15 August 1934-01 September 1971); d/o Ira Wilson and Maggie (Gore) Gore

Row 2

Joyce Bartram (07 November 1956-07 November 1956)

Row 3

Freda J. Gore (18 October 1939-18 October 1939)

Phillip R. Gore (30 November 1943-30 November 1943)

Claude B. Workman, Jr. (22 May 1956-24 May 1956)

Marvin Lee Farley (02 November 1938-29 November 19__)

Row 4

Harvey Gore (22 December 1913-04 November 1971); s/o Joseph and Flora (Dingess) Gore

Flora M. Gore (1882-1935); d/o William S. and Nancy (Perry) Dingess

Joseph E. Gore (1877-1963); s/o Harvey Lee and Polly (Hall) Gore

Row 5

Easter Walsh (12 April 1936-30 August 1937)

French Gore (14 August 1918-14 March 1960); s/o Joseph and Flora (Dingess) Gore; WV PFC CO A 708 MIL POLICE BN WWII

Row 6

Lossie D. Gore (06 January 1935-08 December 1979); s/o Elzie and Roxie (Curry) Gore

Polly Ann Clark (29 February 1908-11 September 1983); d/o Joseph and Flora (Dingess) Gore; m. John C. Clark

Row 7

Glen Tracy Farley (26 March 1937-24 April 1978)

Traci Elizabeth Phipps (05 June 1976-05 June 1976)

Row 8

Troy Dingess (11 December 1913-still alive?); s/o Julius C. and Polly (Farley) Dingess

Ova F. Dingess (05 January 1916-26 April 1985); d/o Elzie and Roxie (Curry) Gore; m. Troy Dingess

Elzie D. Gore (14 April 1890-19 June 1982); s/o Harvey and Polly (Hall) Gore

Roxie A. Gore (04 October 1896-no date); d/o Andrew Russell and Pheobe (Farley) Curry; m. Elzie D. Gore; Roxie was featured in the Summer 1990 issue of Goldenseal magazine

Row 9

Chester Farley (15 September 1907-19 March 1993); s/o James and Elizabeth (Dingess) Farley

India Farley (15 September 1911-05 January 1995); d/o Joseph and Flora (Dingess) Gore; m. Chester Farley

Row 10

Jewell Fleming (20 December 1932-25 July 2000)

Row 11

John Lee Workman (11 May 1983-04 February 1992); s/o Lucas and Debra Workman

Row 12

Guy Farley (10 August 1915-06 June 1974); s/o James and Elizabeth (Dingess) Farley; PVT US ARMY

Vincent D. Farley (21 July 1921-20 February 1969); WV S1 US NAVY WWII

Jerry and Terry Farley (03 August 1949-04 August 1949)

Row 13

Thomas Watson Kirk (07 September 1934-25 May 1993); s/o Musco and Sallie (Workman) Kirk; nicknamed “Joe;” PVT US ARMY

Diana Rose Moore (26 November 1968-29 January 1969)

Row 14

Vida Lee Gore (18 October 1916-06 November 2008); d/o James and Elizabeth (Dingess) Farley; m. Alva Gore

Alva Gore (27 March 1914-17 July 1981); s/o Elzie and Roxie (Curry) Gore

____ Gore (14 February 1941-14 February 1941); d/o Alva and Vida (Farley) Gore

Donetta Gore (__ December 1945-__ December 1945)

Still Born (__ January 1958, only date)

Row 15

James Farley (07 March 1881-22 January 1938); s/o W. David and Lucinda (Bryant) Farley

Elizabeth Farley (24 July 1879-13 August 1940); d/o William S. and Nancy (Perry) Dingess; m. James Farley

Nora Dingess (30 December 1908-03 October 1990)

Sampson Brumfield’s Family (2015)

03 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by in Lincoln County Feud, Logan

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I recently enjoyed meeting 89-year-old George Brumfield and his family in Logan, WV. George is the great-grandson of Sampson Brumfield. September 2015

I recently enjoyed meeting 89-year-old George Brumfield and his family in Logan, WV. George is the great-grandson of Sampson Brumfield, a World War II veteran, and a wealth of knowledge about local history. September 2015

John W. Stafford

03 Saturday Oct 2015

Posted by in Gilbert

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From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for John W. Stafford, who resided at Gilbert Creek in Logan County, West Virginia:

Son of John and Levisa (Spratt) Stafford, was born Oct. 27, 1833, in Logan county, W.Va. His father was born Feb. 10, 1810, in Tazewell county, Va., and died in Logan county on March 12, 1862, and his mother was born in Zanesville, O., on Dec. 6, 1811, dying in Logan county also on Aug. 25, 1886. John W., the subject of this sketch, enlisted in the Confederate States army in July, 1861; commissioned lieutenant of Co. H, 10th Va. V.I., serving until the close of the struggle; discharged in 1865 at Ft. Delaware prison. Mr. Stafford is now engaged in farming and merchandising, and was elected county superintendent of schools in Logan county in 1875, serving until 1877; post office address, Gilbert Creek, W.Va.

Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 841.

Vinson Family Cemetery (2000)

18 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by in Cemeteries, Harts

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The Vinson Family Cemetery, which I visited on 28 June 2000, is located on Orchard Branch in Harts, Lincoln County, WV.

Row 1

Gene Howard Brewster (1945-1984)

Bill Brewster (1910-1984); s/o William and Aleyfare (Adkins) Brewster

Gary H. Brewster (18 May 1949-1 October 1981)

Genettie Sizemore (1900-1982)

Row 2

Kelley Denoris (17 December 1951-10 November 1990)

Row 3

Moss Vinson, Jr. (06 February 1948-03 June 1972); s/o Moss and Roxie (Tomblin) Vinson

Moss Vinson (05 September 1922-05 December 1989); s/o Lafayette and Elizabeth (Robinson) Vinson

Roxie Vinson (04 November 1926-1999); d/o Jackson and Elzina (Adkins) Tomblin; m. Moss Vinson on 07 May 1946

Row 4

Ernest C. Tomblin (13 January 1924-30 December 1986); s/o Jackson and Elzina (Adkins) Tomblin; US ARMY WWII

Leet 06.06.1924

18 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by in Big Ugly Creek, Holden, Leet

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An unknown local correspondent from Leet in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on June 6, 1924:

We are having some beautiful weather at this writing.

Most everybody who attended decoration at Rector, W.Va., Sunday, reported a nice time.

Mrs. Edna Lambert made a flying trip visiting the home folks Sunday.

Misses Pearl and Virgie Brumfield, both of Toney, W.Va., went picnicking Sunday at Holden, W.Va., and had a nice time.

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

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Hatfield has just returned from Huntington, W.Va.

Mrs. Lambert and family from Huntington was visiting on Ugly this past week.

Mr. Clarence Lambert and Irvin Lucas have gone back to their old job at Holden, W.Va.

Mr. and Mrs. Brode Gill were out riding on a hay wagon Sunday.

Miss Hazel Toney and her grandma were out car riding.

____ Toney made a quick trip to Dollie Sunday.

Elza Adkins and Belva Reynolds were out walking Sunday.

Big Creek 06.20.1924

17 Thursday Sep 2015

Posted by in Big Creek

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An unknown local correspondent from Big Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on June 20, 1924:

As Big Creek has been silent for a long time, I’ll write a bit of news.

Audley H. Austin paid Big Creek a short visit last Tuesday.

Miss Florence Wheeler and Miss Dicy Thomas have returned after a short stay in Logan.

There were quite a bunch of girls and boys at the croquet yards Sunday. Wonder who beat?

Miss Nell Perry made a flying trip to Logan, Monday.

Wonder how “Red” liked the car ride Sunday afternoon.

Jumbo Adams was seen on our streets here Sunday.

Mrs. John Roberts spent Sunday in Stone Branch and Kitchen.

Mr. Cecil Hager and Miss Nannie Lilly were out car riding Sunday afternoon.

Do you remember way back when Big Creek had only one automobile?

Charlie Harmon and Frank Toney spent all Sunday joy riding all by themselves.

We sure did have lots of noise here last Sunday. What is going to become of Big Creek?

Miss Pearl Mobley and Tom Vance were car riding last Monday.

Miss Susie Harmon spent Saturday night in Banco.

Florence how did you enjoy yourself Sunday?

What has become of Clay Pierce? I never see him any more. He must have been kidnapped.

Misses Marie Kitchen, Susie Harmon, Ruby Lucas, Lucille Toney, Christine Kitchen and Alta Ferrell were seen making their way to the croquet yard Sunday evening.

Miss Gladys Sanders has come home after a weeks’ stay on the farm.

Mrs. Ethel Hunter was visiting her father here but has returned to her home in Stollings, W.Va.

Well as news is scarce this week will send more next time.

With good luck and best wishes to the dear old Banner.

James S.P. Stafford

17 Thursday Sep 2015

Posted by in Gilbert

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From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for James S.P. Stafford, who resided in Logan County, West Virginia:

Son of John and Levisa (Spratt) Stafford (record given in sketch of John W. Stafford), was born Jan. 25, 1851, in Logan county, W.Va. On Jan. 18, 1878, he was united in marriage with Margaret E. Spratt, who was born in Tazewell county, Va., on Oct. 11, 1858. The records of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are as follows: Eva L., born Nov. 30, 1878; Levisa J., born Oct. 4, 1880; Ida Z., born Aug. 5, 1884; Suda E., born Nov. 9, 1886; and Essie P., June 20, 1888. Mrs. Stafford’s parents are John W. and Maria Jane (Peery) Spratt, her father was born Nov. 10, 1815, at Mt. Vernon, O., and now resides in Tazewell county, Va.; her mother was born in Tazewell county May 15, 1820, and died there on Feb. 13, 1875. The marriage of her parents was solemnized April 3, 1843, the Rev. David Young officiating, in Tazewell county, Va.

Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 841.

Empire Books & News (2015)

09 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by in Lincoln County Feud

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The book and I will appear at Empire Books & News in Huntington, WV, this Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you're local, come and see us. We can discuss the feud. We will also be giving away material. Hope to see you there.

The book and I will appear at Empire Books & News in Huntington, WV, this Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you’re local, come and see us. We can discuss the feud. We will also be giving away material. Hope to see you there.

Price Lucas Family Cemetery (2015)

05 Saturday Sep 2015

Posted by in Cemeteries, Sand Creek

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The Price Lucas Family Cemetery, which I visited on 3 September 2015, is located on Sand Creek ridge in Lincoln County, WV. Today, this cemetery is popularly known as the Lucas Cemetery or Lucas-Farley Cemetery. To reach the cemetery, drive 3.5 miles up the Big Fork or Laurel Fork of Saw Mill Hollow of Sand Creek. A four-wheel drive vehicle is required. I last visited this cemetery on 12 September 2002.

Row 1

unmarked rock headstone — Homer Maynard

Roger Lee Maynard (03 November 1965-13 December 1992)

Row 2

Johnny A. Farley (05 May 1956-30 May 1958)

Rachel Farley (04 July 1945-04 July 1945); d/o Melvin Clay and Causby Elvira (Lucas) Farley

Causby Elvira Farley (04 December 1917-13 July 1983); d/o David Price and Nancy (Neace) Lucas; m. Melvin Clay Farley

Melvin Clay Farley (19 November 1905-13 October 1989); s/o Matthew Clay and Rachel (Lucas) Farley

Howard Adkins, Jr. (27 July 1935-12 September 1998); s/o Causby Elvira Lucas

Dencil Ray Johnson (30 July 1940-24 November 2006)

Pearl Johnson (1939-still alive); d/o Melvin Clay and Causby Elvira (Lucas) Farley; m. Dencil Ray Johnson

Michael Johnson (1975-2014)

Clayton D. Johnson (1965-2009); s/o Dencil Ray and Pearl (Farley) Johnson

Debra Johnson (1965-still alive); m. Clayton D. Johnson

Row 3

NOTE: In 2002, I noted a tin marker reading “Lettie Farley” here

Ralph Farley (1886-1967); s/o R. Lee and Elvira (Lucas) Farley

rock headstone and footstone — Ralph’s second wife

rock headstone and footstone — c/o Vergie Thompson

“B.R.P.” carved on rock headstone with footstone

“R.F.” carved on rock headstone with footstone

(little gap)

NOTE: IN 2002, I noted two unmarked graves here.

Jane (1883-1920); d/o Ralph and Emmazetta (Nelson) Lucas; m. David Robinson Farley

Joe Farley (1919-1920); s/o David R. and Jane (Lucas) Farley

rock headstone and footstone

D.L. (died March 28, 1939)

NOTE: In 2002, I noted a rock here reading “C.R.” or “O.R.”

Row 4

Lilburn L. Farley (05 November 1931-23 January 2011); s/o Ralph “Rafe” and Nancy V. (Neace) Farley

Violet I. Farley (04 September 1937-02 November 1997); m. Lilburn L. Farley

Jocko and Jean Farley Baby (d. May 1957)

rock headstone with tiny footstone

rock headstone and footstone — child

rock headstone and footstone

(slightly out of row)

rock headstone and footstone

rock headstone and footstone

(gap)

hickory tree

large round rock headstone with rock footstone

“F.B.R.” carved on rock

rock headstone and small rock footstone

rock headstone and footstone

Susan Rakes (1858-1925); s/o John Clay and Rebecca (Elkins) Farley; m. Levi C. Rakes

Levi Rakes (1835-1929); s/o Levi and Ola Rakes

round rock headstone and tiny rock footstone; c/o Levi and Susan (Lucas) Rakes

rock headstone; c/o Levi and Susan (Lucas) Rakes

Row 5

rock headstone nearly buried

rock headstone laying on ground and footstone

tiny rock headstone and footstone

“F.L.” carved on rock

“D.P.L.” carved on rock; d. Nov 17, 1917; David Price Lucas; s/o John and Mary (Fry) Lucas

hickory tree

Row 6

rock headstone with hickory tree at footstone

rock headstone pile with tiny rock footstone

rock footstone

Edar M. Vance (1922-1998); d/o Tolbert and Nancy L. Adkins; m. Maxcil Vance

Charley Vance, Jr. (1942-2013)

Row 7

Margaret Ann Lucas (1876-1951); d/o Ralph and Emmazetta (Nelson) Lucas; m1. Owen O. Vance; m2. Allen Green Lucas

rock headstone

Florie Vance (27 February 1925-14 November 1927); born 28 October 1927; d/o Charles and Hazel (Nelson) Vance

Nellie Vance (09 June 1930-25 September 1931); d/o Charles and Hazel (Nelson) Vance

cement square headstone and rock footstone

cement square headstone and rock footstone

rock headstone and footstone

E. Vance — difficult to read — “June 14” — likely Elbert Vance, born c.1929, s/o Charley and Hazel (Nelson) Vance

rock headstone and footstone

Charley Vance (17 August 1898-11 July 1950); s/o Owen O. and Margaret (Lucas) Vance

Hazel Vance (1901-1966); born 1898; d/o Allen and Sibby (Lovejoy) Nelson; m. Charley Vance

cement square headstone

cinderblock headstone

Larry Owen Vance (22 January 1945-03 November 1986)

Maxcil Vance (16 February 1923-02 December 1988); s/o Charley and Hazel (Nelson) Vance

Mauna Rogers (1947-1994); d/o Charley and Hazel (Nelson) Vance

Row 8

Annie Lambert (10 April 1915-22 June 2001); d/o Ralph “Rafe” and Nancy V. (Neace) Farley; m. Albert A. Lambert

Albert A. Lambert (20 February 1921-30 January 1976); s/o Henderson and Lilly Mae (Lucas) Lambert; PVT US ARMY WWII; m. Anna D. Farley

Allen Green Lucas (1876-1960); s/o John W. and Sarah (Clark) Lucas

(gap)

hickory tree

rock laying on ground at hickory tree

rock headstone laying on ground

rock headstone and footstone

rock headstone and footstone

NOTE: Among the four unmarked graves listed above, three reportedly belong to “colored” people.

Row 9

“H.A.” carved on rock

(gap)

hickory tree

Robert L. Lucas (1906-1974); s/o Allen Green and Margaret A. (Lucas) Lucas

Lula Belle Lucas (17 November 1923-08 May 1950); d/o Bird and Lizzie (Tipton) Nelson; m. Robert Lucas

Roger Dale Lucas (23 December 1949-18 September 1950); s/o Robert and Lula Belle (Nelson) Lucas

Row 10

rock headstone and footstone (child)

(gap)

rock headstone and footstone

rock headstone and hickory tree as footstone; tin marker is faded

Row 11

Robert Brumfield (03 May 1935- still alive); s/o Paris and Julia A. (Lucas) Brumfield

Paris Brumfield (22 August 1888-11 January 1939); s/o John H. and Susan Ellen (Lucas) Brumfield

rock headstone and footstone

Jhonnie Hicks; s/o Bill and Chessie (Brumfield) Hicks

(large gap)

three trees

Thomas Clayton Church (01 December 1933-29 December 1999)

Sylvia Sibby C. Church (10 December 1935-17 December 2003); d/o Charley and Hazel (Nelson) Church; m. Thomas C. Church

Row 12

Ellen Louise Collins (15 May 1954-20 March 2011)

Row 13

Henry Luke Shelton (20 January 2007-20 January 2007); s/o Clifford and Pauline Shelton

George E. Lambert (03 June 1939-still alive); s/o Henderson and Lilly Mae (Lucas) Lambert

Fannie Lambert (20 April 1929-21 September 2011); m. George E. Lambert

Floyd S. Stafford

05 Saturday Sep 2015

Posted by in Civil War, Man

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From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Floyd S. Stafford, who resided at Christian in Logan County, West Virginia:

Was born in Logan county Dec. 15, 1838, in what is now the State of West Virginia, but was then a part of Virginia. In the war between the States his sympathies were with his native State, and he volunteered early in the struggle, serving till the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox, having enlisted in 1861 in Co. D, 36th Va. V.I. At the battle of Fayetteville, W.Va., Sept. 10, 1862, he was severely wounded, but after recovering he returned to services, and engaged in many more hard fought battles, till honorably paroled May 1, 1865, at Lewisburg, Va. Since the war he has resided on his farm in Logan county, in the cultivation of which and the management of a valuable grist mill that he also owns, he has been and is now engaged. His estate is situated on Guyandotte River and is one of the most valuable in the county, consisting of mineral and timber lands. As a citizen he is honored and beloved by all who know him; his post office address is Christian, Logan county, W.Va.

Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 840-841.