Tags
Appalachia, Baptist Fry, Charles I. Stone, Charles Lucas, Christian Fry, Druzilla Fry, Emily Fry, genealogy, Green Shoal Creek, history, James Lawson, John Fry, Lincoln County, Logan County, surveyor, Virginia, West Virginia
02 Saturday Jan 2021
Posted Green Shoal
in19 Friday Jan 2018
Posted Big Ugly Creek, Guyandotte River
in03 Sunday Dec 2017
Posted Big Ugly Creek
inTags
Appalachia, Big Ugly Creek, Charles Lucas, Daniel H. Fry, Elisha Fry, genealogy, history, James Ferrell, John Rowe, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Logan County, Nancy Fry, Price Lucas, Spencer A. Mullins, Sulphur Spring Branch, Virginia, W.I. Campbell, West Virginia, William R. Lucas, William Straton
20 Sunday Aug 2017
Tags
Abraham Trigg, American Revolution, Anthony Lawson, Botetourt County, Cabell County, Charles Lucas, Christian Snidow, Crump's Bottom, Culbertson's Bottom, David Price Lucas, Evan Shelby, Farley's Fort, Fort Chiswell, Giles County, Greenbrier County, Hezekiah Adkins Jr., Hezekiah Adkins Sr., James Burns, James Johnston, John Lucas, Joshua Butcher, justice of the peace, Kathleen Lucas, Logan County, Logan Court House, Lucas' Fort, Margaret Elizabeth Price, McGriff's Fort, Monroe County, Montgomery County, Muddy Creek, Muddy Fort, Nathaniel Mullins, Native Americans, New River, North Carolina, Parker Lucas, Parker Lucas Sr., Pittsylvania County, Ralph Lucas, Rich Creek, Sinking Creek, Summers County, Thomas Burke, Thomas Farley, Virginia, William Campbell, William H. Snidow, William Lucas, William Preston, William R. Lucas, Woods' Fort, Wythe County
William Lucas was born on 25 July 1749 to Charles and Kathleen Lucas in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He married Margaret Elizabeth Price. They lived on Sinking Creek in present-day Giles County, Virginia. Lucas served in the American Revolutionary War (see pension records below). He was my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather. I descend through two of his grandsons, David Price Lucas (born c.1811) and William R. Lucas (born 1825).
***
Pension Application of William Lucas (R6507 VA)
***
Logan County November the 9th 1832
We the undersigned Justices of the peace for the County of Logan and State of Virginia, do hereby certify, that at the request of William Lucas, who from age and infirmity, is at present unable to attend at the courthouse of said County; We attended at the house of his son where he now lives; And he the said William Lucas, being duly Sworn, according to Law, made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress in favour of revolutionary soldiers, passed on the 7th day of June 1832. That he enlisted in the company of Virginia Militia commanded by Captain Abraham Trigg in
Montgomery County Virginia; (The regiment was then Commanded by Colo. [Evan] Shelby; at an early period in our revolutionary War; and served in said Company and in said Regiment under the orders of General [William] Campbell in Carolina until the end of his eighteen months tour of Service [see endnote], when he again enlisted into Captain [James] Burns Company in the Regiment commanded by Colo [William] Preston Lieutenants name Snidow [Christian Snidow, pension application S17112] for some time, when he was discharged. He also Joined with his two Brothers in Montgomery County, in hireing men as Substitute, as the Law required, and he has never received any remuneration for his services. he is now 82 years of age, very infirm & poor & certainly well entitled to his Country’s aid; for he is intirely dependent on Charity for his support. Given under our hands & seals this 7th day of September in the year eighteen hundred & thirty two.
[signed] Nath’l Mullins [and] Anthony Lawson
***
Giles County To Wit [18 Jan 1833]
We Ralph Lucas and Wm H. Snidow two of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County of Giles do hereby certify that James Johnston [S5640] & Parker Lucas [S8868] appeared personally before us in said county and each being duly sworn according to Law the said James Johnston deposeth and said that in the year 1781 he served as a private in the army of the revolutionary war under the command of Capt James Burns on a call of the militia from the county of Montgomery that the company in which he served continued in Service about two months and he further sayeth that Wm. Lucas (who he understands now resides in the county of Logan and State of Virginia) Served as a private with him in the said company commanded by Capt James Burns which tour Served by Lucas he believes was about two months and further this Deponent sayeth not
James hisXmark Johnston
***
And the said Parker Lucas doth state that William Lucas he understands and believes now resides in the County of Logan and State of Virginia Served as a Private in the Virginia Militia Company in the Revolutionary war which Company was Commanded by Capt. James Burns which tower of Service he believes was about three months and Rendered in the State of North Carolina and he states further that the said William Lucas served Three months at Culbertson’s Bottom under Capt Thomas Burk which tour of Duty the said William Lucas served with this deponent and further this Deponent sayeth not.
Parker hisXmark Lucas
***
Virginia Giles County to Wit [28 Jan 1833]
We Ralph Lucas and Wm. H Snidow two of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County of Giles do hereby Certify, That Christian Snidow Sen personally appeared before us in said county and he first being duly sworn according to Law the s’d Christian Snidow deposeth and says that in year 1776 he served as a private under the command of Capt Thomas Burke on a call of the militia from the County of montgomery that the company in which he served continued in service about three months. And he further sayeth that that Wm. Lucas (who he now understands resides in the county of Logan) and State of Virginia served as a private with him in the said company commanded By Capt Thos. Burke which tour served by Lucas he believes was about three months, and he further sayeth that he served as Lieutenant in the year 1778 under the command of Cap James Burns that the company in which he served continued in service about two months and the said Wm Lucas served as a private under the command of Capt James Burns the same period above mentioned.
***
Virginia Giles County To Wit [28 Jan 1833]
We Ralph Lucas and Wm. H Snidow two of the Justices of peace in and for the said County of giles do hereby certify that Thomas Farley [W7244] appeared personally before us in said county and being first sworn duly according to law the said Thomas Farley deposth and said that in the year 1781 he served as a private in the army of the revolutionary war under the command of Capt Beirnes [sic] on a call of the militia from the county of Montgomery, and that he belives said Tour lasted about two months, and that he also knows that the said William Lucas served a Tour of Three months under the Command of Captain Thomas Burk, and Further this deponant sayeth not
Thomas hisXmark Farley
***
State of Virginia } To Wit
Logan County }
On this 16th day of February 1833 Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid William Lucas a resident of the county of Logan and State of Virginia aged Eighty three years on the 25th day July 1832 who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832 That he was drafted in the Militia service in the year 1781 by the order of Col. William Preston and that he served three Months in a company commanded by Capt Thomas Burk at Culvertsons bottom in the County of Montgomery Virginia and was then marched to Muddy fort [probably one of the forts on Muddy Creek] Greenbrier County and served their three months under the same Capt Burk against the Indians and was then ordered by Colo Wm Preston to march in the company commanded by Captain James Burns to fort Chissel [sic: Fort Chiswell in present Wythe County VA.] and then marched into North Carolina in the same company of Capt James Burns and Lieutenant Snidow and after serving two months was discharged by Colonel William Preston in North Carlina in the year 1781 – He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity (except the present) and he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me. Joshua Butcher, J. Peace.
William hisXmark Lucas
***
Virginia Giles County to wit
This day Parker Lucas Se’r personally appeared before the undersigned justices of the peace in and for said County, and made oath in due form of law, that William Lucas now of the County of Logan who he understands is now applying for a Pension, that the said William Lucas was forted at McGriffs Fort in the year 1772 to the best of his recollection, for a term of something like three months, and that in the year 1773 the said Lucas was forted at Lucas’s Fort [John Lucas’s Fort on New River] For a term of about three months, and in the year 1774 the said Lucas was forted at Bargers Fort [possibly Barager’s Fort, then and now in Montgomery County] for a like term of about three months, and that in the year 1777 to the best of this affiants recollection the said Lucas was stationed at Farleys Fort [at present Crumps Bottom in Summers County WV] and that in 1778 (as he believes) the said Lucas was stationed at Woods’ fort [Wood’s Fort on Rich Creek in present Monroe County WV] for the term of three months, and that the foregoing services were rendered in defence of the white People against the Indians, and that in the year 1781 (as this affiant believes) the said Lucas served a tour of Service in the militia under the command of Captain James Burns in the State of North carolina which tour he thinks lasted for the term of three months.
Parker Lucas Sr
We do certify that the foregoing affidavit was sworn to before us in the County of Giles and State aforesaid this 18th day of April 1834
Ralph Lucas J.P. [and] Wm. H. Snidow J.P.
***
Virginia Cabell County to wit
This Day Came Hezekiah Adkins, Sen’r [R290] personally appeared before me the under signed Justice of the peace in and for said County and made oath in due form of law that William Lucas now of the County of Logan who he understands is now applying for a pension that the said William Lucas he believes was forted at Mcgriffs fort but dont recollect how long the foresaid H Adkins to the best of his recollection the said Lucas was forted at Lucas fort for a turm about Three months and that the said Lucas was forted at wood and fort for the turm about three months and that the foregoing services ware rendered in defence of the white people against indians and this affiant believes that the said Lucas served two towers and believes one of them under preston and dont recollect how Long
Hezekiah Adkins
I do certify that the said Hezekiah Adkins Senr is a or dained preacher of the gospel and do also certify that the forgoing affidavid was sworn to before me in County of Cabell and state of Virginia this 13th day of October 1834 Hezekiah Adkins Jur
***
Logan County Va. November the 1st day 1834
We the undersigned Justices of the peace for the County of Logan in the State of Virginia Do hereby certify that at the request of William Lucas who, from old age and infirmity, is unable to attend at the Courthouse of said County; We attended at the house of his son John Lucas, where he now lives, and the said William Lucas, being duely Sworn, in form of Law, made the following, declaration, in order to obtain, the benefit of an Act passed by Congress on the 7 day of June 1832. That he was drafted, in the year 1772 to go on a tour of Service; to protect the frontier of Virginia, a gainst the Indians, and also in 1773 and a gain in 1777 he was drafted, for the same Service, & was stationed at Farleys fort on New river for 3 months; and in 1778 he was Stationed at Woods fort for 3 months; He was shortly after drafted into the Virginia Militia, & served a tour of three months, in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Shelby; in the Company of Captain Abraham Trigg, was with the army under Gen’l. Campbell in Carolina, at the end of this tour He enlisted into the regiment Commanded by his neighbour Col. Preston, and served a tour of three months, in the Company of James Burns; Lieut Snidow, when he was discharged. He also enlisted with his brothers in hiring substitutes, as the Law required; and alltho’ his brother in Giles County [Parker Lucas], in better circumstances has received a pension, he has received nothing in payment for his services, whatever; He is now 84 years of Age, and very infirm, and poor; and certainly well entitled to his Countrys aid; in the time of his great need; and utter inability to help himself–: He relinquishes every other Claim except the present, to any pension; & his name is on no pension Roll whatever in any State–
William hisXmark Lucas
Sworn to, and subscribed before us this 1st day of November 1834
[signed] Anthony Lawson J.P. Nath’l. Mullins JP
***
The following interogatories were then put by us as are required by the War office:
Agent of pension
1. Question. Where and in what year were you born?
Answer I was born in Pittsylvania County Va. in the year 1749.
2. Question Have you any record of your age &c?
Answer. I have no record of my age, nor do I know of any.
3. Question. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since, and where do you now live?
Answer. I was living in Botetourt County Va. – I have lived Chiefly since in Montgomery
County; and now, & for 7 years last past in Logan County Virginia –
4. Question. How were you called into service, were you drafted, or were you a Substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
Answer. I was drafted frequently & also volunteered –
5. Question. State the names of some of the regular officers, who were with the troops where you served; such continental and Militia Regiments, as you can recollect & the general circumstances of our services.
Answer. I remember the names of Col Shelby, Col Preston; Capt Trigg, Capt [Thomas] Burke, Capt. [John] Lucas; Capt Burns; & Lieut Snidow.
6. Question. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, & if so; by whom was it given; and what has become of it?
Answer. I believe that I received a discharge from Col. Preston but have lost it many years ago–
NOTES:
A letter in the file explains that Lucas’ first declaration was questioned by the Pension Office because the claim for a militia tour of 18 months was out of the ordinary. The claim for a pension was ultimately rejected because Lucas’s later declarations were inconsistent with each other and the supporting statements. In his own pension application James Johnston did not claim to have served in 1781.
25 Tuesday Oct 2016
Posted Big Ugly Creek, Ferrellsburg, Fourteen, Green Shoal, Little Harts Creek
inTags
A.F. Morris, Al Brumfield, Amanda McComas, Andrew Elkins, Arena Ferrell, Arnold Perry, Big Ugly Creek, Bird Brumfield, Cain Adkins, Charles Lucas, Charley Bowden Brumfield, Copley's Trace, Elias Vance, Elizabeth Lucas, Emma Vance, Fourteen Mile Creek, Fowler Branch, Fulton Branch, George L. Estabrook, George Vannatter, Gideon D. Vance, Hamlin, Harvey Farley, Hiram Moore, Isaac Gartin, J.B. Hainer, J.H. Hollandsworth, J.H. McComas, J.P. Phipps, J.W. Sarten, Jacob K. Adkins, Jefferson Lucas, John Farley, John Q. Adams, Kiahs Creek, Limestone Branch, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Coal Land Association, Little Harts Creek, Louis R. Sweetland, Lucinda Lucas, Malinda J. Vance, Mud River, O.J. Spurlock, S.M. Croft, Sabin W. Colton, Sampson Brumfield, Sarah Ann Brumfield, Sarah Jane Baisden, Short Bend Branch, Squire Toney, Swift Shoal Hollow, Telitha Spears, U.S. Phipps, West Virginia, Wilbur R. White, William Manns, Witcher's Camp Branch
The following deed index is based on Deed Book 51 at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office in Hamlin, WV, and relates to residents of the Harts Creek community. Most notations reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in local land transactions; some reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in land transactions outside of the community. These notes are meant to serve as a reference to Deed Book 51. Researchers who desire the most accurate version of this material are urged to consult the actual record book.
John Q. Adams to Arena Ferrill 70 acres Mouth of Fowler Branch 2 May 1896 p. 163-164
J.K. Adkins et ux to Arrena Ferrell 119 acres East Side of Guyan River at mouth of Swift Shoal Hollow 28 June 1897 Allen Brumfield, NP p. 162-163
Charley B. Brumfield and wife to Louis R. Sweetland 100 acres Fulton Branch 19 August 1903 p. 387-388
Charley B. Brumfield et ux to Louis R. Sweetland 62 acres Mud River 14 December 1906 p. 394-395
Sabin W. Colton, Jr. and George L. Estabrook (trustees for the Lincoln County Coal Land Association) to B.C. Spurlock and E.W. Fry Nine Mile Creek 14 June 1904 p. 234
Sabin W. Colton et al (trustees for the Prentice Coal Land Association) to Blackburn Lucas 30 acres Spears Fork of Green Shoal Creek 1 July 1893 p. 181-182
S.M. Croft, trustee, to O.J. Spurlock 50 acres Big Ugly Creek 9 October 1908 p. 499-500
John Farley to Harvey Farley 35 acres Short Bend Branch, Fourteen Mile Creek 12 September 1902 p. 246-247
I.G. Gartin to William Mans 96 acres and 230 acres Rolin and Little Harts Creek 3 January 1899 Jefferson Lucas, JP p. 436-437
J.B. Hainer to Louis R. Sweetland 133 3/4 acres (mineral) Limestone Branch 25 September 1899 p. 296-297
J.H. Hollandsworth to Charley B. Brumfield 100 acres Mud River 12 February 1903 p. 318-319
Charles Lucas to Sarah Ann Brumfield 75 acres Greenshoal Creek 6 July 1895 Elias Vance, JP p. 189 [Note: Charles’ wife Lucinda was deceased]
Charles Lucas to W.B. Brumfield et al 50 acres Green Shoal 18 September 1886 Canaan Adkins, JP p. 187-188
Charles Lucas to Blackburn Lucas 80 acres Green Shoal Creek (Spears Branch) 18 September 1886 Canaan Adkins, JP p. 182-183
Elizabeth and B.B. Lucas and Sarah Jane Baisden to Louis R. Sweetland 15 acres and 30 acres on Limestone Branch 15 May 1909 A.F. Morris, NP p. 293-294
William Mans et ux to William Manns Little Harts Creek 3 January 1899 Jefferson Lucas, JP p. 438-440
J.H. and Amanda McComas to B.B. Lucas 57/100 acres Green Shoal Creek 30 August 1899 W.B. Brumfield, JP p. 184-185
Hiram Moore to S.S. Brumfield 122 1/2 acres Big Creek of Mud River 16 March 1900 p. 29-30
A.F. Morris, commissioner, to Louis R. Sweetland 92 acres Fourteen Mile Creek 12 June 1908 p. 405 [Note: This is the Andrew Elkins farm]
Arnold Perry to Emma Vance 41 acres Witcher’s Camp Branch 13 October 1900 Jackson Adkins, JP p. 273-274
J.P. and U.S. Phipps to Louis R. Sweetland 109 acres Limestone Branch 25 September 1899 p. 302-303
J.W. Sarten et ux to Emma Vance 4 acres Copleys Trace of Kiah’s Creek 18 March 1905 p. 270-271
Telitha Spears et al to Blackburn Lucas 28 acres Green Shoal 26 July 1886 Canaan Adkins, JP p. 185-186
Squire Toney et ux to George Vannatter et al 108 acres Big Ugly Creek 26 November 1899 p. 443
Gideon D. Vance to Emma Vance Witcher’s Camp Branch 16 May 1900 Isaac Fry, JP p. 274-275
Malinda J. Vance et al to Emma Vance 60 acres Copley Trace of Kiahs Creek 21 July 1904 W.B. Brumfield, JP p. 271-272
Wilbur R. White et ux to Charley B. Brumfield Mud River 20 August 1903 p. 392-393
NOTE: I copied all of these deeds.
16 Wednesday Dec 2015
Posted Big Harts Creek, Sand Creek, Warren
inTags
A. Gill, A.A. Low, A.B. Lowe, Aaron Adkins, Abijah Workman Jr., Abner Vance, Al Brumfield, Albert Adkins, Albert G. Abbott, Allen Tomblin, Amanda McComas, Anderson Fry, Andrew D. Robinson, Andrew Elkins, Andrew Jackson Browning, Archibald Harrison, B.F. Scearcy, Ballard Lambert, Ben Walker, Bird Brumfield, Blackburn Lucas, Blackie Lucas, Cain Adkins, Caroline Brumfield, Catherine Dingess, Charles Adkins, Charles Browning, Charles Brumfield, Charles Kinser, Charles Lucas, Charles W. Mullins, Clementine Dingess, Cumberland Adkins, Cynthia Ann Mullins, David F. Smith, David Farley, Ed Dingess, Elias Vance, Elisha Vance, Elizabeth Elkins, Elizabeth Lucas, Elizabeth Mullins, Elvira Baisden, Emily Dingess, Emily Rakes, Emma Vance, Ene Adkins, Enos "Jake" Adkins, Evaline Sartin, Ezekiel K. Johnson, Farabell Vance, Floyd Rakes, Francis Vance, genealogy, George Alderson, George F. Miller, George Fry, George Shepherd, Hamlin, Harmon Stroud, Harts Creek, Henry C. Sias, Henry Workman, Hiram Lambert, history, Hugh Evans, Isaac F. Nelson, Isaac Fry, Isaac Gartin, Isaac Workman, J.B. Pullen, J.H. McComas, J.L. Caldwell, J.M. Brammer, J.S. Payne, Jake Adkins, James H. Marcum, Jefferson Lucas, Jeremiah Lambert, John B. Pullen, John H Fry, John H. Adkins, John Henry Adkins, John M. Thompson, John McCloud, John Messer, John Mullins, John Vance, John W. Sartin, Joseph Browning, Julia Alderson, justice of the peace, Lace Marcum, Laura Fry, Lewis C. Queen, Lewis Nelson, Lincoln County, Logan County, Logan County Banner, Louisa A. Wiley, Malinda Adkins, Malinda J. Vance, Malinda Nelson, Margaret Browning, Marine Spurlock, Martha J. Fry, Martha Sias, Mary A. Mullins, Mary L. Nelson, Mary Slate, Melissa Adkins, Melvin Butcher, Miles B. Browning, Minerva McCloud, Minnis W. Perry, Mitchell Browning, Moses Toney, Nancy E. Lucas, Nancy Jane Adkins, Nancy M. Workman, Olive F. Adkins, Peter M. Mullins, Peter Mullins, Pinkston Queen, Polly C. Bryant, Polly Spurlock, Rebecca Bell, Richard Adkins, Robert Fry, Robert Mullins, Rosa A. Fry, Rosa Browning, Rufus Pack, Rush Slate, Salena Vance, Sampson Brumfield, Sarah A. Perry, Sarah Ann Brumfield, Sarah B. Maynard, Sarah E. Gore, Sarah E. Thompson, Sarah E. Vance, Sarah M. Adkins, Sol Adams, Sophia Kinser, Stephen Lambert, Susan Stroud, T.R. Shepherd, Telitha Spears, Thomas H. Harvey, Thomas J. Adkins, Van Donley Lambert, Victory Thompson, Weddington Mullins, West Virginia, Wilford Fry, William Bell, William Conley, William Dingess, William Manns, William Toppins, William Workman, Wog Dalton
Between 1879 and 1910, the following men served as justices of the peace in the Harts Creek community. The primary source for this material is “Commissioner’s Record of Destroyed Title Papers 2,” which is located at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office in Hamlin, WV. Material is arranged based on the person’s name as given in the deed, the date of the deed, and the date of the deed’s acknowledgment by a JP. I have also found JPs listed in Deed Book 50, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, and 60. Deed Book “S” at the Logan County Clerk’s Office as well as numerous records in the Logan County Circuit Clerk’s Office have also provided information. Many thanks to the county clerks and their employees who have always been so helpful to my research these past twenty-five years.
Stephen Lambert (Logan County) 1879, 1885-1886
State v. John Mullins (1879-1880)
NOTE: Moses Dalton stated that he was a “magistrate” in c.1885.
Deed: W.T. Butcher to Birl Farley 11 September 1885 11 September 1885
Deed: William and Emily Dingess to Polly C. Bryant 25 January 1886
Hall v. Baker 30 September 1886, 16 October 1886
NOTE: Stephen Lambert died, according to court docket files, on 21 October 1886 or 23 October 1886
A.B. Lowe was appointed justice in place of Stephen Lambert, deceased 8 November 1886
Andrew D. Robinson (Lincoln County) 1879
State v. John Mullins (1879-1880)
John McCloud (Logan County) 1881-1884, 1890-1892
Deed: Margaret Browning 01 October 1879 29 January 1881
Deed: A.A. Low to Stephen Lambert 1 June 1881 25 March 1882
Deed: Weddington Mullins 14 March 1881 18 July 1882
Deed: Charles Browning 1 June 1881 22 July 1882
Deed: Francis Vance 1 July 1882 10 March 1883
Deed: John Messer 15 September 1882 12 February 1884
Deed: Henry Workman v. Melvin Butcher 24 March 1884
Deed: Henry Workman v. Melvin Butcher 28 March 1884
Deed: Ezekiel K. Johnson 1 July 1882 30 December 1884
Workman v. Butcher 24 March 1884, 28 March 1884, 9 June 1884
Deed: Robert Mullins to Sarah E. Gore 25 November 1890 3 December 1890
Deed: Sophia Kinser 1 June 1881 12 November 1891
Deed: Farabell and John Vance to Salena Vance 11 October 1892
Jeremiah Lambert (Lincoln County) 1881-1884
Deed: John Henry Adkins 10 May 188? 3 June 1881
Deed: Archibald B. Harrison 1 July 1882 7 July 1882
Deed: John H. Fry 1 July 1882 16 August 1882
Deed: Sampson S. Brumfield 1 July 1882 17 August 1882
Deed: Minnis W. Perry 1 June 1881 13 April 1883
Deed: Enos Adkins 1 July 1882 3 June 1883
Deed: Sarah E. Thompson 23 March 1883 23 June 1883
Deed: Miles B. Browning 14 April 1881 10 August 1883
Deed: Elisha Vance 15 September 1882 10 August 1883
Deed: Moses B. Toney 21 August 1882 21 August 1883
Deed: Jeremiah and Ballard Lambert 1 July 1882 12 September 1883
Deed: Van D. Lambert 15 September 1882 30 January 1884
Deed: Albert G. Abbott 23 March 1883 14 February 1884
James H. Marcum (Lincoln County) 1881
Deed: Harmon and Susan Stroud to Louisa A. Wiley 18 November 1881
Canaan Adkins (Lincoln County) 1885-1888
Deed: Mitchell Browning and Charles Kinser 23 March 1883 5 March 1885
Deed: John and Chloe Ann Messer to Floyd Caldwell 16 March 1885 16 March 1885
Deed: Aaron and Nancy Jane Adkins to B.W. Walker 12 June 1885
Deed: John M.P. and Victory Thompson 1 July 1882 18 July 1885
Deed: Sarah E. Vance, Mary L. Nelson, and Peter M. Mullins 25 April 1883 8 August 1885
Deed: Aaron and Nancy Jane Adkins to B.W. Walker 12 June 1885 12 June 1885
Deed: Abner Vance 21 August 1882 6 October 1885
Deed: Telitha Spears to Blackburn Lucas 26 July 1886 26 July 1886
Deed: Charles Lucas to Blackburn Lucas 18 September 1886 18 September 1886
Deed: Charles Lucas to William Bird Brumfield 18 September 1886 18 September 1886
Deed: Sarah A. Perry 14 April 1881 14 February 1887
Deed: William and Jane Manns to Josephine Robinson 19 February 1887 19 February 1887
Deed: Andrew Jackson Browning 23 March 1883 17 June 1887
Deed: Elvira Baisden 1 July 1882 19 November 1887
Deed: Aaron and Nancy Jane Adkins 24 August 1887 24 August 1887/14 February 1888
Deed: Jeremiah Lambert to Van D. Lambert 30 April 1888
Deed: Floyd and Martha Caldwell to Melvin Kirk 7 July 1888 7 July 1888
A.B. Lowe (Logan County) 1886
A.B. Lowe was appointed justice in place of Stephen Lambert, deceased 8 November 1886
Hall v. Baker 18 November 1886
John B. Pullen (Lincoln County) 1888
Robert Fry to Wilford Fry, Martha J. Fry, and Rosa A. Fry 3 January 1888
Elias Vance (Lincoln County) 1889-1896
Aaron and Nancy J. Adkins to Malissia Adkins 14 August 1889 14 August 1889
Marine and Polly Spurlock to Laura Fry 6 November 1889
Polly C. Bryant to children 15 July 1891
Minerva McCloud 15 September 1882 7 November 1891
2 June 1893
Andrew and Elizabeth Elkins to Thomas J. Adkins 27 March 1894
George A. and Julia Alderson, Floyd and Emily Rakes, and C.D. and Vietta T. Haverty to J.L. Caldwell 7 December 1894
Enos Adkins et ux to Allen Brumfield 28 December 1894 14 May 1895
Charles Lucas to Sarah Brumfield 6 July 1895 6 July 1895
Samuel Workman to Melvin Kirk 29 September 1896 29 September 1896
On 26 August 1898, JP Vance was sentenced to serve two years in the state penitentiary for embezzlement.
David F. Smith (Lincoln County) 1892-1907
Richard and Olive F. Adkins to Sarah M. Adkins 18 June 1892
Peter Mullins to Jerry Lambert 12 January 1901
Lewis and Malinda Nelson to A.E. Wagner 4 December 1906
Anderson Fry to A. Gill 7 January 1907
Jefferson and Nancy E. Lucas to Cumberland Adkins 11 April 1907 12 April 1907
Hiram “Hi” Lambert (Lincoln County) 1893-1894
Deed: Farabel and John Vance to John H. Adkins 6 December 1893
Deed: Salena Vance 25 December 1893 25 December 1893
Deed: Peter M. and Mary A. Mullins et al to J.L. Caldwell 24 November 1894 29 November 1894
J.S. Payne (Lincoln County?) 1894
I.N. and Elizabeth Mullins to J.L. Caldwell 1 September 1894 7 September 1894
Sol Adams (Logan County) 1895-1897, 1899, 1907-1908
Between September and October of 1895, the Logan County Banner referenced him as Squire Sol.
Between February and September 1896, the Logan County Banner referenced him as Squire Sol.
Deed: Allen and Sarah Tomblin to William Conley 07 July 1894 09 April 1897
Cynthia Ann Mullins deposition 21 October 1899
Deed: Charles Washington Mullins to Jerry Lambert 18 June 1907
Deed: Clementine and Ed Dingess et al to Catherine Adkins 1 October 1908 16 October 1908
Deed: Clementine and Ed Dingess et al to Ann F. Davis 1 October 1908 16 October 1908
Isaac Fry (Lincoln County) 1897-1904
Richard and Spencer Adkins to D.P. Lambert 17 July 1897
Charles Adkins to Malinda Adkins 25 April 1898
Russell S. Stollings et ux to William D. Farley 24 March 1900
25 June 1900
Susan and Levi Rakes et al to J.L. Caldwell 28 July 1900 30 July 1900
28 July 1904
Jefferson Lucas (Lincoln County) 1899-1907
Isaac G. Gartin to William Manns 3 January 1899 3 January 1899
William Manns to William H. Manns 3 January 1899 3 January 1899
John P. Lucas to A.B. Staley 12 March 1907
William Bird Brumfield (Lincoln County) 1899-1904
J.H. and Amanda McComas to Blackburn Lucas 30 August 1899 30 August 1899
William and Rebecca Bell et al to Thomas H. Harvey and George F. Miller 12 January 1900
Malinda J. Vance to Emma Vance 21 July 1904 21 July 1904
George F. Frye (Lincoln County) 1901-1902
Farabell Vance to Salena Vance 7 May 1901
Enos Adkins to A.G. Adkins and F.E. Adkins 15 February 1902 15 February 1902
Rufus Pack (Lincoln County) 1903-1909
Isaac and Nancy M. Workman to Abijah Workman, Jr. 2 February 1903
Henry C. and Martha Sias to Isaac F. Nelson 17 February 1909
Charles Adkins (Lincoln County) 1905-1910
02 November 1905
Charles and Caroline Brumfield to J.M. Brammer and B.F. Scearcy 7 November 1906
Blackie Lucas to Elizabeth Lucas 15 July 1907
Asa and Rebecca Williamson to Hugh Evans 18 February 1908
William Workman to Joseph Browning 15 July 1908
Malinda Adkins to Isaiah Adkins 20 July 1908
02 January 1909
Joseph and Rosey Browning to Lace Marcum and T.R. Shepherd 1 April 1910
William Toppins (Wayne County) 1907
Deed: L.C. and Pinkston Queen to Sarah B. Maynard 18 December 1907
Hugh Evans (Lincoln County) 1908
Deed: John W. and Evaline Sartin to George Shepherd 29 July 1908
A.E. Wagner (Lincoln County) 1910
Deed: Anderson Fry to Rush and Mary Slate 14 January 1910
J.M. Brammer et ux to David Farley 11 April 1910 19 April 1910
22 Monday Jun 2015
Posted Cemeteries, Green Shoal
inTags
Albert Abbott, Angeline Fry, Appalachia, Baptist Fry, Belva Brumfield, Billy Ray Lambert, Bird Brumfield, Bobby Ray Abbott, Brian Scott Abbott, Cecil Lambert, cemeteries, Charles Lucas, Christopher Adkins, Cleo Lambert, Cleve Fry, David Ray Adkins, Delphia Bryant, Denny Hobert Abbott, Donna Lou Adkins, Druzilla Abbott, Edith Adkins, Edna Lambert, Eliza Fry, Elsie L. Mullins, Everett Lonnie Dean, Evona Abbott, genealogy, George E. Taylor, Georgia Brumfield, Goldie Adkins, Green Shoal, Harvey Fry, history, Ida Taylor, Jack Brumfield, Jackie G. Brumfield, Jackie Lee Easterling, John "Duke" Abbott, John D. Adkins, John E. Abbott, John Fry, Julia Ann Dean, Kathleen Ann Lambert, Kenneth Hatfield, Letilla Brumfield, Lincoln County, Lonnie Lambert, Lottie Brumfield, Lucinda Lucas, Luther W. Abbott, Maggie Brumfield, Michael E. Taylor, Michael George Brumfield, Michael Roy Fry, Ottie Fry, Randal S. Adkins, Rinda Fry, Samuel Adkins, Samuel D. Adkins, Sarabeth Shelton, Sarah A. Brumfield, Sarah Lee Easterling, Thelma Carter, U.S. South, Wallace Abbott, Wayne C. Brumfield, Wealthy Hatfield, West Virginia, Wetzel Brumfield, William Mullins, Wilson Abbott, Woodrow E. Abbott, Zola Fry
The John Fry Family Cemetery, which I revisited on 12 June 2015, is located at the mouth of Green Shoal Creek in Lincoln County, West Virginia.
ADKINS SECTION
Row 1
Randal S. Adkins (11 July 1953-04 July 2014); s/o Samuel and Edith (Gore) Adkins
David Ray Adkins (20 August 1937-05 May 1973); s/o Samuel and Edith (Gore) Adkins
Edith Gore Adkins (31 October 1912-10 April 1975); d/o M. French and Weltha (Kirk) Gore; m. Samuel Adkins
Samuel Adkins (18 March 1914-20 March 1976); s/o Pleasant B. “Fed” and Marinda S. (Davis) Adkins
Samuel D. Adkins (24 October 1960-30 June 1984); s/o David R. and Donna L. (Adkins) Adkins
Donna Lou Adkins (17 December 1941-23 December 2005); d/o Ernest C. and Bessie (McNeely) Adkins; m. Samuel D. Adkins
Rodney David Adkins (15 November 1965-still alive); s/o David R. and Donna L. (Adkins) Adkins
Row 2
John D. Adkins (18 June 1916-01 May 1980); s/o Pleasant B. “Fed” and Marinda S. (Davis) Adkins; nicknamed “Red John;” S2 US NAVY WWII
Goldie Adkins (21 September 1918-04 February 1992); d/o Joseph and Georgia (Gartin) Brumfield; m. John D. Adkins
Row 3
Georgia Brumfield (1900-1984); d/o James A. and Chloe A. (Fry) Gartin; m. Joseph “Joe” Brumfield
BRUMFIELD SECTION
Row 1
Wayne C. Brumfield (1901-1976); s/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield
Maggie A. Brumfield (1917-1996); d/o Richard A. and Sarah A. (Wiley) Adkins; m. Wayne C. Brumfield
(gap)
Jack Brumfield (23 June 1918-23 March 1990); s/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield
Belva Brumfield (11 June 1922-16 March 1984); m. Jack Brumfield
A bench placed on Jack and Belva’s graves reads: Jackie G. Brumfield (17 August 1950-25 December 2011); d/o Jack and Belva (Simpkins) Brumfield
Row 2
Christopher Lee Adkins (23 March 1983-24 August 2000)
Row 3
George E. Taylor (19 May 1919-03 May 1975)
Ida P. Taylor (14 December 1914-2007); d/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield; m. George E. Taylor
Sarabeth Shelton (19 April 1989-17 November 1993); d/o Robert and Jackie (Easterling) Shelton
Jackie Lee Easterling (16 April 1941-still alive)
Sarah Lee Easterling (11 May 1942-29 March 2005); d/o George E. and Ida P. (Brumfield) Taylor; m. Jackie Lee Easterling
Row 4
Michael E. Taylor (25 February 1949-16 January 2008); s/o George and Ida (Brumfield) Taylor; nicknamed “Mickey”
LAMBERT SECTION
Row 1
Lonnie Lambert (14 March 1901-22 July 1995); s/o Samuel and Georgia E. (Lucas) Lambert
Edna Mae Lambert (30 September 1905-19 November 1980); d/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield; m. Lonnie Lambert
Row 2
Cecil Lambert, Jr. (27 September 1925-2014); s/o Lonnie and Edna (Brumfield) Lambert
Kathleen Ann Lambert (01 October 1926-19 February 2010)
Billy Ray Lambert (06 February 1950-16 August 1950)
Row 3
Everett Lonnie Dean (08 May 1950-29 January 1951)
FRY SECTION
Row 1
Zola Frye (07 May 1919-09 September 1964); d/o Clarence and Angaline (Mullins) Fry
Thelma P. Carter (1918-1967); d/o Clarence and Angaline (Mullins) Fry; m. Hassell Carter
Row 2
unmarked grave with rock headstone and little square footstone
C.L. Fry (Clarence Fry); born November 1886; s/o Daniel C. “Tucker” and Rachel (Lucas) Fry; died 2 March 1948
Angie Fry (Angaline Fry); born 16 December 1896; d/o Emery and Stella (Abbott) Mullins; m. Clarence Fry; died 14 September 1947
Elsie L. Mullins (16 December 1911-08 November 1959); d/o Clarence and Angaline (Mullins) Fry; m. William Mullins
William Mullins, Sr. (12 August 1894-04 February 1975)
ABBOTT SECTION
Row 1
Ottie Fry (1909-1987); s/o G. Cleveland and Betty (Fry) Fry
Row 2
Bobby Ray Abbott (02 April 1969-16 June 2001)
Brian Scott Abbott (04 October 1971-21 March 2011)
Row 3
Woodrow E. Abbott (1914-1977); PVT US ARMY WWII
Wallace Abbott (22 January 1930-30 March 1987); s/o John E. “Cricket” and S. Evona (Fry) Abbott; SP 4 US ARMY KOREA VIETNAM
Denny Hobert Abbott (15 February 1928-22 June 1996); s/o John E. “Cricket” and S. Evona (Fry) Abbott; PFC US ARMY
Row 4
Luther W. Abbott (09 February 1917-02 March 1963); s/o John E. “Cricket” and S. Evona (Fry) Abbott; WV PFC CO E 16 INF WWII P4
John E. Abbott (1892-1966); s/o John H. and Caroline (Fry) Abbott
Evona Abbott (1892-1983); d/o Daniel C. “Tucker” and Rachel (Lucas) Fry; m. John E. Abbott
Row 5
John “Duke” Abbott, Jr. (08 August 1924-03 July 1992); s/o John E. and S. Evona (Fry) Abbott
(gap)
Michael Roy Fry (19 February 1944-20 February 1944); s/o Curtis and Birdie (Bryant) Fry
Row 6
tall rectangular rock headstone and rock footstone
Delphia Adams Bryant (the date of August 22 and an illegible year appears on a small cinderblock); m. Marshall “Bud” Bryant/Mullins
(gap)
perhaps another grave marked by a flat rock that has fallen over
MIDSECTION
Row 1
Wealthy Hatfield (01 May 1904-27 December 1928); d/o Samuel and Georgia E. (Lucas) Lambert; m. Bruce Hatfield
Kenneth Hatfield (05 October 1924-10 October 1925); s/o Bruce and Wealthy (Lambert) Hatfield
unmarked grave with rock headstone and footstone
unmarked grave with rock headstone and footstone
broken baby headstone with rock footstone
Row 2
Katie A. Hunter (died 11 August 1895, aged 13 years, 11 months, 27 days); d/o John E. and Parlee (Ferrell) Hunter
unmarked grave with rock footstone
unmarked grave with rock headstone
UPPER SECTION
Row 1
Rinda Fry (26 January 1826-29 July 1887); d/o Reuben and Clarissa (Perry) Steele; m1. James Davis; m2. ___ Walker; m3. Baptist “Nab” Fry
Baptist Fry (26 November 1824-15 June 1881); s/o John and Catherine (Snodgrass) Fry
(large gap)
Michael George Brumfield (29 January 1948-01 February 1948); s/o Wayne C. and Maggie (Adkins) Brumfield
unmarked grave with rock headstone and footstone (baby)
Cleo Lambert (born and died 18 August 1924); Lonnie C. and Edna (Brumfield) Lambert
Lottie Brumfield (1904-1907); d/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield
Bird Brumfield (1850-1905); s/o William R. and Mary A. (Elkins) Brumfield
Sarah A. Brumfield (1853-1932); d/o Charles and Lucinda (Fry) Lucas; m1. William Bird Brumfield; m2. Josephus Irvin Workman
unmarked grave with rock headstone (fallen over) and footstone
Letilla Brumfield (1881-1947); d/o Elisha and Catherine (Fry) Dial; m. James S. Brumfield
Row 2
unmarked grave with small footstone
Julia Ann Dean (born and died 13 June 1948)
Row 3
unmarked grave with rock footstone above Albert Abbott grave
unmarked grave above Lucinda Lucas grave — small rock headstone and footstone
“K.L.” — square rock headstone and footstone above Charles Lucas grave
unmarked grave with sharp rock headstone and footstone above Eliza Fry grave
(large gap)
W.W.A. (29? May 1917-10? June 1917)
Wetzel Brumfield (1910-1932); s/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield
unmarked grave with rock headstone and footstone
H.C. Fry painted on a rock (possibly Harvey Fry, son of Baptist Fry)
Row 4
John Fry (10 March 1794-20 October 1883); s/o George and Keziah (Adkins) Fry; PVT CAPT SHIELD CO 7 VA MILITIA WAR OF 1812
“Wilson Abbott, died M.11.92” carved on rock
Albert Abbott (no dates); born 11 July 1824; s/o John A. and Elizabeth (Scott) Abbott; CAPTAIN CARTER’S CO. 129 VA MIL CSA; died before 1900
Druzilla Fry Abbott (11 January 1826-27 September 1889); d/o John and Catherine (Snodgrass) Fry; m. Albert Abbott
L.L. (Lucinda Lucas); born 27 September 1819; d/o John and Catherine (Snodgrass) Fry; m. Charles Lucas; died before 1900
Charles Lucas (2 September 1818-24 November 1904); s/o John and Mary (Fry) Lucas
E.F. (Eliza Virginia Fry); born November 1865; d/o Charles and Lucinda (Fry) Lucas; m. George F. Fry; died c.1902
NOTE 1: Some John Fry descendants are POSITIVE that John Fry died and was buried on Fourteen Mile Creek in Lincoln County. His tombstone was placed at Green Shoal in the 1990s based on a WPA cemetery map.
NOTE 2: I know of other persons buried in this cemetery but cannot identify their exact location. There are also some family members who I suppose to be buried here but have no proof.
07 Wednesday Jan 2015
Posted Big Harts Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Fourteen, Green Shoal, Harts, Little Harts Creek, Queens Ridge, Toney
inTags
America Dalton, Andrew Elkins, Appalachia, Arena Ferrell, Ben Walker, Blackburn Lucas, Brad Toney, Cabell County, Catherine Adkins, Charles Adkins, Charles Lucas, D.K. Adkins, Emma Duty, Floyd Enos Adkins, Floyd Fry, genealogy, George Alderson, George Duty, George Hill, George Staley, Greenville Perry, Harts Creek District, Hezekiah "Carr" Adkins, history, Hollena Brumfield, Irvin Lucas, Isaac Gartin, John Clay Farley, John F. Duty, John H Fry, John W. Berry, L.H. Burks, Levina Hager, Lincoln County, M.B. Adkins, Malinda Johnson, Melissa Adkins, Nancy Alford, Overton Elkins, Patterson Ferrell, Patterson Toney, Sarah A. Brumfield, Sarah Berry, U.S. South, Wade S. Lambert, West Virginia, William Bell, William R. Lucas, Wirt Toney
Based on land books available at the Lincoln County Clerk’s office, the following persons owned property with buildings in Harts Creek District in 1903. Many of the persons listed below were business owners. The value of their structures are provided:
Hollena Brumfield, $750
Catharine Adkins, $300
George Hill, $250
Blackburn Lucas, $250
Bradford Toney, $250
Floyd E. Adkins, $150
L.H. Burks of Cabell County, $150
George and Emma Duty, $150
John H. Fry, $150
Wirt Toney, $150
George Staley, $75
$100
D.K. and M.B. Adkins
John C. Farley
Arena Ferrell
Patterson Ferrell
Levinie Hager
Malinda Johnson
Charles Lucas
Wade S. Lambert
Irvin Lucas
William R. Lucas et als
Greenville Perry
Patterson Toney
$50
Charley Adkins
Hezekiah Adkins
Malissa Adkins
George Alderson
Nancy A. Alford
William Bell
J.W. and Sarah Berry
Sarah A. Brumfield
L.H. Burks of Cabell County
America Dalton
John F. Duty
Andrew Elkins
Overton Elkins
Floyd Fry
Isaac G. Gartin
Blackburn B. Lucas
Benjamin W. Walker
Source: Land Book (1901-1904), Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.
26 Wednesday Feb 2014
Posted Ed Haley, Lincoln County Feud, Music
inTags
Admiral S. Fry, Al Brumfield, Arena Ferrell, Boney Lucas, Burbus Toney, Cat Fry, Charles Lucas, Christian Fry, crime, Eliza Fry, Evermont Ward Fry, genealogy, George Fry, George McComas, George W. Ferrell, Green Shoal, Guyandotte, history, James L. Caldwell, Jesse James, John Brumfield, Milt Haley, Paris Brumfield, The Lincoln County Crew, Watson Lucas, West Virginia, writing
According to the Fry history, A.S. Fry eventually moved to Guyandotte, a river town in Cabell County, “where he built and owned a hotel. The Jesse James gang, who robbed a Huntington bank, stayed in his hotel for several nights.” His son George, meanwhile, took control of the family interests at Green Shoal. He presumably lived in the family homestead, where he was located at the time of Milt and Green’s murder in 1889. Deed records refer to it “as the old A.S. Fry homestead above the mouth of Green Shoals” and describe it as follows:
BEGINNING at the mouth of Green Shoals Creek, thence up with the meanderings of said creek to a survey made by C.T. fry, thence with the line of same to a white oak corner on a point, thence up the said point with the line of Chas. Lucas to the top of the mountain, thence running with the ridge to the head of a little ravine to a dog-wood corner made by C.T. Fry, thence down the hollow with C.T. Fry’s and B.C. Toney’s lands to a walnut corner made by said C.T. Fry, thence down the hill with John Fry’s and B.C. Toney’s line to the river, thence down with meanderings of the river to the place of beginning, containing seventy-five acres, more or less.
Although the deed was vague in giving its coordinates, it clearly proved that the “A.S. Fry homestead” — and thus the site of Milt and Green’s murder — was on the same side of the river as the railroad tracks.
By 1889, when the Brumfield gang took over the Fry house, George and his wife Eliza had a six-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. Cat Fry, a niece, also lived in the home. The family was connected to various participants in the 1889 troubles. Eliza’s older brother was married to Paris Brumfield’s sister, while two of her sisters were married to Brumfield’s nephews. These marriages were perhaps complicated when Paris murdered Mrs. Fry’s brother, Boney Lucas.
Following the Haley-McCoy murders, George Fry suffered some bad luck. In 1892, his wife reportedly had an illegitimate child by John Brumfield (Al’s younger brother). Four years later, his father sold the family homestead on Green Shoal to Arena Ferrell, a local storekeeper. George’s wife died around 1902 “when her children were young” (according to one source) and was buried in the old Fry Cemetery at Green Shoal. A.S. Fry himself was murdered at his hotel in 1904. George afterwards moved to Guyandotte where he died on May 19, 1905. Control of family businesses thereafter went to his brother Evermont Ward Fry, who was still alive as late as October 1939.
As for the “murder house” itself, Arena Ferrell deeded it to her adopted son George W. Ferrell, who is credited with writing “The Lincoln County Crew” — the song about Milt’s death. In 1899, he sold it to George R. McComas, who in turn sold it to J.L. Caldwell three years later. (This was probably the same J.L. Caldwell referred to in George Fry’s 1880 letter.) It was around that time (1902-04) when the railroad came through the Guyan Valley, which apparently had a direct effect on the “murder house.”
“The railroad now runs through one side of the house as well as that of the school building,” Ward told Fred Lambert. “This school was about one fourth mile above our residence.”
In 1915, Caldwell sold the property back to Arena Ferrell. Then, in 1919, it was transferred to Watson Lucas, whose heirs sold it to the current owners, the Lamberts, in the 1960s.
25 Tuesday Feb 2014
Posted Culture of Honor, Ed Haley, Lincoln County Feud
inTags
Admiral S. Fry, Anderson County, Burbus Toney, Charles Lucas, Cincinnati, civil war, Eliza Fry, Evermont Ward Fry, Franklin County, Fred B. Lambert, Garnett, genealogy, George Fry, Green Shoal, history, James L. Caldwell, Kansas, Lucinda Lucas, Ohio, Ottawa, Rhoda Fry, Will Fry, writing
A.S. Fry — the man who owned the home where Milt Haley and Green McCoy were murdered — was a former officer in the Confederate army and early businessman in Harts. According to the Fry history, “Shortly after his return home from the War, his adventurous spirit led him to Kansas and on to Texas; his family remained in Lincoln County. After his return from the West, his youngest son was born.” This son, Evermont Ward Fry, was born in 1872 and was later interviewed by Fred Lambert.
“When I was a boy, people gathered for a week’s religious meetings,” Fry told Lambert. “My father would keep from forty to fifty people. They held meetings in the summer or early fall. The people came on horseback from all directions. The preaching was at the Green Shoal School house; this was an old log building. Before it stood three or four beech trees. Preaching was under these trees. On one occasion my father’s house caught fire. He kept store and had just received an order of five or six dozen buckets. It was the nighttime, but he got out the fire buckets and the men formed a line up from the river. They put out the fire, but one end of the house was pretty badly burned.”
In subsequent years, A.S. Fry made other trips West, apparently with his son, George. George Franklin Fry was born in 1858 and was married to his first cousin, Eliza Virginia Lucas, a daughter of Charles and Lucinda (Fry) Lucas.
“Mrs. Rhoda Fry — Wear in this city and will Remain Hear for a few days,” A.S. Fry wrote to his wife from Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas, on July 14, 1880. “Lands is from $3 to $20 dollars per acor. Thare is fine crops hear. We may By Land in this County. This is said to be the beste County in the state and thare is thousands of acors for sail heare. It is vary warm. I don’t know when I will be at home. I will wright when I will be at home and I want you and Ward to meet me at huntington. This is a nice Country. I will wright to you in 2 or 3 days what we ar a doing. We have Gist Reatch this City. The Pepel is all Kind and seemes to tak intrust in Emzy Jane. I have nothing worthey of wrighting. Give all of my frieands best Respects for me and tell BC Toney not to Rune his stones two close. So I will close by saying that we ar well. Hoping the last few Lines will find you all well. So fare well. If you Right Direct yere Letter A.S. Fry, Garnett, Anderison Co., Kansas.”
“We wrote you from Cincinnati Ohio regarding Goods,” George wrote as an attachment to the aforementioned letter. “We bough[t] a little stock — and if Will has not gone after them go at once — they are in care of J.L. Caldwell. We also sent Bills at same time. In close you will find a butiful song bough[t] on Train.”
24 Tuesday Sep 2013
Posted Big Ugly Creek
inTags
Albert Ferrell, Allen Nelson, Appalachia, baseball, Bernie Ward, Big Ugly Creek, Bill Duty, Brady, Bruce Wheeler, Burley Lucas, Charles Lucas, Charley B. Brumfield, Charley Pullen, Clerk Lucas, Dollie Toney, Dr. Hallahan, Dutch Smith, education, Floyd Payne, history, James P. Ferrell, Jim Mullin, Lee Toney, Leet, Lincoln Republican, Lottie Lucas, Midkiff, Nancy Jane Toney, Rector, Squire Spurlock, Susan Brumfield
Some one hundred years ago, Big Ugly Creek was a busy place. The county newspaper reported weekly on local events, mostly through correspondents who used such names as “Bobby,” “Rex,” “Blue Eyes,” and “Whistler” to inform readers of small but important news events. The timber industry, spear-headed by B. Johnson & Son of Richmond, Indiana, generated the most news, although other timber operations of a lesser size, such as Nelson-Brumfield-Shelton, also appeared in the newspaper.
“Bernie Ward, an employee of the Nelson-Shelton-Brumfield saw mill, got his right hand in some of the machinery early Monday morning and the member was badly lacerated,” the Lincoln Republican reported on December 21, 1911. “Dr. Hallanan dressed the wound.”
Timbering was dangerous business, and workers often made the news when they were injured or killed on the job.
“Floyd Payne was severely injured last Friday by a log rolling on him,” the Republican reported on October 12, 1911. “The fact that he was in the creek and the sand being somewhat quickey saved his life; he was thought to be dead when the log was rolled off of him, but he has since rallied and it is now thought that he may recover.”
It was a hard life for timber men, yet they occasionally found time for sports.
“An interesting game of ball was played on the Midkiff diamond Sunday between Midkiff and Leet, the score standing 8 to 4 in Midkiff’s favor in the sixth inning, when the game was called on account of rain,” the Republican reported on June 29, 1911. “Charley Pullen, the famous Morris Harvey twirler, pitched for Leet, while B. McComas was on the firing line for Midkiff. Walter Scites of the Hamlin team played short for Midkiff.”
Progress accompanied timber. Worth noting was the arrival of telephone service on the creek.
“The Citizens Telephone company is now stringing wire along Big Ugly,” the Republican wrote on December 21, 1911. “The new line will be open for business by the first of the year. Squire Spurlock is putting in the line.”
In addition to the daily goings-on of timber and the modernization of the creek, the county newspaper also wrote briefly on the progress of schools.
“Miss Lottie Lucas is teaching a good school at Leet,” the Republican wrote on October 12, 1911. “Miss Dollie Toney is teaching a very satisfactory school at the Toney school house. Clark Lucas is wielding the rod with good results at the Lefthand branch school house.”
The rural mail carriers were also men of importance in those days, worthy of mention in the newspaper.
“James P. Ferrell who is 76 years old carries the mail from Gill to Rector, 6 times a week and is always on time,” according to the Republican on October 12, 1911. “James Ferrell is yet very feeble but is improved somewhat,” the paper wrote in July of the following year. “For almost a quarter of a century Mr. Ferrell has been a mail carrier in Lincoln county. Albert Ferrell, his son, carries the mail at present.”
There were occasional oddities in local news, such as when the paper reported on the medicinal qualities of a local spring.
“The water at the Big Sulphur Springs above here is said to possess splendid medicinal properties and Huntington parties during the past week took some of it away for analysis,” the Republican wrote on July 25, 1912. “It is especially beneficial in affections of the stomach and kidneys.”
Birth records were on oft-reported bit of news in those times.
“Born: To Bruce Wheeler and wife a 10 pound son,” the Republican wrote on July 25, 1912. “A stillborn child came to the home of Lee Toney and wife last Friday.”
It was a matter of great concern when residents moved away from the creek.
“Charley B. Brumfield and family, who have resided at Big Branch of Big Ugly for many years, have moved to the McComas farm near Bradyville,” the Republican reported on December 7, 1911. “Their departure has caused general regret among their many friends at the place.”
In those days, sickness was a regular problem for local residents.
“Mrs. Squire Toney narrowly escaped death from blood poison last week but she is improving nicely now,” the Republican wrote on October 12, 1911. “Mrs. John Brumfield has been ill with stomach trouble,” the paper wrote later in December.
Accidents in daily life were also frequent in those days.
“Ossie, the 9 year old son of Jim Mullin, while playing in a sled with other lads at the school house below, met with an accident and sustained a fracture of the leg,” according to the Republican on December 21, 1911. “Dr. Hallahan set the broken bones.”
Death was treated with great sensitivity.
“Burley, the thirteen year old son of Chas. Lucas and wife, died last Wednesday, after a brief illness from a peculiar ailment,” the Republican wrote on December 7, 1911. “A day or so before his death he began to lose the use of the muscles of his arms and legs.” That same day, the paper reported: “Mr. and Mrs. Dutch Smith have the sympathy of the entire community in the death of their one year old son.”
“Grover, the 3 year old child of Al Nelson, of Pigeon Roost, fell in the fire place at his home while his parents were absent last Wednesday,” according to the Republican on December 21, 1911. “The little fellow was horribly burned about the abdomen and breast and died Saturday as a result of the horrible burns.”
Funerals were often preached months after a person was buried.
“The funeral of W.R. Duty, who died about a year ago, was preached last Sunday near Rector, by Rev. Chapman. There was a large crowd from all over the county, and a big dinner was served on the ground,” the Republican wrote on October 12, 1911.
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