04 Sunday Mar 2018
Posted in Cemeteries, Civil War, Pilgrim
Tags
Appalachia, Brandon Kirk, cemeteries, civil war, Clara Kirk, Davis Cemetery, genealogy, history, John Kirk, Kentucky, Martin County, Phyllis Kirk, Pilgrim, Thomas Kirk, Union Army, Wolf Creek
Thomas Kirk (c.1834-1912), a son of John and Clara (Marcum) Kirk, was reportedly an officer in a Union Home Guard unit during the Civil War. He is my great-great-great-grandfather. Tom is buried in the Davis Cemetery on Wolf Creek in Pilgrim, Martin County, KY. 3 March 2018. Photo by Mom.
12 Monday Feb 2018
Posted in Cemeteries, Civil War, West Hamlin
Tags
8th Virginia Cavalry, Appalachia, Bettie Thompson, Brandon Kirk, cemeteries, civil war, Confederate Army, genealogy, Harvey May, history, Patton Thompson, Shelton Cemetery
The road up from Tyler Creek. 10 February 2018.
This cemetery contains over one hundred graves. 10 February 2018.
Most graves are marked by beautiful headstones. 10 February 2018.
My great-great-great-grandfather Patton Thompson (1824-1909) is buried here. His rock reads “P.T.” I didn’t find his grave, but I’ll be back! A few Thompson graves are located in this section. The headstone visible in this photo belongs to Patton’s great-granddaughter, Bettie Thompson (1913-1926). 10 February 2018.
Harvey May, “An Old Rebel Soldier” from Company K of the 8th Virginia Cavalry. 10 February 2018.
The road down to Tyler Creek. 10 February 2018.
08 Monday Jan 2018
Posted in Big Harts Creek, Cemeteries, Civil War
Tags
129th Regiment Virginia Militia, Appalachia, Brandon Kirk, cemeteries, civil war, Confederate Army, Garland Conley Family Cemetery, genealogy, Harts Creek, history, Logan County, Phyllis Kirk, Smokehouse Fork, West Virginia
Garland B. Conley (d.1895) was a veteran of Carter’s Company, 129th Regiment Virginia Militia. I recently revisited his grave on Smokehouse Fork of Harts Creek, Logan County, WV. 7 January 2018. Photo by Mom.
06 Wednesday Dec 2017
Posted in Civil War
Tags
2nd Kanawha Regiment, 36th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Appalachia, Ben Linkous, civil war, Confederate Army, genealogy, history, Huntington Advertiser, John McCausland, Montgomery County, Virginia
Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 16 April 1887. Lt. Col. Ben Linkous served under John McCausland in the 36th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment (2nd Kanawha Regiment). For more on the 36th, follow this link: http://civilwarintheeast.com/confederate-regiments/virginia/36th-virginia-infantry-regiment/
23 Thursday Nov 2017
Posted in Civil War
Tags
Appalachia, civil war, Hinton, history, Huntington Advertiser, John D. Reed, John Hamilton, Mountain Herald, New River, North Carolina, Summers County, Sumter, West Virginia
Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 17 July 1886.
02 Thursday Nov 2017
Posted in Big Creek, Breeden, Chapmanville, Civil War, East Lynn, Holden, Huntington, Logan, Man, Pecks Mill, Shively
Tags
2nd Division of West Virginia, A.J. Perry, Aaron Adkins, Albert McNeeley, Allen Hale, Allen J. Sheppard, Alvin Hall, Andy Lee, Andy Perry, Anthony Bryant, Appalachia, Astynax McDonald, Benjamin F. Curry, Beverly Spencer, Bias, Big Creek, Bolivar McDonald, Boone County, Boss Mangus, Breeden, Bull Run, Buskirk Hotel, C.A. Staten, C.E. Whitman, Calvin Bias, Camp Garnett, Camp Straton, Chapmanville, Charles E. Whitman, Christopher Davis, civil war, Confederate Army, Curry, Daniel J. Smoot, Daughters of the Confederacy, David Hale, David Hicks, David K. White, David Workman, Devil Anse Hatfield, Don Chafin, Dyke Garrett, E.J. Stone, E.S. Vickers, East Lynn, F.B. McDonald, F.S. Vickers, Florida, Floyd S. Barker, Foley, Francis M. Collins, Fulton D. Ferrell, genealogy, George Bryant, George Crump, George R. Scaggs, Gettysburg, Giles Davis, Gord Lilly, Gordon Riffe, Green Thompson, Guy Lawson, H.C. Runyon, H.H. Ray, Hardy County, Harmon White, Harrison White, Henry C. Runyon, Henry Mitchell, Hiram Burgess, Hiram Pridemore, history, Holden, Hubbard Williams, Hugh Avis, Huntington, I.G. Berry, Isaac McNeeley, J.A. Chapman, J.A. Ellis, J.B. Lowe, J.C. Chapman, J.E. Acord, J.E. Thompson, J.H. Allen, J.K. McNeeley, J.R. Miller, J.S. Miller, J.W. Blevins, J.W. Dempsey, J.W. Harvey, J.W. Martin, Jacksonville, Jalin White, James Blevins, James C. Varney, James E. Longstreet, James H. Allen, James I. Dingess, James Marcum, James R. Henderson, Jefferson Hotel, Joe A. Counts, Joe Accords, Joe Lowe, John A. Lawson, John A. Thompson, John B. Wilkinson, John Dempsey, John Ferrell, John G. Jeffrey, John Messer, John R. McCoy, John W. Holdron, John W. Neece, John Wallen, John White, Joseph Evans, Joseph Johnston, Joseph Mitchell, Joseph William Spence, Kitchen, L.D. Chambers, L.D. Perry, L.D. Starr, L.D. Stone, Levi Lowe, Lewis Brewster, Lewis Cary, Lincoln County, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Logan Democrat, Logan Wildcats, Lorenzo D. Stollings, Lou G. Buffington, Luke Curry, M.A. Doss, M.A. Robinson, M.D. Stone, M.L. Campbell, Man, Manassas Junction, Marion McCoy, Mat Pauley, Moorefield, Moses D. Tiller, music, N.B. Barker, N.B. Moberly, N.B. Sanders, Noah Barker, Obediah Workman, Patterson Dingess, Peck Hotel, Pecks Mill, Piedmont, R.L. Stone, Reuben P. White, Reuben White, Richard McCallister, Richmond, Riley F. Hager, Robert E. Lee, Robert Lewis, Rolfe, Rush Floyd, S.P. Vernatter, Shively, Simpson Ellis, Sol Adams, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Stonewall Jackson, T.B. Stone, T.C. Conley, Thomas B. Farley, Thomas H. Harvey, United Confederate Veterans, Vicie Nighbert, Virginia, W. Farmer, W.D. McNeeley, W.E. Carey, W.E. Cary, W.F. Butcher, W.H. Whitman, Wayne B. Ferguson, Wesley Reed, West Virginia, William Blackburn, William C. Lucas, William Cary, William D. Nelson, William E. Chilton, William H. Ellis, William L. Stollings, William N. Stone, William Nelson, William White, Williamson
From the Logan Banner and Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, come these stories of Confederate reunions in Logan County, WV:
Logan Wildcats Reunion, Chapmanville, WV, 1900.
Confederate Reunion
The old Confederate soldiers will hold their semi-annual reunion at Chapmansville next Saturday. A good time will be had by all who attend.
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 1 June 1911.
***
OLD SOLDIERS MEET
Members of Camp Straton U.C.V. Hold Reunion at Chapmansville
EDITOR DEMOCRAT: The Confederate veterans of Camp Straton met at Chapmansville on last Saturday in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of their enlistment in the cause of the Southern Confederacy. They were met and greeted by Daniel Smoot and several others from our sister county of Boone, and Robert Lewis of Lincoln county. J.W. Harvey was also present. M.L. Campbell of the Soldier’s Home, at Richmond, Va., enjoyed the pleasure and opportunity on this memorable occasion to once more greet his old comrades of the Lost Cause.
They met, shook hands and greeted each other, and at times the writer could detect the tears in the eyes of these old veterans, which showed the true spirit of these old comrades as they talked of the days when they followed Lee and Jackson, Johnson and Longstreet and others of their immortal leaders in the battles of Gettysburg, Bull Run, Piedmont, Manassas Junction and many other of those famous battles which today stand in history as sentinels of one of the bloodiest and hardest fought wars in the history not only of this nation but of the world.
After forming line and roll call, to which there were comparatively so few to answer, they once more marched the streets of Chapmansville, where just fifty years before to a day they marched when full of life and vigor. But now their bent forms and halting steps mark most sadly the passing of time.
In Federal burying grounds alone, 359,284 soldiers lie, while countless thousands have been buried in plots at home. On the Confederate side doubtless as many more may be counted. What a pitiful sacrifice of blood, the young and strong and brave blood of the nation. Doubtless war stirs certain feelings and virtues into action that otherwise would lie dormant. Perhaps it settles certain questions not otherwise easily adjusted. But it is hard to think that an intelligent Christian nation should ever need to resort to it.
When the noon hour came the veterans marched to the home of Mr. John Ferrell, where refreshments and a fine dinner was served. They then marched to the center of the village, formed a hollow square and held a brief business session.
A committee of three was appointed to draft suitable resolutions to the memory of their deceased comrades. Hon. J.B. Wilkinson, C.E. Whitman and W.F. Butcher were appointed on this committee.
A committee of two was appointed to gather the names of the sons of all the veterans in Camp Straton, said list to be submitted at the next reunion, at which time they expect to organize the Sons of Veterans. C.E. Whitman of Logan and R.L. Stone of Big Creek were appointed on this committee.
A clerk was also appointed to keep the record of the Camp.
It was also suggested that the commandant get in communication with the Daughters of the Confederacy, and secure a cross of honor for each veteran of the Camp, which cross of honor is to be handed down to the oldest son as a souvenir.
After the business session, prayer was offered by Chaplain W.D. Garrett.
The people were entertained for some time by short and breezy speeches by the veterans and their sons, which were very much applauded and enjoyed by all.
We then enjoyed the song of the starting of the Logan volunteers, June 3, 1861, by the wife of a veteran.
The meeting then adjourned to meet at Logan on Saturday, October 7, 1911.
The following veterans were present at roll call:
William H. Ellis
J.E. Acord
T.B. Farley
J.K. McNeeley
N.B. Barker
Simpson Ellis
J.E. Thompson
J.C. Chapman
George Bryant
J.H. Allen
John Wallen
Obadiah Workman
John G. Jeffrey
J.W. Harvey
M.L. Campbell
J.I. Dingess
J.S. Miller
M.D. Stone
David Hale
Hiram Pridemore
William Nelson
J.W. Blevins
Calvin Bias
Francis Collins
David Workman
L.D. Stollings
W.D. Garrett
L.D. Perry
Albert McNeeley
Henry Mitchell
John W. Holdron
Sol Adams
B.F. Curry
David K. White
Harrison White
Isaac McNeeley
Bolivar McDonald
John W. Neece
Greene Thompson
F.B. McDonald
W. Farmer
W.D. McNeeley
Anthony Bryant
Alvis Hall
Reuben White
F.S. Vickers
William White
J.B. Lowe
Patterson Dingess
W.H. Whitman
Daniel J. Smoot
Fulton D. Ferrell
Astynax McDonald
T.C. Conley
Beverley Spencer
George R. Scaggs
Respectfully submitted,
Charles E. Whitman
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 8 June 1911
***
Confederate flag over the Logan Courthouse, Logan (WV) Banner, 19 September 1913. Photo from 23 October 1911.
Confederate Reunion
Camp Straton of the Confederate veterans met in this city October 23, 1911, and had dinner at the Buskirk and Peck Hotels as the guests of Judge Wilkinson and Mrs. Vicie Nighbert.
The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by M.D. Stone, Commandant, and George Scaggs was elected to the office of Third Lieutenant. Motion carried unanimously to meet hereafter on the fourth Tuesday in September, and Logan was chosen as the place for the next meeting.
Judge Wilkinson delivered an able address at the close of the business meeting and suggested organizing a camp of Sons of Veterans, a meeting for which purpose has been called for Saturday, Nov. 4th, at 1:30 p.m., at the court house.
United States Senator William E. Chilton then delivered a very interesting address which was received with great enthusiasm.
After a vote of thanks by the Company to Judge Wilkinson and Mrs. Nighbert for their hospitality the meeting was adjourned.
Eighty-three members of the Camp were present. The following is the roster of Camp Straton, Oct. 23, 1911:
M.D. Stone, Commandant.
Astyanax McDonald, First Lieut.
Jas. I. Dingess, Second Lieut.
Geo. Scaggs, Third Lieut.
Hugh Avis, Orderly Sergeant.
Jas. R. Henderson, Adjutant.
W.D. Garrett, Chaplin.
Jas. Allen, Assistant Chaplin.
Privates
Isaac McNeeley
William C. Lucas
L.D. Perry,
F.M. Collins
Hiram Pridemore
Marion McCoy
Boss Mangus
M.A. Doss
Anse Hatfield
E.J. Stone
Ben Curry
R.F. Hager
F.D. Ferrell
Noah Barker
Simpson Ellis
John Dempsey
David Hicks
Beverly Spencer
Jas. C. Varney
John A. Lawson
Dave White
Alvin Hall
Joe Lowe
Henry C. Runyon
David Hale
Jas. Marcum
Christopher Davis
Joseph Evans
Lewis Brewster
Joseph Wm. Spence
C.A. Staten
Wm. D. Nelson
Joe A. Counts
Richard McCallister
Allen J. Sheppard
Moses D. Tiller
J.A. Ellis
J.K. McNeely
Hubbard Williams
Rush Floyd
Anthony Bryant
W.H. Whitman
M.A. Robinson
E.S. Vickers
Levi Lowe
I.G. Berry
Bolliver McDonald
A.J. Perry
Wm. L. Stollings
J.A. Chapman
N.B. Sanders
Wesley Reed
Henry Mitchell
John Thompson
Gord Riffe
Floyd S. Barker
N.B. Moberly
Wm. N. Stone
S.P. Vernatter
J.W. Martin
Jalin White
Green Thompson
J.W. Dempsey
L.D. Stone
All veterans not registered will please send name and address to T.B. Stone, Kitchen, W.Va.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 26 October 1911.
***
Camp Straton
Names of living Confederate veterans, who served continuously for four years and who are now members of Camp Straton of Logan, West Virginia:
OFFICERS
M.D. Stone, Commandant, Kitchen, W.Va.
Astyanax McDonald, First Lieutenant, Logan, W.Va.
James I. Dingess, Second Lieutenant, Pecks Mill, W.Va.
Geo. Scaggs, Third Lieutenant, Curry, W.Va.
F.S. Barker, Treasurer, Curry, W.Va.
David Hale, color bearer, City.
Hiram Pridemore, color bearer, City.
PRIVATES
L.D. Stollings, Shively, W.Va.
James Blevins, Curry, W.Va.
L.D. Perry, Chapmanville, W.Va.
Hubbard Williams, Logan, W.Va.
William Cary, Logan, W.Va.
Allen Hale, East Lynn, W.Va.
Hiram Burgess, Rolfe, W.Va.
Guy Lawson, Foley, W.Va.
M.A. Doss, Man, W.Va.
Thos. B. Farley, Bias, W.Va.
Moses Tiller, Music, W.Va.
Lewis Cary, Williamson, W.Va.
R.F. Hager, Breading, W.Va.
Andy Lee, Logan, W.Va.
John Messer, Breading, W.Va.
John A. Thompson, Chapmanville, W.Va.
Geo. Crump, member Camp Garnett, Huntington, W.Va.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 2 November 1911
***
Confederate Reunion
To Confederate Veterans, Camp Straton:
The next reunion of the members of said Camp will be held at Logan C.H. on Tuesday, September 17th, 1912, at 11 o’clock a.m. The presence of each member is requested.
M.D. Stone, Commandant
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 29 August 1912.
***
Notice
To Members Camp Logan Wild Cats:
You are requested to meet at Logan C.H. at 10 o’clock Saturday, September 14th, 1912 to prepare for the reunion of Confederate veterans of Camp Straton to be held the following Tuesday. It is desirable to increase our membership on that day as much as possible. Anyone desiring to become a member of our camp come or send in your name. We want to give the old soldiers a hearty welcome and cordial greeting.
A.W. McDonald,
Commandant
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 29 August 1912.
***
Confederate Reunion
To Confederate Veterans, Camp Straton:
The next reunion of the members of said Camp will be held at Logan C.H., on Tuesday, September 17th, 1912, at 11 o’clock a.m. The presence of each member is requested.
M.D. Stone,
Commandant
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 5 September 1912.
***
Confederate Reunion
Camp Stratton, No. 1633, United Confederate Veterans, met in the City of Logan, Tuesday, September 19th, according to arrangements made at their last meeting, October 23, 1911, making the third Tuesday in September of each ensuing year the regular meeting day at Logan.
The veterans coming east were met at the depot on the arrival of train No. 150 by the veterans already assembled, accompanied by the Logan and Holden bands.
Hon. J.B. Wilkinson announced that arrangements had been made for the veterans to march to the skating rink, where the business session would be held, after which dinner would be served to all veterans at the hotels Jefferson and Buskirk, complimentary tickets having been given to confederates and their wives and daughters present.
The meeting adjourned to meet at 12:30 p.m. at the court house where the Sons of Veterans and the teachers and pupils of the Logan Public Schools fell in line and marched through the business section of the city. The entire procession again marched to the skating rink and was ably entertained for a short time by Hon. J.B. Wilkinson, who in turn introduced Brig. Gen. Wayne B. Ferguson of the 2nd Division of West Virginia, U.C.V., who after delivering an interesting address introduced the Hon. Thos. H. Harvey of Huntington. Amid great applause, Judge Harvey recalled the story days of the Sixties and as a closing remark to his comrades, who must soon follow the great leader, quoted Jackson, “Let us pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.” Col. J.R. Miller, a “rebel” from the “Southland” was next introduced by Judge Wilkinson, who remarked that “the best of the reunion was now coming.” Col. Miller delivered an able and interesting address lasting 45 minutes, which was enjoyed by all present.
On motion Comrades Hugh Avis, Andy Perry, Simpson Ellis, Henry Mitchell and Thos. H. Harvey were selected as delegates to represent Camp Straton at the annual reunion in Moorefield, Hardy county, W.Va., October 9, 1912.
On motion Col. J.R. Miller, Hon. Thomas H. Harvey and Gen. Wayne B. Ferguson were made honorary members of this camp.
Mrs. J.E. Robertson and Mrs. Lou G. Buffington were unanimously extended a vote of thanks for their untiring efforts in securing … mandant, a vote of thanks was given to all visiting members, also all Sons of Veterans and Daughters United Confederacy.
After a vote of thanks by the Company to Judge Wilkinson and Mrs. Nighbert for their kind hospitality the meeting adjourned to meet at Logan, September 16th, 1913.
The roster of Camp Straton No. 1633 on September 17th, 1912 is as follows:
M.D. Stone, Commandant
Astynanyx McDonald, First lieutenant
James I. Dingess, Second lieutenant
Geo. Scaggs, Third lieutenant
Hugh Avis, Orderly Sergeant
James R. Henderson, Adjutant
W.D. Garrett, Chaplain
Jas. Allen, Asst. chaplain
Privates:
Isaac McNeely
David Hale
Wm. C. Lucas
Joseph Evans
L.D. Berry
James Marcum
F.M. Collins
Lewis Brewster
Hiram Pridemore
Jos. Wm. Spence
C.A. Staten
Marion McCoy
Boss Mangus
Wm. D. Nelson
M.A. Doss
Joe Accords
Hiram Burgess
Richard McCallister
John R. McCoy
Allen J. Sheppard
Anse Hatfield
Moses D. Tiller
E.J. Stone
J.A. Ellis
Ben Curry
W.E. Cary
Riley F. Hager
J.K. McNeely
F.D. Ferrell
Hubbard Williams
Noah Barker
Rush Floyd
Simpson Ellis
Anthony Bryant
John Dempsey
W.H. Whitman
David Hicks
M.A. Robinson
Beverlly Spencer
F.S. Vickers
Jas. C. Varney
Levi Lowe
John A. Lawson
I.G. Berry
Dave White
Boliver McDonald
A.J. Perry
Alvin Hall
Joe Lowe
J.C. Chapman
Wm. L. Stollings
H.C. Runyon
Christopher Davis
N.B. Sanders
Wesley Reed
Floyd S. Barker
Henry Mitchell
W.B. Moberly
John Thompson
Wm. N. Stone
Gordon Riffe
S.P. Vernatter
J.W. Martin
Green Thompson
John White
J.W. Dempsey
L.D. Starr
Anse Farley
W.E. Carey
T.B. Farley
John Messer
Joseph Mitchell
Harmon White
Harrison White
Luke Curry
J.W. Blevins
L.D. Stollings
Gord F. Lilly
John Wallen
H.H. Ray
Obed Workman
Calvin Bias
Mat Pauley
William H. Ellis
Reuben P. White
J.S. Miller
Andy Lee
George Crump
John W. Haldron
Wm. Blackburn
Thos. H. Harvey
L.D. Chambers
Aaron Adkins
Giles Davis
J.R. Miller
Wayne B. Ferguson
Making a total of 91, 81 of which were present today against 83 last year.
If any member desires to have his name enrolled in the records of Camp Straton, send name and address to T.B. Stone, Secretary, Camp Straton, Kitchen, W.Va.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 19 September 1912.
***
Notice
To The Sons of Veterans:
The Sons of Veterans will meet in Logan on the first day of the October term of Court. All members are requested to be present.
Don Chafin.
Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 3 October 1912.
***
Confederate Reunion
Veterans of Camp Straton.
You are hereby requested to attend our annual reunion at Logan C.H. on Tuesday, September 16th at 2 o’clock p.m. for the transaction of important business.
Program of exercises will be given out in due time.
M.D. Stone, Commander
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 5 September 1913.
***
Logan (WV) Banner, 19 September 1913. Photos from 23 October 1911.
NOTICE
To the Officers and Members of Camp Stratton, No. 1633, U.C.V.
You are hereby notified that a meeting will be held at the Courthouse at Logan, at 2 o’clock, P.M., on April 30th, 1914, for the purpose of selecting delegates to attend the reunion at Jacksonville, Fla., May 6, 7, and 8th, 1914, and to attend to such other business as may come before the Camp.
Our Camp is entitled to three delegates and three alternates.
Your fraternally,
M.D. Stone, Commandant
Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 10 April 1914; 24 April 1914.
Logan (WV) Banner, 24 April 1914. Photo from 23 October 1911.
29 Sunday Oct 2017
Posted in Big Harts Creek, Cemeteries, Civil War, Lincoln County Feud, Pecks Mill, Warren, Whirlwind
Tags
10th Kentucky Cavalry, Anderson Blair, Appalachia, Aracoma, Barbara Kovach Morris, cemeteries, Chapmanville District, civil war, Confederate Army, Dingess Cemetery, Harts Creek, history, John Blair, John S. Blair, Logan, Logan County, Logan County Banner, Pecks Mill, photos, Polly Blair, Pop Dingess, Tommy Isaacs, Upper Hart, West Virginia
Anderson Blair, son of John S. and Polly (Baisden) Blair. Photo posted online by Barbara Kovach Morris.
Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 9 January 1890. During the Lincoln County Feud, Anderson Blair was a justice of the peace in Chapmanville District, Logan County, WV. His district included Upper Hart.
Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 14 August 1895.
Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 17 April 1902.
Dingess Cemetery, Pecks Mill, Logan County, WV. June 2016. John Blair and Tommy Isaacs installed the military headstone in May of 2014.
29 Sunday Oct 2017
Tags
Appalachia, Chillicothe, civil war, Confederate Army, genealogy, history, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Logan Wildcats, Lucille Bradshaw, Main Street, Ohio, Tabernacle Baptist Church, W.S. Bradshaw, West Virginia, Winnifred Bradshaw
From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this story dated August 15, 1913:
Rev. W.S. Bradshaw, Pastor of the Baptist Church, and his wife, are now housed in the historic and stately Ragland property on Main street. Their two charming daughters, the Misses Winnifred and Lucile, are due to arrive in Logan tonight from a stay-over at Ironton and Huntington, since the departure of their parents from Chillicothe, O., where the Rev. was pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church. In this acquisition Logan has gained another estimable family, whose field of usefulness is bounded only by their ability and willingness. Pastoral work in Logan, however, is, in many respects, far different than in the Buckeye State, and it will take a few weeks to acquire our set ways and methods, and then a few weeks to get “down to the real business.” The Baptist congregation, usually the largest in Logan, has not had regular services since Rev. Richardson’s resignation several months ago, and the membership has become somewhat scattered. It is up to Rev. Bradshaw to bring the congregation up to its standard. He comes highly recommended by the Chillicothe press and public, whose loss of a good man and family is Logan’s gain. Their dwelling house here–the familiar old landmark formerly occupied by the reverend, aged couple Major and “Grandma” Ragland–has been remodeled, painted, and decorated. Major Ragland, in years gone by, was one of the founders and editors of The Banner, and was admired, beloved, and reverenced by everybody in Logan county, young and old alike. We have at this office a few old photo prints of the late Major Ragland, taken in front of the home a short time before his death. Those desiring them will be supplied gratis while the limited supply lasts. Major Ragland was leader of the famous “Logan Wildcats” of Civil War times, and the more we say of him, the more sacred his name and memory becomes, as it takes us back into those historic days bathed in blood and bitter strife. Rev. Bradshaw and family are indeed fortunate to secure this sacred homestead, and to mingle with the memories of those historic events, centered about the mortal life and career of the now immortal Major Ragland.
Source: “Rev. Bradshaw and Ragland Memories,” Logan (WV) Banner, 15 August 1913.
19 Tuesday Sep 2017
Tags
11th Georgia Regiment, 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry, Andrew Lewis Sias, Battle of Funkstown, Battle of Gettysburg, Brandon Kirk, Chaney House, Chester, civil war, Confederate Army, Funkstown, General Hospital, Georgia, H.D. McDaniel, Hagerstown, Hammond General Hospital, history, J.E.B. Stuart, Jerusalem, John Buford, Keller Home, Maryland, Pennsylvania, photos, Phyllis Kirk, Point Lookout, Potomac River, Robert E. Lee, Seminary Hospital
My great-great-great-grandfather Andrew Lewis Sias participated with the 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry (Co. D) under Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart at Gettysburg and was thereafter captured (according to one military record) on July 8, 1863 in Funkstown, MD. He was held at Seminary Hospital in Hagerstown, MD, then admitted to General Hospital in Chester, PA, on September 17, 1863. He was thereafter sent to Hammond General Hospital at Point Lookout, MD, on October 4, 1863. 9 April 2015. Photo by Mom.
The Battle of Funkstown, a Confederate victory, occurred shortly after the Battle of Gettysburg. My ancestor missed this battle, having already been captured. 9 April 2015.
Originally named Jerusalem in 1767, the town was incorporated as Funkstown in 1840. 9 April 2015.
Major H.D. McDaniel of the 11th Georgia Regiment was treated here at the Keller Home after the Battle of Funkstown (July 10, 1863). Mr. McDaniel survived the battle and later became governor of Georgia. 9 April 2015.
Part of the Keller Home. 9 April 2015.
Dozens of beautifully-designed old residences are yet visible in Funkstown. 9 April 2015.
Funkstown’s population was 904 in 2010. 9 April 2015.
Most of my favorite old structures in Funkstown were located on this street. 9 April 2015.
13 Wednesday Sep 2017
Tags
Appalachia, Aracoma Baptist Church, Aracoma Cemetery, Camp Straton, civil war, Confederate Army, Henry Clay Ragland, history, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Logan Wildcats, photos, West Virginia
THE OLD HISTORIC AND SAINTED RAGLAND HOME IN LOGAN: Now parsonage of the Aracoma Baptist Church, where the remains of the late “Grandma” Ragland lay in state, in the exact position of her late husband, the last night in this city, before they were finally laid to rest in Aracoma cemetery, beside those of the beloved “Major” Henry Clay Ragland. The Major is shown at the left, grasping the “Logan Wild Cats” Battle Flag, said to be the only flag of the Confederacy that was never captured. Photo taken Oct. 22, 1906, at the annual Reunion of Camp Straton Confederate Veterans, composed of surviving members of the “Logan Wild Cats” and others of this section. Mr. Ragland was Commandant. Privates numbered 106. Logan Banner, 24 April 1914.
07 Thursday Sep 2017
Posted in Big Sandy Valley, Civil War, Timber
Tags
Abel Segur, Abraham Lincoln, Appalachia, Arthur I. Boreman, Bill Smith, Burlington, Cabell County, Cassville, Catlettsburg, Ceredo, Charleston, civil war, Confederate Army, crime, David Bartram, David Frasher, Department of West Virginia, deputy sheriff, G.W. Brown, Gallipolis, Gallipolis Journal, George Crook, Greenbrier County, Guyandotte, history, Ironton Register, Isaac Bloss, J.W. Merricks, Jack Meadows, Jefferson Davis, Jim Turner, John B. Bowen, John W. Holt, Kentucky, Logan County, Monroe County, Ohio, Ohio River, Pete Jeffers, Pike County, Pocahontas County, Point Pleasant, Raleigh County, sheriff, The Weekly Register, Tug Fork, Union Army, Wayne County, Webster County, West Virginia, Wheeling Intelligencer, William Wirt Brumfield
Below are several dispatches relating to the Civil War and immediate post-war era in Wayne County, West Virginia. These dispatches appeared in pro-Union newspapers.
Wheeling Intelligencer, 21 January 1865
WEST VIRGINIA AS A PLACE TO LIVE. I could not conscientiously recommend any one to come here now to live, although investment in farms will surely be profitable. The trouble now, chiefly, is that the guerrillas have broken up their organization, if they ever had any, and scattered into small squads to rob and steal. A schoolmistress, passing along a lonely road not far from Ceredo, was robbed of all her money, the amount she had just received for three months’ teaching, by three ruffians. A few nights ago men went to the house of a quiet farmer, one mile from Ceredo, and robbed him of a few dollars, all he had, and boots and some clothing. Some of the citizens keep arms in their houses, and intend to use them if visited in that way. One of these shot one of a gang of six one night not long ago, but became frightened himself, and ran off, giving the robbers a chance to take their wounded companion away. He has not been troubled since. Geo. Crook, commanding the Department of West Virginia, has issued a circular notifying the people that they must organize for their own protection, and recommends them to hunt the bushwhackers and kill them. Governor Boreman offers to furnish arms and ammunition. It will be done, and the guerrillas will decrease every week, I hope.
The Weekly Register (Point Pleasant, WV), 26 January 1865
GIVING THEMSELVES UP. — We learn that Lieut. Samuels, brother of Judge Samuels, formerly Adjutant General of this State, recently came into Wayne county, accompanied by a dozen or fifteen other rebel soldiers, all of whom took the amnesty oath. They say they are tired of fighting for nothing and freezing to death.
Wheeling Intelligencer, 21 February 1865
A GUERRILLA MURDER. We learn from citizens of Wayne county, who arrived yesterday, that a few days ago a guerrilla murder was committed at Ceredo, on the Ohio river in that county. It appears that a gang of men, under command of the notorious Bill Smith, came down to Ceredo and entered the house of Jack Meadows, a citizen, shot him through the heart, drove his wife and children out of doors, and set fire to the premises. Mrs. Meadows who fortunately armed with a revolver, shot one of the guerrillas dead and seriously wounded another, but not until one of her legs had been broken by a blow with a gun in the hands of one of the rebels. The rebels having completely destroyed the house of Mr. Meadows, and with all its contents, fled to their hiding places, leaving their dead companion unburied. Mrs. Meadows and her children were taken to Catlettsburg, Ky., where she still remains.
Wheeling Intelligencer, 23 February 1865
GUERRILLAS. — During the debate yesterday in the House of Delegates, upon the bill to provide for the better organization of the State Guards, some horrible pictures were presented of the condition of the loyal people of the border counties. Mr. Ferguson said that every part of the county of Wayne on the Ohio river, was held by guerrillas. In the county of Cabell only one two, Guyandotte, was held by the Federal troops. The rebels have their headquarters up in Logan county, and they make forays down toward the Ohio river, stealing, murdering and devastating the country. They enter the houses of loyal people and steal household furniture and bed clothing, and frequently strip women and children of wearing apparel and leave them in an actual state of nudity. Mr. Wells, of Raleigh, and Mr. Gregory, who represents Webster and Pocahontas, gave similar accounts of the condition of things in their respective localities.
Gallipolis Journal, 2 March 1865
CEREDO, WEST VIRGINIA. — Since the breaking out of the rebellion, “I give bread” town has been subjected to many vicissitudes. Its prospects when projected, in 1854, and later, was that of a great manufacturing city. Early in 1862, many of the Yankee citizens anticipated the coming storm, and either disposed of their property or left it to the despoiler. At one time it had a regiment quartered in its midst, but of late no troops have been nearer than Guyandotte. Disloyalty has cropped out under drunkenness and personal hate, until one’s life is endangered at any moment. Guerrillas and rebel sympathizers occupy the principal houses vacated by the owners. Not a public building stands untouched. The window and door frames, flooring and every sleeper of the hotel have been torn out and burned up. The dismantling of the steam saw mill and Glass Factory have long since been accomplished. Night is made hideous by the continued debaucheries of certain desperate characters, such as Jack Meddows and Pete Jeffers. There is not a loyal family left in Ceredo.
The Weekly Register (Point Pleasant, WV), 9 March 1865
A correspondent of the Ironton Register, writing from Burlington, O., says: The murder of Jack Middaughs, at Ceredo, on the 13th inst., was attended with some circumstances that deserve mention. The guerrillas surrounded his house before he knew of their presence. Then with a single revolver he drove them a little, wounding two of them. His wife then seized the revolver and threatened them, while Jack made his motions for escape. It was then that the rebs pressed forward to get up the stairs, Mrs. Middaugh standing at the head. Jim Turner was in advance, and finding Mrs. Middaugh in his way, swung his gun and with a blow smashed her foot. She then shot him through the breast, and he fell. At this moment Jack sprang down the stairs knocking down all in his path. He got out and nearly reached the woods, when he was met by three or four mounted men, who surrounded and killed him. — There were thirty-five men in the gang, with Smith, and it would be safe to say that twenty of them were at the house. Through this crowd Jack heroically fought his way and would have escaped but for the guards near the woods. The treatment of Mrs. Middaugh was barbarous in the extreme. It has been equaled only by the cruelties practiced by the Indians in the early times in this country. After she was disabled they took her and her children out, and made her lie down upon the ground, half dressed, refusing to permit her to get a single article from the house, while they were setting fire to it. On that bitter cold night of the 13th of February, in her condition, she was compelled to remain until the savages left. The conduct of this heroic woman is duly appreciated by the citizens of Catlettsburg and they have generously provided for her and her little ones.
Wheeling Register, 6 June 1865
The following resolutions were passed at a meeting of the citizens of Wayne county, West Virginia, held at the Court House on the 18th ult.:
WHEREAS, Our country is just emerging from civil war, which has laid waste our fields and drenched the land in fraternal blood; and
WHEREAS, It is to the interest of all to restore permanent peace and harmonize the elements necessary to a well regulated society; therefore, we, the people of Wayne county, in Mass Meeting assembled, do Resolve:
1st. That in the preservation and perpetuity of the principles set forth in the Constitution and Government of our fathers, we most sincerely and devoutly acknowledge an all wise Providence, who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and the common Father of us all; and we will, in time to come, rely implicitly upon Him for His protection and guidance.
2d. That it is the duty of every individual to lend his active aid and energy to the establishment of civil law, both State and National, and to its enforcement for the protection of life, liberty and property.
3d. That we justify and approve the Amnesty of President Lincoln. Its results have been beneficial, and the croakers and fault finders of the policy are morally arrayed against the Government and its best interest, and are not found among those who have fought its battles and borne it through the ordeal of war with success.
4th. That we concur in the convention called by the citizens of Greenbrier and Monroe, to meet at Charleston on the third day of June next, for the purpose of suppressing the lawless persons, and the restoration of order throughout the State, and do appoint and constitute Messrs. Abel Segur, John B. Bowen, R. Banton, and Isaac Bloss as delegates to represent Wayne county in said convention.
W.W. Brumfield, President
J.W. Merricks, Secretary
Wheeling Intelligencer, 25 April 1866
AFFAIRS IN WAYNE COUNTY. Cassville, Wayne Co., W.Va., March 23d, 1866. To the Governor of the State of West Virginia: Dear Sir: — After respects, I wish to call your immediate attention to some facts, as follows: Sometime last Spring you commissioned me as a notary public, and I was sworn and gave bond as the law directs. I am also assessor of the 2d district of Wayne county. I live and keep my office in Cassville; and it is with extreme difficulty and under great danger and hard threats that I am getting along. My entire neighborhood is rebel with the exception of old Squire Bartram and his boys, one of whom is our high Sheriff and another Capt. David Bartram our deputy Sheriff. I have forborne for a long time calling for men and arms, thinking the rebels would quiet down; but sir, we cannot execute the civil law unless something is done. We have been beaten by mobs and shot at on the streets and dared to help ourselves. They say they can’t have power, and we shan’t have it. Now, Governor, I suggest and absolutely insist that a company of one hundred volunteer militia be raised for our protection. The rebels say if you call out the militia, they will be in the majority but we do not want more than one hundred men. Our county is mostly quiet except around Cassville. A commander and company is not necessary for the enforcement of civil law in the lower end of the county. If in your judgment you see fit to commission and arm men, I would suggest that William Shannon be commissioned Captain. He is an honorable and upright man and knows something of both civil and military matters. Further, that David Frasher be commissioned as Lieutenant, to be stationed at Cassville. We must have from 25 to 50 men here in Cassville, or else we must get out of here. This is the landing place for all lumber that comes down Tug river. Those big buck rebels come down in time of high water sometimes by dozens from Logan county and from Pike county, Ky., with their navies [revolvers] buckled around them, hurrahing “for Jeff Davis,” cursing the Government, cursing Union men, and then we have to get out. Sir, I frequently see men come in here who are indicted for murder in Kentucky, defying everybody. Not more than eight miles from here, as some of the Home Guards were on their way home from being paid off a company of rebels fell on them and beat and abused them severely, calling the party “damned abolitionists,” and swore they would not submit to our laws. A few days ago they gathered in here and raised a riot with our Sheriff, and fell on him with clubs and weights and tried to kill him and his brother. His brother ran into my house for protection. They stoned my window out, knocked two panels out of my door and nearly killed my little child. If you see fit to protect us send the commissions immediately. The men can be raised in a few days. Send full instructions and special orders. You may send arms if you think proper, for there will be no doubt about recruiting the men immediately. We have plenty of guns here which belong to the State that can be gathered up. This company should be armed with revolvers instead of guns. I refer you to Major Brown [Col. G.W. Brown, Q.M. General], the man who came here and paid the home guards. He formed some acquaintance with me when he was here, also with Shannon and Lieut. Frasher. Yours, with respect, John W. Holt.
19 Wednesday Jul 2017
Tags
34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry, 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, Battle of Curry Farm, Benjamin F. Curry, Big Buffalo Creek, Blountsville, Brandon Kirk, Brandy Station, Cabell County, Carroll District, civil war, Confederate Army, Curry Chapel, Curry Chapel Cemetery, Curry Farm, Duval District, George A. Holton, Granville Curry, Hamlin, Hamlin Chapel, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Hurricane Bridge, Isaac Jackson, James A. Holly, Jeremiah Witcher, John L. Chapman, John S. Witcher, John Scites, John W. Harshbarger, Lincoln County, Logan County, Mathias Kayler, Milton, photos, Phyllis Kirk, Pound Gap, Raleigh County, Russell County, Sheridan, Straight Fork, Tennessee, Union Army, Virginia, West Virginia, West Virginia Division of Culture and History, White Hall, William A. Holstein, William C. Mahone, Winchester
This entry compiles information relating to the Battle or Skirmish at Curry Farm, which occurred as part of the War Between the States in May of 1864 at Hamlin in present-day Lincoln County, WV. It is a working entry and will be updated based on the discovery of new information.
On May 29, 1864, Confederates commanded by Captain John L. Chapman of Company B, 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry, attacked a detachment of the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, Company G, commanded by 1st Lt. John W. Harshbarger at Curry Farm near Hamlin in present-day Lincoln County. H.H. Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia, compiled in c.1883, provides the only known account of the battle: “The Federals had marched from Hurricane Bridge and were proceeding up Mud river when they were fired upon by the Confederates, who were concealed on the opposite side of the river. The Federal commander at once ordered a charge and the Confederates retreated without loss. The Federals had one killed, a man named Mathias Kayler from Raleigh county, and two wounded — one being Isaac Jackson, who was shot through the left arm; and another, a member of Company K” (98-99).
Prior to the battle, on May 10, 1864, Capt. John Chapman had been sent with a detachment of dismounted men from the area of Russell County, Virginia, into Cabell and Logan counties “to gather up absentees and deserters from the 34th Battalion” (Cole, 80). Capt. Chapman had been wounded in action at Brandy Station, Virginia, on August 14, 1863 and at Blountsville, Tennessee, on March 10, 1864 (Cole, 147).
Isaac Jackson, one of the two Union soldiers wounded at Curry Farm, was a private in Company G, 3rd WV Cavalry, formerly commanded by Captain John S. Witcher (who had been promoted to major in April 1864). Hardesty cites Mr. Jackson as “wounded in action at Currys Farm, May 29, 1864” (98). Following the battle, on July 6, 1864, 1st Lt. Harshbarger was promoted to captain of Company G. On December 7, 1864, an Adjutant General’s Report shows Company G, 3rd WV Cavalry, stationed near Winchester, VA. The muster roll shows 108 names, citing Private Isaac Jackson as “Wounded in skirmish, May 5, 1864. In hospital since this date.” (Note how this record provides a different date of his wounding from the date provided by Hardesty, who compiled his history about 1881.) http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwayne/roster3G.htm
Curry Farm, according to Hardesty, was located 1/4 mile above Hamlin (Hardesty, 90, 98).
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History has recently erected this historical marker on Curry Farm. 12 November 2017. Photo by Mom.
Capt. John Chapman left Cabell and Logan counties and rejoined the 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry in the vicinity of Pound Gap, Virginia, by the end of June 1864 (Cole, 82).
Capt. John W. Harshbarger (1836-1909) is buried here: https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=35761174
Selected Sources:
Scott C. Cole, 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry (Lynchburg, VA: H.E. Howard, Inc., 1993) 80, 82, 121, 147.
Michael Graham, The Coal River Valley in the Civil War (Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2014) 150-151.
Some modern writers have misunderstood the Battle of Curry Farm as occurring at the Curry farm located four miles north of Hamlin on Big Buffalo Creek, near Hamlin Chapel (later Curry Chapel). Hamlin Chapel is important for the role it played in the creation of Lincoln County in 1867. “The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held on the 11th day of March, 1867, in what was known as Hamlin chapel, an old church which stood on the Curry farm, about one-fourth of a mile above the present county seat. There were present: William C. Mahone, of Carroll District; John Scites, of Sheridan, and William A. Holstein, of Duval. W. C. Mahone was made president, and Benjamin F. Curry, clerk, the latter giving bond in the penalty of $2000, with James A. Holly and Jeremiah Witcher as his securities. It was then ordered that the Board of Supervisors have the White Hall, a Southern Methodist church one-fourth of a mile below where the county seat now stands arranged for holding the courts until the proper buildings could be erected, George A. Holton and a majority of the trustees consenting thereto” (Hardesty, 90-91). Curry Chapel no longer stands but its former location can be found near the intersection of Route 1 and Route 3/11 above the mouth of Straight Fork of Big Buffalo Creek.
Curry Chapel Cemetery, 18 July 2017. The battle did not occur here.
Granville Curry grave, 18 July 2017. Photo by Mom. The battle did not occur here.
![IMG_7076[1]](https://brandonraykirk.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_70761.jpg?w=529)
Curry Chapel Cemetery, north of Hamlin. The battle did not occur here. Instead, it occurred just to the left of the [3] in the above map.
15 Thursday Jun 2017
Posted in Big Harts Creek, Civil War, Halcyon, Native American History, Queens Ridge, Shively, Spottswood, Stone Branch, Warren, Whirlwind, Yantus
Tags
Albert Thornton, Alice Dingess, Alonzo, Anna Adams, Appalachia, Battle of Cloyd's Mountain, Beatrice Adams, Ben Adams, Bob Dingess, Brown's Run, Browns Run School, Buck Fork, Buck Fork School, Bud Dingess School, Bulwark School, Chapmanville District, civil war, Cole Adams, Confederate Army, Conley School, Crawley Creek, Daisy Dingess, Dalton School, Dave Dingess School, Dixie Mullins, E. Burton, East Fork, Ed Dalton, education, Edward Chapman, F.M. McKay, Fisher B. Adkins, Fisher Thompson, genealogy, George Doss, George Mullins School, Harts Creek, history, Hoover School, Howard Adams, Hugh Dingess School, Ina Dingess, Ivy Branch School, J.A. Vickers, J.L. Thomas, John Conley, John Dingess, L.D. Stollings, Lee Dingess School, Limestone Creek, Local History and Topography of Logan County, Logan County, Lower Trace School, Manor School, Marsh Fork, Melvin Plumley, Middle Fork, Native Americans, Pigeon Roost, Piney School, Reuben Conley, Road Fork, Rocky School, Sallie Dingess, Smokehouse Fork, Stephen Hart, Striker School, T. Doss, Thelma Dingess, Three Fork School, Tim's Fork, Timothy Dwight, Twelve Pole Creek, Ula Adams, Union Army, West Fork, West Virginia, White Oak School, Workman School, World War I
Teachers identified the following schools in Chapmanville District of Logan County, WV, and offered a bit of local history in 1927:
Dave Dingess School, est. 1814
Ula Adams, teacher
One room frame school
“Harts Creek derived its name from Steven Harts, said to have been killed by Indians on the creek.”
Striker School, est. about 1874
Edward Chapman, teacher
One room frame building
Three Fork School, est. 1878
One room frame building, originally a log house
Nine Confederate veterans live here: George Doss, T. Doss, L.D. Stollings, Ed Dalton, Ruben Conley, John Conley, Ben Adams, E. Burton, Melvin Plumley. A Union veteran lives here; he originated elsewhere. Three branches of Crawley Creek are Road Fork, Middle Fork, and Pigeon Roost. Alonzo is the local post office.
Bulwark School, est. 1880
Robert Dingess, teacher
One room frame building
“All fought on the Confederate side” during the Civil War. One man gained great merit from our district as a marksman with the American marines during World War I.
Lee Dingess School, est. 1891
Cole Adams, teacher
One room frame
Five local men served in the Confederate Army.
Browns Run School, est. 1892
Ina Dingess, teacher
One room frame building
“Sent several soldiers to help the South.” The fork is named for a Brown who lived at its mouth.
Buck Fork School, est. 1894
No teacher given
One room frame building
A Church of Christ exists nearby. Three local men served in the Confederate Army. One local soldier lost both hands in World War I.
Ivy Branch School, est. 1895
Anna Adams, teacher
Albert Thornton was the first teacher here. “Trace Fork received its name from the original road leading to Twelve Pole Creek.”
Hugh Dingess School, est. 1897
Sallie Dingess, teacher
One room frame building
Conley School, est. 1897
J.L. Thomas, teacher
One room frame building
The first house built on Smoke House Fork at its mouth had no chimney for quite a while and smoked badly.
Dalton School, est. 1897
Thelma Dingess, teacher
One room frame building
“This district furnished a lot of Civil War veterans and played her part.”
Bud Dingess School, est. 1904
Beatrice Adams, teacher
One room frame building
“East Fork named on account of its being the most Eastern fork of Harts Creek.” One local soldier served in the Confederate Army.
Hoover School, est. 1910
Howard Adams, teacher
One room frame building
A Christian Church exists in the vicinity. Four local men served in the Confederate ARmy. “Harts Creek named from Steven Harts murdered by Indians.” Three boys went from here and one was wounded at the battle of Argonne.
George Mullins School, est. 1910
Dixie Mullins, teacher
One room frame building
“Buck Fork named from large number of male deer on creek.”
Rocky School (no date)
Daisy Given Dingess, teacher
References an Indian mound on Pigeon Roost where tomahawks, arrowheads, etc. can be found. Indian burial ground.
Under the Tim’s Fork entry, it says that John Dingess was killed in battle at Cloyd’s farm. Tim’s Fork is named for Timothy Dwight, who lived there.
Lower Trace School, est. 1919
Alice Dingess, teacher
Two room frame building
“Sent several soldiers to help the South.” Also, “Harts Creek named from Steven Harts.”
Piney School, est. 1921
F.M. McKay, teacher
One room building
No permanent churches exist locally; people meet occasionally in one of the school houses. Four local men served in the Confederate Army. “Piney was named because of so much pine growing there.”
White Oak School, est. 1922
Fisher Thompson, teacher
One room rented frame building
Manor School, est. 1923
Located at Limestone
Workman School, est. 1924
Fisher B. Adkins, teacher
One room frame building
Marsh Fork derived its name from the marshy land near its mouth.
Source: Local History and Topography of Logan County by J.A. Vickers (Charleston, WV: George M. Ford, State Superintendent, 1927).
14 Wednesday Jun 2017
Tags
36th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, African-Americans, Appalachia, Battle of Kanawha Gap, Big Creek, Big Creek School, Burley Stollings, Buzzard Hill, Chapmanville District, Chapmanville School, Charles I. Stone, civil war, Confederate Army, Crispin Stone, Daisy Pettit, Daisy School, Dare Devils, Ed Stone School, Edith Richardson, education, Fort Sumter, French Dingess, Garrett Fork, genealogy, George Hill, Godby Branch, Guyandotte River, history, Holden, Hugh Thompson School, Hugh Toney, J.A. Vickers, J.G. Beymer, John Conley, John Garrett, John Godby, John stone, Kitchen School, Lane School, Local History and Topography of Logan County, Logan County, Lot W. Adams, Mabel Lowe, Native American History, Native Americans, Pigeon Mountain, Poplar Camp Creek, Prudential Coal Mine, Rosa Barker, Sid Ferrell, Simon Girty, Spanish-American War, Stone Branch, Stone Branch School, Thomas Huff, Thomas School, Union Army, Vette, Violet H. Agee, West Virginia, World War I
Teachers identified the following schools in Chapmanville District of Logan County, WV, and offered a bit of local history in 1927:
Big Creek School, est. 1852
Edith Richardson, teacher
Big Creek School was built of logs in 1870. Crispin S. Stone taught the first free school in his kitchen in 1870. A log building was erected the next year by the people. A Baptist Church exists here as of 1906. Many soldiers of the Civil War served from here. Two are still living. George Hill of Holden served in the Spanish-American War. Sid Ferrell of Big Creek was wounded in World War I when he left the trenches ahead of his command. The first merchant started here in 1904. Prudential was the first coal mine, just below here, in 1905. The first gas well was drilled here in 1909. Big Creek was formerly named “vette.” On the left of Big Creek (stream) looking downstream is Buzzard Hill and on the right is Pigeon Mountain. Pigeon Hill was named due to the great number of pigeons resting there. Big Creek was formerly called Poplar Camp Creek from a surveyor’s camp made of logs. The town was pretty well built up since 1902.
Lane School, est. 1887
Mable Lowe, teacher
Two room frame building
Four Confederate soldiers and one Union soldier lived here during the war. Garrett Fork was named for John Garrett, an old soldier.
Under the entry for Godby Branch: Godby Branch was named for John Godby. Old settlers claim that Simon Girty who married an Indian squaw lived on Godby Branch for several years. He cut his name on a large beech tree that fell in 1890. John Godby told the story.
Chapmanville School, est. 1892
Lot W. Adams, teacher
Four rooms and two outside rooms
There is a large Indian mound in Chapmanville. French Dingess reportedly fired the first gun at Fort Sumter. The Guyandotte River was reportedly named from the Indian word meaning “narrow bottoms.” Company D, 36th Virginia Infantry, known as the Dare Devils, organized here in May 1861 with Charles I. Stone as captain. Later it combined with Co. C, 36th Virginia Volunteer Infantry and was known as the Logan Wildcats with Hugh Toney as captain. The Battle of Chapmanville Mountain was fought in the fall of 1861 here. Major Davis was wounded and captured and his original is still kept by his relatives. He charged fifty cents a month per pupil and the textbooks were free. A large beech and a large white oak plainly marked a corner trees on the Thomas Huff 850-acre survey made on June 3, 1784.
Stone Branch School (colored), est. 1902
Violet H. Agee, teacher
Kitchen School, est. 1905
Uses three one-room buildings
John Stone said there were a few straggling bands of Indians here when he came to Stone Branch in 1807 but committed no depredations after he settled. John Stone taught the first school in this district and maybe in the county at Stone Branch in 1812. The textbooks were made by him with goose quill pens.
Hugh Thompson School, est. 1916
J.G. Beymer, teacher
One room frame building
A school house erected in 1916 was blown down in a heavy storm, killing John Conley, an old citizen who had taken shelter under the floor. The house was not used for school this year but was rebuilt the following year.
Ed Stone School, est. 1919
Rosa Barker, teacher
One room frame building
One Confederate soldier lived here during the war.
Thomas School, est. 1919
Burley Stollings, teacher
One room frame building
Two Confederate soldiers lived here during the war.
Daisy School, est. 1920
Daisy Pettit, teacher
One room frame house
Source: Local History and Topography of Logan County by J.A. Vickers (Charleston, WV: George M. Ford, State Superintendent, 1927).
09 Friday Jun 2017
Posted in Civil War, Culture of Honor, Hatfield-McCoy Feud
Tags
45th Virginia Infantry, Appalachia, Cap Hatfield, Charleston, civil war, Confederate Army, Devil Anse Hatfield, E.R. Hatfield, Ellison Hatfield, feud, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mate Creek, West Virginia
Logan (WV) Banner, 14 January 1921
04 Sunday Jun 2017
Tags
Appalachia, Aracoma, Ashland, civil war, clerk, George E. Bryan, history, Island Creek, Joseph A. Dempsey, Kentucky, lawyer, Logan, Logan County, Ralph Steel, Stuart Wood, Tazewell County, Virginia, West Virginia, William Straton
On October 7, 1890, William Straton, former clerk of Logan County, (West) Virginia, provided a deposition in a timber lawsuit. His deposition includes valuable recollections of his life during the Civil War and of the destruction of Logan County’s courthouse and records. So here it is:
Then came William Straton, another witness introduced by the plaintiff, being of lawful age and being by me first duly sworn deposes and says in answer to the following questions:
State your age, residence, and occupation?
I am 69 years old, and live at Logan Court House, W.Va., and am a lawyer.
State if you know who was clerk of the County Court of this County from 1861 to 1865?
I was the clerk during that time.
Did you have any deputy in said office during that time? If so, who?
I had a deputy, George E. Bryan. I might have some other deputy but if I did I have forgot all about it.
Which stayed in the office and attended to the business during that time, and especially in 1862, you or your said deputy George E. Bryan?
I was about the office myself very little during the year 1862, or any other time during the war. My deputy George E. Bryan stayed about here and about home more than I did, and during all of that time there was but little business done in the office anyway. It appears to me that it was in the winter 1862 and 1863 that they burned the Court House and clerk’s office.
What become of the records of marriages kept in said office in 1862?
There were some books such as deed books and order books carried to Ralph Steel’s on Island creek in the summer of 1861 and put there for safe keeping. But I don’t think the record of marriages was taken there but was left in the clerk’s office with most of the books and papers belonging to said office. I was not here at the time but the common understanding afterwards was that all the books and papers were burned.
State if you know whether the said George E. Bryan is dead or living and if living where is he at this time?
The last I knew of him he was living at Ashland, Ky. I have never heard of his death.
Cross Examined.
Where did you live during the latter part of 1862 and the year 1863?
I lived at Logan Court House.
Where did your family live during that time?
Here.
When was it you speak of taking your family from here to Tazewell Co., Virginia?
I took my family, I think it was, in November 1862 as refugees to the County of Tazewell.
How long did your family remain there?
Until the fall of 1865.
And further this deponent saith not.
Source: Stuart Wood v. Joseph A. Dempsey (1889), Logan County Circuit Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV.
25 Thursday May 2017
Posted in Cemeteries, Civil War, Logan, Pecks Mill
Tags
Appalachia, Blacksburg, Brandon Kirk, cemeteries, civil war, Confederate Army, Edge Hill, genealogy, history, J.E. Peck, Logan, Logan County, Mary C. Peck, Peck Family Cemetery, Pecks Mill, photos, Phyllis Kirk, Virginia, West Virginia
J.E. Peck grave, Pecks Mill, Logan County, WV (2017). Photo by Mom.
05 Friday May 2017
Posted in Hamlin
Tags
8th West Virginia Infantry, Appalachia, Battle of Boone, Battle of Rocky Gap, Boone County, Cabell County, Charles Spurlock, civil war, Dicie Spurlock, Elijah Elkins, Eliphus Spurlock, farming, genealogy, Hamlin, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Laurel Hill District, Lena Spurlock, Lincoln County, Logan County, Martha Elkins, Martha Spurlock, Methodist, overseer of the poor, Pattison Spurlock, preacher, road surveyor, Selpha Spurlock, Stephen Spurlock, Union Army, West Virginia
From “Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Rev. Eliphus Spurlock, who resided in Laurel Hill District in Lincoln County, West Virginia:
Is a son of Charles and Lena (Hager) Spurlock, who came to Lincoln county in 1798. He was born in Cabell county, May 11, 1824, and in Boone county, (now) West Virginia, in 1853, he was joined in marriage with Selpha, daughter of Elijah and Martha (Elkins) Elkins, residents of Boone county. She was born in Logan county, (now) West Virginia, in 1834, and is the mother of three children living in Lincoln county, and one dead: Martha, born February 14, 1857; Dicie, September 17, 1859; Stephen, April 30, 1862; Pattison, May 8, 1864, died November 29, 1866. Mr. Spurlock enlisted in the war between the States in September, 1861, serving in the Federal army, in the 8th West Virginia Infantry, and was in the battles at Boone, Scary, Maryland and Rocky Gap. Eliphus Spurlock came to Lincoln county in 1851, and in 1868 he was overseer of the poor in this county, as well as road surveyor. He is an ordained Methodist minister, and was on the Hamlin circuit one year, in 1866, as a supply, but has since been a local Preacher. Beside ministering the gospel, Mr. Spurlock is engaged in farming in Laurel Hill district, owning 60 acres of land, upon which there is a good orchard of apple, peach, and pear trees, and a part of the land is timbered with oak and chestnut. He may be addressed at Hamlin, Lincoln county, West Virginia.
Source: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Vol. 7 (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), p. 141-142.
27 Thursday Apr 2017
Tags
Albert M. Adkins, Appalachia, civil war, coal, Confederate Army, Cosby J. Adkins, Fourteen, Fourteen Mile Creek, genealogy, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Jeremiah Lambert, Laurel Hill District, Lewis Adkins, Lincoln County, Melcina Adkins, Sarah Lambert, Tazewell County, timbering, Virginia, West Virginia
From “Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Albert M. Adkins, who resided at Fourteen in Lincoln County, West Virginia:
At the age of eighteen, enlisted in the late war, in 1862, and bravely did he fight for Virginia and her rights. He served in the Confederate army, was taken prisoner and held ten months. Mr. Adkins was born in what is now Lincoln county, West Virginia, August 27, 1844. His parents are Lewis and Melcina (Hunter) Adkins. In Lincoln county in 1868, Albert M. Adkins wedded Cosby J. Lambert, who was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, in 1843, and whose parents, Jeremiah and Sarah (Hedrick) Lambert, settled in Lincoln county in 1856. A.M. Adkins is one of the farming population in Laurel Hill district, dealing to some extent in lumber, and is the possessor of 400 acres of land, situated on Fourteen-mile creek. A portion of the land is cultivated, and the rest is heavily timbered with oak, poplar, pine, and walnut, and coal and iron ore are found in abundance. Any mail for Albert M. Adkins may be addressed to Fourteen, Lincoln county, West Virginia.
Source: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Vol. 7 (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), p. 138.
19 Wednesday Apr 2017
Posted in Civil War, Coal, Hamlin, Native American History, Timber
Tags
7th West Virginia Cavalry, Allen Spurlock, Appalachia, Battle of Floyd Mountain, Battle of Lynchburg, Battle of New River Bridge, Boone County, Burrell Spurlock, Charles Spurlock, civil war, coal, Eli Spurlock, Elizabeth Spears, Emily Alice Spurlock, Emily Spurlock, Evermont Green Spurlock, farming, genalogy, Hamlin, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Lawrence County, Leander Filmore Spurlock, Lincoln County, Louisa Jane Spurlock, Maria Spurlock, Mary Elizbaeth Spurlock, Mary Spurlock, Methodist Episcopal Church, Native Americans, Ohio, Phoebe Jane Spurlock, Preston Spears, Robert Spurlock, Sarah Ellen Spurlock, Thomas Preston Spears, timber, Union District, Victoria Spurlock, West Virginia, Wirt Spurlock
From “Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Burrell Spurlock, who resided near Hamlin in Lincoln County, West Virginia:
Son of Eli and Mary (Cummings) Spurlock, was born in Boone county, (now) West Virginia, April 14, 1833, and in Lincoln county, January 7, 1857, he wedded Phoebe Jane, daughter of Preston and Elizabeth (Haskins) Spears. The children of this union number twelve, born as follows: Emily, December 17, 1858, died February 21, 1859; Louisa Jane, December 25, 1859; Emily Alice, October 10, 1861, died January 19, 1880; Robert, September 17, 1864; Allen and Wirt, twins, October 25, 1867; Evermont Green, born February 17, 1870; Sarah Ellen, May 20, 1873, died September 22, 1878; Victoria, February 19, 1876; Leander Filmore, June 30, 1878, died December 8, 1878; Maria, March 26, 1880; Mary Elizabeth, July 7, 1883. Mrs. Spurlock was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, June 10, 1840; she has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for fifteen years. A brother of Mrs. Spurlock, Thomas Preston Spears, served in teh late war in the Federal army, and died a prisoner. The subject of this sketch was in the civil war, serving in the Federal army, in Company K, 7th West Virginia Cavalry. He enlisted, March 10, 1864, participated in the battles at Floyd Mountain, New River Bridge, Lynchburg, fighting continuously from Lynchburg to Kanawha valley, and was discharged August 5, 1865. Charles Spurlock, grandfather of Burrell, was born and raised ____. The country then was inhabited mostly by Indians. Burrell Spurlock is a farmer in union district, owning 360 acres of farming land, located on Big Laurel, nine miles from Hamlin. The timber on this land consists of pine, poplar, locust, sugar, maple, beech, hickory, and oak; good orchard; superior cannel and stone coal, and iron ore. Address Mr. Spurlock at Hamlin, Lincoln county, West Virginia.
Source: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Vol. 7 (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), p. 132.
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