Chessie System in Southern West Virginia

15 Tuesday Nov 2022

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Boone County, Ferrellsburg, Holden

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Appalachia, Boone County, C&O Railroad, Chessie System, Ferrellsburg, Goldenseal, history, Holden, Iona Mae Richardson, Jim Mullins, Lincoln County, Logan County, Madison, West Virginia

This model train caboose is one of many made by my great-uncle J.M. “Jim” Mullins, Jr. (born 1932) of Madison, Boone County, WV. He made this particular model for his sister, Iona Mae (Mullins) Richardson of Holden, Logan County. Jim and Mae, the children of a C&O section foreman in Ferrellsburg, Lincoln County, were longtime employees of the C&O and Chessie. Uncle Jim was profiled as “The Caboose Man” in Goldenseal magazine.

Harts News 07.03.1925

27 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Ashland, Big Creek, Harts, Holden, Huntington, Logan, Sand Creek

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Amon Ferguson, Annie Dingess, Appalachia, Ashland, Beatrice Adkins, Big Creek, Bill Porter, Camden Park, Charles Brumfield, Charleston, Fisher B. Adkins, genealogy, Harts, Hendricks Brumfield, Herbert Adkins, history, Holden, Howard Brumfield, Huntington, Ina Dingess, James Auxier Newman, Jessie Brumfield, John Beamins, John McEldowney, Kentucky, Lincoln County, Logan, Logan Banner, Ora Dingess, Robert Dingess, Rosco Dingess, Sand Creek, Shirley McEldowney, singing school, Sylvia Shelton, West Virginia

An unnamed correspondent from Harts in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on July 3, 1925:

Mr. and Mrs. Rosco Dingess of Blair spent the week end visiting friends and relatives at Harts.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dingess of Logan and sister Miss Ina Dingess were visiting relatives at Harts Sunday.

Miss Jessie Brumfield of Harts was shopping in Logan Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Fisher B. Adkins of Harts spent Sunday at Camden Park in Huntington.

Mr. and Mrs. John McEldowney returned to their home at Charleston Sunday after a few weeks visit with friends and relatives at Harts.

Mrs. John Beamins of Holden was the guest of Mrs. Robert Brumfield at Harts Sunday.

Miss Sylvia Shelton of Sand Creek passed through our town Sunday.

Mr. Amon Ferguson of Huntington was calling on Miss Ora Dingess at Harts Saturday and Sunday.

Mr. Charles Brumfield and little son Howard were visiting relatives in Huntington and Ashland, Ky., this week.

Mr. James Auxier Newman of Huntington was calling on friends at this place Monday while eanroute to Big Creek.

People at this place were glad to see Hendrix Brumfield on our streets again.

Rev. Gartin is teaching a successful singing school at Harts. Everybody is invited to come.

Miss May Caines of Wayne was calling on Miss Jessie Brumfield at Harts Sunday.

Herbert Adkins was transacting business in Logan Saturday.

It was a great shock to the people of this place to hear of the death of Bill Porter, for he had a wide circle of friends at Harts.

Harts News 06.19.1925

25 Friday Dec 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Creek, Gill, Hamlin, Harts, Holden, Huntington, Ranger, Salt Rock

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Alva Koontz, Appalachia, Bessie Adkins, Burl Farley, Caroline Brumfield, Charles Brumfield, Charleston, Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company, Elliot Fleur, Ethel Brumfield, Fisher B. Adkins, genealogy, Gill, Grant Cremeans, Hamlin, Hardin Marcum, Harts, Herb Adkins, history, Holden, Huntington, James Auxier Newman, Jessie Brumfield, John McEldowney, Lincoln County, Logan, Logan Banner, Mary Ann Farley, Ranger, Robert Brumfield, Salt Rock, Sylvia Cyfers, Vesta Cyfers, West Virginia

An unnamed correspondent from Harts in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on June 19, 1925:

Mr. Charles C. Brumfield of this place is visiting friends and relatives at Logan and Holden this week.

Alva Koontz and James Auxier Newman of Huntington were seen to pass through this town enroute to Big Creek today.

Mr. and Mrs. Burl Farley of Salt Rock were guests of Mrs. Charles Brumfield at Harts Sunday.

Hardin Marcum and Elliot Fleur, C. & O. operators of Ranger, were calling on Miss Jessie Brumfield Saturday evening at Harts.

Robert Brumfield of this place has purchased a fine new Studebaker car this week.

Mr. and Mrs. John McEldowney and children of Charleston are visting relatives at this place.

Rev. Porter, Minister of the Baptist church, preached an able sermon here Sunday which was largely attended.

Fisher Adkins of Harts made a flying trip to Huntington Sunday.

Miss Jessie Brumfield and __ Adkins were guests of Sylvia and Vesta Cyfers and Miss ____ of Gill Sunday and reported a good time.

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Adkins of Harts and Miss Ethel Brumfield were visiting friends at Hamlin Sunday.

Hon. Grant Cremeans, the Circuit Clerk, and family of Hamlin were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brumfield Friday.

Chapmanville News 11.30.1923

20 Monday Jan 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Creek, Chapmanville, Coal, Holden, Logan

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A.K. Bowling, Appalachia, Bernie Ward, Big Creek, Bill Carper, Bill Cooper, Chapmanville, Charleston, Chester Barker, coal, Dr. J.D. Turner, Fannie Brown, genealogy, Guyan Hospital, Henlawson, history, Holden, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Man, merchant, Molly Conley, O.C. Winters, Oliver Shuff, Oscar Langton, T.A. Rogers, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Pug Nose” and “Let All-Alone Blues” from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following news, which the Logan Banner printed on November 30, 1923:

We are having some rainy weather here now.

Fannie Brown, Miss Daniels and Mrs. Bernie Ward have some attraction in Big Creek, as they go down every evening on 51 and back on 52.

Mr. A.K. Bowling was home Sunday from Man, W.Va.

Mrs. Collins of Holden was calling on homefolks SUnday.

Borned to Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Langton, a fine boy last Friday. Mrs. Langton before marriage was Miss Fannie Brown.

Some one said wedding bells will ring at Henlawson soon.

Mr. Bill Cooper is able to be home from the Guyan Hospital at Logan.

Mr. T.A. Rogers was in Logan last Thursday on business.

We are having lots of new houses built now.

Oliver Shuff is building him a house here.

***

As there hasn’t been any one here writing I will try and see what I can do.

Last week was sad on account of the death of Dr. J.D. Turner. We are much grieved over the loss of him.

Mr. Bill Carper was seriously hurt in the mines while driving. He was caught between two cars. Mr. Carper was taken to the Guyan Valley hospital.

Miss Molly Conley and Mr. Chester Barker were seen coming from church one night last week.

Ferrells and Winters store seems to be doing great business under the general manager, Mr. O.C. Winters.

Combinations: Everett and his sweater; Inez and her dancing; Anna and her apron; Bena and beans; Mrs. A.K. Bowling and her cap; Mrs. Ward and her hotel; Eva and her parcel; Cecil going to Charleston.

Chapmanville News 10.12.1923

14 Tuesday Jan 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Chapmanville, Holden, Logan, Man, Sports

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A.K. Bowling, Annie Ward, Appalachia, Basil Robertson, Bennie Robertson, Bernard Ward, Bob Ferrell, Chapmanville, Charleston General Hospital, Charlie Stone, football, genealogy, history, Holden, Homer Langdon, Ina Barker, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Man, Nell Bryant, Oran Mobley, pie supper, revenue agents, Ula Barker, West Virginia, Willie Boothe

A correspondent named “The Black Cat” from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following news, which the Logan Banner printed on October 12, 1923:

Quite a large crowd attended the musical Saturday night at Ula Barker’s store.

Mr. Bob Ferrell was calling on Miss Barnette Sunday.

A large number was presented at the pie supper Thursday night. It was given by the school. Pies and candy sold well with auctioneer Mr. Charlie Stone, Prof. Stiles and Mr. Eyrial.

There was much excitement here Friday when two of our dry law officers were thrown by the white mule and were seriously wounded. They were taken to the Charleston General Hospital.

We are sure glad to see Ima Nutt back on the job again. We have missed him so much.

Mr. Homer Langdon spent Sunday with his mother of this place.

Mr. Bernard Ward spent Saturday in Holden.

Quite a large crowd attended the party Friday night at Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Ward’s. After an evening of fun, refreshments were served.

Some of our most popular young men have left here and gone to Holden to work.

Mr. and Mrs. N. Muncy returned last week after a few weeks visiting in Virginia. They report a good trip.

Mrs. Annie Ward and Mrs. A.K. Bowling were visiting in Man this week.

Mr. Oran Mabley is seen in Chapmanville pretty often now.

Misses Ina Barker, Bennie Robertson, Messrs. Darnald Stone and Bacil Robertson and Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Ward attended the football game at Logan.

Mr. Willie Boothe and Miss Nell Bryant seem to enjoy themselves walking in the sunshine.

Messrs. Joe Glim and George Ohler returned home after a long vacation.

Recollections of Bert Curry about Timbering on Pigeon Creek, WV (1978)

10 Saturday Aug 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal, Holden, Timber

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Appalachia, Bert Curry, Catlettsburg, coal, Cole and Crane Company, Delbarton, Elk Creek, Henry Ferrell, history, Holden, Island Creek, Island Creek Coal Company, Lando Mines, Lenore, logging, Louisa, Mingo County, Mud Fork, Pigeon Creek, rafting, Rock House, splash dams, timber, timbering, Trace Fork, Tug Fork, Wallace Curry, West Virginia

The following interview excerpt of Bert Curry (born c.1901) was conducted at Lenore in Mingo County, WV, on December 5, 1978.

***

How much money was around back then?

The first public works to come into the Pigeon Creek areas was when Cole and Crane come in to cut all of this virgin timber. All of Pigeon Creek. They built a splash dam at Delbarton, one on Elk Creek, and one on Rock House. They come in here in 1910 and they paid seventy-five cents a day and board for a man to work and he worked from daylight til dark and along later some of their best men, their team drivers… Team drivers had to work extra hours. They’d put them on by the month. I remember my brother-in-law got $35 a month, but he’d have to get up at 4 o’clock in the morning and then after supper he’d have to go out and clean the stable and curry his team and doctor ‘em, anything that had to be doctored and feed ‘em and bed ‘em down of the night.

Where did people get most of their income in those days?

If you had a job it was usually helping somebody cut timber. My first job was fifty cents a day carrying water for seventeen men and I was about twelve or thirteen years old.

Was that for loggers?

Well, these was loggers but my brother Wallace had a big field of corn. He had to grow corn to feed his cattle. He had six yokes of cattle and he used cattle in logging and he’d take a big flour barrel full of corn and them cattle would get around and he’d feed that corn to ‘em. They’d eat a barrel of corn each night and they’d let ‘em… Maybe a little fodder, or once in a while in bad weather they’d give ‘em a little hay. But them cattle, they worked ‘em six days a week haulin’ logs. They was trained to work and them six yokes of cattle was worth more than you could get for… You could buy a beef for $25 at that time but if you bought a good oxen that was broke you’d have to give about $50 for him.

What do you remember about the logging operations?

They was very primitive. They had nothin’ like a chain saw. They had a cross cut saw and they had axes and they had cane hooks and they had their teams of oxen and then some had teams of mules and horses. When Cole and Crane come in here they contracted all the cuttin’ of this timber. All the haulin’ it and puttin’ it into the creeks where the waters from the dams would take care of it. They had several contractors. They’d contract a whole boundary, maybe 500 or 1000 acres of timber to cut, and it was all virgin timber. It took six yoke of oxen or two to three big span of mules or horses to pull a tree. They didn’t cut it up into logs like they do now. They cut the whole tree and they didn’t take anything less than 16 inches up to the top. They’d be from 5 to 7 feet down where they cut them off and some of them would be 100 feet long and I’ve seen gorges of logs in Pigeon Creek they claimed had 5,000 trees in it. For a mile it’d be piled up bank to bank as high as they could pile. They’d work sometimes with all the teams they could get around them for three weeks a breaking one gorge. And when they got it to the Tug, they’d raft it. Sometimes they’d raft them and sometimes they would drift them down to the locks at Louisa before they’d raft them and they never went past there. They’d raft them there and then take tug boats and haul them from there to Cincinnati.

How did you raft them? I’m not familiar with that.

They had what you call chain dogs, a little chain about that long (indicates about 12 inches) with a spike on each end. They’d drive a spike in this log here and in this log (indicates two logs laying side by side) to hold it together, one at the front and one at the back, and they’d be oh maybe they’d be 50 feet wide and two or three hundred feet long, the rafts would. Maybe they’d have two or three rafts. One steamboat would be pullin’ maybe two or three rafts.

The logs wouldn’t drift apart?

They’d drive them spikes. Them spikes was about that long (indicating about six inches) and they’d drive them in there and it took a whole lot to pull ‘em out.

Did they work in the winter time, too?

Oh yes! I’ve seen fellers wade Pigeon Creek when they mush ice was a floatin’ and when they’d have to get back in the water to thaw before they could walk.

Was the creek deeper then or about like it is now?

It was more even. They had water all the time but they didn’t have as many severe floods as they have now because this was all covered with timbers, all of everything. See, this mulch in these forests held the water and let it leak out. It didn’t run off like it does now.

The water flow was more evened out this year around?

More evened out. But when they’d have a splash dam at Delbarton, one on Rockhouse up at Lando Mines and one in the head of Elk Creek, they’d time these. They’d know how long it took the water to run from Elk Creek, and they knowed how long it took the water to run from Rock House, and they knowed how long it took the water to meet. They’d try to have them all three come out at once so that they’d have a vast big sudden increase in water. You could look up the creek when they’d splash and you could see a wall floatin’ and a turnin’ in and everything.

And that was to wash the logs out?

Yes, well they washed them out to Tug River that way. That’s the way they got them out of Pigeon Creek.

Do you remember when Island Creek first came into the area?

No. Island Creek first come in about 1901. That was over there. They started when two young fellows come from New York in there looking for oil, to prospect for oil, so they could invest some money. And some old man had a mine open right where No. 1 Island Creek mine is and he was a haulin’ coal with a mule—a mule and a sled. He’d go back in there and he’d haul coal out—a big seam of coal six foot high and good and clean. So they decided that there was where they could make their money. So they got to talkin’ with these fellows and they went and got lawyers and they bought around Holden and Trace Fork and up Mud Fork and a vast area. I don’t know how much: 79,000 acres for 470,000 dollars. And fellows like Henry Ferrell, he counted timber so long. To count timber you have men a goin’ through and selecting the trees and one man a tallying. They’d make a mark on a tree when they’d count it, and the fellow with the tally sheet, he kept the numbers. He said they’d count timber a while and said then they had more money than they had brains. To spend that much money for that much land—470,000 dollars—and he said they put up a band mill and cut the timber and sold the timber and built their camps and sold enough lumber to pay for all of it. They got their coal and their land free. Just cut the timber and sold it and got their money back. People thought they were foolish for paying that kind of prices. Buying some of them farms out with all that timber for thousand dollars—that sounded like an awful lot of money. They didn’t have any money. They weren’t used to money. You worked for fifty cents a day. $1000 seemed like a whole lot.

Halcyon News 09.22.1922

12 Tuesday Feb 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek, Halcyon, Holden

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Appalachia, Burl Dingess, Caney Branch, Charles Gore, education, Everett Dingess, genealogy, Halcyon, Harts Creek, Hattie Dingess, history, Holden, Ira Gore, Joe Gore, Lee Dingess, Logan Banner, Logan County, moonshine, teacher, W.W. Gore, West Virginia

A correspondent named “Aunt Meg” from Halcyon on Harts Creek in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on September 22, 1922:

Times are good and everybody happy and gay in the old town, but as some of us have never purchased our winter shoes our toes have begun to smell jack frost.

There is some town gossip that Everett Dingess will return to Pennsylvania with his wife and baby where he has spent a few years.

Miss Hattie Dingess has left our town and will teach school on Caney for a few months.

Our home school is progressing nicely under the supervision of Mr. Chas. Gore as teacher. His motto is: “Do good and leave moonshine alone.”

Pete, you walk as if you had spent your past few days in the White House. Has she gone back on you?

Mr. Ira Gore and Burl Dingess made a hurried trip to Holden last week. Boys, what’s your hurry?

Mr. W.W. Gore of Holden spent the weekend with his brother, Joe Gore, of this place.

I wonder why Lee Dingess rides so fast up the hill on his way to the ‘ville. Ask Kris. She knows.

Harvest time has come, boys. Shake off your sleepiness and go to work.

Good luck to the Banner and readers.

Mingo Oak near Holden, Logan County, WV

18 Tuesday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Holden, Timber

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Appalachia, history, Holden, Jill Baisden, Logan County, Lowe Mountain, Mingo County, Mingo Oak, photos, Rum Creek, timber, West Virginia

This tree was an old landmark on near Holden in Logan County, WV. The owner of this photo thought this photograph was taken on Lowe Mountain in the head of Rum Creek, Logan County, WV. Photo courtesy of Jill (Mullins) Baisden.

For more information, go here: https://www.wvencyclopedia.org/articles/1833

Levisa Hatfield (1927-1929)

03 Monday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Holden, Huntington, Logan, Matewan, Pikeville, Wharncliffe, Women's History

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Abraham Lincoln, Appalachia, Barnabus, Ben Creek, Betty Caldwell, Betty Hatfield, Bob Hatfield, C.C. Lanham, Cap Hatfield, Charles Dardi, Charleston, deputy sheriff, Devil Anse Hatfield, E. Willis Wilson, Elias Hatfield, Elliott R. Hatfield, F.M. Browning, Fayette County, feud, genealogy, governor, Halsey Gibson, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Henry D. Hatfield, Hibbard Hatfield, history, Holden, Huntington, Island Creek, J.O. Hill, Jim McCoy, Joe Hatfield, John Caldwell, John J. Jackson, Johnson Hatfield, Kentucky, L.W. Lawson, Levicy Hatfield, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lundale, Marion Browning, Mary Howes, Mate Creek, Matewan, Matilda Chafin, Mingo County, Nancy Carey, Nancy Mullins, Nathaniel Chafin, Omar, Pike County, Pikeville, Pittsburgh, pneumonia, R.A. Woodall, Randolph McCoy, Rebecca Hatfield, Rose Browning, sheriff, Tennis Hatfield, Tom Chafin, Troy Hatfield, Tug River, W.R. Eskew, West Virginia, Wharncliffe

The following news items from the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, provide some history about the final years of Levisa Hatfield, widow of Anse Hatfield:

MRS. HATFIELD BETTER

Mrs. Levicy Hatfield, widow of Ance Hatfield, continues to recuperate from a serious illness and is now able to walk about the home of her daughter, Mrs. F.M. Browning, of Holden, where she has been cared for. She is 84 years old.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 03 June 1927

***

Mrs. Hatfield Hurt

Mrs. Lovisa Hatfield, widow of the late “Devil Anse” Hatfield, is suffering from injuries received in a fall at her home on Island Creek Sunday. She hurt her hip and shoulder and forehead and her condition was such as to cause some concern, yet she was able to sit up yesterday. Two or three of her daughters are helping to take care of her. She is 85 years old.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 20 September 1927

***

DEVIL ANSE’S WIDOW, AGED 86, RECOVERS FROM PNEUMONIA

In recovering from her recent severe illness Mrs. Levisa Hatfield, widow of the late “Devil Anse,” has again demonstrated her remarkable vitality. Though in her 87th year, she is now recovering from pneumonia with which she was stricken on December 28. Monday of this week her lungs began to clear up, and her son, Sheriff Joe Hatfield, said yesterday that she seemed to be assured of recovery.

So critical was her illness for several days that half a dozen physicians were summoned to her bedside. These included Dr. H.D. Hatfield, L.W. Lawson, J.O. Hill, Brewer and Moore as well as Dr. E.R. Hatfield, of Charleston, a son of the aged patient.

Mrs. Hatfield celebrated her 86th birthday at the Hatfield homestead near the head of Island Creek on December 20.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 18 January 1929.

***

Devil Anse’s Widow Died Early Today

Mrs. Levisa Hatfield Succumbs Unexpectedly In 87^th Year

10 Living Children

Hers Was Life of Storm And Stress for Several Decades

Funeral services for Mrs. Hatfield will be held at 2:30 Sunday at the Hatfield cemetery on Island Creek.

Mrs. Levisa Hatfield, widow of “Devil Anse” of Hatfield-McCoy feud fame, died at the family homestead up near the head of Island Creek at about 8 o’clock this morning. Though she was frail and had been in ill health all winter, the news of her passing caused much surprise and regret among relatives and friends outnumbered. Still, her condition yesterday was unsatisfactorily, indicating she had suffered a backset.

Mrs. Hatfield celebrated her 86^th birthday on December 20. Eight days later she was stricken with pneumonia, and for several weeks her condition was alarming. Despite her advanced age, her indomitable grit and wiry strength and endurance triumphed, having as she did the tender, constant care of her children and other kinfolk, neighbors, and friends.

Hers was a stout heart, otherwise it could not have, withstood the storms that raged about her home and her family for many years. But long before her interesting career ended, peace and contentment had come into her life, and her declining days were brightened by the successes that had come to her children and grandchildren.

The decedent was born and reared on Mate Creek in what was then Logan county but now in Mingo. She was a daughter of Nathaniel Chafin. In her teens she was married to a neighbor youth, William Anderson Hatfield, who shortly thereafter entered the Confederate army and attained the rank of captain. That was a trying experience for a bride, but a longer and more terrifying one came in the early ‘80s when her family became involved in a now historic private war with the McCoys, a large family living on the Kentucky side of the Tug River. Even after the feud ended and a tacit agreement was carried out whereby her family moved back from the Tug and over the county divide and their foes went farther away from the Tug in the opposite direction, tragedies cast their shadows across her pathway. Chief of these was the slaying of her sons Troy and Elias by a drunken miner in Fayette county in 1911. The miner, too, was riddled with bullets after his victims had fallen mortally wounded.

Ten children survive Mrs. Hatfield and three are dead, Johnson, the oldest, having died in 1922 on Ben Creek, Mingo county. The living are: William A. (Cap), who shared with his father the leadership of their clan in the days of the feud, now a deputy sheriff and living at Stirrat; Robert L., Wharncliffe; Mrs. Nancy Mullins, living just above the Hatfield place; Dr. Elliott R., Charleston; Mrs. Mary Howes, at home; Mrs. John (Betty) Caldwell, Barnabus; Sheriff Joe D. Hatfield; Mrs. Marion (Rose) Browning, Holden; Willis, deputy sheriff at Lundale; Tennis, former sheriff.

She is survived by two sisters and a brother: Mrs. Betty Hatfield, widow of Elias Hatfield and mother of U.S. Senator H.D. Hatfield; Mrs. Rebecca Hatfield, of Logan, mother of Hibbard Hatfield, and Tom Chafin, who lives on Mate Creek.

Mrs. Hatfield and devoted to her home and family. And her home as well as herself was widely known for hospitality. There the friend or wayfarer ever found a welcome. She was a member of the Church of Christ and was baptized along with her husband by Uncle Dyke Garrett some years before her husband’s death.

No announcement was made this forenoon as to the funeral arrangements. Squire Elba Hatfield, a grandson, said he supposed the funeral would be held Sunday. Burial will be in the family cemetery.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 15 March 1929

***

Great Crowd At Funeral of Mrs. Hatfield

Throng Surpassed That of Any Previous Funeral In County

Pictures Are Taken

News of Death of “Devil” Anse’s Widow Travels Far and Wide

Hundreds of relatives and friends and neighbors paid their last tribute of affection to Mrs. Lovisa Hatfield Sunday afternoon. It is declared to be, by persons capable of judging, the largest funeral crowd ever assembled in the county. Perhaps the maximum attendance of the afternoon was no larger than that at the funeral of Charles Dardi last November, but on Sunday people were coming and going for an hour or more before the hour set–2:30–for the services and until the services were concluded.

Early in the afternoon a crowd began to form both at the Hatfield cemetery and the homestead. A cool, steady, stiff breeze made it uncomfortable for those who gathered at the cemetery, with the result that they did not tarry long there; and on account of weather conditions a great many did not leave their cars, which were closely parked along both sides of the highway from Sheriff Joe Hatfield’s home up to and beyond the home of the decedent.

The attendance at Sunday’s rites exceeded that of the funeral of Mrs. Hatfield’s widely known husband, “Devil Anse,” which was held on Sunday, January 9, 1921. At that time there was but a semblance of a highway up toward the head of Island Creek and most of those who attended the rites of the old feudist chieftain rode on a special train that was run that day or walked for a great distance.

At the homestead there were scripture readings, sermons, and tributes by Rev. Joe Hatfield, a nephew of the decedent, of Matewan; Rev. Halsey Gibson and Rev. C.C. Lanham, pastor of the first Methodist church of Logan. Before the cortege left the house R.A. Woodall, local photographer, took pictures of the body at rest in a beautiful metallic casket and of the grandchildren and perhaps others who were grouped on the porch.

At the grave the services were conducted by Rev. W.R. Eskew of Omar and a solo by a Mr. Woods of Huntington featured the singing. Mr. Eskew paid a tribute to the generosity and hospitality of Mrs. Hatfield, to her love of home and her devotion to her children and other loved ones.

As related in Friday’s paper, Mrs. Hatfield died at about 8 o’clock that morning, after having nearly recovered from pneumonia. Her age was 86 years, two months and 25 days. She was a daughter of Nathaniel and Matilda Varney Chafin and was born on Mate Creek, now in Mingo county. Her sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Hatfield of Huntington , Mrs. Nancy Carey, Pittsburgh, and Mrs. Rebecca Hatfield of Logan, and her brother Tom Chafin of Mingo were at the funeral.

All over the country the news of Mrs. Hatfield’s death was flashed and it called forth much comment on the old Hatfield-McCoy feud that for a long time held the close attention evidently of millions of newspaper readers.

—

An old sketch of “Devil Anse” says he had none of the attributes of “bad men” in his character. He was always recognized as a loyal friend of the many who had some sort of claim to his friendship. Numbered among those who believed he had been right in the position he took during the feud days were the late Judge John J. Jackson, known as the “Iron Judge,” who was appointed to the federal bench by President Lincoln, and the late Governor E.W. Wilson, the former protecting Hatfield when he was called into court, and the latter refusing to honor a requisition of the Governor of Kentucky for the arrest of Devil Anse on a charge of killing some particular member of the McCoy family.

Detectives, real and alleged, had arranged for the capture of Hatfield, spurred by a reward, after they had seen to it that he was indicted on a charge of whiskey selling; in 1888, Judge Jackson, hearing of these plans, sent word to him that if he would appear in court voluntarily the court would see that he had ample protection until he returned to his home in this county.

Uncle Anse appeared and was acquitted of the charge against him. Some of the detectives pounced on him soon after he left the court room, but Judge Jackson summoned all of them before him, threatened to send them to jail, and directed special officers to see that Hatfield was permitted to reach his home. After Hatfield was well on his way, Judge Jackson told the detectives that if they wanted to get him they could proceed, just as the McCoys had been doing for a number of years. They never went.

Captain Hatfield spent the last 20 years of his life peacefully on his farm then in an isolated section of the county. Once he was prevailed upon by some enterprising amusement manager to go on the vaudeville stage but the lure of his home in the mountains soon proved stronger than the lure of the footlights.

—

In the splendid account of the death of Mrs. Anderson Hatfield, estimable woman who passed away at her home Friday, it was stated that Mrs. Hatfield was one of the last of either the Hatfield or McCoy family directly connected with the feud and that all the McCoy principals are believed to be dead. This last is in error as James McCoy, who resided in Pikeville for many years and latter came here, where he lived with his family for a number of years, and after the death of his wife only a few years ago again returned to Pikeville and is now living there. He is a highly respected and esteemed citizen and was the eldest son of the late Randall McCoy, of Pike county, and was one of the main principals of the feud.

Catlettsburg cor. in Huntington Advertiser

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 19 March 1929.

Confederate Pensions in West Virginia (1929)

24 Monday Sep 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Big Creek, Big Harts Creek, Boone County, Civil War, Crawley Creek, Holden, Logan, Man, Pecks Mill, Whirlwind

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A.B. White, A.L. Browning, A.V. Pauley, African-Americans, Andrew Jackson, Appalachia, Band Mill Hollow, Big Creek, Boone County, C.H. Gilkinson, civil war, Confederacy, Confederate Army, Crawley Creek, Curry, Dave Bryant, Dyke Bryant, Dyke Garrett, Ethel, genealogy, Gettysburg, Green Thompson, Harrison White, Harts Creek, Harvey Chafin, Henlawson, Henry Mitchell, history, Holden, House of Delegates, Hugh Avis, J. Matt Pauley, Jackson McCloud, James Zirkles, John Bryant, John Neece, Joseph Lowe, Judy Bryant, Kistler, Leslie Mangus, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lucinda Spry, M.T. Miller, Madison, Man, Martha Jane Smith, Melvin Plumley, Mingo County, Monaville, Mt. Gay, Pecks Mill, preacher, Shegon, Slagle, slavery, Steve Markham, Stollings, Union Army, W.C. Turley, Wade Bryant, Wayne County, West Virginia, Whirlwind, William C. Lucas, William Chafin, William Workman, Zan Bryant

In 1929, the State of West Virginia nearly opted to allocate a monthly pension to its Confederate veterans, as well as blacks who had served the Confederate Army in service roles. In covering the story, the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, compiled a list of its remaining Confederate veterans.

HOW MANY VETERANS?

A pension of $20 a month is provided for Confederate veterans of the state by a bill passed by the Senate last week and sent in the House for concurrence. Senator M.T. Miller, of Boone county, who said he could not vote to pension men who had carried arms against their government, cast the only vote against the proposal.

A Charleston paper says there are only about 60 Confederate veterans living. This paper cannot believe that, although it has no information on the subject. How many are there in Logan county? Does anyone know? Has anyone an approximately correct list? If so, will he or she make the fact known? Uncle Dyke Garrett probably knows most of them.

The Banner would like to obtain a list of both Confederate and Union veterans still living in the county, together with their post office address.

Source: Logan Banner, 26 February 1929.

***

AS TO OLD SOLDIERS

The Banner’s request for information about old soldiers living in Logan county has not been in vain, nor has the response been satisfactory. The names of four confederate veterans have been turned in, as follows:

Rev. Dyke Garrett, Curry, beloved and venerable minister; William Workman, Shegon, who fought at Gettysburg and is now 88; Steve Markham, Holden No. 20, who has been blind for 20 years; and William Chafin, who lives with his son Harvey, at Holden 5 and 6.

Who are the others? Send in their names and addresses and any information you deem of interest concerning their careers as soldiers and citizens. The same information about Union soldiers, residents of the county, is likewise desired.

Logan Banner, 5 March 1929.

***

PREPARING THE ROLL

Another name has been added to the list of old soldiers that The Banner has undertaken to compile. Reference is to J. Matt Pauley, residing in Band Mill Hollow, post office Stollings. He was in the Confederate army, fought throughout the war and was wounded, writes Mrs. A.V. Pauley of Ethel. He is of the same age as Uncle Dyke Garrett.

The names of four survivors of the War Between the States, all living in Logan county, were published in Tuesday’s paper. There must be others. Who are they?

Today, W.C. Turley brought in a list of eight Confederate veterans, including the following new names: Wm. C. Lucas, Big Creek; Henry Mitchell, Henlawson; Hugh Avis, Green Thompson and John Neece, Logan; Harrison White, Pecks Mill.

Logan Banner, 8 March 1929.

***

On Confederate Roll

Two more names have been added to the roll of Confederate veterans that The Banner is preparing. These are James Zirkles of Man, whose name was sent in by Leslie Mangus, of Kistler, and Zan Bryant of Whirlwind, whose name was recalled by County Clerk McNeely. Are there not others besides nine or ten previously published?

Logan Banner, 12 March 1929.

***

Confederate Veterans Living Here Number at Least 17

There Are Probably Others–Will You Help to Enroll Them–All Merit the Tender Interest of Younger Folk

Seventeen names of Confederate soldiers, residents of the county, have been collected by The Banner. Wonder if any have been overlooked, or if the appended list is in error in including any Union veterans? If any reader knows of a Confederate soldier not listed here, please send in the name and address AT ONCE. There will be no further request or reminder.

This paper undertook to make up a list of these old soldiers for two reasons. Chief of these was a desire to prevent any of them being overlooked in case a bill to pension them was passed by the legislature–but the writer does not know yet whether or not that bill was enacted into law. Another reason for assuming the task was to test in a limited way a statement in a Charleston paper that there were only 60 Confederate veterans left in the state. That statement was doubted, and with good reason judging from the number polled in this county. Anyhow, the ranks have become terribly thinned. Every few days we all read of taps being sounded for another one here and there.

Middle-aged men and young folk should esteem it a privilege to do something to brighten the lives of these old soldiers. As the years roll by our pride will increase as we recall our acquaintance with and our kindness toward the “boys of ’61 and ’65.”

Here is the list. Look it over, and if there is a name that should be added or a name that should be stricken out, or any error or omission that should be corrected or supplied, speak up:

James Zirkles, Man; Zan Bryant, Whirlwind; J. Matt Pauley, Ft. Branch; Uncle Dyke Garrett, Curry; William C. Lucas, Big Creek; Henry Mitchell, Henlawson; Hugh Avis, Green Thompson and John Neece, all of Logan; Harrison White, Pecks Mill; Melvin Plumley, Crawleys Creek (post office not known); William Workman, Shegon; Steve Markham, Holden No. 20; William Chafin, No. 5 and 6.

Logan Banner, 15 March 1929.

***

Two Names Added Confederate Roll

Bill to Pension Them is Defeated By Parliamentary Tactics in House

Names of two more Confederate soldiers living in the county have been sent to The Banner. They are: C.H. Gilkinson, minister, resident of Holden, who was born and reared in Wayne county, and is the father of Dr. L.W. Gilkinson. Jackson McCloud, a resident of Whirlwind on Harts Creek. His name was supplied by A.L. Browning of Monaville, who says he feels sure that Mr. McCloud was in the Confederate service and fought at Gettysburg.

Assuming both names should be added to the roll, it means that there are at least 19 Confederate veterans still living in Logan county, seventeen names having been listed and published a week ago.

For many of them there will be disappointment in the information that the bill to pension them did not pass. Sponsored in the Senate by ex-governor A.B. White, the son of a Union soldier, the bill passed, that body, Senator M.T. Miller of Madison casting the only vote against it. In the House of Delegates it was amended, by a majority of one, to include Negroes, whether slave or free, who had served in the Confederate army of cooks, personal servants, or otherwise, and later tabled.

Source: Logan Banner, 22 March 1929.

***

Slagle Man 17th in Confederate List

Zan Bryant Probably Oldest Veteran In County–Born in Jackson’s Time

Joseph Lowe of Slagle is the latest name to be added to the list of Confederate veterans that has been compiled by The Banner. However, that leaves the count at 17, as the name of Melvin Plumley of Crawleys Creek was erroneously included in the published list. He was a Union soldier, it seems.

Of all those listed Zan Bryant of Whirlwind must be the oldest. He is said to be 98 years old and his wife, Judie Hensley Bryant, 91. They have been married for 75 years and have a son, Dave Bryant, who is 73. There are five other children, Dave, John, Wade and Dyke all live on Harts Creek, most of them near their parents; Mrs. Martha Jane Smith at Gay, and Mrs. Lucinda Spry of Mingo county.

This venerable couple have spent all their years in the isolated Harts country, their home being on White Oak fork, and can be reached only by a long horseback ride.

When Zan was born Andrew Jackson was president and Logan county as a political subdivision was but five years old. He was 23 years old when married and 30 when the War Between the States began.

Logan Banner, 26 March 1929.

Recollections of McKinley Grimmett of Bruno, WV 1 (1984)

31 Friday Aug 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Coal, Dingess, Guyandotte River, Holden, Logan, Man, Timber, Wyoming County

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African-Americans, Alva Grimmett, Appalachia, Austin Grimmett, Baileysville, Big Cub Creek, Bruno, Buffalo Creek, Christian, Cole and Crane Company, Devil Anse Hatfield, Dingess, Edith Grimmett, education, Elk Creek, Ettie Grimmett, farming, genealogy, general store, Green Perry, Guyandotte River, Guyandotte Valley, Henderson Browning, Henderson Grimmett, history, Holden, Horse Pen Mountain, Johnny Grimmett, Landsville, Lilly Grimmett, Logan, Logan County, logging, Madison Creek, Mallory, Man, McGuffey Readers, McKinley Grimmett, Mingo County, Mud Fork, Nancy Grimmett, rafting, Ralph Grimmett, Rose Grimmett, Sand Lick, Sanford Grimmett, Slater Hatfield, Tennis Hatfield, Thomas Hatfield, Tilda Hatfield, timber, timbering, Travis Grimmett, Verner, Walter Buchanan, West Virginia, whooping cough, World War I, Wyatt Belcher, Wyoming County

McKinley Grimmett was born on November 30, 1896 to Henderson and Nancy (Hatfield) Grimmett at Sand Lick, Logan County, WV. On May 14, 1916, Mr. Grimmett married a Ms. Plymale, who soon died, in Logan County. One child named Alva died on June 21, 1919 of whooping cough, aged fourteen months. His World War I draft registration card dated September 12, 1918 identifies him as having blue eyes and light-colored hair. He was employed by Mallory Coal Company at Mallory, WV. On November 13, 1919, he married Matilda “Tilda” Hatfield, daughter of Thomas Hatfield, in Logan County. He identified himself as a farmer in both of his marriage records. During the 1920s, he served as a deputy under Sheriff Tennis Hatfield.

The following interview of Mr. Grimmett was conducted at his home on July 17, 1984. In this part of the interview, he recalls his family background and early occupations. Logging and rafting in the Guyandotte Valley are featured.

***

Would you mind telling me when and where you were born?

Right here. I was born about a mile up above here. I was borned in Logan County. The post office was Christian at that time. Christian, WV. It’s changed now. They throwed Christian out – it was over here at Christian – and they throwed it out and moved it over here to Bruno. Christian went… The mines stopped over there. And that’s where I was born, right here at Bruno, Logan County. Been here all my life.

What day were you born?

November 30, 1896.

Who were your parents?

Henderson Grimmett and Nancy Hatfield Grimmett.

What kind of work did they do?

They did logging work. All they had that day and time. Mule teams and ox teams.

Where did your dad do his work?

All over Logan County.

Did he have his own farm?

Oh yeah. Yeah.

How big was his farm?

It was about 287 acres.

Can you describe his house?

Well, the house was a two-story building. But he never did get… He took the fever and he never did get the upper story, all of it completed. He died at a very early age of 74. He put him up a little store. Got ahead a little bit. Had a store here. Come down and bought this place off Walter Buchanan and he deeded his five kids the homeplace up there. And then he stayed on it from ’21 to ’29. He died 19^th day of January, 1929.

Who were your mother’s parents?

Oh, Lord, I can’t… Slater Hatfield was her daddy’s name. And I don’t know my grandma. My daddy, now they both was born in Wyoming County. Baileysville or somewhere in there. I think my mother was born over there in Big Cub Creek. She was a Hatfield. I don’t know where…

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

I had three brothers and three sisters. Sanford was the oldest one. Austin and Johnny. They’re all dead. I’m the only one that’s living. All my three sisters… Lilly was the oldest one, and Rose was the next one, and Ettie was the youngest. They’re all dead. All of ‘em but me.

Were you educated in Logan County schools?

Yeah, that’s all we got. Free schools. I believe we started off about three months out of the year. Right over there where that first house is sitting – a one-room school house. All of us kids.

What was the last year of school you completed?

I believe it was about 1914, I’m not right sure. ’15.

Did you use the McGuffey Readers?

That’s all we had. And the spelling books. And in the late years, why we had a U.S. history… A small one. Most of it was just about West Virginia. It wasn’t about the whole United States. And geography, we had that. Arithmetic. That was about all we had in free schools. We had to buy them all then. They weren’t furnished.

How did you meet your wife?

She was born and raised over here at Horse Pen in Mingo County. And that’s how we met. We were just neighbors.

What was her maiden name?

She was a Hatfield, too. But now they were… There’s three or four sets of them.

Was her family related to Devil Anse Hatfield?

Well, they was some… Not very close, though, I don’t think.

Which church did you belong to?

I don’t belong to any.

Did you belong to a church when you were younger?

No, never did. If I ever would have joined, I’d have stayed with it.

Do you remember the year of your marriage?

Yeah, I sure do. November 13, 1919.

How many children do you have?

Four. We have two boys and two girls. Travis Grimmett is the oldest. And Ralph, Edith, and Nancy.

What was your wedding like?

Well, we just got married and come right home. At that time, they didn’t have such things, to tell you the truth.

Who was the preacher?

Green Perry. Rev. Green Perry on Elk Creek. Rode a horse back when I went up there to get married. A pair of mules. I rode them mules.

Where did you first live after you married?

Right about a mile above here at the old homeplace.

You have lived here all of your life?

All of our life.

Was it always this populated?

No, no. Wasn’t three or four houses on this creek at that day and time. It was farm land. It’s all growed up now. All them hills was put in corn, millets, and stuff like that. If they couldn’t get a machine to it, they cut it by hand. Some of them raised oats and some of them raised millet, corn. Raised hogs and cattle and sheep and selling ‘em.

Who owned this property back then?

Burl Christian owned this here, but I don’t know… My daddy bought his… A fellow by the name of Wyatt Belcher. Wait a minute. Browning. I can’t think of his name. He lived over here on Christian and he bidded in… It sold for back taxes and he bidded in. Henderson Browning.

What kind of work did you do after you married?

Just the same thing as I worked at before I got married. I first started out – my daddy was a boss for Cole and Crane on this river. I first started out working in the log business. I worked two years at that and then I decided… Mule team – I worked about eighteen months at that. Then in 1913 the coal company started in and I went to work in carpenter work. I helped build all of these houses down here at Landville. The superintendent, we got done, they was wanting to hire men, he give me a job keeping time for a while. And he wanted me to learn to run the drum – that’s letting coal off the hill. I learned it and about the third day I was up there, a preacher was running it, and he told me they’d just opened up and they didn’t have much coal to run off the hill, he told me, that preacher, he rolled out two cards and he said if that preacher fails to go out and work on that side track today you give him one of these cards. Well, I didn’t give him a card. But he come out that evening, the boss did. And he said, did the preacher work. And I said, no he refused. He said, I’ll fix him. He fired him. And I took the job and stayed with it four years and then I got married and then I went to work over here at Christian running a drum and I stayed there 34 years.

When you worked for Cole and Crane, did either of those men ever come up here?

Oh yeah. One of them was. Cole was. I don’t think Crane was ever here. A little slim fella.

Did you get a chance to talk to them?

No, they wouldn’t talk to us working men. They’d talk to the boss. They’d go away from us and talk to theirselves. We just got a $1.10 for ten hours. Eleven cents an hour.

What kind of a person did Cole seem to be?

Well, he knowed how the men was. They’d raft timber and go down this river to Guyandotte. Had what they called locks and dams there to catch the logs. This river was full of logs. He bought timber everywhere. Plumb at the head of it.

Did you ever ride a raft?

Oh, yeah. I went with my daddy. I wasn’t grown.

Can you describe it?

Oh, they’d raft the logs, poplar. Now they didn’t raft hardwoods. They’d sink on them. Some rafts, a big one would be 160 to 200 feet long, about 24 to 26 feet wide. Oar on each end of it. If it was a big raft, they had two men up front all the time plumb in to Guyandotte. I was the second man on it when I got to go out on it. My dad had timber and he rafted it, took it there and sold it. Took what they called dog wedges and cut little basket oaks and rafted them, stringers across ‘em, you know. Lots of people get drowned, too.

Were you ever in an accident?

No, I never was in no big one. I’ve seen about six or eight drown.

Could you describe how it happened?

Oh, if he couldn’t swim, sometimes the best swimmer drowned, you know, if he got under a lot of logs or something. According to whatever happened there with him. He could get out if there wasn’t no logs on top of him no where to hold him under, you know. If logs were on top of him, he was gone. Now about the last ones I seen drowned was two colored people. They was building a railroad from Logan to Man up Buffalo Creek. So we was working on a log gorge down there at the lower end of Landville. And there was four colored men… 1921. Had a saloon up here at Verner. They wouldn’t allow one in Logan County. And they went up there on the 21^st day of December to get ‘em a load of whisky. And they come back… They’d seen white people ride these logs. Some county people would get on one log and ride it plumb to Logan, as far as you wanted to go. And they thought they could ride it. And they got on. Rode ‘em off the gorge and they was running into eddy water and they would hit the back end, it would, and the other end would swarp out and they’d pull out that way. And they got on ‘em with their whisky and everything and two of ‘em got out and two of ‘em drowned.

When you rode the raft to Guyandotte, how did you get back to Logan?

Oh, we had to walk. We’d get a train up to Dingess over here. You know where that’s at? We’d ride down up to there. And then we’d have to get off and walk across the hill there and come right straight out at the mouth of Mud Fork, Holden there, and up another little drain and down Madison Creek down here. And walk… Man alive, our feet would be so sore, I’d be up for two or three weeks I couldn’t walk, my feet would be wore out so.

NOTE: Some names may be transcribed incorrectly.

African-American Schools in Logan County, WV (1927)

21 Tuesday Aug 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Huntington

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A.A. Wright, A.D. Robinson, A.V. McRae, African-Americans, Albert Meade, Anna B. Harris, Anna C. Hunter, Anna Spencer, Appalachia, Aracoma, Ardrossan, Audra Wilson, B.H. Hall, board of education, Bruce Hull, Clara Lee Johnson, Clara Richardson, Clothier, Coal River, Copperas, Cora, Crystal Block, D.E. Hopkins, Daisy Sheffery, Daniel H. Wood, Dehue, Doratha Withers, education, Elaine Ferguson, Elizabeth Creasy, Elizabeth Notter, Elma Phipps, Esta Shriver, Ethel, Ethel M. Page, F.O. Woerner, Flossie Hatfield, Flossie M. Jones, Garlands Fork, Georgia L. Miller, Gertrude Huntsman, Grace V. Reynolds, Harold Starcher, Hatfield, Helen E. Jones, history, Holden, Huntington, I.G. Hollandsworth, Imogene Baker, Ione Hall Cook, Island Creek, J.C. Evans, Jane Walker, John Pelter, Joseph D. Cary, Josephine Vaughan, Laura Griere, Laura J. Bayes, Laurel Hill, Lillian Samors, Logan County, Logan District, Logan High School, Logan Junior High School, Louis Simmons, M. Amelia Brooks, Macbeth, Mary Smith, Matilda Wade, Micco, Omar, Page Hamilton, Peach Creek, Preston A. Cave, Rossmore, Sharples, Slagle, Stirratt, teacher, Theodora Bradford, Thomas Jordan, Virginia Spratt, W.H. Houston, W.H. Huston, West Virginia, Yolyn

New Colored School at Crystal Block LB 08.12.1927 1

Logan (WV) Banner, 12 August 1927.

Logan District Colored Schools LB 08.26.1927 1

Logan (WV) Banner, 26 August 1927. This photo is meant to show the headline of the story; teachers named here are “white.”

Logan District Colored Schools LB 08.26.1927 2

Logan (WV) Banner, 26 August 1927. The list of “colored” teachers begin here and continue in the photos below.

Logan District Colored Schools LB 08.26.1927 3

Logan (WV) Banner, 26 August 1927.

Coal Development on Island Creek (1927)

04 Friday May 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal, Holden, Huntington

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Appalachia, Boston, Cincinnati, coal, F.W. Batcheler, history, Holden, Huntington, Island Creek, Island Creek Coal Company, James D. Francis, Kentucky, Logan, Logan Banner, New York, Norfolk and Western Railroad, Ohio, Pine Creek, Pond Creek, R.S. McVey, Thomas B. Davis, West Virginia

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this story titled “Boston Coal Men Pleased with Island Creek Development–New Town of Pine Creek Planned For,” published on October 25, 1927:

BOSTON COAL MEN PLEASED WITH ISLAND CREEK DEVELOPMENT–NEW TOWN OF PINE CREEK PLANNED FOR

Wish that more of the men at Boston, who talk about “mining camps” could come to West Virginia and see the flourishing cities and towns which dot the coal fields and ride over the hard roads which connect them was expressed Friday by F.W. Batcheler of Boston, treasurer of the Island Creek Coal Company. Mr. Batcheler, for 25 years in his present capacity, had just arrived in Huntington after his first visit to his company’s properties in Logan county and on Pond Creek in Kentucky. He said frankly that the experience had been a revelation to him, familiar as he already was in theory with the activities of his and other companies in these fields, reports the Herald-Dispatch.

Thomas B. Davis of New York, the Island Creek president, who has observed personally the development of the coal fields, was no less enthusiastic than Mr. Batcheler in his comment off the changes which have been wrought since his first visit to Island Creek.

“At first,” he said, “we had to go up the Norfolk & Western, using an accommodation train, and go across the mountains on horseback. Now we can inspect both Pond Creek and Island Creek properties in less time than it took them to get into the field.”

His enthusiasm and that of his fellow travelers was heightened by the fact that the party came to Huntington from Holden, by automobile, in two hours and twenty minutes.

With the president and Mr. Batcheler were R.S. McVey of Cincinnati, vice president in charge of sales, and James D. Francis of Huntington, vice president. Other members of the sales force took part in the inspection visit to the fields.

President Davis spoke in an optimistic strain of business conditions, which he feels are going to continue good despite a “let down” tendency now manifest.

“We can’t go at top speed all the time,” was his comment.

One of the chief points of interest to the inspection party while in Logan was operation No. 22, a new shaft mine which is being opened by the Island Creek company at an outlay of several million dollars.

15-Foot Seam at No. 22

“The shafts are down,” Mr. Davis said, “and we have found a 15-foot seam of coal as good as any found anywhere. The hoists are being raised and the first houses are being built.”

The preliminary housing in the new town of Pine Creek will include about forty buildings. The complete program, the officials explain, includes 600 houses to care for a population of 3,500. To reach this operation a railroad extension was built and a hard road, running for much of the seven-mile distance, was built by the company to connect Pine Creek with Holden.

World War I Draft Registration in Logan County, WV (1917)

29 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Big Harts Creek, Chapmanville, Halcyon, Holden, Logan, Man, Pecks Mill, Shively, Stone Branch, Whirlwind, World War I, Yantus

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A.M. Hall, A.P. Loyd, Amherstdale, Anderson McCloud, Andrew Jordan, Appalachia, Arthur Townsend, Barnabas, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Bilton Browning, Black Sanders, Bruce White, C.C. Chambers, C.E. Lamp, C.G. Miller, C.H. Baisden, Cam Pridemore, Cecil Mounts, Chapmanville, Charles Conley, county clerk, Craneco, Curry, Democratic Party, Dow Chambers, Earl Summers, Ed Haner, Ed Mapper, Ed Riffe, Elmer Gore, Elmer McDonald, Emmett Scaggs, Ethel, Everett Buchannon, Everett Dingess, F.D. Stollings, Foley, Frank Frye, Frank Hurst, Frank Hutchinson, Frank Perry, French Dingess, G.F. Collins, G.K. Mills, genealogy, George Baldwin, Guy Pauley, health officer, Henlawson, Henry Lawson, history, Holden, Jack Mason, John Amburgey, John B. Wilkinson Jr., John Claypool, John Hill, John J. Cornwell, Lake, Laredo, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, Lorenzo Dow Chambers, Lot Murphy, M.B. Taylor, M.F. Waring, Man, Manbar, Marshal Gore, Melvin Conley, Melvin White, Millard Perry, Monaville, Mt. Gay, Omar, Pecks Mill, Pitts Branch, Queens Ridge, R.E. Lowe, R.W. Buskirk, Republican Party, Robert Hill, Robert Peck, Robert Straton, Rolfe, Rum Creek, Sam Scott, Sharples, sheriff, Shively, Sidney B. Lawson, Stone Branch, Thomas Hensley, U.S. Army, Vinson Ferrell, W.B. Phipps, W.E. Perry, W.P. Vance, West Virginia, Wilkinson, William Lewis, Willis Parsons, Woodrow Wilson, World War I, Yolyn

From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, comes this story titled “Sheriff Hurst and Registrars Ready to Enroll,” dated May 24, 1917:

SHERIFF HURST AND REGISTRARS READY TO ENROLL

Final Preparations are Made to Classify Men of Military Age In Logan County

Sheriff Hurst Wednesday gave final instructions to his sixty odd registrars who will enroll all men between the ages of 21 and 30, for military service as ordered by proclamations of President Wilson and Governor Cornwell for June 5, which will be a legal holiday in West Virginia as in other states.

On June 5, all male citizens are required to go to their regular voting places between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. and fill out a blank similar to the one printed in today’s Democrat. The governor has requested that all other public business be suspended on that day and that patriotic parades of school children be held. He also asks all owners of automobiles to help transport to the voting places men of military age and that every assistance possible be given the officers who will make the registration.

To Telegraph Result

As soon as the registration in Logan county is completed, the result will be telegraphed to Washington and then the machinery will be set in motion to select those who will be included in the first call for 500,000 men who will begin training in September. A board will sit in Logan who will select the available men to enter the first army. An absolute, fair and impartial administration of the law is insured as the local board will be directly responsible to the federal authorities and subject to stern penalties should any favoritism be shown. The state officers have nothing whatever to do with the army after the work of selection is completed. Those who will form the local conscription board are:

Sheriff Frank P. Hurst

Clerk, County Court, C.G. Miller

County Health Officer, Dr. S.B. Lawson

Robert Peck, (R.)

Elmer McDonald, (D)

The president in his proclamation ordered all men, 21 to 30 years old, excepting those already enlisted, shall voluntarily present themselves at the places to be designated for registration on June 5. Other main features of his orders follow:

Men away from home may register by mail.

Penalty for refusing to register; up to a year imprisonment.

All federal, state, county, city and village officers are liable for service for registration and draft.

Any person making a false statement to evade service or any official aiding in such an attempt, will be punished by a year’s imprisonment through civil authorities or by military court martial.

Persons ill or who will be absent from home should get registration blanks from the city clerk, if they are in towns of more than 30,000 inhabitants and from the county clerk, if they are in towns of less than 30,000 inhabitants.

Explains Necessity

The main parts of the president’s proclamation in which he explained the necessity for conscription follow:

“We are arrayed against a power that would impose its will upon the world by force.

“The man in the factories or who tills the soil is no less a part of any army than the man beneath the battle-flags.

“We must shape and train for war, not an army, but a nation.

“The sharpshooter must march and the machinist must remain at his levers.”

The whole nation must be a team in which each man shall play the part for which he is best fitted.

“It is not conscription of the unwilling but a selection from a nation which has volunteered in mass.”

Sheriff Hurst has volunteered to do his part of the work in registration without cost to the federal government. The other registrars will do the same. No trouble is expected in enrolling the entire military population of the country.

Registrar’s List

The list of registrars and enrollment places for Logan county follow:

Everett Dingess and Thomas Hensley, Queens Ridge.

Melvin Conley and Charles Conley, Shively.

Cam Pridemore and French Dingess, Pitts Branch.

Vinson Ferrell and Ans McCloud, Chapmanville.

R.E. Lowe, Stone Branch.

G.F. Collins, Big Creek.

W.B. Phipps, Chapmanville.

Ed. Haner, Curry.

Marshal Gore and Frank Frye, Sharples.

Black Sanders and George Baldwin, Lake.

Henry Lawson and John Hill, Henlawson.

J.B. Wilkinson, Jr., and M.B. Taylor, Logan.

L.D. Chambers and Frank Perry, Rolfe.

Cecil Mounts and C.H. Baisden, Mt. Gay.

Willis Parsons and W.P. Vance, Holden.

R.W. Buskirk and William Lewis, Omar.

Melvin White and Robert Hill, Pecks Mill.

Elmer Gore, Ethel.

A.M. Hall, Ethel.

Arthur Townsend, Holden.

C.E. Lamp, Holden.

C.C. Chambers and Robert Straton, Logan.

A.P. Loyd and G.K. Mills, Holden.

Sam Scott and Bruce White, Monaville.

Dr. Smoot and Guy Pauley, Blair.

Lot Murphy, Mt. Gay.

Ed. Mapper, Wilkinson.

F.D. Stollings and John Claypool, Foley.

Millard Perry, Everett Buchannon, Emmett Scaggs and Dr. Thornberry, Man.

John Amburgey and W.E. Perry, Amherstdale.

Earl Summers and Frank Hutchinson, Manbar.

M.F. Waring, Laredo.

Ed. Riffe, Craneco.

Andrew Jordan and Bilton Browning, Barnabas.

Dow Chambers, Yolyn.

Jack Mason, Rum Creek.

WWI Registration Card LD 05.24.1917 6.JPG

Logan (WV) Democrat, 24 May 1917.

Jack Dempsey’s Mother (1927)

15 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Boone County, Chapmanville, Holden, Huntington, Logan, Sports, Women's History

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Boone County, boxer, boxing, Cecilia Dempsey, Cecilia Smoot, Chapmanville, Charles Smoot, Chicago, Colorado, Don Ellis, Dyke Garrett, Enoch Baker, Gay Coal and Coke Company, Gene Tunney, Hiram Dempsey, history, Holden, Huntington, Huntington Hotel, Island Creek, J. Kenneth Stolts, Jack Dempsey, Jack Kearns, John B. Ellis, Joseph Ellis, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Manassa, Salt Lake City, Scott Justice, Simpson Ellis, Stratton Street, The Long Count Fight, Utah, West Virginia, Wiatt Smith

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about champion boxer Jack Dempsey dated September 9, 1927:

Jack Dempsey’s Mother Pays Visit to Logan

Travels from Utah to See Relatives and Old Friends and Neighbors

Maiden Name Cecilia Smoot

Uncle Dyke Garrett Among Welcomers; Dempseys Once Owned Site of Holden.

While Jack Dempsey is fighting to regain the heavyweight championship of the world, his mother Mrs. Hiram Dempsey will be the guest of Logan relatives and friends. She is expected to arrive at any hour for an extended visit to the scenes of her childhood.

Mrs. Dempsey arrived at Huntington Sunday and then planned to come here the next day. Later, word came that she would complete today the last lap of a motor trip from Salt Lake City to Logan.

Interviewed at Huntington Mrs. Dempsey told of her desire to revisit girlhood scenes and inquired about old friends. She spoke of Uncle Dyke Garrett and was pleasantly surprised to learn that he is still living. Uncle Dyke read the interview (his wife is an aunt of Wiatt Smith, the interviewer) and despite the nearness of his 86th birthday, came back up from his home back of Chapmanville to welcome Mrs. Dempsey.

This beloved old mountain minister never knew Jack Dempsey, but he remembers Jack’s mother as a girl, her maiden name being Cecilia Smoot. She was a daughter of Charles Smoot, who came to Logan from Boone county, and who lived and died up on Island Creek. After his death, Mrs. Smoot (Jack Dempsey’s grandmother) married Simpson Ellis, who died but a few years ago, after serving a long period on the county court.

Scott Justice, who divides his time between Huntington and Logan, was among those who greeted Mrs. Dempsey at the Huntington Hotel yesterday. He remembers the marriage of Hiram Dempsey and Cecilia Smoot, and also recalls that the site on which the town of Holden now stands was sold by Hiram Dempsey to Mr. Justice’s father when the family decided to migrate westward.

According to Mr. Justice, the tract of 200 acres changed hands for a consideration of $600.

“Uncle” Enoch Baker was another caller to greet the challenger’s mother. Mr. Baker was engaged in business in Logan county when the Dempseys lived here, being well acquainted with the family.

Mrs. Dempsey was accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. J. Kenneth Stolts of Salt Lake City. They made the trip from Utah, where Jack’s mother now has her permanent home, in a large automobile, traveling in easy stages. They arrived in Huntington Sunday evening and are leaving there today.

She called her famous son in Chicago by telephone Sunday night to advise him she had arrived here safely.

While in Logan, Mrs. Dempsey will visit her half-brothers, Don Ellis of Stratton Street, and Joseph and John B. Ellis of Island Creek, and others.

She has never seen Jack in the ring and will probably receive the result of the coming battle from friends in Logan.

The difference in the ages of the champion and challenger will not be an advantage to Tunney, Jack’s mother thinks. “If Tunney will stand up and fight, I expect Jack will give a good account of himself. But if Jack has to chase him all the time, Tunney may turn around and give him a licking in the end. I believe they are pretty evenly matched and lucky may figure in the outcome,” she said.

The Dempseys left Logan in 1887 and William Harrison (Jack) was born in Manassa, Colo., in June ’95. While he was a mere child they returned to Logan county. Jack remained here until a young man, having been employed by the Gay Coal and Coke Company as late as 1913, and then went west alone to seek pugilistic fortune. He met Jack Kearns on the Pacific coast, from which point his spectacular climb to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division furnished the sport with one of its most romantic episodes.

In view of the fact that Dempsey is said to have lived in this county and because of the interest in the approaching fight, the foll

Don Chafin’s Deputies (1913)

18 Sunday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek, Logan, Man

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Albert Gore, Alfred Cabell, Alvin Mounts, Appalachia, Beech, Billie Hatfield, Bruce McDonald, Clay Workman, deputy sheriff, Don Chafin, Eli Gore, Ethel, F.A. Sharp, genealogy, Harts Creek, history, Holden, J.E. Flynn, J.L. Butcher, jailer, Joe Blair, Joe Rodgers, John C. Gore, K.F. Mounts, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, Man, Mt. Gay, sheriff, T.O. Deaumer, W.F. Farley, West Virginia, Yuma, Zirkles Rapids

Logan (WV) Democrat, 2 January 1913.

Coontown 400 Advertisements (1913)

06 Tuesday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Logan

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A Song by Two Girls, A Visit to a Couple of Girls, African-Americans, Appalachia, Coontown 400, Dance by Old Ham Bones, history, Holden, Holden Opera House, I Want to Buy a Dog, John Easley, Logan County, Logan Hippodrome, Miss Bessie and Her Sweetheart, Mr. Brown, West Virginia

Coontown 400 Advertisement LB 01.31.1913

Logan (WV) Banner, 31 January 1913.

Logan (WV) Banner, 21 February 1913.

Coal Company Set to Build New Town in Logan County, WV (1927)

25 Monday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal

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Appalachia, C&O Railroad, coal, Guyandotte River, Herald-Dispatch, history, Holden, Holden No. 22, Island Creek Coal Company, J.D. Francis, Logan County, Omar, Peytona Lumber Company, Tug Fork, West Virginia, Wiatt Smith, Y.M.C.A.

From a 1927 story printed in the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this interesting bit of history about Holden No. 22:

Island Creek Co. Plans Building of New Town

Contracts Will Be Let Within 30 Days For Houses, Highways and Also Tipple For Largest Mine In West Virginia, Says Vice President–May Spend $2,000,000.

Within the next year there will arise in one of the remote and hitherto inaccessible regions of Logan county, a new town. It will have a population approximating 2,000. It will have a Y.M.C.A., a community church, modern homes, paved streets, its own water system, electric lights–in fact, all of the modern conveniences. It will be connected by hard road with Logan, Holden and the great world beyond the mountains. At present, it has not even a name, writes Wiatt Smith for the Huntington Herald-Dispatch.

The new town is to arise at operation No. 22 of the Island Creek Coal Company.

Within the next 30 days, J.D. Francis, vice-president of the Island Creek Co., said Tuesday, contracts will be let for the erection of tipples, the building of houses, the paving of streets and the hard surfacing of seven miles of road which will connect the new community with Holden.

Operation No. 22 will represent when completed an additional investment on the part of Island Creek, ranging well beyond a million dollars, perhaps reaching two million, though Mr. Francis refused to hazard an estimate of definite figures.

For a number of months preparations for the opening of a new mine, which will be the largest in southern West Virginia, have been going forward. The two 400 foot shafts which will serve the mine are now nearly complete. The Chesapeake & Ohio is rapidly completing the four mile extension of the Pine creek branch which will provide an outlet for the coal produced. The Island Creek company is completing three miles of siding. Pete Minotti, the contractor, has finished grading the road from Holden to the mine.

By October, it is expected, the road will be surfaced, the town well under way and the great mine in operation. Output at the beginning will be small, as the number of workmen will be necessarily limited until the underground workings have been expanded by the removal of coal. The area to be worked is underlaid, experts say, with 50 or 60 million tons and the mining of the coal will, under normal conditions, require 50 years.

Work at the mine site in advance of the completion of the railroads has been made possible, Mr. Francis explained, by the use of the tram road of the Peytona Lumber company over which many thousands of tons of sand, gravel and supplies have been shipped. The completion of the railroad is awaited for the installation of the bulkier machinery and equipment.

The new rail extension will connect with the Chesapeake & Ohio’s Logan division main lines via Omar. The contact of the operative officials and the workers with the Island Creek center at Holden will be by means of the hard road, the construction of which, in itself represents something like an engineering adventure. For some three miles it follows the ridge that marks the crest of the watershed between the valleys of Guyandotte and Tug Rivers. Then it drops sharply to follow mountain side, hollow and creek valley to the mine operation.

Persons who have traveled the now graded road say that at points on the ridge it affords magnificent views which compare favorably with the most famous in the state. The road was graded and will be hard surfaced entirely at the expense of the coal company, which, in the preparations for its new development has followed the policy adopted many years ago when, upon the opening of its original operations, it established in Holden a mining community which was pointed out as a model throughout the United States.

Island Creek operation No. 22 will be the fifth shaft mine in West Virginia.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 25 March 1927.

Christmas in Logan, WV (1916)

22 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal, Logan

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Appalachia, Christmas, coal, Guyan Drug Store, history, Holden, Logan, Logan County, Logan County Light & Power Company, Logan Democrat, New Year's Day, Santa Claus, U.S. Coal & Oil Company, West Virginia, World War I

From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, come these stories of Christmas in 1916:

Logan (WV) Democrat, 14 December 1916.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE AND CEREMONIES ON SATURDAY NIGHT

On Saturday night, at 6:30 o’clock Logan will hold its first formal community celebration of Christmas through the medium of a community Christmas tree with the attendant distribution of substantial gifts to the elders, and toys and goodies to all the children, in keeping with the true spirit of the season.

The proposition has been launched and carried out by a number of prominent ladies of the city, whose efforts to make the event a huge success will undoubtedly be crowned with the deserved result. The plans are elaborate and extensive, and provide for the supplying of every needy and worthy family within reach of a good supply of necessaries, including groceries and clothing, and the presentation to each and every child in the city with candy and a toy. The household gifts will be distributed through the medium of tickets distributed by the ladies committee, which has been busily at work for the past week or ten days. The work is entirely non-denominational, and the event will take place rain or shine. If the weather is clear the tree will be placed on the courthouse lawn, and if inclement it will have a place on the courthouse porch.

It is understood that the Chamber of Commerce and other prominent civic and church organizations are lending their hearty approval and substantial support to the matter, and that sufficient funds have been obtained to meet the requirements, aided by the liberal donations of merchandise by the local merchants.

The household gifts will be distributed in baskets, while the children will receive theirs in tidy little bags, two hundred or more of which have been provided. Upwards of $200 has already been expended for supplies and necessities, and it is assured that there will be plenty to go round.

The tree will be brilliantly lighted and ornately decorated, the lighting effects being supplied by the Logan County Light & Power company. Arrangements are now underway to maintain the tree in all its splendor until New Year’s, and to have it lighted up every night during that period.

The committee in charge of the work is desirous that no one be alighted or overlooked, and to this end solicits the assistance of all in the community in seeking out families who are deserving of help at this time and reporting such cases to the Guyan Drug store as soon as possible so that ample provision may be made for all.

The basket offerings will consist of groceries, a good cut of meat and other table necessities, while shoes, clothing, hats, etc., will be given to those in need of such articles.

The presents for the little folks will be given to each and every child who presents himself or herself at that proper time.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 21 December 1916.

***

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT HOLDS SWAY IN LOGAN

The Christmas season is now virtually upon us; the season when it is customary for every one to be trembling with job, and minds to soar to greater heights; the season when the one thought, good will, is paramount in the minds of all; when trials and sorrows are cast to the four winds, and only the good deeds of life are given a place in human interest.

Grievances and differences are forgotten and nothing is remembered save that someone did you a good turn and made your life a little happier at least for a time. Or perhaps you think of the kind word or action that you had passed along to someone else less fortunate than yourself, and it is with pleasure that you recollect in joy that was manifested in the face of someone that you helped.

But a shudder comes when you think of the terrible havoc with which Europe has been fraught; where men have been taking and giving a life for a life; where the hearts of women have been torn asunder; where the cruel pangs of hunger have driven children to an early grave; where aged m others and fathers have been bereft of all comfort and dragged down to the nethermost depths of despair, where lands have been devastated, and cities have been robbed of all their beauty by the greedy mouths of the cannon.

And your thoughts turn to the thousands of mothers in that war stricken land; the mothers who were so happy before the terrible slaughter of men commenced; the mothers left alone pining for their loved ones; the mothers in the gray and dusk of the dawn where the shadows are turning into spectres, grim, wan, ghastly and fearful. And you think of them as the mothers of men; men who fought and died for freedom.

A feeling of sadness comes over you as you think of the joy that might have been theirs; of the gay and happy times that they too might have had at Christmas, all of which has been blasted by the terrible scourge of warfare. And perhaps you utter a prayer of thankfulness that you can enjoy to the full that Merry Christmas. But perhaps you may not pause to think that there are some near you who cannot join in that happiness that may be yours.

You forget about the little boys and girls whose parents are at war, not war against nations, but war against adversity and calamity. They are struggling against great odds, and reinforcements are required immediately to assist them to struggle in the heights, surmount the barriers and give to their children a Merry Christmas.

They have told their children tales of Santa Claus; of the many treasures stored away in his mansion in the skies; of his yearly visit to the children; of the many toys he brings them, and the joy that he unloads at every household, and they told these tales when the sun was shining down upon them in all its glory and brilliance; when all seemed bright and there was not thought of the coming winter, with its chilly blasts and the snowstorms was in their minds.

But winter has sent a warning and is stalking forth in all sternness. They do not feel sorry now that they told the children such tales, because they made the children happy, but they know now that a hard struggle is ahead of them and that the long looked for visit of Santa Claus may not materialize.

They cannot steel themselves to break the news to the children. They were sure that when Christmas came Santa Claus would not forget the little ones but that was before misfortune struck them, and they now bow their heads in sorrow.

These are the people that must be thought of during our Christmastide, and every effort made and plans turned to bring them a full measure of the gladness and cheer of the festive season. The community Christmas tree will be a wonderful blessing to the whole community, radiating wholeheartedly and generously upon all alike its spirit of good cheer. A little individual effort on the part of everyone will cap the climax of making this Christmas a memorable and happy one to all within reach.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 21 December 1916.

***

Community Tree Was Big Feature of Christmas

The community celebration held in this city on last Saturday night was one of the biggest events of a charitable nature Logan has ever seen, and the spirit of good cheer and the material benefits derive therefrom will have an uplifting influence upon the entire section for a long time to come.

The good influence exerted by the affair cannot be overestimated, and the results obtained were highly satisfactory to those in charge of the work. A large number of baskets of groceries were distributed, and shoes and clothing were given to all who could be found who were in need of such articles. The kiddies of the city were all provided for with candy, fruit and nuts, and on the whole the event was a notable one, and it is quite likely that it will become an annual fixture in the future years.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 28 December 1916.

***

Coal Company Plays Role of Santa LD 12.28.1916.JPG

Logan (WV) Democrat, 28 December 1916.

Confederate Reunions in Logan County, WV (1911-1914)

02 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Creek, Breeden, Chapmanville, Civil War, East Lynn, Holden, Huntington, Logan, Man, Pecks Mill, Shively

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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

***

Camp Straton Reunion LB 09.19.1913 4.JPG

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.

***

Camp Straton Reunion LB 09.19.1913 1.JPG

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.

Camp Straton Reunion LB 04.24.1914 6.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 24 April 1914. Photo from 23 October 1911.

Brandon Ray Kirk

~ This site is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and promotion of history and culture in my section of Appalachia.

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