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Brandon Ray Kirk

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Brandon Ray Kirk

Tag Archives: Huntington Advertiser

Lawlessness in the Mountains (1915)

19 Saturday Oct 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington, Logan

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Appalachia, crime, feuds, history, Huntington Advertiser, Kentucky, Logan, Logan Democrat, New York City, West Virginia

From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, comes this editorial originally printed by the Huntington Advertiser regarding mountain violence. The item is dated January 7, 1915.

LAWLESSNESS

From the Huntington Advertiser–

Every time neighbors fall out in the West Virginia or Kentucky mountains, and one of them is killed, the New York newspapers discover a feud, and discourse upon the lack of civilization that permits such things to be.

Yet in this same New York, the constituted authorities have proven themselves helpless in dealing with gangs of “gun men,” and there is more flagrant defiance of the law in certain sections of New York today than anywhere in the Kentucky or West Virginia mountains.

So complete has been the failure of the New York authorities to deal with the problem of the “gun men” in any effective manner, that the business men of the east side are organizing a citizens police force to accomplish the work the New York police have been unable to accomplish. This organization of citizens is no more, no less, than a revival of the vigilance committees in the hurly-burly days in the western gold fields, and that the greatest city on the western continent should be compelled to resort to the methods of the mining camp in dealing with offenders against the law and against the decency is a sorry comment upon the metropolis.

But the New York newspapers will remember nothing of this the next time there is a lynching in the south, or there is a “feud” outbreak in the mountains.

Oil Boring Near Central City, WV (1897)

14 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington

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Appalachia, Cabell County, Central City, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, oil, West Virginia

Oil Boring near Central City HuA 10.19.1897.JPG

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 19 October 1897

Halloween in Huntington, WV (1899)

16 Tuesday Oct 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington

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Appalachia, crime, Halloween, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, West Virginia

From the Huntington Advertiser of Huntington, WV, comes this letter from “a tax payer” regarding Halloween, dated October 31, 1899:

EDITOR ADVERTISER:

The observance of the evening of October 31st, in Huntington, seems to have sadly deteriorated, or at least is very different from that in the balance of the world. The old time pleasantness and superstitions connected with “Hallow eve,” are lost sight of here, and in their stead are introduced drunkenness and vandalism. The night is made hideous. Women and children terrorized, property wantonly destroyed and life endangered. The night is looked forward to with dread. Now this is all wrong, and some vigorous measures should be taken to protect citizens and taxpayers from the outrages committed on this night in the past few years. Let the city give us the protection we are entitled to. Put on a special police force sufficiently strong for the purpose. $150 or $200 had better be thus invested than to have this much or more property maliciously destroyed and life made miserable besides. Nay, more than this may be averted. A man’s house is his castle, and if the authorities are inadequate to protect him, and he is subjected to the outrages heretofore perpetrated, he may be forced to protect himself, and some serious tragedy result, which under the circumstances the law can only justify. It is to be hoped the authorities will take action in the matter, and lawless individuals take warning in time.

A TAX PAYER.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 31 October 1899.

Robinson-Savage Feud in Tennessee (1899)

24 Monday Sep 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Culture of Honor

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Appalachia, crime, feuds, history, Huntington Advertiser, Jack Robinson, Knoxville, Robinson-Savage Feud, Tennessee, true crime, Union County, William Savage

Robinson-Savage Feud in TN HA 08.10.1899.JPG

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 10 August 1899.

William Jennings Bryan Visits Huntington: “Greatest Crowd Ever Known in State” (1900)

04 Tuesday Sep 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington

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Appalachia, Cabell County, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, politics, West Virginia, William Jennings Bryan

William Jennings Bryan in Huntington HA 10.22.1900 2

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 22 October 1900.

William Jennings Bryan in Huntington HA 10.22.1900 1

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 22 October 1900.

Little Sorrel (1886, 2018)

06 Monday Aug 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Civil War

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Brandon Kirk, civil war, Confederate Army, Confederate Soldiers' Home, history, Huntington Advertiser, Lexington, Little Sorrel, Richmond, Stonewall Jackson, Virginia, VMI Museum

Old Sorrel Dies HA 03.20.1886 2

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 20 March 1886.

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Visiting with Little Sorrel in Lexington, VA. 9 July 2018. Photo by Mom.

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Little Sorrel in Lexington, VA. 9 July 2018. For more about the VMI Museum, go here: https://www.vmi.edu/museums-and-archives/vmi-museum/

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Little Sorrel in Lexington, VA. 9 July 2018. For more about Old Sorrel, go here: http://www.horseandman.com/horse-stories/stonewall-jacksons-horse-little-sorrel/11/11/2014/

John Philip Sousa to Visit Huntington (1900)

18 Wednesday Jul 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington

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Appalachia, Bertha Bucklin, Blanche Duffield, Cabell County, Davis Theatre, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, John Philip Sousa, music, Omaha, Paris Exposition, West Virginia

SOUSA COMING TO HUNTINGTON

THE CELEBRATED BAND MASTER AND “MARCH KING” WILL GIVE A CONCERT AT DAVIS THEATRE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH TWENTY-FIRST

Sousa Coming HA 03.12.1900 2

Sousa is now on his sixteenth semiannual concert tour, a brief trip of only eight weeks, before going to the Paris Exposition and on a rather protracted European engagement. Sousa and his band will open at the Paris Exposition April 14, having been appointed the official American band. The forthcoming tour will extend no farther west than Omaha. Our own city is in for a concert on Wednesday afternoon only, March 21. The programmes for this tour are especially prepared and are illuminated with bright things. The soloists are Miss Blanche Duffield, soprana and Miss Bertha Bucklin, violinist. Seat sale opens March 14th.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 12 March 1900.

C. Russel Christian: The Irish Plowman (1887)

03 Tuesday Apr 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan, Poetry, Wyoming County

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Appalachia, C. Russel Christian, Carl Christian, Huntington Advertiser, Kirbyville, Logan County, Marian Trent, Mick Hurley, Oceana, poems, poetry, The Irish Plowman, West Virginia, writers, writing, Wyoming County

C. Russell Christian (c.1861-1889) was a well known regional poet born in Logan County, WV. A son of B. and E. (White) Christian, he married Marian Trent, fathered at least one son (Carl), and died of typhoid fever at Kirbyville in Wyoming County, WV. He is buried in Oceana, WV.

THE IRISH PLOWMAN

One bright and balmy morn in May,

Ere the sun had kissed the dew,

Mick Hurley trudged the broad highway

In search of aught that he could do.

With heart so light and conscience free,

Each farmer he would ask:

“An’ have ye got a job for me,

No matter phwat the task.”

At last he met a farmer who

Did need a steady working man,

Who asked if he could farming do;

“Begorra,” said Mick, “you’re right I can.”

“Then hitch the horses right away–

You’ll find them in the barn–

The near one’s black, the off one gray–

And start to plowing corn.”

Though Mick spake up in accents bold

When the farmer asked the question fair,

He knew full well a lie he told,

For the beam he wot not from the share.

“Howly mother,” says Mick, “phwat’ll I do?

May the good St. Patrick now kape me from harm.

Begorra, but won’t the ould farmer look blue

When he sees Mick Hurley a-plowing his farm?”

But Mick made a start. In his throat was a lump.

He felt like a man just sentenced to death.

He hadn’t gone far when the plow struck a stump,

And heels over head went Mick, out of breath.

Ne’er daunted by fear, he tried it again.

“Be jabers,” says Mick, “I’m doing immense!”

But to steady the plow his trials were vain,

And each furrow resembled a crooked trail fence.

Old Sol had arisen quite high in the skies

When the farmer concluded to visit poor Mick:

But a glance at the field was such a surprise

That to look at the man you’d think he was sick.

“Stop! stop!” said the farmer, “or you surely will rue it;

To hold a plow with that team is nothing but play.”

“Howld it?” says Mick; “how the devil can I do it,

When two horses are trying to pull it away!”

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 9 July 1887.

Timber Companies Active in the Guyandotte Valley (1890s)

28 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Guyandotte River, Timber

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Appalachia, Burks and Prichard, C. Dingess & Company, Cole and Crane Company, Fridman Lumber Company, Guyan River Coal and Mercantile Company, Guyandotte Valley, history, Hugh Dingess & Company, Huntington Advertiser, Ironton Cross Tie Company, Little Kanawha Lumber Company, Logan County, Logan County Banner, Logan Timber Company, logging, McClintock & Son, Panther Lumber Company, Penn Lumber Company, R.H. Prichard, Ratliff and Shannon, Sliger Lumber Company, timbering, Wayne County, West Virginia, Wittenburg, Yellow Poplar Lumber Company

A partial list of timber companies active in the Guyandotte Valley of West Virginia during the 1890s, based on Logan County deeds, the Logan County Banner, and the Huntington Advertiser:

C. Crane & Company (1891, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1898, 1899, 1900)

C. Dingess & Company (1891, 1892, 1893, 1894)

Fridman Lumber Company (1899)

Guyan River Coal and Mercantile Company (1897)

Hugh Dingess & Company (1893)

Ironton Cross Tie Company (1897)

Little Kanawha Lumber Company (1891, 1892, 1893, 1895, 1898)

Logan Timber Company (1897)

McClintock & Son (1895)

Panther Lumber Company (1896)

Penn Lumber Company (1898)

R.H. Prichard or Burks and Prichard (1891)

Ratliff and Shannon of Wayne County (1890)

Sliger Lumber Company (1896)

Yellow Poplar Lumber Company (1893)

Wittenburg (1898)

C. Russel Christian: The Mountain Bard (1886-1887)

05 Monday Feb 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington, Logan, Poetry, Wyoming County

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Brick Pomeroy, C. Russel Christian, Carl Christian, Epistle to Jefferson Davis, Epistle to Useless Gibson, General Johnston and the Dude, Grover Cleveland, history, Huntington Advertiser, Kirbyville, Life and Adventures of Sam Jones, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Marian Trent, Milton Star, Mountain Bard, Oceana, poems, poetry, The Rebel Holiday, West Virginia, writers, writing, Wyoming County

C. Russell Christian (c.1861-1889) was a well known regional poet born in Logan County, WV. A son of B. and E. (White) Christian, he married Marian Trent, fathered at least one son (Carl), and died of typhoid fever at Kirbyville in Wyoming County, WV. He is buried in Oceana, WV.

C. Russel Christian Poet LB 05.13.1927 4

C. Russel Christian, Logan (WV) Banner, 13 May 1927.

C. Russel Christian has written a card denying that he is the author of an ode to Grover Cleveland which graced the columns of the Milton Star recently. We have not read the ode, but have no doubt that it is much better than the Mountain Bard’s “Epistle to Jefferson Davis.” It could not be much worse.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 3 July 1886.

***

THE MOUNTAIN BARD ON THE WAR PATH.

The Mountain Bard has dedicated a poem to one of the editors of this paper and that unfortunate mortal confesses that he regards it as the most calamitous and disastrous thing that ever happened to him in the course of his existence. He does not pretend to understand such figures as “the angry bard for vengeance swarming far years,” and “spying a groveling farm along his path,” but supposes them to be esoteric. Here is the poem, in its naked sublimity, as it appeared in the Commercial last week:

THE CRITIC

WRITTEN FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF AND RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO EDITOR WIATT, OF THE HUNTINGTON (W.VA.) ADVERTISER, JULY, 1886.

BY C. RUSSEL CHRISTIAN

Author of “Epistle to Jeff Davis,” “Epistle to Useless Gibson,” “General Johnston and the Dude,” “The Rebel Holiday,” &c., &c.

When hungry critics quit their lawful prey,

And rise in arms where real Muses stray,

The faithless public greets with loud applause

The first attack–and then its aid withdraws!

Meanwhile, the Bard upon the scene appears–

The angry Bard, to vengeance swarm for years!

Along his path a groveling farm he spies,

And hurls the dart that rankles as it flies!

The stroke once o’er, the victor hides for shame,

And yields the vanquished half of all his fame.

So once a bull attacked a lightning train;

The world applauded, but applause was vain.

The cars, careering, darted o’er the line–

I’m glad Sir Bull was never bull of mine!

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 21 August 1886.

***

The many friends and admirers of C. Russel Christian will be pleased to learn that that brilliant poetic luminary will not go to North Dakota, as was recently reported, but will continue to lift the torch of poesy upon his native hills. Like the immortal Homer, the Mountain Bard is wandering from house to house–not the songs of love and war, but the praises of the “Life and Adventures of Sam Jones,” for which valuable and interesting book the bard is taking subscriptions. This work, which combines the spicy flavor of Brick Pomeroy’s Democrat with the dignity and humor of a patent medicine almanac, ought to be somewhere about the premises of every householder, and we hope that the bard will be abundantly successful in its distribution.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 2 April 1887

***

We publish on the fourth page of this impression a job lot of the “Mountain Bard’s” poetry. This does not necessarily imply that we think the Bard is improving. We publish his poetry as the evidence of a witness of doubtful veracity is given to a jury–for what it is worth.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 9 July 1887.

NOTE: To see Mr. Christian’s marriage record, follow this link: http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view2.aspx?FilmNumber=571278&ImageNumber=41

NOTE: To see Mr. Christian’s death record, follow this link: http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view2.aspx?FilmNumber=597573&ImageNumber=138

NOTE: To see Mr. Christian’s widow (a “washerwoman”) and son Carl in the 1900 Logan County (WV) Census, follow this link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HY-68V3-3TX?i=11&wc=9BWW-L2W%3A1032173901%2C1030658301%2C1033170701%3Fcc%3D1325221&cc=1325221

NOTE: For samples of Mr. Christian’s poety, follow this link: https://archive.org/details/mountainbardseri00chri

Rowan County Feud Letter (1887)

08 Monday Jan 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Culture of Honor, Rowan County Feud

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Appalachia, Cabell County, Cook Humphrey, Craig Tolliver, Democratic Party, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, John Martin, Kentucky, Morehead, politics, Republican Party, Rowan County, Rowan County Feud, sheriff, Solomon Bradley, West Virginia

From the Huntington Advertiser of Huntington, WV, dated July 2, 1887 comes this letter about the Rowan County Feud:

The Rowan County War.

Editor Advertiser:

The writer is not surprised that your paper of last week fell into the current of popular opinion and denounced the Toliver gang, of Morehead, Kentucky, as the guilty ones in the celebrated feud which has caused the killing of about thirteen persons. Later advices appear at least to throw doubt on the subject of who is really to blame. Let us see. Here is the Cincinnati Enquirer’s account of the origin of the trouble, taken from that journal of the 23d inst.:

“The beginning of the trouble dates from the August election of 1884, when Cook Humphrey, a Republican, was elected sheriff by a trifling majority. He was a young, spare-built man, fresh from the country, and unsophisticated in appearance and manner. Craig Toliver, at the head of a party of friends, declared that Humphrey should not serve as sheriff. On the evening of the election a row occurred. Pistols were drawn and used, and Solomon Bradley (Democrat), a friend of Toliver’s, was shot and killed. The killing was charged against John Martin, and Toliver swore to be avenged. Subsequently Floyd Toliver and Martin got into a fight and the former (Toliver, Democrat) was killed on the street. From this time it may be said that the Martin (Republican) and Toliver (Democrat) factions were organized in deadly array, both sides determined never to yield, one to the other.”

The analysis of the above is, that the Republicans, having carried the election, became more or less insolent towards the opposition, who were correspondingly depressed and sore over their defeat, and gave utterance to their disappointment, and Craig Toliver used a very foolish expression to the effect that the Republican sheriff elect should not be installed. It is probable that this was accompanied by charges of fraudulent voting on the part of the Republicans–at any rate it was not such an offense as to justify Martin, Republican, in shooting Sol. Bradley, a partisan of Toliver’s. Subsequently Floyd Toliver denounced Martin for having killed Bradley without sufficient provocation and in an unmanly way, and was himself shot by Martin on the instant. So that a war of extermination seems to have been inaugurated by the Martins and their Republican following, against the Bradleys and Tolivers and their Democratic following, and signalized by the cold blooded murder of two of the latter. If this is true, and the record seems to bear it out as true, then the Tolivers were simply defending themselves and their households and party friends against the tumultuous murder of the Martins and their Republican following.

The subsequent getting possession of the person of John Martin (already a double murderer) and his killing at the hands of the Tolivers, whose brother and friend he had slain, was in the nature of retribution, and justified by the circumstances. Later, killings on both sides followed from the hot blooded feud which these had aroused, and while some of them appear to have been barbarous in the extreme, yet they legitimately came of a war of extermination such as had been initiated by the Martins and responded to, and not by the Tolivers and their friends.

A prominent citizen of Cabell Co., now sojourning near the scene of the disorder, in Rowan County, says:

“I suppose the dispatches have told you the war news; how 300 Republicans succeeded in killing four Democrats; but the war has only begun. I hear, to-day, that the Democrats are organizing a company near —— to put down the mob at Morehead who did the killing. He is more than sanguine who thinks the trouble ended.”

Our fellow-citizen, on the ground in Kentucky, evidently thinks the late killing of the three Tolivers unjustified by the facts as they are known to him. Let us wait for the facts.

BEN.

 

Marshall College (1887)

31 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington

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Appalachia, Cabell County, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, Marshall College, Marshall University, photos, West Virginia

Marshall College Photo HuA 06.18.1887.JPG

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 18 June 1887.

Huntington Advertiser (1886-1887)

24 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington

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Appalachia, Democratic Party, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, newspaper, West Virginia

Here’s a bit of history about the Huntington Advertiser newspaper of Huntington, WV:

Huntington Advertiser Slogan HuA 05.13.1886.JPG

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 13 May 1886.

***

THE HUNTINGTON ADVERTISER is nineteen years old today and it signalizes the event by appearing in a new dress.

It is not yet two years since the present owner became connected with the paper yet we look back with pride and satisfaction upon what has been accomplished in twenty months, and are encouraged to press forward with increased confidence in the complete success of the undertaking.

THE ADVERTISER was surrounded with many adverse circumstances when we first undertook its publication. The country was suffering from a long season of business depression and there was a lack of interest and enthusiasm on the part of those to whom the paper most naturally looked for support; and yet, notwithstanding the difficulties with which the paper has had to contend, it has steadily grown in popular favor as is attested by the largely increased subscription list. The increase in our advertising patronage has kept pace with the increase of circulation, and the paper is now published altogether at home in order to accommodate its increasing advertising business.

We believe that the city of Huntington and the country tributary to it, in common with the whole State, is entering upon an era of great development and prosperity, and it shall be our aim to make THE ADVERTISER a fit exponent and representative of the new era of progress and material advancement. In the future as in the past we will strive to disseminate Democratic principles and labor to promote the unity and success of the party under whose banner we do battle. We return thanks to our friends and the public for the generous patronage heretofore extended to the ADVERTISER; and to our brethren of the press we feel especially grateful for the many kind notices received at their hands. We shall endeavor to make the paper as worthy of their favor and approbation in the future as in the past.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 30 April 1887.

Chapman Affair in Hamlin, WV (1887)

22 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Culture of Honor, Hamlin

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

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

Bloody Affray

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

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

***

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

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

Barrett’s Circus Visits Huntington, WV (1887)

10 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington

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Appalachia, Barrett's Circus, Cabell County, circus, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, West Virginia

From the Huntington Advertiser of Huntington, WV, comes these items dated May 7, 1887:

At the conclusion of Barrett’s circus performance Tuesday, the animals were fed with raw meat in the presence of the spectators. The smell of the meat roused the lion from a sweet slumber, and he pranced round in his cage and threshed the bars, with his tail in a very ferocious manner. The keeper threw him a piece of beef which he received with manifestations of savage delight. He placed it between his paws and attempted to tear it as he was accustomed to tear the carcass of the succulent nigger in his native jungle, but he did not know the characteristics of Huntington beef, and his greatest efforts were not able to make an impression on the piece between his paws. An expression of grief and sadness and surprise came into this eyes as he contemplated it for a moment and then retired to a corner of his cage with an air of deep humiliation. It was inexpressibly sad to see the King of Beasts abdicating his title in favor of a Huntington steer.

***

More than five thousand people sweltered under Barrett’s circus tents Tuesday afternoon looking at the “greatest show on earth,” the principal advertised feature of which was Jo-Jo, the alleged dog-faced Russian boy, who is making one of his final tours before returning to his mother country, whither he has been, it is said, peremptorily recalled by his imperial majesty. As Jo-Jo is not noticeably handsome as a man, and is a poor excuse for a dog, it is not readily conceivable what they want with him in Russia, unless the Czar wishes to hear the wind bow Aeolian melodies through his whiskers. The daring bareback rider was there in all his spangles and glory, and the sacred animals looked as old and rusty and smelled as badly as ever, while the fat man and woman, the midgets and general monstrosities were in their old accustomed place, baby mine. But the golden haired fairies in perilously short garments who floated in bewitching and bewildering loveliness and went through all the motions on the flying trapeze were the old-time attraction for saint and sinner.

 

One-Armed Indian Doctor Visits Huntington, WV (1886)

08 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Huntington, Native American History

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Appalachia, Cabell County, Gallipolis, history, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, Indian, King of Pain, medicine, medicine man, Native American History, Native Americans, Ohio, Queen of the Valley, Utawaun, West Virginia

From the Huntington Advertiser of Huntington, WV, come these interesting historical items about a Native American visitor to town in 1886:

The one-armed Indian doctor, who pulls teeth for the love of his species and sells compounds known as the “King of Pain” and the “Queen of the Valley” for a livelihood, is in the town. The crowds that nightly surround his wagon demonstrate that the American people have queer ideas of entertainment. Many people take advantage of the aborigine’s gratuitous services, and as he tosses in the air black and crumbling snags and molars with hideous roots, the crowd manifests its pleasure by generous applause. The doctor will remain as long as the harvest of snags holds out, the crowd remains appreciative, and last but not least, as long as the sale of the “King” and “Queen” does not lag.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 15 May 1886.

***

U-ta-wa-un, the Indian medicine man and lightning tooth-puller, visited this city this week and pulled an astonishing number of decayed teeth, lectured on temperance and dispensed the King of Pain and the Queen of the Valley to the eager populace. On Thursday the aborigine departed for Gallipolis.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 3 July 1886.

Lt. Col. Ben Linkous Obituary (1887)

06 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Civil War

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2nd Kanawha Regiment, 36th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Appalachia, Ben Linkous, civil war, Confederate Army, genealogy, history, Huntington Advertiser, John McCausland, Montgomery County, Virginia

Col Ben Linkous of the 36th VA Dies HuA 04.16.1887.JPG

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 16 April 1887. Lt. Col. Ben Linkous served under John McCausland in the 36th Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment (2nd Kanawha Regiment). For more on the 36th, follow this link: http://civilwarintheeast.com/confederate-regiments/virginia/36th-virginia-infantry-regiment/

Dusenberry’s Dam (1887)

30 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Barboursville, Guyandotte River, Huntington, Logan

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Barboursville, Cabell County, Charleston, Dusenberry's Dam, Guyandotte River, history, Hugh Toney, Huntington, Huntington Advertiser, Logan, steamboats, West Virginia

From the Huntington (WV) Advertiser of February 5, 1887 comes this bit of history about Dusenberry’s Dam:

The dwellers along the banks of the Guyandotte River from its mouth to the headwaters, together with many others who are interested in the navigation of that stream, will be pleased to know that it is soon to be cleared of all obstructions. Major Post, the Chief Engineer, and Capt. Hugh Toney, his assistant, in charge of the Government improvement on Guyandotte River, have made a contract with the Messrs. Rodgers to clear the river of all obstructions from Barboursville up for a considerable distance. By this contract the Dusenberry mill dam, which has been the chief obstacle to the free navigation of the river and the cause of immense loss to timber dealers and others, will be removed.

After its removal, with such a stage of water as we now have, steamboats will be enabled to ascend to within a few miles of Logan C.H. This will be of immense importance to the city of Huntington, as it opens a fertile region, which has in a great measure been cut off by this dam and forced to go to Charleston. A line of steamboats will, no doubt, enter the trade between this city and Logan C.H. as soon as the river is clear.

At the point where the Dusenberry dam is located was established as one of the first grist mills in all this region of country. About the year 1818 or 1820, the Legislature of Virginia passed an act allowing a mill dam four feet high to be built across the river at that point, and since that time the obstruction has remained.

Capt. Toney has been untiring in his efforts to secure the removal of this bar to the free navigation of Guyan, but not until a few days ago was he able to effect the arrangement which will result in opening the stream.

The merchants and business men of Huntington should now be on the look out for the trade up this river and use all proper means to bring it here.

Johnson Hatfield (1890-1900)

28 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Culture of Honor, Gilbert, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Matewan, Pikeville

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Alifair McCoy, Appalachia, Beech Creek, Calvin McCoy, Chafinsville, crime, Dan Cunningham, Devil Anse Hatfield, Dollie Hatfield, feud, feuds, Floyd County, Frank Phillips, genealogy, George Hatfield, Gilbert Creek, Greek Milstead, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Henry Clay Ragland, history, Huntington Advertiser, Johnse Hatfield, Johnson Hatfield, Kentucky, Logan County, Logan County Banner, Matewan, Mingo County, murder, Nancy Hatfield, Norfolk and Western Railroad, Oakland Hotel, Pikeville, Portsmouth Blade, Prestonsburg, Southern West Virginian, T.C. Whited, Thomas H. Harvey, true crime, Vanceville, West Virginia

From the Logan County Banner of Logan, WV, and the Huntington Advertiser of Huntington, WV, come the following items relating to Johnson Hatfield:

Johnson Hatfield Notice of Deposition LCB 02.20.1890.JPG

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 20 February 1890. Also appeared on 13 March 1890.

***

Johnson Hatfield v. N&W RR LCB 07.30.1891.JPG

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 30 July 1891.

***

We are glad to see that Johnson Hatfield, who has been confined to his room for the last ___ weeks, is able to be on the street again.

Source: Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 2 March 1893.

***

There was an unfortunate difficulty at Matewan on Sunday last in which Mr. Johnson Hatfield was severely wounded through the hand. His son had become involved with an officer which drew his father into the trouble.

Source: Southern West Virginian via the Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 1 January 1896.

***

Johnson Hatfield, accompanied by his daughter, Miss Dollie, left on Monday last for a visit to friends and relatives in Mingo county.

Source: Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 23 January 1897.

***

Johnson Hatfield and daughter, Miss Dollie, have returned from a visit to friends on Sandy.

Source: Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 6 February 1897.

***

Johnson Hatfield, the genial proprietor of the Oakland Hotel, is visiting friends at Pikeville, Kentucky.

Source: Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 28 August 1897.

***

Johnson Hatfield has returned from a visit to Pikeville, Ky.

Source: Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 9 October 1897.

***

Johnson Hatfield is at Williamson this week.

Source: Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 23 October 1897.

***

The many friends of Mrs. Johnson Hatfield will regret to learn of her serious illness. She has a very bad attack of rheumatism.

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 13 November 1897.

***

Johnson Hatfield and wife, of Mingo, passed through here [Chafinsville] last Sunday en route for Vanceville, where they will make their future home.

Source: Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 21 April 1898.

***

HATFIELD KIDNAPPED.

TAKEN TO KENTUCKY ON A SERIOUS CHARGE–NOW IN JAIL.

Johnson Hatfield was arrested yesterday and taken to Pikesville, Kentucky, and lodged in jail on a charge of being an accomplice in the murder of Alifair McCoy on New Years night about nine years ago. This murder was committed during the feud of the Hatfields and McCoys.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 20 July 1898.

***

Johns Hatfield Captured LCB 07.21.1898

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 21 July 1898.

***

Johnson Hatfield Interview LCB 8.11.1898.JPG

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 11 August 1898.

***

Johnson Hatfield LCB 10.20.1898.JPG

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 20 October 1898.

***

Johnson Hatfield LCB 1.19.1899.JPG

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 19 January 1899.

***

Johnson Hatfield Gets Life HuA 01.21.1899.JPG

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 21 January 1899.

***

Johnson Hatfield LCB 4.12.00.JPG

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 12 April 1900.

NOTE: Not all of these stories may pertain to the Johnson “Johnse” Hatfield of Hatfield-McCoy Feud fame. For instance, items relating to the Oakland Hotel and a daughter named Dollie relate to a Johnson Hatfield (born 1837), son of George and Nancy (Whitt) Hatfield.

Civil War Letter Found at Hinton, WV (1886)

23 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Civil War

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Appalachia, civil war, Hinton, history, Huntington Advertiser, John D. Reed, John Hamilton, Mountain Herald, New River, North Carolina, Summers County, Sumter, West Virginia

Civil War Letter Found at Hinton HuA 07.17.1886.JPG

Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 17 July 1886.

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