Tag Archives: Huntington

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

08 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by in Huntington, Native American History

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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.

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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.

Chapmanville News 05.06.1927

06 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Huntington, Logan

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An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on May 6, 1927:

Rev. Screeds of Omar preached at the Church of Christ Sunday morning and Sunday evening.

Miss Virginia Hurst of Logan spent the weekend here with Miss Click.

Miss Ruth Queen spent the weekend in Logan.

Miss Bernice Ward spent the weekend here with her mother.

Miss Bertie Collins has returned to Chapmanville after a few days absence.

Lamar seemed to be enjoying himself Saturday evening and Sunday. Who is she, Lamar?

Daily Scenes: Beulah on the road to Phico; Carrie coming to school; Jane looking cute; Hazel and John; Inez working in the post office; Lyle calling at the office; Kyle and his sweetie.

Mr. O.J. Moses was visiting his parents in Huntington Saturday and Sunday.

Mrs. Kenneth Hilton and daughter were in Logan Monday.

The Sunday school at the Christian church is progressing nicely.

Rev. Shrive preached two delightful sermons at the Christian church Sunday. The house was crowded.

Mr. and Mrs. Hassel Perdue and son Maxey were visitors in Logan Monday.

The work on both the state and county roads is progressing finely.

Henry Conley was injured Monday by a freight train. All wish him speedy recovery.

Wonder why Miss Mable Ferrell doesn’t attend Sunday school?

Good luck to The Banner and its readers.

Chapmanville News 04.29.1927

05 Tuesday Dec 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Huntington

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An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on April 29, 1927:

The work on the roads is going forward nicely. We hope Chapmanville will not be a mud hole always. It is more like Charleston already.

Rev. Remus preached here Sunday. The home was crowded.

Grover Lowe and daughters Geraldine and Dorothy from Stollings attended Sunday school and visited friends here Sunday.

John Ferrell from Virginia is visiting friends and relatives at this place.

The Sunday school is progressing finely. Everyone is invited. Rev. Reeves will preach again Sunday.

Miss Sarah Thompson was taken to the hospital at Huntington where she will be operated on for appendicitis.

Paul Bentley who is in the C. & O. hospital is said to be improving.

Cecil Shuff spent Easter with his girlfriend here.

Daily happenings: Lamar leading the choir; Jack attending Sunday school; Minnie and her smiles; Carlos going to the post office; Victor and Steve flirting with their girls; Joe attending Sunday school; Lois going to school.

Good luck to The Banner, and who has baked those pies?

Republicans Driven from Logan County by Gunmen (1914)

01 Friday Dec 2017

Posted by in African American History, Logan

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From the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington, WV, comes this story printed by the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, dated October 30, 1914:

Republican Voters Driven from Co. by Gunmen

Deputy Sheriffs, Acting as Mine Guards, Are the Law and Enforcement Thereof.

Many Believe Martial Law Will be Sequel to Rule of Thugs.

Democratic schemes for the intimidation of Republican voters, for the prevention of a Republican victory in the state next Tuesday, whether by fair means or foul, have reached their climax in Logan county. If there is a place in West Virginia where lawlessness has succeeded law and order, where the persons chosen to enforce the law have initiated a system of rule by force and intimidation, a rule by force of clubs and pistols, a rule by thugs and gunmen, that place is Logan county.

A thorough investigation of conditions in Logan county today proves that the Ku Klux Klan in the south were mere pikers. There are men in Logan county who could beat them blindfolded.

The man, woman or child who would enjoy life–aye, who are willing to accept life or pass through Logan county, must be careful not to cross the paths of Sheriff Don Chafin and his force of about two hundred armed deputies.

And it can be truthfully said that the paths of these men extend to every nook and corner of the county. And several newly-made graves along the banks of the Guyandotte river and its tributaries shows who is the law and the enforcement thereof.

Several men have been shot, two negroes fatally, others have been clubbed and driven out of the county, women and children have been forced to flee clad only in their night-clothes, upon order of the Chafin deputies.

And all this because some Republicans desired to be registered in order that they might cast their votes for the Republican candidates next Tuesday.

Logan county is about to throw off the yoke of Democracy. The coal and lumber industries are rapidly being developed, and, as is always the case in progressive communities, the Republicans are making large gains.

If the voters of Logan county are allowed to cast their ballots as they desire, and those ballots are counted as cast, the Republican candidates will be elected.

If the conspiracy which has been formed by and in the interest of the Democrats is allowed to be carried out, the Democrats will continue in control of the county, the enforcement of law will be a mere joke and there will be probably a score added to the newly made graves along Old Guyan after next Tuesday.

Opinions vary as to what the outcome will be. Some believe that only martial law will prove a solution. Others are of the opinion that conditions will grow gradually worse and that the enforcement of law and order in Logan county will be a subject for investigation by the next legislature which convenes in January. Most certainly, if the threats of the Democrats are carried out, the Republicans are driven from the polls next Tuesday, the legislature will be asked to make a sweeping investigation and their findings will reveal conditions incredible in a civilized state.

Don Chafin is high sheriff of Logan county. His cousin, Con Chafin is prosecuting attorney. All the county officials are Democrats. Circuit Judge Wilkinson is a Democrat, though a man who wants the law enforced.

Sheriff Chafin, it is estimated, has about two hundred deputies. When he was elected, a part of his platform was that he would drive out the Baldwin mine guards from Logan county. No Baldwin men are known to be in this county now but these deputy sheriffs are known as mine guards. All of them are supposed to be armed with pistols, black-jacks and the usual weapons of gunmen. But few of them are licensed to carry such weapons and there is no trouble to find evidence that they have these weapons in violation of the law. Some of them are known to be ex-convicts and as such would not be licensed to carry revolvers, etc.

They shoot, club, slug and thug at will. But they are not arrested and imprisoned. For they are the law and the enforcement thereof.

Events of the past few weeks show the effectiveness of this organization of deputies and the way in which they operate. When the registrars were on their rounds registering the voters some of the deputies were on hand and even the Democratic registrars were afraid not to obey their orders. To go back further, they were on hand at the Democratic primaries and the Democratic nominees were the men of their choice and of that of their chief.

The Democratic registrars refused to register many Republicans, especially among the colored voters. When the county commissioners met to canvass the registration, four Republican lawyers State Senator E.T. England, Ira P. Hager, W.C. Lawrence, Jr., and O.J. Deegan, the latter being Republican county chairman, took the lead to see that Republicans entitled to vote were registered. One hundred colored voters were brought into Logan for examination and registration.

Threats have been made by deputies against the journeying of negroes to the court house, there to demand their rights, and the republican leaders realized there was danger.

The work before the county court was slow, as the democratic leaders challenged every step of the republicans. But eleven men were passed upon the first day, five of whom were registered, six turned down. That night the apparent cause for delay came. A colored family lived at Monitor, a mile from the court house. It was supposed that some of the negroes awaiting registration were there. This gave the conspirators a chance and the gunmen got busy.

Soon after dark a band of armed men raided the house, shot out the windows, fired bullets into bodies of two colored men, beat up others and drove a woman and child into the hills without giving them time to dress. The raiders said they were looking for “strange niggers.” As the result of that raid one colored man lies in an unmarked grave on the hillside and another is likely to join him soon. No “strange niggers” were in that house.

A colored man owned a cleaning and pressing establishment within a couple of squares of the court house. His windows were demolished and his place of business next morning looked as though a German siege gun had been turned on it.

A score of colored men awaiting registration were quartered for the night in the office of Senator England, and adjoining offices. About 11:30 o’clock at night some of the negroes were awakened by noises in the hallways and a sensation of not being able to breathe. They rushed to the windows and threw them open, but met with a shower of stones from the outside.

Piled on Senator England’s desk can be seen the stones hurled with force as is shown by the scars on the walls. Some of the stones were thrown from the court house steps.

No arrests were made. A grand jury was in session and Judge Wilkinson instructed the jurors to ferret out the dastardly assault and bring the miscreants to justice. But not an indictment resulted. It is no mystery in Logan as to who committed the deed. Any citizen not afraid to talk, and they are few, will name half a dozen deputy sheriffs as being in the party.

A telephone exchange girl next door to where some of the negroes were attacked made an outcry and was told that she would not be hurt if she kept still. She knows who told her to keep quiet, but would hardly give his name, probably not if she faced a jail sentence for contempt of court. It is not safe to talk in Logan county. “Don’t mention my name,” is what they all say when discussing the outrages.

A short distance from Logan is a construction camp. A large crowd of deputies raided the camp. One negro was playing the guitar and singing. No “strange niggers” were found there, but the one negro sang his last song. He, too, lies in an unmarked grave along the banks of Old Guyan. “Resisting arrest” was the excuse given.

Such depredations naturally drove many colored voters away and they will not vote.

Though threats have been made against the life of Senator England and his followers, they are putting up a game fight. By agreement the county court was to hold a night session to get through with the registration. England was later notified that nothing further would be done that night but the work would be taken up the next day he was amazed to find the court was no longer sitting. He went before Judge Wilkinson, mandamused the county court to sit again, and got ninety-eight colored voters registered.

The democrats were beaten in that game. “What’s the difference,” said a deputy when the court reconvened. “We will get them election day.” It has been openly boasted by the democrats that in many precincts the republicans, especially the colored voters, will not be allowed at the polls next Tuesday.

The sheriff and his deputies form an organization with unlimited power. Every little town or village, every public works, has the deputies. By intimidation and force in most instances and by favors in others, these deputies can run things to suit themselves. Infractions of the law by supporters of the organization can easily be overlooked, while on the other hand, the slightest technical violation can be punished to the full extent of the law.

The high-handed way in which the Democratic county organization is running things has caused a ruction in the Democratic ranks and many of them will quietly vote the Republican ticket. Many members of the old-time militant Democracy, some of them ex-Confederate soldiers, have assured the Republican leaders that they can no longer approve the Democratic methods employed in Logan County and will record their votes against it.

Dusenberry’s Dam (1887)

30 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by in Barboursville, Guyandotte River, Huntington, Logan

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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.

Chapmanville News 03.22.1927

30 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by in Big Creek, Chapmanville, Huntington, Logan

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An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on March 22, 1927:

Mrs. Ruth Carter has left for her home in Huntington where she will spend a few days.

Mrs. Lettie Munsey is spending a few days in Logan this week.

There have been many arrests and fines paid in town this week. You will have to be more careful, boys.

Carlos Ferrell was in Logan Monday.

Guess the people over on Big Creek will be pleased when the road across the Chapmanville mountain is completed.

Chapmanville News 02.25.1927

28 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Banco, Chapmanville, Huntington

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An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on February 25, 1927:

William Workman, son of Golden Workman, is improving since the operation for side pleurisy. He was brought here from a hospital at Huntington. The nurse, Miss Collins and Dr. Ferrell, are caring for him.

Cecil Shuff and Miss Bena Robertson from Peach Creek spent Sunday with Mrs. Nettie Ballard here.

Paul Winters who is attending school at Huntington spent Saturday and Sunday with his parents at this place.

Miss Marea Lucas spent Saturday and Sunday with her parents at Banco.

Mr. and Mrs. Alva Duty and family from Westerly are visiting friends at this time.

Short Lucas was seen in our town Sunday. Wonder for whom he was looking?

O.J. Moses has left for Huntington where he will spend a few days with his parents.

B.C. Ferrell and family spent Sunday with homefolks.

Combinations: Miss Collins and Dr. Ferrell visiting the sick; Hazel and her new dress; Fred J. going up the branch; Arnold and his smiles; Kyle looking downhearted; Wetzel calling on his girl; Ward and Paul out walking; Red and his boots; Mary looking for Vanzel.

Chapmanville News 01.18.1927

23 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville

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An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 18, 1927:

Here comes some very interesting news from the little town of Chapmanville.

Rev. A.M. Dial of Huntington is holding a short revival at the Christian church at this writing.

We are sorry to announce the death of George Raines who was instantly killed Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. by a train. His family has our sympathy. He was 63 and is survived by his wife and ten children.

The death angel visited the home of Henry Hughes Monday night at 10:00 p.m. and took away his mother Mrs. Ellen Conley.

Wattie Workman was calling on Miss Gladys Lowe Sunday afternoon.

Greenway McCloud and Miss Katie Chapman were all smiles Sunday. Cheer up, Virginia. Katie may not be holding such a hand yet.

Combinations: Inez and her tobacco; Beulah and her spike heels; Bernice and her hat; Wetzel going to see Callie; Miss Collins attending Sunday school; Julia and her spit curl; Maranda and lip stick; Ruby and her rolled hose; Hazel McCloud and her pretty waves; Minnie and her galoshes; Wattie calling on Gladys; Rupert falling down; Lamar Collins singing his favorite song, Bye-Bye Blackbird; Dr. and his wheel; Mrs. Mattie Owens and her boyish bob.

Chapmanville News 01.11.1927

21 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Huntington, Logan

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An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 11, 1927:

O.F. Ferrell, who fell and hurt himself, is slowly improving.

Herman Lucas, who has been ill for the past week, is able to be out again.

Miss Fay Turner has returned to Huntington where she is attending high school.

Miss Bernice Ward has returned to Logan where she is attending school.

Miss Callie Ferrell has returned from Stollings where she had been visiting her brother.

Misses Minnie and Gracie Workman gave a party Saturday night. All reported a nice time.

Mrs. Ellen Conley is seriously ill at this writing. We wish her a quick recovery.

Daily Happenings: Inez teaching school; Walter going to see Carrie; Phico and her new dress; Hazel and her boots; Vanzel calling on Beulah; Kyle and Inez going to Sunday school; Mary Click teaching school; Marea and Ella going to school; Julia and her white cap.

Good luck and best wishes to the Banner.

Chapmanville News 01.04.1927

08 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Huntington

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An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 4, 1927:

Umbrellas over our shoulders,

Mud all over our feet.

Ask a Chapmanville tax payer

Where is the nice paved street!

We hope every one has enjoyed Christmas, as it only comes once a year.

We surely have been having some rough weather. It seems as though Chapmanville is going to be overflown by water, if it keeps on raining.

Miss Opal Johnson who has been at Huntington for some time spent Christmas with her parents at this place.

Mr. and Mrs. B.E. Ferrell spent the weekend with home folks here.

Mr. Walter Ferrell seems to enjoy going up to Mr. Raines these days.

The Sunday School seems to be progressing very nicely since Mr. O.C. Winters has taken charge.

Miss Willa Lowe and Emmet Raines were seen out walking Sunday evening.

There were new pupils at Sunday School Sunday. Come again boys. We are glad to have you. Everyone is welcome.

We wish Mr. G.R. Lowe of Stollings would visit us again. He was our Sunday School teacher and Superintendent for almost two years.

Dr. Ferrell and the family are visiting home folks for the holidays.

Blake Bently who shot off two of his toes some time ago will soon be able to get out again.

Miss Thelma Scaggs seemed to be downhearted Sunday. Cheer up, Thelma. You may win him back.

Mrs. Ellen Conley still continues seriously ill.

Miss Goldie Rowsey has returned from Ohio where she has been staying for some time.

While out hunting Monday morning, Mr. O.F. Ferrell fell and hurt himself very badly. We wish him quick recovery.

Good luck to The Banner.

Republicans in Logan County, WV

03 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Logan

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From various regional newspapers come these stories about the Republican Party in Logan County, West Virginia:

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Republicans of Logan

Endorses the Candidacy of Judge Doolittle for Supreme Judge

The Logan county republican convention was held last week. Instructions were given for Gaines for Congress, and the candidacy of Judge Doolittle, of this city was endorsed for Supreme court judge.

Source: Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 30 April 1900.

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The Republican Ticket

The Republicans, at their convention on Saturday, nominated a full county ticket.

The nominee for House of Delegates, Pat Riffe, is a native of the county and an old Union soldier.

W.A. Brazie, the nominee for County Clerk, is a native of Fayette and came here about twelve years ago, and worked in this office about ten years. He is well known in the county, and is well fitted for the position for which he is named.

J.D. Copley, the nominee for Circuit Clerk, is a native of Wayne, …

Source: Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 2 October 1902.

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Logan Republican Municipal Ticket LD 03.30.1911 1.JPG

Logan (WV) Democrat, 30 March 1911.

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Republican Convention in Logan LB 07.10.1914 1.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 10 July 1914.

Republican Convention in Logan LB 07.10.1914 2.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 10 July 1914.

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Republican County Ticket.

Member of the Legislature–Naaman Jackson, of Logan.

County Clerk–John Perry, of Logan.

Circuit Clerk–J.M. Mitchell, Jr., of Curry.

County Superintendent of Schools–R.F. Mitchell, of Christian.

Member of the County Court–A.D. Cook, of Triadelphia District.

W.C. Lawrence, for the Committee on Nominations, reported the following selection for members of the County Central Committee of the Republican Committee of Logan County.

For Logan District, Bruce White, I.M. Conley, James Jeffrey, T.C. Whited and W.C. Lawrence.

For Triadelphia District, H.C. Burgess and Lon Walls.

For Chapmanville District, A.J. Fowler and T.B. Hensley.

Hon. O.J. Deegan was selected County Chairman and Hon. Ira P. Hager as County Secretary and Treasurer, both promising young attorneys of Logan.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 17 July 1914.

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Primary Results LD 06.29.1916 3.JPG

Logan (WV) Democrat, 29 June 1916.

 

Republican Campaign Opening Ad LB 10.05.1926.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 5 October 1926.

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Republicans Organize Club At Chapmanville

Republicans met at Chapmanville Friday night and organized a campaign club and named it the Ferrell-Cook Republican club. Praise was sounded for local and national Republican administrations for the tax reductions that have been made. The following officers were elected: S.A. Ferrell, chairman; Evart Campbell, secretary; A.L. Sansom, treasurer. Another meeting of the club was called for 7 o’clock tonight.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 19 October 1926.

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

02 Thursday Nov 2017

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

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From the Logan Banner and Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, come these stories of Confederate reunions in Logan County, WV:

Logan Wildcats 1900.jpg

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.

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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

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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.

Halloween in Huntington, WV (1899)

01 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Huntington

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From the Huntington Advertiser of Huntington, WV, come these stories of Halloween dated November 1, 1899:

HALLOWE’EN SOCIAL

In spite of unpromising weather, a house full of people assembled at the parsonage of the First Congregational church, 520 Ninth street last night. Ghosts, goblins, fairies and brownies were in evidence. The ghosts and goblins were chanting weird incantations and brewing trouble in a great cauldron and devising all sorts of mischief when upon the appearance of the bright faced fairies and the merry brownies, they slunk away and gloom gave place to brightness and cheer. An unusual feature was the make-up of the brownies which in every case was clever and taking. Alfred Whitaker was the Indian; Frank Hullman the clown; Henry Ensign, the Chinaman; Ivor Titus, the dude; and Griffin McCarthy, Uncle Sam.

***

HALLOWE’EN OBSERVED

YOUNGSTERS MORE CIVILIZED IN HUNTINGTON THIS YEAR THAN USUAL

Hallowe’en was observed last night with many appropriate parties and other amusements on the part of our fair citizens. One mentionable feature was the civilized and orderly manner in which the small boy and his associates behaved. Last year it will be remembered much property was wantonly destroyed and the night made one of hideous revelry. The authoritatives, however, were prepared this time, and any extreme demonstrations of youthful vandalism were promptly quelled. The taxpayers may now rest in peace for another year.

Chapmanville News 11.30.1926

28 Saturday Oct 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Huntington

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An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on November 30, 1926:

Just a little news from Chapmanville to let the people know it is still on the map; yes, and deep in the mud.

We hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. It seems that everyone in town had turkey for dinner. I mean all but me; I had a few burnt beans seasoned with groundhog grease. Wasn’t that fine?

Stewart Nelson from Huntington has been visiting in our town for the past week.

Everyone seemed to enjoy going to the show, as it was the first one in our town for some time.

Someone was mistaken when they thought Dr. J.T. Ferrell was the colored actor.

Walter Ferrell was calling on Miss Carrie Raines Sunday.

Miss Grace Workman was the most popular girl in our town. She received a beautiful chinaware set.

Paul Winters, who is attending high school at Huntington, spent Thanksgiving with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.C. Winters of this place.

Miss Fay Turner, who is attending school at Huntington, was with her mother for Thanksgiving.

Ward Ferrell and Miss Bernice Ward seem to be enjoying themselves now days.

Vanzel Bentley escorted Miss Beulah Ballard home from the show Saturday night.

Mrs. Helen Fitzpatrick from Huntington was the weekend guest of her mother, Mrs. Ruth Carter.

I guess the girls broke Bill’s kodak and that is the reason why he hasn’t taken any more pictures.

Wetzel Raines was calling on Miss Callie Ferrell Sunday.

Good luck and best wishes to the Banner and its readers.

Chapmanville News 11.16.1926

26 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Huntington

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An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 16, 1926:

We are having some nice weather now. As the election is over some of the folks are well pleased because J.H. Vickers was elected as commissioner of the county court.

Clinton Ferrell and family from Stollings were visiting homefolks Saturday and Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Kennie Perry and Walter Crislip motored to Huntington Sunday.

We are sorry to say Andy Lunsford is very ill with typhoid fever.

Miss Ella Jane Toney seemed to be enjoying herself Sunday. Wonder where Marea was?

Lyle Swan escorted Miss Connie Bentley home Saturday night.

There was a large bunch of girls and boys seen out kodaking Sunday. Did they break your kodak, Bill?

Emmett Raines escorted Miss Willa Lowe home from church Saturday night.

Preston Cooper is seen on our streets almost every day.

Walter Ferrell was calling on Miss Carrie Raines Sunday.

Miss Marea Lowe and Mrs. Lizzie Crislip made a flying trip to Huntington Monday.

Misses Vivian Ferrell, Callie Ferrell, and Wetzel Raines were seen out walking Sunday evening.

Walter Workman seems very sad these days. Cheer up, Walter. Hazel still loves you.

John Whitman was calling on Miss Hazel Conley Sunday.

Osie workman was calling on Miss Agnes Whitman Sunday.

Mrs. J.D. Turner is visiting friends in Raleigh county the week end.

Misses Gladys Lowe, Bernice Ward, Margaret Ballard, Ella Jane Toney, and Carlos and Walter Ferrell were seen out walking Sunday.

Dr. Ferrell delivered a very nice speech to the junior high school Friday which we appreciated very much.

Misses Minnie and Sara Ferrell were seen out walking Sunday evening.

Wishing all the good luck to The Banner. We are hoping to see the news from our little town again.

Daily happenings: Grace and Jim going to milk; Carrie going to the post office; Gladys and Minnie going to school; Carlos going up the road; Kyle going to see Inas; Ruth and Julius going to church; Miss Click teaching school.

Harts News 01.28.1927

23 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by in Hamlin, Harts, Huntington, Sand Creek, West Hamlin

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An unknown correspondent from Harts in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 28, 1927:

When you are lonely and sad,

Read The Banner it will make you glad.

Edward Brumfield is very much pleased since he has been appointed deputy sheriff at Harts.

Hendrix Brumfield is our road supervisor in Harts Creek now.

Justice of the Peace John Gartin was looking after important business in Harts Saturday.

Board of Education of Harts Creek district met at Harts Saturday to hire some more teachers to fill vacancies in the schools. A large crowd of people was present.

Fred Adkins went through Harts on a mule Saturday morning. Wonder what’s the matter?

Misses Jessie and Verna Brumfield spent Friday and Saturday shopping in Huntington.

Herbert Adkins was in Hamlin Monday on business.

John McEldowney of Charleston was the recent guest of Miss Hollena Ferguson at Harts Saturday.

Miss Cora Adkins was the guest of friends at Sand Creek Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Adkins of Man spent several days visiting friends at Harts.

Mrs. Dallas McComas spent Sunday with homefolks at West Hamlin.

Harts News 01.14.1927

22 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by in Big Creek, Chapmanville, Hamlin, Harts, Huntington, Logan, Whirlwind

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An unknown correspondent from Harts in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on January 14, 1927:

After all the sadness and sorrow Harts has mingled back again.

Mrs. Ward Brumfield met the county court at Hamlin Monday to be appointed Ward Brumfield’s administrator.

Mrs. Charles Brumfield is looking after business matters in Logan this week.

Miss Cora Adkins spent Saturday in Huntington.

Herbert Adkins was a business caller in Huntington Monday.

Mrs. Hollena Ferguson spent several days in Logan visiting friends.

Hawkins Perry is our new operator here this week.

Mrs. Toney Johnson from New Orleans is here visiting her mother, Mrs. Chas. Brumfield.

Wonder why Dr. Ferrell of Chapmanville is so interested in Harts now?

Mr. and Mrs. Dallas McComas spent Saturday and Sunday in Huntington.

Mrs. Beatrice Adkins from West Fork was in Harts Saturday.

Miss Jessie Brumfield is progressing nicely with her school at Atenville now.

Bill Adkins will leave here soon for Valparaiso, Indiana where he will be engaged in school for some time.

Mrs. Jeff Mullins of Big Creek spent Saturday visiting relatives here.

Robert Dingess of Whirlwind was a business caller in this town Monday.

Robert and Joe Brumfield are looking after business matters in Logan this week.

Fisher B. Adkins was in Hamlin Monday looking after his contest which will come off the March term of court.

Mrs. Herbert Adkins has purchased a fine radio.

Tom Brumfield seems to be very much pleased these days. Wonder why? Guess the wedding bells will ring soon.

Bill Adkins from Coal Branch City was in town Monday.

Mollie Drake: “The Florence Nightingale of Blair Mountain” (1921)

20 Friday Oct 2017

Posted by in Battle of Blair Mountain, Coal, Huntington, Logan, Women's History

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Mollie (Dingess) Drake, daughter of Allen B. Dingess and Caroline (Jackson) Dingess, was born on June 30, 1881 in Logan County, WV. She was the wife of Leo Frank Drake, a salesman. She appears in the 1910 Wayne County Census (Ceredo District). Hannah Mitchell profiled her life in the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, on December 30, 1921. Her husband died in 1925. In 1930, Mollie lived at Springfield, IL. In 1940, she made her home in Cattaraugus County, NY. Mrs. Drake died on July 7, 1958 at a nursing home in Huntington, WV.

Mollie Dingess Drake Photo.jpg

It would be easy enough to make a melodramatic start and give her some such extravagant title as “The Angel of the Hills” or “The Mother of the Mines” or “The Florence Nightingale of Blair Mountain.” But if you did and Molly Dingess Drake found it out she might laugh and she might make some sharp remark, but most certainly she would not be pleased.

How she escaped the “war correspondents” who were rushed to the front to cover West Virginia’s recent mine war is more than I can say, for the story is still told of how Molly, like “Sheridan twenty miles away,” when the armed miners were marching on Logan, made all haste not toward safety, as she might very wisely have done, but back to where the bullets were flying.

Her narrowest escape from the feature pages of newspapers was several years ago–two, in fact–when, a woman of some two score years, she was graduated from high school with her sixteen-year-old daughter. That graduation and the attendant high school diploma were in no sense honorary affairs given out of respect for Molly Dingess Drake. They had been earned by this very determined, ambitious woman of the hills after four years of high school work, in which she had enrolled along with her daughter and for which she had attended classes faithfully and with classmates half her age.

On pay day Mrs. Drake is a welfare worker for one of the coal companies operating in the Logan field. Having finished her high school course, she did not go on to college with her daughter. And, as she puts it, one of the coal producers “knew she wouldn’t sit at home and knit and crochet.” So he offered her the job of visiting nurses among the employees of his company. In this job Mollie mothers a large family. It is composed of men and women much older than she and of the children of these older children. True to the mother-type anywhere, she makes their individual troubles, their health, their happiness, a very personal matter.

There was the young Spaniard who lay in the hospital after a severe accident. No friends or relatives rallied to his bedside, and the doctors and nurses could not understand him when he moaned out a word or two in his native tongue. Mollie Drake scoured the hills for an interpreter and found one. She also dug up a cousin of the unfortunate boy. Moreover she made the lives of nurses and doctors miserable until the lad was out of danger, sometimes calling at the hospital late at night to see how the boy was getting on. Was not this foreign born lad one of her children?

It was not the Mollie Dingess Drake, ready to face danger along with other brave women of Logan county when armed miners were marching upon their homes, that interested me most, as you may have guessed already. The World War is too recent proof that American women are not afraid to risk their lives for a cause. It is Mollie Drake and the work of her hands when peace broods over her native hills that make her a woman among women.

Mrs. Drake is a mountain woman herself. She knows the desires, the needs and the hopes of the women and children who live in her hills; in a double sense she is working among her own people.

No serious-minded killjoy is Mrs. Drake, but a large motherly woman with a great capacity for fun and for seeing the human side of things.

It is a common statement among traveling salesmen that they live in a Pullman; Mollie Drake might say she lives in a day coach. Her headquarters are in Logan, and much of her time is spent in riding to and from the little mining towns along the branch lines out of Logan.

Her trips are taken to visit the homes of miners, and no place is too remote for her to visit. Her energy in tramping about and the speed with which she walks over the hills is enough to make a younger woman gasp for breath and all but beg for quarter. That from one who knows.

We started out of Logan one morning on the 10 o’clock train.

Before the train started we were part of the social gathering which greets the all-too-few passenger trains that come into Logan. Mollie Dingess knew everybody.

Arrived at the mining center, our first visit was to the schoolhouse, a substantial two-story building, in front of which were all the latest playground devices for amusing the modern child. The teachers were young and efficient in their schoolroom manners. In Logan county the schools have the advantage of extra good teachers because after the school board has voted what it can afford for salaries the coal companies make up the deficit needed to attract the best.

It was then I learned of Mrs. Drake’s unusual high school career.

“You know I have a high school education,” she remarked as we left the school and strode (at least Mrs. Drake strode) along the dirt road.

“As a girl I went to school till I was thirteen. In the teens I took up nursing and later was married. But I always wanted more education. Sometimes it is the persons who are denied education appreciate it most. Well, when my daughter was ready for high school I decided that I would get my high school education too–not by following her studies at home (I knew that wouldn’t do), but by enrolling in high school with her.

“Some of my friends thought it was an absurd idea. They said I could enroll in college for special courses or take correspondence courses. But the idea of my going to school right along with my daughter and the other young people seemed queer to them. I suppose it was unusual. But what I wanted was a regular education. So I enrolled and went through the four years of high school and was graduated in the same class with my daughter.”

“And how did your daughter feel about it?”

“Oh, she had her young friends and took part in school activities just the same.” Again the twinkle behind the glasses. “It may be that she studied harder than she would have.” I had no doubt of that.

“She is in college now,” continued Mrs. Drake. “When her grades aren’t has high as I think they ought to be she sends them to her father, but a man can’t keep such things secret, and I always find out. She knows I haven’t much patience with students who don’t keep up their grades.

“My daughter is going to be a physician. She didn’t make up her mind until after she entered college. I was rather anxious to know what she would choose. After she started studying biology she was so interested that she decided to go on and study medicine.”

It occurred to me that Mollie Drake was a feminist. I wondered if she had ever been a suffrage worker.

“No,” she answered. “I’ve always been a Democrat, though. My husband says I am what is called ‘a mean Democrat.'”

She paused and then laughed. “I made one rule when I was married. You see, Mr. Drake is a Republican. Well, I told him that if I married him he must keep just one rule. I knew our marriage would be a success if he did. And of course I promised to keep it too. The rule was that we should never talk politics. We never have and we’ve been very happy.

“Of course I voted at the last election, and much good it did so far as the Presidency was concerned. But someway I didn’t care so much for the voting. I’m old-fashioned in many ways. I was brought up in a strict way and I don’t like to hear about folks playing cards on Sunday. I suppose it isn’t wicked, but I can’t get over my bringing-up. And I never take a needle in my hand on a Sunday, only when I just have to mend something, that I don’t feel kind of guilty.”

Our conversation had been interspersed with visits to various miners’ homes, mostly where there were babies. Mrs. Drake’s philosophy had been punctuated by advice on babies and friendly comment upon the little interests of the women we visited. If we weren’t inspecting a baby we were talking with some elderly woman over a fence about her latest “misery.”

As we climbed the trails I was tired, but Mrs. Drake seemed as energetic as when the day began.

“I like the work,” she said, “but I want to study more. Last summer I took a course in New York, and I’d like to go back there for a second at the Henry Street Settlement. I want to study languages, too. There are so many things I want to do.”

Some day I have not a doubt she will do these things she wants to do. In the meantime I think of her in connection with the verse: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do.”

Source: “The Florence Nightingale of Blair Mountain,” Logan (WV) Banner, 30 December 1921.

Notes:

To see Mrs. Drake’s photo and entry at Find-A-Grave, follow this link: https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20145994

Mrs. Drake’s daughter, Alleyne Howell Dye, died of suicide in Ashland, KY, in 1944. For her death record, follow this link: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9YV-H7M5-H

To see Mrs. Dye’s photo and entry at Find-A-Grave, follow this link: https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20146072