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Brandon Ray Kirk

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Brandon Ray Kirk

Tag Archives: justice of the peace

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Killing of Bill Staten (1880)

21 Thursday Apr 2022

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Appalachia, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, justice of the peace, Kentucky, Logan County, Pike County, Sam McCoy, Tolbert Hatfield, Wall Hatfield, West Virginia

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk | Filed under Hatfield-McCoy Feud

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Magnolia District: Justices of the Peace (1824-1895)

21 Thursday Apr 2022

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Matewan

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A.W. Ferrell, Asa McCoy, David Mounts, Ephraim Hatfield, genealogy, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, John Ferrell, Joseph Simpkins, justice of the peace, Logan County, Magnolia District, Michael A. Ferrell, Mingo County, Samuel F. Varney, Wall Hatfield, West Virginia, William Tiller

The following list of justices of the peace for Magnolia District in present-day Mingo County, West Virginia, is based on historical documents available at the Logan County Courthouse in Logan. Several things to consider: (1) The list will be expanded over time based on new research; (2) the targeted area for this research is the Hatfield-McCoy feud region; (3) some justices included in this list may have in fact been located outside of the feud region; (4) dates for justices are primarily derived from deeds and county court/commissioner records; and (5) Mingo County was formed from Logan County in 1895.

John Ferrell (1838)

April 26, 1838

David Mounts (1838-1840)

April 26, 1838

January 31, 1840

March 23, 1840

August 22, 1840

Samuel F. Varney (1861)

March 14, 1861

Ephraim Hatfield (1861)

March 14, 1861

William Tiller (1867)

October 1867

Valentine “Wall” Hatfield (1870-1885)

February 11, 1873

April 8-9, 1873

August 12-16, 1873

February 10-12, 1874

October 13-14, 1874

December 8-12, 1874

December 29, 1874

August 10, 1875

October 12-16, 1875

August 8-9, 1876

elected October 10, 1876

July 1, 1878

October 1879

July 1880

December 10, 1880

December 14, 1880

appointed June 13, 1881

January 28, 1882

July 22, 1885

Asa McCoy (1873-1876)

February 11-12, 1873

August 12-16, 1873

December 9-12, 1873

June 16, 1874

October 22, 1874

December 9, 1874

February 11, 1875

June 9, 1875

June 13-17, 1876

August 8-9, 1876

Ephraim Hatfield (1876-1878)

elected October 10, 1876

February 11, 1878

A.W. Ferrell (1880)

April 1880

referenced on February 8, 1881 as a former justice

Joseph Simpkins (1882)

appointed to fill unexpired term, October 17, 1882

Michael A. Ferrell (1888)

elected November 6, 1888

Asa McCoy Property in Magnolia District (1859, 1866-1886)

12 Wednesday May 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Matewan

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Alafair Davis, Albert G. McCoy, Appalachia, Asa McCoy, Ephraim Hatfield, genealogy, H.S. Davis, history, Jane Ferrell, John Ferrell, justice of the peace, Logan County, Magnolia District, Magnolia Township, Nellie McCoy, Pigeon Creek, Thacker Fork, Tug Fork, West Virginia, William Tiller

The following land information is derived from Land Book 1866-1872, Land Book 1873-1874, Land Book 1880-1886, and Land Book 1887-1892 at the Logan County Clerk’s Office in Logan, WV:

Asa McCoy (of Logan County)1

[On June 4, 1859, Asa McCoy deeded __ acres on Pigeon Creek to John Ferrell for $__. Deed Book __, page 54. Only part of this deed is recorded. Ephraim Hatfield2 and William Tiller were justices of the peace.]

No property listed in 1865.

1866: Magnolia Township

290 acres South Side Pigeon and Thacker Fork $0.50 per acre no building $145 total

820 acres North Side Pigeon $0.50 per acre no building $410 total

No property listed for 1867-1870.

[On February 29, 1869, John and Jane Ferrell deeded 500 acres on Tug Fork of Sandy River and Sulphur Creek to Asa McCoy for $900. References the store house on the bank of the river, near the mouth of Mates Creek. William Tiller was justice of the peace. Deed Book __, page 208-209.]

1871-1874: Magnolia District

500 acres Sulphur and Sandy River $2 per acre no building $1000 total

1875-1876: Magnolia District

500 acres Sandy River and Sulphur $1.75 per acre $100 building $875 total

[On August 19, 1876, Asa and Nelly McCoy deeded 100 acres between Sulphur Creek and Tug River to Alafair Davis3 (wife of H.S. Davis) for $200. Deed Book __, page __.]

1877: Magnolia District

No records for this year for Magnolia District

1878: Magnolia District

[On February 11, 1878, Asa and Nellie McCoy deeded 150 acres to William McCoy for $500. References the mouth of Mate Creek and the land occupied by William McCoy. Ephraim Hatfield7 was justice of the peace. Deed Book __, page 484-485.]

350 acres Sandy River and Sulphur $1.75 per acre $100 building $612.50 total

1879: Magnolia District

No records for this year for Magnolia District

[On April 15, 1880, Asa and Nellie McCoy deeded 75 acres to A.G. McCoy for $200. References the first hollow below the forks of Sulphur Creek. A.W. Ferrell was a justice of the peace. Deed Book __, page 189-190.]

[On April 15, 1880, Asa and Nellie McCoy deeded 50 acres to Albert G. McCoy for $50. References the first hollow on the right hand side of Sulphur. Deed Book __, page __.]

1880: Magnolia District

350 acres Sandy River and Sulphur $1.75 per acre $100 building $612.50 total

1881: Magnolia District

225 acres Sandy River $1.75 per acre no building $262.50 total

1882: Magnolia District

Pages missing.

1883: Magnolia District

125 acres Sulphur Branch Sandy River $2 per acre [rest blank]

1884-1885: Magnolia District

125 acres Sulpher Branch and Sandy River $2 per acre $75 building $250 total

1886: Magnolia District

125 acres Sulphur of Sandy $2 per acre $75 building $75 total

1887: Magnolia District

125 acres Sulphurr of Sandy River $2 per acre $75 building $250 total

***

1Brother to Sallie (McCoy) McCoy.

2Most likely, this is the father to Devil Anse Hatfield.

3Daughter of Asa and Nelly McCoy

Randolph McCoy Property in Magnolia District (1866)

11 Tuesday May 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley

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Anna McCoy, Appalachia, Big Sandy River, Cordelia McCoy, David Mounts, Elizabeth Vance, H.H. Williamson, Hezekiah Blankenship, John Ferrell, justice of the peace, Kentucky, Little Blackberry Creek, Logan County, Magnolia Township, Pigeon Roost Bottom, Pike County, Pleasant McCoy, Randolph McCoy, Richard Vance, West Virginia, William A. Dempsey, William McCoy

The following land information is derived from Land Book 1866-1872 at the Logan County Clerk’s Office in Logan, WV:

Randolph McCoy (of Logan County)1

[On December 15, 1837, Randolph McCoy of Logan County deeded 83 acres to Hezekiah Blankenship for $150. References Pigeon Roost Bottom. John Ferrell and David Mounts were justices of the peace. Deed Book __, page 136.]

[On September 17, 1845, Randolph and Anna McCoy of Pike County, KY, deeded 200 acres to Daniel McCoy for $300. Deed Book B, page 538-539.]

[On February 11, 1854, Elizabeth Vance2 deeded __ acres to Randolph McCoy for $300 all her land in Logan County excepting what she has sold to H.H. Williamson and William A. Dempsey. Beginning below the mill seat; references the island below Little Blackberry Creek and the ash gap in the horse ridge. Pleasant McCoy was a justice of the peace. Deed Book __, page 337.]

[On February 11, 1854, Richard Vance3 deeded __ acres to Randolph McCoy for $200 all of his lands in Logan County. Joseph Murphy and P. McCoy were justices of the peace. Deed Book C, page 444-445.]

No property listed in 1865.

1866: Magnolia Township

199 acres Sandy River $2.50 per acre no building $497 total

75 acres Sandy River $1.75 per acre no building $431 total

No property listed thereafter.

***

1Son of William and Cordelia (Campbell) McCoy.

2Mother of Jim Vance.

3Brother of Jim Vance.

Salena Estep Deed to Nettie Toney (1909)

31 Wednesday Mar 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek, Lincoln County Feud

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Appalachia, Canaan Adkins, East Fork, Elisha Vance, genealogy, Harts Creek, history, John Runyon, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Feud, Logan County, Nettie Toney, notary public, R.E. Lowe, Salena Estep, T.B. Stone, West Fork, West Virginia

Deed Book __, page __, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. For those familiar with the Lincoln County Feud, note description as the “Elisha Vance, Canaan Adkins and John Runyon lands.”

Darby Elkins et al Deed to Reese Elkins (1856)

13 Saturday Mar 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek

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Appalachia, Archibald Elkins, Darby K. Elkins, genealogy, Harts Creek, Hezekiah "Carr" Adkins, history, justice of the peace, Logan County, Nancy Brothers, Pigeon Roost Branch, Reese W. Elkins, Richard Elkins, West Virginia

Deed Book __, page __, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV.

Significant Tracts in Magnolia District (1867, 1870, 1876, 1886-1889)

19 Friday Feb 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Beech Creek, Big Sandy Valley, Matewan, Wharncliffe

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Alex D. Trent, Beech Creek, Ben Creek, Bend Creek, Big Sandy River, David Mounts, Devil Anse Hatfield, Elias Hatfield, Elkhorn Sandy River Trust Company, genealogy, Glen Alum, Grapevine Creek, history, Isabella Rutherford, J.C. Williamson, J.D. Sergeant, Jacob Cline, Jacob Phillips, Jacob Smith, James Vance Jr., John Ferrell, John Francesco, John W. Deskins, Joseph Glen, Julius Williamson, justice of the peace, Kentucky, Lewis Ratcliff, Lewis Rutherford, Logan County, M.A. Ferrell, M.B. Lawson, Magnolia District, Michael A. Ferrell, Mingo County, Morehead, Philadelphia, Pigeon Creek, Richard Ferrell, Richard Maynard, Richard Ratcliff, Richard Ratliff, Right Fork, Roane County, Spring Fork, Spruce Fork, T.W. Blankenship, Thacker Creek, Tug River, Warren Alderson, West Virginia, William Ferrell, William S. Ferrell

What follows is a list of 1000-plus-acre tracts in Magnolia Township/District of Logan County, WV, for 1867, 1870, and 1886-1889…

1867

Jacob Cline’s Heirs, Logan County, 5000 acres, Sandy River

William Ferrell, Logan County, 3900 acres, Sandy River

Richard Maynard, Logan County, 3250 acres, Sandy River

David Mounts, Logan County, 3000 acres, Tug River and Tributaries

John Ferrell, Logan County, 2812 acres, Sandy River

Warren Alderson, Logan County, 2740 acres, Right Fork Ben Creek

John Ferrell, Logan County, 1814 acres, Pigeon Creek

Richard Ratliff, Logan County, 1340 acres, Stafford and Beech Creek

John W. Deskins, Logan County, 1305 acres, Thacker Creek and Sandy River

Warren Alderson, Logan County, 1300 acres, Spring Fork of Ben Creek

John Ferrell, Logan County, 1100 acres, Sandy River

Jacob Phillips, Logan County, 1000 acres, Sandy River

1870

Jacob Cline’s Estate, Logan County, 5000 acres, Sandy River

Richard Ferrell, Logan County, 3900 acres, On Sandy River

John Ferrell, Logan County, 3075 acres, 7 Tracts on Pigeon

David Mounts Estate, Logan County, 3000 acres, Tug Fork and Tributaries

Warren Alderson, Logan County, 2740 acres, Right Fork Ben Creek

Richard Maynard, Logan County, 2430 acres, On Sandy River

John W. Deskins, Logan County, 1305 acres, Turkey Sandy River

Warren Alderson, Logan County, 1300 acres, Spring Fork Ben Creek

William S. Ferrell, Logan County, 1100 acres, Sandy River

1876

Jacob Cline’s Heirs, Kentucky, 5000 acres, Grape Vine and Sandy

William S. Ferrell, Logan County, 3000 acres, Thacker and Sandy River

Warren M. Alderson, Kentucky, 2640 acres, Right Fork of Ben Creek

Isabella Rutherford, Logan County, 1600 acres, Sandy River

Michael A. Ferrell, Logan County, 1300 acres, Sandy River

Warren M. Alderson, Kentucky, 1175 acres, Spring Fork Ben Creek

Richard Ratcliff, Logan County, 1140 acres, Stafford Branch Sandy

Julius Williamson, Logan County, 1000 acres, Sandy and Branches

1886

William S. Ferrell, Logan County, 2650 acres

Warren Alderson, Morehead KY, 2640 acres, Sandy River

Lewis Rutherford, Logan County, 1600 acres

Jacob Smith, Mouth of Pond KY, 1500 acres

James Vance, Jr., Logan County, 1500 acres

J.D. Sergeant, Philadelphia PA, 1481 acres

Elias Hatfield, Logan County, 1431 acres

M.A. Ferrell, Logan County, 1300 acres

T.W. Blankenship, Roane County, 1200 acres

1887

William S. Ferrell, Logan County, 2650 acres, Thackers Creek and Sandy River

Warren Alderson, Morehead KY, 2640 acres, Sandy River

Anderson Hatfield, Logan County, 2360 acres, Grape Vine

J.D. Sergeant, Philadelphia PA, 1481 acres, Beech Creek

Elias Hatfield, Logan County, 1471 acres, Four tracts on Mates Creek

M.A. Ferrell, Logan County, 1300 acres, Sandy River

T.W. Blankenship, Roane County, 1200 acres, Spruce Fork of Ben Creek

1888

Anderson Hatfield, Logan County, 2656 1/2 acres, Grapevine Creek

William S. Ferrell, Logan County, 2650 acres, Thacker and Sandy

J.C. Williamson, Logan County, 1837 acres, Four tracts on Alum and Sandy River

Lewis Ratcliff, Logan County, 1600 acres, Sandy River

John Francesco, Logan County, 1500 acres, Grapevine and Thacker

Simpkins and M.B. Lawson’s Heirs, Logan County, 1500 acres, Richard Ratcliff Farm and Sandy River

Elkhorn Sandy R. Trust Co., Logan County, 1481 acres, Ben Creek and Sandy

J.D. Sergeant, Philadelphia PA, 1385 acres, Sandy River

M.A. Ferrell*, Logan County, 1300 acres, Sandy River

1889

Anderson Hatfield, Logan County, 2656 1/2 acres, Grapevine Creek

W.S. Ferrell, Logan County, 2650 acres, Thacker and Sandy River

J.C. Williamson, Logan County, 1837 acres, 4 Tracts on Alum and Sandy River

Lewis Rutherford, Logan County, 1600 acres, Sandy River

Jacob Smith, Logan County, 1500 acres, Richard Ratcliff’s Farm and Sandy River

John Francesco, Logan County, 1500 acres, Grape Vine

Elkhorn Sandy River Trust Company, Logan County, 1481 acres, Ben Creek and Sandy River

J.D. Sergeant, Philadelphia PA, 1385 acres, Sandy River

Joseph Glen, Logan County, 1377 acres, Tug River Below Mouth Bend

J.D. Sergeant, Philadelphia PA, 1354 1/4 acres, Mates Creek

J.D. Sergeant, Philadelphia PA, 1338 3/4 acres, Grapevine

M.A. Ferrell*, Logan County, 1300 acres, Sandy River

Alex D. Trent, Logan County, 1246 acres, Spring Fork Ben Creek

Note: On November 6, 1888, M.A. Ferrell was elected justice of the peace; his term commenced on January 1, 1889.

Source: Land Book 1866-1872, Land Book 1873-1874, Land Book 1880-1886, and Land Book 1887-1892.

Johnson Hatfield Property in Logan County, WV (1884-1892)

18 Thursday Feb 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Matewan

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Appalachia, Ben Creek, Big Sandy River, Devil Anse Hatfield, genealogy, Grapevine Creek, H.R. Phillips, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, J.D. Sergeant, Johnse Hatfield, Johnson Hatfield, justice of the peace, Left Hand Fork, Levicy Hatfield, Lick Branch, Lick Fork, Logan County, Magnolia District, Mingo County, Nancy Hatfield, Philadelphia, Thacker Creek, Valentine Wall Hatfield, West Virginia

The following land information is derived from Land Book 1880-1886 and Land Book 1887-1892, as well as deed books, at the Logan County Clerk’s Office in Logan, WV:

Johnson Hatfield

No property listed in land books for 1865-1881.

On January 28, 1882, Anderson and Vicy Hatfield deeded 200 acres at Lick Fork of Grapevine Creek to Johnson Hatfield (all of Logan County) for $250. Began at a large rock near the creek bank just above the garden field at the mouth of Lick Fork, thence running out to the center of the point above Lick Fork…to the head of Lick Fork and down the top of the ridge between Grapevine and Thacker Creek… Anderson and Vicy Hatfield signed the deed. Justice Valentine Hatfield witnessed the deed on January 28, 1882.

No property listed in land books for 1883.

1884-1885: Magnolia District

Johnson Hatfield, Jr.

200 acres Lick Branch, Grape Vine $1.25 per acre no building $250 total

Johnson Hatfield, Sr.

200 acres Lick Branch, Grape Vine $1.25 per acre no building $250 total

[Note: Two entries exist in the land book for a Johnson Hatfield (Sr. and Jr.) in 1884-1885; this is likely the same person and the same property.]

1886: Magnolia District

No entry for him.

1887: Magnolia District

Nancy Hatfield

300 acres Grapevine, Sandy River $1.25 per acre no building $375 total

[Note: This property was transferred from Johnson Hatfield. Presumably, “Nancy Hatfield” is Johnse’s wife, the former Nancy McCoy.]

1888: Magnolia District

No entry for Johnson or Nancy Hatfield.

[Note: In 1888, Johnson Hatfield, Jr. transferred 500 acres on Grapevine, Sandy River (two tracts) worth $1.25 and total value of $625 to J.D. Sergeant of Philadelphia, PA.]

1889: Magnolia District

No property listed.

1890: Magnolia District

Nancy Hatfield

147 acres H.R. Fk Mates Creek $1 per acre no building $147 total

[Note: This may be Johnse’s wife, Nancy.]

1891: Magnolia District

No property listed.

[In 1891, “Jo Hatfield & wife” transferred 258 acres on Left Hand Fork Ben Creek worth $1 per acre and with total value of $258 to H.R. Phillips, trustee. This may or may not be Johnse Hatfield.]

Ben Walker Deed to Hezekiah “Kiah” Adkins (1887)

15 Monday Feb 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Green Shoal, Guyandotte River, Lincoln County Feud

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Appalachia, Ben Walker, Burbus C. Toney, Cain Adkins, Canoe Tree Fork, Eliza Adkins, Ellen Ferguson, genealogy, George Dickinson, Green McCoy, Green Shoal Creek, Guyandotte River, Harts Creek District, Hezekiah Adkins, history, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Feud, timber, timbering, West Virginia

Ben Walker Deed to Hezekiah “Kiah” Adkins, 175 acres, Green Shoal Creek, 1887, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV. Note: Cain Adkins, who notarized this deed, was a key figure in the Lincoln County Feud, which was underway in 1887. In October of 1889, Ben Walker buried Mr. Adkins’ son-in-law, Green McCoy. Note: Ellen Ferguson and George Dickinson were African-American residents of Harts Creek District.

Anderson Hatfield Property in Logan County (1869-1893)

12 Friday Feb 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Matewan

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A.E. Steel, Anna Hatfield, Appalachia, Beech Creek, Big Sandy River, Charles R. Mounts, Conley Bottom, Conleys Creek, Daniel Christian, Dempsey Branch, Devil Anse Hatfield, Double Camp, Double Camp Branch, E.S. Murphy, Ephraim Hatfield, Floyd Hatfield, genealogy, George Hatfield, Grapevine Creek, Harrison Steel, history, Island Creek, J.D. Sergeant, Jacob Francesco, James A. Nighbert, James Ferrell, James Mounts, John Green, Johnson Hatfield, justice of the peace, L.D. Steel, Levicy Hatfield, Lewis Steel, Lick Fork, Little Kanawha Lumber Company, Logan County, Logan District, logging, Magnolia District, Magnolia Township, Mash Field, Mate Creek, Mates Creek, Meadow Branch, Mill Seat Fork, miller, Mingo County, Moses Christian, Nancy Hatfield, Philadelphia, Pigeon Creek, Plyant Mayhorn, Polly Hatfield, Preacher Anse Hatfield, Road Fork, Samuel Mayhorn, splash dams, splashing, Stuart Wood, Thacker Creek, timbering, Tug Fork, Tug River, Valentine Wall Hatfield, West Virginia, William Tiller, Wolf Pen Fork

The following land information is derived from Land Book 1866-1872, Land Book 1873-1874, Land Book 1880-1886, Land Book 1887-1892, and Land Book 1893-1899, as well as various deed books, at the Logan County Clerk’s Office in Logan, WV:

Anderson Hatfield

[Property listed in name of Levecy Hatfield in 1869, Levica Hatfield in 1870-1871, Levisa Hatfield in 1872, 1874, and 1876, Levitna Hatfield in 1873, Lavisa Hatfield in 1875, Levica Hatfield in 1889, Lovicy Hatfield in 1890-1891, Lovica Hatfield in 1892, and Levicy Hatfield in 1893.]

No property listed in land books for 1865-1867.

On October 19, 1867, George* and Nancy Hatfield of Pike County, KY, deeded 100 acres on Mate Creek to Levicy Hatfield of Logan County, WV, for five hundred dollars. The property began in the upper end of Mash Field and extended to the mouth of Meadow Branch. Witnessed by JP William Tiller on October 19, 1867.

No property listed in the land book for 1868.

1869: Magnolia Township

100 acres Mates Creek $4.20 per acre no building $420 total

55 acres Mates Creek $2.10 per acre $75 building $136.50 total

[Note: Based on the land book, both tracts were acquired in 1869 from George Hatfield of Kentucky. Also, the 55-acre total value figure did not include the value of the building. Note the actual date of purchase for one of the tracts was 1867, as per the deed.]

1870: Magnolia Township

100 acres Mates Creek $4.20 per acre no building $420 total

55 acres Mates Creek $2.10 per acre no building $136.50 total

1871-1872: Magnolia Township

100 acres Mates Creek $4.20 per acre no building $420 total

55 acres Mates Creek $2.10 per acre no building $115.50 total

[Note discrepancy in the valuation for the 55-acre tract.]

1873: Magnolia District

100 acres Mates Creek $5.25 per acre no building $441 total

55 acres Mates Creek $4.20 per acre no building $420 total

1874: Magnolia District

100 acres Mates Creek $4.20 per acre no building $420 total

55 acres Mates Creek $2.10 per acre $115.50 total

On December 29, 1874, Anderson and Lovicy Hatfield sold 200 acres to Polly Hatfield (all of Logan County) for $780 on Mates Creek. Began at the foot of the north hill at the upper end of the old Mash Field, a conditional corner between Ephraim Hatfield and Anderson Hatfield to the mouth of Meadow Branch to include all the land that George Hatfield had deeded to Lovicy Hatfield. Anderson and Lovicy signed the deed using an “x.” Justice of the peace Valentine Hatfield witnessed the deed on December 29, 1874.

[Note the original 100 acres from the 1867 deed has now become 200 acres.]

1875: Magnolia District

100 acres Mates Creek $4 per acre $50 building $400 total

55 acres Mates Creek $0.25 per acre no building $13.75 total

1876: Magnolia District

100 acres Mates Creek $4 per acre no building $400 total

55 acres Mates Creek $0.25 per acre no building $13.75

[Note: In 1876, according to the land book, Anderson Hatfield transferred 200 acres on Mates Creek worth $0.25 per acre and with a total worth of fifty dollars to Polly Hatfield; the deed is dated 1874 (see above); the 1878 land record corrected the acreage to 55 acres by order of P.A. Counts]

1877: Magnolia District

No records available for this year.

On July 2, 1877, Anderson and Lovicy Hatfield deeded 150 acres at Double Camp and Road forks of Mates Creek for $75 to Floyd Hatfield (all of Logan County). Began at the back line of the John Green survey below Double Camp, then up the main ridge to the top of the point above Road Fork, thence to John Green survey line. Anderson and Lovicy signed the deed using an “x.” Justice of the Peace Valentine Hatfield witnessed the deed on July 2, 1877.

On December 24, 1877, Anderson and Levisa Hatfield deeded 1500 acres on Grapevine Creek to James Vance, Jr. (all of Logan County) for $1400. Began near the mouth of Wolf Pen Fork, thence to the top of the mountain between Grapevine and the river, thence with mountain to dividing ridge between Grapevine and Beech Creek, thence to head of Thacker Creek, thence down ridge between Thacker and Mates Creek… References the ridge between the Wolf Pen and Mill Seat Fork. Anderson and Levicy signed the deed using an “x.” Justice Valentine Hatfield witnessed the deed on December 24, 1877.

1878: Magnolia District

Anse Hatfield owned no property in 1878.

[In 1878, as per the land book, Anderson Hatfield transferred 150 acres on Double Camp and Road Fork of Mate to Floyd Hatfield worth twenty cents per acre and with a total worth of $20. Records showed this as “transferred from Anderson Hatfield.” Note: The deed (above) shows the transfer as 1877.]

1879: Magnolia District

No records exist for this year.

1880-1881: Magnolia District

As per land book, Anse Hatfield owned no land.

On December 9, 1880, Anderson Hatfield, Lovicy Hatfield, Elias Hatfield, and Henry Mitchell deeded 200 acres on Wolf Pen Fork of Grapevine Creek to Robert Cox (all of Logan County) for $200. Anderson Hatfield, Lovicy Hatfield, Elias Hatfield, and Henry Mitchell signed the deed. Justice of the peace Valentine Hatfield witnessed the deed on December 10, 1880.

1882: Magnolia District

The Hatfield page is missing from the land book.

On January 28, 1882, Anderson and Vicy Hatfield deeded 200 acres at Lick Fork of Grapevine Creek to Johnson Hatfield (all of Logan County) for $250. Began at a large rock near the creek bank just above the garden field at the mouth of Lick Fork, thence running out to the center of the point above Lick Fork…to the head of Lick Fork and down the top of the ridge between Grapevine and Thacker Creek… Anderson and Vicy Hatfield signed the deed. Justice Valentine Hatfield witnessed the deed on January 28, 1882.

1883: Magnolia District

Records for this district are blank.

1884: Magnolia District

37 acres Tug River $1 per acre no building $37 total

2900 acres Grape Vine, Tug River $1.25 per acre $50 building $3625 total

[Note: In 1884, Anse transferred 100 acres to Daniel Christian on Grape Vine and Sandy River worth $1.25 per acre with no building and valued at $125. In 1884, Anse transferred 150 acres on Beech Creek and Sandy River to Jacob Francesco worth $1 per acre with no buildings and total value at $150. This latter tract states “by A. Hatfield by P. Mayhorn” and adds that “books don’t show A. Hatfield is owner.” Anse is not named in the 1884 deed to Jacob Francesco.]

1885: Magnolia District

37 acres Tug River $1 per acre no building $37 total

2750 acres Grapevine Creek and Tug River $1.25 per acre $50 building $3437.50 total

[In 1885, he transferred 50 acres on Sandy River to Moses Christian worth $1.25 per acre with a total worth of $62.50. In 1885, he transferred 100 acres on Grapevine Creek to Samuel Mayhorn worth $1.25 per acre with a total worth of $125.]

1886: Magnolia District

No property listed for him in 1886.

[In 1886, he transferred 500 acres on Pigeon Creek to James Ferrell worth $1.12 per acre with a total worth of $500. This note referenced him as “A. Hatfield Sr.” In 1886, he transferred 25 acres on Tug River to E.S. Murphy worth $1 per acre and a total worth of $25. In 1886, he transferred 340 acres on Beech Creek to Harrison Steel valued at $2.25 per acre and with a total worth of $765. This latter note stated: “2 years back tax and with interest; transferred from Ans Hatfield.”]

1887: Magnolia District

37 acres Tug River $1 per acre no building $37 total

2360 acres Grape Vine $1.25 per acre $50 building $2950 total

[Note: For both entries, the record reads: “one yr bk tax & interest.” In 1887, he transferred 69 acres on Sandy River worth $1 per acre and total worth of $69 to James Mounts. In 1887, he transferred with others 100 acres on Sandy River worth $1 per acre and total value of $100 to Charles R. Mounts. In 1887, he transferred 200 acres on Beech Creek to Harrison Steel worth $1 per acre and total value of $200.]

1888: Logan District

[On April 10, 1888, Lewis S. Steel sold 200 acres on Island Creek to Vicie Hatfield for $900. Deed Book L, p. 53.]

[On May 1, 1888, Anse and Levicy Hatfield agreed to a quit claim deed for mineral rights to 600 acres in the head of Island Creek to Stuart Wood for $1, and fifty cents per acre once surveyed and the title perfected. Deed Book K, p. 158-159.]

[On May 10, 1888, L.D. and A.E. Steel sold 250 acres on Island Creek to Levicy Hatfield for $500. Deed Book L, p. 52.]

1888: Magnolia District

No property listed for him, but a note in 1893 lists back taxes owed for:

Anderson Hatfield

2656 1/2 acres Grapevine Creek $3.50 per acre no building $9297.75 total

[Note: In 1888, he transferred 300 acres on Grapevine, Sandy River worth $1.25 per acre and total value of $375 to J.D. Sergeant of Philadelphia, PA. In 1888, he transferred along with others 1385 acres on Sandy River worth $1.25 per acre and total worth of $1632 to J.D. Sergeant.]

1889: Logan District

Levica Hatfield

250 acres Island Creek $1 per acre no building $250 total

200 acres Island Creek $1.40 per acre no building $280 total

1889: Magnolia District

Anderson Hatfield

2656 1/2 acres Grapevine Creek $3.50 per acre no building $9297.75 total

[On April 9, 1889, Anse and Levisy Hatfield deed to James E. Price, trustee, for $825 the mineral rights of 821 acres on Island Creek. Deed Book 47, p. 67-70.]

[On September 6, 1889, Anse Hatfield deeded all of the timber on his Island Creek property to the Little Kanawha Lumber Company for $352. References Anse having the right to put in a grist mill at the splash dam. Deed Book O, p. 410-411.]

1890-1891: Logan District

Lovicy Hatfield

250 acres Island Creek $1 per acre no building $250 total

200 acres Island Creek $1.40 per acre no building $280 total

[On November 21, 1891, Anse and Levicy Hatfield deeded to Stuart Wood and J.A. Nighbert for one dollar a right of way for splashing timber at the 821 acres. References Conley Bottom, the mouth of Dempsey Branch, and Conley’s Creek. Deed Book M, p. 189.]

1890-1891: Magnolia District

Anderson Hatfield

2656 1/2 acres Grapevine Creek $3.50 per acre no building $9297.75 total

1892: Logan District

Lovica Hatfield

250 acres Island Creek $2 per acre no building $500 total

200 acres Island Creek $5 per acre $500 building $1000 total

[On June 18, 1892, Anse and Levicy deeded to G.R. Buskirk for $2 his timber on 400 acres. Deed Book Q, p. 370.]

1892: Magnolia District

Anderson Hatfield

2656 1/2 acres Grapevine Creek $3.50 per acre no building $9297.75 total

1893-1894: Logan District

Levicy Hatfield

250 acres Island Creek $2 per acre no building $500 total

200 acres Island creek $5 per acre $500 building $1000 total

1893: Magnolia District

Anderson Hatfield

2656 1/2 acres Grapevine Creek $3.50 per acre no building $9297.75 total

[Note: In 1893, the tract at Grapevine Creek was noted: “entered with 5 yrs back taxes and interest.”]

1894: Magnolia District

Anderson Hatfield

2656 1/2 acres Grapevine Creek $3.50 per acre no building $9298 total

*George Hatfield (1804-1883), son of Ephraim and Anna (Musick) Hatfield; father of “Preacher Anse” Hatfield.

NOTE: Many discrepancies exist between the land books and deeds for Anderson Hatfield.

Paris “Witch” Brumfield to Tomblin and Rigsbey Deed (1911)

02 Saturday Jan 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Atenville, Guyandotte River, Little Harts Creek

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Appalachia, Charles Adkins, county clerk, genealogy, Guyandotte River, Harts Creek District, history, J.B. Rigsbey, justice of the peace, Lincoln County, Little Harts Creek, Paris "Witch" Brumfield, Vira Brumfield, W.C. Holstein, West Virginia, William Harrison Tomblin, William Workman

Deed Book __, page 127, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

Dug and Dad: A Poem (1928)

09 Wednesday Dec 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan, Poetry

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Appalachia, Dug and Dad, justice of the peace, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, poetry, poets, Thomas C. Whited, West Virginia, writers

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this poem by T.C. Whited titled “Dug and Dad”, written on May 30, 1928, and published on June 5, 1928:

DUG AND DAD

The voting now is over,

And I am rather glad

As we will have for J’s and P’s

Our good old “Dug and Dad.”

The other boys were good old “scouts”

Not one of them is bad,

But did not have the pull it seems

Like “Uncles Dug and Dad.”

If we don’t be more careful

Our days will be long and sad

As we pull the time and pay the fine

As fixed by “Dug and Dad.”

Battle of Blair Mountain (1921)

27 Tuesday Oct 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Battle of Blair Mountain, Logan

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Appalachia, Battle of Blair Mountain, Bilton McDonald, C.S. Minter, crime, Don Chafin, F.O. Woerner, F.R. Remlinger, F.S. Schuster, First National Bank, Fulton Mitchell, H.C. Hill, history, justice of the peace, labor, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mine Wars, Naaman Jackson, sheriff, Sidney B. Lawson, true crime, United Mine Workers of America, W.S. Bradshaw, West Virginia

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this item dated September 9, 1921 about the “armed march” on Logan County by union miners:

TROOPS END GREAT CONFLICT

CITIZENS MEET TO SEND THANKS TO SISTER COUNTIES WHO SO NOBLY HELPED

The war is over!

With the arrival of federal troops Saturday and the relieving of the boys along the battle sector Sunday morning Logan citizens started to regain rest which has been denied for two weeks. All Sunday afternoon special trains were speedily filled up and started on their way with tired but happy men, for their homes up and down the county and to our neighboring counties who so willingly came to our help at a time when days looked very black for the future of our beautiful county.

Every man a volunteer and every one ready for action as soon as he arrived in Logan. Logan will never forget the sacrifice made.

Monday evening in answer to a call issued, the circuit court room filled with citizens of Logan to give thanks and offer resolutions to those helping us and to the counties who so nobly responded to our calls for help.

The meeting was opened by Clarence McD. England and Naaman Jackson, president of the First National Bank was elected chairman. Committees were immediately appointed to draw up the resolutions. During the time the committees were preparing the resolutions several impromptu speeches were made. The speakers included Attorney Lilly and Chafin. Mr. Chafin emphasized the fact that it was due to Kanawha county’s failure to properly cope with the situation at the time when it could have been handled without bloodshed that it become necessary for Logan to mobilize an army under arms to protect its rights as a county. He brought forth rousing cheers when he stated that Logan county has a sheriff who had made the statement that “they shall not pass” and now they could say “THEY DID NOT PASS!” The fighting parsons were called for. They were the Reverends Coffey and Dodge.

Rev. Dodge said we had taught the rednecks the meaning of “Love” as it had been taught to him when a child–that of the application of a slipper to a part of his anatomy. He said it was in this manner he preached the meaning of the word and felt in this way Logan had showed her love for those who were fighting under the red flag through ignorance but who have now laid down their arms to resume the more peaceful pursuit of “live and let live.”

Justice of the Peace Fulton Mitchell was called on for a speech relative to the treatment received at the hands of the enemy when he and his three companions were captured and held for more than a week. His remarks were of the same content as will be found in another column of this issue.

In due time the resolutions had been prepared and read to those present and were speedily adopted and have been sent to the counties specified.

They are as follows:

Logan, Logan County, West Va.,

September 5, 1921

To the Officials and Citizens of our Neighboring West Virginia Counties, and the Western Counties of Virginia, whose Aid and Counsel was so Freely and Generously given to us at the time of the threatened invasion of our boundaries:

GREETING:

The representative citizenship of Logan county, West Virginia, in mass meeting on this day assembled, do hereby earnestly and publicly express to you and each of you, our sincere and hearty thanks and appreciation for the substantial, timely and very valuable aid and assistance rendered to our county and our citizenship during the recent attempted invasion of our boundaries by a misguided and hostile mob, imbued with the spirit of anarchy and fighting under the red flag.

The value of the help brought by the men who came to us from your counties cannot be overestimated. The organization was soon perfected and proved effective in holding back the invaders.

While your men were with us they showed fine courage and devotion to duty; their bearing was always that of courteous gentlemen, and the citizens of Logan county most heartily thank you and your gallant men for the splendid help given.

We hope the occasion will never arise when you will need similar assistance, but, if such a crisis should occur, our men will be found ready to respond.

Respectfully,

REV. W.S. BRADSHAW

F.S. SCHUSTER

F.O. WOERNER

C.S. MINTER

DR. H.C. HILL

Resolutions Committee.

The foregoing resolution was unanimously adopted at a mass meeting held in the City of Logan, September 5, 1921.

NAAMAN JACKSON, Chairman.

F.S. SCHUSTER, Sec’y.

In mass meeting assembled at County Court House in Logan, September 5th, 1921:

The citizens of Logan county–

RESOLVED: That the actions and efforts of the Logan county officials as well as those of the loyal men and women, are most heartily commended and approved, and it is further

RESOLVED: That the final results of such are most gratefully acknowledged and appreciated, and be it

RESOLVED: That a copy of these resolutions be printed in our local newspapers.

DR. S.B. LAWSON

F.R. REMLINGER

BILTON McDONALD

Committee.

Gatherings from Gilbert (1894)

17 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Gilbert, Timber

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Appalachia, crime, farming, genealogy, Gilbert Creek, H.E. Ellis, history, James E. McDonald, James Stimpson, Joseph Bragg, justice of the peace, Logan, Logan County, Logan County Banner, logging, M.A. Hatfield, merchant, Mingo County, timbering, West Virginia, William Johnson

From the Logan County Banner of Logan, WV, come these items about Gilbert in present-day Mingo County, WV, dated 1894:

On yesterday William Johnson lodged James Stimpson and Joseph Bragg in jail here. They were sent on for further trial by Justice M.A. Hatfield, on a charge of breaking into the store of H.E. Ellis, on Gilbert creek. The boys confessed to the offense.

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 24 May 1894

***

From Waco, written on July 7, 1894 from Gilbert:

EDITOR BANNER: Farmers are very busy with their crops. Corn is looking as well as could be expected. Oats in most cases are promising.

Two or three applications have been made for our school, but it is thought that Prof. James E. McDonald will teach it.

That log tide which failed to materialize makes it hard on taxpayers and merchants.

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 12 July 1894

Tom Dula: Wilkes County Jail, Part 2 (2020)

16 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Tom Dula

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Appalachia, Brandon Kirk, crime, Elkville, history, justice of the peace, Laura Foster, North Carolina, photos, Phyllis Kirk, Pickins Carter, Tom Dula, true crime, Wilkes County, Wilkes County Jail, Wilkesboro

IMG_5840

The Wilkes County Jail was built in 1859. Here’s our guide showing us the jail cell on the lower floor. 8 January 2020

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All three cells have the original doors, wood, and iron bars. The keys still operate the door! 8 January 2020

IMG_5842

The jail was used until 1915, when it was converted into apartments. It was scheduled for demolition in 1968 but a local group saved it. It began operation as a museum in the 1970s. Here’s the lower floor cell before restoration… 8 January 2020

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This way to the two cells upstairs… 8 January 2020

IMG_5852

Was a knife like this one used to kill Laura Foster? 8 January 2020

IMG_5890

In June of 1866, Justice of the Peace Pickins Carter wrote the warrant for Tom Dula’s arrest from this desk in Elkville, NC. 8 January 2020 For more info, go here: http://www.kronsell.net/the_story_3.htm

IMG_5895

No known photographs of Tom Dula exist, but here is one local artist’s rendition of him. Photo by Mom. 8 January 2020 For information about the fake Tom Dula picture, read this article: https://www.statesville.com/news/local/joel-reese-column-who-s-the-soldier-in-the-photo/article_48eb0f0c-4c93-11e8-8455-abac2bbbaf82.html

IMG_5853

Through these bars is Tom Dula’s jail cell. 8 January 2020

IMG_5854

Looking inside of Tom Dula’s cell… 8 January 2020

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Tom Dula’s jail cell… 8 January 2020

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Inside of Tom Dula’s jail cell with the guide. Photo by Mom. 8 January 2020

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Inside of Tom Dula’s jail cell… 8 January 2020

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Tour happening! Photo by Mom. 8 January 2020

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Side window inside of Tom Dula’s jail cell… 8 January 2020

IMG_5859

Looking out of the front window inside of Tom Dula’s jail cell… 8 January 2020

Richard and Spencer Adkins Deed to Sarah Adkins (1892)

13 Friday Dec 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Fourteen, Ranger

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Appalachia, county clerk, David F. Smith, Eliza Adkins, F.M. Johnson, Fourteen Mile Creek, genealogy, H.C. Adkins, history, justice of the peace, Laurel Hill District, Lewis Adkins, Lincoln County, Olive F. Adkins, Richard Adkins, Sarah Adkins, Spencer Adkins, West Virginia

Richard Adkins to Sarah Adkins 1

Deed Book __, page __, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

Richard Adkins to Sarah Adkins 2

Deed Book __, page __, Lincoln County Clerk’s Office, Hamlin, WV.

Armed March: Logan County Officers Thwarted in Pomeroy, OH (1921)

16 Saturday Nov 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Battle of Blair Mountain, Coal, Logan, Matewan

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A.M. Belcher, Appalachia, Charleston, coal, deputy sheriff, Ed Reynolds, Edgar Combs, George Munsey, Harold W. Houston, Harry R. Barnes, history, Jackson Arnold, James Miller, James Swanner, John Chafin, John Gore, justice of the peace, Lee Belcher, Logan, Logan Banner, Mason City, Matewan, Meigs County, Mine Wars, Ohio, Point Pleasant, Pomeroy, Savoy Holt, U.S. Cantley, United Mine Workers of America, W.M. Swanner, Wallace Chafin, Welch, West Virginia, William Chafin

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about the armed march of 1921:

OFFICERS SAY OHIO MOB THREATENED LIVES

“Let’s Make It a Matewan-Welch Affair,” Yells Citizens of Pomeroy

Officers Say Lives Were Threatened

Another tragic sequel to the miners “armed march” on Logan was narrowly averted at Pomeroy, Ohio, Monday, when a mob of about three hundred persons are said to have threatened the lives of Deputy Sheriffs Wallace Chafin and Lee Belcher, and Mr. Chafin’s son William, who went to Pomeroy to visit his grandfather. The officers were sent to Pomeroy with requisition papers for the removal of Savoy Holt, and U.S. Cantley, who are wanted in Logan on the charge of being accessory before the fact of the killing of George  Munsey and John Gore, during the “armed march.”

A statement was given out by Officer Chafin Wednesday, which he described in detail the affair at Pomeroy. Bearing requisition papers for the removal of Holt drawn by the Governor of Ohio and later held up by the agreement of attorneys of both the defense and prosecution till after the trial of James Miller. Officers Chafin and Belcher reported to the sheriffs of Meigs county. They were sent to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office of the county where they were advised that they would have to get other papers for their purpose. They then went before Justice of Peace Harry R. Barnes and swore out a fugitive warrant for the two men wanted. “A crowd of seventy-five or a hundred gathered around the jail. All of the men wore coats and did not  seem friendly,” Mr. Chafin said. “We returned to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, and as I came out there was considerable commotion among the large crowd of men. Persons were  being waved back and told to stand aside. These directions were being made by members of the crowd,” Officer Chafin said. Chafin returnerd to the Sheriff’s office and was told that he had been called away, and that he could not see Holt.

“Officer Belcher, myself and my son were directed to the Mayor’s office. We were told that the Mayor had a telegram for us from Governor Donahey, which said that Holt should not be delivered and that if we were ___ to run us out of town and tell us not to return. We did not go to the Mayor’s office, and thought if we were really causing trouble it would be best for us to leave immediately. From the time I arrived in town I noticed that the atmosphere had changed since I was last there. Not an officer could be found anywhere. People gazed out on the streets from their houses in great numbers. And several people were noticed to follow us from the time we arrived in town.”

“When we decided to leave, we hired a taxi cab with the intention of going to Point Pleasant. Again, the crowd which seemed to be growing surrounded the cab, and the driver fled, leaving us standing amidst the crowd in the middle of the street. We heard some one in the crowd say, ‘Let’s make it another Welch or Matewan affair.’ A man who said he was a newspaper reporter began to ask questions as the crowd pushed in against the cab. We were asked if we weren’t Logan county thugs, and if we were not in the gang that opposed the ‘armed march.’ We told them that we were regular Logan county officers and had been serving as Deputy Sheriffs for some time, also that we had been sent there with the proper papers to return Savoy Holt to Logan. They were told that I had been a Deputy for two years and that Belcher had been in office for six years. The crowd dropped back and we got our bags and endeavored to hire another taxi, but evidently the drivers had been given instructions not to drive us. They all refused and we were forced to go to the ferry. The crowd continued to swell and they followed us to the ferry. The ferry boat was on the West Virginia side and we were forced to endure the jeers and threats of the crowd until the boat returned to the Ohio side.

While on the ferry ten or twelve men came in a group and demanded me to get off, saying that I had given a false name. I told them if they wanted me they would have to come and get me. They approached and requested me to show further identifications and I compiled by showing them my Masonic cards.”

“Upon arriving on the West Virginia side I saw several of the same men I had seen in Pomeroy. Another taxi was hired to take us to Point Pleasant. As we started we were hailed. The taxi was stopped and we were told that the driver could not take us. We concluded that we would walk to the next station to avoid trouble. A short distance below the town we were surrounded by about twelve men in automobiles. Heading for the river, and afraid that they would kill my son, we returned to the station at Mason City to wait for a train. While sitting in the station group after group of men came to the doors and men swarmed around. I believe they would have fired on us in the station if there had not been several women sitting near us. The first train to arrive was an east bound train which we took to Parkersburg. The last words we heard from the crowd was from a large man who seemed to act in capacity of spokesman. He yelled, ‘I’m damn sorry boys we did not make this another Welch or Matewan affair.'”

Mr. Chafin reported the affair to Governor Morgan at Charleston Tuesday. He was instructed by the governor that the removal of Holt and Cantley would be affected by the state authorities. It is understood that Colonel Jackson Arnold has been sent to Columbus, Ohio, to get the proper extradition papers for the men’s removal. Cantley is still at large and Holt is being held in the county jail at Pomeroy, where he has been held as a witness in the case of James Miller who was sentenced from two to twenty years for the killing of E. Reynolds and W.M. Swanner. Holt was in the Miller home in Pomeroy at the time of the shooting which took place in Miller’s front yard.

Logan (WV) Banner, 3 August 1923

***

POMEROY, OHIO, IS A REFUGE AFTER CRIMES ARE COMMITTED, SAID

A.M. Belcher, Attorney, Says the Failure of Meigs County to Relinquish Prisoners Is Proof.

MAKES STATEMENT WHILE CALLING ON PROSECUTOR

“The attack on Deputy Sheriffs Wallace Chafin and Lee Belcher, at Pomeroy, Ohio, where they were threatened by a mob when they attempted to return Savoy Holt to West Virginia for trial in connection with the armed march on Logan, in 1921, is only added proof to the claim that the Pomeroy Band is serving as a refuge for various crimes in West Virginia,” said A.M. Belcher, state counsel in the prosecution of the so-called armed march cases.

Mr. Belcher was here Thursday to assist Prosecuting Attorney John Chafin resist an application for a change of venue for Harold W. Houston, chief counsel for District 17, United Mine Workers and Edgar Combs, a member of the mine workers union, for their alleged connection with the murders which grew out of the armed march.

“The refusal of the Meigs county authorities to turn over Holt to the custody of the Logan county sheriffs was in a direct violation of an agreement we had made with attorneys representing the defense,” said Mr. Belcher.

“At the time J.E. Miller was indicted for the murder of James Swanner and Ed Reynolds, Holt was indicted as an accessory to that crime. He was also wanted by the Logan county authorities for his participation in the march, but an agreement was made with Miller’s attorneys that if he were allowed to remain in Meigs county until after the Miller trial that he would immediately be returned to Logan.”

Requisition papers for Holt’s return were honored at the time by Governor Donahey but at the request of Miller’s attorneys West Virginia decided not to insist upon Holt’s immediate return, relying on the defense’s promise that he would be surrendered as soon as the trial was over.

“When Deputies Chafin and Belcher went to Pomeroy Tuesday they had in their possession the requisition papers issued at the time we instituted the original proceedings. They were signed by Governor Donahey on May 15. Neither of the two deputies expected any resistance but to their surprise they were met by a mob of 300 men who not only drove them out of town but pursued them across the river into West Virginia territory.

It would appear that there is something radically wrong with the state’s government that would permit a mob’s action to override its official decisions. The Pomeroy Band has become the refuge of scores of miners who took part in the uprising against Logan county. The entire section apparently is in sympathy with the band of radicals who fostered the march against the citizens of a peaceful county.

The temper of the mob which threatened the two Logan county deputies is seen in the fact that it was only by a miracle that the two officers escaped with their lives. “Let’s make it another Matewan affair” was their battle cry; and the reason that two more West Virginians did not meet death in Pomeroy as did Jim Swanner and Ed Reynolds is due to the courage and coolness of the two officers.

Holt was once in custody of the Logan county officers but was released on bail. Soon after his release he is said to have gone to the headquarters of the United Mine Workers at Charleston and then on the following day left for Pomeroy. It was on the next day that Swanner and Reynolds went to Pomeroy to offer Miller immunity if he would return to Logan county and testify for the state in the armed march cases.

Miller met the two men at the door of his home near Pomeroy and shot both of them to death, though neither of the Logan deputies were armed. Holt, it is said, was in the house at the time of the shooting.

Logan (WV) Banner, 10 August 1923

Arnold Perry Deed to John McCloud (1854)

26 Thursday Sep 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Harts Creek, Twelve Pole Creek

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Appalachia, Arnold Perry, Catherine Perry, genealogy, history, Hoover Fork, John McCloud, justice of the peace, Logan County, Pretty Branch, Samuel Dawson, Stephen Marcum, Twelve Pole Creek, Virginia, Wayne County, West Virginia

Arnold Perry to John McCloud Deed.JPG

Deed Book C, page ___, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV.

Levi Collins Deed to Anderson Barker (1853)

19 Thursday Sep 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Ugly Creek

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Anderson Barker, Appalachia, Big Ugly Creek, county clerk, genealogy, history, justice of the peace, Levi Collins, Lincoln County, Logan County, Nancy Collins, Ralph Lucas, Virginia, W.I. Campbell, West Virginia, William Smith, William Straton

Levi Collins to Anderson Barker Deed 1

Deed Book __, page 471, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. This property is located in present-day Lincoln County.

Levi Collins to Anderson Barker Deed 2

Deed Book __, page 471, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV.

John Workman Deed to James Browning (1854)

15 Wednesday May 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Queens Ridge

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Appalachia, Henry Conley, history, James Browning, John Workman, justice of the peace, Kiahs Creek, Logan County, Lorenzo Dow Hill, Sarah Workman, Spice Branch, Twelve Pole Creek, Vance's Trace Branch, West Virginia, William Smith

John Workman to James Browning Deed 1.JPG

Deed Book C, page ___, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Today, this land would be located in the vicinity of the Wayne-Lincoln county line.

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Feud Poll 1

If you had lived in the Harts Creek community during the 1880s, to which faction of feudists might you have given your loyalty?

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Feud Poll 2

Do you think Milt Haley and Green McCoy committed the ambush on Al and Hollene Brumfield in 1889?

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Feud Poll 3

Who do you think organized the ambush of Al and Hollene Brumfield in 1889?

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Appalachia Ashland Big Creek Big Ugly Creek Blood in West Virginia Brandon Kirk Cabell County cemeteries Chapmanville Charleston civil war coal Confederate Army crime culture Ed Haley Ella Haley Ferrellsburg feud fiddler fiddling genealogy Green McCoy Guyandotte River Harts Harts Creek Hatfield-McCoy Feud history Huntington John Hartford Kentucky Lawrence Haley life Lincoln County Lincoln County Feud Logan Logan Banner Logan County Milt Haley Mingo County music Ohio photos timbering U.S. South Virginia Wayne County West Virginia Whirlwind writing

Blogs I Follow

  • OtterTales
  • Our Appalachia: A Blog Created by Students of Southern West Virginia CTC
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OtterTales

Writings from my travels and experiences. High and fine literature is wine, and mine is only water; but everybody likes water. Mark Twain

Our Appalachia: A Blog Created by Students of Southern West Virginia CTC

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

Piedmont Trails

Genealogy and History in North Carolina and Beyond

Truman Capote

A site about one of the most beautiful, interesting, tallented, outrageous and colorful personalities of the 20th Century

Appalachian Diaspora

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