Tag Archives: Lincoln County

Isaac G. Gartin

28 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by in Atenville, Civil War, Fourteen, Little Harts Creek

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From “Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Isaac Griffith Gartin, who resided at Little Harts Creek in Lincoln County, West Virginia:

Was born in Monroe county, (now) West Virginia, February 3, 1832, and settled in Lincoln county in 1864. His parents are Elijah Alexander and Mary (Carper) Gartin, who settled here in 1850. August 28, 1856, in Logan county, (now) West Virginia, the Rev. J. Workman joined in wedlock Isaac G. Gartin and Elizabeth Margaret Toney. She was born in Kanawha county, (now) West Virginia, October 15, 1835, and she is a daughter of James and Nancy (Gillispie) Toney, who came to this county in 1843. Mr. and Mrs. Gartin have been blessed with six children: Eliza Ann, born October 3, 1857, married and residing in Lincoln county; James Alexander, September 12, 1860, married and lives in this county; Susan Jane, June 22, 1864; Nancy Caroline, September 12, 1867; Elizabeth Agnes, February 18, 1872; Martha Frances, March 11,1 876. Isaac Gartin was justice of the peace for four years in Hart Creek district, and secretary of the board of education six years, also a member of that board for a number of years. Mr. Gartin volunteered in the State line troops of Virginia, and served eight months, when it was thought best to abandon the brigade to which he belonged, and he came home. They were afterward ordered to meet an officer in Logan C.H., who would muster them into the regular service, but this failed, and Mr. Gartin again returned to his home. Harry P., a brother of Isaac G., a volunteer in the Confederate army, was taken sick and died at Meadow Bluffs, Greenbrier county, after one year’s service. Isaac Griffith Gartin owns a fine farm at the head of Little Hart creek, and the land produces well in grain as well as fruit, and it contains iron ore and fine building stone. Address, Fourteen, Lincoln county, West Virginia.

Source: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Vol. 7 (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), p. 134-135.

Adkins Slave Cemetery (2016)

22 Wednesday Feb 2017

Posted by in African American History, Civil War, Harts

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Isaac and Elizabeth Adkins section of the Adkins Family Cemetery in Harts, WV, 21 May 2016. The slave cemetery is located just beyond the trees.

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Here I am standing in the old Adkins slave cemetery. Isaac Adkins is my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather. 21 May 2016.

Christian T. Fry

22 Wednesday Feb 2017

Posted by in Civil War, Giles County, Green Shoal

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From “Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Christian T. Fry, who resided at Hart in Lincoln County, West Virginia:

One of the farming population of Hart Creek district, was born in Cabell county, West Virginia, in 1824, and he is a son of John and Catherine (Snodgrass) Fry, natives of Giles county, Virginia. Mr. Fry chose for a help-meet Elizabeth Hunter, and in Boone county, West Virginia, in 1849, they were married. Their children number eight, born as follows: Julia A., April 26, 1850; Anthony, November 1853; Caroline, December 1856; Mary A., August 1859; John H., September 1861; Cora A., September 1864; Hardin, June 15, 1867; Lurana, July 1871. Mrs. Fry was  born in Kanawha county in 1835, and her parents are Robert and Elizabeth (Tayler) Hunter, who reside in Boone county. Christian T. Fry is a prosperous farmer in Hart Creek district, owning 300 acres of good farming land, situated on Browns branch. The land has good improvements, a fine orchard, and a part is heavily timbered with pine, poplar and oak. There is mineral, coal and iron ore in abundance. Mr. Fry’s post office address is Hart, Lincoln county, West Virginia.

Source: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Vol. 7 (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), p. 134.

NOTE: Christian Thomas “Jack” Fry is my great-great-great-grandfather. I descend through his son, John Henan Fry, who settled on Sulphur Spring Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek. I also descend from two of Christian Fry’s sisters, Emily (Fry) Lucas and Druzilla (Fry) Abbott.

NOTE: The Browns Branch referenced in this history is now called Abbotts Branch.

Thomas H. Harvey Grave (2017)

18 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by in Cemeteries, Huntington, Lincoln County Feud

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Judge Thomas H. Harvey grave at Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington, WV. 16 January 2017.

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Judge Harvey, who oversaw legal matters for the 8th Judicial Circuit from 1889 until 1897, presided over the Haley-McCoy murder trial in August of 1890. 16 January 2017.

William T. Fowler

18 Saturday Feb 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Civil War, Harts

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From “Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for William T. Fowler, who resided at Hart in Lincoln County, West Virginia:

Is a merchant, miller and farmer in Harts Creek district, with business headquarters on Guyan river at the mouth of that creek. He was born in Kanawha county, (now) West Virginia, at the mouth of Burning Spring Hollow, June 29, 1825, and his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Gillispie) Fowler, are both now deceased. William T. Fowler has been twice married, his first wife Polly Emerine, left him three children, born as follows: Zattoo D., March 28, 1851; Polly A., December 25, 1853; William E., September 15, 1856. In Cabell county, West Virginia, June 10, 1871, W.T. Fowler and Martha A. Adkins were united wedlock, and the children born of this union are: Bettie, May 6, 1875; Effie, June 10, 1876; Benjamin F., December 15, 1878; George W., June 30, 1880. Mrs. Fowler is a native of Cabell county, born December 15, 1839, and her parents are John B. and Elizabeth (Childers) Adkins. Her mother still resides in that county; her father died April 1876. Mr. Fowler enlisted in the Civil War in 1862, serving on the Confederate side, and was a participant in the Chapmansville battle. William T. Fowler settled in Lincoln county in 1847, and now owns 200 acres of land at the mouth of Big Hart creek, and 254 acres on Mud river. That situated on Hart creek produces well, and has a good orchard and a part is heavily timbered with oak, poplar and pine; coal and iron ore are quite abundant. The land on Mud river is heavily timbered. Address, Hart, Lincoln county, West Virginia.

Source: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Vol. 7 (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), p. 134.

William Floyd Elkins

19 Thursday Jan 2017

Posted by in Big Harts Creek, Fourteen, Harts

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From “Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for William Floyd Elkins, who resided at Fourteen Mile Creek in Lincoln County, West Virginia:

Is a son of Overton and Nancy Ferguson (Estep) Elkins, who lived here at the formation of Lincoln county, and he was born in Cabell county, May 2, 1856. December 26, 1872, the Rev. John Stephens joined in wedlock, W.F. Elkins and Sarah, daughter of Alexander and Matilda Farley Dalton. Mrs. Elkins died October 15, 1875, leaving one child, Sylvanus, born October 9, 1873. In Lincoln county, July 13, 1876, Elizabeth Dennison Estep, daughter of Corbin and Bithenia Crocket (Elkins) Estep, became the wife of William Floyd Elkins, and to them one son has been given: William Overton, July 25, 1880. Elizabeth D. Elkins was born in Lawrence county, Kentucky, January 25, 1861, and came to Lincoln county with her parents in 1867. Richard Elkins, great-grandfather of William, came to the mouth of Big Hart creek, in the year 1816, and settled there, raising a large family of children, who are scattered throughout Hart Creek district. William Floyd Elkins is a farmer in this district, owning 45 acres of land on Fourteen-mile creek, 20 acres of which is cultivated. The land is well timbered and coal and iron ore abound quite largely, and there is upon the farm a lead mine, which makes the land more valuable. His post office address is Fourteen, Lincoln county, West Virginia.

Source: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Vol. 7 (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), p. 134.

Overton Elkins

18 Wednesday Jan 2017

Posted by in Civil War, Fourteen

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From “Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Overton Elkins, who resided at Fourteen Mile Creek in Lincoln County, West Virginia:

Is a son of Harvey and Elizabeth D. (May) Elkins, who were living here before the organization of Lincoln county. Overton Elkins was born in what was then Logan county, Virginia, December 20, 1831, and in Wayne county, March 31, 1853, by the Rev. D.K. Elkins, he was joined in marriage with Nancy Estep. She was born in Wayne county, December 25, 1838, and her parents were Corbin and Elizabeth (Davis) Estep. To Mr. and Mrs. Elkins ten children have been given: William F., born May 2, 1856; Pheribe E., May 1, 1858; Clarinda, March 18, 1860; Mary Jane, June 29, 1862; Luanna, May 30, 1864; Nancy E., March 18, 1866; Bethany C., March 9, 1868, died February 26, 1879; Emily, September 23, 1870; Erlery C., June 25, 1872; Susan R., August 10, 1877. Miles Elkins, brother of Overton, was in the late war, and served from the commencement until the close, and came home without a scar. Shadrack Estep, brother of Mrs. Elkins, served in the Confederate ranks in the war of 1861, and David J. and William O., also her brothers, were in the Federal army, 25th Virginia Regiment. William O. died soon after the close of the war from illness brought on during the service. Richard Elkins, grandfather of Overton, built the first cabin in Hart Creek district, (now) Lincoln county, about the year 1816, when Harvey, Overton’s father, was but fifteen years of age. Darby H., brother of Harvey, at the age of nine years killed a panther with a pocket knife and the assistance of his dogs. The animal measured nearly nine feet from the nose to the tip of the tail. Mr. Elkins’ mother was born January 10, 1800, and at the date of this writing (July 25, 1883) she can walk twenty miles a day. Overton Elkins is a farmer in Hart Creek district, owning 100 acres of land on Fourteen-mile creek of Guyandotte river, 30 acres under cultivation. His farm is rich and very productive, contains coal, some lead and fine building stone.

Source: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Vol. 7 (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), p. 133.

Paris Brumfield Grave (2016)

06 Tuesday Dec 2016

Posted by in Civil War, Harts, Lincoln County Feud

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Here we are placing the marker. Paris Brumfield Family Cemetery, Harts, Lincoln County, WV. 29 November 2016. Photo by Mom.

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Paris Brumfield served in the 45th Battalion Virginia Infantry from 1863-1864 and also under Lt. Col. Vincent “Clawhammer” Witcher in the 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry from 1864-?.

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Paris Brumfield is my great-great-great-grandfather and a major character in my book, “Blood in West Virginia: Brumfield v. McCoy.” Photo by Nathan Kirk.

Harts News 02.26.1926

17 Thursday Nov 2016

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

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An unknown local correspondent from Harts in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on February 26, 1926:

Several boys and girls of this place attended singing school at Coal Branch Sunday.

Dr. Ferrell and Cora Adkins were calling on friends at Sand Creek last Saturday evening.

Miss Jewell Brumfield attended Sunday school at Gill Sunday and was accompanied by Sylvia Ciphers and Hawkins Perry.

J.C. McEldowney of Charleston was calling on friends and relatives at Harts Saturday.

Chas. Brumfield was a business caller in Huntington Saturday.

Ward Brumfield was transacting business in Hamlin Saturday.

Blanch, Anna and Laura Lambert were visiting friends in Harts Wednesday.

Hardin Marcum was calling on Shirlie Adkins at West Hamlin Sunday.

Hendrix Brumfield attended singing at Coal Branch Sunday and reported there were over fifty singers present and the singing was progressing nicely.

Every body is planning to hunt Easter eggs here.

Mrs. C.C. Pack and daughter, Miss May, were visiting relatives in Logan Saturday and Sunday.

Enos Dials spent Sunday in Huntington.

Daily Happenings: Bob Hendrix meeting the train; Ward with the tax books; Watson with his pipe; Herb in the garage; Nora and Jewell teaching school; Bessie and Cora in the store; Aunt Cathrine with her hair; Sadie with her glasses on; Luther in his old rattle trap; Wesley reading the newspaper; Fred, the law maker.

Harts Creek Area Deed Index (1883-1910)

11 Friday Nov 2016

Posted by in Ferrellsburg, Fourteen, Gill, Green Shoal, Guyandotte River, Little Harts Creek, Ranger, Sand Creek, Wewanta

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The following deed index is based on Deed Book 56 at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office in Hamlin, WV, and relates to residents of the Harts Creek community. Most notations reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in local land transactions; some reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in land transactions outside of the community. These notes are meant to serve as a reference to Deed Book 56. Researchers who desire the most accurate version of this material are urged to consult the actual record book.

Enos A. Adkins to late Ann F. Davis     200 acres Green Shoal Creek (her interest in Enos’ future estate)     6 November 1883     p. 99-100

Fisher B. Adkins to Catherine and Herb Adkins     1 acre 1/2 interest in land where store of F.E. Adkins and J.W. Stowers is located, 1/2 interest in store and stock of merchandise, farm items conveyed by F.E. Adkins on 14 May 1909, one pair of bay horses     15 June 1909     K.E. Toney, NP     3 July 1909     p. 82-83

Lewis and Emezetta Adkins to Sarah M. Adkins     50 acres West Side Guyandotte River 8 August 1899     Jefferson Lucas, NP     24 February 1900     p. 147-148

Richard and Olive F. Adkins to Sarah M. Adkins     50 acres Below Mouth of Fourteen Mile Creek     18 June 1892     David F. Smith, JP     p. 145-147

Richard Adkins and Spencer Adkins to D.P. Lambert     80 1/4 acres Fourteen Mile Creek (Laurel Hill District)     17 July 1897     Isaac Fry, JP     p. 42-44

George A. and Julia Alderson, Floyd and Emily Rakes, and C.D. and Vietta T. Haverty to J.L. Caldwell     8 acres (mineral) Sand Creek     7 December 1894     Elias Vance, JP     p. 19-22

Joseph and Rosey Browning to Lace Marcum and T.R. Shepherd     45 acres Ridge Between Little Harts Creek and Big Branch     30 March 1910     Charles Adkins, JP     1 April 1910     p. 252-253

Allen and Hollena Brumfield to Louisa Wiley     176 acres     Sulpher Spring Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek     12 February 1903     Jefferson Lucas, NP     p. 40-42

Martha E. and John S. Brumfield to Henry H. Sias and his heirs     87 1/2 acres East Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek     24 October 1907     Jefferson Lucas, NP     p. 13-14

L.H. and Hellen M. Burks to Gilbert Hager     50 acres Little Ugly Creek     19 February 1906     p. 106-108 [includes survey map]

Clementine and Ed Dingess, Ann F. and G.D. Davis, Susan and Henry Adkins, Julia Y. and B.W. Walker, Brooke and A.G. Adkins, F.E. Adkins, C.E. Burns (special commissioner) to Catherine Adkins     33 acres West Side Guyandotte River (land conveyed to Enos Adkins by J.K. Adkins on 29 October 1892)     1 October 1908     Fisher B. Adkins, NP     12 October 1908     Sol Adams, JP     16 October 1908     p. 86-88

Clementine and Ed Dingess, Susan and Henry Adkins, F.E. and Catherine Adkins, Brooke and A.G. Adkins, Julia Y. and B.W. Walker, and C.E. Burns (special commissioner) to Ann F. Davis     225 acres     1 October 1908     Fisher B. Adkins, NP     12 October 1908     Sol Adams, JP     16 October 1908     p. 101-103

Salena Estep to Rufus Estep     360 acres Spring Branch of West Fork     25 April 1910     p. 320-321

Arena and Keenan S. Ferrell to J.W. Stowers     one acre Fowler’s Branch (part of tract conveyed by John Q. Adams on 25 May 1896)     28 October 1908     K.E. Toney, JP     30 October 1908     p. 84-85

Anderson Fry to A. Gill     25 acres Big Ugly Creek     7 January 1907     D.F. Smith, JP     p. 128-129

Robert Fry to Wilford Fry, Martha Fry, and Rosa A. Fry     110 acres Ketchum Branch Guyandotte River     3 January 1888     J.B. Pullen, Jr.     p. 287-289

Robert L. and Mary F. Fry to Arabell Gill     Big Sulpher Branch of Big Ugly Creek     16 January 1904     Philip Hager, Jr., NP     16 February 1904     p. 125-126

Philip Hager to Robert Lee Fry     50 acres Big Sulpher Spring Branch of Big Ugly Creek     10 February 1898     John A. McComas, NP     p. 124-125

E.C. and Flora Lucas to W.S. Enochs     20 acres and 39 acres Fourteen Mile Creek at or Near the Mouth of Cove Creek (Laurel Hill District)     29 March 1907     Jefferson Lucas, NP     p. 268-269

Jefferson and Nancy E. Lucas to Cumberland Adkins     295 acres Fourteen Mile Creek (Laurel Hill District)     11 April 1907     D.F. Smith, JP     12 April 1907     p. 234-236

George E. and Mary McComas to J.L. Caldwell     24 acres East Side Guyandotte River     23 July 1900     p. 31-33

George R. and Harriet McComas to J.L. Caldwell     75 acres East Side Guyandotte River     19 February 1902     James McComas, NP     p. 28-30

I.N. and Elizabeth Mullins to J.L. Caldwell 43 1/2 acres and 95 acres East Side Guyandotte River     1 September 1894     J.S. Payne, JP     8 October 1894     p. 23-25

Peter M. and Mary A. Mullins, A.S. and Sarah E. Adkins, Solomon C. and Mary J. Mullins, Granville and Matilda Wiley, John W. and Mary L. Nelson, C.W. and Ann Mullins, Edmund and Minerva J. Fowler, Isaiah and Sarah Mullins to J.L. Caldwell     43 1/2 acres East Side Guyandotte River     24 November 1894     Hiram Lambert, JP     30 November 1895 and 29 November 1894     p. 25-29

Milton and Elizabeth Nelson to Sherman Nelson     94 acres Big Branch and Fourteen Mile Creek     15 March 1906     Jefferson Lucas, NP     p. 17-18

Milton and Elizabeth Nelson to Sherman Nelson     213 acres Big Branch of Guyandotte River     29 March 1909     Jefferson Lucas, NP     4 June 1909     p. 15-16

L.C. and Pinkston Queen to Sarah B. Maynard     113 3/4 acres Wiley Branch of Twelve Pole Creek     18 December 1907     William Toppins, JP     p. 250-251

Levi Rakes et al to J.L. Caldwell     47 acres East Side Guyandotte River     28 July 1900     Isaac Fry, JP     30 July 1900     p. 36-38

Henry C. and Martha Sias to Isaac F. Nelson     85 acres Steer Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek (Laurel Hill District)     17 February 1909     Rufus Pack, NP     p. 266-267

Marine and Polly Spurlock to Laura Fry     15 acres Ketchum Branch Guyandotte River (Laurel Hill District)     6 November 1889     Elias Vance, JP     p. 289-290

United Fuel Gas Company to Columbia Gas and Electric Company     87 acres of Charles V. Huffman (26 March 1908) and 258 acres of Susan Lucas (24 March 1908)     1 December 1909     p. 270-275

Louisa and Leander Wiley to Mary E. Williamson     Part of 176 acres made to Louisa Wiley by Allen Brumfield (Laurel Hill District)     7 July 1905     Jefferson Lucas, NP     11 July 1905     p. 38-40

NOTE: I copied all of these deeds.

Harts Creek Area Deed Index (1855-1909)

01 Tuesday Nov 2016

Posted by in Big Creek, Guyandotte River

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The following deed index is based on Deed Book 55 at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office in Hamlin, WV, and relates to residents of the Harts Creek community. Most notations reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in local land transactions; some reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in land transactions outside of the community. These notes are meant to serve as a reference to Deed Book 55. Researchers who desire the most accurate version of this material are urged to consult the actual record book.

Charles Adkins to Malinda Adkins     100 acres Southeast Side of Harts Creek     25 April 1898     Isaac Fry, JP     p. 52-53

Malinda Adkins to Isaiah Adkins     25 acres near Mouth of Hollywood Branch of Big Harts Creek     20 July 1908     Charles Adkins, JP     p. 53-54

Matilda and Jefferson Adkins to Rhoda Gartin     37 acres, 103 acres Little Harts Creek and Fourteen Mile Creek     11 March 1898     p. 28-30

George and Julia Alderson to Lace Marcum and T.R. Shepherd     3 acres Mouth of Sand Creek     16 September 1909     p. 252

Mary A. and John Brumfield and P.T. and Elizabeth Thompson to Kelley Chambers     15 acres Scary Creek of the Middle Fork of Mud River     17 November 1905     p. 83-84

John and M.J. Chandler and H.C. and Nancy Adora Chandler to George W. Estep     70 acres and 148 acres on Ugly Creek     9 August 1900     p. 362-363

S.W. Colton, Jr. and G.L. Estabrook, trustees of Lincoln County Land Association, to O.R. Fowble     Timber on Upper Big Creek and Upton Creek of Mud River and Big Branch of Big Ugly Creek     27 December 1909     p. 366-367

Leo F. and Mollie Drake and Yantus Dingess and ___ Phipps to John Thompson     300 acres Main Harts Creek     22 March 1905     p. 388-389

Andrew and Elizabeth Elkins to Rhoda Gartin     87 acres East Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek     18 November 1899     p. 27-28

W.T. and Lottie Harrison to Eliza J. Hager     75 acres Waters of Nine Mile Creek     29 September 1894     p. 43-44

George and Susan Hill to Obediah J. Hill     391 9/40 acres on Big Ugly Creek     8 July 1904     p. 92-94

William and Mary J. Mans to Samuel Moore     25 acres head of Left Fork of Rollhimin Fork of Hezekiah Creek, Fork of Twelve Pole River     5 January 1905     p. 116-117

A.F. Morris, special commissioner, to Isaac Workman     19 1/2 acres Francis Creek     10 January 1907     p. 151-153 [regards a case in which Patton Thompson et als were plaintiffs and Isaac Workman et als were defendants]

Sylvanus and Drusilla Neace to Scott and Frona E. Gartin     103 acres on East Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek     9 May 1907     p. 423-425 [references Patton Camp Branch]

Z.T. and Margaret Neace and Franklin Neace to Saphronia E. and Scott Gartin     100 7/8 acres East Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek     16 August 1902     Jefferson Lucas, NP     p. 421-423

Charles and Mary I. Plaster to Hugh Evans     4 and 80 acres Francis Creek of Hezekiah Creek of Twelve Pole Creek     6 October 1903     p. 220-221

Peyton Spears patent from Commonwealth of Virginia     100 acres Nine Mile Creek (Laurel Hill District)     6 April 1855 (survey)     p. 466-467

Roma and Ella Spears to Allen Estep     75 acres on Trace Fork of Big Ugly Creek     2 October 1909     p. 364-365

F.D. and Luella A. Stollings to Nancy M. Workman     70 acres     Francis Creek of Hezekiah’s Creek     1 February 1901     p. 145-146

Harmon and Susann Stroud to Louisa A. Wiley     50 acres Sulphur Spring Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek (Laurel Hill District)     18 November 1881     James H. Manns, JP     p. 360-361

P.T. and Elizabeth Thompson to Kelley Chambers     35 acres Scary Creek of the Middle Fork of Mud River     11 November 1905     p. 81-83

Sarah J. Toney to Seth and Nancy Miller     37 1/2 acres Senging Branch of Mud River (Jefferson District)     17 March 1905     p. 386-387 [references Isaac Adkins’ line]

Asa and Rebecca Williamson to Hugh Evans     63 acres Lynn Branch of Hezekiah Creek     18 February 1908     Charles Adkins, JP     p. 222-223

B.J. and Tennessee Workman to Isaac F. Workman     125 acres Francis Fork of Hezekiahs Fork of Twelve Pole     18 April 1896     p. 146-148

David Workman et al to William Bell et al     Right of Way Limestone Creek     10 saw logs paid     23 April 1907     p. 332-333

Isaac and Nancy M. Workman to Abijah Workman, Jr.     40 acres and Right of Way for Road, Francis Creek of Hezekiah’s Creek     2 February 1903     Rufus Pack, NP     p. 143-144

Isaac and Nancy M. Workman to James W. Workman     40 acres Francis Creek of Hezekiah’s Creek     1 April 1901     Rufus Pack, NP     p. 149-150

William Workman to Joseph Browning     45 acres Between Little Harts Creek and Big Branch of Big Harts Creek     15 July 1908     Charles Adkins, JP     p. 450-452 [references Nester heirs]

James A. and Cassa Williamson to Elias Workman     75 acres on Salt Lick Branch of Right Fork of Twelve Pole Creek     24 September 1908     p. 212-213

John M. Workman to Isaac Workman     25 acres Francis Creek of Hezekiah Fork of Twelve Pole     9 April 1896     p. 148-149

NOTE: I copied all of these deeds.

Harts Creek Area Deed Index (1875-1910)

01 Tuesday Nov 2016

Posted by in Big Harts Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Ferrellsburg, Fourteen, Green Shoal, Leet, Little Harts Creek, Rector

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The following deed index is based on Deed Book 53 at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office in Hamlin, WV, and relates to residents of the Harts Creek community. Most notations reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in local land transactions; some reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in land transactions outside of the community. These notes are meant to serve as a reference to Deed Book 53. Researchers who desire the most accurate version of this material are urged to consult the actual record book.

Hezikiah Adkins to Julia Y. Walker     25 acres on West Side of Guyan River     7 January 1909     Fisher B. Adkins, NP     p. 40

Polly Browning to Joseph Maynard     75 acres Laurel Branch of Twelve Pole Creek     14 January 1905     Hugh Evans, JP    p. 412-413

Daisy Brumfield to Charley Brumfield     68 acres Big Branch of Big Ugly     7 September 1907     p. 219-220

J.E. Chilton to Lettie B. Fowler     150 acres East Side of Guyandotte River     15 February 1883     p. 365-366

G.D. Davis to Koontz Realty Company     113 3/5 acres (mineral)     8 May 1907     p. 329

Ellen Ferguson to L.V. Koontz     79 4/5 acres on Green Shoal Creek     14 December 1906     p. 304-305

Lena Ferrell to A.H. Sanders     49 acres (oil and gas)     5 December 1906     p. 305-306

D.C. Fry to Koontz Realty Company     4 acres     8 May 1907     p. 320-321

D.C. Fry to Koontz Realty Company     90 acres Green Shoal Creek     8 May 1907     p. 322-323

Joseph and Nary Gartin to W.R. and Mary Lucas and L.C. and Climina Lucas     75 and 15 acres on Sulpher Spring Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek     8 January 1910     p. 45-46

W.T. Gillenwater to Koontz Realty Company     82 acres (mineral)     16 July 1907     p. 315-316

Philip Hager to Koontz Realty Company     136 1/2 acres     17 May 1907     p. 318-319

Wallace Hager to Smith Ferrell     158 acres Broad Branch of Big Ugly     4 April 1907     R.E. Lowe, JP     p. 166-167

L.V. Koontz to Koontz Realty Company     799 2/3 acres Big Ugly Creek     24 June 1907     p. 310-311

J.I. Kuhn to Isaac G. Gartin     75 acres Little Harts Creek     1 September 1879     p. 281-284

J.I. Kuhn to Climenia Lucas et al     496 acres on Fourteen Mile Creek     6 June 1880     p. 288-291

James I. Kuhn to William Mann and Isaac Garten     1 August 1879     Francis Fork of Hezekiah Creek     p. 285-288

Lincoln Fuel, Oil, and Lumber Company v. A.P. Sanders, W.C. Mullen, and Mary A. Mullen     correction to deed     5 October 1910     p. 243-244

L.C. Lucas to Climena Lucas     37 acres on Fourteen Mile Creek     13 December 1909     p. 53

Chloe Maynard to Joseph Maynard     100 acres Twelve Pole Creek     10 October 1907     p. 410-411

Mary Maynard to Joseph Maynard     85 acres Twelve Pole Creek     21 October 1905     p. 409-410

George F. Miller to Koontz Realty Company     33 acres (mineral)     13 May 1907     p. 317-318

Granville Mullins to William U. Stollings     10 acres Limestone Branch     28 March 1910     p. 416

Sylvanis Neace to J.W. Breeding     75 acres on Buck Lick Branch of Guyandotte River (Laurel Hill District)     12 February 1910     p. 133-134

J.D. Porter et ux to W.L. Rector     Big Ugly Creek     27 March 1902     p. 333-339

Patsy Ann Porter to Joseph Maynard     Tract on Ridge Between Laurel Branch and Wiley Branch     4 August 1908     p. 414-415

W.L. Rector et ux to G.H. Chenoweth 3/16 undivided interest in tracts on Harts Creek and Big Ugly Creek     28 December 1903     p. 340-

W.L. Starcher et ux to F.F. Starcher     interest in four tracts on Big Ugly Creek    27 September 1907     p. 347-349

A.H. Sanders et ux to L.V. Koontz     Stowers Farm on Green Shoal     10 December 1906     p. 288-291

A.H. Sanders et ux to L.V. Koontz     49 acres on Big Ugly Creek     12 March 1907     p. 301

A.H. Sanders et al declaration of trust to A.P. Sanders     25 July 1907     p. 329

A.P. Sanders to W.C. Mullen     150 acres Big Ugly Creek     2 October 1907     p. 164-165

A.P. Sanders to A.H. Sanders     278 acres Lick Branch of Laurel Fork of Big Ugly     31 October 1907     p. 227-228

Henry C. Sias to John T. Headley     75 acres on Steer Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek     17 February 1909     p. 1-2

Cassander Spurlock et ux to A.H. Sanders     89 1/3 acres on Big Ugly Creek     5 December 1906     p. 307-308

Clinton Spurlock et ux to E.W. Fry et ux     15 acres near Nine Mile Creek on Guyandotte River     3 June 1901     p. 194

Clinton Spurlock to Clinton Spurlock and E.W. Fry     7360 square feet at Midkiff     1 January 1906     p. 195-196

J.W. Stowers et al to A.H. Sanders     144 1/3 acres     7 December 1906     p. 308-309

Brooks Summerville et ux to F.F. Starcher     interest in four tracts on Big Ugly Creek     1 November 1907     p. 346-347

James C. Tomblin to Andrew J. Browning     Painter Branch, Big Branch of Harts Creek     19 March 1875     Jeremiah Lambert, JP     p. 170-171

Patterson Toney et ux to L.V. Koontz     437 acres on Big Ugly Creek     29 December 1906     p. 302-303

Squire Toney et ux to Koontz Realty Company     295 52/100 acres Big Ugly Creek (mineral)     27 June 1907     p. 312-314

Wirt Toney et ux to Koontz Realty Company     203 61/100 acres (mineral)     4 May 1907     p. 324-326

O.J. Wilkinson, commissioner of school lands, to J.H. Meeks, trustee     1 February 1910     Piney Fork of East Fork     p. 104-105 [references Abner Vance]

NOTE: I copied all of these deeds.

Harts Creek Area Deed Index (1884-1910)

25 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by in Big Harts Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Ferrellsburg, Fourteen, Green Shoal, Guyandotte River, Hamlin, Little Harts Creek, Ranger, Sand Creek, Timber

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The following deed index is based on Deed Book 52 at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office in Hamlin, WV, and relates to residents of the Harts Creek community. Most notations reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in local land transactions; some reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in land transactions outside of the community. These notes are meant to serve as a reference to Deed Book 52. Researchers who desire the most accurate version of this material are urged to consult the actual record book.

Aaron and Nancy Jane Adkins to B.W. Walker     100 acres on Allen Adkins Branch of Guyandotte River     12 June 1885     Cain Adkins, JP     p. 58-59 [NOTE: References logs, Mack H. Adkins]

Aaron Adkins, Jr. to B.W. Walker     Ridge Between East Fork and Guyandotte River (Upper 1/3 of 200 acre survey)     12 October 1889     Elias Vance, JP     p. 60 [references Samuel B. Price timber]

E.E. Adkins to Allen Brumfield, Jr.     185 5/8 acres     17 August 1897     p. 411-412

Enos Adkins et ux to Allen Brumfield, Jr.     2 Tracts     22 August 1895     p. 424-425

Enos Adkins et ux to Allen Brumfield     28 December 1894     Elias Vance, JP     p. 413-414

Isaac Adkins et al to Allen Brumfield, Jr.     22 June 1892     p. 420-421

Sarah Adkins to B.W. Walker     100 acres Allen Adkins Branch     14 August 1889     p. 61-62

Spencer Adkins to John P. Lucas     221 1/2 acres Guyandotte River (Laurel Hill District)     14 March 1896     p. 273-274

Spencer Adkins et ux to Martha Jane Lucas     63 5/8 acres     Big Branch (Laurel Hill District)     29 January 1908     p. 275-276

J.M. Brammer et ux to David Farley     44 1/2 acres     Laurel Fork of Little Harts Creek     11 April 1910     A.E. Wagner, JP     p. 300-301

Allen Brumfield to Hollena Brumfield     25 January 1904     p. 428-429

Allen Brumfield to Hollena Brumfield     70 acres     9 July 1904     p. 430-431

Louary Brumfield et al to A.C. Barrett et ux     Lot No. 6 Hamlin     23 July 1903     p. 308-310

C.E. Burns to Nancy Webb     52 1/2 acres Frances Creek     10 August 1908     p. 10

James L. Chafin to L.C. Browning et ux     Big Branch     19 January 1903     p. 314-315

John Conley et ux to Rosa N. Vannatter     66 acres Big Ugly Creek     19 October 1908     p. 117-118

B.C. Dial to Brad Toney     100 acres on East Side of Guyandotte River     23 October 1891     J.R. Wilson, NP     p. 241-242

John Dingess to Hollena Brumfield     7 August 1891     p. 418-419

J.P. Douglas, trustee, to Hollena Ferguson     p. 426-428

J.P. Douglas, trustee, to John D. Shelton     10 acres Sand Creek, Big Branch     6 June 1908     p. 38-39

Leo F. Drake et al to Lewis Thompson     100 acres Harts Creek     30 March 1905     p. 264-265

John F. Duty to Jefferson Duty     12 1/2 acres     28 July 1898     p. 114-115

William R. Duty to Emma Duty     80 acres     4 December 1897     p. 115-116

William R. Duty to Jefferson Duty     50 acres     4 December 1897     p. 113-114

Marvel Elkins to William A. Sias     100 acres Sulpher Spring Fork of Fourteen Mile Creek     7 February 1888     p. 27-28

Maggie Farley to Louis R. Sweetland     1/4 acre and 1 Lot Hamlin     15 August 1907     p. 365-367

Jonah Ferguson to Dollie Ferrell     30 acres Big Ugly     19 October 1907     P.M. Toney, NP     p. 289-290

James P. Ferrell to Bradford Toney     7 June 1887     Philip Hager, NP     p. 240-241

Smith and Nettie Ferrell to Elizabeth Duty     16 acres     21 November 1899     p. 116-117

Floyd Fry et ux to Bradford Toney     150 acre interest just above mouth of Green Shoal     28 June 1898     J.H. McComas, NP     p. 243 [references B.C. Toney farm]

A.B. Harrison and J.H. Fry to A.B. Staley     86 acres Fourteen Mile Creek (Laurel Hill District)     8 April 1892     p. 81

Sarah Headley to E.C. Lucas et ux     one acre Fourteen Mile Creek (Laurel Hill District)     2 March 1907     p. 313-314

L.D. Hill to Moses Lucas     100 acres Mile Branch     24 April 1903     p. 316-317

Alex Hollandsworth et ux to Lee Fry     House and Lot, Hamlin     26 March 1908     p. 367-368

James A. Holley et ux to Allen Brumfield, Jr.     Guyandotte River     6 June 1898     p. 415-418

Nancy A. Holley et ux to Maggie Farley     1/4 acre Hamlin     7 June 1907     p. 364-365

J.W. Johnson to Spencer Adkins and John P. Lucas     right of way     11 July 1908     p. 277-278

B.B. Lucas to Lottie Lucas     75 acres     Green Shoal branch     11 December 1906     M.C. Farley, NP     p. 220-221

Charley and Louisa Lucas et vir to Morgan Phipps     7 acres Laurel Fork (Jefferson District)     13 September 1910     p. 371

John P. Lucas to A.B. Staley     65 acres West Side Guyandotte River     26 December 1899     Jefferson Lucas, JP     p. 82-83

John P. Lucas to A.B. Staley     46 acres Fourteen Mile Creek (Laurel Hill District)     12 March 1907     Jefferson Lucas, JP     p. 78-79

William Mans to Mary Alice Mans et al     quit claim     12 May 1905     p. 11-12

A.F. Morris, special commissioner, to B.B. Lucas     75 acres on Green Shoal     7 December 1906     p. 218-219

W.C. Mullen et ux to A.P. Sanders     278 acres Lick Branch     17 October 1907     p. 369-370

Lewis and Malinda Nelson to A.E. Wagner     15 acres on West Side of Guyan River     4 December 1906     D.F. Smith, JP

Wesley Nelson to A.E. Wagner     23 acres     21 March 1906     p. 57-58

Floyd Rakes to Georgie E. Staley     50 acres on Fourteen Mile Creek (Laurel Hill District)      28 July 1892     p. 79-80

John W. Runyans to Canaan Adkins     66 2/3 acres (interest in 200 acres) West Fork and Guyandotte River     6 February 1889     p. 248

F.D. Stallings et ux to Abijah Workman     100 acre interest on Francis Creek     15 March 1899     p.7-8

Russell S. Stollings et ux to William D. Farley     35 acres Little Harts Creek and Francis Fork of Twelve Pole     24 March 1900     Isaac Fry, JP     p. 298-299

Ralph and Anna Steel to William R. Duty     73 3/4 acres     14 August 1903     p. 112-113

B.C. Toney to Bradford Toney     20 acres and 80 acres Big Ugly     20 February 1884     -. 239-240

Moses B. Toney et al to Allen Brumfield     10 June 1892     p. 422-423

Wirt Toney et al to Bradford Toney     140 acres Guyandotte River     1 April 1887     p. 244-245

O.J. Wilkinson, Commissioner of School Lands, to J.H. Meek, trustee     25 acres Ranger School     West Side Guyandotte River     20 December 1909     p. 207

F.B. Wilson to John D. Shelton     105 acres Sand Creek     Jerry Lambert, NP     1 October 1908     p. 36-37

J.R. Wilson to J.A. Holley     Timber on Bobbies Branch     15 November 1899     p. 155

Abijah Workman to Nancy Workman     30 acres Francis Creek     17 January 1900     Rufus Pack, NP     p. 9

David Workman to Brad Toney     140 acres     20 October 1891     p. 237-238

NOTE: I copied all of these deeds.

Harts Creek Area Deed Index (1886-1909)

25 Tuesday Oct 2016

Posted by in Big Ugly Creek, Ferrellsburg, Fourteen, Green Shoal, Little Harts Creek

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The following deed index is based on Deed Book 51 at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office in Hamlin, WV, and relates to residents of the Harts Creek community. Most notations reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in local land transactions; some reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in land transactions outside of the community. These notes are meant to serve as a reference to Deed Book 51. Researchers who desire the most accurate version of this material are urged to consult the actual record book.

John Q. Adams to Arena Ferrill     70 acres Mouth of Fowler Branch     2 May 1896     p. 163-164

J.K. Adkins et ux to Arrena Ferrell     119 acres East Side of Guyan River at mouth of Swift Shoal Hollow     28 June 1897     Allen Brumfield, NP     p. 162-163

Charley B. Brumfield and wife to Louis R. Sweetland     100 acres Fulton Branch     19 August 1903     p. 387-388

Charley B. Brumfield et ux to Louis R. Sweetland     62 acres Mud River     14 December 1906     p. 394-395

Sabin W. Colton, Jr. and George L. Estabrook (trustees for the Lincoln County Coal Land Association) to B.C. Spurlock and E.W. Fry     Nine Mile Creek     14 June 1904     p. 234

Sabin W. Colton et al (trustees for the Prentice Coal Land Association) to Blackburn Lucas     30 acres Spears Fork of Green Shoal Creek     1 July 1893     p. 181-182

S.M. Croft, trustee, to O.J. Spurlock     50 acres Big Ugly Creek     9 October 1908     p. 499-500

John Farley to Harvey Farley     35 acres Short Bend Branch, Fourteen Mile Creek     12 September 1902     p. 246-247

I.G. Gartin to William Mans     96 acres and 230 acres Rolin and Little Harts Creek     3 January 1899     Jefferson Lucas, JP     p. 436-437

J.B. Hainer to Louis R. Sweetland     133 3/4 acres (mineral) Limestone Branch     25 September 1899     p. 296-297

J.H. Hollandsworth to Charley B. Brumfield     100 acres Mud River     12 February 1903     p. 318-319

Charles Lucas to Sarah Ann Brumfield     75 acres Greenshoal Creek     6 July 1895     Elias Vance, JP     p. 189 [Note: Charles’ wife Lucinda was deceased]

Charles Lucas to W.B. Brumfield et al     50 acres Green Shoal     18 September 1886     Canaan Adkins, JP     p. 187-188

Charles Lucas to Blackburn Lucas     80 acres Green Shoal Creek (Spears Branch)     18 September 1886     Canaan Adkins, JP     p. 182-183

Elizabeth and B.B. Lucas and Sarah Jane Baisden to Louis R. Sweetland     15 acres and 30 acres on Limestone Branch     15 May 1909     A.F. Morris, NP     p. 293-294

William Mans et ux to William Manns     Little Harts Creek     3 January 1899     Jefferson Lucas, JP     p. 438-440

J.H. and Amanda McComas to B.B. Lucas     57/100 acres Green Shoal Creek     30 August 1899     W.B. Brumfield, JP     p. 184-185

Hiram Moore to S.S. Brumfield     122 1/2 acres Big Creek of Mud River     16 March 1900     p. 29-30

A.F. Morris, commissioner, to Louis R. Sweetland     92 acres Fourteen Mile Creek     12 June 1908     p. 405 [Note: This is the Andrew Elkins farm]

Arnold Perry to Emma Vance     41 acres Witcher’s Camp Branch     13 October 1900     Jackson Adkins, JP     p. 273-274

J.P. and U.S. Phipps to Louis R. Sweetland     109 acres Limestone Branch     25 September 1899     p. 302-303

J.W. Sarten et ux to Emma Vance     4 acres Copleys Trace of Kiah’s Creek     18 March 1905     p. 270-271

Telitha Spears et al to Blackburn Lucas     28 acres Green Shoal     26 July 1886     Canaan Adkins, JP     p. 185-186

Squire Toney et ux to George Vannatter et al     108 acres Big Ugly Creek     26 November 1899     p. 443

Gideon D. Vance to Emma Vance     Witcher’s Camp Branch     16 May 1900     Isaac Fry, JP     p. 274-275

Malinda J. Vance et al to Emma Vance     60 acres Copley Trace of Kiahs Creek     21 July 1904     W.B. Brumfield, JP     p. 271-272

Wilbur R. White et ux to Charley B. Brumfield     Mud River     20 August 1903     p. 392-393

NOTE: I copied all of these deeds.

Hometown Hamlin (2016)

23 Sunday Oct 2016

Posted by in Hamlin, Lincoln County Feud

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Many thanks to Hometown Hamlin for hosting us on 22 October 2016. We sold out of books! When in Hamlin, I typically visit the graves of Bob Adkins and his family. Bob was instrumental in helping me know about the Lincoln County Feud. Photo by Mom.

The New Yorker (2016)

06 Thursday Oct 2016

Posted by in Chapmanville, Ferrellsburg, Logan

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John Hartford introduced me to The New Yorker magazine in the mid-1990s. “I need to get you a subscription to The New Yorker,” he told me several times. John had become familiar with the magazine as a youth. His parents were regular subscribers to the magazine; they encouraged him to read it because, they said, it contained the absolute best writing available. John told this story several times and I could tell by the way he retold it that he believed it to be true. In fact, after reading multiple issues (mostly John’s issues at the house, but also complimentary issues I spotted in medical offices), I agreed that, yes, The New Yorker did in fact contain the best writing available. Once I discovered Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, unquestionably the greatest true crime book ever written, and learned The New Yorker had frequently printed Capote’s writing, my love for the magazine became unshakable. For these reasons, and others, I am delighted to have made a small contribution to Larissa MacFarquhar’s story, “In the Heart of Trump Country,” published by The New Yorker on October 10, 2016. The opportunity to contribute to a New Yorker story, much less to appear in The New Yorker, is an honor.

You can read Larissa’s exceptionally well-composed piece by following this link:

http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/10/in-the-heart-of-trump-country

Prior to the story, Larissa approached me (and other locals) about her desire to write a piece at least partly involving recent political developments in Logan County, West Virginia. I agreed to assist Larissa in whatever way I could for several reasons: I wanted to welcome her to my section of Appalachia, I wanted to be helpful, I wanted her story to succeed, I wanted her readers to better understand my region, I’m always anxious to discuss my region’s rich history… Larissa and I corresponded via email about general political history in Logan County, then enjoyed a memorable two-and-a-half-hour conversation at 317 Steak House in Logan. I liked her right away. I like her more after reading her story.

Larissa is an accomplished professional writer. You can read more about her impressive credentials by following these links:

http://www.newyorker.com/contributors/larissa-macfarquhar

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/17/larissa-macfarquhar-interview-people-think-im-a-total-freak-for-not-using-the-first-person

It was likewise pleasurable to meet photographer Alec Soth and his assistant, Galen Fletcher, who visited Logan, Chapmanville, Ferrellsburg, and Harts Creek, in order to capture images pertinent to Larissa’s story. Alec took a few photos of me in Ferrellsburg, one of which ultimately appeared in the story, then spent a hot evening taking a ton of photos at one of my favorite Harts Creek cemeteries (the Anthony Adams Family Cemetery) and a nearby historic log cabin (Squire Sol Adams residence).

You can find out more about Alec by following these links:

http://alecsoth.com/photography/

https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=CMS3&VF=MAGO31_10_VForm&ERID=24KL532_M

He even has a Wikipedia entry!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alec_Soth

These were nice folks. If they ever visit your part of the world, welcome them.

.

Recollections of a Guyandotte Valley Preacher (c.1870s)

23 Friday Sep 2016

Posted by in Salt Rock

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About 1910, Rev. Thomas H. Perry reflected on his long life, most of which was spent in the vicinity of Tylers Creek in Cabell County, West Virginia. In this excerpt from his autobiography, Mr. Perry recalled his early days as a preacher in the Guyandotte Valley.

After I had preached my first sermon, I then preached in the school houses in the most isolated places. I had two reasons for this: first, I thought I would meet with less intelligence; and second, that they heard so little preaching, but to my surprise the people would come for miles to my meetings, and I would wonder why they came. Do they come through evil curiosity, or do they come from a sense of duty? I would pray to the Lord, down deep in my heart and soul that He would help me at this hour to preach His word with such power that these people, who have come here this day through vain curiosity, that they may be made to feel the weight of their sins, but if they have come for the good of the soul that they may go away from this place feeling it was good to be at church to-day. The hardest struggles I had in my work was from the time I entered the church to the beginning of the sermon. The presence of strangers and noted people generally embarrassed me to some extent until after I had announced my subject and read my text. After that I did not notice them anymore than others. I never tried to change my voice from the natural or make it appear I was educated, but put my whole soul and heart in my subject with the hope that somebody might be saved to-day.

About the time I began to preach there were three other young men who entered the ministry, J.D. Carter, John J. Perry and John A. Petit. These young men lived on Tyler’s creek. John J. Perry was the founder of Susannah church, one of the good churches of Grant district. He was killed by falling timber, near Salt Rock, in 1884. John A. Petit was the founder of Bulahann church in Union district. This church was named in honor of my mother, because of the interest my father and John J. Perry took in its organization. Bro. Petit was a fine preacher and had a great many friends. He was pastor of a good church in Ohio. He died, I believe, in 1885. Bro. Carter was the founder of Zoar church, another good church in Grant district. He was a large man of fine personal appearance. His ability as a preacher was second to none in this end of the state. He died in 1906. Knowing these three men as I did, I considered them the three greatest lights that ever went out from Enon church.

Many time I have put corn in my saddle-pockets and rode up the Guyan valley as far as I could by eleven o’clock, and in good weather I would meet from fifty to seventy-five people at a school house. Some of the men were bare-footed, and had their guns and a poke of salt with them and some of the old women would smoke their pipes while I was preaching to them. The men said to me, “we came prepared to salt our cattle and kill a mess of squirrels as we go home.” Sometimes on my way home I would think a people that had so little regard for the Sabbath and not enough respect for a preacher to feed his horse were not worthy of the gospel; and then I would think if nobody will preach to them they will never do any better, and as Christ had said: “Preach His gospel to every creature,” and as Paul had said: “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel.” I felt I could not live, or that great calamity would come to me if I did not preach the gospel.”

About this time I was going to school at Salt Rock. A Mr. John J. Rowsey, a very noted teacher was our instructor that year. Some of the old men tried to discourage me by saying if God had called me to preach I did not have to go to school to learn how. But I felt the need of a better education and knew that some of my appointments did not pay me one dollar a year and I was hard pressed financially. These things would discourage me very much. I saw at once there was a race to be run and a battle to be fought in this life, and I remembered that the Bible said the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but to them that put their trust in the Lord. I believed every word in the Bible was the word of God, I could not treat it with indifference. I was determined to preach all I could and go to school all I could, and raise my finance all I could, and as to those people that go to church with their guns and those that sit and smoke during preaching, I have a great love for them as well as others; for their souls are as precious in God’s sight as the souls of the rich and most refined.

Source: From Youth to Old Age by T.H. Perry, Chapter 10, p. 25-27.