Tag Archives: Logan

Squire Toney Deed to Richard Leander Ferrell (1851)

02 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Guyandotte River

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Squire Toney to Richard Leander Ferrell 1851 1

Deed Book C, page 287, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Squire Toney was born about 1783, reportedly in Bedford County, VA. His wife, the former Nancy Brown, was born about 1788, reportedly in Ireland.

Squire Toney to Richard Leander Ferrell 1851 2

Deed Book C, page 288, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Samuel R. Ferrell was born about 1826. He married a daughter of Squire Toney. His oldest son, Richard Leander Ferrell, was born about 1850.

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

02 Thursday Nov 2017

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

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

Logan Wildcats 1900.jpg

Logan Wildcats Reunion, Chapmanville, WV, 1900.

Confederate Reunion

The old Confederate soldiers will hold their semi-annual reunion at Chapmansville next Saturday. A good time will be had by all who attend.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 1 June 1911.

***

OLD SOLDIERS MEET

Members of Camp Straton U.C.V. Hold Reunion at Chapmansville

EDITOR DEMOCRAT: The Confederate veterans of Camp Straton met at Chapmansville on last Saturday in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of their enlistment in the cause of the Southern Confederacy. They were met and greeted by Daniel Smoot and several others from our sister county of Boone, and Robert Lewis of Lincoln county. J.W. Harvey was also present. M.L. Campbell of the Soldier’s Home, at Richmond, Va., enjoyed the pleasure and opportunity on this memorable occasion to once more greet his old comrades of the Lost Cause.

They met, shook hands and greeted each other, and at times the writer could detect the tears in the eyes of these old veterans, which showed the true spirit of these old comrades as they talked of the days when they followed Lee and Jackson, Johnson and Longstreet and others of their immortal leaders in the battles of Gettysburg, Bull Run, Piedmont, Manassas Junction and many other of those famous battles which today stand in history as sentinels of one of the bloodiest and hardest fought wars in the history not only of this nation but of the world.

After forming line and roll call, to which there were comparatively so few to answer, they once more marched the streets of Chapmansville, where just fifty years before to a day they marched when full of life and vigor. But now their bent forms and halting steps mark most sadly the passing of time.

In Federal burying grounds alone, 359,284 soldiers lie, while countless thousands have been buried in plots at home. On the Confederate side doubtless as many more may be counted. What a pitiful sacrifice of blood, the young and strong and brave blood of the nation. Doubtless war stirs certain feelings and virtues into action that otherwise would lie dormant. Perhaps it settles certain questions not otherwise easily adjusted. But it is hard to think that an intelligent Christian nation should ever need to resort to it.

When the noon hour came the veterans marched to the home of Mr. John Ferrell, where refreshments and a fine dinner was served. They then marched to the center of the village, formed a hollow square and held a brief business session.

A committee of three was appointed to draft suitable resolutions to the memory of their deceased comrades. Hon. J.B. Wilkinson, C.E. Whitman and W.F. Butcher were appointed on this committee.

A committee of two was appointed to gather the names of the sons of all the veterans in Camp Straton, said list to be submitted at the next reunion, at which time they expect to organize the Sons of Veterans. C.E. Whitman of Logan and R.L. Stone of Big Creek were appointed on this committee.

A clerk was also appointed to keep the record of the Camp.

It was also suggested that the commandant get in communication with the Daughters of the Confederacy, and secure a cross of honor for each veteran of the Camp, which cross of honor is to be handed down to the oldest son as a souvenir.

After the business session, prayer was offered by Chaplain W.D. Garrett.

The people were entertained for some time by short and breezy speeches by the veterans and their sons, which were very much applauded and enjoyed by all.

We then enjoyed the song of the starting of the Logan volunteers, June 3, 1861, by the wife of a veteran.

The meeting then adjourned to meet at Logan on Saturday, October 7, 1911.

The following veterans were present at roll call:

William H. Ellis

J.E. Acord

T.B. Farley

J.K. McNeeley

N.B. Barker

Simpson Ellis

J.E. Thompson

J.C. Chapman

George Bryant

J.H. Allen

John Wallen

Obadiah Workman

John G. Jeffrey

J.W. Harvey

M.L. Campbell

J.I. Dingess

J.S. Miller

M.D. Stone

David Hale

Hiram Pridemore

William Nelson

J.W. Blevins

Calvin Bias

Francis Collins

David Workman

L.D. Stollings

W.D. Garrett

L.D. Perry

Albert McNeeley

Henry Mitchell

John W. Holdron

Sol Adams

B.F. Curry

David K. White

Harrison White

Isaac McNeeley

Bolivar McDonald

John W. Neece

Greene Thompson

F.B. McDonald

W. Farmer

W.D. McNeeley

Anthony Bryant

Alvis Hall

Reuben White

F.S. Vickers

William White

J.B. Lowe

Patterson Dingess

W.H. Whitman

Daniel J. Smoot

Fulton D. Ferrell

Astynax McDonald

T.C. Conley

Beverley Spencer

George R. Scaggs

Respectfully submitted,

Charles E. Whitman

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 8 June 1911

***

Camp Straton Reunion LB 09.19.1913 4.JPG

Confederate flag over the Logan Courthouse, Logan (WV) Banner, 19 September 1913. Photo from 23 October 1911.

Confederate Reunion

Camp Straton of the Confederate veterans met in this city October 23, 1911, and had dinner at the Buskirk and Peck Hotels as the guests of Judge Wilkinson and Mrs. Vicie Nighbert.

The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by M.D. Stone, Commandant, and George Scaggs was elected to the office of Third Lieutenant. Motion carried unanimously to meet hereafter on the fourth Tuesday in September, and Logan was chosen as the place for the next meeting.

Judge Wilkinson delivered an able address at the close of the business meeting and suggested organizing a camp of Sons of Veterans, a meeting for which purpose has been called for Saturday, Nov. 4th, at 1:30 p.m., at the court house.

United States Senator William E. Chilton then delivered a very interesting address which was received with great enthusiasm.

After a vote of thanks by the Company to Judge Wilkinson and Mrs. Nighbert for their hospitality the meeting was adjourned.

Eighty-three members of the Camp were present. The following is the roster of Camp Straton, Oct. 23, 1911:

M.D. Stone, Commandant.

Astyanax McDonald, First Lieut.

Jas. I. Dingess, Second Lieut.

Geo. Scaggs, Third Lieut.

Hugh Avis, Orderly Sergeant.

Jas. R. Henderson, Adjutant.

W.D. Garrett, Chaplin.

Jas. Allen, Assistant Chaplin.

Privates

Isaac McNeeley

William C. Lucas

L.D. Perry,

F.M. Collins

Hiram Pridemore

Marion McCoy

Boss Mangus

M.A. Doss

Anse Hatfield

E.J. Stone

Ben Curry

R.F. Hager

F.D. Ferrell

Noah Barker

Simpson Ellis

John Dempsey

David Hicks

Beverly Spencer

Jas. C. Varney

John A. Lawson

Dave White

Alvin Hall

Joe Lowe

Henry C. Runyon

David Hale

Jas. Marcum

Christopher Davis

Joseph Evans

Lewis Brewster

Joseph Wm. Spence

C.A. Staten

Wm. D. Nelson

Joe A. Counts

Richard McCallister

Allen J. Sheppard

Moses D. Tiller

J.A. Ellis

J.K. McNeely

Hubbard Williams

Rush Floyd

Anthony Bryant

W.H. Whitman

M.A. Robinson

E.S. Vickers

Levi Lowe

I.G. Berry

Bolliver McDonald

A.J. Perry

Wm. L. Stollings

J.A. Chapman

N.B. Sanders

Wesley Reed

Henry Mitchell

John Thompson

Gord Riffe

Floyd S. Barker

N.B. Moberly

Wm. N. Stone

S.P. Vernatter

J.W. Martin

Jalin White

 

Green Thompson

J.W. Dempsey

L.D. Stone

All veterans not registered will please send name and address to T.B. Stone, Kitchen, W.Va.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 26 October 1911.

***

Camp Straton

Names of living Confederate veterans, who served continuously for four years and who are now members of Camp Straton of Logan, West Virginia:

OFFICERS

M.D. Stone, Commandant, Kitchen, W.Va.

Astyanax McDonald, First Lieutenant, Logan, W.Va.

James I. Dingess, Second Lieutenant, Pecks Mill, W.Va.

Geo. Scaggs, Third Lieutenant, Curry, W.Va.

F.S. Barker, Treasurer, Curry, W.Va.

David Hale, color bearer, City.

Hiram Pridemore, color bearer, City.

PRIVATES

L.D. Stollings, Shively, W.Va.

James Blevins, Curry, W.Va.

L.D. Perry, Chapmanville, W.Va.

Hubbard Williams, Logan, W.Va.

William Cary, Logan, W.Va.

Allen Hale, East Lynn, W.Va.

Hiram Burgess, Rolfe, W.Va.

Guy Lawson, Foley, W.Va.

M.A. Doss, Man, W.Va.

Thos. B. Farley, Bias, W.Va.

Moses Tiller, Music, W.Va.

Lewis Cary, Williamson, W.Va.

R.F. Hager, Breading, W.Va.

Andy Lee, Logan, W.Va.

John Messer, Breading, W.Va.

John A. Thompson, Chapmanville, W.Va.

Geo. Crump, member Camp Garnett, Huntington, W.Va.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 2 November 1911

***

Confederate Reunion

To Confederate Veterans, Camp Straton:

The next reunion of the members of said Camp will be held at Logan C.H. on Tuesday, September 17th, 1912, at 11 o’clock a.m. The presence of each member is requested.

M.D. Stone, Commandant

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 29 August 1912.

***

Notice

To Members Camp Logan Wild Cats:

You are requested to meet at Logan C.H. at 10 o’clock Saturday, September 14th, 1912 to prepare for the reunion of Confederate veterans of Camp Straton to be held the following Tuesday. It is desirable to increase our membership on that day as much as possible. Anyone desiring to become a member of our camp come or send in your name. We want to give the old soldiers a hearty welcome and cordial greeting.

A.W. McDonald,

Commandant

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 29 August 1912.

***

Confederate Reunion

To Confederate Veterans, Camp Straton:

The next reunion of the members of said Camp will be held at Logan C.H., on Tuesday, September 17th, 1912, at 11 o’clock a.m. The presence of each member is requested.

M.D. Stone,

Commandant

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 5 September 1912.

***

Confederate Reunion

Camp Stratton, No. 1633, United Confederate Veterans, met in the City of Logan, Tuesday, September 19th, according to arrangements made at their last meeting, October 23, 1911, making the third Tuesday in September of each ensuing year the regular meeting day at Logan.

The veterans coming east were met at the depot on the arrival of train No. 150 by the veterans already assembled, accompanied by the Logan and Holden bands.

Hon. J.B. Wilkinson announced that arrangements had been made for the veterans to march to the skating rink, where the business session would be held, after which dinner would be served to all veterans at the hotels Jefferson and Buskirk, complimentary tickets having been given to confederates and their wives and daughters present.

The meeting adjourned to meet at 12:30 p.m. at the court house where the Sons of Veterans and the teachers and pupils of the Logan Public Schools fell in line and marched through the business section of the city. The entire procession again marched to the skating rink and was ably entertained for a short time by Hon. J.B. Wilkinson, who in turn introduced Brig. Gen. Wayne B. Ferguson of the 2nd Division of West Virginia, U.C.V., who after delivering an interesting address introduced the Hon. Thos. H. Harvey of Huntington. Amid great applause, Judge Harvey recalled the story days of the Sixties and as a closing remark to his comrades, who must soon follow the great leader, quoted Jackson, “Let us pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees.” Col. J.R. Miller, a “rebel” from the “Southland” was next introduced by Judge Wilkinson, who remarked that “the best of the reunion was now coming.” Col. Miller delivered an able and interesting address lasting 45 minutes, which was enjoyed by all present.

On motion Comrades Hugh Avis, Andy Perry, Simpson Ellis, Henry Mitchell and Thos. H. Harvey were selected as delegates to represent Camp Straton at the annual reunion in Moorefield, Hardy county, W.Va., October 9, 1912.

On motion Col. J.R. Miller, Hon. Thomas H. Harvey and Gen. Wayne B. Ferguson were made honorary members of this camp.

Mrs. J.E. Robertson and Mrs. Lou G. Buffington were unanimously extended a vote of thanks for their untiring efforts in securing … mandant, a vote of thanks was given to all visiting members, also all Sons of Veterans and Daughters United Confederacy.

After a vote of thanks by the Company to Judge Wilkinson and Mrs. Nighbert for their kind hospitality the meeting adjourned to meet at Logan, September 16th, 1913.

The roster of Camp Straton No. 1633 on September 17th, 1912 is as follows:

M.D. Stone, Commandant

Astynanyx McDonald, First lieutenant

James I. Dingess, Second lieutenant

Geo. Scaggs, Third lieutenant

Hugh Avis, Orderly Sergeant

James R. Henderson, Adjutant

W.D. Garrett, Chaplain

Jas. Allen, Asst. chaplain

Privates:

Isaac McNeely

David Hale

Wm. C. Lucas

Joseph Evans

L.D. Berry

James Marcum

F.M. Collins

Lewis Brewster

Hiram Pridemore

Jos. Wm. Spence

C.A. Staten

Marion McCoy

Boss Mangus

Wm. D. Nelson

M.A. Doss

Joe Accords

Hiram Burgess

Richard McCallister

John R. McCoy

Allen J. Sheppard

Anse Hatfield

Moses D. Tiller

E.J. Stone

J.A. Ellis

Ben Curry

W.E. Cary

Riley F. Hager

J.K. McNeely

F.D. Ferrell

Hubbard Williams

Noah Barker

Rush Floyd

Simpson Ellis

Anthony Bryant

John Dempsey

W.H. Whitman

David Hicks

M.A. Robinson

Beverlly Spencer

F.S. Vickers

Jas. C. Varney

Levi Lowe

John A. Lawson

I.G. Berry

Dave White

Boliver McDonald

A.J. Perry

Alvin Hall

Joe Lowe

J.C. Chapman

Wm. L. Stollings

H.C. Runyon

Christopher Davis

N.B. Sanders

Wesley Reed

Floyd S. Barker

Henry Mitchell

W.B. Moberly

John Thompson

Wm. N. Stone

Gordon Riffe

S.P. Vernatter

J.W. Martin

Green Thompson

John White

J.W. Dempsey

L.D. Starr

Anse Farley

W.E. Carey

T.B. Farley

John Messer

Joseph Mitchell

Harmon White

Harrison White

Luke Curry

J.W. Blevins

L.D. Stollings

Gord F. Lilly

John Wallen

H.H. Ray

Obed Workman

Calvin Bias

Mat Pauley

William H. Ellis

Reuben P. White

J.S. Miller

Andy Lee

George Crump

John W. Haldron

Wm. Blackburn

Thos. H. Harvey

L.D. Chambers

Aaron Adkins

Giles Davis

J.R. Miller

Wayne B. Ferguson

Making a total of 91, 81 of which were present today against 83 last year.

If any member desires to have his name enrolled in the records of Camp Straton, send name and address to T.B. Stone, Secretary, Camp Straton, Kitchen, W.Va.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 19 September 1912.

***

Notice

To The Sons of Veterans:

The Sons of Veterans will meet in Logan on the first day of the October term of Court. All members are requested to be present.

Don Chafin.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 3 October 1912.

***

Confederate Reunion

Veterans of Camp Straton.

You are hereby requested to attend our annual reunion at Logan C.H. on Tuesday, September 16th at 2 o’clock p.m. for the transaction of important business.

Program of exercises will be given out in due time.

M.D. Stone, Commander

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 5 September 1913.

***

Camp Straton Reunion LB 09.19.1913 1.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 19 September 1913. Photos from 23 October 1911.

NOTICE

To the Officers and Members of Camp Stratton, No. 1633, U.C.V.

You are hereby notified that a meeting will be held at the Courthouse at Logan, at 2 o’clock, P.M., on April 30th, 1914, for the purpose of selecting delegates to attend the reunion at Jacksonville, Fla., May 6, 7, and 8th, 1914, and to attend to such other business as may come before the Camp.

Our Camp is entitled to three delegates and three alternates.

Your fraternally,

M.D. Stone, Commandant

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 10 April 1914; 24 April 1914.

Camp Straton Reunion LB 04.24.1914 6.JPG

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

Life and History of Mother Jones (1913)

31 Tuesday Oct 2017

Posted by in Coal

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Mother Jones Arrested LB 02.14.1913 1.JPG

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this story dated February 14, 1913:

Life and History of “Mother” Jones

The woman who would lead West Virginia’s miners, and their wives and children to “Liberty” and “Freedom” (?) The woman who receives $5.00 a day and expenses to stir up strife among “unorganized” laborers.

Mary Harris, born in Cork, Ireland, 60 years ago, of respectable parentage and good antecedents; brought to New England at an early age, people settled in Maine; educated in common schools, taught a country school for several years. Married a prosperous farmer, and when widowed immediately allied herself with a labor movement then attracting attention in the East, claiming she wanted to elevate the laboring classes, educationally and socially. She began to associate with labor leaders and reformers at the time of the A.R.U. strike of 1894, since when she has kept pretty busy stirring things up. Has a record of never advocating peace nor arbitration, but being for strife and war. Was particularly prominent in the Pittsburg strike of 1895, Miners’ strike of ’97, Central Penn strike ’99 and ’00, the Coal strike in Philadelphia. During the latter strike she placed herself at the head of one hundred men, women and children and started with them on a march to Oyster Bay to interview President Roosevelt and demand his intervention in behalf of the strikers. She held daily meetings along the route, solicited subscriptions for the maintenance of her party, and finally land at Oyster Bay with a handful of her followers, but she did not see the President and the expedition ended there.

That is the record, so far as the labor movement is concerned, of the woman known from Maine to California as “Mother” Jones, labor agitator and leader. “Mother” Jones who is always to the front when there is strife, with her battle cry: “We’d rather fight than work,” “Mother” Jones who gets $5.00 per day and expenses so long as there is trouble brewing; who, since 1900 has received a salary from the mine workers’ organization, and who is said to be worth any five men as an agitator. But down in the —– office there is another record, one that reaches back to 1891, when “Mother” Jones was a well-known character, not only in the “red-light” district of Denver, but in Omaha, Kansas City, Chicago, and far-off San Francisco. That record covers many pages, but a few FACTS are all that are necessary to show the character of this petticoated reformer. They say of her:

A vulgar, heartless, vicious creature, with a fiery temper and a cold-blooded brutality rare even in the slums. An inmate of Jennie… [cropped]

***

Now what do you think of “Mother” Jones? The Banner printed her history four months ago–the only paper in the U.S. that dared print it. The Banner for first news.

Logan, WV (1913)

31 Tuesday Oct 2017

Posted by in Cemeteries, Guyandotte River, Logan

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Decoration Day LB 05.09.1913.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 9 May 1913.

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this story dated May 23, 1913:

The Call to Arms

Ladies of Logan, we need you, and ask your unfailing support against filth and flies. With your full assistance we expect to make the men “help the women do the work.” We want you to help us develop the pride and civic duty which promotes cleanliness. Enlist the whole household in this crusade against filth and flies–breeders of disease.

With the homes, the yards and the streets clean, screened receptacles for kitchen waste, which we will remove without expense, the free use of lime daily, our city will be respectable and commendable.

Lend us your aid and imbibe the slogan, “Cleaner, Healthier and Better Logan.”

Respectfully,

ROBERT BLAND, Mayor

By order of the Common Council

***

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this story dated August 22, 1913:

Spreading Their Tracks

What has become of the city cow-bell ordinance? If it can’t be enforced, why not repeal it and substitute one demanding that each animal provide itself with a portable bathroom with regulation sewer connection–or, to use plain every-day English, a slop-bucket securely tied to its tail. One “special privilege” lady cow has been roaming the streets at night with a bell that makes you think the ice man is coming, but that ain’t him at all. It’s the milk maid patting along up the walk! Yes, right up the front steps and rings the bell! This particular lady cow is not satisfied with brick pavements and macadam roads, she prefers cement sidewalks. A blind man could tell you which way she went and where she stopped–in fact she don’t stop at all. If she did, there would be no occasion to write this article. She plods along all night, leaving her trail behind her. We don’t know who owns this madam bovine and we don’t care Adam. We have told her “past and present” just as we might have told of “John Brown’s Raid”–up the Guyan–the “raid that made the Chafins famous!” But we leave that also for the “city papers” to dope out. Good night!

Anderson Blair

29 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by in Big Harts Creek, Cemeteries, Civil War, Lincoln County Feud, Pecks Mill, Warren, Whirlwind

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Anderson Blair copyright

Anderson Blair, son of John S. and Polly (Baisden) Blair. Photo posted online by Barbara Kovach Morris.

Squire Anderson Blair LCB 01.09.1890 2

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 9 January 1890. During the Lincoln County Feud, Anderson Blair was a justice of the peace in Chapmanville District, Logan County, WV. His district included Upper Hart.

Anderson Blair LCB 08.14.1895

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 14 August 1895.

Anderson Blair death LCB 4.17.02

Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 17 April 1902.

Anderson Blair grave

Dingess Cemetery, Pecks Mill, Logan County, WV. June 2016. John Blair and Tommy Isaacs installed the military headstone in May of 2014.

Henry Clay Ragland is Recalled (1913)

29 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by in Civil War, Logan

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this story dated August 15, 1913:

Rev. W.S. Bradshaw, Pastor of the Baptist Church, and his wife, are now housed in the historic and stately Ragland property on Main street. Their two charming daughters, the Misses Winnifred and Lucile, are due to arrive in Logan tonight from a stay-over at Ironton and Huntington, since the departure of their parents from Chillicothe, O., where the Rev. was pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church. In this acquisition Logan has gained another estimable family, whose field of usefulness is bounded only by their ability and willingness. Pastoral work in Logan, however, is, in many respects, far different than in the Buckeye State, and it will take a few weeks to acquire our set ways and methods, and then a few weeks to get “down to the real business.” The Baptist congregation, usually the largest in Logan, has not had regular services since Rev. Richardson’s resignation several months ago, and the membership has become somewhat scattered. It is up to Rev. Bradshaw to bring the congregation up to its standard. He comes highly recommended by the Chillicothe press and public, whose loss of a good man and family is Logan’s gain. Their dwelling house here–the familiar old landmark formerly occupied by the reverend, aged couple Major and “Grandma” Ragland–has been remodeled, painted, and decorated. Major Ragland, in years gone by, was one of the founders and editors of The Banner, and was admired, beloved, and reverenced by everybody in Logan county, young and old alike. We have at this office a few old photo prints of the late Major Ragland, taken in front of the home a short time before his death. Those desiring them will be supplied gratis while the limited supply lasts. Major Ragland was leader of the famous “Logan Wildcats” of Civil War times, and the more we say of him, the more sacred his name and memory becomes, as it takes us back into those historic days bathed in blood and bitter strife. Rev. Bradshaw and family are indeed fortunate to secure this sacred homestead, and to mingle with the memories of those historic events, centered about the mortal life and career of the now immortal Major Ragland.

Source: “Rev. Bradshaw and Ragland Memories,” Logan (WV) Banner, 15 August 1913.

History of Coal (1927)

29 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by in American Revolutionary War, Coal

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this story dated April 5, 1927:

The greatest antiquity of the Aryan race historically established runs back to from four to five thousand years ago. The language of the Aryans was Sanskrit, and from this language comes the word coal, from the original word “jual” meaning “to burn.” In the Bible coal or coals means the embers of charred or reddened burnt or burning wood. Our present day bituminous and anthracite coal was unknown to the ancients, at least as a fuel, says the Chicago Journal of Commerce.

The general fuel inspector of the New York Central Lines, Malcolm MacFarlane, has been doing research work in the history of bituminous and anthracite coal. While it seems probable that coal came into limited use in the Iron Age about 1000 B.C. the earliest authentic record show that it was used in Greece in 300 B.C. In England it was in use in A.D. 852. Mr. MacFarlane says: “Our ancestors of that day were very suspicious of this new fuel, with heavy black smoke and pungent odors. Fears prevailed that the public health was affected, and so widespread did these become that the English King prohibited the mining of coal entirely. The same condition obtained in France, and it was the middle of the thirteenth century before coal came into general use in Paris.”

First coal discovery in this country came from the town of Ottawa on the Illinois River in 1679, with mining operations beginning seventy years later twelve miles above Richmond, Va. Coal was in general use there twenty-five years later in 1775, and was used in making guns for the patriot army of the Revolutionary War. Later, coal showings were found along the Ohio River in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. In the Northwest, General Fremont reported coal in Wyoming in 1843. In 1879 coal was uncovered in Montana. In the Pomeroy Bend, coal had been mined for more than a hundred years. A coal bank was opened there in 1819. In 1808 at Coalport in the above bend of the river attempts were made to export coal, but were unsuccessful. In 1832 a thousand bushels of Pomeroy coal was shipped in ___ on a flatboat to New Orleans. The field has been a great producer ever since.

Anthracite was discovered in America in 1763, but was not burned ____ to a ____ until 1803.

[cropped]

ever up to that time been placed under the governorship of one man.

Cadillac and LaSalle were both possessed of that spirit which fights against seemingly insurmountable odds. They were leaders. Both visioned the establishment of a vast empire in the West. Their achievements formed the backbone of American development. They were dreamers, and then, with never-ending zeal, strove to realize their dreams.

LaSalle was more the restless discoverer, constantly venturing into some new hazardous undertaking. Cadillac was the colonizer, with a practical and commercial mind. His business and trading ability made the settlement at Detroit a financial success.

Source: “New Data on the History of Coal is Uncovered by MacFarlane, Research Worker,” Logan (WV) Banner, 5 April 1927.

Note: For more information about Pomeroy coal, follow this link: http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/OHMEIGS/2006-07/1152225240

Sons of Italy Organized in Logan, WV (1927)

28 Saturday Oct 2017

Posted by in Italian American History, Logan

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this story about the Sons of Italy dated January 14, 1927:

Local Italians, led by Vincinzo Procobio, president of all the lodges of West Virginia, organized a local lodge of Sons of Italy at Logan, Saturday night, January 8th. Seventy-six charter members enrolled on the night of the organization, and prospects are good for a large local lodge.

The following officers were duly elected and installed: J.C. Gates, president; Frank Vinci, vice-president; Patsy Ferzacca, treasurer; Gentile Varzza, corresponding secretary; David Ferzacca, secretary of finance; Charles Bennett, orator; Petro Defobio, Petro Toriano, Antonio Iaquinto, John Caldarazzo, Dante Belladonna, trustees.

J.C. Gates made an excellent speech in which he emphasized the importance of unity among the members of the Italian race resident in Logan county, for the purpose of fostering a brotherhood among Italian people. Mr. Gates has the distinction of being instrumental in bringing the organizers to this county. He also eulogized the newly elected officers, and spoke of the well known the objects of the order of Sons of the other officers of the lodge, for their qualifications and special fitness for the offices to which they were elected.

The objects and purposes of the lodge of the Sons of Italy are as follows: To become a volunteer, secret, beneficiary organization, operating by the lodge system, with a representative form of government to perpetuate the objects of the order of Sons of Italy of America as shown by the constitution and laws of the order; To unite fraternally all persons of Italian birth or blood who are of good moral character and sound bodily health, and between such ages as may from time to time be designated; To give all possible moral and material aid to its members and those dependent upon them; To provide relief in event of sickness or distress among its members; To promote the moral, material, and intellectual betterment of its members; and To respect without distinction, whatsoever religious, philosophic, or political beliefs its members may respectfully entertain; To encourage and assist its members in obtaining American citizenship.

Patsy Veltri is the grand deputy of the lodge. He also took a very active part in organizing the local lodge. The local lodge is named for a famous Italian–Caio Duilio–and will be called the Caio Duilio Lodge of Logan.

The headquarters of this order is at Fairmont, West Virginia, and the Supreme Office is in New York City.

Albert Ferolio, local merchant, asked today what he thought of the prospects of the local lodge, was very enthusiastic in speaking of the plans for it. Mr. Ferolio says the Italians intend to organize all of their people, and that it will bring his people closer together in a social way. It will be a material help to them in learning the English language and in the work of preparing them for citizenship. Alex Defobio is also enthusiastic in his support of the enterprise.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 14 January 1927.

Logan Banner Items (1913)

27 Friday Oct 2017

Posted by in Logan

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, we find the following items of interest pertaining to the Banner for 1913-1914:

Logan Banner Coupon LB 06.26.1914 2.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 26 June 1914.

LAST 4TH

The Banner office was open all day. Many of our delinquent subscribers spent the day in Logan, but none of them came near this office. Perhaps they think we are running this paper just for fun. Even so, fun costs money, and you all who are taking The Banner from the postoffice week after week, and never paying a red cent for it, ought to be “supremely proud” of the surplus stock of gall stored away in your anatomy and soon realize that it costs something to turn out newspapers. Please remember, also, that campaign money is not paying Dean’s expenses, as the case was with former Banner editors. Dean is trying to pay his way as he goes, and every subscriber who owes 50 cents or a dollar ought to realize that he has had value for it, and pay it without further delay.

The Banner office will be open half a day this 4th and we hope some of our delinquents will pay up then.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 4 July 1913

***

TO SUBSCRIBERS

Most all readers of newspapers know when they are in arrears–especially when they have not paid a dollar in two or three years. If a few delinquents on our list will dig up a dollar each, we are sure their conscience will allow them to get one good night’s rest. The only honorable and honest way to stop a newspaper is to step into the office and pay up all arrearage, get a receipt, and have your name taken off the list. To fire your paper back at the publisher marked “refused” when you owe six months or a year and never go near the office is not only disreputable but superlatively dishonest as well. We can not discontinue your paper until all arrearages are paid. Don’t ask us. Don’t say: “Stop my paper until I get what I owe paid up.” In no case can we do this. It is a general rule we have to use to protect ourselves. When you do not want the paper any longer, pay up and stop it.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 18 July 1913

***

This is the “silver anniversary” of The Logan Banner, the last number in the 25th volume. Roll in a dollar, please. Next issue will be our 26th birthday number, and with it the subscription price goes to $1.50 a year IN ADVANCE. With next week also will appear the “Comic Section” which we have decided to serve to CASH subscribers, as a part of The Banner. Send in your subscription NOW, and if you owe anything in arrears, please pay, and a dollar in advance for another year, if received at this office before July first. It will be to your interest, as well as ours, to pay up and not miss an issue.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 26 June 1914

Whirlwind News 01.18.1927

25 Wednesday Oct 2017

Posted by in Big Harts Creek, Cemeteries, Chapmanville, Logan, Queens Ridge, Whirlwind

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

The Trace Sunday school is progressing nicely. A large crowd attended Sunday.

Anthony Adams of Logan was visiting relatives on Harts Creek Saturday.

Viola Adams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Adams, died of appendicitis Monday. Funeral services were held at the Mullins cemetery.

Burl Adams of Chapmanville was visiting relatives on Harts Creek Sunday.

Cole Baisden made a business trip to Logan Monday.

David Dingess…

Rev. I.M. Nelson and R.G. Short are going to hold a revival at the Christian church on Trace, beginning January 16.

R.L. Dingess of Whirlwind spent Saturday with his parents at Queen’s Ridge.

Some of the daily acts: Grover and his dogs; Phillip collecting the news; Charley and his kodak; Pearly looking for Burl; Carl cold trailing and Clinton carrying the news.

Howard Adams was seen going through town Saturday. Guess he was out on business.

Elias Workman has been on the sick list for the past two weeks.

Harts News 01.14.1927

22 Sunday Oct 2017

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

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

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

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

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

Miss Cora Adkins spent Saturday in Huntington.

Herbert Adkins was a business caller in Huntington Monday.

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

Hawkins Perry is our new operator here this week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mrs. Herbert Adkins has purchased a fine radio.

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

Bill Adkins from Coal Branch City was in town Monday.

Democratic Party Editorial in Logan County, WV (1916)

21 Saturday Oct 2017

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From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, we find the following editorial dated February 24, 1916:

CONFESSION!

The following was prominently displayed in fourteen point type under the bold, three-column heading, “What Does It Profit a Young Man to Be a Logan County Democrat?” on the front page of the Logan Banner last week. We cheerfully aid in giving it the widest possible publicity and commend its careful reading to all of the conscientious and thoughtful citizens of Logan county:

“To the young men of Logan county, who are to cast their first vote this year and hereafter participate in the political life of the commonwealth:

“For Forty Years Logan county has given stupendous democratic majorities. It has always had the largest percent of democratic votes of any county in the state.

“Logan county has never been recognized by the Democratic party by awarding any one of its citizens a nomination upon the state ticket.

“Logan county Democracy has never had a member of the state committee.

“Not one of its citizens holds an appointment under the national administration other than postmasters of the local offices.

“You, as a Democrat, are just voted like dumb cattle.

“In the Democratic organization of Logan county the highest achievement to be obtained by ambitious youth is to become a deputy sheriff with a tin badge and a gun.

“The Republican party welcomes the vaulting ambition of youth.

“It meets young men on the first round and lifts them higher.

“Logan county Republicans have a voice and exert a powerful influence in the councils of the party in the state.

“It dwindled the Forty Years of Huge Democratic Victories in Logan county to the necessity of a recount in the election two years ago.

“This year the Democratic Hurrah and Horrors will be as naked as Robinson Crusoe’s summer underwear.

“Choose which primary you will go into.”

“Honest confession is good for the soul.” But, whoever expected anything honest from the source from which the foregoing sprung? Yet there it is, and seeing is believing, and we have no choice other than to congratulate the author of the superlative exposure of the designs and ambitions of the so-called Republican organization of Logan county.

Public office, spoils, graft, gratification of personal desires and ambitions, such is the bait brazenly held out in the effort to tempt good men to desert principle and aid in the maintenance of the most corrupt political organization known under the sun, the state Republican machine and its Logan tentacle. The implied promise may be within the Corrupt Practices act, but never was there a more damnable attempt to influence or corrupt voters than The Banner’s public solicitation.

Logan has never had a citizen on the state Democratic ticket; never had a delegate to a national convention; none of its citizens holds an appointment other than postmasters, etc., says the Banner. Undoubtedly true. But for fifty years the Democrats of Logan county along with those throughout the country have battled for something that they prized and still prize far more than self-advancement and this Principle.

How many Presidents has the Democratic party had in fifty years? How many Democratic governors has the state of West Virginia had in the past 20 years? But, has the rank and file of the Democratic party of the nation or state wavered in its allegiance to principle? Not that you could notice it; it has fought steadily on in the face of repeated failure, and discouragement and was finally crowned with a glorious success in the nation in the year 1912, and it is now strongly entrenched and fully prepared to turn the rascals out of the West Virginia state house in the year 1916. The Banner can read the signs, and its outrageous plea for succor is a forcible admission that its organization is in dire distress and will go the limit for votes. Votes to carry on the nefarious work of an organization that has bankrupted the state and sullied its reputation; votes to keep in office the plunderers who have done nothing but feed from the public trough from time immemorial and would not know how to work if cast adrift; votes to maintain a system of subsidized newspapers to outrage the public while at the same time subsisting from public funds lavishly distributed through administrative favor. It is obvious that the Banner is correct when it asserts that its organization, posing as the Republican party, can feed its swine. There is no room for argument on that score; but, where is the honest man of principle that wants that kind of success? He is not in the Democratic party, whether he be young or old, about to cast his first vote or his last this year.

The Banner boasts that Logan county Republicans exert a powerful influence in the councils of the party in the state. No they don’t, and the Banner knows it lies when it says they do. The Republicans of Logan county have no more influence in their so-called party affairs than the editor of the Democrat has with Hatfield, et al. The true Republicans of Logan county are a negligible quantity when it comes to influence, but the so-called Republicans who wear the administration, stand-pat collar, who dictate the policies and the utterances of the Banner, and who are in the political game to rule or ruin are high with the powers that be, but so far as can be noticed they have never let anything get away from them that was at all valuable or that they could use. The very existence of the Banner is a testimonial to the selfishness and applications of this little coterie to whom principle is an unknown quantity and the dough bag and preferment the swaying elements of their lives.

Principles not spoils nor selfish ambition sway the Democratic voter, and one of his foremost principles is directed against this very system of corruptness that the Banner so valiantly expounds as good Republican doctrine. Reduced to the naked truth, the battle of ballots in the state of West Virginia for the past 12 years has been between Democrats and Grafters, the Republicanism of Lincoln has long since been routed out. Democrats vs. Graft, and up to this time Graft has won, but the battle is to be renewed with increased vigor next November and w hen the smoke has cleared away there is every indication that at last Right will have come into its own.

The Banner’s closing paragraph is worthy of another repetition: “Choose which primary you will go into.” Yes, choose! But be not too hasty. Consider well the situation from every angle. If you are a Republican in principle, and you can discover any Republican principle in the organization posing as that of your party in the county or state, do your duty; if you are a Democrat in principle now is the time of times to assert yourself and your manhood, without thought of personal advancement or selfish ambition, but for the satisfaction of assisting in achieving the goal of Democratic ambition, the betterment of the condition of all the people.

Democrats will be confronted this fall with a condition that will take concerted action and shoulder-to-shoulder advance to successfully combat. Negroes, the secret of the Banner’s boast of reduced Democratic majorities in Logan county, will be voted in increased numbers and every artifice and design, legitimate or otherwise, that can be devised will be used to stay the tide of public indignation and resentment against Republican gang politics, so it behooves all true party men to stand-pat and go into the fight prepared to battle for and with his neighbor of the true faith for the common wealth.

Oil Truck Crashes into City Restaurant in Logan, WV (1921)

20 Friday Oct 2017

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Oil Truck Crashes Into Restaurant Photo LB 09.23.1921 2.JPG

“The photo shows the extent of damage done when the oil tank truck of the Hi-Grade Oil and Gas Company skidded into the City Restaurant on River Street Sunday last, tearing out the front of the building and demolishing much of the interior fixtures. No one was hurt and the restaurant is now completely repaired and repainted.” Logan (WV) Banner, 23 September 1921. Photo by R.E. Trevey.

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

20 Friday Oct 2017

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

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

Mollie Dingess Drake Photo.jpg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And how did your daughter feel about it?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

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

 

Gang Attacks Black Residents of Monitor Junction (1914)

19 Thursday Oct 2017

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, we find the following story dated October 16, 1914:

THUGS AND OUTLAWS IN FORCE

MONITOR JUNCTION, NEAR THIS PLACE IS THE SCENE OF UNLAWFUL CARNAGE

TWO COLORED MEN ARE SHOT

Last Monday Night, Oct. 12, Was a Period of Unlawful Foray in Logan County.

Unlike the posse who ran to earth in a few hours the robbers and murderers so recently killed in Mingo County, the Logan County officers have turned not one stone to apprehend what seems to be the most dastardly and cowardly criminals now loose in any county. Rumor has it that the beginning of these depredations was the day of registration before the County Court on last Monday. Upon that day there were some colored men in Logan City for the purpose of registration, more than certain people thought were best, and these latter began to lay sneaking plots to drive the colored men away. On the evening of last Monday, certain men went over the bridge at the lower end of the town to some box cars used as shanties by colored laborers. These colored men were asked by their visitors if there were any strangers in the shanties and especially any who had come to Logan to get registered. The white men received a negative reply and went on up the creek. It seems very clear that the purpose of this visit was to ascertain just where these colored men were stopping for the night, so that a night attack could be made upon them and thus run them away. About 500 yards up the creek from the shanties above mentioned there stands an old two-story framed house. In the upper story of this house lives a family by the name of Spears; in the first floor lived some colored people. About midnight two men pushed open the back door of the colored people’s abode and began shooting: one going to a bed where with a revolver he beat up a colored fellow, while his partner thug proceeded further into the house, firing his pistol at the windows and furniture. Both colored men who were lying in the bed were shot several times and are in a precarious condition. During the melee, Hallie Wootson, a colored woman staying at the house, ran between the would-be murderers and pleaded with them to cease firing till she could get her baby from the room; with an oath the thug forced her from the room, not even allowing her to properly dress herself. This woman states that there were from 15 to 20 men on guard.

Mrs. Spears, the white woman living in the upstairs of this house, states that two of the men came upstairs to her room and knocked. She told them to come in, to which they replied, “No, you don’t want to see us, go to bed, we won’t hurt you.” However a bullet was fired into the very room in which Mr. and Mrs. Spears were sleeping. From the looks of the windows and doors of this house, one hundred shots must have been fired. Mrs. Spears also states that an automobile was in the vicinity and was driven away soon after the band of men left.

About one hour after the above mentioned attack, another attack was made on Senator E.T. England’s offices. Cobble rocks were thrown through the front windows breaking them into countless pieces. Someone who knew a little more than the ordinary along certain lines was present either in person or by advice since certain well known gases were inserted under the two outside office doors. This last ruse did not avail the highwaymen of anything since their purpose was in no wise accomplished.

***

Courting Trouble.

The question that naturally comes to us is, “Why have not the officers of Logan County–and there are over 100 in number we understand–taken up the Monitor Junction matter and attempted to  bring the guilty ones before the bar of justice?” Is it because some of them know more than they care to tell? We will say this, that the circumstances surrounding this trouble are, to say the least, very suspicious, as far as some of the officers of Logan County are concerned. The antagonism which the colored people of this County meet when they attempt to register for the purpose of voting is extreme and even unlawful. The Federal Constitution gives them the right to vote providing they can properly qualify themselves. Therefore we ask: How can they qualify themselves when they are not allowed the right to go before the proper tribunal which the law establishes for that purpose? There is not a single fact concerning the trouble that occurred at Monitor Junction and in the city of Logan but what points to the fact that there is an unlawful conspiracy on the part of certain persons to intimidate the colored voter, and to kill him if necessary if that is the only way to keep him from voting.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 16 October 1914.

Republicans to Invade Chapmanville District (1926)

02 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by in African American History, Chapmanville, Logan

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, we find the following story dated September 10, 1926:

Groundwork for an energetic campaign was laid at a meeting of the candidates, committeemen and other party leaders and workers at a meeting held in Republican headquarters Wednesday afternoon. For more than two hours there was a frank discussion of local political conditions. Every appeal for party harmony–and these appeals came from all quarters–was greeted with applause and called forth unreserved pledges of loyalty to the whole ticket. Those present declare that so convincing was the evidence of a general determination to lay aside past differences about candidacies and party management that during the meeting and afterward predictions were advanced that the Republicans would carry the county by not less than 2,000 and more probably by 3,000. After the general meeting, local candidates and members of the committee met to formulate plans for the campaign. As a result of these meetings, it may be announced that this year the Republican campaign will be extended into every district. For the first time in the party’s history Chapmanville district is to be considered part of the battle-ground. That old Gibraltar of the Democracy is to have an opportunity at last, it is asserted, to hear both sides.

E.T. England, former attorney general and now the Republican nominee for representative in congress from the Sixth district, opened the general meeting by a fervent appeal for harmony and a whole-hearted effort in behalf of every candidate from Congressman James French Strother to Johnny Pack, candidate for constable. Notwithstanding his own candidacy, he declared that nothing interested him more in a political way than to see Logan county definitely fixed in the Republican column. “I have no personal interest at stake here,” he said, “yet if you think I’m needed at any time in the campaign let me know and I’ll come if it is possible. But you won’t need my services. All that is necessary to do is to go to the people and tell them in detail of what a Republican county court, a Republican sheriff, and a Republican assessor and magistrates have done; and then contrast that record with the record of the Democratic machine.” Until there was a political change in the administration of affairs, General England pointed out, the casual meeting of three or more Republicans on the street was considered by the authorities as an unlawful assembly. “Remind the people of the greater measure of liberty now, accorded to every man,” he advised. “Explain so all can understand that a Republican regime has lowered taxes, in spite of a reduced valuation of property for taxation purposes. It was the first time the taxpayers’ interest had been served; in fact for many years the subject of economy was never mentioned in Logan county.”

G.R. Claypool, chairman of the county committee, presided at the meeting and called on representatives of every element and of every section to discuss the party’s problems and prospects. Each speaker was able to present some new thought concerning the situation and as the meeting progressed enthusiasm waxed steadily higher. A climax was reached near the close of the session when Ira Hager, after adverting the registration figures showing a Republican margin of about 1,800, turned to General England and said: “You need not be troubled by the situation here; Logan county will give a Republican plurality of 3,000 all along the line.” Charles Ritchie, law partner of General England and a former assistant attorney general, recalled the court battle involving title to county offices in which he participated and commended Republican officials on the basis of reports he had received as to the record they are making. “No matter how earnestly you may have differed in the primary, you should abide by the expressed will of the majority,” he admonished. Senator Naaman Jackson urged the prompt discarding of minor grievances and differences tot he end that a vigorous canvass might be waged and a substantial victory won on November 2. Rev. A.B. Eubanks, introduced as one who had been made to feel the ruthless power of the Democratic machine, told of the interest of the colored voters in the impending contest.

Among others who spoke briefly were Joe Buskirk, candidate for county clerk; Noah Browning, candidate for county superintendent of schools; County Assessor J.G. Hunter; Cole Hatfield, Lloyd P. Hager, City Treasurer Nowlan, E.R. Chapman, Mr. Claypool, and W.N. Bechtel, who said he had been a member of the county committee for 30 years.

Source: “Republicans Form Plan for Spirited Campaign This Fall: Purpose to Invade Chapmanville Dist.,” Logan (WV) Banner, 10 September 1926.