Tag Archives: Montgomery County

Aracoma (Part 3)

03 Saturday Dec 2022

Posted by in American Revolutionary War, Guyandotte River, Logan, Man, Montgomery County, Native American History, Women's History

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Doris Miller (1903-1993), a longtime educator, historian, writer, and poet operating in the area of Huntington, West Virginia, composed this biography of Aracoma, a well-known Native American figure who lived in present-day Logan, West Virginia. This is Part 3 of her composition.

Aracoma has been described as an Indian maiden of exceptional grace and beauty. Perhaps the Virginians she impressed deeply in her dying hours may have believed she had great beauty in youth. Boling Baker is said to have had a fine physique and courageous bearing, which would have given his Indian captors reason for adopting him into the tribe. He is given credit for artful courtship of his love, and it seems likely he must have been skillful to win her away from other suitors the sachem’s daughter must have had.

The long history of their wedding, an elaborate ceremony her father accompanied them to the Guyandotte to perform, is less credible, but not impossible. More stress has been given to Aracoma’s royal estate than Indian customs warranted, but the English settlers had their own traditions of royal pomp and ceremony as patterns to draw from.

The carefree life credited to the Indians in the Guyandotte valley before 1776 reflects the wishful thinking of people whose own lives were filled with toil. Certainly the Indians must have lived stremuous lives, though they may have had an interlude of unusual peace and happiness before family life was saddened by the scourge which overtook them in 1776.

According to the story-tellers, Aracoma and Boling Baker had six children. Their names were Waulalisippi, or Laughing Waters, Snow Lily, Raindrop, Running Deer, Little Black Bear and Blue Feather.

It is said that Baker became despondent and bitter after the death of his children and during the hardships undergone by the colony after disease had reduced its strength. Doubtless the ones who added this detail had seen similar results in other men’s lives. They deduce that it was his desire to recoup the fortunes of the tribe that led him to attempt a bold exploit which resulted in disaster for his settlement.

Legendary history tells us that in the spring of 1780, a stranger appeared at a white settlement on Bluestone River, a man with a woe-begone countenance who recited sorrowful accounts of hardships he had undergone as a captive among the Indians in Ohio. He stayed for several days, familiarizing himself with everything about the settlement, then departed for the east (he said) in the hope of being reunited with his aged parents. The man was Boling Baker, who merely circled back to Flat Top Mountain, where he had left a band of his braves. On a dark rainy night in April, they stole quietly into the settlement and left with every horse there without disturbing a single sleeper.

The outraged settlers realized their recent visitor must have led the raid. Without horses to follow, they could only send for help from the mounted guard at Montgomery, seat of government for Montgomery County, Virginia, in which this entire area was then located. Colonel William Ingles, sheriff of the county, dispatched Colonel Madison and a deputy sheriff, John Breckenridge, with [p. 10] the party which massacred Aracoma’s village a few days later. Her paleface husband was one of the party absent on a hunt that day.

Little is known of Boling Baker after the death of Aracoma. It is said that for many a year afterward, men could read a couplet carved on beech trees in the area: ‘Boling Baker—his hand and knife, He can’t find a horse to save his life.’ Whether the words were carved by Baker or were a gibe directed at him by another, none can say.

The story is told that years later, an aged stranger came wandering up the Guyandotte River, asking questions of those he met. After standing a long time weeping on the mountainside opposite the island where Aracoma had lived, he went on past Horsepen Creek and eventually found lodging for a night in a home near Man. That night he told briefly some of the experiences of his life, which later were recognized to match the known story of Boling Baker. Next morning he was found dead in bed.

Source: West Virginia Women, Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock (1974), p. 10-11.

For more about Doris Miller, go here: https://mds.marshall.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1284&context=sc_finding_aids

White Family History at Pecks Mill, WV (1937)

15 Monday Jul 2019

Posted by in Giles County, Logan, Pecks Mill

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about the White family in Logan County, West Virginia. The story is dated May 21, 1937.

White Family Among Early Settlers in Logan County

Great Grandfather of Patrolman Frank White Moved From Pecks Mill to Mingo County; His Father Had Settled on Mitchell Farm

Among the pioneer families which settled in and around Logan during the early days of its building from a settlement to a village was the family of John White.

John White came to Logan and settled on the farm later owned by Henry Mitchell with a family of grown men and one daughter. Ben and James had come to Pecks Mill early in the 19th century and built their cabins.

His daughter, Nancy, married Robert Whitt, who afterwards moved to Ohio.

His sons were John, who married Susannah Marcum of Franklin; Ben, who married Anna Stuart of Montgomery; James, who married Lucretia Elkins; and William, who married a daughter of John Sansom, another pioneer of the county.

James, tiring of this section of the country because “hunting was bad”, moved to Mingo county and bought five miles of land on Pigeon Creek for a bear gun and a bear dog.

He reared his family and among his children was John, grandfather of Frank White, city patrolman, Mrs. James Buskirk, Power Plant addition, and Lark, Will, Millard, Howard, Wallace, and Mason, all of Logan.

John was the breadwinner of his family, his father having died not long after his son reached the age of 12. John hunted and filled the soil to take care of his aging mother and several brothers and sisters.

He married Betty Radford, also of Mingo county and was the father of twelve children. They were William, who married Editha White; John, who married Susannah Elkins; Thomas, James, Reuben, Isaac, Charles, Major, Elijah, Hiram, Masten, and Judith, who married James Thompson.

Elijah was the father of the Logan citizens named above. He left Mingo county and came to Logan where he married Viola Ellis.

Thomas, James, and Reuben went to Giles county, Virginia, and Major went to Indiana.

All the others remained in Logan and reared large families.

Ben White was the father of seven children, five sons and two daughters. His sons were John, Arter, Ben, William, and James, and his daughters were Nancy, who married Pleasant Chafin, and Margaret, who married Hezekiah Staton.

James had but one child, a daughter Nancy, who married John Chambers, a son of Robert Chambers of Monroe county.

William, the youngest son, joined the regular army in 1808 and was assigned for duty in a regiment that was being raised by Col. Wade Hampton of South Carolina.

When Hampton was made Brigadier-General in 1806 and assigned to duty at New Orleans, White went with him, and when Hampton was superseded by Wilkinson, White remained with Wilkinson and then under Jackson until after the Battle of New Orleans in which battle he participated.

He returned home in 1816 and married the daughter of John Sansom.

Stephen Hart and Harts Creek (1937)

14 Sunday Jul 2019

Posted by in Big Creek, Big Harts Creek, Civil War, Hamlin, Harts, Logan, Midkiff, Ranger, Spurlockville, Toney

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about Stephen Hart and Harts Creek in Lincoln and Logan counties, West Virginia. The story is dated April 14, 1937.

Stephen Hart Settled at Cheat River, Pete Spurlock, A Great Grandson, Reveals

P.A. (Pete) Spurlock, assistant postmaster at the Logan post office, this morning revealed the destination of Stephen Hart, who went went after he had lived for a short time at the forks of the creek in the lower end of Logan county which now bears his name.

Spurlock said that Hart went to the Cheat River and settled permanently there to hunt deer and rear a family. He said the family name of Hart is as familiar there as the name Dingess is familiar in Logan county.

A daughter of Stephen, Jane, was Spurlock’s grandmother. She lived until 1913 and told her grandson much of the early history of the family which made its home in and around Spurlocksville, Sheridan, Ranger, and Midkiff.

Charles Spurlock, the progenitor of the Spurlock family, came to what used to be the Toney farm below the mouth of Big Creek in 1805 from Montgomery county, Virginia.

“Uncle Charley was a funny old cuss,” his great grandson Pete said this morning. “The story is told that a sheriff of Cabell county was given a capias to serve on the old codger for some minor offense when he was growing old and rather stout.

“Meeting him in the road one day, the sheriff informed Uncle Charley he had a capias to serve on him.

“None abashed, the old man informed the sheriff he was a law-abiding citizen and laid down in the middle of the road and told the sheriff to take him to jail.

“The ruse worked, for the sheriff chose to look for less obstinate prisoners,” Uncle Charley’s grandson said, chuckling.

Another story about the eccentric “Uncle Charley Spurlock” which has gone down in history, whether true or not, was that he lived for a short time below Big Creek under a rock cliff (known as a rockhouse) during the early summer while he was getting his cabin in shape for winter.

The tale is out that “Uncle Charley” explained his strange dwelling place in this way to his neighbors:

“Well I took Sarah (his wife) in a good substantial frame house in Virginia and she wasn’t quite satisfied. I took her to a log house and she wasn’t satisfied. I took her to a rail pen and still she grumbled. Then I took her to a rock house built by God Almight and still she wasn’t satisfied.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do with Sarah.”

Sarah evidently became accustomed to “Uncle Charley” for the couple reared four sons. They were John, Seth, Lifas and Robertson. There were no daughters.

Seth was P.A. Spurlock’s grandfather. His father, Marshall, is 78 and lives on his farm near Cincinnati.

Spurlock says “Uncle Charley” is buried on a point at Spurlocksville overlooking the haunts of his early manhood.

Robertson was a gunsmith and lived near Hamlin. Seth was a civil engineer and helped survey much of Logan county. He was a Union soldier. John was a country doctor who practiced at Ranger.

Lifas was a preacher for sixty years and lived at Sheridan.

Charles Spurlock, of Omar, is a distant cousin, the assistant postmaster said. He is the only relative that lives in this section of Logan county, Spurlock said.

Spurlock, at Omar, was born at Spurlocksville and is a grandson of one of the original “Charley’s” boys.

John Breckinridge Once Owned Logan, WV (1937)

23 Saturday Feb 2019

Posted by in American Revolutionary War, Logan, Native American History

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of information about Logan’s early history printed on April 26, 1937:

Land On Which City Of Logan Now Stands First Owned by Breckinridge

The tract of land on which the city of Logan now stands and the Island–now “Hatfield’s Island”–once belonged to John Breckinridge, scion of an old Kentucky family and leader of the attacking party which broke the control of the Shawnee Indians in the Guyandotte valleys in the “Battle of the Islands.”

Princess Aracoma was killed in this battle and Boling Baker, her renegade white husband, was banished forever from the lush river valley where he had spent his days since his desertion from the English forces in Virginia.

Captain Breckenridge led the attack which made the valley safe for white settlers, and, in appreciation of his services, the new government allowed him 300 acres at the mouth of Island creek.

The land grant was made early in the 1780s along with a few others on Island Creek, Dingess Run, Gilbert Creek, Big Creek and the Spruce Fork of Cole River.

Surveying parties from Montgomery and Washington county, Virginia, braved the wilderness and apportioned the land in Guyan Valley and vicinity to early Indian fighters who had contributed their services to opening the valley for white settlement.

Included in the surveys made by deputy surveyors from Montgomery county were grants apportioning much of Island Creek, Spruce Fork, and Dingess Run to persons whose names are still remembered in the county has holders of much of this county’s land.

In these early surveys Andrew Lewis was given 3000 acres on Island Creek along with 2000 acres on Big Creek, and 3000 acres on Gilbert Creek.

Thomas Madison was given 2000 acres on Spruce Fork, 1000 acres on Dingess Run, and 2000 acres on Gilbert Creek.

Others who figured in this early allocation of land were Elizabeth Madison, who was given much of Spruce Fork; George Booth, who was awarded several thousand acres along Guyan River and on Island Creek; and George Booth [same name listed twice in this story], who received much of the land along Island Creek.

Later in the waning years of the 19th century other grants were made by the new government with the stipulation that settlement be made immediately, but these early grants were rewards for work well done in opening the valley of the Guyandotte for settlement.

Early Anglo Settlers of Logan, WV (1937)

10 Monday Dec 2018

Posted by in Guyandotte River, Logan, Native American History, Tazewell County

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about Logan’s earliest Anglo settlers in a story printed April 1, 1937:

First White Settler To Make His Home In Logan Lived on Hatfield Island

The first white settler to make his home near Logan was James Workman who was with the force of men who struck the blow that broke the power of the Shawnee in the valley of the Guyandotte.

He was a member of the group of white settlers who pursued Boling Baker from a settlement in the Bluestone valley to the island that is now known as “Hatfield Island” and there burned an Indian village and mortally wounded Princess Aracoma. Boling Baker escaped.

After Workman had a glimpse of the beautiful lush valley of the Guyandotte, it took little persuasion by John Breckinridge, who had been granted much of the valley after the battle of the Islands to get Workman and his two brothers Joseph and Nimrod to make settlement there, Breckinridge was forced to settle the land by the law of 1792 in order to hold title to it.

Workman and his two brothers came to the island in 1794 and built a cabin and planted a few acres of corn. In 1795 and 1796 the brothers planted the same land and James, who was a man of family, brought his wife and children from their old home in Wythe (now Tazewell) county, Virginia, where they continued to live until about the year 1800 when they moved to a farm nearby which was later owned by Henry Mitchell.

The first recorded permanent settlement was made by William Dingess, son of Peter Dingess, a German. Dingess was the oldest in a family of eleven children.

He was born in Montgomery county in 1770 and married Nancy McNeely. He purchased a survey of 300 acres, which covers the present site of the courthouse and a portion of the land across the river which is now Deskins addition.

Dingess moved to his survey in 1799 and made his home. John Dempsey came with him and built a cabin on the island, but afterwards moved to Island Creek.

William Dingess was said to be almost a giant in strength, but so peaceable that no one could induce him to fight. He was a relentless Indian fighter in the Guyan Valley, however. A story is told that he was with a force of whites who pursued a band of Indian marauders as far as the falls of the Guyan where they killed several braves.

Dingess cut a portion of the skin from a forearm of one of the braves and tanned it using it for a razor strop until his death.

The first settler had no children by his first wife. In 1800, Peter Dingess and John Dingess joined him and built their homes in the fertile land on each side of the river near the islands. Other settlers followed in time and the little settlement grew to a thriving frontier town.

Aracoma Memorial in Logan, WV (1936)

22 Saturday Sep 2018

Posted by in American Revolutionary War, Logan, Native American History

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Aracoma Memorial at the Logan Courthouse, Logan, WV. 18 May 2017.

Princess Aracoma Memorial Given to the Public by D.A.R. Chapter is Formally Unveiled and Dedicated

The monument to Princess Aracoma was dedicated yesterday afternoon by the local chapter of the D.A.R. which bears her name, with a brief ceremony in which the romantic history of the chief of the first tribe known to have settled in this vicinity was reviewed.

The dedication service took place at 4:30 o’clock at the northeast corner of the courthouse, and was opened with an assembly bugle call by Boy Scout Edwin Goodwin. Rev. M.R. Atkinson led in prayer and Jimmy Browning gave the salute to the flag.

Mrs. S. Elmer McDonald, regent of Aracoma chapter, presided, saying, “We have gathered here to honor Princess Aracoma, an Indian princess who with her tribe first settled in this valley.”

W.C. Turley, whom Mrs. McDonald introduced as the descendant of one of the oldest families of the county gave a talk reviewing the traditional settling of the Indians in this vicinity.

“I think it striking evidence of patriotism for your Princess Aracoma chapter to place this monument in memory of Princess Aracoma,” he said.

Mr. Turley said that Princess Aracoma was born somewhere between 1740 and 1745, the daughter of Cornstalk, chief of the Shawnee Indians, who was killed in the first land battle of the Revolution.

“When the princess was a young girl she interceded in behalf of Boling Baker, a white soldier who had deserted from the British army and had been captured by her tribe. Through her plea his life was spared and he was initiated into the tribe.

“According to the Indian custom, when Princess Aracoma became of age she was given a portion of the tribe to settle under her leadership in new hunting grounds, and chose the island first settled in this territory. Shortly after settling in their new home, the Princess and Boling Baker were married at a large ceremony attended by Cornstalk and other chiefs.

“The tribe lived happily and prospered until, in 1776, a plague struck them taking many of their members including all of the children of the princess and her white husband.

“Baker, seeking to replenish the goods of the tribe went with some scouts to a settlement on the Bluestone river, where, posing as an escaped captive, he gained the confidence of the settlers. Then one night he led his scouts in a raid on the camp, stealing their horses and provisions.

“The sheriff of Montgomery county, of which Logan was then a part, designated Col. Breckenridge and Gen. Madison to lead a force of 90 men to seek revenge on the Indians. In the ensuing battle, which took place near where the power plant now stands, Princess Aracoma was killed.

“According to tradition, she was buried somewhere in the vicinity where the Aracoma Hotel and Harris Funeral Home now stand. Skeletons and Indian burial pieces were unearthed when the excavation for these buildings was made.”

At the close of Mr. Turley’s address, the monument was unveiled by Mrs. Lyle Burdette and Mrs. C.A. Davis.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 28 October 1936.

NOTE: This article incorrectly references the Battle of Point Pleasant as part of the American Revolutionary War.

Adam Waggoner Last Will and Testament (1785)

28 Sunday Jan 2018

Posted by in Montgomery County, Tazewell County

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During a recent visit to the Montgomery County Courthouse in Christiansburg, Virginia, I viewed the Last Will and Testament of my great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, Adam Waggoner (c.1720s-1785):

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In the name of God Amen I Adam Wagonner being through the abundant Mercy and goodness of God tho weak of body yet of sound memory and perfect understanding do constitute this my Last will and Testament in manner following. Viz. first I bequeath my soul to Almighty God my maker beseeching his most gracious exception of it. My body to the earth to be buried Decently at the Discretion of my Executors hereafter named unto my Worldly Estate. I will and order that all my Debts be paid.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son George Wagonner one half of my Land on Wolf Creek containing near four hundred acres, him taking Choice for his part of the said Land To him and his heirs forever.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son Daniel Wagonner The Other half of my Land on Wolf Creek, only he is to pay to George Wagonner Twenty pounds in any thing to his Satisfaction.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Jacob Wagonner a tract of Land joining mine which he sold to Wm. Day.

Item. I give and bequeath to my son David Waggoner the Tract of Land I now life on to him and his his heirs forever, only my wife Jane Wagonner is to have her third out of it During her natural life.

Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Rebekkah Wagonner one brooding mare, two Cows and a good feather Bed, a good furniture or the value thereof.

Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Sarah Wagonner one brooding mare, two Cows, and a good feather bed and good furniture or the value thereof.

Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Christiner Wagonner one brooding mare, two Cows and a good feather bed and good furniture or the value thereof.

Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Susanna Wagonner one brooding mare, two Cows, a good feather bed and good furniture or the value thereof.

Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Anne Wagonner one brooding mare, two Cows, a good feather Bed and good furniture or the value thereof.

Item. I give and bequeath to my Son David Wagonner one brooding mare.

Item. I give and bequeath to my wife Jane Wagonner one brooding mare, two Cows, a good feather bed and good furniture or the value thereof.

Item. My will is that my young Children be School’d and raised out of the Estate.

Item. My will is that all the remainder of My Estate, viz. the Land where Henry Stogough Lives, the Land I purchased of Neman Cloyd, the remainder of my Stock, all the Cash and Debts due to be Equally Divided with my wife and all my Children, only pots and pewter and the necessaries for house keeping to my wife, and to my son David.

Item. My Daughters Rebekkah , Sarah, Christiner, Susanna and Anne Waggoner is to have each a good Saddle.

Item. My son David Wagonner is to have 100 acres of Land of a preemption, Joyning the other Tract, and a good Saddle.

Item I do appoint my wife Jane Wagonner Executor, Thomas Patton and William Cox my whole and Sole Executors of this my Last will and Testament.

In Witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 23th Day of may 1785.

Adam Wagoner

Signed and Sealed in presence of

Wm. Day [his mark]

Tofan(?) Payn(?)

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Source: Wills Box (1791-1799), Montgomery County Circuit Clerk’s Office, Christiansburg, VA.

Thomas Farley Last Will and Testament (1796)

21 Sunday Jan 2018

Posted by in African American History, American Revolutionary War, Montgomery County

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During a recent visit to the Montgomery County Courthouse in Christiansburg, Virginia, I viewed the Last Will and Testament of my great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather Thomas Farley (c.1730-1796). Thomas was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War.

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In the Name of God Amen

I Thomas Farley of the County of Montgomery and State of Virginia being sick in Body but of a good and sound memory calling to mind the uncertain estate of this Temporary(?) life and knowing that all flesh must yield to death when it shall pleas God to call. I commit my soul to almighty God that give it and my Body to be buryed as my Friends Shall See cause. In the first place I desire as much of my Estate may be sold as shall pay all my Just debts, Such things as my Dear wife shall think fit. Secondly I give and bequeath to my Dear wife three Negros and all my Pertional estate to dispose of as she Shall See fit and Likewise all Bonds Notes and demands. In the third place I give and Bequeath unto my Dear Sons Such Lands and I have heretofore given them agreeable to Such lines as I have directed and this I believe to be my Last Will and Testament this thirty first day of  May one thousand seven hundred and ninety six.

Thomas Farley

Signed and Sealed

In the presence

Test

John Kirk

John Farley

?Winney Thomp (her mark)?

I also leave Gordon Cloyd and John Kirk my true(?) Friend as Executors

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NOTE: Henry Farley, pioneer settler of Logan County, WV, is the son of Thomas Farley.

Riner Historic District in Riner, VA (2018)

09 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Montgomery County

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Welcome to Riner Historic District, Riner, VA. 4 January 2018. For more information about the district, visit here: https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/Montgomery/060-0044_Riner_Historic_District_1991_Final_Nomination.pdf

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Riner Historic District, Riner, VA. 4 January 2018.

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Riner Historic District, Riner, VA. 4 January 2018.

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Riner Historic District, Riner, VA. 4 January 2018.

Archibald Elkins Last Will and Testament (1791)

07 Sunday Jan 2018

Posted by in Montgomery County

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During a recent visit to the Montgomery County Courthouse in Christiansburg, Virginia, I viewed the Last Will and Testament of Archibald Elkins (1735-1791).

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In the Name of god Amen: As I the testator am in a prelarious State of health: But perfect in mind & reason: I do Announce this to Be my last will and testament:

In the first place I commit my soul into the hands of the living god. I also commit my Body to the Care of my friends to Be decently intered. I do Allow as much of my moveble property to Be desposed of as shall Be suficient to discharge all lawfulll debts. I do give and Bequeath unto my wife Margaret one third part of the tract of land I now live on (viz) the lower End of the survey (Containing five Hundred acres) ______ land During her life and after her Decease to be fairly divided Between my three Daughters (viz) Mary, Elizabeth and Lydia — the other two thirds of Sd tract off five Hundred acres that is the uper End of the survey to be Equaly divided when my son Absolem shall be twenty one years of age: and I do give and bequeath my sons David and Absolem the Above mentioned division of land to them and their heirs forever: But if either of the forementioned sons should die Before Sd Absolem shall Be of Age Sd division shall be made and devolve on the next lawfull Heir when the time shall relapse that Sd Absolem should have become twenty one years of age– I do also give and Bequeath to my son John one Hundred and thirty acres of land laying on Camp Creek when he is twenty one y ears of age. I do nominate my wife Margaret to be my Executrix to dispose of the movables and profits of all lands above mentioned Acording to the best of her judgment to bring up my Children given under my hand and seal as my last will & testament.

Archibald Elkins

August ____ (page is torn)

Witnesses:

John Bishop

Bonet farmer

Ezekiel Howa__

***

On the paper’s back:

At a court held for montgomery County the 6th Day of Sept. 1791

The Last Will and Testament of Achibald Elkins was Proved by the oaths of Barnett farmer and John Bishop and ordered to be certified.

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Source: Wills Box 1791-1799, Circuit Clerk’s Office, Montgomery County Courthouse, Christiansburg, VA.

George Fry Last Will and Testament (1793)

07 Sunday Jan 2018

Posted by in American Revolutionary War, Montgomery County

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During a recent visit to the Montgomery County Courthouse in Christiansburg, Virginia, I viewed the Last Will and Testament of my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather George Fry (c.1725-1793).

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In the Name of God, Amen: I George Fry of the County of Montgomery and State of Virginia, Farmer, Being very sick and weak in Body But of Perfect Mind and Memory thanks Begiven unto God for his Mercy Calling unto Mind the Mortality of my Body, and Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to Die; do Make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the Hand of Almighty God that gave it. My Body I Recommend to the Earth to be Buried in Decent Christian Buriel at the Discretion of my Executors Nothing Doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall Receive the same again by the Mighty Power of God. And as Touching such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God To bless me in this Life I give Devise and Dispose of the same in the Following Manner and Form, First I give and Bequeath to Anna Fry, my Dearly Beloved Wife one Mare and Two Cows, her Choice out of My Stock to be her own Right and Property to Dispose of as She Shall think Proper…

Also I give and Bequeath to Ann Fry my Dearly beloved Wife for Dureing the time she Continues my Widow My Dwelling Houses and Household Furniture With Five Head of Sheep and My Stock of Swine and my insuing Crop, also the Present Meet and Grain which is provided for Family Use and My Garden and Meadow and Meadow Orchard Likewise the Sixth part of Grain which is Raised on the said Land For During her Widowhood Continuence on the Sd. place. Then on leaving the Sd. place or at her Decease the Sd. property to be Equally Divided Between my Four Daughers…

Also I give and Bequeath to George Fry My Beloved Son all My Iron Tools and Two Suits of Cloaths, To Dispose of as he Shall think proper…

Also I give and Bequeath to Barbary Eley Two Cows to Dispose of as she shall think proper…

Also I give and Bequeath to Susanna Byars Two Cows to Dispose of as she shall Think proper…

Also I give and Bequeath the Balance of my property to my Dearly Beloved Daughters viz Mary Adkins, Chaty. Eley, Barbary Eley, Susanna Byars to be Equally Divided  Then to Despose of as they shall think proper…

And I do Hereby Utterly Disallow Revoke and Disannul all and Every Other Former Testaments Wills Legacies Bequests and Confirming this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament, In Witness whereof I have here unto set my Hand and seal this Twenty Seventh Day of March in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety three–

George Fry (My Mark)

Signed sealed and published pronounced and Declared by the Sd. George Fry, as his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us in his presence & in the presence of Each other have Here unto Subscribed our Names…

Charles Duncan

Joseph Benlay

Thomas Kirk

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Source: Wills Box 1791-1799, Circuit Clerk’s Office, Montgomery County Courthouse, Christiansburg, VA.

Note: I descend from George Fry through his granddaughter Mary (Fry) Lucas and his grandson John Fry, who settled in present-day Lincoln County, WV. John and another granddaughter Susannah (Fry) Adkins are buried near my residence.

History of Logan County as Political Subdivision (1926)

02 Tuesday Jan 2018

Posted by in Giles County, Holden, Logan, Native American History, Tazewell County

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From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this item relating to county history dated October 22, 1926:

AS POLITICAL SUBDIVISION, LOGAN CO. IS DESCENDANT OF FIRST EIGHT SHIRES

Logan county was formed in 1824 from parts of Tazewell, Giles, Cabell and Kanawha. In 1895 Logan was bisected in two almost equal parts, from the southernmost of which Mingo was created. Logan’s area is 455.82 square miles; Mingo’s 423,50_ square miles.

Tracing this county’s ancestry back through Tazewell it will be found to have a long line of distinguished progenitors.

The county was named after John Logan, a famous Cayuga Indian but not a chief, who was changed from a staunch friend to an unrelenting foe of the whites after his family had been murdered at Yellow Creek, Ohio, not far from Wheeling.

Tazewell was formed from Wythe and Russell in 1799. It derived its name from a political strategem. Simon Cotterel, representative from Russell, introduced a bill to authorize the creation of a new county. A Mr. Tazewell, representing Norfolk County, opposed the measure. Cotterel induced him to suspend his opposition pending the rewriting of the bill. Then Cotterel erased the proposed name and substituted that of Tazewell. That silenced the objector, who then voted for the amended measure. According to G.W. Bickley’s history of Tazewell County, the Tazewell referred to was not Littletown Tazewell, who was governor of the state from 1834 to 1836.

At that time Tazewell county had an area of 3,000 square miles–two and a half times the size of Rhode Island and more than six times the six of Logan county.

Wythe county was formed from Montgomery in 1789, Russell from Washington in 1786, Washington and Montgomery from Fincastle in 1772, Botetourt from Augusta in 1769, Augusta from Orange in 1738, Orange from Spottsylvania in 1724, Spottsylvania from King and Queen, Essex, and King William in 1720, King William from King and Queen, and through a series of changes, descended from Charles River Shire, which was changed to York county, in 1643. Ten years before that “The General Assembly holden at James City the 21st of August, 1633, divided Virginia Colony into eight shires, named James City, Henrico, Warwick River, Warroskuyoak, Charles City, Elizabeth City, Accawmack and Charles River.”

 

Lt. Col. Ben Linkous Obituary (1887)

06 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by in Civil War

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

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

Narrows, VA (2017)

25 Monday Sep 2017

Posted by in Civil War, Giles County, Native American History

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Plenty of my ancestors once lived in Giles County, VA. 10 August 2017.

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Here we are near Narrows, VA. 10 August 2017. Photo by Mom.

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Entering Narrows, VA. 10 August 2017. The New River is visible on the right.

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I enjoyed this little section of old buildings in Narrows, VA. 10 August 2017.

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Narrows, VA. 10 August 2017. For more info, follow this link: http://townofnarrows.org/history/

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Confederate victory here in Narrows, VA. 10 August 2017. Photo by Mom.

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The MacArthur Inn in Narrows, VA. 10 August 2017. For more info, follow this link: http://www.macarthur-inn.com/

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Bluegrass music every Thursday at MacArthur Inn in Narrows, VA. 10 August 2017. Photo by Mom. For more info, follow this link: https://www.myswva.org/tcr

William Lucas, Revolutionary War Veteran of Giles County, VA

20 Sunday Aug 2017

Posted by in American Revolutionary War, Big Creek, Giles County, Native American History

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William Lucas was born on 25 July 1749 to Charles and Kathleen Lucas in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He married Margaret Elizabeth Price. They lived on Sinking Creek in present-day Giles County, Virginia. Lucas served in the American Revolutionary War (see pension records below). He was my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather. I descend through two of his grandsons, David Price Lucas (born c.1811) and William R. Lucas (born 1825).

***

Pension Application of William Lucas (R6507 VA)

***

Logan County November the 9th 1832

We the undersigned Justices of the peace for the County of Logan and State of Virginia, do hereby certify, that at the request of William Lucas, who from age and infirmity, is at present unable to attend at the courthouse of said County; We attended at the house of his son where he now lives; And he the said William Lucas, being duly Sworn, according to Law, made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress in favour of revolutionary soldiers, passed on the 7th day of June 1832. That he enlisted in the company of Virginia Militia commanded by Captain Abraham Trigg in
Montgomery County Virginia; (The regiment was then Commanded by Colo. [Evan] Shelby; at an early period in our revolutionary War; and served in said Company and in said Regiment under the orders of General [William] Campbell in Carolina until the end of his eighteen months tour of Service [see endnote], when he again enlisted into Captain [James] Burns Company in the Regiment commanded by Colo [William] Preston Lieutenants name Snidow [Christian Snidow, pension application S17112] for some time, when he was discharged. He also Joined with his two Brothers in Montgomery County, in hireing men as Substitute, as the Law required, and he has never received any remuneration for his services. he is now 82 years of age, very infirm & poor & certainly well entitled to his Country’s aid; for he is intirely dependent on Charity for his support. Given under our hands & seals this 7th day of September in the year eighteen hundred & thirty two.

[signed] Nath’l Mullins [and] Anthony Lawson

***

Giles County To Wit [18 Jan 1833]

We Ralph Lucas and Wm H. Snidow two of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County of Giles do hereby certify that James Johnston [S5640] & Parker Lucas [S8868] appeared personally before us in said county and each being duly sworn according to Law the said James Johnston deposeth and said that in the year 1781 he served as a private in the army of the revolutionary war under the command of Capt James Burns on a call of the militia from the county of Montgomery that the company in which he served continued in Service about two months and he further sayeth that Wm. Lucas (who he understands now resides in the county of Logan and State of Virginia) Served as a private with him in the said company commanded by Capt James Burns which tour Served by Lucas he believes was about two months and further this Deponent sayeth not

James hisXmark Johnston

***

And the said Parker Lucas doth state that William Lucas he understands and believes now resides in the County of Logan and State of Virginia Served as a Private in the Virginia Militia Company in the Revolutionary war which Company was Commanded by Capt. James Burns which tower of Service he believes was about three months and Rendered in the State of North Carolina and he states further that the said William Lucas served Three months at Culbertson’s Bottom under Capt Thomas Burk which tour of Duty the said William Lucas served with this deponent and further this Deponent sayeth not.

Parker hisXmark Lucas

***

Virginia Giles County to Wit [28 Jan 1833]
We Ralph Lucas and Wm. H Snidow two of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County of Giles do hereby Certify, That Christian Snidow Sen personally appeared before us in said county and he first being duly sworn according to Law the s’d Christian Snidow deposeth and says that in year 1776 he served as a private under the command of Capt Thomas Burke on a call of the militia from the County of montgomery that the company in which he served continued in service about three months. And he further sayeth that that Wm. Lucas (who he now understands resides in the county of Logan) and State of Virginia served as a private with him in the said company commanded By Capt Thos. Burke which tour served by Lucas he believes was about three months, and he further sayeth that he served as Lieutenant in the year 1778 under the command of Cap James Burns that the company in which he served continued in service about two months and the said Wm Lucas served as a private under the command of Capt James Burns the same period above mentioned.

***

Virginia Giles County To Wit [28 Jan 1833]
We Ralph Lucas and Wm. H Snidow two of the Justices of peace in and for the said County of giles do hereby certify that Thomas Farley [W7244] appeared personally before us in said county and being first sworn duly according to law the said Thomas Farley deposth and said that in the year 1781 he served as a private in the army of the revolutionary war under the command of Capt Beirnes [sic] on a call of the militia from the county of Montgomery, and that he belives said Tour lasted about two months, and that he also knows that the said William Lucas served a Tour of Three months under the Command of Captain Thomas Burk, and Further this deponant sayeth not

Thomas hisXmark Farley

***

State of Virginia } To Wit
Logan County }
On this 16th day of February 1833 Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace for the County aforesaid William Lucas a resident of the county of Logan and State of Virginia aged Eighty three years on the 25th day July 1832 who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832 That he was drafted in the Militia service in the year 1781 by the order of Col. William Preston and that he served three Months in a company commanded by Capt Thomas Burk at Culvertsons bottom in the County of Montgomery Virginia and was then marched to Muddy fort [probably one of the forts on Muddy Creek] Greenbrier County and served their three months under the same Capt Burk against the Indians and was then ordered by Colo Wm Preston to march in the company commanded by Captain James Burns to fort Chissel [sic: Fort Chiswell in present Wythe County VA.] and then marched into North Carolina in the same company of Capt James Burns and Lieutenant Snidow and after serving two months was discharged by Colonel William Preston in North Carlina in the year 1781 – He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity (except the present) and he declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me. Joshua Butcher, J. Peace.

William hisXmark Lucas

***

Virginia Giles County to wit
This day Parker Lucas Se’r personally appeared before the undersigned justices of the peace in and for said County, and made oath in due form of law, that William Lucas now of the County of Logan who he understands is now applying for a Pension, that the said William Lucas was forted at McGriffs Fort in the year 1772 to the best of his recollection, for a term of something like three months, and that in the year 1773 the said Lucas was forted at Lucas’s Fort [John Lucas’s Fort on New River] For a term of about three months, and in the year 1774 the said Lucas was forted at Bargers Fort [possibly Barager’s Fort, then and now in Montgomery County] for a like term of about three months, and that in the year 1777 to the best of this affiants recollection the said Lucas was stationed at Farleys Fort [at present Crumps Bottom in Summers County WV] and that in 1778 (as he believes) the said Lucas was stationed at Woods’ fort [Wood’s Fort on Rich Creek in present Monroe County WV] for the term of three months, and that the foregoing services were rendered in defence of the white People against the Indians, and that in the year 1781 (as this affiant believes) the said Lucas served a tour of Service in the militia under the command of Captain James Burns in the State of North carolina which tour he thinks lasted for the term of three months.

Parker Lucas Sr

We do certify that the foregoing affidavit was sworn to before us in the County of Giles and State aforesaid this 18th day of April 1834

Ralph Lucas J.P. [and] Wm. H. Snidow J.P.

***

Virginia Cabell County to wit

This Day Came Hezekiah Adkins, Sen’r [R290] personally appeared before me the under signed Justice of the peace in and for said County and made oath in due form of law that William Lucas now of the County of Logan who he understands is now applying for a pension that the said William Lucas he believes was forted at Mcgriffs fort but dont recollect how long the foresaid H Adkins to the best of his recollection the said Lucas was forted at Lucas fort for a turm about Three months and that the said Lucas was forted at wood and fort for the turm about three months and that the foregoing services ware rendered in defence of the white people against indians and this affiant believes that the said Lucas served two towers and believes one of them under preston and dont recollect how Long

Hezekiah Adkins

I do certify that the said Hezekiah Adkins Senr is a or dained preacher of the gospel and do also certify that the forgoing affidavid was sworn to before me in County of Cabell and state of Virginia this 13th day of October 1834 Hezekiah Adkins Jur

***

Logan County Va. November the 1st day 1834
We the undersigned Justices of the peace for the County of Logan in the State of Virginia Do hereby certify that at the request of William Lucas who, from old age and infirmity, is unable to attend at the Courthouse of said County; We attended at the house of his son John Lucas, where he now lives, and the said William Lucas, being duely Sworn, in form of Law, made the following, declaration, in order to obtain, the benefit of an Act passed by Congress on the 7 day of June 1832. That he was drafted, in the year 1772 to go on a tour of Service; to protect the frontier of Virginia, a gainst the Indians, and also in 1773 and a gain in 1777 he was drafted, for the same Service, & was stationed at Farleys fort on New river for 3 months; and in 1778 he was Stationed at Woods fort for 3 months; He was shortly after drafted into the Virginia Militia, & served a tour of three months, in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Shelby; in the Company of Captain Abraham Trigg, was with the army under Gen’l. Campbell in Carolina, at the end of this tour He enlisted into the regiment Commanded by his neighbour Col. Preston, and served a tour of three months, in the Company of James Burns; Lieut Snidow, when he was discharged. He also enlisted with his brothers in hiring substitutes, as the Law required; and alltho’ his brother in Giles County [Parker Lucas], in better circumstances has received a pension, he has received nothing in payment for his services, whatever; He is now 84 years of Age, and very infirm, and poor; and certainly well entitled to his Countrys aid; in the time of his great need; and utter inability to help himself–: He relinquishes every other Claim except the present, to any pension; & his name is on no pension Roll whatever in any State–

William hisXmark Lucas

Sworn to, and subscribed before us this 1st day of November 1834
[signed] Anthony Lawson J.P.  Nath’l. Mullins JP

***

The following interogatories were then put by us as are required by the War office:

Agent of pension

1. Question. Where and in what year were you born?
Answer I was born in Pittsylvania County Va. in the year 1749.

2. Question Have you any record of your age &c?
Answer. I have no record of my age, nor do I know of any.

3. Question. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since, and where do you now live?
Answer. I was living in Botetourt County Va. – I have lived Chiefly since in Montgomery
County; and now, & for 7 years last past in Logan County Virginia –

4. Question. How were you called into service, were you drafted, or were you a Substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
Answer. I was drafted frequently & also volunteered –

5. Question. State the names of some of the regular officers, who were with the troops where you served; such continental and Militia Regiments, as you can recollect & the general circumstances of our services.
Answer. I remember the names of Col Shelby, Col Preston; Capt Trigg, Capt [Thomas] Burke, Capt. [John] Lucas; Capt Burns; & Lieut Snidow.

6. Question. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, & if so; by whom was it given; and what has become of it?
Answer. I believe that I received a discharge from Col. Preston but have lost it many years ago–

NOTES:
A letter in the file explains that Lucas’ first declaration was questioned by the Pension Office because the claim for a militia tour of 18 months was out of the ordinary. The claim for a pension was ultimately rejected because Lucas’s later declarations were inconsistent with each other and the supporting statements. In his own pension application James Johnston did not claim to have served in 1781.

Hezekiah Adkins (1759-1842)

04 Tuesday Jul 2017

Posted by in Cemeteries, Giles County, Harts, Native American History

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In 1990, Ronnie Adkins published THE definitive Adkins genealogy book. A great many researchers appreciated his work on Hezekiah Adkins’ line of the family. Hezekiah Adkins was born in 1759 in Virginia, served in the American Revolutionary War, moved from Giles County, Virginia, to present-day Wayne County, West Virginia, about 1810, and died in 1842. His grave markers are yet visible at Winslow on Beech Fork in Wayne County, WV. If you visit the grave site, you will find Hezekiah Adkins buried on the left and his wife Mary “Molly” buried on the right (unlike in this photo). Any Adkins researcher owes a great debt to Ronnie Adkins and his book. THANK YOU, RONNIE.

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Here is a photo of my good friend and mentor Billy Adkins visiting the grave site in 1991. Years ago, Billy assisted Ronnie in gathering information about members of the Adkins family who settled in the Harts area of Lincoln County, WV.

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Here is Hezekiah’s grave as it appears today (left). His wife Molly is buried to the right.

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Hezekiah Adkins is my paternal great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather through his son, Isaac Adkins (1790-1854).

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Here is Molly Adkins’ grave as it appears today. She is my great-great-great-great-great-great-grandmother.

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Hezekiah Adkins has a nice military marker positioned at his feet.

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I recently visited Hezekiah Adkins’ grave. 30 June 2017.

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A short distance from the cemetery, beside of the highway, is this great historical marker commemorating Hezekiah Adkins’ service in the Revolutionary War. Beech Fork State Park is less than five minutes away. 30 June 2017.

James Andrew Nighbert

29 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by in Civil War, Logan

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From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for James Andrew Nighbert, who resided at Logan, West Virginia:

Is descended on his father’s side from German ancestors who many years ago settled in America. They were a family of patriots, and as bravely served in the defense of their adopted country as they had done in their Fatherland. Both paternal and the maternal grandfathers of the subject of this sketch were Continental soldiers in the Revolutionary war. George W. Nighbert and his wife, Elizabeth Scaggs, are the parents of James Andrew Nighbert; the father was born in Wythe county and the mother in Montgomery county, Va.; their son, James Andrew, was born in Montgomery county, Va., and moved to Logan county, same State, in 1844. Here he has since resided. He espoused the Southern cause during the civil war, and served as first lieutenant in Co. B, 36th Va. Inf., and was major in 1st regiment Va. State Line; was member of the Virginia Legislature from 1863 until 1865; President of the County Court, Logan county, from 1880 to 1888; was one of the delegates to the National Democratic Convention in 1888; at the present time he is the largest resident land owner in Logan county, in the management of which he is at present engaged. He is a large-hearted, generous citizen, thoroughly interested in the progress of his State and county, always ready to devote his time, talents, means and influence to aid a progressive movement, and has contributed largely to render Logan one of the leading counties in the State. Mr. Nighbert is a member of the Knights of Honor.

Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 836.

Dr. Millard F. French

22 Monday Jun 2015

Posted by in Logan

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From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Dr. Millard F. French, who resided at Logan Court House, West Virginia:

The French family in America was founded by one of that name who came to this country in the 18th century and settled in Virginia. He was the father of Mathew French, who was born Feb. 2, 1735; married in Montgomery county, Va., Jan. 20, 1758. He served in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war, and died in 1810. His wife, whose maiden name was Annie Locke, was born in Montgomery county, Va., in 1739, dying at the age of 85. The issue of this union was Isaac French, born Nov. 20, 1770, in Montgomery county; was married Sept. 20, 1792, in Tazewell county, Va., to Elizabeth Stowers, who was born in that county Dec. 18, 1774; they passed from life in Giles county, Va., the husband Nov. 15, 1850, the wife Dec. 19, 1839, leaving a son, Isaac French, Jr., who was born in that county July 11, 1803, and died there June 28, 1876. He was married in Tazewell county April 24, 1824, to Rhoda Day, who was a native of that county, having been born Jan. 9, 1806, and died in Giles county, Va., on the anniversary of her marriage, 1869. Their son, William Henderson French, is father of the subject of this record. This gentleman was born in Giles county Feb. 2, 1828; was married to Martha Burton, of Bland county, Va., where she was born Oct. 9, 1830; their marriage was solemnized by Rev. John Hoge, Feb. 25, 1847. The mother died in Giles county June 13, 1885. Dr. Millard F. French was born in Giles county, Va., March 4, 1861; graduated at Concord, W.Va., Normal School July 22, 1881; in 1882 he entered Richmond, Va., Medical College, where he graduated in 1884, with the degree of M.D.; locating in Bland county, Va., he practiced there until Jan. 23, 1885, when he removed to Logan C.H. He is one of the most skillful young physicians in the State, and though he has been at his present home but a few years, he has built up a fine and extensive practice, not only his skill as a physician and surgeon has rendered him popular, but the amiability and generosity of his disposition, with his exemplary moral character, have won him a host of friends wherever he has lived. Aug. 19, 1884, Rev. Thos. Pullion officiating, he was united in marriage to Ella L. Wilburn, who was born in Carter county, Ky., Nov. 22, 1865; the ceremony was performed in Giles county, Va. Their only child, R. Moss French, was born Dec. 17, 1888. Mrs. French’s parents were born in Giles county, Va., and married there. Her father, Patterson Wilburn, was born Jan. 17, 1820, and died in Carter county, Ky., May 20, 1871; her mother, nee Mary Ann Eaton, was born Nov. 30, 1824; they were united in wedlock Sept. 19, 1850. The Eaton family of Giles county are descended from David Eaton, who came to Virginia from Ireland.

Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 829-830.

Uriah W. Elkins

10 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Man

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From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Uriah W. Elkins, who resided at Christian, West Virginia:

Was born in Russell county, Va., April 25, 1825; his father moved his family to Logan county, W.Va., while Uriah W. was a child and he has ever since resided there. In this county, Nov. 26, 1850, he was married to Mary Ann Canterbury, who was born there Jan. 20, 1833. Of this union the following are the issue: Lydia, born July 16, 1852, married, and died March 1?, 1882; Cordelia C., born March 11, 1855; Roxie, born March 12, 1857; Zilphia, born May 27, 1859; and Mahalia, born Jan. 25, 1862. They have all married. The mother of these daughters died April 2, 1862. June 7, 1866, Mr. Elkins and Martha C. Stafford were joined in wedlock; she was a native of Logan county, where they were married having been born Aug. 12, 1831. The following are records of the children of this second marriage: Cyrus, born March 8, 1867, Mary L., born July 11, 1868; Uriah B., born Dec. 5, 1869; John C., born July 20, 1871; Helen, born Dec. 18, 1872; and Rush, born Dec. 6, 1874. Except Mary L., who is married, these children all live at home with their father, their mother (his second wife) having departed this life Nov. 13, 1886. Mr. Elkins has three orphaned grandchildren, the offspring of his daughter Lydia. Their records are: Millard, born June 26, 1874; William E., born Sept. 18, 1879; and Walter B., born Feb. 11, 1882. Absalom Elkins, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Montgomery county, Va., Nov. 6, 1791; died in Logan county, W.Va., Nov. 20, 1880; his wife, who was Mary Robbins before marriage, was born in Russell county, Va., Aug. 15, 1798, and died in Logan county Nov. 10, 1880, survived by her husband only 10 days. Mr. Uriah W. Elkins owns a beautiful home situated on the Guyandotte River, consisting of a fine farm and valuable timber lands; here he resides with his interesting family. He is highly esteemed and honored by all who know him. Address: Christian, Logan county, W.Va.

Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 828.

John Bradbury

29 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by in Wyoming County

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From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for John Bradbury, who resided at Oceana, West Virginia:

Son of Mark and Minerva (Dason) Bradbury, was born May 6, 1835, in Montgomery county, Va. His father was born in Henry county, Va., on Mar. 6, 1791, and died Sept. 10, 1862, in Montgomery county, Va., and his wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in same county as her husband on Feb. 10, 1812, and she is now residing in Nebraska. July 28, 1858, John Bradbury was joined in weelock with Mary E. Farmer, who was born in Pulaski county, Va., on April 1, 1838, the marriage being solemnized in the State of North Carolina. Their children’s records are as follows: Poindexter C., born Oct. 6, 1857, married; Amon R., born Sept. 3, 1859; John T., born Jan. 12, 1862; William B. and James E. (twins), born May 6, 1865, the last named deceased; Andrew J., born Aug. 23, 1867, married; Rhoda E., born Aug. 1, 1869; George E., born Mar. 10, 1871; Lucy J., born May 3, 1873; Pearis E., born Sept. 23, 1875; Eva, born Jan. 12, 1877; Robert E. Lee, born April 3, 1879; Ida, born April 10, 1882. John T. died Feb. 24, 1864, and James E. died Feb. 28, 1868. Mr. Bradbury enlisted in the Confederate States army at Christiansburg, Va., in 1861, in Co. E, 54th Va. V.I., and served three years. He is a farmer, and has been trustee of public schools in his county for six years. His post office address is Oceana, W.Va.

Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), 817.