Tag Archives: oil

Civil War in the Kanawha Valley: Ruffner Memorial Park (2019)

29 Tuesday Oct 2019

Posted by in African American History, American Revolutionary War, Cemeteries, Civil War

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Terry Lowry is THE authority on the Civil War in the Kanawha Valley. Stop 2 on his tour: Ruffner Memorial Park in Charleston, WV. 29 September 2019. Here is a link to Terry’s latest book, The Battle of Charleston (2016): https://wvcivilwar.com/now-available-the-battle-of-charleston/

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Kanawha Riflemen: “Hometown Boys in Gray.” 29 September 2019

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Kanawha Riflemen Memorial at Ruffner Memorial Park. In 1831, Joseph Ruffner deeded this cemetery to the city. In 1920, the site became a city park. Some graves were relocated but many are still here with their headstones buried beneath the surface. The UDC memorial was placed in 1922. 29 September 2019

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Thomas Bullitt grave. Ruffner Memorial Park. In 1776, George Washington wrote of him: “Bullet (sic) is no favourite of mine, & therefore I shall say nothing more of him, than that his own opinion of himself always kept pace with what others pleas’d to think of him—if any thing, rather run a head of it.” 29 September 2019

Harts Area Deed Index (1887-1910)

27 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by in Big Harts Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Fourteen

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The following deed index is based on Deed Book 60 at the Lincoln County Clerk’s Office in Hamlin, WV, and relates to residents of the Harts Creek community. Most notations reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in local land transactions; some reflect Harts Creek citizens engaged in land transactions outside of the community. These notes are meant to serve as a reference to Deed Book 60. Researchers who desire the most accurate version of this material are urged to consult the actual record book.

A.F. Morris, special commissioner, and E.W. Holley to John P. Fry     75 acres Fourteen Mile Creek     13 January 1900     p.72-73

Laura Aldridge to C.C. Fry     3 acres Big Ugly Creek     17 May 1909     p. 79-80

William Manns et ux to Josephine Robinson     75 acres Big Harts Creek     19 February 1887     p. 82

Georgia Perry to John W. Robertson     timber Big Branch Harts Creek     23 December 1909     p. 83-84

Sarah A. Perry to Georgia Perry     19 acres Ridge Between Dick Elkins Branch and Rockhouse Fork     14 September 1906     p. 85-86

Sarah A. Perry to Georgia Perry     26 acres Big Branch Harts Creek     15 September 1906     p. 86-87

Isaac G. Gartin to James M. Toney     56 acres and 35 1/4 acres Harts Creek District     3 January 1899     p. 125-127

Patten and Delana Thompson to J.W. and Mary White     102 acres and 22 acres Carroll District     22 February 1887     p. 136-137

Alvin Linville et ux to Roma Spears et ux     32 acres Big Ugly Creek     28 January 1910     p. 213-214

A.F. Morris et ux to Romie Spears et ux     32 acres Big Ugly Creek     19 July 1910     p. 214-215

J.H. Meek, trustee, to C&O Railway Company     right of way Harts Creek District     30 June 1910     p. 283-284

John W. Tomblin et ux to K.E. Toney     100 acres interest in coal, oil, cas, etc. Big Harts Creek     13 August 1910     p. 300-301

John Adkins et ux to K.E. Toney     45 acres interest in coal, oil, gas, etc. Lower Big Branch     5 July 1910     p. 301-302

Emzy Adkins et ux to Cora Adkins     40 acres Harts Creek District     4 February 1905     p. 304-305

Charles Brumfield et ux to Wilson and Sons     100 acres Ike Fry Branch     12 may 1902     T.J. Wysong, notary public     p. 375-376

A.F. Morris et ux to O.J. Spurlock     100 acres Big Ugly Creek     16 November 1909     p. 412-413

Andrew J. Browning et ux to K.E. Toney     200 acres coal, oil, gas, etc. Big Harts Creek     10 August 1910     JP Charles Adkins     17 August 1910     p. 425-426

Wash Dempsey et al to Thomas Browning     Big Harts Creek     24 January 1905     p. 426-427

C.W. Campbell, special commissioner, to John Dingess     Coal Branch     16 August 1898     p. 442-443

Note: I copied all of these deeds.

Lincoln County, WV: After Oil and Gas (1922)

23 Sunday Dec 2018

Posted by in Hamlin

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From the Lincoln Republican of Hamlin, WV, comes this submission by three Carroll High School students about what Lincoln County might do when oil and gas is exhausted in the future.

AFTER OIL AND GAS, THEN WHAT?

If oil and gas were to become exhausted in Lincoln county what suggestions have you along the line of agriculture for keeping up and increasing the wealth of the county and maintaining the population of Hamlin?

Three Carroll High School pupils in a recent examination in Agriculture gave the following answers:

If oil and gas were to become exhausted in Lincoln county, and it is supposed that it will, the people could make just as much money at other things if they would only think so. For instance, Lincoln county has been declared by the best educated men in the State to be the best fruit growing county in West Virginia. The people of Lincoln county can make as much money growing fruit as the people of Ohio, and many a farmer in Ohio has grown rich just by growing fruit. I do not mean out close to Columbus, but down near Kenova, in the hilly section. These hills of Lincoln county can be cleared and the men who are now making $2500 a year working in the oil and gas business can make that much and more growing fruit. Of course he has to go about it in the right manner. If they do it as it should be done they would be busy every day in the year.

Dairying is another thing that has been discussed by educated men for Lincoln county. They say now that we are getting the hard road we can take all our milk and butter to Huntington and receive good prices for it. Improved cattle can be turned out on these hills and if cared for in the proper way a man can make as much money working at it as he can working in the oil and gas business.

IDA HAGER.

If oil and gas were to become exhausted in Lincoln county, I think dairying would help increase the wealth of the county and also help maintain the population of Hamlin. Dairying would pay in this county because so many people do not own cows and would buy all their milk and butter from the dairy. The cows could be pastured in the summer, and this would cause the people to improve their farms; and again, we are getting the hard road, and the dairy products could very easily be taken to market, if the dairy man could not sell all his products at home.

Fruit raising would also help Lincoln county. These hill-sides could be converted into profitable and beautiful fruit farms. I don’t think another town in the U.S. of its size uses so much fruit as Hamlin, and all this fruit must be shipped in from other places when it could be raised very easily at home. The people would improve their farms, and the washed and gullied hills would be made of some use, whereas they are of none. The only thing needed to make both dairying and fruit raising profitable is some one to start and boost the business.

EDNA HAGER.

If oil and gas were to become exhausted in Lincoln county, I would suggest agriculture on a scientific basis to keep the population and increase the wealth. If I see right, Lincoln county has some of the best land for orchards in the eastern part of the United States. What cannot be used for orchards can be used for sheep. With the proper care, orchards of great value and producing ability can soon be started in Lincoln county. Most of the soil, or sub soil, is clay and usually is deep and well watered. The change in temperature is usually gradual and not much risk or danger would be run in loosing from frosts or freezing. Again, we can not find a better sheep raising county in the east than Lincoln county. Sheep would surely prosper in Lincoln county. The land is somewhat run down and this would soon build it back again and restore Lincoln county’s virgin soils. This is the only way I can possibly see to keep Lincoln on her feet.

HUGH HAINOR

Perhaps it is well that some people are thinking along this line. It might be dded also that one way of keeping up the population and welfare of the county is to build up at the County seat the best school possible. In doing this everyone can help. We should have a large number of county teachers in the High School for the spring months. Everyone should be interested in livening teachers up to this opportunity of better preparation. We shall be in the new building then and the new building is fine. It might be of interest to note in closing that the Board of Education and the faculty are considering the establishment of a Five Week’s Summer Training School for teachers, and are discussing the matter with State authorities and with the County Superintendent.

HOMER STILES,

Prin. Carroll High School

Source: Lincoln Republican (Hamlin, WV), 02 February 1922.

R.H. “Bob” Adkins (c.1904)

08 Saturday Jul 2017

Posted by in Ferrellsburg, Hamlin, Lincoln County Feud

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Bob Adkins as Child

Robert Henderson “Bob” Adkins (1903-1999), son of Albert G. and Mary “Brooke” (Dingess) Adkins. Bob, born in my hometown of Ferrellsburg, Lincoln County, WV, spent most of his life in Hamlin where he operated a lucrative gas business. In 1984, he was chosen West Virginia Oil and Gas Man of the Year. I first met Bob in March of 1995. I really miss him.

Banco News 04.20.1926

31 Friday Mar 2017

Posted by in Banco, Big Creek, Estep, Logan, Stone Branch

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An unknown local correspondent from Banco in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on April 20, 1926:

The population of our town is steadily increasing. Mr. Enoch Workman of Stone Branch moved into East End last Friday.

Mrs. Ethel Ferrell of Estep and Mrs. Minnie Queen of Needmore were on a shopping tour in Banco and Big Creek one day last week.

The folks at this place are very busy at present caring for the sick, gardening, and farming. All the patients who have had measles are improving, we are glad to say.

Wonder why Frank Chapman spends every Sunday afternoon in the East End? We imagine there is some game up there. It must be “Dears.”

Miss Mary Thomas of this place left for Turtle Creek one day last week where she will spend a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Adlia Barker.

We are informed that Mr. and Mrs. Ola Adkins have moved back into the little town of Needmore. Mrs. Adkins’ work will consist mostly of farming for the summer.

Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Thomas of Estep were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Thomas, also of Estep, last Sunday afternoon.

Master Otis Varney, son of Ephraim Varney (deceased) of Thomas Circle, is reported to be very ill of measles this week.

Maxie Madeline Small, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Varney of Thomas Circle, is ill with measles this week, we are informed.

The South Penn Oil and Gas Company is making fine progress drilling for oil and gas at the head of Ellis Fork near this place.

Mr. Gartner Baisden and one of his girlfriends of Ellis Fork were out horseback riding last Saturday afternoon. Wonder if his girl at Logan will care?

J.W. Thomas of this place was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Pauley of East End last Sunday afternoon.

Frank Chapman of Estep was a business visitor in Logan last Monday.

 

Banco News 04.02.1926

22 Wednesday Mar 2017

Posted by in Banco, Big Creek, Dollie, Estep, Logan

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An unknown local correspondent from Banco in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on April 2, 1926:

Banco is a flourishing little town at present. The hucksters are now going through twice a week. Lumber wagons and oil rigs. If anyone is looking for excitement, this is the place.

Mrs. C.E. Justice of Elm street is tending to her incubator and the mister is getting ready to run a truck farm this summer.

D.H. Harmon’s saw mill at Spring Dale is running nicely and putting out good lumber under the management of M.P. Barker.

Basil Duty is up with the Lark every morning, ready for his job hauling lumber from Spring Dale to Big Creek. The Banco girls may stay with ‘em “Pal O’ Mine.”

Peter Pinder, the great entertainer, was gently rapping at the front entrance of a private home in Banco one day last week. The lady of the house answered the call. The gentleman said: “Pardon me, please, but I want to read your Banner a few moments while in town.”

Some of the occupants of the Justice apartments on Elm street have moved out and gone to other points.

Earl Justice of Elm street was the all night guest of his cousin, Levi Duty of Squirrel Branch, last Saturday. This place has the same name as of old, but not the same game as of old.

The local sheik of our town was all smiles last Sunday afternoon. Wonder why?

Mrs. C.E. Justice and his son Charles Robert of this place left for Verdunville last Sunday evening where she will visit with her parents for a few days.

Mrs. Sadie Ball and children of Hewett are the guests of Mrs. Ball’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Pardue of Banco, this week.

H.F. Lucas was the dinner guest of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Lucas last Sunday.

Mrs. R.L. Barker was calling on Mrs. Martha Sanders last Monday evening.

Wonder why S.S.L. was so lonely last Sunday? Cheer up, Seybert. Lucille will be home soon.

Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Lucas and H.F. Lucas, Misses Norma and Hazel Barker and Bertha Lake were calling on Mr. and Mrs. J.V. Thomas last Sunday afternoon.

Jesse Justice of Elm street left for Earling last Sunday where he will work for a few weeks.

We all expect to hear the chimes of wedding bells at Banco addition soon.

Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Pardue and children were the Saturday night guests of Mr. Pardue’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Pardue.

Journey Ferrell of this place attended the funeral at the Fowler cemetery last Sunday.

Mrs. Taylor Stone and children of Estep were the weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Stone.

Miss Minerva Vannatter of Dollie was calling in Banco last Saturday evening.

Wonder why George and Edward Ferrell never call around Banco anymore? Call again, boys. Your sweetie is still here.

Ernest Fugate of Holt was calling on his sister Mrs. Nola Justice last Saturday and Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Ellis of Logan were the supper guests of Mr. and Mrs. D.H. Harmon at this place last Tuesday.

Miss Charlotte Chapman passed through Banco last week enroute to Big Creek.

Big Ugly Items 03.19.1914

10 Tuesday Jun 2014

Posted by in Big Ugly Creek, Hamlin, Toney

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“Golden Rod,” a local correspondent from Big Ugly Creek in Lincoln County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Lincoln Monitor printed on Thursday, March 19, 1914:

Clinton Ferrell, Milton Ferrell, Jeff Miller, and a number of other members from this community attended the regular weekly meeting of the Red Men at Toney this week.

Keenan Toney, one of our very best farmers is kept busy these days looking after a bunch of about 130 head of fine calves.

John Bell is very ill with pneumonia. This makes the fourth attack which the young man has had of this malady.

Albert Ferrell has just returned home from Hamlin where he served on the petit jury at the recent term of circuit court.

The oil well drillers on Big Left Hand Branch have gone down about 1400 feet to date.

John Mullins has moved to the Philip Hager place at the mouth of Big Sulphur. Mr. Mullins is making the old place shine.

Milton Ferrell and boys are sowing their tobacco beds this week.

In Search of Ed Haley 237

09 Sunday Feb 2014

Posted by in Coal, Ed Haley, Harts, Timber

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For the moment, timber remained king of the local economy. There were saw mills, large-scale timbering and news of a “firm from the East” locating in the area. “A firm from the East is getting ready to put men at work in the woods making barrel staves in the near future, near the Logan and Lincoln county line,” the Cabell Record reported in June of 1900. “Twenty thousand logs went out from Big Ugly and Hart’s creek last week,” it reported later in December. “There is a general activity in the timber business on Hart’s creek this winter,” the paper reported in January of ’01. “About fifty men are at work there getting out logs.”

With the coming of the railroad, Harts residents were also excited about the potential of extractive industries, like coal, natural gas, and even oil. “Everyone along the valley is talking coal these days,” the Record reported on December 6, 1900. “People with coal on their lands are jubilant over the prospects.” In January of 1901, the Record stated, “Hart’s creek people are enthusiastic over the prospects of striking oil or gas in that section. They have been encouraged very much by experienced oil men, who will work more wells in the spring on Little and Big Hart.”

Unprecedented economic opportunity seemed to be at everyone’s fingertips. “The valley will soon be dotted with small towns,” the Record accurately predicted on January 24, 1901. “Every day people are coming in to locate, and the future of the Guyan valley is promising.” On April 4, 1901, the Record wrote: “More timber went out of the valley in the late rise than has gone down in several years. Rafts followed one right after the other for several days. Bob Lewis is doing a lot of work on Hart’s creek now. He has got a large number of men in the woods chopping and has now on hand a grand lot of timber for the market.”

A major problem during this prosperous time involved an overabundance of alcohol. “A man claiming to be a Deputy U.S. Marshal or Revenue officer, was along the river the most of past week investigating reports regarding the sale of liquor without the proper Government permit,” the Record reported on April 5, 1900. “It is said that he ‘hooked’ on to plenty of clues and found where cider was ‘spiked’ quite heavily.”

On April 25, the Record offered this: “The past few days have been busy ones along the river. Timber men have been busy trying to save their stuff. At Nine, Fourteen, Big Ugly and Hart the stream has been filled with men rafting and working about logs. The river was higher than it has been for many years, and much damage was done to property along the streams and the big creeks.” On May 2, it stated: “Considerable dressed timber that was lying in the mouth of Big Ugly broke loose during the high water last week, but was caught below the Falls. The stuff is very valuable and is used in ship building, being transported to various ports in the East, and it is reported that some of it gets to England and Scotland.”

Alcohol continued to plague the valley. In June 1901, the Record offered this small dispatch: “From all reports plenty of ‘kill me quick’ liquor is being sold along the river these days. A big batch of indictments and arrests may result from it.” By fall, the Record wrote of the moonshiners and distillers: “They do business despite all protest.” Essentially giving up its attack upon the liquor men, it suggested that the Lincoln County Court “grant licenses to the saloons that do business openly near Big Ugly and Hart’s creek” because it “might as well get the revenue from this source.” In December, the Record reported, “It is said that the coming Lincoln county court may grant license to some saloons. Will it extend to those who openly violate the law along the river and don’t care?”

Once the railroad was completed in 1904, the newspaper’s predictions about “small towns dotting the valley” became a reality. In 1904, Ferrellsburg and Toney were established in Harts Creek District, followed by Atenville, Eden Park, and Fry in 1908. In 1904, there were 15 schools in the district and 482 students enrolled (out of 714 enumerated).