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Tag Archives: Omar

Aracoma Drug Company (1927)

09 Thursday Sep 2021

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan, Williamson

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Appalachia, Aracoma Drug Company, Charles Bennett, Ford McDonald, history, J.G. Hunter, K & H Drug Store, Logan, Logan Banner, Mingo County, O.D. Griffith, Omar, sheriff, Tennis Hatfield, Valley Drug Store, Victor N. Griffith, West Virginia, Williamson

From the Logan Banner of Logan, West Virginia, comes this item of history relating to Aracoma Drug Company, dated May 20, 1927:

K. & H. Drug Store is Sold to New Co.

A new company composed of local business men has purchased of F. Kerwood the K. & H. drug store fronting the northeast corner of the Court House. An inventory of the stock was completed last night but the store will not be re-opened before June 1. Meanwhile, elaborate improvements will be made in the front and the interior.

The purchaser is the Aracoma Drug Company, newly incorporated, among the organizers being Victor N. Griffith, office deputy under Sheriff T.S. Hatfield, and his cousin, O.D. Griffith, present manager of the Valley Drug Store. The latter will be in charge of the business. He has been here about three years and is widely known in this section.

Mr. Kerwood, who has been engaged in this business for three years, has made no definite plans for the future, he said last night.

The founder of this store was W.O. Poole, now in the drug business in Williamson, and formerly of Omar. From him Ford McDonald acquired it. Then it passed to Charles Bennett by whom it was sold to Mr. Kerwood and J.G. Hunter, hence its name K. and H.

African-American Items from Logan, WV (1920s)

29 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Holden, Man, World War I

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Accoville, African-Americans, Andrew Carnegie, Appalachia, Charleston, Cora, crime, Dearborn Independent, E.W. Ross, Eugene Carter, Guy W. Pennington, Harvey Bias, history, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lord Bryce, Lucas Wade, M.C. Gentry, Man, Omar, Peach Creek, Prohibition, R.R. Batty, slavery, West Virginia, White Child, World War I

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes these items relating to African-American life in Logan County during the 1920s:

“Jes’ Twelve O’Clock”

A hungry looking negro was observed sitting on a railroad track at Peach Creek yards when the noon whistle blew. He scratched his head and remarked, “Dar she blows. Dinner time for most folks, but jes’ twelve o’clock fo’ me.”

Logan (WV) Banner, 14 April 1922

***

War Story Uncovered

It was four shot years ago and the American doughboys were in the front line trenches facing Heinie. A company of colored troops were in the front trenches and among them were two colored boys from Logan whom we will call Sam and Rastus. They were backed up by 6,000 white troops and the order had been given to “go over the top” at a certain moment and the zero hour was fast approaching.

]Sam aquietly crept over to Rastus and said, “What do you ‘spose our folks would say about us if ‘de knowed where we was now?”

“Go away,” said Rastus. “If ‘de knowed where we wuz ‘de Logan Banner would be setting up headlines right now, saying, ‘Six thousan’ white boys done been trampled to death'”

Logan (WV) Banner, 27 October 1922

***

Negro Advancement

Though most northerners, including Negro leaders, often express disappointment with the progress the race is making, especially in the southern states, an impartial survey would doubtless inspire hope and pride rather than despair and humiliation.

In spite of deplorable lynchings and persistent unkindness toward him that must make the angel weep, the Negro is advancing. Future generations will be amazed at the rapidity with which he has overcome his handicaps. This view is set forth clearly, along with the facts that justify it, in the Dearborn Independent, which quotes a “Southern Planter” as follows:

Nearly nine million Negroes live south of Mason and Dixon’s line. With but few exceptions they are the progeny of grandparents who were born in slavery. The Negro emerged from the darkness of servitude without land, capital or credit. Within the sixty years that have followed emancipation he has come into possession of twenty-two million acres of land, an area greater than that of South Carolina. Negroes of the South are proprietors of business of every description. Approximately forty thousand enterprises, some of which are national in scope, are owned and operated by them. There are nearly seventy Negro banks, three Negro life insurance companies, real estate firms, hotels, factories, drug and department stores. Colored lawyers, doctors, dentists, undertakers and artisans of every degree of skill practice their profession and ply their trade in every part of the Negro’s native section. In sixty years the Southern Negro has acquired these for himself.

Negroes of the nation own one billion dollars’ worth of property and their holdings are increasing at the rate of fifty million dollars a year. Their most important investments and greatest enterprises are in the South, for that is the section they have known for generations, and the one in which, best authorities say, they will find their greatest success.

Were the Southerner not the friend of the Negro it would have been impossible for the Negro to have attained the degree of success with which he has been blessed. The late Andrew Carnegie and the late Lord Bryce agreed that the progress of the American Negro, after emancipation, was the most remarkable racial accomplishment in the history of the world. The Southerner claims his part of the glory for this achievement for he is the Negro’s teacher.

Logan (WV) Banner, 6 January 1928

***

Holden Wins Debate

Resolved “That the Negro has received more cruel treatment than the Indian in America,” was the interesting subject debated by Holden and Logan at Cora last Friday night, with a judges’ score of 5 to 6 points in favor of Holden. The Logan speakers were Rev. E.W. Ross, Rev. M.C. Gentry and Prof. Lucas Wade, while R.R. Batty, Eugene Carter and Guy W. Pennington represented Holden. A spicy program, arranged by the local P.T. Association at Cora, who sponsored the debate, was also a pleasing feature.

Logan (WV) Banner, 8 March 1929

***

Negro Prisoner Bears Odd Name

A colored man of very dark skin languishes in the county jail in default of bond for his appearance in federal court. Commissioner Hager bound him over to Charleston court April 16, after hearing evidence concerning a sale of whiskey. The arrest was made by Troopers Reed and Creasy of Man.

Now the interesting feature of this case is the prisoner’s name, which is none other than White Child. The surname as well as the first name must be the gift of the satirist, for this fellow, a resident of Accoville, has been under pretty close surveillance for a child.

The same troopers brought in Harvey Bias on a charge of possessing booze. He, too, was bound over to federal court and in default of bond went to jail.

Logan (WV) Banner, 12 April 1929

Miss Rosalie Adams (1929)

09 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History

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Appalachia, Aracoma Junior High School, Douglas Junior High School, education, history, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Omar, photos, Rosalie Adams, teacher, West Virginia, West Virginia State College

In April of 1929, the Logan Banner profiled numerous prominent African-American residents of Logan County, West Virginia.

Notable Blacks of Logan County LB 04.16.1929 11

Miss Rosalie Adams

Teacher, English Department, Douglas Jr. High School, Omar

Embracing the teaching of French, Sociology and History, Miss Adams is a graduate of West Virginia State College, A.B. degree, with honorary Cum Laude. She has done summer work at the same institution; member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and other social clubs. She has been in her present position one term, but is highly qualified for the grade of work in which she is engaged. When pursuing her studies Miss Adams was classed as one of the most brilliant students in the institution, and her graduation was most creditable in its distinctive marks. Miss Adams has aspirations to reach a higher degree of efficiency in her chosen profession, and contemplates pursuing studies for master’s degree in summer work in a credible institution. She is thorough and efficient in her work and takes high rating as a teacher.

Stephen Hart and Harts Creek (1937)

14 Sunday Jul 2019

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

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Appalachia, assistant postmaster, Big Creek, Cabell County, Charles Spurlock, Cheat River, Cincinnati, civil engineer, civil war, doctor, genealogy, gunsmith, Hamlin, history, Jane Spurlock, John Spurlock, Lifas Spurlock, Lincoln County, Logan Banner, Logan County, Logan Post Office, Marshall Spurlock, Midkiff, Montgomery County, Omar, Pete Spurlock, preacher, Ranger, Robertson Spurlock, Seth Spurlock, Sheridan, sheriff, Spurlockville, Stephen Hart, surveyor, Union Army, Virginia, West Virginia

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.

Peytona Lumber Company in Omar, WV (2019)

23 Tuesday Apr 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Timber

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history, Logan County, logging, Omar, Peytona Lumber Company, photos, Pine Creek, timber, timbering, West Virginia

IMG_6304

The Peytona Lumber Company established itself in 1916 at Omar, Logan County, WV. As of 1921-1922, the company boasted 150 employees. Here’s a PLC splash dam crib on Pine Creek in Omar. 19 April 2019

Chapmanville News 03.10.1922

29 Tuesday Jan 2019

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Chapmanville, Guyandotte River, Logan

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A.K. Bowling, Abraham, Alma Wagner, Anna Bowling, Appalachia, Busy Bee Pool Room, Butcher Pool Room, Chapmanville, Ed Conley, Eunice Ward, Everett Fondee, genealogy, Gordon Adams, Guy Dingess, Guyandotte River, history, J.D. Turner, John Dingess, Logan, Logan County, Millard Brown, Monroe Conley, Mont Tabor, Omar, P.M. Ferrell, Ray Swann, Silas Smith, Star Supply, West Virginia, Wonderland Theatre

A correspondent named “Slow Sam” from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on March 10, 1922:

The revival at the Holiness church, conducted by Rev. Johnson, is still going on.

Three very interesting sermons by Rev. Langdon were delivered at the Christian church.

Monroe Conley’s house was destroyed by fire Wednesday morning.

We are glad to say that Dr. J.D. Turner’s baby is improving rapidly.

Mrs. Larkin, of Omar, is visiting her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Langdon of this place.

Mr. Silas Smith, of Abraham, was visiting at A.K. Bowling’s Monday.

The free show given at the Wonderland Theatre was well attended Tuesday night.

Mont Tabor, of Logan, was seen on our streets Sunday.

Mr. Everett Fondee and Miss Eunice Ward were calling on Miss Anna Bowling Wednesday evening.

Mr. P.M. Ferrell and Miss Alma Wagner were seen walking our streets a fine evening ago.

Wanda looks lonesome this week!

Mr. Millard Brown is calling quite often at the Star Supply. There is a good looking girl working there.

Mr. Gordon Adams killed a fine hog, Ernest said.

Mrs. Ferrell is visiting friends here.

John Dingess looks pleased. Wonder why?

Guy Dingess was seen talking to some girls down the street one day this week.

Jim was glad the show was free!

Mr. Ray Swann is working at Chapmanville now.

The Busy Bee pool room is doing good business.

The music is fine in the Butcher pool room as well as the business.

Mr. Mathenie has moved back to his home at this place.

Ed Conley has moved across the river.

Good luck to The Banner!

Boardwalk and 700 Hill at Omar in Logan County, WV

15 Saturday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal

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700 Hill, Appalachia, coal, history, Logan County, Omar, photos, West Virginia

Boardwalk and 700 Hill 2.JPG

Boardwalk and 700 Hill, Logan County, WV. Photo credit unknown.

Levisa Hatfield (1927-1929)

03 Monday Dec 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Holden, Huntington, Logan, Matewan, Pikeville, Wharncliffe, Women's History

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Abraham Lincoln, Appalachia, Barnabus, Ben Creek, Betty Caldwell, Betty Hatfield, Bob Hatfield, C.C. Lanham, Cap Hatfield, Charles Dardi, Charleston, deputy sheriff, Devil Anse Hatfield, E. Willis Wilson, Elias Hatfield, Elliott R. Hatfield, F.M. Browning, Fayette County, feud, genealogy, governor, Halsey Gibson, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Henry D. Hatfield, Hibbard Hatfield, history, Holden, Huntington, Island Creek, J.O. Hill, Jim McCoy, Joe Hatfield, John Caldwell, John J. Jackson, Johnson Hatfield, Kentucky, L.W. Lawson, Levicy Hatfield, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Lundale, Marion Browning, Mary Howes, Mate Creek, Matewan, Matilda Chafin, Mingo County, Nancy Carey, Nancy Mullins, Nathaniel Chafin, Omar, Pike County, Pikeville, Pittsburgh, pneumonia, R.A. Woodall, Randolph McCoy, Rebecca Hatfield, Rose Browning, sheriff, Tennis Hatfield, Tom Chafin, Troy Hatfield, Tug River, W.R. Eskew, West Virginia, Wharncliffe

The following news items from the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, provide some history about the final years of Levisa Hatfield, widow of Anse Hatfield:

Levisy Hatfield Dies LB 03.15.1929 1.JPG

MRS. HATFIELD BETTER

Mrs. Levicy Hatfield, widow of Ance Hatfield, continues to recuperate from a serious illness and is now able to walk about the home of her daughter, Mrs. F.M. Browning, of Holden, where she has been cared for. She is 84 years old.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 03 June 1927

***

Mrs. Hatfield Hurt

Mrs. Lovisa Hatfield, widow of the late “Devil Anse” Hatfield, is suffering from injuries received in a fall at her home on Island Creek Sunday. She hurt her hip and shoulder and forehead and her condition was such as to cause some concern, yet she was able to sit up yesterday. Two or three of her daughters are helping to take care of her. She is 85 years old.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 20 September 1927

***

DEVIL ANSE’S WIDOW, AGED 86, RECOVERS FROM PNEUMONIA

In recovering from her recent severe illness Mrs. Levisa Hatfield, widow of the late “Devil Anse,” has again demonstrated her remarkable vitality. Though in her 87th year, she is now recovering from pneumonia with which she was stricken on December 28. Monday of this week her lungs began to clear up, and her son, Sheriff Joe Hatfield, said yesterday that she seemed to be assured of recovery.

So critical was her illness for several days that half a dozen physicians were summoned to her bedside. These included Dr. H.D. Hatfield, L.W. Lawson, J.O. Hill, Brewer and Moore as well as Dr. E.R. Hatfield, of Charleston, a son of the aged patient.

Mrs. Hatfield celebrated her 86th birthday at the Hatfield homestead near the head of Island Creek on December 20.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 18 January 1929.

***

Devil Anse’s Widow Died Early Today

Mrs. Levisa Hatfield Succumbs Unexpectedly In 87th Year

10 Living Children

Hers Was Life of Storm And Stress for Several Decades

Funeral services for Mrs. Hatfield will be held at 2:30 Sunday at the Hatfield cemetery on Island Creek.

Mrs. Levisa Hatfield, widow of “Devil Anse” of Hatfield-McCoy feud fame, died at the family homestead up near the head of Island Creek at about 8 o’clock this morning. Though she was frail and had been in ill health all winter, the news of her passing caused much surprise and regret among relatives and friends outnumbered. Still, her condition yesterday was unsatisfactorily, indicating she had suffered a backset.

Mrs. Hatfield celebrated her 86th birthday on December 20. Eight days later she was stricken with pneumonia, and for several weeks her condition was alarming. Despite her advanced age, her indomitable grit and wiry strength and endurance triumphed, having as she did the tender, constant care of her children and other kinfolk, neighbors, and friends.

Hers was a stout heart, otherwise it could not have, withstood the storms that raged about her home and her family for many years. But long before her interesting career ended, peace and contentment had come into her life, and her declining days were brightened by the successes that had come to her children and grandchildren.

The decedent was born and reared on Mate Creek in what was then Logan county but now in Mingo. She was a daughter of Nathaniel Chafin. In her teens she was married to a neighbor youth, William Anderson Hatfield, who shortly thereafter entered the Confederate army and attained the rank of captain. That was a trying experience for a bride, but a longer and more terrifying one came in the early ‘80s when her family became involved in a now historic private war with the McCoys, a large family living on the Kentucky side of the Tug River. Even after the feud ended and a tacit agreement was carried out whereby her family moved back from the Tug and over the county divide and their foes went farther away from the Tug in the opposite direction, tragedies cast their shadows across her pathway. Chief of these was the slaying of her sons Troy and Elias by a drunken miner in Fayette county in 1911. The miner, too, was riddled with bullets after his victims had fallen mortally wounded.

Ten children survive Mrs. Hatfield and three are dead, Johnson, the oldest, having died in 1922 on Ben Creek, Mingo county. The living are: William A. (Cap), who shared with his father the leadership of their clan in the days of the feud, now a deputy sheriff and living at Stirrat; Robert L., Wharncliffe; Mrs. Nancy Mullins, living just above the Hatfield place; Dr. Elliott R., Charleston; Mrs. Mary Howes, at home; Mrs. John (Betty) Caldwell, Barnabus; Sheriff Joe D. Hatfield; Mrs. Marion (Rose) Browning, Holden; Willis, deputy sheriff at Lundale; Tennis, former sheriff.

She is survived by two sisters and a brother: Mrs. Betty Hatfield, widow of Elias Hatfield and mother of U.S. Senator H.D. Hatfield; Mrs. Rebecca Hatfield, of Logan, mother of Hibbard Hatfield, and Tom Chafin, who lives on Mate Creek.

Mrs. Hatfield and devoted to her home and family. And her home as well as herself was widely known for hospitality. There the friend or wayfarer ever found a welcome. She was a member of the Church of Christ and was baptized along with her husband by Uncle Dyke Garrett some years before her husband’s death.

No announcement was made this forenoon as to the funeral arrangements. Squire Elba Hatfield, a grandson, said he supposed the funeral would be held Sunday. Burial will be in the family cemetery.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 15 March 1929

***

Great Crowd At Funeral of Mrs. Hatfield

Throng Surpassed That of Any Previous Funeral In County

Pictures Are Taken

News of Death of “Devil” Anse’s Widow Travels Far and Wide

Hundreds of relatives and friends and neighbors paid their last tribute of affection to Mrs. Lovisa Hatfield Sunday afternoon. It is declared to be, by persons capable of judging, the largest funeral crowd ever assembled in the county. Perhaps the maximum attendance of the afternoon was no larger than that at the funeral of Charles Dardi last November, but on Sunday people were coming and going for an hour or more before the hour set–2:30–for the services and until the services were concluded.

Early in the afternoon a crowd began to form both at the Hatfield cemetery and the homestead. A cool, steady, stiff breeze made it uncomfortable for those who gathered at the cemetery, with the result that they did not tarry long there; and on account of weather conditions a great many did not leave their cars, which were closely parked along both sides of the highway from Sheriff Joe Hatfield’s home up to and beyond the home of the decedent.

The attendance at Sunday’s rites exceeded that of the funeral of Mrs. Hatfield’s widely known husband, “Devil Anse,” which was held on Sunday, January 9, 1921. At that time there was but a semblance of a highway up toward the head of Island Creek and most of those who attended the rites of the old feudist chieftain rode on a special train that was run that day or walked for a great distance.

At the homestead there were scripture readings, sermons, and tributes by Rev. Joe Hatfield, a nephew of the decedent, of Matewan; Rev. Halsey Gibson and Rev. C.C. Lanham, pastor of the first Methodist church of Logan. Before the cortege left the house R.A. Woodall, local photographer, took pictures of the body at rest in a beautiful metallic casket and of the grandchildren and perhaps others who were grouped on the porch.

At the grave the services were conducted by Rev. W.R. Eskew of Omar and a solo by a Mr. Woods of Huntington featured the singing. Mr. Eskew paid a tribute to the generosity and hospitality of Mrs. Hatfield, to her love of home and her devotion to her children and other loved ones.

As related in Friday’s paper, Mrs. Hatfield died at about 8 o’clock that morning, after having nearly recovered from pneumonia. Her age was 86 years, two months and 25 days. She was a daughter of Nathaniel and Matilda Varney Chafin and was born on Mate Creek, now in Mingo county. Her sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Hatfield of Huntington , Mrs. Nancy Carey, Pittsburgh, and Mrs. Rebecca Hatfield of Logan, and her brother Tom Chafin of Mingo were at the funeral.

All over the country the news of Mrs. Hatfield’s death was flashed and it called forth much comment on the old Hatfield-McCoy feud that for a long time held the close attention evidently of millions of newspaper readers.

—

An old sketch of “Devil Anse” says he had none of the attributes of “bad men” in his character. He was always recognized as a loyal friend of the many who had some sort of claim to his friendship. Numbered among those who believed he had been right in the position he took during the feud days were the late Judge John J. Jackson, known as the “Iron Judge,” who was appointed to the federal bench by President Lincoln, and the late Governor E.W. Wilson, the former protecting Hatfield when he was called into court, and the latter refusing to honor a requisition of the Governor of Kentucky for the arrest of Devil Anse on a charge of killing some particular member of the McCoy family.

Detectives, real and alleged, had arranged for the capture of Hatfield, spurred by a reward, after they had seen to it that he was indicted on a charge of whiskey selling; in 1888, Judge Jackson, hearing of these plans, sent word to him that if he would appear in court voluntarily the court would see that he had ample protection until he returned to his home in this county.

Uncle Anse appeared and was acquitted of the charge against him. Some of the detectives pounced on him soon after he left the court room, but Judge Jackson summoned all of them before him, threatened to send them to jail, and directed special officers to see that Hatfield was permitted to reach his home. After Hatfield was well on his way, Judge Jackson told the detectives that if they wanted to get him they could proceed, just as the McCoys had been doing for a number of years. They never went.

Captain Hatfield spent the last 20 years of his life peacefully on his farm then in an isolated section of the county. Once he was prevailed upon by some enterprising amusement manager to go on the vaudeville stage but the lure of his home in the mountains soon proved stronger than the lure of the footlights.

—

In the splendid account of the death of Mrs. Anderson Hatfield, estimable woman who passed away at her home Friday, it was stated that Mrs. Hatfield was one of the last of either the Hatfield or McCoy family directly connected with the feud and that all the McCoy principals are believed to be dead. This last is in error as James McCoy, who resided in Pikeville for many years and latter came here, where he lived with his family for a number of years, and after the death of his wife only a few years ago again returned to Pikeville and is now living there. He is a highly respected and esteemed citizen and was the eldest son of the late Randall McCoy, of Pike county, and was one of the main principals of the feud.

Catlettsburg cor. in Huntington Advertiser

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 19 March 1929.

Origin of Place Names in Logan County, WV (1937)

12 Friday Oct 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Chapmanville, Coal, Gilbert, Guyandotte River, Logan, Man, Native American History

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Appalachia, Aracoma, Barnabus, Barnabus Curry, Boling Baker, Buffalo Creek, Cham, Chapmanville, Chauncey, Chauncey Browning, coal, Crystal Block, Curry, D.E. Hue, Dehue, Dingess Run, Edward O'Toole, Gilbert Creek, Guyandotte River, history, Horse Pen Mountain, Huff Creek, Island Creek, Jim Gilbert, Litz-Smith Coal Company, Logan Banner, Logan County, Main Island Creek Coal Company, Mallory, Micco, Mountain View Inn, Native American History, Native Americans, Omar, Omar Cole, Peter Huff, Rum Creek, Sarah Ann, Sarah Ann O'Toole, Stirrat, Twisted Gun Lick, West Virginia, William Dingess, William S. Madison

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about Logan County place names:

Naming of Logan County Towns and Creeks Related By Logan Banner Reporter

While the first white settlers who entered the county near the middle of the 18th century had to have names for the creeks and runs in order to locate their homes, the children of these first settlers had to have names for each large settlement in order to have their mail delivered to them. Both groups used interesting methods of naming the landmarks.

Early Indian fighters who had contact with Boling Baker and his horse-thieving found little trouble naming the mountain which rises behind Mountain View Inn at the head of Island Creek. Because of the renegade’s custom of using one of the steep hollows for a corral, Captain William S. Madison, an early pioneer, named the mountain Horse Pen. Likewise, Gilbert Creek was named for Jim Gilbert, an Indian scout, who was killed in an Indian skirmish on that tributary of the Guyandotte. Near the place where he was killed there is an old salt lick which is named “Twisted Gun Lick.” The story is told that Gilbert, before he died, hit his gun barrel against a tree to keep the Indians from using it on his comrades. His friends, coming to the lick several hours later, found Gilbert scalped and the twisted firearm lying nearby.

Huff Creek was similarly named for a Peter Huff, whose scouting party was ambushed by a roving band of redskins and Huff was killed in the ensuing battle. They buried Huff on the banks of the creek near the present town of Mallory.

Buffalo Creek, however, received its name in an entirely different manner. The first settlers who hunted in the valley of the Guyandotte found buffalo herds so plentiful on this creek that they called it Buffalo Creek.

Dingess Run was named for a pioneer family of Dingesses which settled in its broad bottoms. William Dingess was the patriarchal head of the family and his children named the run in memory of him.

Island Creek received its name from the Indians who were awed by the beauty of a large creek flowing into the Guyandotte with such force as to cut an entirely separate bed, thus forming an island in the middle of the river. Old timers say that in the early days of the county Island Creek entered the Guyan river at the upper limits of Aracoma. Only during flood time did the creek meet the river at its present point.

As for the towns which have sprung up in the county since coal became king, many were named for prominent people living in them at one time or another or for pioneer families who lived in the towns when the coal companies first came in.

A unique method was used, however, in naming Micco. It received its name from the first letters of the Main Island Creek Coal Co., which formerly operated the mines there.

Omar was named for Omar Cole who was closely associated with the development of the town. The Cole family held, and still holds, extensive mining leases in the vicinity of that mining town.

Sarah Ann acquired its name from the wife of Colonel Edward O’Toole, who was manager of the coal company when the town applied to the government for a post office. The town is generally known as Crystal Block.

Barnabus received its name from Barnabus Curry, a pioneer settler whose home was near the town.

Stirrat was named for Colonel Stirrat, who was manager of the Main Island Creek Coal Company at one time.

Chauncey was named for Chauncey Browning, well-known son of a pioneer family who owned much of the land near that town. For many years the town of Chauncey was not large enough to be made a post office, but after the Litz-Smith Coal Company opened its mines there the town grew to proportions large enough to warrant a post office.

Dehue was given its name in honor of D.E. Hue, the first superintendent who operated the mines there.

Cham, a small place about two and one-half miles above Dehue, got its name from a Chambers family who lived on Rum Creek.

Chapmanville was named for the Chapmans, Curry for the Curry family and Aracoma for the famous Indian princess.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 25 March 1937

African-American Schools in Logan County, WV (1927)

21 Tuesday Aug 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in African American History, Huntington

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A.A. Wright, A.D. Robinson, A.V. McRae, African-Americans, Albert Meade, Anna B. Harris, Anna C. Hunter, Anna Spencer, Appalachia, Aracoma, Ardrossan, Audra Wilson, B.H. Hall, board of education, Bruce Hull, Clara Lee Johnson, Clara Richardson, Clothier, Coal River, Copperas, Cora, Crystal Block, D.E. Hopkins, Daisy Sheffery, Daniel H. Wood, Dehue, Doratha Withers, education, Elaine Ferguson, Elizabeth Creasy, Elizabeth Notter, Elma Phipps, Esta Shriver, Ethel, Ethel M. Page, F.O. Woerner, Flossie Hatfield, Flossie M. Jones, Garlands Fork, Georgia L. Miller, Gertrude Huntsman, Grace V. Reynolds, Harold Starcher, Hatfield, Helen E. Jones, history, Holden, Huntington, I.G. Hollandsworth, Imogene Baker, Ione Hall Cook, Island Creek, J.C. Evans, Jane Walker, John Pelter, Joseph D. Cary, Josephine Vaughan, Laura Griere, Laura J. Bayes, Laurel Hill, Lillian Samors, Logan County, Logan District, Logan High School, Logan Junior High School, Louis Simmons, M. Amelia Brooks, Macbeth, Mary Smith, Matilda Wade, Micco, Omar, Page Hamilton, Peach Creek, Preston A. Cave, Rossmore, Sharples, Slagle, Stirratt, teacher, Theodora Bradford, Thomas Jordan, Virginia Spratt, W.H. Houston, W.H. Huston, West Virginia, Yolyn

New Colored School at Crystal Block LB 08.12.1927 1

Logan (WV) Banner, 12 August 1927.

Logan District Colored Schools LB 08.26.1927 1

Logan (WV) Banner, 26 August 1927. This photo is meant to show the headline of the story; teachers named here are “white.”

Logan District Colored Schools LB 08.26.1927 2

Logan (WV) Banner, 26 August 1927. The list of “colored” teachers begin here and continue in the photos below.

Logan District Colored Schools LB 08.26.1927 3

Logan (WV) Banner, 26 August 1927.

World War I Draft Registration in Logan County, WV (1917)

29 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Big Harts Creek, Chapmanville, Halcyon, Holden, Logan, Man, Pecks Mill, Shively, Stone Branch, Whirlwind, World War I, Yantus

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A.M. Hall, A.P. Loyd, Amherstdale, Anderson McCloud, Andrew Jordan, Appalachia, Arthur Townsend, Barnabas, Battle of Blair Mountain, Big Creek, Bilton Browning, Black Sanders, Bruce White, C.C. Chambers, C.E. Lamp, C.G. Miller, C.H. Baisden, Cam Pridemore, Cecil Mounts, Chapmanville, Charles Conley, county clerk, Craneco, Curry, Democratic Party, Dow Chambers, Earl Summers, Ed Haner, Ed Mapper, Ed Riffe, Elmer Gore, Elmer McDonald, Emmett Scaggs, Ethel, Everett Buchannon, Everett Dingess, F.D. Stollings, Foley, Frank Frye, Frank Hurst, Frank Hutchinson, Frank Perry, French Dingess, G.F. Collins, G.K. Mills, genealogy, George Baldwin, Guy Pauley, health officer, Henlawson, Henry Lawson, history, Holden, Jack Mason, John Amburgey, John B. Wilkinson Jr., John Claypool, John Hill, John J. Cornwell, Lake, Laredo, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, Lorenzo Dow Chambers, Lot Murphy, M.B. Taylor, M.F. Waring, Man, Manbar, Marshal Gore, Melvin Conley, Melvin White, Millard Perry, Monaville, Mt. Gay, Omar, Pecks Mill, Pitts Branch, Queens Ridge, R.E. Lowe, R.W. Buskirk, Republican Party, Robert Hill, Robert Peck, Robert Straton, Rolfe, Rum Creek, Sam Scott, Sharples, sheriff, Shively, Sidney B. Lawson, Stone Branch, Thomas Hensley, U.S. Army, Vinson Ferrell, W.B. Phipps, W.E. Perry, W.P. Vance, West Virginia, Wilkinson, William Lewis, Willis Parsons, Woodrow Wilson, World War I, Yolyn

From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, comes this story titled “Sheriff Hurst and Registrars Ready to Enroll,” dated May 24, 1917:

SHERIFF HURST AND REGISTRARS READY TO ENROLL

Final Preparations are Made to Classify Men of Military Age In Logan County

Sheriff Hurst Wednesday gave final instructions to his sixty odd registrars who will enroll all men between the ages of 21 and 30, for military service as ordered by proclamations of President Wilson and Governor Cornwell for June 5, which will be a legal holiday in West Virginia as in other states.

On June 5, all male citizens are required to go to their regular voting places between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. and fill out a blank similar to the one printed in today’s Democrat. The governor has requested that all other public business be suspended on that day and that patriotic parades of school children be held. He also asks all owners of automobiles to help transport to the voting places men of military age and that every assistance possible be given the officers who will make the registration.

To Telegraph Result

As soon as the registration in Logan county is completed, the result will be telegraphed to Washington and then the machinery will be set in motion to select those who will be included in the first call for 500,000 men who will begin training in September. A board will sit in Logan who will select the available men to enter the first army. An absolute, fair and impartial administration of the law is insured as the local board will be directly responsible to the federal authorities and subject to stern penalties should any favoritism be shown. The state officers have nothing whatever to do with the army after the work of selection is completed. Those who will form the local conscription board are:

Sheriff Frank P. Hurst

Clerk, County Court, C.G. Miller

County Health Officer, Dr. S.B. Lawson

Robert Peck, (R.)

Elmer McDonald, (D)

The president in his proclamation ordered all men, 21 to 30 years old, excepting those already enlisted, shall voluntarily present themselves at the places to be designated for registration on June 5. Other main features of his orders follow:

Men away from home may register by mail.

Penalty for refusing to register; up to a year imprisonment.

All federal, state, county, city and village officers are liable for service for registration and draft.

Any person making a false statement to evade service or any official aiding in such an attempt, will be punished by a year’s imprisonment through civil authorities or by military court martial.

Persons ill or who will be absent from home should get registration blanks from the city clerk, if they are in towns of more than 30,000 inhabitants and from the county clerk, if they are in towns of less than 30,000 inhabitants.

Explains Necessity

The main parts of the president’s proclamation in which he explained the necessity for conscription follow:

“We are arrayed against a power that would impose its will upon the world by force.

“The man in the factories or who tills the soil is no less a part of any army than the man beneath the battle-flags.

“We must shape and train for war, not an army, but a nation.

“The sharpshooter must march and the machinist must remain at his levers.”

The whole nation must be a team in which each man shall play the part for which he is best fitted.

“It is not conscription of the unwilling but a selection from a nation which has volunteered in mass.”

Sheriff Hurst has volunteered to do his part of the work in registration without cost to the federal government. The other registrars will do the same. No trouble is expected in enrolling the entire military population of the country.

Registrar’s List

The list of registrars and enrollment places for Logan county follow:

Everett Dingess and Thomas Hensley, Queens Ridge.

Melvin Conley and Charles Conley, Shively.

Cam Pridemore and French Dingess, Pitts Branch.

Vinson Ferrell and Ans McCloud, Chapmanville.

R.E. Lowe, Stone Branch.

G.F. Collins, Big Creek.

W.B. Phipps, Chapmanville.

Ed. Haner, Curry.

Marshal Gore and Frank Frye, Sharples.

Black Sanders and George Baldwin, Lake.

Henry Lawson and John Hill, Henlawson.

J.B. Wilkinson, Jr., and M.B. Taylor, Logan.

L.D. Chambers and Frank Perry, Rolfe.

Cecil Mounts and C.H. Baisden, Mt. Gay.

Willis Parsons and W.P. Vance, Holden.

R.W. Buskirk and William Lewis, Omar.

Melvin White and Robert Hill, Pecks Mill.

Elmer Gore, Ethel.

A.M. Hall, Ethel.

Arthur Townsend, Holden.

C.E. Lamp, Holden.

C.C. Chambers and Robert Straton, Logan.

A.P. Loyd and G.K. Mills, Holden.

Sam Scott and Bruce White, Monaville.

Dr. Smoot and Guy Pauley, Blair.

Lot Murphy, Mt. Gay.

Ed. Mapper, Wilkinson.

F.D. Stollings and John Claypool, Foley.

Millard Perry, Everett Buchannon, Emmett Scaggs and Dr. Thornberry, Man.

John Amburgey and W.E. Perry, Amherstdale.

Earl Summers and Frank Hutchinson, Manbar.

M.F. Waring, Laredo.

Ed. Riffe, Craneco.

Andrew Jordan and Bilton Browning, Barnabas.

Dow Chambers, Yolyn.

Jack Mason, Rum Creek.

WWI Registration Card LD 05.24.1917 6.JPG

Logan (WV) Democrat, 24 May 1917.

Ku Klux Klan in Logan County, WV (1927)

21 Wednesday Mar 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Chapmanville

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Appalachia, Chapmanville, history, Junior Klansmen, Ku Klux Klan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Monitor Park, Omar, West Virginia, Women of the Klan

KKK Meeting at Monitor Park LB 05.20.1927

Logan (WV) Banner, 20 May 1927.

KKK in Omar LB 07.19.1927 2

Logan (WV) Banner, 19 July 1927.

Ku Klux Klan in Chapmanville LB 08.23.1927

Logan (WV) Banner, 23 August 1927.

Hatfield Items

12 Monday Mar 2018

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Sandy Valley, Cemeteries, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Huntington, Logan, Wyoming County

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A.J. Shepherd, Appalachia, Calico, Devil Anse Hatfield, Dewey Boaz, Elias Hatfield, genealogy, Greenway Hatfield, history, Horse Pen Fork, hunting, Huntington, Island Creek, jailer, Joe Hatfield, John Totten Vance, Joseph Hatfield, Logan Banner, Logan County, Logan County Banner, Logan Democrat, M.K. Diamond, Melvin Runyon, Mingo County, Moundsville, New River, Omar, Stirrat, Tennis Hatfield, Thacker, Tom Hatfield, West Virginia, West Virginia Coal & Coke Company, Willard Hatfield, William E. Glasscock, William Hatfield, Williamson, Willis Hatfield, Wyoming County

From the Logan County Banner, the Logan Banner and the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, come the following items about the Hatfields:

In some way our watchful jailor Elias Hatfield learned that some week or to days ago, the wife of Melvin Runyon, who is confined in jail here for the murder of John Vance at Thacker had been trying to get a pistol in the jail to him. On Monday, Mrs. Runyon, with a brother of Runyon, and Mr. A.J. Shepherd came over to see him. Mr. Hatfield thought it was his duty to search Mrs. Runyon before she was allowed to go into the jail, which he did at once, and found a hatchet under her dress. The hatchet was taken from her and she was not allowed to go in. Mr. Shepherd and Mr. Runyon were, however, allowed to go in and talk with the prisoner. The jailor is commended by all for his action.

Source: Logan County Banner, 17 April 1895.

***

Tennis Hatfield is reported on the sick list.

Source: Logan Democrat, 23 January 1913.

***

Tennis Hatfield, who has been confined to his room for several weeks, is improving under the care of Dr. Steele.

Source: Logan Democrat, 30 January 1913.

***

Tennis Hatfield who has been confined to his room for two months at Calico left last week for New River.

The many friends of Willis Hatfield here are glad to hear that Gov. Glasscock paroled him from a four year sentence at Moundsville for killing Dr. Thornhill in Wyoming county.

Source: Logan Democrat, 20 March 1913.

***

Mr. Hatfield caught five ground hogs Tuesday and said that it was not a good day for them either.

Source: Logan Democrat, 24 April 1913.

***

Joe Hatfield, of New River, visited his parents at Calico last week.

Source: Logan Democrat, 15 May 1913.

***

William Hatfield Injured LB 07.22.1927

Logan Banner, 22 July 1927.

***

HATFIELD HELD

Postmaster Willard Hatfield of Williamson was bound over to court yesterday following a row in which Police Officer Dewey Boaz was shot in the foot. Hatfield waived examination and his bond for $1,000 was signed by his father, Greenway Hatfield.

Source: Logan Banner, 5 August 1927.

***

Church Meeting at Anse Hatfield's Home LB 09.06.1927 1.JPG

Logan Banner, 6 September 1927.

Coal Company Set to Build New Town in Logan County, WV (1927)

25 Monday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Coal

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Appalachia, C&O Railroad, coal, Guyandotte River, Herald-Dispatch, history, Holden, Holden No. 22, Island Creek Coal Company, J.D. Francis, Logan County, Omar, Peytona Lumber Company, Tug Fork, West Virginia, Wiatt Smith, Y.M.C.A.

From a 1927 story printed in the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this interesting bit of history about Holden No. 22:

Island Creek Co. Plans Building of New Town

Contracts Will Be Let Within 30 Days For Houses, Highways and Also Tipple For Largest Mine In West Virginia, Says Vice President–May Spend $2,000,000.

Within the next year there will arise in one of the remote and hitherto inaccessible regions of Logan county, a new town. It will have a population approximating 2,000. It will have a Y.M.C.A., a community church, modern homes, paved streets, its own water system, electric lights–in fact, all of the modern conveniences. It will be connected by hard road with Logan, Holden and the great world beyond the mountains. At present, it has not even a name, writes Wiatt Smith for the Huntington Herald-Dispatch.

The new town is to arise at operation No. 22 of the Island Creek Coal Company.

Within the next 30 days, J.D. Francis, vice-president of the Island Creek Co., said Tuesday, contracts will be let for the erection of tipples, the building of houses, the paving of streets and the hard surfacing of seven miles of road which will connect the new community with Holden.

Operation No. 22 will represent when completed an additional investment on the part of Island Creek, ranging well beyond a million dollars, perhaps reaching two million, though Mr. Francis refused to hazard an estimate of definite figures.

For a number of months preparations for the opening of a new mine, which will be the largest in southern West Virginia, have been going forward. The two 400 foot shafts which will serve the mine are now nearly complete. The Chesapeake & Ohio is rapidly completing the four mile extension of the Pine creek branch which will provide an outlet for the coal produced. The Island Creek company is completing three miles of siding. Pete Minotti, the contractor, has finished grading the road from Holden to the mine.

By October, it is expected, the road will be surfaced, the town well under way and the great mine in operation. Output at the beginning will be small, as the number of workmen will be necessarily limited until the underground workings have been expanded by the removal of coal. The area to be worked is underlaid, experts say, with 50 or 60 million tons and the mining of the coal will, under normal conditions, require 50 years.

Work at the mine site in advance of the completion of the railroads has been made possible, Mr. Francis explained, by the use of the tram road of the Peytona Lumber company over which many thousands of tons of sand, gravel and supplies have been shipped. The completion of the railroad is awaited for the installation of the bulkier machinery and equipment.

The new rail extension will connect with the Chesapeake & Ohio’s Logan division main lines via Omar. The contact of the operative officials and the workers with the Island Creek center at Holden will be by means of the hard road, the construction of which, in itself represents something like an engineering adventure. For some three miles it follows the ridge that marks the crest of the watershed between the valleys of Guyandotte and Tug Rivers. Then it drops sharply to follow mountain side, hollow and creek valley to the mine operation.

Persons who have traveled the now graded road say that at points on the ridge it affords magnificent views which compare favorably with the most famous in the state. The road was graded and will be hard surfaced entirely at the expense of the coal company, which, in the preparations for its new development has followed the policy adopted many years ago when, upon the opening of its original operations, it established in Holden a mining community which was pointed out as a model throughout the United States.

Island Creek operation No. 22 will be the fifth shaft mine in West Virginia.

Source: Logan (WV) Banner, 25 March 1927.

Movie Production in Logan County, WV (1916)

24 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan

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Appalachia, Bennett Theatre, Colonial Theatre, history, J.T. Richardson, Logan, Logan County, Logan Democrat, Mountaineer Films Corporation, movies, Omar, The Heritage of the Hills, The Story of Aracoma, Triangle Motion Picture Company, Vistagraph Company, West Virginia

From the Logan Democrat of Logan, WV, come these stories of movie productions centered on Logan County in 1916:

“ARACOMA” PLEASES CRITICAL CROWDS

The showing of the film version of “The Story of Aracoma,” as produced in this section with home talent by the Mountaineer Films Corporation, at the Bennett theatre yesterday afternoon and night, and at the Colonial theatre today, has created somewhat of a furor among local movie audiences and the general impression is that the big five reel production is a worthy first effort and it has aroused the greatest interest in the future productions of the film organization.

Most of those who attended the exhibitions of the picture yesterday went in a super-critical mood, ever ready, as is generally the case with so-called home talent productions, to pick flaws and ridicule. However, there were not only soon converted to the fact that there are great possibilities in the local talent, but that the picture they had come to pick apart was really deserving of praise instead, and as a general rule they came away with their slight criticisms buried deep in spontaneous enthusiasm over what they had witnessed. The picture is a splendid first effort, especially when the drawbacks and production troubles incident to a performance of other days and types, is considered, even with the big companies and professional people, and but for the hazy impression given off that the film was rather hurriedly prepared and hardly close enough attention was given to the dramatic possibilities of the story, the offering is a delightful one and will pleas any audience.

The scenery afforded by these West Virginia hills is beautifully depicted and bountifully bears out the oft-repeated contention that no place in the broad universe is better suited to moving picture plays so far as scenic effects are concerned than the hills and dales of our own Logan county.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 2 November 1916.

***

TRIANGLE PICTURES REPRESENTATIVE HERE

J.T. Richardson, who is connected with the producing end of the famous Triangle motion pictures, spent Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Logan city and county looking over the situation with the view of securing topical locations for the use of his company, and conferring with Messrs. Reid and Schuster of the Vistagraph Company producing staff concerning their six reel feature “The Heritage of the Hills,” which is now being filmed in local settings.

Mr. Richarsdon visited Omar and other points in the county and was much impressed with the scenery to be found in this section, but he expressed the doubt that it could be made available to any great extent at this time by the larger companies owing to its inaccessibility and the large transportation expense. He did, however, pronounce it ideal for a home company, and was enthusiastic over the prospects of Vistagraph’s first release.

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 16 November 1916.

Chapmanville News 05.06.1927

06 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Chapmanville, Huntington, Logan

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Appalachia, Bernice Ward, Bertie Collins, C&O Railroad, Chapmanville, genealogy, Hassel Perdue, Henry Conley, history, Huntington, Kenneth Hilton, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mable Ferrell, Maxey Perdue, O.J. Moses, Omar, Phico, preacher, Route 10, Ruth Queen, Virginia Hurst, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on May 6, 1927:

Rev. Screeds of Omar preached at the Church of Christ Sunday morning and Sunday evening.

Miss Virginia Hurst of Logan spent the weekend here with Miss Click.

Miss Ruth Queen spent the weekend in Logan.

Miss Bernice Ward spent the weekend here with her mother.

Miss Bertie Collins has returned to Chapmanville after a few days absence.

Lamar seemed to be enjoying himself Saturday evening and Sunday. Who is she, Lamar?

Daily Scenes: Beulah on the road to Phico; Carrie coming to school; Jane looking cute; Hazel and John; Inez working in the post office; Lyle calling at the office; Kyle and his sweetie.

Mr. O.J. Moses was visiting his parents in Huntington Saturday and Sunday.

Mrs. Kenneth Hilton and daughter were in Logan Monday.

The Sunday school at the Christian church is progressing nicely.

Rev. Shrive preached two delightful sermons at the Christian church Sunday. The house was crowded.

Mr. and Mrs. Hassel Perdue and son Maxey were visitors in Logan Monday.

The work on both the state and county roads is progressing finely.

Henry Conley was injured Monday by a freight train. All wish him speedy recovery.

Wonder why Miss Mable Ferrell doesn’t attend Sunday school?

Good luck to The Banner and its readers.

Chapmanville News 04.15.1927

02 Saturday Dec 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Big Creek, Chapmanville

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Appalachia, Arnold Barker, Bernice Ward, Beulah Ballard, Big Creek, Blyss Toney, Chapmanville, Ella Mae Toney, Ella Toney, Fred Garrett, genealogy, Gladys Lowe, Hazel Saunders, Henlawson, history, Inez Barker, Jack Garrett, Kyle Ballard, Lemar Collins, Logan Banner, Logan County, Marie Lucas, Omar, Phico, Ravenswood, Red Ferrell, Ruby Saunders, Ruth Queen, Tracy Vickers, Walter Ferrell, Ward Ferrell, Wattie Workman, West Virginia

An unknown correspondent from Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia, offered the following items, which the Logan Banner printed on April 15, 1927:

Miss Bernice Ward entertained the Sunday school class at her home Saturday night. Those present were: Misses Ruby and Hazel Saunders, Beulah Ballard, Ella Mae Toney, Marie Lucas, Gladys Lowe, Inez Barker, Arnold Barker, Kyle Ballard, Ward Ferrell, Walter Ferrell, Lemar Collins, Fred and Jack Garrett, Wattie Workman, and Tracy Vickers. All reported a nice time.

Rev. Screeds of Omar preached at the Christian church Sunday forenoon and evening.

Miss Click spent Sunday in Henlawson.

Miss Ruth Queen spent the weekend in Big Creek.

Beulah looked rather downhearted Sunday. Wonder where her Phico friend was?

Miss Ella Toney and Blyss Toney made a business trip to Logan, Saturday.

Mr. Beamer who has been teaching here  left Friday for his home in Ravenswood.

Red Ferrell made a flying trip to ____ Sunday.

Frank Hutchison of Logan County, WV (1927)

14 Thursday Sep 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Logan, Music

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Appalachia, Frank Hutchison, guitar, history, Logan Banner, Logan County, music, Omar, Omar Theatre, Peach Creek, Peach Creek Theatre, photos, Stirrat, Stirrat Theatre, West Virginia

Frank Hutchinson LB 03.25.1927.JPG

Logan (WV) Banner, 25 March 1927

Corpse Found in River at Chapmanville, WV (1927)

13 Wednesday Sep 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Chapmanville, Guyandotte River, Huntington, Logan

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Appalachia, B.C. Harris, Branchland, Carlos Hatfield, Chapmanville, Chauncey, E.M. Jeffrey, genealogy, Guyandotte, Guyandotte River, Henlawson, history, Huntington, Island Creek, J.D. Parsley, J.F. May, Lincoln County, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Mud Fork, Omar, West Virginia, Williamson

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, we find the following story dated 29 March 1927:

All doubt as to the body of the woman found a mile above Chapmanville last Friday being that of Mrs. J.D. Parsley of Omar was removed that evening. Identification was positive on account of her wedding ring and her shoes.

So badly decomposed was the body, the flesh of the face having wasted away, that identification would have been impossible except for the ring or bits of clothing. In fact, its condition was such that it was recovered with sand at the place where found, after the identification was completed and after Undertaker B.C. Harris reached the scene, it being decided to await instructions from Mr. Parsley. The body had been in water more than three months, for it was on December 21 that she was drowned in the flooded waters of Main Island Creek near her home between Omar and Chauncey. From that point to the point where the  body was found is 22 miles, according to estimates of some deputy sheriffs who are familiar with Logan county distances.

Friday evening Mr. Parsley was located in Huntington, whither he had moved a few weeks ago to engage in the real estate business.

Mr. Parsley came to Chapmanville on the Saturday morning train, bringing a casket with him. Sunday the body was brought on a railway motor to Henlawson and then was taken by way of Charleston to Wayne county for burial. This was done because of the certainty the railway company would not transport the body from Chapmanville to  Huntington or to any other point on a passenger train.

Mr. Parsley, it is said, recognized a scar on his wife’s body–a scar left by a surgical operation.

The finder of the body was a Scarberry boy who lives near the place where it was found. It was lying near the shore, partly covered by silt, with the head wedged under a log or between two logs, according to reports heard here.

From the day of Mrs. Parsley’s tragic death till the body was found scandal-mongers busied themselves circulating reports that she had not drowned but had gone away of her own accord. As late as last Wednesday a Banner reporter was told that she was living in Guyandotte.

Concerning the drowning of Mrs. Parsley The Banner on Friday December 24 published the following account:

In the swollen waters of Main Island Creek Mrs. J.D. Parsley was drowned near her home between Omar and Chauncey at about 5:30 Tuesday evening.

Stepping into a necessary outbuilding that stood on the creek bank behind her home, the building suddenly toppled over and crashed into the swirling tide. Her screams were heard by several persons, among them Carlos Hatfield, a neighbor, who rushed to the rescue. When he reached the bank he saw Mrs. Parsley struggling in the water close to the shore and at the same time being carried swiftly forward by the stream. Just behind her was the building from which she had extricated herself. He waded into the waters and was almost within reach when the building turned over on her and shoved her beneath it out of sight. Before she reappeared on the surface she was too far down stream and too far out in the swift current for Hatfield to reach her.

Reports received here indicate that a son of E.M. Jeffrey of Omar was attracted to the scene and got a glimpse of either Mrs. Parsley or the building, or probably both, and followed along the bank until he saw the building crash into the bridge at Chauncey. The impact shattered the frail structure into pieces that were soon carried from view.

During the night and Wednesday forenoon searchers scanned the banks of the creek in what proved to be a futile effort to find the body.

Mrs. Parsley was nearing her 40th birthday. Her maiden name was Clay, according to her neighbors, and it is said her parents live at Branchland. She leaves no children, though Parsley is the father of several children by a previous marriage.

The Parsleys moved to the present home last August, when he leased a garage from Oscar Napier. This is located near the home of Dr. J.F. May and also close to the garage of Carlos Hatfield, previously mentioned as having tried to rescue the drowning woman. Before moving to the Omar-Chauncey neighborhood, Parsley had a grocery store at Mud Fork. At one time he was in the merchandise business at Williamson.

When the drowning occurred Parsley was at work in his garage. Word came to him that a woman had drowned, but it was half an hour or more before he realized that the victim was his own wife.

Source: “Body Found at Chapmanville is Identified as that of Mrs. Parsley Drowned at Omar on December 21,” Logan Banner, 29 March 1927.

***

Mrs. Parsley’s death record is found here: http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view2.aspx?FilmNumber=1953328&ImageNumber=3233

 

Food in the Logan Coal Fields (1921)

11 Monday Sep 2017

Posted by Brandon Ray Kirk in Barboursville, Coal, Holden, Huntington, Logan

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Appalachia, Barboursville, coal, history, Holden, Huntington, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Omar, West Virginia

From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, we find this story about food conditions in the Logan coal fields, dated 9 December 1921:

Seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables brighten the menu of the Logan field miner and his family just as they do the average householder in the larger cities. Visitors have noted with surprise that this is true–that even the most isolated mining communities, cut off from civilization by rugged mountains and difficult creek beds, have their fresh strawberries in season and make quite as much of an event of the canning period as do their northern neighbors.

But what the average visitor cannot know, unless he delves with unusual energy, is the cost in money and time which it means to have such products brought to the miner’s table from the produce centers of the country.

In the first place, many of the mines in the field live five, ten, fifteen and even twenty miles from the town of Logan. The roads in many cases are almost impassible. In others, there are no roads at all. It is common occurrence to use the creek bed as a thoroughfare. A rather hazardous feat, it appears to the visitors on his first trip, but he soon grows accustomed to this. At first he is inclined to cling tight to his seat as the motor truck plows through the shallow water over well rounded stones. The drivers think nothing of fording innumerable creeks. They have lost all solicitude for their tires. In fact, many of them aver that the tires last quite as long as they do on hard-paved roads and point to examples in the form of weather-beaten casing to prove that the usual 10,000 mile guarantee is not at all impossible of achievement in this difficult territory.

Sloshing along through creeks, alternating with mud roads which would bring a rattle to the finest car built they consider the trips to the mines with foodstuffs a mere routine. That it is more than routine, however, is graphically revealed by the wrecks along the roadside–broken-down trucks and motor cars, buggies and wagons.

The road to Holden, four miles from Logan, is a mud road most of the way, featured by innumerable sharp turns. That leading to the mine town of Omar covers nine miles of the most diversified transportation. In that nine miles one single creek must be forded eleven times, and often instead of crossing directly, motor trucks are forced to plow through the water for a considerable distance.

Some sixth sense apparently tells the driver where the “water road” lies, for to the casual observer one part of the creek is as good as another. All he can see is water and, beneath, a solid bed of white boulders. Time has worn them smooth. Sliding down the mud road into the creek bed the driver unerringly picks out the right route. It is as if he carried a sextant, for never, however many times he makes the trip, does he deviate in his course a yard.

Yet despite these difficulties in transportation it is comparatively cheap to get to any mine property in the Logan field. For a dollar, any of the buses operating from Logan, meeting all trains, will carry one to Omar, nine miles of difficult driving, while others take passengers 15 and 20 miles up the creeks for a slightly higher charge. For foodstuffs the cost is proportionately low. Drivers charge 25 to 42 cents per 100 pounds for first class freight to a point within 20 miles of Logan–and take every chance in the world of a breakdown. It is this low haulage charge which enables so many independent and company stores at the mines to meet the prices of retailers in large cities, and it is the dependability of this method of motor transportation which enables them to carry fresh fruits and vegetables in season to tickle the palates of the miners and their numerous progeny. Anyone who imagines that sow-belly and beans constitute the main diet of the miner has never seen the adequate stocks of merchandise kept by mining community establishments.

If there were not enough difficulties in the path of transportation of foods to the mines, the trip from the outside to Logan would provide enough more. Logan is unfortunate in that there are no through freight rates to it. Huntington, the State’s natural distributing point by reason of railroad facilities, does not figure in the traffic to Logan. Merchandise destined for this field must be reshipped at Barboursville, a junction point near Huntington, and this adds a freight charge of from 30 to 40 cents per 100 pounds. Adding this to the cost of haulage by truck to the mines, the differential in favor of the consumers in large cities mounts up. Yet, with all these barriers, prices in the mine towns are low–the result of keen competition and of quantity buying.

Source: “Camps Have the Best of Food: Despite Shipping Obstacles Miners Have Same Food as Their City Neighbors,” Logan (WV) Banner, 9 December 1921.

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Feud Poll 1

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

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Feud Poll 2

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

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Feud Poll 3

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

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What do you think caused Ed Haley to lose his sight when he was three years old?

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