Dr. J.T. Ferrell of Chapmanville, WV
03 Saturday Dec 2022
Posted Chapmanville
in03 Saturday Dec 2022
Posted Chapmanville
in08 Tuesday Oct 2019
Posted Ashland, Coal, Guyandotte River, Man, Poetry
inTags
Appalachia, Ashland, author, authors, coal, Guyandotte Valley, history, Kentucky, Logan Banner, Logan County, physician, poems, poetry, Thomas Dunn English, Three Forks, Viola Ann Runyon, West Virginia, writers, writing
From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history about Veola Ann Runyon, authoress-poet of Logan County. The story is dated January 13, 1922:
LOGAN COUNTY HAS AN AUTHORESS-POET
Mrs. Veola Ann Runyon, of Three Forks, Has Had Much of Her Work Published.
We never know in what nook or corner we may find unknown talent or beneath what bushel measure we may and a shining light unless, perchance, we may trip across a clue that may lead us to a welcome discovery. Such was the case with a representative of The Banner on a recent trip to Three Forks, when he fortunately learned of the presence there of Mrs. Veola Anne Runyon, a poet and talented writer of fact and fiction.
Mrs. Runyon was born in Ashland, Ky. Her grandfather was a French physician and author. From him she derived the gifted talent at at the early age of sixteen she began writing stories and for the past ten years she has been a regular contributor to several of the largest magazines of our country. She has in preparation at the present time a romance which will be happily connected with the coal mining industry, while she has in the hands of her publisher two other books, one dealing with scientifical and botanical work and the other on entomological facts.
The story now in preparation will be eagerly sought by all readers in Logan County, due to the fact that part of the plot will be based upon knowledge gained within this county. Mrs. Runyon was requested by her publishers to write a story closely connected with the mining industry and so not knowing the details connected with the industry she came to Three Forks, and while stopping at the Club House there she is gathering facts that will prove invaluable in her latest work.
Mrs. Runyon is a gifted writer and is filled with the love of the work. She is also deeply interested in botanical work and the study of nature. Through persuasion we were able to secure some of her poems for publication in The Banner, and we are pleased to announce that arrangements have been made with her for regular contributions to the columns of this paper.
Her presence here will recall to mind another author who came to Logan County in years gone by. Dr. Thos. Dunn English recognized the beauty of these mountains and the nearness of true nature and came here during the period between 1850 and 1860. Some of his poems deal with life in the Guyan Valley.
With her ability and fluency of language, Mrs. Runyon should find in these grand majestic mountains and wonderful natural beauty an invaluable aid to inspiration that will enable her to complete a wonderful story that should attract the favorable attention of the most critical.
Note: I cannot locate any biographical information for this writer. Three Forks, according to one source, is also known as Saunders (Buffalo Creek).
04 Monday Mar 2019
Posted Civil War, Pecks Mill
inTags
129th Regiment Virginia Militia, 12th Regiment Virginia Militia, Abner Vance, Adam Browning, Appalachia, Barney Carter, Big Creek, Calvary Hatfield, Chapmanville District, Charles Staton, civil war, David Mullins, Eli Gore, Evans Ferrell, genealogy, George Avis, George Bryant, Gilbert Creek, Gordon Riffe, Granville Riffe, Green A. Clark, Guyandotte River, Hardy District, Harts Creek, Harvey Ellis, history, Huff's Creek, Jack Dempsey, James H. Hinchman, James J. Hinchman, John Chapman, John DeJournett, John Dempsey, John Hager, John Hatfield, John Starr, Joseph B. Browning, Joseph Hinchman, Logan Banner, Logan County, Louis White, Magnolia District, Martin Doss, Mingo County, Nathan Elkins, Pecks Mill, physician, Reece Browning, Triadelphia District, Ulysses Hinchman, Union District, Virginia, West Virginia, Wheeling, William Dempsey, William McDonald, William Stollings, Wyoming County
From the Logan Banner of Logan, WV, comes this bit of history for Logan County printed on November 3, 1936:
Time-Dimmed Record of Early Logan County Families in 1852-1877 Period in Old Books Found at Pecks Mill
Thumbing the now-dimmed pages of a yellowed book which recently came to light in old Peck’s Mill, members of Logan county’s oldest families may read in a painstakingly-kept record of the years 1852 to 1877 how their forefathers were brought into the world, married, educated, governed.
The record is written in pen and ink with the quaint flourishes and old-fashioned double letters of the 1800s by James J. Hinchman, who was clerk of the 12th regiment of the Virginia militia from 1852 to 1858; and by one, Ulysses Hinchman, who was clerk of the 129th regiment from 1858 to the Civil War; and later pastor, doctor, and trader.
The first entry, dated Nov. 3, 1852, records the meeting “at the house of Wm. McDonald near the mouth of Huffs Creek” of the Twelfth regiment of the Virginia militia in the days when Logan county was the property of Virginia.
Among the officers present were Major John Hager and Capt. James J. Hinchman, who was also clerk.
Most of the records at the first, which deal entirely with the regiment, are devoted to the salaries paid for “drumming and fifing,” the fines of 50 cents each for failure to report at meetings, and the excuse of members from duty “because of physical infirmities.”
Among the interesting entries is one relating, it is believed, to an ancestor of ex-champion Jack Dempsey, which reads:
“William Dempsey for fifing one day in Capt. Miller’s company.”
Two dollars, according to numerous accounts, was the regular salary paid for a day of fifing or drumming. For three days training, officers received $10.
Among regiment members mentioned are Calvary Hatfield and Reece Browning, forefathers of the Hatfield and Browning families of today.
On Sept. 10, 1858, the record is transferred to that of the 129th and is kept by Ulysses Hinchman. His first entry tells of a meeting at which John De Journett was elected colonel; K. McComas, first major; Reece Browning, second major; and Ulysses Hinchman, clerk. Officers attending were Captains George Avis, James H. Hinchman, John Starr, John Hatfield, John Chapman, and Barnabus Carter; and Lieutenants Martin Doss, George Bryant, Granville Riffe, Louis White, Charles Staton and Green A. Clark.
Interesting in these pages are the forming of new companies in which the names of the creeks and localities are for the most part the same as today. Among the familiar names are Huffs, Gilbert, Harts and Big Creek, Guyandotte river, and Trace Fork.
There is no mention of the Civil War, but it is mutely attested to by two entries, the first, dated 1862 at the bottom of one page and the second dated 1866 at the top of the next, which read:
“Apr. 5, 1862—Abner Vance and Nathan Elkins received their claims.
1866—Rec’d of Eli Gore, county treasurer for my last year’s services, $50.
“Ulysses Hinchman, superintendent of schools.”
The next year, we are gratified to learn, his salary has increased to $300.
We learn that Logan, which then included Mingo and Wyoming counties, was at that time composed of five districts, Union, Triadelphia, Hardy, Chapmanville, and Magnolia; and that the county’s finances were all handled through Wheeling, then the only city of size in West Virginia.
The records contain long lists of certificates awarded to teachers for $1, among the recipients being John Dempsey, Eli Gore, Joseph Hinchman, Harvey Ellis and Evans Ferrell.
In the midst of the records of 1866 and ’67 we come upon the terse paragraph which informs that:
“The sheriff failed to settle for taxes of 1861.”
The board of education’s budget for 1869 was $2077.60 and was apportioned to these clerks of the various townships; Union, David Mullins; Triadelphia, Gordon Riffe; Magnolia, Joseph B. Browning; Hardy, Adam Browning; and Chapmanville, Wm. Stollings. Increased expenses that year made it necessary to levy a tax of “5 cents on $100.”
An enumeration of all children “between the ages of 6 and 21” in 1868 totaled 2139.
In 1871, our patient scribe becomes “Dr. U.S. Hinchman” and the record his personal account book. We learn much of the practices and hardships of the first country doctors and that his troubles in collecting the pitifully small fees of those days were as great as those of any “specialist” of today.
Dr. Hinchman had no set rates, but based on his charges upon the number of miles traveled (usually 50 cents per mile); the number of days and nights spent, and—quite evidently—the circumstances of his patient.
His customary charge for a delivery, if it chanced to come in the day time, appeared to be $5.50; but if the child arrived in the night and required many miles of travel it was a more expensive proposition—the fees sometimes reaching as high as $9.
The birth of one of these $9 babies is graphically recorded as follows:
“Labor two nights and days–$7
10 miles at 50 cents–$5
Administering–$1
Received $5.”
The doctor’s highest charge was one of $10 on a case which required three days and nights.
Interspersed freely with the accounts of births, and sicknesses are frequent entries of marriages at $2 each.
Toward the last of the book, in 1877, the author’s handwriting becomes more labored and the fine shadings and flourishing gradually disappear—evidence that his years of soldiering, school teaching, and doctoring were taking their toll.
At this time, too, he begins to record not only his receipts, but his expenditures and trades, and we read, not without envy, of purchases of “one bushel of sweet potatoes, 50 cents,” and “one and a half bushel of Irish potatoes, 75 cents.”
One of the last entries, dated Aug. 1877, tells of his receiving for his professional services a large amount of coffee which he traded for $5 cash, a suit, and a round of shoes,” the latter evidently referring to horseshoes.
As, regretfully, we close the book; we feel that we know that patient and prolific old settler of Logan County, Ulysses Hinchman—his honor as a soldier and officer, his strict accounting of himself as a public official, his hardships and struggles as a country doctor; and through all, his conscientious, faithful keeping of records. And we share, with his descendants, a great pride in him.
Somehow we know that when, with failing hand, he concluded his long accounts in another book; his record was clear and straight—his house was in order.
12 Wednesday Dec 2018
Posted Logan
inTags
Appalachia, Bird Buskirk, Guy M. Dingess, Guyan Drug Store, history, J.V. Buskirk, John Lee Buskirk, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, merchant, Peter Dingess, photos, physician, West Virginia
Peter Dingess, who owned the original photo, allowed the Logan Banner to publish it in 1937. Peter, who appears in the photo, was two years old. Guy M. Dingess and wife are standing in the downstairs doorway. J.V. Buskirk is standing to the right in front of the window. John Lee Buskirk is sitting in the upstairs doorway, while Bird Buskirk (later a physician) is standing in the upstairs doorway. This store was located where Guyan Drug Store stood in 1937.
01 Saturday Apr 2017
Posted Big Sandy Valley, Logan
inTags
50 Years A Mountain-Country Doctor, Appalachia, Aracoma, Chloe Ann Lawson, genealogy, George W. Lawson, history, Lebanon, Lebanon Medical College, Logan, Logan County Banner, medicine, merchant, Mouth of Sycamore, Ohio, physician, Sidney B. Lawson, West Virginia
Dr. Sidney B. Lawson, son of Dr. George W. and Chloe Ann (Robertson) Lawson. Dr. Lawson (1867-1953) began practicing medicine in Aracoma (Logan) in 1894. For more information about his life, read his autobiography: Fifty Years A Mountain-Country Doctor (self-published, Logan, WV: 1941).
Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 18 September 1890.
Logan County Banner (Logan, WV), 18 December 1890.
29 Wednesday Mar 2017
Posted Hamlin, Huntington
inTags
Appalachia, Fred B. Lambert, genealogy, Hamlin, history, Huntington, life, Lincoln County, Marshall University, McMaster's Hospital, medicine, Morrow Library, physician, W.W. Baker, West Virginia, Wheeling, William Ward Baker
Dr. W.W. Baker (1841-1920) of Hamlin, Lincoln County, WV. Photo copyright: Fred B. Lambert Papers, Special Collections Department, James E. Morrow Library, Marshall University, Huntington, WV. https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=47399295
Huntington (WV) Advertiser, 19 November 1898.
28 Tuesday Feb 2017
Tags
Anthony Headley, Appalachia, Ballard Headley, Benjamin F. Headley, Caleb D. Headley, Caleb Headley, Caleb S. Headley, Catlettsburg, Christian Church, civil war, commissioner of revenue, Elisha Headley, Elizabeth J. Headley, Elizabeth Jane Farley, Fourteen, Fourteen Mile Creek, genealogy, George W. Headley, Guyandotte River, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Ida Cosby Fry, Johnny Headley, justice of the peace, Kentucky, Lincoln County, Logan County, Margaret Headley, Methodist Church, Nancy Headley, Pennsylvania, physician, Sarah A. Headley, Sarah Headley, Sulphur Spring Fork, Thomas Headley, Thomas J. Headley, Union Army, Virginia, West Virginia, Wetzel County, Will Headley, William Farley
From “Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Caleb Headley, who resided at Fourteen in Lincoln County, West Virginia:
Has for nearly fifty years been a practicing physician. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, and his parents Thomas and Sarah (Asher) Headley, are both deceased. Caleb Headley has been twice married, his first wife, Nancy Wright, a Pennsylvanian, left him eight children: Elizabeth J., born June 2, 1829; Thomas J., November 23, 18931; Sarah A., December 8, 1833; Caleb S., March 30, 1838; George W., May 21, 1839; Benjamin F., May 31, 1841; Anthony, June 3, 1844; Elisha, born August 1, 1850. Mr. Headley was again married in Catlettsburg, Kentucky, to Sarah A. Farley, and the children of this union number six, born as follows: John T., April 20, 1867; Ida C., March 23, 1869; Caleb D., February 22, 1872; William F., August 25, 1875; Margaret, March 28, 1878; Ballard C., April 14, 1880. Mrs. Headley was born in Logan county, (now) West Virginia, May 26, 1849, and her parents, William and Elizabeth Jane (Clark) Farley, settled in Lincoln county in 1844. Caleb Headley came to Lincoln county in 1866, and is now a prosperous farmer, owning 600 acres of good land on Fourteen-mile creek, a portion of which is heavily timbered with oak, poplar and pine; coal and iron ore in abundance. There is a fine sulphur spring upon the land, on the creek three miles from Guyan river, which has been visited by people from many parts of the United States, and it is pronounced of excellent medicinal quality by all. Dr. Headley was commissioner of revenue one term, and was justice of the peace sixteen years in Wetzel county, West Virginia. He was in the late war, and ranked as captain of a company. Dr. Headley was a member of the Methodist Church for forty years, but on coming to Lincoln county, there was no church of that denomination, and he united with the Christian Church. His father was also a physician for many years. Direct mail to Fourteen, Lincoln county, West Virginia.
Source: The West Virginia Encyclopedia, Vol. 7 (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), p. 135.
Note: Caleb Headley is my great-great-great-grandfather through his daughter, Ida Cosby (Headley) Fry.
20 Sunday Nov 2016
Posted Chapmanville, Logan
inTags
Appalachia, C.H. Gore, Elizabeth Conley, genealogy, H.H. Bryan, history, Jefferson Hale, John Fon Conley, Logan, Logan County, physician, West Virginia
Source: C.H. Gore, Sheriff v. Elizabeth Conley et al, File No. 47, Case No. 2, Logan County Circuit Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV.
22 Monday Jun 2015
Posted Logan
inTags
Annie French, Appalachia, Bland County, Carter County, Concord Normal School, Continental Army, David Eaton, Elizabeth French, Ella L. French, genealogy, Giles County, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Ireland, Isaac French, John Hoge, Kentucky, Logan, Logan County, Martha French, Mary Ann Wilburn, Mathew French, Millard F. French, Montgomery County, Patterson Wilburn, physician, R. Moss French, Revolutionary War, Rhoda French, Richmond, Richmond Medical College, Tazewell County, Thomas Pullion, U.S. South, Virginia, Virginia and Virginians, West Virginia, William Henderson French
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.
08 Friday May 2015
Posted Logan
inTags
Blaine, doctor, genealogy, Green McNeely, history, J.M. Moore, Kentucky, life, Logan, Logan Banner, Logan County, Matewood Moore, physician, W.F. Farley, West Virginia
Logan Banner, Logan, WV, 4 June 1903
22 Wednesday Apr 2015
Posted Logan
inTags
Andrew S. Bryan, Bath County, Bettie E. Bryan, Botetourt County, civil war, Covington, Cyrus Bryan, doctor, Elizabeth J. Bryan, genealogy, George E. Bryan, George E. Bryan Jr., Helen E. Bryan, Henry H. Bryan, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Hugh Bryan, Jane Bryan, Jefferson Medical College, John Dejernett, Kentucky, Logan, Logan County, Mary Bryan, Mary J. Bryan, Mary W. Bryan, Nancy E. Bryan, Nancy M. Bryan, Neddie Bryan, Ohio Medical College, physician, R.A. Brock, Randolph County, Russell J. Bryan, Russell L. Bryan, Samuel Leman, Virginia, Virginia and Virginians, West Virginia, William H. Bryan
From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Dr. Henry H. Bryan, who resided at Logan, West Virginia:
At the present time one of the most prominent members of his profession in the State of West Virginia, was born in Logan county, W.Va., April 28, 1852; he attended three years full course at the Ohio Medical College, after which he practiced medicine during nine years; then attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, from which he graduated in 1882; on the 26th of November, 1884, he was joined in holy matrimony with Miss Bettie E. Lemon, who was born in Randolph county, W.Va., Feb. 8, 1863; the ceremony was performed in Randolph county by Rev. Bryan. Of this union two sons have been born: Neddie, April 14, 1886, and Russell L., Aug. 17, 1888. Dr. H.H. Bryan, with his interesting family, resides at Logan C.H., in one of the most beautiful homes in Logan county, and also owns a place in the mining flats of Randolph county. He is prominent not only for his professional skill, but for the readiness and cordiality with which he responds to the continued and extensive calls that are made upon him, and for the magnitude of his charity. As physician and as citizen he is honored and beloved wherever he is known. His ancestry for the past two generations is thus traced: Dr. Hugh Bryan, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Rockbridge county, Va., Oct. 2, 1801; he married Nancy M. Sawyers, who was born in Alleghany county, Va., in 1796. Dr. Hugh Bryan served as army surgeon during the late war; he died in Logan county, W.Va., March 1, 1870; his widow survived him but a short time, dying in the same county June 25, 1870. The records of the offspring of this couple are as follows: Mary J., born June 8, 1823, married to John Dejernett April 16, 1850; William H., Nov. 11, 1824, married Jane Titzer Aug. 1, 1855; an infant, June 18, 1826, lived only a few hours; Cyrus P., June 28, 1827, married to Mary W. Scott July 13, 1856; George E., Oct. 24, 1829, married to Mary Casebolt, June 4, 1851; Mathew J., Dec. 28, 1832, died Aug. 5, 1857; Andrew S., Sept. 6, 1835, married to Mary J. Dingess Oct. 15, 1856. George E. Bryan is a native of Covington, Va.; his wife of Ky. They are parents of the following sons and daughters: Dr. Henry H. Bryan, subject of this record; Nancy E., born Jan. 31, 1854; Russell J., born Dec. 12, 1856; George E., Jr., born Feb. 9, 1861; and Helen E., born Oct. 14, 1865. Dr. Henry H. Bryan’s wife is a daughter of Samuel Leman, who was born in Botetourt county, Va., in 1814; was married in Bath county, Va., in 1849, to Elizabeth J. Wood, who was born in that county in 1829; they are now living in Randolph county, Va.
Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 820-821
15 Sunday Feb 2015
Posted Barboursville, Cemeteries, Lincoln County Feud
inTags
Appalachia, Barboursville, Blood in West Virginia, book, books, Cabell County, doctor, history, Lincoln County Feud, photos, physician, Virginus R. Moss, West Virginia
Dr. V.R. Moss was one of two physicians who treated Hollena Brumfield after her ambush. Earlier today, I visited his grave at Barboursville Cemetery in Barboursville, WV.
Dr. V.R. Moss was one of two physicians who treated Hollena Brumfield after her ambush. Earlier today, I visited his grave at Barboursville Cemetery in Barboursville, WV.
25 Thursday Dec 2014
Posted Logan
inTags
Appalachia, Aracoma, author, Ben Bolt, Henry Clay Ragland, history, lawyer, Logan, Logan County, Logan County Banner, New Jersey, Newark, physician, poet, statesman, Thomas Dunn English, West Virginia, writer
Thomas Dunn English obituary, Logan County (WV) Banner, 13 March 1902
Writings from my travels and experiences. High and fine literature is wine, and mine is only water; but everybody likes water. Mark Twain
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