Tag Archives: Virginia

Squire Toney Deed to Richard Leander Ferrell (1851)

02 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by in Chapmanville, Guyandotte River

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Squire Toney to Richard Leander Ferrell 1851 1

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

Squire Toney to Richard Leander Ferrell 1851 2

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

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

02 Thursday Nov 2017

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

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

Logan Wildcats 1900.jpg

Logan Wildcats Reunion, Chapmanville, WV, 1900.

Confederate Reunion

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

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

***

OLD SOLDIERS MEET

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following veterans were present at roll call:

William H. Ellis

J.E. Acord

T.B. Farley

J.K. McNeeley

N.B. Barker

Simpson Ellis

J.E. Thompson

J.C. Chapman

George Bryant

J.H. Allen

John Wallen

Obadiah Workman

John G. Jeffrey

J.W. Harvey

M.L. Campbell

J.I. Dingess

J.S. Miller

M.D. Stone

David Hale

Hiram Pridemore

William Nelson

J.W. Blevins

Calvin Bias

Francis Collins

David Workman

L.D. Stollings

W.D. Garrett

L.D. Perry

Albert McNeeley

Henry Mitchell

John W. Holdron

Sol Adams

B.F. Curry

David K. White

Harrison White

Isaac McNeeley

Bolivar McDonald

John W. Neece

Greene Thompson

F.B. McDonald

W. Farmer

W.D. McNeeley

Anthony Bryant

Alvis Hall

Reuben White

F.S. Vickers

William White

J.B. Lowe

Patterson Dingess

W.H. Whitman

Daniel J. Smoot

Fulton D. Ferrell

Astynax McDonald

T.C. Conley

Beverley Spencer

George R. Scaggs

Respectfully submitted,

Charles E. Whitman

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 8 June 1911

***

Camp Straton Reunion LB 09.19.1913 4.JPG

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

Confederate Reunion

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

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

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

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

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

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

M.D. Stone, Commandant.

Astyanax McDonald, First Lieut.

Jas. I. Dingess, Second Lieut.

Geo. Scaggs, Third Lieut.

Hugh Avis, Orderly Sergeant.

Jas. R. Henderson, Adjutant.

W.D. Garrett, Chaplin.

Jas. Allen, Assistant Chaplin.

Privates

Isaac McNeeley

William C. Lucas

L.D. Perry,

F.M. Collins

Hiram Pridemore

Marion McCoy

Boss Mangus

M.A. Doss

Anse Hatfield

E.J. Stone

Ben Curry

R.F. Hager

F.D. Ferrell

Noah Barker

Simpson Ellis

John Dempsey

David Hicks

Beverly Spencer

Jas. C. Varney

John A. Lawson

Dave White

Alvin Hall

Joe Lowe

Henry C. Runyon

David Hale

Jas. Marcum

Christopher Davis

Joseph Evans

Lewis Brewster

Joseph Wm. Spence

C.A. Staten

Wm. D. Nelson

Joe A. Counts

Richard McCallister

Allen J. Sheppard

Moses D. Tiller

J.A. Ellis

J.K. McNeely

Hubbard Williams

Rush Floyd

Anthony Bryant

W.H. Whitman

M.A. Robinson

E.S. Vickers

Levi Lowe

I.G. Berry

Bolliver McDonald

A.J. Perry

Wm. L. Stollings

J.A. Chapman

N.B. Sanders

Wesley Reed

Henry Mitchell

John Thompson

Gord Riffe

Floyd S. Barker

N.B. Moberly

Wm. N. Stone

S.P. Vernatter

J.W. Martin

Jalin White

 

Green Thompson

J.W. Dempsey

L.D. Stone

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

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

***

Camp Straton

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

OFFICERS

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

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

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

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

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

David Hale, color bearer, City.

Hiram Pridemore, color bearer, City.

PRIVATES

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

James Blevins, Curry, W.Va.

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

Hubbard Williams, Logan, W.Va.

William Cary, Logan, W.Va.

Allen Hale, East Lynn, W.Va.

Hiram Burgess, Rolfe, W.Va.

Guy Lawson, Foley, W.Va.

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

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

Moses Tiller, Music, W.Va.

Lewis Cary, Williamson, W.Va.

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

Andy Lee, Logan, W.Va.

John Messer, Breading, W.Va.

John A. Thompson, Chapmanville, W.Va.

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

Source: Logan (WV) Democrat, 2 November 1911

***

Confederate Reunion

To Confederate Veterans, Camp Straton:

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

M.D. Stone, Commandant

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

***

Notice

To Members Camp Logan Wild Cats:

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

A.W. McDonald,

Commandant

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

***

Confederate Reunion

To Confederate Veterans, Camp Straton:

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

M.D. Stone,

Commandant

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

***

Confederate Reunion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

M.D. Stone, Commandant

Astynanyx McDonald, First lieutenant

James I. Dingess, Second lieutenant

Geo. Scaggs, Third lieutenant

Hugh Avis, Orderly Sergeant

James R. Henderson, Adjutant

W.D. Garrett, Chaplain

Jas. Allen, Asst. chaplain

Privates:

Isaac McNeely

David Hale

Wm. C. Lucas

Joseph Evans

L.D. Berry

James Marcum

F.M. Collins

Lewis Brewster

Hiram Pridemore

Jos. Wm. Spence

C.A. Staten

Marion McCoy

Boss Mangus

Wm. D. Nelson

M.A. Doss

Joe Accords

Hiram Burgess

Richard McCallister

John R. McCoy

Allen J. Sheppard

Anse Hatfield

Moses D. Tiller

E.J. Stone

J.A. Ellis

Ben Curry

W.E. Cary

Riley F. Hager

J.K. McNeely

F.D. Ferrell

Hubbard Williams

Noah Barker

Rush Floyd

Simpson Ellis

Anthony Bryant

John Dempsey

W.H. Whitman

David Hicks

M.A. Robinson

Beverlly Spencer

F.S. Vickers

Jas. C. Varney

Levi Lowe

John A. Lawson

I.G. Berry

Dave White

Boliver McDonald

A.J. Perry

Alvin Hall

Joe Lowe

J.C. Chapman

Wm. L. Stollings

H.C. Runyon

Christopher Davis

N.B. Sanders

Wesley Reed

Floyd S. Barker

Henry Mitchell

W.B. Moberly

John Thompson

Wm. N. Stone

Gordon Riffe

S.P. Vernatter

J.W. Martin

Green Thompson

John White

J.W. Dempsey

L.D. Starr

Anse Farley

W.E. Carey

T.B. Farley

John Messer

Joseph Mitchell

Harmon White

Harrison White

Luke Curry

J.W. Blevins

L.D. Stollings

Gord F. Lilly

John Wallen

H.H. Ray

Obed Workman

Calvin Bias

Mat Pauley

William H. Ellis

Reuben P. White

J.S. Miller

Andy Lee

George Crump

John W. Haldron

Wm. Blackburn

Thos. H. Harvey

L.D. Chambers

Aaron Adkins

Giles Davis

J.R. Miller

Wayne B. Ferguson

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

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

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

***

Notice

To The Sons of Veterans:

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

Don Chafin.

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

***

Confederate Reunion

Veterans of Camp Straton.

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

Program of exercises will be given out in due time.

M.D. Stone, Commander

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

***

Camp Straton Reunion LB 09.19.1913 1.JPG

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

NOTICE

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

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

Our Camp is entitled to three delegates and three alternates.

Your fraternally,

M.D. Stone, Commandant

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

Camp Straton Reunion LB 04.24.1914 6.JPG

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

Hamilton Fry Deed to Thomas Dunn English (1852)

01 Wednesday Nov 2017

Posted by in Big Ugly Creek, Guyandotte River

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Hamilton Fry to Thomas Dunn English 1852 1

Deed Book C, page 270, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. I descend from three of Hamilton Fry’s siblings: Christian Fry, Emily Fry, and Druzilla Fry. Thomas Dunn English was a well-known poet. This land is located in present-day Lincoln County, WV.

Hamilton Fry to Thomas Dunn English 1852 2

Deed Book C, page 271, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. I live on part of the old Elias Adkins farm.

History of Coal (1927)

29 Sunday Oct 2017

Posted by in American Revolutionary War, Coal

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

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

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

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

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

[cropped]

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

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

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

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

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

Douglas Branch (2017)

26 Thursday Oct 2017

Posted by in Boone County, Cemeteries, Ferrellsburg, Giles County, Green Shoal, Lincoln County Feud, Women's History

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Douglas Branch, located in present-day Ferrellsburg, Lincoln County, WV, was named for Jacob Douglas, husband of Sallie Fry, who settled in the area by 1829-30 from Giles County, Virginia. Mr. Douglas, born about 1804, appears in the 1830 Logan County Census. In 1850, he lived in Boone County. He died in 1855 in Gilmer County.

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Enos “Jake” and Leticia “Lettie” McKibbon (Toney) Adkins were early residents of Douglas Branch. Following the Haley-McCoy murders at the mouth of Green Shoal in 1889, Al Brumfield rode up this hollow and spent the night under a beech tree. In the early 1920s, my great-great-grandfather Emery Mullins just up this hollow and to the left.

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Emma Jane (Hager) Adkins was the daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Jane (Dalton) Hager. On July 14, 1888, she married Albert G. Adkins, a son of Jake and Lettie Adkins. Adkins-Davis Family Cemetery, Douglas Branch, Lincoln County, WV. 21 October 2017. Photo by Mom.

Price Lucas Indenture (1851)

23 Monday Oct 2017

Posted by in Little Harts Creek

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Price Lucas Document 1851 1.JPG

Deed Book C, page 261, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Price Lucas, the son of John and Mary (Fry) Lucas, is my great-great-great-great-grandfather. This land is located in present-day Lincoln County, WV.

Big Creek Regular Baptist Church (1850)

20 Friday Oct 2017

Posted by in Big Creek, Ferrellsburg

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Elias Adkins and Regular Baptist Church at Big Creek 1850 1

Deed Book C, page 231, Logan County Clerk’s Office, Logan, WV. Elias Adkins, son of Hezekiah and Mary (Levon) Adkins, oversaw a plantation at present-day Ferrellsburg, Lincoln County, WV.

Narrows, VA (2017)

25 Monday Sep 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to Burke’s Garden, VA (2015)

16 Saturday Sep 2017

Posted by in Native American History, Tazewell County

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Burke’s Garden, Tazewell County, VA. October 2015. Photo by Mom.

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Burke’s Garden, Tazewell County, VA. October 2015.

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Burke’s Garden, Tazewell County, VA. October 2015. James Patton, referenced on this historical marker, is my direct ancestor through his daughter, Mary (Patton) Thompson.

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Burke’s Garden, Tazewell County, VA. October 2015.

Giles County Courthouse in Pearisburg, VA (2017)

09 Saturday Sep 2017

Posted by in American Revolutionary War, Civil War, Giles County

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Giles County Courthouse. August 2017.

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Pearisburg Historical Marker. August 2017.

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Revolutionary War Memorial at Giles County Courthouse. August 2017. Several of my ancestors are listed on this memorial. Photo by Mom.

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Pearisburg, VA. August 2017.

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Pearisburg, VA. August 2017.

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Capt. George Pearis. August 2017.

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“Action at Giles Court House,” by Kathryn Delaney (2006). August 2017.

William Lucas, Revolutionary War Veteran of Giles County, VA

20 Sunday Aug 2017

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

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

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Pension Application of William Lucas (R6507 VA)

***

Logan County November the 9th 1832

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

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

***

Giles County To Wit [18 Jan 1833]

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

James hisXmark Johnston

***

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

Parker hisXmark Lucas

***

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

***

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

Thomas hisXmark Farley

***

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

William hisXmark Lucas

***

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

Parker Lucas Sr

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

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

***

Virginia Cabell County to wit

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

Hezekiah Adkins

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

***

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

William hisXmark Lucas

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

***

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

Agent of pension

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Battle of Curry Farm (1864)

19 Wednesday Jul 2017

Posted by in Civil War, Hamlin

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This entry compiles information relating to the Battle or Skirmish at Curry Farm, which occurred as part of the War Between the States in May of 1864 at Hamlin in present-day Lincoln County, WV. It is a working entry and will be updated based on the discovery of new information.

On May 29, 1864, Confederates commanded by Captain John L. Chapman of Company B, 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry, attacked a detachment of the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, Company G, commanded by 1st Lt. John W. Harshbarger at Curry Farm near Hamlin in present-day Lincoln County. H.H. Hardesty’s History of Lincoln County, West Virginia, compiled in c.1883, provides the only known account of the battle: “The Federals had marched from Hurricane Bridge and were proceeding up Mud river when they were fired upon by the Confederates, who were concealed on the opposite side of the river. The Federal commander at once ordered a charge and the Confederates retreated without loss. The Federals had one killed, a man named Mathias Kayler from Raleigh county, and two wounded — one being Isaac Jackson, who was shot through the left arm; and another, a member of Company K” (98-99).

Prior to the battle, on May 10, 1864, Capt. John Chapman had been sent with a detachment of dismounted men from the area of Russell County, Virginia, into Cabell and Logan counties “to gather up absentees and deserters from the 34th Battalion” (Cole, 80). Capt. Chapman had been wounded in action at Brandy Station, Virginia, on August 14, 1863 and at Blountsville, Tennessee, on March 10, 1864 (Cole, 147).

Isaac Jackson, one of the two Union soldiers wounded at Curry Farm, was a private in Company G, 3rd WV Cavalry, formerly commanded by Captain John S. Witcher (who had been promoted to major in April 1864). Hardesty cites Mr. Jackson as “wounded in action at Currys Farm, May 29, 1864” (98). Following the battle, on July 6, 1864, 1st Lt. Harshbarger was promoted to captain of Company G. On December 7, 1864, an Adjutant General’s Report shows Company G, 3rd WV Cavalry, stationed near Winchester, VA. The muster roll shows 108 names, citing Private Isaac Jackson as “Wounded in skirmish, May 5, 1864. In hospital since this date.” (Note how this record provides a different date of his wounding from the date provided by Hardesty, who compiled his history about 1881.) http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~wvwayne/roster3G.htm

Curry Farm, according to Hardesty, was located 1/4 mile above Hamlin (Hardesty, 90, 98).

IMG_9626

The West Virginia Division of Culture and History has recently erected this historical marker on Curry Farm. 12 November 2017. Photo by Mom.

Capt. John Chapman left Cabell and Logan counties and rejoined the 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry in the vicinity of Pound Gap, Virginia, by the end of June 1864 (Cole, 82).

Capt. John W. Harshbarger (1836-1909) is buried here: https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=35761174

Selected Sources:

Scott C. Cole, 34th Battalion Virginia Cavalry (Lynchburg, VA: H.E. Howard, Inc., 1993) 80, 82, 121, 147.

Michael Graham, The Coal River Valley in the Civil War (Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2014) 150-151.

Some modern writers have misunderstood the Battle of Curry Farm as occurring at the Curry farm located four miles north of Hamlin on Big Buffalo Creek, near Hamlin Chapel (later Curry Chapel). Hamlin Chapel is important for the role it played in the creation of Lincoln County in 1867. “The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held on the 11th day of March, 1867, in what was known as Hamlin chapel, an old church which stood on the Curry farm, about one-fourth of a mile above the present county seat. There were present: William C. Mahone, of Carroll District; John Scites, of Sheridan, and William A. Holstein, of Duval. W. C. Mahone was made president, and Benjamin F. Curry, clerk, the latter giving bond in the penalty of $2000, with James A. Holly and Jeremiah Witcher as his securities. It was then ordered that the Board of Supervisors have the White Hall,  a Southern Methodist church one-fourth of a mile below where the county seat now stands arranged for holding the courts until the proper buildings could be erected, George A. Holton and a majority of the trustees consenting thereto” (Hardesty, 90-91). Curry Chapel no longer stands but its former location can be found near the intersection of Route 1 and Route 3/11 above the mouth of Straight Fork of Big Buffalo Creek.

IMG_7068

Curry Chapel Cemetery, 18 July 2017. The battle did not occur here.

IMG_7062

Granville Curry grave, 18 July 2017. Photo by Mom. The battle did not occur here.

IMG_7076[1]

Curry Chapel Cemetery, north of Hamlin. The battle did not occur here. Instead, it occurred just to the left of the [3] in the above map.