26 Friday Jun 2015
Posted in Lincoln County Feud
Tags
Blood in West Virginia, books, Brandon Kirk, culture, Goldenseal, Harts, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, John Lilly, life, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Feud, magazines, Pelican Publishing Company, West Virginia
Goldenseal magazine’s summer edition has featured a small review of the book; thanks to retiring editor, John Lilly
Goldenseal offered treatments of the Lincoln County Feud in 1986 and 1992; Goldenseal helped inspire me to write the book
26 Friday Jun 2015
Posted in Wyoming County
Tags
Almira C. Godfrey, Appalachia, Armour L. Godfrey, Cordova C. Godfrey, England, Fayette County, genealogy, Guyandotte River, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Huff's Creek, James C. Godfrey, James R. Godfrey, Jesse Davis, Margaret Davis, Mercer County, North Spring, photos, R.A. Brock, Rebecca Godfrey, Richmond, Sarah M. Godfrey, U.S. South, Virginia, Virginia and Virginians, West Virginia, Wyoming County
From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for James R. Godfrey, who resided at North Spring, West Virginia:
Is among the most highly respected citizens of Wyoming county, and is of a family that has always stood among the first in purity and nobility of character and brilliancy of mental endowments. As a teacher he has no superior and but few equals in that county, and is always zealously active for the advancement of education. He was appointed in 1885 on the board of teachers’ examination, served that term and two other terms since. He was born in this county July 25, 1859, and was married there Nov. 2, 1882, to Sarah M. Davis, who was born in Fayette county, W.Va., May 15, 1857. Their union has been blessed with the following offspring: Almira C., born Aug. 30, 1883; Cordova C., born Aug. 14, 1885; James C., born Oct. 2, 1889; they are all now living with parents. Mr. Godfrey owns a beautiful home on Huff’s Creek not far from Guyandotte River, surrounded by extensive mineral lands underlying valuable timber growth. His post office is North Spring, Wyoming county, W.Va., and his vocation is teaching and conducting his farm. His father, Armour L. Godfrey, was born in Mercer county, W.Va., March 25, 1827, and at present resides in Wyoming county. His mother, whose maiden name was Rebecca Lister, was born in Wyoming county, Aug. 15, 1827. They were united in marriage in Wyoming county, Aug. 14, 1851. Her father, Jesse Davis, was born about 1800 and died in Wyoming county at the age of 72 years. Her mother, whose maiden name was Margaret Godfrey, was born in 1802 and died in Wyoming county at the age of 63 years. The Godfrey family came from England, and have long been seated in Virginia and in Wyoming and Mercer counties, W.Va. They have always commanded respect among the citizens, having filled many offices ably and honorably.
Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 830-831.
24 Wednesday Jun 2015
Posted in Lincoln County Feud
Tags
Appalachia, Blood in West Vorginia, Boney Lucas, books, Brandon Ray Kirk, Cain Adkins, feuds, Guyandotte River, Harts, Harts Creek, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, Huntington, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Feud, Linda Comins, Logan, Logan County, Paris Brumfield, photos, Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, West Virginia, Wheeling, Wheeling Intelligencer, Wheeling Register
22 Monday Jun 2015
Posted in Lincoln County Feud
Tags
Appalachia, Baker-White Feud, Blood in West Virginia, Boney Lucas, books, Brandon Kirk, feud, Harts Creek, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Feud, Martin-Tolliver Feud, Matewan Depot, Paris Brumfield, photos, U.S. South, West Fork, West Virginia, writers
Our feud…we have arrived! 20 June 2015
22 Monday Jun 2015
Posted in Logan
Tags
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.
22 Monday Jun 2015
Posted in Big Sandy Valley, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Women's History
Tags
Appalachia, Big Sandy Valley, Brandon Kirk, Frank Phillips, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, Kentucky, Matewan, Matewan Depot, Mingo County, photos, Pike County, Suzy Phillips, Tug Fork, U.S. South, West Virginia
When I visit the Tug River section, Suzy Phillips is often my guide and partner. She is a descendant of Frank Phillips, who gained fame during the Hatfield-McCoy Feud. She loves history. 20 June 2013
22 Monday Jun 2015
Posted in Cemeteries, Green Shoal
Tags
Albert Abbott, Angeline Fry, Appalachia, Baptist Fry, Belva Brumfield, Billy Ray Lambert, Bird Brumfield, Bobby Ray Abbott, Brian Scott Abbott, Cecil Lambert, cemeteries, Charles Lucas, Christopher Adkins, Cleo Lambert, Cleve Fry, David Ray Adkins, Delphia Bryant, Denny Hobert Abbott, Donna Lou Adkins, Druzilla Abbott, Edith Adkins, Edna Lambert, Eliza Fry, Elsie L. Mullins, Everett Lonnie Dean, Evona Abbott, genealogy, George E. Taylor, Georgia Brumfield, Goldie Adkins, Green Shoal, Harvey Fry, history, Ida Taylor, Jack Brumfield, Jackie G. Brumfield, Jackie Lee Easterling, John "Duke" Abbott, John D. Adkins, John E. Abbott, John Fry, Julia Ann Dean, Kathleen Ann Lambert, Kenneth Hatfield, Letilla Brumfield, Lincoln County, Lonnie Lambert, Lottie Brumfield, Lucinda Lucas, Luther W. Abbott, Maggie Brumfield, Michael E. Taylor, Michael George Brumfield, Michael Roy Fry, Ottie Fry, Randal S. Adkins, Rinda Fry, Samuel Adkins, Samuel D. Adkins, Sarabeth Shelton, Sarah A. Brumfield, Sarah Lee Easterling, Thelma Carter, U.S. South, Wallace Abbott, Wayne C. Brumfield, Wealthy Hatfield, West Virginia, Wetzel Brumfield, William Mullins, Wilson Abbott, Woodrow E. Abbott, Zola Fry
The John Fry Family Cemetery, which I revisited on 12 June 2015, is located at the mouth of Green Shoal Creek in Lincoln County, West Virginia.
ADKINS SECTION
Row 1
Randal S. Adkins (11 July 1953-04 July 2014); s/o Samuel and Edith (Gore) Adkins
David Ray Adkins (20 August 1937-05 May 1973); s/o Samuel and Edith (Gore) Adkins
Edith Gore Adkins (31 October 1912-10 April 1975); d/o M. French and Weltha (Kirk) Gore; m. Samuel Adkins
Samuel Adkins (18 March 1914-20 March 1976); s/o Pleasant B. “Fed” and Marinda S. (Davis) Adkins
Samuel D. Adkins (24 October 1960-30 June 1984); s/o David R. and Donna L. (Adkins) Adkins
Donna Lou Adkins (17 December 1941-23 December 2005); d/o Ernest C. and Bessie (McNeely) Adkins; m. Samuel D. Adkins
Rodney David Adkins (15 November 1965-still alive); s/o David R. and Donna L. (Adkins) Adkins
Row 2
John D. Adkins (18 June 1916-01 May 1980); s/o Pleasant B. “Fed” and Marinda S. (Davis) Adkins; nicknamed “Red John;” S2 US NAVY WWII
Goldie Adkins (21 September 1918-04 February 1992); d/o Joseph and Georgia (Gartin) Brumfield; m. John D. Adkins
Row 3
Georgia Brumfield (1900-1984); d/o James A. and Chloe A. (Fry) Gartin; m. Joseph “Joe” Brumfield
BRUMFIELD SECTION
Row 1
Wayne C. Brumfield (1901-1976); s/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield
Maggie A. Brumfield (1917-1996); d/o Richard A. and Sarah A. (Wiley) Adkins; m. Wayne C. Brumfield
(gap)
Jack Brumfield (23 June 1918-23 March 1990); s/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield
Belva Brumfield (11 June 1922-16 March 1984); m. Jack Brumfield
A bench placed on Jack and Belva’s graves reads: Jackie G. Brumfield (17 August 1950-25 December 2011); d/o Jack and Belva (Simpkins) Brumfield
Row 2
Christopher Lee Adkins (23 March 1983-24 August 2000)
Row 3
George E. Taylor (19 May 1919-03 May 1975)
Ida P. Taylor (14 December 1914-2007); d/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield; m. George E. Taylor
Sarabeth Shelton (19 April 1989-17 November 1993); d/o Robert and Jackie (Easterling) Shelton
Jackie Lee Easterling (16 April 1941-still alive)
Sarah Lee Easterling (11 May 1942-29 March 2005); d/o George E. and Ida P. (Brumfield) Taylor; m. Jackie Lee Easterling
Row 4
Michael E. Taylor (25 February 1949-16 January 2008); s/o George and Ida (Brumfield) Taylor; nicknamed “Mickey”
LAMBERT SECTION
Row 1
Lonnie Lambert (14 March 1901-22 July 1995); s/o Samuel and Georgia E. (Lucas) Lambert
Edna Mae Lambert (30 September 1905-19 November 1980); d/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield; m. Lonnie Lambert
Row 2
Cecil Lambert, Jr. (27 September 1925-2014); s/o Lonnie and Edna (Brumfield) Lambert
Kathleen Ann Lambert (01 October 1926-19 February 2010)
Billy Ray Lambert (06 February 1950-16 August 1950)
Row 3
Everett Lonnie Dean (08 May 1950-29 January 1951)
FRY SECTION
Row 1
Zola Frye (07 May 1919-09 September 1964); d/o Clarence and Angaline (Mullins) Fry
Thelma P. Carter (1918-1967); d/o Clarence and Angaline (Mullins) Fry; m. Hassell Carter
Row 2
unmarked grave with rock headstone and little square footstone
C.L. Fry (Clarence Fry); born November 1886; s/o Daniel C. “Tucker” and Rachel (Lucas) Fry; died 2 March 1948
Angie Fry (Angaline Fry); born 16 December 1896; d/o Emery and Stella (Abbott) Mullins; m. Clarence Fry; died 14 September 1947
Elsie L. Mullins (16 December 1911-08 November 1959); d/o Clarence and Angaline (Mullins) Fry; m. William Mullins
William Mullins, Sr. (12 August 1894-04 February 1975)
ABBOTT SECTION
Row 1
Ottie Fry (1909-1987); s/o G. Cleveland and Betty (Fry) Fry
Row 2
Bobby Ray Abbott (02 April 1969-16 June 2001)
Brian Scott Abbott (04 October 1971-21 March 2011)
Row 3
Woodrow E. Abbott (1914-1977); PVT US ARMY WWII
Wallace Abbott (22 January 1930-30 March 1987); s/o John E. “Cricket” and S. Evona (Fry) Abbott; SP 4 US ARMY KOREA VIETNAM
Denny Hobert Abbott (15 February 1928-22 June 1996); s/o John E. “Cricket” and S. Evona (Fry) Abbott; PFC US ARMY
Row 4
Luther W. Abbott (09 February 1917-02 March 1963); s/o John E. “Cricket” and S. Evona (Fry) Abbott; WV PFC CO E 16 INF WWII P4
John E. Abbott (1892-1966); s/o John H. and Caroline (Fry) Abbott
Evona Abbott (1892-1983); d/o Daniel C. “Tucker” and Rachel (Lucas) Fry; m. John E. Abbott
Row 5
John “Duke” Abbott, Jr. (08 August 1924-03 July 1992); s/o John E. and S. Evona (Fry) Abbott
(gap)
Michael Roy Fry (19 February 1944-20 February 1944); s/o Curtis and Birdie (Bryant) Fry
Row 6
tall rectangular rock headstone and rock footstone
Delphia Adams Bryant (the date of August 22 and an illegible year appears on a small cinderblock); m. Marshall “Bud” Bryant/Mullins
(gap)
perhaps another grave marked by a flat rock that has fallen over
MIDSECTION
Row 1
Wealthy Hatfield (01 May 1904-27 December 1928); d/o Samuel and Georgia E. (Lucas) Lambert; m. Bruce Hatfield
Kenneth Hatfield (05 October 1924-10 October 1925); s/o Bruce and Wealthy (Lambert) Hatfield
unmarked grave with rock headstone and footstone
unmarked grave with rock headstone and footstone
broken baby headstone with rock footstone
Row 2
Katie A. Hunter (died 11 August 1895, aged 13 years, 11 months, 27 days); d/o John E. and Parlee (Ferrell) Hunter
unmarked grave with rock footstone
unmarked grave with rock headstone
UPPER SECTION
Row 1
Rinda Fry (26 January 1826-29 July 1887); d/o Reuben and Clarissa (Perry) Steele; m1. James Davis; m2. ___ Walker; m3. Baptist “Nab” Fry
Baptist Fry (26 November 1824-15 June 1881); s/o John and Catherine (Snodgrass) Fry
(large gap)
Michael George Brumfield (29 January 1948-01 February 1948); s/o Wayne C. and Maggie (Adkins) Brumfield
unmarked grave with rock headstone and footstone (baby)
Cleo Lambert (born and died 18 August 1924); Lonnie C. and Edna (Brumfield) Lambert
Lottie Brumfield (1904-1907); d/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield
Bird Brumfield (1850-1905); s/o William R. and Mary A. (Elkins) Brumfield
Sarah A. Brumfield (1853-1932); d/o Charles and Lucinda (Fry) Lucas; m1. William Bird Brumfield; m2. Josephus Irvin Workman
unmarked grave with rock headstone (fallen over) and footstone
Letilla Brumfield (1881-1947); d/o Elisha and Catherine (Fry) Dial; m. James S. Brumfield
Row 2
unmarked grave with small footstone
Julia Ann Dean (born and died 13 June 1948)
Row 3
unmarked grave with rock footstone above Albert Abbott grave
unmarked grave above Lucinda Lucas grave — small rock headstone and footstone
“K.L.” — square rock headstone and footstone above Charles Lucas grave
unmarked grave with sharp rock headstone and footstone above Eliza Fry grave
(large gap)
W.W.A. (29? May 1917-10? June 1917)
Wetzel Brumfield (1910-1932); s/o James S. and Letilla (Dial) Brumfield
unmarked grave with rock headstone and footstone
H.C. Fry painted on a rock (possibly Harvey Fry, son of Baptist Fry)
Row 4
John Fry (10 March 1794-20 October 1883); s/o George and Keziah (Adkins) Fry; PVT CAPT SHIELD CO 7 VA MILITIA WAR OF 1812
“Wilson Abbott, died M.11.92” carved on rock
Albert Abbott (no dates); born 11 July 1824; s/o John A. and Elizabeth (Scott) Abbott; CAPTAIN CARTER’S CO. 129 VA MIL CSA; died before 1900
Druzilla Fry Abbott (11 January 1826-27 September 1889); d/o John and Catherine (Snodgrass) Fry; m. Albert Abbott
L.L. (Lucinda Lucas); born 27 September 1819; d/o John and Catherine (Snodgrass) Fry; m. Charles Lucas; died before 1900
Charles Lucas (2 September 1818-24 November 1904); s/o John and Mary (Fry) Lucas
E.F. (Eliza Virginia Fry); born November 1865; d/o Charles and Lucinda (Fry) Lucas; m. George F. Fry; died c.1902
NOTE 1: Some John Fry descendants are POSITIVE that John Fry died and was buried on Fourteen Mile Creek in Lincoln County. His tombstone was placed at Green Shoal in the 1990s based on a WPA cemetery map.
NOTE 2: I know of other persons buried in this cemetery but cannot identify their exact location. There are also some family members who I suppose to be buried here but have no proof.
21 Sunday Jun 2015
Posted in Logan
Tags
Appalachia, Boone County, genealogy, Henry H. Hardesty, history, John B. Ellison, lawyer, Logan, Logan County, Monroe County, R.A. Brock, Raleigh County, Richmond, U.S. South, Virginia, Virginia and Virginians, West Virginia, Wyoming County
From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for John B. Ellison, who resided at Logan Court House, West Virginia:
Attorney and counselor at law, Logan Court House, West Va., is a native of Monroe county, Va., where he was born Jan. 15, 1853. He first began the practice of his profession in 1878, and has since practiced in Boone, Raleigh, Wyoming and Logan counties; is also notary public; the duties of this position are ably executed by him. He is a lawyer of superior ability and has won a distinguished position in his profession; being gifted with a brilliant intellect, he has by close study and extensive practice acquired a thorough knowledge of law that can compete with the oldest and most learned at the bar, but it is his indefatigable energy and zeal in the interest of his clients for which he is most conspicuous. He resides at Logan Court House, and practices in all the neighboring counties.
Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 829.
20 Saturday Jun 2015
Posted in Big Harts Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Fourteen, Green Shoal, Harts, Little Harts Creek, Queens Ridge, Sand Creek
Tags
A.F. McKendree, Abbotts Branch, Abijah Workman, Abner Vance, Admiral S. Fry, Albert Abbott, Alexander Tomblin, Allen Adkins, Allen Butcher, Anderson Barker, Andrew Dial, Andrew Elkins, Anthony Lawson, Archibald Elkins, Arnold Perry, Baptist Fry, Barnabus Carter, Big Ugly Creek, Burbus C. Toney, Cabell County, Charles Adkins, Charles F. Dingess, Charles J. Stone, Charles Lattin, Charles Spurlock, Charleston, Christian T. Fry, Crispin S. Stone, Cultural Center, Dicy Adams, Douglas Branch, Edmund Toney, Elias Adkins, Elijah A. Gartin, Evermont Ward, Fourteen Mile Creek, Francis Browning, Garland Conley, genealogy, George Hager, George Perry, Grandison B. Moore, Green Shoal, Hamilton Fry, Harts Creek, Harvey Elkins, Harvey S. Dingess, Harvey Smith, Henderson Dingess, Henry Adkins, Henry Conley, history, Ira Lucas, Isaac Adkins, Isaac Fry, Isaac Samuels, Isaiah Adkins, Jacob Stollings, Jake Adkins, James Browning, James Butcher, James Justice, James Smith, James Toney, James Wilson, Jeremiah Farmer, Joel Elkins, John Dalton, John Dempsey, John Fry, John Gore, John H. Brumfield, John Rowe, John W. Sartin, John Washington Adams, John Workman, Joseph Adams, Joseph Fry, Joseph Gore, Josephus Workman, Joshua Butcher, Kiahs Creek, Levi Collins, Lewis Adkins, Lilly's Branch, Limestone Creek, Little Harts Creek, Logan County, Lorenzo D. Hill, Low Gap Branch, Mathias Elkins, Meekin Vance, Melville Childers, Moses Brown, Moses Harrison, Moses Workman, Noah Hainer, Obediah Merritt, Obediah Workman, Paris Vance, Patton Thompson, Peter Dingess, Peter Mullins, Polly Vance, Price Lucas, Ralph Lucas, Reese W. Elkins, Richard Elkins, Richard Vance, Robert Elkins, Robert Hensley, Robert Lilly, Royal Childers, Sally McComas, Samuel Damron, Samuel Ferrell, Samuel Lambert, Samuel Parsons, Samuel Short, Samuel Vannatter, Sand Creek, Sims Index to Land Grants, Spencer A. Mullins, Squire Toney, Stephen Lambert, Thomas A. Childers, Thomas Dunn English, Thomas P. Spears, Wesley Vance, West Virginia, West Virginia State Archives, William Brown, William Buffington, William Dalton, William Hainer, William Johnson, William P. Blankenship, William Smith, William Straton, William T. Nichols, William Thompson, William Vance, William Wirt Brumfield
Persons receiving land grants between 1812 and 1860, including acreage totals, for the following streams located in Logan and Cabell counties, (West) Virginia: Big Harts Creek, Big Ugly Creek, Fourteen Mile Creek, Little Harts Creek, Sand Creek, Kiah’s Creek, Green Shoal, Brown’s (Abbott’s) Branch, Douglas Branch, Low Gap Branch, Lilly’s Branch, and Limestone (partial). This list does not necessarily reflect ALL of the person’s landholdings; only land in the Harts Creek community are noted. Also, some persons are duplicated due to receiving grants individually or jointly. Known nonresident landowners are denoted by a (*). My ancestors are placed in bold font. Note: This is a work in progress.
Anthony Lawson*, 6502 acres
Anthony Lawson et al*, 3400 acres
Charles Lattin et al, 2667 acres
John H. Brumfield et al, 2328 acres
Spencer A. Mullins, 2145 acres
John Dempsey et al*, 2090 acres
Isaiah Adkins, 2058 acres
Evermont Ward*, 1800 acres
William Johnson, 1794 acres
Elijah A. Garten, 1620 acres
Charles J. Stone, 1610 acres
Hamilton Fry, 1488 acres
William Johnson et al, 1435 acres
Burbus C. Toney, 1332 acres
William Straton et al*, 1319 acres
Thomas Dunn English*, 1085 acres
Thomas A. Childers et al*, 1050 acres
Samuel Damron et al, 1043 acres
Joshua Butcher, 808 acres
William Straton*, 791 acres
Elijah A. Garten et al, 770 acres
Isaac Adkins, 720 acres
Moses Harrison et al, 700 acres
Abner Vance, Jr., 642 acres
George Hager et al, 600 acres
Isaac Adkins, Jr., 595 acres
Samuel Short et al*, 561 acres
Elias Adkins, 560 acres
George Hager, 520 acres
Crispin S. Stone et al, 485 acres
John H. Brumfield, 480 acres
Moses Brown, 412 acres
Peter Mullins, 408 acres
Robert Lilly, 393 acres
Joseph and Dicy Adams, 384 acres
Charles Lattin, 378 acres
Albert Abbot, 370 acres
Christian T. Fry, 367 acres
Lorenzo D. Hill, 340 acres
Lewis Adkins et al, 325 acres
Enos “Jake” Adkins, 320 acres
Richard Elkins, 311 acres
Obadiah Merret*, 310 acres
Squire Toney, 307 acres
Isaac Samuels et al*, 300 acres
William T. Nicholls et al*, 296 acres
Samuel Lambert, 269 acres
Richard Elkin, Jr. et al, 260 acres
Anderson Barker, Jr. et al, 250 acres
Noah and William Haner et al, 250 acres
William Smith et al, 250 acres
Harvey S. Dingess, 242 acres
Abijah Workman, 239 acres
Samuel Ferrell, 238 acres
Noah Haner et al, 235 acres
Charles F. Dingess & Peter Dingess, Jr., 233 acres
Henderson Dingess, 233 acres
Richard Elkins et al, 230 acres
James Justice*, 220 acres
John Fry, 204 acres
Elias and Allen Adkins et al, 200 acres
James Smith and Harvey Smith, 200 acres
James Toney et al, 200 acres
James Browning, 190 acres
William Buffington et al*, 190 acres
Charles Lucas, 190 acres
James Wilson et al*, 190 acres
James Butcher, 185 acres
Jacob Stollings, 185 acres
A.F. McKendree et al*, 185 acres
Grandison B. Moore, 180 acres
Peter Dingess, 170 acres
Joseph Fry, 162 acres
Robert Elkin, 160 acres
Admiral S. Fry, 157 acres
Robert Hensley, 154 acres
Richard Vance, 153 acres
Levi Collins, 150 acres
Harvey Elkins, 148 acres
James Smith, 148 acres
Reese W. Elkins, 125 acres
John Fry, Jr., 125 acres
Price Lucas, 125 acres
Ralph Lucas, 125 acres
William Dalton, 123 acres
Andrew Dial, 120 acres
Lewis Adkins, 116 acres
Patton Thompson, Jr., 112 acres
John W. Adams, Jr., 110 acres
Charles Adkins, 110 acres
Obediah Workman, 106 acres
Stephen Lambert, 105 acres
John Goare, 104 acres
Moses Workman and John Workman, 100 acres
James Toney, 95 acres
Francis Browning, 94 acres
Alexander Tombolin, 94 acres
Allen Butcher, 93 acres
Ira Lucas, 93 acres
William P. Blankenship, 92 acres
David Robison, 92 acres
Joseph Gore, 90 acres
Archibald Elkins, 87 ½ acres
Anderson Barker et al, 85 acres
Isaac Fry et al, 85 acres
Paris Vance, 84 acres
William Brumfield, 75 acres
Henry Conley, 75 acres
Squire Toney et al, 75 acres
Andrew Dial et al, 73 acres
Burbus C. Toney et al, 73 acres
Henry Adkins, 70 acres
Isaiah and Charles Adkins, 70 acres
John W. Sartin, 70 acres
Barnabus Carter, 65 acres
Mathias Elkin, 63 acres
Patton Thompson, 62 acres
Samuel Parsons*, 60 acres
Harvey and Andrew Elkin, 55 acres
Meken Vance, 55 acres
Joel Elkins, 50 acres
Jeremiah Farmer, 50 acres
Baptist Fry, 50 acres
William Smith, 50 acres
Thomas P. Spears, 50 acres
Charles Spurlock, 50 acres
Samuel Vannatter et al, 50 acres
Edmund Toney, 46 acres
Sally McComas et al heirs, 45 acres
George Perry, 44 acres
Arnold Perry, Jr., 40 acres
William Thompson, 40 acres
John Workman, 40 acres
Josephus Workman, 40 acres
John Rowe, 38 acres
Melville Childers et al*, 37 acres
John Dalton, 34 acres
Polly Vance and William Vance (son), 33 acres
Garland Conley, Jr., 32 acres
Moses Workman, 26 acres
William Brown, 25 acres
Royal Childers*, 25 acres
Wesley Vance, 25 acres
Richard Vance, Jr., 13 acres
Source: Sims Index to Land Grants in West Virginia (Charleston, WV: State of West Virginia, 1952). Thanks to the West Virginia State Archives at the Cultural Center in Charleston, West Virginia, for use of the book.
20 Saturday Jun 2015
Posted in Hatfield-McCoy Feud, Lincoln County Feud
Tags
Appalachia, Blood in West Virginia, books, Brandon Ray Kirk, Coal House, Eric Simon, Hatfield-McCoy Feud, history, Lincoln County Feud, Mingo County, photos, Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, U.S. South, West Virginia, Williamson, writers
Eric Simon and myself at the Hatfield-McCoy Marathon, Williamson, WV, 13 June 2015
20 Saturday Jun 2015
Posted in Gilbert
Tags
Flora Ellis, genealogy, Gilbert Creek, Hattie Ellis, Henry H. Hardesty, history, John E. Kenna Ellis, Keenan L. Ellis, Laura F. Ellis, Lloyd Ellis, Logan County, Minerva L. Ellis, Mingo County, R.A. Brock, Richmond, Sydney R. Ellis, Virginia, Virginia and Virginians, West Virginia, Winfield S. Ellis, Zilpha Ellis
From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Winfield S. Ellis, who resided at Gilbert Creek, West Virginia:
Son of Lloyd and Flora (Spratt) Ellis, was born July 31, 1854. His parents were both born in Logan county, W.Va., and were married there on Oct. 25, 1841. His father was born Aug. 11, 1818, and his mother on March 13, 1823. Both parents are yet living. On Dec. 19, 1877, Winfield S. Ellis was united in marriage with Zilpha Elkins, who was born in Logan county on May 27, 1859. They have issue: John E. Kenna, born May 25, 1879; Keenan L., born April 8, 1881; Laura F., born Aril 17, 1883; Minerva L., born Sept. 11, 1885; Sydney R., born Dec. 20, 1887; and Hattie, born Dec. 29, 1889. Mr. Ellis is engaged in farming and connected with the timber business. Post office address: Gilbert Creek, Logan county, W.Va.
Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 829.
12 Friday Jun 2015
Posted in Lincoln County Feud
Tags
Appalachia, Blood in West Virginia, Coal House, fairs, festivals, Hatfield-McCoy Marathon, history, Lincoln County Feud, Mingo County, photos, Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, U.S. South, West Virginia, Williamson
Tomorrow, on 13 June 2015, the book and I will appear at the Hatfield McCoy Marathon in Williamson, WV. We will be located near the Coal House. I hope my Tug Valley friends will stop by our table and say hello. We love to discuss the Lincoln County Feud.
Coal House, Williamson, WV, 2014
11 Thursday Jun 2015
Tags
Albert Ellis, Annie B. Ellis, Appalachia, farming, Flora Ellis, Frances Ellis, genealogy, George R. Ellis, Gilbert, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Leander Ellis, Lloyd Ellis, Lloyd W. Ellis, Logan County, Mary Ellis, Mingo County, R.A. Brock, Richmond, timbering, U.S. South, Virginia, Virginia and Virginians, West Virginia
From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Leander Ellis, who resided at Gilbert, West Virginia:
The subject of this sketch, is a native of Logan county, W.Va., born June 30, 1856, and married in the same county to Miss Frances Elkins, born there also Jan. 25, 1862, their marriage being solemnized Oct. 6, 1876. To this union there have been five births: Annie B., born Sept. 15, 1877, and died Nov. 5, same year; George R., born Nov. 30, 1878; Lloyd W., born Oct. 26, 1880; Albert, born March 21, 1883; and Mary, born Sept. 28, 1884. Mr. Ellis’ parents are Lloyd and Flora (Spratt) Ellis, both yet living. He is engaged in farming and the timber business, and his address is Gilbert, Logan county, West Virginia.
Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 828-829.
10 Wednesday Jun 2015
Tags
Absalom Elkins, Appalachia, Christian, Cordelia C. Elkins, Cyrus Elkins, genealogy, Guyandotte River, Helen Elkins, Henry H. Hardesty, history, John C. Elkins, Logan County, Lydia Elkins, Mahalia Elkins, Martha C. Elkins, Mary Ann Elkins, Mary Elkins, Mary L. Elkins, Millard Elkins, Montgomery County, R.A. Brock, Richmond, Roxie Elkins, Rush Elkins, Russell County, Uriah B. Elkins, Uriah W. Elkins, Virginia, Virginia and Virginians, Walter B. Elkins, West Virginia, William E. Elkins, Zilphia Elkins
From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for Uriah W. Elkins, who resided at Christian, West Virginia:
Was born in Russell county, Va., April 25, 1825; his father moved his family to Logan county, W.Va., while Uriah W. was a child and he has ever since resided there. In this county, Nov. 26, 1850, he was married to Mary Ann Canterbury, who was born there Jan. 20, 1833. Of this union the following are the issue: Lydia, born July 16, 1852, married, and died March 1?, 1882; Cordelia C., born March 11, 1855; Roxie, born March 12, 1857; Zilphia, born May 27, 1859; and Mahalia, born Jan. 25, 1862. They have all married. The mother of these daughters died April 2, 1862. June 7, 1866, Mr. Elkins and Martha C. Stafford were joined in wedlock; she was a native of Logan county, where they were married having been born Aug. 12, 1831. The following are records of the children of this second marriage: Cyrus, born March 8, 1867, Mary L., born July 11, 1868; Uriah B., born Dec. 5, 1869; John C., born July 20, 1871; Helen, born Dec. 18, 1872; and Rush, born Dec. 6, 1874. Except Mary L., who is married, these children all live at home with their father, their mother (his second wife) having departed this life Nov. 13, 1886. Mr. Elkins has three orphaned grandchildren, the offspring of his daughter Lydia. Their records are: Millard, born June 26, 1874; William E., born Sept. 18, 1879; and Walter B., born Feb. 11, 1882. Absalom Elkins, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Montgomery county, Va., Nov. 6, 1791; died in Logan county, W.Va., Nov. 20, 1880; his wife, who was Mary Robbins before marriage, was born in Russell county, Va., Aug. 15, 1798, and died in Logan county Nov. 10, 1880, survived by her husband only 10 days. Mr. Uriah W. Elkins owns a beautiful home situated on the Guyandotte River, consisting of a fine farm and valuable timber lands; here he resides with his interesting family. He is highly esteemed and honored by all who know him. Address: Christian, Logan county, W.Va.
Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 828.
10 Wednesday Jun 2015
Posted in Lincoln County Feud
Tags
author, Blood in West Virginia, books, Brandon Ray Kirk, Gretna, history, Lincoln County Feud, Louisiana, Lunch With Books, Ohio County Public Library, Pelican Publishing Company, photos, West Virginia, Wheeling, writers
Presenting the Lincoln County Feud story to the wonderful folks at the Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling, WV, 2 June 2015
10 Wednesday Jun 2015
Posted in Big Harts Creek
Tags
Alpha Adkins, Appalachian Power Company, Arnold Adkins, Big Branch, Caroline Adkins, Carrie Adkins, Clara Francis Adkins, culture, Denver Adkins, Doris Wellmarine Adkins, Emerald Fleming, genealogy, Harts Creek, history, Huntington, James "Jim" Dalton, Jennings Adkins, John Adkins, Larrry Adrain Adkins, life, Lincoln County, Logan County, Mud Fork, Roxie Leana Adkins, Switzer, Viola Dalton, West Virginia, Willis Adkins
In 1979, Roxie Leana (Dalton) Adkins, daughter of James and Viola (Tomblin) Dalton, wrote a history of her family, which includes memories of her early life on Harts Creek. Roxie, born in 1904, married Willis Adkins in 1924 and mothered nine children. In the late 1990s, Roxie’s daughter Emerald (Adkins) Fleming gave this history to me.
I got married three years later and started a family of my own. I was married to Willis Adkins, son of John and Caroline Nelson Adkins. I was married May 29, 1924. I started housekeeping in the head of Big Branch right in the woods in a little three room house — a shack — and that was a happy time for it was mine and Willis’ private life and we had each other and I would love to go back to that lowly summer I didn’t have anything to worry about. So that is a big part of my life history and we planted a garden. We had plenty of fruit and berries and peaches, cherries and apples and we had a joy beyond compare for we didn’t have no children. Eighteen months later we had our oldest child, Carrie Adkins. She was born November 30, 1925.
Then we moved to Logan County. Willis worked for Appalachian Power Company at the Logan Plant then he went to the coal mine and we moved from Mud Fork to Switzer, W.Va. and we lived there from November 1926 to May 1927. Then we moved to a lumber camp at Omar, W.Va. We stayed there to March 1928. We moved back to Big Branch and raised a garden and a crop of corn and moved back to the lumber camp in January 1929 and March 28, 1929 our first boy was born: Denver Adkins. We stayed in the lumber camp until September 1929 and moved up Pine Creek to a mine camp.
In October 1929 we moved back to the farm we live on now and rented then and a year later we bought the land off my uncle Ed Dalton and I am still here. I had 7 more kids and put them all through high school and I was very proud of all of them. I tried to see they got good treatment in school. They weren’t rich and they wasn’t the poorest people in our country but I always taught them to be kind to others and to treat their teachers with respect and to always be kind to old and young and do their best to keep all their promises.
My children are Carrie Adkins, born November 30, 1925; Denver Adkins, born March 28, 1929; Alpha Adkins, born August 24, 1931; Jennings Adkins, born April 9, 1934; Emerald Adkins, born February 13, 1937; Arnold Adkins, born February 17, 1940; Clara Francis Adkins, born August 26, 1942; Doris Wellmarine Adkins, born June 15, 1945; and Larry Adrain Adkins, born March 17, 1948. Well, I had four boys and five girls and all the boys served in the armed forces and my oldest is still in the federal government and is somewhere in the overseas countries and I don’t know but trust that God does.
I am now 75 years old. My husband passed away June 9, 1968. I was 64 years old and I am still in my own home. If it be the Lord’s will, I will live in this same house until I go. My children all got married and had families. Denver doesn’t have any children and one of my boys — Arnold Adkins — was killed by a train in Huntington in 1966. He had a wife and two children and was expecting the third and I trust they will be as honest and respectful as he always was. He had a host of friends.
Well, this is about all I can write for now.
06 Saturday Jun 2015
Tags
Appalachia, Blaine Powers, Charles Miller, Dale Elkins, Dennie Napier, Harts, Henry Porter, history, James Adkins, John Napier, June Dempsey, Leo Gilco, Levi Rakes, Lincoln County, logging, M.F. McComas, Manley Maynard, Marion Neace, Monroe Elkins, Roy Elkins, timbering, Watson Adkins, West Virginia
Watson Adkins timber ledger, Harts, WV, 1944
06 Saturday Jun 2015
Posted in Lincoln County Feud
Tags
Blood in West Virginia, books, Brandon Ray Kirk, Charleston, Gretna, Louisiana, Pelican Publishing Company, photos, Taylor Books, West Virginia, writers, writing
Taylor Books in Charleston, WV, 30 May 2015
06 Saturday Jun 2015
Posted in Logan
Tags
129th Regiment Virginia Militia, Appalachia, carpenter, Chloe Dejernatt, civil war, Confederacy, Confederate Army, Covington, genealogy, Henry H. Hardesty, history, Irdedell County, John Dejernatt, John H. Dejernatt, John S. Dejernatt, Joseph P. Dejernatt, Logan, Logan County, Mary E. Dejernatt, Mary J. Dejernatt, Minerva Dejernatt, Munford Dejernatt, North Carolina, Petersburg, R.A. Brock, Roxalina A. Dejernatt, Roxie M. Dejernatt, Russell Dejernatt, U.S. South, Virginia, Virginia and Virginians, West Virginia, William A. Dejernatt, William H. Dejernatt
From “Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888,” published by H.H. Hardesty, we find this entry for John Dejernatt, who resided at Logan C.H., West Virginia:
Carpenter and cabinet-maker, Logan C.H., W.Va., is descended from the family of Dejernatts, whose genealogy in Va. may be thus traced: Munford Dejernatt was born in Petersburg, Va., in 1779; married Feb. 3, 1814, to Chloe Price, who was born March 8, 1791, in North Carolina; the husband died in Boone county, W.Va., Jan. 1854; the wife in Logan county, W.Va., June 21, 1861. Their son, John Dejernatt, the subject of this sketch, was born May 20, 1817, in Iredell county, N.C.; his wife, Mary J. Bryan, was born June 8, 1823, in Covington, Va.; they were married at Logan C.H., W.Va., April 16, 1850. The record of their offspring is: John S., born Dec. 3, 1852, married; William A., born Nov. 10, 1854, married; Roxalina A., born Nov. 22, 1856, died Sept. 26, 1870; Mary E., born May 10, 1865, died Sept. 13, 1870. Mr. Dejernatt served as colonel in the 129th Va. regiment militia, Confederate army, during the late civil war; since the close of the war he has been overseer of the poor in Logan county. As a citizen he is esteemed and respected as a man of honest integrity and zealous energy; has raised his family in Logan county, where they stand well. The record of his son, John Dejernatt’s family, is as follows: He was married in Logan county, W.Va., Jan. 6, 1875, to Minerva Avis, who was born Jan. 14, 1855. Their children: John H., born July 14, 1877; William H., born April 3, 1879; Chloe A., born Aug. 23, 1881; Russell, born Sept. 23, 1883; Joseph P., born June 7, 1886, died March 14, 1888; Roxie M., born Feb. 12, 1888, died Aug. 8, 1890; the first four reside with their parents
Source: Dr. R.A. Brock, Virginia and Virginians, 1606-1888 (Richmond, VA: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1888), p. 827-828.
05 Friday Jun 2015
Posted in Big Harts Creek, Cemeteries, Halcyon
Tags
Appalachia, cemeteries, genealogy, Gore Family Cemetery, Harts Creek, history, John Gore, Logan County, photos, West Fork, West Virginia
John Gore (1816-1895) grave, located on West Fork of Harts Creek, Logan County, WV. I discovered this grave yesterday
Writings from my travels and experiences. High and fine literature is wine, and mine is only water; but everybody likes water. Mark Twain
This site is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and promotion of history and culture in Appalachia.
Genealogy and History in North Carolina and Beyond
A site about one of the most beautiful, interesting, tallented, outrageous and colorful personalities of the 20th Century
Brandon Ray Kirk 