Histories of 58 WV Communities - Chapters 4-6



Chapter 4  Doddridge County
New Milton - Nutter's Fork


                      HISTORY OF NEW MILTON COMMUNITY
                             By Roy F. Randolph 

New Milton community includes all of Meathouse Fork of Middle Island 
Creek, in Doddridge County, beginning with and including Blandville and 
extending to the mouth of Brushy Fork with all its tributaries except 
Tom's Fork above where Annie Maxwell now lives. 

That the Indians once inhabited this community, or at least roamed over 
it, is shown by many indisputable evidences. The old stone fort on the 
farm of Gus Gabbert at Blandville is witness to the fact that that was 
once the scene of savage warfare. Many stones such as mortar and pestles 
and arrow heads were picked up on that farm by its former owner, Mr. S. T. 
Sherwood. In fact there is scarcely a farm in this community but that has 
yielded its share of Indian relics. The fact also that game was very 
abundant here makes it all the more certain that the Indian was a dweller 
here. 

One of the first breaks in the virgin forest in all the surrounding 
country was at the mouth of Wolf Pen Run almost on the spot where Trainer 
and Travis now have their warehouse and water pump, and where some years 
ago the South Penn Oil Company drilled the first well in this community in 
search of oil and gas. On this spot of ground hunters from other sections 
who came to this community to hunt deer and bear built a log cabin in 
which to store their meat until they could move it to their homes in other 
and, sometimes, remote sections. From this meat house, the branch of 
Middle Island Creek which extends from near Smithburg to Big Isaac took 
the name of Meat House Fork. 

In the early days game was very plentiful in this community, the common 
black bear and deer being the most plentiful. Wolves too were so numerous 
as to be a menace to live stock, if not to human beings, as is evidenced 
by the name Wolf Pen Run, derived from the fact that on that stream some 
one built a strong pen to be used as a trap to catch wolves. 

Bears found this a suitable place for them because of the plentiful supply 
of mast, including acorns, beech-nuts, and chestnuts, and by the further 
fact that laurel thickets were plentiful and dense providing suitable 
hiding places for them. 

Deer also were plentiful. Many licks in this immediate community provided 
effectual lures where the hunter might lie in wait at the dusk of the 
evening until the deer came for a taste of salt, when they were shot from 
ambush. One, two, or even three falling as rapidly as the hunter could 
fire, load, and prime his muzzle loading flint-lock rifle. 

The onward march of so-called civilization has driven from our midst the 
remnant of the original denizens of the forest. Today we have left only a 
few timid squirrels, raccoon, quail, and pheasants. These too are rapidly 
disappearing before the greedy, lawless, and inhuman attack of so-called 
sportsmen armed with automatic high-power guns and will soon, like the 
deer, live only in the memory of the older generation and become a 
tradition for future generations, unless there shall be awakened in the 
hearts of the people either a sense of pride in our friends of feather and 
fur, or a just and healthy respect for the law of the land which seeks to 
protect and preserve to future generations the kindly help of the Bob 
White, with his pretty feathers and jaunty air, and the joy of 
companionship of the squirrel with his well taught lessons of frugality 
and a vegetarian life. 

During the time when deer were so plentiful, one day as some men, among 
them Franklin F. Randolph, were at work on the hill between where M. 0. 
Polan and S. A. Hurst now live some dogs chased a deer down the hill 
between where the Seventh Day Baptist Church now is and the cemetery and 
into the creek. Mr. Randolph seeing them and seeing that the deer was 
crossing the creek, ran to the creek and as the deer attempted to spring 
from the water, up the bank, he caught the deer by the hind legs and threw 
it on its side and cut its throat with his pocket knife. 

Among the early white settlers were the Bees. Asa above or near the mouth 
of Red Lick, Josiah where Mr. Frank Abels now lives and later where Mr. 
Franklin F. Randolph now lives, John D. where the brick house now is, 
Amaziah at the mouth of Sugar Camp, Ezekiel a mile further down stream, 
Ephreim at the mouth of Eib's Camp, and Jonathan where Mr. John Brannon 
now lives. Of these Amaziah may have been the first, at least he was 
married and moved to this community in 1821. ,. 

George J. Davis who lived at the mouth of Red Lick where George Ahouse now 
lives, owned a large tract of land which included all of what is now New 
Milton with a part of Red Lick and Wolf Pen. He had quite a large family, 
as was customary in those days, and as his sons and daughters married and 
established homes of their own, he gave each of them a farm. Perhaps the 
most direct descendants of this man, now living in this community are the 
Suttons of Lick Run and Blandville. 

Above New Milton a family of Childers lived near where Henry Frey now 
lives. They had a mill, run by water power, where much of the corn of the 
neighborhood was ground. A little further up the stream Joseph Childers 
founded his home and reared a large family of children among whom the farm 
was divided and has since been occupied by his descendants. 

On Red Lick early settlers were George Polan, William Jeffrey, Charles 
Meservey, Peter W.Davis, and Edgar Douglass. 

On Wolf Pen were the Sheets, LaFevers, William Trainer, George Fox, Rev. 
James B. Davis, George Sutton, and Abel B. Parks. 

On Sugar Camp above the farm owned by Amaziah Bee, Asa Kelley lived and 
that section has been largely held by that family ever since. 

At Blandville, other than the two Bee families already mentioned, there 
were William and Richard Bland, the Sherwoods, the Holts, the Holidays, 
Stephen T. Davis,and others. 

On Lick Run two of the earliest settlers were William Maxwell and Nathan 
Kelley neither of whom were married when they settled there but later 
married and reared large families. Nathan Kelley's wife being Elenor 
(Davis) Sutton, daughter of George J. Davis of New Milton, and the widow 
of George Sutton. Another of the earliest settlers on Lick Run was 
Alexander Orrahood, who lived near the head of the stream. The Husks, 
Davissons, Hecks, and Vannerts came a little later. 

On Tom's Fork the Howards lived where Varnum Lowther now lives, and the 
Polans on the farm now owned by Mr. Hurst. In 1847 Jephtha F. Randolph 
bought the farms of John D. Bee and his brother Josiah and moved to the 
mouth of Tom's Fork. John D. Bee at that time moved to Hughes River and 
Josiah moved to the farm near New Milton where Franklin F. Randolph now 
lives. 

The first post office in this community was established at the home of 
Amaziah Bee and was known as Meat House Fork. This however did not 
continue long. After this office was discontinued the persons living here 
got their mail either at West Union or Salem, both of which were supplied 
by mail on the stage route of the North Western Turnpike. Some time after 
the coming of Mr. Randolph to the mouth of Tom's Fork he made application 
to the post office department at Washington for an office to be 
established here. This was done and Mr. Randolph was named as the first 
post master. The new office was named "New Milton" in honor of Milton, 
Wisconsin, a place to which Mr. Randolph had moved over-land with his 
wife, his four children, and all his worldly possessions in a wagon drawn 
by two horses and from which place he had returned the same year, 1845, 
well cured of the "Western Fever". Since that time New Milton has been on 
the map and in the postal guide as a desirable and lovely place for 
habitation. The following persons have served in turn as post masters at 
this place: Jephtha F. Randolph, Elhanan W. Davis, Wm. H. H. Davis, Luther 
F. Randolph, Perry Shock, Granvil H. Davis, Rev. J. S. Ribblett, Ida J. 
Warner, Ida M. White, and the present incumbent, O. A. Fisher. 

The office has been located at the mouth of Tom's Fork, at the mouth of 
Wolf Pen Run, and at least six different places in the village of New 
Milton. 

Some time in the eighties, probably in 1884 or 1885, Charles L.Polan 
started a store where Blandville now is and soon afterward he secured the 
establishing of a post office at that place naming it Blandville from the 
Bland family who resided there. This office has continued to the present 
time and seems to be as well established as any rural office. 

Marion Sutton became a partner with Mr. Polan in the store here and a 
little later when Mr. Polan left to move to Jackson Center, Ohio, "Jud" 
Bland became a partner with Mr. Sutton in the store. This partnership 
continued for a little time when William Trainer bought the store and 
became post master. He continued in business, for some years and was 
succeeded by A. C. Bland, the present owner and incumbent. In the mean 
time however another store was started and was run by S. L. McClain, 
Robert McGowan, and T. W. Noble, each in turn. 

About 1910 a rural mail route was established from Blandville by way of 
Lick Run Porto Rico oil field, the head waters of Cove Creek, and Grove, 
and returning to Blandville by way of Tom's Fork. 

In later years, probably about 1895, a post office was established at the 
mouth of Sugar Camp and named for that stream, with T. W. Noble as post 
master. This office was continued for eight or ten years when it.was 
discontinued for want of some one to serve as post master. 

New Milton has been supplied with mail from West Union ever since the 
office was established, at first once a week, then twice aweek and then 
three times and finally now we have mail every day. We have lived from the 
time when the recipient paid the postage, whether letter or newspaper, and 
a rate ranging from two or three cents to twenty-five cents according to 
the distance it had come, to when we now send a letter to any corner of 
the United States, its territorial and insular possessions and certain 
foreign countries, including Canada and Great Britain, and have it 
delivered for the meager sum of two cents, so there is no excuse for the 
wanderer from home to fail to write to mother or sister or near-sister 
regularly and frequently. 

In those days it was a frequent occurrence for the mail carrier to ride up 
to the post office and inquire whether there was any mail to go into the 
mail sack, if there was none he would say that there was none to leave and 
ride on without getting off his horse. 

It is a safe venture as an assertion that there are single days now, when 
our mail carrier leavers West Union with more mail — more letters and more 
weight of mail - than was carried in a whole year soon after the 
establishing of New Milton post office. 

There was also at one time a mail route from Oxford to West Milford by way 
of New Milton, Greenbrier, and Big Buffalo, but this route was not 
continued for a very long time. 

About twenty years ago a rural route was established from New Milton which 
serves a large part of Tom's Fork, a part of Cove District and returns to 
New Milton by way of Brushy Fork. 

For an inland, rural, and agricultural community New Milton community has 
had some very good industrial propositions, one of the most prominent of 
which was a mill which was located many years ago on the lot where G. B. 
Travis now has his garage and barn. This consisted of a flouring mill, saw 
mill, and carding machine. The carding machine was for the manufacture of 
rolls of wool from which our mothers spun the yarn to make the wearing 
apparel of the whole family. This mill did not continue long, as it was 
destroyed by fire in the winter of 1869-70. 

The tan yard at the mouth of Wolf Pen Run which was owned by Jephtha F. 
Randolph and operated by Asa F. Randolph, brother of the present pastor of 
this church, was later owned by Elhanan W. Davis and finally by Wm. H. H. 
Davis, supplied not only the leather for the foot-wear and harness for the 
neighborhood, but afforded a market for surplus hides of the community and 
sent the finished products to other sections and city markets. Practically 
all the foot wear for the entire family was made either by some one in the 
home or by a shoemaker in the neighborhood. Perry Shock, Frank Noble, J. 
E. Towles, L. B. Stuttler, and others have served as shoemakers for the 
community. The shoes were made of cow hide or calf skin. Rubber over shoes 
were unknown for either men or women. 

Various saw-mills, flour mills, and corn mills have sprung up, served 
their purpose, and have been abandoned. There is now in the possession of 
the author of this history one of the oldest mills in the county, or 
probably in the state. It is an old hand mill such as was used many years 
ago before even the mill operated by horse power came into use. 

This mill consists of two stones, as usual, the upper one being the 
runner. In the top of the top stone is a hole to place the staff by which 
the mill is operated. The stones are about 18 inches in diameter. The 
first history of this mill that can be definitely recorded goes back only 
about twenty-five years, when Mr. Franklin F. Randolph found the stones at 
the home of Ezekiel Kelley on Lick Run, the farm now owned by Sherman 
Hess. The mill had been the property of Nathan Kelley, whose early 
settlement on Lick Run has been previously noted. 

In more recent years has come the operation for oil and gas. These 
operations have met with varying degrees of success, have furnished 
employment for some of our citizens, and a market for some of our farm 
products. 

More than forty years ago R. T. Lowndes of Clarksburg owned a large amount 
of timber between Avon and Big Isaac on the head waters of Middle Island 
Creek. He brought in saw mills to cut this timber, and for the purpose of 
getting it to market. He, together with Ira Hart also of Clarksburg, built 
a rail-road, known as the Middle Island Railroad from Smithton, now 
Smithburg, to Big Isaac by way of New Milton and Avon, approximately 
twenty miles. The rails for this road were of wood and on top of the rails 
were nailed wooden strips one inch thick. When the strips were worn out 
they were replaced by other strips. 

Upon this railroad ran two locomotives, "Nick of the Woods" and "Limber 
Jim". Nick of the Woods, commonly called "Old Nick" ran off the track into 
the mill pond at the mill of N. B. Cox near Avon and was never put back 
into commission. Limber Jim, who like some people, was trying to set too 
fast a pace, blew up near Smithburg, killing the engineer and crippling 
the fireman. For some years more the road was used for the operation of 
trucks drawn by horses. Upon these trucks lumber and freight were drawn. 

Among other public utilities that have served the needs of this community 
is the telephone. In 1896 the Beeghley system was built through the 
community, a line being constructed from Big Isaac to West Union by way of 
New Milton and Blandville. This line was in use for several years and 
finally got in bad condition and was absorbed by the Bell system. 

About the same time that the Beeghly line was built there was a line built 
from Market to Smithburg and known as the Market line, this also fell into 
decay and was abandoned after a few years. In the spring of 1904 the 
Peoples United Telephone System built their line through the community, 
this system met with many experiences and reversals because of Improper 
supervision until about three years ago when it was sold and became a part 
of the Doddridge and Harrison Telephone Company. The service rendered by 
these lines may not have been of the best and in many instances far from 
satisfactory, yet they have served a purpose and have added very 
materially to the comfort and happiness of the community. 

The first threshing machine that came into this community and to be used 
here was one that was being taken into the Oxford or White Oak country by 
some men named Flannigan. These men had been either to Fetterman or 
Fairmont and bought a new machine and were bringing it home. They stopped 
at Mr. Jephtha F. Randolph's to stay over night. He got them to stay the 
next day and do his threshing for him. This machine was of the kind known 
as a "Chaff Piler" as were all the other machines for many years after. A 
"Chaff Piler" machine did not separate the chaff from the wheat, that 
being done later by the use of a wind mill or fanning mill, if one could 
be had, or otherwise by any method by which the chaff could be blown from 
the wheat. Before threshing machines came into use the grain was beaten 
out of the straw with "flails" or by tramping the wheat straw on a floor 
with horses, driven round and round on the straw when it was dry. 

The first mowing machine in New Milton community was owned by Stephen T. 
Davis, who is said to have remarked when he got it, "Now I can make hay 
whenever I please". 

The first buggy was owned by George J. Davis and was what would be 
considered at this time a very crude affair. The next and first that would 
be considered any ways near modern was owned by L. F. Randolph. 

The first cook stove in the community was in the home of Jephtha F. 
Randolph. Prior to this all cooking and baking was done by the open fire. 
The boiling being done in pots of various sizes hung on "Trammel" hooks, 
and in rare cases on hooks hung on a "Crane". Bread was baked in a skillet 
or an oven both of which were made of heavy iron with heavy lids, these 
were set in the hot ashes and covered with hot ashes and coals of fire. 
The "dodgers" and "pones" coming from these skillets and ovens were of a 
particularly appetizing flavor. 

The first sewing machine was owned by Mrs. Franklin F. Randolph, and was 
of the kind known as a hand machine, being operated by a crank on the fly 
wheel on the machine. It sewed with a chain stitch. 

It was no uncommon thing for some of the house-wives to make their own 
sewing thread from flax, spinning it on a "little" wheel. This of course 
required skill to make a smooth even thread. The more common thread 
however was "Boss", and was bought at the store. 

The pioneer in the purebred live stock in this community was W. H. H. 
Douglass. In 1872 he bought and brought into the community three purebred 
Lincolnshire sheep, a ram and two ewes. Later on he also brought purebred 
cattle, Aberdeen Angus, which were probably the first in the community. 

In education and religion Mew Milton community has always stood well in 
the foreground. The early settlers here were of the hardy and devout class 
whose respect for the Bible and its teachings were of the most sincere 
nature. They knew no such words as "Evolution", "Modernism", and 
"Fundamentalism". To these early settlers the Bible was the word of the 
living God, clear and authentic, whose precepts were to be obeyed 
absolutely and literally. They not only believed this but they taught it 
to their children and to their children's children so that there was 
grounded into the lives of these people these principles and habits so 
thoroughly that to this day whatever may be the attitude of outsiders who 
have come into this community, the descendants of the original settlers 
are "God-fearing" people whether they are directly "God-serving" people or 
not. 

The Middle Island Seventh Day Baptist church was organized in 1832. The 
first few years of its existence was in the village of Lewisport, now the 
Clock House addition to the town of West Union, where the church still 
retains title to the lot where the house of worship stood, and which is 
now known as the "Old Cemetery". 

A few years later the organization was moved to this present location 
where services were held for some time in the old school house which stood 
in the out-yard of this church and whose corner stones are still visible. 
In later years the old log house was sold to Jephtha F. Randolph and may 
still be seen on the farm of Mrs. Lucy Randolph near the mouth of Tom's 
Fork. 

In 1867 or 1868 the present house was built. The organization has been 
continuous and regular weekly services are held during the entire year. 

In 1870 the Methodist Episcopal Church erected in the village of New 
Milton the house which now stands there and which has been used ever since 
as a house of worship. Previous to the erection of that house the 
Methodist people had held meetings about the community in the homes of the 
people and in the township hall, which stood on Red Lick where T. J. Boyce 
has a garden. 

Besides the two denominations above mentioned, other denominations have 
adherents here and have held services at various times but have never had 
an organization nor erected houses of worship. At all times there has 
existed among the various denominations in the community a spirit of 
cooperation and good will, each in turn assisting the others in any 
undertaking put forth for the betterment of the community. 

The early settlers of this community were as firm believers in education 
as they were in the principles of religion. In fact, believing that in 
order to understand the teachings of the Bible to the best and fullest 
that it is necessary to develop the mind under proper conditions and 
influences, they early saw to it that their children should have as good 
opportunities for an education as was in their power to give them. 

Previous to the establishing of the free school system of the state so 
called subscription schools were conducted by various persons for from 
eight to twelve weeks during the winter, when not only boys and girls went 
to school but also young men and women, many of them past twenty-one years 
of age, and in some instances married men and women. 

Tuition to these subscription schools was, what would seem at this day, 
very cheap, only twenty-five to fifty cents per month, and was frequently 
paid in farm products, a bushel of buckwheat or so much flax or so many 
yards of lindsy-woolsey. 

But even with the cheap tuition of the subscription schools there were 
some parents who could not afford to send their children to school until 
the establishing of the free school system, then every one who could be 
spared from the home duties for two or three months, and who could be 
clothed and provided with a book of any sort was sent to school. 

In those days, as I have indicated, it was considered quite the proper 
thing for not only little boys and girls, but also for older and larger 
young men and women to attend school. To be out of school was a calamity 
or a disgrace or both. I may observe that in this present day it seems to 
be thought by some boys and girls to be a disgrace to be seen in school 
after they are twelve or fourteen years of age, and are able to scrawl a 
pencil written missive to one of the opposite sex and whose spelling or 
English no one but themselves or some one equally ignorant, could guess 
the meaning of. 

Out from this community has gone an unusual number of young people to 
schools of higher learning. Formerly of necessity these young people had 
to go far from home but today the opportunity for a higher education is to 
be found near at hand. 

Out from this community, out from these homes, out from these schools and 
from these churches have gone young men and women who have made for 
themselves places in the world, agreeable to themselves and useful to 
their fellow men. Among those who have gone out from this community and 
out of the state may be mentioned the following: 

Creed H. Davis, of Kansas, County Judge and Stockman.
Alva L. Davis, of Rhode Island, Minister.
Esle F. Randolph, New York, Teacher.
Corliss F. Randolph, New Jersey, Teacher.
Nathan Kelley, Wisconsin, Farmer and Business Man.
Cicero Jeffrey, Kansas, Merchant and Banker.
C. L. Polan, Ohio, Farmer and Business Man.
Nehemiah Bee, Nebraska, Farmer and Business Man (Deceased).
Henry L. Douglass, Washington, Business Man.
L. P. Willis, Phillipine Islands, Teacher. 

Others of none the less ability but who have remained in our own state and 
have served well include the following: 

George W. Bland, Clarksburg, State Senator and Lawyer.
G. H. Trainer, Salem, Oil Operator and Member House of Delegates.
J. E. Trainer, Salem, Oil Operator.
William Maxwell, Surveyor and Member State Legislature (Deceased).
Jephtha F. Randolph, New Milton, Member Second Constitutional Convention 
(Deceased).
L. D. Lowther, Salem, Business Man and Mayor of Salem.
Luther F. Sutton, Agriculturist, Reymond Memorial Farms, Wardensville, W. 
Va.
V. B. Lowther, New Milton, Contracting Carpenter and Stockman.
Isaiah Bee, Princeton, Physician (Deceased). 

Many others might well be noted here but the ones mentioned are 
representative of the ability of the community. 

This community has always been considered a healthful place in which to 
live, in spite of the fact that we have usually supported a physician in 
comfortable circumstances. Dr. Ainaziah Bee, Dr. Zahn, Dr. Sterling, Dr. 
R. H. Dow, Dr. A. A. James, Dr. Edgel, Dr. H. E. Hutson, Dr. R. J. Nutter, 
and Dr. C. L. Pearcy have ministered to the aches and pains of the sick 
and afflicted here within the past seventy-five years. We have gone from 
the days of "Godfrey's Cordial" and "Bateman's Drops" to the trained and 
skilled physician with scientifically prepared medicines and the service 
of good and well equipped hospitals within easy reach. 

Whether it falls within the province of an historian to do so or not, 
permit me to offer three suggestions for thought for the betterment of our 
community: 

First - Better and more hearty support to the churches of all 
denominations; because the church and its teaching is the basis of all 
progress.

Second - Better and more loyal support for and cooperation with our 
schools. Vast sums of public money are spent every year to provide the 
opportunity for the education of our youth, and yet both parents and 
children are so indifferent to these opportunities that fully fifty per 
cent of the boys and girls of free school age are growing up in ignorance 
to become, if not real menaces to society, most surely to become in a 
measure a care on the public, and not fully equipped to exercise the 
highest degree of citizenship. 

Third - Better and more hearty support for all efforts to provide better 
public roads. No nation, state or community can reach the highest and best 
in any sense unless there is provided and used a safe, comfortable and 
continuous means of intercourse with those about them. 




                    History of Nutter's Fork Community
                     (Doddridge County, West Virginia)
                          By Lily Smith Corathers

Location and Topography
Nutter's Fork Community lies north of West Union, and principally north-
northeast of Middle Island Creek, in Doddridge County, it is nearly all 
within the bounds of Precinct No. 2, West Union Magisterial District, with 
Pine Run school house as its voting place. It is sometimes spoken of as 
the "Solid North", owing to its predominant political sentiment. 

This rough, hilly section is well watered. Middle Island, the River of 
Many Windings, flows near the southwestern border for four of five miles 
before entering Tyler County. Its main tributaries in in the community are 
Piggin Run, cedar Run, Nutter's Fork, and Slaughter Run. Of these Nutter's 
Fork is much the largest. It is some six miles or more in length and has 
several branches, Chipps Run being the most important. Others are Gorby 
Run, Pine Run, Tom's Run, and Bulltown Run.Camp Misery, the headwaters of 
Knight's Fork, Little Flint, and Camp Mistake are also within the borders 
of the community. It is interesting to learn how these streams were named. 

Nutter's Fork, Chipps Run, Gorby Run, and Knight's Fork were so called 
from their early settlers; Cedar Run and Pine Run for their trees; and 
Tom's Run, prpbably for the reason that it once belonged to Thomas Smith, 
Sr., who owned more than fifteen hundred acres of land in this locality. 
Camp Mistake got its name from some hunters who made a mistake in choosing 
their camp site. Camp Misery, a small branch of Knight's Fork, was a real 
camp misery to the many deer hunters there who were tormented by vast 
swarms of flies and mosquitoes. (A "deer lick" at that place attracted 
great numbers of deer which fell prey to the hunter's rifle. 

The earliest name of Chipps Run was Wolf Pen, a pen to trap wolves being 
located near its mouth. Gorby run was first called Broth Run. The story is 
that some men in trying to boil a wild turkey overturned the pot and 
spilled the broth into the stream. Bulltown Run takes its name from the 
local oil field known as the Bulltown field. 

Another body of water that has attracted much attention is "The Bog" in 
the southwestern side of the community. It is the bed of an ancient curve 
in Middle lsland Creek where a narrow ridge forced the waters to traverse 
a distance of about two miles i order to make a progress of only a few 
feet. Finally the creek cut through the ridge leaving the loop to become 
the marshy depression known since pioneer days as "The Bog." ("The Jug" in 
Tyler County is another noted bend in the same stream.) 

A few years ago a development company bought part of the Bog and adjacent 
territory from the Coleman family. A dam was built across the outlet and a 
large lake was formed, which is called Crystal Lake. Several cottages and 
a commodious club house have been built on its shores. Far and near it is 
noted as the beauty spot of the vicinity. The County Four-H Camp was first 
held at Crystal lake during the summer of 1927. 

Hunters and Game
The tracks of the savage Indian were barely cold on the hills and along 
the streams when the bold pioneer made his way into the region described. 
There abundant evidence as to the presence of the Red Man here prior to 
the coming of the White Man. Many arrow heads and other relics have been 
found. On of the most interesting "finds" of late years is an Indian war 
club picked up by Charles E. Maxwell on the William Freeman farm. 

Likely the same thing called the Indian to this region that later lured 
the white man-the abundance of game. No doubt the bison once roamed over 
these hills. Bear were plentiful, feeding upon acorns and other nuts of 
the forest, together with berries and an occasional store of wild honey . 
An old "bear willow" in the community shows where Bruin had his bath when 
so inclined. 

Deer were here in large numbers for many years after the whites came. It 
was no uncommon thing to see the carcass of a deer swung from each of the 
four corners of a settler's cabin. A fawn was sometimes caught and tamed, 
becoming the pet of the family. What sorrow when a strange hunter mistook 
this pet for a wild deer! 

Wolves must have been troublesome to the early dweller in these hills. 
Wolf Pen Run and, not far away, Wolf Run are reminiscent of their 
existence. 

The older residents of this community now tell the story of Rock Run Billy 
Davis and Snowden Kinney who killed an enormous wolf with an axe. There 
was some kind of neighborhood gathering, alo-rolling perhaps, at what is 
now known as the Ford farm. (Snowden Kinney, Sr., lived there at the 
time.) The wolf came along and was at once set upon by all the dogs that 
were present. They soon brought it to bay in a corner of a worm fence. In 
spite of all they could do the dogs failed to dislodge the wolf, but were 
severely slashed every time they got within reach of its murderous fangs. 
At last Davis noticed the animal's tail protruding from a crack in the 
fence, whereupon he proceeded to get a firm handhold on that member, while 
Kinney got an axe and started to help the dogs. After having one leg badly 
lacerated, Kinney dealt the blow which brought Sir Wolf to his untimely 
end. 

Another wolf story told by the writer's great-aunt, Mrs. Hiram Smith, Sr., 
runs as follows: Many years ago when her mother was a tiny baby, so her 
parents said, the father had to be away until late at night. The young 
mother was left alone with her infant daughter in the unfinished cabin 
home. There was no floor of ceiling. Loose timbers lay upon the joists in 
a few places. A blanket hung over the entrance to shut out the cold night 
air. 

Presently in the distance, the howling of a wolf pack was heard. A 
moment's listening convinced the mother that there was possible danger. 
Getting upon the bed, she managed to climb to the joists, dragging the 
baby with her. Nearer and nearer came the noisy pack, until they reached 
the cabin and came snarling through the blanket-covered doorway. When they 
discovered their prey far above them, they jumped upon the bed and leaped 
for the young woman. Time and time the great jaws snapped as a big fellow 
missed her only by inches. But she was safe. When the husband came home he 
found his wife and baby girl roosting high and unharmed overhead. The 
hungry pack had passed on to more promising hunting ground. 

An extreme case, perhaps, but it illustrates the hardships and dangers 
that attended pioneer life. 

The panther was also a menace to the early farmer. ("Painter, he called 
it".) It was Uncle Moses Weekley, who killed the largest panther living in 
the folk tales of the community. Wildcats, catamounts, foxes, and the 
smaller woodfolk made this country a "Hunters Paradise". 

Wild turkey, pheasant, quail, woodcock, and, it may be, wild duck (on the 
Bog) were the principal game birds. 

There were fishing to satisfy the most devoted follower of Izaak Walton. 
The larger streams were teeming with fish. Catfish, pike, bass, perch, and 
many others were found in plenty. It has been told that as late as seventy-
five years ago large fish could be picked up by hand in the "holes" of 
Nutter's Fork, after having been tired by the fisherman wading after them. 

Now all the wild animals are gone except a few of the smaller ones; some 
of the smaller birds are left; and an occasional fish is taken in Middle 
Island. Fear of the game warden seems to be a hopeful sign in this 
community today, insofar as preservation of game is concerned. 

Early Settlers
It is not known exactly who first settled in this part of the country. 
Over one hundred years ago, the three Sears brothers had built their 
cabins on what is now the Joseph Freeman and Coleman lands. One of the 
three was named Hiram, who lived on the present James Coleman place with 
his wife and two sons, Squire and Holdredge. 

A man named Haymond bought the present Coleman farm and established his 
wife and daughter there with a Negro servant, Jim, who was a slave. 
Haymond seems to have been an extensive cattle raiser and shipper, and was 
quite well-to-do. He did not make his home here, but cane occasionally 
with cattle. It is probable that he had the brick residence built which 
later became the home of Otho Coleman and is now occupied by Coleman's 
son, William. The Colemans came from Maryland. 

Thomas Smith, Sr., of German descent, moved from Greene County, 
Pennsylvania, to Barnesville, Ohio, thence to Tyler County, Western 
Virginia, and finally to the Sears lands near the Bog. Here he had a brick 
house erected which he later sold to his son-in-law, Eleazer Sr., it 
passed into the hands of his son, the late Joseph Freeman, whose widow now 
owns property. 

It is said that when Mr.Freeman came to pay for the Smith farm, he carried 
his saddle Bags full of silver coin to make the payment. He was one of the 
most prominent farmers and stockmen in the community. Many of his 
descendants still are living in this country. 

After Thomas Smith sold this farm he built another home nearer the creek, 
where he lived for many years. He was the largest land holder in the 
region, having taken a "Patent" on a large scope of wilderness land. His 
children, twelve in number, built their homes upon this land, much of 
which remains in the hands of his descendants today. 

So far as is known, the oldest member of this Smith family of pioneers was 
"Grandmother Lettie," the widowed mother of Thomas Smith , Sr. She lived 
in his home for a time, and delighted the numerous youngsters with her 
stories of Indian times, life in a fort, and the final conquest of the Red 
Men by the Palefaces. "Lettie" was a remarkably active old lady, being 
able to walk for miles on visits after she had passed the century mark. 
She lived to be one hundred six years old. 

About a mile below the Thomas Smith , Sr. home on Middle Island, Jacob 
Ripley had established his home. Mrs. Elizabeth Drane, of West Union, Mrs, 
Emma Strickling and Miss Maggie Ripley, of Memphis, Tennessee, are 
surviving granddaughters, being the children of William Ripley, Jacob's 
son. The Ripley farm is now the home of H. Walter Smith, farmer, and a 
great grandson of Thomas, Sr. 

John Smith, Sr., a brother of Thomas, had built his home about a mile 
farther down the creek, by a small brook lying between lower Nutter's Fork 
and Slaughter Run. This place is now known as the Jacob C. Smith farm. 
Charles D. Cottrill, a son-in-law of Jacob C. Smith and also a farmer, 
resides there. 

Just across the creek opposite the mount of Slaughter was the prosperous 
home of Tom Bond, Sr. He was a slave-holder. It is said that slaves set 
fire to his barn, burning it and two of his children. There are none of 
his descendants in the community. Later this farm belonged to J. N. 
Wolverton, a prominent teacher, surveyor, and farmer; and it is now in the 
hands of W.F. Smith, of West Union. 

A little farther down stream and on the same side was the early home of 
Amos and Elizabeth Collins Keys, also large slave owners. Here was the 
mill where the grain of the community was ground. The mill was run by 
water power except when the creek was low, when a "thread wheel" supplied 
the power. 

A carding machine also belonged to the Keys family. This machine prepared 
the wool for the spinning wheel by making long rolls of it. After the wool 
was spun, the wives and daughters wove it into cloth and blankets, or knit 
warm stockings and mittens for the entire household. 

The kindness of Aunt Betty Keys is remembered by the old folks. The small 
boys of the pioneer family usually "went to mill" where they had to wait 
many weary hours before their grinding was done. It was Aunt Betty's 
custom to spread large slices of "wheat bread" with honey or other 
delectable spreads and hand them out to the hungry urchins. This was some 
compensation for the disagreeable task of going to mill. 

There were seven children in the Keys home, only two of whom married, so 
far as can be learned E.M.B., and Cynthia Keys Joseph. A few of their 
descendants are found in adjoining counties. Creed Keys lives near Camp. 
But the old home is no more a home. 

Nearly a mile up Nutter's Fork from its junction with Middle Island was 
the home of Leonard Kelch, who lived but a few years. It later became the 
homestead of William, son of Thomas Smith Sr., and Margaret Doak Smith, 
who moved there soon after their marriage in 1 1844. Here they reared a 
family of eleven children who became successful men and women in their 
respective vocations. William was a farmer, stock raiser, and buyer and 
shipper of livestock. Some of his sons followed the same lines of work. 
One son., S.P. Smith who now resides in West Union with his wife, Edith 
Martin Smith, and their three sons, is well known as a farmer, teacher, 
business man, writer, and editor of ability. The old home became the 
property of another son, David M. Smith whose family still owns it, though 
it is occupied by a tenant at the present time. 

Discussion of the William Smith family must not end without a few remarks 
concerning the old mother, Margaret. She was a remarkable woman of great 
resolution and strength of character. Hers was the local home of the 
preacher of the Christian Church when he made his regular visits to the 
neighborhood. A splendid cook, her biscuit making became famous. She was a 
rapid worker. Once a friend times her in preparing a young chicken for 
dinner. She is said to have completed the job and had the "fryer" on the 
table in fifteen minutes. 

At the time Leonard Kelch lived here, there was another cabin home near 
the mouth of Chipps Run on Nutter's Fork that was occupied by William 
Tucker. He and his family lived here for some time, after which Isaac, 
oldest son of Thomas Smith Sr., with his wife, Sarah Ann Corathers, moved 
in to establish their home. Eleven children were born, all of whom grew 
up, married, and reared families. 

The best known of the Isaac Smith family is the Rev. Thomas J. Smith, who, 
on July 24, 1927 reached his eighty-first birthday. For more than fifty 
years he has been a preacher in the Christian Church and its strong 
financial supporter. He has been a successful farmer, too. Though now 
retired, he still does a large amount of farm work "just to help the boys 
out and to keep in fit physical condition." The State Legislature claimed 
his services for one term. He has traveled east to Boston, Washington, and 
other points of interest. In a recent tour he covered the most interesting 
parts of central and western United States and visited his son, E.Erwin, 
who has a good position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 
Seattle, Washington. (Irwin received the degree of B.S. Agr. from West 
Virginia University shortly after his return from France, where he served 
with the A.E.F. in the "Buckeye" Division.) 

Rev. Thomas Smith has two younger brothers surviving, Joseph and Isaac M. 
Their father passed away nearly fifty years ago leaving a record of a 
clean, honorable, industrious life. The mother lived a few years longer, 
spending most of her time in caring for the sick and needy. No one was 
ever turned away from her door, and she was always ready to divide her 
last mouthful of food. The Christian Church stands just across the road 
from the site of the old Isaac Smith home, which was destroyed by fire 
more than thirty years ago. 

Zuleka Davis, the first wife of the Rev. Mr. Smith, deserves mention in 
these pages. Without her help and sacrifices in the early years his 
success could not have been so great. She was a noble , helpful Christian 
woman, often inconveniencing herself to let her daughters assist a sick 
neighbor. Many preachers, travelers, and other visitors were entertained 
in her hospitable home. In later life, the Rev. Mr. Smith married Susan 
Owens, who likewise was a splendid woman. 

Coming back to pioneer days, tradition tells that the very earliest 
settler on Nutter's Fork was a man by the name of Nutter, for whom the 
stream was named. He and his family lived on what is now the Gordon W. 
Kinney farm. His cabin stood near the present site of the "old house" 
below Mr. Kinney's residence. Little is known of Mr. Nutter, except that 
he died there at the time of the "great storm" which literally swept the 
country about one hundred years ago. (The Thomas Smith , Sr. brick house 
was partly blown down, and much timber was destroyed.) Mr. Nutter's 
remains were carried by hand-partly on a hand-sled-to the Smith farm, 
where they rest today near a few other graves on the hillside near Crystal 
Lake. (The Coleman Cemetery had not yet been established .) The Nutters 
came from Barbour County. 

At about the time the Nutter family settled here, Benjamin Knight built 
his log cabin on what was later called the William Freeman farm, now owned 
by the William Freeman heirs. This cabin stood about a mile below the 
Nutter home. After the Rev. Mr. Knight, who was a local Methodist 
Episcopal preacher, had lived here for some years, his easier 
circumstances permitted him to build a larger home of hewed logs for his 
growing family. The ruin of this old home still stands as a mute witness 
to the industry and frugality which made life in the wilderness possible. 

At this time there is no record of the later life of Benjamin Knight. He 
had one son whose name was Henry. This son married Jennie Sandy who lived 
on Sandy's Run in Tyler County. Henry and his wife made their home on 
Little Flint above the present Canton post office. Their lives were filled 
with toil and sacrifice, as were the lives of all early settlers in those 
hills. They succeeded in acquiring considerable property, at the same time 
reared a family of none children. 

Of these children one should be especially mentioned-Malinda Ellen Knight, 
who became the wife of R. Breckinridge White, of Lewis County, and who was 
the mother of two of the well known educators in West Virginia-H.S. White, 
President of Shepherd College State Normal School, President of the West 
Virginia State Educational Association, lecturer and author of note; and 
his equally distinguished brother, H. Laban White, Extension Director of 
Glenville Normal School, and also an author and public speaker of note. 
These young men, products of West Virginia University, rose to their 
present positions through their own efforts, the proverbial silver spoon 
being providentially omitted. 

W.H.S. White chose as his life companion Grace Eliza Yoke, a graduate of 
West Virgjnia University and woman of poetical ability. Nan Leigh Cox, a 
young lady of culture and refinement, became the bride of Laban White. 

The father of these young men (and their two sisters, Mrs. Forrest Kinney 
and Ada, the later deceased,) R.B. White, and his two brothers, Letcher 
and O. Griffin, came here from Lewis County in the early eighties. They 
were engaged in saw-milling; and Griffin ran a store and a blacksmith shop 
at the Ora D. Underwood place, as the location is now called. Griffin 
moved away, but Letcher married Dorcas Doak and still lives on Knight's 
Fork where he is farming and preaching occasionally for the local 
churches. The Whites came of Revolutionary stock. The great -grandfather 
of R.B. was Alexander White of New Jersey, a Captain in the Army of the 
Revolution. 

Returning to local pioneers, the writer finds that Sammy Knight, a brother 
of Benjamin Knight, was the first to found a home on Knight's Fork. From 
him the little stream takes its name. Little is known of him and his 
family. One daughter married Ben Jeffrey, and they made their early home 
where Letcher White now resides. 

A little later Richard Spencer came from the Indian Creek country and 
built his cabin where his grandson, Gordon Spencer now lives. There were 
five children in this home. The three sons, all Union soldiers, married 
and reared families, the present Spencer families being their descendants. 

Another home built on the headwaters of a prong of Knight's Fork some 
years previous to the Civil War was that of Thomas H. and Rebecca Robinson 
McKinney, who came from Barbour County. They were hard-working folk who 
with difficultly wrested a living from the little hill farm. Nine children 
grew up in this little cabin. Many of their progeny are now found in the 
community. 

Luther McKinney, a brother of Thomas H., lived for several years on 
Knight's Fork. While living here he and Ben Davis, of Camp Mistake, were 
one unfortunate day, companions on a hunting trip. They were trying to get 
a squirrel for Luther's sick brother, when Luther felled a tree which 
struck and killed Davis. Luther almost lost his mind, and, though he lived 
to be an old man, he never recovered entirely from the shock. 

Charley Doak, another Union solider, acquired the Ben Jeffrey farm and 
reared a large family, many of whose members still reside in this country. 

Probably the first settler on Camp Mistake was Benjamin Davis (not the 
Davis of the fatal squirrel hunt), who lived near the present William 
("Ib") Pratt home. Here he reared a family. One of his sons, Felix, was a 
merchant. 

John Knight, ancestry unknown, lived at the head of Camp Mistake, Smith 
Freeman, son of Eleazer, Sr., purchased this land after he had sold his 
farm on Nutter's Fork to his brother-in- law, Hamilton Doak. Here the 
Freeman family grew up, three sons and five daughters, to go out and found 
homes of their own. The ancestral home is still in the hands of the 
family, Charles Freeman residing at the original house site. 

Robert and Josey Scott were early residents of Camp Mistake. Their brother 
James made his home on a branch of Knight's Fork nearby. They came from 
Monongalia County, as did David Chipps, the first settler on Chipps Run. 
Some of the Scott family are yet here. Rebecca Scott married Robert Noon 
whose home was on Camp Mistake for some years. A son, Bob, was a member of 
the Clarksburg police force a few years ago, the family having moved to 
Harrison County. 

John R. Kemper, father of P.G. Kemper of Shirley, lived at Camp and kept a 
general store. He was United Brethren preacher. Later he moved to 
Smithburg or to Morgansville, where he spent several years. He served as a 
member of the House of Delegates from this county. 

Thomas and William ("Ib") Pratt were among the later arrivals to found 
homes on Camp Mistake. They came from Pratt's Run some forty-five or fifty 
years ago. Thomas and his wife, Elizabeth Dawson Pratt, were prosperous 
farm folk, who built a pleasant home and brought up a large family of 
boys. These sons have gone out into the world as business men, teachers, 
and industrial managers of various enterprises. Only one son, E.M. Pratt, 
with his wife , Una Smith Pratt, and their daughters, Wanda and Gertrude, 
and his invalid mother, remain on the farm. Mr. Pratt is a up-to-date 
farmer, the head of the Livestock Shipper's Association in this county, 
and president of the community organization. Both daughters are teachers 
and expect to get their degrees with the class of '29 at West Virginia 
University. 

William ("Ib") Pratt also lived on a farm. He engaged in the mercantile 
business for many years. Later his sons took charge of the business, which 
they still handle in connection with the Camp post office. 

Ben Smith lives at Camp, where he owned and operated a grist mill more 
than forty years ago. 

Rev. Moses Weekley, pioneer settler of Slaughter Run, lived in Camp during 
his declining years. 

David Chipps and his wife, Katy Russell Chipps, made their home on the 
head of Chipps Run, where their son, the aged S.C. Chipps, now resides. 
S.C. has three brothers and a sister, none of whom live here. 

Just after the earliest settlements on Nutter's Fork, Hiram Smith, a son 
of Thomas Sr., established his home on Chipps Run where his grandson Hiram 
Underwood now lives. He and his wife Sarah Ann Doak Smith, were among the 
well-to-do farm people of that time. They had a large family, some of the 
sons still residing here. 

Hiram Smith was a prisoner of war at Andersonville. He and a companion, 
Dave Kinney, made their way home after having escaped enemy's country, 
they hid by day and traveled by night, living on raw corn or whatever food 
they could pick up. Later they rejoined their regiment and served till the 
end of the war. 

John Smith, a brother of Hiram, and his wife, Lydia Jarvis Smith, also 
made their early home on Nutter's Fork. Their cabin stood by the "old 
well" near the present Nutter's Fork bridge opposite Rolandus McKinney's 
residence. After a few years they moved to his father's, Thomas Smith, 
Sr's home on Middle Island. Here John built a mill and a milldam to supply 
the needed water power. Some time after, he sold the mill to Morgan Gorby 
who made a home nearby. Then John and Lydia Smith reared nine children. 
Frank and William (Billy) of West Union are their sons, Through business 
reverses the aged John Smith seems to have lost most of his property. He 
spent his last years with his widowed sister, Eliza Smith, at the J.C. 
Smith farm. She was the wife of Captain Jacob Smith. Their two children 
were James and Lenora. 

"James Smith and Sons" is a well known firm of lumber dealers in West 
Union. They handle building supplies and operate a planing mill. James' 
sister, Lenora, became the wife of Jacob C. Smith of Tyler County, who 
later a prominent farmer and business man in this community. They lived 
for many years on the John Smith, Sr., farm described above, which is now 
known as the J.C. Smith farm and is occupied by their daughter and son-in-
law, C.D. Cottrill. J.C. Smith still lives at McKim, Tyler County, where 
his wife died but a few years ago. Mrs. Joseph Freeman, of West Union, is 
his sister. 

Among the descendants of John Smith, the Second, the millwright previously 
mentioned, was a grandson, Ira E. Smith, son of Frank and Martha Allen 
Smith, who now live in West Union. Ira E. is a prominent banker and 
politician in this district. He served his district in the State Senate 
during a recent term. His only son, Claud, has just received an 
appointment as Assistant Bank Examiner for this district, he having had 
several years banking experience under his father. 

Another of the old time residents of Nutter's Fork was John Kinney, Sr., 
who, we believe came here from Greene County, Pennsylvania and lived for a 
time in the house near the present Nutter's Fork bridge where John Smith 
had once made his home. (It may be that Kinney lived there before Smith.) 
There were three sons in this Kinney family, George, a carpenter; Israel, 
who probably made his home on the land once occupied by Mr. Nutter, now 
the farm of his grandson, G.W. Kinney; and Snowden, whose residence was 
across the creek from the mouth of Cedar Run-the present Ford farm (where 
the large wolf was killed). Snowden was the father of John Kinney who 
married Deborah Bond and lived many years near the old home, rearing a 
large family of children. Mrs. Ernest Ford is one of the daughters. 

Barney Bond married Polly Smith, daughter of Thomas, Sr. They founded a 
home near the outlet of the Bog. A large pine tree still stands where 
their dooryard was-a silent sentinel. Just across the road is a deep bend 
in Middle Island known to every schoolboy as the "Barney Hole". Deborah 
Bond, previously mentioned, was a daughter of Barney and Polly Bond. 
Another daughter, Elizabeth-"Pop"-was the wife of Squire Sears. Their home 
for a time was at the John Kinney place which is now owned by Jacob C. 
Smith. 

Morgan Gorby also married one of the Bond girls, Lettie, by name. He had 
bought the mill above Bond's , and they lived near it for a good while. 
Afterwards they moved to the head of Gorby Run where a large family grew 
up, but few of their descendants remain here. At present no one lives on 
Gorby Run. The old home is in ruins, and the fields (in part) are thickets 
of wild blackberry vines yielding a luscious harvest to all who will 
gather the fruit. 

James (Jimmy) Magill resided at one time in the old house near the bridge 
opposite the site of the present Rolandus McKinney home. He also lived on 
the Jacob Ripley farm where his son, T. Wayman, was born. This son married 
Mahala, daughter of Isaac Smith. They made a home on Chipps Run, then went 
to Ritchie County and thence to Ross County, Ohio. Their oldest son, 
William, is a retired teacher, prominent in business and farming 
enterprises of his Ohio home section. The parents lie buried in Ohio. 

At some rather early period of our history, J.B. Markey acquired a part of 
the old Snowden Kinney farm on Middle Island, where he and his wife 
resided for some time. They sold out to James Ford and moved to West Union 
where he became a merchant. The Markey name has been known in the business 
world ever since. 

The Fords are an old family. They came here from Virginia and have been a 
valued addition to the community. Several sons and daughters grew to 
maturity in the home of James Ford and his wife, Talitha. Sam L. Ford, one 
of the sons, became a leader in the raising of purebred livestock. He was 
a prominent farmer, served a term as sheriff of Doddridge County, and was 
a member of the Board of Directors of Salem College-an honor which has 
devolved upon his son, Glenn L. 

Glenn L. Ford has been identified with the farmers organizations of the 
county, has been a livestock raiser and a progressive fruit grower, and 
has served as president of the community organization. He was appointed 
county agent in Upshur County early in the spring of 1928. 

Another son of James Ford is Ernest, who resides on the old home place. He 
too is a farmer and upbuilder of the community. 

Miss Eva Ford, a sister of Glenn L., is an instructor of French in Alfred 
University. 

On Piggin Run, of which we have not yet written, William Ashburn, Sr., was 
the first settler, his home being located where Dave Underwood now 
resides. He came from Greene County. Pennsylvania, at about the time of 
the early settlement on Nutter's Fork, and obtained a large tract of land 
which in time became the homesteads of his children as they married and 
left the parental roof. In this family were two boys, Josephus and 
Amaziah, both of whom were prominent in their day. There were two 
daughters, one of whom died in her youth. The other Alcinda, married Jerry 
Knight and became the mother of Flave J. Knight whose home is a part of 
the original William Ashburn, Sr., lands. There was, too, a step-daughter, 
Abbie, who never married. 

William Ashburn, Sr., was a well educated man. He was the first school 
teacher in this part of the country, teaching in his own home prior to the 
erection of school buildings. His own children received their instruction 
from him. Josephus became a teacher, preacher, and philosopher. Following 
in the steps of his father, he also taught school in his early home; then 
at the Haymond, and later at the Rock Run Hill School. These were called 
subscription schools, each pupil paying a specified tuition, most likely 
in some kind of farm produce. 

An old citizen tells this story illustrative of the character of the Rev. 
Josephus Ashburn. He had been chosen as a delegate to a convention, 
probably at Wheeling. The Rev. Ashburn was on hand early, wearing his 
derby hat and best suit of clothes. A stylish wag, thinking to have some 
entertainment for himself and friends, addressed the old gentleman from 
the "back country" as follows: 

"How do you do, my good man? And where might you hail from?" "From London, 
England, Sir"came the amazing reply. "And how did you leave everybody over 
there?' "Fine, Sir. Just fine." "And what, may I ask, is everybody doing 
over there?' "Attending to his own business, Sir, Attending to his own 
business," Rev. Ashburn replied, as he turned from his tormentor to the 
consideration of more serious matters. His home was where Oriles (Jack) 
Hoalcraft now lives near the head of Piggin Run. One of his sons, Falvius 
J. Ashburn, was a popular educator, who died in a far-western state a few 
years ago. 

Amaziah, the other son of William Ashburn, Sr., was a talented man who 
studied and practiced medicin. He became a well-known and successful 
doctor of the courageous old country type. His home at the present F.J. 
Knight location. Here he and his wife, Margaret, lived for many years and 
brought up their family of five boys, some of whom still live in this 
county. 

Dr. Ashburn was a Union soldier, serving as a physician with the 14th 
Virginia (W.Va.) Infantry, if we are correctly informed. He was a prisoner 
at Andersonville, where he ministered as best he could to the needs of his 
suffering comrades. He seemed never to forget those dark days of misery. 

He did a great deal for the health of the people in his home community. 
Though he was kept busy most of the time, he never amassed a great deal of 
property. The reason is obvious. He worked for the patient's sake and not 
for his own. It is said that Dr. Asburn would go anywhere he was called, 
even though he knew he would never receive a cent for his services. And he 
furnished the medicine besides! His books showed hundreds of dollars in 
uncollectible accounts. 

Of his sons, the best known (though all are well known) perhaps, is O. A., 
who has been a successful teacher, County Superintendent of Schools, State 
Senator, and business man. Another son, Francis, was a teacher, and later 
a preacher. Mrs. Oley Williams, a valued community member, is a direct 
descendant of Dr. Ashburn. 

Again going back to earlier days, William Bland built the first cabin on 
the head waters of Nutter's Fork about 1840. Soon after, a man named 
Hitchcock also lived in a cabin on the site of Roy Griffin's present home. 
This land became the Ephraim Bee farm and was later sold to Robert McClain 
(father of P.B. McClain) who erected the house which is still standing. 
Later it was owned by Edgar Davission from whom it passed into the hands 
of his daughter, Mrs. Griffin. 

Jacob Swentzel was another old settler on upper Nutter's Fork. The 
Swentzels of this part of the state are his descendants. 

Another family which contributed to the early life of the same section was 
that of Spencer Pernell, whose home was on the head of Little Flint Run. 
He had two sons, James who founded his home where Emerson Knight now 
lives; and Joseph, the first settler on Bulltown at the Hamilton Doak 
place. It is said that the latter was a whale-hunter with marvelous 
stories of adventure to tell. Among the descendants of the Pernells are 
Mrs. Roxalina Kinney (mother of G.W. Kinney) and Israel Pernell. Later the 
Whites, Vincents, Williams's, Bakers and Smiths lived in this Upper 
Nutter's Fork neighborhood. There have been many others of whom there is 
no historic trace. 

Another family which not previously mentioned is the Strickling family, 
one of the most influential in the early history of the community. Dr. 
William and Matilda Strickling came here from Ohio, via Shirley where they 
lived a short while about the time of the Civil War. They founded their 
home at what is known as the Strickling Farm, now owned by John and 
Eleazer Freeman. Here they raised a family of nine children-eight boys and 
one girl. Dr. Strickling was a a teacher and one of the first County 
Superintendent, he was also a successful doctor, doing a great deal for 
the health of the community. But perhaps he was best known as a preacher. 
He spent many years preaching and practicing medicine. The last years of 
his life were given entirely to the ministry. 

All the Strickling family became successful teachers. F.E. served as 
County Superintendent of Schools in this county and is now Postmaster at 
West Union. James, after teaching for a time, graduated from Bethany 
College. He studied law and became a well known lawyer, and a member of 
the State Legislature, serving as Speaker of the House during a late 
session. His home is in Huntington. 

Roads
At first the roads in Nutter Fork Community were mere paths or trails. As 
necessity demanded, they were widened so as to permit the use of vehicles, 
the earliest of which was the ox-sled. Gradually the network of roads 
extended over the entire section as settlers filled up the country. 

But the community cannot even today, boast of good roads. There is no hard-
surfaced road at this time. The old "Pike" which follows the course of 
Middle Island (generally) has been graded, and will be paved as a State 
road in the near future. Also the Rock Run-Poverty road is graded and may 
be paved later. Except, these two roads are still narrow, crooked, ill-
graded affairs. Automobiles use them for a few months in summer. In winter 
they are mostly mud holes, well nigh impassable for man or beast. Chances 
for road improvement seem quite remote. 

In justice to those in charge of the roads, it should be added that there 
is an oil field in this community which necessitates hard usage of roads. 
Dirt roads, and wet weather in an oil field mean mud. Nevertheless, mail 
is delivered every week day over these roads. 

Churches
Methodist Episcopal 
During the earliest pioneer times there seems to have been no churches 
here. Religious services were held from house to house among the Christian 
settlers. (Some of course were not church members.) A few years later a 
log church was built by the Methodist Episcopal people at the mouth of 
Slaughter Run. This served the residents of Middle Island and lower 
Nutter's Fork country for a long time. The building has now completely 
disappeared. 

Rev. Bolton was one of the early preachers. Rev. King and Rev. Wiley were 
also Methodist Episcopal preachers in this community. Benjamin Knight, one 
of the first two settlers on Nutter's Fork, was a local preacher of this 
faith, as well as a successful farmer. The ruin of his second residence, a 
substantial story-and-a-half hewed log house, which later became the first 
home of William Freeman and wife, still stands, a mute witness of his 
industry and early life in the wilderness. Probably there may have been 
another early Methodist Episcopal church on upper Little Flint, though no 
definite knowledge of its existence is known to the writer. 

In more recent times (1879) the Red Oak Methodist Episcopal Church was 
built on Upper Nutter's Fork where it still serves the people over a large 
area. It was founded by a band of earnest Christian people whose influence 
for good still flows from its modest portals. 

"Uncle" William Vincent, father of Rev. Joseph I. Vincent, (well known 
Methodist Protestant preacher) worshiped here for many years. Who in the 
community does not remember Uncle Billy's shouting, as, steadying himself 
with his faithful cane, he stood up and told of his hope of heaven and the 
love of his blessed Master! He was more than ninety years of age when he 
passed on, at his daughter's home in West Union, a few years ago. 

B.P. McClain, who now resides in Parkersburg, was an influential member 
and class leader in this church for years. 

Rev. Arnett of the Smithburg charge, has been the pastor during the past 
two or three years. He goes elsewhere next year (1928.) 

Among the charter members of Red Oak church are the following: Edgar 
Davisson and family, Jacob Swentzel and family, George Chapman and family, 
Wm. Ashburn and wife and P.B. McClain and wife. Chapman was the first 
leader. 

United Brethren 
The first United Brethen church of which there is any account was a log 
structure erected near the present site of the Camp Post Office on Camp 
Mistake. 

Among its early preachers, was noted Rev. Zebedee Warner. Rev. Moses 
Weekley, the first settler on Slaughter Run, was a local United Brethren 
preacher. He was an uncle of Bishop William Weekley who grew up just 
across the line in Tyler County and became one of the greatest United 
Brethren churchmen in America. No doubt, this old log church was the 
church home of the young Wm. Weekley in his Boyhood. It's ruins were 
removed only recently. 

The United Brethren church at Fairview, Tyler County, now fills the place 
of this historic structure. 

Baptist 
It is not known that the Baptist people built any church in this 
community. They held meetings at the old Rock Run Hill school house and 
also at the Haymond School near the recently constructed Crystal Lake. 
This is said to have been the earliest school in the community. 

Rev. Woods and Rev. Drummonds were two early Baptist preachers in this 
part of the country. Rev. Josephus Ashburn was a local preacher of much 
influence, as well as a prominent teacher of the early days. Keeping a 
diary was one of his hobbies. If this old book can be located, it will 
give a detailed history of the early Piggin Run settlement. 

The Baptists have no church here. Some of that faith here, are connected 
with the West Union church. 

In the Cedar Run neighborhood there are a number of Seventh-Day Baptist 
folk who are among the best citizens. They have no local church, but are 
affiliated with the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Salem. James Ford and 
his wife, Talitha, were among the early bearers of this faith in this 
section. 

Christian 
Many years ago-the teachings, of the great preacher, Alexander Campbell, 
were brought to this community where they spread rapidly among the people. 
Rev. Dunn was the first, perhaps, to sow the seeds of the Christian 
(Disciples') faith among the residents of Arnolds Creek in Tyler County 
whence it came to this community. No church was built here by these people 
until 1907, when the present building was erected near the mount of Chipps 
Run. In the early days religious gatherings and church services were held 
in the homes of some of the devout people. The home of Eleazer Freeman, 
Sr., father of the late Wm. and Joseph Freeman, was used as a place of 
public worship. Later, after the building of the old log school house at 
the mouth of Pine Run, it became the center of religious activity among 
these Christians. This was prior to the Civil War. 

When the old log school was abandoned for a frame building, the latter 
served as a church. 

Later the present school house was so used. Among the early preachers here 
were the Rev. Daniel Sweeney, Dr. William Strickling, Rev. Streeter and 
Rev. Mitchell. 

Rev. John Waters, another old-time preacher, used to come from the Deep 
Valley section to preach in these later school buildings, many years ago. 
For the past half century Rev. Thomas J. Smith has preached both here and 
elsewhere. 

Not many of the names of the pioneer Christians are known. Eleazer and 
Betty Smith Freeman, William and Margaret Doak Smith, Hiram and Sarah Ann 
Doak Smith, Isaac and Sarah Ann Corathers Smith, Rev. William and Matilda 
Lowe Strickling, Thomas H. and Rebecca Robinson McKinney, were a few of 
the early Disciples. Today their descendants are scattered to many parts 
of the country. 

Such is the brief outline of the community church history. From the 
"little grains of mustard seed", as it were, have grown the great trees of 
religion and morality to shelter the community from the evil of the world. 

Perhaps the churches have not done as well as they should always; perhaps 
they are not doing so now. Lack of efficient leadership has been a 
hindrance sometimes. Petty prejudices, neighborhood feuds, and factional 
fights have been great drawbacks. (What community does not have them at 
times?) Yet, what would our community be without church influence? Who can 
picture the benighted condition of a country without the ennobling and 
uplifting influence of religion? 

Rural Routes, Telephones, And Other Conveniences
A little more than twenty years ago a Rural Free Delivery Route was 
established from West Union. (The writer took the first step toward 
establishing this Rural Route, having ordered the petition forms later 
circulated by her brother Walter Smith and her husband, J.L. Corathers.) 
It serves a large part of the community. Some are served by the Middle 
Island Star Route, and a few by Camp Post Office. 

Many years ago there was a post office at Knight, how Ora Underwoods 
place, but it was discontinued after the rural mail route became 
operative. O.G. White, Geo. L. Swentzel, and Jack Williams were 
postmasters there. Some found it more convenient to use the West Union 
office. When a neighbor went to town he took the outgoing mail to the post 
office and brought back what was there for these folks. Many times some of 
it was misplaced for several days or lost entirely. Rural delivery has 
proved more satisfactory. 

The first telephone line was a part of the old Beeghley System built in 
the early nineties. After it had fallen into disuse the Peoples' Union 
Telephone Company built lines here. It later became the D. and H. System. 
Though its service has been very irregular, it has been a great help to 
the people. A part of the community is now served by the Bell Telephone 
System. 

Since radios have come into common use, several have found their way into 
our section of the country. Through their use the community has been 
brought into direct contact with the outside world. The daily weather 
report is a popular feature with the farmer, as well as with the motorist. 

Speaking of motorists a large percentage of local people own their 
automobiles, but because of dirt roads most of these machines must remain 
in the garages during the winter months. 

One of the very first to drive a motor vehicle over local roads was Wesley 
Owens, who carried mail on the Rural Route some fifteen years ago. About 
that time two farmers , Marion O. Davis and W. Frank Smith purchased Ford 
cars-the first owned in this community. These cars were objects of 
curiosity to several, just as were the first wagon and buggy of pioneer 
times. Tom Bond, Sr., who lived across the creek from Slaughter Run, was 
the first here to own a buggy, while Israel Kinney was probably the owner 
of the first wagon in this part of the country. Hiram Smith bought the 
second. 

Although most of the local homes today are supplied with modern gas or 
coal ranges for cooking, it is only a few decades back through the days of 
the little "Indianola" and step-stove, to the time when a "Dutch oven" 
(skillet and lid) and a few iron pots were the housewife's "modern" 
conveniences for cooking. These she used at the open fireplace. 

The first cookstoves of which there is any record were owned by Thomas 
Smith, Sr., and his son, William. Aunt Margaret's pancakes, baked on the 
new stove, were a source o fwonder and delight to the youngsters of 
seventy to seventy-five years ago. 

The homes of the well-to-do people in those days were lighted by tallow 
candles made in the home. The poorer folks depended upon the tallow dip (a 
piece of cloth in a saucer of grease) or upon the firelight tin, for their 
illumination. There was no kerosene. 

The first lantern in this section was owned by Eleazer Freeman, Sr., whose 
young son, Joseph, proudly carried it from church, while the other young 
men carried pine torches to light the pathway of themselves and their 
sweethearts. 

Lettie Bond Gorby had one of the first (likely the first) sewing machines 
in this section. 

The first parlor organ here was in the home of Dr. William Strickling, 
while the first piano graced the home of James Ford. 

No modern "sweeper" cleaned the bare floors of the pioneer home. Not even 
a broom of straw, but one of "splits," pushed the dirt into the fireplace 
or out the doorway. (This broom was made from a small sapling). 

The one-post bed gave way to the old "cord" bedstead, which in turn was 
supplanted by the bed of wooden slats. The cord bed had a "basket-woven 
cord support for the straw tick. This was topped by a feather tick. The 
trundle beds for the children were pushed beneath the "big beds" during 
the day while a wooden cradle held baby's day bed. 

Home made "split bottomed" chairs were the rule. 

Schools
The schools in many ways resembled the early homes. They were of the 
pioneer type with crude home-made furniture and widefire-places. The 
benches consisted of split logs with wooden pins for legs. There were no 
desks. A shelf along one side served as a writing desk. Blackboards were 
unknown. The rod, symbol of the Master's authority, occupied a conspicuous 
place within easy reach. Textbooks were few, while a school library was 
undreamed of. 

The first school in this community was the old Haymond school near "The 
Bog". Rev. Josephus Ashburn was one of the teachers here. 

A little later about 1855 a log cabin school was created at the mouth of 
Pine Run near the present Isaac M. Smith homestead. It served the needs of 
the neighborhood until the establishment of the free school some time 
after the close of the Civil War. 

Among the early teachers of this school were Wm. Greene, James Hovey, Dr. 
Wm. Strickling, and Jennie Miller. The latter taught the first free school 
here. Soon after, a frame building was put up on the site of the present 
Pine Run School. In 1892 or 1893 the old frame structure gave place to the 
present one which has been somewhat improved this year by the addition of 
a cloakroom. 

More than thirty teachers have gone out from Pine Run to do their part of 
the world's educational work. Among the best known of these are the 
Stricklings. 

The old Good Hope School which stood on the top of Rock Run hill was 
constructed in 1868. Here also, some excellent teachers received their 
first schooling. Among them were the Ashburn boys. Some early instructors 
in this old school were Josephus Ashburn, James Strickling, Richard Noble, 
and P.B. McClain. When this old school was discarded there was one built 
on Piggin Run, and also one at the foot of Rock Run hill on Nutter's Fork. 
These are still used. 

Among the educators turned out of these schools were O,A, Ashburn, ex-
State Senator, and Prof. Clarence Asburn, of the Huntington schools, from 
Piggin School, and Professors W.H.S. and H. Laban White, from Nutter's 
Fork. 

A school was built on Camp Mistake soon after the close of the Civil War. 
Little of its early history is known. The present Camp School took its 
place many years ago. The Pratts, Freemans, Scotts, and Brittons were 
among the successful teachers from this school. 

The Cedar Run, Knights Fork, and Slaughter Run Schools, all of which are 
products of Cedar Run, the Spencers of Knights Fork, and the Wolvertons of 
Slaughter Run School. (Among the latter are Professor Howard M. Wolverton, 
of Adamston High School. Wayne R., a railway mail clerk, Dr. Wolverton, 
dentist, and Mrs. Ada McIntire, teacher.) 

Although the schools are far from modern now, they compare favorably with 
other rural schools of Doddridge County. Better furniture, libraries, 
equipment, and decorations have been added from time to time as conditions 
permitted. One thing sadly lacking is the sanitary toilet. 

The foundation of the educational system here, is base upon the pioneer 
work of the Ashburns, the Stricklings, and Professor John Wilson who 
taught in this section many years ago. 

Politics
Nutter's Fork Community is known as precinct no. 2, of West Union 
magisterial district; familiarly called the "Solid North". The "North" is 
not quite so "solid" now as it was a few decades ago. 

The wise voter now splits the ticket as he thinks best regardless of 
party. An interesting story is told of how one Republican changed 
politically. Some years ago this voter declared he would vote Republican 
ticket no more because he had unknownly cast his ballot for a colored man 
for State Committeeman. He couldn't knowingly support a Black Republican. 

Another old gentleman, whose political strength was stronger, "scratched" 
the name of a candidate on his ticket because he could not bring himself 
to vote for that particular man. Did he vote for the opponent? Not he. "I 
don't want the sin of voting for a Democrat on my conscience", he remarked 
in all sincerity. 

More and more the people here are coming to see that it is the "man" and 
not the party label, that counts in local politics. 

The political prejudice of some of the older people against the Democratic 
party seems to have been founded in Civil War times. In this particular 
community at that time Democrat and Rebel sympathizer were nearly 
synonymous terms with many people. And no where were people more loyal to 
the Union than in this community, as a list of local Union soldiers will 
show. So far as can be learned not a single man here became a Confederate 
soldier. 

A conservation between a loyal Democrat and a good old doctor who had 
served his comrades during the dark days at Andersonville prison well 
illustrates the current viewpoint. "Doctor, all Democrats are not Rebels. 
There is a great difference." "Well." exclaimed the irate doctor, "maybe 
they're not". But the rebels laid the eggs that hatched the d_____things." 
And he believed it! 

Another hopeful sign locally is less ballot corruption than there were 30 
or 35 years ago. 

The time was when the smooth-tongued politician could flatter the women, 
kiss the babies, milk the cows, and with the aid of a dollar or two, gain 
the vote of an entire family. 

In pre-Volstead days the unscrupulous vote getter provided a keg of 
whiskey (and sometimes beer or cider) which was placed in some secluded 
spot near the voting place. Here his equally unscrupulous henchman saw to 
it that "doubtful" voters were thoroughly "soaked" (if they could be 
induced to drink) and then voted according to his wishes. When it was 
considered necessary to pay cash for certain votes on election day, a 
bribed poll clerk chosen by the aforesaid office seeker, signalled to a 
confederate outside that So-and-so had voted properly and was to receive 
the specified sum. This does not refer to the majority, but to the 
floating vote, which often decided the contest. 

It is not likely that this community had any more illegal voting than 
others, yet, there is a marked improvement in this respect, due largely, 
no doubt, to Woman Suffrage and Prohibition. 

But all of woman's political influence is not in the ballot, as the 
following incident shows: 

Several years age a popular factional leader sent a roll of currency to an 
honest old farmer friend in this community with instructions to use it "to 
the best advantage". Now, as it happened, the package fell into the hands 
of the farmer's wife who was shocked beyond measure. Without waiting for 
he better-half to assure her that he had no intention of using the money 
to buy votes, she opened fire. "If you buy votes with that, I hope they 
put you in jail and feed you on cornbread and water! I don't care if it is 
my own man, or my boy, the person who buys votes or sells them either, 
deserves to go to jail. And I'll report you, if you do!" 

Community Work
Still another hopeful sign for the future of Nutter's Fork community is 
the organization of a "Community Council," the object of which is the all-
round betterment of conditions. About one year ago in the fall of 1926, 
this community work was started here by County Agent, E.D. Curry and the 
Home Demonstration Agent, Miss Adele Bigelow. A Country Life Conference 
was held recently, the community being scored at that time. The score was 
560 points out of a possible 1000. 

The boys and girls have a Four-H Club, too which is doing good work. It's 
members have won several prizes. 

As the writer see it, the future of this community depends largely upon 
the work of the organizations previously mentioned. Then let everybody get 
to work, individually, and in cooperation with his neighbors, to lift the 
Nutter Fork Community to a higher place. 



Chapter 5  Fayette County
Crooked Run - Sanger


                 A BRIEF HISTORY OF CROOKED RUN COMMUNITY
                     Prepared by Mrs. Joe Huddleston 

Location
Crooked Run is situated in Fayette County, two miles from the county seat, 
Fayetteville. Its name has been attained from the creek which is a part of 
it. The land is well adapted for agricultural purposes, since the 
mountains were flattened out for us more than in some other sections of 
our county. Being in the heart of a coal region, there is always an 
available market for our supplies. The C. & 0. Railway passes within six 
miles of our community, while the Virginian may be reached from Oak Hill. 

Early Settlements
All of the land in this community at one time belonged to the Stuart 
Survey. The very first settler that we have any knowledge of was a Mr. 
Jenkins who lived on a farm bought in 1833 by Isaac Bays. Jenkins, not 
finding a better shelter, moved out and lived under a nearby cliff. A baby 
child died soon after and was buried in one of the large crevices of this 
cliff and its body covered with moss. This farm is still owned by the Bays 
heir. 

In 1835 Samuel Perkins, Andrew Dozier, and Daniel Dozier bought and owned 
the places now known as "the old poor farm" and the farm of O. B. Short. 
Nicholas Coleman, Mark Hambrick, and Jacob Griffith were other early 
settlers. 

1850 to 1870 seem to have been the years when most of the older settlers 
came and first broke sod. Benjamin Summerfield built the first water mill 
in the community in 1855. Jacob Sanger came at the same time and planted a 
large vineyard, made and sold wine for a living. Even in those early days 
the earth was made to grow small fruits that thrive so well today. 

Development
The first school house was built of round-logs, on the farm now owned by 
Mrs. Lewis Evans. The first teacher was W. C. Bays in the year 1855. This 
building was used as the worshipping place of the community for many 
years. Not until 1912 was a church built. Rev. Coleman was the first 
pastor in this church. He is now at Beckley. 

A Four-H Club was organized in the community in 1920. Mrs. C. C. Holliday 
has been very helpful and quite a lot of credit is due her for its 
success. Several club members have gone to the State Camp at Jackson's 
Mill. 

A Farm Women's Club was organized in 1924, with Mrs. E. W. Amick as 
president. A great deal of progress has been made in just this short time. 




                    A BRIEF HISTORY OF SANGER COMMUNITY
                      Prepared by Mrs. G. A. Stickler

Sanger is situated on the waters of Meadow Fork Creek three miles east of 
Oak Hill and three miles from Thurmond which is on the Chesapeake and Ohio 
Railroad. 

Early Settlers
The first settler in this community was a sturdy pioneer, Mr. L. W. Jones, 
who moved here from Amherst County, Virginia, in a covered wagon with his 
wife and four children in the year 1849. He hired a man to come with him 
and bring his servant. At this time Sanger was a wild wilderness and had 
no connections with the main highways When Mr. Jones came, his servant 
made the road as the journey progressed. He settled on a tract of land 
then known as the Dunn Survey. In a short time he became dissatisfied and 
wanted to return to his native state, about that time his father-in-law, 
Mr. Joe Massey visited him and persuaded him to remain and raise tobacco, 
which he did. In 1853 he built the brick house which stands today as a 
relic of the first settler. The next settler was Mr. William Bibb who 
lived where the Sanger Postoffice now stands. He soon became dissatisfied 
and sold out to Mr. Henry Sanger. A little later Mr. J. W. Stone moved to 
the place now known as Lyman. This composed the settlement up to the Civil 
War. In 1869, Mr. J. G. Hurt moved on what is known as the Hurt farm and 
is still living here. He is 86 years old, the oldest settler living. 

Schools
In a few years these energetic pioneers decided their children must be 
educated so they went to work and built a school house out of round poles 
where the house of Lomer Burgess now stands and Mr. William Bibb was the 
first teacher. At this time the teacher was not paid a sufficient salary 
to enable him to pay board so the custom was established for the teacher 
to board among the pupils. At the close of the school each day it was 
interesting to note the many cordial invitations the teacher received from 
the pupils which is quite different from today. The question of today 
would be who the teacher would get to go with. Another interesting feature 
was the first one who got to school each day got to recite first. It 
seemed to run on the principle of first come first served. In a few years 
this building was burned. There being no insurance the settlers again had 
to go to work to build another. This one was located opposite the Sanger 
graveyard. Here Miss Mattie Jones (Now Mrs. Masters), J. R. Ford, J. S. 
Thurmond, and others taught for a number of years. Then it was decided to 
change the location and a one room frame building was built on the present 
site. In 1907 .it became necessary to have a larger building and another 
room was added to this structure. Again in 1925 another room was built 
making it a three room school. Last year the school was scored and it is 
now rated as a first class Standard School, having the common 
organizations such as Four-H club and Parent-Teacher Association. From 
this school many noble men and women have started preparation for their 
life work and have become very successful. The school is now under the 
supervision of principal A. C. Gwinn who is an efficient man for the place 
and has helped much in raising the standards in the community. 

Churches
The early settlers united, with the Fayetteville Baptist church, that 
being the one closest. Later Rev. John Thomas of the Brethren church 
bought the farm now owned by G. A, Stickler and moved there. For a number 
of years regular services were held by the Brethren. Then for a short time 
there was no regular preaching. In 1906 Rev. G. W. Adams, pastor of the 
Oak Hill Baptist church, began holding service once a month in the school 
house. In 1908 he was succeeded by Rev. T. H. Fitzgerald who was pastor 
until 1921. Under his splendid leadership the Gentry Baptist church was 
built in 1911. In 1923 Rev. J. E. Gibson took charge of the work and has 
been very successful and is held in high esteem by the people of the 
community. 

Industries
The first leading industry was tobacco raising which was very successful 
and progressed rapidly until the year 1900 when the Prudence Coal Company 
began operating what is known as the Jones and Lyman mines. Mining has 
been very successful and at the present six mines are in operation. A few 
of the inhabitants are farming. 

In general the community is progressive and forward looking. There is a 
good community spirit. The people are ever looking after the welfare of 
the community and the interest and the well being of all. They hope to 
reach a high goal in the future. 



Chapter 6  Gilmer County
Cedarville - Sinking Creek


                      HISTORY OF CEDARVILLE COMMUNITY
                            By Mrs. Elsie Beall

The task of writing a history of Cedarville Community is one approached 
reluctantly because of the impossibility of paying adequate tribute to 
those early settlers of our community. Words are but barren sounds when 
compared to their mighty deeds and the self-sacrifice and service they 
rendered to the people of today. 

The history of Cedarville Community dates back to about 1830. Some of the 
settlers of an early date were the Townsend and Boggs families who came 
from Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Burke and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Burke came 
here from Sand Fork. Francis Vanhorn came from Harrison County and settled 
on what is now known as the Vanhorn Farm, The Whites came from Virginia 
and settled on little Bull Run. Evan Marks settled on what is now known as 
the Marks' Farm and there reared his family. T. J. Brannon was born in 
DeKalb district, married Elizabeth Marks, and inherited a part of lthe 
Marks' farm where he lived until the time of his death. Andy Shock came 
from Staunton, Virginia and settled first on Fall Run, Braxton County and 
later moved to Cedar Creek on what is now known as the A. L. Jack farm. 
George Sponaugle came from Virginia and married Sarah Marks. They lived on 
Lower Level Run where G. A. Sponaugle now lives. Uncle Philip Rutherford 
came from Virginia and settled on the Rutherford farm now owned by John 
Burke and A. L. Jack. N. D. Stout came from Harrison County and settled on 
the land now owned by J. S. Stout. The Gerwigs came from Germany to the 
United States in 1838, and first located in Baltimore. Two years later 
they came to Tom's Run where they remained until the time of their death. 
The Smiths also came from Germany and located on Bull Run and Brush Run. 
Daniel Townsend, who at an early day ran a mill which stood near the home 
now owned by N. D. James, owned the greater part of what is now 
Cedarville, then known as Townsend's Mill. 

The land where the Baptist church now stands was given by Mr. Townsend. 
The church was organized in 1854 with John S. Stump as pastor. Some of the 
earliest ministers were William Burns, Daniel Huffman, John S. Stump, and 
M. B. Stump. Early ministers of the Methodist Protestant church were 
Samuel Clawson, Reverends Board, Blake, and Doil. Those of the United 
Brethren church were Reverends Chenobarger, Ben Stickley, John Martin, 
Salaz, Halterman, and Herndon, and Bishop Kephart. 

The Southern Methodist church had an organization here at an early date, 
composed of Uncle Joe Conner and wife, Christian Kuhl, Amande Wilmoth, 
Uncle Jake Snyder, and others with C. S. Martin as pastor. Their church 
was built at Fairview on the head of Rock Run, near the home of Christian 
Kuhl and it is one of the leading landmarks of our Community. 

The present school system dates back about seventy five years when school 
work was done by the "subscription plan". The first school of which we can 
find any record was taught on the head of Steer Run by Marion Stout. 
Another of the old landmarks, in an educational sense, stood in the Beech 
Grove on the Baptist church lot. One of the first teachers of this school 
was Robert Marshall. Still another school was at the mouth of Big Bull Run 
in the old log parsonage. Some of our citizens well remember when Mr. 
Elliot Chenoweth helped them to the path of knowledge. The school best 
remembered by our younger people stood on Upper Level Run on land owned by 
A. J. Snyder. Most of our middle aged citizens acquired their early 
education under the direction of the following teachers: Warren Lewis, H. 
L. Conner, Ed. Norris, and Mrs. Myrtle Davis who was teaching at the time 
the new school building was built which was about the year 1900. 

One of the first farmers in Cedarville Community to own a purebred bull 
was J. S. Stout which was about twenty five years ago. Five years later he 
introduced purebred Shropshire sheep in the community. R. D. Stout brought 
purebred Herefords to this community about seventeen years ago. 

In the Baptist church and church yard are two relics dear to the hearts of 
the people of Cedarville Community. The four foundation stones of the 
first log church are all that is left of the first log church which stood 
here fifty years ago. In the church is a stand which was made by D. S. 
Rutherford, known here as "Uncle Daniel". This stand brings vividly to our 
minds this noble character who has long since gone to rest. At all times 
"Uncle Daniel" could find excuses for our wayward boys, saying, "Not too 
hasty, my friends, in your criticism; remember that we were all young 
once. Let's help them rather than try to pull them down." Inspired by the 
training of religious parents the early pioneers of Cedarville Community 
brought with them honesty, uprightness, truthfulness, thrift, and learning 
and we of today enjoy the fruits of their labors. Some of them perhaps may 
sleep away from the soil where during life they labored, but for a 
monument to their glory we have but to look around at the shoulders of the 
hills covered with their velvet of green, our two churches which stand for 
the best things of this earth, our schools which educate our children, and 
many other works which are a benefit to mankind. 

At birth we came into possession of a land that had been conquered from 
the Indians, cleared of virgin forests, made safe from wild animals and 
turned into a rich agricultural region. We will teach our children and 
they in turn, shall teach their children to reverence those - 

"Whose forest life was rought and rude,
And dangers closed them round; 
But here amid the green old wood,
Freedom was sought and found." 




                    HISTORY OF SINKING CREEK COMMUNITY
                          By Mrs. W. Farley Bush
                                  1925 

Pioneers
Many years ago, so many in fact that it cannot be ascertained, but a 
hundred to say the least, Ruben Holbert came over from Ritchle County to 
the wilds of Sinking Creek seeking a home. He found a large tract of 
woodland abounding with wild animals, and being, presumably, of a timid 
nature, did not venture far from the main thoroughfare, but settled near 
the mouth of the creek on what is now known as the Robt. Burnside farm. 

Later, in the year 1833 two of his sons ventured a bit farther into this 
forest, John Solomon building his cabin home where his son Dolphin now 
resides and William locating on what was known for several years as the 
Geo. S. Bush farm but now owned by Frank Woodford, Jr. 

About this time Hiram Allen Goff, grandfather of Allen E. Goff, a present 
landowner and merchant at Lucerne, obtained a patent from the Governor of 
Virginia, granting to him a large tract of land extending from the Waldo 
Bush farm to the Geo. F. Bush homestead. The tract contained more than one 
thousand acres. Mr. Goff being heir to a large estate on Leading Creek did 
not settle here, but several years later, having disposed of one hundred 
acres, he divided the remainder equally between two of his daughters Mrs. 
Alfred Riddle and Mrs. William F. Hall. Mrs. Riddle received the part 
known later as the Powell farm. Her home was built in the bottom opposite 
the residence of Ira H. Williams. This farm has changed hands many times 
since then and has been sub-divided into five good-sized farms. Its 
present owners are: Mrs. James Allman, Guy Powell heirs, Scott Mason, 
Granville Ellyson, and Charles Peterson. 

The part given Mrs. Hall has likewise changed hands. Some of its owners 
were H. B. Griggs, Warren Hall, Henry Heckert, and Dale Heckert. Its 
present owners are: Asa Bailey, Freeman Bush, James A. Jeffries, W. Farley 
Bush, and Allen E. Goff. 

The next to come in quest of a home was George Farley Bush. A brief sketch 
of his life follows: Geo. Farley Bush was born in Lewis County then 
Virginia in the year 1820. He married Joanna Goff Springston in the year 
1842, and began his married life in Roane County. He met with financial 
reverses there and came to what is now Gilmer County in 1843 with his wife 
and child. He came over from Leading Creek by way of Bee Tree Run to 
Sinking Creek, bringing all their worldly possessions, which consisted of 
some bedding, some cooking utensils and a few articles of wearing apparel, 
on a sled drawn by one horse. His wife with the baby in her arms rode, and 
guided the horse, while he walked and carried a spinning wheel. 

The house into which they moved was on land owned by Hiram A. Goff. The 
site on which this cabin was erected is the one on which the barn near the 
residence of Re B. McGee now stands. After living here one year he bought 
fifty acres of land of Hiram A. Goff and paid for it by days' work at 
fifty cents per day. On this little farm he built his home. After paying 
for this he bought another fifty acres of Mr. Goff on the same terms. 
Later he obtained a patent conveying to him several hundred acres of land. 

Next we greet John and Isaac Ellyson and Frank Woodford Sr., brothers and 
brothers-in-law, who came here from Barbour County in 1834. The farms on 
which they settled are still in possession of their heirs. 

Soon after came Zebulun Phillips who was a blacksmith by trade. Whence he 
came or whither he went is not known. He lived for several years on the 
land now owned by Zackary Ellyson on Lance Run of Sinking Creek. 

Then in the early 60's came Henry Heckert, Henry Bell, Waldo Bush, Abram 
Bush, Joseph Woods, and many others, all worthy and highly respected 
citizens, and we feel sure a full history of their lives would be most 
interesting - but after all it really isn't necessary. They had the same 
sorrows and the same joys. They stood side by side, working together, 
willingly and gladly. 

Our records show that we have come into possession of our homes through 
patents, deeds, and inheritance, but when we think of the hardships these 
fine pioneer men and women had to endure and the sacrifices they had to 
make we are almost forced to think that our homes were acquired by 
conquest. 

Occupation
The occupation of these men was principally farming. They managed by 
industry, frugality, and perseverance to pay for their homes and eke out a 
comfortable living, and at the same time many of them reared large 
families. Because of the pure air they had to breathe and their regular 
and simple habits of living very little sickness was experienced among 
them - except what could be successfully treated by the matron of the 
household with her preparation of herbs. 

The clothing worn was mostly homespun. Manufactured cloth was almost 
unobtainable and the settlers had to depend upon themselves for the 
material with which they were clothed. Nearly all the wives and daughters 
were adept at manufacturing cloth of different material and in almost 
every home could be heard the hum of spinning wheel and click of the loom. 
It was a pleasant recreation for them and they would often congregate 
together of an evening and they had frequent bouts in speed and skill. The 
only recreation afforded the men and boys was, hunting wild game, fishing, 
swimming, and an occasional wrestling or shooting match. 

Schools
The first house built for school purposes in Troy District was located on 
Sinking Creek in 1848. The site chosen for this building was on Sinking 
Creek side of what is usually referred to as the low gap between Horn 
Creek and Sinking Creek on land now owned by Loyd Morrison. 

The house was a log cabin. The roof was held in position by weight. The 
building had a puncheon floor. There was a huge fire place in one end of 
the room, while in the other end a log was chopped out. With greased paper 
pasted over the opening this served as a window. The seats were made by 
splitting small logs and inserting pins for legs in the oval sides. Harvey 
Cooper taught the first school. 

From 1916 to 1923 there have been fourteen Normal School graduates in this 
community, ranging in age from 17 to 24 years. Of this number two have 
received their degree from West Virginia University and one from Marshall 
College. The Rev. Asa B. Bush was the first person from this community to 
receive a college degree. Hallie Ellyson Rohr was the first Normal School 
graduate. She finished the Short Normal course in 1916. 

There are at present twenty-one teachers whose homes are in the community 
in spite of the fact that many have abandoned teaching; some to make homes 
for themselves, and others to take up work in other vocations. 

There are as yet only two standardized schools in Gilmer County. One of 
these is located on Sinking Creek and is known as "The Mound Run School". 
It was standardized in 1922 with Doyle Woodford as teacher. 

Quite a number of the younger boys and girls are attending Normal School. 

Churches
The Union Baptist church was organized in 1882 with a membership of 33. 
Its first pastor was the Rev. John Woofter. The meetings were held in the 
Hall school house before the building and dedicating of a church house in 
1888. Prior to the organization of the church in 1882 the membership was 
with the Leading Creek Baptist church. The church has preaching services 
once a month, Sunday School nine months in the year, and B. Y. P. U. 
meetings once a week. The present membership is 137. Rev. Albert Smith is 
the pastor. 

Clubs
A Good Roads Club was organized in 1922 - with R. B. McGee as president. 
The membership of the club was composed of those persons who subscribed 
money to buy a Fordson Tractor to be used for the improvement of the 
roads. The tractor was bought in 1922, and the remainder of the money 
needed was raised by a community social under the auspices of the club. 
The speakers for the occasion were Robt. F. Kidd and B. W. Craddock of 
Glenville. 

The Lucerne Farmer's Club was organized in 1916 at the Hall school house 
with E. F. Ellyson as president. A. F. Hedges was the County Agent at that 
time. Following Mr. Hedges the County Agents have been: E. D. Turner, 
Harvey Hall, and M. W. Harrison. 

A Mothers' Club was organized In August 1923, with Mrs. R. B. McGee as 
president. Miss Ruth Ann Priest the county health nurse meets with the 
club. 

Improvements
The first electric light and water system in the community was the one 
installed by A. E. Goff in his home in 1919. 

The first automobile that ran on Sinking Creek roads came from Glenville 
and brought guests to the home of James A. Jeffries. 

The first car owned by a resident of the community was bought by H. P. 
Woofter and was of Metz make. 

Agriculture
We haven't made the progress along agriculture lines that we should. We 
have had farm journals and papers in our homes for years, but we didn't 
read them much. At last, however, the farmers began talking acid 
phosphate, oxygen, nitrogen, rotation of crops, and silos, but it wasn't 
until 1916 that any one had the courage to build one. F. T. Bush and Alien 
E. Goff were the first to make the experiment. Recognizing its merits Mr. 
Goff built another silo the following year. Mr. Jeffries also built one, 
and so on until now we have nine silos in the community. And since the 
coming of the County Agent we have been moving right along. We are reading 
more and seeing things differently, and progress is being made. 

The first purebred cattle were the Durham - bought of D. W. O'Brien by A. 
E. Goff, E. F. Ellyson, and Will Bailey. 

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